Leek Families Thomas 1732-1812 Robert 1770-1852 William 1771-1841 Sources Family Tree
At the time of his marriage to Eleanor Smith in 1767 Thomas was living in Prestbury, Cheshire. He married Eleanor on the 21 April 1767 at Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.(27) In 1770 the couple were living in Leek, Staffordshire. Thomas was the Landlord of the “Swan with Two Necks” Inn from the early 1770’s until his death in 1812. On the 6 April 1770 an advertisement appeared in the Derby Mercury to say he had “filled up the Inn with good beds the Inn has commodious stabling for numerous horses. Excellent saddle horses to be let to any part of England. Good English entertainment”. (28)
Thomas refurbished the Inn in 1780 and placed an advertisement in the Derby Mercury on the 22 September. Travellers could also hire a Post Chaise, “with able horses and careful drivers”. The Post Chaise was the quickest form of transport at the time but not the most comfortable.
The Swan is thought to be the oldest remaining pub in Leek according to Matthew Miller in his book ‘Olde Leake” published in 1901. The history of the pub can be traced back to the 1590’s. In 1693 it was known as the ‘Green Dragon” and “The Swan” in 1786. On a map of Leek dated 1839 it is referred to as “The Swan with Two Necks”. In 2012 The Swan was purchased by the company JD Weatherspoon. They plan to open it as “The Green Dragon” this summer (2013). (Abbey Buxton, Leek Post & Times, 2 May 2013).
The parish records for St Edward's Church, Leek record the baptism of six children of Thomas and Ellen. Lucy 1768, Edward 1770, Catherine 1772, William 1774, Thomas, 1775 and George 1780. Their children Catherine, Thomas and George died as children and were buried at St Edward, Leek, Staffordshire.
Their son William was living in London at the time of his parents death when he was granted administration of his parents estate. Other records show William had a brother Robert and I think this may be "Edward" baptised in 1770. Their daughter Lucy married Samuel Braddock at Leek in 1790. Samuel was a joiner and served his apprenticeship in Leek with carpenter Thomas Wright. Both Samuel and Lucy died in 1852.
Thomas died on the 26 July 1812 and was buried at Leek three days later.(21) His age was given as 80 year so he was born about 1732. Administration of his estate was granted to his ‘lawful and natural son’ William Wooliscroft of St Margaret’s, London, Middlesex on the 16 November 1816.(7) The Estate was valued at £450 (about £25,000 in today’s money). The document states that Eleanor Wooliscroft his relict has since departed this life before she had taken out letters of administration of his goods and personal estate. Eleanor died in 1815 and was buried at Leek on the 31 January she was aged 79.(21) Her death was reported the “New Monthly Magazine” Vol 3, printed in February 1815.
Who are the parents of Thomas? From his age at death he was born about 1732. There are two Thomas’ I have found who could be Thomas in Leek. The most likely, in my opinion, is Thomas the son of John & Elizabeth Woolliscroft of Doveridge, Derbyshire who was christened at Doveridge in 1733. Secondly, Thomas the son of Thomas and Mary Woolliscroft christened at Atlow, Derbyshire in 1729.
Read more about William Woolliscroft and Robert Woolliscroft
Updated 15 Apr 2015