This is the sad story of John Nicklin aged 22, who lived at Lawrence Street, Eccles who died from injuries he received following a disturbance outside The Irwell Inn, Lane End, Eccles, in February 1922,

A man by the name of Edward Bland a labourer who was residing at Kay Street, Eccles appeared at Eccles Magistrates Court the following day, charged with being drunk and disorderly at the scene of the tragedy and was remanded in custody for a week, a police officer told the court that he wasn't being charged with Nicklin's murder, but the police were making enquiries as to how he met his death.

An inquest was held a week later at Eccles and Patricroft Hospital without a Jury, headed by Mr. G. Leresche, when evidence of identification was given by his Mother, Emma Campbell who lived at Lawrence Street and that he lived at home with his wife.

She said that when he left home on the Saturday evening he was in good health and had never been subject to fits or dizziness, he was brought home about 11pm on the Saturday evening and then taken to the hospital. It was then revealed that the deceased had two young children, one being born the morning before he died.

Joseph Caswell a labourer who resided at College Croft told the inquest that he got in The Irwell Inn about 8.30pm and stayed until closing time and drank three pints of beer, during a meeting about racing pigeons.

A man named as Bland was making noises about, "spinning the road" and the Chairman stopped the meeting, not sure what spinning the road, means, a possible pigeon racing term?

Outside the pub he said that Bland wanted to tie his thumbs together with a shoe lace and pushed him away, he then saw Bland and a man called Griffin in a "fighting pose" and Nicklin got between them to stop them fighting, a police constable arrived and got hold of Bland, he then saw Nicklin on the ground but didn't see anybody hit him.

Frederick Done told the inquest that he saw either Griffin or Griffin's friend, but couldn't say who, he then saw Nicklin fall and hit his head on the ground, again he said that he couldn't identify any of the men fighting as he had drank too much beer.

Two other men, Henry Apted and James Dodman both gave evidence but couldn't say who had struck Nicklin, Charles Beresford a waiter at the pub said that he had served the men at the pigeon meeting with beer, but nobody was drunk and they were all quite friendly when they went outside, he thought, possibly the "evening air caught Bland" as he went outside.

John Griffin, a general dealer from Worsley Road then elected to give evidence after being told by the Coroner that he need not do so, he said he had been in the vault of the pub and had an altercation with Bland about tying up thumbs and a shilling, and they were going outside to fight.

He said that he never saw Done or Nicklin try to stop the fight and denied being the man who struck Nicklin, and added that there were about five men involved in the brawl.

Police Constables Law and Waterson said that they saw men fighting outside the pub and restrained Bland but neither of them saw Nicklin being struck.

Finally Dr Sami the house surgeon at the hospital said that he found that Nicklin had a fractured skull from the base to the temple and the injury was more consistent with the man having fallen, than from violence or  a fall and that death was due to shock, following the fracture of the skull.

Summing up the Coroner, said that it was evident that the deceased man was acting as the part of a peacemaker, and as so often happens, came off worse than those who wanted to fight, and there was no question of the cause of death but the evidence didn't enable him to fix the blame.

He then added that there was no doubt that one of the men had struck Nicklin a blow and fatally injured him, and that it was fortunate for that that man or he would have been charged with Manslaughter if not Murder, and gave a verdict of Death from Misadventure.

It does seem obvious that one of these men struck the fatal blow to Nicklin, and it was no surprise that anybody there saw the blow being struck, a tragic story made even sadder with the news that Nicklin's wife had given birth on the day of his death, leaving her not only a widow but having to raise two young children on her own.

I love reading stories about the antics in Hanky Park, mainly because I was born there, the area of Hanky Park was roughly where Salford Precinct is now and was a mass of terraced houses, pubs, schools etc, and the name was obviously tongue in cheek because as I was told, the only grass seen was, that which grew between the cobbles.....

In February 1922 , Mr and Mrs Maxwell who lived in lodgings on Hankinson Street, made separate appearances at Salford Magistrates Court both charged with being drunk and disorderly.

First in the dock was Nellie Maxwell aged 27, Constable Metcalfe  told the Magistrate that he was on duty on Hankinson Street at 12.30am, after being told she wouldn't let her husband , George aged 32 into the house, she eventually opened the door and began, "bawling and shouting obscenities" at the hapless Constable. who took her into custody at Pendleton Hall.

The Magistrate Mr Makin asked Constable Metcalf what made him think she was under the influence of alcohol, he replied that she smelled very strongly of drink and was making no sense, Nellie denied being drunk and protested that she was taken into custody in her bare feet.

Mrs Wilford a Probation Officer told the Court that the couple were in lodgings in Hankinson Street, she had spoken to Nellie who told her that they had both been drinking and quarrelling, her husband was out of work and they lived on unemployment pay.

George Maxwell then appeared in the dock, and Constable Metcalfe again told the Court his version of events that happened on Hankinson Street.

He said that whilst he was taking Nellie Maxwell into custody, George grabbed at his sleeve and tried to rescue his wife from him, he was told to go home and look after their baby and then bring his wives clothes to the police station.

George went home and returned with the clothes but refused to go home and look after the baby, he refused and became abusive demanding to see his wife, and persisted in hanging about the police station shouting abuse, he then was taken into custody.

In his defence, George said that he had asked the Police Constable to come to his lodgings on Hankinson Street and let him get in and see his wife who had locked him out, and insisted that he had been helpful all the time, even trying to calm his wife down for him.

Police Constable Metcalfe told the Magistrate that George was shouting and was a nuisance to the neighbours with his language and eventually he had no choice but to lock him up.

The Magistrate, Mr Makin then fined them seven shillings and sixpence each and warned them if they didn't pay they would go to prison for seven days.

They do seem a colourful couple, can't say I would like them as neighbours, perhaps the threat of prison made them into a model,, loving couple.....

Were you aware that Eccles once had a football team, Eccles United that attracted huge numbers of fans and even played against Manchester United  in 1909 losing 3-0 at their Bradburn Street ground, in Patricroft.

The club formed in 1907 and it's initial ground was in Barton, previously known as the Springfield Football Club whose headquarters were in the Barton Inn near Springfield Mill. It was decided to make application to join the Manchester League, the application was successful and 1,500 spectators witnessed the first appearance of Eccles Borough in a match against Hooley Hill which they won 2 - 0.

In 1908 they moved to their new ground on Bradburn Street and the opening match was on Saturday 5th September 1908 and 4,000 spectators were recorded, the club finally folded in March 1929 leaving behind a rich football legacy, this following story isn't one of them.....

In January 1921, James Ramsdale a groundsman employed by the club appeared at Eccles Magistrates Court charged with assaulting a boy, Leslie Kenyon who lived at Egerton Street, Winton.

Young Kenyon told the court that he had climbed over the wall of the Eccles football ground and was trying to watch the match "buckshee" as he called it, or jibbing as we call it, he had made his way to the rails, when Ramsdale spotted him and chased him.

He climbed on top of the wall from which he had climbed up when, he alleged that Ramsdale chucked him over, causing him to loose his front teeth, injure his arm and right leg in the fall.

Mr Hollinrake who was defending Ramsdale asked the boy if it wasn't true that he had defied him and had slipped off the wall in a rush to get away from him? which he denied.

A young girl, Eda Sharp of Ellesmere Street, told the court that she had been watching the match from her bedroom window, which ran alongside the ground and that Ramsdale had pushed the boy off the wall, causing his injuries.

Mr Ramsdale took the stand and told the court that he had been given instructions by the Eccles Football Club Committee to prevent boys climbing over the walls and watching the match for free, and if possible catch them and get their names and addresses, in this case he saw a number of boys on the wall and warned them they could be prosecuted.

He continued that no sooner had he turned his back that a number of boys jumped into the ground including Kenyon, he chased after him but Kenyon jumped up the wall and fell over onto the side before he could catch him and did not know the boy was hurt until he heard him crying.

The Eccles Bench listened to the case and in all their wisdom dismissed the case, leaving the redoubtable Mr Ramsdale able to leave the court and keep the Eccles United ground free of young scallywags like Leslie Kenyon.

Photo: Eccles United.

A story for all you lovers of Salford history with an touch of heroism and Irish Republicans aiming to wreak havoc in the local area.

A quick background to this story, and in 1920 the Irish Republican Army otherwise known as the IRA, launched a number of raids on properties in Liverpool, Glasgow and Manchester, which were carried out by local  IRA units, who allegedly had over 1,000 sympathisers in this country.

Fires were started at grain warehouses, power stations were bombed as were railway lines, telegraph poles were blown up,  in an attempt to cause major disruption throughout the country and highlight the Irish struggle.

On the evening of January 2nd, 1921, Police Constable Henry Bowden was on duty on East Ordsall Lane, when he saw a group of men acting suspiciously close to a grain warehouse, owned by The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company.

He kept them under observation and noticed that two of the men were paying attention to the grain warehouse, they noticed he was watching them, some of the men went off towards St Stephen's Street, he followed two of the men across Hampson Street, into Middlewood Street and along onto Oldfield Road.

At the junction with Cow Lane and Oldfield Road, the men stopped at a gate which led to the canal towpath, he decided to apprehend them and asked the men for their names and addresses, both men gave addresses in Manchester, unhappy with these details he asked the men to accompany him to the nearby Regent Road, police station.

They initially walked along Ordsall Lane with him, when one the men, later identified as Patrick Flynn (no relation!) broke away and shouted at him..."I'm -------- if I am going with you"

He then pulled a revolver out of his raincoat pocket and shot P.C. Bowden, the bullet went through his left wrist and into his left shoulder, he collapsed to his knees and the men ran off in the direction of Muslin Street, he blew on his police whistle and people came to his aid, and took him to Salford Royal Hospital for treatment to the gunshot wound.

A huge police operation swept into action and dozens of Irishmen and women were arrested and taken in for questioning, eventually in February 1921, five men were charged with the attempted murder of P.C. Bowden and stood trial at Manchester Assize Courts with P.C. Bowden with his arm in bandages gave evidence and identified the other men.

 Patrick Flynn (22), Jeremiah Roddy (20), Daniel O’Connell (25) and Charles Forsythe (32). Forsythe was the landlord of a boarding house at 3 Poole Street , Salford, where the other men were lodgers. They and another man Patrick Waldron were later charged under the Defence of the Realm Act, and on 22nd February Flynn was sentenced to ten years penal servitude for attempted murder.

PC Boden was presented with the Kings Police Medal for outstanding bravery in January 1922, sadly I have been unable to track down a photo of the brave bobby, so if you have one or are a relative, please get in touch and I will amend this story.

Another year begins and another story from the pages of the Salford City Reporter, January 1922 which tells of a Salford tightrope walker and his colourful life.

The newspaper visited Mr Thomas Wainwright, aged 20 who resided in Hodson Street, Salford after he had issued a challenge to a Madame Eleanora, who had planned to walk on a tightrope across Niagara Falls, but by walking backwards, no less!

Wainwright who used the name "Wainwratta" for his performances, certainly wasn't lacking in confidence as he told the reporter,

"There is really nothing to it, you have more confidence walking across water then say, trees or the land, walking backwards is the easiest way, but she is a rope walker and will use a rope some two inches thick, I will use a wire, no more than a quartet of an inch thick, and I wouldn't use a balancing pole, or a safety harness"

He was then asked if the roar of the water going over the waterfall would put him off, he answered that he had an iron nerve and was used to the roar of the crowd when he performed, then added, that he was deaf in his left ear.....

We then learned that Wainwratta came from a long line of tightrope walkers, his Father and Uncle were both award winning performers and introduced young Thomas, sorry, Wainwright to the stage at the age of eight.

His Father had his hand amputated in a works accident and took to the stage as a ... conjuring violinist... you can't make this up, to add to his misfortune, he visited America after vowing to walk across Niagara Falls, however on a journey from New York to Baltimore, he caught a chill and died.

Undeterred the plucky Wainwratta Junior, joined the Royal Marines and toured the world, on one occasion his shipmates urged him to do a tightrope walk between the ships mastheads, he was halfway up the mast, but came down when the Captain threatened to shoot him.

Another time he was moored in London and he was challenged to walk across the Thames on a tightrope, once again he was thwarted when the Port Authorities threatened to have him arrested and put in jail... not having much luck is he?

At the time of the interview, Wainwratta was unemployed but helping out at the unemployed centre on Albion Street, Salford where he was in training for the proposed Niagara Falls walk, by doing, "walks, slides, picking up handkerchiefs and jumping tricks"  obviously vital skills when crossing over a 1,100 foot high waterfall with 70,000 gallons of water a second hurtling below you.

I did a check on the number of people who have walked over the Falls, 13 in total, with Charles Blondin the French tightrope walker doing it over 300 times, sometimes with people on his back, blindfolded, pushing a wheelbarrow and once he even cooked an omelette half way across it, and ate it...what a show off.

Sadly no sign of Wainwratta on the roll of honour, but if any consolation no, Madame Eleanora, but I still admire his determination and pig headed belief he could do it, certainly a character.

There was a clash of opinions at Salford Magistrates Court in December 1921, when Agnes Harrison aged 29 who resided at Cliff Street, Manchester, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Bridson Street, Weaste, at 8pm.

P.C, Greatorex told the unnamed Magistrate that he was on duty in the Eccles New Road area, when he was called to Bridson Street, after hearing that a woman was making a "great noise and using objectionable language".

He asked her to moderate her language and move along, she carried on with her behaviour and P.C. Greatorex had to take her into custody.

On the way to the police station, she was initially very quiet, however she suddenly threw herself onto the floor, saying that she had sprained her ankle and demanded to be taken to Salford Royal Hospital for treatment.

She was examined by a Doctor who told her that there was nothing wrong with her, apart from her language and temper.

Agnes then limped heavily into the dock and asked the P..C..."then how did I come to sprain my b-------ankle!"

She then told the Magistrate a rather sad story, that she had been released from Strangeways prison, the day prior to her arrest. where she had served 28 days for indecent behaviour, and had been looking for her husband, in an attempt to make him pay her a larger allowance, than the few shillings a week that he gave her.

The Court was told that Agnes had more than 20 previous convictions and was known to the police.

The Magistrate told her, that the prison sentence, she had just served, did not appear to have had any influence on her, however he didn't propose to impose on her as long a prison term this time, and that a shorter sentence of 14 days imprisonment would be an inducement to change her ways, but if she were to appear before him again, he wouldn't be so lenient.

Undaunted, Agnes asked him if he could take some action to get her maintenance money increased, and was told that wasn't the time to go into that matter.

God loves a trier, and Agnes certainly was, I do hope she managed to keep out of further trouble and Strangeways prison, certainly a colourful character as they say

Do you remember the television programme, The Monocled Mutineer, which told the story of Percy Topliss, a rum cove who deserted from the army, several times and would often dress up in a stolen British Army Officers uniform, to obtain free food, lodgings, impress women and gain revenge on his old adversaries, until he was shot dead in dubious circumstances in June 1920.

This story from December 1921 tells of a young man found by the police in the Hanky Park area of Salford dressed, not as an officer but wearing a Lancashire Fusiliers uniform and  a Mons service ribbon and a Victory ribbon, to which he was not entitled.

Police Constable Wright, told Salford Magistrates Court that he was on duty on Nursery Street, when he saw Robert Hartley aged 20, who resided at Tindall Street, Pendleton "loitering in a suspicious manner", when asked what he was doing, replied, "waiting for a pal"

He was then asked about the uniform and ribbons he was wearing, his reply was astonishing in it's honesty, "I have no other clothes to wear"

P,C, Wright took him to Pendleton Town Hall for further questioning, Hartley insisted he had a legal right to wear the uniform and the ribbons, the next day in Court he was remanded in custody for a week whilst further checks were carried out.by Inspector Mitchell.

Back in Court it was ascertained that Hartley had never served overseas with the British Army and was not entitled to wear either the uniform or Mons ribbon also he had been discharged from the Defence Force in July 1921, and would only be entitled to wear a uniform without service buttons or badges.

Hartley then admitted the offences but stuck to his defence that he had no clothes to wear but the uniform, and that the ribbons were issued to him, and furthermore he had not received any money from the Guardians,

The Clerk of the Court, Mr. W.H. Foyster asked him if he had looked for work, he replied "It's work I want, not relief"

The unnamed Stipendiary Magistrate told Hartley that this was one of the worst cases of this kind he had come across and sentenced him to three months imprisonment.

In my opinion I think Hartley was possibly a bit of a chancer, hoping to impress a young woman with tales of his bravery fighting overseas, and if it was his only clothing, then he deserves some sympathy for his plight.

Finally The Battle of Mons was in August 1914, and the British Expeditionary Force fought there, can't see a mention of the Lancashire Fusiliers, besides young Mr Harley would have been 14 years of age!

Leafing through the pages of the now defunct, Salford City Reporter, you can always guarantee that you will find an amusing story from the Salford Magistrates section, later to come, Before The Bench, which most people turned to, first in the hope of reading about somebody they knew, c'mon admit it, we have all done it.

My eye was caught by the headline to the following story, which read, 

"Amazing Admissions Of Girl Who Smoked In Bed"

Bridget Purcell who resided at, Oaklands Terrace, Salford appeared at Salford Magistrates Court, in October 1921, where she had summoned her step-father, Thomas Minogue for making threats to kill her and calling her "improper names"

What could have caused him to to utter these threats to Bridget? quite simply because she was smoking cigarettes in the house until 12 0' clock at night.  The brazen hussy.

The Stipendiary Magistrate. Mr. P.W. Atkin, seemed amazed that a girl should smoke cigarettes and asked her if this was true.

Bridget answered that she did and it made her feel good, stating that before she started smoking she often felt giddy at work, she said that she was thread drawer at a local mill and worked from 8.30am - 5.30pm, but was now on overtime and worked until, 8.30pm.

I can well imagine your head would be banging, working 12 a hours a day in a mill on some noisy and often dangerous machinery, I'd want more than cigarettes I can tell you.

Mr Minogue then made the frightful admission that, one occasion he turned down the sheets on her bed and found half a dozen cigarette ends, does this girl have no shame?

When asked if it was true that she smoked in bed, she answered that she did, and elsewhere too, the girl is honest, I'll give her that.

Finally, Mr Minogue told the court that in desperation he had gone away for a week to escape the girl and the house, but there was no change in the girl's behaviour when he got back, despite her mother promising to chastise her.

Mr Atkin, asked him if he had threatened to kill her?. his reply was..."I might have used words like that...."

Mr Minogue was bound over in the sum of £5 to keep the peace for six months and told to stop threatening to kill her.

He then turned his attention to Bridget,

"It seems to me that you irritated him, a good deal, but I cannot have him threatening to murder you. I should like to hear what a Doctor has to say about your smoking and sometimes in bed, in order to settle your nerves, as for smoking being good for you, it's news to me"

Women smoking, what ever next? they will be demanding the vote next...they had to wait until 1928 for that as well.

Bridget does seem quite a feisty character and good for her sticking up for herself, working 12 a hours a day in a mill, she deserves a medal never mind a fag break.

I have to admit that when I first read the following story about a bogus valet to Sir William Bass, I was reminded of the Fawlty Towers episode, "A Touch Of Class" and the fictitious, "Lord Melbury" who cons money out of Basil, who is fawning over him,because of his title.

Our story begins in August 1921 in Douglas, on the Isle of Man with a Mrs Ann Edwards and her unnamed husband on their holiday's in a boarding house, they got into conversation with a chap, called, Thomas Henry Ireland, who told them he was the valet too, Sir William Bass who was also on holiday in Douglas.

They exchanged business cards and Mrs Edwards told him that if he was ever in Manchester, that he should look them up and he would be made welcome at their home in Conway Street, Broughton, Salford.

It is worth noting that at this time there was a, Sir William Bass, he was the son of Sir Hamer Alfred Bass the brewing magnate, Sir William was educated at Harrow and became a famous racehorse owner.

One can only imagine the the look on Mrs Edwards face when several weeks later, Mr Ireland turned up at her two up and down terraced house and told her that his "Master" was staying in Manchester but had kindly allowed him 13 shillings and sixpence a day for board and lodgings and could she kindly put him up, to which she agreed.

Surely a valet's occupation is to be the personal assistant and is responsible for his Masters clothes and daily arrangements?

Mr Ireland stayed with them for almost a fortnight and on the morning of, August 26th he told Mrs Andrews that he was going for lunch with Sir William and would be back later, later on in the day they received a telegram from him, informing them that, he had been called to Liverpool and would return the next day.....do you think he would?

Mrs Andrews suspicions were raised, (and not before time if you ask me), a search of her property revealed a quantity of gold, including a watch, a gold Albert, several gold sovereigns  and a war medal were missing, along with Mr Ireland.

The police were informed and a month later he was apprehended in High Wycombe, some distance from Liverpool, and was brought back to Salford to face the music, where he was charged with theft and a further charge of obtaining food and lodging by false pretences.

He appeared at Salford Magistrates Court under the watchful eye of the Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr P.W. Atkin.

Inspector Mitchell told the Court that Ireland had pleaded guilty to the theft of the gold but not the war medal and that all of the stolen property had been recovered, he also revealed that there were two court cases pending against him in, Douglas and Llandudno

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment which seems a fairly lenient sentence, possibly because all of the stolen gold was recovered.

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in Mrs Andrews house at tea time, when Mr Ireland would regale them with stories about Sir William Bass and the high life that he led, however a fortnight off spinning these yarns  about his, "Master" would soon wear thin and I can imagine that they had already regretted bumping into him in Douglas and exchanging, calling cards.

Thanks to Gary Williams for the photo of Conway Street taken in 1978.

I think we have all heard the Mother In Law jokes and how they make their Son in Law's life a misery with constant nagging, but this story from the pages of the Salford City Reporter, September 1921 puts a new spin on that old chestnut.

Leah Perry, 49, and her daughter, Cecillia, 27, appeared at Salford Magistrates Court charged with assaulting, Molly Perry, her Daughter in Law, who had the misfortune to marry her eldest son.

Molly appeared in court with her head swathed in bandages and sporting, two black eyes, she told her tale of woe to the Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr P.W. Atkin.

She told him that that Leah and Cecillia had made her life a misery for the past four months, beating her, stealing her wages, called her, "filthy names" and had threatened  to split her head open if she didn't leave her husband.

When her, husband, Frank got in from work, she told him what had happened, his remedy to this solution was that they both go for a walk and chat to avoid any trouble.

Their walk took them along Cross Lane which was famous for the number of pubs there, and also it's colourful clientele in the evening, hardly the place to calm one's shattered nerves I would have thought.

Frank as noble as ever, nipped in the pub for a pint and left, Molly outside waiting for him, I think you can guess what is going to happen...

Leah and Cecillia just happened to be taking a stroll along Cross Lane when they spotted her, incredibly, Leah produced a hand grenade and struck Molly over the head with it, she then passed it to Cecillia who, walloped Molly over the head with it twice, knocking her out, and the poor girl remembered nothing until she woke up in Salford Royal Hospital.

Frank who had possibly finished his pint came out of the pub to see what the commotion was all about, only to see his Mother and Sister knocking the living daylights out of his poor wife.

P.C. Wilson who happened to be passing arrested both women and took them to Cross Lane Police Station, both women denied ever having seen a hand grenade and that they were the one's who had been attacked.

The Magistrate adjourned the case for a day and warned the women that he was considering sending them for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

The following morning, Detective Smith told the court that drink was the cause of this quarrel  and the family squabbling, and that the hand grenade had been brought home from the war by one of Mrs Perry's soldier sons, and was harmless...unless you were hit over the head with it several times, presumably?

MR Atkin then told the accused women that he had thought of sending them to prison but he would bind them over for 12 months if they promised to stop drinking and leave Molly alone.

They agreed to this and were discharged from the court.

I have a nagging feeling that the Magistrate had made the wrong decision and that he hadn't seen the last of these feuding ladies.

I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who said, that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes, I would like to add another to that statement.

I can virtually guarantee that if you go to someone's house for what ever reason, you will see a pint pot or a glass that has been nicked from a pub, c'mon admit it, we have all a Stella, Carling, Heineken, Boddingtons or Holts glass lurking in the cupboard...

This story from the pages of the Salford City Reporter, September 1921, tells of what happened to a Mrs Catherine Walker who was found to be in possession of drinking glasses from a local pub, be warned.

She appeared at Salford Magistrates Court charged with stealing (or receiving, well knowing them to have been stolen) five drinking glasses from The Cattle Market Hotel, Cross Lane, Salford and a further charge of being in unlawful possession of 44 more glasses.

Superintendent Clark told the Court that a few days ago from something that came to the knowledge  of Groves and Whitnall brewery who owned the pub and was passed onto him, concerning a number of drinking glasses in a house on West High Street, Salford, a search warrant was applied for and granted.

The next evening, Detectives Coates and MacDonald visited the house and asked Mrs Walker if she had any drinking glasses that didn't belong to her, bearing the name of the Cattle Market Hotel, to which she replied, "No".

One of the Detectives went into the living room and saw two glasses with the Imperial measure stamp on them, on the table, in a nearby locked cupboard was found a further 44 glasses, five of which were stamped, Cattle Market Hotel.

She told them that the five glasses had been in her house for a number of years, and then added that she ran a boarding house which catered for artists performing at the nearby Salford Hippodrome and thought that, "theatricals had bought them in at various times" as for the other glasses they belonged to her.

The manager of the Cattle Market was asked if there was any marks on the five engraved glasses which would indicate if they had been taken within the past two years, he said that in the case of two of them, that particular glass was not made two years ago.

For the defence, Mr A. Gilman Jones said that with regard to the first case there was no evidence of theft, and as a matter of fact Mrs Walker had only been in the Cattle Market pub once during the past, three or four years, and that her husband had died, two years ago.

He then tried to switch the blame onto the Artistes who had stayed at her house who he described as being, "happy go lucky people and travelling on a Sunday they brought food with them including, glasses, knives and forks, and they must have visited the Cattle Market pub and brought them out of the pub and back to her lodging house"  Seems plausible enough to me.

Mrs Walker then told the court that she had seen some of the glasses stamped, Cattle Market Hotel, and it was simply neglect on her part, not to return them, and since her husband had died there had been no new additions to the glasses collection, is she blaming him, now?

The Stipendiary Magistrate ruled that she was guilty of receiving the five stamped glasses and fined her £5 or 28 days in prison, the second charge against her of unlawful possession of the other glasses was dropped.

A strange case to say the least, I wonder who tipped the brewery off about her glasses collection, a disgruntled lodger perhaps? and also was she allowed to keep the remaining other glasses?

So the next time your in Wetherspoons or some such pub, think about Mrs Walker afore slipping a glass into your pocket or bag....

I have been trawling through the pages of the local newspapers for many, many years now, mainly for research material which would be used in my local history books, also I would select stories from 100 years ago to illustrate articles for SalfordOnline.

The stories selected are often humorous, sometimes hearting breaking, yet they all give an insight into what life was like in our great City of Salford, however I kept coming across one man's name, which would crop up fairly regularly, and always at The Magistrates Court, his name was Joshua Batty.

Batty aged 40,  who lived in Birley Street, Pendleton, wasn't one of the regular drunks or brawlers who so often featured, his appearances were always politically motivated, his "offences" included, chalking messages on walls and pavements, in which he would insult the local authorities, the police, councillors, clergy and the Government, he was once arrested for going into the pulpit at Salford Cathedral when there was a Mass in progress and began denouncing the church and it's wealth.

The following story is about, yet another of his appearances at Salford Magistrates Court in August 1921 where he appeared charged with begging outside the War Pensions Committee's premises on Strawberry Road, Pendleton.

Detective Sergeant McNee told the court that following "complaints" and having cautioned, Batty the previous day, he and Detective Squires kept observation on him for 20 minutes, during this time they saw Batty approach men leaving the building and ask them for money, some gave and others refused, McNee then told the court that after speaking to a disabled ex-serviceman and what he told him, (which was not disclosed in court) they arrested him on a charge of begging and he was taken to Pendleton police station.

When searched they found a list of names and the amount of money given, written next to it, the amount came to, three shillings and three pence, and Batty had only three shillings on him, when asked where the missing threepence was, he told them he had bought himself a packet of Woodbine cigarettes, he was then charged with begging to which he replied, "Fair enough".

By keeping a list of names of the people who had given him money doesn't strike me as being the actions of a street beggar, was he collecting for something else? and the fact the bought himself a packet of cigarettes is hardly a crime, was it mentioned in court as an attempt to discredit, Batty?

Batty who was no stranger to the courts, took to the stand and asked Detective Sergeant McNee, if it was true that he had spoken to him the previous day but not for begging, but for obstructing the pavement, to which he agreed.

Then Batty asked him if he would read out to the court an appeal he held in his hand which referred to a local public official, strangely enough, the Stipendiary Magistrate. Mr. Atkin read the appeal and wouldn't make the contents public, was it too inflammatory or possibly down right libellous?

McNee then read out to the court, a list of Batty's previous convictions which started out with by saying, "Batty appears to have discovered the secret of of living without working"

Batty's convictions dated back to 1906 and included, 12 months in Strangeways  for smashing the windows at Lewis's  store, Manchester, incitement to riot, chalking on pavements, obstructing the footpath and in 1916 he was Court Martialled from the army for, "Conduct prejudicial to military discipline"

The with a final blow he said to the Magistrate, "I appeal to your worship to assist us in controlling this man who has got to the end of his tether"

The case was adjourned for the day and Batty was granted bail.

The next day the attacks on Batty continued, with Superintendent Clarke by saying that Batty had a bank account and that the bank manager a Mr Bracewell had been summoned to give evidence about the amount of money he had in the account, Bracewell said that Batty did have a joint bank account but there was little money in it.

Batty, quite rightly got to his feet and objected to this evidence saying that he was being charged with begging and this evidence had nothing to do with this case.

Possibly exasperated with the court case, The Stipendiary Magistrate. Mr. Atkin asked Batty if he would stop begging for money outside the War Pensions Committee's offices and demanded a straight answer.

Batty replied that there was no reason why he should not, but gave his word and said he would keep to it.

The case was dismissed and Batty walked free from the courtroom.

In my opinion it does seem that Batty was a thorn in the side of the authorities, and looking at his criminal offences, he would appear to be a political activist of some degree, perhaps his days in the British Army had affected him in more ways than one, I can only guess.

I fully intend to do more research into this chap's life as I find him to be a fascinating character, and if you have any anecdotes about Joshua Batty, please contact me on here.

You may have heard the expression, "Forbidden Fruit" and this rather sad story from August 1921, helps illustrate the meaning behind it.

Henry Simmonds aged 53, who lived at North George Street, Salford and James Pollitt aged 23, who resided at Water Street, Manchester appeared at Salford Magistrates Court with stealing gooseberries otherwise receiving them knowing them to have been stolen...yes that's correct, gooseberries.

Simmonds have been employed by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company for several years as a loader, whilst Pollitt was employed by a wholesale butcher.

In response to to repeated cases of fruit pilfering, the company had gone as far, as to use two of their detectives to to hide in the goods yard and keep observations on the workforce.

They saw Simmonds on several occasions bend down and take fruit from a barrel which he was unloading off a train and eat them, as if this wasn't bad enough, Pollitt was then seen to climb onto a railway waggon and also eat some fruit, however he was seen by the keen eyed detectives to put something into his jacket, followed by Simmons who did the same.

As Pollitt was leaving the goods yard, Detective Bolas sprang into action and asked him what he had in his pockets, Pollitt admitted having some gooseberries and said that the other men unloading the fruit were also eating them.

Simmons was also stopped and searched, rather comically he was seen swallowing the evidence and five squashed gooseberries were found in his pocket, this was all the evidence the detectives needed for the men to be arrested.

They were taken to a nearby police station and charged with theft, Simmons pleaded not guilty, whilst Pollitt who had been caught red handed, pleaded guilty to this heinous offence.

In the Magistrates Court, Mr Howard Flint who was defending Simmonds put forward the rather half hearted excuse that the fruit was loose in the barrels and could have, in transit accidentally fallen into his clients pockets....

Furthermore his client had unloaded 36 baskets of fruit that day and he could have filled his pockets with gooseberries, yet instead he had, only taken four or five, which were squashed.

Predictably the Magistrate, Alderman Hughes, dismissed the notions of fruit accidentally landing in pockets etc and showed that he had no sense of humour by finding both men guilty, and they were fined £1 each but were warned if the fine wasn't paid in seven days they would go to prison for 14 days!

Talk about petty, the sad thing is that, Simmons who had no previous convictions would not only get a criminal record but he would lose his job at the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, this at a time of economic gloom for the whole country, obviously they shouldn't have nicked a few gooseberries but it was hardly a major crime was it?

I came across this entertaining story from the pages of The Salford City Reporter from August 1921 which tells of the mishaps that befell Acting Sergeant Groves, one night on Regent Road, Salford and a crowbar wielding rescuer.

The full story came out at Salford Magistrates Court in Bexley Square when Samuel Royle aged 19 from West Union Street and Gilbert Saunders aged 20 from Gledhill Street, appeared charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting Acting Sergeant Groves.

A/S Groves who took the stand sporting a black eye and limping heavily gave his account of the fateful night, he said that he saw Royle. singing and shouting, and acting in a drunken manner, and asked him to be quiet and move along.

To which Royle, replied, "Who are you spoofing?",then punched him in the face at which point all hell broke loose as A/S Groves was punched from behind and kicked to the ground by several people.

Royle broke free and ran some fifty yards along Regent Road before being rugby tackled to the ground by the .plucky A/S Groves again a group of men joined in kicking and punching him in an attempt to release Royle.

Help came from an unlikely source as a passing tram driven, driven by a Mr Connell came to a halt, he grabbed a cast iron, points iron and waded into the mob attacking the policeman, hitting anyone in his way and as he told the Court, "I used the points iron to some good effect" which was met with laughter from the public gallery.

Mr Connell then helped the injured onto his tram and took him to the nearby, Salford Royal Hospital for treatment to his injuries which included, black eyes, bruised legs, knees and arms, these resulted in him being off work for several days.

P.C. Wood took the stand and told the Court that he heard a police whistle and went to his comrades aid, there he saw, Royle rolling about on the floor with, A/S Groves, he manged to restrain him and took him to Regent Road Police Station where he continued to act like a "mad man"

Saunders then went into the witness box and said that he had heard, screams and shouts and saw his pal, Royle on the floor when somebody hit him on the head knocking him out, and he woke up in the cells, possibly our crowbar wielding hero had claimed another victim?

The Stipendary Magistrate, Mr F.W. Atkin, clearly didn't believe a word that Royle and Saunders had said and took the side of the police.

Both men were fined, £1 for being drunk and disorderly and a further punishment of one months hard labour in Strangeways Gaol for assaulting A/S Groves was added.

Seems a lively night on Regent Road and Mr Connell wasn't a man to be taken lightly by all accounts, as they say, The Good Old Days!

This story comes from the pages of the Eccles and Patricroft Journal, August 1921 tells of the sad deaths of two American sailors in Eccles, and with a Coroners verdict that is slightly puzzling.

The S.S. Hartford was an American registered ship which moored at Irwell Wharf on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, Eccles in late July 1921 and the crew headed off out for a night in Eccles to enjoy the local pubs, and with an added relish because at this time, America was a dry country due to the controversial Prohibition Act of the same year.

After an evening drinking the crew made their way back to their boat at about 10.30pm, a fight broke out between several men on the deck of the boat, resulting in the death of two crew members, Irvin Siers and William Fentress, and John Munden being taken to Green Lane police station and charged with the murder of Irvin Siers.

An Inquest was held at The Grapes Hotel, Peel Green by the Manchester Coroner, Mr G. S. Lereche to determine their causes of death, also in attendance was the American Consul to Manchester, Mr Holliday watching on in the interest of the accused, John Munden, an American citizen.

The Coroner told the Jury of nine men that many of the crew had been drinking in Eccles before returning to the ship, a drunken row broke out in which Siers was involved, a cry of "man overboard" was heard, a sailor by the name of William Fentress jumped overboard to help save Siers, lifeboats were thrown down to them, however Siers continued to struggle and was dragging his rescuer, Fentress down with him.

Edward Darling another crew member clambered overboard on a rope and urged the men to grab his legs, sadly the men were too exhausted and sank into the murky water, their bodies were recovered the next day by the police using grappling irons.

Mr Lereche then said that several witnesses would be called who had said, that they seen, John Munden strike Siers in the fight and then drop him overboard, and it would be for the Jury to decide how Siers and Fentress had met their deaths adding that there would be three alternative verdicts.

The First would be a deliberate killing by Munden, Second, that without intending to kill he committed an act resulting in Siers death, which would mean, Manslaughter, the Third alternative being that the man got into the waters accidentally, the verdict on Fentress would be accidental death.

Lee Galvin the Chief Officer told the inquest that he was informed there were men fighting on the deck, and found a number of men brawling, when he heard the cry of, "man overboard" and saw Fentress enter the water.

David Blackwell the Second Cook said that he saw two men fighting and that Munden picked up Siers and dropped him over the side of the boat, he added that both men had been drinking and he didn't think that Munden intended to throw the man into the water.

The Inquest was adjourned for the day.

Fred Gentry, an engine wiper, took the stand and said that he saw both men fighting, when Siers was held back, he demanded to be released so he could carry on fighting Munden, he then described Munden as looking, "half crazed" as he picked Siers up and dropped him overboard, although Munden did help lower a lifeboat to aid the rescue of the two men in the water.

Edward Darling a friend of Siers said that they had both been drinking in Eccles, and had drank about seven or eight glasses of beer before returning to their ship, he too heard the fighting but did not see Munden, and to his credit Darling did overboard on a rope in an attempt to save his pals life.

P.C. Duggan of the Ship Canal Police told the Jury that he was on duty at Irwell Wharf when he heard the commotion, he questioned and detained Munden, who told him that he was drunk and had been beaten up in a fight, he was taken into custody and removed to Green Lane police station for further questioning.

Finally, a John Crowe a night watchman said that he saw Siers pushing and shoving Munden despite being told by several people to calm down, and when questioned by Munden's Solicitor, Mr Hockin gave some evidence that would prove crucial.

He said that the S.S. Hartford had a list to the starboard and that the ships handrails were only three foot six inches high, and that, "anyone capering about or carrying on might easily go overboard, if under the influence of drink"

After hearing all the evidence, the Coroner told the Jury that in the case of Fentress his cause of death was accidental and as for Munden it would be mere assumption that he deliberately pushed Siers overboard and that it was possible that he dropped him overboard to, "cool him down"...

The Jury retired to consider their verdict and came back with the verdict that Siers met his death through accidentally falling over the hand rails whilst staggering about on deck, and Accidental Death verdicts were delivered on both men.

Munden appeared at Eccles Magistrates Court and was told by the Chairman, Mr C, Fenton that to a great extent he was responsible for the deaths of both men, owing to him being drunk and fighting, and that has had come from a dry country it was pity he wasn't dry whilst in this country and was then free to leave the Court.

Words fail me, surely the witness statements about him dropping Siers overboard was enough evidence to give a verdict of Manslaughter?, could it have been that with Munden being American the authorities didn't want to ruffle any diplomatic feathers? 

A strange story with no consolation for Irvin Siers.

Photos: S.S. Hartford

What do you expect to find when you visit your local allotments, people growing, potatoes, fruit, vegetables, herbs, the occasional chicken coop or even a bee hive?

Today we visited Mark Howard in Eccles to have a look at his highly unusual garden shed, unusual in it is some sixty foot long, and three feet deep and entered by going down, several stone steps, a six foot man or woman can easily stand upright and walk about in it.

Mark has had the allotment for over three years and has taken it over from his Father in Law who had previously had it for over 30 years or more.

I think it has been in a previous life an Anderson air raid shelter from World War Two looking at the brick construction, it could easily have seated 40 people in there, and after the war the underground base has been kept, the corrugated iron roof removed and built up with glass panels and surrounds.

Eccles was bombed in the war and close to the allotments and on Peel Green Road a house was hit and the occupants were killed, also Trafford Park is minutes away from here, so I think it's a strong possibility.

Meanwhile Mark, who grows strawberries, potatoes, garlic, onions etc, see's the shed as the perfect bolt hole from life, with a stove and comfy chairs in there, he can relax and watch the world go by.

If anybody has maps of the area from the 1930s we would love to see them and find out how long the allotments have been there and was this a communal air raid shelter, or hear your memories of the allotments.

As a footnote there is a small replica Anderson shelter on the allotments built by one of the allotments holder, and it is a really good replica with a corrugated roof, piled high with soil and grass growing on it, and decorated with military slogans, well done that man.

A visit to Barton upon Irwell, Eccles today and a tour around the area and it's myriad delights. We took a close look at Barton Swing Aqueduct, the first and only swing aqueduct in the world which opened in 1761 and replaced in 1894, still working and a pleasure to watch in action/ Stonemason's marks in Pocket Park and the mystery of the 1824 stone engraved tablet, W.R.B. all explained.

We look at the disgraceful condition of the 1894 Barton Road Swing Bridge, peeling paint, exposed metalwork and even the original wooden setts are showing through the potholes on the bridge, This is a fascinating area with two Grade One Listed Structures, and two Grade Two Listed Structures, hidden graveyards, terraced houses dating from 1820's, wildlife including Canadian Geese even the chip shop Laurel Hardy visited in 1947! what more could you ask for?

I could ask Peel Holdings to please, please repair the damage to the Barton Road Swing Bridge, as it is an eyesore, before it is too late.

I could ask Salford Council to consider using the area when tidied up to be a heritage/ tourist attraction, it would be off huge interest to canal boat enthusiasts, lovers of architectural engineering, historians, wildlife and would bring money into the area.

So, hope you enjoy the video and find something of interest in it.

An amusing story from the pages of the Salford City Reporter, December 1920 in which two chaps reason for being on enclosed premises was taken with a pinch of salt.

Herbert, Henry Green and Thomas Costigan who both resided at Mottram Street, Salford appeared at the Quarter Sessions charged with breaking and entering, Wolf Halons, outfitters shop on Lower Broughton Road, Broughton.

Police Constable Roberts told the Magistrate that he was on duty, when he heard the crash of glass from the rear of Mr Halons, outfitters shop, he went to investigate and found a pane of glass had been smashed.

As he peered in to the shop, something was thrown at him, narrowly missing his head and hitting the window frame, he cautiously entered and found Green and Costigan hiding in the cellar.

He asked if there were any more people with them, to which, Green replied,

"We have pals outside and if your not careful, you'll be shot"

Not the wisest of things to say even if in jest I would have thought.

Mr McKeever for the Defence asked P.C. Roberts,  "

Was it not true there were a crowd of civilians outside the shop, and that these two men, did what you were afraid to do, and entered the shop?"

This was denied by the P.C,.

He was then further asked if that the two men inside the shop were pulling his leg when they said he would be shot.

Again the less than amused P.C, denied these accusations.

Henry Gilbert Green took the stand and gave his account of the night in question.

"We were both a bit inebriated and we heard a smash of glass so we went to investigate, we went into the backyard of the shop and found the door open., so we decided to go in and look for the robbers.

"The constables arrived and found us in there, we thought we were doing them a good turn looking for the robbers"

The jury found them both guilty, Green was sent to prison for four months with hard labour, Costigan was said by the police to have been led into the affair by Green was bound over to keep the peace.

Justice was served and no doubt Mr Green was able to reflect on his wicked ways and wicked quips in his cell at Strangeways prison.

The Salford City Reporter for December 1920 reported on a police raid, carried out on a house on Hulton Street. off Trafford Road which was "carried out in the stillness of midnight" by Superintendent Clark, Sergeant Lamb and a dozen constables.

The police were acting on information received not to mention a complaint by the American Consul in Manchester about men returning to their ships at Salford Docks in a drunken condition from what the sailors called , "The House of Rest".

Two police constables in plain clothing had previously called at the house and were supplied with whisky and beer which they paid her for. they returned several times and were served with drinks, they were on observation duty in the house when the police raid took place.

A police search of the house found, a considerable quantity of rum, whisky, port and 47 pint bottles of beer, hidden underneath a bed in the front room, a large quantity of boots were found in a cupboard, when asked to account for them, she said she had bought them,, but couldn't produce receipts for them.

They arrested Annie Warange and she was charged with being in, unlawful possession of, several pairs of boots, galoshes, shirts, flash lamps and other articles, her husband Avrid Warnge was charged with being in unlawful possession of a gold watch.

At Salford Magistrates Court, Annie Warange had changed her name to, Annie Filkins for reasons not explained and the case got underway with Mt Tomson for the Prosecution and Mr Flint for the Defence.

Mr Tomson said Annie was being prosecuted under Section 65 of the Licencing Consolidation Act of 1910.

The court was told that after receiving complaints the house was put under observation and two police constables in plain clothing made frequent visits to the house and were sold whisky and beer and whilst in the house saw numerous sailors, mainly American being served, whisky and port for which they paid Annie.

The midnight raid by Superintendent Clarke found the accused in the kitchen with ten sailors who were all drinking, on the table was a bottle of rum, a bottle of port and six glasses of beer, underneath the table were a further six empty bottles of spirits.

Six of the seaman were arrested for being drunk and disorderly and taken to Trafford Road police station.

Mr Tomson then told the court that Annie had been charging for a bottle of beer, which cost 11 pence, one shilling and sixpence, a shilling for a glass of whisky which would normally cost seven pence and for a glass of rum a shilling which would normally cost six pence.

Annie pleaded guilty to all of the charges.

Sergeant Lamb told the court that the American Consul had contacted them alarmed about the condition of their sailors returning from shore leave to their ships, he thought that Annie had been doing a very profitable business and that there was a big trade being carried out at the house.

Mr Flint for the defence said that Annie had lived in the house on Hulton Street for nine years and this was the first time she had been in trouble.

This very flimsy piece of character building cut no mustard with the Magistrates who came down heavily upon her.

She was fined £10 and ten Guineas on the first charge, and £20 each on three other charges a grand total of £80 and ten shillings in total, a very large amount in those days and no doubt sent out as a warning to anybody who harboured thought of opening their own, "Home Of Rest"

On a further charge of receiving a stolen, mincing machine, she was fined a further £5, her husband was acquitted of receiving a stolen gold watch and the charge was dropped.

Not a good day in court for her was it?

The newspaper, Salford City Reporter for November 1920 carried the following story and rather sensationally called it, "the remarkable story of the life lead by a young girl"

Ellen Ben Saleh appeared at Salford Magistrates Court charged with the theft of £66 from her mother, a widow who resided at Hancock Street. Pendleton.

Detective Inspector Mitchell told the court that for some time the mother had been saving up and a portion of the money was a gratuity from the army authorities which she received in consequence of the death of her son, the money along with a small amount of gold was kept in a box in the kitchen of the house.

When it was discovered missing the police were informed, Detective Sergeant McNee made enquiries and questioned the girl who denied all knowledge of the theft, however the next day she absconded and nothing was heard from her, until her husband returned from the sea and he took her to the police station.

Initially she told the police she had nothing to with the theft, then admitted it and said,

"I might as well tell you all about it, I stole the money whilst mother was out and I gave it all to a man who I know"

She then broke into tears and sobbing asked for another chance.

Detective Inspector Mitchell then took to the stand and gave a detailed account of the last few months of the girl's life and pretty damning it was too.

He said the girl's mother had tried to shield her but she seemed beyond control and had been going out with a man who lived in a lodging house, who threatened her if she didn't give him money and he thought that the stolen money was divided between the two of them.

Seven months ago she had met Ben Saleh in a public house and after only a few days she asked him to marry her, shortly after the marriage Saleh returned to a ship at Salford Docks and went on a six month voyage and only returned on the day when he surrendered his wife to the police.

She had worked in cafe's in Manchester and as a barmaid in pubs on Cross Lane but had been associating with "loose women" and had got into debt and had stole the money to pay them off, he then added that Ben Saleh was going to leave Salford for ever as soon as this court case was over.

He finally added,

"She is a thoroughly bad girl, she is crying now, but no doubt the first thing she will do after leaving this courtroom will be to ask me for a cigarette"

Ouch!

The Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr P. W. Atkin, promptly sentenced her to four months imprisonment with hard labour.

The newspaper reported that the poor girl, fainted and had to be carried from the dock and owing to her cries the following court case was halted until she was placed in the prison cells below the court.

To sum up the girl not only lost her liberty but her husband who no doubt had seen a glimpse of the life he faced if he stayed with her and sailed out of Salford.

Hopefully she saw the errors of her ways and kept out of the pubs on Cross Lane and led a hard working, sober life, but I somehow doubt it.