Castlethorpe Village - Amos Family

Maltings Farm

Maltings Farm winter of 1982

	Joe Amos - 10 years old
Farmer, Tom, Stanley, Charles, Joe	This is the last photograph taken when the Amos family left Malting Farm in 1926.

Members of the family had lived there since 1790.
Farmer Kingston Amos built the malting barn from which the farm got its name.

Northampton Mercury 01 March 1851

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
THAT the HORSE left by my Son, William Amos, upon my Farm at Castlethorpe, Bucks,
WILL BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By Messrs. FREEMAN & SON,

Without reserve, at their Repository, Market-square, NORTHAMPTON, on Saturday the 8th of March, 1851, at Twelve o clock, to defray the expenses of keep, unless such expenses are previously paid by the said Wm. Amos.
SARAH AMOS, Castlethorpe. Feb. 22d, 1851

Northampton Mercury 26 October 1878

NEWPORT PAGNELL

PETTY SESSIONS, Oct 23. – Before Sir Philip Duncombe, Bart., the Rev. Charles Selby-Lownes, M. G. S. Knapp, Esq., the Rev. Joseph Tarver, and Major Levi.
Hanslope.—William Compton was charged with stealing a pair of gloves, the property of Thomas Amos, Oct. 15th.— Mr. Parrott, of Stony Stratford, appeared for the prosecution ; and Mr. Stimson for the defence.—Thomas Amos deposed : I am farmer, and reside at Castlethorpe. On the day in question, at about a quarter-past twelve, I went to the Cock, and hung up my great coat in the tap room. I had a pair of gloves in the pocket the coat. At about a quarter-past one, when I returned, a navvy came in, and asked me to give him some beer. I did so. I went into the yard to put my horse to, and sent my boy into the house to fetch my coat. When I had gone about quarter of a mile I missed my gloves from the coat pocket. I returned to the Cock, and communicated my loss to the landlord. He said the two men who were then in the room had been there all the while. I said I would communicate with the police, and have the two men searched. The two men were the navvy and the prisoner. The police-constable searched the navvy first, but did not find the gloves, then searched the prisoner, and found the gloves in the inside breast-pocket of his coat. The gloves produced are those I lost. I value them at 3s. The prisoner saw the police-constable search the navvy.—Cross-examined : Have lived at Castlethorpe all my lifetime, and know the prisoner. Never heard anything against him. Do not know the navvy I treated. Have heard that he bolted the next day. The prisoner appeared to have been drinking, but was not drunk. He was quite willing to be searched, but there was a great deal of “bounce" about the navvy.—P.C. Tustain and William Newbury, brother to the landlord of the Cock, confirmed Mr. Amos's evidence. —Mr. Stimson, in defence, said that the prisoner was drunk, and went to sleep, and knew nothing about the gloves being in his pocket till the police-constable found them there. His own conviction was that the navvy took the gloves out of Mr. Amos's pocket and put them, for lark, into the prisoner's pocket. The very next day the navvy bolted. He also alluded to the previous good character of the prisoner, and asked the Bench to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt by dismissing the case.—The Bench, believing there was a doubt, dismissed the case.

Northampton Mercury 11 February 1882

KETTERING

Petty Sessions, Feb.8.—Before the Hon. and Rev. C. J. Vernon and W. C. Thornhill, Esq.
Breach, of Highways Act.— Thomas Amos, of Castlethorpe, Bucks, engine proprietor, was charged with blowing off steam on the highway, at Broughton Bridge, on the 21th January.—Mr. John Robinson, auctioneer, Kettering, stated that on the day question he was riding, in company with his daughter, on the road to Broughton. On arriving at the Broughton Bridge he found the roadway was almost entirely blocked by two agricultural engines. In attempting to pass the second engine his horse was startled by the steam which was blowing off in large quantities. The animal reared to such extent that witness was obliged to throw himself off it in order to avoid being fallen upon, and he had to lead his horse past the engine.—Corroborative evidence was given by Miss Robinson and P.C. J. Nichols.—Defendant said the occurrence was quite accidental.—Fined 10s. and 19s. 2d. expenses.

Northampton Mercury 19 August 1882

NORTHAMPTON CATTLE MARKET.
W. J. PEIRCE and THORPE
WILL SELL BY AUCTION,
In the above Market, THIS DAY, Saturday,
August 19th, 1882, at Half-past Eleven o'clock,

The property of Mr. T. Amos, Castlethorpe :— A superior Cream-coloured COB, yrs. old, quiet to ride and drive. Vet. exam, allowed.

Northampton Mercury 16 March 1889

VALUABLE
FREEHOLD ACCOMMODATION PASTURE LAND,
Near to the Village of CASTLETHORPE, Bucks.
MESSRS. DURHAM, GOTTO, and SAMUEL are
instructed
TO SELL BY AUCTION,

At the Carrington Arms, Castlethorpe, on Thursday, March 28th, 1889, at Five for Six o'clock in the Evening, the valuable Freehold Close of Accommodation Pasture Land, known as “Hale's Field," containing 5a. 0r. 9p., more or less, in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Amos, at an annual rent of £12 10s.
The Property abuts upon the Estate of Lord Carrington on or towards the east, and is otherwise surrounded by lands of the Corporation of Lincoln.
Conditions will be produced at the time of Sale, and particulars may be obtained of W. R. PARROTT, Esq., Solicitor, Stony Stratford or of Messrs. Durham, Gotto, and Samuel, Land Agents, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, and 12, Guildhall-road, Northampton.

Northampton Mercury 30 November 1889

CASTLETHORPE. Trap Accident.—On Saturday evening a rather serious trap accident happened to Mr. Thomas Amos, farmer, of Castlethorpe. Mr. Amos was driving into the village, and when near home he was run into in the darkness by Mr. H. T. Weston, of Yardley, who was just driving out of the village. The trap shafts were broken, and Mr. Amos was pitched out and his bead was run over and one of his fingers cut off. Mr. Weston was not injured, although he was thrown out.

Northampton Mercury 18 September 1891

STONY STRATFORD

Death Mr. Amos.—On Friday afternoon, between one and two clock, a sudden death occurred at the Bull Hotel. Mr. Amos, who resides at Castlethorpe, went into the hotel and complained of ill-health, and in very short time expired Dr. Maguire was sent for, but was unable render assistance, deceased was greatly respected both in his native village and throughout the neighbourhood.

Northampton Mercury 22 October 1909CASTLETHORPE. At Stony Stratford Petty Sessions, on Friday, Elizabeth Amos, of Castlethorpe, farmer, was charged with having in her possession a certain beam scale which was false and unjust, at Castlethorpe, September 17. —The Inspector said the scale was 1¼oz. against the purchaser. Mrs. Amos said she used the scales more for domestic use than anything else. She had been at Castlethorpe 42 years, and had never been summoned before.—The costs only (6s.) were imposed, with the understanding that the defendant had the scales adjusted and not to use them until verified by the Inspector.

Northampton Mercury 12 March 1926

APRIL 1^st AT MALTING FARM, CASTLETHORPE. SALE OF LIVE and DEAD FARMING STOCK, by order of Mr. Farmer Amos (who is leaving).

Northampton Mercury 09 April 1926

Messrs. Merry, Sons and Co. conducted a useful sale at the Malting Farm, Castlethorpe, for Mr. Farmer Amos, who is leaving. Dairy cows in milk made up to £18 15s. and £20, dairy cows in calf £20, barren cows to £16 10s., yearlings to £5 17s. 6d., and 2½-year-old steers to £20. Of horses, a six-year-old gelding sold for 23½ gs., and others ranged from 10½ to 15 gs. Pigs made £6 apiece. Border Leicester cross-bred ewes and lambs sold at 69s.On the implement side the principal prices were: 4 h.p. petrol engine £20 10s., and trolley £12.

Joe & Tom Amos

Farmer Amos

My Christmas card for 1961 - Farmer Amos 83 years, Dick Turpin 15 Exmoor pony Smart Rabbitt do killed him Charlie Collie 8 years Bred him from my old Wally Work for his Master night & day.

The Wolverton Express 16 October 1964

Diamond wedding of veteran farmer

Last Monday Mr. and Mrs. Farmer Amos of Cosgrove celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. Like all couples who reach the 60 year mark they have a host of memories, but few can express them so vividly and with such a wealth of detail.
Mr. Amos now 90, can reel off names, places, times and dates without hesitation. A thrashing for smoking at nine at a private school at Old Stratford; leading a prize heifer to the first Stony Stratford Fat Stock Show; drinking beer in Castlethorpe Maltings at Queen Victoria’s Jubilee; the deeds of village characters long since dead. All these recollections roll of his tongue as if happened yesterday.

And if he does get stuck for a name there is always the great family Bible, begun in 1821, or the photograph album with faded prints of relatives, favourite horses and pets.

“Quite affair”

How about the wedding day? “Well.” Says Mr. Amos, “I wanted a quiet affair so we had it in London. St. Pancras’s Church. I met my girl and her father at Euston Station and took them in a cab drawn by a chestnut horse to Holborn restaurant where we had a wedding breakfast.
“Afterwards we went over to Victoria, caught a train to Brighton where we had our honeymoon. But I was back in time for Northampton Market on the Saturday.”
Born at Castlethorpe Maltings “on July 20, 1874 at two o’clock in the morning being Monday” according to the family bible. Mr. Amos went to schools at Old Stratford, Courteenhall, Buckingham and Brighton. He was in an auctioneer’s office at Buckingham, worked for wine and spirits merchants at Aldgate, and went butchering with Farmer’s Supplies at Northampton before returning to take over the family farm.
His father and grandfather before him and farmed the Maltings and at one time they also had Cosgrove Mill and Maltings and Hanslope Maltings, a set of plough engines and two sets of threshing tackle.
Mr. and Mrs. Amos stayed at Castlethorpe until 1926 when they moved to Draycott where they apprenticed their five sons to the building trade. They returned to the district to their present home at Cosgrove in 1934.
Farmer, Tom and Joe, three sons, still live with their parents. Other sons Stan and Charlie are in New Zealand. There is one grandson.
Mrs. Amos was a grocer’s daughter, formerly Miss Ethel Kingham, of Tring, who on reaching Castlethorpe turned out to be a model farmer’s wife. She could make butter, bake bread and provide callers with traditional farmhouse fare – bread, butter, cheese, celery, ham and beer, all grown, made or brewed on the farm.
“But” she confided to our reporter, “I’ve never liked horses”. And she sat back with a twinkle in her eye as her husband expounded at length on this phenomena.
This was something he could not understand. He had been brought up with horses, ridden them almost as soon as he could walk, and ridden to hounds with the Grafton, Whaddon and Oakley Hunts by the time he was nine.
Mrs. Amos (88) does not enjoy the best of health. Though rather bowed these days Mr. Amos still likes nothing better than “a night out”. And when these roll round he will wear the hard hat, stand-up collar, bob tie and fox’s head pin for which he has been so well known in the locality for so long.
Farmer, butcher, horseman, Special Constable and a man of many interests with a perceptive eye and fabulous memory Mr. Amos gave us the recipe for his long life – plenty of farmhouse beer, fat bacon and home-made bread.

By kind permission of Betty Belton

As written by Farmer Amos

A letter to Miss Manning

Page 1.

D^r Miss Manning

I’m sending you my card. Then you will think our old Friendship to you & all the Family The time you & your sister come out help the Haymaking Nellie use rake rows in you was my Hole G[e]e Boy. Farmer loading the wagon I was with pitch Fork 8 feet long Iron tines 18 inch. Today I be pick baler. In 1881 – good yard open The men lift me up to throw The first pice of coal in the cart then they extra beer. Monday Aug 2 – 1882 – open station, Mr Dunkley Builder Willisdon Built Station. Had Mr Canon House John Rooker Rainbow Foreman. He got Mr Sellfore Station Master to stop 8/30 drown train on nonember 1 Platfore. Then he took all his men for ride to Road G. Cowley & I little Boys Tom Panter pulled Dick Denny up from the well He was Diggin all mud. So Jack Ship Pub & got them Merry Returned by the First train to stop opening Day When train pulled up number 4 platform full of people to Have first ride. To there surprise all the workmen turn out Merry. I only little Boy. I got my penny seriff on as I new Mother would not Tan me that day I never forget that Day Lovely. Mother old Alban I sent you my first Photo. Joe Cowley & Bro Tom on little Pony & Mother I on her Lay. With wooden horse. I fancy it would interest Harry Gray & Family. When I call to see you I would like it back to put in Mother old Album. Joe work for my Father 46 years a real good servant night & day. Look after is Master in every. Clever Malster in the season from Oct to March Bos of 2 Malting Castlethorpe & Hanslope & Joe Dawkes work Cosgrove. Bull Brewary Dad supply them with all is Malt. Aslo East at Milton Ham

Page 2.
Make me laugh Joe Hair Black big eyes look as wild as hawk. He love that. But the nice happy man in Thrupp always Happy & up to all sorts of Tricks. Ann Worker been Washing in Back Kitchen she was loose Fancy thing in doorway. Joe said Farmer her stone pop it in Ann Bucket. So I pop it in the Bucket. Water went all over her Face & down her neck. Ann pop put carried me in the Kitchen & Duk me in Big Tub of Water quick Hard work that time sacks Barley weigh 16 stones all carryd up in the Loaft to be shoot for going into C[e]ston these sack up carted into the Barn to be crush Then we use to Brew for week in Oct & march. We Brewed 3 sorts men Beer 4 Bushell malt to Hoghead 1lb Hops Caller Beer 6 buchell Malt & Fos Hunter 8 Bushells & always 2 year old. Laugh to see Joe poping about Yoak & Bucketts Buckett hols 8 gallon. Big Barrell 6 Hoghead. 14 of them 7 in the Cellar 7 in the stable Near Home ground gate so we were never short Steve Brown Brew barrel strong 12 Bushell Malt to Hoghead when Tom was born it was tap when He had his 21 Birth party in the Barn. It just was nice Brewed of Malt & Hops only 1891 Poor old Joe had the Flue in spring come out for a walk to Hitch Style I had word with him & the next he die father was in Bed he said you boys go & follow Joe & me next. Dad Favriot Cousin Miss Hawkes of Shenford & Kitty our Pony all die in 3 months, I always can see Sid Gray, like old Joe sing the Yellow Gal. You would laugh until the Tears drop down your Face. He had stick & perform Shot the Bear. Cole Box Somebody in House with Dinia Somebody, I know Setting in House with Dinia Playing on her old Banjo. This make Hagg & Sid smill. I loved the old Days more Frenally. Sorry to say Wife & I in poor way. This had Chur me up. Please excuse all mistake At the second operation at General it took use out my right side for 3 weeks. Had Pully over my head to move. I had 3 operation 1 St. Matthew 2 at the General & I’m in my 88 year. Mother 85 got to be Thankfull. Sorry I cannot go to Church cannot sit. With you a & all very Happy Xmas & good health for years to come. Yours sincerely

Looking forward to 10 minute Chat Farmer Amos

With you once again. Flue age me

NRO ZA9022 as written

Old Memories of Castlethorpe 1881

Farmer Amos late Malting Farm

Pretty little village with chestnut tree and Dogester Hill near the station. When the Grafton Hounds meet at Dogester Hill very pretty sight. The old Castle Stables side of the trees, and all turned out.

The good yard was open. The first truck of coal consign to Thomas Amos. I was put up on the truck to put the first piece of coal in the cart. Then the beer bottle. All had drink to wet it. Little boy I had first drink. Wooden bottles made by Cooper Branson Cosgrove.

Mr. G. E. Whiting big Farmer He had Ploughing Engine and everything. When Engine broke down men work all night so they was at work next day.
William Pike and Thomas Amos Farmer happy side by side. Lower Lodge Mr. Grimes farmed Chappell Parson and real gentleman. Like all his stock to live as he did Prepared to die at any time. His Farm was like a Show Yard He had 20 men and boys from the Village at Work.

Tradesmen
Joe Compton butcher
Charlie Jones butcher
William Denny grocer and shoemaker
William Gregory Stores sold anything
Old Richard Nichols Wheelbarrow Grocer pus[h] his Barrow round the village 5 days week. Sold the housewife one penny of everything. So she could make a Pudding for her husband dinner.
Post office Mrs Rainbow only letter and parcel Saving Bank and where you had to go to Hanslope George Cox postmaster.
Blacksmith John Harris
Florist Harry Harris and his Mother Ann Harris die in her 107 year. Killed herself helping her Daughter Ann ring pair of Trousers out of her son John Black Smith which she wash that morning She made Buckinghamshire Lace Lovely and when 70 years old her and Nanny Nichols walk to Northampton and back 12 miles each way in Patterns. Her love a glass of Beerand Tom Amos see she never went short of jug of Beer The strongest, out of Fox Hunter Barrell Her Son Henry Put up big green house 1 acre every went to see that. He had lean to with Hot Air for his Fowls House as to keep small fowls. Brown Leghorn and Silver Pencell and all way had eggs in Cold Weathur. Everybody pop see old Harry for egg.
That was before this deep Litter Poultry Farm thought of. Harry said little Fowls penny pop in Big Fowls eat to much to expenceve
Village Carrier with is Horse and Cart with top on it. William Panter and then his nephew Ted Eakins took it on.

Tom Amos Farmer Malster Cosgrove Water Mill Pair of Averline and Porter Ploughing Engines 16 horse Let Thrashine Engine work round Maidsmorton This and nother round home. He pride himself of supping the best drop of beer in local. His Brewing copper was 200 gallons. He brewed for a week Oct and March and give it all away I[n] the house 2 cellars and 7 Barrells in each 3 [P]ig Barrells 6 Hoghead Back sellor 2 Hoghead full of Beer Brew when his Son Born and sup when he was 21. Brew of Malt and Hops only strengh 12 Bushell of Malt to the Hoghead. Then he Brewed 3 strengths 2 Hoghead Barrell Fox Hunter and 8 Bushell and Caller Beer 6 Bushell the men Beer 4 Bushell. Then he had Loose Box stable full of Beer. Fox Hunter and Caller Beer had Tap in the Middle of the Barrell with Lock and key. Those 2 Barrell was always filled up From Stable Beer Brewed in Oct with first wirt only. In there 6 month before it got into the Fox Hunter and Caller. So it was realy good Good nice beer very clear drank nice and soft and My Father told you if you have 3 glasses it will make a fool of you. (That night)

Tom Amos would sup the feast, Nov 5 always come in feast week. Wolverton was our Station 3 miles. Feast Sunday morning Joe Cowley his Malster and groom order to take Malt Cart to Wolverton Station meet Dad Oldest Bro. Bill. Uncle Bill London Butcher and Carvan Big man 22 stone love Beer. Dad Old Strong could not get him down and his Son Tom and Jimy and T. A. Davis Cousin Wine Shop 47 Aldgate High Street go in the name today G Hill. I went with Joe flood out water up to Horse bellie Then come Uncle Farmer from Thapstone and his son Bert. All Beer drinkers and never make no differance only Happy. Then come his Sisster Sarh and Mary From Ravinstone and Uncle Bob Dawkes. Dinner at 1 oclock 4 Ribs of Beef Roasted infont wood fire in Rasted Jack wond up like clock. Poultry and Plum Puddin at 3 Disert Mum Homemade Wine Apples Pears nuts and co 4 oclock Tea Mother Homemade Bread and Butter then For a walk round Farm. At 7 oclock Supper. In come the Flat Ham off 30 score Sow been keep 2 years, 2 ox Tongue plent of Poulty cheese and scalery out garden. 9 oclock all sang the Amos old Hymn Plough the Fields and Scrater good seed on the Land. Then thank God for all his kind mercy to us all For Good Health The off to roost

Feast Monday
Shooting Party

Joe Feasey keeper Bob Fountaine with Black Kite his Bro Jim and Tom Pike on horse back 3 London Cousins in the middle and they had a nice day sport. Now for the party. 4 Fountaine Bros Abram John Jim and Bob Mother Cousin. Dad Uncle James Amos 84 Haynes Silverton is son William at Chocklock Abthorpe He was bigger that Uncle Bill and fetched up 22 stone. Uncle Farmer his son Bert Mr Coleman Tailor Silverton Mr Smith 82 Weston Underwood and Tom Dent Uncle Bob Dawkes 2 Aunts Sarah and Mary Tom Pike and his Bro William Brewer Play Cards Sang Songs smoke long Church Warden Pipes With Uncle Bills Nut Brown Shad BAC.O. until 13/30 Off they Rode or Drove no lights. The only Light Horn Lanton round pop Candle in it. Mr Smith 82 up Stoke Hill His Pony run up bank and tip them out.

Aug 2. Monday opening of Castlethorpe Station 1882

Mr Dunkley built the Station and his Foreman was John Rooker Rainbow Castlethorpe boy and Mr Jim Glass Station Master and Mr Rainbow got the Station Master to stop the 8/30 am No 1 Platform down fast line. I had first ½ Ticket Mr Rainbow took all his men and I for a ride to Road Station. Treated them all the Pub I as well and then returned back. All Thrupp and Village round come have first ride. They was surprised to see John Rainbow party get out of the Train. All Merry. That was No 4 Platform up Slow. All jump in off Wolverton then the Porters had Baskets of Cake and Buns to give to the children before they return back to Castlethorpe. Sports in Bob Varney Field and Tea Tent. Farmers all round send waggon load of Women and Family that was there transport. Lovely Waggon Painted up Harness Smart and Horses Look as They lived one of the Family. Band Played and All Waggon put up in Tom Amos Yard and Horses in the Stable. They all tried a drop of Amos Beer and Popp off home Happy ready for work the next day.

Queen Victoria Jubble at Castlethorpe 1887

Mr G.E. Whiting give his men a do.
William Pike give his men a do.
Tom Amos went out with the village. John and George Tom Rainbow Bros Tom Osborne Joe Compton. They form a committee Had good spread in the Malting Sport in the little Field also Tea in the Field Malting cleared for Dancing at night. With Sam Compton Band. Consist Sam on a Contigue Fred Clarke Tin Whistle and it was Lovely Tom Amos supply the Beer for all Free. At 11 oclock Tom Amos Went in the Malting and said one more dance and then Finish for to night.
We keep up for the week you come and dance every night untill 11 oclock. Tom Amos will give as much Beer to drink for the Week. We all happy and look after the old anybody in need all help.

Sunday Dinner Father Carved up come the Hotwater plate for the needed. When illness ½ Bottle Brandy and Sherry Jelleys. Pony and Trap for the doctor night or day. John Robinson Butcher had morning out at Hanslope When he got to Mr Whiting fell out of Cart and Broke his Leg out come Mrs C. Whiting John said I want you set my Leg. So I will John. When got Home Doc there waiting. John said it allright a Lady set it for me Don't touch it. He got on well.

In 1883 Railway Navy had words with his Wife as nother man wants her. He said we soon settle this job. I sell her. So he put a Horses Alter around her neck Run her up the Street and sold her for £5.0.0

In 1883 Mr. Grimes sale at Lower Lodge There was railway Crossing the Line and single box that day at 12.
Railway done away with it all Mr Whiting had the Farm for year Mr Whiting come to live From Pindon End Hanslope

In 1890 Tom Amos at the first Christmas Show at Stony Stratford Show Shorthorn Heifer Bred and Fed by owner. She took First Prize. Her went to Newport Pagnell and took First prize for Maiden Heifer and First Best Beast in the Show. Then she was traips off to Fenny Stratford won the Cup for the Best Beast in the Show 1891.

Then come the trouble, Joe Cowley Malster die. Dad old pony die and his favourite Cousin Miss Hawks Shenford die and father attend Stony Stratford Market on Friday morning He drop dead on the mat at Bull Hotel.
All in 3 months. Such trouble my Bro Had Fits Mother and I nurse him 6 years he die. Mother had a growth on the Thurday she made her Butter on Friday morning at 3am she die and left me and my Wife with 3 small little Boys and that the end of the Amos Family at Castlethorpe

Joe Cowley work for Tom Amos 45 years He was Head Malster Had Hanslope and Castlethorpe Malting in charge.

Northampton Mercury 21 January 1927

Stony Stratford Petty Sessions.
MOTOR CASES. Cyril Ernest Tapp, railway employee. Little London, Deanshanger, and Benjamin Whiting, farmer, Castlethorpe, were summoned for using unlicensed motor vehicles. —The case against Tapp was adjourned owing to his absence. Whiting, who said he had overlooked the renewal of his licence, was fined 6s.

Northampton Mercury 24 June 1927

TOWCESTER PETTY SESSIONS. Tuesday.—Before Mr. R. E. Grant-Ives (in the chair), Mr. H. T. F. Weston, Mr. F. W. Sheppard. Mr, T. Amos.

MOTORISTS IN TROUBLE.

Benjamin Sydney Whiting, dairyman, Malting Farm, Castlethorpe, was summoned for driving a motor car without a licence, at Towcester, on May 12.— P.C. Wilford stated the facts. —Defendant, who said he had filled in an application form but was misled as to the date for sending it in, was fined 10s.

Northampton Mercury 24 June 1927

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. On Friday, before Mr. A. Sharp (in tha chair), Messrs. S H, Wheeldon, C. P. Woollard, W. Purslow, J. McLean, Lieut.- Colonel C. Hawkins, and Dr. D. W. A. Bull.

DOG LICENCE.

Benjamin Sidney Whiting, farmer. Malting arm, Castlethorpe, was summoned for keeping a dog without a licence at Castlethorpe on Thursday, May 12th. Police Supt. Callaway stated that in this case the Local Taxation Committee offered mitigated penalty 3s 6d. to be paid within 14 days. Defendant did not pay within this time, and forwarded a cheque after the summons had been taken out.—ln the absence of defendant in court the case was adjourned for days.

Northampton Mercury 08 July 1927

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS.

NO LICENCE.

Benjamin Sidney Whiting, farmer. Malting Farm, Castlethorpe, was fined 7s. 6d. for keeping a dog without licence at Castlethorpe on Thursday, May 12. Defendant stated he quite forgot about it.

Northampton Mercury 19 August 1927

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS.

MOTOR CASES.

Benjamin Sidney Whiting, farmer, Castlethorpe, was summoned for driving motor van and failing to have a current Road Fund licence affixed, at Cosgrove, on August 3rd, also for driving without proper lights.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.— P.C, Granger, Yardley Gobion, said he stopped defendant in Hanslope-road, Cosgrove, at 12.20 a.m., and upon examining the Road Fund licence found it had expired on June30th. Defendant produced current Road Fund licence from his pocket, and said he had only just bought the van, and had fetched it from Loudon that day. He had had a lot of trouble to start the van, and when he got it going he kept straight on. Defendant had no rear light. Defendant, who said could not get the van to go again and had to walk home, was fined 10s. in each case.

Northampton Mercury 22 March 1929

NEWPORT PAGNELL PETTY SESSIONS. Wednesday. — Before Sir Walter Carlile Bart., D.L.. O.B. E. (chairman), Mr. O. H. Bull, C.C.. Mr. J. C. Sutton, and Mr. J. Short
Benjamin Sidney Whiting, farmer. Malting Farm, Castlethorpe, was fined £1 for "using an unlicensed motor car at Lathbury, on Thursday Jan. 24.

Northampton Mercury 01 January 1932

NORTHAMPTON

Benjamin Whiting (38), farmer, Castlethorpe, was fined £1 for allowing a motor-car to stand in Grove-road without front lights at night on November 23, and £1 for being the driver of motor-vehicle and not holding a licence.

Northampton Mercury 13 April 1934

THE MALTING FARM,
CASTLETHORPE.

SALE OF 75 ACRES OF GRASS KEEPING.
MERRY, SONS, and CO., Have received instructions from Mr. B. S Whiting,

TO LET THE ABOVE BY AUCTION,
On MONDAY, APRIL 23rd, 1934,
Up to September 29th next. Well Watered.
Further particulars next week.

Northampton Mercury 27 April 1934

INSURANCE CARDS NOT STAMPED

FARMERS SEVEN OFFENCES

SHARP FINE AT STONY STRATFORD

Benjamin Sidney Whiting, farmer and gravel pit owner, Malting Farm, Castlethorpe, was fined £5 at Stony Stratford Police Court on Friday, for failing to stamp the insurance cards of four of his workmen. He was also ordered to pay the arrears amounting to £16 1s. and 8s. costs.
Whiting pleaded guilty to a technical offence.
Mr. W. W. Andrew, district inspector for the Ministry of Health, said there were seven offences, four in respect of National Health insurance and three of unemployment insurance. The workmen were Albert Edgar Herbert, Oliver Herbert, Raymond John Ward, and William Henry Ball. The first three were gravel pit workers, and Ball was an agricultural labourer. Whiting was aware of his obligations and had been visited and warned. He promised to stamp the cards eventually, but the Ministry looked upon the delays as serious.
The National Health cards had not been stamped from July 3 last year to December 31, and the unemployment cards for a period of 33 weeks to Feb. 15 this year.
Whiting said he had followed his usual procedure. The cards were taken away by the inspector, and that was the end of it.
After the Bench had given their decision Whiting intimated that he would appeal.
The Magistrates’ Clerk (Mr. W. T. C. Ray): He has pleaded guilty. I do not think he can appeal.
The Chairman (Mr. A. Sharp): If you do not pay there will be an order for distress.
Whiting: I think the fine is excessive.

Northampton Mercury 17 April 1936

CASTLETHORPE
MR. P. C. GAMBELL
Is instructed by Mr. B S. Whiting,
TO BELL AUCTION,
On TUESDAY NEXT. APRIL 21, 1936,
at 6 o’clock, exact time,
80 About ACRES OF EXCELLENT GRASS KEEPING,
On THE MALTING FARM,
CASTLETHORPE,
Up to September 28, 1936.
Catalogue:

Lot No. on
No. Ord.			a.	r.	p.	a.	r.	p.
1	39	Parsonage Meadow	6	0	0
	37	The Meadow	8	0	29
						14	0	23
2	38	Cutmead Furlough	7	1	9
	34	Kitemoor Leys	6	3	28
	35	Kitemoor Meadow	3	0	17
	33	Great Kitemoor	5	0	38
	10a	Pinders Holme	5	0	9
						27	2	21
3	43	Ashen Close	4	2	20
	42	Kitchen Piece	13	3	2
	44	Gore Broad	16	2	3
	89	Part Townsend	4	1	0
						39	0	25

A man will be provided to attend to the Stock and Fences.
Credit on the usual conditions. The Company will please meet the Auctioneer at the River Bridge on the Castlethorpe—Stony Stratford Road at 6 o’clock
Auction Offices Newport Pagnell and Olney.

Northampton Mercury 09 April 1937

BLETCHLEY SHOW AND SALE

The numbers of stock forward for the Bletchley dairy and store stock show and sale were lower than last year, but prices showed a decided advance. The judges were Messrs. J. Sawbridge, of Castlethorpe, and G. Heady, of Leighton Buzzard.

Northampton Mercury 16 April 1937

THE MALTING FARM,
CASTLETHORPE.
Messrs. WIGLEY & JOHNSON
Are instructed by Mr. B. S. Whiting
TO SELL BY AUCTION,
On MONDAY, APRIL 19th, 1937,
150 ACRES OF VERY FRESH GRASS KEEPING,
up to the 29th September next.

The above will be let in handy lots, certain of which may be mown. None of it has been stocked during the winter. Credit will be allowed to the 1st of August, and Shepherd provided on the usual conditions. The Company will please meet the Auctioneer at the Gravel Pits (below Castlethorpe Station) at 5 o’clock.

Northampton Mercury 14 April 1939

MALTING FARM, CASTLETHORPE.

145 ACRES OF GRASS KEEPING and MOWING GRASS, In Four Convenient Lots, up to September 29 next. Shepherd provided.
Peirce, Thorpe and Marriott Have been favoured with instructions from Mr. Ben Whiting,
TO LET THE ABOVE BY AUCTION,
On FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 1939, at Five o’clock.

N. 8.—60 Acres of the Land may be Mown Once, and the hay taken off. All the lots have a constant water supply.

Northampton Mercury 08 September 1939

GOOD PRICES FOR EWES AND LAMBS BLETCHLEY SHEEP FAIR The fourth annual Bletchley sheep, lamb and ram fair took place and there were 3,700 head of stock, an increase of 700 on last year. The international situation did not seriously affect trade. Prices for ewes and lambs were very good, and quality theaves also found sharp demand. The stock, especially the lambs, were of high quality. There were 50 pens of animals in the show section, which was judged by Mr. Corbett-Roper, of Buckingham, and Mr. Jack Sawbridge, of Castlethorpe.

Northampton Mercury 22 September 1939

FRIDAY NEXT, at 2 o’clock. MALTING FARM, CASTLETHORPE.

A SALE OF
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
and MACHINES

Including: 2 Scotch Carts, 2 Wagons, Cambridge Roll for tractor, One-horse Flat Roll, Lewis 3-Row Corn Hoe, 2 Single ditto, Ridging and Double Furrow Ploughs, 12 Hay-holder Castings, Grist Mill, Galvanised Sheep and Iron Pig Troughs, Pulley Wheels, Pedestal Rollerbearing Pulley, Portable Gravel Screen and Elevator, Hen Coops, 150-Egg Thornber and 50-Egg Gloster Incubators, 200 and 100 Chick Phipps’ Brooders, Salting Leads, Milk Utensils, Galvanised Water Piping.

212 HEAD OF POULTRY,

Viz.: 100 R.I.R. Cross White Leghorn Pullets, 12 ditto Cockerels, and 100 White Leghorn Pullets,

WILL BE HELD BY AUCTION,

BY Peirce, Thorpe and Marriott
On FRIDAY NEXT, 29th SEPT., 1939,
at 2 o’clock

By order of Mr. Ben Whiting.
No Catalogues.

Northampton Mercury 29 December 1939

POSSESSION ORDER

Oliver Herbert, gravel pit worker, was summoned by Jack Sawbridge, farmer, Maltings Farm, Castlethorpe, for the possession of a farm cottage in South - street, Castlethorpe. Charles William Herbert was similarly summoned. Mr. H. A. G. Durbridge (Messrs. W. B. and W. R. Bull. Newport Pagnell) represented Sawbridge, who said he needed the two cottages urgently for farm workers. An order for possession in 21 days was given in each case.

Northampton Mercury 24 October 1947

BUCKS BLACK MARKET TRANSACTIONS — Prosecution

REFERENCE to a clear case of black market transactions was made by the prosecution when a Bucks farmer was ordered to pay a total of £45 10s. in fines and costs at Newport Pagnell on Wednesday.
William Needham, farmer, Petsoe Manor Farm, near Olney, pleaded guilty to eight summonses under the Animal Feeding Stuffs Regulations in respect of buying and obtaining, selling and supplying dried sugar beet pulp without licence and without obtaining or surrendering coupons. The offences covered two transactions, four summonses on each.
The Bench imposed a fine of £5 in each case and ordered defendant to pay £5 10s. special costs, a total of £45 10s.
Mr. J. V. Steventon, from the Treasury Department, prosecuted on behalf of the Ministry of Food, and Mr. A. L. Singlehurst (Messrs. Dennis, Faulkner and Alsop. Northampton) defended.
Mr. Steventon said two men admitted they had received pulp from Needham, the amounts being 11 tons 16 cwts. and 18 tons 11 cwts.

“£5 10s. PROFIT”

On July 18 Needham told Chief-Inspector Slyfield he obtained the pulp from Jack Sawbridge, of Castlethorpe, about the end of 1946. Needham sold some at £14 a ton and made a profit of £5 10s. on one deal. The controlled price was 7s. 6d ton. Therefore, It was a clear case of black market transactions.
The Magistrates’ Clerk (Mr. E Marchant): What was the profit on the 18 tons?— Mr. Steventon: I have no evidence of the price. Owing to the unsatisfactory sale of some heifers, the pulp was sent as sort of compensation.
Mr. Singlehurst, in mitigation, said Needham had been at the farm at Petsoe End for the past four years. The land was arable, and no sugar beet was grown on it.
Prior to that he had a dairy farm at Stafford, and at that time (1943) pulp was ration free. His client had no knowledge of the existing regulations.
The 11 tons 16 cwts. went to his brother-in-law.

Northampton Mercury 31 October 1947

WANTED All-round Farm Hand, with knowledge of machine milking. Cottage nr school. Electric light and water.—Apply J. Sawbridge Malting Farm Castlethorpe. Bucks. (23 M 7)