One of the most well known publishers of the Victorian era was George Bradshaw (1800-1853). He was an engraver by trade but made his name by publishing the first train timetables and then his famous Bradshaw Guides.  In recent years Michael Portillo has brought George Bradshaw to public notice by his extensive television series of  Great British Railway Journeys which were first broadcast in 2010.   George Bradshaw lived in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester until his death in 1853.  After George's death his wife, Martha, moved to Eccles New Road, Salford with her six children.  The move to the Eccles area was presumably to be near her brother, William Darbyshire, who also lived on Eccles New Road with his wife, Mary, and their son, Alfred Darbyshire.  Alfred Darbyshire became an eminent architect and worked with the famous Victorian actor Sir Henry Irving on improving theatre safety.

Four of George and Martha's children subsequently lived in and around Ellesmere Park.  Martha also moved to a road adjacent to Ellesmere Park, presumably to be close to her eldest son, Christopher.  Christopher had an active role in the Bradshaw & Blacklock publishing company until he died in 1928.  The Back in Time document 37 - The Bradshaw Legacy briefly details Christopher's life and his friendship with Sir Henry Irving.  It was  the link between Christopher Bradshaw, Alfred Darbyshire and Sir Henry Irving that has prompted further investigation into these families.  The first 'chapter' of this story, George and Christopher Bradshaw, is below.