johndawsonjune1955

the Half Moon was originally Stakeford Manor

Anyone know the history behind the marketplace cross?

Still a mystery, but hopefully given a few possibilities on my post.

Hmmm, well nothing for sure, but just think, the cross is actually a NAIL, upside down, and that is facts. Could it have been that in the past farmers, being a very old profession, brought their livestock to this place and others bought their livestock by paying on that spot, The Nail. Or, had it anything to do with the nailers who had premises not only in the town but the Furnace. In the town Gibson was a prominent business for that. I just don't know until some proof comes forward and it aint yet. In the past many a great speech was done from that spot. I have records of a good few prominent people who did from that spot. Its true that the Market Cross has been moved, but only once do i have written proof of it. Think when Bedlington was being developed. Firstly the side where the Market Cross was removed from, and for those who do not know, i am actually talking about the Market Place Club, was a quarry, as was all the way on that side. The stone was used to build the buildings we have on other side of the road. I can say for sure that the Market Cross was beside the Market Place Club at one time as i only have records to say that, but not twice. The Market Place Club was actually built on the site of the old Quarry. However, and it would be nice to say for sure, but when we talk about Market Place, it means that, and farmers did bring their livestock to the Market to sell. It was the same at Morpeth too, and that is facts that are proven.

Sadly we aint got the proof and its a mystery, but we have our opinions. I can also say about the Market Place that in the past there was stocks and pillories there. What a subject now. If you did wrong you were put in either of these and the locals would throw dead mice, rats, stones at you if you were in them. I got proof of that. And, many an eye was put out to with this barbaric action too. There is also the old Pele Tower and it had its gaol. But what really intrigues me is in memoirs which i have i can say that when you were arrested for being drunk, you were put in what the called a "Drunkards Cloak" This was a beer barrel that had two holes cut in the side. Then it was put over the drunks head, his arms put through and chained to stop him/her escaping. They were then left to roam the town and were laughed at by people in the community. Maybe David Cameron should bring back that instead of thinking about putting the price of alcohol up by the minimum charge per unit for this binge drinking and getting drunk. I think that would stop it as i am sure non of us would like going around the town in a beer barrel. Just think if someone asked you to pee in the corner to relieve yourself, haha, that would be something wouldn't it ?

well that's it basically, hope we can get proof on its origins, but i have looked for many years to no avail.

Lets start a new topic, What was the purpose of Pele Towers and we had one at Bedlington ? I know and you may too, but lets have a conversation on that, and we could expand it a little more as we talk about it. I have so much information on Bedlington Pele Tower and i think it will be of interest to talk about it. Lets have some views on it from our members and i will add some info later on it.

Hope i have helped a little here and hope i don't bore you, but isn't it nice to talk about our heritage ? I am a lousy speaker at events,I think i am, but on this superb forum its so much easier as i don't face anyone its me and the computer screen, haha

Get some pics online and if your not sure what they are we maybe get some answers. If someone explains how to add video content, i will get some online too. I just found out by a nice member how to add pics and have succeeded in the Barrington topics. I thank him very much for his help.

Take care all and get some topics going we are running out.

i can't place his name at moment. i didn't go to school there, but do recall a lot from info past on. i think i even have a pic. look into my archives. i got some here at mo, but nearly all getting cataloged at moment. see what i can do.

i remember that summer well as there was a huge concert at the riverside park at Sheepwash. Concerts, beer tents and more. God i wish i could go back to those days. Anyway, i can't, but its our memories Keith, and they are precious to us. This is what this forum is all about, our memories and good to share. Wish we can get another summer like it this year, haha, never know tho might happen. If we do i will invite you down for a cool beer. No concerts but me old 45 rpm discs, haha. Take care Keith

I remember asking something similar years ago, can't remember the exact details but from what I do remember, it's history has something to do with the saying "pay on the nail". Don't know if this was truth or not however.

If anyone can enlighten I for one would be interest to know (again, cos me memory is lousy)

Theres

nothing definite for sure on this piece of history. Its a shame really. However, i can confirm that many a great speech was done from this spot and it got the attraction for the narrator. Thomas Burt i can say was one of them.

http://www.dmm.org.uk/mindex.htm is the best on-line info.

I did have access to a lot of the Doctor Pit records from way back in the 18th century, but fool me let them get out of my sight for some years! I've no idea who they were given to, or where they are now.

BTW I'm sure we will collectively get you a precise answer to the Storey's Buildings one; but these things can take time - sometimes years!

We were offered Dr. Pit records for huge money about 5 years ago. Did not have the capital required to purchase them.

Send private mail ill give you details.

I posted a question a few days ago about Storey's Buildings in Choppington/ Guidepost and have some great replies... so, thanks if you did reply!!

I thought I would give it another shot. I am researching my family history and all of next generation and the one before that were miners. Some in Bedlington area some beyond.

Do records of workers in the various mines exist anywhere online?

The records will help you on the employment issue. The job, training for jobs at the pit ie face training. when started and finished. sadly if they had an accident or died. If the latter, i maybe able to help you.

take care m8

The group has converted the cinefilm to DVD of the Acorn Bank. Its about maybe 5 minutes or a little more.

Its actually on one of our DVDs "Digging Up The Past"

Cracking footage and when you see them working in 1959 to todays opencast standards its unreal.

visit

http://www.sixtmedia.org.uk. and go to online shop if you want to purchase it.

While I was at college in the mid '70's (Kirkley Hall) I used to milk the cows at weekends for the Coatsworth family at Sleeburn cottage farm for extra money. We used to find allsorts in the feilds towards the old pit. The burn used to turn some funny colours as well. The cows would often have foot problems from sharp objects coming to the surface. The drainage was terrible on both sides of the road. The fields on the opposite side suffered run off from the heap. The only time that I remember that farm being completely dry for any legnth of time was in 1976. That farm is of course now the livery stables

i think that was the notable hot summer was it Keith ?

Recently stayed in a French village called Neuvilette. We met a French gentleman called Yves who told us about a Private Thomas Joseph Stoker who carved his name on the back of the village church while billetted in the village. He was killed on 3rd May 1917 at Arras, aged 41. We managed to find out a bit more about Thomas and his family from several censuses - he was the son of Robert and Margaret Stoker and had 4 sisters (Isabella and Johanna - don't know the names of the other two). He was married to Jane Thymne Stoker and lived at Vulcan Place, Bedlington. He may not of had any children but his sisters may of?

Yves would like to get in touch with any of Thomas's relatives - the carving has intrigued him for many years - which is why we decided to try and help him.

Look forward to any answers

Louise

I know this story. i will check the groups archives. We also did a series of books "Tales From The Frontline" Not available in print now tho, and i am sure i have seen something about him. Ill get Mark to check it out for you and hopefully good news for you.

I understand that alledged murder was named Cracket, who actually moved out of the cottage before the body was found. It was only after the missing lady's brother reported her missing that the police started investigating. It must have been quite a shock to the new tennants to find a murdered body in thier garden.

There were two Cracket families living at Barringto at that time, but they were NOT related.

Put the story up for you. its in 3 parts.

Heres pics from the murder at Barrington when the police were digging the garden up looking for the victim.

If you download the pics they are for your personal use only and permission given by us if you want them for anything else.

This is pic 2 and final pic.

Hope you all enjoy the story.

Heres pics from the murder at Barrington when the police were digging the garden up looking for the victim.

If you download the pics they are for your personal use only and permission given by us if you want them for anything else.

This is first pic.

This is the final part of this murder story.

Medical evidence was given by Dr. George Edward Stephenson, pathologist for Northumberland and Durham. He said he saw the body at Garden House, Barrington. It was wrapped in a number of articles of clothing; a raincoat covered the upper part of the body and face, and a groundsheet cape covered the lower part. The feet were tied and there were bindings in the region of the mouth and the centre of the body.

He said, how he later performed a post mortem on the body and formed the conclusion that death had occurred about two months previously. There were two wounds on the head, which were consistent with having been caused by an iron case opener. There was one wound on the hind part of the left temple muscle and another wound on the top of the head at the back in a central position. It was a gaping wound two inches long extending down the bone of the skull.

Crackett was then himself called into the witness box to tell his story. He said that they were married thirty four years ago and had been happy together. His wife's health was not too good, and he had to nurse her for a long time. After telling the court of his social connections, Crackett began to relate the incidents that led up to his wife's death.

On Saturday, 19th November, 1949, after giving his wife her breakfast in bed, which was the usual thing on a Saturday morning, as it was his day off, he went to the garden to feed the poultry.

Returning to the house at 10.55, he found his wife sitting in the chair, dressed in pyjamas and a dressing coat, reading a newspaper. He told her he would like to go to a rehearsal of the Stakeford Drama Society the following Thursday. She was annoyed and threw a poker at him, hitting him on the chest. He felt sick and left the room to go for a drink. Returning, he noticed that she had a steel beater in her hand. "She was moving it up and down and I expected I was going to get it in the face. I picked up the case opener, intending to knock the beater out of her hand. I got behind my wife to do so.â€

"Unfortunately, at the moment I got behind her she turned her head, moving her position. Instead of hitting the beater I struck her head. She slumped forward and I said "Just a moment darling ill get something,†and rushed into the pantry to get some brandy. When I came back she had fallen and was lying in the fireplace with her head in the corner.

Crackett described how she died in his arms, then he flopped onto the floor and lay there for some time. It was dusk when he came to himself. Many of the chickens were in the kitchen waiting to be fed. They often went inside the house.

"I could not realise where I was or anything. I did not know what to do. I knew that if I notified the doctor or the police they would not believe me. I just did not know what to do. I laid my wife on the floor and covered her with blankets and various other things, foolishly thinking I would keep her warm,†he said. Crackett said that he went down the garden and buried her. At no time had he intended to kill her, as he loved her so much.

Answering Mr. Hylton Foster, K.C. prosecutor, Crackett said that he panicked and did not know what he was doing when he wrote a letter telling the dead woman's sister that she had gone to South Africa. Crackett said that his wife had no money of her own and that he did not benefit financially by her death.

Dr. Charlesworth, for the defence, asked Crackett, "Did you intend to kill her ?,†in which Crackett replied, "Kill her ? I nursed her for thirty years. I had no intention of harming her. I loved her.â€

Addressing the jury, Mr. Hylton Foster said that it was part of the prosecutions case to tell them what the motive was, but it might be that Mrs. Crackett, a sick woman and quick tempered, was not falling into line with her husbands brighter social activities and was becoming a burden and someone he thought should be rid of. He submitted that the case was one of premeditated murder, and said : "Crackett, you are a fertile liar and this packet is all lies.†He further accused Crackett of being a hypocrite.

Dr. Charlesworth said that all the evidence proved that Crackett was anything else but a hypocrite. He was a man of exemplary character and all the evidence went to show that they were devoted to each other. He said that the story given by Crackett fitted in well with the evidence and pathologist.

Crackett was thought well of by everybody he came in contact with; and why should a man at the age of fifty nine years, suddenly change his character and murder his wife ?.

The pic is of the couple sometime after they wed.

Please note copyright applies as stated in part one and two.

Only for personal use if downloaded.

Richard Hastings Bolton, of Plessey Crescent, Whitley Bay, managing director of Confidential Credit Ltd, Newcastle, gave evidence to the fact that Crackett had borrowed two sums of £25. Each, and had offered a life insurance policy for £150. as a security. The first sum was to be repaid at £3. per month, and the second at £2. 10 shillings. Payments fell into arrears and he sent letters to Crackett asking for settlement. On his instructions a letter was also sent to Mrs. Crackett. On 22nd November, he received a letter from Crackett enclosing the sum of £10. On 13th December he received a letter from Crackett asking how much they would take in full settlement. He replied asking for £52. Crackett called at the office and paid him £50. Which was accepted as full payment.

Miss Ethel Bush, of Institute Row, West Sleekburn gave evidence to say that Crackett knew she was going to be married and towards the end of November, 1949, he asked her if she wanted to rent a house. On November 28th, she went to the house with her fiancé, Mr. Amos, and looked over the part of the house that was going to be rented. She agreed to take it at 10 shillings a week. Whilst there Mrs. Crackett was never mentioned, but she saw a photograph and Crackett said it was his wife, and she was a very dear woman.

Miss Bush, went on to say that she arranged to buy some furniture from him for £71. Her mother bought some linen and a china tea set. Crackett said to her that some of the furniture was going to the sale rooms. Miss Bush said how with her mother she looked into Crackett's part of the house and saw that the front room and bottom of the stairs had been stripped of wallpaper. They arranged to paper for him and this would serve as the first instalment of the rent. Continuing Miss Bush, declared that once while in the house alone with Crackett the wireless was on and a hymn was being played.

Crackett switched it off and said that was his wife's favourite hymn. Just after Christmas, Crackett said he was going to Torquay for a rest, and during this whole period she visited the house, she never saw Mrs. Crackett.

James Milne Amos, of Gordon Terrace, Stakeford, gave similar evidence to that of Miss Bush, and added that Crackett gave him the telephone number and address of the hotel he was stopping at. On 17th January, 1950, he rang Crackett because two of Mrs. Crackett's brothers had been to the house. Crackett said he was coming back in a fortnights time, but would write.

A Morpeth poultry dealer, George Parsons, of Newgate Street, said on 21st November 1949, he received a telephone message from Mr. Crackett, who said he had some poultry for sale. Crackett called the following day and said he had sixty head of poultry for sale. He advised Crackett that it was a bad time to sell, but Crackett said he wanted to sell them. Crackett had said that his wife had a nervous breakdown and had to be sent to friends in Torquay. Crackett said it was an emergency and he had been told that he was the only person who could handle that quantity. Crackett received the sum of £20.11 shillings in cash for them.

Finley Finlayson Murray, of Postern Crescent, Morpeth, gave evidence. He said in November 1949, he was employed by Mr. Parsons, and visited Crackett's house to collect some poultry. He killed 58 hens and two ducks. The ducks were at the bottom of the garden and Crackett said he was going to make a duck pond. He did not notice any fresh digging in the garden as it was getting dark. Crackett mentioned that he had made a trench for stopping thieves getting at the poultry. Crackett also told him that his wife was away to Torquay owing to ill health.

John Patterson, of Red Row Farm, Bedlington Station, said on December 4th, 1949, he went to Garden House, Barrington, and saw Crackett, who showed him some furniture which was for sale.

This included furniture, linen, and china. He paid Crackett £32. 16s. 6d for it. Since that date he bought more furniture off him for £15, and a bookcase for £20. Crackett mentioned that he did not want any publicity about the sale, but did not say why.

Robert Gray, of Darnley Road, Ashington, managing director of Messrs Gray and Rigby, Auctioneers, said that 30th November, 1949, he received a telephone message from Mr. Crackett who said he had some furniture for sale. He arranged to meet Crackett at North Seaton Station, and went with him to Garden House, Barrington. He prepared a list of articles for sale and Crackett told him his wife was an invalid and away down south to get well. He arranged for the collection of the goods and later sold them realising £67. 18s. 3d. Crackett bought from him two items of furniture for £15. He paid Crackett the sum of £44. 12s 5d, after deducting commission and haulage expenses.

Cairns Main, of Henry Nelson Street, South Shields, manager to Messrs Samuel, Jewellers, Newcastle, said that on 29th December, 1949, a man who gave his name as Crackett, called at the shop. Crackett said he had some articles of jewellery which belonged to his wife for disposal. He asked Crackett to leave them with him for an hour for examination, which he agreed to. Crackett called back again and was paid the sum of £4. 0s. 6d, for the items, and then purchased a wrist watch.

Next to give witness was, George Stanley Todd, of Routledge Buildings, Barrington, manager of an off licence premises. He said he knew both Mr. and Mrs. Crackett. On one occasion Crackett was talking about his poultry and said he could not look after them properly because of his work. He advised Crackett to sell them in a market.

On the left we have a photograph of David Sinclair Crackett, the photograph was taken at an amateur dramatics night in which he attended. It was said during the trial that he took a leading part in social affairs, and his wife did not like him devoting so much time to them.

This pic is his wife and victim Lillian Evelyn Crackett. This photo was taken while on a Women's Institute outing during the summer of 1948. Crackett said "she was a very dear woman.â€

Part Three To come.

Copyright also applies as part one.

The Barrington Murder. [Part One]

Lilian Crackett, was last seen alive by her doctor, Dr. Brown of Bedlington, on November 18th, 1949. For some time prior to that, her husband David Robert Sinclair Crackett, had told people that his wife was going to Torquay for health reasons. On November 18th, he told one person his wife was going that day by night train. The following day he told the same person that he had got her away.

During November, 1949, a sister of Lilian, sent her a parcel and received no acknowledgement. Then at Christmas the sister sent her a letter, but again received no reply from Mrs. Crackett. The sister then decided to write a letter to Mr. Crackett, asking him where her sister might be. David Crackett, replied to the letter, saying he apologised for not writing sooner as he had been brought home by ambulance just before Christmas and had just managed to get out again after being ill. He also told her that Lil, his wife, had left for Torquay in November. The letter continued, saying, We had discussed this matter for some time and then she made up her mind to go. Next day I had a phone call which made me think she had arrived safely, but it was from Newcastle. She asked me if I would go at once to the Grand Hotel, Haymarket, Newcastle. When I got there, Lil was standing outside the hotel beside a beautiful car with a man sitting at the wheel. She was wearing lovely clothes and looked very beautiful. She said, "I came to say goodbye Dave. I am off to South Africa. Here is the key to the small trunk. I am sorry I have had to use the cash.â€

The sister was not satisfied with the explanation and communicated with another sister who got in touch with a brother Mr. Robert Allison. On January 16th, Mr. Allison went to Garden House, Barrington, where the couple lived, and at the end of the house he found a patch of soil which had recently been disturbed. He probed the spot and he was satisfied, and indeed it was quite clear something had recently been buried there. He considered the matter further and on January, 18th, he notified the police, who visited the house and after digging uncovered a human left arm.

Later under the supervision of Dr. Stephenson, they uncovered the whole of a woman's body, that was almost immediately identified as that of Lilian Crackett. The body was about two feet, six inches below ground and wrapped in various articles of clothing and a groundsheet.

A post - mortem examination was performed and two wounds were found in the head which were consistent with having been caused by a heavy iron weapon. One wound across the back of the head was the cause of death, having caused two fractures to the skull.

After the discovery of the body the police traced Crackett to Torquay. They then sent two police officers down to interview him. The police told him of the body in the garden, and that it was believed to be the body of his wife. Crackett was then asked where his wife was and he replied, "She left me on the bus, on 29th November, at Bedlington Station to go to Torquay. This was on the advice of Dr. Brown, because she had been in ill health.â€

Crackett later said his wife telephoned him and requested he meet her at the Grand Hotel, Newcastle. "She was beside a big black lovely car, loaded with luggage. She said "I am going to South Africa, I am finished Dave. You will get the papers through from South Africa.†Crackett continued "A man I did not know drove the car away. I had seen the man with my wife in Newcastle before that.â€

Later, Crackett said he had made a mistake. When asked by the police what he meant, he said, "I killed her with a long bar for pulling out nails, because she threatened to kill me. She was sitting in the chair with a poker in one hand and a beater in the other. She was going to hit me, and I saw red and struck her.†Crackett was then brought back to Blyth and charged with the murder of his wife.

The police began inquiries into Crackett's business and movements and uncovered a great deal of information. They found, Garden House was rented to Mrs. Crackett at a yearly rental of £20.00. David Crackett, was employed as a process clerk at Reyrolles, Ashington. Between 14th and 21st of November, 1949, Crackett was absent from work and his excuse was he was going to see his wife off to Torquay. He returned to work on the 22nd November and remained there until December, 22nd, after which date he did not return to work.

The police also found out that Crackett had visited a money lender and on two occasions he borrowed the sum of £25.00 off them. The reason for borrowing the first sum was to purchase new poultry houses, which was never done. The amounts were repayable at £3.00 and £2.10 shillings, a month, and by October, three payments were in arrears, and it was not until December, 29th, that the loan was finally settled. They also found that before and after the murder of Mrs. Crackett, he was negotiating to sub let part of the house.

The case finally came to court and evidence was given by various witnesses. Detective Inspector, James Edward Jobson, of Blyth, stated that at 3.20 pm, he saw Crackett at Torquay and told him, "We are police officers and are making inquiries

Crackett, then replied, "I know nothing about anything in my garden.†The officer then told him he had reason to believe it was the body of his wife. He replied, "Good God, no. Not my wife.†The officer then asked when he last saw his wife, to which he said. "On the 11.19 am. bus on Saturday, 29th November, 1949, at Bedlington Station to go to Torquay. This was on the advice of Dr. Brown. She had been in ill health and I told Dr. Brown the following Monday my wife had gone. My wife telephoned me at lunch time the same day and at her request I went to the Grand Hotel, Newcastle. She was standing outside in a lovely black coat. She said she was going to South Africa and got into a big black car, with suit cases strapped on the back. She said "I am finished Dave. You will get the papers through from South Africa. Let Nan know.†I don't know the man who drove the car away. That is the last I saw or heard of my wife. I have seen the man in Newcastle before with my wife.†The policeman said, "If your wife is in South Africa, then whose body is buried in your garden ?.†Crackett replied, "I don't know.†The officer then told him that he did not believe his story. Crackett's demeanor then changed and he sat with his head in his hands on the table.

about a body buried in your garden at Garden House and intend to question you.â€

After a pause he said. "I have made a mistake. I killed her. I killed her with a long bar for pulling out nails because she threatened to kill me. She was sitting in the oak chair when I hit her over the head. She had the poker in one hand and the beater in the other. She was going to hit me and I saw red and hit her. I dug a hole and put her in. I wrapped my groundsheet around her.†After being cautioned and charged, Crackett said. "I wish to tell you the blow I struck was not intended to kill her, but to knock the beater out of her hand.â€

Another witness was called, Elizabeth E. Todd, of Routledge Buildings, Barrington. She said that both, Mr. and Mrs. Crackett, often came into her shop but she had not seen Mrs. Crackett since November 14th, 1949. Mr. Crackett had said to her that his wife was going away to Torquay for three to six months, and on November 19th, he told her that his wife had left by train. The next time she saw Mr. Crackett was towards Christmas, when she asked him about Christmas dinner. He replied that he would have four days holiday and may go to Torquay to see his wife. Mrs. Todd, said that Crackett had called in several times after that, and once told her that he was burning a lot of rubbish and cleaning the house out. He also showed her a gold cigarette case and said that his wife had sent it for him.

Another witness, George Thomas Waddell, of Sun Inn Yard, Bedlington, said that on November 19th, Crackett called at the shop and said he had called for the rations as there was no one at home to "book†the order or pay the money. Crackett also told him that he had just put his wife on the train to Torquay.

John Watson Tonkin, former manager at Messrs Reyrolles, Ashington, gave evidence as to one conversation in which Crackett had told him his wife had left him and gone to South Africa with a doctor, and that he knew the doctor as there had been trouble over the association before. Crackett had never told him the name of the doctor.

Put Part Two Up Later

Please note that the photographs i put up i have permission to use. You can download them for personal use, but not for anything else before getting permission and the story is copyright too.

I have to keep myself right regards copyright of this material.

Please keep to this agreement and we can be contacted at sixtowns@sixtownships.org.uk

picture is of David Robert Sinclair Crackett

as a young lad at the time of the alledged murder i was told that her husband used to sing (just a rose in a garden of weeds .

Thats were the song came from.

Look in Barrington Forum and ill post the complete story of Cracket

I appreciate this photo has already being posted, but it reminded me of a "clippie shop" at Choppington Station. The shop was on the right side going up the bank. I think the shops on the left, were a barber's, fish & chip shop and a grocer. On the corner was the Railway tavern, with the Lord Clyde on the opposite side.

I understand the clippie shop was run by a young lady from Barrington called Peggy. The clippie shop was where people took the old clothes to sell and Peggy washed and cut the clothes into clippies to re-sell for the proggy mats. Proggy mats were hard wearing rugs made out of clippies (rags), which were poked through a canvas/sacking.

There was always a proggy mat in the kitchen, which was laid onto top of oilcloth. This was really lino; I have no idea why the word oilcloth was used.

Does anyone remember the clippie shop at Choppington and also any stories with regards to clippie mats?

PS: The milk for Barrington was delivered by the Scotland Gate Co-op, via horse and cart. It must have been quite a task going down and up that bank in the winter.

Harry Wheatley also delivered milk there too by horse and cart.

During the first World War the Zeppelin came over here and dropped incendiary devices. No one was hurt, but buildings, including the Railway Taven and Lord Clyde, had there windows shattered by the explosions. There was a huge crater left at the side of the road and in a field a little further up on the right on your way to Bedlington.

That Zeppelin was seen by fishermen just off Blyth hovering waiting to move and do damage and kill.

If i find my eye-witness story i will post its very interesting.

Knew Evan very well and his knowledge of the area was an inspiration to me. He said to me that he was pleased with what i had achieved and that this area needed people like me to continue his work. There is no doubt in my mind that Evan was a knowledgeable gentleman and contributed greatly to the heritage of this area. He is sadly missed, but i will do my best to help the people of this area. The group i am involved in is also a good source of information and do their best to research the area and assist people in their quest for information.

We have a huge amount of archive material to look up if needed to help people out. Photographs and archive footage too.

My own private collection is so huge and is being cataloged for easier access in case anyone requests anything so it can be found quicker.

Just let me know or the group by contacting our website at.our website

www.sixtmedia.org.uk

or just simply get in touch here and i can see what can be done as i aim to be a regular user of this fantastic forum.

Once again tho. Evan is a big miss, as we were always in touch with each other, but i am sure his legacy will live on for generations to come.

RIP Evan.

Here is the first picture group.

bottom right is Bedlington Grammar School girls hockey team. not sure on the date tho.

heres my final bit on Barrington. Hope this explains it all to you.

Barrington Colliery Village in 1922

1: Clay Pit.

2: Refuse Tip.

3: Clay Bogie Railway.

4: Brick Kilns (Newcastle Type) Established c 1870.

5: Wooden Foot Bridge to Pony Fields.

6: Drying Sheds, Pug Mill - Winch House. Brickyard enlarged 1888.

7: Boiler Shed.

8: Chimney Stack.

9: Kilns, Newcastle type, 1888.

10: Wooden Bridge for Cart Road.

11: Allotment Garden, site of 18th century ford.

12: Brickyard Manager's office.

13: Green road to colliery pony fields, known locally as the "Galloway

Track.â€

14: Stable Drain.

15: Waggon Way, Rope haulage.

16: Side of colliery waste-heap.

17: Empty Waggon Sidings.

18: Pit Timber Compound.

19: High Explosive Store.

20: Hemmil.

21: Stable.

22: Horse Food Store.

23: Draught Horse Stable.

24: Pony Trainers Cottage. Built 1900.

25: Farm Steward's Cottage. Built 1900.

26: Gardens and Elm Plantation.

27: Colliery Explosive Magazine.

28: Allotment Gardens in Old Clay Pit.

29: Waste Tip.

30: Saw Mill.

31: First Aid House.

32: Pick and Drill Sharpener's Shop.

33: Fitter's and Blacksmith's Shop.

34: Back Shaft (Molly Upcast) Winding Engine.

35: Chimney Stack for Underground Furnace.

36: Low Main Seam Steam Hauler.

37: Winch House for Ash Truck.

38: Henry Shaft Winder.

39: Henry Shaft.

40: Molly Shaft.

41: Boiler House Chimney (hexagonal type.)

42: Boiler Shed. 8 Lancashire Boilers.

43: Air Compressor.

44: Compressed Air Receiver.

45: Store Shed for Branch Man.

46: Allotment Gardens.

47: Old Reading Room, converted to Branch Man's Cottage.

48: Heapstead.

49: Screens.

50: Workmen's Fire Coal Hopper.

51: Raft Yard. Also site of old Beehive Brick Kilns.

52: Joiner's and Mechanic's Shops.

53: Lamp Cabin.

54: Line Shed.

55: Lean-to Corrugated Iron Stable.

56: Barrington House. Old Chimney Offices converted to 4 Officials houses, 1900.

57: Street-end Community Privies and Ash Pit.

58: Old Schools with Play Yard and outside Lavatories, 1851 - 1912.

59: School House for Headmaster, then Caretaker.

60: Back - to - back Cottages.

61: Burn from Doctor Pit.

62: Workmen's Co-op for Gunpowder, Candles and Lamp Oil.

63: Stone built Farm Cattle Shelter.

64: Allotment Gardens.

65: Wooden Houses.

66: Primitive Methodist Chapel, built 1874.

67: Billiard Room with 2 tables at East End, Reading & Games Room at West End.

68: Site of Barrington Main (Low Pit,) 1822-51.

69: Site of Waggon Way branches to Netherton, 1826-58.

70: Allotment Gardens.

71: Wicket Gate.

72: Allotment Gardens.

73: Wesleyan Chapel, 1883.

74: Farm House.

75: Quoit Pitch.

76: Old Clay Pit, partly filled in, established c 1851.

77: Morpeth Branch Railway, laid in 1857 on old waggon way originally made by George Stephenson in 1821 from Willow Bridge to River Blyth. First line of railway to be laid with Birkinshaw's malleable iron rails, rolled at Bedlington Iron Works.

78: Colliery Welfare Sports Ground after 1926.

79: Old Colliery Football Ground.

80: Cart Road to West Sleekburn and Bomarsund, paved with bricks.

81: Under Manager's House and Colliery Office.

Note on Streets

Old Wood Row, built 1851……. 25 houses. Demolished 1902.

Wood-Brick Row (Chapel)……….9 wooden houses, 11 brick built, 1851.

School Row, built 1851…………10 back-to back cottages, afterwards extended to

16, when the South side was named Blacksmith's

Row. Demolished 1937.

Sinkers Row, afterwards Stone Row…

Stone built in 1840. 10 houses.

Railway Row, 1865.

Middle Row, 1860.

Freehold Row, 1879.

Double Row, pre 1890.

Victoria Row, 1900.

Office Row, 1900.

Alexandra Row, 1901.

All colliery houses cleared from the site 1967-69.

well thats it. i hope this is helpful for you.

if you need anything else i will try to help but my recent posts should keep you going for a while.

Hears a rare pic of it with the canons on the front. Grand old pic don't you think ?

More info on Barrington. This is a cracking little piece of history.

In 1869, John Burns, the brick and tile manufacturer, built a large house as residence for himself at Choppington Station. It was built to the German plan, and became known as the "Jarmin Hoos.†It was a beautiful house, and had a set of cannons on each side of the main doorway. During 1900 the works finally closed. About the same time, a group of miners from Barrington and Choppington got together under the leadership of William Temple. Temple was a scholar and a miner, with the others they decided to purchase the "Jarmin Hoos,†and convert it into a Workingmen's Social Club, the purchase was completed during November 1901. The building was then renamed The Barrington and Choppington Workmen's Club and Institute Ltd, with William Temple being the secretary. It was operating successfully for many years. However between the wars the membership began to decline. Eventually it was discontinued and the premises were sold on to a local publican. Later the house was converted into flats, but sadly this once beautiful building was demolished during September 1958.

Does anyone remember the murder at Barrington in 1949 ?

i have the story on it if your intrested. lets know.

For the gentleman who wanted to know about Barrington and the colliery. I have checked my personal records and come up with the following. I hope this helps you.

In 1866 the management was carried out by Messrs. Thomas Croudace and John Croudace, father and son, who were eventually succeeded by Mr. Mood, Mr. Prest, and Mr. E. Clough.

The agent for the company was Mr. Middleton, who was succeeded by Mr. J. G. Weeks, who's son, Councillor R. J. Weeks took over the position.

Originally Barrington Colliery was known as the Glebe Pit, and was owned by the Longridge family, when it was eventually bought by the Bedlington Coal Company, which afterwards sunk the Bomarsund Pit, thus creating more employment and consequently a greater output from the group of collieries.

In 1868 the old pit head was pulled down to be rebuilt and this was one of the first iron heap-stead's to be introduced to Northumberland, the change over necessitating the laying up of the colliery for 18 months.

Many of the old houses, those in Wood Row, built of wood, were pulled down to make way for newer and more substantial property, but apart from the erection of two rows of houses, building progress had not been the same as in other parts of Bedlingtonshire

i see a gentleman by the name of Mr. Carr took an active part in the establishment of the Mechanics Institute, and was secretary of this institution for the first two years of it's existence. In addition he was chairman of the committee for the University Extension Movement, which was occupying a good deal of attention at the time and generally was always ready to encourage young men and others in the pursuit of knowledge.

Politics were not neglected by Mr. Carr, who was one of Mr. Burt's election committee when the late and always highly esteemed representative of Morpeth was elected in 1874. A staunch Liberal he always associated himself with that political party and was a keen supporter of Mr. Burt.

My records also tell me that In many spheres Mr. Carr took a prominent part in local affairs and especially displayed a deep interest in educational matters. For 40 years he was school manager, being the first chairman for three years when the schools became grouped.

Old memories past on to family members and then to myself help give an insight into the past. After having been 66 years in the mine, Mr. Edward W. Carr, under-manager of Barrington Colliery, under the Bedlington Coal Co., retired in 1923. He had held that position for 37 years and in that time he noted many changes and developments in connection with the Bedlington Coal Co., who owned five collieries, Bedlington Dr. Pit, Bedlington "A†Pit, West Sleekburn, Bomarsund and Barrington.

Interesting and it just shows how valuable our memories are. If the family member had not passed them on to me they may well have been lost forever.

Don't forget visit our website for memories of the past at. www.sixtmedia.org.uk

I won't neglect this site as it is very interesting and im proud to help out all who use it. We don't have a forum as we have not got the time to keep it running in a proper manner. We have ongoing projects and if anyone wants to help great. I can keep you all informed on them. But for now i am going to help out on this forum myself with memories for you all. Lets all join in together as you have in the past and get the topics going and keep those memories alive.