William Rayner (1844-1911)
Village Blacksmith
Born Burley in Wharfedale. Married Mary Ann Bell. They had at least two sons - Thomas Henry Rayner (b1869) & Ernest John Rayner (b1875).
In 1872 William was a blacksmith at Bingley. 1876 blacksmith at Baildon 1877-1881 blacksmith at Saddleworth, Oldham. 1882-1891 blacksmith of Burley. Lived at 4 Back Lane, which was to the rear of the forge on Main Street, Burley in Wharfedale. The image in front of the Forge or Smithy, opposite the Malt Shovel on Main Street, shows the local sexton or grave-digger on the left with large church keys & spade. To the right is William Rayner with leather apron, rasp, spikes and horse shoe. The posters behind are marked Dacre & Son. |
Thomas Henry Rayner (1869-1942) son of William Rayner.
Originally a papermaker at Otley paper mill, he later became a stoker at Greenholme Mills and part-time caretaker at Woodhead Methodist Chapel. Married Lily Horner. He's buried along with his father William Rayner at Menston Parish Church. |
Ernest John Rayner (1875-1908) son of William Rayner.
Trained as a blacksmith but became a coachman at Wharfe View, Ilkley.
Trained as a blacksmith but became a coachman at Wharfe View, Ilkley.
All the above information & images courtesy of the Rayner Archive.
Image: The Old Smithy, Burley Forge, opposite the Malt Shovel, Burley in Wharfedale.
Owners the Rayners - James Rayner, a grandson of William Rayner, standing in the centre. The Smithy, Burley Forge was in use until the 1930s. |
Two views below of the smithy or forge at Burley Woodhead, that was also owned by the Rayners.
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Burley Community Library & Burley Archive, Grange Road, Burley in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire England LS29 7HD
Please refer to the Home page for up-to-date opening times. Closed Wednesday & Sunday
Burley Archive & Local History Group: Drop-In Sessions Friday 2.30pm to 4.30pm. For other times please contact us
Burley Archive & Local History Group: Drop-In Sessions Friday 2.30pm to 4.30pm. For other times please contact us