Updated 16 Oct 2013

WIRKSWORTH Parish Records 1600-1900

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Snippets from Jane Taylor

These snippets from local papers are thanks to the hard work of Jane Taylor (ret'd) of Redcar, who finds, reads and types them all out ("to keep my fingers supple") then emails them to the Wirksworth website author. Many thanks Jane

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emails

Snippet 58

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Derby Mercury 20 March 1817

ESCAPED
FROM the House of Correction at Wirksworth, in the county of Derby, 
this Evening;

JOSEPH KNOWLES, Hatter by trade, aged about 35 years, is about 
5 feet 9 inches high, slender made, and pale complexion; had on a blue 
smock frock, and a dark jean frock coat, or a brown cloth coat.

GEORGE MARCHANT, labourer, about 26 years of age, is about 
5 feet 11 inches high, sandy hair, and fair complexion; 
had on a blue smock frock, fustian jacket. Red shag waistcoat, and 
corduroy breeches;- and lately discharged from the Derby Militia.

Whoever will apprehend the above Persons, or either of them, and lodge 
them in any of His Majesty’s Gaols, shall receive a Reward of Two 
Guineas each for such Apprehension, by applying to THOMAS MATHER, 
Keeper of the House of Correction at Wirksworth afore said.
Wirksworth, 17th March 1817

[email received 1139-15sep2013]

Snippet 57

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Derby Mercury 14 August 1817

The Tradesman’s Society held at Mr Armstrong’s. the Red Lion Inn, 
Wirksworth, celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with much festivity 
on Monday evening the 4th inst, the members assembled about 6 o’clock. 
And proceeded to chair one of the first Institutors of the society, 
who was carried thro’ the principal parts of the town, preceded by an 
excellent band of music, and displaying a bundle of sticks as an emblem 
of strength and unanimity. The party accompanied by a large concourse 
of spectators afterwards returned to the inn, where the evening was 
spent with the utmost harmony and hilarity. The room was beautifully 
ornamented with transparencies, festoons of greens, flowers, &c. &c. 
for the occasion.

(A great shame no names were mentioned! Jane)

[email received 1139-15oct2013]

Snippet 56

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London Gazette 5 April 1816

BANKRUPT
Edward Jackson, Wirksworth, Derby, victualler.
1109--15/10/2013

[email received 1109-15oct2013]

Snippet 55

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London Gazette 16 November 1816

NOMINATED FOR SHERRIF
Thomas Toplis of Wirksworth.

[email received 1109-150ct2013]

Snippet 54*

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Derby Mercury 13 June 1805

DIED
A few days since, at Southwell, Nottinghamshire, after a short illness, 
Mr Edward Becher LEACROFT, Esq. formerly of Wirksworth, in this county.

[email received 1039-15oct2013]

Snippet 53

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Derby Mercury 18 Apr 1805

MARRIED
On Monday se'nnight, at Kirk-Ireton, Mr Jos. BEESTON, of Ireton Wood, farmer
and grazier, and one of the Wirksworth Volunteers, to Miss Ann TAYLOR,
daughter of Mr Taylor, of the same place.
[email received 1655-03oct2013]

Snippet 52

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Derby Mercury 25 Apr 1805

MARRIED
Tuesday se'nnight at Duffield, Mr WALKER, of Ideridge-Hay, in this county,
farmer, and one of the Ashborne Troop of Derbyshire Yeomanry Cavalry, to
Miss Ann HOLMES, of Turnditch.
[email received 1655-03oct2013]

Snippet 51

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Derby Mercury 30 March, 1815

THE Creditors under the Assignment of JOSEPH REDFERN, late of Steeple House, 
near Wirksworth, may receive a first and final Dividend of the Estate and 
Effects of the said Joseph Redfern, on application to the Counting House of 
Thomas Atkinson, 14 Bank-street, Manchester, on the 12th April next. All 
those who do not execute the said Deed of Assignment before that time; will 
be excluded from any share of the said Estate.
[email received 1202-03oct2013]

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Derby Mercury 16 November, 1815

DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP.

WHEREAS the Copartnership between Saml. Evans and John Prior, late of Derby, 
but now of Wirksworth, in the said county, joiners, is this day dissolved 
by mutual consent. All Persons having any Demand on the said Copartnership, 
previous to their coming to Wirksworth, are requested to send in their 
Accounts to the said John Prior, who is duly authorized to receive and 
liquidate all Demands.

SAMUEL EVANS
JOHN PRIOR

Wirksworth, 7th Nov. 1815
[email received 1202-03oct2013]

Snippet 49

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Derby Mercury 20 Jan 1814

WIRKSWORTH ASSOCIATION

For  Prosecution Felons.

NOTICE is hereby Given, that the following REWARDS will be paid by the 
Treasurer of this Association, on conviction of any Person or Persons who 
shall be concerned in committing any of the Offences hereunder mentioned, 
over and above the Rewards allowed by Act of Parliament.

For Murder, Burglary, or Highway Robbery                £5  5  0
For stealing any Horse, Mare Gelding, Bull, 
   Cow, Ox Sheep, Lamb, or pig                          £5  5  0
For robbing any Dwelling House, Shop, Warehouse, 
   Out-house, Waggon, Cart, or Stall, 
   if the value of the Property stolen shall 
   amount to 5s. or upwards.                            £2  2  0
If of less value than one shilling                      £0  5  0
For stealing Poultry of any kind (except Game Cocks)    £1  1  0
For stealing, cutting down or destroying any Tree, 
   Hedge, Gate, Stile, Post, Rail, 
   or any kind of Fence                                 £1  1  0
For stealing or wilfully injuring any Carriage, 
   or any Implements or Utensils of Husbandry           £0 10  6
For stealing Beans, Peas, Turnips, Potatoes, 
   Cabbage, Grass, Hay, Straw, Clover, Corn, 
   or any sort of Grain; or for robbing any Garden, 
   in the Night                                         £1  1  0
In the Day                                              £0 10  6
For stealing Apples, Pears or any kind of Fruit, 
   in the Night                                         £0 10  6
In the Day                                              £0  5  0
For stealing any Lead Ore, or stealing or wilfully 
   damaging any kind of Mineral Implements or Utensils  £1  1  0
For wilfully damaging or destroying or letting off 
   or taking Water from any Meer                        £0 10  6
For any Larceny not mentioned above                     £0 10  6
Charles Hurt, Wirksworth
Philip Gell
John Toplis
Ralph Toplis
William Taylor
Simon Gaucher
Anthony Goodwin
Francis Green Goodwin
Rev. N. Hubbersty
Robert Blackwall
James Swettenham
John Williamson
Charles Wright
Thomas Armstrong
Edward Griffin
Edward Wheatcroft
Ditto for Meerbrook Sough
Job Longdon
Samuel Harley
Joseph Collinson
Thomas Collinson
John Byard
John Smith
Thomas Roebuck
Thomas Marshall
Edward Jackson
William Bradshaw
John Wright
John Heap
Mr Thomas Lomas
Thomas Mather
Edward Haslam
Thomas Foulk
George Pearson
John Blackwall, Esq., Blackwall
John Andrew
Samuel Nuttall
Jonathan Twigg
John Dakin
Samuel Walker
Francis Walker
John Smedley
Joseph Johnson
Edmund Johnson
Joseph Wilshaw
Edmund Hodgkinson
Mrs Sarah Page
Dorothy Chawner
Jos Holbrook, Ashleyhay
Thomas Taylor
Thomas Cooper
David Dean, Alton
Mary Brace
William Fox
Jasper Wager
Robert Simpson
B Gregory, Brassington
Robert Bromley, Alderwasley
Thomas Doxey, Wigwell
Robert Wayne, Biggin
Mr Wm. Tipper, Wirksworth
Miss Frances Downing, Biggin
Mr Henry Brown
Samuel Doxey, Bolchi??
Samuel Wright
John Frost
Miss Elizabeth Spencer
Sarah Spencer
Mr James Shaw
Charles Johnson, Callow
Mrs H Gregory, Cromford
Mary Evans
Mr German Wheatcroft
Nathaniel Wheatcroft
R. Cresswell, Ideridghay
J.N. James, Ireton Wood
Robert Allsop
John Renshaw, Kirk Ireton
John Matkin, Kirk Ireton
Thomas Saxton, Lea
J. Smith, Matlock Bath
I. Spencer, sen. Middleton
Isaac Spencer, jun.
Reuben Spencer
Mrs Elizabeth Woodhouse
Mr Gamaliel Hall
Daniel Walker
Stephen Hall, Middleton
Samuel Brooks
Thomas Doxey, Wigwell
Nathaniel Bowmer
David Gregory
And Notice is hereby further Given, That such of the Members as have not already renewed their Subscriptions for the year ensuing, must pay the same into the hands of the Treasurer on or before the 28th day of February next, otherwise they will be excluded. And that any Person resident in Wirksworth, or within four miles thereof, who may be desirous of becoming a Member of the said Association, may be admitted on payment of not less than seven shillings and sixpence to the Treasurer, within the time above mentioned. By Order, JAMES SWETTENHAM Clerk and Treasurer. Wirksworth, 10th Jan 1814 [email received 1120-03oct2013] [In 1814 a craftsman's wages were 48d, labourer 32d per day] [See emails and Harrison]

Snippet 48

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Derby Mercury, March 11, 1813

Valuable Land and Premises at Wirksworth

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION 

By Mr JACKSON

At the Miners Standard Inn, in Wirksworth, in this county of Derby, 
on Wednesday the 24th day of March, 1813, at Four o’clock in the 
Afternoon, subject to such Conditions as will be then produced;

LOT 1
All those Two newly erected Copyhold Dwelling Houses, with the Appurtenances 
thereto belonging, and a Garden and Stable behind the same, situate, 
standing and being on Nether Street, in Wirksworth aforesaid, in the 
occupations of Anthony Farrand and Roger Cheetham

LOT 2
All those two very Valuable Pieces of Copyhold Meadow Land, with a Messuage 
standing thereon, situate near the Cotton Mill, and adjoining the Turnpike 
Road below the Town of Wirksworth, called the Gorsy Lees, containing Acres 
and Three Roods, more or less, in the occupation of Mr Francis Hall.

LOT 3
All that very valuable Piece of Rich Freehold Land situate in Summer Lane, 
near the town of Wirksworth aforesaid called the Doxey Close, containing 
Three Acres and ? Rood, more or less, in the possession of Mr John Cheugh.

The Tenants will show the respective Lots; and the ? possession of the 
Land may be had immediately.

[Article is bent over so some words indistinct. Cheugh?]
[email received 1525-30sep2013]

Snippet 47

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DERBY MERCURY 22 April, 1813

WIRKSWORTH

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION

By Mr JACKSON,

At the House of Mr Joseph Mather, the Miners Standard, in Wirksworth, in 
the county of Derby, on Wednesday the 5th day of May next, precisely at 4 
o’clock in the Afternoon, in the following Lots, and subject to such 
Conditions as will be then produced;

LOT 1
A Compact and modern built Dwelling House, with Outbuildings, Garden and 
small Croft adjoining, now in the possession of Mr Joseph Redfern.

Also a piece of excellent Meadow or Pasture Ground situate near to the 
above Premises, known by the name of the Sprink Close, in the occupation 
of the said Joseph refern, containing about 4A. 0R. 10P

Lot 2
A Dwelling House and Garden, in possession of Mrs Hargrave.

Also Four Dwelling Houses and a Weaver’s Shop. With Gardens to the same 
respectively belonging, now in the several possessions of Obadiah Wigley, 
George Froggatt, Joseph Simpson, and George Bunting.

LOT 3
A large Building lately occupied as a Weaver’s Shop, capable of containing 
10 Looms, with a small Building and Garden adjoining, now in the possession 
of the said Joseph Redfern.

The above Premises are Tithe Free and Land Tax redeemed, and are pleasantly 
situated by the Turnpike Road leading to Matlock Bath, about half a mile 
from Wirksworth.

Mr Joseph Redfern will shew the Premises, and other Particulars may be 
known on application at the Office of Mr Swettenham, Solicitor, Wirksworth.

On the same Day, at 10 o’clock in the Forenoon will be disposed of by 
Auction, upon the Premises,
About 30 Weaver’s Looms, Winding Machine, Warping Mill, and other Articles 
in the Weaving Business. And also a variety of Household Furniture.

Wirksworth, 20th April, 1813
[email received 1525-30sep2013]

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Derby Mercury 7th October, 1813

At the general quarter sessions of the peace for this county, which 
commenced yesterday... Jacob Doxey, John Clayton, Job Bateman, and William 
Gratton, convicted of being rogues and vagabonds, having been discovered 
in an inclosed piece of land in the night using gate nets for the purpose 
of destroying game, were severally ordered to be imprisoned six months in 
the House of Correction at Wirksworth.

(Included this as I seem to have a memory of someone researching DOXEY. 
I am presuming all came from Wirksworth)
[email received 1525-30sep2013]

Snippet 45

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Derby Mercury November 18, 1813

MR JOHN SNIBSON, DECEASED.

[email received 1525-30sep2013]

Snippet 44

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Derby Mercury 6 December, 1804

DIED
On the 30th ult. Mr Wm. SMEDLEY, of Cliff Hill Lane, near Wirksworth, in
this county, aged 76.
[email received 1016-30sep2013]

Snippet 43

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Derby Mercury  January 30, 1812

Very useful Ash and Elm Timber,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By Mr. JACKSON,

At the Red Lion Inn, in Wirksworth, in the county of Derby, on Wednesday 
the 12th day of February, 1812, at four o’clock in the Afternoon, subject 
to such Conditions as will then be produced, either together or in such 
Lots as shall be agreed upon at the time of Sale;

THIRTY-FIVE Ash Trees, Ten Elms, and one Alder Tree, standing and growing 
on Land at Wash Green, in Wirksworth, in the occupation of Mr Ralph Toplis, 
and James and William Hatfield.

Mr Pearson, Sadler, will shew the Timber; of whom further particulars may 
be had.

[email received 1910-27sep2013]

Snippet 42

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Derby Mercury March 5, 1812

WIRKSWORTH

TO BE LET

A Good HOUSE situated in the Coldwell-street in Wirksworth, consisting of 
two good Sitting Rooms, convenient Kitchen, Brewhouse and Pantries on the 
ground floor; four Bed Rooms and Dressing Room on the first floor; and five 
Attics; dry and convenient arched Cellars, Coal Yard, Stable, and small 
Kitchen Garden, with the option of an adjoining small House now temporarily 
detached.

For further Particulars enquire of Mr William FOX, Cabinet Maker, Wirksworth.
[email received 1910-27sep2013]

Snippet 41

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Derby Mercury March 19, 1812

FREEHOLD HOUSES AND LANDS
IN WIRKSWORTH

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

By Mr JACKSON

At the house of Mr Thomas Armstrong, the Red Lion Inn, in Wirksworth, in 
the county of Derby, on Monday the 20th day of March, 1812, precisely at 
3 o’clock in the Afternoon, in the following or such Lots as shall be 
agreed upon at the time of Sale, and subject to such Conditions as will 
be then produced;

LOT 1 A dwelling House or Tenement and Brewhouse adjoining, with two 
Gardens in front thereof, situate at the Top of the Beast Market, in 
Wirksworth aforesaid, lately occupied by Mr John Snibson deceased.
Also a Close or Parcel of excellent Land, situate near to the said 
Dwelling House, known by the name the Lower Lees, with the Plantation 
lying on the Northeasterly side, and a small Garden at the North easterly 
end thereof, now in the possession of Robert Stear and John Cheatle, 
containing by Survey, 2A, 2R. 4P.

LOT 2- A newly erected Dwelling House or Tenement, situate near to the 
above mentioned Dwelling House, with a small Garden in front thereof, in 
the possession of Benjamin Harrison.

LOT 3- A Dwelling House or Tenement, with a Stable and Garden thereto 
belonging, situate at the Top of the Beast Market aforesaid, in the 
possession of Samuel Wyatt.

LOT 4 –A Dwelling House or Tenement, with a Weaving Shop capable of 
containing 12 Looms, Stable and two Gardens to the same and adjoining and 
belonging, situate at the Top of the Beast Market aforesaid, in the 
possession of Mr Wilson, or his Undertenants.

Also a Close or Parcel of excellent Land adjoining to the said last 
mentioned Premises, known by the name of the Lower Lees, in the possession 
of Robert Stear and John Cheatle, containing by survey, 1A.2R.0P

LOT 5- An Allotment or Parcel of Land situate upon Wirksworth Moor, in the 
possession of Jonathan Twigg, containing by survey, 3A. 3R. 8P

The respective Tenants will shew the Premises; and other Particulars may be 
known on application to Mr. SWEETENHAM, Solicitor, Wirksworth.
[email received 1910-27sep2013]

Snippet 40

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30 April, 1812

RED LION INN, WIRKSWORTH

T. ARMSTRONG begs leave to make his most grateful Acknowledgements to the 
Commercial Gentlemen and his Friends in general, for the very liberal 
Support he has met with since entering on the above Inn, and assures them 
it shall be his constant endeavour to merit a Continuance of their Patronage.

N.B. For better Accommodation of his Friends, T.A. has commenced the 
Posting Business.

Wirksworth, 28 April, 1812.
[email received 1910-27sep2013]

Snippet 39

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Derby Mercury 25 June,  1812

APPRENTICE WANTED

EDWARD HASLAM, of Wirksworth, is in want of a steady young Man, from 
respectable Parents, to the COOPERAGE Business.

[This Advertisement will not be repeated. Wirksworth, 23 June, 1812]
[email received 1910-27sep2013]

Snippet 38

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Derby Mercury July 12, 1812

TURNPIKE SECURITIES

To be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT

£230. Principal Money secured on the Tolls arising on the Turnpike Road 
leading from the Cross Post on Wirksworth Moor, to the joining of the Road 
leading from Chesterfield to Chapel-en-le Frith at or near Longstone, in 
the County of Derby, and known by the Title of Nottingham Third District.

ALSO £193. 10s. 9d. Principal Money secured on the Tolls arising on the 
Turnpike Road leading from Leek, in the County of Stafford, by Middle Hills, 
and through Longnor, in the same county, and Monyash and Ashsford to Hassop, 
in the county of Derby; and also on the Road  of the said Road branching out 
at Middleshills aforesaid, to the Macclesfield Turnpike Road near Buxton, 
in the said county of Derby.

Apply to Mr. BOSSLEY, Solicitor, Bakewell.
[email received 1910-27sep2013]

Snippet 37

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Derby Mercury July 16, 1812

FREEHOLD LAND AND HOUSES,

SITUATED AT STEEPLE HALL,

Upon theTurnpike Road betwixt Wirksworth and Cromford,

The Property of JOSEPH READFERN,Junior,

(WHO IS CHANGING HIS RESIDENCE)

To be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT,

A Freehold Dwelling House occupied by J. Redfern, containing two Parlours, 
a Kitchen and Pantries, upon the ground floor, with four Lodging Rooms; 
a handsome Garden in front newly planted, a small Croft adjoining, in 
which is a Two-stalled Stable and good Cow House, the whole contains 
3 Roods and upwards.

Also a Dwelling House in the possession of  Mrs Hargreaves, containing two 
Parlours, a large Kitchen and Pantry, and five Lodging Rooms, with a 
spacious back Yard, and good Garden.

The above Premises are newly erected. And are in a perfect state of repair. 
The interior of the Houses are finished in a genteel manner, with Closets 
and all other necessary Fixtures, and every Room in both Houses, except 
one are private. 

The Purchasers of either of the above Houses may be accommodated with any 
quantity of Eight Acres of rich Meadow Land, part of which abounds with an 
excellent Bed of Clay, and adjoins the Turnpike Road, not half a mile from 
Wirksworth.

Also Six Small Dwelling Houses, three of which have Weavers Shops adjoining 
them.

The whole of the above is Freehold and Tithe Free, and Land Tax redeemed.

Also a large Building lately occupied as a Weavers shop, that will hold ten 
Looms; with a small Building and Garden adjoining the same.

Also a Piece of Rich Freehold Land, about five Acres, upon Wirksworth Moor; 
has a constant Spring of Water running through it, and is considered the 
best Piece of Land upon the said Moor.

The respective Occupiers will shew the Premises & Possessions of all or any 
part may be had at Michaelmas  or Christmas next.

To treat for the same apply to JOSEPH REDFERN, junior, upon the Premises; 
or of Mr SWEETENHAM, Solicitor, Wirksworth.

Steeple Hall, July 7, 1812

N.B. If any part is not disposed of by Private Contract, the same  will be 
Sold by Auction sometime in August or September next.
[email received 1910-27sep2013]

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Derby Mercury, July 26, 1804

TO BE LET,

And entered upon Lady- day next,

ALL that very Commodious and well accustomed

TAN YARD

Situated in Wirksworth, in the county of Derby, with a small piece of 
ground contiguous there to, late in the possession of Mr Joseph SATTERFIELD, 
but now of Mr David Gregory;- And also all that new erected DWELLING HOUSE 
and  Garden adjoining thereto, also in the possession of the  said David 
Gregory. The Tan Yard is an old established one, and comprises 43 Pits or 
Vats, 44 Handlers, 6 Lime Pits, 11 Drenches, 3 convenient Drying Rooms, 2 
excellent Bark Mills, 2 spacious Barns, with every other convenience, well 
calculated for carrying on an extensive Concern.

The premises are in compleat repair, plentifully supplied with hard and 
soft Water. And the neighbourhood well stocked with Oak Timber.

The Tenant will shew the premises; and further particulars may be had by 
applying to Mr. SHERWIN, Wirksworth.
[email received 1910-27sep2013]

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DERBY MERCURY SEPTEMBER 6, 1804

MARRIED

On Wednesday last at Alfreton, in this county, Mr SMITH, of that place,
watch-maker, to Miss WILSON, of Wirksworth.
[email received 1813-17sep2013]

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DERBY MERCURY SEPTEMBER 27, 1804

MARRIED

On Thursday, the 20th inst. at Bluntisham, by the Master of St John's
College, Cambridge, The Rev. J SMITH, Fellow of that Society, and Rector of
Holt in Norfolk, to Miss TILLARD, daughter of the Rev. R TILLARD, late Vicar
of Wirksworth.
[email received 1813-17sep2013]

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DERBY MERCURY SEPTEMBER 20, 1804

MARRIED

A few days ago, at Bonsall, in this county, Mr J WIGLEY, to Miss E. BRODITT;
both of Bonsall aforesaid.
[email received 1813-17sep2013]

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DERBY MERCURY SEPTEMBER 13, 1804

MARRIED

At Middleton, on Thursday last, Mr Thomas GOULD, of Hope, in this county, to
Miss M. WELLS, of Parr Field, near Middleton.
[email received 1813-17sep2013]

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Jackson's Oxford Journal (Oxford, England), 
Saturday, February 16, 1811

MARRIED
At Wirksworth, Derbyshire, John Ryle, Esq. of Park House, Macclesfield, 
to Susan, eldest daughter of Charles Hunt, Esq. of Wirksworth
[email received 1815-16sep2013]

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Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh, Scotland), 
Monday, May 20, 1811

On Sunday afternoon the neighbourhood of Derby was also visited by a 
dreadful storm of thunder and lightning, accompanied with hail. It 
happily passed over the town very slightly, but in different parts of 
the country it has been particularly violent. We understand at Longford, 
Ashborne, Wirksworth, and many other neighbouring places, it has been 
very severely felt, and hail stones, which were of immense size, have 
done great damage; the hot-house lights of many gentlemen having been 
almost wholly destroyed.

At Wirksworth, on the same day (Sunday), about half past five o’clock, 
a tremendous whirlwind or tornado, immediately after a short thunder 
and hail storm, began as far as we can learn, near Kirk Ireton. Its 
appearance was an immense cloud in the form of a balloon, whirled round 
with incredible swiftness, having a pipe or tail hanging down to the earth 
about 800 yards wide, darting continually up and down, the force of which 
nothing appears to have been able to resist, which it caught in its course, 
taking Kirk Ireton, part of Calow and Hopton, which it has laid in a 
complete state of ruins, It is impossible to convey to our readers and 
adequate idea of the scene immediately after it had passed, and the 
destruction so instantly occasioned by it. Houses unroofed, and barns and 
out-buildings entirely and in part unroofed and thrown down, hay and corn 
stacks carried away and dispersed, trees of all sizes torn up by the roots 
and broken off in the middle, being twisted in several instances into 
splinters.
[email received 1815-16sep2013]

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The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), 
Thursday, July 11, 1811

BOARDING SCHOOL, WIRKSWORTH
Miss UDALLS’ respectfully inform their Friends and the Public, that their 
School will re-openAfter the present Recess, on Monday the 22d inst.

Wirksworth, July 8th, 1811
[email received 1815-16sep2013]

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The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), 
Thursday, July 25, 1811

DANCING
Mr. LASSELLS respectfully announces his Academy for teaching the 
ART OF DANCING will recommence at DERBY ON WEDNESDAY the 31st instant; 
at Wirksworth on SATURDAY AUGUST 3d: at Quondon, near Derby, 
THURSDAY AUGUST 8th; and at Loughbro’ on TUESDAY AUGUST 20th.

Sion Hill, Nottingham, July 16th, 1811
[email received 1815-16sep2013]

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The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), 
Thursday, August 22, 1811

Notice to the late MR JOHN SNIBSON’S
Debtors and Creditors.

All Persons to whom the late Mr John Snibson, of Wirksworth, in the 
County of Derby, Innkeeper, stood indebted at the time of his decease, 
are requested to deliver a particular of their respective Demands 
without delay to Mr Thomas Snibson, of Northwingfield, in the said county 
of Derby, Farmer, in order that the same may be immediately investigated 
and discharged.

And all persons who stand indebted to the Estate and Effects of the said 
John Snibson, deceased, are likewise requested to pay their respective 
Debts to the said Mr Thomas Snibson, otherwise legal Proceedings will be 
commenced for recovering the same.

JAS. SWETTENHAM.
Wirksworth, 19 August, 1811
[email received 1815-16sep2013]

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The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), 
Thursday, October 31, 1811

DWELLING HOUSE AND GARDEN
TO BE LET

All that Substantial and Convenient Dwelling House, with a good Garden and 
other Appurtenances thereto belonging, situate at the Town Head in 
Wirksworth, in the county of Derby, late in the occupation of Mr Snibson, 
deceased.

Immediate possession may be had; and for further Particulars enquire of 
Mr JACKSON, Auctioneer, at the Miners Standard, in Wirksworth aforesaid.
[email received 1815-16sep2013]

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The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), 
Thursday, December 19, 1811

WIRKSWORTH ASSOCIATION

For the Prosecution of Felons.

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Wirksworth, in the County of Derby, 
held at the House of Mr Thomas Armstrong, the Red Lion Inn, in Wirksworth 
aforesaid, the 14th Day of November, 1811

We whose Names are hereunder mentioned, having entered into an Association 
for the Prosecution of Felons. DO HEREBY agree to give the following 
REWARDS to any Person or Persons through whose Information and Evidence 
any Felon or Felons shall be convicted of any of the Offences hereafter 
mentioned, that shall be committed upon the Person or Property of any 
Member of this Association.

For Murder, Burglary, or Highway Robbery          £5  5  0
For stealing any Horse, Mare Gelding, Bull, 
   Cow, Ox Sheep, Lamb, or pig                    £5  5  0
For robbing any Dwelling House, Shop, Warehouse, 
   Out-house, Waggon, Cart, or Stall, if the 
   value of the Property stolen shall amount to 
   5s. or upwards.                                £2  2  0
   If of less value than one shilling             £0  5  0
For stealing Poultry of any kind 
   (except Game Cocks)                            £1  1  0
For stealing, cutting down or destroying any 
   Tree, Hedge, Gate, Stile, Post, Rail, 
   or any kind of Fence                           £1  1  0
For stealing or wilfully injuring any Carriage, 
   or any Implements or Utensils of Husbandry     £0 10  6
For stealing Beans, Peas, Turnips, Potatoes, 
   Cabbage, Grass, Hay, Straw, Clover, Corn, 
   or any sort of Grain; or for robbing 
   any Garden, in the Night                       £1  1  0
   In the Day                                     £0 10  6
For stealing Apples, Pears or any kind of Fruit, 
   in the Night                                   £0 10  6
   In the Day                                     £0  5  0
For stealing any Lead Ore, or stealing or 
   wilfully damaging any kind of Mineral 
   Implements or Utensils                         £1  1  0
For wilfully damaging or destroying or letting 
   off or taking Water from any Meere             £0 10  6
For any Larceny not mentioned above               £0 10  6

Charles Hurt, Wirksworth...
Philip Gell
John Toplis
Anthony Goodwin
Robert Blackwall
James Swettenham
Charles Wright
Thomas Marshall
Edward Jackson
William Bradshaw
Thomas Lomas
Thomas Mather, baker.
Edward Haslam
Thomas Fowk
George Pearson
Kitty Taylor
John Andrew
Robert Gell
Henry Swinscow
William Nuttall
Robert Bramley
Jonathan Twigg
Wm. Greatorex
Joseph Collinson
Francis Walker
Joseph and Edmund Johnson
James Woolley
Joseph Willshaw
Robert Wagstaff
Mary Brace
William Fox
Benjamin Andrews
Jasper Wager
David Gregory
Robert Simpson
William Bratt
Daniel Wilson
Robert Bromley, Alderwasley
Thomas Pickard, Alderwasley
John Matkit, Kirk Ireton
John Renshaw, Kirk Ireton
Stephen Hall, Middleton
Thomas Doxey, Wigwell
Robert Wain, Biggin
Any person resident in, or within four miles of Wirksworth, desirous of becoming a Member of this Association, may be admitted on paying Five Shillings to the Treasurer, on or before the first Day of January next. By Order, JAMES SWETTENHAM Clerk and Treasurer. Wirksworth, 6th Dec. 1811 [email received 1815-16sep2013] [In 1811 a craftsman's wages were 48d, labourer 32d per day] [See emails and Harrison]

Snippet 24

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The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), 
Thursday, December 19, 1811

WIRKSWORTH CORN MARKET

It having been suggested by several of the Freeholders & Landholders 
within the Town and Neighbourhood of WIRKSWORTH, that the Establishment 
of a Corn Market would be of general utility and convenience to the 
said Town and Neighbourhood;

Notice is hereby Given,

That a MARKET for the Sale of CORN will continue to be held every 
Tuesday, between the Hours of Eleven and One o’clock, at the 
Top of COLD WELL STREET, which Place has been universally approved of.

N.B. All Corn sold in the above Market will be Toll Free.

Wirksworth, Dec. 3, 1811
[email received 1815-16sep2013]

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The Morning Post (London, England), 
Monday, February 15, 1808; Issue 11541

BANKRUPTS
Elizabeth Gell and Ann Gell, of Wirksworth; Derbyshire, grocers, 
Feb 26, 27 March 26 at eleven, at the Red Lion Inn, Wirksworth. 
Attorney, Mr. Swettenham, Wirksworth.
[email received 1652-15sep2013]

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The Morning Post (London, England), 
Thursday, September 29, 1809; pg. [1]; Issue 12066

DESCRIPTION of Serjeant THOMAS WAGSTAFF who deserted from the 5th Battalion,  
Royal Artillery - Aged 48, five feet ten inches and three quarters high, 
an Englishman, born in the parish of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, by trade a 
shoemaker, dark complexion, black hair, black eyes: had on a dark grey coat, 
round hat, black silk handkerchief ? keen pantaloons, and Hessian boots;  
he has a dimple in his chin, very pimpled in the face, and a few grey hairs 
on his head.
[email received 1652-15sep2013]

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The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), 
Thursday, February 22, 1810; Issue 4057

WIRKSWORTH FAIR
Notice is hereby Given, that there will be a Fair held at Wirksworth, 
in the County of Derby, on SHROVE TUESDAY. For Horses, Horned Cattle, 
Sheep, &c.

There was a very large Show of fine Cattle at the New Fair, which was 
held on the 21st November last; and the Dealers were numerous.

Wirksworth, Feb 9th, 1810

[email received 1652-15sep2013]

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The Morning Post (London, England), 
Friday, September 14, 1810; pg. [1]; Issue 12362

LEAD MINES, Derbyshire. – To be RESOLD, pursuant to a Decree of the High 
Court of Chancery, made in a cause “Rowlls against Thomas’  before 
John Simeon, Esq. one of the Masters of the said Court, on WEDNESDAY, 
the 19th day of September, 1810, at Twelve o’clock, at the Public Sale 
room of the said Court, in Southampton  building,  London, certain very 
valuable LEAD MINES, with the appurtenances and the Mineral Duties and 
Royalties there to belonging, witain the soak and wapentake of Wirksworth, 
in the county of Derby;  situate and also the valuable office of Barmaster, 
with all profits and advantages thereto belonging, held under the Duchy 
of Lancaster, by virtue of two indentures of demise, renewable according 
to the custom of the said Duchy, one of them for a term of eleven years, 
from 25th March, 1809, at the rent of 18½ l ; ad the other of such Leases’s 
for the term of fourteen years from the expiration of the former lease, at 
the yearly rent of 230l. These mines and offices have produced an average 
of the last five years, nearly the clear annual sum of 1120l. after 
deducting the rent and all other outgoings, and are supposed capable of 
very considerable improvement.-Particulars of this property may be had at 
the said Master’s Chambers, in Southampton-buildings, London; also of 
Anthony Lax Maynard; and Wotton Byrehinshaw Thomas, Esquires, at 
Chesterfield; and of Mr Holloway, Solicitor, in Chancery –lane; Mr Thomas, 
Solicitor, in Elm-court, Temple : Messrs. Graham Kinderley , and Domville, 
of Lincoln’s Inn; and Mr B.C. Williams, of Lincoln’s Inn-fields --Mr Anthony 
Alsop, The principal Deputy Barmaster at Wirksworth, will shew the property, 
and give all further necessary information.
[email received 1652-15sep2013]

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The Morning Chronicle (London, England), 
Monday, March 11, 1805; Issue 11173.

BANKRUPTS
John Hawthorne the younger, of Wirksworth, Derby, linen draper, 
March 25, at ten, and April 10 and 20, at eleven, at the Star Inn, 
Deansgate, Manchester. Attornies, Mr. Clough, Manchester; 
Mr Edge, Inner Temple.
[email received 1542-14sep2013]

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The Lancaster Gazette and General Advertiser, 
for Lancashire, Westmorland, &c. (Lancaster, England), 
Saturday, September 14, 1805; Issue 222.

MARRIED
On Monday se’nnight, at Wirksworth, Peter ARKWRIGHT, Esq. of Willersley, 
Derbyshire, to Miss Mary Anne, second daughter of Charles HART, Esq. 
of the former place.
[email received 1542-14sep2013]

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The Morning Chronicle (London, England), 
Thursday, January 2, 1806; Issue 11428.

Patriotic Fund

LLOYDS Dec. 17, 1805
CONTRIBUTIONS AFTER DIVINE SERVICE ON THE DAY OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE 
RELIEF OF THE SEAMEN, SOLDIERS,MARINES, AND VOLUNTEERS WOUNDED; AND THE 
WIDOWS, ORPHANS AND RELATIVES OF THOSE KILLED IN HIS MAJESTY’S SERVICE.

(List of subscribers)

Meeting House, Wirksworth £1 12 7
[email received 1542-14sep2013]

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The Lancaster Gazette and General Advertiser, 
for Lancashire, Westmorland, &c. (Lancaster, England), 
Saturday, June 07, 1806

MARRIED
On the 23d ult. at Wirksworth, John PEEL, jun Esq. of Burton-upon-Trent, 
to Miss Antoinetta GOODWIN, daughter of Anthony GOODWIN, Esq.of the former 
place.

The Morning Post (London, England), 
Wednesday, October 01, 1806; Issue 11115

DIVIDENDS
Oct .22. J Hawthorne the younger, of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, linen-draper, 
at eleven at the Spread Eagle Inn, Manchester.
[email received 1542-14sep2013]

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The Bury and Norwich Post: Or, Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and 
Cambridge Advertiser (Bury Saint Edmunds, England), 
Wednesday, October 29, 1806

ARTS AND SCIENCES

1. The SURVEYOR’s GUIDE
 ; OR A Treatise on Practical Land-Surveying, in Six Parts, 
with the Method of Drawing, reducing or augmenting Places 
By J.COTES, Surveyor at Wirksworth, in Derbyshire, 
the most difficult county to survey in the kingdom; price 5s. 
or on common paper for schools 3s.

The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), 
Thursday, December 11, 1806
The Annual WIRKSWORTH ASSEMBLIES will be on
Monday, December 29th, 1806.
Thursday, January 22nd, 1807 
The Rev. JOHN CHALONER,
CHARLES HURT, Jun. Esq. (Bracketed Stewards)
[email received 1542-14sep2013]

Snippet 14

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INTENDED TURNPIKE ROAD

Whereas it is intended to apply to Parliament in the present Session, for
Act of Repair, Widen, Alter, and Amend the Road leading from Cromford, in
the parish of Wirksworth, in the county of Derby, along the Via Gellia, to
Hopton, in the said county; and also to set out and make a New Road
branching from the said Road, up the valley, between the Grisse and Hole by
Grange Mill, to or near to Newhaven House, in the parish of Hartington, in
the said county; and also to set out and make another New Road branching
from the first mentioned road near the said valley, to the town of
Wirksworth aforesaid.
[email received 1543-11sep2013]

Snippet 13

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DIED
On Tuesday se'nnight, of a decline, Miss MATHER, daughter of Mr. Edward
MATHER, of Wirksworth, in this county.
[email received 1507-12sep2013]

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Derby Mercury 29 March 1804
Derby, Wednesday 28 March 1804

MARRIED
On the 15th ult. Mr John HAWTHORN, of Wirksworth, to Miss WEBSTER, daughter
of Mr John WEBSTER, an eminent farmer and grazier,-of Smirrill Grange, both
in this county.
[email received 1507-12sep2013]

Snippet 11

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The Wirksworth Loyal Volunteers, under the command of Charles HURT, Esq;
their Major, were inspected on Friday last by Lieut.-Colonel WALKER, who was
pleased to express the highest approbation of their military appearance,
good conduct, and steady attention throughout their respective manoeuvres.
[email received 1054-13sep2013]

Snippet 10

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The Bury and Norwich Post: Or, Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, 
and Cambridge Advertiser (Bury Saint Edmunds, England), 
Wednesday, April 29, 1801; Issue 983

CAMBRIDGE, April 27
Yesterday se’nnight the Rev. N. Hubbersty was married to Miss Tomlinson, 
both of Wirksworth, in Derbyshire.
[email received 1257-13sep2013]

Snippet 09

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The Morning Post and Gazetteer (London, England), 
Tuesday, May 05, 1801; pg. [1]; Issue 10198

LLOYD’S COFFEE HOUSE,
April 24th

Subscription for the brave MEN Wounded, and the FAMILIES of those who Fell 
in the Fleet under Command of Sir HYDE PARKER, in the Service of their 
King and Country, off Copenhagen, and in the Baltic, in 1801

(List of subscriptions)

The Produce of a Benefit Play, given by Mr. Nunns, at the Theatre, Wirksworth. 
£13 12 0
[email received 1257-13sep2013]

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Derby Mercury 26 July and 2 August 1804

TO BE LET
And entered upon at Lady-day next,

All that very Commodious and well accustomed TAN YARD,

Situated in Wirksworth, in the county of Derby, with a small piece of 
ground contiguous thereto, late in the possession of Mr Joseph Satterfield, 
but now of Mr David Gregory;- And also all that new erected DWELLING HOUSE 
and garden adjoining thereto, also in the possession of the said 
David Gregory. The Tan yard is an old established one, and comprises 43 Pits 
or Vats, 44 Bandlers, 6 Lime Pits, 11 Drenches, 3 convenient Drying Rooms, 
2 excellent Bark Mills, 2 spacious Barns, with every other convenience, well 
calculated for carrying on an extensive Concern.

The premises are in compleat repair, plentifully supplied with hard and soft 
Water, and the neighbourhood well stocked with Oak Timber.

The Tenant will shew the premises; and further particulars may be had by 
applying to Mr SHERWIN, Wirksworth.

Wirksworth, 10th July, 1804
[email received 1223-13sep2013]

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Derby Mercury Dec 27th 1804 

AT THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
WIRKSWORTH, DERBYSHIRE

Under the Direction of the Rev. N. HUBBERSTY, with proper Assistants,

Young Gentlemen are Boarded on the most liberal Plan, and Educated for the 
Professions and Business, in English, Latin, Greek, Writing, Arithmetic, 
Book-keeping, Geography, Surveying, Mathematics, English Letters and 
Composition, &c &c.

Board Twenty Guineas per Annum.

Drawing, Dancing, Music, and French by approved Masters, on the usual Terms.

The school will open again after the present Recess on Monday the 21st of 
January, 1805.

Wirksworth, Dec 20th, 1804.
[email received 1223-13sep2013]

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Derby Mercury March 24 1803
CROWN INN
WIRKSWORTH, 19th March, 1803
MARY NUTTALL
(Widow of the late John Nutall)
Returns her most grateful acknowledgements to her Friends and the Public 
in general for the encouragement and support she has experienced since her 
Husband’s death;-begs leave to inform them that she intends to carry on the 
above Inn. And the Malting Business, as usual; and hopes by assiduity and 
unremitting attention to merit a continuance of their favours.

All persons indebted to her late Husband are requested to pay the same to 
her; and all persons having any demand upon his Estate are desired to send 
in the same that they may be immediately discharged.
[email received 1202-13sep2013]

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Derby Mercury, 30 June 1803
WIRKSWORTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
DERBYSHIRE

Will open again after the present Vacation on Monday the 25th July.

The particulars thereof may be known by application to the Rev. N. HUBBERSTY.
[email received 1202-13sep2013]

Snippet 04

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Derby Mercury 7 Jan 1802
WIRKSWORTH ASSEMBLY

Is fixed to be on THURSDAY the 14th January, 1802

Same edition

(Sent you this prior but appears to be more information and additions
- not sure. Jane)

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
At the house of Mr Francis Walker, the Red Lion Inn, in Wirksworth, in the 
county of Derby, on Tuesday the 26th day of this instant January, subject 
to such conditions as will then be produced; -the sale to begin at 3 o’clock 
in the afternoon;

The following valuable FREEHOLD and COPYHOLD ESTATES, situate or near to 
Kirk-Ireton, in the county of Derby, in the following Lots, (viz)

LOT 1 A Freehold piece of Land, called Burrows Close, in the possession of 
  Thomas Miles, containing by survey 3A 3R 4P
LOT 2 A Freehold Allotment, Tythe free, situate on Hulland Ward, in the 
  possession of Robert Walker, containing by survey 6A 2R 33P
LOT 3 A Freehold piece of Land, called Biggin Mill Close, in the possession 
  of William Poyzer, containing by survey 4A 0R 32P
LOT 4 A Copyhold Messuage Farm and Lands, in the possession of Joseph Mellor, 
  called Topsell, containing by survey 26A 2R 35P
N.B. The above Lot is fine certain within the Manor of Wirksworth.
LOT 5 A Freehold Messuage Farm and Lands, in the possession of Philip Mellor, 
  called by the following names; (viz) The Nether Pen Carr, The Upper Pen Carr 
  in two parts, The Far Three Grasses; the near Three Grasses and the Meadow, 
  containing by survey 18A 0R 4P
LOT 6 Two Freehold pieces of Land, called the Upper Great Meadow and Nether 
  Great Meadow, in the possession of the said Joseph Mellor, containing by 
  survey 9A 2R 2P
LOT 7 A Freehold piece of Land, called the Upper Ratchett Carr, in the 
  possession of the said Philip Mellor, containing by survey 4A 2R 6P
LOT 8 A Freehold piece of Land, called Nether Ratchett Carr, in the 
  possession of the said Philip Mellor, containing by survey 2A 2R 26P

The whole of the above Lots (except Lot 2D) are intitled to right of common 
on a certain piece of waste Land called Calow Moor.

The several Tenants will shew the premises; and further particulars may be 
had by applying to Mr. SWETTENHAM, Attorney at Law, Wirksworth.

Wirksworth, 6th Jan .1802
[email received 1150-13sep2013]

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Derby Mercury 11 March 1802

TO BE LET             
And entered upon immediately,

The well accustomed INN, known by the name of the GEORGE and DRAGON, situate 
at the Market Head, in Wirksworth, in the county of Derby, with very good 
stables and every other convenience necessary for carrying on an extensive 
business.

The present Tenant, Mrs Thompson, will shew the premises; and further 
particulars may be had by applying to Mr. SAMUEL NUTTALL, in Wirksworth.

Wirksworth, 5th March, 1802

(Same advert except for the mention of Mrs Thompson-no other name mentioned- 
was inserted in Derby Mercury 21st June 1802. Jane)
[email received 1150-13sep2013]

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Derby Mercury April 15 1802

Wanted Immediately,
A Steady Industrious Person, that perfectly understands the Nature of 
Working Fine Calicoes, to superintend a small Shop of Apprentices.

Personal application to be made to JOSEPH REDFERN, jun. Calico Manufacturer, 
at Steeple House, near Wirksworth.
[email received 1150-13sep2013]

Snippet 01

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April 13th, 1802.

Derby Mercury 15 July 1802

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN.

That the Tolls arising at the several Toll Gates hereinafter mentioned, 
erected by virtue of an Act of Parliament, made and passed in the 35th 
Year of the reign of His present Majesty, intituled “An Act to enlarge 
the Terms and Powers of two Acts passed in the 29th year of the Reign 
of his late Majesty King George the second, and in the 16th year of the 
reign of his present Majesty, for Repairing and Widening the Road from 
the White Stoop, near the North end of the Town of Derby, thro’ the Towns 
of Duffield and Chesterfield, in the county of Derby, to the Town of 
Sheffield, in the county of York; and from the said Town of Duffield to 
the Moot Hall, in the Town of Wirksworth, in the said county of Derby,” 
And which Gates are called or known by several names of Homely Common Gate, 
Dronfield Side Gate, Birdholm Gate, Clay Cross Gate, Hallfield Gate, 
Heage Gate, and Makeney Gate and Side Gate.

Will be Let by Auction,

Together or separately, and subject to such Conditions as the Trustees shall 
then direct, to the best Bidder or Bidders, at the house of Mr William Lovett, 
the Angel Inn, in Chesterfield aforesaid, on Thursday the 5th day of August 
now ensuing, between the Hours of Three and Five o’clock in the afternoon, 
in the manner directed by the General Turnpike Act, which said several Toll 
Gates produced last year the several sums of money following, viz.

Holmley Common Gate and Dronfield Side Gate 2701

Bird Holm, Clay Cross, and Hallfield Gates 4281

Heage Gate, and Makeney Gate and Side Gate 3241

Over and above the Expense of Collecting them; and they will be put up as 
those Sums, or such other Sum or Sums as the Trustees then present shall 
order and direct.

The Person or Persons who shall happen to be the best Bidder or Bidders, 
must at the same time give Security with sufficient Sureties to the 
satisfaction of the Trustees, for payment of the Rents agreed for, in such 
proportions and at such times as they shall direct. And no Person will be 
permitted to bid whose Sureties do not attend or are approved of by the 
Meeting.

By Order of the Trustees

SLATER and THOMAS

CLERKS

Chesterfield, 6 July, 1802
[email received 1150-13sep2013]

emails

Index
----Anyone with more details for publication on this webpage, please email ----
------------------------
[See Snippet 25]
There were similar societies all over the Country, I have come across them before. A brief look in the papers finds them in Manchester, Newcastle and Northamptonshire and plenty more hits I didn't look at further. Some of those dated back to the 1770's. They were still in operation in the second half of the 1800's at least (one report found in 1867). I suspect their decline was as a result of County and then National Police forces. I can see nothing illegal in offering reward for apprehension of a criminal, the newspapers often offer them these days (when they think they can get publicity from it).
Nivard Ovington in Cornwall
----------------------------------
[See Snippet 25]
My wife mentioned your bit on felons. I thought you might be interested in this bit from the Repton Parish Magazine:
Best wishes,
Andy Austen

Repton Association for the Prosecution of Felons.
(The original neighbourhood watch!)

Robert Peel established the Metropolitan Police in London in 1829 and by Sir Robert Peel
From Wikipedia

1857 all cities in the UK had to have a police force. But Repton wasn't a city and, even when there eventually was a village Bobby (by 1869), it was still difficult to secure a prosecution.

Since it was first formed in 1787, The Repton Association for the Prosecution of Felons had long provided an alternative solution. It seems it was reformed in 1825 and again in 1838 by the "Principal Inhabitants of the Parish Of Repton And District" for "preventing Burglaries, Felonies and Robberies of all kinds". The initial 1787 membership is not known but in 1825 Richard Somers was the Treasurer and Joseph Bradbury the Secretary. In addition to the principal villagers, membership included the Great and the Good - Sir Francis Burdett and, later, Sir Vauncey H-Crewe (examples of The Great), and Rev's Smith, Garvey, Pattinson and Peil (examples of The Good). There was a joining fee of 2/6d and, when required, an annual levy of between 1/- (1881) and 3/- (1908) per member.

Each year, a committee of 12 was elected and the Secretary and Treasurer could summon "a sufficient number" of them to deal with any threat or actual offence affecting members. The meetings took place in the Boot Inn or the Mitre Inn and, later, the Bulls Head and 2/6 was allowed for expenses. A table of rewards was created ranging from 1 Guinea for wilful damage or petty theft to 5 Guineas for Highway Robbery or theft of a Horse, Mare, Bull or Cow. In addition, expenses incurred in obtaining a prosecution were usually met. Rule 19 allowed the Society to support non-members who could not afford the cost of a securing a prosecution - particularly where it was deemed beneficial to the Parish generally.

The Association dealt with a wide range of offences including theft by a servant of two handkerchiefs, shots being fired at a bull, theft of vegetables, damage to styles, gates and fences, harassment of animals, problems from Repton School boys, and thefts of eggs, chickens, lambs, rabbits and calves. Successful prosecutions could carry serious penalties. In 1840, John Allen was transported for sheep stealing but a year later Michael Blood only got 1 year in prison for the same offence. Both were lucky because in 1816 a South Wingfield Society prosecution resulted in the execution of four men for setting fire to hay ricks.

There was an annual dinner in the Inns (in turn) and members were expected to attend. In later years they were fined 1/- for non-attendance which was given to the landlord providing the dinner.

An unexpected off-shoot of this Association was the creation of an annual Root Show which ran for about 20 years. The first was held at the Bulls Head in November 1885. Committee members were appointed to "go round and see the roots drawn from the respective competitor's farms as a guarantee of bona fide show".

In the 1920's their involvement in felonious activities declined and the main business seems to have become the annual dinner - attended by some 70 men of substance. There was talk of reviving the Root Show and a proposal for the formation of a Rat Club - to deal with a vermin problem.

The society seems to have dwindled away in the 1930s. By 1934, a journalist recorded that "the main purpose of the Society is now to promote conviviality and general good fellowship". They carried a small financial deficit forward in 1936 but the account book closes in 1938 with just over £10 in the Lloyds Bank.
For more information contact Andy Austen on austens@talktalk.net

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