Another Walk around Sugar Lane – Aspdin
Among the myriad of photographs of headstones in Sugar Lane in my collection, each with its own unique story, I often find myself pondering over whose narrative to delve into. Sugar Lane, a cemetery steeped in history, is the final resting place of many notable individuals, including the Aspdin family. Who were these individuals? What were their lives like? What led them to rest in this hallowed ground? Exploring the narratives of those buried in Sugar Lane not only provides insights into their lives but also offers a window into the rich heritage of Wakefield.
Aspin grave marker, Sugar Lane Cemetery © C Sklinar 2014
Aspdin. It’s a name deeply rooted in Wakefield’s history. You may be familiar with Joseph Aspdin, a bricklayer, inventor, and stonemason who held a patent for Portland Cement. His groundbreaking invention transformed the construction industry, and his influence can still be seen in Wakefield Arms, Monk Street, one of the first buildings to be constructed using Portland Cement. This building, which was granted a Grade II listing in 1992, stands as a testament to Joseph’s ingenuity despite its current state of disrepair. The connection to Joseph Aspdin makes the Aspdin family buried in Sugar Lane even more intriguing, as they are part of the fabric of Wakefield’s heritage.
But who is this Aspdin in our issue of Kinsman? Could they be a relative of Joseph, the renowned bricklayer and inventor?
The grave covering, a testament to the lives of James and Louisa Aspdin, is not just a marker but a symbol of their existence. Carved from solid granite, it bears the essential details of their lives. James, born on 23 August 1813, departed on 21 December 1873. On the other side, Louisa, his widow, was born on 6 February 1820 and died on 12 April 1903. Their simple yet profound memorial invites us to reflect on their lives and the history they were a part of.
I usually find information chronologically, but this time, I am going straight to the money! Probate.
In 1874, Probate was granted on the Estate of James Aspdin. The initial amount was sworn at under £25,000, later re-sworn at under £30,000. This legal process, overseen by Jonathan Haigh Wice, a pharmaceutical chemist and the surviving Executor, offers a glimpse into the financial and legal aspects of James’ life. It reveals his wealth, his business dealings as a cement manufacturer, and the individuals he entrusted with his estate. This information adds another layer to our understanding of the Aspdin family’s history, shedding light on their economic and social standing in Wakefield.
James and Louisa were married under Licence in the Parish Church, Leeds, on 14 August 1838. James, a bookkeeper of Park Lane, Leeds, was the son of Joseph Aspdin, a renowned cement manufacturer. Joseph Walker, a cloth manufacturer of Armley, was the bride’s father. This marriage not only united two prominent families in the area but also marked the continuation of the Aspdin legacy in the cement industry, which was pioneered by James’ father, Joseph.
Joseph was James’ father.
James was baptised on April 12, 1816, in St Peter’s Church, Leeds, at the same time as his younger brother, William.
Statue made by James Aspin from Portland Cement. Source BNA
Joseph moved his family to Wakefield around 1825 and set up a business in Kirkgate. The business was later moved to another location in Kirkgate after the Manchester and Leeds Railway Company compulsory purchased the site. Following another move to Ings Road, the company continued the process until 1900.
By 1861, James, Louisa, two relatives, a visitor, and one servant lived in St John’s.
James served on various committees during his life and mixed with the town’s great and good – Mr Tew, Mr Mackie and Mr Clayton, to name a few. In 1863, James attended a dinner to celebrate the extension and re-opening of Clayton Hospital and Wakefield Dispensary, where the tickets cost five shillings. Others who attended the evening were Sir John C D Hay, Bart., MP; Colonel Smyth, MP; Thomas Walker, Esq.; J L Fernandes, Jun., Esq.; three members of the Mackie family, including Captain Mackie; Edward Green; Colonel Holdsworth and John Barff Charlesworth, Esq., to name a few. In 1866, James was secretary to Wakefield’s Benevolent Society and received a cheque for £5 from Mr Clayton. James’s benevolence was not just for the immediate locale, as in 1857, he gave one guinea to the Lund Hill Colliery Fund following an explosion where 189 men and boys aged between 10 and 69 died. Wakefield was not elevated to city status until 1888 and became a county borough in 1913, taking it out of the jurisdiction of the West Riding County Council.
William, James’ brother, is considered the pioneer of modern Portland Cement. William initially worked for his father but was dismissed and moved to London. His father at the time, according to Wikipedia, stated, “I think it right to give notice that my late agent, William Aspdin, is not now in my employment and that he is not authorised to receive any money, nor contract any debts on my behalf or on behalf of the new firm.” The new ‘firm’ was set up with James continued to do business in Wakefield.
After James’ death, Louisa lived at 16 St John’s Square with two servants. The Probate for Louisa was to Henry Richardson’s bank cashier and widow, Isabella Connor, for £4444 13s 8d.