MY name is John Gowanlock. My father Leslie, my grandfather Robert, and my great-grandfather, John, were all born in Bolton in 1907, 1878 and 1856, respectively.

My great-grandfather, John, was the son of Robert Thorburn Gowanlock, who came to Bolton from Annan in Dumfriesshire and married Esther Weaver, in Bolton, in April 1848, and set up as a builder and joiner.

Mr Robert Thorburn Gowanlock represented the West Ward on Bolton Council for 10 years prior to his retirement to Poulton where he died in 1900.

His son, John, may also have been a builder and, according to the 1881 Census, he lived with his family at 110 Hampden Street, Bolton, the address of Robert Gowanlock & Sons joinery business.

During the 19th century, and for much of the 20th century, several branches and generations of the Gowanlock family lived and worked in the Bolton area, although their association with building may have ended soon after the turn of the century.

However, during the latter part of the 20th century, their numbers declined as the male lineage died out -- or moved away. I believe no Gowanlocks remain in Bolton -- indeed there are very few in the entire UK -- but understand there is at least one -- and maybe more descendants from the daughters of Gowanlock parentage still residing in the Bolton area who may be able to help us slot more 'pieces of the jigsaw' together.

My son, Stuart, is presently compiling a comprehensive genealogy of the Gowanlock family and, in particular, is keen to obtain more information of the family's associations and connections with Bolton.

I recently visited Bolton while passing through Lancashire and succeeded in locating Gowanlock's Street. It is actually a back street running off Stewart Street and servicing the back entrance to properties in Clyde Street and another street. (Note the Scottish names).

However, the solitary name board, and the gable end to which it is fixed, are both in a state of 'terminal decay' and I would not expect either the board or the wall to be there much longer.

Both Stuart and I would be very interested to know the background to the street and, in view of the family's history in Bolton, would be saddened if Gowanlock's Street was to disappear from the maps.

We would be interested to know whether there are any plans for the redevelopment of the area around Gowanlock's Street and, if so, whether any redevelopment would include a (new) Gowanlock's Street.

We would also like to know what will be done with the old name board when it is removed and would not like to see it consigned to the tip!

Any information your readers may be able to provide, particularly concerning the whereabouts of my aunt, Kathleen Meldrum Bradford, and her daughter, Sandra Meldrum Bradford, last known address Melrose (Avenue?), Bolton, would be much appreciated.

John R Gowanlock

4 Burges Close

Marnhull

Sturminster Newton

Dorset

DT10 1QQ

Tel: 01258 820099