I'm trying to find out anything about the Wharton family who used to look after the Carr Lane Railway Crossing about 1930 to 1960. Does anyone have any photos or useful snippets of information please which they might be happy to share?

Think they may possibly have been related to the Whartons who ran the Plough Inn, Moreton but I'm not entirely sure.

Thanks.

The Wharton family looked after the crossing from the late 1920s to 1960. The gates were operated by hand and anyone wanting to cross had to ring a bell to get the gatekeeper to open them.

Have found a couple of pics. The first one dates from around 1900. The gatekeeper's house was not demolished until the 1960s, so this is where your Wharton family would have lived. The second one is from 1938 and shows Eliza Wharton and her daughter Violet operating the signals.

Thank you for that. It's an excellent picture.

I'm half hoping that if anyone with links to the Whartons of Moreton has researched their family history they may be able to shed some light on any possible links with Joseph Wharton of the Plough Inn. It's a long shot I know, but worth asking. I believe that there was also a farm in Carr Lane called Stanley's Farm and if this relates to the Stanley family there could also be another family link with the Whartons.

Thanks again for the info.

isnt the gatekeepers cottage still there? albeit extended?

Tithe map of 1842 has following details about one of the fields right near the road, just before it bends. This was before the railway went through:

Township: Saughall Massie
Parish: Bidston
Plot №: 29
Owner: ROBERT VYNER
Occupier: JOHN STANLEY
Plot Name: LAND POOL
Land Use: PASTURE
Area: 7 acres, 1 roods, 8 perches
Notes: CARRS FIELD


Map shows c. 1842 overlayed by year 2000 map and shows that field occupied by Stanley is now occupied by sewage treatment plant. Not actually that near to where the cottage was.
I am sure someone on here must have a subscription to Ancestry.co.uk who could have a look at census records for you

Thank you for that. It all helps.

There was indeed a Stanley's Farm in Carr Lane (also known as Carr Lane Farm at some time). Also in a 1910 Kelly's directory there is a John Stanley, Farmer at Carr Lane, Saughall Massie. I've got a pic of the farm, probably early 1900s, if you're interested.

What period are you looking at for the Wharton/Stanley link? There were a few marriages between the two families in the 19th century which I've come across. Give us a few more details of the Wharton family and we might be able to find a link with the Plough Inn.

At the moment I'd just be interested to hear of any records of the two families being intermarried in the 19th century. The only record I've found is for a marriage that took place in the 18th century at Bebington

If I could find out who the Eliza Wharton in your photograph was married to it would be a great help. She seems quite a lot older than the girl standing next to her, I wonder if she was actually her grandmother?

A Hoylake postman/supervisor Fred Banks would tell of his Brother-in-law who ran the crossing, had a telescope trained on the crossing albeit a little to the left when cars stopped (not to cross) but for er quiet time!!