Born into the heart of industrial Lancashire, Mary Alice Taylor Lee lived a life woven into the fabric of Blackburn’s working-class history. Her story is one of resilience, family, and quiet strength—an enduring legacy that echoes through generations.
Early Life
Mary Alice Taylor was born on January 7, 1867, in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. She was baptized just weeks later on January 27 at a Church of England parish in Blackburn. Her parents were James Taylor (1845–1893) and Alice Ann Rothwell (1844–1872).
In the 1871 census, Mary is listed as a scholar living at 42 Milham Street. Her mother’s death in 1872 likely had a profound impact on her early life.
Working Years
Mary entered the workforce early, appearing in the 1881 census as a cotton weaver residing at 11 New Mill Street. She continued this occupation through the 1891 census, where she was listed as a lodger at 133 Cleaver Street, living with her sister and brother-in-law.
By 1901, she lived at 57 Moss Street, and in 1911, she was still working as a weaver. The 1921 census shows a shift—her occupation is listed as home duties, and she resided at 9 Progress Street.
Marriage & Family
Mary married Thomas Lee (circa 1866–circa 1946) on August 8, 1891, at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Blackburn. Together, they had four children:
- Eliza Alice Lee (b. circa 1893)
- James Lee (b. circa 1895)
- Clara Lee (b. circa 1902)
- Robert Lee (b. circa 1903)
Final Years & Legacy
Mary passed away on November 17, 1938, at 42 Derby Street, Blackburn. Her cause of death was listed as cerebral haemorrhage and bronchitis. She was buried on November 22 at Blackburn Cemetery.
Her life—documented through birth, marriage, death certificates, and census records—offers a vivid portrait of a woman who weathered the challenges of industrial England, raised a family, and contributed to the legacy of a town built on labor and love.
Source Citations
- Birth Certificate: England and Wales, GRO Southport
- Baptism Record: Church of England, Blackburn
- Marriage Record: St. Michael and All Angels, Blackburn
- Death Certificate: England and Wales, GRO Southport
- Burial Record: Deceased Online
- Census Records: 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911, 1921
- Father's Baptism & Census: 1851, 1861
- Mother's Birth Certificate: GRO Southport
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