Myself and colleagues during this Lockdown have been given the task of summarising oral histories that are held at Northumberland Archives, making them more accessible to the members of the public. Through this I was introduced to Mrs. Keaney and the lives of the domestic servants and staff employed at Linden House, now Linden Hall, near Longhorsley.
At the time the property was owned by the Adamson family; Lieutenant-Colonel John George Adamson (referred to as the Colonel in the interview) had inherited the property from his father in 1911. He moved from Ireland to the House with his wife Lina, (Mrs. Adamson) and their two adult daughters (referred to as the Misses in the recording); Muriel Anne Pearl and Catherine Evelyn, known as Eve.
Mrs. Keaney was employed as Head Housemaid from about 1918. Her wage was £28, which was considered quite high especially compared to the others working in the House; she joined with experience, having previously worked in the homes of a gentleman farmer in Wooler and an ‘old man’ near Rothbury. She was Head Housemaid for two years, however, her connection with the House was much longer, her father had been a gardener and her husband was in charge of the home-farm.
Listening to Mrs. Keaney talk about the daily duties and routines, the uniforms, the ample food, sneaking back in after the doors were locked at 9pm, days that didn’t seem to end and competition with munitions factories for ‘girls’ transported me back to an earlier time. It was somewhat surprising, therefore, to learn that the house continued to be ran in much the same manner into the early 1960’s.
Employment at the House ended when she got married at the age of 24. When asked if she could have stayed longer, her response was that she had never really thought about it; she got married and left, it was just the way things were then.
Once married, Mrs. Keaney would help her husband on the farm, particularly in the dairy. She talks at length, and with some pride about her butter making skills. Mrs. Keaney stayed at Linden, in their cottage on the farm, raising six children, until her husband’s health deteriorated. Mr. Keaney had worked there for 43 years, and only ever took one holiday!
Linden House was sold to Mr. Liddell in 1963 after the death of the elder of the Adamson daughters, Muriel. The younger daughter, Eve, chose to remain in her London residence. The contents of the house sold of an auction; the oral history ends with Mrs. Keaney talking about the inventory for the furniture sale. After the sale of the property, the remaining household staff left.
The North Northumberland Hunt Ball at Haggerston Castle on Thursday evening last passed off very successfully. Over 300 were present, and the many coloured dresses of the ladies mingled with the huntsmen’s “pink” made a gay scene. Everyone was loud in praise of the excellent music of Archibald Joyce’s band, and the supper arrangements were generally voted splendid. This year the supper accommodation was increased by the provision of tables in the corridor near the dining-room. After dancing was over, the grounds, lit up with electricity, presented a busy scene, well over 100 motor cars waiting to convey the guests home.
There were some very beautiful dresses worn. Mrs Leyland was a stately figure in black velvet. Heavily draped in the skirt, the material was caught at the back to form the train, and the edges of the V-shaped bodice were jet-trimmed. The right shoulder was fastened with an ostrich pom-pom of shaded magenta, and a similar adornment clung to the left hip. A floating piece of black tulle hung from each shoulder, and the sleeves were of tulle, while diamond ornaments gave distinction to this beautiful toilette.
GLENDALE NOTES
WOOLER
There is every prospect of the Comrades’ ball again being a success. It will be held in the Archbold Hall tonight (Friday), Allan’s Band from Berwick will provide the music.
Invitations have been sent out for a whist drive and dance, the proceeds of which are to go towards providing a treat for the members of the Parish Church choir in the summer.
The weather keeps as changeable as ever. The week commenced mild and wet, but on Tuesday and Wednesday the wind was mainly from the N and NW which caused it to be much colder, but the return of sunshine was welcome.
SUCCESS OF A WOOLER DOG FANCIER
At the National Dog Show held in London on Wednesday, in the Border terrier Class, Mr John Strother’s bitch was awarded a first, a second and a championship. Mr Strother is to be congratulated on his success.
WOOLER WAR MEMORIAL
In order to assist the funds for the Wooler and District War Memorial the Belford Cinema Company are giving the entire proceeds of an exhibition of pictures to be held in the Archbold Hall on Wednesday next, 26th inst. Tickets may be had at the usual shops.
On Sunday last the Rev. T. L. Gomersall took the services in the Parish Church when he appealed on behalf of Dr Barnardo’s Homes, of which he is northern secretary. On Monday night a public meeting was held in the Archbold Hall at which the Rev. D. Mayes presided, there being a fair attendance.
Mr Gomersall was present and delivered an interesting address on the work carried on by the Barnardo Homes. The lecture was illustrated with lantern views. The lecturer expressed his gratitude for all that people in Wooler had done for the homes as they had always responded splendidly to their appeals. Owing to the extra cost of food, etc., they needed funds more than ever if they were to maintain the ever-open door. A collection was made on behalf of the Homes. The following sums were received on behalf of the above in connection with Mr. Gomersall’s visit to Wooler. Collections in Parish Church, £2 10s; collecting box, 14s; collection at meeting in the Hall, £3 10s. Total, £6 14s.
CHILDRENS COURT
WEDNESDAY
Before the Mayor, Chas. Forsyth, Alex. Darling, Thos. Wilson, Esqs., and Miss A. Henderson.
Eight Berwick boys were charged with playing football in Coxon’s Lane on Sunday, 9th Jany. All pleaded guilty. P.C. Latto said about four in the afternoon he saw the boys playing football in the street near Rampart House. He later visited the parents and told them their boys would be reported. The Superintendent said there were numerous complaints about boys playing football in the streets and several windows had been broken. There was no excuse for this conduct, as there were plenty of open spaces for the purpose of football round about the town. The mothers of several of the boys attended, and in reply to questions by the mayor, they said they boys had left home to go to – Nurse Evans’ Bible Class and they never heard anything about them until the police called and said they had been kicking a ball about. The Mayor delivered an admonition and lectured the offenders on Sunday observance. They were all dismissed on paying of costs – 4s each.
GUARD FALLS OUT OF A VAN
A rather peculiar accident occurred on the main line near Cockburnspath on Friday morning whereby James Burrell, a North British Railway goods guard, sustained injuries and suffered greatly from exposure.
It appears Burrell was looking out of his van when the “hill pilot” was giving the goods train of which he was guard, a “shove up” the hill near the distant signal at Cockburnspath. Whether the door of the van flew open or a rough shunt caused Burrell to lose his balance is not clear, but the fact remains that he was shot out of his van without anyone having observed the accident and the train proceeded to Berwick.
It was only when the train checked through Berwick that Burrell was missed and immediately a light engine and van was sent north and various stations asked to send out search parties. Three hours after the accident Burrell was found lying on the lineside near Cockburnspath in an injured and exhausted condition. Medical aid was summoned from Dunbar and he was then brought on with all speed to Berwick, where he was admitted to the Infirmary. On examination it was found that he suffered from fractured ribs and minor injuries, but he was very much exhausted owing to the long period he had been exposed.
SPORT
TWEEDSIDE LEAGUE
Grindon United (h), 7; Horncliffe, 0.
A very exciting game was played before a small attendance of spectators at the Home Park, Grindon, when the United secured a glorious victory over Horncliffe. The visitors won the toss and decided to play with the sun in their favour. The homesters opened strongly, scoring two goals in the first five minutes. For a short time some mid-field play was witnessed. Graham once more proved himself an able leader and led some strong attacks against the visitors’ goal. At times the visitors attempted to raid the home goal, but their attacks were feeble, compared with those of the United, and seldom got past Brown, who gave a fine display. At half-time the score was: – Grindon, 4: Horncliffe,0.
On resuming Grindon pressed hard. Bell made some fine saves, but the ground being greasy caused bad shooting. The homesters kept pressing to the finish, and when the final whistle blew Horncliffe had to retire from the field beaten as above. The scorers were: – Graham (4), Waters, Wedderburn, Dalgliesh. The game was refereed by Mr J. Hume.
Lately, as part of my working from home timetable, I have been summarising oral histories to be entered onto our Northumberland Archive systems.
I listened as Mrs. Amy Firman very kindly answered questions and talked about her time as a member of the Womens Institute, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. This was part of a ‘Woman’s Work’ project with students of Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Amy told of living all her life in Newbiggin by the Sea, attending the infant school and then the colliery school and progressing further to Bedlington Grammar School. She also spoke of how much she enjoyed her office work for the Electricity Board in Newcastle.
Amy had joined the Newbiggin branch of Womens Institute after she was married and continued being a member there for over 52 years. She remembered that in the Institute’s early days women had to be voted in by the committee as members. According to Amy, the Women’s Institute in Newbiggin was established in 1922 and members might have met in someone’s house in the early days before finally moving to the hall. She said that a mortgage was applied for 1936 for to have a hall built.
The Women’s Institute often played a significant role in Mrs. Firman’s life as well as being an active community service in Newbiggin. She and her friends assisted in schools with lessons such as road safety. They knitted animals and made puppets to tell stories with. They once dressed up as fisher folk and towed a boat through Newbiggin celebrating the town’s heritage.
Amy told of how her group encouraged her to take part in such events as drama groups, keep fit classes. She gave blood when the Blood Donor sessions were set up in the hall and she eventually got her Gold badge after donating 57 pints of blood throughout her time there. She was certainly a very active member of her group. Her busy home life was balanced with her Women’s Institute group. She would often leave housework to attend, catching up on it at a later time. Mrs. Firman told of how she and other members provided and joined in a varied programme of events. Running and organising drama groups, tea and biscuit afternoons, crafting, knit and natter classes, fund raising events, panto and shows, raffles, dancing afternoons and many talks attended by guest speakers.
When asked about her favorite part of the Newbiggin by the Sea, Women’s Institute she replied that it was the company and friendships that she made and the support given to her when her husband died. Mrs. Firman proved herself to be a hard-working lady who was a credit to her family and friends as well as being dedicated to helping the residents of her home town of Newbiggin by the Sea.
Taken from an oral history, NRO T-958 (NRO 101888), Womens Institute, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland.
