Reminiscences of Rotherham by Alderman Geo. Gummer, J.P.

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STOCKS

Formerly there were stocks at the foot ot the steps leading to the Churchyard, where drunks were exposed to the ribald jests and jeers of the people. Whether this had the deterring effect desired I cannot say.

Another method of dealing with the habitual drunken and lazy man was one adopted by his shopmates, who took a wheel-barrow to his house, and, having bundled the delinquent into this, trundled him through the principal streets and then to his work, followed by the youngsters, who made great fun at the poor fellow’s expense. This procedure usually had a salutary effect.

WELL-KNOWN RESIDENTS

Reference to coachmen of former days recalls names of some of the leading residents in the sixties. I can only mention a few who stand out from the remainder. Mr. James Yates, a tall aristocratic figure, with long beard and stately walk, a Deputy Lieutenant of the County, built Oakwood hall, and determined to enjoy the beauties of the estate during his lifetime. To that end, instead of planting young trees which would take years to glow, he removed and planted fully-grown trees which he procured from the Grange, near Droppingwell. He had only two children. The eldest, a son, was drowned during the launching of a boat at Masbro’; the other, a daughter, married Mr. Bentley. Shaw, who took the name of Yates. They resided in Oakwood Grange, which Mr. Yates built for their use.

Mr George Haywood, his partner in business, also lost a son in the boat disaster. He had three other Sons, named Harris, Roger, and Willie, and several daughters.

I well remember Mr. Haywood building “Rotherstoke, as my father did the joinery work, and when I was a nipper I used to take his meals to the house. One of the daughters married Mr. Staplyton Smith, of Smith Bros., ironmongers, and another Mr. William Oxley, steel manufacturer.

Mr. George Wilton Chambers of Clough House, had pride of race in his upright carriage, aristocratic nose and sharp upper lip, and a look of arrogance on his face. He had several children. Charlie, his eldest son, possessed no ability for either a professional or business life. His second son, Robert, on the other hand, assisted in the management and carried on the business at the Burton Weir Works after his father’s death, until a few years ago.

Mr. Henry Badger, a solicitor, had a family of six sons and three daughters, to whom I have already referred.

Mr. Robert John Bentley, owner of Bentley’s Brewery, also had several sons and daughters. The Sons I knew were Philip, Netherwood, and Lionel. Robert, the eldest son, was killed whilst riding in some steeple chases at Doncaster. One of the daughters married a Mr. Champion and another Mr. Foster, of Thorne.

Mr. Arthur Hirst, brother-in-law to Mr. Bentley, lived at The Mount, off Alma road, He had five sons and I think, two daughters. Percy, the eldest son, went to sea as a 'middy', whilst Walter took to the more peaceful occupation of farming. Wilfred assisted his father at the brewery, and Tom joined his brother Percy (after he left the sea) in a wine and spirit business, The youngest, Reginald, died in early manhood. One of the daughters married Mr. Reginald Hodgkinson, solicitor; the other devoted her life to the good of others. During the latter part of her life, she sat as a Guardian of the Poor.

Mr. George Brown, an ironmaster and proprietor of the Rotherham Forge and Rolling Mills, had two sons. Samuel, the elder, was a solicitor and at one time Town Clerk of Rotherham.He also held for many years the same official position in the borough of Salford. John James, his brother, helped in the management of the mill.

Mr. William Owen, the owner of the Phoenix Ironworks, at that time in Greasbro’ and Rawmarsh roads, occupying the site from the old 'Sun Inn' in Greasbro’ road to Aizlewoods lime kilns, and the largest works                 » next

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