Adam Longworth

1818-1873

The information in this family history article is for the most part accurate. Birthdates and names, all correct.

I’m not doubting that Mary was indeed the Belle of Belmont. No reason to think otherwise.

Where I stumble is when it comes to the ownership of the Black Dog, Factory Arms and the Wrights Arms.

All evidence points to Benjamin Helme being the owner of all three establishments. It is more likely that Adam and Mary were beer sellers not innkeepers.

The article doesn’t mention Adam’s death. Which was pretty shocking and sad. He died in the Factory Arms after several weeks of hard drinking.

Evidence that supports my theory

1841 Census - Both Adam and Mary Longworth and

Ann and Benjamin Helme are listed as publicans.

There’s no proper street address on this very first UK census. Would have been useful to have that.

Here Adam and Mary place of residence is Hills Fold. Most likely referring to a road. They are 23 and 19 years old. Young to own a pub.

Below is an article from the Bolton Chronicle January 1838. Benjamin Helme is owner of the Black Dog

More proof of the ownership of the Black Dog belonging to Benjamin Helme in 1841.

Most if not all census documents from 1851, 1861, 1871 favour Benjamin and Ann as being the owner occupiers of the Black Dog.

In 1861 Adam’s son Benjamin is the publican at the Bullshead Inn and in 1871 he’s publican of the Wright’s Arms.

Census 1861 and 1871 indicate Adam and Mary are beersellers at the Factory Arms.

Tragedy strikes several times in a few short years.

1872 Benjamin Helme dies

1873 Ann Helme and Adam Longworth both die

1874 Adam Helme dies

This changes much. Questions are also answered.

In 1873 after the death of Benjamin Helme, the Wright’s Arms license changes from the estate of Benjamin Helme to that of a Mr. Rutter.

The Black Dog license is transferred from Ann Helme to her son Adam Helme.

The Factory Arms license is transferred from Adam Longworth to his wife Mary.

I’m comfortable in my assumption that the Longworths were publicans of the Factory Arms. And the Helme family were owners of the Black Dog and the Wright’s Arms.

Robbery reported November 1876

(confirms the above)

A candlestick stolen from the Factory Arms belonging to Mary Longworth and also pewter measures taken from the Black Dog belonging to the younger Benjamin Helme.