Towns in which the Bagnall/Higginson family lived 1874 to 1891

Details of Thomas Higginson's postings with the police force are a good indication as to where the family lived between the years 1874 to 1891.


Durham Constabulary - Police Constable 353 Thomas Higginson 
June 1874 Recruit posted to Bishop Auckland
September 1874 Promoted to 2nd Class Constable
January 1875 Transferred from Bishop Auckland to Whitworth
July 1875 Transferred from Whitworth the Dean Bridge
February 1876 Promoted to 1st Class Constable
June 1876 Transferred from Dean Bridge to Witton Park
September 1879 Transferred from Witton Park to Tow Law
April 1885 Transferred from Tow Law to Hetton Downs (Historical Notes on the Police in Hetton and Easington Lane a PDF download from www.hettonlocalhistory.org.uk shows Thomas as being 6'1" tall)

February 1891 Transferred from Hetton Downs to Seaham Colliery
Also
April 1891 Transferred from Hetton Downs to Seaham Colliery
I’m not sure what happens in 1891 as he seems to have been transferred twice to the same place.
I understand that Thomas was injured in the line of duty and left the force, there is apparently a newspaper report on the incident which finished his career.

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1881 shows all the family at home at 23 Bridge street, Tow Law. Both Art and William Bagnall are working as labourers at the colliery. 
By 1891 the family are living at 56 Cornish Street, Seaham with only 3 children still at home; Jane, Thomas and John ( Charles). 
1901 sees Thomas in his new job as a beer store manager, living at 61 Trimdon Street in Sunderland. Jane Maria Bagnall is still at home as is a nine year old Susannah Bagnall, granddaughter of Thomas and Susan.

The British Library is currently putting its Archived Newpaper Collection online which is going to be fantastic for family historians, unfortunately it isn't free so the complete article about Thomas Higginson will remain a mystery until I pay for a years subscription! March 1894 "Policeman Higginson lately stationed at New Seaham, has been presented by the members of the Houghton-le-Spring Division of the Durham County Constabulary, with a gold Albert aud appendage, and an Algerian oak walking stick, mounted with silver. The rec ..."