SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

The following are from John Mayhall’s ‘Annals of Yorkshire’:-September 14 1857. “During the Holbeck races an intoxicated labourer named Thomas Harrison, of Beeston, persisted in spite of the efforts of the police and bystanders to cross the course with his horse and cart near the workhouse. The consequence was that one of the horses ridden by the owner, Mr. Naylor, of Holbeck, dashed into the cart, the shaft of which pierced the animal through the breast, and it immediately fell dead. The rider was thrown a long distance, but escaped without much injury. Another horse ran into the cart and had its leg broken. The rider was thrown several yards, and received severe contusions.”I did not know there used to be races held in Holbeck, possibly at what is known as Holbeck Moor. Though the report has no definite mention of Leeds I assume it is Holbeck in Leeds in view also of the mention of Beeston, but I apologise if it is not the Holbeck in Leeds.September 14 1865. “The following appeared in the Leeds Mercury of this date.–A “Plague of flies” visited Leeds and neighbourhood, to the great discomfort of the inhabitants. We hear, indeed, that visitation of countless hosts of these little creatures was experienced through the country all the way as far south, but no further than Peterborough. It is worthy of notice that on this occasion the wind was easterly. Not only have human beings suffered annoyance, but the turnips and vegetables have been most extensively attacked, and we fear the farmers’ loss on those crops, which were to have made up by their excellence for the damaged corn, will prove very serious.”

[quotenick="Leodian"]The following are from John Mayhall’s ‘Annals of Yorkshire’:-September 14 1857. “During the Holbeck races an intoxicated labourer named Thomas Harrison, of Beeston, persisted in spite of the efforts of the police and bystanders to cross the course with his horse and cart near the workhouse. The consequence was that one of the horses ridden by the owner, Mr. Naylor, of Holbeck, dashed into the cart, the shaft of which pierced the animal through the breast, and it immediately fell dead. The rider was thrown a long distance, but escaped without much injury. Another horse ran into the cart and had its leg broken. The rider was thrown several yards, and received severe contusions.”I did not know there used to be races held in Holbeck, possibly at what is known as Holbeck Moor. Though the report has no definite mention of Leeds I assume it is Holbeck in Leeds in view also of the mention of Beeston, but I apologise if it is not the Holbeck in Leeds.Leo. It was held on Holbeck Moor, there are plenty of reports in the Leeds Mercury.Here's the report of Thomas Harrison been fined 5 Shillings for been drunk

Thanks for that information uncle mick, which is appreciated. I had wondered what the outcome was. I like the "...though he acted like a stupid blockhead..." in the Leeds Mercury report. In today's readily litigious society I doubt the YEP would dare state something like that!