Michael Longridge Esq of Newburn-upon-Tyne (1660-1716)
'Michael Longridge, a substantial yeoman at Newburn-upon-Tyne in the reign of King Charles Il, was the common ancestor of all the known families of Longridge in the North of England. Newburn has from time immemorial formed part of the great inheritance of the Percys and the five farms in this parish occupied by Michael Longridge were held by him on lease from the Duke and Duchess of Somerset, who then enjoyed the Percy estates. He was not a native of Newburn, but had evidently settled there on or just before his marriage, for all his children were baptised there, whilst there is no previous entry of this name in the parish registers. His birthplace and parentage have not been discovered, but the extent of his leaseholds at the outset of life imply that he had inherited a considerable capital, and the handwriting of his will proves that he had received a good education. It may be inferred that he had migrated to Newburn from some county beyond the diocese of Durham because his will is the earliest of the name of Longridge in the Bishop's Registry at Durham. His will was made on his deathbed, for he was buried at Newburn on 10th March 1716, only six days after its date.
The ‘Will’ is as follows:-
Michael Longridge of Newburn, yeoman. 4th March 1716. To my eldest son Michael Longridge my four farms in Newbum which I hold on lease from the Duke and Duchess of Somerset.To my son Thomas Longridge my farmand land at Wolbottle, which I hold lease from the same Duke and Duchess. To my loving daughters Susanna Barker and Ann Wales. 401.each for a legacy. To my wife Elizabeth, for her my dwelling house at Newburn and the two cottages westward of it. The residue of my goods and chattels, bedding, linen, plate, ready money, stock of malt and all other my personal estate whatsoever I give to my said wife and appoint her my sole executrix.
His widow proved the will at Durham in the same month. His wifes death is presumed to be c.1726. They had seven children as shown on the tree.