MARY SWANWICK

Finding the article on Mary Swanwick playing fields reminded me that 18 months ago I was asked to jot down a few facts about Mary Swanwick for someone who was giving a talk about her.

For some reason I never posted the 'jottings' on here or the webpage. I have now rectified that and this can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/mary-swanwick-13-july-1841.../

The story is by no means a full biography of Mary Swanwick, but there may be some information in there for people who wonder who the lady was who had a school named after her.

Photo on display at Elder Yard Chapel Chesterfield 

MARY SWANWICK PLAYING FIELDS

This report taken from the Derbyshire Times/ Chesterfield Herald 17 June 1933, shows how strongly people felt when the Mary Swanwick Playing fields were changed from public playing fields to school playing fields, only to be used during school time.   I dont know if they ever went back to public use again after this protest. Perhaps someone may know.

I love the fact that whoever did the deed replaced the ground and place another message there!

THE LADY OF THE REVOLUTION HOUSE

 I found this interesting story in the Derbyshire Courier from 1910. Its about Sarah Shepherd who lived in the Revolution House in 1910, when the interview took place. She has some interesting tales to tell and it can be read in full at

THE LADY OF THE REVOLUTION HOUSE – Old Whittington One Place Study (oldwhittingtonops.com)

The Glasshouse Pits Tragedy of 1865

 THE GLASSHOUSE PITS TRAGEDY 1865

When I was researching the Old Whittington war memorial I was approached by a relation of Vincent Cooke (who is listed on the memorial) Chris Cooke, with family information regarding Vincent.

Chris contacted me again recently asking if I wanted information for the website and kindly sent me the story of a tragic accident at Glasshouse Pit which involved another member of the family. Whilst Glasshouse Colliery would now be in New Whittington, I think there would be Old Whittington men working there in 1865 and I think the story will be of interest to many.

Just a word of warning the newspaper report and consequently Chris's story did not withhold the gory details!

The full story and the newspaper report can be read at THE GLASSHOUSE PITS TRAGEDY – Old Whittington One Place Study (oldwhittingtonops.com)

FOXLEY OAKS

I have been trying to place whereabouts on Newbridge Lane the Newbridge Inn and Foxley Oaks colliery would be. There is nothing left of either on Newbridge Lane now but I think these photos are fairly close to the area. The first photo shows roughly where the colliery would be.

REVOLUTION HOUSE CIRCA 1920

Photo from Picture the Past showing the Revolution House circa 1920, when people were still  living in it.