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Kirby Misperton History > School Centenary

KIRBY MISPERTON SCHOOL

CENTENERY

1855  -  1955

Kirby Misperton Schoolhouse A.D. 1855

Rydale

Oh Rydale is a wide dale between the moors and wolds,
A land of becks and pastures, of cornfields and of folds.
The clouds rise high behind the moors and over Ryedale run
And eastward sail before the wind
While westward goes the sun.

* * *

A thousand years in Ryedale are as a single day,
For men work as they've always worked and talk in the same way
They shear their flocks and milk their kine, they plough, they sow, they reap,
And when they meet, their speech is of their oxen and their sheep.

* * *

Since Eve did spin and Adam delved with sweat upon his brow,
No better life has any found, nor is their happier now,
Than thus to dwell in Ryedale, between the moors and wolds,
A land of becks and pastures, of cornfields and of folds.

EDMUND HOPE, 1938
Rector of Kirby Misperton

Kirby Misperton

June 1955

In publishing this booklet, in connection with the Centenary of the school, I should like to thank the many friends who have so willingly supplied information, which I hope will be of interest.

signature of M. Joyce W. Clarke
(Head Teacher)

KIRBY MISPERTON SCHOOL

CENTENARY CELEBRATION

10th June, 1955

2 p.m.

F. Barraclough (Secretary of Education for N. Riding) will be present.

7 p.m.

A cup of tea will be served in the afternoon and evening with the Centenary cake made by Mrs. J. Harding.

KIRBY MISPERTON

KIRBY MISPERTON used to be called Chirchebi Myperton in the XI Century, and later Kirkeby Misperton. In Speed's map of 1610 it is called Kirby-over-Ker. This has been pronounced "Kirby Owker" by villagers for many years.

At one end of the village is the Church of St. Lawrence in days gone by called "The Kirk". Kirby is thus derived, which means "The church by". As Ker or Carr means low lying land, we gather that Kirby-over-Ker means "The church over the low lying land".

In the days of Edward the Confessor, there was a Church, Priest and Mill, valued at 3s. Kirby Misperton was one of the few places in Domesday Book 1085, which had increased in value to 20s.

In 1893 remains of the Lake Dwellers were found on the banks of the River Costa, close to Kirby Misperton.

BUILDINGS WHICH ARE MORE THAN 100 YEARS OLD

IVY HOUSE (W. Harding & Son) was once a Public House called "The Nags Head".

DUCKS FARM, and also the old Manor Farm were at one time Public Houses. The old Manor Farm was a long, low, picturesque building, with roses climbing up the walls. It was for some time the Post Office, with Miss Baker the postmistress.

THE HISTORY OF KIRBY MISPERTON CHURCH

St. Lawrence's Church is built of stone. There was a church here in Saxon times, as there are several Saxon stones in the walls of the present church. William the Conqueror gave the village of Kirby Misperton to Berenger de Todeni, son of Robert de Todeni.

Some of the land of Kirby Misperton and Barughs Ambo and Ryton, came into the possession of Hugh Fitz Baldric about this date. Berenger de Todeni gave 1,600 acres of land in these parts to St. Mary's Abbey at York.

Hugh Fitz Baldric and Patrick de Coures gave a further grant of lands, church and rectory of St. Lawrence, to St. Mary's Abbey. John, Lord Abbot of St. Mary's, York, granted the advowson to Lord Ros of Hemlac (Helmsley). The advowson passed to the Earls of Rutland and Dukes of Buckingham from whom in 1755 the advowson passed to the Duncombe family, who are still the patrons, Lord Feversham being the present patron.

THE RECTORY

This is a Georgian Residence built between 1800 and 1820, of stone, some of which came from Rievauex Abbey. There are 27 rooms, 14 of which are in the wing. The previous Rectory, which was thatched stood in the vegetable garden. The present brick boundary wall between the Rectory, and the Church is very old, and dates back to Elizabethan times. It is expected that the wing of the Rectory will be demolished during the summer of 1955.

KIRBY MISPERTON HALL

This was probably built towards the end of the 18th Century and early 19th Century. At one time it was moated. It was the seat of the Rev. F.N. Blomberg, one of the Chaplains of King George IV and a prebendary of St. Paul's; he was said to be a son of George III. The estate, having passed to the crown, was presented to Blomberg by the monarch, when he was Prince Regent. Not far from the mansion is an obelisk, which was erected in 1812 by Dr. Blomberg, as a token of gratitude to his royal patron.

The Hall consists of 28 acres, there being two lakes in the grounds. Alderman Twentyman bought the Kirby Misperton estate in 1903 and lived at The Hall until his death in 1928.

After lying empty for 10 years the whole estate was sold in 1938. The Hall was bought by Mr. Ainsworth, but during the war years was occupied by the troops. In 1948 Mr. Tyler of Scarborough bought The Hall and then in 1950 it was opened as a Country Club by Major and Mrs. Stone.

VICTORIAN HISTORY

BUILDINGS.

Many of the houses standing now, were built in mid-Victorian times.

THE HALL.

The Tindall family came to live at the Hall in 1863 and left in 1903. For many years, the three Miss Tindalls, Henrietta, Mary and Jane, walked round the large lake every afternoon. There being 5 or 6 gardeners, the grounds were kept in a beautiful condition. Every Christmas, 2 pigs were killed, and the Miss Tindalls gave everyone in the village pork and ½ ton coals.

Four horses and carriages were kept, the coachman being Mr. Kellington. He was a most particular man and would wash and scrub the horses every time they had been out. Among other things he kept many canaries. Mr. Kellington died the night the Tindalls left the Hall. Sewing classes were held at the Hall for girls, on a Saturday, and on Wednesday afternoon for ladies. Mrs. J. Foxton went when she was 4½ years old and hemmed aprons.

For some years there was a woodwork and carving class at the Hall, where boys of 15 and over attended. The instructor came from Scarborough. One of the Miss Tindalls carved a Reading Desk or Lectern and presented it to the Church, where it still stands.

Each Friday, Miss Tindalls took religious tracts round the village and so visited every house. They also knitted and gave to each girl in the village, every two or three years, different coloured bonnets.

All the girls in the village curtsied to the Miss Tindalls, and the boys saluted.

SCHOOL

The Infants' School was at one time at the Red House. Mrs. Williamson taught there and the charge was 2d. per week.

The present school was originally built without the Infants' room. This was added at a later date. On the way to school were 6 poplars on the right-hand side of the road. Mrs. J. Wilson remembers going to school on top of the hedge, the snow was so deep. In the school playground, which was very rough, grew a beautiful chestnut tree, by the side of the West porch. On the stone window ledges, are deep notches, where slate pencils were sharpened.

The only way into the Cemetary was through the school playground. Mrs. J. Wilson recalls how, when her brother died, he was the last one to be taken through the school playground, and that shortly afterwards upon the death of her father he was the first one to be taken through the new gates.

Special Occasions.

Sunday School Outing to Scarborough was a red-letter day each year. Wagons which were specially decorated, took scholars and parents to Pickering at 6 a.m., to catch the 7.30 a.m. train. For the communal meals at Scarborough the Tindalls and Mrs. Hutchings (wife of Canon Hutchings), provided hams.

Thursday before Whitsuntide. Everyone went down to the cricket field for sports, buns and ginger beer.

Jubilee. A tea was held in the barn of Horsley Farm. The Hall grounds were opened to the villagers. Miss Tindalls gave mugs and medals to all the children.

Transport. 6d. return to Pickering in the carrier's cart - Mr. Metcalfe. He also brought the coals (18/- ton) and papers each day. On Saturday he went to Malton - 1/- return. These were very bumpy rides on poor roads, sitting on forms one behind another, and only an umbrella for protection against all kinds of weather.

It was customary for many people to walk to Pickering in those days. Mr. J. Wilson well remembers the penny-farthing bicycles in the village. The late Mr. W. Welburn was the first to have one. Mr. F. Ward recalls what excitement there was in the village, when the doctor from Pickering arrived on a bicycle with pneumatic tyres.

Wages. Farm workers 12/- to 15/- a week.

At the Blacksmith's Cottage lived Mrs. Gill who made toffee for ½d. a bag and ginger beer for 1d. a bottle.

Thatched cottages were pulled down and Poplar Row built. There was a ditch in front of the thatched cottages.

Prices.

The Parish Stable stood by the side of the pond. Those who came to Church on horseback, or pony and trap, tied their horses in this stable. Mr. John Wilson's father eventually bought these old stables. Mr. Wilson helped his father to make a set of hen houses from this wood. They can still be seen at Home Farm.

There were Stocks in the garden of Claxton House up to 1940 but unfortunately they were demolished.

The Village Pump. This was used until 1940. Many villagers had shoulder yokes, with which they carried pails of water. J. Pickering also led water from the Beck, by donkey and barrel cart for which householders paid 6d. a load.

A Pound, locally called "The Pinfold" stands at the corner of Habton Road. This was originally used to confine straying animals.

HEAD TEACHERS

From the earliest records obtainable, Mr. John A. Pickworth was here in 1872,

ASSISTANT TEACHERS FOR PAST 10 YEARS

FURTHER EDUCATION

KIRBY MISPERTON SCHOOL - JUNE 1955.

Head Teacher ... MRS. M. J. W. CLARKE

Assistant  ...  ...  ...  MRS. M. ABÉ

Infants:

Juniors:

Seniors:

SCHOOL MANAGERS, 1955

Correspondent: Rev. F.A. Sadler.

Managers: M. Cousins K. Brisby E. Hunt E. Foxton A.J. Speck

School Caretaker: Mrs. E. Smith.

School Caretaker: 1917-1952 Mrs. B. Pearson

KIRBY MISPERTON SCHOOL CANTEEN

SCHOOL PRIZE

Mrs. W.P. Cousins is presenting a yearly prize to the boy and girl who show kindness, courtesy and helpfulness to others.

These will be: presented for the first time in July 1955.

CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB

This building was given to the village by Alderman J.R. Twentyman. It was opened in February 1924 by the late Mr. E.R. Turton, M.P. (uncle to R.H. Turton, the present Member of Parliament).

OFFICIALS 1924:

President: Ald. J.R. Twentyman; Chairman: W.J. Wilson Hon. Treas: H. Hood; Hon. Sec: D. Ward; Committee: W. Simpson, E. Crome, H. Simpson, F. Ward, G. Shepherd, T. Bramley.

OFFICIALS 1955:

Chairman: J. Harding; Vice-Chairman: H. Gill; Hon. Treas: E. Buckley; Joint Hon. Secs: S. Lister, E. Foxton; Committee: Mrs. J. Harding, E. Boocock, Mrs. S. Lister, E. Hunt, Mrs. B. Masterman, W. Welburn, Rev. F. Sadler. Caretaker: Mr. M. Gouch.

2nd June 1953 CORONATION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II

President: Rev. F.A. Sadler. Chairman: Major G. Stone Hon. Sec. and Treas: Mrs. M.J.W. Clarke. Committee: Mrs. J. Harding, Mrs. J. Wilson, Miss M. Crome, M. Cousins, S. Lister, E. Foxton.

Through money raised for this occasion, a village seat was erected in the centre of the village and a new notice board was put nearby. Each child received a spoon. With voluntary help, under the direction of Mr. F. Richardson, the mass of bushes and rubbish round the village pump was cleared, and plants put in. This is still maintained by Mr. Richardson.

VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE

Christmas 1953 saw the first village Christmas Tree erected in the centre of the village. It was electrically illuminated, through the generosity of Mr. & Mrs. M. Cousins. It is hoped that this will be continued each year.

Kirby Misperton Councillor (Pickering Rural District): Major G.E.Stone

Electricity which is supplied by the North Eastern Electricity Board, was switched on in the village for the first time in January 1952

The village War Memorial is a granite cross, and stands by the disused village pump. It is inscribed with the names of those who fell in the 1914-18 war and the 1939-45 war.

Mr. E. Crome built the present Manor Farm, Claxton House, Kirby 0 Carr and Tuffit Manor (which is in the style of a castle) towards the end of the 1920's.

Oldest Inhabitant 1955. Mr. W.J. Wilson, born 1872, was a breeder of both Shire and Hackney horses. He exhibited and also judged at many of the principal Shows, including the London Hackney Show.

Mr. F. Ward, the only other native of the village, was born at Orchard House. Mr. Ward's father carried on a flourishing tailoring business which he originally managed for Mrs. Baker, commencing this about 100 years ago.

FARMS

GREAT CARR FARMMr. Edmond225 acres
ELM TREE FARM Mr. N. Alison208 acres
ALMA FARMMr. S. Dawson 205 acres
LENDALES FARMMr. A. Scaling 200 acres
SANDLANDS FARMMr. H. Gill 178 acres
GLEBE FARMMrs. J. Gibbs-Smith123 acres
LOW BARNFARMMr. Sharw 114 acres
HORSLEY FARMMr. H. Welburn ll3 acres
DUCKS FARMMr. M. Cousins 103 acres
KIRBY O CARRMr. H. Ward 76 acres
HOME FARMMr. J. Botham 75 acres
MANOR FARMMr. A. Hardwick 63 acres
LOW CARR FARMMr. E. Boocock 45 acres

Kirby Misperton Acreage 1,792 acres; Population 189.

North Riding County Library at Constitutional Club.

Librarian: Mr. M. Gouch. Monday Evening 6 - 7 p.m.

VILLAGE OCCUPATIONS

The chief occupation is farming, but some are employed by the River Ouse Yorkshire River Board, and the Rye Internal Drainage Board.

KIRBY MISPERTON POST OFFICE, ORCHARD HOUSE

Post Mistress: Mrs. F. Ward; Post-men: Mr. F. ;Buckley, Mr. M. Gouch. Post-women: Mrs J. Hutchinson, Mrs. Bradley.

The Post Office is open daily from 9 a.m. - 12 noon and 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. There is one delivery each day and collections at 6.55 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. A collection on Sundays commenced on 10th April, 1955.

PLACES OF WORSHIP

St. Lawrence     Rector: Rev. F. A. Sadler, M.A.,
People's Warden: C. Conning; Rector's Warden: A.J. Speck.
Organist: Mrs. S. Lister; Verger & Sexton: M. Gouch

Church Services every Sunday, 9-30 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday School 11-20 am.

Methodist Chapel:     Ministers: Rev. T.C.S. Welbourn, Rev. H. Fox. Society Stewards: P. Sedman, H. Mercer; Organist: F. Ward

Service 6 p.m.   Sunday School 2 p.m.

Parochial Church Council

Chairman ... The Rector

Council: Messrs. D. Ward, F. Hunt, J. Moore, C. Conning, C. Rook, A.J. Peck.

Mesdames Sadler, Pike, Cousins, D. Ward, Tasker, Hayhurst, Harding, H. Boocock, S. Pearson, S. Dawson, Simpson, Easterley, Nellist, Bogg, Speck.

Misses Rook, Potts, Mallory.

* * * * * * * * *

FOOTBALL CLUB - 1954-1955

President: MAJOR STONE; Vice-Presidents: C. ROOK, K.G. BUSBY, N.ALISON L. NELSON, A.S. BULMER, F. SIMPSON, T. SHAW, J. ATKINSON, J.R. DAVIDSON; Chairman: S. DAWSON; Vice-Chairman: B. MASTERMAN Hon. Sec. & Treas: W.H. SMURTHWAITE; Asst. Hon. Sec. & Treas: J. HAYHURST; Committee: F. RICHARDSON, H. WELBURN, J.W. MOORE, T.TASKER, W. METCALFE, J. BROWN. Hon. Patrons: MRS. G. GLOVER, T. HORNBY, MISS H. MALLORY, F. WARD, J. SONLEY, C. PEARSON, MRS. J. GIBBS-SMITH.

CRICKET CLUB 1955

President: REV. F.A. SADLER; Vice-Presidents: E. BOOCOCK, MAJOR STONE, J. BOOTHAM, S. DAWSON, N. ALlSON , S. SHAW, H. GILL, J. HARDING, A. HARDWICK, W.J. WILSON, M. COUSINS, H. WELBURN, E. BUCKLEY. Hon. Sec. & Treas: E. FOXTON; Captain: E. BOYES; Vice-Captain: G. WHITEHEAD; Committee: E. BOYES (chairman), E. HUNT, J. MOORE, B. MASTERMAN, E. BOOCOCK, H. WELBURN, E. RICHARDSON, J. WAIND; Selection Committee: E. BOYES, G. WHITEHEAD, E. FOXTON, E. BOOCOCK, H. WELBURN

LADIES' CRICKET CLUB 1955

President: MRS. S. DAWSON; Vice-Presidents: MRS. W. BEAL, MRS. F. DOUGLAS, MRS. W. FLINTON, MRS. S. LISTER: MRS. L. LISTER, MRS. J. MOORE, MRS. J. SEAGAR, MRS. H. WARD; Joint Secs: MISS. A. BEAL, MISS S. FLINTON; Treasurer: MISS H. FLINTON; Captain: MISS M. DOUGLAS; Vice Captain: MISS H. FLINTON; League Sec. & Treas: MISS M. SEAGAR.

KIRBY MISPERTON W.I. 1955

President: MRS. R. KING; Vice-President: MRS. A. DOWSON; Treasurer: MRS E. FOXTON; Joint Secs: MRS. J. BUCKLEY, MRS. E. GILL; Press Correspondent: MRS. HAYHURST; Committee: MRS. E. BOOCOCK, MRS. H. BOOCOCK; MRS. SHAW, MRS. L. LISTER, MRS. HARDING, MRS. S. LISTER, MRS. EDMOND. Social Half-Hour: MRS. F. DOUGLAS, MRS. HARDING, MRS. R. SHAW.

RECTORS

KIRBY MISPERTON VILLAGE

Sandlands Farm:H. GILL; T. MOSS.
Bungalows Habton Rd: E. BUCKLEY; R. SILVERWOOD; T. BUTTERICK; MRS. J. FOXTON.
Constitutional Club: M. GOUCH
High Row: C. SNOWDEN and C. BRINKLEY; W. RICHARDSON; E. HUNT; F. HAYHURST; S. PEARSON; H. MASTERMAN.
Blacksmith cottage: F. BUCKLEY.
Ivy House: J. HARDING and MRS. F. HARDING.
Shop Row: J. PICKERING; J. BUCKLEY; MRS. DENNY.
Rose Cottages: W. WELBURN; M. SMITH; T. TASKER; W. HESELTINE.
Red House: E. CROME.
Grey Stones: P. SEDMAN.
Poplar Row: F. RICHARDSON; J. BOTHAM; A. DOWSON.
Ducks Farm: M. COUSINS.
Claxton House: S. TINDALL.
Ducks Farm Cottage: J . BROWN.
Manor Farm: A. HARDWICK.
Post Office: F. WARD.
Woodlands: (1) N.F. CLARKE; (2) F. MOSS; (3) H. ROBINSON & MRS. MYERS; (4) J. TEASSDALE; (5) E. FOXTON; (6) W. MARTINDALE; (7) S. WELBURN; (8) FREER
Park View: O. PEIRSON.
Horsley Farm: H. WELBURN.
Church House: J. MOORE
Rectory: REV. F .A. SADLER.
The Hall: G. E. STONE.
Home Farm: W. J. WILSON.

KIRBY MISPERTON TELEPHONE NUMBERS

ATKINSON. J.H.White House218
ATKINSON, S. Bean Sheaf 206
BILLAM, L.E. Deerholme Grange Marishes 200
BUCKLEY, E.H. & SON 202
CAMERON, Lt.Col.B.A.F. Grove House Farm 223
DAWSON, S. Alma Farm 226
ELLIS, J.E. White House Marishes 240
FLINTON, W. Bedford Grange 229
GIBBS-SMITH, J. Glebe Farm 212
HARDING, W. & SON Joiners, Taxi 216
HARRISON, F.J. Wath Hall 227
HARRISON, F.J. Little Deerholme Farm 228
KIRBY MISPERTON HALL 221
KIRBY MISPERTON CALL BOX 201
LITTLE BARUGH CALL BOX 213
MARISHES CALL BOX 203
N.R. CONSTABULARY Great Barugh 222
PRATT, J .H. Howe Bridge 209
SADLER, Rev. F.A. Rectory 217
SCALING, W.A. Lendales Farm 220
SCHOLES, W.A. Staines Farm 224
STONE, Major, G.E. Kirby Misperton Hall 221
TINDALL Claxton House 251
WILLIS, N. Golden Sq. Marishes 238
WILSON, W.J. Home Farm 204
WOODHEAD, G. Costa Farm 210

KIRBY MISPERTON COUNCIL HOUSES - NAMED "WOODLANDS"

1, 2, 3 and 4first occupied 1949
5 and 6first occupied 1952
7 and 8occupied in 1955

BUS SERVICE

The Ryedale Bus Service operates from KIRBY MISPERTON to PICKERING on Monday afternoon, and MALTON and PICKERING on a Saturday.

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Last updated: 8 May 2004