1851 Census: Before The Iron Ore Boom

In 1851, Moor Row was a very small hamlet in the Parish of Egremont. It was not yet the industrial village it became later in the Victorian era; it consisted of only a few agricultural households. 

Moor Row (Low)

This was the main farmstead in the hamlet. It was occupied by the Wildridge family, who were significant local landowners at the time.

Moor Row (High)

In 1851, High Moor Row was home to smaller dwellings or cottages nearby. One of the key families associated with this area - who later became very prominent in the village's development - was the Dalzell family.

Scalegill

Scalegill was a separate collection of houses located just west of Moor Row. It consisted of a cluster of cottages primarily housing agricultural labourers and several small-scale coal or iron ore workers. Scalegill Hall (or Farm) was one of the larger farmsteads in the immediate vicinity.

The Dalzell Legacy

Thomas Dalzell eventually married Elizabeth Wildridge. This union eventually made the Dalzells the principal landowners in the area, leading to the construction of much of the village, including Dalzell Street.

​Summary of the Area in 1851

  • ​Small Community: The total population of Scalegill and Moor Row combined was likely under 50 people.
  • Industrial Shift: While most men were still farmers, the presence of coal miners like John Robinson hinted at the industrial change that would transform the village by the 1860s.
  • Geography: Many of these families, particularly the Benns and Robinsons, remained in the area for generations, later moving into the "Moor Row Junction" houses following the arrival of the railway in 1855.

For information:

​The pivotal union that brought the Wildridges and Dalzells together took place on 8 January 1768.  
  • Thomas Dalzell (then spelled Dalziel, born c. 1739) married Elizabeth Wildridge (born c. 1737).
  • It was this Elizabeth Wildridge who inherited land from her father, John Wildridge, making the Dalzells prominent landowners in Moor Row long before the Victorian era.
​The 1851 Census Data is for their descendants. 

🔍 Archive Deep Dive

To understand the technical mechanics of the village expansion - including the 1855 railway arrival, the shifting boundaries of the Scalegill estate, and the genealogical links between the Wildridge and Dalzell families - read the full historical analysis:

Read: The 1871 Iron Register →

Code Name Age Rel. Occupation Birthplace
MOOR ROW (HIGH & LOW)
MRHJohn Wildridge56HeadFarmerEgremont
MRHElizabeth Wildridge53WifeFarmer's WifeEgremont
MRHJoseph Wildridge25SonFarmer's SonEgremont
MRHElizabeth Wildridge20DauFarmer's DauEgremont
MRHAnn Wildridge12DauScholarEgremont
MRHJohn Mossop20ServFarm ServSt Bees
MRHMary Jenkinson17ServHouse ServLoweswater
MRLThomas Dalzell32HeadGardenerArlecdon
MRLElizabeth Dalzell28WifeHousewifeEgremont
MRLJane Dalzell4Dau-Egremont
MRLJohn Dalzell2Son-Egremont
SCALEGILL (HALL & COTTAGES)
SGHHenry Mossop63HeadFarmerGosforth
SGHJane Mossop52WifeFarmer's WifeDrigg
SGHHenry Mossop22SonFarmer's SonEgremont
SGHClement Mossop20SonFarmer's SonEgremont
SGHJohn Mossop14SonFarmer's SonEgremont
SGHWilliam Mossop12SonScholarEgremont
SGHSarah Mossop10DauScholarEgremont
SGHAnn Mossop8DauScholarEgremont
SGCJohn Robinson35HeadCoal MinerSt Bees
SGCJane Robinson30WifeHousewifeEgremont
SGCWilliam Robinson8SonScholarEgremont
SGCAnn Robinson5DauScholarEgremont
SGCJohn Robinson2Son-Egremont
SGCWilliam Benn45HeadAg LabEgremont
SGCMartha Benn44WifeHousewifeSt Bees
SGCJoseph Benn20SonAg LabEgremont
SGCIsaac Benn13SonAg LabEgremont
SGCMartha Benn11DauScholarEgremont
SGCHannah Benn8DauScholarEgremont
SGCSarah Benn5DauScholarEgremont

Disclaimer: Census Data and Transcription Accuracy

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, please be advised that census transcriptions are subject to inherent errors and omissions. These records are secondary interpretations of historical documents and may contain inaccuracies resulting from:
  • Original Enumeration Errors: Mistakes made by the original enumerator, including phonetic misspellings, incorrect ages, or the omission of household members.
  • Legibility Issues: Difficulties in deciphering archaic handwriting, faded ink, or degraded parchment.
  • Interpretation Discrepancies: Modern transcription errors where letters (such as 'S' and 'L' or 'u' and 'n') have been misinterpreted.
  • Indexing Omissions: Systematic gaps caused by missing pages or damaged sections of the original returns.
This data is provided for research purposes only. Users are strongly encouraged to consult the original digitised images of the census returns to verify any critical information. The Archivist accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or subsequent conclusions drawn from this transcribed material.

Moor Row 1851 Census
1851 Census
Location: Moor Row CA24, UK

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