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Research by Jacqueline Arundel & Marjorie Gregson
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Margaret Burdekin (1868-1944)
or her sister Elizabeth Burdekin (1869-1958)
'Dean', Preston New Road
Marton, Blackpool
Donated 28 July 1941
It is not known which of the two elder Burdekin sisters donated the
Jacquard Tapestry Return of the Hunters, Bolton Woods
(after Sir Edwin Henry Landseer), acc no 65
Three sisters were born in Lytham to architect, George William Burdekin (1832-1875) and his wife, Elizabeth, nee Bamber (1843-1915). Margaret (1868-1944), Elizabeth (1869-1958) and Edith (1872-1907) remained on the Fylde all their lives and never married. The 1871 census records George and his family as residing in Bannister Street; a servant made up the household. At this time his occupation, although he was only 39, was described as 'retired architect and landowner'. George died, aged 43, in 1875 and was buried at St Cuthbert’s, Lytham. His death was reported in the Preston Chronicle on the 27 March 1875.
In 1881 his widow was residing with her daughters at 5 Beach Street, Lytham, living off private means.
In 1891 Mrs Burdekin had taken up employment and was described on the census as a 'fancy dealer and outfitter', as were both Elizabeth and Edith. At that time they were living in Park Road, Blackpool. When Edith's died in 1907 her funeral was well attended with the names of all the mourners being listed in the newspaper.
By 1901, Elizabeth was living on her 'own means' with Edith and an aunt at 15 Park Road. Her elder sister, Margaret, was living at Moorlands, Garstang Road, Preston, a private school, where she boarded as a teacher. In 1911, by which time Edith had died, Margaret and Elizabeth were living at the address in Park Road, with Margaret's occupation still being recorded as 'governess'.
Mrs Burdekin married Reverend Canon Norman Stuart Jeffrey (1833-1919) of St John's Church, Blackpool in 1899; he retired in 1915 after 46 years service. When Elizabeth died in February 1915 there were several articles in the press about her work for the church. Probate was granted to Margaret and Elizabeth.