January 7th 1795

To be sold by Auction by William Oliver on Wednesday the 21st at the houfe of John Haycroft called the Swan Inn at Sudbury between the hours of 3 and 4 in the afternoon, A very desirable farm called Gooles Farm in Alphampstone in the county of Essex, 6 miles from Sudbury and consisting of a farmhouse, barns, stables and a variety of ufeful offices together with 136 acres more or lefs of good arable- meadow-pasture and wood ground. Held under lease by Mrs Elizabeth Gibbons of which 8 years are unexpired. The above is moderately affefed for land and is fubject to an annual free rent of 2s 10d to the Manor of Benwick Hall and 3s 6d to the Manor of Lamarsh. The farm may be feen by application to Mr Gibbon at Henny.

April 15th 1795

On Wednesday last, Thomas Teverson a farmer of Lt.
Wratting was married to Mifs Ann Ling of the same place.

April 22nd 1795

There is much tumult from the high prices of provisions, unhappily it excites much alarm that the markets of this town (Bury) and other towns were last week not well attended.

April 29th 1795

Lost, supposed stolen from the premises of William Colt at Cavendish on Friday night of the 20th. A light brindled poll cow of the true Norfolk breed with white tail cut close, aged, if strayed whoever let William Colt know where she shall be recovered shall receive thanks and expences, if stolen and any person discovering the offender and brought to justice shall receive 50 shillings on application to the treasurer of the Cavendish Association.

May 13th 1795

On the first day of March a riot took place in Sudbury which was occasioned by a waggon load of flour passing through the town for London, the waggon was stopped and the people insisted on the flour being sold at 1s 6d a lb. The proprietor applied to the Mayor who exercised himself to quell the tumult by swearing in two constables and reading the Riot Act. The West Norfolk Militia beat to arms and paraded on the Market Hill where the waggon was guarded by the civil power and for a few hours all was quiet, the Mayor promising to call a meeting of all the principal inhabitants of the town to help compliment the poor in Sudbury who seem to be willing to await the issue.

May 20th 1795

A few days since, John Purkis of Sturmer married Mifs Teverson the daughter of Mr H.Teverson of Kedington.

May 27th 1795

The Ram Inn and post office at Melford to be lett and entered immediately.

June 17th 1795

It is strongly recommended to farmers to employ the people at this season at the weeding of the yellow flower called carlick from the early spring corn, it is well answered to the purpose of growers and affords relief to the poor.

August 12th 1795

On Thursday last, William Bidwell of Earls Hall was married to Miss Chickall of Pentlow.

August 12 1795

On Wednesday serious riots occured at Halstead in Essex on account of the serious shortage of bread. All attempts by the civil power to quell proved ineffectual, a party of the Surrey Fencible Cavalry was sent for from the Lexden camp, they were not sufficient to repel the assailants and an express was sent off to the Danbury camp for a body of infantry, where the Grenadier and Light Infantry commenced immediately to march for Halstead. One of the Surrey Fencibles was dismounted by the mob and was dangerously wounded by a pitch fork that his life is despaired of.

August 12th 1795

At the annual Hop Meeting at Castle Hedingham there were many gentlemen, merchants, factors and growers present and several tons of hops on the growth in Essex were sold at up to 4L 10s a cwt.

August 19th 1795

Two cottages at Gt Waldingfield were burnt down on Thursday night in the tremendous storm of lightning. A fine horse belonging to Mr Price at Ashfield Hall in Wickhambrook was killed also one at Hawkedon belonging to Mr Ward.
There was an inquisition at Alpheton on Samuel Brown who was killed by falling from a unbroken colt, having been dragged in the stirrup for 50 rod and his skull was fractured by a kick from the unruly animal.

August 26th 1795

Yesterday fortnight, eight convicts were taken from Ipswich and conveyed to Portsmouth to board the " Lion" bound for Botany Bay.

September 9th 1795

The Earl of Bristol, the Lord Bishop of Derry has given orders that a new mansion be erected at his seat at Ickworth near this town, it is to be under the direction of his surveyor who superintended the building of his Palace in Ireland.

September 16th 1795

Melford Agriculture Society is resolved that Isaac Tiffin a labourer of Gt Henny in Essex is entitled to to the premium of 2 guineas for having brought up the greatest number of children in wedlock with the least parish relief and Thomas Rayment of Lt Henny is entitled to the second premium of 1 guinea on the same account.
The next meeting of the Society will be at the Black Lyon at Melford on the 28th of September to settle the accounts of the Society and determine whether it should continue as a Society. Signed Thomas Ruggles, chairman.

September 16th 1795

The harvest in the neighbourhood is nearly got in, all the crops proved highly successful so that a considerable reduction of the price of corn is expected.

September 23rd 1795

Another disturbance in Sudbury in consequence of the high price of corn, between 5 and 6 in the morning a waggon belonging to Mr Hayward was stopped on the road to Colchester bt about 100 persons, mostly women, and 20 sacks of fine flour was taken, after being disposed off the mob returned the empty sacks to Mr Hayward and offered hik 40L which he refused to accept as he means to bring action against the town. For receiving of the wheat at London Market it would fetch 70L.

September 23rd 1795

To be sold at the Cock Inn at Clare--Capital well selcted dairy of cattle including 20 choice Suffolk and Derbyshire cows and a handsome Derbyshire Bull of 3 years. Proprietor, Mr Hunt of Poslingford who brings to the hammer on account of him preferring the grazing business.

September 30th 1795

Yesterday fortnight a fire broke out at the White Horse at Wickhambrook, it was extinguished without much damage.

October 28th 1795

George Ruffle of the Bull Inn at Melford having taken the Inn has engaged Pritchett from the One Bell at Bury to be his assistant. The weighing engine for hay has been thoroughly repaired by Joseph Leaver. At the meeting of the buyers and sllers of corn and other grain it was unanimously agreed that a weekly meeting be held every Thursday in the year at the Bull Inn.

November 4th 1795

Several farms to lett adjoining the river Ohio in the state of Kentucky in the U.S.A. with the town of Birtton in the centre of the settlement, no party to occupy more than 1000 acres.

December 9th 1795

We hear that a dreadful fire broke out in a barn belonging to Sir James Marriot of Cornard where a large stock of wood was consumed, it is supposed it was maliciously occasioned.

December 30th 1795

On Thursday last a most desperate affray broke out in Melford in consequence of a quarrel at a public house between a party of the 6th Dragoon Guards and some persons assembled there. When the military left the house they assailed several people, striking and wounding them with swords in consequence of which a number of inhabitants sallied forth armed with pitch forks, scythes, etc, and several conflicts ensued in which one soldier had his hand cut off. Next day, David Doke, a sergeant in the above regiment was committed to our gaol charged with wounding John Green, Charles Fordham and John Nicholls, all of Melford and wounding them with a naked sword in a dangerous manner. James M'Laughlin, a private in the same regiment was committed to our new Bridewell by the magistrates charged with wounding John Branwhite on the previous evening.

January 13th 1796

Arthur Young of Bradfield, Secretary of the Board of Agriculture has inrolled himself in the 4th troop of Loyal Suffolk Yeomanry Calvalry. Labourers and others who had assembled at Stowmarket thought it proper to depart before the arrival of the Queen's Bays from Ipswich.

January 20th 1796

At the Quarter Sessions at Bury, David Doke a sergeant in the 6th Regiment of Dragoons, for the violent assault on John Green of Melford on Christmas Eve and James M, Lauchlin of the same regiment for assaulting John Branwhite, both were convicted but the sentence was deffered until today.

February 3rd 1796

On Wedenesday last evening at between 1 and 2 in the morning, fire broke out in the great parlour of the Black Lyon in Melford, occasioned by a piece of timber being placed in the chimney which had taken alight and communicated with the wainscoat of the room which with some furniture were destroyed, happily the family had not gone to bed and by the timely of the exertions of the landlord's brother it was extinguished.

February 10th 1796

On Saturday last, the chuch wardens of Melford sold to the poor of the place 7lbs of mixed flour composed of 2 thirds of second wheat and one third barley at 2s a stone, wheat is 7s a stone.
This is to be continued weekly to the great relieve of many families.

March 9th 1796

On Friday fortnight, the housekeeper of Mr Griggs was returning from Melford in a light cart which on going over the bridge at Glemsford she struck a post on the bridge and overturned her into the river from whence she was immediately taken out but she died that night from injury and fright.

March 23rd 1796

At Bury Assizes Robert Stearns for riotously assembling with diver other persons at Bures and taking wheat from the premises of John Barnard and Lawrencw Bull and illegally sold out at prices beneath their value. 1 year in prison.

March 30th 1796

On Saturday last a barn belonging to Mr Lewis at Stanstead was burned down, occasioned by children who were gathering stones in a field, the embers of a fire they had lit blew onto the thatch. By this account about 30 coombs of dressed wheat and an equal amount of undressed wheat were destroyed.

April 13th 1796

Sent to prison for one year, William Harris, for stealing a spade from Mr Prior of Waldingfield.

April 13th 1796

On Monday morning one of the West York Militia on his marching from this town to Colchester was thrown down at Melford and a baggage waggon went over him killing him on the spot.
April 20th 1796. Yesterday an inquisition was held at Melford on George Staniforth a private in the West Yok Regiment of Militia who was killed by the wheel of a waggon going over his head under which he was thrown by a person riding violently on the road. Jurors verdict-Chance Medley.

April 20th 1796

On Saturday night last, 4 convicts and a deserter broke out of our gaol by making a breech in a wall which is 1© feet thick, they got into the wool hall then forced the locks, six other prisoners were threatened to be killed if they gave the alarm.

May 11th 1796

Reduction of the price of rice in consequence of greater imports will give relief to families in general, it is now being retailed at 2s a lb.

May 18th 1796

A valuable estate at Gt.Waldingfield and Chilton to be sold. Copt Hall-103 acres in occupation of William Pegg.

June 8th 1796

The Society of Manufacturers and Commerce have adjudged 20 guineas to Lewis Majendie of Castle Hedingham for dibbling 15 acres with beans and sowing the land the same year with wheat.

June 15th 1796

The price of meat is unusually high, prime beef and mutton is nearly 5s a stone of 8lb in Smithfield, the reason is attributed to two causes, the decline in dairies and the great supplies required for victualling the Navy and the transport service, the contractors are buying up without limit of price all they can lay their hands on.
June 15th 1796.Yesterday there was an inquisition at Melford on John Stiff a servant of Mr Chinery of Rushbrooke who was killed by being thrown down while endeavouring to stop his horse in waggon in Bridge Street, the wheel going over his head, he was killed on the spot.

August 3rd 1796

To be sold at the Black Bull at Melford. A cottage in Brook Street, Glemsford, in occupation of Samuel How. 3 tenements in Church Gate Street in occupation of W.Watkinson and others. A capital estate of 157 acres under lease to Samuel and Isaac Biggs with 5 years tenancy to expiry.

August 31st 1795

A few days ago a gamekeeper to a nobleman in this county, set a man trap for a suspected poacher who was watching the keeper, when the keeper retreated from the trap he took the liberty to remove and secrete it in the way of the keeper intercourse to the spot who unfortunately just before daylight next morning being heard to call out for help was found personating his intended visitor in the trap.

August 31st 1795

To be sold at Castle Hedingham. A handsome messuage in Nunnery Street called Bryncks also a well known public house called the Sugar Loaves, now in full trade situated near the turnpike road in Sible Hedingham. The Hedinghams and the surrounding country is remarkedly healthy and beautiful and are inhabited by very genteel families. Plenty of game and several packs of hounds

September 7th 1796

At Horringer Fair there was a large shew of sheep which fetched exorbitant prices some stock ewes selling to 30s each and 3 year old Norfolk wethers fit to be put to turnips to 40s each.
On Monday morning last there died at Melford Mrs Poley relic of -- Weller Poley of Boxted Hall.

November 9th 1796

There was an inquisition at Cavendish on Philip Newman, a butcher of the place who suddenly dropped down dead in his field.

November 30th 1796

At a special meeting at Chelmsford of the magistrates in the county of Essex to carry out the new Military and Cavalry Act. The Clerk of the Peace to instruct the farmers and others to take necessary means to remove the live and dead stock on the coast and to throw every possible impediment in the way of an invading army.

May 3rd 1797

To be sold by auction--The Maltings Farm at Wickhambrook for widow Mary Rayner.

May 18th 1797

To be sold at the George Inn at Cavendish---A messuage of two tenements in occupation of William Wells and Jeramiah Hasel. Also the household furniture of the late Philip Newman a butcher of Cavendish.

May 31st 1797

On Sunday morning, very unexpectedly, a route was received by the Commander of the Warwick Fencible Light Dragoons quartered in Bury and Sudbury, to march to Chelmsford.

June 7th 1797

There was an inquisition at Hartest on Daniel Smith who died from over intoxication.
Charles Turner a horse dealer of Norwich was committed to our gaol charged with stealing a horse from James Padlney of Pebmarsh.
To be sold by auction a water mill and River Farm situated in several parishes, 58 acres. property of William Pizey farmer and bankrupt.

June 11th 1797

The Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce have awarded the gold medal to Lewis Majendie of Castle Hedingham for planting 7© acres with Ash and a silver medal to the Rev Filewood of Sible Hedingham for gaining 56 acres from the sea.

June 28the 1797

On Thursday last there died at Melford Hall, seat of Sir Harry Parker, Miss Parker the only daughter of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker.

July 19th 1797

William Powell a pauper in Melford workhouse was committed to our gaol charged with unnatural offences.

August 16th 1797

At Bury Assizes four prisoners were capitally convicted, they were Willam Powell for sodomy, Margaret Catchpole for stealing a coach horse belonging to John Cobbold of Ipswich (with whom she formerly lived as a servant), which she rode from thence to London in about 10 hours dressed in a mans apparel, having offered it for sale she was detected. John Hearn for stealing a ram from William Taylor of Gt Cornard. Before the Chief Justice left the town he reprieved the last three leaving only Powell for execution who will suffer here on Wednesday 30th.

September 11th 1797

There was an inquisition at Stanstead on John Whittle who dropped down dead while in a barn.

September 27th 1797

To be sold a desirable farm called Fish House, 94 acres in Bures St Mary

October 11th 1797

At Braintree fair there was displayed a much larger shew of cattle than expected, there were some good droves from Fifeshire, runts sold freely but at a reduced price.

October 11th 1797

Every bay and inlet from the sea in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex are guarded by gun boats and signal towers.