Robert Aspden of Red Lee (abt. 1580 - abt. 1655)

Born about 1580 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England [uncertain]

Ancestors

Descendants

Died about 30 Apr 1655 at about age 75 in Tockholes, Lancashire, England

Biography

Robert was born around 1580. In his father's will he is confirmed as the son of James Aspden.

He married around 1600. He and his wife lived at Red Lee farm at Tockholes. (See attached image). The main two storey farmhouse is estimated to have been built early 17th century. It is built of coursed sandstone rubble with quoins, stone slate roof with gable chimneys. A blocked up door, window and fireplace in the current two bay structure suggest that when constructed it may have been three bays on a U-plan. ^[1]

Children (bpt Blackburn):

1601/02 (Feb) Richard - s/o Robt - lived at Red Lee, Tockholes;

1604 (Aug) Johannes;

Some of the following children could be that of Robert Aspden (abt.1579-) of Livesey.

1607 (Mar) Marye;

c1608 James - died Jun 1608 s/o Robert;

1610 (Feb) Grace - index entry only with no indication of father or month of baptism;

1614 (Sep) George;

1618 (Jun) William - twin;

1618 (Jun) John - twin;

1621 (May) Jane;

At five inquisitions after the death of five different men between Jan and Nov 1620 one of those who testified was Robert Aspden of Tockholes.^[2]

Some miles south-east at Newchurch in Rossendale he was bondsman for a marriage licence in Aug 1623.

Towards the end of Robert's life a shocking event was said to have occurred in the village. In the months of May and June, 1644, Lancashire for the first time became involved in the general course of the first English Civil War, and for some weeks it was the centre of most important events. Prince Rupert, the most talented Royalist commander of the English Civil War had a number of stunning successes. After successfully laying siege to Liverpool his (14,000 to 22,000) troops returned to York, some of them via the road from Bolton to Blackburn. On June 20 near Blackburn the Royalists under the command of Sir Charles Lucas skirmished with Colonel Shuttleforth and his Pariamentarian troops. One of those fights was said to have occurred near Tockholes. In a field 1/4 mile west of the church, in the dingle below Crowtrees Farm gruesome relics of a battle were found in 1838. Thirty-eight horses heads were exhumed from a pit in what came to be called Kill Field (now Pit Field). In addition there were several horses’ feet and leg bones plus some large metal buttons. Another pit nearby was not examined and there are no reports of weapons or human bones being found. Several cannon balls and musket bullets have been found nearby. These relics indicate a battle of some severity in which both troops of horse and musketeers were engaged, and at least one piece of ordnance brought into use. Col. Shuttleworth’s men were said to have been defeated. The villagers would have been traumatised, and any soldiers killed probably buried at the old church.

Late in Robert's life the population of Tockholes was estimated as 'four score' ie 80 people.

'Robert Aspden of Red Leigh' died late April 1655, and was buried May 2nd. ^[3][4]

Robert's wife died in Oct 1658.^[5]

Research Notes

1/ Children's information is entered as supplied from Family Search, some of which is from uploaded profiles. The Blackburn register is very difficult to read. There may be too many children for the one couple. Please check!

2/ These Aspdens are contemporaries in Blackburn and may be related:

Robert Aspden bc1580

Johannes Aspden bc1580

Anna (Aspden) Whaley bc1580

Anna (Aspden) Clayton bc1583

Elizabetha (Aspden) Carwood bc1585

George Aspden bc1600

3/ Lower Darwen. Like the adjoining township of Over Darwen it takes its name from the River Darwen, which flows through it... The ancient township extended from the banks of the River Darwen over the moorland heights which inclose the valley to the east and west... This was another of the manors granted with Walton-le-Dale about the year 1165 by Henry de Lacy to Robert Banastre, baron of Makerfield, to hold by the service of one knight. Thomas Talbot... sold a portion of his estate here in 1585. (He sold six messuages to Richard Aspden and five others). ^[6]

4/ At a muster of men at arms during the reign of the first Elizabeth, held at Whalley in 1595 during the war with Spain the township of Lower Darwen sent: 2 men armed with bills (Agricultural tools or small pike); 6 archers; 6 men armed with shot (Hand gun); and 23 unarmed men;

Later during the reign of James the First, and four years after the peace with Spain had been signed another muster of men took place at Whalley, the year 1608. Amongst the 1,453 men mustered the Lower Darwen contribution was: 22 Caliveres (Small muskets fired from the shoulder); 17 bills (Agricultural tools or small pike); 3 Archers; 16 Corsetlers (men in armour); ^[7]

Sources

1. ↑ https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1241543
2. ↑ Lancashire Inquisitions Vol XVI - P. Rylands, Record Society (1881)
3. ↑ Parish of Blackburn, county of Lancaster. A history of Blackburn, town and parish by  W. A. (William Alexander) Abram
4. ↑ "England, Lancashire, Parish Registers 1538-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJD6-CZXJ : 13 October 2017), Robert Aspden, 02 May 1655; citing Burial, St Mary-the-Virgin Church, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, volume , Lancashire Record Office, Preston; FHL microfilm 1,278,778.
5. ↑ Burial: _3 Oct 1658 St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England. [unnamed] Aspden - Uxor Robert Aspden. Abode: Red hey in Tockhols. Register: Burials 1653 - 1680, Page 261, Entry 389. Source: LDS Film 1278778
6. ↑ https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol6/pp275-278#anchorn33
7. ↑ https://www.cottontown.org/Housing/Parish%20histories/Pages/A-History-by-Gerald-Schofield.aspx