Old names for Ferrensby, based largely on “The Place Names of West Yorkshire Part V Upper and Lower Claro Wapentakes” by A H Smith.
| Name | Year | Source |
| Feresbi | 1086 | Domesday Book |
| Feringebi | 1239 | Feet of Fines |
| Feringesby(e)
or Feryngesby |
1269
1301 1316 et freq to 1576 |
Linds
YI Vill et freq to 1576 Feet of Fines Feet of Fines |
| Feryngisby | 1522 | Knaresborough Will |
| Feringsby | 1583 | Parish Records Farnham |
| Ferinsby | 1606 | Knaresborough Will |
| Ferinsbie | 1609 | Parish Records Farnham |
This publication also mentions other local names (see page 92) such as:
The Bottoms
Gospel Balk, v. balca “boundary ridge”, probably one where the Gospel was read at beating of the bounds; it is near the Farnham boundary.
Hagworm Lane
Hazel Bank
Sand Hills.
Also mentioned are some field names:
The Harwicks
Braynefield 1409, Braynsfield 1465, Brianfeld 1498
Brotherhill 1611
Ketil-, Ketelflat(e) 1388, 1409
Kelleflatt 1611
Osgodflat(t)e 1409, 1439, 1611
Panhorn(e)flat(te) 1409, 1428
1400-1500
Lake View House is considered to have been a very grand and important house and also a very old house. As it stands today there is a hall with a single cross-wing at the west end, though there is evidence to suggest that there was an east wing where the current box-like a house has been added on. The later external brickwork hides the old wooden frame which is surprisingly complete. The wooden structures suggest that they may have been built in the fifteenth century. Dendrochronology has been unable to provide any clues as to the age of the timber. Based on Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group Newsletter20 Spring 1992
Lake View House is certainly the oldest house in Ferrensby and it is Grade II listed as is the adjacent Long Cottage. For full details follow the links below.
Lake View Cottage Lake View Farmhouse, Farnham Lane, Ferrensby, North Yorkshire.
See http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-331777-lake-view-cottage-lake-view-farmhouse-fe
Long Cottage, Farnham Lane, Ferrensby, North Yorkshire.
See http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-331778-long-cottage-ferrensby-north-yorkshire
1672 Lady Day (http://www.hearthtax.org.uk/)
The hearth tax was levied between 1662 and 1689 on each householder according to the number of hearths in his or her dwelling. The following details are transcribed:
| Firrinsby | |
| (Ferrensby) | |
| Mr Thomas Collins | 3 |
| Mr Willm Knarsbrough | 4 |
| Willm Fountaines | 3 |
| Richard Knarsbrough | 3 |
| John Waide | 1 |
| Jerem Strickland | 2 |
| Ellin Syser | 1 |
| Phillp Hall | 1 |
| John Jeff | 1 |
| Peter Mould | 1 |
| Ellizabeth Beiforth | 2 |
| John Wray | 1 |
| Marmaduke Darley | 1 |
| Widdow Piper | 1 |
| John Lowson | 1 |
| 26 | |
| Omitted by reason of poverty | 3 |
1765 (“The making of modern Yorkshire, 1750-1914″ by J S Fletcher)
John (Blind Jack) Metcalfe started to build his first road from Minskip to Ferrensby and some the workmen may have stayed in Ferrensby as cottages were requisitioned and huts were built. Material was used from a gravel pit – could this have been the gravel pit marked on maps to the south of Farnham Lane.
1808
The following is believed to be a transcript from the 1808 enclosure records for Ferrensby Moor currently held by North Yorkshire County Council archives.
Award of William Dawson 1808
Ferrensby Pond
Along the north of the same allotment and the north end of the said allotment of the said Joseph Pullan and of Mary his wife and Henry Cartwright to the said (main??) Drain And I award and appoint that there shall be one public watering place or pond as and where the same is now (staked?) out and (????????) said plan called “fferinsby pond” for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of fferinsby aforesaid for the time being …
1819 (Leeds Mercury 3 July 1819)
“WHEREAS A BAY MARE was left, on Monday, the 21st Ult, at the House of John Whitehouse, the Sign of the Blue Bell, in Ferrensby, near Knaresbro’:- any Person, by applying to the said John Whitehouse, making a true Challenge, and paying the Expenses, within one Month of the Date hereof, may gain her again; and if the said Mare is not owned within this Period, she will be sold by Public Auction to defray Expenses.- Ferrensby, July 1, 1819.” Leeds Mercury 03 July 1819
1822 (Baines’s Directory and Gazetteer Directory of 1822)
Transcript of the entry of “professions and trades” for Ferrensby:
- Abram George, wheelwright, &c.
- Barker G. white & gunsmith, farrier, brazier, musical instmnt. mkr. &c.
- Meadley Wm. vict. Colonel Tarleton
- Whitehouse John, vict. Blue Bell
1836
There exists a map entitled “A Plan of the Ferrensby Estate and Part of Farnham the Property of Sir Charles Slingsby Baronet Surveyed in 1836”. This shows many of the fields and allotments in Ferrensby belonging to the Slingsby family and also the names of the tenants. Some of the fields are annotated with details of either the field name or a description of the type of field:
Horse Pasture
Far Horse Pasture
Cow Pasture
Mushroom Field
Orchard
Wild Flatts
Whinny Pasture
Great Haddocks
Little Haddocks
Narrow Stripe
High Meadow
Oak Tree Field
Pasture Garth
Meadow Field
1838 (Leeds Intelligencer 23 June 1938)
From the following advertisement it appears that the Blue Bell Inn at Ferrensby was part of Green Hammerton’s Providence Green Brewery estate:
“Sales by Auction.
In the Month of September next, will be offered for SALE BY AUCTION, unless in the meantime Disposed of by Private Contract, all the excellent MESSUAGE at Providence Green, with the extensive BREWERY, and all other Outbuildings, and about 140 ACRES of FREEHOLD and TITHE FREE LAND, of the first Quality, near thereto, and in the several Townships of Greenhammerton, Whixley, and Kirkhammerton, with the Tithes of about Thirty Acres of Land in the latter Townships. Also the following INNS and PUBLIC-HOUSES, vix. The Red Lion Inn, At Wetherby, with other Dwelling-Houses and Buildings there, the Royal Oak Inn, at Knaresbro’, the Rose and Crown Inn and Posting House, at Easingwold; with Ten Acres of LAND occupied therewith; the Crown Inn, at Kirkhammerton; the Blue Bell Inn, at Ferrensby; the Anchor, at Whixley and the Bay Horse Inn, at Great Ouseburn.
Particulars of these very valuable Estates, as allotted for Sale, will be given in due Time, and further Information may be had of the Rev. JAMES JACKSON, Greenhammerton, or at the Office of
Mr. Gill, Solicitor, Knaresbro’.”
1846-1863
The pinfold (or pound) mentioned in Rex Dobbyn’s article appears on a map dated 1846-1863 available on the North Yorkshire County Council Website.
1852 (Yorkshire Gazette 10 April 1852)
“FERRENSBY, NEAR KNARESBRO’
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
At the Elephant and Castle, in Knaresbro’, on Wednesday, the 21st instant, at three o’clock in the Afternoon.
All the Freehold and Well-accustomed Inn, situate at Ferrensby, near Knaresbro’, in the County of York, with capital Stables, Cowhouses, Granaries, Slaughter house, and other Buildings; and a most convenient Paddock of about Two and a Half Acres of excellent Grass Land adjoining the Public-House, now in the occupation of Wm. Ellis.
Further Particulars may be had from our Offices, 19, Blake-Street, York.
- & H. RICHARDSON & GOLD.”
1856 (Yorkshire Gazette 25 October 1856)
“CRICKET.- A single wicket match for £1 a side was played on Saturday last, at Ferrensby, between Thomas Steel, of Arkendale, and W Wrightson, of Little Ouseburn. In the first innings, Wrightson scored 1, and was caught out; in the second innings 4, and was run out. In the first Innings, Steel scored 15, and was bowled out, winning the match in one innings, with 10 runs to spare.”
1863 (Leeds Mercury 28 July 1863)
“THE HARROGATE CRICKET CLUB played eleven of Bradford Club, at Harrogate, on Saturday last, and won by nine runs.-Yesterday, the Harrogate Club played eleven of Ferrensby on the same ground. The match was proceeding when our parcel left, but there was not the slightest chance of Ferrensby winning.”
1865 (Leeds Mercury 18 July 1865)
Another cricket result:
“Minskip Juniors v. Ferrensby.- On Tuesday last. Score Ferrensby, 32, 33; Minskip, 28, 39.”
1865 (Yorkshire Gazette 18 November 1865)
NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY (Yorkshire New Lines and Works)
“NOTICE is HEREBY GIVEN, That APPLICATION will be made to Parliament, in the next Session, for an Act to enable the North Eastern Railway Company, hereinafter called “The Company”, to make and maintain the Railways following, with all proper Stations, Works, Conveniences, and Approaches connected therewith, that is to say:
- A Railway commencing in the township and parish of Knaresborugh, in the West Riding of the County of York, by a junction with the York and Knaresborough Branch of the North Eastern Railway, at and on the east side of the bridge which carries a road called the Back Lane over that Branch, thence passing from, through, into, and in the several parishes, townships, and extra-parochial or other places following, or some of them, that is to say:- Knaresborough, Scriven with Tentergate, Ferrensby, Farnham, Walkingham Hill, Walkingham Hill with Ockany, Ockany, Arkendale, Staveley, Copgrove, Minskip, Aldborough, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge, and Milby in the said West Riding, and Kirby on the Moor, Langthorpe, Aldborough and Milby, in the said West and North Ridings of the said County of York, or one of them, and terminating in the township of Milby and parish of Aldborough, in the said West and North Ridings, or one of them, by a Junction with the Boroughbridge Branch of the North Eastern Railway, near to the Boroughbridge Station thereof, at a point about 520 yards eastward of the terminus of that Branch.”
1869
The lands around Ferrensby continued to belong to the Slingsby family until 1869 when Sir Charles Slingsby, Master of the York and Ainsty Hunt, was drowned in the River Ouse/Ure near Newby Hall, with four others, when the ferry capsized during a hunt. The Slingsby line died out. There was a note written in the some wood panelling in Providence Farm to record this event. There are also lots of names of farm workers recorded on the panelling. According to Wikipedia the Slingsby family settled at Scriven Hall, Scriven, Knaresborough, Yorkshire in the 14th century.
1869 (Leeds Times 27 February 1869)
Reporting from The London Gazette, Tuesday, Feb, 23
Bankrupts – In The Country
“William Holmes, Ferrensby, innkeeper – March 10.”
1870 (York Herald 12 March 1870)
“KNARESBOROUGH
PETTY SESSIONS. – On Wednesday, before Mr. C. Wilkinson, Mr. Lawson, Mr. Lockwood, Mr. J. Brown, Mr. Croft, Mr. Earnshaw,, Mr. Wright, Mr. Holt and Mr. Briggs, George Abbey, of Knaresborough, and William Whitehouse, the younger of Ferrensby, were charged with committing a breach of the peace by fighting. On the previous Wednesday the parties were quarrelling in Finkle-street, and when a police-officer interfered, Abbey said he would “smash him to the ground.” Whitehouse was discharged, and Abbey sent to the House of Correction for twelve months, where he has spent a long imprisonment in fifty-two previous convictions.”
1871 (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 03 February 1871)
“KNARESBOROUGH. – An accident, terminating fatally, happened on Wednesday to Mr William Whitehouse, innkeeper, Ferrensby, near Knaresborough. Whilst in the act of ascending a flight of steps leading into a hay chamber, Mr Whitehouse fell backwards, the injuries being such as to cause concussion of the brain, and resulting in his death at four o’ clock on Thursday morning.”
1871 (York Herald 11 February 1871)
“FATAL ACCIDENT. – Yesterday week, an inquest was at Ferrensby, on view of the body of Wm. Whitehouse. The deceased, who was fifty-six years of age, was a publican and hay and straw dealer. On the Wednesday evening preceding, he fell out of his hay chamber on to the floor underneath, and was found by his son in a state of insensibility. He never regained consciousness, and he died at four o’clock on the following morning. In the opinion of Mr. Houseman, surgeon, Knaresbro’, who attended the deceased, the cause death was compression of the brain arising from a fracture of the skull. Verdict, “accidentally killed.””
1872 (York Herald 17 February 1872)
“FERRENSBY, NEAR KNARESBOROUGH.
VALUABLE PUBLIC HOUSE AND LAND.
TO BE SOLD BU AUCTION, by Mr. FRANCIS SMITH, at the house of Mr. Daniel, the Elephant and Castle Inn, High-street, Knaresborough, on WEDNESDAY, the 28th day of FEBRUARY, 1872, at Three for Four o’clock in the Afternoon precisely, and subject to the conditions of sale to be then read.
All that Valuable and Well-established INN or PUBLIC-HOUSE, known by the sign of “The General Tarleton” situate at Ferrensby, in the West Riding of the County of York, adjoining the Knaresborough and Boroughbridge Turnpike Road, with Stables, Sheds, Barn, Outbuildings, Yard, and Garden to the same belonging. Also all that convenient PADDOCK or CLOSE of LAND lying contiguous to the said buildings, containing by estimation (including the site of the said buildings and premises) Acres 1 Rood and 37 Perches, or thereabouts, be the same more or less and known by the name of “House End Close” 1 Acre 3 Roods and 18 Perches, forming the south end of the said close, comprising 2 Roods and 19 Perches, being Copyhold of the Manor of Knaresborough.
The Property is well worth the attention of persons desirous of purchasing a good Public-house in the country, as, being situate on the highway from Knaresborough to Boroughbridge, and near to the intended Railway Station at Ferrensby, on completion of the Boroughbridge Branch of the North-Eastern Railway, it will no doubt increase considerably in value. The land is very eligible for Building purposes.
To view the Premises apply to the Tenant; and for further particulars to the AUCTIONEER; or to G. A. & W. EMSLEY, Solicitors, 8 East Parade, Leeds.
Leeds, 1st Feb., 1872.
1872
There are numerous newspaper reports giving details of hunting appointments including those of the York and Ainsty Hounds who met regularly in Ferrensby.
For example, the Sheffield Daily Telegraph for 4 November 1872 records the meet on Thursday Nov 7 in Ferrensby at 10:45.
1873 (Sheffield Independent 12 April 1873)
“GIBSON v. SHARPER. – Mr. Maule Q.C., and Mr. Cadman were for the plaintiff; and Mr. Foster for the defendant. In this case plaintiff was a young widow of 24, and was married at the early age of 21. Her husband had kept the General Tarleton public-house at Ferrensby, near Knaresbro’; and when he died she continued to keep on the house. She subsequently became acquainted with the defendant Sharper, who was a farmer in the same district, farming about 120 acres, and who occasionally visited the public-house she occupied in the capacity of a customer. Defendant soon commenced paying his addresses to the plaintiff, and though he was a bachelor and otherwise an eligible character, he was at first refused, but about 1871 she accepted him as her suitor. In Feb., 1872, he succeeded in seducing her. She then, finding herself pregnant urged him more than ever to fulfil his promise, inasmuch as he had brought ruin on her reputation. But instead of doing so, defendant finally made up his mind to throw her over, after keeping her waiting for more than 2 years; she having had advantageous offers from other persons in the meantime, and being obliged to refuse them because of her engagement to Shaprer (sic) …. The jury found for the plaintiff, damages, £15.”
1874 (York Herald 26 February 1874)
“SINGULAR DROWNING CASE AT FERRENSBY. – Yesterday afternoon, Mr. J. P. Ward, coroner, held an inquest at Ferrensby, near Knaresbro’, on view of the body of Wm. Morland, aged nine, an illegitimate child of Elizabeth, wife of Charles Corkin, labourer of that place. The boy was sent for a newspaper to a neighbour’s house in the village, about half-past five on the afternoon of Sunday last, but not returning, a fruitless search was made for him until two next morning. From evidence taken at the inquest, it appeared that the lad stayed playing with some companions for about an hour, and returned towards home. On the way he had to pass an open well, which was in a field on the roadside, and in which a body was discovered about half-past seven the next morning. It was in an upright position, the head being slightly inclined, and the hands stretched out. There was about four feet four inches of water in the well, and the head of the boy was about half an inch submerged. The newspaper was in his pocket, and there were no signs of struggling by the well side. The jury therefore returned a verdict of “Found drowned”, and recommend that a pump should be substituted for the present open well.”
1876 (York Herald 24 May 1876)
“KNARESBRO’. Alleged Death Of A Publican From Violence.-
A publican named Robert Gibson, the landlord of the General Tarleton Inn, Ferrensby, near Knaresbro’, died yesterday morning from injuries said to have been inflicted by four militiamen, belonging to the regiment now assembled for training at Knaresbro’. On Monday morning the militiamen in question were in the deceased’s house and in consequence of their disorderly conduct were ordered out. They refused to go and the deceased left his house for the purpose of obtaining assistance to eject them. The men followed him and one, James Bartley, struck him a blow on the mouth with such violence that he was knocked down. It is stated that the other three men, in conjunction with Bartley, set upon Mr. Gibson, kicked him and otherwise ill treated him in a brutal manner. Mr. William Renton, surgeon, of Knaresbro’ was called in and prescribed for the injured man but his services were of no avail, death ensuing at a quarter past four o’clock yesterday morning. An inquest will be held at the Blue Bell Inn, Ferrensby, this afternoon.”
1876 (York Herald 3 June 1876)
“THE MANSLAUGHTER NEAR KNARESBRO‘.
The adjourned inquest on the body of Mr. Robert Gibson, the landlord of the General Tarleton Inn at Ferrensby, near Knaresbro’, was held at the Blue Bell Ferrensby, on Tuesday morning, before Mr J. P. Wood, coroner, of York. The militiaman, James Bartley, who he been apprehended by the police on a charge of causing the death of Mr. Gibson, was present, and the evidence taken on the former occasion was read over to him. The statements of the witnesses showed that about noon on Monday, the 22nd inst, Bartley and three companions, also privates in the 5th West York Militia, assembled for training at Knaresbro, entered the General Tarleton Inn, and some dispute arose about the payment for some beer. The men, being noisy, were ordered out by the deceased, but they refused to obey him and he left the house to get assistance. The men left in the meantime, and the prisoner met deceased on the road and knocked him down after two or three words had passed about fighting. Deceased fell on the back his head. He was carried home and death resulted shortly after four on the following morning, extravasation of blood on the brain and laceration of the brain substance being the cause. Bartley on Tuesday was positively identified by Wm. Middleton, post messenger, and John Thompson, farmer, of Arkendale, both of whom saw the blow delivered. The three men who were with the prisoner were also in attendance, but prisoner, who was asked by the Coroner if he wished to call them, replied in the negative, adding that he would have called them if there had been anything in the evidence that required contradiction, but there was not. He was then cautioned in the usual way, and asked is he wished to make any statement. He said, “If he (meaning the deceased’) had never mentioned fighting we would have passed him by quietly. We had no intention of molesting him at all”.
The Coroner then summed up and the Jury, after a few minutes’ consideration, returned I verdict of manslaughter against Bartley, and he was committed by the Coroner to take his trial at the assizes.”
1876 (York Herald 26 July 1876)
“MANSLAUGHTER NEAR KNARESBRO‘.
James Bartley (25), labourer, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Robert Gibson, at the township of Ferrensby and parish of Farnham, on 22nd May, 1876, and was sentenced to seven years’ penal servitude.”
1878 (York Mercury 22 August 1878)
“Claro.- The annual licensing session for this wapentake was held at the Knaresbro’ Court-house yesterday. There were 173 licensed inns, in the district, or 2 less than last year, the Swan Hotel, Harrogate, and the Blue Bell, Ferrensby, having been discontinued”.
1878 (Leeds Mercury 3 October 1878)
“CRICKET
FERRENSBY v. ST. JOHN’S (Bilton).
Played at Ferrensby on Monday.
Score:-
Ferrensby
| S. Sharper | lbw b J. Shaw | 0 |
| Flowers | c Bell b J. Shaw | 2 |
| Learoyd | b J. Shaw | 0 |
| A. Sharper | b King | 17 |
| Milthorp | b J. Shaw | 9 |
| Rudd | c Dickinson b King | 8 |
| Lumley | lbw b J. Shaw | 0 |
| Steel | c Fallon b G. Shaw | 3 |
| Farmery | b G. Shaw | 4 |
| Livesley | run out | 1 |
| Howard | not out | 0 |
| Extras | 17 | |
| TOTAL | 61 |
St. John’s (Bilton)
| Bell | b S. Sharper | 8 |
| Dickinson | b Rudd | 0 |
| G. Shaw | c A. Sharper b S. Sharper | 0 |
| Fallon | b Rudd | 2 |
| King | b S. Sharper | 0 |
| J. Shaw | b Rudd | 0 |
| Kenn | run out | 3 |
| Whitehouse | b Rudd | 0 |
| Annakin | b Rudd | 0 |
| Todd | c S. Sharper b Rudd | 0 |
| Abrams | not out | 0 |
| Extras | 2 | |
| TOTAL | 15 |
1879 (York Herald 27 September 1879)
“FERRENSBY, near Knaresborough, and MARTON-CUM-GRAFTON, near Boroughbridge, in the Country of York.
FOR SALE BY AUCTION
MESSERS. F. SMITH & SON, at the house of Mr. Rudd, the BAY HORSE INN, in Marton- cum-Grafton, on FRIDAY, the tenth day of OCTOBER 1879, at THREE o’clock in the afternoon for FOUR o’clock precisely (unless previously disposed of by private treaty, of which due notice will be given, and subject to such conditions as will be produced and read over at the time of sale), the following FREEHOLD and COPYHOLD PROPERTIES, in the undermentioned or such other lots as may be agreed upon:-
LOT 1
TWO COTTAGES, with a Garden and Orchard, situate in the village of Ferrensby, and a Close of excellent GRASSLAND, containing 2a. 2r. 37p, also situate in the village, at a short distance from the cottages, and on the opposite side of the road.
This Lot is in the occupation of Mr. John Thirkill, and is copyhold of the Forest of Knaresborough.”
1881 (Leeds Mercury 7 March 1881)
“Supposed Child Murder Near Knaresborough
On Saturday Mr. H. wood, Deputy-Coroner, held an inquest at Ferrensby, near Knaresborough, on the body of a female child which was found in the village pond on Thursday.
The first witness called was a youth named Arthur Wade, fourteen years of age, son of Robert Wade, innkeeper, Ferrensby who stated that about noon on Thursday last he was breaking the ice on the village pond at that place, near to the wall-side, when he saw one of the deceased child’s feet at the top of the water. He went home, and afterwards went back to look at it again. Being satisfied that he had not made a mistake, he informed Mr Houseman, who lived close by. Houseman went to the pond, and afterwards went away. Witness lifted the body out of the pond on to the wall, and gave it to man named Allen. The child had no clothing on it, and witness did not see anything about, neither had he seen anyone near the pond in the morning.
Robert Houseman, stonemason, Ferrensby, stated that the last witness informed him that there was a body in the pond. He went to see it. It was over head in water.
John Allen, horse dealer, Ferrensby, deposed that he asked young Wade to lift the body out of the water to him. The water where it was found was about eight inches deep. Part of the child’s face was muddy. Witness took the body to Mr Wade’s. He also corroborated the former witness as to the body being naked, and there was no clothing about.
Another witness, a farm labourer, gave corroborative evidence.
Mr. William Renton, surgeon, Knaresborough, deposed to examining the body, which was that of a fully developed female child. Its appearance showed that the mother had had no proper attention to the ties of delivery. On examination of the body the witness found no material marks of violence. From its appearance he could say it had not been in the water many days. Witness found that the lungs perfectly healthy, and the air cells fully developed, showing that the fact that the child had respired. In his opinion respiration had fully taken place, and the child born alive. It might have died naturally.
Police-constable Thistlewood, stationed at Staveley, said that he had made every possible inquiry, but had not been able to trace anything respecting the child at present.
Mary Allen, wife of the witness John Allen, stated that between eight and nine o’clock on Tuesday night she was in her house, and heard what she thought to be the cry of a child. There were two cries. Witness lived near to the pond, and could hear when anyone went to it. She did not hear anything more, neither did she look out. Witness had not noticed any one particularly about the pond during the day.
This was all the evidence, and the CORONER in summing up, said that the fact of the body being in the pond raised grave suspicion. On the evidence that had been adduced the jury could not arrive at any definite verdict, and he thought that it was desirable, under the circumstances, to give the police further opportunity of making inquiries as to the parentage of the child.
The jury concurred with the Coroner’s opinion, and that inquiry was then adjourned to the 19th of March.”
1881 (The Police Gazette 07/03/1881, Printer / Publisher: Harrison and Sons, Issue Number: 6581, No Pages: 8)
Bow-street, March 7. About 1 p. m. on 3rd instant, the dead body of a newly- born female Child was found in a pond at Ferrensby without any covering, supposed to have been in the water 2 or 3 days. By a post mortem examination, it appears that the Child was born alive. An inquest was opened on 5th instant, and adjourned until 19th instant. Information to Mr. Supt. Carr, Court House, Knaresboro’, Yorkshire.
1888 (York Herald 27 October 1888)
“TUESDAY NIGHT’S GAZETTE
Bankrupts
Thomas Comins, Helmsley, Yorkshire, boot dealer. Robert Wade, Ferrensby, near Knaresborough, innkeeper. Frank Liversidge, Heslington-road, York, dealer in drugs.
First Meetings and Dates Of Public Examination.
Thomas Comins, Helmsley, Yorkshire, boot and shoe dealer; public examination, October 29, 11-30 a.m., Court House, Northallerton. – Robert Wade, Ferrensby, near Knaresborough, innkeeper; first meeting, November 2, noon, Official Receiver’s, York; public examination, November 9, 11 a.m., Guildhall, York;”
1888 (Yorkshire Gazette 10 November 1888)
“Re Robert Wade, innkeeper, &c., Knaresbro’. – This debtor said he started business at Knaresbro’ as a brewery agent in 1863, and he was subsequently engaged in farming and the aerated water business. In 1880 he went to Ferrensby. He was bankrupt in 1860, when he paid 2s. 6d. in the pound. He now owed some £331. In 1881 he was aware that he was insolvent, but hoped to be able to pull through. The examination was adjourned.”
1899 (York Herald 8 June 1899)
“KNARESBOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS, Wednesday.-
Thomas Marsden, of Marton, was summoned for cruelty to a cow. Colonel Ormsby said the cow was reported to be dead on its being driven from Marton to Knaresborough. On the way the animal got into a pond at Ferrensby, and the contention was that it was not in a fit state to travel, as after coming out of the pond it fell and died on the road side soon afterwards, and was in great pain. A post-mortem was made, and it was said that the cow suffered from wounds and had died from exhaustion. For the defence it was alleged by Mr. Barber that Mr. Marsden had sent the animal to be slaughtered, and when it left the farm it was fit to travel, and there was no cruelty, as defendant had sent it on advice from his veterinary surgeon, Case dismissed.”
1908 (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 24 July 1908)
FERRENSBY SHOW
“The eight annual show at Ferrensby, near Knaresborough, was held yesterday in beautiful weather, under the presidency of the Rev. C. S. Slingsby, Scriven Park. There were 53 classes, and the entries were numerous. The competitors came from a wide area, entries being received from Pannal, Sicklinghall and Markington. Sports were held after the show, and the Knaresborough Silver band played selections during the afternoon and evening.”
In this report there follows considerable detail about the judges and the awards made.
1909
The Smithy was located on what is now the village green by the crossroads as confirmed on a large scale (1:2500) OS map dated 1909 which originally belonged to Rex Dobbyn. This was probably very similar to the Arkendale smithy which is still standing – just:
Arkendale Smithy 2013
On this 1909 map of Ferrensby, the houses and land along the southern side of Moor Road display characteristics of the medieval messuages of croft and toft according to Jen Deadman. Relating to medieval settlements, the toft refers to the land on which the house and any outbuildings were built and the croft is the adjoining plot of land used for pasture or arable. This is generally seen as narrow parallel strips of land. While the farming of the larger fields surrounding the villages was well-organized and carefully controlled, the holder of toft and croft could do what he or she wished on that land, and it was on this land that herb, flower, and vegetable gardens might be found.
1915 (Newcastle Journal 22 May 1915)
“Lord Furness, of Nidd Hall, had accepted the presidency of Ferrensby Agricultural Society for the current year.”
1920 (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 20 August 1920)
“There were record entries at the annual show of the Ferrensby and District Agricultural Society, held at Ferrensby, near Knaresborough, yesterday. The total entries amounted to nearly 700, against 500 last year, which was the previous record. The driving classes were a new feature this year, and there was also a farmers’ riding class. The horse classes produced an excellent show, and were, in fact a record. The sheep, too, were a very strong class, not quite up to last year’s figure, but of very high quality.”
In this report there follows details of the principal awards.
1922 (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 08 December 1922)
“PRINCE HENRY WITH THE YORK AND AINSTY.
Prince Henry hunted yesterday with these hounds at Ferrensby. Ferrensby Whin and Hazelbanks were drawn blank. A fox found in Scriven Park ran across Coneygarth, but soon was abandoned. Preston Bottoms were blank. An outlier picked up near Farnham Miers ran through the covert and up the hill with Rigmoor close on the left, and took hounds at a nice pace to Burton Leonard Whin. After some delay, the pack had line out towards Riseley Hall, and with it on the right, ran down to the old quarry at South Stainley. Though not actually marked, the fox probably got to ground. This was nice gallop of 35 minutes. A fox found in Rigmoor was pointing for a good country, but when short of Brearton village, he turned back, without any apparent reason, and headed for Copgrove, then bending up to Walkingham Warren, ran the hounds out of scent. The pack did not draw again.”
1927 (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 29 March 1927)
“Colonel E. S. Meysey-Thompson was re-elected President at the annual meeting of Ferrensby and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society. The date of the show was fixed for August 18.”
1927 (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 19 August 1927)
“Rain marred Ferrensby Show yesterday, and this was all the more unfortunate since the entries constituted a record, and the event undoubtedly would have attracted a large crowd had the weather been fine.
Entries in the agricultural horses section were exceptionally good. The outstanding animals were a group of three cart horses, being three full brothers, a yearling, three-year-old, and a four-year- old, shown by Mr. J .Slater, of Farnham. The Patterson silver cup in this section went to Mr. J. Chapman, Ouseburn.
There was strong representation in the cattle section, and stock was well above average. Mr. F. Elliott showed a typical dairy cow which gained premier honours, and a fine dairy cow in calf won for Messers. J. and T. Schofield, of Killinghall. The Butchers’ Silver cup was won by Mr. T. A. Pickering, Kirkby Hill.
A fine pen of Masham shearlings was one of the outstanding entries in the sheep section, and gained first prize for C. H. Wilkinson, Milby. Hunters were well represented, this section showing an increase of 16 entries on the previous year. H. Easterby, Thorton Bridge, won outright the York and Ainsty Cup given by Capt. H. Whitworth, M.F.H.
In the horticultural section the gold medal was won by Col. Tetley. D.S.O. (F. Owram) with 46 points, while Mr. F. Lazenby, Follifoot, was runner-up with 39 points. Mrs. E. C. Meysey Thompson (wife of the president), presented the various cups.
The judges were:- Heavy Horses – Mr. G. Kendrew, Northallerton; Mr. T. C. Park, Birdsall, Malton. Hunters, Harness, and Leaping – Mr. J. H. Ingeldew, Kirkby Fleetham; Mr. R Foxton. jun., Dringhouses. Cattle and Sheep – Mr. T. Chapman, Huntingdon; Mr. T. English, Wath.”
In the newspaper this was followed by all the detailed results.
1928 (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 17 August 1928)
“FERRENSBY SHOW.
ENTRIES SLIGHTLY FEWER BUT OF GOOD QUALITY.
The 26th annual Agricultural and Horticultural Show of the Ferrensby (near Knaresborough) and District Society was held yesterday under favourable conditions. There was a large attendance.
In the newspaper this was followed by more information and then all the detailed results.”
1930 (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 05 July 1930)
“FERRENSBY (2 miles from Knaresborough)
In the Estate Saleroom, 16, ALBERT STREET, HARROGATE, at 4 o’clock prompt, on MONDAY, 21st JULY, 1930, the following interesting properties, all situate in or on the outskirts of the pretty village of Ferrensby, will be offered for Sale by Auction.
LOT 1. The Attractive SMALL COUNTRY RESIDENCE known as “THE HEADLANDS” at present in the occupation of Mr. Moisley, the owner. The residence stands in pretty gardens of about one acre in extent, and is substantially constructed with an attractive elevation, Harrogate gas, ample water supply, and drainage on the most approved system.
The accommodation includes the square Hall, two Reception rooms, Three Bedrooms, Bathroom with lavatory, linen closet and separate w.c. and excellent Domestic Offices. Outside there is a capital Garage and an octagon-shaped Garden House and other offices.
VACANT POSSESSION will be given.
LOT 2. The convenient PADDOCK opposite to Lot 1, with an extensive frontage to the Boroughbridge Road containing ONE ACRE or thereabouts, as let to Mr Adamson.
LOT 3. The PADDOCK, close to the aforementioned lot, let to Mr. T. S. Dews, containing about 1¼ ACRES, and having good frontage to the main road.
LOT 4. The old stone COTTAGE, with garden, and BLACKSMITH’S SHOP etc. with PADDOCK adjoining, all in the village of Ferrensby, and at present in the occupation of the executors of Mr. Charles Barker. This lot has frontages onto Boroughbridge Road and Arkendale Lane and contains about 1¼ ACRES.
RENTON and RENTON are instructed by the owner to offer the aforementioned Desirable Properties for Sale by Auction, subject to the Conditions of Sale, which will be produced and read at the time.
Any further information with permits to inspect may be had from the Auctioneers, 16, Albert Street, Harrogate; or HIRST and CAPES, Solicitors, Raglan Chambers, Harrogate.”
1933 (Yorkshire Evening Post 14 September 1933)
“YORKSHIRE FAMILY OF BLACKSMITHS
AN OLD CRAFTSMAN
Working at the Forge at 83 at Staveley.
Who is Yorkshire’s oldest village blacksmith?
In the village of Staveley, near Boroughbridge, lives Mr. George Barker, who will be 83 next month. He is still sturdy and strong, and may be seen at the village smithy.
The Barker family of blacksmiths had a forge in this country district where the plough holds sway long before Napoleon was born.
Five generations of them were laid to rest after long and useful lives in the old smithy at Ferrensby. That was in the last century. It was part of the order of things that son would succeed father at the village smithy. Then Mr. George Barker, of Staveley, who was apprenticed to his father at Ferrensby, carried on the family tradition faithfully, though not in the same village.”
John Marshall
28 October 2015