Fencehouses: Post Office and Postal Service
The post office at Fencehouses opened on 6th November 1846 and was reported in the press as follows:
London Daily News, 07 November 1846
Durham
New Money Office Order
Yesterday, by command of the Postmaster-General, instructions were forwarded to all the postmasters, sub-postmasters and letter receivers that Fence Houses, in the County of Durham, having been constituted a post town, that office would be opened on and after the 6th inst. (yesterday) for the issue and payment of money orders.
The Post Office in Great Britain dates back to 1660 when it was established by Charles II. Under the guise of the General Post Office (GPO), it soon grew as an important organisation integral within the infrastructure of England during the seventeenth century. Just one year after it was formed, the postage date stamp was first used. It was over 100 years later in 1793 when the next significant milestone saw uniformed post men take to the street for the first time. The invention of the adhesive postage stamp by Sir Rowland Hill in 1837 was a key milestone for the Post Office and just three years later, in 1840, the Penny Black was established. As the first stamp issued anywhere in the world for sending letters, the Penny Black Stamp remains iconic to this day and led to the introduction of the Post Office pillar box in 1852. It was before this date, but still during this important age of development of the postal service that saw services coming to our area.
With the coming of the railway to Fencehouses (see also pages: 'Fencehouses: Station Hotel & Village' & 'Fencehouses: Railway Station' of this website) the area saw a significant increase in prosperity. In April 1845 it was announced that a daily postal service had been established from Chester-le-Street to Shiney Row, Penshaw, Offerton, Cox-green, Philadelphia, New Lambton and East and West Herrington. Mr William Duncan was appointed receiver at Shiney Row.
Map below courtesy of website old-maps.co.uk
Above: The Fence Houses post office is the large building, front-left
However! There is a question mark over when the post office building shown on the first map above (of 1896) was constructed, despite postal services operating since 1846. The reason for this doubt is that the building is not marked on the second map above which is the first-edition OS map of 1857. Only the Fencehouses Hotel and its stables and gardens are shown to the south-west of the railway crossing and station. The post office pictured above survived until around 1960 when it was demolished and replaced by the current office, adjoining Cork Cottage.
When established, the post office building was located adjacent to the Fencehouses Hotel and more-or-less opposite the station and cattle market. It is likely that the post office was deliberately located next to the station for ease of postal communications and next to the hotel because the hotel stables were also used to accommodate the horses employed by the postal service.
The 1851 census shows that Robert Potts Spoor, of the Station Hotel, had the duel role of innkeeper and postmaster so it is likely that the postal service was based out of the Station Hotel in its earliest days. For more information on Mr Spoor, please refer to the 'Fencehouses: Station Hotel & Village' page of this website.
The special post mark of 027 had been granted earlier to Houghton-le-Spring. The Fence Houses number was 092, although in 1852 the number 958 had been used in error.
Fence Houses appeared frequently in the British Postal Service Appointment Books. The books were kept nationally from 1831 until 1969, when they stopped being kept because of legislation and human resource procedures. In these records, the earliest Post Office employees in this areas were termed Messengers, the first being Ann Wilkinson in 1851, the last being Robert Gray in 1907. The term postman was first used in 1886 (Mr William Grimshaw). Another popular job description was Sorting Clerk and Telegraphist. The first person described as such was J.L. Sanderson in 1886 and the last being Isabella Wilson in 1940. The first Telephonist was Grace B. Gammie in 1914.
08 October 1846: The earliest appearance of Fence Houses postal appointments in the record books is that of Robert Potts Spoor. Note: this is approximately one month before the official opening of the Post Office at Fence Houses, according to the London Daily News article above.
The earliest Fence Houses postmark found so far dates to December 9, 1849 - which was a Sunday - and meant that the postal service had been in operation here for only three years.
At the foot of this page is a list of 180+ people with links to the Postal Service in Fence Houses. The webmaster has further information on some of those listed so please send a contact email to the email address on the Home page of this website, should this be of interest.
The life of a postman at that time could sometimes prove to be dangerous as the following article shows:
November 11, 1853
Accident on the York and Newcastle Railway
On Monday evening, on the arrival of the slow train from York at 8 o’clock, in the Central Railway Station of this town, a hat, discoloured with blood, was found resting on the frame in front of the engine. The driver, suspecting that he had gone over some person, ran back as far as Fence-houses where he was informed that a man named Coates had been found dead on the line, in a dreadfully mutilated condition. On further inquiry, it was ascertained to be the body of John Coates, the postman between Seaham and Fence-houses, and who, it is supposed, had been walking on the line, when the passenger train coming suddenly up went over him. No blame was attached to the driver. The night was dark and the deceased had no business on the line.
The 1861 census does not make specific reference to there being a postmaster, so presumably Mr Spoor had continued in that role.
06 January 1869
Notice – Any persons willing to contract for the conveyance of Her Majesty’s Mails between Fence Houses and Chester-le-Street are requested to send in Sealed Tenders, addressed to me, at Penrith, stating the Total Sum per Annum for which it is proposed to perform the service. The tenders must be posted on or before the 20th January, 1869.
Richard Hobson. Surveyor, General Post Office, 1st January, 1869. N.B. For particulars of the Contract, apply at the Post Office at Fence Houses or Chester-le-Street.
On the 1871 census, the roles of postmaster and station master were now jointly held by one person: Andrew Thompson, aged 44. Andrew's wife was Ann and also aged 44.
09 May 1873
Leamside Station
During the past few weeks, many changes have taken place in connection with this important station. The late station master, Mr Wm. Hebdon, having accepted the situation as postmaster of Fence Houses, Leamside Station has been under the management of a relief station master, Mr William Charlton, of Newcastle, who, considering the many difficulties he has had to contend with in consequence of the porters and signalmen leaving, has managed the situation with credit to himself and undoubtedly satisfaction to the directors. It will be gratifying to the public generally to know that the office of station master has been conferred upon Mr James Lowrie, who for some time past has filled the office of assistant station master at Durham. The appointment is considered a most suitable one, as Mr Lowrie’s obliging manner and readiness to render assistance when needed has won the good opinion of the trading community.
On the 1881 census, the role of postmaster was held by one person: George W.W. Honey, aged 34 and born in Devon. This is the first census that shows the postmaster as resident on the premises of the post office. George was living with wife Mary (33) and five sons and daughters.
05 October 1883
Deaths. Newbottle, Fence Houses Post Office, on the 3rd inst., aged 35, Elizabeth Julia, wife of J.S. Hunter.
On the 1891 census, George Honey, now aged 44, was still employed as postmaster. It is interesting to note that on this census, George is noted as being blind.
Sad news followed a few years later with the report of George Honey's death:
28 April 1894
Funeral of the Fence Houses postmaster
On Friday afternoon, the remains of the late Mr Geo. Wm. Winter Honey, who died on Tuesday last, were interred at the cemetery, Houghton-le-Spring. The deceased gentleman, who was 48 years of age, had held the responsible positions of postmaster of the Fence Houses postal and telegraph district, and postmaster of the Fence Houses branch office for a large number of years and was highly respected.
Following Mr Honey's death, the position of Fencehouses postmaster was filled by Mr George Curtis a few months later:
06 October 1894
Post Office Appointment – Mr Geo. Curtis, who has served in the Sunderland Post Office for a period of 23 years, has been appointed to be postmaster at Fence Houses, in succession to Mr Honey, deceased.
The year 1900 saw another change of postmaster for Fencehouses with the appointment of Mr Benjamin Sanderson:
01 December 1900
Presentation
During the vacancy in the Beverley Post Office this year, the duties of Postmaster were ably discharged by Mr Benjamin Sanderson, who has now received the appointment of Postmaster of Fence Houses, Co. Durham. As a mark of regard on his leaving Beverley, Mr Sanderson was, on Monday morning, presented with a testimonial which took the shape of a photograph of the staff, in carved oak frame along with a purse of gold. The presentation was made by Mr Hunter, the new Postmaster and suitably acknowledged by Mr Sanderson.
On the 1901 census, Mr Sanderson is aged 33. He is living in the post office with wife Frances and their four sons.
In 1902, a mail robbery took place at the post office, though there are scant details:
09 May 1902
Fence Houses Mail Robbery
On Wednesday, a rumour was afloat in Houghton-le-Spring to the effect that the perpetrators of the mail robbery at Fence Houses on Friday night had been caught. This is, however, without foundation. A diligent search is, however, being made and no doubt the efforts of the police will soon be rewarded. Emmerson, the postman who was mauled by the robbers, is now convalescent.
23 April 1903
Dubmire
Last night a smoking concert was held at the Britannia Inn, Colliery Row, in honour of Mr Frank Cockerill, an employee at the Post Office, Fence Houses, who is being transferred to a similar position at Harrogate. Mr Wintrip (Fence Houses) presided and there was a good company of friends present. Songs were given by Messrs Hakin and Cockerill. Mr Chapman, Fence Houses, stated how they regretted Mr Cockerill’s departure from the district and wished him health and success at his new station. Mr Wintrip and Mr Simpson also spoke in a similar strain and the gathering was brought to a conclusion by the singing of “He’s a jolly good fellow."
09 September 1904
New Lambton
The Christian Endeavour of the U.M.F.C. held a very pleasant meeting on Wednesday to acknowledge the good service rendered by Mr John T. Rutherford in the different departments of the church, on his leaving the Post Office at Fence Houses and going to the Post Office at Redcar. Pleasure was expressed at his advancement to a better position but regret for the loss of his services as choirmaster and as an earnest Christian Endeavourer. In acknowledgement of his Christian life and useful services, Mr Wigham, president of the C.E. Society, presented to Mr Rutherford, on behalf of choir and the C.E.S., a beautiful copy of the revised version of the Bible with marginal references and the Apochrypha. The speeches of the president and of Mr A. Harrison (vice-president) and Mr W. Swinney, on behalf of the choir were very appropriate. All spoke of the useful services of Mr Rutherford and of the loss which the church would sustain by his leaving, for his is a young man of promise. Mr Rutherford, very feelingly, replied and thanked the friends for their kindness. This gift would ever remind him of their love to him. A coffee supper at the close brought a happy meeting to an end.
24 September 1909
Presentation at Fence Houses
Mr B. Sanderson, Postmaster, presided at a meeting at Fence Houses Station on Monday night, held for the purpose of making presentations to Mr David Thompson Hide on the occasion of his recent resignation from the position of stationmaster at Fence Houses. Mr T. Jones, of Chilton Moor, said they were all sorry to lose Mr Hide. He asked Mr Hide to accept a purse of gold and in doing so, expressed the hope that he would be successful in his sohere of labour. Mr J. Archer, on behalf of the station staff, asked Mr Hide to accept a silver-backed hair brush and comb for Mrs Hide. Mr Hide briefly replied and wished his successor good luck.
On the 1911 census, Benjamin Sanderson is still postmaster. He is now aged 43 and is with wife Frances Barbara Sanderson (39) and three of their children.
October 06, 1911
Little Lumley Parish Council
The monthly meeting of the Little Lumley Parish Council was held on Wednesday night. The members present were: Messrs T.C. Renwick in the chair, M. Cook, E. Lewis, J.R. Lowerson, A.C. Lowerson and J.M. Gamble. The minutes were adopted on the motion of Mr A.C. Lowerson, seconded by Mr J.R. Lowerson. Mr J. Crawford, the Clerk, read a letter from the Postmaster at Fence Houses, Mr B. Sanderson, asking if the Council had any objection to the Postal Service on New Year’s Day being restricted, the conditions to be similar to those which obtain on Bank Holidays, viz., delivery at 7 a.m. and a collection from the wall-box at Sixth Pit at 10.15 a.m. Messrs J.R. and A.C. Lowerson moved and seconded respectively that this be agreed and the resolution was carried. An order was received from the Durham County Council severing a piece of land 7¾ acres in extent, at present in use as a sewerage farm, from the parish at Little Lumley to the Chester-le-Street Urban District Council. Mr Cook moved and Mr A.C. Lowerson seconded, that a precept amounting to a rate of 3d in the £ be signed and served upon the overseers for lighting purposes, and this was agreed to. It was also agreed that the lighting of the parish commence at once for the season and that two old men in the locality be appointed to switch on the lights one hour after sunset and off at 11 o’clock at a total remuneration for the season of 15/- each. It was decided to employ a competent person to carry out repairs when required.
By early 1912, there were moves to bring the telephone to Fencehouses post office:
January 19, 1912
Fence Houses.....
..... A Long Felt Want – There is every prospect of a telephone exchange and a public call office being established at the Fence Houses Post Office. The nearest exchange is now at Houghton-le-Spring which makes it rather costly for the subscribers in the Fence Houses district. The postmaster has had the matter in hand for some time and a representative from the company’s office has been canvassing the district and secured the promise of a number of subscribers. Commercial travelers have often expressed their surprise on going to the post office to find no telephone call office there
By mid-1914, Benjamin Sanderson was preparing to leave Fencehouses and his role as postmaster:
18 July 1914
Mr B. Sanderson, postmaster at Fence Houses, Durham, and was formerly assistant in the Beverley Post Office, has been promoted postmaster at Knutsford.
07 August 1914
An interesting gathering of the sub-postmasters, clerks, postmen, messengers, etc. of the Fence Houses district Post Office, when Mr B. Sanderson was presented with a gold watch chain and Mrs Sanderson with a gold brooch. Mr Sanderson has been postmaster of Fence Houses for almost 14 years, coming there from Beverley, Yorkshire. And has just been promoted to the Postmastership of Knutsford in Cheshire. Mr Smithson, sub-postmaster of Hetton, in making the presentation, spoke of the goodfellowship that had always existed between the staff and Mr Sanderson, they much regretted his departure but at the same time, they were delighted with his success. Mr Sanderson, in reply, stated when he came to Fence Houses the staff consisted of 4 clerks, 5 postmen, the staff at Houghton and Hetton making a total of 21, now there are at Fence Houses 1 supervisor, 5 clerks and 17 postmen and with the staff at the aforementioned offices, a total of 48, besides which there are 19 sub-offices and the district was growing rapidly. He, and also on behalf of his wife, heartily thanked them for their kind gifts and the kindly actions which prompted them, he could assure them that he would never forget them, nor the happy times he had spent at Fence Houses. The previous evening, Mr and Mrs Sanderson were the recipients of a barometer and gold bracelet subscribed for by the members of the Burnmoor Cricket Club, in whom the club have lost two of its most ardent supporters. They worked very hard for the recent gala, in which, by the way, the magnificent sum of ÂŁ75 10s. was cleared.
In early 1915, it was announced that Mr T.W. Pounder had been appointed as Mr Sanderson's replacement:
19 January 1915
District Events
Local Postmaster’s Promotion
Mr T.W. Pounder, who has been postmaster at Seaham Harbour for the past sixteen months, has been promoted to the more important position of postmaster at Fence Houses. The Fence Houses office covers a very large area.
16 November 1915
A Fencehouses Postal Case
Robert Benjamin Gaunt (17), postman was charged with stealing a postal packet containing a sovereign purse valued at 7s 6d, at Morton Grange, Fencehouses, in May. Mr Cairns stated accused had succumbed to an opportunity for stealing. He entered the Postal Service in 1912 as a boy messenger and after two years was promoted to be an assistant postman. The stolen letters were mostly addressed to soldiers, he being employed in an area in which there was a very large military camp. John Duncan, in the office of the secretary at the General Post Office, London, spoke to finding 26 unopened letters at the lodgings of prisoner and 30 odds and ends. Mr Mortimer, speaking in mitigation, said defendant’s parents lived in Stockton and were very respectable. Accused attributed the case to the presence in Fencehouses of gaming machines into which a customer was invited to put a penny. A ball circulated about the clock face and if the customer succeeded he got a second try and then if he was successful, received 2d which entitled him to purchase ice cream, etc. Gaunt was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment.
7 November, 1919
Promotion of a Chester-le-Street Postal Officer
The many friends and acquaintances of Mr John Varty, of Chester-le-Street General Post Office staff, while regretting his pending departure from the town, congratulate him on the promotion he has received. Mr Varty has been engaged at the Post Office for upwards of 25 years and came on the staff early in his youth from Fence Houses. By his strict and conscientious application to his duties, and his genial manner and courtesy at all times, he rose to the responsible position of supervising clerk. This post he has held for many years and during the war, when the Postmaster (Mr F.R. Roberts) was engaged on military work elsewhere in the country, Mr Varty became acting postmaster and continued in that capacity until quite recently when Mr Roberts, after demobilisation, continued his duties. Mr Varty has been appointed Postmaster at Ashington, Northumberland, a town of between 20,000 and 30,000 population and leaves Chester-le-Street this weekend. Mr Varty is a well-known Freemason and a member of the Earl of Durham Lodge, of which he is an office bearer.
17 September 1920
Presentation at Fence Houses
An interesting and pleasing function took place in the Discharged Soldiers and Sailors Hut, Fence Houses, on Saturday evening when the sub-postmasters and staffs of the Fence Houses, Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole sub-offices, with a number of friends, assembled to pay their respects to two of their fellow workmen who had left the district to take up higher appointments elsewhere. Mr J. Wilson, president of the Fence Houses Branch of the Union of P.O. Workers, presided and explained that the object of the gathering was to present tangible tokens of regard and esteem to Mr W.Y.S. Moore and Mr E. Ranson. He alluded to the good work done by the recipients and hoped for better conditions in the future. On behalf of the subscribers, he handed to Mrs Moore (on behalf of her husband, who was prevented from attending through being on duty) a beautiful leather travelling case and a similar gift to Mr E. Ranson and wishing them long life to enjoy them and success in their new spheres of labour. Mr Ranson suitably acknowledged the gift. Subsequently the party sat down to a sumptuous supper after which harmony was contributed by Misses Reed, Swinney, Hall, Taylor and Mr Hall.
29 April 1921
District News
Fence Houses
Marriage Gifts
The Fence Houses and District Postal Staff have presented tokens of respect to two of the colleagues, on the occasion of their recent marriage. Mr J.R. Collins received s silver cruet and Mr W. Elliott a silver biscuit jar.
15 April 1926
Fence Houses Social
The Fence Houses and district postal staff held their fifth annual whist drive and dance in the Parish Hall, Burnmoor, last night. The proceeds were to have been given as a benefit to Mr G.A. Moore, a postman, who had been off work for a considerable time, but he died on Saturday, leaving a widow and two children, to whom the proceeds will be given. Mr G. Wilson superintended the whist drive in which the prize-winners were: Ladies: 1, Mr T. Shields; 2, Mrs Rutter; travelling Miss Molly Forster. Gents: 1, Mr J. Turner; 2, Mr Daly; travelling Mr R. Balmer. Mr W. Roberts was M.C. for the dance and the spot dance winners were Miss M. Hodgson and Mr R. Balmer. The prizes were presented by Mr J. Inglis, the Postmaster at Fence Houses.
22 May 1926
A Fence Houses Bridegroom
The wedding was solmenized at St Paul’s Cathedral, Calcutta, on March 20, of Mr Joseph Dickman, son of Mr William Dickman, of Lumley and Fence Houses, and Miss Anne Towers, daughter of Mrs Wright and the late Mr William Towers, of Washington. Mr Dickman was formerly a member of the postal staff at Durham and Fence Houses. He served through the war as telegraphist and on demobilization took up wireless telegraphy, being now in charge of an Eastern Station.
15 April 1927
Whist Drive And Dance
Asuccessful whist drive and dance, promoted by the Fence Houses and District Postal Workers, were held Friday night in the Herrington Miners’ Hall. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion. Mr Roberts and Miss Dowell controlled the whist and Messrs Roberts, Orrel and Bell were M.C.s for the dance. The Success Orchestra rendered selections and Mr Hissitt catered for refreshments. Mr Inglis, head postmaster, presented prizes to the following: Ladies: Mrs Robertson, Mrs E. Keene. Gentlemen: Mr N. Petrie, Mr W. Kirtley. Travelling prizes were won by Mrs S. Conn and Mr G. McCall. Mr T. Morgan discharged the secretarial duties.
20 January 1928
Fatal Accident At Lumley
A fatal accident occurred at the railway crossing at Lumley Second Pit, near Fence Houses, yesterday (Thursday) morning. It appears that Mrs E.N.T. Lambert, wife of Mr T. Lambert, of Cocken White House Farm, Fence Houses, was standing waiting for a bus to take her to Fence Houses where she has the Post Office and a general business. An engine belonging to the Lambton, Hetton and Joicey Collieries Ltd. was proceeding from Sixth Pit to the Coal Depot at Second Pit with wagons in front of the engine when some of the wagons became uncoupled and ran amain. Instead of going into the depot they went on to the line leading to the Third Pit which crosses the main road and it was at this spot that Mrs Lambert was standing. The Third Pit was closed down some time ago and it is quite unusual for any traffic to go into this yard. This fact would be well known to Mrs Lambert. The engine driver, seeing what had occurred, blew his whistle and also shouted but the woman had not time to jump clear and was knocked down, the leading trucks passing over her, causing severe injuries. Dr. Sweeney and P.C. Farnworth were sent for and on their arrival found Mrs Lambert still alive. She died whilst being removed to the United Methodist Church where the body now lies. Mr and Mrs Lambert have occupied the Cocken Farm about two years. A bus belonging to the Sunderland and District Company was at the time of the accident proceeding to Chester-le-Street and had a narrow escape of being run into by the waggons.
25 January 1929
Fence Houses. Postal Workers’ Union. The Fence Houses and District Postal Workers’ Union held a whist drive and dance in aid of the Miners’ Distress Fund, in the Miners’ Hall last Friday night. Messrs G. Wilson and J.G.T. Bell were the M.C.s for the whist drive and Mr G. Wilson for the dance. The prize winners were: Whist: Ladies: 1, Mrs M. Dunbar; 2, Mrs F. March; 3, Miss M.E. Hardy. Gentlemen: 1, Mr J. Garner; 2, Mr J. Morton; 3, Miss L. Oliver (playing as a gentleman). Lucky numbers: Mrs N.Shiel and Mr J.G. Fenton. Spot dance winners were: Mr and Mrs Wellburn. The prizes were presented by Mr J. Inglis, postmaster. The music for the dance was supplied by McCardy’s Band.
30 August 1929
Fence Houses Gifts
Presentations To Departing Postmaster
At a gathering of the staff of the Fence Houses Post Office, at which there were present most of the sub-postmasters of the district and friends, Mr and Mrs J. Inglis received presentations on their leaving the district. After some years at Durham Head Office, Mr Inglis came to Fence Houses where he has acted as sub-postmaster for the past six years and he is now leaving to be Postmaster of Windermere, a large office which also serves Grasmere and the surrounding district. Mr T. Smithson, retired sub-postmaster of Hetton, presided over the gathering and spoke of the high esteem in which Mr Inglis was held in the district. He had been very popular with the staff and since he came to Fence Houses he had instituted many improvements which had been of benefit to the public and Post Office alike. Each member of the staff also paid a tribute to Mr Inglis. Mr D. Lawton, senior postman, presented Mr Inglis with a silver cigarette case, suitably inscribed, and a framed photograph of the staff, subscribed for by the staff. Mrs Coulson, sub-postmistress of Philadelphia, on behalf of the sub-postmasters and a few friends presented Mrs Inglis with an occasional chair. Mr R. Gray, another old member of the staff presented Master Ian Inglis with a tie pin from the staff. Mr and Mrs Inglis both replied thanking all for the gifts which they appreciated very much and said they had been very happy at Fence Houses where everybody had been most kind to them. They hoped they would be as happy in their new home at Windermere. Mr Inglis takes up his new duties on Monday.
06 December 1929
New Postmaster
Newcastle Official Transferred To Fence Houses
Mr J.J. Black, of Newcastle Post Office, has been appointed postmaster of Fence Houses. Mr Black’s duties were chiefly at the Telegraph Counter Head Office and the Quayside and Commercial Exchange offices. Mr Black was transferred from the post office at Clitheroe, Lancashire, 27 years ago, to Newcastle Post Office and is well-known in the district, having in his official capacity on the P.O. staff attended the Gosforth Park race meetings and various outlying post offices, where he instructed sub-postmasters in their duties. He also performed duty at the N.E. Coast Exhibition Post Office. Mr Black will be remembered as one of the early wireless enthusiasts. He served with the Royal Engineers during the war, joining up in 1915 from the P.O., of which he was in charge in Gosforth Park Camp. He went straight out to Salonica and remained in Macedonia for 3½ years.
27 June 1931
Fence Houses Mystery
ÂŁ100 Lost By Clerk
Notes Vanish In Sixty Yards’ Walk
A clerk at Fence Houses Post Office went to Fence Houses branch of Barclays Bank this morning to draw some money and when he got back to the office he found that he had lost a bundle of 100 pound notes. The bank is at the opposite side of the road to the Post Office and only about 60 yards away. Search was made across the road, but it was fruitless. As it was pay day at the local colliery, there were many men standing about and others passing on their way to the colliery but no-one noticed anybody pick anything up. It is believed that the notes may have been taken out of the clerk’s pocket as he left the bank. The police are making investigations.
Put In Pocket
Mr J. Robson, of 8 William Street, Houghton-le-Spring, the acting Postmaster, said he had no idea how the £100 had been lost. I went to the bank to draw the money for ordinary post office purposes, such as pensions. “I was given £100 in Treasury notes. They were held together by a band and I slipped them in the pocket of my coat, as I have done on many other occasions. Although the bank is only a short distance from the Post Office, when I arrived back and put my hand in my pocket I found that the money was missing. It is a mystery to me how it disappeared. Throughout the journey I had not put my hand in my pocket once, and therefore I could not have pulled the wad of notes out by accident. Directly I knew they had gone, I informed my superior officer, the Postmaster at Durham, of the occurance.” “The Sunderland Echo” understands that once the notes are passed into circulation they will be recognised as the bank is in possession of the numbers.
29 January 1932
Fence Houses Telephone Hustle
In one minute, the difficult task of transferring the telephone exchange from old quarters to better accommodation in the Post Office building at Fence Houses was completed. This follows the recent telephone development in the Houghton-le-Spring area. The latest apparatus has been installed and the new exchange is equipped in a thoroughly up-to-date manner. The new exchange will enable future increases in businesses to be dealt with satisfactorily and the authorities hope that the service will be taken full advantage of by the public.
21 February 1933
Post Office Presentation
Mr William Robson, who has been senior letter-sorting clerk and telegraphist at Fence Houses Post Office for the past 16 years was last night presented with a dressing-case by the staff. Mr J.J. Black, sub-postmaster, made the presentation.
03 March 1933
Fence Houses
Presentation
Mr William Robson, who has been the senior letter sorting clerk and telegraphist at the Fence Houses Post Office for the past sixteen years, has been presented with a dressing case as a token of the esteem in which he has been held by the staff. Mr Robson, prior to coming to Fence Houses, was in the Ferryhill Post Office. He has recently retired on pension owing to ill health. Mr J.J. Black, the sub-postmaster, at a meeting of the staff held at the Post Office, made the presentation and Mr Robson, in accepting the gift, said how much he appreciated their kindly thought and that it would remind him, if that were needed, of the happy times he had spent amongst them. He also thanked them for their assistance and co-operation in carrying out his duties at the office.
05 February 1934
A High Post. Miss Myra Curtis, superintendent of the women’s staff at the Post Office Savings Bank Department at West Kensington, who has been appointed one of the principals in the Director-General’s Office, in the General Post Office, is a Sunderland woman. Her father was Mr George Curtis, a clerk in Sunderland Post Office, who resided in Belle Vue Road. Subsequently he became postmaster at Fence Houses in 1894 and later went as postmaster to Alresford, Hants. He retired and went to live at Littlehampton, Sussex, where he died last year. Mrs Curtis is still alive. Miss Curtis, who is 48 years of age, entered the Post Office Savings Bank Department at Kensington in 1924 and previous to that served in the office of the Ministry of Pensions.
25 July 1935
The Rabbit Won!
Stoat Robbed Of A “Kill.”
Mr J.J. Black, postmaster of Fence Houses, was fishing in the River Wear in Lambton Park last night and witnessed an unusual incident. Hearing a squeal, he looked round and saw a stoat chasing a young rabbit. Attracted by the cry of fear, an old rabbit appeared and seeing the danger of the young one gave chase after the stoat. The three disappeared in the undergrowth for a few seconds and the next thing Mr Black saw was the stoat being chased by the old rabbit, the young one having escaped. The stoat eventually disappeared.
23 August 1938
42½ Years As Postman
Fence Houses Colleagues Give Him Easy Chair
Mr William Anderson, who has been a postman for 42½ years at Fence Houses, retired on pension yesterday. At a social gathering in the Miners’ Hall lasty night, he was presented by the Postmaster, Mr J.J. Black, with an easy chair, subscribed for by Fence Houses and District postal staff. He was also presented by the Union of Postal Workers with a certificate of merit for loyal service. Mr J.G. Bell presided. Mr Anderson has served under six Postmasters, the late Mr John Sanderson, the late Mr G. Curtis, Mr B. Sanderson, Mr T. Pounder, Mr T. Inglis and Mr Black.
03 March 1939
Fence Houses Postman Had Record Mileage
Mr David Lawton, a Fence Houses postman, who has just retired after 36 years’ service, was presented with a fireside chair and a smoker’s outfit on behalf of the staff by Mr J.J. Black, the Fence Houses Postmaster, at a social gathering at the Station Hotel, Fence Houses, last night. Mr Black also presented Mrs Lawton with a leather handbag. He said Mr Lawton had walked more miles than any other postman had ever done at Fence Houses. Mr J. White, the Durham Postmaster, presented the Imperial Service Medal to Mr Lawton.
13 April 1939
Death In South
News has reached Fence Houses of the death of a former postmaster in the village, Mr Benjamin Sanderson. After leaving Fence Houses, Mr Sanderson went to Knutsford and later to Enfield. In North London, where he remained until he retired. He died from a seizure and is to be buried tomorrow. While at Fence Houses, Mr Sanderson was a keen churchman and a sidesman at Burnmoor Church. He took a great interest in cricket and was a vice-president of Burnmoor Club. For a period, he was also secretary of the Wednesday team. He was a native of Beverley, in Yorkshire. A widow and four sons survive.
October 13, 1939
Silver wedding
Mr and Mrs Robert Gray, of Gordon Mount, Primrose Hill, Fence Houses, celebrated their silver wedding on Friday. They were married at St Barnabas’ Church, Burnmoor, by the late Rev. Sydney M. Reynolds. Mr Gray, who is on the postal staff at Fence Houses, has been People’s Churchwarden for the past13 years. Mrs Gray, who is also a staunch worker for the church, is secretary of Burnmoor Women’s Institute. Mr Gray served in the artillery in the last war.
01 March 1940
Death of Fence Houses Retired Postman
Mr David Lawton, a retired postman, died at his home, 33 Britannia Terrace, Fence Houses, after a long illness. Fifty-nine years of age, he retired on a sick pension in October 1938, after 33 years’ service as a postman at Fence Houses. On his retirement, he was presented with the Post Office long service medal. He leaves a widow and a son and daughter. Keenly interested in cricket, he was a strong supporter of the Burnmoor Club.
List of Postal Service Employees linked to Fencehouses in Appointment Date Order
Source: British Postal Service Appointment Books
Robert Potts Spoor, 1846
John Lambton, 1847
Ann Wilkinson, 1851
Mrs Ann Asher, 1853
George Golightly, 1854
Henderson Lax, 1854
Joseph Lees, 1855
Thomas Moody, 1855
Andrew Bell, 1856
John Baty, 1856
William Gibson, 1856
George Golightly, 1857
William Dodgson, 1857
William Myers, 1857
James Pringle, 1858
Robert H. Davison, 1858
William Smith,1858
John Gatie, 1861
John Bland, 1864
Robert Grayton, 1864
Charles Fry, 1865
George Smith, 1866
M. Spanton, 1866
Thomas Cooper, 1867
J. Wilkinson, 1868
John Wilkinson, 1868
Thomas W. Douglass, 1868
J. Carr, 1870
A. Howe, 1871
J. Golightly, 1871
J. Green, 1871
M. Rowell, 1871
W. Robinson, 1871
G. Honey, 1872
A. Howe, 1873
R. Day, 1873
A. Leighton, 1874
T.M. Hunter, 1874
I.I. Woodhead, 1875
J.R. Harris, 1875
J.T. Kerr, 1875
James Thompson, 1875
W. Gautrey, 1875
John Hall, 1878
John W. Mawson, 1880
Thomas Wallace, 1880
William J. Wilson, 1880
J.L. Sanderson, 1886
William Grimshaw, 1886
Jane A.C. Fleming, 1892
N.H. Coulson, 1892
Pat McCarthy, 1892
William H. Honey, 1892
William Scott, 1892
George Curtis, 1894
William Howe, 1894
Daniel R. Doran, 1897
Daniel Rennie, 1897
Henry Griffin, 1897
George Downes, 1898
John T. Rutherford, 1898
George W.W. Honey, 1899
John T. Flintoff, 1899
Thomas Lucas, 1899
William Anderson, 1899
William Rutherford, 1899
Benjamin Sanderson, 1900
George Ferdinand Drewry, 1901
John William Sayer, 1901
Thomas Reed, 1901
William Rutherford, 1901
John William Sayers, 1902
Thomas G.A. Emmerson, 1902
Thomas Lucas, 1902
Tom Fenby, 1902
Alexander Armstrong, 1903
Charles Albert Winter Honey, 1903
David Lawton, 1903
John William Sayers, 1903
Percival Stanton, 1903
Thomas William Pickering, 1903
Frederick Crane, 1904
Frederick J. Smith, 1904
Herbert Munroe, 1904
John R. Clark, 1904
Robert Bruce, 1904
Thomas George A. Emmerson, 1904
Thomas Mills, 1904
Alfred J. Bell, 1905
Herbert Munroe, 1905
John William Jackson, 1905
Thomas Lucas, 1905
Thomas Nelson, 1905
Robert Bruce, 1906
Thomas Mitchison, 1906
William V. Moore, 1906
Alfred Gleason, 1907
Frederick J. Smith, 1907
Robert Gray, 1907
David Lawton, 1908
Edward F. Page, 1908
Emil F. Forster, 1908
Frederick James Smith, 1908
George Wilson, 1908
W.V.S. Moore, 1908
John E. Myers, 1909
John H. Ward, 1909
John Robert Ross, 1909
Joseph Brown, 1909
Joseph Robinson, 1909
Robert B. Kirtley, 1909
Thomas Murray, 1909
Alfred Sweeting, 1910
John R. Collins, 1910
John Sim, 1910
M.L. Roberts, 1910
M.L. Roberts, 1910
Robert Gray, 1910
Thomas Moore, 1910
Ernest J. Houghton, 1911
John Henry Dixon, 1911
John R. Collins, 1911
Thomas Moore, 1911
Charles Bowen, 1912
Edward Ransom, 1912
Frederick W. Spirit, 1912
John R. Collins, 1912
David Bannister, 1913
Edward Ranson, 1913
Frank Vasey, 1913
Fred Wilson, 1913
Henry Thwaite, 1913
Isaac Barker, 1913
Joseph W. Colling, 1913
Thomas Enderby, 1913
Thomas Telford, 1913
William Blenkinsop, 1913
William Elliott, 1913
George Readman, 1914
Grace B. Gammie, 1914
Harry Branton, 1914
Henry J. Branton, 1914
Henry Lawrence, 1914
Joseph C. Watson, 1914
Joseph Dickman, 1914
Robert B. Gaunt 1914
William H. Pettifer, 1914
Grace B. Gammie, 1915
Joseph W. Finch, 1915
William Robson, 1917
Jane H. Kinnaird, 1921
Stanley Edwards, 1921
Robert Maddison, 1923
David A. Sim, 1924
William Roberts, 1924
Joseph Lydiatt, 1926
Charles J. Johnstone, 1927
John G.T. Bell, 1929
Elizabeth G. Harrison, 1933
Joseph W. Taylor, 1936
Reginald E. Allison, 1937
William C. Chilvers, 1937
Reginald E. Allison, 1938
Thomas F. Hope, 1939
William G. Moore, 1939
Isabella Wilson, 1940
May Tindale, 1940
Mrs Joan E. Chesterton (married name: Kirk), 1944
John T Goodrick,1948
William B. Cresswell, 1948
Mrs Joan E. Kirk (Nee Chesterton), 1949
Thomas J. Wilkinson, 1950
Joseph Hayton, 1951
Jean Richardson, 1952
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