Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Linley Wood

Linley Wood, Talk-o-th-Hill, Stoke-on-Trent. 

Linley Wood Hall, Staffordshire, on Cheshire border. Stoke-on-Trent before it fell to bits.

---

24 February 1833

(Original Story) "Kitty's Joe." A local tale of Love and Jealousy) - by J.C. Williams

I am an old man, and memory often fails me; but I shall never forget the night of February 24th, 1833. I had been spending a few days with a friend who lives in the neighbourhood of Lawton, and I was to have reached Newcastle on that memorable night, and have remained for a time as the guest of mine host of the Red Lion, in the square of that ancient borough.

The day was unusually gloomy. A dense yellow atmosphere gave an unearthly aspect to the entire landscape. However, early in the evening I started upon my walk to Newcastle.

I had hardly passed the Lawton Arms when the wind rose, and rain began to fall, and my the time I reached Linley Wood,it came down in torrents. Passing under the wood I caught a glimpse of a cheery light through the chinks of the shutters of a cottage, which stood close upon the roadway - with a low wall between it and the footpath. I knocked on the door and asked for shelter until the storm abated. My appeal was answered by a woman of tall stature, who said in a coarse, but not unkind tone, "Ay, mon, the art welcome to a shelter. I would-na like a dog o' mine to be out on sich a  neet." 

In the course of the conversation which followed my entrance into the cottage I learned that her husband had been killed in a pit accident six years before. But observing a youth of eighteen years of age sitting quietly in the chimney nook, I said that I supposed he was her son. "Nay, Joe isna my lad, though I have tried to be a mother to him. We have no children, my Mon and me. But one day a Gipsy wench called and axed me for a drink of warter, and begged me to let her leave the lad here, while her went across to Butt Lane. However, the wench never com'd back; and when Elijah  - that was my husband  - got home from the pit, he said, 'Well, Kity, wench, we are non on our own, and praps this is the Loard's doin, and we can keep th lad.' I wasna unwillin, and so Joe's bin wi me every sin.' 

The storm, in the meantime, instead of abating, became more furious; and, immediately after a tremendous rush of wind, which I thought would unroof the house, there arose the wildest, the most demonic cry I ever heard. It was like the yell of a giant spirit in torture, passing into  a profound dying moan. My flesh seemd to shrink from the horrible sound. The lad leaped from his seat by the fire, his face became deadly pale, and his eyes dilated, seemed to be gazing into vacancy. The woman clasped her arms around his neck, kissed him wildly, and with great convulsive sobs cried, "Nay, Joe my lad, it conna be the token o' thy doom as it was o' his. I conna lose thee, my lad, and be left lone and broken-hearted to die. Ay God, spare my lad, spare my lad!" and exhausted by her excitement, she sunk down in her chair, the lad nestling at he side.

When she became calmer she informed me that the awful sound we had heard was the cry of the "Kitcrew Buggart' (or Kidsgrove Boggart) and that it was always the sure sign of some coming colliery accident. I endeavoured to show her that this was only a local superstitious notion. But my effort was in vain. - - - 

I related what had occurred to my host, who assured me that faith in the "Boggart" was at one time widely prevalent in the district, though many were then learning to smile at it as an old-time superstition. He was acquainted with the woman at the cottage, having once lived at Talke; and he told me that her name was Catherine Wilson, but she was best known as "Kitty," and the lad as "Kitty's Joe."  - - - - 

Saturday 28 April 1888
Staffordshire Sentinel

---

Saturday 21 November 1891
Staffordshire Advertiser

Serious Fire at Linley Wood - This residence, which is situated between Kidsgrove and Harecastle, and is the family seat of the Misses Marsh-Caldwell, was seriously damaged by fire on Saturday and narrowly escaped total destruction. 

The hall has a stuccoed exterior and is of considerable antiquity, a sun-dial in the garden bearing the date 1686. The wing where the fire broke out, which is three stories in height and forms part of the back premises, was erected in about 1800. The fire was discovered about half-past twelve having originated in one of the servants' bedrooms. 

A great deal of timber is used in the construction of the hall, and this, being dry with age, proved highly inflammable,the fire spreading with alarming rapidity. 

The fire brigades of Sandbach and Tunstall were sent for, and pending their arrival those present exerted themselves to save the furniture, bedding, books, and pictures from the fire. More zeal than discretion seems to have been used in this work, the goods being thrown out of the windows or roughly removed,  and a great deal of damage being done. 

The Sandbach Fire Brigade, under Capt. Cooke, arrived first with their manual engine, the Tunstall brigade, under Capt. Lee, coming up on their steamer soon afterwards. The latter was of plentiful service, the water having to be thrown up a steep hill at the bottom of the meadows, which no hand engine could have done and which taxed the powers of steam to accomplish. 

The Sandback engine was supplied from the hall tank. The fire was played upon steadily, without apparent effect at first, but the volume of water which was poured into the burning building gradually subdued the flames, which gave way to smoke and steam, and after the operations had been continued for about two hours a mastery over the fire was obtained. 

The Tunstal brigade and engine remained at the hall until nearly nine o'clock, in the event of a fresh outbreak occurring. 

The front portion of the hall has fortunately escaped injury, a fact which is due to the calm weather, for had a strong wind prevailed, the fire would most probably have seized upon the whole building before the arrival of the firemen and engines. 

As it is, however, the fire was confined to the chambers over the dining-room and the dining-room itself, which are burnt out and the roof is demolished. 

A quantity of the servants' clothing was destroyed but the plate and jewelery belonging to the Misses Marsh-Caldwell was preserved. A jewel-case with its valuable contents was missing at first, but was discovered among the debris. A force of the county constabulary, under the charge of Supt. Hall, was present during the fire, and at night remained in charge of the salvage on the lawn, which was covered with tarpaulin. 

The Rev. M.W.McHutchin, rector of Talke, placed his house at the disposal of the Misses Marsh-Caldwell, and the servants were temporarily accommodated at various houses in the neighbourhood. 
The fire is attributed to an accidental cause during the fumigation by sulphur of one of the bedrooms where a case of fever had been treated. The damage is estimated at about £2,000, and the loss is covered by insurance. 

---

Saturday 12 August 1893
Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News

Whilst on the subject of dog stories, I must include this from the Spectator, vouched for by Frisk's owner, Miss Georgina A. Marsh-Caldwell. 

Frisk is a little red Blenheim, and the writer says that her pet always slept in a basket, close to the hall-door. One night she dashed up the stairs, loudly barking, ran first to my eldest sisters room, then through a swing door to another sister's room, barking outside each door, then upstairs again to my room at the top of the house, where she remained barking till I got up and opened it, when she ran in, still barking, and waited till I was ready to go down with her. She scampered on before me, I following close, and when we both reached the hall she dashed still barking to the door, to show me whence her alarm had arisen. 
It was the policeman turning the handle of the door from the outside to see if it was properly closed. 

One night, a long time after the first adventure, I was wakened by a quiet scratch at the door of my room. No barking, this time but, tiresome as it was to be disturbed on a cold night, I got up and opened the door, and was conscious in the darkness that Frisk was standing there. Come in. Frisk,' said I. But no movement; Frisk stood waiting. Come in, Frisk,' I repeated, somewhat sharply. No movement, no bark.

Then, being sure that something must be wrong, I lighted a candle, and there stood Frisk outside the door, never offering to come in. She trotted quietly down before me, not speaking a word. When we were both through the swing-door, and at the head of the stairs, I saw that the inner door to the hall was open, and also that of the morning-room, from which shone a bright light. 

My heart went pit-a-pat for a moment then seeing Frisk run quietly down the stairs, I followed her, when she calmly jumped into her basket again, and I, venturing into the morning-room, found that my brother-in-law had left the lamp burning by mistake, a proceeding which Frisk plainly knew was wrong, and had therefore come upstairs to inform me, but had not thought it necessary to disturb the rest of the household this time! 

She had come straight up to my room without disturbing any one else, to tell me of the irregularity of a light burning when every one was in bed, and that being done, jumped into bed again, conscious of having per formed her duty."

---

Thursday 7 February 1895
Morning Post
Wanted, for the country, single-handed under a butler, a Youth of not less than 16 to 19; must be willing to make himself useful and of excellent character. - Address M.C. Linley Wood, Talke, Staffordshire

---

Saturday 8 June 1895
Staffordshire Advertiser

Festivals at Talke
On Monday the 16th annual festival took place at Talke in connection with the schools and parochial objects. The custom of dressing the wells was not followed this year, but the Maypole dancing was effectively carried out under the super-intendence of the Rev. J. Badnall, of Endon.  - - -

The Shepherds-on-the-Hill Lodge No. 928, of the Ancient Order of Shepherds held their 34th anniversary on Monday. There was the usual procession of adult and juvenile members, some dressed in character and all wearing their regalia. The band of the 1st V.B. North Staffordshire Regiment headed the procession to Linley Wood, where the Misses Marsh-Caldwell, who are honorary members of the lodge, entertained the visitors. The funds amount to £3,599, and during the year £514 18s. 3½d. has been expended in sick and funeral pay. The juvenile fund has a balance of £127 11s. 9d., and an adult female branch has been opened. On returned to Talke, the members had tea in the National Schools, dancing, athletic sports, and other amusements being indulged in during the evening in an adjacent field. 

---

Thursday 3 October 1895
Morning Post

Wanted for the country, where there are three in the kitchen as Scullery Maid, a strong, clean, and hard-working Girl, about 16; one from a respectable farm not objected to. - Address Linley Wood, Talke, Sstaffordshire.

---

Thursday 31 October 1895
Morning Post

As Upper Housemaid of two, or second of four in London: age 24; 18 months good character ; 5ft 7½in - F. Newton, Linley Wood, Talke-o-th-Hill, Staffordshire.

---

Thursday 2 July 1896
Morning Post

Wanted, for the country, a Kitchenmaid under a good cook - address Linley Wood, Stoke-upon-Trent

---

Thursday 22 July 1897
Morning Post

Wanted, as House-maid for the country only (as Upper of two), an active, thoroughly-working Person, with unexceptionable character. - Address, Linley Wood, Stoke-upon-Trent.

---

Thursday 19 August 1897
Morning Post

Wanted, for the country only, a youth of between 16 and 17  years of age as Footman, single-handed under a butler; must have been out before. - Address, Linley Wood, Stoke-upon-Trent.

---

Thursday 2 December 1897
Morning Post.

Wanted, for the country only, a Youth of from 16 to 18, not less than 5ft. 7in in height as Footman under a butler;  must have been in house service previously  - Address, Linley Wood, Stoke-upon-Trent.

---

Tuesday 18 January 1898
Morning Post

Wanted, for the country only, a Lady's Maid, Equal of two, to wait on three ladies; must understand dressmaking and some millinery; of undeniable character and strong health. Address - Linley Wood, Talke, Staffordshire.

---

Tuesday 3 May 1898
Morning Post
Wanted, a thoroughly-respectable Person as good Laundry-Maid; single-handed, but with regular assistance.  - Linley Wood, Stoke-on-Trent

---

Thursday 1 September 1898
Morning Post

Wanted for the country, a Good Laundry-Maid, single-handed, with assistance; three ladies and household to wash for; respectable character - Address, Linley Wood, Stoke-on-Trent

---

Thursday 24 November 1898
Morning Post

Wanted, a Kitchen-Maid for the country only; a respectable girl, and early riser; must understand vegetables, &c.; no dairy - Address, Linley Wood, Stoke-upon-Trent

---

Saturday 8 April 1899
Newcastle Guardian and Silverdale, Chesterton and Audley Chronicle

Talke. - The Rev. M.W. MacHutchin, rector presided, supported by the Rev. Henry Lloyd-Davies and E.Armytage Wade, assistant curates. The churchwardens' accounts showed receipts £152 16s. 8d. and expenditure £157 5s. 3½d. The rector nominated Mr Reginald N. Wood as his churchwarden, and Mr S. Colelough was re-elected as the parish warden. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Misses Marsh-Caldwells for their kindness to the churches during the past year.

---

Thursday 23 September 1909
Staffordshire Sentinel

Beating the Bounds
Picuturesque Custom Revised at Alsager. 
Adventurous Explorers
An old custom of "Beating the Bounds" was revived in Alsager on Wednesday, when the Chairman of the Council, along with the Vice-chairman, three other members of the Council, and a number of enthusiastic villagers perambulated the boundaries of the district, the proceedings occupying quite seven hours. 

Sixty years is said to have elapsed since a similar experience was enjoyed, and although one of the party on Wednesday had passed the Psalmist's span of years, three score and ten, yet he was not one to participate in the last ramble of its character. Everyone was therefore, a stranger to the business, and it was probably more interesting in consequence. The probability is that, as far as Alsager is concerned, this old practice of "beating the bounds" will be continued for many years to come. - - - 

The commencement of the expedition saw a party of thirteen assemble at Radway Green bridge, and perhaps five miles had been traversed when this number was somewhat augmented, those in attendance being - - - 

There is an old legend, as there is for almost every mysterious spot up and down the country, that on one occasion a man, who was somewhat of a daring nature, decided to ride over this particular spot, and in the act both the rider and the horse were lost to view and sank.  - - - 

Cresswellshaw was eventually reached, where the main road was crossed, following which the remainder of the journey was by a stream running under Lawton Rd, the North Staffordshire Railway on to Linley and Swallowmoor Woods. Mere Lake, then for some distance near the Audley boundary, and next on to the bridge at Radway Green. Many rough passages were encountered en route, and it was very laughable to see the chairman, along with Mr Charles Holdcroft, both big in stature, ploughing their way under the different tunnels through which a quantity of water was flowing. - - - 

Way were made through different hedges so as to keep to the boundary, woods were explored, and the stream crossed dozens of times during the ramble.  - - - 

Message in a Bottle

The explorers had almost reached Lawton-road bridge when a halt was made, and one could see in the distance a couple of welcome visitors approaching, for it afterwards transpired that they brought to the hungry and thirsty crowd that which was most required. 

It was a happy thought on the part of the Chairman, for it was he who was responsible for the arrangement, and it need hardly be wondered at that the many sandwiches were very soon demolished as well as the refreshments in the liquid line. 

Later on, in Linley Wood, a place which was once a Roman settlement, the contents of another black-looking bottle were demolished. With that little business completed, the Chairman adopted a suggestion thrown out, and placed inside the bottle a note containing the following:—

"This bottle was emptied in Linley Wood on the occasion of the members of the Council walking the boundaries of the parish, September 22nd, 1909.—Signed, W. H. Goss (Chairman), J. Kirkham (Vice-chairtnan), C. Holdcroft, J. Holland, A. Cowden ,and H. B. Lynam (Surveyor)." 

It was afterwards securely corked and deposited in the stream, which is believed to be a tributary to the River Weaver at Northwich.

At the conclusion of the luncheon in the vicinity of Mr. William Foden's farm, a letter of apology for absence was read from Mr. J. J. Nelson, and some speech making followed. 

In a short address, Mr. Goss expressed the opinion that it was far the best to continue such old customs as that of "beating the bounds." (Hear, hear,) It was a pity to allow such customs to die out, for there was a great deal of information to be accrued by such a procedure. He hoped that the future chairmen of the Council would see that the custom was kept alive, and that a great interest was centred in it. (Applause.) 

Mr. Kirkham, in proposing the health of the chairman, expressed the thanks of all present for abundant generosity, for they had indeed enjoyed the lunch provided. (Hear. hear.) The outing was a very novel experience to him personally, and he was glad to participate in it. 

---

Monday 17 April 1911
Staffordshire Sentinel

The Late Miss Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell

Funeral at Talke
The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, at Talke, of Miss Rosamond J. March-Caldwell, whose death occurred at her residence, Linley Hall, on Palm Sunday evening. A very large gathering assembled at the Talke Parish Church to pay a last token of respect to the deceased lady before the interment of the remains.

The cortege left Linley Hall about 2 o'clock. The coffin and hearse were covered with beautiful floral tributes. The body was contained in a shell, which was enclosed in a polished oak coffin, with brass furniture and breast plate, bearing the inscription, "Rosamond Jane Marsh-Caldwell, aged 87 years." 
The mourners were:- Mrs Isaacs, Mr John Loring, of Dodington  (nephew); General Frederick Heath R.E. (nephew); and Mrs Heath,  Mr Cuthbert Heath, Captain Duke Crofton R.N., and Mr Neill Loring of Market Drayton. 

Others who followed were: Mrs Macdonald, of Betley Hall, Mr and Miss Baker-Wilbraham of Rode Hall, Miss Wilbraham (Cresswell Shaw), Mr Frank Rigby,of the Grove, Mr and Mrs Reginald N. Wood and Miss Wood of Bignall End; Dr GreatRex, of Kidsgrove; Mr William Warnwright, and tenants and employees of the Linley Estate. 

The Ancient Order of Shepherd (Talk-o'-th'-Hill Lodge), of the female branch of the society the deceased lady had been a member since its formation, was represented by Bros. John Smith (secretary), Edwin Martin (treasurer), William Edwards, F.Wharton, and the female branch by Mrs Lowndes and Mrs Handcock. 

Representing the Audley Urban District Council were: Councillors Jos. Wilkinson (chairman), T.L. 

---

Saturday 8 November 1913
Stafforshire Sentinel

Beating the Bounds at Audley on Thursday. The iterinary(?) is an extensive one, between 30 and 40 miles in extent, and about 15 miles was accomplished during the day. A start was made at Red Street at 9.30, the route being by Bells Hollow, Newcastle Road, Hollinswood, Red Bull, Linley Wood, Mere Lake, and on to Short Fields Farm , the residence of Mr. W. Basford which divides the parishes of Audley and Balterley. The members of the party included Councillors T.I. Nicklin and G. Taylor, and Mr W. Kerr (oversees), Mr. W. Colclough (assistant-overseer), Councillors J.H. Maddock (vice-chairman), E.W.Edwards, D.Bailey, and A.J.Mottram (gas engineer), Mr G.Dobson (water inspector), Mr. H. Fox (sanitary inspector), Mr.A.J. Harvey (relieving officer), Messrs T.Cornes and A.Turnock (road forema at Audley and Talke respectively), S.Smith (Diglake Farm), F.Cornes and W.Cooper (Eardley End). They were led by the surveyor who carried an ordnance map, and the assistant-overseer. During the expedition there were numerous incidents and difficult situations were encountered. In one instance members of the party were compelled to walk through brushwood in single file for a mile, between Mill Dale and Audley Waterworks. It was also discovered during the journey that two cottages at Linley Hall, and a similar number at Old Butt Lane, which had been previously marked outside, were within the parish boundary. continues - - - -
 

---

Friday 29 May 1914
Runcorn Guardian

Linley Wood

To be let, furnished, the above, about 3 miles from Alsager Station and 2 miles from Harcastle Station.
THe house stands in about 11 acres of grounds and woods, and is approached by a drive about half a mile long, with lodges on the Linley Lane and the Newcastle Road.

The house contains entrance hall, drawing room, morning room, dinning room and library, besides kitchens, pantry, housekeeper's room, servant's hall, &c &c. on the ground floor. On the first floor there are 8 best bedrooms and dressing rooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 w.c.'s, servants room, maid's room, linen room, &c. On the top storey there are 4 best bedrooms, 1 maid's room, 1 play room, and in separate wing there are 3 maid's rooms and 1 servant man's room.

There is stabling for 8 horses, coachhouse or garage for 3 cars, harness room, &c. There are 2 tennis courts, 3 conservatories, forcing house, frames &c. Lighted throughout by electricity and heated with hot water. Has just been redecorated throughout. Supplied with water from District Council mains, Large cellars in basement.

To be let for 5 years, or possibly for a less term.
Apply to John Loring, Estate Office, Doddington, Nantwich.
 

---