W.F.Atkinson "Cresswell", Morpeth

[Peter_uk_can]

When W.F Atkinson ordered/purchased the 100ft schooner "Charmian" in 1896, he was simply known as Atkinson "Cresswell", Morpeth, Northumberland.

I am currently searching for details, but this had to be a man of significant wealth who deemed it sufficient to enter his address simply as "Cresswell".

Does anyone have local knowledge who can suggest which of the Atkinsons this may have been.

My search for the Charmian is also posted in the "Ships" section.

[Geoffers]

Can you locate him or the property in any of the historical directories (http://www.historicaldirectories.org/)

Have you tried the 1891/1901 census - either for the name or the address? These might give you a start.

[suedent]

Cresswell is a village very close to Druridge Bay, could it be here that the address refers to. It was certainly suit a gentleman with nautical inclinations better than Morpeth itself.

[Peter Goodey]

Try the 1901 census - a Frank Atkinson is in Creswell with his family and dozens of servants. I'd be surprised if that wasn't your man.

By the way, an address shown as just 'Creswell' is not of any significance. Creswell was a tiny place and practically anyone's address would be shown the same way.

[Peter_uk_can]

Hi Peter. Thanks for the lead. It is looking as if this is the family, I was in the process of researching Creswell (Cresswell) Hall, as I had a good idea that someone who could afford such a schooner would give his address as "Cresswell" simply because he would expect everyone to know what he meant.

I am sure that the Duke of Devonshire, as an example, would describe his address as "Chatsworth"

What is very interesting is that his wife, Clara, was born in Jersey, which gives a connection between my grandfather and also the vessel's Master.
They also have a Valet who was born in Jersey.

I thought I had found the original owners, a stockbroker family in London who were also Jewish, and possibly explained why the schooner was named "Charmian". Now it seems I have new quest.

I really appreciate everyone's help on this, thanks.

Peter_uk_can