Harold Wilkinson
The grave is still carefully tended, with fresh flowers when the photo was taken.
In
Loving
Memory Of
HAROLD
THE BELOVED AND ONLY SON OF
THOMAS AND DEBORAH ELLEN
WILKINSON
WHO WAS ACCIDENTALLY KILLED
17 DEC 1944, AGED 23 YEARS
“IN THE MIDST OF LIFE
WE ARE IN DEATH”
The Barrow News 23 December 1944 had news of a tragedy:
Killed when Shot-gun Discharged – Baycliffe Inquest
A verdict of “Accidentally killed whilst carrying a shot gun which went off and caused an injury” was returned by Mr. J. Poole, Coroner of Furness, at an inquest at Baycliffe on Tuesday afternoon Harold Wilkinson (23), a machinist, of Ivy Cottage, Baycliffe.
About 12.30 p.m. on Sunday, Wilkinson went shooting rabbits on Fells Haggs, Scales, along with James Benson (42), of Lyndale, Baycliffe, and Thos. Butler, a 14-years-old boy of Sea Mill, Newbiggin.
They had put a ferret into a hole and Wilkinson was walking along the rocks which were very slippery, when he slipped. The gun was discharged, causing extensive facial injuries, from which he died almost immediately.
1939 England and Wales Register
The 1939 England and Wales Register (created for Ration Card and war work lists) has, living at Baycliff, Thomas Wilkinson (DoB 3 August 1891), Limestone Quarryman; Deborah Wilkinson (DoB 24 April 1899), domestic duties); Elizabeth Wilkinson crossed out Nelson (DoB 16 February 1923), domestic servant paid; Dorothy Wilkinson crossed out Park (DoB 16 February 1923 – twins), domestic servant; June A. Wilkinson crossed out Phizacklea and also Postlethwaite (DoB 20 June 1934), at school. I haven’t found where Harold was living in 1939.
National Probate Calendar
The National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administration) 1945 has WILKINSON Harold of 38 Baycliffe near Ulverston, Lancashire, died 17 December 1944 at Fell Haggs Scales near Ulverston. Administration Lancaster 29 January to Thomas Wilkinson quarryman. Effects £213 17s 3d.
Deborah E. Benson married Thomas Wilkinson in the third quarter of 1920, in Ulverston.
1911 Census
In the 1911 Census Deborah Benson was one of 9 children living with their parents, William and Sarah Benson, on Main Street, Flookburgh. Father was a fisherman (own account), and the children ranged from 27 yrs to 1 yr. In the 1901 Census she is mistakenly listed as Delia.
National Probate Calendar 1994 lists Deborah Ellen Wilkinson, of Hill Crest Baycliff Ulverston died 15 September 1994.
In the 1911 Census Thomas Wilkinson (19), fisherman, was living with at Baycliffe with parents John (49), fisherman (own account), born Baycliffe; mother Elizabeth (52), born Barrow-in-Furness; and their nephew David Wilkinson (13), at school, born Baycliffe. The parents had produced 8 children, 7 still living.
1901 Census
In the 1901 Census the entry is rather confusing, but they seem to be living at the Fisherman’s Arms, Baycliffe, where John Roycroft is the publican. John (39) is a fisherman; Elizabeth J. (46), born Dalton, is his wife; and son Thomas is 9. People with surnames Butler, Baycliff, Barrow and Garnett are all living there too.
