News Snippets between 1875 and 1879

What follows are news snippets with Crich Parish interest from various newspapers between 1875 and 1879.

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 HALL LYNAM SMITH
ALLEN BUSH HAMBLEDON MARSHALL STAFFORD
ALLWOOD CHAWNER HANCOCK MEE STOCKS
ALSOP CHOLERTON HARRIS MELLORS STOKES
ALTON CLARK HARRISON MERCHANT STORER
BAKER CLAYTON HAY MUSGROVE THOMPSON
BARBER COCKAYNE HIGGOTT NEEDHAM THORPE
BARKER COLEMAN HIGTON PETTS WALKER
BARNES COLLEDGE HOUSLEY PIGGIN WATERS
BATES COUPE HOWITT PORTER WHEATCROFT
BERRESFORD COWLISHAW HUNT POYSER WHITTAKER
BESTWICK CUTTS HURT PRINCE WILKINSON
BLACKWELL DAWES HYDES RADFORD WILLIAMS
BOAG DAY JEFFRIES REDFERN WILMOT
BOWER DUNN JESSOP RICHARDSON WINSON
BOWMER ENGLAND JOHNSON ROE WOOLLEY
BROADHURST FLOWERS KNEEBONE SAXON YEOMANS
BROGDALE GARRATT LEE SAYLES YOUNG
BRYAN GRATTON LEWIS SHILTON  
BURROWS GREENHOUGH LUDLAM SIMMS  

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.

From 1875 Crich had a very troubled and notorious vicar in William ACRAMAN who was often in the newpapers. These reports are not recorded here he has a seperate record: William ACRAMAN

1875 newspapers

Derby Mercury 6 January 1875
William THOMPSON, James LYNAM, John NEEDHAM, and James THORPE were charged with making an affray at Fritchley, near Crich, on the 24th instant. Defendants approved to have been fighting and creating a great disturbance, so that a large crowd were brought together. The whole of the defendants were ordered to enter into their own reconnaissance to each keep the peace for twelve months, and the surety of £5 each, and to pay expenses.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 16 January 1875
MARRIAGES
December 28, at Crich church,, by the Rev W. CHAWNER, vicar, Henry HOWITT, of The Common, Crich, to Hannah, eldest daughter of Mr Isaac PETTS, of the same place .

Derby Mercury 20 January 1875
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
Thomas COLEMAN and George SMITH were charged with making an affray at Crich on the 25th ult. Defendants had been fighting and using bad language so that the crowd was collected, and the police had to interfere. They were ordered to find a surety of £5 each to keep the peace for 12 months.
Joseph COCKAYNE and William CLARK were charged with riotous conduct at Crich, on the 3rd instant, and were fined 20s and costs each.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 30 January 1875
DEATHS
January 22, at Crich, Mary, wife of Charles BAKER, aged 76.

Derby Mercury 3 of February 1875
CRICH
[A report of storm damaging Crich church and a full report about the bellringers]

Newspaper report of 1875 Crich bellringers

 

Derby Mercury: 14 April 1875
APPOINTMENT OF CRICH OVERSEERS – Mr John DAWES, assistant overseer for Crich informed the Bench that Mr Luke ALLSOP, who had been one of the overseers for Crich for the last ten years, had died suddenly on Sunday last, and applied to them to appoint Mr Samuel BOWER to succeed him. The Bench accordingly appointed Mr BOWER and expressed their regret upon hearing that Mr ALLSOP was dead. The deceased, who was surveyor and barmaster for the liberty of Crich, was between 50 and 60 years of age, and generally respected.

Derby Mercury 28 April 1875
THE LATE MR ALSOP OF CLIFF HOUSE, CRICH
[there followed a long and flowery obituary for the eldest son of Luke ALSOP. He was Barmaster of the Liberty of Crich, Overseer of the Poor. He was interred in the family vault at Darley Dale. He was only referred to as Mr ALSOP.]

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 15 May 1875
At Crich the rate of infant mortality was very high; half the children born during the last year died before the age of six months. Great importance was attached to the system of vaccination.

Nottingham Journal 29 May 1875
Thomas GRETTON , of Crich, a mere youth, was fined 2s 6d and costs for riding on his cart without reins, at Crich.
Joseph MELLORS. JohnWILLIAMS, and Charles STOCKS, all of Crich, pleaded guilty to being drunk and riotous at Crich, on 15 May, and each were fined 20s and costs.

Derby Mercury 2 June 1875
Charles STOKES, John MELLORS, and John WILLIAMS, were charged with having on Saturday night, the 15th instant, been drunk and riotous at Crich. A constable, improving the case, said that STOKES and MELLORS were fighting, and that WILLIAMS was aiding and abetting. Each of the defendants was ordered to pay a fine of 20s and costs. Mr STRUTT remarked that Crich was the worst place in the district, and the perfect disgrace to it. He was quite ashamed of it, and wished they would take it to Alfreton.
A boy named Thomas GRATTON was charged with riding without reins on Tuesday, the 11th instant, between Crich and Wheatcroft. Fined 2s 6d and 10s 6d costs. The mother of the defendant, a widow, paid the money, stating that she had told him not to ride in the cart 18s 6d costs each.

Derby Mercury 28 July 1875
DEATHS
July 16, at Crich, Mary Radford RICHARDSON, relict of the late Michael JESSOP, solicitor, aged 82.

Sheffield Daily Telegraph 7 August 1875
Henry YOUNG, plumber and glazier, of Crich, was charged by James COWLISHAW, keeper to Mr Walter Noel HARRIS, solicitor, Crich, with killing game. Fined 40s and costs.

Derby Mercury 15 September 1875
George HOUSLEY, Crich, was charged with having in his possession on the 26th July, a dog, for which he had no licence. Fined 25s.
Four young men named John LEE, Thomas WINSON George MUSGROVE, and C. ALLEN were charged with making an affray at Whatstandwell. From the evidence it appeared that the defendants had been drinking at the Wheat Sheaf, in the occupation of Mr JOHNSON, and that on their leaving it they quarrelled and fought and collected a crowd. It appeared also that such disturbances were of weekly occurrences. Bound over to keep the peace for six months, and to pay 13s 6d each.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 2 October 1875
A JULY MORNING DESCRIBED
Addressed to Mrs L –, the respected widow of my departed friend.

Poem of 1875

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 30 October 1875
John BURROWS and Joseph CUTTS, both of Crich, for being drunk and fighting at Crich, on 16 October, were each fined 20s and costs, or one months imprisonment.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 4 December 1875
CRICH
An inquest was held at the Bull's Head Inn, Crich, on Wednesday last, before W. WHISTON, Esq, coroner, on the body of Mr James SMITH, a farmer residing at the Fish Pond House. Deceased came by his death on Monday evening last by falling against the wall of the cowshed adjoining his home, fracturing his skull and otherwise bruising and shaking him. The jury returned a verdict of “accidental death.” The deceased was 76 years of age and an old resident and formerly a blacksmith in that place.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 18 December 1875
DEATHS
Lately, at his residence, Crich, James JEFFRIES, Esq, aged 64.

Chester Courant 29 December 1875
THE CHURCH
PREFERMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS
Rev William ACRAMAN, vicar of Crich, Derbyshire.
[Note: Revd ACRAMAN was a “notorious’ vicar of Crich until his imprisonment in 1900. He was frequently in the press and courts. These events all been separately recorded elsewhere on this site and also in the book about him entitled “Parish Life With a Troubled Vicar”. His newspaper appearances will not be duplicated in this section of the website. MORE.]

1876 newspapers

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 5 February 1876
All persons having any just claims or demands upon or against the estate of James JEFFRIES, late of Crich, stone merchant, deceased, are requested to send the particulars thereof in writing forthwith to Mr John HIGTON, of Crich aforesaid, one of the executors of the deceased.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 5 February 1876
MARRIAGES
January 25, at All Saints Church, South Wingfield, by the Rev F.W. CHRISTIAN, vicar, Henry, son of Mr R. YOUNG, of Crich, to Triphena, daughter of Mr Samuel TAYLOR, butcher, South Wingfield.

Derby Mercury 23 February 1876
Notice is hereby given, that the creditors and all other persons having any claim or demand against the estate of Isaac BOWMER, late of The Yews, Crich, gentlemen, deceased (who died on the 5th day of November last, and whose Will was proved at Derby, on the 25 day of January last, by John MASON, of Broadholme, near Belper, farmer, George DAY, of Ripley, accountant, and Thomas Henry SUMMERSIDE, of Derby, coal merchant), are hereby required to send in particulars of such claims or demands …

Derby Mercury 22 March 1876
[A list of Derbyshire landowners in the 1873 Doomsday Book was serialised in the Derby Mercury newspaper between 22 March 1876 and 27 September 1876. These have been collated separately
VIEW the Crich records .]

Derbyshire Courier 25 March 1876
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
Aaron COLEMAN, of Crich, was charged with leaving the service of the Clay Cross Company without giving notice. He was ordered to return to his work, to pay 10s compensation and costs.

Derby Mercury 19 April 1876
CRICH
Here, under the superintendence of the Local Committee, a thoroughly good supply of pure water has been provided for the inhabitants of Crich Carr, whilst the committee, at their last meeting, decided to turn their attention to providing a better supply of water for the Hamlet of Fritchley.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 1 July 1876
James BERRESFORD, an old man, was convicted of stealing a ham, the property of Joseph OAKDEN, at Crich, on 3 June, and sentenced to 21 days imprisonment.

Derby Mercury 23 August 1876
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
John COLEMAN and Richard HAMBLEDON were charged by the Clay Cross Company with leaving their service at Crich, on the 14th and 20th ult., the compensation being claimed being 20s. Through the defendants absenting themselves a number of persons had been thrown idle. To pay £1 6s 6d each.

Derbyshire Courier 2 September 1876
MARRIAGES
August 14, at the Parish Church, Heage, by the Rev Henry GEARY, vicar of St Thomas’s, Portman-square, London, William, eldest son of Thomas ALLWOOD, Crich, to Mary Ann, eldest daughter of Michael DERWIN, Lower Hartsay.

Derby Mercury 4 October 1876
DEATHS
September 24, at Grove House, Crich, Mary, the beloved wife of Mr George COUPE, aged 56.

Derby Mercury 11 October 1876
Wheeldon RADFORD, John HARRISON, and John LEWIS, all of Crich, were charged with trespassing in search of game on lands at Crich, in the occupation of Miss HURT, on the 25th ult.

Derby Mercury 1 November 1876
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
John WATERS, Crich, was summoned by Mr WHISKIN, Belper, for having, on 1 September, at Crich, usded a gun for the purpose of taking game, on land at Crich, in the occupation of Miss HUNT, of the Hollies. The defendant was also charged with a similar offence on the 8th September, on and at Crich, occupied by Mr HANCOCK. For the first offence defendant was fined £8 16s. The second case was dismissed. defendant was fined 10s and costs.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 22 November 1876
Notice is hereby given, that all creditors and other persons having any claims or demands upon or against the estate of James JEFFRIES, late of Crich, stone merchant, deceased, (who died on or about the 9th day of December 1875, and whose Will, with one codicil thereto , was proved by Robert BOAG, of Crich aforesaid, lime burner, John HIGTON, of the same place, butcher, and Samuel BUSH of Holloway, framework knitter, the executors named in the said will), are hereby required to send in particular is in writing of their claims and demands to the said Robert BOAG, John HIGTON and Samuel BUSH…

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 23 December 1876
Notice is hereby given that all creditors and other persons having any claims against the estate of John ROE, late of Park Head, Crich, who died in April 1875, and whose will has been duly proved in the Principal Registry by Aaron STORER, of Crich, the executor therein named, are hereby required to send in particulars thereof to the said Aaron STORER.

1877 newspapers

Derbyshire Times 3 January 1877
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
James HIGGOTT, tailor, residing in Crich, was brought up in custody charged with assaulting Mary HYDES, a married woman with whom he cohabited, on the 29 December, at Crich; also at the same time and place, with having assaulted Sergeant CHOLERTON whilst in the execution of his duty. Superintendent LYTLE stated that the police officer went to apprehend the prisoner, when he commenced an assault upon him, threatening he would take his life. A remand was asked until Wednesday, which was granted.

Derby Mercury 17 January 1877
DEATHS
January 7, at Crich, Mr William WILKINSON, aged 37.
January 9, at Crich Carr, Mr Thomas WINSON, aged 37.

Derby Mercury 14 February 1877
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
WilliamMARSHALL, Crich, was summoned by the Vaccination Officer of the Belper Union for a breach of the Vaccination Act. Mr DUNN, surgeon, public vaccinator for the parish of Crich, said that the defendant’s child was vaccinated on the 15th ult., but not taken for inspection a week afterwards. Fined 20s and costs.
Albert BROADHURST, licensed victualler, Bulls Head Inn, Crich near Belper was charged with committing drunkenness in his house on the 27th ult.. Mr CUTTS, of Chesterfield, appeared for the defendant, and said that the charge was denied. Mr Superintendent LYTLE informed the Bench that complaints had been made as to the manner in which some of the publicans of Crich conducted their houses, and that the Chief Constable on the day named sent three officers from another petty sessional division in plainclothes to visit the houses. Police-constable COOK was then called, and said that on the night of the 27th ult. he was on duty at Crich, and visited the Bull's Head in the occupation of the defendant. He found eight or ten men, all of them being more or less drunk, and one of them very drunk. The men went on drinking after he went in. In fact, he drank with them. This was at about eight o’clock in the evening, and he was accompanied by two officers. The landlady was present, but not the landlord. There was betting for ale going on. Corroborative evidence having been given, Mr CUTTS called the defendant. Albert BROADHURST, who said he was at Chesterfield on the day in question, and when he returned in the evening there was no noise or disorder in the house. Fined £2 and £1 1s 6d costs.

Derbyshire Times 10 March 1877
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
George SMITH, of Crich, was summoned for being drunk at Crich, on 17 February. Defendant did not appear and warrant was issued.
John DAY, framework knitter, of Crich, was summoned by P.c. MEE, for being drunk at Crich, on 24 February. Fined 5s and costs.

Derby Mercury 21 March 1877
William MARSHALL, of Park Head Crich, was brought up in custody charged by Samuel WHITAKER, of the Cliff Inn, Crich, with stealing five and a half quarts of brandy value of £1 15s 6d, his property... [a long report of the incident followed concluding in MARSHALL being committed for trial at the Assizes.]

Derbyshire Times 21 March 1877
STEALING BRANDY
William MARSHALL, aged 43, chimney sweep, who had been indicted for stealing a bottle containing five quarts of brandy belonging to Samuel WHITTAKER, of Crich, on 13 March, admitted the offence, I was sent to Gaol for six months, with hard labour.

Derbyshire Times 14 April 1877
DEATHS
April 6, at his residence, Crich, William Frederick HALL, aged 67.

Derbyshire Times 21 April 1877
CRICH
The list of deaths last week contained the name of Mr W.F. HALL, well-known as an auctioneer and valuer of long-standing. Mr HALL was the last of several brothers, of whom the late Mr Thomas W. HALL, of Crich, who died a few years ago, was a medical practitioner of great ability. We believe the late Mr W.F. HALL was in early life engaged in tuition at Crich, first as usher in a somewhat celebrated local school conducted by Mr WALKER, a man of great originality and varied endowments, and afterwards as a schoolmaster on his own account. Mr HALL’s requirements as a schoolmaster of the old school were very considerable; he was especially clever as a penman, an accomplishment which we are inclined to think is somewhat neglected in these days.

Derby Mercury 2 May 1877
Emma STORER, of Fritchley, near Crich, made an application for a protection order against her husband, Charles Albert STORER. Applicant was married to her husband and Crich parish church, in December, 1870, and lived with him up to December, 1871. In the interval she had one child. On the 25th December, 1871, her husband deserted her, and had ever since lived away from her. She had maintained herself by her own industry, and become possessed of money and property. She asked for an order for the protection of her earnings and property acquired since her husband left her, from him, and from all persons claiming under him, in pursuance of section 22 of the Act of the 20th and 21st Victoria. Application granted.

Derbyshire Courier 28 April 1877
A MODERN GUY FAWKES IS AT LARGE SOMEWHERE about Crich, and I would counsel the country people in that neighbourhood to be aware! He is a desperate villain, worse for them the rabid conspirators frightening youngsters in the opera of “Madame Angot”, for he amuses himself by throwing a bottle of gunpowder, with lighted fuse attached, through the windows of any house which happens to be occupied by those who love him not. He did this on Sunday morning at Crich with the intention of killing a policeman, who being four miles away, did not come in for the distinguished honour. His wife, however had a narrow escape of being blown to pieces, and is understood to have left bed in a hurry, as soon as she heard the bottle crashing through the window. A courageous man, named BARBER, extinguished the fuse, and scattered the powder, so little harm was done. The reporter who describes the affair states, nevertheless, “that if the powder had exploded it would have destroyed the church.” This gives a new phase to the outrage, and opened up a new aspect of Disestablishment. If the policeman had been killed, and the church destroyed, we should have had not only a separation of Church and State, but the an annihilation of both these institutions as far as Crich is concerned. Fortunately the plot, like that of the original GutyFawkes, was frustrated, and the only thing to be done now is to seize the conspirator, and teaching wisdom.
[Note at this time the police house was close to the church. This report was subsequently followed up with the apprehension of the culprit. See later reports.]

Derby Mercury 9 May 1877
DIABOLICAL ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP A POLICE STATION AT CRICH
[names of the involved: Andrew and Thomas BLACKWALL; Constables Joseph MEE and GARRATT; Thomas POYSER; William COWLISHAW; Robert BARBER; John CLARKE; Alfred ALTON]

Blowing up Crich police station in 1877

Note: There was a Belper Magistrates appearance reported in the Derbyshire Times of 5 May 1877 when Andrew BLACKWALL was committed to Derby Assized for a trial. At this trial reported in Derby Mercury 1 Aug 1877 he got 7 years penal servitude.

Derby Mercury 16 May 1877
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
William BOWMER, Crich, Henry Jennings BLACKWELL, Crich, William SMITH, Crich and George DICKEN, township of Alderwasley, were each 25s for keeping a dog without a licence.

Derbyshire Times 26 May 1877
CRICH
The design of Mr John WILLS, architect, Derby, has been accepted for a Congregational Chapel at Crich Carr, the results chiefly of the liberality of Mr J. SIMS, who is giving the whole of the stone required in the erection of the building, the freehold of the site amounting to 288 yards, and a donation of £100. The style adopted is early English, Mr WILL’s design has also been accepted for a similar Primitive Methodist Chapel at Tideswell.

Derbyshire Courier 13 June 1877
Emanuel STORER alias HUNT, of Fritchley, was brought up in custody charged by John STORER, of that place, with unlawfully attempting to set fire to a dwelling house at Crich, on 25 June. Mr STORER stated that he lived within a hundred-year yards from the prisoner’s house. On the previous night, after he had been in bed a short time, he heard someone knocking at the door, when he looked out of the window and asked who it was. No reply was given to the question, but “Get up! Emanuel STORER is setting fire to the house.” He (the witness) then found it was the prisoner’s wife. On reaching the prisoner’s house a number of persons were there, and on entering he saw the prisoner had a stick in his hand, with which he threatened to strike him. He also picked up the coal rake. Witness noticed that the chairs had been broken up, and were upon the fire burning, and there was a great blaze. John RADFORD gave a similar description of the state house was in. The witness also noticed a pillow belonging to the sofa on the fire, and heard the prisoners say he would “Set fire to all the – – things.” The prison now said he had nothing to say in answer to the charge. The magistrate said there was not sufficient proof to commit the prisoner, but it was a narrow escape. He was accordingly discharged.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 14 July 1877
LAYING MEMORIAL STONES OF A NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL AT CRICH

Laying of Bapist Foundation Stone 1977

Derbyshire Times 28 July 1877
DEATHS
June 29, at the Common, Crich, Hannah, relict of Mr Joseph HOWITT, aged 64.

Derbyshire Times 25 August 1877
Isaac WOOLLEY, of Crich Carr, was summoned by Mr Joseph PYM, the Vaccination Officer for neglecting to take his child to be inspected after vaccination. Ordered to pay 10s.

Derbyshire Times 8 September 1877
CRICH
DEATH OF THE VICAR – the Rev W. CHAWNER, Vicar of Crich, died a few days ago in the Isle of Wight. The news of his death which was not unexpected, was received with deep regret. Mr CHAWNER was vicar of Crich from 1855 to 1875.

Derbyshire Courier 8 September 1877
CRICH
THE LATE VICAR – We are pleased to hear it whispered that a subscription is likely to be started with a view to placing a memorial window in the parish church to the memory of the late vicar. This is a project which recommends itself to every parishioner of Crich. Setting aside the great value which such memorial would have in an ornamental point of view – the church being entirely lacking in that particular – a more appropriate tribute could not be paid to the memory of the late vicar, to whom the people of Crich owe a debt of gratitude, for his untiring labours during the 20 years of his life that he passed amongst them.
[Note: the late vicar mentioned was the Rev William CHAWNER. To see the window: VIEW]
A PROLIFIC COW – A most unusual circumstance occurred the other day at the Farmstead of Daniel BROADHURST, of Coddington, one of whose cows produced three calves at birth, which are all alive, perfectly formed and healthy, and all cow calves, and red in colour.

Derby Mercury 31 October 1877
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
John BOWMER and William FLOWERS, of Crich Carr, were each fined 20s and costs for being drunk and disorderly on the 20th ult. at Whatstandwell.

Derbyshire Courier 3 November 1877
CRICH
TESTIMONIAL TO THE CRICH POSTMAN
A most deserving public servant, Mr John PIGGIN, the postman of Crich, has just had a small purse of money, £16 10s presented to him. PIGGIN’s daily round of duty was about 20 miles. He has gone over the ground about 19 years. Mr COUPE and Mr John SAXON, who had kindly undertaken the task of canvassing the parish generally, privately presented the worthy postman with the proceeds of their labours on Saturday evening last. Miss LEE, of Wheatcroft, which is in the Crich postal delivery, kindly contributed a quota collected by her in that township, and Mrs BOWMER, of Crich, likewise rendered efficient aid in the task of collection. The postman was deeply thankful to his many friends, whose kindness in his broken down condition is indeed most opportune.
[Note: £16 10s in 1877 would be worth approximately £1,000 in 2021]

Derbyshire Courier 10 November 1877
CRICH
A new style of coal-selling seems to be obtaining about Crich and neighbourhood. The coal is put up in cwt. bags, card-loads of which are retailed about, the price being 7½ d per cwt.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 17 November 1877
[The following letter was in response to a previous one from a correspondent who called himself “Crich Green”]
THE CLOCK AT CRICH
Sir, “Crich Green” says “It is a well-known fact that the church clock is never to be depended on, and is generally five minutes behind station time.” Is “Crich Green” quite up to Greenwich? I think hardly. I am not going to say that the church clock does not require regulating sometimes, and “Crich Green’s” letter might read better. Mr SMITH , the well-known clockmaker of Derby, is paid to keep the church clock regulated, and it goes, so far as I know, this is well as most of its class.
Mr Editor, I will give “Crich Green” and his clock friends a hint.
It is rumoured to try to get up a market again at Crich, how would it be for the clock committee to keep their clock project by them a bit – in case a Market Hall should be billed in connection therewith. Crich is such a well-to-do village that it is quite likely to have a Market Hall, and the clock would be so nice for the front of it. I give this hint for their consideration, but I cannot allow the poor church clock’s character to be taken away by “Crich Green,” without just one word in its defence, especially as I am
THIS MAN WHO WINDS THE CLOCK UP
[There followed another rather long letter in response to “Crich Green” signed by PRO BONO PUBLICO].

Derbyshire Times 17 November 1877
The liquidators of the Crich Cooperative Society sued Charles COWLISHAW, of Shirland, for £7 11s 10d balance due from him when the society was wound up.

Derbyshire Times 24 November 1877
DEATHS
November 20, at her residence in Crich, Ann, relict of the late John WALKER, aged 77 years.

Derby Mercury 28 November 1877
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
William BARBER, of Crich, wheelwright, was charged by John Thomas ENGLAND, of Crich, with assaulting him on 16 November, at Crich the defendant who said he was 80 years of age, admitted the offence. Fined 10s and costs. The Chairman remarked that it was only in consequence of the age and infirmity of the defendant they inflicted such a small penalty.

Derbyshire Times 1 December 1877
CRICH
An inquest was held on Saturday at the Canal Inn, Bull Bridge, before, Mr WHISTON coroner, touching the death of George BARKER, a boatman, aged 70 years, the deceased only had one leg. On Thursday night he left a public-house at Bull Bridge and went in the direction of the canal, where his boat was anchored. A high wind prevailed, and it is supposed that the deceased, while getting into the boat fell into the water, where he was found dead on the following morning. The jury returned a verdict of “Accidentally drowned.”

Derby Mercury 5 December 1877
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
Thomas KNEEBONE and William MARTIN, of Crich, who appeared to be about 14 years of age, were brought up in custody charged with stealing several wooden pipes, on Saturday last, the property of John DAWES, Crich, tobacconist. It seems from the evidence that the complainant missed six pipes out of a shop window. Suspicion fell upon the prisoners, and when MARTIN was apprehended he said to the police-officer that he went into Mr DAWE’s shop for half-an-ounce of tobacco, and took a pipe, which he afterwards sold for six pence, and upon KNEEBONE was found some of the stolen property. MARTIN was removed into custody, and KNEEBONE was admitted to bail to appear at the next Petty Sessions.

Derbyshire Times 8 December 1877
WHEATCROFT
Our obituary of the other week contain a notice of the death of a well-known and highly respected resident in the somewhat secluded Hamlet of Wheatcroft, near Crich; we allude to the late Mrs LEE. It seems every way right and proper that something more than a mere notice should be given of this estimable and lamented lady’s demise. Mrs LEE was one of those “Uncrowned Queens,” whose native nobility of character shrank from obtrusive notice, but who in the congenial arena of her own hearth and home and the surroundings of her immediate neighbourhood, was a pattern and an ornament and a power for good. Gifted with a large heart and a mind of more than ordinary power and acuteness, she was fitted to have filled a larger space in the world’s eye than Providence and her own quiet domestic case really aside her. She was naturally retiring and she shrank from, rather than courted, gaze and approbation of the world. Her own immediate and dear relatives know best how to appraise her worth and goodness, and the village in which she spent so many years of her life has lost a friend and counsellor, whose heart was ever assailable to the voice of distress and whose hand and purse were ever open to relieve. In the matter of religious belief she was a firm adherent to the Established Church of England, but she was yet tolerant of dissent when it was unaccompanied by bigotry. The writer of these remarks has been often times charmed by the native good sense, shrewdness, and humour which she has displayed in a conversation. The gap which death has left the circle of which she was so great an ornament cannot be filled up, but the memory of her many virtues will long survive in the recollection of all with whom she came into contact

Derbyshire Courier 22 December 1877
The anniversary of the Crich Temperance Society and Band of Hope was held on Tuesday evening last, at the National School Room, Crich.
[There followed a lengthy article reporting this event which was led by the vicar the Rev W. ACRAMAN. Note: the Rev ACRAMAN, a frequent source of reportage in the newspapers between 1877 and 1900, was a strong advocate of Temperance and was supported in this stance by Florence Nightingale who sent her maid to attend his sermons and to report back.]

1878 newspapers

Derbyshire Courier 19 January 1878
DEATHS
January 12, at Potters Hill, Crich, William CLAYTON, aged 60.

Derbyshire Times 23 February 1878
Henry YOUNG, of Crich, plumber, was summoned or with being drunk in certain licensed premises at Crich, on the 7th instant, in the occupation of James TAYLOR. P.c. MEE proved the case. Superintendent LYTLE handed to the Bench along list of previous convictions. Fined 10s and costs.
Thomas ALTON, of Fritchley, was charged with being drunk at Crich, on 4 February. The defendant admitted the charge, and was fined 5s and costs, being the first offence.

Derbyshire Times 2 March 1878
EDUCATION MEETING AT CRICH
A largely attended meeting of the ratepayers was held at the School Room, Crich, on Thursday night, specially convened to consider a requisition of ratepayers and passing a resolution requesting the School Attendance Committee of the Belper Union to make bye-laws respecting the attendance of children at school. There were nearly three hundred of the working classes present. Mr Robert BOAG was voted to the chair. Mr S. BOWER proposed, “That it is expedient that bye-laws requiring the attendance of children at school under section 74 of the Education Act, 1870, should be made for the township of Crich, and that a requisition for this purpose be sent to the School Attendance Committee of the Board of Guardians of the Belper Union.” Mr Aaron STORER seconded the motion, which was ably supported by Mr BUSH. Mr PRINCE spoke against the proposition, and after a lengthy discussion, the motion was put and carried unanimously. Mr PYM (clerk of the Belper Union) then read copies of bye-laws which had been adopted in other parishes in the locality. The meeting represented that it was their wish that the bye-laws should contain, amongst others, the following provisions: – the parent of every child of not less than five nor more than thirteen years shall cause such child to attend school unless there be a reasonable excuse for non-attendance. Any of the following reasons shall be a reasonable excuse, namely: – that the child is under efficient instruction in some other manner; that there is no public elementary school open with the child can attend within two miles if the child is between the ages of five and seven, or within three miles if the child is between the ages of seven and thirteen years. The usual votes of thanks brought the meeting to a close.

Derbyshire Times 9 March 1878
TO THE EDITOR
SIR, The old ringers are now on strike yet, and they are likely to be on strike now I think they have lost their places, for the new ringers seem to have stepped into their places and they seem to be quite settled down and comfortable. They are very nearly all teetotallers. The old ones think they will soon be wanted again, but in they think so they think wrong. Crich bells will never fail while there are such good spirits to follow it up. We are well pleased with the new ringers, so may God grant that they will go on well. I conclude my letter same old soul,
BLACK JACK
[The verses the correspondent enclosed are not suited for publication. – Ed D.T.]
[Note: this was one of many reports of a “bell-ringer” conflict at Crich church]

Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 5 April 1878
CRICH
SUDDEN DEATH – On Saturday last John SHILTON, of Crich, labourer, found his wife lying dead in the garden, about 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

Derby Mercury: 10 April 1878
HIGHWAY MEETING – The first meeting of this newly appointed committee was held in the National Schoolroom on Monday the 1st inst when all the members were present. Mr DUNN was in the chair, and Mr S. BOWER in the vice chair. Mr DUNN informed the committee that although they were met to conduct the business of the highway, he found that the surveyor already appointed by the vestry had sole power over the highways during his term of office, and unless the surveyor would give his consent in writing to be under the control of the committee, he did not see what would be the use of meeting there. – Mr Aaron STORER, the surveyor, although not inclined to give a written consent to be under the committee, said he would be very pleased to work with them. – Mr S. BOWER proposed and Mr T. SAYLES seconded, “That the committee remain as a committee of inspection to assist the surveyor in the discharge of his duties” – Mr J. BURTON moved as an amendment, and Mr George STAFFORD seconded. “That if the committee have no power they should dissolve at once” – The chairman voted for the amendment, but Mr BOWER’s proposition was carried. The committee recommended that the surveyor make a highway rate of 7d in the pound for the ensuing year. It was also decided to give the Baptist authorities the sum of £3 to improve the road leading from the Market Place to Whatstandwell Station, near to the Baptist chapel now in the course of erection. – Mr R. BRYAN moved that the committee meet once every two months, which was duly carried – The usual vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting to a close.

Derby Mercury: 8 May 1878
PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE – The following parochial committees were re-appointed – Crich: Mr Wm. YEOMANS, Mr George COUP, Mr Samuel BOWER, Mr G.G. BATES, Mr Thomas GRATTON, Mr Isaac PETTS, Mr Robert BOAG, Mr John SIMMS, Mr George WHEATCROFT, Mr James LEE, Mr Aaron STORER, Mr Thomas BOWMER, Mr George STAFFORD, and Mr Jeremiah BURTON.

Derbyshire Courier 18 May 1878
CRICH
DEATH FROM SUFFOCATION
A sad death took place on Monday, at Crich. It seems that Charles LUDLAM, a collier, aged 18 years, residing at Thorpe Hill, asked a man named William HARRISON to let him down into an empty well adjoining his garden. HARRISON did so by means of a chain attached to the well. When he had reached the bottom LUDLAM was heard to groan. HARRISON then commenced to wind the man up, when the chain slipped from under his feet. LUDLAM’s uncle descended the well, and had a very narrow escape of losing his life. The unfortunate man was brought to the surface, but life was extinct. The supposed cause of death is suffocation from foul gas. The depth of the well is about 27 feet.

Derbyshire Courier 25 May 1878
MARRIAGES
On Wednesday, the 22nd instant, at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Matlock Bank, by the Rev Francis James MORGAN, minister Mr Aaron GREENHALGH, of Crich Carr, to Mrs M. JACKSON, Matlock.

Derbyshire Times 8 June 1878
DEATHS
At Crich, on the 4th instant, Mr John WILMOT, late of Alderwasley, in his 81st year.

Derbyshire Times 3 August 1878
DEATHS
July 26, at Dark Lane, Crich, Olivia COLLEDGE, aged 67.

Derby Mercury: 11 September 1878
PETTY SESSIONS, Thursday
[Before L. E. MANN Esq (Chairman) J.H. WOOLLEY Esq, and HERBERT STRUTT Esq]
Adam BARNES of Crich, quarryman, was summoned by Aaron STORER, surveyor of the highways for Crich, for taking away certain materials, to wit, one load of stone, out of a certain quarry without the consent of the surveyor of highways. The complainant said that a quarry had recently been opened at Crich for parish purposes. On the 28th ult he found the defendant in the act of getting stone, and a truck loaded with stone, which defendant said he should take. The Bench were of the opinion that the Highways Act, under which the proceedings had been taken, had not been complied with, and dismissed the case.

Derbyshire Courier 5 October 1878
CRICH
THE MILD SEASON – At the present time there exists quite a rarity at Crich. In the garden of, James REDFERN Esq., of Bank House, Crich, may be seen an apple tree in bloom, at the same time bearing very fine fruit.

Derbyshire Times 21 December 1878
CRICH
We regret to announce elsewhere the death of Mr John SIMS, of the Coddington Farm, and the proprietor of the well-known “Dukes Quarries,” at Whatstandwell. The deceased succeeded to the proprietorship of the quarries on the decease of a relative some years ago, and has, notwithstanding precarious health for some years, carried on an extensive business. He was remarkable for being a good and liberal master, and having been in his own origin a working man, he had great sympathy with his employees, and spared no pains to promote both their comfort and moral welfare. During the present year he erected, chiefly at his own cost, pretty and commodious chapel, on the Crich Carr, for the convenience of his neighbours and workmen. His funeral took place on Saturday, the 7th instant, and was largely attended, more than 100 of his workmen following him to the grave, together with a large crowd of respectful spectators. The coffin was covered with black cloth, elegantly finished, and a wreath of immortelles was placed upon it as it descended into the vault. The quarries which had been enclosed from the day of his decease, were reopened on Monday morning under the proprietorship of Mr Anthony SIMS, brother of the deceased, who will continue them in the family name, under which they have been so long known.

1879 newspaper

Derby Mercury 26 February 1879
DEATHS
At Crich Chase, February 12 Ann, beloved wife of Robert HAY, aged 76 years.

Derbyshire Times 26 April 1879
CRICH
An inquest was held on Monday, at the Bull’s Head Inn, Crich before Mr Coroner WHISTON, touching the death of William PORTER, a farmer of that place, aged 48 years, who died suddenly on the previous Friday. A verdict of “Death from effusion on the brain” was returned.
DEATHS
April 18, William PORTER, of Edge Farm, near Crich, aged 48.

Derbyshire Courier 24 May 1879
An announcement in last week’s “Deaths” reminds me of the gaps which a few years make in the ranks of those we once knew. From 1855 to 1875 a most laborious and conscientiously painstaking clergyman, the Rev William CHAWNER, laboured in the upland parish of Crich – within sight of Belper – most unwearily,, instant in season and out of season, by night and by day, he was in and out amongst his parishioners, until his health sent him unwillingly away from his mountain flock, to that sunny sheepfold of the south, the Isle of Wight, only, however, to linger a brief year or two, in which he still “went about doing good,” as strength and opportunity offered, till his old friends at Crich were startled and grieved to hear that he had passed away, and that they were to see their old pastor and friend no more, and now I read that his amiable wife has followed him.

Derby Mercury 2 July 1879
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
John BOWMER, of Crich, quarryman, for being drunk at Crich, on the 14th instant was fined 10s and costs.
George SMITH, of Crich, quarryman, for being drunk and disorderly at Crich, on 17 June, was fined 12s 6d and costs.
Aaron COLEMAN, of Crich, quarryman, for being drunk at Crich, on the 17th instant, was fined 5s and costs.
John BOWMER, of Crich Carr, for being drunk at Crich, on the 21st June, was fined 10s and costs.
William SMITH, of Crich, quarrymen, was fined 10s and costs for being drunk and disorderly at Crich, on the 17th instant.

Derbyshire Courier 12 July 1879
I notice that the Crich Parochial Committee have been considering the question of supplying Crich with water, and have cast their longing eyes upon that well-watered suburb of Crich, “The Carr”, for the required supply.
One of the most astute men that ever resided at Crich, the late eminent conveyancer, Michael JESSOP, Esq, of “The Mount,” had a pet project for supplying Crich with water by means of a turbine or ram – a project which I expect is identical with that entertain by the Crich P.C., on the 25th ult., Which was probably neither more nor less than an echo of Mr JESSOP’s idea.
I presume a reservoir of sufficient capacity and elevation would be required into which the water should be forced. If this project could be carried out without too large an outlay, it would be the finest thing that has yet been done for Crich.

Derby Mercury 30 July 1879
William HAMBLEDON, of Crich, quarryman, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises at Crich, on the 18th instant, and refusing to quit when requested. He was also summoned with being disorderly on the same licensed premises of the 12th instant. Fined 20s and costs in each case.
Joseph COCKAIN, of Crich, for being drunk at Crich on the 5th instant, was fined 20s and costs.

Derby Mercury 10 September 1879
William MERCHANT, of Crich, stonemason, was summoned for being drunk at Crich on 20 August. Find 5s and costs.

Derby Mercury 22 October 1879
George SMITH, of Crich, quarryman, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Crich on the 10th instant and was fined 5s and costs.

Derby Mercury 3 December 1879
BELPER PETTY SESSIONS
William HAMBLETON, of Crich, did not appear in answer to a summons for being drunk and riotous at Crich, on the 21st November. A warrant was issued for his apprehension.

Derby Mercury 17 December 1879
Eliza POYSER, Harvey George BATES, and John William ROE, of Crich, were summoned by Mr HUDSON, school attendance officer of the Belper Union, for a breach of the bye-laws of the Education Act now in force in the parish of Crich. The Bench made an order in each case. BATES and ROE were ordered to pay the costs (5s).