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| Pocklington had a race track which went around the perimeter of the New Inn. The autobiography of George Boast the jockey, who was born in Pocklington in 1786, is an interesting insight into early horse racing. The following account appeared in The Racing Times, for February 15th, 1858. Pocklington produced many notable and prominent Jockeys of the 18th & 19th Centuries, including John Singleton born in 1715, one of the countries first leading Jockeys, Simeon Templemen was another prominant jockey who won the Derby. The New Inn racecourse was operating at least up to May 1842 as is shown by the cutting at the bottom of this page. Races were held from at least 1783 (see the remarkable picture of the 'Pocklington Plate' trophy at the bottom of this page). |
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Clipping taken from: Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle
Sunday May 08 1842 |
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This remarkable trophy is in the USA in private possession of a descendant of the winning owner (or possibly Jockey). The inscription reads 'Pocklington Plate won by Lively Bay 1783'. The initials GB, refers to Gideon Burton of Aughton near Selby, who was presented with the trophy. It also has the initials 'AJM' which are thought to have been added in 1894 by Gideon's grandson, Aaron John Mosey, whose family emigrated from Ellerton to the USA in the 1850s.
This trophy is likely to be one of the annual silver cups from the Pocklington racecourse at the New Inn. It also proves that Pocklington races were held as far back as 1783, and the hall marks perfectly match the 1783 date. The Maker's mark (Langlands & Robertson), lion passant, leopard's head w/crown,
Newcastle stamp, and date letter Q. (no sovereign's head; thought to have
started in 1784.) The date letter "Q" is thought to be for the time period May 1782-May 1783. The maker's mark is IL. A reference book on "Old English Plate" says John Langlands (Senior) and
John Robertson became partners in 1778. In 1795 John Langlands (Junior)
became partners with John Robertson (replacing his father John Langlands Sr). These two remained together only until 1795.
Thanks to Emily McBride of the USA for the above information and photographs (via Denise Mosey of Kirkella).
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