News Snippets between 1880 and 1884

What follows are news snippets with Crich Parish interest from various newspapers between 1880 and 1884.

As with all transcriptions there could be "typos" which is always a possibilty with audio trancriptions, although care has been taken.

The following index shows parish names that appear in some of the reports – allow for spelling variations; plus omissions are possible owing to human error.

ACRAMAN BURTON HARDSTONE MULIKENS STORER
ALLEN CLARKE HASLAM NIGHTINGALE TAYLOR
BARBER CLARKSON HAY PARKER WALLACE
BATES CLAYTON HAYNES PRINCE WESTON
BENNETT COLEMAN HENSHAW RADFORD WHITE
BLAIR COWLISHAW HOPKINSON REDFERN WHITEHOUSE
BOAG CURZON IVESON RICHARDSON WHITTAKER
BOLLINGTON DAWES JACKSON ROE WILCOXSON
BOWER DAYKIN KIRK SAXTON WRIGHT
BOWMER DUNN LEE SCOTT YOUNG
BOWN ENGLAND LIMB SHUTTS  
BRIDDON GRATTON LOWE SIMS  
BROWN GREGORY MASON STINSON  
BUCKLEY HANCOCK MEE STOCKS  

In the transcriptions names have been capitalised to aid quick searches.

Common abbreviations used in the newspaper reports are: ult. [ulimo] meaning the previous month; inst. [instant] meaning the current month, se'nnight [sevennights] meaning a week and &c. meaning et cetera.

Alderwasley although not part of Crich parish had a great many close connections, mainly through the HURT family of Alderwasley who were "Lords of the Manor" owing large parts of the parish. They were also great benefactors to the parish. Consequently it is approriate to include relevent snippets of that place.

Note that the guinea (£1.1s) and half guinea (10s.6d.) were in common usage as the court fines testify. An 1875 guinea would be worth about £80 in 2021. The newspapers usually recorded the pound sign with "l" not £ as transcribed.

During this period the dominant and frequent Crich reports were about the parish conflict with its vicar, Rev William ACRAMAN, and the 1882 great landslip. These were far too extensive and long for all of them to be included here. However, more about these events can be found elsewhere on the site:

Rev William Acraman
1882 Crich landslip

In the near future a new entry will be added to the site covering in detail the ACRAMAN scandal and conflict.

In previous snippets court reports of the frequent drunk, riotous behaviour and minor assaults were recorded. These continued unabated with the usual suspects but, in the main, have not been continued here unless they added more information for the family historian.

1880 newspapers

Derbyshire Courier 3 January 1880
MARRIAGES
December 23, at the Congregational Church, Stafford, by the Rev S.B. HANLEY, Arthur, youngest son of the late William SHUTTS, Wakebridge House, Crich, to Louisa Clara, youngest daughter of William SILVESTER, Stafford.

Derby Mercury 4 February 1880
On Saturday, a youth named George BOLLINGTON, aged 16, was admitted to the Derby Infirmary, suffering from a crushed ankle and broken thigh of the left leg. It appears that he was riding upon a wagon on the incline of Crich Quarries, when he jumped off, and got crushed between a piece of rock on the wagon.

Derby Daily Telegraph 16 February 1880
A man, named George BOLLINGTON, died at the Derby Infirmary on Sunday from injuries received at Crich some time ago. An inquest will be held.

Derby Mercury 18 February 1880
SHOCKING FATAL ACCIDENT
At the Infirmary, Derby, on Monday evening, Mr CLOSE held an inquest on the body of the youth named Henry BOLLINGTON, son of William BOLLINGTON, of Market-place, Crich. Deceased was a stonecutter in the limestone quarries of the Clay Cross Company, and met with his death as detailed below. William SMITH, a lad aged 13, employed at the quarries, said on the 31st ult. deceased came to the quarry for the purpose of bringing his brother’s breakfast, he himself being ill. There were some wagons coming down an incline into a tunnel where BOLLINGTON was standing. As a wagon past him deceased tried to get onto it but could not. The wagon caught him and dragged him along, and he was crushed between the side of the tunnel and the wagon for some distance, till he came to a manhole, when he dropped down. BOLLINGTON had no right to go into the tunnel. He would not have to go there to see his brother. Witness was driving the horses that were drawing the wagons, and he stopped them as soon as he could. The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death.”
[Note: although named Henry his name was George BOLLINGTON as in previous reports.]

Derbyshire Times 17 March 1880
All persons having any claims or demands against the estate of Samuel RADFORD, late of Bull Bridge, in the Parish of Crich, deceased, are requested to send full particulars thereof to me the undersigned, in order that the same may be examined, and if found correct, discharged. And all persons owing debts to the late Samuel RADFORD, are hereby requested to pay the same forthwith to me, the undersigned, one of the executors to the will of the said Samuel RADFORD.
Joseph RADFORD, Bull Bridge.

Derbyshire Times 21 March 1883
To let from Lady Day next, The Mount, Crich, containing 3 sitting rooms, 6 bedrooms, 2 attics W.C., kitchen, &c., stabling, coach houses, gardens, tennis ground, &c., Rent £25.

Derby Daily Telegraph 16 April 1880
An inquest was held on Wednesday night, at the Bull's Head, before Mr Coroner WHISTON, touching the death of William BARBER, aged 81, a carpenter. The deceased, on Tuesday night, was knocked down by a wagon belonging to the Clay Cross Company, and was killed instantly, his body being frightfully mutilated. A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.

Derby Mercury: 21 April 1880
RURAL SANITATION AUTHORITY – The first meeting was held at the termination of the relief cases – Joshua ROBERTS Esq was unanimously re-appointed chairman – The following Sanitary Parochial Committees were appointed – Crich: Messrs William YEOMANS, R. PEACH, Thomas DAVIS, A SIMS, George COUP, S. BOWER, G.G. BATES, Thomas GRATTON, Isaac PETTS, Robert BOAG, James LEE, Aaron STORER, Thomas BOWMER, George STRAFORD, Jeremiah BURTON and B. TAYLOR.

Derbyshire Courier 28 April 1883
INQUESTS AT CRICH
On Tuesday night Mr W.Harvey WHISTON held two inquests at the Jovial Dutchman Inn, Crich. The first was to enquire into the death of Francis WHITEHOUSE, aged three, of Crich Carr, who died suddenly on Sunday. Dr DUNN’s opinion was that deceased had succumbed to suppressed measles and the jury returned a verdict to that effect.
The second inquest was upon the body of a child named Martha HASLAM, daughter of Alfred HASLAM, farm bailiff, who was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. The jury found a verdict of “Died suddenly from convulsions.”

Derbyshire Courier 9 October 1880
DEATHS
September 12, at Crich Chase, Mr Robert HAY, 80 years.

Derbyshire Times 20 November 1880
CRICH AND ITS CURATE
SIR – I notice with sympathy your correspondence remarks with reference to the departure from amongst us of our respected curate the Rev G.D. RICHARDSON. I am sure one and all will agree with me that he has done a great deal of good in the village, he has been a constant visitor to the bedside – at our houses, and at public gatherings, ever ready to console the brokenhearted, or to encourage mirth in an innocent form, and since he came amongst others there has been a reign of peace in the village, and more than that, a spiritual advice was to be found when needed. Congregations have flocked to hear him, and there has been no dissatisfaction with respect to the offertories, no attempt at raising burial fees, and no neglect of duties. Mr Editor the fresh air of Crich has done him good in return for the good he has done amongst us, but this is poor consolation for him or us; the reverend gentleman may go, and God be with him. He did his duty, and may the blessing of God be upon him. I have no more to say, save to he be allowed to suggest that some little tribute be awarded to him as a slight recognition of his service amongst us.

Derby Daily Telegraph 22 November 1880
CRICH
A monument has just been erected in the Parish Churchyard, Crich, in commemoration of the late Mr SIMS. The deceased was much esteemed. The monument has been erected by Mr P. SIMPSON, of HEANOR.
Yours &c. AN OLD PARISHIONER

1881 newspapers

Derby Mercury 5 January 1881
CRICH
On Sunday the Rev G.D. RICHARDSON, curate-in-charge, preached farewell sermons at the parish church and at Fritchley Mission Church. During the time that the reverend gentleman has had charge of the parish he has by his earnest and faithful labour drawn together large congregations. He gave an interesting account of his work during the past year, stating that he had preached nearly a 150 sermons, had christened 74 children, and read the burial services over 37 parishioners, and had made about 700 visits to the homes of the poor. The parishioners have made the reverend gentleman a very handsome presentation of a beautiful drawing-room clock as recognition of his faithful and earnest ministrations amongst them.

Derby Mercury 26 January 1881
PETROLEUM ACT
Joseph WHITAKER, of Crich, shopkeeper, was summoned by Captain SANDYS for a violation of his petroleum licence, at Crich, on 3 December. It seems that the defendant was licensed to keep on his premises four gallons of benzoline , and when the officer made an inspection a cask containing more than twenty gallons was found in an open yard. Fined 40s and costs. Captain SADYS wished it to go forth to the public that there was considerable ignorance existing in the minds of shopkeepers as to the keeping of petroleum.

Derby Daily Telegraph 27 January 1881
CRICH
On Monday and inquest was held at the Cliff Inn, Crich, before Mr Coroner WHISTON, touching the death of Maria ROE, a married woman, living at Coddington, near Crich. Whilst engaged in buying some meat from a butcher’s cart on Saturday last she fell down and died almost immediately. A verdict of “Died suddenly from natural causes” was returned.

Derbyshire Courier 5 March 1881
MARRIAGES
February 23, at the Parish Church, Crich by the Rev William ACRAMAN, vicar, John SAXTON, of Crich, to Annie BOWMER, of The Yews, Crich.

Derbyshire Times 7 May 1881
CRICH
On Tuesday, the 26 ult., there was great excitement in Crich consequent on the marriage of Miss Harriet Anne LEE, and Miss Elizabeth LEE, daughters of Mr James LEE, Crich to Mr Samuel Arthur WRIGHT, of Smethwick, near Birmingham, and Mr Thomas Charles GREENSMITH, of The Poplars, Hilton, near Derby.
[There followed a lengthy description of the marriage conducted by the vicar Rev William ACRAMAN and his curate the Rev H. WRIGHT]

Derbyshire Courier 23 January 1881
THE VICAR OF CRICH AND HIS TITHES
The Rev William ACRAMAN vicar of Crich, summoned Joseph HOPKINSON, Crich, for 3s 11d as tithe rent, due on December last. Mr CALDER appeared for the defendant. The vicar contended that defendant was liable for the amount, as tithes had been paid yearly in his parish for over 100 years. The defendant was the only person who had refused to pay the demanding tithe. Mr CALDER said the vicar was wrong in his contention as the charge was not for tithe, but for “rent” of a certain field which was now exempted by will of a relative of the defendant. The magistrates retired to consider the case, and on returning said the charge could not be sustained. It was understood that the case will be heard again at some future sitting.
[Note: at the subsequent trial reported in the Derbyshire Times of 20 December 1882 the result was in favour of the vicar.]

Derbyshire Times 30 July 1881
[An auction of properties belonging to the late George HAYNES naming the then current occupants.]
LOT 1: Three cottages with gardens in front, containing in the whole 550 square yards or thereabouts, let to George HENSHAW, Samuel BRIDDON, and Thomas DAYKIN. This lot has a frontage to the main road leading from Crich to Bull Bridge, and there is a plentiful supply of water on the premises.
LOT 2: Adjoining LOT 1, a field of grassland led to Hannah BENNETT.
LOT 3: three cottages with gardens, containing 395 square yards or thereabouts, let to Edward LEAF, William WESTON, and Elizabeth GREGORY. This lot has a frontage to the Town Street of Crich.
LOT 4: two cottages having a frontage to Dimple Lane aforesaid, let to Edward BOWN and Jane ALLEN, with gardens at the rear, containing 300 square yards or thereabouts.
LOT 5: two cottages with outhouse, having a frontage to Dimple-Lane, aforesaid of 118 yards or thereabouts, let (with lot 6) to John PARKER and John DAWES.
LOT 6: 826 square yards of land, now occupied as gardens to Lot 5, with a pig-stye and closet standing there on.
LOT 7: a cottage with cowhouse, garden and croft adjoining near the Cross having a frontage to the Town Street, late in the occupational Anthony BUCKLEY, but now of John CURZON.

Derbyshire Times 9 July 1881
CHESTERFIELD BOARD OF GUARDIANS
The Chesterfield Board of Guardians met on Saturday at the Workhouse …[a long report followed which included:]
The Industrial Schools Committee had appointed Thomas CLAYTON, of Crich, labour-master at the Schools.

Derbyshire Courier 8 October 1881
MARRIAGES
On the 28th ult., at St Michael’s Church, Crich, by the Rev W. ACRAMAN, vicar, Millicent Smith TAYLOR, second daughter of Mr Benjamin TAYLOR, of Ambergate to Mr Winfield ALTON, of the Firs, Heage.
On the 29th, at St Michael’s Church, Crich, Frances Elizabeth Smith TAYLOR, third daughter of Mr Benjamin TAYLOR, of Ambergate, to Mr Godfrey Melland MAY, of Brampton.

Derbyshire Times 12 November 1881
DEATHS
On 6 November, at Crich, near Derby, Margaret Helen, daughter of J.J. CLARKE, aged 8 years and 6 months.

1882 newspapers

Derby Mercury 22 February 1882
CRICH
A CURIOSITY
Mr WHITE, of Cliff House, Crich, has in his possession at present a female tortoise weighing 5 lbs. She went to sleep about six weeks ago, and would have been asleep still had not some person disturbed her slumbers in cleaning the room. The tortoise was found to have laid two eggs, one of which got broken the room in which she was living was of ordinary temperature. She has now gone to sleep again until the return of spring.

Derby Mercury 12 April 1882
CRICH
DEATH OF CHARLES JACKSON
This old Crich worthy died on Thursday week, having reached the ripe age of 87, and being one of the oldest inhabitants. Mr JACKSON was well-known in Belper and the neighbourhood, having for 40 years been the weekly carrier between Crich and Belper.

Derbyshire Courier 29 April 1882
MARRIAGES
On 22nd instant at the Parish Church, Crich, by the Rev H.P. EDWARDS, of Birchfield, Birmingham, the Rev Louis Villette MILES, of Blackwell Heath, Staffordshire, to Minnie Sarah, eldest daughter of Thomas GRATTON, Esq, Beech Villa, Crich, Derbyshire.

Nottinghamshire Guardian May 5 1882
The Church
Preferments and Appointments
Rev. Joseph MULKERNS Perpetual Curate of Wessington. Patron, Vicar of Crich.

Derbyshire Times 13 May 1882
DEATHS
May 4, at Grove House, Crich, Robert Ernest, the son and only child of George and Jane Ann COUPE , aged 11 months.
PRESENTATION
An interesting gathering took place in the National Schoolroom on Monday evening week, the occasion being the presentation of a testimonial to Police-sergeant MEE, who has been removed from Crich to Belper after a period of five years service. After the subscribers and friends had partaken of tea, which was supplied by Mr John STOCKS, the meeting, which was well attended, commenced. The vicar of Crich (Rev William ACRAMAN) presided, and in a most able and interesting speech made the presentation, on behalf of the subscribers, to Police-sergeant MEE , which consisted of a purse of money and a useful and valuable walnut writing desk, which bore the following inscription on a brass plate: – “Presented to Sergeant MEE, by the inhabitants of Crich, as a public acknowledgement of his services as a police officer for five years in this parish. March 1882”. Mr MEE said he was grateful to receive such a gift in recognition of his humble services, and thanked Mr ACRAMAN , the subscribers, and others for the kind interest they had taken. After some suitable remarks from Mr KIRK and Mr S. BOWER in support of the presentation, the Rev J. MULKERNS, B.D., curate of the parish, and newly appointed vicar of Wessington, moved a vote of thanks to the chairman. This was seconded by Mr BOWER and carried, and the singing of the National Anthem brought the meeting to a close.

Derbyshire Courier 3 June 1882
SUDDEN DEATH AT CRICH
On Wednesday, Mrs Mary TAYLOR, aged 58, wife of Mr Henry TAYLOR, a cattle dealer, who resides at Plaistow Green, near Crich, died suddenly. The deceased, on the previous day, went to see her daughter who resides at Crich. On her return home she retired to bed in her usual health. Early in the morning the husband was aroused by his wife’s heavy breathing. He raised an alarm to one of his children, who was sleeping in the adjoining room, but before she reached the bed side, her mother had expired.

Derby Mercury 26 July 1882
CRICH
On Saturday morning, Mr Coroner WHISTON held an inquest at the Jovial Dutchman public-house, on the body of a child named Mary LOWE, aged six years, daughter of James LOWE , farmer, Crich. The child had been in good health but on Tuesday appeared sickly, and on Wednesday night complain of pain in her head. On Thursday morning she appeared unconscious and died at 11 o’clock, before a medical man arrived. The jury returned a verdict of “Death from natural causes.”

Derby Mercury Wednesday August 23, 1882
CRICH
THE LANDSLIP – The adage that its an ill wind that blows nobody good has been aptly illustrated in the land-slip at Crich. It has been estimated by some that not less than 60,000 people have visited the scene and calculations have been made which go far to prove the correctness of the estimate, 100 persons per minute being counted wending their way through the village to the spot, and we need not wonder, therefore, at learning that refreshments of all kinds were scarcely to be obtained at any price at times when the crowds were so great as to consume in a short time everything in the way of comestibles. The innkeepers and others dealing in provisions have thus for once been lucky.

Derbyshire Times 18 November 1882
ACTION AGAINST THE VICAR OF CRICH
An action was bought by Mr Jos Nightingale HOPKINSON , former of Wheatcroft, in the parish of Crich, against the Rev W. ACRAMAN, vicar of Crich, for the sum of £3, for unjust seizure of a crop of cut grass in payment of alleged tithe rent charge. The case was partly heard at the last court, and was then deferred for the defendant to produce a deed by which his claim was established. Mr SLACK, for the plaintiff, having proved the seizure of the grass, the payment on the part of the plaintiff of £1 10s into Court, and £1 10s damage done to the grass and delay in getting it up, Mr POTTER, for defendant, proceeded with the defendant’s case. He said that prior to 1728 the farm occupied by plaintiff belong to Zaccheus WILCOXSON, a churchwarden, who by Will left a charge of £1 per year upon it paid to the vicar for the time being. The farm was sold at the Peacock Inn, Oakerthorpe, in 1763, subject to the payment of the £1. It was, however, proved that the will, the copy of which had been quoted, was, according to the decision of the Probate Court, not the will of the said Miss NIGHTINGALE. His Honour said the case would occupy a long time. He therefore joined it to a Saturday court at Derby, in December.
[Note The Derby Mercury dated 27 December 1882 reported that the court found in the vicar’s favour. Some correspondence indicated that it was nothing to do with tithes but a straightforward “rent charge”.]

Derbyshire Courier 18 November 1882
Mr W.H. WHISTON, coroner, held an enquiry at the Bull’s Head Inn, Crich, on Monday, touching on the death of John William ENGLAND, aged three years, son of a framework knitter living in the village. It appears that on Saturday evening the eldest boy was left in the house with two other children, the eldest aged eight. There was in the room a three legged table, upon which was a lighted glass paraffin lamp. The child in trying to hang on to the edge of the table pulled it over, and the lamp fell upon him and then upon the floor, where it broke, causing his head and body to be covered with burning oil. The screams of the children brought instant help, but the deceased’s injuries were so severe that he died on Sunday. A verdict was returned of “Accidentally burnt.”

1883 newspapers

Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 5 January 1883
CRICH
The Rev Andrew BLAIR, of St Alban the Martyr, Saville Green, Leeds, has met with an accident. After visiting some friends at Derby, he went to Crich Church, near Ambergate, on Saturday afternoon, and having walked slowly up the centre aisle he turned to the left to ascend the pulpit (which he was to occupy on Sunday and Christmas Day), but he was unexpected delay precipitated to the bottom of the heating apparatus chasm, from which the verger had removed the iron grating. About two years ago a similar accident occurred to a lady, viz., The wife of Dr DUNN, of Crich, from the same laxity of care. He has received three wounds just below the right knee.
[Note: Rev BLAIR became curate to Rev ACRAMAN].

Derbyshire Times 20 January 1883
CRICH
MARKET PLACE IMPROVEMENT
A new gas lamp, one of Bray’s patent, two hundred candlepower, has been erected at the expense of the Market Committee, on the Market Place, and one jet was lighter for the first time last Tuesday evening.
FRITCHLEY READING ROOM
A public tea and concert took place last Tuesday evening, to inaugurate the opening of this new room and it was well attended.

Derby Daily Telegraph 9 March 1883
Mr Coroner WHISTON held an inquest on Thursday at the Bull’s Head Inn, Crich, on the body of Anthony BOWMER, 14 years of age, who lived in Fold-lane, Crich. Deceased worked at the Crich Quarry, and on Wednesday he was following his usual employment there in company with his father and brother, when a piece of stone weighing two tons upon which he was sitting, gave way and he was precipitated with it to a considerable depth. He was afterward found lying dead underneath the stone. The verdict was returned that the deceased was accidentally killed.

Derbyshire Times 10 March 1883
QUARRY ACCIDENT
On Wednesday morning a youth named Anthony BOWMER, employed by the Clay Cross Company, at their Crich Lime Quarries, was killed by a large piece of rock, which broke loose and fell upon his head. The deceased’s head and face were fearfully crushed by the stone falling from a great height.

Derbyshire Times 17 March 1883
CRICH
The funeral of Anthony BROWN, who was accidentally killed whilst at work in the Cliffe Quarry, took place last Saturday afternoon. Much sympathy was felt throughout the parish, and was shown by the large number gathered to witness the ceremony. The hymn “Sun of my soul” was sung and the house and then the mournful procession wended its way to the church, headed by scholars and teachers of the Sunday School, together with many of the quarry employees, who thus publicly expressed their deep sympathy with the parents and friends of the poor lad. The solemn service for “the Burial of the Dead” was impressively red by the Rev Andrew BLAIR, who addressed a few suitable words and the service concluded with hymn “Brief Life is here our portion.” The teachers and others placed flowers on the coffin, with the wreath by Mr Percy WAGSTAFFE (a class-mate), and another made by the Sunday School teacher of the deceased (Mrs BLAIR) on which was the word “Asleep.” This wreath was arranged from choice flowers kindly given for the purpose by Miss HURT, of Chase Cliffe.
[Note: the name BOWN reported is incorrect, it was Anthony BOWMER; also the three reports of this tragedy differ somewhat.]

Derbyshire Times 21 March 1883
To let from Lady Day next, The Mount, Crich, containing 3 sitting rooms, 6 bedrooms, 2 attics W.C., kitchen, &c., stabling, coach houses, gardens, tennis ground, &c., Rent £25.

Derbyshire Courier 7 April 1833
As time goes on the unfortunate estrangement between parson and the people at Crich, instead of growing less is becoming wider, deeper, and broader. We have it on the authority of Holy Writ that a house which is built upon a hill cannot be hid. I suppose the same applies to a town, but Crich apart from its prominent natural position, has achieved during the last few months notoriety –thanks to the questionable conduct of its vicar – which is not to be envied. Mr ACRAMAN is apparently of an acrimonious, despotic disposition, which has led him into a discreditable quarrel with the village schoolmaster, a visit to the Belper police court, and the journey to Lichfield for an interview with his Bishop. He has caused a rupture amongst the churchgoers of his parish, excited the indignation of a large body of his parishioners with whom “fair play is a jewel,” and has ended by knocking his own curate down in his parlour. At the Easter vestry meeting the sanctuary was defiled by a most unseemly row largely traceable to the Vicars want of tact and disingenuousness and when a poll for the office of churchwarden rendered necessary by reason of these differences was taken on Saturday last, Crich, usually sober and peaceful, is said to have been the scene of much bribery, drunkenness, and moral corruption. And all this in the name of religion – Church of Englandism would perhaps be a better expression. On the one hand we have the Bishops and the high dignitaries of the church, in convocation assembled crying “Peace where there is no peace,” telling us the church wants nothing but rest and truth, and pointing despairingly at the growing indifference to religion. On the other hand we see the men ordained to carry the message of peace to the people bringing religion into contempt by their personal behaviour, repelling not attracting the masses, by acts of injustice and resorting to unworthy means to accomplish selfish ends. It is surprising those outside the arena of dispute should stand with cynic smile, saying “See how these Christians love one another?” It is a deplorable, a disheartening spectacle.
Finding the Vicar irreconcilable, the Crich people who believe an injustice has been done to a schoolmaster, who, judging by result is an efficient instructor, are acting wisely in seeking to establish a school over which they shall have sole control. it is intolerable that half a parish should have the teaching of their young regulated and coerced by practically the will of one man, and by adopting the voluntary principle, rather than appeal to the Education Department for assistance, they are to be commended. The experience of the working of School Boards in small parishes, does not recommend that plan of proceeding to ratepayers generally, and if the outcome of the Crich dispute is the establishment of a school where education may be obtained at a cheap rate, the people will not have cause to regret that the Vicar drove them into taking the step. Men are the sport of circumstances, and it would be the irony of fate for Mr ACRAMAN to discover that after all he had only been leading the people to educational liberty, and had effectually disestablished his own school.

Derbyshire Times 11 April 1883
Notice is hereby given that all persons having any debts or claims against the estate of James LIMB, late of Park Head, farmer, deceased (died on the 29th day of December, 1882, and whose Will was on the 13th day of March, 1883, proved by Myra WRIGHT, of Park Head aforesaid, spinster, and John HANCOCK, of Crich ……

Derbyshire Times 18 April 1883
[There were several letters to the press over Rev ACRAMAN’s behaviour during his period as Crich vicar.]

1883 letter about Rev Acraman

Derbyshire Times 28 April 1883
CRICH
Mr Samuel BENNETT, of Crich, who largely figured in the Police Court at Belper, to answer a charge of assault upon the vicar of Crich, the Rev W. ACRAMAN, died suddenly on Tuesday morning, aged 68. Mr BENNET was known as a very inoffensive man. He had been attended by Dr DUNN, but was only ill a couple of days. He had taken an active part in the parish agitation against the vicar.

Derbyshire Courier 28 April 1883
A painful circumstance in connection with what has come to be termed “The Crich Dispute” is the sudden death of Mr Samuel BENNETT, of Crich, who very recently figured as a defendant in the Belper Police-court to answer a charge of assaulting the Rev W. ACRAMAN, the vicar of the parish. It is too much to hope that the death of Mr BENNETT will have some effect in softening the lamentable strife between parson and parishioners, which is made for the Derbyshire village a name, but not fame. For, after all, how small and paltry, how miserably insignificant and petty these religious squabbles, which so perturbed men’s minds, become in presence of the pale Phantom who conquereth all.

Derbyshire Courier 19 May 1883
FUNERAL SERMON AT CRICH
On Sunday evening last, a sermon was preached in the Baptist Chapel, Crich touching the death of Mr Samuel BENNETT, who had so lately featured in the struggle for educational freedom at Crich. The deceased was the oldest member of the Baptist body at Crich, and was respected in the neighbourhood having a large circle of friends.

Derbyshire Times 2 June 1883
The same officer reported a death from scarletina at Crich, at the house of Mr SCOTT the schoolmaster. Three children were down with the disease.

Derbyshire Times 30 June 1883
Dr GAYLOR reported a case of typhoid fever at Crich Common, in a house owned by Mrs MASON, and occupied by Joseph STINSON. Two persons were attacked with the disease. He also mentioned another epidemic of scarletina in Crich and Fritchley. Up to the present there had been 12 cases, one of which proved fatal. Every precaution was taken in regard to school attendance, and the three schoolmasters in Crich and Fritchley had been seen.

Derby Mercury 25 July 1883
A DERBYSHIRE POSTMAN

Article about the Crich postman 1883

Derbyshire Times 28 July 1883
Dr GAYLOR in his report said scarletina had become epidemic at Fritchley, in Crich parish. The National School had been closed, and the disease had been checked. Up to the present there had been 22 cases, resulting in one death and 12 cases at Crich, with one death also.

Derbyshire Times 18 August 1883
FATAL ACCIDENT
On Wednesday, Mr LOWE, of Crich Carr, was carting a load of wood to Cromford, when he unfortunately fell off the cart, the wheel passing over his body and causing instant death.
CRICH –THE LANDSLIP
It is said that the landslip that attracted so much notice a few months ago is again on the move. The road which passes at the foot of the movable cliff has shifted, and another slip is feared. The inhabitants of the houses near, have, we understand, been given notice to leave their houses.

Derbyshire Times 1 September 1883
DEATHS
August 24, at Crich, Elizabeth BROWN, aged 60 years.

Derbyshire Courier 1 September 1883
CREATING AN AFFRAY
Richard YOUNG and William YOUNG , father and son, of Crich, William COWLISHAW, John COLEMAN and Aaron COLEMAN, labourers, of Crich, were charged with creating an affray at Crich, on the 16th instant. Mr J.B.WHEATCROFT, Belper, defended the two YOUNGS. It appeared that a quarrel arose at the Black Swan, and it ended in blows, the two first named defendant’s fighting the other three. After hearing several witnesses, bench discharge two YOUNGS, and bound over the other three defendants in the surety of £5 each, to keep the peace for six months, and to pay 9s 4d costs.

Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 7 September 1883
CRICH
The death is announced of Mr J, BATES, of Crich. Deceased was accidentally thrown from his trap at Mansfield, a few days ago, and sustained injuries which resulted in his death.

Derbyshire Times 13 October 1883
DEATHS
August 16 at Shanghai, China, William WALLACE, late of Crich, aged 40 years.

1884 newspapers

Derby Mercury: Wed 2 Jan 1884
SINGULAR TRANSACTION AT HIGHAM FAIR – At Higham fair on Wednesday last Samuel BOWER of Crich, purchased from Mr Wm. MARRIOTT, of Over Birchwood, a cow, and during the “settlement” some rather sharp practice took place. The buyer, with the seller, adjourned to an adjacent inn, to complete the purchase, leaving the cow amongst other stock at the fair. On Mr BOWER returning a few minutes afterwards he was surprised to find that the animal had been taken away, and no trace of it could be discovered.

Derbyshire Courier 5 January 1884
ACCIDENT AT CRICH
On Monday and accident, attended by serious results, occurred in the Crich Cliff Quarry, belonging to the Clay Cross Company. it appears that a shot had been set by some workmen, and had failed to go off, and they were in the act of cleaning out the charge when it accidentally exploded. A young man named Samuel ALLEN had his hand shattered. Thomas HARDSTONE , another young man who was assisting ALLEN, was badly injured about the head and face. Both the unfortunate men were speedily attended to by doctors DUNN and GRAVES.

Derbyshire Courier 19 January 1884
MARRIAGES
On the 10th instant, at the Parish Church, Matlock by the Rev W.R. MELVILLE, Henry Basil, eldest son of Robert BOAG, of Crich, to Mary, only daughter of the late James REDFERN, of Bank House, Crich.

Derbyshire Times 12 April 1884
CRICH
DEATH OF ONE OF THE GUARDIANS
On Tuesday at the Parish Churchyard, Crich, remains of Mr Henry COWLISHAW, stone merchant, were interred, in the presence of a very large concourse of people. The deceased was greatly respected, being at the time of his death one of the guardians of the parish. He had been for 25 years a deacon and elder of the Baptist Church, and during the same time superintendent of the Sunday School.

Derbyshire Courier 17 May 1884
INQUEST AT CRICH
At the Wheat Sheaf Inn, Crich, on Monday, Mr Coroner WHISTON held an inquest treating the death of a little boy renamed Edmund Reaves CLARKSON, aged one year and nine months, the son of a tailor living at that place. On April 15 the child caught hold of a half-pint mug of tea, which had just been poured out boiling hot, and upset the contents over his chest, which was severely scalded. Remedies were applied, and the child seem to get better, being able to play with the others, but on Thursday he became languid and refused his food, and died on Saturday. A verdict was returned to the effect that the deceased had been accidentally scalded.

Derbyshire Courier 24 May 1884
POOR-LAW GUARDIAN FOR CRICH
Mr Jeremiah BURTON, farmer, of Crich, has been nominated for the office of Guardian in the place of the late Mr H. COWLISHAW.

The Leader, Melbourne 23 August 1884
On 22nd July by special licence at Brunswick, by the Rev B BUTCHERS, Thomas CURZON, of Crich, Derbyshire, to Emma, eldest daughter of N GRIMSTER, Brunswick.

Derbyshire Times 20 September 1884
MARRIAGES
September 11, at the Parish Church of Crich, by the Rev F. W MOORE., vicar of All Saints, Duffield, assisted by the Rev R.J. HOPE, M.A., uncle of the bridegroom, Edward John Hadderton HOSKYNS, surgeon, Belper, to Rosalie Maria IVESON, eldest daughter of Thomas G. IVERSON,.C,E., of Crich.

Derbyshire Times 27 September 1884
DEATHS
September 24, suddenly, Mary, the beloved wife of John STORER, of Crich, (Wesleyan Local Preacher), aged 72 years.

Derby Daily Telegraph 21 November 1884
CRICH
On Monday Adelaide Anne PRINCE, about 20 years of age, residing at Crich, attended Holloway wakes. When returning she fell down and expired. She had been in a weak state of health for some time. On Thursday and inquest was held at the Jovial Dutchman, when a verdict of “Death from natural causes” was returned.

Derby Mercury 17 December 1884
OPENING OF THE CRICH BRITISH SCHOOL
[there followed a long report of the opening of this new school; in later years to become the Crich Junior school]