Profile: The Westwell–Glover Family of Blackburn

The Westwell–Glover Family of Blackburn: A Victorian Working‑Class Story

Introduction

In the crowded weaving towns of Victorian Lancashire, few families illustrate the grit and constancy of working‑class life more vividly than the household of Robert Westwell (1838–1893) and Elizabeth Glover (c.1839–1884). Both were born into the industrial heart of Blackburn and its surrounding villages, coming of age in a world defined by cotton mills, dense terraced streets, and the rhythms of factory whistles. Their marriage in 1863 began a family line that would remain rooted in Blackburn for generations—except for one daughter who carried the family story across the Atlantic.

This profile brings together the lives of Robert, Elizabeth, and their five children, drawing on census records, civil registration certificates, and the rich details preserved in family documents.

Robert Westwell (1838–1893)

Cotton Spinner, Weaver, Labourer

Born: 17 November 1838, Blackburn, Lancashire, England

Christened: 31 March 1839, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Chr. Date: 31 Mar 1839 … Place: Blackburn, Lancashire, England”)

Died: 4 June 1893, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Death Date: 4 Jun 1893 … Cause of Death: pneumonia”)

Buried: 8 June 1893, Blackburn Cemetery, Section 6, Grave 9529 (“He was buried at the Blackburn Cemetery … Section 6 Grave 9529.”)

Robert was born into a cotton‑working family and spent his entire life in the industrial neighborhoods of Blackburn. His early years were spent on streets like Pict Street and Mop Street, and by age twelve he was already working in the mills: “He worked as a cotton creeler in 1851 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” This early start in factory work was typical of working‑class boys in mid‑nineteenth‑century Lancashire.

By 1861, Robert was lodging with the Harrison family at 28 Trinity Street, Blackburn. The report notes: “At the time of the 1861 census, Robert was living with the Harrison family at 28 Trinity Street, Blackburn. The Harrison family in 1861 consisted of Thomas, age 25, a journeyman joiner; Mary, 24 a cotton winder; and Betsy Ann, age 1, their daughter.” This snapshot shows him as a young cotton spinner sharing cramped lodgings with another working family.

Marriage and Family Life

On 19 September 1863, Robert married Elizabeth Glover in Haslingden, Lancashire: “England and Wales, marriage certificate for Robert Westwell and Elizabeth Glover, married September 19, 1863 … Haslingden registration district.” At the time, he was working as a spinner and residing at Waterfoot. Their first child, Mary Ann, was born later that year in Cuerden.

Over the next two decades, Robert’s occupations shifted among cotton creeler, spinner, piecer, and general labourer: “He worked as a Cotton Spinner in 1871 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England” and later “He worked as a General Labourer in 1891 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” The family moved through a series of modest terraced houses—Audley Lane, 42 Chester Street, 21 Dewhurst Street, 40 and 47 Riley Street, and 32 Chester Street—each address placing them firmly in Blackburn’s industrial core.

Robert died on 4 June 1893 in Blackburn. His death certificate records: “Cause of Death: pneumonia … Duration: 2 days. Certified by James Atchison.” He was buried four days later in Blackburn Cemetery.

Elizabeth Glover (c.1839–1884)

Power Loom Weaver

Born: circa 1839, Cuerden or Walton‑le‑Dale, Lancashire, England (“Birth Date: Cir 1839 … Place: Cuerden, Lancashire, England” and “She has conflicting birth information of Cir 1839 in Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire, England.”)

Died: 22 August 1884, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Death Date: 22 Aug 1884 … Place: Blackburn, Lancashire, England … Cause of Death: Diabetes”)

Elizabeth grew up on the rural‑industrial fringe south of Preston, in Cuerden and Walton‑le‑Dale. By 1841 she was living on Bashell’s Row, Walton‑le‑Dale: “She resided at Bashell's Row in 1841 in Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire, England.” By 1851, still a young teenager, she was already part of the textile workforce: “She worked as a cotton weaver power in 1851 in Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire, England.”

In 1861 she appears in Cuerden, again as a power loom weaver: “She worked as a cotton power loom weaver in 1861 in Cuerden, Lancashire, England. She resided at New Row #28 in 1861 in Cuerden, Lancashire, England.” Her life before marriage was firmly tied to the loom and the rhythms of the mill.

Marriage and Motherhood

Elizabeth married Robert Westwell on 19 September 1863 in Haslingden: “Marriage by banns … Place: Haslingden, Lancashire, England.” Together they raised five children—Mary Ann, Eleanor, Robert, Elizabeth Jane, and Martha—while continuing to work in the mills. In 1881 she is recorded at 21 Dewhurst Street, Blackburn: “She resided at 21 Dewhurst St. in 1881 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. She worked as a Cotton Weaver in 1881 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

Elizabeth died on 22 August 1884 at 47 Riley Street, Blackburn: “She resided at 47 Riley St. on 22 Aug 1884 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” Her death certificate notes simply: “Cause of Death: Diabetes … Duration of illness: 1 year. Certified by Robert P. Dunbar M.D.” She left behind a widower and several children still in their teens.

The Children of Robert and Elizabeth

1. Mary Ann Westwell (1863–1929)

Born: 2 December 1863, Cuerden, Lancashire, England (“Birth Date: 2 Dec 1863 … Place: Cuerden, Lancashire, England”)

Christened: 28 February 1864, Haslingden, Lancashire (“Chr. Date: 28 Feb 1864 … Place: Haslingden, Lancashire, England”)

Died: 20 April 1929, Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada (“Death Date: 20 Apr 1929 … Place: Uxbridge, Ontario, Ontario, Canada … Cause of Death: Cancer of the Stomach”)

Mary Ann was the eldest child of Robert and Elizabeth. She spent her early childhood in Blackburn, appearing at 42 Chester Street in 1871: “She resided at 42 Chester St in 1871 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” By 1881 she was living at 21 Dewhurst Street and working in the mills: “She worked as a Cotton Weaver in 1881 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

On 18 November 1882, Mary Ann married Lawrence Ashton at St. Thomas Church, Blackburn: “England and Wales, marriage certificate for Lawrence Ashton and Mary Ann Westwell, married November 18 1882 … St Thomas (Blackburn, Lancashire, England), ‘Marriage Record - Lawrence Ashton & Mary Ann Westwell.’” Their married life was marked by frequent moves within Blackburn—Withers Street, Riley Street, Audley Range, Pippin Street, Wensley Street, and Maudsley Street— reflecting the instability of working‑class housing and employment.

The couple had a large family, but several of their children died in infancy or early childhood. The report lists children such as Lawrence Robert, Edwin, Elizabeth Alice, Mary Ann, Frederick, Ernest, Florence, Lawrence, and Lillian, with multiple early deaths recorded. This pattern of loss was tragically common in Victorian industrial towns.

Around 1913, Mary Ann emigrated to Canada: “She immigrated England To Canada circa 1913.” By 1921 she was living at 102 Porter Ave in York Township, Ontario, and identified as Church of England. She later moved to rural Uxbridge: “She resided at Uxbridge RR1 from 1927 to 1929 in Uxbridge, Ontario, Ontario, Canada.”

Mary Ann died on 20 April 1929 in Uxbridge of stomach cancer. The medical note records: “She had stomach cancer for 1 year prior to death. A contributory cause of death was Cachexia resultant from primary condition.” She was buried at Sandford Community Cemetery on 23 April 1929.

2. Eleanor Westwell (1865–1937)

Born: 2 March 1865, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Birth Date: 2 Mar 1865 … Place: Blackburn, Lancashire, England”)

Christened: 18 March 1865, Blackburn

Died: 25 December 1937, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Death Date: 25 Dec 1937 … Cause of Death: myocardial degeneration/senility”)

Eleanor’s early life followed the familiar pattern of the family. She was born while the family lived on Audley Lane: “She resided at Audley Lane on 2 Mar 1865 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” By 1871 she was at 42 Chester Street, and by 1881 at 21 Dewhurst Street, working as a cotton weaver: “She worked as a Cotton Weaver in 1881 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

On 25 December 1883, Eleanor married Edwin Hill in Blackburn: “Marr. Date: 25 Dec 1883 … Place: Blackburn, Lancashire, England … Marriage at the Primitive Methodist Chapel.” At that time she was living at 61 Chester Street and working as a cotton weaver.

Over the years, Eleanor’s addresses trace a life lived in modest terraced housing: 36 Chester Street (1891), 35 Moss Street (1901), and later 1 Sheppa Roads in Blackpool in 1911, where she is recorded as doing “house duties.” By 1937 she was living at 581 Whalley New Road in Blackburn: “She resided at 581 Whalley New Road on 25 Dec 1937 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

Eleanor died on Christmas Day 1937. Her cause of death is recorded as “myocardial degeneration/senility,” echoing the heart‑related causes seen in other family members.

3. Robert Westwell (1868–1911)

Born: 3 July 1868, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Birth Date: 3 Jul 1868 … Place: Blackburn, Lancashire, England”)

Christened: 2 August 1868, St Mary‑the‑Virgin, Blackburn

Died: 19 November 1911, Blackburn, Lancashire, England

Buried: 23 November 1911, Blackburn Cemetery, Grave C/N/2790 (“He was buried at the Blackburn Cemetery … Grave: C/N/2790.”)

The younger Robert, son of Robert and Elizabeth, began life like his siblings in the crowded streets of Blackburn. He appears at 42 Chester Street in 1871 and 21 Dewhurst Street in 1881, where he is listed as a “Warehouse Boy”: “He worked as a Warehouse Boy in 1881 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

At just fifteen, on 23 June 1886, he enlisted in the East Lancashire Regiment. His military summary notes: “Name: Robert Westwell … Birthplace: Blackburn, Lancashire … Civilian Occupations: Warehouseman (at first enlistment).” His early service was marked by frequent hospital admissions for wounds, influenza, bronchitis, and venereal disease: “Between 1887 and 1894 he was admitted to hospital several times for conditions ranging from influenza and bronchitis to wounds, contusions, and venereal diseases.”

Robert served in the Second Boer War in South Africa from 1900 to 1902 and received the King’s South Africa Medal: “He received the King's South Africa Medal and Clasps on 1 Oct 1902 … Campaign: South Africa Second Boer War.”

On 13 May 1894 he married Ellen Ward at Furthergate Congregational Church, Artillery Street, Blackburn: “Marriage performed at the Furthergate Congregational Church, Artillery Street, Blackburn.” They had one daughter, Rhoda May. His later civilian occupations included warehouseman, steam motor driver, and labourer.

Robert died on 19 November 1911 in Blackburn, working at that time as a bricklayer’s labourer and living at 124 Cleaver Street: “He worked as a bricklayer's labourer on 19 Nov 1911 … He resided at 124 Cleaver Street on 19 Nov 1911 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

4. Elizabeth Jane Westwell (1871–1954)

Born: 27 June 1871, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Birth Date: 27 Jun 1871 … Place: Blackburn, Lancashire, England”)

Christened: 13 August 1871, St Mary‑the‑Virgin, Blackburn (“She was baptized St Mary-The-Virgin on 13 Aug 1871 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”)

Died: 1 October 1954, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Death Date: 1 Oct 1954 … Cause of Death: cardiac muscle failure/chronic myocarditis”)

Elizabeth Jane spent her childhood at 42 Chester Street and 21 Dewhurst Street, appearing as a scholar in 1881: “She worked as a scholar in 1881 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” By 1891 she was a cotton weaver living at 30 Riley Street: “She worked as a Cotton Weaver in 1891 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

A notable turning point in her life came in 1892 when she converted to Catholicism: “She was baptized on 31 Dec 1892 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. Elizabeth J. Westwell was baptised into the Catholic church on 31 December 1892.” Shortly afterward, on 3 January 1893, she married William Blackburn Swarbrick at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Blackburn: “Marriage in the Catholic Church. St. Joseph's Church, Blackburn.”

The couple had at least five children—Thomas, Robert, Eleanor, Herbert, and Elizabeth—and remained in Blackburn. Over the decades, Elizabeth Jane’s addresses included 32 Chester Street, 11 Chester Street, 102 Lincoln Street, and later 74 Peronne Crescent: “She resided at 74 Peronne Crescent in 1939 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

She died on 1 October 1954 at 20 St. Francis Road, Blackburn. Her probate entry reads: “SWARBRICK Elizabeth Jane of 20 St. Francis-road Blackburn widow died 1 October 1954 Probate Lancaster 12 November to Elizabeth Ryden (wife of Harold Ryden). Effects £464 3s. 1d.”

5. Martha Westwell (1877–1964)

Born: 12 July 1877, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Birth Date: 12 Jul 1877 … Place: Blackburn, Lancashire, England”)

Died: 23 April 1964, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (“Death Date: 23 Apr 1964 … Place: Blackburn, Lancashire, England … Cause of Death: myocardial degeneration/senility”)

Buried: 29 April 1964, Blackburn Cemetery, Grave J/N/1932 (“She was buried at the Blackburn Cemetery … Grave Reference: J/N/1932.”)

The youngest child, Martha, was born while the family lived at 40 Riley Street: “She resided at 40 RIley Street on 12 Jul 1877 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” She appears at 21 Dewhurst Street in 1881 and 30 Riley Street in 1891, working as a cotton weaver: “She worked as a Cotton Weaver in 1891 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

On 27 May 1901, Martha married Horace Stacey Laycock at Holy Trinity Church, Blackburn: “Marriage in the Holy Trinity Church, Blackburn … Marriage by Baans.” At that time she was living on Moss Street and working as a cotton weaver.

Martha’s adult life remained firmly rooted in Blackburn. She spent many years at 9 Chester Street, appearing there in 1911, 1921, 1939, and at the time of her death in 1964: “She resided at 9 Chester Street in 1939 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. She resided at 9 Chester Street on 23 Apr 1964 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.”

She died of “myocardial degeneration/senility” and was buried in Blackburn Cemetery, Grave J/N/1932.

A Family Rooted in the Mills

The story of Robert Westwell and Elizabeth Glover and their children is quintessentially Lancashire. Every adult in the family spent time in the cotton industry—as spinners, weavers, piecers, or warehouse workers. Their homes clustered within a few streets of Blackburn’s industrial core: Chester Street, Riley Street, Dewhurst Street, Moss Street, and Audley Lane.

Their lives were shaped by the instability of mill work, the health risks of industrial labour, and the tight‑knit communities of terraced streets. Illnesses such as diabetes, pneumonia, heart disease, and cancer appear repeatedly in their records, reflecting both the medical limitations of the time and the physical toll of their environment.

One daughter, Mary Ann, carried the family story across the Atlantic to Ontario, Canada, while the others remained in Blackburn for the rest of their lives. Through their records—birth and death certificates, census entries, military files, and burial registers—we can trace not only a family line, but also the lived experience of ordinary working people in Victorian and Edwardian Britain.