A trilogy of my family history on my father's side.
The Biography of my grandfather's life, some of which I experienced and some narrated by my father, gives some insight into the way of life for that generation of country folk.
My father's life is of course much more first hand. Having said that the author left home to join the Royal Air Force at the age of fifteen and a half, so hefty chunks are culled from family conversations and of course father himself who had a penchant for talking about the "Braithwaites" to anyone who would listen.
The short biography of my great grandfather came from the more elderly members of the family and my family history research in local archives. I just wish that I had asked more questions in my younger years, but at the time these things didn't seem very important, and one could get their ears boxed for being too nosey.
The "Braithwaites" are descended from "Viking Stock" and possibly centered on the "Hawkshead" and "Sawrey" parishes circa 1162. The "thwaite" part of the name coming from the Old Norse "thveit" commonly translated as a "Forest Clearing". Some sources suggest that they arrived here from the Isle of Man.
The males of my own family have a history of being Wood cutters, huntsmen, gamekeepers, gun-dog breeders & trainers. So all very much involved with country life and nature.
I hope you enjoy the read, and maybe if you are a member of the "Clan/Tribe" it might just make a connection that you have been looking for.
The short accounts of "Grizedale Valley" and "Local Farms" are included for interest, but are part of my family involvement with the area
Lynne J Braithwaite
LYNNE'S DIARIES
JOHN BRAITHWAITE
GAMEKEEPER AND WOOD CUTTER
1843 - 1928
I was born the eldest child of Robert and Sarah Braithwaite on the 19th March 1843. My father was a Yeoman Farmer of "High Yeat" farm in Witherslack located in the Furness area of Lancashire. (Now known as South Lakes or South Cumbria).
I had three brothers:
Benjamin born 28th November 1846 and died aged 12 months
Robert born 1848
Daniel born 1854 in Preston Patrick and was to emigrate to Canada
Robert and myself moved to the Appleby area to live and work as woodcutters and game watchers/keepers. Much later in life I myself moved back to Furness and lived at Duddon Cottages at Duddon Bridge when I got employment at Duddon Hall as a gamekeeper. (The Hall and cottages are actually in Cumberland).
I married Mary Hadwin of Witherslack and had six children, John born 1876, Anthony, Margaret, Mary, A baby boy who died shortly after birth and Jane Anne who died in 1905 aged 20yrs. (Buried at Warcop Cemetery) Author’s note: John and Mary are buried at "Hall Thwaites" church Nr Millom in Cumbria.
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