News Snippets from the 1700s

What follows are news snippets with Crich Parish interest from the Derby Mercury in the 1700s. At that time both Tansley and Wessington (also known as Washington) were part of Crich Parish.

The following index shows names which appear in some of the reports:

ALSOP HALL MASON STORER
BACON HARDY PARKIN SYLVESTER
BEARDSLEY HARRISON PEACH TURNER
BENNETT HAY REDFORD TURTON
BROMLEY HEPWORTH REYNOLDS WALKER
DAWES HIGTON ROBINSON WHEELDON
DODD HOLE ROWE WHELDON
FEEPOUND HOLEBROOK SAXTON WRAGG
FLINT HOUGHTON SMITH YOUNG
GREENHOUGH MARSHALL STANLEY  
Late additional names
COOK ATKINSON SPENCER BOND

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

Derby Mercury December 1, 1758
Notice is hereby given to all the relations of John FEEPOUND, late of Crich, in the county of Derby, joiner, deceased;
That sometime before his death, he settled by deed certain sums of money upon several of his relations and the remainder amongst them, or some of them; therefore the said relations are required to appear at the sign of the Butchers Arms in Crich aforesaid, on Tuesday the 16th day of January1759, to receive their several shares according to the purport of the said deed, from Thomas HUNT, of Sutton in Ashfield, in the county of Nottingham, Yeoman who was left in trust for the same.

Derby Mercury 2 January 1761
Notice is hereby given, that at the Pot-House near Crich, in the county of Derby, there will be a sale of all source of household goods, husbandry geer, Quick and Dead stock, and a large quantity of wood brought up, for all kinds of husbandry users; to begin on Tuesday the twelfth day of this instant January, at nine in the forenoon, and to continue till all be sold.

Derby Mercury 3 June 1763
To be sold to the best bidder,
Some time in the month of July next,
All singular the freehold and leasehold estate of Thomas DODD, of Crich in the county of Derby, Potter, a bankrupt, lying and being in the parishes of Crich And South Wingfield in the said county. The time, place and particulars whereof, proper notice will be given in this and the Nottingham and Leicester papers. In the meantime any persons may be further informed by applying to Mr REYNL:DS of Plaistow, and Mr REDFORD of Wheatcroft, ( both in the parish of Crich) the assignees.

Derby Mercury 19 October 1764
On Monday the 22nd instant, about three in the afternoon, the dwelling house, stable, and cow-house, of widowHARRISON, in Culland Park, near Crich, in this county, was burnt down; which happening during the familys being out upon business, and the wind high, the furniture was entirely burnt

Derby Mercury 21st of August 1767
On Monday the 10th instant, was for Ashby-de-la-Zouch, a great boxing match, between James BROMLEY a blacksmith of Crich, in this county, and Samuel FREEMAN of Birmingham, for one hundred guineas. An incredible number of people from all parts assembled on this occasion, the combatants fought for an hour and a half, and though they were both almost spend hardly able to stand, much blood being spilled, and each man most terribly bruised, yet neither would submit: at length, the surgeon who attended, declared, if they were not immediately parted, death must be the consequence: proclamation was then made, all wagers were void, and that it was a drawn battle, the Seconds having interfered and parted the two antagonists against their will. – The Derbyshire Dons went off in triumph, boasting their hero walk from the place of action: when FREEMAN was obliged to be carried to bed in a chair.

Derby Mercury 28 April 1769
Whereas Dorothy WRAGG, the wife of Joseph WRAGG, blacksmith of Crich, in the county of Derby, has eloped from him, and has been guilty of pawning and selling a great number of things, his property. Whoever has any of the said Joseph WRAGG’s goods, as pledges for the said wife are desired to return them, or they will be prosecuted according to law. He also cautions all persons from buying such goods of her, on pain of the consequences which may ensue; and gives this public notice, that he will not play any debts she may contract.
Joseph WRAGG

Derby Mercury 12th of May 1769
To be sold to the best bidder
At Mr Benjamin MARSHALL’s the sign of the Butchers Arms in Crich, in the county of Derby, on Monday the 15th day of May inst. subject to such conditions as will be produced.
A freehold estate at Plaistow in the parish of Crich consisting of a good house and all convenient outbuildings, Orchard, Garden, and about fifty-two acres of enclosed land, all lying very conveniently to the said house, tithe-free (except two closes, subject to a modus of 4d per ann.l only). The above estate is situate in a pleasant country capable of great improvement, let at forty-five pounds per annum to Joseph STANLEY, clear of all deductions, and has an extensive right of common within the manor of Crich and Lea.
NB there is a share in the manor of Lea aforesaid belonging, all which will be put up at fourteen hundred pounds
For particulars of the title and premises enquire Mr Humphrey MARSHALL at Crich, the owner of the estate and all letters directed to him be left at the Crown Inn in Wirksworth to be answered in any particulars desired.

Derby Mercury 5 January 1770
A governor wanted,
For the poorhouse at Crich in the county of Derby
Any person having a wife, and no other family, that can bring a recommendation, attested to the satisfaction of the persons concerned at that place, to Mr Edward HAYS, at the Bulls Head Inn in Crich, where the business of that place is transacted on the first Monday in February next, or the first Monday in March next, may meet with suitable encouragement.

Derby Mercury 6 April 1770
We hear from Fritchley, Crich, Wingfield-Manor, &c. of great damage having been done a few days since by a mad-dog, who went into the farmyards and all the outhouses he could get in at, biting the cattle, swine, dogs, &c. Several persons have also been bit by him, who are under terrible apprehensions for the consequence, and most of them have taken the Ormskirk Medicine by way of prevention. The neighbourhood being alarmed, pursued him with guns &c. and shot at him several times before they could kill him.

Derby Mercury 15 April 1774
NOTICE is hereby GIVEN,
That the next meeting of the Trustees for the Turnpike Road leading from Cromford Bridge to Langley Mill in this County, is appointed to be held at the house of William SMITH, (the Black Swan) in Crich on Monday, 9 May next, by 11 o’clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of reducing the tolls paid for lime passing through the toll gates at Bullbridge and Peasy Lane.
April 6, 1774
George Evans clerk to the said Road

Derby Mercury 4 November 1774
Saturday night last, one William HALL a miner at Crich in this county, being at work in Fritchley Sough, had the misfortune to be terribly hurt by a blast he was setting, (it going off before the time intended) and notwithstanding his being miserably burnt, he lived till four o’clock on Sunday in the afternoon, when he expired. He was a young man and has left a widow and one child.]
[Note: one transcription has the name as William HILL, but the original, although blurred , seems to be HALL

Derby Mercury 21 January 1780
A freehold estate, situate at Hollins, in the parish of Crich, and county of Derby; tythe free, and well tenanted. In part of the premises there is a bed of coal, and a very valuable bed of potters clay, with good pot-works, and every conveniency for carrying on that business in an extensive way
For further particulars acquire of Mr Thomas ALESBROOKE, at Crich.

Derby Mercury 25th of May 1781
DERBYSHIRE ESTATES
To be sold by private contract, together or in parcels, on Monday, 18 June next, at the house of William SMITH, the Black Swan in Crich, in the county of Derby:
The following freehold estates, viz.
A messuage, with appurtenances situate in Crich in the said county of Derby, now in possession of Miles Bacon; and also one close in Crich aforesaid called Barley Close, now the occupation of Joseph HEPWORTH.
And also all those several in undivided parts or shares of divers other messuage, farms, lands, and hereditaments, situate and in lying Crich aforesaid and now in the respective possessions of Joseph HOLE, James HIGTON, Thomas BEARDSLEY, Joseph HEPWORTH, Jonathan STORER, John ROBINSON and Anthony FLINT.
And also a leasehold estate consisting of several parts or shares of divers messuage, cottages, and lands, situated in Crich aforesaid, (late the estate of Mr Thomas WHELDON) for the remainder of the term of 99 years, of which 43 are yet to come and unexpired.
Further particulars may be had of Mr FALLOWS, attorney in Derby.

Derby Mercury 16 May 1782
To be sold
At the house of Mr William SMITH, known by the sign of the old Black Swan in Crich (he being removed from the house below) on Friday the 31st instance, between the hours of three and six in the afternoon;
A neat and convenient dwelling-house, with two gardens adjoining thereto; pleasantly situated at Coddington near Crich, in the county of Derby, with extensive right of common, now in the possession of Mr Laban GREENHOUGH, the owner, who will show the premises
Further particulars may be had by applying to Mr William SMITH at the Black Swan
Crich May 22, 1782.

Derby Mercury 18 July 1782
Auction of lots of plots in Crich Fritchley and parish area
1782 land auction at Crich

Derby Mercury 22 December 1785
Deserted from a recruiting party of his Majesty’s 70th regiment of Lincoln
ISAAC ALSOP
Born in the parish of Crich, in the county of Derby, aged twenty years, five feet seven inches high, fair complexion, light hair, grey eyes: had on when he went away a light coloured jacket, and white drawers. Whoever apprehends the above deserter, and lodges him in any of his Majesty’s Gaols, shall receive two guineas reward from Lieutenant Wells, of the said Regiment of Lincoln.

Derby Mercury 4 May 1786
Crich and Southwingfield enclosure
Notice is hereby given, that the first meeting of the commissioners for carrying into execution an act of Parliament lately passed for dividing and enclosing the several Commons and Waste grounds within the mannors of Crich and Southwingfield, in the county of Derby, will be held at the house of Mr William ROWE in Crich aforesaid, on Wednesday 24th day of this instant.

Derby Mercury 14 June 1787
To be sold by auction,
By John SAXTON,
Upon the premises at Crich,
All that well-chose stock in trade of the late Mr George REYNOLDS, Wheelwright, in sortable lots, and also all his wheelwright and joiners tools; also several sets of pulleys, &c for loading timber, &c– the sale to begin at 10 o’clock, on Tuesday the third day of July next.
Mess William HOUGHTON, of Wensley, and John SAXTON, of Crich, being appointed joint executors to the will of the late Mr George REYNOLDS, of Crich, Wheelwright, deceased, request all who stand indebted to the said Mr George REYNOLDS, will pay their respective sums to the executors of the fourth day of July next; and all persons who have any demand upon the said Mr George REYNOLDS, are desired to bring or send their accounts (that the same be discharged) to Mr William SMITH’s, the upper Black Swan in Crich, where the executors will attend for the above purpose.
NB the goods for sale may be viewed any day previous to the sale by applying to J SAXTON, at Crich, auctioneer.

Derby Mercury 6 March 1788
A correspondent at Crich informs us, that in January last was found upon the Common, which is inclosing, two Roman coins; one of them exhibits the head of the Emperor Gordianus IIId adorned with a radiated diadem with this inscription, IMP CNES m ANG GORDIA - NUS AUG. –. The other is a coin of Philip the younger, the 93rd Emperor; he partook of the Imperial Dignity with his father from the year 245 to the year 249, when he was killed at Rome by the Precentorian Guards, as his father was the same year killed by the soldiers at Scrona. On one side of the coin is this inscription, IMP M IUL PHILLIPS; on the other side, PIET AUG – These coins were discovered on clearing the Common, in an earthenware pot which is supposed would hold about two quarts, I and was covered with a lid of the same, but when examine great part of it mouldered into dust.

Derby Mercury 13 March 1788
A few days ago was found by some persons who were getting stone in a piece of ground near Crich, called the Cullen, an earthen pot full of copper coins, said to be coined in the year 326; they are not so large as a halfpenny, and are of various sorts; the impression on each side very plain. The weight of the coins altogether was exactly nine pounds.

Derby Mercury 5 February 1789
Derby February 11
On Monday last was married at Pentrich in this county, Mr Samuel TURTON, aged 73, to Martha GODKIN, of Alfreton, who is now in her 15th year.
[Note: they married 9 February 1789]
On Thursday last was married at Crich, in this county, Mr John PEACH of Washington, publican; who has had in the last four weeks, two living wives and a dead one.
[Note: He married Anne Holebrook 10 Feb 1789]
Although the paper was dated 5 February these marriages occurred just after that date

Derby Mercury 23rd of April 1789
A particular of the convictions returned by his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace, to the general Quarter Sessions for the said county, held at Derby, the 21st day of April, 1789, viz.
The Rev John MASON minister of the parish Church of Crich, for neglecting and refusing to read a certain act of Parliament against profane swearing in the parish church of Crich aforementioned, on Sunday the 29th day of March last.
[NOTE: This was probably the Profane Oaths Act 1745 which says: The Act was to be read four times a year in all parish churches and public chapels, with the parson or curate liable to a fine of £5 if this duty was omitted. Many of this type of Act were quietly ignored, but if someone wanted to make trouble, it was an easy way to do so.]

Derby Mercury 27 January 1791
A particular of the convictions returned by his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace to the General Quarter Sessions, held at Derby in and for the said county, the 11th day of January 1791
William BENNETT of Crich, husbandman, keeping and using two snares for the purpose of destroying game
Thomas HARDY of the parish of Crich, labourer, for stealing, taking, and carrying away five turnips, from a field enclosed at the parish of Crich aforesaid, the property of one William SMITH, without his leave and consent.

Derby Mercury 24 February 1791
CRICH WORKHOUSE
Notice is given to the several Liberties who are united with the said workhouse, and also to those Liberties who may think it right in future to unite with the same, that the house rent and governors salary is reduced Ten Pounds per Annum, and that great care will be taken to employ the paupers according to their capacities, and the money arising from such employment will go towards the maintenance of the said paupers, which will greatly lessen the monthly expenses of the said house.
Joseph TURNER, superintendent,
Crich, February 21, 1791

Derby Mercury 25 August 1791
At our last assizes were tried, two girls charged with stealing a shawl out of the shop of James TURTON of Crich, one of whom was convicted and ordered to be burnt in the hand, and the other acquitted for want of sufficient evidence.

Derby Mercury 26 April 1792
[Extract from a florist article...]
The same day the annual meeting of florists for Auriculas and Polyanthoses, held at the house of Thomas COOK, at Hotstandwell Bridge, in this county, the prizes were adjudged as follow:
Best Auricluas
2nd John ATKINSON, Crich, – Foden's Defiance
3rd John SPENCER, Crich Carr – Severn's Fame
Best seedling
Abraham BOND, Crich – Bond's Lord Hood

Derby Mercury 15 November 1792
ABSCONDED
On Sunday last, 15 November 1792
Isaac DAWES, apprentice to WM. DAWES, framework knitter, of Fritchley, near Crich, in this county. He is about 19 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, much pitted with small-pox, has dark brown hair: had on slate coloured coat, with yellow metal buttons, brown hair, shagged waistcoat, with green spots, old greasy leather breeches, and supposed to wear brown worsted stockings. – Whoever harbours the said Isaac DAWES will be prosecuted: If he will return to his master he will be kindly received, and no notice taken of his absence.
NB the military are cautioned not to enlist the above apprentice.

Derby Mercury 12 September 1793
Description of certain Pits in Derbyshire
Lindway Pits 1793
Lindway Pits 1793
Lindway Pits 1793

Derby Mercury 31 July 1794
A particular of the convictions returned by his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace to the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace held at Bakewell, in and for the said county, the 15th day of July 1794
John ELSE of Lea, farmer, for using his cart drawn by one horse, on the turnpike road in the liberty of Matlock, without his name or any inscription thereon as required by act of Parliament.
George YOUNG of Crich, farmer, for the like offence on the turnpike road betwixt Crich and Alfreton.

Derby Mercury 19 February 1795
Married: a few days since, at Crich, Mr Samuel SYLVESTER, to Miss Elizabeth WHEELDON, both of that place.

Derby Mercury 11th of June 1795
TURNPIKE ROAD
From Cromford Bridge to Langley Mill
The next meeting of the trustees will be held (by adjournment) at the house of Joseph PARKIN, the Canal Inn, at Bull Bridge, near Crich, on Wednesday the first day of July next, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of removing the present tollgate at Bull Bridge, nearer to the town of Crich, or otherwise erected a chain betwixt the said toll gate at Bull Bridge, and the said town of Crich: and also, elect new trustees in the room of such as are dead, or have refused to act.
By order of the trustees.
J HEPWORTH, Clerk

Derby Mercury 10 December 1795
Tithes of Crich &c.
The proprietors of the lands in Crich, who wish to purchase their tythes, are requested to meet at the house of Mr Peter KENDALL, the Peacock Inn, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, on Monday the 28th day of December; when proper persons will attend to treat for the same.
Several parcels of land within the liberties of Crich, Brackenfield, and Wessington, will be disposed of at the same time.

Derby Mercury 22 December 1796
ROBBERY
Whereas the cheese-chamber belonging to Robert HAY, of Crich Chace, in this county, was broken open on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning, 14th or 15th of December 1796, and a quantity of cheese taken thereout, supposed about one hundred and half weight, (one of the cheeses taken was green:) also a bag containing three pounds and a half jersey.
Any person giving information of the offender or offenders, so that he or they may be brought to justice, shall on conviction, receive a reward of five guineas, from the said Robert HAY; as it is supposed there were more than one concerned in the above robbery, if anyone will impeach their accomplice or accomplices, shall upon conviction, be entitled to the above reward.
Crich Chace, December 15, 1796

Derby Mercury 22 June 1797
BOARD and EDUCATION
At Crich, near Matlock, in the county of Derby, a remarkably pleasant and healthful situation.
J.WALKER (educated with the Rev Mr CURSHAM) respectfully informs his friends and public, that he has newly erected a large and commodious dwelling-house, and schoolroom and wishes to board and educate a few young gentlemen on the following moderate terms, viz.
Board, for young Gentlemen under 10 years of age, per annum – £10.10s. 0d
ditto, for ditto, from 10 and upwards per annum – £11.11s. 0d
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and the English Grammar, per annum –£2.2s. 0d
Entrance, – 10s.6d
Pupils may likewise board from Monday till Saturday, (having their linen washed by their friends,) by particular agreement.
Mr W. has been engaged as a schoolmaster in Crich for more than nine years, and formal recommendations can be produced from Gentleman of respectability, well acquainted with the plans of his School, if desired.

Derby Mercury 20 July 1797
Married: a short time since, in America, Mr TURTON, late of Crich, in this county, to Mrs MONEYWORTH, widow of Mr MONEYWORTH, eminent merchant; and only daughter of Sir John KAYS, of Kingsdale House, New York.

Derby Mercury 6 July 1798
MINING
A meeting will be held at the house of George YOUNG, the Black Swan, in Crich, on Monday sixth day of August next, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, at which time and place all proprietors of mines on the south side of Crich Cliff are desired to attend, in order to carry into execution some plan to relieve said mines from the water.

Derby Mercury 12 December 1799
We understand a very liberal subscription has been entered into by the respectable inhabitants of the parish of Crich, in this county, for the purpose of reducing the present high price of bread, for the relief of the poor within the said parish, whether their respective places of legal settlement be there or elsewhere: and it is much to be wished that the respectable inhabitants of other parishes also would imitate so laudable an example.