1870
Constable Alexander Todd and the County Bailiff came to seize Elisha Sinkler’s property, resulting in a fight and the subsequent arrest of Jack Sinkler.
Having returned from Australia, the Sinkler brothers were living together at The Knott, Pateley Bridge. The property had formerly been the local workhouse, but a new workhouse had been built to replace it (which is now the site of Nidderdale Museum).
Following a dispute over rent for land belonging to Pateley Bridge Union, the County Bailiff was sent to exercise a warrant for goods from Elisha Sinkler.
When Constable Todd and the Bailiff arrived, Jack Sinkler told them to “go to hell” and went back inside the house. The Sinkler’s housekeeper, Mary Harrison, locked the door. When Jack came back outside, he was armed with a cudgel and hit Constable Todd on the hand.
Constable Todd was unable to subdue Jack Sinkler, so went back down into Pateley Bridge for an arrest warrant. He asked a friend of the Sinklers to try to convince them to come quietly to the police office. Elisha Sinkler had already given himself up. Jack was arrested and charged with assault. The case against Elisha Sinkler and Mary Harrison was dropped the following day. Jack was later convicted and sentenced to 6 months hard labour.
Main Image – Former home of the Sinklers at The Knott
