Dear Jean, If no-one has already told you, and you don't already know this, I have some possibly exciting news for you: you are related to the great novelist Arnold Bennett! Enoch Arnold Bennett (1867-1931) was the son of Enoch Bennett (1842-1902), a solicitor. Enoch's father was John Bennett, who was the oldest child (of 8 boys and 4 girls) of Sampson Bennett and Phoebe Mathers. There is a 16-page pamphlet entitled "Arnold Bennett's Five Towns Origins" by Thomas R. Roberts, which you may be able to find a copy of somewhere, although it is now out of print. Also, there are two good biographies of Bennett: one by Reginald Pound, which is I'm sure long out of print, and the other by Margaret Drabble, who may or may not also be related to the novelist. I also have Bennett ancestors in Burslem. but have not been able to connect to this family - so far! If you think there is anything else I may be able to tell you, please don't hesitate to ask. Graham Pointon (Letchworth Garden City, but born in Stoke on Trent) -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 20 January 2003 16:57 To: [email protected] Subject: [Pots] BENNETT, RUDYARD Burslem Hello Everybody, I am new to this list, also what details I have got are a little sketchy. Eliza BENNETT born Burslem Staffordshire approx 1824/1825 Father Sampson BENNETT Potter. Eliza married Alfred RUDYARD approx 1845 they had two children William and Sarah. Alfred must have died because she married my Greatgrandfather Rowland BAMFORD at The Parish Church of Burslem in 1852. They must have gone to live in Manchester by 1854 because my grandad was born there. Eliza was a Dressmaker and Milliner according to the Directories in Manchester and I did find a Eliza Bennett Milliner and Dressmaker in Slaters 1850 Directory in Pitt ST. Burslem, if it is my Eliza she must have been working under her maiden name. It is possible that her mothers name may have been Phoebe or Phebe. possibly (MATHERS) not too sure about the surname. William and Sarah RUDYARD went to Manchester with thier mother and stepfather and William had quite a successful Dyers and Cleaners in Newton Heath for many, many years. I have added this information incase there is anybody looking for these Rudyards. Hope that somebody can help. Jean Loughborough, Leicestershire ==== ENG-STS-THE-POTTERIES Mailing List ==== The List for the Pottery Towns of the Ancient County of Staffordshire --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 10/01/03 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 10/01/03