A Tynedale woman has traced her family tree
back more than three centuries after becoming interested in the
roots of her Allendale-based family name, Fairlamb.
A deed dating back to 1650 shows that a Nicholas
Fairlamb bought land next to his property, Low Bishopside Farm
(sic). Sheila Bell searched through record offices at York, Durham,
Carlisle and Hexham to draw a line from her generation way back
to the 17th century. Her half-cousin Jared filled in the blanks
for her with internet research.
The early Fairlambs farmed their land until Nicholas
Fairlamb who lived from 1704 to 1771 moved into town. The family
underwent a career change when his son (sic) Nicholas, who was
born in 1773 and lived at Delph House in Allendale Town, became
a joiner.
The pattern continued when his eldest son Nicholas
followed in his footsteps.Then the chain of calling the eldest
son Nicholas was broken when Thomas was born.
Sheila's grandfather (sic), William, was born in
that generation and became the postmaster at Allendale. His eldest
son Llewellyn also became a postmaster. Then Sheila's father Lancelot
was born into the next generation of Fairlambs.He was one of six
brothers - Maurice, William, Basil, Dennis and Noel.
The spelling of the surname has varied throughout
the years from Fairlam and Farlamb and Farlam to Ferlam, but the
family line has remained constant.Sheila said, ‘The history
has been put together quite quickly. The family never left Allendale
so it has been quite easy for me’.
The information will now be used by Sheila
and Jared who are planning to put together a booklet before May
next year when about 40 members of the Fairlamb family will get
together for a reunion.
Hexham Courant
- Friday 31 December 1999, p13
