The minutes are available on microfilm at NYCRO on MIC 2488 – 001 DC/STY I 1/1

Introduction

The Stokesley Rural Sanitary Authority was first established in 1873, and would become the Stokesley Rural District Council in 1894. It covered a large area including Yarm, Stokesley, Great Ayton. To the north it included Ormesby, Marton and Nunthorpe, to the south it stretched to Bilsdale Midcable. To the west were Crathorne and the Rountons, to the east Kildale and Ingleby Greenhow.

Meetings were held in the Board Room of the Stokesley Union Workhouse at Springfield.

From 1873 to 1877 John Cail was the chairman, followed by James Emerson from 1877 to 1891, and finally by William Winn from 1891 to 1893. Members were appointed from the constituent habitations; it is not known how the members were selected. The members of the Stokesley RSA from Great Ayton were Robert Barker from 1873 to 1880, Thomas Eeles from 1880 to 1881 and finally William Winn from 1881 to 1893. It is difficult to tell from the minutes whether the members were supposed to represent their town or village, or whether they were meant to be impartial.

In the extracts below not all meetings have been mentioned, only those with a direct bearing on Great Ayton. Only the minutes relevant to Ayton have been included, sometimes summarised and sometimes transcribed verbatim.

Most of the work of the Authority was about ensuring clean water supplies and proper drainage. Well water would be analysed and improvements sought when it was found contaminated, as was often the case. Drainage and disposal of sewage was a perennial problem. New houses had to have proper arrangements for clean water and disposal of sewage. There were many problems over the keeping of pigs and the storage of manure, and byelaws regulating such activities. At present no copies of the byelaws have been found, but they were quite extensive judging by the fact that there were byelaws numbering at least into the 90s.

Extracts from the Minute Book

15 March 1873

First meeting of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

The Stokesley RSA was set up under the authority of the Local Government Board and, by an order dated 11 November 1843 (the date must be incorrect, perhaps 1842?), they had to send particulars of their body to the Local Government Board.

They would pay an Inspector for the whole Union £30 a year and a Medical Officer for the whole Union £40 per year.

21 June 1873

Meeting of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Wm Guthrie Forbes appointed Medical Officer of Health at a salary of £40. Joseph Mellanby Mease appointed Inspector of Nuisances at a salary of £30.

22 November 1873

Meeting of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Overseers of Parishes were directed to pay their Union contributions set at ½ penny in the pound. Great Ayton £6325 at ½ penny in the pound £13..3..6

Little Ayton £1225 at ½ penny in the pound £2..11..0

Ordered that a special meeting be convened for the 6th December next at a quarter before 2 o’clock for the purposes of appointing a Parochial Committee for the Township of Great Ayton.

20 December 1873

Follows adjournment of meeting on 6 December.

Confirmed that John Cail, Robert Barker, Wm Hebron, James Coulson, John Watson, Harry Richardson, Wm Harbottle and John Donaldson be appointed a Parochial Committee to examine and report on the state of the Drainage and Sanitary state of the Township of Great Ayton.

14 August 1875

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority

Resolved that the Inspector give notice to Joseph Wilson of Great Ayton to have the stables under the dwelling house occupied by Robert Rider and others renovated and effectively drained

List of contributions

Great Ayton Brought forward £15..00..00 due £15..00..00 Little Ayton Brought forward £2..13..00 due £3..00..00

11 September 1875

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that proceedings be taken against Joseph Wilson of Great Ayton to compel him to put the houses occupied by Rider, Turner, Cooper in a proper sanitary condition.

It was also resolved at this meeting that in future all sewage work to be laid in glazed sanitary pipes and that all communal drains from private property be also laid with the same.

16 January 1876

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Inspector of Nuisances to write to Stockton Sanitary Board re the case of scarlet fever imported into the district from Elton.

12 February 1876

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Contributions due: Great Ayton £15, Little Ayton £3.

3 June 1876

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the undermentioned Gentlemen be appointed as Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton namely Robert Barker, John Peacock, Jeremiah Thistlethwaite, William Nixon, Ralph Dixon, John Richardson, James Pearson, John Donaldson and William Augustus Loy.

13 August 1876

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that this authority confirm the minutes of the Ayton Parochial Committee recommending that the drain in California up to the House in the occupation of John Harbottle be extended from that point to the junction of the road with Gisbro’ Lane and that the work be at once proceeded with.

Resolved that notices respecting the requirement of the act relating to infectious diseases be printed and circulated in the Union.

9 September 1876

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the minutes of the Great Ayton Parochial Committee relating to the main drain at Ayton be confirmed.

4 November 1876

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

The minutes of the Great Ayton Parochial Committee having been read stating that the Main Sewer there had been completed.

Resolved that the clerk write to Thomas B Eaton of Tocketts near Guisbro’ informing him that he has taken no notice given him by the Inspector of Nuisances requiring him to drain into the main sewer at Ayton and request his attention to the matter.

Ordered that cheques for the undermentioned amounts be given and debited to the parish of Ayton and credited to the Treasurer:

W H Dixon £6..16..4 Geo Crossley £7..0..0 R Wood £2..0..0

James Langton £56..0..4 Alexander Iley £36..17..9 Total 108..14..5

This is presumably the cost of constructing the sewer to California.

2 December 1876

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Ordered that a Contribution order for the sum of £108..15..4 (note the sum is wrongly written here!) be issued to the Overseers of the Poor of Great Ayton being the amount of the special expenses recently incurred by that Parish and what they directed to pay the same on 11th day of January next.

13 January 1877

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

It appears from the Treasurer’s Book that the Overseers of the Poor of Great Ayton have paid to the Treasurer the sum of £108..15..4 being the amount of the call made upon them in respect of the special expenses incurred in that parish.

Resolved that the clerk write to the Guisborough Sanitary Authority that they are not at present inclined to join them in the appointment of a Medical Officer.

10 February 1877

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that notice be given to Mr Eaton to discontinue the agricultural drain from the brick pond in communication with the main sewer at Ayton.

6 May 1877

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the following Gentlemen be appointed to the Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton. Robert Barker, John Peacock, J Thistlethwaite, William Winn, John Richardson, James Peirson, John Donaldson, William A Loy.

2 June 1877

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Minutes of the Parochial Committee of Great Ayton related to the drain in Bridge Street and the lower part of the village be approved and that the Committee and Inspector be authorised to receive tenders and let the Work.

8 September 1877

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Authority sanction the sinking of a Well opposite the Buck Inn at Great Ayton and that a pump be put down and that the drain to Harbottles property at Great Ayton be proceeded with.

Resolved that a cheque for £3..8..6 to be given to P Bradley for cutting a drain at Great Ayton and that the same be debited to the township of Great Ayton and credited to the Treasurer.

Resolved that a Contribution order for £94..11..7 be issued to the Overseers of Great Ayton being the amount of special expenses incurred in that parish.

Contributions from the several parishes: Great Ayton £12..0..0

4 October 187

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

The accounts of the undermentioned persons for cutting a drain and supplying materials thereto at Great Ayton having been examined.

That cheques be given for the respective amounts and debited to the parish of Great Ayton as special expenses and credited to the Treasurer.

Thomas Peart £3..17..0 William H Dixon 5..10..8 Alexander Iley 45..17..1

That the Clerk write to Mr Coulson of Gt Ayton and inform him that unless he at once complies with Mr Mease’s Notice relative to draining into the Main Sewer at Gt Ayton the Authority will take proceedings against him.

1 December 1877

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that Contribution Orders for the sums mentioned below be issued to the Overseers of the undermentioned arishes being the amount due from such parishes in respect of Special Expenses and that they be directed to pay the amount on 29 Dec next.

Great Ayton £33..17..0

Resolved that a cheque for £37..19..6 be given to William Henry Dixon being the amount expended in fixing a Pump etc at Great Ayton and that the same be debited to the parish of Gt Ayton and credited to the Treasurer.

4 May 1878

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Mr Hanley – Public Analyst £2..2..0 fee for two samples of pump water

1 June 1878

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the drain from the Alm House be carried forward to meet the New drain near to J Harbottle’s property, the old drain being broken in several places the length of the new drain being about 200 yards.

7 September 1878

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that a cheque for £138..2..9 be given to W H Dixon being the amount of sundry bills paid by him in respect of the Great Ayton Main Sewer and for his attendance looking after the same and that the same be debited to the Great Ayton Special expenses account.

5 October 1878

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that 2000 Copies of the precautions for the prevention of infectious diseases prepared by the Medical fficer of Health be printed.

28 December 1878

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that byelaws for the parishes of Stokesley, Great Ayton, Great & Little Broughton, Carlton, Rudby, Swainby and Yarm be agreed and application be made to the Local Government Board to confer Urban powers upon the said parishes and Sections 42, 94, 187, 188.

3 May 1879

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the following Gentlemen be appointed a Parochial Committee for the parish of Gt Ayton. Robert Barker James Peirson

John Peacock John Donaldson J Thistlethwaite William A Loy

William Winn William Hauxwell Ralph Dixon

6 September 1879

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that a clause be inserted into the Model Byelaws requiring all persons intending to build new houses to furnish a plan showing the proposed water supply.

Resolved that the Clerk forward the following letter to the Local Government Board asking their opinion as to water supply namely

‘I am instructed by this Authority to ask you whether this authority is bound to supply water to a block of cottages in a village, or can the authority compel the owners of the cottages to provide a supply at their own cost.’

27 December 1879

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the minutes of the Ayton Parochial Committee respecting the water supply at the East End of the village be confirmed.

15 May 1880

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Resolved that the Parochial Committee for Great Ayton and the following Gentlemen viz: James Emerson A Kitching

Isaac Wilson J S Pennyman Revd J Collins E H W Finch

Geo Marwood Henry Richardson J B Hodgkin

Be appointed a special Committee to consider the letter of the Revd J Collins with respect to the Cemetery at Ayton and the parochial Committee as requested to call a meeting of the above Committee.

26 June 1880

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Seals of this Board be attached to the Byelaws made by the Authority with respect to the cleansing of the footways and pavements, the removal of house refuse and cleansing of earth closets, privies, ashpits and cesspools, nuisances, Common Lodging Houses and new streets and buildings in that portion of the Rural Sanitary district of this Union which comprises the contributing places of Great Ayton, Great & Little Broughton, Hutton, Stokesley and Yarm.

7 August 1880

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that no steps be taken by this Board with respect to Ayton Burial Ground and that the Minutes of the Parochial Committee be confirmed.

8 January 1881

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Overseers of the said parish be directed to pay the required amount to the Treasurer by 15. 1. 81. inst. Great Ayton – £16

2 April 1881

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that an advertisement be issued stating that Byelaws are now ready and will be deposited at the House of Joseph Longstaff, Great Ayton.

14 May 1881

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton:

Robert Barker James Peirson John Peacock John Donaldson J Thistlethwaite William A Loy

William Winn William Hauxwell Ralph Dixon Thomas Eeles

Resolved that the Clerk write to the Ayton Parochial Committee asking them to carry out their scheme for the drainage of California.

25 June 1881

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Seal of this Board be now attached to the Certificate of the Provision of Water Supply to James Brown’s House in Little Ayton.

6 August 1881

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Minutes of the Ayton Parochial Committee of their meeting held 5th August 1881 respecting the drainage of Great Ayton be confirmed.

Resolved that the plans submitted by Mr Leonard for alterations in his Dwellinghouse at Great Ayton be approved.

Resolved that the Clerk write to Joseph Smith and John Sawyer, Eaton Row, Great Ayton and John Bailes, Post Office Building and Joseph Nichols and state that their pigs are kept contrary to the Byelaws and request that the same be discontinued at once.

1 October 1881

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the plans produced for the erection of a new house by J M Lennard at Great Ayton be approved. Resolved that the Clerk make application at once for the loan for the drainage of Great Ayton.

Resolved that the Clerk write Messrs Alexander Rowlett Architects that on receipt of duplicate plans for the Cliff Rigg House this Committee will sanction and mark same.

18 February 1882

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the question of the approval of the plans for the new cottages at Ayton handed in by Mr Winn stand over until the next meeting.

1 April 1882

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Resolved that the plans of Edward Wilkes house at Great Ayton be approved.

13 May 1882

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the following Gentlemen be appointed a Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton: Robert Barker James Peirson

John Peacock John Donaldson J Thistlethwaite William A Loy

William Winn William Hauxwell Ralph Dixon Thomas Eeles

At this meeting Wm Guthrie Forbes was reappointed Medical Officer of Health for three years at a salary of £60 per annum, subject to the approval of the Local Government Board.

24 June 1882

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Local Government Board letter respecting the Ayton Sewerage be referred to the Ayton Parochial Committee.

Resolved that the plans submitted by Mr Grierson for a new House for Mr Longstaff at Ayton be approved.

Resolved that the Inspector give Notice to several parties living in California Ayton to obtain a purer supply of water.

5 August 1882

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk write to the Local Government Board in answer to their letter of the 8th ult respecting the Great Ayton Sewerage. That the Surveyor has instructions to alter the plans for enlarging the tanks and to bring the sewage all to one point in accordance with the suggestions and so soon as the plans are completed they will be forwarded for approval.

30 September 1882

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk write William Bimlow and George Stevens, Bridge End, Ayton to discontinue keeping Pigs contrary to Byelaws.

11 November 1882

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Inspector give notice to Mr Spearey of Ayton to provide a water supply to his new property there. Resolved that the plans of the Caretakers Cottage to the Ayton Cemetery as approved subject to the well being sunk at the distance required by the Byelaws.

23 December 1882

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk acknowledge the receipt of the Local Government Boards letter respecting the sewage scheme at Ayton and state that the improved plans will be forwarded in about a week or ten days and that the delay has arose from the change of Ownership of the land where the Inspector recommended the tanks be placed.

31 March 1883

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the plans for the drainage of Great Ayton be approved subject to the approval of the Local Government Board.

12 May 1883

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the following Gentlemen be appointed a Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton: Robert Barker James Peirson

John Peacock John Donaldson J Thistlethwaite William A Loy

William Winn William Hauxwell Ralph Dixon Thomas Eeles

Resolved that the Clerk make application to the Public Works Loan Commissioners for leave to borrow £800 instead of £700 for the purpose of completing the Sewerage Works now proposed for the Parish of Great Ayton.

7 July 1883

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk write to the Local Government Board that their letter of 25th June last has been considered by the Ayton Parochial Committee as well as by this Authority and they find it utterly impossible to carry out the views expressed in their letter owing to the level of the surrounding land and that the present plans are in accordance with the views of their Inspector.

Resolved that the Clerk write Messrs Conway & Fidler, Builders, Middlesbrough to remove a nuisance accumulated on their premises at Great Ayton by the stoppage of drains.

Also to write to John Sawyer, John Drinkhall and Thomas Johnson all of Ayton to remove the accumulation of Manure deposited contrary to the Byelaws.

4 August 1883

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk request the Parochial Committee of Great Ayton to give attention to the Water Supply of Great Ayton especially in California.

29 September 1883

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Resolved that the question of Ayton Sewage stand over.

Resolved that the Clerk write to John Bennison, Ayton not to contravene the Byelaws by loading Manure contrary thereto.

10 November 1883

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk write to George Maycroft, Great Ayton warning him as to the keeping pigs, having an accumulation of Manure contrary to Byelaws.

Also to William Hopper, George Nichols and Richard Bulmer, California, Great Ayton also John Pringle, Mill Road for keeping pigs contrary to Byelaws.

22 December 1883

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk give notice to the several owners named in the list now handed in by the Inspector respecting the state of the highways in front of and adjoining their premises in Great Ayton requesting them to repair the street at once.

10 May 1884

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Gentlemen be appointed a Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton: Robert Barker James Peirson

John Peacock John Donaldson J Thistlethwaite W A Loy

William Winn William Hauxwell Ralph Dixon Thomas Eeles

2 August 1884

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the minutes of the Great Ayton Parochial Committee of their meetings held the 20th June and 4th July the latter recommending that Mr Hodgkin be written to asking him to make provision so as to prevent the sewage from the Almshouses passing into the riverlet in the Back Row and also recommending that a cesspool be made at the end of the back row be confirmed.

20 December 1884

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Chairman: John Cail

Contribution for General Expenses issued to the Overseers of Great Ayton to be paid on the 22 inst £15. Resolved that the question of the Sanitary state of the Gutter behind Mr Smiths at Ayton stand over.

17 January 1885

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Complaint was made by the Inspector of neglect of some of the inhabitants of Great Ayton to comply with the Byelaws requiring them to remove snow off the footpath.

28 March 1885

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk write to Edward Swales, Stokesley, William Seymour, Great Ayton, Frank Redman, Great Ayton and Henry Cockerill, Great Ayton requesting them not to transgress the Byelaws by removing Manure contrary thereto.

9 May 1885

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union People appointed to the Great Ayton Sanitary Committee:

Robert Barker, John Peacock, J Thistlethwaite, William Winn, Ralph Dixon, James Peirson, John Donaldson, W A Loy, William Hauxwell, Thomas Eeles.

19 December 1885

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the matter of a sewer near the High Green Great Ayton be referred to the Parochial Committee.

16 January 1886

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

The contributions, orders be issued to the Overseers of the undermentioned parishes special expenses and that the several amounts to be made payable on the 16th inst. Includes payment to Great Ayton of

Ayton £3.11.3

27 March 1886

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

The Treasurer reported receipt of the Poor Law rates. £31.11.3 from Great Ayton Poor Law rates. For comparison some of the other receipts were:

Stokesley £6.12.10, Hutton Rudby £51.11.0

8 May 1886

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

People appointed to the Great Ayton Sanitary Committee:

Robert Barker, John Peacock, J Thistlethwaite, William Winn, Ralph Dixon, James Peirson, John Donaldson, W A Loy, William Hauxwell, Thomas Eeles.

3 July 1886

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

The attention of the GA PC be called to the need for a sewer to the side of Guelder Garth, Ayton.

31 July 1886

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the Inspector write Messrs Fidler and Conway asking them to open out the drain leading from their property in California, Great Ayton and to Mr Thistlethwaite to clean out the gutter below Messrs Fidler and Conway’s property. That the Clerk write Messrs Conway & Fidler asking them to attend to the opening of the drains and the removal of stagnant water from their premises at California, Great Ayton.

That Contribution Orders as under be issued and that the Overseers be requested to pay the several amounts on the 23rd inst.

Great Ayton £14

That the Clerk write to the Local Government Board and inform them that this Board considers the duties of the Medical Officer of this Authority cannot in any way be more efficiently carried out than they are at present. The board are satisfied that if the scheme proposed by Guisborough Union was put into force the duties attending to the office would not be carried out so efficiently as at present and would incur a considerable cost. This was when Dr Forbes was MOH.

Was this suggestion from Guisborough mentioned previously?

7 May 1887

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the following gentlemen be appointed a Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton: Robert Barker Ralph Dixon

John Peacock James Peirson

J Thistlethwaite John Donaldson William Winn William Hauxwell Thomas Eeles

2 July 1887

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the attention of the Great Ayton Parochial Committee by the Clerk as to the small supply of water in the Great Ayton Grey Well.

31 December 1887

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the Highways Board be allowed to place surface grates in the main sewers at Ayton and Stokesley as pointed out by the Inspector of Nuisances. This must be to drain surface water?

24 March 1888

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union That the plans for a new Hind’s House at Ayton for Mr Kitching be approved.

5 May 1888

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the following gentlemen be appointed a Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton: Robert Barker Ralph Dixon

John Peacock James Peirson

J Thistlethwaite John Donaldson William Winn William Hauxwell Thomas Eeles

That the Clerk write Thomas Eaton of Eaton’s Row, California pointing out that he has erected a stable and cart shed without notice to or plans passed by this Committee and call his attention to the Byelaws.

That the Clerk write J B Hodgkin pointing out that he has erected a new building at Ayton without having the plans passed by this Committee and call his attention to the 92nd and 99th Byelaws pages 65 & 69 and request him to deposit plans.

28 July 1888

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That contribution orders for general expenses for the undermentioned amounts be issued to the Overseers of the undermentioned parishes and that they be directed to pay the several amounts on the fourth day of August next. Great Ayton £13

Little Ayton with Tunstall £2

That plans of the Village Hall Great Ayton be approved and signed by the Clerk.

That the Clerk give notice to Mrs Eaton to removed the stable recently erected near their house. Is this reference to Eaton’s Row?

That the Minutes of the Ayton Parochial Committee of the meeting held 27th July be confirmed.

23 February 1889

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the Clerk write to Thomas Peart Ayton to provide a proper receptacle for manure made by his animals.

6 April 1889

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That certificates of sufficient water supply be granted to Leonard Bennison for a house at Broughton, A E Kitching Ayton and Captain Temple Low Worsall.

20 April 1889

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Mr Winn gave notice that he would move that a Sanitary Committee be formed for the Union and that the Clerk give notice to each guardian for a meeting to be held on 4th May for that purpose.

That this meeting be adjourned to the 4th May.

4 May 1889

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Proposed by William Winn seconded by William Nellist that a Sanitary Committee be appointed for the Union. There were 12 members, presumably one from each larger parish, Chairman James Emerson, Vice Chairman William Winn. That the following gentlemen be appointed a Sanitary Committee for the parish of Great Ayton.

Robert Barker Ralph Dixon George Bradley John Donaldson

J Thistlethwaite William Hauxwell William Winn Thomas Eeles

Contribution orders for special expenses included Ayton £10..12..10 Contribution orders for general expenses included Ayton £13.

27 July 1889

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union That the nuisance at California Great Ayton be referred to the parochial committee.

5 October 1889

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Mr Fawcett moved Mr Winn seconded and carried that the Clerk advertise in the York Herald twice that a Medical Officer of Health at a salary of £40 per year will be appointed for this Union on the 2nd November. The existing MOH (Forbes, who was also the Stokesley GP) had died.

Mr Mease and the Ayton Parochial Committee arrange a meeting with Mr Hutchinson of Ayton to try to arrange terms as to the drainage of his premises.

2 November 1889

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Mr W G Forbes Executors requested the payment of the last pay cheque for the MOH position.

Proposed by the Rev George Prowde seconded by William Nellist and carried that William Metcalf Yeoman be appointed Medical Officer of Health for the Stokesley Union for one year at a salary of £40 per year subject to the approval of the Local Government Board. Yeoman would be the local GP and the MOH.

That the question of extending the sewer outlet at the lower part of the village of Ayton and also Mr Hutchinson’s drainage stand over.

That the plans of outbuildings at Ayton belonging to Mr A E Kitching be allowed.

28 December 1889

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the Clerk and Mr Wynne Finch draw up a reply to the Local Government Board’s letter respecting the salary to be paid to Dr Yeoman.

22 February 1890

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Mr Nellist proposed and Mr Anderson seconded and carried that Dr Yeoman be paid £40 per year for his services without a view to repayment.

Mr Finch proposed and Mr Prowde seconded that £60 be paid to Dr Yeoman.

That the Inspector write Mr Thistlethwaite to remind him that his drains are put in contrary to the requirements of the Bye-laws.

5 April 1890

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the Inspector take proceedings against Herbert Wilson of Ayton for damaging the pump at Ayton by placing stones therein providing he can satisfy himself as to the evidence.

3 May 1890

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the following gentlemen be appointed a parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton. William Winn Thomas Eeles

William Harbottle William T Donaldson John R Forster Frederick Robson

9 August 1890

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Received from Great Ayton 6 shillings.

29 November 1890

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Mr Sowerby proposed and Mr Handyside seconded that William Metcalf Yeoman be appointed Medical Officer of Health for three years subject to the approval of the Local Government Board.

2 May 1891

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union William Winn appointed Chairman.

That the following gentlemen be appointed a Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton. William Winn Thomas Eeles

William Harbottle William T Donaldson John R Forster Frederick Robson Orders for contributions

Great Ayton £14..10..00 Little Ayton and Tunstall £3

27 June 1891

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

That the Inspector’s letter denying the liability of this Board respecting the alleged damage to Mr Eaton’s property at Ayton be forwarded to Messrs Bainbridge & Barnley in reply to theirs of 17th instant.

30 April 1892

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union William Winn elected Chairman.

That the following gentlemen be appointed a Parochial Committee for the parish of Great Ayton. William Winn Thomas Eeles

William Harbottle William T Donaldson John R Forster Frederick Robson

Ordered Dr Yeoman to attend next meeting to explain why he had called attention of Local Government Board to necessity of appointing Scavenger for Yarm and Stokesley, and neglected to send the additional report required by the Board.

Resolved that the Clerk write the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children that our Inspector has enquired into the cases referred to in the report of their Inspector and although finding that the houses are not in a cleanly state our Officer finds a sufficient air space for the present occupants as shewn by the tabulated account of the Space in each case.

23 July 1892

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Appointed George Johnson as scavenger at Stokesley, without a salary.

1 October 1892

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Precepts to be paid

Great Ayton £14, Little Ayton with Tunstall £3. Total collected £182.

12 November 1892

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that a letter from the Local Government Board respecting the sanitary arrangements at Great Ayton be referred to the Great Ayton Parochial Committee.

Ordered that the Clerk write the Local Government Board in reply to their letter, that their letter has been forwarded to the Great Ayton Parochial Committee for their consideration.

Resolved That the plans submitted by Mr Martin, Buck Hotel, Great Ayton, for the erection of a shed be approved. That the letter from Mr Dixon, Great Ayton, was read and Mr Mease was requested to attend to it.

24 December 1892

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

The following plans were submitted and approved viz: Plans for the Cottages of William Pearson, Park Square, Great Ayton, Great Ayton School Gymnasium & Laboratory, (and others) be approved.

That the reply to the Local Government Board respecting the alleged pollution of Ayton Beck stand over.

4 February 1893

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

It was carried that the Authority would adopt the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act 1889 and that the same would be published in the Yorkshire Herald of the 11th instant. The following is a copy of the notice.

Stokesley Union Sanitary Authority

Notice is hereby given that at a Meeting of the above Authority held after notice had been given to every member thereof in the manner prescribed by the Statutes in that behalf, at the Union Offices, Stokesleyon Saturday the 4th day of February 1893 a Resolution of which the following is a true copy was duly passed and entered on the minutes viz:

Mr J H Handyside moved and Mr Wm Winn seconded and carried that this Authority adopt the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act 1889, and that this Resolution be published in the “Yorkshire Herald” of the 11th February instant, and by Handbills and Notices to be affixed to the principal doors of every Church and Chapel in the District to which Notices are usually affixed, and that this resolution come into operation on the 11th day of March next.

The following is a definition of the diseases to which the Act applies, namely: Small-pox, Cholera, Diptheria, Membranous Croup, Erysipelas, the disease known as Scarlatina or Scarlet Fever, and the fevers known by any of the following names – Typhus, Typhoid, Enteric, Relapsing, Continued, or Puerperal.

The following is an extract from the Act above referred to:

Section 3 (1) “Where an Inmate of any building used for human habitation within a District to which this Act extends

is suffering from any Infectious Disease to which this Act applies, then, unless this building is a Hospital in which persons suffering from an Infectious Disease are received, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say: (a) “The head of the family to which such inmate (in this Act referred to as the patient) belongs, and in his default the nearest relatives of the patient present in the building or being in attendance on the patient, and in default of such relatives every person in charge of or in attendance on the patient, and in default of any such person the occupier of the building shall, as soon as he becomes aware that the patient is suffering from an Infectious Disease to which this Act applies, send notice thereof to the Medical Officer of Health of the District.”

(b) “Every Medical Practitioner attending on or called in to visit the patient shall forthwith on becoming aware that the patient is suffering from an Infectious Disease to which this Act applies, send to the Medical Officer of Health for the District a Certificate stating the name of the patient, the situation of the building, and the Infectious Disease from which, in the opinion of such Medical practitioner, the patient is suffering.”

(2) “Every person required by this Section to give a Notice or Certificate who fails to give the same, shall be liable on summary conviction in manner provided by the Summary Jurisdiction Acts to a fine not exceeding Forty Shillings.” By Order, Geo Gibson, Clerk, Stokesley 9th February 1893

1 April 1893

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that notice be given to Captain Brittain of Great Ayton requiring him to prepare a proper place for depositing manure on his premises, in accordance with the Byelaws of this Authority.

That the Clerk write the Local Government Board in answer to their letter of 25th March that the Parochial Committee for the Parish of Great Ayton are taking steps to put down several ventilating pipes which it is hoped will do away with any further cause of complaint.

29 April 1893

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Clerk write Mr D Bottomley requesting him to attend to his manure pits near to the Wooden Bridge Great Ayton without further delay, or this Authority will take the matter up.

Charges for the half-year included Great Ayton at £1..17..9 and Little Ayton with Tunstall at 7s 6d.

13 May 1893

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union Great Ayton Parochial Committee appointed:

William Winn Thomas Eeles

William Harbottle William T Donaldson John R Forster Frederick Robson

8 July 1893

Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that Posters warning people against depositing Rubbish in the streams mentioned therein be posted in the various villages to which they refer.

That the Cesspools at Great Ayton be cleaned out.

That the Clerk be requested to ascertain & report to this Authority who is responsible for calling the Parochial Committee together & the proper method of carrying on Parochial Committee business.

5 August 1893

(This appears to be the last meeting of the RSA before it was effectively converted to the RDC.) Meeting of the Committee of the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Stokesley Union

Resolved that the Resolutions of the Great Ayton Parochial Committee be confirmed. That the Plans for alteration of The Grange at Ayton were submitted and approved of.

The final entry in the Minute Book is a register of Common Lodging Houses in the Stokesley Union. There were six in Stokesley and two in Yarm. None in Great Ayton.