The Durham Chronicle Friday, December 1857
DURHAM COUNTY POLICE.
NON PAYMENT OF POOR RATE:- Matthew Peacock, of Hutton Henry, was charged with non-payment of poor rate, amounting to 5s 4d. John Thubron, the overseer, proved the case. The defendant said he had offered the overseer 2s 8d, which would be in proportion to the rent paid. Since there had been but little doing at the colliery, his rent had been lowered, and Thubron told him that he need not appeal, as the overseers would lower his rating according to his rental. Thubron said the defendant had a butcher’s shop, a provision shop, a dwelling house and a stable, and the overseer did not feel justified in lowering the rate. An order was made for the amount and costs.
The Durham Chronicle Friday January 15th 1858.
CASTLE EDEN POLICE.
HOUSES AT DISCOUNT.
Matthew Peacock, butcher, of South Wingate, appealed against the amount to which he was assessed to relief of the poor. He stated that he had formerly been rated at £8, but his rent having since been reduced to £4, he conceived he was entitled to a reduction in his rating. Mr. Thrubron, the overseer, said the rate had recently been reduced to £4. Mr. Park said in that case Peacock had secured his object already. Peacock said he had been told before that his rate had been lowered, but he was summoned there at the court, and had 5s 9d to pay expenses. Mr. Burdon said if his rent had been lowered in consequence of a falling off of trade at South Wingate, the overseers ought also to have lowered the rate. Peacock said he was paying no rent at all now, and he asked if he was bound to pay any rates. The Bench said he must pay something, and if he objected to the new arrangement the overseer must have a new valuation. Peacock said the houses would let for nothing, and consequently they were worth nothing (laughter). He had lately had the offer of another house rent free, as large as the one he presently occupied. Mr. Burdon inquired of the overseer, whether it was true that there were other houses as good as Peacock’s untenanted. Mr. Thubron replied that there were. Peacock: Since the colliery stopped they will not let at all, and the owners are glad to get tenants into them, to prevent them tumbling to pieces. The Bench made no order, as the rating had been reduced one half since Peacock had taken steps to appeal.
The Durham Chronicle Friday June 10 1859
CASTLE EDEN PETTY SESSIONS.
ASSAULTS.
George Watson, a hind, of Woodland Close, was charged by Matthew Peacock, butcher, of Hutton Henry, with assaulting him on 20th May. Case dismissed.
The Durham Chronicle Friday December 9th 1859.
CASTLE EDEN PETTY SESSIONS.
ASSAULTS.
Mary Ann Peacock and Elizabeth Peacock both of South Wingate, were charged with assaulting Margaret Harrison of the same place, on the 9th Nov. at South Wingate. Fined 3d each and 1s costs. Matthew Peacock, butcher, South Wingate, was also charged with having threatened to assault the same complainant, on the 9th. Nov. Case dismissed.
The Durham County Advertiser Friday August 7 1863.
CASTLE EDEN PETTY SESSIONS.
OBSTRUCTING A PARISH CONSTABLE.
Walter Soulsby, of Trimdon, pitman, charged with obstructing Matthew Peacock, of the same place, parish constable, while in the execution of his duty, on the 27th June, at Trimdon. Fined 6s and 10s 6d costs, or three weeks in default of payment.
The Durham County Advertiser Friday August 8 1862.
CASTLE EDEN PETTY SESSIONS.
GAME TRESPASS.
Matthew Peacock, of South Wingate, butcher, charged with trespassing in search of game, on lands the property of G Wilkinson, Esq., at Wingate, on the 3rd ult. Fined 20s and 11s costs, or three weeks hard labour in default of payment
Durham County Advertiser Friday 6 November 1863.
CASTLE EDEN PETTY SESSIONS.
George Cook, of Trimdon, pitman, charged with assaulting Matthew Peacock of the same place on the 16th ult. To pay 9s 6d costs.
The Durham Chronilcle Friday January 10 1868.
CASTLE EDEN PETTY SESSIONS.
TRESPASS.
Matthew Peacock, butcher, Trimdon, charged with trespassing in pursuit of game at the township of Kelloe, was fined 20s and costs, or one month.
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