of High Villa,
Newcastle-on-Tyne
The owner of the house was Ralph ROBSON who died there on 3 February 1879. Ralph (and his wife, Elizabeth who died in April 1878) were buried at St Anthony's Church not far away.
Ralph's son, also Ralph and his wife (also Elizabeth) then lived at High Villa until at least 1912.
Ralph ROBSON snr was described in various records as an Operative Chemist, a Foreman and Manager of a Soda Manufactory.
Ralph ROBSON jnr was described as an Engine Fitter or a Steamboat Owner. An advertisement of the Steam Tug "Selina" is reproduced in a book called "Pottery Bank People".
The ROBSONs were connected by marriage to several families who all lived in the St Anthony's area of Newcastle - namely, the: TEMPLEs, SAMBIDGEs, TURNERs, HUNTs, LOGANs and WOLFs. And they all lived in the same area, in Pottery Bank, Ropery Walk, Enslin Gardens, Alma Street or Walker Road.
Ralph ROBSON was buried here, but by 2003, all the tombstones had disappeared. If anyone knows anything about them, I would love to hear from you. Sadly, the vicar has not replied to my correspondence regarding this.
I would also like to hear from you if you know anyone who lived in High Villa, or any information about the house. It has been demolished.