Steeple Lodge - a regular shopping trip - and a tragedy

The regular shopping trip was an event that took place at least once a week. In the 1920's - if not before and after - the lady of the house would walk there and back to Dodworth Bottom to buy vegetables, from the green grocers at the bottom of Pilley Hill - the shop is still standing but it is now a house. During her shopping trips the lady would visit my grandmother in the nearby Silver Street and during one visit she taught my mother how to bake bread - in a fire oven probably.

Names of each of the above parties are known and have been withheld in the interests of confidentiality - they could be made available - contact the Editor if interested.


The tragedy was the suicide many years ago of a seriously depressed lady whose self inflicted death was by hanging. To its immeasurable credit, the Barnsley Chronicle in an extensive report on the incident, treated the matter with compassion and dignity. We often think of days gone by as being 'rough and ready' times - but those privileged to read the account will I imagine be suitably impressed. Many years ago I knew the nephew of the unfortunate lady concerned and all his words about his aunt were warm and tender.

Names of each of the above parties are known and have been withheld in the interests of confidentiality - they will not be made available - except to provable family members

The Editor.