January 7th 1789

The following extreme circumstances happened lately when at Waldingfield a horse belonging to the Rev Newbold broke out of it's stable and accidentally beat down a nest of hornets, they fixed on the horse and he was stung to death. It was with much difficulty that the servant who was in pursuit of the horse, escaped.

March 4th 1789

One half of a ticket was drawn as a prize of £ 10, 000 on Monday last. It is the property of a club held at the house of Mrs Rogers of the Cock Inn at Clare.

March 18th 1789

Deserted from the 3rd battallion of the Royal Artillery quartered at Sudbury, Simon Henifer, matros in Capt Butler's Company. He is a stout well made man of 5ft 9ins, when he deserted he was in full regimentals and was seen in Bury St Edmunds recently. Whoever shall give information shall receive twenty shillings from John Crosby of Sudbury of the Swan Inn who has a charge of felony against him.

April 8th 1789

There was an extraordinary instance of generosity on Saturday, a small farmer in the neighbourhood had the misfortune to lose his purse in the market place of this town (Bury) containing a 20L bank note, 20 guineas in gold and one shilling, it was called twice by the bellman offering two guineas reward and lastly at 10 guineas but was unable to procure restoration. Intelligence of his loss reached a poor woman at Rougham, 4 miles hence, who had picked up the purse at her leaving the town, she restored the money to him, declining the greatest reward but accepting the least.

April 29th 1789

Thursday being St George's day was set aside for a solemn thanksgiving for the recovery of Majesty. The day at Sudbury was celebrated in a spirited manner, after Divine service in the morning both ladies and gentlemen united in the satisfaction about the King, walked in procession behind a band to the principal Inn (probably the Rose and Crown)(G.H.) where all drank most heartily. At Hartest the day was celebrated with decency and decorum, large quantities of bread and beer were distributed to the poor. A great many of the gentlemen of the town and vicinity dined at the Crown Inn where many loyal toast were drunk.
The day was concluded by a display of fireworks. At Newton the poor were regaled with beer and bread given by Mr Sharp and Mr Simpson. At Clare the poor numbering several hundreds were regaled with roast beef and plum pudding at various public houses in the town, in the evening there was a large bonfire for the boys.

May 6th 1789

Mr Willis the supervisor made a seizure of 10 tons of soap in a unentered warehouse at Lavenham, whereby the owners forfeits £ 500 and all the materials. One half to go to the King the other half to the informer.

May 20th 1789

Two young girls from Cavendish took it into their heads to make an elopement, accordingly a trip to the metropolis was agree on, they set off with a few shillings in their pockets, after walking two days they reached Brentwood, miserable and fatigued, their situation was overheard by venerable gentleman who invited them into his house and provided a plentiful meal, he convinced them of the dangers of their excursions, the young females then returned home determined to be satisfied in the future.

May 27th 1789

A compact desirable farm consisting of dwelling house, suitable buildings, upwards of 60 acres, eligibly situated on the turnpike road at Alpheton, near Bury and let to John Holingbroke, tenant at will.

May 27th 1789

A general meeting of the trustees of the turnpike road from Sudbury to Bury will take place on the 2nd off June at the Angel Inn at Bury when tolls arising from the Sicklesmere gate will be lett to farm.

June 3rd 1789

On Friday last James Fenner of Clare married Mifs Turner of Stansfield.

June 10th 1789

Yesterday arrived in our town, The Right Honourable William Grenville with a respite of seven days for William Mayhew (under sentence of death in our gaol for robbing the house of Col.Goate) until the Judges reply on the case be known.

June 17th 1789

His Majesty has been pleased to grant a pardon for William Mayhew on condition of being transported to the coast of Africa for life.

June 17th 1789

Mark lane wheat-to 51s-Barley to 22s.

June 24th 1789

On Saturday last the coach from Norwich to Sudbury overturned at Shimpling from the road hence to Sudbury by which accident a child about 22 months who was riding with it's mother on top of the coach, had it' skull fractured and died six hours later. The coachman was not to blame but occasioned by the road being mended with a quantity of rough stuff which gave the coach a sudden jerk, overturning it.

July 1st 1789

On Thursday last, a seizure of 800 lbs of tobacco, two horses and a cart was made in our town by Mr Airy the supervisor.

July 15th 1789

On Friday last as Mr Deakin, a silversmith and auctioneer from Halstead was returning from Hedingham in his cart, the horse took fright from a dog jumping over a hedge and ran away, the cart overturned by which his neck was broken, happily a child with him was unhurt.

July 22nd 1789

At the Quarter Sessions a bill of indictment was preferred against a person at Sudbury by the landlord of an Inn for stealing a turkey off the spit, the jury rejected it as there was no true bill. The prosecutor returned home much disappointed being branded as a goose.

August 26th 1789

On Monday there was an inquisition at Edwardstone on the body of William King, a pauper belonging to the workhouse there, while being disordered in his mind he threw himself into a water near the house and drowned.

September 2nd 1789

A match of cricket was played yesterday fortnight between the gentlemen of Nayland and the gentlemen of Bulmer in Essex which was won by the latter by three notches and two ftumps to go down, on the 15th of September the return game will be played at Bulmer Tye.

September 23rd 1789

It has long been a question whether the game laws tend to destroy rather than preserve game, it is a well known fact that the farmers make a practice of putting their foot on a nest to destroy it.

September 30th 1789

On Wednesday week as Mr Christopher Finch of Sudbury was returning from London, he was stopped by two footpads about two miles the other side of Halstead who robbed him of 24 guineas in gold and his watch and great coat where he had some fine linen in the pockets, they made off in the direction of London.

October 14th 1789

As Joseph Wright, a youth aged 18 employed by Mr Stead a baker in Risbygate Street was standing too near a windmill when the sails struck him on the head killing him on the spot.

October 28th 1789

At Castle Hedingham hop shew on Monday fortnight there was upwards of 400 bags and packets of hops on the hill, the quality was generally good and sold for the following prices. Pockets from 6L 5s to 7L per cwt, bags from 6L to 7L 7s.

October 28th 1789

Public Notice. I having while intoxicated aspersed the character of John Stone, a common carrier from Thetford, do believe what I said was without foundation. I do think he is an honest man.
Witnessed my hand. Daniel Jacobs.

November 18th 1789

Ludicrous circumstances occasioned at Sudbury, a whitesmith in the zeal of electioneering at Sudbury offered to fight some of Mr DeCrispiny's friends and conflict began, in the course of which a woman was struck, a warrant was granted against him, the man being a bruiser the constable was afraid to execute it. The magistrate told him he might charge some assistants," if that be the case" said the constable," I charge you", to no small amusement of the town the Constable marched first then the Mayor to guard the whitesmith.

December 2nd 1789

The following happened at the seat of Lord Galway at Mistley Hall, a hawk was hovering overhead in search of prey when he espied seven or eight canary birds through the window cage, he struck with such velocity that he forced himself through the window but perished in the attempt, the glass having literally cut his throat from ear to ear that he bled to death.

January 26th 1790

Thomas Oakley of Glemsford was charged with stealing 4 bushels of wheat from Mr John Dennis of Glemsford. Sent to prison for one month in Bridewell and to be publickly whipped at the expiration of his sentence at Glemsford.

January 26th 1790

On Saturday there was a remarkable fox chace with Sir Charles Daver's hounds. The fox was unkenneled at Cockfield at Bull's Wood and it ran through Lavenham Springs to Sir Hyde Parker's woods at Shelton and Lineage at Melford to Stanstead wood to Chadacre Thicks to Cages Groves to Whepstead to Ickworth to Saxham Stony Wood, he was killed at Chevington, a chace of 3© hours.

February 3rd 1790

Committed to our gaol in Bury, William Payne, a butcher of Great Waldingfield by Robert Andrews and charged by John Partridge a farmer with stealing one ewe the property of Mrs Partridge of Melford.

March 3rd 1790

Wanted a man of unexceptional character that has served a regular apprenticeship with a general shopkeeper, such a person may hear of a place by appling to S.Jay junior at Cavendish in Suffolk.

March 3rd 1790

A meeting was held at Lavenham to consider navigation from Bury to Mistley. A committee was formed to meet at the Angel Inn at Lavenham on the second Thursday of every month. Committee-John Mudd-Rev Davy - Nathaniel Hillier - Brooke Branwhite - Samuel Watkinson - E.Hitchcock - John Branwhite - Zac--Lungley - Henry Pizey - William Mills - John Stripling - Abraham Ray - Robert Watson - Ralph Westrop - Bigiby Bucke - John List - John Kilbourne.

March 10th 1790

There are upwards of 40 prisoners for trial at the Assizes to be held for this county on Wednesday, many for capital offences.

March 10th 1790

There are a great number of applications to Hinckford Hundred in Essex against the present enormous tax on pleasure carts and to lower tax to one guinea on plain wood carts without springs and to prevent people of the superior class using carriages as carts to have taxed carts written on them.

March 24th 1790

At the Assizes held at Bury. John Lilley and Robert Heron for robbing Henry Surrege of Withersfield, received the death sentence. John Rainham and John Boreham for robbing Thomas Game on the highway at Lavenham-William Ranson for burgarly a the house of Zeph Ranson at Lavenham, all sentenced to death. Before leaving the town the judge reprieved four leaving ten for execution including Lilley, Heron, Boreham and Rainham.

March 24th 1790

John Slater and William Steward of Glemsford for stealing a pair of boots from Philip Gilson to prison for 12 months.

March 31st 1790

The seven convicts to be executed here on Wednesday week are very penitent but Heron and Lilley the two gipsies, persist in their innocence. Southwell, Smith and Mills will be executed at Rushmere on Saturday next.

March 31st 1790

On Friday night here was a dreadful fire in a cottage at Groton, it was occassioned by a child setting a candle too near the thatch. Mark Lane Wheat to 55s-Barley to 27s.

April 7th 1790

On Friday a last respite was granted during his Majesty's pleasure to J.Rainham and J.Boreham also to J.Lilley and R.Heron.

April 7th 1790

On Sunday last a dreadful riot took place at Cambridge at the house of Dr. E--- who is suspected of an odious offence, the mob broke the windows and destroyed his furniture, he escaped with much difficulty from the back part of his house.

April 14th 1790

To be sold-A very good brewing copper which holds 13 barrels with cock complete, little used. Apply to Mr Branwhite Greene at Bury.

May 5th 1790

On Wednesday last, William Ranson was executed at Rushmere for burgarly at Lavenham. His behaviour from the time of his condemnation to the day he expiated his crime on the fatal tree was truly becoming, he appeared perfectly resigned to his fate and exhibited to the crowd who gathered, a melancholy example of the evil consequences arising from bad company.

May 5th 1790

Yesterday fortnight, Robert Hurrill was committed to our gaol charged with breaking into the malting office of William Yorke at Melford and stealing seven bars of iron.

May 12th 1790

On Friday night at about 10 o' clock the coach coming from London to Norwich overturned on the road between Braintree and Halstead, being heavily laden, every passenger except one was injured. The gentleman who escaped injury declares the calamity was caused by the coachman taking up a number of sailors on the road who left London in order to escape the press gangs.

May 19th 1790

On Monday last the Western Battallion of the Suffolk Militia commanded by the Right Hon.Earl of Euston were embodied on the Angel Hill in Bury in order to be trained and exercised in the space of 28 days.

May 19th 1790

On Saturday last at about 4 in the morning a fire broke out in the house of Mr Steed a plumber and glazier of Melford, it burned with much rapidity with the adjoining house was also destroyed. An extraordinary incident happened at the fire, a man belonging to the Ram Inn opposite, ran over the way to assist, on going upstairs he saw a bed lying on the floor which he took up in his arms and brought it into the street when to his great surprise an infant fell to the ground, he laid the bed down and discovered another child both of which were providentially saved. A poor old man was also with much difficulty got out of the house.

June 2nd 1790

On account of the high prices for corn, the inhabitants of Bildeston have collected a sum of money towards the relief of the poor in the parish by which means they should have the best flour of the third fort at reduced price of 1s 6d a stone.

June 2nd 1790

On Monday last Sarah Allen and her accomplice Ann Flower were committed to our new Bridewell by J.Plampin for setting fire to the workhouse at Lawshall.

June 23rd 1790

On Friday last the there came the election at Sudbury.
It was the warmest election ever remembered. T.C.Crespiny 385- J.Hippesfley 371-W.Smith 352-J.Pardoe 332. At the above election one of the freemen died through intoxication and on Saturdayppesfley 371-W.Smith 352-J.Pardoe 332. At the above election one of the freemen died through intoxication and on Saturday another freeman was killed by falling off the roof of a coach in Ballingdon.

August 4th 1790

On Sunday fortnight there died in his 47th year, James Pettit a carpenter of Stansfield, his death was coccasioned by him going to the county elections at Ipswich and catching small pox, he leaves a widow and 8 children to lament him.

August 11th 1790

On Monday last Matthew Newell a bargeman was committed to our gaol by Edward Goate charged with stealing a quantity of flour the property of Mr Jonathan Stammers a miller of Nayland.

August 25th 1790

The flocks of Suffolk sheep, particulary those in the west of the county seem to improve in the estimation of the public as the eagerness with which they are bought. It is hoped that those concerned with this necessary branch of agriculture will pay attention to improving their flocks.

August 25th 1790

On Saturday fortnight, a party of gentlemen were angling in a pond at East Bergholt, a dog belonging to one of them went to the water and while in the act of lapping a large jack darted at the dog's tongue and bit it through upon which the dog gave a sudden jerk and tossed the fish which weighed 7© lbs out of the water, the dog was much hurt and howled most bitterly for a considerable time.

October 20th 1790

At Brentwood Fair in Essex on Friday there was a prodigious shew of lean cattle of different kinds. For Scotch, Irish and Welch the price was moderate except for prime beasts from Fifeshire with some beast fetching as high as 13L a head, Welch runts from 6L to 11L, inferior Scotch and Welch calves at all prices. Cattle sold was estimated at 10, 000 head.

November 3rd 1790

The following accident happened on Sunday afternoon last. As a son of Mr Hurrill's of Brandon Hall, Essex (probably Brundon Hall) was returning from Hedingham in a single horse chaise with his two sisters, the horse proved unruly, when Mr Hurrill got to Ballingdon Hill he got out of the chaise with the intention of leading him down the hill,(the two ladies remaining in the cart) but the horse became violent and threw him down and the chaise went over his head fracturing his skull, the horse ran downhill at a great speed and when he came to Ballingdon Street he broke the chaise and threw the two ladies out, both remained senseless for some time but were not hurt. Mr Hurrill died on Monday evening after he had undergone the operation of trepanning which he survived for several days.

November 10th 1790

The Sack Association of Northamptonshire. Whereas great fraud has lately been committed by journeyman millers, to prevent the same in future it is worked that no servant hereafter should be employed by a member of the society who do not produce a certificate of good behaviour from the last service.

November 17th 1790

We are sorry to hear that the regular publication of the Annals Of Agriculture is likely to be interrupted for the present by the indisposition of Arthur Young who for sometime past has been confined by a dangerous illness which occasioned the last number of his annals being incomplete.

November 29th 1790

A short time since, Mr Alston, a reputable farmer and jobber from Polstead, being in a public house in Colchester and was watching two gentlemen at cards, he was induced to lend to the loser nine guineas till he could get cash from the bank, the nine guineas was soon lost and the sharper went out to get change, not returning speedily his comrade hinted to Mr Alston to pursue him which he did without effect, on his return the other villian had eloped.

December 7th 1790

On Saturday last fire broke out in the backhouse of Mr Robert Cook of Stanstead, it consumed the same.

December 7th 1790

On Wednesday last there died at Clare the Rev Abraham Wallett, vicar of Clare which presentment is worth 120L per annum, the gift is in the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

December 15th 1790

A foxhunter informs us that Sir Charles Davers has taken up the possession of the Melford hounds (late held by Mr Coke) and the gentelmen in the neighbourhood have expressed the most sanguine wishes that Sir Charles might persevere in his intention.

December 15th 1790

To be sold under private contract a farm in Glemsford consisting of good land of 137 acres, a farmhouse-2 cottages-a barn, 28 acres are held by copyhold of the Manor of Glemsford, late in occupation of Mr Charles Bigg senior.

December 22nd 1790

On Wednesday evening between 8 and 9, a sailor lately discharged from the man of war Afia (perhaps Asia) was stopped near Braintree by a tall footpad who robbed him of 2© guineas, 2 shirts-2 jackets-1 pair of trowsers.

January 2nd 1791

We are happy to inform the public that there is every reason to believe that the project navigation from Bury to Mistley will be carried into execution.

February 2nd 1791

On Monday last, John Boreham and John Lilley were conveyed from our gaol at Bury to Portsmouth to be put aboard the ships destined for Botany Bay.

February 9th 1791

A special verdict against Quaim who was tried at Ely Assizes for the murder of his wife, a quarrel betweent he prisoner and his wife as they were going home from a public house led to the unhappy termination of his days, he beat her cruelly and she died from a burst spleen from a kicking she received.

March 2nd 1791

A fortnight since some person broke into a barn at Monks Elleigh in occupation of James Rainham and stole 4 bushels of new clover seed, whoever dicovers the offenders shall receive 5 guineas from James Rainham over and above the 2 guineas which will be paid by Mr Clubbe, attorney, of Sudbury.

March 16th 1791

At the Essex Assizes at Chelmsford, Jones the Welch drover after a trial of 5© hours was found guilty of the murder of his fellow servant, Robert Ellis, at Rayne in Essex. By a chain of circumstantial evidence the fact was clearly proved, the wife of the deceased who had been sent for from Wales declared that on returning to his own country had confessed to her and given her money not to prosecute him. He had remained in solitary confinement in gaol for a year. He was executed on Saturday morning last at 9 o'clock.

March 21st 1791

A few days since a female fortune teller obtained 20L from a credulous servant maid at Clare,(to lay upon the planets) and promised next morning to return the money, this she forgot to do and has not been heard of since. 2 guineas reward for the apprehension of this dealer in in planets who is described as a gypsey and is supposed to be from a gang travelling to London.

March 30th 1791

An action for trespass was tried at the Assizes before the judge and a special jury. The case was brought by Mr Stammers, a miller of Nayland against Mr Halifax and several pupils of the Rev Jones the grounds of which was a frivolous quarrel that arose the day after the last county election in consequence of the triumph of one party over the other, which it appears induced the miller to throw water and flour over the defendants, the others in return to break his windows. Verdict for the plaintiff and 30s damages.

April 27th 1791

Notice is hereby given that the annual shew of horses and other cattle at Bulmer Tye in the county of Essex will be on Monday the 2nd of May where the company of gentlemen, farmers and others will be esteemed a favour by their humble servant John Bruce. Dinner at two o' clock.

May 4th 1791

Agricultural Observations on April 1791

The advance of sprimg has various effects on wheat, on the light lands it is in good condition, the plants are healthy but in the heavy soils the colour has gone off, the cause no doubt is ascribed to the heavy rains and the extreme mild the last two winters. The wheat was got well in in Norfolk where the early sowing plant luxuriantly, Beans are promising, Oats on deep soils for want of meliorating frosts worked indifferently, for the feed the young clover vegitate kindly and seem free from the fly. The graziers are deriving exhorbitant prices from the second arnament of our fleets, even beef but half fat fetches high prices in consequence of the victualling contracts, prime beef is little short of 4s a stone, pork is very brisk from the same cause, grass lamb is in great plenty and reasonable and good mutton is extremely dear.

May 11th 1791

At our Sessions, Samuel Steed for stealing 2 bushels of wheat the property of William King at Lavenham, to be confined to hard labour in the house of correction near this town for 10 weeks.
William Norley for leaving his wife and family chargeable to the parish at Clare, ordered to be sent to a man of war.

May 11th 1791

A horse belonging to Mr Hildyard of Stowmarket, had it's foot eaten away near the upper part of the hoof by rats in an extraordinary manner.

May 18th 1791

To be sold by auction-The eligible estate called Parlabeens situated in a ring fence in the parishes of Halstead and Colne Engaine, two farmhouses, barns, about 245 acres of good land and of the Manor of Goldingtons. Lot 2 -Fenn farm in the parish of Heeney near Sudbury.- Lot 3-Freehold farm in Glemsford, 137 acres. Lot 4 -Freehold farm in Cavendish.

May 18th 1791

On Saturday last there died in Stanstead, Augustus Dewing who it must be said although his domestic affairs seemed to have been governed in some measure by caprice, in every aspect of his life was stamped by his Christianity. He leaves a wife and 7 children to lament his loss.

June 1st 1791

The Manor of Overhall and Nether Hall in Cavendish.
Notice is hereby given that the first General Court of Thomas Ruggles, Lord of the Manor for the said Manor, on June 17th where all freehold and copyhold tenants of the said Manor who owe suit and service thereto are required to attend and perform the same and pay their quit rents in arrears and any other person having business to attend accordingly.

June 8th 1791

On Sunday last there died at his seat in Cockfield in advanced age the Rev Harvey Aspin, Rector of Hartest, Boxted and Bailham.

June 8th 1791

On Monday last a servant of Mr Frost of Melford, in stooping to get a pail of water out of a pond, fell into the same and was drowned.

June 8th 1791

The Dolphin, Sudbury. John Hayward informs friends and the public that he has made considerable additions to the above house and hopes for their continuing support and custom.

June 15th 1791

On Saturday last as a young boy was driving a heavy cart down Ballingdon Hill near Sudbury, the horse proved unruly and ran up the bank near the pound when it overturned, falling on the boy, he received violent injuries and lingered for one hour then died.

June 22nd 1791

The King has been pleased to present to the Rev John Weller Pooley, the Rectory of Hartest and Boxted.

June 22nd 1791

Watering grassland with the moisture from a dunghill by menas of a cart such as is used on the roads in London is becoming a favourite method with gentlemen and is answering extermely well.

July 6th 1791

Stolen late on Saturday night of early Sunday morning, out of pasture belonging to Mr Borough of Borley in Essex, a bright bay gelding with full mane and tail, rising 5 years with white blaze on face, white under lip, 2 hind legs white, small callous over the off eye, when taken had had lost shoe from off foot behind, anuone who will give information so that the horse be recovered shall receive reward of 5 guineas from Nathaniel Buroughs of Sudbury.

July 13th 1791

A very elegant new church is being erected at Twinstead near Sudbury. The first stone was laid by Sir James Marriot, Judge of the Admiralty Court on Wednesday fortnight, who finds the material and workmanship and has given 40 acres of ground on which the same is to be built.

August 24th 1791

To be sold by auction by William Oliver on the 25th.
All that modern and new erected mansion with orchard and garden in a most delightful situation in the parish of Glemsford near the church with beautiful views belonging to the late William Carlton Holmes deceased.

September 7th 1791

At Horringer sheep fair on Monday last, there was a considerable show of lambs which went off tolerably brisk and on full good terms as at Ipswich market. Prices from 13L a score to 8L for wethers and from 11L to 6L for ewes.

September 7th 1791

Mr Bakewell lets out 3 rams this season for 3000 guineas, a society of farmers called the " tup club" offered him 25000 per annum for 5 rams which he refused, not unwisely as he made 3000 guineas on three of them.

September 14th 1791

On Saturday last there was an inquisition at Little Cornard on the body of John Micklefield who being in a hop picking ground dropped down dead. Visitation of God.

September 21st 1791

To be sold on the 27th a farm called the Greys at Newton by William Oliver.

October 19th 1791

The refactory jury at Sudbury, whose hunger prevented the exercise of their duty at the late sessions in the town, on an indictment for an assault, will most probably feel the lash of the Attorney General for their deviation from the established laws of the land for securing a uniformity of of verdict.

November 2nd 1791

A few days since the Rev Robert Andrews of Bulmer in Essex was married to Miss Nesfield the daughter of the Rev Nesfield of Wickambrook.

November 16th 1791

His Majesty has made Arthur Young a present of a ram from Spain of the true Merino breed. It is said that the spirited improver intends to put ewes to him at Bradfield Hall as soon as the season approaches.
.