Heckler Houses, Ripon

[Jan65]

Hi all

Not sure if this is the right forum but a branch of my ancestors were living in Heckler Houses, Ripon, Yorkshire, in 1861, 71 and 81 and I've always wondered what the houses were. I don't think they're a workhouse as there is no mention of master or matron or anything like that. I've seen them marked on an old map of Ripon, online, and they were on Heckler Lane. They seem to be little bit set away from the main town. There seem to be several families living in these houses in each census.

Nothing googles for Heckler Houses but Heckler Ripon brings up a few references to businesses and such on Heckler Lane - plus a planning application for a porch extension to a Heckler House at 28 Heckler Lane which is a listed building apparently ... perhaps I should write to this address?!

Has anyone heard of them?

Janice

[arthurk]

I can't answer your question, I'm afraid, but the Ripon Historical Society And Family History Group might be able to help.

Arthur

[Geoff Rogers]

One of my ancestors was described as a "heckler" and was involved in flax dressing. Were these houses used in the weaving industry?

Geoff

[Jan65]

Apologies for the delay in reply - I've only just noticed your messages.

I can't answer your question, I'm afraid, but the Ripon Historical Society And Family History Group might be able to help.

Thank you very much for this link Arthur; I've emailed the RHS this morning with my query. Fingers crossed.

One of my ancestors was described as a "heckler" and was involved in flax dressing. Were these houses used in the weaving industry?

The families living there don't seem to be weavers, but I wonder if they were old buildings that had been involved in the weaving industry previously? I'll wait to see what the RHS says, but thank you for your reply, much appreciated.