Arthur William Bickerdike

To date I have managed to trace my maternal side of my gt gt Grandfather. The first record I have managed to find for Arthur William Bickerdike is in the birth register in Pontefract, west Yorkshire in 1850. He next appears on the 1851 Census, where at 9 months old he was living with his father John Bickerdike, a Coachman and his Mother, Mary in Church Lane, Kippax, Yorkshire.

In 1861, the census shows us that Arthur, aged 10 had moved to 6 Broomfield in Skircoat, Yorkshire, with his Mother & Father who is shown as now being a domestic servant coachman.

Skircoat is a District of Calderdale to the south of Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.In the 13th century, the land was granted to the Earl Warren, and then passed to the Savile family. This was an independent township before being absorbed by the Borough of Halifax in 1892. The name was originally Schircotes and means building on the rocks. The Skircoat Green Area of Halifax is north of Salterhebble and is one of the most expensive areas of Halifax.

In 1871, the census shows that Arthur and his parents had now moved to 6 Fosters Court, Halifax. By now John had become a Cab Proprietor whilst Arthur who was now 20, was a Pianoforte Makers Apprentice. In the same part of Halifax a company called Pohlmann & Sons built pianos and employed around 40 people. One of the founders also came from Skircoat. Although not proven, it is probable that this is where Arthur served his apprenticeship.

Between 1871 & 1878 he married Mary Ann Dack, from North Tuddenham in Norfolk. I have yet to locate the marriage details but have established that they had Frank Arthur Bickerdike around 1876 in Halifax. (Frank's marriage certificate of 1898 has his name as Frederick Arthur Bickerdike but all other documentation has him as Frank. Living members of the family confirm that he was known as Frank)

On February 8th 1874 he was mention in the ERA Newspaper for having written new songs for Little Red Riding Hood at the Theatre Royal in Halifax.

In November 187, again in the ERA, he was credited for writing the songs "Johnnie Dear, Lead the Way", "Randalls" and M.P."

in March 1876, The Graphic paper in London reviewed a new song "Strolling Down the Lanes" along with "When I Gits to be an M.P."


Then in 1878 Rose Beatrice was born at 118 East Lane, Sheppey, Kent. Her birth certificate shows that Arthur had now become a Musical Director. Then in 1879, Arthur William (Jnr) was born at the same address. However, this time his birth certificate shows Arthur William senior as a Professor of Music.

In July 1879, as Musical Director of the Criterion in Sheerness, he advertised in the ERA for first class Gymnastics and Trapeze artists.

In September 1879, again in the ERA, he as listed as one of the mourners at the funeral of Harry Wills at Sheerness Cemetery.

On November 2nd 1879, The ERA announced the birth of a son to Mr & Mrs A.W. BIckerdike. This is Arthur William Bickerdike who only lived until 1891, when he died in a hospital in Folkestone.

In October 1880, he was recorded in The ERA as the Manager of the Theatre Royal in Burnley. However, by March 1881 he was advertising his services as a Pianist who could read at sight. He listed his previous appointments as being with the Criterion in Sheerness, Theatres in Burnley& Todmorden, Rinks, Margate & Boulogne.

The Census of 1881 shows that Arthur was living at 40 York Street, Dover, along with Mary A, Frank A, Rose B & Arthur W. His occupation is that of Pianist. The Official Census notes have been recorderded incorrectly as they show the surname as 'Bockendike'. A common but frustrating error that can bring research to a halt.

on the 25th June, 1881, The ERA announced the birth of a Daughter to the Wife of Mr A W Bickerdike, Pianist at the Phoenix Music Hall. This would have been Maude who moved to Rotherham in 1898.

In October 1881, in the ERA under an advert for Miss Minnie Gough, vocalist and burlesque Actress, AW Bickerdike is credited with another great success with his new song "I'll Bite You".

2 weeks later, on 15th October 1881, the ERA spoke of the Immense success of new songs by A.W.Bickerdike, "Keep it Dark and I'll Buy You a Bracelet" and "Kiss it Better" They also warned of pilfering in the article and stated that the songs were legally protected.

January 1882, he was still at the Phoenix in Dover as according to the ERA, he presented a Gold Signet ring to Mr R Mills on behalf of the professionals.

On February 4th 1882, the ERA announced the death of Mary Bickerdike, Mother of A.W.Bickerdike, musical director of the Phoenix Music Hall Dover.

In June 1884, The Bolougne Fish Girl, Kate Costello was credited with performing new and original business by A.W.Bickerdike Esq. "I Don't believe all that they say" a big hit.

By June 1887, Arthur was again advertising his services as a Pianist and gave his contact address as Back's Varieties, Folkestone. A similar advertisment was placed on march 5th 1887, this time stating that his Hall was closed for alterations.

September 1887 in the ERA, under the heading 'The Original Continental Belle, Miss Annie Chantrell, Burlesque actress and Champion Fling Dancer at the Clarence Theatre Dover. Latest Success, "I don't know why," by A.W.Bickerdike.

The for three weeks running, in October 1887, he was credited with his songs "Fancy," "You needn't Crow" and "Now You've Got It" all sung by Miss Kate Kelly, the Peerless Impersonator with a voice, wardrobe, songs and business second to none.

The in November and December 1887, 2 advertisments were placed by him in the ERA, offering his services as a pianist and composer with Good Songs Ready.

Then on Saturday, April 13 1889, in the ERA the following letter was printed:-

'Mr.Editor,-Sir,- Permit me in as few words as possible to inform my friends that I, Arthur William Bickerdike, Pianist, formerly of the Criterion, Sheerness; Kemp's Phoenix, Dover; and latterly of Back's Varieties, Folkestone, have been suffering from a serious illness which has now entirley debarred me from work of any kind whatever. All our little savings, &c, have gone. I have a wife and four children to share my misfortunes, and I am at last compelled thus to plead for assistance. I enclose my doctor's certificate, and trusting my urgent appeal will result favourably, I am, sir, yours obediently, A.W.Bickerdike, 26, Young's road, Folkestone,Kent.'

Finally on July 20th, 1889 under the Breaking Engagements section of the Era, the following announcement was made:-

DIED, on July 6th, A.W.Bickerdike, pianist, of 26, Young's-road, Folkestone, aged thirty-nine years.

The death certificate for Arthur William Bickerdike, aged 39, states that he died from pulmonary phthisis (?)

Bickerdike Family Reseacrh

Welcome to my Bickerdike family research blog. I have embarked on a journey that is full of interesting twists and turns and more than its fair share of obstacles. However, the journey is proving to be so addictive.

I hope that by creating this blog I may be able to gather more information about the Bickerdikes and in the process help others researching the same name.

My Branch of the Bickerdikes came to Kent from Yorkshire (Kippax) around 1875. Arthur William Bickerdike set up home in Sheerness before moving to Deal, Dover & Folkestone. Arthur had a very interesting life and became a celbrity in his own right. More information on Arthur; his achievements and his descendants on my next posting.

I will update this blog with information on a new individual from my family on a regular basis.Please let us know about any possible links to my branch of the Bickerdikes or any other information that could be of interest to others.

Regards
Gary