Commonly known as, “The Teesdale Poet,” we received an anthology of his works, “The Poems and Songs of Teesdale” second edition 1930 from Malcolm & Dorothy Bainbridge.  Whilst, Evenwood geographically, is in the Gaunless Valley and not located within Teesdale, there are a couple of poems which have some relevance.

Above: Richard WATSON

Above: Book Title

Above:  The Previous owner

One is called, “The Emigrant’s Farewell” and the other, “A Cow Hunt”.

Many miners and their families moved eastwards into the Durham Coalfield from the lead mining areas of the North Pennines which included Teesdale.  From places such as Middleton-in-Teesdale and Eggleston, they moved to work in the coal mines of Woodland, Butterknowle, Cockfield, Evenwood, Ramshaw, West Auckland, St. Helen’s and beyond.  Some ventured much farther afield to the British colonies and provinces of the Empire – Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and even to the USA. 

No matter where they went, “The Emigrant’s Farewell” is apt.

“A Cow Hunt” is a comical tale about a merchant called Lowther who lost his cow when taking it from Pikestone to Brumley Row by Cust Barn and Foulsyke Pit.  Some Woodland coal miners attempted to rescue his cow.  Priestley, Stephenson and Simpson were those giving assistance – these names familiar today throughout the area.  A Captain Danby along with a chap called Dowson and another, Joe Gill were the heroes of the day.  The story concluded:

“When brute force will not stand the test,

You’ll find that gentle means are best.”