SERVANT

Situated in the Consecrated/West Section of Jesmond Old Cemetery.

Ann Black.

Ann was born in Manchester, her baptism being recorded as taking place in September 1799 at St Mary, St Denys and St George, Lancashire, England. Ann’s Fathers, Andrew, was the only other name recorded i.e. no details of her Mother. Her sister, Mary, was baptised in the same place in July of 1801; again, only the Fathers name was recorded.

We know from the inscription on her headstone that Ann went into service at the age of 16. She spent the next 50 years in service for the same family, namely, William George Woods Esquire, Merchant and Banker.

Throughout the Census records it is recorded that the family lived at 18 Eldon Square. Ann died on the 16 May 1866.

The headstone reads:- In Memory of Ann Black Who died in the 66th year of her age Who for nearly 50 years had been The faithful servant and attached friend in the family of the late William Woods Esqr.

Ann left a will, the benefactor being her sister Mary. The will was proved in 1866 and left an amount not exceeding £600, over £92,000.00 in today’s money!