Madeline Clifton (Nee Agnew)

Madeline Agnew was the wife of Thomas Henry Clifton who died prematurely aged 35 in 1880.  She was the mother of the notorious John Talbot Clifton who inherited Lytham Hall after the death of his grandfather in 1882.  This excellent piece by Patrick Baty contains some interesting facts about her life and the burial of Thomas Henry at St Cuthbert's Church Lytham.  Although Madeline's husband didn't become Lord of the Manor her legacy remains today in the form of Agnew Street in the west end of the town.
Your Very Loving Madeline

John Talbot Clifton 1868 - 1928

John Talbot Clifton 1868 - 1928

John Talbot Clifton was the penultimate Squire of Lytham.  It was a young Talbot, of only 14, who inherited the family estate on the passing of this grandfather in 1882 as his father, Thomas Henry, predeceased his own father by two years.  The premature death of his father and frequent absenteeism of his travelling grandfather had left Talbot without appropriate guidance and understanding, regarding his future responsibilities (and certainly of economy). Concerted effort was made by Talbot's mother and strict Grandmother, Lady Cecily, but their attempts at discipline were rebuked.

Although at the time of Talbot's death the estate was still reasonably solvent, there is no doubt that it was his reckless spending and lack of interest in affairs at Lytham that started the Clifton's sharp descent into financial ruin and obscurity.  That said, you'd find it hard to find a more colourful, eccentric character with such an appetite for adventure and such an intriguing story.

Talbot studied at Eton then Cambridge...

The Ghost Telegrams

During July 2012 The Ghost Telegrams were broadcast throughout Lowther Gardens at Lytham.  After unassuming passers by, myself included, had realised they were not hearing voices, these telegrams were a pleasure to sit and listen to in such a quaint location.

"The Ghost Telegrams (volume 1) is a new sound art commission exploring the extraordinary founders of Lytham, the Clifton family, with the voice of Harry played by Ron Moody and the female voices by Jennifer John.

Compiled from unseen archives, these are the untold exploits of eccentric rogue Harry, reclusive mother Violet and Siberian adventurer John Talbot. Follow them from vast wealth through to financial ruin taking in Hollywood gothic, pawned Renoirs and poetic madness." - The Ghost Telegrams website