ISSUE 20NOVEMBER 2016

Contents4 800 Years of Freemen

5 Alan Shearer Statue Newcastle 800th Plates

6 Easter Guild Lord Mayor’s Parade

7 Michaelmas Guild

8 Annual Church Service Annual Events

9 Keith’s Half Marathon

10 What is a Stint?

11 The Hutch

12 A Visitor’s Tales

14 Superintendent’s Report

16 Trade Guilds

17 Wingrove Allotments

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Edited by Freemen of Newcastle Upon Tyne Editorial Team

The Newcastle Upon Tyne Freemen Magazine, Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4NL

The Coat of Arms of the

City of Newcastle upon Tyne

Front cover photograph & Guild swearingin photographs taken by Steve Brock.Official Photographer, Steve Brock Photography.Copies available from www.stevebrock.co.ukTel 01912863430

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EditorialAs we come to the end of 2016 the Editorial Group have once again brought together a range of topics, both historic and contemporary, in this our 20th Issue. We hope that you find the articles both entertaining and informative. In the magazine we can only provide a small insight into a few of the many and varied aspects of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, hopefully keeping you in touch with the Freemen; further information on Freemen activities can always be obtained from your Company Stewards or directly from our office at Moorbank Lodge (contact details on the back cover). Although there is no letters section in the magazine we are happy to receive letters or emails from readers, just preface your communication with ‘Editorial Group’.

18 Holy Jesus Hospital

19 Town Moor Beef?

20 Hoppings 2016

22 Diary Dates

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ForewordAs we begin to look forward to 2017, The Freemen of the City can reflect upon with great pride as to what we have achieved in this year of the 800th Anniversary celebrating Mayoralty and Freemen.

The respective Trade and Merchant Guild that so predominantly feature on lighting columns right throughout the city centre thoroughfares have served to not only raise our profile but prompt interest and enlightenment as to the scope of statutory responsibilities we so consistently exercise as guardians of the Town Moor and associated environs.

We can all be truly proud of those who have gone before us over the Centuries establishing and sustaining as we do today both traditional and progressive values in all that we do as guardians of such a great, nationally renowned environment that so positively contributes to the culture and wellbeing of such a great city.

Please do not hesitate to let us know where we can do better and also feedback too in relation to the magazine shall be very much appreciated.

Sir Leonard Fenwick CBEChairman of the Stewards Committee

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800 Years of Mayoralty and Freemen in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Street BannersTo raise awareness of the 800th Anniversary of the award of the Charter from King John to the Burgesses (Freemen) of Newcastle, the Stewards Committee have commissioned banners showing the armorial bearings of all the Guilds of Newcastle upon Tyne which are being displayed in Newcastle City Centre.The banners contain the Freemen of Newcastle badge and the Armorial Bearings of the active Guilds, they can be seen in Northumberland Street, Grainger Street and Percy Street.

ExhibitionAn exhibition charting 800 years of Newcastle’s Freemen and Mayoralty, is now on at the City Library, New Bridge Street. Newcastle upon Tyne. It is taking place between 3rd October 2016 and 31st January 2017. The exhibition, celebrating the one of the oldest surviving institutions of Newcastle, an unbroken chain of office dating back to the times of King John, features items from the Lord Mayor’s Silver Gallery and the Lord Mayor’s official residence, the Mansion House.

BookAs a memento of the 800th Anniversary, local historian John Grundy has compiled a special book entitled “John Grundy’s History of Newcastle” which was launched on 21st October at the City Library where it is available at a cost of £10.

A statue to honour Alan Shearer was unveiled jointly by the Lord Mayor and Alan Shearer on 12th September.

The £250.000 statue was commissioned by former NUFC Chairman, Freddie Shepherd, He had hoped it could be installed within the curtilage of St James’ Park but the Club were unable to accommodate his request.

Freddie approached the Freemen of Newcastle to ask if there was a suitable area within the Town Moors to site the statue, on

Alan Shearer Statuereviewing the area around St James’ Park we identified the former toilet block on Barrack Road and gave permission for this area the be used, subsequently Freddie received approval from the City Council to demolish the toilets and refurbish the area for the plinth.

Consequently the 9ft 6ins statue stands in a prime position adjacent to the main road next to the stadium where the public have easy access thanks to the Freemen of Newcastle.

Newcastle 800th PlatesAs part of their celebrations of 800 years of Mayoralty and Freemen in Newcastle, Newcastle City Council have produced commemorative plates. The plates were produced by Chris Aston Ceramics and come in two sizes. A large 12 inch plate with 22 carat gold edging, and a smaller 7 inch plate. Both plates are bone china and feature the Civic Crest.

There are a very limited number of plates available to buy to commemorate the 800 year celebrations – they are available

from City Library by calling David Hepworth, Publications Manager on 0191 277 4174.

The 12 inch plate retails at £70 and the 7 inch plate at £20, post and packaging is included in the price.

Michaelmas Guild 2016

Michaelmas Guild was held at onMonday 10th October.

Michaelmas Close Guild which is attended by Company Stewards opened at 10.a.m with prayers taken by Canon Stephen Harvey, the company roll call took place followed by the annual election of the Steward Committee, there were 14 nominations for the 12 positions, the Company Stewards present completed the ballot papers, voting for no less than 9 and no more than 12, the following 12 stewards being elected. F.H. Alder: H. Alder: P. Anderson: C.G. Atkinson: N.B. Atkinson: A.R. Bainbridge:Sir L.R. Fenwick: K. Hall: J. Johnson:S. Pashley: P. Powell: H.D. Wilson:

Sir Leonard Fenwick was re-elected as Chairman: David Wilson was re-elected as Vice Chairman both unanimously.

Michael Grey was appointed as Honorary Treasurer.

Michaelmas Open Guild which is open to all Freemen of Newcastle opened at 12.15 after a slight delay and was presided over by Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Stephenson, her first of the three Guilds in the Lord Mayors calendar. The Chairman addressed the Lord Mayor, the acting Town Clerk John Softley, and Lord Mayors Secretary Brenda Joyce. The Lord Mayor and acting Town Clerk responded. Brenda Joyce called the names of those claiming their Freedom, following the close of the meeting 15 new Freemen were sworn in, receiving a Freemen badge and history books from the Freemen of Newcastle in addition to their oath paper and a gift of an 800th anniversary badge from the Lord Mayor.

Helen Elizabeth Reed, Butchers: Louise Charlotte Bradley, Coopers: Nicola Newman, House Carpenter:Evelyn Avery, Joiners: Mark Bowman, Joiners: Sean Barlow, Master Mariners: Sarah Amanda Fife, Ropemakers: Richard Fullerton, Ropemakers: Rachel Reed, Shipwrights: Mary Porter, Skinner & Glovers: Abigail Jane Carruthers, Tanners: Asher James Carruthers, Tanners: Helen Victoria Wellings, Taylors: Chris James Waugh, Upholterers: Ian Robert Waugh, Upholterers:

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The Easter Guild held on Monday 4th April was presided over by Lord Mayor Cllr Ian Graham, as this was the final Guild in his term of office he was presented with a gift of wine and a Freemen tie in appreciation for his support of the Freemen of Newcastle during his time in office.

Easter Guild 2016He then officiated in his final swearing in session swearing in 8 new freemen:Katharine Judith O’Shea, Bricklayers. Sarah Dawn McGill, Coopers. Julie Dawn Rogerson, Coopers. Steven James Winter, Coopers. Gillian Ruth Tait, Coopers. Hayleigh Armstrong, House Carpenters. Thomas Jackson, Plumbers. Rachael Janet Avery, Taylors.

Lord Mayor’s ParadeThe Lord Mayors Coach had its first outing since being acquired by the Freemen of Newcastle in partnership with the Shepherd family, the coach in all its splendour was pulled by two coaching horses arranged by Freddie and Bruce Shepherd for the Lord Mayors Parade on 7th August 2016, the event billed as the

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‘big picnic’ was as part of the Newcastle Fiesta.

This was the first time most of the public had seen the coach in a parade and they couldn’t have been more impressed as the Lord Mayor waved and children cheered around the park.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Stephenson accompanied by Trevor her husband the Consort travelled around the Exhibition Park starting from the former Palace of the Arts building now home to the Wylam

Brewery, around the lake then onto the Moor to view the Fairground on the old TSE site continuing through the park back to the brewery.

After the parade the Lord Mayor and her family were escorted by a member of the Stewards Committee for an informal tour of the fairground and the Exhibition Park

which included many activities arranged by the City Park Life team.

The photograph of the coach with members of the Stewards Committee with Bruce and Freddie Shepherd, Consort and Lord Mayor and City Council Cabinet Member Cllr Ged Bell.

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Annual Church ServiceThe Freemen’s annual church service at St Nicholas Cathedral was held on 8th May 2016, commencing with the Lord Mayor and Freemen walking in procession around the Cathedral.

This was Lord Mayor Hazel Stephenson’s first engagement following her election as Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne in this the 800th anniversary of the Mayoralty and Freemen, and fittingly it was one of the best attended service for many years with Freemen of Newcastle traveling from far and near to participate, consequently the limited number of robes were soon snapped up.It is hoped that the support shown this year will continue to increase.

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Annual Events courtesy of theFreemen of Newcastle In addition to the Hoppings, the Town Moors host many annual events which take place due to the assistance of the Freemen of Newcastle.

The Pride, was once again a successful event with growing attendance year on year, over 20,000 this year.,The event is held on the Town Moor on the old Tyneside Summer Exhibition (TSE) site.

The Mela, A successful event with much increased attendance compared to the previous year, in part due to the good weather which helped to ensure an enjoyable time for attendees. Organisers

have expressed great appreciation to the Freemen for support in planning and preparation. It is a very inclusive event popular with the Asian community with many travelling from the wider Northern Region. It is notable that year on year there is greater diversity of attendees across a wide range of ethnic groups. The main event is held in the Exhibition Park with the fairground element on the Town Moor next to the park on the old TSE site.

Moscow State Circus, Once again a popular event on the Town Moor in the Newcastle calendar.

Great North Run, with over 57,000 runners. Readers will be aware of the finish infrastructure at South Shields but may not be aware that the Town Moors play a significant role in the event.

The old TSE is used for 4 days to setup as the registration point for all runners, Claremont Road is used as a bus drop off point and baggage drop the verge houses the temporary toilets. The bottom of the main Town Moor houses a helicopter landing pad which takes the VIP’s from the start line to the finish at South Shields.

Cancer Research UK –Race for Life and Pretty MuddyThis is one of the most successful Cancer Research events in the UK and raises significant funds for the Charity.

Newcastle Military Show2016 was the third time this show had been held, each year increasing in popularlty. In 2015 and 2016 the event has been held in conjunction with the Hoppings, taking place over the first weekend of the Hoppings.

In addition there are the many fun run events attracting thousands of runners raising funds for various charities.

Keith’s Half Marathon MilestoneKeith Hall (Master Mariner / Colliers Company) a member of the Stewards Committee since 1996 and Chairman of the Town Moor Money Charity since 1994 this year reached a milestone running in the Great North Run.

Keith ran his first Great North Run in 1992 and this year completed his 25th consecutive Great North Run at the age of 75! Keith treads the famous route each year to raise money for motor neurone disease (MND) after losing his sister-in-law Irene to the condition six years ago and he is showing no sign of slowing down. To date he estimates he has raised in excess of £10,000 for MND and local cancer charities.

Keith has had the bug ever since completing his first Great North Run and runs on his own, he isn’t a member of any running club and trains by running six miles two to three times a week. In the fortnight before the race he runs the full distance of 13.1 miles. He says the race presents its challenges but overall he enjoys the experience. “I tend to start a bit too quickly and the last mile is

always tough, but generally I enjoy it, I never stop, I just keep going at my own pace. Keith’s fastest time was recorded in 2000 at the age of 59 when he completed the course in 1hr 39 minutes.

Before the death of his sister-in-law Irene, Keith used to raise cash for other various charities including Macmillan Cancer Support.

Keith’s fundraising has made a real difference to the charities he supports.

David Hart, Communications Director for the Great North Run Company recently added “The loyalty of a growing number of our runners never ceases to amaze us and what an amazing feat for Keith to complete his 25th consecutive run. Many people stop when they reach their 50’s rather than start!”

What is a stint?

Older Geordies, and possibly younger ones, will be familiar with the phrase “dinna stint yersel hinny” translated as “have another slab of cake, another pint etc.” Stint is an Old English word and, when used as a noun, means a limited supply or allotted piece of work.

When you tell someone that you are a Freeman of Newcastle they inevitably ask if you are grazing a cow on the Town Moor. At one time Freemen did graze their own cattle on the Moor, bringing them back within the City Walls at night. Newcastle grew and became an industrial town and the practice ceased.

It is essential that cattle continue to graze the Moor. The Freemen only manage the Town Moor so long as they exercise their right to herbage (to graze cattle), otherwise management reverts to the City Council which actually owns the Town Moor. This is all set out in the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988 which can be found on the City Council website on in the library.

Grazing rights are let to farmers. The Stewards’ Committee (formerly known as the Herbage

Committee) decides how many cattle can graze on the Moor each year. Farmers apply to the Stewards Committee and are allocated places. The farmers pay rent to the Stewards Committee and cattle graze on the Moor from March to October.

The number of cattle is limited in any year by the area availablle for grazing and the state of the Moor, hence the use of the word stint. The rent from grazing one cow is known as a stint. As Freemen and widows of Freemen living within Newcastle were historically able to graze their cattle on the Moor then the stint money is paid to them.

Stints are now paid annually to Freemen and widows and widowers of Freemen living in Newcastle (within the City boundaries). A ballot is held in the Guildhall in April to decide on the allocation. As there are generally more cattle than applicants, everyone gets at least one stint; generally two or three. In recent years applicants have received £30 to £45.

New Freemen living within the City are automatically entered on the stint list when they are sworn in. If however you lived outside Newcastle but have moved into the City you should contact the Freemen’s office at Moor Bank Lodge (details on the back of the magazine) to claim your stints.

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The Hutch -an extract from Reid’s Handbook to Newcastle upon Tyne by J Collingwood Bruce in 1863

Formerly all the offices of the Corporation were concentrated in the Guildhall and amongst them that of the treasurer, which was on the ground floor. Before banks existed a strong treasure box called a Hutch was provided, into which the town dues were put as they were received. By a natural process of thought the term Hutch was extended to the place where the business of the treasurer was transacted and to the treasurer himself.

The identical chest, long in use at the Guildhall is now in the Treasurer’s office in the new Town Hall. It is a curious relic of a state of things long past, being probably about 400 years old. There is a hole in the lid to admit the money and it is provided with eight locks. The Mayor kept the key of one and seven chamberlains the others, so that it could only be opened in the presence, or with the consent of, all the eight persons.

During business hours two chamberlains sat, day after day, one each side of the Hutch. They counted the money which the Treasurer received and saw him duly drop the cash into the chest. At certain times the Hutch was opened, the money counted and the requisite payments made. In the new office of the Town Treasurer there is a picture which gives us a glimpse into the state of manners half a century ago. It is a portrait of “Old Judy”, the messenger to the Hutch, Judith Dowlings was in truth the guardian of the Hutch. With that stick of hers, which she was nothing loth to use, she kept at bay all whom she conceived had no right to come there. Some shoulders still ached at the thought of her!

As Judy Downey her death is immortalised in a verse of The Newcassel Props by William Oliver. The earliest date we’ve found for this ballad in 1827, which puts Old Judy’s demise prior to that date.

Judy Downey’s death is immortalised in a verse of The Newcassel Props by William Oliver.

But when maw lugs was lectrifiedWiv Judy Downey’s deeth,Alang wi’ Heufy Scott aw cried,Till byeth was out o’ breeth;For greet and sma, fishwives an’ a’,Luik’d up tiv her wi’ veneration –If Judy’s in the Courts above,Then for au’d Nick there’ll be ne casion

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Hutch, Newcastle Libraries

Judy Dowling, Laing Art Gallery

The Hutch is on permanent display at the Discovery Museum in the Newcastle Story gallery on the ground floor.

A Visitor’s Tales

Ethel was a wee widow in her eighties who claimed to weigh “six stones dripping wet”. On one trip the coach driver and I were helping people off the coach and Ethel took hold of our hands and launched herself off the top step with a cry of “Geronimo” and floated down to earth.

For years she had cashed her charity cheques at the corner shop but the government got wind of old ladies like her money-laundering and decreed that her cheques must go into her personal bank account. Sure enough, Sunday when she sorted out her problems, she rang me saying “it’s got Lloyds on my cheque, do I have to take it to Lloyds Bank?” I explained that she could go to any bank she wished and got the reply “I’ve never been in a bank before.” I took the hint and agreed to call on Wednesday and take her to a bank.

However on Wednesday her bingo pal rang me early to say that Ethel was ill and could not move without pain. When I called she was a sorry sight as they waited for the doctor. I took her cheque, pension book and rent book and opened up an account for her. In the afternoon I returned with her passbook and she seemed quite chirpy, so I asked what the doctor had done to make such an improvement and was told that she had advised Ethel to take it easy in future and remember her age!

Apparently as it was fifty years since the end of the war there had been a party on in her tower block the previous evening and Ethel had been doing the Hokey-cokey putting her left leg out and then her right etc. and shaking it all about! I shook my head in disbelief and she winked saying that they had had a right good night!

One windy day when I called on her, she asked what it was like outside and I said that it was much too windy for to venture out as I had had trouble keeping my feet. She replied “I know, many is the time that I have bought half a stone of tatties that I didn’t need, just to make sure I didn’t get blown away!”

On one outing, faced with a plateful of fish and chips and mushy peas, she summoned me over to ask how I expected her to eat it when the fish was bigger than her! Another Sunday afternoon the phone rang and it was Ethel who said that she was feeling miserable. I queried what she expected me to do about it but she continued with “Av gettin one of those will forms from the Post Office and the more I look at it, the more I know I’m going to make a mess of it.” Again I took the hint and agreed to call to help. Being a childless widow with no nieces or nephews the will was straightforward. Her two bingo pals were to have their choice of keepsakes from the flat and everything else was to go to the MacMillan Nurses. Problem was that we could not find an address for the nurses and looked under

Hospice in the phone book to see if it was there – alas in vain. However she said that the Hospice would do instead because it was for cancer which had killed her husband and her father. So that was settled apart from executor, which I anticipated would be me but was relieved when she nominated one of her bingo pals.

A year or two later one of her pals rang me to say that Ethel had died and the undertaker was coming on Saturday to discuss the funeral, could I come then? When I got there the two beneficiaries were there and one gently handed me a red tin box saying “Everything is in there.” I opened it to find, not Ethel, but pension book, will etc. and I explained that I was not the executor – only to be told that Ethel had told them that if anything happened to her, I would deal with everything! A bank withdrawal of £1,000 had been made about the time we had written the will and this had been for a funeral plan. A little blue book showed weekly payments of £2 being made to her “ticket man” and apparently she had been going to him ever since her marriage– first to the

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grandfather, then the father and finally the son. There was about £2,000 in her bank passbook getting 3% interest and yet she had happily borrowed £60 from her ticket man paying him 20% interest instead!

Once the funeral was over I naively thought that that was that but I was bombarded with raffle tickets and begging letters from the Hospice. Finally three weeks later an American lady rang me to ask how I was managing after my bereavement and reminded me about Ethel. I pointed out that she was just one of many people that I visited and she said “Gee, can I call and have a talk with you?” It turned out that she wanted me to be an “introducer” and to supply her with likely addresses, there would be no sales involved, she would do that, and if successful I would get £50! (deviously from the old person’s family) I declined but realised that the undertaker that Ethel had chosen had pocketed £50 as well as his profit from the funeral!

I’ll never forget Ethel.

Superintendent’s ReportIt was another cold damp start to our grazing season this Spring which resulted in a slow build-up of cattle on the Town Moors. Our Grazier’s were selective with their cattle putting the bigger hairier beasts out first and as the weather warmed, and the grass really started to grow, the smaller thinner skinned heifers were brought on to increase the numbers. Our fertiliser programme was delayed but by the 3rd week in April the dressing was applied. As the year has progressed it has proved to be an excellent season in general for grass growth with the swards on all moors carrying the cattle right through to the end of our season with ease.

As we moved into early May our working attentions and agenda turned to the marking out of the fairground site for our annual visit of Europe’s largest travelling Fun Fair known locally as the Hoppings. The event swallows up almost all of our working hours over a two and a half months period, only when we are well on top of our site preparations do the staff nip away to try and keep up to date with the grass cutting programme that we have in place for Forsyth Road Playing fields, Little Moor Boundary, Grandstand road verges and then to Walter Terrace recreation ground. Not all can be done at once but we do try to keep on top of these works. This year the Hoppings vacated the Moor on the 29th of June leaving only 6 working days for the

site clearance to be completed by the City Council as the Cancer Research Race for Life took over the site for their Pretty Muddy event which took place on the 9th of July with the Main Race event taking place on Sunday the 10th. The de-rigging of the event had to be completed by Monday the 11th to enable the Northern Pride to commence work on the same site for their annual event.

On the 16th of July each year our grass topping programme begins, the date is in line with the end of the ground nesting bird season. We have a very healthy population of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits on the Town Moor and signs that English Grey Partridge may be returning, so we follow the guidelines that hopefully give these birds all the help they need to flourish within our environment. 700 acres of our grazing land requires pasture topping; cutting at this time encourages a second flush of good grass to grow which will in turn carry the grazing animal into the final days of our season.

During August we carried out some drainage works on Nuns Moor North as there was ponding occurring that was not safe for man nor beast. After a day of investigatory work we found some field drains that had become silted up and some collapsed; repairs to the system were carried out to allow the area to drain; a couple of months on and all is looking well.

Our other environmental programme, which is on-going at the former Brighton Grove Nuns Moor Allotment site, is now entering into its final stage of site clearance works. A final surface pick is required along with some boundary grading work once these tasks

have been carried out Ricky Alder and I will be meeting with our contractor to determine if the site is ready to hand back to us.

The Stewards Committee employed the services of Steve Haddon from Ryal Ecology Services to carry out soil testing across the whole of the site. Two analyses were carried out, one for a grazing pasture and the other for root vegetables. Both reports are important in enabling us to determine where we need to go with phase 2 of the works relating to this site.

As we move into autumn our staff will be busy assisting the Graziers with the removal of their cattle, at present both the Dukes Moor and Hunters Moor have been vacated.

Hunters Moor was emptied of cattle at the beginning of August as the Stewards Committee received a request from St Mary Magdalene & Holy Jesus Trust regarding access for their new housing complex. Mr Chris Siswick our grazier on this parcel of Town Moor was informed of the request and he agreed to remove the 19 cattle that were grazing. The cattle were taken to Dukes Moor where Mr Siswick shared the grazing with his good friend Paul Henderson for a few weeks until it was time for the cattle to be removed and sold. The Holy Jesus bungalows are being demolished and replaced with ultra-modern living accommodation; the contractors need access across Hunters Moor to enter the site and permission was granted by the Stewards Committee so that a temporary road could be laid over Hunters Moor giving access to the Holy Jesus site.

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I will update you on our environmental works programmes that we have lined up as part of our winter works programme in the next issue.

Kevin BateyTown Moor Superintendent.

Newcastle Upon Tyne Trade Guilds: Information from British History online

PLUMBERS, PEWTERERS,AND GLAZIERS.

The ordinary of thissociety, ancientlyconsisting of Goldsmiths,Plumbers, Glaziers,Pewterers, and Painters, anddated September 1, 1536, enjoined them to go together on the feast of Corpus Christi, and maintain their play of “The Three Kings of Coleyn;” to have four wardens, one Goldsmith, one Plumber, one Glazier, and one Pewterer or Painter; to be sworn on admission not to interfere with each other’s occupation; that no Scotsman born should be taken apprentice, or suffered to work in Newcastle, on pain of forfeiting 3s. 4d. one half of which to go to the upholding of Tyne Bridge, and the other to the society. Among other orders in the old books of the society, the following occurs: “September 7, 1730, no brother to lend his diamond, except to a free brother of this company, on pain of forfeiting 6s. 8d.” This society, which consisted at the ime of 50 members, held their meetings in Morden Tower.

CORDWAINERS

The company ofCordwainers wasincorporated in the 17thKing Henry VI. as appears

from a board hung in their hall, having their arms on it, and under them the following inscription:—”Compy Cordwainers incorporated 17th K. Henry VI. confirmed by K. Philip and Q. Mary, reconfirmed by Q. Eliz. & lastly by King James 1st.” The ordinary of this society is signed by 31 brethren, dated December 17, 1566; mentions their meeting-house in the lately dissolved monastry of Black Friars; enjoins that every apprentice should serve ten years, five of which to be expired before a second could be taken; and that foreigners might be admitted into the company on payment of £5, one half to go to the fellowship, and the other to the reparation of Tyne Bridge. The society, in 1690, met on the head-meeting day, on Forth Hill. This custom ceased on their repairing their late hall, at the foot of the Old Flesh Market. They obtained the first lease of this building, then called “The House of Charitie,” of the corporation of Newcastle, A. D. 1668.

The company is in possession of a grant from the common council, dated June 2, 1617, stating that, “divers persons, for years, under colour of exercising the trade of a cobler, who should only mend old shoes that are brought to them to be mended, do buy great numbers of old shoes mended and made fit to be worn at London and elsewhere, and cause them to be brought to Newcastle upon Tyne, and in the coblers’ houses, and in the market within the said town, sell them to the best advantage, whereby the fraternity of Cordwainers of Newcastle aforesaid is much impoverished.” The common council then proceeds to empower the stewards to fine the aforesaid “coblers,” for the preservation of their “antient customs, rights, and privileges.”

About the years 1712 and 1728, the brethren of the company appear to have been in the practice of several of

them joining together, as “Sharers,” in purchasing their leather, and dividing it afterwards; as appears by an old book, entitled, “The Company’s Sharers’ Book.”

In 1748, the company allowed twelve persons, by a grant from them, called the “Coblers’ Bond,” to follow the trade of coblers, “so long as they quarterly pay to the said company sixpence a piece,” and also to follow the trade, “save only in a bulk.”

When the Cordwainers’ old hall, near St. Nicholas’ church, was pulled down by order of the corporation, that body voted the sum of £200 to the company, as an equivalent. Their present meeting-house, or hall, and leather-market, in the High Bridge, were in consequence built, and in which they held their first meeting on August 25, 1794. It is a neat, plain stone building. A stone in the front contains the following inscription:-“This hall and leather warehouse were built at the expense of the company of Cordwainers, Anno Domini 1794. William Yielder, Esq. mayor; Henry Joseph Hounson, Esq. sheriff. John Tallintyre, John Ratcliffe, stewards. Building committee, Benj. Brunton, Jon. Stevenson, Robt. Widdrington, Thomas Fenton, Robt. Young, William Burn.”

This company has always firmly opposed the encroachments of power. A large board, hung in their hall, commemorates the decision obtained against the magistrates on August 10, 1773, to show posterity “that oppression’s iron hand ought ever to be legally resisted.” From the year 1566, to July, 1825, there were 530 persons admitted to the freedom of this company. The number of members at the time was 92; and the annual income of the company was £220.

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Wingrove AllotmentsAs reported in the last issue the allotments on Nuns Moor south had over a period of time descended into a deplorable state despite encouragement from the Freemen of Newcastle to improve and adhere to the terms of their lease. With the allotment society’s agreement they vacated the site to allow clearance, the plan being to reduce the size of the site and allow a much smaller model allotment site to be established, unfortunately circumstances necessitated a change to the plan.

We employed a specialist contractor to clear the site of the hundreds of tons of material which had been brought onto the site over decades at a cost to the Freemen of Newcastle of £150,000.

After 10 months work we were able to access the site and carry out soil sampling tests, the report from the specialist was to say the least very disturbing showing a high level of contamination and reporting that as a consequence the site was unfit for growing root crops for human consumption.

The cost to remove such contamination is far beyond our remit, we are working with the analyst to ascertain what work is necessary to ensure that the ground is suitable to be returned to grazing , something which at this time looks a long way off.

In April a group of Freemen (mostly Shipwrights) had a tour of the Holy Jesus Hospital on City Road Newcastle. The building was of course an almshouse for Freemen and their dependants but the site has had a number of uses over the years. In the late 13th century, it was occupied by an Augustine Priory. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, the Friary buildings were used by Henry VIII’s Council of the North and known as the King’s Manor. A tower was built and that is still standing as are some remnants of the Friary. By 1648 the building belonged to Newcastle Corporation which of course comprised Freemen and in 1682 it was rebuilt and opened as an almshouse for poor Freemen and later for their dependants. In 1880 a soup kitchen for the deserving poor was added.

In the 20th century the Freemen moved out and the building was used by commercial concerns and later as the George John Joicey Museum. It narrowly avoided demolition when the Pilgrim Street roundabout was built in the 1960s. The Museum moved out in the 1990s and the building was again empty.

The National Trust leased the building in 2000 and it was restored again in 2003. They used it for a community project but that wasn’t viable so it now houses their regional offices. Although the building has been open to the public in the past it now only opens on occasions such as Heritage Open Days.

We were able to arrange a visit lasting around an hour and a member of the National Trust staff acted as a guide.

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Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah took a welcome break away from the current political turmoil to spend time enjoying the peace of the Town Moor.

The Labour politician was keen to learn more about the prime green haven in the heart of the city centre and took up an invitation from the Freemen of Newcastle to have a guided tour.

The MP for Newcastle Central, whose constituency includes the Town Moor, was interested in learning about the side of the public space that people rarely get to see.

And she had an idea about how it - and the quality of the cattle which graze there - could be showcased; saying she would like to see the promotion of “Town Moor beef”.

“I have a personal mission to introduce Toon Beef to the market,” she said.

Ms Onwurah heard from Town Moor Superintendent Kevin Batey about its year-round range of uses - including the current Pride and recent Hoppings - and about its upkeep.

Joining them was Ponteland farmer Ricky Alder from the Stewards Committee of Freemen and the only Freeman to exercise his right to graze cattle on the Moor.

Ms Onwurah also got up close and personal with some of Ricky’s Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue which are currently wandering

Town Moor Beef?Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah shares her vision for city centre cattle

Visit to Holy Jesus Hospital

The buildings are in good condition despite the traffic thundering past on the motorway. The Almshouse rooms are intact and must have provided more space for one person than was usual in the 17h century. It was fascinating to see where some of our ancestors lived and died.

It is a shame that the building is not open on a regular basis but it is separated from the rest of the City’s medieval heritage by the central motorway, however that provides an interesting juxtaposition of the historic and the modern.

Nun’s Moor South and are among a total of 550 cattle grazing the Moor each year.

Since becoming an MP in 2010, locally-born Ms Onwurah said she has been told regularly by residents how much they value the city’s green heartland which is actually made up of eight moors covering 1,000 acres.

Occasionally she answers concerns or questions raised by them over its use or condition, she said, and she wants more people to know about what she calls a “precious asset”.

“I love the Town Moor; it’s something I’ve grown up with,” she added.

“In my maiden speech in 2010 I remember I said something about cows grazing grass in the centre of Newcastle and local grass roots politics - and people laughed.”

Ms Onwurah said: “I wanted to know more about how it’s kept and maintained and how the cows use it. It’s nice to have a feeling for the work that goes on here.”

From the end of March to the end of October each year, nine different farmers graze animals on the Moor which can take up to 800 cattle.

The ‘old’ grass is proper pasture and its quality closely monitored.

The Freemen of Newcastle shop is open

Freemen of Newcastle uponTyne pin badges are availablenow. The 16mm badge depictsthe armorial bearings of theCity circled by the inscription“Freemen of the City ofNewcastle upon Tyne”.

The ever popular multi crestedsilk ties are back in stock.

And new for the ladies - 25mm Charm, Necklaces are also available complete on a 60mm chain, both depict the armorial bearings of the City circled by the inscription “Freemen of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne”.

Orders to Kevin Batey Town MoorSuperintendentat Moozr BankLodge, paymentwith order bycheque payableto ‘Freemen ofNewcastle uponTyne’ - the address can be found at the rear of the magazine.

Ties - £27.00

Pin Badge - £3.00

Stick Pin Badge - £4.00

Charm - £6.00

Necklace - £7.00

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This is the sixth year the Freemen of Newcastle have organised the Hopping fair in partnership with the City Council which procures a large part of the infrastructure, all of the administration being carried out from our office at Moor Bank Lodge; although planning is ongoing throughout the year work starts in earnest from February through to July.

2016 proved to be one of the best displays the fairground industry has to offer, which, combined with good weather, contributed to a very successful event.

We had many compliments on the varied aspects of such a large event starting with the opening ceremony which was described as the best fairground opening seen in the UK, including the Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Stephenson riding on a ‘Frog ride’ with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Band, a first for the fairground industry, raising great online interest with 80,000 online views within 24 hours.

Prior to the opening of the event we assisted the Showmen who organised a sports day for the families of the showmen which was billed as the ‘Olympics’. A large turnout enjoyed a fun filled day raising £2000 for the Great North Children’s Hospital, the cheque was presented to Sir Leonard Fenwick by the organisers Showmen Frankie Smith Jnr and Asa Ashcroft. Sports days have been a feature of the Hoppings before; prior to World War II a sports day for local school children was held on the morning of the first Saturday of the Fair, the main activities being running races.

Running over the Saturday and Sunday of first weekend the Newcastle Military Show took place. This event had moved this year to a new position at the north east corner of the site facing Great North Rd which proved to be a huge success.

The main event ran over 9 days, closing at 11.00pm on Saturday 25th June when the exodus of over 1000 support vehicles, 400 living vans and 300+ attractions began, the last vacating the site on Wednesday 29th June. Site clearance and reinstatement continued over the following few weeks to ensure the turf was once again fit for grazing.

Hoppings 2016

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Christmas GuildMonday 16th January 2017 Held upstairs in Newcastle Guildhall (on Quayside, bottom of Dean Street)Close Court of Guild (for Company Stewards only) begins at 10.00 am.Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at 12 noon prompt.You must be seated by 12 noon for the Open Guild in readiness to receive the Lord Mayor.The meeting concludes with new Freemen being called, and if present being sworn in by the Lord Mayor.Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is served in the Merchant Adventurers Court.

Easter GuildMonday 24th April 2017 Held upstairs in Newcastle Guildhall (on Quayside, bottom of Dean Street)Close Court of Guild (for Company Stewards only) begins at 10.30 am. Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at 12 noon prompt.You must be seated by 12 noon for the Open Guild in readiness to receive the Lord Mayor.The meeting concludes with new Freemen being called, and if present being sworn in by the Lord Mayor.Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is served in the Merchant Adventurers Court.

BereavementsWilliam Sexton BlakePlumbers

Ellen HallMaster Mariners

John Alexander FogginTaylors

Brenda SparhamTanners

Peggy InglisShipwrights

Peggy WhiteheadUpholsterers

Alan Thompson AldersonPlumbers. Past Hon Treasurerand Chairman of the Freemenof Newcastle

Notice BoardDiary Dates

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Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne Annual Church ParadeSunday 7th May 2017Held in the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas.Robing in the Cathedral Refectory at 9.30a.m. for commencement of parade into the Cathedral at 9.45 a.m. with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne. All Newcastle upon Tyne Freemen are welcome.Should you need to borrow a robe there will be a small quantity available on the day.To assist on the day, parking will be available at Moor Bank Lodge and transport at 9:00am to and from the Cathedral will be provided.

Hoppings FairFriday 16th – 24th June.

Michaelmas GuildMonday 9th October 2017 Held upstairs in Newcastle Guildhall (on Quayside, bottom of Dean Street)Close Court of Guild (for Company Stewards only) begins at 10.00 am. At this particular meeting the Stewards Committee is democratically elected via ballot for the ensuing year.Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at 12 noon prompt.You must be seated by 12 noon for the Open Guild in readiness to receive the Lord Mayor.The meeting concludes with new Freemen being called, and if present being sworn in by the Lord Mayor.Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is served in the Merchant Adventurers Court.

Annual Guild DaysChristmas Guild - the first Monday after 13th January

Easter Guild - the first Monday after Easter Monday

Michaelmas Guild - the first Monday after Michaelmas Monday

New StewardsGary Annan

Tanners

Stephen David Mills

Josephine Smith

Skinners

Ronald Elliot

Liz Appleby

Cordwainers

Timothy Cooper

Millers

Company NoticesThe Head Meeting of the Tanners Guild will be held at the Freemen’s Hall, Blackfriars, Friars Street,

Newcastle upon Tyne, on Monday 5th December, commencing at 6.45pm. Members are requested to inform the secretary of their attendance via email: tannersguild@mail.com orTel: 07988533855

Freemen of Newcastle upon TyneSuperintendent and OfficeMr Kevin Batey,Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Road,Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4NLTel: 0191 2615970Email: admin@freemenofnewcastle.orgWebsite: www.freemenofnewcastle.org

COPYRIGHT: Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne.

PUBLISHER: Riney Publishing Limited, Sue Riney-Smith Tel: 01325 304360 Email: sue.riney@btinternet.com

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