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Various records survive of the Select Vestry which was established in 1826 for the better management of welfare schemes for the poor and needy within the chapelries of Eskdale and Wasdale. Here are a few details from the first few months of its existence, taken from its official Minute Book [Whitehaven Record Office, YPR 4/18]
"Eskdale and Wasdale SELECT VESTRY
The inhabitants of the Township of Eskdale and Wasdale considering that the establishment of a Select Vestry would be advantageous for the management of the concerns of the Poor-
It having of late become a matter of serious importance Viz. the payment of the Rate for the maintenance of the Poor. Therefore to carry the same establishment into effect a meeting of inhabitants of the said Township was held on the Thirteenth day of June in the year of out Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty six"....
Under the poor law of 59 George III, the meeting "nominated and elected Eleven substantial householders and occupiers within the said township" ... "to be members of such Select Vestry"... "Thomas Tyson, John Vickers, George Tyson, John Ritson, Isaac Fletcher, Thomas Towers, John Sharpe, William Porter, William Rodger, Isaac Wilson, G.H. and William Vicars" ... "given under my hand and Seal at Holmrook" 24 Jun 1826, S. Lutwidge
At the first meeting, 1 Jul 1826, the Select Vestry called for the preparation of a list of all those receiving Poor Relief from Eskdale & Wasdale. These were:
- Isaac Nicholson (resident in Gosforth but born in Eskdale/Wasdale)
- - Russell (girl age 15, Whitehaven resident but of E/W parent)
- - Russell (girl age 10, Whitehaven resident but of E/W parent)
- Edward Braithwaite (Corney resident but of E/W parent)
- Sarah Braithwaite (age 1, Corney resident but of E/W parent)
- Francis Braithwaite (residence & parentage Eskdale)
- Hannah Sherwin (age 10, Ulverstone resident)
- Margaret Stable (Broughton resident, but eligible by virtue of "husband's servitude")
- - Braithwaite (age 10, Leeds resident but of E/W parent)
- Benjamin Braithwaite (Corney resident but of E/W parent)
- Daniel Tyson (Eskdale resident, apprenticed weaver)
Expenditure in first month includes:
- "Journey to Holm Rook for a warrant to take Henry Tyson 2/6
- Do. to Ulverstone to apprehend the said Hy. Tyson, 3 days £1/1/-
- Constable and Warrant to apprehend Henry Tyson 8/-"
- Another 3-day journey was made to Ulverston shortly after, to apprehend Robert Slater.
In the second monthly list, Isaac Nicholson is dropped, but Chrispin Pharaoh (stone mason, resident at Bakerstead, with wife and 6 children, "indisposed" for a significant time) is added.
29 Jul 1826: Chrispin (or Chrispian) Pharaoh case continues
"Sarah Phorah daughter of John Pharoah of Bank House in Gosforth", legally settled in Eskdale/Wasdale and now pregnant; she is to be sent to a room in Gosforth Workhouse rented "to place such paupers in".
Expenditure includes "Ale for the Jurymen at the Boot Inn" 2/-.
26 Aug 1826: Curious case of Daniel Tyson of Whahouse "having some time ago taken his son away from respectable service" and now claiming allowance; this was refused, but a one-off payment of 5/- was paid to Daniel on "taking his... circumstances into consideration".
23 Sep 1826, paupers list supplies forenames of the Russell girls: Elizabeth (age 14) and Ann (age 9)
21 Oct 1826: Rev. Robert Powley appointed secretary to the Vestry (in return for which work he is to be allowed remission of his Poor Sess). For the time being (initially until Lady Day 1827) vestry meetings are to be held at Beck Foot, where "a Room with a good Fire in it shall be provided for their use", for which Powley will be paid 10/6.
18 Nov 1826: Joseph son of Daniel Tyson to have a suit of new clothes: "One hat, a coat, a Waistcoat, a Pair of Smalls, one pair of Yarn hose, with cloth for two Shirts; & a Pair shoes."
16 Dec 1826: Two orders for surgeons to be called in to tend sick children of paupers (of Margaret Stable and Benjamin Braithwaite).
10 Mar 1827: Margaret Stable has died. Expenditure includes:
"Sundries to Margt. Stable during her last sickness" 11/2.5
"To a Nurse at the same time" 3/-
Coffin £1/3/-
21 Apr 1827: Resolved to continue using a room at Beckfoot for the next year, paying Mr Powley 3 guineas.
