William Leng Farndale

1876 to 8 May 1932

Brewer and Northumberland Hussar of Rothbury, Northumberland

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The Northumberland Hussar

William Leng Farndale, the son of George and Catherine Wemyss (nee Leng) Farndale, was born in Middlesbrough in 1876.

By 1881, the family had moved to 22 Great Oxford Street, Liverpool where the four year old William’s father, George was a druggist’s assistant. They were lodging with the Russian and German Brandt family, who were tailors.

Ten years later, they had moved to 15 and 17 Linn Street, Gateshead. William was fifteen years old and had started working as a clerk in an iron foundry.

William Leng Farndale married Margaret Johnston in 1896 in Sunderland. They seem to have moved soon afterwards to Rothbury, in Northumberland. Rothbury is a medium sized town about forty kilometres north of Newcastle which had been a medieval centre for dealing in cattle and wool. The town developed extensively in the Victorian era, partly by the arrival of a railway and also as a result of the industrialist Sir William Armstrong’s influence, who built Cragside between 1862 and 1865, a country house and hunting lodge, just outside Rothbury which included state of the art renewable energy sources.

William and Margaret settled there by the turn of the century and lived there until William died.

William served with the Northumberland Imperial Yeomanry (Hussars) and probably served during the Second Boer War when that Regiment was used as mounted infantry.

The Hussars parade through Rothbury, William’s home town in Northumberland, in 1900

The Northumberland (Hussars) could trace its origins to December 1819 when the Northumberland and Newcastle Volunteer Corps of Cavalry formed, under the command of Charles John Brandling, of Gosforth House.

The Yeomanry was not intended to serve overseas, but due to the string of defeats during Black Week in December 1899, the British government realised they were going to need more troops than just the regular army. A Royal Warrant was issued on 24 December 1899 to allow volunteer forces to serve in the Second Boer War. The Royal Warrant asked standing Yeomanry regiments to provide service companies of about 115 men each for the Imperial Yeomanry equipped as Mounted infantry. The regiment provided 14th (Northumberland) Company, 5th Battalion in 1900; 15th (Northumberland) Company, 5th Battalion in 1900; 55th (Northumberland) Company, 14th Battalion in 1900, transferred to 5th Battalion in 1902; 100th (Northumberland) Company, 5th Battalion in 1901; 101st (Northumberland) Company, 5th Battalion in 1901; 105th (Northumberland) Company, 5th Battalion in 1901 and 110th (Northumberland) Company, 2nd Battalion in 1901.

The mounted infantry experiment was considered a success and the Regiment was designated the Northumberland Imperial Yeomanry (Hussars) from 1901 to 1908.

William Leng Farndale continued to serve with the Yeomanry until about 1907, regularly organising social balls. He later became Rothbury’s brewer.

He was a sergeant in the Northumberland Hussars by 1902. On 1 November 1902 the annual dinner given to the members and ex members of the Rothbury Detachment of the Northumberland Hussars Imperial Yeomanry by Major Watson Armstrong was held in the Queen's Head Hotel, Rothbury, the splendid repass being catered for by the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs Bell. Major Watson Armstrong presided, the vice chairs being occupied by the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Bell and Sergeant Farndale. The shooting prizes given by Major Watson Armstrong were then distributed by the chairman, who observed that they Rothbury Detachment stood high in the Squadron so far as marksmanship was concerned. The Colonel’s Cup (Colonel J B Cookson CB) was held by Sergeant Farndale. The Silver Cup of the Rothbury Detachment, Fourth prize, Sergeant Farndale. Mr D D Dixon proposed “The Northumberland Hussars” coupling with the toast the name of the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Bell, who replied. He observed that when he joined in 1894 he received the kit of a yeoman who had immigrated to Australia, and who, when the war broke out, went to South Africa. The Chairman, in reply, said that reunion gave him much pleasure, especially the reunion of those who had fought in South Africa. He welcomed them back. Applause. It was a happy thought of Mr Harvey to bring ex trooper Wilson from Hepple with him. Applause. This was the first time he had met then since he was appointed Commander of the C Squadron of the Regiment. Sergeant Major Wilson had told them that the C Squadron had been specially creditably mentioned by Lord Chesham. He had the privilege of being the oldest yeoman in the room.

Again at New Year, 1903 a most successful ball was held on Monday evening in the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury, at the kind invitation of Major and Mrs Watson Armstrong. There were present the whole of the non commissioned officers and troopers of the Rothbury Detachment Northumberland Hussars Imperial Yeomanry, residents of Rothbury, and the tenantry of the various farms on the Cragside estate, the number of guests being about 180. The hall, supper and ante rooms were beautifully decorated, pictures, military trophies, crossed swords, shields, banners and flags being effectively displayed while evergreens and festoons of flowers, with trees hung with Chinese lanterns, rendered the decorations additionally attractive. The walls of the supper room were draped with blue and white, the Regimental colours. … The duties of MC were agreeably performed by Major Watson Armstrong, Regimental Quartermaster J W Bell, Sergeant Farndale. The following ladies and gentlemen also accepted invitations, most of whom were present, Mr and Mrs Farndale.

The Northumberland Hussars were a reserve territorial unit, so he attended civilian events too. Also at New Year in 1903, the annual ball of the Loyal Vale of Coquet lodge was held in the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury, when nearly 200 were present. Amongst others present were Mr Farndale.

William Leng Farndale continued to serve as a sergeant in the Northumberland (Hussars) Imperial Yeomanry. In June 1903 the third “Chronicle” Cup meeting came to a conclusion at the heart and range, being attended by success of the meet. Throughout the two days shooting proceeded without a single hitch of any kind. The scoring all round was good, while the registering and the marking could not possibly have been improved upon. The shots were marked with dispatch and accuracy, and as an instance of its true character it is only to be stated that during the two days just one shot was challenged, when the verdict was in favour of the marker. List of Results, Sergt W L Farndale, NHIY 21 22-43.

Their daughter, Catherine Dorothy Farndale was born in Rothbury, Northumberland on 19 January 1904.

At New Year 1904 the annual ball of the Rothbury detachment of the Northumberland Hussars, was held in the Jubilee Hall, by permission of Lieutenant Colonel J B Cookson, CB, on Friday evening. The ballroom presented an animated in picturesque appearance, being exquisitely decorated with banners, bannerettes, and evergreens, festooned and interwoven with trophies of war, weapons ancient and modern being tastefully hung round the walls. An excellent portrait of the late Lord Armstrong was hung at the head of the room. The dining room was draped all round with palms etc and was equally charming in appearance, and contained portraits of Lord and Lady Armstrong. The decorations reflected the greatest credit on Mr Hudson and Mr Barnett of Cragside, and their assistants and Sergeant Major Wilson; while the general arrangements were in the hands of Sergeant W L Farndale, who is to be complemented on the success of the same, everything passing off without a single hitch.

It was announced in March 1905, from the War Office that long service medals have been awarded to the following members of militia, yeomanry, and volunteers serving in this district. Northumberland Hussars, W Farndale.

Authorised by King Edward VII under Army Order No. 211 of 1904, the Imperial Yeomanry Long Service Medal was awarded to troopers and non-commissioned officers in the Imperial Yeomanry for 10 years’ service and attending 10 annual camps. William must therefore have joined the Yeomanry in about 1895, which tends to suggest he was with the Regiment when they served in the Second Boer War. There were a total of 1,674 of these medals awarded.

The following non commissioned officers of Northumberland (Hussars) Imperial Yeomanry have been awarded the “Imperial Yeomanry Long Service Medal”. W Farndale.

Frances Mary Farndale was born in Rothbury in 1906.

At New Year 1907 the annual Yeomanry ball of the Rothbury troop was held, by the kind permission of Colonel Bates in the Jubilee Hall, last week, under most disadvantageous circumstances, many being unable to attend owing to the roads being blocked all round. About 50 couples, however, braved the elements, and the most enjoyable night was spent. The hall was beautifully decorated with regimental flags, trophies of war and so on. The programme of dances was a most beautifully designed pen and ink sketch. Dancing commenced at 8:30 after the arrival of Major Lord Armstrong, Lady Armstrong, and party. The general arrangements were in the hands of Sergeant Farndale and Trooper Worsnop, and the music was supplied by Messrs Ross’s string band.

In October 1907 the annual price shoot of the Northumberland Hussar’s Imperial Yeomanry took place on the rifle range. The weather was fine, but the light was dull, and the wind blew from the north rather steadily. Scores. Sergeants competition. To decide the best shot amongst that Sergeant and ranks above, who will be entitled to the regimental badge. Conditions, seven shots rapid at 200 yards and one sighter, seven shots at 500 yards, one sighter, and sudden shots at 600 yards

	200 yards	500 yards	600 yards	Total
Sergt Parmley	26	33	32	91
Sergt Maddison	30	25	27	82
Sergt Allison	17	27	25	69
Sergt Saddler Jackson	17	19	22	58
Sergt Booth	16	19	17	52
Sergt Farndale	13	17	14	44

The Brewer

William Farndale continued the business of Brewers and Wine Merchants trading as Geo Storey and Company in Rothbury, Northumberland in 1907.

In September 1907 notice was hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between the undersigned, John Wardle Nicholson, Rachael Temple and Cuthbert William Storey, carrying on business as Brewers and Wine and Spirit merchants, at Rothbury, in the county of Northumberland, under the style or firm of GEO STOREY & CO, have been dissolved as from the date hereof so far as concerns that said Cuthbert William Storey, who retires from the said firm. All debts due to and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid respectively by the said John Wardle Nicholson and Rachael Temple and William Leng Farndale of Rothbury aforesaid, who will continue to carry on the said business in partnership under the style or firm of Geo story and Co. Dated this 28th day of August 1907. John W Nicholson. Rachael temple. C W Storey. W L Farndale.

William Farndale’s distillery business had supplied a landlady who later adulterated the whisky and he gave evidence in the trial. The licensee of the Turks Head hotel, Rothbury, was summoned on a charge of having sold adulterated whisky. Sergeant Taylor, who is an inspector under the Food and Drugs Act, stated that on Feb 19th, he visited the Turks Head and purchased from the landlady a pint of whisky. He divided the whisky into three parts, one of which he returned to the landlady, informing her that one of the others would be sent to the county analyst for analysis. William Farndale, manager for Messrs Storey and company, Rothbury, the Brewers who supplied to the whisky to Mrs Stevenson, stated that the whisky was always scientifically tested before being sent out to customers, and the class of liquor in this case was never more than 22% under proof. Questioned by one of the Magistrates, Mr Farndale said the Firm gave certificates as to the strength of the whisky with their sales of whisky. Replying to Mr. Perry, witness said that a very small quantity of water would be required to reduce a gallon of whiskey from 22% to 27.2% under proof, probably about ¾ of a gill, or as much as would cover the bottom of a gallon measure. The magistrates retired to consider the case, and the returning the chairman said the Bench had been uncertain whether or not to convict, but they had decided not to, on the defendant paying costs.

Under the auspices of the Rothbury and Hepple Unionist Association, a dinner was held at the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury, in November 1907. A representative company, numbering fully 100 sat down to a well served repast. The chair was occupied by Lord Armstrong and among those supporting him were Colonel Bates DSO, W L Farndale and others.

The annual fancy dress ball, held under the auspices of the tradesmen of Rothbury and district, took place in the Jubilee Hall, in February 1908, under the superintendence of Mr Henry Hudson, Cragside gardens. Mr W L Farndale, brewery.

Kenneth Farndale was born in Rothbury on 9 January 1911.

A ball and whist drive were held in the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury, in February, in aid of the local flower show funds. The prize winners in the whist drive were, Gentleman, 2, Mr Farndale.

In 1911, William was a Brewer’s Branch Manager and the family lived at Stephenson’s Terrace, Rothbury, Northumberland.

Earl Percy at Unionists “smoker”. Earl Percy, prospective Unionist candidate for the Hexham division, was the principal speaker at a gathering held at the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury, in March 1912, in connection with the annual meeting of the Rothbury and Hepple Unionist Association. Those listed in attendance included W L Farndale.

George P Farndale was born in Rothbury on 20 March 1913. Margaret Farndale was born in Rothbury in 1915.

On 28 February 1916 a meeting of the licenced victuallers of Rothbury and district was held at the Railway Hotel. Mr W L Farndale, manager for Rothbury Brewery Company, presided. It was unanimously decided, owing to the considerable increase in the price of spirits, that on and after today an increased charge of 1 penny per glass be made. It was also decided that steps be taken to form a licenced victories association for Rothbury and district.

Inflation due the War was 12.5% in 1915, 18.1% in 1916 and 25.2% in 1917.

Winifreda Farndale was born in Rothbury in 1918.

In January 1918 the children of the CE school have made a fortnightly collection of eggs for the national egg collection amounting to 2,172. The following have contributed eggs, Mrs Farndale.

Nancy Farndale was born in Rothbury in 1920.

Armed robbery at William’s Brewery

In March 1920, the little town of Rothbury, nestling among the Northumberland hills, has been the scene of one of those sensational affairs which have lately become almost commonplace of the wave of crime. There has been a murderous attack on a local constable, following an attempted burglary, the latter alone being quite sufficient to stir the place out of its usual placid calm. The facts of the affair are these. Constable Sinton, about 9:15 on Saturday night, in the course of his round, suspected that there was someone tampering with the back premises of the block utilised by the Rothbury Brewery Company. He stopped a local man named James Curry in the street, and asked him to keep watch on the front of the premises, a one storey building in the Main Street, with a backyard and outbuildings, while he went for assistance. It would appear that Sinton had gone in search of the Sergeant, the only other policeman in the vicinity, but returned alone, and asked Curry to go over the road and inform the local manager of the firm, Mr William Farndale, that something unusual was afoot.

What happened after that will best be explained in the words of Mr Farndale.

“I was called from my home about 9:15 by Curry, who told me that he had been sent by a policeman. I went to the firm's premises at the other side of the street in my slippers. As I entered by the gate leading to the back premises a man came running out, and I immediately tackled him. We struggled for a time, but when I heard a shot fired behind me, I thought that I could do more good in the fight which I thought the police were having. The man I was fighting with escaped, leaving his white muffler in my possession, and I ran to the back door of the premises. Curry followed, and we were surprised not to find anyone there. We tried the door twice, and it was only when leaving that Curry said to me ‘What is that in there?’. We went inside the shed. I found Constable Sinton in a sitting position. He had his baton lying loosely in his hand, but he was unconscious from a severe wound on the head. I at once thought that this had been caused by the shot I had heard, but it is now clear that the constable was struck by a heavy weapon. We had him conveyed to his home, and up to the present he has been unable to give any information about the affair. He is badly hurt, but it is expected that he will live.”

That a burglary at the brewery was frustrated by the intervention of the constable seemed certain, but so far the identity of the miscreants remains a mystery.

It was suspected that they had escaped in a motor car, and, very soon after the occurrence, the principal roads from Rothbury were being watched and all cars stopped and the occupants questioned. The car came under the inquisition of the police.

Another report added that as a result of an encounter with two men who attempted to break in to the office of the Rothbury Brewery Company at about 9:15 on Saturday night, P C Francis Sinton received severe injuries to his head, supposed to have been inflicted by an iron bar or a jemmy. Whilst going his rounds the policeman came to the conclusion that there was “something doing” in the rear of the premises referred to. He preceded at once to investigate, and finding his suspicions well founded, he asked Mr James Curry to communicate with the manager, Mr W L Farndale, who lives close by on the opposite side of the road. Mr Farndale came across in his slippers, and as he passed through the gateway he met a man rushing out. “It was dark”, said Mr Farndale, in an interview with a newspaper representative on Sunday, “but I saw his white scarf or muffler, and immediately grasped it. A struggle ensued, and it was left in my hand. Just then, a shot was fired from somewhere in the yard, and I made my way forward, thinking I might be of more use there if the policeman was being attacked. I believe, however, that the shot was fired at me. This morning, an empty cartridge was picked up near where I was. With the man who came for me, I went round to the back of the premises. The door was fast, and I struck a match, but could find nothing wrong. We came away and just as we did so we heard a whistle from the opposite side of the yard and I thought the police had got somebody. We will have another look at the door I said. We found it alright, but as we were coming away my companion remarked “is there not something there?” pointing to a narrow avenue or passage between stacks of empty bottles”.

A trial was fixed. The police proceedings against Peter Klighe and Carl Strautin, the two foreigners, of Newcastle, now in custody awaiting their trial at the next assizes on burglary charges, were continued at Rothbury this morning. Two charges were preferred against them, one of having attempted to murder PC Francis Douglas Sinton, and the other of alleged warehouse breaking at the Rothbury Brewery on February 28. The magistrates were Mr L C Davey presiding and Mr N Smith. John William Rutherford, bank clerk, Heather Lee, Rothbury and Miss Gertrude May Perceval, Railway Hotel, Rothbury, gave evidence of identification. PC Sinton was the next witness. He gave his evidence seated. He saw the two prisoners, he said, leave the 7.5pm train at Rothbury on February 28. At 9.10 on the same night, he was on duty on the roadway near the premises of the Rothbury Brewery Company. He heard a noise, but was under the impression that it came from the inside of the premises. He listened at the door, and heard glass breaking, which he still thought was inside. He sent a messenger to Mr Farndale, the manager, and he himself went round to the rear of the premises. He shone his Lantern into the bottle shed and saw the smaller of the two prisoners, Klighe, standing in the opening. Accused shouted something in a foreign language and ran inside the shed. Witness followed him in, keeping the light on him. He rushed to the far end of the shed. When witness followed him in, accused took a revolver from his right hand pocket in his overcoat, and told witness if he came forward he would fire on him. Witness drew his truncheon from his pocket and rushed at him. Witness got hold of him by the right shoulder. The man immediately fired at him, the bullet passing the side of his head. Somebody else came behind him, and he was struck on the head with something. His cap was knocked off, then he was struck a second time on the bare head. He was knocked to the ground and was insensible for several days afterwards. William Leng Farndale, Brewery House, Rothbury, manager of the brewery, said that shortly after 9 pm on February 28th, he was sent for by the police. He ran across to the brewery at once. A photograph, produced, showed the gateway into which he ran. After he had got about a couple of yards into the gateway, a figure appeared, coming towards him on his right, close to the main building. There was nothing showing distinctly except a white muffler. He got hold of the muffler with both hands. There was a struggle. The wearer of the muffler wriggled away and left the muffler in his hands. At that time a shot was fired from the yard. He went round the corner of the bottle shed but saw nothing unusual. He was joined by James Curry, and with the aid of matches, made an examination of the back door. At the far end of the bottle shed they found PC Sinton sitting on the ground, his head covered with blood, and his cap and baton beside his right knee. He asked PC Sinton if he was badly hurt, and he replied “Is there anybody behind me?”. Witness ran for a light, and PC Sinton was removed home. Committal for trial.

By early April, the little town of Rothbury was all agog yesterday when the morning train arrived with the prisoners, Peter Klighe and Carl Strautin, seaman, to answer a charge of attempting to murder constable Francis Douglas Sinton on 28 February and also with breaking and entering the brewery premises on the same date... Charges of breaking and entering. The charge of breaking and entering the brewery was then taken. William L Farndale said at 4.20pm on Feb 28th he fastened up the brewery premises and left everything in order. Shortly after 9 o’clock the same night he was sent for by the police and, with Sergeant Crossford, examined the premises of the brewery company. At the head of the staircase abutting the brewery there was a window with six panes. Two of the panes had been broken and one side of the frame had been pushed away from its seating in the brickwork. There had not been bars in front of that window. There had been two bars wrenched from its socket in the window of the store room, which also abutted the little shed room. The room bars produced were those recovered from the window. The crowbar produced was the property of the brewery company and was generally kept in the cart shed.

By July 1920, it was clear that the attack made upon the Rothbury policeman by two Russian seaman had its sequel, at the Newcastle Assizes, yesterday. The statement of the case made by counsel was confirmed by the evidence of the witnesses PC Sinton and Mr Farndale giving a graphic story of their encounter in the dark. Strautin, who is a Russian, said he had been in this country since 1913, and since 1914 he had been working on British ships. On the night at Rothbury, when on the roof, he saw a dark figure, and when he jumped down and was seized he discharged a pistol in the air. He saw no one to murder, and did not intend to do any bodily harm to anybody.

The Russian offenders were sent to penal servitude for thirteen years. The business of Newcastle Assizes was continued at Newcastle yesterday. Mr Justice Shearman dealt with Peter Klinje (27) and Karl Strautin (24), Russian seamen, charged with the attempted murder of Police Constable Francies Douglas Sinton at Rothbury on February 28th last. Mr Atkin called prisoners in their own defence, and Strautin said he was on the roof of the bottling shed, and had pulled out two bars, and throw them to the ground when Sinton appeared. He then jumped down and ran away, and when seized by Mr Farndale he fired off his pistol in the air to frighten Farndale. He never struck Sinton and did not intend to harm anyone. Klinghe said he had sailed for seven years on British ships, and having no money, had for three months prior to his arrest been partner with Strautin in a career of brigandage in Northumberland and Durham. On the night of this occurrence he was keeping watch, and just before Sinton appeared told Strautin he was making too much noise. Sinton then drove him into the shed, and he pointed a revolver at him, saying “Don't move, I’ll shoot.” Sinton then closed with him, and in self defence he struck Sinton once with the iron bar. He had no revolver, and the shot was fired in the shed. Prisoners were found guilty of attempted murder, and Mr. Mitchell Innes then drew judge’s attention to the fact that the four burglaries to which they had pleaded guilty were only part of 23, most of which could be brought down to them. In passing sentence his lordship said there was only one good thing to be said about the defendants, they had apparently done honest work until labour troubles prevented them continuing at a time when their country was in such a condition that there appeared to be a reluctance to return to it. As soon as people who started a career of crime took to going out with loaded revolvers as these two men had done, prepared to shoot in order to retain their liberty, a state of affairs arose which judges of the High Court must try to end by passing sentence is which would serve an example. For the burglary alone he would have opposed no more than three years penal servitude, but this last crime shows they were perfectly reckless of any other’s life so long as they could keep their freedom, and the sentences would be three years for each burglary, to run concurrently, and 10 years for the attempted murder, with a recommendation for deportation at the conclusion of the sentence.

Last Years

William L Farndale, 45, continued to work as a Brewer’s manager with Rothbury Brewery Co in 1921, living in Rothbury with his family, including by then his widowed mother, Catherine. The family home was at Embleton Terrace which is about a kilometre south of Rothbury, south of the road to nearby Longframlington.

William L Farndale, died, aged 54, on 8 May 1932, about two kilometres east of Rothbury. The interment at Rothbury Cemetery on Wednesday, 11th, at 2.45. Service at residence at 2 pm. Friends please accept this intimation.

William’s widow still lived at Embleton Terrace in 1939. In March 1941, work of any description has always made a strong appeal to the residents of the Lee district, and in the past the RVI Newcastle has benefited considerably through efforts organised on its behalf in the neighbourhood. With the claims of the present national situation so prominently before our minds, a whist drive and dance was organised on behalf of the British Red Cross society. The first portion of the evening was devoted to whist. The prize winners were, 6, Mrs Farndale.

In September 1950 as the list of applicants for council houses in Rothbury rural district has become smaller it has been decided that in future the point system will no longer be used as a guide but that the case of every applicant will be considered on its individual merits. The council also agreed to the recommendation of the committee that houses shortly to be made available should be let to the following talents, Mrs M H Farndale, Embleton terrace, Longframlington.

The report of the sanitary inspector at Rothbury RDC meeting on Tuesday evening referred to housing progress at Rothbury and Longframlington. The pressure of the water supply to the Rothbury housing estate had improved and a new main had been laid from Garleigh Road in respect of which the committee recommended the council to pay the Duke of Northumberland a wayleave of £1 per annum. The selection subcommittee's report was considered. The committee let to Mr DG Williams of Longframlington, a house which had been surrendered by Mr S and Davidson. The committee recommended as tenants for the houses shortly to be available. Mrs M H Farndale, Embleton terrace, Longframlington. Point system. As the list of applicants for council houses has become smaller it was agreed that in future the point system should no longer be used as a guide but that the case of every applicant be considered on its individual merits.

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The webpage of William Leng Farndale includes a chronology and research notes.