Richard BROOKE of Adwalton baptized Isaac BROOKE in Birstall in 1664.
Richard BROOK(E) was a common name around Birstall in the mid 17th century, but fortunately the different men were identified by their residence in parish records. For example, in 1664, Richard BROOK of Adwalton baptized Isaac (Sep 1664), Richard BROOKE of Cleckheaton, Thomas (Nov 1664) and Richard BROOKE of Gomersal, Grace (Mar 1664/5). Richard BROOKE of Adwalton baptized three children and buried two.
While there was no marriage of a Richard BROOKE of Adwalton in Birstall or nearby, there was a marriage of a Richard BROOKE and Grace KAY on 17 Nov 1661 in Huddersfield which is only 10 miles away. The evidence is scant but their daughter was called Grace, and an adult Grace BROOKE was buried in Birstall in Oct 1764. The prior year Richard's wife had given birth to triplets, with two of the children dying, an ordeal which she may not have recovered from. The surviving child Susannah was baptized on the day the other children were buried. Richard BROOKE of Adwalton baptized no further children, which is again consistent with his wife having died.
As regards Richard's own parents, there are multiple baptisms of Richard BROOKEs in Birstall, but only one that had a father from Adwalton. The date - 1635 - would have made him 27 when he married.
Richard's estate was probated in Adwalton in 1714. He had been buried a week earlier in Birstall.
