J s-c y«wr^ fflefb/qndrag of a. 6oMegetn ifuss- ColoAyf - iLniais^mr • BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE PERKINS FUND 100*' ,0 THE BORDERER'S TABLE BOOK) GATHERINGS OF THE ILaizl insstorp an& Komanre ¦• * * -. J)E* THE . ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH BORDER. BY M. A. RICHARDSON. IN EIGHT VOLUMES, illustrated by upwards of nine hundred wood-cuts. VOL. V. HISTORICAL DIVISION. JitfocaStlentpotuCmu : PRINTED FOE THE AUTHOR, AND SOLD BY HENRY G. BOHN, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON. MDCCCXLVI. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN VOL. V. Alnwick. Ancient Building* in Walkergate 205 Armorial Bearings of Brockett 412 Burdon 50 Charlton 265 Clavering 25 Collingwood 227, 400 Eldon, Earl of 6 Gray 9 Hoyle 112 Lambton 180 Ord 415 Sharp 128 Winch 17 Bamborough Castle 388 Part of, 1836 45 Barnard Castle, Sculpture at 328 Benton (Long). Fragment of a Monumental Slab at 401 Sepulchral Slab at 72 Bishop Middleham Church 108 Brancepath Castle, 1840 140 Chariton Spur (The) 396 Corbridge, Tower of 116 Durham. Armorial Bearings of, (Initial letter) 29 The Bridge of Elvet, 1B24 29 Gateshead. Armorial Bearings of, (Initial letter) 28 St. Mary's Church, Sepulchral Slab in 105 ¦. Pipewellgate, Eastern extremity of, 1845 177 Hexham. Incised Monumental Slab at 223 . The Ladye Chapel, restored 285 Lambton. Chapel of 184 Morpeth. Armorial Bearings of, (Initial letter) 32 ' Old Mill by the Bridge of 103 Newcastle. Castle, Black Gate, Room in the 269 , Guard Room of 381 . Chartiam. Caltrop 74 . Pike Head 78 . Eccles. Churches. St. Andrew's, South Porch of Chancel, &c 97 Tower of 160 St Nicholas', Western entrance of 221 St. Paul's 260 - Monastic. Black Friarv, Part of the 169 Our Ladies Well 373 . S- Mary, V. Jesmond. Remains of Chapel 417 Westgate, Chancel Exterior 85 Hay Market 17 Kale Cross, (The Original) 364 Police Office, Manors, 1845 , . 92 Newcastle. Remarkable Houses. In Bvker Chare Scotch Inn, Bigg Market. Forth Tavern, 1844 " " St. Nicholas' Square White Halt Inn Byker Chare Malcolm's Close, Sandgate Westmoreland Place, Westgate Street " Golden Lion," Bigg Market Part of Vicarage, St. John's Lane In Union Street, 1845 Head of Long Stairs, Castle Garth Chamber in one, in Groat Market, 1846 — Another Chamber in the same house Part of, the Earl's Inn, in the Close Portion of the Lintel of a Door of one formerly in the Close Sandhill, Part of Savings' Bank, Ground Plan of. .' Interior of Portrait of Archibald Bolam Joseph Millie . Union Bank, St. Nicholas' Square . Walls. Austin Tower — - White Friar Tower, during removal White Friar Tower, from the site of the Close Gate, 1826 .... White Friar Tower, as seen in 1841 ¦ Newgate, South front, during demolition — ¦ Corner Tower, — West Spital Tower, 1846 White Friar Tower, restored Pink Tower — . Water Tower, 1846 — Water Tower, Window in, 1845 Nevill Tower, Lower apartment of Prudhoe Castle, Gateway of Stannington Church. Detail of Norman Porch of Stockton. Armorial Bearings of, (Initial letter) Sunderland. Armorial Bearings of, (Initial letter) . The Clanny Safety Lamp Lighthouse on the North Pier, during its removal Tynemouth. Breakwater at • " Buterye, Aule, and Ketchyn " of the Castle of Main Gate of the Castle of Cell in the " South Court'* of the Castle, &c . Ruins of Priory Victoria Bridge, while building 33 53 77 80 145 153 189 216 228 237253 256308332357 352 3 616165 60 88 121 164 200232 276 292300 304 340 349 280 405 24 1331 31 129 317 48 192 196 208 132 40 THE LOCAL HISTORIAN'S TABLE BOOK, Sec, Sec CHAPTER I. ¦3£&%Sm£Snsm YH3B raHss FROST of extreme intensity prevailed throughout the northern counties at the commencement of the year 1838, and was succeeded on the 6th of January by falls of snow, the wind blowing keen from the north-east, the storm prevailing with great severity till the end of the month, though slight intermissions were experienced. The roads in the district were not entirely ob structed, but considerable delay was expe rienced in the arrival of the coaches — the long-stage coaches especi ally. On Saturday, the 21st, at Newcastle, the frost was more in tense than ever remembered there ; at two o'clock in the afternoon the thermometer was at 18°, at eight o'clock, at 12°, and from ten to twelve o'clock at night, as low as 9° 30', or 22^ degrees below the freezing point ; whilst in more exposed places in the neighbourhood it was still lower, being down to 5° at Prudhoe ; and at Ryton even below 3°, — 29 degrees below freezing ! The drift of snow both on Saturday night and Sunday was considerable, and some of the coach es did not start as usual on Monday. All passage on the river Tyne was stopped, it being frozen for upwards of five miles below Newcastle, and several skating parties were seen exercising on the vol. v. B 2 local historian's [a.d. 1838. ice. On Monday and Tuesday the 22nd and 23rd, a partial thaw was experienced, and great damage being apprehended to the ship ping from the breaking up of the ice, precautionary measures were re sorted to, but on the morning of the 24th the frost was again intense, in which state it remained till Monday the 29th, when a gradual but continued thaw commenced, and it was fortunate that the ice went away so gently as it did, as the harbour was much crowded with loaded ships, many of which received partial injury, owing to the haste with which it was attempted to get them out to sea, to avoid the consequences apprehended from the breaking up of the ice. In this attempt seven vessels got upon the in-sand, but none of them re ceived any damage except the loss or breaking of bowsprits, and other external and trifling injury. In no year since the celebrated frost of 1814 had one occurred like the present; in proof of this it may be mentioned that loaded carts crossed the Tyne, the Coquet, the Tweed, and other rivers in the north, upon the ice at various points. — Local Papers. 1838 (Jan. 3.) — This day, Wednesday, was published in Sunder land, the first number of a new Conservative journal, entituled " The Sunderland Beacon." The paper was printed by Mr. Thomas Hodge, for Mr. John Kitchen, the sole proprietor. — Ibid. January 8. — A fire occurred in Blyth's nook, Newcastle. The bed and bed clothes of an Irish family, occupying a room in a tenemented house there, had taken fire ; the flames however were subdued with little other damage than the destruction of the bed, and a few other articles of furniture. — Hid. January 10. — W. D. Anderson, esq., was appointed resident engi neer to the corporation of Newcastle. There were 21 applicants for the office. — Hid. January 13. — Died at his house in Hamilton place, London, John Scott Earl of Eldon, High Steward of the University of Ox ford, a Governor of the Charterhouse, and a Member of the Privy Council, D.C. L., F. R. S., and F. S. A. Lord Eldon was born at his father's house in Love lane, Newcastle, 1751, June 4th, a day that was the anniversary of the birth of king George III. His father was a coal-fitter and merchant, a person in a respectable walk of life* John, who was the youngest of the family, like his brother William, was educated at the grammar school of Newcastle, but at an early age he quitted it for the university of Oxford. He * It appears by the books of the Hostman's Company of Newcastle, that he had been apprenticed in 1716 to Thomas Brumell of Newcastle for seven years, and that in 1724 he was admitted to the freedom of the company. a. n. 1838.] TABLE book. was matriculated at University college Oxford, May 15, 1766, being then but fifteen years of age, there he received the assistance of his brother's private and public tuition, and to such good account was it turned that in July 11, 1767, he was elected fellow of Univer sity. In February, 1 770, he took his batchelors degree and in the following year gained the chancellors prize of twenty guineas for an English essay " On the Advantages and Disadvantages of Foreign Travel." Shortly after this he married. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Aubone Surtees, esq., a banker at Newcastle. The match was a runaway one, and the lady was carried off from one of the upper windows of her father's house on the Sandhill, Newcastle ; yet unlike most matches so imprudently formed, it was productive of the greatest connubial happiness during a period of many years. Lady Eldon was extremely beautiful, but " the qualities of the heart sur passed even her personal attractions, she would sit up with her hus band cheering his midnight studies as a lawyer, watching him with silent affection, and moving about on tiptoe that she might not dis turb the connection of his thoughts." She died in 1831. In 1773, January 28, Scott was admitted a student of the middle temple, but as yet he resided chiefly at Oxford. In order to add to his income at that time he took a part in the tuition of University college with his brother and Mr. Fisher, afterwards master of the Charterhouse. He Part of the Sandhill, Newcastle (1826). 4 local historian's |_a- d- 1838. also read lectures as deputy of the Vinerian professor of common law in the years 1774-1776. For this service he had the use of the professor's house and £60 a year. But the time came when the study of the law was to be his main occupation and never perhaps did student burn the midnight lamp with greater ardour or persever ance. In the diligence of his studies he must have equalled Sir Matthew Hale, like him, ultimately, success was his reward. He was called to the bar in February, 1776, and within seven years after re ceived a silk gown. His success for the first three or four years was probably small, still he was not less fortunate than most young members of his profession. He occasionally received business from the corporation of Newcastle. Gradually, however, business came thicker, and as the reward of his abilities, eminence followed. In 1781 he has been alleged to have refused a mastership in chancery with ^2000 a year, and, in 1783 he obtained a seat in parliament, through the chancellor's (lord Thurlow) interest with lord Wey mouth, for Weobly. By a singular coincidence he took his seat the same night as Erskine, afterwards lord Erskine, and was present at the introduction of the famous East India bill. Like Erskine he spoke on the subject, and like him too, his reputation as an orator was not sustained at St. Stephens. His advocacy, however, of Mr. Pitt's East India measure gained that minister's warmest friendship, and as his general reputation increased, his abilities and judgment became better known to the cabinet. In 178S he was made solicitor general and knighted.* Shortly after this he drew the regency bill, on the occasion of the king's illness, and in opposition to lord Loughborough's opinion, enabled Pitt by his advice to gain a victory over his rival in the subsequent discussions. In consequence of this, his intimacy with Mr. Pitt was increased greatly. Mr. Wilberforce thus writes of his conduct in his diary, " I saw much of sir John Scott, and it is no more than his due to say that when he was solicitor and attorney general under Pitt, he never fawned or flattered as some did, but always assumed the tone and station of a man who was conscious that he must show he respected himself if he wish ed to be respected by others." In February, 1793, on the promotion of sir Archibald Macdonald to the office of chief baron of the ex chequer, sir John Scott was made attorney general, and soon after wards commenced those state prosecutions so important in the page of history : of these the cases of Home Tooke and Hardy deserve the perusal of even the general reader. In the latter the opening speech of * In 1788, August 16, he was admitted to the freedom of the Hoastmans Company, Newcastle. a.d. 1838.] table book. 5 sir John Scott occupied nine hours. To his humane conduct on these occasions even Home Tooke, himself bore witness, indeed he went so far as to acknowledge his sentiments to Scott in person. In the trials of the rev. Gilbert Wakefield and of Frost, Scott was also concerned as attorney general, but still he continued popular both with the bar and the public. It has been well observed that " no eulogy can carry further the effect of his personal demeanour and the general homage paid to his integrity than this fact." In 1799 a different sphere awaited him, he was raised to the peerage by the title of baron Eldon of Eldon in Durham, and appointed chief justice of the common pleas, a place he had long deserved, but two years afterwards he was compell ed to quit it for higher honours. In 1801 in the formation of Mr. Ad- dington's administration, he was made lord high chancellor ; this im portant offices he held until 1806, when Erskine succeeded him under the administration of " All the Talents." On the 1st of April, 1807, he was reappointed, and from this time he continued in office until April 30th, 1827, altogether a period of nearly twenty-five years. The abilities displayed by lord Eldon in this eminent position it would be difficult adequately to describe. His judgments which occupy thirty volumes are valuable principally to lawyers, but in learning, accuracy, and research, it may be truly observed he has never been surpassed, if he has ever even been equalled. His decis ions stand as bulwarks of the law, and the greatest lawyers subse quent to him have expressed their admiration of them. " Testimo nies to his judicial merit are so common that the difficulty lies in selection." Sir Samuel Romilly stated to the house of commons in 1811, "that there never was a man in the court of chancery who more endeared himself to the bar and exhibited more humane atten tion to the suitors ; there never presided in his court a man of more deep and various learning in his profession,' and in anxiety to do justice, that court had never seen, he would not say the superior but the equal of the lord chancellor." The main, if not the only fault found with lord Eldon, was his dilatoriness in giving judgment. There may have been some foundation in the objection, but, if there was, it proceeded from his extreme acuteness of mind, and his anxious desire to do justice to all parties. " I hear no complaint of delays " (said lord Thurlow, when chancellor) " but from persons who have been themselves the cause." The suitor might depend upon justice being done when lord Eldon did give judgment : the circumstance of hardly any of his decisions being reversed proves this fact. But the immense accumulation of chancery business in arrear in his time arose chiefly from circumstances over which he had no controul, and late ex perience has proved that he should have had more equity judges to 6 local historian s La. d. 1838. assist him. When on the bench, as well as in private life, lord Eldon's manner was kind and courteous : with suitors, with solicitors and the bar he was equally a favourite. " I admit freely and candidly " said Mr. now lord Brougham " that of all the judges before whom I have practised, and I have practised much, he is out of all comparison by much the most agreeable to the practitioners by the amenity of his manners and the intuitive quickness of his mind ; a more kindly dispos ed judge to all the professional men who practise in his court, perhaps never existed." This amenity of manners which graced and conciliat ed his own court formed as it were an all powerful letter of introduc tion to an higher audience. In the house of lords he was beloved and respected. To his king he was endeared as a faithful servant, and one more true never existed. As a proof of his regard, king George III. on one occasion presented him with a seal, on which was engrav ed the figure of justice with the bandage removed from the eyes, attended by the figure of religion, represented as directing the course of justice. The king on presenting the seal observed that justice was generally painted blind, but he did not see why she should be so if her path was guided by religion. By the children of George the III. he was greatly and frequently consulted as a friend, especially by the dukes of York and Cumberland, and the prince Regent. From the latter, when king George IV., he received on his resignation, in 1827, the present of a superb silver vase as a token of respect, and in 1821, on the coronation of that king, he was promoted to the dignity of vis count Encombe and earl of Eldon ; in his patent it was stated by Arms of the Earl of Eldon. a. d. 1838.] table book. 7 the king's special desire that " these titles were conferred in con sideration of his profound knowledge of the laws of his country, and the distinguished ability and integrity which he had invariably evinc ed in administering them in his office of chancellor during a period of nineteen years." From his love to the institutions of his country lord Eldon was opposed to any material alterations of them and per haps on this subject his prejudices carried him too far. On the slave trade abolition he differed with Mr. Pitt, and the changes proposed in the criminal law by sir Samuel Romilly met his strenuous resist ance ; yet these changes have since taken place with the approval of the country at large, and the criminal code by being softened is ad mitted on all hands to have been ameliorated. Shortly after lord Eldon's acceptation of the great seal the second time he incurred the animadversions of his political opponents by submitting certain state affairs to king George the III. for his approval before the king had been declared by his physicians recovered from an attack of in sanity which he had lately laboured under. In a private interview it appeared unto him that the king was perfectly restored to his intel lects, and upon this he acted fearless of the result. An attempt, however, was made in the house of lords to throw censure upon his conduct, but it signally failed. He seems to have acted on the occasion both honestly and boldly, honestly in his intentions and boldly in the mode in which he justified himself. The principal feature in lord Eldon's political character was attachment to the established church, any attack against it was sure of meeting his determined opposition. The first steps towards catholic emanci pation he viewed with alann, when Mr. Canning joined lord Liver pool's administration from the known predilection of the former to that measure ; but on lord Liverpool's death he hesitated no longer and resigned the great seal in March 1827. Mr. Canning, when speaking of his resignation, declared in the house of commons that "his conduct had been that of a man of honour, and throughout above all exception." For a few years after his resignation lord Eldon continued to attend the house of lords, and on important occasions he took part in the debates, occasionally with the vigour of early days, but as old age increased, his attendance became less fre quent, and domestic bereavements were added to infirmities. The loss of his favourite son in 1832, was a severe blow, and the state of his brother, lord Stowel, was a farther most bitter affliction. At length, in January 1838, he expired from the effects of age, calmly and without pain. Lord Eldon by his countess had two sons and two daughters. 1st The honourable John Scott who married Henri etta Elizabeth, only sister of the late sir Matthew White Ridley, 8 local historian's |> d- 18S8> bart., and died in his 32nd year, leaving one son, now earl of Eldon. 2nd Lady Elizabeth married in 1817, to George S. Repton, esq., architect, by whom she has one son, George Repton, esq., M. P. for St. Albans. 3rd The honourable Wm. Henry John Scott, barrister-at-law, and successively M. P. for Heytesbury, Hastings, and Newport, Harts, who died in 1832, aged 38. 4th Lady F. Jane, married in 1820 to the rev. Edward Bankes, B. C. L., rector of Corfe Castle. She survived her father but a few months. The present earl of Eldon married in 1831, the honourable Louisa Dun- combe, youngest sister of the present and daughter of the late lord Feversham and by her has issue. — Law Magazine, Sec. 1838 (Jan. 16).— The queen appointed the right hon. John George earl of Durham, G. C. B., to be governor general, &c, of the British American provinces. — London Gazette. January 23.— A most diabolical attempt at incendiarism, on the farm of Sandilands, near Cartington, in the parish of Rothbury, Northumberland, was happily frustrated by means of two singular dreams which occurred to Mrs. Oliver who resided on the farm. On the night of this day, Tuesday, she dreamt that some persons were stealing her poultry. She got up in consequence about 12 o'clock and went out, but could observe nothing extraordinary. On again retiring to rest she had singularly a similar dream, and was so alarmed in consequence as to be again induced to reconnoitre the farm build ings, about two o'clock in the morning, when she discovered two men go from the barn door, the top part of which they had forced open towards the stack yard. She immediately aroused the farm-servant, who, on examining the stack yard, found a roll of rags tightly bound together, on fire, stuck in the ground to the windward of a corn stack. As the wind was blowing hard at the time, the stack must in a few minutes have taken fire, and the destruction of property would have been serious, had this discovery not been made, and the fire extin guished. The incendiaries unfortunately, not only escaped, but ultimately succeeded in accomplishing their villainous purpose. Early on the morning of Thursday, the 1 st of February, an immense sheet of flame was observed by Mr. Crawford of Whittle, issuing from the premises, who immediately gave the alarm, and by great exertions succeeded in subduing the devouring element, not however until con siderable damage had been sustained. — Local Papers. January 24. — At night, some hay in the stables in the Bird in Bush yard, Newcastle, was discovered to be on fire. Another fire occurred on the 27th in a stable behind the Three Tuns, Manor- chare ; and a third in a loft attached to the Nag's Head inn, foot of the Butcher bank, on the 2nd of February following, all of which a. d. 1838.] table book. 9 were speedily extinguished. So numerous were occurrences of a precisely similar description about this period, that public opinion attributed them to incendiarism. — Local Papers. 1838 (Jan. 28).— The inhabitants of King-street, South Shields, were alarmed by flames of fire issuing from a hardwareman's shop occu pied by Mr. Stout. It seems his apprentice was alone in the shop, and had by some accident, set fire to a 51b. canister of gunpowder, and by its explosion damaged considerably the premises. The boy was very much burnt. — Ibid. February 7. — A fair for the sale of horses was established at Stockton . — Ibid. February 1 0. — The workmen of Mr. Matthias Dunn, amounting to upwards of fifty, were regaled with a handsome supper, upon the winning of Shield-field colliery near Newcastle, the property of Thomas James, esq. The colliery was abandoned nearly sixty years ago, and had lain dormant ever since, until the spirited exertions of the present lessee again brought it into operation. — Hid. i~ 7. 7~U February 11. — Died at his residence in | ' Q_, j^/jjiMTOj^ ' | Sunniside, Bishopwearmouth, the rev. Ro- I lwiil'':'l^flffitW I '3ert Gray, A. M., rector of Sunderland, $ ' It 413 ft K 1 aged 48. He was nephew to the late Dr. ,\ JKkWMEmK .•, 1 Gray, bishop of Bristol, and had held the f ISfinP^ll ftflf 1 rect017 °f Sunderland for 18 years. As a IBI I min's*er °f tne gospel he was talented and mm 111 1'Hlil Wf • 1 ^tractive which qualities were only exceed- '• ^^MSpf lP^ '& J ec^ ^v a's Practical piety and ardent zeal for ^\^ ^ff^ ^^^ the general inculcation of Christian know- ^-^4^^^^ ledge. As a philanthropist, he was un bounded in the promotion and support of public charitable institu tions, and in private visitations and relief to the poor of all ages and sects. His last illness was but of a few days' duration ; it was pro duced by cold, and terminated in fever. His death was much la mented, and his memory will be long cherished in grateful remem brance by all who knew him. His remains were committed to the tomb, on Tuesday the 20th, amidst thousands of mourning spectators. The shops in the town were shut, and business was entirely suspended on the mournful occasion. But one feeling of sympathy appeared to pervade the entire population, and every one seemed anxious to pay a last tribute of affectionate regard to departed worth. A procession was formed, consisting of the relatives of the deceased, curates, and medical attendants, in carriages ; several clergymen ; ministers and principal members of the various dissenting congregations ; members of the ancient vestry ; borough magistrates ; church clerks and choirs ; vol. v. c 10 local historian's [a. d. 1838. teachers and children of public schools ; an immense number of gen tlemen's carriages, amongst which was that of the marquis of London derry, and about 700 of the most respectable inhabitants ; flanked during the route by four companies of the 30th infantry, then lying at Sunderland. — Local Papers. 1838 (Feb. 17).— At a convocation of the Durham university, holden this day, the university seal was affixed to a diploma conferring the honorary degree of doctor of civil laws upon the right honourable Charles earl Grey. The peculiar reason assigned in the diploma for bestowing this mark of consideration were the high character of the noble earl, and especially the benefits which he had conferred upon the university, by cordially co-operating, as first minister of the crown, in its original establishment, by the early enrolment of his name among its members, and by extending to it on all occasions his effectual protection and support. — Hid. February 20. — An explosion occurred at Whitley colliery, near Tynemouth, by which four individuals were dreadfully burnt: two of whom died the same day. — Hid. February 23. — At night, the stack-yard of Mr. Young, at Newton- by-the-Sea, was discovered to be on fire, by the watchmen of the neighbouring coast guard. The progress of the flames was so rapid, as to destroy in a short time the whole stack-yard, containing 22 stacks of corn. From the flames issuing from more than one stack at a time it is most likely that it was the work of an incendiary. The property was insured. — Hid. February 24. — Saturday, the whole extent of the east coast of Durham and Northumberland, was visited by a heavy fall of snow, with the accompaniment of a strong easterly wind, which caused the snow to drift in many places from ten to twelve feet deep. The road between Berwick and Alnwick was blocked up with snow, and had to be cut before the coaches could pass. The mail and other coaches which left Edinburgh on that morning were unable to proceed, and were abandoned about seven miles north of Alnwick, the passengers having to make their way through the fields to North Charlton, where they were obliged to remain until Wednesday. The mail bags were forwarded on horseback, and arrived in Newcastle on the Sunday evening about six o'clock ; and they were forwarded in a similar way on Monday and Tuesday, no coach having arrived from the north beyond Alnwick until Wednesday night, when the Mail and Union arrived nearly together. The royal William, from Newcastle to Alnwick, was stopped near Newton-on-the-Moor, where the snow was also very deep. The Chevy Chase set out on Saturday moraine, but after going two stages, was obliged to return ; and there was no arri- A.D. 1838.] TABLE book. 11 val either by that or the Wooler road for more than a week. The storm was more moderate to the south, and the coaches were not de layed much beyond their time. Very great damage was also sustain ed by the shipping on the coast during the storm. On the 24th the Sedulous, Hodgson, of Sunderland, was lost on Sherringham Shoals, near Seaham. The crew succeeded in getting on board the Corona tion, of Sunderland, which vessel landed them at the latter place. The brig Holland went to pieces. The brig Rainbow, Tanner, of Sunderland, which sailed from that port, coal laden, on the 22nd inst. was run on board of, about four o'clock a. m. on the 24th, during the snow shower, and during a tremendous gale of wind from the E.S.E., Scarbro' distant about 20 miles, by a brig also laden (supposed to be a Shields collier), and had her two foremast shrouds, topmast back stay, and mainmast carried away, besides receiving other injuries in her bows from the violence of the concussion. About noon of the same day, she could be occasionally discerned in this crippled condi tion, between the snow showers which were almost incessant, a little to the southward of Seaham, and she soon afterwards struck on the rocks near Hawthorn Hythe, where she continued beating towards the shore till high water at five p. m. when the foremast went by the board, the skiff having previously driven ashore, and the long boat having been stove on deck by the violence of the sea. The crew remained exposed to all the fury of the storm until six a. m. when four pilots of Seaham, put off in a coble and succeeded in reaching the ship, and rescuing the crew ; all of whom were seriously injured by the falling of the masts, &c. and in a complete state of ex haustion from their long exposure to the weather. Mrs. Tanner, the captain's wife, had previously died on board from the severity of the weather. On the 26th the Barbara, Elliott, of Sunderland, light collier, ran ashore at Smithson's battery, a mile to the north ward of that place. The master, at the time of her coming on the beach, received considerable personal injury, but no lives were lost. The Francis, of Perth, was driven ashore at Whitburn, on the 25th, at 11 o'clock p. m. ; the master and two boys drowned. On the 27th, the Friendship, Metcalf, of Sunderland went on shore behind the North Pier, and almost immediately went to pieces. Crew saved, with the exception of one poor boy. On Monday, a coble with three pilots on board, belonging Sunderland, awaiting the arrival of vessels making for that port, was upset by the violence of the sea, near to the Pier end. The men were speedily extricated from their perilous situation by the crew of another coble which was near. Another coble containing four men, upset in a heavy sea on Tuesday morning, while waiting between the Piers ; two of 12 local historian's La- d. 1838. the men were picked up, but the other two were drowned. During the storm on the 24th, a poor man of the name of Thomas James, seaman, belonging to Sunderland, hearing that the brig Rainbow, was driven on shore near to Seaham harbour, anxious for the safety of a nephew who was on board, set out for that place by the sands, and had almost reached it, when he was overtaken by the surge of a heavy sea, the back sweep of which sucked him into deep water, and he was never seen afterwards. He left a wife and three children. On Monday and Tuesday the 26th and 27th, various parts of a wreck continued to drift ashore about half a mile south of Berwick ; she was ascertained to be the Ann, of Newcastle, 202 tons burthen. On Saturday it blew a dreadful gale from the east, and at night guns were heard in the bay, supposed to have been from the Ann, in distress: every soul on board appear to have perished. Spital beach was strewed with coals in such quantities, that the inhab itants led them away in carts. Part of the wreck of another vessel afterwards drifted ashore ; amongst other things there were handspokes with " Seaham " on them : from which it was supposed to be the Sally, of Seaham. — Local Papers. 1838 (Feb.) — This month, a magnificent diamond ring was present ed by the emperor of Russia to John Thomas Carr, esq., his imperial majesty's vice consul at the port of Newcastle. The ring is of gold, with a large splendid emerald in the centre, surrounded by about a hundred diamonds, of the most pure and brilliant description. The circumstances connected with the presentation of this costly gift will be understood from the handsome and courteous communication by which it was accompanied, and of which the following is a translated copy* from the original : — (No. 572.) Staff of the Corps of Mining Engineers, St. Petersburg, Dec. 23, 1837. Sir.— I have had the honour of conveying to the knowledge of his Ma jesty, the Emperor, the testimony of General Techeffkine, Major-General of Mining Engineers, of the zeal and ardour with which you assisted him on his late visit to the Mining Districts of England. His Imperial Majesty, desiring to show his regard for your services, presents yon a Bing enriched with Diamonds, which 1 do myself the par ticular pleasure of transmitting you herewith, begging you, Sir, to have the goodness to continue your good offices in future to those of our Mining Engineers, who may happen to visit England. Receive, Sir, my salutations, COMTE G. DE CANCRINE, Minister of Finance, Superior Chief of Mining Engineers. To Mr. Carr, Russian Vice-Consul, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Ibid. a. d, 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 13 1838 (Feb). — This month, the owners of Radcliffe colliery, near Warkworth, succeeded in boring to a seam of coal between four and five feet in thickness, of excellent quality, about fifty-seven fathoms from the surface. — Local Papers. Detail of Norman Porch. Stannington Church. About this time the oblique bridge on the great north road at Stannington, Northumberland, and the approaches to it, both from the north and south were finished. The entire improvement has been of the greatest convenience to the public. — Ibid. March 21. — Wednesday, about five o'clock on the morning, flames were perceived issuing from the north end of the castle at Durham. An alarm was immediately given, when it was ascertained that the fire was confined to the apartments of Mr. Alexander Watson, a Bachelor of Arts of Cambridge, then a student there, who was found asleep in his sitting room. Two engines were brought to play on the flames, and the fire was speedily got under. Mr. Watson had property consumed to the amonnt of £150., and had a narrow escape for his life. The fire originated through that gentleman leaving a lighted candle burning in his chamber. — Ibid. March 28. — Died, in his 74th year, Thomas Morton, esq., one of the most successful of modern dramatists. He was born in Dur ham in 1764. The early death of one or both of his parents placed him under the care of an uncle of the name of Maddison, after whom he named his second son, and by whom he was provided for when young. He was sent to the then celebrated school in Soho square, which is remarkable for having produced several popular actors and dramatists. Holman was Morton's class fellow, and had 14 local historian's La- d- 1838. the character of Alonzo in his first play, Columbus. Morton acquired his earliest theatrical taste while at school ; at the proper age he was entered by his uncle a student of Lincoln's-inn, but he was never called to the bar. While keeping his terms he was a constant play-goer, and it ended in his own experiment as a play-writer, and his abandon ment of the profession for which he was destined, but for which he had no predilection. He accordingly became a dramatist, and was singularly successful. Had the dramatic copyright act been in exis tence twenty years earlier, Mr. Morton would have realized a fortune by his writings. To shew the confidence placed in his abilities by the managers of our theatres, it need only be stated that when his Town and Country was to be brought out, in March, 1807, Mr. Harris, of Covent garden, before the parts had been written out for rehearsal, agreed to give him a draft for £1,000. for it, the theatre taking all risks of success or failure. Mr. Harris was well rewarded for his liberality, for Town and Country is one of the stock pieces of every theatre in the kingdom. John Kemble was the original Reuben Glenroy, but it was also a favourite part with Kean. Morton had prieviously written Columbus, the Children in the wood, Zorinski, The Way to get Married, A Cure for the Heartache, Speed the Plough, Secrets worth Knowing, The Blind Girl, and the School of Reform. Every one of these, excepting Columbus and Zorinski, still keeps possession of the stage. Columbus was produced as long since as 1792. Among Morton's later productions were, A Roland for an Oliver, acted for the first time in 1819, and The Invincibles, brought out in 1828. Of the one Miss Foote was the heroine, and Madame Vestris of the other. His judgement was so good, his skill so great, and his popularity so general, that he was always the " surest card " in the hands of a manager, and his School for Grown Children, which is by no means one of his best comedies, was played twenty-four times at Covent Garden in the season of 1826-7. Mr. Morton was always a man of respectable and regular habits. His conversation was full of anecdote and sprightly humour, never deviat ing into grossness. He was devotedly beloved by the various mem bers of a very united amiable family. He left behind him a widow, three sons, and one daughter. One of tho sons holds an office in a public department, and is besides the author of several excellent farces ; another is an artist of distinguished talents, and among his performances we may point out the portrait of Charles Kean as Ham let, which he drew upon stone from Chalon's design. The eldest son was for some years in India, whence he returned in bad health ; and his daughter was married in that country. — Gent's Mag. 1838 (March 3I).-A boatman, named John Gordon, on board of the A.D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 15 Duke of Wellington steamer, at Newcastle Quay, fell overboard when in the act of mooring that vessel, and was drowned. The same boat on her passage from Shields, not half an hour before the fatal acci dent occurred, picked up the body of a man who had been drowned out of a wherry the same morning. Poor Gordon, who left a wife and six children, aided in conveying the body of the wherryman to the dead-house, when he remarked on the uncertainty of life ! — Local Papers. 1838 (March). — The fishermen of Berwick required not to go to sea in the beginning of this month ; the fish, singular as the fact may seem; actually came on shore to them, glad to take shelter, it is supposed, from the fury of the storm. The shore under and north ward of the Magdalen fields was literally covered with cod-fish and haddocks, most of which were taken alive. — Hid. April 1. — Between four and five o'clock on the morning of this day, Sunday, sub-inspector Smellie of the police, discovered a fire in a room above the Hare and Hound public house, Colvin's-chare, Quay side, Newcastle. He immediately hastened up stairs, but the smoke was so dense that it was with considerable difficulty and danger that he opened the door ; he then perceived that the bedstead and the flooring was on fire, and two children lying asleep on the bed. With the assistance of police constable Best he got the children safe out of the house, and afterwards succeeded in putting out the fire. It appeared that the mother of the children, a poor woman, was out char ing — that they had lighted a candle and left it burning near the bed ; and falling asleep, the bed fired. — Ibid. April 14. — Died, in Newgate-street, Newcastle, at the house of his sister (Mrs. C. Glover), after a painful illness, aged 62, Mr. Robert Nichols, much and deservedly respected. Mr. Nichols was the author of The Life and Adventures of David Dobinson (originally printed in the Newcastle Magazine). He likewise possessed poetical talents of no ordinary description. — Ibid. April 15.— Died, at Wharmley, near Hexham, in her 101st year, Mrs. Mary Stokoe. — Ibid. April 21. — Saturday, the new market, called the Victoria bazaar, in Gibson street, Newcastle, was opened with a good supply of vege tables and butcher's meat ; quite a throng existed during the whole day, and at many periods the place was crowded. — Ibid. April 24. — Died, at Shilbottle Wood House, near Warkworth, after very severe illnesses and much infirmity, borne with pious resignation, Sarah, aged 89 ; and on the 25th, her husband, George Orde, a°-ed 88. The remains of this venerable couple were interred in the same grave, in Shilbottle church yard, by the Rev. Joseph 16 local historian's [a. d. 1838. Cook, April 27th. Their eldest son, aged above 60, was present at the ceremony. — Local Papers. 1838 (April 26).— A new organ, built by Brown of York, was opened in Haydon Bridge church, Northumberland. — Ibid. May 1.— Lord Ossulston's stag hounds were out, and after a fast run of an hour, the stag jumped over a precipice and broke his neck ; the hounds were at this time close to his haunches, aiid unfortunately a couple and a half of the leading dogs went over with the stag ; two of the hounds were so hurt that they could not move, and the third was found by the green coat first up, laying dead on the deer. — Hid. May 1.— A society was this year established in Newcastle, called the " Asylum for the Blind for Newcastle upon Tyne and the counties of Northumberland and Durham," the benevolent design of which is explained in the following abstract of the report of the first quarterly meeting of the members, held in the Guildhall of that borough, on the above day : — "The object is to afford to the indigent blind, a religious, moral, and elementary education founded on scriptural principles, and to teach them such trades as are suitable to their capacities." — At this meeting it was announced that annual subscribers of £160, and donors of £ 1 00 had come forward to support the institution — that a master and matron had been engaged, and that the committee hoped shortly to succeed in obtaining, on favourable terms, premises for the commencement of the Asylum. The premises referred to, situated in the Spital, near to Westgate street, were opened for the reception of inmates in the succeeding month of June. In Feb. 1839, the institution was incorporated with the Victoria Asylum. — Hid. About the middle of this month, a remarkable instance of whirl wind was witnessed in the town of Sunderland by a number of persons, whose attention was attracted by the peculiar appearance of a man being whirled round like a top, by a power, against which he seemed to be struggling ; his hat was raised off his head, and carried to a great height. The spectators were standing on Robinson's Wharf, while the object of their attention was on the opposite side of the river, near to whom was a loose bundle of oakum, which was distinctly seen to ascend to a considerable height, when it veered to the south and fell about the middle of the river, at about 70, or 80 yards dis tance from where it rose. Quantities of wood splinters, shavings, &c. were also seen to rise from the ship building -yards on the North Sand, portions of which were carried entirely across the river, and fell on the Quay-side. This phenomenon produced great consternation and alarm among the spectators, some of whom took refuge within the door of Messrs. Robinson and Son's Wharf office, on entering which a violent rush of wind was sensibly felt and heard. Another instance A. D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 17 i some of its effects, was witnessed on the same day a few the river ; no injury however was sustained by any person, luch danger was at one time apprehended. — Local Papers. 1838 (May 5). — Died, at his house in Ridley place, Newcastle, aged 69, Nathaniel John Winch, esq. Mr. Winch was well known in the scientific world, as an excel lent British botanist. He was author of "An Essay on the Geographical Distribu tion of Plants through the Counties of Northumberland and Durham, 4to., 1814." and of a very elaborate "Flora of North umberland and Durham," printed in the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne. He be queathed the whole of his very extensive Herbarium and his library of Natural history to the Linnsean society, of which he was a mem ber, and left a legacy of £200 to the Newcastle Infirmary, to which institution he acted as secretary for a period of twenty one years. He for many years maintained an active correspondence with several of the most scientific men in all parts of the world, and their letters carefully arranged, presented an interesting feature in his library. Mr. Winch served the office of sheriff of Newcastle in the year 1805. — Ibid. May 8. — A hiring for Farmers' servants was held for the first time at the Hay market, Newcastle. — Ibid. VOL. v. Hay-market, Newcastle. (1840). D 18 local historian's [a. D. 1838. 1838 (May 10). — A new winning was commenced upon the Seaton Delaval estate, by Joseph Lamb, Esq., and company, which forms a new feature in the sinking of collieries. Ground was broken for six pits, exclusive of two engine shafts, all within the compass of 600 yards. — Local Papers. May 13. — That beautiful structure, the new church at Stockton, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, was opened for divine service, when sermons were preached in the morning by the venerable the archdeacon of Durham ; in the afternoon by the rev. G. Newby, vicar of Stockton; and in the evening, in the old church, by the rev. G. Townsend, prebendary of Durham. Collections were made after each sermon in aid of the funds of the new church, which amounted to nearly £60. On the preceding day a most sumptuous dinner was given at the Black Lion hotel, by the building committee, as a mark of respect to the venerable the archdeacon of Durham and the clergy who intended to take a part in the opening service, on which occasion Leonard Raisbeck, esq., presided. Several most appro priate speeches were delivered on the occasion, and the venerable archdeacon expressed himself highly gratified with the proceedings of the committee, and the kind reception he had experienced. — Hid. May 14. — A novel wager was decided on the Tyne. At Felling shore, a forgeman undertook to row a two-oared boat across the river blindfolded, in half an hour ; and after sundry turnings, and twice returning to the side whence he started, he succeeded in arriving at the destination within two minutes of the specified time, and thus won his wager. — Hid. May 17. — A fire occurred at the bottle house of Messrs. Ridley and Richardson, at St. Lawrence, on the Tyne, but the flames were extinguished before material damage had been effected. — Hid. May 18. — Thursday, a fire broke out in a house in the Back row, Stockton, which, by the prompt exertions of the neighbours, was soon extinguished, the fire having been confined to one room ; but a young man, a shoemaker, named Robert Eden, who occupied it as a work-room, lost his life by suffocation before an entrance was effected. When the body was got out every effort was made to re store animation, but in vain. It appeared that Eden had for some time been in ill-health, and seemed rather worse on the day of the fire. He took up a lighted candle about eight o'clock to work, which he was in the habit of sticking in the side of his seat. About half- past eight o'clock something heavy was heard to fall in the room in which he was working, but no notice was taken of it. About nine o'clock the room was discovered to be on fire, and very shortly after, he was got out. — Ibid. A.D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 19 1838 (May 22). — One of those disgusting and demoralizing scenes, a prize fight, took place on Hedley common, near the village of Ryton, in the County of Durham. The combatants were Robert Forbister and John Brown ; they fought for £20 : their encounter ended in the death of Brown, and the survivor, Forbister, was committed on the coroner's inquest, on the charge of manslaughter, for trial at the Durham Assizes. The case came on for trial before Mr. Baron Alderson, on Monday the 23rd July : he was found guilty, and was sentenced to hard labour for four calendar months ! — Local Papers. May 25. — An excellent new Turret Clock, made by Mr. Stuart, of the Groat Market, in this Town, was put into operation in the tower of Wallsend Church, on Thursday. It has a gilded dial, with hour and minute hands, and cannot fail to be of great use to the passengers on that much frequented road. The expence, we under stand, was defrayed by subscription. — Hid. May 25. — One of these shocking and disgraceful occurences, — the distraction of human life by habitual drunkenness — took place at Hexham. Alice Parker, a notorious drunkard, wife of Joshua Par ker, journeyman-currier, after indulging largely in ardent spirits, drank a quantity of vitriol, and thus, in a few hours, made an awful end of a miserable life, in the course of which (with her matrimonial partner) she had sacrificed upwards of £1,000 at the shrine of Bac chus. An inquest was held on her body, and the following verdict returned — " Temporary insanity, occasioned by drinking intoxicating liquors. — Ibid. May 27. — Sunday, a little before eleven o'clock at night, the black ing manufactory belonging to Mr. Thomas Murray, Blackwall, near Gateshead, was discovered to be on fire. The alarm was instantly given and assistance speedily rendered, with a plentiful supply of water from the river, yet every exertion to get the flames subdued proved unavailing, and the whole building was soon in a complete blaze. Three fire engines arrived from Newcastle, and were instantly put in operation to check the progress of the flames towards the ad joining buildings, containing between forty and fifty tons of brimstone, which they happily prevented from igniting. Had the flames extend ed thus far, the consequences might have been most serious, there being adjoining, a large paper mill belonging to Mr. Fry, and a long range of other manufactories. The fire was not got under till the whole of the blacking manufactory was completely destroyed. — Ibid. At midnight on Monday the 28th of May, 1838, as John Shaw of the Bottle bank, Gateshead, was proceeding down Hillgate towards the William the Fourth steamer, of which he was the fireman, he 20 local historian's [a. d. 1838. met a woman,* who accosted him, requesting he would give her a glass of spirits. Shaw agreed, and they together proceeded to the " Blue Bell," in the same street, where they drank deeply for nearly an hour. They then emerged from the house, the woman, (evidently labouring under the effects of her potations,) asked Shaw where he was going to sleep, to which he answered that he intended to pass the night on board the vessel of which he was fireman, and the woman signified her intention to accompany him. This he opposed, and advised her to go home, but persisting in her request, as she durst not return home at such an hour, they together went down Chicken's entry, one of the narrow dirty lanes leading to the river, and when at its foot they stood on the brink of the quay. By the aid of the uncertain light, afforded by the night, although near the height of summer, Shaw unmoored an old leaky boat which was dancing about in the rushing current, and entering with his com panion, pushed off from the quay and approached the vessel which lay six yards off. When they came under its side the woman sud denly started up and siezed the gangway of the steamer, but the boat instantly swerving in the water, she lost her hold, and fell overboard, sinking instantly. With considerable difficulty Shaw preserved him self, from a like fate, and as soon as he had steadied himself, put out his foot for her assistance, but she being unable to obtain a hold, Shaw sprang up into the vessel in search of a boat hook. Meanwhile the boat drifted, and the woman had succeeded in clutching its sides, but in the act, had overturned it, and by the time the fireman had found the implement he was in search of, he beheld over the side of the vessel, the woman, utterly exhausted, and crying piteously for help, sink beneath the surface of the stream. Horror at this unex pected catastrophe rendered him utterly incapable of action and he wandered about the vessel in a state bordering on insensibility. Meanwhile the matter had been witnessed from the shore by two men named Thomas Donaldson and William Thompson, the former of whom sped in search of a boat, and the other hearing the cries of the sinking woman, rushed down the water's edge, but she had sunk before they could approach the spot. Still hoping for assistance, Thompson hallooed to those who might be on board the steamer and threw seve ral bricks on deck, but it seems the vessel was empty, and Shaw still labouring under tho effects of the event, had retired to the Laurel alongside, when, probably his stupefaction rendered him unable to * Isabella Brown, the wife of John Brown, of New Chatham, painter. She left the house of her husband at seven, p.m., and had not since been heard of. She was of inebrious habits. A.D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 21 hear the signals of the others. The two witnesses, either appre hending some degree of criminality in the affair, or perhaps knowing the necessity of judicial investigation, made the circumstances (as far as they were provided with them) known to the magistrates of Gates head, but as the river is in the jurisdiction of those of Newcastle, the case was submitted to them. Shaw was taken into custody, the body found, and during the inquest held on Wednesday the 30th, such exculpatory evidence was adduced as led to his immediate discharge. — Local Papers, MS. Col. 1838 (May 30). — Died at his residence in Sunderland, after a short illness, Solomon Chapman, esq., at the patriarchal age of 88 years. This worthy and exemplary individual was a member of the society of Friends, and a true and faithful representation of what the ancient gentlemen of that class of christians were wont to be ; and though" firm and undeviating in his adherence to their religion and usages of his sect, yet were his kindness and hospitality extended to all whom he esteemed, without reference to their creed. He retained all his faculties as well as his kind and affectionate feelings to the end of his long, honourable, and useful life — and died in peace with the world — and in the respect and esteem of a widely extended circle of relatives and friends. — Ibid. June. — Early in this month, as the Brunswick, of Sunderland, was on her passage from London to that port, the crew discovered that a youth who was serving on board as an apprentice, was a female. The discovery was the result of suspicion, arising from effeminate appear ances. The circumstance was made known to the captain, Mr. Hossack, who took her into the cabin, and gave her up the use of his state-room, to render her situation as comfortable as possible. After the vessel returned into port, the female sailor obtained a situation as a servant. — Ibid. June 3. — Sunday, died in the Bethlehem Hospital for lunatics, Jonathan Martin, (brother of William Martin, of Newcastle, and of John Martin, the celebrated painter,) the man who set fire to York Minster some years ago, for which act he was tried and acquitted on the ground of insanity. He had been confined in the above asylum almost ever since his trial. His death was very sudden, and it appeared from a post mortem examination of his body, that it was occasioned by a disease of the heart. For the last two or three years he had been very quiet in his demeanour, and spent a great portion of his time in reading Fox's Book of Martyrs, a work to which he was particularly partial. When he was first admitted into the hospital he was allowed the use of paper and pencil, but the governors finding that whenever this indulgence was extended to nim 22 local historian's La. d. 1838. he invariably occupied his time in drawing sketches of York Minster, and that his doing so threw him into a state of very considerable excitement, they prohibited his being supplied with those articles in future, of which prohibition he frequently and bitterly complained. Although very quiet while in his cell, yet whenever he was allowed to walk in the garden, it was always found necessary to handcuff him, he being very mischievous when allowed his liberty. He was between 50 and 60 years of age. — Local Papers. 1838 (June 7). — A few gentlemen differing in certain resolutions on the subject of religious worship, which had been adopted by the society previously established in Newcastle, for the education of the blind, and having failed in procuring such an alteration in the law as would meet their views, contemplated the establishment of another. Pursuant to this intent, they held a public meeting in the Music hall, Blackett street, on the above day, the venerable archdeacon Thorpe in the chair, when the "Northern Blind Asylum" was established and thus named, the articles of constitution were agreed to, and it was resolved that the institution should, if possible, be established on such a scale as to admit the deaf and dumb. The following is its fundamental principle, which is considered as fixed and unalterable. " That the religious services of the asylum shall be conducted by a clergyman of the established church, who shall be appointed chaplain to the institution, but that such of the inmates as may be of a different persuasion, shall, if they desire it, attend their respective places of worship, on the Lord's day, and at all other times have free and unreserved intercourse with the ministers of their own communion. " The " Northern Asylum for the Blind, and Deaf and Dumb," under this, its amended title, was opened in June, 1839, in a house in Wellington place, Pilgrim street. — Hid. June 11. — The royal assent was given by commission to the Brand ling Junction railway bill, and to the Newcastle upon Tyne railway bill.— Hid. June 16. — Sunday, Mr. John Dickinson, of Eals, in the parish of Knaresdale, Northumberland, an eccentric character, the father of eight children, collected together thirty- two of his friends and neigh bours to become sponsors for them. After breakfast, the morning being fine, and all ready, the party set out for the parish church, Dickinson, the father (who is a musician) playing several of his favourite airs on the violin at the head of the merry group the mother bringing up the rear with the youngest child in her arms. They were met at the church by the rev. Thomas Bewsher, the rector, who, after putting the necessary questions to the sponsors, christened the eight children, the rev. gentleman observing, that in a. d. 1838,] table book. 23 all his ministry he never before had had such a presentation. — Local 1838, (June 18). — This day, the Newcastle and Carlisle railway was opened throughout its whole extent from the Redheugh station on the south side of the Tyne, about half a mile from Gateshead, to the city of Carlisle. Active preparations had been some time in progress to give eclat to the proceedings; considerable anxiety to obtain tickets had been manifested, and the pleasures of the day's enjoyment had been the subject of general conversation. The cor poration of Carlisle and the members of the corporate body of New castle, as well as the corporation of Gateshead, had resolved to signify their sense of the importance of the occasion by accompanying the trains for the whole of their journey. Accordingly about half-past nine the firing of guns announced the arrival of the Eden from Car lisle with six carriages, containing the directors from the west, and the corporation of Carlisle, who immediately went on board the bar ges of the mayor of Newcastle, and corporation of the Trinity house, which were in waiting for their reception, and proceeded to the Close station, and from thence, preceded by their officers and insignia, to the Assembly rooms to breakfast, where they were received by the mayor and corporation of Newcastle. Shortly afterwards the Goliah arrived from Carlisle, with a well-filled train of ladies and gentlemen, who likewise followed to the Assembly rooms, and there jojined their friends. At this time, and in consequence of the parties imprudently crowding in such numbers upon the gangway at the Redheugh station, in order to join the steam-boat, it gave way, and a few were immersed in the water, and got an unexpected cold bath, beyond which there was no further damage. The tables for breakfast occupied three rooms in double rows. They were covered with a profusion of good things, tastefully decorated and arranged by Mr. Haigh, the keeper of the Assembly rooms. Preparations were made for upwards of three hundred, and full that number were there. The band of the Newcastle and Northumberland volunteers played several airs during the breakfast, and accompanied the corporations back, by the same route, to the station at Redheugh. Meanwhile, vast crowds were to be seen flocking to the station, in eager haste to obtain good seats. It was intended that the directors and corporations of Newcastle, Gateshead, and Carlisle, should occupy the first train, and though the doors of the carriages were labelled, they were taken possession of by other parties, as were also those intended for the different bands. This of course altered the arrangements and occasioned considerable delay, and it was not until half past twelve that the signal was given for the engines to start, when the Rapid was dis- 24 local historian's [a. d. 1838. patched as an advanced guard, and without any train, and was fol lowed by thirteen other engines, drawing 120 well-filled carriages. The aggregate number of passengers in all the trains, upon a fair computation was estimated to exceed 3,500, and the procession previous to starting reached half a mile, but when in motion could not be less than one mile and a half, allowing as much space between each train as was consistent with safety. The countless thousands that thronged every eminence on the north bank of the Tyne, the numerous boats sailing on the river and the spectators and flags on the high gallery of the shot tower, presented a scene that was not exceeded on any other part of the line. At Dunston the coal staiths were crowded with visitors, several men were sta tioned on the house tops, and a plentiful display of banners were exhibited. At Derwenthaugh the trains were saluted with the first discharge of cannon since leaving Redheugh. At Blaydon and Wylam the trains were welcomed by a number of persons, a display of flags, and a discharge of cannon ; but the rain which had now commenced descending, with every appearance of con tinuing through the day, no doubt kept back many persons at all parts of the line, who would have been glad to have witnessed so imposing a spectacle. The flag of Northumberland floated from the venerable towers of Prudhoe castle, as if to welcome so new and important an era in its history. A triumphal arch was erected at Corbridge. At Hexham several flags were displayed, one of which was % Gate-way, Prudhoe Castle. (1823). a.d. 1838.] table book. 25 placed on the top of the Cathedral. The station was tastefully orna mented with branches of trees, and several triumphal arches were erected. Here they were saluted with a very loud discharge of can non ; and the same demonstrations of feeling awaited them at Halt whistle and Greenhead. At Milton station, for Brampton, the largest concourse of people had assembled since leaving Redheugh. Hundreds of people had devoted the day to celebrate the event, and tents for the sale of refreshments were erected in the vieinity. The procession arrived at the canal basin, Carlisle, at 20 minutes past five o'clock, amidst a discharge of artillery. The immense mass then moved down Caldewgate to the coffee rooms and the Bush inn, where an elegant lunch was provided for those who had been invited. About 7 o'clock nearly the whole of the company had taken their seats in the carriages, in the expectation that they would start immediately. A majority of the persons had outside sittings, many of them were females, who, in anticipation of a fine day, had not provided them selves with anything to protect them from the weather. It com menced raining, and at one time it poured down in torrents. The trains did not move till ten o'clock. The whole outside company was completely drenched before starting. The shades of night had set in before the trains had commenced their journey, and they passed " the battle mound, the border tower," without attracting the smallest notice. The trains were separated from each other during the home ward journey, and the first did n®t arrive at Redheugh until between two and three o'clock in the morning, and many of them at a much later hour. — Local Papers. 1838 (June 20). — Died, at his residence, at Axwell Park, in the 77th year of his age, Charles John Clavering, esq. He was se nior magistrate of Northumberland, of which county he served the office of high sheriff in the year 1795 ; he also filled the office of high sheriff of the county of Durham for several years, and of which county he was a zealous and upright magistrate. — Ibid. At a meeting held in the Guildhall, New castle upon Tyne, on the 22nd day of June, 1838, T. E. Headlam, esq., mayor, in the chair, to take into con sideration what should be done in order properly to celebrate the event of the coronation of the queen, on the 28th of the same month, it was decided that instead of an illumination, a subscription should be raised and applied to the erection of a building to be entitled " The Royal Victoria Asylum for the Blind." The proposition VOL. V. 26 local historian's La. d. 1S38. having met with attention, a subscription instantly commenced and rapidly increased in amount, and by the month of August had nearly reached the sum of £1000. On September 18, the rules were adopted, and as the tenth in order, points out the fundamen tal principle of religious instruction, as professed by the institution, it is here given: — "That no inmate shall be required to receive Religious Instruction, except from a minister of his or her Religious Persuasion, but that it be the imperative Duty of the Committee to see that such Instruction is actually given. That subject to this Provision, the General Superintendence of the Religious Instruction of Inmates within the Asylum, be committed to a Minister of the Established Church, chosen by the Subscribers, whose Services shall be gratuitous." On the seventh of February 1839, an union was effected with the senior of the three Asylums for the Blind existing at the period, which, under the title of " The Asylum foe the Blind for the Counties of Northumberland and Durham, and for the Borough and County op Newcastle-upon-Tyne," had for some time been in active operation in premises in the Spital, adjoining the outside of West Spital tower. The institutions, thus united, bore the title of the junior, and for a time, occupied the premises of the senior. On the 26th of February, the officers were elected, and the rev. Richard Clayton consented to act as chaplain. On August 17th, 184] , the inmates were removed to a more commodious house on the west side of Northumberland street, a few yards north of Prudhoe street. The original intent of the subscribers, the building of the Asylum, has not been carried into effect, although an advantageous site presented itself in the vacant ground in the vicinity of the Baths, a few yards north east of the house in which the objects of the society's bounty are domiciled. — Local Papers, Sec CHAPTER II. GENERAL holiday was observed in Newcas tle on Thursday the 28th of June 1838, being the day appointed for the coronation of her , !$ffjilSli§§K$A Majesty. At 6 o'clock in the morning, a royal ^W^SfflPM-B salute was fired from the castle, and the bells SlMffiHliMlKII of the different churches sent forth merry peals, which they continued throughout the day. Flags were displayed from the castle, the vessels in the river, and almost every pub lic edifice, among which St. Nicholas's church was especially distin guished, the steeple being decorated with a number of flags, even to its very top. At half past 10, after voting a congratulatory address to her Majesty, the mayor and corporation went in procession to St. Nicholas's church, where a sermon was preached by the vicar. They afterwards returned to the Sandhill, where the New castle troop of the Northumberland Yeomanry were drawn up in a line. At one o'clock another royal salute was fired from the castle, and the yeomanry fired three volleys; after which the Mayor called upon all around him to join in drinking the health of Queen Victoria, with all the honours, which was instantly com plied with, the troops at the same time presenting arms, the band playing the national anthem, and the immense crowd of spec tators joining in loud and continued huzzas. The troops stationed in the barracks were reviewed on the moor, and fired a, feu dejoie and a royal salute in honour of the day. The poor in the several work houses were regaled with good dinners, and meat, bread, &c, procured by public subscription, were distributed among the out-poor in the parishes of St. Nicholas, St. Andrew, and All Saints ; the inmates of the corporation hospitals had each 5s. presented to them, and the 28 local historian's [a. d. 1838. prisoners in the gaol were treated with a good dinner at the expence of the corporation. From an early hour crowds of persons were flock ing into the town. 87 steam boats landed their passengers at the Quay side, and numerous other conveyances were in requisition ; thus the streets presented a very gay and animated appearance, which was not a little heightened by a large procession marching to the moor with music and banners to attend a public meeting. The races occu pied the afternoon. In the evening a public dinner at the Turk's Head, was attended by 150 gentlemen; the right worshipful the Mayor presided, supported by C. W. Bigge, esq., of Linden, E. B. Blagburne, esq., his grace the Duke of Northumberland's commis sioner; captain Fenwick, William Orde, esq., Thos. Fenwick, esq., R. W. Brandling, esq., John Clayton, esq., town clerk; the rev. the vicar of Newcastle, &c, &c. The sheriff of Newcastle, John Brand ling, esq., and J. Lambton Loraine, esq., acted as vice-presidents. The dinner being professed unpolitical, to afford the opportunity for in dividuals of all grades of opinion to evince their loyalty in connexion with the coronation of her Majesty. The festivities of the day were concluded by a splendid ball at the Assembly rooms, which was at tended by upwards of 200 ladies and gentlemen. In the evening some of the public buildings were illuminated, as well as a few private houses. NTERING into the general feeling, the inhabi tants of Gateshead celebrated the event of the coronation with every possible demonstration of loyalty. At mid-day the town council assembled in the Townhall, and, on the motion of Mr. Brock- ett, seconded by Mr. Alderman Wilson, adopted an address to her Majesty, which it was resolved should be presented by the duke of Cleveland. Upwards of 400 poor persons, of all ages, and of both sexes, were afterwards entertained at dinner in a large tent, fixed in the yard of the Gateshead workhouse. The supply of roast beef and plum pud ding, and ale, was most profuse ; and the guests were waited on by the members of the town council and board of guardians, the town clerk, the churchwardens and overseers, and other gentlemen ; and highly delighted they were with the good fare set before them, and the cour tesy which they experienced. An old lady — a venerable and mettle some octogenarian — officiated as queen on the occasion, and was most stylishly attired for her high office. At the close of the feast, sixpence each was given to the company assembled. In the evening, about fifty of the gentlemen who had thus contributed to the happiness of their poorer neighbours, sat down to a substantial and excellent din- a. d. 1838.] table book. 29 ner at the house of Mr. Freeman, the Grey Horse, the worshipful the mayor of Gateshead in the chair. C\ HE inhabitants of Durham having resolved upon providing a substantial treat for the poor of that city, a subscription was effected for that purpose, and four fat bullocks were given away, besides bread, groceries, and ale. The bells of the churches rang several merry peals during the day. Dinner parties were held at the different inns in the city ; and in the evening Mr. and Mrs. Thwaites, of the City tavern, gave tea and cake to the scholars of the united blue-coat and Sunday schools. Various boat races took place on the Wear, and, to finish the day's amusements, Mr. Matthew Thompson set off a balloon, from the Prebends' bridge, which excited the admiration of a multi tude of spectators. The Bridge of Elvet, Durham (1824). T North Shields, the morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells, which was continued at inter vals during the day. At 8 o'clock the distribution of meat, bread, and money to 2,500 poor persons commenced, from a commodious tent erected for the purpose, in Howard-street ; but the most in teresting feature of the day was a dinner given by public subscription, which may be said to have been unique in kind on account of the parties who were the objects of this festivity. They consisted of the seamen of the port, many of whom gained a scanty livelihood by acting as watermen. About 900 of these 30 local historian's [a. d. 1838. men, whose weather-beaten countenances indicated the pursuit of their early years, and some of whose scars evinced the share they had borne in the battles of their country, sat down to dinner in a spacious malting, situated in George-street, belonging to Mr. Richard Robinson, brewer. The place was the centre of attraction during the whole of the morning, and ladies being admitted by ticket, at the hour of dinner every spare situation was graced by the fair visitors to to witness these aged warriors partake of the comfortable fare provi ded for them. This consisted of barons, rounds, and sirloins of beef, of such quality as England alone can produce, accompanied by the never-failing plum pudding bountifully supplied by some of the ladies of the borough : to each man was given as much ale as he chose to drink, but such was the order and decorum influencing the meeting, that not one instance of excess took place. The rev. Wm Mark acted as chairman, ably supported by Robert Peart and Richard Metcalf, esqrs., as vice-chairmen : the vicar of Tynemouth and many other ministers were present. This interesting meeting went off without leaving one regret, except that so pleasing and rare a specta cle should have had so soon to close : the cleanliness, decency of demeanour, and order of conduct of such a body of men excited a deep interest in their behalf, and raised but one wish in every breast — " May our aged British seamen ever thus honour their Queen and country." On the following day the remains of the viands of this bountiful feast were made into soup, of which 2000 poor families plentifully partook. The inmates of Tynemouth workhouse had a good substantial dinner, with plenty of ale and tobacco ordered by the guardians. There was also a grand dinner at the Northumber land Arms, Wm. Davidson, esq. high constable of the East Division of Castle Ward, in the chair, with a display of fire-works and an illumination of the front of the hotel at half-past nine. jOUTH SHIELDS.— Here the event was cele brated with every demonstration of the most loyal feeling. The children belonging to the different schools connected with the established church were regaled with an excellent dinner, in the good old English style. There were various other public dinners on the occasion to the in door and to the out-door poor, to the workmen of Messrs. Cookson and Co., &c, and beef and bread were extensively distributed among the resident poor belonging to distant parishes, and such as received no parochial relief. At Blyth the day was celebrated with every demonstration of the most loyal feeling. All the poor belonging the place and vicinity a. d. 1838.] table book. ol were regaled with an excellent and plentiful dinner of beef and plum- pudding. They were also presented with a loaf of bread and pint of ale each. Afterwards the committee of management sat down to dinner at the Ridley arms inn, where the day was spent with great hilarity. In the evening, guns were fired [from the battery, and tar barrels burned in different parts of the town, which gave general amusement to the multitude of persons assembled. fUNDERLAND. In this borough the day was observed by an almost general suspension of busi ness. A dinner was held at Kay's hotel, and another at the Golden lion. About one thous and poor families were served with bread and ale in honour of the occasion ; and the children of Bishopwearmouth public schools were regaled with a dinner, the whole expenses being defrayed by public contributions. The Tee-total Society held a public meeting on the Town moor, after which they formed a procession through the town, and retired to the Assembly room, where they partook of tea. At Darlington, the workmen of Messrs. Pease and Co., amounting to many hundreds, walked in procession through the town, and after wards sat down to an excellent dinner, provided for them by their masters. At five o'clock, the same firm kindly gave tea and cake to upwards of 200 of the women ; and above 200 of the children were presented with a bun each. ^T STOCKTON, a committee of management had been indefatigable in their exertions to have the day celebrated with every demonstration of res pect. The church bells rung many a merry peal during the day — at nine o'clock the parties assem bled in the High-street, a detachment of the late Stockton volunteers received their colours from col. Raisbeck, the different clubs were in full regalia with flags and banners, the glass workers all carried some emblem of their trade, but the most at tractive was a battery of seven glass cannon which they fired : the procession moved according to an appointed order to church. The inmates in the workhouse and almshouse were provided with roast beef, ale, pipes, and tobacco, and the out-door poor were each sup plied with lib. beef, and a loaf of bread, the clubs dined at their respective houses, about 600 of the male and female inhabitants were provided with a good dinner in the Butcher-market, in the afternoon about 1200 children were regaled in the Square green 32 LOCAL HISTORIAN S La. d. 1838. with tea and cakes, under the management of a committee of ladies. JHE celebration of the day was observed at Aln wick with every mark of respect. The inhabitants met at the market cross, and proceeded through the town accompanied by the Alnwick band play ing national airs, and accompanied with flags. The church bells were rung, cannon were fired, and all customary rejoicings observed. One hundred and thirty of the out door poor dined in the town-hall, and money and ale were distributed to the aged and infirm that could not attend. An Infant school was also established, which was called the " Vic toria Infant School." ORPETH. The inhabitants of this ancient borough manifested their loyalty and devoted affection to their sovereign on the occasion of her coronation, by various acts of munificence. Among others the debtors in the prison were plentifully regaled with the usual condiments, generously presented by the liberality of a lady and several gentlemen. A sum of money was also placed in the hands of the governor of the gaol, to be distributed among the more necessitous of the prisoners under his charge. From unavoidable reasons, the celebration of the day at the sequestered village of Bothal, in the immediate vicinity, was postponed for some days, and, as the event proved, the worthy rector did not suffer " delay " to " prove dangerous " to the most unalloyed happiness and satisfaction of those who partook of the sumptuous feast over which he presided. | HE coronation was observed at Hexham by the ringing of bells, the closing of shops, and feasting of the children in the Abbey grounds ; the teachers and friends of the children took tea together in the church vestry. The inmates of the work houses had an excellent dinner provided. It may be said generally, that nearly all the towns and villages throughout the counties of Northumberland and Durham, vied with each other in displays of loyalty. — Local Papers. 1838 (June 28).— Died, by suicide, Mr. James Wilkie, surgeon to the Dispensary of Newcastle. It appeared from the evidence on the inquest, that the deceased had, for nearly a fortnight past been labouring under despondency of mind, and that he went about twelve o'clock on Wednesday evening (27th) to the commercial lodging house of the Misses Bell, in Grey street, particularly wishing to have a.d. 1838.] TABLE book. 33 a front room, with which he was accommodated. About three o'clock on the morning, he was observed by one of Mr. Grainger's men half out of his chamber window, and apparently attempting to throw himself out ; the man rang the door bell, and one of the Misses Bell came to a window and endeavoured to persuade the deceased to return to his room or open the door, which however he refused to do, stating that three men were in the chimney wanting to stab him, and he remained in the samo position nearly an hour. A workman then endeavoured to go to him, from another window, when he instantly threw himself out, and fell upon the flags. His skull was so dreadfully fractured that on being taken to the Dispensary, he died in about two hours. Verdict, temporary insanity. Mr. Wilkie succeeded his father as surgeon to the Dispensary about four years previous, and was much respected. — Local Papers. 1S38 (June). — Died, this month, at Hedworth, in the parish of Jarrow, in her 101st year, Mrs. Robson, mother of Mr. Thomas Robson, of that place, cartwright. — Hid. In BYKER Chare, Quayside, Newcastle (1843). July 5. — A quarrel arose between two seamen on board the Teviot merchant vessel, lying at Newcastle quay, when, after two or three blows had been exchanged, one of them, named Cunningham, struck his antagonist, whose name was Walton, a violent blow on the head, and, the hatchway of the forecastle being open, Walton fell down into the hold of the vessel. He was taken up and conveyed to the Infirmary where he died. Cunningham was tried at the ensuing 34 local historian's \a. d. 1838. assizes for Newcastle, convicted of manslaughter, and imprisoned three months. — Local Papers. 1838 (July 5).— The Northumberland midsummer sessions were held at Hexham — the first time, in the new court house, at the Abbey, which was formerly the assembly room attached to the splendid mansion of T. W. Beaumont, esq., the principal part of which was destroyed by fire about twenty years previous. The court is hand somely fitted up, and more convenient than the old one. — Hid. July. — Early in this month, twenty-seven large cases, containing machinery used in the manufacture of linen, and which were attempted to be exported to Rotterdam, were seized by the comp troller of Customs at Stockton. — Hid. July 6. — A violent thunder storm commenced a few miles to the west of Newcastle, during the afternoon of this day, and endured till past seven, attended with a heavy fall of rain. At seven o'clock, a boy and a man were struck by the lightning between Bywell and Ovington, and the former was killed. — Hid. July 11. — The foundation stone of a Jewish synagogue was laid in Temple street, Westgate, Newcastle, by Mr. Harris, on which occasion the Rabbi, S. Hoffnung, delivered a sermon in the Hebrew language. The building is of stone with a polished ashlar front, and was opened for service on the 19th of September, in the same year, 5,599, being new year's day, according to the Jewish calendar. — Hid. July 11. — Wednesday, the members of the Northumberland cricket club met for the first time on the town-moor, Newcastle. There was a strong muster of players, and some excellent batting. — Ibid. July 16. — Monday, an accident occurred at the Ford on the river- Tweed, near the village of Norham. Several carters had entered the river, which was much swollen, from the Scotch side, and one of them, by the force of the stream was thrown over, with the cart and horse, and perished in the flood. The horse was also drowned . — Hid. Same day, the supervisor of the Morpeth district, and the officers of the Longframlington preventive station, accompanied by the officer of Rothbury, in their route across the Tosson hills, discovered an illicit distillery in full operation, very artfully contrived on the side of a great peat moss, called Codley moss, within four miles of Rothbury, at the turn of one of the deep trenches. The peat had been excavated from the side of the trench, so that the distillery was completely under the ground, with a small sort of doorway or hole for the men to get in and out, with a hole cut through the surface of the ground for a chimney, which led to its detection. The officers a. d. 1838.] table book. 35 only discovered one man (an Irishman) in the work, who was com mitted to Morpeth gaol, for three months, in default of the penalty of thirty pounds. — Local Papers. 1838 (July 18). — Wednesday, a hive of bees lighted on a man and a boy, standing near the Pack-horse inn in Morpeth, during the market ; their faces were completely covered. A hive having been procured, and placed over the heads of the man and the boy, the queen bee was taken off the lad's jacket and placed on the top of the hive, when her subjects were gradually attracted to her, and thus the parties escaped unhurt, much to the satisfaction of crowds who were anxiously waiting the result. — Hid. This month, Ralph Bates, esq., of Milbourne hall, presented through the vicar of Newburn, a complete set of sacramental plate to the Holy Trinity chapel in that parish. — Ibid. In the latter part of this month, a bull, having broke from his keepers, very unceremoniously proceeded to pay a visit to Mrs. Peters's cook shop, on the Quayside, Newcastle. The bull walked up to the fire, and after coming sufficiently near to feel the heat, quietly but quickly retreated, much to the pleasure and astonishment of the worthy hostess. — -Hid. August 5. — Richard Martin, son of Jonathan Martin, the incen diary, who expired in the lunatic asylum, in which he had been con fined since the burning of York minster, committed suicide at his residence, No. 30, Allsop-terrace, New road, London, on the after noon of this day, Sunday. He had been in a desponding state of mind since the death of his father. — Hid. August 9. — Died, at Hendon terrace, Sunderland, Mr. Smith Graham, aged 78. He was the first person that established baths and bathing machines, for sea bathing, in the neighbourhood of S under land . — Hid. August 11. — In pulling down the old buildings at the south end of Tyne bridge preparatory to the erection of the Gateshead new fish market, several coins were found under the flooring. They were with one exception, of silver — being a half-crown of William III., and shillings of Charles II., William III., and Anne. The most curious, perhaps, is a counterfeit half-crown of Charles II., which had not been able, like its genuine companions, to resist the ravages of time. — Hid. August 13. — Between the hours of one and two o'clock on the morning of this day, Monday, a fire was discovered in the premises of Mr. John Wandlass, farmer and shipowner at Southwick, near Sunderland. On the alarm being given, an engine was procured without delay from Messrs Attwood and Co.'s glass works, and a 36 local historian's La- d- 1838. great number of people residing in the neighbourhood hastened to the spot, and rendered every assistance in their power in extin guishing the flames. The principal damage sustained was the de struction of a hay-stack in the farm yard : a barn, stable, and cot tage were also partially burnt. The loss was estimated at between one and two hundred pounds. As the hay stack and the buildings were all on fire at the same time, and were altogether unconnected, no doubt whatever was entertained that the property was wilfully set on fire. Laths were found on the premises daubed with tar, and hay was found in the cottage, evidently placed therein with a view to its destruction. — Local Papers. 1838 (Aug. 14). — A silver coin of the reign of queen Elizabeth, about the size of a half-penny of the present day, was found by Mr. Nat- tress, the ore-washer of the London Lead Company, at White Syke Lead Mine, Alston Moor. It was in good preservation, and the date 1578, very legible. It is somewhat remarkable that previous to its discovery, it had passed twice through the crushing mill without receiving the least injury. — Hid. r\<. $ n HE eighth annual meeting of the British Asso ciation for the Advancement of Science, was held in the town of Newcastle, during the seven days extending from the twentieth to the twenty- sixth* of August, 1838. For some months pre- »]jj|js~ vious, great and important preparations had been in progress, in order to do honour to the dis tinguished body who had accepted the invitation previously given, and nothing was omitted, which could in any way effect this desirable end. The result shewed a larger meeting than had been held on any other previous occasion. The large influx of strangers which was expected, led the local committee, (whose labours mainly tended to the excellence of the arrangements,) to make some enquiry respecting lodging housesf for their accommodation, but this resource failing or being found inadequate, many gentlemen, inclu ding the mayor and other distinguished and respectable individuals, offered the use of beds, some of two, and others of three, four, and * The General Committee held its first meeting on Saturday August 18, at one, P.M. in the grand jury room of the county courts ; afterwards, according to adjournment. f The Inns were soon filled. Breakfast, however, was provided daily from 8 to 1 AM, at the principal inns : charges including waiters, 2s. Dinner was provided daily at the Riding School ; charge including wine and attendance, 7s. 6d. This building had been fitted up for the occasion. Places for the ordinary could not be had by resident members, until 10 A.M. on each day. Large quantities of game, and several deer were sent in by the nobles and gentry of the neighbourhood. ?¦ - A. D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 37 even five. However, the public were not behindhand in their estimate of the importance of the ensuing meeting. Applications for local tickets were become so numerous, that when they amounted in num ber to 1083, it was found necessary to stop further increase, except the parties requiring tickets would become life members, or consent to the gratuitous reception of at least one of the distinguished per sonages about to arrive, and even then, cases which came under either the one or the other of these rules, must be taken into special consideration by the local committee.* The committee of each section, met daily at 10 A.M., in rooms adjacent to the respective section rooms, and the communications to each section were taken in a settled order, as previously fixed by the secretaries, and made public by notifications at the enquiry room, at the Literary and Philosophi cal Society, and on the doors of each meeting room. The Newcastle and Carlisle railway, with great liberality, placed at the disposal of the Association, railway carriages and one of their engines, whenever the members might require their use, and Messrs. Shield and Parker placed an additional steam vessel to ply between London and New castle for the quick and regular transit of visitors from the former place.-|- Most of the owners of the great iron foundries, chemical works, &c, on the Tyne, threw open to the Association and its friends, their respective manufactories, and our stranger visitors were not slow to avail themselves of the permission thus granted. \ A general wish seemed prominent with the mass of the inhabitants, to do sufficient honour to the occasion, and numerous companies, public bodies, and even individuals, liberally granted unrestrained admission into their respective places of meeting, business, manufac ture or otherwise. A reception committee was also formed, whose * The admission of ladies to the meetings of the Association was restricted to the sections of Mathematics and Physics, Chemistry and Mineralogy, Geology and Geo graphy, Mechanical science. Model room, &c, and the charge for resident ladies was fixed ; for one ticket £2, for two tickets £5, and for three tickets ;610 ; the object of the committee being to hold out an inducement for large subscriptions, as the amount contributed at the time these terms were made, promised to fall far short of the expences likely to be incurred. A committee sat daily (at stated hours), in the Guildhall, to issue the tickets of admission. f During the week, the members made Geological and other excursions to the prin cipal objects of interest in the vicinity. { During the week an almost unparalleled multitude of exhibitions, &c, were open ' to add to the general interest of the proceedings. The rooms of the Literary and Philo sophical Society, of the Literary and Mechanical Society, of the North of England Fine Arts Society, the Museum of the Natural History Society, the Churches, the Castle, and other public buildings; Mr. J. Gibson's gallery of paintings, Mr. Lister's show rooms, &a, the Theatre, Batty's equestrian arena, and Gyngell's Fireworks also entered into competition to supply the public with amusement. 38 local historian's La- Di 1838. duties consisted in the giving of information to foreigners and others, chiefly in respect to their personal accommodation. The members of this committee were distinguished by a white ribbon. An enquiry room was also opened at the Savings' bank in the Arcade, where any information, either to residents or strangers, arrivals, sectional arrangements, ordinaries, &c, was to be had. With the transactions of the Association we have no concern, further than to state that no small number of the papers read, were by divers of the literati and men of science, natives of our town or district. The sectional meet ings assembled each day during the week, Saturday excepted, at eleven in the forenoon, in the large rooms of the public institutions of the town,* which had been fitted up expressly for the occasion. In the evening of each day the meetings were held in the Central Exchange, j at which the duke of Northumberland j occasionally pre sided. On Wednesday evening, the 22nd., the Green market || was opened for promenade, conversation, and refreshment, and pre sented a most brilliant spectacle. It was lighted with gas, the fountains played with great effect, and the shops, entrances and pillars were decorated with evergreens, &c. On Friday the 24th, the Assembly rooms, which had been materially enlarged, were opened for the like purposes, and proved most brilliant and successful. Ex tensive as the suite of rooms had been made, they were crowded to excess, and on Saturday evening, the 26th, the concluding general meeting of the Association took place, ending a week of important scientific business, unparalleled of its kind.§ — Local Papers, MS., Sec. 1838 (Aug. 24). — This day the opening of the Durham Junction rail way took place. The directors had acted judiciously in their determina tion of deferring the opening of the railway to the present week, thus affording to the numerous members of the British Association, • A. Mathematics and Physics. Lecture room of the Literary and Philosophica Society. — B. Chemistry and Mineralogy. County courts. — C. Geology and Geography. New Music hall — D. Zoology and Botany. County courts E. Medical science. Surgeons' hall. — F. Statistics. Academy of Arts — G. Mechanical science. Music hall. —The model room, over the shop of Mr. Wilson, hatter, was also open daily, and con tained many beautiful specimens of Mechanical ingenuity. f Which had been fitted up for the evening meetings of the Association. When completed it held 4000 persons. Mr. James Wallace contractor: £180. J Westmoreland house in Westgate street, had been repaired and fitted up for the reception of the duke during his stay, by its respected owner, Robert Leadbitter, esq. || In order to produce as splendid an effect as possible, prizes were competed for, for the decoration of the interior, with flowers, plants and evergreens. § The anniversary of the Natural History society was held on the 28th of August, and several of the magnates of the Associatiation were specially invited to remain after the conclusion of their business, when they dined with the members of the society ir their meeting room. A. D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 39 who were interested in architectural and mechanical science, an op portunity of being present. With this view the arrangements and invitations were on the most liberal scale. The railway procession which set off from South Shields consisted of two trains ; the ap pointments of the directors being most complete, and the company in the carriages consisting of about four hundred, (almost without excep tion) gentlemen. The sun shone brilliantly ; the mountains of ballast which command a view of the railway were crowded by holiday spec tators; the South Shields band played the national air; cannons roared ; flags waved in the breeze ; thousands of voices sent forth a shout of joy ; while the engines dragged off their respective trains to the magnificent " Victoria Bridge " built at a cost of about =£35,000 after designs and under the superintendence of T. Elliott Harrison, esq., the celebrated engineer. The bridge has four main arches, respectively of 160, 144, and 100 feet span. Of these arches, three are viaductal, being thrown over the valley, to obtain the requisite railway level. There are besides, six smaller arches, (three on each side,) inserted in the approaches or wing walls, to lighten the masonry and add unity to the design. The length of the entire bridge is about 270 yards, its width, within the parapet walls, 21 feet, the total height of the masonry from the base of the foundations to the summit of the parapet 157 feet, and from the level of the river 130 feet, being considerably higher than Sunderland bridge. There is a double line of railway over the bridge, with an excellent flagged cause way on each side for foot passengers. To view this sublime object the company descended to the valley, where the eye could take in the whole at one view. Indeed a scene better calculated to give an eleva ted opinion of the triumph of genius over nature can scarcely be conceived. The scenery, on the south side of the bridge, is bold, rocky, and well wooded. Hundreds of spectators had assembled from all parts of the country, who testified their joy at the comple tion of this great work by hearty and repeated cheers. Again the company took their seats in the carriages, and the trains proceeded over the bridge and along the railway, for about six miles. Here there were about 100 waggons laden with coals, from Black Boy pit, the property of the marquess of Londonderry. These being united by the coupling chains to a locomotive engine, the shrill steam-whistle gave warning of the return trip. All was pleasureable excitement on the return until the Victoria bridge was reached. More perfect arrangements were never witnessed, but here, one of those events occurred which defy human calculation, and against which no human foresight can sufficiently guard. The engine of the second train came in contact with the last carriage of the first train. The collision was 40 LOCAL HISTORIAN S La. d. 1838. such as, for a moment, to afford occasion for more than ordinary alarm. Several gentlemen leaped from their seats in the carriages, and were injured in consequence. One man fractured his leg, another had his shoulder dislocated, and one or two other injuries of lesser import took place. Fortunately this was the extent of the damage. After a short delay, occasioned by this circumstance, the trains pro ceeded, without further mishap, to South Shields, where a splendid cold collation was provided by the directors for their numerous guests. The company, who left Newcastle in the morning, then repaired to the " Tulip " steamboat, and landed on Newcastle Quay at seven o'clock, highly delighted with their trip, and the excellent arrange ments which had been made by the spirited directors for their accom modation. — Local Papers. Victoria Bridge, while buading. 1 838 (August 24). — Mr. Brown, the aeronaut, of Sheffield, made an ascent from the enclosure in Green- court, Newcastle, in his splendid balloon, " The North Star," the largest in England. The gas was sup plied from Clayton-street and Newgate-street, by communicating pipes. The process of inflation was completed soon after three o'clock, and a little before four the car was attached, and the immense machine loosened from the cords which restrained its aerial flight. The balloon cleared the houses beautifully on rising, and then proceeded in a south-easterly direction, in full view of thousands of spectators, who watched its progress with intense interest. — Ibid. August 26. — As an appropriate sequel to the gaiety and splendour of the previous week, a magnificent entertainment was given at Ra vensworth castle, on Saturday by lord and lady Ravensworth, to upwards of five hundred distinguished individuals, including all the A. D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 41 nobility and gentry of the district, the learned foreigners, and other eminent members of the British Association. The preparaitions were on a most extensive and splendid scale, three spacious and elegant apartments having been fitted up expressly for the occasion, in which was exhibited every delicacy of the season on massive and beautiful plate, in princely profusion. — Local Papers. 1838 (August 28). — The master and brethren of the Trinity-house, Newcastle, presented in silver boxes, the freedom of their corporation to captain sir George Back, R. N., " as a testimony of their high appro bation of the persevering and successful efforts in the cause of science and humanity displayed by him in his various expeditions to the Polar Seas," — and to captain J. C. Ross, R. N., " as a testimony of their high approbation of his voluntary services in the cause of hu manity, rendered by his endeavours to rescue the crews of the different whaling ships inclosed in the ice during the inclement season of 1837." — Hid. August 28. — Monday, at Seaton Sluice, ten loaded waggons ran amain on the colliery railroad, and at the turn of the road, by the side of the harbour, two of them were jolted off the way, and were precipitated through a stone wall into the harbour ; unfortunately at the time, an old man, James Wake, aged 83, who was coming up by the road side, not being able to avoid the waggons was forced through the wall into the harbour. His body was taken out of the water about an hour and a half after. — Hid. August 29. — The tee-totallers of Newcastle held a public tea party in the Riding School at the Forth, the dining room of the British Association, at which about eight hundred took tea, of whom a large proportion consisted of gaily dressed ladies. — Ibid. August 30. — A bazaar was held in the Music hall, Newcastle, the use of which was granted by Mr. Grainger, in aid of St. John's schools, which realized the clear sum of ,£707. — Ibid. This month, the queen, on the recommendation of the ecclesiasti cal commissioners, by an order in council, confirmed the appropria tion of certain revenues of the see of Durham to the augmentation of small benefices within that diocese. — Hid. September 1. — An accident occurred at the Howden pans colliery, (Bewicke and Craster) by which three men and four horses lost their lives. They were employed in constructing a coffer dam in order to keep the pit as free from water as possible ; unfortunately the dam gave way, and the water rushing in upon them they were drowned. —Hid. September 2. — The boiler of the steam engine of the " Vivid " steamer, belonging to a family named Greener, of North Shields, vol. v. g 42 local historian's La- d- 1838. exploded in the Tyne, at that place, under the following circum stances. The steamer was about to proceed to sea, and two of the men (brothers) belonging to the boat were attempting to give, in a temporary manner, some trifling repairs that were needed to the boiler, and not having taken the precaution to let the steam off, the boiler burst while they were engaged with it. The explosion was dreadful, and the two men were scalded in the most awful manner ; their agonizing cries were heard at a great distance ; one of them entreated that he might be thrown overboard, and an end put to his sufferings. The hair on their heads appeared as if they had been par-boiled, and their nails were loose upon their fingers. Amongst others attracted by the cries of the sufferers, was their mother, whose feelings may be better conceived than described. In the conrse of an hour or two, death put an end to their pain. — Local Papers. 1838 (Sep. 2). — Thomas Robson, jun., of Newbottle, whilst bathing near the village of Ryhope, got into a quicksand. His brother and a companion, who, horrorstruck, witnessed the distressing scene, having in vain attempted to rescue him, applied to the inhabitants of the village for assistance, which, however, did not arrive before life was extinct. — Hid. September 4. — The first exhibition of the Sunderland Polytechnic Society was opened, and was visited during that and subsequent days by most of the leading families of the district. The exhibition em braced numerous works, by modern artists, architects, and mechanics, of paintings in every branch of the art, models of monuments, bridges, churches, &c. ; and also of many excellent mechanical inventions. There were also in the exhibition numerous specimens of stuffed ani mals, birds, shells, minerals, &c. of the most interesting description to the naturalist. In short, the exhibition of the Sunderland Poly technic Society differed from every other, inasmuch as it was an epitome of the best and most captivating, of everything that could be brought together. — Ibid. September 4. — It having been determined to erect the corn mar ket on the spot of ground occupied by the west side of the Old Flesh Market, the east side of the Groat market, and the Middle street, Newcastle, about July this year the old houses were removed and on the above day (Tuesday) the foundation stone was laid by the mayor, T. E. Headlam, esq., in the presence of the sheriff, and most of the subscribers. The new building having been completed, it was occu pied by the farmers for the first time on Saturday, the 31st of August 1839. The architects were Messrs. John and Benjamin Green. Hid. 1838 (September 7).— Thursday, the Forfarshire steamer, a vessel of about 300 tons burden, under the command of John Humble A. D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 43 formerly master of the Neptune, of Newcastle, sailed from Hull, on her voyage to Dundee, on the evening of Wednesday the 5th instant, at about half-past six o'clock, with the Pegasus and Innisfail for Leith. Previous to leaving Hull the boilers had been examined and a small leak closed up ; but when off Flambro' Head the leakage re-appeared, and continued to so great an extent, that two of the fires were extinguished, but they were relighted after the boilers had been partially repaired. The progress of the vessel was of course retarded, and three steam vessels passed her before she had pro ceeded far. The unusual bustle on board the Forfarshire, in conse quence of the state of the boilers, attracted the notice of several of the passengers, and the testimony of many of the survivors, render the fact of the inefficient state of the boilers of the Forfarshire per fectly obvious. In this state, the vessel, with about sixty individuals on board, was sent out on her voyage, and passed through the " Fairway," between the Farn Islands and the land, about six o'clock on Thursday evening. She entered Berwick bay about eight o'clock the same evening, the sea running high, and the wind blowing strong from the NNE. From the motion of the vessel the leak increased to such a degree that the firemen could not keep the fires burning. Two men were then employed to pump water into the boilers, but it es caped through the leak as fast as they pumped it in. About ten o'clock she bore up off St. Abb's Head, the storm still raging with unabated fury. The engines soon after became entirely useless, and the engine man reported that they would not work. There being great danger of drifting ashore, the sails were hoisted fore and aft, and the vessel got about in order to get her before the wind, and keep her off the land. No attempt was made to anchor. The vessel soon became unmanageable, and the tide setting strong to the south, she proceeded in that direction. It rained heavily during the whole time, and the fog was so dense that it became impossible to tell the situa tion of the vessel. At length breakers were discovered close to leeward, and the Farn lights, which about the same period became visible, relieved all doubt as to the imminent peril of all on board. An attempt was made to run the vessel between the Farn Islands, but she refused to answer her helm, and at three o'clock on Friday morning she struck with tremendous force against the outer or Long- stone Island. A portion of the crew, intent only on self-preservation, had lowered the larboard quarter boat down, and left the ship. Amongst them was the first mate, James Duncan, who has since published his own version of the affair, which we find is contradicted by the evidence of some of the witnesses on the inquest, and reflects small credit on himself as a seaman. The stroke of the vessel on the 44 local historian's La- d- 1838. rock was regarded as the signal of death. The master lost all self- possession, and his wife, who was on board with him, sought in cries of anguish and despair, the protection which alas he could not extend. The cries of females on deck mingled with the roaring of the ocean and the screams of the wild fowl disturbed from their resting place, whilst the men, clinging to the vessel, awaited in silence their inevit able fate. Most of the cabin passengers were below, and many of them asleep in their berths. As soon as the vessel struck, the steward ran down and gave an alarm, but one passenger only namely, Mr. Ruthven Ritchie, of Hill of Ruthven, Perthshire, was saved. On being awoke he arose instantly and siezing his trowsers rushed upon deck ; from whence, observing the sailors leaping into the boat, he with an extraordinary effort by means of a rope swung himself into it, and was thus miraculously preserved. The uncle and aunt of this person made a desperate effort to get into the boat just as it was leaving the wreck, and in endeavouring to leap on board, they fell into the sea and perished in his sight. He had nothing on all the time he was in the boat, but a shirt and a pair of trowsers ; and his employment whilst in it was baling out the water with a pair of shoes for a howskelly. The escape of the boat was remarkable. There was only one outlet by which it could escape being dashed by the breakers against the island, and that outlet was taken without the parties being aware of it. The boat's crew passed through the mighty current uninjured, and after being exposed in an open boat all night were picked up about eight o'clock on Saturday morning by a Mon trose sloop, and carried into Shields.* The vessel struck aft the paddle boxes, and not above three minutes after the few survivors had rushed upon deck, a second shock separated her into two parts — the stern, quarter-deck, and cabin, being instantly carried away with all upon them through a tremendous current called the Piper Gut, which is dangerous even in temperate weather, running between the islands at the rapidity of six miles an hour, and in tempestuous weather becomes terrific, whilst the fore part of the vessel remained fast on the rock. The captain stuck to the wreck, till washed overboard • Mr. Ritchie had fortunately some sovereigns in the pockets of his trowsers which he brought out of the cabin, and these enabled him to procure clothes soon after being landed. The following is a list of the crew and passengers brought into Shields ¦ John Matson, second mate, James Hill, Alexander Murray, Robert Fox, Allan Stewart engineer, James Hall, coal trimmer, David Grant, Ruthven Ritchie, farmer, and James' Duncan, first mate. Mr. Ritchie proceeded to Bamburgh to enquire into the fate ol his fellow passengers; and thence he went to Edinburgh on his way home, to communicate the melancholy intelhgence to his friends. The mate and some other of the crew reached Dundee on Tuesday, A. n. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 45 Part of Bamborough Castle (1836). with his wife in his arms, and both were drowned. The situation of the few passengers who remained on the fore part of the vessel was perilous in the extreme. Placed on a small rock surrounded by the sea which threatened to engulph them, and their companions having but just before been swept away from them, they were clinging to life whilst all hope of relief was sinking within them, and crying for help whilst the tempestuous billows drowned their feeble shrieks, and defied their puny efforts to escape. Their cries, however, were not unheard. Their shouts of distress fell upon the ear of Grace Horsley Darling, who with her father William Darling, occupied the outer Farn Light house. She awakened her parent, and at daybreak he launched his boat and prepared to proceed to their rescue. The state of the tide and of the weather was such as to render any attempt to reach the wreck extremely dangerous ; and the old man who had never before known the quailings of fear was loath in such a tremend ous gale to rush as he considered on certain death. After watching •the wreck for some time, they discovered, from some movement, that living beings were still clinging to it, and the gallant female, who partook of her father's generous sympathy, as she acknowledged the relationship of flesh and blood, with matchless intrepidity seized the oar and entered the boat. This was enough, the noble parent follow ed, and with the assistance of the fair sailor, conducted the frail skiff 46 local historian's [a. d. 1838. over the foaming billows to the spot where the wreck appeared. By a dangerous and desperate effort the father was landed on the rock, and the frail coble, to preserve it from being dashed to pieces, was rapidly rowed back among the awful abyss of waters, and kept afloat by the skilfulness and dexterity of this noble minded young woman. At length the whole of the survivors, consisting of five of the crew and four of the deck passengers, were taken from the wreck, and conveyed to the light-house, where the same tender hand administered to their wants, and anxiously for three days and three nights waited on the sufferers, and soothed their afflictions. By the assistance of the crew, they were enabled to bring the coble and its burthen to the Long-stone Island. It is impossible to speak in too high terms of this unparalleled act of humanity, bravery and disinterestedness. Danger presented itself in a thousand forms on every hand — there the current running with fearful impetuosity, or the eddy whirling and engulphing all within its reach — mountains of water bursting in wild confusion, or the tempest sweeping the spray from the billow as it rolled along. From her isolated abode this intrepid woman rushed forth under the promptings of humanity, and hastened through the scene of desolation and danger, regardless of her own life in order that she might save those of others. This perilous achievement — unexampled in the feats of female fortitude — was witnessed by the survivors in silent wonder — and down the weather-beaten cheek of one old seaman stole the big round tear when he beheld from the wreck the noble exertions of a young female of slender appearance, buffeting the storm, and periling her life for their preservation. The main land could not be reached, from the state of the weather, till Sunday, and during the whole of this time the attentions of the heroine were indefatigable. The entire number saved was eighteen, of whom thirteen belonged to the vessel, and five were passengers- The remainder of those on board perished. The wreck of the steamer was seen from North Sunderland on Friday morning about six o'clock, when signals were hoisted and guns fired immediately, but men could not be found to go off in the life boat. After some delay seven persons volunteered their services, and set out in a four-oared coble.* The boat shipped several seas in the course of her perilous voyage, and on their way they spoke the Liverpool, steam vessel of London, going north, and requested the captain to proceed to the * The names of the brave and meritorious individuals who ventured their lives from North Sunderland are as follows :— Wm. Robson, James Robson, Michael Robson, Wm. Swan, Brooks Darling, (brother to Miss Darling,) Thomas Cuthbertson, and Robert Knox, of North Sunderland. They behaved most gallantly. A. D. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 47 wreck, offering at the same time to pilot the vessel, as they could easily have done, to within a few yards of the lee of the rock in seven fathoms water. The captain however declined, and the men in the coble after much exertion succeeded in reaching the wreck ; but they ¦ found only dead bodies and some property of little value. The storm raged with unabated fury, and in attempting to return, they were compelled to put in at Longstone lighthouse, which they reached with much difficulty, where they were obliged to remain two days and two nights in a temporary building, the waves occasionally bursting in and obliging them to seek shelter in the lighthouse tower, which was occupied by Mr. and Miss Darling, and the persons they had saved from the wreck. One of the most heart rending circumstances connected with this melancholy event occurred during the night when the survivors were on the rock. The vessel became a total wreck in less than a quarter of an hour after she struck ; and those that were fortunate enough to get on the rock suffered severely from the cold, and from the heavy seas which washed over them at intervals. Their clothes were mostly torn off, and from continued exertions they were reduced to a state of complete ex haustion. The most agonizing spectacle was that of Mrs. Dawson, with her two children, a boy and a girl, eight and eleven years of age, firmly grasped in each hand : there she held them in the agonies of despair long after the buffetings of the waves, which drove them to and fro, had deprived them of existence. She was severely in jured, and remained at Bamburgh for a time, unable to proceed homewards. Donovan the fireman was also much hurt ; and he states that he lay for three hours holding on by a spike nail. All hope of deliverance had fled, and they had begun to consider how to relieve their sufferings if exposed through another night, when the ,boat of the intrepid Darlings hove in sight. It is impossible to tell with certainty the number of those who suffered, inasmuch as no entries were made when the passengers embarked. The crew consisted of captain John Humble, a native of Newcastle or Shields, also his wife who were both drowned. There were on board ten seamen, four firemen, two enginemen, two coal-trimmers, and two stewards. The cabin books were not found, and the number and names of the passengers could not be exactly ascertained. One of the survivors stated the number at forty-two, and another at forty-seven. The probable loss of life, therefore, was between forty-six and fifty-one persons. There were among the sufferers, who were principally Scotch, three gentlemen belonging to Perth, one to Fife, and one to St. Petersburgh. Amongst the persons brought to the spot from a distance, was one gentleman, who had 48 LOCAL HISTORIAN S La. d. 1838, lost his wife, son, and grandson, another his mother and brother. The only remaining part of the vessel consisted of the forecastle, part of the engine, paddle-wheels, anchor, cable, fore mast and rigging. One of the boilers was washed to sea, the other two were on the rocks broken. A part of the wreck was sunk a little to the south of Hawker's rock, and as it was supposed, the bodies of several persons who had not been found were in it, a rope was attached to it, for the purpose of raising it, in order to satisfy the anxiety of their surviving friends. The cargo is stated to have been very valuable, having been insured to the amount of four thousand pounds, but only three boxes of soap were recovered. Parts of the wreck were thrown on shore at Hauxley, Amble, Hartley and other parts on the coast of Northum berland. The search for the bodies of the unfortunate sufferers, and the property of the vessel, was long continued, and every assistance was rendered by the agents at Bamborough castle, as well as by the fishermen and revenue officers on the coast. The heroic conduct of Grace Darling and her father, mother, brother and others who acted so conspicuous and magnanimous a part in the shipwreck, excited universal admiration, and meetings on the subject, were numerous : subscriptions, and presentations of monies and medals flowed from all quarters. The Long Stone island with its lighthouse and occu pants have remained a favourite resort for the sight seer, and the memory of the heroic act will remain though the fair actor is dead.* * Grace Darling expired from the effects of consumption on October 20, 1842, aged 26 years. A monument to her memory, from the chisel of Davies of Newcastle, has been erected in the chapel of St. Cuthbert, on the Farn Island. She was a native of Bamborough. Breakwater at TYNEMOUTH. CHAPTER III. "" '50 N accident occurred on the premises occu pied by Messrs. Turnbull and Co., saddlers and ironmongers, in the Bigg market, New castle, on the 10th September, 1838, from the explosion of a quantity of gunpowder which was in the shop. It appeared that a little boy was playing with an unloaded gun in the shop, and having snapped the lock of it twice or thrice near a drawer of gunpowder, which was locked, it is supposed a spark from the gun had entered it, from which it had ignited and exploded. The igni tion was instantaneous, carrying out the shop windows with tremen dous force, and dashing every square to atoms. Another little boy who was also in the shop was much injured ; and a person that was passing at the moment was thrown with considerable force against the pavement. A poor boy in the shop above was so alarmed that he jumped out of the window, and broke his arm. The fire did not extend to the upper part of the building, and was soon extinguished without the service of the fire engines, which were promptly on the spot. — Local Papers. September 12. — Great excitement was caused in Newcastle, by a report that the " Tweedside " steamer had been wrecked off North Berwick. The Tweedside left Newcastle on the previous Wed nesday for a pleasure trip, with about fifty passengers for Leith. She reached her destination next day, after a passage of twenty-four hours. On Friday, she set out on her return, but they had not proceeded more than about seventeen miles, when one of the boilers failed, and the passengers becoming alarmed, some of them requested the captain to take them back to Leith. He said there was no danger — they would reach Berwick before dark — and there get the vol. v. h 50 LOCAL HISTORIANS [a. d. 1838. boiler repaired. This somewhat appeased them, and the steamer proceeded till they had got about thirty miles from Leith. They were then astonished to observe the captain and one of the pas sengers pumping water into the vessel with all their might. On enquiry, they found that by applying the fire too freely to the boiler, it had become red hot, and set the boat on fire. In this alarming situation, about three miles out at sea, with apparently no one near to render them any assistance — a lady's shawl was hung at the mast head as a signal of distress. Not long after this had been done, the Royal Adelaide, under the command of a gallant and humane seaman, captain Allen, came to their aid. He offered to tow them to Leith, but the captain of the Tweedside pressed him to go with him to North Berwick, where he said they would get repaired. Many of the party not choosing longer to trust their lives in such a vessel, got into the Royal Adelaide, where they had refreshments offered, and every attention shewn to them. It is im possible to speak too highly of captain Allen's conduct on the occasion. They proceeded to within about a mile of Leith, when they met the Northern Yacht on her way to Newcastle, and they returned home by her. Part of the passengers remained in the Tweedside, and arrived in the Tyne on the above day. — Local Papers. 1838 (Sep. 12). — Died, at Sweethope mill, in the parish of Tliock rington, Northumberland, aged 101, Violet Ridley (better known by the name of Old Violet) ; she lived in a most wretched hovel on the side of a moor, and being of eccentric habits, she was a well known character in the neighbourhood ; she retained the use of her faculties to the last. — Hid. September 16. — Saturday, a fire broke out in the house of Mr. Hayton, broker, Low street, Sunderland. It was instantly discov ered and extinguished without effecting much damage. — Hid. September 17. — Died, at his residence at Castle Eden, in the county of Durham, Rowland Burdon, esq., in the 82nd year of his age. In him the town of Sunderland may justly be said to have lost the earliest and most munificent of its patrons — the founder of its present pre-eminence and future prospects of greatness. To his gen uine patriotism that magnificent structure, the Bishopwearmouth bridge, owes its exis tence. Being returned to parliament by the county of Durham in the year 1790, and having previously, through his own strenuous exertions, procured a turnpike road from Stockton a. d. 1838.] TABLE BOOK. 51 to Sunderland. Mr. Burdon was early in expressing his wishes for a bridge to connect the north and south banks of the Wear ; and, after an arduous struggle, he with some difficulty succeeded in obtain ing an act of parliament for that purpose. This was in the year 1 792.* From similar attempts having been made by the Coalbrook Dale Company, Mr. Burdon first conceived the idea of making use of iron in its construction, and having first caused an experimental rib to be cast, the foundation stone was eventually laid, on the 24th Septem ber, 1793, and by the fostering influence of Mr. Burdon who adopted as his motto "Nil Desperandum Auspice Deo," this vast undertaking was at length, under the blessing of Divine Providence, brought to a successful conclusion : — the principal means being furnished by Mr. Burdon, who subscribed no less a sum to effect this purpose than £30,000. This circumstance alone will render his memory imperish able in the annals of Sunderland, whilst in his capacity of a private English gentleman he was in the possession and practice of all those rare virtues which will long hallow his name in the neighbourhood of his earthly habitation. — Local Papers. ECIDEDLY the most splendid show of dahlias that ever took place in Newcastle, or, we believe, in the kingdom, was held on September 26, in the Central Ex- Wd ^W*amr,M//>/M'2 local historian's La- d- 1838. but the man threatened a death like that which he had inflicted on Millie, and continuing his outcry, the man knocked him down, and he felt a cutting at his throat. He became insensible, and on recovering, he heard a noise as that of a man walking about in the waiting room, but durst not make any outcry ; and that shortly after, the smoke again deprived him of consciousness. When the par ticulars of the case became partially known, the excitement of the populace was indescribable, and long before the time of the inquest, (which was held at two p. m.,) the long room of the " Blue Posts," in Pilgrim street, and all the approaches thereto were crowded to excess. At this examination Bolam; the eldest son of Millie, and others, the discoverers of the fire, &c, were examined. Bolam's statement was but an amplification of that before elicited. The inquest having been adjourned to Wednesday, Bolam was taken into custody and confined in the gaol, and about midnight the stiff ened corse of the murdered man, was encoffined, and removed from the scene of his death. On the succeeding morning (Saturday), the publication of the evidence produced a general approbation of the measures which had been adopted by the coroner, and the current of suspicion set in strongly against the accused, which the imprisoned man was already considered. The country people, attending the markets thronged in great numbers to the scene of the murder, and hand bills were posted on Friday, offering a reward of i?100. for the discovery of the perpetrator of the deed. Public opinion too, was in full sway, and various rumours were afloat respecting the present and past life of Bolam, and the seemingly unaccountable reverse the act presented to the kind conduct which had hitherto been exhibited by him towards the unfortunate deceased. On Wednesday, Decem ber 12, at two o'clock the inquest was resumed in the Police office in the Manors. The principal business transacted was the examination of Mary Walker, Bolam's housekeeper. The inquest continued during the whole of Thursday, and at half past eight p. m. on Friday, December 14, the jury returned a verdict of " Wilful Murder against Archibald Bolam." The statements of Mary Walker had been so very contradictory that she was given into custody, and afterwards examined privately by alderman Batson, but no new facts were obtained and she was in consequence dischar ged. About the end of January or the beginning of February 1839, however, some further rumours reached the ear of the authorities, when she was again brought up, and a number of suspicious cir cumstances being elicited, she was committed for trial as an accessory after the fact. Bolam, who had the choice of removing the trial, remained up to a late period undecided, but he ultimately determined a. d. 1838.] table book. 63 for the county. The judges were furnished with depositions of the case, and a model of the bank was prepared for the use of the jury. Bolam had a freehold estate in Hexhamshire, and some other property, all of which he conveyed over to his friends, as in the event of conviction, the whole would fall to the crown.* The greatest excitement prevailed during the period of preparation for the trial, and as the day approached, it greatly increased. March at length arrived. On the morning of Monday the fourth, at half-past six, as a precautionary measure, the prisoner -f- was conveyed from the gaol to the Guildhall, and lodged in one of the upper rooms of the edifice, to await the opening of the court. Long before the hour of trial the populace had assembled on the Sandhill in immense num bers, and when the doors were opened, a tremendous rush took place, and the court was instantly crowded. The gallery erected for the convenience of the reporters, was filled from end to end, and not a seat or standing place in any part of the court was left unoccupied. Mr. Dundas and Mr. Knowles the prisoner's counsel, occupied the right of the judge's seat. The prosecuting counsel placed themselves on the left. Hard by, were Mr. Swinburne the solicitor for the prisoner, Mr. J. T. Hoyle, the solicitor for the crown, Sir Gregory Lewin, the public prosecutor, Dr. Lynch, the medical adviser, and other functionaries of import. Precisely as the clock of the court struck the hour of nine, Baron Parke, the presiding judge took his seat accompanied by his colleauge, Baron Alderson, with the mayor and sheriff of the town. In a few minutes the accused, dressed in a suit of blaek, was brought into the court, attended by the officers of police. He slowly ascended the steps leading to the bar, where, shrunken, subdued, and attenuated, he bowed low to the tribunal. The prisoner's counsel having applied for the removal of the trial to the county, he, in consequence of the irritation which existed in the public mind against Bolam at the present period, further prayed for its postponement to the summer assizes, when, he stated that the prisoner would have the benefit of a jury selected from various and remote quarters, together with the advantage of the partial subsi dence (how little soever) of public opinion, induced by the delay. After a considerable discussion, in which the prosecutors denied many of the conclusions set forth by the counsel for the prisoner in his affidavit, the postponement was at last granted. The prisoner was now removed, and, if anything was found necessary to add * This statement was publicly denied by Mr. Swinburne, his solicitor. f As no indictment was preferred against Mary Walker, Bolam's housekeeper, she was discharged. 64 local historian's [a. d. 1838. weight to the objections for trial at the present moment, the yells and hisses with which the prisoner was assailed, as he turned his face to the multitude, would render the matter incontestible. After quitting the court the populace remained on the Sandhall to witness the removal of Bolam. The police afraid to attempt this under present circumstances, thought to tire the multitude by delay, but it was found useless to wait, and hours passed without any material diminution either in numbers or in the patience of those who remained. At last the police adopted an ingenious device : they enveloped, from head to heels, one of their number in a large cloak, and handing him into a vehicle brought for the purpose, rapidly drove off, the crowd rushing tumultuously after, hooting and yelling, to the very gates of the prison. Meanwhile Bolam was conveyed quietly, and almost unnoticed to the cells of the Moot Hall, where he was arrainged, and pleaded " Not Guilty." His trial as postponed, was then confirmed ; but subsequently some informality was discovered : the foreman of the grand jury, John Anderson, esq. was a member of the town council — a new foreman was elected — a true bill found, and the whole matter set on a proper footing. It was thought that the interval which had elapsed since the assizes of March, would have allowed the excitement which then prevailed to an extent to which few instances present a parrallel, to have subsided, and in a certain degree this was the case. The distance to which the prisoner had been removed, having been committed to the county gaol of Morpeth, no doubt contributed to this effect, which however also may be ascribed to the silence maintained on the subject by the public prints, and the absence of any new fact calculated to clear away any part of the mysterious shroud which enveloped the history of the real features of the crime. As the period of the assize drew near, conjec ture busied itself with the line of defence which would be taken by the learned counsel for the prisoner. In the course of Sunday night the 28th of July, 1839, Bolam was conveyed from Morpeth and placed in the cells under the Moot hall, in the Castle garth, Newcastle. His demeanour in prison, for some time past had been somewhat of con fidence and hope of acquittal, but on the eve of trial his manner became anxious and depressed. The eventful morning came at last, the Moot-hall was densely crowded by anxious multitudes lon°- before the hour, and by the time the trial commenced the hall exhibited an unbroken mass of human beings. Precisely at a quarter past nine, on the morning of the thirtieth of July, Baron Maule entered the court, and, almost immediately afterwards the prisoner was placed at the bar. He bowed respectfully, and then took up a position with both hands resting on the front of the dock. His plain black clothes huno- a.d. 1838.] table book. 65 Archibald Bolam. loosely on him ; his countenance was not such as indicated deep mental anxiety, and his features were placid, natural and composed. He appeared to view the multitude around him with a degree of as tonishment, and more than once seemed to muse on the great pre parations which had been made, and the extensive accommodation for the reporters of the press. During the progress of the trial he took notes, and paid great attention to the progress of the evidence. The counsel engaged were the same as at the preceding trial. The jury * having been sworn, the clerk of arraigns read over the indictment, charging the prisoner with the murder of Joseph Millie, in the parish of St. Nicholas, on the 6th day of December ; on the first count, by the use of a poker ; the second, by casting the deceased upon an iron fender ; the third, by kicking and striking the deceased ; and, on the fourth, by a combination of these modes. To this, Bolam, in a distinct and audible, but quiet voice, pleaded " Not Guilty." Sir Gregory Lewin then rose and stated the case for the prose cution, calling upon the jury to divest their minds of every precon ceived notion or bias, and to give their verdict truly and solely from the evidence which was about to be brought before them. The evidence adduced was wholly circumstantial, but it is hardly * Consisting of gentlemen, yeomen and farmers of Northumberland. vol. v. K 66 local historian's La- d" 1838. possible even to imagine a case of the sort, in which so complete and continuous a body of testimony could be elicited, as in that now before us. In the abstract about to be given, one or two observations are necessary to be made : We have before adverted to the state ments of Mary Walker, but as her evidence was extremely prevari- catory and was not received on Bolam's trial, it is hardly necessary to allude thereto. Yet it may be observed that her statements being in the main, fully borne out by other circumstances, it is quite certain she had assisted Bolam in cleaning his coat sleeves from the blood with which they were covered, and subsequently held communication with her master. The absence of any then apparent or sufficient cause for the murder of which the prisoner was accused, nay, more, the uniform and almost unexampled kindness displayed towards him by the prisoner, throughout the investigation, formed a fruitful cause for conjecture, doubt and wonder, and the very last time they were seen alive together, this character seems to have been retained to the full. The porter of the bank left about half-past three p. m. on the day of the murder, Bolam and Millie sitting together, as the witness described, "like brothers." Millie never revisited home. Bolam states that he left the bank in order to warn his housekeeper in Gateshead, of threatened injury at his house ; that Millie had previously gone to his tea, and that when he entered the house he found therein his housekeeper. Now a pane of glass was heard to be broken about five o'clock, on Thursday evening, and, on examination, it was found to have been done from the outside, as by a person attempting to gain an entrance by the window. On searching Bolam's clothes a key was found which he stated was that of the front door of his house, and on trial it was found to be that of the door of the back yard. Furthermore this door was heard to be opened and shut frequently before ten on the same night ; shewing it was probable that he had been to and from his house several times before that hour. Bolam was seen by two persons proceeding in a hurried and dejected manner, up the Side, past the foot of Dean-street, and onward to the higher parts of the Side, a little before seven o'clock. He was clothed as usual, and had a plaid wrapped about the upper part of his person. Such a route to his place of employment was at least an unusual one, and as he was ultimatly found there, we must conclude that he had some motive for so unnecessary a circuit. How ever, he states that on entering the room he observed Millie lying on the hearth rug, but presuming him to be asleep he did not imme diately take particular notice of him. Now, it was proved to be im possible that any one could have entered the room without discovering, perhaps touching, the ensanguined walls, wainscotting, and door, the a. d. 1838.] table book. 67 very handle of the door ; even supposing the disorderly state in which the chairs were placed, and the unusual position and appearance of the fire irons had failed to attract his attention. He proceeds to state that while at his desk, he was struck from behind, and on turning round found the blow had been dealt by a man with his face blacken ed. Bolam ran up towards the Pilgrim-street windows, loudly shout ing for assistance, when the man threatened a death like that which he had inflicted on Millie, and getting him on to the floor, he felt him cutting at his neck. Now at the time of night at which it is professed this occured, the streets would be full of people, and it is certain that two policemen were stationed in the immediate vicinity, and that Mr. Robson was in his shop, adjoining the.bank, at the moment alluded to, yet a remarkable noise or outcry was not heard at any time, even so late as midnight, or so early as the first hour of the morning, when the fire was first discovered. Bolam then relates that he heard, at times, the man walking about in the outer room, but that fear prevented him making any attempt either at outcry or escape. He then supposes smoke or some other cause deprived him of sensibility. Passing onward to the discovery of the fire, we learn, that on entrance having been gained to the outer room, the water in the wash bason was found to be very dirty, and two stains of blood were on one of the towels. A large pile of books and papers had been heaped • on the hearth in order to originate the fire, by means of which no doubt, the perpetrator had thought to destroy all traces of the crime. But of what was this pile found to consist ? things most readily procured — the books and papers in constant use — lying close by — jio, — the lumber and rubbish of the bank — the old and obsolete account books — and loose and useless papers of the society, and private memoranda in Bolam's own handwriting, — which must have been brought from a safe in a remote part of the inner room — gathered with trouble — and in no case likely to prove a hindrance to the business of the bank : in one case only was one of the books of value — but even of this there was a duplicate : was this like the act of an indifferent person, who would seize what lay at hand, — was it not rather that of one intimately acquainted with the history and internal economy of the bank — one who would pause to think of the value of account books in use, and although lying close by, yet would go further for his fuel. We now refer to the evidence of Appleton the fireman : — This man stepped into the waiting room, while the other firemen were playing the water upon the door leading into the large apartment, which he then attempted to open. The door obeyed the impulse, but immediately rushed to. He again pushed it open about two or three inches, 68 local historian's La- d- I838- and the door was in like manner driven back. This he tried several times, when losing patience he applied his foot, and the panel, shrunken and half-burnt, fell out,— but strange to say, the force applied proved needless : the resistance was gone and the door flung fully open. He stepped back for a minute or two and then tried to enter the room, but was compelled to return from the presence of stithe. From the noise of the flames, the shouts of the firemen, and the plashing of the water in the waiting room, he could not have heard any noise in the bank itself, and was therefore unable to make any immediate discovery of the cause of the resistance he had felt at the door. The room was perfectly dark, but a few dying embers lay in the fire grate. Groping his way, he stumbled against the body of a prostrate man, and on procuring a light, found it to be that of Millie. Moving onward, he discovered Bolam on the other side of the room, lying on his side, having his hat on his head, his plaid over his shoulders, and supporting his body on his left elbow. On the fireman recognizing him he opened his eyes intelligently, but, without seeming cause, closed them, and let himself fall to the floor. Now where he lay, there was not any blood on the floor, or was there any on the blade of the desk knife which lay on a table within his reach, but there was on that part of the table whereon the knife lay. Water was ad ministered, and on being removed to the house of Mr. Glenton, sur geon, he cast a hurried look at his hands which did not appear bloody. Here the wound on his neck was dressed. This proved entirely super ficial, and on the removal of his clothes, his body was found to bear numerous slight scratches, and his clothes were cut in various places. It is further to be remarked that the cuts on one garment did not correspond with those on the one beneath, or did the scratches or cuts on the skin in almost any case correspond with those on the clothing. Furthermore there was blood on the right hand sleeve of his shirt, — thus incontestably proving that his clothes must have been off to have inflicted the numerous and contradictory scratches and cuts — whereas his appearance when found in the bank, was that which he presented when he was observed walking up the Side. Still further it may be remarked that the sleeves of his coat bore evident marks of having been washed from blood, and on opening the lining it was found to be stained with mingled blood and water : Mary Walker indeed at one time allowed that she had " sponged his sleeves," and a sponge which had lately been in use was found in some part of his dwelling- house at Gateshead. During the trial, the ghastly evidences of the deed were exhibited in court — the fender, poker and tongs. The prisoner followed them with his eyes, and when the ensanguined hearth rug was exhibited, a thrill of horror ran through the audience, a. d. 1838.] table book. 69 but the prisoner looked on, to all appearance, unmoved. The coals, wrapped in paper, and the plaid were also produced : the latter was neither stained with blood, or were there any cuts in its whole surface. The whole of the evidence having been gone through, the court was adjourned until the following morning at nine o'clock, when the prisoner was again placed at the bar. He seemed to preserve the same appearance of composure which had marked his conduct on the preceding day. He appeared to have slept well and was considerably refreshed. He bowed respectfully and then became seated. Profound silence reigned in the spacious hall while the counsel for the prisoner rose to address the jury on his behalf. This able advocate dwelt principally on the absence of any assignable motive for the deed, the excellent character almost universally assigned to the accused, and the kind demeanour he had at all times shown toward the deceased. He then proceeded to cast doubt on the construction which had been put on some part of the evidence, repeatedly drawing the attention of the jury to the fallible nature of circumstantial evidence, and guarding them against the danger of putting too much stress thereon, or being hurried away by their own first impressions, always remembering that the life of a fellow being was at stake. As might be expected he at tempted to refute much, if not all of the evidence — explaining away the presence of blood on his sleeve, hinting that it might be a stain of red-ink ; the want of correspondence of the cuts on the clothes, the effect of random strokes, and the chance of the garments having been shifted from the relative position they held, from the momemt of in fliction to that of examination, and, among other opinions of a like sort, he did not hesitate to account for the presence of the pieces of coal, wrapped in paper, which were fonnd in Millie's pockets, by sup posing that he, being a poor man, had purloined them from the bank, intending to take them home. The learned gentleman concluded by denying the sufficiency of the evidence to convict the prisoner, and in uttering a pointed and pathetic appeal to their feelings as fellow men, earnestly expressing his belief that they would acquit the pri soner of the crime with which he was charged. On the conclusion of the defence, the prisoner seemed much affected, and indeed the impas sioned energy of the speaker had not failed to produce very material effect upon every one in the court. Scarcely was there an eye un- dimmed during the long and eloquent address, which lasted for up wards of two hours and a half. He seemed much exhausted on re suming his seat, but remained in court during the remainder of the trial. The judge then proceeded to sum up, and in so doing, pro ceeded to strike out all the strong points against the prisoner, accounting for some, assigning plausible reasons for others, and deny- 70 local historian's LA< d- 1838. ing many of the arguments which had been adduced by the public prosecutor. Indeed his whole address was more like a speech for the prisoner than a review of the evidence. He concluded by intimating that if the jury really found him guilty, then could he convict him but of manslaughter, and if they did not think him concerned in the death of Millie— then would they give him a verdict of acquittal. The jury then retired, and after an absence of three hours returned with a ver dict of Manslaughter. The prisoner heard the verdict with great composure, and was directed to stand down. On the third day, Wednesday, he was again brought to the bar to receive the sentence of the court. He appeared to have lost some of his wonted com posure, but did not exhibit any symptoms of great distress. The verdict having been pronounced, and the usual question of the clerk of arraigns having elicited from the prisoner a pointed asservation of his innocence, the judge addressed him at some length, stating that as the jury had found him guilty, his protestation of innocence was of no value, and he might think himself fortunate that the sug gestion of manslaughter had been confirmed by the jury. The judge concluded by sentencing him to be " transported beyond the sea for the term of his natural life." On the sentence being pronounced, there was a general expression of approbation in court, indicated by the clapping of hands, which, however, was instantly suppressed. The prisoner, who had attempted to address the judge during this manifestation of feeling, said " My lord, I regard that sentence as my death." He was then removed from the dock, amid hissing and clapping of hands, and on his way to the cells he was under stood to have said- that he would rather have been hanged at once. The accommodation for the reporters was on a very extensive scale, a spacious gallery having been erected for their use above the Petty Jury Box, to which access was at all times maintained by the officers of the court. Probably there never was a case which excited so universal an interest : the representatives of most of the metropolitan newspapers were present, and the Times went to the expense of expressing the trial the whole distance to London. The verdict re turned by the jury, created the utmost surprise in Newcastle, and indeed throughout the whole country. Bolam was removed to Mor peth, were he remained until Aug. 31, 1839, when he was placed on board the Attwood for the purpose of being conveyed on board the hulks until his sailing for Botany Bay. — Local Papers, MS. Col., Sec. 1838 (Dec. 19). — One of those dreadful events which have had too frequently to be recorded, occurred at the Russell's Wallsend pit, situate at the village of Wallsend, near Newcastle, on the evening of the above day, Wednesday, by which, eleven lives were lost. Be- a. d. 1838.] table book. 71 tween six and seven o'clock that evening, the men, who were all what are called " shifters," went down the shaft to prepare the pit for the following day's working. Nothing more was heard of them until the furnace keeper was alarmed, between nine and ten o'clock, by symp toms of fire damp at the shaft. He immediately apprised other workmen of the circumstance, and they began to search the pit, when they discovered one of the bodies about twelve o'clock ; another was found at half-past two o'clock, and shortly afterwards, two more were found ; being four out of eleven who had unfortunately perished. The cause of the accident was not ascertained. On the morning of the occurrence, the pit appeared to be in a well-ventilated state, so much so, indeed, that it is stated the men could not work without their clothes on, on account of the cold. The pit is the same that fired little more than three years previous, by which one hundred and three unfortunate beings were killed. — Local Papers. 1838 (Decern.) — About the middle of this month a person in the employment of Mr. Bedlington, of Ovingham, brewer, was driving his horse, which was a blind one, and cart, from that place to Wylam ; the road is close to the river, in some parts dangerously so, and the horse and cart, by some accident or other, were overturned into the river, down a steep bank, the stream running pretty strong at the time ; the man, however, did not lose his presence of mind, but perceiving his horse and cart end up, though the barrels were floating in the river, very judiciously began to pilot the blind companion of his toils out of the dangerous position into which he had fallen ; this he accomplished as he walked along the bank, simply with the well- known " heck " and " gee," and after guiding his steps for a quarter of a mile along the river, in the manner we have described, he had the gratification of landing him safely on shore, nothing the worse of his extraordinary adventure. It is remarkable that a little boy, a favourite of the person who was driving the cart, who has children of his own, was riding in it at the time of the accident, and was found amongst the bushes on the bank, having received no injury beyond a few scratches. — Hid. December 20. — An interesting occurrence took place in Blackett street, Newcastle. A servant girl, while engaged making up the fire, her dress ignited — she rushed to the street door enveloped in flames, alarming the street with her screams, when, the wife of captain Bath- ines passing at the time, with the greatest self-possession ran to her rescue, and wrapping the girl in a valuable cloak, which she had on at the time, regardless of danger, her own dress becoming ignited, she succeeded in overcoming the flames, and thereby, saved the girl's life. — Hid. 72 LOCAL HISTORIAN S La. d. 1838. 1838.— The foundation stone of the Union Workhouse for New castle was laid on a spot of ground at the west turnpike above the cemetery. — Local Papers. There were no fewer than five Quarter Sessions in the county of Durham within the year 1838. — Hid. After a year's sinking under the direction of Mr. M. R. Elliott, of Etherley, the main coal of West Auckland Colliery, six feet thick, was obtained in 1838. — Ibid. This year a Roman altar was found in the foundations of a house at Uardriding, a mile from Melkridge, on North Tyne, Northumber land : recording that Decimus Caius, (the son of Arellius Victor) prsefect of the second cohort of the Nervii, in the free and due per formance of a vow, dedicated this altar to the god Cocidius, who was synonymous with Mars. The period is that of Hadrian. It was pre sented to the Society of Antiquaries, Newcastle, by sir Thomas Clav ering, bart. — Hodgson. This year, in the course of draining the church-yard of Long Benton, an ancient sepulchral slab of small size, bearing a cross, was found turned over on an old water channel. The cross was preserved by being inserted in the stone work on building up the chancel door* in the autumn of the same year. — MS. Col. * See engraving on p. 265, vol. iv. Benton, Northumberland. CHAPTER IV. ^^-^ SHE year 1839 is rendered memorable by the insurrectionary movements of that sec tion of the people of England professing the political principles set forth in the doc ument entitled " The Peoples' Charter," and, in consequence, obtaining for them selves the appellation of "Chartists" and for their principles, " Chartism." Our business in the following sketch is to record the transactions of that body so far as they relate to the North of England ; but, before entering fully on the task, it may be well to state that for some time previous, occasional meet ings had been held in Newcastle and Gateshead, advocating extended suffrage, vote by ballot, triennial parliaments, and other points pro pounded by the speakers, and that the council of the body entitled the " Northern Political Union" who met in November in the preced ing year, pitched upon George Julian Harney as their delegate to the " National Convention," a species of parliament constituted by the supporters of Chartism, as a conclave of persons meeting for delibera tion on the measures proposed as the means of establishing the " rights of the people." And now, with the turn of the year, did the Charter strike deep root. Meetings were held without number, in all the towns, villages, and hamlets in the county of Durham and on the coast of Northumberland. Orators travelled from place to place, fill ing the minds of the people with the result of past endeavours, and inciting them to further exertion. By the month of March, the whole of the district above mentioned was in a perfect ferment, meet ings became more and more numerous, and an almost instantaneous outbreak was expected. The Winlaton Chartists, more forward VOL. v. L 74 local historian's La- d- 1839. i than their brethren, were active in preparing for the day of ulterior measures, and occupied every leisure moment in the manufacture of thousands of "caltrops," an iron pronged instrument for the annoyance of cavalry, the *§^%s use and history of which is too well known, -^ss> to require being repeated here. These ^ were eagerly bought up, and indeed every preparation was made which precaution would suggest. The excitement continued to increase, and the tenor of every meeting was the adoption of compulsory measures, should the petition about to be presented to parliament be rejected. Such bold language seems to have startled even its enunciators, for at a meeting of the council of the Union on the 13th of March, 1839, it was resolved to refrain from such language while the fate of the petition was as yet uncertain, and also that the council should decline discussing the differences be tween Mr. Harney (their lately elected delegate) and the Convention, more especially as the majority of that body were against the conduct of that gentleman. Nevertheless the tide of insurrection continued to increase, and the first meeting of magnitude was held on Pittington hill, co. Durham, on Good Friday. The meeting, which, perhaps in consequence of the unfavourable state of the weather, was not very large, was addressed by Messrs. Knox, (one of the delegates,) Watson, O'Niel, Williams, Binns, Lawson and Batchelor, and a col lection being made, the meeting dispersed. Great preparations were now being made for the proposed monster meeting on the town moor, Newcastle, on the 20th of May, but the tone of the speakers at such preparatory meetings was much subdued in consequence of the official announcements made by government, &c. An order too, was issued that sixty rounds of cartridge should be supplied to the troops through out the country, and in preparation for contingencies, on May 15, a quantity of ammunition was conveyed from the stores at Tynemouth to Newcastle. Whit Monday, May 20, arrived, and being a fine day, a much larger number of persons attended than was expected. The greater bulk of the meeting was from the collieries, Newcastle having furnished very few, and their numbers were calculated at between 10,000 and 15,000. There were in the procession a number of ban ners, flags and bands of music. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Hume, Ayre, Hepburn, Charlton, Cooke, Cockburn, Rucastle, Blakey, Harney, Mason, Currie, Knox, Devyr, Duncan, Lowrey, and Taylor. The people were recommended to continue their opposition, withdraw their money from the savings' banks, obtain necessaries by force, to arm themselves in their own defence ; cessation from labour, and exclusive a.d. 1839.] table book. 75 dealing were also strenuously inculcated in the hope of starving the aristocracy and shopocracy (as the middle classes were designated) into compliance. In the evening another meeting was held on Sunderland moor. Similar language was spoken by Mr. Cooke at Usworth, co. Durham, on the 15th June, when he exhorted his hearers to further their cause, " peaceably if they could, forcibly if they must." Incited by such advice, many persons, chiefly from Seghill, Cowpen, &c. over stepped the bounds of prudence, and divers found lodgment in the pri sons. On the contrary, the pitmen in many of the collieries enrolled themselves as special constables and signalized themselves by the appre hension of several disorderly people. Another large meeting was held on the Town moor, Newcastle, on June 28, being the occasion of the coronation of the Queen. And now the constables special and general, found full employ. By the beginning of July, bands of sturdy beggars were continually prowling about the counties of Nor thumberland and Durham, committing petty thefts and felonies, ac companying injury with insult. In one instance, four sturdy rogues took down a string of herrings from the wall of a farm house, and entering the kitchen, coolly demanded that they should be cooked. In some instances the most brutal threats were uttered, when not readily assisted with money and provision, and a great degree of alarm was created among the inhabitants of lonely places. Of how ever little consequence the designs of the Chartists might be considered in the aggregate, yet it was not to be expected that the attempt, how abortive soever, to keep the " sacred month," (as their proposed simul taneous cessation from labour was designated,) would be unproductive of great inconvenience to the public, besides the certainty of mischief accruing from the mere idleness of so many hundreds out of employ ment for even a short period. Alive to this fact, the magistrates of the district set to work right earnestly in the appointing of special constables. The mayor of Newcastle too, materially augmented the police force, and took immediate measures for the suppression of these alarming meetings which were daily becoming more and more extend ed, numerous, and inflammatory. Meanwhile, the people were acting on the suggestion of the speakers in every particular ; money was withdrawn from the savings' banks, and invested in a manner which they persuaded themselves was more profitable. The manufacture of ' caltrops' was before alluded to, but now that of ' pike heads' was becoming more and more the staple of those whose employment it was. Immense numbers made by the Winlaton men for 4d. and 6d. a piece, were sold by them to brother Chartists for Is. 6d. and men who for merly made less than 3s. a day, could now obtain 15s. by this illegal calling. The ' begging box' too, as it was called, was carried amongst 76 local historian's La- d- 1°39. the shopkeepers, and those who refused to contribute were soundly threatened, and entered in a black book as ' marked men.' The con vention had now acceded to the motion of Lowrey, one of the dele gates, that the "sacred month" should commence on the 17th of August " when the corn is ripe, and the potatoes are in a condition to be dug" ; but his constituents in Newcastle opposed its delay, and urged its immediate commencement, as many of the manufactories and collieries had struck work in anticipation of its speedy advent. The news of the outbreak at Birmingham arrived on Sunday, the 17th of July, and created a great sensation in the Chartist camp. Before noon it became pretty generally known that Dr. Taylor had been made prisoner ; crowds of persons assembled at the corners of the streets, in deep and earnest discussion, and written placards were ex hibited, calling a "great public meeting" in the New Lecture Room, Nelson Street, Newcastle, at six in the evening. By the hour of meeting the room was filled, but before the time the speakers arrived, it was crowded to excess, and the heat was intolerable. The speakers inculcated the purchase of arms, robbery, and instant aneous cessation from work. Such language as this, uttered else where, brought Harney under the arm of the law, and near midnight two police officers arrived at Bedlington for his apprehension. He was found in bed, at the house of Mr. Henderson, surgeon, and was quickly conveyed southward, passing through Newcastle at five o'clock a. m. on Monday, and proceeding to Carlisle by the first train. On his arrival, the inn where the officer stopped, whose name was Spittle, (a Birmingham policeman) was speedily surrounded by the populace, who demanded the immediate release of the prisoner. Harney implored them to desist ; a chaise was brought to the rear of the inn, and while the people were engaged in the front, Harney and his captor got in and were speedily driven off, out of the reach of opposition. Immediately on the news of Harney's apprehension, the inhabitants of the village wherein he was captured, assembled in numbers, and preceded by a band of music, entered Blyth, where they held a meeting, when the tenor of the language uttered, was so violent, that the magistrates thought it advisable to obtain the assistance of a troop of the 7th dragoons, which arrived in the course of the day. The sight of the military seemed to strike some caution into them, for although subsequent meetings were held on the same day, the language was much less violent. On the same day, pursuant to a resolution made at the meeting in the Lecture room on the preceding night, and in imitation of similar acts in Bir mingham, the Chartists determined to meet every night for an indefi nite period. This night's meeting, consisting chiefly of men from the A. D, 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 77 The Forth Tavern, Newcastlf., after the curtailment of the west wall in 1844. surrounding districts, took place in the Forth. Some of the banners bore " pikes," but it was thought advisable to unship them on entering the town. After the meeting, they paraded the streets. On the afternoon of the next day, (July 9) two delegates (Reeves and Wat son) burning with the news of Harney's arrest, arrived at Thornley, co. Durham. For some time past the workmen of this district had been in a most unsettled state, and the harangues of those persons found ready auditors. The arrest of a political leader in times of ex- jitement is always a matter of popular interest, and doubly so when ngeniou3ly embellished by these orators, who related that " he had >een torn from bed, — from the arms of his wife, without time >eing allowed him to dress, and dragged to a gaol." In less than half m hour, they had got a large body of men together, who proceeded to he mouth of the pit, commanding the banksman to go down the pit tnd call the men to bank. He refused, and on the mob shouting down nstead, the enginemen refused the aid of the engines : they then pro- 3eeded to the workshops, and despite of the counter endeavours of Mr. Wood, who had just arrived from Cassop (two miles distant), the men left their employ and joined the rabble. They then moved forward through South Hetton, and Haswell, forcing men into their ranks or brutally threatening their being " marked." It was ten p.m. when they arrived, tired and wet, at Sunderland moor, in the expectation of being at the meeting which was held there at night, but all was over when they arrived. Another meeting was to be held at ten on the next morning, but the main body rushed back to the coal waggons on the railway, and by this means arrived at home on the following morn- 78 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a.d. 1839. ing. The men at Cowpen and Blyth remained off work during the 8th and 9th, when there was much disorderly conduct, but as no positive outrage had been committed, the military returned to Newcastle on the 10th. On the 1 3th a large body from the district surrounding Blyth, mostly armed, met at Scaffold hill, near Earsdon, and another was held at Fatfield, co. Durham, at which pike heads were publicly sold. Several colleries having been laid in this day, and an inflamma tory placard having been circulated in Newcastle, great sensation was produced, and much alarm excited. The mayor, John Fife, esq., who had been in Scotland during the past week, 'arrived, when further pre cautionary measures were made for the preservation of peace. The council of the union (which met nightly) continuing to send out lec turers to inflame the populace, rendered such means justly necessary. Every thing was in confusion, and an outbreak was hourly expected. In consequence, a company of the 98th regiment of foot was dispatched to Durham on Sunday the 1 4th, but probably their presence awed the rioters, for no disturbance took place. This day too, a meeting was held in the Forth, Newcastle, when the people were urged to provide arms, but to keep them secret until they were ordered to use them ! Induced by these advices the people were not slow to obey. On Monday the 15th, a man named Jacob Robinson, belonging to Winlaton, was brought up at the police office, Newcastle, charged with being disorderly, and on being searched, two pike heads, each eighteen inches in length, were found on his person. He was immediately imprisoned. In the evening, another meeting was held in the Forth, which was unusually large, owing, it is said, to the accession of five hundred Irishmen. The people, as usual, were urged to arm, to exercise in small companies, and not to meet again in such overpowering numbers until they were all prepared with pikes to carry out the orders of their leaders. The authorities were complimented on their forbearance ; indeed they had so far won the good graces of one of the speakers, that he said they should not be interfered with, so long as the Chartists were allowed to do what they liked ! A still larger concourse as sembled on the 16th, in expectation of news from the convention, which, however, did not arrive. In conse quence of the arrival of news, on the afternoon of the 1 7th of Julv of the recommencement of disturbances at Birmingham, increased ex citement was observable, and shortly before the usual hour of meeting, a bill was issued, ordering the discontinuance of the nightly meetings after this evening, and instead, ordered them to meet in trades and A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 79 districts. At the meeting, those who had struck work were ordered to resume, until the convention should decide respecting the commence ment of the " sacred month." Notwithstanding this placard which had been issued by the council of the N. P. U. recommending that neither the life or property of any person should be interfered with, Newcas tle was, on the 20th, (at midnight and a few of the following hours of the next day) the scene of a violent outbreak and destruction of pro perty to a considerable amount, and nearly too of life. A good deal of excitement evidently prevailed in the town during the whole of Satur day, and groups of people were observed at different times assembled at the corners of the principal thoroughfares. Towards evening the neighbourhood of the Side became very active and turbulent. Shortly after midnight a fight occurred at the head of the Side, just mentioned. A great crowd gathered round the pugilists, gradually increasing to several hundreds, who began to manifest indisputable signs of mischief. The policeman on duty, Cuthbert Ridley, interfered and was very roughly handled, he sprang his rattle and displayed his truncheon, in self-defence, but he was soon overpowered, thrown down, and kicked in a savage and brutal manner. Four other policemen came up just at the same time, and most of them shared a similar fate. One of them, an active officer named Leslie, was thrown down, and very much hurt about the head ; a prisoner, a person named Bruce, whom he had in custody, and who was rescued by the mob, was the means of preserving his life by getting assistance and having him conveyed home in a state of insensibility. The disturbance continued at other parts of the Head of the Side, and all the persons whom the policemen had apprehended were released by the crowd, the officers all the time enduring showers of blows from the rescuing party. Ridley subse quently conveyed the other, named Southern, to the police office in the Manors. The repulsed police retreated into the open space in front of St. Nicholas' church. What was the reason of the movement, we know not, but about 10 minutes past 1, a large crowd proceeded from the Head of the Side into Queen Street, and ran along the Back Row and up the Postern towards Forth street, yelling and roaring with such uproarious violence as to rouse and terrify the sleeping inhabitants; They appeared to be pursuing some one, probably a policeman, of whom, in all likelihood, they lost sight somewhere about Forth street ; and other objects failing on which to vent their excited passion, a dis position to destroy property now manifested itself in the breaking of lamps, and the adoption of the Birmingham system of throwing the streets into darkness. They returned by the Postern, breaking every lamp, and occasionally a window on their way. When they reached Westgate street, a party proceeded along Bailey gate, but the greater 80 LOCAL HISTORIAN S La. d. 1839. Old House, St. Nicholas' Square, Newcastle. Removed 1838. part pressed onward along the Back Row, which was at one time filled with people from end to end. Meanwhile the mass of the crowd returned to the Head of the Side, (which appears to have been the head quarters of the rioters) and proceeded towards Mosley street, breaking and extinguishing every gas lamp on their route, and hurraing and yelling with terrific energy, as each further approach to darkness gave additional hope of doing mischief with impunity. They stopped at the Union Bank, fronting St. Nicholas' square, and having provided themselves with half bricks from a huge mass lying near the new Com Exchange, a large number were thrown at the policemen and at the doors and shutters of the bank, and several of the panes and part of the wood work that appeared above the outside shutters were driven in. Just previous to the attack a cry of " The Bank — the Bank" was heard by a person, residing above it, as if an attempt was about to be made to enter it with a view to plunder. Fortunately, however, the breaking of lamps and windows appeared to give the rioters the highest relish, for in a short time, they moved off in a body along Mosley street, breaking as they set off, several panes of glass and part of the window frames in the house of Messrs. Renwick, drapers. From this point scarcely a house escaped alto gether uninjured, stones and half bricks being thrown more or less at A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. SI nearly all the lower windows along the western portion of Mosley street, and then proceeded to break the gas lamps, not one of which was suffered to escape. The gas was put out and the mob was left at perfect liberty to do what it liked. The respectable inhabitants of these streets were, as will naturally be imagined, dreadfully alarmed, for the triumphant yells set up after each successive act of demolition, were truly appalling. They broke a lamp or two at the foot of Grey street, and turned into Dean street committing greater destruction than before on the lamps and windows in their progress. When opposite the Tyne Mercury office they made a stand, not for a cessa tion of arms, or from fear of consequences ; but seemingly with a determination to deal forth their most signal vengeance on these premises. They sent up a tremendous yell, which was heard at a great distance. This was the signal of attack, and immediately an immense volley of bricks were flung with great force and precision, destroying no less than thirty-eight panes of glass. Charge after charge were dispatched on their destructive mission, smashing in with a loud noise, the sashes and window shutters. Many were em ployed in carrying bricks from the New Corn Exchange, while the main body discharged them with great effect. Two of the policemen watching a favourable opportunity, effected their escape from the mob, and ran at full speed to the police station in the Manors for assistance. The police force was soon mustered and armed, and marched in a body to the scene of disturbance, headed by Mr. Stephens the super intendent, and inspectors Little and Grey, accompanied by the mayor and Dr. Headlam, who took an active part in directing their move ments. It was near two a. m. when the force arrived, and inspector Little and sub-inspector Bell remained at a little distance behind, to see if they could recognize any active rioter, when a man named Divine, who was talking to others, remarked that the police were coming, with the mayor at their head, and said, while attempting to throw a stone at the mayor, " I'll scalp him." Inspector Bell im mediately sprung forward and seized his hand while he was going to discharge the stone. The rioters astonished at the force ready to oppose them, — being without a leader, and almost wholly unarmed, fled in all directions ; but afterwards began to assemble at the cor ners of the streets and passages, into which they sometimes retired for safety and shelter ; but they were promptly dispersed by the police. During the fray, stones were flying about in all directions, and several individuals had very narrow escapes. An old file, ground down to something like a pike, was thrown at two policemen, but happily it fell' between them. Had it not been for the timely arrival of the police from the principal station, Ridley and the policemen first en- vol. v. M 82 local historian's La- d. 1839. gaged, would have fallen victims to the popular fury. They were all severely wounded, one in particular, had a severe wound on the head and a deep cut on the neck just below the left ear. Several of the rioters were apprehended instantly by order of the magistrates, and a number of others were afterwards taken. After two a. m. tranquility was in a measure restored, but the police continued to perambulate the principal thoroughfares and disperse the people collected in groups. At three a. m. the streets seemed perfectly quiet. Ten prisoners were taken to the station house during the disturbance, and in the course of the day were removed to the gaol for safety. Dean-street and Collingwood-street were visited by thousands of persons in the course of the day, the town being in a state of great excitement. The broken lamps were substituted during the afternoon, and every pre caution was taken by the authorities to obviate a repetition of the outrages at night. This riot had an evident effect on a portion of the lower classes, and many who were tipsy towards Sunday evening would be content with nothing but fighting with the police, and threatening that they would soon be all annihilated. It was not found necessary to call out the military, as the police force was well organized and performed their duty manfully ; but a messenger had been despatched to the barracks immediately on the outbreak becoming known at the Manors, and the soldiers were all mounted and drawn out in the barrack yard, awaiting the order of the magis trates, who were prepared to act with promptitude had any contin gency required additional aid. A number of Mr. Grainger's workmen were paid off on the Saturday, and the conduct of some of them about the Side during the day did not pass unobserved by the police, who, however, had not deemed active interference necessary. There was a strike amongst the shoemakers also, which greatly increased the number of the unemployed. On Monday July 22nd,* Archibald White, Peter Flannaghan, John Sutheron, John Thompson, William Campbell, Peter Divine, Peter Brown, Barnard Flannaghan, and Thomas Owen, were brought up for examination. Sutheron was discharged as he had only fought * Messrs. Williams and Binns, of Sunderland, who had for some time distinguished themselves as chartist leaders, were on the afternoon of this day, committed for trial at the then Durham assizes, for holding a seditious meeting a week before. They were liberated on bail, themselves in £300, and two sureties in £200 each. They were further charged with publishing a handbill entitled an •' Address to the Middle Classes," for which they were also bailed in precisely the same amounts, and by the same persons. Much excite ment was caused by this arrest, and a meeting was held on the same night on Sunderland Town-moor, which two of the magistrates attempted to address but without effect. The meeting separated peaceably. A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 83 in self-defence, Peter Flannaghan was ordered to pay a fine of 20s. and 2s. 6d. costs, and in default of payment to be committed for a month. The remainder of the prisoners* were remanded until the day following, when they were brought up, and again remanded, principally on account of the non-attendance of Leslie, who was in a very precarious state. The chief evidence adduced this day, was that of an inhabitant in Dean-street, who stated that having gone near to a group of persons, standing in St. Nicholas' church yard, he overheard them talking of the facility with which the town could be fired, and the supply of water cut off. No doubt this was seriously meditated at one time, as from the evidence adduced, it appeared that the word " fire " was several times heard among the crowd. None of this could, however, be brought home to the pri soners, though all of them were identified as being concerned in the riot. As the magistrates could not get through with the witnesses they adjourned to the following morning, when the evidence of Leslie and two labourers were taken, and the prisoners were all committed for trial at the ensuing assizes,-)- on the charge of committing a riot, &c. As was to be expected this outrage, considerably increased the alarm existing among the peaceable inhabitants of the town, and the general opinion was that some decided measures ought immediately to be adopted, to prevent the repetition of such a scene. At night the chartists assembled in considerable numbers in their usual place of meeting ; when it was said that " when the working man refused to work, business would be at an end, and the favoured few would find out what they could do without the Chartist. They (the shopocracy) would be reduced to eternal beggary." The meeting was instructed to conduct itself in an orderly manner, and it then marched in procession, in number about 1200, to the Side, where they dispersed. They made incessant shoutings and cheerings, causing the most terrible din heard for some time. A special meeting of the Town Council of Durham was held on July 22, when resolutions were passed for the swearing in of special consta bles, which on the two following days, was carried into effect before the county magistrates, when most of the respectable inhabi tants were duly appointed. The magistrates of Newcastle issued * A dagger found on one of the prisoners had the imprint of Crowley, Millington, and Co. on the shaft, and the conclusion was that it had been manufactured out of materials belonging to that firm, who have extensive Iron Works on the Tyne. f At the Assizes held on Tuesday, July 30, before Mr. Justice Coltman, — a verdict of guilty was returned against Flannaghan, Divine, and White. Flannaghan was sen tenced to 18 months, Divine 12 months, and White 6 months imprisonment in the house of correction with hard labour. The other prisoners were acquitted. 84 local historian's La- d* l83^. a placard threatening imprisonment to any one who was found unlawfully obtaining money from the inhabitants,* and the author ities of Gateshead held a meeting in the Town hall, when sixteen additional policemen were appointed, who with their brethren, (in addition to their usual duties) were directed to apprehend all able bodied mendicants. The whole of the gentlemen present, excepting the magistrates enrolled themselves as special constables, and the list remained open. Another meeting was held in the Forth on Tuesday evening, the 23rd of July ; but on the 24th, the mayor, John Fife, esq. issued an order for the dispersion of any meetings held within the borough, and that those who were found to take part in such meetings should be punished according to law. On the same day, the mayor also issued a bill inviting the inhabitants who were willing to serve as special constables, to send their names and residences to the police office in the Manors, on or before the 26th, when a day would be appointed for swearing them in. On the 27th another bill was issued, inviting all gentlemen desirous of serving as special constables, and having horses, to attend mounted at the Manors at 5 o'clock p.m. on the same day. The out pensioners too, residing in New castle, were requested by the same medium on the 31st to attend at the police office to be sworn in as special constables. By these means upwards of six hundred of the inhabitants were sworn in, and com menced a regular system of discipline under the care of military men, so as to be a body effective on an emergency. On the 29th too, the mayor issued another manifesto, cautioning the members of the N. P. U. or other illegal societies, against holding meetings, inducing others to become members, or levying contributions for their support ; threatening a fine of twenty pounds on conviction.-)- Notwithstand ing which, on the 30th of July, a number of individuals from Blaydon and Winlaton, marched into the town armed with sticks, and preced ed by a band of music. They proceeded to Gateshead, and in a short time returned, reinforced on their way toward the Forth for the purpose of holding a meeting pursuant to their often expressed * The Newcastle Journal says — " It has been stated to us, that delegates from the body calling itself the Northern Political Union, have been going about collecting subscriptions for the National rent, and using intimidations to effect that purpose. Two men, one of which carried a deal box, bound with tape, and staled, with a hole in the lid for the in troduction of the receipts, called at the shop of our informant the other day, and, on his refusing to comply with the extortionate demand, he bad the satisfaction of beholding his name written down as a marked man. The same thing has been done elsewhere through the town." The above is not the solitary act of the Newcastle chartists; similar proceedings took place in various towns. \ This evening, from a dozen to twenty men were observed privately drilling in a se cluded lane in the suburbs of Gateshead. — G. Obs. a. d. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 85 intention, and in spite of all authority. Shortly afterwards the mayor, accompanied by Dr. Headlam and Mr. John Brown, clerk to the justices, left the Manors, and appeared on horseback in Mosley-street. They were speedily surrounded by a number of individuals from the main body of the mob. To these the mayor spoke respecting the impropriety of their disturbing the peace of the town, and exciting alarm in the minds of the peaceable inhabitants, urging upon them the necessity of returning to their homes. The magistrates then proceeded, and on reaching Colling wood street they came in collision with a body of chartists, when the mayor seized hold of a banner and the banner-bearer, commanding an instant surrender, but he refusing, a sharp struggle ensued, in which, a tailor from Whittingham received a wound from a sword in the abdo men, and was instantly conveyed to the Infirmary. Dr. Headlam, and two gentlemen passing, came up and assisted the mayor; but being over powered by numbers, the man broke away, and the whole body was suffered to proceed. They went along Collingwood street, part of Westgate street, stopped a short time at the Spital, and then went The North Side of the CHANCEL of the CHAPEL of the Hosl'ITAL of S. MARIE : Westgate, Newcastle. Demolished 1844. to the Forth. And now the authorities commenced their operations. The whole of Westgate street, the Spital, the Forth, and indeed every piece of ground about the place was densely crowded, with people, witnesses and the witnessed, every available point that offered 86 local historian's [a.d. 1839. itself for a better view was eagerly sought after and fought for — every projection, heap, wall, railing or window in sight were filled. The remains of the ancient and venerable town wall was so cov ered with human beings that hardly any part of it could be seen, this coupled with the continual noise of voices, the excited faces of the rioters, the approach of the police, and the consternation produced by them, together with the sea of human heads rush ing along when successfully charged by the municipal forces, caused a scene such as has seldom been witnessed. Between 8 and 9 o'clock the whole of the special constables, headed by alderman Rid ley, alderman Dunn, Robert Plummer, esq., and W. Loraine, esq., marched from the Manors station, and were met by the police who came down Westgate street. The mayor and alderman Headlam then rode along to the Forth in order to induce the people to return home peaceably and orderly. They left the Forth, but followed the mayor back to Westgate street, purposely to parade the streets as they had frequently done before. Dr. Headlam having been left a little in the rear of the authorities, who rode towards Westgate street, the mob assailed him in a most furious and cowardly manner, with stones flung from all sides, one of which struck off his hat, and he was forcibly dragged from his horse, but happily he received no bodily injury. He then joined the mayor, and the chartists followed, but their further progress was arrested by about seventy of the police, armed with cutlasses, who forming into a square, opposed an efficient barrier against their entrance into the town. In this state of affairs the riot act was read, but the people disregarding its salutary caution did not show any disposition to move, and the whole body of police, who were headed by the mayor, were ordered to move forward. The two conflicting parties closed, the banners were seized, the mayor having hold of one, and in a few moments they were all in the hands of the police, but not before one of the banner bearers was severely wounded. The mob — uncommanded and unarmed, at least to any extent — made a precipitate retreat until they reached near to the Forth, where they halted. Several heaps of stones were lying at the side of the road, and arming themselves with quantities of these they assailed the police in turn with repeated volleys ; but two or three were made prisoners in the act of discharging these missiles and upwards of twenty of the rioters were discovered to have pikes in their possession. Meanwhile, information had been sent to the barracks, and a troop of cavalry and some infantry were speedily dispatched, and proceeding to the open space near the Grammar school, offered an effectual barrier to the mob. The chartists not showing any disposition to move off, the cavalry marched along A. D» 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 87 driving the people before them, who to escape the horses hoofs fled in all directions. Every outlet was crowded with fugitives who each strove to reach a place of safety first — creating a scene of indes cribable confusion. The whole or part of the infantry stretched across the street from the Grammar school to the opposite house, facing St. John's church, with their bayonets fixed and pointing to the ground, thus preventing any one from entering the Forth, at least by the broadest passage. While thus employed the police and special con stables occupied Westgate-street, which was densely crowded with spectators, and whom they attempted to disperse, but as they were so closely packed, little could be done in that way. Now and then a re port arose in the crowd that the infantry were about to fire, and spreading instantaneously, a terrible rush was made to one side to avoid it ; but when the military were seen still unmoved, the alarm ceased and they immediately rushed back again, rapidly occu pying their former station. After remaining a short time at this point, the infantry marched toward the Forth in the rear of the dra goons. Four prisoners in the custody of the police were at this time taken to the Westgate station house ; one of whom, named John Sterling, a shoemaker in the Castle Garth, was subsequently taken to the Infirmary, as he had received a severe wound in the abdomen by a cutlass. There was now no decided and numerous mob to disperse, but great numbers of people still remained in the streets, seemingly with not the most peaceable intentions. The military were therefore in particular requisition, who assumed their inert duties in this way about ten o'clock. The dragoons were astonishingly effective. Gal loping along the streets, up passages and lanes, they spread terror in every direction, the streets were soon cleared, the affrighted people rushing to any place where shelter could be found, and as soon as the danger was passed returned to their homes as quick as possible. One dragoon or artilleryman, whether from design or in the excitement and heedlessness of the moment, rushed down the Arcade at full speed, and without pulling back, flew down, horse and man, the steep and lengthy flight of steps leading into the Manors, and wonderful to relate, neither the horse or his rider received any damage what ever. Mr. Dunn and Mr. Plummer with a strong body . of police, proceeded down the Side and other places, clearing the streets as they went on. In the Side they entered a publick house where they found between sixty and seventy persons, chiefly chartists, on one of whom (a man named George Harrison), was found an old bayonet ; he was immediately taken into custody. After the riot was supposed to be quelled, a strong guard of soldiers was placed 88 LOCAL HISTORIAN' 3 1839. ¦ill m The UNION Bank, S. Nicholas's Square, Newcastle. Demolished August 1843. in St. Nicholas' square for the night, the thoroughfares of the neigh bourhood were stopped, and no person was allowed to pass unless he could give a good account of his intentions, the town having been placeil, in fact, under martial law. The rioters who had been secured were afterwards conveyed from the station house to the gaol, (amounting to about thirty) under a strong escort of soldiers. Colonel Campbell at the request of the magistrates placed a guard over the gaol, and patrols of military occupied the streets till daylight, when peace and quiet having been restored, they were marched off to the barracks.* Early on the next day-f- (31st) the mayor issued a bill cordially thank ing the special constables for their assistance on the preceding night, and strongly recommending that the peaceable inhabitants should * The riot act was read four times, twice by the mayor in the Scotswoodroad, and in St. Nicholas' square; once by Mr. Aid. Dunn in Westgate-street. On the same day on which the riot occurred, the magistracy of Northumberland met during the midsummer General Quarter Session, (adjourned until this date) at the Moot Hall, and passed a series of decisions for the prevention of a strike, the protection of the well-disposed, the punishment of offenders, and requiring the N. N. V. Cavalry to hold themselves in readi ness for an emergency. On the 9th of August they issued a bill enforcing these points. f True bills were found by the Grand Jury at the Assizes for Newcastle, held in the end of July, 1839, against Messrs. O'Brien, Ayre, Mason, Thomason, and Devyr, for using seditious language at the meeting held on Sunday evening. July 7 ; also against John Bell, for printing and publishing a seditious libel, contained in a bill addressed to the middle classes, and against Robert Blakey, proprietor of the Northern Liberator, for a libel published in that paper. With the exception of O'Brien, the whole of the prison ers had been apprehended, and they entered into sureties to appear and take their trials at the next Assizes. Thomason was apprehended on Thursday, August 1, at Stockion, by Mr. Henderson, superintendent of police there, and was brought into Newcastle on the next day. August 21-23, Thos. Brown, John Tvveddale, and Wm. Stephenson, were committed for the like offence, but liberated on bail. A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 89 either become special constables or remain in their houses after night fall, as by swelling the crowd, they exposed themselves to danger, and materially increased the difficulties which the authorities experienced in clearing the streets of disorderly persons. On the 2nd of August, a considerable number of special constables were sworn in, in the neighbourhood of Winlaton, and a similar ceremony took place at North Shields on the next day, when a great number of persons presented themselves. On the 6th of August, the Chartists refrained from their usual assemblages in the Forth, and betook themselves to the Music Hall, when the language was most violent. A meeting of the special constables was held in Newcastle, on Friday afternoon, Aug. 9, John Fife, esq. mayor, in the chair, who stated that the Home Secretary, lord John Russell, would view with satisfaction the for mation of a volunteer rifle corps in this locality : the intimation was siezed with honourable avidity, and resolutions were passed to take the necessary steps to organize such a force forthwith, in defence of life and property at this season of excitement and peril.* On Saturday the 10th of August, four individuals of the name of Devyr, Hume, Thomason and Bell, were arrested, the three former for having used seditious language in Newcastle ; the latter (Bell), for having printed a highly seditious and inflammatory placard, calling on the industrious classes to observe rigidly, the "sacred month," and by that means to demonstrate to their oppressors, as the middle and higher classes of society were by them designated, their power in the state. The first and the two last of these four, had already been held to bail for contempt of the laws at the time of the assizes, only a fortnight previous. Generally speaking however, an excellent spirit animated the great mass of the operatives of the town. It was the vicinage of the collieries, the iron works at Winlaton, and other places of a like importance and character, that poured into the town the extreme movement men, to the great terror of the peaceable inhabitants ; though it must be confessed that the magistrates by their vigourous administration in a great degree 'put down the agitation in the town, and the capture of these and other prominent individuals would doubtless tend to render their efforts less and less availing in carrying on their designs. About this time a body of military from Newcastle and Tynemouth, and the presence of a number of magistrates, pre vented the breaking out of disturbances in the village of Seghill. On the 10th, upwards of 100 pitmen from Seghill came to the justice room at North Shields, with the avowed intent of being made con stables, but not more than twenty would take the oath. On the * In this matter R. M. Glover, Esq., M D., took a prominent part. VOL. V N 90 local historian's [a. d. 183.9. same day the magistrates of South Shields attended, (as also on the 12th and 13th) for the same purpose in the Town hall, when upwards of one thousand persons were sworn ; consisting of a great number of the inhabitants of the town and vicinity, among whom were several of Messrs Cookson's men, and nearly all the pilots. In compliance with a request from the magistrates, the home secretary had given an order for a supply of arms, and the stationing of a sloop of war at the mouth of the Tyne.* The 12th of August, being the day appointed for the " general strike " ordered by the convention, a good deal of uneasiness was manifested during the morning. It was soon however ascertained that but three or four of the collieries in the district had suspended operations, and that in the town scarcely a single regular labourer was out of employment. In the course of the forenoon, troops were ordered down to Cramlington, Seghill and Winlaton, where the pitmen had "struck," and the whole police force were in readiness to interpose should any disturbance take place. About 11 o'clock a placard was posted at the foot of Dean street, directing " the men of the strike" to meet in the Forth, at two o'clock p.m. but only about thirty persons obeyed the call, thereby plainly and indisputably shewing the way in which the measure was re garded by the working classes generally. It may be proper to state that the resolution of the convention, repudiating the " strike" at the present time, had no effect whatever in checking the movement, as in Newcastle and its vicinity, the chartist leaders made the greatest efforts to organize the men, and effect a general cessation of labour throughout the locality. The most perfect tranquility reigned in the town during the whole day, and it was not expected that any disturbance would arise, f In consequence of information received late on Tuesday evening, August 13, that it was apprehended some attempt might be made by the chartists from Seghill to lay off the collieries in the neighbourhood of Earsdon, particularly Back worth, (which had been at work that day,) the magistrates of North Shields requested Major Reid, the commander of Tyne mouth castle, to dispatch a strong column of infantry to the Ears- » Monday afternoon August 12th a large quantity of cutlasses, pistols, and other arms were brought into North Shields, and several were distributed on the following mornin" to a number of military and naval pensioners who had previously been sworn to "obey our sovereign lady the Queen." Some of the specials and the police were also provided with weapons, these were drilled in the exersise of the cutlass and pistol every Tuesday and Friday evening, in the yard attached to the house of correction. They were mustered by a man armed with a sword and pistol, who at convenient distances sounded a bugle. t At night (August 12.) Bronterre O'Brien, charged with sedition, was arrested i London, by a Newcastle police officer, upon the warrant of judge Coleridge. He liberated on bail. in A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 91 don district, which was so promptly attended to, that within twenty minutes after receiving the requisition, the troops were on their march, and got to Holywell colliery at half-past two in the morn ing, but finding the men inclined to go to work, and no attempt made to stop Backworth, the troops marched back to Earsdon, and shortly after, one half of them returned to their quarters at Tyne mouth ; the remainder marched forward to Seghill, and took up their quarters there, where they found a party of dragoons, who shortly after took their departure for Newcastle, with some violent chartists whom they had apprehended.* In consequence of the pre sence of the troops, the village remained perfectly quiet all night, and after some hesitation on the part of the pitmen, about one half of them went to work at the Seghill colliery, and it was expected from the sudden turn of many of them, that the remainder would be at * A daring attack and attempt to fire was made on Thursday August 16th, or Friday morning August 17th, upon the Barrington colliery, near Bedlington, by several men connected with the Chartists in that neighbourhood, who fired upon the agent of the colliery (Mr. John Carr, an inoffensive and respectable man) and his assistants. Luckily the shot did not take effect, and Mr. Carr and the others defended themselves gallantly. A number of men were sent from the Iron works to protect the colliery, but the villains had made their escape without doing any damage except destroying some of the work men's tools. The parish of Bedlington was at this time protected by only one policeman, and consequently the chartists carried on their proceedings with impunity, to the terror of the peaceable and well-disposed inhabitants. The owners of the colliery offered a reward of .£50 for the apprehension of the person who fired at Mr. Carr. — [Newe. Jour., Dur. Adv.) The system of exclusive dealing was carried to a laughable extent in Newcastle, as also in Sunderland, about this time. A gentleman who had long been in the habit of paying a visit to a barber's shop in Blackett-street, Newcastle, on calling one morning as usual, found the "hall deserted" and on looking round the following impor tant announcement, posted in the shaving shop, caught his eye : — " Notice. — Any person frequenting this shop and acting as special constable will refrain from coming here in future. Signed, G. Smith." Having read this wonderful document, and being com pelled to own the " soft impeachment " he turned round, and was about to take his departure when he met the shop boy, whom he thus accosted : " Well my lad I need not come here any more it seems?" " Are you a special constable, sir?" was the prompt reply. " Yes," responded the gentleman, rubbing his face significantly. " Then you can't be shaved here" rejoined the lad, with a chuckle of delight which he half attempted to conceal. Our informant urged the necessity of the case and his claim as an old and constant customer, but his entreaties and remonstrances were alike in vain — the chartist fiat had gone forth. " Special constables shall henceforth shave themselves, or be content to wear their beards." (Newe. Jour. J August 22nd 1839, Mr. Smith, who re fused to shave special constables, was taken to the police station, for being drunk. He was brought up this day, but he was so tipsy, that he was remanded and afterwards liberated on bail. On Friday the 23rd he was again brought up, and complained that he had been badly used by the police in the station house. Mr. Inspector Little described the conduct of Smith as being very aristocratical. The police went through all the cook-shops in the town to get him something to eat, but he refused to eat anything until they got him roast beef. Smith was reprimanded and discharged. LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a. d. 1S:j£ ihe Police Office, and the Hospital ot the Holy Jesus, Manors, Newcastle (1845). work in a day or two. After the swearing in of a number of special constables by the magistrates and taking the necessary steps to pre vent any breach of the peace, the troops returned to their quarters at Tynemouth. A party of cavalry and infantry were sent off to Blyth and the neighbourhood on Monday morning the 18th ; but be fore they had proceeded far on the road, they received counter-orders and returned. A number of prisoners were brought into Newcastle from that neighbourhood in the evening, under an escort of police, and lodged in the Moot-hall prison. If the commencement of the " sacred month " was a failure, it might now be said to have been wholly abandoned. During the first week some men were apprehend ed in the colliery districts for absenting themselves from their employ ment, and were committed to prison ; but generally speaking the work in the collieries had been resumed. Indeed some of them did not hold out longer than one day. It may afford some amusement to the reader, when he is told that an amendment was passed unani mously at a meeting at Kerrimuir in Scotland, recommending that the month should be reduced to two days. Such was the way in which the people held the measure. A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 93 Chartism was now sensibly on the decline, many of their newspapers altogether ceased or greatly fell off in their circulation, and the tone of the orators, both written and spoken, was much milder. About the 20th, Blyth was visited by a company of the 98th regiment, and a large body of police from Newcastle, who effectually silenced the tumultous inhabitants, and captured and brought to Newcastle, seven, who were summarily dealt with. Eight others, against whom war rants were issued, had decamped. At Cowpen square too, the colliers had fortified the outlets of their rows of dwellings, which, as the name imports, are in the form of a square, with entrances at the corners, and bodies of men were posted at these points with such arms as they could get ; but the alarm of a troop of cavalry suddenly coming by Bebside, threw them into disorder, and a body of police enter ing at the moment, captured a number of the ringleaders, who were instantly marched off to Newcastle. * In order to carry out the principle of exclusive dealing, the chartists, on Tuesday night Aug ust 27, met in the Groat market Newcastle, when and where they established a " Joint Stock Provision Store ""f in shares of ten shil lings each, payable by instalments of one shilling per week ; \ and a great number of persons purchased shares. Some of the poor de luded colliers who were languishing in the gaols, besought the par don and intercession of their respective employers. Dr. John Tay lor who had long excited the attention of the police, had announced that he would deliver a lecture in Newcastle on November 12th, but being in Carlisle a few hours previous, the magistrates of that place issued a warrant against him, and two policemen were ordered to proceed to Newcastle in pursuit. These however did not keep their own counsel, and the circumstance being men tioned to Taylor, he forgot his promise to attend the meeting at Newcastle. In the evening a man dressed like Taylor entered the lecture room, and was in a trice siezed by the Carlisle police officers, who were waiting to receive the doctor on his arrival : they very natu rally supposed they had secured the object of their solicitude, and con veying him to the Westgate station, he was placed before Mr. In spector Little, when taking off his hat he pronounced himself to be William Byrne, one of the Chartist orators. He was shortly dis charged, affecting a great deal of annoyance at his detention, and resuming his disguise, left the office. Meanwhile the meeting was * 20th of August the stables of the castle of Durham were converted into barracks in order to accommodate a detachment of military, to be ready on emergencies. f Suggested by Dr. John Taylor. i This was held in a room in an entry in the Side, near the foot of the Butcher Bank, and existed until February 1842, when quarrels among themselves, put an end to it. 94 local historian's [a. d. 1839. entertained with a description of the means taken to make Byrne per sonate Taylor, hoping that the scheme would facilitate his escape. On the 14th, however, he was arrested at Melmerby, co. Cumberland, and brought to Carlisle on the same evening. He was charged with the delivery of seditious language at that city on the 24th of August preceding, and was committed for trial at the assizes, but liberated on bail. While in prison, his hair, which was black, was materially shorn of its length, and at a meeting held in Newcastle shortly afterwards, the auditory were informed that " every hair that was cut off would have to be answered for by the head of an oppressor." We have now nearly brought our sketch to a close : there is but little to add. What the Chartists called a Convention for the Northern and Border Counties, was now agitated, and at a meeting held in the Joiner's Hall on Saturday, November 30th, two person were elected as delegates at the coming meeting: and although the language uttered by one of them (James Ayre) at a meeting held on the 20th of January 1840, exceeded in virulence all that had preceded it, yet the close of the year, or possibly this very speech, seemed to have termin ated the organization, if it might be so called, of that which had lasted a year ; for although the excitement continued for some time afterwards, it was like the gradual subsidence of the troubled sea, after a night of storm, of strife and turmoil.* * After this period the proceedings of the chartists are almost wholly unworthy of notice, but it may be as well shortly to record the leading incidents : In April there was an attempt to re-organize the N. P. U., and on November 30th a procession of about four hundred persons celebrated the liberation of Messrs. Collins, Byrne and others, who had arrived from Carlisle, after undergoing detention for their past language. The insurrection of 1842 did not pass without imitators in the north, but the prompt dealings of the magistrates effectually prevented even the apprehension of anything serious, and since that period the records are unmarked. CHAPTER V. |N Monday, the 7th of January, 1839, the town and neighbourhood of Newcastle was visited by a tem pest which, as regarded resistless fury and appaling magnitude, had not been equalled in this part of the country, and which bore a closer resemblance to a West Indian tornado than the storms which, however fierce, visit the temperate regions of our globe. The weather for some days previous had been remarkably fine, the skies clear, and evenings frosty. On the evening of Friday preceding there was a slight fall of hail, and on Saturday a storm raged with considerable violence, attended with rain and sleet, which subsided towards evening. The sky was much overcast on Sunday, showers fell during the day, and the weather appeared to get more unsettled as evening approached. Before midnight the wind, which had been exceedingly boisterous during the entire day, increased in violence, and continued to blow in tremendous gusts from the S.S.E. till towards the morning, when it shifted to the Southward, and afterwards to the Westward, increasing in violence as it changed. About, three in the morning it returned to about W.N.W., at which point it remained with little variation. It is im possible to describe the sensation felt during this period. Impene trable darkness veiled the face of nature ; and when a sudden crash awoke the inmates of a dwelling, they knew not where to look for shelter amidst the ruin which surrounded them. Many families suffered more from fright occasioned in this way than from per sonal injury sustained. At length morning dawned on a scene of devastation such as few have witnessed. Bricks, slates, and tiles, in broken fragments, lay scattered over the streets, in every direction, as if the town had stood a siege. No one ventured abroad that could 96 local historian's [a. d. 1839. possibly avoid it, and every thoroughfare was literally deserted. Houses remained closed up, and shops unopened, whilst the work of destruction proceeded with increased fury as the day advanced. Between three and four o'clock in the afternoon, the progress of the storm was arrested, and before night had set in it had entirely sub sided. The injury done to public buildings in Newcastle was very considerable, and of these the Infirmary, from its elevated situation, suffered most. Three stacks of chimneys fell, with a tremendous crash, upon the roof, passing through, and carrying with them the tiles and timbers. The roof of the west wing was almost stripped ; upwards of thirty panes of glass were broken, the lead on the roof was rolled up, and other damage done, amounting to from i&150 to i?200. Twelve large trees in the walks and grounds were blown down ; and it is not unworthy of notice, as shewing the violence of the storm, that a slate came down with such force that it stuck nearly two inches deep into a door frame, where it remained. The Assembly rooms were also much injured, a stack of chimneys having fallen through the roof into the large room, where its progress was arrested. The hall of the Literary and Philosophical Society did not sustain much injury, but the sheet lead on the roof was torn up with great violence, and carried by the wind more than a hundred yards, where it alighted on a blacksmith's shop, fortunately without further accident. Much apprehension was at one time entertained for the safety of the beautiful steeple of St. Nicholas, but it withstood the tempest admirably. The balustrades of the Royal Arcade were com pletely destroyed, and the glass domes on the roof were more or less broken. The Grey monument was observed to rock to and fro when the storm was at its height, but it suffered no injury, although the wind had free access through the door at the top of the column, which was open, to the interior of the erection. St Thomas' chapel sustained considerable injury, several of the spires having been broken off and fallen through the roof. One fragment came very near the organ, which, however, escaped unhurt. The primitive methodist chapel, in Nelson street, was injured by the falling of a stack of chimneys, which penetrated the roof, and a few squares of glass were broken by the wind. In the Wesleyan chapel, Blenheim street, twenty three squares were broken. There was scarcely a private building in the town which escaped damage in some degree. The injury done in this way having been from the falling of chimnies, or from the wind tearing off the roof. A tall chimney attached to the brew-house of Mr. Strachan, Barras bridge, between fifty and sixty feet in height, fell with a tremendous crash, upon the work shops of Messrs. Burnup and Co. The men were all at work at the a. d. 1839.] TABLE book. 97 time, and had it not been for some large bars of iron which were fortunately lying across the beams of the shop, the consequences might have been of a very serious nature. As it was they escaped uninjured. Two houses at Brandling place were blown to the ground, and the inmates were saved with difficulty. The wands of the Newcastle Subscription Water Company's wind mill, near the Grand Stand, were forced round with such velocity, that by the friction of the machinery, the mill was set on fire. Fortunately by timely assistance, the flames were extinguished without much damage being done. The bark mill of Mr. Beaumont, in Darn Crook, also received much injury, the wands of the mill being torn off with con siderable violence, and after hovering a little time in the air, fell into St. Andrew's church yard, adjoining, with a tremendous crash ; The Church of S. Andrew : Newcastle upon Tyne : South Porch of the Chancel and the South Transept during the demolition of the latter in October 1844. a shed for drying skins, upwards of three stories high belonging to Mr. Arundale, skinner, Gallowgate was completely demolished. A little before one o'clock at noon, a sheet of lead weighing IScwt. 2qrs. 14rb. was torn from the top of Mr. Baird's house, in Northumberland street, and carried off by the violence of the tempest across the street, flying over the head of a man who was passing at the time, and dashing with considerable violence against the parlour windows of Miss Coward's house, opposite, literally shiv ering the glass, frames and shutters of the two windows to pieces. The inmates, who were in the parlour, providentially perceiving the lead coming, rushed out and escaped unhurt. — The chimney of Mr. M'Cree, at the end of Lisle street, fell down upon the building of Mr. Robson, adjoining, through the roof into the room below. No vol. v. ° 98 local historian's [a. d. 1839. one, however, was injured. At the Crown and Thistle inn, in the Groat market, a stack of chimnies fell through the roof and ceiling of three bed-rooms, in one of which a gentleman was in bed, but he fortunately escaped unhurt. The chimnies of the house occupied by Mr. Hodgson Hinde, in Westgate street, fell through the roof of the adjoining house, occupied by Mr. Mossman, part of the materials falling into the bed which the servant had just left. At the Leazes terrace, the chimnies of the house occupied by Miss Davies fell through the roof of the house inhabited by the rev. Dr. Lockhart, directly into the bed from which his two servants had risen a very short time before ; and almost at the same moment the rev. Dr's chimnies fell through the roof of the adjoining house. A chim ney was blown down at the George inn, and fell through the roof into an apartment where a gentleman was sleeping, but he escaped unhurt. At Mr. Armstrong's, opposite St. Thomas' chapel, a stack of chimnies fell through the roof of an adjoining house, and the roof was completly taken off some apartments which had been recently added to the back of the premises. A stack of chimnies fell from Mr. Bruce's academy, in Percy street, upon the back part of the Cock and Anchor public-house, which it completely demolished. A stack of chimnies at the police-station, Prudhoe street, was thrown down into a yard immediately adjoining. In Northumber land court, several chimnies were blown down ; one belonging to the house of inspector Gray broke through the roof of the adjoining house, breaking the bed in pieces. In Mackford's entry, a stack of chimnies came down upon a house occupied by several tenants, and fell into a room where two children were in bed, but they happily were not hurt. In Elswick terrace, two chimnies belonging to the houses, No. 35 and 36, fell through the roofs into the rooms below, but without doing further damage. In Blackett street, a stack of chimnies fell into the house of Mr. Ryder, and two children had a narrow escape. In the buildings surrounding the Butcher market, a great many stacks of chimnies were blown down, some falling through the roof of the market, and others through the roofs of the adjoining houses, and though no lives were lost, many persons had very narrow escapes. In one of them the chimnies fell close to the side of the bed where a female and a little boy were sleeping. One of the greatest sufferers in this quarter was Mr. Bamford, in Nelson street, in whose house several of his neighbours had taken refuge after their own apartments had been rendered untenantable, and when they were sitting down to dinner, a stack of chimnies fell through the roof with a tremendous crash, breaking through the attic floor, carrying every thing with it to the room below, where the party A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 99 were assembled, but fortunately no person was seriously hurt. The chimney of the house of Mr. Gladstone, in the Cloth Market, fell through the roof of Mr. Pace's house, adjoining, and did considera ble damage. At Byker and Byker hill, the houses suffered considera bly, and a stack of hay belonging to Mr. Grace, and some stacks of hay and corn belonging to Mr. Clementson, were blown down. The Ouseburn, Tyne street, New road, Sandgate and Quayside, escaped with little injury. Two houses, however, in Pandon-dean were blown to the ground. A large chimney, close adjoining the shot tower of Messrs. Walker, Parker, and Co., Elswick, and belonging to the works,, was partly blown down. Several houses in Elswick terrace and Blenheim street, were much injured ; two in the latter place, were totally unroofed. The chimney also of Mr. Burt's steam mill, in Thornton street, was partly blown down, but without doing much other damage. At Arthur's hill, the roof of a house was carried off in a body, when the gable fell in ; the inmates had just time to save them selves, having been warned of their danger by their opposite neighbours, who saw the roof beginning to move. A chimney fell into the tobacco manufactory of Mr. Davidson, at the head of the Side, and the work people were saved by having been informed of its tottering state by the neighbours. It is truly wonderful that in such a scene of devas tation as the town presented, so few injuries should have been sus tained by individuals. A female, however, of the name of Hodgson, had her arm broken, in consequence of being driven by the wind against a wall ; and a man named Hugh Hutchinson, was thrown down, and rolled over and over like a ball for some distance, and received several cuts and bruises. There were several other persons thrown down during, the day in various parts of the town. A female named Nicholson, residing in Silver-street, was sent to the Infirmary, both chimney and roof having fallen in upon the house and buried her in the ruins. The river presented an awful appearance during the continuance of the storm, and much damage was sustained by the various craft afloat. The damage sustained in Gateshead was very considerable. Nearly every house upon the Fell was unroofed or otherwise injured. The beautiful chimney of the Brandling Railway Company, about 115 feet high, fell about half-past six o'clock in the morning, and one man named Henry Hawks, had one of his legs fractured, and one of his sons and another man were slightly injured. The machinery, however, was but slightly damaged. This chimney was considered a beautiful and substantial piece of masonry, and was erected only a short time previous at great cost. Between nine and ten o'clock, another accident of a still more disastrous nature occur red at the works of Messrs. Abbot and Co., by one of the chimnies in 100 local historian's La- d> 1839. their extensive works, about 75 feet high, falling, when one of the workmen was buried in the ruins. The name of the unfortunate man was John Errick, who usually worked^ near the engine, cleaning metal studs for chain cables ; and it appears from the situation in which he was found that he had made an attempt to escape, but had failed. He presented a shocking spectacle, being dreadfully shattered, and only lived a few minutes after he was got out. Another workman had a narrow escape at the same time ; he was wheeling a barrow, which was struck from his hands by the bricks, which fortunately missed him. There were at the moment of the accident nearly 100 men at work in the foundry adjoining. The destruction in other parts of Gateshead was very considerable, especially in the Bottle Bank, where three or four houses were completely unroofed. At Barn Close several houses were blown down, and on the Windmill Hills many chimnies fell, and one mill had its wands completely blown off. Trees and fence railings in all directions were levelled. Considerable damage was done to the plantations of Col. Bell, Fenham-hall ; about 50 large and valuable trees were uprooted, also a quantity of shrubs. Several of the lights in the vinery were blown off, two of which were carried about fifteen yards. Some of the chimnies in the hall were partially down, and a quantity of lead carried to a great distance. One of the wands in Cowgate Mill was blown off, and the roof par tially damaged. Hamsterley Hall was much injured, and many large and valuable trees in the plantations torn up by the roots, and the roofs of the houses in the neighbourhood were destroyed. Considera ble damage was done at Minsteracres. A shed at Blaydon, belonging to the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway Company was blown down, and a few metal pillars broken. The Houses at Byker Hill, from their elevated situation, were much injured. At Wallsend, Mr. Lownds' house had both the chimnies blown down ; as had Mr. Davison's near the church, also one of the erections at the village and church pit. At Walker the storm was felt very severely. Losh, Wilson and Bell's manufactory suffered to the extent of £156. A mill at Ponteland, was very much injured and several of the houses more or less damaged. A number of trees in the park of M. Bell, esq., M.P. at Woolsington were torn up. Blagdon, the residence of Sir M. W. Ridley, Bart. suffered, and many trees were blown down. The dock wall, and most of the property near the water at Howden Pans was much injured. At White Hill Point, situated upon the north side of the river Tyne ; the vast space and long reach in the river, caused the hurricane to ex tend its fury to open destruction upon the property occupied by Mr. John Sadler, levelling the tile shades with brick pillars to the ground, three hundred feet in length, also the hovel and cart-house. A chim- A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 101 ney, thirty feet high, fell through the roof of the dwelling-house occu pied by that gentleman, down through the floor, into the kitchen, breaking every thing in its way. The servants had not left one minute before it fell, otherwise they must inevitably have been killed. The stable, granary, dwelling-house, and cottages were sadly injur ed; the loss could not be estimated at a less sum th,an £400. Between the hours of twelve and one o'clock the hurricane continued with such destruction as to blow down the vinery chimney upon the slides, breaking the whole of the glass and injuring the plants. At South Shields several houses in King-street and other parts of the town not only were unroofed, but otherwise suffered greatly, and a great number of chimnies fell down. The lead was torn off the Trinity Church, and many slates carried away and broken to atoms — in short, the streets were literally filled with bricks, tiles, Sec. Many of the shops were closed during the day, and business was in a great measure suspended. North Shields also suffered materially from the storm, almost every house being left in a state of dilapidation. The most distressing accident occurred at the house of Mr Orange, bookseller, fronting Union Street and Bedford Street. Mrs. Orange and her servant were in the kitchen, — the servant near the door and Mrs. 0, engaged near the window, preparing for dinner ; and what is remarkable, almost an instant before the catastrophe, she inquired whether the servant remembered the wind that occasioned the fall of Mr. Spence's chimney, three years ago ; and before an an swer could be given to the question, a stack of chimnies fell upon the roof, carrying down the upper story, and burying Mrs. 0, in the ruins. The servant was preserved by a beam preventing the rubbish and fur niture from falling on her, but though help was procured immediately to save Mrs. Orange, when got out she was quite dead. The storm commenced at Sunderland in the course of Sunday night, accompanied by hail and rain, and continued without intermission till Monday morning, when its effects became alarmingly visible. In all parts of the town the streets were strewed more or less with tiles, slates, bricks and stones, and it became evident that considerable danger attended persons as they passed along. The damage done to property was to a great extent. Many houses were totally unroofed. In some in stances, the affrighted inhabitants had to quit their houses during the nicht of Sunday. In the forenoon of Monday the storm reached its utmost fury, blowing about in all directions, slates, tiles, bricks, and stones. The streets became deserted, few ventured to show them selves, most of the shops were closed and business seemed entirely at a stand. In some of the back streets the fall of bricks and tiles was immense, and it was really a wonder that more accidents did not 102 local historian's [A- d- 1839. occur in those parts. The chimney attached to the Northumber land and Durham District Bank, in High-street was blown down, and fell upon the roof of Mr. Smart's house, and from thence into the street, no one fortunately being hurt by it. A great portion of the roof of Bishop- Wearmouth church was blown off, and also part of the roof of the residence of the hon. and rev. Dr. Wellesley, the rector. Fortunately no personal injury was sustained. Much damage also occurred to the shipping in the river ; many of them broke from their moorings, and came in contact with each other. In the midst of this dreadful storm, a chimney fell through the roof of a house in Monkwearmouth, and lodged on the floor of a bedroom, in which a bedridden old woman, deemed by the faculty incurable, had lain for the last twelve years. The poor creature as if galvanized by the shock, sprung to her legs, and rushed down the stairs like a lamp lighter. In the city of Durham a scene of devastation was presented. The engine chimney erected at the carpet manufactory of Messrs. Henderson, fell with a tremendous crash on the roof of one of their warehouses, which it totally demolished, but otherwise doing no harm, as the workmen and others usually employed in that establishment were not suffered to work for fear of any serious accident happening. The large chimney at the glass works also fell, but without doing much damage except to the adjoining garden. Two large trees standing on the Palace green, were completely torn up by the roots ; the whole of the houses in the college were more or less injured, and the damage done to the cathedral was estimated at £100. All the shops in the town were either wholly or partially closed, and business of all kinds put a stop to. In the town of Hexham, the Catholic chapel was the only building which was injured to any great extent ; the pinnacles or turrets which surmounted the north entrance, and those on the bell-tower on the south end were prostrated. Those on the north having fallen upon the porch, did considerable damage. In the Seal, one of those fine old elms, whose spreading branches extend ed over an area of several hundred square yards, was torn up by the roots, and others suffered partial injury. In the vicinity, Mrs. Craw ford, of Warden paper-mill, was the greatest sufferer ; the chimney of the engine-house, recently erected, was blown down, which falling amongst the machinery, did considerable damage. The loss was esti mated at from £200 to £500. The chain bridge at West Boat was rendered impassible for a few days by the injury sustained. In some young plantations in Hexhamshire, there was scarcely a tree left standing, and in others, the damage was immense. Several large trees were uprooted at Beaufront. At Morpeth the hurricane did considerable damage, partly unroof- a. d. 1839.] TABLE book. 103 Old Mill by the Bridge of Morpeth. 18)4. ing many houses, blowing down chimnies, garden walls, &c. The Royal Victoria Pavillion, belonging to "Billy Purvis," standing in Oldgate -street, was shivered to pieces, the scenery, dresses, &c, blowing about the street in all directions. In the vicinity of Morpeth much damage was sustained. Longhirst house suffered in the glass ; Cresswell hall and Cresswell church were much damaged ; at Mitford hall a good many squares were broken, and nearly all the lead was blown off the roof. Upwards of 250 trees were blown down in the park and grounds about Alnwick castle. A stack of chimnies, be longing to Mr. Anderson, post office, was blown down, and did con siderable damage to the adjoining premises. — A great many other chimnies and roofs suffered more or less. At Alnmouth, half of the houses in the place were unroofed. At Lilburn tower, two large stacks of chimnies fell upon the roof, which they broke in, and forced their way down to the saloon. At Togston, the residence of Thomas Smith, esq., a chimney fell through the roof and into the bed-room of Mr. Smith, who had a narrow escape. It is impossible to enu merate the whole of the disasters which occurred. The greatest destruction amongst the shipping, took place on the Western coast. Such an awful visitation has not been witnessed in this part of the country for many years ; and several weeks elapsed before the whole of the repairs were completed. — Local Papers. 1 839 (January 7.) — The storm had scarcely ceased to vent its fury on the town of Newcastle, when a fire broke out in the shop of Mr. Cowper, Grocer, Grainger-street, which, though restrained in its pro gress by the exertions of the firemen, completley destroyed the entire stock of goods in the place at the time. The inmates of the houses, 104 local historian's [a. d. 1839. above had retired to bed, and they received the first intimation of danger from the police. The North British and Newcastle Engines were speedily on the spot, as were also two others stationed at the Barracks, and from the active exertions of the firemen and the mili tary, the fire was soon extinguished. At Quarry Houses, in the county of Durham, a fire burst out on the same night in one of a row of cottages belonging to Mr. 0. Johnson, which would undoubtedly have destroyed the whole property, had not timely aid been afforded by the inhabitants of Winlaton and the neighbourhood, by whose means the flames were put down, but not before the cottage was entirely consumed. — Local Papers. 1839 (Jan. 7). — Died at his residence, Old Brathay, Windermere, aged 70, Thos. Stamp, esq. post-captain in her Majesty's Royal Navy, after a painful and protracted illness. Captain Stamp, was a native of Sunderland ; a gallant officer, and conspicuous in most of the engage ments during the late war. Whilst on a cruise for two or three years, in the Mediterranean, he had a tamed lion on board, which used to follow him in his walks on the quarter-deck like a lap-dog, without any apprehension of danger by the crew. This lion was subsequently presented to Lady Collingwood. — Hid. January 9. — St James's Church Alnwick, in connexion with the Church of Scotland, was opened. — Hid. January 15. — Tuesday, an alarming fire took place at the Wear Glass Works, Sunderland, Messrs Hartley's manufactory, which des troyed one of the pot rooms, and large packing room, and consumed about £2000 worth of property in glass and pots. The fire was first discovered between twelve and one o'clock at noon whilst most of the workmen were at their dinners, by an apprentice who was working in the adjoining building and who preceiving smoke issuing from the packing room, immediately gave the alarm, and called the glassmen from the glass-house. The fire soon broke out with tremendous fury, about six tons of straw all blazing at once ; the fire bells were rung, and the steam engine was immediately set to work, to supply water from the well on the premises, and the fire engines from Sunderland and Bishopwearmouth parishes, the barracks, Mr. Grimshaw's, and Vint, Hutton, and Co.'s were soon on the spot. Mr. Grimshaw's engine, which was a most excellent one, arrived first, and was of most essential service, and with the assistance of the other engines, in about an hour and a half, succeeded in extinguishing the fire. The working part of the manufactory was uninjured. — Hid. January 15. — That portion of the Brandling Junction Railway, ex tending from Redheugh to the depot at the east-end of Hillcate, Gateshead, was opened, amidst a large concourse of spectators. a. d. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 105 Thirty-one chaldrons of coals from the Low Moor Colliery, called the South Beaumont Main, belonging to lord Ravensworth and part ners, were drawn along the line, and transferred on board the Eclipse for Dundee, from the new staith which had just been erected by the company at the foot of Hillgate. The directors and their friends afterwards dined together at the Brandling Arms Hotel, in honour of the auspicious event. — Local Papers. 1839 (January 20). — Sunday, — This morning the bishop of Durham preached before a large congre gation in the church of St. Mary, Gateshead, which was now opened for the first time since the exten sive undertaking of general and necessary altera tions and repairs, throughout the structure, which commenced on the 6th of May, 1838. The collec tions during the day amounted to £65. lis. 2|d. This premature opening had been arranged in order to avail the funds of the church of the presence and preaching of the bishop, who was shortly to repair to his seat in the House of Lords. The churchwar dens, under whose care the repairs had been brought thus far to a conclusion, effected their resumption by again closing the edifice until about the middle of March. There were found two sepulchral slabs bearing the usual devices. They are now preserved in the walls of the south porch. There were also found a silver halfpenny of one of the earlier of the six kings Edward, several monastic jettons or counters, and other copper coins in a rude stone coffin. — Hid. January 27. — The parish church of Doddington, Northumberland, was re-opened for divine service, after having ' undergone a thorough reparation, and considerable enlargement, by means of which one of the most comfortless and dilapidated churches in the diocese of Durham, has been converted into an exceedingly handsome and comfortable one, in thorough and substantial repair, and the inhabitants of the parish have obtained free and comfortable accom modation in the house of God, to nearly three times the number that could be formerly accommodated. Towards this good work the Duke of Northumberland, the patron, contributed £100, and the late Mrs. St. Paul, of Ewart Park, and her family, £106, 10s.— Ibid. February 15. — An explosion of gunpowder took place in the an cient keep of the castle of Newcastle. It appeared that the occupier, k-Ov ¦h -.J VOL. V. 106 local historian's |_a- d- 1839. Mr. Shipley, had been casting bullets for an acquaintance, when the powder, which was a short distance from him, became ignited, as is supposed from a spark, and exploded with considerable violence, knocking down a partition wall, and setting fire to a number of old muskets belonging to the Yeomanry Corps deposited there, and other things in the apartment. By the assistance of the police, who were speedily on the spot, the fire was got under, without much damage being done. Mr. Shipley escaped comparatively unhurt. — Local Papers. 1839 (Feb. 22). — Friday, the workmen employed in removing the ballast heap at Howdon, for the purposes of the Newcastle and Shields railway, discovered a quantity of jewellery, consisting of gold and silver watches, snuff-boxes, dessert spoons and knives, rings, ear-rings, and other articles. They had been wrapped in brown paper, which however was burst by a spade, so that while part of the property was left at the heap, a considerable portion had been con veyed to where the ballast was depositing. The men lost no time in setting off with their treasure to the neighbouring village and North Shields, where the greatest part was soon disposed of at low prices. On information being given at the police station some of that body went down on Saturday morning to investigate the matter. They succeeded in obtaining possession of several articles ; but nothing like the quantity that had been found. From the remains of a box, which, though nearly decayed, had the appearance of being of the kind carried by travelling jewellers, it is likely the property had belonged to a person of that description, but how it came there is unknown. — Ibid. March 4. — On Monday night, about half-past eleven o'clock, a dreadful alarm of fire was created in the neighbourhood of East Percy Street, North Shields. A lady was retiring to rest, when she saw the flames ascending, and supposing it to proceed from a garden house, the property of Mr. Robinson, brewer, she sent her servant out, who awoke several of the neighbours, and amongst them some of Mr. Robinson's men. By this time the flames had risen to a great height, and many from the lower parts of the town were attracted to the spot, when it was discovered that a stack of hay, about thirteen tons, standing in a field near Percy Street, the property of Messrs. Pow and Fawcus, was on fire, which burnt with unabated fury until it was ill consumed. The fire was supposed to be the act of an incendiary. Ibid. About this period the ruins of the fine old Norman cathedral at Holy Island suffered much from the effects of the severe gales, and a onsiderable portion of the north-west tower fell during the month. A. D. 1839.] table BOOK. 107 J. S. Donaldson, esq., of Cheswick, who had just succeeded to the manor and estate of Holy Island, gave orders for the repair of the building, and took measures for the conservation of one of the finest specimens of Norman architecture to be found upon the borders. — Local Papers. 1839 (March 11). — The brig Progress, of the port of Newcastle, in attempting to take the harbour at Shields, struck upon the bar, and the wind blowing heavy from the south east, she was driven upon the rocks at the foot of the Spanish Battery. It was near 11 o'clock, the night was dark, cold, and stormy, and the sea very high. The alarm was given, the apparatus for saving life from shipwreck was imme diately carried down, three rockets were fired, each of which carried the line over the ship in a most beautiful manner ; but such was the darkness, only the last one was found by those on board. A commu nication was then opened with the shore, and four men landed, the rest of the crew, confident of the strength of the ship, remaining un til daylight. On the night following, between eight and nine o'clock, another vessel, the Delaval, also of that port, came on shore close by the former. Again the apparatus was in readiness, and the tide being out when she struck, it was necessary to carry it over the rocks, and it being deemed advisable in this case to use Manby 's mortar, the lines attached to the rocket apparatus having been injured the night before, and not yet put in order, this service was performed with no little difficulty — however the first shot threw a line right " a mid-ship," and two of the crew were speedily on shore. The other three, the captain, the cook, and a boy remained, believing the ship would stand out the next tide. However, during the night, they were perfectly aware she was breaking up, and their cries for assistance were loud and frequent. About four o'clock the next morning, another line was sent to the ship, by the help of the mortar, but those on board, who had betaken themselves to the rigging, were so much benumbed, that persons were obliged to go from the land to assist them. The captain was brought ashore in a state of great exhaustion, and the boy was apparently dead. A warm bath was instantly prepared by the superintendent of the Tynemouth baths, and the poor boy, after being treated in this way for an hour, was removed to a warm bed, where he gradually recovered. In the morning, it was a curious and melancholy sight to see the wreck of the vessel — she broke complete ly in two, and her deck being gone, her stores, and a multifarious collection of casks, boxes, crates, &c. were strewed upon the rocks. — Ibid. March 18. — The opening of the Great North of England Clarence and Hartlepool Junction Railway, and the first shipment of coals at 10S local historian's [a. D. 1839. Hartlepool, from T. R. G. Braddyll, esq. and Co's new colliery at Kelloe, took place on this day, Monday, on which occasion splendid entertainments were given by the spirited proprietors. No less than 141 vessels were in the harbour of Hartlepool on Tuesday, and on Saturday 86 vessels sailed at one tide ; 19 feet water at the tide gauage, and 21 feet on the bar. The above named railway connects the Great Western Coal-field with the port of Hartlepool.— Local Papers. Bishop Middlkham Chorch. March 19. — A dreadful accident occurred on the Clarence railway, The coach-train from Crow-Trees to Stockton, drawn by the Norton engine, in going down to the latter place, had reached the curve on Mainsforth Carrs, near Bishop-Middleham, when the engine was thrown of the line and precipitated over the embankment. The train consisted of two coaches ; the former of which was dragged half way down the embankment, when the connecting bar fortunately broke. The passengers got out, and escaped wholly unhurt. But three men connected with the train — viz., the engineman, the fireman, and the guard, after being thrown over the embankment, were killed by the engine, weighing between nine and ten tons, rolling upon them. Assistance had to be obtained, to dig the sufferers out from beneath the ponderous machine ; when their bodies were found so horribly mutilated as to render it a task of considerable difficulty to remove them. — Ibid. March 20. — This day the banking house of sir Matthew White Ridley, bart. and Co., was incorporated with the Northumberland and Durham District Banking Company. The Newcastle bank was the A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 109 second provincial bank established in England, having followed that of Pease, Liddell, and Co., of Hull, just eighty-four years ago. Few institutions of the kind have obtained a higher degree of public favour and confidence. — Local Papers. 1839 March 22. — One of the boats belonging to the Grenville bay, whaling vessel, of Newcastle, was manned under the direction of cap tain Taylor, and proceeded to the narrows, at the mouth of the Tyne, to make experiments with some guns which were constructed by Mr. William Greener, of Newcastle, for the purpose of harpooning whales. The result of the experiment showed that a harpoon of 12rbs. weight, can be propelled to a distance of 40 yards with certainty, having a f inch rope attached, consequently a fish may thus be secured when it would be impossible to strike it with the hand. — Ibid. March 29.— The " Wesleyan Centenary Chapel," at Bell's Close, near Newcastle, was opened, and on Easter Sunday the 31st. The erection of the chapel, including sacramental service, bible, &c. amounted to £400. 14s. 8d. The chapel stands on a part of lord Rokeby's estate ; it will seat nearly three hundred persons, and is one of the most beautiful places of public worship erected by the Wesleyan Methodists in the north of England. — Ibid. April 8. — Died, in the Circus-lane, Forth, Newcastle, sergeant William Fraser, who had served 23 years in the 6th Dragoon guards, and 20 years in the Newcastle and Northumberland volunteer cavalry. He was interred with military honours in the burial ground of St. Andrew's church. The deceased claimed, apparently with reason, to be heir male of Simon Frazer, lord Lovat, beheaded in the Scotch rebellion. Had his claim been taken up in time, and by influential parties, it is possible that the title might have been obtained for him. — Hid. April 10. — Wednesday as the train on the Newcastle and Car lisle railway was passing Hallowell dean, near Hexham, about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, a cinder from the chimney of the steam engine fell down on a thatched cattle shed belonging to Mr. Bell, of that place, and although immediate assistance was given by several people he had at work, the shed was completely destroyed. Fortun ately no futher injury was suffered. — Hid. April 17. — The duke of Cleveland was invested with the order of the garter after the levee, held at St. James's palace on this day. His grace took rank next to the junior knight, the earl of Derby, recently elected to the place of the duke of Leeds. — Hid. April 19. — The following order of sessions was addressed to George Silvertop, esq. of Minster- Acres, by the clerk of the peace for the county of Northumberland, in respect to a splendid bridge 110 local historian's [a. d. 1839. which has just been erected across the river Tyne at Bywell, for the benefit of the public, at the sole cost (some fifteen or sixteen thousand pounds) of our munificent-minded neighbour, Thomas Wentworth Beaumont, esq. : — " T. W. Beaumont, Esq. having, at his own ex pense, erected a Bridge over the River Tyne at Bywell, and being desirous of having the same made a County Bridge, and to have the same kept in repair at the expence of the County — It is Ordered, that the Bridge Surveyor of the County do inspect the said Bridge, and report his opinion to the next Quarter Sessions, with a view of making the said Bridge a County Bridge, in compliance with the wishes ex pressed in the Petition of 785 Rate-payers, presented by George Silvertop, Esq. — By the Court, Thorp." — Local Papers. 1839 (April 19). — A fire broke out in the ship-building yard of Mr. Potts, of Monkwearmouth shore, which, in the first instance, threatened to produce very fatal effects. About ten minutes to ten at night, a blacksmith's shop, situated in one part of the yard, was discovered to be in flames ; and the engines in every part of the town were immediately sent for. By the active exertions of the firemen, it was speedily extinguished. — Ibid. April 19. — Was published at No. 7, Dean-street, South Shields, the first number of a Newspaper, entitled " The Port of Tyne Pilot, and Counties of Durham and Northumberland Courier." — Hid. April 20. — Two stacks of hay and one of straw, belonging to the rev. Robt. Goodenough, vicar of Whittingham, were destroyed by fire, and there was every reason to believe that it was the act of an incendiary. — Hid. April 22. — An explosion of fire-damp took place at Whitley col liery, at noon, and one man, named Thomas Harding, was severely burnt. It appeared that Harding had been working near a " grove," which was standing foul, and by some means his candle had ignited the inflammable gas, and produced the explosion. As soon as tho alarm was given, the men and boys, to the number of about 150, fled with the greatest precipitation towards the.shaft, and were drawn to bank all well, except Harding who was burnt about the shoulders and face. The mine not being considered in a very precarious state, the horses were allowed to remain down until the next day, when, towards the evening, two blasts took place, and Messrs. John George, and Benjamin Clavering, entering the pit, met with the after-damp, and were obliged to make a hasty retreat, in which John Clavering injured his foot and leg. Six of the workmen, Joseph Eliot, John Scott, A. Gillon, Edward Charlton, W. Studdy, and Robert Robinson, manfully and generously volunteered to save the horses, and with the assistance of the men at bank, had them drawn A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. Ill up, to the number of 18 (being all that were in the mine) in less thah an hour and a half. — Local Papers. 1839 (April 24). — Two sawyers engaged in cutting an American oak, in the dock at Blyth, found a living toad about eleven feet from the root, in the middle of the solid timber. — Hid. April 26. — The merchant vessel Ida, captain John Currie, the property of Messrs. Johnson and Cargill, of Newcastle, arrived in the river Tyne, from the East Indies, with a valuable cargo of sugar, sulpher, hides, rice, Sec She sailed from Newcastle for Calcutta, on the 5th of May, 1838, taking out a general cargo, the produce of the district. She left Calcutta on her return on the 19th of November. This was the first vessel that had ever been bound direct from India to Newcastle, and her arrival excited much interest among the mer cantile community. The bells of St. Nicholas' rung a merry peal in honour of the event. — Ibid. April 30. — As police constable No. 1 7, Robert Bartran, was on duty near the Postern, about 3 o'clock in the morning, he heard cries as of a female in distress, and on approaching the grate of a common sewer, to his astonishment he saw a female underneath ; on trying the grate it was found- to be quite fast. Implements were procured and the grate lifted, and the female taken out. She was in a most awful condition ; restoratives were applied, and she recovered. Had she advanced a little further she would have fallen a distance of 18 feet, and must inevitably have perished. Her name was Margaret Scott, an unfortunate female. She could give no account how she came there, but admitted she had been very drunk, and the proba bility is that she must have fallen through a privy, and then wan dered to the grate where the constable saw her. — Hid. This month was established a new steam shipping company entitled " The Newcastle and Hamburgh Steam Shipping Company." One of the companies' vessels, named the Clyde, the first steam-vessel direct to Hamburgh and Rotterdam, from Newcastle, sailed from the Tyne on Monday evening May 6. — Hid. There was living at North Shields at this time, an ancient dame, named Hannah Corner, within three weeks of her hundredth year, and yet possessing her memory, and enjoying tolerably good health. — Ibid. May 5. — Died, in Hallgarth-street, Durham, Mrs. Margaret Gent, in her 100th year. — Ibid. May 21. — Tuesday, that portion of the line of the Newcastle and Carlisle railway, between Blaydon and the company's depot near the Shot Tower, Newcastle, was opened for traffic. The procession moved from Blaydon a little before twelve o'clock, drawn by one of 112 local historian's [a.d. 1839. the company's beautiful locomotive engines, followed by a band of music in carriages fitted up for the purpose, close and open carriages contained the directors, John Blackmore, esq. the engineer of the company, the principal contractors of the works, and several passen gers who had arrived by the train from Carlisle and other places, also waggons with merchandize, &c. The train moved slowly and majes tically along the line, crossing the river Tyne by the new bridge at Scotswood, and arrived at the company's station in the borough of Newcastle about one o'clock. The train was greeted in its passage by many a hearty cheer from the spectators, with the firing of cannon. The engine, coaches, and stations were decorated with colours, and the bells of St. Nicholas and St. John's rang many merry peals during the day. — Local Papers. 1839 (May 22).— Died, at Denton Hall, North umberland, in his 60th year, Richard Hoyle, esq., a considerable merchant of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Mr. Hoyle was a native of Ripponden, in the west riding of Yorkshire, where his family had been settled for many centuries, and enjoyed extensive possessions. He was educated at Emanuel college, Cambridge, and pursued the study of Chemistry with some success. In 1801, in conjunction with the late Dr. Stancliffe, he prepared a course of lec tures on that subject, for the new institution of the Literary and Philosophical Society at Newcastle, and his attain ments in this branch of science, enabled him to adopt many improve ments in the processes of various manufactures in which he was engaged. Mr. Hoyle was much esteemed in private life, and his acquirements were of no mean order. — MS. Col. May 23. — Thursday, a fire broke out in one of the cottages on Mr. Younghusband's farm at Elwick, which, owing to being thatched threatened destruction to the whole of the buildings ; but by the kind assistance of his neighbours, Messrs. Berwick, Hall, Bromfield Bolam, Scott, and others, he was enabled to get the fire reduced though not until four of the cottages were entirely destroyed. Local Papers. May 28. — The first coals from Garmondsway Moor colliery, the property of Thomas Richmond Gale Braddyll, esq. and partners, arrived at Hartlepool, and were shipped from the coast on board the brig Anna Maria. — Hid. May 31. — A most destructive fire occurred on the premises of Mr. John Atkinson, an eminent coach builder, in Newcastle, situated between Pilgrim-street on the one side, to the west, and Erick-street A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 113 on the other, the former, being one of the principal streets of the town, and the latter, a back street, running parallel thereto ; and they covered altogether little less than two acres of ground. The fire appeared to have originated in the rear of the premises where four flues united, and the fire in one of which, being what is termed the " spring fire," (from its use in the construction of carriage springs), had been burning day and night for nearly a month. It is supposed that the flue having become too much heated, had caused a beam in its vicinity to take fire, and thence spread the conflagration. The fire must have been burning for some time previous to its having been discovered. Shortly before one o'clook, however, flames were ob served issuing from the "fitting -up shop," and before any alarm could be given, the whole place was enveloped in a mass of flame, which shed a vivid glare in every direction, and in this way commu nicated the intelligence to a distance. In less than half an hour every street in the neighbourhood was crowded with persons, the greater part of whom stood watching in utter amazement the destructive progress of the devouring element, few daring to venture so near as to render assistance in the exigency. No sooner had the alarm been given than a strong detachment of the police, under the superintend ence of Mr. Stephens, was speedily on the spot, and under the direction of their various inspectors and sub-inspectors, rendered most efficient service during the whole time of the conflagration. The Newcastle Fire engine was first at the place, and then the North British, but more than half an hour elapsed before a supply of water could be obtained, the fire all this time having been raging furiously, especially in the front or western part of the workshops. A water plug had been opened at the top of Erick-street, the engine manned, the hose ready, and the pipe pointed, but scarcely a drop of water could be obtained ; at length, inspector Gray, having ascertained the state of the premises in the interior of the yard, which could be approached by a large archway from Pilgrim-street, directed the removal of the engine thither, in order to bring it to play upon that quarter, where it was expected that at any rate an adequate supply of water would be obtained. However unaccount able it may appear, no water could be obtained even in Pilgrim- street, one of the principal streets in the town, and the consequence was, that during all this time, the fire was left to pursue its destruc tive career unchecked. The hose of the Newcastle engine had in the meantime been attached to a plug at the top of Carliol-street, the engine itself having been stationed at Erick-street; and, a partial sup ply of water having been at length obtained, the engine was brought to play upon the burning pile of buildings in that part, but with very vol. v. Q 114 local historian's [a. D. 1839. little effect. The destruction of the workshops now appeared inevi table, and the utmost exertions of the men were consequently directed to the adjoining premises, in order to prevent the fire from spreading. The houses on the east side of Erick-street, were very dangerously situated, owing to the narrowness of the street ; and the flames seve ral times communicated with the rain spouts and window shutters, but were prevented extending further by the firemen, who, under the direction of Mr. aid. Dunn, who was on the spot almost from the commencement, brought the engines to play upon those parts with complete effect. It was now advancing towards two o'clock ; the fire had been raging for above an hour ; most of the tiles had fallen from the roof, the skeleton of which still supported itself among the sheets of lurid flame which shooted upwards, or expanded themselves before the breeze. The sight at this moment was truly terrific. The roof of one of the buildings about this time fell in with a tremendous crash, and the burning embers were thrown upwards with great force, as if from the crater of a volcano, the wind, which was blowing a stiff breeze from the N.N.E. carrying them over the adjacent buildings in a south westerly direction, even as far as Mosley-street and Dean- street. The wind at the time the fire broke out was blowing from the south-west, but about half-past one it had partially subsided, and almost immediately afterwards came away strong from the opposite quarter. Much damage was at one time apprehended from the flying fire, for as each portion of the extensive premises fell in, the wind got the more hold of the burning rafters, and carried the sparks and splinters into the adjoining premises. Happily, the efforts of the firemen to stay the progress of the devouring element were completely successful. Numberless were the dangers braved and hair-breadth escapes by those who had undertaken this fearful and difficult task. Immediately adjoining the burning premises, Mr. Fenvvick's dye- house was situated, and though every effort was made to restrain the operation of the fire at this point, the entire place soon became mingled in the general wreck. The dye-house communicated with other premises leading up into Pilgrim-street, but fortunately the flames were prevented from spreading further in this direction. St. Andrew's-court joins Vine-court, and here the fire broke out with considerable fury, communicated, it is supposed, by a burning splinter from the general mass ; but by the efforts of the firemen, who with matchless intrepidity placed themselves in situations of the utmost danger, the flames in this direction were speedily subdued. Had the fire spread two yards further in this part, it would have communi cated with the extensive wine and spirit vaults of Mr. A. G. Gray, in which case there is no calculating the extent of damage that would A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 115 have been sustained. Indeed, the greatest exertions were necessary in order to preserve Mr. Gray's premises, for in one part of them a great quantity of straw, used for packages, had been deposited, and the burning splinters fell thickly within a few inches of the spot. Mr. Gray having been alarmed, was speedily on the ground, and for some time was engaged with his assistants in throwing buckets full of water on the place, in order to prevent ignition. Immediately adjoin ing Mr. Gray's premises was a hay-loft belonging to Mrs. Forsyth and Son, and here again similar exertions were required, in order to pre vent the conflagratian extending. The loft had been partly unroofed and one side was completely exposed, so that the smallest portion of fire would have ignited the whole mass, and consumed the entire premises. Fortunately every precaution was taken to prevent so dreadful a calamity. Carpets, blankets, and counterpanes were torn from their usual places and spread over the ignitible materials, and water in profusion, obtained from the pump on the premises, was poured on the whole. By these means only were the flames prevented from extending the work of destruction in this direction. Several sparks fell into the yard of Mr. James, which is separated from that of Mrs. Forsyth and Son, only by a narrow passage leading to the Wire Manufactory of Messrs. Mountain and Sons ; and so rapid was the progress of ignition, that several of the spouts here suffered mate rially from the fire. Even as far as Hill's Court the danger extended, and the premises occupied by Mrs. Corbett, in this part, were at one time, completely in a blaze. The materials on the premises of Mr. Atkinson were highly combustible, consisting of paints and varnishes, with a large quantity of oil, and when these had once become ignited, it was evident that no effort which could be made by the firemen would save them. From the workshops at the lower part of the yard, the fire spread to the show room, on the south side, where a great number of carriages were placed for convenience of inspection ; and had it not been for the timely arrival of the artillerymen from the barracks, with two efficient engines, the whole of this part must have fallen a victim to the flames. The firemen belonging to the Newcastle engine had obtained access to this part of the premises from Vine Court, and had commenced pouring a volume of water on the fire, when the artillerymen, headed by one of the officers, entered on the opposite side, and proceeded to throw down a partition which divided the show room from the painting room, in which the fire was raging most furiously. Saws, handspikes, and crowbars were called into requisition, and in a few minutes the engines had full play through the opening thus effected. The immense body of water thus tin own on one spot by the two engines, soon subdued the fire, and ultimately 116 local historian's f A. D. 1839. restrained its progress in this direction. The whole of the workshops, including the painting room, fitting room, and smiths' shop soon ex hibited a mass of burning ruins, but the show room was preserved from further injury. By three o'clock, the fire had been nearly sub dued, and by half-past three all danger of its spreading further had ceased. It is impossible to describe the scene of distress that pre sented itself on every hand during the progress of the conflagration. Every house in the neighbourhood was deserted ; beds, bedding, and furniture of all descriptions were piled together in the middle of Pil grim-street and along Hood- street and Market-street, even extending into Grey-street and Blackett-street. Women and children were to be seen escaping in their night-clothes, and taking shelter beside their little all, whilst fathers and husbands rushed into the apartments they had quitted the moment before in order, if possible, to save something out of the general wreck. One aged widow was with diffi culty made sensible of the danger that surrounded her, and on her becoming acquainted with her situation she fell into hysterical fits, and was conveyed away to a place of safety. As to the extent of the damage sustained, there is much difficulty in forming an adequate estimate. Mr. Atkinson's loss was immense. The entire destruction of property, including the whole of the workmen's tools, was little short of twenty thousand pounds, the greater part of which fell upon the proprietor himself. — Local Papers, Sec The Tower of CORBRIDGE. 1820. CHAPTER VI. '¦:^:'.yy::-::,yy\^ '..,¦ -Mi1:-!. .¦;¦' > >jiO.<'i ^-^^ °w V^^-v |N Sunday the 9th of June, 1839, two boys, who were misemployed in birdnesting in the Hall hill, near Alston, the property of Greenwich hospital, per ceived something singular, slightly visible above the surface of the ground, in a plantation, and dug out two culinary utensils, of brass or copper, which had apparently lain in the earth some centuries. One was a vessel, shaped something like our modern kail-pot, and would contain about two gallons. The other, which will hold about three pints, was like a coffee-pot. Hall-hill, it is supposed, was a Roman station ; and the people of Alston moor, among whom there are many traditions connected with the spot, have long been impressed with the idea that great riches are buried there. — Local Papers. June 10. — A man and his wife were employed in cutting " bents" on Hartley Links, and at the same time enjoying a pipe of tobacco. Some of the ashes fell from one of the pipes, and set the " bent" on fire ; nor could the flames be extinguished till extensive damage had been done. — Hid. June 13. — The body of a man was found in the river Wear, at Sunderland, attached by a rope to a large stone, weighing nearly an hundred weight. The body was removed to the workhouse of Monk- wearmouth, where it was identified by two of the crew of the schooner Phoenix, as that of their captain, Johann Friedrich Berckholtz, who was about fifty-five years of age. Several marks of violence were discovered on the body, particularly a deep cut on the right side of the forehead, and a fracture of the skull. No doubt being held as to the deceased having met his death unfairly, instant search was made, and the cabin was found to bear evident marks of the deed. On this, the crew were taken into custody, and the coroners inquest held 118 LOCAL HISTORIAN'S [a. D. 1839. on the next day, led to the committal of Jacob Friedrich Ehlert the mate, and Daniel Mueller, one of the boys employed in the working of the vessel. Both of these parties admitted being accomplices to some extent, but while the boy accused Ehlert of bribing his assist ance, the mate insisted on the guilt of his companion, and that com miseration alone induced him to give his assistance in the concealment of the body. At the ensuing assizes at Durham, the same assertions were reiterated, but from the evidence of the crew and others con cerned in the matter, the jury found Ehlert guilty. He suffered the penalty of death on the morning of August 9th, persisting in his innocence to the last. He was a native of Barth, Pomerania, and had his trial and sentence translated as spoken. — Local Papers. 1839 (June). — About the middle of this month, a curious discovery was made in the old tower, or keep, of Durham castle, which was then being restored for the purposes of the University. Amongst the rubbish in two rooms of the lower story or crypt, several bones of a whale were dug out, consisting of about 15 vertebrae and 20 ribs in one room — and on the opposite side of the tower, in another room, the lower jaw bones were laid bare. From a letter written by bishop Cosin to his steward, Miles Stapylton, dated in London, 20th June, 1661, in the possession of the rev. James Raine, of Durham, the par ticulars of this discovery are clearly made out, as it there appears that this animal being cast ashore near Easington, the bishop ordered the skeleton to be prepared, and placed in the old tower, where it was now found. From the form of the jaws, the species was conjec tured to be the Great Spermaceti Whale, which has seldom been ob served on the British shores, only one, taken in the Frith of Forth, in 1769, being distinctly recorded. — Ibid. June 17. — Monday, the Newcastle Central Exchange and News Room, one of Mr. Grainger's most splendid productions, was opened by a public dinner. The magnificent interior of the Exchange was tastefully fitted up on the occasion. Seven large tables were laid out on the promenade for the dinner — an excellent band played appropriate airs in the space within the colums, bouquets of flowers, and several fine plants, were placed between the pillars — an admirable bust, in marble, of the duke of Northumberland, by Tate, and several other busts, presented by Messrs. Robson, Farrington, Barrow, Dodds, &c, were placed in various parts of the spacious building — and the dinner party consisted of upwards of 350 gentlemen — forming, altogether, a scene of the most gratifying description. The chair was ably filled by the mayor of Newcastle (John Fife, esq.) ; and the vice-presidents were Dr. Headlam, and John Brandling, John Clayton, and Armorer Donkin, esqrs. — Ibid. A.D. 1839.] TABLE ROOK. 119 1839 (June 17). — The Queen Victoria steamer, the property of Mrs. Strong, of Milburn-place, left Shields at five o'clock on Monday morning, on a pleasure trip to Warkworth, with a numerous party on board, principally consisting of young men and women from Shields, but there were a few from Sunderland and other places. The morn ing proving thick and foggy, the vessel made but slow progress, the men in charge of the boat taking every precaution their limited know ledge of the coast would admit of. At about half-past eleven o'clock in the forenoon, when a hearty country dance was in progress, the vessel with great violence struck on Hauxley Head, a rock which runs out into the sea, two or three miles before you reach Wark worth from the south. The effect of the shock was tremendous. Many were thrown upon their faces, and all was confusion on board. The steersman shook his head when questioned by the passengers as to their perilous' situation ; and such a scene of terror was presented as may be conceived better than described. The yells and cries of the women were truly heartrending ; while some of the men (believing from the rapid manner in which the boat was filling, that all hope of escape was idle,) were calmly imploring for mercy. Others were giving full vent to their anguish by calling vehemently toward the shore to any that might chance to hear them. One gentleman had seized a piece of timber, with which to spring into the sea. Some two or three young men were standing waiting the "parting heave" which vessels frequently give before they go down, with their clothes unbuttoned, ready to throw off, ere they jumped into the deep, and attempted to swim to the shore. The boat by this time had nearly filled : the helm was seized by one of the passengers, and the boat now pushed as high upon the perilous rock as she would go. The water had reached the fire ; and at this awful moment, six fishing boats, manned with fishermen, came in sight, and were in a minute or two alongside the steamer. It would be superfluous to state the joy that beamed from every face, on the approach of these boats. Soon the passengers were out of the steamer, and, in a short while, landed safe upon the shore, within three or four miles of Warkworth. The fishermen, when first they descried the situation of the Queen Vic toria on the rock, beckoned to the passengers to keep from one side of the boat, being afraid that the steamer, from the position in which she lay, would upset ; and in that case, every soul would have perish ed. In speaking of the gratitude of the party to the fishermen, one creature deserves notice, who had been most lusty in the expression of woe in the hour of peril. He demurred to give his preservers (as the others did) one shilling — observing that sixpence from each was plenty ! But possibly he estimated himself at his proper value. The 120 local historian's [a. d. 1839, passengers were brought home in six carts, and reached Shields at five o'clock on Tuesday morning, in a miserable condition. The managers of the steamer were perfectly sober when the accident occurred, and were doing their best for the passengers under their care. Another boat, soon after the Queen Victoria, touched upon the same rock, but slightly, and was enabled to proceed. — Local Papers. 1839 (June 18). — Being the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, that portion of the Brandling Junction Railway, which connects South Shields and Monkwearmouth, was opened with due ceremony and re joicing. At a quarter to eleven o'clock in the morning, the Lily steam boat (which had been engaged for the occasion) started from the Brand ling Drops in Gateshead, with a company of ladies and gentlemen on board, who had been invited to " the opening ;" and the fine vessel performed her task in good style, conveying her passengers to South Shields within an hour. A salute of guns, and the music of a good band, greeted her arrival ; and the party from Newcastle and Gates head marched in procession to the railway-station, where they were joined by a party from Sunderland. At 12 o'clock (the appointee hour), the train quitted the station in good order ; and after a safe and pleasant trip, the company were hospitably entertained by the directors at Mr. Crowe's, the Wheat Sheaf inn, Monkwearmouth. — Local Papers. Same day, the Newcastle and North Shields railway was opened. There was a procession of railway-carriages on the occasion, and the usual demonstrations of rejoicing — the ringing of bells, the firing of cannon, the display of flags, &c. The ladies and gentlemen invited by the directors were conveyed to Tynemouth in two trips ; and a liberal entertainment was given to the company in a tent at the rear of the residence of Abraham Dawson, esq., who had kindly lent his mansion and grounds for the day. Upwards of six hundred persons partook of the dejeuner — Richard Spoor, esq., of Sunderland, in the chair, with John Fife, esq., mayor of Newcastle, on his right. The day was so inviting, that Tynemouth was thronged with visitors. There were arrangements made, under the direction of captain Potts, for races on the sands, and the banks were thickly clad with specta tors at the appointed hour ; but it was found impossible to adhere to punctuality, and the people were induced by symptoms of a storm to return to the village. A few there were who disregarded the threats of the heavens — and these paid the penalty of their audacity. The thunder began to peal, and big drops of rain to fall. The sport ing lingerers fled for refuge to niches in the rocks, which afforded so little refuge from the storm, that in a short time they were wet to the skin, with a delightful compound of soft water and yellow sand. A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 121 Meanwhile, the inveterate racers — three in number — ran the race, — ¦ the spectators looking from their holes in the cliffs on the " sport " afforded by three jockeys on race-horses, splashing through torrents of rain, in the midst of thunder and lightning ! The publicans of course profited largely by the flux of cold water. — • AUSTIN TOWER, Newcastle. Demolished in order to the erection of the tot Station of the Newcastle and North Shields Railway. At Newcastle, the storm commenced between four and five o'clock in the afternoon, and the rain came down in torrents for upwards of two hours, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and hail. In many of the streets, even in elevated situations, the water flowed to the depth of between three and four feet, and rushed forward where it found vent with all the impetuosity of a cascade. The rush of waters through Dean-street, the Side, Butcher-bank, and the nar row gorge leading thence to the Sandhill, was tremendous ; and to add to the flood, the waters rushing through the large conduit under ground, burst their way into the street at the latter point, casting the pavement upward with great violence. Three or four persons, who were carried off their feet, were washed a considerable distance, and narrowly escaped being floated into the Tyne. When the rain abated, a fire engine was brought to the Side, and employed in emptying the cellars of tradesmen. The lower part of Gateshead (Pipewellgate, Hillgate, &c.) was flooded to a great depth. The water poured down Bottle-bank like a cataract ; and near the bridge, vol. v. R 122 local historian's [a. d. 1839. chairs, tables, cradles, &c, were floating to and fro, having escaped from the houses of their owners, in some of which the water was nearly as high as the clock-face ! Cellars were filled ; and in that of Mr. Atkinson, grocer, damage was done (chiefly in the melting of sugar) to the extent of at least £60. At Redheugh gardens, the lightning struck the chimney of a hot-house — descended, and broke open the flue — destroyed several valuable plants — and made its exit at the hot-house door, which stood open. Walls were thrown down by accumulated water ill various places ; and at Tantoby, John and Catherine Teasdale, and one of their children, were killed in their house by the lightning : another child was injured — while a third, which lay in a cradle, was unhurt. At Beamish, six or seven men, who had been working in a stone- quarry, were thrown upon their backs by the lightning, but escaped without injury. An excavator named James Taylor, employed on the railway, then forming near to Byer's Green, was struck dead by the lightning, while running with a companion to obtain shelter from the storm in a neighbouring barn. The lightning set fire to an oat-stack at Shadfin, belonging to Mr. Thos. Swan ; but by the timely arrival of the fire engine from Mor peth, and plenty of assistance, further damage was prevented. — Local Papers. 1839 (June 24). — The foundation stone of a new Wesleyan chapel was laid by Mr. Robt. Clemitson, at Allendale Town. — Hid. June 26. — The opening of the new Catholic chapel at Bellingham took place. High Mass was sung by the rev. Mr. Brown, of Carmel House, near Darlington ; and a series of musical pieces, consisting of selections fiom Mozart, Handel, and other celebrated composers, was executed in a very creditable manner, by a part of the Hexham choir, under the direction of their able organist, Mr. J. Armstrong. The chapel, which is a very neat structure, is in the Gothic style, after a design by Mr. Dobson, architect, of Newcastle, and stands at the north end of the handsome stone bridge, recently erected across the Tyne, a little above Bellingham. — Hid. June 28. — A dreadful explosion took place at the St. Hilda pit, the property of Messrs. John and Robt. Wm. Brandling, at South Shields. The first intimation of this sad event was given between eight and nine o'clock on the morning, by a rush of smoke mixed with small coals from the down-cast shaft, which was observed by the banksmen. Soon after this, men and boys, to the number of 100, were brought to the mouth of the pit ; but all they were capable of explaining was, that there was an explosion in the west working of the mine. Several of these were nearly exhausted from the effects of " choke damp," but in a short time many of them rallied, and, at- A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 123 tended by some other men who had not been in the pit at the time of the explosion, courageously went down again to make what exer tions they could to rescue their unfortunate fellow-workmen and rela tives, who were in the immediate scene of danger and death. Melan choly to relate, not a solitary being was found alive ! About eleven o'clock the dead bodies of the unfortunate sufferers began to be brought to bank, to the indescribable grief and anguish of their afflicted relatives and friends, who had crowded to the scene of dan ger, and made it one of misery, confusion, and appalling distress. The pit being situated within the town of South Shields, an immense num ber of persons were quickly collected on the spot, and all seemed struck with dismay at the suddenness of the distressing event, which had brought sorrow and death to the homes of so many of their humble and industrious neighbours. It was a distressing spectacle to behold the groups of people assembled in the immediate vicinity of the pit, amongst whom could be easily recognised relatives of all ages of the unfortunate creatures who had been exposed to the appal ling danger of this frightful explosion. The viewer of the pit, Wil liam Anderson, esq. was at the scene of destruction soon after its oc currence, and went down into the mine, where he remained till nearly one o'clock, when he came up for a brief interval for respiration, and then returned to the dismal scene of death, to help and encourage in the rescue of the unfortunate sufferers. Shortly after noon, Mr. Job- ling, the viewer of Jarrow Colliery, one of the overmen, and the viewer of Heworth Colliery went down in order to render assistance. Mr. Mather, wine-merchant, also descended the pit at an early hour, and administered to the brave fellows engaged in searching for the dead bodies, such remedies as they stood in need of from prolonged exertion in the suffocating atmosphere. An eye witness of the scene below has given a graphic and eloquent description of the awful sight which the colliery presented. He says, the appearance below was- as that of the grave itself. The men were moving about like spectres in a thick darkness, with indistinct glimmerings from more than usually bedimmed lamps, seldom uttering a word, except in suppressed tones, and doing their duty to the dying and the dead in a solemn manner that was truly affecting. After passing into the colliery eight or nine hundred yards, the ravages of the explosion were apparent. Pro ceeding further from the shaft, the air began to assume the pecu liarity of smell that came from the chests of the bodies that had been inflated. The deadly gas became stronger and stronger as the loca lity of the explosion was approached. In one place five dead bodies were met with, which had apparently yielded up the spirit with pla cid calmness, without one muscle of the face being discomposed. 124 local historian's [a. d. 1839. Further on were three more that had been killed by the explosion — their clothes were burnt and torn — the hair singed off — the skin and flesh torn away in several places, with an expression as if the soul had passed away in agony. On going further, what is called " a fall," a large mass of the roof and sides, blocking up the passage, arrested the onward course, which, with dfficulty, having been surmounted, several bodies were found, as if, in their attempts to escape, this bar rier had stopped them, and conceiving it impassable, they had appa rently lain down and died. In another place we suddenly encountered two men, one with a light, the other bearing something on his shoul ders : it was a blackened mass — a poor, dead, burnt boy. Further on, waggons that had been loaded were met with, turned bottom up wards, and scattered about in various directions. There was also a horse lying dead directly in the passage, with his head turned over his shoulder, as if, in falling, he had made a last effort at escape ; he was swollen in an extraordinary manner. At one point we sud denly came among twelve or fifteen men, who had been driven back by the surcharged atmosphere. One poor man being sick and ill, something was given to him to assist his recovery. When asked where he felt most oppressed, he said in a broken suppressed agony, " I am not well, Sir, 1 have two sons in there," pointing to the place he had been driven from in his attempt to recover his children — one was 16, the other 22 years of age. In the demeanour of the men, there was a self-devotion and courage that would have ennobled hu man nature in any rank of life. Their companions were brought out ill, sick, stupified, and were struck down at their feet with an uncer tainty of recovering ; yet it produced no hesitation, not a doubt, no flinching, but at once fearlessly the brave fellows moved into the same situation, to go on with the performance of their melancholy exertions. One brave man, sick and insensible, was borne out on the shoulders of his comrades, and after he had been a little relieved by medicine that was given to him, as soon as he could articulate, he desired all to go back directly and leave him lying, " for now," said he, " I am quite well, and no time should be lost." Another noble fellow, who had been relieved by his friends, as soon as his strength was a little restored, started to his feet and said, " Come now, let us in again ; our place is there, we are of no use sitting here !" and he would have rushed back to the danger he had narrowly escaped, but was prevented. One by one the sufferers were brought out from the shaft, presenting in their relaxed frames, dull eyes, and features in which life seemed still lingering, objects of deep interest. As they were carried by their comrades down to the carts which were in wait ing to convey them away, they were recognised by a brother, a wife, A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 125 or a child ; and the terrible agony that was exhibited it is impossible to describe. The most earnest and unremitting exertions were made by the medical men present, but generally in vain ; not one instance having occurred, in which inflation of the lungs was successfully resorted to. The judicious application of the proper remedies were, however, useful in some cases, which might otherwise have terminated fatally. As the scene of the explosion was nearly two miles from the shaft, and the choke-damp must have extended to a considerable distance from the point where it occurred, the difficulty of reaching the sufferers, and the danger and gallantry of those who sought for them, will be in some measure evident to the common reader. It is true, most of those engaged in the arduous duty were influenced by parental, fraternal, or filial affection in their dangerous task ; but many of the noble fellows were instigated only by common humanity and sympathy, and we saw many of them, after having been brought almost lifeless to the pit-mouth, and being revived a little by the fresh air, again descend to the scene of death. We saw brothers, pale and quivering, stagger from the corf to the outside of the crowd for fresh air, and with a few brief and simple words of affection and agony, again, scarcely yet recovered, enter the vehicle, and return in search of him they had lost. A father, an old man, whose three sons were missing, who had been twice brought up to the light of day almost dead, and who, in his pale features, feeble frame, and quivering lips, displayed the effects of the poison he had been inhaling, and the in supportable grief that preyed upon him, again attempt to rush to the fatal spot, whence, as from the tomb, he had just issued, and he was forcibly detained. Carts containing three or four dead bodies left the yard from time to time, surrounded by groups of agonised mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, screaming, and blind with grief. One poor woman — the wife of the poor man of whom we have just spoken, as being detained from risking his life for the third time down the pit — attracted particular attention. Three of her children had been at the fatal spot, and one of them lay dead before her. Her grief for a time over this poor little boy was terrible. But gradually she stole up to the door near the pit-mouth, through which the dead bodies were borne. She still had another boy, whose fate was doubtful, and she left the dead to inquire after him who might still be living. Hope was stronger than Despair. It was, therefore, with feelings of ex quisite distress that those who saw her, beheld her other little boy borne lifeless past her. The sight of her utter misery, and the ago nizing shriek which burst from her heart was terrible. Among the sufferers, fifty in number, was Joseph Argyle, aged 45 years. He descended the pit to look for his son and was brought up a corpse : 126 local historian's [a. D. 1839. he left a wife and eight children. The brother of this poor fellow was with him when they were overtaken by the choke-damp, and urged him to retire, but he persevered in seeking for his son, and fell a sacrifice to his parental affection. No human efforts were wanting to rescue the unfortunate sufferers. Everything that courage could accomplish was done. Mr. Anderson, the viewer, aided by the advice of the most experienced of his own officers, and the exertions of the viewers from other collieries, was calm, collected, and decided ; and, although apparently deeply suffering from anxiety and exertion, gave his orders with a clearness and precision that did him great credit. The St. Hilda Pit had been worked about fifteen or sixteen years, during the whole of which time there had been no explosions of any serious consequence. The houses in which the pitmen and their fami lies live, are situated about half a mile from the mouth of the pit, near a laid-in colliery, also the property of Messrs. Brandling, from which were formerly obtained the coals known by the name of " Manor Wallsend." The funeral took place in the course of the afternoon, amidst thousands of spectators, who seemed deeply affected by the melancholy scene. Some of the coffins were placed in hearses, but in many instances where more than one victim had fallen in a family, two, three, or even four, were placed in one cart, to be conveyed to their respective places of interment. A part of the procession took the road to Jarrow, where five corpses were conveyed ; but the greater joined the cavalcade which proceeded to the Market-place. Fifteen were left at Trinity church, which appeared next in sight — whilst the minute-bell tolling, fell deeply and heavily on the ear. The Rev. T. Dixon was at the door, and read the burial service over these bodies, but the bulk of the procession went over to the Market-place. The Rev. James Carr officiated at St. Hilda's, where twenty-five were in terred ; five were conveyed to North Shields ; and the crowd speedily began to disperse. The graves which were dug for the remains of the unfortunates reminded the spectator, by their size, of the desola tion of the plague. As many as nine and ten individuals were placed in one common sepulchre. At the inquest a verdict of " accidental death," was returned, caused by the incautious and it is believed needless presence of a candle in a part of the mine disused and seriously surcharged with impure gas. It is doubtful, however whether blame can be attached to the system of lighting, as the use of the candle was general, and the mine, under such treatment was con sidered unusually safe. A large subscription was raised for the relief of the unfortunate widows and orphans, in number more than sixty. Local Papers. 1839 (June). — The colliery at Iveston, near Annfield, was success- A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 127 fully won by Messrs. Black, Ray, and Co. The seam of coal is four feet seven inches thick, hard, and of excellent quality. — Local Papers. 1839 (July 1). — The foundation stone of a new chapel for the use of the Wesleyan Association was laid at Seaham. — Hid. July 2. — Tuesday afternoon, a fire broke out in one of the tan-yards belonging to Mr. John Ridley, Hexham. It originated in the over heating of a stove for drying bark. A thick body of bark lay imme diately above, separated by a metal plate, among which the fire was thought to have made considerable progress before any discovery was made, as, on smoke being perceived, and the stove door being driven in, and a current of air thereby admitted, the roof and entire build ing was almost instantaneously in a blaze. A smell of burning was felt by persons in the neighbourhood throughout the afternoon, though not by those in the tan-yard, no discovery being made before five o'clock, and by seven, the premises were reduced to a heap of ruins. Every thing possible was done by the inhabitants to extin guish the flames. Many gentlemen and tradesmen seemed to vie with each other, and with the working classes, who should be the most useful on the occasion. The premises joined the gas-works, for the safety of which serious apprehensions were for some time en tertained. The operations of the fire-engine were mainly direct ed to the junction of the buildings, and the latter were saved. — Ibid. July 4. — The West Durham railway bill received the royal as sent. — Hid. July 8. — A fire broke out at Kelloe, near Haltwhistle. It origin ated with an old woman, who was baking bread in what is called a " hanging-on oven," and thus set fire to the chimney. There were eleven farm and cottage houses in the village (mostly the latter) ; eight of which were entirely consumed, with most of their contents. There were few persons and little water, and the roofs being of thatch, the work of destruction was speedy. Some poor families lost all their goods. — Hid. July 10. — The foundation of the new bridge over the river Tweed at Norham, was laid by Mrs. Robertson of Ladykirk, in the presence of a great number of spectators. — Ibid. July 18. — Thursday, a cargo of first-rate coals, the produce of a new and valuable colliery at Cornforth, belonging to Messrs. Rippon, of Water- Ville, North Shields, was shipped at Hartlepool for Brid- port, amidst suitable rejoicings. Cornforth is thirteen miles from Stockton and Hartlepool, and the present cargo is the first that has been shipped from the Hartlepool junction railway. Many of the waggons were filled with specimens of coal so large that they would 128 LOCAL HISTORIAN 3 [a. d. 1839. not "run," but had to be hoisted by ropes out of the waggons. All the ships in the harbour displayed their colours on the occasion, and the owners and their friends dined together after the ceremony.— Local Papers. 1839 (July).— A monument of great beauty and simplicity, executed by sir Francis Chantry, was placed in the parish church of Bamborough. The inscription purports that it is erected by Catherine Sharp, the sole surviver of that name, to the memory of four members of her family, who were successively trustees of lord Crewe's charities, or incumbents of Bam borough. The monument is mural, resting on the floor of the chancel ; and consists principally of a female figure of Faith, nearly as large as life, sit ing, and supporting a cross. The hands are clasped upon the breast, and the countenance expresses firmness and sweetness inspired by holy meditation. In the back ground is a terminal bust of John Sharp, D. D., well known in that neighbourhood for acts of singular and extensive benevolence. The family of Sharp have filled a con siderable space in the public eye from the time of the Archbishop to the latter end of the last century — a venerable race, doing much good in their generation, of whom nothing but good is recorded — " blameless and pure, and such is their renown ! " — Ibid, August 3. — A seam of coal, three feet ten inches in thickness, was come at in Wingate pit, the property of lord Howden, in the early part of last week. The seam is at a depth of 66 fathoms from the surface, and of first-rate quality. — Ibid. August 5. — Monday, the new church at Shadforth, in the parish of Pittington, co. Durham, was consecrated by the lord bishop of Durham. The church is named after St. Cuthbert. The prayers were read by the rev. Dr. Miller, and a sermon from the venerable archdeacon Thorp was listened to by an attentive and respectable congregation. The church is a chaste and elegant structure. — Hid. August 7. — Died, at Alnwick, suddenly, Edward B. Blackburn, esq., many years chief judge in the Mauritius, and late, the first commissioner to his grace the duke of Northumberland. This mel ancholy and most sudden event was deeply felt and deplored by all classes of society, although his residence in the neighbourhood had been of short duration. — Ibid. August 15.— The sinking of the first pit of Whitworth colliery, of which the Durham County Coal Company are lessees, was commenc- a.d. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 129 ed about the beginning of July, and the five-quarter coal — two feet six inches clean — was reached on the above day, at 18 fathoms. The diameter of the shaft is 12| feet.— Local Papers. 1839 (Aug 19).— Monday, Dr. Clanny, of Sunderland, read an important paper in the hall of the Mechanics' Institution, South Shields, to the members of the Committee for the Investigation of Acci dents in Mines, and their friends. It is due to this talented and scientific gentle man to state, that he was the very first to meet the difficulties of the mines by human ingenuity, and a lamp of his was in existence, and used in some of the mines on the Wear, long ere any attempt was made by any other person. The principle of construction may be readily understood by the annexed engraving. The flame is preserved in an upright state at all times, being surrounded by a strong cylinder of glass, through which five times the quantity of light is trans mitted than that of the common Davy. The glass cylinder is guarded by a grill of polished brass. The great principle of this safety lamp is, that the admission of air is wholly from above the flame, and by this means the influence of currents act ing laterally is in a great measure prevent ed. Another source of safety is that the wire gauze cylinder contains 1296 meshes whilst the Davy contains only 700 meshes to the square inch. The cylinder of glass is so cool that the safety lamp may be plunged into water after it has been giving out flame for hours — as has been repeatedly proved. This is truly a safety lamp. — MS. Col.Sfc. August 20. — Tuesday morning, a fire broke out in the work-rooms of Mr. Earle, straw-bonnet manufacturer, Dowell-place, Bishopwear mouth. Four engines were soon in attendance, but the fire was not extinguished till the roof had fallen in, and the whole of the premises had been destroyed. — Local Papers. August 29. — Thursday, four convicted felons, who had been sen tenced to undergo imprisonment for various terms, made their escape out of the prison at Durham, by letting themselves out at one of the vol. v. s 130 local historian's [a. d. 1839. gates, at the back part of the prison, the key of which one of them had taken from the pocket of the turnkey, whose coat had been left in the ward. John Elliot, Thomas Parker, and Thomas Smith, three of the prisoners were re-taken early on the following Sunday morning, at a lodging house at Hylton, near Sunderland, when they were im mediately conveyed back to prison. — Local Papers. 1839 (Aug. 29). — The railway from the new colliery at Sacriston, was opened, on which occasion a procession, consisting of the owners and workmen, accompanied by a numerous body of people connected with the colliery, several waggons, and a band of music, moved from the pit towards Waldridge Fell, and thence to Pelton Fell ; at both which places refreshments were liberally supplied by the colliery owners. The proprietors ultimately proceeded to the junctions with the Stan hope and Tyne Railway, where they halted, and the waggons went for ward to South Shields. After the return of the waggons, the work men, attended by the overmen of the colliery, were regaled with a sub stantial and comfortable dinner. In the evening, a number of females, wives and daughters of the workmen, were invited to tea, and the amusements of the day terminated with a merry dance. — Ibid. August 30. — The opening of the Brandling Junction railway took place. A number of waggons containing South Beaumont coals, from the colliery of lord Ravensworth and partners, were conveyed along the line from Gateshead to Monkwearmouth docks, where they were shipped on board a vessel lying to receive them, amidst the firing of guns and other demonstrations of rejoicing. This vessel, the "Jane" of Aberdeen, captain Goldie, about seven or eight keels burthen, was placed along the wharf, under the drop at the Wearmouth docks ; she was most fantastically dressed out with flags of various colours and designs which floated on the breeze, giving an air of much anima tion and rejoicing to the scene. A party of directors and their friends joined the procession in an open carriage. Immediately after the arrival of the waggons at the incline leading to the drop, one of them was carefully taken down and shipped on board of the vessel amidst the hearty and protracted cheers of the spectators. A second was shipped in like manner, when these two were connected with the incline rope, and started forth to the bank top, being dragged up by two laden waggons in their progress to the vessel. The whole cargo was shipped in the same manner, and the vessel ready, to pro ceed to sea on her voyage by the same night's tide. No accident occurred to mar the pleasures of the day. On Thursday, the 6th of September following, the general opening of the line from Gateshead to South Shields and Sunderland, took place without the pomp and circumstance usually witnessed on such occasions. The train for the A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 131 conveyance of passengers was in readiness at the station in Gateshead about one o'clock, when several of the directors, and their ladies, and a number of passengers, all of whom paid the regular fare, were in readiness to proceed. The company's splendid engine " The Wear," having been attached, the train moved forward amidst general cheer ing. On arriving at Brockley Whins, the Shields carriages were detached from the Wearmouth train, and were drawn to their desti nation by the "Brandling" engine, which was waiting to receive them. The distance to Monkwearmouth was performed in forty-six minutes, and the return passage in forty-three minutes. The weather was rather unfavourable, but upon the whole the excursion was highly satisfactory. — Local Papers. 1839. — About five minutes past eleven P.M. on the night of August 31st, a man named John Henry Mooney, was seen falling head fore most from a sashless window in the third story of a house of ill-fame in Silver-street, Newcastle, and striking with a dreadful crash on the sharp edges of a flight of stone steps beneath, fractured his right thigh in several places, and severely bruised his head. A concussion so tremendous could not fail in producing the most disastrous effects, and although every medical aid which the Infirmary could afford was applied without reserve, the unfortunate sufferer expired on the night of October 3rd, leaving a wife and family to mourn his wretched end. This outrage had it seems been committed by two men named Dwyer and Spark, who with the aid, and counsel of some abandoned females of the house, had given rise to a quarrel, and during the scuffle which ensued, he had been thrown out. Dwyer and Spark, at the ensuing assizes, were found guilty of manslaughter, and received sen tence of transportation for fifteen years. — Ibid. September 1. — The danger attending the practice of young and in experienced persons going out to sea in small boats, from the haven at Tynemouth, or from the Tyne, on parties of pleasure, was strikingly exemplified on this day, when, but for the humane exertions and bravery of an individual who had on former occasions distinguished himself in a similar manner, the lives of the party, consisting of three boys, would have been sacrificed. The situation of the boys was first observed from the heights at Tynemouth ; they were a long way out at sea, with a strong south-west wind, an ebb tide, and a good deal of Upper on the bar. Every moment increased their peril, as they drifted further off, and as no means of rescue appeared at hand, Mr. James Mather, of South Shields, the gentleman before alluded to, hastened down into the haven, where having found a pilot coble and two men in it, and having succeeded in prevailing on another man to join them, he caused the boat to be put to sea ; after running 132 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a. d. 1839. Ruins of Tynemouth Priory. for about three miles out, they got sight of the poor little fellows, who yet appeared about two miles further off. The coble bore down upon them, and on nearing the boat, the cries of the boys who had given themselves up for lost, were truly heart-rending. An attempt was made to tow the boat, but it was found impossible to do so with safety, and the boys were taken into the coble, and the boat abandon ed. After great exertion, and a good wetting, a landing was effected at Hartley Baits, from whence they returned to Tynemouth with the flood tide, which place they reached about nine o'clock at night. Much praise is due to Mr. Mather, who liberally remunerated the men for their exertions, and also to his intrepid companions, as there can be little doubt that they were the means of rescuing the boys from a watery grave. The thanks of the committee of the Royal Humane Society, inscribed on vellum, was shortly afterwards pre sented to Mr. Mather, for the good example he so promptly set to the boatmen who accompanied him. The committee also awarded the bronze medal of the Society to each of these men, who well de served the honour for their steady determination, courage, and perse verance. The resolution of the Society was communicated through the president, his grace the duke of Northumberland. — Local Papers. 1839 (Sep. 7). — Saturday, a carter in the employment of Mr. Daw son, farmer, Wark, crossed the Tweed from Wark, on the south side, with a horse and cart, in the afternoon, at which time the water, though partially flooded, had not risen to such a height as to threaten A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 133 risk to any one crossing. In consequence of the heavy rain which subsequently fell, however, the river became tremendously swollen, and on his return, about ten o'clock at night, in order to recross to Wark, being unable in the dark to perceive the danger he incurred, he rode fearlessly into the water. Finding the horse, which was a powerful and valuable animal, to be unable to contend against the force of the current, he tried to turn it towards the shore again, but in so doing, the axles and wheels became disengaged from the body of the cart, which, with the horse and driver, was thereupon in an in stant swept down the river. In this dreadful situation, immersed in the rushing flood, and in the midst of darkness, he would inevi tably have perished, had not his cries reached the ears of a fisher man on the river side, who, with praise-worthy intrepidity, launched his coble, and with some difficulty succeeded in reaching the drowning man, whom he found clinging by the cart in the last extremity, being almost entirely submerged, and under circumstances of the greatest^ danger to himself, brought him ashore. On the following morning the cart and dead horse were found in the water beside Paxton plantation. — Local Papers. 1839 (Sep. 9). — Monday, the foundation stone of a new church was laid at Tynemouth, by M. Bell, esq., M. P., who appeared as the representative of his grace the duke of Northumberland, who was unavoidably absent through indisposition. The site on which the church is built was presented by his grace, together with a donation of £200 towards the endowment. Between twelve and one o'clock the procession formed opposite the Crown inn, and proceeded towards the place. The band of the 33rd regiment was in attendance, and headed the procession. Mr. Green, the architect, carrying the silver trowel, accompanied by Mr. C. U. Laws, bailiff of the manor, with the plans of the church, and the churchwardens and vestry clerk (Mr. Tinley,) carrying the other implements of masonry, &c, followed the band; and immediately after these gentlemen were Matthew Bell, esq. M. P., J. Fenwick, esq., one of the magistrates, and a numerous body of the clergy of the diocese. Having arrived at the building, part of the 132nd Psalm was sung, after which Mr. Wardle, one of the churchwardens, holding a frame, containing a brass plate in the form of a shield, on which was engraved a Latin inscription, addressed the honourable gentleman. The plate being deposited in the stone by Mr. Bell, Mr. Green handed him the silver trowel, which, as well as the other implements of masonry, he used with great dexterity in formally laying the stone; and the vicar, when it was being lowered to its place, invoked the blessing of the Almighty upon the under taking. Prayers were then read, and part of the 122nd psalm sung ; 134 local historian's La- d* 1839. after which the procession returned, in the same order as before, to the Crown inn, where a cold refection was prepared for the numerous ladies and gentlemen, who, notwithstanding the gloomy appearance of the day, were present to witness the ceremony. Commodious hust ings were erected for the use of the ladies, which gave great satisfac tion. Messrs. John and Benjamin Green of Newcastle were the architects for the building, which is a great ornament to the village of Tynemouth. The style of architecture is of the 15th century. The plan is in the form of a cross, with transepts, and a chancel, beyond which is a vestry. There is a tower at the west end, surmounted by a spire 95 feet in height. The length of the church is 83 feet, and the breadth 41 feet inside. There are 500 sittings on the ground floor, 250 of which are free, and the church is so arranged, that a gallery may be hereafter introduced when it is found necessary to increase the accommodation. — Local Papers. [UNDAY the 15th September, 1839, the rivers of Nor thumberland were flooded to a fearful extent in conse quence of the very heavy rain which fell on the preceding day, and especially during the whole of the night, when it came down in torrents, and without intermission. As early as five o'clock in the morning, a number of families residing on the banks of the Wansbeck, were roused from their beds by the water rushing into their houses. In Morpeth East Mill and dwelling-house the water nearly reached the first story. A wooden bridge at Morpeth Quarry was swept away, and several walls levelled to the ground. A quantity of hay, sheaves of corn, wooden bridges, felled trees, and others torn up by the roots, gates, and wreck of every description were swept down the river, with many sheep. Mr. Aynsley, of Witton-shiel, lost twenty-five lambs, The dam-head at Netherwitton was partly carried away, as well as the battlement of the new bridge. Mr. Spearman, of Bothal Mill, suffered the loss of a great deal of corn in the sheaf, a stack of straw, stack stands, and various other effects. Mr. Leightley, of Bothal Haughs, had a heavy loss, including a pig, and a stack of hay, about three tons of which were taken down the river, and landed upon Newbiggin sands, quite whole, the top only taken off in passing the ferry rope at Cambois boat. It was viewed as a curiosity when about four miles out at sea. In some houses at Sheep wash, the water flowed into the second story. There never was a flood in this river which caused so much damage, but no lives were lost. The Coquet presented such a scene as the oldest living man never witnessed. The rain, to use a common saying, " fell whole water ; " and a strong gale from the east gave it a character of the most a.d. 1839.] table book. 135 fearful description, and created well-grounded suspicion that the corn would be completely destroyed ; yet no apprehensions were enter tained, by those who had corn standing out upon the banks of the Coquet, that the river would so far overflow its boundaries as to cause that destruction which was done. So rapidly did it rise about nine o'clock on Sunday morning, that in twenty minutes whole fields were completely swept off. The appearance of the majestic stream from Felton-bridge was singularly picturesque, rushing from the deep woody recesses of Felton park, covered with autumnal spoils, and bidding defiance to the puny arm of man to strip it of its trophies. For two hours it presented an unbroken stream of sheaves of corn, hay, trees, gates ; and several sheep were amongst the tributes which the river had to offer to the ocean. Mr. Spearman, of Warton, lost most — about twenty-six. Mr. Story, of Caistron, and Mr. Arm strong, of Thorney-haugh, each lost about ten or twelve. The loss of corn, between Harbottle and Warkworth, was about seventy acres. Many had narrow escapes in attempting to remove property out of the wild career of the flood. A poor hare was seen below Weldon bridge, sailing down on a barley-sheaf. Her frail bark was cast upon a savage shore, and the timid navigator fell a prey to barbarians. The corn grounds upon the Till were inundated and the vale of Wooler, was one sheet of water. The river Tweed, on Sunday forenoon, rose to an unusual height, and, when not confined by the banks, spread itself over a wide extent of land ; the increased expanse of water, and its impetuous rush to the ocean, giving the river an appearance of novel and imposing grandeur. In the course of the day the devastating effects of the flood upon property situated higher up the stream became strikingly visible in the singular and indeed melancholy spectacle which the river presented, its whole surface, from side to side, in Berwick harbour and above the bridge, being thickly strewn with sheaves of corn, large beams, trunks of trees, fences, &c, and, the carcases of two or three pigs, as also that of a deer, were observed on the water. Some slight attempts were made to save part of the property thus carried down, but they were only successful to a very limited extent. A considerable quantity of wood was saved by being washed ashore, and next day a bar of iron, fifteen feet long, was found in the salmon nets of one of the fishings beside Berwick bridge. The value of the grain which was carried down, independent of any other kind of property, must have been very considerable. The damage sustained by Norham bridge was of serious character. When the river first assumed a threatening ap pearance on Sunday morning, people were engaged in removing a flock 136 local historian's [a. d. 1839. of sheep from an island, of about fifteen acres of extent, on the east ern point of which the central pillar of the bridge is placed. About ten o'clock the river was much swollen and waxing rapidly ; appre hensions were then entertained of the work sustaining damage. It was not, however, till between two and three o'clock in the afternoon that the temporary structure, partly supporting the immense wooden arch on the south side gave way before the force of the reckless current, which by this time was pursuing its heedless course with an awfully majestic grandeur. This accident was wholly owing to the quantity of corn, trees, &c, which was being carried down the stream, collected in a body against it; a similar structure supporting the north arch remained uninjnred. Great fear was now entertained for the safety of the arch, which was nearly completed, having a span of 190 feet. The river continued to increase in size, and about two o'clock on Monday morning the entire arch was driven with indescri bable violence from the masonry work, and was almost instantaneously borne away by the impetuous stream — fragments of it were cast on the sides of the river, and others floated out to sea, and were cast on the coast about Spittal, Cheswick, &c. The damage done was esti mated at about £2,000 or £3,000. The river Reed was swelled to a tremendous size, overflowing its banks, and carrying away with it considerable quantities of corn and hay, which were standing cut in the fields adjoining its boundaries, and spoiling completely the standing corn and turnips over which it came, constituting the greatest part of the loss. Of the villages in the vicinity, none suffered so much as that of Otterburn, but the damage done to it was not done by the river Reed, (as it stands near a quarter of a mile from it,) but by a small rivulet that winds its course close past the eastern side of the village, and which by the oldest inhabitant never was known to be so large as at this time. The village consists of two rows of houses, each of about 110 yards long, with a bridge at the eastern extremity over the rivulet ; about four o'clock in the morning the water was exceedingly high, being half way up the village, the houses nearest the rivulet were half full of water, in the low stories, causing the inhabitants to take shelter in the upper parts ; but about half-past four, it rose two feet higher in the course of five minutes, and spread itself much more extensively ; it was at its height at a quarter to five, at which time the bridge would have been swept off had it not been for the giving way of a massy wall near the bridge, which gave a new channel to the current. The water was in all the houses excepting two, the under stories of those nearest the rivulet being nearly full of water ; much property was of course damaged. All in the village suffered excepting two or three A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 137 individuals, and several horses had a narrow escape. This extraordi nary swell in the rivulet was caused by the bursting of two fish ponds, one occupying about six acres, and of considerable depth, the other much smaller ; these gave way, sweeping everything before them. Although the flood in the Tyne was not so high as on many former occasions, the plantations at Styford, the residence of Charles Bacon Grey, esq., were quite under water, as were all the low lands in the vicinity ; and at Hexham, the tan-yard of Mr. John Ridley, situate in Gilesgate, was completely overflowed, and considerable damage done to the bark liquor in the pits. The houses in the neighbourhood were so much flooded that the chairs and tables floated in the rooms. Among the various articles washed down the Tyne during the flood, were large quantities of bobbins of cotton thread. Many of these were picked up at Blyth. — Local Papers. 1S39 (September 17). — The port of Seaton Sluice was a scene of great rejoicing, in consequence of the welcome dinner given to Mr. James Thompson, the landlord of the Melton Constable Hotel, lately erected there, it being more than half a century since any buildings or other improvements had been made in that town. The harbour here is one of great curiosity, having been cut through a solid rock, the entrance into the harbour being fifty-two feet deep, thirty feet broad, and nine hundred feet long, and is well worthy of the at tention of the stranger. Seaton Sluice is situated about five and a half miles north from North Shields. The manor of Seaton com prised a part of the barony of Delaval, and has continued in that family to the present time. The haven here was formed by sir Ralph Delaval, and was originally a short distance to the north, of small ex tent, dry at low water, and difficult at the entrance. The river also made its course due east, until it was within a little way of the sea, and then, by a sudden turn, discharged itself due north. The sea- banks at this point were bold and lofty, and formed an angle, one side facing the north, and the other almost due east. At the point of this angle the haven was made, in the construction of which, sir Ralph Delaval found enough to exercise his skill and patience. The stone pier which covered it from the north-east wind was carried away by the sea more than once ; and when he had overcome this difficulty, a new inconvenience arose, by his port filling up with mud and sand, though a pretty sharp rill ran through it. In order to remove this mischief, he placed a strong sluice, with flood-gates, upon the brook, and these being shut by the coming in of the tide, the back-water collected into a body, and forcing a passage at the ebb, carried all before it, which, twice in 24 hours, scoured the bed of the haven. The cut through the solid freestone-rock, above mentioned, VOL. v. T 138 local historian's [a.d. 1839. and forming the present entrance to the harbour was effected by the late lord Delaval. The word Sluice was added to the name of this place, from the the sluice and flood-gates at the mouth of the port. The newly erected hotel contains every convenience, and will be of considerable advantage to the port and neighbourhood. — Local Papers, Sec. 1839.— The Wesleyan Methodists of Hexham, having purchased the large double house opposite the Abbey-gate, took down the rear of the building, and erected a splendid chapel ; the front being ap propriated as the preacher's house and vestry, whilst an infant school, common to all denominations, is conducted on the ground floor of the new erection. This house, long occupied by the Messrs. Stokoe, surgeons, and previously by the eccentric Bobby Lowes, has not escaped the charge of being haunted — founded it may be supposed, on an incident elsewhere recorded in the life of the lawyer. The situation is commanding, and the chapel attracts a numerous con gregation. The itinerant preachers at present (1845) on the Hex ham circuit, are Messrs. Cooke and Owen. — J. R's. MS. September 19. — The steam engine, on Sunderland Moor, belong ing to the Sunderland and Durham Railway, burst with a terrific ex plosion about eight o'clock on the morning, and completely destroyed the building in which it was placed. The roof and side walls were blown into the air and scattered over the ground to a great distance, surrounding the engine, doing considerable damage to other parts of the works on which they were thrown. Several coal waggons standing near the engine were also considerably damaged. The boiler which burst was about six tons weight, and on leaving the place where it was fixed it is described as having the appearance, at a distance, of a bal loon ascending into the air. So great was the force of the explosion that the greater part of this massive boiler was carried through the air to a distance of seventy or eighty yards, where it finally fell upon the moor. Another part of the boiler, which was expanded nearly in to a flat sheet, fell close by the ruined building. Two firemen were severely scalded and otherwise injured by the falling fragments of the buildings. — -Local Papers. 1839 (Sept 22). — A commodious chapel, built by Mr. Coulthard, at Bill Quay, for the use of the Wesleyan Methodists, was opened, and collections made in aid of the Missionary funds. — Ibid. Same day, the new Relief chapel, Alnwick, a remarkably neat and commodious building, elegantly fitted up, and capable of seating 600 people, was opened for religious worship. — Ibid. September 23.— Monday, the new burial ground at Barnard-castle was consecrate. I by the Right rev. the lord bishop of Durham : his A.D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 139 lordship preached a sermon on the occasion, after which a collection was made, amounting to £15., in aid of the funds raised for purchas ing the ground.— Local Papers. 1839 (Sept. 23). — A club was formed under the appellation of the Godric Club, * having for its object the removal of the rubbish which concealed many of the beauties of the internal architecture of Finchale abbey, near Durham ; and to preserve the remains of that ancient pile from premature decay. This desirable object was proposed to be accomplished by the trifling subscription of five shillings yearly from each member, in addition to a liberal contribution from the rev. H. Douglas, prebendary of Durham, on whose property the ruins of the venerable monastery stand. The first annual meeting of the club was held at Finchale on the above day, when the members present pro ceeded to the examination of the nave, the choir: and the place formerly occupied by the high altar, which had been so far cleared as to expose their original flooring. The party next examined the refectory, dormi tory, cloisters, and other parts of the ancient priory ; and afterwards adjourned to the neighbouring farm-house, where a president, secre tary, treasurer, and committee of management were appointed. — Gent's Mag. September 26. — The foundation stone of an Episcopal chapel at West Herrington, in the parish of Houghton-le-Spring, was laid, in the presence of a large concourse of spectators, by the rev. R. Shep herd, curate of Houghton. The site for the chapel and the ground for the burial of the dead was the gift of the earl of Durham, and the rev. E. S. Thurlow, rector of Houghton, erected the sacred edifice at his own expence, and pays the clergyman who ministers in this part of the parish. This was the third chapel erected in the parish by Mr. Thurlow in less than fifteen years. — Local Papers. This month, in working a limestone quarry, at Rock, a stone was discovered, bearing upon it all the marks of a petrified nest of snakes. Ibid. September. — This month, the town council of Gateshead, on the motion of Mr. alderman Pollock, seconded by Mr. Brockett, resolved that the clock of St. Mary's church should " be repaired and main tained, minute hands attached, and the faces illuminated with gas, out of the borough-rate, as a public convenience." — Hid. September 28. — Died, at Witton Gilbert, near Durham, the very rev. Richard Richardson, D.D. in the 88th year of his age. He had held the perpetual curacy of Witton Gilbert for upwards of fifty-nine years, and was also precentor of St. David's, rector of Brancepath * St Godric was the patron Saint of the priory of Finchale, 140 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a. d. 1839. in the county of Durham, and chancellor of St. Paul's cathedral. The benevolence of his disposition endeared him to his friends ; and his charities were numerous, though unostentatious. — Local Papers. 1839. — The walls of Long Benton church were observed to be affected by the workings of Heaton colliery : at first a mere crack appeared in the head of the north window, which continued gradually to widen, and on Sunday the 29 th of September, the congregation were thrown into confusion by the fall of a portion of the ornamental plaster over that window during divine service. The subsidence of the ground continuing, at length the arch towards the chancel and the heads of all the windows were so cracked as to be deemed insecure and they were shored up with timber. A considerable rent took place also in the solid wall at the north west angle and extended down the side of the gallery to the vestry door. At length the ground appear ing to have settled, a permanent repair was commenced by the colliery owners, new arches were turned over the windows, and the walls sub stantially restored in the August and September of 1842. — Besultory Notices. Brancepath Castle (1840). CHAPTER VII. ^M»^pflf esas3»7?w N the night of Friday, the 4th of October, 1839, a fire was discovered in the engine-house attached to Cram lington colliery, for drawing up the waggons, which ex tended to the annexed premises and before it could be extinguished, it totally destroyed the joiners' fitting up shop, and the saw mill, and threatened an adjoining dwell ing house ; fortunately the fire engines belonging the colliery and Seghill were speedily got into play, and there being a good supply of water on the spot, by about three o'clock the conflagration was got under. — Local Papers. October 4. — This day was published by Messrs. Marwood and Co., High street, Sunderland, the first number of a newspaper, entituled " The Northern Times," which, it was announced, would be incor porated with a then existing paper called " The Sunderland Beacon." — Ibid.October 5. — The first number of "Another Newspaper for the North of England ; " was published on this day by Mr. Proctor, book seller, Hartlepool. It was called " The Hartlepool, Stranton, and Seaton Herald." — Hid. October 14. — Monday, a fire broke out in the house of Mr. Bow- hill, brewer, Laygate street, North Shields, the greater part of whose furniture was destroyed. Fortunately, however, no lives were lost. — Hid. Died, same day, in East Holborn, South Shields, at the advanced age of 103, Mrs. Jane Brown ; she retained the use of her faculties to the last. — Hid. October 16. — The workshop of Mr. James Dowey, boat-builder, Limekiln-shore, North Shields, was discovered to be on fire about four o'clock on the morning ; and before any assistance could be got, the whole was consumed. — Ibid. 142 local historian's La. d. 1839. 1839 (Oct. 18).— Friday afternoon, the Betsy, of London, lying at Shields, was discovered to be on fire. She was towed clear of the other ships, and her masts cut away, at which time the flames were rushing up the hatches, and it was not till she was very much injured, that the fire was got under. She had about 5 keels of coals on board, part of her cargo, when the accident transpired. — Local Papers. October 19. — Saturday at night, about eleven o'clock, a frightful accident occurred at an ironstone pit on the farm of Handieswood> a few miles distant from Whitburn. Six of the workmen employ ed about the place were sitting in the engine-room of the works, when the boiler in the adjoining room exploded with a terrible crash, bursting the walls of the building, and burying the men beneath the ruins. Owing to the darkness and confusion which prevailed, about an hour and a half elapsed before the bodies could be dug out. One man was found in the bottom of the pit with his head shockingly mangled. Only one of the number was got out alive, but so severely injured that his recovery was doubtful. Two of the deceased were brothers of the name of Russell ; another was named William Hine, and left a widow and family. The explosion shattered the whole building, with the exception of the chimney-stalk. — Hid. October 21. — Monday, the railway from Newcastle to Blaydon, on the north side of the river Tyne, commencing from the station west of the Infirmary, and forming part of the Newcastle and Carlisle rail way, was opened. Nothing remarkable transpired except that three very elegant and commodious omnibusses were to be seen plying for the first time between the station and three of the principal inns in the town. — Hid. October 22. — Holy Island was the scene of unusual bustle and hilarity, in consequence of John S. Donaldson Selby, esq., perambu lating the boundaries for the first time as lord of the manor. Labour was generally suspended throughout the day — the islanders having agreed to celebrate the occasion with a holiday. Mr. Selby and his lady arrived on the island early in the morning, and were shortly afterwards joined by several of the resident gentry from the ad joining districts. At eleven o'clock a large company assembled at the Cross, and afterwards a procession was formed in the following order : — a band of music (the Coldstream band) ; two javelin men, bearing their ancient weapons ; four splendid silk banners, beautifully ornamented (one bore the royal arms, and another the arms of Selby) ; these were followed by Mr. Selby and his friends, all the gentlemen displaying favours in their breasts. The business of tra versing the boundaries, which was most minutely prosecuted, occu pied about four hours, at the termination of which Mr. Selby enter- A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 143 tamed about forty of his friends at a sumptuous dinner, in an elegant pavilion erected expressly for the occasion. The residents on the island were not overlooked ; all the taverns were " open houses " throughout the afternoon, and late in the evening the pleasures of the day were wound up with a ball amongst the youth of the place. The wetness of the weather detracted somewhat from the pleasures of the day, as well as prevented many persons from being present. — Local Papers. 1839 (Oct. 23). — His royal highness the duke of Sussex arrived at Lambton Castle, on a visit to Lord Durham. On Monday, November 4th. the duke, accompanied by lady Cecilia Underwood, the earl and countess of Durham, and the ladies Lambton, visited the city of Durham, when he received an address of congratulation from the corporation, and was entertained in the college by the rev. prebendary Ogle. After attending divine service at the cathedral in the evening, the distinguished party returned to Lambton Castle. On the fol lowing day, a provincial Lodge was held at Chester-le-Street, presided over by the earl of Durham, Pro-Grand Master of England, and Pro vincial Grand Master of Durham and Northumberland, for the ap pointment of officers and other business connected with the province. The lodge was numerously attended by Masons from all parts of the province. His royal highness, the Grand Master of England, arrived about two o'clock, and was received with every mark of respect, and all the honours of Masonry. On his arrival, the earl of Durham presented an address, which had been adopted by acclamation : His royal highness in reply, expressed himself sensibly affected with this address, as well as gratified with the state of masonry in this pro vince. He delivered his sentiments on many subjects relating to the craft, with great clearness and energy ; and after remaining in the lodge nearly an hour, he took leave of the brethren. On Thursday, November 7, his royal highness honoured Newcastle with a visit. A few minutes before twelve o'clock on that day, a sa lute from the castle announced the arrival of the duke. He was accompanied by the earl of Durham in a carriage drawn by four splendid greys, and preceded by an outrider. The lady Cecilia Underwood, the countess of Durham, the ladies Mary and Emily Lambton, arid lord Lambton, followed in another carriage drawn by four, and some distance in the rear were Mr. Hutt, Mr. Hawes, Mr. N. Buller, and Mr. Easthope. His royal highness and his friends proceeded at a quick pace to the Assembly Rooms, where they were received by a guard of honour, composed of the officers of the garri son, and the splendid band of the 98th regiment, then stationed at the barracks. Immediately after alighting, his royal highness, as 144 local historian's [a. d. 1839. Grand Master of the ancient order of Free-Masons, proceeded to hold a lodge, and was met by about three hundred Free- Masons of the united lodges of the town and neighbourhood. After closing the lodge, his royal highness proceeded into the "Shakespeare Room," when an address agreed to by the town council of the borough, and another from the town council of Gateshead, were presented to him, and to each of which he gave an appropriate reply. His royal high ness next proceeded to the small Assembly Room, where the anniver sary meeting of the Society for the Promotion of the Fine Arts was held. The earl of Durham presided, with the royal duke on his right, and was supported by a number of distinguished individuals of both sexes. Mr. Lockey Harle, one of the secretaries, read the committee's report ; and the meeting was subsequently addressed by William Ord, esq. M. P., Mr. Easthope, M. P., Mr. Hutt, M. P. Mr. Hawes, M. P., Mr. Charles Buller, M. P., the duke of Sussex, the earl of Durham, and others. After the proceedings of the meeting had terminated, his royal highness proceeded to the Large Assembly Room, where a splendid dejeuner a la fourchette was pre pared by Mr. Haigh, the keeper of the rooms, in a style of magni ficence corresponding with the occasion. The mayor of Newcastle occupied the chair, and was supported by his royal highness, and the distinguished persons present. After justice had been done to the culinary part of the entertainment, a number of toasts and compli mentary speeches were delivered, and the company separated. His royal highness and the distinguished party by whom he was attended, in the course of the afternoon, paid a visit to the Central Exchange News Rooms, where he was received by John Brandling, esq. as chairman of the committee, who also introduced Mr. Grainger to the royal visitor. His royal highness subsequently inspected Mr. Grain ger's plans, and expressed himself in highly complimentary terms of the ability of that gentleman. Mr. Benj. Green had also the honour of being presented to his royal highness, for the purpose of explain ing his plan of a projected high-level bridge from Newcastle to Gateshead. The royal visitor, accompanied by the other distinguish ed individuals of his party, soon afterwards took their departure for Lambton castle. On Tuesday November 12 th, his royal highness paid a visit to the town of Sunderland, when he performed the interesting ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a building dedicated to literature and science, and erected by public subscription — the Athenaeum. His royal highness was received at the Exchange buildings by the mem bers of the town council, who presented him with an address, to which his royal highness returned a suitable reply. His royal high- a.d. 1839.1 table book. 145 ness then proceeded to the Phoenix lodge, and thence in grand ma sonic procession to the Athenaeum ground, where every thing was in readiness for the ceremony. A plate, with an inscription recording the date and object of the building, the names of the committee, and a printed list of subscribers, were placed in the cavity of the stone, which was then lowered down and adjusted by his royal highness, the band in attendance playing the " National Anthem." His royal highness pronounced a suitable benediction, and then called for " three cheers and one cheer more" for the success of the institution. An address from the members of the Athenaeum was then presented to his royal highness, after which the procession returned to the Phoenix Lodge, where the proceedings were closed. — Local Papers. 1839 (Nov. 9). — The following gentlemen were elected mayors and sheriffs : — Newcastle — John Carr, esq. mayor ; Robt. Boyd, esq. sheriff. Gateshead — Wm. Henry Brockett, esq. Durham — A. W. Hutchinson, esq. Sunderland — Joseph Brown, esq. M.D. Stockton — Thomas Jennet, esq. Morpeth — John Creighton, esq. Berwick — George Gilchrist, esq. mayor; John Miller Dickson, esq. sheriff. — Hid. The "Cross Room" in the White Hart Inn, Newcastle. Stripped of the Oak Carvings, June, 1845. This month, the port of Sunderland was declared by an order in council, to be a fit and proper place for the importation of goods from parts within the limits of the East India Company's Charter. — Hid. November 10. — The mayor and corporation occupied for the first time, the new pew which had been erected against the north wall of vol. v u 146 local historian's [a. d. 1839. the chancel of St. Nicholas Church, Newcastle, in place of the un sightly nuisance which formerly occupied the middle aisle, a change the more desirable as it afforded room for several private sittings. — MS. Col. 1839 (Nov. 12).— Tuesday, which was Hexham hiring day, Joseph Chicken, a young man about 18 years of age, (belonging the place, but serving his time as a tailor at Whittington) had gone with other people to the hiring. According to his late father's will he was entitled (with another brother) to some little furniture, which was kept according to agreement in the house of his brother-in-law, George Barns, ostler and pig-jobber, till needed. Chicken having thoughts of marrying, thought proper to claim his share, which led to a quarrel and open fight with Barns. After which the two met in a neighbour's house, where Barns, if not both, had made use of offensive language, which irritated Chicken afresh ; Barns then went home, and being disordered by drink, he lay down in bed. The other followed him home soon after, saying he would be revenged on him. On Barns seeing Chicken by his fireside, he ordered him out of his house, but he refused to go. He then got up, and laying hold of the poker, struck Chicken a severe blow on the temple, which brought him to the ground. He then took his butcher's knife, and stabbed him in the lower part of the belly, so that his bowels protruded, and he died almost immediately. Barns made no attempt to escape, and was shortly after taken into custody. At the Northumberland assizes, held in February 1840, he was convicted of manslaughter, and received sentence of transportation for life. — Local Papers. November 15. — The construction of the new harbour at Wark worth was commenced. — Ibid. November 15. — At a meeting of the magistrates of Castle ward, east and west, held in the Moot hall, Newcastle, to take into con sideration the propriety of adopting the provision of the rural police bill for those divisions of the county of Northumberland, it was agreed to appoint one superintendent and twelve Constables for the west division, and one superintendent and twelve constables for the east division, the superior officers to be mounted. Meetings for the same purpose were also held in Alnwick and Morpeth, but it was not considered expedient to establish any new constabulary force in either of those districts. — Hid. November 16. — A gold noble of Richard the Second was dredged out of the river Tyne, by the workmen engaged in the operations connected with the extension of Newcastle quay. On the obverse the king is represented standing on the deck of a vessel of war, with a drawn sword in his right hand, and his shield on his left arm — A. D. 1839.] TABLE BOOK. 147 the inscription is Ricvrd Di Gra Rex Angl et Franc Dns Hyb et Aqt. On the reverse is a double tressure, beautifully ornamented with fleurs de lis and crowns, and inscribed Ihc (Jesus) autem transciens r (per) medium illorum ibat — with the letter r in the middle of the cross. The coin is in good preservation. — Local Papers. 1839 (Nov. 19). — At the adjourned sessions at Durham, the magis trates (captain Dinsdale only dissenting, on the ground of expense), resolved to adopt the provisions of the county constables bill for the entire county. The number of constables fixed upon was 81, (being at the rate of one to every 2,000 inhabitants) — including a chief con stable and five inspectors. — Hid. November 24. — Sunday morning, William Cain, a chimney-sweep, about 40 years of age, employed by Mr. Foster, of Union-lane, Sun derland, was slain on his master's premises. The deceased and a brother sweep, named William Hamilton, aged 28, slept together in an outhouse, situated in Mr. Foster's back yard. The former had been only five days in Mr. Foster's service. He was a native of Dub lin, and lately resided in Church-street, in that city, but more recently in Liverpool. His wife, a native of Cork, had not joined him in Sun derland. Hamilton served his apprenticeship in Durham, and was lately in the service of Mrs. Marshall, Pandon, Newcastle. He came home to Mr. Foster's at one o'clock on Sunday morning, and was heard to swear repeatedly in the yard leading to his bed room. After a short time, he knocked at the window of the room, and cried to Mrs. Foster, " Hannah, will you not get up, and see a murdered man ?" Foster and his wife at once rose from bed, and proceeded to the yard, where they found Cain lying, moaning, and profusely bleeding — Ha milton being in their joint-bedroom. Dr. C. Embleton was called, and the existence of a deep wound in the stomach was ascertained. In about three hours Cain died. He was unable, from the time he was found, to utter more than that he was cold, and to say, " Oh ! lay me down, and let me go to rest !" A pocket knife, covered with blood, was picked up in the yard, and identified as having belonged to the deceased. Suspicion of murder fell upon Hamilton, and he was taken into custody. On Monday, an inquest was held before Mr Maynard, and a respectable jury, when, according to the evidence adduced it appeared that the prisoner was drunk on Saturday night ; and was heard to say, " there was a Irish had cheated him out of a shilling or two, and he would be one with him before the following night." At the time of his return home, he was still very drunk, and conducted himself in a disorderly manner in his bed room. Cain's voice was never heard. In a few minutes, the prisoner was heard to trail something heavily across the floor, as though it 148 local historian's [a. d. 1839. was a soot bag ; and then he gave the alarm to Mrs. Forster. The bloody knife found near the dying man was closed ; and the deceased it was considered, was not in a condition to have shut it himself. It was Cain's property, but had been seen in Hamilton's possession. There was blood on the nose, eyebrow, and left wrist of the prisoner. Some hours after his apprehension, he was asked if he knew why he was detained : he replied in the negative, and was apparently aston ished when he was told that it was on suspicion of murder. At the inquest, he stated that " he was so sore in liquor, that he did not know what had been done." To this and other statements (which were of little importance), he was unable to sign his name, but at tached his mark. The jury returned a verdict against him of " Wil ful Murder," and he was committed for trial at the next Durham spring assizes, when he was found guilty of Manslaughter and trans ported for the term of his natural life. — Local Papers. 1839 (Nov. 29). — On the morning of this day a horrible event was discovered on board a vessel lying at Berwick quay — the Martha, schooner, of Cockenzie, William Ovens, master, which arrived there on the previous morning. During the day the crew had been engaged in discharging her ballast, and, for the purpose of drying the hold preparatory to her taking in her cargo, a small fire was kept lighted throughout the day. At night, the crew after putting the hatches on, went to bed, the captain and mate in the cabin, and three seamen (the remainder of the crew) in the forecastle. In the morning about 8 o'clock the mate, seeing none of the men stirring, went to the fore castle to call them, where he was horrified tit discovering two of them, who occupied the same bed, lying dead, and the third nearly so. They had been suffocated by the fumes of the stove. Surgical assis tance was instantly procured, and the man still in life was removed to the dispensary, where means for his restoration were successfully applied. Dr. Edgar attempted to bleed the other two, but in vain. — Hid. November 29-30. — Friday and Saturday, the river Tyne was swol len to an unusual height. Several ships, steam-boats, and other craft, were driven from their moorings both at Newcastle, and at Shields, and sustained more or less damage. — Hid. November 30. — The foundation-stone of " The Corporation Hall," Stockton-upon-Tees, was laid by Thomas Jennett, esq., mayor. His worship walked in procession from the town-hall, with the magistrates, aldermen, councillors, town clerk, &c, to the site of the intended building, on the north side of Dovecot-street — a band of music bein» in attendance, to enliven the proceedings. Under the foundation- stone, there were deposited several coins, and an inscription ; also, a a. d. 1839.] table book. 149 copy of the county-newspapers of the week. Mr. Robert Wilson, who placed the latter in their appointed recess, jocosely remarked, that he had had the honour of committing the first newspapers to the new post-office. — Local Papers. 1839 (November). — A. G. Potter, esq., of Walbottle house, with his brothers, presented to God and his Church, at Newburn, a beautiful and elegant painted window, executed by Mr. Wailes, of Newcastle, in a style which does great credit to his taste and skill, and which was placed in the north transept of that sacred edifice. The window is of the Tudor date of architecture, in the upper tracery of which are the emblems of the holy evangelists, with the monograms of A.Q. and I.H.S. In these representations the judicious combination of subdued and rich tone of colouring powerfully reminds us of those beautiful specimens which are now only to be found in those monu ments of ancient piety, our noble cathedrals. The lower part of this beautiful work of art is filled up with a rich and ornamental device of the period ; in which are introduced the crest and arms of the Potter family, together with the following inscription ; — Deo et Ecclesiae Fratres Potter, dicaverunt A.D. mdcccxxxix. 'Remember them, 0 Lord, concerning this ; and wipe not out the good deeds which they have done for the house of their God.' — Ibid. This month, died at Cowpen colliery, aged 1 02, Mrs. Scott. — Ibid. December 2. — A very fine specimen of the " Maigre," Sciaene Aquila, Cuv., one of the largest of scaly fishes, was caught in the river Tyne, by one of the men on board a steam-tug, with a boat hook. The specimen measured five feet two inches in length, and was purchased for the Natural History Society. This is the fifth speci men recorded as having been taken on the British shores. — Ibid. December 8. — Sunday afternoon, during the celebration of divine service in Alnwick church, a part of the roof of that building was dis covered to be on fire. The congregation was immediately dismissed, and the fire, which had been communicated from the flue of the stove to the adjoining timbers, was fortunately extinguished with little damage. The engine of the corporation, and another, belonging to his grace the duke of Northumberland, were promptly on the spot, but their services were scarcely required. — Ibid. December 9. — Monday, the persons near the Wear, at Sunderland, were horror-struck at perceiving a man in the act of falling from the bridge ; but their feelings were soon reversed, on seeing the poor fel low emerge from the water, and walk home, apparently little the worse for his perilous descent ; for, soon after leaving the bridge, he re turned for his monkey-jacket, which he had taken off while engaged in painting the under part of the arch. — Ibid. 150 local historian's [a.d. 1839. 1839 (Dec. 14). — Saturday night, about nine o'clock, a man in the employ of Mr. Gallon, coach-proprietor, Gateshead, adopted the somewhat dangerous plan of driving a chariot and four into the river at Skinnerburn, for the purpose of washing them, when the force of the current swept the horses and vehicle towards Tyne-bridge ; and if they had not fortunately been jammed between two keels, they would in all probability have been carried through one of the arches into deep water, and the horses drowned. As it was, they were in the water till twelve o'clock, while the carriage was not extricated till some hours afterwards. The same man drowned a horse under similar circumstances some time previous. — Local Papers. December 16. — Monday evening, a fire broke out about nine o'clock, in a stable on the farm of West Brunton, in the occupation of Mrs. Barbara Younger. It appeared that two persons had gone into the stable about foddering time with a lantern, where there was a young colt, and that a short time after they had come into the house, a smell of burning was discovered, and on their returning to the stable it was found to be on fire. Expresses were instantly despatched to the barracks and to Newcastle for the fire engines, and in the mean time the communication was broken down between the stable and the other farm buildings, so as to prevent the fire spreading. The North British engine was first on the ground, and the others shortly fol lowed. The artillery men from the barracks were also very active, but from the nature of the materials, and the distance the engines had to travel, they could render but little assistance in saving the building where the fire originated. The extent of the damage con sisted in the destruction of the stable, the young horse, and a straw hemmel, upon which an insurance had been effected in the Union office. — Hid. December 19. — A fire broke out in a stable belonging to Mrs. Gib son, of the Blue Posts, in Pilgrim-street, but the Newcastle and North British fire engines were speedily on the spot, and by the exertions of the firemen it was soon extinguished. The fire was confined to the hay loft, where it is supposed it had originated, and the principal damage done was the destruction of the materials for a large tent. The currier shops of Mr. Sillick, which were above the stables, had a narrow escape, the boards and joists of which were partly burnt through. Mr. Stephens, and a strong body of police were present, and rendered every assistance. — Ibid. December 24. — Tuesday morning early, the premises of Mr. Vin cent, cutler, Low-street, North Shields, were discovered to be on fire ; and it was not till the stock had been destroyed that the flames were extinguished. — Ibid, a. d. 1840.] table book. 151 1839. — During this year, no fewer than 310 vessels were built and registered at the port of Sunderland. Many of them were from 300 to upwards of 600 tons burden. — Local Papers. December 30. — A new colliery was opened at Medomsley, by the Derwent Coal Company, and a flag placed on the works, announcing that every thing was ready for the sale of coals. Operations were commenced about the beginning of August preceding. — Hid. 1840 (Jan. 1). — Wednesday, a public meeting was held in the Long Room, Commercial hotel, Howard-street, North Shields, to take into consideration the propriety of incorporating the borough of Tynemouth. The room was crowded with the most influential in dividuals of the borough. T. Young, esq. was called to the chair, who briefly stated the object for which the meeting was called, and was followed by A . Crighton, esq., who moved the first resolution ; Dr. Lietch seconded it, and in an able address showed the necessity, im portance, and advantage to be derived by the town being incorporated. Several other resolutions were passed unanimously, amongst which a petition to the queen was agreed to, praying her majesty to grant a charter for the borough. Several of the speakers congratulated the meeting on the unanimity which had prevailed throughout. — Ibid. Jan. 1. — A public meeting of the rate- payers within the borough of South Shields, was held in the Town hall of that place, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, to consider the propriety of procuring for the said borough a charter of incorporation ; when a resolution injfavour of that object was proposed, seconded, and carried, by forty-six for, and forty-one against the motion. — Ibid. January 3. — Tho Slaley hounds on Saturday last, found two foxes at Bromley Fell, one of which the pack got away with, excepting a bitch of the name of Blossom. This extraordinary little hound, the smallest of the pack, went away with the other fox, and, after a severe chase, actually ran into him alone, and when some foot people who had joined her towards the latter part of the run got up, they found the fox in a ditch, and Blossom lying upon him, both com pletely exhausted, so much so, that neither of them could injure the other. The fox was taken alive, but died during the night. Blos som, after a little careful treatment, soon came rouud again. This same hound, about two years previously, got away alone with a fox, and after a run similar to the preceding, pressed her fox so gallantly, that he took refuge on the top of a stone wall, when a boy accident ally coming up, and finding her in vain attempting to jump up to the fox, took up a stone, approached Reynard, knocked him off the wall, and stunned him, and so rendered his dispatch an easy matter to himself and Blossom. — Hid. ].52 local historian's [a.d. 1840. 1840 (Jan. 4).— The committee of the Central Exchange News Room, Newcastle, upon a requisition of a numerous body of subscri bers, ordered that an exchange for business, should be held for one hour on the Saturday in every week throughout the year, in the area or circle within the building, on the outside of the news room, and that the hour of business should commence at one o'clock in the afternoon, and continue till two o'clock. Non-subscribers having business with subscribers, to be admitted to the exchange during that hour, for the purpose of transacting business. This desirable arrange ment commenced on the above day. The time of business is now (1845) from 3 o'clock till half-past four. — Local Papers, Sec. January 5. — Sunday afternoon, as Mr. John Chisman, of Blackwell mill, and Mr. Rutter, were walking on the shore of the river Skerne, about three hundred yards from the mill, on the way to Dar lington, they observed something in the water like a flannel petticoat. A fork was procured, and a substance raised, which proved to be the body of a female. It was carefully removed, with further assistance, to a granary at the mill, where an inquest was held, before Wm. Trotter, esq., coroner for Darlington ward, on the following day, and by adjournment on the day succeeding. The evidence went to show that the deceased was a young woman named Susan Dagley, a native of Coventry, who had worked at Messrs. Pease's mill for about nine months, and was missed from her lodging at Priestgate, in Darlington about five weeks previous ; since which period every effort for her discovery had been'unsuccessful. Thomas Brownrigg, a fellow-lodger, had been taken into custody on the suspicion arising from the circum- tance that on the night of Friday the 29th of November, about half past seven in the evening, she threw her tea-tin on the table of her lodgings, and went out without speaking a word to any one. Brown rigg, who lodged in the same house, went out about seven, and re turned at half-past nine o'clock the same evening, when he said to another lodger, named Woodhams, — " Woodhams, have you seen any thing of Susan ? " and before he had time to reply, he asked the same question of the old woman, Jane Scott, who kept the lodging house. On the Sunday, Brownrigg told Woodhams he had been seeking all over for her ; and a female named Margery Newton de posed that about seven o'clock that morning, she saw Brownrigg, coming up from the water in a stooping position. Mr. Arthur Stro ther, had examined the body and found the head, arms, and hips, to be very much bruised ; the lungs healthy, the brain much gorged with blood, no appearance of pregnancy, and considered that the murder must have been committed before the body was thrown into the water. The deposition of Brownrigg went to account for the use he a. d. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 153 made of his time on the night in question, the particulars of which coincided with the statements which two or three other witnesses made as to the times when they saw him. Verdict of " wilful murder against some person or persons unknown." — Local Papers. 1840 (Jan. 6). — Monday, an inquest was held at Paston, in the par ish of Kirknewton, on the bodies of two fine boys, one named Ralph, aged about 8 years, and the other William, aged about 4 years, sons of Ralph Turnbull, hind to Mr. Thompson, of Paston, who were unfortun ately drowned in the river Beaumont on the preceding day. It appear ed that the deceased and another boy named William Martin, aged about seven years, had gone down the river side, where a plank, about fifteen inches in breadth, is laid across the river, for the farm servants to pass over to their work, and that the three children having hold of each other's hands, attempting to go along the plank, all fell into the river, which runs with a rapid course ; the two Tumbulls were car ried a considerable way down the river, but the other boy providen tially got out. On returning home, he told what had happened, and the bodies of the deceased were soon afterwards found, but life was quite extinct. Verdict, — Accidentally drowned. — Ibid. January 14. — Shortly after five o'clock on the morning of this day, Friday, a fire broke out in the printing office of Mr. M. S. Dodds, on the Quay, Newcastle, which did considerable damage, but by the Doorways of an OLD MANSION in Byker Chare, Quayside, Newcastle. Removed 1843. VOL. V. X 154 local historian's [a.d. 1840. timely assistance of the engines, the flames were prevented from ex tending to the other parts of the building, which are occupied as merchants' and brokers' offices. Mr. Dodd's office was at the top of the building, and, with almost all the materials, was totally destroyed. How it originated is not known. — Local Papers. 1840 (January 23).— A chimney which was erected in a field near Winlaton, in the county of Durham, in 1833, fell with a tremendous crash. It was about 220 feet high, and unfinished. Being situated on an eminence, it could be seen from a great distance. The arches near the base had been taken away a day or two previous, and a strong wind completed its downfall. It was built for the purpose of carrying off the muriatic acid gas from an intended alkali work, but was never used. — Hid. January 29. — Died, at Bedlington, Northumberland, at the advan ced age of 110 years, Mrs. Mary Lorimer. She perfectly remembered the rebellion 1745, at which time she was in service at the High church, Morpeth. — Hid. February 1 . — A dreadful collision took place in the river Tyne, near Friar's Goose. The London Merchant steamer was going down the river from Newcastle on her voyage to London, about two o'clock, and the brig Good Intent from Lynn, laden with flour, barley, &c, was sailing up towed by the steam-tug Margaret, when they came violently in contact with each other. The Good Intent was struck on her larboard bow, and in a few minutes went down. The crew had just time to save their lives. There were upwards of three hundred sacks of flour on board the Good Intent. The shock is described by the men on board the Margaret steamer, as having been most terrific. A dense cloud of smoke from the chimnies of Clapham's alkali works alongside the river, covered at the moment, the three vessels. The towing steamer had only time to port her helm, when the powerful London Merchant glided close past her ; if- she had struck the Mar garet, the latter and her crew would have perished. — Ibid. February 1. — Saturday, between ten and eleven o'clock at night, a fire was discovered in one of the new and unoccupied houses in Grain- ger-street, Newcastle, next to the entrance to the Central Exchange. It was in a front room, on what is called the first floor. On being ob served, it was found that a quantity of wood and shavings were in a blaze, piled up in the middle of the floor. No doubt was entertained that it was the work of an incendiary. — Hid. February 9. — Died, at Newcastle, aged 59 years, Luke Clennell, the celebrated painter and engraver. As a practical wood engraver Clennell possessed great abilities ; but it is to his works as a designer and painter that we are to look more especially for the evidences of a. d. 1840.] table book. 155 his genius. His powers in delineating rustic, as well as marine scenery, were very great— and it is only necessary to advert to his paint ing of the allied sovereigns when in England, and the great price it brought in an unfinished state through his lamented indisposition, to class him as a first-rate artist, and to shew to what extent his talents were appreciated. In his youth he evinced unwearied industry, and was indefatigable in his exertions to attain that excellence in the higher walks of his profession, to which he ultimately arrived ; yet however praise- worthy emulation may be, it is perhaps, to be lamented that deep study and over exertion of thought, forced his talents into precocious maturity, and that, like the great Tasso, they shone but like a meteor to be ever after obscured in darkness. His disposition was pleasing and open, and he had a heart at once kind, tender, and sincere. His remains were followed to the grave by most of the ar tists of the town. — Local Papers. 1840 (Feb. 8). — The largest vessel ever built at Blyth was launch ed on the above day. She was named the Robert and George, of 500 tons register, and carried 24 keels. — Ibid. February 25. — J. C. Jobling, esq. of Newton Hall, chosen chair man of the Quarter Sessions of Northumberland in the place of C. W. Bigge, esq. — Ibid. March 1. — Early in the morning of this day, Sunday, a fire was discovered in the store house of Mr. Wm. Craig, rope-maker, at Southwick, near Sunderland. The house was destroyed, together with the materials, consisting of hemp, tar, rope, &c, to upwards of £200. value. There had been no fire in the premises for three days previous, and it was considered to be the work of an mcendiwcy.-Ibid. March 4. — The windows of a house at the Ballast Hills were blown out, and a person much injured, in consequence of some gunpowder having been put into the fire by mistake. — Hid. March 5. — The foundation stone of a Wesleyan chapel, with sit tings for upwards of 500 persons, was laid at St. Lawrence, near New castle, by Mr. John Reay, of Carville. After the religious services, Mr. Reay gave some interesting accounts of the rise and progress of Methodism on the banks of the Tyne, from which it appeared that there were, within half a mile of each side of the river, between Tyne mouth and Hexham, 38 chapels, capable of accommodating 17,270 persons, which cost in building £28,300. — Hid. March 6. — At the queen's, levee the mayor of Newcastle presented an address of congratulation from the mayor, aldermen, and council, on her majesty's marriage. Similar addresses were presented from Sunderland and Durham. — Ibid. Same day, a new patent was granted W. I. Cookson, esq., for 156 local historian's [a. d. 1840. certain improved processes or operations for obtaining copper and other metals from metallic ores. — Local Papers. 1840 (March) 7. — Sunday, about seven o'clock in the evening, the house and shop, occupied by Mr. Wm. Cousins, tailor, Long-row, South Shields, was discovered to be on fire, and such was the rapidity with which the flames spread, that the whole of the premises, as well as the adjoining house, occupied by Mr. Samuel Yates, publican, were com pletely destroyed, and some other houses received considerable damage. Fortunately, however, the wind was calm, and by the aid of the en gines, the assistance of the inhabitants, police, and the military and engines, from Tynemouth barracks, the fire was got under about twelve o'clock. In addition to this calamity, a little girl, six years of age, belonging to Francis Place, perished in the flames, and was buried in the ruins of the building, her father not knowing but that she had made her escape. The stock of Mr. Cousins was totally con sumed, and the unfortunate sufferers of both houses lost nearly the whole of their furniture and other effects. The remains of the body of the child were found some weeks afterwards on the removal of the rubbish. A public meeting of the inhabitants of South Shields was held on March 11th, at which it was resolved to raise a sum by sub scription for the relief of the sufferers, and to endeavour to make ar rangements for putting down fire plugs in the principal streets. — Hid. March 9. — Three men were killed at Springwell colliery, in conse quence of the chain breaking when they were descending. — Hid. March 13. — Between 12 o'clock at night, and 1 o'clock on the following morning (Saturday), the cabinet workshops of Mr. John James, situated between Pilgrim street and Erick street, Newcastle, were discovered to be on fire. An immediate alarm was given, but the workshops, which were formed of three stories, being filled with furniture and dry wood of various descriptions, the flames spread with great rapidity. The engine of the Newcastle, North British, and York and London Insurance companies, as well as small engines from the glass houses, arrived in the course of a few minutes after they were sent for ; and having obtained an abundant supply of water, the progress of the fire was fortunately checked, but not until the workshops and their contents were entirely destroyed. A part of the stock of veneers and other wood in the yard was consumed, and, considering the mass of property close to the place where the fire commenced, it was matter of astonishment that the flames did not extend much further than they did. The workshops are situated between Messrs. Mountain and Son's wire-work manufactory, on the one side, and Mr. Renwick's cabinet workshops and Mr. Hutton's farriery on the other, and though the fire may be said to have A. D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 157 touched them at intervals, they escaped almost entirely uninjured. The fire was in a great measure extinguished by two o'clock, and soon afterwards was got under entirely. — Local Papers. 1840 (March 15). — Jane White, an unfortunate girl of the town, aged 20 years, was burnt to death by a man named James MoOre. It appeared by the evidence given on the coroners' inquest, that the de ceased lodged with three other girls, in an infamous house, kept by Margaret Reay, in Cellar's entry, in Sandgate, Newcastle, and on the night of the above day (Sunday), about twelve o'clock, one of the girls named Martha Miller brought James Moore into the house, but after remaining only a short time a dispute arose between them ; and on the deceased coming into the room where they were she was immediately ordered out. Some words, however, ensued, when Moore snatched up the candle, which was burning on the table, and set fire to two shawls which she had on at the time. The consequence was that she was so dreadfully burnt on the breast, back, and face, that after ling ering at the infirmary until the 17th she expired. Verdict — Man slaughter against James Moore. He was tried at the Newcastle summer assizes, found guilty, and sentenced to four months' imprison ment with hard labour. — Ibid. March 17.— As some beasts which had been purchased at the cattle market, Newcastle, on the morning of this day, were proceeding along the Close on their road to Sunderland, one of them, a young bull, being a little in advance of the drove, took a fancy to enter the public-house, called the Close Gate house, and not content with stop ping in the passage, deliberately walked up stairs, and had ascended two flights, and was proceeding up the third when he was checked in his course by a person above. The animal not being able to turn, was urged backwards down one pair of the stairs, but, unfortunately, on reaching the landing below, the flooring gave way, and the bull falling against a thin partition wall, burst through it, and fell into the tap-room covered with bricks and dust. The poor animal, how ever, instead of being injured by the descent, immediately turned over, and to the astonishment of all quietly walked out at the door, and joined its comrades. — Ibid. March 19. — Thursday, the students resident in the castle at Dur ham, were aroused from their slumbers at an early hour by the cry of fire. On examination it was found that two large beams con nected with the students' apartments and the kitchen were on fire. Two engines being brought into play upon the part, the fire was soon put out, but not without doing some damage to the furniture and books. — Ibid. March 20. — The John Garrow, capt. J. Wilson, an iron vessel of ' 158 local historian's [a. d. 1840. 800 tons, calculated to carry 40 keels of coals, arrived in the river Tyne ; when she entered the narrows she was drawing ten feet water. From the time of her arrival she continued to excite much curiosity ; part of her standing rigging was made of wire, and except her top and decks, she was exclusively made of iron. Captain Wilson ordered, that parties visiting her should pay one shilling each, which should be given to the " Shipwreck society." The vessel is named after the principal in the firm in Liverpool, who are her owners. The John Garrow loaded in the Tyne for Bombay, and was the first iron vessel which had entered the port. — Local Papers. 1840 (March 20). — A dinner was given at the Blue Bell inn, New castle, to Mr. Peter Gibson, Dean-street, commemorative of his having rescued three persons from drowning. A silver snuff-box, and a me morial narrating the circumstances handsomely framed and glazed, were also presented to Mr. Gibson. — Hid. March 21. — The Thornley Coal company (co. of Durham) com pleted a sinking to a seam of coal never before worked in the district. It lies at a distance of eighty fathoms below the five-quarter seam, and turned out to be of first-rate quality, closely resembling the Hut ton seam, in the neighbourhood, and is four feet in thickness. The discovery of this seam is of great importance, not only to the owners of this colliery, but to all the neighbouring collieries and to the coun try generally, affording, as there is reason to believe, a supply of ex cellent fuel for several generations. — Ibid. March 27. — A fire broke out in the workshop of Mr. Hewett, joiner, Dovecot-street, Stockton, which consumed the whole of the interior, and damaged the adjoining buildings. The two engines be longing the town were extremely well-worked, and the neighbours freely gave a good supply of water; otherwise, the damage might have extended to many very valuable adjacent houses. — Hid. March 30. — Monday, an explosion occurred in the Old Willington pit, by which three men and five boys were much burnt, one of them so severely that he died within a few hours after he was got out. At the time of the accident there were 130 men and boys in the mine, so that had not the explosion been confined to one place, the conse quences might have been very destructive. The accident was caused by blasting the coal. — Ibid. April 1.— A melancholy accident happened at St. Anthony's Oil Mill, near Newcastle, by which two young men, named Robert Wil son and Benjamin Giles, lost their lives. They were both employed at the works, and had that morning come a little before five o'clock but previous to commencing they sat down in the boiler-shed, as was supposed to warm themselves, but while there, the engine (which had A.D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 159 not that morning been working) was set to work, when, unfortunately, no sooner was this done than one of the boilers burst, carrying away the door and part of the shed-front with the two poor fellows into the river, a distance of fourteen yards. Assistance being at hand, imme diate search was made for the bodies which were not got until about a quarter of an hour after the explosion. The engineman happily escaped with trifling injury. — Local Papers. 1840 (April 2). — The largest and one of the finest vessels ever built on the river Tyne, was launched from the dock-yard of Messrs. Smith, at St. Peter's, near Newcastle. She is called the Bucephalus, is frigate- built, and destined for the East India trade. Her extreme length is 179 feet, her gun deck 152 feet, and her breadth 34 feet, and her register 985 tons, new measurement. She has six cabins in her poop, fifteen between decks, which are all fitted up with every convenience for the accommodation and comfort of passengers. At her bows is a figure-head of a beautifully carved horse, representing Alexander's celebrated Bucephalus ; and her stern, quarter galleries, and other parts are tastefully ornamented with appropriate carved work ; indeed so finished and complete a vessel had not been sent off the stocks for a long time, and she was considered by practical men to be one of the best East Indiaman afloat. Great interest was excited on this occa sion, and previous to her going off, the dock-yard (which was thrown open to the public) was crowded with spectators, while the banks of the river on both sides were lined with thousands as far as the eye could command a view of the vessel. The river also presented a gay and animated appearance, numerous steam-boats with their streamers flying, and other craft crowded with passengers, contributed in no small degree to heighten the interest of the scene. A little after four o'clock, every thing being ready, the signal was given, and in a mo ment this splendid vessel glided beautifully and majestically into the river, amidst the firing of cannon and the cheers of the immense mul titude. The vessel was named by Miss Werge, in the company of several ladies and gentleman. — Ibid. In the course of this and the preceding year, extensive repairs and improvements were effected in the church of St. Andrew, Newcastle. The fine old roof of the centre aisle of the nave, which had been hid for many years, was exposed to view by the judicious removal of the flat white-washed ceiling by which the church has so long been disfigured. The roof which is of oak, and of good, though late, design, was thoroughly cleaned and varnished. The chancel was cleared of the whole of the old pews, and entirely re fitted with stalls of imitation oak. By this arrangement a consider able number of additional sittings were obtained. The space within 160 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [A. D. 1840. the rails of the communion was likewise considerably elevated, and the altar furnished with a handsome new altar-cloth. The south porch of the chancel was restored to its original use, its south front rebuilt, a doorway placed therein, and the modern entrance, on its eastern side, walled up. The western porch at the same period, was laid open by the removal of a partition wall, and an additional door way was opened to the north, under the staircase leading to the long gallery. Among the minor matters may be noticed, the erection of several new pews near the font, the removal of the glazed partition at the back of the pew (formerly that of alderman Hedley), and the discovery of two vaults under the floor of the communion, the one belonging the Ogles of Causey Park, the other to the Ryott family. — MS. Col. mm I , .mm; '¦¦-¦¦ Iraifi r. fen* IHBiSffilr™™1'1 The Tower of the Church of S. Andrew, Newcastle. 1845. CHAPTER VIII. jHE Newcastle-upon-Tyne Polytechnic exhibition for the benefit of the North of England Society for the Promotion of the Fine Arts, and the Mechanics' Institutes of New castle and Gateshead, was opened on the 7th of April in a number of apartments situate between the south side of Blackett-street and Nelson-street, comprising in the whole, a suite of no less than eleven rooms, some of them of considerable size. This magnificent exhibition of every branch of art, science, manufac ture, and articles of vertu — every species of machinery, apparatus, and experiment — every kind of handiwork, civilized or savage — every pro duction of nature whether terrene or marine, forming a concatenation of objects of value, interest, rarity or curiosity, perhaps never before brought together, — was mainly established by the exertions of a num ber of gentlemen noted for their efforts in advancing the intellectual interests of the town and neighbourhood, too numerous to mention individually — nevertheless we cannot risk the charge of invidiousness, when we state that to the continued and extraordinary exertions of Messrs. Thomas Burnet, and Henry Brady, the secretaries, Mr. John Hancock the eminent naturalist, Mr. Albany Hancock his brother, Mr. Joshua Alder, Mr. Geo. Burnet, junr., Mr. Joseph Watson and others, the public were indebted for much of the surpassing interest and brilliancy of the exhibition. Nor must we forget to pay a just tribute of praise to the exceeding great liberality of the nobility, gentry, and inhabitants throughout the whole of the North of Eng land, for the readiness with which they lent for public benefit the objects of interest in their possession, and last, not least, the uniform excellence of behaviour evinced, and the care bestowed, by the numer ous visitors, who sometimes amounted to many thousands at a time. vol. v. Y 162 local historian's [a. d. 1840. So completely did the exhibition ensure the purpose for which it was intended, and so fully did the inhabitants appreciate the boon which had been conferred, that the exhibition, originally opened for three months, lasted for five, closing in the midst of its popularity, and boasting in the aggregate little short of two hundred and fifty thousand visits by holders of season tickets and others. * At the entrance from Blackett-street, the visitor was introduced to the larger room of the " Academy of Arts," in which were hung a choice and magnificent collection of paintings chiefly by the old masters. On the left of the academy was the entrance to the " micro scope room," containing a magic lantern, pyrotechnicon, oxhydrogen microscope, &c. Returning from this apartment, and going forward, the visitors ascended and traversed a gallery crossing High Friar street, and connecting the apartments already described with the Vic toria Room, Music Hall, &c, on the south side of the street which it crossed. This gallery contained a variety of objects of interest, chiefly consisting of pictures, relics, models, and articles of costume of differ ent nations. The visitors shortly entered the " Victoria Room," an apartment of indescribable magnificence, containing articles of im mense value and importance, in the way of luxurious ornament, utility and instruction. This room contained specimens of almost every imaginable branch of art and manufacture. Mr. Orde's racing cups occupied the one extremity, and mailed figures, mirrors, vases, and other ornaments, the other. The sides were covered with immense * First Season. — Thirteen Weeks. Season Tickets sold at 2s. 6d. each 8268 Admitted at 2s. 6d. Soirees 771 Admitted at 10s. Soirees 1942 Admitted at 6d. each 72,285 Second Season. — Seven Weeks. Season Tickets sold, Is. 6d. each 1078 Admitted at Shilling Soirees 3402 Admitted at Sixpence each 23,968 Children at Threepence 1524 Charity Scholars at Twopence 1955 Total Admissions, 1st Season 192,713 Do. 2nd Season 43,610 Total 236,323 The receipts amounted to £4458. 15s. Id. and after the liquidation of the necessary expences left a sum for division, of no less than £1500. On Tuesday, September 1, was held what was to have been the final soiree, but the crowd for admission was so much greater than on any previous occasion, that to pacify the multitudes unable to gain access, the Committee were obliged to promise another " last night." On Wednesday (Sept 2.) therefore, there was a further soiree — and the exhibition closed. A.D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 163 tiers of glass cases, &c, containing ornithological and other speci mens in natural history, and of rare matters in manufactures, &c. Thence the visitors entered the "New Music Hall," an immense room devoted to practical and experimental science and machinery. To attempt any thing like a detail of its varied and wondrous con tents would be in vain. A few of the more remarkable can only be mentioned : the centre of the hall was occupied by a large fountain and circular canal, in, and by the sides of which, swam shoals of gold and silver fishes, and worked mills, syphons, pumps, steam-boats, locomotives, screws, diving bells, rams ; air, forcing, and water pumps, and indeed every imaginable appliance of pneumatic, acoustic, hydro static, and electric science. On one side of the fountain and canal, stood a beautifully polished steam-engine of four horse power, manu factured on improved principles by Messrs. Hawthorn of Newcastle, driving, by means of bands, a power loom for weaving merino, another for ribbon, and an iron planing machine. Hard by, was a complicat ed machine for making braid worked by a boy. Then Mr. Buddie's ingenious model of a method of bringing coals to bank in iron boxes and frame work ; models of gates, bridges, buildings, without end. There were also telescopes, lenses, microscopes, and all kinds of mathematical, geographical, and astronomical apparatus, and the room rang with the ceaseless din and clatter of engines, machines, looms, and printing presses. Other rooms presented, among a multi plicity of objects of still life, several of the inmates of the blind asylum engaged in varied manufactures, and another performing on the piano-forte at stated intervals. After the inspection of an exhibition of the most interesting, varied, and intellectual character, the visiter, at last, by passing through an ingenious revolving door placed on the staircase of the Music Hall, found himself in Nelson-street, the extremity of the exhibition. It is pleasing to contemplate the possitive happiness administered to so many thousands for twenty weeks — the rich and varied intellectual feast provided by the committee, and the liberal contributors who supported that committee, will long be the theme of earnest descrip tion and commendation. — MS. Col. 1840 (April 10). — The meet of the Northumberland and North Durham fox-hounds was, at the request of several farmers in the neighbourhood, fixed for Old Heton, on the banks of the Till. A fox, it was reported, had for some days previously killed a number of lambs on that and some adjoining farms ; and to prevent further mischief, it was resolved to hunt down the destroyer. While waiting the arrival of the gentlemen connected with the hunt, in a field adjoining the house, the huntsman and whipper-in were surprised to observe a large 164 LOCAL historian s [a. d. 1840. dog seize and carry off a lamb, with which it escaped into a plantation. In a short time afterwards, the dog again made its appearance ; but by this time, the whole field having been assembled, its retreat was cut off, and it was captured. It turned out to be a large blue grey hound bitch, which had lately whelped ; and when captured, her nose and fore paws were covered with mud, having just buried the lamb which she had previously carried off. — Local Papers. 1840. — Mr. A. Spoor, builder, having obtained the consent of the corporation of Newcastle for the removal of White Friar tower and a portion of the town-wall adjoining it on the south, in order to the formation of a new street, — the first act of demolition took place early in April, by the breaking of a large hole in the wall immediately beneath the tower, for the purpose of obtaining a passage for carts, which has since formed the roadway of Hanover street, extending from the brow of the hill, near Hanover square, to the Skinner's bum.— .MS. Col. White Friar Tower, Newcastle-npon-Tyne, as seen in April, 1840. April 25. — Saturday, a fire broke out at Mr. Ogle's, Fallion farm, near Rothbury, about two o'clock on the morning and notwithstanding every effort being made to stop the flames, a barn and straw-house, thrashing machine, a byer in which were four cows, and five stacks of barley in the stack-yard, were entirely destroyed. — Local Papers. April 27. — Monday, at South Hetton, a boy named Elliott, aged 12 years, the son of a farmer, was leading a cow by means of a halter, which he had incautiously coiled round his arm, when the amimal A.D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 165 started to run with great fury, dragging the poor lad at her heels, and springing over a high fence whilst he was in this situation. He was picked up dead. — Local Papers. 1840 (April 27).— The roof of the Tyne Glass House took fire in consequence of a spark communicating with a quantity of soot which had lodged there. The fire was discovered almost immediately, and the workmen of the establishment, as well as Messrs. Hawks and Go's. men, having been promptly summoned, succeeded in preventing the fire from spreading; and it was fortunately extinguished before any considerable damage was done. — Ibid. April 28. — The first steeple chase ever run in the county of North umberland came off at Morpeth. The interest excited was beyond expression. The ground selected was in the immediate neighbourhood of the town, and exceedingly well adapted for the sport. There were about thirty-five leaps, most of which were good hunting fences, with the exception of perhaps four or five, which were regular " ras pers." From an early hour in the morning the hills in the neighbour hood of the course were crowded, and throughout the day presented a scene of great animation. The principal part of the company, as sembled at the Old Phcenix inn, at Morpeth, where an ordinary had been provided by Mr. Braithwaite, and about sixty gentlemen after dining together, proceeded, the horsemen in procession, with a band of music, to the starting post, where every due preparation had been made. The following is an accurate return of the running : — Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with £50 added. Distance not exceeding four miles : four-year-olds to carry lOst. 91b. ; five, list. 21b. ; six and aged, 12st. Thorough bred Horses, or the winner of a steeple chase, to carry 51b. extra. The owner of the second horse to receive back his stake. Gentlemen riders Mr. Lamplugh's Mischief, by Magnet, 12st 51b 1 Mr. R. Crawford's b. m. Noma, aged, 12st 2 Mr. J. Fawcus's b. h. Locksley, 12st 0 Mr. Watson's br. g. Donald Caird, 12st 0 Though there were four started, the first two only were placed. All started together. Mischief made her first leap, a regular ras per, in fine style, and afterwards took the lead at a slashing pace, with Noma following at a respectable distance, and the others well up. At the second fence, a high hedge and a broad ditch at the far side, Mischief, still leading, got well over, and Noma and Donald Caird followed ; Locksley refused and unshipped his rider, who, how ever, soon resumed his position, and set to work to regain the ground he had lost. After a few fair hunting leaps, another stiff fence was to be surmounted, and here Donald Caird fell and threw his rider, got 166 local historian's [a. D. 1840. loose, and consequently was out of the race. The others got over in fine style, the mare still leading. In this way it continued to the end, the mare making all the leaps in grand style, and coming to the winning post at least fifty yards a-head, running easy. Locksley, although not placed, was third, but a long way behind. Mischief was rode by her owner, Mr. Lamplugh, of Driffield, who shewed his superior dexterity and skill as regards steeple chasing, and, at the same time, came in in that cool and deliberate manner which all sporting characters ought to do, amidst the acclamations of the as sembled multitude. — Local Papers. 1840 (April 28). — Tuesday morning, about 10 o'clock, a fire broke out on the farm of Mr. Joseph Anderson, of Benton North Farm, near Newcastle, by which the thrashing shed and machine were nearly destroyed, along with a quantity of hay and tsraw. The wind was blowing rather fresh, and a spark of fire from the hind's chimney, falling upon the roof of the shed, which was straw thatched, it ignited, and the whole was soon on fire. Information having been given at the Killingworth colliery, the engine was quickly dragged off by the pitmen, and by their praiseworthy exertions, the flames were soon ex tinguished. The Newcastle fire engines were soon on the spot, but their services were not required. — Ibid. On the evening of the same day, another fire occurred at the farm yard of Mr. Joseph Robson, Gateshead Park, by which a stack of corn was destroyed. The farm yard is situated close to the Brand ling Junction Railway, and on the 6 o'clock train passing, a spark of fire from the chimney was blown on to the stack, which set it on fire. There were seven or eight other stacks in the garth, and the one burnt was farthest to leeward, and but for this circumstance the des truction of the whole must have been inevitable. The Newcastle and Gateshead engines, and likewise two tenders from the railway station with water, were soon on the spot, and rendered their assistance. — ¦ Hid. Same night, about half-past ten o'clock, a fire broke out in a de tached part of the premises of Messrs. Miller, Cradock, and Co., rope-makers, Darlington, supposed to originate from one of the work men carelessly fixing a candle to part of the building for his conve nience. As the men had not left work, the fire-engine was speedily procured, which soon extinguished the flames. — Hid. May 3. — Sunday, a neat and commodious music gallery was opened in the chapel of ease, at Allenheads, which was erected at the ex pense of T. W. Beaumont, esq., for the accommodation of the choral society of that place. The choir, assisted by an excellent full band, comprising about sixty voices, and twenty instrumental performers, A. D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 167 gave a selection of sacred music with great taste and effect. An impressive discourse, adapted to the occasion, was delivered by the rev. Mr. Walton, the resident clergyman. — Local Papers. 1840 (May 7). — The supervisor of the Morpeth district, and the riding officers of the Long Framlington preventive stations, accompa nied by the officers of the Felton and Rothbury stations were on the route across the Tosson and Simonside hills and moors, when they dis covered an illicit distillery, with all the utensils, in a complete state for carrying on extensive operations. It was most artfully constructed in a sort of cavern, at the foot of the Tosson hills, on the north east side, on a level with the ground, the cover being made to resemble the ground immediately surrounding it. There was a small hole for the ingress and egress of the smugglers, and a spring of water running from the hills into the cave, served for the purpose of distillation, there being a drain constructed for letting off the water and spent wash. The distillery was capable of making a hundred gallons of spirit per week. The cave was constructed with great artfulness, and it was quite impossible to discover it till the officers were close upon it. — Ibid. May 10. —Died, at Bishop Auckland, aged 100 years, Mrs. Ann Richlieu, widow. — Ibid. May 1 0. — The Milo steamer of the port of Sunderland took fire while lying near the bridge, from some ashes which had not been properly extinguished. As soon as the flames was descried, every effort was used to put it out, but they proved fruitless, and it was deemed advisable to sink her. — Ibid. May 12. — The workmen of Messrs. Cookson and co. having to convey a casting metal plate, of about sixteen tons weight, from Gateshead to South Shields, had it laid upon a waggon, drawn by twenty four horses, and as they were passing through a viaduct beneath the Brandling Junction railway, near the Fell gate, the fore wheel of the waggon struck upon and forced out a prop which sup ported a beam under the archway. The beam falling down upon Edward Smith, who was leading one of the shaft horses, struck him upon the back part of his head so severely as to cause his death in about three quarters of an hour after the accident. A joiner, also who was repairing the viaduct, had a leg broken, and was immed iately removed to the Newcastle infirmary. — Ibid. May 12. — Tuesday, the foundation stone of the Wesleyan associa tion chapel, Darlington, was laid in the presence of a vast concourse of persons assembled to witness the ceremony. — Ibid. May 14, The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a chapel of ease to the church of St. John, on Arthur's hill, New- 168 local historian's [a. D. 1840. castle upon Tyne, took place. The stone was laid by the rev. H. W. Wright, incumbent of St. John's, in the absence of the rev. the vicar, who had been appointed by the lord bishop of Durham to officiate in his stead. A number of the clergy of the district having met in the national school room, at Westgate hill, a pro cession was formed, which proceeded to the building in the follow ing order : — the scholars of St. John's national schools ; the ar chitect, with plans of the chapel ; the churchwardens of St. John's ; the clergy ; several of the trustees of the chapel. Having arrived at the building, the rev. Mr. Wright read a communication from the bishop, expressive of his lordship's regret at being precluded by other public duties from attending on the occasion, and appointing the rev. the vicar to officiate, and after stating the reasons of the absence of the vicar, part of the 132nd psalm was sung by the scholars, when a number of coins of the present reign, together with the fol lowing inscription, with plans of the chapel, having been deposited, the rev. Mr. Wright proceeded to lay the stone, after which a portion of the 132nd psalm was sung by the children, and a solemn prayer offered up for the Divine blessing on the work. Inscription — " D. O. M. Hujus .ZEdis Sancto Paulo Dicatse Reverendus Johannes Dodd Novi Castelli Sacerdos Vicarius Personam Reverendi admodum Ed vardi Episcopi Dunelmensis sustinens primum lapidem posuit, Prid : Id: Mai: A. D. MDCCCXL. John Dodd, Vicar of Newcastle; Henry Wildey Wright, incumbent, James Radford, John Gardner, John Myers, Churchwardens, of the parish of St. John, Newcastle ; Andrew Oliver, Architect." The chapel, which is dedicated to St. Paul, is 62 feet long inside, including the lobby, and 40 feet wide, and is calculated to accommodate 700 sittings, viz. 360 on the ground floor, and 340 in the gallery. — Local Papers. 1840 (May 15). — A new Wesleyan chapel was opened at Hartley, near North Shields. — Hid. May 1 7. — Sunday, a neat little chapel was opened for divine wor ship, in the village of Whitley, near North Shields, by the Methodist New Connexion. — Ibid. Same day, a new organ, built by Mr. Nicholson, of Rochdale, was opened in the Wesleyan chapel, in Old Elvet Durham. — Ibid. May 19. — Died, in Eldon-place, Newcastle, suddenly, of angina pectoris, aged 73, deeply regretted by a large circle of friends, Mr. Richard Farrington, one of the firm of " Richard Farrington and Brothers." He was a man of great attainments as a sculptor, mo deller, and draughtsman, and had been engaged upon a monumental design to the memory of his late brother a few hours before his death Ibid. A. D, 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 169 Part of the Black Friary, Newcastle upon Tyne. The Cordwainers' Old Hall. Inner Face. Removed Sept.— Nov. 1843. 1840 (May 22).— Died, aged 58, Charles Newby Wawn, esq., of Newcastle upon Tyne. Mr. Wawn for many years practised with distinguished ability and success, the profession of a surgeon dentist ; and at one time spread the influence of his name as a most skilful and talented operator, from York to Edinburgh, and from the Ger man ocean to the Irish sea. His manners were highly polished and refined — his intelligence varied and extensive — his benevolence un bounded — and his whole life regulated by the pure principles of religion. He was eminently skilled in mechanical science and most happy in its application, under. a singular correct judgement, to the relief of suffering humanity. He cultivated music and the languages. He was extensively conversant with the Hebrew, and its cognate tongues, with those of the two polite nations of antiquity, and with most of the languages and dialects of modern Europe. He wrote and spoke with great fluency. His style was rather ornate, distinguished by sweeping and accumulated epithet. Notwithstanding the extent of his practice, his labours in the cause of religion and humanity were untired and multitudinous, and to his piety and zeal we owe, among other kindred institutions, the formation of the Newcastle Bible and Tract Societies, and also the Sunday School Union, and the Auxili ary Church and Jewish Missionary Societies. His labours were very considerable in that great work of national righteousness, the aboli tion of colonial slavery. He published a series of well-written papers under the signature " Eleutheros," on that important subject, which produced a considerable impression upon the public mind. Mr. vol. v. z 170 local historian's [a. D. 1840. Wawn occasionally courted the Muses, and some beautiful poeti cal effusions are the product of his pen. His writings, which are very numerous, are principally anonymous, and scattered over the reports of the different institutions with which he was connected, and in the monthly and other periodicals of the time. Mr. Wawn died rather suddenly at Tynemouth, to which village he had retired about two years previous. — Local Papers. 1840 (May 25.) — During a fearful gale, the Ann and Elizabeth, of Sunderland, captain Hall, laden with lime for Peterhead, took fire off the Girdleness. Fortunately the Volunteer of Charleston, capt White, came up in time to take off the crew, consisting of three men and three boys, as the ship was going down. — Hid. May. — A patent was granted to James Allison, of Monkwear mouth, Durham, ironmaster, and Roger Lumsden, of the same place, chain and anchor manufacturer, for improvements in the manufacture of iron knees for ships and vessels. — Sealed 30th May. — Hid. June 1. — Monday, the owners of Seghill colliery opened their new line of railway from Seghill to Howdon, which has since become a passenger line. On the above occasion, the owners and a party of friends dined together at the Blake Arms, Seghill, John Carr, esq., mayor of Newcastle, in the chair. — Hid. Same day, as a workman was removing the pavement in Silver- street, Sunderland, the skeleton of a human body was discovered by some boys. They carried it away in pieces to amuse themselves, thus preventing any further inquiries being^nstituted as to how long the body may have been lying in that somewhat singular sepulchre. — Hid. Same day, between nine and ten o'clock, at night, a railway-coach, drawn by a horse, and crowded with passengers, (proceeding from a missionary meeting at Stockton to Middlesbro',) came into collision with an engine and train, which were coming up the same line. The engineman, on perceiving the coach, had checked the velocity of his train as far as he possibly could, but the collision was nevertheless very violent, and the passengers were thrown in all directions in a most appalling manner. The horse, having seen the engine approach, sagaciously stepped aside before the collision ; and being thrown down, it fell upon a lady, who was in consequence severely injured. Happily, the other passengers escaped comparatively unhurt. — Hid. June 2. — As a fishing boat, having two men and a boy on board, was returning from crab and lobster-fishing, she was struck by a heavy sea at Emmanuel Head, off Holy Island, and being but a frail craft, immediately went to pieces, and all hands perished. — Hid. June 2. — Tuesday, coals from Cassop pit were shipped at Hartle pool for the first time. — Ibid. A. D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 171 1840 (June 4). — Thursday morning, about half-past one o'clock, the police of South Shields heard a crash of glass near the Market-place ; and on proceeding to the back of the house occupied by Mr. John Shotton, grocer, Milldam, they discovered the premises to be on fire. The family, on being aroused, made their escape ; and by vigourous efforts, persisted in for some time, the flames were subdued. — Local Papers. June 7. — The new church at Seaham harbour, which is a neat Gothic structure, calculated to seat 400, was opened under the au thority of the bishop's license, when the rev. J. H. Brown preached an appropriate sermon, and the rev. C. 0. Skinner read prayers. — Hid. June 8. — The foundation stone of a New Wesleyan Tabernacle was laid in Brougham-street, Bishopwearmouth, on Monday, in the pre sence of some thousands of spectators. — Ibid. June 9. — An accident occurred in the High Bridge, Newcastle, during the process of excavating the foundations of a dwelling house. The earth had been removed to the depth of several feet, and a horse and cart, which were employed in removing the soil, were brought so near to the edge that it gave way, and both were precipitated into the excavation. The hole being but small, the cart became completely jammed against the sides, and the poor horse was thrown into a most dangerous position, from which it was only removed after sawing the cart to pieces, and cutting the trappings. Nearly half an hour elapsed before this was done, and then it was found necessary to cut away the bank, in order to bring the animal to the surface. — Ibid. June 12. — Friday morning, about half-past nine o'clock, one of the steam-engine boilers at the Birtley iron- works, about five miles distant from Newcastle, on the Durham road, burst with a tremendous explo sion, and destroyed one of the workmen. Two others were severely wounded — one of them, dangerously. Four of the workmen were slightly injured. The deceased was a single man, and only commen ced his engagement on the previous Monday. The boiler (which was connected with the rolling-mill) lay between two others, both of which were thrown aside by the shock ; and the exploded boiler (weighing no less than 50 cwt.) rose in the air, one portion of it being carried to the distance of 200, and the other 150 yards. Several flag-stones, which lay between the boilers, were hurled into the middle of a field on the opposite side of the road, clearing the houses which line the • road on both sides. Few of the houses of the village, escaped injury from the explosion. The cause of the accident is not known. — Hid. Same day, the opening of the West Durham railway, which com mences at Byer's Green, near Bishop Auckland, and joins the Clarence 172 local historian's [a. d. 1840. railway near Black Gate, took place, with an imposing procession, consisting of several waggons of coal from different collieries in the neighbourhood, a number of carriages filled with the proprietors of the railway and other gentlemen, and headed by a band of music from Stockton. Numerous banners and flags, with suitable inscrip tions, were displayed on the occasion, and large groups of spectators, at various places on the line of road, enlivened the scene by loud cheers as the procession moved along — Local Papers. 1840 (June 12). — Was married at Alnham church, by the rev. G. Wood, William, second son of Mr. Michael Thompson, of Alnham Moor, long shepherd and topsman to Adam Atkinson, esq., of Lor- bottle House, to Ann, third daughter of Wm. Taylor, head shepherd to the late Mr. Chrisp, of Prendwick, and then holding the same sit uation under his nephew, Mr. H. Chrisp. Mr. Chrisp regaled the bridal party, consisting of upwards of twenty couples, to breakfast, and after the ceremony a keenly-contested race for the " spurs" took place from the church to the house of the bridegroom, which was won in grand style by a lady, although matched against some of the most celebrated sportsmen of the county. — Hid. June 16. — Tuesday morning, about eight o'clock, a merchandize- train, including four waggons, laden with teas, coffees, silks, flax, stationery, soap, passengers' luggage, &c, which had arrived from London by steam-vessel, was dispatched from Middlesbro' to Stock ton ; and ere it reached the latter place, it was discovered that the valuable load was on fire. An alarm was given, and a fire-engine was soon brought to the spot ; but the devouring flames, fanned by a strong breeze, consumed nearly the whole of the costly merchandize, in spite of every exertion that could be made ; and in a short time, produce safely brought thus far from all quarters of the world, was reduced to worthless ashes. Charts, nutmegs, bibles, boxes of pills, teas, silks, gold leaf, &c. &c, were blown and strewn in all directions. The loss was estimated at little short of £1000. — Ibid. June 18. — Thursday, a melancholy and fatal accident occurred at Hartley colliery, one of the boilers exploding at the Mill pit, whereby two lives were lost, and one of the workmen slightly scalded. The boiler had been " off" for two or three days, for the customary cleans ing and inspection ; and on Thursday, the usual hands pumped the water into her, and the furnace-man fired her. A strong southerly wind had been blowing all the morning, and caused the fire to burn more briskly than common. The consequence was, the steam "ball-- ed off" sooner than the engine-man anticipated. He ascended the ladder for the purpose of opening the steam valve, but ere he reach ed it, the boiler (weighing from six to seven tons) was forced into the A.D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 173 air to a height of from forty to fifty feet, and alighted in an easterly direction, about twenty yards from its former position, completely rent asunder at the bottom. The boiler being thrown to this height and distance, proved satisfactorily the strength of the plate ; for had it been weak in any place, the force of the steam would have burst it at once, without moving the boiler from its situation. Showers of bricks, broken pipes, metal, and scalding water fell in all directions ; and the furnace-man, John Wilson, was so severely scalded and bruised, that he died in a few hours afterwards. James Taylor, the engine-man, from being so close to the boiler, was thrown amongst the ruins with great violence, and was invisible to the anxious specta tors for a few minutes, and when the steam had cleared away, he was seen crawling out from amongst the hot bricks, completely disfigured. It is a matter of surprise that he was not killed on the spot, but, as it was, he was carried home, nearly insensible, by his brother, and lingered in great agony until the Monday following, when he died. Verdict, accidental death. — Local Papers. 1840 (June 18). — Brierdean bridge, near Seghill, on the line of road between North Shields and Morpeth, was opened with great eclat. The proceedings included a public entertainment given in a tent tastefully fitted up for the purpose on the south side of the bridge. — Hid. June 18. — Thursday evening a frightful accident occurred to the first class train from Stockton. It appeared that a man named Prest was driving a laden wood waggon on the turnpike-road from Stockton, and was at the point where the railway crosses the Haugh- ton road, near Darlington, just at the time when the train was com ing up. The gates were closed when the man came up ; but, not withstanding the engine was in sight, and the whistle was sounding, he persisted in opening the gate, and attempted to cross the line. The person in charge of the gate endeavoured to prevent him opening it ; but he got through, and was partly across, when the train came up, and a dreadful concussion took place. The three horses in the waggon were killed ; the vehicle itself was smashed to pieces, and the timber with which it was laden scattered in all directions. The engine and tender, and several of the carriages, were thrown off the rails, and much damaged ; the waggoner as well as the men on the engine and the passengers, escaped uninjured. — Yorkshireman. June 20. — At the ebbing tide ' on the morning of this day, Satur day, there was seen floundering near the Church rocks, Newbiggin, a specimen of that rare and beautiful fish, the Opah or King-fish. Its weight was about 70S) ; the colours on its being first taken out of the water and alive, were most brilliant. The vermillion of its head, 174 local historian's [a. D. 1840. a portion of the body above the tail, the tail itself, (large and forked) and the fins were brightly dazzling ; the upper part of the back was of a greenish violet colour ; the sides and belly had a greenish silvery appearance ; the whole being studded with french- white patches of the size of a shilling. The mouth, which would admit a moderate- sized hand, was as smooth within as polished marble; there were short prickles on the tongue, inclining inwards, but no teeth. The numerous bathers at Newbiggin, and the fishermen flocked to see the gaudy sight, and many and curious were the conjectures what it could be. It was in the course of the day taken by boat to Tyne mouth, and exhibited there as a show. It was certainly one of nature's most gorgeous marine productions. — Local Papers. About the middle of this month, a workman connected with the St. Helen's colliery, in the county of Durham, repaired to the bottom of the shaft, after the labour of the day was over. Not finding the rope at the bottom he actually commenced ascending the conductors in the shaft, which is 130 yards deep, and in a very short time gained the bank ! The individual who performed this rash and daring act was named Nixon ; and although of dwarfish stature, effected what probably not one man in a thousand would dare to attempt. It need hardly be added that he received a severe reprimand for his conduct. Had the engineer arrived at the top of the shaft, he would instantly have sent the cages down, which would have dashed the daring aspirant to the bottom and killed him immediately, as he could not possibly have escaped, there being but enough room for the cages to pass and repass. — Hid. June 26. — Friday, lord and lady Ravensworth gave a fete champetre at their villa, Percy's cross, Fulham, to her majesty the queen and his royal highness prince Albert. The company included about eight hundred of the nobility. — Hid. June 26. — On the evening of this day, Friday, a murder was com mitted in the White House entry, in Sandgate, Newcastle, by Wil liam Blagburn, keelman, on his wife, who was far advanced in preg nancy. Blagburn (who was a sober man) had for some time lived apart from his wife, on account of her frequent inebriety, and on this day they met for the first time since their separation, when he quietly requested to be informed of the sum of money for which she had pawned his clothes, but, opposing him, and making an effort to shirk the question, and spitting in his face, Blagburn, exasperated at her conduct, struck her in the chest, causing her death in the space of about an hour and a half. On his wife falling to the ground, Blagburn ran for a surgeon, and on being informed of her death rushed out to ward the river, it was believed to commit suicide. He, however it a.d. 1840.] table book. 175 seems had plunged into the labyrinth of chares and alleys near the river, and was proceeding up Pandon bank, in a dejected manner, with his hand thrust into his breast, when his unusual appearance attracted the attention of one of his comrades, to whose enquiries respecting his disordered look, he gave a deceptive reply, and hurriedly strode on ward by the Shield-field to the Ouseburn, when, in an agony of des peration he rushed into Heaton wood, with the intent of putting an end to his existence, but his resolution failed him, and he wandered among the solitudes of the place until three a.m. on the following morning, when, impelled by an ungovernable impulse, he delivered himself into the hands of justice. At the assizes he was sentenced to 10 months hard labour and imprisonment. — Local Papers. 1840 (June 29). — At the sessions held at Durham on this day, Rob ert Taylor, alias lord Kennedy, described as aged J 9, was tried and convicted on a charge of bigamy. He was sentenced to 2| years im- prisonmant and hard labour. Up to the period of his trial, six of his marriages had come the knowledge of the police of the north of Eng land, and it was believed that the number was much larger. — Ibid. June 29. — While an old man, servant of Mr. Collingwood, of Murton farm-house, near North Shields, was in the act of directing a bull belonging to that farm to its stable, it turned furiously upon him and mutilated him in a shocking manner, and such was the furious state of the bull after the old man had been rescued from its grasp as to bid defiance to all attempts to secure it. At length a chain and rope was let down upon its neck in the stable, by which it was chained down. — Ibid. June 30. — Died at his house in Brandling place, Newcastle, aged thirty-two, George Richardson, artist and son of T. M. Richardson, sen., of the like profession. He had attained a high degree of excel lence in landscape painting, and rising higher in fame, when he was seized with a consumptive disorder which removed him from the living. He was buried in the Jesmond cemetery. — Ibid. This month, the " floating light " at the entrance to the Tees was brought to Mr. Mellanby's building-yard, to be coppered ; and when hauled upon the patent slipway, upwards of seven tons of small mus cles were found adhering to the bottom. They were disposed of for manure. — Hid. July 1. — At the queen's levee, held this day, Wednesday, John Fife, esq., who filled the office of mayor of Newcastle in 1839, was presented to her majesty by the marquis of Normanby — and received the honour of knighthood, as a mark of approbation of the manner in which he acted as chief magistrate of that borough during the chartist agitation. — Hid. 176 local historian's [a. d. 1840. 1840 (July 2). — Thursday evening, about six o'clock, the Archime des steam ship, propelled by Mr. Francis S. Smith's new patent screw, arrived in the Tyne from Leith, performing the passage in thirteen hours against a strong head wind. As the vessel proceeded up the river she attracted considerable notice from her very novel appear ance, being rigged as a three-masted schooner, with not a sail set, nor paddle wheel cases, and yet she was winding her way steadily and with great speed, easily passing numerous craft in her course. On Friday she moored near to the bridge in order to allow the public to inspect her, where she was visited during the day by numerous parties, who were kindly conducted through every department of the vessel by the patentee and captain Chappell, R. N., who explained the principle and the operation of the screw, from a model which was on board for that purpose. — Local Papers. July 6. — Died, at Great Malvern, Worcestershire, the right rev. John Banks Jenkinson, D.D., lord bishop of St. David's, and dean of Durham, aged 58. His lordship was son of col. John Jenkinson, brother of the first earl of Liverpool. He was formerly of Christ Church, Oxford, and was presented several years ago to the living of Laverington, in the He of Ely. He became bishop of St. David's and a prebendary of Durham in the year 1 825, and was appointed to the deanery of Durham on the death of Dr. Hall, in 1S27. He was much beloved by those who were admitted to his intimacy ; his habits, however, were generally retired and recluse. He was learned, ami able, and courteous ; his conversation was varied and instructive. He was kind to all, and was never known to offend. His know ledge of books was extensive, and he lived mostly in his well chosen library, to which he was principally devoted. — Ibid. July 7. — Tuesday, at the mouth of the Tees, the Vulcan steam-tuo' came in contact with another steam-tug, the John and Ann. The parties in charge of the latter vessel, provoked at the collision, rashly and culpably attempted to retaliate. The Vulcan took to flight, and was chased by the John and Ann, which steamed round the Express, steam-vessel, then entering the river from London. The contending vessels twice or thrice circumnavigated the Express, till at lencth the Vulcan, which had kept a-head, put her helm about. A second collision took place, and the John and Ann, to save herself from sinking, made for shore, but did not succeed in her object: she went down ere she had proceeded many yards. The men on board were saved by a boat from the land. — Ibid. July 8.— Died, James Charlton, a gentleman who honourably and creditably discharged, for a great number of years, the ardu ous duties of master of the Anchorage school in Gateshead. Mr. a.d. 1840.] TABLE book. 177 The Eastern Extremity of Pipewellgate, Gateshead. Aug. 1845: Charlton, though deprived of life at a comparatively early age, had been, nevertheless, an enthusiastic labourer in the cause of education, private and public, for a period of not less than forty years, during which exemplary employment of his time and talent, he still contrived to render other services to his fellow-countrymen of no commoin order. Not only as the author of various elementary works, which rank de servedly high in the public schools, and as a teacher, has Mr. Charl ton secured a place in the affections of his neighbours, but his, name will long be associated with other and equally-pleasing recollections. He descends to the grave, the founder of the Gateshead Dispensary, one of the greatest blessings which the hand of man could confer upon the poor. He will be remembered also by many a sorrowing survivor, as the able and indefatigable vestry-clerk of that parish — as one of the most active officers of the Schoolmasters' Association — as an in telligent and useful member of the Literary and Philosophical society's committee — as the valuable auditor of the Corporation and Poor Law Union of Gateshead — andas one of the foremost promoters and sup porters of every good and generous work* He succeeded the rev. John Tyson, as Master of the Anchorage school, on the 14th of December, 1814, and had but recently resigned the situation in vol. v. 2 a 178 local historian'* [a. D. 1840. consequence of declining health. His pupils presented him with a silver snuff-box, in testimony of their esteem, on the 21st December, 1837 ; and on the 8th of June, in the same year, he received an ele gant silver inkstand, together with a purse of gold, from several of his fellow-parishioners, to mark their sense of the efficient performance of his various public duties ; and, in addition to these compliments, his portrait was painted by an eminent artist (Mr Ramsay), at the ex pense of the Member for that borough, for the purpose of presenta tion to the Town Council. Until his very death-stroke (the bursting of a blood-vessel), he was employed in the compilation of a work of public usefulness — a " companion" to the several railways in this im mediate district. Mr. Charlton expired at his residence in Ellison- street, in the borough of Gateshead, in the 60th year of his age, leav ing a memory behind him, to which the most fastidious may safely pay the tribute of a tear. — Local Papers. 1840 (July 12). — The Oliver, two-mast ship, and measuring 96 feet over all, captain John Lamke, from Bremen, laden with oak timber, entered the Don, a tributary of the Tyne, which embouches in Jarrow Slake, and was piloted up by Matthew Rutledge, of How don. On reaching the eastern boundary of Messrs. Hindhaugh and Co's quay and timber dock, which is upwards of 1000 feet of deep water frontage, averaging fifteen feet at spring tides, and enclosing a dock for timber of nearly six acres, she was drawn to her berth by the numerous spectators amid much cheering. Some years ago, two vessels, the King and the Don, of about 300 tons burthen each, were built in this river, and consequently sailed down the Don ; but it is not on record that any vessel had sailed up the Don since the anchor ing of king Egfrid's fleet up the "river Donne," in the year 671-2. During the whole of the afternoon, hundreds came to look at the vessel, and it was with great difficulty the captain could restrain the curious crowd from getting on board. — Hid. July 15. — Wednesday, as George and William Jones, of Sunder land, were fishing in a coble in Whitburn-bay, about half a mile from the land, and in about three fathoms water, they were surprised by a man, who appeared at the side of the boat with his head only above the surface. They caught hold of him, and dragged him on board. He had all his clothes on, and a carpenter's auger in his hand. They inquired who he was, and how he came there ; to which he replied, he was taking a walk. He proved to be a man named Swanston, who was many years in the employment of the river Wear commis sioners, at the works of Sunderland pier, and had for some time pre vious been suffering under mental derangement. He was landed at Whitburn, and given in charge of the rural police. — Ibid. a. d. 1840.] table book. 179 1840 (July 19). — The Queen steam-boat left Newcastle, on a plea sure trip to Warkworth, with a large number of persons on board. After spending a few hours amid the surrounding scenery, the party returned, at three o'clock, to take their passage home, and they had to be put on board in two small boats. Three boat loads were conveyed to the vessel in safety, and on going the fourth time, eighteen persons got in, which overloaded her. Before they reached the steam-boat she was in motion, but was stopped when the small boat approached. A young man, named Matthews, who was sitting at the head of the small boat, was desired by William Reay to "fend off," but before he could do so, the steam-boat gave a lurch, struck him on the shoulder, and knocked him into the water, his head being in the water and his feet in the boat. A boy, named McQueen, who was next to Mat thews, tried to assist him, but in the attempt, he also went overboard. William Reay then made a rush to render assistance, when the boat went over, and the remaining sixteen were precipitated into deep water. The scene which ensued was of a very distressing nature. Ropes were thrown from the steam-boat, by which several were kept above water, and a fishing boat from Craster was passing sufficiently near for those on board to descry their danger, and the Craster boat men rowed to the assistance of the sufferers. By their well-timed and active exertions, twelve persons were saved, and recovered by the usual restoratives. A coble from the beach rescued three more from their perilous situation, after being half an hour in the water. We regret to add, however, that William Reay, and a girl named Sarah Rutherford whose father was also in the water, were unfortunately drowned. One young woman was preserved by clinging to the fire man of the steam-boat, who swung himself over the vessel's side. The remainder of the party reached Newcastle about half-past eight in the evening, sufficiently depressed by the calamitous event. — Local Papers. July 20. — Monday, the first cargo of coals from the Andrew House colliery were conveyed along the Brandling Junction railway. A number of ladies and gentlemen, with the Whickham band, met by appointment at the company's station in Greene's field, at 10 o'clock, where the Brandling engine, and several passenger carriages, with upwards of 40 waggons of coal from the new colliery, were ready to receive them, the whole decorated with a variety of flags, &c. At about a quarter past ten, the train started, amid the cheers of the spectators, and reached Shields a little before 11 o'clock, where the schooner Lochiel, of Inverness, was statjgned under the drop, ready to receive her cargo. Everything being arranged, the first waggon was let down amid the firing of cannon, and her loading (upwards of 180 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [A. D. 1840. 4 keels) was completed in about an hour ! The captain of the Lo- chiel proceeded to Newcastle by the two o'clock train, for the custom house — cleared his vessel — and proceeded to sea by the evening tide. Thus, the coal which had left the pit-mouth in the morning, was con veyed fourteen miles along the railway — shipped — and taken to sea on the same day. At two o'clock, the company returned with perhaps the largest train that ever passed along the line, consisting of upwards of seventy waggons and carriages, extending considerably more than a quarter of a mile. —Local Papers. 1840 (July 21). — The ancient court baron of the manor of Sunder land — revived by the earl of Durham at the request of the town coun cil — was opened on this day, at the Exchange, when the steward, A. J. Moore, esq., explained the powers of the court, and its utility to the trading public — and afterwards as judge, proceeded, with the assis tance of a highly intelligent jury of freeholders, to try the few cases which (out of a 100 for which summonses had been issued,) remained unsettled.— Ibid. July 21. — One of those remarkable natural phenomena, a water spout, was seen by a great number of the inhabitants of Barnard Castle, about noon on this day, apparently about a mile distant in a southerly direction. The air seemed to be much charged with elec tricity at the time, and the rain descended in torrents during the re mainder of the day. — Stockton, with its neighbourhood, was also visited with one of the heaviest falls of rain within the memory of the " oldest inhabitant.." It commenced about 9 o'clock at night, and fell in torrents for three or four hours : the occupiers of low lands in the district suffering greatly. At Stokesley, ale-barrels, full and empty, were washed out of a brewhouse, and carried down the river. At Newcastle, Gateshead, &c, there was also a heavy fall of rain on the same night. — Hid. The earl of Durham, who had been for many months previous in a declining state of health, closed his earthly career on Tuesday morning, the 28th July, 1840, in the presence of his family, at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, whither he had gone in the vain hope of recovering his long shattered health. From the hour of his lordship's ar- i rival at Cowes there appeared no hopes of his recovery, and he had been daily getting weaker ; but his medical attendants con sidered he was not in immediate danger, and that the acute disease with which he was afflicted had been changed into chronic ; indeed he A. D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 181 had had no medical man in attendance for some days, and his family had consequently been lulled into a false security. His lordship had not eaten anything for a week past, excepting a little fruit, and had taken only beef tea. On the preceding Sunday and Monday he did not rise, even to have his bed made. His lady was his sole and con stant attendant night and day ; no one else even went into his room. In the delusive prospect of returning health, he had been making ar rangements for the purchase or lease of a residence in Cowes, to which town he had formed a liking, but at five o'clock on Tuesday morning, he was taken worse, and Mr. Day, of Cowes, was for the first time called in ; he attended immediately, and pronounced him dying — that he could not live five hours. At ten minutes past nine his lordship expired. The young viscount Lambton was sent for to his father a few minutes before he died. His lordship's three daughters were also with lady Durham. The only member of the family absent was his brother, Mr. Hedworth Lambton, M.P. The body of the earl was removed from his residence at Cowes, and put on board his lord ship's yacht, which sailed on Thursday the 30th, for Sunderland. She entered the Wear on the following Monday, and the remains of the departed nobleman were conveyed privately in a small steamer, up the river, to Lambton. The greatest sorrow pervaded the town of Sunderland — almost every shop had its shutters half closed, and the ships in the river also exhibited their ensigns of mourning in honour of the deceased, in whom so many a survivor had lost a friend. The earl of Durham was born on April 12, 1792, and had entered his 49th year. On attaining his majority in 1813, he stood for his native county, and came into public life with powerful recommendations, from the memory of his father, who represented the city of Durham in parliament, and was the associate of Mr. Fox, earl Grey, and other distinguished patriots of the day, and died at the early age of thirty- three. When he lost his father the earl of Durham was only five years of age. His lordship married, first, the 1st of January, 1812, Miss Harriet Cholmondeley, who died in May, 1815 ; and, secondly, lady Louisa Elizabeth Grey, eldest daughter of the earl and countess Grey. He had issue by his first marriage three daughters, all of whom are dead ; and by his second, five children, two sons and three daughters. His second son, George Frederick, viscount Lambton (the hon. Charles William, his eldest son, having died at the age of 13), succeeded to the family honours. The ladies Mary, Emily, and Alice Lambton, were born the 8th of May, 1819, the 17th of May, 1823, and the 16th of April, 1831. The deceased earl was son of the late Mr. William Henry Lambton and lady Ann Villiers, daughter of the fourth earl of Jersey. His lordship has two brothers and one 182 local historian's [a. d. 1840. sister — namely, Mr. W. H. Lambton, married to Miss C. Ellison in 1824 ; Mrs. Cavendish, lady of the hon. col. Cavendish, equerry to her Majesty ; and Mr. Hedworth Lambton, M.P., married in 1835, to Miss Bushe. The deceased was lord Privy Seal from 1830 to 1833, and was subsequently ambassador to the court of St. Peters burg, and lord high Commissioner of Canada in 1838. He was a privy councillor, a G.C.B. and knight of the foreign orders of St. An drew, St. Alexander Newsky, St. Anne, and the White Eagle, of Russia ; Leopold, of Belgium ; and the Saviour, of Greece. In addi tion to the above, he was High Steward of Hull. Monday, the 10th August, being the day fixed for the interment of his lordship's re mains, a deep and melancholy interest was excited. At Chester-le- Street every house was closed, and from several black flags were sus pended ; at Durham and South Shields all the shops were closed at one o'clock ; at Newcastle, the ships in the river had their colours hoisted half staff high, as was also the flag on the castle, and the bells of Newcastle and Gateshead, tolled from eleven to three o'clock. At an early hour crowds of people were seen making their way to Lamb ton Castle, attired in deep mourning, all anxious to pay the last tri bute of respect to the memory of the deceased nobleman. The pre parations at the castle for the sad event were on the most ample scale. Refreshments were set out in the great saloon, and in some of the minor apartments, and as the company entered through the great hall, hatbands and gloves were presented to them. The principal part of the company assembled in the saloon and drawing room. In the great dining room on the left of the entrance hall, the remains of the noble earl lay in state. — This apartment presented a most impres sive appearance, and great numbers were admitted to view the solemn scene. The outer coffin was of the richest description, being formed of the finest Genoa crimson velvet, relieved with gold ornaments. The coffin bore the following inscription : — JOHN GEORGE LAMBTON, Earl of Durham, Viscount Lambton, Baron Durham, G.C.B. Bom, 12th April, 1792; Died, 28th July, 1840. The necessary preparations having been completed, at half-past two the procession began to be formed in the following order : — Mute. Mute. The Tenants, Colliery Agents, Clerks, &c, on horseback, (amounting to 140) two and two. Mute. The Undertaker. Mute. a. d. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 183 The Plume of Black Feathers. THE CORONET, Led by f On a crimson velvet cushion, borne by a Groom of ["Led by a -{ the Chambers, on horseback, with sumpter cloth, 1 a I Groom Groom. [ feathers, &c. &c Pall Bearers. /- -> Y tderbearers A THE HEARSE drawn by U yU no six horses. £ -# ^_ ¦* Pall Bearers. Lord Ravensworth. W. T. Salvin, Esq. Dr. Headlam. Colonel Tower. The Marquis of Lon donderry. Sir Hedworth William son, Bart. C. W. Bigge, Esq. H. T. M. Witham, Esq. FIRST MOURNING COACH. Henry William Lambton> Esq. ; Hedworth Lambton, Esq. and Mr. Wm. Lambton. SECOND MOURNING COACH. Lord Howick ; the Hon. J. Ponsonby : Hon. Capt. F. W. Grey, R.N. ; and Hon. Capt. George Grey, R.N. THIRD MOURNING COACH. Hon. Col. Cavendish ; F. Howard, Esq., M.P. ; and Hon. Wm. Grey. FOURTH MOURNING COACH. Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Morton. The late Earl's Carriage, drawn by four horses. The House Steward on Horseback. Freemasons, in number about three hundred, who had, uninvited, at tended to pay the last public tribute of respect to their esteemed and lamented Grand Master. The Tenantry of the late Earl on Horseback. There were one hundred and seventy-five carriages and other vehi cles in the procession, which extended upwards of a mile. It is cal culated that there were not less than one thousand persons in the procession, and including the spectators at Chester-le-Street and elsewhere on the route, that there were not less than twenty thou sand congregated on this sorrowful occasion. A few minutes before four o'clock the procession reached the church at Chester-le-Street, on one side of which is the family vault of the noble Earl. The pul pit, reading desk, altar table, and the pew of the deceased nobleman, were covered with black cloth, tastefully arranged. The impressive services in the church and at the vault were performed by the Hon. and Rev. Francis Grey, brother to the countess of Durham. Among the distinguished individuals in the church ,and at the vault, were lady Mary Lambton, the eldest daughter of the lamented earl, and the lady Georgiana Grey. When the obsequies were concluded the pro- 184 LOCAL HISTORIAN S L A. D. 1840. cession left the scene, and a portion of it returned to the castle. In the course of the afternoon an address of condolence to the countess of Durham was signed by a great number of the individuals present. Most of the shops in the city of Durham, as well as at Sunderland, South Shields, Chester-le-street, and Gateshead, were closed during the afternoon of Monday; the bells were tolled in some of the churches, and mourning peals were rung at others ; flags were hoisted half-mast high on board the ships in Sunderland harbour, and in the river Tyne, as well as on the church steeples in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and Shields, and on the castle at Newcastle! ..The earl made his will in September, 1837, previous to his leaving this country for Canada, bequeathing the whole of his property of every descrip tion to the countess of Durham, and at her free disposal, leaving her also sole executrix ; a striking proof of his affectionate esteem and confidence in her. George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton, now earl of Durham, the only surviving son of the late earl, was born on the 5th September, 1828, and was at the time of his accession to the earl dom, in the twelfth year of his age. — Local Papers. The Chapel of Lambton : sketched A. D. 1800. CHAPTER IX. "arrass:' HE Wesleyan Methodist Conference com menced its sittings in Brunswick place chapel, Newcastle, on the morning of Wednesday, July 29th, 1840, being the 97th annual assembly of this body of ministers, and the first ever held in that town. The previous week, from Tuesday had been fully occupied with committees, whose business it was to prepare each sec tion and department of work to which the conference would have to direct its attention. The religious services connected with the assembly began on the preceding Sunday (July 19) at Brunswick place, New road, and Blenheim street chapels, Newcastle, at Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, North and South Shields, and in most of the villages in the district, commencing at 7, 10^, 2^, and 6. On Wednesday the 29th, the conference was form ally assembled. The doors of the chapel were thrown open at seven o'clock in the morning, for the admission of the members, &c, in order to unite in prayer to supplicate the Divine blessing, on which occasion the lower part of the chapel was appropriated entirely to the ministers — at one end of which was erected a large platform for the accommodation of the president and other official persons — and the whole of the gallery for the visitors. This service continued for an hour, after which the affairs of conference were proceeded with. There was a second prayer-meeting from twelve to one o'clock. The gallery was crowded to excess on both occasions. The first business in conference was to make up the " legal hundred," according to Mr. Wesley's poll deed. The members then proceeded to the election of a president for the ensuing year, which is always by ballot, and the vol. v. 2 b 186 local historian's [a.d. 1840. rev. Robert Newton was almost unanimously chosen. The rev. Dr. Hannah, was elected secretary ; after which the sub-secretaries and other officers were appointed. The proceedings of the conference included the investigation of the results of the past year in the several circuits, and in making the necessary arrangements for the future. It was stated that the connection had increased in number about 24,600, viz : — 19,000 in Great Britain ; 5,000 in the foreign stations ; and 600 in Ireland. It appeared that twenty-nine preachers had died during the year, viz., nineteen in England, five in Ireland, and five in the missionary field. Fifty-four young preachers, having pass ed their four years of probation, were admitted into full connection, after examinations in private as to their characters and qualifications for the work of the ministry, and in public as to their conversion to God and call to the sacred office. On Wednesday evening they were solemnly devoted to the work by the laying on of hands of the Pres bytery. This was done by the president, assisted by Dr. Hannah and twelve of the senior ministers. On Thursday evening an impres sive charge was delivered to them by Dr. Hannah, as Christians, students, preachers, and pastors. The whole of these public services were deeply interesting to overflowing congregations. 114 others were recommended to the conference as candidates. Several new circuits were formed ; one of them being at Shotley Bridge. From the returns it appeared that the centenary year of the body had been most signally owned of God in the success of the Wesleyan ministry, there being an increase of 16,110 members in Great Britain, 665 in Ireland, (notwithstanding a loss of 600 by emigration,) and 5777 in the foreign stations, besides 19,603 on trial for admission into the societies.* Two Ashantee princes who were then in this country, under the care of the rev. Mr. Pyne, were introduced to the confer ence. The rev. J. B. Freeman, a Wesleyan missionary at Cape Coast Castle, a man of colour, gave a deeply affecting account of a visit he had lately made to Coomassie the capital of Ashantee, and a mission in that country was determined upon. From the report of the book steward, it appeared that the total number of hymn books, The resources of the Wesleyan Methodists are immense, and the fact that upwards of three hundred thousand pounds were subscribed as a centenary oblation by the various congregations will be recorded by the Christian historian in after ages, as an example for the imitation of posterity. During the sittings of the conference, Mr. H. P. Parker artist, of Newcastle, presented to that body, by letter, his valuable and splendid historical Wesleyan centenary picture, representing the rescue of the founder of Methodism from the fire of the parsonage house at Epworth, which was gratefully accepted by them ; and a vote of thanks, cordially and- unanimously adopted by the conference, for his valuable gift, was conveyed by letter to Mr. Parker. A. D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 187 of every size and kind, sold during the year, amounted to 110,9S5. The business of the assembly was brought to a final close on Friday, August 14, and its sittings throughout the whole period were con ducted with the greatest harmony, and the arrangements, which were under the direction of the superintendent and others of the Newcastle district, added to the hospitable reception of ministers by the mem bers gave great and general satisfaction. — Local Papers. 1840 (July 29). — Wednesday morning, a fire broke out in Messrs. Garrett and Go's flax-warehouse, opposite the old church, High street, Stockton-upon-Tees. A large quantity of flax was removed from the premises ; and by the industrious application of the fire-engines, the flames were subdued before any great amount of property was destroyed. — Hid. July 30. — Mr. J. Walker, the landlord of the railway tavern, Darlington, having lost a valuable young sow in farrowing, and wish ful to save the breed if possible, kept the young ones to bring up with pan and spoon ; singular to say, a bull bitch took charge of two young grunters, and suckled them regularly. — Ibid. July 31. — Died at Tweedmouth, Steven Grahame, aged 77, one of the last survivors of the Berwickshire heroes who volunteered with colonel Renton to embark for Ireland to suppress the rebellion of '68. The deceased was highly respected through life for his amiable qualities and upright character. — Hid. About this period, the rev. Henry Percy, second son of the lord bishop of Carlisle, was appointed to the vicarage of Warkworth. — Ibid. July. — About this period the Heaton estate was purchased by A. L. Potter, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, esq. under whose direction the ruined chapel of Heaton, supposed to have formed part of the ancient castle of the same name, long since demolished, was cleared from some unsightly erections. A stable had been erected within the three re maining walls, and this and other parts, were removed, thereby ex posing to view the building from the summit of the walls to the floor. The broad stone sill of a window or loop hole on the ground floor, had been fitted up as a manger, and the opening as well as a large flat arched window and two others on each side walled up. Farm erections abut on the east and west sides of the building ; but only one end of the chapel now remains : formerly however, it was much longer ; for on digging up the ground in the interior, the foundations of the walls to the southward were exposed and cleared out. The only other remains worthy of notice were some stones which bore evident marks of fire, and were turned up in clearing the soil on the floor for the formation of a neat garden which now occupies the space 188 local historian's [a. d. 1840. within, but of course no certain inference can be drawn from them. The end which faces the north has had a buttress at each corner, but that on the north-west corner alone remains. The walls are of con siderable thickness, and are coarsely but strongly built of very small stones of various shapes and colours. — Ed. MSS. 1840 (August 5). — Wednesday, a train of laden coal waggons ran amain down the inclined bank at Lambton coal staiths, Sunderland, and fell upon the deck of the brig Tagus. Fortunately no person was injured, but the waggons were entirely destroyed, and the deck, Sue, of the vessel received some damage. — Local Papers. August 7. — The foundation stone of a new bridge about to be erected by Miss Boswell over the Whitadder, at Allanton, was laid. Coins to the amount of £6 deposited in the stone, were afterwards stolen by three of the workmen, who absconded. One of them was so honest as to pay his lodgings with one of the half-crowns before he left. — Hid. August 10. — The sloop King Fisher, of Sunderland, M'Kenzie, with a cargo of lime for Blyth, took fire while at sea. With much difficulty the crew contrived to get her into the port of Lybster ; and having run her on shore on the beach, it not being deemed advisable to allow her to enter the harbour, the fore part of her decks were promptly cut away, and the fire fortunately got under by means of water and large quantities of sand being heaped on it. — Hid. August 19. — At a meeting of the town-council of Newcastle, Mr. alderman Donkin, on behalf of admiral Thomas, presented to that body a lock of lord Collingwood's hair, enclosed in the lid of a snuff box made from the transom of the Royal Sovereign. — Ibid. August 23. — Horton oratory, near South Shields, having been con siderably enlarged, was re-opened, when multitudes flocked to listen to their highly-respected incumbent, the rev. W. Coward. A liberal collection was made, in aid of the funds for defraying the expenses of its enlargement. — Hid. August 24. — Monday, the foundation stone of a chapel, for the Methodist New Connexion, was laid at Jarrow, on a piece of ground presented by W. Brown, esq. A large party of friends from North and South Shields were present, and the stone was laid by Mr. Isaac Pearson, of North Shields. — Ibid. August 24. — The queen was pleased to present the rev. George Waddington, M.A., to the deanery of the cathedral church of Dur ham, void by the death of Dr. John Banks Jenkinson, late bishop of St. David's. On the 23rd of September following, at a special convo cation, held at the Durham University the rev. Mr. Waddington received the degree of D.D., and on the 25th he was formally installed a. c. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 189 at the cathedral. Immediately upon his entering upon the duties of his high office at Durham, the rev. Doctor was told (on the Saturday) by certain official persons that on the Monday he would have to sign some leases to the amount of ^2,000 or i?3,000. He asked, why on the Monday? He was told that, if he signed them before, Mrs. Jenkinson, the widow of the late dean, would get the money. He immediately said, " I shall sign them now ; she ought to have the money, as the leases might have been signed by my predecessor." With the death of Dr. Waddington's predecessor, terminated a sys tem which had continued from the reformation. The fixed income of the deanery under the new law is ^3,000., and the dean required to be in residence eight months in the year. The surplus revenues of the deanery are now appropriated to other purposes by the ecclesias tical commissioners. — Local Papers. OLD MANSION in Malcolm's Chare, Sandgate, Newcastle, 1845. 1840 (August 25). — This day, Tuesday, the new Quay, extending from near the Broad-chare, along Sandgate-shore, Newcastle, was opened to the public by John Carr, esq. mayor, accompanied by the members of the borough, William Ord, and John Hodgson Hinde, esqrs., the members of the river committee, other members of the corporation, Trinity-house, Chamber of Commerce, and leading mer- 190 local historian's [a. d. 1840. chants of the town, walking in procession from the Guildhall to the termination of the works at the North-shore. The procession was preceded by banners and a band of music, playing several national and appropriate local airs, including "God save the Queen," "the Keel Row," " the Bonnie Pit Laddie," &c. On reaching the newly erected quay, and while passing along and returning, it was greeted by the firing of guns ; and there appeared to be but one feeling of satisfaction as to the magnitude, extent and utility of the undertaking. The length of the new Quay is abont 1500 feet; being about 45 feet more than the length of the previous old Quay, and the whole of these extensive works had been completed to their then state, in about thirteen months, under the directions of W. D. Anderson, esq., engineer to the corporation. The area of the space gained from the river, amounts to upwards of 8,000 square yards, which, including the whole extent of Quay, a bridge 30 feet wide for the landing place at the Swirle, sewers, mooring-posts, fenders, &c, cost little more than s. — Ibid. December 1 7. — Thursday morning about nine o'clock, an explosion of hydrogen gas took place in the western part of the workings of the new colliery at Shincliffe, near Durham, by which four men and boys were seriously burnt and otherwise injured. — Hid. December 19. — The Northern Liberator, a newspaper which had been published for rather more than three years, in Newcastle, and 216 LOCAL HISTORIAN : [a. d. 1840. had advocated the political opinions of the chartists terminated its existence on the above day. — Local Papers. 1840 (December 21).— Monday, being the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, Dr. Mostyn was consecrated at Ushaw college, Durham, as the bishop of the new Roman Catholic see, comprising the four counties of Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmore land. He is a man of eminent talents and virtues, and extensive learning. By birth he is highly connected, being the uncle of lord Vaux, and cousin to sir Edward Mostyn, bart. The ceremonial lasted four hours. — Ibid. December 22. — Tuesday morning, when the Vesta steam vessel was off Newbiggin, Northumberland, the wife of Mr. George Camp bell, an enginwright at Messrs. Abbot and Co's, Gateshead, was safely delivered of a daughter. A medical gentlemen was fortunately on board. — Hid. WESTMORELAND PLACE, WESTGATE STREET, NEWCASTLE. 1826. Considerable excitement was created in Newcastle about this period in consequence of a rumour that some surgeons had, by surreptitious means, got possession of the dead body of a woman. The case formed a long investigation before the sitting magistrates at the police office on Saturday December 26th, which resulted in the committal of three individuals, William Brown, porter of the Surgeon's hall, and George Simpson and John Naylor, two house carpenters, on a charge of illegally obtaining possession of a dead body. The circumstances were thus detailed by the principal witness, a. d. 1840.] table book. 217 Rosanna Rox, wife of Daniel Rox, an Irish labourer. She stated that she lived in the Clogger's entry at the head of the Side, with her husband, and Sophia Quin her mother. About a fortnight previous her mother took very ill, and on making her case known to Mr. Heslop, the relieving officer of the parish of St. John, he sent Mr. Turner, surgeon, to attend to her, but who on seeing her, said she was dying. On Thursday, the 17th, her mother having died, she again applied to the relieving officer for a coffin, &c, upon which she was told a coffin would be sent to her on the Saturday, and the ground and every other thing requisite would be prepared for her mother's interment ; and while waiting for them on Saturday after noon, five men with a coffin and pall came in, about four o'clock, and stated that they were authorised by the parish officer to come and take the body and bury it immediately, for everything was ready, and the priest and the clerk were waiting to perform the service. Wit ness, however, objected to her mother being buried that day, as it was then dark, and desired that the men should leave the coffin, and she would get her buried on the Sunday following, but the men refused to comply, placed the body in the coffin, and forcibly carried it away. Witness and a friend then followed them, thinking they were going to take it to the Ballast-hills burial ground, but instead of that they carried it to the Surgeon's hall, Manor chare, where, on their arrival, the gate was opened, the body taken in, and witness and her friend pushed outside, one of the men saying at the same time, that ' they had nothing more to do with the body.' Witness then was told by a person standing by that they were going to dissect her, upon which she informed the police, who, after a fruitless en deavour to obtain admittance into the hall, informed the mayor, when his worship went personally and demanded an entrance. The door having been opened, witness went in, and the first thing she saw was the shavings which had been in the coffin, lying on the floor, and the lid of the coffin standing against one side of the room. She also saw the dead clothes lying under a table, all torn, and upon her brother, who was with her, taking up the lid off a place, she saw the body of her mother lying in warm water, but she was so much over come by the sight that she fainted and fell. When she recovered herself, the body was replaced in the coffin, and taken home, and on the next day she was decently buried. The defendants were called upon to find bail to answer the charge at the ensuing sessions, them selves in ^40. each, and two sureties in i?20. each. At the sessions, on Wednesday, Jauuary 6, 1841, the case was tried before G. H. Wilkinson, esq. recorder of Newcastle, when the prisoners were found guilty and adjudged each in the penalty of £2Q. — Local Papers. vol. v. 2 F 218 local historian's [a. d. 1840. On Thursday morning the 24th December, 1840, was published at 89, Side, Newcastle, the first number of " A Journal, unconnected with Politics, for the exclusive benefit of Advertisers, under the title of The Great Northern Advertiser and Commercial Herald." This was an advertising sheet, distributed gratuitously till March 25, 1841, when it was made double its original size and charged 3d., the gratuitous distribution of the advertising portion being continued till June 30 of the same year, when it ceased. From this period till February 1842, the paper was charged 4^d. It was then reduced in size and price, viz. to 3d. It was enlarged soon after, and again enlarged, the price continuing the same, till October, when it had all the sporting intelligence excluded from its columns, and was again raised to 4^d. on the 13th October 1842, after which no alteration in size or price. On Sept. 30, 1843, it came to be the Newcastle Ad vertiser. — MS. Col, 1840 (Dec. 24.) — A cruel outrage, which ended in death, was per petrated on a man named Robt. Hannay, the unfortunate deceased was a stone-mason, and resided in Morpeth, but had been working at Stannington, and on his going home from work on Saturday night about ten o'clock he had fallen in with three men, supposed to be pitmen, near Morpeth church, with whom it is probable he had quar relled, as he stated when he was found that he had been ill used by three men. The injuries appeared to have been inflicted by a pick. An inquest was held on the body, and a verdict returned of ' Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown.' — Local Papers. December 27. — The parish church of St. Oswald, in the city of Durham, was in considerable danger from an alarming accident. The flue of a stove, which is conducted through the flooring of the belfry, into the tower, had been overheated, and had ignited the wood-work by which it was encircled. Flames had already begun to appear, when, providentially, the sexton coming to ring the bell at eight o'clock, discovered the accident, and the fire was soon put out. — Ibid. December 29. — Died of hydrophobia, Mr. William Bell Brown, foreman to Messrs. Middleton, curriers, Sunderland. On the 9th of November preceding, his thumb was bitten by a cocker dog ; but the wound having been dressed, and no alarming symptoms presenting themselves, nothing more was thought of the matter, until the 26th of that month, when he complained of a stiffness of the hand. On Sunday and Monday, December 27th and 28th, he was indisposed ; still, however, so little apprehension was entertained for his safety, that his sister, who lived in the house with him, was married on the latter day. On Tuesday morning he died ; and on Wednesday an inquest was held, when Mr. Thompson, surgeon, by whom (and by A.D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 219 Dr. Brown) he had been attended, deposed that death was undoubt edly the result of hydrophobia. Verdict accordingly. — Local Papers. 1840 (Dec. 29). — An inquest was held at Hetton-le-hole, on view of the body of William Frazer, who died very suddenly, on the preced ing night. Verdict, " Died of apoplexy." The deceased was only married on the morning before he died, to a second wife, his first wife being then in existence, and living at Newbottle. The latter was a consenting party to the second wedding, assuring her husband that she would never trouble him for any thing. What is almost equally revolting is, that the second wife did not know but her first husband was alive, and in America ! — Ibid. December 30. — Wednesday night, about ten o'clock, as the Hero coach was entering the city of Durham, by the new north road, on its way from Newcastle, the leaders came in contact with the shafts of a waggon, belonging to a west-country carrier, which was proceed ing in the opposite direction, and the driver of which was absent from his team. The off-side leader received one of the shafts in his chest : the blood spouted out in a torrent, and the poor animal fell and died almost instantly. Fortunately no other accident was sus tained. — Ibid. The ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the new District church at Deptford, near Bishopwearmouth, took place on Thursday the 31st of December, 1840. The stone was laid by the hon. and rev. G. V. Wellesley, D.D., assisted by the rev. Richard Skipsey, and Mr. Thomas Moore, the architect, in the presence of a highly respectable and numerous assemblage. In the foundation stone was deposited a leaden ease, containing several coins of the present reign, together with a sheet of parchment bearing the following inscrip tion: — "On Thursday, Dec. 31st, 1840, this Foundation Stone of a New Church, in the township and parish of Bishop- Wearmouth, was laid by the Hon. and Rev. G. V. Wellesley, D.D., Rector of the parish. The means of building this sacred edifice have been pro cured by the united and benevolent subscriptions of the rector and inhabitants, under the sanction and liberal aid of Dr. Maltby, bishop of Durham, the Durham and London Church Building Society, and the munificent donation of the trustees required for the building of the church, by the most noble the marquess of Londonderry. The ground being the liberal gift of Mrs. Anne Aylmer, of Walworth castle, Durham," &c. The stone being laid, Dr. Wellesley offered a suitable prayer, and terminated the interesting proceedings by pro nouncing the benediction. The site on which the church is built is in the midst of a very populous district, where the want of one had been long and deeply felt by the inhabitants. The edifice is in the 220 local historian's [a. t>. 1840. style of architecture which prevailed towards the close of the thir teenth century. The greatest length of the building is 109 feet, the width 60 feet, and it has a handsome spire 100 feet high. The whole exhibits considerable taste and elegance, and reflects great credit upon the architect. The marquess of Londonderry gave the free stone required for the building. — Local Papers. 1840 (Dec 31). — Died, at the Vicarage house, Newcastle, in the 72nd year of his age, the rev. John Dodd, for sixteen years vicar of that town, during which period he evinced an unvarying zeal for the spiritual interests of the flock committed to him. Amid the many and laborious duties of his responsible charge, his anxiety for erecting new churches and schools is particularly deserving of notice. On Wednesday, January 6th, the last solemn offices were performed towards the remains of the deceased in St. Nicholas' church, on which mournful occasion every mark of respect was paid to departed worth by the clergy of the town and neighbourhood, as well as by the public at large. At an early hour in the forenoon the bells of the several churches commenced tolling, and a little after one, the time appointed for the burial, the procession moved from the vicarage, in Westgate street, in the following order : — Undertaker. The Boys and Girls of the Parish Schools. Two Beadles, with Staffs. St. Nicholas' Parish Officers. All Saints' Ditto. The Sunday School Teachers of the Parish Schools. Three 1 The Hearse, containing j Three Underbearers. J the body. \ Underbearers. First Mourning Coach, with Mourners. Second Mourning Coach, with six Clergymen, as Pall Bearers, viz. : Rev. Mr. Manners. Rev. Mr. Wright. Rev. Mr. Reed. Rev. Mr. Clayton. Rev. Mr. Ridley. Rev. Mr. Simpson. Two Beadles, with Staffs. The Clergy of the several Parishes and Neighbourhood, two abreast. The Authorities of the Town. Private Gentlemen. St. John's Parish Officers. St. Andrew's Parish Officers. The body was received at the entrance of the church by the rev. Robt. Green and the rev. R. W. L. Jones, as officiating ministers, who preceded it to the pulpit, the choir at the same time singing Clark's Anthem, " I am the ressurection and the life," &c. On ar- a.d. 1840.] TABLE book. 221 The Western Entrance of the Church of St. NICHOLAS, Newcastle, 1845. riving at St. Nicholas' church, the parish officers of St. Nicholas and All Saints, with the Sunday school teachers, halted and divided, to suffer the procession to pass between, when they fell in, and passed with the whole into the church, the children of the several schools moving forward into the church, and taking up their place on each side of the middle aisle, so that the body was borne between them, to a position near the front of the pulpit, where the clergy took up their position during the service ; after which the body was removed to the place of interment, and followed by the parties in the same order as on entering the church. The rev. Mr. Jones read the service in the church, and the rev. Mr. Green at the vault, outside the church. The pulpit, the corporation pew, the choir gallery, and the organ, were hung with black, and during the service the church was crowded with persons of all classes. As the procession passed, the shops in the line were partially closed, as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, and throughout the whole solemn ceremonial the utmost order and decorum prevailed. — Local Papers. In the list of new patents for December, 1840, is the name of John Brumell Gregson, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, soda water manu facturer, for improvements in pigments, used in the preparation of the sulphates of iron and magnesia.— Hid. Died this year, at Norton, near Stockton, aged 105, Mrs. Mary Wilkinson . — Ibid. 222 local historian's [a.d. 1841. 1840 (December.). — This month, the bishop of Durham announced his intention of giving prizes during his incumbency to the amount of thirty guineas annually, for the encouragement of literature and science. The following prizes were proposed for the year 1841 : — 1. A prize of ten guineas for the student who should pass the last ex amination at the end of the Academical year, in the Hebrew Text and Septuagint Version of the book of Genesis, beginning with the twelfth chapter, and of the first twenty chapters of the book of Exo dus ; and in the gospel of St. Matthew in Greek, with especial refe rence to Hellenistic phraseology and expression. 2. A prize of ten guineas for the best Latin prose essay on the following subject, " Qusenam fuerit, Romanse reipublicse sub Augusto constitutio ? " The essays to be sent to the Warden on or before the 30th of April, 1841. 3. A prize of ten guineas for the best proficient in mathema tics at the final examination of Students in Arts and in Civil Engi neering. No prize to be adjudged, except in cases of positive merit. — Local Papers. The hen-roosts in the village of Dalton-le-Dale and neighbourhood, having been visited about this period by an intruder, who had taken away and killed almost all the cocks and hens about the place, a per son was determined to watch his hen-house, and had not waited long before a large tom-cat made his appearance. The prowling depreda tor entered the hen-house, where he killed a game-cock, and was try ing to make his escape, when he was shot, after having run wild about three or four years. He was found to measure 2 feet 10 inches from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, and weighed three- quarters of a stone ! — Hid. The coals shipped on the river Wear during the year 1840 were 497,546 chaldrons, being an increase of 13,589 chaldrons over the previous year. — Ibid. The gross customs revenue of the year 1840, for the port of Sun derland, was nearly i?120,000; being an increase of ^8,000 over that of 1839. In 1839, the number of vessels was 836, with a mea surement of 170,057 tons ; at the close of 1840, the number was 927 vessels, measuring 190,122 tons ; showing an increase on the year, of 91 ships, and 20,072 tons. The tonnage of Sunderland at this period was exceeded by three ports only, namely, London, Newcastle, and Liverpool. Forty-nine vessels belonging to the port were lost during this year. — Ibid. 1841 (Jan. 1). — A shoemaker of Hexham, named Robert Atkin son, about 50 years of age, who was much addicted to drinking, began the year by " getting on the fuddle," and indulged in drinking till Tuesday morning, when, after calling up a publican, and request- A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 223 ing more drink, he fell a victim to the destructive drug, before another dose could be administered. — Local Papers. 1841 (Jan. 1). — While the sexton was digging a grave a little to the west of the north transept of the church of Hexham, within a few feet of the spot where the Saxon stycse were found, he discovered imbedded beneath the excavation, a remarkably per fect incised monumental slab, in length about 5ft. 4 in. ; breadth at the head and foot, respectively 1ft. 9 in. and 1ft. 3 in, and 6 inches in thickness. The stone, which is beautifully perfect and may have been buried almost immediately after being laid, is inscribed "hic jacet matilda uxor hilippi merce- rarii." Perhaps the letter p has been omitted before " hilippi " ; sed quaere. Information of Joseph Ridley. January 2. — Saturday, five men, all potters at Middlesbro', being off work on account of the holidays, engaged a boat to go to the cockle bed to scratch for cockles. None of the party were acquainted with the river ; by mere chance, however, they reached the cockle bed, on which they landed, leaving their boat attached to one of the buoys. While thus engaged the tide began to flow, and with some difficulty the unskilful mariners succeeded in reaching their barque, in which they were tossed and knocked about all night, exposed to the inclem ency of the weather, which was on that night remakably severe. In the morning one of the party had breathed his last, and another, in endeavouring to reach the shore, experienced a similar fate. While in the perilous situation we have described, several steamers and traders passed them, to whom the poor fellows held up their handker chiefs as signals of distress, to which were appended their watches, as a reward to those who would take them on board. No assistance was however rendered ; charity induces the belief that their signals were not observed. — Local Papers. January 3. — Sunday morning soon after nine o'clock, a fire broke out in Ponteland church, which threatened to involve the venerable old fabric in ruins ; but from the very praiseworthy exertions of the inhabitants of the village, the flames were subdued, not however, un til some of the pews were destroyed, and the interior otherwise damaged. Four engines from Newcastle were within two hours upon the spot, but happily their services were not required. Two engines from the barracks were, with the greatest alacrity, turned out, and would have been at the scene of action in a very short time, but re turned on being informed of the danger being over. — Ibid. 224 local historian's [a.d. 1841. 1841 (Jan. 3.)— A lamentable accident occurred at Seaham ; whilst the ship Cowslip, of the port of Tyne, Scott master, was on her pass age to Havannah, the carpenter fell from the anchor stock into the sea, captain Scott perceiving this sprang into a small boat which went down with him. Thus did Mr. Scott sacrifice his life in at tempting to rescue that of his shipmate. Mr. Scott was a young married man, and much esteemed by those who knew him. He was a resident of Newcastle. — Local Papers. January 4.— That portion of the Great North of England railway which extends from Darlington to the city of York was formally opened on Monday last for the conveyance of coals. At about four o'clock in the afternoon, four engines were seen approaching York, dragging a length of two hundred waggons, containing above seven hundred and fifty tons of coals from the Auckland valley. In a few- minutes they were placed at the company's depots. In the foremost engines were Messrs. Plews and Oxley, directors, Mr. Storey, engi neer, and Capt. O'Brien, secretary ; and amongst those who wel comed the arrival at York were Messrs. Smales and Backhouse, direc tors of the Great North of England railway, and sir John Simpson, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Cabrey, and other gentlemen connected with the York and North Midland railway. During the whole of the day, en gines drawing long trains of waggons, continued to arrive at every one of the depots, with stores of coals of various kinds from the most celebrated mines in the county of Durham ; and on Tuesday morn ing the sale of coals commenced at all the depots : at an early hour each depot was completely crowded with carts and waggons from all the neighbouring towns and villages adjoining to the line of railway. Notwithstanding the day was a continued storm of snow and sleet, immense numbers of persons were assembled at all the stations and high grounds adjoining the line, to witness the first entrance of coals by the railway from the county of Durham into the North Riding of Yorkshire. Every thing passed off in the most satisfactory way, without any accident. — Ibid. January 4. — Monday, at Shipley Hall, near Alnwick, Mary Cook, a girl about 17 years of age, was employed in feeding the thrashing machine, when the rollers became warped with straw, which it was necessary to divide with a knife. To accomplish this, she rested her left hand upon the wooden part of the machine above the rollers, and was using the knife with the other, when the rollers dragged her left hand and arm between them, and so dreadfully shattered the limb to within a short distance of the shoulder joint, that Mr. John Davison, surgeon, of Alnwick, who was shortly afterwards in attendance, con sidered it necessary immediately to amputate the arm in order to A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 225 save the poor girl's life. On subsequent examination the bones were found crushed to atoms, the elbow joint was dislocated, and the upper bone of the arm was broken close above the elbow and at its middle. The unfortunate girl is a native of Dumfermline, without relations to assist her, and entirely dependent on her own labour for a livelihood. Shortly after the accident she was taken under the truly maternal care of the duchess of Northumberland, and every means that could be devised were adopted to restore her to wonted health and to impart to her such instructions, mental and manual, as might enable her to earn a decent and honest livelihood. — Local Papers. 1841 (Jan. 5.) — The extraordinary occurrence, at this season of the year, of a storm of thunder and lightning took place in Newcastle and the neighbourhood on the morning of this day, between eight and nine o'clock. The thunder was loud and the lightning very vivid, but neither continued beyond a few minutes. — Ibid. On the same day, Tuesday, the Osnaburg, of London, 130 tons burthen, Snook, master, laden with pig iron, was driven ashore on the beach at North Sunderland, between the outer and the inner car. The Osnaburg left Inverness on the 1st for Newcastle, and had an unfavourable voyage from the commencement, Edward Snook, the master, being at the mast head for hours together, unable to track out the channel, in consequence of the thick weather and tempestuous seas. Finding he could not clear the land, he came to, when near the Fern Islands on the afternoon of the 4th, the vessel rolling des perately in a tremendous sea. The mast, which appeared to go, was cut away, and struck the hull of the vessel several times, stove the boats, and rendered them useless. The mainsail, rigging, &c, were all cut away to clear the hull of the vessel. In this desperate situa tion the crew consulted on the means of safety, and they determined to remain till daylight, when they prepared to run for the land, and on the afternoon of the 5th, the vessel struck the shore with a dread ful shock, about a quarter of a mile from North Sunderland. Her condition and progress were observed from the shore, which was quickly lined with spectators, and the life boat was manned and launched before the vessel struck. A fishing coble from North Sun derland, was also brought opposite, and both the life boat and the coble made for the wreck. The sea was running mountains high, the coble was repeatedly tossed on end, but still the men gallantly perse vered, till the crew called to the men in the coble not further to risk their lives. The life boat neared and got a line from the wreck, but the boat was swung so \ iolently backwards and forwards, that it was found impracticable to get into it, and, after a severe struggle it came to the shore. It was then fresh manned, and returned to the wreck, vol. 2 G 226 local historian's [a.d. 1841. when another line was thrown, but still the crew could not succeed in getting into the boat. The boatmen then advised the crew to go be low to avoid being washed overboard by the heavy sea ; and they did so for above an hour, during which the life boat went ashore. The life boat returned a third time to the wreck, and after much exertion, the boatmen succeeded in saving the lives of all on board. The cap tain and the crew expressed their gratitude to the men, who succes sively manned the life boat, and to the gallant little crew of the coble, who had encountered peril so desperate, to save the lives of strangers ; and also to the people on shore, many of them running up to their necks in the sea, to carry the shipwrecked ashore, and the conduct of all who exerted themselves on this occasion, reflected the highest credit on them for their bravery and humanity. The vessel was a total wreck. — Local Papers. 1841 (Jan 5). — An accident, which might have been attended with fatal consequences, occurred on this day, at Elvet colliery, Durham. The mine, which is ventilated by a shaft which rises to day in a field situated above Elvet Banks, is liable to be flooded with water. To prevent such an occurrence, an engine is constantly at work to draw off the water. It sometimes, notwithstanding, happens that the water escapes, and the ventilation of the mine becomes impeded. When this takes place, men are sent to the spot to set matters right, and to make a passage for the water in a proper direction, so that the engines may act upon it. An occurrence of this kind took place at this time, when two men were sent to remove the obstruction. This was done, and a sudden gust of air extinguished their lights. The situation of the poor men was now perilous in the extreme ; they dared not to change their position, as they might have fallen into the water, or have been dashed to pieces in the dangerous parts of the mine. They were therefore, compelled to remain where they were without moving from the spot. The distance from the pit's mouth, and the depth from the surface — they were just below the ventilating shaft mentioned above — prevented their cries from being heard, and several hours elapsed before they were missed. At length, lights being procured, a search was made, and they were released from their perilous situation, much exhausted with fatigue and alarm, and chilled with the damp atmosphere of their dreary prison. — Hid. January 7. — From accounts submitted to the magistrates at the Quarter Sessions of the Peace on the above day, it appeared that the prisoners in Morpeth gaol were at that time able to maintain them selves without any expense to the county. Mr. Cousins, the governor, was the first to introduce prison labour, and the profits realized there by, during the year 1840, amounted to considei-ably above two hundred A. D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 227 pounds. The articles manufactured were hearth rugs and carpeting of worsted, of various patterns ; cocoa-nut fibre, Manilla, and Indian grass mats, of all sizes, the whole of which were sold at exceedingly moderate prices. As a proof of the great benefit derived by the pri soners themselves from the plan then in operation at Morpeth, it may be stated that instances have occurred of young men being sent to prison, having served no apprenticeship, and being unable to follow any regular profession for a livelihood, and at the termination of their imprisonment, the same individuals have left the prison with the means of earning, at the regular rate of wages, nearly four pounds a week. — Local Papers. 1841 (Jan. 7). — The opening festival of the Middlesbro' Mechanics' Institute, which then numbered about a hundred members, took place in the Exchange Hotel. The evening was pleasantly spent, and the meeting passed off in the best spirit. — Ibid. Same day, Died, at Chirton House, Northumberland, aged 91, John Colling wood, esq., brother of the late lord Col lingwood. He had reached the great age of 91 years ; and until within his last two or three years, he was a daily visitor to Shields, and would walk down to the town- clock — regulate his watch — and return. His manners were frequently eceentric. He was seldom seen in his carriage, being a great pedestrian. Mr. Collingwood was much esteemed for his personal character, besides which, his near relationship to the gallant admiral necessarily made him an object of popular respect. He was interred in the family vault, below Tynemouth church. The service was read by the rev. John Reed, vicar of Newburn. The chief mourners were : — Mr. Edward John Collingwood, only son of the deceased ; rev. Christopher Reed, vicar of Tynemouth, and Mr. Collingwood, formerly of Glanton Pike. The two latter gentlemen married the deceased's daughters. A vast concourse of persons, of all ranks, attended the ceremony. — —Hid. January 9. — Saturday a valuable pointer dog, was immersed in the river below Elvet Bridge, Durham, in consequence of the breaking of some thin ice on which he was running. His owner made several ineffectual attempts to reach the dog, whose loss seemed inevitable, when it occurred to him as a last chance, to throw a cord across the ice in the hope that the drowning animal might possibly avail himself of it as a means of safety. He was not mistaken, the dog seized the 228 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a.d. 1841. cord and was drawn ashore to the delight of his owner and the gra tification of all who witnessed the interesting fact.— Local Papers. 1841 (Jan. 10). — Sunday, a dog got into a field, at the Dovecot, Hartley, Northumberland, in possession of Mr. Roger Bell, farmer, and pursued one of his sheep, which it bit severely — so much so as to draw blood. Mr. Bell's hind was near with his sheep-dog, which he sent to the intruder; and after a few courses, the latter left the field, and made for shelter to the Methodist meeting-house, which was open. The hind and his dog followed, and succeeded in making the fugitive a prisoner, to the no small astonishment of the good peo ple at worship. — Ibid. The "GOLDEN LION," Bigg-Market, Newcastle. ISij. Mr. sub-inspector Beattie of the Newcastle police, when going his rounds on Sunday evening, January 10th, between six and seven o'clock, discovered a stable belonging to Mr. Carr, of the Golden Lion inn, Bigg-market, to be on fire. The fire was speedily got out by the application of a few buckets of water. Another fire was discovered in the hay-loft of Mr. Adam Thwaites, brewer, Bird in Bush yard, about half-past seven o'clock on the following Wednesday evening, the 13 th, and had an alarming appearance, but the timely arrival of the fire engines, and a plentiful supply of water, prevented A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 229 the fire extending, and it was got under with comparatively little damage. This was the fourth time within a few years that these premises had been on fire ; originating on the last two occasions at precisely the same place, viz., a loft in which hay and straw is kept, and to which access is gained by a flight of stone steps between two buildings, and in the door of the loft is a hole for the admission of cats, through which it is supposed the place had been wilfully set on fire ; as, especially since the previous fire, Mr. Thwaites had not allowed a light of any description to be taken into the premises, the hay and straw required for the evening being always taken out during the day. These and similar other fires were evidently acts of incen diarism, and the sum of i?70. was offered as the reward of discovery. — Local Papers. 1841 (Jan 12). — Tuesday morning, one of the workmen at Seaton Sluice had a most miraculous escape, while attending the ballast- crane. The workman, John Lillico, while on the top of the scaffold ing, and just over where the contents of the ballast-tub are teemed into the waggons underneath, in pulling at the chain that the tub might be easier managed, hauled through a little slack, the bight of which, it seems, got hold of him, and swung him off the stage, suspend ing him for an instant by the heels, a height of about forty feet from the quay-side, over which he was hanging, and upon which he was precipitated, after having his fall broken twice in his descent by cross- ropes. He fell upon a metal ballast-tub, which fortunately was lying on its side, and thus his body fell on the round. He was taken up, and carried home — as the people thought, dead ; but in the course of two or three hours, he was able to speak a little. No bones were broken, but he was much bruised. — Hid. The right worshipful the mayor of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, (John Ridley, esq.) gave his first ball at the Assembly Rooms on Tuesday evening, January 12th, which was attended by nearly six hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen connected with that town and neigh bourhood. The company began to arrive about nine o'clock and danc ing commenced at ten, the ball being led off by the Sheriff of New castle, James Archbold, esq., and Miss Ridley. The amusements of the evening were kept up till a late hour, and afforded great satisfac tion to the company, who received the utmost courtesy and attention from the mayor and Miss Ridley. The excellent band of the 98th, Regiment was in attendance. — Hid. An oratorio, under the patronage of lord and lady Ravensworth, and the families resident in the neighbourhood, for the benefit of the Gateshead Dispensary, took place in St. John's church, Gateshead Fell, the bishop of Durham having kindly granted his permission 230 local historian's [a.d. 1841. for the use of the edifice on the occasion. The charitable experiment was attended with complete success. The church was filled — the per formances gave the greatest satisfaction — and the funds of the charity received a considerable augmentation. The choir of the church were ably assisted by those of St. Nicholas, Newcastle. The church was extremely comfortable, well lighted, and tastefully decorated with evergreens, according to the custom of the place. — Local Papers. 1841 (Jan. 14). — Thursday evening, about 11 o'clock, the brig Halcyon, lying at the lime kilns, above the bridge, on the north side of the river Wear, at Sunderland, was discovered to be on fire. The circumstances were such as to leave no doubt that it was the work of an incendiary. A cask with pitch and other inflammable materials, were set on fire in the after hold. The cabin deck was burnt through, and other damage done. It was discovered by one of the boys, who had gone on board to go to bed. An alarm was instantly given, and by prompt assistance the fire was extinguished. A reward of i?100 was offered for the apprehension of the offender. From the peculiar situation of the vessel, and her relative position with regard to other ships, if the fire had become general it might easily have done damage to the amount of ,£20,000.- Ibid. On the same night a most remarkable and destructive fire occurred at the St. Hilda colliery, South Shields, It broke out between eleven and twelve o'clock, and burnt with great fury. Alarm was speedily given, and the fire-engines from both North and South Shields were quickly on the spot. The whole of the engine-shed was,destroyed, and other things near the place. The flames ascended the shaft, a portion of the wood-work of which was destroyed. By great exertion the fire was extinguished about four o'clock. Twenty-two men and bovs were at work in the pit, but were all safely got up without injury. The police of both North and South Shields were early at the scene of conflagration, and rendered much service in working the engines, &c. The fire commenced in the shaft of the pit, and is supposed to have originated at the mouth of the pit-furnace. — Ibid. January 17.— Died, at Sedgefield, aged 101, Mrs. Mary Craggs: she retained her faculties, and was able to walk and visit her neigh bours until within a few days of her decease. — Hid. January 18. — Died at Morden near Sedgefield, aged 102. Mrs. Hannah Hall. — Ibid. 1841. — In the middle of January, this year, while the workmen were engaged at White Friar Tower, Newcastle on Tyne, in clearing away what they considered to be merely the side of the hill, or at the most, the rubble foundation of the structure, they came, quite un expectedly upon the lower apartment of the tower, which must have a. d. 1841.] table book. 231 been buried ever since about 1780, when Isaac Cookson, esq. who rented the place of the corporation, converted the basement story in to an ice-house. This part of the structure which proved to be of an octangular figure (while the superstructure was circular) was soon disinterred from the soil and rubbish with which it was filled. At the same time, a flight of steps were discovered, which, winding around the north east quarter of the outside of the tower, led to the summit of the curtain wall which connects this with the next tower in northward progression. The incorporated company of ma sons appear to have occupied the upper apartment as a meeting house, while the lower was used conjointly by'the fraternity of Met tors, and that of the Wallers, Bricklayers, and Plasterers. It is un certain when the Masons first occupied this apartment, but it is ex tremely probable that it had been used by them as a meeting house so early as 1614, in which year the two aforementioned companies occur as convening. In 1673 they are recorded as receiving of their fellow occupants, the Wallers, the sum of forty-four shillings for " re pairing the tower and ingaging to keepe the same waterthight for seaven [years] according to the Magistrates order." According to the Warburton MS. there was written on this tower, " Timothy Davison, esq. mayor, Geo. Morton, esq. sheriff, 1674." This, no doubt, records the repair required by the magistrates. It is probable that the masons left the tower in 1742, as in that year they had granted to them, Plummer Tower in the Carliol Croft. As before stated, the company of Wallers, Bricklayers, and Plas terers occur, 1614, as meeting in the lower apartment of the tower — the names of the stewards for that year being discovered about 1780, raised on the plaster of the room : — " Armstrong, Robson, 1614." In 1652, the following entry occurs in their books, " Item y" daye of bargaining with y" Mettors about ye Tower." This pro bably refers to some re-arrangement, either as to rent or privileges : whatever may have been the precise object of the meeting, it is evi dent that it was made the occasion of some merriment for they re cord, " Spent Is." It is probable the company vacated the tower in 1711, as in that year they removed the ruinous superstructure of Nevil Tower, and erected thereon a meeting house of red brick. At the same period, (1614), the Mettors occur as joint occu pants of this same lower apartment, as the following inscription of a like character to that previously alluded to, also discovered in 1780, exhibits : — " Ralph . rogerson thomas . foster Robert . iackson ROBERT . TODD STEWARDS OF THE COMPAN.YOF METTERS." It is quite Un certain when this fraternity left the tower, although it must have been previous to 1776, when the tower was leased to Mr. Cookson. 232 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [' 1841 On examining the interior, the ceiling of the apartment (probably originally vaulted like that of the other) was found to have had oaken joists, long since rotted or removed. On the plaster of the walls, immediately opposite the entrance (which was placed on the east side of the tower) the Mettors inscription again met the view after a lapse of more than fifty years, as also the date on a sepe rate piece, but the other inscription was no where to be seen. Just within the door on the left hand on entering, there was a fire place without a grate, and on the right was a sunken part of the wall, pro bably having fulfilled the purpose of a safe for the companies' books and papers. Everything remained undisturbed until May or June, in the same year, when in order to obtain a place for drying bricks, all the newly discovered parts were removed, except the western wall from top to bottom, which for a period was allowed to remain un touched.— MS. Col. IMF ^WBrr WHITE FlilAR TulVRR, Nencastle on Tyne, as seen in Jan. 1841. CHAPTER XI. VO." .-'.;( -r.s ¦ -. 2/ fiO ¦ ¦ v.: ': z ¦ . NE of the heaviest disasters that ever befel the shipping of the river Wear occurred on the morning of Monday, January 18th, 1841. For some time previous the river had been frozen over in various places above Sunderland harbour. The frost continued till Saturday the 16th, when a thaw commenced, the wind being then from S. to S. W. On that and the fqllowing day great quantities of rain fell, by which the river was much swollen and the ice loosened before any considerable portion of it had time to be dissolved with the thaw ; the consequence was, that several floating fields of ice were carried down the river, at succeeding intervals, during the ebb tides of Saturday and Sunday, until it arrived at Deptford, which is the high end of Sunderland harbour, where the progress of the ice was stopped. On Sunday afternoon the Wear above Sunder land bridge presented one sheet of ice, as far as the eye could reach. Shortly after that hour, the day, which had been remarkably bright, began to lower, and very soon the rain came down in tor rents ; the river rose rapidly, and the pressure of the ice, urged on by the flood, carried away some ships from near the patent ropery at Deptford before five o'clock. At six, some others went adrift from the tiers above, but these were brought up and moored. Soon after seven, the inhabitants of the borough were alarmed by hearing the bellman summoning all masters and mates of ships in the harbour, to look after their vessels ; and, in most instances, this injunction was promptly obeyed, though there then appeared to be no imminent dan ger. It seems, however, that the ice which had come down, was only that formed in the neighbourhood of Hylton, and being thin, it passed easily over the shallows. But about midnight, large pieces, several inches in thickness, that had covered the river some miles above, were vol. v. 2 H 234 local historian's [a.d. 1841. observed to be floating down past Hylton. As the front sheets came down, they met with obstacles at every turn of the river ; the pieces behind were driven either under or upon them, and thus, huge, un wieldy masses were cemented together to the depth of several feet, which so far impeded the free flow of the downward current, that about Pallion the water at one time stood six feet higher than at the Mark Quay ! This continued till about four in the morning, when the barrier of ice formed below Pallion yielded to the increasing pressure of the water, and the mingled torrent rushing down with irresistible force, tore away whole tiers of ships from their moorings at the Hetton and Lambton staiths, hurried them rapidly under the bridge, breaking their masts in the passage, and then dashing them against the vessels below, swept away tier after tier, and huddled them into a mass of wrecks extending from one side of the river to the other, opposite the Durham and Sunderland railway staiths. All who witnessed this scene of destruction admit their utter inability to convey anything like an adequate idea of its terrors. The shouting of men, the shrieks of terrified sea-boys, who had been aroused from their sleep, the noise of the ice rushing up against the ships' sides, the breaking of bowsprits, masts, and bulwarks, — and all in dark ness, — formed a chaos of horrors enough to appal the stoutest heart. When morning broke, it revealed such a picture of havoc as only such a night could have made. Several ships had been driven out to sea ; another, the Newby, of Sunderland, lay on her broadside at the mouth of the harbour, heaving and lurching in the waves, and at intervals spouting out water like a huge whale : higher up, near what is called the Caunch, was the deplorable sight of three sunken ves sels — the Pilgrim, of Lynn, with only her stern above water, the Rosebud, of Sunderland, crushed down by the heel of the Cornelius, and the Kirton, of Sunderland, a total wreck. These unfortunate vessels, were all coal-laden, had taken the ground in drifting down ; other ships coming away at the rate of five knots an hour, ran into them and sunk them instantly, thus at once closing the channel of the river, and stopping the further progress of a large fleet of all sizes that were hurrying away to sea. Besides these, there were sunk about the same place the Seaflower and Queen Victoria, of Sunder land, a French vessel, the Deux Amis, and the Caroline, Korffi, of Altona, laden with coals and earthenware. The spectacle presented by the crowd of vessels immediately above the more unfortunate craft just named, literally beggared all description. Truly, the ships at this part of the river looked much more like an enemy's fleet after a sea-fight with a Nelson or a Napier, than British merchantmen in harbour. The river, above this barrier of ships, was a " sea of ice," A. D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 235 block piled on block in every variety of fantastic form, and through out besprinkled with wreck of every conceivable description — keels, timber, ships' boats, and brushwood, all frozen into a solid mass. Going upwards to the Hetton coal staiths, where the mischief com menced, it was astonishing to witness the amount of damage. Out of eight drops for the delivery of coal, seven were rendered unservice able, one of them being absolutely torn away altogether, and a part of it carried down as far as the Durham and Sunderland railway drops, in the rigging of a ship. The mooring-posts for ships at this place stood full ten feet from the edge of the quay, which was sup ported by a stout wall of masonry ; but so heavy was the strain at the breaking up of the ice, that not a single post retained its position, much of the wall was seriously shaken, and in one part full sixty yards length of solid quay was pulled into river ! The cost to the Hetton company was estimated by a practical engineer at not much less than five thousand pounds, which sum was shortly demanded from the commissioners of the Wear, on the plea that their moorings were insufficient. The Lambton drops suffered less ; the brunt of the onset having fallen on their less fortunate neighbours, although out of eleven drops, eight were damaged, six of them very seriously. Considering their position, as immediately overlooking the very vortex of destruction, the Durham and Sunderland railway staiths had a remarkable escape. It is* hardly necessary to enumerate all the ships that suffered damage, for scarcely a ship in the harbour escaped. During the whole of Monday, the ordinary business of the town was at a stand-still. This is true to the very letter, for, in the afternoon of the day, many of the shops were closed, the population thronged in its thousands to the pier and the river banks, to behold the scene of desolation. So sudden and tremendous a blow to the very vitals of the commerce of the port seemed almost to have stupified for awhile those most deeply interested ; but, rapidly arousing them selves from their temporary lethargy, the ship-owners applied them selves vigourously to the rescue of their property, and with the aid of steam-boats, which had luckily taken shelter in the Wearmouth dock, by half-past four on Tuesday afternoon a passage was effected, and the ice went to sea, but unfortunately carrying along with it a large quautity of most valuable timber, not less, it is calculated, than about 250 loads. The following ships were picked up at sea, and taken into Hartlepool : — Era, of Rochester, which drove out of this harbour with no hands on board ; the Jean, of Sunderland, with three boys and the captain of a French vessel on board ; and the Gamma, of Sunderland. The Seaham pilots picked up the Young, of Sunder land, without a hand on board ; the Beatitude, Lamb, of London, 236 local historian's [a.d. 1841. with the mate, a man, and boy worked herself into Seaham harbour ; a French schooner, with an English boy on board, was picked up by Morley, the pilot ; 100 planks, 73 pieces of timber, two boats, and three keels, one loaded with bottles from Ayre's quay, were secured at Seaham, and at the Black Halls, Hawthorn Hythe, and Old Sea ham, large quantities of timber were ashore. The Wear commission ers' valuable steamer, the Utility, was almost a wreck ; and the steam-tugs — Safety, Hare, Earl of Durham, George and Ann, and Neptune, were either sunk, wrecked or missing. About thirty keels were sunk or destroyed, and almost all the harbour boats and other small craft disappeared from the river. Had it not been for the shelter of the north dock, in which twenty-five valuable ships, and about half that number of steamers took refuge, the loss to the port must have been fearfully augmented. The contrast between the tight and trim ships in the dock, and the wretched wrecks on the stream, was most striking. It could scarcely be expected that so frightful a destruction of property would occur without the loss of life ; and a poor boy belonging to the Richard, in endeavouring to make his es cape into the Canova, fell into the river and was drowned. Another life was lost in the Newby : when she took the ground to the North Pier, the boom swung over to leeward and carried overboard a smart young running fitter, named Davison. The rest of the people on board, seven in number, took refuge in the chains, and were rescued from the very jaws of death by Mr. Garthwaite, of the Wearmouth dock, assisted by two of the dock watchmen, named Henry Robson and Arthur Urquhart. — Local Papers. About this period the queen of Portugal forwarded to John Adam- son, esq., of Newcastle, member of several literary societies, the orders of the Tower and Sword, and that of Christ, as an acknow ledgment for his successful illustrations of Portuguese literature. These distinctions were announced in a letter from the duke of Pal- mella, as follows : — "Most illustrious Senior, J. Adamson, — At last I have the satisfac tion to be able to send you the diploma of knighthood, so long ago announ ced ; to expedite which it became difficult, by reason of a series of compli cations which it is unnecessary to unfold. " Now, I have to ask you to discharge me from blame for the prolonged silence, since I was not desirous to break it, until I could send you the royal grant, which I had had the honour to announce to you, and to expe dite which I have not ceased to work. " I am persuaded that this proof which her faithful Majesty gives of the appreciation of your literary labours, will be an incentive to vou to con tinue to dedicate them to illustrate Portuguese literature. A. D 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 237 " On my part, I judge myself happy to have this propitious occasion to make to you the profession of the consideration and appreciation with which I have the honour to be your faithful servant, " Palmella." Part of the Vicarage. S. Johu'a Lime. Newcastle. 1841 (January).— This month, the vicarage of Newcastle-upon- Tyne was conferred by the patron, the lord bishop of Carlisle, upon the rev. Richard Charles Coxe, M.A. incumbent of archbishop Ten- nison's chapel, Regent-street, London. Mr. Coxe arrived in New castle on Wednesday evening, the 24th of March, and was greeted with peals from the bells of the several churches. The reverend gentleman preached for the first time in St. Nicholas' church on Sun day morning, March 28, and under circumstances which excited the liveliest interest throughout the whole community. The venerable fabric was crowded in every part with a most respectable and atten tive audience, and it was observed that the magistrates and corpo rate officers of the borough were present in more than usual numbers. The vicar took formal possession of the living on Monday, April 12, by demanding, of the churchwardens, the keys of St. Nicholas' church, and by observing the usual formalities. — Local Papers. January 20. — Died, at the Grove, near Durham, aged 78, Eliza beth, relict of Stephen George Kemble, esq. In early life Mrs. Kemble, formerly Miss Satchell, was one of the first actresses of her 238 local historian's [a.d. 1841. day, and was decidedly the greatest favourite ever attached to the Newcastle stage. In almost every range of character she was emi nently successful ; she was allowed to be the best " Ophelia" on the stage, and she was equally excellent in the difficult and very opposite characters of Mrs. Haller, Portia, Nell, Beatrice, Cowslip, Cicely Homespun, &c. Her remains were interred on Thursday, the 28th, by the side of her late husband, at the Nine Altars, in Durham Cathedral. — Local Papers. 1841, (Jan. 24.) — Sunday afternoon, during a heavy squall of wind, then veering to the E., accompanied by a severe drifting fall of snow, the schooner Mariner, of Perth, which had sailed from the Tyne on Friday, the 22nd, made her appearance again at the bar, and, as is too frequently the case in such emergencies, to escape from the danger of Tynemouth rocks, she kept too far south and ran upon the Herd. The steamer Advance attempted to approach the schoon er to render assistance ; the sea at this time was dashing half-mast high over the vessel, when a sea swept the decks of the steamer, putting out her fire, and carrying two men overboard ; one was got back, but the other, George Goolbck, was drowned : he attempted to swim to the schooner, and approached near to her, but there the crew had taken to the rigging, and no one could throw a rope to the perishing man, whose yells and cries in the agonies of death were audible to the crowds of spectators on both sides of the river, but his appeals were all in vain : he evidently had been accustomed to swim, and buffeted for some minutes with the furious sea ; nature at last became helpless, his piercing cries became less audible, and he sunk to rise no more. Meantime this disaster was enacting, the South Shields life boat was speedily manned, and proceeded to the Herd ; the crew of the schooner were taken from the rigging, and soon after landed safe in the harbour. The schooner was afterwards got off the Herd and brought into the harbour. — Ibid. An attempt was made in Sunderland churchyard, on Thursday night, January 28, to exhume the corpse of a female which had been interred there the day previous. The parties who made the attempt were fired at by a son of the deceased, who had kept watch. The shot grazed one of the party (a young man a surgeon in the neigh bourhood), who did not, however, receive any serious injury. He was assisted by two or three other persons. — Ibid. January 29. — This morning, about one o'clock, a fire broke out in the naptha-manufactory of Mr. Thorburn, at the Felling Shore, on the Tyne, near Gateshead, and the premises were nearly destroyed. The fire originated in the accidental ignition of the naptha, through the incaution of a workman. — Ibid. a. d. 1841.] table book. 239 1841. (Feb. 1.) — Monday, a fire occurred at the house of Mr. Ralph Simpson, innkeeper, Dinnington, Northumberland, which was com pletely burnt to the ground. It was supposed to have originated from a candle being left inadvertently too near some bags in an upper room by some of the junior members of the family, where it soon communicated with the thatched roof, and was instantly in a com plete blaze ; but by the spirited and manly exertions of the inhabi tants the fire was prevented from spreading to the adjoining houses. — Local Papers. February 6. — The Gateshead Observer of this date has the fol lowing : A young woman, travelling from Sedgefield, was stopped by two men, who submitted to her consideration the highwayman's al ternative — " her money or her life." The girl preferred the surren der of her money, amounting to fifteen shillings, three of which she begged might be returned, having borrowed them from a neighbour. The thieves complied with her request, and she proceeded on her way. Shortly afterwards, hearing footsteps behind her, she hid herself by the road-side, nor ventured out until some time after the sound of footsteps had died away. Then, quitting her concealment, she took refuge in the nearest cottage ; where, on examining her money, she found that the robbers had given her sovereigns in mistake for shill ings ! It is supposed (says our informant), that the men had dis covered their blunder, and were in pursuit of her when she hid her self in the ditch. A severe snow storm prevailed at this period, during which the rivers Wansbeck and Blyth were visited by flocks of aquatic birds. On Saturday, Feb. 6th, at the High Pans, North Blyth, Mr. Wil liam Curry shot a swan, which was 5 feet long, and (from tip to tip of the wings) 8 feet broad. The length of the neck was 2 feet 10 inches. The weight of the bird, 281b. Great numbers of geese and ducks were also shot at and near to Cambois. — Local Papers. February 7. — A black Newfoundland dog made its appearance in Hylton, in the county of Durham, having come, it is supposed from some place near Newcastle. He entered the house of a poor woman and sat down by the fire ; and she, alarmed by his angry looks, re treated, leaving behind her a gown which she had been mending, and which he seized and tore into fragments. He then proceeded to the stable of Mr. Johnson, innkeeper, and was shut in. The damage he did there, in a short space of time was incredible. He destroyed all before him — and was at length destroyed himself. — Hid. February 8. — An inquest was held at the Star and Garter inn, South Shields, before Michael Hall, esq. on the body of Sarah Maddison, aged eight years. It appeared, from the evidence ad- 240 local historian's [a. d. 1841 duced, that the deceased lived with her mother, (a widow), her aunt, three sisters, and a brother, in a small room in a court near the bottle works. The principal employment of the fa mily was to pick or tease oakum, and before they went to bed on Friday night, the oakum they had been working at that day was hung about the room, and spread on the floor, to dry, so that it might be delivered the next day. About five o'clock on Saturday morning one of the girls got up, made on the fire, and went to bed again, and it is supposed that a spark from the fire had ignited the oakum, as the family was shortly afterwards alarmed, and, on start ing from their beds, they found the room in flames. In the confusion they could not find the key of the door, and some minutes elapsed before the neighbours were able to break it open, when they found the whole of the family severely burnt. Through the kindness of Mr. John Martin, agent to the Bottle Works, a room was imme diately provided to which the poor sufferers were speedily removed, and medical aid procured. The deceased died about eight o'clock on Sunday evening. Three of the other children were not expected to recover. The fire was soon extinguished, and little or no damage was done, except to the furniture, which was destroyed. The jury, after hearing the afflicting details, returned a verdict of accidental death. — Local Papers. 1841, (Feb. 8.) — Monday afternoon, the body of Mr. John Win- gate, of Newcastle, who had been missing for six weeks, was found in the Team, near Dunston ; and on Tuesday, an inquest was held be fore Mr. Michael Hall, coroner, at the Low Team public house, when there being no evidence to show how he got into the water, the jury returned a verdict of " Found drowned." Previous to the body being found, a remarkable instance of the sagacity of a Newfoundland dog, belonging to the iron works near the place, occurred. For two or three days before the body was found, the animal had been observed running to and from the place to the iron works, barking and howl- ling each time, but no one was induced to follow it. At length it was supposed the dog was mad, and in consequence it was shot, and in about an hour afterwards the body was discovered, when the cause of the poor animal's excitement was made apparent. — Ibid. February 9. — Tuesday, the line of railway from Stockton to Har tlepool was formally opened by the directors of the company and their friends. About half-past twelve, the gentlemen took their seats in two trains ; each consisting of a very beautiful new locomotive, with one elegant first-class, and two second-class carriages. On starting they were much cheered. They proceeded along the Clarence line, and by the Norton Junction, until they arrived at the Billingham a.d. 1841.] table iiook. 241 Junction, where the new line leading from Hartlepool commences, and which is about three miles distance from Stockton, and about nine miles from Hartlepool, the distance between the two towns by the railway, being about twelve miles. On various parts of the line the trains stopped, and the gentlemen inspected the works ; par ticularly the viaduct, which is thrown across a piece of marshy ground called the Greatham Bottoms. The viaduct is about half a mile in length, and contains ninety-two arches ; they also inspected the sev eral bridges and other erections. At Greatham, the party were re ceived with immense cheers. A band of music was in attendance, which was taken into one of the carriages, and accompanied them the remainder of their journey, playing enlivening airs. On various other parts of the line as the trains passed, they were saluted with cheers, and numerous colours were hoisted on various eminences. A little before two o'clock, the trains arrived at the Middleton station, at the south side of Hartlepool, where they were received by a num ber of friends. Soon after three o'clock the party again took their seats, and about four they arrived safe at the Stockton station, from whence they started, and where they were again saluted with the cheers of a numerous assembly. The day was favourable for the season, being fair but very cold, and the ride on the railway one of the most pleasant, as regards scenery and prospect, in this part of the country. On leaving Stockton, and after passing the junctions, a beautiful view is presented of the villages of Billingham, Cowpen, Wolviston, Middlesbro', and Seaton Carew, a distant view of the Cleveland hills, and of a great part of the river Tees, the towns of Redcar and Coatham. The country is particularly open, there being scarcely an intervening hill for many miles to obstruct the prospect. On proceeding north, a fine view of the villages of Old and New Stranton on the west, and of the mouth of the river Tees and of the open sea on the east, is presented. There are few embankments on the line, and being a complete level, its claims as a passenger line, both on account of safety and pleasure, are very superior. — Local Papers. 1841 (Feb. 19.) — Friday, about 10 a.m., a fire broke out in the ship building yard of Messrs. J. and C. Alcock, at Sunderland. The flames soon communicated to a quantity of soft wood and other mate rials, and to the bow of the brig British Queen, which was repairing, and shortly assumed a terrific appearance. Several fire-engines were brought and put into operation, there being a plentiful supply of water from the river, and also from the gas-works. After burning about three hours it was thoroughly extinguished, having effected damage to the timber and materials in the yard to the amount of vol. v. 2 I 242 local historian's [a.d. 1841, about i?800., and to the above-named vessel, to the amount of about i?400. — Local Papers. 1841 (Feb. 19.)— A new life boat, built by Mr. John Cambridge, Hartlepool, for the Tees Bay Life Boat society, was put afloat near the pier at Hartlepool, and tried in the presence of several of the com mittee of the above society and other gentlemen. She was filled with water, and a crew of eighteen men, and every way equipped, the plugs being drawn, she freed herself in 45 seconds, leaving three inches free. It is calculated to hold 20 more hands before the water would be brought into the ceiling. Several gentlemen went out to sea in the boat, and pronounced it to be one of a superior kind, and answering their most sanguine expectations. — Ibid. |N the night of Friday, the 19th of February, 1841, the magnificent and princely family mansion of the marquis and marchioness of Londonderry, at Wyn- yard Park, in the county of Durham, was almost entirely destroyed by fire. Two of the Wynyard watchmen, as they were going their usual rounds about half-past eleven p.m. first observed the fire issuing from a staircase window situated between two flues, which conveyed heat to both the chapel and the conservatory, im mediately adjoining each other. The men lost no time in giving the alarm, and all the domestics, consisting of twelve persons, were roused from their beds. The flames, however, spread so rapidly that before any assistance could be rendered, the whole interior of the chapel was in flames ; it was unfinished, and contained a quan tity of dry wood, shavings, &c. ; it communicated on the east with the large picture gallery, and on the south with the large drawing room, in both of which directions the flames spread with furious ra pidity. A fire engine which was kept on the spot was brought out, but in consequence of the water pipe leading from the hall to the fish pond being partially frozen, it was some time before the engine could be made available. A messenger was speedily dispatched to Stockton for the engines, which arrived about two o'clock, and other engines arrived from Thornley, &c, and another messenger was sent to alarm the inhabitants of the surrounding villages of Wolviston, Billingham, Norton, Thorp, &c, &c. numbers of whom, together with many of the inhabitants of Stockton, and a party of police soon arrived, and rendered every assistance in their power. In the meantime the do mestics and persons in tho immediate neighbourhood, finding their efforts to extinguish the flames useless, proceeded with incredible ex ertion to save as many of the valuable moveables as possible, and they fortunately succeeded in saving all the plate and books, most of A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 243 the valuable pictures, a quantity of bedding, carpets, furniture, glass, &c, and two fixed superb mantle pieces, valued at =£"1,000 each, which in being torn down received but little injury. As soon as pos sible the fire engines were got to play, but the flames having then gained a complete ascendancy, it was found totally impossible to check its progress. The flames communicated from the picture gal lery to the dining room on the south, from thence to the conserva tory on the west, and to a suite of rooms consecutively leading to each other on the east, and subsequently to the butler's pantry, still room, &c, &c, beneath, and to the bed rooms and other apartments above. About 4 o'clock in the morning the whole of the above named, together with several other apartments, extending to about two-thirds of the building from the west end, were enveloped in one entire mass of flames. The operations of the engines were then direc ted to the preservation of her ladyship's suit of apartments on the east, at the extreme end of which the kitchens, stables, &c, &c, are situated and which are separated from the other part of the house by a strong party wall, the whole breadth and height of the building. This attempt was fortunately successful, as the part in question suffered but little from the fire, though it received some damage from the engine pipes, &c, the wall having proved a sufficient barrier in arresting the progress of the flames. A short time afterwards a great part of the roof fell in, and coming in contact with the huge iron grinders on which the floors rested, and were upwards of a ton each, broke and displaced several of them. By 7 o'clock the fire be came exhausted, having destroyed at least two-thirds of the building, of which nothing but the bare walls remained. It would be impossi ble to particularize the immense quantity of valuable articles of furni ture, &c, which fell a prey to the flames, but we may mention the several rich glass chandeliers, together with some immensely large mirrors, and beautiful stained glass windows, with numerous exquisite works of art in statuary and paintings, amongst which were portraits of queen Anne, George III., and queen Charlotte, and the whole of the Tempest family pictures, not any of which were saved. The con servatory contained a number of camelias, 15 feet high, and a fine specimen of the. Norfolk Island pine, together with 25 large orange trees, in full growth, formerly the property of the empress Josephine, with a number of other rare and choice exotics, all of which were to tally destroyed. The damage was estimated at upwards of .flSOjOOO. By what means the fire was produced, is altogether unknown ; at first it was supposed to have originated from the flues, but this was subsequently deemed to be impossible. The staircase in which the fire was first seen, was situated between two flues, one leading to the 244 local historian's [a.d. 1841. chapel, and the other to the conservatory, but the flues, which were of metal, were encased in the wall, having apertures for the emission of heated air. The fire place from which the air was heated, was so con trived, as to prevent the possibility of a spark escaping, being situated below the surface of the ground. The person who had charge of this fire visited it about 11 o'clock on the night of the occurrence, and found the fire to be very low. The gardener also visited the conser vatory nearly at the same time, and examined the flues and the ther mometer, and considered all was right, which was only about an hour before the flames burst out. The site of this mansion was formerly occupied by a hall of the same name, which was the residence of the late sir Henry Vane Tempest, the father of the present marchioness of Londonderry, and had long been the seat of that distinguished family. Soon after the noble marquess became united to the family, the former hall was razed to the ground, and the erection of the one now destroyed, commenced, as appears from the following inscription engraved on a brass plate, and set in the base of one of the columns at the front entrance : — " This Mansion was erected by Charles Wil liam Vane, third Marquis of Londonderry, and the first Earl Vane of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, G. C. B„ G. C. H., K. S. G., K. S., K. R. E., K. B. E., K. T. S., &c, &c. ; and by Anne Frances Vane, Marchioness of Londonderry and Countess Vane, who was sole heiress to all the collieries in the county of Dur ham, belonging to the Vane and Tempest families, inheriting the same from her father, sir Henry Vane Tempest, Bart., who married Anne, Countess of Antrim. The building was commenced in Decem ber, Anno Domini, 1822. The whole of the stone of this fabric was brought 26 miles from the quarry on the family estate, at Penshaw colliery. — Philip W. Wyatt, Esq., architect." From the above it will be seen that the late hall had been upwards of nineteen years in course of building, and it was approaching fast towards completion, being expected to be finished in about another year. — Local Papers. 1841 (March 13). — About half-past seven o'clock in the morning of this day, Saturday, as a woman named Gibbon, residing in Union- street, East Smithfield, Stockton, was lighting her fire, she sprinkled a little gunpowder on the fuel, and put a little more in the flue of the oven for the purpose of cleansing it. The pot which contained the powder, she incautiously placed in front of the fire, a spark from which caused an instant explosion. The ceiling of the apartment was blown up, the doors and windows completely shivered to pieces, the stone sill cracked, and the bricks in the wall forced from their position. The operator had her face severely burnt, and was blown or carried, she knew not how, into the street, while her little girl, a.d. 1841.] table book. 245 who was dressing herself in one corner of the room, escaped unhurt. — Local Papers. MELANCHOLY accident occured at Cowpen col liery, north pit, on Monday, the 15th March, 1841,w by which four men lost their lives. The pit had not been worked for about twelve years, the machine having then been burnt, and the pit laid off in conse quence ; but the colliery having been taken by new lessees, prepara tions were making to work it again. A new engine and en gine-house had been erected, and the workmen were employed in walling the shaft, and the pitmen and sinkers in clearing away the old materials. This work was in progress at the time of the accident; and the shaft was walled to within seven feet of the top. At about 1 p.m., the masons quitted the cradle, or hang ing stage, and were replaced by their assistants, who began to clear the sides of the shaft for another course of stone3. While thus employed, the old materials suddenly came away in a body ; and so large and heavy a mass of wood and rubbish, falling upon the cradle, forced it downward. The cradle, was connected with a sort of gin or capstan to raise or lower it — a " crab " as the pitmen call it — which in the ordinary progress of the works, was pre vented from " running off" by a pall or cow. But this check was broken by the sudden jerk which followed the fall of the materials, and the crab ran backwards with great velocity — the cradle, at the same time rapidly lowering, till it fell upon the " brattish " — a par tition dividing the shaft into two parts. There were five persons on the cradle; four of whom were precipitated to the bottom of the shaft, and (no doubt) killed. The fifth to his astonishment escaped. He had seized the sling in his descent; and after the cradle was smashed on the brattish, he found himself lying on a portion of the wreck, in imminent peril of falling. He cried aloud for help, and a rope was lowered ; to which he attached himself, and was rescued. The sufferers were: — 1. Joseph Wright, aged 37 on the day of the accident. He left a wife and three children. 2. Francis Reay, who left a wife and five children. 3. James Reay, who left a wife and six children. 4. Stephen Heron, unmarried. William Heron, the res cued pitman, was the brother of Stephen, and had a wife and young family. He was wounded by the falling materials, but not seriously. The bodies were not recovered until the following Thursday evening. From the first there were no hopes of the men being recovered alive, and it was necessary to secure the shaft properly, before any person could descend with safety. An accident, attended with so great a loss of human life, never having occured at this colliery on any previ- 246 local historian's [a.d. 1841. ous occasion, the event made a peculiarly deep impression on the workmen and the public ; and the funeral, which took place on Satur day the 20th, was attended by hundreds of the inhabitants. — Local Papers. 1841 (March 15.) — Washington church, near Gateshead, was bro ken open during the night, and the iron-chest containing the parish registers removed. — Hid. March 16. — About six o'clock in the morning, the Syren, lying at the Limekiln-shore, near Newcastle, took fire, and sustained consider able damage before it was effectually extinguished, — Hid. About the middle of this month, a hive of bees, the property of Mr. Robt. Marshall, of Branxton, near Coldstream, left the hive, and whilst Mr. Andw. Rankin was observing their proceedings, they lighted upon his back, when an attempt was made to sweep them off, but did not succeed. Mr. Rankin was then obliged to strip off his coat, and being well skilled in the management of bees, he immedi ately dived amongst them with his fingers and caught the queen bee, which he returned back to the hive, and in an instant the whole swarm were quiet, and he did not receive a single sting. — Hid. March 17. — Wednesday, died at Silver Hill, Ravensworth, near Gateshead, Mrs. Margaret Richardson, aged 102 years. She had lived in one house for the last 70 years, and could read without spec tacles within a week of her death. — Hid. March 22. — Died in London, at the Commercial Coffee rooms, Lower Thames-street, Christopher Tate, sculptor, of Newcastle-upon- Tyne, much and deservedly regretted. Mr. Tate had long been in a declining state, and in November, 1 840, he sailed from the Tyne for Malta, with the flattering hope of recovering his health, but be coming gradually worse, he returned to London with the Liverpool steamer, where, after lingering for about a fortnight, he sank into an early grave. His talents as an artist were of a very superior cha racter. His first great effort was the royal arms which grace the tympanum of the theatre in Grey-street. It is allowed to be a work of great merit, and would not disgrace the chisel of a more ex perienced artist. For some time prior to hi3 leaving Newcastle, he was engaged upon a full-length statue of his grace the duke of Nor thumberland, intended to be erected on the area in front of the Mas ter Mariners' Asylum at Tynemouth. He had made considerable progress with the figure at the time of his departure, and the likeness was generally allowed to be exceedingly accurate. The state of his health was such as to render it imperative on him to leave his work unfinished, in order to proceed to a warmer climate. He took his departure from his friends, alas ! never to return ; and to those who A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 247 knew him, nothing is left but the melancholy consolation to be de rived from the remembrance of his distinguished talents and many amiable qualities. He left a wife and family to mourn his loss. The statue of the duke was finished by Mr. R. G. Davies. — Local Papers. 1841 (March 23). — Wednesday night, the spontaneous combustion of a quantity of oats, set fire to a stable in the West-row, Stockton, occupied by Mr. Charlton, bacon-merchant. Two horses were res cued, though nearly suffocated ; and the flames were extinguished before the arrival of the engines, (which, however, were brought without delay. — Ibid. March 24. — At her majesty's levee, John Ridley, esq., mayor of Newcastle, and James Archbold, esq., sheriff, were presented to her majesty by Mr. Ord, M. P. when the mayor had the honour of pre senting a congratulatory address from the corporation on the birth of the princess royal. — Ibid. March 25. — During the night of this day, Thursday, a man named James Robinson, a joiner, who was confined in the "lock-up" at Stockton, for examination on several charges of felony, committed in the counties of Durham and York, made his escape in rather an ingenious and workmanlike manner. It appears that he had been confined in the " lock-up " for two days previous to the Thursday evening on which he escaped : on that day, Henderson, the officer, who had been living in the rooms over the cells, removed from his habitation, and the house was left untenanted, save by the prisoner, who seems to have been fully aware of the fact ; for, regardless of noise, he had, during the night, pulled down the fire-place, which was in the cell where he was confined, and worked a hole through the wall with the bars. He had then made his way into the lobby, where he unlocked the front door, and walked off without molestation. — Ibid. About this time, John Briggs, formerly a gamekeeper to the late earl of Durham, was standing near to the Stanhope and Tyne rail road ; and seeing a child in danger of being run over by a train of coal-waggons, he rushed forward to snatch it from impending destruc tion. He succeeded in that object, but one of his feet getting fast below the lip of the rail, he could not get himself clear before the train came up and passed over his leg, mangling it so dreadfully that amputation was necessary. — Ibid. March 29. — Monday, died, about Lilswood, Hexhamshire, Robert Stokoe, schoolmaster. For many years he acted in the capacity of overseer, parish-accountant, will-maker, &c. He was well known in those parts as an eccentric character. When walking his hands uniformly rested on his feet, and his entrance into the mar ket-town of Hexham, on a justice-meeting day, (for the purpose of 21-8 local historian's [a.d. 1841. conferring with the bench,) was alike amusing and imposing, there being an odd contrast between his big mind and little person, espe cially when his honour was mounted on his well-known ass. But Robert's session is now over, and he is gone to his account. — Local Papers. 1841 (March 30). — Monday, that important national undertaking, the Great North of England Railway, was opened by the directors, the shareholders, and a limited party of friends, travelling the entire distance from Darlington to York, and back, previous to the railway being opened to the public, which took place on the following day. On the evening of Monday, rain fell rather heavily, and by no means " gave token of a goodly day to-morrow." At sunrise, however, on Tuesday, every unfavourable appearance had departed, the sky was bright and almost cloudless, and a dazzling sun mounted gloriously into the heavens. The directors had determined to avoid all confu sion in the trip, and the number of tickets issued was limited to share holders and a few of their immediate friends. This doubtless re strained the excitement which would otherwise have prevailed ; and probably not a few felt disappointed at the exclusive character of the arrangements. A band or two paraded the streets of Darlington during the morning, and the bells of the parish church sent forth many a joyous peal. The time fixed for the starting of the trains was 9 o'clock. About an hour previous to which, parties of ladies and gentlemen began to arrive at the temporary station, situated at the Bank Top, and they entered particular carriages, according to the colour of the tickets. No crushing or crowding took place ; on the contrary, a number of seats were reserved for the accommodation of individuals who were expected to join the trains at the principal stations. Three engines only were called into requisition on this oc casion, viz., the Wensleydale, which preceded the trains as a pilot- engine : the Ouse, a passenger engine ; and the Leeds, a coupled engine, intended for drawing heavy loads. About half- past nine, the engines were attached, and a buzz of anticipated motion was audible for a moment. The Ouse was fixed to the first class train, containing seven carriages ; and the Leeds to the other train, which comprised fifteen or sixteen carriages, mostly of the second-class description. At twenty-five minutes to ten, the first train moved off, and was fol lowed in the course of five minutes by the second. Three cheers were given as they started, and a band played some enlivening airs. Crowds of people lined the road through which the trains passed ; the dis- crceter portion occupying every advantageous rising ground, while many of the younger persons, with less easily gratified ambition, climbed the stems of trees, and sought a tomporary abode in the A.D. 1841.] TA RLE BOOK. 249 branches. The trains arrived at York at a quarter to one, having gone the distance, 44| miles, in little more than three hours, being, on the average, about fifteen miles an hour, including stoppages, some of which were of rather tedious duration. At York, the trains join ed together, entered the spacious yard of the station, amidst the cheers of the inhabitants who crowded the city walls. Here a sump tuous luncheon was provided at the expence of the York and North Midland Company, for the directors of the North of England Railway and a select party of friends, in the new refreshment room, at the station, which on that day was opened for the first time. At half- past two o'clock, the trains proceeded on their return to Darlington. The first train consisted of twelve, and the second of eleven carriages. Shipton was reached in about twenty minutes, and the trains, which were impelled at a moderate pace for the purpose of affording the passengers an opportunity of viewing the country, continued their progress until they reached the Alne station, where they waited for a short interval. The bridge which crosses the Easingwold road, and which is an oblique one of three arches, was built by the Messrs. Welch, of Gateshead, under the superintendence of Messrs. J. and B. Green, of Newcastle, and was thronged with people, and indeed all the adjacent ground. This was also the case at the Sessay station, which the trains reached at four o'clock. Northallerton was reached at a quarter to five, and the Darlington terminus, where a temporary station had been erected, at a quarter to six o'clock — the distance, forty-five miles, being thus completed in three hours. The proceed ings throughout were characterized with strict order and regularity, the greatest pleasure was evinced by all parties, spectators as well as those who took part in the excursion, and many were the wishes expressed for the future and complete success of this great trunk of communication between the north and the south. — Local Papers. 1841 (March). — This month, Mr. Benjamin Green, of the firm of Messrs. John and Benjamin Green, of Newcastle, received a vote of thanks from the Institution of Civil Engineers in London, for a paper, accompanied by eight illustrative drawings, on arched timber viaducts, on the laminated principle which Messrs. Green have so successfully employed in the stupendous viaducts of the Newcastle and North Shields Railway. — Ibid. This month, an organ was erected by voluntary subscription, in the parish church of Haughton-le-Skerne, in the county of Durham. — Hid. About this period, captain Jones, of the brig Sovereign, of North Shields, was presented by the French minister of marine, with a gold medal, in acknowledgement of services rendered by him, in the vol. v. 2 k 250 local historian's [a.d. 1841. month of April, 1840, to the crew of a French schooner, when on the point of sinking in the Gulph of Lyons. — Local Papers. 1841 (April). — The Sunderland Herald records the following: — "On the 1st of April, 18.'J5, the wife of Mr George Ormston, grocer, High-street, in this town, gave birth to a daughter. Exactly two years after, on the 1st of April, 1837, she produced another daughter ; and two years afterwards, viz. ; on the 1st of April, 1839, she again presented her husband with a girl. The thing had now become so regular, that on this occasion Mr. Ormston informed some friends, who had mot to drink the young lady's health, that if they would call on him that day two years, they should have a similar pleasure. This promise came to the lady's ears, and in order that her lord and master should not look like " an April fool," she obligingly gave birth to another daughter, on Thursday, the 1st of April, 1841. Few parents can celebrate the birth of four living daughters on the same day." About this time a dog made its appearance at Ray, in the parish of Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland, and in the course of 12 hours it bit 27 sheep, on that and the neighbouring farm. It was detected in the act, and killed. Subsequently nearly the whole of the bitien sheep died, and almost all in a pitiable state of madness. Two sheep belonging to Mr. Jackson, of Langley, near Durham, died towards the close of the month, in a rabid state, from the effects of the bite of a mad dog. — Local Papers. April 2. — A fire was discovered in the dwelling house of Mr. John Hunter, straw hat maker, at the head of the Manor-Chare, Newcastle, about half past seven in the morning. Sub-Inspectors Mason and Robson, of the police, were promptly on the spot, and having obtained an abundant supply of water on the premises, suc ceeded in extinguishing the fire, without doing much damage. — Ibid. April. 7.— In consequence of the opening of the railway between Darlington and York, a material alteration of the times of the arrival and departure of the mails, came into operation. On the above day the mail from Darlington arrived in Newcastle at half-past 1 o'clock, bringing the London letters and papers of the previous evening, in the short space of sixteen hours and a half after leaving the Euston Square station ; thus effecting a saving of no less than twenty -three hours in the time of conveyance from the metropolis. — Ibid. April 8. — A distressing and mournful suicide was committed at Trewhitt North Moor, near Rothbury, Northumberland, by Mr. Henry Boag, relieving officer to the Board of Guardians of the Rothbury Poor Law Union. An inquest was held on the body, be fore Thomas Adams Russell, esq. at Low Trewhitt, on the Monday A. D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 251 following, when, from the evidence given, it appeared that some cir cumstances which had occurred, in connection with the situation of the deceased, had preyed much upon his mind, and threats which had been used that he would be watched, and if possible punished, pro duced such an impression on him, that on the night of Tuesday the 6th, after there had been a stormy meeting of the Board, he had never slept, but wandered about his room in great distress. The next day he had gone to Elsdon in the performance of his duties, when he saw the archdeacon of Northumberland, of whose kind feelings he afterwards expressed himself very warmly. On his return from thence he wrote a long letter to the clerk of the union, from which the fol lowing are extracts : — " My Dear Sir, — I do not see how I can get out of this business. The Rector and Charlton will appear against me, Mr. Pye owns with having got the money up to the 25th December, 1839, and it appeared that I have carried the sum on in my books for three quarters more. I declare to my Maker that I was not conscious of it ; the way we keep the books one can never see how the money stands. I declare \ am innocent ; the only thing I regret is in leaving my poor little children. I fear they may become chargeable to the township. Give my regards to Sir John Walsham, Mr. Orde, and all my friends. I am sure Sir John and Mr. Orde would do me justice. My eldest daughter is 18 years of age, and therefore can do for herself; the boy about 13 years ; the next girl goes to her aunt, where she will be well off ; the next is a little darling, clever boy, six years old ; the next about 3 years, but poor little fellow he is not right in his mind ; the youngest is 1| years. I hope some of my friends will assist them. All the furniture in my house belongs to my poor mother, except a mahogany table, which belongs to Mrs. Staward, of Rothbury. You have been one of the best friends I ever met with. I regret leaving William Forster and his brother, and many, many dear friends. I will pass quietly out of the world. I am writing in as good spirits as ever I did in my life. I am per fectly reconciled to my fate ; I have nothing to fear. I expect I am a good Christian. I have paid Charlton, of Tod Hill, £2 2s too much. You will see Mrs. Pye's acknowledgement. I will leave everything in the Union chest that I have. You will find the accounts right to the 25th March. 1 see no use in undergoing the trial on Monday, because all I can say or do is, that it was a perfect mistake on my part — not intentional. 1 am perfectly innocent. I would not on any account have the Rector or Thompson, the curate, to bury me. I do not care where I am buried : I am perfectly happy, and trust prepared to die. I will trust to you and William Forster to look after the furniture belonging to my mother. I am glad my brother is out of the way. I am, my dear Mr. Woodman, very sincerely your's, " Henry Boag. "I have slept as sound as a top all last night." 252 local historian's |a.d. 1841. The next morning he added some unconnected sentences to it, and after makins: some arrangements, left his house on horseback about two in the afternoon, and was seen to look earnestly back towards it. He left his horse at Warton, went to two or three places, till about six in the evening, when he had gone to a hovel upon Low Trewitt estate, which was formerly his own property, and from whence he could look down upon the house where he had spent the greatest part of his life.* He then swallowed an ounce of laudanum, after which he wrote in pencil the following upon the back of a letter : — " I have taken about a wine glass of laudanum at the shed on Trewitt North Moor. God bless you all except the rector and George Selby Thomp son. It is getting nearly dark — 1 die at peace with all mankind, ex cept the above. I will lay down quietly to sleep — it is so dark I cannot see to write — God bless you all — good night." He had after wards strangled himself with a rope fastened to the lintel. The jury found a verdict of Temporary Insanity. The remains of Mr. Boag were interred on Monday at Alnwick church, and were accompanied to their last resting place by a great number of the Guardians of the Union and his other friends, who voluntarily attended to testify the respect they entertained for him, who while living, alike in his pros perous days, as in adversity, had gained the good opinion of all who knew him, whether rich or poor. — Local Papers. 1841 (April). — A great improvement was completed during this month in the approach and entrance to the Galilee in Durham Cathe dral, preparatory to the resumption of the Sunday evening lectures in that beautiful chapel. The ground was levelled, a neat gravel walk formed, and a shrubbery planted, while the door-way at which the congregation were previously admitted was built up, and a more spa cious — in fact the original — entrance, under an ancient arch a few yards to the westward, was opened out. The lectures were commen ced on Sunday evening, April 11, on which occasion the service was performed by the rev. Professor Jenkyns. The sermon was preached by the Dean. — Hid. April 12-13— Easter Monday and Tuesday, the following anni versaries and festive meetings of various societies were held. Newcastle. — The members of the various courts of the Ancient Order of Foresters, in the district, made a grand display. In the morning, they assembled in Gateshead, and having formed into a line commenced marching down the High Street and into Newcastle. The procession presented a striking sight, whether considered in Mr. Boag entered his own death in the register book, before he left his home for the hist time ! A. D. 1840.] TABLE BOOK. 253 OLD HOUSES, Union Street, Newcastle, 1845. relation to its numbers or the many artistic aids which had been called in : there could not have been less than 700 individuals present at the outset, and this number gradually increased to more than 1000, all of whom were decorated tastefully by garments costly and attrac tive, according to the degrees of those who wore them. Almost every court had its emblematic banner, formed of rich materials, with bright and varied colours ; and the effect was rendered complete by the presence of three respectable bands of music. After passing the Quayside and along the New Road, the procession moved on to St. Thomas's chapel, where divine service was performed by the rev. C. Hall and the rev. Rd. Clayton. On leaving the chapel, the vast body assumed the original form, and paraded through other of the principal streets to the Sandhill, where the national anthem was played, and the members then proceeded to conclude the festivities of the day at their respective courts. Although the procession neces sarily extended to a great length, and, throughout its whole course was attended hy crowds of lookers-on, the most perfect good order was everywhere maintained. The juvenile Rechabites of Newcastle also paraded through the town, and afterwards partook of tea, &c. The inmates of the Royal Victoria Asylum for the blind, partook of an excellent repast of tea and cakes, on Easter Tuesday, provided by the kindness of J. W. Williamson, esq. of Whickham. At South Shields, on Monday, a number of the Independent Order of Free Mechanics, dressed in the uniform of their order, with 254 local historian's [a. d. 1841. bands of music, flag?, &c, marched in procession through the princi pal streets. The anniversary of the Fidelity Lodge, held at the house of Host Craig, was similarly celebrated on the same day ; and on Tuesday the various courts of the Ancient Order of Foresters went in procession through the Market-place and other streets of that town, with numerous flags, banners, and other emblematical designs, and a band of music. North Shields. — On Tuesday, the Teetotallers and the members of the different Rechabite tents of that town and its neighbourhood formed themselves into a procession and walked through the principal streets. Besides male adults, there were a great number of female teetotallers and about two hundred boys ; the Foresters also held their anniversary, — the various courts belonging to South Shields headed by their officers, with flags, &c, attending on the occasion, and many of them dining with their North Shields brethren. The Teetotallers, Rechabites, Foresters, Odd Fellows, and other kindred associations of Alnwick, Blyth, Darlington, Chester-le-Street, Corbridge, Hexham, &c, availed themselves of the Easter holidays to hold similar festivals. — Local Papers. 1841 (April 13). — Between six and seven o'clock in the morning, an explosion of fire damp occurred about two miles within the pit at Whitley colliery, near North Shields, by which Mr. Clavering, the underviewer, and Wm. Study, overman, were severely injured — the former so much that he expired on the following day. Happily the explosion was not very extensive, or many lives might have been sacrificed, as above 120 men and boys were at work in the pit at the time. — Ibid. April 15) — Thursday, a melancholy case of stabbing occurred in Newcastle, which terminated fatally. The person whose life was thus suddenly cut short was John Donkin, nged nineteen, Ihing with his father in the Back-lane, Gallowgate, in that town, and was an apprentice with Mr. Henry Robson, shoemaker, Eldon lane, Percy street. On the forenoon of the above day, the deceased was at work in his master's shop, where three other workmen were employed namely Henry Stokoe, Thomas Heppel, and William Cattermole. At this time there were also throe strangers in the shop, named Robert Oxley, Fenwick Chambers, and a man named Cruddace. Wm. Cattermole, one of the workmen, about thirty years of age, was a person of weak intellect, and was most shamefully made the object of joke and " fun " by his fellow workmen, and by those who came about the shop. During the morning Cattermole had been teased by a person named Pattison, who had taken his watch from under the seat on which he sat and where he usually hung it, which, on being a. d, 1841.] table book. 255 missed, caused him to be uneasy ; he was then sent out of the shop on an errand, and during his absence the watch was replaced, which on his return pleased him. Shortly after this, a person took Catter- mole's cap off his head, put it into a pail of water and threw it back to him, but this offensive conduct did not seem to disturb him much, as he said nothing, but dried his cap by the fire and again put it on his head, A little before noon, whilst they were all at work, the deceased, Donkin, suddenly snatched off Cattermole's cap again, and tosssd it across the room, upon which Cattermole raised a shoe he had in his hand to strike Donkin but restrained the blow, on which Donkin rose from his seat and Cattermole quickly seized a knife on Donkin's seat and stabbed him on the thick part of the thigh. Donkin exclaimed " Oh dear ! " and Cattermole resumed his work without either party saying anything further. The blood gushed from the wound, and Donkin becoming faint was assisted by Hepple and Chambers, whilst Henry Stokoe went for Mr. Turner, a surgeon. On the arrival of Mr. Turner a little spirit and water was given to Donkin to restore him from his faintness, and, at Mr. Turner's desire, Mr. Heath, surgeon, was also sent for, who soon after came, and the bleeding was stopped by tying up the main artery. The wound, which was about three inches deep and one and a half inches broad was dressed, and Donkin was put to bed in the house of Mr. Robson, his master, where he continued till Saturday, when he was removed home to his father's house. Cattermole then went to dinner and pursued his work as if nothing had happened. On Saturday night, inspector Little having heard of the occurrence, apprehended Cattermole and took him to Donkin's bedside, when Donkin said, the prisoner was the person who stabbed him, upon hearing which, Cattermole replied " you were plaguing me at the time," and deceased answered " it was not me, it was the others." Mr. Turner attended to Donkin's wound, and he appeared to be doing well till Sunday, when mortification took place and he expired on Monday morning. A coroner's inquest was held on Monday evening before Wm. Stoker, esq. and a respectable jury, when the substance of the foregoing facts was deposed to by several witnesses, who also stated that if the prisoner Cattermole had not been plagued and tormented they did not think he Would have done any person harm. The evidence was briefly summed up by the coroner, and the jury returned a verdict of " Manslaughter against Wm. Cattermole," who was thereupon committed to Gaol. Cattermole was tried at the Newcastle Summer Assizes, found guilty, and sentenced to one month's imprisonment, with hard labour. — Local Papers. J.841 (April 16.) — A hawk, urgent in pursuit of a sparrow, up the 256 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a. d. 1841. High-street, Wooler, Northumberland, came with considerable force against a man. Nothing daunted, he continued the chase. The sparrow took refuge in a back-room, through the shop of Mr. Rob son, merchant, eagerly followed by his pursuer — who, finding out his mistake, endeavoured to make his retreat ; but, unluckily mistaking the window for a thoroughfare, he was captured. He proved to be a fine specimen of the Sparrow Hawk. The more fortunate sparrow was set at liberty. — Local Papers. 1841 (April 17). — Two splendid windows of stained glass, executed by Mr. Wailes, of Newcastle, were placed one on each side of the pulpit of All Saints' church in that town. A full length figure of St. Peter is represented in the north window, above which are the corporation arms, and on each side are the coats of arms of eleven subscribers. That on the south represents St. Paul, and is similarly adorned as the former by eleven other coats of arms, that of the Corporation of the Trinity House being placed at the top. The style is masterly, and reflects the highest credit on the artist. — Ibid. OLD HOUSES, Head of the Long Staira, Castle Garth, Newcastle. Removed 1823. CHAPTER XII. | HE new church at Tynemouth, erected from the plans and under the direction of Messrs. John and Benjamin Green, architects, of Newcastle, was opened for divine service on Sunday morning, April the 18th, 1841. Prayers were read by the rev. G. Hills, and a very appropriate sermon was preached by the vicar, the rev. Christopher Reed. After the sermon, a collection was made towards liquidating the debt on the church, which is in the form of a cross, with a tran sept at the north and south sides, and a chancel at the east end, be yond which is the robing-room. The length of the church, including the chancel, is 81 feet ; and the breadth 41 feet, exclusive of the tran septs projecting 9 feet on each side beyond. There is a tower at the west end, surmounted with a spire, the apex of which is 95 feet high from the ground. The style of architecture is of a late date, viz. that which was prevalent in England about the time of Henry VII. and shortly previous, having the perpendicular character in the sub-divi sion of the windows, and other features to mark the style. The whole of the sittings are on the ground floor, amounting to about 500 in number, and of these 250 are free. There is space also for the erection of a gallery when one may be required. The seats are painted in imitation of dark oak, and portions of them are shaded in a manner to represent carved-work, and the pulpit, reading-desk, and altar-table all correspond. The east window contains some neatly- stained glass, including representations of the heads of the four Evangelists, surmounted by their names on scrolls. The building is well lighted, warmed, and ventilated, and has a chaste appearance inside as well as out. The Misses Clark and Miss Hutchinson, of Toll-square, North Shields, defrayed the expense of fitting up the altar-table, pulpit, and reading-desk. — Local Papers. vol. v. 2 L 258 local historian'^ [a.d. 1841. 1841 (April 19.) — A melancholy explosion attended with an ex tensive loss of life, occurred about one o'clock in the afternoon of Monday, at Willington colliery, belonging to Matthew Bell, esq. M.P. and partners, situate about midway between Newcastle and North Shields, when thirty-two poor fellows were suddenly hur ried out of life, whilst only three out of thirty-five who were down the pit at the time were saved. The first intimation of danger was a tremendous noise accompanied by a dense cloud of smoke issuing from the shaft mouth, and a violent shock in the neighbourhood re sembling what might be supposed to proceed from an earthquake. This noise was heard at a great distance and in every direction, and produced alarm throughout the neighbourhood which was but too painfully realized when the melancholy news had spread amongst the friends and relatives of those who were employed in the pit. The accident happened in the " Bigge Pit," which is one of the new workings, the pit having been for a considerable time closed and the work in it having only been recently resumed. The workino-s are, therefore, comparatively, not extensive, the east headway running 220 yards, and the west headway 280 yards, while that to the north is even much shorter. The shaft is sunk to the depth of 140 fathoms, the High Main Seam being passed through, and the workings of the Bensham Seam fairly carried on. As soon as the dismal reality was known, relatives, and all in any way connected or sympathising with those engaged in the work, were drawn to the spot, manifesting in every look and action the dismal anxiety, the gloomy foreboding, or the intense sorrow, with which the occurrence had overwhelmed them. Two men — Michael Ranson and Henry Dunn— and George Charlton a boy, all sinkers, were employed at some distance in the east head way, and were made sensible of their danger by the dust and wind which came upon them. Fortunately, the after-damp was spent, and they reached the shaft without being injured ; there they found that stones and wood-work at the bottom were torn from their places and had fastened the cage, but, after much labour, they were rescued from their perilous position and conveyed to the top in safety. With out loss of time, and .with a readiness which, while it bespoke their feeling and displayed their courage, a body of workmen descended and commenced their melancholy work. The labour, exhausting though it was, was continued unremittingly, until the bodies of the thirty-two sufferers were recovered. Amongst the number, obtained in the earlier part of the search, were three, who, though much man gled, were yet alive : they were immediately conveyed to where the most judicious assistance could be afforded, but they shortly after wards died in excruciating agony. In another part of the west head- a.d. 1841.] table book. 259 way lay three men, completely dead, one of whom was dressed, and had his night-cap stuffed in his mouth ; the others had a part of their clothes on ; and it is accordingly presumed that these unfortun ate men, aware of the peril they were in, had ventured on an attempt at escape. Twenty-nine bodies had been obtained on Wednesday the 21st and in the course of Thursday the remaining three were found. Two horses, in the northern division, were also found, quite dead ; and in the same direction where the three survivors were, was found an old pony, which, though nearly starved, was unhurt. The stable was burnt down, and an unknown amount of other injury effected. Many of the bodies were in a sound state indicating that their death had been the result of suffocation. In the majority of cases they were mutilated, and presented a sight truly appalling ; in others, the falling of the stones and props which were wrenched from their places by the devastating power, had so completely disfigured them, so bro ken every bone and muscle, that the coffins had to be sent down, to prevent limb falling from limb, while being conveyed up the shaft. Part of the sufferers were decently buried on Wednesday and Thurs day, but the last sad rite remained to be performed over several after the inquest was concluded. How or where this calamity originated must ever remain matter of speculation. The seam which was being worked was the same as that in which the accident at Wallsend happened, and is generally spoken of as being attended with greater risk than the other seams. Those about the pit, and who, though interested, might be considered the most competent judges in the matter, positively stated that no apprehension of danger existed in the mind of any one — that, on the contrary, perfect confidence pre vailed, and was justified by the care and labour which had every where been bestowed. The solution put forward as the most pro bable, and as supported by concurrent testimony, was, that the whole Was attributable to the neglect of a poor little boy, a trapper, who left the trap door in the north headway, to which it was his duty to attend, to play with two other boys close by. It is essential that these doors be shut, except at the very moment when the putter is passing, and in the present instance, it was supposed the boy propped open his door, that it remained thus for some time, and that the necessary ventilation was thereby prevented. — Local Papers. 1841 (April 22). — The various works of St. Paul's chapel, West- gate hill, Newcastle (the foundation stone of which was laid only on the 1 5th May, in the preceding year,) being now completed, one of the opening services was solemnized in the chapel, according to previous announcement, on the above day, Thursday, on which occa sion, prayers were read by the rev. H. W. Wright, M.A. incumbent 260 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a.d. 1841. of St. John's, assisted by the rev. W. Maughan, and an impressive and appropriate sermon was delivered by the rev. R. C. Coxe, M.A. the vicar of that town, from 1st Chronicles, c. xxix, v. 5, " Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord." The situation selected for the chapel is peculiarly favourable, being in the centre of an increasingly populous district ; the building is isolated, and is surrounded by a spacious plot of ground for a cemetery, form ing a most suitable place of sepulture, and very ornamental to the neighbourhood. The building contains three galleries, and with the pews on the ground floor, contains about 700 sittings, upwards of 100 of which are free. The pews on the ground floor are placed upon an inclined plane, which affords the greatest possible advantage to the congregation, both for sight and sound, and the pew backs throughout the whole chapel are fixed in a sloping position. — Local Papers. m ¦BHII I ¦III I ^ „ Ii ???# Hit St. Paul's Chai'el, Newcastle. 1841. — At the second levee for the season, held by the queen at St. James's palace, on Wednesday April 28, Richard White, esq. mayor of Sunderland, accompanied by alderman Thompson, M. P. and Andrew White, esq. M. P. presented an address of congratula tion from the corporation of Sunderland, on the birth of the princess royal. — Ibid. A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 261 1841 (May 2). — The anniversary of St. Mark falling on Sunday, the mayor, aldermen, and councillors of the borough of Morpeth pro ceeded on Monday the 3rd, to ride the boundaries of the common for the first time since the passing of the Corporation Reform Bill. After the ancient custom of riding the marches had been accom plished, they partook of a cold collation, served up by Mr. Thos. Crawford, in his tent, on the ground. Afterwards the boundary plate, a silver cup, was run for, six horses starting, and was won, after three severe heats, by Mr. Pearson's mare, the Queen. A Handicap plate of £5 was next contested, and carried off in two heats by Mr. R. Crawford's Grace Pyle. Lastly, a cart trapping was run for by cart horses, which was won in two heats by Mr. Brady's horse Chance. — Local Papers. May 5. — The successful winning of Framwellgate Moor colliery, which had been an object of great interest to the inhabitants of the city of Durham, (within two miles of which it is situated,) was com pleted on the above day, Wednesday, when the first regular and direct transmission of coal to the place of shipment — the drops of the Stanhope and Tyne Railway company, at South Shields, was effected. A cargo of capital coal — some of the best ever shipped from the southern bank of the Tyne — was on that day sent down by the railway, which communicates, by means of a bridge thrown over the river Wear, a short distance above Finchale priory, with the Durham Junction Railway, and subsequently with the Stanhope and Tyne, after re-crossing the Wear by the Victoria bridge. The wag gons, decorated by handsome flags, were accompanied by the agents of the colliery, to the shipping drops, where they arrived, after a trip of thirteen miles, performed in a very short space of time, a few minutes before two o'clock ; when they were met by a party of the directors of the Northern Coal Mining Company and their friends. The vessel destined to receive the first cargo of the valuable mineral was appropriately enough called " The True Briton," — a circum stance which some regarded as a favourable omen of a long course of uninterrupted prosperity to the new colliery. The coals were shipped with extraordinary celerity, amidst the repeated cheers of the spectators on the drops and on board the vessels lying at the staiths, which all mounted their colours in honour of the event. — Hid. At the court held in Buckingham palace on the 8th day of May, 1841, present the queen's most excellent majesty in council, it was ordered, that the parish of Pittington, in the county of Durham, be for the future divided into two separate parishes for Ecclesiastical purposes. The one part containing the township of Pittington, and the north-western portion of the township of Sherbum to remain 262 local historian's [a.d. 1841. attached to the old church ; the other part, comprising the remaining portion of Sherburn township and the whole of Shadforth township to be assigned to the new church of Shadforth, and to be named " St. Cuthbert's District," Shadforth. — Lon. Gazette. 1841 (May 10). — A Grand military review took place on the town moor, Newcastle: the 98th regiment of foot, commanded by colonel Campbell, were presented with new colours. After the artillery, a troop of dragoons, and the 98th regiment, had gone through a variety of evolutions, the colours were consecrated by the rev. W. Dodd, and presented by gen. Napier. The gallant general addressed the regi ment at some length. The first colour was the queen's, and the next was the regimental colour, which was to the regiment what the queen's colour was to the British army. The general concluded with these words " Col. Campbell, use your colours, and stand by them." There were several hundreds of persons present on this occasion to witness the ceremony, besides numerous carriages with ladies and gentlemen, and what with the fineness of the day, combined with the steady and perfect discipline and noble appearance of the troops, there had not been seen such a splendid military spectacle on the town moor for several years previous. In the evening a grand ball and supper were given in the assembly rooms by the officers of the 98th, to upwards of 230 ladies and gentlemen of distinction in the town and neighbour hood. Among the company were general Napier, general Grey, col. Ellice, col. Coulson, the right worshipful the mayor, &c. &c. The ball was led off by Mrs. Grote and capt. Edwards, and dancing was kept up with great spirit until a late period. Both the new colours decorated the ball room, and were hung out over the orchestra ; and three large shields, called " Blazing stars," composed of bayonets and ramrods, with a crown painted in the centre and the number of the regiment attracted much attention, from their splendid and novel appearance. — Local Papers. May 17. — As some workmen were employed in a quarry on the Kirkharle estate, Northumberland, they discovered a worm, about three inches long, and half an inch thick, embedded in the solid free stone. After exposing it to the air for three or four minutes, it died. —Ibid. May 18. — Sir Jacob Astley, of Melton Constable, in the county of Norfolk, and of Seaton Delaval, in the county of Northumberland, Bart., was summoned to the house of peers, by the name, stile, and title of baron Hastings, he being one of the heirs of Sir John de Hastings, Baron Hastings, who was summoned to and sat in parlia ment in the 18th year of the reign of king Edward the first. On Monday the 2nd of June, his lordship's tenantry on the Seaton A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 26'3 Delaval estate, and some of their friends dined together in cele bration of the event, at Mr. Reay's, the Queen's Arms, Seaton Sluice, John Jobling, esq. of Seaton lodge in the chair. — Local Papers. 1841 (May 20.) — Pursuant to ancient custom, the right worshipful the mayor of Newcastle, John Ridley, esq. accompanied by several members of the council, the master and brethren of the Trinity house, and the stewards of the incorporated companies surveyed the bound aries of the river. About seven o'clock in the morning, the corporation and Trinity barges, accompanied by two or three steam-boats, and several minor craft, left the quay and proceeded to Shields, where they landed and partook of refreshment. The procession returned to Newcastle quay about one o'clock, and soon again started for Hed- win streams, having gathered in their trains several small boats, beau tifully decorated and painted, from whence they returned about nine o'clock in the evening. Boat races and other amusements took place at the King's Meadows according to announcement. The first prize, for four- oared gigs, of five sovereigns, given by the mayor of New castle, to the first boat ; was won by the Saint Agnes, beating four others, the Simon Danson second. Second prize, of three sovereigns, given by the master and brethren of the Trinity house, for the first coble, and one sovereign for the second, bona fide the property of licensed pilots. Four cobles started, and the prize was won by No. 76,— No. 69, being second. Third prize, for four-oared gigs, three sovereigns, given by the river committee of Newcastle, for the first boat, and one sovereign by James Archbold, esq, sheriff, to the second boat ; was won by the William Bennett, the John Ridley second. The number of boats was not very great, though the scene was kept alive by the ringing of St. Nicholas' bells and the firing of cannon from the castle, and the different manufactories on the river. The greatest good spirit and harmony prevailed. During the firing of the castle guns some ignited wadding fell upon the roof of a stable immediately below the castle, attached to the Two Bulls public house, and found its way into the loft, where a fire soon broke out, which, for a time, had a very alarming appearance. The loft and a part of the roof of an adjoining brew- house, with a quantity of straw, were completely destroyed, but by great exertions, and the application of water by buckets obtained on the premises, the fire was prevented from extending to the adjoining stables and property, otherwise the damage must have been consider able. Three engines were promptly on the spot, but there was a delay in procuring a supply of water from the fireplugs.— Ibid. May 20. On the evening of this day, great excitement was crea- 264 local historian's [a.d. 1841. ted in consequence of an influx of water in the colliery on Chatton moor, near Belford, worked by Mr. Stephen Dryden, the workmen then engaged in it (four in number) were unable to reach the shaft of the mine ; and it was not until noon on the following day that the water could be sufficiently reduced to admit of their being released from their perilous situation. Fortunately no injury was sustained, except a very slight accident to one of the pitmen. — Local Papers. At a convocation holden on Saturday, May 22nd, 1841, the scheme of the ecclesiastical commissioners for England, for the further endow ment of the university of Durham, was laid before convocation and received the approbation of the house. The scheme is drawn up in pursuance of the intentions and engagements of the late bishop Van Mildert, and in accordance with the previous resolution of the Eccle siastical commissioners, to make certain arrangements with respect to the deanery and canonries of the cathedral church of Durham, with a view to maintaining the university of Durham in a state of respect ability and efficiency. The following are the principal provisions of the scheme : — " The office of Warden, upon the first vacancy, is to be attached to the deanery of Durham ; the present warden receiving 500?. annually during his incumbency. " A canonry in the cathedral church is to be attached to each of the professorships of Divinity and Greek. The present professor of Mathematics is to be appointed professor of Mathematics and Astronomy, with an annual salary of 700?. " When the office of warden shall be annexed to the deanery, the salary of 500?,, paid to the present warden during his incumbency, is to be applied to found a professorship of Hebrew and the other Orien tal languages. " In addition to the six fellowships, already founded by the dean and chapter, there are to be founded eighteen fellowships, making twenty- four such fellowships in the whole. Two of such eighteen fellowships are to be founded on the 29th day of September, 1841, and the same number in each year until the year 1849 inclusive. Eight only of the twenty-four fellows who have exceeded the age of 23, are allowed to continue laymen. The law fellowships are tenable for eight, the clerical for ten years. They are to be of the annual value of 120/, the ten senior clerical fellows receiving 150?. " Candidates for fellowships must have been admitted to the degree of B. A. in the university of Durham, and are to be elected according to the regulations now in force, or such other regulations as shall be duly made for securing the election of the most meritorious candidate, regard being always had to moral character as well as to learning. a.d. 1841.] table book. 265 " The fellowships are to be vacated by marriage or Ecclesiastical preferment. " Towards providing the funds for making these payments, all the estate and interest now vested in the Ecclesiastical commissioners, in the lands, &c, formerly assigned to the deanery and the eleventh canonry of the cathedral church of Durham, (all tithes being excep ted) are to be vested in the warden, masters, and scholars of the university of Durham ; and when it shall become necessary, further provision is to be made for granting such additional endowment as may appear to the Ecclesiastical commissioners necessary for making up the deficiency." — Gent's. Mag. , .,,,,,;.,.;. a 1841 (May 23).— Died, at Sandhoe house, IjL : .v :.'! Northumberland, Edward Charlton, esq. IhR.v.-'.v'.'SI universally regretted by a large circle of IRfnimh. :J ''r'enc's ana acquaintances. Mr. Charlton PkjBsS^vI was educated at Douay College, from whence li^lh S ^"e went to Paris, and then returned to his fflir E na',vc country, where he lived to the ago lifflt"'- '••¦''¦'¦'¦•••i °^ ^* ^'iS funeral took place on the 31st "3 : I a* me Catholic cemetery in Hexham. The ; liiP^is^ road was crowded with spectators waiting ^yy^^^ to witness the melancholy procession. The funeral was (at his own request) privates none being present save his near relations, tenants, and servants. Many of the neighbouring gentry sent their carriages, being anxious to pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of one so justly esteemed by them. Several of the shops in Hexham were closed ; and immediately after the ceremony was ended at the Catholic chapel, the bells of the church rang a muffled peal to the memory of him who had been a friend of all. His hospitality and generosity were proverbial. The widow, the orphan, and the afflicted, never applied to him in vain, and no one ever left this world more generally beloved or more sincerely lamented. — Hid. May 24. — Monday, being the anniversary of the birth of her Majesty the queen, was observed in Newcastle with all the honours due to the day. The bells of the several churches rang merrily, and the vessels in the river displayed their rich and varied colours. At 12 o'clock, a royal salute was fired from the castle guns, and a troop of the N. N. V. C. assembled on the Sandhill, under the command of adjutant Woods, and fired a feu de joie. The mayor, the sheriff, several of the aldermen, and a number of the gentlemen of the council assembled in front of the Guildhall, and at the conclusion of the firing, the mayor proposed health and long life to her majesty, vol. v. 2 m 266 local historian's [a.d. 1841. which was drunk with three cheers, the band playing the national anthem. The Sandhill was crowded with the populace, and the windows commanding a view of the scene were filled with spectators. In the evening, the mayor gave a splendid dinner at the Assembly Rooms, when eighty gentlemen sat down, the mayor in the chair. Mr. J. Lamb and Mr. J. Archbold, sheriff, officiating as vice- presidents. Similar demonstrations of loyalty were manifested in all the principal towns and villages in the district. — Local Papers. 1841 (May 24.) — The new bridge over the river Tweed at Mertoun was opened to the public. So great had been the inconvenience and so numerous the accidents which had occurred in consequence of the want of a bridge at this part of the river, that the erection must prove of the greatest benefit to the inhabitants of that particular district, and to the public at large. — Hid. May 26. — A fire broke out in the house of Mr. William Telford, of Bankhead, near Crosby, on Wednesday morning, at about one o'clock. The family had all gone to bed, but being alarmed by the barking of the dog, they got up, and fouhd the house in flames. They succeeded in getting the children (four' in number,) out of bed ; and through the assistance of the neighbours, most of the furniture was saved, though in a broken state. Their wearing apparel was nearly all consumed ; and in less than two hours, nothing was to be seen but the walls, and portions of them fell into a state of ruin. — Hid. Thursday, the Newcastle-upon Tyne improvement bill was read a third time and passed in the house of commons. — Ibid. May 29.— Saturday, a sad accident occurred at Derwent Crook colliery, near Gateshead, the property of lord Ravensworth and partners. Between four and five o'clock in the afternoon, the men connected with the works at bank were sitting in the engine-house taking their " allowance," as is customary on a Saturday afternoon, when they became suddenly aware that the boiler was exploding. They had but a moment for flight. The body of the boiler, weighing about four tons, became separated from the bottom, and was lifted entirely over the engine-house, alighting on the opposite side. Mr. Michael Almond, engineer to the colliery, while making his escape, was caught by a large detached portion of the bottom plate, which, falling upon his shoulder, severed his arm from his body, tore the flesh from his side, and took off one of his legs. He expired in a few moments. There were nine others more or less injured. A young man, named Young, died on the following Monday from the effects of the falling stones and steam ; and there were two others, named Morpeth and Ford whose recovery was doubtful.— Hid. a. d, 1841.] table book. 267 1841 (May 80).— Major Cruikshank and Mr. Wilkie of Lady Thorn, had a most miraculous escape on their way from Lady Thorn to Holy Island. As they were driving a phaeton across the dangerous sands between the mainland and the island, they got into one of the quicksands, but for the extraordinary exertions made by the country people, who were on their way from church, a most distressing catastrophe must have ensued, as it required the exertions of nearly forty men to prevent the disappearance of carriage and horses, and with great danger the two gentlemen regained their footing on solid ground. Fortunately, beyond the destruction of the harness, no se rious mischief ensued. — Local Papers. May 31. — Died at Morpeth, at the advanced age of 103, Mrs. Jane Storey. — Ibid. May 31. — Whit-Monday, the foundation-stone was laid of the new Roman Catholic Church, at the north end of Stockton-upon- Tees. The procession started from the residence of the rev. Joseph Dugdale, at half-past 1 p. m. The rev. gentleman, headed the procession, bearing the silver trowel ; and was supported on the right and left by the rev. Robert Johnson, of Brough, and the rev. W. Knight, of Hartlepool. Then came the congregation, followed by the revds. J. Brown, W. Fletcher. — Johnson, sen., and J. Bradley, the very rev. W. Hogarth, and the right reverend Dr. Mostyn. Upwards of 2,000 persons assembled together on and around the site of the new church. A bottle, containing a written statement of the circumstances connected with the project, and the names of the reigning sovereign of England and the pope of Rome, with several coins, &c, was deposited in the foundation-stone, and covered with a brass plate, inscribed " A. D. m.dccc.xli." Dr. Mostyn went through the prescribed rite, and explained its object ; after which, he addressed the people whom the ceremony had brought together. He first congratulated the Catholics on the prospect before them of a more commodious place in which to assemble for divine worship. For this prospect they were chiefly indebted to themselves, but they had been warmly seconded in their efforts by their worthy and indefatigable minister. The building would do honour to the congre gation, and would be an ornament to the town in which they lived. He trusted that they would not confine their exertions to the improvement of their place of worship, but would also labour after the improvement of their own hearts, diligently practising the duties of their holy religion, and observing a Christian spirit in their inter course with all men. Addressing himself to his Protestant hearers, Dr. Mostyn explained the doctrines of the Catholic church, and exhorted them, as he had exhorted those of his own faith, to be at al> 268 local historian's [a.d. 1841. times ready to give the right hand of fellowship to persons of a different communion, and to cultivate a liberal and charitable spirit. Suitable prayers having been offered up, the numerous company dispersed. At five o'clock in the afternoon, about 400 ladies and gentlemen, of all denominations, took tea in Mr. Dugdale's garden, and all seemed and expressed themselves highly gratified. The garden was decorated with evergreens, and a band of music on a platform stationed at the extremity. The spot, pleasant In itself, was rendered still more pleasing by the view which it commanded of the river Tees and the country beyond, with the Yorkshire hills in the distance. — Local Papers. 1841 (June 7). — Andrew Hudson of Little Bavington, while work ing in a limestone-quarry, at Cocklaw Walls, in the parish of Thock- rington, Northumberland, the property of Robert J. Shaftoe, esq., found, about two feet and a half below the surface, amongst a quan tity of loose stones, the bones of two human bodies ; one had been a child, the bones of which, on exposure to the air, immediately mouldered into dust. A small urn was found, containing dust, re sembling white ashes. The bones were collected and deposited in Kirkheaton church-yard. — Hid. June 7. — The following are the returns made by the enumerators of the population of Newcastle-upon-Tyne : — District of St. Nicholas, including part of the parish of St. John : 2,957 inhabited houses, 111 uninhabited, 52 building : Population— males 7,558, females 7,503 ; total 15,061. District of All Saints, comprising the whole of Pil grim, Pandon, and Quayside wards, and that part of Sandgate ward which lies west of the Ouseburn : 4,479 inhabited houses, 328 unin habited, 50 building : Population — males 9,203, females 9,779 ; total 18,982. District of St. Andrew, which comprises about five sixths of the parish : 2,655 inhabited houses, 93 uninhabited, 24 building : Population — males 6,102, females 7,222; total 13,324. District of Westgate, which includes Elswick, Benwell, and Fenham : 2,863 in habited houses, 183 uninhabited, 103 building: Population — males 6,627, females 7,158 ; total 13,785. Byker district, including Byker, Jesmond, Heaton, and that part of the parish of All Saints east of the Ouseburn : 2,381 inhabited houses, 157 uninhabited, 22 building: Population — males 5,276, females 5,413 ; total 10,689. Grand total — 1 5,345 inhabited houses, 872 uninhabited, 251 building : Population — 71,841. Increase over the census of 1831 — 16,850. The borough of Gateshead, according to the new census, contains upwards of 19,000 inhabitants, being an increase of about 4,000 during the last ten years. — Ibid. June 7. — On the afternoon, and in the evening of this day, Mon- A.D. 1841.] table book. 269 s^rrfTafc In the Black Gate, Castle of Newcastle. Dee. 1845. day, the inhabitants of Sandgate, Newcastle, and its neighbourhood witnessed such a scene of riot and outrage as had not been exhibited there for several years. A number of the men belonging the 87th regiment, then stationed at the barracks, were drinking at several public-houses in Sandgate, and, early in the afternoon, were attracting the attention of the inhabitants, and, of course, of the policemen on duty. No open rupture, however, took place until somewhere about eight o'clock, when Mrs. M'Gallon, the hostess of the Green Tree, where there were three soldiers drinking, found her company getting so uproarious that, to save her articles from being broken, she called on the police to clear the house. This was effected, with the excep tion of one soldier, who was lying drunk upon the floor, and he was lifted up and assisted into the street, with a view of setting him on his way home. The soldier being seen thus accompanied, gave rise to an idea that he was in custody, and some person called out that they were taking a soldier to the station-house, when five of the corps who had been drinking in the Sun public-house rushed out, and insist ed upon having their comrade ; the policemen, wishing to have the man out of the street, refused, when one or two of the policemen were knocked down, and the others (for by this time they had assembled from different points in the vicinity) took out their batons, and de fended themselves as well as they could. The soldiers struck resolute- 270 local historian's [a.d 18141 ly, both with their fists and their canes ; the populace, now greatly excited, took part with the soldiers, and a regular riot ensued. Very severe blows were received on both sides ; many of the shopkeepers and publicans began to close their shops and houses, and great alarm was manifested. Some of the soldiers became exceedingly outrage ous, and one of them named Marshall, snatched up a window-bolt from a door where a woman, named Matfen, was closing her shop, and struck one of the police, named Simpson, over the head with it, so as to cause the blood to flow profusely down each side on to his shoulders. He was carried into the Glengarry Arms, where Mrs. Dodds washed his wound and putting some brandy upon it, sent him to a room up stairs to rest himself upon a sofa. In the meantime the bolt was secured by P. C. No. 49, and further mischief with it was obviated. Another soldier, named Johnson, snatched a measure from a stall standing by, and laid about him vigorously, and when it was at length forced from him, it was found to be stained with blood. The policemen, however, were not idle, although pressed upon by the crowd, and intercepted in every possible way, they inflicted some heavy blows upon their assailants, some of whom, from the combined effects of the drink they had taken, and the exertions they had made, began to show signs of lassitude, and even of insensibility. When the struggle was at the highest, some friend of the soldiers ran to the barracks, and gave an alarm there that the police were murdering some of their soldiers in Sandgate, upon which a picket, comprising about twenty men, uuder the command of second lieuts. Henry Moore and Egerton Holmes, accompanied by lieut. Jauncey, and assistant-surgeon Inglis, were immediately dispatched to the scene of action, to look after the men and bring them back to the barracks. When the picket arrived they found everything in the greatest confusion, and at length got separated in a crowd of between 5 and 6,000 people, all more or less excited, and shouting, swearing, and screaming in every possible key. Part of the picket went to two or three houses in search of their men, and three were got out of the Sun public-house. Either by mistake or by design, they were told that one of their men was lying at the Glengarry Arms, whither, with some difficulty, from the denseness of the crowd, they forced their way. When they got to the door, they found it bolted, but one of the picket soon dashed it open with his foot, and a portion of the picket, the assistant-surgeon, and a number of the crowd, rushed up stairs, where they found poor Simpson, the wounded policeman, lying. Some of the crowd, who seemed to have a great enmity towards him, manifested a strong desire to add to the ill-treatment he had already received, but Dr. Inglis, much to his credit, remonstrated with them A. K. 1841."] TABLE BOOK. 271 On the cruelty of injuring a wounded man, and they desisted, and as the soldiery were ordered to leave the house, Simpson managed to get away, without sustaining further injury. The search having been completed, the picket was formed into marching order, the crowd clapping their backs and cheering them on the victory they had obtain ed over the police. One or two of the soldiers had the imprudence to wave their sticks in answer to these idle cheers, but this being observed by the officers the sticks were promptly taken from them, and they reached their quarters without further interruption. The excitement, however, was kept up for some time after ; it began to be known that there had been a riot in Sandgate, and between ten and eleven o'clock at night, in the higher parts of the town, it was cur rently reported that four or five men were killed in the affray. As it was, however, Simpson was the most seriously hurt on the side of the police force, and a soldier named Johnson, was so much hurt, that they were compelled to leave him in Sandgate all night. The offen ders were next day brought before the magistrates and fined in va rious sums according to the degree of blame attached to them, and in default of payment were ordered to be committed to hard labour in the house of correction for different terms of imprisonment. In consequence of the complaints which were subsequently made with respect to the disturbance, Major-General sir Charles Napier, insti tuted an inquiry which terminated in the removal of the depot to Hull, their place being supplied at Newcastle by a detachment of the 10th from Hull. — Local Papers. 1841 (June 8). — Tuesday, a trout was caught with the rod, in the Coquet, near Rothbury, by Mr. W. G. Armstrong, of Newcastle, which measured 23| inches in length, and 12^ in girth, and weighed 41b. 7oz. He was taken in fair angling in the middle of the day, and in a state of the water unusually low and clear. The weight and dim ensions are accurately given, having been ascertained and taken by various parties in the town of Rothbury, where the exhibition of such a trout created no little sensation. — Hid. June 9. — Wednesday, as some workmen were engaged in sinking a cellar for the keeper of the canteen at Tynemouth Castle, in that part of the building immediately adjoining the ruins of the abbey; they came in contact with two blocks of stone, which on further examination were found to be two stone coffins, containing bones, skulls, &c, some of which were of remarkable size. — Ibid. < June 15. — A fire broke out early in the morning in the skin yard belonging to Mr. R. Harrison, Stepney Bank, Newcastle, and so rapidly did the flames extend that, notwithstanding every exertion, the whole of the premises were consumed. Three engines were on 272 local historian's [a.d. 1841. the spot, but about an hour elapsed before any of them could be fully employed, and but for their opportune assistance, there was every probability that the adjoining premises would have fallen a prey to the destructive element. The accident originated in the over heating of the oven which was used in the drying and japanning of the leather. — Local Papers. 1841 (June 15). — The West Durham Railway, which was partially opened in the preceding year from the Willington and Hunwick Pits to its junction with the Byer's Green branch of the Clarence Railway, was finally opened to the parliamentary terminus at Billy-row, near Crook, and a number of waggons laden with coals of a very superior quality, from the White Lee, and old Roddy Moor collieries, were passed down the line on their way to Hartlepool. A select party of gentlemen, the friends of the directors, from Stockton, Darlington, and Bishop Auckland, attended to witness the transit of the coals, and were highly interested with the excursion. — Hid. June 18. — The saw-mill of Mr. Welton, South Shore, Gateshead, was burnt down on the morning of this day, together with the dwel lings of some of the workmen. The fire was first seen by one or two keelmen, at about 2 a. m., as they were passing down the river. They gave the alarm without delay, but it was found impossible to save the premises. The property was only partially insured. — Ibid. June 21. — The Newcastle-upon-Tyne Improvement bill, the great north of England railway bill, and the Middlesbrough improvement bills, received the royal assent on Monday. — Hid. June 22. — Tuesday, three specimens of the •common Tope Shark were brought into Cullercoats haven by the fishermen. The largest measured upwards of five feet in length. This species is common in the Mediterranean, but is rarely met with in the British seas. — Hid. June 23. — Wednesday night about ten o'clock, a fire was discov ered in the south-end house of a new range of buildings at the east side of Frederick-street, Bishopwearmouth. The wood work of the house was completed, ready for plastering, and the workmen had been employed in it during the preceding days. The circumstances were such as to leave no doubt that the fire was caused by an incendiary. — Hid. June 28. — The first coals sent down the railway from Wester- ton colliery, co. Durham, belonging to Nicholas Wood and Co., took place on this day, Monday. After accompanying the waggons a short distance down the line, the party returned to Coundon, and sat down to a most excellent dinner at the inn, where the afternoon and evening were spent in a very pleasant manner. — Ibid. A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 273 1841 (July 5). — Monday, a groom, while exercising two carriage- horses near the lower end of Grey-street, Newcastle, was suddenly at tacked by a large dog, which fixed on one of the horses in the most ferocious manner. In vain did the alarmed groom endeavour to get rid of his antagonist. No sooner did he beat the dog down on one side than he attacked the horse on the other ; but all his efforts were ineffectual. Fortunately, at the moment, a policeman came to the spot, who, seizing the crutch of a lame person who happened to be passing, instantly dispatched the dog. It is difficult to account for this extraordinary attack on the horse. The dog, on examination, did not appear to be affected with hydrophobia. — Local Papers. This month, the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the mayor, merchants, and other inhabitants of Stockton, raised it from a fourth to a third class port. — Hid. July. — At the general election held during this month, the re presentation of the Southern Division of the county of Durham was contested by lord Harry Vane, Mr. Bowes of Streatlam, and Mr. Farrer. The polling took place on Friday and Saturday, the 9th and 10th, and the declaration of the poll was made on Monday the 12th. "Shortly before 11, the several candidates and their friends proceeded to the hustings, in front of which a multitude of people immediately assembled. All the candidates were received with cheer ing ; but Mr. Farrer was honoured, in this respect, by a double por tion of encouragement. The sealed poll-books having been produced by the Under-Sheriff, that gentleman retired to cast up the numbers. About twenty minutes afterwards, on his return, he presented the re sults to the High-Sheriff, who then read the numbers aloud, as fol lows : — For Lord Harry Vane, . . . . . . 2,547 For Mr. Bowes, 2,483 For Mr. Farrer, 1,739 Loud cheers and groans followed the announcement of each num ber. The Sheriff then declared lord Harry Vane and Mr. Bowes duly elected to serve as knights of the shire for the southern division of the county of Durham, in the ensuing Parliament. The proceed ings at this election were marked throughout with riot and disorder. This was especially exemplified on the occasion of Mr. Bowes's visit to Darlington on the 28th June for the purpose of addressing the electors. A more imposing spectacle than that exhibited on the honourable gentleman's entry into that town has seldom been witnes sed — the cavalcade, consisting principally of electors, from Wear- dale, followed four and five abreast immediately in the rear of Mr. Bowes, who, with three of his friends, formed the first quadruple car. vol v. 2 N 274 local historian's [a.d. 1841. The following was the order of the procession : — Two gentlemen on horseback. The band playing " See the Conquering Hero comes." The candidate and his friends — about three hundred horsemen, four abreast. A procession of carriages, filled with electors, succeeded by two hundred voters on horseback, each person decorated with blue and white rosettes, love ribbons, &c, the w.'iole graced with a large collection of banners, with a number of mottoes. The procession paraded through the front -street, up Bondgate, down Skinnergate, through Blackwellgate, and round the Market Place, after which they dispersed each to his host house. At two o'clock, Joseph Pease, esq. late M. P. for that division, appeared on the platform in front of the Sun inn, and introduced Mr/ Bowes, and the scene which ensued baffles all description. Stationed below the platform, were a few per sons who commenced hooting, roaring, and bellowing in such a man ner as totally to prevent any below the platform hearing a single sen tence delivered by Mr. Pease, who spoke, notwithstanding the tumult, for about twenty minutes. Mr. Bowes then followed, with a similar result, for the space of half an hour, audible only to those close by him on the platform. After the speaking, the mob hovered about the Market Place and on the High Row, with occasional outcries and the infliction of personal injury until about half-past seven o'clock, when an altercation respecting a ribbon having taken place between two lads, they commenced fighting, when the police interfered, and finding themselves, through their rashness, in an awkward dilemma, struck out most brutually, and one man, well known as a quiet and inoffensive character, by the name of Robson, a butcher in Skinner gate, was struck by a police truncheon, and for some time it was thought he was killed, but he was taken to the shop of Mr. H. Barlow, druggist, and the wound sewed up and dressed, after which he was taken home. A general attack was then made on the police, who were obliged to fly in all directions, with loss of hats, truncheons, &c, two or three took refuge in the Town hall, on which an attack was commenced and the windows smashed unremittingly, until past eleven o'clock, when their destruction being complete, a rush was made to the entrance door, which, after some delay, was broken in, and had it not been for the scheming of some gentlemen in the News Room at the south end of the building, who disguised the police, and smuggled them out by a private door, when the mob rushed in at the north end, they would doubtless have been massacred without mercy. The mob finding that they had escaped, tore up the bar railings, broke the forms and chairs, and committed every kind of outrage. They then formed in parties, and on their way home broke some windows in the upper story of Mr. D. Hampton's house, in the A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 275 Market Place, and made an attack on the Swiss Villa of J. E. Abbott, esq., Grange Road, and broke several windows. The Northern Division of Northumberland was contested by lord Ossulston, lord Howick, and A. J. Baker Cresswell, esq. The poll was officially announced from the hustings at Alnwick, on Monday, July 1 2. Notwithstanding the heavy rains which fell throughout the previous day, the crowds collected in the town were very great, and the numerous arrivals of smartly-dressed females added much to the gaiety of the scene. The successful candidates, attended by a large concourse of people, with two bands and an abundance of flags, came into the Market-place a little before ten. A short time after wards, lord Howick arrived, but displayed nothing like electioneering paraphernalia. All the parties were received with enthusiasm by their respective friends, the ladies at the neighbouring windows appearing to take ' an equal interest in the proceedings of the day. The polling books were cast up in the town- Hall, and at half-past ten the High Sheriff, sir Matthew White Ridley, bart., formally declared the result to be — for Ossulston, 1216 — Cresswell, 1163 — Howick, 1101. The announcement was received with great cheering by the conservatives. — Local Papers. 1841 (July 12). — Monday morning, according to an announcement, a public meeting of unemployed workmen was held in the Forth, Newcastle, and a little after ten o'clock a numerous body of men had assembled, and at various parts of the ground tables were placed, with ink and paper, to set down the names of those persons who were out of work, stating how long they had been so, and the num ber of their families, in order to ascertain correctly the number who were in this unfortunate condition. Not less than 500 mechanics and labourers signed their names, representing about 2000 individuals. A working man, named Condor, having been called to preside, the meeting was addressed by John Morgan, a fellow-labourer, who said that the distress was greater than was generally known, and that as the labouring classes were the producers of every thing valuable in life, so it behoved those who were above them to take into considera tion their present distresses, and thereby, if possible, check the poverty that was daily increasing among them, least they be driven into such a state of indigence and want, as would inevitably lead to results the most painful and lamentable : for it was obvious that if something was not done, and that speedily, they would either have to submit to the bitter pangs of hunger with their families, or else necessity would urge them to adopt other means to support them selves ; but in order to prevent such a state of things, he suggested that a deputation should be chosen to wait upon the right worshipful 276 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a. d. 1841 the mayor and other magistrates, and make their situation known to them, in order that a public meeting might be called to take into consideration their unfortunate condition. Resolutions were then proposed and adopted for this purpose, and after the meeting had been briefly addressed by two or three other speakers, they proceeded in a body to the mayor, who consulted his brother magistrates, and consented that a public meeting should be held in the Guildhall, on Friday the 16th, at twelve o'clock, to take into consideration the best means to be adopted to relieve their present distress, and lead to a revival of trade. On Wednesday evening, another meeting was held at the Chancellor's head long room, Newgate street, at which The South Front of the Newgate, Newcastle, during demolition (1823). Mr. George Julian Harney was appointed to address the workmen, but the room being too small, the meeting adjourned to the street, where Mr. Harney addressed them from a window, for upwards of an hour, and in the course of which he attributed the present state of the working classes to the mis-government of the aristocracy. In accord ance, a public meeting was held in the Guildhall, where it was decided that the sum of 500^. be placed in the hands of the Town Improve ment committee, to be expended in the construction of such works as the committee should deem most useful. As it was intended to afford relief solely through the medium of labour, and in no case to dole out money, it would soon become evident whether the amount of distress was in reality so great as it was stated — an amount which many thought fit to doubt. This 500o(?. was expended in certain improve ments in the Cattle market, and in the road-way of Neville street, effected by the pittance of one shilling per day to each labourer. By the public subscription of more than an equal amount, the committee A. D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 277 were enabled to employ a number of men in draining the Town moor, and cutting down Stepney bank, each of them receiving 12d. and a roll daily. By the end of October the demand for employment had diminished, and the excellent treasurer, Mr. Robert Robinson, notified a balance of a little more than 12^. remaining in his hands, after having expended ,£431. 10s. 7d. in 8411 day's work, 7325 penny rolls of bread, shovels, hacks, spades, and other necessary ex pences. — Local Papers. 1841 (July 19). — Monday, a violent thunder-storm visited Sunder land and the neighbourhood, doing considerable damage. A portion of a potatoe field, near Deptford, the property of Mr. Gordon Black, was completely ploughed up by the lightning. During the storm, the steamer Sun, of Newcastle (with upwards of 200 persons on board, who were on an excursion of pleasure), was proceeding up the river Wear, near Hylton, about four miles above Sunderland, when she struck upon an anchor, and received such damage in the bottom, that she filled with water and sunk. A keel fortunately came alongside, and took the whole of the passengers on shore in safety. — Hid. About the middle of this month, two large oak trees were brought up from the bottom of the river Wear, in Sunderland Harbour, by the excavating machine ; they were deeply embedded in the sand, and were supposed to have lain since the great flood in 1771. The wood was in a state of perfect preservation. — Ibid. July 19. — A great amount of excitement was created in New castle on the above day, Monday, in consequence of report stat ing that Mr. Richard Robson, aged 59, and his son, Mr. George Robson, aged 28, bakers in Clayton-street, had died suddenly in con sequence of improper medical treatment by a quack doctor. They were both suffering from ulceration in their left legs, and the father died at half-past one o'clock on Monday morning, and the son about an hour later. The report of their having been poisoned was strengthened by the remarkable fact, that their deaths took place so nearly together, and that they had but been seriously ill a day or two. An inquisition was held on Monday evening at the Lord Col lingwood inn, before William Stoker, esq. coroner, and adjourned till Tuesday, to allow time for a post-mortem examination of the bodies to be made, which was performed by Dr. Charlton, and Mr. Green- how, and Mr. William Newton, surgeons. On the inquiry being re sumed on Tuesday, the servant of the deceased was examined at great length on the subject of the illness and medical treatment that her deceased masters had experienced. She stated that the old man had been ill of a bad leg for 14 days, and that he had hurt it by drinking. On Friday morning, Mr. Younger, of Rosemary-lane, (a quack doc- 278 local historian's [a. d. 1841. tor who professed to cure every thing) was called in, and he ordered the leg to be bathed in hot water and afterwards plastered and ban daged. The bandage was too tight and was taken off, and was not put on again. Younger gave him no medicine, nor did he prescribe : he told him to keep his bowels open. As the case created a con siderable degree of public observation, we shall briefly give the sub stance of the medical evidence. Mr. T. M. Greenhow, surgeon, said the post mortem examination had been made thirty one hours after death, and that, in his opinion, the cause of death was occasioned by constitutional irritation and fever, arising from local inflammation on the leg. The contents of the stomach were in charge of Dr. Charl ton, to be analyzed. If it had not been for the singular coincidence of the death of father and son at nearly the same time, he should not have had any reason to have supposed anything but natural death. The leg was much swelled, and had the appearance of being affected with erysipelas, but mortification had not taken place. The stomach exhibited a few marks of inflammatory action, but not of a very ex tensive nature ; the vessels were much distended, and the liver and kidneys had the appearance of a person addicted to drink freely. Mr. Greenhow saw no reason to state positively that death was acce lerated by the treatmeat of the leg, but thinks it was improper treatment to bandage it, but would not say that it hastened death. Dr. Charlton made an analysis of the contents of the stomach, and was decidedly of opinion that there was no poison therein. There was a quantity of matter slightly acid, but there was no indication of any mineral or vegetable poison, and the tests usually adopted to de tect the presence of poison had been used. Mr. George Tinn, sur geon, proved that he was called in to see Richard Robson on Sunday night, and found him evidently dying from inflammation in the stomach, accompanied with erysipelas on the leg, the latter caused by the inflammation on the stomach ; but in his opinion they might arise together, without proceeding from each other. He prescribed a mixture and a bolus, and on going next morning he found they were both dead. The coroner observed from the medical evidence the jury would have little difficulty in returning their verdict, which after a brief consultation, was — " that the deceased, Richard Robson had died a natural death." The inquest on the son was next gone into, when it appeared he also laboured under a bad leg, and had been in the habit of taking large quantities of Enouy's Pills, and on Friday he swallowed large doses, the effect of which was violent purg ing. His case seemed almost precisely similar to his father's and it is remarkable that they both attended to their regular work till Saturday evening. As the quack doctor, Mr. Younger, was examined in this a.d. 1841.] table book. 279 case, we give the substance of his deposition. He said he was called in on Friday to attend the deceased, and found there was inflamma tion of the leg caused by taking too grea,t exercise ; there was also ulceration. He ordered the leg to be Washed in warm water, and then he strapped up the ulcer ; this is the manner he treats an ulcer of this kind ; he did nothing else, and gave no medicine. He saw them again on Saturday morning, but as they did not follow his directions, he refused to attend to them any longer ; when he saw them he did not think they were in a dying state. He is a joiner to business, and has practised surgery sixteen years, and gained his in formation from reading, practice, and experience on his own person in various afflictions, but he was never apprenticed to a surgeon or a chemist ; he has cured some scores of bad legs. In reply to ques tions by Mr. Wm. Newton, the Learned Doctor said, in cases of scorbutic ulcers, strapping and fomentations were frequently followed and practised by many of the eminent faculty, but on being pressed to name one by the coroner, he failed to do so. He used tight ban daging to keep the swelling down, and had been successful in a thou sand cases with this practice. The coroner observed to Mr. Younger, that he hoped this would be the last patient he would ever attend, and recommended him immediately to give up the profession of surgery. The jury, after a short consultation, returned, a verdict that George Robson had died from natural causes, accelerated by taking large quantities of Enouy's pills. The melancholy deaths of these two men created a great sensation in the neighbourhood. — Local Papers. 1841 (July 20.) — A lamentable event — the result of unguarded passion — occurred in the neighbourhood of North Shields on the even ing of this day. A party of travelling potters or tinkers were drinking at the house of Mr. Call, sign of the Northumberland arms, the Allot ment, near Backworth ; and having left without paying for portion of the liquor they had, they were followed a few yards from the door and asked for the pay, when one of two men who had been drinking named James Scott and William Macdonald, paid what was desired — sixpence. A quarrel then took place between these men, and they were about to fight, when the wife of Scott, following close behind him, tried to persuade him to desist and go quietly home, but he refused to comply with her request, and he turned hastily round, struck her under the left ear, and she fell dead at his feet. She was then taken into the house of Mr. Call, but she never breathed after being knocked down. Her body was afterwards conveyed to New York, where, at the house of Mr. Tilburn, sign of the Brown Cow, an inquest was held before S. Reed, esq., coroner. Only one witness 280 local historian's [a. d 1841 was examined, whose evidence was to the effect of the details given, and the jury brought in a verdict of — " Chance medley." The husband Scott, who was taken into custody by James Twizell, policeman, at Cramlington, and handed over to Mr. Barron, the superintendent of the North Shields police, was reprimanded by the coroner, and war ned to govern his passion for the future. — Local Papers. 1841 (July). — Towards the end of this month, a disastrous occur rence took place in a quarry, at Lambert's leap, near Newcastle. Two of the workmen were employed in forming a mine for blasting the rock, and one of them left and ascended to the surface to obtain a squib to light the gunpowder, charging the other in the meantime to ram the powder in. It seems, however, that he was not an expe rienced hand, and by some means struck a light on some stones with the instrument he held in his hand, and this communicating with the powder, caused it to explode, throwing him backward and lacerating his head in a terrible manner. He was immediately taken to the In firmary, and hopes were entertained of his recovery. Luckily the rock which had been loosened did not fall on him or he would have been crushed to pieces ; for shortly afterwards an enormous mass gave way and fell with a tremendous crash to the bottom, calculated to weigh at least five tons. The foul air in the place, when the wind blew to the westward, rendered all work (in clearing away the mass) in vain, as the candles were immediately extinguished. — MS. Col. Window in the Water Tower, New castle, 1S45. CHAPTER XIII. l''o ¦' ¦: ¦'p'f (, ¦'-• ¦ ¦•,%'¦.;:•'• , v. ¦-¦ ?.-. BOAT race, remarkable for its extent, took place in the river Tees, on the 22d of July, 1841 , be tween Newport and the Floating Light, and back again, for a sovereign a boat. Seven boats were entered, but only six started. The distance is about 20 miles ; and, from the skill and daring intrepidity of the crews, the most intense interest prevailed. On a signal gun being fired at half past 11 o'clock, the whole flotilla was quickly in motion ; the Water-wag-tail taking the lead, which she kept round the Light and back to the ninth buoy, when she was headed by the Phantom and Sea Nymph, in which position they proceeded to Cargo Fleet, when the Sea Nymph was first and the Water-wag-tail close upon her lee quarter. At Samphire Bats, the Water-wag-tail took the lead again ; a very hard contest now took place between them in beating to windward against an ebb-tide to the head of Middlesbro' Reach, and then having to bear away before the wind. The Water- wag-tail, however, despite of all manceuvering, kept her station, and won by about fifty yards, reaching the vtinmng-post at 35 minutes past two o'clock, thus occupying three hours and five minutes in completing the race. The other boats came in in the following order : The Sea- Nymph second, Phantom third, Wave fourth, (after losing her foremast, in consequence of which she was obliged to step her broken mast afresh, and set a reef-foresail,) Foam fifth, and Breeze last. A great number of other boats were in attendance, and it was acknowledged by all present to be one of the best races ever con tested on the river Tees. — Local Papers. July 23. — Died at Gateshead, aged 100, William Potts. — Hid. July 25. — The new chapel of S. Thomas at Collierly, in the parish vol v. 2 o 282 LOCAL historian's [a. D 1 841 . of Lanchester, was opened for divine service, by license from the lord bishop of Durham. The chapel was filled with most attentive hearers, and not less than two to three hundred could not gain admittance. The chapel, which had been much wanted, was now built by voluntary contributions for the benefit of the mining and la bouring community in that increasing district of the parish of Lanch ester. On the fourth of August following, the church was consecrated by the lord bishop of Durham. His lordship was met at the gates of the church-yard by a numerous body of his clergy and the principal inhabitants of the district. Prayers were read by the rev. Moorhouse Thompson, A. M. Curate of Lanchester, and the sermon preached by the rev. Mr. Jackson, of Ovingham, from 1 Kings 8 chap. 27 verse, to a crowded and respectable congregation, after which a collection was made in aid of the building fund, of £12. 3s. The plate for the communion was presented by sir Thos. Clavering, bart. of Greencroft ; the font by the archdeacon of Durham ; the books by T. E. Charlton, Esq. of Broadwood Hall ; the bell by the Stanhope and Tyne Railway company ; and the ground for the church and church-yard was given by Miss Clayton, of London. On the day after consecration, the first interment in the burial ground took place, being the remains of Mr. Rodgerson, Greencroft collierly, who died on the 2d aged 65. — Local Papers. 1841 (July 25). — While some boys were bathing at the Short Sands, on the north side of Tynemouth Castle, two of them, named Logan and Inness, were taken out of their depth by a receding sea, and would have inevitably been drowned, but for the timely assistance of Mr. Charlton, Mr. Gare, Mr. Edward Wilkinson, Mr. John Blakey, and some other persons from Newcastle, who, throwing off their clothes and plunging into the sea, succeeded in saving them. They were taken to the warm baths, and restored to life after much difficulty. — Ibid. July 27. — Tuesday evening, about half-past five o'clook, the steam- packet Invincible, which plied between Newcastle and Shields, was lying at the New Quay, at the latter place, when James Gregg, a tin ker, came on board very much intoxicated and disorderly, jumping, shouting, and annoying other passengers, and at last he pulled off the top of the hatchway of the engine, for which the master of the boat ordered him to go ashore, but promising to conduct himself in a more becoming manner, he was permitted to remain. The vessel after proceeding on her voyage had not reached further than White hill Point, when Gregg again became more disorderly than before by exposing his person, and assaulting one of the passengers named Wil liam Reay, a sailor, belonging to the Briton, a Newcastle trader, A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 283 which caused a slight scuffle to take place between them ; they, how ever, were speedily separated in this instance without any violence being committed, but a few minutes afterwards Gregg perceiving Reay at the fore part of the boat (Reay having gone there to avoid him) he rushed towards him, and without the least provocation at tacked him, when Reay in his defence attempted to keep him off; but another scuffle ensuing, Gregg losing balance, staggered and fell through the hatchway (which he had previously torn down) into the machinery, which was at the time going, and the crosshead of the engine coming down upon him, crushed him to death. Reay was also dragged after him, but escaped unhurt, the engine being almost im mediately stopped. An inquest was held on the body on the follow ing day, and a verdict of " homicide by chance medley " was returned. — Local Papers. 1841 (July.) — In accordance with the suggestions of a Parliament ary Committee, the dean and chapter of Durham ordered the cathedral (with the exception of the chapel of the Nine Altars) to be open to the public for the purpose of enabling them to view the building, monuments, &c. This regulation came into operation on the 20th of July. During what are termed the six summer months, the Cathedral is open from ten o'clock in the forenoon till five after noon : and during the other six from ten to twelve in the morning and three to five in the afternoon. — Hid. |OR many years past the state of the Abbey church of Hexham has been a subject of reproach to the inhabi tants of the town of the same name, and a subject of regret to contemporaneous writers, who did not hesi tate to point out and denounce the bad taste which could allow this noble building to be deformed by masses of rubbish, and behold its sacred precincts appropriated to the vilest purposes without an effort to rescue it from such degradation. But as it frequently happens in this country, where patient endurance seems to form a prominent feature in the national character, these griev ances though admitted by all, seemed as far as ever from being redressed ; the encroachments which the supineness or indifference of our more immediate ancestry had permitted to be made upon the privileges, and even the decencies of the church, were allowed to remain, and there seemed little prospect that the church would ever be freed from the incumbrances which disgraced it. It fortunately happened, however, that the hand of time accomplished what the literary labourer, and the repeated wishes of the inhabitants had failed in procuring, and certain domestic erections which had borne the shock of public opinion and execration for more than a century, 284 local historian's [a.d. 1841. yielded to the slower, though more certain influence of age. Two of the houses which had so long encumbered and disgraced the eastern front of the Abbey church, becoming ruinous and uninhabitable, were in the month of July this year, pulled down * by their proprietors for the purpose of being rebuilt, and the walls of the venerable building after a seclusion of so many years, once more saw the light of day. It was then discovered that the building at the east end of the choir, which had long been used as a school, at a later period for divers pur poses, and at the present time as a vestry, was in reality the " Ladye Chapel" of the Cathedral of Hexham. Five windows of varying width and much beauty, were exhibited to the astonished gaze, by the removal of the houses in question : when these structures were formed, these windows had been walled up and plastered over, and the houses being built up against them, the east front of the church was made to form the back wall of the houses — the timber of the roof and floors being actually let into and supported by the walls of the Church. It was ascertained by inquiry that it was the in tention of the proprietors of these houses, not only to rebuild them, but to add an additional story to their height, by which procedure not only would the " Ladye Chapel " be again concealed, but the beautiful east window of the Church, which forms such a prominent feature of the town as viewed from the Market-place, be entirely hidden. No sooner were the beautiful architectural features of the building discovered than the interest of the well-informed inhabitants was irrepressibly excited, and a desire became prevalent to procure the permanent non-occupancy of the sites, and, if possible to effect a repair of a structure so long hidden from view — so long appropriated to the vilest of uses. A few of the more influential of the inhabitants having met together, they procured the suspension of operations on the part of the builder, in order to allow the committee an opportu nity of negotiating with the proprietors before he proceeded with the new buildings. A meeting was convened by the secretary, Joseph Crawford, esq., and held in the Moot-hall on the third of August, when Edward Glynn, esq., deputy bailiff being in the chair, resolutions embodying the wishes of the public were passed, the committee fur ther empowered, and the meeting adjourned until the 17th instant, so that that body might be enabled to present a preliminary report. In pursuance, a meeting was held in the same place, J. C. Jobling, esq., in the chair, when a report of considerable length and great interest and value was presented, by which the meeting was informed * Among the rubbish were found a coin of Antoninus slightly broken, and a Saxon styca, of whieh latter so great a number were found in the burial ground some years previous. a.d. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 285 The LADYE CHAPEL, Hexham, as restored by Mr. Billings. that the expence of opening out and restoring the building would amount to a larger sum than had been anticipated, a difficulty occa sioned by the circumstance that an additional house and shop must be removed, which were not contemplated by the last meeting, but which now appeared to be absolutely necessary to give effect to the proposed improvements. In order to throw open completely the front and one end of the chapel it was found necessary to purchase the sites of both the houses which had been pulled down,' and also to purchase and remove two other houses — an arrangement which would throw open to view the whole of the choir to the transept. In order to ascertain the present state of the building at the east end of the Cathedra], and the best means of effecting its restoration, the Committee had entered into arrangements with Mr. R. W. Bil lings, * an architect of undoubted ability and experience. The * Mr. Billings was employed by the Committee to prepare two etchings of the Abbey Church — one representing the chapel as discovered by the removal of the houses, and the other a restored view of the whole structure. 286 local historian's [a. d. 1841. result of his investigation was laid before the meeting in a seper ate report, of which the subjoined extract forms the most important part : — " It appears that the Lady Chapel was built shortly after the church itself, and in the same style of architecture, with lancet win dows, of the same character as those of the choir immediately ad joining. The date of this would be about 1250. These windows were removed at a subsequent period, (about 1500), and replaced by larger windows, in the style known by the term ' perpendicular.' At this period the buttresses against the east end were considerably en larged, in order, as I suppose, to resist an inclination of the east wall to fall outwards, in consequence of the lateral pressure of the roof, from its having no tie-beams. At any rate this is the case at present, if we except a long thin strip of wood backed to the rafters, but which are of little or no use. The wall is now from five to seven inches out of the perpendicular. To correct this defect, by adding tie-beams and king-posts to the roof, or reconstructing it altogether, will require the first attention of the resources after the purchase of the buildings around the chapel. The corbels, upon which the tim bers of the old roof rested, still remain, and the reconstruction of a simply ornamented roof in character with the chapel would be a mat ter of little moment, as the value of the timber in the floor of the school room, which would have to be removed, will materially lessen the cost. It may not be amiss to state, that the expence of restoring the interior of the Lady Chapel will be materially affected by the state of the two windows still uncovered, but, from the nearly perfect state of those already opened, we may conjecture favourably of the remainder." Meanwhile subscriptions towards this desirable object were rapidly increasing, and by the beginning of November, of a sum of about fifteen hundred pounds (the estimated cost of removal-)-), a sum but two hundred short of the required amount had been collected. Subsequently, on the receipt of a sufficient amount, the remaining houses were removed and some slight clearances effected in the face of the chapel, but the fund which remained after this removal did not warrant any attempt at positive restoration, and so late as the 15th of December 1845, when a meeting of the committee was held, the bal ance, though it had undergone a gradual increase, yet proved insuffi cient : a considerable sum however was subscribed at the meeting and f Estimated expence of removal, &c: — Price of the house and shop belonging to Mrs. Armstrong, 3501. Price of the site belonging to Mr. Wright and others, purchased by the Committee, 4301. Compensation for the progress made in the new building, say 201. Price of house belonging to Mr. John Stokoe, offered to the Committee at 4101. Total, 1,5101. A.. D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 287 steps taken to procure a speedy completion of the important improve ments which the committee had long laboured to effect. — Local Papers. 1841 (Aug. 3). — Tuesday evening, two young boys belonging to Stockton, named Robert Sa-ukell and John Armstrong, each about four years of age, were missed by their parents, and many conjectures were abroad as to the cause of their disappearance. At first it was surmised that they had fallen over the quay into the river ; but sub sequently, after a very diligent search had been made, without the slightest trace being obtained of either, the general opinion was that they had been enticed away or stolen. But on Monday the 9 th, all doubt as to the fate of the poor boys was removed ; for about five o'clock on that morning, the body of Armstrong was found in the river ; and subsequently the body of the other boy also. — Ibid. In the small village of Swinburne, situate on the North Tyne, Northumberland, containing twenty-three inhabitants, there were living at this time, eight individuals whose united ages amounted to six hundred and eighteen years ; the majority of whom were follow ing their ordinary occupations. — Hid. Early in this month, a hay stack, the property of Mr. George Dobson, farmer, of Mount Hooley, near Ovingham, was burnt down ; happily from the timely assistance of the neighbours, the flames were prevented from spreading. The fire is supposed to have been caused by some children playing with hot cinders. — Hid. August 5. — A melancholy and dreadful explosion of inflammable gas took place at Thornley Colliery, belonging to sir W. Chaytor and Co., situate about seven miles east of Durham, and close adjoin ing the collieries of Haswell, South Hetton, and other extensive and important mines connected with the trade of the Wear ; which, since its commencement, about six years previous, up to the above date, had been worked with the greatest safety and satisfaction, hav ing always been considered one of the best ventilated pits in the neighbourhood ; and in this instance the unfortunate accident by which eight boys and one man met with an untimely end, could be, with too great certainty, traced to the negligence of one of the boys (a sufferer) by the leaving of his trap-door open. Thornley pit con tains three seams, the first of which is called the five-quarter seam, and is worked at a depth of 85 fathoms ; the second the Hutton seam, of 145 fathoms; and the third (the place where the explosion took place) is at the depth of 1 66 fathoms, and is called the Hervey seam, and up to a few minutes of her taking fire, there was not the smallest reason whatever to anticipate such a lamentable result, and not the slightest danger was apprehended by any one connected with the works. On Thursday afternoon a little before four o'clock 288 local historian's [a. d. 1841. the men at the bank were alarmed by a fierce blast of wind coming suddenly up the shaft, carrying with it thick volumes of smoke and dust, and soon after, the workmen employed at the bottom ascended and gave the alarm that the pit had fired ; upon this the most praise worthy and humane efforts were immediately used by Mr. Heckles, the resident viewer, Mr. Cairns, and other individuals, who disre garding consequences, descended the shaft, in order if possible, to render every assistance to those who had fortunately escaped with life, and endeavour to bring to bank those who had perished un der the devastating power of the explosion. In the mean time, the news of the disaster spread through the village (which is very popu lous), and the pit was soon surrounded by relatives, friends, and others, who were waiting in anxious suspense, to know the extent of the injury. Mr. Heckles and his brave comrades, on descending, soon ascertained the quarter from which the fire originated, viz. the Hervey seam, and in about a quarter of an hour after, such work men as were found unhurt, along with three others who had been severely burnt, were all brought to bank ; but one of the latter (a boy named Jonathan Gardner) died a few hours afterwards. On fur ther examination, it was discovered that the explosion was confined to about 200 yards in the north-west part of the seam, and, as they proceeded, they found in the workings, nine dead bodies, eight of whom were boys, and one man, two of whom had been burnt to death, and the rest had died from the effects of the after -damp. There were also found two horses dead. At the time of the accident there were between 30 and 40 men down in different parts of the mine ; and in the particular district of the fire, between 70 and 80 hewers had just left off working and returned to bank a few minutes before it occurred, and the only man who suffered was Thomas Has- well, a hewer, who on account of being lame, did not go away with his comrades, but while waiting to ride upon the waggons, the explo sion took place, by which he unfortunately lost his life. A boy named Pile, also was thrown down by the violence of the blast, but escaped with only his arm broken ; and a man, a driver, was fortu nately within the tub on the empty waggon, which was thrown over upon him, and his escape was attributed to this singular circumstance as the horse he was driving was killed. Saturday the 7th, an inquest was held on the bodies, before Richard Maynard, esq. coroner for that division of the county of Durham, and a respectable jury, at the Thornton Colliery inn, and after a long and careful investigation of the circumstances connected with the melancholy event, it appeared from the evidence brought before them that the pit generally at all times was considered in a very safe state, being thoroughly ventilated A.D. 1841,] TABLE BOOK. 289 by an up-cast and down -cast shaft ; that the Hervey seam was a new one, and had been worked only since April preceding ; that a trapper boy, named R. Gardner (one of the sufferers), was observed during the day with his trap-door open, and was at the time cautioned ; but that ultimately it is supposed he had fallen asleep with his door propped, by which means a portion of the ventilation of the mine was stopped, and in consequence a quantity of foul air gradually accumulating, had fired at his candle, and caused the explosion. The jury, under these circumstances, after consulting some time, returned the following verdict : — "Accidental death — caused by an ex-plosion of fire-damp, but by what means it was caused could not be disco vered." The following is a list of the unfortunate sufferers : — Thomas Haswell, hewer, aged 42, leaving a wife and seven children ; John Armstrong, putter, aged 15 ; John Gardner and Robert Gard ner, two brothers, aged 17 and 9, one a putter and the other a trap per ; John Graham and George Graham, two brothers, aged 16 and 11, both putters ; Peter Gradon, driver, aged 11 ; George Ord, flat- man, aged 17; and Thomas Hall, putter, aged 17. The coroner having signed the warrants for the interment of the deceased, the whole were buried at Kelloe, the same afternoon. Nearly all the population of Thornley turned out to accompany the funeral proces sion — a melancholy and heart-rending spectacle which it was impos sible to behold without the deepest emotions. The damage sustained in the workings of the pit were very inconsiderable, there being only a few board-end stoppings knocked down, and some other trifling things, all of which were soon replaced, and the mine again restored to a proper state of ventilation. — Local Papers. 1841 (Aug. 5). — Thursday, Messrs. Bolckow and Vaughan, of Middlesbrough, brought their new iron-works into partial operation, when the " rolling mill " was set in action for the first time. One o'clock was the hour appointed, and at that time a great number of visitors were present to witness the start — several gentlemen from Stockton and other places — and all seemed to take a lively interest in the proceedings. About 2 o'clock all was in readiness, and a lump of iron, in a state of fusion ; was conveyed on a proper carriage to the " squeezer," where it was kneaded (as a gentleman observed) " like an old woman working a loaf." This squeezer is of great power and weight — upwards of 20 tons ! Its shape and action may be compared to the head of a huge crocodile ; and some one had humorously chalked an eye on each side, and a row of large teeth on the jaw, which gave it the appearance of a mighty monster chewing red hot iron ! After the mass had undergone this process, it was quickly con veyed to the rollers, when Mr. Vaughan seized it with a proper pair of vol. v. 2 p 290 local historian's [a.d. 1841. pmcers, and passed It through the rollers, amidst the loud and long- continued hurrahs of the whole of the workmen and the company pre sent. It was passed successively through the different grooves of the rollers, till it became a long fine bar of wrought iron. All expressed themselves highly delighted with what they had witnessed, and could not but admire the completeness of the machinery, so far as it was fixed, and the admirable arrangement of the whole of the works. The different departments are so arranged that the huge masses of wrought iron can be moved from one part to the other, for the neces sary operations, and finally shipped at the door, with the greatest facility and economy of labour. — Local Papers. 1841 (Aug). — About the first week in this month, in making some new pits in a tan -yard belonging to John Ridley, at Hexham ; there was found at the depth of several feet, the deposition of centuries, a very beautiful specimen of a silver penny of Henry III. It appears to belong to the earlier period of that monarch's long reign of 55 years, the reverse bearing a voided cross within the inner circle, and four pellets conjoined in each compartment, refers it to a date prior to 1248, when money of a different mintage came into circulation. — J. R. in Gateshead Observer. An Egyptian Goose — a very rare bird in this part of the country — was about this time shot at Wark, on the south side of the Tweed, by Lord Ossulston's gamekeeper. — Local Papers. August 6. — Friday, the Bishop of Durham confirmed 208 young persons belonging to Gateshead, Gateshead Fell, and the chapelry of Heworth, in Gateshead church. Upwards of fifty years had elapsed since there had been a confirmation at this church. — Ibid. August — This month, the spacious premises in Grey street, Newcastle, formerly occupied by the District bank, were purchased by the directors of the Bank of England, with the view of being added to their branch establishment, which immediately adjoined them — Ibid. August 9. — Towards evening on this day, Monday, as three Mid- dlesbro' gentlemen, Messrs. Garbutt, Thompson, and Lunn, were sailing up the river Tees, when near the 9th buoy, the boat unfortu nately upset. They succeeded for some time in holding by the mast head, which was above water, but two of the three attempted reach ing the shore by swimming, and Mr. John Garbutt swam for the north shore, whilst Mr. Jas. Thompson tried for the south side of the river, when both, after struggling for upwards of a mile, disappeared. Mr. Lunn, the gentleman saved, was picked up by the Eliza steam- tug, after clinging to the mast for an hour and a quarter. The acci dent spread the greatest gloom in the neighbourhood, the sufferers a. d. 1841.] table book. 291 being well known, and supporters of all aquatic amusements on the Tees. — Local Papers. 1841 (Aug. 10). — Tuesday, about two o'clock on the morning, an explosion of fire-damp took place in one of the side workings of Har well colliery, co. Durham, whereby a man named Routledge was killed, and five others burnt, two very severely. Routledge was quite dead when found ; the greatest force of the ignited gas having been ex pended on his person : the others being at some yards distance es caped with various extent of injury. — Ibid. August 10.— Died, at the West Wall Cottages, aged 77, much respected, George Brown, schoolmaster. Mr. Brown was an emi nent teacher of navigation, and was well known as one of the first practical mathematicians in Newcastle. He was the author of the Tide Table published in his name for many successive years by Messrs, Mitchell, proprietors of the Tyne Mercury Newspaper. — Hid. August 11. — About one o'clock, a.m. as a man named Bell was passing along the Quayside, Newcastle, on his way to his lodging in the Bigg market, he was accosted by two women standing at the extremity of Blue- Anchor chare, one of those narrow gloomy lanes which traverse that densely populated district. One of them named Donnison craved money, and while talking with her on this subject, Bell heard a slight scuffle further up the lane and moving in the direction of the noise discovered a woman on her back in a pool of blood and wounded on the head. By her, stood a man who asked Donnison to help him to carry her to her lodging, and in lifting her head, Donnison's hands became bloody. Bell ran out for a police man and soon found one, but by this time the man had disappeared. Donnison, however, was taken into custody as she had been found under suspicious circumstances. At the inquests which ensued, the surgeon considered that the wound or wounds had been produced by violence, and the evidence generally was so unsatisfactory, that the jury returned a verdict that Jane Anderson, the unfortunate de ceased, came to her death by a blow on the head, but how or by what means given, there was no evidence to show. Government, however, offered £ 1 00 reward for the discovery and conviction of the murderer. Subsequent investigations caused the reapprehension of Donnison, but the grand jury in the ensuing assizes, threw out the bill. — Hid. August 11. — Wednesday, the church of " The Holy Saviour," in the village of Tynemouth, was consecrated by the lord bishop of Dur ham, in the presence of a numerous and respectable body of parish ioners and others. The rev. Chris. Reed, the vicar ; the rev. Mr. Hill, the curate ; the churchwardens, and several of the neighbouring clergy, assisted in the interesting ceremony. — Ibid. 292 LOCAL historian s A. D, 1841. 1841 (Aug. 11). — A fine boy, about four years of age, son of Wil liam Lisle, a labourer at the railway station, at Hexham, died on this day of hydrophobia, occasioned by the bite of a dog about a fortnight previous. The parents had no suspicion of the case until the preced ing Monday, when a surgeon was called in, and on a glass of water being offered to the poor child, he became quite convulsed, and con tinued in great agony until Wednesday morning at four o'clock, when death terminated his sufferings. The circumstance caused a great sensation in the town, and the local authorities issued a notice that all dogs found unmuzzled in the streets would be destroyed. — Local Papers. August. — This month, the monument to the pious and munificent Dr. Van Mildert was erected in the chapel of the Nine Altars, at the eastern extremity of the Cathedral of Durham. His lordship is re presented in his robes and seated on a chair, with a book in his hand ; and seems to be in the act of delivering a charge to his clergy. The likeness, considering that the sculptor, Mr. Gibson, never saw the deeply lamented original, may be said to be good, particularly the profile ; while the drapery and general effect are excellent. — Ibid. A patent was, this month, granted to Wm. Losh, esq., of Newcastle and Little Benton for improvements in the manufacture of railway wheels. — Hid. Corner Tower, Newcastle (1826). August 1 2. — Thursday, great rejoicing took place among the col liers of Murton, near Dalton-le-Dale by whose exertions and zeal, guided by the indomitable perseverance and undoubted ability and energy of Mr. Edward Potter, the viewer and engineer, the South Het ton Coal Company had conquered difficulties apparently insurmount able, and succeeded in sinking through the sand at their extensive a. d. 1841.] table book. 293 winning of Murton, Of all the mining operations which it has been our lot to record, or which have engaged the patience and funds of the capitalist — the ability of the engineer — or harrassed and disappointed every exertion in order to the overcoming of difficulties apparently wholly insurmountable, perhaps we may not be wrong in stating it to be the most remarkable on record. It was in the autumn of the year 1838 that the sinking of five pits was commenced, and immediately there sprung into existenco a host of smoky buildings, lofty chimnies, and mighty engines groaning and hissing in their ceaseless labours — a busy crowd of swarthy miners hurrying to and fro, all ready to obey the master-hand and to undergo any exercise of their peculiar voca tion calculated to advance the marvellous work. Shrouded in an asmosphere perturbed and dark, and filled with noisome stench, day and night laboured the mechanical powers, and certainly not in a less degree, the sturdy miners. By the beginning of 1840, the available mechanical means, amounting to the power of five hundred and forty horses, was put into action in order to the breaking of the crust of limestone to gain access to the quicksand. Up to this time, a strong feeder had been coming out of the limestone, but on its being broken by the final shot, the quicksand and water instantly rose to the height of fifteen fathoms in one of the pits, but the united power of the engines, extracting more than seven thousand gallons of water per mi nute, was found to master the spring. This mastery however, could not be maintained, as the sand operated against it in two ways — first it was found that the buckets owing to the wear of the leather, had to be changed in the lower sets sometimes as often as every three hours; hence therefore, arose a cause of delay which allowed the water to resume its old position. Another difficulty arose from the immense mass of sand held in solution by the water, which, by its superior specific gravity, settled upon the slightest stoppage of the engine, thus causing the loss and breakage of the buckets and other remote machinery. Thus if a column of water of thirty-three fathoms was charged with sand — after a trifling stand, it was found that there fell on the bucket a dense pillar of sand, five fathoms in height — a diffi culty apparently insurmountable. The delays constantly recurring from these contingencies baffled every effort to make way through the sand, notwithstanding Mr. Potter's great personal exertions. In this di lemma, the operations were suddenly brought to a stand in the latter end of June 1840, and the proprietors availed themselves of the expe rience of Messrs. Nicholas Wood and George Johnson, by whose advice they immediately erected two additional engines * of three * Designed by Mr. John Clarke of the Deptford Iron Works and executed in the 294 local historian's [a. d. 1841. hundred horse power each, on average pressure, making a grand total of the power of eleven hundred and forty horses, giving to bank a total delivery of ten thousand, eight hundred and thirty two gallons of water every minute. Eighteen boilers supplied steam to the mighty mass of mechanical power which ultimately procured the com pletion of the gigantic undertaking, which occupied a period of time, between commencement and completion, of not less than two years and a half. Not the least remarkable feature is the amazing patience and perseverance exhibited on the part of the proprietors, who though daily and hourly subjected to an expence of the most ruinous amount, yet continued steadfastly to proceed with the work, trusting to a successful issue for repayment. Truly the expences were enormous : during the time they had to contend with sand and water, the leather buckets alone cost 111. 5s. hour by hour, and three tan-yards but served to supply the requisite quantity of leather ; an hundred tons of coal day by day were required to feed the furnaces, and the water which flowed from the ceaseless working of the pumps and buckets, formed a notable stream, and created for itself a channel where water had never run before.- — Local Papers. 1841 (Aug. 17). — Tuesday, about 12 o'clock, a man rather in a state of intoxication, was observed leisurely crossing Tyne bridge, but on reaching about the middle of it, he stopped, and after exclaiming " Lord have mercy on my soul," suddenly sprang upon the parapet, and before any one could prevent him, he jumped into the river. Fortunately, a wherryman named Robert Archer, who was in his wherry not far from him, seeing his perilous situation, threw a rope with a noose at the end of it, towards him, and this having luckily gone over his head, he drew the drowning man carefully to his craft, and lifted him safely into it, in a state of insensibility. The man was immediately conveyed to the Old Custom House, and Mr. Walker, surgeon, having arrived, he was soon afterwards restored. The rash man, on coming to his senses, seemed very penitent, and gave no other account for doing what he did, except that he had got too much drink. — Ibid. August 19. — Died, at Villa place, Newcastle, Sarah Dickenson, aged 88. She was born on Gateshead Low Fell, where she lived till within a very few years of her death. Her mother (Sarah Fenwick) and herself were "doctresses" there for nearly one hundred years ; and during that time they nursed upwards of one hundred children principally from Newcastle. They frequently nursed both the mothers iron works of Messrs. Hawks of Gateshead, under the management of Messrs. Jamieson and Golightly. a.d. 1841.] table book. 295 and their children. Sarah Fenwick died upwards of 90 years of age ; and her daughter, Dorothy Wilson, also died about 1839 in Gates head, at a very advanced age. They were all respectable in their several situations of life, and rendered great benefit to a poor, labori ous population, for many miles around them. — Local Papers. 1841 (Aug. 20). — At half-past one o'clock, a.m., Policeman Hood, of Gateshead, while on Tyne-bridge, observed the Daisy steam-boat, then lying at Hillgate shore, to be on fire. Superintendent Usher, who was instantly apprised of the fact, succeeded, with considerable difficulty, in getting on board ; and water being handed to him from the river, by Inspector Welton and Policeman Hood, he extinguished the flames. The fire had originated near the engine, and, at one time, the flames were blazing nine or ten feet above the deck, a-mid- ships. The main-beam was burnt completely through, and it required great promptitude and labour to preserve the vessel from being a total wreck. She was formerly the property of one of the companies on the Tyne, but at the time of the fire belonged to a poor industrious man. — Ibid. August 20. — Early on Friday morning, a fire occurred in the pre mises of Mr. Skelly, butcher and tallow-chandler, Tweedmouth,- which was not subdued until the house, with the materials and stock, was entirely destroyed. The loss was estimated at £500. — Ibid. August 20. — It has already been recorded that on New Year's day, 1840, the seekers for the incorporation of South Shields obtained a majority of five in favour of an application to the government for that purpose. A petition was forthwith prepared and forwarded to her majesty's privy council but received no attention. Subsequently a day having been appointed for the consideration of all such applica tions, the committee for the grant were instantly on the alert and forwarding a deputation of J. T. Wawn, esq. the member for South Shields, and several other gentlemen to the metropolis, they were met by the opposers of the scheme, represented in the persons of Richard Shortridge (the senior magistrate), R. W. Swinburne, and W. An derson, esquires, with J. J. Wright, esq. of Sunderland, their solici tor. On the above day the consultation and decision of the privy council was made, when it was decided that the charters to North and South Shields and other places, whose claims had been duly considered by the council, should not be granted. — Hid. August 21. — Saturday, the Beacon Buoy yacht, with buoys for the Coquet roads, and apparatus for lighting the lighthouse on Coquet island, arrived in the roads, having on board a deputation from the Trinity corporation of Deptford Strond, consisting of capt. Weynton (Commodore,) capt. Ellerby, capt. Weller, and capt. Pixley. On 296 local historian's [a.d. 1841. Sunday the honourable gentlemen attended church and afterwards visited the castle and hermitage ; and on Monday morning, by 4 o'clock, they personally superintended the placing of the buoys, in which occupation they were engaged till Tuesday ; and on Wednes day morning they weighed anchor, and proceeded to the Farn islands, to inspect the lights and deliver stores. At sunset on Friday, Oct. 1, the light on Coquet island was exhibited for the first time. It is a brilliant fixed light, and is seen from a great distance at sea. Several parties made excursions during the day to the island, and, in the evening, the Warkworth steamer took a party off to sea, to witness its effect. From the rocks being buoyed, and the island lighted, this place, instead of being a terror to mariners, will now be a protection and refuge to them in gales of wind, from the east to all points round to the south and west. — Local Papers. A massive and beautiful new service of communion plate was this month procured for the parish church, Kirkwhelpington, by the volun tary contributions of all classes of the parishioners and the incumbent. It consists of a paten and plate, flagon and chalice, of solid silver. Each bears the following inscription : — " Ecclesiae sancti Bartholomei de Whelpington Edonis fidelium, 1841." — Ibid. 1841 (August 24.) — Tuesday, a cricket-match was played in the cricket-ground, near the Baths, between the Northumberland and Carlisle Cricket Clubs. Previous to the commencement of the game every suitable preparation had been made for the comfort and con venience of the parties, refreshments of every description being pro vided on the ground, and at one end of the field a marquee was erected for the tellers. Unfortunately the beginning of the day was very unpropitious, and the game was deferred for some time, until at length it having cleared up, the Carlisle Club went in, and scored only 45, for their first innings ; and the Northumberland Club, after play ing until dusk, with two men to go in, scored 215, at which time the combatants were obliged to desist. Although the game was thus left, it was obvious that even had the Carlisle Club resumed it next day, their chance of success against such superior playing was altogether out, and in consequence the Northumberland Club were declared the victors. — Hid. August 25. — Wednesday, the Great North of England Railway company sent from Darlington, forty tons of fish (chiefly herrings) ; part of which would be in Billingsgate market at 6 o'clock next morn ing ! — Hid. August 28. — Saturday morning, about four o'clock, a fire was dis covered in the gig-house of Mr. John Walker Crossling, hack horse keeper, New Elvet, Durham. It appeared that a gentleman belong- A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 297 ing to that city hired a horse and gig to go to Newcastle on the pre ceding day, Friday, and returned about twelve o'clock the same night. He and another gentleman smoked their pipes all the way from New castle, and had dashed some of the lighted tobacco on the mat 6f the gig, which had smouldered unobserved from twelve o'clock that night until four o'clock on the Saturday morning. The body of the gig was burnt to ashes ; fortunately, however, no other damage was done, for the gig-house being situated between two stables ; had the fire got to the straw or hay it might have been attended with serious conse quences. — Local Papers. 1841 (August 31.)— St. Paul's Chapel, Westgate hill, Newcastle, which had for some time past been used as a place of worship, and as a chapel of ease for the parish of St. John, was consecrated, along with the burial ground, by the lord bishop of Durham. His lordship also preached an impressive sermon on the occasion, from the 1st of Kings, the 8th chapter, and 17th verse, "And it was in the heart of David, my father, to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel." After the sermon a collection was made amounting to £23. 10s. in aid of the funds. — Hid. Same day, the bishop of Durham, grand visitor of the Newcastle Infirmary, inspected that institution. His lordship was received in the governor's hall by the medical officers, and P. G. Ellison, J. L. Loraine, Emerson Charnley, George Brumell, Hedley Vicars, George Clementson, and John Bulman, Esquires, members of the house com mittee. His lordship minutely inspected the wards, and made the following entry in the house visitors' book :— "August 31, 1841. — Every thing that I have seen this day confirms the very favourable impression made upon me when I inspected the hospital five years ago. The wards are cleanly and admirably ventilated ; the pa tients appear truly thankful for the care taken of them, and wear an air of contentment as well as resignation, which is truly gratifying. I am per suaded that the institution is conducted in a way to promote the medical art3, while it effectually relieves suffering humanity ; and with such just claims to the favour of the public, I trust it will never be allowed to lan guish for want of liberal encouragement. The bread and beer are, as usual, of the best quality." — Ibid. September 1. — This day as a waggon loaded with cinders was proceeding along Mosley street, Newcastle, smoke was seen issuing from it, and on examination, it was discovered that the cinders were burning, and had set fire to the waggon. All speed therefore, in un loading the cinders, and a barrel of whiskey which was on them, was made, and the waggon received but little damage. — Ibid. September 1. — Died at Hett Mill, near Durham, Mrs. Barbara vol. v. 2 Q 298 local historian's [a. D. 1841. Cook, aged 72 ; and on Saturday the 4th, aged 2 years, Hannah, daughter of Mr. Robert Cook, and grand-daughter of Mrs. Cook. As they were removing the corpse of the grandmother, the child had wandered out of the house, and in passing round the corner had fallen into the mill race, and was drowned. Although she had not been missing more than five minutes, all attempts to restore animation were ineffectual. — Local Papers. 1841 (Sep. 2). — Thursday, the admirers of that healthful and manly sport, cricket, were again gratified by witnessing another interesting match, which came off on the Cricket Ground, near the Baths, Newcas tle, between the Northumberland Club and the officers of the garri sons of Newcastle, Sunderland, and Tynemouth, with two men given. The day was remarkably fine, and the attendance numerous, both of ladies and gentlemen, while the excellent band of the 61st regiment (which colonel Forbes had kindly granted) greatly enlivened the scene by playing at intervals, several popular and select pieces. The wickets were pitched at 11 o'clock, and from the apparently well balanced state of the parties, the interest excited on the issue of the game was very considerable ; but as it proceeded, although the mili tary displayed much skill and ability, the superior discipline and close playing of the Northumberland Club, was soon very apparent, for after their opponents had played both their innings, scoring only 86, the Northumberland won the game in the most triumphant style in their first innings, by scoring 102, with 16 runs to spare. During the game every suitable refreshment was provided in the pavillion on the ground ; and at 4 o'clock the game ceased until the competitors partook of an excellent dinner, provided for the occasion, after which it was resumed until 7 o'clock. — Hid. September 2. — Hartlepool races, to which every man, woman, and child in Hartlepool had been looking forward with intense expecta tion for weeks, came off on the above and two following days. Six years had elapsed since any entertainments of a similar kind glad dened the few inhabitants of the then small fishing-place ; and some there were who prognosticated the impossibility of a revival. But owing to the great personal activity and exertion of Mr. Lawrenson the clerk of the course, assisted by a few sporting coadjutors, the sub scription-list quickly presented a most liberal and respectable array, headed by the names of the duke of Cleveland, lord lieutenant, and the two members for the southern division of the county. The Town-moor was the place fixed upon for the course ; and a more beautiful locality can scarcely be imagined. The glorious bay, backed by an amphitheatre of hills — the lofty rocks, broken by the waves into the most picturesque arches — combined with the bright verdure A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 299 of the turf to form a picture of natural beauty scarcely to be sur passed. The weather, on the first day, Thursday, was delightful ; and long before the appointed hour, crowds of smartly-dressed and happy-looking people thronged to the course, where booths, gaily decorated with flags, shows with all manner of inconceivable curiosi ties, and stalls spread with the most tempting dainties, wiled away the interval previous to the racing. The weather, on the second day, was wet, but not sufficiently so to deter a great number of spectators from assembling ; and the racing was held to be fully equal to that of the previous day. The wind, which had been boisterous all the after noon, rose, during the night, to a heavy gale, and the scene on Satur day morning was desolate in the extreme. Most of the booths had been unroofed by the violence of the hurricane, and the wreck of a vessel, which had struck upon the rocks, gave additional evidence of the disastrous tempest. The rain poured in torrents during the whole day ; yet, at the signal hour of starting, a few brave sons of the turf, enveloped in various costumes more useful than ornamental, came plodgeing to the course with an energetic determination to see the end of the sport. The greatest satisfaction was expressed by all parties, who were unanimous in opinion that better sport had never been witnessed at any races in the kingdom. Subscriptions were immediately entered into for the following season ; and Robert Ste phenson, esq., of Hart, and John Thompson, esq., of Richmond, were appointed stewards. — Local Papers. 1841 (Sept. 3). — At Charente, in France, a man fell into the river there, and must have been drowned, but for the prompt assistance of Mr. John Wardropper, of Sunderland, captain of the Marquis of Bute, who, with the dauntless heroism of a British sailor, sprang overboard, and at the imminent risk of his own life, after a severe struggle, ultimately succeeded in restoring the poor fellow in safety to his friends. This was the third person who owed his preservation to the bravery of captain Wardropper, exclusive of his rescuiug the crew of a French ship from the wreck of their vessel. — Hid. A wanton attempt was made in the beginning of this month, by the Providence of Boulogne, a French fishing vessel, to run down a herring fishing boat belonging to North Sunderland, but fortunately their boat was new, and built of the best materials, or, from the con cussion, she must inevitably have gone to the bottom. The fisher men belonging the herring boat suspecting that the French vessel would take Newton harbour, two of the fishermen went there, and found her anchored in that bay. They represented their case to Lieut. Brunton, R. N., stationed at Newton, who promptly went on board the French vessel with the two fishermen, when, after a minute 300 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [ A.D. 1841 examination of all the circumstances of the case by Lieut. Brunton, he gave it as his opinion that the captain of the French vessel had been guilty of a great outrage, and it was finally adjusted by his pay ing for the injury the English boat had sustained. — Local Papers. September 6. — About three months previous to this date, Mr. Gravett, then master of the brig British Queen, of Rye, lost a favour ite dog, of the Newfoundland species, in the port of Shields. The vessel was now in the Wear, but the master had taken command of another ship, when, to the surprise of the crew, the lost dog went on board of its own accord, having gone down the dark entry leading from the Low-street to the river, passed over three keels, and jumped upwards of six feet to get on the deck of the vessel. He evinced the greatest degree of attachment for the ship, and was so jealous of strangers coming on board, that one seaman, who stepped on the gunwale, to go to another ship in the same tier, was obliged to go up one side of the rigging and down the ©ther side, for fear the dog should fly at him. From a mark round his neck, he appeared to have been tied up for a length of time. — Hid. West Spital Tower, Newcastle (Jan. 1846;. September 7.— Tuesday, the North of England grand Dahlia show was held in the Music Hall, Newcastle, on an unusually splendid scale, and was most fashionably and numerously attended by most of the leading families of the town and neighbourhood, and by many ladies and gentlemen from a distance. The morning show commen ced a little past two, when the room was immediately crowded. The A. D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 301 principal or centre table had a brilliant appearance, from the devices and bouquets of dahlias, combined with the choicest of the prize flowers, being arrayed upon it ; and the surrounding tables command ing great attention from their being covered with dahlias, and the several bouquets of cut flowers, some of which were pronounced to be exceedingly rich and splendid. The devices were particularly beau tiful, especially a balloon with car and parachute attached, which was suspended from the ceiling in the centre of the room, and was most tastefully formed of dahlias entwined with laurel leaves and choice flowers of the richest colours ; it was exhibited by Mr. Riccal- ton, gardener to col. Bell, of Fenham Hall, and was a general object of attraction and admiration. An elegantly constructed temple was shown by Mr. John Watson, gardener to Matt. Anderson, esq. of Jesmond ; a castle with flower-garden, and a fountain gracefully throwing forth streams of water, was produced by Mr. Scott, of Sandhoe ; and a coal waggon, by Mr. Henry Newton, of Newcastle, which were also deserved objects of admiration. The prize flowers were first-r,ate specimens, and the bouquets of cut flowers were tasteful and varied. At seven o'clock the doors were again thrown open for the evening promenade, when the hall was brilliantly illuminated with gas. In the gallery, the front of which was decorated with a trans parent wreath, having the figures 61 within it, was placed the excel lent band of the 61st regiment, who played several pleasing and spirit-stirring airs in their accustomed fine style. The hall was excessively crowded and every one seemed highly to enjoy the scene. Between nine and ten o'clock the exhibition closed, the band playing the national anthem. — Local Papers. 1841 (Sept. 9). — Thursday evening, a man named W. Cummins, labourer, of Hetton, while in a public-house in that township, offered, in a drunken bravado, to allow any one of the company to chop off one of his fingers for a quart of ale, or two fingers for two quarts of ale. The landlord of the house, John Cowey, took him at his word, and by the most cheerful acquiescence of Cummins, applied a knife to one of his little fingers, which was laid upon a table, and with a poker struck the knife, and severed the finger by the first joint. Such was the agony of the poor unfortunate wretch, that it took three men to hold him. When recovering out of a fainting fit in which he thought he was dying, he exclaimed, " If I die, don't hurt Jack Cowey." The wound was dressed by a surgeon, and the man recovered. — Hid. September 12. — Sunday morning, a little after 4 o'clock, an alarm ing fire was discovered at the bottom of the yard of Mr. Kaberry, the Rose and Crown inn, Bigg market, and immediately behind the vicar age, Newcastle. The flames soon burst through the roof of the build- 302 local historian's [a.d. 1841. ing (the upper part, of which was occupied as a joiners workshop, and the lower as a harness room) and raged with much fury, threatening destruction to the stables and other buildings adjacent. The engines were soon upon the spot, and the vicar (the rev. R. 0. Coxe,) gave directions that the firemen and engines should be at once admitted into the grounds of the vicarage. A plentiful supply of water being at hand, the engines played effectively upon the burning mass, and in a short time the fire was got under, its ravages being confined to the destruction of the cabinet-maker's shop. It was fortunately a very calm morning, which aided the efforts of the firemen and others, amongst whom the vicar's servants as well as himself, were laudably conspicuous to extinguish the devouring element. The principal damage done was to the property of Anthony F. Barron, who had been about three years in business as a cabinet-maker, and who was reduced to ruin by the entire loss of his stock and tools. During the fire a number of pigs were nearly destroyed, on account of the diffi culty in getting them removed, they having been several times driven from it, but they as frequently returned ; and, in one instance, a young man named Hall nearly lost his life, for while attempting to turn them back, a burning rafter fell upon him and knocked him down, and it was several minutes before he was extricated by four men, who boldly ventured, at the risk of their lives, to his assistance. On the suggestion of the rev. the vicar, a subscription was subse quently set on foot for the relief of the sufferers by the fire. — Local Papers. 1841 (Sept. 14). — Tuesday, in the afternoon, a fight between two men took place on Elswick Haughs, near Newcastle, and the death of one of them was the consequence. The combatants were Richard Robson and John Maclean, both in the employment of Messrs. Abbott and Co., of Gateshead. The parties had been drinking to gether, and quarrelled. They fought for a considerable time, and on the arrival of the police, about half-past two o'clock, Maclean was lying on his back in an insensible state. The unfortunate man was placed in a boat, and conveyed to his parents' house in Pipewellgate, Gateshead, where he lingered until half-past 8 o'clock, and then ex pired. Robson was apprehended in the Close, in the course of the evening, by sub-inspector Watson. Maclean having died in Gates head, the duty of investigating the affair devolved on the authorities of the county of Durham. An inquest was held on Friday the 1 7th, when a verdict of " Manslaughter " was returned against Robson only ; thereby acquitting the parties who acted as seconds in the af fair. At the Durham Spring assizes, 1842, Robson was tried and found guilty ; but as no part of the evidence indicated any foul pla,y a. d. 1841.] table book. 303 to have taken place the learned judge sentenced him, under all the circumstances — and he having already been in prison for six months — to one week's further imprisonment. —Local Papers. 1841 (Sept. 14).- Tuesday night, a fire was discovered in the shop of Mr. Drury, surgeon, Clive-street, North Shields. The police and others assisted in putting out the fire, which was completely got un der without the aid of the fire-engine, which was speedily on the spot. Considerable damage was done to the shop-fixtures and other pro perty. — Ibid. September 14-16. — The Bazaar at Sunderland, for which the most magnificent preparations had been making for several weeks, in aid of the funds for liquidating the debt contracted in building the new church at Seaham Harbour, was held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, under the illustrious patronage of her majesty queen Adelaide, and the most noble the marchioness of Londonderry, and was most numerously and fashionably attended by the leading inhabi tants of Sunderland, and by most of the principal gentry of the counties of Durham and Northumberland. The large hall of the Athenaeum was the place selected for this splendid fancy fair, and during the whole time it was much crowded by gay visitors. The walls were tastefully decorated with white muslin drapery, chastely relieved with pink rosettes, which had a most enlivening effect. The gallery was occupied by a capital band of musicians, which occasion ally played several animated pieces of music. The stalls were placed around the room, that of the marchioness of Londonderry and lady Alexandrina Vane occupying the centre at the upper end, and that of the viscountess Dungannon and Miss Irvine the centre at the lower end. The other stalls were allotted to lady Frances Vane, lady Adelaide Vane, viscountess Chelsea, hon. Mrs. Robert Liddell, Miss Cassidi, lady Rendlesham, hon. Misses Thelluson ; Mrs. Carr, of South Shields ; Mrs. Brown, of Dalton-de-Dale ; the marquess of Blandford, viscount Seaham, lord Ward, lord. Adolphus Vane, and numerous assistants. The principal stall was that of the marchioness of Londonderry, on which were exhibited for sale a variety of foreign articles, curiosities from Bagdad, Smyrna, &c, needlework contribu ted by the queen Dowager, the duchess of Gloucester, the princess Sophia, and other illustrious ladies, which formed the chief point of attraction, and throughout the whole time her ladyship was busily occupied in attending to the demands of her numerous customers. Her ladyship's narrative of her audience of the Sultan was in great request. The other stalls attracted much attention, and were very beautifully covered and courteously attended. The receipts on Tues day were 5301. 15s. 6d., and on Wednesday they were 4091. 4s. 6d., S04 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [A.D. 1841. making a total of 9401. for the two days. The bazaar was again opened on Thursday and continued to be most fashionably attended ; the receipts were considerable, making the total about twelve hundred pounds. After the close of the bazaar on Thursday evening an elegant fancy ball was held at the Thompson Arms Hotel, Sun derland, in aid of the funds of the Infirmary, under the patronage of the marchiopess of Londonderry. It was attended by several distinguished visitors at Wynyard Park, and by a numerous and fashionable company from the surrounding district. The march ioness of Londonderry appeared in her elegant tournament dress, brilliantly covered with diamonds ; lady Rendlesham in a tourna ment dress of great beauty ; lord Ward and lord Edwin Hill in the costume of Highland chieftains ; lord Seaham in a deputy lieu tenant's uniform ; lord Adolphus Vane, lord Cantilupe, Mr. St. John and capt. Hamilton, in fancy dresses; the hon. Misses Thelluson, in Spanish costumo ; and the marquess of Londonderry, decorated with several orders ; the hon. lady Williamson, sir Hedworth Wil liamson, Mrs. Liddell of Easington, lord and lady Howick, Mr. and Mrs. Surtees, of Hamsterley, Miss Fenwick, Mr. Bond, lady Dun gannon, Miss Irvine, and Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton, were in splendid fancy dresses. The heat was excessive, and lady Londonderry, what with the weight of her dress and the oppression of the room, was obliged to leave sooner than her ladyship intended. — Local Papers. Presumed Original appearance of WHITE FRIAR TOWER, Newcastle upon Tyne. CHAPTER XIII. 'EPTEMBER 15-17, 1841, Sunderland was the scene of a contested election, consequent upon the resignation of Mr. Alderman Thompson. The candidates were lord Howick and Mr. Wolverley Attwood. On Wednesday the 15th, the nomination took place on hustings erected in front of the Exchange. Thursday the 1 6th was the polling day, and on Friday morning, at 10 o'clock, the mayor, R. White, esq. made an official declaration of the poll from the hustings, the numbers being, for Lord Howick . . . . . . . . . . 705 Mr. Attwood 463 He therefore declared lord Howick to have been duly elected. The crowd collected on the occasion was immense, and lord Howick found it impossible to do more than briefly to return thanks. Mr. Attwood spoke at some length ; Mr. Binns also attempted to speak, but in effectually, and the proceedings were therefore soon brought to a close. After the company had left the hustings, lord Howick's chair ing procession was formed, when his lordship, seated in an open car riage, drawn by four horses, with music, flags, and a very large assemblage of friends, proceeded through the streets of Sunderland and Bishopwearmouth. Up to this time no display of violence had taken place, but on arriving at Whitburn street, Monkwearmouth, the scene was quickly changed into one of dangerous" riot and confu sion. Two of Mr. Attwood's flags were suspended from the window of a private dwelling-house, and of a public-house kept by a person named Edward Liddle (the sign of "the Reform Tavern"). In passing these the crowd hooted and hissed. No sooner had they done so, than a volley of stones was thrown from the upper story of vol. v. 2 R 306 local historian'* [a.d. 1841. the house into the procession. The stones were such as are used for paving, many of them as large as half bricks ; and they of course scattered the procession, and seriously injured several individuals. One of these hit lord Howick over the right hand, and the other hit Mrs. Bell (who was in another carriage) on the arm. A third stone hit Mr. J. W. Robinson, solicitor. A portion of the crowd, exasper ated by this proceeding, instantly threw back several of the stones. No sooner did the course of retaliation begin, than the landlord of the house, Edward Liddle, presented a fowling-piece from the window of the upper room (the low sash of which was completely up), and moving it in various directions, without apparently taking aim at any particular person, snapped the gun, but it only flashed in the pan. Instantly on this act being observed, several of the procession at tacked the house ; and brickbats, thrown from both sides, wounded different persons ; two or three of whom received several cuts on their heads. The house was rushed upon — the windows and a great part of the furniture broken — the small casks in the front room (which was fitted up as a bar) dashed on the ground and the spirits wasted, and many of the smaller articles in ordinary use either in jured or destroyed.* Sir Hedworth Williamson obtained possession of the gun, and in the absence of a policeman himself took the man into custody. Immediately afterwards an officer arrived, and Liddle was conveyed to the station-house. The fowling-piece was then ex amined by the honourable baronet, and a policeman. There was found in it a full charge of powder, but not any shot. On this serious disturbance taking place, lord Howick was driven to Whitburn, the seat of sir Hedworth Williamson, and endeavours were made to pre vent mischief, but it was some time before hostilities ceased. Several of the windows of the Bridge inn, were afterwards broken, but prin cipally by boys, one of whom was sentenced to fourteen days' impri sonment for the offence. — On Saturday morning, Liddle was taken to the mayor's chamber, when the details of the affair were gone into ; Mr. A. J. Moore attending for the prosecution, and Mr. J. J. Wright for the defence, — when, the magistrates being unanimously of opinion that a violent assault had been committed by the defendant they fined him in the penalty of 51. and bound him over to keep the peaee for 12 months, himself in 501. and two sureties of 251. each. The bail was given, and Liddle liberated. — Local Papers. About this period, as the Mercury steamer was proceeding from Berwick to Newcastle, a child, between two and three years of age, * Mr. Torbock, the owner of the property, subsequently applied for and obtained £30. damages against the Hundred. a.d. 1841.] table book. 307 fell from the vessel into the sea, immediately before the wheel. It escaped the blow from the paddle, but was sucked underneath ; and after being invisible for six or seven minutes, during which conster nation prevailed on board, the poor infant was seen considerably beyond the stern of the vessel floating on the surface. The crew acted with great skill and readiness ; and, backing the vessel with much adroitness, succeeded in raising the child to the deck by means of the boat-hook, nothing the worse. The mother of the child, once despairing, was now overjoyed at its unexpected restoration to her arms. — Local Papers. 1841 (Sept.) — Mr. J. B. Gregson, of Newcastle, soda-water manu facturer, obtained a patent for improvements in pigments, and in the preparation of the sulphate of iron and magnesia ; and Mr. John Thomas Carr, of the same place, obtained a patent for an improve ment in steam-engines (communicated by a foreigner ).Ibid. September 16.^-Tuesday, a melancholy catastrophe occurred at Long Newton, a village between Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees. A three-years-old bull, which had lately become unruly, was, in con sequence, placed in a stable, and there chained to the manger, with his horns also fastened thereto with a rope, by the son-in-law of Mr. Wm. Stonehouse, of the above place, farmer, and owner of the bull. The latter person, on going into the stable, and observing the bull tied by the horns, set to work to unloose the rope, not perceiving that the animal had got rid of the chain by having torn it from his nostrils. The bull, on the rope being loosened, finding himself at liberty, and being much infuriated, immediately attacked its defence less owner, and throwing him down, he gored him in several places in the most frightful manner. The son-in-law hearing the cries of his father, directly flew to his assistance, and succeeded in the most miraculous manner in securing the animal, but too late to save his parent's life, as the poor old man, from the injury he had received, expired shortly after the unfortunate event took place. Mr. Stone house was a respectable farmer, rather infirm, and about 70 years of age. — Hid. September 16. — The first meeting of the North Tyne and Redes- dale Cheviot Sheep Show, was held at Falstone, and suitable pre miums were awarded. The members of the society afterwards sat down to a sumptuous dinner, furnished by Mrs. Ridley, and spent the day with that conviviality for which the district has been long noted. The premiums of the society are limited to Cheviot stock — and a better and larger show than that of Falstone, was probably never witnessed in any field of competition. — Ibid. September 17. — Died, at Lee Moor, near Alnwick, aged 69, Mr 308 local historian 9 [a.d. 1841. Straughan ; on the 18th, aged 26, Miss Isabella Sanks, his niece ; and on the 19th, aged 72, Mrs. Straughan, his wife, all greatly re spected, and all occurred in one house in three successive days. — Local Papers. 1841 (Sept. 21).— Sir Matthew White Ridley, bart. of Blagdon, Northumberland, was married at Ampthill church, Bedfordshire, to Miss Cecilia Anne Parke, eldest daughter of the right hon. baron Parke. The venerable archdeacon Bayley officiated at the ceremony. Baron and lady Parke gave an elegant dejeune at Ampthill Park, to a select circle. — Ibid. About this time R. W. Brandling, esq. of Gosforth, addressed the public (through the newspapers) on the subject of a railway bridge from Gateshead to the Castle garth, Newcastle, and invited attention to his plans of this project, which had been prepared for that purpose. Ibid. m^^MM'M//^//yZ^ Chamber in an Antient Mansion in the Groat Market, Newcastle (Jan. 1846). jjHE Northumberland Agricultural Society held its sixth anniversary for the show of stock, implements of hus bandry, seeds, plants, &c, on Thursday, September the 23d, in the Bull Park, at the north entrance to New castle, when the attendance was very numerous, and very great interest appeared to be shown in the exami nation of the different descriptions of stock. The animals were not so numerous as was expected, but the quality was said by compe tent judges to be first-rate. The bulls, cows, heifers, &c, were ranged on the west side of the park, the horses on the north and east, the implements, seeds, and plants on the south, and the pens A.D. 1841. J TABLE BOOK. 309 for the sheep and pigs were placed in the centre. The band of the 61st regiment was in attendance, and played several fine airs du ring the day. The show of horses was numerous, and many of them were very fine. Two grey ponies, the property of Mr. Atkinson, eoach-maker, were much admired, as was a brown colt, the property of Mr.. Lee, of Stocksfield, and a grey colt, the property of the rev. Mr. Robson, of Ponteland. A brood mare for coach horses, sent by Mr. G. H. Ramsay, of Derwent Villa, attracted much notice, and the number of fine draught horses exhibited was very considerable. Amongst the short-homed cattle there was a number of beautiful animals. Amongst the bulls, Mr. W. Ord, M.P. had a very fine one ; Mr. Angus, of Broomley, Mr. Ridley, of Arbour House, Mr. Stott, of Cambois, and Mr. Crofton, of Holywell, each exhibited beautiful animals. Mr. C. H. Bainbridge, Lumley Park, sent a cow, which had already taken three premiums; and amongst the steers and heifers there were some superior animals shown by Mr. Swan and Mr. Brown, of Newcastle, Mr. Stobart, of Epperley, and others. Altogether the show of short horns appeared to give great satisfaction. The show of sheep was extremely good, there being a number of first-rate animals exhibited. There were six sent by the duke of Northumberland which attracted the utmost atten tion ; as to fleece, form, &c, they were extremely beautiful. The show of pigs was much more numerous than on former occasions, and many of the animals were in first-rate condition. Messrs. Hogg and Wood, of Coldstream, seedsmen to the society, attended with their plants, and roots, which occupied a large booth. The articles were arranged in four classes, and were all neatly labelled. There were garden seeds, flower seeds, perennials and biennials, and agri cultural seeds in immense variety. There was also a collection of agricultural and gardening implements. There were about forty va rieties of turnips, nearly one hundred varieties of seedling, cattle, and other potatoes, and some fine specimens of mangel wurzel, onions, and carrots. In this booth there was also exhibited a cattle enema and stomach pump, from the manufactory of Messrs. J. Brown and Son, cutlers, Grey street ; and near it was a sack of red creeping wheat, sown on the 8th of March, 1841, and reaped on the 7th of September, in the same year. There was also a sack of Chidholm wheat, 621bs. to the bushel, which won the prize at Liverpool. Mr. James Crozier exhibited some potatoes, direct from Sydney, a great variety of turnips, and a specimen of the drum-head or cattle cab bage, the circumference of the leaves of which was fifteen feet, the circumference of the heart was five feet, and it weighed four and a half stones. The agricultural implements were very numerous, and 310 local historian's [a.d. 1841. several of them showed great skill in their formation. Mr. Ridley, of Arbour House, near Chester-le-Street, exhibited an oil-cake crush er, a simplified corn rake, a scuffler and harrow, and an improved turnip cutter for cattle and sheep. Mr. J. Usher, of Chester-le- Street, exhibited an improved winnowing machine, and Mr. S. Ro- manis, of Kelso, an improved model of the Hunterian plough. Mr. John Stevenson, of the High Bridge, exhibited an improved thrash ing machine, a corn sower, a corn and hay rake, an oat and bean crusher, a chaff machine, two scufflers, and a model of a waggon " formed to coup in the same manner as a coup-cart. Messrs. Gamett and'Son, of Leicester, Suffolk, exhibited an improved thrashing ma chine of four-horse power, several corn sowers and drilling machines, a chaff cutting machine, and a ridge plough. The quantity and va riety of the agricultural implements attracted great attention. The following gentlemen officiated as judges upon this occasion : — Sheep, Pigs, and Implements. — Mr. Grey, Dilston ; Mr. C. Angus, of Neswick, near Driffield ; and Mr. John Biss Ogden, of Hariot Field. Horses. — Mr. T. Jobling, of Castle Law, near Coldstream ; Mr. Newby, of Hallgarth, near Durham; and captain Barton, of Newcastle. Cattle. — Mr. S. Wylie, of Bransby, near York ; Mr. J. Benn, of Lowther, Westmoreland ; and Mr. Studham, of Carlisle. The judges commenced their arduous labours about eleven o'clock, and they were fully occupied till about three in the afternoon, and their progress through the park was attended by crowds who were anxious to see the examination of the different fine animals sent for competition. The day was favourable for the show, and on each side of the road leading to the Bull park several tents were erected for the accommodation of the public. The substantial entertainment which usually follows the shows of this and similar societies, was held in the spacious Corn Exchange, in front of St. Nicholas's church, the use of which had been granted by the Town Council for the occasion. The arrangement and fitting-up of the interior were entrusted to Mr. James Wallace, builder, under the direction of Mr. John Dobson, architect. Every thing was in the best order — each guest took his allotted seat without confusion — and the diagonal spaces left between the sections of tables afforded facilities to the waiters for penetrating to all parts of the Exchange. Over the chairman's table, the words " Northumberland Agricultural Society " were placed in letters so formed that, when lighted, they appeared in one blaze of gas. Be neath this beautiful design, and extending along the wall for many yards, was a profusion of dahlias and evergreens. Along the south end of the building a gallery was erected, the front and supporting pillars of which were also covered with evergreens and flowers. It A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 311 was set apart for the reception of ladies, and was crowded during the afternoon and evening with beauty and fashion. The band of the 61st regiment was placed in a temporary gallery on the west side, and played many lively tunes during the proceedings. From almost every beam a flag of different colours was suspended. The general effect was at once vast and magnificent. — Local Papers. 1841, September.— This month the Market-place in the city of Durham was considerably enlarged, and the thoroughfare at the foot of Claypath widened. These desirable improvements were effected by the corporation, in conjunction with the commissioners under the Durham Paving Acts ; the corporation having purchased the burial ground attached to the church of St. Nicholas, which was added to the Market-place, and the commissioners re-built the end of the church, the vestry, and the house adjoining. Further improvements were contemplated, but a debt having been incurred by those already accomplished, a subscription was entered into to defray the expences remaining unpaid, as also toward the restoration of the south side of the church, and the erection of a covered corn market. — Hid. About this period a new line of road on the Alnwick and Egling- ham turnpike, near Berwick, about a mile in length, was opened, rendering this the best as well as the most direct communication between Alnwick and Wooler. The public are indebted for this great improvement to the liberality of A. J. Baker Cresswell, esq. M. P. at whose sole expense it was formed. — Hid. September 28. — A new Catholic chapel at Swinburne castle, North umberland, was opened for worship. This neat and very appropriate building was raised at the sole expense of Thomas Riddell, esq., of Felton park. The service was performed by the rev. J. Orrell, of Felton, assisted by nine other clergymen. An elegant, impressive, and practical discourse on the duty of prayer, was delivered by the rev. provincial of the Benedictine order. The building is in the style called early English, executed with great simplicity, except at the east end, which is nearly covered by a handsome stone altar, and carved tabernacle of oak, surmounted by a beautiful picture of the crucifixion— the liberal gift of Mr. Cookson. — Ibid. September 29. — Wednesday afternoon, while the wind was blow ing hard from the S. W., Joseph Hutchinson, a ship carpenter, was coming down the river Wear in a boat, laden with sandstone, and had on board a young man and woman (his son and daughter), who had been assisting him to load the frail bark. Between Claxheugh aud Pallion quay the boat struck with violence against a raft of timber, and almost instantly sunk. Their situation was observed from the shore^ but before assistance could be afforded, they all perished. — Hid. 312 local historian's [a.d. 1841. 1841 September. — Twenty-seven persons in the neighbourhood of Whitworth, were poisoned by eating disordered veal. A sickly calf, the property of a farmer named Schofield, after being doctored for four weeks, was handed over to a butcher who killed it, and sold the meat in cheap lots. — Tyne Mercury. HIS month the Highland Society held their annual agri cultural show at Berwick upon Tweed. This meeting, which had created deep interest throughout the whole district, commenced on Wednesday the 19th, and, in consequence, the good town of Berwick was a scene of great bustle and animation. During the forenoon of that day, the arrival of his grace the duke of Richmond, the president of the society, was hailed by several merry peals of bells, and the ut most satisfaction was expressed on the arrival of the several noblemen and gentlemen who honoured the meeting with their presence.* The place appointed for the show of stock, &c, was a spacious enclosure in the Pier field, around the borders of which the horses and cattle were placed ; and in the centre there were a number of pens for the reception of sheep and pigs. In addition to this, there was a spacious gallery erected at one side for the accommodation of ladies, and in the front of this gallery there was a temporary bridge built, over which the animals were to pass in review, which had been fortunate enough to win the premiums awarded to them by the judges. There was also, a spacious booth for the display of seeds, plants, roots, &c. Upon the whole the accommodations were very complete. It had been arranged by the committee that the show of seeds, &c, should take place on Wednesday, but this was frustrated by the violence of the weather. In the morning the rain fell in torrents, and the wind carried away a portion of the roof of the booth in which they were to be exhibited, in consequence of which a bill was issued, stating the fact, and announcing the exhibition to take place on Thursday, at the same time with that of the live stock. The pavilion erected for the dinners by Mr. Sanderson, was a splendid temporary edifice, mea suring 126 feet by 110, and twenty feet in height ; the roof was sup ported by 40 pillars, neatly decorated with spiral folds of red and blue cotton, and when lighted with gas, had a brilliant appearance. The tables were 11 in number, exclusive of one cross table at each end for the chairman and vice-chairman, which were considerably above the others ; there was also a cross table for the judges. The first dinner was that of the committee on Wednesday evening, when There were four dukes present at one time on the show ground, namely, their graces of Richmond, Northumberland, Buccleuch, and Eoxburghe. A. D. 1841..] TABLE BOOK. 313 about 270 noblemen and gentlemen sat down to a sumptuous repast. His grace the duke of Roxburgho took the chair, and Lord Elcho officiated as vice-president. After the usual loyal toasts, the chair man called upon professor Johnston, of Durham University, who gave a short lecture on the application of chemistry to agriculture. Sir Charles Gordon, the secretary, stated that " the entries were numerous beyond precedent. There were entered for competition — cattle 175; horses 90; sheep — Leicester and extra, 653; pigs 33 — in all, 962. This was the largest show ever held by the society or, as far as he knew, by any other society. The society had had more cattle entered, but never so great an aggregate. Tho largest aggre gate they had yet had was 902 ; the next largest, 784. The society had instituted a museum in which to place the portraits of such of the prize animals as should appear to be perfect specimens of their class, and two artists were on the spot to make paintings of such animals as the committee should direct." Several toasts of a complimentary character wore then given and acknowledged, after which Mr. Bell was called upon to read an essay by Mr. Grey, of Dilston, who was unfortunately not present. After a few healths had been given, the company separated, in order to allow the commencement of the first grand ball, which was attended by all the rank, beauty, and fashion, of the neighbourhood, and dancing was kept up with great spirit, until a late hour. On Thursday morning, at an early hour, the town was all animation to witness the stock passing to the show ground, and certainly some splendid animals were witnessed. They got to their places without accident, and shortly after the labours of the judges commenced. In the course of the forenoon a great number of per sons arrived, and the town was completely thronged. The clay was unusually fine, and everything promised a happy termination to this important meeting. Besides the visit of the Highland society and their friends the company had a fund of amusement provided for them. There was a bazaar in the Town Hall, for the benefit of the the School of Industry, &c, a horticultural exhibition and promenade by the Eastern Border Society ; concerts by the Misses Smith and Mr. Templeton ; Mr. and Mrs. Martyn and Miss Inverarity at the theatre; and various equestrian and other performances at the amphitheatre. — Local Papers. 1841 (Sept. 30). — Thursday, several ladies, gentlemen, and neigh bouring persons assembled to attend the ceremony of laying on the foundation stone of a new chapel, at Cambo, in the parish of Hart burn, in Northumberland. On the lower bed of the corner stone, the following words were cut in large and deep letters : — deo patri, fiho, spiritu sancto, mdoccxli. ; and, in a large stonfe of the rubble- voi. v. 2 o 314 local historian's [a. d1841. work below, several coins of our gracious queen Victoria, were laid by Edw. Spencer Trevelyan, esq. ; then lady Trevelyan, of Walling- ton, attended by Mr. Waterson, the builder, on the trowel, mallet, and level being handed to her, performed the ceremony of laying on the great corner foundation stone ; after which the rev. John Wilkin son, curate of Hartburn, read the Bible sentences, exhortation, and prayers, suitable to the occasion, and written by the rev. John Hodg son, the vicar. The site of the chapel is on the beautiful and elevated situation called the Foot-hill, just to the north-east side of Cambo ; and overlooking the country as far as Simonside on the north, the German ocean on the east, and a great extent into the county of Durham to the south. On the west the prospect is interrupted by a grove of trees. Till the beginning of the seventeenth century divine service was constantly performed in an ancient chapel in the same field as that of the new chapel, on which account the first of the two following sentences, read before the prayers, were peculiarly accepta ble : " They shall build the old wastes : they shall raise up the former desolations : and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations." (Isaiah, 61, 4.) " Go up to the mountain and bring wood, and build the house ; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified saith the Lord." (Haggai, 1, 8.) At the meeting were Mrs. Spencer Trevelyan : sir John, Captain, Lady Jane, and Miss Swinburne ; Mr. Anderson, and friends at his house at Little Harle Tower ; the rev. Mr. Fisher, of Leicestershire, and two Misses Fisher ; the rev. John Hodgson, of Hartburn ; and the rev. John Walker, of Whelpington. — Local Papers. 1841 (Sept. 30.) — The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new church at Pelton, near Chester-le-street, took place in the presence of a large company assembled for the occasion. A proces sion was formed at the village of Pelton, consisting of the clergy pre sent, the committee, and others interested in the undertaking, headed by the singers of the parish church and the children of the neigh bouring schools. The laying of the stone was kindly undertaken by Thomas Fenwick, esq. of South Hill, who delivered a suitable address on the occasion. Coins of the present reign, together with a news paper of the day, and a list of the principal promoters of the church, enclosed in a glass bottle, were deposited in a cavity of the stone, and covered with a brass plate, bearing the following inscription : — " This foundation-stone of the Church of the Holy Trinity, at Pelton, in the Parish of Chester-le-street, was laid by Thos. Fenwick, of South Hill, in the county of Durham, Esq. on the 30th day of Sep tember, 1841." The 100th Psalm was sung, two solemn and appro priate prayers were read by the rev. James Boucher, the officiating A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 315 clergyman, and the ceremony was concluded by singing the doxology. The silver trowel used on the occasion having been presented to Mr. Fenwick, as a memorial of the day's proceedings, the procession was reversed, and in this order returned to the village, where a handsome collation had been prepared by Mr. Bolam of the Grey Horse inn. The church is in the early English style of architecture, with long lancet windows. It has a chancel of the proper proportions, and affords accommodation for 400 persons; two-thirds of the sittings being free. The ground for the site was presented by Mr. Fenwick, who was throughout, an active and generous promoter of the under taking.— Local Papers. 1841 (Sept. 30.) — The ancient corporation of Hartlepool, which had for some time been in a dormant state, with its fine property open to the aggressions of the unprincipled, was restored to life and vigour, her majesty the queen having been pleased to grant a charter under the great seal for its re-incorporation. This charter was brought down from London on the above day Thursday, by Mr. Toase, the London solicitor to the corporation-committee, and was read before the committee that night, when it was found that Wil liam Vollum, esq., was appointed mayor, and Messrs. H. S. Shear man, W. J. Vollum, Johnson Worthy, John Winstanley, Cuthbert Sharp, William Manners, George Sheraton, Thomas Powell, Stephen Horner, Christopher Davison, Joseph Mellanby, and Thomas Belt, chief burgesses. Mr. Vollum's mayoralty was of short duration, as the charter appointed Monday October 4, for the appointment of a new mayor. A court of common-council was held in the town-hall on that day, when W. John Vollum, esq., was chosen successor to his father ; Stapylton, esq., recorder ; and Thomas Belt, esq., clerk to the corporation. — Hid. About this period, a curious piece of oak carving was discovered during extensive alterations, which were being carried on in the Broad-chare, Newcastle, in the property of the Trinity House. It consists of the royal arms of England, temp. Charles I., with sup porters, and the initials of that monarch, beautifully executed. The plaster with which it had been covered, had preserved the wood from decay ; and some small pieces which were broken off in removing it from the wall, having been carefully restored, it has been placed above the mantlepiece in the hall of the Trinity House. — Hid. October 4. — A training school was opened at Durham, for the education of shoolmasters, in connection with the Diocesan School Society, and under the direction of the rev. John Cundill, M. A. Fellow of University college, Durham ; and of a managing com mittee, composed partly of clergymen and partly of laymen. The 316 local historian's [a.d. 1841. institution is supported by subscription, and by the pupils who pay 141. per annum, by quarterly moieties in advance. For this they are boarded, lodged, and instructed in the various branches of religious knowledge ; in grammar, reading, writing, geography, history, arith metic, including book-keeping and mensuration, and vocal music : also in tho theory and practice of teaching. — Local Papers. 1S41 (Oct. 4). — On this day was completed the removal of the lighthouse on the north pier at Sunderland, in an entire state, from the site on which it had stood for forty years, to the eastern extremity of the pier. At a meeting of the Commissioners of the river Wear, held in the month of May preceding, tho re-erection of this light house at the extreme end of the pier, which had then been lengthened and improved, was fully discussed, when Mr. Murray, the talented engineer, submitted a plan by which the building might be removed entire, a distance of nearly 500 feet. The following was the method by which this was to be accomplished : — " The masonry was to be cut through near its foundation, and whole timbers were to be in serted, one after another, through the building, and extending 7 feet beyond it. Above and at right angles to them, another tier of tim bers was to be inserted in like manner, so as to make the cradle or base a square of 29 feet ; and this cradle was to be supported upon bearers, with about 250 wheels of six inches diameter, and was to traverse on 6 lines of railway to be laid on the new pier for that pur pose. The shaft of the lighthouse was to be tied together with bands, and its eight sides supported with timber braces from the cradle upwards to the cornice. The cradle was to be drawn and pushed forward by powerful screws, along the railway above men tioned, on the principle of Morton's patent slip for the repairing of vessels." As a proof of the feasibility of the plan, it was stated that in New York large houses had been removed from their original situation to a considerable distance without sustaining any injury ; the immense block of granite, forming the pedestal of the statue of Peter the Great, at St. Petersburgh, was conveyed four miles by land and thirteen by water ; and obelisks had also been transmitted from Egypt to Europe. But the removal of Sunderland lighthouse was still more dangerous than these cases, from the circumstance of its ' being composed of stones of comparatively small dimensions, and from its great height* and small base ; but even these difficulties did not deter Mr. Murray from the prosecution of his design, and we aro now enabled to add, that it was attended with complete suc cess. Tho necessary preparations having been effected, the work of "• Tho building is about 75 feet high, and the estimated weight about 300 tons. A.D. 1841.1 TABLE BOOK. 317 The Lighthouse, during removal. removal was commenced, and having been first taken several yards, in a north-easterly direction, the rails were laid to convey it forward to the eastern extremity of the pier, and from that time the opera- • 318 local historian's [a. d. 1841. tions were continued, until the lighthouse was removed to its intended site on the new pier head. The successful accomplishment of this great work was celebrated by the firing of guns and other demonstra tions of rejoicing ; and the same night Mr. Murray entertained the workmen to supper, at the house of Mr. Riseborough, which was served up in the worthy host's best style. The timber carriage upon which it was rolled along was subsequently withdrawn, to allow the new stone base to be built underneath the erection. During the week commencing with Monday, the 14th of September, the light house was moved daily upwards of 30 feet in about as many minutes, including stoppages ; but whilst actually moving, it went at the rate of about two feet in a minute. Whilst the work was proceeding, the screws to which we have adverted were abandoned, and the building was drawn forward on the railway by ropes affixed to three wind lasses, thirty men being engaged in this part of the work, and by this means the building was removed with equal safety, and with greater rapidity. During the progress of the work, not a single accident occurred to any person employed, nor did the building sustain the slightest injury by its removal, and there did not appear any crack to indicate settlement. The light was exhibited every night by gas as usual, so that not the least inconvenience resulted from the re moval, which would have been the case had the entire building been pulled down for the purpose of re-erection.- Local Papers. 1841 (Oct. 4). — On the evening of this day, Monday, a heavy rain commenced, which extended over a wide district, and continued with but little intermission until Friday, in consequence of which the rivers, especially in Northumberland, were flooded to an alarming ex tent. The Tyne was so high that many of the cellars on the Quay side at Newcastle, were filled with water, and at the Stock bridge considerable damage and inconvenience ensued, from the bursting of the sewers. The road from Newcastle to Whickham was impassable at the Team bridge, where the fields were flooded to a greater depth thaU on any occasion since the year 1826. The quantity of rain which fell at Newcastle from nine o'clock on Monday mornino- to the same hour on Thursday morning, as indicated by the rain-guao-e at the Literary and Philosophical Society in that town, was as follows : From Monday morning to Tuesday ditto -355 From Tuesday morning to Wednesday ditto -62 From Wednesday morning to Thursday ditto 1-65 Total 3F625 But further north the fall of rain would seem to have been still greater. The Tweed rolled down a vast body of water ; but, unless on the haughs and meadows where the banks are low, this river kept A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 319 within its ordinary bounds, though with a very small addition to its current it must have broken over the country far and wide. The wild-running streams, descending from the Cheviots, presented, how ever, a still more imposing appearance, coming down with almost irresistible force, sweeping away embankments, and flooding the ad jacent low lands for miles. The Beaumont, in particular, was very high ; and it was with difficulty the substantial bridge which connects the two Yetholms was saved, by masses of stone being thrown in where the danger lay. The damage done by the Glen in its mad career, to dykes, caulds, bridges, and corn in stook, between Newton, and its confluence with the Till was immense. Wooler-water was also very large, and did great injury to the turnip-fields in its course, as a great quantity of turnips were seen passing along. All these waters flowing into the Till, made her a tremendous size. Sheaves of corn, &c, came floating down her in great quantities, many from a great distance, as much corn was seen to pass the bridge at Powburn. The damage sustained by corn in stook, and by pasturage, in the haughs of Turvielaws, Ewart, and Doddington, was very serious, as much corn in stook was exposed to the devastation. In the city of Durham, a wall in the rear of Milburngate, was thrown down by the force of the flood, and the dam at Relly paper mill, shared the same fate. The bridge at Blanchland was burst by the rains, and that at Allensford reeeived considerable damage, the water in the river Dar- went having been higher than observed since the great flood in the year 1771. The rain being accompanied by a strong breeze from the east and north-east was equally disastrous to vessels on the coast. On Monday, a steam-packet belonging to Hartlepool, returning from Scarbro', laden with herrings, was overtaken by the storm, and be came quite unmanageable. The captain was compelled to throw 150 barrels of red herrings overboard ; and the sea broke over the vessel so tremendously, that the fires could not be kept in. Several per sons, who had gone with her from Hartlepool, for the sake of the trip, were on board ; and as the storm continued to increase, they were for eight hours literally up to the middle in water. Death seemed inevitable : but although they were unable to make a signal, they fortunately descried the pier light, and were ultimately enabled to reach the harbour in safety. Less fortunate was the Dutch galliot, Gude Hope, capt. Brewer, from Lossiemouth, bound to Hamburg, which, in running into Shields harbour for shelter, drove upon the Herd Sand, where a tremendous sea was rolling. Her dangerous situation was immediately descried from the shore ; South Shields life-boat was speedily manned, as was also the North Shields life boat, and some of the crew of the revenue cutter sprang overboard to 320 local historian's | a. n. 1841. join the life-boats, and proceeded to the scene of danger, but alas, just before assistance arrived, the wife of capt. Brewer, who had been some time clinging to the ship's boat, was carried away by a heavy sea, and she was never again seen. Two of the men were also washed overboard, but were carried back by the returning wave. The crew were secured and taken on board the South Shields life-boat much exhausted. As the gallant boat approached the shore, lieut. Com mander Roepel's men in the cutter welcomed them with a succession of hearty British cheers, and the band on board struck up " Rule, Britannia," indicative of the triumph obtained in so speedily rescuing the poor seamen from a watery grave. At Berwick, on the Tuesday, a vessel was discovered attempting to make the harbour — an attempt which seemed warranted only by the strongest necessity, as the swell on the bar at the time was such as to render the danger imminent. Having reached the mouth of the harbour, she was driven upon Spit tal Point, and shortly afterwards had been forced sufficiently high to allow the crew to walk on shore, where they were received by a great crowd of persons. The vessel was discovered to be the George, of Ryde, in ballast, bound to Sunderland, north of which she had been driven by the storm. On the following morning, the surge increasing, she was driven over the Point into the smooth water, in the river, whence she was taken to the quay, and was found to bo very little in jured. — Local Papers. 1841 (Oct. 6.) — A very interesting ceremony took place in the parish church of Sunderland, when a young man a converted jew, from the neighbourhood of Hamburgh, but who understood the Eng lish language, received Christian baptism according to the rights of the established church. The rev. W. Webb, A.M., rector of the parish performed the rite in a very solemn manner : the rev. Joseph Law, and the rev. Arthur A. Rees, curates, were the godfathers. The young convert who seemed deeply impressed with the solemnity of the ceremony received the Christian name of Paul. He was about 27 years of age, very intelligent, and well acquainted with the holy scriptures. After the prayers a sermon was preached in reference to the solemn occasion, by the rev. Joseph Law. from Hebrews, 10 chap. verses 19 to 23 — who, in conclusion, addressed to the new Christian a suitable exhortation. — Ibid. October 7.— On the morning of this day, Thursday, about nine o'clock, an accident occurred at Waldridge colliery, two miles west of Chester-le-Street, by the breaking into the mine of a large quantity of water. Between sixty and seventy men and boys were below when the rush of water took place, but they were fortunately enabled to effect their retreat into some old workings from which they were A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 321 afterwards safely brought to bank. Their escape may be considered as truly providential. — Local Papers. 1841 (Oct). — Mr. Hobson, a mechanic at Stockton, invented a means by which an engineman might adjust railway-switches while the train was in motion ; also a method of instantly liberating the engine from the train. — Hid. Early in this month Mr. George Bates, publican, Ponteland, vom ited an asp, between two and three inches long, which he supposed he must either have swallowed, or some of the spawn, while drinking water out of a ditch. — Hid. October 9. — The General Steam Navigation Company's steamer, London Merchant, V. Laker, commander, left London on Saturday night between 9 and 10 o'olock, and arrived at Shields on Monday morning at 3 o'clock, completing the distance in little more than 29 hours. — Hid. About this period, a most singular blunder was committed at Bar nardcastle, by a poor woman residing in Thorngate, the wife of a labouring man. She was delivered the previous week, by the aid of a midwife, of a child, which was pronounced to be a boy, and being rather a weakly plant, the minister of the church was sent for, the rite of baptism was performed, and the youngster was named " Richard." About a week afterwards, however, a neighbour, in doing some of those necessary acts which children so frequently re quire, discovered the bantling to be a little girl ! — Great was the con sternation of the mother ; and the circumstance becoming known to the neighbours, they flocked in in great numbers. After a long con sultation, the clergyman was again summoned, and " Richard " was re-christened by some more feminine cognomen. — Ibid. This month, Thos. Wilkinson, esq., of Old Elvet, in the city of Durham, presented to the parish of St. Nicholas, two massive silver plates, for the use of the Communion-table. — Hid. October 19. — Tuesday, between 7 and 8 o'clock in the morning, a most determined act of suicide was committed about half-way be tween Stockton and Norton, by a man named Robinson, and which occasioned considerable excitement in both places. As a young man named Harrison, a grocer in Stockton, but who lodged at nights at Norton, was on his way from the former to the latter place, he was met by. the deceased, when an altercation took place between them, which was abruptly concluded by Robinson demanding a loan of £5., and Harrison replying " of course not." The latter proceeded on his way, but had not gone . above a hundred yards, when on looking round, he was horror struck at seeing Robinson near to him, with a pistol in his hand, which he instantly presented and drew the trigger : vol. v. 2 p 322 local historian's {a.d. 1841- fortunately it did not go off, and Harrison struck him a blow on the arm, immediately mending his pace, with the intention of obtaining the assistance of the police. Robinson almost instantly left the foot path, passed the end of the " Brown Jug " public house, on the road leading to Fog's brick yard, and discharging a pistol into his own breast, gave a sudden spring, and then fell apparently dead. He was taken up and conveyed into the public house, where he expired before medical aid could be procured. Three pistols, all loaded with ball, were found upon him, and it is supposed he had tried them all upon Harrison — he was seen by a boy to make the attempt twice before Harrison turned round and was aware of his being pursued. Verdict — temporary insanity. — Local Papers. 1841 (Oct. 22).— The newly erected church at Wingate, in the county of Durham, was consecrated by the lord bishop of that diocese, the sermon on the occasion being preached by the rev. John Burdon. The collection amounted to £26. 12s. The building, though plain and simple in respect to ornament, is of elegant design, and does great credit to the architect, Mr. Jackson, of Durham. The style is in early English, with lancet windows, and considerable taste has been displayed in the arrangement and fitting up of the interior. The font, of Caen stone, is from Chantrey's workshop, and is of ex quisite design ; it was presented by lady Forbes, of Fitzroy-square, London. The church, and also schools for the colliery children, was built entirely by private subscription, the coal- owners being among the chief contributors. Their subscription was £300, in addition to which lord Howden, one of the principal proprietors, gave £200, and lady Howden £50., with an annuity of £10. to the schools. — Hid. October 22. — A large portion of the " Elephant Rock " at Hartle pool, after weathering the storms of past centuries, and forming, per haps, the most attractive object along the sea coast of the county of Durham, for the artist's pencil, was broken up by the high surf of the morning of the above day, Friday. It doubtless obtained its name from its rude resemblance to the figure of an elephant, when seen from the opposite walk upon the moor. And it is a somewhat singu lar coincidence that two live elephants were brought into the town (in the menagerie of Mr. Wombwell, probably the very first event of the kind which ever occurred at Hartlepool) within a few hours before the fall of their huge rocky effigy, on the neighbouring shore. — Ibid. October 24. — Sunday, the parish church of Barnardcastle was brilliantly lighted with gas for the first time ; the funds for which were raised by subscription. — Hid. October 25. — Monday, the right worshipful the mayor of New castle-upon-Tyne, accompanied by the sheriff, the stewards of the A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 323 incorporated companies, several members of the town council, and a large party of gentlemen on horseback, perambulated the boundaries of that borough. The day was very unpropitious, and from the late heavy rains, the fields through which the party were obliged to go, were almost impassable. With the exception, however, of a few of the riders being unhorsed, the party returned safely to the Sandhill. About sixty of the gentlemen dined together at the George inn, in the evening, the mayor presiding. — Local Papers. ~~ MAGNIFICENT bazaar, in aid of the funds of the Northern Asylum for the blind, and the deaf and dumb, for which great preparations had been making for several weeks, was held in the Music Hall, New castle, on Wednesday, October 27 and three follow ing days. Being under the special and illustrious patronage of her majesty queen Adelaide, and her grace the duchess of Northumber land, as well as of a very numerous body of distinguished ladies pat ronesses, connected with the northern counties. The greatest inter est was created on the occasion, and the town was literally thronged with visitors, who had come to give their support to the meritorious object contemplated by the undertaking, and to witness the pleasing and animated proceedings amidst the galaxy of rank, fashion, and beauty that were assembled in the room. The Music Hall was ele gantly decorated for the occasion with drapery, chastely relieved with festoons, and the whole appearance had a splendid effect when the gay and bustling throng were assembled. The noble band of the 61st regiment, by permission of colonel Forbes, attended each day, and by their enlivening strains imparted an animation to the scene, which added greatly to the enjoyment of the distinguished and nu merous party present. The various stalls were arranged with sur passing skill and elegance, and surrounded the entire room. They were laden with rich, ingenious, useful, and beautiful articles, con tributed by numerous fair donors, amongst the principal of whom were her majesty the queen dowager, her grace the duchess of Nor thumberland, the marchioness of Londonderry, lady Ravensworth, the hon. lady Williamson, hon. Mrs. Liddell, Mrs. Bell, and the Misses Brandling. In the centre of the room a refreshment stall was placed, which was supplied with confectionary, fruit, ices, &c. and attended by the hon. Thomas Liddell, Mr. Ralph Brandling, capt. Kelly, Mr. Hedley Vicars and capt. Ellis, and it is but a just tribute to these worthy gentlemen to say, that they were indefatiga ble in their endeavours, and eminently successful in contributing to the pleasures and comfort of the company. The stalls, on which were placed the rich and varied efforts of the taste and industry of 324 local historian's [a. d. 1841. the accomplished contributors to the bazaar, were graced by the pre sence and benevolent aid of the following ladies : — The honourable Mrs. Liddell and Miss Liddell, assisted by lady Ravensworth and the honourable Miss Liddell. — The honourable lady Williamson, assisted by the countess of Hardwicke. — Mrs. Bell, assisted by lady Walsham, Mrs. and the Misses Bell, the Misses Brandling, Miss Wilkinson, and Mr. Henry Brandling. — Mrs. William Atkinson, assisted by the Misses Ridley, Miss Johnson, and Miss Smith. — Mrs. Parker, assisted by Miss Bates, Mrs. Waller Bates, and Mrs. John Cookson. — Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. Baird, assisted by Miss Bosville. — Mrs. Ander son, assisted by the Misses Anderson, Miss Grey, and Miss Wilkin son. Mrs. Robert Plummer, assisted by Miss Grace, Miss Wilkin son, and Miss Boyd. — Mrs. Hedley Vicars, assisted by the Misses Philpotts. — Mrs. A. G. Gray, assisted by Miss Kelly, Miss Robson, Miss Hernaman, Miss E. Batson, and Miss Nesham. — Mrs. Dixon and the Misses Leighton. The weather on Wednesday and Thurs day was peculiarly unfavourable, but notwithstanding so serious a drawback, the room was densely crowded during the whole time, and so numerous indeed was the company, that several persons were un able to gain access to the room, and many who were fortunate enough to get in, had great difficulty to retire when they were desirous of doing so. Their graces the duke and duchess of Northumberland came specially from Alnwick castle to afford the institution the coun tenance of their hearty support and most cordial patronage. Her grace the duchess attended the bazaar on Wednesday and Thursday, and visited every stall, leaving substantial evidence of her bounty and liberality. As the duchess was leaving Newcastle on Thursday, her grace received a communication from her majesty the queen dow ager, expressing her majesty's regret, that slight indisposition had pre vented her majesty from completing some work intended for the bazaar ; but her majesty graciously forwarded to the duchess some autograph texts from scripture, which her majesty had prepared for this charitable purpose, and the duchess immediately sent the auto graphs to the ladies for sale, and which were immediately disposed of at very liberal prices. Such things as were left on Saturday were removed to the asylum, there to be disposed of. The proceeds of each day's sale are as follows : — Wednesday £387 4 6 Thursday 367 15 0 Friday £164 3 3 Saturday ^4 i0 6 Total £933 13 3 1841 (Oct. 28).— On the morning of this day, Thursday, the Blyth hfe-boat committee held a meeting at that place, when it was ar ranged to launch the boat for practice. The brig Sibsons was off A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 325 the port at the time, and Mr. Hodgson, the owner of the vessel, told the men that if it were found practicable to communicate with her he would give them an additional sum of three pounds beyond what was allowed for the practice, and considering it to be a favour able opportunity to judge of the capabilities of the boat, he volun teered to go himself, and took an oar. The boat was manned re luctantly, when Mr. Debord, seeing this, and at the request of Mr. Hodgson, immediately consented to go also. The boat was under the charge of Robinson Burn, a pilot, captain of the boat, and Mr. Debord, who each took a steering oar, and it was made known that all hands were to obey orders. Asa usual and practical manoeuvre each man fastened the line round his waist. The boat neared the bar about 11 o'clock, and the crew lay on their oars watching the sea for a short while, when orders were given to " pull away ;" no one on board seemed to anticipate the least danger, and the boat was nearly through the broken water when a very heavy sea struck her, caused her to run back, and pulled the oars out of the hands of most of the crew. At this juncture another heavy sea struck her on her starboard bow and capsized her. Mr. Hodgson believes that most of the crew were thrown under the boat ; he was in that situation, and being nearly suffocated, he made his way to one of the holes in the deck for clearing the boat of water, through which he breathed. During his stay in this position he heard several voices of persons engaged in prayer, especially that of Robinson Burn. He soon heard by the sound of voices that some of the men had gained the bottom of the boat, but he made up his mind to remain where he was, under the ex pectation that the boat would right, and under the belief that he was as safe as he could be. A voice from the outside called through for them to loosen themselves and come from under : this he complied with, leaving one near him underneath the boat who was quite gone ; he was soon hauled on to the boat's bottom, where he found six others. Robinson Burn soon followed, but though he rose to the surface, he was unable to gain the boat. The party on the outside of the boat consisted of Mr. Debord, White, Wood, Kinch, Dawson, Bushel, and himself. For a few minutes the boat fell in with smooth seas, and three or four oars might have been picked up, but it was thought they could not be useful. Mr. Debord once slipped off, but being able to swim regained his position. Perceiving the boat to be drift ing fast on shore and that she must soon be in broken water, and they in the greatest danger, the party on the boat considered how they could best ' secure themselves, and it was suggested that taking off their neckkerchiefs, and two holding at different ends across the boat was the best thing that could be done. One oar kept alongside 326 local historian's [a.d 1841. the boat, and this Mr. Hodgson had reached up to him, and with it he endeavoured to keep the boat end on, but it did not appear to do any good. To this oar Mr. Hodgson mainly owed the preservation of his life, for having, with the assistance of one of his companions, fastened the oar to his left arm, it supported him after he was washed off the bottom of the life-boat ; this soon occurred from a sea break ing over the boat, which struck the oar with force and dragged Mr. H. several yards from the life-boat ; he could not say how many of his companions were swept off the boat by this wave, but he saw several of them on the boat's bottom shortly after, nor could he re collect what occurred after this ; his endeavour was now to support himself in the water and save himself from the action of the surf, and he succeeded in getting his boots off, which was to him a great relief, and by lying on his back, protecting his mouth with one hand, and being buoyed up by the oar attached to the other, he was fortu nate enough to reach the shore, though in an insensible state, being rescued from the waves at considerable risk by a person named Butcher ; Kinch the only other person saved owes his fife entirely to the circumstance of his being a good swimmer, which enabled him to protect himself from the violence of the broken water, and he reached the shore in a comparatively unexhausted state. The suffer ers were : — Wm. Dixon, aged 60 ; Dan. Dawson, 25 ; John Hodg son, 28 ; John Hepple, 22 ; Jas. White, 45 ; Peter Bushel, 21, all seamen ; Edward Wood, carpenter, 35 ; Thomas Grieves, trimmer, 40 ; Robinson Burn, pilot, 44 ; and Henry Debord, shipowner, 56. — Local Papers. 1841 (Oct. 28). — About eleven o'clock at night an explosion of gas occurred in the shop of John Raine, a green grocer in Westgate street, Newcastle, which at the time excited considerable alarm. So loud was the report, that many persons in the neighbourhood who had retired to rest started from their beds and ran into the street in their night-clothes. Fortunately no greater damage was done than the blowing out of twenty-four large squares of glass. The accident had its origin in experimentalizing. — Ibid. October 30. — Saturday, the East Indian, a splendid ship, of up wards of 800 tons register measurement, was launched by Messrs. Thomas Gales and Company, of Ford Dock-yard, Hylton, on the Wear. She was intended for the East India and China trade. — Hid. Same day, three men were killed in Cramlington pit, Northumber land, by a falling in of part of the roof. — Hid. October 31 . — Sunday, St. John Lee church, near Hexham, was re-opened after having been considerably enlarged. An appropriate sermon was preached on the occasion by the rev. the vicar of New- a. d. 1841.] table book. 327 castle, and a collection was made amounting to £26. toward defray ing the expences. Mr. Dobson (architect) of Newcastle, gratuitously furnished the plan and specifications, and superintended the erection of the building. — Local Papers. 1841 (Oct. 31). — The beautiful church at Redcar, co. Durham, was bghted for the first time with several elegant solar lamps, purchased by a subscription headed with the entire proceeds of a concert given by Leander, the wandering minstrel. — Hid. October 31. — A new organ, built by Mr. Thos. Charlton, of Stock ton-upon-Tees, for the Wesleyan Methodist chapel in that town, was opened on this day. — Ibid. During the last week in October, the brig Falcon, of Aberdeen, the property of the " Aberdeen Commercial Company," when lying in the Wear, off Southwick Lime-works, at which she was taking in a cargo, was forced out of her berth during a gale, by a vessel along side, and springing a leak was soon in a state of slow combustion. The most active and incessant exertions were made by Mr. Waters, the company's resident agent, to stop the mischief ; but it was not till after the lapse of four days that the cargo was got out, and the fire extinguished. The ship was much injured. — Ibid. November 2. — The fog was so dense in Shields harbour on this day, Tuesday, that the steam-ferry which left the south side at 7 o'clock, was detained all night upon the river, and it was break of day the succeeding morning beforo the passengers could be landed. — Ibid. November 4. — Thursday, died at his house in Westgate-street, aged 61, deeply regretted, Thomas Grieveson, esq., the respected and well-known Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce in Newcastle. His abilities and acquirements were of no ordinary kind, and enabled him to discharge the duties of his office with honour to himself, and to the great advantage of the Chamber. In disposition he was kind and generous, and few men have more warmly and readily responded to the claims of kindred or of friendship. His illness, which was of considerable duration, he bore with patience and fortitude, and closed a life of more than usual excitement in charity with all men. — Ibid. November 5. — Friday, being the anniversary of the " Powder Plot," Darlington was the scene of one of those acts which have long disgraced it, and which ended in the partial demolition of the town hall windows, about 30 squares of glass being broken. In anticipa tion of the accustomed display on this day, a feeble attempt was made, on the part of the bailiff (Mr. T. Bowes), who caused a notice to be printed and circulated, cautioning any person from throwing any squib, cracker, &c, which had only the effect of rendering the 328 LOCAL HISTORIAN S La. D. 1841. excitement greater. As early as five o'clock, a bonfire was lighted in the market-place. In a very short time, every description of fire works was exploded ; and for four hours, or upwards, every moveable combustion was in danger of being taken and burut by a set of thieves, throwing defiance in the teeth of the police — the interference of whom was the signal for attack on the town-hall — they flying in every direction, chased by 50 or 100 boys, yelling and whooping like so many denizens of the woods. — Local Papers. 1841 (Nov. 8).- Monday night, a fire took place in the stables down the South Hetton pit, by which ten valuable horses were killed. The fire was got under on the following day, and the pit commenced working again on Wednesday. It is supposed the fire was occasioned by some person leaving an oil-lamp burning on the corn-chest in the stables. — Ibid. November 9. — The following gentlemen were elected mayors and sheriffs : — Newcastle, — James Hodgson, esq. mayor, John Thomas Carr, esq. sheriff. Gateshead, — George Sowerby, esq. mayor. Durham, — John Bramwell, esq. mayor. Sunderland, — Sir Hedworth Williamson, bart. mayor. Stockton, — Robinson Watson, esq. mayor.* Morpeth, — William Clarke, esq. mayor. Berwick, — Dr. Cahill, mayor, Ralph Forster, esq. sheriff. — Hid. * William Skinner, jun. esq. was on Saturday the 13th, re-elected mayor of Stockton ; Robinson Watson, esq. who was elected on the 9th inst, having declined the honour. Sculpture at BarnardcaBtle. CHAPTER XV. | HE intelligence of the birth of an heir to the throne of these realms was received in Newcastle on Wednesday the 10th November, 1841, to the great and manifest joy and gratification of all classes of the community. The royal standard of England was promptly displayed at the castle— the guns were fired — and the bells of the various churches put in requisition, whilst the ships in the port hoisted their gayest colours. Great joy was also manifested in the city of Durham on the arrival of the intelligence. The bells of the cathedral and the sev eral parish churches were speedily put in motion, flags were displayed on the castle, the tower of St. Nicholas' church, the town-hall, &c, the shops were closed, and the remainder of the day was observed as a holiday. In the evening the mayor entertained the town-council and several friends at the town-hall, when the health of her majesty, the heir apparent, prince Albert, the queen dowager, the duchess of Kent, and the rest of the royal family were drank, followed by enthu siastic cheers. At Stockton, the news was received with every de monstration of loyalty. The bells poured forth their merriest peals, the flags at the different public pffices and on the numerous ships in the river were displayed, which, added to the unusual concourse of people assembled at the hirings, which were then being holden, gave the whole town an appearance of gaiety and animation rarely wit nessed. On the succeeding Monday, (the 1 5th.) a special meeting of the Newcastle town council was held at the Guildhall, when con gratulatory addresses were adopted to the queen and prince Albert, on the birth of an heir apparent to the throne of the united kingdom. The mayor was deputed to present the addresses, to which his wor ship consented. On Tuesday similar addresses were adopted by the town council of the borough of Gateshead, which George Sowerby. vol. v. 2d 330 local historian's [a. d. 1841. esq. the mayor, also signified his willingness to present in person. Congratulatory addresses were likewise voted at a meeting of the in habitants of the borough of South Shields, held in the town hall, in that town, on the 23rd. ; and by the Sunderland council on the 24th. — Local Papers. 1841 (Nov. 10). — Some sheds, containing flax, &c, in the rope- walk of Mr. Oughtred, at Stockton-upon-Tees, were consumed by fire, with their contents, on the night of this day Wednesday ; and the palisading near the same place was torn up. The fire was sup posed to have originated in malice. — Hid. This month the king of Sweden awarded a gold medal to Mr. J. Lawson, master of the brig Henry and Harriet, of South Shields, as an acknowledgment of his noble and courageous conduct in saving the lives of four Swedish fishermen in the Cattegat, in the summer of 1 840 ; the medal was transmitted from the foreign office to the mayor of Newcastle for presentation to Mr. Lawson. — Hid. About this period Mr. Hugh Lee Pattison, of Bensham Grove, Gateshead, manufacturing chemist, obtained a patent for improve ments in the manufacture of white lead, part of which improvements are applicable to the manufacture of magnesia and its salts. — Ibid. November 14. — Sunday morning, about five o'clock, an alarming and destructive fire was discovered at Friar's Goose colliery, South Shore, near to Mr. Clapham's alkali works. At the time the alarm was given, the wind was blowing fresh from the north-east, and, in consequence, the flames burst forth with uncommon fury, and in a little time the extensive range of coal sheds, screens, and pully frames, were all in one blaze, and before seven o'clock, the whole were entire ly consumed, besides a number of waggons, &c. ; the wheels and spokes of some were "run" with the intensity of the heat. The several engines from Newcastle, and one from Messrs. Hawks and another from Felling colliery, were speedily on the spot, and fortun ately by their united exertions the fire was confined to where it origi nated. The fire was supposed to be caused by one of the sinkers (many of whom had been at work until three o'clock the same morn ing), leaving a lamp burning in one of the sheds, the flames of which, by the violence of the wind, having communicated with the wood par tition, had caused the accident. The loss was estimated at 8001 Hid. November 14.- On the afternoon of this day Sunday, the ancient and beautiful church of Whickham was nearly destroyed by fire. The flues leading from the stoves had become overheated, and had set fire to the fittings up of one of the pews, and the conflagration so far gained a-head that the flames burst forth from the roof. The A.D. 1841.] TABLE HOOK. 331 rev. Robert Chatto, the curate of the parish, endeavoured to gain an entrance by the door, but without effect. The parish engine was pro- oured but on its arrival it appeared it had been so long out of use, that it would not act. A second engine was obtained, but with simi lar success, it being so damaged as to be useless. The inhabitants at length effected an entrance by breaking in the north windows, and by dint of perseverance and the most laudable exertions, the fire was subdued. It was a pleasing sight to see the inhabitants hurrying with their pitchers and buckets of water, to the rescue of an edifice especially their own. About eighty pews were destroyed, and without the vigorous exertions we have described, the entire destruction of the building must have taken place. — Local Papers. On the same afternoon, a fire occurred at the Gallowgate lead works which was happily subdued without much damage. The fire engines were in attendance, but it was not necessary for them to play. — Hid. 1841 (Nov. 16). — A new Catholic chapel, at Longhorsley, North umberland, was opened on this day, Tuesday. The edifice was erected chiefly at the cost of Thomas Riddell, esq., of Felton park. Pre viously, the Catholics of the district worshipped in the castle of Long horsley. — Hid. November 16. — Mr. George Henderson, of Offerton, co. Durham, farmer, had a visit from two Bishopwearmouth youths, named Wil liam and Peter Middleton Robson, who were observed suspiciously near to a washing of clothes, in the open field. Miss Henderson, ob serving that many of the newly-washed articles were gone, gave an alarm, and the young men ran off in opposite directions. One of them was captured at Hylton by a party of shipwrights : the other was pursued by Miss Henderson over hedge and ditch, " thorough brake, thorough briar," and run down after a splendid chase of two miles. In his flight he threw away the stolen linen ; but Miss Henderson was not tempted to give up her pursuit — she was deter mined to have the thief as well as the goods. The prisoners were summarily dealt with by the Sunderland magistrates. — Ibid. November 17. — Died, at the house of his son, Mr. P. T. Cham bers, surgeon, Newgate-street, Newcastle, in the 90th year of his age, the rev. James Chambers, M.A. Mr. Chambers received his classical education in the college of Glasgow, and left it at the age of 21 years, when he entered npon his pastoral duties in Carlisle ; and afterwards went to Enfield, in the county of Middlesex, in 1793 ; whence he re moved, under the American Government, to Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania,. U.S., in 1795, where he remained nine years, and had the honour of preaching before Congress — which Congress placed 332 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a.d. 1841. him at the head of the College of that State. The yellow fever pre vailing to a great extent in that country, Mr. C. returned to Eng land, and settled in Longtown, Cumberland, in 1805. He removed thence to Rothbury, in Northumberland, where he remained some years. At this time, Mr. C. received a call to the Castle-garth Dis senting chapel, Newcastle, (a place of great popularity at that time) and finished his ministerial career in Newcastle. Mr. Chambers, while in the prime of life, was courted in all parts of England and Scotland, and had the pleasure of preaching (by desire) before the most respectable congregations in Cumberland, Northumberland, Durham, and the south of England. In short, Mr. Chambers died universally respected — was a polished classic scholar — and, daring his lifetime, taught the foreign languages to many of the noblemen and young gentlemen in this country and abroad. — Local Papers. Roof of an ANTIENT MANSION in the Groat Market, Newcastle. 16 Feb. 1846. About this period Mr. Benjamin Green, of Newcastle, had awarded to him a silver Telford medal, by the council of the institution of Civil Engineers, London, for a description of the arched timber via ducts on the Newcastle-upon-Tyne and North Shields railway. Mr. Green was also invited to attend the annual meeting of the 18th of January following, that he might then receive the medal which the Council had awarded for his valuable communication. — Ibid. 1841 (Nov. 20). — The foundation-stone of a new chapel for the use of the Primitive Methodists, was laid at Bishop Auckland. — Ibid. November 26. — About half past one on the morning of this day, much alarm was created amongst the inhabitants at the end of Bridge a. d. 1841.] table book. 333 street and the foot of Eastern-lane, Berwick, by a fire originating there, which had at first, a rather threatening aspect. A person who was passing along at the time, first observed smoke issuing from the door and window of a room on the ground flat, occupied by an old man named Lilburn, between 70 and 80 years of age. The neigh bours assembled in considerable numbers, and having obtained a plen tiful supply of water from an adjacent yard, used their best endea vours to extinguish the fire. Owing, however, to the dense smoke which filled the apartment, neither the extent of the fire, nor the situation of the poor man who was within, was ascertained, until the arrival of Mr. D. A. Lamb, plumber, and a person named Collins, who, having crept in, found Lilburn stretched in front of the fire place, insensible, whilst his bed was almost entirely in a state of com bustion. The engines were soon on the spot, and the fire was not long in being extinguished ; otherwise there can be no doubt, from the nature of the premises, that a serious conflagration would have ensued. Much alarm was excited amongst the people whose houses are immediately adjoining, and one woman named Phillips, living in the room above that in which the fire occurred, made her escape with her children (in a state of almost nudity) by the window, where they were received into the arms of the bystanders. How the fire origin ated was not ascertained. It appeared that Lilburn had gone home in a state of intoxication, and on the restoration of his senses was quite unconscious of what had happened. — Local Papers. 1841 (Nov. 26). — Died, at Genoa, Louisa Elizabeth, countess of Durham, relict of the right hon. John George Lambton, earl of Dur ham. Her ladyship's illness was occasioned through a cold caught by travelling to Genoa from Nice. The countess had a very severe cough, but the immediate cause of her death was an ulcerated sore throat, which terminated after eleven days illness, though it was only two days before her death that the first really alarming symptoms exhibited themselves. The object of her ladyship in going to the Continent for the winter was the delicate state of health of lady Mary Lambton, her eldest daughter. Cuthbert Ellison, esq. of Hebburn Hall, who is connected with the Lambton family by the marriage of his daughter with William Henry Lambton, esq. brother of the late earl of Durham, and lady William Bentinck, were at Genoa at the time, and by every attention in their power, kindly administered the last offices of friendship to the suffering patient in the trying hour of this heavy affliction, and in the solemn moments of dissolution. Lady William Bentinck scarcely ever left the countess during the period of her illness, and, agreeable to her last request, took charge of the earl of Durham and his sisters till some member of their own 334 local historian's [a. d. 1841. family should arrive to the succour of the sorrowing orphans, and to protect them in their desolate situation. The mortal remains of her ladyship were interred in the Lambton family vault at Chester-le- Street, on Tuesday, December 28. On the previous day they had been conveyed from London to Darlington by railway ; and thence by hearse to Rushyford, where they remained till Tuesday morning. On the afternoon of that day, the body was met near to Plawsworth by two mourning coaches, containing her ladyship's relatives, and a little further on by the agents and the numerous and respectable tenantry of the Lambton estates, all clothed in deep mourning. The carriage of Mr. R. J. Lambton, and other relations and connexions of the family brought up the rear. The procession reached Chester- le-Street, and halted at the church gates a little after two o'clock ; when the coffin was taken from the hearse, and borne into the church by six tried and faithful dependents of the house of Lambton — the pall being supported by H. F. Stephenson, Thomas Fenwick, Robt. Fenwick, Wm. Bell (of Ford), H. Stobart, and H. Morton, esqrs. — The hon. col. Grey, the hon. and revs. Francis and John Grey, the hon W. Grey (her ladyship's brothers). Lady Elizabeth Bulteel, lady Caroline Barrington, lady Mary Wood, and lady Georgina Grey (her surviving sisters), Frederick Howard, esq., Charles Wood, esq., M. P., and the lady of colonel Grey, followed as mourners ; succeeded by a long train of gentlemen, walking two and two. The church, which was hung with black for the occasion, was crowded in every part ; and the beautiful service of the burial of the dead was per formed in a very impressive manner. The rev. J. Boucher was the officiating minister. At the termination of the service, the body was deposited in the burial vault, the mourners accompanying it thither, and remaining there till the last melancholy offices were completed. — Local Papers. 1841 (Nov. 29). — At a lecture delivered by Mr. Addams at the Lit erary and Philosophical society Newcastle, in adverting to the history of the Telegraph as a most important means of conveying intelligence between distant places, he referred to certain documents and official correspondence which fully establish the two-arm telegraph, now used by government, to have been invented by Mr. Joseph Garnett, of that town. Mr. Addams by means of an accurate working model explained the great ingenuity and usefulness of Mr. Garnett's tele graph, which in some of its details, he considers to be superior to the instruments used by the admiralty between Whitehall and Ports mouth. The invention was submitted in Oct. 1794, to the duke of Richmond, then master-general of the ordnance, and to the lords of the admiralty in Jan., 1797, and Mr. Garnett at those times received A. D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 335 official letters from the heads of those departments. The model and description were retained at the admiralty three months, but the plan was not adopted until eighteen years afterwards, when sir Home Popham claimed and received the honour of this invention, but which the evidence alluded to fully establishes to be due to our respected townsman. The subject was also explained by Mr. Garnett in a paper read to the Literary and Philosophical society 13th Oct., 1795, confirming the priority of his invention by the strongest evidence. — Local Papers. 1841 (Nov. 29). — Died, at the Convent, Carmel House, near Dar lington, the rev. James Roby, in the 79th year of his age ; and for more than fifty years the director and affectionate father of the com munity which was founded at Liere, in 1648, by Margaret and Ursu la, both of the ancient family ol Mostyn, relatives of Dr. Mostyn, northern Catholic bishop, accompanied by ten other religious, being a filiation from the Teresian house at Antwerp. They lived happy in the enjoyment of their beloved solitude, until the breaking out of the French revolution, at which time the rev. James Roby was their chaplain ; he passed with them through many of the horrors of that revolution, and when obliged to leave their convent at Liere, June 23rd, 1795, to seek an asylum in this country, he was their strength and comfort in the trials to which they were exposed. They arrived in London on the 7th of July following, on which occasion they ex perienced that humanity and generosity which so eminently distin guishes the British character. Their first residence was at St Helen's Auckland ; they afterwards removed in 1804 to Cocken-hall, near Durham ; after which they purchased Field house, near Dar lington, now called Carmel house, during which time the rev. James Roby had remained with them. He was one of the oldest of the few remaining in this country of the alumni of the English college at Douay — a man of great piety, extensive learning, and engaging man ners. These his eminent virtues, gained for him the veneration and filial affection of the community over whom he watched, and by whom his loss is mourned, as well as the respect and love of all who knew him. — Ibid. November 29. — The Tweed bank, Berwick, stopped payment on this day, Monday. The transactions of the bank were very exten sive, particularly in Berwickshire and the northern part of Northum berland; and its suspension caused consternation throughout the whole of that district, the greatest confidence having been placed in its stability. — Hid. November 30. — The first seam of coal, known in this district as the three-quarters seam, was cut through at the new winning at 336 local historian's [a.d. 1841. North Biddick in the county of Durham, on this day, Tuesday, at the depth of 68 fathoms from the surface ; its general appearance and thickness, together with its position in the strata, sufficiently prove the value of this coal field. — Local Papers. 1841 (Nov. 30).— Tuesday evening, there was a ball in the Assem bly Rooms, Newcastle, in honour of an heir to the throne. The com pany numbered about two hundred and forty, including many of the distinguished families of the neighbourhood, the dancing being led off by Dr. Headlam and Mrs. Hodgson, lady of the mayor. The pro ceeds amounted to £67. lis., including two donations of a guinea each, and the committee of the rooms placed a balance of £27. 17s. 6d., after deducting expenses, in Messrs. Lambton and Co's bank, for distribution in charitable purposes at a more advanced period of the winter. — Ibid. About this period, a very fine-toned grand piano-forte was pre sented by his grace the duke of Northumberland to the Northern Asylum for the blind and the deaf and dumb. — Hid. Early in December, Mr. James Beadling, of Painsher, in the county of Durham, departed this life at the venerable age of 92. His wife to whom he had been married 68 years, was then living, and was 97 years of age. He left behind him — Sons and daughters 14 Grandsons and grandaughters 75 Greatgrandsons and greatgrandaughters 46 Making in all 135 To provide a Christmas dinner for such a family, would require a large room and a long purse. — Hid. December 6. — The wife of William Wilson, seaman, Mill-dam Bank, South Shields, was delivered of a female child, which has on each hand four fingers and two thumbs. — Ibid. December 8. — The foundation-stone of a new Scotch church (named the " Caledonian Church,") was laid on this day, Wednes day, at Ridley Villas, Newcastle. The congregation of Wall Knoll chapel, together with their pastor, the rev. W. Graham, met at the chapel, at half-past twelve o'clock ; and after having engaged in prayer, they proceeded to the site of the new building, where the ceremony of laying the foundation stone was performed by the rev. W. Graham, who delivered an energetic address on the importance of the occasion. A public tea took place in the afternoon in the Music Hall, Nelson-street, to celebrate the anniversary of the Wall Knoll chapel. — Hid. December 8. — The foundation-stone of a new Primitive Methodist A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 337 chapel was laid at Wingate Grange colliery, in the county of Dur ham. Two sermons were preached on the occasion, and a collection made of £9.— Local Papers. 1841 (Dec.) — Mr. Robert Stirling Newall, Gateshead, wire-rope- manufacturer, obtained a patent for improvements in the manufacture of flat bands. Mr. John Carr, North Shields, earthenware manu facturer, and Aaron Ryles, agent, also secured a patent for an im proved mode of operating in certain processes for ornamenting glass. — Hid. About this period, a new floating fire-engine was procured for Sun derland, with the intention of being kept constantly afloat in a cen tral part of the harbour. In addition to its principal use of extin guishing fire in ships, it can be made available for fires on shore, if within 200 yards of the river.— Ibid. In the latter part of this year the rev. Robert Green, incumbent of All Saints, Newcastle, had the sepulchral brass of Roger de Thorn ton taken from its position in the vestibule of the church, and on examination, found it to be seriously corroded, and otherwise out of order. After a judicious cleansing, repair, and lackering, Mr. Green had it securely placed in a frame-work of wood, and by hanging it in the vestry, a reasonable hope is afforded that this interesting relic will yet live through many years. Mr. Green had intended to have defrayed the expences incurred, amounting to 151., by a subscription amongst his parishioners, but was prevented by the liberality of Mrs. Witham of Lartington, Mr. Salvin, and Raleigh Trevelyan, esq. of Nether witton, (three descendants of the great and good man,) who preferred paying the expences themselves. — (Mem. in Ch. Books.) December 10. — Died, at Wolsingham, Jane Suddick, better known by the cognomen of " Lish," aged 67. She was a woman of extra ordinary stature, having measured 6 feet 5 inches in her stocking feet, and was besides very corpulent. — Local Papers. December 10. — At an Easington justice meeting held before rev. H. G. Liddell, R. S. Pemberton, and R. Burdon, esqrs., W. Hutchin son, and John Green were brought up for a violent assault upon Edward Floordown, at Wingate colliery, co. Durham, on the above day. It appeared in evidence that Green, who was only a boy, fast ened a rope to Floordown's foot, who was sitting in a small cabin close to the shaft. Hutchinson took the other end of the rope, and put it round the pit-rope, which was going at the time, and being rather rough, it caught the rope which held Floordown's foot. He was instantly tossed headforemost into the pit, when, wonderful to relate, after descending the shaft about 16 yards, he caught the as cending rope, held on, and turned himself upwards By this time vol. v. 2 x 338 local historian's [a.d. 1841. the engine had stopped, and the next thing heard from the pit was Floordown calling out for the engineman to bend away, when he was drawn to bank very little worse. Hutchinson and Green, in answer, said, " It was all done in a lark ; " but the magistrates thought there was no " larking " in the matter. Floordown said there was no malice between him and the other two, as they were upon friendly terms. It was a fortunate thing that Floordown had once been a jack tar, for by this circumstance alone was his life and that of others saved ; for it was stated by Mr. Taylor, the viewer of the colliery, that if Floordown had got a little further down the shaft, it would have carried a platform away, on which several men were working at the time. The magistrates convicted Hutchinson in the penalty of £5, and Green in the penalty of £1 and costs. — Local Papers. 1841 (Dec. 14). — The new church of St. Andrew, at Deptford, in the parish of Bishopwearmouth, was consecrated on the above day by the bishop of Durham, assisted by the hon. and rev. Dr. Welles ley, and others of the parochial clergy, and in the presence of many of the neighbouring clergy, and of the principal gentry of the vicinity. The dean of Durham preached an appropriate sermon on the occa sion from the 2nd book of Chronicles, 6th chapter, 21st verse, after which a sum of nearly thirty pounds was collected in aid of the building fund. The church is a chaste and commodious building, 110 feet 6 inches long by 54 feet broad, designed to accommodate a congregation of 1300 persons, and its erection was much needed in consequence of the increasing population of that part of the parish, and its distance from the parish church. The chancel is lighted by a large and elegant stained glass window, presented to the church by James Hartley, esq. of Bishopwearmouth, and this benevolent gentle man also presented the whole of the glass required for the other windows. The architect, Mr. Thomas Moore, of Sunderland, dis charged his trust in the erection with great industry, and much to the satisfaction of all parties interested in the building. By an order of council (dated May 23rd, 1844), the queen was pleased to as sign to the chapel of St. Andrew, a district, of which the following are the boundaries : — It commences at the Newbottle or Lambton staiths, by the river Wear, and proceeds along the middle of the river, in a northerly and westerly direction, as far as the township of Ford ; it then turns, in a southerly direction, along the bound ary of Ford township, till it reaches Hylton lane ; along which lane it proceeds easterly, following the boundary of the glebe lands as far the Old Iron Works (including Aiskel's and Ogden's land), and from the Old Iron Works down the eastern side of the street called Farrington Row, till it meets the Rector's glebe, and so down A.D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 339 to the Newbottle or Lambton staiths, whence the boundary com menced. — Local Papers. 1841 (Dec. 18).— The schooner Susan, Aslet, of Guernsey, which left Shields on the morning of this day, coal-laden, was towed soon after into Sunderland, having taken fire, which appeared to have originated by a lighted-candle having been left in the hold by the coal- trimmers who took in the cargo. When the appearance of the fire was first observed, by smoke proceeding from the hold, the crew used their utmost efforts to extinguish it by cutting holes in the deck and pouring in water, but their exertions were ineffectual, as the fire kept increasing, which was evident by the smoke increasing below deck. The stern boat was put in readiness, lest the crew should have to abandon the vessel. On arriving in Sunderland harbour, she grounded at a short distance from the entrance of the river, the tide having ebbed considerably. The Wear fire-engine was soon towed alongside, and got to play upon the decks and afterwards below deck, and in a short time the fire was completely extinguished. Upon ex amination part of the decks, beams, &c, were found to be burned to charcoal, and part of the coals were burned to cinders, though the fire did not break out into a flame. — Ibid. December 21. — Died, at Cullercoates, John MacGregor, esq. M.D., half-pay of the Royal Ordnance Medical Department, and many years resident in Newcastle ; his body was interred in Tynemouth churchyard, the corpse being met by a non-commissioned officer's party of the Royal Artillery, and by them conveyed to the grave. His kind and gentlemanly manners, together with the possession of no ordinary literary attainments, rendered him much beloved, and sincerely regretted, by a numerous circle of friends and acquaintances. — Ibid. December 23. — As the sexton of Hexham and his son were digging a grave in Hexham church yard, on the west side of the northern transept, close to the spot where a large number of Saxon coins were found in 1832, they made a further discovery of stycse in the soil, probably the scattered portion of the former hoard, amounting to a considerable number of coins of the monarchs and prelates of that early period — all good specimens. — Ibid,. December 29. — Wednesday evening, about six o'clock, an accident occurred in Dean-street, Newcastle, by which two females who were passing up the street were much injured. It appeared that at the above period, as a hackney coach, drawn by one horse, was proceeding down the street, with four passengers, the breeching of the harness suddenly broke, and the trapping falling upon the horse's legs made it kick and plunge, by which it became unmanageable, the coach at 340 LOCAL HISTORIANS [a.d. 1842. the same time running down the hill at a rapid rate, came so violently against a lamp-post, as to knock it down and break the lamp ; and this concussion likewise freeing the horse from the vehicle, (which was much shattered), the animal continued his course, and unfortunately ran over the two women, who were so much injured that they were immediately conveyed to the Infirmary ; one of them was severely cut and bruised, and the other received a compound fracture in one of her arms. The horse was soon afterwards stopped without doing further injury. — Local Papers. Pink Tower, Newcastle. 1846. 1842 (January). — Early in this month, the passenger-train from Haswell to Hartlepool was proceeding towards Castle-Eden, when a rail was sprung in such a manner as to enter the fore part of the coach and actually to pass, diagonally, right through, lodging in the higher corner of the opposite part of the roof. The coach was full of passengers ; but providentially not one received the slightest injury. The bar, indeed, touched one gentleman's hat; and another was thrown from his seat, with his head into a lady's lap, by the shock. To this circumstance he may attribute his preservation, as the rail struck through the part where he was sitting, and, had he retained that position, would inevitably have penetrated his breast ; as consi dering the speed of the train at the time, the rail must have passed through the coach in the sixtieth-part of a second ! — Ibid. On Monday, the 3rd inst., about seven o'clock in the evening, a fire was discovered in a house occupied by James Thoburn, ship wright, at Laygate square, near Trinity church, South Shields. The A.D. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 341 fire was soon subdued, but not until the bed, some wearing apparel, and part of the furniture were destroyed. How the fire originated was not ascertained. — Local Papers. 18+2 (Jan. 4). — On the morning of this day, Tuesday, great alarm was experienced by the cry of " fire at Messrs. Pratt's carpet manu factory," at Barnard-castle. It appeared that some of the men con nected with the factory were working " by shifts," at some particular work, when they observed a quantity of smoke in a yarn room, and on examination discovered the warping-room in an adjoining building, situated in the next yard, to be on fire. On Mr. John Pratt enter ing and endeavouring to extinguish the fire, part of the flooring gave way, and he fell into an unoccupied room which was densely filled with smoke. He was severely burnt in the hands, and much bruised on the head and body, but had presence of mind to break the win dow to obtain air ; the persons assembled burst open the door, and he was rescued. On the arrival of engines the fire was got under without any very serious damage to the firm. The origin of the fire appeared to have been accidental. — Ibid. January 4. — Suddenly expired at Harley, near Acton Burnell, (a seat of the Smythes, of Esh, in the county of Durham) in his 70th year, the rev. R. Ratcliffe. The reverend gentleman had left Acton Burnell at an early hour ; and on his arrival at Harley, two miles from Wenlock, about nine o'clock, two cottagers saw him passing down the road, when he suddenly staggered and fell to the ground in a fit of apoplexy. They hastened to his assistance, and lifted him up ; but after breathing several heavy sighs he expired. The body was removed to Acton Burnell the same day, where it was subsequently interred. The deceased was a student at Douay college, when the horrors of the French revolution compelled the inmates of that seminary to fly from France, and seek a shelter under the hos pitable roofs of the wealthy members of the Catholic faith in Great Britain and other countries. He arrived at Acton Burnell, the seat of sir Edward Smythe, with other refugees, in 1793, where he re mained up to the time of his death ; and during the last 26 years officiated as domestic chaplain to the family. He was one of the des cendants of the house of Derwentwater, which suffered so much in property and life for its adherence to the cause of the Stuarts. — Shrewsbury Chronicle. January 6. — Died, at Alnwick, in the 82nd year of his age, Mr. William Tarn, a native of Newcastle, and one of the oldest freemen of that borough. His gentlemanly manners and kindness of heart endeared him to all who knew him. For upwards of thirty years he followed the profession of a picture cleaner, with great success. In 342 local historian's [a. d. 1842. the course of his long practice he became an accomplished connoisseur in the various schools of painting, and he added the memoirs of 1810 artists to his copy of Pilkington's Dictionary of Painters. He wrote the life of Carfrey, the artist, and he also left a manuscript memoir of his own life, containing interesting conversations and criti cisms of several celebrated modern artists, and some of the most distinguished patrons of painting. — Local Papers. 1842 (Jan. 7). — Friday, a young man named Marshall, a sailor of Sunderland, procured a suit of jacket and trowsers from Mr. Thomas Hardy, clothier, in the Low-street there, by means of a forged order, signed in the name of a respectable ship-owner. Next day the fraud was discovered, and information was given to the police, who upon enquiry found that the clothes had been pledged, by a woman, at a pawnbroker's shop. This led to the discovery of Marshall, who was living in a back-house in High-street, where a police officer proceeded in search of him on the following Tuesday morning. Marshall hap pened to see the officer approaching, and judging the object of his visit, he made his escape through a window, and jumped from the top of a wall, a height of about 25 feet, into a yard behind the house of Mr. Peter Mason, surgeon. He opened the back-door and passed through the kitchen and shop, followed by the officer, who also jump ed from the top of the wall, and sprained his ancle. Marshall how ever, having the start, succeeded in escaping the vigilance of the police. — Ibid. January 7. — Died, at South Shields, in Collingwood-street, aged 48, much regretted, Mr. Thomas Thompson, miller. He was son of Mr. Shaftoe Thompson, of Elf hills, near Wallington, (who died 18 April, 1833,) whose great grandfather was captain John Shaftoe, who was shot at Preston for engaging in the rebellion of 1715. — Ibid January 7. — Between 9 and 10 o'clock at night, a fire broke out in a range of buildings in the yard of Mr. Harrison, cooper, near the Observer office, Gateshead. The fire originated with a furnace in the brass-foundry of Mr. R. C. Moore, over which was a carpenter's shop, occupied by Mr. Hudspeth. The joists and flooring were set on fire by the furnace, and there was at one time a threatening pros pect of an extensive and destructive conflagration. Happily, how ever, measures of prevention were adopted in time to arrest the im pending evil. The neighbours exerted themselves with energy, and succeeded in mastering the flames, before the arrival of any engines. For the sake of security over-night, the flooring adjacent to the fur nace and flue was all torn down, and other precautionary measures were adopted. — Ibid. January 8. — Saturday, that immense undertaking, the Spital Ton- A. D. 1841.] TABLE BOOK. 343 gues colliery tunnel, belonging to Messrs. Porter and Latimer, was opened throughout the entire length, from the colliery to the river Tyne near the Glasshouse bridge. The extreme length of the tun nel is 2| miles : total descent from the entrance at the colliery to the level of the spouts for shipping the coals, 222 feet. This line of rail way is worked by a stationary engine, the loaded waggons (containing a chaldron each) taking after them the rope to draw the empty wag gons back. The power of the engine is 40-horse, and it will draw 32 empty waggons back ; and should the trade require the quantity, three runs, or twelve keels, could be shipped in an hour. The guage of the rails is 4 feet 8 inches. The waggons are of an improved form, invented by W. E. Gillespie, the engineer, who had the whole manage ment of this stupendous work. The tunnel from end to end, is arched with bricks, and has an inverted stone arch at bottom. Dimensions inside, 7 feet 5 inches high, by six feet three inches wide. The workmen, to the number of two hundred, were regaled with a sub stantial supper and strong ale, supplied by Mrs. Dixon, of the Uni corn inn, Bigg-market, Newcastle. The Albion band attended, and enlivened the joyous occasion with their music. The tunnel was commenced in 1839, and it is a remarkable circumstance that the whole of the strata worked was composed of nothing but solid clay, neither rock or any other impediment presenting itself. The tunnel commences at the surface, and its greatest depth is 85 feet ; its course is south-east, running under the Moor and continuing to St. Thomas's church, Barras Bridge, and so on until it reaches the river, where coal spouts are erected, for the loading of vessels. — Local Papers. 1842 (Jan. 9). — Sunday morning, a fire occurred in Trinity church, South Shields, in consequence of one of the flues having become over heated, and set the boards above it on fire. Fortunately it was dis covered just about the time when the congregation was assembling for divine service, so that by prompt assistance and active exertions it was speedily got under without further damage, excepting that two or three pews were a little burnt. — Ibid. January 10. — Monday, the ceremony of opening the tunnel formed at Shildon, near Bishop Auckland, co. Durham, for the purpose of facilitating the communication between the extensive coal-field in that neighbourhood and the shipping port at Middlesbro', took place amidst great rejoicings. Hitherto, the coals from this district had been conveyed along two inclines, called the Black Boy and the Brus- sleton inclines. This operation was frequently fouud to be attended with great delay ; and to be injurious, likewise, to the waggons and coals. To obviate these inconveniences and loss, several spirited in- 344 local historian's [a. d. 1842. dividuals projected the formation of a tunnel underneath the hilly ground on which Old Shildon stands ; and after making the necessary preparations, the work was commenced on the 22nd of April 1839 ; twenty-one months only having been occupied in its construction. The tunnel had now advanced to a state of completion, at an expense of about £100,000. ; and the above was the day fixed upon for plac ing the last brick in the position of the key stone of the arch, at the last junction of the tunnel. It is 1300 yards long, or nearly three- quarters of a mile. Its height is 23 feet 4 inches, and its breadth 21 feet at the point whence the arch springs. The greatest depth from the surface is about 20 fathoms. The tunnel is constructed for two lines of railway ; and, during its formation, was worked by seven shafts from the surface. — Local Papers. 1842. — A patent was granted to Edward Hall, of Deptford, civil engineer, for an improved steam boiler. — Sealed 11th January. — Hid. James Ions, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, obtained a patent for im provements in smelting copper ores. Sealed 13th January. — Hid. January 14 — Friday, a fatal accident occurred at Jarrow Alkali Works, near South Shields, about eight o'clock in the morning. John Smith and Thomas Lowes were breakfasting in the fire hole, and Thomas Robinson, one of the firemen of the works, was standing talking with them, with his face toward the boiler fire, when the boiler suddenly exploded with a fearful report, rising from the brick work and turning quite over and carrying the roof and every part .with which it came in contact, away, the end being blown completely out. The boiler seat and roofs of the boiler room and grinding mills adjoining were all destroyed, and several pieces of metal pipe of con siderable weight were broken from their connections and carried from 30 to 60 yards distance. Seven men were scalded and otherwise in jured by the explosion. Thomas Robinson was blown against the opposite wall from the boiler, and after being got out, lingered until three o'clock in the afternoon of the same day and died. John Smith continued till about half-past five and expired. An inquest was held on Smith and Robinson before Michael Hall, esq. Verdict " Accidental death." Smith was 36 years of age, and left a widow and nine children. He was a local preacher amongst the Primitive Methodists, and a member of the order of Rechabites, nearly a hun dred of whom followed his remains to the grave. Being the first Rechabite funeral in South Shields, and the deceased being generally respected for his unostentatious piety and Christian worth, large num bers of persons flocked to witness the ceremony. — Ibid. January 20. — Mr. Cresswell, M. P. for Liverpool, and brother of A. J. Baker Cresswell, esq. M. P. for Northumberland, was appointed a. d. 1 842.] table book. 345 one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in the room of Mr. Justice Bosanquet, resigned. — Local Papers. 1842 (Jan. 20) — Died, at her house in the North Bailey, Durham, in her 78th year, Margery, relict of the right rev. Dr. Burgess, lord bishop of Salisbury, a lady whose amiability of character and genuine goodness of heart had endeared her to an extensive circle of friends, while her many acts of unostentatious benevolence obtained for her the blessings of the poor and needy. — Hid. January 23, — Sunday, about six o'clock a. m., a fire broke out on the premises of Mr. Younghusband, occupied by Mr. William Tay lor, shopkeeper, Bamburgh ; and but for the timely arrival of the Castle fire-engine, and the praiseworthy exertions of the inhabitants, the whole range of houses (of which Mr. Younghusband's formed a part) must have fallen a prey to the flames. The house was partially burnt down, and Mr. Taylor sustained a damage of shop-goods, &c, to the amount of £30. — Ibid. January 25. — Being the day appointed for the baptism of Albert, prince of Wales, suitable rejoicings took place in Newcastle in honour of the event. Most of the shops in the town were closed, and at noon the dismounted troop of the Northumberland and Newcastle Volunteer Cavalry fired three vollies, and the castle guns were dis charged. After firing the troop repaired to St Nicholas' square to break up, where a rather serious affray took place. Great numbers of the crowd (which was very numerous) repaired to the open space in front of the corn market and arming themselves with snow balls kept up a continual discharge against the volunteers, who were obliged to bear it quietly. Clouds of these missiles now flew in from all sides, and those against whom they were directed received many bruises, and a coating of hardened snow. They now separated in groups, and these immediately became the targets of the mob, while both officers and men were glad to retreat precipitately down the narrow lanes leading from the Cloth market, and other available defiles. One of them was struck in the front with a ball, at the corner of Mosley street, and noticing the person who discharged it, rushed forward and wielded his musket vigourously ; but he was surrounded, his weapon taken from him, and his person seriously ill-treat. He escaped just as the police came up, who after great exertions succeeded in capturing three or four of the most unruly. The police then dragged them off, and the whole body of the mob ran after them, along Mos- ley-street, and down the Arcade, hooting and shouting until the prisoners were lodged in the Manors station-house when the crowd retired peaceably. At Gateshead the shops were only partially closed. The Town Council met on the previous Wednesday, and decided vol. v.. 2 Y 346 local historian'* [a. d. 1842. upon the holding of a public dinner at Mrs. Calvert's, an intention subsequently abandoned. At North and South Shields the shops were closed the whole of the day ; the bells of the churches were rung at intervals ; flags floated from several public buildings, inns, and the ships in the harbour ; and the hand of benevolence having been libe rally extended to many of the poorer of the inhabitants, all classes enjoyed a more than ordinarily happy day. At Sunderland, the morning was ushered in by the ringing of the church bells, which continued at intervals during the day. The vessels in the harbour hoisted their colours, and the shops and other places of business were mostly closed. The public soup kitchen, which had been open for some weeks for the distribution of soup and bread among the neces sitous poor at a trifling price, was, on this day of national rejoicing, thrown open for entirely gratuitous relief, and each applicant received a quart of soup and two cakes. At Durham the day wis observed as a general holiday ; the shops being closed, the bells rang, and the national ensign hoisted on the churches, &c. There was no public demonstration of loyalty, except a ball at the Assembly rooms, in the evening, which, owing to the severity of the weather, was not nume rously attended. At Stockton nearly all the shops were closed, the bells sent forth their joyous peals ; flags were displayed at the differ ent public offices ; bands of music perambulated the streets ; and public dinners and balls closed the proceedings of the day. In the neighbouring villages of Hart and Billingham the poor were plen tifully regaled, and much loyal enthusiasm was displayed. In the latter place blankets and clothing were also distributed to twelve of the poorest families. At Barnardcastle a sermon was preached by the rev. W. B. Galloway to the children of the church Sunday school ; after which upwards of 300 scholars partook of tea and cake, pro vided by a voluntary subscription of the inhabitants, a great number of whom were present, and expressed themselves delighted with the proceedings and good behaviour of the children. At Darlington, the bells rang many a merry peal ; the parents of the children at tending the National and Sunday schools, connected with the parish church, were supplied, to the number of 100, with a quarter of a ton of coals each, the produce of a subscription by the friends of the church ; the lady of John Wood, esq. of Woodlands, distributed cakes to upwards of 230 children belonging the schools connected with Trinity church ; and in the evening a ball was given at the Dolphin inn, which was attended by a numerous and respectable company. — Local Papers 1842 (Jan 25.) — Tuesday, the church of St. Patrick, Felling, was opened for divine service with the usual formula of the Catholic cere- A.D. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 347 monial. Notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, a crowded congregation was collected from Newcastle and the neigh bourhood. The clergy and ministers moved from the vestry at 11 o'clock in their robes, chanting a psalm, and proceeded to the en trance-door, and up the body of the chapel to the altar. The pro cession was headed by the members of the Guild or Confraternity of St. Joseph and Mary, who wore their gowns, collars, and other in signia. The musical portion of the service, consisting of selections from the masses of Mozart and Haydn, was executed in excellent style by the Newcastle Catholic choir, who gave the gratuitous aid of their talents upon the occasion ; and an impressive discourse was delivered by the rev. W. Riddell. The revds. Joseph Brown, G. Lowe, John Eyre, &c, assisted in the services : and at the close a collection was made amounting to £23 18s, 4^d. The church owes its erection to the zeal and energy of the rev. W. Riddell, who, upon this and many other occasions, shrunk from no sacrifice of labour and expenditure, in order to accomplish the work for the benefit of the numerous Catholic population in the neighbourhood. The ground was the gift of W. Caley, esq., of Saltwell, at whose hospitable man sion, fourteen of the assisting clergy, and other friends, were enter tained after the religious services of the day, — Local Papers. 1842 (Jan. 26). — Wednesday night, Mr. Robert Simpson, of New- port-on-Tees, farmer and merchant, was returning home from Middles- bro' at a late hour, when he observed three men proceed from the rear of his granary to the wharf, with well-filled bags on their backs ; and concluding that they were carrying on a " free trade in corn" at his expense, he roused his servants to the rescue of his property. The suspected parties, hearing the alarm, threw down their bags, and ran off in opposite directions. One of Mr. Simpson's men gave chase to a fugitive, and they had a closely-contested race, the runaway keeping slightly a-head of his pursuer ; till the latter, fearing that he would lose his man, at length raised his cudgel, and belaboured him on the shoulders. The poor fellow thereupon gave in, and was handed over to a policeman. Meanwhile the bags had been examined, and were found to contain leaf-tobacco. Subsequently, several additional bags were found in the turnpike road, and, with the three already seized, were conveyed to the custom-house at Stockton, when the total quan tity was ascertained to amount to 5,948tb ! The duty upon this seizure would have been £934. — Ibid. January 26. — The weather at this period was extremely severe, with heavy falls of snow, and a tremendous wind blowing from the south. During the whole of the above day, Wednesday, most of the shops in Darlington were closed, and several of them sustained injury. 348 local historian's [a.d. 1842. Many of the coaches and carriers were unable to proceed to their res pective places, on account of the great depth of snow. Most of the country roads farther north were entirely blocked up, — the coaches between Durham and Sunderland were compelled to turn back, and the mails between Edinburgh and Newcastle were also unable to maintain their time. On the coast the storm raged with great vio lence. Immediately after the flag (signal) was hoisted upon the light-house at Tynemouth, some vessels in the offing ran into the har bour through a terrible sea, at about 30 minutes past 1 2 p.m. The Argus, Paterson ; and the Eliza, Gray, were driven too far to lee ward, and ran upon the rocks : both vessels came in collision. The Eliza in less than half-an-hour after struck, literally broke into frag ments, and disappeared among the furious waves : the crew got on board the Argus, and shortly after, both crews, amounting to 18 indi viduals, were passed along lines thrown by capt. Manby's apparatus, which on this occasion eminently served to preserve those poor ship wrecked seamen from perishing : higher praise than this cannot be bestowed on tbe distinguished inventor of this life-preserver. The first one that passed along the lines was a good deal immersed in the waves, but the others were borne admirably aloft to the shore in ex cellent order. At 3 p.m., the Ocean, of Scarbro', from Hartlepool for London, ran upon the rocks ; every attempt to get to windward proved ineffectual, and she drove rapidly higher upon the rocks : the crew were also ultimately saved by the apparatus. While crowds of spectators were anxiously watching the fate of those vessels, several in the harbour came in contact with each other, and were more or less damaged. Towards evening a thaw set in, and a strong westerly wind during the night greatly diminished the quantity of snow before Thursday morning ; by which time however, a sharp frost had re turned. The storm was indeed the most severe one remembered for twenty years. At Stockton, on the afternoon of Saturday the 29th, the inhabitants were thrown into a state of consternation, by a report that a great number of boys, who had been skating and sliding on Portrack Lake, were all drowned, in consequence of the breaking of the ice. People were seen running in all directions towards the spot, and as far as regarded two of the party, who were brothers, of the names of Robert and Thomas Swales, of the respective ages of thir teen and eleven, the report was found to be correct. From the statements of the other boys, it appeared, that the ice, which was in a melting state, first broke away with the eldest lad, and that his brother in helping him, got in also. There was not a man at hand, and nearly twenty minutes elapsed before assistance could be pro cured, and when taken on shore, both were found to be dead. A \. D. 1842. J TABLE BOOK. 349 coroner's inquest was held the same day, and a verdict of accident ally drowned returned ; and on Monday, their bodies were attended by many a hundred, both old and young, to their silent homes. Strange as it may appear, yet, notwithstanding these fatal occurrences, and the thaw continuing all the night, on Sunday, a number both of men and boys were fool-hardy enough to venture on the same sheet of ice ; some got in knee deep, others to the middle, and one man was im mersed up to his neck, and he was likely to remain, but for the as sistance and presence of mind of some sailors, who fastened a rope to a boat's oar, and threw the end to him, by which means he was drag ged in safety to terra firma. — Local Papers. The Watek Tower, Close, Newcastle. 1846. 1842 (January). — The Institution of Civil Engineers, at their an nual meeting awarded a Telford Medal in silver, to Mr. Thomas Sop with, of Newcastle, for his paper upon " the construction and use of geological models in connection with civil engineering." — Ibid. January 29. — Died at his seat, Ridley Hall, Northumberland,, early on the morning of this day, Saturday, John Davidson, esq. He was 350 local historian's [a. d. 1842. in the 45 th year of his age, and had been suffering, for some months previous, from indisposition ; but almost up to the hour of his sud den removal from the world, his medical attendants hoped that by care and judicious treatment he might once again be restored to the enjoyment of life and health. Mr. Davidson married, in 1825, Susan, youngest daughter of lady Anna Maria Jessop, by whom he left no issue. He served the office of High Sheriff of Northumberland for the year 1839. — Local Papers. 1842 (Jan. 29). — Died, at his residence in St. James's square, Lon don, early on the morning of this day, Saturday, aged 75, the right honourable William Henry Vane, duke of Cleveland. The health of the venerable duke had been, for some years past in a very precarious state, and during the last fortnight no hopes had been entertained of his grace's recovery, and for several days his death was almost hourly expected. The houses of Cleveland and Westmoreland spring from a common ancestor. The former preserves the ancient mode of spelling the name (Vane), the latter uses that which appears not to have been adopted till about the year 1488 (Fane), but both families owe their origin to the same source. Sir Henry Vane, who was knighted at the battle of Poictiers, may be considered as the founder of the family ; at least, no pedigree has been traced to any higher source. The next individual of any note amongst the ancestors of the noble duke was sir Henry Vane, of Raby castle, in the county of Durham. This gentleman became a distinguished politician, and rose high in the favour of James I. and Charles L He was cofferer to the latter, when prince of Wales ; and when that monarch came to the throne, was appointed principal secretary of state for life. From this office he was, however, dismissed ; and, it is well known, that dismissal was set forth as part of the justification of the parliament for levying an army. He died in 1654, and was succeeded by his son, sir Henry Vane, who, being treasurer of the navy, relinquished the fees of that office (£39,000,) reserving only £2000 a year for an agent. This was the sir Henry Vane who took so active a part in the great civil war, and who was beheaded on Tower-hill after the restoration. His son, sir Christopher Vane, was raised to the peerage in 1 699 by the title of lord Barnard of Barnard castle. The third lord Barnard, having filled some high official employments, was created viscount Barnard and earl of Darlington by letters patent dated the 3rd of April, 1754. The deceased, William Henry Vane, duke and mar quess of Cleveland, earl of Darlington, viscount and baron Barnard of Barnard castle, and baron Raby of Raby castle in the county of Durham, in the peerage of the united kingdom, was only son of Henry second earl of Darlington and Margaret, sister of the late, A. D. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 351 and aunt of the present, earl of Lonsdale. He was born the 27th July, 1766, and was consequently in his 76th year. In September, 1787, he married lady Katherine Margaret Powlett, second daugh ter and co-heir of Henry the sixth and last duke of Bolton, and co-heir of one moiety of the barony of St. John of Basing, by whom, who died 17th June, 1807, his grace had issue eight children. The duke married, secondly, 27th July, 1813, Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Robt. Russell, the present dowager duchess, by whom he had no issue. The noble duke succeeded to the peerage upon the death of his father on the 8th of September, 1792. While viscount Barnard he sat for a short time in the House of Commons as member for Win- chilsea, and previous to the Reform Act could, return representatives for that borough as well as for Camelford ; and on the death of his noble father became colonel of the Durham militia. A liberal dispo sition in the expenditure of his large fortune manifested itself upon every fitting occasion. He was offered a marquisate during the ad ministration of Mr. Canning, in 1827, but the patent was not com pleted till after the duke of Wellington took office, and was created a duke during that of earl Grey, in 1833. His grace was lord lieu tenant and vice-admiral of Durham ; and was elected a knight of the garter in 1839. The duke having desired that his funeral might be privately conducted, the only exception to its being a strictly family funeral was made in the case of the tenants, who attended on horse back, in large numbers. In the first of the mourning coaches were the present duke, the now dowager duchess, lady Augusta Henrietta Milbanke, and lady Arabella Arden ; and in the second ¦ were lord William Powlett, lord Harry Vane, Mark Milbanke, esq. and the hon. colonel Arden, of Pepper Hall, Yorkshire. The other coaches contained G. B. Wharton, and — Metcalf, esqrs., two of the execu tors ; T. F. Scarth, esq. and other gentlemen connected with the family. The body was deposited in a vault of Staindrop church. The following is a copy of the inscription engraved on the plate of the duke's coffin : — The most Noble Wiliam Harry Vane, Duke and Marquis of Cleveland, Earl of Darlington, Viscount and Baron. Barnard, of Barnardcastle, And Baron Raby, of Raby Castle, in the County of Durham ; Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the County of Durham, And Colonel of the Durham Militia ; Born '27th July, 1766: died 29th January, 1842. — Gent's. Mag. Sec, 352 local historian's [a.d. 1842. 1842 (Jan. 30). — Between two and three o'clock on the morning of this day, Sunday, a fire was discovered by James Mitchell, police constable, in the extensive range of buildings then erecting by Mr. William Alderson, situate opposite the foot of Frederick-street, Bishop- Wearmouth, and intended by that gentleman to be used as an inn. The officer immediately entered, and to his surprise dis covered several bundles of laths, piled upon a quantity of shavings, which had been previously set on fire by the perpetrators of this de testable crime. With extraordinary courage and presence of mind, he instantly commenced the daring attempt to disperse the burning laths, by throwing them into the street, in which he succeeded at great personal risk, being forced to retire twice to breathe, in conse quence of the denseness of the smoke. It would be doing the con stable injustice not to state, that had he not remained on the pre mises and relied entirely on his own energies, before he could have raised an alarm, or assistance could have been afforded, at that early hour of the morning, the whole building would have been destroyed in a few hours, as a quantity of rafters had been placed in the upper rooms by the workmen to dry ; and the premises not being then in sured, would have occasioned a loss of more than £500. to the owner. — Local Papers. About this period, his grace the duke of Northumberland pur chased the fine estate called the Magdalene Fields, outside the ram parts, Berwick-upon-Tweed, from lord Lisburne, for £28,000. — Ibid Portion of the Lintel of a Door, discovered in the foundations of a house in the Close, Newcastle. CHAPTER XVI. HE marriage of the rev. Henry Percy, M.A., second son of the lord bishop of Carlisle, and vicar of Warkworth, Northumberland, with Emma, only surviving daughter of the late B. B. Galbraith, esq., of Old Derrig, Queen's County, Ireland, took place at the church of St. Nicholas, Newcastle, on the 1st February, "s., with a shaft 3^ feet long, instantly struck Lid dle a tremendous blow on the head, which felled him, and then aimed a second blow with the same hammer at his head while he was lying on the ground, but the other workmen who were near prevented him, by pushing his arms aside ; the force of the blow was thus broken, and it fell upon his breast. Liddle was taken up and carried home, and surgical aid procured. His skull was found to be fractured, and the brain ruptured; nine pieces of bone were taken from the fracture. He lingered, insensible, till a quarter past five next morning, when death terminated his sufferings. He was a respectable man, and left an afflicted widow and eight children to lament their loss. Ro bertson left the shop immediately after the occurrence, but was soon followed by Mr. E. Lumsdon, jun., and two police officers, who took him in charge, and conveyed him to the station-house. To one of the officers he said, " I may as well be hanged for him as another." On Thursday, the 24th, an inquest was held before Michael Hall, Esq., at Mr. Lumsdon's, Dundas-street, when the above circumstances were detailed in evidence, and the jury returned a verdict of " Wilful Murder." The prisoner (a widower, about 27 years of age, and said to be a nathe of Gateshead or its neighbourhood,) was brought into the room, and endeavoured to avoid observation, covering his face with his hands. He declined to say anything in his defence, and was committed to Durham gaol, for trial at the summer assizes. On Sa turday, the 26th, the remains of Liddle were interred in the church yard of Monkwearmouth. A numerous circle of friends attended the funeral, which was witnessed by a large concourse of people, many of whom were deeply affected. Mr. Liddle was deservedly respected wherever he was known ; he had been 28 years in the service of Mr. Lumsdon, and was considered one of the best workmen in the north. The trial of Robinson came on at Durham Assizes, on Wednesday July 14, when he was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to transportation for life. — Local Papers. a. d. 1842.] table book. 357 1842 (Feb. 24). — A mare, the property of Mr. Hoult, of Rushy- ford, Durham, whilst in the blacksmith's shop at that place, dropped with her dung a large full-grown frog, in a state of the most lively animation. The mare had been brought in from the fold-yard on the previous day, and it there had access to the adjoining pasture in which is a small pond ; and here it is supposed she had swallowed the reptile, whose term of imprisonment (at least 24 hours) cannot of course be ascertained. The frog was sent to the Durham University Museum. — Local Papers. February 26. — Saturday afternoon, was launched from Messrs. Smith's dock, at St. Peter's, near Newcastle, the fine ship, the Ellen- borough, intended for the East India trade. The vessel went off in grand style, amidst the cheers of several thousands of spectators on shore, and in vessels on the river. She is estimated 1,030 tons register. She is declared by the best judges to be by far the most beautiful and best built, as well as the largest vessel ever launched into the Tyne. — Ibid. Part of the Earl's Inn, (the Antient Residence of the Earl's of Northumberland) Close, Newcastle, discovered Mar. 1846. February 26.— Died at Lesbury, near Alnwick, aged 80, John Herdman, M.D., graduate of Edinburgh, and licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians, London. He was the author of several medi- 358 local historian's [a. d. 1842. cal works, including, amongst others, a treatise on the " Swelling of the Joints, and the Doctrine of Inflammation," and on the " Diseases of Children ;" also a popular " Discourse on the Influenza," which was published in Edinburgh in the year 1803, during the fatal preva lence of that epidemic. He practised in London several years, and was appointed one of the physicians in ordinary to his royal highness the Duke of Sussex ; but he relinquished his profession from con scientious motives, his opinions having become quite anti-medical, and were rigidly carried into practice. He considered, that to " minister to nature, and to conform to her operations by sobriety and regularity of life, were the only safe means to secure health," and he entirely re jected the aid of medicine, as tending to derange and debilitate the system, declining assistance during his last illness, and declaring that he desired only to die a natural death. After his retirement from the medical profession, he entered into holy orders, and preached occa sionally in Alnwick, Howick, and the adjoining parish churches. The doctor was a native of Fifeshire, and by his marriage with Miss Hay, daughter of the late C. Hay, Esq., of Lesbury, he succeeded to great wealth, which he diffused with a generous hand. He was a liberal supporter of public institutions, a munificent patron of the fine arts and the drama, and a kind benefactor to the poor and the distressed. — Local Papers. 1842 (Feb. 27).— Died at Mitford Castle, Northumberland, in his 55th year, Bertram Osbaldeston Mitford, of Mitford Castle, and of Hunmanby, in the county of York, esq. He was the lineal male de scendant of the very ancient family of Mitford, the pedigree of which will be found in Hodgson's Northumberland, II. ii. 47. His father Bertram Mitford, esq., died in 1800 ; his mother was Miss Tabitha Johnson, of Newcastle. Upon the demise of Humphrey Osbaldeston (formerly Humphrey Brooke), of Hunmanby, in the county of York, esq., in September, 1835, without leaving male issue, the deceased succeeded to the possession of the immense landed estates situated in the east and west ridings of that county, as next surviving tenant in tail, under the will of the late Fountayne Wentworth Osbaldeston, esq., of Hunmanby ; his grandmother having been Mary, daughter of sir Richard Osbaldeston, knt., and in January, 1836, in compliance with the directions of the testator, and by virtue of his late Majesty's royal license for that purpose, he assumed the arms and name of Os baldeston. The deceased, about twelve years ago, married his rela tive, Frances, the daughter of Henry Mitford, esq., a captain R.N. who survives him, but by whom he has left no issue. —Gent's. Mag. February 27. — The weather, which early in the morning of this day was remarkably fine, began to assume a threatening aspect about a.d. 1842.] table book. 359 nine o'clock, the wind becoming strong from the S.E., accompanied with snow. The ground very soon wore the appearance of winter, but the action of the sun gradually softened its rigorous aspect. There were still, however, occasional storms, accompanied by thunder and lightning, with intermissions of sunshine, throughout the day. Towards evening a violent thunder-storm of some hours' continuance took place. The lightning flashed with uncommon brilliancy, and its effects were not unattended with damage. The chimney of the Jarrow Alkali Works was struck, and some bricks were displaced ; whilst in the interior of one of the chambers, a portion of the metal was fused by the lightning. At North Shields a dog, which had followed its owner into the Methodist Chapel, was struck dead by the lightning on reaching the street, as the congregation were leaving the chapel ; but the most remarkable circumstance that occurred, happened to a gentleman who was leaving the chapel at the same time, with a silk umbrella in his hand, upon which the lightning fell, but silk being a non-conductor the gentleman escaped uninjured, whilst the umbrella was but slightly damaged. At Berwick, the lightning struck a stack of barley, and before it was extinguished, the greater part was de stroyed. — Local Papers. 1842 (March 4). — Died at Radcliffe Terrace, Warkworth, aged 81, Mrs. Mary Redhead, widow of William Redhead, who was killed nearly half a century ago at Cowpen colliery ; he was a direct descendant of that bold and daring outlaw Gawen Readhead, who was outlawed in the 10th of Queen Elizabeth, and took shelter in a large hollow oak on the Brinkburn estate. Tradition says, he was as notorious a moss trooper as Elliott of Liddesdale, or the Reiver of Westburnflat. — Ibid. March 6. — This day, Sunday, the Scotch Church, Saville Street, South Shields, in connexion with the Presbytery of Newcastle, was opened. The services were conducted in the morning by the Rev. Mr. Munroe, from Manchester, the present moderator of the Presby terian Synod in England ; and in the afternoon by the Rev. Dr. Pat terson, of Sunderland. — Hid. March 8. — Tuesday morning, William Robinson, a countryman, hind to Jervis Robinson, esq., at Rocliffe farm, near Hurworth, co. Durham, accompanied by his father and son, had crossed the river Tees, near Hurworth, for the purpose of landing the old man, who lived at Smeaton, and had been on a visit to his son. There is no ford at the place, but they had got the old man safely over and were about to return home, when the horse in turning round stumbled and fell ; the water running very strong at the time overturned the cart, and the little boy and his father were thrown out into the water, where 360 local historian's [a. d. 1842. they perished in the sight of the old man, without the least possibility of rendering any assistance — the horse was also drowned. — Local Papers. 1842 (March 9).— A violent storm of thunder and lightning, accom panied by a heavy fall of snow, prevailed in Newcastle and neighbour hood. The lightning stmck one of the tall chimneys at the Alkali Works of Messrs. Cookson & Co., of South Shields, and took the whole of the outer coat of bricks off for upwards of thirty feet down, and a poor man was so severely injured by the fall of the bricks, that he died in the afternoon of the same day, and others were also hurt. —Ibid. March 9. — As Mr. George Watson, a butcher, at Stockton, was driving a fat cow home frrom the market, and when within 50 yards of his own shop, the animal turned into a passage in William-street, and one of the house doors being open, she very deliberately entered, and proceeded up stairs, where she unceremoniously took possession of a room, occupied by a man named Franklin, a flax- dresser, who was at work, his wife and children being with him. They were, of course, both surprised and alarmed at the extraordinary intrusion. Mr. Watson soon came to their relief, and the cow was forcibly ejected. The damage done did not amount to five shillings, which the worthy butcher cheerfully paid. — Hid. March 10. — Thursday, the Union Society of Change Ringers of Newcastle and Gateshead having been visited by four change-ringers from London, ascended the tower of All Saints' church, Newcastle, and rung a true and complete peal of Holt's Grandsire Triples, con sisting of 5,040 changes, which were beautifully struck and brought round in three hours, by the following performers : — 1st, Joseph Gis- sing ; 2d, Charles Bailey ; 3d, John Cox ; 4th, John Freeman ; 5th, Allan Stephenson ; 6th, Robert Balmbra ; 7th, George James ; tenor, Richard Wanless. Weight of tenor 19 cwt. The peal was con ducted by Mr. John Cox. — Hid. March 12. — The Lords of the Treasury conferred the valuable ap pointment of distributor of stamps for the county of Northumberland and Berwick-upon-Tweed upon Henry Reed, esq., son of the late la mented col. Reed. The hon. George Liddell, who had for some years been barrack master at Windsor, received, at the same time the appointment of distributor of stamps for the county of Durham. Mr. George Liddell commenced his career in the army, joining at a very early age that distinguished regiment the Seventh Fusileers. He ac companied his regiment to the Greek Islands and Malta, where in the tenth year of his service, he was attacked with a violent rheumatic fever, in consequence of a cold caught upon night duty in the harbour. A. D. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 361 The illness that ensued was of so severe a character, that he was sent home more dead than alive, and after lying thirteen months in his father's house, under the care of the first advice in London, his con stitution was so shattered, that he was obliged to sell out of his regi ment at the age of twenty-eight, being at that time the senior cap tain and having a high character for efficiency and ability. — Local Papers. 1842 (March 12). — Saturday night, a destructive fire broke out on board of a newly-built brig, called the Storm, belonging to Newcastle- upon-Tyne, laden with coals, while at sea on her passage to London. The fire was found raging in the bulkhead of that vessel. The hatch way was covered over in the hopes of stifling the flames, but in the course of an hour the terrible element burst forth through the deck, and the master, seeing there was no chance of saving the vessel, al tered her course, and steered for the Essex coast. They were at that ' time upwards of ten miles out from the land, with a strong gale blow ing direct from off the coast, and it was nearly four o'clock on Sunday morning before the vessel was got on shore. At that period the fire presented an awful appearance ; it was issuing from the head of the vessel with great violence, and it appeared impossible to prevent her being burnt to the water's edge. It was several hours before the fire was entirely extinguished. — Ibid. March 13. — Died at Alnwick Castle, aged 58, the Rev. Thomas Singleton, D.D., chaplain to his grace the duke of Northumberland, archdeacon of Northumberland, rector of Elsdon and Howick, in the same county, and a prebendary of Worcester. He was the only son of Thomas Anketell Singleton, esq., formerly lieutenant-governor of Landguard Fort, by a daughter of Francis Grose, esq., the celebrated antiquary. He was of Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, B.A. 1804 ; and in the office of tutor to the duke of Northumberland (the present chancellor of that university), his friendship with whom commenced at Eton, he acquired so large a share of his grace's esteem that they continued intimate friends ever after. He attended his grace as pri vate secretary on his embassy to Paris, aud again when lord lieute nant of Ireland. The duke presented him to the rectory of Elsdon in 1812 ; he was appointed to the archdeaconry of Northumberland, to which the rectory of Howick is annexed, in 1826 ; and to a pre- bendal stall at Worcester in 1829. No man was ever more generally esteemed, or more deeply regretted than archdeacon Singleton. By the noble family in whose residence much of his time was passed, he was both beloved and valued ; and the friendship with which the duke regarded him, and which began at Eton, was never interrupted. Sir Henry Hardinge was his almost daily correspondent, and he usually vol. v. 3 A 362 local historian's [a.d 1842. spent a week at Tamworth with sir Robert Peel during his residence as canon of Worcester. — Gent's. Mag. 1842 (March).— Died at Copenhagen, Sophia, wife of General Bulow, and grand-daughter of Thomas Selby, esq., of Biddleston, Northumberland. — Local Papers. March 15. — Tuesday, information was communicated to the river police in Sunderland that a quantity of clothes, books, &c, had been stolen from on board the brig Anthony and Ann, in that harbour, and that suspicion attached to the crew of the brig New Forest, of Ly- mington, then lying alongside. A search was made without effect on board of the latter vessel, during which one of the seamen, named William Lawrence, fell from the fore-topmast cross-trees, and was so severely injured that he was taken to the infirmary in a dangerous state. A subsequent search was made by inspector Annison on board of the same vessel, when the whole of the stolen articles were found concealed in the hammock-bed of the seaman above-named. The case was investigated by the magistrates, who, in consequence of what had happened to the person supposed to be the depredator, and whose fall was attributed to a consciousness of guilt and fear on seeing the officer on board, recommended that the charge should be withdrawn, and the articles restored to the owner which was done accordingly. — Ibid. March 15. — Shortly after 9 o'clock in the evening, a fire was dis covered in the tannery of Mr. George Greene, Half-Moon-lane, Gateshead. A man who was at work in a stable, and who first made the discovery, gave an alarm, and there was quickly an abundance of aid, so that the fire (having made little progress) was readily subdued and extinguished. It had broken out in a store-room, near to the steam-engine used in the operations of the tan-yard. Mr. Usher, superintendant of the police, and Mr. Gillender, were especially active in extinguishing the fire. Three fire-engines came promptly to the spot, but their services were not required. — Ibid. March 1 6. — A young lad, aged about five years, was stolen from his parents in Sunderland, in the year 1840. His mother, the wife of a poor labouring man, was frantic at her loss, and went in immediate search of her son. Hundreds of miles she travelled on foot, exposed to the severest privations, but the object which she had in view sus tained her in every trial. At length she reached Skipton, in York shire, and there, on the above day, she was rewarded for all her toil and suffering, by recovering her long-lost child. He had been left in that town by a company of strolling chimney-sweeps, and was taken charge of by William Atkinson, a master sweep, who, having given information of the circumstance to the magistrates, was advised to a. d. 1842.] table book. 363 keep the little fellow until inquiries should be made after him. The meeting between the mother and her son was deeply affecting. Excess of joy was so violent on both sides that the bystanders feared lest their reason should be overthrown by the paroxysm. — Local Papers. 1842 (March 20).— Died at Cheltenham, aged 80, Mrs. Woodcock, a native of Sunderland. She was an excellent wife, and her husband, at his decease, left her in possession of his fortune, which was very ample. She was a most affectionate and warm friend, and of un bounded benevolence in her disposition. The poor, particularly those of Sunderland and its vicinity, lost in her a kind benefactress,— amongst them she distributed a great portion of her income, depriving herself of all superfluities, and even some comforts. There was no charity where her aid was solicited to which she did not cheerfully contribute to the utmost of her ability, and no popr person ever applied to her in vain. She erected at her sole cost the houses in Maritime- place, and endowed them sufficiently to be an asylum for ten poor ma riners' widows or children. The following extracts from this lamented lady's will are those parts which relate to the town of Sunderland : — She gives £3000 three per cent, consols to the trustees of her alms houses, founded by her in Maritime-place, Bishopwearmouth, in trust to pay the half-yearly dividends in suras of £5 each to poor widows of master mariners, of good character, parishioners and residents of Sun derland and Bishopwearmouth, being members of the established church of England, according to their seniority, the elder being always to be preferred to the younger, and no widows to be elected under fifty-six. Every widow to retain the exhibition for life, pro vided she remain a widow and continues of honest reputation. Gives to the same trustees the further sum of £2000 three per cent, con sols in trust to pay the dividend thereof for the benefit and towards the support and maintenance as well of the Church of England charity schools established at Sunderland and Bishopwearmouth as of the aged poor in those places in equal shares. Also gives £200 three and a half per cent, stock to the same trustees, interest thereof to supply coals and an annual dinner to the almshouse pensioners. Also gives £5 and a suit of mourning to each of the pensioners in the alms house; and, finally, gives £100 sterling to each of the six trustees for their trouble. All these bequests are free from legacy duty. — Ibid. March 21. — Died at Erie Cottage, Bow, London, aged 33, William D. Anderson, esq., civil engineer, and sometime river engineer under the corporation of Newcastle-upon-Tyne ; a situation from which he retired on account of his declining health. Mr. Anderson acquired 364 local historian S [A. D. 1842. The original KALF CROSS, Newcastle: From an unique drawiug in the pusse^sion of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland. considerable knowledge of his profession in early life from his father, who was educated under the celebrated Rennie, and had long been engaged in extensive engineering works in and near the metropolis. The skill obtained under his father was matured by a professional education in the service of that distinguished engineer and truly great man, Thomas Telford, esq., whose favourable opinion and friendship for Mr. Anderson were evinced by a legacy of four hundred pounds. He subsequently practised as a civil engineer in London and other parts of the kingdom, and was eminently successful in conducting the new water works at Exeter, which were planned and executed en tirely under his direction, and were completed within the original estimate. He also designed and executed the piers at Queenhithe and Dyershall wharf, and a pier and river wall at Westminster bridge. His plans for improving the quay and landing places at Hungerford Market wharf were approved by the directors as the most economical and effectual mode of accomplishing the desired ob ject. He received the second premium for the Leeds water works, and was engaged by three different parties in that town as consulting engineer. Anxious to acquire further reputation by the execution of works on a large scale, he became a candidate for the appointment of A.D. 1842.] TABLE book. 365 river engineer in Newcastle, in January, 1838, and was elected in the same month by a large majority. Of the talents, perseverance, and unremitting zeal with which he discharged his duty, all who had op portunities of judging formed but one opinion, and he met with a re ward in the kind friendship and entire confidence of the great majority of the Council, which he never alluded to without feelings of the live liest gratitude. Few persons at his age have made more rapid or successful progress in their professional career ; but highly and de servedly as he was esteemed in the exercise of the duties of his office, he was still more highly prized and admired by those who knew the excellence of his private character, and the liberal and generous spi rit which he uniformly displayed. An amiable disposition, extensive acquirements, and a correct taste in art, rendered his society at all times both instructive and agreeable ; and brief as his residence in Newcastle unfortunately proved, his premature death was deeply felt and regretted by a numerous circle of friends, who, by a grateful and affectionate remembrance, bear ample testimony alike of his private worth and professional attainments. — Local Papers. 1842 (March 21).— Died at Woodhorn, Northumberland, aged 87, .the Rev. Benjamin Kennicott, sen., vicar of that parish. He was a nephew of Benjamin Kennicott, the learned editor of the Hebrew Bible. He was formerly rector of Dodbrooke, in Devonshire ; and was collated to Woodhorn in 1798, by Dr. Barrington, then bishop of Durham, in testimony of that prelate's admiration of his uncle's work. He published a sermon occasioned by the death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales, 8vo., Sunderland, 1817. His eldest son, the Rev. Benjamin Kennicott, B.A., of Oriel college, Oxford, is perpetual curate of Monkwearmouth, and his second son, the Rev. R. D. Kennicott, B.A., is perpetual curate of Horton, in the parish of Woodhorn. — Gent's. Mag. March 24. — Died at Morpeth rectory, aged 75, the Rev. Frede rick Ekins, rector of that parish. He was the only son of the Rev. Jeffrey Ekins, D.D., dean of Carlisle (elder brother of John Ekins, D.D., dean of Salisbury) by Anne, daughter of Philip Baker, esq., deputy secretary at war. He was born on Christmas-day, 1776, at Quainton, co. Bucks, where his father was then rector, and succeeded his father in the rectory of Morpeth (in the gift of the earl of Carlisle, and valued in 1831 at £1,611) in 1791. He took the degree of M.A. at Oxford in 1794, being then a fellow of New College. He married in 1 802 Jane-Ogle, daughter and coheiress of James Tyler, of Whalton, co. Northumberland, esq., by whom he had issue one son, the Rev. Jeffrey Ekins, and three daughters, one of whom is the wife of the Rev. James Baker, spiritual chancellor of the diocese of Dur- 366 local historian's [a.d. 1842. ham, and rector of Nuneham, co. Oxford, another married John Lambton Loraine, esq., of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. A pedigree of the family of Ekins, and memoirs of the dean of Carlisle, will be found in Hodgson's History of Northumberland, II. ii. 395, 527, where also it is mentioned that the deceased possessed several MSS. of sir Isaac Newton, which descended to him from his grandfather, who was exe cutor to Lady Lemington, the great-niece of the illustrious philo sopher. — Gent's. Mag. Sec 1842 (March 25). — Friday, Newcastle and the neighbourhood were visited by a tremendous gale of wind from W.NW. It continued to blow very heavily till about eleven o'clock, when it increased to a com plete hurricane, unroofing buildings, throwing down chimneys, tearing up trees by the roots, and doing various other damage. When the people began to turn out in the morning, they perceived the danger they had escaped, from the streets being strewed with broken glass, slates, and chimney tops. It did no great damage, it seemed to delight in petty mischief. Panes of glass were blown out, and attics were made more airy than comfortable. Branches of trees were broken, and houses groaned and shook from the effects of its violence. The booths at the Forth were dismantled and injured, and left some doubt whether they could be repaired in time for the reception of the Easter holiday folks. Then away to the field it went blust'ring and humming, And the cattle all wond'red whatever was coming. And it brought to the ground a large building which had been reared at the barracks, as a place of recreation for the soldiers. During the terrific storm, a fire was discovered in the coopery of Mr. Brown, Spicer Lane. The door was broken open, and although the flames issuing from the neighbourhood of a pile of wood, had rather a for midable appearance, yet fortunately their progress was arrested before any damage was effected. Early on the. evening of this day, a little sloop named the Leah, having left the port of Sunderland for Bridlington, manned by two men only, encountered the gale, and one of the men, named Robson, was washed overboard and drowned. His partner, James Aiken, was then left alone in the vessel ; the whole of the sails were blown from the yards ; and he was never able to leave the helm, either for sleep or food, from Saturday morn ing to Monday evening, a period of about 60 hours. By the most extraordinary exertions, he at length succeeded in reaching Boston, in Lincolnshire. His hands were dreadfully frost-bitten, but no serious danger arose from his great exposure and exertions. — Local Papers. March 27. — Easter Sunday, the Newcastle and Gateshead Union Society of Change Ringers, assisted by two of the celebrated bell a.d. 1842.] table book. 367 melodists, at that time performing in Newcastle, rang a full and com plete peal of Holt's Grandsirc Triples (consisting of 5040 changes) on the splendid peal in the tower of Saint Nicholas' church, which was admirably completed in two hours and fifty-nine minutes. The last time this wonderful performance was executed on the same bells was on the occasion of George III. entering into the 50th year of his reign, in 1809, which peal was rung in three hours and twenty minutes. — Local Papers. 1842 (March 28). — Monday evening, a violent attack was made upon the police at Darlington, whilst apprehending Walter M'Lau- chan, for disorderly and drunken conduct in a public house in Bond- gate. The party belonging to the accused, and many of the lower orders, followed the policemen whilst taking M'Lauchan to the lock up house, pelting them with stones and dirt, and because they could not accomplish their object in the prisoner's rescue, they smashed the town-hall windows. — Ibid. March 31. — Thursday, early on the morning of this day, a fire was discovered in a small house attached to Mr. Coates's ropery, at the north end of Sunderland Moor, which was used as a warehouse for ropes, tar, &c, and in which was a fixed small boiler for melting tar, the fire-place being constructed at the outside of the building, so that if the tar should boil over it must escape the fire. The boiler was at work on the day preceding, but the fire was carefully extinguished when the work was discontinued in the evening, and no fire or light was known to be in the inside where the conflagration took place. The door was broken open, and every effort used to extinguish it, but without effect, for before efficient assistance could be brought the whole of the materials within the building were destroyed. It was not known by what means the fire originated. — Ibid. April 1. — The ship Georgia, of Newcastle, an Indiaman, captain Mitchell, bound to London, was lost by fire, attended with a deplor able sacrifice of human life. The ship was between eight and nine hundred tons burthen, and was valued at £7,000, being splendidly fitted up for the accommodation of passengers. She had a rich cargo on board, consisting of jewellery, merchandise, and other valuable pro perty, which perished with the vessel ; a loss in total of nearly £20,000. The unfortunate event occurred while on her passage to England from Calcutta, which -place she left in the early part of February. By the accounts brought over by the ship Thomas Sparks, from China, it appears that early on the morning mentioned, the " watch" on deck, when the vessel was in latitude 30 south, and longi tude 36 east, off Madagascar, discovered a strong smell of burning about the ship ; he aroused the commander, captain Mitchell, and the 368 local historian's [a. d. 1842. rest of the ship's crew, and a strict search was determined upon. On the boats being removed, and the main hatches taken off, the burning was found to proceed from the cargo, when orders were given to re move over a portion of it, so as to get at the fire. • The crew, how ever, had not proceeded far before a volume of smoke burst upon them, and shortly after it became so intense, accompanied with excessive heat, and they were forced to desist. Captain Mitchell then had the hatches replaced, and blocked up every aperture in the ship, in the hope of stifling the fire. But this proved unavailing, for in about two hours the flames broke through the cabin windows, and likewise from the hatchway over the forecastle, to the terror and dis may of all on board. Captain Mitchell, perceiving that the destruc tion of the vessel was inevitable, directed the crew to prepare them selves to leave the ship, which they immediately set about doing by lowering the boats (two in number) over the vessel's side. It was a most trying moment, for the sea was extremely rough, with a heavy- gale of wind, and with the knowledge of their being between eight and nine hundred miles from land — every soul expected to meet with a watery grave. At about eight o'clock the chief mate, with nine of the crew, left the burning vessel in the jolly boat ; and they were immediately followed by Captain Mitchell and the rest of the ship's crew, four in number, in the small boat. In the course of a quarter of an hour afterwards the work of devastation had reached the mast, and she appeared embodied in one mass of flame, forming a terrible, though magnificent appearance. At this critical period a vessel was observed at a distance bearing towards the ill-fated ship, and the chief mate turned to make known the joyful intelligence to captain Mitchell and the rest of the crew, when he was horror-struck on finding that the boat had foundered, and none of them were to be seen. They rowed about in hopes of picking some of them up, but unfortunately none of the poor fellows rose after. The ship Thomas Sparks, which proved to be the vessel they saw bearing down to their assistance, came up alongside soon afterwards, and took the chief officer and the rest of the Georgia's crew on board, and they remained within a short distance of the burning ship until she went down, which event took place at a late hour in the afternoon. The barque Georgia, built in 1840, was the property of Messrs. Anthony Hood & Co., of New castle. — Local Papers. 1842 (April 5).— The foundation stone of a chapel in connexion with the Church of England, was laid in the parish of Kyloe, by Mrs. Knight, of Ford. On the same day the foundation stone of a school- house was laid at Lowick, by the hands of Miss Knight, of Ford. The site fixed upon for the chapel is exceedingly fine, and on the con- a. d. 1842.] table book. 369 fines of the parishes of Lowick, Ancroft, and Holy Island, and within a mile of Haggerston. — Local Papers. 1842 (April 6). — Wednesday, a most daring outrage took place in the village of Lemington, near Newcastle. Mr. Smith, landlord of a public house in that village, who, also pursued the trade of glass- making, had left his home for the glass-works, at a very early hour on the morning of the above day, when, about three o'clock, Mrs. Smith was alarmed by the forcible entry into her bed-room of three fellows, wearing masks, and armed with a heavy crow-bar and other instruments of that sort. With an oath, they demanded money, and threatened that they would soon " do for her" if it was not at once given up. Mrs. Smith refused, and on rising out of her bed she was struck with the crow-bar on the head , and other parts of the body. Mrs. Smith struggled and screamed, and thus awoke her daughter and a female servant, who proceeded to give the alarm. The men then hastily retreated, leaving Mrs. Smith bleeding and almost dead. Assistance was procured, and it was ascertained that entrance had been obtained by forcing open the shutter of a low win dow : down stairs two club boxes had been forced open, though they were luckily empty, and the spirit cupboard and other places had been robbed ; upstairs, a chest of drawers was broken open and robbed of some articles, though of what was not precisely known. The quantity of money obtained was trifling. The assistance of the police was ob tained, and between four and five o'clock a notorious character named Matthew Veitch was apprehended at Newburn, about a mile from Lemington, and on the following morning another man named Robert Reed was taken at a blacking factory at Bell's Close. Mrs. Smith swore to the person of Veitch as one of the burglars. At the North umberland assizes on Saturday the 16th July following, Veitch was convicted of the offence. Sentence of death was recorded against him, which was afterwards commuted to transportation for life. — Ibid. April 7. — This day the tunnel which had been constructed for the conveyance of coals from Spital Tongues Colliery to the river Tyne, was opened in the presence of the Mayor and several gentlemen, members of the Corporation, and others, who met at the terminus near Tyne-street, to witness the descent of the first train of waggons. This spirited undertaking was commenced by Messrs. Porter and Latimer, the owners of Spital Tongues Colliery, on 27th June, 1839, thus two years and nearly ten months were required to complete the work. The tunnel is nearly two miles in length, and its form is similar to that of ths Thames Tunnel ; it is 6 feet 3 inches in width, and 7 feet 5 inches in height, is cased throughout with strong masonry and brickwork, vol. v. 3 b 370 local historian's [a. d. 1842. and" passes beneath the Town-moor, the Barras-bridge, the bed of Pandon-dean, the Shield-field, &c.' on its way to the river. The train by which the tunnel was opened consisted of eight waggons, four of which were filled with coals, and the others were occupied by a band of musicians, many ladies and gentlemen, the engineer, and several others who had been engaged in the work. It started from the colliery a little after one p.m., and on making its appearance at the other end was greeted by the firing of cannon, the display of colours, and with the loud cheers of those who had assembled to witness its arrival. After congratulating Messrs. Porter and Latimer on the successful issue of their gigantic undertaking, the mayor and other gentlemen were in vited to partake of refreshments provided in a tent which had been erected on the adjoining ground. The tunnel carries somewhat less than twelve keels per hour, but the number of waggons laden or empty which the engine is enabled to draw as given in a former paragraph, is considerably overrated, and the statements made above may be considered as corrective of the general details of the former. —(In formation of Messrs. Porter and Latimer.) 1842 (April 8.) — The blue ribbon, which became vacant on the death of the late duke of Norfolk, was conferred upon the duke of Cleveland. — Local Papers. April 10. — A large fire occurred at Sunderland on the evening of this day, Sunday, attended with the most disastrous consequences. It originated on the premises of Mr. John Wolstenholme, wholesale grocer and baker, which were of considerable extent. It was disco vered at about a quarter to 7 o'clock, by smoke proceeding from the rear of the dwelling-house, adjoining the warehouse ; and soon after wards the fire burst forth with great fury, producing the utmost alarm and consternation amongst the inhabitants of the town. Within a short time two of the town engines and one belonging to the barracks were brought to the place, attended by a numerous body of police- officers and a detachment of soldiers of the 1 2th regiment, but, owing to the water pipes not being charged, much time was lost in making arrangements for conveying a necessary supply of water to work them, which was obtained by buckets from the river. Long before this could be accomplished the flames had made awful ravages ; they had extended over the whole of Mr. Wolstenholme's premises, which were completely in a blaze ; and the destruction of the houses adjoining and opposite, both in High-street and Silver-street, appearing inevitable, exertions were made to remove their contents to a place of safety. The land engines being of little service, the authorities of the town determined to have recourse to the large floating engine moored in the central part of the harbour but owing to there being no steamers in A. D. 1842.] TABLE ROOK. 37l readiness to tow her alongside of the shore, it was upwards of an hour before she arrived. The instant the engine arrived it was got into play, and but for its powerful assistance the greater portion of the High-street would have been destroyed. In consequence of tho spi rited exertions of the military and police, the work of devastation was prevented from extending further than Mr. Wolstenholme's premises, Which by 12 o'clock were levelled to the ground, and the whole of his stock and furniture consumed. Several accidents happened during the raging of the fire, and amongst them was one tj an elderly female, who threw herself out of a third-floor window of one of the adjoining houses, and fractured her skull. The loss of property was estimated at several thousand pounds. — Local Papers. 1842 (April 11.) — A splendid running match of 440 yds. for 200 sovereigns came off near Lambton Castle, on a measured piece of turnpike road, between the " Doctor " of Newcastle, and Atkinson of Durham. For some time previous the greatest excitement had prevailed in the neighourhood, in reference to this race, the Doctor never having been beat before, and having run most of the best run ners of the day. Or was this feeing confined to the neighbour hood of Newcastle alone, but it extended to Manchester, Liverpool, and even to London, individuals from all those places being present to witness the event. From an early hour in the day, the weather being exceedingly favourable, the road to the scene of action was thronged with vehicles of every description, and thousands of pedestrians were to be seen wending their way thither. It is supposed that there were not less than twelve thousand spectators present, and some accounts rate them as high as fifteen thousand. The " Doctor" arrived at his quarters, the Barley Mow inn, in a carriage drawn by four grey horses, and Atkinson at the Queen's Head, Chester-le-Street, in a carriage and pair. There was not much betting till half an hour before the race, when the Doctor's party came out and backed their man, laying 7 to 4 freely, which was as freely taken on the other side, until it diminished to 6 to 4, 5 to 4, and lastly to even, by Atkinson, himself, who, on being stripped held a five pound note in his hand) and offered to back himself for that amount, but it was not accepted. On stripping, the men appeared in splendid condition, being in fact every thing that their friends could desire. The Doctor seemed somewhat stouter than when he had run on previous occasions, which no doubt, in the estimation of his party at least, fitted him better for his long race, but an opinion prevailed in certain quarters that he had not had sufficient training for the distance. Atkinson appeared wiry and full of bone, with a splendid chest, and powers of endur ance sufficient for his task. In height the men are nearly equal, 372 local historian's [a. d. 1842 Atkinson being five feet seven and a half, and the Doctor five feet eight. The ground was roped and staked the whole distance, suffi cient space being left for carriages to pass on either side. Atkinson having won the choice for ends and sides, selected the road running towards Durham, with a slight acclivity. Such an immense concourse of spectators being present, it was exceedingly difficult to get the course clear, and more difficult still to preserve it so. The united efforts of Molyneux, Renwick, Lazarus, and a host of others, were ineffectual, until aided by the exertions of a mounted rural. Every thing having been arranged satisfactorily to the parties, the men by mutual consent, as previously agreed upon. The Doctor's favourite distances being one hundred, and one hundred and forty yards, a great deal of money depended on the position of the men at these places ; and both seemed determined to contest the points. Away they went at railroad speed, evidently too fast to continue long, and the race to the two distances was so fine that both parties claimed the advantage, so near indeed as to seem impossible to decide. It was understood, however, that both points were gained by Atkinson. The steam of both men had now obviously become exhausted with their first efforts, but at about two hundred yards, or half way, the doctor was leading, Atkinson apparently nursing himself for the final struggle, but still keeping close to his man. About one hundred and fifty yards from home, the Doctor was evidently flagging, his arms falling down by his side, and quite abroad, as if clutching the atmos phere to preserve his perpendicularity. It was now evident that At kinson's stamina would prevail, as he still remained firm upon his pins, although both parties appeared much distressed, and were contesting the ground, slowly but eagerly, inch by inch for victory. After this Atkinson gradually improved his position and took the lead, which he maintained to the end, and won one of the most interesting and severely contested races ever witnessed by about three or four yards. About half an hour after the decision of the race, an objection was made by the Doctor's friends, in consequence of the Doctor having, when within a few yards of home, run against the rural's horse, which was improperly standing within the cords. The more sensible part of his friends waived the objection, and admitted he was fairly beat, but the stakeholder not being present, the Doctor's party sent a notice to him to withhold the stakes, which he did until the following day, when, on receiving a letter from the referee stating that the race had been fairly won by Atkinson, the money was paid over at the Graves- end inn in the presence of a number of sporting friends, who after wards spent a pleasant evening together. Atkinson is a very unassuming young man; by trade a shoemaker; then twenty-thrte a.d. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 373 years of age. The race was run in about fifty-four seconds.— Local Papers. 1842 (April 13.)— The Queen held a levee at St. James's, when James Hodgson, esq., mayor of Newcastle, was presented to her Majesty by Mr. Ord, M.P. Mr. Hodgson presented the congratu latory address of the Newcastle corporation, and had the honour of kissing hands. On Thursday, his Worship presented an address to Prince Albert. — Hid. Our Ladie's Well, Black Friary, Newcastle. From an unique drawing in the possession of his Grace the duke of Northumberland. This month, the bishop of Durham collated the Rev. W. Forbes Raymond, M.A., of Trinity college, Cambridge, and University col lege, Durham, to the archdeaconry of Northumberland, vacant by the death of the venerable Dr. Singleton. — Ibid. April 20. — Late on Wednesday night, or early on Thursday morn ing, a fire broke out in Mr. Anderson's boat-builder's shop, Low Lights, North Shields, which was totally burnt down, with all the building materials it contained. It was calm weather, and thick ; but had the wind been from the west, the whole of Clifford's Fort would have been endangered. Several individuals assisted to extin guish the flames with water ; but they raged until all was consumed. A dog in the shop was burnt to a cinder. It is supposed the fire was caused by the steam kiel having been used the day before. — Hid. April 23. — The body of Mr. Nicholson Ilderton, mariner, who was drowned in the river Tyne by falling out of a keel, was found near the place where it was lost, and was interred on the following day, in Tynemouth parish church yard. When a lad, he was bound to the Good Ship, port of Sunderland, and at the age of 16, was kidnapped 374 local historian's [a. d. 1842, in London, for a foreign service, where it was his misfortune to be taken with the ship and crew by the inhabitants of the island of Ton- gataboo, in the South Pacific Ocean, and was doomed by them to undergo the painful operation of tatooing, which he always spoke of as being of a long and harassing nature. During a residence of some years there, he was married to the daughter of one of the chiefs, but espying an English-rigged vessel in the offing, and sighing for liberty to return to his native land, he swam a distance of eight miles to her, and was taken on board. Mr. Ilderton was fifty-two years of age. The tatooing excited the wonder and admiration of all who beheld it. — Local Papers. 1842 (April 26.) — Died at White Lodge, Richmond Park, in her 64th year, Marianne, viscountess Sidmouth. Her ladyship was daugh ter and sole heiress of that eminent judge and distinguished scholar, lord Stowell, longer, and perhaps still more, known as sir William Scott, and niece of that great statesman and profound lawyer the late earl of Eldon, two of the most distinguished men Newcastle has had the honour to produce. Her mother was daughter and co-heiress (with her sister, the late hon. Mrs. Windsor) of John Bagnall, esq. of Early Court, in the county of Berks, to whose estates lady Sidmouth succeeded on the death of her father. Her ladyship was twice mar ried ; first to Thomas Townsend, esq., eldest son of Gore Townsend, esq., of Honington Hall, Warwickshire, and of the lady Elizabeth, daughter of Other, fourth earl of Plymouth, and secondly to Henry, viscount Sidmouth, who survives her ladyship, at the venerable age of eighty-five. — Ibid. April 27. — At the court held at Buckingham palace, the queen having been pleased to appoint the most noble Charles Wm. marquis of Londonderry -to be lord lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the county palatine of Durham, he this day took the oaths appointed thereupon, instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. — Gazette. On the same day, a public entertainment was given at the Assem bly Rooms, Newcastle, to sir John Walsham, bart., assistant poor- law commissioner, by the gentlemen composing the various boards of guardians in the northern district, as a testimony of the manner in which the honourable baronet had discharged the duties of his official station, during a period of six years, of the general esteem in which he was held, and the universal regret felt at his departure for another sphere. The chairman of the Northumberland county sessions, J. C. Jobling, esq., of Newton Hall, presided on the occasion, with the assistance, as vice-chairmen, of John Lambton Loraine, esq., and John Tinley, esq., of North Shields, having the guest of the evening, sir John Walsham, bart., on his right, and Charles William Bigge, a.d. 1842.] table nooK. 375 esq., of Linden, Charles John Bigge, esq., Charles A. Monck, esq., John Brandling, esq., William Thomas Greenwell, esq., Charles Bacon Grey, esq., Dr. Headlam, the mayor of Newcastle, the Rev. the Vicar, and other distinguished individuals in his immediate vicinity. There were between eighty and ninety gentlemen present from the various places over which the honourable baronet's superintendence had been exercised, and certainly as an acknowledgment of the very great ability and discretion which he had manifested in carrying out the provisions of the new poor-law in the district, and as a compliment equally to his urbanity and courteousness in all the relations of life, the assembly was satisfactory, and indeed flattering in the highest degree. After dinner the worthy baronet made the following obser vations on the comparative cost of working the old and the new poor- law. He said, "Last year it fell to his lot to compare the averages of thirty unions in Durham, Northumberland, and Westmoreland, and Penrith, in the county of Cumberland, the old averages of which were £190,000 a year. The new averages were £156,000, showing a decrease in favour of the new of £34,000 a year, or, speaking in other words, of eight per cent. In the county of Northumberland it was fourteen per cent. ; and in Westmoreland, with Penrith, it was twenty-four per cent. And they would observe, that while this was the expense for the relief of the poor, including all the expenses of the new law, the increase in the price of wheat was thirty-one per cent. since the period of the former averages. This reduction in the expense he attributed to the excellent management of the boards of guardians ; nor had it been made at the expense of the poor, as he well knew that the attention of those gentlemen to the sick, to the old, to the infirm, to the fatherless, was at least equal to whatever it had been before." — Local Papers. 1842 (May 3.) — Died at St. Petersburgh, of apoplexy, sir Robert Ker Porter, K.C.H., the celebrated traveller. The deceased was 62 years of age, having been born at Durham, in the year 1 780, and was descended maternally from two families long connected with the county of Northumberland. In early life he manifested considerable ability in drawing ; and, although having a strong preference for military life, it was deemed proper to cultivate his talents as an artist, and about the year 1790, he became a student of the Royal Academy, under the auspices of Mr. West. There the rapid success which attended his labours did great credit to his industry and talents. In 1 793 he commenced his picture of Moses and Aaron, for the commu nion table of Shoreditch church ; in 1794 he presented an altar piece to the Roman Catholic chapel at Portsea, representing Christ sup pressing the Storm ; and in 1798 he gave to St. John's college, Cam- 376 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a.d. 1842. bridge, the altar piece of St. John Preaching in the Wilderness. At only twenty-two years of age he began his large picture of the Storm ing of Seringapatam, which was succeeded by two other pictures of the same magnitude — one the Siege of Acre, and the other the Battle of Agincourt, which latter was presented to the city of London. In 1803 he was appointed a captain in the Westminster Militia ; in 1804 he was invited to Russia, and appointed historical painter to the emperor. During his residence at St. Petersburgh he gained the affections of princess Mary, daughter of prince Theodore de Sherba- toff, of Russia, and was about to marry her, when ministerial differ ences compelled him to leave Russia ; in the year 1811, however, the marriage was solemnized, and the princess now survives him. Sir Robert accompanied sir John Moore into Spain, and shared in the hardships and perils of the campaign which ended in the battle of Corunna. In 1807 he was created a knight of St. Joachim of VVur- temburg, and on his return to England, in 1813, he received the honour of knighthood from the prince Regent. From 1817 to 1820 he was engaged in travelling in the east. In 1819 he was created a knight of the Lion and Sun of Persia. In the diplomatic and in the military service of the state he had much distinguished himself, having served in both capacities in Russia, in the Peninsula, various parts of the Continent, in Persia, and in South America. His most recent appointment was that of consul at Venezuela, from which place he returned in 1841. He was author of travels in Russia and Sweden, in Persia, Babylonia, &c. ; and likewise of an account of the campaigns in Portugal and Spain, the campaign of 1812 in Russia &c. In the year 1832 he was created a knight commander of the Hanoverian Order by William IV. Distinguished alike in the arts, in diplomacy, in war, and in literature, his loss will be regretted by the extended circle who appreciated his agreeable manners and exten sive information. He was brother to Misses Anne Maria Porter and Jane Porter, both well known for their literary talents. — Local Papers. CHAPTER XVII. 5PW SHE north corner stone of a new church at High Southwick, near Sunderland, was laid by the venerable archdeacon Thorp, on the 9th of May, 1842. Several of the neighbouring clergy attend ed on the occasion, who, with a number of the in habitants and about 200 children of the national school, formed a procession. The Rev. F. J. James read the 68th Psalm ; the responses being given by the children. On arriving at the site, the 122d Psalm was sung, and prayer was offered up by the Rev. F. J. James. A glass vase, containing an appropriate inscription, &c, having been deposited in the stone, it was lowered down and adjusted. The archdeacon then said, " In the name of the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I lay the corner stone of this church, dedicated to God, and to be called for ever by the name of the Church of the Holy Trinity." The Rev. F. J. James then read a copy of the inscription which had been deposited, after which the 132d Psalm was sung, and the archdeacon having pro nounced the blessing, the company separated. — Local Papers. May 11. — Married at London, at St. James's church, Piccadilly, the hon. captain George A. F. Liddell, of the Scots Fusileer Guards, son of lord Ravensworth, to Cecil Elizabeth, youngest daughter of the hon. and rev. Gerard Valerian Wellesley, D.D., rector of Bishop wearmouth, and niece of the duke of Wellington. The hon. and rev. Robert Liddell, M.A., vicar of Barking, officiated at the ceremony, in the presence of the duke of Wellington, the marquis of Douro, earl and countess Cadogan and lady Honoria Cadogan, lord and lady Ravensworth, and the hon. miss Liddell, lord and lady Maryborough, viscount and viscountess Chelsea, lady Louisa Kerr, earl and countess of Hardwicke, lord and lady R. Grosvenor, hon. Augustus Liddell, vol. v. 3 c 378 local historian's [a. d. 1842. viscount and viscountess Barrington, lord Charles Wellesley, and a select circle of the relations and friends of both families. The brides maids were lady Honoria Cadogan, hon. miss Georgiana Liddell, hon. miss Cadogan, the youthful daughter of viscountess Chelsea, hon. miss Barrington, and the misses Liddell. — Local Papers. 1842 (May 12). — Thursday afternoon, the ceremony of opening the new dock at Middlesbro'-on-Tees, designed by Mr. Cubitt, and ably executed under the superintendence of Mr. G. Turnbull, C.E , took place ; and not only were all the inhabitants astir to witness the inspiring sight, but the town received a large influx of visitors from Stockton, Darlington, &c, who poured in by railway shortly after noon-day, when the rain of the forenoon had ceased to threaten its intention to swamp the whole proceedings. There were, of course, all the customary observances of exploding gunpowder, displaying flags, and shouting " huzza," with shops close shut, and eyes wide open, in every direction ; and at about three o'clock, when from eight to ten thousand persons had assembled on the margin of the dock, the gates were opened, and several vessels admitted. That friend of commerce and of man. Peace, was appropriately honoured with precedence on this occasion. This vessel is of Whitby, Captain Adamson, 260 tons. The Friends, Brown, Whitby, 420 tons, followed. Capts. Adamson and Brown were the two oldest shipmasters present ; both of them have been in the habit of visiting the port ever since the coal-trade of the Tees commenced. They drew lots for the honour of precedence, and captain Adamson was the winner. The third vessel was the Unity, Holt, Feversham, 250 tons ; fourth Louisa, Newton, Whitby, 270 tons ; and the fifth, Neptune, M'Innes, Rochester, 220 tons. The Barbara, Henderson, Stockton; Autumn, Whitby; Alaric, Brixham ; Esther, Middlesbro' ; Neptune, Whitby ; Navarin, Whitby, and other vessels, also entered the dock. There are ten drops, with 22 feet of water ; and under one of these drops, the Peace, a vessel of 11 keels, was placed and loaded by Mr. W. Turn- bull, agent for Messrs. Richardson. The coals were put on board faster than they could be trimmed, and the loading had occasionally to be stopped for a few minutes. They were put in at the rate of a waggon every three-fourths of a minute. The loading was completed in about an hour and a half, and the Peace was then hauled out of the dock amidst anything but a peaceful roar of cannon. The other vessels were loaded at the same time. The dock company gave a handsome cold collation to about 70 of their friends, at the Exchange Hotel. Thomas Jennet, esq., of Stockton, was in the chair ; John Wilkinson, esq., of Stockton, vice. Amongst the company were Messrs. Joseph Pease, William Turnbull, R. Craggs, W. Fallows, A.D. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 379 &c. Dinners were also given to the mariners in the port, the work people, &o. ; and all was hilarity and enjoyment in the good town of Middlesbro'. Worthily to commemorate the day, it was proposed to establish a Seamen's Hospital in the town, in connexion with a Dispensary. — Local Papers. 1842 (May 13.) — Friday night, about six o'clock, a wheat stack, the property of Mr. R. Pallister, at Winlaton, was almost entirely consumed by fire. About 40 bolls of wheat were destroyed, though every assistance was rendered to extinguish the flames. — Ibid. May 13. — The Royal Assent was given to the Stanhope and Tyne Railroad Bill, the Great North of England, Clarence and Hartlepool Junction Railway (No. 1) Bill, and the Northern Coal Mining Com pany Bill. — Hid. May 14. — A hostile meeting took place at Marsden, near South Shields, between Mr. Richard Spoor, of Whitburn, one of the Sun derland borough magistrates, and Mr. Joseph John Wright, of Sun derland, solicitor. The point of difference arose out of Mr. Wright's allusions to Mr. Spoor, in a letter addressed by him to the Marquis of Londonderry, and which was read by that nobleman in the House of Lords. After an exchange of shots, without effect, the seconds interposed, an explanation took place, the parties shook hands, and left the ground with their friends. Mr. Spoor was attended by Cap tain Crawford, son of the late M.P. for London, and Mr. Wright by Dr. Miller.— Ibid. May 14. — There was a house burnt at Hexham. The fire origi nated in a room occupied by a man known as Robin the Brave, whose furniture was entirely consumed. The cause of the burning was not satisfactorily explained, but it made such progress before being discovered as to endanger the whole neighbourhood, there being seve ral thatched houses close by. There was, however, a plentiful supply of water, Gilligate burn running past the front of the houses ; and by a judicious application of the water by the enginemen, under the skil ful direction of the well-known Richard Muse (Dauntless Dick), the ravages of the destructive element were confined to one house, which was entirely gutted, the bare walls only being left. — Gateshead Ob server. Early on a morning about the middle of this month, a most extra ordinary noise was heard in the neighbourhood of Bishopwearmouth, which was unaccountable to those who heard it. The toll-keeper at the bridge supposed that the bridge had given way, and one of the police-officers on duty, considered that it was the report of a boiler having exploded. It proved to be the falling of about 300 tons of rock on the south side of the river above the bridge. Providentially 380 local historian's [a.d . 1842. no injurious effects resulted to life or property, as no vessels of any- kind were near the place at the time. — Local Papers. 1842 (May 1.9.) — Thursday morning, about six o'clock, tho shop of Mr. Kirton, jeweller, Dean-street, South Shields, was discovered to be on fire. Considerable alarm was excited as to the safety of the adjoining houses, but owing to the promptitude with which the men in Messrs. Cookson's employ brought the engine belonging to the glass-works, and the friendly aid afforded by the neighbours in furnishing water, the fire was soon restrained ; and a short time after, the town water- plugs were opened, and other engines employed, so that the fire was extinguished. The loss of jewellery was considerable. — Hid. May 20. — A well, which is supposed to have been closed for nearly two centuries, or since the demolition of Stockton castle, (which, ac cording to Brewster, in his history of that town, took place in the year 1652,) was discovered by an ingenious mechanic, named Smith, who occupied a cottage and garden within the precincts of this once strong fortress. This individual had often thought it strange that there was no well visible, and being satisfied that there must have been one to supply the garrison, he occasionally made a search for it, and when removing a quantity of soil from one part of his garden to another, he accidentally made the discovery. The surface for several inches deep was covered with gravel, beneath which he found a large number of tiles, many of them looking as fresh as when they first came from the kiln : in taking them out, however, they were discovered to be mostly in a shattered state. — Ibid. May 23.— A very ancient grave was found in the Broomhouse sand pit, near Angerton, Northumberland, while getting materials for the new mansion house erecting there for J. H. H. Atkinson, Esq. It consisted of the remains of a woman, placed in a sitting position, with short knives of bronze and flint, besides some ornaments of coal the whole inclosed with flat stones, about 45 inches broad and 27 inches high, and covered with three flags one above the other. They belong to the age before iron was common among the Britons, and probably about 600 years before the time of Christ. Many similar graves have been found in and near the same sand pit, and near Hartburn, and in the Angerton grounds. Strong vestiges of three British villages have been discovered by the side of Hurpeth, a broad paved road, that ran from the Watling-street, at Corbridge, into Scotland, near Berwick- upon-Tweed. — Ibid. May 24.— Tuesday, being the birth-day of our gracious Sovereign, Queen Victoria, it was observed in Newcastle by all the usual si°ns and demonstrations of loyalty and respect. The Castle guns fired a royal salute, which was responded to by the dismounted troop of the A. D. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 381 Yeomanry Cavalry, who, after giving their feu dejoie on the Sandhill, drank her Majesty's health in company with the Mayor and other officers of the Corporation. In the evening, at the Assembly Rooms, his Worship gave a dinner in honour of the event, which was attended by ninety gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood. The Mayor presided at the entertainment, and the two Vice-chairs were filled by John Thomas Carr, Esq., the Sheriff of Newcastle, and John Carr Esq., of Roseworth. Col. Forbes and the officers of the garrison were among the guests, and the Albion band, who were stationed in the picture-room, played several appropriate airs. — Local Papers. Gr/ARD Room of the Castle of Newcastle. 1826. 1842 (May 25). — Wednesday, Barnardcastle and its vicinity were visited with an awful thunder-storm. At Scargill, about half-past two o'clock, p.m., the electric fluid struck the farm-house occupied by Mr. Bowron. Part of the west-end gable was thrown down, nearly every window in the house blown out, upwards of 100 squares of glass bro ken, several of the doors thrown off their hinges, the whole of the earthen vessels in the dairy destroyed, and the milk wasted, the ceiling of some of the rooms and part of the roof forced off, and several large 382 local historian's [a. d. 1842. stones cast to a considerable distance. The providential escape of Mr. Bowron is most remarkable : he had just arrived at home, and had sat down to smoke his pipe near the fire in the kitchen, when suddenly the room was enveloped in darkness — the chair on which he sat was shiv ered to pieces, his gaiters partially singed, and he himself preserved unhurt, though his hearing was affected during the night, but returned next morning, and his eyes were blood-shot. It is impossible to des cribe the devastation the lightning occasioned. — Local Papers. 1842 (May 25). — There was exhibited for sale in Morpeth market, by Alice Dawson, a turbot, which measured 5 feet long, 3 feet broad, 7 inches thick, and weighed 7 stone 2 lbs.; it was caught at Newbiggin, by Robert Oliver. — Ibid. May 25. — A dreadful accident occurred at Annfield Plane, on the Stanhope and Tyne Railway. A locomotive engine was standing on the line, preparing to start, when the boiler exploded, and half of it was carried to a distance of at least seventy yards. The engineman and brakesman (the former named Thomas Shevil, and the latter Edward Riddell) were killed on the spot. Shevil's foot was blown off. A shopkeeper, named Clark, who was walking past, had his hat knocked off, but was not injured ; and another man, who was standing close by, fortunately escaped unhurt. — Hid. May 27. — The winning of coal at Oakwellgate qolliery, Gateshead, by the Messrs. Easton, was celebrated by the ringing of the church bells. — Hid. May 28. — Saturday, Elizabeth Allan, a little girl, two years of age, was killed by a horse and cart, in Pilgrim-street, Newcastle. The following curious coincidence caused considerable conversation : — Just about the time the accident occurred — between two and three o'clock in the afternoon — the postman was engaged in delivering the letters brought by the south mail. Among the number was one from the mother of the child, residing at Seaham, to the person with whom it was stopping, in Scaife's Court, stating that the child had to be sent home immediately, as she could not live without it. The poor woman further stated, that she had dreamt the child had fallen from a high window and had been killed ; and this had made her so uneasy that if it were not sent as requested, she would come for it herself! — Ibid. May 30. — The opening for coal traffic on the Kibblesworth line of railway took place, in the presence of the owners, Mr. Southern, the managing partner and viewer of the colliery, and Mr. John Bourne the engineer of the railway. The morning being favourable, an im mense concourse of people assembled to witness the event, which was enlivened by Messrs. Hawthorn's amateur band attending and playing appropriate tunes. The train for the procession, consisting of trucks a.d. 1842.] table book. 383 fitted up with seats for the owners and their friends, accompanied by the band, being ready, preceded by waggons filled with coals, many pieces weighing about a quarter of a ton each, it moved off from the colliery about half-past eleven, and descended the inclined plane in beautiful style to the Team river, where it was attached to a rope 2,200 yards in length, worked by a stationary engine of eighty horse power erected at the Black Fell. The signal having been given that all was ready, the train was again put in motion, and ascended the inclined plane to the Black Fell, passing underneath the new carriage road at Longacres, also underneath the Durham old and new turnpike roads. Crowds of people were collected at each bridge to witness the passage of the train. At the Black Fell the railway is connected with that of Springwell colliery, down which the coals were sent for shipment at Jarrow. The coal which is known in the market as " West Ayton Moor," is of superior quality for household purposes, and an invaluable gas and coking coal. The gentlemen afterwards returned to Kibbles- worth Hall, where a handsome entertainment was prepared by the owners. Refreshments were also provided for the workmen, and their wives and daughters were invited to tea at the hall, terminating the day by dancing. — Local Papers. 1842 (June 7). — Tuesday morning, an explosion of fire-damp took place in Elemore pit, near Durham, when seven men were severely burnt. — Ibid. There was at this period an old woman, named Jane Farrow, living in Stockton, who had attained the patriarchal age of 102, and was in possession of most of her rational faculties. There were likewise 50 persons of both sexes, whose united ages amounted .to more than 4,000 years, and 100 who averaged upwards of 70 years each. — Ibid. June 8. — Died, at Newbiggin, Northumberland, aged 104, Mr. John Armstrong, mariner. He served in his majesty's navy at the commencement of the American war. — Ibid. This month, in making a garden for sir John Trevelyan's new farm house, at Sweethope, on the Wansbeck, a square grave, inclosed and covered with rough flat stones, was discovered ; it contained the skeleton of a full-grown person, but all the bones, excepting those of the thighs and legs, were very carious and brittle. — Hid. A number of men were at this time employed, under the direction of Mr. Duncan, agent for the Trinity House, London, in working stones for the erection of two cottages on the Longstone Rock, near the light-house kept by Grace Darling's father. One of these, was intended for Mr. W. B. Darling, the brother of the heroine, Grace, and the other to be used as a shelter for sufferers by shipwreck. — Hid. 384 local historian's [a. d. 1842. 1842 (June 11). — Saturday, the inhabitants of South Hetton were much amused at witnessing a somewhat novel pedestrian feat, per formed by John Patton, who, for a wager, undertook to run a wheel barrow, upwards of seven stone weight, from Easington Lane to South Hetton, a distance of about one mile, in eleven minutes, which he performed one minute within the time. — Local Papers. June 14. — Tuesday, the foundation stone of a new Wesleyan chapel was laid in Back Bondgate, in Bishop Auckland, by the rev. Francis Neale, the superintendent of the circuit, and the rev. John Stirzaker, assisted by the trustees, and the rev. Mr. Day, of Darling ton, and the rev. Mr. Lewis of Richmond. A considerable number of persons assembled to witness the interesting ceremony. — Hid. June 15. — Mr. W. A. Brooks, C. E., was elected by the New castle Council to the office of river engineer, vacant by the lamented death of Mr. Anderson. There were forty-six candidates for the appointment, most of them highly recommended by competent en gineering authorities. The election of Mr. Brooks was alike credit able to himself and the council. He had no other influence than that which he derived from his practical experience and professional repu tation ; and the council selected him from the numerous competitors, because they believed him to be the candidate best calculated to fill the vacant office. — Ibid. About the middle of this month, in a yard in Milburn-place, North Shields, a little boy let a tin can slip into a well ; his brother less than he, and blind, took a clothes-prop and sought to fetch it up, when unfortunately he fell in himself. His mother came, saw him rise the third time to the surface of the water, and, urged by the peril of her child, had herself let down head foremost, held by the heels and petticoats by her not less daring and intrepid neigh bours ; after a third effort to reach him, she caught his hand, and with his additional weight was drawn up, by her intrepid assistants ; had they lost their hold, both mother and son must have been drowned. — Hid. June 20. — The foundation stone of a new church at Thornley, was laid on the above day, in the absence of the rev. R. Birkett, vicar of Kelloe, by the rev. C. Abbott, his curate, with the usual ceremonies. H. J. Spearman, esq., gave an acre of ground for the erection of the church and the formation of a burying-ground. The architect was Mr. R. Dunlop.— Hid. June 20. — Monday evening during the races, some policemen on Newcastle Town Moor observed one man striking another with a bar of iron, and they interfered to prevent injury. A large party, armed with sticks and other weapons, immediately commenced an attack on A. D.1842.] TABLE BOOK. 385 the policemen, and other persons who were inclined to assist them, and a desperate conflict ensued, long doubtful as to the result, but which was vigorously contested on both sides. Some of the com batants, for want of better weapons, fought with their shoes ! A stout, powerful policeman, named Greaves, after a most courageous effort on the part of his friends, in the course of which he brought not less than twenty of the assailant party to the ground, at last fell beneath the heavy blows aimed at him, and he must inevitably have been killed, had not assistance arrived which drove the enemy from the field. The policeman was very much injured. The party who commenced the affray belonged to Winlaton. — Local Papers. 1842 (June 21). — A violent thunder-storm visited the counties of Northumberland and Durham. About twelve o'clock at noon, the hospital at Newcastle barracks was struck by lightning, and sustained considerable damage. A private soldier of the 61st regiment, named James Hynes, was struck dead ; and a sergeant in the same regiment received a violent shock, which rendered him insensible for a con siderable time. A cow was also killed on the Town-moor, and at the same moment, the daughter of Mr. John Davy, joiner, at Spital Tongues colliery, while sweeping the passage of the house, was struck speechless by the lightning, and did not recover until late in the evening : the door in the passage, and a bed in an adjoining room, were also injured. Mr. Newton, seedsman, was knocked down in his nursery grounds ; and at Arthur's Hill, an old woman was tempor arily deprived of her sight. In different parts of the country the thun der-storm raged with great violence, and very considerable damage and loss of life was the unhappy result.- — Ibid. June 25. — Saturday, four anglers (a clerical gentleman, a shoe maker, a schoolmaster, and a boy) in order to pursue their sport, went on to a small island in the middle of the river Tees, about six miles below Barnard castle. The island is easy of access when the water is low, but unapproachable when the contrary is the case. They had not been long on the island when it began to rain, and they were glad to seek shelter among the bushes. But while they were in this situation, a great body of water came rolling down the river, owing to there having been a great fall of rain further west ward. The poor fishers leapt up in astonishment, and to their infinite mortification, not to say dismay, found that the tiny stream which before had scarcely wet their feet, had now become an impetuous flood, seven feet deep, precluding every possibility of escape. To add to their disaster, the rain now fell in torrents. In the evening, their situation was descried by some neighbours, who, by means of ropes, conveyed to them refreshments and materials for making a fire, which vol. v. 3d 3S6 LOCAL historian'* |a.d]842. somewhat cheered them through the long and dreary night that en sued. When morning came (being Sunday,) a large crowd of people were collected on the opposite bank, to view the forlorn islanders. In the evening, however, the water abated, and they were enabled to quit the place of their captivity. The clerical gentleman, who was a tall man and a great " Walker," waded through, with the boy on his shoulders; and the others were pulled through the still deep and rapid stream with a rope. One of the gaping rustics on the bank, wishing to shew his cleverness, went along the provision rope to the island. In returning, the rope broke, and poor Hodge was precipit ated into the water, and would have been drowned, had he not for tunately caught hold of one of the ends, by which he was dragged out, much crestfallen, the drenching having effectually " cooled his courage." — Local Papers. 1842 (July 4.) — Monday, the ceremonies and festivities in con nection with the installation of his grace the duke of Northumberland as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, commenced in a man ner which betokened that the University had done all in its power to afford for its visitors a round of varied and attractive entertain ment. The duke of Northumberland arrived on the previous Satur day afternoon, before he was expected, and without any pomp or procession. His Grace attended St. Mary's on Sunday morning, on which occasion the rev. professor Whewell preached. In the after noon the Duchess of Northumberland and the ladies of her suite were present, and heard a sermon by the bishop of London. In the evening, there was a grand dinner party in the hall of Trinity Col lege, to meet his royal highness the duke of Cambridge. The duke of Wellington arrived at half-past ten on Monday morning, escorted by nearly 200 mounted gentlemen. At ten o'clock the Vice-Chan- cellor arrived at the Senate house, accompanied by the different masters and heads of colleges. The ladies were on either side, right and left, in the body of the Senate-house, in a gallery erected for their accommodation under the orchestra. The Duchess of Northum berland and the more distinguished of the fair visitors occupied places on the platform on either side of the Chancellor's throne. At a quarter past twelve it was announced that his grace the Chancellor was on his way to the Senate house, and the Vice-Chancellor, attend ed by the heads of colleges, esquire bedells, proctors, &c. proceeded down the centre of the building to meet him at the chief entrance. The cheering when his grace appeared, and as he proceeded to take his seat upon the throne, was almost deafening. Next to his grace the Chancellor, walked his grace the duke of Wellington. Then came his royal highness the duke of Cambridge, followed by the A. D. 1842.] TABLE HOOK. 387 Vice-Chancellor of the University, the lord Chancellor, duke of Buckingham, the marquises of Bute, Exeter, and Douro, the earls of Denbigh and Brownlow, all of whom, upon the Chancellor taking his seat upon the throne, proceeded to the places, on either side of his grace, allotted to them. The duke of Wellington and his royal highness stood on his immediate right, and lord Lyndhurst and the duke of Buccleuch on his left. Shortly after one o'clock the public orator commenced reciting his oration, which was, as usual on such occasions, an eulogium on the newly-created Chancellor and a few of the chief personages present. The address took an hour and a half to deliver, and was listened to with the utmost attention. In the evening the Vice-Chancellor entertained a distinguished party. The duke of Northumberland, in returning thanks for the toast of his health, expressed himself most warmly sensible of the delight he had experienced throughout the whole proceedings. Tuesday was occu pied in conferring Doctors' degrees, hearing the recital of the prize poems, and the performance of the installation ode. At eleven the Chancellor entered amid deafening cheers, and there were present the archbishop of Canterbury, his royal highness the duke of Cambridge, earl of Eldon, lord Nelson, sir Robert H. Inglis, sir H. Pakenham, the duchess of Northumberland, countess of Jersey, and lady C. Villiers, countess Delawarr, and a host of fashionables, D.D's, and others. After the degrees were conferred, the various poems were recited, the principal of which, " On the Birth of the Prince of Wales," was repeated by its author, Mr. James Sumner Maine, of Pembroke college. This obtained the Chancellor's medal, which was given to Mr. Maine by the noble Chancellor. Mr. Maine also gained a prize for a Latin poem, and another for a Latin ode. Mr. Clark, of Trinity (2,) and Mr. Druce, of Peterhouse, were the other prize men. After this followed the installation ode, written by the rev. Mr. Whitehead, fellow of St. John's. The music was composed by professor Walmsley. After this, " God save the Queen " was given, and the company left the Senate house to proceed to the fete at St. John's. On Wednesday morning the oratorio of the "Messiah" was performed at St. Mary's, to a numerous audience ; and in the evening a ball, which was numerously attended, took place in the Fitzwilliam museum. The master of Trinity also gave a banquet in the hall of that college. A promenade, which took place on Thursday, at the Fitzwilliam museum, brought the festivities to a close ; and on Friday almost all the visitors had again quitted the town. — Local Papers. 1842 (July 7). — Thursday, the new Catholic church of St. Mary, Stockton, was opened. About forty of the neighbouring clergy assem- 388 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [a. d. 1842. bled on the occasion, and assisted in their robes within thersanctuary, together with the right rev. Dr. Mostyn, vicar apostolic of the north ern district. The musical department was presided over by [the .rev. Mr. Knight, of Hartlepool, aided by the splendid talents of Miss Witnall, from Liverpool. The rev. Waldo Sibthorp, late a clergy man of the established church, preached an impressive discourse. The church is from a design by Mr. Pugin. — Local Papers. 1842.— Early in the month of July, a boat's crew off Bambrough castle, Northumberland, caught a halibut which was computed to weigh twelve stones, and measured in length five feet eight inches, and in breadth two feet eight inches ; in the centre of the body it was six inches in thickness.- — Ibid. Bamborough Castle. July 8. — An accident of a heart-rending nature occurred on the Stanhope and Tyne railway. From the evidence adduced at the coroner's inquest, held before Mr. Hepple, of Bishop Auckland, at the Phoenix inn, Stanhope, on the 9th, it appeared that a train of three waggons, one laden with round lime, and two with small, were being drawn by the stationary engine to the top of the first inclined plane from the lime-kilns, when a piece of iron, called a conductor, to which the rope is attached, broke, and the train returned with tre mendous velocity. After travelling a distance of 800 yards, the second and third waggons were thrown from the line. The first kept its course with accelerated speed, until it reached a curve, where, un fortunately, three boys were standing, unconscious of the danger. The waggon left the line, and passed over the boys, severing the head from one of them — a fine promising youth, named James Kemp, aged A. D. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 389 8 years, son of Mr. Thomas Kemp, gardener at the rectory, Stan hope. The other two were not much injured. A strict investigation into the lamentable circumstance was made by the jury, in order that justice might be done to the proprietors of the railway and to the heart-broken parents of the deceased. A verdict of " accidental death " was found, with a deodand of £3 on the waggon, and 5s. on the lime. — Local Papers. 1842 (July 10). — At an ordination held this day, at Auckland cas tle, one of the successful candidates was Mr. Blythe Hurst, till lately a blacksmith in the village of Winlation, co. Durham. How this humble country artizan came to be a clergyman of the Church of England, will be best understood by the perusal of a speech deliv ered by Mr. Joseph Laycock, of Winlaton, in proposing "The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese of Durham," at a dinner given at Stella on the 12th July following, to M. W. Dunn, esq., of Hedge- field, on his resignation of the office of agent to Peregrine E. Towne- ley, esq., both of the " ancient faith : " — Mr. Laycock said, many of them might conscientiously differ on the subject of bishops, and their large incomes, but he was sure they were all agreed that the bishop of Durham faithfully discharged the duties of his stewardship ; and, however much some of them might dispute the propriety of a system which placed great wealth in the hands of Church of England prelates, there was not one of them but would admit that Dr. Maltby used his princely revenues as a sacred trust, to be applied in works of charity and religion (applause). His desire, his sole desire, was to do good. There was now in the village of Winlaton a striking and interesting proof of the bishop's benevolence — a man whom the right rev. prelate had raised from the lowest ranks of the workmen of Winlaton, to the station of an ordained clergyman of the Church of England (applause.) The individual to whom he referred was a na tive of Winlaton, and was put to the trade of a blacksmith at the early age of seven years. At that time he had received little education. He could read the scriptures, but could write only imperfectly. After he went to trade he attended a Sunday school (Archdeacon Thorp's), where he made some progress. Writing, however, was not taught in the school. When he had entered his teens his mind was directed to the study of languages, beginning with his own. Afterwards he ac quired six others, viz. : — Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Syriac, and French. A few years ago a missionary made his appearance in the village to disseminate the damnable doctrines of Socialism, trusting, no doubt, to the well-known readiness of the villagers to patronize whatever was new and good (laughter). The friends of the learned blacksmith, Mr. Blythe Hurst, pressed him to deliver lectures in reply 390 local historian's [a. d. 1842. to the Socialist. This he declined ; but he wrote a book, entitled " Christianity no Priestcraft," and had it printed and published. The worthy rector of Winlaton, Mr. Wardell, enclosed a copy of the pamphlet to the bishop of Durham, as the work of a common man, a labouring blacksmith. The bishop wrote back, expressing the great satisfaction with which he had read the book, and observing that it might be written by a common man, but it was the production of no common mind, and he was anxious to receive some further particulars of the author's life. These were not mere words of compliment. The bishop was in earnest, and wrote to Mr. Douglas, the rector of Whick ham, wishing him to see Mr. Hurst, and ascertain his ability to make a ready application of his acquirements. Mr. Douglas visited him, and found him toiling the whole day long to support his family. He pursued his studies while at work, having his lessons on his " flame stone" — (a stone suspended before the eyes of the workmen to protect them from the flames.) Mr. Douglas conversed with him, and subse quently made a report to the bishop. His lordship next wrote to Mr. Davies, the rector of Gateshead, on the subject of Mr. Hurst. Mr. Davies visited Mr. H., at Winlaton, and stated the result in a letter to the bishop. Dr. Maltby afterwards corresponded with Mr. Hurst, and advised him as to his course of reading, recommending to his atten tion the most suitable books. His lordship (mark his liberality ! ) did more than this ; he enclosed Mr. Hurst the means of following out his recommendation (loud applause). He also wrote to Mr. Collinson, the late reetor of Gateshead, who, like the "good Samaritan," as he had always been, invited Mr. Hurst to his house, and also Mr. Hurst's daughter. Mr. Collinson saw that the blacksmith was about to rise from his obscure station, and he was kindly anxious to prepare both him and his family for the new sphere of life on which they were shortly to enter. Some time afterwards, the bishop having occasion to visit Newcastle, he had a personal interview of Mr. Hurst, and arrangements were then made for his ordination When the time for this ceremony was at hand, Mr. Hurst received a kind letter from Auckland Castle, intimating that apartments had been provided for his accommodation. His lordship also presented him with a silk gown, through Mr. Wardell On Thursday, the 9th inst., Mr. Hurst proceeded to Auckland ; and he (Mr. Laycock) had received a letter, communicating some particulars of his reception. From this letter he would read an extract : — Mr. Hurst passed his examination with great credit to himself, and much to the satisfaction of his examiner. The bishop was particularly kind, and took especial notice of Mr. Hurst. On Saturday, as is customary, all those to be ordained dined with the bishop. The bishop, on looking round the drawing-room for Mr. II., a-d. 1842.] tablk nooK. 391 found that he was at the opposite end. He asked him to come to him, and went and met him — took his arm — and introduced him to Mrs. Maltby and all the ladies. When they met in the dining-room, he said, " You must come and sit beside me.' Then he was set with the bishop on one side, and archdeacon Raymond on the other ; and the same way on Sunday at lunch. Thus honourably and pleasantly did Mr. Hurst pass his examination, and the bishop's kindness extended also to paying the fees (applause). On this very day (Tuesday), Mr. Hurst had returned to his native village an ordained clergyman of the Church of England ; and he would shortly, through the bishop's pa tronage, enter upon his ministerial duties as curate of Garrigill, near Alston (cheers). The villagers, as a farewell token of their esteem and respect, were now providing a purse of gold, to be presented to Mr. Hurst on his removal to his curacy (applause). He had not intended to name this circumstance, but a friend at his elbow had suggested to him that he ought to do so. He would now conclude, having already, he feared, detained the company too long (cries of " no, no"). He had been led to relate the rise of Mr. Hurst, not so much by way of exhibiting the bishop of Durham as a patron of genius and learning, in however humble a station of life they might be found, but to show the kindness, the liberality, and the amiability of his dis position (applause). This was sufficiently shown by the facts which he had related, and it was manifested in every action of his lordship's life. He had, therefore, great pleasure in proposing " The Bishop of Durham and the Clergy of the Diocese" (loud cheers). — Local Papers. 1842 (July 11). — Died, at Darlington, Mrs. Elizabeth Hurworth, aged 108.— Hid. Same day, Monday, the river Tees came down in an unusual body of water at one sweep, by which some of the dyers' rincing yarns for the carpet manufactories had narrow escapes from beintj swept away by the flood. During the day a calf, two sheep and some pigs, were borne down by the rapids. — Ibid. July 16. — A match for £150 aside between the crew of the St. Agnes, a four-oared boat belonging the Tyne, and a party of London rowers came off on the above day, Saturday, when it appeared any thing but a contest or race. At starting the London boat took the lead and maintained its position to the end, without the least chance of competition on the part of its antagonists, and consider able sums changed hands in favour of the Londoners, it was said to the amount of £1000 or £1200.— Hid. July 21 . — The ceremony of consecrating a piece of ground, to be added to the church-yard of St. Helen's Auckland, was performed by the bishop of Durham, in the presence of a number of clergymen, 392 local historian's [a. d. 1842. and a large concourse of the inhabitants of the parish. — Local Papers. 1842 (July 22). — Friday morning, a fire was discovered in a house situated in Blyth's Nook, Newcastle. The house is situated in a crowded locality, and immediately adjoining to extensive granaries. The engines were speedily on the spot, and by prompt exertion the fire was subdued before it had effected any material damage. — Ibid. July 26. — The new burial ground at Seaton Carew, was consecrat ed by the lord bishop of Durham, on which occasion, an eloquent and appropriate sermon was preached by the rev. Dr. Hook, vicar of Leeds — .Ibid. ' Same day, the body of a woman was found on the sea shore, near to Hardwicke, in the county of Durham, and numerous reports were in circulation, all tending to shew that the unfortunate female had been murdered. That which gained the greatest credit stated that the deceased was the daughter of a potter named Dixon, resident at Wolviston, that she had been seduced by a young man from a neigh bouring village, who having since been married to another woman, had murdered the deceased and fled. During the inquest, the father, brother, and sister of the girl who was missing from Wolviston, swore to the deceased being that individual, and their evidence was corro borated by a woman who swore that the stays which were produced, and which were taken from the body, were made by her for the girl in question. After this apparently conclusive evidence had been given the coroner consented, on the application of the father, to give up the body to him for interment. Before, however, it had reached its intend ed resting-place, a police-officer who had been in quest of the sup posed murderer, arrived with the information that both he and the missing girl were alive and well at Lofthouse, in Cleveland ; whither the father, by direction of the coroner, immediately proceeded, and actually found his daughter ! The body was then brought back, and the inquest was adjourned to Friday, when it was clearly proved bv identification of her dress, that the deceased was Jane Jackson the daughter of a respectable man at Easington, who had been living as servant with Mrs. Middleton, of Sedgefield. It appeared that a per son called upon her on Saturday evening, to inform her that her mother was ill and wanted to see her at Easington. She went for that purpose on Sunday, remained with her mother that night, and left for her situation on Monday morning ; she was seen about 10 o'clock passing through Shotton, and was afterwards observed going in the direction of Castle Eden Dean. No further particulars could be ascertained, but the conviction was strengthened that the unfortu nate woman had been brutally murdered. Her bonnet appeared to have been broken with a blunt instrument, there were bruises on her A. D. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 393 head, and the habit-shirt which she wore was soaked with blood. A shawl which she had over her arm when at Shotton had not been found, and her purse was empty. The inquest, after several adjourn ments, terminated about the middle of August in a verdict of " Found dead from the effects of blows ; but how or by whom given there is no evidence to shew." — Local Papers. 1842 July 28. — Thursday, the Northumberland Agricultural So ciety held its annual meeting at Belford, on a beautiful lawn imme diately in front of Belford hall, the elegant mansion of the rev. J. D. Clark, through whose kindness this privilege was enjoyed. A finer situation could not have been selected for the purpose, and the day being fine, a numerous assemblage of gentlemen interested in agriculture took place. The arrangements for the exhibition of stock, and the accommodation of the public, were highly creditable to Mr. Sinclair, (the secretary) and the committee of management. As might naturally be expected from this district, which has long been celebrated for its breed of cattle, the show was splendid. Attention was more particularly drawn to a noble milk-white bull, White Beaumont, the property of Mr. Thos. Howey, of Lilburn Grange, which, for symmetry and fattening qualities, surpassed all of its kind. This fine animal weighed 130st., and had previously gained five premiums, including the second prize at the Highland Society's show at Berwick, in the preceding year. There was also a fitting mate for this bull, in a red and white cow, the property of Mr. Hunt, of Thornington, perhaps second to none. The show of short horns, altogether, (in number 58,) surpassed in quality that of any former year — especially the cows, four of which had previously obtained premiums. A black kyloe stot, sent by the duke of North umberland, was looked upon as the most perfect animal of its kind ever seen in Northumberland. The horses were numerous, and some of them excellent. The pigs were in general satisfactory. The extra stock were not numerous, but included several fine animals. Mr. Baker Cresswell, M.P., exhibited two dun highland kyloes, and Mr. Grey, of Kimmerston, a Hereford bull, which were highly approved. The following also elicited much praise : — Three kyloe cows, shown by Mr. George Dunn, of Eglingham ; two West Highland kyloes, 80st. each, by the duke of Northumberland ; five heifers, by Mr. Jobson, of Newtown ; a cow, by Mr. Leithead, of Belford ; a four- year-old white bull, (from the stock of Mr. Chrisp. of Doddington,) by Mr. Howey, of Ilderton ; five West Highland kyloes, by Mrs. Dunn, of Ellingham ; a Leicester ewe and lamb, by Mr. Darling, of Hetton House ; a pen of five tups, by Mr. Simmons ; a twin gimmer, a cross between a Cheviot tup and a Leicester, ewe, by the duke of vol. v. 3 E 394 local historian's | a.d. 1842. Northumberland ; two piebald ponies, by Mr. Wilkie, of Ladythorn ; a three-year old colt, by Mr. Hogarth, of Scremerston ; and a car riage horse, by Mr. Dinning, of Belford. There was only a small show of agricultural machinery. A straw-cutter, and also a newly invented lime-strewer, was exhibited by Mrs. Dixon, of Wooler ; two ploughs, a turnip-cutter, and several draining spades, &c, by Mr. Gibson, of Belford ; a draining-plough for eight horses, calculated to go twenty inches deep, (made by Mr. Common, of Denwick,) by the duke of Northumberland ; winnowing machine and turnip drill, by Mr. Common ; ribbing plough, by Mr. Grey, of Kimmerston ; a metal ribbing roller, by Mr. Clark, of Fowberry park ; and a patent grass or corn mower, by Mr. Macdonald, of Aberdeenshire. Mr. Darling of Hetton House, exhibited seven samples of turnips, grown with the aid of seven different manures, viz., guano, quicken ashes, bones, Glasgow stuff, horse and cattle droppings, and farm-yard manure, with top-dressing of fresh earth. The most luxuriant growth was the result of farm- yard manure. The judges of the show were : — for cattle and Leicester sheep. Mr. J. Wilson, of Cum- ledge, Dunse. Mr. Sober Watkin, of Plumpton, Penrith. Mr. R. Anderson, of Halls, Dunbar, for horses. — Mr. James Rutherford, of Lambton, Durham. Mr. John Wilson, of Simpron, Kelso. Mr. John Robson of Koilder, Hexham, for swine and cheviot sheep. — Mr. A Cunningham, of Tofts, Kelso. Mr. Nicholas Wright, of Buteland, Hexham. About four o'clock, the company retired to a splendid pavillion erected by Mr. Short, of Wooler, on the premises of Mr. Watkin, of the Blue Bell inn, when nearly three hundred gentlemen partook of an excellent dinner, provided for the occasion. The pavillion was tastefully decorated with festoons and evergreens : at one end was a gallery for the ladies, and at the other an orchestra for the Alnwick band, who attended on the occasion. The chair was taken by Mr. Hodgson, M. P., and the vice- chair by Mr. Cresswell Baker, M.P. — Local Papers. 1842 A patent was about this period taken out by Messrs. Hedley and Roddam of Newcastle for purifying and condensing smoke and noxious vapours, which was shortly after put into operation with a most satisfactory result. The smoke from a reverberating smelting furnace was not only entirely condensed, but the whole of the lead fumes and deleterious vapours were prevented from escaping into the atmosphere, and the metallic particles recovered. — Ibid. August 1.— Monday, the foundation stone of a new church was laid at Matfen, parish of Stamfordham, by sir Edw. Blackett, bart. A large assembly of the clergy, gentry, and inhabitants of the neigh bourhood, were present. The church is to be built in the early Eng- a. d. 1842.] table book. 395 lish style of architecture, with a tower and suitable chancel, and is intended to afford accommodation for nearly three hundred persons. — Local Papers. 1842 (Aug 8).— Monday morning, a very alarming fire broke out at Messrs. Young's dock-yard, South Shields, which raged with such violence that in a short time after its discovery the store -house was in a state of conflagration. It appeared that before the carpenters com menced their work, it was necessary that the planks should be heated by what is called a steamer, and at four o'clock in the morning a man whose duty it was to put fire into the steamer, procured a shovelful of live cinders for that purpose. On his way a small portion of these dropped amongst some shavings and other combustible materials which immediately ignited, and before the arrival of assistance the place was in a blaze. Three engines were speedily on the spot, and by strenuous exertions, and a fortunate access to water, the fire was extinguished in three or four hours. The amount of damage was considerable . — Hid. August 9. — Tuesday the venerable archdeacon Raymond held his first annual visitation of the clergy of the archdeaconry of Northum berland, in St. Nicholas' Church, Newcastle, when there was a very good attendance of the clergy. Prayers were read by the rev. R. W. L. Jones, and an excellent and impressive sermon delivered by the rev. R. C. Coxe, vicar of Newcastle, from the I. Corinthians, chap ter xvi. verses 13 and 14 : — " Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity." At the conclusion of the service, the clergymen present assembled in front of the Communion table, and severally answered to their names. The venerable the archdeacon then delivered his charge in a clear and impressive manner, which was listened to throughout with marked attention. — Ibid. August 10. — During the afternoon of this day, Wednesday, Bar nard Castle and its neighbourhood were visited by a tremendous storm of rain, thunder, lightning, and hail, ushered in by a whirlwind of great violence, passing over the town from the south east, by which several market stalls and goods were squandered, while in the course of the whirl the chimney tops were swept out, the soot flying in strange gyrations, and the market people fled for refuge. The Wes leyan chapel roof and some windows were damaged and broken. The rain fell in torrents, and ran down the streets like a river. In some of the cellars and warehouses it was four feet deep, and it was kept out of the shops with great difficulty. The lightning was exceedingly brilliant and awful. A lady, while looking out of the window, had her dress singed by it. Towards evening the storm abated, but be- 3.96 LOCAL HISTORIAN S [A.D 1842. gan again at 7 o'clock with redoubled fury. The town was in perfect darkness, lighted only from time to time by the lightning, when the streets appeared in a perfect blaze. The storm continued with un abated fury until two o'clock next morning, when it ceased. Later in the day Darlington was visited by the storm : the electric fluid descended into the workshops of Messrs. Coates and Farmer, printers, about a quarter past nine o'clock in the evening, and set fire to them; but being immediately discovered, the fire was extinguished without the aid of the engines. It also descended the chimney of the adjoin ing house, occupied by Mr. Dobinson, who, with his family, was sit ting beside the fire. The fire-grate was forced out of its place ; but all escaped unhurt. The offices of Mr. Peacock, solicitor, were also struck by the fluid, and a speaking pipe was completely severed by the heat. — Local Papers. 1842 (Aug. 10). — About twelve o'clock at night, the bottle-works belonging to Messrs. Cookson and Co., South Shields, were discovered to be on fire. The workmen on the premises immediately gave the alarm and two engines speedily arrived, but their services were rendered nugatory for want of water, the town pipes being quite empty or out of order. At length they were put into keels on the river, and " commenced playing with great effect, and although the fire had attained a fearful height by the time they were got ready, they succeeded in stopping the progress of the flames, and by six o'clock the fire was got under. The night was very dark, the rain fell in torrents, and a terrific thunder-storm was then raging. The fire was supposed to have originated in the electric fluid having ignited the straw and crates, in which the bottles were stowed. The damage was estimated at above £1000. — Hid. The Charlton Spur. CHAPTER XVIII. ^qJUlfllllg:^ IS royal highness the duke of Cambridge having ac cepted the invitation of the marquis of Londonderry to Wynyard on the occasion of the noble marquis' eldest son, lord Seaham, coming of age, arrived in in Stockton, at a few minutes before one on Mon day, the 22nd of August, 1842, in a special train from Darlington, accompanied by the Russian ambassador and a large party. On alighting from the carriage, his royal highness was met by the tenantry of the marquis of Londonderry, and they proceeded to the Town hall, where they were met by the mayor and corporation, attired in their robes of office, by whom an address of congratulation was presented to his royal highness, in the presence of several thou sand spectators. The royal duke having replied to the address in appropriate terms, the party retired to the Assembly rooms, where about seventy took refreshment. On the arrival of the distin guished party at Wynyard, the family seat of the marquis of Londonderry, a dinner, to which all his lordship's tenantry in the district had been invited, took place pn the lawn in front of the man sion. Great preparations had been made for this occasion ; not the least important of which was the roasting of a whole ox, the animal being cooked between two fires made near the hall, and when cold, placed whole before the farmers and their families. Strong ale — some of which was brewed when the young lord who had now reached his majority was born — was freely circulated amongst the party, which numbered during the day seven or eight hundred strong. The royal duke very condescendingly mixed among the company, and many of the party spoke very highly of his affability and bland and easy manners. After the farmers, all who came on the green shared in the hospitality, and the merry-making was kept up until a late 398 local historian's [a. d. 1842. hour. The illustrious visitor, with a company of upwards of fifty noblemen and gentlemen, sat down to dinner with the marquis and marchioness of Londonderry in the hall, in a style of princely splen dour, the massive gold and silver plate of the family presenting a most magnificent appearance. On Tuesday, according to arrange ment, the duke of Cambridge visited the city of Durham, for the pur pose of receiving an address from the mayor and corporation. After attending divine service at the cathedral, his royal highness, along with a distinguished party, dined at the deanery. On Wednesday, the duke of Cambridge, attended by several of the party staying at Wynyard, proceeded to Rainton Meadows, where he was met by John Buddie, esq., the superintending viewer of the marquis of Lon donderry's collieries, and other gentlemen, by whom he was shewn a model exhibiting the different parts of the colliery workings, which his royal highness minutely inspected. His royal highness afterwards travelled on an inclined plane from the Meadows to Pensher, where a dinner was provided for the pitmen, and an elegant cold collation for the royal, noble, and other distinguished visitors. The number of persons who dined was 1,554. The duke of Cambridge, the duke of Rutland, and other distinguished visitors mingled for a short time with the workmen ; the royal duke asking several of the lads ques tions respecting their age, their health, the extent of their education, the nature of their work, at what age they entered the mine, &c, &c. On the arrival of the party at Sunderland, an address was presented to the duke from the corporation, and another from the inhabitants of South Shields. The dinner at the Exchange rooms, Sunderland, was announced to take place at six o'clock precisely ; but it was about nine o'clock before the duke of Cambridge and the invited party arrived. The tickets were thirty shillings each ; and about 150 persons were present at the dinner. Amongst the company were the duke of Cambridge, the duke of Rutland, the marquis and marchion ess of Salisbury, the marquis and marchioness of Exeter, the marquis and marchioness of Londonderry, the marquis of Blandford, baron Brunow, lord and lady Brownlow, lady Oust, lord Curzon, Miss Foley (maid of honour to the Queen), lord Clive, lord Seaham, captain Fitzroy, M.P., lord Cantilupe, lady Alexandrina Vane, lord Foley, lord Chelsea, lord Newport, hon. H. T. Liddell, M.P., &c. &c. The royal duke and party left the room, shortly before 12 o'clock, and proceeded to attend the ball at the Athaeneum. Tickets for 240 had been issued for this entertainment, which was kept up until an ad vanced hour in the morning. After the ball, his royal highness pro ceeded to Seaham Hall for the night. A private breakfast took place the following morning, after which the company proceeded to view a. d. 1842.] table book. 399 Seaham Harbour. A procession of about 20 carriages was formed. The process of loading a ship with coals, both by drop and spout, was gone through, in order to shew to his royal highness the facility with which coals are shipped. A dinner was afterwards given to about 200 of the workmen. On Thursday, Sept. 22, his royal highness arrived at Ravensworth castle, and on Saturday the 24th, accompanied by lord Ravensworth, lord and lady Barrington and Miss Harrington, the hon. H. T. Liddell, M.P,. the hon. T. Liddell, the hon. Georgiana Liddell, Miss Liddell, and Miss F. Liddell, visited Newcastle, where, in the library of the Literary and Philosophical Society, addresses were presented to him by the corporations of Newcastle and Gates head, to which he made suitable replies. The Library was crowded by gentlemen connected with the town and neighbourhood, and the gallery was well filled with ladies. His royal highness passed through the library into the museum, and was highly delighted with the various specimens submitted to his notice. His royal highness proceeded to St. Nicholas' church, and was there received by the vicar and church wardens, who conducted him through the venerable edifice. He next visited the Central Exchange — the Exhibition of the North of Eng land Fine Arts Society, and to the New Market, with all of which he was much gratified. His royal highness returned to Ravensworth castle in the afternoon, and remained with his noble host until Mon day morning, when he proceeded to Alnwick, to visit the duke of Northumberland. The bells of that town rang a joyous peal, and the guns of the castle were fired, as he neared his destination ; and on his arrival, the rev. L- S. Orde, Prideaux Selby, esq., Edward Dale, esq., and Joshua Hewitson, esq., waited upon the duke with a congratulatory address, from the inhabitants. On Tuesday, his royal highness, with the duchess of Northumberland and a distinguished party, visited Warkworth castle and hermitage ; and in the evening, Earl Grey was a visitor at Alnwick Castle, and dined with the duke of Northumberland, duke of Cambridge, &c. On Wednesday, at noon, his royal highness, lord Redesdale, Sir William Watkin Wynn, bart., and others, visited Bamburgh castle. The governor, and several of the neighbouring gentry, were in readiness to welcome the duke's arrival. Three times three cheers were given, and a royal salute fired. The party were in two carriages and four, with each two outriders, pre ceded by the duke of Northumberland's master of the horse on horse back. The duke of Cambridge expressed himself highly gratified with the ceremony. The rev. W. Darnell, the incumbent, read an address of congratulafion. After a stay of three quarters of an hour, the party set off for Haggerston, the seat of Lady Stanley. On Thursday, the duke of Cambridge returned to Newcastle, to attend the Musical 400 local historian's [a. d. 1842. Festival ; and on Friday, his royal highness reviewed the troops at the barracks. The Mayor of Newcastle, on the requisition of several of his fellow-townsmen, invited the duke, to a public dinner, to be given at such time as he might appoint, but his royal highness's en gagements did not permit him to accept the invitation. — Local Papers. 1842 (Aug. 23.) — The marriage of Edward John Collingwood, esq., of Chir- ton and Lilburn, nephew of the late ad miral lord Collingwood, was celebrated in a manner befitting the occasion. The bells of Tynemouth church rang merry peals throughout the day ; flags were hoisted in various parts of North Shields, and a most sumptuous dinner was pro vided at the hall for his tenantry, over which Mr. Revely, the agent, presided; much of the old baronial style of hospi tality was observed on the occasion, not forgetting the introduc tion of the Northumberland piper, who played some favourite airs whilst the dinner was being placed on the table, and the guests took their seats ; in the evening, the wives, daughters, and friends of those invited had tea, and after tea a dance, which was kept up with animation and spirit until an early hour in the morning, when the company separated highly delighted with their entertainment. — Hid. About this period a grotto or natural cavern was discovered in Alnwick moor, in the limestone rocks lying to the south-west of the race ground. By the recent removal of part of the rocks, two openings were found, one of which was known fifty years before, but, by the falling of the earth from above, had been partially hidden and unobserved for a long period. The cavern is of considerable extent, in height from four to six feet, with passages branching off on both sides, but its length had not been lately explored, as a thick stratum of soft clay had closed one of the principal avenues. The place in some parts is, as it were, arched, approaching to the order and regularity of a work of art. The roof was at one time beautifully studded with sparkling stalactites, and from the sides rose small pillars of white semi-transparent calcareous spar disposed with almost architectural precision. But the great influx of visitors has robbed the grotto of its attractions, and the choicest of its finely-moulded gems have been carried away, not entire, but broken into fragments for mantle-piece ornaments. Several years ago, when the late duke of Northumberland kept a pack of hounds at Hulne West Park, two of the hounds pursued a fox into a. d. 1842.] TABLE book. 401 this cavern, and were unable to find their way out. Some men who proceeded in search of them day after day, heard the barking and cries of the dogs, and one man went so far that he heard the people of Hobberlaw, a hamlet about a furlong distant from the entrance, stir their fire above him. One of the dogs was brought out on the 15th day of its imprisonment, and the other on the 16th day, in a famished and emaciated condition, and unable to walk home. — Local Papers. 1842 (Aug 23.) — Tuesday evening about seven o'clock a thunder storm visited the county of Durham, extending as far north as Gates head. At Thorp, Hutton Henry, and Castle Eden the storm raged with indescribable fury, and was productive of loss of life and property. At the first-named place, a field of barley in stook was set on fire by the lightning, a woman struck blind, and a man severely injured. At Lamb's Close, near Hutton Henry, a young man named Proud, who had left his cart in the middle of the road to take shelter under the gable-end of a house, was killed by the lightning, which appeared to have struck the chimney and there separated, a portion descending into the house, where it did much injury to the furniture. A man named Stokell, who was sitting on a long-settle, was thrown to the other side of the room and considerably injured. At Castle Eden colliery, the wife of William Proud, sawyer, was struck by the electric fluid, while nursing her infant. On the husband entering the cottage, he found the mother speechless, and in a few minutes she was a corpse. The child was also much injured. — Ibid. During repairs of the western portion of the church of Long Benton, Northumber land, this year, there was found built up in the masonry a fragment of a monu mental slab, represented in the margin. The inscription ran around the margin of the stone, according to the mode of the olden times. These characters formed part of the usual prayer for a soul's repose, " Dominus [m isereatur or propitietur animw qui subtus] jacet." Thus much may be conjectured, but who shall fill up the hiatus with a name ? (Bes. Not. L. Benton.) August 25. — Thursday, the marriage of lord Prudhoe, brother to the duke of Northumberland, and lady Eleanor Grosvenor, eldest daughter of earl Grosvenor, was solemnized at St. George's church, Hanover-square ; and, at the same time, lord Parker, eldest son of the earl of Macclesfield, to lady Mary Frances Grosvenor, second daughter of earl Grosvenor. His grace the archbishop of York officiated at both marriages in the presence of a very distinguished vol. v. 3 G 402 local historian's [a. d- 1842. circle of the relatives and friends of the Northumberland, Westmins ter, and Macclesfield families, including the duke of Wellington, duke and duchess of Northumberland, marquis and marchioness of Westminster, earl and countess of Macclesfield, and lady Louisa Parker, earl and countess Grosvenor, and the ladies Grosvenor, viscount Belgrave, earl and countess of Beverley and lady Louisa Percy, earl of Wilton, lord and lady Robert Grosvenor, lady Agnes Buller, earl and countess of Antrim, &c. Immediately after the termination of the nuptial ceremonies, lord Prudhoe and his fair bride left the church in a chariot and four, with out-riders, for Sion- house. The rejoicings at Isleworth and Brentford, in celebration of the marriage of lord and lady Prudhoe were on an extensive and very liberal scale. At Alnwick, the shops were closed throughout the day, and a great number of flags were displayed from the houses, At half-past three in the afternoon, about two hundred and fifty gentlemen assembled in the Town hall, and with music and banners, went in procession to the dinner pavilion, which had been erected for the purpose in Mr. Atkinson's malt-yard. W. Burrell, esq., of Broom park, presided — vice-president, P. Selby, esq., Swansfield. The event was celebrated at Tynemouth by a dinner at the Bath inn, to which about sixty gentlemen sat down : H. Mitcalfe, esq., M. P., was in the chair, with A. Bartleman, and J. Cunningham, esqrs., as vice-chairmen. In the manor of Newburn, the tenants of the duke of Northumberland celebrated the event by dining together at the Court-house, Newburn, Mr. M. Taylor in the chair ; vice, Mr. Potter, supported by Mr. Leadbitter. The village was decorated with flags, the church bells rang, and the roaring of cannon was responded to by a band of music. The villagers were plentifully regaled with ale, to drink long life and happiness to the noble pair. — At Newcastle, also, the church bells were rung at intervals during the day. — Local Papers. 1842 (August 25). — The church or chapel, at Windynook, in the chapelry of Heworth and parish of Jarrow, was consecrated, together with the enclosed burial-ground in which it stands, by the right reverend the Lord Bishop of Durham. Upwards of forty clergymen were present on the occasion. The rev. M. Plummer read prayers, and his lordship the communion service. The sermon was preached by archdeacon Raymond, from 2 Tim. ii. 12, " Let every man that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." — In the evening, there was a second service in the church, when the rev. John Reed, vicar of Newburn, was the preacher. — The clergy were entertained at dinner by the rev. M. Plummer. The singers, masons, carpenters, &c, dined in the new school-room, erected at a short distance from the church ; and the sunday-scholars had tea at Heworth. — Ibid. AD. 1842.] TABLE BOOK. 403 1842 (Sept. 5).— Monday, the first " Tyne Regatta" came off in fine style in the harbour at Shields. The day was remarkably fine, and great numbers of all classes of the inhabitants crowded to the banks and along the shore sides where the various race boats were expected to pass. In addition to a number of gigs which contested the respec tive races with great ability, several steamers crowded with spectators, accompanied the boats during the races. A profusion of flags were hoisted from vessels in the harbour, and many of the principal shops were closed during the afternoon. The weather was beautifully clear and calm, except a gentle breeze that ruffled the surface of the water. At about half-past two, when the committee proceeded to Whitley Point, the river was teeming with life— not a boat on the river but what was crowded with spectators — steam-boats loaded with passen gers, plying up and down — ships with their flags flying — and the river banks crowded with spectators. It was calculated that at that time there would not be less than 1 0,000 individuals gazing on the scene. The first was a gig race, and was won by the Bee's- Wing, pulled by the Claspers ; the Fisher Lass second, pulled by South Shields pilots. The second race was with foy boats, and was won by a North Shields boat, she winning by half a length — three other boats starting. The third, a sculler race for 30s., was won by an old scullerman belonging North Shields, he winning by two boat lengths. The fourth, and one of the great attractions of the regatta, was a match for a silk gown, to be rowed for by women, which was won in gallant style by two sisters of the name of Story, belonging South Shields. The fifth, a coble race, was won by the Earl Grey, No. 1 20 ; No. 68 was second, 74 third, and 75 last. — Local Papers. September 7. — Wednesday, an American seaman, named Michael Smith, aged 23, proposed to leap from the east side of Sunderland bridge, into the river Wear. His intention was announced by hand bills on the previous evening, and at the time fixed (four o'clock) hundreds of persons assembled to witness this daring and novel ex ploit. On arriving at the centre of the bridge he instantly mounted the railing, and was preparing to throw himself off, when he was seized by the police, who conducted him to the station-house, to the great disappointment of the spectators. Next day he was brought before the magistrates on the charge of obstructing the thoroughfare. The mayor told him that, as a foreigner, the bench were inclined to deal leniently, and discharge him on paying costs ; but he was warned that the police would keep a strict eye upon him, and if he disobeyed their injunctions, he wouid be taken up and bound over to keep the peace. About six o'clock in the evening of the same day, determined not to be diverted from his purpose, Smith went privately on to the 404 local historian's [a. d. 184, I ^8 133, 144, 161, 166, 168, 169, 170, 175 176, 183, 186, 187, 188, 189, 195, 202, 205, 213, 231, 236, 246, 247, 249 256 267, 273, 285, 291, 292, 297, 301, 308,' 309, 323, 328, 333, 341, 349, 353, 363, 374, 375, 384, 398, 402, 407, 408. 409, 410, 412, 414, 417, 418, 419, 420. Newspapers, 215, 218, 291. ffiratorios, 229. police, l&iiwr, 196. Population, 208. Procession, 252, 254, 415. 3Re= gattas, 391, 403. Rejoicings, 27, 211, IN'DEX. 427 Newcastle. 329, 336, 3 1 5, 38 1 , 4 1 8. Riot Act, 88. Riots, 73, 269, 345, 384 Royal Ad dresses. 27, 155, 211, 247, 329, 399. ? ajnggUng, 354. Societies, 88, 144, 149, 252, 254, 334, 355, 399, 406, 407, 412. Slabbing, 255. Streets, &c, Bull Pai k, 308. Castle Garth, 256. Central Ex change, 118, 152, 144. Close, 352. Groat Market, 308. North Shore, 190. Quay, 189, 417. St. Law.ence, 155. St. Peters, 357. Swirle, 190. Storms, 34, 52, 95, 121, 192, 225, 359, 300, 366, 385. Sura-eons' Hall, 216. Suicides 82. QLiliofB JWsBal, 349, Trade, 12, 111. Tyne 2, 148, 154, 170, 192, 199, 207, 263, 318, 369, 373, 403. Trinity House, 315. fflnsmplaDeU, Workmen, 275. Ifttarage, 220, 237, 301. Visitation of Clergy, 395. Visitors, Remarkable, 53, 143, 297, 399. Malls: Corner Tower, 292. Pink Tower, 340. Plum mer Tower, 231. Water Tower, 280, 349. White Friar Tower, 156, 200,230, 232, 304. Wesleyan Centenary, 186. Newport, 347. Newspapers, 2, 141, 215, 218, 291. Newton, 414, 277, 301. Newton by the Sea, 56. New Whitby, 198. Nicholson, name of, 168. Northern Yacht, 55. North Sunderland, see Sunderland, North. Northumberland; Archdeacon, 251, 361, 373, 3?5, 407. Agricultural Society of, .393. Duke of. 38, 105, 132, 202, 203, 2 16, 323, 336, 352, 361, 386, 393, 399, 401,409,415. Duchess of, 224. Elec tions, 275. Floods, 134 Magistrates, 222. Natives. 137, 314, 415. Police, 146. Sessions, 88, 226. Storms, 385 Northnmberiand Piper, 400. O. Oakwellgate, 382. Oblique bridges, 249. O'Brien, name of, 90. Odd Fellows, 414. Offerton, 3'3I. Ogle, name of, 143. Olley, name of, 215. Olliver, name of, 168. Orde, name of, 15, 144, 189, 247, 251, 309 399, 401. Organs, 16, 108, 249, 327, 410. Osbaldeston, name of, 358. Ossulston, lord, 275. Otterburn, 136. Oude, prince of, 53. Outlaws, 359. Ovington, 34. Parker, name of, 186, 212. Patents, 170, 212, 221,292, 305, 330, 337, 344. Peart, name of, 30. Pease, name of, 31, 274,378. Peat, name of, 418 Pedestrianism, 371, 383. Pelton, 314, 416 Pemberton, name of, 304. Pensher, 244, 336, 391, Percy, name of, see Northumberland. duke of. Piper, Northumberland, 400. Plummer, name ot, 86, 87, 403. Poisoning, 312. Police, 196, 214, 217, 228, 242. Ponteland, 100 Porter, name of, 375. Powell, name of, 417. Potter, name of, 149, 187, 293, 402, 417, Prudhoe, lord, 410, 314, 401. Pugilism, 15, 79, 302. Pugin, name of, 388. Purvis, name of, 103. Q. Quarry House, 104. Quicksands, 267. R. Raby, 350, 409. Races. 172. Radford, name of, 168. Railways; Brandling Junction, 22, 104, 120, 130, 179. Clarence, 379. Great North of England, 107, 224, 379 New castle and Carlisle, 28, 111, 142, 202, 248. Newcastle and North Shields, 120, 194. Seghill and Howden, 170. Stan hope and Tyne, 247, 379, 388. Stock ton, 173, 240, 340. West Durham, 127, 171 272. Railway Accidents, 170, 173, 388. Railway Switches, 292, 321. Rainton Meadows, 398. Raisbeck, name of, 31. Ramsay, name of, 309. Ravensworth, 40, 246, 399, 409. Ravensworth, baron of, 40, 174, 183,229, 377, 399, 409. Ray, 250. Raymond, name of, 373, 395, 402. Redhead, Gawen, 359. Rechabites, 253. Redcar, 327. Redesdale, lord, 399 Reed, river, 136. Reed, name of, 220, 2f 7, 279, 291, 320, 355, 360, 402, 420. Regattas, 18,214,281. Rennie, name of, 363. Richard II, 146. Richardson, name of, 139, 175, 405. Richmond park, 374. Riddell, nam; of, 311, 331, 317, 414.. 428 Ridley hall, 319. Ridley, name of, 7, 86, 108, 205, 226, 229, 247, 275, 308, 309. Riots, 80. Riot act, 88. Rippon, name of, 127. Rivers •. Beaumont, 319. Blyth, 239. Co quet, 2, 134, 271. Darwent, 319 Don, 178. Glen, 319. Reed, 136. Skerne, 152. Team, 240, 383. Tees, 175, 176, 281, 192, 385, 391. Till, 135, 319. Tweed, 2, 135, 190, 192,274. Tyne, 2, 148, 154, 176, 192, 199, 207, 263, 318, 369, 403. Wansbeuk, 134, 239, 383. Wear, 180, 196, 207, 311, 316, 403. Whitadder, 188. Robberies, 239 Robbson, name of, 231. Roby, name of, 335. Rogerson, name of, 231. Rope, long, 201. Ross, name of, 418. Rothbury, 1 67, 250, 332. Rowell, name of, 418. Rushyford, 357. Russell, name of, 250. Ryhope, 42. Ryton, 19. Safety Lamps, 129. Sagacity of Dogs, 240. Saltwell, 414. Salvin, name of, 183, 338. Scargill, name of, 381. Scott, name of, 192, 374. Seaham, 52, 127, 171, 285, 304, 398, 411. Seaham, lord, 397. Seaton Delaval, 262. Seaton, old, 236. Seaton Carew, 392. Seaton Sluice, 41, 137, 229. Sedgefield, 230, 239, 392. Seghill, 82, 90, 170. Selby, name of, 142, 362, 399, 402. Sepulchral Brasses, 337. Sharifin, 122. Shadforth, 128, 262. Shaftoe, name of, 268, 342. Sharks, 272, 405. Sharp, name of, 128. Sheep, Cheviot, 307. Sherburn, 261. Shields, North : Accidents, 55, 193, 360, 384. Bar, 55. Chance Medley, 219. Clifford's Fort, 373. Chartism, 73. Constablery, 39. Explosions, 41. Fires, 106, 141, 142, 150, 373, 416. Fogs, 327. Incorporation, 151, 295. Lon gevity, HI, 141. Miscellaneous, 175. Natives, 59, 133, 175. Processions, 254. Regattas, 403. Rejoicings, 29, 211, 345, 400. Steam Navigation, 321. Storms, 101, 359, 396. Shields, South : Accidents, 194, 354 362, 371. Addresses, 330 Chartism, 73. Constablery, 89. Explosions, 9, 122. Fires, 171, 230, 239, 340, 343. Improvement in Glass making, 337. Incorporation of, 151, 295, 379, 396. j Longevity, 212. Natives, 131, 342. Newspapers, 110. Proctssions, 254. Rejoicing3, 30, 211, 345. Remarkable Birth, 336. Scotch Church, 359. So cieties, 253. Storms, 101. Trinity j Church, 3*3. Shilbottle, 15, Sheldon, 313. Shinciiffe, 215. Shipley, 224. | Shipwrecks, 42, 55, 107, 119, 170, 206, 207, 225, 238, 319, 348, 367. Shotley Bridge, 414. I Shotton, 392. Silvertop, name of, 108. S monside, 167. Simpson, name of, 220. Singleton, 361, 373. Skerne, river, 152. Skinner, name of, 171, 205. Skipsey, name of, 219. Slaley, 4 18. Smith, name of, 159. ! Smoke condenser, 394. ! Smugglers, 317. Snakes, petrified nest of, 139, 419. Sopwith, name of, 349. South Hetton, see Hetton, South. Southwick, 35. Sowerby, name of, 32 , 329. Spital, 136, 190. Spital Tonguts, 343, 369. Spoor, name of, 120, 164, 379. Springwell, 156 Stags, 16. Staindrop, 351. Stained glass, 256, 257, 338, 419. Stanhope, 418. Stanley, n.ime of, 399. Stannington, 13. Stephens namt- of, 112, 150, 183. St. John, name of, 304. St. John Lee, Stobart, name of, 309. Stoker, name of, 255, 277. Stokesly, 180. Stokoe, name of, 247. Storms: Rains, 318. Snow, 11, 348. Thunder, 121, 192, 276, 359, 360, 385, 396. Wind, 16, 52, 101, 205, 366. Stott, name of, 309. Stowell, name of, 374. Stockton : 9, 18, 31, 34, 57, 145, 148, 187, 192, 195, 203,205, 211, 242, 244, 247, 267, 287, 321, 327, 328, 330, 345, 360,380,383, 387,418. St. Paul, name of, 105, 197. Strikes, 90. index. 429 Stublick, 210. Study, name of, 254. Styford, 137. Sudden deaths. 222, 277, 341. Suicides, 32, 35, 250, 321. Suicides, Attempted, 294. Sunderland : Accidents, 371. Addresses, 259, 330. Almshouses, 363. Bridge, 403. Carte's Rockets, 201. Charities, 363. Chartism. 82. Churches, 9. Customs, 222. Duke of Cambridge at, 398. Duke of Sussex at, 144. Elec tions, 303. Exhibitions, 42. Fancy Ball. 304. Fires, 8, 35, 50, 52, 110. 155, 167, 193, 230, 241, 367, 368, 369, 370, Floating Fire Engine, 337. Floods, 233. Hydrophobia, 218. Kidnapping, 362. Lighthouse, removal of, 316. Long Rope, 201. Mayors, 57, 145, 205, 328, 418. Miscellaneous, 1, 2, 170, 178, 196. 250,320. Moor, 138. Murders, 117. Natives. 21, 35, 57, 129, 145, 205, 259, 363, 418. Newspapers, 2, 141. Police, 214, 362. Public Dinner, 194. Re joicings, 31, 211, 345. Riots, 306. Safety Lamp, 129. Schools, 363. Ship building, 57, 151, 408. Shipwrecks, 170, 367. Skeleton found at, 355. Storms, 11, 17, 101, 205, 276, Trade, 145, 222. Sunderland, North, 225, 299. Sunniside, 9. Surtees, name of, 5, 304. Sussex, duke of, 9, 143. Swinburne, 311. Swinbunre, name of, 60, 287, 314. Sydney, name of, 210- Synagogue, 34. Tantobt, 122. Tarn, name of, 341. Taylor, name of, 92, 175, 402. Team, see Rivers. Telegraph, 334. Tempest, name of, 243, 244, Teetotalism, 41. Thockrington, 50. Thompson, name of, 194, 218, 252, 299, 342. Thornley, 384. Thornton, name of, 339. Thornton Brass, 337- Thorp, 401. Thorp, name of, 109, 377, 389. Thunderbolt, 192. Thunder Storms, see Storms. Thurlow, name of, 139. Tinley, name of, 133, 374. Todd, name of, 231. Togston, 103. Towneley, name of, 389. Trevelyan, name of, 337- Trewhitt, 250, 252. Trinity house, see Newcastle, Trotter, name of, 413. Trout, 271. Tunnells, 343, 369. Turner, name of, 217, 255. Turveylaws, 209. Tweed, see Rivers. Tweedmouth, 295. Tyne, river, see Newcastle. Tynemouth: Castle, 196. Church, 133, 197, 257, 291, 400. Town, 120, 192, 196, 208, 211, 246, 271, 282, 348, 373, 402. U. University of Durham, see Durham, city of. Ushaw College, 216, 415. Vane, name of, 24, 303, 350, 397. Van Mildert, bishop, 264, 293. Viaducts, 246. Vicarage, see Newcastle. Vicars, name of, 297, 323. Victoria Bridge, 39. Visitation of the Clergy, see Newcastle. W. Waddington, name of, 188. Wailes, name of, 4, 149, 256. Waldridge, 320. Walker, 100. Wallace, name of, 202 Wallsend, 19, 60, 100, 211. Walsham, sir John, 251. Wallers Company, see Newcastle. Walton, name of, 419. Walworth Castle, 219. Wansbeck, see Rivers. Warburton, name of, 231. Wardell, name of, 390. Wark 132 290. Warkworth, 13, 135, 146, 179. 187,353, 359, 399, Warton, 252. Washington, 246. Water Spout, 180. Water Tower, see Newcastle. Watson, name of, 161, 328. Wawn, name of, 169. Wear, see Rivers. Wearmouth, Bishop, 215, 272, 305, 379, 407, 418. Webb, uame of, 320. Welch, name of, 249. Wellesley, name of, 219, 337, 377. Wesleyan Methodism, 186. Westerton, 272. Westmoreland, name of, 350. Whales, 118. Whalton, 364. Wharmley, 15. Wheatley, name of, 211. Whickham, 253, 331. Whitadder, see Rivers. ISO INDEX. Whitburn, 142, 305, 419. White, name of, 205, 259, 305, 418. White Friar Tower, see Newcastle. White Lee, 272. Whitehill Point, 282. Whitley, 168, 198, 254. Whittingham, 110, 203. Whitworth, 128, 312. Wilkie, name of, 32, 267- Wilkinson, name of, 199, 213, 378. Williams, name of, 82. Williamson, name of, 183, 197, 253, 306, 328, 410, 412. Willington,257.Wills, 184. Wilson, name of, 57, 414. Winch, name of, 17. Wind Storms, see Storms. Windynook, 402. Wingate, 128, 322, 337, 418. Wingate, name of, 240. Winlaton, 89, 90, 154, 379. Winyard Park, 242, 397, 409, 411. Witham, name of, 183, 337, 414. Witton Gilbert, 139. Witton Shiel, 134. Wood, name of, 172, 272, 293. Woodcock, name of, 363. Woodhorn, 364. Woodman, name of, 251. Woods, name of, 265. Wooler, 135, 179, 209, 256, 311,319,415, Wooler Water, 319. Wolsingham, 337. Wolsington, 100. Worswick, name of, 414. Wright name of, 168, 220, 259, 306, 379. Wyatt, name of, 244. Wynn, name of, 399. Y. Younger, name of, 277- Younghusband, name of, 345. Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Printed by M. A. RichaTdson, 44, Grey Street. THE BORDEEBR'S TABLE BOOK; OR, GATHERINGS £ocaI Itstorp anfc Stomanre OP the ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH BORDER. BY M. A. RICHARDSON. IN EIGHT VOLUMES, illustrated by upwards of nine hundred wood-cuts. VOL. VI. LEGENDARY DIVISION. SJefocaStlMipoiTsCrjiu : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, AND SOLD BY HENRY G. BOHN, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON. MDCCCXLVI. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN VOL. I. TAGE. Bothal Castle, from the South « ... 128 , -North 353 Bambrough Castle 7 Berwick upon Tweed 57 Barnard Castle Bridge Ill Bellingham Church 391 Brinkburn Priory 224 Brancepeth Castle 365 Conyer's Falchion 122 Chillingham Bull 15 Crozier'a Peel, at the Raw near Elsdon 376 , Plan of floor, and view of window 377 Dilston Tower, from the Devil water 205 , General view, 1842 291 Elsdon Castle, sculptures on 236 Finchale Priory 219 Hexham Abbey Gate, 1816 371 Lumley Castle 261 Newcastle- St. Andrew's Church 291 , Newgate, North front, 1823 39 — . Vicarage house 336 . Exchange, 1790 321 . Castle of South Front in 1820 382 Newminster Abbey, 1814 137 Percy's Cross. Initial Letter 33 Ryton, on the Tyne 295 Radcliffe's arms. Initial Letter K 292 Sunderland. Iron Bridge 31 Tynemouth Priory 158 Thirlwall Casfle 241 Wallsend. OldChurch 395 JO «^C V*V TABLE BOOK OF TRADITIONS, LEGENDARY POETRY, #c, Sec INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY INTO NORTH UMBERLAND. URING- the period of the occupation of the North umbrian throne by Edilfrid, Edwin had passed the ^greater part of his youth as a fugitive and an exile, | continually exposed to the machinations of his relentless enemy. Driven from the protection of Cadwallon, the king of North Wales, he wandered from court to court, until at last he seemed to have found a permanent shelter with king Redwald in East Anglia. But his haunt was discovered by Edilfrid, who thereupon sent to Redwald demanding that Edwin should be given up. As the power of Edilfrid was terrible throughout the Heptarchy, the heart of Redwald failed, and he resolved to secure his safety at the expense of hospitality, justice, and religion. A faithful friend advertised Edwin of the deli beration within the palace, and exhorted immediate flight, offering, withal, to conduct him to a place of safety ; but the spirit of the noble exile, that had contended so long against misfortune, was weary of the struggle. He declared that he would fly no further ; and that it was better to perish by the treachery of his host, and the cruelty of his enemy, than continue the life of disquietude which he had hitherto led. In this gloomy spirit of resignation he sat down near the gate of the palace, prepared for whatever might await him. TABLE BOOK OF In the mean time, while his friend left him to gain further intelligence of the deliberation, and Edwin remained thoughtful and alone, revolving the bitterness of his fate, amidst the gloom of the approaching mid night, a stranger (continues the story) advanced, and demanded wherefore he sat there, and awake, at an hour when other men were asleep ? Edwin, raising his head, abruptly asked, in turn, how it could concern his questioner whether he passed the night under shelter or in the open air I The stranger then told him that he knew well the nature of his present condition, and the causes of his disquietude. — " Now tell me," he said, " what thou wouldst give to him, whoever he might be, who should deliver thee from- these calamities, and so persuade Redwald that neither he nor his enemies should do thee hurt 1" Edwin, encouraged by the prospect, replied that he would show all the grati tude in his power to him who should render him such a benefit. " And what wouldst thou give," again demanded the mysterious stranger, " if he should truly promise thee the destruction of thy enemies, and the possession of a kingdom, so that thou shouldst surpass not only all thy predecessors, but all the kings of England who have gone before thee V To which Edwin replied, that to him who should render him such favours, he would answer by corresponding actions. A third time the strange visitant propounded a prophetic question : " If he who pro cured such blessings should truly foretell to thee what is to come, and give thee, for the security of thy life and fortunes, such counsels as none of thy fathers and kindred ever heard, wouldst thou follow them ? and dost thou promise to receive his salutary directions V Edwin joyfully declared that he who conferred upon him such distinguished benefits should from thenceforth be his guide. The stranger then placed his right hand upon the head of Edwin : " When this sign," he said, " shall come upon thee, remember this time, and our conversa tion, and the promises thou hast made." When he had uttered these words, he suddenly disappeared ; so that Edwin perceived he had been talking, not with a man, but a spirit. His friend who had lately left him now returned from the palace with joyful intelligence. The timid Redwald had been awakened to shame, and roused to courage, by the remonstrances of his high-spirited consort, so that he determined rather to brave the vengeance of Edilfrid than incur the reproach of treachery, and had dismissed the ambassa dors with a bold refusal of their demands. Aware of the position in which he had placed himself, he lost no time in mustering his army, and marching against Edilfrid. The victory which followed, and the death of Edilfrid, placed Edwin on the throne of Northumbria. The persecuted wanderer thus suddenly raised to an eminent station among the kings of the Heptarchy, evinced the excellence of the lessons TRADITIONS, &C. 3 of adversity by the prudence and prosperity of his government. After a reign of nine years he sought in marriage Ethelberga, the daughter of the late Ethelbert of Kent. But the princess was a Christian, and Eadbald, her brother, was averse to her union with an idolater. This difficulty was removed by the agreement of Edwin, that she should be allowed the free profession of her religion ; and he even promised to embrace the same faith himself, if, on examination, he should find it worthy of adoption. The queen was accompanied to Northumbria by Paulinus, one of the last of the missionaries whom Gregory had sent to Augustin ; and as, by rather a rare chance, the prudence of this ecclesiastic was equal to his zeal, he forbore to press the subject of Christianity prematurely upon the mind of Edwin, but left the matter to time and opportunity. On the other hand, the king still adhered to his idolatry, and seemed to have forgotten both the vision and his marriage agreement. At length a narrow escape which he made from the dagger of an assassin, happening at the same time with the birth of a daughter, appeared to Paulinus to afford a fit occasion for remon strance, and in such a susceptible moment the heart of the king was touched. He allowed the infant to be baptized ; and he promised that, should he return victorious from an expedition on which he was about to set out against the king of Wessex, he would himself submit to the same ceremony. He was successful ; but still he hesitated. A thoughtfulness and caution, unusual among the royal converts of the Heptarchy, retained him in painful suspense, to the great regret of the Pope, his consort, and Paulinus. At length Paulinus one day entered the apartment while Edwin was absorbed in thought, and, laying his right hand upon the head of the king, he solemnly said, " Dost thou remember this sign, and the engagement it betokened ?" In an instant the king fell down at the feet of Paulinus, who, immediately raising him up, reminded him that all which had been promised by the heavenly stranger was now fulfilled. The result was Edwin's instant determina tion to fulfil also his own part of the engagement. Such is the story. How far it is a mere fiction, or how far the facts related were the result of contrivance or of chance, it is now impossible to determine. — It comes down to us on the Authority of Bede, who was incapable of inventing it, but whose credulity was equal to any demands of that superstitious age. Bede was born within half a century of the date (a.d. 627) assigned to the conversion of Edwin. Before he was actually baptized, however, Edwin called an assembly of his nobles, that they might discuss the claims of the new faith and the old ; and, having announced his sentiments, he desired each mem ber to deliver his opinion upon the subject. Coifi, the high-priest, was the first to speak, and, to the surprise of the whole assembly, he TABLE BOOK OP declared that the gods whom they had hitherto worshipped were utterly useless. None, he proceeded, had served them with greater zeal than himself, and yet others had prospered in the world far more than he had done ; he was, therefore, quite ready at least to give a trial to the new religion. One of the nobles followed in a wiser and purer spirit. Comparing the present life of man, whose begiiming and end is in darkness, to a swallow entering a banquetting-hall to find refuge from the storm without, flitting for a moment through the warm and cheerful apartment, and then passing out again into the gloom, he proposed that if Christianity should be found to lighten this obscurity, and explain whence we came and whither we departed, it should imme diately be adopted. Coifi, upon this, moved that Paulinus should be called in to explain to them the nature of Christianity, which was immediately done ; and so cogent were the arguments of the missionary, that the impatient Coifi declared there was no longer room for hesita tion. He proposed that the national idols should be immediately overturned ; and, as he had hitherto been the chief of their worship pers, he offered to be now the first to desecrate them. He therefore threw aside his priestly garments, called for arms, which the Saxon priests were forbidden to wield, and for a horse, which they were not permitted to mount, and thus accoutred he galloped forth before the amazed multitudes, who thought he had become frantic. Advancing to a temple in the neighbourhood, where the chief idol stood, he hurled his lance within the sacred enclosure, by which act the building was profaned, No lightning descended, no earthquake shook the ground ; and the crowd, encouraged by the impunity of the daring apostate, proceeded to second his efforts. The temple and its surrounding enclosures were levelled with the ground. The conversion of the king was followed by that of multitudes of his subjects ; so that Paulinus, who was afterwards consecrated Archbishop of York, is said to have baptized twelve thousand converts in one day in the river Swale. — Bede Ecc His. John Fitz Marmaduke, lord of Hordon, in the parish of Easington, descended from a nephew of bishop Flambard, and the " tres cher Bachelier " of bishop Beck, was, at the time of his death, governor of St. John's Town [Perth,] in Scotland, under Edward II., and accord ing to a custom then not uncommon, his attendants, finding it impossible to comply with that clause in his will which enjoined his sepulture at Durham, literally boiled his dead body in a large cauldron, and pre served his bones till an opportunity for burying them in the Cathedral- yard of Durham presented itself. — Surtees Soc. Pub. TRADITIONS, &C. 5 THE LAIDLEY* WORM OF SPINDLESTON-HEUGH. ^Dvtao i ctm. AeikeaJ iuu&o&a. u-olumiaa, uet6ab, B/llfoiUe haii.en.6 ixui<)5