1803, (Jan 4.) - Died in Union street, Newcastle, aged 77, Mr. Luke Long, of eccentric and facetious memory; better known by the appellation of Doctor Long. At an early period of his life, he had been a surgeon's mate in different ships on the coast of Africa; and hence, his exploits, adventures, and hairbreadth escapes, became ever after, particularly on convivial occasions, the common topics of his prolix conversation. After he became stationary in Newcastle, he was for some time employed as an apothecary in the town ; but from the various improvements that had taken place in the science, ( the doctor strictly adhering to the old school, ) his business gradually dwindled into insignificance, and he was afterwards obliged to stock his shop with ribbons, tapes, blacking balls, brushes, etc, in addition to those of Daffy's Elixir, Anderson's Pills, Worm Cakes, etc. etc. which singular medley would have formed a very curious catalogue. The doctor was very garrulous, and had something to relate of every person and subject. Very early in life, he was a candidate for popularity, as the following notice, which was circulated in the year 1759, will testify : - "Mr. Long, surgeon, on the High bridge, Newcastle, will bleed any poor person, gratis, at his house, every Sunday morning, from seven to ten, during the summer seasons."

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Britain, perceived to be under the treat of invasion, declared war on France on 18th May 1803. The First French Empire under Napoleon opposed 'the Third Coalition', an aliance made up of the United Kingdom, the Holy Roman Empire, the Russian Empire, Naples, Sicily, and Sweden.

Aug. 2. - The committee, who received the enrolment of members to serve in the Newcastle Loyal Armed Association, finished their sittings, after having sworn in upwards of 1200 men, who had boldly come forward to serve their country at that important crisis. Aug. 24th, the members, consisting of ten companies, were marched from their respective parades to the Town Moor, to receive their colonel Sir M. W. Ridley, bart. The corps was then formed three - deep, and though without their uniforms or muskets, made a formidable appearance. On the arrival of the worthy colonel in front of the line, he was most cordially cheered with three times three by the whole corps. About the middle of October they received their muskets, and on the 24th, had a general muster for the first time under arms, in a large field near the Postern - gate. Their uniform consisted of a scarlet jacket, with blue facings, cap and feather, white breeches and full black gaiters. Nov. 22, the corps marched to the Town Moor, for the double purpose of receiving their colours, and being inspected by colonel Blakeney, inspecting field - officer. Sir M. W. Ridley, on delivering the colours to the ensigns, made a very appropriate speech; the inspection then commenced, after which the corps went through the various evolutions with great precision. The colonel, after the business of the day was over, presented each company with 10 guineas, to make merry with on the occasion. There was also a grand dinner at Loftus's. During the inspection, etc. the Newcastle Volunteers kept the ground.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

1803, (Aug. 9.) - Died at Newcastle, Mr. William Charnley, aged 76, bookseller, and father of the trade in that town; highly and justly respected for his literary and professional talents, his strict integrity and social worth: His view of human nature was enlarged and liberal, and the native dignity of his mind was tempered with the purest urbanity. Mr. Charnley, on behalf of the public, strenuously advocated their rights to the valuable library at St. Nicholas' church, Newcastle, bequeathed by Dr. Tomlin.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Aug. 15. — John Moses was executed at Durham, pursuant to his sentence for stealing a quantity of linen-drapery goods in the shop of Benjamin Jackson of Barnardcastle.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Sept. 15. - Greatham hospital, in the county of Durham, which was endowed in 1272, was entirely rebuilt, the foundation stone of which was laid on this day. 

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Sept. 23. - Died Mr. Joseph Ritson, a native of Stockton, born Oct. 2, 1752. Mr. Ritson was bred to the law, but a passion for ancient English poetry, rhyme, and ballad, induced him to become an indefatigable collector in this department. He abstained on a principle of humanity from the use of animal food, and published a book in defence of his opinion. He had a considerable turn for topography, and assisted both Brewster and Hutchinson in their respective histories. Many of Ritson's works (some of which were printed at Newcastle), are become extremely rare.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Sept. 26. Being the day appointed by Mr. Temple to celebrate the opening of his colliery at Jarrow, the fineness of the day, and the general invitation, drew many thousands of people to witness the passage of the coals to the ship Fox, which lay, highly decorated with colours, to receive them. Early in the morning, the South Shields bells announced the intended feast ; and all the ships in Shields harbour immediately hoisted their colours. About ten Mr. Temple arrived at Shields, to proceed with the shipwrights, attended by the Northumberland and Anglesea bands to the place of festivity, celebrated in early times, as the birth - place of Bede. Immediately on his arrival in the Market - place, the shipwrights took the horses out of the carriage, and drew him, attended by his father and three sons, to Jarrow, with flags flying and music playing. On Jarrow bridge, he was met by a large assemblage of gentlemen, headed by Sir Cuthbert Heron, bart., who greeted him on his arrival... Read full article

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

1803, (Oct. 4.) - The Newcastle Volunteers, commanded by lieut. - col. Clennell, assembled near the Forth to receive their colours, which had been deposited in the mansion - house at their previous disembodiment. Thomas Smith, esq. mayor, with a suitable speech, presented the colours to the commander, who addressed the corps in a handsome and appropriate speech, which was cheered by three times three. The corps went through their evolutions and firings with great precision. The peculiarity of the uniform worn by the company of riflemen, attached to the corps, attracted very general attention. Part of the Gateshead Volunteers attended to keep the ground. The corps afterwards dined at Loftus's, and spent the day with social mirth.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Robert Stephenson was born on 16th October 1803 in Willington Quay. He went on to become a famous civil engineer and railway engineer. His parents were George and Frances (née Henderson) Stephenson. He was the only son of George Stephenson, considered to be the "Father of Railways".

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Oct. 25. - Upwards of 150 waggons and carts, with their horses and drivers, enrolled in Newcastle for the service of government in case of invasion, were mustered upon the Town Moor, in the presence of the mayor, and several of the magistrates and other respectable gentlemen: The drivers were dressed in uniform frocks, and the whole had a good appearance.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Nov. 16. - The Gateshead Volunteers commanded by Cuthbert Ellison of Hebburn, esq. paraded in Oakwell Gate, preparatory to marching to the field, where they were to receive their colours. About half past twelve o'clock they arrived on the ground, which was previously kept by the Newcastle Volunteers, when the line was formed, the centre opposite the stand erected for the accommodation of the ladies. As soon as Mrs. Ellison, who presented the colours, had taken her station, supported on the right by the right honourable the earl of Strathmore, and on the left by John Carr, esq. she was received with a general salute, the ceremony then commenced by the regiment going through the manual exercise; after which, three sides of the square was formed by the corps, the stand in front making the fourth. The colonel then dismounted and ascended the platform, when Mrs. Ellison addressed him in an appropriate speech.....we cannot, within our limits, particularise every corps which came forward in the counties of Durham and Northumberland, on the re - commencement of hostilities, we shall briefly state, that almost every town and village furnished volunteers, who came forward with an alacrity truly astonishing....

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Dec. 20. - About 5 o'clock in the morning, a fire broke out in the Tyne steam engine paper mill, at Felling shore, near Gateshead, belonging to Messrs. Hawks and Co., which, in a short time, entirely consumed the stock, machinery, and buildings.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Dec. 27 - Died in the Infirmary at Newcastle, Thomas Houston, brass - founder, aged 26. He was the author of "The Race to Hell," "Progress of Madness," "Poems, Odes, and Songs," "The Term - day, or, the Unjust Steward," a comedy, and various other pieces of considerable merit. He was inter- red in the burial ground belonging to the Infirmary.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

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