1852

Government employees had long received pensions, and those in the ‘professions’ or similar were accustomed to taking out annuities for old age. Apart from scant subscriptions to unreliable benefit societies there was no provision for ordinary workers. It was in 1852 that James Edwards began paying a weekly allowance to his superannuated employees.

1853

Marion Edwards, James’s first grand-daughter was born.

1854

James' daughter Maria (18) married Robert Williamson of the local coal and iron dynasty. Robert's profession is stated as 'Gentleman'.