January 19th 1782

Any gentleman desirious of purchasing a commodious house for the convenience of fox hunting. Situated one mile from Thurlow Hall which is the residence of the Right Honourable Archibald Hamilton.
May be informed of particulars on application to J.Smith, surgeon, of Wickhambrook, Suffolk.

January 25th 1782

Corn prices at Bear Key. Wheat-36s-52s. Barley-17s- 19s. Rye 22s-25s. Oats-14s 6d to 18s. Beans-24s-26s. Tick Beans to 21s 6d. Tares to 25s. Fine flour to 40s.

January 31st 1782

Samuel Todd who was committed on suspicion of setting fire to Mr Paskell's barn at Earls Colne to go aboard a man of war.

April 15th 1782

Whereas a commission of bankruptcy is awarded and issued against George Cadge, late of Melford, Sudbury, a malster and a dealer and chapman is declared bankrupt and is required to surrender himself to the commissioner at the house of George Anderton at a place called the Angel in Bury St Edmunds where creditors will prove their debt.

April 28th 1782

On Saturday last was committed to our gaol at Bury, John Roberts of Sudbury, for robbing John Whittal of Melford and taking from him 9s in silver, he had two accomplices with him who we have heard are apprehended in Newgate.

September 12th 1782

To be sold by auction, the live and dead stock of John Chinery of Chilton Hall, Sudbury. 20 horses-8 milch cows-230 sheep-7 waggons and tumbrils- 9 wheel ploughs-8 foot ploughs-6 harrows-4 rolls- 40 sets of harness.

September 20th 1782

To be sold by hand by James Chaplin the live and dead stock belonging to William Ruffle at Baston Hall in the parish of Acton. 3 fine road horses-6 cart horses-5 cows etc. Also about 6cwt of last years hops and a quantity of new year hops.

October 9th 1782

Just arrived-to be seen in a large carrivan during the fair, the surprising Worcester heifer, 3 years old, the most curious production of nature, it has two heads, 4 horns, 4 eyes, 4 ears, 4 nostrils from which it breathes.two mouths by which it takes sustenance with both mouths, one head represents a bull the other a cow. Ladies and Gents-1s Servants etc 6d.

October 24th 1782

Deserted from his Majesty's 88th regiment, Samuel Oyborn, labourer, born in Cavendish, Suffolk, aged 24 years, 5ft 6", fair complextion, brown hair, hazle eyes, brown coat, leather breeches. Who apprehends him shall receive 1 guinea reward over and above what is allowed by Parliament.

October 24th 1782

To be sold by Joseph and William Oliver on the 28th of October and the five following days-all the house-hold furniture and stock in trade of the late Mrs Mary Oliver at her dwelling house at Sudbury, consisting of 400 lots of linen drapery, millinery, haberd, calculated for the trade and private families, bed spreads, various hangings, fine goofe and other feather beds, chairs and tables, cheft of drawers ans glaffes, brewing utensils, beer casks, the whole will appear in a catalogue to be seen three days before the sale at the Lion at Melford, the Swan, Lavenham, the Fleece at Boxford, the Bell at Castle and Sible hedingham, the Cock, Clare and at Mr Woolfey's at Yeldham.

November 7th 1782

To be sold, the household furniture belonging to Samuel Ruffell at Wittingham Mill at Melford, Sudbury.

November 14th 1782

At Bury Assises. When Theobald now in custody for the murder of Mrs Philips at Eriswell was in the cart and being brought to Bury Gaol, he addressed himself to Munfell who had been concerned with May and Theobald in other offences but who had refused to take part in the last iniquitous act and turned evidence against them, saying " damm, you Munfell, I am sure of death but you shall not live for long".

November 14th 1782

Whereas William Settle a labourer of Pentlow did abfcond on Sunday the 27th of October laft and left his fanily chargeable to the Parifh without applying to the Parifh for relieve. The faid William Settle is 38 years old, 5ft 10", of palifh complextion, thin brown straight hair, walks rather ftoopingly, had on when went dark fnuff coloured coat with buttons and a cape of the fame colour, white woollen waiftcoat, old pair of leather breeches. Whoever will difcover the said William Settle and give notice to the Parifh officers thall receive reward of 1 guinea.

December 5th 1782

Next meeting of trust for the turnpike road from Bury St Edmunds to Sudbury will be held in the Swan Inn at Sudbury on Friday, December the 20th. Seven trustees required to be present and while the tolls arising at the Melford gate erected on the road will be lett to farm in the manner directed by Parliament. They will be lett by auction to the best bidder on producing sufficient sureties for payment of monies.

December 26th 1782

John Bixby begs leave to inform his friends and the public in general that he has entered the Swan Inn at Melford,(late in the occupation of Thomas Underwood) he has a large assortment of good wine and liquors and hopes for the continuance of their favours.

January 2nd 1783

Cavendish School. T.Seabrook who has been for many years assistant to Mr Brown begs leave to inform his friends and the public in general that on the recomendation of the late Master of the Trustees he has been appointed to succeed Mr Brown who has retired from the business. The school will open the usual time for the reception of boarders and careful attention will be paid.

January 23rd 1783

Early on Monday morning, the 6th, the shop of Thomas Lee and John Fitch, butchers of Lavenham were broken open and robbed of several joints of meat and their tallow bags. The shop of Mr Buck the baker of the same place was also broken open and robbed of flour and bread etc, the shop of Mr Making was broken open and robbed of 3 dozen mens and womens stockings, dowlas, linen and cloths to the amount of £ 10.The shop of Mr James Raynham, butcher and slaughterman of the Black Lion in High Street was robbed of several joints.

January 21st 1783

At Mark Lane. Wheat to 58s 6d. Barley at 31s 6d.

January 29th 1783

On Wednesday last were committed to our Gaol at Bury by Steven Oliver esq of Sudbury, Samuel Larke and Steven Oxer, two privates soldiers from the Suffolk Militia for breaking open the shop of Thomas Hawes the Mayor of Sudbury and stealing a quantity of linen.

March 26th 1783

At Suffolk Assizes. James May and Jeramiah Theobald otherwise Hasel for murdering Mrs Philips at Eriswell sentenced to death also Samuel and John Roberts, labourers, for robbing John Whitell of Melford, at a place called Rodbridge, between Sudbury and Melford, of 9s in silver. Samuel Oxer for breaking open the shop of Thomas Hawes the Mayor of Sudbury and stealing goods. Before the judge left the town, eight people were reprieved but the following were executed, James May and Jeremiah Theobald.

April 3rd 1783

Wanted at Bury. Wet nurse also Dry nurse between the age of 25 and 35 must be of good character, for a child of 1 month. Contact Mrs Rogers, bookseller, opposite the Market Cross.

April 24th 1783

Last Thursday there was an unfortunate accident in this town of Bury. A person whose house was infested by rats, spread a slice of bread with arsenic and laid it on the floor to poison them, his little boy rose early in the morning and seeing the bread on the floor he ate it, he laid in great agony till Friday morning then expired.

April 24th 1783

Joist cattle to be taken in at Thurlow Park on May 19th. Year old steers and heifers-15s.-2 year old ditto, 25s.- 3 year old upwards £ 1 11s 6d. Year old colts and fillies £ 1 1s 6d-2 year old ditto £ 2 2s-3 year old and upwards £ 2 11s 6d. Horses 3s a week, no stone colts to be admitted, plenty of water and shade.

April 30th 1783

Last week there died at Bath, S.Brise Esq of Clare and on Saturday his remains were brought from thence and interred at the same place.

June 8th 1783

On Sunday last an inquisition was taken on the body of Elizabeth Cadge of Melford who in a fit of lunacy drowned herself.

August 20th 1783

At Bury Assizes, Richard Smith was convicted of robbing Sarah Snell on the highway near Lavenham of a muslin apron and several other articles. Sentenced to death but reprieved before the Judge left the town.

October 2nd 1783

There was an inquisition taken at Ballingdon in Essex near Sudbury on the body of Mr Harwood, a millwright of the place who on the day before poisoned himself by taking two ounces of arsenic, he remained in agony for five hours then died. The jury brought forward a verdict of self murder. On Sunday morning he was buried in the crossway with a stake driven through his body near the pound on Ballingdon Hill, agreeable to the sentence which the law thought proper to denounce on those who are guilty of this enormous crime.

Note:- A remarkable late example of the punishment of 'Sepultus in via' in which the suicide was buried alongside the road. There was a widespread belief that the spirit of a suicide would not rest in peace, hence the stake through the heart. (ARMC)

October 16th 1783

To be sold 11 acres adjoining Gt.Cornard Heath.
Enquiries of Mr Edward Chinery at Gt Waldingfield.

November 13th 1783

Strayed or stolen from the ground belonging to Mr William Coker of Borley Hall in Essex. A black mare of the cart kind, about 9 years old, 14© hands with a hanging mane, long tail, had been lately wrung on the near shoulder by the collar. Whoever will give tidings of the said mare for that she may be had again and that if strayed shall receive 1 guinea and reasonable charges and if stolen any person who will give information of the offender or offenders so that they may be prosecuted to conviction shall receive 5 guiuneas to be paid by William Coker.

November 20th 1783

Mark Lane - Wheat to 44s.

November 26th 1783

Last night a calf jobber was stopped by two footpads between Honington and Pakenham, they rushed out of a grove near the road and fired their pistols at him and demanded money, he made his escape by the darkness of the night.

November 23rd 1783

Household furniture to be sold for Mr John Hayward at a farm called Deale at Stanstead near Hartest in Suffolk, also brewing and dairy utensils, beer casks and farming stock, viewing on morning of the sale.

November 23rd 1783

Yesterday Fe'nnight there was a melancholy incident at Diss, an over-drove bullock ran into the dwelling house of Mr Henry Struckforth, having no means of defending himself from the furious beast he was gored in a terrible manner, receivng violent contusions of his face from it's horns that he died.

January 15th 1784

Some day's since a young farmer in the neighbourhood of Newmarket was ploughing near the road when he saw an oysterman, he stopped him and pulled out his bread and cheese bought the barrel of oysters, paying him 3s 6d and sat down and ate the whole barrel of oysters and his bread and cheese and continued ploughing.

January 22nd 1784

At the Quarter sessions at Bury, William Ranson was found guilty of stealing 11 ducks the property of Ambrose Ruffel. He was ordered to be whipped in our market place this day until bloody. This sentence was carried out and he was discharged.

January 22nd 1784

On Friday last there died at Spains Hall near Becking in Essex, Mrs Walford, wife of W.Walford by who's death the estate of Spains Hall worth 700L per annum devolves to Ruggles Esq of Clare in this county.

February 26th 1784

A few days since there died at Tendering Hall, Stoke by Nayland, Mrs Rowley, mother of Admiral Rowley.

March 25th 1784

Isaac Bloomfield and Thomas Salter were charged by Richard Edgar on suspicion of stealing iron strakes, they were ordered to be sent to the hulks in the Thames to raise gravel for two years.

March 25th 1784

The prisoners in our gaol would like to return sincere thanks to those known and unknown people for beef and beer etc which they have received during the winter and contributing to their relief.

April 1st 1784

At Bury Assizes. Mathew Dare and Philip Sergeant for stealing a hog the property of Mrs Bowen of Edwardstone, sentenced to death.

May 6th 1784

Yesterday at Chilton near Melford there was an inquisition on the body of Edward Fisher who inadvertantly poisoned himself by eating a quantity of blue monkshood instead of green parsley.

June 3rd 1784

Early on Wednesday morning two felons, Thomas Bird and William Goddard, escaped from Ipswich gaol. They were not missed till a servant of Sir William Innes discovered a hole in a bed in his master's garden made by persons jumping from the gaol wall.

June 24th 1784

On Monday last the 63rd or the Western Suffolk Regt of Foot, lately returned from America and quartered in the town, received orders from the War Office to march to Newcastle on Tyne.

July 22nd 1784

On Saturday last, Joseph Banks was committed to our gaol by Edward Green of Chilton on the oath of William Jordan of Melford for burgaliously stealing six silver spoons and diver other goods from his dwelling house.

July 29th 1784

Yesterday at Stoke by Clare in a wheat field, there was shot through the head by accidental discharge of a gun, George Mayes.

August 5th 1784

Sentenced to death at Bury Assizes, Joseph Hartley for burgarly in the the home of Mr Luke Steed at Melford, also Joseph Banks for burgarly in the house of William Jordan also John Murrills jun for stealing two cows from Henry Laysell of Newton. Before leaving the town the Judge reprieved Murrills, the other four being left for execution.

August 19th 1784

On Wednesday last as Mr Oliver's stage waggon was going from Sudbury to London some villians got into it and stole a bale of goods. The waggoner seized one of them and a scuffle ensued when the other got a knife out and cut the waggoner in the face and made dangerous wounds in both his arms, some gentlemen were passing by and the villians decamped without the booty, the waggoner was lucky to escape with his life.

August 19th 1784

This day was the execution of Joseph Banks for burgarly at the house of William Jordan at Melford. At the place of execution he acknowledged the justice of the sentence. Joseph Hartley who was to have been executed got a respite of 14 days, he is only 17 years old on the day he was to have been executed.

August 8th 1784

John Murrills junior was committed to our gaol by Edward Green, charged with stealing two cows the property of Henry been executed got a respite of 14 days, he is only 17 years old on the day he was to have been executed.

August 8th 1784

John Murrills junior was committed to our gaol by Edward Green, charged with stealing two cows the property of Henry and Thomas Layzell of Newton in the county of Suffolk.

August 8th 1784

On Thursday the wife of Mr Horsly of Bulmer was going to Sudbury to see the elections, she was taken with a fit and died.

September 16th 1784

Last Friday a cricket match took place between Yarmouth and Bungay, Yarmouth winning with great ease, heading them by 136 notches. We do not think the game would have been so hollow had it not been for two gentlemen playing for Yarmouth side, Mr Edwards with who gained 98 notches with his own bat and Mr Barret with 57 notches.

September 23rd 1784

To be sold by auction. Household furniture for Mr Underwood of Melford, catalogues from the Swan in Sudbury, Shoulder of Mutton in Lavenham and the George in Cavendish.

September 23rd 1784

To be sold by auction the live and dead farming stock belonging to Charles Mills at Somerton near Hartest. 35 milch cows-1 bull-5 horses-waggons-tumbrils etc as Mr Mills is retiring.

September 30th 1784

Sale of live and dead stock belonging to Mr Handford of Truckets in Boxted near Hartest. 24 cows-30 shots- and pigs- ploughs etc, many new implements, to be sold by James Chaplin of Melford.

October 2nd 1784

Inquisition on the body of Ann Neville of Bures St Mary who in the state of lunacy, hanged herself.

October 14th 1783

To be seen during the fair at Bury on the Angel Hill, Mr O'Burne the astonishing Irish giant, standing nearly 8ft high.

November 4th 1784

To be sold by auction at the the Swan Inn at Melford, by virtue of a bill of sale belonging to John Bixby, all the household furniture.

December 2nd 1784

Fire broke out in the warehouse of Mr Watson's a yarn maker of Glemsford which was providentially discovered before considerable damage was done. In searching the warehouse they found under some straw, a piece of wood with a bundle of shreds, matches and other combustables fixed to it, there was little damage to the premises.
A suspicious person in the neighbourhood was apprehended but the magistrates were unable to substantiate the facts and he was discharged.

December 30th 1784

Tuesday fe'nnight an ox of 8 years old bred by Mr Stadish a grazier from Sudbury was killed by Mr Onley of St Johns Street in Clerkenwell, when it was dead it weighed 180 stone and yielded 34 stone of loose fat. Between 40 to 50 butchers from Smithfield went to Mr Onley's shop expecting to see the meat of this animal but were disappointed as not a joint remained unsold, some steaks from the rump brought the enormous price of 1s 14d? a pound.

January 27th 1785

The Prince of Wales lately made a promise of a sitting to Mr Gainsbourgh for Mr Coke of Norfolk in order to have a portrait of his Highness. The picture is to be the companion of a capital painting at Mr Coke's seat, he is to be portrayed on horseback and in armour or else in the martial habit which was worn in the 15th century about the reign of Richard 3rd.

February 17th 1785

To be lett immediately. A well known farm called Abbot's Hall in Brent Iliegh in Suffolk. 245 acres with 195 of it arable.

April 6th 1785

The following persons have been convicted of selling false and short yarn. Elizabeth East of Lavenham-Elizabeth Howlett of Melford-Alice Osborn of Cavendish-Sarah Payne of Sudbury-Susan Sarjeant of Waldingfield-Susan Andrews of Sudbury-Alice Smith of Melford-Susan Blackshire-Lydia Norman-Elizabeth Hartley-Susan Brockwell of Cavendish- Margaret Barnard and Ann Martin of Clare. All to pay the penalty of 5s this day.

April 6th 1785

Abraham Stow who was convicted of stealing 3L 4s out of the house of Joseph Rudland at Polstead to be executed here.
April 6th. To farmers by the King's patent-Ransome cast iron plough shares.

April 13th 1785

On Wednesday last, Abraham Stow was executed, at the place of execution he behaved with becoming fortitude.

April 27th 1785

On Friday there was an inquisition on the body of Robert Grimwood aged 70, a wealthy farmer of Westhorpe Lodge. On returning from Stowmarket the night before (having drunk freely), tis supposed his horse stopped to drink from a pond near the White Elm when he fell off and suffocated in the mud.

July 6th 1785

A melancholy accident happened at Boxford. A labouring man was driving a drug laden with timber down Sandy Lane, while attempting to hold the horses back he slipped and the drug went over his body. He leaves a wife and 7 small children.

July 13th 1785

To be sold under private contract, fituated in Cotton, within five miles of Stowmarket, a large market town, under lease to Mathew Mayhew, in Cotton, containing 195 acres (more or lefs) of good arable land, meadow and pasture land at a yearly rent of 140 L with excellent farmhouse, convenient buildings lately put in good repair.

September 7th 1785

Hannah Mofs of Waldingfield Parva-Hannah Cudberd of Lavenham-Mary Laflon of Glemsford-Sarah Goodel for selling false yarn and Hannah Butcher for having false yarn in her possession. All to pay 5s.

September 28th 1785

On Wednesday an inquisition was held at Glemsford on Stephen Boreham who was accidentaly killed by fallinf off a load of barley and at Bures on the body of George Good nearly two years old who accidentally drowned in a moat.

September 28th 1785

To be sold at the Balck Lion, Glemsford-part of the live and dead stock and household furniture belonging to Mr Plume of Braggins Farm in Boxted, also the stock and furniture of Mr Handford of Coat Farm in Glemsford. Both gentlemen are leaving business. Catalogues to be seen in the Black Lion.

October 19th 1785

On Thursday fen'night there died at Bradfield Hall, Mrs Young mother of Arthur Young, author of many publications on agriculture.

November 23rd 1785

Last Saturday, Mr Reement a farmer from Stanningfield went to look at his men at work, in going along he dropped down dead, He was not found until next day.

December 7th 1785

From the Swan Inn at Sudbury-a post coach will depart to the Bell at Castle Hedingham to the Queens Head at Bocking to the Bull Inn in Bishopsgate Street, London. Fares infides, 15s from Sudbury- 13s from Hedingham-11s from Bocking. 14lbs of luggage each passenger with 1d a lb extra. By Seth Bull and Co.

December 28th 1785

On Saturday evening last, as Mr William Powell jun. a butcher of Monks Illiegh was returning home from Sudbury market, much intoxicated with liquor, he lost his way and was found dead next morning on Wafhmoor Green near Lavenham, frozen to death, his horse and cart were found about half a mile from home.

February 11th 1786

Thomas Serjeant was committed to Bury gaol charged on the oath by William Wright a farmer of Waldingfield for stealing one bushel of wheat.

February 8th 1786

There was an iquisition at Alpheton on the body of Rachel Seelie who in a fit of lunacy hung herself.

February 15th 1786

Inqisition at Glemsford on Mary Causten a young woman who in a fit of lunacy hung her self.

Februay 15th 1786

There died at Cavendish, Mr Stephen Brown, for many years master at the grammar school there.

March 15th 1786

On Thursday last a fire broke out in the dwelling house of Mr Dutton, a miller from Finstead End near Hawkedon, it entirely consumed the same before any assistance could be procured.

March 29th 1786

At Bury Assizes no true bill against Thomas Serjeant, nine prisoners were condemmed to death but six reprieved before the Judge left the town.

April 5th 1786

There was an inquisition at Stoke by Clare on Jmaes Benson who was accidently licked by a horse.

April 5th 1786

Last week there expired in the arms of parsimony, Mrs Mason of Bures who left behind her not less than 1700L in ready fpecie, yet in her extreme narrowness of foul would not allow herself common necafferies.
Mark Lane wheat to 33s - Barley to 21s.

April 19th 1786

Notice is herby given that there will be a shew of horses and other cattle at Bulmer Tye in Essex, on Monday the first day of May next ensuing, where the company of gentlemen and farmers and dealers will be an esteemed favour by their humble servant John Bruce.

May 24th 1786

On Monday last there was married at Bromley in Kent, the Rev Richard Waddington the Rector of Cavendish to Mrs Wright the widow of the Rev Wright of Gt Waldingfield and niece to the late--Savage of Bromley.

May 10th 1786

Charles Abbot a servant of Henery Twight of this town was convicted and paid the penalty of 20s for going with a loaded cart through the place of Fordham St Martin on the Lord's day, a third part to be paid to the informer.

June 14th 1786

Wanted immediately a man of about 30 years (who has had smallpox)as butler at Harleston in Norfolk.

August 16th 1786

On Wednesday fortnight an unfortunate affray happened at Haverhill. Several farm servants had been playing cricket when a quarrel arose between one Stephen Boreham and another person, they agreed to fight, Abraham Goodland to be sidesman to Boreham and Robert Webb to the other, in the course of the battle the sidesmen quarrelled and went fighting, a few blows passing between them when Webb drew a knife and threatened the other antagonist and said he would stab him if he struck another blow, Goodland advanced to renew battle when Webb stabbed him with such violence into the bottom of the belly with such force the knife struck the backbone. The brother of Goodland ran to his assistance when the bloodthirsty wretch attempted to stab him and would have affected his purpose if bystanders had not caught hold of his arm. The poor fellow lingered until 4 on Thursday morning when he expired. The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of willful murder and he was committed to Chelmsford Gaol.

August 16th 1786

A few years since, Mr Stammers, an eminent miller and corn merchant of Clare was in the company of a number of farmers whom he was paying for corn purchases when he missed his purse containing 90L, every person present was searched but he could not discover the thief nor receive information till last Sunday when a letter to was put in Clare Post Office directed to him. On opening it he was informed that if he went to a certain place near his mill he would see three sticks placed in the ground, on taking up the tufts of grass between them he would find his money, he accordingly went and found the sum of money together with interest for the time, it was wrapped in an old stocking.

October 11th 1786

On Monday night between 6 and 7 at night, as Francis Fisher who works for Mr Parker, a shoemaker of Melford, was passing through the chuchyard of their town, he was followed by three men who blugeoned him and knocked him down and robbed him of 2 gns and a silver watch and four shillings, the watch has his named etched in the inside case, they ran off in the direction of the Coach and Horses. We think it is necessary to caution the inhabitants of this town and neighbourhood resorting to our fair to be on their guard as four notorious sharpers are watching for the opportunity to swindle the unwary.

November 29th 1786

The daughter of a lady of fortune in Suffolk had very imprudently been permitting to be brought to school by a servant in order that she may got to school earlier. She unhappily became aquainted with a worthless cobbler of this same place who in his vocation frequently took the measurements of servants feet and often observing the young lady who is about 14 years, in the kitchen. The cobbler is supposed to be about 40, foared at aquiring her perfon and took to repeatedly walking her to school, he cunningly got banns called at three different churches, on Wednesday morning he prepared to elope in a post chaise which was waiting in a lane at the back of the school when unluckily for Crispin, a schoolmaster observed the chaise and saw the young lady approach, he stopped her and invited her to return home. The news got abroad and the cobbler consoled himself with sacrificing Bacchus (instead of Venus) and a few hours later was found drunk in bed.

December 6th 1786.

(There was a long poem which had been sent into the Bury and Norwich Post by a reader, which was addressed to the Melford cobbler.(G.H.).