Tudhoe & Spennymoor Local History Society
In Old News January 1875 we reported the death of William Thompson on 20th January, in April 1875 the Lancet reported on the coroner’s inquest with one comment being "If it is not reversed the pit districts will be overrun with quacks.”
ANOTHER PHILADELPHIAN DOCTOR
With reference to the coroner’s inquest recently held at Spennymoor, touching the death of William Thompson, the Lancet has the following:-
“An inquiry by the deputy-coroner into the circumstances of the death of William Thompson, at Spennymoor, Durham, from the effects of a compound fracture, throws a curious light on the uncivilized treatment to which poor colliers are apt to fall victims. Thompson, or his friends, got dissatisfied with the treatment of Mr Hefferman and his assistant, and insisted on Robert Curry being called to treat the leg.
The said Robert Curry being at once a mason and a bone setter. To do Curry justice, he placed some limits to his pretensions. He undertook the charge of the bleeding and lacerated leg, but he advised them to get a doctor to attend “the body”, whereupon one William Thompson, was called in, who magnificently described himself as Doctor of Medicine of the Electic Medical College, Pennsylvania. ‘He did not open the leg, as he was told Mr Curry had set it.’ Between the bone-setter, who ignored the ‘body’, and the Philadelphian doctor, who took no notice of the leg, the poor collier soon died.
Mr Brignall jnr., appeared at the inquest on behalf of the qualified attendant first consulted. He exposed , with great acuteness, the course by which Thompson had become possessed of his grand title. One step was ‘passing one examination at Liverpool under the British Medical Council.’
Our readers are aware that the Durham magistrates hold peculiar views as to the construction of the Medical Act. And so it is that Philadelphian doctors have fine times of it in that county. An easy verdict was passed, and the proceedings terminated. Mr Brignall jun., would confer a great service by taking the late decision of the Durham magistrates to a higher court. If it is not reversed the pit districts will be overrun with quacks.” (2nd April 1875 Durham County Advertiser)
REV DR PUNSHON AT SPENNYMOOR. OPENING OF A NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. Yesterday, a spacious and handsome new Wesleyan Chapel was opened at Spennymoor by the Rev. Dr. Punshon, president of the Conference. The building, which is situate in close proximity to the Tudhoe Grange-market, is a remarkably fine structure, of classic design, from plans by Mr. W. Ranger, of London, and is 100ft long by 50ft wide, and capable of seating about 900 persons. The cost was £3,500, and in every respect great praise is due to the contractors and workmen. The arrangements for the opening services were carried out in a most complete manner by the Rev. W Crake, the resident minister. The opening was a great event in the district, and large numbers attended from Durham, Bishop Auckland, and the surrounding thickly populated district, the chapel being filled to its utmost capacity long before the time announced for the service. The Rev. Mr. Fletcher, of Hartlepool, made an earnest prayer. The Rev. R. Stepney, of Bishop Auckland, read the lessons. The Rev. Dr. Punshon took for his text the 6th chap of St John, 66, 67, and 68 verses, and, in the course of a most eloquent sermon, reviewed the various diversities that were found in modern worship. At the close, a collection, amounting to £64 10s, was taken. A public tea was afterwards held in the Tudhoe market, at which upwards of 1,000 sat down. In the evening, a lecture was delivered by the Rev. Peter McKenzie, the Mayor of Hartlepool being in the chair. (10th April 1875 Northern Echo)
Methodist Free Church - first Sabbath School anniversary in connection with the Methodist Free Church, was held on Sunday, when two eloquent and powerful sermons were delivered by Mr Thos. Marley, of Stockton, to crowded congregations. The children were examined in Scripture, &c., in the afternoon. Great credit is due to the teachers for the efficiency and success of the anniversary. The proceeds of the services amounted to £5., which was quite above the expectations of the friends. (3rd April 1875 Darlington Richmond Herald)
UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCHES The quarterly meeting of the Spennymoor Circuit has been held. The mission was found to be in a prosperous condition, considering its recent formation, and the difficulties connected with the commencement of a new interest. An increase of twenty members for the quarter was reported, and of forty-six on the year, with ten on trial. The Rev. W. Embleton was appointed representative to the district meeting. Three young men were received on probation for the local ministry. (16th April 1875 Christian World)
GRAND UNITED TEMPERANCE GALA ON WHIT-MONDAY, May 17 1875 AT MOUNT PLEASANT, SPENNYMOOR. The Committee will give £30 in Prizes, to be contested for by Brass Bands
First Prize £18; Second £8; Third £4. Open to all Brass Bands. Entrance 10s
Music for contest, regulations etc. to be had by applying to the Hon. Sec.., HENRY FAIRLESS, 86, Church-street, Mount Pleasant, Spennymoor.
In connection with the above, a UNITED TEMPERANCE CAMP MEETING will be held on Whit-Sunday, May 16th , 1875. Some of the leading advocates of the day will take part in the proceedings. See Bills. (15th April 1875 Northern Echo)
THE ROBBERIES AT SPENNYMOOR - Yesterday, at the Bishop Auckland Police Court, William Wright, 24, labourer, was brought up in custody of the police, charged with stealing six pairs of stockings, a washing bowl, some sheets, some bread tins, a clock, some shawls, and some clothes-line rope the property of Walter Maxey, general dealer, Spennymoor, on the 19th March; also, a similar offence at Spennymoor on 15th March and with stealing a perambulator at Hurworth, the property of F Griffiths, general dealer on the 20th February; and a reefer coat, belonging to John Mackay.
For some time past, numerous articles have been missed from shops in Spennymoor. On the 19th March, the prisoner was observed standing near Maxey’s shop, and his movements being of a suspicious character he was watched, and was seen to take the stockings. He was at once given into the custody of Sergeant Scott, who, on searching his house, found a large number of articles of wearing apparel. The articles which he was now charged with stealing were identified by their owners, and the jury found him guilty and he was sentenced to eighteen months’ hard labour. (2nd April 1875 Northern Echo / 6th April 1875 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough)
LEAVING A TRAP-DOOR OPEN A fine of £1 and costs, or one month’s imprisonment, was inflicted by the Durham County Magistrates, on Saturday, on a youth named Matthew Scaife, a trapper at Tudhoe Colliery, for a breach of the Mines Act, by leaving a trap-door open, thereby endangering the safety of the miners. The lad pleaded forgetfulness. (3rd April 1875 Darlington Richmond Herald)
THEFT BY A DOMESTIC SERVANT Jane Ann Wood (19), servant, pleaded guilty to having stolen certain articles of wearing apparel, the property of James Halliday, at Tudhoe, on the 10th February, and was sentenced to six months imprisonment. (6th April 1875 Northern Echo)
ACTION FOR MAINTENANCE OF A WIFE At Bishop Auckland County Court, yesterday, before E J Meynell, Esq., Judge.
Robert Hardy was sued by Dobson Wilson for £6, for the maintenance of his wife.
Defendant had married plaintiff’s daughter, and they lived together at Spennymoor. As they could not agree, they went before Mr Hick, a magistrate, and defendant agreed to pay his wife 10s per fortnight. He made two or three payments, and then neglected. His wife went into the workhouse, and ultimately went to live with her father. The plaintiff had only paid 30s since the 22nd of July last. His Honour gave judgement for £6, with costs. (14th April 1875 Northern Echo)
SHOP DOOR ROBBERY AT SPENNYMOOR A man named Kzekiah Webb was yesterday brought before the Bishop Auckland bench of magistrates, charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 4s 9d, from the shop door of Levi Feaster, at Spennymoor, on Saturday night. P C Sheriff saw the prisoner cut down the boots and put them under his arm. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment. (27th April 1875 Newcastle Journal)
SPENNYMOOR To Millers, Brewers, Lemonade Makers, Joiners, . and Builders.
To BE SOLD BY PUBLIC AUCTION, Mr J T APPLETON, Auctioneer,
At the House of Mrs Sarah Innes, Wheatsheaf Inn, on Wednesday, May the 5th, 1875, at Seven o’clock in the Evening.
ALL that FREEHOLD STEAM MILL, containing Engine, Boiler, Cylinder, and Two Pairs of Stones, DWELLING HOUSE, Stable, and Ground sufficient for Two more Houses, being adjoining the Railway where the intended New Station will be constructed for Spennymoor, and the centre of a very large population. The Purchaser can be accommodated if necessary.
For particulars, apply to Messrs T and R PICKERING, Farmers, Ferryhill; R PRUDHOE, Spennymoor. The Tenant will allow inspection.
22 Clyde Terrace, Spennymoor, April 20, 1875. (30th April 1875 Durham County Advertiser)
PICTURE-FRAME MAKER Wanted: a good, steady man. Apply James Brown, 53, High-street, Spennymoor. (17th April 1875 Northwich Guardian)
NEWS CORRESPONDENTS FOR A NEWSPAPER WANTED, accurate and reliable Correspondents at Ferryhill, Cornforth, Coxhoe, Thrislington, Spennymoor, Sedgefield, Thornley, and Trimdon.
Apply, by letter, to Mr LAX, News and Advertising Agent, Corn Market, Stockton-on-Tees. (24th April 1875 Darlington Richmond Herald)
WANTED, for an Outfitting Establishment, a JUNIOR ASSISTANT, for Hats, Caps, and Mercery; must be steady and respectable (to live out).
Apply to J HESLOP, Outfitter, Spennymoor. (28th April 1875 Northern Echo)
John Heslop (b1841 Scotland-1905) married Isabella Braban Steele (b1843 Springwell) in 1868. In 1871 they are living at 23 High Street with daughter Isabella, aged 2, and John’s brother Gilbert (b1857 Scotland).
In 1881 they are at Whitworth Terrace with three more daughters, Margaret E, Mary S, and Annie and two sons Charles R. and James E. In 1891/1901 they live at Waverley House, Beaumont Terrace (Whitworth), Charles R. is a clothier’s assistant and James E. is a tailor.
The clothing/outfitters business continued at 23 High Street into 1900s, in 1910 Doggart’s Draper and Clothier shops are at 3, 8 and 23 High Street and Charles Richard Heslop has a tailor’s shop at 40 High Street.
FUNERAL OF MR CHARLES ATTWOOD, OF WOLSINGHAM
The remains of the late Mr Charles Attwood, celebrated for his connection with the iron industries, who died on the 24th February last were interred in the family vault, Wolsingham, yesterday. The memorable mournfulness of the day was celebrated at the Stanners Closes Steel Works, which we understand belonged to deceased, by a temporary suspension of work, and the whole village of Wolsingham, what with drawn blinds and closed shutters, bore a silent testimony of respect to the departed. The day was gloomy and bitterly cold, attended by a heavy intermittent downfall of snow; but a large party, among whom were several representatives from the different concerns in which Mr. Attwood was interested, assembled at Hollywood House to take part in the funeral ceremony. They included John Rogerson, Croxdale Hall, W. Hutchinson, manager of Tudhoe Ironworks, George McPherson, sub-manager Spennymoor, J. H. Wraith, Spennymoor, W. Elliott, Tudhoe House. One of the pall-bearers was W. Johnson, manager of Tudhoe Colliery. His coffin was made of deal covered with black cloth.
(4th March 1875 Northern Echo)
Tudhoe Ironworks was built in 1853 by the Weardale Iron Company, headed by Charles Attwood, son of a Midlands ironmaster who had previously run the Tyne Glassworks in Gateshead. Attwood, with the support of Barings Bank, first invested in ironworks at Stanhope and Tow Law and, then, when Tudhoe Ironworks was established brought in Bessemer Converters to make steel. The success of iron and steel making led to investment in Tudhoe Colliery in 1864 in order to supply coking coal for the furnaces.
Spennymoor Races We are informed that arrangements have been made by Mr Robinson, of the Voltigeur Inn, Spennymoor, with the lessee of the Spennymoor Race Course, the upshot of which will be that the flourishing South Durham Meeting will be held as usual on the Race Course on Whit-Monday and Tuesday next. This year’s meeting it is expected, will be more interesting than any of its predecessors, and the sum of £300 will be given by the committee for competition. (6th March 1875 Darlington Richmond Herald)
Conviction of Poachers at Bishop Auckland Adam Dolphin, George Daley and Thomas Rowe appeared to answer two separate charges of game trespass, on land in the occupation of Messrs Bolckow, Vaughan and Co., and Mr Ramshaw.
P C Common, who proved the case, said that on the 3rd inst., between eleven and twelve o’clock, he was on duty between Merrington and Middridge, when he saw defendants and six others ranging a whin cover. Thay had five dogs with them.
In cross-examination by Mr Maw, who appeared for defendants, witness said he saw them cross the road out of Mr Ramshaw’s ground, and go into Mr Vaughan’s. He knew the three defendants, but not the others. He had taken part in a pigeon shooting match on Spennymoor Race Course, and also in a sparrow shooting at Merrington.
Mr Maw then addressed the Bench on behalf of the defendants, and said he was instructed that his clients were in company with six others, and were on the footpath. When the officer came up to themthey had only one dog with them, and the others belonged to the parties who had not been summoned. He was instructed that witness had taken part in some shooting a few weeks ago along with defendants, and that in consequence of some ill-feeling that existed between them, he had summoned them.
There was no witness, however, and the Bench considered the case proved, and fined them each £1, and 8s 6d each costs. (12th March 1875 Durham County Advertiser)
GROCERY AND PROVISION
Wanted a YOUTH, who has been two or three years in the Trade.
Apply to A MACLAREN, Grocer and Provision Dealer, Tudhoe Colliery, near Spennymoor.
(10th March 1875 Northern Echo)
TO SELL BY AUCTION
To Members of Building Societies and Others.
MR G HARRISON has received instructions to SELL BY AUCTION at the house of Mr Thomas Archer, Queen’s Head Inn, Villiers-street, Spennymoor, on Tuesday, March 23rd 1875 at Five o’clock in the evening (subject to such conditions as will be then and there read), the following valuable FREEHOLD and LEASEHOLD PROPERTY.
Lot 1 All those three good and substantially built FREEHOLD HOUSES, situated in Queen-street, Spennymoor, near to the front Turnpike leading from Durham to Darlington.
Lot 2 All those Two FREEHOLD HOUSES, situate behind Lot 1. The above property has a good Yard and other necessary convenience, and being close on the front street of Spennymoor, will prove an eligible investment to intending purchasers.
Lot 3 A LEASEHOLD HOUSE, called the “Model Lodging-House”, situate at Tudhoe Grange. This house has a frontage of 54 feet, and contains 12 good Rooms, with a large Yard, a good Well of Water, together with a good Stable and Outbuildings. The Bedsteads and Beds, with other Fittings, will be Sold along with this Lot.
Lot 4 Two LEASEHOLD COTTAGES, adjoining Lot 3, with a large Shed and Two-stalled Stable, together with a good Workshop.
Tudhoe Grange being in close proximity to Spennymoor, this Property offers a rare opportunity to members of Building Societies and others to invest their savings.
Also, will be Sold, at the same time, 1 Good HORIZONTAL ENGINE, 7 Horse-power, now standing in the Shed of the Two Cottages, suitable for a Ginger Beer Manufacturer or a Sawmill.
Further particulars may be had of the Auctioneer, 35, George-street, Spennymoor, who will advance Money on Goods for absolute Sale.
(22nd March 1875 Northern Echo)
Gardener Wanted
Wanted immediately, an Unmarried Man as GARDENER, to take charge of pony and carriage, etc.
Apply to Rev. C. CARR, Whitworth Vicarage, Willington, near Durham.
(25th March 1875 Northern Echo)
DURHAM RURAL SANITARY BOARD
The Board had requested local MP needed to protect the interest of constituents in opposing certain bills promoted by private companies, especially against Weardale & Shildon Water Co.
The clerk read reports from Local Committees relative to the supply of water including:-
SUNDERLAND BRIDGE
Mr W. Cook reported that at a meeting of the Sunderland Bridge Parochial Committee, Mr R. C. Coulson in the chair, it was moved by Mr Johnson, seconded by Mr Anderson, and carried, “That the attention of the Durham Rural Sanitary Authority be called to the well at Sunderland Bridge, the water from which was supposed to be the cause of fever, and to urge the Authority to have it put into a proper condition.”
It was also moved by Mr Johnson, seconded by Mr Hynd, and carried “That as the Waskerley and Shildon Water Company have got their mains laid into the district, the Durham Rural Sanitary Authority be requested to enter into an agreement with, to allow an adequate supply to the inhabitants of the townships, in accordance with the Public Health Act of 1872.”
It was likewise moved by Mr Johnson, seconded by Mr Anderson, and carried, “That as the Durham Rural Sanitary Authority met only once a month, it is the opinion of this committee that the Parochial Committees of each township should be invested with power to authorize parties to proceed with their buildings, provided that the plans are certified as having been approved by the Surveyor, had that in the opinion of such committee the plans are entirely in accordance with the bye-laws, such authorization to the subject to confirmation by the Durham Rural Sanitary Authority.”
In answer to a question, Mr Johnson said that the well belonged to the people of the village, and it could be cleaned out at a cost of £5. Mr Salvin had already cleaned the gutter out. The report was then agreed to.
TUDHOE
The committee for this township reported that water was in course of being supplied by the Shildon Water Company; that the Clerk had been instructed to writ to Mr Salvin’s agent, giving notice of carrying out the drainage of Tudhoe Grange; that their clerk had been requested to write to Mr Lisle, asking whether the Parochial Committee had power to insist on the bye-laws being carried out in the erection of houses commenced before the 13th of January last; and that the sub-committee, in accordance with the joint committee, had written to landowners and others to solicit subscriptions for fever hospitals, but had not received any favourable replies.
(12th March 1875 Durham County Advertiser)
THE DURHAM DIOCESAN SOCIETIES
The yearly meeting was held on Thursday afternoon, in Bishop Cosin’s Library, Palace Green, Durham. The Lord Bishop of Durham occupied the chair. Among the grants voted were the following:
New schools: Byers Green new school 120 scholars and the enlargement of existing school to accommodate 35 additional children £30.
Tudhoe Infant School, 90 scholars £15.
Cornforth repairing the school containing 95 scholars £15.
(20th March 1875 Northern Echo)
VOLTIGEUR INN, SPENNYMOOR
To Spirit Merchants, Brewers etc.
Mr R D Middleton
Will sell by public Auction
On Wednesday, the 17th of Feb.,at Spennymoor
That old-established and well-accustomed FREEHOLD INN, “THE VOLTIGEUR” belonging to and in occupation of Mr John Robinson.
The inn has a frontage of 42 feet respectively, both into George and Jackson Streets, and besides suitable internal arrangements, has good yard accommodation, with stable, coach-house, and loft.
Further particulars on application to Mr ROBINSON, Voltigeur Inn, Spennymoor, Mr CAMPBELL, 17, Fawcett Street, Sunderland, or to Mr R D MIDDLETON, Auctioneer, Bishop Auckland.
Sale at the Voltigeur Inn, at 5p.m.
(5th February 1875 Durham County Advertiser)
The ad in the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligence on 15th February 1875 also stated:
.. ample cellarage, a parlour, front tap-room, commercial snug, kitchen, back tap-room and bar on the ground floor; large dining room and five other rooms above; and has every comfort and requirement in its internal arrangement. Also, an excellent Yard, two-stalled stable, with loft above; wash-house and other conveniences.
There is every element of trade in the crowded and prosperous neighbourhood, and this is a special opportunity of combining a profitable and safe investment with a most lucrative business, which has been carried on by the present proprietor most successfully during the past nineteen years.
Reputedly "The Voltigeur" was named after a race horse, Mr John Robinson won the money to enable him to build the Inn in 1859/60. The original building was demolished and a new public house replaced it circa 1950s, this was offered for sale in January 2025.
J.J. Dodd’s "History of Spennymoor, 1898" included some very positive memories of John Robinson:
"Then there was John Robinson (or Volti as he always was called), one of the kindest of men, whom all the children worshipped. His cart was always full of them, and one of the prettiest sights in Spennymoor was old Volti beating time with his whip whilst they sang comic songs. He was very stout and never spoke without first clearing his throat. Sometimes when he was in a particularly happy humour he would make the street ring with his whistling, and perhaps a child, encouraged by his good spirits, would say "Hey John, gie us a ha'penny." "Ay hinny" was his invariable reply "wait till I've made yan."
By trade he was a blacksmith, but he happened to win some money on a horse named Voltigeur, and with this he built the "Voltigeur Inn" in George Street, and thus became known as Volti. He retailed a kind of small beer called "swankie", principally for the use of the ironworkers whilst at work, and used to bring his water in a little barrel cart from a stand pipe close to where Mr. Starforth's shop now stands.
The Spennymoor Races were revived by him on the upper portion of the old race course, and he always took a keen interest in sporting matters. It is said that he and Dawson, the pawnbroker, once ran a race at midnight in nothing but their shirts from the Bridge Inn to the Black Horse at Tudhoe. The referee followed behind with their clothes, and Dawson won, but the two of them nearly frightened the landlady of the Black Horse out of her wits. She thought they were ghosts."
To Brewers
To BE SOLD, BY PRIVATE CONTRACT, a Leasehold BEERHOUSE, situated in Merrington-lane, Spennymoor.
For particulars, apply to Mr Prudhoe, 32 Thomas Street, Spennymoor or to Mr BROMLEY, Grange Villa, Mount Pleasant, Low Spennymoor.
(6th February 1875 Darlington Richmond Herald)
PITCH AND TOSS AT SPENNYMOOR
Edward Freeman was fined 20s; Richard Campbell, Michael Shannon and Michael Rook 10s each; Thomas Hogan, Thos. Bragan, John Stewart, Robert Preshous, Chas. Smith, Jos. Stephens, Robert Howe, and Wm. Scott 5s each and 8s 6d each costs, for playing at pitch and toss at Spennymoor, on the 31st ult.
(12th February 1875 Durham County Advertiser)
To BUILDERS,
TENDERS are invited for the several Works required in the erection of CO-OPERATIVE STORES, MANAGER’S HOUSE , etc. at Spennymoor.
Plans, Specifications, and Conditions may be seen at my offices; and Tenders, properly endorsed, will be received by “The Chairman, Co-operative Stores, Bishop Auckland”, up to five o’clock on Wednesday, the 3rd March next.
The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
W.V. THOMPSON, Architect, Market-place, Bishop Auckland. February 15th, 1875
(23rd February 1875 Northern Echo)
Business expanded so rapidly that two new wings were built, completed in January 1882, a fire badly damaged the premises on 27th April 1882.
The horses stabled in the rear were safely removed and the furniture of Mr J W Crake, the manager, who lived in the adjoining house, was saved. The origin of the fire was unknown and damage was estimated at between ten and twelve thousand pounds, later increased to £20,000. The customer order books were lost but the dividend books had been sent to Bishop Auckland the previous week. It was repaired and re-opened on 24th February 1883. (Newcastle Journal 29th April 1882)
On 1st Jan 1875 the Northern Echo editorial, looking ahead to the new year, mentions Spennymoor:-
As for Spennymoor- unlucky Spennymoor- we have not sufficient courage even to hope that the New Year will bring much improvement to her fever-haunted, filth-laden streets.
They then discuss sanitary matters in the area of County Durham and Cleveland -
In sanitary matters much remains to be done, both in the disposal of sewage and the securing of a plentiful supply of pure water.
Their conclusion was -
If 1875 is not a great and momentous year, we may at least hope that it will be a Happy New Year. (1st Jan 1875 Northern Echo)
One of the bills in a list of Private Members Bills going before Parliament.
Weardale and Shildon Waterworks The limits within which the Weardale Company supply water is proposed to be extended to the districts not already supplied by the Consett Waterworks or Durham Water Company in Weardale, and for this purpose several reservoirs are to be made. They also take power to purchase the waterworks at Spennymoor. They further seek to raise £600,000 in additional share capital, and to borrow £150,000 on mortgage of that additional capital. Durnford and Company are the Parliamentary agents. (2nd Jan 1875 Darlington Richmond Herald)
On 28th January 1875 a letter from a resident of George Street was printed in the Northern Echo.
Spennymoor and its Streets - To the Editor of the Northern Echo Sir,- In reply to your kindly notice of our disgraceful streets, I ask leave for a small space to explain the real cause of the state of things which now exists. That cause is to be found in the fact that all our heavy rates, after paying salaries, are illegally expended over the Durham and Bishop Auckland turnpike. At this present moment, the whole of the streets about the residences of our ratepayers are in a filthy state, impossible to describe; yet, a whole army of men and horses, with stone-breakers and road-scrapers, too numerous to mention, are continually working on the before-named highway.
The North-Eastern railway bridge has more of our ratepayers’ money expended over it in one month than the rates received from it amount to in ten years. As this illegal expenditure of Spennymoor ratepayers’ money has cost us thousands of pounds, surely your readers may now judge the true cause of the notoriety of Spennymoor, which is also so liberal as to drain whole farms at our cost. -I am, yours, A SPENNYMOOR RATEPAYER. George Street, Spennymoor Jan 26 1875. (28th January 1875 Northern Echo)
Spennymoor The Spennymoor Mission continues to make encouraging progress. At the recent quarterly meeting, 35 members were reported, being an increase of 16, and 10 on trial. A plan was suggested by the Rev. W. Embleton, and adopted with a view to raising, in a short time, the whole of the minister’s salary without connexional help. The trustees of the new chapel expect soon to pay off £100 of the debt, and the friends are also furnishing the preacher’s house. (1st Jan 1875 The Christian World)
Spennymoor A numerously attended meeting of tradesmen and others interested in the commercial prosperity of the town of Spennymoor, was held on Tuesday evening last, for the purpose of deciding as to the best means of obtaining increased railway facilities on market days. The Rev J Gaskell presided. The speakers were most unanimous in their expressions of opinion. A deputation was appointed to meet the railway authorities on the subject, and a liberal subscription was made to defray the necessary expenses. (8th Jan 1875 Durham County Advertiser)
Interesting advertisement for a dentist who attended 54 High Street, Spennymoor every Monday from Nine until One a.m. (15th Jan 1875 Durham County Advertiser)
George Graham Forster, (b1845 New Elvet, Durham, d1918), was the youngest child of Joseph Forster (b1803, Durham) and Jane (b1805, Durham). In 1841 the family lived in Elvet where Joseph is a brewer, they have three daughters and two sons. By 1845 they have another daughter and son, George Graham, sadly Joseph dies in 1846 and is buried at St Oswald’s Church, Durham, leaving Jane with five children under 11 years of age.
Sacred to the memory of Joseph FORSTER brewer and spirit merchant New Elvet Durham who departed this life on the 12th November 1846 aged 44 years Also his daughter Isabella who died an infant.
In 1851/61 Jane continues in New Elvet as a brewer and wine spirit merchant. In 1871 she is living at 46 Old Elvet. George receives his Diploma in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons in August 1870. (Medical Press & Circular June-Dec 1870). He returns to 46 Old Elvet and is advertising as a dentist in Durham by 1873 and added Spennymoor in 1875.
George marries Louisa Purkis (b1854, Portsmouth, d1945) in 1877, he has removed Spennymoor from his adverts and is now treating patients in Sunderland as well as Durham. In 1879 he is appointed Dental Surgeon to the Children’s Hospital, Sunderland. In 1881 the family are still living at 46 Old Elvet with their two sons. In 1887 they have relocated to Islington, London and George's Durham business was bankrupt (16th Feb 1887 Northern Echo). They remain in Islington and George worked as a surgeon dentist.
The first Dental Hospital of London opened on 1st December 1858 at No. 32 Soho Square, with a Dental School opening in 1859. The Medical Registration Act permitted the Royal College of Surgeons to grant licences in dental surgery with the first ones awarded in 1860. In 1866 chloroform anaesthesia was introduced. Two years later, the Hospital began to use nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic.
Extensive Robbery by a Domestic Servant at Spennymoor - At the Bishop Auckland Police Court, on Monday, a young woman named Emily Pickles was charged with robbing John Reed, butcher, of Spennymoor, of a large sum of money (between £30 ad £40).
Prisoner had been in the service of prosecutor from the 4th of December until the 5th of January last. On 21st December he missed a considerable sum of money- as near as he could tell about £40- from his desk, in his bedroom. As prisoner had access to every room in the house , and usually made his bed, and from what he had learnt, he suspected her, and on 12th instant he gave information to Sergt. Scott, and went with him to a house in Jackson Street, where they found the prisoner. The sergeant apprehended her , and told her she was wanted for larceny.
On their way to the police station the sergeant noticed her feeling in her pocket, and asked her what she was rattling in her pocket for. When they got her to the station, she said that she had dropped her purse. The sergeant and prosecutor went back to the place with lighted candles, and found a purse, which, on taking into a public house, they found to contain £18 2s 81/2d On going back to the police station, and charging the prisoner, she said if they would not hurt her she would tell them all about it. She then said that she got a key out of the press, with which she opened the desk and took a handful of gold out. She had been there twice before. The first time she had taken 3s and the second 18s 6d. She had bought a quantity of wearing apparel for herself and other people, and had spent a considerable sum in whisky and other goods. Prisoner now pleaded guilty.
The Chairman said that it was a very serious charge, and he was glad that she had pleaded guilty, and elected to be tried here, because he could take into consideration that she was a young person, and the sentence upon her was that she be committed to the House of Correction for six calendar months. (23rd Jan 1875 Darlington Richmond Herald)
Fatal Result of an Accident at Whitworth Colliery. A man, named William Thompson, of Cradock-street, Spennymoor, died on Tuesday from the effects of injuries received whilst at work at Whitworth Colliery, on the 30th December last. Deceased was an onsetter at the colliery, and was breaking the shellboard of the engine drum when a portion of the board fell and broke his leg. He was taken home and attended by Dr Hefferman, but afterwards was taken in hands by a man named Thompson, medical botanist, and subsequently by Mr Curry, bonesetter, who attended him up to his death on 20th January. (23rd Jan 1875 Darlington Richmond Herald)
An inquest at the Railway Hotel, Spennymoor on 29th January ascertained that the accident happened when the deceased and John Malcomb, another onsetter, were breaking up the shellboard for old metal. Dr. Hefferman had attended after the accident and set the leg, then his assistant, John Greensil, visited two or three times on the first day. He called in Dr Wagstaff of Byers Green when he noticed a problem but the family wouldn’t let him see the leg. They wanted someone else to view it, it had bled for awhile before Robert Curry arrived and he noticed it was in a “bad state with mortification setting in”. He advised them to get a doctor and William Thompson came, he was told the leg was set by Mr Curry and he was just to treat the body, although he noticed the tibial bone was projecting and mentioned this to Mr Curry.
The inquest questioned the education and experience of Dr Thompson whose degree of Doctor of Medicine was from the Eclectic Medical College, Pennsylvania and he wasn’t on the English medical Register. Mr Thompson thought William had died due to a rupture in his tibial artery and the verdict was “Deceased had his leg broken by the falling of the shellboard of a drum and that death resulted from the haemorrhage.” (30th Jan 1875 Newcastle Daily Chronicle)