"BELIEVE IT OR NOT"

The inclusion of the boar's head and three bugle horns in Bradford's coat of arms was a result of a remarkable and unusual happening.

According to Camden, the sixteenth century historian, the significance and incorporation of horns into Bradford's crest came about on the following way:
"Bradforde belonged to John of Gaunt, who granted to John Northrop, of Manningham, and his heirs, three meesuages and six booates of land to cum to Bradford on the following blow of a horn on St. Martins day in winter, and wait on him and his heirs in their way form Blackburnshire, with a lance and a hunting dog for thirty days, to have for yeoman's board one penny for himself and halfpenny for his dog, etc., for going with the receiver or bailiff to conduct him safe to the castle of Pontefract."

A descendant of Northrop afterwards granted land in Horton to Rushworth of Horton, to hold the hound while Northrop's man blew the horn.
These are called Hornman or Hornblow lands, and the custom is still kept up.
A man coming into the market place with a horn, halbert and dog is sent by the owner of the lands in Horton.
After proclamation made, the former calls out aloud, " Heirs of Rushworth, come, hold me my hound while I blow three blasts of my horn, to pay my rent due to my sovereign lord the King."
He then delivers the string to the man from Horton, and winds his horn thrice. The horn is preserved though stripped of its silver ornaments.

With regard to the wild boar, the head of which forms part of the crest, we are indebted to a certain James Hartley, a schoolmaster, whose school was situated near the bottom of Kirgate two centuries ago, and who translated from ancient documents the following account :
"A ravenous boar of a most enormous size, haunted a certain place called the Cliffe wood, and at times very much infested the town (Bradford) and the neighbouring inhabitants thereof, so that a reward was offered by the government to any person or persons who would bring the head of this boar, which much excited some to attempt it.

Now the story runs thus, That this boar frequented a certain wood to drink, which to this day is called the 'Boar's Well,' that he was watched by a certain person who shot him dead there, took his tongue out of his head and immediately repaired to court to claim the promised reward.

Presently, after his departure from the well, another person came thither upon the same intention and, finding the beast dead, without any further examination, cuts off his head and away he hastes towards the same place, and in expectation of the reward as the former, and there arrives before him.

Being introduced to his majesty's presence, the head was examined but was found without a tongue, concerning which the man was interrogated could give no satisfactory account. Whilst this was held in suspense the other man was introduced with the tongue, claimed the promised reward and unfolded the riddle by informing his Majesty how and by what means he killed the beast, and thus received the following grant :
A certain place or portion of land lying at great Horton known as Hunt Yard and for the tenure of which he and his heirs for ever should annually attend in the market place at Bradford, on St. Martin's day, in the forenoon and there, by the name of the heir of Rushworth, hold a dog of the hunting kind whilst three blasts were blown on a gelder's horn, and these words, 'Come heir of Rushworth, etc.,' expressed aloud.

After changing hands many times the horn came into possession of Mr. Richard Fawcett, after whose death a century ago the relic was purchased by another Bradford gentleman, Mr. John Wright, who finally sold it to Mr. Charles Rhodes, who in turn disposed of it to an antiquarian, a Dr. Outhwaite.

The ancient instrument was repurchased by Mr. Rhodes who later presented it to Bradford Philosophical society. Finally, after having had many owners, the horn was preserved in the Cartwright Hall.

Two inns of old Bradford perpetuated the legend of the wild boar of Cliffe Wood, "The Boars Head" and the "Wild Boar."

Lady Anne Clifford, a member of that famous family and who was born in Skipton Castle in 1589.

She is best known for her work in restoring the home of her ancestors which had suffered great damage during the Civil War.

In addition, Lady Anne was responsible for the repair of seven churches as well as the rebuilding of the steeple of the church at Skipton.

Not long after the restoration of Skipton Castle, Lady Anne suffered the indignity of having troops quartered upon her, but nevertheless insisting upon living among her uninvited and unwelcome guests.

She died aged 87 at Brougham Castle in Westmoreland and was buried in the church of St. Lawrence at Appleby.

Which famous Yorkshireman was known as "Black Tom"?

Thomas Fairfax, who was born at Denton, lower Wharfedale, in 1612, the son of Ferdinando and Lady Mary Fairfax.

Fairfax married Mary Vere and settled at the family seat at Nun Appleton near York.

"Black Tom," whose nickname was given to him due to his dark hair and swarthy complexion, was one of the greatest Yorkshiremen of his age.

The outbreak of the Civil War in 1642 found Fairfax in the forefront in the struggle against the King.
He was in command during the seige of Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield and other towns, fought at Marston Moor and was wounded during a severe skirmish at Selby.

Oliver Cromwell served under Fairfax holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and whose ability General Fairfax was quick to recognise.

Black Tom accompanied Charles I as far as Holmby where the monarch was delivered up by the Scots in 1647, and when presiding over the judges who were to try the king, used his influence to avert the monarch's execution.

In quieter and more peaceful days Lord Fairfax retired to his home, Nun Appleton Hall, where he wrote his "Short Memorials."

As the weight of years descended upon old Black Tom he became crippled with gout and rheumatism and was confined to a mechanical chair.
This, with other Fairfax relics, is preserved in York museum.

The great old Yorkshireman, hater of kingly tyranny, died on the 12th of December, 1671, after reading the forty-second psalm.
His remains were buried in the Northern Chapel at Bilborough, near York, a black slab of marble bearing the following inscription :

Where was a sexton paid half a crown for whipping dogs out of the church?

The custom of whipping dogs and ejecting them from church during service was common in many country churches.

Farmers at one time took their dogs to church by habit, and the resulting barking and snarling by rival canines may be imagined.
It was the sexton's duty to clear the church of the animals.

The following entry was made in the Parish books of Kildwick in 1746 :
" To same for half a year's wages for whipping the dogs 2/6."

What was a Tyburn ticket?

Tyburn tickets were certificates given to a prosecutor on the capital conviction of a criminal, and which exempted the prosecutor from all parish and ward offices within the Parish wherein such felony was committed.

By an act during the reign of William III the certificate could be transferred to a third party by simply endorsing it. The custom was abolished in 1818.

When have wives been publicly auctioned in Yorkshire?

This happened in several places.

In 1858, in a beer shop in Little Horton, Bradford, a certain Hartley Thompson publicly announced that his wife would be sold to the highest bidder, and even engaged a bell-man to acquaint citizens of the fact.

On February 4th, 1806, a man named George Gowthorpe sold his wife for 20 guineas in the market place at Hull, delivering her to a purchaser named Houseman with a halter around her neck.

In 1815 a husband at Pontefract, evidently weary of his spouse, held an auction several times in an attempt to sell his wife.
Offering the woman at a minimum bid of one shilling, she was finally knocked down for 11 shillings.

At Selby in 1862 a husband succeeded in selling his wife on the steps of the market cross for a pint of ale.

These transactions had, of course, no legal standing, and they serve to illustrate the ignorance of many I those times where the binding ties of marriage are concerned.

Which underground stream has a course which has many times been explored unsuccessfully?

Fell Beck, on the southern side of Ingleborough, which disappears into Gaping Ghyll.

Many have descended into this pothole in an attempt to trace the course of the Beck, the first being Martel, a well-known French speleologist, on Ausust 1st, 1896.

Where was the swastika, the emblem of German Nazis, carved on stones in Yorkshire hundreds of years ago?

Where was a king's hat knocked from his head whilst travelling in Yorkshire?

At Burn Bridge, near Harrogate.

Charles I was being taken under escort for trial in London and when passing through a lane bordered by oaks lost his hat when struck by an overhanging branch.

A villager who owned the land upon which the tree stood at once rushed out, and in shame felled the tree to the ground.

Where is Robin Hoods well?

In Barnsdale, between Ferrybridge and Doncaster, though several villages have wells bearing the same name.

The above-mentioned well is situated where the two parishes of Kirkby Smeaton and Burghwallis meet.

Years ago at a nearby inn a leather bottle was preserved and the claim that it was originally the property of Robin Hood.

A building designed by Vanburgh and built in the early eighteenth century now covers the well.

This well, referred to in ancient documents, is situated on the eastern side of the Great North Road.

In 1487, Henry VII visited Pontefract Castle and was met by the earl of Northumberland with many Gentry and Nobles who were attached to the House of Lancaster, "between Pontefract and Doncaster a littell beyonde Robyn Haddes Well."

Where are to be seen ruts and grooves on the surface of an ancient highway made by Romans during their period of occupation?

On Blackstone Edge on the paved Roman road running between Ripponden and Littleborough.
The grooves, it is believed, were made by poles used as the brakes of vehicles.

What villages on the Yorkshire coast finally disappeared beneath the waves as a result of the incursions of the ocean?

Ravenspur and Ravenserodd at the mouth of the Humber.
The former at one time sent a member to Parliament.

Other villages which have fallen victims to the advance of the sea are Old Withernsea, Auburn, Old Kinsea, Old Albordinlington, Northorp, Hyde, Hornsea Burton, Orwithfleet and Sunthorp.

What was the Hand of Glory?

A grisly talisman and charm made use of by robbers.
It was composed of a hand hacked from a gibbetted criminal, pickled in brine and the fat of the dead man.

A candle placed in the hand was believed to shed a light which gave thieves immunity from arrest and caused others to fall into a dead sleep.

What church has shops and other commercial premises built into its walls?

Holy Trinity at Richmond.

Who was Half Hanged Smith?

A native of Malton who was found guilty of burglary at York in 1705.
He was hanged at Knavesmire before a vast crowd of 40,000 spectators.

Fifteen minutes later a messenger dashed up to the gallows with a reprieve and Smith was cut down, bled and restored to conciousness.

Due to this extraordinary experience the unfortunate man earned the soubriquet of Half Hanged Smith.
He returned to prison soon afterwards but was released on lack of evidence.

A third time he was fortunate again for the prosecutor died before the trial could be held.

Who impersonates a patron saint and rides through a city on a white horse?

This is an annual custom at Ripon on the feast of St. Wilfrid.

A representative rides through the city streets on a white horse, wearing robes and mitre and preceded by a monk.

This custom is perpetuated in memory of St. Wilfrid who came to Ripon to found a church in the seventh century.

Who refused a gift of £1,000 from the king when in the depth of penury and want?

Andrew Marvell, the famous poet, who was born near Hull in 1621.

The poet became a friend of Milton and represented Hull as an M.P. for twenty years.

He was described as a pure-minded patriot in the most corrupt of times." He died in 1678.

Who were the original Darby and Joan?

An old couple who lived in Healaugh, near York.

The Marquis of Wharton called them " The happy couple."
They were buried together in the village churchyard.

On which hill was a monument erected in memory of a famous explorer?

A monument in the form of an Obelisk was erected on monument hill in Cleveland by a Whitby man, Robert Campion, in 1827.
It overlooks Marton where Captain Cook was born in 1728, and Great Ayton where he was at school.

Cook conducted extensive surveys of the Australian coast but he was killed by Hawiian natives in 1779.

Where was once known as " the smallest church in Yorkshire"?

A tiny church at Upleatham, near Redcar, which dated from Norman times.

Where were trousers forbidden in the pulpit?

At Bethel Chapel, Cambridge Street, Sheffield.

In 1820, at a time when breeches were universally worn and trousers considered vulgar, the following trust deed was drawn up for the aforementioned chapel:
"Under no circumstances whatever shall any preacher be allowed to occupy the pulpit who wears trousers."

Who was the innkeeper who was charged with the same crime on three occasions?

Tom Lee of Grassington, who in 1779 murdered Dr. Petty, a local physician, and threw the body into the river at Burnsall.
Lee was twice detained and charged but released for lack of evidence.

Finally he was arrested and sent to York to face trial and was hanged. His body was afterwards suspended in chains in Grass Wood.

Where did the opposing armies appear in the sky engaged in mortal combat?

At Hull in September, 1654, where a number of local citizens swore to having witnessed an extraordinary battle between phantom soldiers in the heavens between nine and ten in the evening.

The rival combatants formed a red and black army, the conflict being accompanied by all the dread clash of arms, explosions and cries of the wounded.

A similar phenomenon took place in October, 1658, and which was reported to have been heard forty miles away.

A local record of this strange fantasy stated :
"The country people were struck with such deep wonder and terror that they gave over their labour and ran home with fear, yea, some poor people gathering coals by the seaside were so frightened that they ran away, leaving their sacks behind them.
For forty miles this fearful noise of cannons, muskets and drums was heard all the country over."

Which Castle drew its water supply through the pipes made from the branches of elm trees?

Skipton Castle, which was supplied with water from a point three-quarters of a mile away.

Who was the eccentric young man who, when jilted, went home and spent the rest of his life in bed?

William Sharp of Worlds Farm near Laycock, Keighley.

His bride failing to turn up at church, Sharp, or "Three Laps" as he was familiarly known, returned home, went to bed in a tiny room and hid from the world until the day of his death almost fifty years later.
He died on March 7th, 1856, aged 79.

Who for a wager walked 1,000 miles in as many hours?

James Searle, alias Tigser, a native of Leeds, who in the Barclay match of November, 1843, succeeded in walking 1,000 miles on the stretch of road between the Shakespeare Inn, Meadow Lane, and the New Peacock Inn, Holbeck.

In what churchyard does the following curious epitaph appear on a tombstone?

In the churchyard at Low Moor, near Bradford.
The epitaph refers to Christopher Barlow, a blacksmith of Raw Nook, who died on October 9th, 1824.

Who,according to legend and tradition, built Swinsty Hall on proceeds gained from robbing the dead?

An individual named Robinson who lived in the valley of the Washburn, a few miles from Otley, about the end of the sixteenth century.

The story tells us that Robinson departed for London at a time when the black plague raged there, and spent some time in that terror stricken city robbing the dead and looting houses which had been deserted by the owners.

As a result of his depredations the Yorkshireman became the possessor of a considerable quantity of gold, silver, jewellery and other valuables, which he transported to Yorkshire by means of a wagon and horses.

He found however, upon his arrival home, that all doors were closed against him, the stories of his activities having reached his neighbours' ears and the dread of infection isolating him from his fellows.

Robinson was obliged to seek shelter in a barn in the Washburn Valley, where he also carefully hid his ill-gotten gains, spending his days washing gold and silver in the Greenwell Spring.

In the course of time Robinson bought several acres of land in the Washburn and built Swinsty Hall, a monument to his pillaging expedition.

Who was the governor of a Yorkshire castle whose loyalty to a comrade cost him his life?

Colonel John Morrice, who with Cornet Blackburn was executed at York in 1649 for the murder of Colonel Robert Rainsborough.

Morrice was innocent of the charge, but at the surrender of Pontefract Castle, of which Morrice was governor, and whilst attempting to escape, the pair were caught and sent to York for trial.

However, an opportunity to escape presented itself in the form of a rope which both men descended, hoping to scale the wall and gain their freedom.

Unfortunately for Cornet Blackburn, and indeed for both men as things fell out, in his haste to reach the ground the soldier fell and broke his leg, rendering incapable of proceeding further.

The mishap cost both men their lives, for Colonel Morrice, loyal to the end, refused to desert his companion in misfortune and remained with the injured man until they were taken again and finally executed.