1590 COUNTESS of LENNOX'S LANDS (1590) SETTRINGTON
The tenants of Settrington have long been troubled by the tenants of Norton for the soil of a great part of their common, and now the Earl of Cumberland hath entered suit for another part; and the tenants being already so impoverished with the former suit are not able to bear the charges longer. If it be not seen to, the soil of 600 acres of good common will be lost, that her grace was quietly possed of at her death. Signed T. Fouller.
(Extract from Historical Manuscripts Commission - Calendar of the
Manuscripts of the Marquis of Salisbury. Published by H. M. Stationery Officer
1892.)
1586 Enclosure of the open field (Common Land). In 1585 witnesses in an Exchange suit testified that James Hebblethwaite of Norton had already built one house and set up the frame of another on pasture known as Norton Outgang.
Horse Racing at Norton:(Taken from Malton Memories by J Fairfax-Blakeborough)
1692 Malton Races had been established some years, vide announcement in the London Gazette; 'On Tuesday 6th September, a plate as been usual, will be run for on Langton Wolds, near Malton, and another on the Thursday following, according to articles.
1713 Articles agreed by the founders for a plate to be run for on Langton Wolds, near New Malton, on Thursday, the 1st day of October.
At the foot of the bridge, between this place and Malton was pretty early in the time of Henry II, a Hospital dedicated to St. Nicholas founded by Roger-de-Flamvill, and placed under the government of the Cannons of Malton.
1835 Rev. William Pound since 1835 has conducted the school in a building adjoining his residence in the Norton Parish
April 1855. The sanction of the East Riding Magistrate has been given to the plan for the execution of a Lock-up and Magistrates Room at Norton, we understand they will be built upon the piece of ground which belong to the Riding near the bridge.
1855 AUBAN HILL was built by Robert Wyse Esq., about 1855. In the grounds is the old east window of Kirkburn Church and also a Norman Church doorway and some statuary brought from Scotland
WELHAM HALL Home of Robert Bower who died in 1869 then Robert Hartley Bower who died 25th May 1886 aged 53, Grandson Sir Robert was Chief Constable of the North Riding.(Appointed 26th October 1898with a salary of £400 a year). 13th June 1928, death of Sir Robert Bower. The Hall burnt down in 1884 and the family moved to Leat House. The Welham Estate was sold in 1890. The Hall was rebuilt by Colonel Sir James Legard and later Captain T. G. Gibson lived there. William Bower built the Bower's Memorial National School in 1830. 22nd January 1918 Sale of part of Welham Estate. Blackball Farm sold for £9,000 and Star Cottage Farm £2,375. 16th September 1935 Death at Leat House, Norton of Col. Sir James D. Legard, aged 89 years.
1838-1839 The first Wesleyan Chapel was built on Wold Street where houses 11-15 now stand.
29th August 1856. Wm. Mennell begs to acquaint the inhabitants of Malton and its vicinity, that he has his Steam Machine yet in the Market Place, and shall be happy to Grind all kinds of Cutlery on reasonable terms.
30th May 1857 (Malton Messenger). A street hitherto known as GREEN LANE is in future to be called MILL STREET, and the road past Mr. Lovel's Mill and the cemetery HOPE STREET.
1857 Land on Commercial Street was purchased from William Rapp and designated for the building of Trinity Chapel and the foundation stone was laid 27th May 1857. The new chapel was opened on 16th February 1858. The Sunday School was built in 1868. 16th February 2002 an electrical fault caused a fire to break out below the organ, work was carried out and rededication of the chapel took place on 18th September 2004.
(Taken from Malton Messenger)
1861
Norton To be let one fully furnished Bed and Sitting-room. Situated in Wood Street (Norton) - Apply to Messenger Office, Malton. C. Bingham – Plumber, Glazier and Painter, Norton, immediately wants an apprentice.
NORTON DRAINAGE - Plans and sections of the above (Norton drainage) have been prepared, and may be seen by persons interested on application at my office - JOHN. C. WISE.
William Wood. - Horse Breaker, Union Inn, Norton, good accommodation for horses. Hay and Corn at reasonable prices.
For Sale. - Ladders, Gates, Gate Posts, Bars and Fencing of every description, suitable for farmers, at GEORGE SMITH'S, NORTON.
1889 NORTON SOUP KITCHEN – The following is a copy of a letter received by the Rev. C. J. Chapman this week (26th February 1889) in connection with the above excellent institution.
From :- Langton Hall, Malton dated 26th February 1889.
Dear Mr. Chapman,
I beg to send you a second Black-faced Sheep, which you can readily exchange, as before, for meat which will make equally good soup in your Soup Kitchens.
I fear some of your poor people are suffering from this return of wintry weather.
I desire to act as a kind neighbour, and I hope some others, even in these bad times of Agricultural depression, will follow my example, and give money's worth if they can ill spare money itself.
Very sincerely yours.
CHARLES BEST NORCLIFFE. (Taken from Newspaper cutting. Dated 26th February
1889)
Horses which drew barges along the river came along the bank on Norton Road after leaving the barge to discharge or load merchandise at the several warehouses on the opposite bank. The horses then crossed the river by a wooden footbridge, on to the island, reaching the actual stone bridge about opposite the house which stood there until recent times. The supports which carried this wooden bridge were still visible in the early thirties at lower water having survived from the mid 1800's, and can still be seen in 2007.
The Railway crossing gates were opened and closed by hand and operated by a man called Harrison who lived in the house next to the crossing, there was no signal box and the man at the gates. There were four large gates, and two small ones through which you could pass after the larger ones had been closed. The large gates were fastened at the top with a catch which the man operated. With no Signal Cabin he was informed of an approaching train by a whistle from the engine. People on foot could cross the line by the wicket gates shortly before the passing of a train. The traffic was not nearly so heavy but when it increased a signal cabin was erected and the gates were opened and closed from the cabin by mechanical methods. A huge mound of Bark Knots (they came from Rustons & Priestmans' Tan Yard in Castlegate and later used on the Langton Wold training ground) occupied the ground where Mr. Robson's Garage now stands, in front of this mound ran the open stream from Beck Mills and entered the tunnel under the railway in to the River Derwent. The stream was fenced in by wooden posts and rails along the side of the footpath except where the Empire stands, and it was bridged at this point on Welham Road, the road way was about half the width, and the other half being a ford through which you could take a horse and cart. In the early 1860's there were no houses beyond St Nicholas Street except cottages in Bark Knots field and five house known as Brook Bank. Beyond was Sutton Cottage and further on Whitewall Training Stables also near by was Welham Hall there was also Norton Grange and the Brickyard Cottages Captain Hirst Walker (a member of the brewing firm at Malton) lived in Brook Bank House. In the other houses on Brook Bank lived Mr. Robert Bartlett – Solicitor also Mr. John Jackson a centenarian. 24th January 1902 Death of Dr. Joshua Hartley of Brook Bank, Norton, aged 85 years. 11th March 1902 Sale of Brook Bank residence for £2,020. Sutton Cottage was occupied by Mr. Pound as a School and followed by Misses Tinsley, they had a Ladies School, it had many occupiers and in 1864 after a disastrous fire at Welham Hall the Bower family went to reside until they moved to York. Judge and Mrs. Raikes changed the name to The Leat. They were succeeded by Mr. W. R. Innes-Hopkins and then later by Sir James D. and Lady Legard.
The old Liberal Institute now occupied by the Salvation Army used to hold Concerts and were known as 'The Penny Pops'.
Reference to a House name – Arabian House. Large house at the top of Wold Street once occupied by Mr. Anthony Lyons who named it.
1892 In 1892 Messrs. William & Miles I'Anson allowed the Local Board of Health to bore for water on their land. Mr. Stears – Water Diviner said there was an abundance of water and indicated where to bore on Howe Hill. The work was carried out by laying the Main Drain – Joseph Firth of Scarborough, Construction of the Reservoir by Thomas Bell, of Market Weighton, Engine Pump by Mr. Villiers of Beverley, The Engineers of the work were Messrs. Fairbank & Son of Driffield & Westminster. The new Water Works were opened in February 1893.
Up to 1893 Norton got its water from Malton.
1891 DINNER FOR THE AGED POOR. 1st JANUARY 1891.
A movement was recently set on foot be several gentlemen in Norton to provide a treat for the aged poor, subscriptions for which were collected, but no real canvas was made. Owing to the liberality of several gentlemen, the result was that an excellent spread was provided. The viands were purchased and afterwards cooked under the supervision of the committee. The dinner took place in the Buckrose Rooms, Norton, at one o'clock on New Years Day; when about 100 sat down and
thoroughly enjoyed the good meal provided. The following ladies attended to the wants of those present :- Mrs. Bower (York), Mrs. Cayley, Miss. Cayley, Misses. Hill, Miss. S. I'Anson, Mrs. and Misses. Bruckshaw, Miss. Bartliff, Mrs. G. Read, Mrs. S. Wallgate, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Wightman, Mrs. J. Hartley, Miss. H .Barker, Miss. Winterbottom. The Rev. T. R. Holtby said grace, and there were also present Rev. J. Rigby, Mr. R. Wise, Mr. T. W. Rivis, and Mr. T. Bruckshaw. After dinner Mr. Rivis made each old man who was a smoker a present of one ounce of tobacco and a cherry-wood pipe. At the close of the repast Mrs. Bower, on behalf of the poor, returned thanks for the good dinner. Mr. Wise supported, and Mr. S. Wallgate acknowledged the compliment. Later in the day 420 children were regaled with soup, beef, etc. The committee of management were Messrs R. Hornsey, S. Wallgate ,G. Read, W. Cooper, H. Searle, G. M. Robson, T. Wallgate, T. Baker, and W. Winterbottom ( Hon Sec).
(The above taken from Newspaper cutting. Dated January 1891)
Mr. Walker sold & delivered Milk in Norton for Corneys of Bark Knotts. He came round with a large can, from the side of which hung a tin plated measure and the milk was delivered straight into your jug – rich and creamy.
Heavy plough horses, who worked hard all day, one of these was Teddy who pulled the Mill Hill Laundry Van. He & Mr. Metcalfe did their daily rounds and Teddy lived to be 23 years old.
In September 1893. Mr. Munro draper of Norton was killed when he fell off his horse.
Shareholders of the Malton Biscuit Mill decided to wind up the concern.
16th February 1858 Trinity Methodist Chapel – Opening Services.
July 1863 Odd Fellows 3rd Anniversary held in Club Room at Mr. Thomas Harrison, Royal Oak Inn, Norton.
4th April 1863 Royal Oak Inn, Norton. - Mr. Harrison begs to acquaint the public that he has made arrangements with the Telegraph Company for the RESULTS OF RACES, immediately after they are run, direct from the course.
31st March 1864 Bethel Chapel – Built on land called 'Piccadilly' bought for £140.12s 6d and the stone laying took place on 31st March.
18th. Oct. 1869 First Bicycle Races ever held at Norton – races held on Grimston Road.
17th. Nov. 1869 Norton Wesleyan Chapel & School opened after restoration.
19th. Nov. 1869 100 Workmen at Mr. Lovel's had a tea in a large shed at the Mill.
22th. Nov. 1869 Mr. Teasel – Parish Schoolmaster left Norton after several years.
26th. March 1870 Accident at Smith's Saw Mill at Norton.
26th. April 1871 Norton Rates. 1/- Drainage. 5p Lighting. 8p Highway.
20th. Feb. 1873 Opening of New Organ (given by Mr. H. H. Forster) at Norton Church.
20th. May 1873 Opening of The Bower Memorial Schools at Norton.
23th. Oct. 1876 First Morning collection of Letters in Norton before only 1 clearance per day.
11th. May 1877 Meeting re:- New Church for Norton.
17th. Feb. 1881 Smith's Norton Saw Mills offered for Sale at Crown Hotel.
17th. March 1882 First Steeplechases on Highfield Estate.
1882 List of Voters to vote in 1882. Streets where they lived – Langton Road, Scarborough Road, North Eastern Place, St. Nicholas Street, Wood Street, Old Brickyard (West), Mill Street, Vine Street, Ellen's Terrace, Parliament Street, Commercial Street, King's Row, Scarborough Road, Brook Bank, Sutton Street, Beverley Road, Sutton Farm, Church Street, Hope Street, Nesfield Row, St John's Square, Welham Hall, Clark's Yard, Fawcett's Yard, Sutton Grange, Old Brickyard (East), Ebenezer Cottages, Station, Plum Street, Grove Street, Norton Grove, Terrace Row, Salter's Yard, Piccadilly, Hungerford House, Welham Lodge, East Field, Havelock Terrace, High Field, Brook Bank Villa, Norton Park, Clock Row, Spring Gardens, Sutton, Portabello Farm, Mill Hill, South Parade, Model Farm, Newstead, Grove Place Langton Road, Auburn Hill.
10th May 1884 New Steam Boiler (30ft x 8½ft) and weighing 22 Tons) passed through the town on its way from Leeds to Dacca Twist Company, New Sawmills, Scarborough Road, Norton to replace a smaller one.
11th December 1886. Otters in the Derwent. - On Sunday whilst Mr. Samuel Holmes of Norton, was walking along the river bank above the Thirsk Viaduct, he saw a fine otter laid in the sun on the other side of the stream. After watching it for some time he went and made known his discovery to several friends.
29th. Sept. 1889 The formal separation of the towns of Malton & Norton to take effect
from to-day, as officially orders.
16th October 1889 St. Peter's Church – site for the church was given by Mr. R. Wyse. The foundation stone was laid and part of the church was completed on 28th June 1894, The rest of the church was completed in October 1911.
12th. Feb. 1890 1st Number of the Norton Chronicle Published today.
1st. Aug. 1890 First Local Board of Health for Norton elected to-day. Members returned were Messrs. W. G. Searle, Wm. I'Anson, William Botterill, Staveley Wallgate, Thomas Brand, Robert Wise,
Richard Reed, (died 23/1/1891)Robert H Prest, and William Kitching. The first meeting was held in the Court-house, Norton on the 7th August 1890.
11th. Aug. 1890 Sale of the Welham Estate (part) at the Talbot Hotel :- Cheesecake House Farm sold to Mr. Miles I'Anson for £4,500; the Welham Cricket Field and three closes of land fronting Langton Road sold to Mr. Charles Mennell for £l,650; Welham House (then partly in ruins), with adjoining grounds, and three closes of land ('Still Close', Sand Pit Field' and 'Flintoft Close', in all about 33-5 Acres) were offered in one lot and the bidding ran up to £36,000 (Mr. W. H. Rose's offer) when the lot was withdrawn; and for Sutton Cottage a merely nominal bid of £2,000 was made, when this property also was withdrawn. The total acreage of the estate was given a 1,418 acres and the rental £2,697.11s.
1891 Richard Reed, died aged 71 yrs. Overseer for Mr Lovel's Timberyard and also for Messrs. Hughes & Sons at the same works.
6th. Feb. 1891 Prince Albert Victor attends Malton Steeplechases to-day.
July 1891 A sensational scene on Norton Bridge. On Saturday night last, about twenty minutes past eleven, a man of the name of William Sperrett, waggoner to Mr. Wentworth, farmer of Welham, who was greatly intoxicated , endeavoured to jump over the bridge into the river Derwent between Strangeway's yard and Jackson's island. And was only prevented doing so by some comrades. However, not to be outdone, he escaped from the hold of his 'chums' and got over the doors leading on to the island, and straightway made for the water's edge, and jumped on to the stone work at the foot of the bridge, a distance of seven or eight feet. The river happened to be rather low, and the masonry was just visible , the water being almost on a level. No sooner had the silly fellow got into this dangerous position, than he began to divest himself of his clothing, and dared anyone to go to prevent him jumping into the river. After he had got all his dress off except his boots and stockings, he commenced delivering an oration on 'working men being the pillars of the nation'. etc., and staggering about in a style that held the small crowd of spectators almost spell-bound in fear. After finishing his short speech, he muttered 'God bless you all' and then jumped into the water, and everybody thought for the moment he was drowned, but after a time it was seen that he was able to swim. After swimming about for four or five minutes, he shouted for a rope and help, when some of his comrades ran down the island and eventually 'landed' him on the point that divides the river opposite to Messrs. Metcalfe's mill. They got hold of the staggering fellow and were leading him up to the island towards the door, when he observed Supt. Parke and Sergt. Marsden, who had come up in the mean-time. No sooner did he see the police than he broke from his bonds and stumbles over a fence separating a small garden from the rest of the island, and rolled down to the wall within a few inches of the side of the river, mangling in his transit a quantity of potato tops and lettuce. He next scrambled down the wall to the dangerous place where he first jumped in and again defied anyone to go to him. Standing on the brink of death as it were and uttering threats and
blasphemy for some time, he disappeared under the Bridge, and soon there were seen, by the aid of slight moonlight, ripples on the water indicating that he was having another ducking. Presently he was in view, and after swimming about awhile his friends persuaded him to come out, by telling him the police had gone. After great struggling they succeeded in pulling him through a heap of thorns and nettles on to the land again, when the police pounced upon and secured him. When they got him on to the bridge, they wanted to put his shirt and trousers on, but he would not have his clothes arranged, and told the officers of the peace that it was against the law to take anyone to prison in a naked state, but however they marched him off in that condition to the Malton Police-station.
(Taken from a Newspaper cutting dated July 1891)
