The Dog Kennel Lane Project

THE DOG KENNEL LANE PROJECT

Introduction and Background The Dog Kennel Lane Project was triggered by one man’s memories of a childhood spent playing in fields around his home and being puzzled by strange features in the landscape.

David Barley, chairman of the study group, which was financed by a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, said: “I am delighted that an area, which I knew as a boy, has now been researched and that the information we gathered is recorded for future generations.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The Dog Kennel Lane Project has enabled the local community to develop new skills, share their memories and learn more about the history of their local area.

The Dog Kennel Lane Project was set up by Boroughbridge and District Historical Society and involved 15 months of research. Members consulted archives, examined maps and aerial photographs, including digital imagery; gathered oral history, carried out field walking and geophysics.

In 2014 HLF awarded the Society £10,000 for an archaeological research project covering a small area in the parishes of Langthorpe and Newby-with-Mulwith, north of the River Ure and west of the A1M.

The Study Group worked under the guidance of professional Community Archaeologist Kevin Cale.

The research is now being placed on the Internet at: www.boroughbridgehistory.co.uk

The Dog Kennel Lane Project – named after dog kennels which stood beside the original carriage drive to the 16th century Brampton Hall – discovered Neolithic finds, ancient river crossings, researched Roman remains and properties with historic connections on the Newby Hall Estate.

Members found links to the Battle of Culloden in 1745. Historic properties included Brampton Hall, once the home of the Tancred family, who were implicated in the 1569 rebellion against Queen Elizabeth 1. They suffered persecution as Catholics in Protestant Elizabethan England and were arrested in 1579 and their lands were confiscated by the Crown.

Mulwith was the home of Mary Ward, born in 1585. She was a Catholic, who founded religious institutions across Europe. One of the institutions established the Bar Convent in York. Her maternal uncles, John and Christopher Wright, were involved in the Gun Powder Plot led by Guy Fawkes.

One of the project’s aims was to create a Heritage Trail, which will now be known as the Dog Kennel Lane Circuit. The five-mile walk was made possible by a permitted footpath granted by Newby Hall Estates, which links existing rights of way between Langthorpe and Skelton-on-Ure. Pupils from Skelton Newby Hall Church of England School have been involved in the project, looking at the area’s wildlife, exploring their heritage and learning new skills.

About the Heritage Lottery Fund Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, it invests in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 37,000 projects with more than £6bn across the UK, including £445m to over 3,100 projects in Yorkshire and the Humber alone. www.hlf.org.uk

Boroughbridge and District Historical Society The Society was founded in 1994 to encourage and develop an interest in the heritage of the area. The Society holds an archive of photographs and related material from Boroughbridge and surrounding villages. Its members stage exhibitions and meet monthly for a programme of talks by visiting speakers.

Index of Contents page no.

Introduction and Background……………………………………………………………… 2 Designed Landscape …………………………………………………………………………… 6 Field Walking …………………………………………………………………………………… 9 Finds …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10 Geophysics ………………………………………………………………………………………… 12 Maps survey…………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 Historic Environment Record ……………………………………………………………… 16 Origins of Dog Kennel Lane ………………………………………………………………… 17 Lidar Imaging and Geology ………………………………………………………………… 20 Augering ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21

Aerial Photography ………………………………………………………………………………… 22 Agricultural Survey ………………………………………………………………………………… 26 General Wade’s Camp.…………………………………………………………………………… 33 River Crossings of the Lower Ure Valley ……………………………………………… 36 Boroughbridge By-Pass …………………………………………………………………………… 39 Ure Navigation ………………………………………………………………………………………… 44 Wildlife Survey and Skelton Newby Hall Primary School visit ……………… 46 Flora and Fauna survey……………………………………………………………………………… 49 Oral History ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 50

Memories of the Second World War ………………………………………………………… 52 Brampton Hall and the Tancreds……………………………………………………………… 54 The Tancreds and recusancy……………………………………………………………………… 58 The Guy Fawkes Connection……………………………………………………………………… 60 Mulwith and the Ward Family…………………………………………………………………… 62 Travelling Europe with Mary Ward…………………………………………………………… 65 Ripley Castle …………………………………………………………………………………………… 66 Broom Close Farm and the Censuses………………………………………………………… 67 Ferry Disaster……………………………………………………………………………………………… 73 Church of Christ the Consoler …………………………………………………………………… 75

Walk Leaflet……………………………………………………………………………………………… 81 Project Programme……………………………………………………………………………………… 82 Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………………… 85 Sources………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 86 4

Dog Kennel Lane Project’s approved purpose as specified by the HLF

To provide opportunities for members of the community to research five aspects of heritage connected with the area around Dog Kennel Lane through visits to relevant archives and sites of interest, carrying out historic building surveys, recording oral history, undertaking field walking and recording earthworks.

To involve primary school children in conducting a wildlife survey.

To provide oral history training for project participants.

To share the findings with wider audiences through events, web-site information, a leaflet and heritage display board to accompany a waymarked trail.

To archive the findings with local libraries, the County Records Office, the Historical Environment Records Office and local schools.

1854 Map of the Dog Kennel Lane Project area. (North of the River Ure)

To the south of Dog Kennel Lane (Lowfield Lane on the map above) are shown the random location of small fields owned by different farms in Langthorpe village

Designed Landscape Since the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago, human activity has had a considerable influence on the landscape. Until about 4,000BC we were primarily “hunter gatherers” living from the natural environment. Before the Roman Conquest, Britain was populated by Celtic Tribes. They normally lived behind enclosures with a patchwork of small fields reclaimed from forest or waste land. These tribes kept livestock, mostly sheep, and grew wheat and barley. During the Roman occupation, the native settlements changed very little. When the Anglo-Saxons first arrived in the fifth century they gradually introduced the “Common Field System”. This remained until the 17th century when the Enclosure Acts were passed by Parliament and land came into private ownership. This resulted in the field system as we know it today. Evidence of all these stages was found in the area of Dog Kennel Lane, from worked flints, medieval pottery, to clay pipes and horseshoes. Two features in the Dog Kennel Lane area have puzzled project members and have not been fully resolved. The first is the evidence of Victorian activity in the form of two brick and stone features, below ground level, on the edge of Willow Garth Wood, accompanied by traces of cast iron railings. The second was the existence prior to the 1970’s of a large mound approximately 130 metres long by 20 metres wide. This ran south from the wood and is shown on a 1971 aerial photograph. The mound had a much steeper side to the east. It had a hollow 20 metres wide immediately east of this bank. The feature was levelled by the Landowner in about 1974. It was initially thought that these two features could have been connected and had something to do with a brickworks, possibly in the 18th century. We have found no evidence to support this theory. The only documented evidence we have discovered is on an 1842 Tithe map of Langthorpe where it is shown as a “Garden and Pond”. Two features below ground level on the edge of the wood could have simply been refined livestock drinking places bringing water from the pond in the centre of the wood to the fields on the outside. Landscape feature Of particular interest in this area is a line, in the shape of a “D”, shown on the Historic Environment Monument Data map. This shape also ties in with the Lidar map of the area, both illustrated later. This information indicates the possibility that this feature could have been some form of enclosure, maybe 2,000 to 4,000-years old 6

The 1971 aerial photograph shows the bank and ditch running south from the wood, which is in the top right hand quadrant.

The lower drawing gives an impression of what the mound and ditch looked like before it was levelled by bulldozer around 1974 (David Barley).

Victorian feature in Willow Garth Wood at the north end of the ditch

Scale drawing of the Victorian feature

Field walking

Under the guidance of our Project Leader and Archaeologist, Kevin Cale, we had three sessions of field walking over two fields in our study area in Autumn, 2014. We walked over recently drilled fields of wheat, scanning the soil surface looking for flint, unglazed pottery and any other objects not obviously modern. Their location was noted using GPS and the finds were placed in plastic bags and marked with a grid reference. Items were cleaned with water and a toothbrush, dried, identified as far as possible, and photographed. Most of the finds were flint tools, flakes or waste from flint knapping. The flint had to have been brought here deliberately by people, showing that humans have used this landscape for at least 4,500 years.

Kevin Cale logging finds with the help of Geoff Harris, Wendy Jakeman and a young HOPS member.

Alan Pearson with some of his finds – including the flint arrowhead below - collected while working on a farm in the area in the 1970s

Dog Kennel Lane project finds

TOP ROW - from left to right: Iron Stone, George III Half-penny, plastic Australian button from the Second World War, Clay pipe stem and a flint from a flintlock gun. BOTTOM ROW: Various Flints

Geophysics

Pandora Thoresby and Laurie Reed.

We conducted geophysics in an area of the field where, whilst ploughing in the 1970s, Alan Pearson unearthed an inscribed flat stone and a quern stone. The inscribed stone was unfortunately thrown down a nearby disused well. The quern stone was taken to York Museum in the 1970’s, the documentation was lost, and the stone cannot now be located. Nine members of the project were in attendance with Community Archaeologists Kevin Cale and Jon Kenny. This survey was conducted using resistivity equipment. We did five 20-metre squares taking readings every half metre (compared to every metre on our previous geophysics work). Jon Kenny conducted a preliminary interpretation of the results on site and we all felt encouraged by the computer print-out showing the possibility of historical activity. More detailed information will become available when Jon Kenny reports on the results. It was a great response on the day for geophysics and thanks to everyone for their efforts. I felt it was a back-aching but rewarding day and certainly broadened our experiences. No geophysics was conducted in the blue square. David Barley

Map Surveys for Dog Kennel Lane Project Warburton’s Map of 1720 shows the pre-Roman Ryknield Street, west of Boroughbridge and Aldborough. Jeffrey’s Map of Yorkshire 1771 shows Broom Close, Mulwith and Brampton Hall. It includes the Dog Kennel Lane track through to Newby Hall entrance with a fork to the south towards the river. Willow Garth Wood is not shown. Mulwith is spelt Murwith. The towpath is shown crossing from the north to the south bank of the River Ure. Four Devil’s Arrows are shown. Greenwood’s Map of 1817. Broom Close, Mulwith and Brampton Hall are shown, but not named, Carriage Drive is shown east to west. Linear rectangular dot and dash marking may indicate a possible township. Teesdale’s Map of 1828. Shows Broom Close and Brampton Hall. Mulwith is shown as two buildings. Carriage drive, towpath and Three Devil’s Arrows are included. Early 19th Century Kirby Hill-Langthorpe exchanges enclosure award. Dog Kennel Lane/Brampton road is shown 20ft wide. Willow Garth Wood is shown as a rectangle covering 1 acre 1 rood 16 perch. Four-sided area of water in south- west corner taking up slightly more than a quadrant. Duck Pond is shown near Gill’s new farm built 2014. Footpath end of strip running west-south-west towards Brampton Pond is unnamed. Suggestion of bank running from Willow Garth Wood to Dog Kennel Lane. 1842 Plan of the township of Langthorpe Field number 60 Dog Kennels shown as rectangular building with an enclosed yard to front on to Dog Kennel Lane. Field 54 shows Willow Garth Wood. Field 53 Still shows embankment. John Husthwaite’s 6ins Map of 1842. Shows zig-zag township boundary between Langthorpe and Brampton. Dog kennels shown as before. Willow Garth Wood is shown as ‘L’ shaped, possibly inverted by mistake. North Yorkshire County Records Office Microfilm 511 Willow Garth Wood shown as pond. Four-acres east of pond was called Hold thy Own Field. National Library of Scotland 0S 6inch to the mile: 1852 Lowfield Lane named. We also looked at Speed’s Map of 1610, Ogilby’s of 1680, Tuke’s of 1787 and Langdale’s of 1822. They had little relevance to the area studied.

OS 6ins 1855 Sheet 138. (Brampton) Guide Post 438057 467305 L shaped feature in NE quadrant, inverted foot shaped, no trees, track on southern boundary. (Willow Garth Wood not named) 438006 467360 structure/feature rectilinear north-west corner of wood on field boundary. 438110 467174 Small square building south of Willow Garth Wood possible stock shelter east of the bank. 438056 467158 South of Willow Garth Wood possible stock shelter east of the bank.438056 467158 Small square building west of the bank on field edge. Note: Dog Kennel Lane referred to as Lowfield Lane. 438092 466838 pond, 438113 466840 pond. The ponds are each side of Lowfield Lane. 438108 461514 pond, 437753 467227 pond, 437632 466574 rectangular building aligned east-west. 437099 466813 Small square building. 436689 466575 Brampton Hall Orchard. 436733 466649 ‘L’ shaped pond, 436809 466654 residual avenue of trees, 436589 466528 Bridge disused. 437296 467297 Small building south-east alignment near water course. OS 6ins 1856 YKS sheet 137 (Mulwith) 436308 466814 pond, 436325 466814 pond, 436312 466870 pond, 436476 466877 large pond. 436326 466677 Mulwith Orchard donkey gin in buildings. (round end) 436260 467283 cruciform building. 436470 467277 Small building. 435928 467320 pond, 435952 467075 pond, 435686 467324 bridge on water course leading to grotto. 435610 467174 grotto. 435710 466934 bench mark. 435592 466727 ferry, 436312 466473 pond. 436228 466633 pond. LMD/KC

North Yorkshire Historic Environment Record Office Maps and linked documents are used to record all locations of historical interest in North Yorkshire. The Record Office was one of the first places we visited.

An enlarged portion of the map provided by the Historic Environment Record Office at Northallerton showing Sites and Monuments Records (SMRs) is shown below.

This shows SMR Number MNY 19498 at the location of the “bank and ditch”. This is recorded as: “A temporary camp for Dutch Auxiliaries, 1745” and is described as: “A temporary camp set up in Langthorpe Field, Boroughbridge for Dutch Auxiliaries en-route to join General Wade’s Army in Northumberland in 1745”. One theory is that the bank and ditch were already in existence and provided shelter for the camp.

The origin of the name Dog Kennel Lane

During my boyhood in the late 1940s-early 1950s, the lane on the west side of Langthorpe officially called “Lowfields Lane” was always known colloquially as “Dog Kennel Lane”. At the time this was accepted and the reasons for the name were not known. The name was thought to have a certain appeal and was chosen as the title for our project. It was always thought by the project group that it would be interesting to try and find out the name’s origins. One of the visits arranged by the group was to the West Yorkshire Archive Service at Morley, to look at records, particularly for Newby Hall Estate.

There, surprisingly, we found an 1842 Tithe Map of Langthorpe, showing a building down Dog Kennel Lane denoted by a number “59”. The document corresponding to this map showed number “59” as “Dog Kennels”, occupied by John Wincup who lived at the Red Lion Inn in Langthorpe. It is assumed that the kennels were used for hunting hounds.

One of our interesting finds was a reference to Dog Kennel Lane in “North Yorkshire History: The Diaries of John Stubbs 1853-60”. This is an interesting blog compiled by Alice Barrigan. An extract from A Boroughbridge Boyhood in the 1850’s refers to: “Taking visitors to see the Devils Arrows or the Aldborough Pavement; riding his cousin Richard Hirst’s mare to the top of Gibbet Hill; going to the river “To bathe through the pasture and jolly it was”; walking down the river passed Ramsdens; walking through Langthorpe down Dog Kennel Lane; going to the Water Cress Spring near Low Dunsforth; walking to Ouseburn Bar”.

There was an old carriageway from Boroughbridge to Newby Hall via Brampton Hall which travelled, for the first half mile, along Dog Kennel Lane. This is clearly shown on the Jeffery’s map (1771), The Smith’s map of Yorkshire (1832), and T. Bradley’s River Ure Book (1891). There is also reference to this old road in the book by Alex D.H. Leadman (1884).

When describing Brampton Hall “A former home of the Tancreds”, he quotes: “A carriage road from Newby Hall to Boroughbridge passed close by Brampton Hall, between an avenue of splendid trees, including numerous fine specimens of walnut and black cherry trees, but neither road or avenue can now be traced.”

David Barley - 2015 17

1842 Tithe Map of Dog Kennel Lane - key is on the next page.

Key to 1842 Tithe Map

Number 59 on the map is given as “Dog Kennels” on the document.

Number 54 on the map is given as “Garden and Pond”, which is the Victorian feature in Willow Garth Wood.

Number 59 0n the map is given as Dog Kennels next to the name John Whincup.

Lidar Imaging

Because Lidar is a free resource for educational purposes, we were able to collate a group of images into a relief map of the area.

This is a terrain model (DTM) i.e. everything above ground level, including trees and buildings are removed. The ‘angle of illumination' is from the north-west (315 degrees) with the light hitting at 40 deg.

Geology

The Lidar Image above clearly shows the D shaped enclosure which is the embankment we have studied abutting the current A1/M north of the river Ure. Possibly 4000 years old.

Geology

After the Ice Age, it is believed that the Ure Valley was considerable deeper and filled with alluvial deposits flowing east to form the plain of York. Langthorpe is on the western edge of the alluvial plain. The Vale of York itself is on bedrock of Sherwood Sandstone, with areas of Glaciolacusterine formations above. Occasionally kettle holes are found where a large piece of ice from the retreating Ice Age sank into the landscape and melted to form a small lake.

Augering in Willow Garth Wood

A small group of members carried out augering in Willow Garth Wood under the supervision of Community Archaeologist Kevin Cale. The augering – using a manual T-bar to which extensions could be added - was done to a depth of two metres until the tip broke through the water table. Each plug of material brought up showed a graduation of colour, which was compared with a Munsell Colour Chart to confirm soil types. The chart confirmed that, after the initial top soil and sand, we were looking at Lacustrine clay with lenses of peat. The clay was malleable and appeared to be of a grade suitable for pottery making. Kevin decided that we were looking at the remains of a kettle hole, where a large piece of ice from the retreating Ice Age had sunk into the landscape and melted to form a small lake. Although other research has discovered a reference to “Brick Field” in the area, the consensus is that it is unlikely Willow Garth Wood was used as a source of brick-making clay. Brick-built features in the wood are more likely to have been associated with Victorian landscaping.

Aerial Photography

Over several evenings as a desktop exercise we researched aerial photographs of the study area. Findings from aerial photographs examined October 21st, 2014

1) Segmented, curvilinear bank and ditch The feature extends from approximately 43823 x 46715 towards the River Ure which it meets at approximately 43855 x 46690, giving a north-north-west to south-south-east orientation. Its overall length is approximately 400 metres. The feature is broken by a gap of perhaps 100 metres at a point not quite central to its length. The feature is best seen on Aerial Photographs (Aps) OS_-11012_v_557 and 558 but can also be seen less distinctly on APs OS_94023_v_129, 130 and 122, 123 OS_- 11012_v_556, MAL_71170_v_150

2) An angular feature, possibly a bank or small enclosure. At approximately 43825 x 46685. the feature is very faint and is visible only on OS_ -11012 _ v _ 557.

3) A curvilinear feature forming just under half of a circle. Visible on APs OS_ - 11012 _ v _ 555, 557, 558 at approximately 43781 x 46730. This may be the remains of a pond formed by ice left in a kettle hole.

4) An area of R/F field just south west of Broom Close Farm. At approximately 43740 x 46720 (centre). Observed on AP OS_ -11012 _ v _ 557 and also visible on OS_ -11012 _ v _ 556, the field can be seen on other APs but the R/F is not distinguishable.

5) A curvilinear feature, possibly a trackway. It follows the northern boundary of the field above and then crosses the field boundary and continues in a roughly north-westerly direction in the next field. Can be seen on OS_ 11012 _ v _ 556, and 557, OS – 94023 v – 123.

6) An area of R/F centred at approximately 43850 x 46710 running from the modern farm southwards towards the river. Visible in APs OS – 94023 v – 123 and 129.

7) A further curvilinear feature which continues the line of feature 1) on the other side of the modern road and towards Willow Garth Wood which is meets at approximately 43808 x 46725, a distance of approximately 250m. Visible with varying degrees of clarity on aerial photographs OS – 94023 v – 123,129,122,130,131, OS_ 11012 _ v _ 556,557, 558. On RAF _ 540 _ 520 _ RP _ 3136 and 3137 it appears that this feature may continue still further round to meet what is now the modern A1. On these aerial photographs it can be seen to cross the earlier and smaller road at approximately 4385 x 46770. In addition, these APs appear faintly to show a second feature running from a point approximately 43780 x 46750, converging with the first feature to a point at approximately 438200 x 46770, after which the two run almost parallel to the modern road at about 150m apart. 8) Site of temporary camp for road construction. Visible on aerial photographs OS – 94023 v – 123, 129, 122, 130,131, at approximately 43845 x 46720. 9) Curvilinear feature which appears to continue that discussed in 7) above on the northern side of Willow Garth Wood. On AP OS – 94023 v – 123 it can be seen to leave the northern edge of the wood and run north almost to the modern Skelton Road, a distance of approximately 100m, on AP.

10) Small curvilinear feature which may be part of a ring ditch at approximately 43820 x 46818, just south of cottage Farm. Visible on OS – 94023 v – 123. 11) Anomolies each roughly circular or extended ovals at approximately 43810 x 46770, faintly visible on AP OS – 94023 v – 123. 12) a linear feature, possibly the site of a former hedge, running from the side of the modern A1 road in a south-south-easterly direction towards the village of Langthorpe, a distance of approximately 300m. Just before its end it can be seen to cross a modern field boundary. Centre point approximately 43880 x 46750. Visible on aerial photographs OS – 94023 v – 122 and 123, also less clearly on MAL _ 71770 _ v _ 150, OS _ 011012 _ v _ 557 and 558.

12a) A short length of a similar and almost parallel feature. Perhaps 50m south- west of the first and ending just below the same field boundary. Visible on AP OS – 94023 v – 122 and 123, also less clearly on MAL _ 71770 _ v _ 150, OS _ 011012 _ v _ 557 and 558. [NB: This was not on our original list – it was spotted while studying the main one]

13) Short linear feature, possibly a farm track. Running north-north-west from the road behind Langthorpe village at approximately 43875 x 46731 at the southern end. Visible on AP OS – 94023 v – 123.

14) A linear anomaly. Running slightly west of due south from the corner of the field described in 4) above for approximately 750m. AP OS – 94023 v – 123, OS _ 011012 _ v _ 556 and 557, MAL _ 71770 _ v _ 150, MAL _ 77009 _ v _ 75, OS _ 94023 _ v _ 130 and 131

15) A complex of connected features comprising: a) at least two possible trackways converging as a crossroad. These trackways are most visible within the modern field boundary but continue more faintly beyond the northern boundary passing three trees. b) an oval feature at the end of the western most of these trackways. c) a curvilinear feature, possibly a further trackway, which leaves the modern road at a sharp corner, curves to the west and meets the north-running trackway described at a) d) a further, double lined feature continuing to the north from the junction described at c) and crossing the next field boundary to continue to the edge of the photograph. Grid reference for the point of the apparent crossroads is approximately 43610 x 46660 and that for the point at which feature c) leaves the modern road is approximately 43630 x 46691. For the meeting of c) and d) is approximately 43600 x46700.

Possible interpretation It is believed that the parish of Westwick on the western bank of the River Ure was once matched by Eastwick on the opposite bank. It therefore seems possible that this is a remaining trace of the lost village, although no details are available about its supposed location. The features are visible best on aerial photographs (AP) OS _ 94023 _ v _ 133 and also on MAL _ 77009 _ v _ 50, on which the features are fainter, but since this picture was taken from a greater height the north leading feature can be seen to extend a considerable distance further and to curve round to the east. 16) An area of R/F running approximately north-south in a field alongside Brampton Hall, centred approximately 43685 x 46640. Visible on AP OS – 94023 v – 133. 17) Two areas of R/F in parts of the field which is crossed by the feature described at 1). The southern area lies close to the river bank at approximately 43841 x 46671, the more northerly lies to the north of the feature at 1) at approximately 43840 x 46700. Visible in AP MAL _ 77009 _ v _ 75. 18) A linear feature running almost straight between the two modern roads and likely to be a former field boundary. Grid ref for the southern end of this is approximately 43840 x 46715. Visible on AP MAL _ 77009 _ v _ 75 and less distinctly on OS – 94023 v – 123. 19) Linear feature, probably a former field boundary, running from the river bank north to the modern road at the edge of the village of Langthorpe. This feature is visible on APs RAF _ 540 _ 520 _ RP _ 3136 and 3137, but has now been obliterated by the modern A1 which makes it difficult to estimate a grid reference. 20) Similarly, an area of R/F immediately to the west of the feature above has also been obliterated. It appears on the APs RAF _ 540 _ 520 _ RP _ 3136 and 3137.21) Two linear anomalies converging to cross at approximately 43780 x 46725. Visible on APs RAF _ 540 _ 520 _ RP _ 3136, 3137, 3138. it is possible these may be trackways but since they lie in an area of what appears to be damp ground they may also be of geological origin.

21) Two linear anomalies converging to cross at approximately 43780 x 46725. Visible on APs RAF _ 540 _ 520 _ RP _ 3136,3137, 3138. it is possible these may be trackways but since they lie in an area of what appears to be damp ground they may also be of geological origin.

Joyce Walmsley and Paul Follett

Agricultural Surveys 1941-2015

Background When the Second World War began in September, 1939, Britain was faced with an urgent need to increase home food production, as imports of food and fertilizers were drastically cut. The area of land under cultivation had to be increased significantly and quickly. To assist this campaign, County War Agricultural Executive Committees, known as “County War Ags” were set up and a National Survey was initiated in June, 1940. It required each holding to give detailed information about crops, livestock, labour and general facilities. I have obtained copies of this survey for the holdings in the Parish of Langthorpe along with corresponding maps. My research was to compare the June, 1941, information for two farms in the Dog Kennel Lane area namely: Broom Close Farm (John Knowles); and Lowfields Grange Farm (Paul Gill) with equivalent information provided for June, 2015. Lowfields Grange Farm would be described as a “village” farm, with fields scattered around the village. Broom Close Farm is situated between the villages of Langthorpe and Skelton-on-Ure and would be described as a “ring fence” farm.

Comparison sheets giving figures for 1941 and 2015 for the two farms are given using similar nomenclature to the original 1941 documents.

I will leave the reader to digest the figures and to draw their own conclusions.

However, the information does indicate the general trend in our area over the last 74 years towards: larger farms, more specialisation, less grassland, less labour and more mechanisation.

David Barley

Harvesting corn at Broom Close Farm with the Foster family around 1900

Using a tractor and binder to harvest corn close to RAF Dishforth circa 1950

The Embankment and General Wade’s Camp 1745

An embankment off Dog Kennel Lane at Langthorpe is shown in the Historic Environment Record for North Yorkshire. In the winter of 1745 it was used as shelter by General Wade’s troops waiting for reinforcements to assemble before travelling north to quell the Jacobite rebellion by the Scots. Ref: HER MNY19498.

The embankment, which is no longer visible on the ground, is thought to have much earlier origins. Dog Kennel Lane (Lowfields Lane) crosses the line of the embankment. It was used by David Barley and school friends in the 1950s. The embankment was sufficiently prominent to be used for sledging, but bulldozing in the 1970’s and repeated ploughing has now made it almost disappear.

The Jacobite Risings. These occurred in Great Britain and Ireland between 1688 and 1746 as part of a series of military campaigns by Jacobites attempting to restore the Catholic Stuart kings to the thrones of Scotland and England. James II, a Catholic, was deposed in 1688. He was the last Roman Catholic monarch to reign over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. His throne was claimed by his daughter, Mary, jointly with her husband, the Protestant Dutch- born William of Orange. William was James’ nephew. After they succeeded to the British throne, the risings continued until the last Jacobite Rebellion led by Charles Edward Stuart, who was defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. This ended any realistic hope of a Stuart restoration. Blind Jack of Knaresborough William Thornton, of Thornville Royal, now Allerton Park, enlisted the help of Blind Jack of Knaresborough. The renowned road builder, guide and musician, recruited over 100 local men to join the King’s troops at Boroughbridge. This army was led by General Wade. Thornton paid for the recruits’ uniforms, arms, ammunition and accommodation. Blind Jack and William Thornton were part of the force which moved north to join the Duke of Cumberland in the final battle of the Scottish rebellion at Culloden in 1746.

Extract from The Scotsman’s Magazine 1755

“Marshal Wade was on the 15th (December) at Rippon. It was resolved to march his army, then encamped at Boroughbridge, in several divisions, by reason of the inclemency of the season and to put them under cover every night, till they should arrive at or near Newcastle. In pursuance of which, 1,000 detached English foot were to march upon the 15th by Northallerton, Darlington and Durham, to Newcastle, and were to be followed successively by the rest of the army.” Before leaving for Newcastle, Wade’s force was joined by Dutch and French troops, who used the Rivers Ouse and Ure to travel to Boroughbridge. Was there a spy in the camp at Boroughbridge? The following is in York Minster Archives. “Examination of Pirsey Pattison, of Little Alice Lane, (College Street, York, formerly Vicar’s Lane or Little Alice Lane) chandler, re carriage of a letter from Lord Kingsland, a reputed papist, to Lt. Massey, in camp at Boroughbridge, twelve miles away, without permission.” F2/3/4/20. 26th October,1745. The York Minister records also have an order for the imprisonment of Pirsey Pattison for refusing to take the oath of allegiance and abjuration. (Abjure - say formally or publicly that you no longer agree with a belief). 34

F2/3/4/21. 26th October 1745.

John Wesley’s journal The journal of the theologian John Wesley records having passed through Boroughbridge in 1745 when “so much snow has made the causeways impassable.”

Nottingham University Archive The University’s on-line records for Clumber Park contain a summary of letters from General Thomas Wentworth at Boroughbridge, dated 8th November, 1745, and 15th December, 1745. The letters were to Henry Pelham, the Duke of Newcastle- under-Lyme, who was the Prime Minister.

A letter dated 8th November 1745 states: “They remain camped in the area and it is not clear whether they will move their course south or north.” The letter also notes that the most recent intelligence says the Jacobites are marching towards Carlisle. It refers to a discrepancy over troop numbers, saying some accounts claim 12,000 whilst others say 5,600. It suggests a figure between the two may be more accurate. General Wentworth suggested returning to Boroughbridge and crossing from there to Lancaster to cut off the rebel forces. He had heard some rebels had deserted after crossing the Tweed. His letter also said the British and foreign generals had been asking about pay. Wentworth said Prime Minister Pelham was the best person to resolve it.

Letter dated 15th December 1745. This said that General Huske had marched with 1,000 men for Newcastle and the rest would follow in the next few days. General Wentworth referred to Mr Thornton of Yorkshire, who had a company of men, all armed, and suggested that some mark of distinction should be shown him. The Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyme at this time owned the Manor of Aldborough and Boroughbridge and had four of his own men as Members of Parliament.

From the Borthwick Institute in York The Duke of Cumberland, the second son of George II, travelled in 1745 via York to take charge of the army after General Wade fell ill. By this time, Wade was in his seventies. (Papers 107 reference.) Thomas Herring, Archbishop of York, greeted the Duke in the city and loaned him his carriage to travel to Boroughbridge. Herring kissed the King’s son’s hand and wished him well. He later said: “I took the liberty to desire him to take care of himself and wished him well, that we wanted 35

no proof of his spirit and intrepidity.” After Culloden, the Duke was known as Butcher Cumberland.

The Gentleman’s Magazine Vol 144 of 1834 Edward Cave records this death notice: “At York on January 27th,1834, at Bishop Monkton, Boroughbridge, in 100th year John Steel. Amongst things he remembered was going to see the King’s troops on Kirby Hill Moor.

Dog Kennel Lane Project Finds Evidence of the encampment found by project members includes a flint from a musket. In the past, musket balls have been found in fields to the east of the A1. LMD

River Crossings of the Lower Ure Valley from the Iron Age to the A1 Motorway To put the subject in context we needed to look at other river crossings outside the Dog Kennel Lane project study area. We start at Swale Nab, the confluence of the Swale and Ure, downstream of which the waterway becomes the River Ouse. Travelling the River Ure upstream from Swale Nab, one of the first recorded river crossings is at Dunsforth, where a ferry was located. This crossed the Ure to Myton- on-Swale. Dunsforth church notes record that it was used by troops heading towards Boroughbridge to join up with General Wade’s army travelling north to fight against the Scottish rebellion in 1745. Further upstream at Aldborough was one of the crossings from the Roman town of Isurium Brigantum. There has been much speculation about its actual site and whether it was a bridge or a ford? Remains of a wooden bridge have been recorded in an alignment with the north gate of Aldborough Roman town and remnants of a wooden wharf have been found at Hall Ings Lane.

When the medieval town of Boroughbridge developed, a stone bridge replaced an earlier wooden one famous as the site of the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322. In the days of the drovers, the stone bridge was the route taken by cattle, sheep, horses, geese and merchandise travelling south to destinations which included the 36

London markets. The bridge was also one of five routes taken by mail coaches from Boroughbridge to destinations around Britain. Even in the 1950s it was still the only crossing of the River Ure for the Great North Road, which carried lorries and cars north and south between London and Edinburgh. On July 4th, 1945, the downstream side of the bridge collapsed under the weight of an 80-ton load on a low-loader. The A1 was diverted over a Bailey bridge while the stone structure was rebuilt. At this point the weir on the Ure is by-passed by Milby cut, part of the Ripon Canal. It was built to create a navigation to Ripon by William Jessop, John Smith and Joshua Wilson, overseen by John Smeaton, the designer of the Eddystone Lighthouse. At Langthorpe the river was used as a training site by Royal Engineers, who built Bailey bridges there under simulated fire in preparation for the invasion of Normandy in June, 1944. The eastern boundary of the Dog Kennel Lane study area is formed by the A1 Motorway, which was opened in 1995. The motorway replaced the dual carriageway built to bypass Boroughbridge. The dual-carriageway was opened on November 22nd, 1963, the day President Kennedy was assassinated. Warburton’s map of 1812 suggests there was an Iron Age crossing at a ford to the west of Boroughbridge near the location of today’s A1 Motorway. This may have been an extension of Icknield Street or Ryknild Street, a Roman road from the Fosse Way at Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire to Templebrough, now Templeborough, a suburb of Rotherham in South Yorkshire. In the Boroughbridge area it followed a route via Goldsborough, Arkendale and Minskip, passing within sight of the Neolithic standing stones, the Devil’s Arrows, and joining Leeming Lane at Kirby Hill. During archaeological excavations, which preceded the A1M development, a Roman fort, pre-dating Aldborough, was discovered on the south bank of the Ure in Roecliffe parish. It is thought to have been relocated to Aldborough after repeated flooding.

Geophysics carried out in advance of the motorway construction work in the 1990s indicated that there had been habitation on the north bank of the Ure, which suggests there may have been a river crossing. In his book on Roecliffe, published in 1980, Derek Beilby refers to records of land being made available for the “big ford” at Roecliffe. Was this the ford he was referring to or one further upstream at Westwick? The canal towpath leaves Boroughbridge travelling upstream on the north bank of the river. But the Act of Parliament of 1766 permitting the construction of the Ripon Canal specified that it must not be on the north side of the river near Newby Hall and Brampton Hall. Records show the towpath was constructed on the south bank and a ferry boat transported the horses that pulled the barges from one side of the river to the other. One of the field barns down Dog Kennel Lane was used to house the horses. Ripon Motor Boat Club records show a ford further upstream, crossing from Roecliffe to Mulwith. The Dog Kennel Lane study of the river suggests this has disappeared, but it was visible as late as the 1920s. Upstream again we are now approaching Westwick Lock. Downstream of the weir there was a ford and a ferry which are shown on the 1855 Ordnance Survey 6-inch map. This was the chain ferry which was the site of a disaster involving the York and Ainsty Hunt in 1869. Six people, including Sir Charles Slingsby, and the Newby Hall gardener Charles Warriner and his son, James, were drowned when the overloaded ferry capsized as it was being used to cross the flooded river. The ferry site could have originated as a ford joining Westwick with the deserted township of Eastwick. It was listed in the Domesday Book, but its location is now unknown. Examination of aerial photographs has revealed what could have been a crossroads in Eastwick on the north bank of the river adjacent

Newby Hall stands north-west of Westwick Weir on the north bank of the river. Nearby the Ripon Canal by-passes the weir on the Ure at Ox Close Lock and heads to the Canal Basin near Ripon Cathedral – now the most northerly point on the connected inland waterway network. West of the Dog Kennel Lane study area the next crossing of the Ure is the three- arch stone bridge at Copt Hewick, which carries the B6265 into Ripon. Upstream of this bridge, a concrete ramp indicates where Royal Engineers trained during the Second World War to carry out river crossings in armoured vehicles. Linda Dooks

Construction of Boroughbridge by-pass and its upgrade to motorway 30 years later

November 21, 1963, and the ‘heavy’ lorries choke Boroughbridge for the last time. The following day, the bypass opened, moving traffic to the west of the town

The peace and quiet of lanes to the west of Langthorpe was disturbed by the sound of lorries and cars using the 4.5-mile Boroughbridge bypass, which opened in November, 1963, at a cost of £1.6m. For centuries, the centre of Boroughbridge had been the crossing point of the River Ure via the old stone bridge, which caused congestion, particularly when abnormally wide loads were being moved. From the Iron Age through Roman times, the droving and mail coach eras, to the start of the heyday of motor travel in the 1950s, everyone used Boroughbridge to cross the river. The north-south route was not classified as the A1 until 1922, but it was already famous as the Roman Dere Street and subsequently the Great North Road. South of the River Ure the bypass was in the West Riding. But it was designed by the North Riding County Council. Construction was by the authority’s Direct Labour Organisation. It was the last major project on the A1 to be designed by the Council. The bypass included a bridge over the River Ure. It was a double cantilever and suspended span design with steelwork fabricated and erected by Dorman Long, of Middlesbrough. A Bailey bridge was built a few yards downstream to help with its construction. Before work began, the County Surveyor had seen a new technique in use on the M1. On his orders, the North Riding County Council’s Central Depot designed a machine to lay in-situ kerbing. It had 10ft long side shutters with levelling screws at each corner. It could lay concrete kerbing three times quicker than hand laying at 40 per cent of the cost. Construction of the Boroughbridge bypass coincided with adoption of the Worboys Report on national road signage. The bypass was the first section of the A1 in the North Riding to use the larger direction signs with green backgrounds. Questions were asked about its progress in the House of Commons on 14th February, 1963. The then MP for Richmond, Tim Kitson, asked the Minister of Transport, Edward Marples, when the bypass would be in use and if the work was on schedule? Mr Marples replied that work had been delayed by recent bad weather, but it was expected the bypass would be open to traffic by the late summer. The by-pass was opened on 22nd November,1963 by the chairman of the North Riding County Council’s Highways and Bridges Committee, Lt. Col. Slingsby. It was the day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Interviewed in 1964, Kathleen Porter, of the Three Horse Shoes Hotel in the centre of Boroughbridge, said: “The effect the bypass has on us? We certainly couldn’t 40

sleep for the first few nights it was so quiet.” She added: “And of course we don’t see celebrities such as Googie Withers, Joe Loss, Richard Todd or the Beatles, anymore.” By the mid-1980s traffic volumes on the A1 had reached 45,000 vehicles per day, 30 per cent of which were heavy goods vehicles. This was twice the national average for motorways. The high volume resulted in the Government agreeing that parts of the A1 should be upgraded to a dual three-lane motorway with a hard shoulder. The Walshford-Dishforth section – costing £54m - designed by Bullen and Partners, was begun in 1993. The motorway was built parallel to the old road. Much of the southbound dual carriageway of the A1 was converted to a single carriageway local access road, now designated the A168. At Boroughbridge it was necessary to demolish two properties on Skelton Road, west of Langthorpe, and some poultry sheds belonging to an egg production farm. Because the motorway passed close to the Devils Arrows Ancient Monument, the Department of Transport commissioned surveys to establish the presence of archaeological features. Close to the River Ure a Roman fort was discovered and evidence was found of earlier occupation on both sides of the river. Where disturbance of historic remains was likely to be caused during construction of the motorway, archaeological excavations were carried out by Northern Archaeological Associates from Barnard Castle. Close liaison was maintained with North Yorkshire County Council and English Heritage and detailed reports were published. Piano wire kept what was then Britain’s biggest road building machine on course as it laid a 10-inch-deep slab of concrete across all three lanes and the hard shoulder. The 15-metre-wide concrete paver moved forward at a speed of 40 metres an hour and was capable of laying 13 miles of both carriageways onto a network of reinforced bars from Walshford, north of Wetherby, to Dishforth Interchange in 20 weeks. The motorway contractors, Alfred McAlpine Amec Joint Venture, had their own concrete mixing plant on site with a fleet of tipper lorries delivering seven cubic metres to the £3m paver every two to three minutes. In total 300,000 tonnes of concrete was laid with a textured surface to accept a layer of tarmac blacktop. The largest part of the project was the three-span bridge carrying the motorway over the River Ure. The Motorway opened in 1995.

The new bridge carrying the A1M over the River Ure at Langthorpe. It replaced the old Boroughbridge Bypass bridge

which was built in the 1960s to take traffic out of the town

David and Ken Barley on Skelton Road looking east to Langthorpe village in 1950 before development of the bypass.

Below: the same scene in 1995 after the motorway opened

The Ure Navigation

In 1776 an Act of Parliament authorised the construction of a canal to make the River Ure navigable as far as Ripon from its confluence with the Swale. The work, including Milby Cut and the Ripon Canal, was designed by John Smeaton, who worked with the engineer William Jessop. Smeaton constructed the Eddystone Lighthouse Smeaton’s plan included five locks and proposed the construction of a cast iron bridge to carry the Great North Road over Milby Cut on the north bank of the River Ure. The cast iron bridge, one of the first in the country, was replaced by the present roundabout in 1946. Milby Cut was needed to bypass the weir at Boroughbridge. It allowed vessels of up to 30 tons to carry coal and other products to Ripon and return with butter, cheese and lead. Many of the farms along the river’s embankments in this area had landings to off- load coal and other supplies and to take out their produce such as corn and livestock to the markets.

The Navigation was designed with a towpath on the north bank of the river. But as the towpath, now designated a public right of way, passes through the Dog Kennel Lane project area, it suddenly crosses to the south bank of the Ure. The 1776 Act of Parliament permitting the Ure Navigation included a clause banning the towpath from the grounds of Brampton Hall, Mulwith and Newby. It meant a ferry had to be provided to transport horses pulling the barges across to the towpath on the south bank of the river. One of the barns near Dog Kennel Lane was used to house horses requiring food and rest. The coming of the railways saw a decline in commercial trade but the navigation profited from carrying materials to build the Great North of England Railway, which was opened between Darlington and York in 1841. The arrival of the Leeds and Thirsk railway was a quicker way to transport goods to and from Ripon, which resulted in a gradual decline of the Ure Navigation. Many of the farms along the river’s embankments in this area had landings to off- load coal and other supplies and to take out their produce such as corn and livestock to the markets. One landing served Green’s Brickworks at Roecliffe. A map produced by Ripon Motor Boat Club records the remains of a Roman ford crossing the river directly opposite Mulwith, but there is now no sign of it. On the western edge of the project’s research area is Westwick Lock which by- passes the weir at Newby. Downstream was a ford which was superseded by a ferry. It is thought this ford originally crossed the river from the south bank at Westwick to the north bank to reach the lost village of Eastwick.

The only document the project found referring to Eastwick was this record from the Knaresborough Quarter Sessions: QS1/19/7/8/27 Description: Anthony Dickenson constable of Eastwick certifies names of 2 brewsters, 2 alehouse keepers, 1 badger and 1 overseer. Date Oct 1680 West Yorkshire Archive Service, Wakefield There was also a private ferry across to Bishop Monkton from Newby Hall gardens. To the west of Newby Hall, the 2.5-mile Ripon Canal leaves the Ure at Ox Close Lock before ending at the canal basin in the city centre. The last half mile of the

canal was derelict for 60 years until its restoration was completed in 1996. The project cost £500,000 with an additional £500,000 being spent on building the Ripon bypass with sufficient clearance to allow boats to pass beneath the road to enter the basin. Restoration meant that the basin, which is a short distance from Ripon Cathedral, became the most northerly point on the connected Inland Waterway Network and a mecca for boating enthusiasts. Linda Dooks

Skelton Newby Hall Primary School Wildlife Survey 28th April, 2014

This event was organised to fulfil one of the approved purposes of our Heritage Grant, namely: “To involve primary school children in conducting a wildlife survey.” This survey was centred on Willow Garth Wood, the children being ferried from school in the Boroughbridge Community Mini-bus. Twenty-five children were present with four members of school staff, together with five members of the project. A tent with groundsheet was set up which acted as a study area and a canteen. The children were divided into three groups, with three half-hour activities in the morning and three half-hour activities in the afternoon. Activities in the morning were outside the wood: bird spotting, a nature trail, and studying/recording. Activities in the afternoon were inside the wood: trees and plants, animals and bugs, nature stick and feel a tree. The factual component of the exercise was based on the RSPB Wildsquare scheme. This is when a specific area, usually a 1km square, is investigated. We confined ourselves to the area in, or around, Willow Garth Wood in the Spring. Facts were recorded on “Tick box” answer sheets concerning flowers, trees, insects, and animals. A typical question was: Can you see any of these spring flowers – cowslip, celandine, daisy, violet, primrose? Facts about trees were recorded on questionnaires provided by the Woodland Trust. A bird feeding station was set up in the wood five weeks prior to our visit . On the day, Kevin Cale, our community archaeologist, provided scopes and binoculars to observe the birds flying in to feed.

Back at school the children were given a creative writing exercise to describe their day at Willowgarth Wood. These made interesting reading and gave us the odd chuckle. The weather was perfect and everyone had a rewarding and memorable day.

Birds Observed in the Dog Kennel Lane area

Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Greylag Goose, Robin, Wren, Rook, Crow, Skylark Lapwing, Mallard, Pheasant, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Oyster Catcher, Buzzard, Snipe, Partridge, French Partridge, Greenfinch, Curlew, Wood Pigeon.

The Dog Kennel Lane Walk with Newby Hall Church of England School. With Kevin Cale heading this outdoor session 14 children joined us from Skelton Newby Hall Church of England School. They learned about how the River Ure was formed after the Ice Age and how it affected the landscape and the lives of people living in it.

On this occasion the walk started from the Langthorpe landing then followed the Dog Kennel Lane route back to school with stops along the way to recount the stories of the landscape, families and buildings we passed on the route.

The children studied the wildlife and plants we found along the way, learned about the dangers of giant Hogweed, and spotted buzzards and skylarks flying high above us, hares running across the fields, tracks of deer and collected archaeological finds. They all enjoyed clambering over the stiles newly erected by North Yorkshire County Council highways. It was a great afternoon.

Early Flora and Fauna observations in Willow Garth Wood by Pandora Thoresby and Laurie Reed

Here is a list of what we noticed in Willow Garth Wood. We have not done a proper survey, so there may be more to find. There is almost nothing growing under the beech, which is typical, but there are surprisingly few varieties of herbaceous plants at all, and it looks as if large areas will be just Himalayan Balsam.

From two visits to the wood we have seen the following (in the wood): with skylark, crow and curlew over/on the field.

BIRDS Blackbird Blue tit Coal tit Great tit Long tailed tit Chaffinch Goldfinch Nuthatch Wood pigeon Wren

TREES – Listed in approximate order of decreasing numbers. Beech Willow (may be more than one type, did not go into water/wet areas) Sweet Chestnut Yew Oak Scots Pine Alder Cherry Hawthorn Elder

SHRUBS/UNDERSTOREY Almost no shrubby layer at all. Bramble - on ditch at edge of wood Rhododendron- few straggly leaves - looks as if there might have been some removal.

HERBACEOUS PLANTS (in approximate order of decreasing occurrence) Himalayan balsam - huge number of seedlings - looks as if there will be large areas of this. Red Campion, Stinging nettle, White deadnettle, Red deadnettle, Chickweed, Mouse-eared chickweed, Common dock, Cleavers, Foxglove, Grasses.

Oral History Oral recording of local people's knowledge and views relating to the Dog Kennel Lane project was an integral component of this study, but first it was considered necessary to get advice on interviewing skills and technique to get recordings of acceptable quality. An oral training day lead by professional interviewer Tracey Craggs was held on Saturday, 28th March in the Jubilee Suite of Boroughbridge library. Seven people were present. Tracey first demonstrated the professional recording equipment she uses and advised that it could be hired from local libraries rather than purchasing. Interviewing technique is, of course, of primary importance, and there are many traps the interviewer can very easily fall into. Tracey detailed the “do's and don'ts”, giving examples and showing how to avoid obvious mistakes. Good preparation is essential. It consists of 1, knowing the subject matter, 2, knowing what you hope to get out of the interview, 3, assessing the background of the interviewee, and 4, memorising essential questions so that good eye contact can be kept-up throughout the interview.

Features of good interview technique are: 1, Try to be friendly, sympathetic and encouraging to the interviewee. 2, Make sure the interviewee is comfortable. 3, have good eye contact to monitor body language. 4, Let the interviewee do the talking with an audible pause between question and answer. 5, Avoid breaking in or speaking over the interviewee whilst he/she is talking. 6, Choose a location where background noise is minimal, preferably absent. 7, Start by asking the interviewee to introduce themselves and to give a brief outline of their life to allow them to settle into the interview. Tracey illustrated technique issues with many examples of good and bad interviewing from her vast store of interviews, ranging from D-day veterans to holocaust survivors, recording of local dialect and many more, all interesting in themselves. The session of interviewing practice which followed made one realise that good interviewing did not come naturally, but at least it made us aware of the major pitfalls to good practice. Finally, Tracey described facilities for editing recordings by use of the computer programmes Audacity and Express Scribe, both of which are available as free down-loads on the internet. Despite the sparse attendance, this session was an invaluable contribution to good interviewing technique; which should serve Boroughbridge Historical Society well not only for the Dog Kennel Lane project, but in future where oral recordings are to be featured. Mike Tasker

During the Project the following were interviewed

Alan Pearson – Born 1950 – Tractor man working at Broom Close Farm in the 1970’s before and after the bank and ditch were levelled.

David Barley – Born 1940. His memories triggered the Project. David was brought up in Langthorpe and walked Dog Kennel Lane as a boy.

Ken Barley – Born 1936. Older brother of David.

Mike Varley – Born 1940. Cousin of David and Ken Barley. Brought up in Langthorpe.

Peter Greenwood – Agent for Newby Hall Estates.

Aidan Foster – Born 1934 – brought up in Langthorpe.

Sylvia Foxton – Interested in local history – family connections in Skelton-on-Ure, brought up in Kirby Hill.

We also recorded the Presentation given by Kevin Cale, our Community Archaeologist, at the Celebration Exhibition in May, 2015.

It is hoped the recordings will be made available on the Boroughbridge Historical Society website.

Aidan Foster’s memories of activity down Dog Kennel Lane during the Second World War

Aidan was born in Minskip in 1934 and moved to Langthorpe in 1938. He was five at the outbreak of the Second World War. Aidan went to Kirby Hill School, which was almost within sight of RAF Dishforth, so was witness to several flying incidents.

A memory from the early part of the war, was of a large army convoy going down Dog Kennel Lane with huge field guns, which they deployed in Dennis Gill's field. Aidan and his pals went on their bikes to see what was going on. In retrospect, Aidan thinks this was part of army manoeuvres, aimed at forming an effective defensive line at a period when there was a real possibility of a German invasion.

Soldiers camped out in nearby fields during these exercises and part of the encampment was a tented canteen. They stayed for about three weeks. Aidan remembers, as they left, they handed out items of foodstuff they no longer needed.

One of Aidan's abiding memories is a can of marmalade as big as a bucket, which came his way, along with tins of bully beef and other food items. Other surplus food was handed out to local people - more than welcome in times of shortages and food rationing.

Aidan's most poignant memory is of the Army building Bailey Bridges across the River Ure at Langthorpe. In retrospect, these were preparations for the follow-up to the D-Day landings in June, 1944, and the liberation of France. He remembers soldiers from the Royal Engineers based in Ripon arriving with cranes and lorry loads of bridge building equipment

He watched them unloading the pontoons which, because of their length, were delivered in two halves. They were taken to the river, then once afloat, bolted together. Pontoons and metal girder framework sides and a base were built-up. When the bridge reached the other side of the river, a track was laid across as a road surface. Once this was complete, the army ran tanks, Bren gun carriers and sometimes field guns across. Once this had been done successfully, they would dismantle the bridge and return with all the equipment to their base in Ripon. Aidan remembers, this being repeated at least four times, each time the operation lasted about a week. On one exercise they carried out the operation in mock battle conditions, with gunfire, thunder, explosions, smoke and noise of battle, which was so exciting for a young lad. Much of this Aidan watched through his bedroom window.

Aidan Foster at the site of the bridge building exercises at Langthorpe landing

Brampton Hall and the Tancreds

A drawing by John Cale made in 2015, from the original of Brampton Hall in 1718. By 1894 it had been demolished. It is thought some of the building was converted into the farmhouse which now stands on the site.

English Heritage’s PastScape on-line archive records Brampton Hall as originally a much larger residence, occupied by a branch of the Tancred family

A line drawing from 1718 of the Hall, showing it as a three-storey building with an impressive central tower, is in the Warburton Collection of the British Museum. Ref 522883.

Our coloured image of Brampton Hall is John Cale’s interpretation of the original drawing and uses other written descriptions. John is the father of Community Archaeologist Kevin Cale, who led the Dog Kennel Lane Project. The Dog Kennel Lane Project is grateful to Mr Cale for allowing his image to be used on The Heritage Trail Information Panel and Leaflet.

Earthworks are visible around Brampton Hall on 2009 Google Earth aerial photographs. They appear to comprise a rectilinear enclosure and a platform as well as a field boundary, scarp slope and ditch. PastScape Reference: 1529315

Jeffrey’s Map of 1775 shows a Mill at Brampton and possibly houses to the east of the hall. There are rumours of a subterranean passage from Brampton Hall, possibly to Mulwith, but this has never been discovered.

In 1909 Edmund Bogg recorded in his book The Abbey Vale of Lower Yore a number of dressed stones scattered around the present Brampton buildings.

A moat cut off access from the north. The river did the same from the south. A deep ditch to the west is crossed by an ancient bridge, remnants of which are still visible today. From the 1500s the Tancreds of Boroughbridge owned the Manor of Brampton and its medieval village. They were followed by three generation of Bickerdikes. In the 1930’s Brampton was the home of the Kettlewells. Today Brampton Hall is owned by Newby Hall Estates and farmed by Bill Turner, who has an award-winning herd of pedigree Charolais cattle.

From John H. Holt’s book: Skelton-on-Ure, A Changing Village, published in 2009: “Brampton, part of a Manor which amounted to 5,000 acres, lies in the parish of Kirby Hill and the old wapentake of Hallikeld, but has strong associations with Skelton-on-Ure.”

Mr Holt quotes Alex Leadman, a member of the Yorkshire Archaeological Society, 55

who wrote in 1884: “A large part of the house has been demolished and the remainder converted into a farmhouse.”

In 1884 Brampton had 22 good rooms. One had been a chapel and in the floor was a trapdoor over a sunken closet large enough for a man to lie down in. It was said to have been used for hiding sacred vessels when not in use or when an alarm was raised.

Most rooms were wainscoted and one had old fashioned tapestry so thick that damp never permeated. Later the house was further reduced in size, but still contained a room panelled in oak. “Turning into another room is a secret closet which fastens only from the inside by a curious arrangement of wooden bolts.”

Leadman described the original carriage drive to Newby Hall from Langthorpe passing close to Brampton Hall. It was lined with specimen trees, including walnut and black cherry. The carriageway can no longer be traced.

North Yorkshire and Cleveland Vernacular Buildings Study Group survey in 1985. The Study Group recorded the house as brick built with part of the north-west corner having a stone dressing to the windows and angles. To the east were the mounds of a medieval village. Reference: 1075/1985. There is no public access to Brampton Hall or its immediate surroundings

The Tancred’s of Boroughbridge and Brampton Hall Spelling originally Tankard later Tancred

There is a first mention of Brampton in the court rolls of the 1300s when an account of William De Brerton, Reeve, (from Michaelmas 8 Henry lV to Michaelmas 9 Henry lV) states:

“Brampton Farm from the rent of messuages and six bovates three acres of land there at Easter and Michaelmas 4shillings 10pence.”

There are some records to show Brampton had belonged in the 11th century to the Knights of Jerusalem.

In 1306 Alice de Brampton and Robert de Brampton were held to account for an

attack on the house of John Tancred. Hugh Tancred was part of Archbishop Scope’s rebellion in 1406.

Court rolls of 1512AD William Rawson holds a waste in Brampton on which was formerly built his grand “orie”. In 1569 William Tancred, who had married Ann Pulleyn of Killinghall and was a recorder for York, lived in the Manor House at Boroughbridge (Now the Crown Hotel). His son Thomas, had married Jane Pavor of Micklethwaite, Wetherby, in 1570. By that marriage, he had become the owner of Brampton Hall. Later Thomas completely rebuilt it. Thomas was a family name of the Tancred’s and it was used for the eldest son for seven generations, which can lead to confusion.

Tancreds and The Rising of the North 1569. William Tancred Recorder of York 1536–1573 was a complete conformist but a papist at heart. He helped prosecute the rebels at York and Ripon even though they had met in his house at Boroughbridge, he being at York while the meeting took place.

Evidence of Thomas Bishop to the Council of the North May 22, 1570. “The letters coming from the Scots Queen on the 15th November, I went with the same not knowing of any rising being distant from them 60 miles. “I rode to Brakenborough where, on the 17th November, the Lady of Northumberland coming in the night, stayed with me and upon Sunday 20th November guarding me with some of her men she sent me to Boroughbridge. There in Tancred’s house the Earls and their chief adherents being in a gallery as council, I delivered the letter.” (MSS of the Marquis of Salisbury).

Questions put to Thomas Earl of Northumberland touching the rebellion of 1569. Question 13: “What was the cause that they proceeded neither to the City of York nor to take the Scots queen to have her taken?” Answer: “He was willing to go to York but all his company disagreed. “The speech thereof was at Mr Tancred’s house at Boroughbridge and from thence they returned back.” (Sharpe’s Memorials of the Rebellion P209.)

Orders given to Sir George Bowes regarding the executions which were to be carried out after the rebellion. “To be executed in their own towns – The Constables of Wetherby, Topcliffe, Boroughbridge and Tadcaster.” (Bowes MSS Vol.XII p 13).

The Tancred family and Recusancy 1572. Dec 28th. Extract of a letter of Lord Huntington to Lord Burghley “Tankard is much aggrieved at his deplaning and they will labour to bring him back in to the commission of peace again. But I trust you will not hear of it. It were better to displace more of the papists still in the commission than to bring him in again. lf all be true that I have heard of him he has escaped well.”

“Record of the Jesuits” Henry Foley. In 1579 Sir Thomas Mudd was apprehended at the home of Thomas Tancred Boroughbridge and Sir Thomas Dobson priest, the gentlewomen of the house, Mr Richard Norton her son-in-law and his wife and other gentlemen directed and brought thither by Mr Tancred’s eldest son.

Aveling. Source: Diaries of Douai France. The Tancred family had the best documented record of supporting priests in Yorkshire. 1579 Two priests found at Boroughbridge. Extract of a letter of Cobham to Walsingham Elizabeth 1581- 1582 “I am informed that one Tancred of Boroughbridge is a liberal giver to the seminary at Rheims. Five priests have said mass in his house one named Boste and one Parsons.” 1582 Five priests at Boroughbridge Thomas died in 1596 at his death he was living at Brampton and all his property was sequestrated for recusancy including the Old Manor House. 1601 Two priests at Brampton 1623 Ursula and Jane Tancred of Brampton Royal pardon for harbouring Basil Norton priest (their cousin). Whether he was at Brampton or the Boroughbridge Manor House is unknown. Quite often the wife was fined while the husband evaded conviction. 1634 denouncements were made by Michael Gilbert against Thomas Tancred and his wife Margaret.

In 1637 Thomas Tancred petitioned the King to reduce his recusancy composition. He pleaded “having a charge of children and his debts daily increasing he has been forced to give over housekeeping and sell part of his lands”.

The Wentworth Commissions claimed £200 a year on an estate valuation of £714 a year. At this time, he had not sold his main properties and the family was to survive a far worse financial levy during the interregnum

1638 Thomas Tancred at Brampton. A trunk was found containing Popish books said to belong to a seminary priest.1653 Sequestering of the Manor House.

2nd March, 1646. Thomas Tancred of Brampton County of York returned to Parliament by the committee compounding as a Papist Delinquent. (Royalist Composition papers).

18th July 1653 John Rushworth having bought from the Treason Trustees the Manor of Roecliffe and lands in Boroughbridge, Brampton Hall etc. formerly belonging to Thomas Tancred, he is to receive rents. Tancred was thus left with a cottage at Burtersett. However, by 1662 he seems to have been back in occupation of the lands bought by Rushworth and to have mastered his debts.

In 1662, the second Thomas Tancred was made Baronet. On the death of the second Thomas Tancred in 1663, Rev Gilbert the Royalist vicar at Aldborough church, received the following letter allowing Tancred to be buried amongst his ancestors in Aldborough Church: “Mr Gilbert, If any recusant not being excommunicated shall be buried in any place but in a churchyard, his executors shall forfeit £30 by statute, therefore I conceive you ought to bury him, but let it be according to the form of the Church of England. Thomas Burrell.”

Thomas’s heir, another Thomas, married Anne Fitton in 1626. This son recovered most of the property including the Manor House at Brampton but never returned to live there.

The Tancred family stood by the old religion well into the 18th century. 1715 Walter Tancred of Brampton and William Tunstall of Wycliffe were pardoned for their parts in the 1715 Jacobite rising. “He was an avowed adherent of the old religion and was in continual trouble for harbouring priests”. Lawson Tancred records (Kirk 237.)

In 1743 the constables searched Brampton and reported “the Tancred’s guns and horses appeared not to us, to be more than for a gentleman’s house and will be allowed then, and not seized or taken, said horses seemed too few for their common occasions and not employed for other purpose’s”. York High Commission CT Borthwick. (Tancred MSS Leeds Diocesan Archive.)

In 1765 Elizabeth Tancred’s will states. “My great Medal of King James in a silver

box used to touch for the Kings Evil.” Possible Apostasy of Sir Thomas Tancred of Brampton.

By 1776, Thomas married and became a freeman. He sold all his estates leaving the country for the continent. His Catholic widowed mother and one his sisters continued to live at Fulford, York. His wife appears to be a Catholic in 1784, but his descendants were Protestants.

The Guy Fawkes Connection

It is hard to believe that six of the seven principal conspirators in the Gun Powder Plot came from or had connections with Nidderdale or areas associated with the Dog Kennel Lane Project.

Harry Speight’s Book on Nidderdale published in 1906 records the following

“Peter Bainbridge, of Scotton, who married Frances, daughter of John Vavasour, 60

of Weston (near Otley), was father of Dionis Bainbridge, who married the widowed mother of Guy Fawkes. “Thomas Percy, Robert and John Winter were nephews of Sir William Ingilby, of Ripley Castle, and grand-nephews on the mother’s side of James Pulleyne, of Killinghall.

“Christopher and John Wright, who were subsequently admitted to the confederacy, had a sister, who married Thomas Percy the life-long friend of Guy Fawkes and a kin to the Percy’s of Spofforth and a near ally of the Earl of Northumberland, who had to pay so dearly for his knowledge of the treason.

“Thomas Percy was also related to the Pavers of Braham (part of the parish of Spofforth, near Harrogate). “Frances Ingilby, a son of the knight of Ripley Castle had forfeited his life at York in 1586 for no other crime than being a Roman Catholic priest, as had the Venerable Robert Bickerdyke of Farnham.” Was Robert Bickerdyke a relation of the Bickerdykes, who farmed for three generations at Brampton after the Tancreds?

Jane Ingilby of Ripley Castle had married George Winter and was mother of Robert and Thomas Winter (Wintour).

Speight added: “Guy Fawkes was educated at St Peter’s School, York, as were other conspirators. The headmaster of St Peter’s was John Pullein B.A., who was no doubt a descendant of the original Nidderdale stock.” Thomas Tancred, whose mother was Anne Pulleyn, had married Jane Paver of Braham. They bought Brampton Hall after her father died in 1570. It was purchased from the Beilbys, who had inherited it.

Thomas Percy had married Martha Wright whose mother was Ursula Wright. Her daughter, also Ursula, was sister of Jack and Christopher Wright. The second Ursula married Marmaduke Ward and became the mother of Mary Ward, of Mulwith. Christopher Wright, a brother, was married to another of Mary’s relatives, Margaret Ward.

Mary Ward was a Catholic religious sister, who founded institutions throughout Europe. One of these established the Bar Convent in York. Mary, who was imprisoned for a time by the Inquisition, died in 1645 and is buried at Osbaldwick, York. She was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on December 19th, 2009. This is the first of three steps on the path to being declared a saint.

MULWITH AND THE WARD FAMILY FROM A CHANGING YORKSHIRE VILLAGE BY JOHN H. HOLT

The Ward family had a long history in the area since Saxon times with many branches of the family in Yorkshire. They were great benefactors of Fountains Abbey and records include: Goodwin Ward (born early 12th century) Osked Ward Simon Ward married Matilda Sir Nicholas Ward, knighted in 1248 A Sir Simon Ward was killed at Bannockburn By 1316 Sir Simon Ward holds the land around Newby as well as other land in the area. In 1473 Joan (Widow of Sir Roger) and daughter of Sir Thomas Markenfield (of Markenfield Hall) leaves religious bequests and a silver cup to her son Christopher. He was the last male heir to hold Givendale and Newby. He was a noted warrior fighting at Flodden and was a standard bearer to Henry VIII at the Battle of Boulogne. He only had daughters: Ann, Joan and Margaret. Several branches of the family remained in the area including Marmaduke Ward. The family sank into obscurity, the only exception being Mary Ward.

The name Mulwith, possibly derives from the old Norse “Muli Vao” or Mulis Ford. There is evidence of a river ford nearby. It is uncertain when the Hall was built but there was a household there in the time of the Wards of Givendale and Skelton Before 1588 the Manor and land were held by the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene in Ripon and occupied by the Ward family. In that year, Marmaduke Ward bought out all the feudal tenures of Mulwith Manor from the Hospital and became Lord of the Manor of Mulwith. He was living there earlier as Mary was born at the house in 1585. Marmaduke had other children: David - born 1587, died before 1615 Frances – born 1590, died 1649 and buried at Antwerp Elizabeth – born 1591, died before 1616 Barbara – born 1592, died 1623 and buried in Rome George – born 1595, he became a Jesuit and died in 1694 in London. Marmaduke has been described as a “Gentleman” ie of some standing. The family were strong supporters of the Catholic faith and were subject to prosecution and heavy fines (Paid for by selling land). 62

Mary aged five went to stay with her mother’s parents at Ploughfield Hall. She returned aged ten when her grandfather died. A fire destroyed Mulwith on February 2nd, 1595. It was rebuilt, but not on the same site and by 1598 the family were at Topcliffe Great Park. Mary was a pretty girl and even aged ten her parents were looking for a suitable husband. When she was 16 she was forced to attend Anglican services to avoid fines. She moved to stay with the Babthorpe family at Osgodby, near York. Having been brought up a strict Catholic she spurned suitors to become a nun. In 1606 she travelled to Flanders. She realised she didn’t want to belong to a closed order, but with followers and companions, began setting up Institutions across Europe for the religious instruction and education of young girls. She also showed great charity to the poor. Opposition from Rome meant imprisonment in 1631 as a heretic. She returned to England in 1639, dying at Heworth, near York, in 1645 aged 60. She was buried at Osbaldwick Churchyard. She founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was only acknowledged in 1909. Mulwith is now owned by the Bar Convent and let out.

Ursula Wright, Mary Ward’s grandmother, had already spent 13 years in prison for her Catholic faith by the time Mary went to live with them in 1590. Two Wright uncles (Christopher and John) were later to lose their lives, having been implicated in the Gunpowder Plot. In 1598 Mary took her first communion in secret whilst staying at Harewood House, between Harrogate and Leeds. It was whilst staying with the Babthorpe family from 1600 that she developed her vocation. At 21 her parents and confessor urged her to marry Edmond Neville. He was her fourth suitor since she was 10. During Whitsun 1606 she sailed to Flanders to enter the Poor Clare Convent at St Omer. She was not suited to a cloistered life and returned to England in 1609. “Here it was shown to me that I was not to be of the Order of St Clare, some other thing I was to do. What, or what nature I did not see, nor could I guess, only it was to be a good thing and what God willed.” She gathered a group of young women round her and they sailed to Flanders to establish their first school at Omer. Soon another was opened in Liege and by 1619 one in Cologne. In 1621 she walked 1,500 miles to Rome to ask the Pope to recognise her institutions. Whilst in Rome she founded a school for the poor and in 1623 another 63

in Naples. Henrietta Maria, the Catholic consort of Charles I, later gave protection to Mary and the Institute. In 1631 the Pope issued a bill to suppress the Institute. The Prelates of Rome were against the idea of an unenclosed religious congregation for women. Mary was arrested as a heretic and schismatic. Although very sick, she appealed to Rome for her release. Afterwards she travelled there remaining for six years under Papal protection. In 1639 she returned to London but due to the dangers of the Civil War she travelled north in 1642.

With her companions and the children in their care, they took three coaches to Hutton Rudby in the North Riding of Yorkshire. Then to Heworth, near York, the home of the Thwing family. When the siege of York began, they were refugees inside the city walls. After the Battle of Marston Moor in July, 1644, York surrendered to the Parliamentary forces and Mary returned to Heworth. During the winter of 1645 her health declined. She was buried near the porch of St Thomas’s Church, Osbaldwick.

Mary Ward was born at Mulwith in 1585. She founded the Bar Convent

Travelling Europe with Mary Ward, by Roger and Kath Thompson

Marmaduke Ward was married to Ursula Wright. They were well-to-do Catholics living in a Protestant England and had connections throughout Yorkshire. Mary was born in 1585, on the 23rd January and was their first child. She was actually christened Joan, changing her name when she decided to enter a religious life. Marmaduke was a landowner (gentry) but gradually lost his wealth as government fines were heavy for Catholics. Mary was sent away aged five, apparently to protect her from her parents’ illegal activities. They harboured priests and had Catholic services in the house. Many of her relatives, including her grandmother, spent time in prison. She lived with her maternal grandparents, Robert and Ursula Wright at Ploughlands Hall in Holderness. Ursula was a woman of great piety and strength. In 1594 she returned to Mulwith to live with her three sisters and a brother. In the same year, the Hall burnt down and the family moved to another property at Newby. The Wards were related to the Mallorys at Studley Royal and the Ingilbys of Ripley Castle. In 1598 Marmaduke left Yorkshire to live with relatives at Alnwick. Mary was sent to live with a Catholic cousin, Katherine Ardington, at Harewell House. At 13 she took her first communion. Refusing an offer of marriage against her family’s wishes, she returned home briefly before being sent to her Babthorpe relations at Osgodby. The Babthorpes were deeply religious, housing priests who said mass each Sunday. It was whilst living here she decided to enter a religious life. Marmaduke was under arrest for his beliefs during the accession of James I and on his release, he agreed to her wishes. Deciding on an active religious life, she embarked on founding schools for girls using her dowry to found the Institute at Gravelines. With a group of pious women vowed to chastity and good works she moved to London and then St Omer. Visiting Catholic families in London they offered support and prayer. Their girls’ schools taught: Reading, Writing, Needlework and Religion and at Mary’s insistence: Latin, Modern Languages, Calligraphy, Music and Dancing.

The poor and wealthy were treated alike. The fees of the wealthy covering those of the poor. Soon over 60 women worked in England and St Omer. Mary wanted to formalise the Institute so visited the Pope in Rome but was refused recognition, eventually being arrested as a heretic.

Blood & Treason Tour, Ripley Castle – Margaret Tasker

Ripley Castle has much of interest to offer any visitor but as we were there as part of the Dog Kennel Lane Project, the Blood & Treason were the main points to look at. The Ingilbys had a long history of Roman Catholicism and found themselves on the ‘wrong’ side many times. During the reign of Elizabeth I, some of the family were found backing “the Rising of the North”. In 1585 an Act of Treason was passed which made it illegal to be a Catholic priest in England. At this time, Francis Ingilby (1550-1586) had fled abroad, refusing ‘The Oath of Allegiance’, and subsequently became a priest. He returned to England in 1584 and spent most of his time ministering to the recusants of York. He was arrested, tried and hung, drawn and quartered on the Knavesmire on July 3rd. Our guide suggested that Mary Ward, who was a cousin to Francis Ingilby, was greatly inspired by his life and martyrdom. She fled to Flanders when the Gunpowder plot was uncovered. Many of her relatives were probably involved in it. She founded many schools for girls and religious orders across Europe, a radical idea at the time and opposed by Rome. Sir William Ingilby (1546-1618) was accused of complicity in the Gunpowder Plot and tried for treason, but the prosecution collapsed when witnesses refused to testify. Sir William Ingilby, nephew of the above, and his sister Jane (in full body armour) fought the Battle of Marston Moor with Prince Rupert’s army against Cromwell’s men. They were lucky to escape back to Ripley with their lives. The Tower Room has evidence of a visit of James VI of Scotland on his way to London to be crowned James I of Scotland. Although a Protestant, he was thought be sympathetic to Catholics. To curry favour with the new King, a new ornate plastered ceiling was made to impress him. It still impresses visitors today! In these difficult times of religious persecution many large houses had hiding places for priests. The Ingilby family did not find theirs until 1964. It is in the Knight’s Chamber, a very small stony place, not at all comfortable, but then anything can be endured if the alternative is a traitor’s death.

Broom Close Farm

Broom Close is a tenanted farm owned by Newby Hall Estates. The present acreage farmed by the Knowles family is 396 (although not all owned by the estate) The size in 1941 was 308 acres (when the wartime agricultural survey was conducted). In the 1861, 1871, and 1881 censuses the farm was occupied by the Scott family. The farm was occupied from the 1901 census to the present day by the Knowles family. In the 1901 census William (Arthur) Knowles is five-years-old and was born at Langthorpe. This suggests the Knowles family moved to Broom Close between 1891 and 1895. At this point the history of the house has not been researched, but the present house appears Victorian.

Censuses for Broom Close and Brampton are detailed below, along with other farms in Langthorpe Parish. Transcribed by Joan Cambage

CENSUS1841

Broom Close House Thomas Parker, 65, Farmer John Adamson, 20, Agricultural labourer Christopher Adamson, 15, Agricultural labourer John Moisley? 5 Jane Hawkin, 55, Female servant Susannah Walker, 15, Female servant James Atkinson, 40, Agricultural labourer

Brampton Hall Thomas Bickerdike, 70, Farmer William Bickerdike, 25 Jane Bickerdike, 25 Mary Bickerdike, 20 Thomas Haliday, 20, Agricultural labourer Ann Fenswick, 15, Female servant

This census also show under Brampton: John Whincup, 60, farmer, born Yorkshire Next door to him is John Everett, 25, huntsman, born Yorkshire Charlotte Farmery, publican 67

George Topham, 34, publican Robert Wriggleworth, 40, publican

CENSUS 1851

Brampton Hall Thomas Bickerdike, 82, farmer, 130 (150?) acres born Brampton Hall William Bickerdike, 36, born Brampton Hall Dorothy Bickerdike, 40, son's wife, born Hazelwood Thomas, 7, born Brampton Hall William, 4, born Brampton Hall John Joseph, 1, born Brampton Hall Ann Pearson, 26, House servant, born Minskip Thomas Gibson, 15, Farm servant, born Kirby Hill

The next entry to Brampton Hall is John Whincup, 75, widower, Innkeeper, Red Lion, born Arkendale Francis Rushton, 45, son, wheelwright (Probably son-in-law) Mary Rushton, 40, daughter, wheelwright's wife, born Langthorpe John Rushton, 15, grandson, wheelwright's son, born Langthorpe Jane Johnson, 14, house servant, born Minskip

Bickerdike Memorial in Kirby Hill churchyard

CENSUS 1851 LANGTHORPE

Although this census did not list Broom Close individually, the following families were all shown as farmers. Broom Close was one of the larger farms, as it was shown as 260 acres in 1861.

Thomas Harrison, 64, head of household, farmer, born Skelton Mary, 56, wife, born Norton-le-Clay Clare Jane Bingham, 5, niece, born Roecliffe Mark Rushton, 34, farm labourer, born Cundall Jane Walls, 18, house servant, born Grafton Thomas Yeats, 68, head of household, Farmer/labourer of 60 acres, born Langthorpe

Langthorpe cont’d

Ann Yeats, 61, unmarried sister, housekeeper Alice Brotherton, 59, sister, Annuitant (a person receiving benefits) William Ward, 18, farm servant, born Bishop Monkton Robert Wright, 34, head of household, married, farmer of 107 acres. born Carlton Miniott Hannah Wright, 34, farmer's wife, born Ripon Robert Henry Wright, 3, son, born Langthorpe Elizabeth Wright, 1, daughter, born Langthorpe Ann Flour? 19, house servant, born Helperby Dorothy Cass, 13, house servant, born Leeming Robert Geldard, 17, farm labourer, born Kirby Hill John Renasel, 12, farm labourer, born Scotton George Rushton, 27, head of household, farmer, born Balk Ellen Rushton, 75, mother, widow, born Langthorpe Ann Lumley, 14, house servant, born Easingwold George Hood, 60, farmer of 60 acres employing 4 labourers, born Milby Mary Hood, 60, farmer's wife, born Fearby Christopher ….....? 50, farm servant, born Fearby Sarah Hood, 22, house servant, born Milby Thomas Yeates, 16, farm servant, born Langthorpe Robert Green, 60, head of household, farmer of 115 acres Jane Green, 50, wife, born Boroughbridge Joseph Green, 16, son, timber merchant, born Langthorpe John Green, 14, son, timber merchant, born Langthorpe Ellen Laverick, 18, house servant, born Brafferton

There are three publicans shown: Ralph Hood, Ship Inn, born Milby Joseph Woffenden, 58, Innkeeper, Steam Mill Inn? Born Morley? Mary Woffenden, 49, wife, born Boroughbridge Mary Ann Rolling? 16, niece, born Darton William Shaw, 53, head, nail maker and publican, Railway Tavern, born Staincross? Elizabeth Shaw, 47, wife, born Boroughbridge Emma Shaw, 13, daughter, scholar, born Boroughbridge Seth Shaw, 10, son, scholar, born Boroughbridge William Shaw, 8, son, scholar, born Boroughbridge

Brampton Hall William Bickerdike, 46, Farmer, 170 acres, employing 1 man 3 boys, born Langthorpe Mary Acomb Bickerdike, 42, born Westwick Thomas Bickerdike, 17, born Langthorpe William, 14, born Langthorpe John Joseph, 11, born Langthorpe Thomas Greaves, 8, stepson, born Spofforth Christopher Joseph Greaves, 6, stepson, born Spofforth James Bickerdike, son, 1, born Langthorpe Mary Jane Bickerdike, daughter, 3-weeks, born Langthorpe Hannah Matson, 20, House servant, born Hopperton John Moisley, 27, Farm servant, born Kirby Hill

Broom Close Thomas Scott, 35, Farmer, 260 acres, employing 5 men 2 boys, born Ripon Mary Scott, 35, born Ripon William Scott, son, 9, born Ripon Mary Scott daughter, 8, born Ripon Walter Scott, son, 7, born Ripon Mary Todd, 20, Governess, born Tunstall Mary Freeman, 19, Indoor maid servant, born Topcliffe William Green, 25, Ploughman, born Minskip Robert Slinger, 25, Shepherd, born West Burton Francis Selley? 42, Herdsman, born Hutton Moor

CENSUS1871

Broom Close Farm William Scott Head, 20, unmarried, Farmer employing 5 men 1 boy William Scorer, 29, unmarried, Farm servant, born Fearby, Masham George Ascough, 18, unmarried, Farm servant, born Sawley Jane Leeming, 34, unmarried, General domestic servant, born Grantley Alice Burton, 16, unmarried, General domestic servant, born Aldfield

Brampton William Bickerdike, 56, Farmer, 164 acres employing 2 sons, born Langthorpe Mary Bickerdike, 51, born Westwick Thomas Bickerdike, 27, born Langthorpe John J Bickerdike, 21, born Langthorpe James Bickerdike, 11, born Langthorpe Mary J Bickerdike, 10, born Langthorpe Francis Bickerdike, 8, born Langthorpe Robert H Bickerdike, 5, born Langthorpe Caroline King, 23, Governess, born Ampleforth

CENSUS 1881

Broom Close Mary Scott, widow, 55, Farmer, 520 acres employing 10 men, 2 women 1 boy, born Ripon William Scott, 29, unmarried, Farmer's son, born Ripon Mary Scott, 27, unmarried daughter of farmer, born Ripon John Cossells? 22, unmarried, farm servant, born Catton John William Norfolk, 18, unmarried, farm servant, born Beckwithshaw Elizabeth Harrison, 22, unmarried, domestic servant, born Grantley Sarah Ann Willey, 18, unmarried, domestic servant, born Burton Leonard

Brampton Hall Mark Thompson, 30, married, Hind, born Aldborough Annie Thompson, 28, wife, born Wortley Harriet Thompson, 7, daughter, born Arkendale Herbert Thompson, 5, son, born Arkendale Louise Thompson, 1, daughter, born Brampton William Thompson, 17, unmarried, farm servant, born Markington

Old Red Lion Inn Francis Rushton, 77, head of household, widower, Publican, born Cundall Elizabeth Weightman, 50, servant, widow, Housekeeper, born Wombleton

CENSUS 1891

Broom Close Farm William Scott, 39, married, Farmer and Land Agent, born Ripon Ellen Scott, 32, wife, born Downholme Ellen Louise, 5, born Langthorpe Annie Mortimer, 17, single, Domestic servant, born Boroughbridge Elizabeth Ann Leeming, 17, single, Domestic servant, born Boroughbridge Matthew Jarvis, 25, single, Farm servant, born Lower Dunsforth Walter Henry Andrews, 18, single, Farm servant, born Masham

Brampton Hall Farm George Wilkinson, 50, married, Farmer, born Beckwithshaw Sarah Wilkinson, 46, married, born Pannal Elizabeth Wilkinson, 23, daughter, single, born Pannal William Wilkinson, 21, son, single, born Pannal John Wilkinson, 20, son, single, born Pannal Mary Wilkinson, 18, daughter, single, born Pannal George Thomas Wilkinson, 13, son, single, born Pannal Alice Wilkinson, 12, daughter, born Pannal Joseph Wilkinson, 10, son, born Pannal Charles Harold Wilkinson, 5, son, born Pannal Harry Sellars, 14, nephew, born Southfield, Selby

CENSUS 1901

Broom Close William Knowles, 48, head of household, Farmer, born South Stainley Sarah A. Knowles, 46, wife, born Woodville, USA Henry H. Knowles, 11, son, born Milby Norman Knowles, 8, son, born Langthorpe William A. Knowles, 5, son, born Langthorpe Peter Langley, 23, servant, single, Waggoner on farm, born Boroughbridge William Johnson, 19, servant, single, Horseman, born Thornborough Herbert Kirby, 15, servant, single, Beast man (cattle), born Boroughbridge Susan Langley, 20, single, General servant, born Langthorpe

Brampton Hall George Wilkinson, 60, Head of household, married, Farmer, born Beckwithshaw Sarah Wilkinson, 56, wife, born Askwith Mary H. Wilkinson, 28, daughter, single, born Beckwithshaw Harriet Wilkinson, 26, daughter, single, born Beckwithshaw Thomas Wilkinson, 23, son, born Beckwithshaw Alice Wilkinson, 22, daughter, born Beckwithshaw Joseph Wilkinson, 19, son, born Beckwithshaw Charles H. Wilkinson, 15, son, born Selby Ernest Scherer, 19, servant, single, Cattle man on farm, born Leeds

Red Lion Joseph Burnsides, 56, Head of household, Innkeeper, born Thornton-le-Steward Sarah A. Burnsides, 59, born Helperby Frances J. Burnsides, 25, daughter, single, born Langthorpe John E. Newlove, 8, grandson, born Langthorpe

CENSUS 1911 Broom Close William Knowles, 58, head of household, Farmer (married 23 years, had three children with two living and 1 died. Maybe this was Norman?) born South Stainley Sarah E. Knowles, 56, wife, born America Henry H. Knowles, 21, son, single, working on farm, born Milby. William A. Knowles, 16, son, single, working on farm, born Broom Close James Tiffney, 18, single, servant in husbandry, born Copt Hewick Fred Foster, 16, single, servant in husbandry, born Langthorpe Lizzie Robinson, 18, single, domestic servant, born Sessay, Thirsk Because William Knowles is shown as being born at Broom Close, this would possibly mean that the Knowles family moved there between 1891 and 1895.

Brampton George Wilkinson, 70, head of household Farmer (married 45 years, had 11 children with 10 living and 1 died,) born Beckwithshaw, Pannal Sarah Wilkinson, 66, wife, born Askwith, Otley Joseph Wilkinson, 29, son, single, working on farm, born Beckwithshaw, Pannal Evelyn Whitbread, 30, single, mother's help, born Swindon, Wiltshire

Newby Hall Ferry Disaster 1869

On 4th February 1869, The York and Ainsty Hunt, led by Sir Charles Slingsby, of Scriven, met at South Stainley. The field contained many landed gentry including Lord Lascelles, of Harewood, Viscount Downe, Mr. William Ingilby of Ripley Castle, Sir George Wombwell, of Newburgh Park and Captain Vyner and Mr. Clare Vyner, of Newby Hall. There were also officers of the 15th Hussars stationed in York. After a long and circuitous hunt, a fox was eventually put up at Monkton Whin. The fox was chased towards the flooded River Ure opposite Newby Hall, where it swam the river. At that time, there was a wooden chain-operated ferryboat to cross the river, which was intended to carry no more than four to five horses and six to seven men. Upon reaching the river bank at the ferry, Sir Charles and Saltfish, his old hunter of 12 seasons leapt aboard the ferry, closely followed by 10 other horses and riders. The ferry, manned by two gardeners from Newby Hall, set off across the swollen river. For some reason Saltfish became agitated and jumped over the side of the ferry, possibly dragging Sir Charles, who was believed to have been caught up in the reins, with him. Mayhem ensued and the flat-bottomed ferryboat became unstable and overturned, pitching all men and horses into the swiftly flowing river.

Sir Charles surfaced some distance downstream, and on spotting him, old Saltfish made a beeline for his master. Sir Charles made a grab for the bridle of his mount which resulted in him pulling the horse under the water. Sir Charles did not surface again, but Saltfish managed to scramble to safety.

Frantic attempts were made by the onlookers, who in some cases risked their own lives, to rescue the other huntsmen who were trapped under the upturned ferryboat, but in all, four huntsmen, the two ferry operators and nine horses died. The river was dragged to recover the casualties and some bodies were not recovered for two days.

An inquest was held, which returned a verdict of accidental drowning by the upsetting of the ferryboat. The men who perished were Sir Charles Slingsby, Mr. Edward Lloyd of Lincroft Lodge near York, Mr. Edmund Robinson, of Thorpe Green, William Orvis, the kennel huntsman of Acomb, York, and the two ferrymen, Christopher Warriner and his son, James, both from Skelton-on-Ure.

There is a memorial window and plaque to mark this tragic event in St. John's Church, Knaresborough. There is also a carved stone memorial in Newby Hall Gardens.

A memorial painting of Sir Charles Slingsby of Scriven Hall.

The Church of Christ The Consoler Christ the Consoler is a Victorian Gothic Revival church designed by British architect William Burgess and built between 1871 and 1876. It is in the grounds of Newby Hall, Skelton-on-Ure, North Yorkshire. Lady Mary Vyner, of Newby Hall, commissioned the church to be built as a memorial to her youngest son, Frederick Vyner. In 1870 23-year-old Frederick was travelling in Greece when he was capture by brigands and held to ransom. Tragically Frederick was murdered before the full ransom could be paid. Lady Mary was determined that the unused ransom money would be used to construct a memorial church. Frederick’s sister, Lady Ripon, took on an identical project, building St Mary’s Church at Studley Royal, North Yorkshire.

A winter view of The Church of Christ the Consoler seen from the Dog Kennel Lane Heritage Trail Walk.

The approach to Christ the Consoler Church from Skelton village is a pathway lined with yew trees and a kissing gate at the entrance of Newby Park. The exterior of the church is 75

built of grey stone from Cat Craig in the Scottish Borders, with Morcar stone from nearby Markenfield Hall for the exterior facings and mouldings, with a grey slate roof.

Above the entrance to the church is a sculpture of Christ the Good Shepherd by highly skilled stone carver and sculptor Thomas Nicholls. Within the porch two female heads, the good lady and blindfolded Fo justice, overlook the entrance.

The foundation stone laid 17th May 1871.

The Spire on the north side of the church contains one bell cast by Mears of London in 1873 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The windows of the church were designed by Fred Weeks from sketches by Horatio Walter Lonsdale and made by Saunders and Company. Every window has stained glass with jewel like clear colours. The West end of the church has a rose window which shows Christ surrounded by those seeking consolation and every stage of life is represented. The East Window shows Jesus surrounded by angels presiding over scenes from the Bible.

A small dog keeps

the gargoyles company.

The pews where the family were seated are made of American Walnut. The font is a memorial to Lady Vyner’s granddaughter, it is made of white Tennessee Marble with an oak cover.

The interior of the church is rich with colour and patterns. The dominant material is white limestone from Lord Ripon’s quarries at Studley Royal. The red and white marble pulpit is accessed through the vestry at the base of the tower, also the organ loft and chamber which overhangs the nave.

The altar piece is made of white alabaster, richly painted and gilded and has five roundels. The centre one shows the nativity with two prophets either side Ezekiel and Jeremiah and Daniel and Isaiah, who display scrolls foretelling of the Messiah’s coming. The Altar frontal is made from deep red silk velvet with strong designs in gold thread embroidery with gemstones and pearls. The birds represent the Ravens from the Vyner family crest, Lady Mary Vyner worked on the embroidery.

Above the chancel arch is a sculpture by Thomas Nicholls of the Ascension, with Jesus at the top, and angels on either side, watched by the twelve disciples.

Photography and words by Jackie Akers

The Dog Kennel Lane Circuit Leaflet - Ure Walks Through Time

Dog Kennel Lane Project – Programme of events 2014

Feb 1 Launch Exhibition Feb 4 Geology workshop. Feb 18 Maps workshop. March 8 Visit: After the Ice Exhibition, Yorkshire Museum, York. March 15 Display: North Yorkshire County Council’s Family History March 18 Aerial photography workshop.

March 29 Oral History workshop (all day). April 3 Flints workshop. April 5 Field walking: Paul Gill’s farm. April 9 Field walking: Knowles’ field, Broom Close Farm. April 15 Progress meeting. April 2 3 Survey walk: Proposed Heritage Trail through study area. April 28 Skelton Newby Hall Church of England Primary School field trip: workshop and surveys with children in Willow Garth Wood. May 6 Study evening. May 8 Visit: West Yorkshire Archive Service, Morley.

May 10 Dog Kennel Lane exhibition at Boroughbridge Plot to Plate day. May 15 Visit: Archives at Dusk, North Yorkshire Archives, Northallerton. May 20 Geophysics with Jon Kenny from York Archaeological Trust. June 3 Study evening. June 9 Visit: York Handmade Brick Company, Alne, near Easingwold. June 9 Visit: North Yorkshire Historic Environment Record Office, Northallerton. June 15 Exhibition: Kirby Hill Church’s Life in Our Village exhibition. June 26 Visit: North Yorkshire County Records Office. July 15 Study evening. July 20 Exhibition: Aldborough and Boroughbridge Agricultural Show. July 28 Geophysics: Knowles’ Field – Magnetometry. July 29 Geophysics: Knowles’ Field – Resistivity. August 1 Geophysics: Knowles’ Field – Resistivity.

Sept 2 Study evening and progress report update. Sept 6 Visit: Studying Recusancy and connections with Mary Ward – Bar Convent, York. Sept 16 Presentation: Vernacular Architecture, Barry Harrison, North Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group. Sept 17 Geophysics: Knowles’ field. Sept 17 Augering: Willowgarth Wood. Oct 7 Study evening. Oct 8 Field walking: Paul Gill’s farm. Oct 18 Visit: Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton, York. Oct 21 Study evening. Nov 2 Visit: Ripley Castle, home of the recusant Ingilby family, who were related to Mary Ward. Nov 4 Study evening – forward planning. Nov 17 Study evening: Old maps. Nov 19 Visit: National Archives, Kew, London, to examine The National Farm Survey of England and Wales Agricultural Returns for 1941-1943. Dec 2 Study evening: Analysing geophysics. 2015 Jan 6 Study evening – Old maps.

Jan 20 Study evening – Old maps. Feb 3 Study evening - Oral history and maps. Feb 11 Visit: York Minster Library to examine Lawson-Tancred records and other documents. Feb 17 Study evening – Oral History and Dog Kennel Lane website. Feb 26 Meeting to revise Dog Kennel Lane website with designer Joe Priestley. Feb 28 Visit: Brampton Hall and an historic bridge adjoining the site.

March 3 Study evening – Brampton Hall and planning Heritage Trail interpretation board. April 3 Guided Walk: Taking Walkers Are Welcome Group around the Dog Kennel Lane Heritage Trail. April 7 Study evening – Planning celebration exhibition to mark completion of the project. April 20 Study evening – Celebration exhibition work. May 1 Guided Walk: Taking Skelton Newby Hall Church of England Primary School children around the Dog Kennel Lane Heritage Trail. May 11 Study evening: work on exhibition. May 19 Study evening – work on exhibition. May 24 Celebration Exhibition: Presenting the completed Dog Kennel Lane Project to the public, Coronation Hall, Langthorpe, Boroughbridge. June 28 Exhibition: Life in Our Village display, Kirby Hill Church. July 10 Meeting to organise the exhibition at the Aldborough and Boroughbridge Agricultural Show. July 19 Exhibition: Aldborough and Boro’bridge Agricultural Show. August 15 Photograph: Dog Kennel Lane Project group with the Interpretation Board at the start of the Heritage Trail. Oct 20 Exhibition and presentation to public at Ripon Library.

2016 January 12 D.K.L. Project presentation to the Boroughbridge and District Historical Society.

February 26 D.K.L. Project lunchtime presentation at Northallerton Archive Office

March 8 D.K.L. Project presentation to Skelton-on-Ure W.I.

March 26 Photographic and D.K.L. Project Exhibition – Walkers are Welcome Weekend.

April 9 D.K.L. Project presentation to Harrogate Archaeological Society

Members of the Dog Kennel Lane Project would like to thank the following:

The Heritage Lottery Fund. Kevin Cale, Archaeologist and Project Leader.

Newby Hall Estates. Peter Greenwood. Barry Harrison, Architectural Historian. Paul Gill, Grange Farm. John Knowles, Broom Close. William Turner, Brampton. Tracy Craggs, Oral Historian Alan Pearson, Sylvia Foxton, Aidan Foster, Ken Barley and Mike Varley. Jon Kenny, York Archaeological Trust - Geophysics

Chas Jones, Archaeologist – Flints North Yorkshire County Council Archives. Heritage Environment Records Office, North Yorkshire. West Yorkshire Archive Service. York Minster Library. York Museum Services. National Archive office, Kew. Bar Convent Museum, York. Ripley Castle.

York Handmade Brick Company, Alne. Joe Priestley, Website Design. Red Bonsai Graphics. Children and staff of Skelton Newby Hall Church of England School. Langthorpe Parish Council. Gordon Sadler. Yore Vision. Boroughbridge Walkers are Welcome. The Mercer Art Gallery Harrogate. And the Many people, family and friends who supported us during the running of the project.

SOURCES North Yorkshire County Council Environment Record. North Yorkshire Archives. West Yorkshire Archives. Ordnance Survey. Lidar Imaging. A.S. Lawson Tancred - Record of a Yorkshire Manor. Alex Leadman, Yorkshire Archaeological Society. John Holt - The History of Skelton-on-Ure

Project Chairman David Barley left with project members, at an Exhibition

Kevin Cale with members of the Hands on the Past Archaeology group at the Project Launch Exhibition.

THE DOG KENNEL LANE PROJECT How a community looked at its history and found itself researching 4,000 years

Edited by David Barley and Linda Dooks