Here is a look into Brompton's past......................

ON THIS PAGE YOU CAN SEE VIEWS AROUND THE VILLAGE IN PAST DAYS INCLUDING:-
LOTS OF PICTURES OF FAMILIES , INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE AND PLACES, CHILDREN AT THE WEIR AND BOATING AT WATER END, VILLAGE HALL DRAMA AND OTHER ACTIVITIES, GARDEN FETES, SCOUTS AND GUIDES, THE RAILWAY STATION, SHOPS AND MANY OTHER INTERESTING PICTURES.
Also included is a selection of pictures and stories kindly donated by Elizabeth Coupe nee Balch showing Whitsuntide pageant and Fancy Dress in the 1930’s Village Hall activities and Friendly societies.
It's a long page, sit back and Enjoy !!!!

Please send any images you would like to add to this page.
Give us your choice of title and a narrative/story to go with the picture and we will include it in this unique collection of Brompton life.
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View up Northallerton Road from Church Green area

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) This picture dated 1908 shows the cottages on left now numbered from number 1 Northallerton Road onwards. Traffic is a little more sedate than the present day and the kids would not be able to pose for the camera like this nowadays. Colin's Grandma lived, I believe, in No 3. Shop on corner at right of picture is the current 21st century (and only!!)shop and Post Office ---------------------------------------------------------------

Boys & Girls at Whitsuntide Carnival and Parade 1951

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) (Thanks to Billy Baines & his sister Betty Dobson (nee Baines) for contributing names) Left to Right Rear row - Alan Hoare, ? Pattison, Maurice Gibson, Billy Lincoln, John Brown, Peter Kirkbride (at back), Alan (Garry) Dawson, Billy Stockdale (at back), George Bradley, Ronnie Carr, Betty Wilson, Jean Hodgson, Babs Robinson. Left to Right Middle row (Kneeling) Frank Robinson, Kenny Robinson, Desmond Gibson, Kenneth Bickerton, Norman Coverdale, Neil Hunton, Stewart Nelson Front row (mostly seated) - Neville Atkinson(at front wearing cap), Noname (with cup? on head?), Bobby Kilding, John Atkinson, Billy Baines, Billy Lyons, Brian Hood seated in front of Harry Bell, Malcolme Tyreman (at front with stripey tanktop), Cecil Blenkinsop(half hidden), ? Marchant ------------------------------------------------------------

View North up Station Road

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) This wonderful old photo taken in 1906 shows great activity around the Blacksmith's shop near the crossroads in the middle of the village. On the very left hand side is the Crown Inn. The Blacksmith's shop was Sam Hardcastle's during the 40's and 50's. The Blacksmiths and the adjacent cottages are no longer there but they were located in what is now the Crown car park and Recycling centre ). Wilford mill chimney is in the background and some say that the building shown next to the Crown was built out of the old Toll booth which stood in the middle of this crossroads. Claude Wilford bought the tollbooth and demolished it in around 1912 so that he would not have to negotiate around it in his new car, believed to be the first in the village. Not everyone agrees with this story? The building on the right is the 3 HorseShoes and the road to the right leads up Cockpit Hill towards Water End. Behind us is Lead Lane and to the left at the crossroads is Shop End, High Green, Church Green and the road to Northallerton. ---------------------------------------------------------------

Children at the weir at Water End

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) This excellent view taken in 1906 of children with their prams, shows how the beck was dammed to provide a weir and there was sufficient water to use the area as a boating lake (see pictures further down this page). This made Brompton very popular as a day out in the country for Teessiders who came by train and charabanc. The boats are believed to have been removed after the First World War but there are many people who continue to visit Brompton and the Village Inn to this day.Needless to say, they normally come by road nowadays. At the back can be seen the cottages on the north side of Water End and the geese who were so familiar to Bromptonians can be seen behind the children. -----------------------------------------------------------------

Church View from Manor House to Shop End

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) This view shows the Manor House on the left with it's archway hidden by the trees in the front garden. This was the main Wilford house during the early days of the Wilford linen manufacturing. The houses on the left lead down to Shop End and a number of shops can be seen amongst these houses.The last one to close at Shop End was the Post Office at 10/11 Church View when the then Post Mistress took early retirement. At the far end in the centre of the picture, is the old TollBooth in the middle of what is now a busy crossroads (and no doubt it was busy then also...........). There are no trees on Church Green on the right in this picture taken around the turn of the 19th/20th century. The tree overhanging the top right hand corner is the famous and wonderful Copper Beech in the NE corner of St Thomas churchyard opposite the Manor House. More shops can be seen centre right, hence the area being known as Shop End...........it still is called Shop End despite the shops there having all closed. -----------------------------------------------------------------

Boating at Water End

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) This picture shows the dam and the weir at Water End with a few of the local men enjoying the Jolly Boating Weather. On the left can be seen the ford through the beck and the bridge on the left was just a footbridge at the time. Claude Wilford had a bridge built which was big enough to take road traffic when he got his car in about 1912 and it has been known as Wilford bridge ever since. The "middle" footbridge can be seen in the background and the trees which are fairly young there are now fully mature and magnificent. ------------------------------------------------------------------

The end of a busy day on the Boating lake at Water End

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Here you can see the boats at rest in the boating lake at Water End. The geese are feeding on the green and there is a gas lamp on the north side of the green. There seems to be plenty of water in the beck, we always nowadays seem to have either too little or too much when it floods!! ------------------------------------------------------------------

Cedar Mount, Boating Lake and children of Brompton

(Picture kindly contributed by Harry Cooke with thanks to Mary Wilford-Nowe in Belgium) This picture of Cedar Mount taken about 1900 once again shows children playing by the boating lake. At this time, George Henry Wilford was living in Cedar Mount until his death in 1910. He was a grandson of John William Wilford who started the linen business of JW Wilford & Sons which was in existence from about 1750 to about 1960. His son John Claude Stewart Wilford became head of the house at this time and he lived at Cedar Mount with his wife Louisa (nee Fowler)until his death in 1948. His wife Louisa died in 1966 and they are believed to be the last Wilfords to live in the village although there are many relatives and/or descendents of the Wilford family in the village and the local area. More on the Wilfords and their Linen Manufacturing later. ------------------------------------------------------------

Village Hall 12th March 1951

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore.) (Thanks to Billy Baines & Vera Brittain for contributing names) Brompton Badminton Club Social & Dance In this "game" of Musical Chairs the first male on the left is Eric Husthwaite with Dolly Winn on his knee. On this end next at the front in patterned dress is Mabel Lakin seated on Colin Burn's knee (one of the Burn boys). Doreen Newcombe nee Forth is 4th lady on right from the front leaning forward with Miss Dorothy Blaire on the 5th knee. -------------------------------------------------------------

Yorkshire County Federation of Women's Institutes 22nd March

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Yorkshire Women's Institute Novice Drama Competition held at Brompton ----------------------------------------------------------------

Garden Fete 16th August 1951

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) (Thanks to Billy Baines for contributing names) Brompton Vicarage Garden Fete Billy Baines can be seen in the middle of the picture looking up at the lady with the basket. To Billy's right is Joyce Claydon with Joyce's mother above his head. Below Billy nearest the table and basket in the white top is Jaqueline Kilding with Anne Kirby half-hidden by the lady's arm (the lady in the pale dress and hat) standing next to the Vicar. The Vicar is William Ben Seaton and the boy to the right behind the Vicar is John Atkinson ------------------------------------------------------------

Village Hall 7th February 1952

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Brompton Women's Sick Club 21st Birthday Party -----------------------------------------------------------

Scene outside "Three Horse Shoes" - 1st December 1949

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Brompton's 80 year old Telegraph Boy salutes friends outside the Three Horse Shoes inn Pictured from left to right,MR ROBERT COVERDALE on the bike, Syd Marchant (chauffeur to the Wilfords), Bill Sheffield and Jack Tyreman. ------------------------------------------------------------

What a team! Green Tree Darts team 1949

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) (Thanks to Billy Baines, John Burn and Colin Narramore for contributing names) Back row Left to right Raymond Burn, Harry Burn, Jim Burn (landlord), Tommy Dawson, Unknown lady Front row Left to right Unknown, Paddy Neesham, Fred Hardcastle, Charlie Shepherd, Unknown --------------------------------------------------

Village Hall 12th January 1950

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Brompton Old Folks enjoy their annual Christmas treat --------------------------------------------------

Garden Fete in Village Hall 28th September 1950

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) (Thanks to Billy Baines for contributing names) Small boy in dark clothing at front is Neil Hunton (Dunn), other boy not known From Left to Right Half hidden is Alan (PuP) Thompson, Noname lady, Noname lady, Mrs Dunn, Noname lady half hidden, Mabel Thompson, Vera Robinson (above Mabel - half hidden), Noname lady, WB Seaton (The Vicar), Noname lady, Noname man, ? Wetherill, Noname man --------------------------------------------------------------

New "Old People's Club" opens 21st December 1950

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Ted Husthwaite standing at the rear Do you have any more names you would like us to add? -----------------------------------------------------------

Whist Drive in Village Hall 21st December 1950

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) (Thanks to Billy Baines for contributing names) Whist Drive in aid of funds for Whitsuntide Sports Day Stan Shepherd at front (with hand on mouth) with Sam Hardcastle the Village Blacksmith next to him. On Sam's right (half hidden) is Trevor Johnson. Vernon Joblin is in the dark suit on the far table fifth from the right on this side of the table -------------------------------------------------------------

Brompton Scouts Annual Party - Village Hall 18 January 1951

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) (Thanks to Billy Baines for contributing names) Left (front to rear) Roger Tomlinson, Tommy Flowers, Desmond Gibson,Tommy Lee, Billy Baines (nearest to table), John Baines, Anthony McLean, David Robson, Alan Young? Adults at far end of table Noname, Noname, Mrs Greathead, Vera Robinson, Mr Dennis Right (front to rear) Noname, Mrs Tomlinson, Noname,Michael Greathead, Geoffry Robinson, Billy Lincoln(nearest to table), Bill Stockdale, John Pollard, Noname,Noname Vicar at front is William Ben Seaton ------------------------------------------------------------

Tree Planting Hilton Close - 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth

(Thanks to Billy Baines for contributing picture and most of the names) Back row - Muriel Gibson (holding child), Helen Dennis, Audry Jenner(holding child), Edna Robinson(holding child), Lionel (Baldy) Coates, Brian Winn, Freda Robinson Middle row - Noname, Elizabeth Balch, Susan Walker (with hood), Tommy Flowers(with cap), Beryl Jenner(hood), Dorothy Jenner(hood), Tall boy unknown, John Baines, Billy Baines(balaclava), little girl unknown, Roger Tomlinson (School cap), Oliver Kilbride, Joan Winn(woolly bonnet), Joan Hebden(beret), Joyce Vayro, Irene Vayro(both wearing bonnets) Smaller kids middle row - ? Walker(white bonnet), Dianne(Squash) Lemon(wearing white ribbon), Kathleen Flowers, Annette Winn, Jenifer Kilbride (Beatle haircut), Alan Young with spade and possibly Jessica Plumpton holding tree. --------------------------------------------------------

Retta Potter nee Hoare pictured around 1946

This picture and text kindly contributed by George Appleby shows Retta Potter nee Hoare in the doorway of the shop house at Water End.
Number 14 was the shop, 16 the connected shop house and 18 next door where Agatha, her mother, was born in 1882 and lived after retiring from the shop until she died. The photo would be about 1946 when the war ended and films were available again.












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Robert Clark and Elizabeth Mary Kilvington

This delightful picture believed to be of Robert Clark and Elizabeth Mary Clark (nee Kilvington) was kindly contributed by Rosalyn Greenwood of Knaresborough who is researching family names Clark, Kilvington, Buckle and Elgie. It was probably taken at the original Ivy Cottage, now demolished, which was next to Sandgate House over the road from the present Ivy Cottage. They retired here after farming at Brompton Banks farm sometime after the 1891 census. Robert died in 1906 aged 78 and Elizabeth died in 1918 aged 90. ----------------------------------------------------------

Brompton Station 1922

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Brompton was built to a typical North East Railway company country station design. In 1846 an act of parliament authorised the building of the Yarm branch of the Leeds and Thirsk railway company to link Leeds with Teesside. Building started in 1852 and the line was opened on May 15th 1854,the original company had been taken over by the N.E.R. The railway station, pictured above in 1922,was closed to passengers in 1963 (see picture below).

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Last passenger train departs from Brompton Station in 1963 ----------------------------------------------------------

Mrs Sarah Walker at 58 Water End in late 1920's

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Mrs Sarah Walker in the doorway of her house at 58 Water End in the late 1920s. This is one of Colin's favourite photographs as it typifies the working housewife of that era. ---------------------------------------------------------

P.C. George Tiffany

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Brompton village " Bobby " P.C. George Tiffany pictured in 1912 outside his house at Water End -----------------------------------------------------------

Brompton Girl Guides 1926

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) The smartly presented Brompton Girl Guides pose for the photographer in 1926, only known names are that of Hilda Relph 4th row from front 5th from left and her sister Nellie 3rd row from front 3rd from right. Do you know anyone else ? ----------------------------------------------------------

Cedar Mount & Water End cottages 1908

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Water End Brompton 1908,the stone gate pillars on the left mark the entrance to Cedar Mount,once the home of Claude Wilford great-grandson of the Wilford Mill founder. The cottages show the northern side of Water End including Stainthorp's cottages leading to Fullicar Lane. -------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs Hull with her daughter Ann

(Picture kindly contributed by Colin Narramore) Mrs Hull with her daughter Ann pose for the camera outside their General Store at Water End Brompton. This store was also featured in George Appleby's stories where Danny Hoare and his mother Agatha traded in earlier days. The postbox in the wall can still be seen to this day although how long the now "privatised" Postal service will empty it is not yet known. -----------------------------------------------------------

Northallerton Methodist Youth Eisteddfod prizewinners of 1949

(Picture kindly contributed by Alan Stewart and some names and details provided by Alan Stewart and Joyce Boon) Several of the children in this picture are from Brompton, they are mainly in the middle row. The known names are as follows:- Second Row, 2nd from left (with paper) is Muriel Gibson, Freda Robinson in dark top, Joyce Boon (with dark hair behind Freda), Pat Dennis (blonde hair face partly hidden),to her left is Sheila Walker and Mabel Laking hiding unknown girl's face at rear and Evelyn Watson on the end with the long hair and white dress. Third from the left on the front row is Yvonne Lee who was a regular visitor to Brompton. It's possible she was related to Lee's corner shop. 4th from the left on the front row is Emily Outram. --------------------------------------------------------------

Annual General Meeting of the Odd Fellows

Picture and description kindly provided by George Appleby The annual general meeting of the Odd Fellows comes now. We were all in it for the sick benefits and Dukie Tyreman was the local grand master. From the right front going back there is me, the Edgar, then Danny, then Johnny. At the right side going back along the wall is John Mitchinson's dad, but I can't remember his sirname, Charlie Shepherd, fourth, Percy Lee, then next but one to him Walker who married Jessie Robinson, My dad's cousin. Can't make anybody else out in the shade. ---------------------------------------------------

Elizabeth Coupe nee Balch – My family and Brompton

The following pictures were kindly made available for us all to see by Elizabeth Coupe nee Balch who left Brompton in 1960. Elizabeth has many family connections with Brompton. Her family has been traced back to the C.18th in Brompton, when a William Smith walked from Swainby to work in the linen factory. Elizabeth is featured on the picture of the Tree Planting Hilton Close - 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth which can be seen in our “People & Places” section and is repeated here. Elizabeth is standing- the second "big girl" from the left.

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The most poignant image of Elizabeth’s family, at this time of the 90th Remembrance of the end of World War 1, can be seen on the pictures of the Brompton Football teams where her Grandfather James Smith and his brother Thomas are pictured in the team photos prior to the advent of World War 1. Sadly, as with so many families, neither of them returned and their names are recorded on the Lych Gate War Memorial. Please have a look at Steve Metcalfe’s Website (see our link below to find out more about these 2 brothers).


More recently, her Aunt, who lived in the village for most of her life (and who used to loan Elizabeth her copy of Clacking Shuttles) was rescued from her home in Viking Court up Corber Hill during the floods of 2000.

Whit pageant and Fancy Dress in the 1930’s

This picture of the Whit pageant was taken in the 1930’s and shows the Fancy Dress competition taking place on High Green (opposite the Chapel and The Cobbles with Slater’s butchers Shop on the right of the picture). Elizabeth was brought up for her first 4 years with her Grandmother who lived in the cottage to the right of Slater’s butcher. ------------------------------------------------------------

Brompton Board School group 1 C1904

This picture has been reproduced from a copy of a sepia print which shows its age and although this reproduction on the website may be quite poor (for which I apologize), it shows Brompton Board School group 1 C1904 we believe. Elizabeth’s great Aunt, Jane Appleton is the girl scowling 3rd from the right on the 2nd row from the top. Her brother William (Billy) is second left on the front row. ------------------------------------------------------------

Brompton Friendly Societies

This wonderful picture of the Brompton Friendly Societies is believed to be C1900. They are clearly outside the Three Horse Shoes pub and it must be an important occasion because of the ceremonial dress and the bunting/decoration and we would be pleased to receive more information about either the Friendly Societies or this particular occasion. It is believed that Elizabeth’s Grandfather George Appleton is 2nd from the left at the back of this picture. He was married to Elizabeth nee Robinson, the parents of Jane & Billy who appear on the School photo above. He was a Coal Merchant at the Coal Yard between the Wilford Mill and the Railway (still a very active local Coal Merchant) --------------------------------------------------------------

Whitsuntide Pageant in the 1930’s

This picture of an unknown boy watching this also unknown young man riding the Penny Farthing bike in his Sunday best is also believed to be at the Whitsuntide Pageant in the 1930’s. Any names would be very welcome. W.G. Slater Family Butcher is clearly seen behind him. -------------------------------------------------------------

Queen of Hearts

This picture shows Elizabeth’s mother in the centre of the Village Hall stage as Queen of Hearts. Seated in front of her is her lifelong friend Diddy Thwaites. Elizabeth’s Mum, 93 years of age at the time we posted this picture, believes that she was about 18 at the time so we reckon this picture is dated C1933. Up to very recently (2008), these two performers and friends have been in weekly telephone contact for the past 50 years although sadly, Diddy’s recent illness has now brought this contact to an end. ------------------------------------------------------------

Village Hall assembly – does anyone know the occasion?

This picture shows an assembly in the Village Hall on Cockpit Hill. The occasion is unknown but it is believed that the man at the back, 3rd from the left is Elizabeth’s Grandfather George. Thanks to Elizabeth for the above pictures and stories. ------------------------------------------------------------