Solving a puzzle, step-by-step
Solving a puzzle, step-by-step
T∩he population of Croglin
‘The Population is estimated at 345 in 1688; rising from 169 in 1801, to peak at 362 in 1831; then dropping back to 190 in 1931 (last census year for which separate figures are available)’. https://www.cumbriacountyhistory.org.uk/township/croglin
The death register entry for John Armstrong, 1865.
The resolution of a longstanding roadblock in the following case study seems so simple and obvious on reading back. Whilst simple it may appear, the process of reaching conclusions was lengthy and sometimes laborious. Particularly as it battled against a tide of consensus. But finally, being able to confirm John Armstrong’s parentage and place of death in July 1865, at the home of his son Thomas in Penrith, was hugely satisfying. From the outset, a lack of evidence meant the traditional research aspect of the case was almost entirely based around proving who John Armstrong was not!
Background to case
Lynette (Lyn) Coxon née Armstrong began researching her family history 20 years ago. Her maternal line research progressed well, but on her paternal side she quickly became ‘stuck’. Despite differing tactics and numerous attempts, she was unable to progress beyond her great-grandfather, George Armstrong, baptised at Haltwhistle, Northumberland on 15 August 1813 (see bottom of page).
At that time George’s father John Armstrong, a Labourer, and his wife Mary Kirk were living at Combhillside on the northern outskirts of the town. Lyn also had their marriage record of February 1811 along with the baptism records for a couple of potential siblings but remained unable to make further headway.
Knowledge of local history
Haltwhistle in Northumberland lies at ‘the centre of Britain’, close to the border with Scotland to the north and Cumbria to the west. Its history bears witness to a turbulent past as a town on the northern English frontier. Built to protect against cross-border raids, remains of fortified houses and peels, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries signpost a period of complex politics, economics, societal power, and lawlessness. Here, alongside ordinary folk, the English and Scottish Marches were inhabited by warlike riding families, who became known as the Border Reivers.
George Armstrong, baptised 15th August 1813, Durham Diocese Bishop’s Transcripts, 1639-1919 Northumberland, Haltwhistle 1758-1858 p.303.
Marriage of John Armstrong and Mary Kirk 9 February 1811. Durham Diocese Bishop’s Transcripts, 1639-1919 Northumberland, Haltwhistle 1758-1858 p.262.
The focus of the research
The surname Armstrong is amongst the most prominent of the riding families. It is synonymous with the history of the Anglo-Scottish Border Region. It was therefore no surprise that Lyn was keen to investigate her potential reiving roots. The worldwide interest in the Border Reivers together with an Armstrong surname DNA project suggested there was an outside chance of success. But first the ‘roadblock’ at John Armstrong, her second great-grandfather, required clearing.
John’s baptismal entry benefited from the parish register reforms introduced by Shute Barrington, Bishop of Durham. The extra information relating to Mark Kirk’s parents helped piece together her family tree. (See ‘Step Two’ overleaf.) Baptism of John Armstrong 1st March 1812. Durham Diocese Bishop’s Transcripts, 1639-1919 Northumberland, Haltwhistle 1758-1858 p.274.