Barnard Castle in 1900: A Year in the Life of the Town

January 1900

Barnard Castle began the new year with a terrible discovery in Well Yard. On New Year's Day, Mr J. Nixon, the relieving officer, called at the home of 73-year-old Margaret Dalston to deliver her parish relief. When nobody answered, the police were summoned and the door was forced open. Miss Dalston was found dead beside her fireplace, having suffered terrible burns. She lived alone and had last been seen around eight o'clock the previous evening, apparently in good health. It was thought that she had collapsed and fallen towards the fire. An inquest was arranged to investigate what had happened.

Elsewhere, Barnard Castle was changing. The Teesdale Mercury reported considerable improvements around Newgate and the higher parts of town, where Mr Hepworth and Mr Lumley had been replacing old, poorly ventilated houses with more comfortable modern homes. Work was continuing on property formerly owned by the Rev. A. W. Headlam, while Mr Lumley had plans to develop a nearby market garden into building plots. There was certainly demand for new housing, with thirty applications already received for houses that were not yet finished.

The town's manufacturing industry was doing well too. At the annual workmen's dinner of William Smith and Son, held at the King's Head Hotel and reported at the beginning of January, Mr W. J. Watson praised the firm's remarkable success. Its street-sweeping machines were now being used across Europe, with the company's name appearing in places such as Paris, Marseilles, Nice, Genoa and Florence. Watson believed that businesses like Smith and Son, together with the shoe-thread factory, were essential to Barnard Castle's future, providing employment and helping the town to prosper.

There was a change at the Barnard Castle Gas Light Company, where Mr Robert Wood was appointed secretary following the resignation of Mr J. J. Bailey. Wood had spent twenty-five years working for solicitors W. and W. J. Watson, including many years as private secretary to the late Colonel Watson. His new appointment would require his full attention.

One subject still causing arguments was the town's water supply. At the Urban District Council, Mr Richardson complained that earlier instructions concerning the reservoir's standpipe had not been followed. He had consulted an engineer from Darlington and Dr Sevier, both of whom believed that spring water should always pass through the reservoir rather than flow directly into the town. They argued that the movement of fresh water helped prevent stagnation and kept the supply fit for drinking. Richardson even described waterworks he had visited in Nice, France, to support his case. The Chairman made some remarks about what he called "fads", and the discussion eventually ended.

There was a special occasion at St Mary's Catholic Church, which reopened following extensive interior decoration. Atkinson Brothers of Newcastle had transformed the sanctuary with rich colours, painted panels of angels and a new stained-glass window depicting the Crucifixion, St John and the Virgin Mary. Beneath the window were the words, "Pray for the donor, Ellen Harding, 1899." The masonry work had been carried out by Mr B. Wilson of Barnard Castle. Special services were held, with sermons by the Rev. M. Maher from Stonyhurst College, while Miss Mary Smith played the organ and Mr John Smith directed the choir.

Education was also developing. At Spring Grove, Baliol School offered boarding and day education for girls under Miss Skeat and Miss Auld, both highly qualified teachers. A kindergarten and preparatory school for younger boys and girls had been introduced the previous September, and parents could request a prospectus or visit the principals on Thursday afternoons.

There was plenty happening in Galgate. No. 72, a substantial house and shop belonging to John George Welford, was offered for auction on 26 January. The property had three bay windows, five bedrooms, a workshop and thirty feet of frontage. Despite a good attendance, bidding reached only £670, offered by solicitor J. W. B. Heslop, and the property was withdrawn. Elsewhere, someone was searching for premises suitable for a bicycle-making business, while M. J. Dixon's annual sale offered bargains on overcoats, blankets, mantles and furs.

At the Police Court, fifteen-year-old Sylvester Parkin was accused of breaking wooden fencing belonging to Lord Barnard near the gasworks. When challenged, he had given his name as "Albion Evans", although the police soon established his real identity. Parkin claimed the rails were already broken and lying in the snow, but the magistrates fined him ten shillings, including costs and damage.

Another case involved William Lionel Metcalfe of Streatlam Grange Farm, where fourteen out of fifteen sheep examined were found to have sheep scab. Metcalfe insisted he had not known they were infected and believed the person who sold them should be responsible. Nevertheless, he was fined £2, including costs.

The war in South Africa was affecting local families too. The 3rd Durham Light Infantry, Barnard Castle's militia battalion, was on its way towards the front. Lieutenant R. L. Surtees had even given up an appointment with the Egyptian Police to accompany his battalion on active service.

There was time for sport and entertainment as well. At Rokeby, Mr Kidston hosted a well-attended coursing meeting, providing valuable prizes for the competitors and tenant farmers. A greyhound named Devil It All won the Rokeby Cup, while Merry Mood took the Greta Bridge Stakes. The gathering ended with dinner at the Morritt Arms Hotel.

Meanwhile, Barnard Castle Moor Wesleyan Chapel welcomed singers from Middleton-in-Teesdale for a concert of anthems, solos and duets, followed by supper provided by local women. The following Sunday brought special services, with the proceeds helping towards chapel improvements.

January had brought a mixture of progress and tragedy to Barnard Castle. New homes were being built, local businesses were finding customers far beyond Teesdale, and familiar arguments about water, property and everyday life continued around the town.