Mysterious Murder on Edmundbyers common

When I saw the Hexham Ramblers advertising a walk in Edmundbyers, I jumped at the chance for a guided hike across the moors – I didn’t realise I was going to discover the scene of a mysterious murder on Edmundbyers Common dating from the 19th Century.

We met in the centre of the village behind the Derwent Arms pub. As I was doing my first walk with the Ramblers it was free – apparently you can go for three rambles before you have to commit to joining up. I was made welcome and along with around 20 fellow walkers we set off towards Hepple Hill and the turning where the Way of Light sign is.

As we walked behind Hepple Hill, I was dying to tell someone that was my holiday cottage and point out the amazing kitchen windows but everyone was in little groups and pairs chatting so I missed my chance to do some marketing ‘in the field’.

We followed the track across the moors. The going was fairly muddy and wet. I have done this first section of the walk many times. My mother lived at Hepple Hill Cottage for 20 years and being able to get straight out on the moors has always been a real bonus of the cottage.

I had never kept going, though, and was really looking forward to the return stretch which cuts through a hidden valley and passes several interesting ruined farmhouses.

As the walk progressed, I found I had several walking partners and the transition between them was seamless. If I said it was like speed dating (not that I have tried it) I would be creating the wrong impression but I liked the way you chatted to someone for a while and then they drifted off into a different group and you magically found yourself talking to someone new! I have never been out with the Ramblers before and can certainly recommend the Hexham branch. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. 

After about four miles quite challenging walking across the moors we reached tarmac – the road to Baybridge near Blanchland. Here we looped back towards Edmundbyers and now were on the trail of the abandoned farmhouses and the scene of the murder. This little valley is a treasure and can not be seen from any road. Even though I have lived in the area for years, I had never investigated. I shall definitely be coming back.

The Ramblers stopped for a breather and a sandwich at the ruin of Sandyford which is where I took this picture. I slipped up – the murder took place at Belmount which is the second dilapidated farm you come across. Getting the correct photograph is another reason for me to return. 

So this mysterious murder on Edmundbyers took place  on New Year’s Day in 1880. The victim was the memorably  named Robert Snowball. He was 26 and lived at the remote farm with his father and the housekeeper Jane Barron. As is reported in the Tales of Derwent Dale, Robert was a joiner as well as a farmer and had a workshop in a room above a cow byre. On the afternoon of the 1st he reportedly went to see a neighbour and failed to return that night. In the morning blood was found dropping onto the ground floor of the byre from the ceiling above. The grizzly discovery was made – Robert was found with a large wound to the back of his head and a fractured jaw. In Tales of Derwent Dale, it is reported that the wounds were made with a large hammer similar to those used for breaking stones in road making and it was supposed that the murderer had approached from behind and struck the fatal blow while Mr Snowball was looking in a cupboard.

The housekeeper Jane Barron was later charged at Stanhope Police Court with his murder but at her trial at Durham Assizes she was acquitted. Little detail is given in The Tales of Derwentdale so I guess some more research is needed. I would love to know what they said her motive was.

Robert Snowball is buried in Blanchland Churchyard. His inscription reads:

Erected in affectionate remembrance of Robert Snowball of Belmount, aged 26 years. He was cruelly murdered at the place in the 1st January 1880.

The walk continues towards Edmundbyers and passes another interesting farmhouse – Pedham’s Oak. This farmhouse which has been empty for decades is Grade II listed and still has its impressive porch.