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Social Life, pt.1
The greatest influences on social life in the dales were the Methodist Church and the lead mining companies. Typical
male pastimes of cock and dog fighting, wrestling, other blood sports, and time spent in the pub began to lose their
popularity with the rise in Methodism and the growing "paternalism" of the mining companies (the companies were able
to exert considerable power over the lives of their employees). Sports such as hare hunting with hounds continued in
their popularity along with horse racing. The mining companies were staunch supporters of the more disciplined sport
of cricket. Town halls, Institutes and Reading Rooms became all-male alternatives to the public houses with the rise
in Methodist teachings of teetotalism.
Chapel was not only the centre of the religious life in the mining-farming communities, but also the centre of the
social life. Choral groups could be found in almost every community. These groups often gave concerts after which
there would be a supper. It was customary to have a collection rather than charging a fixed price for the concert
and supper, so that sometimes an extra special feast could be laid on and if people could afford to give more they
did.
Learn more about Social Life in Old Rookhope, or proceed to:
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