Sinderhope - Circa 1911
The old gate house at Sinderhope, built in 1838 to collect tolls on the Allendale-Allenheads turnpike road. In the first years of the 20th century, Henry Robson (left) was in partnership with Jack Reid as joiners prior to the Great War.
Henry was called up to the Royal Flying Corps but his joinery skills meant he was of great value in repairing the wooden-framed aircraft of the Corps and thus he was spared the horrors of the trenches.
After the Great War, Henry worked in Sipton Mine. Subsequently his son, Herbert Robson, worked in a shop in this old gate house.
Information supplied by William Robson, a descendant of Jack Reid.
Sorry, Herbert’s Father,Henry,was in partnership with Jack Reid(Jack o Hopehead) before First World War. I think it’s him on left.He was called up and served in RFC,Thankfully his trade spared him the slaughter and horror of the trenches,he was a joiner,repairing the woodframed string bag air craft,There was no land fit for heroes to dwell when he returned,he then went to work at Sipton Mine. The day book and account books hand written in Jack,s beautiful copperplate writing are still in the family.For him he left his business,a wife and two young boys,and came home to a world changed forever .