Hi, Can anyone give me some history of West Allendale particularly in the 1776-1778 when my family left there for Walton, Cumberland. I just wonder whether there was a reason for the move. I believe they may have been farmers at least my 3x great grandfather was one when he came to Canada. Christene

Christene, In general terms lead mining was expanding in West Allendale at this time and the economic conditions were improving. However the Whitfield lead smelting mill (at the foot of West Allendale) was being phased out in favour of the Nenthead mill and my own ancestor, Peter Swindal, moved from Whitfield to Allendale (not West Allendale) around 1778. Walton was, I believe, much more a solely farming community so it is likely that your ancestors moved to a new farm, possibly when a tenancy ran out. Alan Swindale > bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Christene Hoffert via > Sent: 30 August 2014 21:47 > To: NORTHUMBRIA@rootsweb.com > Subject: [NMB] West Allendale > > Hi, > Can anyone give me some history of West Allendale particularly in the > 1776-1778 when my family left there for Walton, Cumberland. I just > wonder whether there was a reason for the move. I believe they may > have been farmers at least my 3x great grandfather was one when he came > to Canada. > Christene