Barnard Castle in 1870: A Year in the Life of the Town

January 1870

Barnard Castle began the new year with an evening of entertainment at the Music Hall. On Monday 3 January, Walter Fieldhouse presented illuminated views of places in Britain and abroad, using oxy-hydrogen light to project the pictures before a large audience. John Kirtley described the different scenes, and the entertainment, organised by the Mechanics' Institute, was well received.

There was plenty of livestock changing hands around the town too. T. Tarn and Son advertised their monthly cattle sale in Galgate for Wednesday 12 January, with between ten and fifteen cows expected to calve, sixty to eighty other cows and heifers, and a selection of bullocks. Two days later, the auctioneers were due at Deepdale Mill to sell farming stock belonging to the estate of the late Henry Ainsley. The sale included seventy-eight half-bred hogs, eight pigs, cattle, a bay mare, carts, harnesses and two horse-drawn vehicles, a gig and a phaeton. Everything was to be sold for cash.

At the weekly Barnard Castle market, butter was selling for 1s 4d a pound, eggs for 2s 9d a score and chickens for around 2s each. Potatoes were between 6d and 8d a stone, while apples cost 1s 8d to 2s.

A temperance meeting was held at the Mission School in Bridgegate, where Mr Austin of the North of England Temperance League and Mr Woodburn, the town missionary, addressed those gathered. The Rev. Mr Hopkinson presided, and several members of the audience signed the temperance pledge before the meeting ended.

Meanwhile, Barnard Castle's Local Board of Health had been discussing how to make lighting the town's streets quicker and cheaper. There were eighty-three gas lamps, and the lamplighter spent two hours lighting them and another two hours putting them out. A Birmingham firm had offered a new system operated by rods, which the Board believed could halve the time needed. The proposed equipment would cost 3s per lamp, excluding the rods, but there was also talk of reducing the lamplighter's wages by two shillings a week. Mr Dawson expressed support on behalf of the Gas Company, and the Board agreed to ask whether the company would contribute towards the improvements.

There were problems in Baliol Street too, where water was regularly standing on the road. The Board's Surveyor, Mr Harrison, had prepared plans for drainage improvements costing £19 3s 10d. Mr Holmes suggested that repairing the channels and altering the levels of the road might provide a cheaper solution, and Harrison was asked to investigate further. Elsewhere, the Inspector was instructed to watch for coal being left on the pavement in Thorngate, following complaints about the obstruction.

The Market Cross had problems of its own. Mr Dawson complained that an entire set of iron railings had been wrenched out of the stonework and carried away. Groups of boys were also gathering around the area and causing annoyance to nearby householders. The Board instructed its Clerk, Mr Lax, to bring both matters to the attention of Superintendent Knox, in the hope that those responsible could be found and punished.

February 1870

February began with concerns about the safety of some of Barnard Castle's oldest possessions. Following the damage to the railings around the Town Hall, the Teesdale Mercury warned that the doors and windows were so poorly secured that someone could potentially break into the town chest. Inside were ancient charters granted by the Baliol family, documents relating to the town's charities and manorial rights, and the old silver seal of the burgesses of Barnard Castle. The newspaper called for better protection before anything valuable disappeared.

There were concerns about the town's poorer residents too. At a meeting of the Barnard Castle Relief Committee, held at the Witham Testimonial at the end of January, members agreed that immediate steps should be taken to help those suffering hardship.

The Mechanics' Institute had more entertainment planned for February. Miss Glyn was advertised to give a reading of Shakespeare's Hamlet at the New Music Hall on Thursday 10 February, with admission ranging from one to three shillings. A special train was even arranged to leave Barnard Castle at half past ten that evening, taking passengers back towards Middleton-in-Teesdale. A few days later, Professor Cristo advertised two nights of ventriloquism, illusions and entertainment, promising forty presents for members of the audience.

On 11 February, Mr Taylor's Dancing School held a ball at the Railway Hotel. Around fifty couples attended the dancing, while fifty-eight couples were served supper by the Misses Allan. The ball was led by Mr F. Law and Miss Peat of Barnard Castle, and the evening received a favourable report.

Away from the entertainments, the River Tees was causing trouble near Waterman Island. Recent flooding had washed away several yards of land on the Durham bank, opposite the island, while damage on the Yorkshire side was even greater. Some trees had already fallen into the river, and others had their roots exposed as the water continued to eat away at the banks. The newspaper warned that further damage was likely if the wet weather continued.

There was an unusual incident on Thursday 17 February, when a dog described as mad was destroyed in Barnard Castle. The brief newspaper notice gave no further details of what had happened.

The following evening, the Barnard Castle Choral Society held a rehearsal of selections from Handel's Messiah at the Music Hall. There was a large audience, with performances by Mr Rideal, Mr G. Bainbridge, Mrs W. J. Watson, Mrs W. Smith, Miss Eliz. Brown and Mr Kenningham, among others.

There was some good news for people sending letters. From Monday 21 February, an additional mailbag was dispatched from Barnard Castle Post Office at 11.50 in the morning, excluding Sundays. Letters could be received without an extra charge until 11.40, while those arriving before 11.45 could still be sent with an additional stamp.

Education also brought some recognition during the month. At the Wesleyan Day School, Mr H. Pease distributed prizes to pupils who had passed examinations connected with the South Durham Pupil Teachers' Association. Among those recognised were J. Leitch, J. Wade and E. Howden, who received prizes according to their examination positions and years of apprenticeship.

March 1870

March began with a little time away from work and lessons in Barnard Castle. Shrove Tuesday fell on 1 March, and some of the town's schools and workshops observed the occasion with a partial holiday.

Anyone looking for somewhere to live had a few interesting properties to choose from. In King Street, a substantial house previously occupied by O. Longstaff junior was being offered to let, complete with a pleasure garden, dining room, drawing room, four bedrooms, gas and running water. Over in Galgate, Miss Lakeland was occupying another large property, owned by Thomas Oliver, with a dining room measuring 33 feet by 16 feet and a garden stretching all the way to Flatts Lane. There was also a shop and dwelling near the Market Cross available, with two plate-glass windows at the front. It had recently been occupied by W. Heslop, a draper, and enquiries were being directed to Mr Bayles, the ironmonger.

The town's water supply was causing considerable argument. Plans for a new reservoir, potentially costing between £1,000 and £1,500, had divided opinion among the ratepayers. One correspondent argued that the existing supply should be used more carefully, pointing to water being wasted while the sewer in Bridgegate was becoming blocked. Another suggested that springs above Galgate could provide water for cleaning the streets and filling cattle troughs, at a fraction of the proposed cost. Even the dust blowing through the streets had become part of the debate, with disagreements over whether it posed a danger to health.

There was an unusual case before the Barnard Castle magistrates involving Robert Carter, who was accused of unlawfully taking game from John Bowes's estate. Sergeant Scott had been on duty near the Market Cross on Sunday 13 March when he heard a gunshot in the direction of Newgate. He went to investigate and later encountered Carter carrying a gun and a game bag containing two hares, one of which was still warm. Carter maintained that he had a licence to shoot, but the police detained his gun and the hares. His representative, Mr Nixon, challenged the legality of the seizure, arguing that it had taken place at the police station rather than on the highway. The magistrates, W. J. S. Morritt and Morley Headlam, adjourned the case for a fortnight so that legal advice could be obtained.

There was plenty of activity at the cattle markets too. At one of Messrs Tarn's sales, 250 head of cattle were offered, attracting farmers and dealers from the surrounding district. The entire offering was sold at good prices. Meanwhile, T. Borrowdale senior of Thorngate was preparing to retire from business and advertised a large collection of finished headstones, ready for lettering, for sale by private agreement.

Work was continuing on the restoration of St Mary's Church. The restoration committee was meeting every Friday evening at Mr Richardson's office in Hall Street, and plans were announced to rebuild the vestry according to the architect's original design. J. D. Holmes of Barnard Castle, who had already contributed towards the work, promised another £20 for the vestry.

At the Mechanics' Institute, the Science and Art Classes received a visit from Lieutenant Cunningham of the Royal Engineers, who examined the teaching and attendance records. The mechanical drawing class, taught by Mr J. Witter, received particular praise. Among the pupils' work was a large Indian-ink drawing of a steam engine by Thomas Patterson, which impressed the committee. Elsewhere, Mr G. Bailey of Barnard Castle had passed the chemistry section of the Cambridge University Local Examination, with his result marked as excellent.

An older mystery was also attracting attention near the town. Human remains had been discovered at Crossberry, and further examination found no signs of clothing, ornaments or a wooden coffin. There were traces of twigs beneath the bones and a piece of flagstone beneath the skull. One suggestion was that the burial might date from a plague outbreak centuries earlier, when fear of infection sometimes prevented bodies being taken to ordinary burial grounds. The discovery brought back references to the terrible plague of 1645, including an old Whorlton parish record describing a child baptised away from Barnard Castle because of the disease. The identity of the person buried at Crossberry remained unknown.

April 1870

The arguments over Barnard Castle's water supply had finally reached the ballot box. After weeks of debate about building an additional reservoir, the town's ratepayers rejected the proposal by 482 votes to 76, a majority of 406 against the scheme. The problems with the existing supply had not disappeared, however. Work was continuing to clear an obstruction in the Bridgegate sewer, while water was escaping at a rate of five gallons a minute near the end of Bridgegate, from a source previously thought to be the castle moat.

There were other disagreements at the Local Board of Health. Robert Hedley of the Shoulder of Mutton Inn complained that John Hunter, a tenant of Mr Webster, had been moving market carts belonging to his customers because they obstructed access to Hunter's house. Hedley maintained that allowing carts to stand outside his inn was a long-established privilege. The Board had no objection to the general practice of carts standing outside inns, but declined to interfere in the rights of either party.

George Longstaff, the town's dustman, had complaints of his own. He was unhappy that the Surveyor, Mr Harrison, had employed Edward Patton for some of the street-watering work instead of giving it to him. The Board agreed that Longstaff should have priority. Later in the meeting, Mr Holmes wanted to know why Galgate had not been watered along with Market Place. Mr Martin explained that the men had already watered Market Place, Newgate and the Bank when the water was turned off for repairs in Bridgegate. Holmes replied, "Yourselves first," drawing laughter from the meeting.

Restoration work at St Mary's Church was gathering support. John Bowes of Streatlam Castle donated a further £400, while the Duke of Cleveland added another £300, bringing his total contribution to £600. By 26 April, the restoration committee was inviting carpenters and joiners to submit tenders for flooring and seating the church, with plans available at the office of R. T. Richardson.

There was a change of business in Horse Market too. John Sinclair announced that he had taken over the long-established whitesmith and bell-hanging business of Mrs Deighton. Sinclair had worked for her for many years and was already familiar with much of the work. He offered to undertake general smithing as well as bell hanging, and was looking for an apprentice.

An interesting discovery was made beside Harmire Road, where men digging drains in a field occupied by R. Arrowsmith, on John Bowes's estate, uncovered an old paved road a few feet beneath the ground. The surface was well preserved and showed signs of considerable use. It was thought to be another section of a Roman road, possibly connected with earlier discoveries near Cleveland Walk and the Gas Works.

The old Easter Fair also came round, although by 1870 it was a much quieter occasion than it had once been. The Teesdale Mercury recalled earlier fairs when the streets were crowded with livestock, stalls, travelling entertainers and people arriving from the surrounding countryside. There had been ballad singers near the  Market Cross, recruiting parties marching with drums and fifes, and travelling shows displaying everything from waxworks to a performing pig. Those days had largely passed. The ancient proclamation was still maintained, but apart from occasional cattle sales, Easter Wednesday had become little different from an ordinary market day.

There was still plenty of social life in the town. The Barnard Castle Club had a spacious room in Newgate, furnished with a billiard table and newspapers including The Times, Punch and the Illustrated London News. It was open daily, except Sundays, from nine in the morning until eleven at night. The Barnard Castle Sacred Harmonic Society also gave its final concert of the season at the Music Hall, performing selections from Handel's Messiah, with Marmaduke Smith among the singers.

The weekly market continued to provide everyday necessities. Butter was selling for 1s 4d a pound, potatoes for between 6d and 8d a stone, and eggs for 1s 3d a score, considerably less than the 2s 9d recorded in January. At the other end of town life, the Board of Guardians recorded 310 people receiving poor relief in the Barnard Castle district during the week ending 2 April, while 134 people were living in the workhouse.

May 1870

May brought the hiring fairs back to Barnard Castle, with farmers and servants gathering in town to arrange employment. The first hiring day was fairly quiet, but the second was expected to be much busier. Messrs Tarn's cattle sale also attracted plenty of attention, with a particularly fine selection of animals on show. Among the other attractions was Wombwell's travelling menagerie, which drew large crowds but was the scene of a frightening accident.

During the evening, a young leopard attacked the daughter of W. J. Watson of Barnard Castle. The incident cast a shadow over the entertainment, although the newspaper later reported that the girl was recovering well. Her father also wrote an account of what had happened.

There was a change taking place at the Railway Hotel on the Bank. Miss Allon was leaving the inn, and Lax and Son advertised an auction of its furniture and fittings for Friday 13 May. Among the items were mahogany tables, chairs, carpets, public-house furniture and a Tudor bedstead with scarlet hangings. Even the glasses, jugs and spittoons were included in the sale.

Another familiar hotel employee had been having a difficult time. Charles Hutchinson, conductor of the King's Head Hotel omnibus, had fallen from his seat onto the stone pavement and been unable to work for a while. Happily, later in May he was reported to have recovered and returned to his usual duties. Mr Parkinson of Demesnes Mill had also suffered an accident, having been badly kicked by his horse.

The Barnard Castle Co-operative Society had better news. At its sixteenth half-yearly meeting, members heard that takings had increased by £100 compared with the previous six months. After expenses, profits stood at £39 8s 6d, and members were awarded a dividend of 1s 8d in the pound on their purchases. The shopwoman, whose name was unfortunately not recorded, received a present of £1 in recognition of her good management.

The annual bazaar at the Congregational Chapel also went well. Held in the schoolroom over several days at the beginning of May, it raised net receipts of approximately £60.

At the Police Court, nineteen Barnard Castle residents were ordered to pay outstanding poor rates, together with costs of 2s 2d each. There was also trouble over carts being left in the town street. John Hunter, an innkeeper, and John Oliver, an ostler, were charged with obstructing the highway by leaving carts standing for an unreasonable length of time. Hunter was fined sixpence and costs, while the case against Oliver was dismissed. In another case, George Kelley, a mason, was fined 2s 6d and costs after a policeman found him lying drunk across a footpath.

Work on St Mary's Church was continuing, but another £300 was still needed to complete the restoration, particularly the benches and fittings inside. A second subscription list had raised £770 5s towards the required £1,070, with substantial contributions from John Bowes and the Duke of Cleveland. The appeal was followed by plans to canvass the town for further donations.

There were improvements elsewhere too. Mr Harrison, the town Surveyor, had overseen drainage and gravel work along the Rock Walk, while the road from Newgate towards the Barracks had been widened to allow vehicles to pass more easily. Harrison was also trying to raise money to bore into the rock at the Spa in the hope of recovering its former mineral-water supply.

With warmer weather approaching, the Teesdale Mercury issued a warning to people bathing in the river. The Gentleman's Hole, near Waterman Island, had been made shallower by gravel the previous year, but winter floods had cleared it again. The pool was now estimated to be twelve to fourteen feet deep, presenting a danger to anyone unable to swim.

The newspaper also found time to challenge a familiar story about Barnard Castle's past. On 25 May, it questioned the popular claim that Oliver Cromwell had bombarded and destroyed the castle from Towler Hill during the Civil War, pointing to historical evidence that the fortress had already been dismantled before the conflict.

June 1870

June brought the sound of military music back to Barnard Castle as the Durham Fusiliers arrived for their annual training. The first recruits marched up from the railway station behind the regimental band, conducted by Mr Woodhams, who also led a performance in Market Place that evening. Later in the month, the main regiment assembled in the town, bringing its strength to around 800 men.

There was sad news at the beginning of the month with the death of Joseph Stephenson, the town's parish clerk, aged 95. He had held the position for more than sixty years and had previously run a shoemaking business in Barnard Castle. In his younger days he had been a bugler in the Teesdale Legion, a volunteer force of around 1,200 men. His bugle calls, sounded from Barnard Castle bridge, were remembered as being heard for miles along the river. Even in his nineties, Stephenson was known for the strength of his voice during church services.

Another familiar piece of old Barnard Castle was being offered for sale. Blagrove's (now Blagraves), the distinctive old building on the Bank beside the entrance to Broadgates, had once been an important inn. The property was remembered as having been kept by the Blagrove family from around 1670 until 1730, and its large cellars cut into the rock beneath the building still recalled its former use. The Teesdale Mercury expressed the hope that whoever purchased it would preserve its unusual appearance.

Down beside the River Tees, the erosion at Flatts Wood was continuing. More land had disappeared near Waterman Island, and several large trees were in danger of falling into the water. The Board of Health had already moved a seat away from the riverbank because the tree beside which it stood was becoming unsafe. With more ground being washed away, it seemed likely that the seat would have to be moved again. The weather had been unusually dry around Barnard Castle, although heavy showers farther up Teesdale were sometimes causing the river to rise unexpectedly.

Thursday 9 June brought the Whitsuntide outings. More than 300 passengers took advantage of a cheap railway excursion to Redcar, including children from the Wesleyan Sunday School. The children spent time on the sands before enjoying tea and cake at the Central Hall. Some of the other passengers continued to Saltburn. The Primitive Methodist Sunday School children had their own outing, walking to a field in Marwood where they played games before sitting down to tea.

The Tees Banks Lodge of Oddfellows also celebrated its thirty-second anniversary on Whit Thursday. Members and friends gathered at the Blue Bell Inn, where Mr and Mrs Herbert provided dinner. Dr Kipling presided over the proceedings, and the secretary, T. Wrightson, reported that the lodge had thirty-six members and was in a healthy financial position. The celebrations continued with speeches, songs and recitations.

Cricket was keeping other residents occupied. Barnard Castle played Mr Bolam's Eleven on the town ground, where good bowling and fielding kept the scores low. Mr Hedley made seventeen runs for Barnard Castle, while G. H. Bailey contributed twelve. Later in the month, Barnard Castle travelled to Richmond, where the home side won by twenty runs.

There were familiar disputes at the Police Court too. Maria Atkinson accused Margaret Graham of threatening her, resulting in Graham being bound over to keep the peace for six months and required to find a surety of £5. James Robinson, a Barnard Castle mason, was fined ten shillings and costs after being found in possession of a hare believed to have been unlawfully obtained.

The town's Horticultural Society was meanwhile planning its summer gala. A guarantee of £50 had been secured, and members discussed music, an evening concert and even a competition between brass bands. The proposed band contest proved too expensive, but the committee agreed to arrange musical entertainment and hoped to hold the show in August.

At the Primitive Methodist Sunday School anniversary, the children gave recitations and sang under the direction of William Longstaff, assisted by Miss S. Berry and Miss M. Robinson. One of the recitations remembered Thomas Dalkin, the former superintendent who had died in January. His name had appeared in the newspapers earlier in the year following his death, and now the children of the school were remembering the man who had helped organise their annual examinations for so many years.

July 1870

The argument over Barnard Castle's water supply had reached the government by July. Despite the ratepayers rejecting a new reservoir earlier in the year, a group of fifty-three residents had signed a petition to the Home Secretary, Henry Austin Bruce, complaining that the town was struggling through the summer drought. Among those putting their names to it were manufacturers, shopkeepers, builders, tradesmen and publicans, including John Hunt, a brewer, Henry Downes, an ironfounder, and Joseph Lee of the Temperance Hotel.

The petition claimed that water was being turned off for more than twenty hours a day, leaving drains inadequately flushed and streets thick with dust. Some households had even returned to using old privies because their water closets could not be kept clean. Doctors James Munro and John Mitchell supported the complaint, warning that the shortage was damaging public health. The Local Board disagreed. Its chairman, W. Watson junior, blamed much of the problem on leaking taps and water closets without proper cisterns, pointing out that an inspection had discovered fifty ordinary taps and forty-seven water closets wasting water. Two other doctors, Henry Walton and William Kipling, supported the Board's position. With both sides maintaining their arguments, the dispute was far from settled.

Meanwhile, something quite extraordinary was beginning to rise from the ground beyond Newgate Street. High walls were being built around a large plot near the Militia Barracks, and the outlines of an impressive new building were becoming visible. The land had been purchased by Mrs Bowes, wife of John Bowes of Streatlam Castle, who intended to create a grand building surrounded by pleasure grounds. It would house valuable paintings and works of art collected by the couple over many years, including treasures brought from France. This was the beginning of the building we now know as the Bowes Museum.

Work was also continuing at St Mary's Church, where subscribers met to discuss buying a new organ. The Rev. F. Brown chaired the meeting, while the Rev. W. B. East explained that £128 had already been raised, with further donations promised and the old organ valued at £70. Mr Raper recommended an instrument made by H. C. Brindley of Sheffield at a cost of £200. The subscribers agreed to proceed, and Brindley was to be invited to inspect the organ chamber. At the time, it was hoped that the church would reopen in October.

The Durham Fusiliers were still bringing plenty of activity to Barnard Castle. Their annual sports took place on the Demesnes, with prizes provided by the officers. Wrestling proved particularly competitive, with Private Lamb winning the prize. The regiment was approaching the end of its annual training, which had brought hundreds of soldiers into the town.

There were outings for other residents too. A railway excursion took passengers from Barnard Castle to Redcar and Saltburn, including schoolchildren and servants from Lartington Hall. Closer to home, Thomas Barnes, a platelayer, had an unusual story to tell. One of his bantam hens had hatched a brood of chicks but then abandoned them and begun laying again. The bantam cock took over looking after the youngsters, carefully performing the duties normally left to the mother.

The River Tees remained a concern. A young Irish boy named Nolan, who lived in Broadgates, narrowly escaped drowning after falling into the water near Low Mill, where repairs were taking place. He was rescued and revived.

Much further upstream, near Waterman Island, the river was continuing to wash away the banks of Flatts Wood. More trees were being undermined, and the Board of Health had already moved a seat away from the edge to prevent it disappearing into the water.

There were also plans to provide somewhere for working men to meet without visiting a public house. Mr Fieldhouse had travelled to Leeds to investigate an establishment known as the British Workman, where men could read, talk and enjoy recreation without buying alcohol. He hoped to introduce something similar in Barnard Castle, with summer excursions and educational classes during the winter.

The town's connections with Charles Dickens were attracting attention as well. A letter published in July repeated a story that Dickens had taken the title Master Humphrey's Clock from the clock outside Mr Humphrey's watchmaking shop in Barnard Castle. The writer also described conversations about the Yorkshire boarding schools which had influenced Nicholas Nickleby. The story was presented as a local recollection, while another newspaper questioned the harsh portrayal of the schoolmaster associated with Dotheboys Hall.

There was quieter news from West Grove School in Galgate. The Rev. W. Darwent, who had appeared in our January advertisements, had temporarily given up his ministerial duties to recover his health. Meanwhile, two women, Miss Blair and Miss S. E. Richardson, were preparing to open a new day school for young ladies in Galgate at the beginning of August.

August 1870

The long, dry summer was beginning to take its toll on Barnard Castle. Pastures had turned brown, crops were suffering, and several streams had dried up. The Newgate springs had been without water for three weeks, something the oldest residents could not remember happening before. The Red Well spring near Harmire was also attracting attention, although for a different reason. Its protective walls had once been improved, trees planted, a seat installed and a stone drinking trough provided with an iron cup. Now the trees had been destroyed, the trough damaged and the cup stolen, leaving the once carefully maintained spring in a sorry condition.

Meanwhile, work was progressing on one of the most ambitious buildings Barnard Castle had ever seen. Mrs Bowes's new mansion, museum and picture galleries were rising beyond Newgate, and in August the Teesdale Mercury published a detailed description of the plans. The building was designed in the French Renaissance style, with a south frontage of approximately 300 feet and two enormous picture galleries, each planned to measure 200 feet long and 45 feet wide. Much of the polished freestone was to come from Dunn House quarries on John Bowes's estate. J. E. Watson was the architect, Joseph Kyle of Newcastle was carrying out the principal construction work, and Barnard Castle builder John Patterson was responsible for boundary and other walls. The newspaper anticipated that even getting the main walls ready for the roof could take another four years or more.

St Mary's Church was also taking shape as restoration work continued. A new stained-glass window had been installed in the south transept in memory of the former vicar, Canon Dugard. Made by Mr Baguley of Newcastle, it depicted Christ giving his charge to Peter and the Good Samaritan. Mr Richardson had donated tiles for the area in front of the chancel, while Sergeant Bain had provided tiles for the south transept. The restoration committee still hoped the church would be ready to reopen within about eight weeks.

There was progress with the long-discussed footbridge across the River Tees at the bottom of Thorngate. One of the difficulties had been securing permission to build on the Startforth side, but the new landowners had now agreed and promised £20 towards the cost. Several designs had been considered, although some were too expensive. At a public meeting on 16 August, a design by Robinson and Ianson of Darlington was chosen. There was still £70 to find, and the committee agreed that the bridge could be ordered once guarantors were secured. After more than a year of fundraising and discussions, the crossing was finally looking likely to become a reality.

There were plans for more houses in Barnard Castle too. The Duke of Cleveland had agreed to make land available for building near Galgate, and proposals were being drawn up for a new road extending northwards from the Horse Market area. Several people had already expressed an interest in acquiring plots for houses.

At Commerce House, Thomas Garbutt announced that he had taken over the business previously occupied by Mr Imeson, who was retiring. Garbutt intended to sell millinery and general drapery goods, with new stock expected in September.

There was plenty happening at the Police Court. William Jones, a weaver of Barnard Castle, was fined ten shillings and costs for unlawfully taking trout from Deepdale Beck. John Hall, a labourer, and Joseph Thompson, a painter, were also convicted of attempting to take trout at the same place. Both were described as previous offenders and fined £2 each, with two months hard labour threatened if they failed to pay. In another case, Thomas Smith, a young miller, was ordered to have his ferocious dog destroyed after allowing it to run loose.

There was sad news from Thorngate, where James Sheldon, aged over seventy-one, was found dead in bed. He had been out the previous day and appeared to be in his usual health, although he had complained of feeling slightly unwell that evening. His death was thought to have resulted from heart disease.

There was happier news beside the Tees, where T. Taylor and J. Atkinson caught a salmon weighing around ten and a half pounds, believed to be the first taken with a rod at Barnard Castle that season. The Church Sunday Schools also enjoyed their annual outing in a field lent by Mr Amos, reached by way of Cleveland Walk and Harmire. The children spent the afternoon playing cricket, racing and jumping before stopping for tea, with pears distributed during the games.

Preparations were also under way for the Barnard Castle Horticultural Society's annual show and gala on Friday 26 August. Excursion trains were advertised, music and an evening concert were planned, and the town's banks announced that they would close at one o'clock for the occasion.

September 1870

September brought some important changes to Barnard Castle. After months of discussions about building a footbridge across the Tees at the foot of Thorngate, the contract was finally signed with Pease, Hutchinson and Co. of Darlington. The new iron bridge was planned to measure 180 feet long, with three spans of sixty feet and stone abutments at either end. Mr Robinson, one of the engineers, was already taking measurements, and work on the foundations was expected to begin shortly.

There was building work elsewhere in the town too. Construction had begun on a new road across the Duke of Cleveland's land adjoining Galgate, extending northwards from Horse Market. A row of houses was expected to follow, with views across Teesdale. Meanwhile, architect John Ross of Darlington was inviting builders to tender for the construction of a new residence for Joseph Dixon of Barnard Castle.

One of the month's biggest occasions was the opening of the new Free Christian Church in Newgate. The building, with its seventy-foot spire, had been erected in memory of George Brown, who had conducted religious services in the town for many years. The Rev. J. C. Street of Newcastle and the Rev. J. E. Carpenter of Leeds preached at the opening services, while a public tea was held at the Music Hall. Sir John Bowring presided over the evening gathering. The church could seat around 200 people, and several Barnard Castle tradesmen had helped build it, including H. Donaldson, the mason, T. Carter, the joiner, and James Jackson, who carried out the painting, glazing and plumbing.

There were changes in the police force as well. Superintendent Knox, whose name had appeared in several of our earlier court cases, was retiring from his position at Barnard Castle. His replacement was Inspector Marley of Chester-le-Street, who received a farewell dinner and a presentation from his former colleagues. Among his gifts were a marble clock and fourteen guineas in gold, while Mrs Marley received a gold brooch.

The Police Court had no shortage of business. George Brunskill, son of George Brunskill of Westerton Gate, was accused of obtaining a brown mare from Martin Atkinson of Stainton by falsely claiming that their fathers had agreed on a sale. Atkinson's son John handed over the horse, believing the arrangement to be genuine. Brunskill later offered the mare to Robert Bell, an engineman, for £25, but the transaction was interrupted when Martin Atkinson appeared and claimed his horse. Brunskill was committed for trial at the Durham Assizes and admitted to bail.

A separate case involved James Benson, who was charged with shooting game out of season on land near Barnard Castle and with a serious assault on Police-constable Wilson using the butt of his gun. The outcome of those charges was not included in the material we have collected.

The town was also contributing to relief efforts for the sick and wounded of the French and Prussian armies. A concert was held at the Music Hall, with local performers including Miss Hunt, Miss Welford, Walter Fieldhouse and Mr Woodhams. The evening raised £7 18s 6d before expenses. The Wesleyan Sunday School celebrated its sixtieth anniversary too, with sermons by the Rev. W. H. Kendall of Ashton-under-Lyne and singing by the children under Mr Taylor's direction.

The long-running arguments about the water supply had still not disappeared. During the government inquiry, Dr Munro described the difficulties at the Militia Barracks, where twelve families, including twenty-four adults and fifteen children, lived permanently. He explained that water sometimes had to be stored in tins and pails, while inadequate flushing of the sewers was causing concern about public health.

There were changes among the town's businesses. Thomas Garbutt, who had taken over Commerce House from Mr Imeson, advertised a large clearance sale of drapery and millinery goods, with dresses, shawls, ribbons and children's clothing offered at reduced prices. Joshua Burn, the grocer, was looking for a young porter who could write and manage a horse and cart.

Work was also advertised on the Market Place, where the Local Board invited tenders for repaving part of the street. By the end of September, Barnard Castle had a new church, a bridge project moving towards construction and a new street beginning to take shape, while its courts, schools and businesses continued with the ordinary affairs of town life.

October 1870

October brought two remarkable escapes involving horses in Barnard Castle. The first happened outside the Railway Hotel on the Bank, where a pony attached to a vehicle was left unattended for a moment. It suddenly bolted down the crowded street towards Mr Carnell's shop, crashing into a pile of barrels containing tar and grease. The barrels saved the shop window, but the pony continued across the road, knocking down an elderly man from the Teesdale Union Workhouse and narrowly missing several other people. Fortunately, the man was not seriously hurt and was able to walk home.

The following morning, a rider leading a second horse through Market Place had an equally lucky escape. His horse shied and fell, rolling onto its back with him still in the saddle. Before he could be crushed, the second horse suddenly pulled away, dragging him clear by the halter he was holding. The rider got to his feet, remounted and continued his journey. The Teesdale Mercury compared the whole performance to a circus act.

The Barnard Castle Agricultural Society's seventy-first annual exhibition was another great occasion. The Castle Garth was filled with visitors, with more than a hundred additional entries compared with previous shows. Horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, grain and dairy produce were all on display. T. H. Hutchinson of Catterick was particularly successful with his Leicester sheep, while D. Neasham of Gainford collected several prizes for cattle. John Bowron of West Park, Cotherstone, won first prize for his new milk cheese, and J. Addison of Demesnes House took second prize for plain butter. The fine turnips attracted attention too, particularly as greenfly had caused so much damage to crops during the season. Afterwards, the society's dinner was held at the King's Head Hotel, where Mr J. Smith provided the meal.

A disagreement over a day at the Barnard Castle Flower Show had also reached the County Court. Sarah Ann Procter of Barnard Castle had been working as a domestic servant for Robert Binks of Winston Hill Top since May. She had been allowed to attend the August flower show on condition that she returned to work on the Friday evening, but did not return until Sunday. Sarah claimed she had received a message telling her not to come back, while Binks maintained that she had broken their agreement and that he had been obliged to hire another servant. Her mother, also called Sarah Procter, had tried unsuccessfully to recover her daughter's wages. The judge decided that the younger Sarah had broken her contract and found in favour of Binks.

There were other cases before the magistrates. George Thompson Gibson of the Red Lion Inn was fined one shilling and costs for permitting gambling, while Christopher Dawson of the Oak Tree in Bridgegate was cautioned and dismissed over a similar offence. Three young men, Isaac Waistell, John Hobson and Thomas Quin, were also brought before the court for obstructing the footpath near Mr Herbert's shop in Bridgegate. Their fines ranged from half a crown to £1, with John Hobson receiving the largest penalty.

One of the more extraordinary pieces of news to reach Barnard Castle that autumn had travelled through the air. By September, the Prussian army had surrounded Paris, cutting off the usual roads and railways. With no ordinary way to send letters out, the French postal service began using large balloons filled with gas. They carried a pilot and sacks of mail over the enemy lines, although nobody could steer them. Once in the air, they were largely at the mercy of the wind, and the hope was that they would land somewhere safe enough for the letters to continue their journey by post.

It was through this remarkable service that Mrs Bowes received letters at Streatlam Castle, written in Paris on 29 September. They brought welcome news that the family's Paris residence and the building housing much of their valuable art collection were safe, with precautions being taken against fire. While the new Bowes Museum was rising in Barnard Castle, the treasures intended for it were still being watched over in a city under siege.

At St Mary's Church, another part of the restoration was being settled. The old organ, which had been valued at £70 during the summer fundraising discussions, had been sold to the Rev. W. Bowman of Gainford for £45. Meanwhile, the Barnard Castle Choral Society was beginning its new season, with Walter Fieldhouse presiding at the first meeting and Mr W. Raper reappointed conductor. The members planned to practise music from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus and Haydn's The Seasons.

The town also received news of the death of one of its most accomplished former residents. Thomas Ewbank, born in Barnard Castle in 1792, had died in New York on 16 September at the age of seventy-eight. He had begun as an apprentice to Mr Cust, a local plumber and shot maker, before leaving England and building a career in America as an inventor, manufacturer and scientific writer. In 1849 he had become Commissioner of Patents in the United States. Despite spending much of his life abroad, Ewbank had maintained his connections with relatives in Barnard Castle.

There was some welcome news after the long summer drought. The Newgate springs, which had dried up in August, were flowing again. The Mechanics' Institute was preparing to restart its Penny Readings, and the National Schools were arranging to resume their evening classes. Barnard Castle's grocers were even discussing closing their shops at seven o'clock, although no agreement had yet been announced. The town was also hoping for a new Post Office telegraph service, but the necessary work on the telegraph poles meant that its introduction would have to wait until the following year.

November 1870

November brought an extraordinary sight to Barnard Castle Bridge. Two heifers belonging to Mr Lawson of Doe Park, near Cotherstone, were being driven into town for the Wednesday market when one took fright at a little girl wearing light-coloured clothes. The animal leapt straight over the bridge parapet, falling at least fifty feet into the River Tees below. Mr Lawson watched it disappear into the water before its head appeared again and it began swimming towards the Yorkshire bank. With help from bystanders, the frightened heifer was brought ashore near the Tram Wall, apparently without serious injury. Its companion had meanwhile galloped through Bridgegate and down Thorngate before swimming across the river itself. Both animals were eventually reunited in a field belonging to Robert Harrison.

The river had been particularly lively after the heavy October rains. Salmon were making their way upstream in remarkable numbers, drawing spectators to the mill weirs and rapids around Barnard Castle. At the salmon leap on the Greta near Rokeby Hall, the fish were described as crowding together as they struggled up the narrow passage. Anglers were also enjoying an excellent season, with trout said to be larger and more plentiful than many could remember.

Another frightening incident occurred near Harmire, where a cow belonging to Mr W. Heslop took fright at the railway crossing. It ran wildly for some distance before collapsing and dying from exhaustion. There had also been trouble on Guy Fawkes Night, when somebody threw a cracker beneath the nose of the Richmond carrier's horse in Market Place. The animal was only just prevented from bolting into the crowded street.

There was exciting news for the town's sportsmen. At a meeting in the Witham Testimonial, chaired by the Rev. W. B. East, it was unanimously agreed to establish a Barnard Castle Football Club. Mr Newby Watson became secretary and Mr J. C. Tilburn treasurer. The members soon played their opening game, refusing to be put off by the poor weather. The cricket club had also brought its season to a close with a dinner at Mr Barningham's Turk's Head Inn, attended by a large gathering of members and supporters.

At St Mary's Church, the long restoration was finally coming to an end. The work was reported complete, and the new organ, built by Mr Brindley of Sheffield, was being installed. It had two manuals, a separate pedal organ and large decorated pipes extending into the north transept. The church was to remain closed while the interior was prepared, with the reopening arranged for Thursday 8 December. The Bishop of Durham was expected to preach at the morning service, followed by the vicar, Rev. F. Brown, in the evening.

The new Free Christian Church in Newgate was experiencing a change of its own, just weeks after opening. The Rev. E. W. Hopkinson and his family were leaving Barnard Castle for Oxton in Cheshire. Members of the congregation gathered in the schoolroom to say farewell, with John Carter, W. Metcalf and others expressing their appreciation of his work. Mrs Hopkinson also received a parting gift from the ladies of the congregation.

The Barnard Castle Co-operative Society was preparing to celebrate its eighth anniversary with a public tea meeting at the Music Hall. The society had continued to make progress, and the committee hoped that more working men would take an interest in the benefits of co-operative shopping. There were also discussions among local people about changing the traditional servant-hiring arrangements. An attempt to hold the hiring of female servants indoors had met with little success, and most still gathered near the Market Cross on hiring days.

There were some changes among the town's businesses. On 22 November, Thomas and William Dalkin announced the dissolution of their rope-making partnership. Both intended to continue in business separately, while George Bainbridge, a law writer in Galgate, was appointed to deal with the former firm's accounts. Elsewhere, Joshua Burn was advertising newly arrived teas from two shillings a pound, while Thomas Bradley of Market Place offered Cumberland bacon, Wiltshire bacon and leaf lard.

The new road extending from Horse Market towards the Flatts was also attracting criticism. Mr Harrison, the town surveyor, was unhappy with its gradients and construction, raising concerns before it was opened to traffic. Meanwhile, Superintendent Marley, who had only recently arrived in Barnard Castle, was given an additional responsibility as inspector of lodging houses.

Work was progressing at the new footbridge below Thorngate too. One Sunday, several boys climbed onto a raft being used by the bridge builders, and one accidentally fell into the Tees. Fortunately, he managed to scramble out, escaping with nothing worse than a soaking.

Towards the end of the month, the Barnard Castle Temperance Society secured the former Broadgates Chapel as a temperance hall. Mr Winpenny and Mr Woodburn spoke at the opening meeting, with further lectures planned for the winter. The Mechanics' Institute had hoped to celebrate its anniversary with a soirée, but the event was abandoned when suitable speakers could not be obtained.

By the end of November, Barnard Castle was preparing for a particularly important day. After months of building work, fundraising and new fittings, St Mary's Church was finally ready to welcome its congregation back in December.

December 1870

December was an important month for St Mary's Church in Barnard Castle. After months of restoration work, the church was being prepared for its reopening on Thursday 8 December, with the Bishop of Durham expected to preach in the morning and the Rev. F. Brown in the evening. But there was already an argument brewing over who would be allowed inside. The restoration committee had decided to issue tickets, giving priority to parishioners, subscribers and those involved in the work. Some residents objected to the idea of needing a ticket to enter their own parish church. A member of the committee defended the arrangement in a lengthy letter dated 6 December, arguing that opening the doors to everyone at once could cause a rush for seats and leave elderly people and regular worshippers unable to get inside.

There was also something new for the town's football enthusiasts. The Barnard Castle Football Club, formed only the previous month, played a match against the Teesdale Wanderers in a field lent by Mr J. Hedley. The visiting side, made up of players from Whorlton and Darlington, had nine men against Barnard Castle's thirteen. Play began at half past two, with the home team facing both the wind and the rising ground. They managed to keep the Wanderers from scoring, and after changing ends gained the advantage themselves. G. N. Watson eventually scored a goal from a catch, giving Barnard Castle a 1–0 victory when the match finished at half past four.

The Music Hall continued to provide entertainment as Christmas approached. Mr Taylor held his annual ball on 8 December, with a large attendance and music supplied by Mr Woodhams' Quadrille Band. Another visitor was being advertised for Thursday 15 December, when the distinguished reader J. M. Bellew was due to appear at the Music Hall. Tickets ranged from one shilling to three shillings, and the reserved seats were already attracting considerable interest.

There were changes among the town's tradespeople too. William Dalkin announced that he was continuing the rope-making business of his late father, Thomas Dalkin, at the family's established premises in Horse Market. His father had carried on the trade for many years, and William promised to maintain the same standards and reasonable prices. In Market Place, Mr J. Harris was advertising an extensive selection of wines and spirits supplied by W. & A. Gilbey, while Thomas Carnell, on the Bank, offered everything from gin and whisky to old cognac brandy. Joshua Burn's shop in Horse Market was selling new-season teas, including family tea at three shillings a pound and Assam mixture at four shillings.

At the Raby Hotel, St Catherine's Day had been celebrated with a supper, Mr T. Bailey taking the chair and Joseph Neville acting as vice-chairman. The Temperance Hall was also being put to use. Mr Powell of London delivered a lecture comparing the Franco-German War with the struggle against intemperance, and several people signed the pledge at the end of the evening.

Christmas Day brought music into the streets, with the choirs of the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist chapels walking through Barnard Castle singing anthems and other seasonal pieces. At the Teesdale Union Workhouse, the inmates had their customary Christmas treat. The dining hall, boardroom and wards were decorated with holly and evergreens, all arranged by the inmates themselves, with the different wards competing to produce the best decorations.

Dinner was roast beef and plum pudding, followed later by tea and fruit bread. Mr Hall, one of the Guardians, provided tobacco for the older inmates, while an unnamed benefactor from the town sent figs for the children. Several leading gentlemen of Barnard Castle visited during dinner, and the occasion offered a welcome change from the ordinary routine of workhouse life.

The Congregational Sunday School also held its annual tea meeting, attended by around 200 people. Mrs Reed, Mrs Allenby and a number of other ladies helped preside over the tables, while the Rev. W. Darwent, the Rev. W. Fern and several local gentlemen addressed the gathering. The singing class provided music, accompanied on the harmonium by R. T. Woodhams, and the scholars enjoyed their own Christmas treat.

Even the town's letter carrier had something to offer as the year came to an end. Richard Pearson produced a Christmas poem reflecting on the passing seasons, the events of 1870 and the work of the postman, whose annual verses were traditionally rewarded with small presents from appreciative households. He finished by wishing his readers a happy Christmas and hoping that 1871 would bring brighter prospects.

And so another year drew to a close in Barnard Castle, a town where new buildings were rising, old ones were being restored, businesses were changing hands, and everyday life continued around the Market Cross, the shops, the chapels and the River Tees.

The shops, businesses and people of Barnard Castle in 1870

There were plenty of familiar names around Barnard Castle in 1870, although very few would mean much to someone walking through the town today. Some families had been trading for generations, while others were opening shops, taking over businesses or advertising for apprentices.

We've found grocers, butchers, shoemakers, dressmakers, ironfounders, chemists, innkeepers and quite a few other trades. Some advertised their prices, others left their names in property sales, court cases or town meetings. Together, they give us a much better picture of the people who lived and worked in Barnard Castle.

Shops, grocers and clothing

Joshua Burn – Horse Market. Grocer and tea and coffee merchant. He sold teas from 2s a pound, roasted coffee on his premises and advertised paraffin and Crown Lamp Oil.

James Harris – Market Place. Grocer and local agent for W. & A. Gilbey, selling wines and spirits including port, sherry and Marsala.

Jonathan Dawson – Market Place. Wine and spirit merchant, with an extensive selection of imported wines.

Byrne's Outfitting Establishment – Market Place. Sold overcoats, suits, children's Knickerbocker suits and strong clothing for farm servants.

Thomas Bradley – Market Place. Bacon dealer selling Cumberland bacon, Wiltshire bacon and leaf lard.

H. Railton – Market Place. Confectioner who advertised apricot pulp for making jam and marmalade.

Thomas Carnell – the Bank. Druggist, grocer and wine and spirit dealer, whose shop also featured in the story of a runaway pony in October.

Thomas Garbutt – Commerce House. Took over the premises previously occupied by Mr Imeson, advertising millinery, dresses, shawls and other drapery goods.

W. Heslop – near the Market Cross. Draper who had previously occupied a substantial shop with two plate-glass windows. The premises were being advertised to let in March.

Jonathan Hall – Barnard Castle. Chemist, tea dealer and foreign wine merchant, advertising his Eagle Wine Stores.

John Davis – Barnard Castle. Grocer.

Robert Arrowsmith – Barnard Castle. Butcher and game dealer.

James Peacock – Barnard Castle. Butcher.

William Smith – the Bank. Butcher and game dealer, occupying premises advertised for sale towards the end of the year.

J. M. Marshall – Market Place. Advertised Howe sewing machines and was also described as a draper.

Other drapers named during 1870 included Joseph Dixon, M. J. Dixon, William Dixon, John Parkinson and Thomas Pulman junior. We have their names and trades, but not yet their individual shop addresses.

Inns, hotels and public houses

Barnard Castle had a good number of places to stop for a drink, a meal or a night's accommodation. Some offered considerably more than that.

New Waterloo Inn – George Dalston. Sold ale and porter, including Tetley's and Dawson & Co.'s beers. He also advertised horses and cabs for hire and a hearse for funerals.

King's Head Hotel – Mr J. Smith. Named as the host when the Barnard Castle Agricultural Society held its dinner following the October show. Its omnibus driver, Charles Hutchinson, was injured in an accident in May.

Turk's Head Inn – Mr Barningham. Hosted property auctions and the Barnard Castle Cricket Club's end-of-season dinner.

Shoulder of Mutton Inn – Robert Hedley. Appeared before the Local Board of Health over a disagreement concerning market carts standing outside the inn.

Railway Hotel – the Bank. Miss Allon was leaving the premises in May, and furniture and public-house fittings were advertised for auction.

Blue Bell Inn – Mr and Mrs Herbert. Hosted the Tees Banks Oddfellows' anniversary dinner in June.

Red Lion Inn – George Thompson Gibson. Named in an October court case concerning gambling.

Oak Tree – Bridgegate. Christopher Dawson was named in another gambling case heard in October.

Temperance Hotel – Joseph Lee. A stopping place for visitors and the venue where travelling dentist J. M. De Lacey attended patients.

Raby Hotel. Hosted a St Catherine's Day supper, with Mr T. Bailey as chairman and Joseph Neville as vice-chairman.

Two further publicans appear in our records without confirmed inn names: John Hunter and Robert Robinson. Bernard Minikin also kept a beerhouse in the town.

Craftsmen, workshops and manufacturers

Not everyone worked behind a shop counter. Barnard Castle had people making furniture, shoes, ropes, machinery and all manner of things needed in the town and surrounding countryside.

George Moore – the Bank. Boot and shoemaker who made footwear to order, carried out repairs and used a sewing machine in his work.

John Sinclair – Horse Market. Whitesmith and bell-hanger who took over the established business of Mrs Deighton and advertised for an apprentice.

William Dalkin – Horse Market. Rope manufacturer who continued the established business of his late father, Thomas Dalkin.

George Dodds – Market Place. Cabinet maker and upholsterer, trading from the former premises of G. Monkhouse.

John White – Barnard Castle. Joiner, cabinet maker and upholsterer, selling furniture, mirrors, bedsteads and household furnishings.

W. Rudd & Sons – Steam Corn Mills. Corn millers who advertised Indian meal for feeding horses, cattle and pigs.

William Smith & Sons – Barnard Castle. Agricultural implement makers selling an improved grass-cutting machine for £15.

Tees Mineral Water Company – Queen Street. Manufactured soda water, potash water, lemonade, gingerade and lime juice cordial, and bottled ales and stout.

Francis Henry Rahn – Queen Street. Lemonade and soda-water merchant who obtained permission to sell beer for consumption away from the premises.

Charles Chipchase – Newgate Street. Based at Cotherstone but operated a Barnard Castle warehouse selling agricultural equipment, including ploughs, harrows and chaff cutters.

Henry Downes – Barnard Castle. Ironfounder who advertised for an apprentice.

Thomas Cleasby – the Bank. Coach builder, advertising a two-wheel dogcart.

T. Borrowdale senior – Thorngate. Sold finished headstones as he prepared to retire from business.

John M. Moore – the Bank. Sewing-machine agent and dealer.

W. W. Woodhams & Son – Galgate. Sold, hired, tuned and repaired pianofortes and advertised a harmonium suitable for a church or chapel.

John Patterson – Barnard Castle. Builder employed on the boundary walls and other masonry associated with the new Bowes Museum.

Benjamin Hepworth – Barnard Castle. Builder and contractor, also involved in plastering work at St Mary's Church.

Among the other tradespeople recorded were Stephen Kirtley, wood turner; John Kirtley, millwright; Thomas Clark, wheelwright; John Thompson, clogmaker; Henry Barlow, woolcarder; Thomas Bell and William Softly, ironmongers; Reuben Railton, jeweller; and Joseph T. Bainbridge, photographer.

Doctors, chemists and professional people

Dr James Munro. Local doctor and assistant surgeon to the Durham Fusiliers, who also gave evidence concerning the town's water supply.

Dr John Mitchell. Medical practitioner who was particularly concerned about the effects of insufficient water and inadequate flushing of sewers.

Henry Walton. Surgeon and medical practitioner, whose name appears in both court proceedings and the water-supply debate.

William Kipling. Medical practitioner, also connected with the Tees Banks Oddfellows as medical officer.

C. B. Martin. Chemist selling medicines and other preparations.

John Badcock. Chemist and active participant in the town's public affairs.

J. M. De Lacey. Visiting dentist who saw patients at Mr Lee's Temperance Hotel. His permanent practice was in Northgate, Darlington.

Messrs Parker. Visiting dentists from Newcastle who advertised appointments at Mrs Atkinson's in Galgate.

R. W. Atkinson. Bookseller and stationer, selling books, writing inks, playing cards, diaries, school supplies and other goods.

G. V. Howson – Market Place. Printer who advertised for an apprentice.

W. Ward. Bookseller and retailer of writing inks.

R. T. Richardson. Solicitor involved in property transactions and the restoration of St Mary's Church.

John Nixon and James Kirby. Solicitors whose names appear in the town's records.

T. Tarn & Son and Lax & Son. Auctioneers regularly advertising sales of livestock, property, furniture and farming equipment.

Schools, churches and education

Rev. William Darwent – West Grove School, Galgate. Provided boarding education for boys and day schooling for both sexes, with subjects including Latin, Greek, French and arithmetic. Mrs Darwent also offered pianoforte lessons.

Miss Blair and Miss S. E. Richardson – Galgate. Opened a day school for young ladies during 1870 and continued teaching after the Christmas holidays.

Rev. F. Brown. Vicar of St Mary's Parish Church during its extensive restoration.

Rev. E. W. Hopkinson. Minister associated with the new Free Christian Church in Newgate, who left Barnard Castle later in the year.

G. H. Bailey. Teacher of chemistry at the Mechanics' Institute.

J. Witter. Teacher of elementary and mechanical drawing.

Mr Rideal. Teacher of freehand drawing.

W. Raper. Musical conductor involved with the Choral Society and the new organ for St Mary's.

Some familiar faces around the town

William Watson junior. Chairman of the Local Board of Health during the arguments over the water supply.

Mr Harrison. The town surveyor, dealing with roads, drainage, street watering and other public improvements.

George Longstaff. The town dustman, who became involved in a disagreement over the allocation of street-watering work.

Superintendent Knox. Long-serving police superintendent who left his Barnard Castle position during 1870.

Superintendent Marley. His successor, who was also appointed to inspect the town's lodging houses.

John Monkhouse. Postmaster and a familiar name in the Mechanics' Institute.

George C. Lee. Railway agent who was also active in organising local events.

Joseph Stephenson. Parish clerk for more than sixty years and a former shoemaker, who died in 1870 at the age of 95.

Richard Pearson. Letter carrier whose Christmas verses appeared at the end of the year.

Charles Hutchinson. Driver of the King's Head Hotel omnibus, who recovered after falling from the vehicle in May.

These are just some of the names that appear during our year in Barnard Castle. There were many more farmers, labourers, servants, railway workers, schoolchildren and families whose lives we come across in the monthly stories above.

Their names might have disappeared from the shopfronts and street signs, but for a little while in 1870, these were the people going about their daily lives in Barnard Castle.

Sources and research

Most of the research for this page has come from old editions of the Teesdale Mercury, which I've worked through month by month. I've also used records from The National Archives and notes from our previous research into Barnard Castle and the surrounding area.

It's been fascinating coming across the names of old shopkeepers, reading what was happening around the town and finding little stories that might otherwise have been forgotten.

A big thank you to everyone behind the Teesdale Mercury Archive for making these old newspapers freely available. It's a fantastic resource and one that helps keep Teesdale's history accessible to everyone.

Explore more of Barnard Castle's history

If you've enjoyed looking back at Barnard Castle in 1870, there's plenty more of the town's history to discover. We've spent a lot of time researching some of the buildings and places mentioned throughout the year.

Barnard Castle Market Cross

Discover the history of the Butter Market, which had already been standing for more than 120 years in 1870.

The Story of the Bowes Museum

Read about John and Joséphine Bowes and the remarkable museum that was only beginning to take shape in 1870.

Thorngate Bridge, Barnard Castle

Follow the story of the original Victorian footbridge, the disastrous flood of 1881 and the green bridge standing there today.

Blagraves House, The Bank

The history of one of Barnard Castle's oldest buildings, which was advertised for sale during 1870.

How Barnard Castle Grew

Discover how the town developed over the centuries, from its earliest beginnings to the arrival of the railway and the Victorian buildings we still recognise today.

You can also return to our Barnard Castle town guide to explore more of the town's history, walks and places to visit.