[1] Isaac Taylor (1787-1865) was a writer on theology, artist, and inventor.

[2] Taylor developed a machine for engraving on copper, patented in 1848. Although he lost considerable sums on this invention, it was ultimately adapted for engraving patterns on copper cylinders used in printing calicos.

[3] James Thomson (1779-1850) was an industrial chemist whose success in improving the quality of design led to his being called the 'Duke of Wellington of calico printing'. In 1810 he and John Chippendale became calico printers at Clitheroe, and in 1811 established at Primrose in that town an industrial colony renowned both for the superiority of its products and for its paternalism. Thomson was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1821. (from the article on James Thomson in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by Christopher Aspin).

[4] William Siemens, later Sir William, (1823-1883) was an electrical engineer and metallurgist. In the 1840s, he collaborated with his elder brother Werner on improvements in the then novel application of electricity to the deposition of metals.

[5] Between 1847 and 1859, William and Werner worked on a regenerative steam engine and condenser. The merits of the invention is shown by the fact that a leading firm of Birmingham engineers, Fox and Henderson, paid William a considerable sum for a share in the patent, and also engaged his services at a salary which provided him with a sufficient means of livelihood.

[6] On the first introduction of the electric telegraph, Werner Siemens appreciated its possibilities, and determined to devote himself to its development. In 1847 he associated himself with Halske and founded in Berlin the great firm of Siemens and Halske, of which William was appointed the London agent. (footnotes 4-6 from the article on Sir William Siemens in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by H.T.Wood, rev. by Brian Bowers).

[7] Isaac Taylor's sister Ann (1782-1866) married Joseph Gilbert (1779-1852) a Congregational minister. They had several children. Perhaps this Mr Gilbert was one of them? (from the article on Joseph Gilbert in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by Thomas Hamilton, rev. by J.M.V.Quinn).

[8] Isaac Taylor edited a new translation of "The Jewish Wars of Flavius Josephus", 2 vols, 1949-1851. (footnotes 1,2 and 8 from the article on Isaac Taylor in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by Barbara Brandon Schnorrenberg).

[9] Alexander John Scott (1805-1866) was a theological dissident and educationist. In 1848 he was appointed to the professorship of English language and literature at University College, London, and in October of the following year became one of the founders and first professors of Bedford College in London. In October 1850 Scott became the first principal of Owens College, later Manchester University, as well as the professor of English language and literature and of moral and mental philosophy. Like University College, it also was established as a centre of higher education and totally free from religious tests. During the critical and formative years of Owens College, Scott set the highest of academic standards, often in the face of pressure from the city to offer a more practically based education. (from the article on Alexander John Scott in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by J Philip Newell).

[10] Bella Villa was the Binyons' home in Whalley Range, Manchester, from 1845 to 1851, when they moved to Grange-over-Sands in north Lancashire, where Merlewood was built for them in 1853.