Storey the Stentor

THE MORPETH HERALD AND REPORTER, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1899.

__________

NEWBIGGIN WATER QUESTION.

_____

THE RATEPAYERS' MEETING.

_____

(By an Observer.)

'A ratepayers meeting at Newbiggin is an epoch. So I hied me to the history making meeting last week. The subject, of course, was the water, for men may come, etc. Who is there who has not heard of Newbiggin with water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink. Newbiggin, which is in the same primitive condition in this respect as it was when the "Ancient Mariner" was written. Newbiggin, where the only bath consists of the German Ocean, where modern sanitation is impossible, and where the domestic supply is carried from the wells in the good old-fashioned way in which Rachel carried it when she met her famous lover Jacob at the well.'

You could only find such flowery language in the Victorian age, with references to classic works and the Bible. The reporter is incredibly critical towards Newbiggin and its people, perhaps he believes he is a cut above the common fisherman. 

The water problem was obviously a serious issue, if a 'once in a blue moon' meeting was held. Newbiggin had no water pipes, and the residents relied heavily on the old wells and little stream known commonly as "the pant", for water. It was reported by a councillor that up to two dozen people had been known to be known to be waiting for water at the well at a single time. This simply was not sufficient. 

Numerous schemes were proposed, including one suggestion that the water should come from Woodhorn Colliery, or even North Seaton. The matter was voted on, and the water problem in Newbiggin was soon resolved.

Then enters Bill Storey, the uncle of my 2x great-grandfather, Adam Storey, who spoke after the serious matters had been discussed:

'At this stage the comic element was supplied by a fisherman named William Storey, who, in a voice like a Stentor, proclaimed that he had never obeyed the orders of the Council, but had continued to drink of the well near the graveyard. He had never been "puzzoned" (poisoned), and amid hilarity he declared he was as good a man as any on the platform. Encouraged by the reception of his speech, he proceeded to dilate upon the good men which Newbiggin used to produce, one of whom was as good as two of the present day. 
To this the Chairman naively replied that there was such a thing as slow poisoning and decadence.'

Bill Storey was obviously another of Newbiggin's famous characters and a popular one at that, in the way he was received by his peers and friends. 

Margaret Oliver, sitting,
Bill Storey, displaying fish.
Pictured with their two children, and three grandchildren,

Bill was born in 1834 at Cresswell, and was the youngest son of Adam and Hannah Storey (née Mills). He married Margaret Twizell (née Oliver) on 27 February 1859 at Tynemouth. Margaret was the young widow of Charles Twizell, who drowned out at sea in 1851. Together Bill and Margaret had four children, although only two made it to adulthood. 

As well as being an impressive speaker and a fisherman, Bill also acted as a sidesman at St Bartholomew's Church, Newbiggin. A sidesman was responsible for greeting and ushering members of the congregation to their seats. Bill would also have took the collection after every sermon.

Bill was made a widower in May 1897, when his wife Margaret passed away. He then began living with his daughter Meggie, his son-in-law, George Dent and his numerous grandchildren. There he died on 24 November 1912, at the age of 78.

Harbertson Hunting Part 1 - Kirknewton

On Sunday I went north to rural Northumberland, following in the footsteps of my Harbertson ancestors. They were from the Wooler area, living on small farms where they worked the fields.

First on the list was Kirknewton. It's a tiny village - a hamlet really, only boasting a few houses, but the church is very picturesque. The church is dedicated to St Gregory the Great, with a churchyard surrounding. 

St Gregory, Kirknewton

On 19 February 1784 my 5x Great Grandparents were married here. They were James Harberson and Christian Oliver. From them descends a large family, some of which now live abroad in the US and Australia. James was a shepherd. 

James Harberson and Christian Oliver's marriage at Kirknewton.
From the Durham Bishop's Transcripts.

There are some ancient graves in the churchyard, as well as the burial place of the great Northumbrian social reformer, Josephine Butler. The churchyard is still in use today.

As is commonplace in rural areas, the church is still open to the public. Kirknewton is a very peaceful church. 

There is a chancel at the back, which felt very strange to me - it appeared to be a manmade cavern.

There is a stained-glass window in the chancel, showing Jesus in the centre, surrounded by angels. Apart from the stained-glass, there is only one other window in the chancel. From the photograph you see just how thick the walls of the church are.

St Gregory the Great

Walking back along the road to the side of the church are a set of gates, presumably only used for burials. From there is a lovely view of the church, although on the day it was slightly backlit. Opposite the church there are only fields and hills. 

A different view of the church and churchyard.

The decorated gate.

A friend I made. Wondering what I was doing!