Amhle and Hauxley. By J. C. Hodgson. 101 



but after the dissolution of the partnership, he became 

 involved in the affairs of 'the Old Bank.' At his death, his 

 widow and executrix found it imprudent to prove his will, and 

 his affairs were cast into Chancery. His fowling pieces, 

 carbine, pistols, 3 telescopes, microscope, globes, pianoforte, 

 bass violin, fishing rods, bows and arrows, barometers, and 

 swords were advertised for sale by auction,^- and his creditors 

 required to send in their claims to a master in Chancery.*^ An 

 elegy on his death appeared in the Newcastle Adoertiser of 25th 

 November 1797, and an entry in the minute book^* of the 

 Literary and Philosophical Society records his urbanity, his 

 virtues, and the extent of his knowledge, particularly in 

 natural philosophy. 



His wife was Jane, only daughter of Eev. William Swinburn, 

 vicar of Tinden, Essex, son of Surtees Swinburn of 

 Longwitton. They were married at Midhurst, Sussex, 2l8t 

 October 1762.*^ The newspaper of the day announces that "on 

 Tuesday Mr John Widdrington and his newly married lady 

 arrived at his father's house in this town."*^ Tradition says 

 her health was not robust, and that she might have exercise, 

 and for her comfort the long glass-house was built in the 

 garden at Hauxley. A tablet in the chancel of St. Andrew's 

 Church, Newcastle, records her death at the age of 82, on 

 the 6th September 1824. 



John Widdrington's will is dated 6th August 1783. He is 

 described as of Newcastle : he charges his lands in Hauxley, 

 Amble, Guyzance, and Alnwick, which were devised to him by 

 his cousins german, John and Nathaniel Widdrington of 

 Hauxley, with the payment of his debts, and with an annuity 

 to his wife : then as to one moiety, he devises the same to 

 Sarah Brown and her issue, and as to the other moiety to 

 Sarah Teasdale and her issue, with cross remainders : failing 

 issue to either marriage, remainder to " William Smith, younger 

 son of my cousin, William Smith of Worcester."*^ He devised 

 his house in Hanover Square, and his lands in Whickham, to 



** Newcastle Papers, 4th August 1798. 



^3 Courant, 31st July 1802. 



** Arch. ^1., Vol. X., p. 143. 



*5 Newcastle Journal, 30th October 1762. 



*^ Newcastle Journal, 20th November 1762. 



*' Of West Thirston Family. 



