Philip Greathead1
#9278, d. about 1775
Last Edited=28 Apr 2022
Philip Greathead was the son of ... Greathead. He married Catherine Kelley, daughter of ... Kelley.1 Philip wrote his will on 12 March 1767 . He was a watch and clock maker living in Cavendish Street, St Marylebone.1 Philip died about 1775.1 His estate was probated on 12 February 1775 in London before Worshipful Thomas Rover Doctor of Laws by oath of his widow Catherine otherwise Catron Greathead.1
Child of Philip Greathead and Catherine Kelley
Sources of Information
- [S8] Copy of will held by Jan, some kindly provided my contacts.
Mary Oswin1 
#9285, b. about 1829
Last Edited=1 Jan 2016
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 19 - John Greathead
Mary Oswin was born about 1829 in Lyston, Leicestershire, England.2,3 She was the daughter of John Oswin and Ann Adcock. She was baptised on 26 January 1831 in Lyston, Leicestershire, England.2 In the census of 31 March 1851 she was listed as the daughter of John Oswin Mary worked as a sock hand.2 She married John Greathead, son of John Greathead and Hannah Green, on 20 November 1854 in St Margaret, Leicester, Leicestershire, England, After a licence was issued. The ceremony was witnessed by Amos Burton who signed with his mark X and Clara Hefford. Mary lived at Brittania Street, Leicester and John in Gower Street.1,4,2 In the census of 7 April 1861 in Carlton, Nottinghamshire, England, she was listed as the wife of John Greathead Mary was a seamstress.5 In the census of 2 April 1871 in 3 Cottage Place, Leicester, Leicestershire, England, she was listed as the wife of John Greathead.6
Sources of Information
- [S46] E-mails between Willa Appleyard and Jan Cooper from 18 October 2003.
- [S10] Family Record Family Search.
- [S4] Jan's thoughts based on information from census enumeration sheets.
- [S46000] General Register Office, I hold a copy of marriage certificate 1854/Q4 Leicester Volume 7a Page 413.
- [S41861] UK Census 1861 (RG9) - 7 April 1861 RG9 Piece 2445 Folio 79 Page 10.
- [S41871] UK Census 1871 (RG10) - 2 April 1871 RG10 Piece 3274 Folio 13 Page 19.
Helen Taylor1,2 
#9287, b. about 1856, d. 1922
Last Edited=1 Mar 2023
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 27 - Joseph Greathead
Helen Taylor was born about 1856 in Yardley, Warwickshire, England.3 She was the daughter of Isaac Taylor.4 She married William Abel Greathead, son of John Greathead and Mary Evans, on 1 January 1882 in St Martin, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, after the banns had been read. The ceremony was witnessed by George Howe and Sarah Spravson. William was a basket maker.5,6 In the census of 5 April 1891 in Marston's Old Farm, Church Road, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the wife of William Abel Greathead Helen was a chain mender.7 In the census of 31 March 1901 in 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the wife of William Abel Greathead.3 In the census of 2 April 1911 in 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Solihull, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the wife of William Abel Greathead William was a basket maker living with his wife who was a chair caner and two sons in their six roomed home.8 In the census of 19 June 1921 in 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Smethwick, Worcestershire, England, she was listed as the wife of William Abel Greathead.9 Helen died in 1922 in Kings Norton, Warwickshire, England.10 Helen was buried in October 1922 in Yardley Cemetery, Yardley Road, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.11
Children of Helen Taylor and William Abel Greathead
- William Sidney Greathead+ b. 1882, d. 1946
- Henry Greathead+ b. 3 Apr 1884, d. 1964
- Harriet Greathead b. 1885
- Helen Greathead+ b. 6 Apr 1888, d. 1970
- John Greathead+ b. 21 Mar 1890, d. 1971
- Frederick Greathead b. 5 Jun 1892, d. 1892
- Albert Greathead+ b. 21 Jun 1897, d. 1969
Sources of Information
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901.
- [S45002] General Register Office, Information taken from Birth certificate of son.
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901 RG13 Piece 2923 Folio 162 Page 35.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Birmingham, England, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1937 - daughter.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1882/Q1 Birmingham Volume 6d Page 111.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Birmingham, England, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1937.
- [S41891] UK Census 1891 (RG12) - 5 April 1891 RG12 Piece 2462 folio 50 page 32.
- [S41911] UK Census 1911 (RG14) - 2 April 1911 RG14 Piece 18686 RG78 Piece 1115 Registration district 392 sub district 1 enumeration district 48 schedule number 217.
- [S41921] UK Census 1921 (RG15) - 19 June 1921 GBC_1921_RG15_13944_0551.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1922/Q4 Kings N Volume 6d Page 122.
- [S40000] Website Birmingham burials.
William Sidney Greathead1 
#9288, b. 1882, d. 1946
Last Edited=7 Mar 2023
- Relationship
- 2nd great-grandson of Joseph Greathead
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 27 - Joseph Greathead
William Sidney Greathead was born in 1882 in Yardley, Solihull, Warwickshire, England.2,3 He was the son of William Abel Greathead and Helen Taylor. In the census of 5 April 1891 in Marston's Old Farm, Church Road, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, he was listed as the son of William Abel Greathead.4 In the census of 31 March 1901 in 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, he was listed as the son of William Abel Greathead William was a plate layer.5 He married Sarah Hood, daughter of Charles Hood, on 29 September 1906 in St John's, Sparkhill, Solihull, Warwickshire, England, after the banns had been read. The ceremony was witnessed by Henry and Nellie Greathead. William was described as a sweeper and gave his address as 69 Newton Road. Sarah gave hers as Wake Green Road, Moseley.6 He was Porter at meat market on 5 July 1907.7 William was listed as head of household in the census of 2 April 1911 in 329 Reddings Lane, Sparkhill, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, William was a sweeper on the Markets Fair and lived in his six roomed home. His wife and daughter were visiting Arthur and Rosa Beach.8 William was listed as head of household in the census of 19 June 1921 in 329 Reddings Lane, Smethwick, Worcestershire, England, William was a general labourer out of work living with his wife and daughter.9 William's aunt Harriett Rebecca Greathead died on 12 March 1942 at Oakfield Nursing Home, Blenheim Road, Moseley, Birmingham. He received probate on her estate in Birmingham on 18 June 1942. He was a gun viewer.10 William died in 1946 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.11
Child of William Sidney Greathead and Sarah Hood
- Edna May Greathead+ b. 5 Jul 1907
Sources of Information
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1882/Q2 Solihull Volume 6d Page 577.
- [S4] Jan's thoughts based on information from census enumeration sheets.
- [S41891] UK Census 1891 (RG12) - 5 April 1891 RG12 Piece 2462 folio 50 page 32.
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901 RG13 Piece 2923 Folio 162 Page 35.
- [S46000] General Register Office, I hold a copy of marriage certificate 1906/Q3 Solihull Volume 6d Page 1162.
- [S45001] General Register Office, Information taken from Birth certificate of daughter.
- [S41911] UK Census 1911 (RG14) - 2 April 1911 RG14 Piece 18663 RG14 Piece 1115 registration district 392 sub district 1 enumeration district 25 schedule number 244.
- [S41921] UK Census 1921 (RG15) - 19 June 1921 GBC_1921_RG15_13923_0401.
- [S9] Wills Index in TNA and Probate Office.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1946/Q3 Birmingham Volume 9c Page 329.
Ada Annie Greathead1 
#9289, b. 13 July 1900, d. December 1986
Last Edited=31 Oct 2022
- Relationship
- 3rd great-granddaughter of William Greathead
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 26 - William Greathead
Ada Annie Greathead was born on 13 July 1900 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.2 She was the daughter of Isaac Greathead and Priscilla Bradley. She was baptised on 25 July 1900 in All Saints, Hockley, Warwickshire, England, the family were living in 5 Avon Terrace, End Street and her father was a brass hinge drawer.3 In the census of 31 March 1901 in 8th Court, 13 House Burchett Street, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the daughter of Priscilla Greathead.4 In the census of 2 April 1911 in 20 Wellington Place, Wednesfield House, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England, she was listed as the daughter of Isaac Greathead.5 She married Michele Fortucci in 1918 in Coventry, Warwickshire, England, Michele and Ada had a son who only lived for one day.6 She married William Bartley.7
Ada died in December 1986 in Herefordshire, England, aged 86.8

Sources of Information
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1900/Q3 Birmingham Volume 6d Page 172 - mother Bradley.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Birmingham Baptisms, 1813-1912.
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901 RG13 Piece 2854 folio 71 page 25.
- [S41911] UK Census 1911 (RG14) - 2 April 1911 RG14 Piece 17101 RG78 Piece 1053 registration district 369 subdistrict 6 enumeration district 19 schedule number 325.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1918/Q4 Coventry Volume 6d Page 1372.
- [S19282] Emails between Lynn Boleyn and Jan Cooper from 12 November 2007.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1986 December Hereford Volume 29 Page No 368 Reg No 1286.
Sarah Hood 
#9290, b. about 1880, d. 1953
Last Edited=7 Mar 2023
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 27 - Joseph Greathead
Sarah Hood was born about 1880 in Atherstone, Warwickshire, England. She was the daughter of Charles Hood.1 She married William Sidney Greathead, son of William Abel Greathead and Helen Taylor, on 29 September 1906 in St John's, Sparkhill, Solihull, Warwickshire, England, after the banns had been read. The ceremony was witnessed by Henry and Nellie Greathead. William was described as a sweeper and gave his address as 69 Newton Road. Sarah gave hers as Wake Green Road, Moseley.2 In the census of 2 April 1911 in 10 Shaftmoor Lane, Acocks Green, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the visitor of Arthur and Rosa Beech.3 In the census of 19 June 1921 in 329 Reddings Lane, Smethwick, Worcestershire, England, she was listed as the wife of William Sidney Greathead.4 Her husband William died on 1946 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.5 Sarah died in 1953 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.6
Child of Sarah Hood and William Sidney Greathead
- Edna May Greathead+ b. 5 Jul 1907
Sources of Information
- [S46001] General Register Office, Information taken from Marriage certificate of daughter.
- [S46000] General Register Office, I hold a copy of marriage certificate 1906/Q3 Solihull Volume 6d Page 1162.
- [S41911] UK Census 1911 (RG14) - 2 April 1911 RG14 Piece 18666 RG78 Piece 1115 Registration District 392 sub district 1 enumeration district 28 schedule number 56.
- [S41921] UK Census 1921 (RG15) - 19 June 1921 GBC_1921_RG15_13923_0401.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1946/Q3 Birmingham Volume 9c Page 329.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1953/Q4 Birmingham Volume 9c Page 379.
Harriet Greathead1 
#9291, b. 1885
Last Edited=6 Nov 2016
- Relationship
- 2nd great-granddaughter of Joseph Greathead
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 27 - Joseph Greathead
Harriet Greathead was born in 1885 in Solihull, Warwickshire, England.2 She was the daughter of William Abel Greathead and Helen Taylor. She was baptised on 7 August 1887 in St Edburgha, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, with her brother Henry. The family lived in Yardley and their father worked as a basket maker.3 In the census of 5 April 1891 in Marston's Old Farm, Church Road, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the daughter of William Abel Greathead.4 In the census of 31 March 1901 in 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the daughter of William Abel Greathead.5 In the census of 2 April 1911 in 20 Westminster Square, Paddington, London, England, she was listed as a servant and housemaid to Raphael and Amelia Spiers in their fourteen roomed home. Raphael was a stockbroker.6
Sources of Information
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1885/Q4 Solihull Volume 6d Page 559.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Birmingham Baptisms, 1813-1912.
- [S41891] UK Census 1891 (RG12) - 5 April 1891 RG12 Piece 2462 folio 50 page 32.
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901 RG13 Piece 2923 Folio 162 Page 35.
- [S41911] UK Census 1911 (RG14) - 2 April 1911 RG14 Piece 59 RG78 Piece 2 Registration district 1 sub district 2 enumeration district 18 schedule number 121.
Helen Greathead1 
#9292, b. 6 April 1888, d. 1970
Last Edited=7 Dec 2020
- Relationship
- 2nd great-granddaughter of Joseph Greathead
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 27 - Joseph Greathead
Nellie Greathead was born on 6 April 1888 in Solihull, Warwickshire, England.2,3 She was the daughter of William Abel Greathead and Helen Taylor. She was baptised on 29 April 1888 in St Edburgha, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, the family lived in Yardley and her father was a postman, strange as in other records he is a basket maker!!4 In the census of 5 April 1891 in Marston's Old Farm, Church Road, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the daughter of William Abel Greathead.5 In the census of 31 March 1901 in 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, she was listed as the daughter of William Abel Greathead.6 In the census of 2 April 1911 in The Cottage, Hutton Lawcross, Gainsborough, Yorkshire, England, she was listed as a servant and housemaid in the Thomas and Lizzie Muller household living in a nine roomed home.7 She married William Marquis in 1914 in St Barnabas, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England.8 On 15 June 1935, a train from London Kings Cross to Leeds collided with a train from Kings Cross to Newcastle at night. 14 people were killed and 29 injured. William and his 12 year old daughter were among those killed. Their home address was 19 Stainton Street in North Ormsby
The accident was a rear collision caused by a signalman's error. The signalman at Welwyn Garden City, who had been fairly recently appointed to the box, became confused and accepted two trains into the same block section. The Newcastle train, arriving first, received a signal check and was slowed down to 15/20 mph; the Leeds train consisting of 11 coaches hauled by Class K3 2-6-0 No 4009 ran into it at approximately 65 mph.
There were several significant features. Firstly, the modern rolling stock withstood the violent collision well, apart from the last coach which was totally destroyed; older coaches would have been crushed, with much heavier loss of life. Secondly, the Inspecting Officer felt that the signalman had been promoted beyond his level of competence for such a busy box, and the assessment and training procedures for signalmen should be improved. Thirdly, he recommended that the block instruments should be linked to the track circuits to prevent future occurrences in such a way that a "Line clear" indication could only be given on the block instrument if the track circuits had registered passage of a train; this was widely adopted and known as Welwyn Control.9 Her husband William died on 15 June 1935 in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England.10 On 29 September 1939 in the National Register Helen was listed as living at 3 Cleveland Terrace Marton Road, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, Nellie was living with her children.11 Helen died in 1970 in Teeside, Durham, England.12
The accident was a rear collision caused by a signalman's error. The signalman at Welwyn Garden City, who had been fairly recently appointed to the box, became confused and accepted two trains into the same block section. The Newcastle train, arriving first, received a signal check and was slowed down to 15/20 mph; the Leeds train consisting of 11 coaches hauled by Class K3 2-6-0 No 4009 ran into it at approximately 65 mph.
There were several significant features. Firstly, the modern rolling stock withstood the violent collision well, apart from the last coach which was totally destroyed; older coaches would have been crushed, with much heavier loss of life. Secondly, the Inspecting Officer felt that the signalman had been promoted beyond his level of competence for such a busy box, and the assessment and training procedures for signalmen should be improved. Thirdly, he recommended that the block instruments should be linked to the track circuits to prevent future occurrences in such a way that a "Line clear" indication could only be given on the block instrument if the track circuits had registered passage of a train; this was widely adopted and known as Welwyn Control.9 Her husband William died on 15 June 1935 in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England.10 On 29 September 1939 in the National Register Helen was listed as living at 3 Cleveland Terrace Marton Road, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, Nellie was living with her children.11 Helen died in 1970 in Teeside, Durham, England.12
Children of Helen Greathead and William Marquis
- Joan Elizabeth Marquis+13 b. 23 Feb 1918, d. 1992
- Elsie M Marquis14 b. 1922, d. 15 Mar 1935
- William Marquis b. 19 Nov 1923
Sources of Information
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1888/Q2 Solihull Volume 6d Page 545.
- [S4] Jan's thoughts based on information from census enumeration sheets.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Birmingham Baptisms, 1813-1912.
- [S41891] UK Census 1891 (RG12) - 5 April 1891 RG12 Piece 2462 folio 50 page 32.
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901 RG13 Piece 2923 Folio 162 Page 35.
- [S41911] UK Census 1911 (RG14) - 2 April 1911 RG14 Piee 29196 RG78 Piece 1692 REgistration district 534 sub district 4 enumeration district 6 schedule number 82.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1914/Q1 Middlesbrough Volume 9d Page 814 - M-19-004-0-0025.
- [S47012] Find my past Hull Daily Mail dated 21 June 1935 and Hull Daily Mail 17 June 1935.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1935/Q3 Hatfield Volume 3a Page 822 age 46.
- [S41939] National Register 1939 - Find my past RG101/3233G/017.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1970/Q1 Teeside South Volume 1b Page 2405.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1918/Q2 Middlesborough Volume 9d Page 784.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1922/Q1 Middlesborough Volume 9d Page 1002.
John Greathead1 
#9293, b. 21 March 1890, d. 1971
Last Edited=7 Mar 2023
- Relationship
- 2nd great-grandson of Joseph Greathead
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 27 - Joseph Greathead
John Greathead was born on 21 March 1890 in Solihull, Warwickshire, England.2,3,4 He was the son of William Abel Greathead and Helen Taylor. In the census of 5 April 1891 in Marston's Old Farm, Church Road, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, he was listed as the son of William Abel Greathead.5 In the census of 31 March 1901 in 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Yardley, Warwickshire, England, he was listed as the son of William Abel Greathead.6 In the census of 2 April 1911 in 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Solihull, Warwickshire, England, he was listed as the son of William Abel Greathead John was a carpenter.7 John a carpenter working for Mackie and Gladstone, Dale End who lived at 69 Newon Road, Yardley signed on into the 1st South Midland Territorial Corps on 21 February 1916.8 He married Anna Hanson, daughter of Charles Edwin Hanson and Rosa H Howard, on 30 June 1917 in Kings Norton Register Office, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, after a licence had been issued. The ceremony was witnessed by Lily Ann Monsby and Nellie Monsby. John gave his occupation as a labourer at the cycle works and living at 69 Newton Road, Sparkhill while Anna gave her address as 24 Fairfield Road, Kings Heath.9,10 John was listed as head of household in the census of 19 June 1921 in Bk 52 Sikver Street, Smethwick, Worcestershire, England, John was a belt man working for BSA in Armoury Road, Small Heath in Birmingham. He was living with his wife and two children.11 He married Elsie Wood in 1933 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.12 On 29 September 1939 in the National Register John was listed as living at 31 Dolphin Lane, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, with his wife Elsie. John was a beltman in the engineering works.4 John died in 1971 in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England.13 His body was cremated in February 1971 in Yardley Crematorium, Yardley Road, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.14
Children of John Greathead and Anna Hanson
- Constance Rosehannah Greathead b. 1918
- John Frederick Greathead+ b. 13 Jun 1920, d. Oct 1997
- Reginald Ernest Greathead+ b. 13 Jun 1922, d. Apr 1994
Sources of Information
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901.
- [S4] Jan's thoughts based on information from census enumeration sheets.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1890/Q2 Solihull Volume 6d Page 550.
- [S41939] National Register 1939 - Find my past RG101/5591B/009.
- [S41891] UK Census 1891 (RG12) - 5 April 1891 RG12 Piece 2462 folio 50 page 32.
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901 RG13 Piece 2923 Folio 162 Page 35.
- [S41911] UK Census 1911 (RG14) - 2 April 1911 RG14 Piece 18686 RG78 Piece 1115 Registration district 392 sub district 1 enumeration district 48 schedule number 217.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - British Army WW1 Pension Record 1914-20.
- [S46000] General Register Office, I hold a copy of marriage certificate 1917/Q2 Kings Norton Volume 6d Page 205.
- [S5370] Letters between Stanley Greathead and Jan Cooper From 2 March 2003.
- [S41921] UK Census 1921 (RG15) - 19 June 1921 GBC_1921_RG15_13774_0489.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1933/Q2 Birmingham Volume 6d Page 1129.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1971/Q1 Nuneaton Volume 9c Page 2438.
- [S40000] Website Birmingham burials.
Thomas Eli Greathead1

#9294, b. 1802, d. 6 April 1883
Last Edited=24 Dec 2017
- Relationships
- 1st cousin 5 times removed of Janet Susan Greathead
3rd cousin of George Greathead
3rd great-grandson of Edward Greathead
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 1 My Direct Family - Edward Greathead
Thomas Eli Greathead was born in 1802 in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England.2 He was the son of Bartholomew Greathead and Mary Wright.3 He was baptised on 19 July 1802 in Holy Trinity, Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England.3 He married Mary Crowther on 12 December 1831 in St Mary, Manchester, Lancashire, England, after the banns had been read. The ceremony was witnessed by Charles Edwin Frost and Thomas Clark - clerk. Thomas was a cordwainer.4,5,6,7,8 Thomas was listed as the head of the family on the census of 6 June 1841 in Edge End, Little Marsden, Lancashire, England, Thomas was a shoe maker living with his wife and two children.9 His wife Mary died on 10 June 1845 in Chorlton upon Medlock, Manchester, Lancashire, England.10,11 Thomas was listed as head of household in the census of 30 March 1851 at 24 Melbourne Street, Chorlton upon Medlock, Manchester, Lancashire, England, Thomas was a boot maker.12 Thomas was listed as the head of the family of on the census of 7 April 1861 in 24 Melbourne Street, Chorlton upon Medlock, Manchester, Lancashire, England, Thomas was a boot maker and he lived with his son Eli.13 Thomas appears in the Manchester Rate books from 1838-1870 living in a house rented from Thomas Lomas. The address was 24 Melbourne Street, Chorlton upon Medlock, Manchester, Lancashire, England.14 The Retreat, commonly known as the York Retreat, is a place in England for the treatment of people with mental health needs. Located in Lamel Hill in York, it operates as a not for profit charitable organisation.
Opened in 1796, it is famous for having pioneered the humane treatment and moral treatment that became a model for asylums around the world. Founded by William Tuke, it was originally run by and for Quakers but gradually became open to everyone. It inspired other progressive facilities such as the American Brattleboro Retreat, Hartford Retreat and Friends Hospital. The present day Retreat seeks to retain the essence of early moral treatment, while applying the principles to a modern healthcare setting.
The York Retreat developed from the English Quaker community both as a reaction against the harsh, inhumane treatment common to other asylums of that era, and as a model of Quaker therapeutic beliefs. A common belief at the time was that the mad were wild beasts. The recommended medical practices included debilitating purges, painful blistering, long-term immobilisation by manacles, and sudden immersion in cold baths – all administered in regimes of fear, terror and brutality. But the Quakers maintained that the humanity and inner light of a person could never be extinguished. A specific trigger was the death in 1790 of a Quaker, Hannah Mills, a few weeks after she had been admitted to the York Asylum (now known as Bootham Park Hospital). The asylum had not let her friends or family visit her, and they became suspicious. Visiting afterwards to investigate the conditions, the Quakers found that the patients were treated worse than animals.
The Quaker William Tuke was enlisted and took charge of a project to develop a new form of asylum. He appealed to Quakers, personal acquaintances and physicians for funds. He spent two years in discussion with, and issuing explanatory statements to, the local Quaker group (York Monthly Meeting), working out the fundamental principles of the proposed institution. Tuke and his personal physician, Timothy Maud, educated themselves about the current views on "madness" and its treatment. Tuke's conviction, however, was in the importance of benevolence and a comfortable living environment encouraging reflection. Tuke also worked with architect John Bevans to design the new building.
The Retreat opened in 1796 in the countryside outside York. It was planned to take in about 30 people but started with just three, then eight. Unlike mental institutions of the time, there were no chains or manacles, and physical punishment was banned. Treatment was based on personalised attention and benevolence, restoring the self-esteem and self-control of residents. An early example of occupational therapy was introduced, including walks and farm labouring in pleasant and quiet surroundings. There was a social environment where residents were seen as part of a large family-like unit, built on kindness, moderation, order and trust. There was a religious dimension, including prayer. Inmates were accepted as potentially rational beings who could recover proper social conduct through self-restraint and moral strength. They were permitted to wear their own clothing, and encouraged to engage in handicrafts, to write, and to read books. They were allowed to wander freely around The Retreat's courtyards and gardens, which were stocked with various small domestic animals.
There was some minimised use of restraint. Door locks were encased in leather, the bars on windows made to look like window frames, and the extensive gardens included a sunken wall that was impassable yet barely visible. Straitjackets were sometimes used, at least initially, as a threat or a last resort. There was little formal medical involvement and an apothecary, Thomas Fowler, served as physician. He gave the standard medical treatments "ample trial" but reluctantly and "courageously" abandoned them as failures. Fowler worked with George Jepson, the first superintendent of the retreat, and the two gradually concluded that the use of usual fear tactics actually made patients worse, and allaying patient's fears helped them. Jepson was said to have been authoritative yet patient, attentive, observant, kind, and open to new ideas due to limited formal medical training. He arrived at the same time as a talented Quaker nurse Katherine Allen, and the two married in 1806, thus heading the Retreat together.
The approach of The Retreat was widely derided at first. William Tuke noted that "All men seem to desert me. However, it became a model around the world for more humane and psychologically-based approaches. The work was taken on by other Quakers, including Tuke's son Henry Tuke who co-founded the retreat, and Samuel Tuke who helped popularise the approach and convince physicians to adopt it in his 1813 book Description of the Retreat near York. In doing so, Samuel Tuke popularised his use of the term moral treatment that he had borrowed from the French "traitement moral" being used to describe the work of Pussin and Pinel in France (and in the original French referring to morale in the sense of the emotions and self-esteem, rather than rights and wrongs). The term came to refer to a number of moves towards more humane approaches that occurred toward the end of the 18th century in the context of Enlightenment thinking, including also the work of Chiarugi in Italy. Ideas of "moral" management were incorporated, and used for various therapeutic and custodial purposes, in asylums and therapeutic communities around the world.
In 1847 the first formal "medical" superintendent was appointed. Moral therapy was gradually replaced by medication, special diets and hydrotherapy. The size of the institution grew and the formerly close-knit community ethos was left behind. In addition, both Quaker influence and the number of Quaker patients decreased through the century. After the initial period for which it is best known, therefore, there were marked changes in management, therapy and client groups.
Between 1880 and 1884, most patients of The Retreat were under 50, single, and non-Quaker. A majority have been assessed today as having met criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a mood disorder. The majority experienced delusions, with the most common being of persecution, grandeur and guilt, whilst about a third had religious content. Just under a third of patients were suicidal. Drug therapy was commonly prescribed. Just over a third of patients had a history of assault on other patients or asylum staff. About a tenth of patients were force-fed at some stage during their stay. About a half of patients were discharged within a year of admission, with the prognosis being better for patients with a mood disorder than for schizophrenia, but just under a third remained in the asylum for five or more years.15,16 In the census of 2 April 1871 in The Retreat, Lamel Hill, Gate Fulford, York, Yorkshire, England, he was listed as a patient and a shoe maker.17 Thomas died on 6 April 1883 in The Retreat, Lamel Hill, Gate Fulford, York, Yorkshire, England.18,19,11,15 Thomas was buried on 9 April 1883 in Heslington Road, Manchester, Lancashire, England.11
Opened in 1796, it is famous for having pioneered the humane treatment and moral treatment that became a model for asylums around the world. Founded by William Tuke, it was originally run by and for Quakers but gradually became open to everyone. It inspired other progressive facilities such as the American Brattleboro Retreat, Hartford Retreat and Friends Hospital. The present day Retreat seeks to retain the essence of early moral treatment, while applying the principles to a modern healthcare setting.
The York Retreat developed from the English Quaker community both as a reaction against the harsh, inhumane treatment common to other asylums of that era, and as a model of Quaker therapeutic beliefs. A common belief at the time was that the mad were wild beasts. The recommended medical practices included debilitating purges, painful blistering, long-term immobilisation by manacles, and sudden immersion in cold baths – all administered in regimes of fear, terror and brutality. But the Quakers maintained that the humanity and inner light of a person could never be extinguished. A specific trigger was the death in 1790 of a Quaker, Hannah Mills, a few weeks after she had been admitted to the York Asylum (now known as Bootham Park Hospital). The asylum had not let her friends or family visit her, and they became suspicious. Visiting afterwards to investigate the conditions, the Quakers found that the patients were treated worse than animals.
The Quaker William Tuke was enlisted and took charge of a project to develop a new form of asylum. He appealed to Quakers, personal acquaintances and physicians for funds. He spent two years in discussion with, and issuing explanatory statements to, the local Quaker group (York Monthly Meeting), working out the fundamental principles of the proposed institution. Tuke and his personal physician, Timothy Maud, educated themselves about the current views on "madness" and its treatment. Tuke's conviction, however, was in the importance of benevolence and a comfortable living environment encouraging reflection. Tuke also worked with architect John Bevans to design the new building.
The Retreat opened in 1796 in the countryside outside York. It was planned to take in about 30 people but started with just three, then eight. Unlike mental institutions of the time, there were no chains or manacles, and physical punishment was banned. Treatment was based on personalised attention and benevolence, restoring the self-esteem and self-control of residents. An early example of occupational therapy was introduced, including walks and farm labouring in pleasant and quiet surroundings. There was a social environment where residents were seen as part of a large family-like unit, built on kindness, moderation, order and trust. There was a religious dimension, including prayer. Inmates were accepted as potentially rational beings who could recover proper social conduct through self-restraint and moral strength. They were permitted to wear their own clothing, and encouraged to engage in handicrafts, to write, and to read books. They were allowed to wander freely around The Retreat's courtyards and gardens, which were stocked with various small domestic animals.
There was some minimised use of restraint. Door locks were encased in leather, the bars on windows made to look like window frames, and the extensive gardens included a sunken wall that was impassable yet barely visible. Straitjackets were sometimes used, at least initially, as a threat or a last resort. There was little formal medical involvement and an apothecary, Thomas Fowler, served as physician. He gave the standard medical treatments "ample trial" but reluctantly and "courageously" abandoned them as failures. Fowler worked with George Jepson, the first superintendent of the retreat, and the two gradually concluded that the use of usual fear tactics actually made patients worse, and allaying patient's fears helped them. Jepson was said to have been authoritative yet patient, attentive, observant, kind, and open to new ideas due to limited formal medical training. He arrived at the same time as a talented Quaker nurse Katherine Allen, and the two married in 1806, thus heading the Retreat together.
The approach of The Retreat was widely derided at first. William Tuke noted that "All men seem to desert me. However, it became a model around the world for more humane and psychologically-based approaches. The work was taken on by other Quakers, including Tuke's son Henry Tuke who co-founded the retreat, and Samuel Tuke who helped popularise the approach and convince physicians to adopt it in his 1813 book Description of the Retreat near York. In doing so, Samuel Tuke popularised his use of the term moral treatment that he had borrowed from the French "traitement moral" being used to describe the work of Pussin and Pinel in France (and in the original French referring to morale in the sense of the emotions and self-esteem, rather than rights and wrongs). The term came to refer to a number of moves towards more humane approaches that occurred toward the end of the 18th century in the context of Enlightenment thinking, including also the work of Chiarugi in Italy. Ideas of "moral" management were incorporated, and used for various therapeutic and custodial purposes, in asylums and therapeutic communities around the world.
In 1847 the first formal "medical" superintendent was appointed. Moral therapy was gradually replaced by medication, special diets and hydrotherapy. The size of the institution grew and the formerly close-knit community ethos was left behind. In addition, both Quaker influence and the number of Quaker patients decreased through the century. After the initial period for which it is best known, therefore, there were marked changes in management, therapy and client groups.
Between 1880 and 1884, most patients of The Retreat were under 50, single, and non-Quaker. A majority have been assessed today as having met criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a mood disorder. The majority experienced delusions, with the most common being of persecution, grandeur and guilt, whilst about a third had religious content. Just under a third of patients were suicidal. Drug therapy was commonly prescribed. Just over a third of patients had a history of assault on other patients or asylum staff. About a tenth of patients were force-fed at some stage during their stay. About a half of patients were discharged within a year of admission, with the prognosis being better for patients with a mood disorder than for schizophrenia, but just under a third remained in the asylum for five or more years.15,16 In the census of 2 April 1871 in The Retreat, Lamel Hill, Gate Fulford, York, Yorkshire, England, he was listed as a patient and a shoe maker.17 Thomas died on 6 April 1883 in The Retreat, Lamel Hill, Gate Fulford, York, Yorkshire, England.18,19,11,15 Thomas was buried on 9 April 1883 in Heslington Road, Manchester, Lancashire, England.11
Children of Thomas Eli Greathead and Mary Crowther
- Thomas Ely Greathead11 b. 1832, d. 1832
- Thomas Greathead b. 23 Aug 1833, d. 28 Dec 1846
- Elijah Greathead+ b. 20 Jul 1837, d. 1914
Sources of Information
- [S45002] General Register Office, Information taken from Birth certificate of son.
- [S4] Jan's thoughts based on information from census enumeration sheets.
- [S40010] Family History Resource File - Vital Records Index - British Isles/Australia CD Film 990828.
- [S10] Family Record Family Search - Parish register transcript, St. Mary's Church, Manchester, Lancashire, England Church of England. St. Mary's Church (Manchester, Lancashire) Film 0924243 - Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire Parish Registers 1603 - 1910.
- [S40000] Website Lancashire on line - Marriages.
- [S40000] Website www.lan-opc.org.uk.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Manchester, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1930.
- [S47012] Find my past England, Greater Manchester marriages 1570-1936.
- [S41841] UK Census 1841 (HO107) - 7 June 1841 HO107 Piece 509/3 Folio 32 Page 19.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1845/Q2 Chorlton Volume 20 Page 187.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Manchester Non Conformist Deaths and Burials 1758-1987.
- [S41851] UK Census 1851 (HO107) - 30 March 1851 HO107 Piece 2220 Folio 3b Page 28 obtained from FRC CD from Manchester and Lancashire FHS. The original census enumeration sheet has been very badly damaged.
- [S41861] UK Census 1861 (RG9) - 7 April 1861 RG9 Piece 2879 Folio 18 Page 29.
- [S40000] Website Find my past Manchester Rate Boos 1706 - 1900.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - UK, Lunacy Patients Admission Registers, 1846-1912.
- [S40000] Website en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Retreat.
- [S41871] UK Census 1871 (RG10) - 2 April 1871 RG10 Piece 4753 Folio 58 Page 59.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1883/Q2 York Volume 9d Page 25 age 80.
- [S40000] Website www.yorkshirebmd.org.uk - WAL/51/68.
Lucie Button 
#9295, b. 29 September 1896, d. 16 February 1991
Last Edited=1 Jan 2016
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 22 - Thomas Greathead
Lucie Button was born on 29 September 1896.1 She married Bertie Greathead, son of William Thomas Greathead and Jane Wesson, in 1924 in Basford, Nottinghamshire, England.2 On 29 September 1939 in the National Register Lucie was listed as living at 1 Claremont Road, Ealing, London, England, with her husband Bertie. Bertie was a Jig and tool draughtsman and drawing checker living with his wife Lucie. He was also listed as ARP Warden no 1862 Ealing RD.1 Her husband Bertie died on 5 February 1969 in 3 Thornfields Derive, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, England, aged 70.3,4 Lucie died on 16 February 1991 in Byron Nursing Home, 171 Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, England, aged 94.5,6 Her body was cremated David Darkin Button of Deans Croft, Church Road, Yelverton, Norwich applied for the cremation, possibly her brother following a Coroners inquest ion 18 February on 21 February 1991 in Wilford Hill Crematorium, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England.7 Administration papers were issued with a will on 23 April 1991 in Ipswich. Her effects were described as not exceeding £115,000.6
Sources of Information
- [S41939] National Register 1939 - Find my past RG101/0718D/003/11.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1924/Q2 Basford Volume 7b Page 543.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1969/Q1 Bournemouth Volume 6b Page 151.
- [S9] Wills Index in TNA and Probate Office.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - Rushcliffe February 1991 8-1455-291.
- [S9] Wills Index in TNA and Probate Office 9181301311P.
- [S40000] Website Deceased on line.
Elizabeth McNee1 
#9296, d. before 19 June 1921
Last Edited=7 Feb 2023
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 13 - John Greathead
Elizabeth McNee married Alfred Greathead, son of William Greathead and Sarah Farnsworth, on 27 September 1893 in St John the Baptist, Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, England, by Rev J W Milner. Elizabeth was described as youngest daughter of the late Thomas McNee of Crossmyloof of Glasgow.2,3,4 Elizabeth died before 19 June 1921 After her marriage I can find no trace of Elizabeth. Her husband although describing himself as married on both 1901 and 1911 census returns there seems no trace of Elizabeth. Maybe she was in Scotland? He was listed as a widower in 1921.
Jane Denton 
#9297, b. 1838, d. 1901
Last Edited=1 Jan 2016
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 19 - John Greathead
Jane Denton was born in 1838 in Rushden, Northamptonshire, England.1,2,3 She married William Greathead, son of Daniel Greathead and Ann Louch, in 1898 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, Jane was William's second wife.4 In the census of 31 March 1901 she was listed as the wife of William Greathead.5 Jane died in 1901 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.6
Sources of Information
- [S4] Jan's thoughts based on information from census enumeration sheets.
- [S5] Jan's thoughts based on information from GRO or Parish record entries.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1838/Q2 Wellingborough Volume 15 page 383.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1898/Q2 Leicestershire Volume 7a Page 599.
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901 RG13 Piece 2987 Folio 82 Page 6.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1901/Q3 Leicester Volume 7a page 121 age 63.
E Greathead1
#9298, b. about 1875
Last Edited=30 Sep 2004
E Greathead was born about 1875 in Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, England.2 In the census of 31 March 1901 in Radcliffe House, Aylestone Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, England, she was listed as the servant of Edward More.2
Rose Eleanor Greathead1 
#9299, b. 23 March 1900, d. 1924
Last Edited=1 Jan 2016
- Relationship
- 7th great-granddaughter of Thomas Greathead
- Appears on charts:
- Chart 14 - Thomas Greathead
Rose Eleanor Greathead was born on 23 March 1900 in Bowernam Barracks, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.2,3,4,5,6 She was the daughter of Thomas Paul Greathead and Leah Waite. She was baptised on 25 April 1900 in Christ Church, Lancaster, Lancashire, England, her father was listed as a Sergeant Drummer.5 In the census of 31 March 1901 in 6 Norburn Road, South Manchester, Lancashire, England, she was listed as the daughter of Thomas Paul Greathead.7 In the census of 2 April 1911 in 79 Stanley Grove, Longsight, Manchester, Lancashire, England, she was listed as the daughter of Thomas Paul Greathead she was at school.8 In the census of 19 June 1921 in 79 Stanley Grove, Longsight, Manchester, Lancashire, England, she was listed as the daughter of Thomas Paul Greathead Rose was a shorthand typist working for Messrs Beyers, Peacock & Co Ltd.9 She married Bernard James Hooley on 26 December 1922 in St Agnes, Birch in Rusholme, Lancashire, England, after the banns had been read. The ceremony was witnessed by David Hooley and Ethel Florence Greathead. Bernard was an engineer living at 72 Albert Grove, Longsight. Rose gave her address as Lyndene, Allandale Road, levenshulme.10,11,12 Rose died in 1924 in Longsight, Manchester, Lancashire, England.13,6 Rose was buried on 5 April 1924 in Southern Cemetery, Manchester, Lancashire, England, in grave U Church of England number 911. Her parents Thomas Paul and Leah Greathead and niece Elsie Leah Greathead were all buried in the same grave.14
Child of Rose Eleanor Greathead and Bernard James Hooley
- Edward James Hooley b. 1923
Sources of Information
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1900/Q2 Lancaster Volume 8c Page 752.
- [S4] Jan's thoughts based on information from census enumeration sheets.
- [S40000] Website www.lancashirebmd.org.uk - LAN/95/33.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Lancashire, England, Births and Baptisms, 1813-1911.
- [S1682] Letters between Gladys Brooks née Greathead and Jan Cooper from 30 September 2002.
- [S41901] UK Census 1901 (RG13) - 31 March 1901 RG13 Piece 3684 Folio 88 Pages 33 and 34.
- [S41911] UK Census 1911 (RG14) - 2 April 1911 RG14 Piece 24313 RG78 Piece 1393 Registration district 467 sub district 6 enumeration district 32 schedule number 159.
- [S41921] UK Census 1921 (RG15) - 19 June 1921 GBC_1921_RG15_19623_0727.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1922/Q4 Chorlton Volume 8c Page 1241.
- [S40000] Website www.lancashirebmd.org.uk - 26/3/113.
- [S7] Ancestry.com - Manchester, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1930.
- [S3] GRO Indexes - 1924/Q2 Bucklow Volume 8a Page 234 age 24.
- [S40000] Website www.burialrecords.manchester.gov.uk.