Lancashire Lantern
Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers
Part of the Lancashire Lantern network, the Pioneers gives details of people who were famous local people in science, technology and innovation. These pioneers were either born in Lancashire or their endeavours made a significant contribution to the development of the County.
Edmondson Spencer - His early life in Colne
Edmondson Spencer was born in 1885 at 30, Lenches; the second son of Joseph and Priscilla Spencer, his father was a grocer and cotton warp dresser.
Upon the death of Joseph Spencer his mother Priscilla took over the running of the shop.
Edmondson Spencer attended the Wesleyan Council School on Exchange Street.
He started work as an apprentice gardener and then became a weaver at Walk Mill Studied at the Technical School evening classes.
His chief subjects were mathematics and science and his teacher was Dr.Wilmore.
During this time he supplemented his income by growing flowers and during college vacations he returned home to work at Walk Mill.
The 1901 Census Register shows Edmondson living with his mother Priscilla, his brother William and his sisters Clara and Minnie.
(Click the image to enlarge)
View from waterside towards Lenches. The Spencers lived in the house on the right just before the tree-lined garden wall.
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