Little Lad Becomes 26th Member Of His Family To Wear The Same Christening Gown Through Four Generations

A baby boy has become the 26th member of his family to be christened in robes first worn by his great-grandfather nearly a century ago.

Three-month-old Harrison Holt proudly continued 86 years of family tradition after donning the robes during Sunday’s service (Dec 11).

Grandmother Linda Mrkalj, 64, who also wore the robes, said: “It seems to have become quite a tradition now.

“I’ve posted it out to cousins all over the north of England over the years.

“The size of the robe dictates when Christenings occur, as the babies obviously can’t be too big to fit into the gown. It was quite big on Harrison.

“But the robe’s in good condition considering its age.”

The white satin robes with embroidered swallows were made in 1930 for the Christening of Linda’s father Kenneth Mason.

They were commissioned by local aristocrat Lady Samuel Scott, who Kenneth’s mother worked for as a nurse.

Mr Mason, a farmer, died in April aged 85.

Mrs Mrkalj, of Lea Town, Lancs., added:

“Its a great family tradition and I seem to have become custodian of it .

“So, whenever a bay appears I just say if you want the robe its here, and if they do its gets sent out.

“When not being used the robes are carefully wrapped in tissue paper and kept in my wardrobe.

“Harrison is the 13th great-grandson of Kenneth and his mum Evangeline was the 13th grandaughter.

“Forty-six years ago my in-law’s family crocheted a little bit of lace at the top of the robes and on each Christening either a little piece of blue or pink ribbon is threaded through, depending on the gender of the child.

“It’s a lovely tradition for the family to uphold. I’d love to know if there are any other families who have a similar tradition and can beat 26 times.

According to his granny, Harrison, of Lea Town, slept all the way through Sunday’s service.