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10 Regent Terrace
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RICHARD KIRK
TOWN CRIER FOR CHESTERFIELD, DERBYSHIRE
Baptised 10th May 1795 - Died 12th June 1867
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Richard Kirk was the grandson of Samuel Kirk who was the Beadle of Chesterfield for over 50 years. Richard is my 3xg grandfather and the above oil painting has been done for me by Dorothy Turner, the wife of one of my cousins, to whom I am extremely grateful. I would also like to express my gratitude to Bessie Kirk and her daughter, Barbara, for inviting me to their home to see the original photograph on glass of Richard which was taken in 1860.
Richard is shown in the oil painting in the colours of his livery. Prior to becoming Town Crier he was the Bellman and upon becoming Town Crier he was provided with a new uniform by the local council. He retired in 1865, probably due to ill health.
He was thanked by the council for arresting a deserter and on several occasions he was given financial recompense for his work. He did however offend the council at one stage by announcing a meeting of the Chartists.
He married Anne Roper on 28th November 1814 at Dronfield and they had 4 children - Rosina, Charles, Samuel and Emma. Emma died as a baby.