A Victorian Funeral in Arksey

 

The Memorial Book Of Sir Wm B Cooke, Bart.

One of the first topics I covered on this site was the Cooke family, whose influence and benevolence shaped the lives of Arksey people and the appearance of the village hugely. 

My article did not go unnoticed by the present members of the Cooke family, and I was delighted to be contacted by Catherine Cooke, a descendant of the Cooke's of Wheatley Hall. In addition to providing me with a few additional facts, she also directed me to the book pictured above, which is available via google books. 

The book gives a long and detailed account of the funeral and memorial arrangements of the 8th Baronet, Sir William Bryan Cooke, who died in December 1851. Thanks to the Victorian obsession with mourning practices, the book records many interesting facts surrounding the event. Not only is the funeral itself well described, other information, such as family background, his community work for the people of Doncaster, and how the town itself planned to remember this much revered gentleman, are all documented in the flowery style synonymous with Victorian writers. 

As a family historian as well as a local historian, the book was very interesting to me, and gave me snippets of information not found elsewhere. This has enabled me to update the Cooke family history on my article Cooke Family History, and has also afforded me the chance to cover this particular Cooke Baronet in more detail.

Contents

• Sir William Bryan Cooke, Bart
• The Death of Sir William
• The Funeral
• Events Following the Funeral
• The Memorial Window
• Mr Disraeli's Visit
• A Second Memorial

Sir William Bryan Cooke, Bart

Sir William was the son of the 7th Baronet, Sir George Cooke and Frances Jory Middleton, he was born on the 3rd of March 1782. As the second son of Sir George, William was not directly heir to the baronetcy, but when his elder brother George Augustus Cooke died in 1808 at the age of 37, William found himself first in line to the title, cutting his military career as a soldier short. He had entered the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, served in Sicily, and was an aide-de-camp to General Fitzroy, equerry to King George IV. He retired from this post on becoming heir-apparent to the baronetcy. 

Other military roles followed, when he had a short posting as Lieutenant Colonel in the First West York Militia. This was followed in 1811 by a post as Lieutenant Colonel in the 3rd West York Militia at Sheerness, then in Ireland. In the following year he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, after the resignation of his relative, Bryan Cooke Esq. of Owston, and remained in command until 1819. 

Sir William acceded to the title of 8th Baronet in 1823, following the death of his father Sir George.

In local government, Sir William took a keen interest, and he was unanimously elected as the first representative in the Town Council (Mayor), under the provisions of the Municipal Bill. He was also duly voted in as the first chief magistrate, under the new system. On accepting office, he declared that the custom of the wearing of hats and gowns should be abolished. In 1837 Sir William was elected as an alderman of the Corporation of Doncaster, a post he was to turn down when elected again a year later, due to the illness of his daughter Louisa Janetta, who sadly passed away at her home in Madeira in 1838. Doncaster Corporation accepted his resignation, and in view of the high esteem in which he was held, it was decided that Sir William should have his portrait painted and displayed at the Mansion House. A local artist by the name of William Beetham Esq. son of Joshua Beetham, wine and spirit merchant, was selected to complete the portrait. 

Sir William Bryan Cooke, by William Beetham

As a Liberal Whig, Sir William fought hard for the rights of the people, and had an influential role in the matters of the Corn Laws of the 1820's, the Catholic Relief Act of 1829, and the Reform Act of 1832. Following a difference of political opinions with the Yorkshire Liberal Party, he severed his active political links with the party in 1835.

Sir William's interest in the success and prosperity of Doncaster continued, and he led many events connected with its history. To list just a few of them, he was vice president of Doncaster Dispensary, an earnest promoter of the Doncaster Savings Bank, chairman of the Board of Guardians of the Doncaster Union, and he took a great interest in the formation of the Deaf and Dumb Institution, being its patron and an active member of the committee. In 1827, at the laying of the foundation stone of Christ Church, Sir William made the following speech:

"In the presence of the Great Architect of the Universe, and this assembly, I declare that this stone deposited as a foundation for a church to be called Christ Church, is duly and properly laid; and may the Most High God sanctify to his people the solemnities of this day."

Christ Church Doncaster, consecrated 1829

As High Sheriff of Yorkshire 1845-1846, Sir William sustained the dignity of this office with honour, but it was to the many benevolent institutions in the town, from churches, to schools and beyond, that he was most remembered. He was Master of the Lodge of the free and accepted Masons, St George's Lodge, No. 298; and as such, was invited to lay the foundation stone for the New Markets in May 1847. Unable to leave his carriage, Mayor Milner acted on his behalf.  

Sir William's estate at Wheatley was originally purchased by the Cooke family from the descendants of Sir Robert Anstruther. The second baronet, Sir Henry Cooke, built the house in about 1680. Many alterations were made over the years, but none more-so than those made by Sir William. In 1830, the Bentley and Arksey inclosure bill was brought into operation. This was a great addition to the Wheatley estate, but came at a cost. Sir William spent a considerable sum, exceeding £50,000, on improvements to the estates. The improvements made to the farm residences of his tenants, were said to be so superior of character, that they would serve as patterns and examples to all owners of landed property throughout the country.

Wheatley Hall

 

The Death of Sir William

The memorial book does not record the illness which led to Sir William's death, but it does mention that the 8th Baronet was struck down by a 'severe attack', at the end of November 1851. The doctors who attended him were John Morey, Esq. and Dr Thompson of Sheffield, but it seems they could offer only temporary relief to Sir William. He grew weaker by the day, until Christmas Eve 1851; with his family by his bedside he uttered the following words:

"If I have enjoyed a long life, there are none who have lived a happier one." 

He passed away at ten minutes past ten, on the morning of Wednesday the 24th of December, at Wheatley, he was aged sixty nine. 

 

The Funeral

The date chosen for the funeral and interment of Sir William was Tuesday the 30th of December. Although the family wished for it to be conducted as privately as possible, it soon became apparent that the people of Doncaster wanted to pay their respects to his memory, and many people could be seen making their way down Thorne Road towards Wheatley Park. 

At ten o'clock the coffin was placed on the hearse, with the household looking on. The long cortege was headed by four back horses, mounted by Mr Wilkinson (as the representative of Mr Maw, the undertaker), Mr Reed, coach-builder, Mr Belk, cabinet-maker, and Mr Walker, plumber. They were followed by four mutes, the hearse, and the mourning coaches, in the following formation:

Mr Reed.                                          Mr Wilkinson.

Mr Belk.                                             Mr Walker.

Four Mutes  

HEARSE

Bearers                                                                   Bearers

FIRST MOURNING COACH  

Sir William R C Cooke, Charles Cooke Esq. 
Sir Charles Monck, P Davies Cooke jnr. Esq.
SECOND MOURNING COACH  

Mr Monck, George Ramsden Esq. 

Captain Ramsden, R.N. Rev. G Eyre. 

THIRD MOURNING COACH  
(Pall Bearers)

Sir Joseph Copley, Bart. H Milner Esq. 
         W Battie Wrightson Esq. M.P. Charles Stuart Esq.           

FOURTH MOURNING COACH
(Pall Bearers) 

C Bland Esq. T Walker Esq. 

Charles Jackson Esq. Rev. J D Preston.

FIFTH MOURNING COACH 
R P Milnes Esq. R J Coulman Esq. 
(Pall Bearers) 
Rev. John Sharpe. D. D.     Rev. H J Branson 
(vicar of Doncaster)     (rector of Armthorpe)

  SIXTH MOURNING COACH

                                           W Tindall Esq. (steward). John Collinson Esq. (solicitor)
                                            James Dunhill Esq. John E Morey Esq. (family surgeon)

Mr Marriott, house steward.

Sir William's private carriage.

The Mayor and Corporation.

The gentry and tradesmen of the town.

The militia staff, consisting of Sergeant-Major Hodgkinson, Sergeant Hopkinson, Sergeant Wright, 

Sergeant Foy, Sergeant Cocker, and Sergeant Raeburn.

PRIVATE CARRIAGES, viz.

Mrs Walker, Wilsic.

Sir J W Copley, Bart. Sprotborough.

W Battie Wrightson, Esq. M.P.

Wm Aklam, Esq. Warmsworth.

E B Denison, Esq. M.P.

C D Faber, Esq.

J F G Cooke, Esq. Alverley.

J W Sturges, Esq. Beechfield.

R. J. Coulman, Esq. Wadworth Hall.

Mr Bower, Broxholme.

G C Yarborough, Esq. Campsmount.

H Y Parker, Esq. Streethorpe.

                                                                    

The procession set off through Wheatley Park, to the Thorne and Doncaster turnpike road. At the gate were assembled several villagers from Armthorpe, who took great interest in the passing procession. On approaching Christ Church, many more joined the procession, increasing its length considerably.

Unfortunately, there are two pages missing from the book, so the description of the progress through Doncaster is missing. We pick up the story as the procession nears Arksey.

Groups of people dressed in deep mourning, had been congregating in Arksey churchyard all morning. As well as the locals there were those from farther afield too, such as the founder of the Yorkshire Deaf and Dumb Institution, the Rev. W C Fenton; among others attending were, Rev. Robert Sharpe of Loversall, and E H Bower, Esq. of Broxholme.

At twelve o'clock, the procession could be seen crossing the railway line opposite the station. Several Arksey people wishing to join the procession, arranged themselves at each side of the road, at the end of the village; these included Mr Barraclough, the schoolmaster, and several others. As the procession passed they joined in front of the people of Doncaster, who were proceeding on foot. The minute bell sounded at intervals as the villagers filled every available space around the churchyard.

As the cortege reached the entrance, the church wardens, Mr Workman and Mr Skelton, led the tenants as they filed up on each side of the pathway leading to the south door.

The coffin was met by the Rev. John Soresby, vicar of Arksey, as it was carried in by the bearers, who were all senior workmen, employed on the estate. The pall-bearers were those named in the list above. There followed the chief mourners and personal friends, followed by the tenantry and tradesmen.

The Cooke family vault is contained within the chapel at the end of the north transept, which contains the remains of Sir George Cooke, father of Sir William, and also the remains of Sir William's elder brother, George Augustus Cooke, who had died in 1808 at the age of 37. The principle vault is beneath the vestry, and a stone placed at the opening bears the date 1788.

The coffin was placed in the transept, in front of the Cooke family pew, the mutes stood on each side of the coffin, and the undertakers stood in front. When all the mourners had been accommodated, the service commenced.

Following a moving epistle, the focus of the proceedings moved to the vault. The coffin was lowered to the floor of the vault, beside that of his father, and the chief mourners gathered at the edge of the vault to hear these words, spoken by Rev. Soresby:  

"For-as-much as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take the soul of our dear brother here departed."  

The service was brought to a close, and the mourners took one final farewell and departed. The number of people crammed into the church was so high, that it took more than an hour before all had taken their leave.

The following is the inscription on the coffin shield:

'Herein is the body of SIR WILLIAM BRYAN COOKE, Bart. and Lord of the Manor of Arksey, and patron of this church. He was born on the 3rd of March, 1782, and died on the 24th of December 1851.'

Events Following the Funeral

It is clear from the memorial book, that Sir William was held in the highest esteem in the Doncaster area, and this was demonstrated in various ways, long after his funeral day had passed.

The first memorial event was held on Sunday the 4th of January 1852, when Rev. John Sharpe, D.D. composed a special sermon to the late Baronet. The memorial service was attended by the Mayor, and  Corporation officials. As well as more immediate friends of Sir William. The book contains the concluding remarks of the sermon only, which in themselves are fairly lengthy, indicative of a sermon which must have taken some considerable time to deliver.

Four sonnets were composed in memory of Sir William, by James White, one of which I present here, while the another concludes this article.

Fair Wheatley Woods are hung with deepest gloom.

There comes from out each dark and lone recess

The wail of lamentation and distress,

Borne on the bosom of the wind's low boom.

Within the Hall each tongue is mute,-the doom

    Of desolation drear; and noiseless press

    The feet along the floor of lonliness,

Still voiceless, sad, as is itself the tomb.

And sleep, the comforter, the eye forsakes;

    Silence and death, twin sisters, link their hands;

The sunlit day the gloom of night partakes;

    And sorrow, turned to marble, tearless stands.

His eye is closed, and passed the passing breath;

And good Sir William sleeps, the sleep of death.

In other events, the Doncaster Board of Guardians held a vote of condolence at the Guild-Hall on Saturday the 10th of January 1852.

Mr White, bookseller of Baxtergate, Doncaster, announced his intention to publish the Beetham portrait of Sir William as an engraving, with the permission of the Mayor and Town Council. The idea was well received, and Mr White was requested to place 108 names of notable figures in Doncaster society on the subscription list.

The copy of the picture was very successful, and well received, as the Doncaster Gazette of January the 23rd 1852, describes it as-

"A fine engraving of the late Sir William Bryan Cooke."

"This striking picture will be feelingly and faithfully re-produced;- thus affording the inhabitants of Doncaster an easy way of illustrating their homes with a life-like portrait of an old, revered, and familiar face."

The engraving, by Thomas Lewis Atkinson

 

The Memorial Window

On Saturday the 3rd of January 1852, a few admirers of Sir William gathered in one of the lower rooms of the Guild-Hall, to discuss how best to testify their respect to the memory of the late Baronet. With the wishes of the surviving relatives to be anticipated, they carried  the following resolution:

"That subscriptions be solicited in the town and neighbourhood for the purpose of filling the west window of the Parish Church (St George's) with stained glass, as a memorial of the late Sir William Bryan Cooke."

In brief, the money was raised, through subscriptions, and the design, tendered by William Wailes, for the sum of £600, was chosen.

It soon became apparent that in order to carry out the restoration work on the west window, the organ, which was positioned directly in front of it, would have to be moved. A suitable location was found in the North Aisle of the Chancel, but it was necessary to raise more money, through subscriptions, for the work to commence.

The organ, and the gallery on which it stood, were taken down in 1852, and the organ was re-sited in the Chancel. The memorial window was put in place during November 1852, and was much admired.

The design of the window depicted the tree of Jesse, or illuminated chart of the genealogy of Christ; the memorial book goes into great descriptive detail of the figures, colours and content of the design. Near the bottom of the window were displayed various arms of the Cooke family. Below these, and running the full length of the window, were the following words:

"TO THE HONOUR OF GOD'S HOUSE, AND THE MEMORY OF SIR W. B. COOKE, BART. THIS WINDOW WAS DEDICATED. A.D. 1852."

Mr Disraeli's Visit

On Monday, January the 24th, 1853, the Right Hon. Benjamin Disraeli. M.P. (future Prime Minister), and Mrs Disraeli, visited Doncaster to view the new memorial window at St George's church. They were staying with Robert Pemberton Milnes of Fryston Hall, a man who had taken great interest in the window, and was the largest contributor.

Following luncheon at the vicarage, as guests of the Rev. John Sharpe, the guests were escorted to the church to view the window. Although Sir William Cooke was not personally known to Mr Disraeli, he had learned of his character, and thought the window a worthy compliment.

Benjamin Disraeli

Just over one month after Mr Disraeli's visit, disaster struck, when, on the night of February the 28th, 1853, St George's church was almost completely destroyed by fire. The whole of the west end of the church completely collapsed, taking with it, the newly installed memorial window. It had only been in place three months.

The estimated loss stood at £100,000, and the building was not insured. The fire had started due to a fault in the heating system, and even though fire crews travelled to Doncaster from York, by the time they reached the town, there was nothing they could do to save the building.

The church was, of course, rebuilt from designs of Sir George Gilbert Scott, and the new building was completed in just four years, at a cost of over £45,000. As for the memorial window - all we have left is the detailed description in the memorial book.

Illustration of St George's following the fire of 1853

A Second Memorial

There had been proposals for a second memorial to Sir William, since the window was first discussed. Suggestions put forward were, for either a ward to be named after him at the new infirmary, or for annual prizes to be awarded to the school children of Arksey. Following the destruction of the memorial window, it was decided, in April 1853, to adopt the idea of prizes for Arksey.

The board of trustees for the Cooke Charity at that time were, William Battie Wirghtson, Richard Heber Wrightson, Philip Davies Cooke, John Walbanke Childers, Thomas Walker, and George Cooke Yarborough, Esqrs. Money contributed to the venture was invested in the purchase of £334.14s. in stock, Three per Cent. Bank Annuities in the names of the trustees. The agreement was that the dividends arising from the stock would be used to purchase books, and have them bound at the direction of the trustees. These books would be called "Sir William Bryan Cooke's Prizes". They would be given to boys and girls at the school, at yearly meetings.

For how long theses prizes were awarded is not known, but it seems fitting that the school children of Arksey, should have received such prizes in the name of a man who's family did so much for the poor of Arksey.

And Wheatley woods shall whisper still of thee;

    The bud of spring,- the summer leaf,- the hue

    Of ripened autumn, shining through the dew,

And winter's solemn face, though sad to see;

The wave of corn; the woodland minstrelsy;

    The Park,- the Grove,- as seasons fade, renew;

    The mighty oak, the elm, the linden, yew;-

Yes,- from the harebell to each timber tree.

With these thy name shall be associate still,

    And speak, though mute, in accounts eloquent,

Through every change of time, of good and ill,

    With beauty mingled and with goodness lent:-

We bend to that high Will, in mercy given;-

Sad Wheatley weeps,- but, Arksey points to heaven.

For more on the history of the Cooke family go to Cooke Family History.

To read the memorial book in full follow the link to the Google Books site.

Alison Vainlo 

First written 2012, updated 2020.