Buddle Atkinson Family Roots
Robert Thomas Atkinson Snr
Robert Thomas Atkinson was born in 1807, the first son of Eleanor Buddle & Smart Atkinson, in Boldon. In 1833 he married Mary Burnet. In 1840 he became the viewer and responsible person for Wallsend Colliery, at which in 1841 is listed as the family address, where he is then listed as the resident engineer. He an Mary had five children, two of which, Mary Jnr & Robert Jnr both predeceased Robert Snr.
Like his uncle, John Buddle Jnr, Robert was very musical; it would appear he played either the violin or the tenor (viola); as well as making music at home,
he was invited with his Uncle and others to perform in private houses including Brancepeth Castle, home of leading mine owner William Russell. He was a regular attendee at the Septett Club meetings held at the Newcastle Assembly Rooms and he catalogued his Uncle’s music.
He appeared to have been his uncle’s right-hand man in all management and technical matters. He was well versed in mine/mining technicalities and contributed to professional publications. He received appointments from the Coal Trades Association and being a good mathematician; lectured at the Philosophical and Scientific Club.
At a time unknown, he purchased High Cross House, a property designed by John Dobson c. 1830. He died in 1845 and two years later, his widow Mary married the first Vicar of Benwell, the Rev. William Maugham. His son Buddle was his absolute beneficiary.