GATEACRE HALL (continued):

c.1807-c.1849
Robert Roskell ( c.1776-1847) Watch Manufacturer (Robert & John Roskell, 14 Church St, Liverpool; later Messrs Roskell & Co. 12 & 14 Church St.) succeeded William Tarleton the Liverpool Watchmaker in 1803, and from records of the baptism of children of Robert Roskell & Elizabeth née Tarleton, he had been living in the parish of St Peter's, Seel Street until 1805, but had moved to the parish of St Bennet's, Woolton by 1807. This may well be the time when he moved to Gateacre Hall. The 1841 census shows that he was then 65, his second wife Anne, 60, and four daughters Elizabeth, 35; Jannet, 30; Anne, 25 and Mary, 18 with 4 female servants were living here. Robert Roskell died in 1847, was buried at St Bennet's, and his widow Anne remained here for a few years.

c.1850-c.1854
Thomas A. Bushby, a Broker (Bushby Foster & Co.) shown in the 1851 census as aged 33 and born in Liverpool; with his wife "H.D." age 25, born in London; a son "W.P" of 4 and a daughter "H.E." of 3 both born in Cheshire; another son "T.A." had been born in Liverpool but 4 month old Sidney was born in Childwall parish, Barbara Bushby, 55 and Mary Bushby, 45, gentlewomen born in Wigton, Cumberland were visitors and there were 6 female servants including a nurse. We suggest Bushby was a tenant of the Roskell estate.

c.1854-1892
James Leishman the elder ( c.1813-1871) Coppersmith (Leishman & Welsh, 4 Vulcan Street) came here from 6 Hope Street in about 1854. The 1861 census shows that he was by this time a widower, born in Scotland, and with him was his son James age 17, a scholar born in Liverpool; and his sister Maxwell. They had 3 female house servants and he died on the 8th of March 1871.

The 1867 Rates Book for Much Wool ton shows James Leishman as owner and occupier; Rateable Value (R.V.) £126; extent 3 acres 2 roods 15 perches (3a.2r.15). The earliest Little Woolton 1876 Rates Book shows that he had land in that township R.V. £78.10.0. and extent 3a.1r.14; by which time the Much Woolton R.V. was £156.

continued . . .