File 19 – Work in progress!
Bar Road
ADAM STARK – HISTORY OF GAINSBOROUGH (1842)
Page 80. According to above, Gainsborough in 14th year of Edward III. 1340, would be a small village as it was taxed at 20 marks (13.4 mark) whereas Beckingham was taxed at 35 marks.
ADAM STARK – LEA WITH LEA WOOD
Page 30. Walkeringham was formerly ‘a seat’ of the Williamsons – “Beckingham a seat of the Waterhouses, now represented by the Rev Hompesch Mossingberd”.
BECKINGHAM, NOTTS
Pear Tree Farm and Wood Farm were the only farms of any great size. To be contructed outside the village after the enclosure in the 1770s. Sandy Furze Farm of about 47 acres were probably built later. South Sandy Furze is more likely to have been constructed in this century. There was also a smallholding on the Trent Bank and another called Marsh Farm. These would be stock farms and both have been demolished.
An effort was made by the enclosure commissioners to allocate land so that it was contiguous to old enclosure of the same ownership. Allowance also had to be made for the quality of the land. There were many owners in Beckingham and there had been earlier enclosure. The largest allotments of land in one ownership were in the marshes on the former common land. This was, and is, subject to flooding and not suitable for the building of farmsteads. The other large block made up of ancient and new enclosure was adjacent to the Gringley Road and allotted to Godfrey Meynell’s heirs on which Pear Tree Farm was built by Robert Cross.
Most of the parish became a patchwork of ownerships and it was probably for this reason that the farmsteads in the village continued to be used and also to be rebuilt, and built, as was Rodney Farm in Church Close. P.J.M. 12/02/92
PS Bulse Farm steading and house was built on the northern edge of the village probably in late Victorian days. It was not a large farm, certainly less then 100 acres, perhaps about 50 or less. The farmstead is not now used for agriculture and the land is farmed by Mr G Proudley of Home Farm.
IMAGE 19-1 Development. 23/01/1999 NEG 12. Junction of Church Street and Low Street. Two new houses nearing completion 22/01/1999
IMAGE 19-2. February 1990. Church Close, Beckingham, partly built showing vacant S.G. corner plot where skeletons were found
CHURCH VIEW ESTATE ON WHAT WAS FORMERLY CHURCH YARD CLOSE
For details see THE FARMHOUSE, L0W STREET
Circa 19– whilst still owned by Harold Emmerson, Michael Rennison and Dr Wyatt applied for planning permission to build a house each. Their applications were turned down, greater density of housing being required. It was bought later by who developed it into the present estate, starting in c1989.
At the time the estate was being built, but the plot in the SE corner not touched, a skull was found in the adjacent Church Street ditch. An archaeological team from Creswell Crags dug a test hole on the inside of the roadside hedge and found two adult human skeletons. See enclosed report and correspondence.
The attached photographs are of metal objects found by Mr with a metal detector shortly before any building was started in the paddock.
HUMAN BONES IN THE S.E. CORNER OF CHURCHYARD CLOSE, BECKINGHAM, NOTTS., 1988
Mr Rogan Jenkinson, the then archaeologist at Creswell Crags who organised the dig at Beckingham when these bones were found, told me that in his opinion these skeletons were mid-Anglo-Saxon, which is contrary to the implication in the report that the skeletons were of 12th-17th century origin. It seems logical to me that as the burials appear to have been Christian and as they are away from the present church and churchyard, which makes them pre-Norman, middle or late Anglo-Saxon (Angle in this area) seems to be the most likely period of burial.
The original finds that prompted this dig were of a skull and other disturbed bones in Church Street roadside ditch roughly opposite Mrs Proudley’s back gateway (not the stackyard gate). So it is quite likely that there are other contemporary burials in the area, but no hones were visible in the trench when water pipes were laid in Church Street in 1991, or when the new house was build in the S.W. corner of this paddock in 1992. However workmen did say that their trenching machine cut through bones in Low Street roadway when water pipes were laid in 1991, roughly opposite Mr Flower’s new house, and near where Hall Farm wall leans inwards.
I am not certain what bones were taken away or what have been returned but there should be the skull and bones from the roadside ditch, the complete skeleton from the dig and possibly the lower leg and feet bones of the skeleton partly exposed in the dig.
Peter Mason 20/08/1992
PS I now understand that the skull and bones found in the ditch have not been returned from Creswell Crags. The cooking pot, now in Retford Museum, is said by the curator to be of the 12th or 13th century, and is a common shellgrit pot of that period. It was not directly over the skeleton but was in the south wall of the trench and only half the depth of the hones. There is no way of knowing if it was connected with the burials.
P.J.M 02/09/1992
IMAGE 19-3 05/1988 From “Church Yard Close”, Beckingham OS171. 17th or 18th century sheep bells.
IMAGE 19-4. Picture taken Easter 1988 from the north side. Copied from slide. Skeleton found near S.E. corner of “Church Yard Field”, Beckingham. Excavation was close to the south side hedge and 12 yards from the east side hedge. Picture taken from the north side
IMAGE 19-5. 01/1987 Site layout. Proposed fifteen houses and garages, Church Green, Off Church Street, Beckingham, Nr Doncaster.
IMAGE 19-6. Undated NOTIFICATION OF THE DECISION OF A PLANNING APLICATION. Letter from Bassetlaw District Council to P.J. & Mrs. M. Mason.
Bassetlaw District Council
Our Ref: 1/6/87/30
NOTIFICATION OF THE DECISION OF A PLANNING APPLICATION
You made representations to the Council concerning the planning application described at the foot of this notice. The application was considered by the Council’s Development Services Sub-Committee at their meeting on
The DECISION reached by the Sub-Committee was to: Grand Permission Conditionally
The reasons for refusal/conditions imposed are shown on a separate sheet attached hereto.
Where the Council has refused the application or imposed conditions the applicant may appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment. Should this happen you will be notified. However, a copy of your representations will be sent to the Department of the Environment and the applicant as soon as the appeal is received by the Council.
Under the provisions of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act, 1985, the Council has to make available for inspection and copying all documents considered when making any decision. This means that your representations will be available to anybody who wishes to see them.
R E Peake
PRINCIPAL PLANNER (CONTROL)
Description of Application
Applicant: P Drinkall
Proposal: Erect fifteen detached houses and garages and construct access
Location: Church Street, Beckingham
P. J. & Mrs. M Mason.
The Hall, Beckingham,
DONCASTER
DN10 4PJ
CONDITIONS
1. The development must be begun not later than the expiration of five years beginning with the date of this permission.
2.The site shall be laid out solely in accordance with the details shown on the revised layout plan received on 15th May, 1987.
3. The facing materials to be used in the construction of the proposed houses and garages shall be as may be agreed in writing by the District Planning Authority before development commences.
Continued …..
Continuation Sheet No 1
CONDITIONS
4. A visibility splay measuring 3 metres by 70 metres based on the back edge of the carriageway of Church Street shall be formed at the junction of the new access road with Church Street. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 and Class II(1) of Schedule 1 to the Town and Country Planning General Development Orders 1977-1985 (or any order or orders revoking and re-enacting those Orders), no fence, wall, hedge or other means of enclosure shall be erected, planted or allowed to remain within the splays. The splay areas shall be surfaced in a manner previously agreed in writing by the District Planning Authority, before any of the houses are first occupied.
5. The access road, and entrance, shall be formed in the manner shown on the submitted engineering layout plan and the road shall be completed in accordance with the details shown before the last dwelling on the site is first occupied.
6. The planting indicated on the submitted site layout plan shall be carried out in full before the last dwelling on the site is first occupied. The planting shall be maintained for a period of two years thereafter.
7. The screen walling to lots 1 and 10 shall be completed in accordance with the details shown on the submitted layout plan before the occupation of the dwelling to which they relate.
8. Brick walls, 1.8 metres in height, shall be constructed to screen the rear gardens of the houses to be erected on 13 and 14 before the occupation of the houses on those plots.
BASSETLAW DISTRICT COUNCIL
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPRESENTATIONS CONCERNING A PLANNING APPLICATION
Date: 23/03/1987
Your letter dated 18th March 1987, in which you make representations concerning the application described in the annexe below has been received by the Planning Department. Your representations will be made known to the appropriate Committee of the Council when the application is determined and you will be notified of the decision in due course.
Under the provisions of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 the Council has to make available for inspection and copying all documents considered when making any decision. This means that your representations will be available to anybody who wishes to see them.
R. H. PEAKE
Principal Planner (Control)
ANNEXE
Applicant: P Drinkall
Proposal Erect fifteen detached houses and garages and construct access
Location: Church Street, Beckingham
P. J. & Mrs. M. Mason,
The Hall,
Beckingham,
DONCASTER
DN10 4PJ
23/3/85 Letter from P. J. & M Mason, Hall Farm, Beckingham, Doncaster DN10 4PJ to Bassetlaw District Council, Development and Leisure, Queens Buildings, Worksop S80 2AH
PLANNING APPLICATION BY MR H EMMERSON NO 7/6/85/2D AT BECKINGHAM
I reply to your letter of 15.3/95 and notice in the ‘Retford Times’ of 22/7/85. We are reluctant to see the disappearance of the last green area in the village but if the paddock is no longer needed agriculturally we feel that we cannot object to some development of the site. However, along with others, we are anxious that an otherwise mainly unchanged are of the village should not be marred.
As far as we do not wish to see land wasted by too large a density of houses but in this case a high density could be out of keeping with the surrounding buildings such as the church, Rodney Farm, The Spinney, The Hall and gazebo, the Old and New Vicarage, some of which are listed.
The proposed development is opposite our property and we are, therefore, obviously biased but we are not alone in thinking that this last major site must have very special treatment to be acceptable to the village populations.
Image 22/03/1985 Retford Times
NOTIFICATION OF THE RECEIPT OF A PLANNING APPLICATION
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1971
IMAGE 19-7. 23/03/1987 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF REPRESENTAIONS CONCERNING A PLANNING APPLICATION to P. J. & Mrs M. Mason.
IMAGE 19-8. PLAN TO ACCOMPANY DECISION NOTICE, PLANNING APPLICATION 1/6/85/2D..
IMAGE19-9. 02/03/1987 NOTIFICATION OF THE RECEIPT OF A PLANNING APPLICATION.
IMAGE19-10. 27/03/1985 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF REPRESENTATIONS CONCERNING A PLANNING APPLICATION.
23/03/1985 Letter from P. J. & M Mason, Hall Farm, Beckingham, Doncaster DN10 4PJ to Bassetlaw District Council, Development and Leisure, Queens Buildings, Worksop S80 2AH
PLANNING APPLICATION BY MR H EMMERSON NO 7/6/85/2D AT BECKINGHAM
I reply to your letter of 15.3/95 and notice in the ‘Retford Times’ of 22/07/85. We are reluctant to see the disappearance of the last green area in the village but if the paddock is no longer needed agriculturally we feel that we cannot object to some development of the site. However, along with others, we are anxious that an otherwise mainly unchanged are of the village should not be marred.
As far as we do not wish to see land wasted by too large a density of houses but in this case a high density could be out of keeping with the surrounding buildings such as the church, Rodney Farm, The Spinney, The Hall and gazebo, the Old and New Vicarage, some of which are listed.
The proposed development is opposite our property and we are, therefore, obviously biased but we are not alone in thinking that this last major site must have very special treatment to be acceptable to the village populations.
IMAGE 19-11. 22/03/1985. Retford Times. Notice of Planning Application for residential development at corner of Low Street and Church Street.
IMAGE 19-12. 15/03/1985. NOTIFICATION OF THE RECEIPT OF A PLANNING APPLICATION to P. J. & M. Mason.
IMAGE 19-13 22/06/1984 TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1971. letter from Department of the Environment to Mr Mason, The Hall, Beckingham. Doncaster DN10 4PJ.
16/06/1984 Letter from P J & M Mason to The Secretary, Department of Environment, Tollgate House , Hutton Street, Bristol BS2 9DJ re appeal against Bassetlaw District Council decision to refuse permission for the construction of two houses at Church Street, Beckingham, Notts. We feel that any high density development of this site would spoil this area of the village which at the moment consists of individual houses standing in fair sized plots which seems in keeping with the environs of the church; but we have no objection to carefully planned development of a lower density such as the proposed building of these 2 houses.
IMAGE 19-14. BASSETLAW DISTRICT COUNCIL NOTICE regarding the appeal by Dr R J Wyatt and Mr M Rennison to Bassetlaw District Council’s decision to refuse permission to build 2 houses on land at Church Street, Beckingham.
18/03/87 PLANNING APPLICATION, CHURCH STREET, BECKINGHAM letter from P. J. & Mrs. M. Mason, The Hall, Beckingham, to Bassetlaw District Council, Development and Leisure Division. Worksop.
In reply to your letter of 2/3/87 we feel that we must reiterate our comments, made previously to the Department of the Environment,that a high density of housing on this site will be out of keeping with this area of the village. Seven or eight 4 bedroom houses, after the style of nearby Rectory Gardens, might be acceptable but fifteen is too many.
Consideration should also be given to limiting to one storey in height any buildings on plots 14 and 15 so as to avoid as far as possible blocking the view of the church from Low Street. This would help the development conform to the conditions imposed at the time outline planning consent was given. A note included in the decision notice said: “The application site at present constitutes an attractive open space in Beckingham giving especially good views of the church. The District Planning Authority considers that it is essential that this element is retained as far as possible in the development of this site.”
Parking near the church has never been easy because of the nearby double corners but the new access to the proposed development will make safe parking at church services, especially weddings and funerals, extremely difficult unless provision is made for parking.
We also note that the proposed house on plot No 1 extends southwards beyond the area for which outline consent was given.
IMAGE 19-15. SKETCH OF CHURCH STREET DEVELOPMENT.
IMAGE 19-16 NOTIFICATION OF THE RECEIPT OF A PLANNING APPLICATION from P Drinkall to erect fifteen detached houses and garages and construct accress, at Church Street, Beckingham.
IMAGE 19-17. PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT LAND AT CHURCH STREET AND LOW STREET, MR. H EMMERSON. Letter 03/10/1985 from Bassetlaw District Council, Development and Leisure Division, Worksop, to P J & M Mason, The Hall, Beckingham.
IMAGE 19-18. PUBLIC HOUSE TO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE CONTRACT – Admiral Rodney, Beckingham. From Doncaster, Nottingham and Lincoln Gazette, page 2, column 3.
16/03/1988 BECKINGHAM SKULL AND BONES. Whilst the Electricity Board was excavating in the roadside ditch of Church Street only a few yards, 12-13 (measured from Low Street hedge), from the junction with Low Street, they came upon several bones which went into the spoil heap until they discovered what appeared to be a human skull. When the spoil was backfilled the other bones were recovered. They were 3 or 4 in number and included a hip bone.
The remains were taken by the police who said they would have them examined by the police surgeon and then pass them on to the archaeologist in charge of the excavations at Cresswell Crags. The Electricity Board hole was re-excavated the following week by a team from Cresswell Crags but little more was found. An excavation on the field side of the hedge revealed only a few shards of green salt glazed mediaeval pottery. The bones previously found included two left leg bones so they did not all belong to one skeleton. The skull had a raised bump at top back. Mention also of bones being found in garden on west side of Emmerson’s paddock.
Work was resumed after Easter when a full skeleton aligned east west, head to west, was found at depth of approximately 3’6”. Protruding from west wall of dig were another pair of leg bones and in the south wall of dig was half a large pot (bucket size) with 6” to 12” cover only.
Dig refilled 19/04/1987 on Coroner’s instructions.
Contact Roger Jenkinson, Creswell Crags for details and photographs.
Contacted Roger Jenkinson early to mid-July at Creswell Crags 0909 720378. He said burials were mid Anglo Saxon and he would let me know what photographs they have so that I may purchase some.
12/1989 R Jenkinson is now at Whaley Thorns Heritage Centre, Cockshot Lane, Whaley Thorns, Langwith, Notts NG20 9HA, Tel. Mansfield 742525.
1989/1990 Visited Creswell Crags but was shown nothing but slides of burials which I copied.
05/1992. Malcolm Dolby now has bones and mediaeval pot at Retford Museum.
09/09/88 ANGLO SAXON BURIALS
Dear Mr Walker, You may know the position regarding the bones but if you are having any difficulty I suggest you contact Mr Bishy, County Archeologist. I recently (it was Mrs Mason) found a paragraph in the “Notts County Records of the 17th century” as follows – “In 1615 Richard Hoggard of Beckingham was presented for not paying levy for the repairing of the church of Beckingham”. You may of course have already seen this. Yours sincerely, Peter Mason
16/09/1988 LETTER TO R JENKINSON, ESQ, CRESWELL CRAGS VISITORS CENTRE
Confirming our telephone conversation of project some time ago I shall be pleased if you can let me have copies of some of the photographs of the mid Anglo Saxon burials in the Church Yard Close at Beckingham, Notts. I should also like a copy of any report that is produced as many people in the village would like to know something of their forebears or predecessors. Yours faithfully, P J Mason
01/07/1989 EXCAVATION OF HUMAN BONES AT BECKINGHAM, MARCH 1998
Letter to Project Manager, Creswell Crags Visitors Centre
It is now nine months since you kindly let me have a provisional report on this dig. When I spoke to Mr Jenkinson he indicated that this was a mid-Anglo-Saxon burial but the report seemed to imply a later date. I shall therefore be pleased if you can let me have a more up to date report if one is available and will it be possible for me to purchase photographs of the bones if I call at the Crags Centre. Yours faithfully, P J Mason
18/09/1989 LETTER TO R JENKINSON ESQ, CRESWELL CRAGS VISITORS CENTRE
Further to my correspondence of 1 July 89 is there any more information available about the human bones found in Church Yard Close, Beckingham, in March 1988? I received a copy of the preliminary report but this has probably been updated. Has the pot now been dated, have the burials been dated and are they contemporary with the pot, and are photographs now available? Can the skull and bones found in the ditch, and the vessel and skeleton excavated in the paddock be viewed? Yours faithfully, Peter J Mason
08/12/1989 ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG IN CHURCH YARD CLOSE Letter to Mr Clifford Johnson, Parish Council Clerk, High Street.
Expanding on what I told you this morning, I rang Mr Roger Jenkinson yesterday and got the impression that no further work will be done on the bones recovered from this dig. The bones are being held by them at the moment but will eventually be disposed of according to the coroner’s instructions. Therefore if the Parish Council want to have the hones re-interred at Beckingham, they should inform both Mr Jenkinson and the Coroner of their decision, otherwise the bones will probably be cremated when the present holding order expires.
Mr Jenkinson said the dig was undertaken to satisfy the coroner that the bones were ancient, but that work had proved that the field contained a cemetery the whole area would have had to be excavated, at much inconvenience and expense.
Mr Jenkinson’s address is : Creswell Heritage Trust, Whaley Thorns Heritage Centre, Cocks Lane, Whaley Thorns, Langwith, Notts, NG20 9HA Tel: 0628 742525.
If the bones were returned uncremated I should like if possible to have the opportunity to photograph the skull found in the roadside ditch. As I have not seen the pot since it was recovered I cannot say whether or not it is worth restoring for the village. Sincerely Peter Mason
08/1991. A main water pipe was laid along Low Street, coming from Walkeringham and as far as the junction with Church Street at which point the pipe was installed along Church Street. I examined the trench to see if there was any sign of bones in the vicinity of where the human bones were found in 1988, but nothing was visible. I asked the men working alongside the excavator and one said that human bones were excavated on Low Street by the trees where the wall leans. This would be somewhere in the region of our spinney opposite the new house built in front of what was Harold Emmerson’s farmhouse. P.J.Mason
17/12/1991 HUMAN BONES AT BECKINGHAM P J Mason. Contractors laying a water main in August 1991 told me that they cut through what appeared to be a human skeleton on Low Street. The position is marked on the attached map. Nothing was visible in the trench adjacent to the original finds.
IMAGE 19-19
PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE TRIAL EXCAVATION FOLLOWING THE DISCOVERY OF HUMAN BONES AT BECKINGHAM, NORTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.
J Cotton, Creswell Crags Visitor Centre, Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop. Notts.
INTRODUCTION: The first human bone found at Beckingham (see Coles, Cotton and Evison) was unstratified, and our level of information about it needed improving. Although heavy and “old looking” the hones were in good condition, and could conceivably have been recent enough to warrant the continued interest of the police. Short of radio carbon dating the only way of roughly assessing the age of the bone was to try and find more in context. It was obvious from the remains we had already that we were dealing with more than one individual, and so it was reasonable to suppose that close by we might find more. Consequently a small test pit was dug on the other side of the hedge by Coles, Evison and Wall. This test pit was subsequently enlarged by the author to cover an area of 3.5m by 2m, and taken down rapidly to about a metre in depth. The excavation in total took about four days to complete, although interrupted by weekends and holidays.
FEATURES REVEALED BY THE EXCAVATION: (See Continuous Section and other drawings). The first thing to be noticed was the fairly clean boundary between the topsoil (0001) containing 18th century finds and later material, and the brown loam (0002) beneath it containing nothing later than medieval green glazed pit. This brown loam merged more gradually into a reddish brown/dirty orange silt (0013) which in turn merged into red clay and clean sands presumed to be natural. As silt 0013 was removed, a large upturned pot (hereinafter referred to as find 0001) was hacked into along the south section face. It was plainly medieval or earlier, and seemed to have been placed deliberately in a small pit containing organic matter. A large pit was also revealed at about the same time in the north section face. It was not until we were virtually down to red clay all around that two grave cuts made themselves obvious. Running in standard fashion roughly E-W, one after the other. Almost immediately we were down onto skeletal material. One complete skeleton in its gravefill/and the feet of another skeleton in gravefill going under the west section face.
RECORDING: To save time most of the site records were made in the form of photographs. The skeletons were briefly sketched in situ before being removed, and all the section faces were properly drawn to scale.
THE SKELETONS: Both skeletons represent adult male burials. The complete skeleton seems from the evidence of suturing, tooth wear etc to represent a very old individual. He was tall and slender of physique. The legs of the other skeleton (all we have to go by) suggest someone as tall but more heavily built. The condition of the bone in all cases is excellent, and they are very heavy in the same way that the original discovered were found to be.
Find 0001: Further reconstruction work needs to be done on this, but at present the consensus of opinion is that we are dealing with a large early medieval cooking pot cm diameter at its widest point, and with an oxidized shelley fabric. It was found in situ upside down, complete except its bottom part. At the point of fracture it had been filled in after deposition with small slabs of rock (see photograph).
COTTAGE ON CHURCH STREET
1736 No 107 on the map, 2a.3r.Op owned by Littleton Meynell. The map shows a house standing well back on the wet side of the close.
1777 No 97 on the enclosure map, a close of 2a.3r.24p owned by Menell Heirs.
1779 The close now belongs to Samuel Martin and a roadside homestead thereon belongs to Barzillai Parkin. Both retain the No 97. Barzillai Parkin’s homestead is given as being 15 perches and the remaining close as 2a.1r.07p which leaves a half acre discrepancy.
21/11/1773 Barzillai Parkin married Sarah Baker at Beckingham. He died and was buried 17 July 1839 aged 89 (See Stamford Mercury, 26 July 1839) (Info from Brian Clifton)
Did Joseph Robinson farm the Glebe Farm after Joseph Fotherby retired? No. See Rodney Farm. See the 1891 census.
This cottage was demolished in the 1890s and a pair of brick semi-detached houses built. Percy Proudley says that Sidwell of Westfields’s Farm built them, and Harry Walker who worked for him lived in the western half. Wright lived in the east side. The basketwork trap shown in Miss Tong’s photograph of Church Street was probably Mr Sidwell’s. It was bought by Edward Proudley of Home Farm at Sidwell’s sale. Both cottages later belonged to the Walker family.
1967-1970 Electoral Register – Florence Walker in western half, and Gerald and Joan C Walker in the east side.
The Walker family here were related to Walker the blacksmith of High Street.
26/07/1839 p3, col 3 Stamford Mercury. “Died at Beckingham on the 17th inst. aged 89 Mr Barzillai Parkin, parish clerk for a great number of years; he is said to have buried the parish three times over.”
In 1881 Hannah nee Hill and Joseph Robinson, Ag. Lab. were living with Hannah’s parents at the “Plough” cottage, at the west end of Church Street. Geo. Bee, writing of the 1890s says that Joseph Robinson, farmer, lived at the Low Street end. See Rodney Farm, census of 1891.
1996. A painting dated 1881 by M. E. Price of Beckingham Church viewed from Hall Farm gate also depicts a cottage on the east side of the Old Vicarage. This cottage is end to the road, roofed with pantiles, not thatch, and has an outbuilding, detached, at its north end. This seems to debunk the thatched cottage story (see photograph). This picture belongs to the Kettlewells who are leaving the village and wish to sell the picture.
1831 Population List. Probably both the following families were living at the same address.
Geo. Parkin, 2 males, 2 females (Geo Parkin married Rebecca Cliff 4 May 1798)
Barzillai Parkin, 1 male.
1832 Directory. Geo. Parkin, weaver
Barz Parkin, Parish Clerk
1833/4 Electoral Roll. Barzillai Parkin, Freehold house and land, Church Street
? ? Parkin “ “ “
1841 Census, Church Street
Thomas Wells 30 Shoe M. (See in 1861 at “Cobblers” Bar Road)
Amelia “ 25 (Thos Wells mar Amelia Parkin 26 Nov 1831)
John “ 7
Geo “ 5
Emily “ 2
John Hopkin 15 Apprentice (see indenture)
1841 Census Church Street
Rebecca Parkin 65 Midwife
Selina “ 25
Thomas French 4 (The French family lived nearby on Low Street)
At some time after 1851 Thomas Wells moved to Bar Road opposite Pitt.
His son George later lived at Station Road corner.
George and Rebecca Parkin appear to be Barzillai’s son and daughter-in-law and Emelia was probably George’s child
1851 Census. Schedule 67, B’ham. Born
Thomas Wells Head of F 40 Cordwainer Master 2 App Misterton
Amelia “ Wife 37 Beckingham
John “ Son 16 Cordwainer’s Apprentice “
George “ Son 14 “ “ “
Emily “ Dau 10 Scholar “
Mary “ Dau 10 “ “
Ellen Hall Visitor 6 “ Hull, York
1861 Census Schedule 55, Church Street
John Bennitt Head M 54 Brickmaker Journeyman Tuxford
Hannah “ Wife “ 44 Askham
Reuben “ Son U 21 Brickmaker “ E. Markham
Alfred “ “ “ 18 “ “ “
John “ “ “ 17 “ “ “
Amelia “ Dau “ 13 Walkeringham
Hannah “ “ “ 8 Clarborough
Mary “ “ “ 6 Scholar E Retford
Julia “ “ “ 3 “ Ordsall
Samuel Harvey Uncle “ 73 Depending upon Day’s Charity Askham Blind for 36 years
Henry “ Visitor “ 38 Ag Lab Ordsall
1866 Tithe Book. Occ Jane Brocklesby, owner S Duckle Esq
1871 Church Street. Schedule 73 on Census
Jane Brocklesby Head W 55 Housekeeper Laceby, Lincs
Joseph “ Son Un 30 Retired Farmer Killingholme, Lincs
Elizabeth “ Dau Un 24 Housekeeper Lea, L
1881 Census, Church St, Schedule 36 Carver not on 191 census
George Carver Head M 26 Drayman at Iron Works Thonock, L
Emma “ Wife “ 18 Wheatley, N
John W “ Son 1 mth Beckingham
1891 Census, Low St, Schedule 51. 4 rooms.
Henry Fielding Head M 29 Labourer in Shipyard Clarborough
CENSUS RETURN
1901 Schedule 57, Church Street
Walter Wright Head M 29 Lab in Shipyard Worker Lincoln
Sarah “ Wife M 31 Beckingham
Thella “ Dau 6 “
Ivy Dau 2 “
IMAGE 19-20 BECKINGHAM PARISH CHURCH ROLL OF HONOUR
From Dickinsons – Also missing presumed dead Frederick Richard Mathews, aged 30, 10.10.17. Son of Thompson and Elizabeth once of High Street, Beckingham.
IMAGE 19-21 Painting of Beckingham Church coppied from A Kettlewell’s painting by C M Price, 1881. (dev 18/06/1996, Neg 7)
IMAGE 19-22 Detail of painting of Beckingham Church showing what is thought to have been Barzillai Parkin’s cottage. (dev 18/06/1996, Neg 6)
IMAGE 19-23 Thatched cottage said to have been opposite the church. This information appears to be wrong. See the copies of a painting by M. E Price which show a pantiled cottage on this site where Mr Barzillai Parkin lived.
IMAGE 19-24 Pair of houses said to have been built by Mr Sidall of Westfields Farm, and lived in by the Walker family. This replaced the cottage of Mr Barzillai Parkin’s. (Dev August 1993, Neg No 12A)
IMAGE 19-25 The Old Vicarage, Church Street, Beckingham (Dev August 1993, Neg 10A)
IMAGE 19-26 Glebe Farm Barn backing on to Gill Lane. Demolished when the Rectory Gardens estate was built. (Copied Aug 1993 from a 1975 slide)
IMAGE 19-27 The Old Vicarage, Church Street, Beckingham, Notts. Circa 1970.
GLEBE FARM AND THE OLD VICARAGE
According to Geo Bee in his reminiscences this was once farmed by Mr Joseph Fotherby who lived in the old vicarage opposite the church. Mr Fotherby was described as a churchwarden and retired farmer in the early1890s.
In the 1950s it was farmed by Mr Jack Surfleet who had the buildings, but how much glebe land he had is not certain. There was a threshing barn backing onto Gill Lane and not far from the churchyard wall. The other buildings were not very extensive or substantial, but may have encompassed a crew-yard at one time.
Part of the area was taken over as a cemetery some time after 1900. The remainder became a building site after the death of Mr Surfleet probably around 1970 and is now known as Rectory Gardens despite there never having been rectors in the parish.
It is possible that the tenancy was taken over from Mr Fotherby by Mr Robert Surfleet. Both Robert and Jack Surfleet (father and son) lived and farmed at The Limes on High Street.
The old vicarage is said to have been divided into two dwellings by Harry Jervis for Joseph Watson. The western half has had several owners but the eastern half has been occupied during and since the war (1939-45) by the Wallhead family.
The 1885 map shows a pump on the west side of the buildings and a gin race on the west side of the barn.
Percy Proudley says the house was divided into two in Fotherby’s day, but I am doubtful about this. P.J.M. His family was large.
1736 the farmstead was 106a homestead of 2r 9p, letter m and a yard, no 127 of 1a 0r 30p, again with the letter m to denote the owner. A house is depicted in the N.E, corner of plot No 106 on the map.
1777 This is called Parsonage Hill, the two pieces being amalgamated under no 135, 1a 2r 35p belonging to the Prebend.
1779 It has been leased to Robert Cross.
Geo Bee says that Joseph Fotherby was Churchwarden for many years.
Did Joseph Robinson take over the Glebe Farm after Joseph Fotherby? No. The 1891 census puts him on Low Street but George Bee indicates that he was on Church Street, ie Rodney Farm.
CENSUS RETURNS
1831 Perhaps Chas. Cliff, Farmer
1841 Perhaps Chas. Cliff, 30, Farmer, Hannah, 30, Wife, Samuel, 8, son, William, 6, son, Jane Hackett, 15, F.A, Geo Hackett, 14, M.S.
Non-resident vicars 1775 to 1845.
(Chas Cliff Hannah Swallow m 17 May 1831)
1851 schedule 65
Probably Born at
Rev James Stovin Head Unm. 48 Vicar of B’ham Clayworth
Ann Dickinson Servant Widow 44 Housekeeper Elston, N
1861 Church Street, schedule 54
Joseph Fotherby Head Mar 33 Farmer of 61acres Normanton, N
Mary “ Wife “ 32 Farmer’s wife Harby, N
Mary P “ Dau Unm 13 Scholar Laneham
Joseph P “ Son 11 Farmer’s son “
Sarah H “ Dau 10 Scholar “
Jane A “ Dau 8 “ “
Christiana “ Dau 7 “ Beckingham
James W “ Son 5 “
George F “ Son 3 “ “
Annie M “ Dau 1 “
Ada L “ Dau 3 mths “
Sarah S BarthorpeSevt Unm21Domestic ServantClarborough
1871 Church Street, schedule 74 “
Joseph Fotherby Head Mar 43 Farmer of 70 acres Normanton
(employer employing 1 lab)
Mary “ Wife “ 42 Farmer’s wife Harby, N
Sarah H “ Dau Unm 20 Farmer’s daughter Laneham
Jane A “ Dau “ 18 “ “
Christiana “ Dau 17 “ Beckingham
George F “ Son 13 Scholar
Annie M “ Dau 11 “ “
Ada Louisa “ Dau 10 “ “
Fanny E “ Dau 8 “ “
Edwin “ Son 6 “ “
Sidney “ Son 4 “ “
Arthur “ Son 1 “
1881 Church Street Street, schedule 37
Joseph Fotherby Head Mar 53 Farmer of 72 acres Normanton
Mary “ Wife “ 52 Farmer’s wife Harby, N
Christiana “ Dau Unm 27 Beckingham
Ada L “ Dau “ 20 “
Fanny E “ Dau “ 18 “
Sidney “ Son 14 Scholar “
Arthur “ Son 11 “ “
1891 Church Street, schedule 53
Joseph Fotherby Head M 63 Farmer Normanton
Mary “ Wife “ 62 Farmer’s wife Harby, N
Joseph P “ Son S 41 Farmer’s son Laneham
Ada L “ Dau S 30 Farmer’s daughter Beckingham
Fanny E “ Dau S 28 “ “ Beckingham
Kate J Need(?) Servt S 18 General Servant Domestic W Stockwith
1901 Schedule 59. Church Street
Joseph Fotherby Head W 73 Farmer Employer Normanton
Arthur Emmingham Servant S 22 Carter on Farm Worker Fillingham
Jane E King Servant S 25 General Domestic Worker E Stockwith
IMAGE 19-28 1885 enlarged OS Map Glebe Farmstead, Beckingham, Notts.
IMAGE 19-29 Beckingham Church from the SW
IMAGE 19-30 1982 Beckingham Church
IMAGE 19-31 1900. Miss Tong at the Church Street gateway to Gill Lane, Beckingham, with the new bricks to be used for rebuilding the church wall in memory of Revd. Hooke. He died 1898.
IMAGE 19-32 1940 25 inch OS MAP 200% enlargement of section Glebe Farmstead.
BECKINGHAM PARISH CHURCH – ALL SAINTS
For details of the building see Church ringbinder and Mr Gerald Millard’s book.
1903: George Bee says that the church clock was installed through the instrumentality of Miss Julia Sarah Tong. The clock was designed by Lord Grunthorpe and made by Smith of Derby. George made the case and helped to fix the clock.
Mr Bee also mentions Beckingham Feast observed each Whit Monday. There was a demonstration by the local branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters which began with a service at the church with a sermon by the vicar, the Rev David Hooke, after which there was a colourful procession formed by the members wearing bright green sashes and carrying green staves about two yards long, headed by a detachment from Gainsborough Britannia Brass Band. The procession was usually marshalled by Henry Emmerson. After visiting the principal houses of the village they marched to Saundby and on return dinner was served in the church schoolroom. In the school yard a Gainsborough woman would set up a stall for the sale of sweets, nuts and ginger beer, and a man named Ingle ( ) brought a set of hand-operated roundabouts which he set up at the High Street end of Ravenscroft Lane. Sometimes sports were held in a field.
Mr Bee records that the church was restored in 1892, having a new roof and new seating replacing the old box pews. In the churchyard (adjoining the cemetery) stands the war memorial bearing the names of Beckingham men who fell in the 1914-18 war, namely Christopher Greensides, Harry Clark, Percy Balance, Harry Harrison, Sims Clarke, Fred Matthews and William Thompson. Mr Bee also mentions that he was a ringer at the church along with sexton and caretaker who one morning said “There’s a spurrin this morning”. This referred to the custom of ringing the bells after the morning service at which the bans of marriage were called for the first time. It was called “Putting in the Spurs” by some people he learned.
The south aisle room was re-clad in 1980. The lead was replaced with aluminium.
The bells were restored to working order in 1989.
(Pictures on slides) The church wall was repaired in 1995.
The Yorkshire paving slabs were stolen from the footpath across the churchyard c 1996.
March 1998 – more re-roofing in progress. This includes the nave and north aisle.
New lightning conductor on the tower.
27/05/1842 STAMFORD MERCURY p 2, col 4
GAINSBOROUGH – Amongst the numerous village feasts which occur annually in Whitsun week in Lincolnshire, there is perhaps no place where the true old English method of celebration is kept up with better spirit according to the olden times, than at the pleasant little village of Beckingham. On Sunday the holiday lovers from Gainsborough are the most numerous amongst the visitors to their country cousins who are treated with the primest portions of the “fatted calf”, the latter being a standing dish at the feast together with ham and roast beef, and all the etcetera of embellishments to a groaning board, with strong home brewed and pipes of the Virginian weed or blow ruin and a none harmer for the more refined or fastidious after dinner.
At Walkeringham, a rather long mile from the former place, a singular will exists made by a singular fellow in a singular mood, which bequeaths 20% a year as an endowment to a public day school but which awfully provides that no person who encourages or, in the least manner, partakes of a feast which used to be annually held there, shall receive any benefit from his bequest. Consequently the feasting ceased from that period and the feast day is obliterated from the memory of man. The legatee evidently must have been one of the psalm-singing puritans of that day. For so mortal was his hatred to the church and the parsons that by his desire he was interred in his own straw-yard. Probably the surpliced may think the most fitting place for the earthly tenement of such an uncongenial soul. Though the letter of the will is obeyed, the spirit of it is evaded, which ought to serve as a moral for the instruction of all religious fanatics who seek to coerce others into their own gloomy notions of attaining favour in the sight of their creator: the latter from repeated passages in holy writ, not appearing to have any such overstrained abhorrence of feasting, dancing and rejoicing as some of the rigidly righteous both of the past and present age affect to have. The only effect produced by the will is that instead of the inhabitants having a feast in their own village, they repair to those in the neighbourhood and, not being able to go to roost at bedtime when from home, a midnight revel is the consequence. A marked opposition to fanaticism is observed at Beckingham where Monday and Tuesday were spent in rural pastime and feasting; on Wednesday the Foresters celebrated their anniversary, and on Thursday the children and the teachers belonging to the Sunday schools held their annual tea meeting. A sermon was preached by the Rev Mr Oldfield to the Foresters on the occasion on Wednesday, the 18th inst., and the display of appropriate banners and the green scarfs worn by the members (who paraded from the Hare and Hounds to church, preceded by a brass band) had a most gratifying effect, heightened by the rich foliage of the beautiful scenery in that locality, and the neighbouring hills echoing back the loud swelling tones of trombone, trumpet and mellow drum. The scene was such as requires to be witnessed to be fully appreciated. The children, with their friends, on Thursday promenaded the village, making it echo with their tiny voices, and keeping time to the deeper tones of their teachers; and many an anxious parent in silent delight marked the progress made by their offspring during the twelve months from the last feast day.
Altogether these fetes are worthy of the best days of our ancestry, when the good old maxim was fully understood and admitted of. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. A union of kindred feeling was observed in the shake of the bony hand of the labourer by his wealthy master, who, though in possession of …………………etc
(Photcopy of original article is in the Bar Road file at Hare and Hounds)
FROM MRS ELSHAM’S SCRAPBOOK
IMAGE 19-33 Village News 1931
IMAGE 19-34 Night of 7th and 8th May 1941 – Bombing of Gringley and the death of German airman
IMAGE 19-35 ???
IMAGE 19-36 21/07/1962 Shipyard offered for sale by auction
IMAGE 19-37 1881 Beckingham Church from a painting
IMAGE 19-38 Beckingham Church about 100 years later.
IMAGE 19-39 Miss Tong on the left takes a photograph of Beckingham Church from across the Glebe Farm paddock, now the cemetery. The church clock had not then been installed in circa 1900.
IMAGE 19-40 Beckingham Church altar window (dev 20.994 Neg 0) unable to read
IMAGE 19-41 Beckingham Church unable to read
IMAGE 19-42 05/09/1994 Beckingham Church, face on plinth in south aisle
IMAGE 19-43 05/09/1994 Beckingham Church. Figure with crowned head in south aisle.
(Dev 20/09/94 Neg 8)
IMAGE 19-44 05/09/94 Beckingham Church. Doorway into tower. This screen was probably once the rood screen, and this doorway the central arch of that screen. (Dev 28/09/1994 Neg 7)
IMAGE 19-45 05/09/1994 Beckingham Church. Right hand arch of tower screen.
(Dev 10/09/1994 Neg 5)
IMAGE 19-46 Beckingham Church. Green man on left side doorway inside the porch.
IMAGE 19-47 1949. Beckingham WI
IMAGE 19-48 1949/1951 Beckingham Church Sunday School.
IMAGE 19-49 1949/1951 Beckingham Church Sunday School with some pupils named
01/02/1967 LISTED BUILDING DESCRIPTION
SK 79 SE Beckingham Church Street (south side)
Parish Church, C13, C14, C15; restored by Ewarn Christian 1892. West tower, nave, chancel, north aisle, and north aisle chapel, south aisle, south porch, north side chapel. Large and small ashlar, rendered; lead and slate roofs. West tower, 4 stages; plinth, 4 stringcourses, crenellated parapet, 8 crocketed pinnacles, has 2 diagonal buttresses, 4 setoffs plus plinth. West door has moulded pointed arched head with hoodmould, and close-boarded door. Above, C14 triple lancet with cusped heads and hoodmould. 4th stage has 4 double lancet bell openings with panel tracery, chamfered reveals, hoodmoulds and clock faces to South and East. Nave clerestory, C15, 3 bays. Has 3 square-headed double lancets with cusped heads and chamfered reveals, on each side. Stepped coped gable with cross. Chancel, 2 bays, has to east, plinth, strong course, a pair of corner buttresses, 2 setoffs plus plinth, coped gable with cross. East window, segmental headed quintuple lancet with cusped heads in a chamfered and rebated reveal. South side has a single central buttress, 2 setoffs; to west, a C15 tall triple lancet with cusped heads, in rebated and chamfered reveal. To east C14 priests door with chamfered surround, hoodmould and mask stops. To east again a single C15 triple lance with cusped heads. North aisle, 3 bays, has 3 buttresses, 2 setoffs plus plinth. Eaves with 4 grotesque gargoyles and 3 corbels; moulded coped gables with an earlier coping surviving to west. Single storey stack on north west corner. West window, C14 double lancet with decorated tracery and plain hoodmould. North side has to east 2 double lancets with ogee heads, in square headed chamfered reveals. To west, one C14 blocked doorway with ashlar quoins and hoodmould. North aisle chapel, 2 bay, has 3 plain buttresses, 2 setoffs plus plinth; moulded plinth and one C14 double lancet with ogee heads, in square headed chamfered opening. South aisle C15, 2 bays, has moulded plinth, moulded stringcourse. 4 gargoyles, moulded parapet. Single central buttress and a pair of corner buttresses at east and west corners, all with 2 setoffs plus plinth. East gable has a single C15 triple lancet with cusped heads, in chamfered and rebated reveal. South wall has, to east, 2 C15 triple lancets with cusped heads, in chamfered and rebated reveal, with cove-moulded mullions. West end has a similar window with chamfered mullions. South orch, C13 has moulded plinth and coped gable with cross. South doorway has double chamfered and rebated surround with half-octagon responds, and hoodmoulds with mask stops; above, quatrefoil opening in gable. East and west sides have a single lancet in chamfered reveal. Inside, south doorway has C15 moulded Tudor arched opening with carver spandrels, and paneled C19 door. Tower arch tall, double chamfered and rebated, with half octagon response with moulded caps and chamfered bases. 3 bays of elaborate C15 panel traceried screen re-set in archway. Nave north and south arcades, C13, 3 bays have octagon piers with moulded bases and octagon caps with nailhead, keeled responds at west end. Arched double chamfered and rebated, with chamfered boodmoulds. Clerestorey tie beams; low pitched roof with 4 curved brackets to kingposts. Has 4 stone corbels each side, carrying curved brackets to kingposts. Chancel arch, C13, plain double chamfered and rebated. North arcade, C13, 2 bays, had octagon piers and responds with moulded caps, small bases and chamfered and rebated arches. North wall has rectangular aumbry in rebated surround. East window has stained glass, c1900. South wall has to east small moulded C13 piscina and C13 triple detached-shaft sedillia with roll-moulded arches, leaf capitals, and leaf stops to hoodmould. Window to west has stained glass 1871. Close boarded C19 kingpost roof with pierced decoration in spandrels. North aisle has close-boarded C19 roof, and to east, half-arch, C13 giving access to north aisle chapel. North aisle chapel partitioned with C19 panelling to form organ chamber and vestry; close boarded C19 roof. South aisle has 2 reset corbels in east and in south wall, a piscinia in a square chamfered reveal. Close-boarded C19 roof. Fittings include C19 font with octagonal bowl in 5 polished marble shafts with foliate bases and caps; remains of C13 tun font in north west corner of nave. Panelled carved wooden pulpit, C19, carved oak eagle lectern, early C20. Plain C19 pews throughout. Chancel has 5 classical memorial tablets, C18 and C19; south aisle has 4 C19 memorial tablets; tower arch has memorial brass, 1904. Outside, boundary wall, 1906, brick with stone coping. Pair of wrought iron gates with iron overthrow and lamp bracket.
IMAGE 19-50 08/1900. Dev April 1995. Neg 19A. Church wall repaired 1995. Plaque reads “This wall was rebuilt by friends and parishioners in loving memory of the late Revd. David Hooke, vicar of this parish for 25 years, and his wife Henrietta.”
IMAGE 19-51 Stamford Mercury 10/04/1735, p3, col 3. “To be Lett”, the Rectory Impropriate of Beckingham.
Was this bought by Mr Dealtry? See notice of bankruptcy of Mr Wm Deattry senr in Stamford Mercury 22.4.1742 p4, col 3.
IMAGE 19-52 4/3/83 Gainsborough News. 25 years ago – Beckingham Church Tower.
LOCAL HISTORY: Copy of a letter from John Francis of Beckingham to the church at Southwell in 1613 – a transcript of part of a document held at the Nottinghamshire Archives Office.
Sir, I am letten understands that I was presented at the last visitation because my wife was with child before we were married; indeed it was my fault; for we being betrothed, kept the same secret, and deffered our marriage at least a year and an half after, only for displeasing my kinfolks, who when they knew, seemed to be grieved, because I had matched myself (as they thought) but meanly and under my degree; notwithstanding I know the laws must be in some measure satisfied and I am willing so to doe, and therefore I submit my self to your worships censures humbly desireinge your favours therein, trusting that the extremetie of the laws maye be mitigated, and not urged against me in this matter. I know you are not ignorant; in multis offendmus oes; et sinnu ans est suma injuria. I will saye no more therefore of this matter, but will leave it to your worships grave and wise considerations. William Slater my neighbour is hardly dealt with at all because he is presented for a common drunkarde, with which offence I have not knowne him worthy to be saved. Therefore I think our churchwardens Have strayned their oaths and consciences in his matter; and so much the rather for that there was some unkindness betwixt William Hales our late churchwarden and the said Slater, and likewise having been two years churchwarden together hath performed his office very badely, and hath passed bye many more open and knowne offences and hath left these unpresented, I know it is an article wither we have fayre and efficient register booke; which I have sent to your worships to be vewed, for of my credit we have no other but it.
We have a lane that is a common footewaye to church for most parts of our towne since he hath been churchwarden it hath Iyen open for beasts and swine to pass that ways, so that in winter a man cannot well get to the church without boots. John Hall late deceased bequeathed 6s 8p for the repayring of that lane, and he said Wm. Hales hath either been negligent in demanding that legacye or else he keepeth it to his owne use, without bestowing it accordinge to the testator his will. One Robte Brodforth being a kinsman of the said Wm. Hales is a scandal to marry in our parish, because he begot a bastard in our town of the sister of the said Wm. Hales and neither he nor she received any manner of punishment for the same. These things I thought good to acquaint you with that you may judge to what due regards our churchwardens have had of their oaths. If it please you : you may cause them to be called to a reckoninge for the same. And thus being imboldened with your worships kindness and curesies heretofore showed unto me; I have presumed thus far to trouble you. Desiring you to signify unto me by this bearer wither my appearance at Southwell for myne owne cause may be spared; what fees are due for me to paye at your court I pray you likewise certefye me; and this bearer shall either satisfye the same or else I will sent them by the first that cometh to Southwell; I have not been yet summoned to appear neither shall it need for upon notice given unto me by you, will proceed to do. All that you shall think meet. I hartiely pray your happy and prosperous life may long endure.
Beckingham this 13th day of May 1613. Your worships ever to be commended. Jn. Franncyss Rob, Wildbore in. per Georg Lane advem.
IMAGE 19-53 24/09/90 Retford Times. SERVICE THANKS FOR ROOF WORK
Photograph of (left to right) churchwarden Don Hunt, Linda Stead, Rev. Derek Hollis, Lynn Lamb and chuchwarden Tony Thomas.
01/1999 PARISH NEWSLETTER.
1) EXTRACTS FROM BECKINGHAM PARISH MAGAZINE FOR JUNE/JULY 1920.
The handsome memorial cross of Portland stone, which was erected in the Church yard a few weeks ago, was unveiled and dedicated in the midst of a heavy storm on Saturday, May 29th. The whole of the service was arranged to be held in the open air, but the sudden downpour of rain altered all our plans and the large congregation assembled in church. A large number of ex-service men were present and occupied the front seats. The Vicar conducted the service and read the prayers and a suitable and earnest address was given by the Rev. F. F. Priestley the Wesleyan Minister. The Primitive Methodist Minister was invited but was unable to be present. Several well known hymns were sung and Mr Priestley read the passage from Ecclesiasticus X/Iv beginning ‘Let us now praise famous men’ and including the text on the monument “Their name liveth for evermore”. When the procession of officials and ex-servicemen went to unveil and dedicate the cross the rain was extremely heavy. Major Bell performed the unveiling ceremony, the vicar read the dedicatory prayers and the ‘Last Post’ was sounded. Then the whole congregation re-assembled in Church for the concluding part of the service and an address by Major Bell. Several wreaths were placed at the foot of the memorial, including a very handsome one brought by the comrades of the fallen soldiers. The collection made at the service in aid of the Memorial Fund amounted to £4 18s 2d. We heartily thank everyone who helped on this memorable occasion. All worked most cordially together, considering it a privilege to contribute to any degree in the success of the undertaking.
2) PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL A meeting was held on Thursday June 17th when the vicar presided and others present were the Churchwardens, Mrs Sidwell, Mrs Arthur, Mrs Beaumont, Miss Dickinson, Miss Brownlow and Miss Howden. Several matters were discussed. It was decided that the Church War Memorial should take the form of a new Litany Desk with an inscription somewhat as follpws: “In thankful remembrance of the courage and self-sacrifice of the Loyal sons of this parish who took part in the Great War 1914-18, and of the many prayers and thanksgivings offered here in those anxious days. Hitherto has the Lord helped us.” It was also agreed that the Roll of Honour already in the Church should be framed and remain in the present position.
BECKINGHAM CHURCH ADDENDA
March, April, May 1998. The nave and north aisle have been re-roofed with lead. The north aisle was slated. The tower has a new lightening conductor. The cost has been helped by a grant from English Heritage.
5/12/1998 Vandals turned back the hands of the church clock and also wrecked the Christmas tree and lights on the village green.
George Bee in his memoirs says that the church was restored in 1882 having a new roof and new seating replacing the old box pews.
PAIR OF COTTAGES ON THE EAST SIDE OF STATION ROAD, NOW LOW STREET
Census Returns for Southern cottage of the pair.
1831 Census
Perhaps William Keightley, 2 male, 2 female
1841 Census Low Street
Perhaps
John Keightley 60 Agricultural Labourer
Sarah Keightley 20
Susannah Horsley 14
Anthony Horsley 10
George ? 8
1851 Census Beckingham Schedule 97
Perhaps
William Keightley Head Widow 71 Agricultural Labourer Beckingham
William Pygott Son-in-law M 36 Agricultural Labourer Beckingham
Sarah Pygott Son’s wife M 31 Beckingham
1861 Census Low Street Schedule 17
William Pigot Head 46 Agricultural Labourer Rampton
Sarah Pigot Wife 40 Beckingham
William Keightley Father-in-law 86 Agricultural Labourer Gringley on the Hill
1871 Census Station Road Schedule 108
William Newbold Head M 29 Agricultural Labourer Beckingham
Elizabeth Newbold Wife M 31 Epworth
Frederick W Newbold Son 7 Scholar Beckingham
Georgiana Newbold Dau 9 Beckingham
Eliza J Newbold Dau 3 months Beckingham
1881 Census Station Road Schedule 3
Eliza Cassan Wife M 36 Wife of Agricultural Labourer Morton, Lincolnshire
Sarah J Cassan Dau 13 Scholar Gringley
John Cassan Son 11 Scholar Gringley
Annie Cassan Dau 5 Scholar Beckingham
1891 Census Station Road Schedule 14, 4 rooms
George Wood Head Widow 56 Carter Grewelthorpe, Yorkshire
1901 Census Schedule 21 Station Road, 4 rooms
William Parkin Head M 81 Labourer RDC Worker Beckingham
Harriet Parkin Wife M 81 Egmanton
William H Northedge Gson S 15 Labourer Coal Yard Beckingham
IMAGE16A/08 Retford and North Nottinghamshire Guardian 27/04/1988
IMAGE16A/09 Copied 09/1993 Neg 13A. Pair of cottages Station Road, Beckingham, in 1984 before being altered into a single dwelling.
IMAGE16A/10 Developed 08/1993 Neg 9A. Royston Cottage, Station Road, Beckingham, in August 1993 after alterations. Named after an 18th century owner.
IMAGE16A/11 Map of Beckingham
IMAGE16A/12 Map of Beckingham
ROYSTON COTTAGE, STATION ROAD, NOW LOW STREET
1710 This was Mr Royston’s property, see marriage settlement of J Bromhead, Thistle Farm. In 1736 this site totalled 4a, 3r, 37p with close no 79 called Upper Furlong of 3a, 1r, 07p.
In 1777 this same site was estimated at 4a, 0r, 39p with close 54 called now South Field Close of 3a, 2r, 18p. Owner Mary Royston. Received at the enclosure allotment was 3a, 0r, 27p. on Saundby Road and 7a, 1r, 08p and 2a, 0r, 11p in the Marshes. See next page.
Beckingham Marriage Register.
Mr Thomas Royston and Mris Ann Hogard “was married at Retford” 21/05/1683.
The above groom was obviously a man of some importance to be called Mr and to marry at Retford. His bride was given the title of Mris. Which probably indicated rank rather than marital status, ie she was most likely a spinster, not a widow.
Rector’s Book of Clayworth Page 82
The rector recorded in 1688 “that at May day Mr Thomas Royston came from Beckingham with his family to settle at his house here; and on ye 1st of November following, in a difference upon some words, he brake his gun barrel over ye head of Thomas Hellyfield; but after an arrest, and ye beginning of a suit, things were compounded and quieted.”
It seems likely that there is some connection between this property and Royston Manor, but what it can be is not immediately obvious. The Otter family were in Clayworth in 1715 when Roger Otter, Rob Fretwell not George Ryd compiled the inventory of the goods of Thomas Royston. The Otters lived at Royston Manor until c1939. There does not seem to have been sufficient land attached to make a farm or estate of the land at Beckingham. Was Mary Royston of Beckingham at the Enclosures of 1777 the daughter of Thomas Royston of Clayworth who died 1715?
George Bee said the occupiers circa 1895 were:-
Road side cottage Mr S Wharton, joiner at Marshalls Works.
Eastern end Cottage Mr W B Halle.
Percy Proudley:- Wright had far end and Spratt near the road.
It has been difficult to allocate tenants to cottages from the census returns as there is no means of knowing which was listed first.
Mr and Mrs A C Jordan had the building modernised c1980 and made into one house. The brickwork was rendered and the roof altered on the north side. It was probably they who called it Royston Cottage, after Mary Royston who owned the property, which included the other pair of cottages, in 1777.
It is said that this was known as Blue Gates before being called Royston Cottage.
Alwin Ingall says Joe Wright lived here.
SOUTHERN PAIR OF COTTAGES ON STATION ROAD, NOW LOW STREET . NOW ROYSTON COTTAGE A single dwelling since c1980.
LARGER COTTAGE, END TO THE ROAD
1831 Census
Robert Cottam, 3 male, 3 female. Described as yeoman farmer in Whites 1832. He had Freehold Land at Crabtree Close, see 1833/1834 Electoral Roll.
1841 Census Low Street
Robert Cottam 40 Agricultural Labourer
Mary Cottam 35
Robert Cottam 13
Sarah Cottam 12
George Cottam 10
Richard Cottam 7
Mary Cottam 5
Jane Cottam 3
William Cottam 4 months
Sarah Brumhead 55 Inmate (Mother of Mary Cottam. See Brumhead deeds).
1851 Census Beckingham Schedule no 99
Jonathon Crowder Head M 54 Agricultural Labourer Clayworth
Elizabeth Crowder Wife M 49 Dunham
Hannah Crowder Dau 12 Beckingham
1861 Census Low Street Schedule 16
Jonathon Crowder Head M 64 Agricultural Labourer Clayworth
Elizabeth Crowder Wife M 59 Dunham
1871 Census Station Road Schedule 110
Jonathon Crowder Head M 74 Agricultural Labourer Clayworth
Elizabeth Crowder Wife M 69 Dunham
1881 Census Station Road Schedule 2
John Gurnhill Head M 54 Agricultural Labourer Beckingham
Eleanor Gurnhill Wife M 49 Boston Fen
Thomas G Gurnhill Gson 4 Beckingham
1891 Census Station Road Schedule 12
Samuel Wharton Head M 40 Joiner Thorparch Yorkshire
Sarah Ann Wharton Wife M 39 Misterton
Thomas Wharton Son S 18 Labourer in Shipyard Lincoln
Arthur Wharton Son 15 Labourer in Coachyard Beckingham
Frederick W Wharton Son 13 Scholar Beckingham
Ernest Wharton Son 8 Scholar Beckingham
1901 Schedule 19 Station Road, 4 rooms
Henry Waterfield Head M 43 Joiner Worker Sheffield
Sarah J Waterfield Wife M 44 Edingley
Mary Waterfield Mother Widow 79 Holme
Walter Baguley Nephew S 20 Ship Plate Rivetter Worker Mansfield
SOUTHERN PAIR OF COTTAGES ON STATION ROAD, NOW LOW STREET. NOW ROYSTON COTTAGE A Single dwelling since C1980.
SMALLER COTTAGE AT EAST END
1831 Census
George Hall, 3 male, 3 female
1841 Census Low Street
Chas Johnson 35 Agricultural Labourer
Charlotte Johnson 30
Susannah Johnson 15
Rebecca Johnson 10
William Johnson 6
Elizabeth Johnson 3
Ann Johnson 3
Rob Watkinson 50 Agricultural Labourer
1851 Census Beckingham Schedule no 98
Charles Johnson Head M 47 Agricultural Labourer Beckingham
Charlotte Johnson Wife M 43 Retford
Elizabeth Johnson Dau 15 Beckingham
Ann Johnson Dau 13 Beckingham
Enoch Johnson Son 7 Scholar Beckingham
George Johnson Son 4 Beckingham
1861 Census Low Street Schedule 15
Charles Johnson Head M 57 Agricultural Labourer Beckingham
Charlotte Johnson Wife M 53 Retford
Elizabeth Johnson Dau Unm 23 Lately a house servant now out of place. Beckingham
Tomlinson Ranshaw Servant Unm 21 Farm Servant Carter Walkeringham
Enoch Johnson Son Unm 18 Farm Servant Carter Beckingham
William Johnson Gson 9 months Beckingham
1871 Census Station Road Schedule 109 (Probably at Rose Cottage, Low Street in 1861).
William Jaques Head M 62 Agricultural Labourer Not Known
Elizabeth Jaques Wife M 64 Long Collingham
George Jaques Gson 9 Scholar Beckingham
Arthur Jaques Gson 6 Scholar Beckingham
Emily Jacques Gdau 11 Scholar Beckingham
1881 Census Station Road Schedule 1
Elizabeth Jaques Head Widow 75 Collingham
George Jaques Gson 19 Iron Moulder (Apprentice) Beckingham
(Monumental Inscription William Jaques died 08/03/1877 aged 70. Elizabeth his wife died 21/04/1883 aged 78).
1891 Census Station Road Schedule 13, 4 rooms
William P B Halle Head M 51 Accountant Clerk Paris (British Subject)
Amelia P B Halle Wife M 50 London, Middlesex
Percy PB Halle Son 12 Scholar Wimbledon, Surrey
1901 Schedule 20 Station Road, 3 rooms
Alexander Noall Head M 76 Retired Shipwright Sunderland, Durham
Elizabeth Noall Wife M 70 Sunderland, Durham
IMAGE16A/13 Rector’s Book
IMAGE16A/14 Map of Beckingham Station Road
IMAGE16A/15 Mr Timson Pickering Extract from an article about Beckingham in the Doncaster Chronicle of 21/06/1956.
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IMAGE16A/22 Part of Deeds of Mr Timson Pickerings Diary Farm, Beckingham
IMAGE16A/23 Developed 08/1994 Neg 24. Mr H T Pickering’s Dairy farm House, Station Street, Beckingham. 18/08/1994. Mr Pickering now lets this house and lives in the new Round Bungalow across the road having moved from the other bungalow.
IMAGE16A/24 A08/1993 Neg 8A. Mr Tim Pickering’s Diary Farm House Station Road Corner, Beckingham 08/1993. This is now let and he lives in bungalow seen on right of picture.
ROTHERLEIGH DAIRY FARM, STATION ROAD CORNER
1736 This property is shown on the map of that date as a Homestead no 74 of 1 acre 1 rood and no 73 a Home Close of 3 acres 1 rood 8 perches, being part of the estate of Thomas Hall.
1777. The enclosure Map shows it as no 58 of 4 acres 1 rood 31 perches, owned by Thomas Waterhouse, being part of the property he inherited from his brother in law, Thomas Hall.
1795. Thomas Waterhouse died and the estate of around 500 acres plus property in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and shares in Gainsborough Bridge was left in trust to his wife Anne, then on her death to their younger daughter, Elizabeth Hawksmore, then to her children.
1840. Elizabeth Hawksmore Massingberd died and the inheritance passed to her children Hompesch, Christiana Louisa, Ellen and Mary Jane, with the exception of the elder son, Thomas who was excluded by his grandfather’s will from benefiting. This rather odd exclusion was made before his elder son was born. Mrs Mary Teale inherited this Homestead as part of her quarter share. Ann Cliff was the then tenant. On the death of Mrs Teale the ownership passed to her daughter Mrs Meggitt. Included in the Reverend Hompesch Massingberd’s quarter share was South Field Close no 55 on the Enclosure Map and of 2 acres 3 roods 13 perches. More details of this close no 55 and close no 54 which became attached to this holding are given on a later page.
1866. The Tithe Book gives the owner of the homestead as being Mr Rogers and the tenant was George Wells who at some later date must have bought the cottage George Wells also rented the Moor Closes form Miss Rudsdell, who probably acquired them from Mrs Teale.
12/10/1910. George Wells died leaving his property, consisting of this Corner House and Close of 4 acres 1 rood 31 perches no 58 also South Field Close no 54 of 3 acres 2 roods 18 perches and another South Field Close no 55 of 3 acres, in trust for his wife to benefit from the profits thereof. The trustee was George William Thom.
20/10/1913. Mrs Wells died and the three properties were sold on 01/12/1913 to Henry Rose Esquire for £1,365. The two South Field Closes were then in the occupation of John Atkinson Anyan of Croft House.
14/04/1920. Henry Rose died and ownership was transferred to William Henry Rose at which time the tenant was Mrs Rogers.
24/09/1946. William Henry Rose sold the property to Mr Hubert Timson Pickering.
Mr Pickering told me that his business originated in the 1930’s when he collected neighbours milk and delivered it to the diary along with that from their own farm. The family farmed originally at Ernam near Corby Glen before moving to Kneesal. He was born at Osgodby near Market Rasen in 1911.
Later he ran the business from Cottam, but in 1946 he had the opportunity to buy the small holding at Beckingham. This chance came about because Mr Oswald Harrison’s daughter was ill and in Sheffield hospital, and Mrs Harrison was able to get a lift to see her on Mr Pickering’s milk lorry. Mr Harrison heard about the property being likely to come onto the market and told Mr Pickering, who was able to buy it, forestalling Mr Arthur Smithson and Mr Frank Selby, who would have been interested.
Mr Pickering modernised the house and erected buildings nearby for his milk lorries. He later moved from the house into a bungalow he built next door. He bought several nearby closes and when Richard Selby sold his land he bought a cottage on Bar Road North and part of one of the Croft House paddocks and most of the Croft House Farm buildings. The cottage was once a “Dames School” and was bought, with vacant possession, for £5,000. The buildings made £10,000.
Another of Mr Pickering’s purchases was Hall Close, no 31 on the Enclosure Map, the acreage being12.449. This, for many years, from the second half of the nineteenth century, had been part of the Meynell Estate, the mansion house being Croft House, then called The Hall. The estate was sold in 1779 to Messrs Flint and Cross, although the Church “Rental Records” give it as belonging to James Gamson with Flint shown in brackets. Hall Close was offered for sale by auction in 1828 along with other land by Mr Gervase Gamson, the owner occupier at that date. Hall Close was later in the possession of Mr Jack Surfleet whose executors sold it on 28/03/1972 at auction. It was then Ordnance Survey pt 254 of 12.449 acres. It was bought by Hayes Son and Richmond on behalf of Mr H T Pickering for £5,999.
At one time Mr Pickering kept the Rotherleigh Herd of pedigree Jersey cows and retailed milk. This was discontinued and in later years he had a commercial herd of deer. The milk collection and delivery business ceased when the Milk Marketing Board finished and the new Milk Marque did not renew his contract.
Mr Pickering tells the story of a Beckingham farmer, Richard Selby, who in winter kept his binder canvases in the house attic to keep them safe from damp and vermin. This farmer was also in the habit of rolling up banknotes in the canvases as he thought no thief would think of looking there. Mr Pickering intended to buy the binder canvases at the farm sale, but arrived too late so he never knew if there was a hoard of notes secreted therein.
Mr and Mrs Pickering moved to the Rotunda in 1995. Mr Pickering died on 12/08/1997. His herd of deer was also sold, also the depot buildings. Later the Farm House and Depot site were put up for auction and sold by Drewery and Wheeldon on 11/03/1998. The depot site had planning permission for five houses and this are together with the farmhouse was bought by Mr R Heaton, who has since between 1998 and 2001, built five houses.
SOUTH FIELD CLOSE, Enclosure no 54 in 1777
1736 This appears to have belonged to Roystons. It was no 79 and 3a 1r 07p.
1777It belonged to Mary Royston, no 54, 3a 2r 18p. (She also owned the Homestead and Close numbers 59 and 60 which adjoined the above mentioned homestead.
C1779 Thomas Waterhouse had become the owner. The property descended through the family to his granddaughter Mrs Meggitt. Ann Cliff was the tenant.
George Wells probably became tenant, after Ann Cliff, of both properties.
These two properties must at some time have been bought by George Wells. On the death of his widow his trustee Mr Thom sold them, along with another close, to Henry Rose Esquire. See the deeds of these properties.
SOUTH FIELD CLOSE, Enclosure No 55, in 1777
1736 This was no 78 on the map and of 2a 3r 00p. Ownership not given.
1777 Thomas Waterhouse owned it, no 55 2a 3r 13p.
1779 as above.
This close appears to have been part of Rev Hompesch Massingberds share of the Waterhouse estate.
1853 he sold it to Richard Hodgson.
1857 Richard Hodgson of Sheffield sold it to Charles Cliffe of Gamston for £290.0.0. Acreage 2a 3r 25p. This seems expensive.
This close also seems to have been bought by George Wells and on the death of his widow was sold to Henry Rose, along with the Homestead no 58, and another South Field Close no 54. £1,365 was paid for the three properties, 01/12/1913.
There is no known connection between the above mentioned Charles Cliffe of Gamston and Ann Cliffe of Beckingham. The Mr Rogers who according to the 1866 Tithe Records, owned land let to George Wells, was not necessarily connected with the Rogers who were tenants of Mr Rose.
ROTHERLEIGH, STATION ROAD CORNER.
MR H T PICKERING’S DAIRY FARM
1831 Census
Ann Cliff, 3 females
1841 Census
Anne Cliffe 60 Farmer
Joseph Cliffe 30
George Curtis 2
Charlotte Cooper 15 Farm Servant
1851 Census Beckingham Schedule 100
Elizabeth Newbold Head Widow 43 Widow of Agricultural Labourer Beckingham
Eliza Newbold Dau 11 Scholar Beckingham
Francis Newbold Son 7 Scholar Beckingham
Elizabeth Newbold Dau 10 Scholar Morton Carr, Lincolnshire
Mary Newbold Niece M 26 Baker’s Wife Nottingham
M Newbold Nephew 5 Baker’s Son Gainsborough
1861 Census Low Street 1 uninhabited between schedules 14 and 15
(George Wells the next occupier was at this time a Cordwainer and Local Methodist Preacher living with his parents Thomas and Amelia on Bar Road).
1871 Census Station Road Schedule 111
George Wells Head M 35 Coal and Lime Merchant Beckingham
Mary Jane Wells Wife M 34 Grasby, Lincolnshire
Julia Sarah Wells Dau 7 Scholar Beckingham
Annie Maud Dau 4 Beckingham
Bertha Wells Dau 2 Beckingham
Eliza Ann Wells Dau 5 months Beckingham
1881 Census Station Road Schedule 96 Farming 13 acres of land
George Wells Head M 45 Coal and Cake Merchant Beckingham
Mary J Wells Wife M 44 Grasby, Lincolnshire
Julia S Wells Dau Unm 17 Beckingham
Annie M Wells Dau 14 Assistant to Teacher Beckingham
Bertha Wells Dau 12 Scholar Beckingham
Eliza A Wells Dau 10 Scholar Beckingham
Mary E Wells Dau 5 Scholar Beckingham
Emily J Wells Dau 4 Scholar Beckingham
1891 Census Beckingham Schedule 11
George Wells Head M 55 Coal and Cake Merchant Beckingham
Bertha Wells Dau S 22 Dressmaker Beckingham
Eliza A Wells Dau S 20 School Teacher Beckingham
Mary E Wells Dau 15 Beckingham
Emily J Wells Dau 14 Scholar Beckingham
Alice B Hopkins Visitor Widow 71 Living on her own means Gainsborough
(In 1871 Alice Hopkin was Housekeeper, Widow 51 at Beckingham Hall, now called Croft House).
Census Returns Continued
1901 Schedule 18 Station Road
George Wells Head M 65 Cole, Cake and Tillage Own account Beckingham
Mary J Wells Wife M 64 Grasby
Mary E Wells Dau S 25 Beckingham
Emily J Wells Dau S 24 Beckingham
THE ROTUNDA AND CROFT HOUSE FARM BUILDINGS
In 1944 Mr Pickering began altering these farm buildings, purchased in 1973, to make them suitable for housing his collection of horse-drawn vehicles, farm machinery etc. The wooden Dutch barn near the road was demolished to make way for the proposed circular bungalow. The open fronted cartshed in the South East corner of the site fell down in late 1994. The old buildings had been roofed in French and Belgian slates. The date when they were erected is not known, but they were probably built in the second half of the nineteenth century when Croft House was owned by the Duckle family.
In 1995 the new bungalow called The Rotunda was complete and Mr and Mrs Pickering moved there from their other bungalow. Two roadside building plots were sold and houses built thereon which fill the gap between The Rotunda and the existing bungalows on this part of Station Road now renamed as part of Low Street.
Mr Pickering died on 12/08/1997.
The herd of deer were sold, and also the depot buildings. In March 1998 Drewery and Wheeldon auctioned the farmhouse and five building plots. The plots were on the cleared site of the depot and they, together with the house, were bought by Mr R Heaton, who has between then and 2001, built houses on the five plots.
INDENTURE MADE 01/12/1913
Conveyance of a Dwelling House and Three Closes of Land
Will 26 November 1907
William Thom of Normanby by Spital, grocer, executor of will of George Wells who died 12/10/1912. Income to widow of George Wells who died 20/10/1913.
Enclosure no 58 1
Property sold by the trust to Henry Rose for £1,365 4a 1r 31p West and South by Station Road, North and East not stated. Together with house and buildings on South West corner of above land late in occupation of George Wells.
No 54 2
Also South Field Close 3a 2r 18p on north by hereditaments to on west by Gainsborough Road on South by Mrs Bingleys property East by South Field Lane now in occupation of John Atkinson Anyan.
No 55 3
Thirdly pasture land of 3 acres east by South Field Lane west by Gainsborough Road, north by property of Mr Watson south by Mr Anyan, and in occupation of Mr Anyan.
Mr George Wm Thom to Henry Rose Esquire.
Indenture Made 04/06/1857
Between Richard Hodgson of Sheffield
Charles Cliffe of Gamston, farmer
Thomas Hugh Oldham of Gainsborough
Refers to an earlier agreement of 12/11/1853
Between Rev Hompesch Massingberd
Richard Hodgson
John Cairns
Also mentioned is an agreement
Between Ann Stephenson
Joseph Stephenson
William Barnard
Rev H Massingberd
John Cairns
(Land no 55 on Enclosure Map 2a 3r 13p)
All that Close of Meadow or Pasture, South Field Close, 2a 3r 25p.
South Field Lane to east, Turnpike Road to Gainsborough west, Mr Watson to the north, land of Eadales Trustees, south.
Signed by Cliffe and Hodgson.
IMAGE16A/25 Deeds of Land at Beckingham, South Field Close Enclosure No 55
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Deeds of Homestead and two closes at Beckingham
Mr T Pickering’s Land in 1994
Enclosure numbers 58 Homestead 4a 1r 31p
54 South Field Close 3a 2r 18p
55 South Field Close 3 acres or thereabouts
IMAGE16A/28 Indenture
IMAGE16A/29 Indenture
IMAGE16A/30 Indenture
IMAGE16A/31 Indenture
Deeds of 1 Homestead, 2 A South Field Close, 3 A South Field Close at Beckingham
Enclosure numbers 58, 54 and 55 respectively.
IMAGE16A/32 Abstract of the Title Mr William Henry Rose
IMAGE16A/33 Abstract of the Title Mr William Henry Rose
IMAGE16A/34 Deeds of South Field Close, Beckingham Enclosure No 55
IMAGE16A/35 Deeds of South Field Close, Beckingham Enclosure No 55
IMAGE16A/36 Deeds of South Field Close, Beckingham Enclosure No 55
IMAGE16A/37 Deeds of South Field Close, Beckingham Enclosure No 55
IMAGE16A/38 Deeds of South Field Close, Beckingham Enclosure NO 55
IMAGE16A/39 Deeds of South Field Close, Beckingham Enclosure No 55
IMAGE16A/40 Deeds of South Field Close, Beckingham Enclosure No 55
IMAGE16A/41 Deeds of South Field Close, Beckingham Enclosure No 55
IMAGE16A/42 All Saints Parish Church, Beckingham 20/08/1997
IMAGE16A/43 All Saints Parish Church, Beckingham 20/08/1997
IMAGE16A/44 Drewery and Wheeldon Station Road, Beckingham
IMAGE16A/45 Developed 03/1993 Neg 7. Mr T Pickering’s Croft House Farm buildings. North East corner of crewyard showing cattle sheds with granary over and barn. This part of the yard was once covered. The barn was probably not built for threshing.
IMAGE16A/46 Developed 03/1993 Neg 9 Mr T Pickering’s farm buildings that once belonged to Croft House Farm. Croft House, seen in the background, is not now a farmhouse. Some of the buildings on the south side.
IMAGE16A/47 Planning Applications 25/02/1994
IMAGE16A/48 Developed 03/1993 Neg 4. Mr Tim Pickering’s Croft House farm buildings off Low Street, Beckingham. Barn and granary viewed from north east. The barn does not have the usual ventilator holes.
IMAGE16A/49 Developed 02/1994 Neg 23. Mr T Pickering’s Croft House farm buildings off Low Street, Beckingham. Interior of the barn viewed form east doorway when partially demolished.
IMAGE16A/50 Developed 09/1996 Neg 18A. North wing of Croft House farm buildings adapted for museum by Mr T Pickering. 18/09/1996
IMAGE16A/51 Developed 09/1996 Neg 19A. Massey Harris binder to Mr T Pickering’s Museum in adapted Croft House farm buildings. 18/09/1996
IMAGE16A/52 Neg 20 South wing of converted farm buildings off Station Road. Formerly belonging to Croft House Farm, now Mr Pickering’s 06/1994.
IMAGE16A/53 Neg 18 Foundations of Mr Pickering’s Bungalow, Low Street, Beckingham 06/1994.
IMAGE16A/54 Neg 3 Mr Pickering’s Bungalow 07/1994.
IMAGE16A/55 Start of construction of walls.
IMAGE16A/56 Neg 23 Mr Pickering’s bungalow 18/08/1994. Croft House in the background.
IMAGE16A/57 Neg 2A Bungalow nearly completed 12/1994.
IMAGE16A/58 Developed 09/1996 Neg 10A Mr and Mrs Pickering’s Round House, Low Street, formerly Station Road, Beckingham 18/09/1996.
IMAGE16A/59 Developed 09/1996 Neg 21A Round House viewed from West 18/09/1996.
CROFT HOUSE FARMSTEAD
When owned by the Meynell family this was the mansion house of Beckingham Estate, but in c1822 it had been purchased by Mrs Wailey along with 5 acres of land in which it stood, and South Field Close of 5a 0r 29p. The house was probably then known as The Hall. The 1777 map shows some buildings but these were probably stables and coach house. Sold to Robert Duckle Esquire in 1836.
Some time later owner must have purchased farm land and built the extensive range of farm buildings. These buildings from a rectangle around a yard with access from the south east corner which is rather strange as the land associated with the farmstead was on the west side beyond the house. The buildings appear in the main to be one storey animal sheds. They are of brick with French and Belgian slate roofs with blue brick ridge tiles. The barn is of similar construction but is now partly roofed with asbestos. It was probably constructed when threshing barns were becoming obsolete. There are no ventilator holes in the walls, but the doors have originally been of the traditional type on the east side. There is an opposing door on the west side but this is a single door probably meant as access to the yard when feeding animals. Both ends of the barn have wooden lofts and the barn forms an L shaped building with another part of similar size on the north side of the yard which has a granary over open fronted sheds facing into the yard. The floor of the barn appears to have been raised so the original type of flooring used is not known. The stone blocks on which the big doors pivoted are partly buried and it is not possible to tell if there were slots for a threshold board. It was probably built as a feed barn, but kept the traditional threshing barn style.
IMAGE16A/60 Threshing Barn diagram
The bricks are 3″ thick. 10 courses of brickwork is 2′ 9 1/4″
The barn is 60 courses high. The height to the eaves is approximately 16 1/2 feet. English garden bond. The buildings now belong to Mr H T Pickering’s Dairy Farm. PJM 15/03/1993
The buildings were photographed and measured by The Retford Historical and Archaeological Society in 02/1994.
IMAGE16A/61 Developed 09/1996 Neg 16A Developed 09/1996 Neg 16A Mr T Pickering’s Round House, Low Street, previously Station Road. Looking up to the roof of the rotunda. 18/09/1996
IMAGE16A/62 Developed 09/1996 Neg 17A Circular central hall of Mr T Pickering’s Round House, Beckingham 18/09/1996.
IMAGE16A/63 Beckingham and Saundby Coronation Funds
IMAGE16A/64 Beckingham and Saundby Coronation Funds
IMAGE16A/65 Beckingham Ladies Hockey 1949-1950
Back Row left to right
Pam Large, Molly Lockwood, Joan Meredith, Barbara Ellis, Pauline Hoyle, Betty Pilkington
Front Row Left to right
Pam Levick, Angela Heppenstall, Mary Maden, Pam Smith, Margaret Broxholme
IMAGE16A/66 Beckingham Ladies Hockey
Back row Left to right
Betty Pilkington, ?, Molly Lockwood, Margaret Trafford, Angela Heppenstall, Joan Meredith
Front row Left to right
Pam Levick, Barbara Ellis, Pauline Hoyle, Mary Maden, Margaret Broxholme
IMAGE16A/67 Copied 11/1986. Opening Day of Beckingham Village Hall in 1948. Miss Nora Watson speaking.
IMAGE16A/68 Copied 03/1997 from Mrs Freda Proudley’s photograph Neg 18. The opening of the Village Hall and Playing Field 1948.
IMAGE16A/69 Women’s Institute at the Village Hall Christmas Circa 1948.
Left to right
Mesdames Herbert Gill, Maud Adams, Beardsworth, Whitlam, Smithson, Williamson, Mitchell, Mr A Smithson, Mrs Alice Proudley, Mrs Frank Levick, Miss Mabel Gosling, Mrs Irene Jervis and Mrs Esme Ranby.
IMAGE16A/70 Beckingham Women’s Institute 1949
IMAGE16A/71 Beckingham Church Sunday School (1949/1951)
IMAGE16A/72 Beckingham Women’s Institute 1949
Supplied by Alan Gosling. Supplement to master photograph. Key to Sunday School photograph is in Church File.
THE HISTORY OF BECKINGHAM VILLAGE HALL AND PLAYING FIELD
This begins in 1944 when the Football Club was being formed. The only other club at this time was the Cricket Club. The two other clubs thought that it was time that the village had a proper sports ground and not have to ask local farmers for the use of a field.
A village meeting was called to rally support and this was well attended. From the meeting the Watson Family donated a ten acre field which is now the playing field and many people promised to help raise funds for equipment.
The Wallhead brothers made a detailed plan of the layout for tennis courts, a bowling green, a play park for children, football, cricket and hockey pitches.
During the next three years things on the field began to take shape under a working committee headed by Miss Nora Watson. Equipment was installed and paid for with money raised from various events. During 1947 the working committee decided that a Village Hall was needed to complete the project. Miss Watson visited County Hall, Nottingham to see the council people who dealt with village halls. Her visit was successful.
The Rural Council allocated a village hall to Beckingham and this was delivered in 09/1949. The hall was erected, water, electric and sewerage were connected up by 06 1948.
The official opening of the Hall and Playing Field was set for the first week of 09/1948. Mr Howden, the Managing Director of Newell’s Engineering was asked to perform the ceremony.
The formation of the tennis, bowls and hockey clubs now took place. The first committee of Management was elected comprising representatives from 16 village clubs and organisations and 8 Trustees under the Chairmanship of Mr Lesley Selbey and was registered as a Charity.
A caretaker/groundsman was employed at a weekly wage of 30 shillings per week all the rest of the people were volunteers.
During the next few years the dressing rooms were added, paid for by the Football and Cricket Clubs. During 1978 the hall was extended towards the tennis courts and in 1980 the Hall was further extended towards the bowling green, the kitchen was also extended and the car park enlarged.
All the work done on the playing field is voluntary the Clubs being self supporting and paying rents for the Courts, Greens and Pitches.
IMAGE16A/73 Beckingham cum Saundby Parish Council Newsletter
IMAGE16A/74 Beckingham cum Saundby Parish Council Newsletter
IMAGE16A/75 Beckingham and Saundby Community Information
IMAGE16A/76 Beckingham and Saundby Community Information
IMAGE16A/77 Beckingham and Saundby Community Information
IMAGE16A/78 Beckingham and Saundby Community Information
IMAGE16A/79 Beckingham cum Saundby Village Hall Newsletter
IMAGE16A/80 Beckingham cum Saundby Village Hall Newsletter
IMAGE16A/81 North Nottinghamshire Villages want a Community Centre. Retford Times 09/02/1945 From Mrs Edlington
IMAGE16A/82 The Gainsborough News 1948 Beckingham Playing Field From Mrs Edlington
IMAGE16A/83 Retford Times 1948 From Mrs Edlington
IMAGE16A/84 Gainsborough News 23/07/1948 From Mrs Edlington
IMAGE16A/85 Gainsborough News 09/09/194?
IMAGE16A/86 Evening News 25/09/1973 P 8
IMAGE16A/87 Drewery and Wheeldon Green Cottage, Station Road, Beckingham
IMAGE16A/88 Beckingham By-pass Newspaper article
IMAGE16A/89 Beckingham Newspaper article
IMAGE16A/90 Evening News 25/09/1973 Beckingham By-pass