Elizabeth Thumpstone

Daughter of Raph Thumpston and Deborah Fletcher, wife of John Gaskell and mother of John Gaskell

Elizabeth was baptised at the Collegiate Church, Manchester on 5^th April 1685

According to two of Elizabeth’s daughters, Ann & Elizabeth, when her husband’s business failed and he died in 1743, Elizabeth was left destitute and for a short time lived in a garret; however, she was soon awarded a legacy of £20 per year for life by her “dear and affectionate children” John and Thomas. The sisters also report that their mother was a “tender and affable parent”.

Elizabeth died on 13^th July 1772 at the age of 88 and was buried at the Collegiate Church on 16^th July 1772.  The cause of death was recorded as “old age” – see gravestone details of her husband, John Gaskell.

The narrative information on John and Elizabeth’s character and fortunes comes from letters from William Usher, held at the Worcester Record Office, St Helen’s, through an intermediary, to their grandson, George.

Other data was obtained from the Archivist at the Cathedral in Manchester and the Manchester Record Office at the City Library

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