Family:William Thornber and Agnes Murtagh (2)

Parents: Sharp Thornber and Florence Nightingale William Thornber b. 31 Aug 1889 Burnley, Lancashire, England d. 9 Aug 1968 Chorley Registration District, Lancashire, England

Parents: Hugh Murtagh and Bridget Mullin Agnes Murtagh b. 5 Mar 1889 Burnley, Lancashire, England d. 3 Feb 1966 Burnley, Lancashire, England

m. 6 Feb 1915 Burnley, Lancashire, England

Agnes and William were my Granny and Grandpa, and they saw my Mum and myself most days. On Sundays, we went to their place in the afternoon, watched the football, and had tea ("tea" being short for "high tea", meaning the evening meal in Lancashire speak). So, I knew them very well, but only as a child knows adults.

Their wartime marriage had caused some upset: Congregational, English, mill-owner's son marries Catholic weaver of Irish parents! It is said in the family that his parents chose not to attend the marriage, however they still gave generous gifts including a house very near their own, so relations were not that bad.

Agnes and William had four children: Florence, Mary, Hugh and Geoffrey, and have three grandchildren.

Agnes & William's marriage

Agnes & William's engagement

Laughing, in their doorway

Quite some years at this house

Their final home together

Marriage reported in Burnley Express

1. ↑ Church Cert: marriage Thornber 1915 W&A.

   I Certify that according to the Register of Marriages kept at the Church of St. Mary, Burnley,
   William Thornber of Burnley Son of Sharp Thornber
   and Agnes Murtagh of Burnley daughter of Hugh Murtagh
   were married at the said Church by Joseph Fitzgerald on the 6th day of February 1915 in the presence of William Nightingale and Agnes Hirst.
   (signed) Joseph Fitzgerald Curate of above Church.
   Given this 15th day of February 1915