Hi Ernest, Here is some general information about Harley House, Blind Lane and Harley House Mill that I thought you may be interested in. Harley House Mill was owned and run by by the Sutcliffe family (from Greenhurst-Hey, and East-View, Harley Wood). The company was called W & J Sutcliffe. Harley House was mainly used by family members who worked at the Mill. "John Sutcliffe of East-View was born at East-Lee, near Todmorden, 30th March 1825. He was the youngest son of John and Sally Sutcliffe the former of whom died in 1861, and when a boy, was sent to school at Cross-stone where he received a sound education which fitted him, when of sufficient age, for taking part in the business of a cotton spinner and manufacturer at Harley House Mills, in which his father and brother engaged - we believe at the same time - at the old cotton mill, Gauxholme, at Eastwood and at Harley House, Todmorden. For some time before his death he had been the sole surviving partner of the highly respected firm of "W & J Sutcliffe". Harley House is still standing. It is actaully two semi-detached houses, commonly known as "Gentlemen's Residences". When looking around at houses to buy some years ago, I did view one of the Harley Houses. It was really nice, the best feature being the 'music room', so called because of the detailed plaster relief above the picture rail, depicting cherubs and musical instruments. I have listed below some details showing who lived at Harley House in the past: Harley House, Blind Lane 03 Apr 1881 Census: Head of Household: John Frederick Sutcliffe (b. 1842, d. 24 Aug 1881) Dwelling: Harley House Census Place: Stansfield, York, England Marr Age Sex Birthplace -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- John F. SUTCLIFFE M 38 M Todmorden, York, England Rel: Head Occ: Cotton Manufacturer Maria SUTCLIFFE M 40 F Todmorden, York, England Rel: Wife Sarah E. SUTCLIFFE U 13 F Todmorden, York, England Rel: Daur Occ: Scholar John SUTCLIFFE U 11 M Todmorden, York, England Rel: Son Occ: Scholar Herbert W. SUTCLIFFE U 9 M Todmorden, York, England Rel: Son Occ: Scholar Ernest SUTCLIFFE U 7 M Todmorden, York, England Rel: Son Occ: Scholar Charles SUTCLIFFE U 5 M Todmorden, York, England Rel: Son Occ: Scholar Hannah OGDEN U 29 F Todmorden, York, England Rel: Serv Occ: General Serv. Dwelling: Harley House (next door) Census Place: Stansfield, York, England Marr Age Sex Birthplace ----------------------------------------------------- Hannah DAWSON W 79 F Todmorden, York, England Rel: Head 24 Aug 1881 Death of John Frederick Sutcliffe (b. 1842, d. 24 Aug 1881) aft. Aug 1881 Residence: Thomas Eastwood Sutcliffe (b. 1840); brother of John Frederick Sutcliffe . John died 4 months after the census was taken. It is unclear as to whether John's family remained in residence when Thomas moved in. aft 20 Aug 1890 Residence: William Albert Sutcliffe (b. 1849, d. before 14 Mar 1928) and Christiana Susan WRIGLEY (b. 1860, d. 17 Jun 1942); "Harley House", Blind Lane, Todmorden, Yorkshire. 05 Apr 1891 Census: William Albert Sutcliffe (b. 1849, d. before 14 Mar 1928); "Harley House", Blind Lane, Todmorden, Yorkshire; 1891 Census shows 'Wilkinson' A Sutcliffe and his wife Christiana (nee Wrigley) (b. 1860, d. 17 Jun 1942) living at Harley House, Blind Lane with two servants - Hannah Sutcliffe and Sarah Cuthbertson. At some time there has also been reference to John Barker, JP (1849-1911) living there.

Andrea, Many thanks for your 2 messages and for taking the trouble to give me some of the picture. This is the first time that my particular twig on the FIELDEN tree that I have found connected in any way to the SUTCLIFFEs. I am left with more questions than answers. I think the 1901 Census may throw some light on this Ruth. It was a common enough name with the FIELDENs. I am still trying to sort out the USA part of the puzzle. Since you know much about the geography of Todmorden - I have Brian Law's book on inter library loan and there is a double page (136/137) plan of Waterside Mill in 1878. It shows Dobroyd Road with some unspecified cottages, Dobroyd Mill, and Dobroyd House. James FIELDEN was living at "No.4 Dobroyd" in 1881. Would this group of cottages be the likely location of No.4. If this is so it is possible that James worked in the Machine Shop in Fielden's Mills. From the picture on the cover of Brian Law's book the Castle was some distance away so the impression that the Whitehead family gave me of their ancestors (ROBERTS, BARKER, etc) working on the Castle needs to be qualified. Although I note from Ramshaw's book that Timothy, Richard & John ROBERTS of Shropshire held a lease, from St. Mary's in Rev. Cowell's time, for 3 lives of some workshops at a rent of £22 pa. and it may be that these ROBERTS worked as joiners etc.on the Castle and elsewhere for the FIELDENs. Doesn't it get complicated! But any observations on any of these speculations would be appreciated. With best wishes, Ernest ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrea Calman" <ahc@ivysystems.freeserve.co.uk> To: <ENG-TODMORDEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2002 1:03 PM