John Noblet

Born in the Preston area of Lancashire on 2nd July 1882, John James Noblet was the son of butcher Thomas Noblet and Ellen (nee Culshaw).

In 1901, he was a boarding pupil at St Edward's Roman Catholic College in St Domingo Road. He was awarded a BA from London University, then attended Upholland where he was ordained by Bishop Whiteside on 21st May 1910.

The 1911 census shows John James Noblet as a Catholic priest at Blessed Sacrament, working with Liverpool-born parish priest James Kay. He remained there until 1915, when he joined the Royal Army Chaplain's Department, achieving the rank of Major and being awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order).

From 1919 to 1926, he served the parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Great Crosby, alongside Father Alfred Walmsley and Edward Sherin.

Father Noblet moved to St Oswald in 1926, and became the first Parish Priest at the new church of St Cuthbert's, Stanley from 1928 - 1932.

From 1932, Father Noblet was Parish Priest of St Francis of Assisi in Garston, and was registered there in the 1939 register. At that time he was working with Father Patrick Monaghan. They were looked after by housekeeper Agnes Stott and servant Louise Rice.

Father Noblet died suddenly in his armchair in 1947.