Hello Dianne
Thank you for the collection of interesting tales about John Wilkinson. My father was adamant that we are directly related to him. He told a wide eyed me many an anecdote about John Wilkinson’s interesting life. The trouble is that I believe that most of these tales suffered hugely from aggrandisement. I sincerely regret not being more enquiring then when all my seniors were alive. Now, there is no-one as far as I know who can satisfy or guide our interest. I am grateful that my daughter Susan is taking a keen interest.
We would love to hear from anyone who can throw a bit more light on John Wilkinson’s life, and maybe on the following
It is related that John was the first person in the world to consider and sucessfully build an iron boat.
It is said that when his remains were moved from Castlehead, the church authorities would not allow him to be buried within the boundary of the cemetery. He was thus buried just outside the cemetery close to the boundary wall.
Some believe he should be given some credit for timely naval successes of that period. It is quite probable that he invented a method of manufacturing gun barrels which were much more accurate than the ones in common use by other navies.
He was known as “Iron mad Wilkinson”. Cast iron structures fabricated in his works can be found all over the world to this day.
He was too large for the iron coffin he had made for himself. The replacement coffin came from London.
He had serious interests in other industries like tile and clay pipe manufacture.
The drawn out and acrimonious disposal of the estate gave Charles Dickens the basis of a story for “ Bleak House”
A percentage of wages for his workers was paid with money (tokens) made by him. This had to be spent at ‘his’ shops. The Wilkinson penny is quite a common collectors piece.
…..and so it goes on.
I was connected with The Wilkinson Society at one time, but they were apparently convinced that there were no ancestors in this country, to the point of rudeness. They doubted too if any family lines existed in the States. We had relatives in the States who lent my mother and us three kids a house in Philadelphia for the first part of the war. We returned to U.K. prematurely, thinking the war was over.
Our family definitely had “status” at one time, having very strong connections with the Wilkinson name for a couple of hundred years at least. But, for some reason unfortunately family ties were not strong.
I am so glad that my daughter is following this intrigue. It would be great to hear from you. Best through Susan as I am not too savvy with bits and bytes.
Rob Campbell (born Wilkinson).

Hello,
I would be fascinated to hear more about links to John Wilkinson and if anyone has any archives. I have done a lot of research on John Wilkinson, particularly on his development of his garden at Castle Head and have an article forthcoming in the Cumbria Gardens Trust’s ‘Occasional Papers’. If I can help with any information, do ask.
Dianne

Thanks dad 😊 it would be good to find out unanswered questions wouldn’t it ? Then we’d finally know ❤️ xx

Thanks Sweetie. No mention of the iron boat I see…..perhaps that was the empty coffin afloat in Morecombe Bay ! I will put something together based on our investigations 50years ago. As usual, more questions than answers ! Hugs x

Sorry my Dad .. Rob has posted a comment above

Hi Samantha , I’d love to give you lots of information on the line I descend from but sadly I do not know.
Dad sent me the link last night and I’ve told him I’ve written a reply to it and hopefully he will too to try and give more information.
I’ve tried Emailing Bill Oddie as apparently he is a has a family link to John Wilkinson . I had no reply .
I’ll speak to my dad tonight . All our information is very vague and I’d love to know more.
Kind regards
Sue

Hi Samantha , I’d love to give you lots of information on the line I descend from but sadly I do not know.
Dad sent me the link last night and I’ve told him I’ve written a reply to it and hopefully he will too to try and give more information.
I’ve tried Emailing Bill Oddie as apparently he is a has a family link to John Wilkinson . I had no reply .
I’ll speak to my dad tonight . All our information is very vague and I’d love to know more.
Kind regards
Sue

Hi Susan, I’ve just seen your post 3 years later… There is a lot of great info online. Any chance I can come hang out at Castle Head for a year or two? I’ll pay my own airfare, sleep in a closet, and mop the floors haha! Seriously though, Castle Head is such a special place – I’m so glad it’s being well utilized. I hope to visit again one day.

Hi Susan – I’d love to know how you’re related! I am descended from John’s son John Jr., then his son Charles. I’d love to chat!

Good evening Susan What an interesting ancestor. And I’m delighted to know that you haven’t inherited the urge to create iron obelisks and coffins.