Johnny and Margaret Haggan

 Here are my Maternal Grandparents, Johnny and Margaret Haggan (better pictures below). I called them Nanna and Grandad. Nanna's maiden name was Catterall which I believe is a Viking name.



Below to the left is my Grandfather Johnny Haggan and to the right, my Nanna Margaret Haggan.


My Grandfather came over from Ireland to work as a coal miner. He worked at Eden Pit near Consett. He had a tough life often working thigh-deep in the water down the mine. His death certificate has a list of ailments as long as your arm, many unpronounceable and all acquired down the mine. 

My Grandmother is pictured with 3 of her children. I think the girl is my Aunt Mary but I'm not sure who the boys were. 

Johnny and Margaret had 14 children, my mother Winifred being one of the younger ones. They all lived in a tiny miner’s cottage in Crookhall, Consett.  Magaret was the sweetest, kindest lady. She’s not smiling in this picture as she’s just had all her teeth extracted. She was also as deaf as a post.


Richard and Emelia Thompson

My Grandfather Richard (Dick) Thompson and my Gran Emelia Thompson (Ward). My grandad drove the ingot charger at Consett Steelworks. He was also a singer and pianist. Amelia was a stalwart of Consett Methodist Chappel. They’re pictured at Newbiggin Hall, Weardale which I’m told was once the family seat until the lands reverted to the crown.