Martin Farndale was a Tenant Farmer of Kilton of 200 acres and later 600 acres. He was involved as an overseer of the poor and sat on the Guisborough Board of Guardians for about 38 years. He was a passionate supporter of the local primitive methodist church. He was a prominent member of the Kilton community.

 

Martin married Elizabeth Hours in 1833, but they had no family. His tenancy at Kilton passed to his nephew, Charles Farndale.

 

Martin Farndale
11 August 1798 to 22 June 1885

The Kilton 1 Line 

 

 

  

 

 

FAR00236 

 

 

  

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Headlines of Martin’s life are in brown.

References and citations are in turquoise.

Context and local history are in purple.

 

1798

 

Martin Farndale was the son of William & Mary Farndale (FAR00183) of Kilton, farmer. Martin was born on 11 August 1798 and baptised at Brotton on 11 September 1798 (Brotton PR & IGI). The baptism was performed by Rev James Harrison, Curate. The family were living at Kilton.

1833

 

Martin Farndale married Elizabeth Hours at the Chapel, Brotton, on 18 May 1833. The witnesses were Ann Farndale (this may have been his sister Anna FAR00242), Mary Hours and John Rigg (Brotton PR & IGI).

 

Mary and Elizabeth had no family.

Martin was farming in his own right after his marriage. Martin had four elder brothers, and John and Matthew also farmed in Kilton in the early days, but it was he who continued to farm at Kilton.

 

1836

 

The Churchwarden’s Accounts, Kilton 1836 showed a reimbursement to James Hours & Martin Farndale for 3 drafts, one day each leading stones from the Beck Meetings 7s each £1.1s.0d.’ (Brotton PR).

 

1840

 

From White’s History, Gazetteer and Directory for 1840 for Yorkshire, East and West Ridings: KILTON, a small neat village, 6 miles NE by E of Guisborough, has in its township 80 inhabitants and 1,510 acres of land, all the property and lordship of John Wharton Esq and formerly belonging to the ancient family of Thweng, who had a castle here, of which some traces still remain. Directory: Jph Newbegin, vict; Thos Robson, miller; and Matthew and Martin Farndale, George Jennings, George Moore, Thomas Raw & Joseph Thompson, farmers.

 

So by 1840, Martin and at that stage his brother Matthew (who would later emigrated to Australia) was a predominant farmer of Kilton.

 

1841

 

By 1841 the census showed that Martin was then living at Stank House in Kilton with Elizabeth, 35 and Maria Farndale, 6, (FAR00334), his niece and daughter of his brother John (FAR00217).

 

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1843

 

In the official statement of sums levied for the relief of the poor in 27 parishes of the Guisborough Union during the year ending March 1843 a table gave a return of the amount of money levied and expended for the relief and maintenance of the Poor, and for other purposes, during the year ending 25th March, 1843. The parishes of the Guisbrough Union were reported on – Broton, Commondale, Danby, Easington, Eston, Guisborough, Hutton-Lowcross, Kilton, Kirkleatham, Liverton, Lofthouse,, Marske, Moorsholm, Morton, Newton, Normanby, Ormesby, Pinchingthorpe, Redcar, Skelton, Skinningrove, Stanghow, Tocketts, Upleatham, Upsall, Westerdale and Wilton. The guardian of each parish was listed, and Martin Farndale was the guardian for Kilton. The amount of money levied for Kilton was £85 2s. This contrasted with £861 14s for Guisborough, £419 3s for Lofthouse, £312 8s for Kirkleatham, £251 15s for Easington, £172.18 for Brotton, down to £45 for Newton, £51 14s for Hutton Lowcross and £35 11s for Commondale. So this gives some indication of the comparative size and significance of Kilton in 1843. Of the £85 2s levied for Kilton, £67 2s was expended on the poor, 1d was expended on vaccination, 2d was for fees for clergymen and registrars, £21 2d was paid towards ‘country rate’ and 14d was expended on other purposes.

 

The York Herald on 8 April 1843 listed Martin Farndale of Kilton as the new Parish overseer appointed for the present year.

 

An overseer of the poor was an official who administered poor relief such as money, food, and clothing in England. The position was created by the Act for the Relief of the Poor 1597. Overseers of the poor were often reluctant appointees who were unpaid, working under the supervision of a justice of the peace. The law required two overseers to be elected every Easter, and churchwardens or landowners were often selected. Overseers of the poor were replaced in the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834, and replaced with boards of guardians, although overseers remained in some places as a method of collecting the poor rate.

 

1844

 

The York Herald on 20 April 1844 reported that “The Magistrates were occupied a considerable time in examining and allowing the surveyors’ accounts of the different townships in this division for last year. The following are the new surveyors, as given in to the magistrates: … Kilton, Martin Farndale and George Moore …”

 

1846

 

There was a fatal accident in 1846, involving one of Martin’s employees. The York Herald on 4 April 1846 reported “YARM – FATAL ACCIODENT. An accident of a most frightening nature occurred at Mount Leven, in this parish, on Tuesday week. It appears that a man named John Elgie, in the employ of Mr Farndale, farmer, had hold of a loaded gun. And was examining the lock, when a young man of the name of Frederick Hockney went near him, but Elgie was so intent on examining the gun that he did not observe him, and unfortunately the gun was accidentally discharged, and the contents lodged in the body and left arm of Hockney, who lingered until Sunday last, and then expired. Deceased, prior to his death, expressed himself that it was purely accidental. JP Sowerby Esq held an inquest on the body on Tuesday last when a verdict in accordance with the above facts was returned.”

 

1847

 

The Yorkshire Gazette on 10 April 1847 reported on the election of Guardians for Guisborough: “The following are the newly elected guardians of the several townships in the Guisbro’ union for the ensuing year, viz: … Kilton, Martin Farndale.”

 

1851

 

The 1851 census (signed on 1 April 1851) showed that Martin was farming at Kilton, then aged 50, a farmer of 207 acres, with 8 employees. He was living with his wife Elizabeth Farndale, 45, who we learn was born in Wakefield; George Farndale (his brother - FAR00215), 60, widower, born Kilton, an agricultural labourer; Maria Farndale, 15, unmarried, born in Skelton, his niece  (FAR00334) and Charles Farndale,13 (FAR00341), unmarried, born in Skelton, his nephew and son of his brother John (FAR00217). Living with them were Jane Hobson aged 30, a servant;
Thomas Richardson, aged 22, waggoner; George Collingwood, aged 19, ploughman; and James Mudd, aged 12, ploughboy.

 

As Martin and Elizabeth had no family of their own, it would be Charles Farndale who would subsequently continue farming at Kilton and Charles would become Martin’s partner on the farm in time.

1852

 

The Yorkshire Gazette for 17 April 1852 reported: “Gisbrough Poor Law Union – the following are the newly elected guardians of the poor for the several townships in the Gisbrough Union for the year 1852, ending March 1853 … Kilton, Martin Farndale …”

 

1853

 

In 1853, Martin Farndale was lending his name to the promotion of a calf feed:

 

HARDCASTLE’S CELEBRATED CALF DRINK, for preventing that fatal disease, the Quarter ill, or Evil. Prepared only by W HARDCASTLE, at the Medical Hall, Stockton on Tees, and sold at his Establishment, in bottles, 9d each.

 

Sir, Previous to giving your excellent Calf Drinks, I every year lost some calves (in one year 4 died out of 7), and since I have given them your Preventive, none have died, except one which I omitted giving it last year. MARTIN FARNDALE, Sept 28, 1853, Farmer, Skelton.

 

Numerous Testimonials received.”

 

1854

 

In 1854 Martin’s sister Anna Farndale (FAR00242) raised a suit disputing the will of her father in law, William Phillips, supported by her brother, Martin against Elizabeth Hume who had married William Phillips’ niece. When the competency of the case was allowed, the defendant withdrew their defence. They suggested that they had to dispute the will because there were questions of its competency.

 

The Leeds Intelligencer for 5 August 1854 reported:

 

PHILLIPS AND ORS V HUME – WILL CAUSE

 

The will in dispute in this case was that of Wm Phillips, late of Stokeseley, gentleman, which was dated January 6th, 1852. The suit was promoted by Anna Phillips, the widow; John Henry Phillips, the nephew; and Martin Farndale, against Elizabeth Hume, the wife of Wm Hume, a niece of the deceased. MR TRAVIS submitted that in this case the competency of the testator had been full established, and prayed that the will should be confirmed. DR BOWER, after the inquiry which had taken place, had no longer to dispute the factum of the will. The defendant had required the inquiry which had taken place, not only because certain parties were excluded in the last will who were residuary legatees under a former will, but also because there were some reasons to question the competency of the testator, who was in a very infirm state when the last will was made in 1852. All had now been done that could be done for the next of kin, and therefore he only now asked for costs out of the estate. THE JUDGER said a perfectly legitimate course had been adopted by the next of kin, under the circumstances, and he had every right to have costs out of the estate.

 

1855

 

The Durham Chronicle on 11 May 1855 reported Guisborough Union – The following are the newly elected Guardians of the Poor of the several townships comprising the Guisbro’ Union … Kilton – Martin Farndale …”

 

1856

 

The Yorkshire Gazette, 5 April 1856 reported Guisbro’ Union – The following are the newly elected Guardians of the Poor of the several townships comprising the Guisbro’ Union viz… Kilton – Martin Farndale …”

 

1861

 

Electoral Register for 1861 showed Martin Farndale, the occupier of a farm at Kilton.

 

The Yorkshire Gazette on 13 April 1861 reported “Guisbro’ – Poor Law Union – The following are the newly elected guardians of the poor for this union for the ensuing year .. Kilton – Martin Farndale …”

 

The census 1861 showed that by then Martin was farming at Kilton Hall Farm, Kilton;

 

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Kilton Hall Farm in 2016

Martin Farndale was listed as the family head; aged 60; a farmer of 210 acres with 8 employees. He lived with Elizabeth Farndale, his wife aged 55; shown this time as born in Wooler; Maria Farndale, his niece; aged 25; (FAR00334); and Charles Farndale, his nephew; aged 22 (FAR00341)
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The Terrier Lists showed Martin Farndale was a Churchwarden at Brotton, in 1861.

1862


The Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser, on 7 March 1862 advertised a “Desirable residence at Brotton, near Saltburn by the sea, to be let, and may be entered upon at May day next. All that MESSUAGE or DWELLING HOUSE and GARDEN , together with a COTTAGE attached, now in the occupation of Mr George Abndrew; the House contains on the Ground Floor 1 Commodious Drawing room, Dining room, Entrance Hall, Kicthen, and Scullery; on the Second Floor 7 Lodging rooms and 1 Dressing room; the Cottage contains 4 Rooms; there is alsoi half an Acre of Garden Ground, well stocked with choice fruit tgress, 2 Yards, Stack Yard, large Coach house, Four stalled Stable, 1 Loose box, Granary and Hay Loft, 2 Piggeries, Coal house, and every other Convenience. Brotton is situate One mile from Saltburn by the Sea, to which place the Railway from Middlesbrough is now completed. For particulars apply to Mr MARTIN FARNDALE, of IKlton, the owner; or to MR HENRY WATSON, Buck Hotel, Guisbro. Guisbro’, Feb 19th, 1862.”

 

The Yorkshire Gazette and the York Herald on 15 August 1863 reported on a “FOAL SHOW AT SNEATON. On Tuesday 1st, the second annual foal show was held at Sneaton, near Whitby, and proved most successful. There were forty competitots entered for different premiums, the show ground being a field belonging to Mr John Stourhouse … Best foal for coaching, Mr Farndale, Kilton …”

 

1864

 

The York Herald on 20 August 1864 reported - Sneaton Foal Show. “This show took place at Sneaton for the third time, on Tuesday last. This show was considered superior to any of its predecessors. The judges were … The following were the awards of the judges … Coaching colt, Martin Farndale, Kilton.” The Whitby Gazette, also on 20 August 1864 reported on the same foal show, “FOAL SHOW. The success of the third annual exhibition of foals, held at this place on Tuesday last, proves that the institution is one which the farmers and others appreciate, and are resolved to support. There were 38 foals entered for exhibition, and their work of selecting the best in each class was a task which the judges found most arduous.”

 

1865

 

The Yorkshire Gazette, on 15 April 1865 reported “Guisbro’ – Poor Law Union – The following are the newly elected Guardians of the Poor of the Guisbro’ Union for the ensuing year namely … Kilton – Martin Farndale …”

 

1867

 

Yorkshire Gazette, on 20 April 1867 reported “Guisbro’ Union – The following are the newly elected Guardians of the Poor of the Guisbro’ Union for the ensuing year… Kilton – Martin Farndale …”

 

1869

 

The York Herald’s Report of Petty Sessions on 6 November 1869 reported that Martin Farndale had been summoned for permitting eleven heifers to stray on the highway, in the township of Kilton, but he claimed to have a right of 28 years standing, the case was dismissed, the bench having no jurisdiction.

 

The Northern Weekly Gazette, on 30 July 1869 reported “GUISBOROUGH – BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Guardians of the Guisborough Union was held on Tuesday, at the workhouse. Present were Admiral Chaloner (Chairman), the Rev J G Morehead, Messrs D T Petch, C O Ord, M Farndale … Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. He Chairman said that no application had yet been received for the position of medical officer for the Danby district. The Clerk said there appeared to be some undercurrent running with regard to this appointment. Mr Wilson was supposed to have applied for reappointment, but his letter was so ambiguous that it did not amount to another application. Mr Wilson first resigned, and then after the resignation had been accepted and communicated …”

 

1870

 

The York Herald and Stockton Herald, on 30 July 1870 reported on more success at a horse show for Class 5 - horses. M Farndale won the best two year old chapman fillies prize.

 

1871

 

The census in 1871 showed Martin Farndale was still at Kilton Hall Farm, Kilton, the head of the family now shown aged 71, though he was actually aged 73 in 1871; a farmer; 600 acres 16 employees.  He lived with Elizabeth Farndale, his wife; 66; this time shown born in Kirkleatham. Also living with them was Matthew Farndale (FAR00383) aged 22; his grand nephew, described as a servant, so presumably working on the farm. Matthew was the son of the late Martin Farndale (FAR00264), grandson of Martin’s brother the late George Farndale (FAR00215).

 

1872

 

In Kelly’s Post Office Directory of 1872, we have some picture of Kilton in that year: Kilton is a township, 6 miles north east by east of Guisborough, and one south from Brotton. Here was formerly a castle of which but few traces remain. Here are church schools, recently erected and supported by John Thomas Wharton esq who is lord of the manor and landowner. The population in 1861 was 93; in 1871, 222; acreage 1,723; gross estimated rental £1,731; rateable value £1,593.

 

Kilton – commercial activity is listed to include Farndale, Martin & Charles, farmers ; Garbutt, John, miller, Kilton hill; Judson, William, farmer, Stank House; Kilton Iron Stone Co; Porritt, John, farmer, Buckrush; and Wood Thomas, farmer, Greenhow.

 

The Northern Weekly Gazette, on 18 April 1872 reported “GUISBOROUGH UNION – ELECTION OF GUARDIANS. There has been no contest in any of the Parishes in this Union, this year, and the following is a list of the Guardians elected for each parish, viz … Kilton – Martin Farndale …

 

The Northern Weekly Gazette, on 11 and 25 July 1872 gave the following notification:

 

I, the undersigned MARTIN FARNDALE, of Brotton in Cleveland, in the County of York, one of the Churchwardens of the Township of Brotton aforesaid do HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that a Meeting of the Owners and Ratepayers within the township of Brotton, aforesaid, duly convened and held on 21st day of June 1872, at Half past six o’clock in the evening,

 

IT WAS RESOLVED that the “Local Government Act 1858” be adopted in and for the said Township of Brotton. And I do HEREBY GVE FURTHER NOTICE, that a COPY of the above NOTICE was forwarded by me to the Local Government Board on the 10th of July 1872.

 

Given under my hand this 10th day of July 1872

MARTIN FARNDALE

Churchwarden of the Township of Brotton aforesaid.

 

The 1848 Act was replaced by the Local Government Act 1858 (21 & 22 Vict. c. 98). The act came into force in all existing local board of health districts on 1 September 1858. The act made some changes to the procedure for constituting a local board and gave them some additional powers. There was also a change in nomenclature: the authorities created by the 1858 act were simply entitled "Local Boards" and their areas as "Local Government Districts".

 

In 1872, Martin Farndale was involved in setting up a new Urban Sanitary District for the Guisborough Union area. The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 16 October 1872 reported “GUISBOROUGH POOR LAW BOARD, At a meeting of this Board, held on Tuesday, Mr S T Patch in the chair, Mr Arthur Buchanan applied to the board for sanction to form a Local Board at Brotton. After hearing the explanations of Mr Buchanan, Mr Blewett moved, and Mr Farndale seconded, the following motion: that in the opinion of this Board, it is desirable that the Township of Brotton should be formed into an Urban Sanitary District. Carried unanimously. Orders were signed for the following sums to be paid by two instalments on the 1st November 1872 and the 2nd January 1873 by the several parishes in the Union: Broughton £280; Commondale £44; Danby £262; Easington, £112; Eston £704; Guisborough £482; Hutton Lowcross £66; Kilton £70; Kirtkleatham £502; Liverton £84; Lofthouse £236; Marske £536 pounds; Moorsholm £74; Morton £52; Newton £12; Normanby £428; Ormesby £478; Pinchinthorpe £42; Redcar £250; Skelton £278; Skinningrove £30; Stanghow £72; Tocketts £38; Upleatham £102; Upsall £26; Westerdale £86; Wilton £412. Total £5,758.

 

1873

 

Contemporaneous with the global Long Depression, Britain's agricultural depression was caused by the dramatic fall in grain prices that followed the opening up of the American prairies to cultivation in the 1870s and the advent of cheap transportation with the rise of steamships. British agriculture did not recover from this depression until after the Second World War. In 1882 Charles George Milnes Gaskell wrote that "the vast increase in the carrying power of ships, the facilities of intercourse with foreign countries, [and] the further cheapening of cereals and meat" meant that economically and politically the old landed class were no longer lords of the earth. The depression also accelerated Britain's rural depopulation. The 1881 census showed a decline of 92,250 agricultural labourers since 1871, with an increase of 53,496 urban labourers. Many of these had previously been farm workers who migrated to the cities to find employment. Between 1871 and 1901 the population of England and Wales increased by 43% but the proportion of male agricultural labourers decreased by over one-third. According to Sir James Caird in his evidence to the Royal Commission on the Depression in Trade and Industry in 1886, the annual income of landlords, tenants and labourers had fallen by £43M since 1876. No other country witnessed such a social transformation and British policy contrasted with those adopted on the Continent. Every wheat-growing country imposed tariffs in the wake of the explosion of American prairie wheat except Britain and Belgium. Subsequently, Britain became the most industrialised major country with the smallest proportion of its resources devoted to agriculture.

 

From this point we find extensive records of Martin Farndale being involved in criminal proceedings against poachers, trespassers and damage causers on his land. Since this was a time of depression, we might have some sympathy with those who were acting out of desperation and remember Martin’s ancestors, who had been fined, outlawed and excommunicated, around Pickering Forest, for poaching in the King’s forest. On the other hand, we must recognise the difficulty for farmers in protecting their livelihood. What we can conclude is that these were difficult time, as from this point, we start to see large numbers of cases brought by Martin the criminal courts to protect his livelihood.

 

The Daily Gazette for Middlesborough, on 5 November 1873 reported Police News, Guisborough Police Court, Night poaching. John Julyan, keeper to Mr J T Wharton, of Skelton Castle, charged John Taylor, with having about midnight of 3 November, captured a rabbit upon the farm occupied by Martin Farndale, at Skelton.

 

Nevertheless, rural activity was continuing, including a ploughing and hedge-cutting competition on Martin Farndale’s land. The Whitby Gazette, on 18 January 1873 reported:

Lofthouse district ploughing and hedge cutting matches.

The district includes Lofthouse, Liberton, Easington, Skinningrove, Kilton, Broughton, Skelton, Moorshol, Garrick and Stanghow.

The above matches will take place upon Mr Farndale's Kilton Hall Farm, on Thursday, January 23rd 1873 and will be competed for in two open and two district classes.

Prizes. Class 1 - open to all with either wheel or swing ploughs. First price £3 1s, second prize £2 pounds, third £1 - entrance 3s 6d each.

Class 2 - open to the district only: first prize £2 1s, second £1 10s, 3rd 1s. Entrance 2s 6d each.

Class 3 - open to youths in the district under 18 years of age - first prize, £2, second prize, £1, third prize, 1s. Entrance 2s each.

Class 4 – Hedge-cutting, open to all: First prize £1 pound, 2nd 1s. Entrance 1s each. Each competitor to cut and lay from the ground 14 yards of hedge, two feet high and finished with a turn sod.

Rules. The land to be ploughed not less than four inches deep and the choice of place to be drawn by lots. The competitors to be on the ground at half past eight, to commence at nine and to finish at Two o’clock. Each competitor to plough half an acre. Any man above 20 years of age who has previously won a prize of £2 1s, debarred from the district class, but can compete in the open class. Anyone making a false entry will not be entitled to a prize. Should the weather prove unfavourable on the day fixed, the ploughing will take place on the first Thursday after the 23rd of January. All entries to be made on or before the 20th of January 1873 to Mr. Johnson, Rosecroft, Lofthouse, or to the Secretary. Dinner will be provided for the committee and friends at Mr Cowell's Crown Hotel, Brotton. Thomas Etty, Honourable Secretary, Little Moorsholm, Guisborough.”

Ther outcome was reported in the Whitby Gazette on 1 February 1873:

 

KILTON

 

PLOUGHING MATCHES

 

the Lofthouse and district ploughing matches took place in a field belonging to Messrs Farndale, at Kilton, on Thursday, January 23rd. The ploughing was considered extraordinarily good and resulted as under.

 

All England Class - 1. Mr. T Webster, How Farm, Lythe; 2 Mr R Thompson, Barnby; 3 Mr W Legg, Gerrick.

District Class – 1. Mr Matthew Farndale, Kilton; 2 Mr. Martin Farndale Kilton; 3 Mr W Liverseed, Gerrick.

Boys Class – 1 T Ward, Little Moorsholm; W Buffham, Easington.

 

The prizes, with one exception, were all won by messrs Ransome, Sims and Head’s ploughs. The judges were messrs Dale and Harding. Dinner was provided for the ploughmen by Mrs Farndale, Kilton, and for the Committee and friends at Mr R Cowell’s, Brotton. Mr Buffham was appointed chairman and proposed the toasts and health in his usual able manner. The secretary read the balance sheet, which shows an increase of £2 for next year, the sum in hand being £12 10s. After passing a very agreeable evening and fixing the matches for Skelton next year, the company broke up about 10 o’clock, highly pleased with the evening’s proceedings.”

 

Since Mathew Farndale (FAR00225) had left for Australia by this stage, the ploughman in first place must have been the Matthew Farndale of Coatham (FAR00297).

 

Meantime Martin continued his work as a Poor Law Guardian. The Northern Weekly Gazette, on 17 April 1873 reported Guisborough Board of Guardians. The annual fortnightly meeting of Guardians of the Guisborough Union was held at the Board Room, Guisborough on Tuesday afternoon, present were Messrs D T Petch (in the chair) ….. M Farndale... A Buckanan, clerk, W Robertson, deputy clerk and C Smith, relieving officer. The clerk reported that the guardians of the Whitchurch Union had consented to receive Elizabeth Taber, of Marske, and her four children, without the Board going to the expense of an order of removal. The relieving officer was instructed to stop her relief, and remove the family to Whitchurch. Mr Ralph Robinson said this was the last meeting of the board, and moved a vote of thanks to Mr Petch for services in the chair - Mr Ord having seconded, the motion was unanimously adopted. Mr Patch returned thanks. The other was ordinary relief business.

 

And he continued to show horses at the Loftus Agricultural Show, and Elizabeth had success in the cheese class. The Whitby Gazette, on 26 July 1873 reported:

 

LOFTHOUSE AGRICULTURAL SHOW

 

CATTLE … Coaching filly foal … 2, M Farndale, Yearly Coaching colt …

 

CHEESE … Best three cheeses … 3 Mrs M Farndale, Kilton Lodge …

 

However issues with trespass and poaching continued at some pace:

 

·         Summary conviction of William Jones of Skinningrove miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 11 May 1873 Case heard at Guisborough on 3 Jun 1873 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1873 3/10/7/164, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of Robert Johnson of Brotton miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 27 August 1873 Case heard at Guisborough on 9 September 1873 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference, QSB 1874 1/10/7/43, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of William Green of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 28 August 1873 Case heard at Guisborough on 9 September 1873 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1874 1/10/7/44, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of John Bowler of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 28 August 1873 Case heard at Guisborough on 9 September 1873 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1874 1/10/7/46, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of George Waite of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 27 August 1873 Case heard at Guisborough on 9 September 1873 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference, QSB 1874 1/10/7/47, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of William Green of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 27 September (sic, recte August?) 1873 Case heard at Guisborough on 9 September 1873 Yorkshire Archives, (Document reference QSB 1874 1/10/7/51, Catalogued);

·         The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, on 10 September 1873 reported TRESSPASSERS. William Green and George Bowles were summoned by John Julyan for trespassing in pursuit of game upon land belonging to Mr J T Wharton, at Kilton on 27th August. Fine 5s each and 8s 6d costs. William Green, George Waite, and Robert Johnson, miners, of Carling Home, were also summoned by the same complainant for a similar offence upon the farm of Mr Martin Farndale, at Kilton on 28th August. To pay 14s 8d each.

·         Summary conviction of John Taylor of Brotton joiner for taking a rabbit in a close of land occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the parish of Kilton at 12 o'clock at night on 3 November 1873 Case heard at Kilton on 4 November 1873 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1874 1/10/7/118, Catalogued);

·         The York Herald, on 8 November 1873 reported Guisboro’, Police. At the Langbaugh Police Court on Tuesday … John Taylor, miner, was brought up charged with night poaching, on the 3rd November, upon the farm of Matin Farndale, of Kilton. John Julyan, keeper of Mr J T Wharton, of Skelton Castle, heard a rustling in a stubble field when on duty about midnight. A lurcher dog with defendant killed a rabbit, which he picked up and put in his pocket. Julyan followed him and the rabbit was immediately given up. Defendant, when requested, went home with Julyan, and subsequently to the police station. The offence was admitted, To be imprisoned for seven days with hard labour, and to give them security, two in £5 and himself in £10, for keeping the peace. …

·         Summary conviction of Joseph Carter of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search or pursuit of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 10 December 1873 Case heard at Guisborough on 16 December 1873 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference      QSB 1874 2/10/6/13, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of William Adams of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search or pursuit of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 10 December 1873 Case heard at Guisborough on 16 December 1873 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1874 2/10/6/22, Catalogued).

 

1874

 

The year 1874 seemed to be completely dominated by an onslaught of cases between Martin Farndale and the poachers:

           

·         Summary conviction of Thomas Burgess of Carlin How for maliciously damaging the fence of a field occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 14 February 1874 Case heard at Guisborough on 17 February 1874 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1874 3/10/5/18, Catalogued);

·         The York Herald, on 21 February 1874 reported: Guisborough Thomas Burgess, of Carlinghow, was charged with wilfully setting fire to the fence of a field in the occupation of Martin Farndale, of Kilton, farmer. Fined £1 8s including costs.

·         Summary conviction of William Jones of Skinningrove miner for trespassing in the daytime in search or pursuit of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 13 May 1874 Case heard at Guisborough on 19 May 1874 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference, QSB 1875 1/10/7/20, Catalogued)

 

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·         Summary conviction of George Moore of Skinningrove miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Mr Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 13 September 1874 Case heard at Guisborough on 15 September (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1875 1/10/7/135, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of William Clarke of Skinningrove miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Mr Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 13 September 1874 Case heard at Guisborough on 15 September 1874 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1875 1/10/7/136, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of Thomas Stanway of Boosbeck miner for stealing apples from the orchard belonging to Mr Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 29 September 1874 Case heard at Guisborough on 29 September 1874 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1875 1/10/7/153, Catalogued);

·         The York Herald, on 3 October 1874 reported GUISBORO PETTY SESSIONS – Thomas Stanway, of Boosbeck, miner, for stealing a quantity of apples at Kilton, belonging to Mr Martin Farndale, was fined £2 9s 6d including costs.

 

1875

 

The poaching continued into 1875:

 

·         Summary conviction of William Clarke and George Moore, both of Skinningrove miners, for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 4 May 1875 Case heard at Loftus on 13 May 1875 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1875 3/10/6/130, Catalogued);

·         Summary conviction of Elizabeth Holt of Kilton married woman for maliciously damaging with intent to steal a quantity of peas and beans growing in a field, the property of Martin Farndale of Kilton farmer Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 31 August 1875 Case heard at Loftus on 9 September 1875 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference, QSB 1876 1/10/7/38, Catalogued).

 

Meantime Martin continued to show cattle and horses at the local show. The York Herald, on 23 July 1875 and the Darlington & Richmond Herald, on 24 July 1875 reported: Loftus Agricultural Show: The following is the prize list. Cattle. Bull Calf under 12 months old, Mr B Dawson, Danby Castle; Second, Mr. John Pearson, Danby. Yearling Bull, Mr M Farndale, Kilton, second. Mr Isaac Garb, Scaling... Coaching class. …. Filly Foal, C M Palmer Esquire, Grinkle Park, second Mr M Farndale, Brotton

 

The Northern Echo, on 22 September 1875 advertised: Found, a black retriever bitch pup. If not claimed within seven days will be sold to defray expenses. Apply to M Farndale, Kilton, Brotton, Saltburn.

 

The Register of Voters 1837 -1875, with 1852 and 1867 missing all the rest show that Martin Farndale, was living in Kilton; the occupier of farm.

 

1876

 

There were more poaching cases in 1876:

 

·         Summary conviction of Robert Foster and Anthony Ward, both of Kilton joiners, and William Silvester and Richard Annear, both of Brotton miners, for trespassing on the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 4 September 1876 Case heard at Loftus on 14 September 1876 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference, QSB 1877 1/10/7/42, Catalogued).

·         The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, on 28 April 1876 reported Loftus Petty Sessions. Tuesday, before the reverent. GJ Morehead. Game trespass near Kilvington. Six men, named Humphrey Keane, William Keilan, William Mogerage., John Dad, George Dad, and Charles Spear where charged with trespassing in pursuit of game on the land in the occupation of Mr J T Walker (sic, recte Wharton). Mr Collier defended the men. PC Calvert stated that on Sunday evening between five and six o’clock, while on duty near Kilvington, he saw the defendants on the road, and they had five dogs with them. When close to a field in the occupation of Mr Farndale, they sent three of the dogs into it after a hare, which they chased and returned without having caught. He also saw two dogs in an adjoining field. The defendants were fined 19 shillings and costs each.

The York Herald, on 30 March 1876 reported, Guisbro’ - The following are the names of candidates nominated for the office of Guardians of the Guisborough Union ... Kilton, Martin Farndale.... The Whitby Gazette, on 1 April 1876 and the Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser, on 1 April 1876 reported: Nomination of Guardians, - The following are the names of candidates nominated for the Office of Guardians of the Guisborough Union... Kilton, Martin Farndale...

The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, on 3 August 1876 reported:

Guisborough Sanitary Authority.

A meeting of the members of this Authority was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Union Workhouse, Guisborough, Admiral Challoner presiding. There were also present the Rev. J R Ellis, and Messrs J T Wharton, D T Petch, W Wilson, J Robinson, R P Petch, J Hicks and M Farndale.

The water supply at Lazenby.

In answer to the Chairman, Mr Hicks said that nothing had yet been done with reference to the water supply at this place. The Chairman said they must stir up the ratepayers to take action, for it was necessary that they should have good water. Mr Hicks said there was much doubt as to whether it could be procured. The ratepayers seemed tired of the question. The Chairman remarked that they had been trying to find springs on the hillside, but they did not succeed. It was no use sinking wells near the houses, as they would soon get the water polluted. Mr Hogg should open a spring out that was reported to be near the village, and the ratepayers should help the Board. The Rev. J Ellis thought it was time this matter was settled. After a little further conversation, it was decided to adjourn the consideration of the question for a fortnight, in order that the chief parties interested might be communicated with.

There were cases of anti vax protests in August:

The Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser, on 5 August 1876 reported: Guisborough Board of Guardians. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Tuesday afternoon in the Board Room, Union Workhouse, Guisborough, Admiral Challoner in the Chair. There were also present Mr D T Petch, vice chairman, Rev H W Yeoman and J R Ellis; messes Thomas Patch, R Robinson, J Hicks, J Clark, W Garbett, J Ward Wilson, R P Patch, Mr Farndale. The clerk, read a letter from the Local Government Board with reference to the case of Mr W Dewing of Guisborough, who had refused to have his children vaccinated, and who had been fined on various occasions. He also read a communication from Mr. J Bennison, grocer, of Westerdale, asking the board not to proceed against him again for non vaccination of his children., as he thought it was opposed to the laws of nature. The chairman said that the Board could make to the Local Government Board was that there were only two people in the district who refused to comply with the Act. The guardians had no other course than to put the law in force, and if the Local Government Board decided in its wisdom that in these cases they had not to take further proceedings, of course they would comply with that request. Mr D T Petch remarked that the Board would at once stay its hand if the Local Government Board decided that they had to do so. The question invoked no further discussion, and the clerk was ordered to write to the Local Government Board. This was all the business.

There was a conveyance of property at Broadbent Street and Grange Terrace, Brotton to Martin Farndale on 6 November 1876 (Yorkshire Archives, ZOZ Box 52/24/1 (Parcel 2576), Catalogued).

 

1877

There was another ploughing and hedge cutting competition in January. The York Herald on Friday 12 Jan 1877 reported: Loftus in Cleveland. Loftus Ploughing and Hedge cutting Matches. These popular rural matches for the district of Loftus were held yesterday. The weather not being favourable, the number of spectators was limited. The ploughing match took place upon Mr Ralph Garbett's farm, Loftus Grange, and the hedge cutting upon Mr Richard Thompson's Farm, Seymour Hill, Loftus. The following is a list of prizewinners... For ploughing, Open to All England, with either wheel or swing plough, 1. John Atkinson, Bilsdale; 2. Martin Farndale Kilton... and the Northern Echo on Friday 12 Jan 1877: Prize List of Loftus Ploughing Match. The following is the result of the contest which took place yesterday - All England Wheel or Swing Plough - First, £3 1s, Mr. John Atkinson, Bilsdale; Second £1 10s, Mr M Farndale Kilton... and The Daily Gazette for Middleborough, on 13 January 1877: Loftus District Ploughing and Hedgecutting Matches. These increasingly popular matches, despite the incessant rains lately experienced, came off on Thursday. Owing to the rather unfavourable weather, the number of spectators was not large. … The following being the list of winners … Class 1, open to all England, with either wheel or swing plough – John Atkinson, Bilsdale, 2 – Martin Farndale, Kilton

However there was devastating news for Martin in February when his wife, Elizabeth Farndale of Kilton, aged 72, died and was buried at Brotton on 23 February 1877 (BMD). The York Herald on 22 and 23 February 1877 and the Darlington and Stockton Times, on 24 February 1877 and the Northern Echo, on Thursday 22 Feb 1877 reported: Deaths. Farndale. On the 20th inst, at Kilton, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Martin Farndale, aged 72 years; deeply lamented. Will be interred at. Bottom this day, Friday at one o’clock. Friends will please accept this notice. and Farndale - at Kilton Hall, 20th Inst, aged 72, Elizabeth, Relict of Mr. Martin Farndale.

Business for the Board of Guardians continued by June. The Whitby Gazette, on 9 June 1877: Board of Guardians. The usual meeting at this board was held on Tuesday under the presidency of Admiral Chaloner. An application by Dr Chalmers, of Danby, for an increase of £20 per year as Medical Officer for that district was refused. On the motion at the Chairman, Mr Hedley was appointed to revise the assessment of mines at a salary of 50 guineas. Admiral Challoner gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that a school attendance officer be appointed at a salary of 100 pounds per year. A proposition to present Messrs Thomas Petch and Martin Farndale with some token of recognition as to the way in which they had performed their duties as guardians since the formation of the Union in 1838, was referred to Messrs Robinson, Garbett and D T Patch, who were appointed a committee to report to next meeting.

 

In August 1877 Martin’s services were recognised as a Guardian of 38 years since the inception of the Guisborough Board of Guardians: The Yorkshire Gazette, on 27 October 1877 reported PRESENTATION TO TWO GUARDIANS - The proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Guisborough Board of Guardians of Monday afternoon, word diversified by one of the most interesting ceremonies which has ever taken place in connection with the Union. Mr Thomas Petch, of Liberton and Mr. Martin Farndale, of Kilton., who, with the exception of a slight interval, had been members of the Board since its formation 38 years ago, were each made the recipient of an illuminated address and a piece of plate, the gift of their brother guardians, and both the addresses, which Mrs J W Pease, of Hutton Hall, had generally undertaken to have executed in London at her own costs, were beautifully mounted and finished. Admiral Chaloner made the presentation. The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, on 24 October 1877 reported: Guisborough Board of guardians. Interesting presentation to two guardians. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Guisborough Board of Guardians was held in the workhouse on Tuesday afternoon. Admiral Chaloner in the chair. Before the commencement of the ordinary business of the Board, Mr Garbutt rose and said to the Board that he requested the Chairman to present Messrs Thomas Petch and Martin Farndale with a piece of plate and an illuminated address. The two gentlemen were then brought into the room and the Chairman in a feeling speech made the presentation. He said he had been requested to present a piece of plate and an illuminated address, and found it afforded him much pleasure in doing so. The presentation was the outcome of a spontaneous feeling among the guardians that the long extent rendered by the two gentlemen should in some degree be rewarded. Mr Patch had, with a slight interval, served during the whole time the board had been in existence. On looking up some old papers connected with the Board, he was surprised to find that Mr Patch had served for 38 years and that the Board had been in existence for 40 years. Mr Farndale had also sat on the Board for almost as long a period. He thought it was almost unnecessary to say they had conducted themselves in an agreeable and easy way, which had tended, in a great measure, to substantiate the work of the Board. For himself, individually, he might say, he was much indebted to them for the courtesy and consideration he had received in their hands ever since he had become chairman of the Board. Although he had not been connected with the Board as long as they had, yet it was nearly 20 years since he became a member. Nothing had been a source of pleasure to him in that way, although they had a great amount of business to get through at each meeting, yet the proceedings were rendered much more agreeable by the good feeling that existed among the members, and this they were indebted in no small way to the old Guardians, whose had set such an excellent example before them. He then handed over the address and said he earnestly hoped that God might give them many years, and that they might enjoy a the goodwill of their friends and neighbours and guardians with whom they had been associated. He then read the address. The address to Mr Patch as follows... Mr Farndale’s address was, with a verbal oration or so, exactly similar to Mr Petch’s. On the piece of plate was an inscription to the fact that the testimonial was in recognition of the services rendered to the Board. … Mr Farndale who was much affected, replied in a very brief speech, in which he thanked them for the honour done him, and assured them he would prize very highly the gifts.

 

There was another incident of fence damage reported in the York Herald, on 10 August 1877: Cleveland. Loftus, Petty Sessions, Tuesday. Samuel and Mary Pascoe were each fined 5 shillings, and costs for being drunk and fighting. On the Brotton Road, on Saturday, last. it appears that they, in company with another named Holiday, had all been married that day, and had celebrated their wedding getting drunk, and on their way home a quarrel ensued between them. Anthony Ridley and Joseph Godfrey were both fined, the former 10s and costs, and the latter 5s and costs, for being drunk and making a disturbance at Loftus on Saturday last. Thomas Fireman was charged by Inspector Armstrong on behalf of the Northeastern Railway Company, with behaving indecently at Carlin How Railway station on the 17th July. Considering the circumstances of the case, the defendant was only ordered to pay costs. Benjamin Byers was ordered to pay 1d damages and 6s costs for injuring a fence belonging to Mr M Farndale of Kilton on the 6th inst. Francis Hedley and Joseph Bedale were both fined, the former 6s and costs and the latter 5s and costs for creating a disturbance at the Crown Hotel, Brotton on the first inst.

 

The York Herald, 3 September 1877 reported: Carlin How and Skinningrove Horticultural and Athletic Society. On Saturday the second annual show of this society was held in a field adjoining the blast furnace of the Loftus Iron Company at Skinningrove, and on top of a high cliff overlooking a broad sweep of sea. The situation was of a most romantic character, and its charms were heightened by the brightness of the sky, flecked here and there by tearful looking clouds, which would have better become April than September. Although the great commercial depression has been severely felt in the neighbourhood of Carlin How and Skinningrove, and large numbers of workmen have been thrown out of employment, to judge by the animation displayed on Saturday, hard times might have been unknown. The show was numerously attended, and interest evidenced in it considerable. The flowers, fruits and vegetables were exhibited in a large tent and were tastefully displayed. Special attention appeared to have been paid to the rearing of vegetables - potatoes, peas, broad and kidney beans being particularly fine. The principal executive exhibitors were Messrs Beadwell, Watson, Pennock, Hackney, Appleton, Wilson, Foster, Bean, Atkinson, Elderton, Fletcher, Appleby, Silman and Jackson. Attention is very properly paid at the horticultural shows in this district to the cultivation of cottages gardens. Prizes were accordingly offered for the best cottages garden at Carlin How and Skinningrove and were awarded as follows... Messrs Burns, of Saltburn, Wilkinson, of Wilton Castle and Mr. Baton officiated as judges of the flowers, fruit and vegetables, and Mr Jackson, of Crosshill Farm and Mr Farndale, of Kilton Farm adjudicated on the pigs.....

 

1878

 

By 1878, Martin was clearly acting more in partnership with his nephew Charles Farndale (FAR00341).

 

The York Herald, on 12 January 1878 reported on a continuance of the District Ploughing and hedge-cutting competition at the Farndale Farm: Lofthouse. DISTRICT PLOUGHING AND HEDGECUTTING MATCHES. These annual matches were held yesterday on the farm of Messrs M and C Farndale, Kilton Hall. The day was fine, and the spectators unusually numerous. The hedge-cutting was about on average with former years, there being six entries for the open class, but none for the district. The following were the prize winners … The ploughing was beyond all precedent, and the prizes had not been awarded at the time our parcel was sent.

 

The York Herald, on 13 July 1878 reported more equine success at the Loftus Agricultural Show: HORSES – CLEVELAND CLASS … Two year Cleveland fillies – Joseph Welford, 2. M and C Farndale, highly commended J Thistlewaite, Great Ayton

 

Martin Farndale suffered an outbreak of pleuro pneumionia on his farm in October 1878. The Northern Echo, on 25 October 1878 reported Case of pleuro-pneumonia near Loftus. At Loftus Petty Sessions yesterday, Inspector Alan reported a case of pleuropneumonia which had occurred on the previous day, in a herd of animals belonging to Mr Farndale, a farmer of Kilton. The infected animal was bought at a fair in Westmoreland on Monday, and on reaching Kilton it showed symptoms of disease and Mr Kilburn, a veterinary surgeon at Brotton, was called in. Another veterinary surgeon, Mr Barker, of Middlesbrough, also visited the animal and in consequence of the latter's report, the inspector applied for an order to have the animal destroyed. Superintendent Clarkson said that according to the provisions of the new Act, which had come into force, the animal had to be destroyed within 24 hours of the disease becoming known. An order for the slaughter of the animal was then granted. In answer to a question, Superintendent Clarkson said there were certain provisions in the new Act respecting the removal of animals in an infected district and compensation to owners of infected animals which were ordered to be destroyed, but these had to be considered by a meeting of local magistrates to be held at Guisborough on Tuesday next. The Daily Gazette for Middlesborough, on 30 October 1878 reported Pleuro-pneumonia in Cleveland. At the Gainsborough petty sessions on Tuesday ... a report was read from Inspector Allen, of Loftus, and also from William Barker, veterinary surgeon, under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, stating that pleuro-pneumonia had broken out on the farm of Mr Martin Farndale, at Kilton, and one kyloe beast had been destroyed … Mr Farndale bought 35 beasts at Carlisle Fair, and observing one of them was wrong put it into a shed situate in a field belonging to Mr Proud, which adjoined his farm. After discussion it was resolved to put Mr Martin Farndale’s farm and Mr Proud where the beast was slaughtered into quarantine as an infected district for the 56 days required by the Act. The Newcastle Courant, on 1 November 1878 reported: Cattle disease - At Guisborough petty sessions on Tuesday, it was reported to the magistrate that pleuro-pneumonia had broken out on the farm of Mr Martin Farndale, at Brotton-in-Cleveland. One cow had been killed and buried. The bench ordered the farm to be quarantined as an infected district. In the Leeds Mercury on 1 November 1878: “Pleuro-pneumonia in Cleveland. Pleuro-pneumonia has broken out on the farm of Mr Martin Farndale, at Brotton-in-Cleveland. One cow has been killed and buried. The farm has been officially declared to be an infected district.” In the Leicester Advertiser, 9 November 1878: Pleuro-pneumonia appears to be on the increase in the country. On Tuesday week it was reported to the magistrates at Gainsborough that plural pneumonia had broken out on the farm of Mr. Martin Farndale at Brotton in Cleveland. One cow had been killed and buried. The bench ordered the farm to be quarantined as an infected district, we are informed and in this way may be seen the value of the Act that most recently came into operation. By this means prompt action may be taken for isolating any case, to prevent it spreading, whilst on the other hand the owner is bound to give information of any outbreak. It will thus be seen that the measure is protective because no one can tell whose stock may be infected next.

Pleuro-pneumonia is a lung disease of cattle and sheep. It causes an inflammation of the lungs. The disease is caused by the bacterium mycoplasma mycoides. Fever, thirst, loss of appetite, and difficult breathing are signs of the disease.

The Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act 1878 (41 & 42 Vict. c. 74) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed by Benjamin Disraeli's Conservative government. A select committee was appointed in 1877 to investigate animal diseases. The resulting Act established central rather than local control over all outbreaks of animal disease. The agriculturist Jacob Wilson considered the Act "an undoubted benefit conferred upon the agricultural interest by the Conservative Government".  It was opposed by the Radicals.

 

1879

 

The Northern Echo, on Friday 13 June 1879, reported: Brotton Primitive Methodist Church. The anniversary services in connection with the above church were held on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Two sermons were preached on Sunday and a lecture entitled The Bible: Its translators, their trials and triumphs, was given on the Monday evening by the Rev G W Morse, of Northallerton. Mr R Gilbertson of Saltburn presided. On Tuesday evening a service of song, entitled Uncle Tom's Cabin, was given by the choir. Chairman, Mr Joseph Farrow; Reader, Mr John Hall Saltburn. A fair company was present at the tea and bazaar, which brought up the proceeds of the anniversary to £10, in addition to donations of £1 each from Messrs. Geo Taylor, M Farndale and John Rigg and other smaller subscriptions. This society is making praiseworthy efforts to sustain its position during this terrible depression.

 

The Northern Weekly Gazette, 12 July 1879 reported Primitive Methodist Picnic, Skinningrove. The above society held their annual picnic on Saturday in a field belonging to end to Mr Farndale at Kilton. The weather was fine and there was a good number present. The usual games were indulged in, and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.


1881

 

There was another incident of damage to crops in 1881. There was a summary conviction of John Speck, Charles Speck and George Arnold all of Brotton for maliciously damaging beans growing in a field occupied by Martin and Charles Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 21 August 1881 Case heard at Loftus on 26 August 1881 (Yorkshire Archives Document reference QSB 1882 1/10/7/13, Catalogued) The Evening Gazette, on Saturday 27 Aug 1881 reported: Damaging beans and oats. Three Brotton youths, named John and Charles Spark and G Arnold were charged at Loftus Petty Sessions on Friday by Mr Farndale of Kilton with damaging beans and oats in his field on the 21st inst. The complaint stated that considerable damage had been done to his crops, and although he did not wish the lads to be severely punished, he wanted to put a stop to it. The damage was estimated at 1s each. Ordered to pay costs of 6s 2d each, and the damage, 1s each.

 

By this time it is notable that the land was clearly being worked in partnership between Martin and his nephew, Charles Farndale.

 

In the census of 1881, Martin Farndale, still the head; a widower; aged 82; was listed as retired farmer at Kilton Hall Farm, Kilton and Charles Farndale, married; aged 42; was a farmer of 577 acres, with 9 employees (FAR00341). Now living together were Charles’ family, Ann Farndale, wife of Charles; age 32; William Farndale, son of Charles; age 5; (FAR00531); George Farndale, son of Charles; aged 4; (FAR00540); Mary Farndale, daughter of Charles; aged 3; (FAR00560); Grace Farndale, daughter of Charles; aged 2, (FAR00566).

 

However Martin continued his work as overseer of the poor. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, on 31 March 1881: Guisboorough. At the Guisborough Petty Sessions on Tuesday, the following persons were appointed overseers for the district. Division of Laughbaurgh East.... Kilton - John Garbutt and Martin Farndale...

The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 23 December 1881: BROTTON Although trade at this place has been extremely slack for several months, the tradesmen have made ample preparations for Christmas … Mr John Allinson, butcher, shows some good beef fed by Bolckow, Vaughan & Co, with a choice of sheep and pigs fed by Mr M Farndale of Kilton. Mr Catron also has some very prime beef – two four year old oxen, fed by J Petch Esq, with sheep and pigs from Mr M Farndale of Kilton

 

1884

 

The Whitby Gazette, on 12 July 1884 reported on the Skelton Agricultural Show: Horses … Yearly coaching gelding or filly – W H S Pyman, Raithwaite; 2. M and C Farndale, Kilton.


1885

 

The year started with the summary conviction of John Lantsbury and Edward Hanson both of Carlin How miners for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 17 January 1885 Case heard at Loftus on 23 Jan 1885 (Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1885 2/10/7/67, catalogued). The North Star (Darlington), on 24 January 1885 reported: John Lansbury and Edward Hanson, miners, Colin Howell, were yesterday each fined 11s at Loftus for snaring a hare in a field in the occupation of Mr M Farndale at Kilton.


Martin Farndale a farmer of Kilton, died of chronic bronchitis and senile debility, aged 86, on 22 Jun 1885. Charles Farndale, his nephew was present at the death at Kilton. Martin Farndale was buried in Brotton aged 86, on 25 June 1885. James Bell, the Rector performed the ceremony. (Brotton PR)

 

The Whitby Gazette, 27 June 1885 reported: June 22nd, at Kilton, aged 86 years, Mr. Martin Farndale.


His gravestone can be found at Brotton Old Churchyard and reads ‘To the memory of Elizabeth the dearly loved wife of Martin Farndale of Kilton. Born 24th August 1805 and died 20th February 1877. Also Martin Farndale who died 22nd June 1885 aged 86 years. They were friends to others. With Christ which is far better.’ (Monumental Record)

 

A monument in a park

Description automatically generatedA close-up of a grave stone

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The gravestone of Martin and Elizabeth taken by Richard Farndale in 2016

 

Martin Farndale left a personal Estate of £1,625 2s 6d..The will of Martin Farndale late of Kilton in Cleveland in the North Riding if the County of York who died 22 June 1885 at Kilton was proved at York on 21 December 1885 by Charles Farndale of Kilton, the nephew and Thomas Hall of the Parish of Skutterskelfe near Stokesley in Cleveland Farmers the Executors. In 2020, this estate might equate to approximately: £107,558.41, In 1880, you could buy 59 horses or 167 cows or pay skilled tradesmen wages for 4,924 days with £1,625, 2s & 6d.

 

He is registered in the Death Duty Register in 1885, showing Charles as his executor in the court of probate at York.

 

This shows that his will incurred an inheritance tax. First introduced in 1796 and by 1857 inheritance tax applied to any estate worth over £20.