Fascinating folk
February 2023
Firsts and pioneers
Newcastle is home to some trailblazing individuals including February focus Joseph Cook.
Cook, born in Silverdale immigrated to Australia in 1885. A miner and trade union official he became Prime Minister of Australia in 1913. He was one of sixty six people who signed the peace-making Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War I.
Our other focus Isaac Cottrill, established Newcastle police force in 1834. In 1836 he produced a directory remarkable at the time for its detail. It is still used today by researchers. Cottrill earned the gratitude of the townsfolk for protecting them from the 1842 Chartist Riots raging in the nearby Potteries. His later life was not without controversy!
Do you know any other ground-breaking Newcastle folk?
You may have heard of Hugh Bourne, founder of Primitive Methodism at Mow Cop.
Thomas Mayer opened the first veterinary surgery in Queen Street, Newcastle in 1812. He and his son led the campaign to secure a Royal Charter of the Veterinary Profession in 1844.
Also, Wolstanton resident Henry Faulds. He helped introduce Lister’s antiseptic methods in Japan and a key figure in the discovery of fingerprint identification.
What's on
Fascinating folk of Newcastle film show: Firsts and pioneers - Joseph Cooke
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Thursday 16 February 2023 - 2:00pm to 3:15pm
A special archive film show from Ray Johnson looking back at the pioneer Joseph Cooke.
Book tickets
Fascinating Folk of Newcastle talk: Isaac Cottrill
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Thursday 23 February 2023 - 2:00pm to 3:15pm
A special talk by Julie Bagnall about the life of Isaac Cottrill, Newcastle's first police officer.