The Barley Mow

Painted by S. R. Badmin dated 1940
See V&A Collections
The map used here is from1843 but the layout of the houses is the same.
Abstract of Title 1881 - No. 96 the location of the Barley Mow

Date of the photograph is unknown but if it was around 1901
Thomas Luck was the blacksmith at that time,
William Frederick Luck had taken over by 1911
By 1928 the Blacksmith's cottages were occupied by ordinary families,
including Mrs Andrews, who is remembered for her piano lessons.

Henry William Lambert and his wife Eliza Flowers, a widow, formerly Miss Cadd,
in their Sunday best, c.1900.
They were married at Yardley Gobion on 8 August 1881.
The photograph was taken at the kissing gate near the Barley Mow public house.
They lived near by at 4 Blacksmiths Yard, now a car park.
Grandad Lambert and unknown friend outside
the Blacksmiths Cottagesin the Barley Mow carpark.

The map used here is from1843, but the layout of the houses are the same as the
Abstract Title dated 1881. In the 1881 document 121 in is described as a House & Garden
Map c.1881. The numbers remain the same except 121

1881 Abstract of Title
Number on Plan Name Name of Tenant
113
Cottage and Garden & Orchard
Jos. Baldwin
114
Cottage and Garden & Orchard
H. Lambert
115
Cottage and Garden & Orchard
R. Johnson
116
Do. & Blacksmiths shop
E. Skeats
117
do.
Mrs. Henson
118
do.
119
do.
120
do.
121
House and Garden

The Barley Mow Public House

Ref: Date Occupant
Newspaper 1803 Mrs. Collison, the Sign of the Barley Mow, in Cosgrove
Northamptonshire Licensed Victuallers 1822 1822 Thomas Perkins
Newspaper 1828 Margaret Perkins
Newspaper 1829 late Thomas Perkins household sale 13th Oct 1829
Census 1841 George Griffin
Northampton Mercury
March 28th
1846 At Cosgrove, in this county, after a severe and protracted illness,
Mr. George Griffin, of the Barley Mow Public-house, aged 53
Kelly's Directory 1847 Thomas Watts, 'Barley Mow'
Whellan History of Northamptonshire 1849 T. Watts, vict., Barley Mow
Census 1851 Thomas Watts
Kelly's Directory 1854 Thomas Watts, 'Barley Mow'
Newspaper 1854

Mr. Watts, who is retiring from business,

Newspaper 1854 George Masters
Mansel letters 1861 John Dawson
Newspaper 1863 George Jackson
Newspaper 1865 Mr Partridge
Kelly's Directory 1869 Joseph Partridge , Barley Mow
Census 1871 Joseph Smith
Whellan History of Northamptonshire 1874 Jph. Smith vict. Barley Mow
Post Office Directory 1877 Joseph Smith, Barley Mow
Mansel Letters 1879 Joseph Smith to quit the Barley Mow at Michaelmas 1880
Mansel Letters 1879 Joseph Price takes over 11th October 1879
Census 1881 Joseph Price
Newspaper 1888 Joseph Price in bankruptcy
Abstract of Title 1881 was formerly in the occupation of William Price
but now of Messrs East & Sons
Kelly's Directory 1890 Henry Atwood , Barley Mow P.H.
Census 1891 Ann Fawn Willison
Newspaper 1892 H. Willison
Census 1901 Christopher J. Pell
Kelly's Directory 1903 Thomas Bushell, Barley Mow P.H.
Kelly's Directory 1906 Thomas Bushell, Barley Mow P.H.
Kelly's Directory 1910 Thomas Bushell, Barley Mow P.H.
Census 1911 Thomas Bushell
Newspaper 1911 Thomas Bushell - Cosgrove Feast
Kelly's Directory 1914 Thomas E. Bushell, Barley Mow P.H.
Electoral Rolls 1919 Henry Keech
Kelly's Directory 1920 Henry Percy Keech, Barley Mow P.H.
Wendy Maycock 1921 M. E. Jelley was landlord from October 1921 - March 1926
Kelly's Directory 1924 Malcolm Eckford Jelley, Barley Mow P.H.
Electoral Rolls Spring 1926 Malcolm Eckford Jelley
Electoral Rolls - Autumn 1926 Arthur Andrews
Kelly's Directory 1928 Arth. Andrew baker, post office & Barley Mow P.H.
Electoral Rolls 1930 Arthur Andrews
Electoral Rolls 1931 Louis Wltr. Dymond
Kelly's Directory 1931 Louis Wltr. Dymond Barley Mow P.H.
Electoral Rolls 1932 Louis Walter Dymond
Electoral Rolls 1933 Alfred Thomas Bushell
Kelly's Directory 1940 Alfd. Thos. Bushell Barley Mow P.H. died in 1948
Newspaper 1948 Mrs. Frances Bushell - Licence transferred
Family 1956 Frances Bushell until 1956
Wendy Maycock 1956 Sid & Ada Eglesfield
Newspaper 1972 Sid says goodbye to Barley Mow
Newspaper 1972 Mr. George Parker Becket of Rotherham.
Newspaper 1975 John and Margaret Harwood, new licensees
Newspaper 1981 Gordon Cowley
Newspaper 1981 Terence and Susan Murphy
Paul Adams 2013 Paul and Margo Adams.

George Collison’s family

George Collison lived in Cosgrove in the late 18th century. Elizabeth Collison, his widow was buried at Cosgrove Church in 1787, when George was around 27 years old.

George Collison and Ann James were married at Cosgrove on 10th February 1791, and both lived in Cosgrove at the time. There were others surnamed James in the village but none seems to be related to Ann. The couple’s first child, also named George, was baptised on 3rd July 1791, so Ann was already expecting her baby at the time of their marriage.

Two years later a second son, Charles, was baptised on 17th November 1793, and a third son, Thomas, on 29th May 1796.

We know from George’s monument in Cosgrove South Churchyard that he died on 31st May 1801 at the age of 41, so we can assume that he was born c 1760, though not in Cosgrove.

In 1787, when his first wife died, George was around 27 years old and was already a trusted resident of Cosgrove. He served on George Biggin’s Court Rolls Jury and was renting land of 5 acres 13r and 4p, probably from the Priory estate. In that year he paid £3 15s 10d at the levy. He was performing tasks for Cosgrove at the request of the Overseer of the village and was entitled “Mr” Collison.

At the Overseers meeting in April 1788 George was himself appointed Overseer for Cosgrove, and attended tax assessment meetings at Grafton – he must have been regarded as highly trustworthy.

In 1790 George was paid to thatch the Poor Houses – this may give us clues that he was himself farming fields that yielded straw at this point.

In 1791, the year he and Ann were married, George was appointed Overseer for the second half of the year

By 1793 when their second son Charles came along, George was countersigning Cosgrove’s Churchwarden’s Accounts, Overseers Accounts and employing a Roundsman, Jos Walden, for 9 days work. This almost certainly would have been as an agricultural worker, unemployed and working for low wages for George.

George was Parish Overseer for the first half of 1794 and in 1795 he was appointed Overseer for the second half of the year.

The entry below may indicate that by this time he was keeping an inn as well as farming. The Barley Mow at this time did have fields attached to it.

April 29 pd to Mr Coaliason [Collison] on account of the Naveis [Navvies] men £13  6s  10d

 There are several other payments from the Overseers account that year, including:

Mr Collisons Cart and Horses to convey T Fancourt and Ann Fancourt to Northampton 

 The Cosgrove Militia exemption list for 1796 includes

George

Coallison [Collison]

Farmer

A Draned Man  JB CN


Although we can be sure that George was “Draned” (trained) as a Militia Man, from the crossing out it is not clear whether this exemption was accepted or whether he served in the Militia. However, George does not appear for the next two years in Cosgrove’s affairs, and then this appeared in the local paper:

Northampton Mercury - Saturday 09 June 1798

DAIRY COWS, HORSES, GROWING CROPS of GRASS, &c.

To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By JOHN DAY,

On Wednesday the 13th of this instant June, on the Premises, COSGROVE, near Stony-Stratford, Bucks,

PART the LIVE STOCK, CROPS of GRASS, &c. the Property of Mr. GEORGE COLLISON who is quitting his Farm: Comprizing 20 very useful New-milched and In-calved Cows, and one fine young well-bred Bull; five young black Draught and Mares, in excellent Condition; capital Bright-bay Road Mare, a fast Trotter, very temperate, and runs well in Harness; a handsome yearling Colt, out of the said Mare, by the celebrated Horse, Atlas ; likewise the Grass of 215 Acres of Land, till the 5th of April next, all of which, (except 43 Acres, now in Grazing,] were laid early for Mowing; is good dry Layer, well watered and fenced, and will be divided into convenient Lots; also two Stumps of well-got Hay. The Hay, &c. to be spent on the Premises. The Grass to be either mowed or grazed, at the Option of the Purchaser. Credit for which will be given, on approved Security, till the 15th Day of October next.

The Sale to begin with the Cows exactly at Ten o'Clock, and the other Lots immediately after.

N. B. Previous to Harvest, will be sold by Auction on the said Farm, the Growing Crops of Corn, &c. with the Use of a convenient Yard, Barns, &c. &c. Notice of which will be given in this Paper in due Time.


We can see that by this time George’s farming acreage was large.

A year later, in 1799 George was appointed Overseer for the second half of the year, still serving the village, and the following year, on 30th April 1800 he was verifying the Overseers account on oath.

George’s monument leaning on the south wall of churchyard records his death, aged 41, on 31st May 1801, and his burial took place a few days later on 4th June.

Two weeks later the following notice tells us that his farming tools and chattels were sold off.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 13 June 1801

To be SOLD by AUCTION
By GEORGE KNIBB,

On Thursday the 18th June instant, on the Premises, at COSGROVE, near Stony-Stratford

THE LIVE and DEAD sundry EFFECTS, the late Mr. George COLLISON, deceased Comprising Five capital Cart Horses, and one Poney; one Cow; two stout Narrow-wheel Waggons, two Carts, and one Cart and Harness; Gearing for eight Horses, three Ploughs, three Pair of Harrows, one large Corn Fan, Corn Screen, and Barn Tackle, two Ladders; six Dozen of Hurdles and Fold Stakes, four Dairy Leads ; a Ten-dozen Churn and frames, lately new; Milk Buckets; a few Lots of Building Timber; four well-timbered Hovel Frames; stout Piers and Cap ; a Cock of prime Hay and sundry other Effects ,

The Sale to begin at Eleven o’Clock in the Forenoon.


We know that Ann Collison, George’s widow, took over the running of an ale house from this point, as in May 1802 the Churchwarden

“Mr Symons paid at Mrs Collison's at Easter when Settled the Book   £3  3s  0d “

The auction notice below tells us that Ann was still in charge of the Barley Mow in 1803.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 12 March 1803

COSGROVE, Northamptonshire.
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
 JOHN DAY,

On Thursday the 17th of this instant March, 1803, exactly at Four o'Clock, at Mrs. Collison's, the Sign of the Barley-Mow, Cosgrove aforesaid, near Stony-Stratford, Bucks.

In the Following LOTS

Lot 1. THREE FREEHOLD MESSUAGES or TENEMENTS, adjoining each other, with Yard, Garden, and Orchard planted with choice Fruit Trees, and several thriving Timber Trees, surrounding the same, in the several Occupations of Jos. Swannell and others, Tenants at Will.

Lot 2. TWO other TENEMENTS, with Yard and Gardens, situate on the Green, in COSGROVE aforesaid, in the Occupation of Atterbury and Coals, Tenants at Will.
For further Particulars, enquire of the Auctioneer, in Stony-Stratford aforesaid.


We know that by 1822 the license of the Barley Mow was held by the Perkins family, but whether any other licensee filled the intervening years is not yet known.

Thomas Collison, third and youngest son of George and Ann, died aged 20, living in Stony Stratford, on 16th May 1816 and his monument, like his father’s, leans on the south wall of Cosgrove Churchyard.

George’s second son, Charles, had a somewhat more colourful career.


Charles Collisson Northampton Summer Assizes 1824. Tried for Horse Stealing and acquitted.

A Charles Collison was arraigned at the Old Bailey on 12th January 1826 for stealing 18 sheep in Southall, and found Not Guilty. We know from the Old Bailey notes that he had a wife, and ran a butcher’s shop.

JOHN LOADSMAN . I live in Castle-street, Clerkenwell. On the 17th of November, about nine o'clock in the morning, I went with Nunn to No. 24, City-gardens, and saw eighteen sheep there - they appeared particularly tired; I went to Howard's-green afterwards, and saw a shed with meat hanging in front of it; I saw Collison in that shed about a quarter past nine o'clock that morning; he was dressed in a dark mixture coat, corduroy breeches, ankle shoes, and a handkerchief round his right leg.

RICHARD PEDRIC . I am a wheelwright, and live next door to the shed where Collison's shop is. Collison's wife was often there - the shop is about ten yards from the shed where the sheep were put.

https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?id=t18260112-5&div=t18260112-5&terms=Charles_Collison#highlight


Astonishingly, Charles’s demise is recorded thus :


Morning Chronicle - Thursday 03 August 1826

EXECUTION.

Yesterday morning the awful sentence of the law was carried into effect upon the person of Charles Collison, alias Butcher, aged 33, who was convicted of sheep stealing upon the clearest evidence, at the Old Bailey, at the last June Sessions. For a considerable time after his conviction, the unhappy man buoyed himself up with a hope that the sentence passed upon him would be commuted, and he frequently impugned the verdict of the Jury by a declaration of his innocence, and in this he persisted for a considerable time after the awful warrant of death arrived.


The court proceedings indicate that Ann Collison and a daughter were still living in Buckinghamshire at this time. The daughter’s baptism does not appear in Cosgrove records.

The full report can be read at http://www.cosgrovehistory.co.uk/doc/news/news03.html. It must have been the topic of endless discussion in the Barley Mow, and would have devastated George after his lifetime of public service.

Charles was buried on 5th August 1826 in Piece 3997: Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, City Road, (1825-1828)


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 18 January 1806

COSGROVE Northamptonshire.

To be SOLD BY AUCTION,

JOHN DAY,

On Tuesday the 28th January, 1806, between the Hours of Two and Three o'Clock in the Afternoon, at the Sign of the Barley-Mow, in COSGROVE aforesaid,

A MESSUAGE or TENEMENT, in good Repair, with Yard and Orchard, planted with Fruit and other Trees, situate near the said Barley Mow, adjoining the Grand Junction Canal, in the Occupation of Robert Dunsby.

Immediate Possession will be given, if required.

For Particulars, apply AUCTIONEER, in Stony Stratford, Bucks


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 11 September 1813

Freehold House and premises in Cosgrove Northamptonshire, near Stony-Stratford Bucks

To be SOLD by AUCTION,

By JOHN DAY & SON,

Saturday the 25th September, I8I3, at Three o'Clock in the Afternoon, at the Sign of the Barley Mow, Cosgrove aforesaid, in one Lot.

A Newly erected substantial Stone and Slate built DWELLING-HOUSE, now occupied in two Tenements ; comprising three Rooms on the first Floor, four Bed Chambers, excellent Cellar, Wood Barn and Out-offices; a Well of good Water, with a Garden and Orchard adjoining, well planted with choice Fruit Trees, and several thriving Elm Timber Trees growing thereon.—The Orchard contains 2R. 23P. ; the Grand Junction Canal adjoins the Orchard, which makes the Situation desirable for any Person in Trade that requires Water Communication.—The above is situate near the Centre of the pleasant Village of COSGROVE, in the Occupation of Mrs. Jane Stevens and Wm. Law. —Possession of one of the Tenements with the Orchard, &c. may had at Michaelmas next.

For a View of the same, apply to Mr. Stevens ; and for further Particulars, to Mr. Kirby, Solicitor, Towcester or to the Auctioneers in Stony- Stratford.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 15 January 1820

ELM and ASH TIMBER.

To be SOLD by AUCTION,

By JOHN DAY & SON,

On Wednesday the 26th of January, 1820, at the Barley Mow Public House in COSGROVE, near Stony Stratford,

THIRTY ONE capital ELM TREES, of large Dimensions.

40 MAIDEN ASH, and

87 DOTTEREL ASH.

The Timber is felled, blazed and numbered, lying on a farm in the Occupation of Mr. R. Pittam of FURTHO, Northamptonshire, adjoining to Cosgrove, and within one mile of the Grand Junction Canal. 

The Sale to commence at Twelve o'Clock precisely.

Catalogues may be had at the neighbouring Public Houses. Place of Sale, and at the Auctioneers at Stony Stratford.

N.B. The Timber to be sold for ready Money.


Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 02 August 1828

On the 25th ult. Margaret Perkins, of Cosgrove, in the county of Northampton, landlady of the Barley Mow public-house, was convicted before the Rev. Henry Quartley and the Rev. Loraine Loraine Smith, in the penalty of 50s and costs, for having on the 5th ult, kept open her house till a late hour of the night and thereby committed breach of the conditions of her recognizance.—Publicans are liable to a penalty of £5 for the first offence of this nature, of £10 for the second, and of £100 for the third, when they become also disabled to hold license for three years.


Northampton Mercury 10th October 1829

Household Furniture &c

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION

By John Day, Jun.

On Tuesday the 13th of October 1829 (instead of Monday as before advertised), on the Premises of the late Mr THOS. PERKINS, the BARLEY MOW INN, COSGROVE, Northamptonshire.

Comprising four-post, tent and other Bedsteads, with and without Furnitures; seasoned feather and flock Beds, Counterpanes, Quilts and Blankets; dining tea and other Tables; chamber and other Chairs, Kettles, Pots, Tubs and Buckets, with various other Effects.

The Sale to commence at Ten o’clock.


Northampton Mercury 28th March 1846

Died

On the 8th instant, at Cosgrove, in this county, after a severe and protracted illness, Mr George Griffin, of the Barley Mow Public-house, aged 52 years.


Northampton Mercury 25th April 1846

In the Affairs of GEORGE GRIFFIN, of COSGROVE,
in the County of Northampton, Victualler, deceased.

ALL persons indebted to the said GEORGE GRIFFIN, are required to pay the amount of their respective debts to Mrs Rebecca Gibbins, or Mr Daniel Warren, both of Cosgrove aforesaid, the Executors, within ten days from the date hereof. And all parties having claims upon his estate, are required to send the particulars thereof within the same period, that the same may, if correct, be forthwith discharged.

                                                                                                                JOHN PARROTT

                                                                                                                                Stony Stratford

22nd April 1846                                                                                                       Solicitor to the Trustees


Letter Mansel Collection

London & North Western Railway
Locomotive Department
Wolverton Station

January 6th 1854

Honourable Sir

I sincerely hope you will pardon the liberty I have taken in addressing you the reason I do so is as follows My Brother Edward Druce of Potterspury called on me yesterday morning and informed me the Barley Mow now in the occupation of Thos Watts & situate in the parish of Cosgrove was to let and he wishes me to see you immediately on the subject and as I also feel desirous of engaging the Tenancy if agreeable to your Honour I have presumed on the present application

Honoured Sir as regards my character I beg you to state for you Honours information that Mrs henry Mansell knows me perfectly well and I was also in the service of Admiral Moorsom and he placed me at Wolverton Station where I have been for the last 7 years I therefore beg to refer you to Mrs Henry Mansell Admiral Moorsom and Mr McConnell who I doubt not will speak satisfactorily of me as regards Honesty Sobriety and Industry If your Honour will be so kind as to accept me as a Tenant I will engage to pay your Honour a Quarter Rent in advance previous to entering on the premises and further I pledge myself to carry on the Business in an Orderly Manner and on Honourable principals
I therefore trust your Honour will be so kind as to give my application your kind and Favourable Consideration and at the same time Beg

To Subscribe myself your
Honour Most Obedient
Humble Servant
George Druce

To Captain Mansell
Cosgrove Hall


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 11 March 1854

BARLEY MOW INN, COSGROVE, Northamptonshire.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

By Mr. DURHAM,

On Thursday the 23rd day of March, 1854, on the premises, by direction of Mr. Watts, who is retiring from business,

THE whole of the HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and Effects, except Stock-in-Trade.

The Sale will commence at Eleven o'clock, and catalogues may be had on the premises, or at the office of Mr. Durham, Stony Stratford.


Letter Mansel Collection

Barley Mow Cosgrove

April 11 [1854]

Sir
I should feel obliged if you would name a time that I could meet you at Northampton Saturday would suit me as I have business there on that day

Yours Most Respectfully

George Masters

To

E Fisher Esq


Letter Mansel Collection

Term of Certificate
Copy sent
July 5th 1854
to George Masters

Term of Certificate

We the undersigned being owner and occupier of the Public house known by the sign of the Barley Mow situate in the parish of Cosgrove and County of Northampton do hereby Certify that the said Inn or Public house together with the offices courtyard and garden therewith occupied and held at a Yearly rent of Eighteen pounds ten shillings and no more.

Witness our hand this

Owner

George Masters Occupier

Copy sent July 5th 1854 to G. Masters


Letter Mansel Collection

George Masters

5th July 1854

Sir

I should fell obliged If you would return it by return of post
Sir by putting the amount higher it would make five pounds difference in the Licence

Sir

Your Most
Obedient Servant
George Masters

Barley Mow
Cosgrove

To Mr Fisher


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 05 August 1854

Cosgrove.—

An inquest was held before R. Weston, Esq., on the 25th July, at the Barley Mow, Cosgrove, on the body of Thomas Wright, aged 7 years, son of Thomas Wright, a labourer at the station at Wolverton, who, on the previous evening, was drowned the Grand Junction Canal at Cosgrove.

The deceased, when bathing with two other lads got out of his depth; an alarm was given, and Noah Kirk, who was near, went into the water and fetched him out. He had then been in the water about 15 minutes, and there was no signs of life. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.


Bucks Herald - Saturday 25 November 1854

Death from Drowning at Cosgrove.—On the inst. an inquest was held at the Plough Inn, Cosgrove, before R. Weston, Esq., view of the body Edward Wilson, whose death occurred under the melancholy circumstances detailed in the following evidence :—

Zilpha Wilson - I am the wife of Edward Wilson, now lying dead in this house. We lived at Yardley Gobion, two three miles from Cosgrove. He was a labourer, and is 36 years of age. We have six children. Between five and six o'clock on Tuesday evening, the 14th inst., he left home to go Cosgrove, to pay Mr. Warren for some beer. He was then quite well and sober. He did not return at night. About the middle of the next heard he was drowned.

Josiah Lowe—l am 15 years old. I work for the Grand Junction Canal Company, at Cosgrove. About 11 o'clock yesterday morning, I was going over the trunk of the canal about half-a-mile from Cosgrove. I saw the body of a man in the water. He was taken along by the side of a boat to Cosgrove lock, and then taken out the water and brought to this house. He was dead. He did not appear to have received any violence. The trunk passes over the river Ouse, and there is a fence between the towing path over it and the canal. He would have pass over the trunk from the Locomotive to Yardley.

Daniel Warren- I am a brewer at Cosgrove. A little after six o'clock, on Tuesday evening, the deceased called at my house and paid me three beer bills, amounting to 16s. 10½d. He gave a me sovereign, and I gave him the change.  I did not see any more money.

George Masters - I keep the Barley Mow Inn, at Cosgrove. The deceased came to my house about 7 o'clock on Tuesday, he left a little before 5 o'clock with a person to direct him the way to the Locomotive at Wolverton. He was perfectly sober. It was a very dark night.

Joseph Foster - I am one of the constables of Cosgrove. I have seen the deceased pockets searched by his wife. She found his purse with a shilling in it, and three of Mr. Warren's bills for beer. From the Locomotive at Wolverton, he would have to pass the trunk.

It was shown that the deceased left Wolverton alone. The jury returned verdict of “Found Drowned.”


Bucks Herald - Saturday 01 December 1860

An inquest has been held the Barley Mow, the village of Cosgrove, Northamptonshire, before Mr. Arthur Weston, deputy coroner, on the body of the Rev. Charles Styles Drake. It appeared from the evidence that deceased (who was Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge, and resided with his father, Admiral Drake, Castle Thorpe, near Cosgrove) dined with Mr. Francis Thursby, at Cosgrove Priory. He left there in his usual health, at twenty minutes past ten o'clock at night, to walk home to Castle Thorpe. His nearest way was along the towing-path of the Grand Junction Canal, into which he must have fallen. His hat was found the next morning floating on the water, and the canal was dragged, but the body was not recovered until three o'clock on Saturday afternoon. The deceased had in his pocket, when found, a watch, money to the amount of £9  0s. 6d., a post-office order, and various other papers. He was forty-four years of age, and unmarried.


Croydon's Weekly Standard - Saturday 01 December 1860

Death by Drowning. We this week record the untimely death of the Rev. Charles Styles Drake, son of Rear-Admiral John. Drake, of Castlethorpe. The unfortunate gentleman had been spending the day (Thursday, November 22nd) with F. Thursby, Esq., of Cosgrove Priory, and on returning home, owing the meadows being flooded, he did not take the direct path, but proceeded along the towingpath of the Grand Junction Canal, into which he appears have some means fallen, as he was found about midnight by some boatmen lying at the edge of the water exhausted state. He was picked up and placed against the further edge of the path whilst the boatmen proceeded to the locks for aid. The night watchman was immediately sent off to the spot, but no traces of deceased were to be seen. Inquiry was then made at Castlethorpe, and it was found he had not reached home, fears being entertained that he had fallen into the canal. Early on Friday morning they commenced dragging for the body, and continued the whole day without finding it. The dragging was resumed on Saturday morning, and after some time the body was found and taken to the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove, to await the Coroner’s inquest, which did not take place until Tuesday, as it was necessary to have the attendance of the boatmen, and a messenger was sent to Woolwich for them. After hearing the whole of the evidence that could be produced, a verdict of accidental death was returned. The deceased gentleman was 44 years of age.


Letter Mansel Collection

1861
Mr Mansel
June 12
same day

Cosgrove Hall
11 June

My dear Sir

Mr Mansel had hoped to see you before he left home but as he did not hear from you he commenced operations on the outbuildings belonging to the public house and Mrs Swannell and has left ..dus with me to have the range of outbuildings pulled down (the work of destruction commenced today and gave a plan of what he intended to have on Mrs Swannel’s side
The Barley Mow side he said I must consult you about it I shall be glad to see you as soon as you can make it convenient to come I expect to be at Cosgrove about a fortnight long before I join  Mr Mansel at Graces

.ul…e me
very truly yours
R. M. Mansel


Letter Mansel Collection

Cosgrove Hall
July 5th /61

Sir

I write to inform you that we commenced Mr Dawson’s building today (Friday), but Mr Dawson and Toombes both say that it will be useless to build it at 13ft as they cannot get their things in, and I did not like to give them any orders without your permission, so I thought I had better write to you Toombes thinks it cannot be done without going 14ft, or 14ft 6 inches.

Sir

If you would be so kind as to let me know exactly your measure it shall be done accord to your orders.

I remain Sir
Your Humble Servant
pro J. C. Mansel Esq.
James Reed

To Mr. Fisher


Letter Mansel Collection

Cosgrove Hall
Stony Stratford

16 Dec

My dear Sir

Mr Mansel wishes you to know that John Dawson of the Barley Mow came to him today to say he was about to call a meeting of his creditors to decide the amount he was able to pay in the pound and Mr Mansel consequently thinks he may require looking after

Respectfully Yours
R. M. Mansel


Letter Mansel Collection

1861 Mr John Dawson
17th Dec

Barley Mow Inn
Cosgrove
Dec 16/61

Sir

I am very sorry to inform you that I am obliged to call my creditors to meet at the Cock Inn Stony Stratford at three o’clock in the afternoon on Friday next
It is no Me.re than my duty to inform you of this proceedings I have mentioned it to J C Mansel Esq and he Leaves the case Entirely to you I hope you will allow me to continue my occupation as before if possible
I am
Dear Sir
Your Humble Servant
John Dawson

To E. Fisher Esq
Market Harborough


Letter Mansel Collection

Cosgrove Hall
Stony Stratford

22 December

My dear Sir

Mr Mansel advises me to say that he thinks you should take some steps immediately about John Dawson his creditors have refused to come to any agreement as he could only offer 4 shillings in the pound and the bailiffs are now in possession and it is expected he will be sold up on Thursday it is also known that old Dawson is in exactly the same condition he having signed a note of hand for £200 which John Dawson borrowed of Mr Bull of Castlethorpe when he took the Barley Mow. Mr Mansel would have written to you himself but his sight is weak in the evening

Respectfully Yours

R. M. Mansel


Letter Mansel Collection

1861
Copy of Notice to
Auctioneer
Dec 26th (J. Dawson’s Sale)

I hereby give you Notice that the Landlord of Mr Dawson has a claim on him for the rent and which I shall be obliged by your paying before handing over the proceeds of Sale on Thursday the 26th inst.
Edward Fisher Agent for John C. Mansel Esqr.

Market Harborough Dec 26th 1861


Letter Mansel Collection

1862
Mr Jos. Hilton
9 January

Carlton
January 8 1862

Honoured Sir

I understand you have a publick house at your disposal situate in the parish of Cosgrove in the county of Northampton Known by the name of the Barley Mow Inn Cosgrove
If that is or should be quickly be at liberty for another tenant or landlord to the house I should be very much obliged if you would let me have the Refusal of the said house
As I have been keeping a public house for 20 years past I think I should be able to manage it to advantage
Sir
If you would be kind enough to answer this note quickly you would much oblige

Yours Truly
Joseph Hilton
Bricklayer and Builder

Carlton
Bedfordshire

To E. Fisher Esqr

I have a family of Two Children at home


Letter Mansel Collection

Stony Stratford
7th Febry 1862

Dear Sir

On the other side is an account of the rent due from John Dawson up to Christmas last leaving a balance of £16 2 5 payable which on hearing that you are satisfied of its correctness I will remit I enclose the property tax receipts to Michaelmas and Christmas the Land Tax to Christmas I believe to be right as being half of what was allowed on the settling at Michaelmas I shall of course pay the Collector the quarter Land Tax to Christmas

Remain

Yours truly

John Dawson

Edward Fisher Esq.

(other side of the letter)

Mr Read

To John Dawson

1861

July

6

Horse Cart Man

6

9

Do

6

11

Do

6

12

Half a day

3

Sept

4

Jones ale

6

1

1

6


Audit Dinner on 7th November 1861

3

0

0

Two quarters property tax to 20th  September 1861

1

14

One quarter to 20th December 1861

17

One quarter Land Tax to 20th December 1861

19

10¾

7

12

7

Balance

16

2

5

23

15

0


Letter Mansel Collection

Stony Stratford
14th Febry 1862

Dear Sir

Re Dawson

I enclose cheque for £16. 2. 5. The balance of rent due in respect of Dawson’s affairs to Christmas last and shall be obliged by you acknowledging the receipt and sending one voucher for the same

I remain

Yours faithfully

John Parrott

Edward Fisher Esq


Letter Mansel Collection

Cosgrove Hall
Stony Stratford

March 25th 1862

My Dear sir

Before you enter into any agreement with J. Dawson I should like to have some conversation with you respecting that person, I do not at present see why my property should be saddled with him, as I know it is hopeless expecting any rent from him, he is completely illeg up and I fear his father will soon follow.


Letter Mansel Collection

Cosgrove Brewery
Nr Stony Stratford

May 5 1862

Sir

I am sorry to trouble you but you forgot to call at the Barley Mow where you was at Cosgrove I have seen Mr Mansel and I told him and he wished me to wright to you there is one Room that cannot be used until it is done something with the Pump is broken the draining stopped up in the yard and some of the windows are nearly out and a few other little things that want doing

Sir
Your Humble
Servant

D Warren

E Fisher Esqr


Letter Mansel Collection

Cosgrove Brewery
Nr Stony Stratford
May 7 1862

Sir

I have been looking over the Barley Mow and as near as I can make out the expence will be about as the following, for mason and carpenter Back Parlour and finding paint 1 : 5 : 0
the Bar and round the Back Door 1: 10 : 0
Bed Room 5 : 0
Staircase 5 : 0
Tap Room and Back Kitchen 1 : 10 : 0
Pump in the yard 1 : 0 : 0
and Drain in the middle of the yard is stopped and it wants a new grate 1 : 0 : 0
the windows a few shillings the Tap Room floor is very Bad a lan….on one may last 35 and a Staffordshire Look one would last about three .acends I think the above may last a little more than I have been making out

Sir

Your Humble
Servant
D Warren

E. Fisher Esq.

One of the slated Leanto Roofs will very soon want something doing or it will fall in


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 28 November 1863

STONY STRATFORD. Petty Sessions

Old Stratford—John Smith, of the Black Horse Stratford, was summoned by the same inspector for having certain unjust measures his possession.— Convicted in penalty and costs, £2  7s. 3d.

Cosgrove.— George Jackson, of the Barley Mow Inn Cosgrove, was summoned for a similar offence.

Mrs. Jackson (defendant's wife) answered to the charge, stating that her husband could not possibly attend, he being at trade as an engineer. She told the Bench she had been in the habit of selling beer for above a year and nine months. Convicted in penalty and costs, £1 2s. 9d.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 21 January 1865

WOLVERTON. Stony Stratford Petty Sessions, Jan. 13th.

Present, Rev. H. J. Barton, chairman; Rev. R.N. Russel, J. C. Mansel, Esq., and Rev. R. W. Scurr.

Cosgrove. —John Bignell, labourer, Cosgrove, was committed for trial at the Spring Assizes, at Northampton, for stealing wearing apparel, the property of Mr. Partridge, of the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove. A second charge was also preferred against him for stealing wearing apparel, the property of Mrs. Baldwin, of Cosgrove, Stony Stratford. [shawl]


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 11 March 1865

Stealing a Shawl, Cosgrove

JOHN BIGNELL (36), gasfitter, was charged with stealing shawl, value 7s, the property of Lucy Woodland, at Cosgrove, on the 28th December.—Mr. Athawes prosecuted. Prisoner was undefended.

Lucy Woodland, barmaid at the Barley Mow, Cosgrove, deposed that the shawl produced was hers. She last saw it safe in her master's house on the 26th December, about seven o'clock in the morning. The same morning, at nine o’clock, prisoner was there. Two days after that she missed the shawl. She next saw it when the policeman brought it to her.

By his Lordship : There were other people in the house on the morning of the 26th besides prisoner.

By the prisoner : You were there all day on the 26th, and part the next day—in and out.

Police-constable Willis deposed that on the 11th of January he was with Constable Martin, watching some hidden property in Cosgrove parish. He was in a hovel. About seven o'clock the next morning the prisoner came into the hovel. Witness asked him what he did there. Prisoner said he had come to relieve himself. Witness then took him towards a hayrick, and charged him with stealing the things hidden under it. He said he knew nothing about the things. Witness then left him with Police constable Martin, and went across to another field, where he found the box produced, with pair of boots standing by it. Witness took the box up and carried it to where the prisoner was. Prisoner said, "Have you put my boots in the box, Jack?" Witness said, "Yes, your boots are all right," and then took Prisoner and the box to Stratford. On searching the box he found the shawl produced. Witness took the shawl back to Cosgrove, and the prosecutrix identified it as hers

His Lordship having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of guilty.

The prisoner, who also pleaded guilty to a previous conviction, was sentenced to Seven Years' Penal Servitude.


Croydon’s Weekly Standard 19th May 1866

Stony Stratford Petty Sessions Friday May 11th

Before Rev H J Barton, J C Maul [Mansel] Esq

John Mason was summoned by police constable Fowler for being drunk at Cosgrove on Sunday night, the 29th of April. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

PC Fowler deposed to seeing the defendant drunk on the public streets at Cosgrove on the night in question. Mason was also making use of very bad language.

Defendant called two witnesses to prove that he was not drunk.

Daniel Adkins said, I live at Yardley, and was with Mason at Cosgrove on Sunday night, April 29th. Mason was not drunk. Joseph Partridge, landlord of the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove, said defendant left his house at twenty minutes to eleven at night. He was quite sober.

The case was dismissed.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 30 May 1868

COSGROVE, Northamptonshire.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

By DURHAM & SON,

At the "BARLEY MOW" INN, COSGROVE, on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH, at Five o'Clock in the Afternoon, subject to Conditions to be then produced, by order of the Mortgagee under a Power of Sale,

A VALUABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTY,

IN TWO LOTS, VIZ.

Lot 1. A Newly-erected MESSUAGE, let in Tenements, adjoining Cosgrove Green, with good Garden and Appurtenance thereto belonging, and a COTTAGE at the back of the said Messuage. The premises are in the occupation of Mrs. Baldwin and others.

Lot 2. All those TWO Brick-built and Slated COTTAGES or Tenements, adjoining Lot 1 and the Village School, with Gardens and Appurtenances thereto belonging, in the occupation of Edward Coleman and Thomas Coles.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 25 July 1868

STONY STRATFORD. PETTY SESSIONS, July 17th.

Present, Rev. H. J. Barton, chairman, and C. Morrell, Esq. Cosgrove.

John Foster, of Cosgrove, was summoned by John Partridge, landlord of the Barley Mow Inn, of Cosgrove, for refusing to leave the said Inn when requested to do so, on the 2nd of July.-Convicted. Fine £1, and 14s. 6d. costs.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 15 May 1869

PETTY SESSIONS, Friday, May 7th.

Present: Rev. H. J. Barton (chairman) and J. C. Mansel, Esq. Cosgrove.

A Serious Charge. John Foster, of Cosgrove, was summoned before the Bench by Sarah Ann Eakins, a domestic servant, whose parents reside at Castlethorpe, charged with having assaulted her.

Prosecutrix deposed: I have been living at the Barley Mow, at Cosgrove. On the 30th of last month the defendant came into the Barley Mow about half-past eight o'clock in the morning, and was there till about half-past ten. He came again about two, and wanted to know what master had been doing. I left Mr. Foster and mistress in the bar at ten minutes after two. Foster kept quarrelling all the time with mistress; at last mistress went upstairs. When I was in the bar he pushed me into a chair, and assaulted me. I shouted to the mistress, but she would not come down, and said I had no business to go into the bar, and that he might do what he liked to me. I went into the bar to mind it.

Cross-examined by Mr. C. C. Becke, who appeared for defendant: I went to my master next day for my wages and clothes. He had previously assaulted me in the presence of my mistress. He once threw me down in the tap-room, and pulled my clothes over my head.

Mr. Becke made a most able defence for his client, and called Mr. Partridge, landlord of the Barley Mow, said he was at home all the day. He never heard that Foster had been quarrelling. The prosecutrix told him she would not stop to be assaulted by Jarvis and Foster. His witness said he had seen men kiss her, and one man over 60 years of age, Copson, of New Bradwell.—The case was adjourned for a fortnight, in order that Mrs. Partridge might be present.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 28 July 1877

WOLVERTON.—Bean Feasts.

On Saturday last the smiths, &c., the works had their bean feast. They proceeded in four vehicles (in one of which was a horn playing) to Buckingham, where excellent dinner was provided at the Three Cups Inn. The whole party, numbering about 80, returned about eleven p.m., having spent a very enjoyable afternoon and evening.

On the same day the workmen in the west-side paint shop had a cricket match and dinner at Cosgrove, where a first-class spread was provided by Mr. Smith, of the Barley Mow. Dancing, &c., was kept up with great spirit till ten p.m.


Croydon’s Weekly Standard Saturday 29 June 1878

COSGROVE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.
To be Sold by Auction,
BY JOHN EADY,
On TUESDAY, JULY 2, 1878,
On the premises of Mr. J. Smith, Barley Mow Inn.

FIVE Stone-built FREEHOLD COTTAGES, in the occupation of Messrs. Lake, England, and others. The above Property is in a good state of repair, with good Gardens attached, let at an annual rental of £17 10s. Also a Piece of GROWING WHEAT (Spalding New Seed), about 1¼ Acres, Straw to go off; Rick of NEW HAY, got in excellent condition, about 9 Tons; NEW MILCH COW, IN-PIG SOW, ferret and box, rifle by Moore and Woodward, Carbine, 4 Arabian and other bedsteads, mahogany dining table, night commode, butcher's bench, thralls, ladders., sack barrow, skittle pins and ball, pig trough, set of rick poles, gates, doors, double-action chaff machine by Ashby and Jeffery, iron hone hoe, ten-hogshead barrel, six-hogshead ditto, 2 two-hogshead ditto, small barrels, 6 brown jars, pickaxes, dung fork, cart ropes, angle irons, grindstone with oak frame, 4 cast-iron wheels, flywheel, 2 wheelbarrows, quantity of slabs, several dozen hurdles, 30 dozen fagots, 8tons of cleft wood, 20 dozen elm paling, large quantity of elm and other boards, quantity of beech, 1000 feet of ash and willow fencing, quantity of scantlings wire fencing with iron pegs, rose supports, draining tools, 2 cross-cut saws, carpenters’ bench, beetle and wedges, 1 gross of bolt, and nuts, gate hooks and hinges, iron cow ties, chains and back bands, quantity of old iron, &c. &c.
Sale to commence at Twelve o’clock with the Stock, after which the Property will be sold, subject to such conditions of the sale as will be then and there produced.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 19 October 1878

COSGROVE —Sudden Death.

On Monday last George Curl, gardener, Cosgrove, was bringing a perambulator, containing two baskets of apples to Stony Stratford, and, when near to where the old toll gate used to stand, on the Cosgrove-road, fell down, and instantly expired.

The following day an inquest was held at the Barley Mow, Cosgrove, before A. Weston, Esq.

Ann Burnham said her father was 61 years of age. He lived by himself, and she attended his wants. On Sunday evening he complained of spasms in his left side, but otherwise appeared well as usual.

George Jeffcoat deposed to finding deceased. Dr. Bull, of Stony Stratford, was passing, and be examined him, and pronounced life extinct.

Dr. Maguire, surgeon at Stratford, knew he had bronchitis and heart disease, and cautioned him to be very careful if he went to work. He had not the least doubt he died from heart disease.—Verdict accordingly.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 25 February 1888

IN BANKRUPTCY.— Re Joseph Price.

THE BARLEY MOW, COSGROVE, Northamptonshire.

Sale of 50 LOTS HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and other EFFECTS.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION

BY THOMAS MERRY on Friday NEXT,
MARCH 2nd, 1888,
By order of the Official Receiver in Bankruptcy.
Sale to commence at One o'clock

1881 Abstract of Title
HOUSE and land in the Village of Cosgrove formerly in the occupation
of William Price but now of Messrs East & Son


Number on Plan Name Cultivation
Quantity
a.
r.
p.
96, 97, 99
Barley Mow Inn Yard and land
Pasture
4
3
21
106
Cows Close
Arable
1
0
0
TOTAL A
5
3
21

ANOTHER PUBLICAN GONE.

Re Joseph Price, of Cosgrove, Northamptonshire, publican and harness maker.— The first meeting of the creditors this debtor was also held on Tuesday. The debtor's liabilities were put down at, £205 the assets £54 5s. 11d., and the deficiency £150 17s. The debtor stated that he commenced business September 29, 1879, with a capital of £128. No resolutions were come to, and the Official Receiver was continued trustee.


Northampton Mercury - Saturday 21 April 1888

BANKRUPTCY COURT.

TUESDAY.—Before Dr. Faulkner, Registrar.

A BANKRUPT PUBLICAN.

Re Joseph Price, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire, publican and harness maker. —This debtor came up for public examination. —Mr. J. Banks represented the debtor, who stated in reply to the Official Receiver, Mr. W. G. Carter Mitchell, that he entered into his public-house about eight years ago. He had £128 capital. He paid £10 to the tenant and £68 for the fixtures. The debtor was not tenant now. He had deficiency of £102—£54 assets and £156 liabilities. It was two years since he first knew he could not pay 20s. in the £. He did not think he owed more now than he did two years ago.—This closed the public examination of the debtor.


Northampton Mercury - Friday 30 September 1892

COSGROVE. On Saturday a smoking concert was held in the large room adjoining the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove, aid of the funds the Cosgrove Football Club. A large number of friends from Wolverton, Stratford, and Deanshanger had promised to help, and a capital concert was expected, and the hope was realised. The committee hail gone to lot of trouble in decorating the room. The secretary (Mr. A. E. Jones) had devoted a large amount of time to the organisation of the concert, and was through his efforts that was complete success. There was some capital singing.

Programme : — Song, " Britannia's Flag," Mr. Roberts ; song, " Soldier's Tear," Mr. Barren ; song, ""The Longshoreman," Mr. Thurstons (encored, and " True till Death given): comic song," Killaloe," Mr. West: song, "Clara Nolan's Ball," Mr. Boulter; song, "Two Lovely Black Eyes," Mr. Boulter: song, "England is England Still," Mr. Roberts: comic song, Mr. Hilton: song, "Ho, Jolly Jenkins, Mr. Thurstons ; song, Only to see her Face, Mr. Jones; song, " Comrades," Mr. Cresswell; song, "The Tar's Farewell," Mr. Percy; comic song, " Still Alive," Mr. Furniss; song, The Song that Reached Heart," Mr. Jones ; comic song, Mr. Percy; song, Mr. Webb; comic song, Mr. West; song, "Off to Philadelphia," Mr Thurstons. The chair was occupied by Mr. F. Payne.


Northampton Mercury - Friday 04 November 1892

COSGROVE DINNER.

In connection with the Stony Stratford, Wolverton, and District Wholesale Clothing Society, a dinner was held at the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove, on Saturday evening, when about fifty members of the Cosgrove branch was present. A capital cold collation was provided by Host H. Willison.

The chair was taken by the manager of the society, Mr. W. A. Anchor.—The Chairman submitted "Success to the Society," which was heartily drunk, and Mr. Anchor, in reply said he would do his best to look after the welfare of the members.—"The Health of Mr. Anchor” was also drunk and Mr. Anchor having acknowledged the compliment the room was cleared for dancing.


Northampton Mercury - Friday 17 September 1909

THE INQUEST. Mr T M Percival inquired into the circumstances of the sad affair at the Barley Mow on Thursday. Charlotte Brown, wife of Albert Brown, of Cosgrove, drayman, said that Tuesday she left her house go to the barn at about a quarter to seven in the morning. She was going to do some washing, and left her two children, William, aged three years, and the deceased, Frederick Albert, aged one year and seven months upstairs fast asleep. When witnesses left her husband was at work. A lodger was in the house reading the paper. He said he heard nothing of the children, and when he left everything was quiet. Witness went back to the house about 7.30 staying a few minutes and writing a note. She listened, but all was quiet, and she assumed the boys were still asleep, and she went back the barn. Later a Mrs. Key, who lived next door, said the children seemed quiet. Witness then told her she was going back. They got to the door she said, “They are screaming.” Witness rushed upstairs, and found the deceased in flames. She picked him up, took him into the yard, and put him into some water. The other boy followed downstairs. He was not burned at all. She added that the bedclothes were fire, and she threw them out of the window. There was a candle alight in the lodger's room where the children were. Continuing, she said William had that morning told witness that he struck the matches and lighted the candle. He told her how Fred stood, and that he got frightened and hid under the bed. Witness sent for the doctor at once, but her child died the same day. Dr. Powell said the child was terribly burnt all over the body and more particular on the front of the abdomen. The child was absolutely hopeless from a curative point of view. The cause of death was shock arising from extensive burns. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.


Wolverton Express July 21st 1911

Cosgrove Feast

Sunday last was observed in this Northants village as Feast Sunday. Special services were held in the Parish Church which was well attended, likewise the services at the Mission Chapel which were as usual bright and hearty.

In the evening the Band of the Bucks and Oxon Light Infantry (Territorials) gave a special programme of music under the baton of Mr. H. Brooks in the presence of a very large crowd and which was greatly appreciated.

On Monday evening a large number of people gathered in Mr. Bushell’s “Barley Mow” field where billings roundabouts and shows were located.


Northampton Mercury - Friday 07 June 1912

COSGROVE.

AGED WIDOW'S DEATH

An aged Cosgrove resident, Mrs. David Smith (75), widow, met her death under somewhat sudden circumstances on Saturday. It appears that the old lady, who lives alone, became very seriously ill whilst following her household duties on Friday evening, which illness forced her take to her bed. Mrs. Lambert, a near neighbour, undertook to nurse the old lady, and she remained with her until she died in the early hours of Saturday morning. At the inquest, conducted Mr. K. Whitton, held at the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove, on Saturday evening, Dr. Brawn, Stony Stratford, gave evidence of a post-mortem examination which had revealed the fact that deceased had suffered from acute indigestion, and that death was due to heart failure. Thomas Smith, 23, Osborne-street, Wolverton, identified the body as that of his mother, and a verdict of Death from heart failure was returned.

Northampton Mercury - Saturday 17 March 1888


Cosgrove Hall Estate Sale 1919

LOT 12

(Coloured Purple on Plan Inset)

A Valuable Freehold Fully-licensed Property

situate in the Village of Cosgrove, comprising

"THE   BARLEY MOW   INN"

together with Stabling, Outbuildings, and Accommodation Paddock, being Nos. 86 and Part 218 on
Plan, forming an area of about

3a. 1r. 0p.

THE BARLEY MOW is Stone Built with Corrugated Iron Roof, and contains ON THE GROUND
FLOOR—Parlour, Bar (the Bar Counter is claimed by the tenant), Tap Room, Sitting Room, Kitchen
and Larder.   ON THE FIRST FLOOR—Two Bedrooms, Box Room, and Club Room.   ON THE
SECOND FLOOR—Two Attics.

THE OUTBUILDINGS include Two Stables, Barn and Four Pigsties.

The above is held with other Lands on a Yearly (Michaelmas) Tenancy by Mr. H. P. Keech, at an
Apportioned Rental of £47 per annum.

Tithe Free.

Land Tax £2 8s. 6d. on this and Lot 15.

Lot 12, the Barley Mow Inn, 3a. 1r. 0p., sold Mr. Phipps for £900.



The Barley Mow on the left and the road leading down to a narrow walkway under the canal.
The Licensee's name over the door is M.E. Jelley landlord October 1921 - March 1926


COSGROVE.
2 miles from Stony Stratford.

Lot 1.

Freehold land, adjoining the Canal and Bridge near the centre of the village, comprising O.S- No 70 (1926 Edition) in the above Parish extending to 9 ACRES 3 ROODS 22 POLES (or thereabouts) of which 5 acres and 22 poles on the frontage are let as allotments to the Cosgrove Allotment Committee, at an annual rental of £15 11s. 8d., payable half-yearly at Ladyday and Michaelmas, and the remaining 4 acres and 3 roods are in the occupation of the Vendor, who will give VACANT POSSESSION at Michaelmas next, or as soon as the present crop of wheat has been taken off. The frontage of 150 ft, (approx.) forms a VALUABLE BUILDING SITE and the Allotment tenants could be reinstated on the vacant land to the rear. Tithe free. Land tax 9s. 5d.

Lot 2. THREE BRICK AND SLATED FREEHOLD COTTAGES situated or The Green, each containing: 1 Living Room, Kitchen. 3 Bedrooms, Outside Barn and Closet with gardens in front and at rear, let to Mrs. Toombs, Messrs. Swain Bros, and Mrs. Hill, the two end Cottages will be offered, WITH VACANT POSSESSION. Land Tax £1. Gross Rental £28 12s. 0d.

To be offered for Sale by Auction on MONDAY. JUNE 2. 1947. at THE BARLEY MOW INN. COSGROVE at 7 P-m. (if not previously disposed of).

To view apply the Auctioneers; HOWKINS, SONS & FATT, 7, Derngate, Northampton (Tel. 2426) and at Rugby and Daventry. Solicitors Messrs. Dennis. Faulkner and Alsop, 17, Market Square, Northampton (Tel- 3000).


Northampton Mercury - Friday 01 October 1948

LICENCE TRANSFERS Towcester Magistrates on Tuesday granted the following licence transfers :

Barley Mow Cosgrove, Mrs. Frances Ellen Bushell, from her late husband.

Cosgrove Football Club on Saturday set an example which other clubs might well follow. The club held a supper to celebrate the winning of a league championship, and only one speech was made. Usually at gatherings of this kind the greater part of the evening is taken up with speeches that none of the company want to hear.

COSGROVE. FOOTBALL CLUB.

A supper and smoking concert took place at the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove, on Saturday in celebration of the success of the Football Club in winning the championship of Division II of the North Bucks League. About 60 were present and Mr. J. W. Gee, the chairman of the league, who presided, congratulated the team, but this was the only speech, and the evening was given over to harmony.


Northampton Mercury - Friday 25 May 1928

LESSON. Albert Charles Noble, labourer, Bridge Row, Cosgrove, was summoned for driving a motor-car without a Licence at Wolverton, on Wednesday, May

Percy Joseph Horn, grease maker, Barley Mow, Cosgrove, was summoned tor aiding and abetting.

P C Bonner stated that he saw Noble driving a motor-car with Horn beside him. They stopped near the Gas Works, and then came on again. When witness stopped the car, Horn produced his licence, and Noble said he had a licence. Horn said he was under orders to teach Noble how to drive a car.

The Clerk; It was obvious to you Noble was having lessons?

Yes. Noble informed the Bench that did not think it mattered about a licence when learning. Horn said he told Noble he would have to get a licence. When they saw three policemen along the road he said to Noble: “They will think we are Browne and Kennedy if we turn round now," so, added defendant, they went right past the policemen.—The Bench ordered both defendants to pay costs.


Northampton Mercury - Friday 08 September 1933

COSGROVE,
Near STONY STRATFORD.

Messrs. GEO. WIGLEY and SONS

Are instructed by the Administratrix of the Estate of the late Mr, J. J.
Holdom,

TO SELL BY AUCTION,

On MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1933,

At the
BARLEY MOW P.H., COSGROVE,
at 7 o’clock, in four lots,

A SEMI-DETACHED COTTAGE and GARDEN, occupied by Mr. Hinton.

COTTAGE and GARDEN, tenanted by Mr. Harry Barby.

ENCLOSURE of Valuable GRASS LAND of nearly ACRES (part Orchard), with Buildings, and an ALLOTMENT FIELD, adjoining the Council's Housing Site,

For further particulars and conditions Sale, apply to the Solicitors: Messrs. PARROTT and SON, Stony Stratford and Wolverton; Messrs. WORLEY and CO., Stony Stratford; or to the Auctioneers. Winslow, Bletchley, and Stony Stratford.


Northampton Mercury - Friday 23 May 1947
Northampton Mercury - Friday 06 May 1927
The Barley Mow after 1956
Frances Bushell in the Barley Mow garden,
Myrtle Cottages are in the background.
Frances Bushell in the garden, behind her is the upstairs room where the football club used to meet.
Wendy Jones seated at the bottom of the garden, was born at the Barley Mow
Barley Mow Garden c.1948
Lt-Rt: ?, Lilian Cherry, Kathleen Jones, Beryl Cherry
Lt-Rt: Ted Gayton, Jack Gayton, Kathleen Jones nee Bushell, Frances Bushell, Sid Bushell

Northampton Mercury - Friday 14 September 1951

Blind Darts team at Cosgrove.

Yesterday the blind darts team – 26 workers from the Northamptonshire Town and County Association factory in Parade, Gray-street, Northampton, and Wardington Court visited the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove, by the invitation of Mrs. Bushell. “She is very interested in our work,” Mr. S. Jackson, association secretary - superintendent, tells me, “and has been a grand helper for many years.”


Northampton Mercury - Friday 06 June 1952

MISSING MAN FOUND IN RIVER

A verdict of death by drowning while the balance of mind was disturbed was recorded by the Coroner for South Northamptonshire (Mr. J. S. Budge) at an inquest held on Tuesday at the Barley Mow, Cosgrove, on Percy Swain, of The Green, Cosgrove.

Ernest Swain said he lived with his brother, who was 55. They were both leather dressers. For the past two weeks his brother had been very depressed. Last Tuesday night when witness went to bed his brother was reading the paper. The next morning he found his brother was missing. Witness made a search, but could not find him, so notified the police. He found a note among some papers which stated that his brother intended to take his life. In it his brother said that his nerves had given out.

Dr W. M. M, Douglass said he saw the body on Tuesday and thought death had occurred four to six days previously. The cause of death was drowning. Swain had been to see him, had said he was worried, but was not very communicative. Witness could find nothing wrong with him physically.

Richard Longman, 6, Bridge-street. Cosgrove, gave evidence of seeing the body in the river about 50 yards from the mill basin. Mr Budge said the note Swain had left showed his mind was unbalanced.


Wolverton Express July 27, 1956

COSGROVE WILL ONLY HAVE ONE INN

For about three months the customers of the “Barley Mow”, Cosgrove, will have to visit the "Barge” inn, for their drink. On Monday last the “Barley Mow" closed in order that internal structural alterations can be carried out to bring the house up to more modern requirements. When that work is carried out, Messrs. P. Phipps and Co. will close the "Barge” which has served the village and bargees for over a century.

Mrs. Bushell and her late husband have been licensees at the "Barley Mow" for 23 years. Mrs. Bushell is to live with her son, Archie, who is licensee of the "Anchor " inn, Potterspury.

For many years there were three licensed houses in Cosgrove. The " Plough” was closed about two years ago. All three houses belonged to Phipps's.

Sid Eglesfield (right) took over as the landlord in 1956 having moved from the Barge

Sid Eglesfield 1970

Sid, Janet, Sue and Ada Eglesfield in the Barley Mow living room c 1956
Sid, Cecil "Chirp" Eglesfield and Roger Kightley in the Barley Mow bar

?, Jim Burrows (from the Plough), Sue, Eglesfield, ?. and Sid in the Barley Mow car park.
Sid and Ada Eglesfield at the bar in the Barley Mow

Susan Morley (nee Tustain) and Hazel Canvin (nee Lavington)

One day, Sue and Hazel spotted a massive water tank up on a platform at the back of the pub – in those days the front door was on the Brewery side.

The tank had a big plug at the bottom for draining, and the girls couldn’t resist trying it. Hazel dared Sue to pull it out.

Out it came, followed by gallons and gallons of water that flooded the pub yard, and Hazel and Sue nipped round to the steps down to the horse tunnel and away as fast as they could to dry out! You can see the steps from the Tannery to the Horse Tunnel (they called it the Aqueduct back then), to this day.

Susan remembers travelling through the Tunnel with her hands and feet on the side walls off the ground completely.


Wolverton Express 12th May 1972


Sidney says goodbye to Barley Mow

WHEN Sidney Eglesfield was a boy, beer was 3d a pint. He remembers it well - he was born in a pub. Sidney is 67 now and the price of beer has gone up a bit. He still drinks it of course but he gave up living in a pub on Monday. Sidney has retired as licensee of the Barley Mow pub in Cosgrove and gone to live at 31 Manor Close. He is picture above with his wife Ada at the pumps of the Barley Mow. He was born in The Barge at Cosgrove where his father was licensee and ran the pub for 10 years until it closed in 1955.

He has been at the Barley Mow for 17 years. Looking forward to a rest "When you get to 67 you are entitled to a rest," said Sidney. "It was getting a bit too much for me. I was getting more trade than I could handle and I am looking forward to putting my feet up and having a rest." He is also a keen gardener and looking forward to the big garden in his new house. Sidney has two daughters and a grandchild. The new licensee of the Barley Mow is Mr. George Parker Becket of Rotherham.


Wolverton Express 1st September 1972

PROCEEDS from Cosgrove Flower and Produce show held at the Barley Mow on Saturday will provide a Christmas film show for the Senior Citizens Golden Hour Club. Net proceeds from the show, from the sale of exhibits and gifts, raffles and cash donations, and after deduction of prize money, was £19.30. Mr. Gerry Runacres who organised the show also runs the film show. Judges for the show were Mr. Bob Coulson of the White Swan, Stony Stratford for the vegetables, fruit and flowers, and Mrs. G. Beckett of the Barley Mow Cosgrove, for the domestic and children's classes.

Cash donations were received from Mr. E. Lambert, Mr. E. Brown and Mr. G. Runacres. Prizes for the raffle were given by Mr. George Beckett, landlord of the Barley Mow, and Mrs. Jean Runacres. Raffle winners were bottle of gin, Mr. P. Hickford, box of groceries, Mr. M. Hickford; cake. Mrs. Gayton; bottle of beer, Mr. P. Lyman.


Wolverton Express 31st October 1975

Barley Mow

Cosgrove’s village pub “The Barley Mow” has been given a facelift. The alterations to the 200 year old pub have been made by the new licensees, John and Margaret Harwood, who moved in about six months ago.

The couple, who have a six year old son, Simon, come from Kettering, and the Barley Mow is their first pub. Although John was formerly in the catering business, working for British Transport Hotels on sales and marketing.

“We are doing a full range of lunches and evening basket meals,” John told me.


Wolverton Express 20th August 1981

Pint pullers push


Landlord Gordon Cowley, of the Barley Mow, with passenger Nancy Forsyth.

TWENTY landlords from South Northants took some time off from behind the bar on Sunday and joined in a sponsored wheelchair push. The annual Publicans’ Push organised by Towcester Lions and the Licensed Victuallers’ Association raised around £1,500. The wheelchairs and passengers were from Northampton's Gladstone Centre for the disabled. The shield for the best fancy dress entry went to Mr Gordon Cowley, land lord of the Barley Mow, Cosgrove, who disguised himself as a barley mower. The cash raised will be split three ways, between the Gladstone Centre, the LVA and Towcester Lions Charity Account.


Wolverton Express 15th October 1981

COSGROVE

THE new husband and wife team behind the bar of the Barley Mow at Cosgrove intend to keep their customers happy with plenty of home cooking. Terence and Susan Murphy moved into the pub on Monday from their previous home at the Bell Inn, Tong, Shropshire. The couple have been in the licensed trade for the past 14 years, first with Trust House Forte, now with Mann's Brewery.

Terence, 33, says he was attracted to Cosgrove because he likes canals. Susan, 33, was famed for her home cooking at their previous pub and her speciality is a delicious steak, kidney and mushroom pie.