1900

1900 Jan 6th.
JOTTINGS Mrs. Nellie Parkin has collected in her Reserve Fund Box, at the George and Dragon Hotel, the sum of £1/18/6, which will go to the wives of the Crowle Reserves.

1900 Jan 20th.
LINCOLNSHIRE SUPERSTITIONS AND LEGENDS (from ‘Jacksons’ Brigg Annual).
A native of the Isle of Axeholme, about ten years ago remarked to a neighbour with whom she was discussing the failings of her employer: “But he might drink just as hard as he duz noo, and aail nowt, if he naailed three hoss-shoes to his bed-head, then he’d niver be troubled wi’ talkin ower an’ seein’ things.”

A spectre dog with a coal-black hide and glaring saucer-eyes had an affection for burial grounds, and used to haunt the graveyard at Northorpe, near Kirton Lindsey, in the first half of the present century. It is believed that he and his congeners in other parts of England are in reality the traditionally remembered ghosts of animals formally enclosed in walls, or interred under the foundations of the church near where they roam.

Boggards at times appear in the bovine form. The Lackey Causey ghost is reported to have come out of a tunnel over a small stream into the road between Wrawby and Brigg, with the purposes of enticing people into the water, is a white calf, sometimes said to be without a head. A few years ago a white calf was to be seen near Tupholme Priory.

Apparitions in the likeness of hares and rabbits are not infrequent in Lincolnshire. White ones are more especially connected with misfortune than other phantoms, and are the servants of the devil in disguise.

The following are signs of death:- If a cock crows at midnight. If, instead of ringing a peal, the passing bell is tolled. If a cart is heard to stop at a door, but nothing can be seen, hence its name, “The death cart.” If a lamp breaks without being struck when the lamp is not lit.

If a curious cinder falls out of the fire, and it crackle, you may be happy, you will be rich, and is called a purse; if it gives no sound, it foretells a decease, and is called a coffin.

If a candle ‘gutters’ towards you, you must wish, and the wish will become true; but if it gutters the contrary way, it is a winding sheet, and its meaning plain. If a bright spark is in the wick, you may expect a letter.

In Lincolnshire everyone should bow to the sight of the new moon in the new year, to make sure of good luck in the ensuing moon-time. A girl who wishes to know when she will marry should tie a new silk handkerchief over her eyes and look at the new year’s Queen of Night through it, and she will see as many moons as years will elapse before she becomes a wife.

Seed sowing during a moon that came on a Sunday and went out on a Sunday will never come to much.

A moonlight Christmas, a light harvest.

If the soot hangs in flakes on the bars, a stranger is about to visit you.

To remove a wart, rub it with a snail, and hang the snail on a tree, as it decays so will the wart. To cure the thrush or frog, put a frog in a bag and let the child suck it to death.

To cure St Vitus’ dance, drink the water in which mistletoe berries have been boiled.

To cure the ague, bury an egg at midnight on three successive nights at the nearest cross roads – always a weird place, in rural opinion, from bygone burials of suicides there – the ague disappearing with the egg.

Another Lincolnshire cure was to take a lock of the afflicted one’s hair to a thorn or aspen, and hanging it there, at the same time shaking the tree and exclaiming “Shake good tree, shake for so-and-so.” I tie my hair to the aspen tree, Dither and shake instead of me.

1900 Mar 10th
JOTTINGS
Records in egg production have been made at Althorpe, by the Trent, during the past week. On the day on which Ladysmith was relieved, a goose belonging to Mr. J.J. Brown, was relieved of an egg of enormous size. It measures 18 ½ by 12 ½ . It is now on exhibition, and the following inscription is appended: “Ladygoose relieved, March 1st, after a high tide.” Everything seems to be infected with “War” just now.

1900 Apr 28th
A LINCOLNSHIRE BURIAL SCANDAL. Gruesome Details.
At the annual meeting of the Belton Parish Council, the report of the committee appointed to make investigations into the alleged burial scandal was received. The committee had interviewed the Sexton, who admitted that remains had been disinterred while preparing the graves in the old church ground for recent interments. The sexton further admitted that it was impossible to dig a grave in the old churchyard without disturbing coffins or remains. In one case, they were informed, when a grave was dug, a large heap of human remains was then taken out and placed next to the church wall, only partly covered with earth, and presenting a sickening sight to those attending the funeral. After the interment, these remains were thrown into the grave unceremoniously, though some remained, and were carted with the gravel to repair a certain farmyard. In another case, when digging a grave, on reaching a coffin, a portion was chopped off on one side, which was collected together and laid aside until after the funeral, when it was redeposited. On another occasion, a body was exhumed to make room for another interment. The sexton also admitted that two persons recently buried were very little more than two feet from the surface, owing to coming into contact with other coffins, and that where there appeared to be vacant spaces he found the ground occupied. – The committee strongly recommended that application be made to the Secretary of State for an order of Council closing the churchyard, except unoccupied graves or vaults. – The report was unanimously adopted.

[See Removal of Human Remains at Belton. Police Court Proceedings. 1900 Aug 11th]

1900 May 19th
EPWORTH PETTY SESSIONS
Cyril Whitely, Charles Stowe, and George Duffield, of Crowle, youths, were charged with throwing stones contrary to bye-laws, at Crowle, on the 29th of April. The lads promised it should not occur again and were discharged on payment of cost.

1900 May 26th
EARL MANVERS COURT
The Court Leet of our Sovereign Lady the Queen, and customary Court Baron of the Rt. Hon. Earl Sidney, Wm Herbert, Earl Manvers, Lord of the Manor of Crowle, was held on Thursday May 24th, 1900, at the Darby and Joan Hotel, Crowle. The jurymen having assembled, Mr. Marsh announced that they now had a new Lord of the Manor, successor to the late Earl, and he hoped the jury would meet him at Crowle. They would find him one of the most straightforward of men, and a worthy successor to his predecessor. Mr. Marsh then declared the old jury dismissed and the new one sworn in. After this, the company, numbering over 40, sat down to a splendid dinner. All the savoury delicacies in season were placed before the guests, and the waiting was up to the standard for which Hostess Cranidge is noted. The repast was thoroughly appreciated, and when over the “toast and harmony” came on. Mr. Ross, in stirring and loyal terms, proposed the “Health of the Queen and the Royal Family.” Mr. Ross referred to the Queen’s recent visit to Ireland, and the enthusiastic reception she received there, and the eulogies paid by Mr. Ross to Her Majesty were heartily acknowledged by the company. In complimentary terms R.W. Wroot gave the toast of “Earl Manvers” which was enthusiastically received. In a fitting speech which touched upon the war in South Africa, Mr. Ross proposed the “Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces.” Needless to say, his toast was drunk in a befitting manner. “The health of the jury” was given by Mr.Wroot, and on behalf of the jurymen Mr. Prendergast responded. Harmony was then contributed by the following:-

Mr. S. Poppleton, “Soldiers of the Queen” and “Queen of the Earth;” Mr. Gibson, “Union Jack of Old England” and “Down by the riverside I stray;” Mr. H. Slingsby, “Rule Britannia” and “Red, White, and Blue;” Mr. W. Isle, “Well done Johnny;”

Mr. F. Barrett, “Little faded flower;” Mr. S. Oades, “Pulling hard against the stream;” Mr. C.B. Fish, “Selling up the happy home;” Mr. W. Isle, recitation, “The stolen cow.”

The toast of “Host and Hostess” then came from Mr. Ross, who made complimentary allusion to the excellent and bounteous spread placed down before them.

Mr. Cranidge fittingly responded. “God Save the Queen” was then sung, and the company dispersed.

1900 Jun 23rd
EPWORTH PETTY SESSIONS
ASSAULT: Robt John Wroot, of Luddington, was charged with assaulting George Alferd Oades, at Crowle, on the 28th of May. Mr. Baddiley appeared for the complainant, and Mr. G.H. Newborn defended. From the evidence it appeared the parties were in the Red Lion, Crowle, when some dispute as to an account arose. The defendant said the account was not correct, and he would not pay it, whereupon the plaintiff struck at him with a stick, but missed him. Wroot then struck the plaintiff, knocking him on the fire-irons, and then kicked him ….. The magistrates considered an assault had been committed, and ordered the defendant to pay £2/3/0.

OBSCENE LANGUAGE:- Thomas Clamp, of Crowle, was fined 2/6 and costs 4/6, for using obscene language at Crowle, on the 28th May. – George Alfred Oades, of Crowle, was fined 2/6 and costs 4/6 for a similar offence at the same time and place.

DRUNK WHILE IN CHARGE OF A HORSE AND CART:- George Alfred Oades, of Crowle, was fined 5/- and costs 5/6, for being drunk in charge of a horse and cart, at Crowle, on the 28th May. The plaintiff said he had signed the pledge, and asked to be sent to Lincoln if he came there again, the Chairman promising to oblige him.

JOINING IN A BRAWL:- Josiah Stringwell, of Crowle, was fined 2/6 and costs 4/6, and Harry Wray, of the same place, was fined 2/6 and 6/6 for joining in a brawl, at Crowle, on the 29th May.

George Bramhill, of Epworth, was fined 2/6 and costs 9/6 for being drunk and disorderly, at Epworth, on the 14th May.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY:- Samual Autey, of Crowle, was fined 5/- and 4/6 costs for being drunk on Licensed premises (Cross Keys) at Crowle, on the 9th June. (Bramhill and Autey were told by the Chairman that if they came before him again they would be sent to prison).

1900 July 14th
THE COMPLAINING WOMAN
The most deluded mortal in the world is the woman who fancies that much is gained by scolding or whining or complaining. She may seem to gain her ends for a while (for at first one will do almost anything to avoid swallowing a bitter dose); but if she would stop to consider, she would discover that every day she has greater cause for scolding or whining or complaining, as the months roll by an ever-increasing amount is required to accomplish the same result. The scolding woman never has things her own way without a vast expenditure of nervous strength – much more than the object to be gained is worth. Why cannot she realise that, and adopt some pleasanter method?

1900 Aug 11th
REMOVAL OF HUMAN REMAINS AT BELTON. Police Court Proceedings. At Epworth Petty Sessions on Thursday, before the Rev. C.J. Brown (in the chair), Mr. T.J. Blaydes, Mr. Stephenson, and Mr. J. Hemming Brouch, William Powell, sexton, and the Rev. Robert Walker, Clerk in Holy Orders, were summoned by the Director of Public Prosecutions for unlawfully removing human remains in Belton Churchyard, on the 9th of July last.

Mr. T.W. Page, Lincoln, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. F. Allen, of Doncaster, defended.

In opening the case Mr. Page said the charge against Powell was for removing the remains of a body in Belton Churchyard without the necessary License from the Home Secretary, and the Rev. R. Walker was charged with aiding and abetting. – The question for the Bench to decide was whether William Powell did remove the remains of a body, and this question could be answered by almost every one in the parish of Belton.

Mr. J.W. Ross, clerk to the Belton Parish Council, gave convincing evidence for the prosecution, and was supported in his statements by Mr. Samuel Leggott, who had been in possession of some bones, alleged to have come from the churchyard.

Mr. Allen said the Bench had given the case earnest consideration, and had come to the concusion that an offence had been committed, and a fine of 10/- and costs £1/1/9, would be inflicted upon Mr. Powell, and £1 and costs, £1/11/9, upon Mr. Walker.

[See A Lincolnshire Burial Scandal 1900 Apr 28th]

1900 Aug 11th
CRUELTY AT ALTHORPE
On Sunday last a brutal case of wife beating occurred at Althorpe, the culprit being a thing in human shape whose name reminds one of the winter season. The dastardly act was committed after attending divine service, and the effects may yet turn out to be serious, as the woman is in a critical condition. We hear that subscriptions are being raised to purchase straw for the purpose of following up the old-time custom of burning the effigy in front of the dwelling house of the offending party. Such men should be boycotted by all respectable people.

1900 Sept 1st
LUDDINGTON. Novel Reason for Non-Attendance at School.
The School Board have been very patient with the irregular attenders, but its patience is evidently exhausted, as four of the worst cases found themselves summoned at Epworth on Thursday. Three out of four were so sure of being convicted that they sent the usual 5s. fine with Pc Wattam. But not so the fourth, named John Curry, who thought he was being hardly dealt with. When his name was called, a letter was handed to the chairman from Curry, which stated that “the child could not possibly attend on the 17th, as on that date his wife was confined of twins, so he kept the child from school to run errands.” But the child having been seen running errands which were not likely to promote sobriety, the Bench had no alternative but to convict, so ordered the fine of 5s. to be paid.

1900 Sept 8th
FATAL ACCIDENT AT GARTHORPE. Crushed by a horse.
A sad accident, which unfortunately had a fatal termination, happened to a young man named Batty Gelder, aged 22 years, at Garthorpe on Wednesday. It appears that about six o’clock in the evening of that day Gelder, who was in the service of Mr. W. Smith, farmer, was taking his employer’s horses down to the field, and when turning a corner at good speed one of the animals fell on him. Assistance was immediately forthcoming, and he was picked up, when it was found that besides being badly bruised he was in an unconscious condition. He was taken home, and medical assistance was quickly procured, but it was of no avail, as Gelder never regained consciousness and died shortly before one o’clock on Thursday morning.

1900 Sept 8th
STRANGE SHOOTING AFFAIR NEAR CROWLE
On Saturday night, about 10.30, a youth named Charles Richardson, aged about 19, inflicted serious injuries upon himself with a breach loading gun. Whilst visiting a cottage occupied by J. Dale, on the estate of Mr. J. Stubley, in company with other young men, he commenced to handle a gun in the room. After he had inserted a cartridge, he tapped the stock on the floor, at the same time glancing down the barrel. Suddenly the gun went off, blowing his scalp clean off, and cracking his skull. Medical aid was immediately summoned, and after attentions the lad conveyed home. He is hovering between life and death, and is not expected to recover. The matter, which has not been satisfactorily explained, is being enquired into by the police. [see next article]

1900 Sept 15th
GUN ACCIDENT NEAR LITTLE HIRST [see previous article]
The youth Richardson, who was supposed to have accidentally shot himself the other day, has now recovered sufficiently to explain the matter. The case has assumed a serious aspect, for the information proves that the lad did not shoot himself, the gun being in the hands of another when the shot was fired. We hear some person or persons from Mexbro’ or Swinton are implicated in the affair, and also that false information was given by eye witnesses to the authorities making the enquiries. There is every sign of it being a serious matter for all concerned. This development of the case directly coincides with the opinion expressed by Dr. Hamilton, who was called to attend the youth.

1900 Sept 15th
JOTTINGS
Motors cars are not often seen in Crowle. Just now, one of the best we have seen, owned by Mr. B. Hind, of Sheffield, is making excursions in the neighbourhood, and creating a little excitement amongst the natives. Mr. Hind, who is a smart engineer, handles his motor with perfect judgement and surprising rapidity.

Mr. T. Binns, our local humorist, opened the season with an engagement at Owston Ferry, a few days ago, and tickled an audience not a little with two of his latest character songs. He was loudly encored and gave them another taste of his quality, much to their delight.

1900 Sept 15th
SMART CAPTURE OF CHICKEN THIEVES
On Saturday morning last, Supt. Edgely, Gainsborough, received information that six fowls had been stole from the premises of Arthur Robinson, Lea Road. He at once despatched two constables to Torksey, about eight miles higher up the Trent, where they boarded the keel Emulous and found the remains of two cooked fowls, and the bodies of the other dead fowls in their feathers. The captain of the keel, Henry Barlow Fletcher, was at once arrested. Information was also obtained incriminating two other men, who were found to have gone down the river to Keadby on the tug Norman. A telegram was sent off to Keadby police, and Pc Bursnall apprehended George Lawson and Joseph Noble as they were about to leave by train to Hull. All the arrests were made within five hours of the robbery being intimated. On Tuesday Fletcher, Lawson, and Noble were charged with theft at Gainsborough, and were remanded.

1900 Sept 29th
SHOOTING COMPETITION AT BELTON
On Wednesday afternoon, the landlord of the Crown Inn, Mr. Leggott, promoted his annual shooting competition for copper kettle, cruet stand value £1/1/0, and barrel of beer. There was a fair company assembled, and some capital shooting was witnessed, Mr. Coy, of East Butterwick, leading the way by several points. The first kettle, value 14/6, was won by Miss Nellie Brown, of Bearswood Green (shot by Mr. Coy); second copper kettle, value 10/6 won by Mr. Slack, of Belton; third copper kettle, value 7/6 won by Miss Maggie Leggott (shot by Mr. Cooper); fourth copper kettle , won by Mr. H. Leggott (shot by Mr. Coy); cruet stand won by Mr. Coy; and barrel of beer won by Mr. Slack. A pigeon shoot followed, when Mr. Coy won the “sweep” in capital style.

1900 Nov 17th
BELTON HARE SUPPER
On Saturday week, Mr. J. Smith, of the Steers Arms, provided his annual hare supper, which has become a very popular event. Nearly sixty guests assembled, and sat down to a grand spread, served up in Hostess Smith’s most enjoyable style. There was no lack of good things, and the visitors did ample justice to both savouries and sweets. The waiting was all that could be desired, and both Host and Hostess Smith were highly complimented on their catering. Mr. Curtis occupied the chair, and he was supported by Messrs R.F. Wright, C. Wright, W.B. Harrison, A. Kemp, W. Wressell, J Couch, J Cranidge, T. Binns, L. Pidd, S. Poppleton, P. Glassby, J. Sayles, and others. After supper, Mr. Curtis, after a few appropriate remarks, declared the evening open for music and song; and a most enjoyable programme was gone through. Those giving vocal and instrumental pleasure were Messrs T. Binns, the popular humorist; A. Kemp, W. Wressell, C. Wright, Claude Wressell, the gramophone impersonator; Mr. G.L. Pidd with his violin, and the manner in which T. Binns and J. Cranidge “spanked the dominoes” satisfied both singers and audience. “God Save the Queen” and “Aud Lang Syne” concluded one of the happiest events of the season.

1900 Nov 17th
ACCIDENTS
On Saturday evening last, Mr. W. Brunyee’s conveyance collided with that of Mr. R.F. Wright’s, whilst coming out of the yard adjoining the New Trent Hotel. Both were overturned, and their occupants thrown out. With the exception of shaking and torn clothes, luckily no one was injured. The shafts of both conveyances were broken.

Mr. A. Burkill (son of Mr. T. Burkill of Crowle), joiner and cabinet maker, of Stockton, was most unfortunate last week in having the four fingers of his right hand cut completely off with a plane. This is indeed a most regrettable misfortune, the sufferer having only a short time ago being engaged as foreman in a large joinery establishment, and was on the high road to success. Perhaps one thing to his advantage is that he works with his tools left-handed. He is progressing favourably.

On Monday the wife of our esteemed townsman, Mr. T. Wild, slipped and fell whilst carrying some goods out of the shop, and sustained severe injuries to her leg, it being fractured in two places.

Mrs. Flemming, of Hull, who is visiting with Mrs. Thornton, of Crowle Wharf, fell down some steps on Monday last, and injured her spine. As Mrs. Flemming is over 78 years of age, the injury is a most significant one.

On Saturday, Mr W. Bellamy, of Corner Pin House, Crowle, had the misfortune to fall, and sustain a severe shock to the system. He unfortunately fell on his face, and besides suffering from a bruised head, he to a large extent increased the dimensions of his olfactory organ. He is, we are pleased to say, progressing favourably, and the road has been repaired.

1900 Nov 17th
UNUSUAL. Over the Broomstick.
On Monday evening, a marriage on the old-fashioned Romany lines occurred in Crowle before an amused company of spectators, in the yard adjoining a Public Inn. Two persons, anxious to be joined together for life, named respectively William Wombwell and Catherine Haley (who objected to paying marriage fees) resorted to the gipsey custom of jumping over the broomstick. The news of their intention got winded abroad, and at the appointed time there was a good company present to witness the ceremony. Catherine (aged 57) who seemed to have the matter in hand, issued all instructions, and appointed Mr. T.J. Autey senr. as “handler of the broom.” Mr. Autey proved quite equal to the occasion and at a given signal, William and Catherine with hands firmly clasped took a run jump and the deed was done. An accident nearly occurred, for the broom holder, not exactly knowing the jumping powers of the determined couple held the broom a little too high, and Catherine, rather excited, caught the stick with her foot and nearly came a cropper. She, however, staggered into the arms of her newly-captured husband, who, with supreme effort, just managed to keep Catherine’s sixteen and a half stone in an upright attitude. After a loving kiss, the happy pair and the company adjourned to the Inn, and jollification followed.

Shortly before the clock chimed eleven, this strangely united couple could be seen gently navigating their way down Field-Side Boulevards, trying to find their humble cot. The bridegroom is over 70 years of age, but hale and hearty.

1900 Dec 15th
UNUSUAL – Marvellous Escape from Death.
The other day, Mr W Key, tinsmith, of Crowle, and his family had a miraculous escape from death, or severe injury. His fourth daughter, a young child of eleven years, whilst playing in her father’s workshop, found a cartridge, and having a beer bottle in her hand, she pushed the cartridge down the bottle neck.. Not being able to get the cartridge out of the bottle neck, she took it to her father, and asked him to do so. On proceeding to reply to the child’s request, the family gathered round him to watch the operation. Mr Key at once commenced to hammer the top of the cartridge with a bodkin and hammer, and in a moment it exploded, blowing four panes of glass out of the kitchen window, and smashing the bottle into a thousand fragments. Mr Key took a flying trip across the room, and his sudden flight was quite as suddenly stopped by the house wall being in the way. Mrs Key (behind whom the youngest son was standing) was thrown backwards, coming to the ground with a crash, and underneath her lay the struggling boy, shielded from further harm. The other children were scattered about the room in various attitudes. Strange to say, when the family had gathered themselves together, it was found that not one of them was injured, Mr Key only sustaining a numbed hand. There was, however, a slight danger of the struggling boy being suffocated, but this was averted, owing to his father coming to the rescue.