Tudhoe & Spennymoor Local History Society
North of England Dental Company Mobile Dental Company visiting Spennymoor at T. A. Burdon’s Chemist, High St. every Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm. (2nd February 1900 Durham County Advertiser)
Tudhoe School Board Election The members elected are:-
Provost Watson
William D William Dakers, colliery manager
Thomas Black, works manager
John Coldwell, auctioneer
Hope Scott, presbyterian minister
Matthew Lawson, miner
John Rogerson, stores manager
William Nicholson, engineman
Peter Hughes, clergyman
William Keers, miner
Daniel McKinley, primitive methodist minister
Charles Lumsden, Wesleyan minister
William Outhwaite, steelworker
Not elected:-Birchall miner, Patterson miner, Pearson insurance agent, Fleming accountant, Dodd solicitor, Reavley newsagent, Farthing chemist, and Robson deputy overman. (1st February 1900 Sunderland Daily Echo)
Tudhoe School Board - Mr John Rogerson Elected Chairman, the respected manager of the Spennymoor Branch of the Bishop Auckland Co-operative Stores, has been unanimously elected chairman of the Tudhoe (U.D.) School Board. Mr Rogerson is a man of many parts. He is a local preacher in the Primitive Methodist denomination. For nine consecutive years he has been a member of the Tudhoe School Board, and has taken a keen interest in all educational matters. He has made himself acquainted with all that is essential for the discharge of the duties of a chairman of a School Board. As a public man he has a good record. As a Guardian of Bishop Auckland Union he has done excellent work. As chairman of the Board of Guardians he was never once absent from a meeting during his term of office. The Tudhoe School Board district is a very wide one. There are nearly 5,000 children on the roll books. It may be noticed that due honour was paid to Provost Watson in appointing him vice-chairman. Provost Watson has been a member of the Board ever since its formation in 1877, and for a number of years was its respected chairman. He was placed at the head of the poll in the recent election. Mr T Black, J.P., the retiring chairman, has fulfilled the duties of chairman during the past six years with great credit to himself and every member of the Board, as well as every teacher of the staff. (22nd February 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough)
John Rogerson (1850(Hunwick)-1911) married Jane Moore (1846(Cannyhill)-1921) in 1872. In 1881 they are living at 16 Lower Tenters Street, Bishop Auckland where John is secretary to YMCA, cashier to Co-operative Society and they have a daughter Amelia Jane (b1874). In 1891 they are at Beaumont Terrace where John is manager of Spennymoor Co-operative Stores and they have a second daughter Alethea Ada (b1881). The family remain in Beaumont Terrace until 1911 when John dies suddenly on 24th August 1911. John and Jane had driven to Bradbury to see some cattle and John took ill shortly after they left and they had to return to the farm but he died in a very short time. He had worked for the Co-op for 42 years, the last 29 as manager of Spennymoor Co-op. He took a keen interest in public affairs: Tudhoe School Board where he was chairman until the passing of the Education Bill in 1902 when he said the Board was “snuffed out”. He was one of the first co-opted members of Durham County Education Committee, served on the Bishop Auckland Board of Guardians representing Spennymoor, a local preacher for Primitive Methodist Church and supporter of the Liberal party. (25th August 1911 Durham_Chronicle)
Tudhoe Ford
For fully two years the Spennymoor Urban Council have been trying to get some improvements carried out at Tudhoe Ford. The County Council were first approached, but after surveying the scene they refused to have anything to do with it. It was, however, recognized to be the most dangerous ford on the River Wear, and the Spennymoor authority would not let the matter drop. It was then that the Durham Rural Council were communicated with. After negotiations a joint deputation was appointed to visit and present a report. The result is that the Durham Rural Council have refused to have anything to do with the project. The only way out is for the Spennymoor Urban Council to do the whole work of improvement at their cost. (6th February 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough.)
Spennymoor Urban District Council deserve every credit for their determination not to be silenced by the authorities of the Durham Rural Council with regard to making the Tudhoe Ford passable. Deputations from the Spennymoor Urban District Council have met time after time to induce the rural authorities to repair their portion of the ford. The latest obstacle put in the way is that the cost is too great. Their Surveyor has prepared an estimate, which he says will be £551 18s 5d for the opening and protecting of the ford. In addition to that the Urban Council have been informed that the Rural Highways Committee have decided to take no further steps. At the last meeting of the Urban Council several members expressed the opinion that the estimate was exaggerated, because they had had a much lower estimate of the cost from their own surveyor. It was thought that the rural authorities were putting this obstacle in the way, and that the matter would end. However, Spennymoor people are determined not to allow anyone to rob them of their rights, and they are going to take steps to force the other side to make good their portion of the ford. This is one of the most ancient fords in the county, and should be maintained at all costs. (27th February 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough.)
Mr Knox at the UDC meeting: We are a public body, and sent here to look to public interests; yet the Chairman suggests that we take no further interest in the Tudhoe Ford. It can be opened at a much less cost than the estimate given. This includes, as I take it, the making of roads thereto.(2nd March 1900 Durham County Advertiser)
The condition of the Ford had been discussed for many years and there were several deaths. In 1864 Rev Salvin suggested posts were erected to indicate when the ford was dangerous. The ford couldn’t be closed as it was the way to Brancepeth Church, however there were already discussions to build a church on the Tudhoe side of the river.
In 1884 there were discussions about building a new bridge over the Wear, Willington wanted one at Todhills, Spennymoor at Page Bank and Tudhoe at Tudhoe Ford, the Highways committee disapproved of the Tudhoe bridge and thought the Page Bank bridge a better suggestion. In 1896 after requests from Spennymoor Urban District Council the Surveyor reported there was an accumulation of a large quantity of sand and rubbish at the entrance from the Brancepeth side of the river and the ford was impassable. It was suggested that it wasn’t wise to encourage use of the road as there was quicksand in the river at the ford, it was dangerous to anyone not well acquainted with the place.
In July 1898 the ford and stepping stones were still under consideration, Spennymoor asked Durham Rural Council to help but they refused. SUDC sent a formal complaint under section 10 of the Highways and Locomotives Act 1878 for the failure of DRDC to maintain and repair the highway from and including Tudhoe Ford in the bed of the river Wear near the stepping stones to the village of Brancepeth. The County Surveyor was to report.
In December 1898 Durham Highway Committee discussed the ford saying it had been moved higher up the river as there was a deep hole ten feet below the level of the old ford. The clerk confirmed they were responsible to repair the ford but the decision was to wait for DCC to communicate with them. In April 1899 Spennymoor’s surveyor estimated the cost as £60-£70. As the greater portion of the Spennynoor Council’s side was passable they resolved to give three months notice to Durham RDC to have the other portion made passable. In May 1899 a committee was appointed to meet DRDC. The meeting was arranged for November 1899 which led to the decision in February 1900.
In a very long advertisement for Mother Seigel’s Syrup, one of the people reviewing the product and claiming he was cured was George Ferry from 24, Rogerson’s Terrace, Croxdale. He wrote:
RIGHT AFTER DINNER “For many years I was a martyr to liver complaint and indigestion. I had a bad taste in the mouth and little appetite. After meals I was always uncomfortable. A sharp pain took me under the heart and I was troubled with palpitation.”
“I usually felt dreadfully tired and heavy. At night my sleep was disturbed and insufficient: I felt little better for going to bed. No treatment helped me until I began using Mother Seigel’s Syrup. In a few weeks that cured me, and I am now an altogether different man.” Signed George Ferry, 24, Rogerson’s Terrace, Croxdale, Durham, August 16 1899.
The advert concludes: The men and women who can eat a full and hearty meal and then sit in comfort and peace while digestion silently does its splendid work are not as numerous as they ought to be, but with every bottle of Mother Seigel’s Syrup sent to the right place one man will be added to the number. (10th February 1900 Weston Mercury)
George Ferry was born in 1848 at Shotton Colliery, he married Jane Ann Ayre (b1852 Gilesgate) in 1870 and they were living in Low Spennymoor in 1871. They had six children Sarah (b1872 Low Spennymoor), Margaret (b1877 West Cornforth), Thomas (b1879 Shotton Colliery), Elizabeth (b1881 Wingate), Maria (b1891 Croxdale), and Willie (b1895 Croxdale). George died in 1907.
Industrial School Fine At Auckland Police Court John Perry/Parry, labourer, was summoned to support his son, who was in an industrial school, and has been since 1897. He paid 1s a week towards the lad’s support until 24th of June last, when payment ceased, and he had not paid anything since.
Defendant said he had completely lost the sight of his left eye, and this had prevented him getting employment because of the Compensation Act. He worked for Spennymoor Urban Council for five years, but twelve months ago he was discharged. A couple of weeks ago, however, he got employment under the Council. He added that the loss of his eyesight was due to a splinter from a bullet. The magistrates made an order for him to contribute 1s weekly. (12th February 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 13th February 1900 Northern Echo)
John Perry and Catherine Sands, children Susannah, Thomas, Mary, John, Frederick.
John Perry (b1850 Staffordshire) married Catherine Sands (b1852 Scotland) in 1868. In 1871 they are living at George Street Spennymoor with a daughter Susannah (b1868 Spennymoor, baptised 1/11/1868 St Charles, RC Church Tudhoe) and son Thomas (b1871 Bishop Auckland). John is an ironworker, sadly Thomas died in 1872.
In 1881 they are at Elvet, Durham with another daughter Mary ( b1873 Spennymoor) and son John (b September 1875 Spennymoor) who is blind.
In 1891 John and Catherine live at 15 Princess Street with Susannah and a new son Frederick (b1885 Spennymoor). In 1891 a John Perry is residing at a District Catholic Asylum at 59 Brunswick Road, Liverpool, Lancashire, which was a School of Industry for the Blind. He was 15 years old and a casket maker, born in Spennymoor. Could this have been their son John?
In 1894 Susannah marries Samuel Rhodes. However in 1896 tragedy strikes as Catherine died on 28th August 1896 of anaemia and syncope (fainting), Susannah died 5th September 1896 due to gastroenteritis and pneumonia and son John died on 23rd November 1896 of Brights disease and dropsy. They all died at 28 Duncombe Street where the Perry family were living.
In 1897 Mary marries Robert Jones and in 1901 they are living at 6 Oxford Street with her brother Frederick who is visiting, he is a student at an Industrial School and I would think the child mentioned in the above court case. John (Snr) remarries to Jane Ann Parkin (b1848 Hunwick) in 1897 and they are still at 28 Duncombe Street in 1901 and 1911.
Robert and Mary Jones live at No 1 Brewery Road, Spennymoor in 1911, Robert is a brick moulder, they have three sons, Robert, Thomas and Frederick. Frederick, Mary's brother, is still living with them and he is a brick moulder. In 1921 Mary lives at 14 Catherine Street with her three sons, her father John Perry, and brother Frederick Perry. Sadly both her husband and John's second wife have died.
PIANOS AND ORGANS FOR SALE
Squire Piano, powerful tone, walnut case; £21 cash, or 14s per month.
Allison Upright Grand Piano, £27 cash, or 18s 4d per month
Hillier Organ £6 15s cash.
Fine Bell Organ, pipe top, 4 sets of reeds; £14 14s cash, or 10s per month.
All guaranteed.
R. W. Edwards, 15 Weardale Street, Mount Pleasant, Spennymoor, agent for S. S. EADES’s well-known Pianos and Organs.
(14th February 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough)
Mineral Guard Killed near Spennymoor - Engine-Driver and Fireman Injured
(17th February 1900 Stockton Herald South Durham)
On Thursday an engine was thrown off the line near Merrington Lane crossing, which was the means of disarranging the whole of the traffic between Ferryhill and Bishop Auckland. A passenger train from Bishop Auckland through Spennymoor to Ferryhill was drawn by two engines, which, after arriving at Ferryhill Station, one engine was retiring to Spennymoor about 6.30pm and on account of the storm, dashed into a mineral train near Binchester Junction, smashing the van into the trucks, with the result that the guard of the van, named Fred Ismay, married, aged 36, was instantly killed, and the engine driver, Wm. Murray, and fireman Wm. Gill, both of Fylands Bridge, near West Auckland, were injured. Murray was very much cut about the leg and arm and Gill was severely cut about the head. The driver of the engine No. 1247 of the mineral train is named George Lambert. Dr Anderson with his assistant Mr Davies, attended to the injured men who were conveyed to the North-Eastern Hotel and stayed overnight. The body of deceased was taken home to his residence, Byers Green. He leaves a widow and family of four children. Ismay was a native of Middlesbrough, where he was well known and highly respected. The platform at Spennymoor Station became completely blocked up with snow, and nearly all traffic was suspended.
The railway between Ferryhill and Spennymoor was blocked during the night, and no trains arrived in Spennymoor till a very late hour. The break-down gang were busy all night removing the wreck caused by the collision.
(23rd February 1900 Durham County Advertiser)
On Tuesday evening, Dr R S Anderson reported that the fireman Gill was out of danger. The doctor, since the accident, has been afraid of lockjaw supervening.
At the Station Hotel, Todhills, on Saturday, Deputy Coroner Badcock, opened the inquiry into circumstances touching the death of Jno Frederick Ismay (38), mineral guard, who was killed at Binchester Junction on Thursday night. It appeared that the deceased was in charge of a mineral train from Middlesbrough. It had passed East Howle, and sometime after was followed by a single engine, which had been called into requisition because of the severe storm that raged. This engine passed east Howle, and the driver was told to proceed cautiously. This he did, but owing to the storm the signals were out of working order, and the engine unexpectedly dashed into the rear of the mineral train, which, in the blinding snowstorm, the driver was unable to see. Neither the driver nor fireman of the single engine were able to attend the inquiry, which was accordingly adjourned to March 5th.
(24th March 1900 Stockton Herald South Durham) The inquest resumed, first witness Thomas Mellanby, a platelayer living at East Howle. He went on duty about 7pm on the night of the accident. He went to the East Howle signal cabin, Scott the signalman told him there had been an accident and the “advance board” was stickung. Witness found a drift of snow upon the wires which prevented the signal working, the Board was off but when he removed the snow the Board went on by itself.
Wm. Murray, engine driver, of Fyland Bridge, was next called, he said he was in charge of an empty engine, and left Ferryhill, for Bishop Auckland about five minutes to six o’clock. He had on the engine his fireman, Wm. Gill, and Fred Caperon, a porter belonging to Bishop Auckland. They reached the East Howle cabin about six o’clock, and saw the signal against him. He at once pulled up, and the signalman said he had to go to the “advance board” as he could not see it, and that witness had to give him a whistle if the Board came off all night. Witness whistled when he saw the board off, and then went on. A fearful gale was blowing in his face, and it was possible that the whistle was not heard in the cabin.
In reply to a question he said the distance from the cabin to the “advance board” was about 350 yards, so it was possible the signalman did not hear Murray whistle.
William Hobson Gill, fireman, of Fylands Bridge, who had his head swathed in a bandage, said he was on the engine with the last witness, and got to the cabin at East Howle about 6 o’clock. He heard the signalman speak to Murray, but he was at the opposite side of the engine, and the storm was blowing so strong that he could not hear what was said. He went on to the “advance board”, and Murray seeing that the board was off whistled, and they went on and ran into a mineral train near the bridge. They saw no danger light. They were going about sixteen to twenty miles an hour at the time of the accident. He saw no lights on the van of the mineral train in front of them.
Fred Capcion, porter, of Bishop Auckland, was also called, and said he was on the light engine with Murray and Gill. He corroborated the story of the other two men, the only new feature being that he said he could not remember whether the driver whistled or not when he saw the “advance board” off.
Scott, the signalman, was recalled and said that he could take the advance signal off without touching the “home board”.
The coroner said that if the jury were satisfied that there was no neglect on the part of the signalman or the driver it was a case of accidental death, and it would be their duty to return such a verdict. That was his opinion, and they must remember that it was an extraordinary storm.
Jury returned after half an hour and agreed a verdict of “Accidental death”, but recommended that the Railway Company appoint fogmen in future in case of a snowstorm, as in a fog. They thought that if there had been one on this occasion the accident would not have happened.
Mr Ellis, one of the railway officials, stated that fogmen were out that night, and it was stated so in the evidence of the opening of the inquest.
The jury gave their shillings to the widow of the man Ismay.
John Frederick Ismay (1861 N Ormsby-1900) married Sarah Ellen Tinkler (b1868 Sedgefield-1938), they were living at Battersby Junction, Ingleby in 1891 with their daughter Mary Lavinia (b1890), Fred is a railway mineral guard. A year after Fred’s death Sarah is living at Locomotive Terrace, Todhills, Byers Green with Mary Lavinia, Alfred Henry (b1895 Battersby Junction) and Joseph (b1898 Middlesbrough).
By 1911 they have moved to 22 Bell Street, Bishop Auckland, Sarah is an office cleaner for the railway company, and has two boarders, a platelayer who works for the railway and a widow Mary Allonby (b1851) who is a station lavatory attendant.
In 1921 they are still there, Sarah is still an office cleaner, Alfred Henry is a gas fitter for Spennymoor Gas Co. and Joseph is a labourer for the Rural District Council. Living with them is Mary Lavinia’s husband Arthur William Waite and their children Frederick Arthur Waite (b1919) and Maurice Ismay Waite (b1921). Mary Allonby is still boarding and is a waiting room attendant.
FIVES
International Fives Match - Bessford v Elizaldre
Inspite of the weather and advertisement in Saturday’s Chronicle a very great number of people visited Spennymoor in anticipation of the great Fives Match which did not take place. The fresh date has not yet been fixed. The Spaniard took advantage of a clause in the articles, namely, “weather permitting”. Mr Wilkinson, the proprietor of Tudhoe Park, had done everything that was possible to have the ground fit for playing and on Saturday it was better than it has many a time been in mid-summer. It is the wish of the proprietor to have the ground in good playing order. During the storm he had had every particle of snow removed from the alley and grand stand. The last visit of the Spaniard to the alley was on Wednesday last, when he considered it fit for play, but the blizzard put a stop to the game on his part. (19th February 1900 Newcastle Daily Chronicle)
Fives was a popular handball game in working class industrial areas. Fives alleys were often attached to public houses. Tudhoe Park, Durham Road, Tudhoe Grange, Spennymoor, North-eastern Hotel, Spennymoor and the Green Tree, Tudhoe all had Fives alleys.
Great Snow Storm Throughout England
Ferryhill
The storm on Thursday night was undoubtedly one of the very worst experienced in this district. On the highway vehicular traffic was entirely suspended, and unfortunately some vehicles were completely snowed up, and had to be abandoned until Saturday. In one case a hearse , conveying the remains of an old man named Smith from Windlestone Colliery to Metal Bridge, was delayed at Ferryhill Village. On the railway the officials and employees were exercised to their utmost to keep traffic moving, and they deserve every praise for the admirable way they stuck to their task under such extreme difficulties, but despite all endeavours serious blocks and consequent delays took place. Telegraph communication was entirely broken down to some of the most important centres owing to wires breaking and telegraph poles being blown down, and a goodly length of time will elapse before normal working will take place in this respect. The signals, too, were rendered defective by the drifting snow, making the task of working traffic excessively difficult at so important a junction, in addition to which the platelayers were constantly engaged in keeping the switches in working order. Notwithstanding all precautions, however, an accident happened, fortunately unattended with loss of life, but which caused much delay to mineral and goods trains. A mineral train proceeding via the Tean Valley line from Kimblesworth to Middlesbro ran off the line when near Ferryhill No 1 cabin, thereby obstructing the up main line and the down Leamside line. Mr Wilkie, stationmaster, Mr Sheppard, locomotive foreman, and Messrs Johnson and Denton, permanent way inspectors, were quickly on the spot with their assistants, and every effort made to keep passenger traffic moving pending the arrival of the breakdown gang from Darlington, under the supervision of Mr Cowperthwaite. The line was cleared about five am, the lines having been blocked about nine hours. The south mails and other important traffic were worked via the Leamside line from Coxhoe Junction past the scene of the accident.
Croxdale
The storm in the Croxdale district on Thursday was very severe. The snow, although falling soft, drifted to a considerable extent in the by-lanes, and even the more wider main roads. At the Tudhoe Five Lane Ends considerable drifts were formed so much so that the omnibus services between Spennymoor and Croxdale station was entirely suspended. Several carts were unable to get through the accumulation of snow, the horses being unyoked and taken home, some of the vehicles remaining for two days. In the neighbourhood of Hett, Butcher Race, and York Hill several of the lanes are still blocked. On the main railway line the North-Eastern Railway Company’s ploughs kept the roads clear, and a fairly good service of trains was maintained.
(23rd February 1900 Durham County Advertiser)
Explosion at Spennymoor On Friday, about the dinner hour, after returning home from work at Tudhoe Colliery, a miner named James Taylor, residing in Holborn Street, Spennymoor, was just looking over his stock of compressed powder, when, it is stated, a spark flew from the fire on the box, containing about 4 or 5 “bobbins” of powder, which instantly exploded, causing severe injuries to the man’s face and hands. The force of the explosion was so great that half of the kitchen window was blown out. His wife and child were in the room at the time of the explosion, but fortunately they were not hurt. Dr Anderson attended to the injured man, and he is now a little better, although his burns are severe. (24th February 1900 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Good Templar's Gathering at West Hartlepool The twenty-seventh annual session of the South Durham District Lodge, I.O.G.T. (International Organisation of Good Templars), was held in the Primitive Methodist School-room, West Hartlepool, today. Mr W Oliver, DCT(Durham County Templars) (Hartlepool) presided, and was supported by the other district officers. There was a large attendance of representatives and members. Immediately after the opening ceremony the district degree was conferred upon eighteen candidates. The report of the DCT dealt with the state of the Order throughout the district, and stated that the challenge block and gavel, awarded quarterly to the lodge showing a large numerical increase, had been won by the Rose of Eden Lodge, of New Shildon. Remarkable activity had been shown in mission work by the various lodges during the half-year. 130 public meetings had been held, and missions had been conducted at Coundon, Howden-le-Wear, Spennymoor, Tow Law, and Tudhoe, Mr Thomas Barker of Newcastle, and at New Shildon, West Hartlepool, Copley, Evenwood, and Witton Park by Messrs Thomas Bird (Doncaster) and Macmillan (Sunderland).
In concluding his report Bro. Oliver announced his inability to continue to hold the office of DCT. His resignation was accepted with regret, and Bro J W Fleming, of Spennymoor was elected to the chief chair, and Bro. E O D Sibson (Norton), district councillor. Other reports showed that the membership of the District was 1,920 adults in 44 lodges and 2,265 juveniles in 34 temples, with a balance in the treasurer’s hands of £39. (27th February 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough)
Ferryhill Station Supply Raisby Hill Carboniferous and Magnesian Limes.
First-Class for Building, Plastering, or Agricultural Purposes.
Machine-Broken Slag for roads; Crushed Slag from concrete; Ferryhill Sand, Daub, and Loam;
Red Fire, Salt Glazed, and Scoriae Bricks; Concrete Flags;
Best Portland Cement, and every description of Sanitary Goods.
EXPLOSIVES AGENTS. (2nd February 1900 Durham County Advertiser)
In November 1872 a Darlington man, Joseph Woodward, formed the Tees Scoriae Brick Company to turn slag from the Clay Lane Blast Furnace, in Eston, into shiny-blue bricks. At its peak, the Tees Scoriae Company was taking 30% of all the slag from the South Tees steelworks.
In Jan 1900, 25 years after the sanitation discussion in the Northern Echo, there still seems need for improvement.
Spennymoor Urban District Council Medical officer’s report for end of 1899 and Durham County Council Health Committee’s meeting on 24th January 1900.
The Medical officer’s monthly report showed a birth rate of 44.4 per thousand per annum and a death rate of 20.8. There were six cases of zymotic disease, and 30 were reported under the Infectious Diseases Act, mostly scarlatina. Only one case of enteric fever was notified during the month. The doctor reported in detail on the incidence of this disease in 1899, showing that, between 11th September and 18th December 1899, 22 cases had been notified, six being fatal. The cases represented 14 houses, and were scattered over a wide area. The houses possessed conveniences, all but one, ashpit privies, no case having been reported from houses provided with water closets, and there was apparently no connection with the drinking water, which was supplied by the Weardale and Shildon Water Company, nor with the milk supply, which was from many sources.
The report went on to state:-In the Ferryhill and Tudhoe Wards I attribute the outbreak, in part at least, to the street-making work which has been done in these wards; although it must be noted at the same time that during the months of January, February and March cases occurred in Ridley’s Buildings, Post Office Street, Hume Street and Burnett Street (Ferryhill Ward), and in Bessemer Terrace, Weardale and Salvin Streets (Tudhoe Ward). In June the sewer was taken up in Parkin Street, behind the dwelling where the fatal case occurred, and from that time onwards to the present date street making operations have been in progress. This has necessitated the breaking up and removal of soil which, during a long course of years, had become impregnated with sewage and filth, and at the same time sewers which were found to be in a very bad state, both as regards construction and condition, were renewed. In Spennymoor Ward I can only attribute it to nuisances connected with the privy and open ashpit system still very largely in evidence.
In September last Dr Hill personally enquired into some of the cases that had occurred, and in several streets found either the yards dirty and badly paved or else badly constructed and insanitary out-offices. In Edward, Stratton and Jackson Streets especially these defects were noticeable, and the UDC should take active steps to have them removed.
At the quarterly meeting of Durham County Council on 24th January 1900 there was a discussion on the sanitary condition of the Bishop Auckland Urban District and the prevalence of enteric fever there.
Mr J J Dodd (County Councillor for Spennymoor) said he would like to call attention to the infant mortality rate, which had been during the past quarter 272 per 1,000 births in the county, while at Tow Law it reached the appalling total of 423 per 1,000 births. He queried if a leaflet on the management and feeding of babies had been issued.
He also said Attention should also be called to the question of infant insurance. There was not a baby born in the county that was not insured from birth, and even before birth. (Laughter). He did not wish to make a charge against the people, but they knew there was cruelty to children. He thought there should be legislation regulating the insurance of children.
John Wilson MP objected to Mr Dodds insinuating that the infant mortality was largely attributable to the cupidity of the parents. It was due to other causes, among which he instanced the state of the houses in which the people had to live in some of the colliery districts. He denied that the figures quoted by Mr Dodds proved that the people for the sake of a few pounds were so murderous as to take the lives of their children, and called upon Mr Dodds to prove his statement or withdraw it.
Mr Dodds said he carefully guarded himself against making a general charge against the people of the county. He merely wished to call attention to the question of infant mortality and that of infant insurance. He agreed that parental regard in the county was equal to what it was elsewhere.
The Chairman said he could not sympathise with any suggestion that the people in this county insured the lives of their children in order to get money by doing so, and he did not think Mr Dodds thought so. It was deplorable so many children died, but the reason for it was quite plain. He continued with an example about the water supply at Hawthorn Village.
Advertisement for Dodshon’s Tailors, 44 High Street, Spennymoor.
(5th Jan 1900 Durham County Advertiser)
Joseph Dodshon (b1834 Bishop Auckland) married Elizabeth Wilkinson (b1831 South Shields) in 1861 and they were living at 44 High Street, Spennymoor in 1871 with their four children, Thomas Wilkinson (b1862), Mary Elizabeth (b1863), Joseph Henry (b1868), and Frederick George (b1870), all born in Spennymoor.
In 1881/91 they live at Belle Vue Terrace with another son Ernest Wilkinson (b1873). All the family are working in the business.
Joseph Dodshon died in 1901 and his son Thomas Wilkinson Dodshon continued the business with his wife Jessie Varley and children, Mary Elizabeth (b1894), Jessie(b1897) , Charles Joseph (b1898) and Thomas Wilkinson (b1904).
In 1901 they live at 17 Clyde Terrace and in 1911 at 6 St Paul’s Gardens. Thomas dies in 1917 when they are living at 9 The Avenue, Durham. In 1921 Jessie and the family are living at 54 Crossgate, Durham where Mary is a music teacher, Charles works for a draper’s company in Sunderland and Thomas is an electrician for a company in Saddler Street, Durham.
Auckland Police Court At the Auckland Petty Sessions, today, John Kitto was bound over to keep the peace for threatening Sarah Williams at Spennymoor, and was also ordered to pay 8s for using bad language.
Charles Whiteman, innkeeper, of Middlestone Moor, was fined £2 for supplying boys under sixteen years of age with drink. Evidence was given that one boy, named Hogarth, aged 15, was served with five whiskies on Christmas Eve, and another boy named Fisher got a small whisky and a gill of beer.
Thomas Coulson was fined 7s for using bad language at Hunwick.
Richard Redshaw was fined 10s for driving without lights at Spennymoor.
Violence at Ferryhill – an Exemplary Penalty A sturdily-built and respectably-attired fellow named Mark Dobson was charged with being drunk at Ferryhill Station and assaulting N.E.R. police-officer Bell on Saturday night.
The case against defendant was that when refused a dog ticket by the booking clerk he created a disturbance that brought Bell upon the scene. The latter heard defendant using threatening language, and when he went up to him he turned round and struck the officer in the face, knocked him against a wall, and damaged his uniform. The assistance of PC Rounsley had to be called in before defendant was taken to Spennymoor and there locked up. The bench inflicted a fine of £5 and costs, or one month in default, the Chairman (Sir William Eden) stating they were determined to make an example in the case that a stop might be put to such sort of blackguardism and assaults upon the police. (8th Jan 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 9th Jan 1900 Northern Echo)
History of Spennymoor - Mr J.J. Dodd’s Re-Issue County Councillor J J Dodd, of West Hartlepool and Spennymoor, has just re-issued in a cheap edition his “History of the Urban District of Spennymoor, with occasional references to Kirk Merrington, Middlestone, Westerton, Byers Green, Page bank, Croxdale, and Ferryhill.” The edition before us, which is published at the small price of 2s, is a credit to both author and printer.
Mr Dodd writes in a very racy style, every page being interesting, whilst the illustration and letterpress, which is easy for the eye, are all that could be desired. Mr Dodd not only traces the history of Spennymoor itself which is only a modern town, but deals with the original parishes.
One very interesting chapter tells the story of “The Battle of Neville’s Cross”, near Durham, and another deals with the story of the murder at Brass’s Farm by Andrew Mills. Despite the fact that this cruel murder occurred in 1683, the story is well known, and is often revived by parents to their children. We are told in the volume before us that he was gibbeted near to Ferryhill.
Old time customs such as the “sword-dance” and “guising” or “mumming”, are fully explained. These customs which were so popular a few years ago, are fast dying out. The history of the formation of Tudhoe Ironworks by the Weardale Iron and Coal Co. Limited, which has recently been reconstructed, is told, as well as the history of the Merrington Lane Iron Works, started by Messrs Coulson, and known as “Dry Bread Works”, in consequence of the loss of time.
The sad explosion at Tudhoe Colliery on April 18th, 1882, with the number of its victims and the bravery of the explorers, is graphically told. The book is a veritable encyclopaedia for Spennymoor and the surrounding district. (11th Jan 1900 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail)
To read History of Spennymoor online click on the link Online copy in various formats.
Raines Coachbuilder - Butcher’s Cart For Sale, suitable for hawking; Flat Cart, suit bottler; and smart Handcart, suit grocer. For particulars apply Raine, Coachbuilder, Spennymoor. (15th Jan 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough)
Herbert Raine (b1868 Egglestone) was the son of John Raine (b1834) and Mary (b1836) who lived in Egglestone. In 1871/81 John was a lead smelter, in 1891 he was a mineral water manufacturer with his sons John and Thomas Gardner working with him. Herbert was a blacksmith.
In 1893 Herbert started a blacksmith business in Tudhoe Grange, in 1901 he is living at 20 King Street, Spennymoor with his sister Martha (b1875). He married Annie Wilson (b1879 Kirby in Cleveland) in 1901 and is advertising his business as “Shoeing & general smith, agricultural implement & machine repairer, builder's iron work, gates & palisading & wheelwright in general” (Kelly’s Directory 1902). In 1911 the family live at 27 Durham Road with four children, Arthur, Edith Mary, William and Annie Elizabeth.
In 1921 they are at 78 Durham Road with two more children Margery Ellen and Joan Etta. The business is at Low Grange Road, advertised as “Coachbuilders”, Herbert’s son Arthur is a carriage builder and wood worker. By 1967 they have moved into the Tower Coach Works, King Street, Spennymoor, which was originally the brewery which closed in 1902. They advertise as “Coach Builders & Engineers”. The business expanded as motor body builders for vans, lorries and buses and accident repairs. They produced mobile shops and brightly painted ice cream vans and were well known for their quality craftsmanship in Spennymoor.
In 1939 Herbert has retired and is living with Annie, Arthur, William and Margery at The Croft, North Close, Arthur and William are both managers at the works. Williams’ grandsons continued the business until they retired and it closed in 2001, the works were demolished in 2002/3.
Raine's Adverts from Spennymoor Town Council Official Guides - 1947 1967 1974 1982
Click on the link to view a list of items built by Raines.
Jobs and Oak Trees
Wanted, Strong LAD(16) for farm work, able to milk.-Apply, Welsh, Farmer, Mount Pleasant, Spennymoor. (18th Jan 1900 North Star Darlington)
TO TIMBER MERCHANTS and CABINET MAKERS-For Sale 40 Oak Trees, lying felled on the Whitworth Estate, Spennymoor. Conditions of purchase can be obtained on application to P. Stephens Esq. Whitworth Estates Office, Spennymoor, who will receive tenders up to 4th February, but does not bind himself to accept the highest or any tender. T Heron Whitworth Park, will point out the timber, which, though short, is of great age and remarkable hardness of grain. (20th Jan 1900 Newcastle Daily Chronicle)
Gardener wanted, good outdoor, quick, and industrious, attend to poultry; house and coals provided.-State wages, age, and all particulars, by letter. R Duncombe Shafto, Esq., Whitworth Hall, Spennymoor. (26th Jan 1900 Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer)
Lecture at Spennymoor on The Transvaal Under the auspices of the Spennymoor Conservative Association a lecture was given in the Town Hall on Wednesday by Mr H S Neale on the Transvaal. Mr Percy Stephens JP presided, and said that everybody was concerned about the war in South Africa. Our soldiers were not only fighting a well armed enemy but they had the great difficulties of the country to contend against.
As a country we had had a rude awakening, and we had had to pay for our lack of knowledge. He was glad to know that the country was unanimous, and having put our hands to the plough we must see that the work was carried to a successful issue. In a crisis like the present it was a grand illustration of the loyalty of our colonies to see them ending their troops to the aid of the mother country. Liberals and Conservatives alike had sunk their private opinions in the endeavour it preserve the Empire. We had the greatest Empire that had ever existed in the world’s history. (Applause) It rested with ourselves whether we were going to remain the greatest Empire. As long as we had troops coming from all parts of the Empire we had nothing to fear. (Hear, hear)
Mr Neale then commences with his lecture, which he illustrated with numerous limelight views. The photos of Generals White, Baden-Powell, Buller, etc. were loudly cheered but those of Kruger and Joubert met with emphatic manifestations of disapprobation. In the course of the lecture Mr Neale said that Jameson had a greater excuse for his raid than Mr Kruger had in invading our territory.
The 10th Hussars had boasted before leaving England that they would be the first to enter Pretoria. This has unfortunately come too true. They had entered Pretoria as the first prisoners. Mr Neale concluded by reciting in a most effective manner Kipling’s poem “The Absent-minded Beggar”. There was a capital attendance, and a collection was taken in aid of the reservists’ fund, which amounted to £2 10s. On the motion of Dr Watkin, seconded by Mr W Green, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Neale for his lecture.
(19th Jan 1900 Northern Echo)
Auckland Police Court – Spennymoor Licensing Case Yesterday, at Bishop Auckland, Geo. Henderson, of Spennymoor, was charged with being found on licensed premises during prohibited hours.
Sergt. Newton stated that on the 7th inst, he observed a light in the window of the North-Eastern Hotel, and saw the defendant, along with the landlord of the house, with glasses before them. This was at 12.30am. He saw defendant pay for drinks once round.
For the defence evidence was adduced that the defendant had engaged a bed for the night, and what drink was supplied to him after eleven o’clock was not at any cost to himself. Cross-examined by Supt. Snaith defendant admitted that his own residence was only four hundred yards from the hostelry, and that he did not engage the bed until after eleven o’clock. The Bench imposed a fine of 20s and costs.
Hy. Titman, landlord of the house, was summoned for having kept open during prohibited hours. Mr Proud, who was entrusted with the defence, said the evidence was identical with that adduced. He added that the defendant had been in the house for 26 years, had hitherto borne a good character as a landlord, and suggested the case might be met by the payment of costs.
The Bench agreed to this course, the Chairman remarking that he hoped the landlord would take warning from the case. (23rd Jan 1900 Northern Echo)
Henry Titman was manager at The North-Eastern between 1899-1901.
Technical Instruction at Spennymoor Yesterday, a large audience was present in the Town Hall, Spennymoor, on the occasion of the distribution of certificates to the successful students in the recent Technical Instruction Examinations. Dr Anderson presided, and the certificates were presented by the Chairman of the Urban Council (Mr T Black, JP).
Mr Black congratulated the students on their success, and spoke of the great need of a Technical Institute for Spennymoor. He particularly noticed the great successes in the ambulance, mining and machine construction, and drawing classes.
After the presentation of the certificates a grand entertainment was held, presided over by Mr Chisholm (schoolmaster). Songs were contributed by Messrs Baines, Brown and Harrell, recitations by Mr Berriman and Master Brown. Miss Atkinson and Mr G W Rippon were accompanists. (24th Jan 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough)