Catalogue description ROYDS FAMILY OF ROCHDALE

Correspondence concerning the Rochdale Canal 1790-1792

Personal correspondence of Judith Smith 1807-1819

Personal correspondence of James Royds the elder 1810-1840

Personal correspondence of Jane Royds 1830-1840

Army and Public Service Commissions 1798-1869

Miscellaneous papers 1745-1854

The great majority of the letters are written to only four people, Judith Smith nee Berkin, James Royds the elder, Clement Royds and Jane Royds nee Hudson, and have been so divided. Included in these sections E5/2-5 are the few copy or original letters by the person concerned or to the person acting for them and in the case of Clement Royds the drafts prepared by him when a Parliamentary candidate.

E5/1/1-3 Correspondence concerning the Rochdale Canal.

E5/2/1-11 Correspondence of Judith Smith.

E5/3/1-18 Correspondence of James Royds the elder.

E5/4/1-26 Correspondence of Clement Royds

E5/5/1-6 Correspondence of Jane Royds

E5/6/1-6 Commissions in the army or public service.

E5/7/1-5 Miscellaneous Papers.

This collection was acquired in two parts, in 1979 and 1984, the earlier portion containing 1/1-3, 3/2 4-5, 12-18, 4/2-3, 15-26, 5/1-6, 7/3,5. Seven letters, 1/1-3, 3/2, 4/2-3, 5 had been gathered together, ostensibly because of reference to the Rochdale Canal Company, an arrangement only justifiable for E5/1/1-3. The other four have been integrated with the rest of the correspondence.

Royds family of Falinge

• Rochdale, Lancashire

Brief biographical details of all four and those mentioned in the letters and papers can be found in the printed "Pedigree of the Family of Royds", a copy of which is held by the Record Office and will be produced on request.