AN article which appeared in the Evening News of September 23, 1938, stated: 'Only a short distance from here across Breightmet Fold Lane stands an old cottage which, judging from its appearance, was at one time a farmhouse.

Here a stone in the wall bears the inscription "James Crompton; Mary Crompton, October 18th, 1728".

'Attached to the main building is a lean to, where, it is suggested, hand loom weaving at the period was carried on. The Crompton family were important residents of Breightmet at that time. But though this may be the oldest property hereabouts, the district has associations which go much further back into history than that.'

The article has recently been seen by Mr Ken Crompton, who lives in Australia, and he has sent a message to me saying: 'I believe James and Mary Crompton were my ancestors. Our family bible dates back to 1724. It was the bible of Thomas Dickanson and records first the births of his family. His daughter married James Crompton, Hatmaker/Vintner at Manchester Cathedral in 1757. James was born in 1728. His parents were James and Mary Crompton. I believe that Mary's's maiden name may have been Hill. James (the father) was a linen dyer. I have a copy of the will of James Crompton, who died in 1735 in Manchester.'

So interested is Mr Crompton in this, that he is hoping that someone in Bolton can help him identify if his ancestors were the James and Mary Crompton mentioned in the Evening News' article. I am sure, especially because of Samuel Crompton, someone has done the family tree of this well-known local family.

If so, you can contact Ken Crompton at 104 Scenic Crescent, Eltham, Victoria, Australia 3095 (Phone/Fax: (613) 9439 96671. E-mail: crompton@corplink.com.au)