Leeds news on today's date (Oct 4) in 1837 and 1871.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Thu 04 Oct, 2012 1:02 pm

The following are from John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire':-October 4 1837. The Leeds Rifle Club, established in June, 1836, met to practice for the first time on the 24th of May, 1837, and on the 4th of Oct, in the same year, their last meeting of the season was held at the shooting ground, at Kirkstall Abbey. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Henry Stooks Smith, the second to Mr. Francis William Tetley, and the third to Mr. William Sykes Ward. The distance of shooting was 120 yards. At the close of the season in the following year, 1838, the prizes were awarded to Mr. George Skirrow Beecroft, Mr Abraham Horsfall, and Mr. H. S. Smith. The club soon afterwards ceased to exist, in consequence of its being declared to be illegal.October 4 1871. The Roundhay Park estate was offered for sale, and the Mayor, representing the Corporation of Leeds, in accordance with the decision of the Council and a public meeting of ratepayers, became the purchaser of the mansion and pleasure grounds, including the lakes, for £107,000. He also bought Lot 20, by which an entrance to the park could be provided half a mile nearer Leeds. For this lot £32,000 was given, making the total sum expended £139,000. Of the forty-five lots offered, 28 were sold, the total sum realized being £170,545. The remaining 17 lots were withdrawn.I wonder what all the lots were. It would be appreciated if someone could provide a list of the lots, or a link to a list.

uncle mick · Post by **uncle mick** » Thu 04 Oct, 2012 5:05 pm

May I suggest Leo that if you have a library card you go to this linkhttp://www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/pages/online-r ... s.aspxThen go to 19th century newspapers. In the Leeds Mercury of Saturday 26th August 1871 there is all the info that you asked for.I have "snipped" bits from 19th century newspapers before but it is beyond my capabilities to "snip" the whole article.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Thu 04 Oct, 2012 7:02 pm

uncle mick wrote: May I suggest Leo that if you have a library card you go to this linkhttp://www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/pages/online-r ... s.aspxThen go to 19th century newspapers. In the Leeds Mercury of Saturday 26th August 1871 there is all the info that you asked for.I have "snipped" bits from 19th century newspapers before but it is beyond my capabilities to "snip" the whole article. Thanks uncle mick. The date is very helpful as I can look at some stage at the microfiche copies of the Leeds Mercury that are in the Leeds Central Reference Library (hopefully that issue is there).

grumpybloke · Post by **grumpybloke** » Fri 05 Oct, 2012 12:57 am

I wonder in what way the gun club was illegal? As far as I know the only laws at that time were anti-poaching. I think the plod could also nab you if they thought you were up to no good but neither of these apply here.