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• John Knowles is asking whether any of the family of Dr. Patterson, who lived in Wrenbury during the 50's and 60's still have connections in the area?. He is now a resident of Toronto but was brought up in Nantwich and knew the family before he unexpectedly emigrated. (Oct 2008)

• Sheila Moss has traced her Duckers family history back to Wrenbury in the early 1700s/late 1600s. Grandfather John was born nr Newport but the family goes across Shropshire/Cheshire to James Duckers (also known as Duckworth) bap Wrenbury (Smeaton Wood) 1791. His father William, bap Wrenbury 1744 (with 4 brothers, 3 sisters) son of William and Ruth Duckers. His father William is said to have been born in Over (? Overton) c1710 - I found an entry in the IGI but he died in 1711, I wonder if the date of death is wrong (? 1771) or is there another Wm Duckers who is my ancestor. HIS father is given as Wm of Malpas (1684) and grandfather as Robert of Tushingham (later Cuddington) c1650-60, though I have no trace of the last two. With my love of Wales, and Wrenbury being so close to the border, I would love to find Welsh roots. Is there anyone in Wrenbury who can help, please? (Jun 2008)

• Stuart Haywood has traced his family tree back to Thomas Haywood (c1770 - 1840) & Hannah Kendrick (1780 - ?) who lived in Newhall and were married in Wrenbury on 6 AUG 1804. Their son, Richard Haywood (1814 - 1896), moved to Audley (Staffs) and married Martha Griffiths on 29 JUNE 1841. Stuart would like to know if anyone shares the same ancestors and whether they have traced the family any further back. He also wonders whether any local historians know whether there is a link between Wrenbury and Audley, which may answer why Richard decided to move to Audley. A possible link is that Richard Podmore gave money to the poor of Newhall in 1867 and there was a Podmore Hall near to Audley. On 28 AUG 1842 Samuel Warham of Sound was baptised at Wrenbury by William Francis a curate from Audley, indicating that there was a link between the two places. (Jun 2008)

• Kate is asking for information on the Sadler family. Fanny Sadler was born in Aston in 1826, daughter of Richard & Sarah. She married John Sadler (same name) in St Margaret's Church Wrenbury, and died in 1902. Her grave can be found in the churchyard with both her daughters Harriett and Sarah. Any information/connections to this family would be greatly appreciated. (Jun 2008)

• Liz McEvoy is researching the history of Hawk House in Wrenbury and would like to hear from anyone who has any information, memories or photos to share. (Mar 2008)

• Eric is looking for information on the Eaton family who lived in Wrenbury about 1798. They were Charles Eaton and son Joseph, who married a Martha James. (Mar 2008)

• Gerald Jennings is trying to research his family tree which it seems originated in th Wrenbury area. He has traced his ancestors back to Wrenbury in 1848 when George Jennings married Mary Thornton. The places of Dodcott-cum-Wilkesley, Wrenbury, Nantwich, Audlem and Wem crop up but he would like to hear from any other researchers working on family history in the area. He has set up an ongoing website project at www.calypso.org.uk/Jennings which gives some of the information and connections already established. (Jan 2008)

• Peter Heath of Macclesfield used to live in Sandfield Avenue, Wrenbury, from 1959 to 1977, and is seeking to make contact with Chris Radcliffe. (Oct 2007)

• Somebody simply calling themselves Jones has an old photograph taken outside the church in Wrenbury. They are researching their family history and their ancestors lived in Wrenbury for some years. Great Grandfather was Alfred Jones, born in 1868, who married Christine Marks. Christine can be seen in the photo seated in the front row second from the left. They are keen to hear from anyone who has information on Alfred, Christine or their children, where they lived, other family members, etc. (Oct 2007)

• Alan Thomas, who used to live at 3 Sandfield Aveneue, is the nephew of Norman Blakemore, referred to in another posting further down the page. He has been unable to contact the enquirer, and invites her to make contact using the e-mail address linked here. (Jun 2007)

• Dianne Paddock, who lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is searching for decendants of any Roberts' family who lived in Bickerton, Broxton and Wenbury in the late 1800's. She has traced some family members up to 1914 so far and some were born in Wenbury. She would appreciate hearing from anyone with information. (Jan 2007)

• Barbara Harvey, is researching the Brett & Eaton families around Wrenbury in the nineteenth century, and would be pleased to hear from any others (past or present families) with these people in their tree! Her GGGGrandparents were Thomas & Phillis nee Eaton who had at least 10 children. (Jan 2007)

• Dorothy Reade is looking into her family tree and has traced her great great grandfather, George Reade, who was born in Wrenbury about 1826-28. He is recorded as living in Round House, Wrenbury with his wife Anne in the 1871 census. They had a large family and Dorothy would be interested to know if the 'round house' is still there and also if there were any relatives in the area now. The family have always been agricultural workers and went on to live in the Chorley village area. (Aug 2006)

• Angie Buckalew is looking for a cousin, Melanie Anne Bryant-Swan,daughter of Alex Swan and Helen Bryant-Swan. (Aug 2006)

• Pete Davies writes that one of his family lines can be trace to Wrenbury / Wrenbury cum Frith from 1690 to 1900 ish. The surname is Cooper, mainly farmers or farm labourers. Is there anyone who could help fill any gaps in the families' knowledge. This line has at least 10 of us spread about the world researching and sharing any information we gain, anything at all would be appreciated. (Aug 2006)

• Anouska Reynolds is looking for present day descendants from her Williamson family tree.

  "My gt.gt.gt.grandfather was James Williamson b.1774, Shoemaker, married Betty Thomason b.1779, owned land, cottages & Smithy in the area, and left them in his Will to his children - Samuel, Thomas, John, Margaret (mar.Johnson), Hannah (Mar. Burgess), Mary (mar.Davenport), & James. Some sons were Shoemakers, and others Farmers.
  My gt.gt.grandfather was son John Williamson Shoemaker, born 1806 mar. Catherine Bostock in 1830, they had children - Hannah, Samuel, Ellen and James. John died, and Catherine became a Nurse with the Rector of Baddileys Family, and later a Teacher/Schoomistresss in other villages in the area. She may have died in Manchester with son Samuel and his family.
  My gt.grandfather was Samuel Williamson born 1835 baptised Marbury, who had Pubs in Mancester City Centre, but still visited his relatives at the Farmers Arms. His youngest daughter Augusta b.1876 was my grandmother mar. Joseph Kirkby, and her daughter Elizabeth b.1913 Bolton, was my mother.
  James Senior's daughter Hannah Williamson b.1815 married William Burgess, and they had the Farmers Arms in Burland from 1858 - 1885, when Thomas Davenport (son-in-law) and Hannah (daughter) took over until 1898. Hannah had a granddaughter Clara who she left Cottages to in her will." (May 2006)

• Su Bebbington is looking for anyone with connections to John William Bebbington, born 1907 Wrenbury. His brothers were Charles and Reg, parents were Thomas and Violet Bebbington. (May 2006)

• Brian asks, "I lived in Wrenbury for a while until I went into the army in October 1966. Would you know if an old friend of mine still lives in the village? His name is David Blakemore and he used to live in Oakfield Avenue. Would love to know how he is. We used to be great pals at school in Nantwich and I still think of some of the good times we spent together." (January 2006)

• Clive Ball asks, "In August 1864 a photograph was taken in front of Combermere Abbey of about 30-40 ladies and gentlemen with Lord Combermere. I would very much like to see a copy if anyone knows of its whereabouts. If anyone can help I would be very much obliged." (October 2005)

• Joy Burrowes Unterlander is the granddaughter of Lena Sproston Burrowes and is currently looking for any information on both her great grandfather and great great grandfather. She believes both were named Hugh Sproston and were connected with the shipping and sugar plantation industry in British Guyana. She would very much appreciate any information regarding any one else in the Sproston family. (October 2005)

• Stephanie Tulej is researching her family tree. Ann G. & Frederick Clay were two of her ancestors who died in 1916 & 1917 respectively at Wrenbury. She is wondering if anyone could tell her anything about them or their children, Annie, Dora, George H., Joseph A., Kate, Sidney or Thomas H. Frederick was licensee of the "Jolly Tar" in Wardle in 1901 (March 2005)

• Graham Wright asks after the brothers and sisters of his father, Tom Wright, who lived in Aston in the 1930's. I have lost track of them and would be pleased to hear from anyone who remembers Tom. On a different subject, the last time I visited Wrenbury, Church Farm was still a farm. What happened to the family who ran it? (January 2005)

• Barbara Stokes asks whether anyone can give her information concerning a good friend of her grandmother. Her married name was Robinson and her daughter was called Marjorie. she said that her father was the Squire of Wrenbury and he owned land down to Leicestershire. She died some years ago but I have always been fascinated by her and wondered if what she said was true and if so where did the Squire live? (January 2005)

• Ted Starkey, of Wintersville, Ohio, is descended from John Starkey who was born in Abbey Lace Ireland in the middle 1600's and died in the New Jersey colony after the turn of the next century. He wants to confirm the connection of this man to the Starkeys of Cheshire or Lancaster, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated. (November 2004)

• Alex Stewart is researching a relative of his, Bruce or Brutus Babington born in Nantwich about 1558. His father was Richard Babington and his mother was Anne Starkey from Wrenbury. Bruce went on to Cambridge and became a clergyman and ended his career as Bishop of Derry. Anne Starkey, his mother, was the daughter of Richard Starkey who was born in the early 1500s. Does anybody know of this Starkey family and of the marriage with Richard Babington? (Aug 2004)

• Duncan Lochhead of Brunning and Price has recently taken over the Combermere Arms in Burleydam, and is researching the pub's history. The existing pub signage says it dates back to the 16th Century, but so far they've only been able to go back as far as 1917 when the Barton family bought it from the Combermere estate which at that time was owned by the Crossley family (who had the well-known car-company).

  The Bartons sold it to Greenalls in 1930 for £1,000, who had it until 1996 when they sold it to Dave and Margaret Sutton, who sold it to Brunning and Price.

  Does anyone have any knowledge of the history of the pub, or any photographs which they might scan and hang in the pub? The existing signage says it dates back to the 16th Century. (Jul 2004)

• Liz Spencer asks about John Windsor, born about 1785 died 1868. Possibly married twice, first Mabel Billington then Elizabeth Lewis. He had 4 children, Samuel, John, Martha and Sarah. (May 2004)

• Jill Brown from New Zealand tells us about her Bennett ancestors, who were yeomen farmers at Newhall from about 1670 until the late 18th century. "The pew list for Wrenbury church shows Richard Bennett for Newhall Park House. I wonder if anyone can tell me where Newhall Park House was? The baptisms of my other ancestors John Bennett 1677, William Bennett 1711 and John Bennett 1740 all took place at Wrenbury. Does anyone have any other information about the Bennett family in Newhall please, or the date of the pew list for Wrenbury Church?" (Apr 2004)

• Peter Haythornthwaite of Leicester (tel 0116 230 2525) is looking for any information about William and Ellen Haythornewhite and their family who lived in Wrenbury around 1840. William's daughter Amelia was born in Wrenbury in 1842, and at that time William was described as a Surgeon. Shortly after living in Wrenbury, the family emigrated to the USA and in 1860 were in the state of Missouri. (Apr 2004)

• Ian Perkins (Winsford) writes to say that his father's family lived in Aston from approx. 1905 to 1930. They ran a butchers and grocery business. He has an account book from this period listing all their customers in Aston and the surrounding area along with all their account details. His Grandparents were married at Burleydam in 1905 and he has all the wedding photographs taken outside the church, press cuttings and his grandmother's wedding dress, still in near perfect condition. Is there anyone in the Aston/Wrenbury area who would be interested in looking at this material. If so, he would be quite happy for them to see it. (Jan 2004)

• Ann Jeffrey is researching her family history, and would welcome any information concerning Robert Scott, who lived at the inn in 1901, and whose wife was her great grandmother, Delphine. (Jan 2004)

• David Leese is a Methodist minister in Leicestershire and is tracing his ancestors, who also happen to have been a leading couple nationally in the then Primitive Methodist church. Mr and Mrs George Harvey moved to The Oak Farm Broomhall in 1845. Mr George Harvey died in September 1860 and had an extensive obituary written in the Primitive methodist magazine, writen by Thomas Bateman of Wrenbury. Rev. Leese would welcome any further information, including where George is buried. (Dec 2003)

• Derek Cadman is reasearching the Joinson and Glassey families from Wrenbury. John Joinson married Ann Glassey in 1837 at St Margarets. (Nov 2003)

• Judy Foote is very keen to find out any information on her great, great, grandmother Ellen Bostock, born 1844. She may have had a brother Peter, born 1834, and married Henry Madely of Northwood, Wem, in 1863. Her father was Peter Bostock and her mother was Mary. They were from Chorley or Wrenbury. (Sep 2003)

• David Lambert's, of Boston, Massachusetts, USA, great-great-great grandfather was Samuel Cooper, baptized at St. Margaret Church, Wrenbury, 24 October 1813 ; and died at Church Coppenhall, Cheshire 12 May 1890, aged 76 yrs, and buried 15 May 1890, age 76 yrs. He married 20 January 1840 at Over-by-Middlewich, Cheshire, England to Ann Vickers.

  Samuel was the son of William Cooper baptized at at St. Margaret Church, Wrenbury, 14 May 1780 (age 70 in 1851 Census, Sound, Wrenbury); buried at Sound 27 February 1854, aged 76 yrs. He married (1) Mary ---- (-173-), died at Sound Lane, 15 May 1850, aged 70 yrs., and was buried at Wrenbury. He married (2) to Ann ---. She was born in Sandbach, Cheshire ca. 1791 (age 60 in 1851 Census, Sound, Wrenbury); and died after 1851. In 1814 he resided at Wrenbury as a labourer [per his son's baptism]. His surname is sometime recorded as Cowper. At the time of his death his residence is recorded as Spurstow.

  If anyone is related to the Cooper family of Wrenbury, David would like to hear from them via email or postal: David Lambert, P.O. Box 325, Boston, MA 02117-0325. Also gravestone, house sites in Wrenbury for this family. Willing to pay a researcher. (Sep 2003)

• John M. Foxley is very keen to find out any information on, and if possible a photograph of, Mary Foxley, his Great-Grandmother, who was living at Yew Tree House, Sound Lane, Sound, certainly as late as 1901, when she was a Grocer aged 57. She was born Mary Cartwright of Tilstock Park, Whitchurch, Shropshire in about 1845, and married his G-Grandfather in a civil ceremony at Nantwich on 22 May 1866. He was a Foreman platelayer on the LNWR and was killed by a train on 28 March 1878, leaving her with 5 children (and one on the way!) to bring up on her own. The accident was on the Nantwich to Wrenbury line, about two miles from the latter station, and the Inquest was held at the Salamanca Hotel (Henry Churton, Coroner for South Cheshire, presiding). Astonishingly, his Father, John Foxley, also a platelayer, had been killed in a similar manner on 29 Sept. 1866 at Woodcott; same line, same employer, same Coroner! John's Wife, Martha Meredith, was a local girl; they had also lived at Yew Tree House. (Aug 2003)
  
  
• Kay Weltz is a direct descendent of Arthur (Aethur) Starkey (born before 1611 and died April, 1661). Her information shows he was from Wrenbury. He married Mary Wickstead, also of Wrenbury. Arthur and Mary had at least one son - John Thomas Starkey born about 1638. Arthur was the son of Lawrence Starkey and Mary Masseuy. Kay is keen to learn more about her ancestors and this period. (Aug 2003)
  
  
• Lorraine Crook of Pocatello, Idaho, USA, is looking for information concerning her genelogical line. Her great, great, great grandparents were Thomas Fisher (born in Buckeley - about 1793) and Margaret Hassell (born in Wrenbury - 1795). They were married in Chester at St. Mary's in 1821. Margaret died in Bickerton Malpas in 1857. Thomas Fisher died in 1871. She is searching for information about the parents of Thomas Fisher and Margaret Hassell. Margaret's father was named John and her mother was named Margaret. She would like to know when and where they were born, married and died, as well as any other information about them. (Aug 2003)
  
  
• Ray Keeling's great great grandmother was Elizabeth Fo(r)ster born c1806/7 in Wrenbury (1871 and 1881 census returns) and baptised 15 November 1807 in Wrenbury parish church. The place of abode at the time of baptism was given as Newhall. He believes her parents were William and Margaret Foster. The spelling is given as Foster on the IGI and Forster on the parish records. She married James Pye in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs. 25 April 1825, had three known children and died 31 October 1891 in Newcastle-u-L. He would be very grateful if anyone has any information on her family, particularly when and why she left Wrenbury for Newcastle-u-L. (Aug 2003)
  
  
• Joanne Overbury is looking for info on the Spencer family of Frith Lane, Wrenbury 1800s. Any info appreciated.
  
  
• Vaughn M Chesters wonders if there is anyone working on Chesters' genealogy who would have information or be willing to exchange information. His grandfather attended St Margaret's as a boy, and the family used to live at Fields Farm, now the site of an education centre for boys of disturbed background. Follow this link to their family home page.
  
  
• Richard Robinson of Royalswood Farm, Whitchurch Road, writes, "We moved into Royalswood Farm in October 2001 and are interested in any history of the farmhouse, ie date of construction, whether it was ever part of Combermere Estate etc.? any information would be appreciated."
  
  
• James Pickup of Cincinnati (USA) writes, "I lived with the Blake family at Frith Green Farm in 1965, those times are some of my fondest memories. My father was half owner of a construction company called Pickup Bros, I worked for them when I was a young man as a apprentice carpenter. Many times I worked at Wrenbury Hall when it was owned by the Government. I also worked at the school and the Cotton Arms. I often wonder what happened to the Blake family they were all very nice people."
  
  
• Adrian Hayes, of Newmarket, Ontario, is asking whether anyone knows anything about Kenneth Vere Starkey, who owned Wrenbury Hall until 1920? Does anyone know the whereabouts of Starkey family descendents?
  
  
• Claire Howard is asking about Dot and Malcolm Stevenson from the hostel. "They are my godparents. I used to live in the village 26 years ago. I was christened in the church on May 9th 1976. My dad was the village bobby, we lived in the police house and he ran the village youth club. My mum was a teacher nearby. I would love to find out where Dot and Malcolm are now. If anyone could help I would be really grateful."
  
  
• Australian reader Mary McNamara is trying to find about about her G.G.G.G Grandfather, Thomas Warcup KIRKBRIDE - brewer born in Wrenbury about 1804 and married Sarah Fenna 27 April 1830 in Cheshire. Father's name William Kirkbride married 6 January 1791 to a Catherine Beckett. Does anyone in the area know of any history of the family? She would appreciate any information on any Kirkbride family in the area.
  
  
• Audrey Langlois of Guernsey in the Channel Islands would like to make contact with Dennise Cornes, nee Cliffe.
  
  
• Christopher Challener writes, "I am directly descended from the SPROSTON, CHALLENER and MANNING lines who rest in the vault near the door of St Margarets. I currently live in Gloucestershire and visit with cousins whenever we can. Perhaps, who knows, maybe one day I'll return for good. My GGG Grandfather was Samuel CHALLENER (1766-1824) who married the widow Hannah BROOKES Nee SPROSTON (1766-1810) in 1797. Their eldest son John Davies CHALLENER was responsible for the engraving of the church now sold by john Pound, and their second youngest son Thomas CHALLENER was my G G Grandfather. He went to Liverpool to marry Ann GRIFFITHS and then to run the Coventry School in Droitwich. Are there any other descendants of this line or of John SPROSTON (1719-1779) and his wife Elizabeth MANNING?
  
  
• 2003 will mark the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Wrenbury and District Branch of the Royal British Legion. To mark the occasion a booklet is to be prepared on the History of the Branch since its formation (incorporating the surrounding villages of Marbury, Sound, Aston and Burleydam) together with additional information on those who lost their lives from this area in both World Wars and other stories about those who served in both wars and returned. If anyone has any information which could be used in the booklet whether it be memories, photos etc. please contact - PETER BEBBINGTON Tel. 01270 780890
  
  
• Audrey Langlois of Guernsey in the Channel Islands writes, "I was an evacuee and lived at Woodcott Farm, having been a pupil at Wrenbury School, and then working at Trufood Ltd. I would like to hear from anyone who remembers me and my brother Peter."
  
  
• Louise Grounds (nee Bloor) of Worcestershire writes, "I am looking for an old college friend of mine called Emma Roberts. We were at Danebank College, Crewe from 1981-83. I know she came from Wrenbury where she lived with her parents. If any one knows where she is now, please email me. Many thanks."
  
  
• Pene Rowe writes, "Please can anyone assist me in tracing information on the birth, marriage, etc of Richard Holland of Holly Bush Farm. Son of John Holland, formerly of Mobberly, Richard is believed to have been born around 1853. It is believed that Richard married twice and had two sons, Richard (born about 1878/9) and John, by his first wife. Any information would be welcomed.
  
  
• Club historian, Peter Bebbington is hoping to write a small book on the history of Aston Cricket Club but is short of pre-war information. Should anyone have information, press cuttings, photographs etc please forward them to Peter on 01270 780890.
  
  
• Donna of Nantwich writes, "I was wondering whether anybody could remember Norman Blakemore. He was my Grandad. He died in 1996, and I miss him very much. If anyone does remember him please e-mail me, it would be nice to hear from you.
  
  
• Does anyone know the present address of Mrs. Joan Jones, widow of Harold Jones once of Oak House, The Green, Wrenbury? Alternatively has anyone a photo of Harold Jones which I could borrow for reproduction in my new book, "I Remember Wrenbury"? Information please to John Pound at Oak House , tel. 01270 780111.
  
  
• Lynne Cumming of Nottingham, UK, writes, "I am making enquiries about Wrenbury Hall. In tracing my family tree, I have discovered that my grandfather, who died in August 1938, worked and resided at Wrenbury Hall. His occupation was 'Manager of Training Colony' and he lived at the Manager's residence at Wrenbury Hall. I am interested in knowing the nature of the 'training colony' and wonder if anyone has any recollection of either the hall at this time or indeed my grandfather. His name was David Cumming, he was married to Edith Cumming and had three sons - including twins. On his death the boys were aged 3 and 6. I have been able to trace his previous occupation to late 1934 as a chartered accountant at Elworth, therefore his time at Wrenbury Hall must have been somewhere between 1935 until his death in 1938. If anyone has any information I would be delighted to hear about it."