Echoes of our Past NEWS......... 6th January 1883



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What was in the local news this weekend in 1883?

MAIN NEWS –            

*Dangerous mill chimney at Chesterfield –

The chimney at Victoria Mills on Low Pavement in central Chesterfield was under scrutiny this week.  It was said to be at risk of falling down and thus injuring or killing innocent people. 

The Victoria Mills were in Peacock Yard off of Low Pavement, the said chimney being situated at the south east corner of the yard.  The chimney was 106ft high, 6ft diameter at the top with 15inches thickness of brick.  The chimney has of late begun to become out of repair at the top, the bottom was still in good condition.  In fact the situation was so dire that the steeple jacks sent to repair the chimney from Sheffield refused to undertake “the dangerous task”. 

Some of the locals who live close have moved out, others are refusing to leave their homes.  On Wednesday last the repairs have begun and the cap and other pieces of the brick work have been knocked to the floor. 

The mill was built by Samuel Walters back in 1849, for Mr Baker a corn factor.  Mr Baker sold the business to Mr George Naish and ran the business until it fell into liquidation.  Since then Mr Sampson has owned the mill.

OTHER ITEMS –

*Affray in the Shambles –

Anthony Wardman was having a drink in the Royal Oak public house, a pub located down the dark alleys of the Shambles in the centre of Chesterfield.  It was the night of the 27^th December.  Henry and Walter Witham entered the pub along with George Hatfield and immediately a row broke out. 

Henry Witham was aged 22 years old moulder; Walter was 25 years old and worked as a foundry man.  George Hatfield was older, aged 44 years and worked as a labourer.  It seems that there was a feud between the Witham and the Wardman family.  One of the Witham men had “interfered with” the wife of Anthony Wardman whilst he had been away in America. 

On the night of affray Anthony had got up and gone outside, whereby the Witham’s started to fight with him, one of them hitting him on the head with a poker.  Anthony ended up on the ground and George Hatfield had kicked him.  Anthony endured injuries including; 2 wounds on the crown and one on the forehead. 

In defence the Witham’s stated that Anthony had started the fight as he had a grudge against the Witham family.  They said his injuries had occurred because he fell and hit his head on the pavement or that someone else had also hit Anthony. 

Many witnesses were called as the pub must have been busy and in the end the jury charged the Witham’s with “unlawfully wounding” and George Hatfield with “common assault”.  The Witham’s were sentenced to 4 months hard labour and Hatfield to one month’s hard labour.  The family feud would now be fuelled even more.

*Too much seasonal drink –

 

William Charlesworth a 64 year old farm labourer from Upper Langwith died on 31^st December 1882.  He was found dead in bed by his wife Sarah Charlesworth.  An inquest was held at the Devonshire Arms at Upper Langwith.

Sarah told how her husband was a very heavy drinker.  How he has gone out drinking on Sunday 24^th December and on Christmas Day.  His drunken state had continued all that week until the Friday when he had returned home about 11am, but by 4pm that afternoon he had again gone out to drink.  On Saturday William did stay in the house, but drank “about 4 quarts of beer” at home.  The next day he did complain that he felt unwell and stayed upstairs in bed until around 7pm when he ventured downstairs.  He wasn’t downstairs long before he returned to his bed.  Sarah went up to check on him about 7.20pm and he was found to be dead.  Sarah identified the body for the inquest.

The jury decided that William had died “from the effects of the excessive consumption of intoxicating liquor”.

*Drunkenness was in the air –

Many of the inhabitants found themselves on the wrong side of the law for being drunk including –

*John Martin, collier Whittington at Newbold Moor on 23^rd December, charged 7s 6d

*Joseph Holland, collier Barrow Hill, charged 10s including costs

*George Carter, navvy Bolsover on 24^th December at Bolsover, Georges wife also asked that he be bound over as she feared for her safety – he was fined 10s and bound over for the sum of £10 to keep the peace with his wife for 12 months

*James Wolf, labourer Birdholme, on 16^th December at Hasland, fined 10s including costs

*Ann Sadler, “middle aged woman” drunk at Bolsover on Christmas Day, charged 10s

*John Skelton, farmer of Woodthorpe drunk at Wingerworth, fined 12s

*William Orien, moulder of Brimington on 23^rd December at Brimington, fined 12s 6d

*Walter Fox, drunk at Brimington, fined 12s 6d

*Workhouse –

A tramp who found himself in the Chesterfield Union Workhouse was in trouble after he refused to “perform task work”.  The tramp was named John Edward Walters.  When he had been asked to do this menial work, he had replied that he would not do it and did not intend to do it either.  For his argument John was sent to gaol with hard labour for 14 days.

MARRIAGES –

 

*John Thomas Lee eldest son of John Lee of Woodthorpe, Staveley to Annie Maria Rodgers, youngest daughter of the late Robert Rodgers of New House Staveley.  On 2^nd January at Staveley Parish Church

*Alfred Nicholls moulder to Harriet Stoppard on 1^st January at St Thomas Church, Brampton

*Omri Twigg to Ellen Ellis Fryer both from Youlgreave on 2^nd January at the Wesleyan Chapel, Bakewell

*Charles William Reynolds solicitor to Elizabeth Moore at Chesterfield Parish Church on 31^st December 1882

*Jesse Holt railway goods guard to Lucy Sarah Seal also on 31^st December 1882 at Chesterfield Parish Church

*William Fretwell clerk to Annie Watts at Chesterfield Parish Church on 1^st January 1883

DEATHS –

*Rev John Kirk Marsh, late vicar of Brampton Derbyshire died on 30^th December at 3 Church Lane, Old Charlton, Kent aged 78 years

*Henry Keates at New Whittington on 28^th December aged 13 years

*Samuel Woodhouse at New Whittington on 28^th December aged 78 years

*Mary Wetton of Grassmoor on 28^th December aged 10 months

*Cornelius Hancock on 28^th December at Old Brampton aged 81 years

*John Magson at Church Lane, Chesterfield on 29^th December aged 72 years

*William Randall at Hasland on 1^st January aged 9 years

*George Kiddy at Brimington on 2^nd January aged 1 year

WEATHER –

The New Year of 1883 saw the continuation of an “abnormally wet autumn”.  In fact the last week of 1882 had been unusually mild with continuous rainfall which had caused wide spread flooding. 

The first week of 1883 had seen some let up in the rain and by Friday 5^th January the weather was now cooler and “rather dull”

AND FINALLY…

*Christmas treats for the children –

Christmas was still the focus of attention especially for the younger members of Chesterfield.  On 3^rd and 4^th of January the children of the Roman Catholic School were to receive their special tea.  On the Wednesday 3^rd January the elder children were shown into the girl’s schoolroom, which had been decorated with not one but two trees.  These trees were so magnificent that the tops touched the ceilings.  The branches were full of gifts for the children; fancy gifts, flannel petticoats, caps, and coats to name a few of the treats that were to be given to the children. 

Tea was served at long tables where the children were seated and waited on by some of the ladies from the church congregation.  Songs and laughter followed and then the gifts were distributed.  The next day the same followed but this time it was for the children of Barrow Hill, Whittington and the infants of the Chesterfield school.

 

Echoes of our Past NEWS....... 29th December 1877

Read all about it……. Echoes of our past NEWS

What was in the local news this weekend in 1877?

MAIN NEWS –

*Christmas celebrations in 1877 –

The carol singers had been out in great numbers this year, although the quality of their musical talent was somewhat varied all were cheerfully received.  St Marys and All Saints Church in the centre of Chesterfield held a service in the morning and evening on Christmas Day, whilst Trinity Church held just the morning praise.

The evening service at St Marys and All Saints was full and all enjoyed the wonderful decorations which were designed by Mr Walter Stanton a local architect.  Walter sketched the plans and then a party of volunteers put the plan into action.  On entering the church at the west end two large scrolls were to be seen if one looked upwards, bearing the words “He came not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him” and “God of Gods. Light of light, very God of very God”.   Many varied crimson scrolls were placed around the church, evergreens, dried flowers, holly and berries, white wool and crimson cloth were also used to decorate. 

In the afternoon of Christmas day the Chesterfield Volunteers performed an open air concert in the Market Place for the public of Chesterfield poor and rich could all attend and enjoy the joyful sight. There was a true Christmas scene here as during the performance a slight fall of snow was to add sparkle and festivity to the proceedings, however some found the lure of the fireside to appealing and retired to their homes. 

Chesterfield Hospital was made as cheery as possible, decorations were strewn and in the entrance hall visitors were reminded “it is more blessed to give than to receive” alongside the collection box.  Within the operating room read the words “regain hope all ye that enter here” and another corridor held a banner reading “God bless our honorary surgeons for their labour of love”.  Those unlucky enough to be an inpatient in the hospital that Christmas were treated to special Christmas food and the carols and melodies were sung by the choir from the school of the Wingerworth Iron Company.  Plants were donated to add cheer by Mr Beard of Stonegravels and Mr Gosling of Brampton.  Some of the foliage used to decorate the hospital was donated by Chatsworth House. 

What about the Workhouse inmates how was their Christmas?

Well according to the Derbyshire Times “Christmas amongst the workhouse poor was very pleasant”.  They were treated to roast beef and plum pudding, in fact 25 stones of beef was said to have been consumed that day.  There were 296 inmates in the workhouse at Christmas 1877.  The adults were also given beer and tobacco and snuff as a luxury they would not be so lucky to have every day.  Apples and oranges were supplied by Mr Peter Warner and Mrs Cowdell gave buns which the inmates enjoyed.  For those who were lucky enough to be able to read then Mr Henry Slack of Low Pavement sent some magazines and periodicals for use in the workhouse.  After lunch the inmates were entertained by the Master Mr Shaw who read some “humorous sketches”.

All ages were given special treats to celebrate Christmas; the children who attended Barrow Hill Church Sunday School were given presents of bibles, prayer and hymn books and instructive story books.  The £5 used to purchase these treats had been collected from the church and local friends.  The elderly of Baslow around 100 of them were given tea by Mr Eades at the Wheatsheaf Hotel.  At Buxton the skating rink was opened from 2pm till 5pm and was a huge hit with the revellers “most of whom seemed as if they had never had skates on before”.

OTHER ITEMS –

*Accident at the Malt Kiln –

John Langton a miner at Grassmoor Colliery had accompanied his father to work at the Malt Kiln on Sheffield Road as he had no work in the Christmas week.  That night he had gone to help his father in his work and had thrown some water on to the fire, when the flames grew and bounced back hitting John in the face.  His arms and face were badly burnt and he was sent straight away to Chesterfield Hospital for treatment.

*Child smothered –

A 20 day old baby girl was accidentally smothered to death when her mother had laid on her.  An inquest held at the Boot and Shoe Inn, Grassmoor heard how baby Rosanna Mellor daughter of George Mellor a coal miner of Grassmoor had been born on 5^th December 1877. 

*Christmas Charity –

Messrs Lucas and son of Dronfield Foundry had kindly given out tickets to 30 poor widows to enable them to purchase groceries to the value of 5s.  This is a long standing custom which the company has carried out for many years now.

*Soldier missing his family –

A soldier named Thomas Foy, who was a native of Chesterfield, was brought before the bench after being charged with desertion.  Thomas was a private with the 65^th Regiment of Foot and was stationed at Sheffield.  He deserted his post on 22^nd December after he decided that he wanted to spend Christmas with his family and friends in Chesterfield. 

Thomas went on to celebrate his freedom and became drunk after which he gave himself up at the local police office.  He repented and asked if he could be set free to return to Sheffield, but this was not granted and Thomas was retained in custody until an escort could be found.

MARRIAGES –

Christmas weddings at the Crooked Spire Chesterfield –

*George Flint to Fanny Shaw on 24^th December

*Joseph Milward to Edith Rodgers on 24^th December

*George Kemp to Mary Emma Wheatcroft on 25^th December

*William Wheatcroft to Elizabeth Slack on 25^th December

*Joseph Mitchell to Hannah Hays on 25^th December

*Joseph Crabtree to Mary Brown on 26^th December

At the Parish Church Staveley –

*Robert Waldren to Martha Elizabeth Carr on 24^th December

*Joseph Berresford to Eliza Bradshaw on 24^th December

*Joseph Drabble to Sarah Maude Mary Baldie on 25^th December

DEATHS –

 

*Henry Parker farmer of Upper Newbold, died suddenly on 23^rd December aged 54 years

 

*Fanny Bertha Young aged 20 years, daughter of William Young of Calver

*Robert Frost aged 78 on 15^th December at Bakewell

 

*Jabez Machin aged 83 years on 21^st December at South Wingfield

 

*Harriett Elliot aged 23 years on 21^st December at New Whittington

 

*George Todd aged 7 months at Grassmoor

 

*William Thompson aged 60 of Queen Street, Whittington on 20^th December

 

*Leonard Harrison aged 1 years and 6 months on 25^th December at Newbold Moor

 

SPORT –

 

*Football –

 

Heavy snow caused disruption at the game played on Wednesday 26^th December between Chesterfield and Kimberworth.  The weather was so bad that many of the spectators were unable to get to the match.  The snow did not deter the Chesterfield players though and they won easily scoring 5 goals to none.  The goal scorers were – Bishop x2, Teesdale x2 and Evans x1.  The players on both teams were commended for their ability to play in such weather; “at half past two o’clock, the time announced for the beginning of the match, the snow fell with almost blinding density, ploughing their way through it very manfully until the game finished”.

AND FINALLY…

 

Father Christmas does exist –

 

The Vicar of Youlgrave wrote to the Derbyshire Times to thank an unknown donor after the children had told him of a sack of oatmeal that had been left at the Church door by “old Father Xmas”.  The sack contained a note reading “this is to be given to fifteen of the most needy in the village”. 

 

Echoes of our Past ~ NEWS..... 22nd December 1894

 

Read all about it……. Echoes of our past NEWS

What was in the local news this weekend in 1894?

MAIN NEWS –

 *Christmas at the shops –

The Derbyshire Times wrote “may none lack the necessary coin of the realm to produce some of the luxuries so lavishly provided by those distributors who give their time and thought to get them together”.  A quote that would still stand the test of time to this day, shopping was on the minds of the townspeople way back over 100 years ago. 

But what was on offer for the residents of Chesterfield?  What was the town like back in 1894?

 

The population was increasing and the town was growing in an expanse out from the town centre.  New buildings had been erected in the town, shops had been built with handsome frontage. Crowds were said to pass through the main areas of business, housewives “seeking the best in the market”. 

Chesterfield was boasting “a finer show of meat could not be found within 50 miles of the old Borough”.  Bullocks, heifers and pigs would have been slaughtered for the resident’s consumption that Christmas.  Mr S E Redfern was said to have a “marvellous display” at his High Street shop, with its star attraction being a shorthorn bullock named “Masterpiece”, which when alive had won prizes at Birmingham and Smithfiled shows.  Mr Dempsey who kept a butcher’s shop on Glumangate was also attracting the crowds to view his many grand bullocks, a lamb and a calf all would have made the mouths of the Chesterfield people water longingly.   Even if they could not afford such luxury, it cost nothing to look.

 

Apparently, Pork was a firm favourite with the townsfolk and up to Thursday 20^th December Mr S Hadfield a butcher on the High Street, had slaughtered around 100 pigs and expected this figure to reach 120 by Christmas.  The pork would be jointed and also made into sausages and pork pies.  Mr George Haag, a noted pork butcher with shops on Beetwell Street and South Street had made 250 stones worth of pork pies alone.

What about the turkeys and game? Chesterfield was privileged to have two fine poultry sellers; Mrs A Warner in the Market Hall and Mr W Bramwell on Burlington Street and Packers Row.  Mrs Warner had for sale; 1,200 turkeys, 800 geese, 1,000 hares, 1,000 braces of pheasants and many other smaller game including fowls and wild ducks.  Mr Bramwell held smaller numbers but still made a grand show with; 600 hares, 400 geese, 500 turkeys, 700 rabbits, 350 braces of pheasant, 150 ducks and a large number of partridges.

 

For the sweet toothed out there in Chesterfield then there were many confectioners;  including Mrs Green of Corporation Street, Mr F A Bingham of Glumangate and Mr Wardell of Burlington Street.  Jams and marmalade could be purchased from the Midland Fruit Preserving Company.  Mrs Ann Shentall was praised for her striking display of fruit and vegetables decorated with “exquisite flowers” in her shop on Glumangate.  One may even obtain a Florida orange, grown in Chesterfield by Mr Meggitt.

Other than food what else would adorn the shop windows in the hope of luring the shoppers in to spend their shillings? 

Tobacconists could be found in Chesterfield; Briddon’s on Burlington Street had counters and shelves full of cigars, packets of cigarettes and a wide array of pipes.  Mr Green’s window in Holywell Street was especially worthy of mention due to his “delightful profusion, with a blending of colours to make the whole thing striking”.

Christmas was a great time for the wine and spirit merchants of Chesterfield to sell their wares.  One of the main men in this trade was T P Wood & Co, whose premises on Market Place had been decorated by the gardener employed by Hady House a man named Mr Clements.  This must have been a true spectacle of greenery and festive blooms of holy and berries.   Not forgetting Brampton Brewery and Tadcaster Brewery who would “render every facility for persons desirous of obtaining beer or stout in bottles or in small or large cases” the townspeople would like now, consume a large amount of spirits, beers and wines.

 

Whilst the residents were shopping they would need to be wrapped up warm, Mr J Smith of Burlington Street a hatter and outfitter sold ladies and gents gloves, mufflers, ties, caps and shirts to name but a few of his products.  For those who had a few coins in their purses then gold and silver jewellery could be purchased from Mr Roper, jeweller in Market Place.  Watches, clocks and other fancy goods were all available to make a wonderful Christmas present.

 

The Derbyshire Times did call out to the residents to think “who made the nick-knacks they purchase?” According to them, most would be “Made in Germany”.  They asked “when will this land maintain its own people first?  Cannot these fancy goods be as easily and well made at home?”

And so our “stroll” around Chesterfield in 1894 for our Christmas shopping is at an end.   What would the residents think of our super store shopping of today?  It seems that all of the businesses of Chesterfield were trying to make money from the Yuletide Season, may be it wasn’t as different as we think from 1894 to 2012.

 

OTHER ITEMS –

*Suicide –

 

Mr Job Moorhouse of Littlemoor, Newbold has died after an attempt to take his own life. On Thursday 20^th December he attempted to cut his own throat with a razor in his bedroom.  His wife called for medical assistance.  P C Whittaker heard of the incident and called on the house and stayed the rest of the afternoon. 

Job was confined to his bedroom but his injuries were not life threatening.  Sadly, the man was intent on finishing the job he started and during the afternoon he asked his wife to fetch him something from downstairs.  She obliged and Job quickly locked the bedroom door.  He then made a severe gash to his throat and died afterwards. 

Job was well known in Chesterfield, he had retired a few years earlier after running a provisions merchant shop and running a business as a pig dealer.  He was also a member of the Methodist Church and was a lay preacher.

 

His later insanity was said to be derived from his liking for drink.  The inquest was held at the Goldsmiths Arms, Newbold and a verdict of “suicide whilst temporarily insane” was reached.

*Child burnt -

 

On Thursday 20^th December a child named Ernest Wright was admitted to the Chesterfield

Hospital, after being burnt whilst playing in front of the fire.

*Assault –

A tailor from Saltergate named Arthur Moore was up in front of the Chesterfield Borough Bench accused of being drunk and disorderly and assaulting Sarah Whitham.

He was found by PC Skidmore in the Shambles, where Arthur’s friends were trying to take him home. 

 

Sarah Whitham was Arthur’s sister-in-law, he had married her sister.  She stated that Arthur and her sister had lived apart for some time.  Arthur had visited Sarah at her shop and threatened to shoot her, then struck her on her face with his fist. 

Arthur was found guilty and imprisoned in Derby Gaol for 2 months with hard labour.

MARRIAGES –

 

*Mr George William Wainer of Eastwood to Mary Heald of Selston at the Parish Church Selston on 15^th December

 

DEATHS –

 

*Elizabeth Parsons aged 57 years on 14^th December at Newbold

*Gwendoline Clark aged 1 year at Newbold on 18^th December

*Lilian May Woofenden aged 20 months on 14^th December at Whittington

*Harold Heath aged 16 months on 16^th December at Newbold

At Chesterfield Workhouse –

 

*Anthony Jerrison aged 76 years on 6^th December

 

*John Hughes aged 71 years on 8^th December

 

*Henry Carding aged 26 years on 12^th December

 

SPORT –

 

*Football –

 

Chesterfield had a busy week ahead with games to be played at the Avenue Ground on Whittington Moor as follows –

 

Saturday 22^nd December - Chesterfield V Attercliffe
Monday 24^th December – Chesterfield V Barnsley

Wednesday 26^th December – Chesterfield V Sheepbridge

A special Christmas Day match was to be played by Chesterfield V Sheepbridge Works

 

 

AND FINALLY…

 

Christmas 1894, as described in the Derbyshire Times 22^nd December page 5 –

 

“Next Tuesday (Christmas Day) the world over English families – many members of which have long been parted – will gather together.  Under the scorching rays of an Eastern Sun our Indian friends will meet.  In Canada where the ice holds everything in its cold grasp, under the summer, cloudless, sky of Australia and Africa, amid the snow or mist of England’s shores, English men and women will gather round the table.  Gaps there will always be, but it is not a time for vain regrets.  It is a day of joviality and thankfulness – the home-day of the year of that great family of Englishmen – on the world over. 

 

Some will be there whose Christmas board will be bare, and whose Xmas day will be ushered in amid want and sorrow.  A helping hand and a kindly thought for them will sweeten our own Christmas joys.”

 

* MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE *

Echoes of our past ~ NEWS...... 17th December 1864



 

Read all about it……. Echoes of our past NEWS

What was in the local news this weekend in 1864?

MAIN NEWS –

*Christmas day dilemours –

There was great dismay around England as this year Christmas Day was to fall on a Sunday.  As Sunday was already the one and only day off each week for a high proportion of the working class population, it would mean that they would not be gaining an extra day off.

Calls were being made for the people to request that the 26^th December be given as a “Christmas Day Holiday”.  The action was being reported all over England and an article from the London Telegraph was repeated in the week’s Derbyshire Times edition for the residents of Chesterfield to peruse.

The London Telegraph article suggested that there could be a benefit from the Christmas Day being a Sunday, in that most workers finished early on a Saturday and so if the day of 26^th was also given as a holiday then everyone would have a good long break. 

The Saturday should finish at 12 noon “when the clock shall announce the hour, let the books be rammed into the iron safe, the samples and rolls and pieces taken back to the shelves, the shovel cease to scoop up its guineas, let the holiday begin”.

Sunday, Christmas Day should be taken in a calm and tranquil manner then on Monday “would be an innocent carnival of the people”.  The break would allow all families to reunite and make 1864 a year to remember.

The Derbyshire Times backed up these ideas in an article suggesting “that the Mayor should issue a requisition to the shopkeepers of Chesterfield to abstain from business on the Monday after Christmas, in order to give their assistants their usual holiday at this festive season”.

At least one shop keeper was in agreement with this as he had put his view forward in the “letters” section, stating “I see in some towns they are determined not to be cheated out of their Christmas Holiday, and that they have already announced their determination to keep Monday the 26^th as such.  The young men of Chesterfield are not generally behind in canvassing for such favours; but perhaps they are so debilitated by idleness and half work as not to care for a Christmas Holiday”.  He concluded with “I thought Mr Editor, that if an humble individual like myself touched the string the mine might explode and in that case would be agreeable to all and offensive to none”.  Signed A SHOPKEEPER.

OTHER ITEMS –

*Infanticide at Brimington –

The inquest was held on the body of a baby found in an old pit at Brimington on Sunday 4^th December.  The examiner Mr Hugh Eccles Walker MD stated the baby was 6 1/2lbs in weight and in his opinion was a still born child.  The child was wrapped in a washed chemise and placed into a herring box.

An unsuccessful attempt had been made to find the mother of the child.

*Bastardy cases –

Hannah Fisher of Clay cross was claiming George Froggatt also of Clay Cross was the father of her illegitimate child.  The case was adjourned.

Jesse Limb was charged by Mary Ann Longmark and was ordered to pay 2s per week and costs.

John Watts was charged by Mary Bunn, both of Ashover and was charged to pay 2s per week plus costs.

George Whetton was charged with bastardy arrears by Mary Whild.  He was imprisoned for 3 months.

*Indecent assault –

A young 10 year old boy named James Hogan found himself in serious trouble this week. after a prank he allegedly played.  Mrs Mary Mitchell, wife of Adam Mitchell claimed that as she walked alone down Glumangate at about 8pm the “little boy” came up behind her and pulled up her petticoats over her head.  Mary had been to Chapel and was walking home.  Her clothing was flung so far upwards that a man behind her had to actually remove her shawl from her head.

James denied this and said that his clothing had caught on hers as he passed her.  He also told that he worked at Springwell Pit. 

Superintendent Stevens was called to give evidence and told how “these lads were a very great nuisance on a Sunday night”.  They all met up together in gangs of 6 to 12 lads around Knifesmith Gate, Low Pavement and then insulted passersby, especially ladies. 

The Bench decided not to punish James this time and his father was given instructions to take care of his son in future.  The father was happy with this and replied “long life to your honour” to which laughter was heard around the room.

MARRIAGES –

*Mr B Turner junior of Clay Cross to Miss Mary Jane Cormeer also of Clay Cross on 8^th December at Alton, Hampshire

*Mr William Langley to Miss Eliza Pickburn at Staveley on 6^th December

*Mark Renshaw miner to Sarah Ann Mellors of Tapton on 15^th December

DEATHS –

*William Hall a tailor of Chesterfield aged 52 years on 10^th December

*Ellen Watson of St Marys Gate, Chesterfield on 10^th December

*Ann Loads aged 30 years, wife of William of Derby Road on 14^th December

*Frances Mark aged 5 months, daughter of William Mark of Brimington on 29^th November

*Mr Henry Wilkinson aged 38 years, formerly of Clay Cross died in London on 10^th December

*Mary Bausell wife of George, of Clay Cross and late of Pilsley aged 55 years on 19^th December

WEATHER –

 

Rain has fallen heavily over the last few days.  This has meant that the wheat plant had benefited and was looking green and healthy.  The rain has been a great help to get the water mills into full working order again and all of the springs which had been dry are now running again, forming ponds and watering holes.

AND FINALLY…

A ten pounds reward was offered for information relating to which “evil disposed person” had sent the rumour around Chesterfield that the wife of a respectable tradesman had stolen a silk dress from the shop of Mr Robert Parker on Low Pavement.

This rumour was totally without evidence and even the shopkeeper, Mr Parker stated “there is no truth in the rumour”.

Any information should be passed to Mr Brockmer accountant of Eyre Street.

 

 

Echoes of our past ~ NEWS...... 9th December 1882

 

 

Read all about it……. Echoes of our past NEWS

What was in the local news this weekend in 1882?

MAIN NEWS –

 

*Bakewell Board of Guardians monthly meeting –

 

The meeting was officiated over by Lord Edward Cavendish.  Vice Chairmen G W Furniss and M Wood Esq’s, C Sorby Esq and twenty of the Bakewell Union Guardians.  The topics of discussion were -

 

Improvements in the house

 

The clothes drying area was “quite inadequate” to fulfil its role and it was suggested by the Committee that a wall be removed at the back of the house, in order to enlarge the present drying area.  The cost to the Union would be low as the land was not already in use.  It was also pointed out that the inmates would be able to provide the labour to dismantle the wall.

 

The Guardians agreed that the improvements be carried out.

 

Paupers Christmas Dinner

 

The Master of the Workhouse requested permission from the Guardians to furnish the inmates with their usual “extra” dinner on Christmas Day.  The request however was received with differing attitudes by the Guardians.

 

Mr Ward moved and Mr Garton seconded the request, but added that non-inmates should attend by ticket only.  Another Guardian stated that the extra Christmas meal was for inmates only.

 

Mr Harrison put forward a proposal that “there should be no Christmas dinner”.  He added that he “neither liked a feast nor a fast and a thing of that sort did neither rich nor poor people any good, and he thought it was a waste”.   The response from the Chairman to this suggestion was to ask Mr Harrison if he thought others would second this amendment.  To which Mr Harrison replied “I don’t know my Lord, they can please themselves”.

 

The result of the request that the poor of Bakewell and district who found themselves in such a sad state to be inmates in the Bakewell workhouse on Christmas Day should receive an extra Christmas meal was a resounding “yes” and Mr Harrison was on his own with his “scrooge” opinion on Christmas.

 

Sick Club dispute

 

An elderly man named David Skelton wrote to the Guardians for assistance in his claim for money from a sick club at Taddington, which he had paid into for 25 years.  Mr Skelton was suffering from rheumatics, but as the sick club would not pay him his dues he was forced to receive out-relief from the Union, which although he was “very thankful” for he thought he should receive his money from the sick club instead.

 

The case had been referred earlier to the County Court, but the sick club claimed that Mr Skelton was too old when he joined the club and was thus not entitled to any relief from them.  Mr Skelton could however prove that a man older than he was on joining was obtaining money from the club.

 

The committee heard how Mr Skelton was now living with his daughter and was described as a “tottering old man”.  It also transpired that Mr Skelton had been withdrawn from the club as he was found working whilst receiving sick pay.

 

The board decided that the issue was to complex and that is was best that they did interfere.

 

Previous items

 

The board heard how the suggestions made at an earlier meetingby Mr Basil Cane, the Poor Law Inspector  had all been achieved.  The porters lodge had been enlarged, there was now a receiving ward and the ventilation matters had been attended to.  Mr Cane thought that the alterations would “add to the comfort of the inmates” to which a round of applause was heard.

 

Scandal in the House

 

At the last meeting on 20^th November discussion was led involving an inmate named Fanny Goodwin.  The Committee had been left with instruction to discover the paternity of the child.  At this time the Committee had failed to achieve their objectives, due to the mother refusing to give the name of the father and also the “evasive and unwilling manner” of the inmates to give evidence.

 

It was moved by Mr Senior and seconded by Mr Garton that the issue is resolved and no further investigation would take place.

 

Music for inmates

 

The Master of the workhouse requested a harmonium, so that it may be used at the services in the House.  An instrument could be bought for £15-£20 and the money would come from the collection which had been previously carried out to purchase books for the Workhouse.

 

Almost all present agreed with this request, the inmates would soon be listening to the beautiful music of the harmonium.

 

Not all the Guardians however saw the merits; Mr Harrison stated “it seems to me we are going to make the place uncommonly nice (laughter) so that everybody will want to come here”.

 

Final request from the Master

 

The meeting finished on a sad note, when the Master (Mr Walters) announced that he and his wife had applied for a position in London.  They would be paid £250 plus rations. Mr Walters requested that the Board would provide him with a character testimonial if required.

 

The Chairman and other members responded that although they would hope that they would not lose the service of Mr and Mrs Walters, they did appreciate that they would benefit from bettering their position and so would grant a testimonial if applied for.

 

OTHER ITEMS –

 

*Attempted suicide –

 

The wife of a Mr Thomspon an engine tenter of Danesmoor, Clay Cross was found having had her throat cut and the razor still being left in her throat.  The Thompson’s lived in a row of five cottages and their neighbour was a PC Thompson who had found Mrs Thompson.  At this time she is still alive but in a serious condition.  Mr Thompson the husband was at work that afternoon being employed by the Clay Cross Company.

 

*Emigration to Canada –

 

Due to the demand for labour in Canada assisted passage was being advertised at £3 each.  The trip would leave from Liverpool to Quebec.  The sought after occupations were; agriculturalists, agricultural labourers and female domestic servants.  For £4 passage general labourers and mechanics were also required. 

 

*Disorderly women –

 

Mary Clare and Esther Holmes both of Stonegravels were charged with being “common prostitutes” and behaving in a riotous manner in Knifesmith Gate on 2^nd December.  Mary Clare was sentenced to 6 weeks and Esther Holmes 5 week’s imprisonment.

 

MARRIAGES –

 

*Thomas Archer eldest son of Samuel Archer of Hilton Grange to Sarah Ann Parker eldest daughter of Francis Parker of “the Oldhams”, married on 20^th November at Youlegreave.

 

*George Anthony Hartland youngest son of Mr William Hartland of Woolhope, Herefordshire to Emily Rose Thompson of Derby, married on 14^th November at St Luke’s Church, Derby.

 

DEATHS -

 

*Michael Smith aged 55 years at Lings Row, North Wingfield

 

*Robert Henderson aged 5 months at Brickyard, Chesterfield

 

*Lizzie Walton Eyre aged 1 year at White Bank Cottage, Hasland

 

*Gertrude Slack aged 1 year at Knifesmith Gate, Chesterfield

 

*G Landgraf head artist for Derby Crown Porcelain died on 26^th November at Bamberg, Bavaria after a long illness he was 42 years old

 

*Isabella Rodgers daughter of Jacob and Emma Rodgers aged 2 years at Alfreton

 

*Joseph Collins aged 66 years at Cavendish Square, Newbold

 

*Henry Heathcote aged 49 years at Marsden Street, Chesterfield

 

WEATHER -

 

Snow was causing havoc over the North of Great Britain, “the great snow block now extends more or less over the entire North of Great Britain”.  Many trains were abandoned stuck in the snow.  The trains in between Sheffield and Manchester were all blocked in on Wednesday night and the passengers which stopped at Penistone arrived at Sheffield at 6am next morning. 

 

In North Derbyshire the snow had fallen  “with great violence”; not only the amount of snow but the gale that blew alongside.   All traffic was almost suspended.  The farmers at Taddington and Millers Dale had great difficulty in transporting their milk to the railway station and extra staff was kept on duty to clear the lines.  Buxton and Chapel-en-le-frith were both almost deserted as the snow fell and became blocked.

 

AND FINALLY…

 

The commercial aspect of Christmas was even evident back in 1882 –

 

The South Kensington Fine art Association were advertising “Grand Christmas Gifts” for sale.  Magnificent oil paintings for 2s 6d could be delivered all over England and would provide a “more useful and lasting Christmas and New Year’s present.

 

The Association was also selling Christmas and New Year’s cards with pictures taken from the original designs of the eminent English artists.  The cards included a prose or verse, written by “writers of great talent”.   Thirteen cards could be purchased for 1s and would be forwarded to the purchaser free of charge.

 

Local business man T P Wood was also aiming to flourish from the Christmas season.  He was selling Christmas Boxes for 22s which would include the following refreshments –

 

1 bottle Old Rum

1 bottle Old Irish Whiskey

1 bottle Cognac Brandy

1 bottle Crusted Port

1 bottle Pale Sherry

1 bottle Best London Gin

1 bottle Essence of Punch (which would make 2 bowls of punch)

 

After consuming the liquor, if you are able to safely find the shop then on returning the bottles and the case a refund of 2s would be given – who could resist such a bargain?