William Mangnall was born about 1831 in Heath Charnock, Lancashire. His parents were John Mangnall (HM175) and Nancy Sherburn (HM176). He was baptised at St Laurence Church in Chorley on the 20th March 1831. The family were living in Heath Charnock.

The 1841 Census shows that William was living with his parents at Cowling Bridge in Chorley. He was 10 years old.

The 1851 Census shows that William was aged 20, an apprentice shoemaker living with his parents at Cowling Bridge in Chorley.

He probably married Harriett Davenport (GM146) in the early 1850s and they had the following children:-

  • John (FM258), born about 1854 and christened 22nd January 1854 at St George’s, Chorley (VRI);
  • Hannah Davenport (FM256), born about 1855 and christened 10th June 1855 at St George’s (VRI);
  • Emily Jane (FM254), born about 1857 and christened 2nd August 1857 at St George’s (VRI);
  • Benjamin (FM302), born about 1860
  • James William (FM186), born about 1861 and christened 29th May 1861 at St George’s (VRI);
  • Elizabeth Harriett (FM187), born about 1862 and christened 25th January 1863 at St George’s (VRI);
  • Frances (FM188), born about 1864 and christened 25th December 1864 at St George’s (VRI);
  • Mary Ann (FM189), born about 1867 and christened 23rd June 1867 at St George’s (VRI).

When their daughter Hannah was christened on the 10th June 1855 the family were recorded as living on Bolton Street in Chorley and William’s occupation is recorded as Bootmaker.

The 1861 Census shows that William was 30 years old living in Cowling in Chorley with his wife and first four children. He was working as a grocer, beer seller and shoe maker.

At the time of the 1871 Census William was living at 259 Lyons Lane in Chorley with his wife and all of the children shown above except Benjamin . He was described as a shoe maker.

In 1881, according to the census, William was a boot and shoemaker living at 82 Eaves Lane, Chorley with Harriet, James (a clogger operative), Elizabeth, Frances and Mary (all cotton weavers).

The 1891 Census shows that William, Hannah, Elizabeth and Frances were living at 80 Eaves Lane. They may have moved next door or the houses may have been renumbered! William is described as a Bootmaker.

He is still working as a bootmaker and living at 80 Eaves Lane at the time of the 1901 Census though he is now a widower and only Elizabeth is still at home with him.


[Last updated 16 Oct 2010]