Searching for family history in Crook

After a second delicious breakfast at the Causey Inn, we set out in search of some of my family history. Ever since I started researching my ancestry years ago, the place names of Crook, Billy Row, and Stanley have been familiar to me, but I had never visited - until today! The only specific address I could find on Google Maps was Alma Terrace, where my maternal Grandad Bramhald was born in 1914. We headed there first.

Although number 77 no longer exists, there is still a short row of terraced houses called Alma Terrace which was clearly built before my Grandad's birth. I took photos, especially of one unrestored example which must surely be as my Grandad would have known it.

All of my family on that side were miners. I know that my great-grandparents moved from the Durham coalfields south to Doncaster in around 1926, lured by the promise of higher wages and better working conditions. My Grandad's younger sister, my great Auntie Mary, remembered making the journey on a horse-drawn wagon sitting on top of their belongings! My Grandad used to say that it was a real shock coming from rural Durham to industrial Doncaster. I could never understand that because, in my head, I thought one coal mining community would be much the same as another. However, having visited, I now get it. Alma Terrace, albeit pit housing located close to the mine, sits in an elevated position with views over rolling countryside. The view I was photographing would have been the same view my Grandad enjoyed as a child.

Across the road from Alma Terrace, there is a war memorial. I went to have a look to see if any Bramhalds or Newtons were listed there. There weren't, but there was a J Haley!! This is my Dad's name. I don't know of any paternal connection to this area, but perhaps there is one. I need to do further research.Læs mere