George Andrew

George Andrew of Compstall Mill and Estate

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Some Notes of the history and family background to George Andrew of Compstall.

The intention is not to provide a genealogy of the Andrew family but to provide some background to the family and demonstrate the links between the Andrew family of Harpurhey with the family of George Andrew (1779-1854) recognised as the founder of the mill complex and village of Compstall. Certainly, up to the 1990’s, even though there had been a number of pamphlets published outlining the history and development of the family’s business interests there was an absence of solid research into the origins of the family. R. E. Thelwall is one of the most often quoted who wrote a number of pamphlets relating to the Andrew family.

In “The Andrews of Harpurhey and Compstall” he suggested that the Andrew family originated in Rochdale and owned land at Newhey and Middleton prior to Thomas Andrew (1754-1821) commencing printing at Harpurhey as early as 1788. Various other pamphlets were written by Jean Gent, a local historian, “Compstall Mill and other business interests of the Andrew’s family”, ”The Village of Compstall;” “One Family and their village”, being some of her works which were held at Stockport Library.

The Andrew family’s involvement in textile processing in Manchester commences with John Andrew (1708-1778). During his long life he married twice and had 21 children. From his first marriage to Ruth Bancroft he was survived by two children, John and Elizabeth. From his second marriage he was survived by 7 children, 6 of whom were boys. James, William, Samuel, Thomas, Robert and George. The Baptism records of the Collegiate Church relating to his children note John Andrew variously a “Linnen Dyer” and a “Blue Dyer”

The will of John Andrew.

The will of John Andrew Dyer of Manchester not only indicates who he was survived by, but also gives credence to the fact that John had two families. It also helps to explain the attainment of wealth that allowed for the purchase of large tracts of land in the Harpuhey area in the next generation by Thomas and Robert.

After making provision for his wife Hannah his first concern is for the welfare of his son George born 1763 and ensuring that he gained a satisfactory apprenticeship and was provided for up to the age of 14. To James he gave his silver tankard. Samuel and Robert were to continue the family business in the dyehouse. It was Robert who later went on to purchase the Greenmount Estate in Harpurhey.

John and Elizabeth were expressly excluded from his will except for the provision of mourning clothes. This suggests that they were provided for by the Bancroft family after Ruth's death in 1748 when they would have been about ten. I believe that the Bancroft's were a Manchester merchant family. James and Thomas had had eighty pounds each whilst he was alive. Provision was made for his 3 surviving daughters Ann, Sarah and Charlotte.

Sale particulars of John Andrew’s Dyehouse

Transcription of the sale particulars of John Andrew’s Dyehouse. From the Manchester Mercury 9th Feb 1779 At Fletcher’s Tavern, in Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, upon Sunday the 27th day of February,1779, between the hours of Four and Six in the Afternoon, subject to the conditions of Sale which will be there and then produced.

The INHERITANCE in FEE SIMPLE, of land in a Messuage or Dwelling-House, Two Dye-houses, a Dry house, Stove, and Cow-house; and other Conveniences, containing about 850 square Yards of land unbuilt upon, situate and being near to, and communicating with Church-Street, in Manchester aforesaid, late in the Possession of Mr John Andrew, deceased, and now in the occupation of his widow, subject to the Payment of an annual Chief Rent of £5 11 s 31/2d for ever, and subject to an Annuity or Rent charge of £15 to the widow of the said John Andrew, during her life.

The buildings are in good Repair, and the premises are well situated and adapted for a Dyer and are well supplied with the necessary conveniences. Further Particulars may be had from Mr Hodson, Mr Akers or Mr Hardman of Manchester, (The executors of Mr Andrew’s Will) or from Mr Fox Attorney at Law in Manchester. A youth, of the Age of Sixteen, wants a Place as Apprentice in the Fustian Branch. A small Fee will be given. Enquire of the before-mentioned Executors.

The position of the Dyehouses are considered to be at the corner of Church Street and Tib Lane. The William Green Manchester map of 1787-1794 shows a small lane running from Church Street to Tib Street, named Andrews Lane. The River Tib had already been been culverted on this map and would have provided the water necessary for textile processing.

A further testament to John Andrew’s growing wealth and status was the purchase of his silver plate in the mid 1750s. He elected to have his plate engraved with the arms of an extinct Andrew family The arms as used in the 1750s were originally awarded to a Norfolk family of Andrewe or Andrew after a Herald’s Visitation to Norfolk in 1563. The College of Arms record manuscript G/67v refers to a narrative pedigree recording the pedigree of Edmond Andrewe living 1563 in London, son of George Andrewe of Bishops Lynn, seventh son of Thomas Andrewe of Derham. The stag’s head is white, the shield is white and the bend and cotises are Black and the mullets are also white. A derivative of these arms was used by George Andrew of Compstall on his memorial and hang outside the Andrew Arms pub in Compstall.

Further information as to the development of the Andrew family involvement in Manchester Textiles can be drawn from the late 18th Century Trade Directories and other sources.

John Andrew (1740-1798) First surviving son by Ruth Bancroft. On his Marriage Licence in 1760 he is stated as 19 years of age and a Dyer of the Parish of Manchester, town of Salford. In 1777, James Holland was apprenticed to John Andrew, Calico Printer of Crumpsall. His will of 1796 quotes him as being a “Printer of Crumpsall”

James Andrew (1749-1794) First surviving son of John Andrew’s second marriage to Hannah Bailey It was noted in The Manchester Mercury 10 Dec 1776 that the Partnership between James Andrew and Thomas Andrew was dissolved. There are various references to “James Andrew” in local directories but their veracity cannot be confirmed.

Samuel Andrew (1753-1806) Known to be a Cotton Spinner from his marriage record in 1802 to Jane Wright.

Thomas Andrew of Harpurhey (1754-1821) Baptised 25th December 1754 Thomas Andrew son of John Andrew, Church Street, Dyer. His Partnership with his brother James as Calico Printers was dissolved and reported in the Manchester Mercury 10 Dec 1776. His Partnership with his brother Samuel was dissolved and reported in the Manchester Mercury 17 Oct 1780. Bailey’s Directory 1784. Prestwich Manchester Occupation: Callico printer textiles (a) Warehouse at Market Street Lane. His father John the "Blue dyer" was also in Market Street Lane. 1788 Listed in Lewis’s Directory. Thomas Andrew of Moston, Calico Printer, attending Manchester Market. 1801 Banks Directory of Manchester and Salford. Thomas Andrew of High Street Turkey Red Dyer

Robert Andrew (1756-1801) 1788 Lewis’s Directory. Robert Andrew, Blue dyer of Church Street 1801 Banks Manchester and Salford Directory. Robert Andrew, Dyer, Andrew’s Lane near Church Street. Robert was encouraged in the Will of his father to continue the family tradition of Dyeing. This location suggests that he bought dyeworks from his father’s estate. Robert dyed young and was succeeded by his two surviving sons Robert (1778-1831) and John Andrew (1789-1848)

The following extracts record the Purchases of the Harpurhey Estates by Thomas and Robert Andrew From a History of Collyhurst and Harpurhey.

"Turkey red dyeing was an industry which seems to have belonged to the Andrews and the Harpurhey district exclusively. In 1791 Robert Andrew of Manchester, dyer, took over the interest of a farm at Harpurhey from Joseph Retford for a sum of £80. Two years later in 1793 Robert Andrew secured a further lease on these lands from Willim Hutton for a term of 99 years on condition of an annual payment of £91. This property consisted of upwards of 24 acres and is thus described "the Under Ground, the Barnfield, the Great Meadow, the Wheat Croft, The Holt Acre, the Higher Gutter Twigg, the Lower Gutter Twigg, the Great Clough, the Wheat Croft Brow, the Further Tough Hey, the Long Pit Tough Hey, The Sand Hole Tough Hey, the Nearer Tough Hey."

In 1795 Mr Andrew obtained from Mr Hutton a further lease of lands and tenements for a term of 14 years at an annual rent of £50. In 1801 Robert Andrew died intestate and his widow who administered, sold in 1805 the works, implements, and utensils used in the trade, and her husbands interest in the estate to her son Robert for £6338. In 1808 Mr Hutton decided to sell off the Harpuhey Estates and they were sold at the Bridgewarer Arms, Manchester. Mr Robert Andrew was the purchaser for the sum of £8000, the estates consisting of 67 acres which were conveyed to him and his heirs forever. He added to this a further 42 acres in two separate estates for which he paid Mr Hutton £5000. On a portion of his estate he built a fine mansion Green Mount Hall in which he lived until his death in 1831.

Boardmans tenements, as it was called, was held by Thomas Andrew of Harpurhey to whom it was conveyed in 1810. The tenements and the lands connected therewith, in all 50 acres, were purchased at a cost of £6700.It was here that Harpurhey Hall was built. The gate and lodge were at the corner of Turkey Lane and the park covered the large area that used to be known as Andrew's Field. It was sold in 1847 by Frances Andrew for £8400 to John Barratt."

From the Victorian History of England.

The estate of Harpurhey was in the family of Hutton from about the fourteenth century until 1808-1810 when it was sold to Thomas Andrew and Robert Andrew, the former purchasing Boardman's Tenements and the latter Greenmount and other lands. Thomas Andrew's estate as Harpurhey Hall descended to his son Edward, after whose death it was in 1847 sold to John Barratt. Robert Andrew died in 1831 having bequeathed his estate to trustees for his daughter and heir Robina, wife of Captain Conran. The Green Mount estate in 1794 consisted of several farms held on lease from the Huttons. Among the field names were Gutter Twigg, Great Clough, Tough Hey, Bowhouse field and Pingle; there was a stream called Moss Brook."

From a History of John Shaw's Tavern in the Shambles.

The Andrews were very well known in Harpurhey; there were several families of them. Two of the Andrews at least were members of the club during the period 1825-1835. One was Thomas Andrew, a calico printer with works at Harpurhey and a warehouse in Church Street. He was a brother of the better known Jonathan Andrew of Hendham Hall, an estate of 30 acres, bought in later years for conversion into Queens Park. Jonathan was (a) constable of Manchester at the period of the Peterloo Massacre in 1819, having been appointed junior constable to John Moore in 1818. Thomas Andrew left the club when he went to live in retirement in Cheltenham. Thomas Andrew senior had come to Harpurhey in 1788 and started block printing. He built Harpurhey Cottage and died in 1821. The son (Thomas junior) figures in Sam Bamford's recollections of an incident in Harpurhey following Bamford's arrest as one of the Peterloo agitators. The Andrews have been described by a later member (of the club) "as all men of wealth and influence, men who kept cellars of good wine and, who gave bountiful old fashioned feasts to their personal friends"

Robert Andrew of Harpurhey was a member of the club around 1825-1831. He was a sidesman and churchwarden (1820) at Manchester Collegiate Church, surveyor of highways,and on Market Street Commision, on the Manchester committee of the Norwich Union Fire and office, a member of the Literacy and Philosophical Society,Portico Library, Pitt Club, Natural History Society, and Union Club.In 1830 a fancy dress ball took place at the Gentlemans'd Glee Club and Robert Andrew appeared in a Turkish costume.

Robert Andrew senior had started Turkey red dyeing in Harpurhey in 1791 but died 10 years later. His widow disposed of the business to her son Robert Andrew, the John Shaw member, who spent £13000 in the acqisition of one hundred acres of freehold when the Hutton family sold their Harpurhey estates. He built Green Mount Hall, which was associated withe name of Andrew for may a long year. He had married a young widow Mary Ann widow of J. C.Townend at St John's, 17th May 1815, who died in Sep 1821. He died, still a widow, 9th June 1831 and was buried at All Saints. He left an only child Robina Augusta who married Capt. William Adam Conran."

Thomas Andrew of Harpurhey, Calico Printer died 14 September 1821 according to his memorial in the crypt of St Paul’s Compstall, confirmed by his death notice in the Manchester Guardian. He was buried 19th September at St John’s in Manchester. He was survived by eleven of his children…..

The Will of Thomas Andrew of Harpurhey, Calico Printer 1822. (Abbreviated)

This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas Andrew of Hapurhey in the Parish of Manchester and County of Lancaster. Calico Printer. Annuity to his wife Mary of £170 per annum paid bi-annually and charged upon his “Boardmans Estate” in Harpurhey.To take effect 3 months after his demise. The “Barlows Estate” adjoining the “Boardmans Estate” left to his son Thomas on payment of £2500 owed to Richard Tarrant of Bury. Trustees appointed. His sons Thomas, George and Littlewood and John Taylor of Chorlton Row to administer all his property, lands and assets having settled the following outstanding bequests Payment to John Sylvester Esq. £4200 against an outstanding mortgage on the Boardmans Estate and £1000 outstanding mortgage on the Hawkslee Esate at Winkle, Cheshire. His wife and daughters, Ann, Mary, Maria and Eliza to continue to reside in his house at Harpurhey and occupying his estate including the use of his wines, household goods and farming equiptment. His estate at Hawkslee and his share of the estate and printworks at Compstall shared with his sons George and Jonathan to be disposed of by auction or private sale, George being the preferred purchaser. The price being based on the last stock valuation. The part of the Boardmans Estae, about 7 acres, with the printworks and the dyehouse rented by Thomas at £170 per annum to be purchased from his estate by Thomas at a cost of £3400. If the state is not purchased within 12 months then the property to be sold by his trustees. If and when his wife and daughters cease to co-habit then his personal assets are to be liquidated in the hope that one of his sons George, Thomas, Littlewood, Jonathan, Edward, and James by priority of age should become the purchaser of the Boardman’s Estate. An annuity of £100 per annum to be paid to his son John on the basis that it is not used as security or to resolve a personal bankruptcy. At the eventual liquidation of his estate the sums already paid to his children for their advancement in business to be accounted for. Thomas £1500; George £10000; Littlewood £1000; Edward £400; John £500; His residual estate to be equally divided between his 11 surviving Children in equal parts. Namely: Thomas, George, Littlewood, John, Jonathan, Ann, Edward, Mary, James, Maria and Eliza. During the minorities of James, Mary, Maria, and Eliza his trustees to take £100 per annum each from his estate towards their support, maintenance and education. James to be found a suitable apprenticeship. His sons Thomas, George and Littlewood, and John Taylor to act as Executors of his will.

Witnessed by William Whittenbury and 2 Clerks at Taylor Unwin Solicitors.23rd Jan 1814.

Probated proved 14 Feb 1822.

Thomas Andrew (1778-1843) 1st son. Thomas showed a disinclination toward manufacturing and whilst his will states him to be a Gentleman of Harpurhey he spent a large part of his adult life at Rosehill, Prestbury, Cheltenham assumedly as a Gentleman. Thomas died at Rosehill, Prestbury, Cheltenham, 25th Nov 1843. His will was dated 29 Oct 1832, proved 14 March 1844 at Manchester, under £7000. and refers to his sons brothers and sisters." to my natural son Thomas Andrew property in Crumpsal, Blackley, Harpurhey and Hollyhurst subject to the payment of the following annuities and after his decease to his eldest son, but leaving no son, to my natural son Henry for ever. To my sister Eliza Andrew to be paid out of rents etc £250 and to live rent free in my house at Harpurhey (containing 9 acres) To brothers, Jonathan, Edward and James each £100 per annum for life. To brother George 30 freehold houses at Compstall. co.Chester, paying out of rents £100 per annum to brother John""To my brother Edward the land that he now occupies part of the Barlows estate and which my late father took from his estate" "to my natural son Henry 5 properties in Oak Street, 4 in Foundary Lane, and 4 in Scholes St Manchester."He also mentions his sister Mary Green. In the context of discussing the family connections and involvements with George Andrew of Comspstall it is to be noted that Thomas, the owner of 30 properties in Compstall willed these to George.

George Andrew of Compstall. (1779-1854) 2nd son. Born 11 Oct 1779 as referenced by his memorial in the East end of St. Paul’s Compstall. George is credited with the development of textile processing in Compstall and the building of the mill, the mill workers cottages, the Athenaeum, the school and the public reading room as well as the commodious Compstall Hall.

Notable dates.

1815 Purchased Werneth Hall, Romiley, from J. Bradshaw-Isherwood.

1817 It is suggested that George Andrew and Thomas Andrew purchased 700 acres of land at Werneth

1821 In the will of Thomas Andrew (1754-1821) his share in the estate and print works at Compstall which he shared with his sons George and Jonathan (1799-1868), 4th son, should be sold, maybe by auction, and that he favoured George to be the preferred bidder.

5 Jun 1822 George Andrew assaulted in Oldham Road near St George’s Church on his way to meet up with his brother Jonathan Andrew of the Hendham Hall Estate. Reported in the Westmorland Gazette.

1824. First cloth woven at Compstall

1828 Spigot’s Commercial Directory of 1828-1829 Shows James, 8th son, and Edward Andrew, 7th son, of Thomas Andrew of Harpurhey, as calico printers in Compstall

1828 Extract of the lease under which George Andrew could mine for coal. The said Bernard Edward Duke of Norfolk have granted, demised, leased …. Unto George Andrew his executors, administrators, and assigns all the beds, mines, seams and veins of coal whatsoever lying under and within a certain wood belonging to the said Duke called Erno-croft and Torr Top Wood and also under and within all those several closes, fields and parcels of land called or distinguished by the names of the Far Briscow Meadow, The Long Meadow, The Meadow, The High Field, The far Field, The Near Kiln Field, The Far Kiln Field, The Torr Top, The Briscow Hill, The Near Briscow Meadow, The Cote Green, The Long Shut Meadow, The Lower Field and The Stubble Field. The whole of which said wood and closes of land are in the possession of the said Bernard Edward Duke of Norfolk and in the Occupation of Robert Stanney, William Turner, the said George Andrew, , Peter Radcliffe, John Hibbert and Thomas Andrew as tenants thereof respectively, and are situate in Ludworth in the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby.

c1829 Partnership thought to be formed between George Andrew, Thomas Andrew (junior) and Joshua Bruckshaw.

1832 Birth of Jane, the daughter of James Andrew, 7th son, is shown in the 1881 census as having been born in Werneth. This demonstrates that James was involved in printing at Compstall with his brother Edward prior to his ill-fated venture at the Danewater Estate at Handforth, Cheshire

1835 Pigot’s Commercial Directory In this Directory there are 4 references to the Andrew family at Compstall Bridge. Gentry and Clergy: George Andrew, Esq. Green Hill, Compstall Bridge. Calico Printers: Edward and James Andrew, Compstall Bridge. Coal Merchants: George Andrew, Compstall Bridge

24 March 1842. The Partnership between Thomas Andrew(junior), George Andrew(senior) and Joshua Bruckshaw trading as Andrew Bruckshaw and Co. trading as cotton spinners and manufacturers was dissolved. Reported in the Manchester Courier 12 May 1842.

The will of Thomas Andrew senior in 1822 leaves no doubt as to the involvement of himself and two of his sons, George and Jonathan in the formation and development of the Compstall mill complex. The major involvement of Thomas Andrew junior is noted in the Partnership agreement of 1829? and also his will of 1843 in leaving 30 freehold houses to George. By 1828 Edward and James were involved in printing at Compstall as identified by the reference in Spigot’s Directory. Whilst George is credited as being the driving force behind the development of Compstall the involvement of his father Thomas, senior and his siblings should not be ignored.

If George senior initiated the development of Compstall mill and village then it was George, junior who really drove the project towards its zenith. His elder brother Thomas whilst being connected with Compstall was domiciled at Claughton on the Wirral by the time of his death in 1860 at the relatively young age of 45 years. His father’s will left him a considerable legacy on the basis that he didn’t seek protection from his creditors or go bankrupt. James his younger brother had been tragically killed in an accident involving the recharging of an air rifle cylinder aged 24, in 1843, and Charles (1822-1899) is more closely connected with Ham Court, Upton on Severn, and Coughton Court, Alcester than he is with Compstall. He was a benefactor to the Church of St Mary’s at Guarlford, Upton on Severn and is remembered by a stain glass window and is buried in the graveyard there. Charles would certainly have had a financial interest in Compstall.

George Andrew junior (1817-1873) was not blessed with sons who survived childhood. For the business to survive into the next generation he encouraged Montague Woodmass the husband of Edith Alice Andrew his 4th child to become involved in the business. It is Montague Woodmass who took over the running of the business after the death of George junior and who is shown in the 1871 census as resident at Greenhill or Compstall Hall. His profession is shown as cotton manufacturer, calico printer and non practicising barrister. It was his influence that led to the Compstall works maximising its output in the early 1890s, to be followed by its absorption into the Calico Printers Association. Compstall and the Strine’s works were two of the larger entities to form the Calico Printers Association. Soon after the formation of the CPA the Compstall works was closed down.

The inter-generational transfer of accumulated wealth and the cohesiveness of the individual Andrew businesses played a major roll in George Andrew’s ability to develop the mill and village of Compstall.

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