Parish Map showing Gosforth & Netherwasdale
There are many spellings used over the centuries for this family name which includes Caldbeck, Coldbeck, Coalbank & Colebeck along with the -bank & -beck variations.
It is more than likely that these variations came from the different clergys ideas as to how to write down a name given to them in the local dialect.
The earliest mention of this name is Caldbeck. This can be found in the Gosforth parish register and all the people shown in this article are descended from one John Caldbeck. Judging from the evidence found in the Parish records you could imagine a family of Caldbecks arriving in Gosforth, origin unknown, about 1640 to 1650 and whose male children were William, Thomas, Isaac, Abraham and John. It is possible to see these names reflected in the sons names used by Abraham Caldbeck. This blog concerns the descendants of that Abraham along with his brother William who was the head of the Egremont clan.
by Nev. Ramsden
