Thomas Leech 1790–1863
Thomas Leech, his wife Rachel and their six children lived in Urmston Cottage near Stretford. Originally from London, Leech was a businessman, an active supporter of the free trade movement and a poor law guardian, and the family enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle and good education.
As well as keeping detailed business records, Leech encouraged his family to make daily entries in their own personal diaries from an early age, recording domestic duties and family events. The household included Rachel's cousin Sarah Ann Hilton who was also involved in journal-keeping
Rachel Leech (née Ellis) 1799-1856
Born in Darton, Yorkshire, the second cousin once removed of Thomas Leech, she became his second wife in 1833. Although twenty years younger than her husband, she suffered from increasing ill health and pre-deceased him by seven years.
She was poorly educated and her diaries, which are concerned mainly with recording the activities of her husband, are full of idiosyncratic spelling and grammar. She was forbidden to call her husband by his first name, and her relationship with him was evidently difficult. She makes frequent reference to his bad temper and unkindness towards her.
Exercise book belonging to Thomas Leech c.1800
Thomas was described by his son Bosdin as a small man with a loud peculiar voice which retained a distinct London accent. He went bald at the age of thirty, perspired heavily, was much marked with the smallpox and suffered from gout and flatulence. Good at mathematics and with an excellent memory, he was fond of whist, which he frequently played throughout the night with friends, often drinking heavily.
A lock of Thomas Leech's hair
Thomas Leech kept detailed business and personal records, often referring to himself in the third person, although in later years he preferred to dictate his entries, which were written up by other members of the household. He believed in the importance of recording information for future generations, and had a keen interest in his own family's history. The careful compilation of records and genealogical pedigrees which occupied his time was intended to show that the Leeches were a well-established family, a world apart from the 'new money' he so despised.
Memorandum book of Thomas Leech 1843
Thomas took a great interest in the education of his children and demanded a high standard of achievement. He used the diary as an educational tool, encouraging the children to keep a record of their daily activities and rewarding them with money and treats for good handwriting.
Tuesday January 2, 1844
In the morning when I got up I found the ground covered with snow. After breakfast my father pelted us all with snow and made a large snow ball and put some in his shaving can to shave him-self with. The frost continued all day and was very severe at night.
Memorandums of Sarah Ann Ellis Leech, January 2nd 1844
Thomas Leech's relationships with his children were characterised by warmth and affection, and he appears to have enjoyed their companionship, accompanying them on walks and rides. This page from his personal journal shows a height chart recording their growth and development.
Thomas Leech was regarded by his friends and family as a man of honour with a strong sense of duty and justice. As a young man his radical politics often got him into trouble with the authorities, and he was well-known to Deputy Constable Joseph Nadin, a notorious figure renowned for arresting political offenders. In a letter to his brother John he relates an incident which took place in 1819, shortly before the Peterloo Massacre:
Going home last April I was struck from behind by some ruffian. I immediately turned round struck and seized a fellow who stood immediately behind me and dragged him to the police office. It proved he was a Beadle and he gave charge of me for striking him!!! On my complaint of Nadin and his crew one of our sapient Constables informed me he had no doubt I had been extremely ill [used] and by them but in such troublesome times as the present the Police right or wrong must be supported. Rare doctrine but such as poor Pil Garlic* has been forced to submit to.
*A man looked upon with humorous contempt or mock pity
Receipt for subscription to Anti-Corn Law League, 3rd March 1845
The Leech family diaries frequently adopt a reflective tone, recalling events from years past, and remembering the birthdays and anniversaries of family members who have passed away. In his diary of 1845, Thomas Leech, referring to himself as 'L', writes about his recollections of events leading up to the Peterloo Massacre in 1819:
Twenty six years since L was in the Manchester Exchange and saw Henry Hunt go by to the Peterloo Meeting which ended in the Peterloo Massacre. L animadverted on the conduct of the Magistrates and Military on the occasion and in consequence drew on himself their ill will and several unpleasant altercations with private individuals. Samuel brought a load of manure from Bosdin Buildings.
Diary of Thomas Leech, Friday 15 August 1845
Thomas Leech was a man of many passions who entered into numerous unconventional relationships. He had a keen eye for the ladies, and before settling down with Rachel fathered a number of illegitimate children, all of whom were welcomed into the family and educated at his expense. In 1820 he married his first wife, sixteen-year-old Mary Blackwall, after discovering that she was carrying his child. He breaks the news in a letter to his brother John:
Mary Blackwall is with child. George and Betty know it therefore all the fat's in the fire; at this very time they are seeking me to know my intentions as at present I hardly know them myself I cannot give them the desired information I should like to have a little chat with you but you are so distant I am not much in the humour for letter-writing as you may imagine.Where I shall sleep tonight I do not know as I do not like to go home.
Letter from Thomas Leech to his brother John, 13th January 1820
Thomas Leech was the first member of the family to become interested in researching the history of his ancestors. He made numerous entries exploring and recording the family's historical significance in a large vellum ledger which became known as his White Book.
Expenses for the funeral of Thomas Leech, Ford & Co., October 21st 1863