James Dronsfield in Hollinwood

(Photo courtesy of Sophia Burgess.)

In the graveyard of St Margaret's Church, Chapel Road, Hollinwood:

'In Loving Memory
Of
JAMES DRONSFIELD
BORN AT HOLLINWOOD JAN 21^ST 1826
DIED AT OLDHAM JUNE 24^TH 1896.

HE EARNED THE ESTEEM OF HIS FRIENDS

BY HIS MANLY VIRTUES AND AS AN

AUTHOR UNDER THE NAME OF

JERRY LICHENMOSS

WAS WELL KNOWN FOR HIS SKETCHES

OF HUMBLE AND BY-GONE LANCASHIRE

LIFE.'

James Dronsfield was a friend of Samuel Bamford and Benjamin Brierley. His wife Ann (1823–95) is also buried here, as is his son Bamford William (1859–61), his first name being after his friend.

Dronfield's works were published posthumously as Ouselwood: or, A gathering of old chums, and other stories (Oldham: John Albinson, [1921]).

He attended Ben Brierley's funeral but died shortly before finishing editing Brierley's works. Below are links to these editions, and a link to a likeness of Dronsfield by George Henry Wimpenny:

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Ab-o'th'-Yate Sketches and other short stories: Volume I
Ab-o'th'-Yate Sketches and other short stories: Volume II
Ab-o'th'-Yate Sketches and other short stories: Volume III
James Dronsfield (Jerry Lichenmoss)