Tudhoe & Spennymoor Local History Society
Farms to be Let, Tithe Free, on Lease or otherwise - And entered upon at May-day, 1850.
Farewell-Hall-North Farm, in the Township of Elvet Barony, Durham, containing 78 acres, more or less, of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Lands, situated only 1 mile from the City of Durham, on the Darlington Road. The Rent will be low to an improving tenant.
Thinford Farm, near Ferryhill, Durham, containing 90 acres, more or less, of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Lands. Nearly all the Tillage Lands have been thoroughly drained, and well Limed.
Further particulars may be known on application to Mr W Fleming, Land Agent, Tudhoe, Durham
Tudhoe, Feb 27th 1850. (1st March 1850 Durham Chronicle / 22nd March 1850 Durham Chronicle)
TO BE LET
And may be entered upon immediately.
All those valuable COAL MINES, and SEAMS of COALS, in the Tudhoe Estate, in the Parish of Brancepeth, in the County of Durham, containing about 1700 Acres.
This Coal Field is situated within a short Distance of the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway, and the West Durham Railway passes over Part of the Estate.
Further particulars may be known on Application to Mr Benjamin Arkless, Colliery Viewer, Tantoby, Chester-le-Street. Tantoby, Feb, 28, 1850.
(8th March 1850 Newcastle Courant)
To BE SOLD BY AUCTION
At the House of Mrs Dawson, in Merrington, in the County of Durham, on Tuesday, the 2nd day of April, 1850 at Two o’clock in the Afternoon.
Mr Shanks, Auctioneer,
In such lots as shall be named on the day of Sale,
All that substantially built DWELLING-HOUSE, suitable for a Residence, with a large GARDEN in front of the same, and a Stable Cow Byer, and other conveniences, as lately occupied by Mr John Henderson.
Also FIVE other DWELLING-HOUSES, near the above, with a large BUTCHER’s SHOP, in which a well established business has for many years been carried on.
Also a large piece of GARDEN GROUND, fronting the Town Street of Merrington, suitable for building purposes; and a Garth, containing an acre of excellent Grass Land.
The above premises are held for the unexpired residue of a Lease of 21 years, under the Dean and Chapter of Durham. But they may be considered nearly equal to freehold, as a fixed sum of £9 only is paid on each Renewal.
Mr John Henderson will show the premises; and further particulars may be obtained on application to Mr George Atkinson and Mr William Lidster, of Merrington; at Messrs Burrell, Shafto and Greenwell’s, Solicitors, Durham; or to Mr Bowser, Solicitor, Bishop Auckland.
(22nd March 1850 Durham Chronicle)
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC.
CHRISTOPHER TODD, of Byers Green, near Bishop Auckland, who has been very successful for the last Eight Years in curing several Individuals of Cancers, Tumours, etc., without the painful Operation of Cutting, will attend at Mr Eden’s Innkeeper, High Street, Gateshead, on Saturday, March 30th, 1850.
(8th March 1850 Newcastle Courant)
Christopher Todd ( b1819 Byers Green – 1882) was the son of Thomas Todd, a blacksmith, and Catherine. In 1842 he married Mary (b1819 Lamesley) and in 1851 they were living in Byers Green with five children, John, Jane, Thomas, Elizabeth Ann and Margaret. Christopher was a blacksmith but is also treating cancer patients.
In 1861 Christopher states his occupation is “Cancer doctor”, they have two more children William and Robert. In 1871 he is a “Serjecal doctor” and his sons Thomas and William are blacksmiths.
By 1881 his wife Mary has died and Christopher’s occupation is “Doctor”, his son William is a blacksmith and Robert is a butcher. Daughter Jane is also living with them, she has married Thomas Nattress, a farmer, and has three children Walter, Joseph and Mary.
In 1891 Jane was a widow living in School Row, Byers Green, with her three children, brother John who is a “Practitioner (unqualified)", and brother Robert a cartman.
Durham Spring Assizes Crown Court
HENRY TATE (27) was charged with having at the township of Whitworth, feloniously wounded Richard Magee, with intent to maim him. Mr DAVISON stated the case. Prosecutor and prisoner were pitmen at Spennymoor, Prosecutor was what is called a “Master’s Man”. On the 17th of November last, Magee went to Wallis’s public-house in the village. Prisoner was there, and said he would have nothing to do with a master’s man; upon which prosecutor replied, “that if he said that again he would skelp his mouth”. Prisoner made no more to do but took up the poker and struck prosecutor three severe blows over the head with it, felling him to the ground. A medical man had to be sent for, and prosecutor was long in a weak condition. Guilty.
Sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, he having been in prison three months already. The court rose at half-past five.(9th March 1850 Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury)
Inquest at Merrington
An inquest was held at Merrington, on the 16th instant, before William Trotter, Esq., on the body of Elizabeth Milner, wife of Robinson Milner, of Merrington. The husband of the deceased left her to go to Ingleton on the 13th, and on his return, in the afternoon of the following day, he found the door fastened, and the windows shut in. The door was forced open, and he found deceased in bed with her night-dress on. She was speechless, and appeared insensible. Mr Clark, surgeon, of Ferryhill, was sent for, and applied leeches to her temples, and a mustard poultice to her feet, but without success, She died about six o’clock the same evening. She was quite well when her husband left home. She had only been married in December last. Verdict “Natural death.”
(22nd March 1850 Durham Chronicle)
Elizabeth Milner (nee Lawson) died on 15th March 1850, aged 29, cause of death "Unknown, found in bed in a dying state, not certified". Her husband was a butcher.
CHEAP TRIP TO YORK AND LEEDS.
It will be seen, on reference to an advertisement in a succeeding column, that a cheap trip has been projected from this neighbourhood for three or five days to York and Leeds on Easter Monday. An opportunity will be thus afforded to those who have Easter holidays to enjoy to pass them both pleasantly and profitably. Parties from Durham will be required to proceed to the Ferryhill station, either by the first or second trains on Monday morning. (29th March 1850 Durham Chronicle)
CHEAP TRIP! - DELIGHTFUL EXCURSION
For Three and Five Days, from HARTLEPOOL, CASTLE EDEN, TRIMDON, FERRYHILL, MIDDLESBOROUGH, STOCKTON, DARLINGTON, RICHMOND, NORTHALLERTON AND THIRSK
TO YORK AND LEEDS, AND BACK.
The public are respectfully informed, that a Special Train will start from Hartlepool, on EASTER_MONDAY, APRIL1, 1850, at half-past Eight o’clock in the morning; and will stop at Castle Eden and Trimdon; at Ferryhill, for Passengers from Durham, Middlesborough, and Stockton; at Darlington; at Dalton Junction, for Passengers from Richmond; at Northallerton, for Passengers from Bedale; at Thirsk; at Pilmoor Junction, for Passengers from Boroughbridge; thence to York and Leeds.
On Wednesday APRIL 3rd, and on FRIDAY, April 5th, Trip Passengers will return from Leeds, at Twelve o’clock at Noon on each Day. The train will stop at all the Stations as on going; will arrive at York about Two o’clock; at Darlington and Ferryhill about Four o’clock; and at Hartlepool about Seven o’clock on each Evening.
Fares from Hartlepool, Castle Eden, Trimdon, Ferryhill, Stockton, Darlington, Richmond, Northallerton, Thirsk, and Boroughbridge; to York and Leeds, and back, returning at the times above stated:
Third Class 5s.; Second Class 6s.; First Class 7s.
All the Third Class Carriages will be Covered.
Persons intending to purchase Tickets should do so immediately, in order that a sufficient number of Carriages may be collected for the comfort of the Passengers.
Tickets and Bills, with full Particulars, may be had of Mr Thomas Clapham, Victoria House, Hartlepool; and at the following Railway Stations on the North of England Line, viz., Castle Eden, Trimdon, Ferryhill, Darlington, Richmond, Northallerton, Bedale, Thirsk and Boroughbridge; and at the Hartlepool and Clarence Railway Station in Stockton.
(29th March 1850 Durham Chronicle)
Great Chilton Farm To Be Let – and entered upon at May next.
Great Chilton Farm, in the Occupation of Messrs Baker and Son, containing about 308 acres, of which upwards of 130 acres are valuable Old Grass, and the chief Part of the Arable is capital Turnip Soil.
Chilton is within one mile of the Turnpike Road between Durham and Darlington, and about the same distance from the Ferryhill Station, thus affording to the Tenant every facility for conveying the farm produce to market, and obtaining Lime and Manure at a moderate expense.
The tenants will send a person to show the farm, and Terms of Letting may be known on application to M. Ryle, of Moorhouse, near Durham. January 30th 1850. (2nd February 1850 Newcastle Journal)
To Be Let
And entered upon at May-day next,
A Farm at Ferryhill, containing 100 Acres, more or less.
For further particulars apply to Mr Raine, Ferryhill.
Ferryhill, February 20th, 1850.
(22nd February 1850 Durham County Advertiser)
To Be Let And may be entered on at May-day next,
A Large and Commodious INN, situate at TUDHOE, and known by the sign of the “GEORGE AND DRAGON”; with a BREWERY adjoining; capable of brewing 14 Half-Barrels. A Malt-Loft, Porter-Vault, Cellar, Stable, and other Outbuildings convenient for the trade, attached.
For further particulars, apply to MR JOHN PICKERING.
Tudhoe, Feb 5, 1850
(15th February 1850 Durham Chronicle)
In 1851 the licensee was Mathias Starforth (b1811).
In 1853 The George and Dragon with adjoining brewery was offered for sale with or without a well built dwelling house of 7 rooms, dairy and other conveniences. They promoted it by stating: The Tudhoe Iron Works being within a short distance, and the population rapidly increasing, it would be a good investment to a man of capital. For particulars apply to Mr John Pickering, Tudhoe Mill.
The property was then offered for auction on 29th March 1854. It was described as an Inn with 10 rooms, cellar, and bar, the brewery, a stable with three stalls and loose box. A dwelling house with 7 rooms, wash house, and coalhouse, now in the occupation of Mrs Hoggett, as tenant. Close to Tudhoe Iron Works and Whitworth Collieries and are held for a residue of a term of 1,000 years, created by indenture of demise, dated the 5th day of July, 1802. The owner is Mr John Pickering.
The Inn was advertised to let in November 1857 and February 1858. In April 1858 it was to be let with a small field of rich old grass land, butcher’s shop, stable and cow byer by John Pickering Tudhoe Mill. In 1860 it was to let by Jonathan Pickering, Spirit Merchant, Tudhoe.
On 28th July 1863 the Inn, Brewery, Yard and Out Offices, now occupied by William Adamson, also a dwelling house, nearly adjoining the Inn, with two stables, garden and a grass paddock behind, occupied by Widow Pinkney, were to be sold at auction.
It is believed the property was sold and closed as licensed premises and used as accommodation by the Reverend Blunt who was curate at St Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth. It is now a residential property called Ivy House.
(Public Houses of Spennymoor and Neighbourhood by Bob Hall, Newcastle Courant 16/09/1853, Durham County Advertiser 26/02/1858,
Durham Chronicle (10/03/1854, 27/11/1857, 30/04/1858, 02/11/1860, 10/07/1863))
High Butterby, near Durham
To Be Let and entered upon at May-day next,
The Farm at HIGH-BUTTERBY, in the Township of Sunderland Bridge, containing 181 acres of Arable, Pasture and Meadow Land.
ALSO, 16 acres of Meadow-Land and 50 acres of Woodland, at present occupied with the above Farm.
High Butterby is about 3 miles from the City of Durham, and in the immediate neighbourhood of the High Turnpike Roads communicating with the Market Towns of Durham, Darlington, Stockton, and Bishop Auckland. The York, Newcastle, and Berwick Railway runs within a few yards of the eastern part of the farm.
For further particulars apply to Mr. Edmund Hoggett, Croxdale-Wood House, near Sunderland Bridge.
Croxdale Wood House, Nov. 14th 1849.
(8th February 1850 Durham Chronicle)
Croxdale Estate Timber
To be Sold By Proposal. (In One Lot)
The following valuable timber, standing and growing on the Croxdale Estate, near Durham:-
On the Low Burn-Hall Farm and Plantations:
54 Oak, 28 Cyphers, 20 Ash, 2 Cyphers, 8 Elms, 2 Cyphers, 5 Silver Firs, 17 Cyphers3 Poplars, 14 Larch, 5 Cyphers, 5 Spruce Fir Cyphers.
In the Lady-Park Plantations: 15 Oak 56 Cyphers, 3 Ah, 2 Cyphers, 14 Larch. 1 Cypher, 1 Scotch Fir Cypher, 1 Willow Do, 1 Beech Do, 2 Elm Do.
Sealed proposals to be sent to Mr Edmund Hoggett, Croxdale Wood House, near Durham, on or before Tuesday, the 19th of February, 1850, who will attend on that day, at the Three Tuns, New Elvet, Durham, from three o’clock till five, to receive the same.
Nine months’ credit will be given on approved security; the Parties tendering for the Purchase of the Wood to name in their Proposals the persons they intend for sureties.
The purchaser will have to pay down a deposit of Five per Cent. Immediately after the Sale.
Croxdale, Feb 7th, 1850
(15th February 1850 Durham Chronicle)
Edmund Hoggett
At Croxdale Wood House, on the 20th inst. suddenly, aged 76, Mr Edmund Hoggett, many years a land agent for the late and the present Mr Salvin.
(23rd February 1850 Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury)
Edmund Hoggett (1775 Manfield-1850) was married to Ann Thompson (1778 -1857) in 1804 at Stanwick St John and in 1841 they were living at Croxdale Wood House, Sunderland Bridge, on the Salvin estate where Edmund was land agent. Also living there are their three daughters Elizabeth, Monica and Mary. They had four sons and four daughters, the eldest daughter Ann married Jonathan Pickering in 1837, a spirit merchant who attended at the death of Edmund. He was owner of the George and Dragon Inn in 1850/60s.
In 1851 Ann Hoggett, widow living on interest, aged 72 with her daughter Mary, aged 30, was living next door to Mathias Starforth who was licensee at the George and Dragon Inn at this time. They are in the dwelling house linked to the Inn, owned by her son-in-law, in 1853 when it was offered for sale it stated now in the occupation of Mrs Hoggett, as tenant (see George & Dragon Inn above).
Soiree at Ferryhill - On Thursday 3rd January a grand soiree was held in the Public School, Ferryhill to celebrate the opening of Ferryhill and Little Chilton Circulating Library & Literary Institute. Over 250 people attended for tea. The room was decorated with evergreens and artificial roses, hung in festoons all round the walls. Six large mistletoes hung from the ceiling, underneath each a beautiful camphine lamp reflecting splendour on the whole. The most prominent feature was (over the fireplace) a large crown of hollies, studded with roses:- underneath, in large characters, the letters “VR”, tastefully worked with hollies.
At 4pm catering was conducted by ladies of the village and surrounding neigbourhood in a very professional manner, ladies were from the Alderson, Aubrey, Johnson, Lawson, Mawe, Robson, Rudd, Thompson, Walker and White families. A number of pitmen from the colliery were present, whose appearance and conduct entitled them to much respect.
At 6pm after the tea tables were removed a platform was erected and seating for over 400 people. Rev. D. Bruce chaired the several speeches which dwelled upon the necessity for similar institutions in every large community. Mr Barras, of Little Chilton Colliery, who principally set up the Institute read a report to show subscriptions of £45 had been raised to continue with the work. Some of the contributors were Lord Bishop of the Diocese, Lord Henry Vane MP , Mr Farrer MP, Sir William Eden and Mrs Surtees from Mainsforth. Sedgefield Church choir attended.(12th Jan 1850 Gateshead Observer, 18th Jan 1850 Durham County Advertiser, 25th Jan 1850 Durham Chronicle)
In The History and Antiquities of the County Palatinate of Durham, etc.. Vol.I, p. 443., 1857 by W. Fordyce, it says:-
"The Ferryhill and Little Chilton Colliery Mechanics' Institute" was established at the latter place in 1850. The number of members soon amounted to 70; but there are at present only 30. There are from 700 to 800 well-assorted volumes in the library, which have been accumulated at a cost of upwards of £100. Each member pays a subscription of one penny a week, and ladies are admitted at one shilling per quarter. Private subscriptions are given by the owners of the colliery, William Bacon, Esq., of Chilton Hall, and the Rev. David Bruce, of Ferryhill. A soiree, in aid of the funds, was held at Christmas, 1852, in the National School Room; in which, as well as in the library room at Little Chilton, lectures are occasionally delivered.
The existing Dean Bank & Ferryhill Literary Institute was built as part of the Dean Bank development in 1908, it was refurbished in 2001 after five years of fund raising.
Mysterious Accident - An inquest was held at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, New Spennymoor, on Monday last, before William Trotter Esq, coroner, to investigate the cause of death of Ralph Haydon, a pitman, working at Whitworth Colliery. The principal evidence was that of George Adamson, who deposed as follows:-“I am an onsetter at the bottom of the shaft of the Whitworth colliery. Yesterday, about 6 o’clock in the evening, I was setting the workmen up the shaft, the colliery having done work for that day. The deceased was in the cage, with six or eight other men, and I was just going to pull the rapper for the engineman to draw the cage up when a metal chair came down the shaft, and struck the deceased upon the left side of the head. The other men got out of the cage, and deceased fell down. I took hold of him, but he appeared quite dead. He never spoke or moved. I put him into a tub, and sent him to bank. I don’t know where the chair came from. I did not hear it until it hit the deceased.
It touched nothing as it came down. It was a railway chair, and might be about 8lbs weight.There was a larger chair in the sump at the bottom of the shaft, but it was there this morning. I don’t think it could have stuck to the ascending cage.”
Thomas Dobby, a banksman, and others, were also examined as to how the metal chair had fallen down, but nothing satisfactory could be elicited; none of the witnesses being able to account for it. The evidence being thus incomplete, the coroner considered it his duty to adjourn the proceedings, as the unfortunate occurrence appeared so far veiled in mystery. The court was therefore adjourned to Saturday, at three o’clock in the afternoon.
The Colliery Accident at New Spennymoor - The adjourned inquest on the body of Ralph Hayson was held on 19th inst. Before Wm Trotter, Esq, according to appointment. No further evidence, however, was produced to show from whence the metal had come which fell on the head of deceased. Mr Patrick, the resident viewer, deposed that he had used every means to bring it to light, but without success, but he did not think it had been done wilfully or maliciously.
Verdict – “That the deceased died from a mortal wound on the head, caused by the falling of a metal chair, while ascending the shaft; but how it had fallen, there was no evidence to show.” (19th/26th Jan 1850 Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury, 25th Jan 1850 Durham Chronicle)