yelkcub
26-01-2010, 3:20 PM
In Rochdale about 1932 (my late father told me he was about 6 years old at the time) my paternal grandparents split up. I have no idea whether they formally divorced - certainly my grandmother never remarried and remained 'Mrs Buckley' for the rest of her life. However, my father remembered, as a six-year-old child, having to stand up in court and say which parent he preferred to live with - so it seems the legal system was involved to some degree in my grandparents' marital difficulties. It may also be that my grandmother was already showing signs of the mental instability that afflicted her later in life, though my father was permitted to remain with his mother (despite, apparently, an attempt by his father's sisters to kidnap him!) I think he may have spent a short time in an orphanage before this court hearing he remembered.
I have tried the NA catalogue, but have drawn a blank on every permutation of my grandparents's names, and wonder whether there may be another way of pursuing my enquiries. I have contacted the local newspaper, the Rochdale Observer, on the chance that they may have a searchable archive, and wait to hear back. All attempts to trace my grandfather have so far drawn a blank.
Any help or advice gratefully received.
Ian (in Cornwall)
I have tried the NA catalogue, but have drawn a blank on every permutation of my grandparents's names, and wonder whether there may be another way of pursuing my enquiries. I have contacted the local newspaper, the Rochdale Observer, on the chance that they may have a searchable archive, and wait to hear back. All attempts to trace my grandfather have so far drawn a blank.
Any help or advice gratefully received.
Ian (in Cornwall)