Old Newspaper items Old Newspaper items
Thanks to Malise McGuire for some of these entries
24 Aug 1811
Last week were committed to York Castle, George STONES, charged upon oath with suspicion of stealing a horse from the township of Arkengarthdale in the North Riding, the property of John BOUSFIELD.
6 Jul 1816
Mr. Speaker,
I am anxious to call the attention of the House to the subject matter of the petitions of the townships of Reeth, Melbecks, Grinton, Arkendale and Merrick, in the North Riding of York. Their case is one of peculiar hardship. The petitioners state that very extensive lead mines are worked within the said townships. That the said mines had been rated for the support of the poor till about torty years ago, when on appeal it was decided they were not rateable for the maintenance of the poor under the statute of the [ ] Elizabeth; and the charge for the poor has so increased of late yars that it amounts to between eight and ten shillings on the rack rents. the sum expended in the last year was £3430. The proportion of paupers in consequence of the mines are as thirteen to one with the rest of the poor of the townships. The parties pray the lead mines may be put on the same footing as coal mines. A similar petition was in the course of this Session presented from the parish of Aldstone, in cumberland. Nothing can be more contrary to every principle of justice, than that an income exceeding in amount the whole of the landed property of these townships should be exempt from any share of the burthens, which their working brings on the petitioners. The House will be disposed to apply a remedy I cannot doubt, if it should fail of being procured them by the measure I have had the honour of proposing of moving for a committee to take the Poor Law into consideration. The case of these petitioners affords a strong elucidation of the benefits that would be derived from security banks, and I cannot help saying a few words on the subject.
It is supposed there are more than three thousand persons employed in these mines;
3000persons at 4d per week..........................£2600
Their employers at 2d for each hand...............£1300
The townships at 2d.......................................£1300
7 Dec 1827
One Guinea Reward - Whereas John Alderson, Mason, has absconded from the Township of Arkengarthdale in the North Riding of the County of York, and left his Wife and two Children chargeable to the said Township. the said John ALDERSON is about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, slender made, light brown hair, and is about 29 Years of Age; was last seen driving Cattle from Newcastle to Middleham Moor Fair. Whoever will lodge him in any of His Majesty's Gaols, shall, upon Application to the Overseers of the Poor of Arkengarthdale, recieve the above Reward. - Arkengarthdale, Nov 24, 1827
7 Dec 1838
On Saturday last, George Clayton, Matthew Clayton, and Robert Horseman, three boys, belonging to Whashton, were convicted vefore the magistrates of Richmond, of stealing fruit in the garden of James HUNTER of that place and fined 1s each and costs, or in default of payment to be imprisoned 14 days. On the same day, Mark KENDALE of Reeth, was convicted of an assault upon Mary, wife of Henry COATES, of Arkengarthdale, by riding against her on the high road, and throwing her down, and was fined 2s 6d and costs.
Friday Dec 7, 1838 The Newcastle Courant
On Sat last, Mark KENDALE of Reeth was convicted of an assault upon Mary, wife of Henry COATES of Arkengarthdale, by riding against her on the high road, and throwing her down, and was fined 2s 6d and costs.
Sat July 10, 1841 Northern Star and Leeds General Advertiser
Richmond. At the petty sessions held at Richmond, on Saturday last, for the division of Gilling West, George CALDER of Arkengarthdale was charged by the inspector of weights and measures, with having two deficient weights. The weights were forfeited and to pay costs. James PEDDY of Fremington for having two deficient weights, fined 10s and costs.
Nov 1842
On the 12th instant, at St. Helen's Auckland in the 17th year of his age, much respected, Ralph son of the late Mr. Joseph HARKER, formerly of Arkengarthdale in this county.
Saturday Mar 15, 1851 Leeds Mercury.
Police Office, March 10. James MOSES, of Gilling, labourer was brought up in custody of H. LONSDALE, police-officer, charged with feloniously stealing two bushels of beans, the property of Mr. James WOODWARD, of Arkengarthdale. The sack and beans were found in the prisoner’s house by the officer, and identified by the prosecutor. The prisoner was committed for trial at the next sessions
Sat. Apr 3 1852 Leeds Mercury
On Friday, 26th March, Robert LANGSTAFF and Jonathan STODDART were brought before the Rev. William F. WHARTON and R.S.D.R. RAPER Esq. Charged with having assaulted John Harker and wounding him with some sharp instrument, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm. It appeared that on the 18th March an affray had taken place amongst a party of miners, who were drinking in a public house in Arkengarthdale. The constable of the place was sent for, who called upon HARKER to aid him in quelling the disturbance. HARKER rushed into the crowd, was struck by LANGSTAFF, one of the prisoners, who immediately left the crowd and made off, pursued by HARKER, after a run of about 300 yards, LANGSTAFFwas overtaken by Harker and a struggle ensued, in which STODDART joined. As soon as th efight between HARKER and the prisoner ended, he found that he had received two wounds in the shoulder and two deep wounds in the fleshy part of each thigh. The prisoners were committed for trial, but gave bail for their appearance at the next sessions.
10 Jun 1853
At the Petty Sessions on the 4th inst., for the division of Gilling West.. Anthony RAISBECK, Wm. COATES, John COATES, James SIDDELL and Thos COATES, all of Arkingarthdale, charged with an assault on Thomas ALCOCK; fined £5 including costs, or two months' imprisonment.
8 Jul 1853 Hull Packet and East Riding Times
At the petty sessions, held at Richmond,on Saturday, the 2nd instant, for the division of Gilling West - present, the Rev. W. F. Wharton, R.S.D.R. Roper, and Geo. W. Denys, Esqurs.; Elizabeth RAISBECK of Arkengarthdale, keeper of a beer-house, was charged by Henry Lonsdale, with keeping open her house at an improper hour, which was clearly proved against her; she was fined 40s. and costs. She was further charged with selling spirits, not being duly licensed. Fined £5 and license forfeited.
13 Mar 1858
James HARKER (27) was charged with having at Reeth, on the 22nd of January last, cut and wounded Josh. FAWCETT, with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.
Mr. Price and Mr. Simpson prosecuted and mr. Davison defended the prisoner.
The prosecutor and the prisoner are miners, and on the day named, they were at the Buck public-house at Reeth near Richmond. The prosecutor was in the company of a man named DOLPHIN and the prisoner had a friend with him named SLACK, the latter of whom was also committed upon the charge of cutting and wounding, but the Grand Jury threw out the bill against him. Some joking took place between the prisoner and FAWCETT, followed by a quarrel. The prisoner challenged the prosecutor to a fight, and he accepted the challenge. They came outside the house and commenced a pugilistic encounter, SLACK acting as second to the prisoner. The prosecutor fought with his fists, but the prisoner 'fought underneath' as it is termed, and used a knife with which he struck the prosecutor, and wounded him in seven or eight places on the left side. the prosecutor at length fell sick and exhausted, and was conveyed home. A surgeon was called in, and he discovered on the prosecutor eight wounds, three on the left ribs, three on the left arm between the elbow and the shoulder, and two upon the back. One of the wounds on the side was of a serious description, and for a week the prosecutor's life was in danger. When the prisoner was apprehended at his house at Arkendale, a pocket knife was laid at the bottom of the stairs, and the large blade was bloody.
The defence was that there was no satisfactory evidence to show that the prisoner inflicted the injuries, and for aught that appeared Black might have been the party who wounded the prosecutor.
Guilty; to be kept in penal servitude for three years.
4 Aug 1866
Robert RYCROFT (18) a confirmed imbecile, was charged with setting fire to a barn in the possession of Elizabeth SCOTT in the parish of Arkengarthdale on the 24th of April last. The jury found that the prisoner was not in a condition to plead to the charge, and he was committed to the custody of the Governor of the Prison to await Her Majesty's pleasure.
1867 28 February. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 9010
MARRIAGES
CLARKSON-ATKINSON. – Feb. 25th, at St Mary’s Church, Arkengarthdale, by the Rev. Wakefield S Meade, Mr JAMES ALDERSON CLARKSON, of Eskeleth, Arkengarthdale, to Mrs SUSANNAH ATKINSON, of Low Whita, Swaledale and late of West Hartlepool.
21 Mar 1868
Eliza STONES (33) was charged with inciting one James RAINE feloniously and maliciously to place a quantity of gunpowder in the dwelling house of William PARKIN, with intent to do him some bodily harm, at Arkingarthdale in the North Riding. Mr. Shepherd appeared for the prosecution; Mr. C. Foster and Mr. Skidman defended the prisoner.
The prosecutor is a blacksmith and also carries on certain mining operations in the village of Arkingarthdale and the prisoner is the wife of a farmer who resides within a hundred yards of him. On the 1st of February a labourer named James RAINE at about eight o'clock in the evening, went to the house of Mrs. STONES, where he found her and her husband and another person. He had no sooner entered the house than Mrs. STONES requested him to follow her into the yard, when she said she wanted him to do a job for her, for which she would give him 5s. The job she explained by saying she wanted him 'to throw some powder down old PARKIN's chimney.' He made no answer, and she re-entered her house and passed through the back kitchen into the parlour, from which she directly after emerged with a parcel in her hand. She then said 'Come on, Jem,' and RAINE again followed her into the yard, where she repeated her instructions. Robert STONES protested against the act in the words 'Nonsense Eliza; never do such a thing.' RAINE however, went away, and instead of putting the powder down PARKIN's house chimney, where the consequences might have been serious, he put it down an old smith chimney, in the fireplace of which there had been no fire for three years, and which place was used for the storage of mining materials. He then returned to Mrs. STONES and told her what he had done, upon which she observed 'That is not the chimney; I meant old PARKIN's chimney.' The motive of the prisoner appeared to spring from a demonstration which waas being made in the village, and in which the sons of Mr. PARKIN were said to be active participators, known as 'riding the stang.' This is a Yorkshire custom performed to the disgrace of those guilty of adultery, and in the present instance certain effigies which were taken through the village in a cart, in which also were persons proclaiming something in doggerel rhyme, and which effigies were afterwards blown up with gunpowder, were inteded to represent the prisoner, her husband, and another person. 'The intent of the prisoner, it was urged, was to do some injury to the person or property of Mr. PARKIN or some of his family.
His Lordship in summing up made a few remarks as to the custom of 'riding the stang.' He strongly reprehended it, and said it was liable to excite a breach of the peace, and was by no means a proper mode of showing displeasure at the conduct of any person. Nothing could be more provoking, and serious consequences might arise from it, because persons might come to a conclusion without justification, and thus destroy the person's position in the district.
The jury returned a verdict of Not guilty.
7 May 1870
April 28th, at St. Peter's church, Redcar, by the Reb. W. Milburn, Mr. Wm Weldon, of Stockton-on-Tees, to Elizabeth PEACOCK of Arkengarthdale.
3 Oct 1873
T. Tarn and Son are instructed to sell by auction on Tuesday, the 14th day of October 1873 at Shaw House, the whole of the farming stock &c., belonging to Mr. James Scott, who is leaving his farm, consisting of 1 present calving cow; 1 cow, recently calven; 4 Spring calving cows, 1 geld cow do., 2 heifers, rising two years old, gone with the bull; 4 two years old bullocks, 9 spring calves, 1 two years old bull, 1 roan bull stirk. Sheep; 100 black-faced ewes, for tupping; 240 half-bred ewes, 3do shearlings; 3 Leicester tups, 1 new and stamp of well-won hay, together with 80 acres of over-eaten fog, and 80 acres of pasture eatage, till the 6th day of April next.
PS. £1 per head extra will be charged if any of the above sheep be allowed to graze upon their old heath.
Credit will be given on approved security till the 1st day of April next, or 4d in the pound for cash.
Sale at one o'clock.
5 Jan 1880
At Richmond Petty Sessions on Saturday, two Arkingarthdale miners were sent to prison for seven days with hard labour for stealing two pieces of wood, valued at a shilling. The men were employed by the Arkengarthdale Mining Company and on the 12th December, having nothing to do they went to the mine and in the middle of the day took away a couple of props. The names of the men are Robert SLACK and Thomas George ROBINSON.
20 Jul 1882
The valuable mining plant and machinery of the Hurst Leadmines, near Richmon, has just been sold by private contract to Mr Robert Richards, iron merchant, of Sunderland. The mines are among the oldest in the district.
10 Aug 1882
Foundation-Stone Laying at Arkengarthdale
A reminiscence of John Wesley.
The foundation and memorial stones of the new Wesleyan Chapel at Arkingarthdale, Reeth, were laid on Monday last. After a hymn had been sung, Mr. Isaiah CLEMINSON, Bishop auckland, laid the first stone and gave £10: Mr. T. MARTIN, Melsonby, the second and gave £50; Mrs. WOODWARD, the third, and gave £10; Mrs. BLENKIRON, the fourth, and gave £20, in memory of the SPENSLEY family, her grandfather being the first to meet and entertain Mr. Wesley in this locality; Mrs. HALL, the fifth, and gave £5; Mr. WHARTON, the sixth, for his mother, and gave £5; and Mr. J. CARTER laid the seventh stone on behalf of the Sunday School presenting £10 - The whole of the proceedings passed off successfully.
14 Aug 1882
Elizabeth Ann SLACK (18) the daughter of an Arkengarthdale gamekeeper, was remanded by the North Riding Magistrates at Richmond on Saturday on a charge of stealing a box containing wearing apparel, the property of Mr. James WATSON, trainer, the Belleisle, from Richmond Railway Station on the 1st inst.
Nov 6 1882
The death is announced of Mr. William BARNINGHAM, the founder of the great Pendleton Ironworks and of similar works at Darlington. the deceased gentleman was born at Arkengarthdale, near Richmond, Yorkshire, on the 6th of January 1826, and was thus in his 57th year. Mr. Barningham was one of the pioneers of the Cleveland iron trade.
21 Apr 1884
An incident which might have proved of a very serious character, occurred at Arkingarthdale on Thursday last. In the morning a bazaar was opened by Mrs. WOODWARD, of High Green, for the purpose of reducing the debt
on the recently completed Wesleyan Chapel. The room was well stocked with the usual useful and ornamental articles, and all went well until night when a number of special attractions were provided. Chief of these was a magic lantern entertainment by Mr. G. Garbutt of Leeds, which had not proceeded very far when it was interrupted by the entrance of a number of noisy youths. The room was in semi-darkness as is usual during such entertainments, and an effort to eject the noisy intruders was attended with disasterous results. By some means the supports to the lantern were displaced, the lantern fell over, and coming in contact with the screen, set it on fire. In an instant the whole extent was a mass of flames, and then ensued a scene of exictement. Ladies screamed with terror, others fainted right away, whilst men elbowed their way through the crush. It was a case of everbody for himself, and the sudden fright seemed to have bereft almost the entire audience of reason. Some made their escape by the windows, and there was a great crush for the door, only half of which was open, but the other portion soon gave way under the pressure, and the building was soon empty. It was then found that the fire had not spread beyond the screen in which it originated and had the audience waited patiently until the gas was turned on in the hall there need have been no apprehension of danger. As it was several were suffering from slight cuts and bruises, though happily nothing serious has to be reported. Damage to the extent of about £10 was done. The affair has caused great excitement in the dales.
Fri Jun 5, 1885 Newcastle Weekly
A servant girl named Mary Ann McGURTIN who has been living at Mrs PEACOCK's, Seal House, Arkengarthdale near Richmond, has been poisoned with laudanum. She is a native of North Shields, and at five o’clock on Saturday morning her mistress felt unwell, and the girl wa asked to get up and make her a cup of tea. The girl was a long time in coming back, and one of the mistresses daughters proceeded down to the kitchen, where she saw the servant lying prostrate on the hearth in front of the fire. An alarm was given, and Dr KERNOTT of Reeth was immediately sent for. His skilful efforts,, however, were unavailing, and the girl expired between four and five oclock in the afternoon. Near the dying girl was found a bottle which had evidently contained the poison, and it is computed that she had not taken less than four ounces of laudanum. Her friends were telegraphed for, but they only reached Reeth to hear of her death.
Aug 3, 1885, Northern Echo
A most painful affair has just happened in Arkengarthdale near Richmond, resulting in the death of a single man, named DAYKIN, a miner between thirty-five and forty years of age. It appeared that deceased had a piece of meadowland in Arkletown village, and Thursday was getting day. Deceased was in the hay house taking the hay from the forkers and his nephew, George DAYKIN, a youth about fifteen years of age, was reaching him a fork full of hay. The fork prong accidentally caught his uncle by the side of the nose and penetrated to a considerable depth. Blood rushed out in strams and deceased remained in a state of unconsciousness until between five and siz oclock on Saturday morning when he expired, in spite of the efforts of Dr. KERNOTT
20 May 1886
We regret to record the death of Mr. Isaiah CLEMINSON, of Bishop Auckland. He had been staying at Redcar for about a fortnight for the benefit of his health. Mr. Cleminson was a native of Arkingarthdale in Yorkshire and came into this district on attaining his manhood. For five or six years he carried on business as a tailor at Shildon, and forty-two years ago he removed to Bishop Auckland, and entered upon business on a larger scale, which he only relinquished a few years ago. He had during his whole life been connected with the Wesleyan Methodists, and had occupied many responsible offices in connection with that body, having been at various times secretary of schools, mission treasurer, circuit steward, class leader, and a lay member of the Conference - one of the first, we think, after the admission of lay representatives. He leaves a widow, two daughters and one son. In politics the deceased gentleman was a Liberal.
14 Jun 1887
Judgment for Damages.
Yesterday at Consett Petty Sessions, Mrs. M.A. PEACOCK, a widow, possessing a farm at Arkengarthdale, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, sued Mary ECCLES, a farm servant, for damages for breach of contract. Mr. T.W. Welford, Consett, appeared to prosecute, while Mr. J. McCartan, Consett, defended. Mrs. Scott of Dean Howe near Castleside, hired Eccles (on behalf of Mrs. Peacock) as a servant. The latter signed a stamped agreement, but failed to fulfil her engagement, preferring to go to another situation at Farfield Hall, near Chester-le-Street, where she is receiving £8 10s for the half-year. Mr. McCartan explained that the reason his client did not go to Arkingarthdale was because she was told that the Peacocks were a 'queer lot' and it would take her all her time to watch herself whilst she was staying with them. Defendant sworn, attested that she was engaged by Mrs. Scott on behalf of Mrs Peacock .................. Mrs. Scott did not give her any money for to take her into Arkingarthdale. Mrs. Scott said to her, 'You are going into a queer family, and it will take you all your time to take care of yourself. The master, before he died, was a very eccentric man, and the sons took very much after him.' When the servant girl poisoned herself, it was supposed to be in consequence of disgrace brough upon her by the young Peacocks. ................ The Court assessed the damages at £3 with the costs, besides allowing 10s as solicitor's fees.
1888. 28 February. The Leeds Mercury; issue 15568
RICHMOND, SWALEDALE, AND ARKENGARTHDALE
The roads are blocked in all directions, and yesterday large numbers of men were employed cutting the huge drifts. The snow sledges were kept working very regularly in the blinding storm on Saturday. The Arkengarthdale people who attended Richmond markets are still snowbound, being detained at Reeth. The carriers and other travellers from Upper Swaledale left their conveyances at Reeth and rode through the drifts to their village homes, though not without considerable peril. The deep cutting to the top of Lord Zetland’s Black Plantation, at the top of the high moor, was got through by noon yesterday, after which the men crossed over to set his Lodrship’s shepherd, who was snowed up, at liberty. Many farmers are snowed up, and to fodder their stock is at present an impossibility. It is feared that numbers of sheep and cattle will perish. Thousands of wild pigeons continue to flock down into the district in search of food. At noon yesterday a flock of crows set upon a hen in a field of Mr B HALL’S near the Station Bridge, and tore it to pieces. A thaw set in yesterday afternoon. Dense fogs envelop the hills above Richmond.
9 Apr 1888
A Coroner's tribute to the Durham miners.
Coroner Dean has rarely heard a more touching and terribel story of the perils of pit life than the one unfolded to a jury in Shildon Police office on Saturday afternoon, concerning the case of John CHALDER (46), stoneman, who was killed instantly by a huge fall of stone in Adelaide Colliery about 7.30 on Wednesday night. Mr. Plummer, mines inspector, and Mr Bigland, the colliery manager, were present, and each gentleman explained fully, and the jury inspected, the plans of the place where death took place. John HESLOP identified the body, and discussion showed that deceased was killed by a stone weighing 35 cwt, while other two, weighing some two tons each, fell with it, bringing away several props or balks. The stone had to be broken up on deceased's body, and nearly four hours were occupied in its removal.
Chas. NEESHAM, also a stoneman, said he and deceased were driving a new waggon-way and working at a 'cauch'. Deceased had filled a tub, witness took it away, and on return, without light, ran against something. He called to deceased to remove the obstruction, and received no answer. At that moment the master shifter came along, and witness shouted to him 'Be as quick as you can, I can't get an answer from Jack." Witness then saw the fall, and called loudly again on deceased, who was not to be seen, ...............[ ].......................
Deceased, who as keeper of Shildon Primitive Methodist Chapel adjoining his house, had a large and impressive funeral at the churchyeard. He was formerly a leadminer in Arkengarthdale and afterwards had employment in a Darlington ironworks. Amongst the mourners was his father-in-law, Mr. IBBOTSON, of Haughton road terrace, Albert Hill, Darlington, a respected railway official. Deceased had been twenty years at Adelaide Colliery, and for fourteen as a stonemason.
11 Jun 1888
At the Richmond County Police Court, on Saturday, John RITALIC, the agent for the Hurst Leadmining Company in Swaledale, was fined £1 and costs for failing to send in the ordinary return by the time specified by the Act - Mr. Thos. Barron of Darlingto prosecuted, and said defendant was liable to a penalty of £20.
1889. 22 March. Northern Echo; Issue 5952
MINING IN SWALEDALE. – A movement is on foot to make a new road from the Penchard Coalmine, in Arkengarthdale, to Swaledale. This will effect a considerable saving in cartage, and leaders will be able to go twice a day instead of once. The leadmines in the neighbouring dales also promise well.
7 Apr 1891
April 3rd at C.B. Yard, Arkengarthdale, Mr. Jos. CARTER the trusted accountant of the C.B. Mining Co. for nearly 21 years. Much regretted.
Feb 1892
Bankrupt - William Carter, Arkengarthdale, North Riding, Yorkshire, farmer and carrier.
Sat Jun 4, 1892 Northern Echo
Mr and Mrs. Ralph HIND of Longthwaite, Arkengarthdale celebrate their golden wedding today. They are natives of Newsham, near Greta Bridge, Yorkshire. Mr HIND is 74 years of age whilst Mrs HIND is 69. they were married on June 4th 1842 in the Parish Church at Kirby Ravensworth and are at present in moderate health. They have eight children living, five sons and three daughters
6 Nov 1893
At Richmond on Saturday, John HUTCHINSON was fined 7s 6d, including costs, for assaulting a lad named Ernest Weldon CALVERT on Whaw Bridge in Arkengarthdale last month.
Tuesday Apr 3, 1894 Northern Echo
The funeral of the late Mr James HIRD (60) formerly of Richmond castle flour Mills, took place at Arkengarthdale on Sunday, in the presence of a large assembly.
4 Jun 1894
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hind of Longthwaite, Arkengarthdale, celebrate their golden wedding today (Saturday). They are natives of Newsham, near Greta Bridge, Yorkshire. Mr. Hind is 74 years of age, whilst Mrs. Hind is 69. They married on June 4th, 1842 in the Parish church at Kirby Ravensworth, and are at present in moderate health. They have eight children living, five sons and three daughters.
1895
A petition has been drawn up and signed by all the members of the Arkingarthdale Parish Council asking the Postmaster General to allow the rural letter-carrier from Reeth to Arkengarthdale the use of a horse on which to do the journey. The walking for the whole week of six days, for which the postman receives about 1bs is nearly ninety miles (fifteen miles daily) and includes a climbing of over 7,000 feet, while he has to carry both letters and parcels. during many days this year the roads have been impassable even for horses, and the postman has only been able to perform his duties by going high up on the moors out of the vast snow drifts.
Sat Sep 12 1896 Leeds Mercury
J.S. WALTON the North Riding Coroner, held an inquiry on Monday into the death of a young woman named ROBSON, aged about 21 who has been living at the Park Head Farm, Arkengarthdale. It appears that on Friday evening the young woman was delivered of a child and she sent it in a parcel by a young servant to be placed in the pest house. A messenger was despatched for Dr. HODGSON of Reeth, but on his arrival at Park Head the young woman was found to be dead. She appeared to have been taking something to hasten the delivery of the child, which upon inquiries, was subsequently found in the pest house. A verdict was returned in accord with the evidence.
15 Nov 1898
The highest licensed house in England is not the famous Kirkstone Pass house, not the famous 'Cat and Fiddle' in Cheshire, but Tan Hill, in the north-west corner of Yorkshire; and it stands 1,727 ft above sea leavel. The well-weathered sign board on the house front bears the keeper's name; John POUNDER. John I found out to be an old man, and by far of too gentle a nature to 'pound' his spouse or his girl; but methinks, that from his long experience of the meteorological dispensations common to this exposed solitude, he must recognise the appositeness of his patronym to the situation. Ah, poor John and Mary POUNDER, as good and worth Christian couple as ever was. I often send John a newspaper, but Mary, good old soul, finds intellectual pabulum in Spurgeon's sermons. She can tell tales, too, of misadventure to travellers; many of which show what a blessed haven to hundreds of them must this house have been in its time.
1717 26 November. London Gazette; Issue 5594
Several Estates belong to the late Lord Marquis of Wharton, deceased, in the Counties of Westmorland, Cumberland, and York; particularly Hewthwate, Cumberland, Colbey Lathies near Appleby; as also divers Lands in Nateby Uldale, Weeldale and Grizedale, and the Rectory of Russendale, and Tythes of Kirkby Stephen in Westmorland; and several Farms and Lands in Swaledale in the County of York; are to be sold before Sir Thos. Gery, Kt. one of the Masters of the High Court of Chancery, pursuant to a Decree of the said Court, at his House in Old Southampton-Buildings near Chancery-Lane; were Particulars of the said several Estates may be had.
1721 28 January. London Gazette; Issue 5925
ADVERTISEMENTS
The Estate of Mr Mathew Hutchinson, late of Richmond, in the County of York, deceased, consisting of three Burgage-Houses in Richmond aforesaid; and of several Lands at and near Richmond, and in Whitaside in Swaledale, in the County of York, at the yearly Value, in the Whole, of 501 4s to be sold by Decree f the High Court of Chancery, before William Rogers, Esq., one of the Masters of the said Court, at his Chambers in Lincoln’s-Inn, where Particulars may be had.
1723 25 June. Evening Post (1709); Issue 2171
TO be sold by Decree in Chancery, before Richard Godfrey, Esq., one of the Masters of the said Court, to the best Bidders, part of the Trust Estates of the Right Hon. Thomas Lord Marquess of Wharton, deceas’d, directed to be sold by the said Decree, viz. ‘An Estate call’d Platters-Farm, near Winchendon, in the County of Bucks, Let by Lease for 23 Years at 128 l per Ann. An Estate call’d Hewthwayte near Cockermouth in the County of Cumberland. Divers Farms and Lands in Swaledale near Richmond in the County of York. A Leasehold Estate near Appleby in Westmoreland call’d Colby Laiths, held of the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle for 28 (?) years, and lately remov’d. several Tenements in Nateby in Westmoreland. The Rectory of Russendale and Tythes of Kirby Steven and other Tenements in Westmoreland. Particulars may be had of the said Estates at the said Master’ Chambers in Chancery Lane.
1723 28 December. London Gazette; Issue 6229
To be sold by Decree in Chancery, before Richard Godfrey Esq., one of the Masters of the said Court, to the Best Bidders, part of the Trust Estates of the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Marquess of Wharton, deceased, directed to be sold by the said Decree, viz. An Estate called Hewthwaite with diverse Tenements and Rents, at Brigham, near Cockermouth, in Cumberland, of the yearly value at 100 l and upwards; and several Farms and Lands in Swaledale, near Richmond, in the County of York, in the yearly Value of 112 l, on the 20th Day of January next, between the Hours of 10 and 12 of the Clock in the Forenoon. Also a Leashold Estate, near Appleby, in Westmorland, called Colby Laiths, held of the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle, for 21 years, and lately renewed, of the yearly Value of 90 l. divers Bar_ugh Houses at Cockermouth aforesaid, several Tenements in Nateby in Westmorland, of the yearly Value of 48 l 7s. The Rectory of Russendale in Westmorland, of the yearly Value of 74 l. the Tythe of Kirkby Stephen, in the yearly Value of 22 l. Certain Tenements and Rents in Uldale, Skiddale and Grizedale, of the yearly Value of 22 l, 3s 4d, All which last mentioned Premisses are appointed to be sold on the 23rd Day of the said Month of January, between the Hours of Four and Five of the Clock in the Afternoon. Particulars may be had of the said Estates, at the said Master’s Chambers in Chancery-Lane.
2 May 1727- London Gazette
In Purfuance of a Decree of the High Court of Chancery, all the Eftates of his Grace the Duke of Wharton, lying in Swaledale, in the Parifhes of Grinton and Mucar, in the County of York, and alfso all his faid Grace's Eftates in Weftmoreland, are to be fold before Robert Holford, Ecq, one of the Mafters of the faid Court, at his Chambers in Symond's Inn, where Particulars may be had.
1748 10 March. Whitehall Evening Post or London Intelligencer; Issue 325
GEORGE’S CHOCOLATE-HOUSE, St James’s.
London, March 11, 1747
To the PUBLIC
WHEREAS an Advertisement was inserted in the Newcastle Journal of the 27th February last, That on Friday the 25th of this Instant March, a Sale would be made at Mr Readhead’s, Innholder, in Richmond in the County of York, by James Clarkson, in Swaledale in the County, of three Burgage Houses in Richmond aforesaid, one of them commonly called King’s, with its Appurtenances and Pasturegates in Whitby, properly Whitcliffe Pasture thereunto belonging. – This is to forewarn and caution all Persons, that the legal Estate and Inheritance of the said Free Burgage House, called King’s, is solely and absolutely in me,
GEORGE KING
1757 06 December. London Evening Post; Issue 4694
Extract of Letter from Richmond in Yorkshire, Dec. 4
“Yesterday, being the Market-Day, a Number of Rioters, to the Amount of near an hundred, Masons, Knitters, and labouring Men, from Askrig, Bolton, and Redmar, and other Parts of Wenslydale, with some few from Swaledale, came into the Town, early in the Morning, forcibly rung the Corn-Bell, and their Ringleader proclaimed the Price of Corn, viz. Wheat Four Shillings per Bushel, Masseline Three Shillings and Sixpence, Oats one Shilling and Sixpence; which done, they seized the Sacks of the Farmers, and insisted upon having the Corn at the Price by them set, some of them paying, and others taking it without paying any Thing. Others of the Rioters et the Price on Oatmeal, Potatoes, &c. Some of the Town’s People were as industrious as the Rioters themselves, in buying at the Price so set. The M------- stood affrighted at his own Shop-Door, without endeavouring to put a Stop to their Proceedings, during all this Disturbance, until a neighbouring Gentleman of Fortune went, and insisted upon his reading the Proclamation; and then the Gentleman himself seized upon the Ringleader, and bout ten others, and had them immediately committed to Gaol, where they now remain.
P.S. The Rioters seem not the only People who deserve to be represented to the Publick”
1761 14 February. The Daily Register of Commerce and Intelligence; Issue 343
Dialogue between Richard and Henry, two Shepherds in Swaledale, on the Death of his late Majesty.
Richard came knitting o’er the green,
With a pensive step and thoughtful mein:
‘Twas noon, and neighbour Hal he spy’d,
A-dozing, on the dunghil side.
Hal saw a wonder in his face -----
“Prithee, friend Richard, speak they case.
“Hal, prick thy ears; here’s news anon;
“The King, the King, is dead and gone.”
“The King! quoth Hal – that’s news apace,
“And, prithee, who shall have his place?”
“Our dale, quoth Dick, has got but two for’,
“Either Sir George, or else the Steward.
“Pray God, that neither raise my rent!
“Richard, quoth Hall, and I’m content.”
Langhorn’s Poems
18 December 1764 The St James Chronicle of the British Evening Post
Last Saturday Henry PRATT late of Healuagh in Swaledale (the remarkable Quack Cow Doctor) was committed to Richmond Gaol in the County on suspicion of stealing a Cow Hide, the porperty of Thomas HUSBAND of Reeth, tanner ; and as the Constables of Middleham were conveying him to the Magistrate at
Bedale, the Doctor, when he came to Ulshaw Bridge, took a sudden resolution to get rid of his Attendants and threw himself over the Battlements into the River Yore, being at that time Bank full, but was drove to an Island wher he lay many hours, and was with much difficulty got off
Tues Jun 16 1767
On the 3d inft died at Reeth, in Swaledale, Mr. HARKER, a great Mine Adventurer.
26 Jun 1770
Bankrupts - Thomas Dun, of Grinton in Swaledale, in Yorkfhire, Victualler, to furrender July 4, 18, Aug 7, at the White Swan in Middleham.
Jul 24 1770
We hear that the property of the rich lead mine, lately difcovered in Swaledale in Yorkfhire, (faid to produce 300l a day) is in controverfy between the Earl of POMFRET, and Mr. SMITH of Gray’s Inn, and is to be tried at the next York Affizes.
1771 12 April. Public Advertiser; Issue 11348
COUNTRY NEWS
York, April 9. We hear from Swaledale in this County, that on Wednesday the 27th ult, about 40 Men, under an apparent Agency, riotously assembled and broke up the Wear, setting the Water off from Mr Smith’s Smelt Mill at Raygill near Reeth, and violently assaulted Mr Smith’s Agents and Workmen, and intirely laid the Mill useless. In Consequence of the above riotous Proceeding, by a Set of Vagrants who have no Property and could find no Bed, 12 of them were apprehended, and committed to the House of Correction at Richmond, by Justice Fielding of Starforth.
1771 02 May. London Evening Post; Issue 6770
COUNTRY NEWS
York, April 30. The riotous proceedings in Swaledale are not yet at an end. Yesterday se’nnight, a number f lawless vagrants again assembled and destroyed the water-race of Mr Smith’s smelt mill at Raygill, near Reeth, which had been only repaired the evening before, and set to work by Mr Smith’s servants. The smelt mill, called Spout Gill, in Swaledale, in the occupation of Mess. Scot and Metcalf, was like-wise laid entirely useless, by a new gang of Banditti, employed for the vile purpose of doing Mr Smith all the injuries that can possibly be thought of. By the above riotous proceedings, Mr Smith has not a corn or smelt mill left fit for service within his extensive royalties.
1771 11 May. Bingley’s Journal or Universal Gazette (1771); Issue 50
COUNTRY NEWS
Newcastle, May 11. We are informed by a person from Swaledale, that last Saturday se’nnight, a number of the Banditty, which are there very properly stiled Black Boys, and had the week before destroyed all Mr Smith’s Mill Races, assembled in the night, threw down and turned over several hayricks (in this scarce season for fodder) to the great loss of the peaceable inhabitants of that country; one of which hayricks, belonged to an agent of Mr Smiths, was rolled down into a steep gill, and thrown into the water, which makes it appear that those Black Banditti, like the White Boys in Ireland, are encouraged under hand.
1771 25 May. Westminster Journal and London Political Miscellany; Issue 1369
They write from Swaledale, that the Banditti still continue to destroy Mr Smith’s Water-course, at Raygill Smelt-mill. As often as his workmen open the same to carry on their work, which is the more remarkable as they have suffered judgment to pass by default, in an action brought against them by Mr Smith, in order for trying at the next York assizes, whether such violences upon his property could be justified by their idle pretence of making trails for lead mines.
1771 27 June. Middlesex Journal or Chronicle of Liberty; Issue 350
COUNTRY NEWS
York, June 25. We hear from Swaledale, that the Water-Race belonging to Mr Smith’s corn-mill at Gunnerside was again repaired on the 12th instant, which was no sooner perfected than the black boys immediately assembled, and destroyed it with their usual brutalty.
1771 25 July. General Evening Post; Issue 5895
COUNTRY NEWS
York, July 23. Last Saturday a writ of enquiry was executed before the Hon. Sir Henry Gould, Knt, one of the Judges of assize, between Mr Smith, of Gray’s-Inn, London, and his opponents in Swaledale in this county, when they agreed to pay Mr Smith 12 guineas, with costs of suit, for the damage done to his smelt-mill, &c. in Swaledale.
1771 30 December. The Public Advertiser.
BANKRUPTS
Richard Metcalfe, of Muker, Yorkshire. Victualler,, to surrender Jan 9, 16, Feb. 8, at the Black Lion in Middleham
Nov 13 1772 Morning Chronicle
It is reported that above twenty thoufand pounds have been fpent in law by the contending parties in the difpute about the Yorkfhire lead mine, and a correfpondent remarks that the Lawyers, like the Chymist in the Beggar's Opera, poffefs the art of turning lead into gold. 
1773 12 October. St James’s Chronicle or the British Evening Post; Issue 1976
Lately was married at Richmond, in the North Riding, Mr Thomas Hunton, Merchant, to Miss Wensley, of Reeth in Swaledale
1777 27 December. Daily Advertiser; Issue 14674
Yorkshire. To be Sold by Auction by Mr SKINNER, on Friday the 23rd of January, at Garraway’s Coffee-House, Change-Alley, Cornhill, at Twelve o’Clock, by Order of the Assignees of Mr WILLIAM KINLESIDE
A Compact COPYHOLD FARM, called STRANDS, near Gunnerside, in Swaledale, in the Parish of Grenton, occupied by Mr Thomas Galloway; consisting of two Dwelling-Houses, with Gardens, two Cowhouses, and six Fields of rich Meadow Land, containing 20 Acres of thereabouts, with a Ring Fence, bounded South by the River Swale, and North by the Road from Gunnerside to Reeth, held of the Manor of Healaugh Newland, at a customary Rent of 4s.8d. and Fine certain of 3l.10s. To be viewed till the Sale
22 Mar 1778 - sale of Grinton Manor 
4 Jul 1780
A few days ago was married at Grinton, Swaledale, William EGLIN Efq of Bankheads in the North Riding, to Mifs VITTY of Hagg near Richmond.
1788 25 March. World (1788); Issue 386
THE Valuable FREEHOLD ESTATE, of the extensive MANOR of GRINTON and GOGDEN MANSION HOUSE, Offices, eligible Farms, with their requisite Buildings, and Three Hundred and Fifty Acres of rich Land, compact, of the Annual Value of THREE HUNDRED and FOURTEEN POUNDS TEN SHILLINGS and TEN-PENCE, situate in Swaledale, in the North Riding of the County of York. To be Sold before one of the Masters of the High Court of Chancery. The Estate consists of the capital Mansion-House, called Cogden Hall, the extensive Manor of Grinton and Cogden, in the county of York, and several Farms, lying together compact in Grinton and Cogden, on the Banks of the River Swale, with Smelting Mills, and two Collieries; the Land Tax remarkably low; the Moors or Common within the Manor are extensive, and abound with Grouse and other Game; and there is excellent Trout Fishing on the River Swale, adjoining for several miles. The Mansion House, Manor, and Farms, are all lett to yearly Tenants, and contain 358 acres, little more or less. The Mansion House is a complete modern built Family House, and most delightfully situate, about a mile from Reith, a good Market town, and within six miles of Middleham, and seven of Richmond, and with the Manor, is in the occupation of Henry William Pierce, Esq. as a yearly Tenant. The principal Farm is occupied by Mr Thomas Brigham, at 95 l. a year, who will shew the Premises. Further particulars may be had of Mr Androe, in Staple-Inn, London, and where a Map of the Premises may be sold.
1793 10 January. Morning Herald; Issue 4313
COUNTRY NEWS
At a numerous and respectable meeting of the gentlemen and inhabitants of Swaledale and Arkendale, held at Reeth on the 29th ult after passing an ignominious sentence on Tom Paine, the arch libeller, his Effigy was committed to the flames upon the Market –Cross, amidst the acclamations of multitudes, who expressed their loyalty by singing God save the King. – At the same time a subscription was entered into on behalf of the debtors in York Castle, who lately signalized themselves by testifying their loyalty.
1798 14 March. Sun; Issue 1707
At a LEAD MINE Pay made by PETER DENYS, Esq, on the 6th of March inst< in SWALEDALE, in the NORTH RIDING of YORKSHIRE, a NYMEROUS BODY of MINERS entered into the following RESOLUTIONS:
We, the SWALEDALE MINERS, anxious to testify our Abhorrence f French Principles, and a French Invasion, and to give an earnest of our Loyalty and Attachment to our King and Country, have unanimously resolved, each to subscribe Half-a-Crown out of our Wages, as a Voluntary Aid in Support of the War; and in case of actual Invasion, to come forward with our PERSONAL SERVICES to repel the Enemy.
1805 27 April. The Newcastle Courant etc.; Issue 6707
TO SCHOOLMASTERS
WANTED immediately, a MASTER to the School at Muker, in Swaledale, Yorkshire. The School is endowed with upwards of 12 l. per Ann. and a few Poor Children only are taught free. Great Encouragement will be given to a diligent young Man, who can teach English Grammar, Writing and Arithmetic, and can have a Recommendation.
For further Particulars, apply to the Rev. Wm. Richardson, Muker, aforesaid.
1807 01 August. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 2190
EDWARD PRESTON’S INSOLVENCY
WHEREAS EDWARD PRESTON, of Low Forss, in the Parish of Aysgarth, in the County of York, Yeoman, hath by Indenture of Assignment bearing Date the Twenty-ninth Day of July last, duly assigned and conveyed the Whole of his Property (except his beneficial Interest in the Lease of his Farm, called Low Forss Farm,, by which he is restrained on Pain of Forfeiture thereof, from assigning or otherwise disposing of the same without his Landlord’s Consent, which is refused) to James Metcalfe, of Cotterdale, in the said Parish, Yeoman, and John Routh of Burterside, in the said Parish, Yeoman, IN TRUST only for the equal Benefit of such of the said Insolvent’s Creditors, who by executing such assignment or otherwise within Two Months from the Date thereof, shall agree to accept of the Provision thereof rateably and proportionably according to the Amount, and in full of their respective Debts:
NOTICE is therefore hereby given,
That such Assignment is lodged n the Hands of the said Trustees, for the Inspection and Execution of the said Creditors, who may execute the same, on any Tuesday at Hawes, and Thursday at Askrig, both in Wensleydale, or on any Wednesday at Mucker, in Swaledale, at all of which Places Attendance will be given for that Purpose; and such of the said Insolvent’s Creditors who neglect to execute or otherwise assent to such Assignment within the Time aforesaid, will be excluded all Benefit therefrom: All Persons who stand indebted to the said Insolvent, or who have any of his Property, are to pay or deliver the same to the said Trustees, or Mr Wainewright, Attorney at Law, Leeds, otherwise Actions will be commenced for Recovery thereof, without further Notice. – By Order,
THOMAS WAINEWRIGHT, Solicitor
Leeds, August 1, 1807
1810 07 August. The Morning Chronicle; Issue 12868
A strawberry was plucked a few days ago, in Mr Geldard’s garden, at Paradise, in Swaledale, near Richmond, in Yorkshire, which measured one way six inches and a quarter, and the other five inches, in circumference. It weighed one ounce.
1818 09 March. The Morning Chronicle; Issue 15242
DISTRESSED MINERS
REPORT of the PROCEEDINGS at a PUBLIC MEETING held at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-Street, on Tuesday the 24th February, 1818, to take into consideration the best means of alleviating the condition of the Distressed Miners in different parts of the kingdom. – As taken in Short Hand. Also is added, the Affidavit of Mr Thos Buxton, as to cases of great distress in Swaledale, in Yorkshire. Also an Appeal to the Poor Miners.
Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, Paternoster-row; sold also by Asperne, Cornhill; Lloyd, Harley-Street; J and G Todd, York; Charnley, Newcastle; Wilson, Hull; Bowman, Richmond; and all other Booksellers.
1828 19 July. The Newcastle Courant etc; Issue 8009
Floods
…. Barnard Castle, July 16. – In Swaledale, the water has flooded many hundred acres of grass, and done great damage. Some individuals, who expected a very abundant crop, are bereaved of it, and behold with distress their property completely covered with sand, &c. Horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and trees, were carried away in the wreck. At Barnard-castle little damage has been experienced; but the Tees, on Sunday last, exhibited a most alarming sight, it being higher than it has been for years. …
1828 08 November. The Newcastle Courant etc; Issue 8025
…- As Mr Birkbeck, of Low Row, in Swaledale, was returning from London, last year, he fell into company with a son of Dr Chalmers, who gave him six potatoes, which he had brought from Ostend. Mr B cut them into 70 sets, planted them in his best ground, and they have produced the great quantity of 17 pecks. They are of a pink colour, and weigh from 21 to 31 ounces each, and grew in clusters like grapes. ..
April 7th 1829
TO THE CLERGY, CHURCHWARDENS, AND CONSTABLES OF PARISHES
YOUNG WOMAN MISSING
On Monday, the 7th Day of April 1828, a Young Woman, called BETTY METCALF, left the House of Solomon Harker, Farmer at Kearton, in the Township of Melbecks, and Parish of Grinton. The said Betty Metcalf was twenty-one Years of Age, of fair Complexion, small Visage, blue Eyes, about the middle Height of Women, and was far advanced in Pregnancy. She was dressed in a Cotton Chintz Gown, white Straw Bonnet, trimmed with white Ribbons, a Drab Cloak, the Hood lined with Silk of the same Colour, had a small Reticule Basket, and it is supposed, 40s, in Money, and another Gown. She has not been heard from since by her Relations. As there are serious Suspicions entertained concerning the Disappearance of this Young Woman, it is earnestly reqested that the Clergy, Churchwardens, and the Constables, will make Inquiries in their respective Parishes, and that any Intelligence which can be gained, may be addressed immediately to the Churchwardens of the Parish of
Grinton, near Richmond, Yorkshire -
Sat Jul 27 1839
On the 8th ult. At Gunnerside in Swaledale aged 63, Mr. Thomas RUTTER
Sep 7 1839
On the 12th August, aged 95, Mary, widow of the late Mt. George RAW. 50 years a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Society.
28 Jun 1850
At West House, Arkingarthdale near Reeth, on the 14th inst aged 68, Elizabeth, relict of the late Joseph ALDERSON Esq.
1829 04 July. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 3156
Deaths
On the 18th ult, at Reeth in Swaledale, in this county in his 94th year, Mr John Kearton. He was greatly esteemed on account of his ability and integrity as a rider, and won a greater number of gold cups than any jockey of his day.
1839 08 June. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 5502
RICHMOND
At the Petty Sessions held at Richmond, on Saturday last, William Dunn, of Richmond, was convicted of a trespass, in the rookery of Robert Jaques, Esq., of Easby, on Sunday morning last, and was fined 5s. and costs, or to be imprisoned one month. – Thos Hall complained against Wm. Dodds, of Gayles, for non-payment of wages. It appeared that Thomas Hall was hired to William Dodds, for three years, from Martinmas, 1836, and had absconded from is service. Thomas Hall was ordered to return to his employment, which he refused to o. he was committed to the House of Correction, at Northallerton, for one month.
RICHMOND POLICE OFFICE. – On Monday last, Geo Geldart, of Richmond, cattle driver, was brought before the Magistrates of the borough, by Mr Whiting, police officer, and was convicted of being drunk and disorderly on Saturday night last; also of assaulting Perkin Hind and Matthew Veal, butchers, and using violent and abusive language. He was fined 20s. for the assaults, and 5s. for being drunk, with costs.
Mr E A KNOWLES. – The trial of John Birkbeck, of Low-row, for a libel on E A Knowles, Esq., of Paradise, having been decided in the Court of Queen’s Bench, by the defendant authorising his counsel, Sir F Pollock, to make a full retraction of every imputation he had endeavoured to fix on the character of the prosecutor, and also stating that he, the defendant, would pay the prosecutor’s costs; the inhabitants of Gunnerside, Low-row, and Feetham assembled on Friday last, and walked in procession to mee Mr Knowles on is return from London. When about a mile from his residence he was met by a large body of people, having two bands of music, and a banner. His horse was immediately taken from the vehicle in which Mr and Mrs K and their little boy were seated; they were then borne along by human power midst the cheers of the multitude, the bands playing appropriate airs. On their arrival at Paradise, three cheers were given, and the meeting, the largest ever seen in Swaledale, quietly dispersed. Mr K is a gentleman who is highly respected by the inhabitants of Swaledale, and their conduct on this occasion must have been truly gratifying to his family who have no doubt suffered much by the malicious attack which had been made upon his character. The result ought to operate as a warning to persons, who, to gratify their revenge would stigmatize the character, and if they could, blast the reputation of fellow-mortal. – Correspondent
1840 17 October. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 5574
Deaths
On Wednesday week, at Kearton, near Reeth, Swaledale, aged 52, Mr Solomon Harker, farmer and grazier, father of Mr Wm. Harker, of York, grocer.
1841 06 August. The Newcastle Courant etc; Issue 8696
The Lord Bishop of Ripon held his visitation in the parish church of Richmond on Monday last, the Rev. F Fowke, B A, read prayers, and the Rev. R Meek, M A, rector of Richmond preached, after which the Lord Bishop delivered a beautiful and impressive charge to the clergy, with all the mildness and eloquence which is usual to that learned prelate.
On Tuesday last, the Lord Bishop of Ripon consecrated the newly-erected church at Melbecks, in Swaledale; a number of the clergy attended on the occasion, and the ceremony attracted a large congregation.
1841 21 August. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 5620
DEATH OF JOHN HUTTON, Esq., OF MARSKE
JOHN HUTTON, Esq. of Marske, near Richmond, died on the 14th inst., aged 67, one of the Aldermen and Magistrates of the borough f Richmond, President of the Richmond Market Club, President of the Richmond Literary and Scientific Institution, Patron of the Mechanics’ Institute, High Sheriff of the county of York in 1825, and many years head of the Swaledale and Wensleydale Bank in Richmond and Leyburn. He was possessed of extraordinary talents and of an ample fortune; his means of doing good were extensive and were judiciously employed. He was the steady patron of literature and science, and some of the most eminent literary and scientific men in the kingdom will often call to mind the pleasant hours spent in his delightful retreat at Marske, where for many years he kept up the hospitality of an old English Baron. In Richmond his loss will be severely felt, and universally deplored. Few men were so much esteemed in private society, and in public he was everything that a patriot ought to be. Mild, unpretending, and un-obtrusive in manner, he was firm and uncompromising in principle. The foe of bigoted intolerance and persecutions of any kind, he as an able supporter of liberal principles of government, and a zealous reformer of all abuses in church and state. Being an honest and consistent reformer, and advocate of progressive reform, he aided as a burgess in carrying out the principles of the Municipal Corporation Reform Bill as actively as he supported the measure of Parliamentary Reform, and would no more entrust the government of a town to men whose principles of government were those of narrow, selfish, bigoted, and intolerant Toryism, than he would have thought of electing them to govern the empire. Though occupying so high a position in the county, yet, so long as health and strength permitted, he was indefatigable in his attention to the business and best interests of the borough of Richmond; and though resident at the distance of five miles, whenever summoned to any meeting of the Council, as the clock struck the hour appointed for his attendance, he might be seen entering the Town Hall – economical of time, punctual in every thing himself, he looked for the same punctuality in others.
By his death, the Liberal party in this neighbourhood, and throughout the Riding, suffer a severe loss.
Though no supporter of the restrictive Corn Laws or monopolies of any description, yet, as country gentleman, he was the greatest friend and patron of agricultural improvement and the application of science to practical agriculture. At the time when such associations were uncommon, he established, and for several years, almost at his own expense, supported cattle shows for the neighbourhood, offering premiums, and liberally entertaining, on his farm at Cordilleras, all who attended them.
As a landlord, it may be sufficient to say of him, that he never advanced the rents. His tenantry at Marske occupied their farms, in the dearest times, on the same terms as they or their predecessors had held them in the last century, under his father.
1841 27 November. Preston Chronicle; Issue 1526
Marriages
Lately, at Aysgarth Church, Wensleydale, by the Rev. J Winn, vicar, Mr Clarkson, of Hawes, wine merchant, to Elizabeth, daughter of the late Simon Harker, Esq., of Whitaside, Swaledale; at the same time and place, Mr Clarke, stationer, (late printer and publisher of the Monthly Advertising Journal, Hawes), now of Stockwell, London, to Miss Jane Clarkson, of Hawes.
1843 04 August. The Hull Packet and East Riding Times; Issue 3059
During the last week, Mary Sunter, 86 years of age, was one of the most active of hay-makers, employed by John Barker, Esq., of Healaugh, in Swaledale. This hale old woman has worked at hay in the same land for the worthy “Squire of the Rookery” and his predecessors in 50 consecutive years.
1845 17 October. Glasgow Herald.
An Uncomfortable Position. – A young man named Porter, who resides within a mile of Reeth, in Swaledale, was out the other day with his dog for the purpose of hunting rabbits. The dog having run two rabbits into a hole amongst some stones, Porter made an effort to widen the place, and had thrust his hand and arm into the hole, and had just got hold of a rabbit, when the stones gave way and closed him so fast that he could not stir his head or arms or body – only his legs were uncovered. In this extraordinary position he was discovered, after being buried for ninety hours. He was taken home in a wretched condition, but still retaining his consciousness, and is now gradually recovering. His discovery was quite accidental, although the whole neighbourhood turned out to find him. Lancaster Guardian..
1851 25 October. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6151
To Carpet Manufacturers, and Worsted and Woollen Yarn
Spinners.
By Mr GEORGE TERRY, at the Buck Inn, in Reeth, in the county of York, on Friday, the Thirty-first day of October, 1851, at three o’clock in the afternoon, subject to the conditions to be then and there produced,
Lot 1. ALL that substantial modern stone-built MILL, called Haverdale Mill, situate near Low Row, in Swaledale, late in the occupation of Mr E A Knowles.
This mill is worked by an overshot waterwheel, about 38 feet in diameter by 6 feet wide.
The woollen yarn division of the mill comprises four rooms, 60 feet by 40, containing 2 teazors, 4 scribblers, 4 carders, 4 billies, and one pair of mules, of 548 spindles, quite new – all in good condition and by first-rate makers.
The worsted department of the mill is replete with main and counter shafting for the carding, preparing, and spinning of carpet worsted, consisting of four rooms about the size of above named, with two pairs of fulling stocks, and also four pairs of mill stones, two French burrs, one grey and one shilling stone; corn skreen, flour dressing machine, elevators, &c. The whole is very complete, and of the best construction, and has only been fit up a few months.
The outbuildings consist of an extensive and most convenient dye-house, weaving rooms, warehouses, and stable. There are also attached to these premises TWO good DWELLING-HOUSES, suited for the residence of the foremen or managers.
The mill and dye-pans are heated by steam. The water-wheel, shafting, steam boiler, dye-pans, &c., were made and erected by the Bowling Iron Company, and are of the best quality and construction.
Lot 2. All that new-built and well-accustomed INN, called the “Miners’ Arms,” with the brewhouse complete, and stable and coachhouse thereto adjoining. Also nine acres of most excellent meadow LAND, of first rate quality, with a barn thereon, and four cattlegoits; all of which are situate at Low Row aforesaid, and are now in the occupation of Mr Thomas Winter, as tenant thereof.
And also all those FOUR DWELLING-HOUSES, situate at Low Row aforesaid, and now in the respective occupations of John Hunter, Margaret Cherry, Wilfred Calvert, and Mary Knowles, as tenants thereof.
Lot 1. is freehold; the parochial rates are exceedingly low, and have not exceeded £5 per annum. It is distant from Kendal 30 miles, the Ingleton railway station 20 miles, and the Richmond railway station 14 miles. It may be inspected on any day on application to Mr E A KNOWLES, or Mr THOMAS SHEPHERD, the foreman, on the premises.
1852 03 January. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6161
KELD, SWALEDALE, - The friends f the Independent chapel in this remote village, held their annual meeting on Christmas day. The weather was favourable, and at half-past ten o’clock in the morning 117 children were regaled with tea and buns, after which, headed by music, and bearing appropriately inscribed banners, they proceeded to Angram, about a mile distant from Keld, whence they returned highly gratified with their recreation. In the afternoon, a public tea party was held in the school-room, when 289 persons assembled. In the morning, the children were addressed by the Rev. G F Terry, of Sedbergh. Mr Terry also preached in the afternoon, on the nativity of Christ, and in the evening addressed himself especially to the young people. The congregations were large, and much interest was manifested in the proceedings f the day. In the course of the meeting pieces of sacred music were well performed by a party from Gunnerside (Wesleyans) under the direction of Mr G Johnson, and added greatly to the animation of the services. The collection, to defray expenses, amounted to £6.18s., the whole being given on the voluntary principle, and when it is considered that Keld, with its vicinity for two miles in all directions, does not contain more than 400 inhabitants, the great proportion of whom are in humble circumstances, the company will appear large and the contributions liberal.
17 Jul 1852
The Grand Jury returned the bills not found against the following prisoners;-
Jonathan STODDART for stabbing John HARKER at Arkingarthdale.
Nov 12, 1852
Richmond Petty Sessions
Joseph BUXTON of Gunnerside charged with assaulting Thomas MARR, was fined 5s and costs
Martha NEASHAM of Muker applied for an order of affiliation to be made on John HARKER of Gunnerside – granted
James FRANKLIN and John PORTER the younger, were charged with trespassing in a certain plantation in the possession of F. MORLEY Esq, in search of game and fined 2s6d each and costs
Ann WHITEHEAD of Arkengarthdale applied for an order of affiliation to be made upon James WHITEHEAD of the same place – granted
Ann KIPLING of Gilling applied for an order of affiliation upon Amos Barlow of Darlington – granted
Ralph Woodward, Hammand Hall, Miles Scott and Henry Troop, were charged with fighting and causing an obstruction on the highway in the township of Akengarthdale, Woodward and Hall were fined 40s each and Scott and Troop 10s each and costs, or in default of payment, two months imprisonment.
1853 19 March. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6224
Births
On the 14th inst., at Richmond, Yorkshire, Mrs GEORGE SMURTHWAITE, of a son
Marriages
(on Saturday)
Same day, at Trinity Church, Melbecks, Swaledale, Mr CHARLES TALBOT, of the Royal Sappers and Miners, to Miss AGNES CLOSE, of Gunnerside.
1853 15 April. The Newcastle Courant etc; Issue 9306
Marriages
At HARTLEPOOL, on the 6th inst., Mr James Metcalfe, late of Swaledale, to Miss Jane Turnbull, of Hartlepool. …
Deaths
At RICHMOND, on the 9th inst., aged 45, Simon, son of the late Mr Thomas Lambert, of the Talbot Inn, in that place.
10 Jun 1853
At the Petty Sessions on the 4th inst., for the division of Gilling West. John Ward, of Milbeck, appeared to a summons, charging him with assaulting George GARTHWAITE; fined 5s and costs, or two months' imprisonment. Thomas STAPLETON of Downholme, charged with sleeping on his cart on the road leading from Richmond to Reeth, fined 6d and costs.
2 Dec 1854
Keld, Swaledale - Mutual Improvement Society
This society was formed some months since in the remote village of Keld, where a devoted agent of the West Riding Home Missionary Society has for many years been labouring. Through his efforts much good has been done; the education of the inhabitants has been advanced, a spirit of inquiry and a desire for improvement have been awakened, and in order to meet the demand thus created, Mr. WILKINSON (the minister referred to) succeeded in the spring of the present year in establishing a Mutual Improvement Society among the younger men. This event formed quite an era in the annals of Keld. The young men of the village, although few in number and much occupied with agricultural pursuits, readily joined the society and have constantly availed themselves of the means of improvement supplied to them by the reading-room, library, and occasional lectures.
1855 13 February. Liverpool Mercury etc. Issue 2663
Early on Friday morning last, a young man, aged 36, named William Milner Clark, son of a respectable grocer, at Thwaite-in-Swaledale, Yorkshire, a private in the royal sappers and miners, who has been for some time employed in the ordnance survey at Milnthorpe, cut his throat with a razor in a frightful manner, near the national school, and afterwards completed self-destruction by drowning himself in the river Bela, which runs close by the school.
22 September 1855
(Deaths) At Richmond, Mrs. John SPENSLEY of Gingle Pot, aged 28 years.
1856 12 July. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6506
NORTH-EASTERN RAILWAY. – LEEDS SECTION.
- The BEAUTIES of YORKSHIRE – Wensley-dale and Swaledale, though comparatively little known, are acknowledged to be the most picturesque and beautiful districts in Yorkshire. They are easily accessible, as Leyburn, in Wensleydale, and Richmond, in Swaledale, possess continuous railway communication with the north and south. For the purpose of enabling the public to explore these romantically beautiful valleys, the Directors of the North-Eastern Railway Company have determined to issue, on and after the 14th inst., Return Tickets to parties of not less than twelve persons, from Leeds, Harrogate, Ripon, and Stockton, to Leyburn or Richmond, and back, daily, at the following extremely low fairs:-
FIRST CLASS, 7s 6d. SECOND CLASS, 5s.
The tickets will entitle the holders to return on the day of issue, or by the first or second train on the following day. Those issued on Saturday are available for return by any rain on Monday. They are not transferable, and do not entitle the holders to alight at any intermediate station; parties attempting to do so, will be charged the ordinary fares, without any deduction for what has been paid for the excursion ticket. To secure a through carriage, a day’s notice must be given.
AM AM PM PM
Trains leave Leeds at ……….7.25 11.0 1.30 5.0
PM
Arrive at Richmond 2.35 4.55 8.15
“ Leyburn 11.30 - 4.40 8.40
AM NOON
Trains leave Leyburn 6.0 11.50 5.15 -
“ Richmond 6.45 12.30 5.45 -
Arrive at Leeds 10.15 3.45 9.5 -
Horses and Carriages may be obtained at Leyburn or Richmond for those who wish to extend their excursion to the numerous objects of interest in the neighbourhood.
JAS. WILSON. Goods’ Manager and Superintendent
Leeds, July 12, 1856.
1856 06 December. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6569
KELD, SWALEDALE, - The Mutual Improvement Society of this village held their third annual meeting in their reading room, on Thursday, the 27thth ult. At seven o’clock the members sat down to social cup of tea, after which, the evening as spent in the transaction of business and the election of officers. The secretary presented a very satisfactory report, and the treasurer’s accounts showed a balance of £2 8s. in favour of the society.
1857 30 January. The Newcastle Courant etc; Issue 9501
Deaths
At CHAPEL ROW, on the 24th inst., aged 63, much respected, Mr Thomas Metcalfe, formerly of Swaledale, Yorkshire. – on the 25th inst., John William, infant son of Mr John Jackson, joiner. – On the same day, aged 74, Mrs Hannah Coates, formerly of Arkendale, Yorkshire.
1857 02 May. The Bristol Mercury; Issue 3502
GROUSE SHOOTING, SWALEDALE, YORKSHIRE
To be LET, for such Term as shall be agreed upon, the well-known excellent GROUSE MOORS, called the Keld or Muker Moors, situate at the head of SWALEDALE, in the North Riding of the county of York, adjoining to and bounded by the strictly preserved Moors of Lords De Grey, Wharncliffe, and Lonsdale, and Sir Richard Tufton and others. These Moors have been in the occupation of Mr Osbaldeston, the late Sir Richard Sutton, and other distinguished sportsmen, and have long enjoyed a high reputation. They have been carefully preserved, and had a jubilee last year. There is accommodation for four or five gentlemen adjoining the ground. There is a branch to Richmond from the North Eastern Railway, about twenty miles from the Moors. – Terms and further particulars may be known on application to Messrs. LANGHORNE and TOMLIN, Solicitors, Richmond, Yorkshire.
1857 24 September. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6694
SWALEDALE. – INDEPENDENT SABBATH SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. –
Two sermons were preached in the Friends’ Meeting House, Low-row, on Sunday the 20th September, by the Rev. H Oakley, of Richmond. The children, accompanied by instrumental music, sung several interesting pieces, being ably conducted by Mr S Platt. The collections were liberal.
1857 30 October. The Newcastle Courant etc; Issue 9540
Marriages
At Richmond, on the 22nd inst., Mr J Cradock, of the Swaledale and Wensleydale Bank, to Aline, daughter of Mr Matthew Bell, of Frenchgate, Richmond
Deaths
At Richmond, on the 24th inst., aged 3 years, Constance, youngest daughter of the Rev. Lawrence Ottley, Rector of Richmond, Yorkshire.- On the 27th inst., aged 9 years, William, son of Mr William Matthews, grocer.
1857 07 November. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6713
Marriages
On the 22nd ult., at the parish church, Richmond, by the Rev. J Raw, vicar of Ainderby, Mr J CRADOCK, of the Swaledale and Wensleydale Bank, to ALINE, daughter or Mr MATTHEW BELL, of Richmond.
1857 19 December. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6731
Marriages
(On Thursday last)
Same day, at the Holy Trinity church, Ripon, Mr JOHN GREEN, of Chapeltown, flax spinner, to Miss ANN SIMPSON, of Swaledale, near Richmond.
13 Mar 1858
James HARKER (27) was charged with having at Reeth, on the 22nd of January last, cut and wounded Josh. FAWCETT with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.
Mr. Price and Mr. Simpson prosecuted; and Mr. Davison defended the prisoner.
The prosecutor and the prisoner are miners, and on the day named they were at the Buck public-house at Reeth near Richmond. The prosecutor was in the company of a man named DOLPHIN and the prisoner had a friend with him named SLACK, the latter of whom was also committed upon the charge of cutting and wounding but the Grand Jury threw out the bill against him. Some joking took place between the prisoner and Fawcett, followed by a quarrel. The prisoner challenged the prosecutor to a fight, and he accepted the challenge. They came outside the house, and commenced a pugilistic encounter, Slack acting as second to the prisoner. The prosecutor fought with his fists, but the prisoner "fought underneath" as it is termed, and used a knife with which he struck the prosecutor, and wounded him in seven or eight places on the left side. The prosecutor at length fell sick and exhausted, and was conveyed home. A surgeon was called in, and he discovered on the prosecutor eight wounds, three on the left ribs, three on the left arm between the elbow and the shoulder and two upon the back. One of the wounds on the side was of a serious description, and for a week the prosecutor's life was in danger. When the prisoner was apprehended at his house in Arkendale, a pocket knife was laid at the bottom of the stairs, and the large blade was bloody.
The defence was that there was no satisfactory evidence to show that the prisoner inflicted the injuries, and for aught that appeared Black might have been the party who wounded the prosecutor.
Guilty; to be kept in penal servitude for three years.
1859 09 July. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 6975
A NARROW ESCAPE. – On Tuesday last Mr Marshall, of York, and Mr George Hayes, of Manchester, left Richmond, Yorkshire, in a gig, for a drive over the districts of Swaledale and Wensleydale. Whilst walking up very steep and rough road, the horse was stung by a gall fly, and became restive, backing the gig some yards off the road to the edge of a precipice. It required all their strength to hold her head and the wheel of the gig for several minutes. Whilst in this dilemma they were seen by some sheep shearers, who ran up the hill to their assistance, and thus prevented the destruction of a valuable mare and vehicle.
1859 24 November. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7034
KELD, SWALEDALE, - The members of the Keld Mutual Improvement Society held their fifth annual meeting on the 18th inst. After enjoying cheerful cup of tea, the business of the society was attended to. The secretary gave a very satisfactory report, showing, after defraying all expenses, a balance of £4 16s. During the evening great unanimity prevailed. The society was formed in the face of many difficulties and few encouragements. Some kind friends in Leeds gave a few books to commence a library, which now numbers 236 volumes, amongst which are some valuable works which are much read by the members. The society is not now looked upon with doubt and suspicion as at first, but comments itself to all as a valuable institution.
1860 15 November. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7187
Deaths
On the 29th ult., at Feetham, Swaledale, aged 87, Lieutenant CHRISTOPHER RAW. He was the last surviving officer of the late Loyal Dales Volunteer Infantry, and of the Richmond Company of the North York Local Militia.
1861 22 January. Daily News, Issue 4586
MARRIAGES
BARKER-CLEASBY. – Jan. 19, at the parish church, Grinton, Yorkshire, by the Rev. P. Smith, John, son of A. BARKER, Esq., to Jane, daughter of Mr CLEASBY of Reeth, Swaledale, Yorkshire.
1861 14 February. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7226
THE LATE STORM
… A Richmond correspondent writes on Monday as follows:
- “The wintry weather which was experienced at the beginning of the year, has visited some parts of the North Riding of Yorkshire with great severity, felt all the more keenly in consequence of its succeeding a few days of spring-like warmth. The visitation has been most capricious in its character. The North-Eastern Railway line seems to have acted like a barrier at the first outbreak of the storm, and while towards the eastern side there was only a fringe of snow, which lay lightly on the ground, and thicker on the hill tops, westward, there was a fall of snow which has not been equalled for some time past. At Leyburn, in Wensleydale, the snow commenced to fall on Friday night, and continued to fall without intermission the whole of the following day. In many places the snow was drifted to the depth of ten feet, and the roads from Leyburn, westward and northward, were perfectly impassable on Saturday. In Swaledale the storm was equally violent, and the snow fell most heavily. From Reeth to Richmond the usual transit of the Saturday’s market was nearly barred, the roads having to be cleared in many places; and on Richmond Moor the snow lay in a depth of from two to four feet. One poor fellow had a narrow escape from a fearful death during the snow storm. He was passing across Halfpenny Moor, on the road from Bellerby to Richmond, when he was perfectly overpowered, and he fell on the road-side senseless. Fortunately two men, who were seeking for one of their companions who was safe in some other place, discovered the helpless traveller, and by them he was carried to a place of refuge, where means were successfully used for his restoration and recovery. Sheep have been ‘snowed up’, in several instances, and it is feared great damage has been done by the present unexpected visit of winter.”
1861 30 December. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7399
KELD, IN SWALEDALE. – The annual tea party in connexion with the Independent Chapel at Keld was, as usual, held on the 25th inst. The day was fine, which brought together a large gathering of neighbours and friends from a distance. In the afternoon 90 children were supplied with tea and buns. In the evening 254 persons sat down to an excellent tea, after which a service was held in the chapel, when a sermon was preached by the resident minister. Mr T FORD, of Gunnerside, presided at the organ. Collections were made amounting to £8 7s 8½d .
1862 31 January. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7427
WANTED, a SITUATION as LADY’S MAID. Good character.
Apply to Miss METCALFE, Healaugh, nr Reeth, Swaledale, Yorkshire.
1862 14 February. The Newcastle Courant etc.; Issue 9764
HARTLEY COLLIERY ACCIDENT
At a MEETING held in the Guildhall, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to Promote a SUBSCRIPTION for the RELIEF of the WIDOWS and ORPHANS of those who perished in HARTLEY PIT
THE MAYOR OF NEWCASTLE (JOSEPH ARMSTRONG, Esq) in the CHAIR
It was resolved to open a Subscription List for the Benefit of the Sufferers. The Men and Boys killed number over 200; and those dependent upon them, so far as has yet been ascertained, number 407.
…(extracted from a VERY long list of contributors from all over the country)…
Collected from the Miners in Swaledale and Arkendale, in North Yorkshire (per Mr G A ROBINSON, of Reeth, Richmond) £5 10. 0d.
1862 27 September. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7632
DEATHS
WARD. – Sept. 21st , aged 76 ESTHER, widow of Mr THOMAS WARD, of Reeth Swaledale.
1862 27 November. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7684
KELD, IN SWALEDALE. – The members of Keld Mutual Improvement Society and Literary Institute held their annual meeting on the 22nd instant. After enjoying a social cup of tea, the business of the society was proceeded with. The secretary gave a very satisfactory and encouraging report, showing that during the past year there had been an increase of ten members, that 35 volumes had been added to the library, and that the reading room had been well supplied with newspapers, &c. After paying all expenses, a balance of £9 3s. 7d. remained in favour of the society. A vote of thanks was passed to the various officers, all of whom were unanimously re-elected. The evening was very pleasantly spent.
1863 02 May. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7817
DEATHS
SIMPSON. – April 24th, aged 55, Mr NATHAN SIMPSON, farmer and miner, Smarber, Swaledale.
1863 09 July. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 7875
THWAITE, SWALEDALE. – On the 26th ult., the first stone of a new Congregational Chapel was laid in the village of Thwaite, Swaledale, Yorkshire, and in honour of the event the whole population of the district kept holiday. About one o’clock p.m., several hundreds of the inhabitants of the dale, young and old, assembled at Keld, which is situated at the head of the valley, and having formed themselves into a procession proceeded (headed by the Brass Temperance Band, belonging to Mr G ROBINSON, of Reeth) to the site of the proposed building, a distance of about two miles. Having reached the spot, where a large concourse of people who had come from the lower parts of the dale, were awaiting the arrival of the procession, the Rev. J WILKINSON, of Keld, gave out a hymn, and the Rev. J H MORGAN of Leeds, offered prayer. Mr W H CONYERS, of Leeds, then proceeded to lay the stone, associating with the ceremony of doing so a few appropriate and impressive remarks. He was flowed by the Rev. W THOMAS, of Leeds, who delivered a lucid and comprehensive address, explanatory of the principles and aims of the Congregational denomination. The interesting scene was brought to a close by singing a hymn, which was read out by the Rev. M WHITE, of Reeth, and by prayer which was offered by the Rev. J BARACLOUGH, the superintendent Wesleyan minister of the circuit. The assembly then separated to meet again in a large tent, erected in the middle of the village, where upwards of 500 persons took tea together. After tea Mr R C ALLEN, of Hawes, presided, and very interesting and instructive speeches were delivered by several gentlemen. The new chapel will be attached to the ministry of the Rev J WILKINSON, of Keld, who exertions to promote the social and spiritual welfare of the district have been indefatigable and signally successful. The design and plans for the building have been furnished by Mr Thomas Ambler, architect, of Leeds.
Feb 11 1864
On Tuesday an adjourned inquest was held at Reeth, on the body of an infant child which had been found in a level – a cutting leading to a lead mine at Marrick, between Reeth and Richmond. There being no direct evidence to connect any person with the death of the child, an open verdict of ‘Wilful murder against some person or persona unknown’ was returned. A young woman named WOOD, supposed to be the mother of the above child, has been taken into custody on the charge of concealment of birth.
1864 05 March. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 8080
DEATHS
ALDERSON. – Feb. 27th, at Thwaite, in Swaledale, aged 66, Mr Edwd. ALDERSON, innkeeper.
1864 12 March. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 8076
PETITIONS. –
In the House of Commons, on Thursday, petitions were presented by Mr Baines, from traders attending Leeds market, and from workpeople at Gildersome, in favour of a permissive prohibiting bill to restrain the sale of intoxicating liquors; and from registrars of births and deaths at Leeds, praying for more adequate payment for their labours in connection with vaccination; by Sir F Crossley from Batley, in favour of a permissive bill; by Mr E Forster, from the West Ward of Bradford, the West-end Temperance Society, Bradford, and the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Bradford, to the same effect; Mr Duncombe, from the Friend in Need Assurance and other friendly societies in Guisborough, in the North Riding against the Government Annuities Bill; and also by the same gentleman, from the superintendents and teachers of the Wesleyan Sunday Schools of Heath (Reeth), Hurst, Arkengarthdale, and Newlaugh (Helaugh?); and also from the members of the different congregations of Hardrow, Lunds, and Catherdale (Cotterdale?); from the wives, widows and adult spinsters of Abbotside; from the members of the Wesleyan Methodist Congregation of Castle Bolton; from the inhabitants of Preston and Castle Bolton in the parish of Wensley, and from Gunnerside, all in the North Riding; by Mr Brown, from Malton; by Mr Leatham, from Lockwood; by Mr Wickham, from the committee of Bradford Auxiliary to the United Kingdom Alliance, also from the congregation of Peckover-street Chapel, Bradford; by Mr Morritt, from Great Ayton and from the superintendent and teachers of the Independent schools of Keld and Thwaite, Swaledale, North Riding; and by Mr B Westhead, from the York Auxiliary of the United Kingdom Alliance, in favour of a Permissive Liquor Law Bill.
1864 19 may. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 8144
THE thunder-storm which passed over Harrogate, Otley, and Halifax, on Monday, appears to have swept with unusual violence over the whole of the district lying on the borders of North Yorkshire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland. In Wensleydale and Swaledale the rain came down in torrents, and flooded the beds of those beautiful valleys for miles and miles. The streams rose into the magnitude of small rivers in a very short time, and before the necessary steps could be taken to protect the property along the banks the waters were out, and carried almost everything before them. Bridges and other structures were swept away, and the farmers suffered severely, both in loss of stock and injury to their crops.
1864 22 August. Daily News; Issue 5707
A WILD MAN IN YORKSHIRE. – Some excitement has prevailed in Swaledale, Arkendale, the borders of Westmoreland, as well as at Barnard Castle and Richmond, by the proceedings of a man who lived in the woods and on the moors. He was of middle height; and, though of slender build, he possessed considerable muscular power, as was evidence by his surprising activity. His clothing consisted of a fragment of an old dressing-gown, reaching from his waist to his knees, fastened round him with a cord, and a few rags clinging to his shoulders. His feet and legs were covered with dirt. His hair and beard were long and matted, saving which there was nothing ferocious in his aspect, his features being naturally mild, and not unprepossessing. Occasionally he had approached farmhouses; and, at Scargill and other places, kind-hearted people had given him food, which he had eaten with avidity, but he had refused to accept the clothes offered him. He ran with wonderful speed, sometimes leaping into the air, and glancing behind him at nearly every step. He seemed to have no fixed route, but diverged on each side of the way as he rapidly traversed the ground. It is thought that he must in some degree have subsisted upon such game or vermin as he could catch; and he. Has been observed eating the garbage lying in the vicinity of farmhouses. He was perfectly inoffensive; but his singular appearance, and his mode of running and screaming, had terrified many women and children. It is related also that a man living at a farm near Barnard Castle had risen early to go to the coalpits, but had been so frightened by the sudden appearance of the “wild man”, that he hastily unyoked the horses, hurried back to the house, and barricaded the doors and windows. There is no doubt that the “wild man” is a harmless lunatic who as escaped from confinement. The police have been on the look out for several weeks, but have failed to capture him until this present week, when the police stationed at Greta Bridge succeeded, after an exciting chase, in seizing him. He stands remanded for 14 days to Northallerton gaol, in order that inquiries might be made concerning him. – Yorkshire Gazette
3 Jun 1865
Keld Side Mining Company - prospectus 
1866 28 November. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 8931
MARRIAGES
SANTER-CLARKE. – Sept. 29th, at Strathalbyn, South Australia, by the Rev M WILSON, Edward, youngest son of the late Mr Joseph SANTER, of Swaledale, near Richmond, Yorkshire, to Jane Christian, second daughter of the late Mr Angus CLARKE, of the West Nappin, Jurby, Isle of Man
1867 03 August. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 9144
NISI PRIUS COURT, Friday
(Before Mr Justice LUSH)
WILSON v WILSON
Mr MANISTY, Q.C. and Mr SHEPHERD appeared for the Plaintiff; Mr PRICE, Q.C., and Mr KEMPLAY for the Defendant. The plaintiff, Mr THOMAS WILSON, resides at Keld, in Swaledale, and he brought this action against Mr ROBINSON WILSON, the derendant, as the executor of his father, Mr JOHN WILSON, to recover £240, with interest, upon a promissory note. The plaintiff is a gamekeeper, and was the brother of Mr JOHN WILSON. The latter having got into difficulties, he left a farm which Thomas sometimes occupied himself and sometimes let. He allowed John to look after it, and John got further into debt, which the plaintiff paid off. In June, 1853, different transactions having been going on for several years, the parties met and settled the account. It was agreed that £240 were owing, and it was arranged that John should give his brother a promissory note for the amount, and pay £9 a year interest. The last payment that was made was early in 1865, and the sum was now claimed of Mr John Wilson’s executor, who succeeded to the farm his father had occupied. There were several pleas to the action, such as never indebted, payment, and the statute of limitations, but the substantial defence was that the defendant succeeded to no assets from his father at the time of his death, he having no property whatever, and that he (the defendant) had himself paid for the stock, &c., he had upon the premises.
The jury retired for forty minutes, and then found a Verdict for the Plaintiff for £120, that being, in their opinion, the value of the assets of the late Mr John Wilson.
ALLEGED CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH NEAR RICHMOND
FANNY ROBINSON (21) was indicted on the charge of having concealed the birth of her child at Whashton, near Richmond, on the 3rd May. – Mr SHEPHERD prosecuted, and Mr CAMPBELL FOSTER and Mr SKIDMORE appeared on behalf of the prisoner. – The prisoner was in the employ of Mr MILES ALDERSON, a farmer, residing at Hope, near Richmond, as his housekeeper. On Friday, the 3rd May, a boy named MATTHEW ALLAN, who was on his way from school, saw on an island in a stream known as Whashton Beck a bag, which as it appeared to contain something bulky, he obtained, and on examining it he found that it was the body of a newly-born male child. This Allan left in a field, and then went away, but afterwards returned to the spot accompanied by a police-officer named Shepherd, who removed it to a stable , and there found that it was wrapped in part of an old petticoat and a lady’s vest, the former of which corresponded with some cloth found in prisoner’s box. The way in which it was further sought to connect the prisoner with the child was as follows: - JANE HINDMORE, who had slept with the prisoner on two occasions some five or six weeks before the discovery of the body, said that the prisoner on both occasion slept with her clothes on, and that subsequently, on seeing her at Richmond, she noticed a great change in her appearance; on the 1st May the prisoner was seen on the highway in the vicinity of Whashton; on the 4th of the same month the body of the child, on which there no signs of decomposition, was examined by Mr THOMAS CARTER, physician and surgeon, who found that there were no external marks of violence, and it was his opinion that it had breath, and that death had resulted from congestion of the lungs. The same gentleman had subsequently examined the prisoner, and found that she had been recently delivered of a child. On the night of the 10th May the prisoner, while in charge of Mrs SINGLETON, the wife of the inspector of police at Scorton, five miles away from Richmond, said that she did not think Mr STELLING, the superintendent of police, would get any evidence against her, for she knew her master would not go against her to do her any harm. Mrs Singleton said, “perhaps it was that the baby being found so near to where you lived caused suspicion to be thrown upon you,” to which the prisoner replied, “Oh no, for I took it nearly eight miles away before I put it down.” Mr FOSTER contended that the whole case seemed to hinge entirely on Mrs Singleton’s evidence, and urged that whatever the prisoner had said had been the result of ingenious questions put to her. The Learned Counsel then reviewed the evidence, contending that there was nothing to bring home the charge to the prisoner, and dwelling especially on the facts elicited on cross-examination that the prisoner went about her farm duties, milking cows, churning butter, &c., from which he urged that she could not have been in the condition in which the prosecution had endeavoured to prove. There was no proof, he maintained, that the prisoner had given birth to a child, and that if she had given birth to a child there was no proof that it was the child found at Whashton Beck. – His LORDSHIP having summer up, the jury immediately returned a verdict of Not guilty, amid the applause of the spectators, which was immediately suppressed.
1868 25 September. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 9502
PROPOSED RAILWAY EXTENSION IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES. – Several projects have from time to time been mooted whereby better communication could be obtained between Richmond and upper Swaledale. There is a large mining population living at Reeth, Arkendale, Gunnerside, &c., and a considerable trade is done in lead mining/ at present the pigs of lead have all to be carted to Richmond, at great cost, that being the nearest point of railway. a meeting has just been held at Richmond, with Sir GEORGE DENYS, Bart., in the chair, at which it was determined that a railway should be constructed, to consist of a single line. Plans were submitted by Messrs. Lucas and Wilkinson, of Westminster, from which it is estimated that the new line will cost from £3,000 to £4,000 a mile. Mr J R TOMLIN, of Richmond, has been appointed to solicitor of the proposed company. Several gentlemen present were prepared to take shares, and one offered to give land. Swaledale, which will be thus opened out, is one of the most picturesque parts of Yorkshire.
1869 17 May. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 9702
NORTH-EASTERN AND NORTH BRITISH. – It is now stated that the North-Eastern will shortly exercise its running powers over the North British, and that North-eastern trains will run to Edinburgh after the 1st of June. The North-Eastern has convened a special general meeting for June 3rd to consider the provisions affecting the company in the bill for making a Swaledale railway to Reeth.
1873 04 February. Northern Echo; Issue 962
LIFE IN UPPER SWALEDALE. – At the Gilling West Petty Sessions, on Saturday last, a rather singular affiliation case came before the Court, in which MARY ALDERSON, of Kisdon, near Muker, single woman, was the plaintiff; and EDWARD KIRTON, now working at Cold Knott Colliery, near Crook, was the defendant. – Mary Alderson said that on the 11th December last she was confined of a male child, of which Edward Kirton was the father. She had known him six or seven years, and he was living till lately about half a mile from her home. He had kept company with her for about four years. Her brother saw them together on more than one occasion. Cross-examined by Mr Teale, of Leyburn, for the defence: He left Thwaite in August, and she never told him of her condition, for she had never spoken to him since March. – GEORGE ALDERSON gave corroborative evidence, and said that when he saw Kirton with his sister he “pitchered” Kirton, who offered him a penny, which he threw back at him, as he expected more. He did not pitcher him the first time he saw them, as he didn’t think of it. When he “pitchered” him, it was with a hat, and they were under a “bild wall, which was fur t’beeasts to shelter under.” The witness then explained in his broad Swaledale dialect that “pitchering” was a common custom in Upper Swaledale, when two persons were sweethearting, it was common for a bystander to ask money of the man, which was generally caught in a pitcher, used afterwards to drink the beer bought from. – CATHERINE ALDERSON, a little girl, stated that she had seen Kirton in the house, with his “comarade, JERRY” CLARKSON. They often came in together, but Jerry sometimes went out before Kirton. – Alice Kirtoff corroborated the girl’s testimony. – Mr Teale then addressed the Bench for the defence, pointing out certain inconsistencies in the evidence, and submitting that on that evidence the Bench ought not to make an order on his client. – After a consultation in private, the Chairman (Mr H W Yeoman) said the Bench unanimously came to the determination to grant an order for one shilling and six pence per week and four pounds three shillings and six pence costs.
31 Mar 1873 Northern Echo
At the Richmond County Police Court, on Saturday, James THOMPSON, who travels the neighbourhood of Reeth as packman, and resided above Gunnerside, was charged with aggravated assault upon Elizabeth SMITHSON, wife of Isaiah SMITHSON. Mr. TEALE of Leyburn, presented; and Mr. W. ROBINSON, of Darlington and Richmond, defended. The complainant said; I am the wife of Isaiah Smithson, and reside in a house by itself, just below Low-row. On Friday, the 21st of March, between seven and eight o'clock in the morning, I went to the cow-house to milk the cow; I heard a shout, and went out to see who it was, and it was the defendant, James Thompson. He asked if I wanted anything; and I said not this morning. I went into the cow-house, and he followed me in, and while I was milking the cows (he had placed his pack down on the gournd) he said if I had got a man like him we would have had more children than we had. I replied we have one, we have plenty, and we are very nicely off. I began to put the conversation off. I had to go to the end of the house to serve a calf, and the defendant followed me. (Mrs. Smithson then spoke to a particularly offensive act, as he pulled her down.) I screamed and tried all I could to get up from him, and struck him once or twice. I said I would tell my husband, when the defendant said he would cut his (meaning himself) throat, and stroked his hand across his throat, as though he was about to suit tha action to the word. The defendant is a widower. I did not tell any one till my husband came home, but when he did so I told him. Cross-examined by Mr. Robinson; He has previously said something to me. On one occasion..................[ ]............................ His wife had only just been buried, and I did not like to tell my husband for fear it would make mishchief. I ordered him off when milking the cow. It took me ten minutes and he stood there all the time. I went and told the defendant's father on the Monday, and said I would fetch his son up. The father replied that I could do what I liked to him. I told him I would not make it up at all. On Monday morning I was getting my breakfast, and he came into the house and asked if I would forgive him; he had got converted. He knelt down and began praying, asking my forgivesness. Mr. robinson then appealed to the Bench on behalf of his client. The Bench to comlainant; What time did he come to you on his knees? About eleven o'clock. The Bench said the defendant was liable to be imprisoned for two years with hard labour, as the offence was a most grave and serious one. For this offence, however, they would inflict a penalty of 20l, or four months imprisonment. The money was paid.
31 Mar 1873 Northern Echo
At the Richmond County Police Court, on Saturday... James HOLTON was charged with committing an indecent and aggravated assault upon a girl, 14 years of age, named Christiana McPHAIL, daughter of Police-constable McPHAIL. Mr. TEALE, of Leyburn, appeared for the defence. Complainant said; I live at Gunnerside, in the township of Milbecks, near Reeth. On Friday, the 21st of March, between one and two o'clock in the afternoon, I ws coming from my uncle's on the public road leading from Heights to Gunnerside, and had a little boy with me, named Robert WHITFIELD. I had a bundle in one hand and a basket in the other with a cat in it. The cat put its head out of the basket, and the defendant, who was in his own field, got over the wall, and said he could not bear to see cats abused. He says, "What are you going to do with it?" so I told him I was going to carry it home. He says, "Can't you leave your Thomas it?" and I said, "No, he has one; he brought this to me yesterdayl" The defendant then took the cat, and it escaped from him. He then seized me round the waist, and says, "I'll have a kiss." I says, "You shan't." He took me up in his arms, and lifted me. .........................[ ]...............He has insulted me three times before. Once on the moor, another time at the cowhouse, and another while I was coming from the village. When I got up and looked round, a young woman, Mary Ann THOMPSON, was just turning the corner. He never kept company with me. He did not strike me. I saw him at our house after that, and he denied committing an assault the first time, but his father afterwards came and wanted to make it up. The defendant also came and wanted to come to some agreement, and he would give all he had.......Robert Whitfield, aged ten years, and cousin to complainant, corroborated almost the whole of his cousin's evidence..........The Bench thought it was a very serious and aggravated assault, and they would inflict a penalty of 10l on the defendant, which they thought very lenient indeed; in default, three months. The money was paid.
1873 21 July. Northern Echo; Issue 1102
PERJURY CASE AT RICHMOND. – The Richmond County Magistrates were occupied the whole of Saturday with a perjury case, arising out of the Swaledale farmers’ sheep dispute, which has occupied the attention of the magistrates for the past three Saturdays, and appears likely to do so for as many months. On Saturday, HENRY WHITE was summoned by THOMAS ALDERSON (both farmers living at Harkerside), and charged with having committed perjury before Mr E R Turner, the County Court judge, on the 13th of March last, whilst giving evidence in the sheep-dogging case Alderson against Horne. The evidence of Messrs. GARTH, WILSON, WHITE, JOHN KENDALL, and JOSEPH HORNE, was given for complainant, and the Court adjourned till Saturday, the 2nd of August, at 10 o’clock.
19 Jan 1874
At a Richmond County Police Court on Saturday before Mr. H.W. Yeoman, Mr. George Gilpin Brown, Sir George W. Dennis, Bart and the Rev. .W. Yeoman, a miner named John TIPLADY was find 5? Including costs, for a savage and unprovoked assault on a fellow miner named Wm. BELL on New Year’s Day. The men reside near Reeth in Swaledale and on the day named they were at a public house at gunnerside when some words arose between them in reference to a previous quarrel . The complainant who wa accused of being a lying fellow, denied it, and the defendant then struck him a severe blow on the eye, bursting the pupil and causing the complainant to lose his sight. The medical man (Mr. A.B. KERNOTT) in reply to the Bench, gave it as his opinion that the eye had been burst either with a weapon, which the defendant must have had in his hand, or by the defendant’s thumb nail.
1874 19 January. Northern Echo; Issue 1257
SAVAGE ASSAULT NEAR RICHMOND. – At the Richmond County Police Court, on Saturday, before Mr H W Yeoman, Mr GEORGE GILPIN-BROWN, Sir GEORGE W DENNIS, Bart., and the Rev. H W YEOMAN, a miner, named JOHN TIPLADY, was fined five pounds, including costs, for a savage and unprovoked assault on a fellow miner, named Wm. BELL, on New Year’s Day. The men reside near Reeth, in Swaledale, and on the day named they were at a public-house at Gunnerside, when some words arose between them in reference to a previous quarrel. The complainant, who was accused of being a lying fellow, denied it, and the defendant then struck him a sever blow on the eye, bursting the pupil, and causing the complainant to lose his sight. – The medical man (Mr A B KERNOTT), in reply to the Bench, gave it as his opinion that the eye had been burst either with a weapon, which the defendant must have had in his hand, or by the defendant’s thumb nail.
Jun 30 1874
A violent thunderstorm passed over Richmond and the neighbourhood on Sunday. At Grinton a village a few miles from the town, the lightning struck the Church tower, a portion of which fell and broke a large headstone belonging to the Denys family. The heavy fall of rain will do much good.
Jul 21 1874
On Sunday last, three boys named John CHERRY, son of Matthew CHERRY, age 13, Francis KENDALL aged 15 and the youngest son of Mrs. BUXTON aged 17 were drowned whilst bathing in the river Swale near Gunnerside. The boys after attending Sunday school in the morning, proceeded to the river to bathe. CHERRY went into the water first, and getting out of his depth, KENDALL being a good swimmer, went to his rescue. The drowning boy clung to KENDALL, who was not able to sustain him and both began to sink. The third and oldest boy, BUXTON, then sprang in to help his younger companions, but instead of saving their lives, he but shared their fate. Clinging with the convulsive grasp of the drowning, they so hampered his movements that he was unable to move and in a few seconds they all sank. It was about twenty minutes before their bodies were recovered by Mr George CALVERT and Mr TIPLADY when life had long been extinct. Cherry and Buxton were removed to their own homes, but Kendall, whose home is at Reeth, was taken to Miss REYNOLDSON ’s with whom he was staying. They are to be buried today.
(son of Mark Kendal of Reeth, son of Thomas Buxton of Gunnerside, Cherry of Ivelet Heads)
1874 13 August. Northern Echo; Issue 1434
NORTH RIDING NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB
The usual monthly meeting was held in the Museum, on Tuesday evening last. The President, Mr Wood, F G S, occupied the chair, and exhibited three slides of very interesting Carboniferous Foraninaifera, collected by Mr HARKER, from the shale at Hurst, and exquisitely mounted by Mr BRADY, of Newcastle; of described species, and new to the mining district of Swaledale. Mr GUNN, of the geological survey, presented a series of boulders of far travelled rocks, including Whinstone, of Teasdale Shap granite, Brockram, from Kirby Stephen, and Silurian volcanic rocks, from the Cumberland Lake district, collected by him near Richmond. Mr C A HARRIS exhibited his chief additions to the Entomology of this district, a case containing on family of Sphingos, and one family of Bom Ayces. The specimes wee numerous, and in admirable preservation, including nine species new to Yorkshire. Mr DUNDAS, MP for Richmond, was elected a patron of this club, having sent to the secretary the usual donation of five pounds.
1874 07 November. Manchester Times; Issue 882
DEATHS
WAGGETT. – On the 28th ult., aged 46 years, THOMAS WAGGETT, 64, Bristol-street, Hulme, Manchester, formerly of Reeth, Swaledale, Yorkshire
1875 17 February. Northern Echo; Issue 1595
A SWALEDALE GRIEVANCE. – A petition has been numerously signed in Swaledale, asking the postal authorities to allow the mail cart to travel by the new road to and from Reeth, in lieu of the old road; a daily post to Muker and Keld, in lieu of the three deliveries per week; and the establishment of a money order office and other privileges either at Gunnerside or Muker. The hon. secretary has received letters of sympathy from the following members of Parliament; - Mr F A MILBANK, MP (North Yorkshire), Hon. J C DUNDAS, MP (Richmond), Mr EDMUND BACKHOUSE, MP (Darlington), Mr J DODDS, MP (Stockton), Mr J W PEASE, MP (South Durham) &c.
1875 26 February. Northern Echo; Issue 1603
SWALEDALE POSTAL GRIEVANCES. – On Tuesday evening, in the House of Commons, the brief or statement of facts drawn up by the Secretary to the Association, was laid before the Right Hon. the Postmaster-General, and supported by the following MP’s : Messrs MILBANK, LEEMAN, BACKHOUSE, DODDS, DUNDAS, and other. His Lordship having (with the other hon. members) gone through the facts of the case, as stated in the brief, said that, after perusing the same, he was fully aware of the wants of Swaledale, as appeared from the facts so ably laid before him by Mr WILLIAM ALDERSON, M.B.L.C., the Hon. Secretary, and they should have his attention.
1875 03 May. Northern Echo; issue 1658
RICHMOND DISTRICT HIGHWAY BOARD. – The usual monthly meeting of the above waywardens was held in the Town Hall, Richmond, on Saturday. Mr S ROWLANDSON occupied the chair, and Mr W P HORNE, the vice-chair, and there was a full attendance. – On the motion of Mr Horne, seconded by Mr GARTH, Mr R ROBERTS, manager of the Swaledale and Wensleydale Banking Company, was unanimously elected treasurer to the Board in the place of the late Mr C Other. The Chairman read the report of Mr HODGSON, the District Surveyor, on the Durham and Catterick bridge, the Catterick-bridge and Pierce-bridge, and the Gilling and Lucy Cross Turnpike roads, from which it appeared that the Acts under which these turnpikes were kept up has now expired. …..
1875 19 May. The Leeds mercury; Issue 11577
ALLEGED ROBBERY OF A CASH BOX NEAR RICHMOND. – Yesterday, SARAH KEARTON, daughter of Mr JAMES KEARTON, of the Miners’ arms Inn, Muker, Swaledale, appeared at Richmond, before the North Riding magistrates – Mr C Cradock and the Rev H W Yeoman – to answer a charge of stealing a cash box, containing about £20, from Mr GEORGE REYNOLDSON’S, King’s Head Hotel, Gunnerside, particulars of which have already appeared in our impression. Mr Wm COOKE appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilt, reserving her defence. She was therefore committed to take her trial at the North Riding (Northallerton) quarter sessions, and was admitted to bail.
1875 26 June. Northern Echo; Issue 1705
FASHIONABLE BALL AT RICHMOND
The Mayor and Mayoress of Richmond gave a grand ball in the Town Hall, on Thursday evening. The hall was most handsomely decorated for the occasion, and there was a large and fashionable assemblage of ladies and gentlemen, and, when dancing commenced, the interior of the hall presented a most animated and imposing sight. Thrush’s famous quadrille band, from York, occupied the orchestra. Amongst the ladies and gentlemen present, we noticed the following: - The Mayor and Mayoress of Richmond (Mrs and Mr Alderman JOHN GODFREY CROFT), Colonel and Mrs DOWKER, Mord Greenock, the Rev. JAMES and Mrs SNOWDEN, Mr C G CROFT and Miss CROFT, Miss BERTHA SMURTHWAITE, Prior House; Mr and Mrs GOERGE ROPER, The Grove; Mr K BOWES; The Rev. G P and Mirs HARRIS; Mr CHARLES HARRIS and Miss McCARRELL; Mr and Mrs WENSLEY HUNTON; Mr, Mrs, and the Misses FLETCHER, the Friarage; Major and Mrs BRADLEY and party, Hipswell Lodge; Major and Mrs HOPKINSON; Captain and Mrs HUTTON-SQUIRE; Mrs and Mr J S METCALFE; Mr and Mrs WILLIAM SWIRE; Mr PYBUS and Miss RIGG; Captain and Mrs EVANS; Mr and Mrs CARTER; Captain and Mrs ORDE, and Miss CHARLTON; Mr E ATKINSON; Captain and Mrs KIRBY; Capt. and Mrs POWELL, Mr R Van STRAUBENZIE, Mr J R TOMLIN, Miss JAQUES, Mr W H OLIVER, Mrs HANSON and Miss BENNET, Major, Mrs, and the Misses BUCKLE; Mr C BELL, the Misses ROBSON, Marske Rectory; the Misses LAWSON, Gatherley Castle; Capt. DODDS, Sub-Lieutenants BUCKLE and POWELL, Master and Miss M CROFT, Mr WILLIAMS, Mr GEORGE and the Misses PRIESTMAN, Mr and Mrs C HUNTON, &c.
1875 10 September. Northern Echo; Issue 1770
IMPORTANT SALE OF PROPERTY IN SWALEDALE
A sale of land and house property, by Mr EDMUND COATES, auctioneer, took place at the Shoulder of Mutton Inn, Reeth, during the past few days. There were 16 lots, which were sold pursuant to an order of the High Court of Chancery, made in the cause of BIRKBECK v McCOLLAH. The land, as will be seen, realised unusually high prices, averaging as much as £180 per acre, whilst the house property went for next to nothing. Annexed are the particulars of the sale:
Lot 1. – A copyhold allotment of pasture land, known as Simpson’s Sun Side Copyhold allotment, situate at Crackpot, in Swaledale, within the manor of Healaugh New Land, containing 8a.3r.8p – was sold for two hundred and ninety pounds.
Lot 2. – A copyhold close of meadow land, within the said manor, known as Ware Ing Close, situate at Crackpot, containing 2a.3r.36p. – was sold for two hundred and fifty pounds.
Lot 3. – A copyhold close of meadow land, within the said manor, known as Burblet, or Barblet, Close, with barn therein, situate at Crackpot, containing 4a.1r.12p.- was withdrawn, after the bidding had reached five hundred and twenty-five pounds.
Lot 4. – Two closes of freehold meadow land, known as West Wensley Close, with barn therein; and East Wensley Close, situate within the township of Reeth, respectively containing 1a.2r.10p., and 2a.1r.30p., making together 4 acres – were sold to Mr G METCALFE, for four hundred and eighty five pounds.
Lot 5. – A freehold dwelling-house, with garden, barn, &c., situate at Riddings, in the township of Reeth, containing altogether 10a.1r.19p. – were sold to Dr KERNOT for nine hundred and twenty pounds.
Lot 6. – Two copyhold closes of meadow and pasture land, known as West Garth Close, containing 2 acres of meadow land, and east Garth Close, containing 1a.3r.34p., situate at Halfway House, in the township of Reeth, within the Manor of Healaugh Old Land – were withdrawn after the bidding had reached four hundred and thirty pounds.
Lot 7. – A Copyhold close of meadow land, known as Brown Close, with barn thereon, situate at Reeth, within the last-mentioned manor, containing 1a.3r.35p. For this lot Mr BARKER made the last bid of three hundred and thirty pounds, after which it was withdrawn.
Lot 8. – A close of freehold meadow land, known as Wheat Close, with barn thereon, formerly in two closes, and called Wheat Close and Pipe Mire Close, situate at Reeth, containing 3a.1r.23p. – sold to Mr BARKER, for Mr CHARLESWORTH, of Grinton Lodge, for six hundred and five pounds.
Lot 9. – A close of freehold meadow land, with barn thereon, known as Pipe Well Close, situate at Reeth, containing 2a.3r.8p. – sold to Mr BARKER, for Mr CHARLESOWRTH, of Grinton Lodge, for four hundred and ninety pounds.
Lot 10. – A close of freehold meadow land, known as Houth Close, situate at Reeth, containing 3a.0r.24p. – Fort this lot the bidding was carried on with much spirit until it reached over £500, when Mr JOSEPH RAINE, of Richmond, called five hundred and forty pounds, but, as there had been a higher reserve placed upon the land, the lot was withdrawn.
Lot 11. – A freehold dwelling-house, with garden, stable, outbuildings, &c., situate at Reeth; also, a free-hold house, situate at Reeth, which is out of repair and unoccupied, and also a walled garden, containing 13 perches of freehold land or ground – sold to Mr SLACK, of Durham. For seventy-five pounds.
Lot 12. – A freehold dwelling-house, with garden, out-buildings, &c., situate at Reeth; also, a freehold house adjoining the above-mentioned dwelling-house, and also a freehold house, adjoining thereto – sold the Mr McCOLLAH.
Lot 13. – A freehold public-house, known as the Half Moon Inn, with the outbuildings and appurtenances thereto belonging, situate at Reeth. This lot was sold to Mr WILLIAM FAWCETT for two hundred and ten pounds.
Lot 14. – A freehold public-house, known as the Shoulder of Mutton Inn, situate at Reeth, with coal-houses, small garden, two stables and lofts, carthouse, loose-box, yard, &c., also, a freehold cottage, in Shoulder of Mutton yard, Reeth; and also a close of freehold meadow land, known as The Croft, containing 1 rood and 25 perches. This lot realized four hundred and forty pounds, for which price it was knocked down to Mr SLACK, of Durham.
Lot 15. – Two freehold cottages, called Hill Cottages, situate at Reeth – sold to Mr DOLPHIN, for fifty pounds.
Lot 16. – All those five closes of freehold land, situate near to and adjoining Arkengarthdale Beck, in the township of Reeth, containing 12a.0r.16p. For this lot Mr McCOLLAH made the last bid of one thousand six hundred and forty pounds, when it was withdrawn.
1876 03 February. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 11799
REMARKABLE CASES OF HYDROPHOBIA NEAR RICHMOND. – Our Richmond correspondent furnishes us with several fatal cases of hydrophobia in Swaledale and Wensleydale. During the severe snowstorm in December, a strange cross-bred dog, supposed to be suffering from hydrophobia, attacked and bit a number of sheep belonging to Mr JOHN ALDERSON, of Kexworth, near New Forest. A few days afterwards one of the sheep became mad and died from the effects. Subsequently, with a day or two, another sheep became the victim of the madness, whilst since that time upwards of a dozen sheep belonging to the same flock have died from madness. Mr ROBERT HILLARY, of West House, New Forest, also had a number of sheep attacked by the same dog, four of which have expired from the disease. At Newsham, another sheep, belonging to Mr COATES, died from a bite of the same dog. Towards the centre of Swaledale, a calf and a quantity of sheep, supposed to have been attacked by the same dog, have also succumbed to the disease. At Swaledale Head, half a dozen dogs, suffering from hydrophobia from the bite of the same dog, have been shot, the animal which has caused so much destruction having also been destroyed at the same place. A notice signed by two of the Gilling West (North Riding) magistrates, Mr GEO. ROPER and the Rev. H W YEOMAN, has been issued under the Dogs Act, 1871, prohibiting, under a heavy penalty, all dogs from roaming at large in the townships of Arkingarthdale, Dalton, Gayles, Kirby Hill, Marrick, Marske, Melbecks, Muker, New Forest and Reeth. A number of dogs in Wensleydale, supposed to have been bitten by the same mad dog, have also suffered from hydrophobia, and the magistrates have issued a similar restriction to that mentioned above in respect of Leyburn, Middleham. Askrigg, Hawes, Preston, West Burton, Downholme, Grinton, and Hunton.
1876. 17 February. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 11811
HYDROPHOBIA IN THE RICHMOND DISTRICT
A few days ago we reported on the death of a number of sheep and a calf from hydrophobia. The dog which was supposed to have attacked the animals was reported to have been destroyed in Swaledale. Since that time several other mad dogs have been seen roaming at large in the neighbourhood of Richmond. In the village of Dalton a day or two ago a mad dog made its appearance and bit a pig, a goose, and several dogs, all of which had to be destroyed. The dog was followed, and after an exciting chase was destroyed a few miles from the village. The Gilling West Division (North Riding) magistrates – Mr GEO. GILPIN BROWN and Mr CHRIS. CRADOCK – have issued fresh notices, ordering all dogs to be confined, unless they be under the control of some one, until the 16th of April. This notice extends throughout the whole of the division.
1876 11 February. Northern Echo; Issue 1902
SINGULAR CLAIM FOR SHEEP AT RICHMOND
At Richmond County Court, yesterday – before Mr E R TURNER, judge, and a special jury – Mr JOHN METCALFE, a cattle dealer, of Grinton, Swaledale, sued Mr HENRY ALDERSON, of Reeth, miner, for the value of eight lambs. Mr CROFT appeared for the plaintiff and Mr WENSLEY HUNTON was for the defendant. – From the evidence of plaintiff and his witnesses it appeared that he bought eight lambs on the 11th October last, and put them into a field of which he had the eatage, and which adjoined defendant’s field. By some means which he could not discover they got out, and next day he missed them. The fence of the north side adjoining defendant’s field was very bad, so that sheep could get through, and as he (plaintiff) was looking at a place where they appeared to have “smouted” through, some lads shouted and told him that Alderson had taken to them to the pinfold. As he went towards the pinfold, he met defendant on the road, and in the course of an altercation defendant told him he was “straight with him for making him pay two shillings for t’ aud hoss.” They had some words, and defendant wanted to fight, but he would not. He admitted, however, that they both had their coats off, and he (plaintiff) was down on the ground. He (plaintiff) refused to pay the two shillings to release the sheep, which he saw in the pinfold. He denied saying that he would rather “take it out of defendant.” It was admitted on the part of the defendant, that the fence belonged to him, and after a long cross-examination by Mr Hunton as to the state of the walls and fence of the field, His Honour, without hearing any defence, stopped the case, stating that there was no case whatever, and added that it was the duty of every person to look after keeping their sheep in the field. He was about the direct the just to find for the defendant, when Mr Croft, on the part of the plaintiff, elected to be non-suited.
18 Aug 1876
This Court was held yesterday, before Mr. E. R. Turner Judge. The only case of public interest was one in which Wm. SPENSLEY, farmer of Feetham, near Reeth in Swaledale sued Hannah BROWN of the same place, for the sum of £31 3s as compensation for destruction of property. Mr. Teale of Leyburn appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. W. Hunton for the defence. Plaintiff was the owner of a cottate, some land, and a garden, which he let to defendant's husband about 15 years ago. He tenanted the property without any written agreement until twelve months ago, when he died, leaving the cottage and land in the occupation of his widow, who is plaintiff's sister. In September last he gave his sister notice to quit on the 6th of April. After she had quitted the house he went and looked over the property, where, as he alleged, he found five or six valualbe plum trees destroyed, and the tops taken away. They were very valuable trees, and bore a large quantity of fruit annually. It was twelve years since he planted them, and he considered them worth considerable more than £25, though he valued them at that amount. Some rhubarb roots and gooseberry trees had also been destroyed or carried away, whilst much damage was done to the fixtures in the outbuildings. A number of flags, slates, wood, pipes and manurGe belonging to the property were also removed by the defendant. Mr. Hunton admitted a portion of the damage, and his Honour gave a verdict in favour of plaintiff for £15 damage
Sep 4 1876
Richmond Petty Sessions. On Saturday at these sessions, Simpson ALDERSON of Gunnerside was bound down in $45 for holding a knife over his wife’s head, and threatening to murder her.
Richard SIMPSON who did not appear was ordered to be apprehended for committing an aggravated assault upon Wm BYWELL in the harvest field.
1876. 18 December. Northern Echo; Issue 2166
HOW ACCIDENTS ARE CAUSED. At the North Riding (Richmond) Sessions on Saturday, JOHN ALDERSON, a native of Swaledale, was charged with furious driving. – JOHN COATES stated that at eight o’clock on the morning of the 2nd September he, with his son and daughter, were driving down to Richmond in a Whitechapel. They saw the defendant advancing towards them, and they pulled to one side of the road; but defendant was coming at such a furious pace that he could not check his steed before it ran against his vehicle. The consequences were that his trap was broken, and his son was thrown violently out into the road beneath defendant’s horse’s feet, causing him serious injuries. The Bench fined defendant eight pounds seven shillings and six pence, including costs, stating that complainant was at liberty to bring an action against him for damages afterwards.
September 17, 1877 Northern Echo
Serious Gun Accident in Swaledale
Mr John KENDALL of Fremington House, Reeth, went out for the purpose of shooting rabbits one evening during the past week; a little lad accompanied him. Mr Kendall shot at a rabbit and killed it, and unthinkingly laid down his gun, which was double barrelled, until he picked the rabbit up. The young lad picked the gun up and was amusing himself with it, and as Mr Kendall was returning with the rabbit the gun exploded and shot the gentleman, the contents passing through his leg just below the knee. He now lies in a precarious state. (A report Jan 1878 reported John Kendall died 23 Jan, and the little boy was Wm. Ernest PLACE)
31 Sep 1877
At the Richmond (Yorkshire) county police-court on Saturday, the Rev. N. Valentine Blake EVANSON, vicar of Melbecks-Swaledale was charged with attempted murder. It was alleged that while suffering from delirium tremens the accused had attempted to cut the throat of one of his parishioners, a miller named Airey. He was bound over to keep the peace in three sureties - one of £50 and two of £25 each.
1877 19 December. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 12385
RICHMOND
ASSAULT UPON A POLICE INSPECTOR. Yesterday, at the Borough Court, before the Mayor and a full bench of Justices, SAMUEL BARKER, a Swaledale man, was charged with assaulting Inspector BOOKLESS. On Saturday, the 8th inst., complainant had the defendant summoned before the North Riding magistrates and convicted on a charge of refusing to quite the Buck Inn, at Reeth. At the conclusion of the sessions complainant proceeded to the Unicorn Hotel to catch the omnibus for Reeth. He had only been a few minutes in the hotel when defendant went up to him, and after using bad language, took up a chair, with which he threatened to split the officer’s head. As complainant was leaving the house defendant followed him and struck him on the chest, saying he could fight twenty men like him. Defendant was fined three pounds eleven shillings, including costs.
Dec 24 1877
At North Riding Police Court on Saturday, Richard RAW of Gunnerside was fined 25s for keeping two dogs on only one license.
1878. 25 April. The Newcastle Courant etc.; Issue 10609
MARRIAGES
NEWCASTLE – Brunswick Place Wesleyan Chapel, on the 23rd inst., GEORGE, son of the late JOHN PEACOCK, Healaugh, Swaledale, to JANE, daughter of WILLIAM FOSTER, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
1878. 12 June. Northern Echo; Issue 2623
A LUNATIC CAPTURED IN SWALEDALE. A lunatic named HENRY WALSH, who escaped from Croydon last August, and has been roaming at large in the Reeth district in Swaledale, ever since, was the other day captured by Police-Constable WILLIAMSON and brought to Richmond. Yesterday the man was brought before Mr C G TATE, at the office of Messrs HUNTON, and ordered to be sent to the lunatic asylum.
1878. 15 June. Northern Echo; Issue 2626
RICHMOND COUNTY COURT. This court was held on Thursday – before Mr E R TURNER, judge. A large number of cases were disposed of, and His Honour closed the court at six o’clock, several cases having to be adjourned. The only case of importance was on in which WILLIAM METCALFE, shoemaker, of Reeth, brought an action against EDMUND COATES, a Swaledale auctioneer and innkeeper, residing at Low Row, to recover the price of a cart. Defendant agreed to sell the cart for plaintiff at a sale of Mrs LITTLEFAIR’S effect, held in Reeth Market-place on the 5th of April. It was duly announced on the sale bills, and was knocked down to a Mr PERCIVAL. Defendant refused to pay over the money, giving as his excuse that he had not yet received payment from Mrs Littlefair. His Honour, however, considered it was an auctioneer’s duty to look after the purchase money, and gave plaintiff a verdict for the full amount claimed, with costs. Mr WILLIAM ROBINSON appeared for plaintiff, and Mr C G CROFT represented defendant.
1878. 03 July. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 12552
RICHMOND
These Sessions were held yesterday, before Mr SAMUEL LEEK, Deputy Recorder. There was only one case for disposal, viz., WILLIAM CARNEY, 23, labourer, Scarborough, who was indicted for stealing from the person of THOMAS PICKARD, a Swaledale farmer, the sum of sixteen pounds and ten shillings, on Sunday, the 12th of May last. The Grand Jury returned a true bill against the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty. On the Sunday afternoon in question prosecutor was staying at the Black Lion Hotel. He had occasion to go to the back door, where there were sever militiamen standing, and prisoner (also a militiaman) was, according to evidence, one of them. Suddenly some one seized prosecutor, who was the worse for liquor, round the body from behind, and thrusting his hands into his pockets left him minus his purse, containing sixteen pounds and ten shillings in gold, a quantity of silver, &c. No one saw the robbery committed, not even the man himself, so quickly was it done, but prisoner was seen under suspicious circumstances. Several witnesses were called. Prisoner was acquitted.
1878. 04 October. Northern Echo; Issue 2721
RICHMOND MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE. The committee have issued the thirty-first annual report of this institute, which has for its patron the Earl of Zetland. Mr CHARLES NORMAN has been elected president and Aldermen THOMPSON, MASON, and CROFT vice-presidents for the ensuing year. Mr RICHARD ROBERTS, of the Swaledale and Wensleydale Bank, Mr NUTT, and Mr HURWORTH, have been re-chosen treasurer, librarian, and honorary secretary respectively. The following gentlemen are on the committee: - Messrs MARCH, EDGAR, COOKE, COLLINSON, J T THOMPSON, SCHOLFIELD, SHERIFF, METCALFE, WEBSTER, SHAW, ROBINSON, CARTER, RAINE, SPENCER, LAWSON, WILLIAMS, PEACOCK, and WILDE. The number of members on the books is 199. during the year 6,608 books and 2,100 periodicals were issued, and 121 volumes were added to the library.
5 Oct 1878
Dr. Walton, North Riding Coroner, held an inquest at Muker on Thursday, to inquire into the cause of death of Joseph Brunskill, lead miner. Mr. Atkinson, the Government Inspector of Mines for Durham, was present during the inquiry. The deceased who was 29 years of age, was employed on the 2nd inst., at Sir Francis Level's lead mine, near Melbecks, along with others, preparing a hile for the purpose of blasting a portion of rock, when a large quantity of stone fell upon him. He was killed on the spot. Verdict, "Accidentally killed in a lead mine."
1878. 27 December. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 12703
RICHMOND. Christmas Day was succeeded by a stormy night of some severity. Snow fell all night, and drifted to such an extent that as soon as daylight broke snow-cutters were busily employed, and carts were employed all day in leading the snow out of the principal streets. Yesterday was, at the recommendation of the Mayor, observed as a general holiday; but there was very little pleasure to be derived by the holiday folk, the frozen streams and ponds being covered with such a heavy coat of snow. The Primitive Methodists had their usual treat, and during the day the streets were enlivened with the strains of the Swaledale band. In addition to the distribution of 100 tons of coal to the poor by the gentry of the town, Councillor WRIGHT followed up the worthy example by distributing amongst a number of the poor people legs of mutton and vegetables.
3 Jun 1879
On Saturday Dr. WALTON, County Coroner held an adjourned inquest at the Miners' Inn, Melbecks respecting the death of George Harker MILNER, aged 21 years, lead miner. The inquiry was opened on the 26th ult., and was adjourned until Saturday to allow one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Mines to attend. The deceased was, along with other men, employed on 21st May at the Sir Francis Lead Mines, and whilst passing near to some cog-wheels, he was caught by them, and received such injuries that he died 48 hours afterwards. From the evidence, it appears that the deceased was passing by a path alongside of the machinery, so as to save some distance by going the proper route. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was accidentally killed by injuries received by a lead-crushing machine, and added - This jury also desire to give the following presentment;- That from the evidence before them they cannot but consider that the death of the said George Harker MILNER has in some degree arisen from the want of caution on the part of the managers and officials of the A.D. Mining Company Limited in not carrying out fully the regulations of the Mining Act, by which all the exposed and dangerous parts of the machinery used in and about the mine are to be securely fenced.
1879. 15 October. Northern Echo; Issue 3041
FORGING THE NAME OF A RICHMOND FARMER
At a special sitting of the Derby Magistrates on Monday afternoon, CHRISTOPHER GILL, alias RICHARD WRIGHT, was charged with forging and uttering a cheque on the 30 ult., with intent to defraud one GEORGE PEACH, of Derby. It appeared that the prisoner went to a temperance hotel kept by Peach, at Derby, on the night of the 29th ult., and stayed there till the morning. When his bill was presented for payment he said that he had no cash, but would draw a cheque for thirteen shillings and sixpence, which would leave him enough money to take him to Leeds. He drew a cheque, but as the hotel-keeper did not like the manner of the man he called a detective in. in answer to him the prisoner said he was a farmer, and had a farm in Richmond called “Gingerfield”. He also said that he had an account at the Swaledale Bank, on which the cheque was drawn. The police officer telegraphed to the bank for the purpose of ascertaining if the prisoner had any effects, and found that Mr Richard Wright, a farmer living at Gingerfield Farm, had no account with the banking company in question. Subsequently the prisoner admitted that his name was not Wright, but Christopher Gill, and that he had no account with the bank on which he had drawn the cheque. Other cheques were found on the prisoner when searched. Mr Richard Wright, of Gingerfield Farm, Richmond, Yorkshire, said that he had never seen the prisoner before, and did not think there was a man with the name of Richard Wright in Richmond. The Manager of the Swaledale Bank was also called, and stated that the prisoner had never had any account at the bank. The prisoner was committed for trial at the next assizes. Bail was refused.
1879. 20 October. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 12957
SERIOUS CARRIAGE ACCIDENT IN SWALEDALE. On Friday evening Mr CHARLES DOWSE, of the Red Lion Hotel, Richmond, was driving from Reeth to Richmond, in company with Mr WHITELOCK, of Cogden Hall, and, when hear Grinton village, the horse suddenly shied, overturning the vehicle and throwing the two gentlemen with considerable force on to the ground. Mr Whitelock escaped with a good shaking and a few slight injuries, but Mr Dowse was very seriously injured about the head and body. He was taken up insensible, and conveyed to a house hear, where he was for some time in a very dangerous state. At a late hour on Saturday evening accounts were more favourable as to his recovery.
1879. 27 December. Liverpool Mercury; Issue 9971
DEATHS
KNOWLES. – Dec 25, at Woburn Hill, aged 33, MATTHEW WHITELOCK, second son of the late JOHN KNOWLES, of Swaledale, Richmond.
Dec 9, 1879
At Richmond County Petty Sessions on Saturdy, Edmund COATES, auctioneer of Low Row in Swaledale was charged with assaulting Thomas URWIN, a butter and cheese factor. Complainant said that on the 12th of November he was in REYNOLDSON ’s public house at Gunnerside when defendant came in and struck him seven or eight times with a stick. Complainant called witnesses to support his statement. Defendant said he went into the inn with a small switch in his hand and he merely tipped Urwin a few times on the arm. Defendant was ordered to pay sizpence and the costs (a guinea altogether). The Bench considered it a case which ought never to have been brought before them and complainant would have to pay the costs of his own witnesses.
16 Jan 1880 - Newcastle Courant
A sad case of suicide has occurred at Downholme a village about five miles from Richmond................gamekeeper, Eli RIDE by name , aged 32 years, ro a number of years he was gamekeeper for Mr. [ ] of the Marske estate. Recently however....employed by Colonel HARRISON, to whom a portion of the estate had been leased. According to statements given at the inquest it appears that on ..........evening last deceased had been having a few glasses at a public-house in Downholme. About half-past nine he called at the King's Head, in the same village, to see if there were any letters for him, after which he proceeded on his way home. He was, if anything, the worse for liquor, and a gamekeeper of Mr. GREATHEAD 's Downholme Park, accompanied him as far as Walburn Hall, where they lit their pipes together and parted, deceased proceeding in the direction of his home - Crow Hills - a lonely spot on the border of the moor, and almost entirely surrounded by large trees. It was about eleven o'clock at night, when his wife thought she heard something, but she took no particular notice of it at the time. An hour or so elapsed, when she again believed she heard something, so she opened the door and put a light in the window. On the following morning about nine o'clock, a little boy, but a mere child, son of deceased, went out and found his father hanging to a sycamore tree. Deceased was only some fifteen yards from his bedroom and facing the window. He had hung himself with a cow-tie, which was fixed only a trifle over four feet from the ground, and he was found in a stooping position, with a small spaniel crouching at his feet. He had his cap on at the time. The verdict was "That deceased had hung himself, but there was not sufficient evidence to show what state of mind he was in at the time."
1880. 12 June. Northern Echo; Issue 3237
Swaledale. Valuable Estate, situate in the Township of Melbecks, in the Parish of Grinton, in the County of York, for SALE BY AUCTION, on Wednesday, the 23rd day of June, 1880, a the House of Mr GEORGE REYNOLDSON, Innkeeper, Gunnerside, in Swaledale aforesaid, at the hour of Twelve for One o’clock p.m. precisely (and subject to Conditions of Sale to be then read).
Messrs J HESELTINE AND SON, Auctioneers,
COMPRISING all that MESSUAGE, or DWELLING-HOUSE, with the GARDEN, BARNS, OUTBUILDINGS, and APPURTENANCES, and several Closes or Parcels of Land known as “WINTERINGS”, situate in the Township of Melbecks aforesaid, and which are known by the respective names and contain the several quantities following, to be the same more or less:
No. on Description of Property State of Quantities
Plan Cultivation A. R. P.
267… West Pasture…………………Pasture…………… 32 3 11
300… Bank………………………….Pasture…………….. 1 1 9
305… Garden………………………. 0 0 6
306… Old House and Garden………. 0 0 4
307… Dwelling-house……………… 0 0 2
310… Old Housestead and Garth…… 0 0 4
322… Near Close……………………Meadow……………..2 3 0
323… Far Close……………………...Meadow……………. 3 1 33
324… Bank…………………………..Meadow……………..4 0 0
325.... Beck Ing………………………Meadow……………..2 0 24
--------------
A.36 2 13
And also Eighteen SHEEP GAITS on Melbecks Moor or Common.
The above Property is Copyhold of the Manor of Healaugh, subject to a small and fixed Customary Rent and is in the occupation of RICHARD RUTTER as tenant thereof.
The Lands are in a good state of cultivation, well Fenced and Watered, and the Farmhouse and Out-buildings in good state of repair.
The Tenant will show the Property; and for further particulars application to be made to the Auctioneers, Hawes, or at my Offices,
T F R HAMMOND, Solicitor, West Burton, Bedale. 1st June 1880.
1880. 01 September. Northern Echo; Issue 3303
A LONG COUNTY COURT CASE. A case of long duration has just terminated at Richmond. It was an action brought by THOMAS URWIN, of Low Row, in Swaledale, to recover the sum of fifty pounds from JOHN LIDDLE, butter factor, Middlesbrough. Nine pounds of the original claim was abandoned to bring it with in the jurisdiction of the County Court. The claim was for butter sold by plaintiff to defendant, for whom Mr BARNLEY, of Middlesbrough, appeared. Mr JAYNES, of Darlington, represented plaintiff. The case lasted four days and eventually. After a careful and patient investigation, His Honour gave verdict for defendant for two pounds eleven shillings seven and a half pence and costs.
1880. 22 September. Northern Echo; Issue 3321
NORTH COUNTRY NEWS
Yesterday, at Richmond Borough Police Court, ISABELLA ALDERSON, of Grinton, in Swaledale, was fined three pounds seven shillings and sixpence for selling butter deficient in weight.
1880. 27 September. Northern echo; Issue 3325
A “GENTLEMAN” HEAVILY FINED FOR ASSAULTING AN INNKEEPER. At Richmond County Petty Sessions on Saturday, EDWARD ALDERSON, keeper of the Buck Inn, Reeth, in Swaledale, charged SAMUEL BARKER, a person of independent means, with assaulting him, also with refusing to leave his house. The Bench imposed a penalty of forty shillings and costs in each case, or two months. The total fines and costs amounted to five pounds thirteen shillings. Defendant failed to appear.
1880. 12 October. Northern Echo; Issue 3338
MARRIAGES
WHALEY – KNOWLES. October 7, at Grinton, WILLIAM JAMES WHALEY, of Bridge House, Hawes, to ELIZABETH, second daughter of JAMES KNOWLES, of Paradise, Swaledale.
1881. 26 February. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 13380
OBITUARIES
Sir GEORGE WILLIAM DENYS, Bart., of Draycott Hall, near Reeth, in Swaledale, Yorkshire, died on Wednesday night – inflammation of the lungs being the cause his death. Sir George was a great mine owner, a North Riding magistrate, a thorough sportsman, and a warm supporter of the Volunteer movement. Aged 70.
1881. 04 March. The Hull Packet and East Riding Times; Issue 5028
OBITUARIES
The death of Sir GEORGE DENYS, of Draycott Hall, Swaledale, removes one of the most distinctive of the heads of North Yorkshire families. He inherited a large part of the mineral royalties of Swaledale, once so exceedingly productive, by the marriage of an ancestor with the daughter of one of the Earls of Pomfret, and for years his strong hobby was to develop the mineral wealth of his native dale. Long a Liberal, he ‘turned’ before the last General Election, and was one of the chief of the investigators of the unsuccessful opposition to the brother of the Earl of Zetland in his safe seat at Richmond. The stout burly baronet, whose figure is most impressed on the mind as he drove along the road from Richmond to Reeth, or as, higher up Swaledale, he visited the mines which still retain the distinctive appellation of a prior owner’s initials, the A D mines.
1881. 11 March. Northern Echo; Issue 3458
SWALEDALE. RAILWAY EMBANKMENT WASHED AWAY.
Our Northallerton correspondent writes:- Early on Wednesday night the River Swale broke its embankments at Laugton and Scruton, over-flowing many thousands of acres of land, carrying away cattle, haystacks, and farm produce. About two o’clock yesterday morning intimation that the river was running over the line was given to Mr BAINES at Northallerton, the superintendent of the engineering department. He found that the river had washed away above a quarter of a mile of the embankment a little below Morton Bridge. Word was sent into Leyburn to warn the passenger train of the accident, and the Superintendent with great energy collect a strong staff of men, who proceeded to the scene of the disaster. Goods and coal trains on the main line were stopped, and those wagons that could be used for the purpose of conveying ballast were taken b y the engines to Darlington and Stockton. Fortunately the railway company had a large amount of ballast on hand, so there was not much delay before a train load was delivered at Morton. The rails for most of the distance were suspended, the sleepers and keys remaining secured to them. On the arrival of the first passenger train down the line the passengers were conveyed across the breach on foot, being conducted from sleeper to sleeper by the railway officials.
Extract from previous article on same page:
The Floods….. As usual, the memory of the inevitable oldest inhabitant is taxed for a precursor of this watery visitation. We do not think anything so severe has happened in this district since the great flood of 1771, which swept away every bridge on the Tyne except that built on the old Roman foundation at Corbridge, and destroyed on the Wear those at Frosterley, Wolsingham and Witton, and four arches of the Elvet Bridge at Durham. At Yarm during this flood there were fifteen feet of water in the streets, and yesterday the inhabitants had to be rescued by boats. …
And the principal topic of conversation was in Barnard Castle…..
Yesterday saw the fall of the bridge so graphically described in yesterday’s Northern Echo by our reporter, who actually saw the sad occurrence. No question is raised as to the stability of the bridge. It was of cast iron, about 300ft long and at low water 14ft. high. The bodies of the unfortunate men who shared its fate have not yet been recovered. ….
1881. 06 September. Northern Echo; Issue 3610
VOLUNTEER PRIZE-SHOOTING IN SWALEDALE. The annual competition of the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Rifle Volunteers took place at the Grinton Range on Friday, when close upon twenty-five pounds was given in money-prizes – the following supporters and well-wishers of the volunteer movement being the chief contributors: - Colonel WILSON, Major CHARLESWORTH, Mr G GILPIN-BROWN, JP., Captain LYELL, Mr J T D’ARCY HUTTON, Sir F DENYS, Bart., Captain Sir O DODSWORTH, Lady DENYS &c. owing to a chopping wind the shooting was not up to the average.
Principal scorers: Sergt. W WILLEY, 40; Private COATES, 39; Private WOODHALL, 38; Private R ALDERSON, 38; Sergeant-Instructor McLAREN, 37; Colour-Sergeant KENDALL, 35; Sergeant GREATHEAD, 35; Private HAMMOND, 34; Private BARNINGHAM, 34; Sergt. DANIEL RACE SUMMERBELL, 34; Private STODDART,31; Corporal PEACOCK, 31; Private J SLACK, 26; Private JAS. CLOSE, 26. Recruits:- Private M WHITEHEAD, 33; Private J WILKINSON, 31; Bugler KENDAL, 27; Private J HARKER, 26; Private F HIND, 24. Range prizes – 200 yards, recruits – Private J HARKER. 500 yards – Private M WHITEHEAD. 200 yards, officers and members – Sergeant-Instructor McLAREN.
1881. 15 October. Northern Echo; Issue 3644
RICHMOND
A storm of wind and rain commenced on the previous evening, which continued yesterday until just past noon, when it developed into a gale of unprecedented violence. Considerable damage was done, fortunately, however, without any loss of life. Monstrous trees were torn up by the roots, or snapped in their thickest parts like carrots, and a deal of damage was done to house property. In Pottergate, a large ash tree near Mr PRIESTMAN’S was blown down across the road, stopping traffic for some time whiles there was a similar occurrence on Pilmoor Hill, on the road to Gilling. Some of the rock in the Castle walls was loosened, and rolled down the bank into the River Swale, which was very rough, and brought large trees, &c., down with the flood. The largest tree in the Earl’s orchard, standing over sixty feet high, was torn up by the roots, and the huge oak opposite the centre of the Castle was stripped of its largest arms. Few trees escaped being partially shorn of their branches. Down by Catterick a haystack was blown away. The storm was raging with great fury when this despatch left at 6.25 p.m.
Nov 7, 1881
On Saturday at Richmond, Mr Edward COATES auctioneer of the Queen’s Hotel Low Row was charge with assaulting Richard PORTER, a letter carrier between Reeth and Gunnerside and fined $1 and !1. 10s 6d expenses.
1882. 28 February. The Pall Mall Gazette; Issue 5396
MARRIAGES
WILLIAMS – BIRKBECK – At Holy Trinity, Melbecks, Mr HOWELL WILLIAMS, L.R.C.P.,M.R.C.S., of Richmond, to ADELAIDE, daughter of Mr JOHN C BIRKBECK, of Hazel Brow, Swaledale, Yorkshire, Feb. 21.
1882. 20 March. Northern Echo; Issue 3778
ELECTION NEWS
….. COUNTY MEATH – We understand that Mr Wm MORLEY ALDERSON, hon. secretary of the London Shop Assistants’ Labour League, a native of Swaledale, has been asked to contest the county of Meath in the advanced Liberal interest. …..
1882. 22 March. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 13713
MARRIAGES
DEAN – CLOSE. March the 21st, at St George’s Church, Leeds, by the Rev C E Lamb, Vicar, GEORGE DEAN, of Durham, to MARY ELIZABETH, younger daughter of the late JOHN CLOSE, Low Whita, Swaledale.
1882. 06 July. Northern Echo; Issue 3870
MELBECKS, NEAR RICHMOND. The Low Row and Feetham Sunday School children had their annual midsummer treat on Monday afternoon and evening in a large field at Rowlette Bottom, between Gunnerside and Low Row. All the children – over 230 – accompanied by their thirty teachers and many of their parents, met at one o’clock at the Wesleyan School, and proceeded thence, accompanied by a large banner and the village band, under the leadership of Mr JOHN REYNOLDSON, to the field where the Swaledale Athletic Sports were held. On arriving at the field they were regaled with currant buns and milk, which had been kindly provided by the teachers and friends, many of the farmers having given large quantities of milk. After the feed, all the children had a penny each given them to spend at the stalls, &c. Mr JAMES KNOWLES, of Paradise, then gave a short address, and then the Rev. R V TAYLOR, the vicar of Melbecks, made a few remarks and examined the children on the principal characters in the Book of Genesis, and a number of shillings (16) were given to the children who answered the greatest number of questions; and then the Rev J BENNETT, of Reeth, made a short speech, after a hymn had been sung, and votes of thanks given to the Chairman, speakers, band, and subscribers. Mr NICHOLSON, the schoolmaster, superintended the various games in the evening, giving a number of prizes to those who most distinguished themselves.
1882. 07 July. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 13805
SWALEDALE ANNUAL ATHLETIC SPORTS. These sports were held on Tuesday and Wednesday at Roleth Bottom. The following are the results of the various competitions:
Ball Playing – E DOLPHIN and J E WHITEHEAD, Arkendale; 2. U SUNTER, Swaledale, and J ALDERSON, Richmond.
20 Yards Flat Race – H TATE, Richmond; 2, S CHANLER, Richmond.
One Mile Flat Race – T CHAT, Barnard Castle; 2, W J CASTLE, Gunnerside; 3, T BROWN, Swaledale.
440 Yards Flat Race – T CHAT; 2, J SUNTER; 3, S CHALLONER, Richmond.
Pole Leaping – J R BROWN, Scarr Gill; 2, J E WHITEHEAD.
Go-as-you-please Flat Race (20 minutes’ duration) – W J CALVERT, Swaledale; 2, S CHAPMAN, Wensleydale; 3, J KINCHIN, Richmond; 4, J STEVENSON, Richmond. Hound Trail – J BEARPARK’S Rumper; 2, R RAW’S Spanke; 3, R RAW’S Rumper; 4, J CHERRY’S Merryman; 5, W PEACOCK’S Music.
Hurdle Race – T CHAT; 2, C DOLPHIN, Swaledale.
200 Yards Flat Race – H TATE; 2, T CHAT.
Half Mile Race (for boys not exceeding 15 years of age) – M H CALVERT, Gunnerside.
100 Yards Flat Race (district) – C DOLPHIN; 2, W J CALVERT, Gunnerside.
100 Yards Flat Race – T CHAT; 2, H TATE.
200 Yards Race (district) – C DOLPHIN; 2, J CALVERT, Gunnerside.
Wrestling – W COATES, Low Row; 2, T METCALFE, Low-Row; 3, R METCALFE, Keld.
One Mile Walking Race – J HOPPER, Bainbridge; 2, JA CALVERT.
1882. 20 July. Northern Echo; Issue 3882
LEADMINING IN SWALEDALE
The valuable mining plant and machinery of the Hurst Leadmines, near Richmond, has just been sold by private contract to Mr ROBERT RICHARDS, iron merchant of Sunderland. The mines are among the oldest in the district.
.20 Jul 1882
We regret to record the death of the Rev. John Boyd, minister of the Congregational Chapel, Low Row, near Reeth, Swaledale, which occurred on Sunday evening. The Rev. gentleman, who was one of the oldest Congregational ministers in England, was in his eighty-fourth year, and had been the pastor of Low Row Chapel for the long period of forty-five years. This chapel, which is endowed, is one of the most ancient in Yorkshire. In 1867 Mr. Boyd applied to the Charity Commissioners for a new scheme, which was granted, and in 1874, the chapel was thoroughly restored. The death of Mr. Boyd is universally regretted, not only by Congregationalists, but by members of other Churches. The funeral is fixed to take place tomorrow. The Rev. J. Bennett, of Reeth, and the Rev. R.V. Taylor, B.A., Incumbent of Melbecks, will officiate - the latter at the express request of the late Mr. Boyd.
Aug 4, 1882
On Sunday at Hill Top Farm, near Gunnerside, Richard GUY went out to look at some young cattle and was soon afterwards found in a field dead. His clothes were literally torn to shreds.
1882. 15 December. The Newcastle Courant etc.; Issue 10850
THE STORM IN SWALEDALE. It is forty years since such a storm was experienced in this beautiful dale. Townsfolk cannot form any idea of the immense accumulation of snow in the out-lying districts. Below the town, in the neighbourhood of Catterick, there is a bare covering of snow. In the borough the fall averages about a foot, but this is nothing compared to what it is further up the valley. On the hill at the north side of the dale the huge drifts commence, near the Belleisle, and continue in pretty regular succession for many miles. The depth at first is about six feet, but on ascending the hill the cuttings are thrown up on each side to a considerable height. Approaching Lord Zetland’s black plantation, there is another big drift, which is eclipsed by one in Claygate, near Marske. All the way across the country and up Arkendale the farmers and miners are completely snow-bound. Hundreds of sheep have been lost on the moors on both sides of the dale. One dealer has only, so far, discovered about a dozen of a flock of 500. Large numbers of grouse have been forced from the moors, and two or three days ago a flock of about 300 brace was startled from a field near Richmond Barracks. Communication has not yet been effected between Richmond and Arkengarthdale, and the mining companies are unable to get their lead down to Richmond Station. Horsemen have had some exciting struggles in the snowdrifts. On the southern side of Swaledale the storm has been equally severe. All the way up Hudswell Lane there has been a complete block; indeed, the villagers of the latter place were unable to effect any communication with Richmond until Friday evening. The wind has evidently swept the snow across from the north in great masses. For fully half a mile the roads ran level with the hedgerows, the hedges and gates at intervals being completely buried. The village of Hudswell, however, presents a most grotesque appearance. Some of the drifts have gone to a height of 15 feet. Some of the lower stories and doors of the houses have disappeared, and in one or two instances, where houses are uninhabited, the drifts have even reached to the chamber windows. The lower public house, which is deserted, only displays its higher stories, and the George and Dragon is fairly blockaded.
1883. 13 January. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 13967
At the meeting of the Richmond District Highway Board on Saturday, the Surveyor reported that during the last month the sum of two hundred and twenty-eight pounds fourteen shillings and two pence had been expended in cutting snowdrifts, principally in Swaledale.
1883. 31 January. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 13982
RICHMOND AND SWALEDALE. In Swaledale further devastations are reported. The bridges at Gunnerside, Low Row, and Low Whita are partially washed away, cutting off all communication by conveyance. Great destruction was worked, and the Low Row and Feetham bottoms were rendered a perfect wreck, the water having broken in at the Islet Bridge. A large portion of the mining plant at Sir Francis Mine was washed away, and much damage was done amongst the mines in other places. At Reeth, there the Arkle, a strong and rapid stream from Arkengarthdale, runs into the river Swale, the inhabitants at the lower part of the town were awoke by a noise of water rushing into their houses, it having burst through the doors and windows. Sergeant Pickering, of the North Riding Constabulary, with others, assisted to rescue the inmates, whose houses were some feet deep in water, the furniture swimming about. Extensive damage was done on the Flatts. The Richmond and Reeth mailman, although mounted, was obliged to make a detour round the fields between Grinton and Fremington. Several foot-bridges were swept away. Landslips are numerous. There has been a very large slip of rock and earth near Downholme Bridge, on the Richmond and Reeth road. The slip extends for a couple of hundred yards. Cattle and sheep were washed away. Some hundreds of pounds of damage has been done to Richmond flour mill. Further information discloses the fact that the bridges in Upper Swaledale – Gunnerside, Islet, and Thwaite Bridges – have been swept away. Eskleth Bridge in Arkengarthdale, has shared a similar fate. Many trees have been torn up by the roots. Rocks of ten and twelve tons weight were lauded below the Force at Richmond. With the partial destruction of the Castle Paper Mill a large quantity of timber and furniture, stored there by Mr NORMAN, was washed away. The formidable damstakes below the Force, which supplies the flour mill of Mr ARCHER, were washed away. There has been another slip of earth and rock on Richmond Castle bank.
1883. 09 February. The Hull Packet and East Riding Times; Issue 5130
THE FLOODS – GREAT LOSS OF SHEEP. Communication has at length been effected between Richmond and the dales villages by way of the new road, a temporary roadway having been formed at the great landslip, a few miles above Richmond, and yesterday the dalesfolk were enabled to get to the market, when most likely we shall hear of further disasters. Mr GEORGE EARNEST WHITELOCK, of Cogden Hall, near Reeth, had over two hundred ewes, worth five hundred pounds, washed away in the flood. The sheep had only been brought from the moors and placed in the large river-side pastures in front of the hall two days previously. One thousand pounds will hardly cover the loss sustained by this gentleman. On his farm a bridge has been washed down and scores of acres of land next the Swale have been turned into a perfect wilderness, being thickly covered with sand and all descriptions of debris. Thousands of acres of rich pasture land all the way down each side of Swaledale have been rendered perfectly useless, the soil having been washed off and replaced with sand. Plough land has suffered considerably.
1883. 06 March. Northern Echo; Issue 4075
THE WEATHER…. Its (the river Swale) determination to assert itself was pre-eminently distinguished on Sunday and Monday, the 28th and 29th of January last. The remains of a heavy snowfall had been lodged in masses on the distant hills. On the 28th of January
THE RAIN BEGAN TO FALL HEAVILY; down it came in a fashion travellers in the hill country know so well and town cabbies perpetually sigh for; the river was turgid and swollen, and higher and higher it rose. Down, down came the rain, swelling the hillside rivulets and gills to streams; and the river crept stealthily over the lowlying meadow lands. The night darkened, and the dwellers in the hamlets of the dale retired to rest. A south-west wind sprang up, driving the rain into the bedded masses of snow, percolating through them, loosing their sides, struggling and forcing its way beneath them, till with a roar and a rush they entered the gills and becks like miniature avalanches, and, like wild, seething rivers, came tearing down the hills, sweeping thousands of tons of massive boulder stones, gigantic mounds of hillock deposits from the leadmines, which abound in the dale, millions of tons of debris, consisting of sand, soil, timber, trees, roots, rubble, pebbles, rushes and tangled grasses into the Swale, making it a boiling ocean, which rushed and roared triumphantly over the rich meadow fields, hurling down miles of strongly-built stone fences, and adding to its heterogeneous freight of debris by tearing and rending at the staunch, stout, massive bridges till, with a fiendish roar, it swept them away. By four o’clock on the Monday morning it had done its worst, and when the sleepers rose and gazed bewildered upon the sea that flowed along their peaceful, happy Dale, bitter, bitter was the anguish that fell upon them when they realised the work of devastation. For the water sinking rapidly by the evening of the Monday, they discovered their dykes demolished, their river “carling” or sloping beds of stones to protect the banks swept away – yea, hundreds of yards of land had disappeared, flocks of sheep were missing, and over all the inundated meadows a pernicious deadly settlement of sand and soil. Which for years to come meant ruin to their land, was deposited. We have alluded to the deadly deposits of sand, and here let us explain that this poisonous nature is caused by the leadmines; the effect to the land being that it poisons the grass, and means death to either sheep or cattle, a period varying from three to ten years being required to eradicate the deleterious chemical.
Let us now describe THE EFFECTS OF THE DEVASTATION, commencing at Richmond and ascending the valley sixteen miles to Gunnerside, where the most pitiable damage was done. A view from The Terrace of Richmond showed the damage done to the falls beneath an un-tenanted mill. The pent-up volume of water in the mill-race had burst and swept away one side of the mill, whilst huge boulder stones of several tons weight had been torn from the falls and hurled in fantastic masses beneath, half of the river being diverted for a hundred yards by a silted up bed of stones. On visiting the Temple grounds we found marks which indicated the river had risen sixteen feet above its level, sweeping away trees and strongly-built fences, blocking the mysterious dark passages, destroying a massive rocky footpath, and twisting into fantastic shapes the iron railing that had surmounted it; had covered the beautiful gala field with a six inch deposit of sand, and rooted up and swept away a planting of fifty trees, grimly leaving, by way of exhibiting its appreciation of the humorous, a variety of misshapen trunks as substitutes. Were a trunk of a different description to be constructed to hold the actual amount of money required to repair the damage in this one case it would have to be sufficiently large to accommodate five hundred pounds.
As the market day is “wearing late” and “folks begin to tak’ the gate”, we commenced to descend the beauteous valley of the Swale. The river is to our left, rippling and gurgling along; over the dam it goes with a rush and a swirl, endeavouring to hinder the work of repair that is taking place. Sweeping in front of us, and now running on our right, we pass the bridge, far below which the river now runs, but whose coping-stones it had torn off, and pouring right and left along the road, inundated the gatehouse and re-arranged the furniture in a style agreeable to itself. Curving abruptly again, a fine ploughed field now lies covered with stones – grim crop for hardy toil to reap. On either side the towering hills display fantastic forms. A craggy summit opposite, surnamed Willance’s Leap, stands out in bold relief, while a pine-crested range in their grim weirdness intuitively conjure up that doom-striking, deceptive, advancing wood of Birnam.
A landslip on the north bank is strikingly apparent, and on the south equally marked are the traces of the overflow in the broken fences and deposits of stones on the fields. A short distance further, and we come to an extensive landslip, extending about 150 yards on the south side. The embankment being steep and high which the road surmounted, and the hillside sloping on to the road, the river had worked into the embankment, causing it to fall away of sink in places, and bringing down masses of stone from the hill above. A short distance, and a conspicuous landmark on the summit of the opposite hills is a monument indicating the last resting-place of an ancestor of the present owner of Marske Hall. And penetrating further into the dale, the river having left the road for a short distance, there is a splendid view of it sparkling down a glen whose trees stud its banks on either side. Leaving Ellerton and Marrick Abbeys, by which the river meanders through a delightful meadow land, we pass Cogden Hall, whose proprietor sustained the terrible loss of nearly two hundred sheep, being swept away. Going along at a smart pace the small village of Grinton is entered, and crossing the bridge, our eyes rest upon a scene that compels us to start and stare in bewildered amazement. Apparently we are gazing on some desolate seashore, for as far as the eye can see, in the evening gloom, on the north side of the river there is a vast plain of sand and rubble stones such as strew our coasts, and we unconsciously expand our chest to inhale a sniff of the briny. The road runs in triangular shape for about a mile, crosses a bridge spanning Arkle gill or beck – a stream now, but which had been an enormous torrent, which comes with a sharp and rapid descent from the hills on the north, at the entry of the township of Reeth, a pleasant village built on a gradual ascent. The river Swale runs along the valley beneath and in front of Reeth, and Arkle Beck runs through Reeth bridge, past Fremington Mill, its course beneath the mill having been confined on the left by an embankment several feet high and a strongly-built wall with a six fee foundation, the distance from the wall to the edge of the bank being from four to eight feet. Arkle Beck joins the Swale a short distance above Grinton, and the two commingling, sweep through the bridge. The enormously swollen state of the Swale had stemmed back the torrent of Arkle Beck, which was full to overflowing, causing it, above Reeth Bridge, to burst on its right and sweep away a portion of stone fencing of one field and about a hundred yards of a second one, with some yards of land and a footpath the length of the field, which had been between the fence and the beck. Sweeping over these fields and through several cottages, at the time of our visit three hundred feet from the water, to a height of five feet, over the road and bridge, now twenty feet above the water, in an angry and turbid torrent, rushing, swirling, and tossing along, till it met the back water of the Swale. Bent on venting its pent-up waters, and aided by the back water, it found a weak point in the left bank, and, despite the height and breadth and the strongly-built fence, with its deeply-sunk foundation, it tore it away, and rushed over the green acres of fresh meadow land a foaming furious ocean. On, on, bearing masses of the hard-limed fencing, tearing up stalwart trees, hurling down stone fences, depositing a shoal of pebbles here and a bed of rubble there, and acres of sand and slime everywhere. On, on, over the road, tearing the hedges down, till at last it joined the usual course of the river. Thrice did we cross this desolate waste, which had once been green fields and meadow land, and our boots sank ankle deep in the shoal of sand with which they were covered. The weak point of the embankment through which the water rushed now presents an extraordinary aspect. A deep pit extends for a hundred yards into the field, the soil being swept away, and hillocks and pools of water are at the bottom of the pit.
Let us here state that a portion of the valley of the Swale is exceptional in its land division. There are a number of large landowners in the valley, but between Reeth and Gunnerside, and especially at the latter place, a considerable quantity of the land is in small holdings, varying from one and a half to ten acres. In some cases the field or two has been handed down from father to son, while in other cases years of struggle and toil, and adding to the little hoard in “’towd stocking,” have enabled the labourer, the lead-miner, or the small tenant farmer to “get a bit land of his own”. And it has not been cheaply obtained either. The value of land in Swaledale is from one hundred and twenty pounds per acre upwards; “upwerds” not meaning a limit. To some people it may seem incredible, but it is a fact, that a few years since a single acre of land was sold for three hundred pounds. That was an extreme, and at a time of extreme prices, but they do well who purchase land now for one hundred and twenty pounds per acre. One of the first of the small holdings is at Reeth. A hard-working labouring man gathered together sufficient money to purchase about an acre and a half field; he also bought three small cottages. We have alluded to the sweep of the flood over and through them. The field now has the deadly settlement upon it, and one of the cottages has been abandoned on account of the damp; the water having been in them to a height of five feet, their condition may be inferred. Ascending through the village of Reeth, the road runs along half-way up the hill side. Above, on our right, are the hills, and sharply descending from them are acres of meadow land, which gradually form an extensive plateau, through which the river runs in a sinuous manner. The brown alluvial deposit shows that the fields have been covered on either side for a mile. Some of this land, lowlying as it is, has been flooded before at certain intervals, though never to the present extent. One portion, consisting of eight fields on the south of the river, fifteen years ago cost three hundred pounds to restore, and at the present time it is worse than ever. The stone fences are strewn down and carried away, and a bed of poisoned sand covers the fields. Passing on to the hamlet to Healaugh we are conducted by one of the small holders over the land, which here has suffered severely. A considerable aid to the destruction has been caused by Healaugh beck, which comes down the hill at right angles with the Swale. Bursting its confining walls, it swept their debris into the fields on its left bank and rushed like a torrent over them. The river, which is now about ninety feet from the fields, and far below them, had risen sixteen feet high, covering them like a lake. Only a few adhering stones show where the dykes have been, whilst a portion of a planting had been also swept away. These are fields that have never been flooded before, and yet the deposit of sand on them is now no less than three feet deep.
Over one of the fields is strewn a huge shoal of stones the size of large turnips. The bed of the beck or gill has been raised several feet by the masses of boulders brought from the hill above. Some of these boulders will weigh half a ton, and yet have been swept along like feathers. The fields on the opposite side of the beck also bear signs of devastation. Returning to the road, we pass on our left Whita Bridge, the approaches of which, with the fences on both sides, have been swept away. The road skirting the right bank of the river for half a mile here resembles the half-dead bed of a stream, for the river has swept over it, and on to the fields beyond, leaving a tidal mark of chips, upon which a select party of crows are sagely meditating, as if at an utter loss to explain “this state of things”. The road, gradually ascending, takes us to the contiguous villages of Feetham and Low Row. The hills here form a natural basin, the river sweeping in and through an extensive tract of lowlying land, and passes on to Whita Bridge. For a mile this portion of the valley extends, and throughout its length the deposit indicates that it has been one vast lake.
Descending to Isles Bridge, we find the flood had undermined the right span, causing it to settle, and tearing away and demolishing the right arch and the road. A substantial temporary wooden bridge is now being erected. The deposit on the fields here is enormous, and the consequent loss will be proportionate – forty pounds being paid for the mere removal of the sand off a three-acre field. Crossing on to Rowleth Common, an extensive strip of delightful greensward at the foot of Rowleth Hill, now strewed with shoals of large stones; there being an abrupt bend, the river it had swept on and over the common and fields beyond. A few hundred yards and Gunnerside is to be seen in the distance straggling down the hillside. The river here forms an extensive triangle, with the apex to the north. The volume of water has swept over the south side, washing a two-hundred-yard fence away, a quantity of land, and an entire plantation. On the four-acre field from the edge of which this mass of land, fencing, and trees, was swept, there were deposited thousands of tons of sand. Last week three horses and carts were engaged for the first three days, and four for the second, each horse and cart removing fifty loads per day, or one thousand and fifty cart loads off a four-acre field in a week. All the land on the north bank is divided into small holdings. From two fields of about five acres which were bought at a cheap rate for six hundred pounds, twenty pounds will have to be paid for merely removing sand; a second owner is paying sixteen pounds per acre for the removal of the debris. The entire frontage and fence of an adjoining field has been swept away, with tons of the soil, and the succeeding field is in a similar condition. The two fields adjoining are the worst in the dale. Gunnerside Beck runs by them from the hills, and was, previous to the flood, several feet below them. But rushing down with thousands of tons of boulders, it burst its bank and fence, and poured layer upon layer of them into these two fields. An attempt had been made to remove a portion of them; but in doing so, it being impossible to distinguish, the land itself has been removed. In one, if not in both, of these cases it is very questionable if the cost of removing the debris, the repair of the land, and poisoned condition of the herbage, will not amount to more than the land is worth; and yet one of these fields contains two acres, which took the hard-earned savings of years of an ordinary leadminer, to the amount of four hundred and four pounds to purchase, whilst the other is owned by one whose eyes will never gaze upon his loss. Blindness is at times a blessing. The bed of the beck is now raised six feet by the debris it has deposited, and is a rill over which we easily stride. Gunnerside Bridge, a substantial structure of two spans, is a wreck, and above the bridge, for several hundred yards, is one mass of devastation.
HELP NEEDED AT HOME
It has been stated that one hundred thousand pounds will not more than cover the actual and consequent, i.e. damage to the land, of this terrible devastation. Well may the mounds of stone strewed on these fair fields seem to us sad monuments of buried hopes. We have not attempted to adorn or exaggerate: ours has been but a brief, plain, unvarnished tale. But it would seem to us that the people of England have no knowledge of the devastation that has been caused in one of their own fair dales. Money they freely pour into funds of relief for distress and floods abroad, and surely it must be that they are ignorant of such a case at their own doors or their hearts and purses would have been opened ere this.
1883. 03 July. Northern Echo; Issue 4176
SUICIDE OF A SWALEDALE CLERGYMAN. A sad case of suicide – the third within a week in the Richmond district – has just been committed at Downholme, a village bordering on Swaledale, and a short distance from Richmond, the victim being the esteemed vicar, the Rev. G R CLACK. Deceased and his wife retired about midnight, when he remarked that he had left the door open, and went downstairs with the intention of shutting it. Mrs Clack went to sleep, and on the flowing morning when she awoke, about six o’clock, her husband was not in bed. Deceased, who is about forty years of age, was afterwards found with his jugular vein severed, a pair of small sharp-pointed scissors which were found near him having evidently been used for the purpose. He leaves a widow and five children. Formerly deceased was curate of Middleham.
1883. 05 July. Northern Echo; Issue 4178
ATHLETICS
SWALEDALE FESTIVAL. Weather of the most wretched kind was associated with the opening day’s proceedings of this popular athletic festival, thunder rains falling during the greater part of the day. The dales people, however, were not to be denied their annual holiday. And they turned out in large numbers. The sport excelled any previous anniversary, the various contests, as a rule, being close and exciting. The arrangements were admirably carried out, and the track on Roleth Bottoms was in first-class order. Appended are the results of the principal events:
100 yards flat race – CHATT, Barnard Castle, 1; STEPHENSON, Witton Park, 2; J E WHITEHEAD, Arkendale, 3. Stephenson dashed away at a good pace, and held a comfortable lead until just approaching the tape, when he eased, and Chatt won on the post.
Donkey Derby – Mr LODGE PERCIVAL’S Shotover (owner), 1; Mr C HARKER’S Galliard (owner), 2. The former was a decided favourite, and she won in a canter
Mile race – J W CALVERT, Swaledale, 1; RICKERBY, Darlington, 2; and CHATT, Barnard Castle, 3. Time 4 min, 46 sec.
Walking contest – For the third year in succession HOPPER, of Wensleydale, easily won this contest; J CALVERT, Gunnerside, was second.
Trotting, two miles – Mr T PERCIVA’S Wheel of Fortune (owner), 11; J K BROWN’S Scargill (owner), 22; Mr BROWN’S Flying Cloud, 33/ In the first heat Wheel of Fortune, who started favourite, won by two lengths; but in the second heat she came away and trotting in splendid style, came in a winner by ten lengths.
Wrestling, for all comers – In the final, W METCALFE (Swaledale) threw J HUGILL twice out of three times and won.
Go-as-you-please, for fifteen minutes – RICKERBY, Darlington, 1; J CALVERT, 2; CHATT, 3.
There were various other sports, but some of them had to be put off in consequence of the wet weather. The festival will conclude to-day. The proceedings were enlivened by the combined bands of Gunnerside, Low Row and Feetham.
1884. 29 April. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 14370
OBITUARY
Mr JAMES ROBINSON TOMLIN, of Thernswood, Swaledale, and Bolton Crofts, Richmond, Yorkshire, died at the latter residence yesterday morning, after a few months’ illness. The deceased gentleman was the son of the late Mr OTTIWELL TOMLIN, solicitor, of Richmond, and was born in Frenchgate. Educated at Richmond School, he afterwards served articles with his father, and was admitted as solicitor in 1846. the deceased gentleman was Town Clerk of the borough for sixteen years, having been appointed on the 7th of May 1868. he closely studied the interests and the welfare of his native town, and he was the recognised authority in reference to the ancient records appertaining to the Castle and other historic places. Mr Tomlin was a large shareholder in the Swaledale mines; but was perhaps more closely identified with the working of the Old Gang and the A.D. Lead Mining Companies, and he did a good deal in promoting the mining industry of the dale. He was a great promoter of the railway schemes coming through the district, and always manifested much anxiety in connecting the eastern with the western coast. It was through his untiring efforts that an Act of Parliament was some years ago obtained for the Richmond and Reeth Railway, but the scheme fell through. Mr Tomlin made renewed and very recent efforts to open out the beautiful dale in connection with the Richmond and Hawes Junction Railway. Meetings were held, and although it was understood that the funds would be provided if permission could be obtained, for some reason or other there was one there to respond to the bill when called upon. Mr Tomlin was solicitor to the Earl of Zetland; he was steward of the Swaledale Manor, of which Captain Lyell is Lord; he was clerk to the Hutchinson Charities at Richmond, Gilling, and Fremington; and was proctor of the diocese of Ripon. In addition to being Town Clerk of Ripon, he was appointed Clerk to the Urban Sanitary Authority under the Public Health Act, 1875. the deceased was Clerk to the Richmond District Highway Board, to the Reeth Board of Guardians, to the Grammar School Trustees, and to the Richmond Grand Stand Committee, besides being a Burgage owner of the racecourse. He was Registrar of the County Court, and vestry clerk for the parish of Richmond. Mr Tomlin was President of the Zetland Working Men’s Club, of which he was an ardent supporter. In politi8cs he was a Liberal and aided in the election of the present Earl – then LAWRENCE DUNDAS – as well as Mr JOHN CHARLES DUNDAS for Richmond. For many years he was Liberal agent, having lately been succeeded by Mr C G CROFT. He was a Churchman. He married Miss PLEWS, of Ripon. The deceased gentleman was of a kind and generous disposition.
1884. 08 August. Northern Echo; Issue 4517
HANDSOME DONATION TO REETH – Mr RICHD. PEACOCK, J.P. (a native of Reeth, Swaledale), a merchant prince of Manchester, through the intercession of Mr WILLIAM MORLEY ALDERSON, of London, late of Reeth, has kindly sent a cheque for one hundred pounds to Mr Alderson towards the funds of the Loyal Dales Independent Benefit Society, held at Reeth, Swaledale.
1884. 01 November. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 14530
SHEEP SCORING NUMERALS
Mr JOHN WRIGHTSON states, in the Agricultural Gazette for March 24th and April 31st (sic), 1884, that “The Dale shepherds still use the old counting. In Niddersdale and Swaledale, in Yorkshire; in Wasdale, Borrowdale, Man, Cornwall, and other places where the Celt lingered. The numeration appears to be closely related to Sanscrit, Hindustani, old Welsh, modern Welsh, and Romany.” He gives the numerals where are used in the districts of Knaresborough, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Old Welsh and Nidderdale.
KNARESBOROUGH MIDDLETON-IN-TEESDALE
Yah Yan
Tiah Tean
Tethera Tether
Methera Mether
Pip Pip
Teezar Sezar
Leezar Azar
Catterah Catrah
Horna Horna
Dick Dick
Yah-Dick Yan-a-dik
Tiah-dick Tean-a-dik
Tethera-dick Tethera-a-dik
Methera-dick Mether-a-dik
Bumper Bumfit
Yah-de-bumper Yan-a-bum
Tiah-de-bumper Tean-a-bum
Tether-de-bumper Tether-a-bum
Mether-de-bumper Mether-a-bum
Jigger Jiggit
OLD WELSH NIDDERSDALE
Un Yain
Dan Tain
Tri Eddere
Pedwar Peddero
Pump Pitta
Chwech Tayter
Saith Layter
Wyth Overro
Naw Coverro
Deg-or-dec dix
Un-ar-dec Yain-dix
Deu-dec Tain-dix
Triar-dec Eddero-dix
Petuarar-dec Peddero-dix
Pymthec Bumfitt
Un-ar-pymthec Yain-o-bumfit
Deu-ar-pymthec Tain-o-bumfit
Tre-ar-pymthec Eddero-bumfit
Petuar-ar-pymthec Peddero-bumfit
Ucent
Jiggit
1885. 06 June. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 14715
THE ENSILAGE COMMISSION.
Mr GEO. BRODERICK, of Swaledale, North Riding of Yorkshire, was examined before the Ensilage Commission of Thursday, in London.
(a lengthy discussion between various witnesses ensued on the merits and costs of feeding ensilage to cows and horses.)
1885. 13 June. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 14721
DEATHS
Mr GEORGE C REYNOLDSON, a member of the Richmond Town Council, died suddenly at his residence, High-Row, Richmond, yesterday. The deceased was overpowered by the heat while trout-fishing on the previous day. He was 59 years of age and much respected throughout Swaledale and Wensleydale.
1885. 20 August. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 14779
PONY RACING AND ATHLETIC SPORTS IN SWALEDALE.
The annual racing and athletic sports were held at Grinton, near Richmond, yesterday. A round trail across the mountain sides was won by Mr RICHARD RAW’S Dancer; Mr J WOODWARD’S Jingler being second’ and Mr SIMON CHERRY’S Duster third.
The mile handicap foot-race was won by W J CALVERT (the Swaledale champion), who beat G SUNTER, of Gunnerside, and H CALVERT.
The Volunteer prize shooting was won by MICHAEL RAISBECK, of Arkengarthdale; G WOODHALL, being second.
The mile trotting was won by Mr JOHN PEACOCK’S Rapid Rhone, Mt WOORWARD’S pony being second; and Mr RICHARD MIDDLETON’S pony third.
The Fives playing fell to M COTTINGHAM, of Gunnerside; W J CALVERT second; and W METCALFE, Arkendale, third.
J H SMITH, of Gunnerside, secured the 440 yards handicap; J SUNTER being second.
Quoit playing – J T HALL, 1; D McCARTHY, Stockton, 2.
Ball playing – E CLOSE, Stockton, 1; A HARKER, 2; R HILLARY, Spennymoor, 3.
100 yards flat race – JOHN PEACOCK (4 yards), Reeth, 1; HAMMOND HALL (4 yards), 2; JOHN KENDALL (scratch), 3.
Mile race – W PRATT, Reeth (scratch), 1; JOHN BEARPARK (10 yards), 2; E CHERRY, Fremington (70 yards)l, 3.
440 yards handicap – JOHN PEACOCK, 1; JOHN W KENDALL, 2; E CLOSE, Stockton, 3.
Flat race, for miners over 50 years of age – THOMAS DUNN, Reeth, 1; HAMMOND HALL, 2; MARK BLENKIRON, 3.
Race for boys under 15 – SIMON CHERRY, Fremington, 1; L SUNTER, Gunnerside, 2; G W SHAW, Grinton, 3.
G W GARBUTT beat C CALVERT in another race,
1885. 05 December. Daily News; Issue 12372
BIOGRAPHIES OF NEW MEMBERS
The following are brief biographies of members who did not possess seats in the late Parliament:
(extract)
PEACOCK, RICHARD (Lancashire: Gorton Division) (L), of Gorton Hall, Gorton, near Manchester, is the eldest son of the late RALPH PEACOCK, of Bank House, Swaledale, Yorkshire. He was born in 1820, was educated at the Grammar School, Leeds, and is by profession a civil engineer, carrying on an extensive business at Gorton. He is a magistrate for the county.
1885. 26 December. Northern Echo; Issue 4943
A RENOVATED SWALEDALE CHURCH. Melbecks Church, Swaledale, has just undergone considerable renovation. A wooden floor has been put down. New open seats of Memel pine have also been laid, the former seats being old, very cold, and uncomfortable. The church has also been wainscoted on both sides, almost up to the windows. The wood work has been executed by Mr THOS. PETTY, joiner, of Reeth. The seats and wainscoting have also been stained and doubly varnished by Messrs CROFTS, of Reeth. The following have kindly subscribed towards the cost of the above improvements: - Captain LYELL, lord of the manor of Swaledale, through Mr A T ROGERS, solicitor, of Richmond. Ten pounds ten shillings; Misses SIMPSON and BONSALL, ten pounds ten shillings; Mr JOHN L TOMLIN, of Thiernswood, five pounds; the Rev R V TAYLOR, Melbecks, five pounds; Misses BRODERICK and CLARKSON, five pounds; Mrs WILLIAMS and Miss GARTH, two pounds ten shillings each; and Dr TURNER, two pounds.
1886. 09 January. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 14900
THE CHARGE AGAINST A GAMEKEEPER AT RICHMOND. Yesterday, at Richmond Quarter Sessions, before Mr A W SIMPSON, deputy-recorder, JOHN CALVERT, a respectable Swaledale gamekeeper, was charged with stealing a watch from JAMES WILLIAM METCALFE, Richmond. The Grand jury properly returned “no bill” against the defendant.
1886. 18 March. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 14958
THE SNOWSTORM
RICHMOND. There is comparatively little, if any, abatement in the fury of the snowstorm which visited the Richmond district early yesterday morning. Snow fell again to-day, and the wind was high. This morning a number of snow-cutters were despatched to the main road above Richmond High moor to cut out some men who with their horses and hay wagons were completely snowbound. A gentleman connected with the lead mines in the dales had gone up in a three-horse trap with the intention of giving the miners their moth’s wages, but he was blocked four miles from his destination. The storm has put a stop to ploughing. Some farmers have got very little done. Stock-keepers are very serious losers. They are out of fodder, and are obliged to buy. Cattle and sheep at present are not worth so much as they were last year at this time, and the price of hay is rising daily. In some places it has already reached as much as one shilling per stone, but in Richmond it varies according to quality from seven pence to nine pence per stone.
SETTLE, Wednesday. By the use of snow ploughs the Settle and Carlisle Railway has been kept clear. The mountain roads leading from Settle to Malham Tarn, Littondale, and other places, which had only just been opened, have again become impassable. In a few localities the snow still lies to a depth of several yards. Great suffering exists among the mountain sheep owing to their inability to obtain food, and farmers anticipate that before the snow disappears hundreds of sheep will perish. Sportsmen stat that hares have died in vast numbers, and many of the grouse have migrated from the higher moorlands, and are not likely to return in the same numbers.
SOUTH DURHAM. Our Hawes correspondent writes- The storm continued with unabated fury during the night of Tuesday and all day yesterday. After a fortnight’s incessant cutting, all the highroads in the mountain passes communicating between Upper Wensleydale, Wharfedale, and Swaledale are blocked. The Swaledale carriers returning from Hawes market on Tuesday night were unable to reach home, and had to stay at Askrigg. Farmers are out of fodder, and large numbers cannot procure any on account of the roads being blocked.
A miner who started on Tuesday to walk from St John’s Chapel, Weardale, to a village a few miles distant, lost his way, and was found yesterday morning in a delirious state on the moors.
1886. 21 May. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 150131
THE EFFECTS OF THE RECENT SNOW STORM IN RICHMONDSHIRE. Our Richmond correspondent says – Hundreds of lambs have been lost. Mr WILLIAM IVESON, of Moorcock, is stated to have lost about a hundred, and Mr GUY, of Schoolmaster Pasture, in Swaledale, experienced a similar loss. The ewes and lambs were overblown by the snow, but most of the ewes managed to struggle out, and left the lambs to perish on the moor.
1886. 18 September. Northern Echo; Issue 5170
LEADMINING IN SWALEDALE. Leadmining – once a flourishing industry in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale – shows signs of revival. The mine opened by the Hurst Mining Company at Hurst, a few miles west of Richmond, has proved to be one of the richest in England, and at present is in full operation, over one hundred and fifty men being employed. The ore is of a splendid quality. The Hon Mrs PRIOR WANDESFORDE, the owner of two estates near Richmond, is displaying some enterprise, men having been engaged to bore for coal, which is well known to abound in large quantities on Hudswell Moor. Trials will also be made in other places on the estate.
1886. 10 November. Daily News; Issue 12663
FATAL FLOODS IN NORTH YORKSHIRE. A correspondent at Northallerton telegraphs that rain continued to fall in the upper dales throughout yesterday. The rivers have overflowed their banks, and the floods have been attended with fatal and disastrous results. Two farmers who attempted to cross the River Swale near Longton-on-Swale, were washed from their horses and drowned. Their bodies were found in the river near Mounby, together with the carcases of a number of sheep. In Swaledale five men and four children have been drowned. Messrs THOMPSON, RICHARDSON, JOHNSON, and two other farmers and the children were crossing the ferry near Morton Flats, when the boat capsized and the whole of the occupants were drowned. Their bodies were not recovered until the breaking of the bank at Mounby, when they were found near the river side.
1886. 11 December. Northern Echo; Issue 5242
LEADMINING IN SWALEDALE. DISCOVERY OF A NEW VEIN. For many years the Leadmining industry of Swaledale has been declining. It is therefore gratifying to hear that at length there are prospects of a revival of the industry, for the men employed at the Hurst mines, which are backed up by some enterprising gentlemen, have struck a most valuable vein. It is said to be the largest and richest ever discovered since the commencement of the Hurst mines.
1886. 24 December. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 15199
DEATHS
BRODERICK. December 22nd, at his residence, Hawes, JAMES LONSDALE BRODERICK. (Will be interred on Tuesday, December 28th. Friends will kindly accept this intimation).
OBITUARY
The death is announced of Mr JAMES LONSDALE BRODERICK, steward to the Earl of Wharncliffe and the Hon W LOWTHER. The deceased gentleman took great interest in the agricultural question, and was one of the pioneers of the ensilage movement in Yorkshire. He carried out the scheme on a somewhat extensive scale in Wensleydale and Swaledale.
1887. 12 February. Northern Echo; Issue 5295
FALL DOWN A MINE SHAFT NEAR RICHMOND. MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.
THOMAS POUNDER, of Ivelet, near Gunnerside, in Swaledale, experienced a miraculous escape the other day. He was going to his work at the Hurst leadmine, and stood on the mouth of the mine until his fellow-miners had descended the double ladder. He then proceeded to follow suit, but failed to obtain a firm foothold, and although he strove vigorously to maintain a firm grip of the ladder, it was so slippery from grease that he was obliged to relinquish his hold, and he fell to the bottom of the shaft with great violence. The poor man was found in the most wretched state. Blood was oozing from his ears and mouth, and he received very serious bodily injuries. He was conveyed home, and medical aid was quickly in attendance. The poor man, however, still lies in bed in a very moderate state. He is about twenty-six years of age, and the accident happened at a most inopportune time, as the injured man was on the eve of his marriage.
1887. 18 May. Northern Echo; Issue 5375
A SWALEDALE WESLEYAN CHAPEL ON FIRE. Early yesterday morning, the commodious Wesleyan Chapel at Reeth, in Swaledale, was discovered to be on fire. An alarm was given, and a number of willing hands hurried to the spot, and by the application of buckets of water the entire destruction of the building was averted. The pulpit and choir seats were entirely destroyed and, amongst other damage, many panes of glass were broken. The damage is estimated at two hundred pounds.
1887. 14 July. Northern Echo; Issue 5424
NORTH COUNTRY NEWS
A FARMER’S WIFE FOUND DEAD IN SWALEDALE. About nine o’clock on Tuesday evening, Mrs BOUSFIELD, the wife of a farmer named JOHN BOUSFIELD, of Bank House, Fremington, near Reeth, in Swaledale, was found dead on a stone bench just outside her home.
1887. 23 July. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 15379
Grinton lead mines in Swaledale, which have been idle for about eleven years, are about to be reopened. Colonel Charlesworth has leased the mines for 21 years, at a seventeenth royalty or dues, to Mr H HOSKINS, of Newton Abbott, Devonshire. Some six years ago the same gentleman leased the Hurst lead mines from Colonel MORLEY. Mr Hoskins is now in London making arrangements for opening the mines, and he expected to commence working them very shortly.
1887. 29 August. Northern Echo; Issue 5463
TENDERS INVITED
TO BUILDERS, MASONS, JOINERS, PAINTERS, and Others. Persons desirous of TENDERING for the RESTORATION of the WESLEYAN CHAPEL, Reeth, in Swaledale, recently damaged by fire, can see Plans and Specifications on application to the Rev. T BARON, Reeth, to who all Tenders, sealed and endorsed, are to the sent not later than 4pm on Wednesday, the 7th September. The lowest or any Tender not necessarily accepted.
1888. 30 July. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 15698
THE FLOODS IN SWALEDALE. SERIOUS DAMAGE. Farmers attending Richmond market on Saturday gave particulars regarding the floods in Swaledale. The damage to meadow land is serious, and a large portion of the land is still under water, and that which is not is covered with sand and refuse, rendering it useless. Messrs. THOMPSON, of Fremington Mill, have lost two-thirds of their meadow land. It is the property of Messrs. LITTLEFAIR, of Gathorn Hall. The flood of five years ago cost them six hundred pounds. When they were acquainted with the present flood they sent a representative into Swaledale, who kindly promised to meet the tenants half way. Mr WILLIAM COTTINGHAM, of Gunnerside, who sustained a loss of five hundred pounds at the great flood, has not lost three hundred pounds, for not only the grass but the soil has been washed away. Mr JAMES KENDALL, of Swale Hall, Grinton, has had 20 acres of meadow land rendered useless; and out of 40 acres of meadow land Mr A E KNOWLES of Gorton Lodge, Low-Row, has only five acres of good meadow left. Many others have been serious losers, and the small farmers can ill afford to bear the loss. Many thousands of trout and other fish have been picked up on the land.
1888. 06 August. Northern Echo; Issue 5757
RICHMOND DISTRICT HIGHWAY BOARD. THE RECENT FLOODS. GREAT DEVASTATIONS. The monthly meeting of the Richmond District Highway Board was held in the Council Chamber on Saturday afternoon. Mr SAMUEL ROWLANDSON presided. The Chairman read the appended report as to damages done to the roads, bridges, drains &c., by the late flood in the River Swale on the 2rth July last: “ Gentlemen, I have to report that very great damage has been done to the roads and bridges in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale parts of the district. At Brompton-on-Swale the river has broken into the bank adjoining the new road that was made a few years ago to the extent of fifty-five yards in length. At Rowleth Bottoms (Melbecks) the river has caused considerable damage, having overflown its banks and washed away the wall adjoining the river, filling up the bed of the river with stones and gravel. This will require to be opened out, so as to keep the river as much as possible in its proper course. At Gunnerside the large bridge which crossed the river at this place is entirely swept away, also the road leading from the village to the bridge for about 500 yards, rendering it impassable by the beck which flows through the village. Its proper course if filled up, and it rushes over on to the road, breaking up the roadway from four to six feet deep the whole length. I have caused this road to be fenced off at both ends. The beck on the roadside at the west of the village of Muker has done immense damage, having broken into the road in three places. This I have caused to be protected until the damages are repaired. Askridge-road was blocked for a few days on account of a large slip of earth falling on to the road from the hill above, but it is now open again for traffic. In Arkengarthdale the Arkle Beck, a large brook running down from the mountains and effecting a juncture with the Swale between Reeth and Grinton, has done much damage throughout the dale. The foundation of the north pillar of Wham Bridge has been dangerously undermined and the pillar very much broken. This bridge I have caused to be underset until we can have it repaired. I don’t think the arch will need to be taken down if I find the foundation of the north pillar good. I expect this bridge has been damaged by large boulder stones and trees which were brought down the dale by the force of the flood. At the north side of this bridge the road is very much broken up. Caused by the beck breaking over the bank onto the road, which runs alongside the beck at this place, where the traffic will pass by a back road until the other road is repaired. The Cocker foot road has been damaged by the overflow from the Arkle beck, but not to any great extent, and the road is open for traffic. The roads in other parts of the dales have been considerably damaged by the flood – the estimated damage being between seven hundred and eight hundred pounds. The Muker Beck road has also given way. JOHN HODGSON, district surveyor, North Cowton, 3rd August 1888” The Surveyor stated that the flood had overflowed the valley in such a manner that the crops of hay from one end to the other of Swaledale were perfectly worthless; Mr COATES asked if the Highway Board was compelled to make the bridge. The Clerk answered that as there was no road remaining the Highway Board had nothing to do with it. Ultimately the question was left to a committee.
1888. 07 September. Northern Echo; Issue 5785
FATAL ACCIDENT AT RICHMOND. A DOCTOR CENSURED
Yesterday (Thursday) an inquiry into the cause of the death of JOHN DINSDALE, aged 13 years, the son of Mr Wm DINSDALE, a Hawker, living at Fremington, near Reeth, in Swaledale, was held before Dr JOHN STAMFORD WALTON, the North Riding Coroner, at the Grinton Bridge Inn. The circumstances of the case are as follows:- On the morning of the 11th of August, between eleven and twelve o’clock, the deceased was leading a horse and trap down by the Back Ends, at Richmond. The lad was walking on the off-side, and, when opposite the Friary Tower, the animal shied sharply, upset the trap, and fell upon the lad, who was knocked down in the scrimmage. A gentleman who was passing at the time sprang from the walk, and Mr JOHN WILLIS, tobacconist, also hurried to the rescue; others aided, and they lost no time in extricating the lad from his perilous position. In an unconscious state he was carried to an adjoining workshop. Blood was flowing freely from his mouth, his nostril, and ears – in fact, he was literally covered with blood. Whilst the neighbours washed him Mr Willis hurried for the nearest doctor. When he regained consciousness the lad opened his eyes and made appealing enquiries as to how his horse was. Being assured that the animal was all right, the lad appeared to come round rapidly, so much so that when the doctor arrived he pronounced him sufficiently well to undertake his homeward journey – a distance of ten miles – that day. The youth rode home, but before he got there the bleeding recommenced, and when he was taken out of the conveyance it was almost completely covered with blood. Medical aid was called in, and it was found that the boy’s skull had been somewhat seriously fractured. Every attention was paid him, and he lingered on until Wednesday morning, when he died. – A verdict of “accidental death” was returned, and the jury, of which the Rev. PERCY SMITH, M.A., was foreman, “further desired to express an opinion, from the evidence adduced, that the deceased ought never to have been allowed to leave Richmond, as he was not in a fit condition to do so, and considered it a great neglect of duty on the part of the doctor, MR BATTY, not to have more carefully examined deceased before sending him home.”
1888. 19 October. Northern Echo; Issue 5821
GOLD PREFERRED TO BEEF FOR A WEDDING. – Yesterday, at the Richmond County Court, EDWARD BROWN sued JAMES STUBBS for the sum of three pounds fifteen shillings, being a portion of his share from a will of a relative. – It seemed that the plaintiff had the money left him by a grandfather, and he was going to be married. The old man would give him beef as a wedding present, but the youth preferred money instead. The old man therefore gave or lent him – there are two sides to the story – five pounds. – His Honour gave a verdict for one pound five shillings.
RICHMOND VOLUNTEER AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB. – The annual meeting was held in the clubroom on Wednesday night. Capt. G.F. SMURTHWAITE, the commandant, presided. – The financial statement was favourable, showing a balance in favour of the club of four pounds nineteen shillings and four pence, and the report of the auditors (Quartermaster-Sergt. FRYER and Col.-Sergt. G.C. METCALFE) was duly passed. – The election of officers was then proceeded with, and the following were unanimously elected: - President – Col DAVIDSON, commanding 19th Regimental District; vice-president – Col. GODMAN, Volunteer Commandant; treasurer – Capt. SMURTHWAITE; general manager – Sergt.- Major A GOAT; hon. secretary – Sergt. GEORGE MARCH; stage manager - W METCALFE; committee – Quartermaster-Sergt. FRYER, Col.-Sergt. G.C. METCALFE, Sergt. HENRY THOMPSON, and Lance-Corpl. JOHN NEWMAN.
A DISPUTED RIGHT OF WAY IN SWALEDALE. – Yesterday, Judge TURNER was occupied nearly the whole of the afternoon in hearing a case, where Mr JAMES JACKSON, draper, of Reeth, disputed the right of Mr HENRY BLENKIRON, carrier, of Reeth, to the use of a back way to the house of the last-named, situate in Silver-street, Reeth. Mr L S THOMPSON appeared for the plaintiff, who claimed one pound damages, with an appeal to His Honour for an injunction to restrain from the repetition of the obstruction complained of. Mr T E JAYNES, of Darlington, appeared for the defendant. – MR ALDERSON, of Hartlepool, and MR BARKER , of Langhorne House – His Honour adjourned the case to the December Court.
SHEEP-WORRYING IN SWALEDALE. – Yesterday, at the Richmond County Court – before Judge TURNER – WILLIAM BELL, of Low Whita, near Reeth, brought an action against METCALFE CALVERT, a farmer, of the same place, to recover three pounds fifteen shillings compensation for sheep worried by defendant’s dog. Mr JAYNES, of Darlington, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr C G CROFT, of Richmond, for defendant. On the first of May plaintiff turned some ewes on to a common adjoining his farm, and they got into a pasture belonging to defendant, whom it was alleged dogged them off, and some of the sheep were so severely bitten that two of them died. – Defendant expressed his willingness to pay for the injury, providing sufficient proof was forthcoming that his dog had worried the sheep. MARK KENDALL, the inspector of nuisances for Reeth, valued the dead ewes from twenty-eight shillings to thirty shillings each, though he had purchased ewes from eighteen shillings to twenty-two shillings. In giving his evidence witness fainted. – Defendant said he collected the sheep and put them off in the ordinary way, but his dog did not do any injury. – Verdict, two pounds eighteen shillings with costs.
1889. 04 March. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 15883
MR. R. PEACOCK, Liberal Member for the Gorton Division of Lancashire, died last evening at his residence, Gorton Hall, Manchester. The deceased gentleman, who was born in Swaledale in 1820, was head of the great engineering firm of Peacock and Co., Gorton. It is stated that the Unionists will contest the vacant seat.
1889. 05 March. Northern Echo; Issue 5937
MR RICHARD PEACOCK, member for the Gorton Division, whose death was briefly noted in yesterday’s Northern Echo, was, as we then said, a Swaledale man. His father, RALPH PEACOCK, from a working man rose to be superintendent of several Swaledale mines, and developed a singular talent for mechanical construction, which proved hereditary in the case of his son. Young PEACOCK’S tastes and talents were strongly marked before he was five years old. He was taken to Darlington just after the Stockton and Darlington line was opened to see the locomotive at work, and from that moment his career was fixed. Having received elementary education at a Sunday School, and the, as his father’s fortunes improved, at Leeds Grammar School, PEACOCK was apprenticed to FENTON, MURRARY, & JACKSON, the famous locomotive builders. At eighteen Sir DANIEL GOOCH gave him an important appointment on the Great Western. In 1841 he became locomotive superintendent to the Manchester and Sheffield line, and fourteen years later he, in conjunction with a partner, built the works at Gorton. Mr PEACOCK was not only successful financially, but a man of liberal and enlightened views and generous disposition. His personality was naturally a commanding one in the Gorton Division, for which he was returned in 1886 by a majority of 457. The majority is not a large one, looking to the strength of the candidate, and the duty incumbent on the Liberal party of selecting a successor needs to be set about with great care.
1889. 06 March. The Derby Mercury; Issue 9086
DEATH OF A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Mr RICHARD PEACOCK, M.P., head of the engineering firm of BEYER, PEACOCK, and Co., and the Liberal member for the Gorton Division of Lancashire, died on Sunday night at Gorton Hall, Manchester, after a lingering illness. Mr PEACOCK was born in Swaledale, Yorkshire, in 1820, and was educated at the Leeds Grammar School. After serving an apprenticeship to Messrs FENTON, MURRAY, and JACKSON, engineers, he became Locomotive Superintendent on the Leeds and Selby Railway, and some years later he held a similar appointment on the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway, whose great works at Gorton he planned. The Firm of Beyer and Peacock commenced in a modest way at Gorton; but it prospered exceedingly, until nearly three thousand people were employed. Two hundred locomotives were turned out per annum, and the wages bill for one year amounted to over one hundred and twenty thousand pounds. Mr Peacock was elected member for Gorton in 1885 by a majority of 1,748 over his Conservative opponent. In 1886, as a Gladstonian, he defeated Viscount GREY de WILTON by 457 votes.
14 Jun 1889 Northern Echo
Inquest at Great Bridge. Coroner Walton, Northallerton, hed an inquest yesterday, at Stangfoot Inn, Greta Bridge District, on the body of Robert Hillary, 33, West House, Hurst, who met his death while working in Scargill Lead Mining Company's mines. It appeared from the evidence that deceased met his death by a huge stone falling unexpectedly upon him from the head of the drift. Death was instantaneous. Verdict, "Accidental death." A Government inspector was in attendance.
22 Jul 1889
This (Richmond) Court was held yesterday, before Mr. E. R. Turner Judge. The only case of public interest was one in which Wm SPENSLEY, farmer of Feetham, near Reeth in Swaledale and Hannah BROWN, of the same place, for the sum of £31 3s., as compensation for destruction of property. ...Plaintiff was the owner of a cottage, some land, and a garden, which he let to defendant's husband about 15 years ago. He tennanted the property without any written agreement until twelve months ago, when he died, leaving the cottage and land in the occupation of his widow, who is plaintiff's sister. In September last he gave his sister notice to quit on the 6th of April. After she had quitted the house he went and looked over the property, where, as he alleged, he found five or six valuable plum trees destroyed, and the tops taken away. They were very valuable trees, and bore a large quantity of fruit annually. It was twelve years since he planted them, and he considered them worth consideraly more than £25, though he valued them at that amount. Some rhubarb roots and gooseberry trees had also been destroyed or carried away, whilst much damage was done to the fixtures int he outbuildings. A number of flags, slates, wood, pipes and manure belonging to the property were also removed by the defendant. Mr. Hunton (for the defence) admitted a portion of the damage; and his Honour gave a verdict in favour of the plaintiff for £15 damage.
1889. 06 August. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 16016
WILL OF THE LATE MR R PEACOCK, M.P. – Probate of the will, dated 21st April, 1996, of the late Mr RICHARD PEACOCK, C.E., of the Gorton Engine Works and of Gorton Hall, J.P., M.P., for the Gorton Division of South-east Lancashire, who died on the 3rd of March last, aged 69 years, and was the son of the late Mr RALPH PEACOCK, of Bank House, Swaledale, Yorkshire, has been granted to the executors, his sons, Mr RALPH PEACOCK and Mr FRED. Wm. PEACOCK, and his son-in-law, Mr Wm. TAYLOR BIRCHENOUGH, of Lyme Green, Macclesfield, silk manufacturer. The testator gives power to the executors to leave his shares in Beyer, Peacock, and Company, eighteen pounds, unconverted, if the parties interested consent to take them. He bequeaths to his son FREDK. WILLIAM 500 fully-paid shares in the same company; to his grandson, RICHARD PEACOCK BIRCHENOUGH, as promised at his christening, two thousand pounds with interest at the rate of 5 per cent. from the date of his birth; to REBECCA SHERMAN, the testator’s faithful servant and housekeeper, two thousand pounds; and to each other servant one year’s wages. All his real estate, and the residue of his personal estate, the testator leaves in trust in equal shares for his said sons RALPH and FREDK. WILLIAM, and his daughters JANE (the wife of W T BIRCHENOUGH) and EUGENIE (the wife of GEORGE AUGUSTUS PILKINGTON DAWSON). The value of the personal estate is two hundred and four thousand and one hundred and fifty-nine pounds.
1889. 21 November. Northern Echo; Issue 6160
SUDDEN DEATH OF A DOMESTIC AT MARSKE VICARAGE.
Dr WALTON held an inquest at Marske, in Swaledale, on Monday, touching the death of EMILY HORNBY, of Richmond, who was in the service of the Rev. A. VESEY at Marske Vicarage. On Saturday morning, Miss TODD, a fellow-servant, was going to Richmond hirings, and deceased set her a short distance. Deceased, who was evidently in excellent health and spirits, waved her handkerchief as her companion left her, and hurried back to the vicarage. On entering the kitchen she asked for her clothing to be unloosed, and almost simultaneously fell down on the floor. She was laid before the fire for two or three hours, and feeling a little better was taken to bed about 6.30 in the evening. She lingered until between five and six on Sunday morning, when she died before the arrival of medical aid. – A verdict of “Death from natural causes” was returned. – Deceased was twenty years of age.
1889. 27 November. Northern Echo; Issue 6165
FASHIONABLE WEDDING IN SWALEDALE. – The marriage of Miss KNOWLES, sister of Mr E A KNOWLES, County Councillor, of Gorton Lodge, Swaledale, to the Rev. RICHARD VICKERMAN TAYLOR, vicar of Melbecks, was solemnised on Monday in the presence of many relatives and friends. The presents were numerous. The newly-wedded pair afterwards drove to Richmond, and left the by 3 o’clock train to spend their honeymoon.
1889. 30 November. The Newcastle Weekly Courant; Issue 11211
REETH
THREE CHILDREN SUFFOCATED. – A very sad affair happened at Reeth, in Swaledale, on the evening of Friday, the 22nd inst. Mrs BLENKIRON, wife of Mr THOMPSON BLENKIRON, jun., went to a neighbour’s house for the milk, leaving her three children in the house and a candle burning on the table. When the mother returned she found her home in flames, and her alarming cries speedily brought the ready assistance of neighbours. On entrance being made the whole of the three children were found lying dead on the kitchen floor, having been suffocated. Dr KERNOTT was quickly on the spot, but too late. There were no marks upon the children – MARK BLENKIRON, aged four, THOMAS WILLIAM BLENKIRON, aged three, and MARY ANN BLENKIRON, aged two. The flames were soon extinguished. It is supposed that one of the children had taken the candle and ignited some shavings beneath the stairs. Alarmed at the fire they all climbed into an arm chair, which fell over with them, and it is very apparent the children were immediately suffocated.
7 Dec 1889
The sudden death of Mr. GILPIN-BROWN, of Sedbury Park, has caused deep and wide-spread sorrow in the North Riding of Yorkshire. He wasa country gentleman of the old school, and excellent Magistrate, a liberal landlord, an enthusiastic Tory, munificent in his charities, genial in his manner, and an ardent sportsman. Mr. GILPIN-BROWN was all his life a regular follower of Lord ZETLAND's and the Bedale hounds and he was formerly renowned in Swaledale as a very hard rider. He was exceedingly fond of shooting and his grouse-moors of Arkengarthdale are among the best in the county. Mr. GILPIN-BROWN was a shrewd and enterprising man, and he greatly develloped the lead mines on his Arkendale property. He owned very large and valuable estates in the North Riding and in the County of Durham.
28 Dec 1889
We regret to record the death of Councillor John SLACK of Durham, which occurred at his residence, St. Godric's House, Durham, on Saturday. Mr. SLACK, who was in his 51st year, was a native of Arkendale.
1890. 23 June. Northern Echo; Issue 6341
At Richmond Petty Sessions on Saturday, CHARLES KING, jun., was charged with stealing chisel rods from off the estate of Mr J. T. D’ARCY HUTTON in Swaledale. – The Bench took a lenient view of the case, reprimanded defendant, and imposed a fine of one shilling and costs, a portion of which were remitted.
1890. 17 September. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 16364
RICHMOND AND DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY
A DAIRY EXHIBITION.
In connection with this society, a successful dairy show was held in Richmond Market-Hall yesterday. Fine weather prevailed and there was a fairly good attendance of gentry and agricultural representatives from various parts of the district, famed for its rich cheese and hams, its butter and poultry, its honey, and home-made bread. The exhibits numbered over two hundred.
(Extracts from)
CHEESE. – farmers occupying not less than 50 acres – 1 cwt, made in 1890, flat or Stilton shaped, ELIZABETH ALDERSON, Grinton; 2. JOSEPH CARTER, Richmond; Mrs T BROWN, Marske. Farmers occupying less than 50 acres – ½ cwt made in 1890, W PEDLEY, Reeth; 2, Mrs CARLING, Hunton. Made from buttermilk, Mrs SIMPSON, Richmond.
BUTTER. – 5 lb of fresh butter, free from salt, made up in 1lb rolls, ….3, MRS WALTON, Richmond. 3lb of fresh butter, slightly salted, in 1lb rolls, Mrs CORNER, Middleton Tyas; 2, Mrs HUTCHINSON, Feldom, Marske; 3, F WILSON, Richmond. …. Open to all – One keg or other package of salt butter, not less than 14lb in weight, Mrs CORNER; 2, FRANCIS WILSON; 3, Mrs T BROWN. Fancy butter, Mrs CORNER; 2, Miss PLEWS, Catterick; 3, Mrs C APPLEBY, Gilling.
POULTRY, Dressed – one couple of chickens any variety, W CHERRY, Richmond; … one couple of any pure breed of ducks, Mrs BUCKLE, Waitwith, near Richmond. One couple of cross-breed or any variety of ducks, F WILSON, Thorpe Farm, Richmond.
HAMS AND BACON. A side of bacon, fed and cured by the exhibitor, W HODGSON, Marrick; 2, ELIZABETH KILBURN, Silvio House, Richmond; 3, HARRIET WALKER, Richmond.
BREAD AND CAKE. – one loaf of home-made bread, not more than 4lb, Mrs G GRAHAM, Richmond; 2, FRANCES WILSON, Richmond; 3 ELIZABETH KILBURN. Two tea cakes, 1 and 3 , Mrs RUSSELL, Low Channel; 2; SARAH BERRY, Richmond.
HONEY AND BEES’ WAX – 2lb. heather honey, in comb, R WILKINSON, Downholme; 2, J CRAGGS, Gilling; 3, R MATHEWS, Richmond. 2lb garden honey in comb, J CRAGGS. 2lb bees’ wax in 1lb cakes, R MATHEWS; 2, J HILLARY, Hurst; 3. J CRAGGS. 2lb dropped honey, any variety, R WILLIAMSON, Downholme; 2, R MATHEWS, Richmond; 3, J CRAGGS, Gilling.
1890. 01 November. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 16403
LEAD-MINING IN YORKSHIRE
…….. In the Swale and Melsonby district, Arkengarthdale has done very well, and the company no doubt have still a brighter future before them, as the ore appears to be plentiful, considering that even in what has been considered as bad times the average monthly production has been equal to 150 tons. The Hurst Mining Company has done tolerably well, despite some difficulties that have had to be overcome, but as there is plenty of lead ore, some good discoveries having been made a year or two ago, the property should become a valuable one with the increased facilities that before long will be afforded for reaching the various markets where lead can be disposed of. In the same district the Old Gang has had a tolerably fair time of it, at one period having turned out upwards of 1,400 tons of lead ore in a year, and most likely will do so again, if it does not considerably increase that output, to do which there should be no great difficulty. The Grinton Moor Mine, along with Summer Lodge and Whiteside, belonged to Mr J.C.D. CHARLESWORTH, of Chapelthorpe Hall, near Wakefield, one of the largest colliery-owners in the West Riding, but was abandoned several years since when lead could not very well be worked at a fair profit. More recently, however, the Grinton Mine has been taken in hand by a limited company, with a capital of fifty thousand pounds, and operations have been pursued with energy, for at least four bings of ore were being raised weekly even thus early from the undersets. This mine is again likely to take a good position, and several parcels of lead have already been sold during the year, 16½ bings of ore being raised and dressed recently in the course of four weeks, the lead realising at the rate of twelve pounds ten shillings per ton. Keld Heads, which belongs to Mr THOMAS DYMOND, of Burntwood Hall near Barnsley, and formerly proprietor of the well-known Oaks Colliery, has given good returns, and there is no reason why it should not do so again, as the mine is considered a good one, and should even now be worked at a fair profit, as it is capable of considerable development, and is only about five miles from Leyburn. In the same district, Lord Bolton has several mines, including Ape Head and Thornton Moor, which should now be made to pay; and the same may also be said with respect to the Summer Lodge and Whiteside mines, belonging to Colonel Charlesworth. The Arkendale Mining Company have a rich mine in the Swaledale and Melsonby district in Arkengarthdale, and large as the yearly returns have been, there is very little doubt they are capable of being greatly increased. The same remark may also be said to apply to the Swinnergill, Lunehead, and Surrender mines in the same district, as well as to Pateley Bridge West, Craven Moor United, Stony Groves, Pateley Bridge, Cockhill, and Sunnyside, and other mines in the West Riding. From the above facts, it will be seen that lead-mining in Yorkshire is now in a fair way of reaching, and even exceeding, its former proportions, seeing that not only has the price of lead improved of late, but the proposed railway will connect Pateley Bridge and some of the more northern mining districts with large and important centres of commerce and shipping ports as well.
26 Sep 1890
Yesterday the marriage of Miss Augusta E. WHITELOCK eldest surviving daughter of the late Mr. Matthew Whitelock of Cogden Hall, in Swaledale to Mr. Charles Louis Nathaniel Maister, of Swinton, Masham, took place. the marriage ceremony took place in the fine old church of St. Andrew's at Grinton, which was decorated with flowers and ferns. From the church door down the pathway to the entrance gates a crimson carpet was laid. Over the gates was a neatly arranged triumphal archway decked with flowers and bunting. On one side were the words "God bless the bride and bridegroom." and on the reverse side "Health and happiness." the bride entered the church leaning on the arm of her brother, Mr. Ernest George Whitelock, the present master of Cogden Hall, who gave her away. She wore a dress of cream silk, trimmed with orange blossom chffon, and a long tuile veil fastened with a spray of orange blossom. In her hand she carried a bouquet. Her long train was borne by her page, Master F. CHAPMAN of Leyburn, attired as "Little Lord Fauntleroy" in violet velvet with violet silk stockings and Court shoes. The bridesmaids were Miss Amy WHITELOCK (sister) adn Miss KNOWLES (cousin to the bride). They wore cream dresses, trimmed with heliotrope chiffon; cream feather bonnets, with heliotrope velvet bows; and carried bouquets presented by the bridegroom. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Archibald Maister (brother of the bridegoom) and the Rev. Percy Smith, Vicar of Grinton. The bridegroom's best man was the Rev. Arthur Maister (his cousin). Miss SUTCLIFFE (of Fremington) presided at the organ, and the service was fully choral. As the bride entered the sacred edifice, the choir sang the hymn -
The voice that breathed o'er Eden,
That glorious wedding day.
During the ceremony they chanted the 128th Psalm, also an anthem; and as they left the church Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" was played. Flowers were spread on the bride's path. The breakfast was provided in the King's Head Assembly Rooms, at Richmond, by the Misses Parsons. Amongst the company present, in addition to the bridal party above-named, were Miss WHITELOCK sen (aunt), Mr. Matthew WHITELOCK (brother), Miss GREATHEAD (cousin to the bride), Mrs. MAISTER, Mr. F. MAISTER, Mr & Mrs. NEWTON , Crake House, Thirsk, (sister of the bridegroom); the Rev. R.V and Mrs. TAYLOR (cousin to the bride), Melbecks Vicarage; Mr. Edmund A. KNOWLES, Gorton Lodge; Captain and Mrs. CLARKE, of Charlent, Bedale; Mr. R. CHAPMAN, of The Cliffe, Leyburn, Mr. J. CHAPMAN Wensleydale; the Rev. and Mrs. SMITH, Dr. KERNOTT; Mr. and Mrs. MATTHEWS of The Bank, Masham; the Rev J. and Mrs. silver serviette rings. Messrs. MAY, of the Leyburn Nurseries, sent a box of magnificent cut flowers. The other presents were numerous, including cheques from Mrs. WHITELOCK and Mr. M. WHITELOCK . Today the rejoicings are to be continued, and a tea will be given to the Sunday School children.
21 Mar 1892
At the Richmond County Petty Sessions on Saturday, John Henry ALDERSON and Isabella ALDERSON (brother and sister) were charged with stealing hay from the premises of Mr. Simon CHERRY, mining agent, of Fremington; also with assaulting Acting-Sergeant Wm. INGOLDSON. Prisoners dwell at Grinton, near Reeth. They had been suspected by the officer of the theft, and chased them and captured the female, whereupon the male prisoner sprang at him and dealt him a blow on the head with a pick-axe (produced). Between the two the officer was dreadfully ill-used, and the prisoners made their escape, but were apprehended on Tuesday, when they behaved violently to Sergt. BOLLAND. Prisoners were sent to gaol for four months each with hard labour.
Apr 11 1892
At Richmond on Saturday a Swaledale farmer named James THWAITES of Gunnerside was charged by Inspector Cape of the S.P.C.A with cruelty to his stock. Mr T.M.Barron of Darlington prosecuted. From information received the inspector proceeded to defendant’s farm on the 5th of April and learnt that defendant had lost several beasts in the course of the past few months and at the time of his visit he found one beast dead upon the premises. A post mortem examination was made which disclosed the fact that the poor animal had been suffereing from the effects of hunger and had died from dropsy and inflammation of the stomach. Defendant had actually been advertising and selling his hay and starving his own stock. Mr. Stevens veterinary surgeon of Darlington and Mr CLARKSON, veterinary surgeon of Reeth having given evidence, the Bench imposed a fine of $2 and costs amounting to #.13s.1d
11 Jan 1893
Ancient Swaledale Church Dole- The Grinton dole amounting to #6 0s 2d, has this new year been distributed by Mr. William ALLEN, churchwarden, in the following manner;- to the poor of Grinton, Fremington and Reeth, #3 18s 8d; to the poor of Healaugh, 10s; to the poor of Melbeck, 18s; and to the poor of Muker, 15s 6d.
May 12 1893
One of the most remarkable providential deliverances that we remember to have heard of (states a Methodist journal) has been vouchsafed to Mrs J. Calvert COATES, wife of the president of the Local Preachers’ Mutial Aid Association. Mr Coates was preaching for the association at Darlington on Sunday week and on Monday went over to Gunnerside, his native village in Swaledale. On Tuesday he was driving with Mrs Coates to railway station, when the horse jibbed. Mr Coates got out to go to the horse’s head but before he could reach it the frightened animal had got off the narrow lane in which they were travelling and over the side of a stone quarry taking the carriage and Mr Coates with it – a sheer fall of seventy feet. As soon as possible, having sent for help, Mr Coates made his way to the bottom of the quarry where he found the carriage smashed and the horse hying across the body of Mrs Coates, with one of its legs locked in a wheel and the others kicking vigorously. It was an hour before Mrs Coates could be liberated and during that period of awful suspense the horse’s hoofs were in such close proximity to her that portions of her dress were torn away, and even hair from her head, while when Mr Coates put his hand over his wife’s eyes to shield her it was more than once struck. Ultimately Mrs Coates was removed to Gunnerside, when a surgical examination showed that, most wonderfully, no bones were broken. The shock however, and bruises were most sever. One leg is numbed and paralysis was at first feared, but the doctor now hopes that in a fortnight Mrs Coates will be able to leave her bed, where she now lies prostrate. Hundreds of friends in all parts of the country will rejoice with the genial President of the Local Preachers’ Association in his Providential deliverance from so imminent a prospect of sad bereavement
Darlington & Stockton Times. June 7 1894
Yesterday Mr & Mrs George SPENSLEY celebrated their golden wedding and held a family gathering at which there were present four sons and two daughters, with their wives and husbands and about 24 grandchildren, while there was one great-grandchild, altogether four generations being represented. There was a large number of friends present, when the health of Mr. & Mrs. Spensley was drunk. Mr Spensley was born in 1821 so that he is 72 years of age and in robust health. His wife was born in 1819. They were married on the 8th June 1844 at Grinton Church. For 20 years Mr. Spensley successfully followed the occupation of a miner, when he gained the position of Master of Leyburn Workhouse, a post which he with Mrs Spensley as matron, most ably filled for 17 years when he was succeeded by one of his sons and his wife. At present Mr Geo Spensley ably discharges the duties of Superintendent Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths for the Leyburn district, while he is manager of the Leyburn Gas Company.
30 1 Jan 1896
As stated in our issue on Tuesday, Mr. Edmund A. Knowles the County Councillor for Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, was found dead in his bed at Gorton Lodge, Low Row, near Reeth, on Monday morning, the cause of his death being evidently heart disease. The deceased gentleman was most popular in Richmond and the dales, where he did much good. Mr. Knowles was the president of the Swaledale athletic gathering from its commencement, and was master of the Swaledale hounds, but in consequence of his death the Reeth morr New Year's Day meet has been abandoned. His age was about 52.
Apr 24 1899
A Hale Nonogenarian
On Friday last, Mr Jas. CALVERT of Gunnerside entered upon his 90th year. He has always been an ardent Liberal in politics and some years ago began to follow the example of Mr Gladstone by felling a tree on his birthday. This feat he accomplished on Friday last, being hale and hearty for his years. What makes the event more remarkable is that he has felled the last of a lot. But the veteran woodcutter had numerous offers from his admiring neighbours that if spared to another year to again undertake the duty that trees would not be wanting by which to test his strength and accomplish the task.
29 Nov 1900
The remains of the late Mr. John BARKER of Langhorne House, Reeth, in Swaledale, were yesterday consigned to their last resting place in the pretty little churchyard of Grinton on the Swale - nestling at the foot of the heath-clad hills, where the deceased gentleman had roamed and spent tso many happy days, close beside the rippling trout stream, which he loved to follow with the rod, and in the heart of the beautiful country where he took such a delight in following the Swaledale hounds. Many memorable days had he passed in various branches of sport in these wild, though charming regions. Mr. Barker was a good all-round sportsman, and whilst he was an expert angler and a capital shot, he was a prominent and enthusiastic supporter of the various sporting festivals and agricultural societies of the dales. He was always to the front in support of the several railway schemes likely to open out and develop the various mining industies. He was a landowner in various parts, and superintended the management of the moorland estate of Colonel Charlesworth for well on to 40 years, during which time he gained the respect and esteem of the various gentlemen located at Grinton Lodge fo the grouse shooting season. Mr Barker's death came as a great surprise, for he had only been packing grouse last Thursday, when he had a serious stroke, and died on Saturday evening; it was a great shock to the dalespeople returning from Richmond market. The funeral was attended by a large and representative gathering from all parts of the dales, as well as from North Yorkshire and South Durham, for he was a man very widely known and highly esteemed. The Rev. J. J. Merry conducted the beautiful special funeral service - for deceased always took a deep interest in the church. The coffin was covered with beautiful floral tributes. Deceased was62 years of age. Amongst those present at the funeral, despite the inclement weather, were representatives of the Duke of Leeds, the Marquis of Zetland, Lord Bolton, the Duchess of Northumberland, Mr Gilpin Brown, Sir Francis Denys, Colonel Charlesworth, Mr Geo Gilpin Brown, members of the Richmond and Reeth Rural District Councils and Boards of Guardians, Ald. T.M. Barron, Mr. Wm Sewell, representatives of the miners etc.
A selection of items relating to Wensleydale. I have not included any from Redmire, as many of these are posted on Dave Stringer-Calvert's website.
19 Jul 1729 Daily Journal
"We have an Account from Midlam in Yorkfhire that the Thunder and Lightning that happened there on Tuefday laft, has done confiderable Damage; Several Perfons were ftruck blind with the Lightning, among whom, Solomon Debdale, a Wheelwright, a young Man of about 25 Years of Age, who is fo afflicted with his Misfortune, that 'tis fear'd he will go diftracted.
18 May 1748 Morning Advertiser
They write from Middleham in Yorkfhire, that an Ox belonging to Bryan BURREL and Matthew HUMPHRY, bred by Simon SCOOP of Danby, Efq; will be killed at Middleham on Saturday next, the four Quarters of which Ox are fuppofed to weigh 140 Stone.
1757 06 December. London Evening Post; Issue 4694
Extract of Letter from Richmond in Yorkshire, Dec. 4
“Yesterday, being the Market-Day, a Number of Rioters, to the Amount of near an hundred, Masons, Knitters, and labouring Men, from Askrig, Bolton, and Redmar, and other Parts of Wenslydale, with some few from Swaledale, came into the Town, early in the Morning, forcibly rung the Corn-Bell, and their Ringleader proclaimed the Price of Corn, viz. Wheat Four Shillings per Bushel, Masseline Three Shillings and Sixpence, Oats one Shilling and Sixpence; which done, they seized the Sacks of the Farmers, and insisted upon having the Corn at the Price by them set, some of them paying, and others taking it without paying any Thing. Others of the Rioters et the Price on Oatmeal, Potatoes, &c. Some of the Town’s People were as industrious as the Rioters themselves, in buying at the Price so set. The M------- stood affrighted at his own Shop-Door, without endeavouring to put a Stop to their Proceedings, during all this Disturbance, until a neighbouring Gentleman of Fortune went, and insisted upon his reading the Proclamation; and then the Gentleman himself seized upon the Ringleader, and bout ten others, and had them immediately committed to Gaol, where they now remain.
P.S. The Rioters seem not the only People who deserve to be represented to the Publick”
15 Apr 1758
On Wednefday the 5th inftant was married at Middleham in Yorkfhire, Capt. John Atkinfon, who diftinguifh'd himfelf for his undaunted Bravery at the late Siege of Minorca, to Mifs Warnfon; an agreeable young Lady with every Qualification to make the Marriage State happy, and a fortune of 10000l.
May 2 1758
Yefterday Robert COLE, one of the Rioters convicted laft Affizes of obftructing the Execution of th eMilitia Act in this County and george Berry, one of the Wenfleydale Rioters about Corn, were hanged at Tyburn purfuant to their Sentence; the former being for High Treafon, was drawn and quartered.
18 Apr 1769
We hear from Eaft Witton, near Middleham in Yorkfhire, that one Thomas RUMBOLD of that Place having the Misfortune to lofe his Wife on the Friday, after being married to her 40 years, went and ordered her Grave; then went to the Parfon, and gave in his Name with a Woman who had been his Affiftant for fome Time, for Publication; and accordingly the Banns were publifhed on Sunday Morning, and the Wife was buried in the Afternoon.
Aug 24 1770
A few days ago, William BEAPER, of Bainbridge in Wensleydale in this County, in the 91ft Year of his Age, ran fix Miles, on Bainbridge heath, in 46 minutes, for a fcall wager; he was allowed an Hour to do it in. It is remarkable his Diet has moftly been Milk and Whey.
30 Jan 1771 Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser
At Wensley near Middleham in Yorkshire, Mr James WILSON aged 87 yrs who had been father and grandfather to 65 children and was carried to his grave by six of his grandchildren
27 Mar 1772
Laft Friday came on to be tried at the Caftle before Sir Henry Gould, Knt, and Special juries, two Indictments, removed by Certioruri from the North Riding Seffions into the Court of King’s Bench, one againft mr. Wm I'ANFON and others, for a Riot, and for pulling up a Floodgate and Frame, and filling 210 Yards of a Mill-Race, at Raygill, in the Parifh of Grinton, belonging to Thomas SMITH, Efq; the other againft Mr. John METCALF, and others, for a Riot, and for pulling up a Wear at Raygill aforefaid, alfo belonging to Mr. Smith; when, after two long Trials, the juries, without going out fo Court, found them guilty thereof, and they are to receive Judgment the firft Day of next Eafter Term in the Court of King’s Bench.
Jul 30 1774
Prifoners in the Gaol at Richmond in the County of York
John JACKFON formerly of Carperby, late of Castle Bolton in the County of York, Yeoman
Francis IBBETFON late of Middleham in the County of York, carrier
28 Jun 1777
We hear from Middleham in Yorkfhire, that as Mr. John STOREY of Bellerby was croffing the river there, both he and his horfe were drove down as low as Spennythorn, and taken up drowned.
Feb 1 1779
On the 12th inft a melancholy accident happened near Hawes in Wenfleydale. A tinker and his family, confifting of his wife, five children, and his beorther in law, attempted to pafs Cam Fell, when, owing to intenfe cold and heavy rain, the two eldeft children (one 14 the other 10 years old) perifhed; and but for timely affiftance it is probable the whole family would have been loft through want and fatigue, as their fate, when they reached Hawes, was deemed hopelefs
Dec 21 1780
Afmart fhock of an earthquake was felt at Leyburn, near Richmond in the county of York, and in the neighbourhood adjoining, on Saturday the 9th inft. At half paft four o’clock in the afternoon. The generality of people felt themfelves as though ftrongly lifted up by the wavelike motion of the earth, and prefently fet down again; and at the fame time heard a poife over their heads, as if fome heavy weight had fallen’ whilft thofe in the chamber were frighted, and apprehended the like accident had happened below. Some compared the rumbling with a kind of rufhing noife to thunder at a diftance, others to a carriage or wagon paffing by, and fhaking their howfes to the very foundation, with a fort of crakling in the joints of the timber, widow frames, &c. I feveral houfes things not firmly fupported were thrown down; and at the village of Redmire a barrel of gin was thrown off a fhelf, and moft of the liquor fpilt upon the floor. The motion feemed to be from Wft to Eaft, and continued fix or eight feconds of time. The atmofpheere was very dark and gloomy for feveral days before, but remarkably calm for the time of the year; the mercury in the barometer flood for feveral days at the uncommon height of 30,6 inches.
1 Oct 1810
Married...Lately, Mr. Thomas WRAY, blacksmith, to Miss Susannah HODGSON, both of Wensleydale, in this county. The bridegroom has had the banns published with eighteen different females, and been twice married; this last marriage, howevr, was by licence. He has for some time past gone on crutches, but was so elated with joy on this happy occasion, as to be able to lead his bride to the hymeneal altar with the assistance only of a walking stick.
29 Mar 1814
John JAMES of West Witton, in the North Riding, was charge with the wilful murder of William RIDLEY of Middleham, sheriff's officer on the 24th of November by stabbing him in the neck with a knife. William JAMES brother to the above, was charged with aiding and abetting the said murder. The evidence against the latter, however, only proved the use of expressions, which imported, that he had an ill-will to the deceased, and was not sorry for his death; and his Lordship observed, that whatever unfavourable impressions they might give the jury as to the obduracy and hardness of his heart, they did not amount to a participation in the murder; and directed the jury to acquit him. with this statement we shall dismiss the case of William JAMES, and only state the evidence as it applies in the case of John JAMES.
Thomas SERJEANTSON was the first witness examined; but as the facts he spoke to were detailed by Willaim Ingerthorpe MORGAN, with some additional circumstances, we shall, to avoid unnecessary repetition, begin with the evidence;- He stated that in consequence of an application from the deceased, who was a sheriff's officer and an auctioneer, he went with him to seize some hay and corn belonging to the prisoner; for this purpose; they then went to a field belonging to the prisoner, in which the stack of hay was, which was sold by the deceased; they then went out of the prisoner's field to the barn of Mr. KING, to which the corn of the prisoner had been removed. Witness went into King's field the first, and was followed by the deceased, who was removing a bar to give them an entrance, when the prisoner rushing from behind him, struck him on the neck with his fist; he placed his left hand on Ridley's shoulder, and struck him with the right; he repeated the blow. Witness then saw that he had a knife in his hand; blood immediately gushed from the wound; the first stab was immediately under the ear, the second about the collar of the coat - Witness took hold of the deceased with one hand, and seized the prisoner John James with the other, but the deceased fell to the ground, and almost instantly expired. The wounds were inflicted with a pocket knife; witness called it a jack-a-leg knife. Prisoner said he would not hurt any other person that was there; he was satisfied "I have done what I wished to do; it was my intention, and I am satisfied. " William James then came up, and inquired if he was dead; being assured that he was, he laughed; on being reproved for his shocking levity, he replied, he was glad of it, and he would rather have helped than have hindered. A car was then procured to take the body home. Witness took the prisoner. The next time the witness saw the prisoner was at Mr. CHAYTER's, the magistrate, at Leyburn; but being too late for an examination, he sat up with the prisoner all the night. In the course of the conversation, witness asked the prisoner if he did not relent at what he had done, the prisoner replied, "No, I have done what I wished to do; my intention was to kill him." he further said that he had malice against him ever since he distrained his goods, and that his intention was not to lame, but to murder him, and be hanged for it; and that he afterwards said, that he knew if he struck at Ridley, being a King''s officer, he should be imprisoned for life, and that he had rather be hanged, than suffer that imprisonment. An attempt was made to prove the identity of the knife, but his Lordship did not think it material to produce; the witness, however, held it in his hand in the view of the jury. It was a pointed clasp knife, the blade about four inches in length.
Mr. George EDMONSON is a surgeon at Middleham; he examined the body of the deceased on the 26th Nov, he found two wounds on the right side of the neck; the upper wound had divided the lobe of the ear, and penetrated into the articulation of the jaw, the other wound was two inches lower, in a line with the angle of the jaw, and was from five to six inches in depth; it had divided the carrotid artery and the large nerve which runs down to the lungs and heart; this second wound must have necessarily occasioned immediate death.
The prisoner being called upon for his defence, said, "I told William Ridley that I would protect my property with my life."
Mr. RAINE, who was counsel for the prisoner, called a number of witnesses, the object of which was to prove that no rent was due to the landlord Mr. Chayter of Leyburn, and that of course the distress was wrongfully made; and this point seemed to be made out in evidence.
Mr. Justice CHAMBRE said the evidence against William James did not appear to him sufficient to implicate him as a principal in the second degree, aiding and abetting in the murder. The jury after confering together for about a minute, found John James guilty, and acquitted William James.
The prisoner, when he was asked what he had to say why sentence of death should not pass upon him replied, "I give myself up to the laws of my King and country, though I have had no law shewn to me."
Mr. Justice Chambre, in an impressive address, in which he dwelt on the deep-rooted malignity manifested by the prisoner against the deceased, passed upon him the awful sentence of death.
5 Feb 1817
Notice is hereby Given, that William LISTER of Hawes in the Parish of Aisgarth and County of York, Innkeeper, hath conveyed and assigned all his Effects to Mr. Oswald ALLEN of Scarrhead, and Mr. Edward ALLEN, of Widdale Foot, both in the said Parish, and County aforesaid, for the equal benefit of his Creditors...........
8 Mar 1817
Whereas a commission of bankrupt is awarded and issued forth against Robert DAVIS of Low Foss, in the Parish of Aisgarth, in the North Riding of the County of York, Dealer and Chapman, and he being declared a Bankrupt, is hereby required to surrender himself to the Commission named, or the major part of them, on the Twentieth Day of March Instant, at Three of the Clock in the Afternoon............
31 May 1817
Lately at Thornton Rust, Wensleydale, near Askrigg, Mrs. Jane ROBINSON at the advanced age of 105.
1 Aug 1817
At Aisgarth, Wensleydale, after being intimately connected for 46 years, W. Robinson, tinker, aged 76, to Bridget Kelly, aged 80.
Aug 24 1822
On Sunday evening last, an iterment took place at East Witton churchyard near Middleham of two men who unfortunately lost their lives in a coal pit a few miles from East Witton by fire damp. There were other three men at work in the pit with them, but their lives were preserved. It is very seldom that any loss of lives happens in the coal pits in that neighbourhood. After the coroner’s inquest, when the bodies were removed for interment, they were followed to their graves by upwards of 300 people on foot, and about 40 on horseback. The same coroner had other two inquests to hold the same day in the vicinity of that place.
2nd July 1837.
Extraordinary Journey. – A few days ago, James DINSDALE, of Askern (sic), in Wensleydale, travelled from the former place to Bishop Thornton, a distance of 41 miles, with a horse and cart, in 14 hours, conveying 80 stone of cheese and 10 stone of bacon. The age of the horse is 35 years, and that of the man 76, who had very recently recovered from a sever attack of the influenza. – Doncaster Chronicle.
Sat, 10 Nov 1838. Leeds Mercury
Tuesday at the Parish Church, Bolton, Mr. Bennett, saddler, Halifax, to Miss BLAKEY of the same place, eldest daughter of Mr. J. R. BLAKEY, Thornton Rust, Wensleydale.
Sat. 2 Mar 1839. Leeds Mercury
Wednesday at the Friend's Meeting-house, Counterside, Hawes, John THISTLETHWAITE, of Sommerdale House, Hawes, to Elizabeth, relict of Thomas ROUTH, late of Hawes.
24 Mar 1839
Died - On the 9th inst., at Grove-house, Bishopdale, Yorkshire, after a protracted illness, James HESELTINE Esq., a member of the Society of Friends.
Sat Dec 23 1843 Northern Star and Leeds Gen Advertiser
John BLAKEY 52 was indicted for having feloniously stolen from the dwelling house of Richard BLAKEY of Wood End Lodge in the parish of Aysgarth in the North Riding, a quantity of silver plate, title deeds, wearing apparel and other articles.
Mr BLISS and Mr TOPHAM were counsel for the prosecution ; the prisoner was undefended.
The prosecutor resides with his brother at Aysgarth, the prisoner is nephew to them. During the absence of the prosecutor and his brother on the 16th of July at a funeral, the prisoner entered the house and carried off the property named in the indictment. The prisoner pleaded not guilty, but said he took the things which were his own. Several witnesses were examined, but the case seemed to turn upon the state of the man’s mind. The case was proceeding when our report was sent off.
………… Thomas BLAKEY one of the prosecutors was examined at considerable length on the matter, contained in this defence, which he said was a tissue of falsehoods from beginning to end. He stated that he considered the prisoner to be perfectly sane and that he was a very shrewd man.
His Lordship having summed up, the Jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to be transported for ten years, upon which he said, “Will they behave worse to me there than they have done here think you?”
17 Jul 1847
William BELL (46) charged with having on the 24th of May last, at Askrigg, in the North Riding, cut and wounded George BELL, his father, by striking him over the face with a shovel, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm, was found guilty of a common assault, to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for fifteen calendar months.
Oct 21 1853
October 18th at Richmond by the Rev. L. Otley, MA, Mr. Thomas THOMPSON of Carperby to Rachel, youngest daughter of the late Mr Ralph MILLER of Richmond, grocer
10 Nov 1858
Some few years ago, a bee's nest was discovered in the trunk of an old tree, on the farm of Mr. Simon HUNTER, of Appersett, Yorkshire. This trunk was subsequently removed to Mr. HUNTER's garden, where it remained till last week, when the bees were destroyed; and on cutting the trunk, an enormous quantity of honey, estimated to weigh nearly eight stones was taken from it. Richmond and Ripon Chronicle
Jun 7 1859 at Kirkby Stephen by the Rev. L.H de Fontaine, Charles ORTONEsq of Carperby, Wensleydale, Yorkshire, to Sarah, third daugher of James CLOSE Esq of Smardale Hall near Kirkby Stephen.
Sep 16th at St. Mary’s church Newton Moor, by the Rev G.N.Bower, John Alexander Hunt of th District Bank, Hyde, to Alice, eldest daughter of Ralph STOREY of Carperby, Bedale
Nov 6 1863
An inquest was held on Monday at the Black Swan Inn, Leyburn before Mr. J.S. Walton deputy coroner, on view of the body of a child which was found in a decomposed state with a cord twisted tightly round its neck, hidden in the ceiling of a room of the Black Swan. The body was found by the landlord, Mr. Whitell, who got through a small aperture in the ceiling to stop the rain from coming through the roof. On opening the fabric in which the body was wrapped, it was observed to be the body of a child; but the medical evidence at the inquest stated that the sex, owing to the decomposition, could not be told, neither would the surgeio venture any opinion as to how long the body had laid there, which must have been several months at least. The room in which the opening to the ceiling was had been sometimes slept in by the servants, or whom three or four different ones had been engaged. The landlored said they had never had any reason to suspect any of them. As there was no evidence to indicate whose the child was, or how or when it was placed in the ceiling, an open verdict was returned. The surgeon stated the body was that of a full grown child, and from the fact or a cord being tied round its neck, there can remain little doubt that it came to its end by foul means.
Mar 23 1866
Ellen PARK (21) was indicted for the manslaughter of Christopher PARK at Leyburn. Mr Forbes prosecuted. On the 13th of March last the prisoner and her child aged three years, were inmates of the Leyburn Union Workhouse. The child was rather weak, being neither able to walk nor talk, and was very uncleanly. The prisoner had threatened to take its life and on the day in question whilst she was washing it, she suddenly throw it into a chair with such violence as to fracture its thigh from which injury it shortly afterwards died. The prisoner asserted that she was innocent of her child’s death and that her only intention was to punish the deceased for its dirty havits; but the jury found her guilty and his Lordship sentenced her to four months’ imprisonment. ( buried 16/3/1866 at Wensley by coroner's order)
17 Sep 1868
Opening of a church at Leyburn
The consecration of a church is at all times an event of more than passing interest, even in populous cities; for in these days places of worship are never built save when and where there is an urgent need for them, and then only when sufficient funds are forthcomong to justify their erection; but when such a ceremony takes place in a town such as Leyburn, that lies in a hill country and is not over easy of access, and that hitherto, to take the authority of one of the best of Yorkshire guide books, has been able to boast neither of church or other building that is worth seeing, it assumes an importance and even a solemnity that people more accustomed to such things rarely attach to it. Leyburn opened yesterday its first church, and its shopkeepers put up their shutters, and along with the inhabitants of the district, went to morning service in the new edifice, and the whole town for some hours looked very much as if the day was one of sanctity and thanksgiving as doubtless it was to many. ............For some years the members of the Church of England in Leyburn have worshipped in a small building that was so constructed that, in the event of a more suitable erection being provided for them, it could easily be transformed into dwelling houses. The town is in the parish of Wensley and is situated on the brow of a hill from which a pleasing glimpse of the richly-beautiful valley of Wensleydale can be obtained. The Hon. and Rev. T.O. POWLETT is rector of Wensley and his curate (the Rev. Geo DAY) has charge of the congregation at Leyburn. .........The site for the building has been presented in the joint name of LORD BOLTON and his son, the Hon W.T. ORDE POWLETT; his Lordship has also contributed £1,250 towards the building fund; his lordship's brother, the Hon and Rev. T.O. POWLETT, has given £300, Mr. H.T. ROBINSON has given £200, and by means of smaller subscriptions the entire cost (£2,900) with the exception of about £300, which yesterday's offertories did much to reduce, has been met. In additon to this, the necessary furniture of the church is the gift of the richer members of the congregation. The church is dedicated in the name of St. Matthew, and has been built from the designs of Mr. C.G. WRAY, London in the decorated Gothic style of the period of Edward III. The contractor was Mr. JONES of Leyburn, and the honorary secretary of the building committee, Mr. G.W. Wray acted also in the capacity of clerk of the works.............
In the afternoon, an excellent luncheon was served in the Town Hall by Mr. SIMPSON of the Bolton Arms.
Sep 20 1870 Lloyds weekly newspaper, London
At St. Stephen’s church, Avenue Road Mr. H. Blackmore of 7 Victoria Road to Maggie, youngest daughter of the late Mr. J. CLOSE of West Witton, Yorkshire.
Sep 17 1873. Fatal accident at Penhill Mines.
On Monday afternoon, James HARRISON, 24 years of age, was killed at these slate quarries near West Witton. Deceased was employed underground in getting slates for flooring, and was tapping or testing the roof, when the debris from above came suddenly down, and killed him instantaneously. Deceased leaves a widow and child.
4 Sep 1874 Hull Packet
Aug 29 at Brigg, Francis Christopher Birkbeck TERRY M.A. Cantab, of Cardiff and Thornton Rust, Yorkshire, to Lucy Caroline, fourth daughter of Mr. J.B. Moxon. M.R.C.S
Feb 1 1873
At Leyburn Petty Sessions. On Friday, ..James IVESON of Gale near Hawes, was charged by Inspector Smith with being the owner of certain meat found in his possession for the purpose of sale, and intended for the food of man, the same meat being diseased and unwholesome. Inspector Smith found at defendant’’s house a fore quarter of meat on the table and a hind quarter hung up and covered with a cloth. He asked the defendant where the other parts of the beef were and he brought another quarter and the head out of the back kitchen. The plaintiff told him he should seize it as being unfit for human food, when Iveson replied it was not intended for sale, but was killed for the dogs. Several witnesses were called in support of the case. The defence set up was that the beast of which the meat had formed part belonged to Mr. DINSDALE a farmer near Hawes, who in December last was having it driven to Leyburn fair, and on reaching the village of Wensley it had to be left at the inn there owing to illness and was ultimately killed by IVESON, and was intended to be sent home. The bench fined the defendant £5 with costs in default of payment two months’ imprisonment.
21 Apr 1875. Liverpool Mercury
April 17 at St. Mary's Cartmel, Lancashire, by the Rev. C.K. Clay, M.A., vicar. Robert, youngest son of John CHAPMAN Esq., Thornton Rust, Wensleydale to Margaret, second daughter of Henry Thomas ROBINSON Esq., of The Cliff, Wensleydale
April 25 1876
A young gentleman named George WINN jun, solicitor of Askrigg, Wensleydale, came to an untimely end on Saturday night last, whilst crossing the ford over the River Yore. As far as we can glean the particulars, the deceased had driven to Richmond on the morning of Saturday, and on his way home dined with Mr. H.T. ROBINSON of the Cliffe, Leyburn, and drove from thence by way of West Witton to Chantrey, where he stayed a short time, and left that place at half past ten in the evening. The night was fearfully dark but he had lamps attached to the dogcart. He had then about four miles to travel before he came to the crossing of the river which was his most direct route to Askrigg, the place of his abode. Nothing is known further till Sunday morning at sixx o’clock when his dead body was found washed down the stream, considerable below the ford, and the dogcart and pony were both found in an upright position just below the entry to the ford, but the pony was also dead. It is supposed the unfortunate gentleman had been misguided by the lights of the lamps and steam from the pony; that he had (instead of getting fair on the ford, which is in daylight a capital crossing) got a little too far down the river, where the water runs deep; and that he had wither leaped or was thrown out of the dogcart. Deceased’s watch had stopped at one o’clock which would probably indicate the time of the accident. Deceased was about 40 years of age, was in business at Askrigg, in partnership with his father, under the name of G. and G. WINN. He was to have been married in June next, to Miss CLARKSON of Chantrey, at whose house deceased was last seen alive.
25 Aug 1877
On Thursday an inquest was held by Dr. Walton, Coroner, at the Star Inn, West Witton, Bedale, to inquire into the cause of death of Mary PARNELL aged 30 years, postmistress. On the night of the 20th inst. Deceased retired to bed in her usual state of health. During the night she complained to her aunt, who slept in the same room, that she had a pain in her arm, and died almost instantly. Verdict, “Died from natural causes.”
Jan 2 1878
Yesterday morning about eleven o’clock, a child of the name of James William DINSDALE, aged four years of Castle Bolton was left by its mother in the house alone. Upon her returning she found the child with all its clothes on fire. She extinguished them as soon as she could but the little fellow only lived six hours afterwards.
Jan 2 1878
In our report published yesterday of the inquest held at Melmerby on Wednesday, on the body of Jeffrey GRAHAM, an important statement in the evidence of Dr. Slater was omitted, viz, ‘that he was of opinion that death ensued from inflammation of the membranes of the brain, caused by injury to the head.’. The reference to the internal organs being healthy and free from disease applied only to the organs of the chest and abdomen.
Aug 30 1878
Dr. Walton yesterday, coroner, held an inquiry at Castle Bolton on view of the body of Sarah Elizabeth STOREY who died on Wednesday from typhoid fever. This inquiry was held under the provision of the Public Health Acts. By these Acts the duty of preventing epidemic disease is intrusted to officers of health and as the occurrence of death known or suspected to be from such diseases implies culpability on the part of some of the officers, deaths therefrom now form proper subjects for legal investigation. After viewing the body the inquiry was adjourned for a week to allow a Public Health Office time to make a sanitary inspection of the village.
Sep 7 1878
On Thursday an adjourned inquest was held by Dr. Walton, Coroner, at Castle Bolton. This inquest was opened on the 29th ult on view of the body of Elizabeth STORY, whose death was caused by typhoid fever, that disease being very prevalent in the district. The inquiry was held under the Public Health Act. Mr Richard METCALFE, surgeon of Leyburn stated that he was Medical Officer of Health for the Laburn Rural Sanitary Authority and tat he received the registrar’s certificate. The first case brought into Castle Bolton was imported on the 28th of last January and since that time there had been a few more cases. He found that the water supply was bad, but he did not attribute the deceased’s death to that. She no doubt, obtained the disease by nursing a relation who was suffering from typhoid fever. Verdict, ‘Died from typhoid feer and effusion on the brain,’
Aug 30 1879
At Leyburn Petty Sessions, yesterday, James FAWCETT and James PRATT, farm servants of West Witton, were charged by George SMITHSON, gamekeeper, of Swinethwaite, with trespassing in pursuit of game on the 7th inst, at Well Close Plantation and Temple Pasture, in the occupation of James PILKINGTON. The two defendants were seen by the complainant, ranging the plantation with a cur dog. The dog started a hare, which it followed, being urged by the defendants. Pratt was fined £2. 16s and Fawcett £1. 1s, including costs
31 Oct 1879 Northern Echo
Yesterday Mr GOOD one of Her Majesty’s inspectors for the Charity Commissioners, held an inquiry in the Grammar School Hawes. There was a large attendance – The Inspector stated that the object of the present inquiry was to ascertain what endowments existed and what improvements might be made in the management of the same. He only had been able to find other two charities to inquire into, namely, Hawes Grammar School and Poor’s Close at High Abbotside. The parish of Aysgarth was of great extent being over twenty miles in length. The Hawes Grammar School was endowed, by deed dated November 27th 1764, by a sum of money subscribed by the inhabitants of Hawes. That sum was originally invested in the tolls of the Sedbusk turnpike roads. The whole income came to £10 per annum and was given to the master of the school to instruct five poor boys free. Mr LODGE of Askrigg, about thirty years ago, made a free gift to the school of 5s per year, as a fee farm rent, which sum had regularly been paid. The whole of the income at the present date was, from all sources, £18 A YEAR. The Inspector recommend that the real estate and the fund invested in stocks should be placed in the hands of the official trustees. He suggested that the trustees should sell the present Grammar School and buy land and erect a large school, with proper outbuildings. It was suggested that the present National School should be bought for this purpose, and after a long discussion about the appointment of the trustees to manage the Grammar School if it should obtain the premises of the National School it was finally settled that there should be the nine trustees of the Grammar School and the four trustees of the National to be ex officio trustees of the Grammar School.
Jan 31 1880 Northern Echo
At Leyburn Petty Sessions yesterday, Robert SHARPLES, labourer, Hawes, and William HESELTINE, labourer, Newbigging, were charged by the North-Eastern Railway Company with annoying passengers on their railway on the 15th January. The defendants were travelling on the 15th inst from Leyburn to Hawes, when they commenced to quarrel, and a most furious fight took place between Leyburn Station and Redmire. On the arrival fo the train at Aysgarth, the defendants got out of the carriage and would again have fought if the stationmaster had not interfered. The defendants were fined £5 15s 2d, including costs.
29 May 1880 Northern Echo
Claim against a clergyman for poor-rate. At Leyburn Petty Sessions yesterday, Mr. Winn, solicitor of Askrigg, made application to the Bench for a distress warrant against the Rev. John CHAPMAN of Thornton Rust, for the payment of 11s 2d poor-rate.
Jul 31 1880
John WALKER, greengrocer of Askrigg, was yesterday fined £1 4s 6d, at Leyburn Petty Sessions, for being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart at Aysgarth on the 2nd July.
Isaac HODGSON, labourer of Aysgarth, was yesterday at Leyburn Petty Sessions fined £1 4s including costs, for refusing to quit the George and Dragon Inn, at Aysgarth, on the night of the 10th July.
Sep 29 1880
Yesterday Dr. Walton, county coroner, held an inquest at the King’s Arms Inn, Redmire, on view of the body of Emma METCALFE, aged fifty-five yars, wife of James METCALFE, labourer. The deceased resided at Carperby. On the 26th she was at Redmire when she complained of being ill. She was allowed to rest at Richard METCALFE ’s and as she got worse Dr. Baker of Aysgarth was sent for, but she died before his arrival. Verdict, ‘Died suddenly from natural causes.’
Oct 8 1880 Newcastle Courant
There are few more picturesque churchyards than that of Aysgarth in Wensleydale. Aysgarth is one of the largest parishes in England. The church is worth looking at, Originally builty in the reign of Henry III it underwent considerable alterations in the reign of Henry VIII, and a dozen years ago it was re-built with the exception of the tower. The stained glass is the attraction of the church to casual visitors, but there is also a carved wooden screen brought from Jervaulx Abbey. In the churchyard there are many old tombstones. A lady, writing to me from Askrigg, sends an inscription which she says is almost grand in its simplicity. The deceased, I understand, had an objection to monuments and their effusive narratives, and nothing of the kind was to be placed over his grave. So his friends placed a rude slab of unhewn granite over the spot where it is now embedded in the turf, Inserted is a little brass with the following –
This marks the grave of
John WRAY of High Gill
Better known as Deaf John
Who died 1 July 1847
Aged 82 years
In manhood strong
And Daring. In old age
Firm and God-fearing,
Always staunch and faithful.
These four lines might have been written by Kingsley–
Jun 13 1881
On Saturday an inquest was held at the Black Bull Hotel, West Burton by Dr Walton county coroner, on view of the body of William BROWN, aged fifty six years, a leadminer, of West Burton. The deceased was, on the 31st of last month, descending the shaft of a leadmine situate near to West Burton for the purpose of removing part of the working plant. On getting near to a place where a £bunney” had been placed for the purpose of working a drift, he lost his light and fell to the bottom of the shaft. It is supposed that he had stepped back on to a landing and overbalanced himself. Verdict “Accidentally killed” Mr Atkinson, the Government inspector, was present at the inquiry
Jul 22 1882
James CRADOCK (on bail) a schoolmaster, was indicted for feloniously, with a certain loaded revolver, shooting at John Henry WINTERSGILL, with intent to do grievous bodily har, at East Witton on the 19th February. Mr. Skidmore who appeared for the prosecution, stated that the question for the jury to consider was with what intent the prisoner fired the revolver and of that they must judge by his actions. On the day in question several lads were playing in a field near the prisoner’s house, and they began to throw sods at each other. One of the sods hit the prisoner, who happened to be passing. The lads then went in another direction, but the prosecutor had to pass the prisoner’s house. As he was passing, the prisoner rushed out with a revolver, and fired upon him. Fortunately he did no harm by the first shot, but he fired again and the shot penetrated the prisoners clothing. Mr LOCKWOOD and Mr FENWICK were counsel for the prisoner. Mr Lockwood in addressing the jury, said it had been admitted by the learned counsel for the prosecution that the conduct of the lads to the prisoner was about as disgraceful and abominable as it culd have been. He was going home peaceably on the night in question, when he was suddenly set upon by a number of young men, and after going into the house he came out again and fired the pistol on to the ground to frighten them away. The jury found the prisoner Not guilty, and he was discharged, amid some applause from the people in court.
Feb 13 1883 Northern Echo
Death of a Well-known Cattle dealer – The remains of the late Mr Richard MIDDLETON were interred in Aysgarth Churchyard yesterday. Deceased was one of the largest cattle dealers in the North Riding, and was respected by all who knew him. Fever was the cause of death. Deceased was forty-six years of age.
July 11 1883
At Leyburn Police Court yesterday, Mr. R.W. BEETHAM, local manager of the Darlington District Banking Company’s branch banks at Leyburn and Hawes, was committed for trial at the assizes on a charge of misappropriating the moneys of his employers.
Nov 15 1883
The trial of the action which was to recover possession of an estate called Elm House, in Wensleydale, alleged to have been sold to the plaintiff, but which the defendant, Mrs. OTHER, claimed under a deed of gift from the vendor, who was the father-in-law of both parties, was continued today before Mr Justice North in the Chancery division of the High Court of Justice,
Mr Hadley having summed up the evidence in support of the claim.
Mr Samuel Ballard of Cambridge, the father of Mrs OTHER, was called for the defence, and stated that he went with his daughter to Gammershill in North Yorkshire on a visit to Mr KNOWLES for grouse shooting. The house at which they were staying was about eight miles from Coverham Abbey, the residence of Mr Christopher OTHER. A few days after their arrival they were introduced to Christopher OTHER and his son, and after the introduction Thomas William OTHER was a frequent visitor at Mr KNOWLES ’s house. On one occasion Thomas dined there, and after dinner asked and obtained witness’s consent to pay his addresses to Miss Ballard. Mr OTHER expressed satisfaction at his son’s approaching marriage, and said he intended to give him elm House and £1,000. He suggested that witness should give a few thousands, but he refused absolutely to do anything of the kind. When, however, the inteded union had became publioc he assented to a proposition of Mr OTHER ’s that they should each allow the young people £200 a year, because he thought matters had gone too far for the engagement to be broken off. Mrs OTHER, the defendant, confirmed her father’s testimony, and stated that the absolute gift to Mr Thos OTHER of Elm House was one of her inducements to the marriage. She understood that the deed had been executed, but was not to be registered till after the marriage because in the event of the marriage not taking place the deed would be void. She had one child, a son, born two months after her husband’s death.
The case was again adjourned.
Dec 21 1883
On Saturday, Dr. Walton opened an inquest at the Workhouse, Leyburn, on the body of John TOBIN (72) a hawker – From the evidence it appeared that the deceased’s wife had been looking after her daughter, who was ill at West Witton. A week last Thursday the deceased went to that place to see his wife, and was taken ill. On the following Wednesday his son in law named HIND, told him if he was not out of the house before twelve o’clock next day he would drag him out. Hind’s wife and mother in law entreated him not to do so, as the old man was in a dying state; but he still persisted in his treats, and used such violent language that Mr. Tobin saw Mr RODWELL, the overseer, when that gentleman said all he could do was to have the old man taken to the Workhouse, a letter being forwarded by Mr Rodwell instructing the Workhouse Master to take him in. Tobin suffered great agony upon the road, and expired shortly after he had been carried into the house. After hearing the evidence of Mrs Tobin, the inquiry was adjourned to allow of a post mortem examination being made.
12 Jun 1784
An effort was commenced some short time ago to provide some means for the social and intellectual welfare of the navvies employed in the construction of the Leyburn and Hawes branch of the North-Eastern Railway. This branch commenced in the autumn of last year, and, as a natural result, large numbers of men have been brought into the neighbourhood, and it is for these that a reading room ws opened on the 10th inst, at the village of Carperby, in Wensleydale. Thos. WILLIS, jun., of the Manor House, having represented the necessities of the railway employees to Messrs. PEASE, they, with the kind consideration which always characterises them, at once came foward with the requisite aid. A large and commodious wooden building, well lighted, and comfortably furnished with seats having backs to them and tables has been put up at considerable cost, and yesterday this erection was opened by a tea and public meeting. Tea was gratuitously provided by the following ladies; Mrs Thomas WILLIS, Mrs William HEWGILL, Mrs THOMPSON, Mrs. Richard WILLIS, and Mrs John HEWGILL, to which the men and their wives and friends were invited. Numbers responded to the invitation, and enjoyed most thoroughly the elegant and sumptuous repast set before them. The ladies of this famous dale being noted for their excellent teas, we need only say that the spread was worthy of them. After tea, which was provided in the new building, the people adjourned to the Friends' Meeting-house, where a public meeting was held, under the presidencey of the Rev. Mr STOWE, vicar of Aysgarth, and addressed by Mr. Thomas Willis, Mr. J. M. BROWNE, of Darlington (who attended as the representative of the Messrs Pease); Mr. Jas Willis of Bainbridge; and Mr. Arthur WESTBURY, the latter being the missionary employed to laour on the line. Mr Willis gave an account of the origin of the movement, and the heartiness with which the gentlemen at Darlington responded to his request for a room in which the men might meet for recreation and improvement from time to time. the building is 42 feet long and 35 feet wide, and consists of a reading-room, where coffee and other refreshing drinks will be provided. In the former, of these rooms there will be papers, magazines, and a library of books, and in the latter, draughts, chess, bagatelle board, &c., for all who choose to use them, free of charge, whether they be railway men or residents of the village. It ought to be mentioned that Mr JUBB, the contractor of the branch, has generously contributed towards the cost of the erection, having conveyed the timber from Leyburn, and sent his men to put it together. It is intended that the reading-room shall be open on the Sunday as well as on the weekday, and no effort will be spared to render the institution as useful as it is possible to make it. Votes of thanks to the ladies, to the chairman, and to the Messrs Pease, brought the proceedings to a close, and we imagine it will be long ere the people forget this red-letter day in the history of Carperby.
13 Sept 1861The Newcastle Courant
Marriages - At Wensley by the Hon and Rev T O Powlet M A , Arthur youngest son of James Booty Esq of Castle House, Epping Forest, to Fanny Elizabeth second daughter of the rev Miles G Booty M.A. incumbent of Coverham and Horsehouse Yorkshire (no cards).
1866 24 December. Glasgow Herald; Issue 8414
EXTRAORDINARY RUN WITH A FOX
The Wensleydale hounds had on the 13th instant one of the most extraordinary runs on record. The meet was at the village of Hardraw, where a goodly number of gentlemen had assembled to met the much respected and gallant master, who was accompanied by his sons and a few others of the right sort. The fox, as he crossed the valley, appeared to be an immense one, and a real “varmint” he turned out. After crossing the river Yore and going along the valley of Widdall, over Widdall Fell, down Mossdale into the West Riding, then returning by Moorcock, Thwaite Bridge, and Cotterfell, when he took a sudden turn for Shunnerfell, on the borders of Westmoreland, and where, after a slight check, the hounds turned him, and ran him to the Stoney Gill, at the head of Swaledale, where they were called off in the moonlight. The run from start to finish occupied six hours and a quarter, with only two slight checks, and the distance must have been 40 miles at the least. Several horsemen rode with the hounds the greatest part of the run, but near the end were, in consequence of the boggy nature of the soil, compelled to leave their horses and finish on foot. Only a quarter of a mile from a well-known earth in Stoney Gill, where the hounds were called away, Reynard was seen in a distressed condition and the hounds only 200 yards behind him in hot pursuit, but it is supposed by the footmen who got to the place a few minute after, and found the hounds at a loss, that this game fox had gone to ground and thus evaded his pursuers, who richly deserved his brush after so gallant a run. – Manchester Examiner.
25 July 1873Northern Echo
Terrible Heat in the Dales, eight deaths from sun stroke ! Eight deaths from sunstroke and several persons ill from excessive heat. In this neighbourhood there were never known to many casualities in so short a space of time... and which took place on Tuesday last. On Tuesday the heat was many degree over that of Monday, and being in the midst of the hay season, all hands were got by the farmers that could be mustered and no doubt in many cases people went to hay who were scarcely able to stand a day's work, let alone the excessive heat of the weather. At Caldbergh, about two miles from Middleham they were making pikes in the field, one forking and another putting the same together. Both had eaten a hearty dinner and in the afternoon the one who had been on the top of the pike came down for the purpose of forking the next, and to all appearance was well : but in taking hold of the fork he did so at the wrong end, and his fellow workman thought he was larking, but he suddenly fell down in a fit and was dead in twenty minutes. His name was William STUBBS aged forty. At the same place but a little nearer to the moor side, the wife of Francis YEOMAN had to be taken from the field in a helpless condition, and she is scarcely expected to recover. A few miles further up the dale, a t a place called Swineside, a servant girl of the name of MILNER. daughter of Mr MILNER, schoolmaster of Horsehouse, was in a hayfield and was taken suddenly ill and died during the night. Passing over the valley of the Yore , a man of the name of Anthony WEIGHILL, who was in the employ of Mr Chas BLENKINSOP, farmer and cattle dealer, was also working at hay. A short time after partking of a glass of beer he was seen to fall, and the servant girl jokingly exclaimed that the beer had made him drunk. She, however, went in a short time and raised his head. and seeing what was the matter with the poor fellow she swooned away as well. She soon recovered, but the man died shortly afterwards.
At Spennithorne, Middleham, Carlton and Preston, several people were taken ill while working in the fields ; at Hawes a man from the west country is lying dead at the White Hart Inn. Mary METCALF, servant at Gale near Hawes, is lying dead; and a man at Marsett also of the name of METCALF, better known as BLUNDELL, who was assisting Mr HALL, farmer of Marsett, died from sunstroke.
A servant man in the employ of Mr Scar, farmer of Holme near Askrigg, of the name of Thos WALKER, also died in a few minutes after being taken ill from the same effects.
A navvy, name unknown , is dead on the road to Hawes. There is also a report that two men are dead at Castle Bolton, but our reporteR had not time to enquire as to the truth
20 Aug 1875 Northern Echo
Reopening of West Witton Church
Wednesday will be a day long to be remembered by the inhabitants of West Witton, a village at the foot of Wensleydale, about five miles to the west of Leyburn and Middleham, as being the day of the reopening of the parish church, named St. Bartholomew, with special service, and a sermon by the Lord Bishop of Ripon. An additional piece of ground was also consecrated for burial purposes at the close of the service. The work of restoration has been going on for some time, and now a really pretty edifice supplies the room of what ages of neglect of architectural rules had converted into a dismal and deformed structure, scarcely worth the name of a place of public worship. The inhabitants of the village and their friends took up the work with great spirit, and subscribed liberally towards an object so generally desired. many, too, have contributed special gifs, which have added much to the beauty and utility of the edifice. Among these kind friends may particularly be mentioned Mrs. CLARKSON, of the Chantry, who has given a beautiful painted window, and a reredos, inscribed with the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandment &c; Mr. and Mrs. T.K. KING, who have put another very fine window in the church; and Miss KING, of Redmire, who has presented a handsome cloth for the Communion Table, two chairs, and some other articles of an ornamental description. The cost of rebuilding the chancel has been entirely defrayed by LORD BOLTON, and has been completed from designs furnished by Messrs ATKINSON, of York, to whom His Lordship gave charge of this part of the work. These gentlemen, also, kindly suggested certain additons to the plans originally proposed by Mr. NAPIER, of East Witton, for the restoration of the other part of the church, to whom, indeed, as well as to the builders, Messrs MAWER and PEARSON, very great credit is due for their able services. In taking down the old walls, some interesting relics of past ages were brought to light. These seem to point out the fact that a church existed at West Witton at a very early period, probably soon after the introduction of Christianity to the Saxon inhabitants of the land. To this period at least one might think should be assigned one or two exceedingly plain and simple window heads. A very perfect Saxon cross
of good workmanship was also discovered in a niche in the chancel wall, only previously concealed from view by a flat stone. A very singular stone was found, containing a rude sculpture of a figure bearing a cross; and various other traces of ancient workmanship were also revealed. It would seem that on the ruins of the oldes Saxon structure an early Norman building had been erected; and again, about the 15th century, another transformation had been effected; and then, during the subsequent period, as alterations had been required, they had been done with an utter disregard to appearance, and with a desire to lay on as much plaster and whitewash as possible. The history of the Parish of West Witton like that of many other ancient places, contains much that is interesting to the student of local lore. More than a brief sketch of it would, however, be out of place here. It appears in Saxon times to have been one of the principal, and probably the principal place in Wensleydale, as Wensley and some other manors were attached to it. In process of time it appears to have come into the possession of the Nevilles, Lords of Middleham, through an intermarriage with the family of Tattersall, and from the Nevilles it passed into the hands of the Crown, Ann Neville having become the wife of Richard III. The advowson of the living, as well as the manor itself, appears to have been the subject of some legal disputes, in the reigns of King John and his immediate successors. Richard de Craueford is mentioned as holding the benefice in the time of King John, and one Simon, clerk to the Earl of Chester, was appointed to succeed him. This ancient rectory was at an early period valued at £20 a year - in those days a considerable sum. It fell like many others into the hands of the monks of Jerveaux, who assigned out of its revenues an annual stipend of $5 6s 8d for the maintenance of a vicar to discharge the spiritual duties of the parish. At the time of the dissolution of the monasteries, King Henry VIII, granted a lease of the recotry of West Witton, with allits possessions, to one Richard MASON, a groom of his stall, especially reserving, however, the aforesaid stipend to the vicar or chaplain serving the church of West Witton. The sermon of the Lord Bishop of Ripon on the interesting occasion of reopening this ancient church was founded upon the text from the 5th chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, 1st verse, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children, " and which was listened to by a large and attentive audience; in fact, every seat and available place was taken up by a respectable congregation, including a many of the best families in the neighbourhood. A good collection was taken, which will be devoted towards the Restoration Fund. The Vicar went through all the service with the exception of the sermon. There were in attendance a dozen clergymen, representing the various parishes around, including the Rural Dean, Rev. E.C. TOPHAM, rector of Hauxwell.
1887. 02 June. Northern Echo; Issue 5388
SPORTS AT HAWES. The sixteenth annual Whitsuntide sports were held in the Cricket Field at Hawes yesterday. The weather was fine but bitterly cold, but notwithstanding the unfavourableness of the weather between 600 and 700 people paid for admission. A hound dog trail took place over the hills. Six dogs started, and the first dog home was Mr CHERRY’S Duster, belonging to the Swaledale pack. Two dogs returned on the scent on which they were started, and other two were lost on the moors for several hours. The following is the list of the winners of the various events:
Quoiting – 1st, One pound, T. IVESON, Coverdale; 2nd, ten shillings, G THWAITES, Hawes; 3rd, five shillings, J ALDERSON, Hawes.
Football. R METCALFE’S team beat R GRAINGER’S team by one goal to nil, and won the football which was given as the prize.
Hound and Dog Trail. R CHERRIE’S “Duster” came in first, and won the first prize of one pound; the other dogs did not come in on the proper scent, and no second prize was awarded.
Running Long Leap. S PICKLES, Kilwick, ten shillings, 1; M J MASTERMAN, Middleham, six shillings, 2.
All-weight Wrestling. First round – B AKRIGG, Warcup, threw W COATES, Crackpot; M GOLDING threw M COATES. Final – GOLDING threw AKRIGG and won.
100 Yards Flat Race – First heat – THOMPSON, Barnard Castle, 1; T H MATERMAN, Middleham, 2. Second heat – M J MASTERMAN, Middleham, 1;SPOONER, Appleby,2; Final heat – THOMPSON, sixteen shillings, 1; MASTERMAN, seven shillings and sixpence, 2.
400 Yards Flat Race – DICKINSON, Nelsom, one pound, 1; T H MASTERMAN, six shillings, 2; SPOONER, Appleby, two shillings and sixpence, 3.
Trotting, for All-comers, One Mile. There were four competitors, who had to run three times. First heat – M BELL’S “Yorkshire Girl”, 1; J PARRINGTON’S “Little Darkey”, 2; HARGREAVE’S “Opera”, 3; A JOHNSON’S “Comet”, 4. Second heat – “Yorkshire Girl”, 1; “Opera”, 2; “Little Darkey”, 3. “Yorkshire Girl” was now awarded the first prize of six pounds, and on “Opera” and “Little Darkey” running off for second place. “Opera” won easily, getting the second prize of two pounds.
One Mike Flat Race – DICKINSON, Nelsom, 1; M BELL, Hawes, 2; COOK, Oughton, 3. Won easily.
Pole Leaping – MORPHET and DIXON divided first and second prizes; T H MASTERMAN won the third prize. Music was provided by the Easby Brass Band.
1878. 29 April. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 12496
CARRIAGE ACCIDENT NEAR RICHMOND. Mr RICHARD ROBERTS, manager of the Swaledale and Wensleydale Bank, was returning from Leyburn on Friday, and in descending Waitwith Bank the horse fell, throwing him violently out of the carriage. The driver was also thrown out. They were both injured, but the injuries were not of a very serious nature.
1881. 09 June. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 13468
HAWES ATHLETIC FESTIVAL. The tenth annual festival in connection with this rising Wensleydale town was held yesterday, in the large Nursery Side Pasture, at Hawes. Upwards of sixty pounds was given in prizes, and there was some excellent sport. The weather was fine, but cold. There was a large attendance.
Extract: High Leap – EDWARD BRODERICK, Summer Lodge, Swaledale, and JESSOP, Bedale, each jumped 5ft 1½ in., when a dispute arose, and Jessop left the ring. HERBERT HARRIS, Richmond, was third, clearing 5ft. LODGE and CHISHOLME also competed.
Mile Trotting Race (open) – Mr HUNTER’S Duchess (T THOMPSON), 1; Mr J TROTTER’S bay mare (Owner), 2; Mr J SUNTER’S bay pony (BROWN), 3. Four ran and the winner won easily.
Dog Trail (for hounds), about four miles – Mr JAMES BEARPARK’S Rumper (Swaledale Hounds), 1; Captain CHAPMAN’S Rumper (Wensleydale Hounds)2. Six competed.
14 Jul 1881
West Burton Lead Mine, near Aysgarth Station. Important to Miners, Joiners, Builders, &c.
Messrs J. HESELTINE and son will sell by auction (without reserve), on Monday July 18th, 1881, all the Valuable Mining plant, engines, boilers, level waggons, rails, blacksmith's shop and tools, wire ropes, timber sleepers, wood offices and sheds, pumps, galvanised piping, &c., &c.
Sale at 10 o'clock prompt.
2 Aug 1884
Messrs. HOPPER & Sons will, on Thursday next, sell by auction, at Scawin's Hotel, York, an historic property, the Middleham state (with Braithwaite), situate in the North Riding of Yorkshire. It comprises 1870 acres, exclusive of Middleham Moor (370 acres). and Middleham Common, the manorial rights of which go with the estate. The property is situate in the parishes of Middleham, East Witton and Coverdale, is one of the finest in Yorkshire, and has been in the possession of the present owners since the time of Charles I. Wensleydale, a most lovely district, is full of historic interest. Close by, on the east side, are the ruins of Jerveaux Abbey, the property of the Marquis of Ailesbury. On the west is Bolton Hall, the seat of LORD BOLTON, and the ancient castle of Bolton where the hapless Mary Queen of Scots was brought from Carlisle on her flight from Scortland on the 13th July, 1568, and where she remained till January 26th, 1569. It was at this castle that the intrigue commenced between Mary and the Duke of Norfolk, which ended in the decapitation of the Duke on Tower Hill. The auctioneers will also sell the manors of Middleham and Braithwaite, with the ruins of Middleham Castle, famous as the stronghold of the celebrated Earl of Warwick, "the last of the Barons." The estate which is principally grass land of superior quality and well timbered, includes two miles in length of the River Cover, a capital trout stream. Braithwaite Old Hall and the farm buildings are in good order. The rental amounts to about £2820 a year, exclusive of plantations and sporting rights, subject to a tithe rent - charge of £101, and the fee farm rents amounting to £25 7s per annum. It is a long time since such an extensive magnificent, and eligible sporting and residential property found its way into the market. We predict a large attendance of intending buyers at the sale.
May 20 1885
At Leyburn Police Court yesterday, George SMITHSON and John SMITHSON, gamekeepers in the employ of Mr. PILKINGTON, were charged with unlawfully arresting and searching George CLARKE, a miner and farm labourer, of West Witton. Mr. Jaynes of Darlington who prosecuted, said that on the evening of May 13th complainant was walking home over a footpath across some fields when defendants met him and accused him of stealing pheasants’ eggs, which he denied. George SMITHSON called him a liar and scoundrel, took hold of him and searched his pockets but found nothing, as Clarke had never touched either the pheasants or their eggs. The charge against John Smithson was dismissed, as there was no incriminating evidence against him, and Mr. Stevenson, who defended, called him as a witness. He stated that his brother and himself remained for six hours in a tree watching for any attempt to steal the eggs. When they came down they discovered some eggs were missing and resumed defendant had taken them. A fine of 2s 6d and £1 2s costs was imposed, and we understand that further legal proceedings will be taken.
27 Jun 1885
Yesterday, John DAKIN and James CHAPMAN were fined 19s 6d each for trespassing
19 Aug 1886
It is about time something was done in the way of getting St. Oswald’s (Askrigg) Churchyard enlarged. For some time past there has not been a grave dug without some human remains being unearthed, and as they must according to law, be replaced, it has become the custom for the sexton to heap sundry bones on top of the coffin before the mourners disperse. At present the prevalent feeling among mourners after a burial service takes place is that perhaps the next grave that is dug will see the skull of their loved one brought again to the surface and in turn, reburied. Last week two funeral services were conducted and at these I saw for myself a skull and no less than seven bones and pieces of bones. Visitors who come in from different parts of the country appear horrified at the sights they witness. I feel sure that this matter only wants mentioning to the proper authority to be immediately remedied.
Mar 8 1887 Belfast News
The will (dated September 30, 1886) of Mr Robert Metcalfe ATKINSON late of No 6, St. Germaine Place, Blackheath, who died on December 31 last was proved on the 14th ult by Mrs Anna Day ATKINSON, the widow, and the Rev Albert Brooke WEBB, two of the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to upwards of £27,000. The testator gives £1,500 upon trust to maintain a market-house, reading rooms, library, offices, and refreshment-rooms in the township of Hawes, in the parish of Aysgarth, in the County of York, on a site which he expects will be provided; but if a site is not provided within three years, or if any intoxicating liquors are sold, the money is to be held upon trust for his wife; £200 to the ministers and churchwardens of the said township, upon trusts, for investment, and to apply the income in the purchase of blankets and warm clothing, to be distributed on December 2 in each year to the poor of said township of the age of 60 or upwards; £200 each to the Bible Society, the Church Pastoral Aid Society, the Church Missionary Society, the Society for Promoting Female Education in the East, the Irish church Missions for the South of Ireland, and the London City Mission; his horses, carriages, furniture and effects and £300 to his wife; £6,000 upon trust for his wife, for life, and then as she shall appoint.
Mar 26 1887
At Leyburn Police Court yesterday, John IVESON, schoolmaster, was fined 2s6d, and costs, for assaulting Annie KILBURN (10), the daughter of William KILBURN, farmer at Carperby, on the 22nd of February. The girl stated that on the day in question she was given six sums to do by the defendant. She could not do them, and he then gave her six strokes with his cane, make, it was alleged, her hand black and blue, and bruising the skin. Lord Bolton expressed his conviction that in the case of a girl corporal punishment ought not to be inflicted. William KILBURN was then charged with using threatening language to John IVESON, at Carperby, on the 23rd ult. The case was one arising out of the previous case, and it was alleged that KILBURN told IVESON that “he would lay in wait for him some of these dark nights and mark him properly.” The defence was a complet denial of the complainant’s statement. Case dismissed.
May 20 1887
The Late Mr Thomas WILLIS. This gentleman who has, in conjunction with his son, occupied for many years the farm of Carperby, Wensleydale, died last week at the advanced age of 96. The family name became known over a wide district of country through the success of both father and son in the breeding and rearing of shorthorn cattle
21 Sep 1887
Receiving orders..
John PALEY, Countersett, near Hawes, Yorkshire, innkeeper and farmer.
On the 26th inst (Oct) 1887 at the Friends’ Meeting House, Carperby, George Wm. Thompson Cary, of Scarborough, only son of William F. Cary, to Elizabeth Jane (Lizzie) only daughter of William THOMPSON, Carperby
Jan 31 1888
At Leyburn Petty Sessions yesterday, Charles ALSOP, labourer, of West Witton was charged by Police constable Lang with having been in possession of eight rabbits on the night of the 2nd inst. As the defendant has been several times convicted of poaching, the Bench fined him the full penalty of £5 and 11s 6d costs.
31 Mar 1888
At Leyburn Police Court on Thursday, William KILBURN, farmer and Bryan ROE, huntsman to the Aysgarth Hounds, were charged with trespassing in pursuit of game on land the property of Lord Bolton in the occupation of Mr. Thomas WILLIS at Carperby, on the 8th inst……….fined5s and costs.
28 Jul 1888
In this case, which was partly heard on the previous day, the plaintiff, James BLADES, farmer and keeper of a shooting-box, called Simonstone Hall, Hawes, brought an action to recover damages for the seduction of his cousin, Mary Jane BLADES, who was in his employment as servant. The defendant was Osborne Thomas PINCK, aged 25, a medical student at Glasgow, and son of the Vicar of Hardrow. ..... The jury after an absence of two hours, gave a Verdict for the Plaintiff; damages £40.
Dec 29 1888
Elizabeth ROWNTREE, widow, late of Spennythorne, was charge with entering the dwelling house of Mr. CARTWRIGHT, general dealer, Middleham, on the 20th inst and stealing a quantity of women’s wearing apparel and 16s in copper. The owner and his wife were away from 8am to noon, and on returning found that an entrance had been made by breaking a pane of glass in the back door near the lock, and th kitchen drawers were open and ransacked, and the articles named were missing. Superintendent Nicholson, who happened to be passing at the time, was called in. Prisoner was traced to Darnley, where she was apprehended with the property in her possessionl She was committed for trial at Northallerton sessions.
Apr 15 1889
I have not observed in your obituary colum the announcement of the death of Mr J. J. THWAITE of Nappa Hall. Mr John James THWAITE, of Low Tors, Semerwater, died somewhat suddenly on Friday. Deceased was fifty one years of age and has been in a rather delicate state of health but has not been confined to his bed. Deceased was chairman of the Askrigg Liberal Association and for many years represented the township of Askrigg on the Bainbridge Board of Guardians. He was owner of Low Tors Estate and the family is one of the oldest which have resided upon the banks of Lake Semerwater.
Nov 2 1889
Yesterday – Sarah HANDLEY, who our correspondent sttes, made her twenty-eight appearance, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, the charges against her being that she was wandering about without any visible means of subsistence, and that she broke sixteen squares of glass in the Leyburn Workhouse. This poor creature, who was only lately released from Durham Gaol, manifests an invincible repugnance to going into the Leyburn Workhouse, to which Union she belongs
......more on Sarah from 25 Sep 1889 
Nov 25 1889 Northern Echo
A fatal accident occurred at Aysgarth on Thursday. It appears that as a farmer named DIXON was driving out in a trap the horse became restive, and threw him out of the trap. He got entangled in the harness, and the horse kicked one of his ribs in, from the effects of which he died on Saturday morning. Deceased leaves a wife and five children.
Feb 15 1890
Master F. RODWELL of West Witton, a Wensleydale water finder, who has found water for several persons by means of the ‘divining rod’ is going out to Queensland to find water for the population there
Mar 8, 1890 Leeds Mercury
Mrs. Betty WEBSTER of Dale Grange, Askrigg, Yorkshire, attained her 100th birthday on the 25th of February, and certificate of her birth having been sent by Mr. WINN, of The Grange, Aysgarth, to Sir John Cowell, Master of the Queen’s Household, the following letter has been received in reply – “Windsor Castle, February 27th. Dear Sir, I am commanded by the Queen to request that you will have the goodness to say to Mrs. Betty WEBSTER, of Askrigg, from Her Majesty, that she trusts she may live to celebrate in health for some years to come this anniversary of the 25th inst, which marks her entry on her 101st year. I am yours truly, J.C. Cowell
1890. 13 March. The Leeds Mercury; Issue 16203
NISI PRIUS COURT
(Before Mr JUSTICE GRANTHAM)
A WENSLEYDALE RIGHT OF WAY CASE.
METCALFE AND ANOTHER v. THE EARL OF WHARNCLIFFE AND ANOTHER
In this cause, tried without a jury, Mr LOCKWOOD, Q.C., Mr WALTON, Q.C., and Mr KEMP were for the Plaintiffs; and Mr CYRIL DODD, Q.C., and Mr MANISTY for the Defendants. – Mr LOCKWOOD, opening the case, said the plaintiffs were the executors of the late Major JOHN AUGUSTUS METCALFE, who died in 1886 (?), and the defendants were Lord WHARNCLIFFE and Mr GEORGE BRODERICK, his Lordship’s agent in the district where the trespass complained of was committed. The plaintiffs were the owners of Fossdale Moss, a tongue of land containing one thousand two hundred acres, running north and south of Abbotside Common, near Askrigg, in Wensleydale. This land was conveyed in 1620 to persons named COLE, who in turn, with certain reservations which appeared in the deed, conveyed to one of the METCALFES, and the after-wards devised the property to Major METCALFE, whose executors were the plaintiffs in the action. On the east, and also on the west, a deep ghyll ran; the Moss rose from 1,200 to 2,000 feet above the sea level, the lower being pasture land, and the upper moorland. The trespass complained of was committed on October 25th 1888, when Mr BRODERICK attended with others, and sheep were driven from Abbotside Common across Fossdale Moss, and a wall broken down to get to another side of the common. The defendants’ claim was merely to a right of way, and had no reference to sporting or mineral rights. The defendants denied that Major Metcalfe was entitled to fee simple in this land, and said it was situate in the Manor of High Abbotside, of which the Earl of Wharncliffe was lord. It was also held that there were owners of cattle-gates on Abbotside Common, and that by virtue of such ownership those persons had a right to drive their sheep and commonable cattle across the Moss, and that what was done was in exercise of this right. As an alternative a public right of way of the Moss was claimed. The plaintiffs, however, by their deed of 1620 had absolute right to enclose any portion of the land thereby conveyed to them. And such a right was fatal to that now put forward. It seemed that prior to 1620 the property was in the hands of certain tenants who had leases from the Crown. They set up a claim to freehold, but in the reign of Elizabeth the claim was disallowed, and all the tenants were ordered to come in and take leases of the property from the Crown. He contended that the right of enclosure was absolutely inconsistent with there being any right to traverse the land as now claimed. That power to enclose had never been challenged up to now, and when enclosure awards had been published dealing with land in the vicinity this land had been expressly exempted. The defendants, in their defence, further alleged sporting and mineral rights, but the trespass committed was not in vindication of such a right. The sporting right could not have existed, since in the year 1870 Lord Wharncliffe obtained from the Crown a right to sporting within the forest of Wensleydale, adjoining Fossdale; while in 1877 there was granted to the Metcalfes sporting and other forestry rights over Fossdale. Then no minerals had been regularly worked within living memory, though various persons had got a little for themselves.
Mr CYRIL DODD said he should call persons who had had to do with the working of the mine.
Mr LOCKWOOD, on the question of right of way, read a letter sent by Mr BORDERICK, the agent of Mr R WILMOT, of Woolley, near Wakefield, another of Lord Wharncliffe’s agents, in 1876, in which Mr Broderick said he thought that Lord Wharncliffe and his friends ought to be allowed to go across the common, otherwise there would be nothing for it but trespassing into Swaledale or going down to Simonstone. He was surprised at the claim of being cattle-gate holders. This was a wild, isolated district, and he should be astonished if there could be shown any systematic user of the road, or any acquired right persisted in with the knowledge of and against the consent of the persons entitled to the freehold.
Seeing that the trespass was admitted, his LORDSHIP pointed out that the onus of proof of right was upon the defendants, and Mr CYRIL DODD, stating the case for the defence, said that Lord Wharncliffe accepted the responsibility for the other defendant, Mr Broderick. Lord Wharncliffe’s predecessor became entitled to the property owned by him by purchase from Lord Lonsdale in 1723. It was then evident that at one time Abbotside Common was one, and not divided by Fossdale Moss, and was as at present, staff-herded – that was, shepherds kept their sheep for pasturage to allotted places on the common. The road over the Moss was of much importance, since from Cotter and Cotterdale it was the only road to the market places of Thwaite and Muker. The public, who were Lord Wharncliffe’s tenants, should have a right to reach the markets; while its use for the recovery of stray sheep was equally important. One interesting point was whether the right, if established, should be of a private or a public right-of-way. The township of High Abbotside contained about 400 people; while of 7,864 cattle gates, 4,776 belonged to Lord Wharncliffe. Disputes of friendly kind had taken place between the plaintiffs and the defendants, and now that this action had arisen, it was determined to bring in every claim, so that disputes might be avoided in future. It was hoped that the claim to the mineral rights would have been admitted, as he would prove by evidence that in the year 1845 Lord Wharncliffe’s predecessor gave a colliery lease to a man named JOHNSON, and others for twenty-one years at a rent of two hundred and twelve pounds per annum. As to the sporting rights, Lord Wharncliffe’s keepers had walked across the Moss when shooting the Abbotside district, and within recent years they had made a point of shooting openly on the Moss once a year, although it had not been contended that had the absolute, exclusive right of shooting. The Crown had said they had a right to shoot, and appeared to have exercised it up to a recent period, and upon this both the plaintiff and the defendant set up rights. So far as Lord Wharncliffe was concerned, there was no desire to behave in an unneighbourly way, and he would be ….. of a compromise.
ROBERT KIRK, called by the defendants, said he was 80 years of age, and farmed under Lord Wharncliffe in Cotterdale, and his father occupied the same land before him. Cotterdale contained eight dwellings. Thwaite Fair was held annually, and he had driven sheep to and from that fair over Fossdale moss for sixty years. He entered the Moss by an old bridge, now fallen down, which approached the road to the coal pits, and came out on the other side at Fossdale Ghyll at a scar whose name he had forgotten. He fetched coal from the pits seventy years ago, since when they had not been worked. His father drove sheep over the Moss before him. No one ever told him this constituted trespass, and he knew no better than that it was as straight as any high road. He had also bought sheep at Muker, and taken them over the Moss. The Moss was open on the top side. On the opposite side a wall was built 13 or 14 years ago, but there were gaps to drive through, and when the holes were not ample enough he took a few stones down, and nobody complained.
MATTHEW SLINGER, aged 66, corroborated Kirk, and said that the only mining he remembered was by Johnson, where the works went in at Hern Ghyll. In cross-examination by Mr Walton, witness said that on the 3rd June last, he escorted Mr COBB, the solicitor for the plaintiffs, and a Mr SMITH, over the Moss, and on that occasion he overshot the point of exit by about a hundred yards. He was there on the October previous, and then a year before that. They had not to go so much over the Moss now as formerly, as they had a public shepherd who recovered the stray sheep.
He had also gone to Thwaite by way of Shunner Fell when he had business in Upper Swaledale, and nobody had stopped him either on the Moss or the Fell
EDWARD ALLEN, said that for many years Lord Wharncliffe’s part shot over the Moss. A former MR METCALFE was a clergyman, and not much of a sportsman.
FRANCIS CLAPHAM (aged 69) said that from 1832 to 1843 he “trailed” and waggoned coal at the pit on the Moss for Messrs. Johnson.
Wm. METCALFE said twenty years ago he was employed to drive grouse from the Moss for Lord Wharncliffe. The track from the end of the old coal-road to the ghyll there was somewhat defined – in some places better than the other – over the heather.
ANTHONY TAYLOR said that both he and his father, as gamekeepers to Lord Wharncliffe, had killed grouse on the Moss. While he had also frequently driven grouse both ways off the Moss, and no one had stopped him. Cross-examined by Mr LOCKWOOD: The only occasion on which he was stopped was six or seven years ago by the tenant, JOHN SEDGWICK. He had also been in the habit of going on the farm pastures, and had been told three or four times to leave by Sedgwick. He claimed to have as much right to go upon the pastures as upon the Moss. The other witnesses called were JAMES BRUNSKILL, BELL PRATT, JOHN KIRK, REUBEN HALTON, JOHN TAYLOR, Wm. PRATT, and WILFRID KIRK.
Both sides having put in the deeds by which the Crown had conveyed sporting rights to the Metcalfes and to Lord Wharncliffe, the defence was then concluded.
Mr LOCKWOOD, in reply, submitted that Mr Cyril Dodd was under obligation to establish some right of way in some defined track, and he had given no evidence of user from which a dedication could be presumed. He could call many witnesses to say they had never seen anybody crossing the Moss, but would not do so unless requested, inasmuch as no user, coupled with acquiescence, had been shown.
His LORDSHIP having said that he would not be wise in stopping the case, the witnesses for the plaintiffs were called.
JOHN SEDGWICK, farmer, Fossdale, for 36 years, said there had never been a road over the Moss, and people going there to recover sheep had merely done so on sufferance.
JOHN WROE, Lunds, Hawes; THOS. SEDGWICK, Melding, Wennington; Wm IVESON, Moorcock, Hawes; T E METCALFE and ISAAC METCALFE, Berkrigg, Cotterdale; CHRISTOPHER METCALFE, JOHN MOORE, Wm. SEDGWICK FAWCETT, CLEMENT THOMPSON, THOMAS STEWARD, all gave evidence to the effect that they had not seen nor heard of a right of way of Fossdale Moss.
MR FRANCIS GARTH, one of the trustees of the Metcalfe estate, also made a similar statement. The shooting rights were purchased in 1877. Walls were erected round Fossdale Moss from 1874 to 1878. Lord Wharncliffe made no objection to it.
The case was not concluded when the Court adjourned until this (Thursday) morning.
April 11, 1890 Northern Echo
John Ackroyd (20), draper, was sentenced to six months, and Henry Ford (20), draper, to two months imprisonment for obtaining, by false pretences, £6 from Fanny Eleanor PRICE, at Carperby near Aysgarth, on January 3rd last.
Aug 2, 1890 Northern Echo
Reb. Silvester WHITEHEAD, one of the most popular of missionary speakers and who on his return from the China mission field “travelled” for three years in the Darlington Circuit, has been designated to succeed Rev. Marmaduke Osborn at the Wesleyan Mission House. Mr. WHITEHEAD was born at Aysgarth, and spent his early years in Wensleydale, and the news of the honour paid to him will be received with pleasure in the North. The appointment does not take effect until next year, and will involve the Rev gentleman giving up circuit work and residing in London
Jun 4 1891
Yesterday afternoon the marriage of Mr. William Tetley son of the Rev. R. Tetley, rector of Barwell and Theodora CLARKSON , younges daughter of the late Mr John CLARKSON of The Chantry, was solemnised in the Parish Church of West Witton.
30 Jan 1892 Northern Echo
At Leyburn Police Court yesterday, J. CHAPMAN, farmer, Thornton Rust, was charged with neglecting to report an outbreak of sheepsca on the 29th Dec. Supt. ARCHER stated that he visited the premises along with a veterinary surgeon and examined a flock of eighteen sheep, and found that seven of them had been suffereing badly from the scab, but were getting better, and that one was still suffering. The Bench fined CHAPMAN £3 costs as he had been previously fined for the same offence.
Sep 1892
On the 12th inst at manor House, Carperby, Thomas WILLIS aged 67 (The interment is intended to take place at the Friends’ Burial ground, Carperby, today (the 15th inst) at two o’clock)
27 Oct 1892
At Barnard Castle on Wednesday, Mr. Christopher Coates of Darlington, offered for public competition, Robson House Farm, situate at High Whitaside, Grinton, containing about 55 acres 3 roods 31 perches, tenant, Mr. Henry GUY........[ ].......the property was knocked down to Mr. Barker, on behalf of Mr. A. H. Charlesworth, of Chapelthorpe Hall, near Wakefield.
18 Nov 1892
At Leyburn on Friday, a young gipsy-looking woman who gave the name of Sarah Ann WINTER (19), married, was brought up charged with pretending to tell fortunes at Bainbridge, near Hawes on Tuesday the 15th inst. She pleaded guilty. P.C. DEIGHTON said that prisoner in her capacity of a hawker, had gone to the house of a Mrs. BALDERSON at Yore Bridge, Bainbridge, and offered to tell the fortune of Jane BAYNES, who had opened the door to her. she first of all was told to cross Winter's hand with silver, and a shilling was produced. After commencing the prediction Winter told Baynes that she must have other 4s or else she could not complete the story. Baynes, however, had only other 1s 6d, which she handed to Winter, who then said she wanted to be by herself in order to consult the planets. Prisoner was allowed to go out of the house, when she decamped. Prisoner when apprehended and brought back offered Baynes 8d in money, which was all she had left out of the 2s 6d she had received, and she proffered to make up the difference out of her hawker's basket. Prisoner now said that Baynes pleaded with her to tell her her fortune, saying, "All you people who go about can tell fortunes." The Bench sent prisoner to gaol at Northallerton for seven days without hard labour, but ordered her pedlar's certificate to be endorsed.
Jul 8 1893
Yesterday, a widow named Elizabeth DIXON (60) was found hanging by the neck in a coalhouse belonging Mrs Ann LAMBERT, innkeeper, West Witton
Dec 9, 1893
Yesterday at the Leyburn Police Court, Alexander CHAPMAN, farmer, Bainbridge and George WATSON and James WATSON, labourers and brothers in law, were charged with stealing a hen, value 3s 6d the property of William METCALFE, foreman quarryman, Burtersett, between the 29th and 31st October last. For some time past poultry has disappeared most mysteriously in the Hawes district, and on defendant’s (Chapman’s) farm at Crosby Garrett, near Kirkby Stephen being visited by the police, no less than 112 head of poultry and seven geese had been discovered and the hen in question and one goose were identified as having been stolen. When CHAPMAN was apprehended he said the fowls were his, but that the younger prisoners had brought them to him. On the application of Mr J.W. Teale who defended, the charge agaist the WATSONs was dismissed, but CHAPMAN was fined £2 including costs.
Apr 18 1894
On April 16th, suddenly, John Ascough RODWELL at West Witton in his 61st year.
Oct 27 1894 Northern Echo
John TATE, labourer of Thoralby for being drunk on licensed premises, the George and Dragon Inn, Aysgarth on the 5th ist was fined 5s and costs – Richard HESELTINE, landlord of the George and Dragon Inn, Aysgarth, was charged with permitting drunkenness. The evidence of Acting Sergt DEIGHTON and P.C. LONG was to the effect that about 8.30pm they visited the house and found TATE and others very drunk. When spoken to the landlord replied, “I know my own business”. On paying a second visit at 9.30pm they found Tate was still in the house drunk with a glass of beer in front of him. TATE was so drunk that he had to be assisted out of the house. The Bench imposed a fine of £2 and ordered him to pay 8s 6d costs – William CHAPLEO, auctioneer Leyburn, for selling publicly by auction a pig in direct contravention of the Markets and Fairs Orders relating to swine fever, and without first obtaining a licence from the local authority at Middleham on the 17th inst was fined £1 including costs
1894 
Askrigg sketch (click for larger image) 
Aysgarth
June 1, 1895
On Friday Thomas ASHTON, farm labourer was fined £1 and costs, or fourteen days, for assaulting Mary A. ASHTON at Bainbridge on the 30th March. Mrs. ASHTON said that her husband came home drunk and struck her several times – Thomas ATKINSON, farmer, Shaw’s Lunns, High Abbotside, was fined 10s and costs for a breach of Abbotside Common bye-laws on the 4th December last by disturbing the sheep before a quarter to nine o’clock.
John Robert WARD, farmer, Thornton Steward, for being drunk in charge of a horse and cart at Leyburn on the 11th ult was fined £1 including costs
Forester MASTERMAN, aged twelve, charged Thomas PARKER, schoolmaster, with assaulting him at Middleham on the 16th May. The lad said defendant thrashed him on May 16th once on his hands for not doing his night lessons, and he was severely thrashed other six times, and had to go to bed when he got home. The case was dismissed.
John LAMBERT was fined 10s including costs, for allowing a horse to stray at Askrigg on May 19th, while Chas. THOMPSON, butcher, Aysgarth, ws also fined 10s for allowing his horse to stray at Aysgarth.
Ernest BURTON, joiner, Askrigg was fined 10s including costs, and George HUNTER of Hunton 10s including costs, for obstructing the highway at Aysgarth with timber on April 27th.
July 27 1895
On Friday John CARLTON, platelayer, was charged with assaulting Simon FOTHERGILL, labourer at Moorcock on the 16th of June. The Bench after hearing the evidence, dismissed the case.
Thos ROONEY labourer, for being drunk and disorderly at Hawes on the 16th inst was fined 10s including costs.
James TERRY, farmer (no appearance) for being drunk at Askrigg on the 1st inst was fined £1 and costs or twenty eight days.
Jeffrey HESELTINE pleaded guilty to being drunk at Leyburn on the 5th inst, and was fined 10s including costs. He said he had got fresh on teetotal stuff (Laughter)
James CRADDOCK of West Witton, pleaded guilty to being drunk in charge of a horse and trap on Sunday, the 23rd of June. Fined £1 inclusive.
7 Jul 1895
On Tuesday at Bedale, a cattle dealer named James TAIT, of Marsett near Hawes, who was represented by Mr. C. HORNER, was charged with travelling from Bedale to Leyburn on the 4th of June without having previously paid his fare, with intent to defraud the North-Eastern Railway. Supt. DOBIE at the N.E.R. Police, from York, appeared to prosecute, and said that in consequence of suspicion defendant was watched, and he was seen deliberately to commit the crime. He called two of the company's servants, and after hearing the evidence the Bench imposed a fine of £1 including costs.
6 Mar 1896
We regret exceedingly to announce the death of Major Simon Thomas SCROPE J.P, of Danby Hall, Wensleydale, which sad event occurred shortly before seven o'clock on Wednesday evening. The deceased gentleman, who was in his 74th year, has been in failing health for over a twelvemonth, but it was not until a week ago that he became serously ill with a severe internal complaint. His medical attendant, Dr. John COCKCROFT, of Middleham, thought it necessary to call in the services of a physician; and Dr. Teale, of Leeds, and he held a consultation last Monday, after which they performed an operation. This however, was only partially successful, and a second operation was found necessary on Wednesday which was performed in the prescence of Drs. Teale and Hartley, of Leeds, and Dr. Cockcroft of Middleham. It was thought by the medical gentlemen that if he could maintain his strength he would recover, but shortly after the conclusion of the operation his strength gave out and he sank peacefully to rest. The deceased gentleman was educated at Stonyhurst Jesuit College in Lincolnshire (should be Lancs). In 1855 he married a Miss BERKELEY of Spetchley, in Worcestershire, who survives him, together with five sons and five daughters. For some time after his marriage he resided in the vicinity of Malvern, but on the death of his father he succeeded to the Scrope estates and came to live at Danby Hall in 1872. Ever since he has lived the quiet life of a country gentleman, beloved and respected by everyone with whom he came in contact. His charity was unbounded, and no one was ever turned away empty from his door, while his charity to the poor of the district was dispensed lavishly, though quietly. He was an ardent all-round sportsman...............[ ]...............captain of the Leyburn Rifles....major 1st Volunteer Battalion Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment......deputy lieutenant of the North Riding.
Deceased was a devout Catholic. The funeral of the deceased has been fixed to take place in the family vault at Ulshaw Bridge on Saturday next.
Apr 25 1896
On Friday a retired gentleman named Wm Matthew WHITELOCK, of Aiskew, was charge with being drunk on the highway at East Witton on 23rd March. Defendant who did not appear, was found, together with another man, lying on the roadside near Ulsher Briedge, having been thrown out of a trap and injured. Evidence was given by Fred CROW, farmer of Ulsher Bridge, and Sergt DANIELS gave evidence. He was fined 30s including costs
May 13 1896
At Bedale on Tuesday morning the body of Jane FLETCHER aged 48, wife of a West Witton shoemaker, was discovered drowned in a well containing 2ft 6 in of water in the garden of Mrs BARRASS her sister, whom she was visiting for the good of her health. Deceased must have held her face in the water until she was suffocated.
June 20, 1896
The late Major Simon Thomas SCROPE, of Danby upon Yore, Bedale, made his will in the following terms “In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. Being in good health, for which blessing I think Almighty God from the bottom of my heart, and for many other great and manifold blessings, I make this my last will and testament on this the 27th of August 1882, my sixtieth birthday. I wish to be buried as quietly as may be by the side of my dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and many other relations, on whose souls may God have mercy. I wish no hearse or hatbands, or such follies, to be used at my funeral. I leave £1,000 to my wife and everything else that I possess I leave to my eldest son, Simon Conyers SCROPE, begging of him and trusting in him to be kind to and to help his mother to see to the interests and well-being of his younger brothers and sisters.” The personal estate has been valued at £4,591 19s 3d
Jun 24 1899
On Friday, a farm girl named Nellie BAVIN was sent to prison for a month without hard labour for stealing 4s 111/2d and wearing apparel, the property of her employer, Ralph DAYKIN, Ballowfield
3 Sep 1900
On Thursday night Dr. J.S. WALTON, coroner, held an inquest at Mr. J. STOREY's White Swan Hotel, Middleham, on view of the body of Frederick MILLER, aged 23, son of Mr. J.E. MILLER, who died on Wednesday last. It appears that on Monday, August 27th, about 9.30pm, deceased along with a companion named Lewis PRATT were returning from West Witton feast on their bicycles. Whilst riding between Wensley and Middleham Bridge deceased was suddenly thrown from his machine, and sustained such internal injuries that he gradually sank, despite the best medical advice which could be obtained, and died on Wednesday last. The jury, who expressed their sympathy with the parents of the deceased, returned a verdict that deceased died from rupture of the bowels from an accident.
Nov 3 1900
On Thursday night Mr. Jno PEACOCK of Mount Park near West Witton, expired at his residence, after some months’ illness. Deceased came from Hawksley not long ago and he belonged to Merrick. He was a Wesleyan greatly respected and he leaves a large family of eleven to mourn his loss
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