Robert Hall

5 February 1769 (baptised) to 8 January 1845

HAL00070

The Bakers Home Page Return to the Home Page of the Bakers Family part of the website

The Bakers of Highfields Story The Story of the Dods and Bakers and of Highfields, Fenton House and Hasfield Court. A journey through the history of Cheshire and Staffordshire, an Anglo-Saxon nobleman who retained his lands after the Conquest, pottery at Stoke on Trent, an encounter with Elgar, and the history of an Elizabethan manor house at Audlem

The Bakers of Highfields The family tree of the Bakers of Highfields

The Dod Family The Family Tree of the Dods, predecessors to the Bakers of Highfields

The Bakers of Fenton House and Hasfield Court The Family Tree of the pottery Bakers of Stoke on Trent

The Bellyse Family The Family Tree of the Bellyse Family

The Farndale Story The main part of this website tells the story of the Farndale family from Yorkshire Descendants of Arthur Baker, the story of the Farndale ancestry is told through the main part of this website You can also return to the Farndale website home page

The Hall Family The genealogy of the family of James Hall, linked to the Baker family through marriage to Arthur Baker

Newcastle under Lyme

1769

Robert Hall, son of William and Mary Hall (FAR00061), was born in 1769, was baptised at St Giles, Newcastle under Lyme on 5 February 1769 (St Giles, Newcastle-under-Lyme Parish Records).

1790

Robert Hall was a hat manufacturer and merchant in the iron market.

The most notable industry in Newcastle during the 17th and 18th centuries was the making of felt hats. As early as 1570 a hatter, Richard Norton, is met with and another in 1612, John Riggs. The existence of hatters presupposes that of feltmakers, of whom, in the 17th century, there was a considerable number as may be gathered from parish register entries. Late in the century the trade encountered difficulties because 'servants and others of inferior quality' had ceased to wear felt hats; at that time (1699) it was stated that there were numerous master hat-makers in the town who each employed nine or ten journeymen and many other persons, i.e. feltmakers, in producing the materials for hat making. Despite temporary setbacks the hat industry continued to flourish. At a borough election in 1734 out of 436 burgesses on the roll 159 were described as hatters. In the late 18th century the number of hat manufacturers totalled 27, while in 1822 out of 1,000 householders in the borough, 307 were described as hat manufacturer, feltmaker, or hatter. In the early 19th century machinery was introduced, in particular a carding machine and a blowing machine for the separation of short and coarse hairs from the wool or nap. The latter was the invention of James Astley Hall, a native of Newcastle and one of the chief hat manufacturers. Although in 1844 the chief manufacture of the town was still described as that of hats which were prepared for the finishers in London, the growing popularity of the silk hat for the upper and middle classes and of the cloth cap for industrial workers brought about a decline in the demand for felt hats. By 1850 the number of hat manufacturers in Newcastle had fallen to nine and 40 years later there were only two. By the early 20th century the local manufacture of hats had ceased. The fact that in 1836 there were three straw-hat makers and in 1851 twelve may indicate an attempt to establish an alternative, though short-lived, headgear industry of a very different kind. (A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 8. Originally published by Victoria County History, London, 1963, Newcastle-under-Lyme: Economic history and social life and Anon. Hist. Sketch Newcastle, 10; Newcastle Register of Electors, 1840 and 1845 (copies at Inst. of Hist. Research, London)).

He became a freeman of Newcastle under Lyme on 15 June 1790, a shoemaker and feltmaker (the highlight below is in the wrong place).

Freemen 1734=1829
Date admitted	Type	Name	Bapt/born	Description	Father	Admitted	Occupation	Comments
25 Sep 1758	FB	HALL, Edward
12 Feb 1734	FB	HALL, Elisha
15 May 1820	Gratis	HALL, George		Grocer				High Constable
05 Jan 1768	FB	HALL, James		Feltmaker	Robert
09 Jun 1818	FB	HALL, James Astley		Hat manufacturer	Robert		Hat manufacturer
26 Mar 1734	FB	HALL, Jeremiah
00 00 1674/5	FB	HALL, John
16 Jun 1790	FB	HALL, John		Feltmaker	Thomas		Feltmaker
26 Mar 1734	FB	HALL, Joseph
00 00 1715/6	App	HALL, Joseph
00 00 1662/3	App	HALL, Joseph
26 Mar 1734	FB	HALL, Leasura
07 Mar 1657	Gratis	HALL, Mr.		Clergyman
14 Nov 1654	Gratis	HALL, Mr. Raphe		Minister				for life only
16 Dec 1746	FB	HALL, Richard
15 Jun 1790	FB	HALL, Robert		Shoemaker	William, dcd.		Feltmaker
26 May 1790	FB	HALL, Robert		Hatter	James, dcd.		Hatter
25 Sep 1731	App	HALL, Robert
29 Apr 1760	FB	HALL, Thomas			Thomas
00 00 1639/40	App	HALL, Thomas
18 Apr 1734	FB	HALL, Thomas
00 00 1721/2	?	HALL, Thomas
09 Nov 1768	FB	HALL, William		Feltmaker	Robert

1791

Robert Hall married Catherine Eldershaw (1763 to 1838) on 10 July 1791 at Newport, Shropshire (Newport, Shropshire Parish Records).

1792

Their daughter, Mary Ann Hall (HAL00079) was baptised on 19 August 1792. She died on 30 August 1792.

1793

Their son, James Astley Hall (HAL00080) was baptised on 10 July 1793.

1795

Their son, John Eldershaw Hall (HAL00081) was baptised on 3 January 1795. He died in 1805.

1796

Their son, Robert Hall (HAL00082) was baptised on 14 June 1796. He died in 1797.

1799

Their son, Phillip Hall (HAL00083), was baptised on 3 November 1799.

1801

Their daughter, Caroline Hall (HAL00084) was baptised on 6 June 1801.

1802

Their daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Hall (HAL00085) was baptised on 12 September 1802.

1806

Their daughter, Catharine (later Catherine) Hall (HAL00086) was baptised on 18 September 1806.

1809

Their son, Henry Hall, was born on 23 December 1809 and baptised on 10 February 1814.

1841

1841 Census – Brunswick Street, Newcastle under Lyme

Robert Hall, 70, born 1771 in Staffordshire

Catharine Hall, 25, his daughter

Elizabeth Shaw, 20

Sarah Wallbank, 15

1845

Robert Hall died on 8 January 1845 (will), aged 76. He was buried at St George, Newcastle under Lyme, on 15 January 1845 (St George, Newcastle under Lyme Parish Records, GRO Volume 17 page 75).

At Newcastle 25th April 1845, Let a probate of this Will and Codicil be granted James Astley Hall and Henry Hall two of the Executors reserving a power for Catharine Hall and John Eldershaw Phillips the other Executors to prove in like manner Testator died 8th January 1845.

They being first duly sworn and also that the personal Estate will not amount in value to the sum of £4000

Before me

F. V. Blackburn

Surrogate

This is the Last Will and Testament of me Robert Hall of the Borough of Newcastle under Lyne in the County of Stafford Esquire that is to say First I order that all my just debts and my funeral and testamentary expenses shall be fully paid in the manner after directed. Also I give and devise unto my son James Astley Hall and to his heirs and assigns for ever my Freehold Warehouses and Buildings in Frog Street in Newcastle aforesaid now in his occupation together with their appurtenances. Also I give and devise unto my Daughter Catherine Hall and to her heirs and assigns for ever my Freehold Message Dwellinghouse or Tenement Buildings and Hereditaments situate at Stockport in the County of Chester with their rights and appurtenances including my Pew or Seat in the Church of Stockport aforesaid. Also I give and devise unto my said Daughter and her Assigns for the term of her life my Pew or Seat in the West Gallery of the Parish Church of Newcastle aforesaid and from and immediately after her decease I give and devise the last mentioned Pew or Seat unto my two Sons James Astley Hall and Henry Hall their heirs and assigns for ever as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants. Also I give and bequeath unto my said Daughter Catherine Hall to and for her own use and benefit and to be at her absolute disposal all my Clothes Wearing Apparel and other Articles of personal use and all my Household Goods and Furniture Plate Linen China Books and Musical Instruments and all other Articles and Effects of household use in or about my Dwellinghouse and all the Provisions Wines and Liquors which shall happen to be therein at the time of my decease. Also I give and bequeath unto my said Daughter Catherine Hall and to her executors administrators and assigns All those the freehold Messuages Dwellinghouses Buildings and Tenements situate in and near Bagnall Street Wilson Street and Hassells Street in Newcastle aforesaid which I purchased for the residue of a Term or Terms of Years now unexpired from the Mortgagees and Representatives of George Wilkinson together with the Leases and Assignments of Lease of the same premises and all benefit and advantage of the same and as my unexpired Term and Interest therein subject to the payment of my aforementioned share of the future rents payable for the said premises and to the performance of the covenants contained in the Lease or Leases of the said premises so far as I am liable thereto. Also I hereby declare that the Lease or Contract for a Lease made and entered into by me of the Timber Yard and Premises in Newcastle aforesaid wherein my said Son Henry Hall carries on his business of a Timber Merchant was so made and entered into by me solely in Trust for and on the behalf of my said Son Henry and I direct that such last mentioned Lease or Contract shall be made over to him upon his giving such indemnity in respect of the same.

Also I Give and Bequeath unto my said Daughter Catherine Hall and her Assigns for the term of her natural life One Annuity or yearly sum of Twenty five pounds payable by four equal quarterly payments in each year, the first whereof to be paid at the end of three calendar months next after my decease and I do charge the same annuity exclusively upon that portion of my personal estate which is hereinafter given for the benefit of my son James Astley Hall.

Also I give and bequeath unto my said Daughter Catherine Hall and to her assigns for the term of her natural life One other like annuity or yearly sum of Ten pounds payable in like manner as aforesaid And I charge the same exclusively upon that portion of my personal estate which is hereinafter given for the benefit of my son Henry Halel Also I give and bequeath all the outstanding Debt and Sums of Money which shall happen to be due to me at the time of my decease from any person or persons whomsoever (except such monies as may be due to me from my son James Astley Hall and except as well the principal or capital of such monies as may be due to me from my son Henry Hall as also the balance owing to me on any Cash Account between me and my said son Henry Hall).

And all other my personal Estate and Effects not by me above specifically bequeathed (except and as before excepted) unto my Executors and Executrix herein after named Upon Trust to pay and apply the aforesaid Debts & Sums of Money Personal Estate and Effects so far as the same will extend in and towards the payment of my Funeral Expenses and the Charges of proving and executing my Will and also in and towards the payment of my just debts except only any balance owing from me upon any Banking Account for which provision is hereinafter made and also except any debts for which I may be responsible as Surety only for my said son Henry Hall.

And in case there shall be any surplus then Upon Trust to divide such Surplus equally between my said two sons James Astley Hall and Henry Hall But in case the Funds hereinbefore provided for the purpose shall prove insufficient to satisfy in full my Funeral and Testamentary Expenses and also all my just debts (except the balance of such Banking Account as aforesaid and except such debts as I may happen to have been surety for as aforesaid) Then and in such case I hereby charge and make liable that portion of my said personal estate which is hereinafter given for the benefit of my son James Astley Hall with and to the payment of one equal half part of such deficiency and in the like case I hereby charge and make liable that portion of my personal estate which is hereinafter given for the benefit of my son Henry Hall with and to the payment of the other equal half part of such deficiency Also I Give and Bequeath unto my said son Henry Hall and my stepson Mr John Eldershaw Phillips.

All Principal or Capital sums of money which at the time of my decease shall happen to be owing to me upon Bond Note or other Security from my said Son James Astley Hall together with such Securities respectively Upon Trust nevertheless by and out of the same last mentioned principal or capital sums of money exclusively as well to satisfy and pay one equal half part of all or any such deficiency as before mentioned which may happen to exist in the Funds hereinbefore provided for the discharge of my debts (except as before excepted) and of my Funeral and Testamentary Expenses as also to set apart and invest a sufficient fund during the life time of my said Daughter for securing to her the payment of the first hereinbefore mentioned Annuity of Twenty Five Pounds per annum during her life And Subject as aforesaid Upon further Trust to pay over unto my said Son James Astley Hall for his own use and benefit All the residue of the before mentioned Principal or Capital Sums of Money including (after the decease of my said Daughter) such part of the same as may have been set apart and invested during her life for the purpose of such annuity as aforesaid Provided always and I hereby order and direct that when and so soon as my said Son James Astley Hall shall have paid and fully contributed one equal half part of the total sum of any such deficiency as may happen to exist in the amount of the Fund before provided for payment of my Funeral and Testamentary Expenses and of my debts (except such as are before excepted) and shall also have signed and executed a Bond under his hand and seal to the satisfaction of my said Trustees for the due payment to my said Daughter of the before mentioned Annuity of Twenty Five Pounds then and immediately afterwards my said Trustees do and shall cancel all such Bond Notes or other Securities given to me by my said Son James Astley Hall as aforesaid and shall deliver the same up to him my said Son for his own use and benefit And do give and bequeath unto my said Son James Astley Hall and my said Nephew John Eldershaw Phillips as well all the principal or capital of such monies as at the time of my decease shall happen to be owing to me from my said Son Henry Hall upon Bond Note or other Security together with all Interest thereon as also the balance which at the time of my decease shall happen to be owing to me from him the said Henry Hall upon any Cash Account subsisting between us and likewise the several Securities for the said sums respectively Upon the Trusts following that is to say Upon Trust by and out of the said Monies exclusively to satisfy and pay one equal half part of all or any such deficiency as hereinbefore mentioned which may happen to exist in the Funds hereinbefore provided for the discharge of my Debts (except those before excepted) and of my Funeral and Testamentary Expenses and Upon further Trust by and out of the said Trust Monies to satisfy and pay the

To the intent that the remainder of my real and personal estate may be exonerated from all such balances and debts as aforesaid And Upon Trust in the next place to set apart and invest a sufficient Fund from and out of such Trust Monies during the life of my said Daughter for securing to her the payment of the secondly hereinbefore mentioned Annuity of Ten Pounds per annum during her life And Subject as aforesaid Upon further Trust to pay over unto my said Son Henry Hall for his own use and benefit the residue of the lastly before mentioned Trust Monies including (after the decease of my said daughter) such part of the same as may have been set apart and invested during her life for the purpose of such last mentioned Annuity as aforesaid Provided always and I hereby order and direct that before and so soon as my said Son Henry Hall shall have paid and fully contributed one equal half part of the total sum of any such deficiency as may happen to exist in the amount of the Fund hereinbefore provided for the payment of my Funeral and Testamentary Expenses and of my debts (excepts as before excepted) and shall also have fully paid off and discharged which at the time of my decease shall happen to be owing from me to any Banker or Banking Firm upon any Banking Account and also the full amount of all and every debt and debts for the payment of which I may happen to be engaged or be responsible as surety for being my said son Henry Hall shall also have signed and executed a Bond under his hand and seal to the satisfaction of my said Trustees for the due payment to my said Daughter of the secondly before mentioned Annuity of Ten Pounds then and immediately afterwards my said Trustees do and shall cancel all such Bonds Notes or other Securities given to me by my said Son Henry Hall as aforesaid and deliver the same up to him my said Son for his own use and benefit and do and shall also release and discharge him from the payment of all monies or balances of monies owing from him to me on any such Cash Account as aforesaid Also I hereby appoint my said Sons James Astley Hall and Henry Hall my said Daughter Catherine Hall and my said Nephew John Eldershaw Phillips to be the Executors and Executrix of this my Will hereby revoking all former Wills by me before made In Witness whereof the said Robert Hall have subscribed my name as well at the foot or end of this my Will as also at the bottom of each of the three preceding pages of the same this Thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty three

Robt Hall

Attestation Clause

Signed by the said Robert Hall in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses in his presence and in the presence of each other (the erasure in the thirteenth line of the second page and the interlineation in the second and twenty fourth line of the third page having been made previous to the signature of the Testator Robert Hall)

Thornton … Newcastle

Benj. T. Hastings

A Codicil to be added to and taken as part of the Last Will and Testament of me Robert Hall of the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme Esquire which Will bears date the Thirteenth day of June One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Three.

Whereas by my said Will I have given amongst other Provisions for the benefit of my Daughter Catherine Hall two certain Annuities of Twenty Five Pounds and Ten Pounds which are therein charged upon certain parts of my Property and are therein expressed and declared to be intended to continue for the term of the natural life of her my said Daughter. Now I do by this Codicil order and direct that in case of the Marriage of my said Daughter such Annuities and each of them shall respectively cease and determine immediately upon the event of such Marriage and that the Funds whereupon such Annuities are respectively charged by my said Will shall immediately after such her Marriage be released and discharged from the payment thereof in future (nevertheless all arrears of such Annuities up to that time being first paid and discharged). In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this Twenty Eighth day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Four.

Signed by the said Robert Hall in the presence of us present at the same time who have subscribed our names as Witnesses in his presence and in the presence of each other.

Robt Hall

Edwd D. Pierson

(or possibly Pearson, handwriting unclear)

William Proudlove

J. Hollis (?) Turner