Lambton Band

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Sporting Magazine: Or, Monthly Calendar of the Transactions of the Turf, the Chase and Every Other Diversion Interesting to the Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, and Spirit, Volume 11, 1823:

Lambton Park Meeting, this month, was extended to four days, was attended on the Wednesday by full 40,000 individuals. The line of carriages was immense and, long before the races began, the ground exhibited an assemblage of rank and fashion, seldom witnessed. The races themselves, though good, were not (to many at least) so interesting as the company; but the last race, from the number of horses started (fourteen) was particularly fine and much admired. Mr Lambton’s band attended the ground. There was a brilliant company entertained at Lambton Hall during the races.

Durham Chronicle 23 October 1824

Lambton Races.

These highly popular public amusements commenced on Wednesday last under the most favourable auspices. The weather was beautiful and the entries for the different stakes and plates were so numerous that the best sport was anticipated; and the result proved that the expectations thus caused were not vain, as it may be truly said a better day’s racing was never witnessed. The assemblage of spectators on that day, although somewhat less than we have known it on the most attractive days of former years, was yet very great and would doubtless have been much greater had there been sufficient facility of conveyance to the place. But in no town in the neighbourhood was a single vehicle that could possibly be put in requisition left unemployed, and not a horse could be procured at any price. The number of carriages upon the ground was immense and hundreds of horsemen were to be seen scattered over the park and these, added to the myriads of pedestrian spectators who lined the hill, and promenaded over different parts of the course, gave to the scene a most gay and animated appearance, which was materially heightened by the presence of Mr Lambton’s Band of Music, which played a selection of favourite and martial airs between the different races. Everything went off with the greatest éclat and no circumstance occurred to damp the general joy and pleasure afforded by the occasion. On Thursday, the concourse of people on the course was nearly equal to that of the former day, the equestrians and carriages were still more numerous and the sport was very excellent, every race being keenly contested. Mr Lambton, as usual, daily entertains a distinguished party at his princely mansion. Amongst the guests staying at the Hall for the week are the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry, Earl and Countess of Wilton, Earl and Lady Elizabeth Grey, Lord and Lady Normanby, Mr and Lady Augusta Milbank, Sir R. and Lady Sophia Gresley, Colonel and Mrs Cavendish, Mr and Mrs Dundas, Mr and Mrs William Lambton, Sir M.W. Ridley, Sir Hedworth Williamson, Lord Howick, Hon R. Grosvenor, Messrs Hobhouse M.P., Creevey M.P., Ellice M.P., Russell M.P., Tennyson M.P., Duncombe, Mills, White, F. Lumley, R. Vernon, Monson, Cookson, Capt Berkeley R.N., Capt Wyvill R.N. and Major Healey. On the ground, during the two days, we have observed, besides those whose names we have enumerated, members of most of the principal families in the county, amongst whom were the Hon H.T. Liddell and Lady; the Hon Augustus and three of the Misses Barrington; Mrs Haggitt; Sir T. Sykes; Mr Shafto; Mr T. Shafto; Mr Baker; The Hon Capt Cochrane; Mr W. Loraine; Mr Wade; Mr Mason; Mr J. Cookson; Sir T. Burdon; Mr Kirton; Mr Beckwith; Mr T. Cookson; Dr Headlam; the Rev Mr, Mrs and the Misses Fawcett; Mr C. Hoar, &c., &c.

Durham County Advertiser 17 June 1826

Durham County Election.

Yesterday, 15th of June, having been appointed for the election of two Knights of the shire to represent this County in Parliament, John George Lambton Esq. and the Hon William John Frederick Vane Powlett, accompanied by their respective friends, entered the County Court about 10 o’clock in the morning and took their seats of the Bench. The chair was soon afterwards occupied by the Hon William Keppel Barrington, the High Sheriff and the business was then immediately proceeded in……

….. The return was signed as usual by the High Sherriff and several gentlemen present, after which the meeting dispersed. The members were then as usual chaired, and preceded by a vast number of splendid banners and Mr Lambton’s band of music, they were carried from the County Courts, round the market place and back to Old Elvet…..

Durham County Advertiser 01 July 1826

To the Editor of the Durham County Advertiser:

Mr Editor – if you can by any means guess, surmise, opine, or conceive, the cause, motive, or design, of Mr Lambton’s band playing the tune generally called the “Rogue’s March” down Gilligate on the day of the election, I should be glad to have my understanding enlightened on this (to me) most intricate subject.

Yours, Inquisitive.

Morning Post 06 October 1827

The Duke of Wellington.

Fete Champetre At Painsher, Durham.

Saturday last being the day appointed for the reception of his Grace the Duke of Wellington, at Painsher, for the purpose of inspecting the coal works of the Marquis of Londonderry……

….. The party then proceeded near to the village of Vienna where the Lambton band of music, with flags, &c., joined the procession. At this instant, the locomotive engine, or steam elephant, was put in motion which interested the Duke extremely…..

Morning Post 30 August 1844

Monument to The Late Earl of Durham.

In accordance with the announcement which has been given for some time, the ceremony connected with the laying of the foundation stone of a monument about to be erected on Penshur Hill in the County of Durham, took place on Wednesday…..

….. The whole of the masons then formed into procession and, preceded by the Lambton band and the officers wearing the regalia marched up the winding railway leading to the monument…..

….. This plate, together with the phial containing a number of coins of the present reign, were then placed upon the upper stone, after which the whole was covered with cement; and the Grand Master, having adjusted the same with a silver trowel handed to him the upper stone was slowly lowered into its place the band at the same time playing “Rule Britannia.”

Newcastle Journal 27 May 1854

Chester-le-Street.

Festivities in Honour of Lord Durham’s Marriage.

The town of Chester-le-Street presented a gay and animated appearance on Tuesday last the day appointed for the celebration in the metropolis of the nuptials of the Noble Lord Lieutenant, the Right Honourable the Earl of Durham and the Lady Beatrice Hamilton, daughter of the Marquess and Marchioness of Abercorn, flags being displayed at most of the houses throughout the town and a band of music, consisting partly of the Londonderry and partly of the Lambton bands and accompanied by banners, perambulating the streets…..

Newcastle Daily Chronicle 29 May 1860

The Rifles at Lambton Castle……

….. At length, after losing ourselves times out of number, we arrived by some means beside the castle…… the welcome strains of a band burst upon our ears like the breath of the sweet south. “Willie, we have missed you,” was the air it played and thinking ourselves personally called upon to put in an appearance, we went to the spot and witnessed the Lambton band discoursing to an audience of servants. The Countess of Durham, we learnt, was in London and from the unsettled state of the weather it had been decided to postpone the bazaar for an indefinite period!.....

Shields Daily Gazette 31 May 1860

Grand Bazaar at Lambton Park…..

…..The proceedings were considerably enlivened by the alternate strains of the Lambton Brass Band and that of the Chester-le-Street Volunteer Rifles; and by way of agreeable variety, the Chester Volunteers, under the command of Captain Reid, were put through a variety of military evolutions.

Durham Chronicle 14 September 1860

Littletown Horticultural Society.

The annual exhibition of this society was held at Littletown Colliery on Saturday. The show was considered to be the best and most successful one ever held, both as regards the number of visitors and the quantity and quality of the stock entered for competition. The Lambton band, under the leadership of Mr R. Lee, of New Lambton, was stationed on a platform in the yard, and played in a highly-creditable style…..

1861 Census: Mr Arthur Clinton, future Band Leader:

Census Place: 56 Pitt St., Westgate, Newcastle-on-Tyne

Arthur Clinton, age: 37, Professor of Music, born Chester-le-Street

Durham Chronicle 01 August 1862

Under the Patronage of the The Right Hon. Earl of Durham. Exhibition of arts, science, manufactures and curiosities at the Great New Building in Lord Durham’s Works, Philadelphia….. A piano in the building and the Lambton Band will perform in the evening…..

Newcastle Journal 09 August 1862

Under the Patronage of the The Right Hon. Earl of Durham. Lambton Works Exhibition, Philadelphia, near Fence Houses and Pensher Stations. The above exhibition of works of art, models, illustrations of science and curiosities from all parts of the world has given so much pleasure to the thousands of visitors who have seen it that the Committee have resolved to keep it open for another week….. On Friday evening a concert will be given for the benefit of the Lambton Band whose performances have added so much to the gratification of visitors to the exhibition. On Saturday evening the exhibition will finally close at nine o’clock. Sixpenny tickets alone will give admission on the last three days.

Newcastle Journal 15 August 1862

Lambton Works Exhibition.

Philadelphia, near Fence Houses and Pensher Stations.

The amateur concert for the benefit of the Lambton Band, which was advertised to take place on Friday, is unavoidably postponed until Saturday evening when it will commence at half-past six o’clock and will be the termination of the exhibition.

Newcastle Chronicle 13 September 1862

School Festival in Lambton Park.

A time-honoured custom was observed in Lambton Park on Saturday. The scholars in attendance at the numerous schools established and maintained by the Earl of Durham throughout the wide colliery district of which he is the owner were entertained at tea beneath the leafy arches of Lambton Park….. There were two bands engaged – The Lambton band, under Mr Cooper; and the band of the 13th Durham (Birtley) Rifles, under Mr Pringle. Both bands played well and many joined in the dance to their spirit-stirring strains……

Durham Chronicle 13 March 1863

Royal Marriage Demonstrations at Lambton Castle.

The proceedings at Lambton Castle, the residence of the Earl of Durham, were of a most interesting character. The castle has, for a long period, been in course of restoration and the Union Jack was hoisted on the on the flag tower for the first time for several years. At half past ten o’clock the castle workmen, with the gardeners and woodmen, and the Earl’s domestics, numbering upwards of 200, assembled before the portico of the castle and formed a square with the Lambton Band in the centre. The Earl and Countess, accompanied by their youthful family, stepped forward amidst the cheers of those assembled. The Union Jack was then raised from the centre tower whilst the band played the National Anthem producing a most beautiful effect. Cheers were given with great enthusiasm for the Queen. The healths of the Prince and Princess of Wales were drunk with three times three, the band playing “Rule Britannia.” Three cheers were also given for Lord and Lady Durham with musical honours. The youthful members of the Lambton family, accompanied by the Earl and others, then proceeded to the lawn, north of the castle, and a spot having been chosen, a Californian fir was planted by the youthful Lady Beatrice Lambton, and a Japanese cypress by Lord Lambton and his twin brother, the Hon. Geo. F. Lambton. Mr Muschavich then addressed his lordship, wishing that the trees then planted, in commemoration of the Royal marriage that day celebrated, might flourish and that the future life of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the members of the Lambton family might be happy. He concluded amidst great cheering, which was caught up by the assemblage in front of the castle and the band striking up “Woodman, spare that tree,” brought the proceedings to an end.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle 18 August 1864

Grand floral fete at Lumley Castle.

By the kind permission of the Earl of Scarborough, the first annual exhibition of the Lumley and Harraton floral and horticultural society will be held in the Large Hall, Lumley Castle, on Monday, Aug. 29, 1864. The Lambton Band, under the renowned leader, Mr A. Clinton, will perform choice selections of music during the day. A Quadrille Band will also be in attendance. Dancing on the lawn to commence at 3 o’clock. Tea and other refreshments will be supplied in the Castle on moderate terms. Fire-works, archery, rifle shooting and other amusements. Admission 0 from one till four, 1s; from four till seven, 6d. Children under 12, half-price. Return tickets at one fare and a sixth, will be issued by ordinary trains from Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham to Fence Houses. Conveyances will run between the station and the castle.

Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury 03 September 1864

Lumley – the first annual exhibition of the Lumley and Hawton Floral and Horticultural Society was held at Lumley Castle, the seat of the Right Hon. the Earl of Scarborough, on Monday, the requisite permission having been given by the noble Earl. Very large number of visitors attended the show, attracted both by the charms of the exhibition and the melodious strains of the Lambton Band, under the leadership of Mr A. Clinton. For the accommodation of visitors, Mrs Dickson, of Durham, served tea in the servants’ hall of the castle.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle 20 August 1866

Grand Floral Fete at Lumley Castle.

By the kind permission of the Earl of Scarborough, the Third Annual Exhibition of the Lumley and Harraton Floral and Horticultural Society will be held at Lumley Castle on Monday, August 27, 1866. 500 prizes will be offered for competition. The Lambton Sax-horn Band, conducted by Mr Clinton, will perform choice selections of music during the day. The Durham Amateur Quadrille Band will also be in attendance. Leader, Mr Charles Perry. Dancing on the law to commence at three o’clock. Tea and other refreshments will be supplied in the castle on moderate terms. Fireworks, archery, rifle shooting and other amusements. Admission: from one till four, one shilling; from four till seven, sixpence. Children under 12, half-price. The North-Eastern Railway Company will issue return tickets at special fares to Fence Houses by the ordinary trains from Newcastle, Sunderland, South Shields, Durham and all intermediate stations. The tickets will only be available for the day. Conveyances will run between the station and the castle.

Shields Daily Gazette, 10 September 1866

Cricket.

Chester-le-Street v. Whitburn.

On Friday, the return match between these clubs was played on the ground of the Earl of Durham in Lambton Park. The fore part of the day was miserably wet; but, after dinner it cleared out and allowed one innings each to be played. Whitburn won the toss and went to the wickets which was greatly in their favour, as the ground was like a sponge and much against the bowlers – Murdock and Farrow – who, however, were very effective. T. Burnley put together a good score after being missed early in his inning. Burnley bowled well but the steady batting of Chester caused seven changes in the bowling. G. Robinson made some fine hits, also Murdock and Farrow, who were loudly applauded. The players were entertained at dinner at the castle of the noble Earl. The most of the inmates of the castle visited the ground. The Lambton Band, under the direction of Mr A. Clinton, discoursed some sweet music during the afternoon. The following is the score – Chester-le-Street 102; Whitburn 75.

Shields Daily Gazette 24 July 1869

3rd Durham Artillery Volunteers.

Drills &c for next week. The members of the above corps will muster at the drill shed in full dress with haversacks on Monday, the 26th inst. at 12.45pm, for the Lambton Park Review. Band to attend.

Gun drills on Tuesday at 8pm. The annual inspection of the crops will be held on Wednesday, the 28th inst., mustering at the drill shed at 7pm in full dress. Members who cannot attend must get leave of absence from their respective Battery Officers. Band to attend. Carbine practice on Saturday at four o’clock pm. No. 2 Battery will furnish Officers for duty during the week.

By order, Henry Wilson, Captain- Commanding. July 24, 1869.

Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 26 May 1885

Good Templar’s Demonstration.

The Good Templars of New Herrington and Sunnyside held a demonstration yesterday which, notwithstanding the untoward weather, was certainly one of the most successful affairs ever attempted at these villages…..

….. After them came the Lambton Temperance Brass Band under the leadership of Mr Cornforthe, followed by the members…..

1871 Census: Mr Arthur Clinton, former Band Leader:

Census Place: 107 Gloucester Road, Elswick, Newcastle-on-Tyne

Arthur Clinton, age: 47, Professor of Music, born Chester-le-Street

Durham County Advertiser 30 July 1886

Our Ancestors: Selections from the “Advertiser” (local and general).

Sixty years ago: XXII – 1822:

August 30th – A few minutes before three o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex arrived in this city in a landaulette and pair, followed by his own private carriage and four with his attendants. His Royal Highness drove to Mr Clark’s lodging house in Old Elvet where Mr Lambton and a few of his friends were ready to receive him…..

….. On arriving at Chester Gate, the horses were taken from the carriage and the Duke was drawn by the populace preceded by Mr Lambton’s band in their new uniform of blue and white and 12 banners bearing a variety of inscriptions.

Newcastle Courant 09 July 1892

Scenes At The Hustings.

Alnwick was filled with company and great crowds assembled every evening in front of the hustings, at the conclusion of the day’s poll to hear the speeches of the candidates who addressed the crowd according to their relative positions on the poll….

….. Mr Lambton’s band was in the service of Mr Howick. The bands of the different candidates, with innumerable banners, attended at the hustings each afternoon and performed these “gathering tunes.”