December 16, 1865

"IT is not often that the usually quiet town of Richmond is disturbed by the committal of the crime of murder," began an article in the Ripon and Richmond Chronicle, which is now incorporated into the D&S Times.

In the saddle room of racehorse trainer James Watson at Belleisle, near Richmond, a dispute had arisen between Robert Roberts, head man, and Francis Lawrence, a 16 or 17 year-old promising jockey, formerly of the Newcastle Shoeblack Brigade, who had ridden at racecourses across the north and was of previous good character.

But he grabbed a stable fork and threw it at his adversary. "The weapon entered the man's mouth and right eye and inflicted frightful injuries," said the report. It was so deeply embedded that it required "the whole of the strength of one of the bystanders to withdraw it".

Mr Roberts died 45 minutes later, and Lawrence was due in court.

By "shoeblack brigade", we presume that the murderer had once worked cleaning shoes in Newcastle, but where is Belleisle, near Richmond?

The Chronicle also reprinted an article from the Daily Telegraph which drew heavily on the report mentioned in last week's Looking Back concerning the "gross and scandalous outrage" committed by the chairman of Thirsk magistrates, Mr Lloyd. Mr Lloyd had been so incensed by an apparent lack of respect shown to him by a young farm labourer – the boy had only touched his cap and said "good night, sir" as they had passed – that Mr Lloyd had jumped from his horse, chased the lad through a hedge and then horsewhipped him about the head with enormous enthusiasm.

The Telegraph called for the men of the district to rise up against Mr Lloyd. It said: "The task devolves upon any gentlemen in Thirsk who cares a rap for the good name of the town. A stout young labourer will probably be not much the worse for a flogging, but Mr Lloyd's whip did more than hurt a bumpkin's shoulders, it gave a slap in the face to every gentleman in the district."

Referring to the cattle disease that was sweeping the country, the London newspaper said: "What evil influence can be at work amongst the country gentleman of England? What moral Rinderpest is this?

"Unless the case against him is grossly exaggerated, we venture to affirm that Sir George Grey will be neglecting one of the most important parts of his duty as Home Secretary if he does not at once take measures for Mr Lloyd's removal from the bench."

December 18, 1915

"THE seasonable custom of distributing coals among the deserving poor of Richmond took place on Wednesday, when nearly a hundred old inhabitants were recipients of half a ton each," said the D&S. "The leading was given by farmers and tradesmen, and the leaders were entertained to a dinner of roast beef and poor and plum pudding, provided by Mrs George Kinchin, of the Fleece Hotel."

December 18, 1965

NORTH Riding County Council was debating whether to introduce a bye-law under which firewood would be sold by net weight. "At present," said the D&S, "most firewood is sold by the bag containing an indeterminate number of logs".

But... "Leading the argument against it was Lord Gisborough, owner of a sawmill which sells firewood."

He said: "'Selling it by weight would not mean that the buyer would always get a fair deal. If the wood is wet or green or a heavy type, then the amount bought can vary a great deal'.

"He added amid laughter: 'I do not think that firewood merchants will weigh the wood anyway. Half of them cannot read or write.'"

The council did not introduce the bye-law.