Little Known Shildon Tales.

[Mysterio]

The story goes that the engine "Locomotion", which was to draw the first ever passenger train, was brought from Newcastle on a horse-drawn waggon and placed on the lines at Aycliffe (now Heighington station). Having filled the boiler and laid the fire ready for lighting it was discovered that no-one had flint, steel and tinder with which to light the fire. A navvy, one Robert Metcalf, saved the day by suggesting that his burning glass, which he regularly used to light his pipe, might be used to light the fire. His suggestion was carried out, soon the fire was burning, steam was raised and the rest is history.

(true or false? you decide)

[Kattaddorra]

OK I'll be first to take a guess and say it's TRUE ..... Kat

[Mysterio]

" The Globe" in Chapel Street was a well known and frequented ale house and in 1831 the Weslyan Methodists, under the leadership of Timothy Hackworth, erected a Chapel and Schoolroom adjacent to the Globe. It is said that when the congregation held their first meeting in the Chapel they found that their worship was interrupted by by the landlord of the Globe, who had breached the connecting wall, beating upon tin cans and making vocal accompaniments.
The Globe was the rendezevous of the engine drivers and firemen who, rather than spending their wages on the necessities of life, preferred to spend them in the" pub". There is a story that a certain Mr. John Graham, passing the end of Chapel Street one evening, was perturbed by the volume of noise issuing from the Globe. Fearing there was a riot in progress he rushed to investigate. When he finally managed, with great difficulty, to gain entrance he found that some of the engine drivers had put a frying pan, into which they had placed their watches, on the fire and the assembled throng were betting on whose watch would last the longest before stopping.

[Mysterio]

Newspapers in the 1800's were a luxury item, and with periodicals, were very popular in the reading room of the Railway institute. There being no newsagents, newspapers and periodicals were delivered by the Post Office, this being in the days prior to the "penny post" as well as the postage, a tax of fourpence was added to each newspaper making it a very expensive luxury.
The "Daily News" was, in 1851, delivered a day old then sold by tender, £1.4.0d /quarter was the price paid for the privilege of becoming the owner of the paper after it had been in the reading room for two days. In order to reduce the cost further it was decided to lease the "Daily News" by tender for night-time reading. A Mrs Dixon of The Locomotive Inn procured the lease for 2/6d but she was cautioned by the Secretary for returning the paper in bad condition. During the Crimean War a member of the Institute was deputed to read the news out loud so that every member could receive the news, from the one and only newspaper, at the same time.

[Kattaddorra]

That's so fascinating Mysterio, I love reading about local history Kat

[Mysterio]

April 10th 1842 saw the opening of "Shildon tunnel", the whole town was given a general holiday and a day long fete was held. At 10 o'clock in the morning a procession was formed near the Cross Keys in Cheapside and started on it's way to the southern end of the tunnel accompanied by minute guns. The union jack was carried in front followed by the resident engineer Mr. Luke Wanderless with Mr. Henry Booth,the principle contractor, on his right and Mr. Thomas Dennis, the principal brick maker, on his left. They were followed by Lord Prudhoe's brass band (hired specially for the occasion). Following the band were all the men engaged in the construction and behind them came a vast entourage of people from Shildon and the surrounding villages.
With banners fluttering in the breeze the procession entered the darkness of the tunnel which was dispelled by the light of hundreds of candles turning the scene into that of a fairy grotto. After giving a short speech Mr. Luke Wanderless laid the final brick, using a specially commissioned silver trowel, then Mr. Henry Booth christened the tunnel "The Prince Of Wales" whilst sprinkling a bottle of wine on the last brick. As the tunnel was christened the band struck up with "Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife", a favourite tune of the time, accompanied by cheers from the assembled throng and cannons were fired at the mouth of the tunnel and in the streets throughout the town.
The day ended with the workmen being given a "sumptious" dinner at six public houses. It was the "Cross Keys" though which was elected to provide the main function wherein fifty or so prominent local gentlemen and railway officials were handsomely entertained.

[Kattaddorra]

That is just so interesting Mysterio, thank you Kat

[Mysterio]

There was a custom in Shildon known as the "Midsummer Cushion" which died out over a hundred years ago. This custom comprised of an ornamental cushion made of patchwork which was placed on a table covered with white napkins and ornamented with coloured ribbons. On Midsummer day each street corner had one of these accompanied by a young woman standing to one side holding out a pewter plate to passers-by inviting them to deposit money. At the end of the day the money collected was counted and disposed of in in exchange for drink in one of the local hostelries by the collectors and their friends.

[stewart]

Pull the other leg its got bells on

[Mysterio]

1869 was the year in which a new highlight was introduced into the lives of Shildon folk and that was the first Shildon Flower Show.This show became the most important show in the County for many years. The event was prepared for with eager anticipation and great enthusiasm, houses were "spring cleaned" and vast amounts of food were bought in readiness for the feeding of the many friends and relatives who descended on the town from places near and far to attend the show.
There were lots of attractions and fairground rides accompanying the exhibition tents. One such attraction was to be a balloon ascent from Church Field in Old Shildon. However when the balloon was inflated and everything was set to go the intrepid "pilot"who had volunteered to carry out the daring feat was so drunk he fell out of the basket and the balloon took to the skies empty, much to the disappointment but great amusement of the assembled crowd.

[Ken]

That is just so interesting Mysterio, thank you Kat

Yes. It is rather. These "bits & pieces" on Shildon`s past are invaluable.
I wonder if more members would read & contribute here if we retitled the topic "Railway Museum/Shildon In Days Gone By" ---- ( or something like that ! ).
Thanks again Mysterio.
Ken.

[Mysterio]

A great sadness descended upon Old and New Shildon during the Autumn of 1871 when a virulent outbreak of smallpox ocurred. Deaths between Christmas 1871 and July 1872 numbered almost 100 and more than 1,000 inhabitants suffered from thisdreadful disease, in fact, very few families escaped it's ravages.
Thanks to the generousity of one W. Bouch a smallpox hospital was erected in a field to the North of Soho Works, the ongoing costs of it's maintenance were met by voluntary contributions and the needs of the patients were also met by volunteers who donated their services free of charge. As for religion these needs were ministered by Reverends John Illingworth, H. Spurrier and W. Hayton who not only tendered to the needs of the sick but also comforted the bereaved.

[Michelle]

These tales are good Mysterio. Any chance of continuing them please ?
Michelle.

[Mysterio]

Another custom which has disappeared into the mists of time was that relating to the "Bidders". Bidders were men who went from door to door "bidding" people to attend the funeral of anyone in the neighbourhood who had died.
On the day of the funeral it was customary for the coffin to be placed on chairs, or some other support, outside the the home of the deceased and for a Minister to conduct the service in the street before proceding to the burial.

[Chiana]

Keep them going Mysterio, very interesting.

[Douglas]

Another custom which has disappeared into the mists of time was that relating to the "Bidders". Bidders were men who went from door to door "bidding" people to attend the funeral of anyone in the neighbourhood who had died.
On the day of the funeral it was customary for the coffin to be placed on chairs, or some other support, outside the the home of the deceased and for a Minister to conduct the service in the street before proceding to the burial.

I honestly can say that I've never heard of this practice. Amazing. I expect that in days gone by, when there was a little more community spirit, this would have resulted in many more people attending the funeral and paying their respects.

Keep them coming Mysterio.

[Mysterio]

Cock fighting was a popular pastime in Shildon, as in many other towns and as late as 1864 a number of Shildon miners were summoned for obstructing the highway by holding a fighting-cocks contest. The evidence produced by the police demonstrated that around 200 people were present as spectators to this "sporting event". One of the miners was arrested with a bag containing a cock which had had it's head cut off.
Another pastime was that of bowling or, as it was better known, "bowlen lonnens" in which players "bowled" rounded cobbles. Skillful, well practiced players were capable of bowling these cobbles an almost unbelievable distance. Unlike the present day game of bowls in no way could this be called an "old man's game" as to participate in this pastime required great endurance and muscular power.

[Black Knight]

Nice to see you creeping back Mysterio. It struck me that this is a good topic that many must read but few reply to as its not the sort of thing to invite replies. Well I will if only to say it really is very interesting & informative. You only put bits on once in a blue moon but they`re certainly appriaciated.
B.K.

[Mysterio]

There's nothing new about the anti-tobacco lobby, in June 1863 the "Shildon Anti-Tobacco Society and Penny Savings Bank." was formed. The purpose of this institution was to show the "pernicious effects of tobacco on the human system and the absolute waste of money expended thereby."
The secretary Mr. Henry Soames was supported by an influential committee (as stated in the annual report of 1869) "for the extinction of the baneful use of tobacco which to so large an extent degrades humanity."
The average amount saved by members foregoing tobacco was said to be £100 per annum

[Ken]

Yet another good one , Mysterio.
I wonder what happened to the £100 at the end of the year ? That must have been a king`s ransom in those days.
Ken.

[Black Knight]

What ?? You`ve never heard of the infamous SATS&PSB end of the year booze up ?
B.K.

[Ken]

Of course we have B.K. You mean you were never invited ?
Hope there`s more to come , Mysterio.
Ken.

[Michelle]

Any more of these tales Mysterio ?
Michelle.

[Ken]

Yes. Hows about another please , Mysterio ?
Ken.

[Nobby]

Come on. popular requests here Misty !
NOBBY

[Chiana]

Some more please.

[Mysterio]

I am working on more tales but as you may imagine they don't just appear, keep watching I've almost got one finished.

[Chiana]

I'll keep looking, as will the others I'm sure.

[Mysterio]

ShildonÂ’s first local Board of Health was formed in 1877and itÂ’s members were elected in a very unorthodox manner inasmuch as the polling papers were hand delivered from door to door on Feb 26th 1877 and collected in a like fashion on March 2nd 1877.
The elected board rented a house in Chapel Row (Church Street) and converted it into offices where they held their regular monthly meetings. The first appointment made by the Board was that of Clerk to the Board which went to a Mr.J.T.Proud of Bishop Auckland at a salary of £40 per year. Mr S.Fielden was then appointed as Medical Officer at a salary of £15 per year.
There were many problems requiring attention, one of the first was the fixing of a “rate” which they agreed to set at two pence in the pound for houses and two and a half pence for land.
The distance of pig sties be raised from 30 yards from a dwelling to 50 yards.
They accepted the Railway CompanyÂ’s offer to supply street lamps with gas at 28/-d per lamp per annum, lighting was to commence 1st September and end 10th April. Lamps were to be lighted at sunset each evening and be extinguished at 11oÂ’clock. No lighting was deemed to be necessary neither on the four nights preceding a full moon nor on the two nights succeeding a full moon.
A privy belonging to Mr.Kirby and Mr. Marley which stood in the middle of the front street was recognised as a “nuisance” and they were desired to remove it by the Clerk.
The Railway Company were requested to repair the path from Chapel Row to the station, the situation of the station was said to be inconvenient, and they were requested to provide lights in the railway carriages while they passed through the tunnel.
A loan of £9000, to be repaid over a thirty year period, was agreed so as to provide the cost of a sewage works.
However despite their “good works” the board became notorious for it’s disorderly meetings and it’s gross mishandling of the town’s business, so, in 1894 it was disbanded and replaced by an Urban District Council and twelve new councillors were elected.

[Chiana]

Gosh don't we take lighting for granted now.
£40 must of been quite a lot in those days. Wonder why they had the privvy in the front street??

[Mysterio]

In 1891 the town was visited by another epidemic this time that of typhoid fever, the cause of which was laid at the door of the filthy sewers and open privy middens prevailing at that time. Many people succumbed to the disease and doctors helped by volunteers strove throughout each day and night to contain the spread and to do what they could for the victims. Sadly many of these "angels of mercy" were also taken by the fever. It fell upon the new Urban District Council to act to carry out improvements to the sanitation systems and make the town a healthier place in which to live,this task they carried out without delay.

[Sir Geoff]

The story goes that the engine "Locomotion", which was to draw the first ever passenger train, was brought from Newcastle on a horse-drawn waggon and placed on the lines at Aycliffe (now Heighington station). Having filled the boiler and laid the fire ready for lighting it was discovered that no-one had flint, steel and tinder with which to light the fire. A navvy, one Robert Metcalf, saved the day by suggesting that his burning glass, which he regularly used to light his pipe, might be used to light the fire. His suggestion was carried out, soon the fire was burning, steam was raised and the rest is history.

(true or false? you decide)

In a similar vein to the above I have been trying to find out how Sans Pareil was transported to the Rainhill Trials at Liverpool (1829). Could it have been by sea? i.e. on rails to Stockton, then all aboard the jolly boat.
The engine weighed 4tons+8cwt+2qrs (4.51 metric tonnes). My AutoRoute prog makes today's distance 140 miles, including crossings of the Pennine Chain. So does anyone know?
Geoff

[Michelle]

Thanks Mysterio. Another interesting tale to keep us going.
Michelle.

[Mysterio]

In a similar vein to the above I have been trying to find out how Sans Pareil was transported to the Rainhill Trials at Liverpool (1829).
Geoff

Locomotives were taken by sea to Liverpool, assembled there and carried to Rainhill by horse-drawn wagons. The only three contenders which managed to reach the starting line were Timothy Hackworth's "Sans Pareil", Braithwaite and Ericsson's "Novelty" and Stephenson's "Rocket".

[Black Knight]

Cheers Mysterio. Some interesting stuff there.
B.K.

[Mysterio]

When I sit back and think about it, it's really not that long ago and about the time of the "wild west" and is similar to the conditions which existed there, sidewalks, unmetalled roads, open sewers, oil lights etc.

[Michelle]

Speak for yourself Mysterio. It might not have been that long ago for you , but ............. ??
Michelle.

[Sir Geoff]

Mysterio, Thanks for the locos-by-sea to Liverpool reply. So, - just as I thought.
Now then, another poser for you.
Raking over family roots in the Shildon area I believe I have found an engine driver ancestor c.1836. I am a rather confused though as in census returns he is described as an 'Engineer'. Could it be that in those days the technical terminology was still evolving?
Was someone described then as an 'Engineer' actually be an 'Engine-driver'?

[Michelle]

Cheers Mysterio. Some interesting stuff there.
B.K.

Hear. Hear. These topics dont invite day to day chat but its always nice to browse & relect on pieces like this.
Michelle

[Black Knight]

Yes. Lets have some more.
B.K.

[Chiana]

Yes totally agree, would be a pity if they were lost to time.

[Ken]

I do hope Mysterio is alright. He is still our second highest poster I think & one of the "founder" members who helped this website take off. His contributions are always so interesting. Sadly he`s been missing from here for almost a month.
I`ll try e-mailing him again.

Ken.

[Michelle]

Yes. Let us know Ken. As you say , Mysterio`s posts are always so interesting.
Michelle.

[Ken]

I`m pleased to report that Mysterio is fit & well ---- just very busy !

Ken.

[Black Knight]

What ? Too busy for us ?
Cheeky blighter !
B.K.

[Mysterio]

The rebuilding of St. John's Church to almost three times its original size was a source of much rejoicing at the beginning of the 20th Century, it now possessed a magnificient tower and a peal of eight bells.
Saturday August 2nd 1902 saw the dedication of the bells by the Bishop of Richmond:-
St. John..........5 Cwt..........donated by Church Wardens and sidesmen
St.Stephen......5 Cwt..........donated by the Parishoners
St.Barnabas....5.75 Cwt......donated by Mrs. Moore
St. Paul...........6.25 Cwt......donated by School Staff
St. Andrew......7.75 Cwt......donated by Mrs. Fielding
St. Mary..........8.25 Cwt......donated by St. Mary's Guild
St. Thomas......11.5 Cwt.......donated by Colonel Sandys
Emanuel..........16.25 Cwt......donated by Mrs. Spurrier

The bells were founded by John Taylor and Co. of Loughborough at a total cost of £681.

[Black Knight]

What a load of old bells !
B.K.

[Kattaddorra]

That's really interesting Mysterio
St Johns is a lovely Church and its so nice to see a church, still with pews and kneelers, it just hasn't the same feeling sitting on a chair !
Katt

[Ken]

How true. I was married there & Shildon.net member ,FredR, was my best man. I recently went to a memorial service there & it was as beautiful as ever.
My bedroom used to overlook the graveyard & the church.

Ken.

[Computerlass]

I used to ring the bells at St. johns Church every so often. That was when George White was Bell Captain. I rang for St. Andrews at South Church and we all used to go to Shildon every so often to experience other bell towers