THE "COUNTESS OF DERWENT WATER."

Dunstan Times, Issue 410, 25 February 1870, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE "COUNTESS OF DERWENT WATER."

An exciting and somewhat alarming scene has taken place at Consett, when the stock which was recently seized f»om South Newlands Farm, near Shotley Farm, wn,3 publioly sold by order of the "Countess of Derwentwater." Before it was day. light bodies of the Northumberland and Durham police arrived in Consett, and held themselves in readiness for any emergency. The Btook was turned into a ring in Victoria-street a little before ten o'olock. An immense crowd collected, and Mr. Henry Murray, the auctioneer, and Mr. Henry Brown, the bailiff of the " Countess," were received with great cheering. The sale then proceeded, producing Borne spirited competition, the eighteen lots of sheep, cattle, and horses realising nearly j£2GO. The proceedings at this place having terminated, a move was made for South Newlands Farm, in order that the produce and implements might also be disposed of. There the police were posted in force, Mr. G. C. Grey, on behalf of the Admiralty, and Mr. Booth being present to oppose tho proceedings. Messrs. Brown and Murray, who wore accompanied by an immense crowd, were refused admission to tho farm, and a struggle took place between the contending parties. Some stones were thrown, and one man was captured, and ultimately finding that it was impossible to got at tho farm stock, Mr. Murray decided upon proceeding with tho sale from a gig in tho road. Some highly inflammatory speeches were then made with regard to the opponents of the Countess, and a substantial " spread" at the Railway Hotel concluded tho day's proceedings.