Dixymick

Quote... In our account of Blyth we noticed the Dutch ship of war following into the harbour and capturing a Dunkirk privateer and a portion of the crews of both ships proceeding as far as Bedlington, where 10 of each party were apprehended. Now Mr Carnaby's letter to the bishop (of Durham) asking advice what to do with his prisoners. "" Bedlington 16th August 1635. Whereas there has been a Dutch man-of-war with 90 musketees on board, which has driven a Dunkirk privateer with 30 men on board him, into the harbour of Blyth, they did pursue him so hard that the crew were forced their ship and betake themselves to flight. Ten of the privateers sought shelter in BEDLINGTON whereupon notice was given to me and I have taken measures to detain both them and ten of the Dutchmen who pursued them, and have them confined in this town until your lordship's pleasure is known. (The privateer had sunk over 80 Dutch fishing vessels) cont.. ""Besides it is much to be feared that the Dutchmen may come on shore with their land soldiers and take away their men by force"" Author's note.. It is probable that the bishop returned by the bearer of the letter, verbal instructions to Mr Carnaby, hence OUR INABILITY to trace the denouement of this affair. ---------------------------------------- Dixymick

But there must have been times when Bedlington was at the forefront of people's interest. King John is reckoned to have stayed in the town at least 5 times. ( Business with Scotland etc) And how about... " In 1379 an occurrence took place which shows that the state of society in Bedlington was at that period in an extremely disorganised condition. The populace pulled down the rectory house and had plundered and carried away the tythe corn, etc, stored up by the priest, had carried away certain trees and washed their clothes in the fish pond, to the detriment of the fish" Author. John Wallace 1869. And 10 Dutchmen invaded Bedlington in 1635 (unsuccessfully) Dixymick

Slightly massively off-topic, but it was puzzlement for me a Blyth lad regularing using the bus stop at Geordie Bells bike shop. I wondered why the stop was called "Blyth Stores". Dixymick

My mother (long gone) told me the Wallaw entrance fee was two (empty & clean) jam jars,in WW2 time. (Three for upstairs) WALter LAWther was the business man who created the name WALLAW. Also one at Ashington. dixymick