1874

14th January –
UNLICENSED BEER.
John Wear, a Shoemaker of Skelton, was charged by Sergeant Haw with having on the 27th December unlawfully sold 2 quarts of beer to be consumed in his house, he not being licensed to do so.
Sgt Haw in company with other constables was watching defendant’s home on the night in question and from under the blind saw a number of men playing at cards, and heard one of them call for beer, 2 quarts of which were supplied to them by defendant’s wife, who received pay for it.
Fined £5 and costs 18s 6d and beer to be forfeited.

DRUNKS AND ASSAULTS.
Summary conviction of Jane, wife of William Moore of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 24 January.
Summary conviction of Charles Broughton of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and quarrelsome on the licensed premises of William Goodfellow and refusing to leave when asked by the said William Goodfellow. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 7 February.
Summary conviction of James and George Cook of Skelton, Miners, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 11 February.
Summary conviction of William Hunter of Skelton, Weighman, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Brotton on 14 February.
Summary conviction of Pattens Taylor of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 10 February.
Summary conviction of Peter Charlton of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 16 February.
Summary conviction of Nathaniel Martin of Skelton, Miner, for assaulting John Calvert of the township of Skelton, Police Constable. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 22 February.
Summary conviction of Nathaniel Martin of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 8 March.

Summary conviction of Elizabeth, wife of William Raynor, of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 12 January.
Summary conviction of John Dawson of Skelton, Miner, for assaulting Timothy Wilkinson, the younger, son of Timothy Wilkinson of the township of Skelton, Miner. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 13 March.
Summary conviction of Thomas Hepton of Skelton, Labourer, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 30 March.
Summary conviction of Joseph Bellies of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 4 April.
Summary conviction of Robert Crowder of Skelton, Labourer, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at Coatham on 4 April.
Summary conviction of Elizabeth, wife of William Rayner of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 6 April.
Summary conviction of William Richardson of Skelton, Deputy, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 6 April.
Summary conviction of Daniel Greenshields of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 7 April.
Summary conviction of Henry Cottle of Skelton, Miner, William Atkins, Miner and Thomas Lattimer, Brakesman, all of Skelton, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at Boosbeck on 28 April.

21st January. –
BOOT AND SHOE DEALER BANKRUPT.
In the Matter of Proceedings for Liquidation by Arrangement or Composition with Creditors, instituted by John Shephard, of North Skelton, in the county of York, Boot and Shoe Dealer.
Notice is hereby given, that a First General Meeting of the creditors of the above-named person has-been summoned to he held at the offices of Mr. J. H. Draper, in Finkle-street, Stockton-on-Tees, on the 4th day ofFebruary, 1874. at three o’clock in the afternoon precisely….

21st January –
PLUMBERS SOAKED.
PC Teesdale charged Henry Longdale and Henry Meldrum, both Plumbers of Skelton, for being drunk and riotous near Marske Police Station on the 10th.
Meldrum was a ‘mischievous kind of drunk’ and Longdale ‘very drunk’.
On the officer following defendants to get their names they set a pony kicking for 10 minutes. Fined 10s and costs or 14 days hard labour.

27th January –
MINER DAMAGE.
Summary conviction of Henry Manton of South Skelton Fireman for maliciously damaging a deal board, the property of Thomas Vaughan and Company. Offence committed at South Skelton Mine.

31st January –
GENERAL ELECTION.
To 17th February. The 2 North Riding of Yorkshire seats were won by the Conservative, William Duncombe, Viscount Helmsley and Frederick Milbank, Liberal.
Nationally Benjamin Disraeli’s Conservatives had a majority of seats due to some being uncontested while Gladstone’s Liberals had most votes.

4th February. –
WATER CARRIED UP TO SKELTON GREEN.
The Cleveland Water Company was bringing water from a tap on Cross Green to the houses at Skelton Green while pipes were laid from Boosbeck.

11 February –
FEVER ON HIGH GREEN.
The Chairman of the Skelton Board of Health stated that he had written to Messrs Bell Brothers and T Vaughan and Co about the inefficient water supply to their houses on the High Green, but had got no reply.
The Board urged him to write again urging the imperative necessity for a liberal supply of water, owing to the continued prevalence of fevers on the High Green.
The supply by the companies carts would be required for a short time only.

20th February –
STAITHES FISH HAWKER NETTED.
Summary conviction of Thomas Webster of Staithes, Fish Hawker, for being drunk in charge of a horse and cart on a public highway. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

25th February –
PITCH AND TOSS ASSAULT.
Samuel Martin was charged with assaulting PC Calvert at Skelton on the 22nd.
The Officer said that on Sunday afternoon he saw a number of men playing pitch and toss upon the highway.
Being a dull day he endeavoured to get near enough to see the parties exchange money.
After that he went up and asked the prisononer his name.
A blow in the chest was given, with the remark – “That is my name for you.” Various men in the crowd ill-used him. Fined 20s and 9s costs or 14 days hard labour.

27th February –
MINE DISPUTE AT NORTH SKELTON.
The Miners were out on strike for seven weeks at Foggo Pit as a result of the Manager offering only 1s 2d per ton for winning and filling the ironstone.
Two arbitrators were appointed, but could not agree, so the decision was passed to an Umpire, Mr Hood of Coxhoe, Co Durham.
He decided in the Miners’ favour that they should be paid 1s 3d per ton.
At the same time the Miners at Carlin How had their rate reduced to 1s 1d.

5th March –
FIRST SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

19th March –
SCHOOL BOARD.
The subject of purchasing a site for a School was discussed. The only schools in existence were the National and Infant Schools, Cross Green, carried on at the squire’s expense and the Wesleyan school.

21st March –
PLASTERER PLASTERED.
Summary conviction of John Williamson of Skelton, Plasterer, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

CHAPELS USED AS SCHOOLS –
To meet the immediate requirements of the District the Lingdale, Skelton and Boosbeck Wesleyan chapels were hired for school purposes.

4th April –
WIFE IN THE WORKHOUSE. –
Summary conviction of Thomas Stanway for refusing to maintain his wife, Jane Stanway, whereby she became chargeable to Guisborough Poor Law Union.

15th April –
MINER PINCHED WOOD.
Summary conviction of William Smith of Lingdale Lane, Miner, for stealing a piece of timber belonging to Thomas Vaughan and Company.
Offence committed at the township of Skelton.
It was usual in later years for Miners to be allowed to take home a clog of wood, [sawn off ends from pit props], to chop up for kindling to light their coal fires.

29th April –
GRASS DAMAGE FINED –
The following Skelton men were all convicted for maliciously damaging grass growing in a field belonging to and occupied by John Thomas Wharton esquire.
Isaac Baulch of Skelton, Labourer, Edward Drury, Miner, Charles Robinson, Miner, Henry Ward, Hairdresser, William Lawson, Butcher, Thomas Ayre, Tailor and William Lewis, Shoemaker.

18th May –
MINERS’ STRIKE.
At the end of this, the first full week’s loss of work which the Cleveland district has known for a long time – for the struggle last year was on the question of a mere restriction of the output – the prospect is more gloomy than at its commencement.
The ironstone Miners contend that they should be put on the same footing as the Colliers of Northumberland and Durham.
Their labour is just as severe and their hours are longer.
The also say that they cannot afford the loss of about 5 shillings per week that a 12.5 percent reduction would mean, seeing that they pay more for rent and coal than the coal miners.
The ironstone Mine owners contend that there is always a demand for coal, but not for iron and steel and the slackening of trade has reduced the selling price.

18th May –
EMIGRATION.
Emigration still continues and emigration agents are busy in the district and find plenty of clients. Several families are expected to leave Brotton for Queensland on Monday.

NORTH SKELTON PIT SHAFT – “At Bolckow’s sinking pit at Foggo, North Skelton, about 60 to 70 men belonging to the Union are working as sinkers at the old rate of wages.”

18th May –
MINERS STRIKE – REPORTER’S POETIC VIEW.
“Skelton, from where this letter is dated, is a Mining village, fast approaching the proportions of a town, most pleasantly situated about 2 miles south of Saltburn.
The approach to it from the last named town, and the entire of the surrounding scenery are of the most lovely description. Nothing more naturally beautiful and tranquilly romantic than the walk to Skelton through the charming glen which lies almost hidden by the luxurious trees and wooded banks, could be desired by the lover of nature in her most enchanting aspect, for not a sound could be heard, save the warbling of the songsters of the grove, the musical cadences of the flowing beck in the centre of the glen rippling over its rocky bed, the murmur of the trees, the sweet fragrance of which was borne upon the breeze and the distant roar of the might ocean, reflecting like a mirror, the lovely blue of the clear sky.
Scarcely a person was to be seen, with the exception of a few of the Miners on strike, who, wooed by the irresistible beauty of Spring, sauntered forth smoking the calumet of peace whilst at war with their masters and enjoyed the balmy air and verdant scene.
Arriving at the village, having passed en route the palatial residence of Mr Bell, built entirely of ironstone.

Marske Mill on Skelton Beck.
The sequestered Marske Mill, nestling amid the overhanging rocks and by the side of the ceaseless brook whose waters are turned to so useful an account;
and the lofty and stupendous viaduct of 11 arches, 160 feet in height.

The quiet and hitherto prosperous town of Skelton is reached.
From being a comparatively insignificant country village, with but a sparse population, there is now a thriving community, the bulk of whom are Miners, some five to six hundred of whom are employed in the adjacent mines of Messrs Bell Brothers.
From the high ground above the main street, where some hundreds of red bricked commodious 4 roomed cottages have been recently built for the workmen, a magnificent view of the surrounding country is obtained.

Immediately in front is “Shandy Mount” one of the local reminiscences of the immortal author of Tristram Shandy.
In such a favoured locality with so much that is beautiful and soul inspiring it was rather a gloomy contrast to turn to some of the Miners, who, in holiday garb, were killing time and to hear their discourse on such topics as “arbitration on the green stone”, the “compromise” voting, the disparity between the 3s 6d and 4s paid for house rent in that village and the cheaper rate in the two northern mining counties.
The enhanced price of coal to that paid by the Northumberland Miner etc.
I will conclude by saying that the men hereabouts seemed fully disposed to discuss both sides of the controversy and that if the other 19 lodges of the Union took as reasonable a view of the situation as do the Miners of Skelton and Boosbeck, a basis for arbitration might perhaps sooner be adopted than unfortunately appears likely.
At the last mentioned village many cottages, in some instances several adjoining each other, can be seen to be empty, the miners, their late occupants, having gone elsewhere in quest of “fortune”.

22nd May –
POACHER SNARED.
Summary conviction of James Lyons of Lingdale Lane, Miner, for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Matthew Young. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

27th May –
CRUELTY TO A DONKEY.
Summary conviction of Isaiah Turner of Skelton, Horse-driver, for ill-treating an ass by violently beating it about the body with a stick. Offence committed at Saltburn.

27th May –
STRIKING IN PUB OVER THE STRIKE.
Joseph Shepherd, an ironstone Miner and sometime Secretary to the Cleveland Miners’ Association was charged with assaulting John Cunion at Skelton on Tuesday week.
A large number of Miners assembled in court and its vicinity as a result of the considerable interest the case caused.
Cunion said that a dispute had existed between himself and Shepherd for the past 2 years and the defendant had of late been threatening him in various ways whenever the opportunity occurred.
Cunion stated that on the day in question he and a Miner named Smith were having a glass of ale at Skelton Green.
Shepherd came in the pub with another person and no sooner sat down than he interfered with their discussion and then charged Cunion and five of six others of being the cause of the present strike.
Cunion denied this and said that he had written to the papers and spoken in public against it.
He told Shepherd that men like him should come out and lead the men right, instead of going into public houses and provoking quarrels about it.
This irritated the defendant, who immediately jumped up and offered to bet a sovereign that he could do it.
Cunion answered that he had no sovereigns to bet and Shepherd then said he had a good mind to knock his ******* old head off.
Cunion retorted “I will try and stop you” and the defendant then came across towards him and knocked him over the form on the floor and kicked him.
Shepherd denied the assault, but a witness called Wilson was called to corroborate and the defendant was fined £1 including costs.

31st May –
TRESPASS.
Summary conviction of John Davison of Saltburn, Painter, for maliciously damaging grass growing in a field belonging to and occupied by John Thomas Wharton esquire. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

DAMAGE TO GRASS FINED.
The following people were convicted for maliciously damaging grass growing in a field belonging to and occupied by John Thomas Wharton esquire. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on the 26th June. William Eyinton of Skelton, Labourer on 26th May. John Brown of Brotton, Blacksmith, and his wife, Mary Ann on 7th June. John Jefferson, Labourer of Skelton on the 9th June.
Edward Shepherd, Skelton Labourer, damaging Oats on the 27th June.

5th June –
MINERS STRIKE.
A speedy settlement to the strike is not expected. The Skelton men have recommended conditional arbitration on the terms suggested by the masters, although they were against it only a week ago.
At North Skelton a number of men have returned to work on the masters’ terms and have been shut out of the union.
They have not however been molested in any other way.

6th June –
DRUNKS.
Guisborough Petty Sessions. William Lewis, Shoemaker and Thomas Ayre, Tailor were charged with being drunk and riotous at Skelton on the 29th. Fined 10s and expenses or 14 days hard labour.
Thomas Latimer, Brakesman, Skelton and William Adkins were charged with the same and fined 10s and costs.

10th June –
DAMAGE TO TREES.
Summary conviction of James and George Johnson of Boosbeck, both Miners for maliciously damaging trees growing in a plantation belonging to and occupied by John Thomas Wharton esquire. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

SUMMER DRUNKS. –
Summary conviction of Henry Lonsdale of Skelton, Plumber, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Marske on 8 June.
Summary conviction of Joseph Shortall of Brotton, Miner, for assaulting Thomas Bell of the township of Skelton, farm servant. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 15 June.
Summary conviction of Henry Parish of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 20 June.
Summary conviction of John Bulmer of Skelton, Platelayer, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at Carlin How on 24 June.
Summary conviction of Michael Golden of Skelton, Labourer, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 4 July.
Summary conviction of Thomas Mitchison of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 7 July.
Summary conviction of William Barker of Boosbeck, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 8 July.
Summary conviction of William Worth of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 11 July.
Summary conviction of William Large of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 17 July.
Summary conviction of John Neesham of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Guisborough on 1 August.
Summary conviction of Frederick Dresser of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 29 August.
Summary conviction of John Jefferson of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 29 August.
Summary conviction of William Knaggs of Skelton, Shoemaker, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 1 September.

18th June –
DOG LOOSE FINED.
Summary conviction of James Carter of Skelton Miner for allowing his dog to go at large and not under control on the highway. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

24th June –
BEGGING MINERS STRIKE FARMER.
Robert White and Joseph Churchill, 2 miners residing at Brotton, were charged with violently assaulting Mr William Wood of Trout Hall Farm, Skelton last Monday night.
The miners had been on strike and distress was widespread at the time.
White and another man, who was not in custody, went to the house of Mr Wood’s Hind between 9 and 10 at night and begged for something to eat.
William Bell, the Hind, said that he at first he refused to give them anything, but, when they would not go away, he brought them some bread.
The 2 men asked if that was all they were going to get, as they expected some milk and ham or similar.
The hind was about to close the door when White threw the bread in his face and the other threw his at the window in an attempt to break it.
They then went and overturned a grindstone, smashing it in two.
After breaking a fence, they ran across a wheat field in the direction of the main road.
The Hind followed them and sent his son to tell Farmer Wood what had occurred.
Mr Wood took a short cut to the road and came up with the men as they were leaving the field.
He demanded to know their names and White replied with an oath that he would not get them and that they would kill the Hind, his son and Mr Wood as well if they offered to touch them.
White and his companion then put themselves in a fighting attitude and threw the Hind to the ground.
Mr Wood came to his assistance and they all ended up on the ground where White kicked and struck in all directions causing injuries.
Thomas Bell, the Hind’s son, said he was beginning to get the better of his antagonist when Churchill, who had been standing a little further down the road with 2 others, came up and threw him into the hedge side.

The whole of the men then ran away.
Mr Wood said that his Doctor had informed him that one of the kicks he had received in the lower part of his body was a very serious one.
White was fined 40 shillings and told that he had cast a great stain on the striking miners, who had behaved well in hard times.
A summons was issued against Churchill for assaulting the Hind’s son.

24th June –
PLASTERED AND WILL NOT PAY FINE.
Edward Murray and John Lee, both Plasterers of Skelton, failed to answer a charge of being drunk and riotous at Skelton on the 13th.
The Officer who served the summons said defendants sent a message that they would neither answer the summons nor pay. Fined 10s each and costs.

6 July –
HARVESTING THE FRUIT OF HIS OWN LABOURS FINE.
Summary conviction of John Herman of Skelton, Brewer, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

7th July –
SKELTON WIFE ASSAULTS HAWKER’S WIFE AND SMASHES ORNAMENTS.
Summary conviction of Lavinia, wife of James Warnaby, of Lingdale Lane, Skelton, a Miner, for maliciously breaking an electroplated cruet stand and chimney piece ornaments, the property of Isaac Morrison of Guisborough, Hawker, and for assaulting Catharine, his wife.

10th July –
SKELTON CASTLE’S UNEARNED INCOME.
From the Newcastle Chronicle.
“The royalty here belongs to Mr Wharton of Skelton Castle.
It is interesting to record the fact that the projected development of the mineral resources on that Gentleman’s estates by Bolckow Vaughan & Co, T Vaughan & Co, Bell Bros & Co and one or two other firms, will, within the next 5 years, represent a total annual yield of nearly 4.5 million tons of ironstone, yielding at the average price of 6d per ton and annual royalty payment of over £100,000.
Of all the silver spoons that were ever put into men’s mouths, this is surely one of the most silvery.
Because a gentleman happens to inherit a few thousand acres of land in Cleveland, he draws in addition to its agricultural rental [which is comparatively a bagatelle] an annual income of £100,000 without any risk or effort.”

13th July –
LARGE LET DOG GO AT LARGE.
Summary conviction of Alfred Large of Skelton Miner for allowing his dog to go at large and not under control on the highway at Skelton.

DRUNKS –
Summary conviction of John Arton of Skelton, Contractor, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 3 July.
Summary conviction of James Lynas of Boosbeck, Contractor, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 8 July.
Summary conviction of James Wrynn of Skelton, Labourer, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 18 July.

18th July –
13 YEAR OLD GIRL BOOTED HIS DOG AND KILLED IT.
At Stokesley County Court Alfred Large, a miner at Skelton, sued Sarah Ann Turner, a girl aged 13, for 30 shillings, the value of a dog, which she was alleged to have killed on the 27th of June.
Both parties resided in Yeoman Street, Skelton and on the day named the girl finding the dog on her mother’s step, gave the animal a kick in the head, from the effects of which it shortly died.
The girl said the dog attempted to bite her, but the evidence went to show that she had wantonly injured it and hence the present proceedings.
Alfred said the dog was 3 months old and that when it was 2 months he had 15s offered for it.
The Judge, Mr Turner, said that supposing he gave a verdict in his favour, from whom did he expect to get the money.
Alf replied that he expected to get it from the girl’s parents.
His Honour:- “But suppose her parents refuse to pay it. I cannot send them to prison. It is no earthly use your bringing such a case against a girl like that. She has no goods of her own and I could not send one like her to prison.
Alf:- “It’s a strange thing if people who keep dogs for their “fancy” have to have them killed in this way without any remedy.”
His Honour:- “You should have taken the girl before the magistrates.”
Alf:- “I did, Sir, and they told me it was a case for the County Court.”
His Honour:- “Well, I can do no otherwise than find a verdict for you for 1 penny, but you will have to pay the costs.”

21st July. –
MARSKE BAND CONTEST.
The 8th annual brass band contest was held in a field a short distance from the cliffs.
All the inhabitants regard the day as a holiday.
Shops were closed and all work suspended. The main street was lively with shows, galvanic batteries, nut stalls and all the usual complements of a fair.
Several doubtful characters had been drawn together in the hope of making money out of the credulous, but there was little rowdyism.
The North Riding Cricketers Band and the Saltaire did not turn up, leaving the field to Buttershaw Mills, who came first for the £20 prize, followed by Wyke Old Brass, Guisborough 1st North Yorkshire Volunteers and Skelton Lower Edge Band, with 14 performers and conducted by Mr William Richardson.

26th July –
DAYLIGHT POACHERS.
Summary conviction of Henry Brindale of Lingdale Lane, Skelton, a Fitter, and George Bland of Skelton, a Brickmaker, for trespassing in the daytime in search or pursuit of game on land at Skelton, belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Matthew Young.
Summary conviction of William Coulson of 84 Belmangate in Guisborough and William Raynor of Guisborough, both Miners, for trespassing in the daytime in search or pursuit of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Messrs Bell Brothers, Henry Robinson and the said John Thomas Wharton. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

5th August. –
MINE ACCIDENT.
On Tuesday morning at Skelton Shaft Mine a Horse Driver, named Henry Wright fell over as he was running along the Mine with his wagon and was thrown under the wheels.
One leg was broken and the other severely injured.

15th August –
DOG FIGHT.
An action to recover £5 10s, the value of a dog killed in a dog fight at Skelton in Cleveland on the 20 June last, was heard yesterday at the Stokesley County Court, before Mr Turner, judge.
The plaintiff was one William Pratt, a Miner, living at Skelton, and he summoned one John Lawson, of the same place, whose dog, a St Bernard, was alleged to have worried the other in a fight.
The case was proved and a verdict was given for the plaintiff for £2.

16th August –
GRASS DAMAGE.
Summary conviction of George Mellett, Labourer, and John Wilson, a Striker, both of Ground Hills, Skelton, for maliciously damaging grass growing in a field belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Matthew Young.

DRUNKS –
Summary conviction of John Gunson of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 6 September.
Summary conviction of Matthew Wright and Henry Smith, both Miners of Skelton, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at Magra Park on 7 September.
Summary conviction of Thomas Mitchinson of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at Lingdale on 11 October.
Summary conviction of George Lawson of Skelton, Butcher, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 12 October.
Summary conviction of William Ward of Skelton, miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Guisborough on 31 October.
Summary conviction of William Miles of Guisborough, Labourer, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 9 November.

8th September –
DRUNK.
William Knaggs, Shoemaker, admitted being drunk at Skelton on the 1st. Fined 8 shillings and costs.

12th September –
AFTER THE GAME.
Summary conviction of Richard Futter of Skelton, Miner, for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by William Coates. Offence committed at the township of Skelton

15th September –
NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL FOR NORTH SKELTON.
An application for the erection of a Wesleyan Chapel in North Skelton was submitted by the Rev George Abbott, Superintendent Minister of the Guisborough and Redcar Circuit.
James Chisholm, John Froud and George Taylor proposed as Trustees.
The building was to accommodate 500 persons on a site offered by Mr J T Wharton of Skelton Castle at a yearly rental of 1 shilling [5 new pence].
200 seats were to be let, 50 to be used by the Sunday School children and the rest free, the latter to be eligibly situated and made comfortable.
The building was to be 49 feet long, 26 wide and 9 feet high, with the adjacent Vestry measuring 8 feet.
The latter was enlarged in 1914 to 26 by 12 feet.
It was to be made of iron, lined with wood and the estimated cost was to be £350 exclusive of fencing, heating and lighting.
A subscription list was started and by the Chapel was opened on the 28th May 1875, £183 14s 9d had been subscribed and £75 0s 6d raised by collections.
A subscription list was started and by the Chapel was opened on the 28th May 1875, £183 14s 9d had been subscribed and £75 0s 6d raised by collections.
In addition 7,000 bricks and labour for cutting the foundations were contributed by Mr J T Wharton.
It was erected in 6 weeks, the contractor being a Mr Kent of London.

Chapel, North Skelton.

19th September –
DRUNKEN MINER ASSAULTED POLICE.
Summary conviction of Nathaniel Martin of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street at Skelton and for assaulting Richard Gospil Brough of the township of Skelton Police Constable in the execution of his duty.

24th September –
DRUNK ASSAULT ON POLICE.
A Miner, named Nathaniel Martin was charged with being drunk and assaulting PC Brough at Skelton on Saturday.
The Officer found the defendant in the street with his coat and waistcoat off wanting to fight and whilst begging him to quietly go away the defendant caught hold of him by the whiskers and in the struggle which ensued they both went down.
Whilst they were on the ground the defendant kicked him in a violent manner.
He also kicked some other persons who interfered.
Fined 5 shillings and costs for being drunk and committed to Northallerton gaol for 1 month with hard labour for the assault.

September. –
FATAL NORTH SKELTON MINE ACCIDENT.
William Roll, a miner aged 33, was killed. “Last week three mining accidents of a shocking character occurred in Cleveland.
The most serious took place at North Skelton, at an early hour on Friday morning, and resulted in one man being killed and another so seriously injured that he now lies in a precarious state.
The unfortunate men were William Roll and Edward Headlam.
They appear to have been working together as mates in the east drift of Messrs Bolckow, Vaughan and Co’s Mine where, between one and two o’clock, they were heard blasting stone,
One of the shots seemed to give them some trouble, inasmuch as they had tried it with a good fuse and it failed to go off.
As they were going forward to ascertain the cause the charge exploded and the poor fellows were blown some distance along the drift.
Roll came in contact with one side of the Mine and besides being burnt, he was sorely mangled and bruised.
Indeed on being brought to the bank it was evident he could not live and he only survived the accident about a quarter of an hour.
Headlam was likewise much burnt and injured and was removed as soon afterwards as he conveniently could be to his residence where he was visited by Dr McCutcheon of Skelton.”

North Skelton Ironstone Mine as it was in 1960.
[Photograph kindly contributed by Brian Hudson, Professor of Urban Development, Brisbane, Australia, and a native of Skelton.]

7th October –
NEGLECTED PRIVIES.
At the meeting of the Skelton Local Board there was a complaint about the dangerous state of the well on the Cross Green by Messrs Taylor and Son, who had a drapers shop close by.
Fever had broken out in Robinson St and Dixon St where the drainage was unsatisfactory and the privies in a neglected state.
Also a nuisance arose from the urinal of the Duke William Inn.

12th October –
TOO MUCH HORSEPOWER FINE.
Summary conviction of Andrew Lawson of Skelton, Butcher, for riding a horse furiously on the highway. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

17th October –
MINER ASSAULTS MINER.
Summary conviction of Robert Gott of Skelton, Miner, for assaulting Richard Morgan of the township of Skelton, Miner. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

19th October. –
DIED AT QUOITS.
An inquest was held at Skelton in Cleveland by the Coroner Mr A Buchanan on the body of John Skin, a Miner, aged 30, who expired suddenly on Friday evening.
The deceased was witnessing a game of quoits on Skelton Green, when he was observed to fall, apparently in a fit.
On being removed home it found that he was dead. The jury, having heard the evidence returned a verdict to the effect that he had died by the ‘visitation of God’.

22nd October –
TERRIFIC STORM.
A terrific storm swept over the District all Tuesday night and yesterday morning.
Trees have been uprooted and gates blown down.
In Skelton considerable damage was done to property etc.,br> A chimney fell from a house in the High Street and went through the roof of a cottage next door, on to a bed where two children were lying.
But, fortunately, they were not hurt in the least.
Every part of the bed except where the children were lying, was iterally covered with bricks etc.
Considerable damage was done to the premises of Messrs Thomas Taylor and Sons, West-end.

27th October –
HEADS OR TAILS ?
Summary conviction of Isaac Watkinson of Skelton, miner, for playing a game of chance called ‘pitch and toss’ on the highway. Offence committed at the township of Skelton

31st October –
WHAT DO YOU KEEP NEXT TO THE POT UNDER YOUR BED ? –
GUNPOWDER !

Yesterday, at the Langbaurgh East Petty Sessions, Superintendent Prest presented a report, ordered by the Bench, in regard to the method in which gunpowder was stored in the Ironstone Mining District.
He found that at all the Mines the Government requirements of having magazines within 200 yards of the Pit were obeyed and that none of the unlicensed Magazines had more than the maximum quantity of 4,000 pounds in stock;
whilst those holding the Home Secretary’s certificate to store an unlimited quantity had not more than 6 tons stored.
The cases which were not in strict compliance with the requirements of the Act, were as follows:-
At Bell’s Park Pit Mines an unlicensed magazine was within 64 yards of dwelling houses, instead of 200 yards distant.
The Volunteer Magazine at Redcar was 120 yards distant from the house occupied by the man in charge of it.
An unlicensed Magazine belonging to Messrs Gjers, Mills and Co of Slape Wath Mines, was close beside the railway and within 70 yards of the Blacksmith’s shop, but it was well arched and protected.
At South Skelton Mines belonging to Messrs Vaughan and Co, the unlicensed Magazine contained nearly a ton of gunpowder and was 180 yards from the dwelling houses.
All of the tenants had given written consent for the powder to be stored at that distance.
Mr Whitwell said that many of the Miners had open casks of gunpowder under their beds. Mr Yeoman suggested that the Home Secretary should be requested to send an Inspector down to examine the matter.
Admiral Chaloner said that might relieve the Bench of its responsibility with regard to the houses, but they were still morally responsible.
Mr Whitwell said that he would personally go to Park Pit Mines and report the result.
The Bench then deferred further action.

2nd November. –
MINE DEATH, CRUSHED BY WAGONS.
Joseph Senior, aged 18, a Miner, but working as a Horse-driver on the day, was found dead and presumed to have been crushed between the wagons and the pit side.
His father who worked in the same Mine is said to have heard his voice a few minutes before.

4th November –
VOLUNTEERS SHOOTING.
Corporal Wood proved the winner at the shooting for the Challenge Cup at the Wharton Range. Private Jonathan Ridsdale, the late winner and Private Smith shared second place.

11th November –
DRUNK.
Henry Ward, Hairdresser and Shaver of Skelton did not appear to a charge of being drunk and riotous on the 4th. Fined 10s and 8s 6d costs or 14 days hard labour.
PC Brough charged William Miles with being drunk and riotous at Skelton on the 9th. Fined 9s and costs or 14 days hard.

9th December –
BEANS MEANS FINES.
Robert Dobson, William Ingledew, Benjamin Ridley and Timothy Fincham were summoned for wilfully damaging a stack of beans, belonging to Thomas Vaughan and Co at Skelton on the 27th.
Those defendants who were present admitted taking the beans and eating them. All were Horse-drivers at the firm. Ordered to pay 3s 2d each.

WINTER DRUNKS –
Summary conviction of Joseph Smith of Skelton, Brakesman, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 2 November.
Summary conviction of John Gunstone of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 7 November.
Summary conviction of William Wright of Skelton, Labourer, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 22 November.
Summary conviction of James Shaw of Skelton, Tailor, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 30 November.
Summary conviction of Henry Bearpark of Skelton, Check Weighman, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at Boosbeck on 1 December.
Summary conviction of Jane wife of William Moore of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 7 December.
Summary conviction of George Williams of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and quarrelsome on the licensed premises of James Rogers and refusing to leave when asked by the said James Rogers and for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 13 December.
Summary conviction of George Kidd of Skelton, Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton on 24 December.

14th December –
BREWER STEWED.
Summary conviction of John Herman of the township of Skelton, Brewer, for being drunk and riotous in the street. Offence committed at the township of Skelton.

15th December –
NO RABBIT PIE.
Summary conviction of Alfred Willows, Sinker, and George Mallett, Labourer, both of Skelton, for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Thomas Pattinson.

16th December –
DRUNK AND INDECENT.
Samuel Hogg denied being drunk and indecent at Skelton on the 4th.
He very virtuously denied the accusation, but had stated to the Constable that he was so drunk that he knew nothing about it. Fined 10s and 7s costs or 14 days hard labour.
Henry Sanders did not appear to a charge of being drunk and riotous at Skelton, near the Duke William public house on the 5th. Fined 10s and costs or 14 days hard.
William Moore on a similar charge was fined 10s and 9s costs or 14 days hard.

20th December –
3 RABBITS IN POCKET TRICK.
Summary conviction of Charles Cooper of Lingdale Lane in the parish of Skelton for having three rabbits in his possession, when he was searched by William Harland of Stanghow, Police Constable, on suspicion of having been on land in search of game. Offence committed at Lingdale Lane.

23rd December –
RACING DOGS ON THE HIGHWAY.
Two miners, William Coulson of Guisborough and John Wilshaw of Skelton were charged with obstructing the highway at Hutton, Guisborough by running off a dog race on Saturday week.
PC Boanness stated that on the afternoon of the day named his attention was drawn to a large number of people proceeding from Guisborough in the direction of Hutton.
He followed them and finding that a dog race was about to take place for £5 aside, he cautioned the defendants, who were the owners of the contending dogs and threatened to summon them if they permitted the race to be run.
His warning was ignored and the defendants claimed in court that he had told them that they could hold the race if no betting took place and there was no betting whatsoever.
The officer denied this and saw a good deal of money change hands amongs the 200 to 300 persons congregated to witness the race.
Superintendent Prest said that dog racing and foot racing on the highway had become a great nuisance in the district and had great difficulty in putting it down.
The Bench inflicted a fine of 10 shilling each and costs.

26th December –
SMASHING BOXING DAY.
Summary conviction of John Martin of Skelton, a Miner, for being drunk and riotous in the street, for being drunk and quarrelsome on the licensed premises of Henry Hutchinson and refusing to leave when asked by the said Henry Hutchinson and for maliciously breaking two panes of glass and damaging the door of a house occupied by Henry Hutchinson.

29th December –
GAS COMPANY FORMED.
A bill was presented to incorporate the Cleveland Gas Company and enable them to construct gas works and light with gas Skelton and other places in the North Riding.
The Company wanted to take over the powers granted to the Lofthouse Gas Co, but on which nothing had been done.
The capital is to be £50,000 in £10 shares and the first directors will be J T Wharton, Francis Fox, William Cockburn, John George Swan, and Edward Bell Hamilton.

30th December –
SNOWBALLING FINED.
Between 20 and 30 men and boys were before the magistrates at the Guisborough Petty Sessions yesterday on charges of snowballing at Guisbrough, Skelton, Brotton and Lofthouse.
Those who appeared to the summons were reprimanded and discharged on paying the costs and those who failed to put in an appearance were ordered to pay a fine of 2s 6d and costs.

30th December –
PC ASSAULT AT THE ROYAL GEORGE.
John Gunstead was summoned by PC Cook for being drunk and riotous and for assaulting him in the execution of his duty at Skelton on the 27th.
The Officer saw a disturbance created by Gunstead attempting to enter Noah House’s public house whilst drunk.
On going to the place the defendant refused to go away and when an attempt was made to lock him up he struck the constable on the mouth, which knocked him backwards.
A desperate struggle was made on the road to the lock up in which several blows were struck by Gunstead who said that the officer assaulted him.
Fined 5s and 7s 6d costs for drunk and riotous and 10s with 10s 6d costs for assault or 1 months hard labour.

30th December –
NOW THE HOLLY BEARS A FINE.
James Richards admitted having done damage to the amount of 5s in the woods of Skelton on the 19th.
To collect Holly, he had gone on the private railway line through the woods to Bell Bros mines. Fined 6d, 1s damage and 9s 6d costs.

A FACTORY ACT limited the working day to 10 hours.

BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ACT introduced a penalty for failure to register and for first time required a medical certificate for cause of death

Next Page – 1875.
Previous Page – 1873.
Contents Page