IN Saturday's Memories, we are revisiting the story of the stupid Hartlepudlians who hanged a monkey in 1814 in the belief that it was a French spy - a ridiculous mistake that has caused the people of rival towns like Darlington and Stockton to laugh at Hartlepool ever since.

However, new evidence from Tim Brown of Ferryhill has reached us that may be the Hartlepudlians weren't as stupid as everyone makes out. Maybe it was someone from another town who gave the order for the monkey to be hanged...

To understand the atmosphere of the time, Tim points us in the direction of William Fordyce's History of Durham, Volume One which was published in 1857. It contains a copy of the evacuation plans drawn up for the inland Durham village of Bishop Auckland in 1803, just in case Napoleon Bonaparte's men hove into view having landed at Hartlepool. The plans are very detailed, and probably formulaic - a template that could be used by any town perturbed at the thought of French invasion.

Durham Ward, Parish of Bishop Middleham.
INVASION:- In the present day, when the towns, villages, hills, and valleys of this country are undisturbed except by the struggles of commerce and the victories of science, it may be interesting to quote the following document, which was extensively circulated in this parish (as well as other places) when the invasion of England by Napoleon Bonaparte was momentarily expected:-
"In case of actual invasion, to lessen as much as possible the confusion that may occur, in consequence of an enemy landing on this coast, THE FOLLOWING PLAN, for removing the women, children, aged and infirm, and stock, is earnestly requested to be observed in the parish of Bishop Middleham.
Waggons and carts, first division. Station No.[1]  for  township.  On the signal being given, the first division of carts must immeadiately assemble in the [green] and draw up their horses fronting the [church] and when the whole division are ready, the carts to move off, following close after each other, in a line; but on [no] account must any cart attempt to pass that which is before.
Waggons and carts, [second] division. Station No. [2] for  township.  On the signal being given, must assemble in the [square] and draw up their horses fronting the [post house]. When the division moves, the division must follow it as soon as possible; but must not move before the division of carts has first moved. Each division to have a conductor, wright and blacksmith.
[Blanks [ ] are here left for the route and the signal, and a tabular form for entering the names of owners and drivers, the description of the carts and the horses.]
Each cart or wagon must have its own number, the station and division it belongs to marked on it; and come provided with a truss of hay; some straw; and, if possible, with a winnowing cloth, of large carpet; which, by the help of poles, may serve as a covering for night.
Those, who wish to receive the benefit of the above regulations, being previously furnished with a ticket, describing their names and the number of their children, are expected on the alarm given, to be at their proper station, with their blankets and a change of cloaths, bound up in the coverlid of their beds; with a direction on the same, describing their name, and the parish to which they belong. No one can be waited for.
All women, (except those who are sick, or near being confined,) who usually go out to harvest, will be considered as able to walk; and children, above seven years old, will not be suffered to ride, unless sick or tired.
A cart, for extra provisions, to last for a few days, until the first struggle is over, to attend at Station No.1 in each township.
The same signal, which assembles the carts, must be attended to by the cattle drivers; who must immeadiately repair to the rendezvous appointed, and observe the following directions; 1. To put a mark on the stock for the township. 2. To put on a private mark. 3. The rams must be clothed as for teasers.
[The place for rendezvous and rout.]
In order to facilitate the supply of provisions for the public service, each individual is desired to make out a list of what he can supply, that they may, as speedily as possible, be conveyed to the depot appointed.
The able-bodied men, not appointed to any of the above employments, are to arm themselves as well as they can, and remain in their respective townships, to await the orders of the high sheriff, or commander in chief of the district.