Shields Daily News, Thursday 12 November 1925 (page 5) reported: 'MEMORIAL PARK. Sir James Knott's Gift to Heddon-on-the-Wall. Major G. E. Wilkinson, on behalf of Sir James and Lady Knott, yesterday handed over the deeds and the gate-key of the new memorial grounds surrounding the war memorial at Heddon-on-the Wall. These were duly received on behalf Heddon Parish Council by W. Musgrove, Chairman of the Council, who was supported by Messrs H. Jackson. F. C. Charlton, and others present included Mrs and Miss Wilkinson, Mr C. H. James, the Vicar, the Rev. W. G. Pringle, and Mrs Pringle. Mr C. H. James briefly introduced Major Wilkinson, and paid tribute to the uniform kindness and generosity shown by Sir James Knott. Major Wilkinson said that he might sum up the feelings inspired by the new memorial park in three words: thankfulness, love and hope. They were thankful for the brave men who were not afraid to lay down their lives and thus preserve to others their beloved land. There was love for the noble spirit of self-sacrifice which was shown by them and which should be shown by those now living in security. There was hope that those who had done so much for their country might find their work had not been done in vain'.
Newcastle Daily Chronicle, Thursday 12 November 1925 (page 7) reported: 'MEMORIAL PARK GIFT. Heddon-on-the-Wall Village Ceremony. A memorial park, the gift of Sir James and Lady Knott, of Close House, Wylam, was opened yesterday afternoon at Heddon-on-the-Wall. Designed and laid out by Mr W. E. Anderson, head gardener to Sir James and Lady Knott, the park encloses the village memorial Cross, and is equipped with two shelters and seats. Regret at the unavoidable absence of Sir James and Lady Knott was expressed by Mr C. James of Rudchester, who presided over the opening proceedings. Major G. E. Wilkinson M.C., of Wylam, on behalf of the donors, unlocked the gate and declared the park open. He said that in providing that small park round the charming memorial which the Heddon people had erected, Sir James and Lady Knott felt that such a memorial required a frame or protection. Major Wilkinson was presented with a gold lock and chain, with key, as a memento of the occasion. Mr W. Musgrove, chairman of the Council, formally accepted the park on behalf of Heddon Parish Council, and a vote of thanks was moved by Mr H. Jackson'.
Blaydon Courier, Saturday 29 July 1916 (page 3) printed a lengthy report, which began: 'THE LATE MAJOR JAS. LEADBITTER KNOTT. MEMORIAL SERVICE. The widespread and sincere regret felt in many quarters at the death of Major J. Leadbitter Knott, the third and last son of Mr. James Knott, head of the Prince Line of steamships, and Mrs Knott, Close House, Wylam, was evidenced in a striking manner at the memorial service ai the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, Newcastle, on Thursday. Not only was every seat in the cathedral occupied by the many friends of the late gentleman in business, political, and social walks of life, but many persons stood during the service. There was a civic procession from the Town Hall, his regiment’s band, that of the West Yorkshires, attended, and a contingent of some 50 members of the Newcastle V.T.C., originated by Major Knott, in command of Capt. Harle, was present. Major Knott's success in business was extended in the Army, for he won the D.S.O. and was mentioned in despatches; and there is no doubt, had he not fallen in the field, that he would also have made a further name in the world of politics. He contested North-West Durham in the Unionist interest, and was at the outbreak of war the adopted candidate for the Hyde Division of Cheshire...' [The report included mention that: 'Prior to the service the 3rd West Yorks. band played "Regrets” (Paune) and “Di Mio Madre” (Campuana). The Bishop of Newcastle (Dr. Wild) conducted the service and read the lesson, being assisted by the Rev. R. W. Connor and the Rev N. Christopherson (Bishop's chaplain)'].
[The creation of the Memorial Garden/ Park was one of several gifts/ endowments to the parish from Sir and Lady Knott. The Newcastle Journal on Wednesday 22 December 1937 (page 3) reported: 'WAR-BEREAVED PARENTS ENTERTAINED The annual treat under the legacy of the late Sir James Knott for parents of men of the Wylam and Heddon districts who fell in the war was held at the Memorial Church Hall, Heddon, and was organized on behalf of the legacy trustees and Sir Garbutt Knott by Mrs A. Appleby, of Wylam, assisted by Miss Heslop. The mothers were entertained to tea, and the fathers to supper, and an entertainment followed. Each mother received gifts of a handbag, handkerchief, Christmas cake, ½ lb. box of chocolate, and a new threepenny piece, and the fathers each received a pair of braces, two handkerchiefs, and a cigar, and each family will receive the gift of a fowl for Christmas Day. During the proceedings the company sent a joint telegram of Christmas greetings to Sir Garbutt Knott, who is maintaining his late father's generous influence in the Exmoor district of Devonshire'].
