The Richardson family were the landlords of Richhill from the seventeenth to the late nineteenth century. The last of the line, Mrs. Louisa Bacon, died in 1881. It is thought that the family papers then passed to a kinsman, Mr French, of Ballybay. When the house belonging to his family was burned down in 1925 the Richardson papers are thought to have been destroyed. The only autograph papers for members of the Richardson family are contained in the records of other families, for example the Achesons of Gosford. However, there is no positive proof that the family papers have been destroyed, so if anyone knows where they may be found, please contact the editor.

Wing Commander Stanley Towell was born in Richhill in 1917. During the Second World War he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for service with 159 Squadron in the Middle East, North Africa and India.

Aged 16, Stanley was dared by his friends to climb the huge chimney at the Fruitfield Jam Factory. Despite a fear of heights, which was surprising given his future career, Stanley ascended to the top and carved his name on a brick at the topmost point. Presumably, it is still there!

In the photograph of Stonebridge, Bob Graham’s father Mick Graham is on the left hand side sitting. Mrs Rowntree is beside her husband Charlie - both holding dogs. She was the brother of Abraham Graham, who was killed in World War One. Mrs Cassie Rowntree was one of about 14 children. .

I am very grateful to Ed Anderson who has identified Colin Turner as the artist who painted the image of the Fruitfield Chimney used on this site.

Colin was born in 1936.and died, aged 70, in 2006. His paintings regularly come up for sale at Ross’s auction house.

You can read about Colin’s life here on his web site.