CULPINnet Family History Collection
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Eccleston Family History


Family History and origins of the Eccleston family of Attercliffe cum Darnall, near Sheffield. The research outlines some of our findings including family trees and monumental inscriptions.

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Geographical Areas
Covered

Bilston, West Midlands
Moxley, West Mids
Attercliffe nr Sheffield
Darnall, Sheffield
Gertrude Alice Eccelston with her mother Alice Eccleston (nee Such). CLICK the image for a larger view.
Gertrude Alice Eccleston was born in 1889 at Attercliffe near Sheffield. Her family had worked within the iron trades for several generations as puddlers and shinglers. Her grandfather, George and his brother John had moved from the Wednesbury area of Staffordshire in the mid 1800s to work in the growing new township of Attercliffe cum Darnall. This area had grown from a small hamlet to a large prosperous area of Sheffield famous for its large steel and iron works. By the 1890s it its own well developed town centre which included large department stores and many shops.
The family were strict non-conformists and she attended the local Congregational Church with the rest of her family on a regular basis. Education was limited especially for girls from poor families and Gertrudes experience was no exception. Her parents however were determined that she and her brothers were to have a good start and did all they could.
Attercliffe Congregational Church. CLICK the image for a larger view
The Brightside & Carbrook Co-ops Attrecliffe Road Department Store. It was destroyed by enemy action in WW2. CLICK the image for a larger view.
Her father started to attend meetings above the local Co-op Department store (the Brightside & Carbrook Co-operative Society) and soon became an active member. The society was encouraging its members to be well educated and helped by providing funds for Gertrude to receive secondary education. She was remember this start the society gave her and always remained committed to co-operative values.
Holly Street Pupil Teachers Centre, Sheffield. CLICK the image for a larger view.

Gertrude attended the Sheffield Pupil Teacher Centre on Holly Street and worked part-time as a pupil teacher at Darnall Road School, the school she has attended as a young girl. After she completed studies at Holly Street she gained a full time post at Walkey where she remained until the end of her teaching career.

 Darnall Rd School, Darnall, Sheffield. CLICK the image for a larger view.
She married Alfred Culpin in August 1921 a few months before she stopped teaching. Throughout the war women had often been allowed to work when married but afterwards the rules were often rigidly enforced. Gertrude thought she was going to be allowed to continue but shortly after her marriage she was asked to leave her class and meet a 'man from the office'. The man, an official from the local education authority told her she must finish work immediately. She didn't even finish the term and never worked again as a teacher. As the major wage earner this was a serious blow to the couple and their new start together.
 Walkey School. CLICK the image for a larger view