Martin Farndale

11 April 1798 to 22 June 1885

A farmer of Kilton of 600 acres

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The Kilton Farmer

The sixth child of William and Mary (née Ferguson) Farndale, Martin Farndale was born on 11 August 1798 and baptised at Brotton on 11 September 1798. Martin Farndale married Elizabeth Hours at the Chapel, Brotton, on 18 May 1833. They had no family.

Martin was farming in his own right after his marriage. Martin had four elder brothers, and whilst John and Matthew also farmed in Kilton in the early days, it was he who continued to farm at Kilton.

White’s History, Gazetteer and Directory for 1840 for Yorkshire, East and West Ridings lists Kilton as a small neat village, 6 miles NE by E of Guisborough, … Directory: Jph Newbegin, vict; Thos Robson, miller; and Matthew and Martin Farndale, George Jennings, George Moore, Thomas Raw & Joseph Thompson, farmers. So by 1840, Martin and at that stage his brother Matthew, who would later emigrated to Australia, was a predominant farmer of Kilton.

By 1841 the census showed that Martin was then living at Stank House in Kilton with Elizabeth, 35 and Maria Farndale, his niece and daughter of his brother John.

In the official statement of sums levied for the relief of the poor in 27 parishes of the Guisborough Union during the year ending March 1843 a table gave a return of the amount of money levied and expended for the relief and maintenance of the Poor, and for other purposes, during the year ending 25 March 1843. The parishes of the Guisbrough Union were reported on, being Brotton, Commondale, Danby, Easington, Eston, Guisborough, Hutton-Lowcross, Kilton, Kirkleatham, Liverton, Lofthouse,, Marske, Moorsholm, Morton, Newton, Normanby, Ormesby, Pinchingthorpe, Redcar, Skelton, Skinningrove, Stanghow, Tocketts, Upleatham, Upsall, Westerdale and Wilton. The guardian of each parish was listed, and Martin Farndale was the guardian for Kilton. The amount of money levied for Kilton was £85 2s. This contrasted with £861 14s for Guisborough, £419 3s for Lofthouse, £312 8s for Kirkleatham, £251 15s for Easington, £172.18 for Brotton, down to £45 for Newton, £51 14s for Hutton Lowcross and £35 11s for Commondale. So this gives some indication of the comparative size and significance of Kilton in 1843. Of the £85 2s levied for Kilton, £67 2s was expended on the poor, 1d was expended on vaccination, 2d was for fees for clergymen and registrars, £21 2d was paid towards ‘country rate’ and 14d was expended on other purposes.

In April 1843 Martin Farndale was appointed as a new Parish overseer for Kilton. An overseer of the poor was an official who administered poor relief such as money, food, and clothing in England. The position was created by the Act for the Relief of the Poor 1597. Overseers of the poor were often reluctant appointees who were unpaid, working under the supervision of a justice of the peace. The law required two overseers to be elected every Easter, and churchwardens or landowners were often selected. Overseers of the poor were replaced in the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834, and replaced with boards of guardians, although overseers remained in some places as a method of collecting the poor rate.

It was reported on 20 April 1844 that The Magistrates were occupied a considerable time in examining and allowing the surveyors’ accounts of the different townships in this division for last year. The following are the new surveyors, as given in to the magistrates: … Kilton, Martin Farndale and George Moore.

There was a fatal accident in 1846, involving one of Martin’s employees when in March 1846 An accident of a most frightening nature occurred at Mount Leven, in this parish, on Tuesday week. It appears that a man named John Elgie, in the employ of Mr Farndale, farmer, had hold of a loaded gun and was examining the lock, when a young man of the name of Frederick Hockney went near him, but Elgie was so intent on examining the gun that he did not observe him, and unfortunately the gun was accidentally discharged, and the contents lodged in the body and left arm of Hockney, who lingered until Sunday last, and then expired. Deceased, prior to his death, expressed himself that it was purely accidental. JP Sowerby Esq held an inquest on the body on Tuesday last when a verdict in accordance with the above facts was returned.

By 1851 Matthew had left Kilton and on 1 April 1851 Martin signed the 1851 showing that he was farming at Kilton, then aged 50, a farmer of 207 acres, with 8 employees. He was living with his wife Elizabeth Farndale, 45, who was born in Wakefield; George Farndale, his brother, 60, a widower and agricultural labourer; Maria Farndale, 15, unmarried, born in Skelton, his niece and Charles Farndale, 13 , born in Skelton, his nephew and son of his brother John. Living with them were Jane Hobson aged 30, a servant; Thomas Richardson, aged 22, waggoner; George Collingwood, aged 19, ploughman; and James Mudd, aged 12, ploughboy.

In 1853, Martin Farndale was lending his name to the promotion of a calf feed. HARDCASTLE’S CELEBRATED CALF DRINK, for preventing that fatal disease, the Quarter ill, or Evil. Prepared only by W HARDCASTLE, at the Medical Hall, Stockton on Tees, and sold at his Establishment, in bottles, 9d each. Sir, Previous to giving your excellent Calf Drinks, I every year lost some calves (in one year 4 died out of 7), and since I have given them your Preventive, none have died, except one which I omitted giving it last year. MARTIN FARNDALE, Sept 28, 1853, Farmer, Skelton. Numerous Testimonials received.

The Census of 1861 showed that Martin Farndale was the family head, aged 60, a farmer of 210 acres with 8 employees.

The Terrier Lists showed Martin Farndale was a Churchwarden at Brotton, in 1861.

There was an advertisement on 7 March 1862 for a desirable residence at Brotton, near Saltburn by the sea, to be let, and may be entered upon at May day next. All that MESSUAGE or DWELLING HOUSE and GARDEN , together with a COTTAGE attached, now in the occupation of Mr George Andrew; the House contains on the Ground Floor 1 Commodious Drawing room, Dining room, Entrance Hall, Kitchen, and Scullery; on the Second Floor 7 Lodging rooms and 1 Dressing room; the Cottage contains 4 Rooms; there is also half an Acre of Garden Ground, well stocked with choice fruit tress, 2 Yards, Stack Yard, large Coach house, Four stalled Stable, 1 Loose box, Granary and Hay Loft, 2 Piggeries, Coal house, and every other Convenience. Brotton is situate One mile from Saltburn by the Sea, to which place the Railway from Middlesbrough is now completed. For particulars apply to Mr MARTIN FARNDALE, of Kilton, the owner; or to MR HENRY WATSON, Buck Hotel, Guisbro. Guisbro’, Feb 19th, 1862.

On Tuesday 1 August 1863 the second annual foal show was held at Sneaton, near Whitby, and proved most successful. There were forty competitors entered for different premiums, the show ground being a field belonging to Mr John Stourhouse … Best foal for coaching, Mr Farndale, Kilton. The success of the third annual exhibition of foals, held at this place on Tuesday last, proves that the institution is one which the farmers and others appreciate, and are resolved to support. There were 38 foals entered for exhibition, and their work of selecting the best in each class was a task which the judges found most arduous.

In early November 1869 Martin Farndale had been summoned for permitting eleven heifers to stray on the highway, in the township of Kilton, but he claimed to have a right of 28 years standing, the case was dismissed, the bench having no jurisdiction.

The census in 1871 showed Martin Farndale was still at Kilton Hall Farm, Kilton, the head of the family, a farmer of 600 acres with 16 employees. He lived with Elizabeth Farndale, his wife; 66. Also living with them was Matthew Farndale, aged 22, his grand nephew, described as a servant, so presumably working on the farm. Matthew was the son of the late Martin Farndale, and grandson of Martin’s brother the late George Farndale.

Kelly’s Post Office Directory of 1872, painted a picture of Kilton in that year. Kilton is a township, 6 miles north east by east of Guisborough, and one south from Brotton. Here was formerly a castle of which but few traces remain. Here are church schools, recently erected and supported by John Thomas Wharton esq who is lord of the manor and landowner. The population in 1861 was 93; in 1871, 222; acreage 1,723; gross estimated rental £1,731; rateable value £1,593.

Commercial activity In Kilton included Farndale, Martin & Charles, farmers ; Garbutt, John, miller, Kilton hill; Judson, William, farmer, Stank House; Kilton Iron Stone Co; Porritt, John, farmer, Buckrush; and Wood Thomas, farmer, Greenhow.

On 11 and 25 July 1872 Martin gave notice that I, the undersigned MARTIN FARNDALE, of Brotton in Cleveland, in the County of York, one of the Churchwardens of the Township of Brotton aforesaid do HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that a Meeting of the Owners and Ratepayers within the township of Brotton, aforesaid, duly convened and held on 21st day of June 1872, at Half past six o’clock in the evening, IT WAS RESOLVED that the “Local Government Act 1858” be adopted in and for the said Township of Brotton. And I do HEREBY GVE FURTHER NOTICE, that a COPY of the above NOTICE was forwarded by me to the Local Government Board on the 10th of July 1872. Given under my hand this 10th day of July 1872. MARTIN FARNDALE Churchwarden of the Township of Brotton aforesaid.

The Local Government Act 1858 came into force in all existing local board of health districts on 1 September 1858. The Act made some changes to the procedure for constituting a local board and gave them some additional powers. The authorities created by the 1858 act came to be known as Local Boards and their areas were called Local Government Districts.

In 1872, Martin Farndale was involved in setting up a new Urban Sanitary District for the Guisborough Union area. On 15 October 1872 reported At a meeting of the Guisborough Poor Law Board, held on Tuesday, Mr S T Patch in the chair, Mr Arthur Buchanan applied to the board for sanction to form a Local Board at Brotton. After hearing the explanations of Mr Buchanan, Mr Blewett moved, and Mr Farndale seconded, the following motion: that in the opinion of this Board, it is desirable that the Township of Brotton should be formed into an Urban Sanitary District. Carried unanimously. Orders were signed for the following sums to be paid by two instalments on the 1st November 1872 and the 2nd January 1873 by the several parishes in the Union: Broughton £280; Commondale £44; Danby £262; Easington, £112; Eston £704; Guisborough £482; Hutton Lowcross £66; Kilton £70; Kirtkleatham £502; Liverton £84; Lofthouse £236; Marske £536 pounds; Moorsholm £74; Morton £52; Newton £12; Normanby £428; Ormesby £478; Pinchinthorpe £42; Redcar £250; Skelton £278; Skinningrove £30; Stanghow £72; Tocketts £38; Upleatham £102; Upsall £26; Westerdale £86; Wilton £412. Total £5,758.

Poaching Problems

Britain suffered an agricultural depression in the 1870s, caused by the dramatic fall in grain prices that followed the opening up of the American prairies to cultivation in the 1870s and the advent of cheap transportation with the rise of steamships. British agriculture did not recover from this depression until after the Second World War. The 1881 census showed a decline of 92,250 agricultural labourers since 1871, with an increase of 53,496 urban labourers. Many of these had previously been farm workers who migrated to the cities to find employment. Between 1871 and 1901 the population of England and Wales increased by 43% but the proportion of male agricultural labourers decreased by over one-third. According to Sir James Caird in his evidence to the Royal Commission on the Depression in Trade and Industry in 1886, the annual income of landlords, tenants and labourers had fallen by £43M since 1876. No other country witnessed such a social transformation and British policy contrasted with those adopted on the Continent. Every wheat-growing country imposed tariffs in the wake of the explosion of American prairie wheat except Britain and Belgium. Subsequently, Britain became the most industrialised major country with the smallest proportion of its resources devoted to agriculture.

From this point we find extensive records of Martin Farndale being involved in criminal proceedings against poachers, trespassers and damage causers on his land. Since this was a time of depression, we might have some sympathy with those who were acting out of desperation and remember Martin’s ancestors, who had been fined, outlawed and excommunicated, around Pickering Forest, for poaching in the King’s forest. On the other hand, we must recognise the difficulty for farmers in protecting their livelihood. What we can conclude is that these were difficult time, as from this point, we start to see large numbers of cases brought by Martin the criminal courts to protect his livelihood.

Date of Report	Court	Offence
5 November 1873	Guisborough Police Court	Night poaching. John Julyan, keeper to Mr J T Wharton, of Skelton Castle, charged John Taylor, with having about midnight of 3 November, captured a rabbit upon the farm occupied by Martin Farndale, at Skelton
3 June 1873	Guisborough	Summary conviction of William Jones of Skinningrove miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 11 May 1873
9 September 1873	Guisborough	Summary conviction of Robert Johnson of Brotton miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 27 August 1873
9 September 1873	Guisborough	Summary conviction of William Green of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 28 August 1873
9 September 1873	Guisborough	Summary conviction of John Bowler of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 28 August 1873
9 September 1873	Guisborough	Summary conviction of George Waite of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 27 August 1873
9 September 1873	Guisborough	Summary conviction of William Green of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 27 September (sic, recte August?) 1873
10 September 1873	Middlesbrough	William Green and George Bowles were summoned by John Julyan for trespassing in pursuit of game upon land belonging to Mr J T Wharton, at Kilton on 27th August. Fine 5s each and 8s 6d costs. William Green, George Waite, and Robert Johnson, miners, of Carlin How, were also summoned by the same complainant for a similar offence upon the farm of Mr Martin Farndale, at Kilton on 28th August. To pay 14s 8d each
4 November 1873	Kilton	Summary conviction of John Taylor of Brotton joiner for taking a rabbit in a close of land occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the parish of Kilton at 12 o'clock at night on 3 November 1873
8 November 1873	Langbaugh Police Court	John Taylor, miner, was brought up charged with night poaching, on the 3rd November, upon the farm of Matin Farndale, of Kilton. John Julyan, keeper of Mr J T Wharton, of Skelton Castle, heard a rustling in a stubble field when on duty about midnight. A lurcher dog with defendant killed a rabbit, which he picked up and put in his pocket. Julyan followed him and the rabbit was immediately given up. Defendant, when requested, went home with Julyan, and subsequently to the police station. The offence was admitted, To be imprisoned for seven days with hard labour, and to give them security, two in £5 and himself in £10, for keeping the peace
16 December 1873	Guisborough	Summary conviction of Joseph Carter of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search or pursuit of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 10 December 1873
16 December 1873	Guisborough	Summary conviction of William Adams of Carlin How miner for trespassing in the daytime in search or pursuit of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 10 December 1873
17 February 1874	Guisborough	Summary conviction of Thomas Burgess of Carlin How for maliciously damaging the fence of a field occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 14 February 1874
21 February 1874	Guisborough	Thomas Burgess, of Carlin How, was charged with wilfully setting fire to the fence of a field in the occupation of Martin Farndale, of Kilton, farmer. Fined £1 8s including costs.
19 May 1874	Guisborough	Summary conviction of William Jones of Skinningrove miner for trespassing in the daytime in search or pursuit of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 13 May 1874
15 September 1874	Guisborough	Summary conviction of George Moore of Skinningrove miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Mr Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 13 September 1874
15 September 1874	Guisborough	Summary conviction of William Clarke of Skinningrove miner for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Mr Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 13 September 1874
29 September 1874	Guisborough	Summary conviction of Thomas Stanway of Boosbeck miner for stealing apples from the orchard belonging to Mr Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 29 September 1874
3 October 1874	Guisborough Petty Sessions	Thomas Stanway, of Boosbeck, miner, for stealing a quantity of apples at Kilton, belonging to Mr Martin Farndale, was fined £2 9s 6d including costs
13 May 1875	Loftus	Summary conviction of William Clarke and George Moore, both of Skinningrove miners, for trespassing in the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 4 May 1875
9 September 1875	Loftus	Summary conviction of Elizabeth Holt of Kilton married woman for maliciously damaging with intent to steal a quantity of peas and beans growing in a field, the property of Martin Farndale of Kilton farmer Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 31 August 1875
14 September 1876	Loftus	Summary conviction of Robert Foster and Anthony Ward, both of Kilton joiners, and William Silvester and Richard Annear, both of Brotton miners, for trespassing on the daytime in search of game on land belonging to John Thomas Wharton esquire and occupied by Martin Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 4 September 1876
28 April 1876	Loftus Petty Sessions	Tuesday, before the reverent. GJ Morehead. Game trespass near Kilvington. Six men, named Humphrey Keane, William Keilan, William Mogerage., John Dad, George Dad, and Charles Spear where charged with trespassing in pursuit of game on the land in the occupation of Mr J T Walker (sic, recte Wharton). Mr Collier defended the men. PC Calvert stated that on Sunday evening between five and six o’clock, while on duty near Kilvington, he saw the defendants on the road, and they had five dogs with them. When close to a field in the occupation of Mr Farndale, they sent three of the dogs into it after a hare, which they chased and returned without having caught. He also saw two dogs in an adjoining field. The defendants were fined 19 shillings and costs each
26 August 1881	Loftus	There was a summary conviction of John Speck, Charles Speck and George Arnold all of Brotton for maliciously damaging beans growing in a field occupied by Martin and Charles Farndale Offence committed at the township of Kilton on 21 August 1881. Damaging beans and oats. Three Brotton youths, named John and Charles Spark and G Arnold were charged at Loftus Petty Sessions on Friday by Mr Farndale of Kilton with damaging beans and oats in his field on the 21st inst. The complaint stated that considerable damage had been done to his crops, and although he did not wish the lads to be severely punished, he wanted to put a stop to it. The damage was estimated at 1s each. Ordered to pay costs of 6s 2d each, and the damage, 1s each.

Life in Kilton

There was a ploughing and hedge-cutting competition on Martin Farndale’s land at Kilton in 1873. Lofthouse district ploughing and hedge cutting matches. The district includes Lofthouse, Liverton, Easington, Skinningrove, Kilton, Broughton, Skelton, Moorsholm, Garrick and Stanghow. The above matches will take place upon Mr Farndale's Kilton Hall Farm, on Thursday, January 23rd 1873 and will be competed for in two open and two district classes. Prizes. Class 1 - open to all with either wheel or swing ploughs. First price £3 1s, second prize £2 pounds, third £1 - entrance 3s 6d each. Class 2 - open to the district only: first prize £2 1s, second £1 10s, 3rd 1s. Entrance 2s 6d each. Class 3 - open to youths in the district under 18 years of age - first prize, £2, second prize, £1, third prize, 1s. Entrance 2s each. Class 4 – Hedge-cutting, open to all: First prize £1 pound, 2nd 1s. Entrance 1s each. Each competitor to cut and lay from the ground 14 yards of hedge, two feet high and finished with a turn sod. Rules. The land to be ploughed not less than four inches deep and the choice of place to be drawn by lots. The competitors to be on the ground at half past eight, to commence at nine and to finish at Two o’clock. Each competitor to plough half an acre. Any man above 20 years of age who has previously won a prize of £2 1s, debarred from the district class, but can compete in the open class. Anyone making a false entry will not be entitled to a prize. Should the weather prove unfavourable on the day fixed, the ploughing will take place on the first Thursday after the 23rd of January. All entries to be made on or before the 20th of January 1873 to Mr. Johnson, Rosecroft, Lofthouse, or to the Secretary. Dinner will be provided for the committee and friends at Mr Cowell's Crown Hotel, Brotton. Thomas Etty, Honourable Secretary, Little Moorsholm, Guisborough.

On 1 August 1876 a meeting of the members of this Authority was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Union Workhouse, Guisborough, Admiral Challoner presiding. There were also present the Rev. J R Ellis, and Messrs J T Wharton, D T Petch, W Wilson, J Robinson, R P Petch, J Hicks and M Farndale. They discussed the water supply at Lazenby. In answer to the Chairman, Mr Hicks said that nothing had yet been done with reference to the water supply at this place. The Chairman said they must stir up the ratepayers to take action, for it was necessary that they should have good water. Mr Hicks said there was much doubt as to whether it could be procured. The ratepayers seemed tired of the question. The Chairman remarked that they had been trying to find springs on the hillside, but they did not succeed. It was no use sinking wells near the houses, as they would soon get the water polluted. Mr Hogg should open a spring out that was reported to be near the village, and the ratepayers should help the Board. The Rev. J Ellis thought it was time this matter was settled. After a little further conversation, it was decided to adjourn the consideration of the question for a fortnight, in order that the chief parties interested might be communicated with.

There were cases of anti vax protests in August 1876. Guisborough Board of Guardians. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Tuesday afternoon in the Board Room, Union Workhouse, Guisborough, Admiral Challoner in the Chair. There were also present Mr D T Petch, vice chairman, Rev H W Yeoman and J R Ellis; messes Thomas Patch, R Robinson, J Hicks, J Clark, W Garbett, J Ward Wilson, R P Patch, Mr Farndale. The clerk, read a letter from the Local Government Board with reference to the case of Mr W Dewing of Guisborough, who had refused to have his children vaccinated, and who had been fined on various occasions. He also read a communication from Mr. J Bennison, grocer, of Westerdale, asking the board not to proceed against him again for non vaccination of his children., as he thought it was opposed to the laws of nature. The chairman said that the Board could make to the Local Government Board was that there were only two people in the district who refused to comply with the Act. The guardians had no other course than to put the law in force, and if the Local Government Board decided in its wisdom that in these cases they had not to take further proceedings, of course they would comply with that request. Mr D T Petch remarked that the Board would at once stay its hand if the Local Government Board decided that they had to do so. The question invoked no further discussion, and the clerk was ordered to write to the Local Government Board. This was all the business.

There was a conveyance of property at Broadbent Street and Grange Terrace, Brotton to Martin Farndale on 6 November 1876.

There was another ploughing and hedge cutting competition in January 1877. Loftus in Cleveland. Loftus Ploughing and Hedge cutting Matches. These popular rural matches for the district of Loftus were held yesterday. The weather not being favourable, the number of spectators was limited. The ploughing match took place upon Mr Ralph Garbett's farm, Loftus Grange, and the hedge cutting upon Mr Richard Thompson's Farm, Seymour Hill, Loftus. The following is a list of prizewinners... For ploughing, Open to All England, with either wheel or swing plough, 1. John Atkinson, Bilsdale; 2. Martin Farndale Kilton... and the Northern Echo on Friday 12 Jan 1877: Prize List of Loftus Ploughing Match. The following is the result of the contest which took place yesterday - All England Wheel or Swing Plough - First, £3 1s, Mr. John Atkinson, Bilsdale; Second £1 10s, Mr M Farndale Kilton... and The Daily Gazette for Middleborough, on 13 January 1877: Loftus District Ploughing and Hedgecutting Matches. These increasingly popular matches, despite the incessant rains lately experienced, came off on Thursday. Owing to the rather unfavourable weather, the number of spectators was not large. … The following being the list of winners … Class 1, open to all England, with either wheel or swing plough – John Atkinson, Bilsdale, 2 – Martin Farndale, Kilton.

However there was devastating news for Martin in February when his wife, Elizabeth Farndale of Kilton, aged 72, died and was buried at Brotton on 23 February 1877. Deaths. Farndale. On the 20th inst, at Kilton, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Martin Farndale, aged 72 years; deeply lamented. Will be interred at. Bottom this day, Friday at one o’clock. Friends will please accept this notice. and Farndale - at Kilton Hall, 20th Inst, aged 72, Elizabeth, Relict of Mr. Martin Farndale.

Business for the Board of Guardians continued on 5 June 1877 when the usual meeting at this board was held on Tuesday under the presidency of Admiral Chaloner. An application by Dr Chalmers, of Danby, for an increase of £20 per year as Medical Officer for that district was refused. On the motion at the Chairman, Mr Hedley was appointed to revise the assessment of mines at a salary of 50 guineas. Admiral Challoner gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that a school attendance officer be appointed at a salary of 100 pounds per year. A proposition to present Messrs Thomas Petch and Martin Farndale with some token of recognition as to the way in which they had performed their duties as guardians since the formation of the Union in 1838, was referred to Messrs Robinson, Garbett and D T Patch, who were appointed a committee to report to next meeting.

Recognition of his service as a Guardian

On 22 October 1877 Martin’s services were recognised as a Guardian of 38 years since the inception of the Guisborough Board of Guardians when there was a presentation. The proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Guisborough Board of Guardians of Monday afternoon, were diversified by one of the most interesting ceremonies which has ever taken place in connection with the Union. Mr Thomas Petch, of Liverton and Mr. Martin Farndale, of Kilton, who, with the exception of a slight interval, had been members of the Board since its formation 38 years ago, were each made the recipient of an illuminated address and a piece of plate, the gift of their brother guardians, and both the addresses, which Mrs J W Pease, of Hutton Hall, had generally undertaken to have executed in London at her own costs, were beautifully mounted and finished. Admiral Chaloner made the presentation.

Disease hits Kilton

By 1878, Martin was clearly acting more in partnership with his nephew Charles Farndale.

Martin Farndale suffered an outbreak of pleuro pneumionia on his farm in October 1878. On 24 October 1878 at Loftus Petty Sessions, Inspector Alan reported a case of pleuropneumonia which had occurred on the previous day, in a herd of animals belonging to Mr Farndale, a farmer of Kilton. The infected animal was bought at a fair in Westmoreland on Monday, and on reaching Kilton it showed symptoms of disease and Mr Kilburn, a veterinary surgeon at Brotton, was called in. Another veterinary surgeon, Mr Barker, of Middlesbrough, also visited the animal and in consequence of the latter's report, the inspector applied for an order to have the animal destroyed. Superintendent Clarkson said that according to the provisions of the new Act, which had come into force, the animal had to be destroyed within 24 hours of the disease becoming known. An order for the slaughter of the animal was then granted. In answer to a question, Superintendent Clarkson said there were certain provisions in the new Act respecting the removal of animals in an infected district and compensation to owners of infected animals which were ordered to be destroyed, but these had to be considered by a meeting of local magistrates to be held at Guisborough on Tuesday next. A week later, a report was read from Inspector Allen, of Loftus, and also from William Barker, veterinary surgeon, under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, stating that pleuro-pneumonia had broken out on the farm of Mr Martin Farndale, at Kilton, and one kyloe beast had been destroyed … Mr Farndale bought 35 beasts at Carlisle Fair, and observing one of them was wrong put it into a shed situate in a field belonging to Mr Proud, which adjoined his farm. After discussion it was resolved to put Mr Martin Farndale’s farm and Mr Proud where the beast was slaughtered into quarantine as an infected district for the 56 days required by the Act. It was also reported that pleuro-pneumonia had broken out on the farm of Mr Martin Farndale, at Brotton-in-Cleveland. One cow had been killed and buried. The bench ordered the farm to be quarantined as an infected district. The farm has been officially declared to be an infected district. It was later summarised that Pleuro-pneumonia appears to be on the increase in the country. On Tuesday week it was reported to the magistrates at Gainsborough that plural pneumonia had broken out on the farm of Mr. Martin Farndale at Brotton in Cleveland. One cow had been killed and buried. The bench ordered the farm to be quarantined as an infected district, we are informed and in this way may be seen the value of the Act that most recently came into operation. By this means prompt action may be taken for isolating any case, to prevent it spreading, whilst on the other hand the owner is bound to give information of any outbreak. It will thus be seen that the measure is protective because no one can tell whose stock may be infected next.

Pleuro-pneumonia is a lung disease of cattle and sheep. It causes an inflammation of the lungs. The disease is caused by the bacterium mycoplasma mycoides. Fever, thirst, loss of appetite, and difficult breathing are signs of the disease.

The Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act 1878 was passed by Benjamin Disraeli's Conservative government. A select committee was appointed in 1877 to investigate animal diseases. The resulting Act established central rather than local control over all outbreaks of animal disease. The agriculturist Jacob Wilson considered the Act an undoubted benefit conferred upon the agricultural interest by the Conservative Government.  It was opposed by the Radicals.

Life went on

In Kelly’s Post Office Directory 1879, Martin and Charles Farndale were shown as farmers in the commercial section. Kilton – commercial: Farndale, Martin & Charles, farmers. Garbutt, John, miller, Kilton hill. Judson, William, farmer, Stank House. Kilton Iron Stone Co. Porritt, John, farmer, Buckrush. Wood Thomas, farmer, Greenhow.

On 12 July 1879 the Primitive Methodist Society held their annual picnic on Saturday in a field belonging to end to Mr Farndale at Kilton. The weather was fine and there was a good number present. The usual games were indulged in, and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

In the census of 1881, Martin Farndale, still the head of the household, was a widower; aged 82. He was by then a retired farmer at Kilton Hall Farm, Kilton and Charles Farndale, married, aged 42, was the farmer of 577 acres, with 9 employees now living together with Charles’ family.

Martin’s death

Martin Farndale a farmer of Kilton, died of chronic bronchitis and senile debility, aged 86, on 22 Jun 1885. Charles Farndale, his nephew was present at the death at Kilton. Martin Farndale was buried in Brotton aged 86, on 25 June 1885.

His gravestone can be found at Brotton Old Churchyard and reads To the memory of Elizabeth the dearly loved wife of Martin Farndale of Kilton. Born 24th August 1805 and died 20th February 1877. Also Martin Farndale who died 22nd June 1885 aged 86 years. They were friends to others. With Christ which is far better.

Martin Farndale left a personal Estate of £1,625 2s 6d. The will of Martin Farndale late of Kilton in Cleveland in the North Riding if the County of York who died 22 June 1885 at Kilton was proved at York on 21 December 1885 by Charles Farndale of Kilton, the nephew and Thomas Hall of the Parish of Skutterskelfe near Stokesley in Cleveland Farmers the Executors. In 2020, this estate might equate to approximately: £107,558.41, In 1880, you could buy 59 horses or 167 cows or pay skilled tradesmen wages for 4,924 days with £1,625, 2s & 6d.

He was registered in the Death Duty Register in 1885, showing Charles as his executor in the court of probate at York. This shows that his will incurred an inheritance tax. First introduced in 1796 and by 1857 inheritance tax applied to any estate worth over £20.

How does Martin Farndale relate to the modern family?

Martin Farndale is the website author’s great x3 uncle. He married Elizabeth Hours and they had no children, so there are no descendants of Martin and Elizabeth. However he was a central figure in the extended family at Kilton in the early nineteenth century.

Those who trace their ancestry through the Kilton 1 Line are likely to be relatively closely related to Martin.

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The webpage of Martin Farndale includes research notes, a chronology and sources.