Catherine Magnall was born on 23 April 1872 in Burnley to John Magnall (GM151/007) and Sarah (nee Hargreaves) (FM020). She was christened at Holy Trinity Church in Habergham Eaves on 13 August 1872. The register shows that they were living at 99 Accrington Road and that John was working as a collier.

The 1881 census shows that Catherine was a 9 year old scholar living with her family at 45 Cog Lane, the Peeping Tom Inn, and her father was a beer seller.

Catherine married James Henry Duerden at St John’s Church, Gannow on 29 January 1891. Catherine was 19 years old, a weaver, living on Cog Lane. Her father is recorded as being a licenced victualler. James Henry (20) was a baker living at 244 Cog Lane, his father was Jeremiah who worked as a “Stripper & Grinder”.

Shortly after their marriage, at the time of the 1891 Census, Catherine and James were living at 91 Cog Lane, a few houses along the road from her family who were living at 69&71 Cog Lane, “Shepherds Arms”. James was working as a baker, Catherine was presumably looking after the home.

Catherine and James had the following children:

  • Fred (15 July 1891 – ) (born about 6 months after their marriage!)
  • Albert (24 September 1892 – December 1893)

Albert died in December 1893 aged 1 year, 3 months and was buried in Burnley Cemetery, grave A8657.

James died in October 1896 aged 26 and was buried in Burnley Cemetery, grave A8657 in the same grave as Albert.

Catherine remarried on 21 December 1898 to Thomas Sephton at St John the Baptist Church in Burnley. Catherine was 26 years old widow, a cotton weaver living at 71 Cog Lane. Thomas was a 32 year old widower, a “Loom Overlooker” living at 25 Dean Street.

The 1901 Census shows Catherine, Thomas and Fred living at 71 Belgrave Street. Fred was working as a “Cotton Overlooker” and Catherine as a “Cotton Weaver”.

By the time of the 1911 Census the family had moved to 67 Cog Lane, next door to the Shepherd’s Arms which was being run by her widowed mother. Thomas (44) was still a loom overlooker, Fred was now 19 and working as a weaver.

Catherine died aged 59 in December 1931 at Church Inn, Church Street, Castleton, Lancashire. She was buried on 17 December in Burnley Cemetery in grave 12757.

At some point, Fred took over running the Shepherd’s Arms along with his wife, Florence. At the time of the 1939 Register, they were living at the pub and a retired Thomas was living with them.

[Last updated 04 Jan 2024]