Louisa Beesley (1868-1951)
Louisa was born in Kirkham, Lancashire as the only child of an unmarried mother, Ellen Beesley. Louisa's first husband died in 1895. There were no children to this marriage. Louisa's second marriage was to my great grandfather, William Benson and took place in the St Peter & St Paul Church in Ormskirk in 1896. They had three children, the eldest being my grandfather, William Benson. In 1901 the family were living in Ormskirk and by 1911 they had moved to Aughton. I know little about Louisa other than stories from my mum that she was a "right battleaxe"!
Ormskirk Parish Church (St Peter & St Paul)
Overlooking the town is Ormskirk's Parish Church, architecturally one of England's most unusual churches, as it is one of only three with both a tower and a spire. The steeple dates back to the 15th century, with the massive tower added on a century later. As well as fragments of Saxon and Celtic masonry in the east wall, the church features 12th century Norman work in the north side of the chancel, adding to the historical and architectural heritage within the beautiful building.