January 7th 1818

Committed to Bury Gaol, James Hardy and Willaim Brown, the said James Hardy for burglariously breaking into the dwelling house of William King at the Cock and Bell at Melford and stealing therefrom, 5 gallons of brandy, 10 gallons of rum, 10 gallons of shrub, (dictionary says shrub is a sweetened fruit juice)(G.H.) 36 bottles of wine. William Brown was charged with receiving it knowing it being stolen.

January 28th 1818

Inquisition at Hundon on John Jarvis an infant of about three years who was killed by drinking brandy from a bottle which it reached during the absence of it's parents.

January 28th 1818

John Webb for stealing pease from William Wade of Somerton. 3 months.

March 18th 1818

Inquisition at Chilton near Sudbury on George Golding who was kicked by a colt which he was feeding.

March 18th 1818

At Chelmsford Assizes. 23 prisoners were capitally convicted and received the death sentence but only four were left for execution, viz Judith Hall for setting fire to a barn at Chapple, William Brown and John Brown for sheep stealing.

March 25th 1818

On Saturday 14th inst.as George Davex, gamekeeper to Miss Wenyeve of Brettenham Hall was in the act of taking up a spring gun set by himself, from touching a wire too roughly, he sprang the the lock and the contents of the gun lodged in various parts of his body from head to foot. The gun was charged with 3 pipes of gunpowder and 3 of shot number 3.

June 17th 1818

Inquisition at Stoke by Clare by John Wayman, Gent, Coroner for this Liberty, on the body of Thomas Balls when it appeared in evidence that the deceased was subject to temporary derangement in consequence of which he was confined to a stable with a clay floor and walls in a very oen state, chained day and night to a post and without any bed other than straw to lay on which was changed once a week, his principal act of violence was that he took his clothes off so that he was denied even a shirt. He was found dead on the litter on Sunday morning last. Natural death.
On Saturday last at Ketton there was an inquisition on the body of Lousia Jolly an infant of about four years who fell in a copper of hot water while trying to get a kitten. Accidental.

June 17th 1818

Samuel How was committed to Bury Gaol charged with committing a rape upon the person of Sarah Humm of Glemsford.

July 21st 1818

Inquisition at Gt Cornard on Thomas Hellen who was killed when a quantity of chalk fell on him whilst working in a pit.
Inquisition at Chilton near Sudbury on Jonathan Canham who drowned while bathing in the river Stour. Drowned.

July 29th 1818

Robert Bareham for stealing 2 coombs of malt from Thomas Jones at Sudbury. 14 years transportation.
Edward Bland for stealing 5 turkies from Amos Todd at Acton. 7 years trannsportation.

August 5th 1818

On Sunday Se'nnight, fire broke out at in a field at Ashen near Clare adjoining the churchyard, in a short time it consumed three cottages destroying the homes of five families, no lives were lost but the son of Lt Gen Elwes exerted himself humanely by rushing into a cottage and bringing out an infant which the distracted parents could not find.

August 18th 1818

On Monday nine female children were sent by the guardians of the Poor of Bury to Bocking in Essex.

August 18th 1818

At Castle Hedingham the Hop Meeting took place on Wednesday, about 70 people sat down to an excellent dinner at the Bell Inn, several bargains for competion but only on ton sold at 17 pounds 50 shillings a pocket to be delivered at Braintree Fair, other lots sold at at 10L, the hop plantations in Hedingham district have never promised such abundance.

September 23rd 1818

Live and dead stock for sale at Walter Belchamp, the effects of James Long, deceased, at Forty Acres. 5 Suffolk horses, 8 handsome dairy milch cows of the Suffolk breed, 5 waggons, etc.

September 23rd 1818

Capital Water Mill at Glemsford to be sold at the Bull Inn at Melford.
Unless sold privately.Substantial Water Corn Mill with 10 feet fall of water, situated in Glemsford-4 pairs of French Stones-3 flour mills- Jumper etc, all apparatus complete, manufacturing 6 loads of flour per week in the shortest water, good dwelling house with seven comfortable appartments, handsome garden in front, freehold but subject to a fee of 2L 17s annually, 15 acres of pasture and arable in a remarkably pleasant situation in easy distance of Sudbury.

October 7th 1818

Lavenham revived market was exceedingly well attended on Tuesday by respected millers, merchants and numerous assemblage of farmers.

October 7th 1818

On Saturday night as George Page, a post lad was returning to Bury from Sudbury at between 1 and 2 in the morning, he was stopped near Alpheton Lion by 3 men one of whom desired him to deliver his money, Page struck at him and broke his whip, they knocked him of his chaise and inflicted severe beating and turned out all his pockets and took 12s and a great coat, they left him bleeding and senseless in the road, he recovered sufficiently to drive home.

October 14th 1818

Inquis- at Lavenham on William Manning, it appears deceased was driving an empty waggon and set off at a brisk trot, he attempted to dismount the thiller horse which he was riding and in doing so he fell and both near wheels going over him he was killed immediately. This frequent accident of this nature (the 4th in 2 months) demonstrates the need for laws to be obeyed to prevent this occurrence.

October 21st 1818

Died at the age of 83, Richard Ambrose, formerly a farmer of Wales End farm, Cavendish.

October 21st 1818

Inquis-at Clare on Robert Lees a labourring man. He went on the preceeding day to a pond to fill his bottle with water and is supposed to have slipped in and drowned.

October 21st 1818

There was a destructive fire at Ipswich Blue Coach Office which was destroyed but 40 horses escaped.

December 14th 1818

At Melford Petty Sessions holden at Melford, William Norbrook and John Adams drivers of the Phenomena and Norwich coaches were fined the full penalty for allowing two persons to sit beside them on their respective coaches.

December 30th 1818

Married. John Coker of Borley to Miss Constable of Wormingford Hall.

January 20th 1819

Inquisition at by John Wayman Gent, on the body of James Lewis who was killed by the caving in of a chalk pit at Clare.

January 27th 1819

Committed to Bury gaol-William Worledge charged with being on a farm armed with a bludgeon and three gate nets and a dog called a lurcher. Thomas Everitt also committed for defrauding the people of Cavendish of 10p by stating his earnings were of less value than what he received and insufficient to support him.

February 3rd 1819

Last week the barn of Jacob Manning of Twinsted was broken open and three sacks of wheat were stolen therefrom and on Wednesday night the barn of the Rev Samuel Raymond at Walter Belchamp was entered and 3 pecks of white clover seed and a sack were carried off. The outhouse of William Wiffen of the Academy at Melford was broken open and all the fowls were taken.

February 3rd 1819

Mr Hurrell a farmer and malster of Upper Yeldham has died in his 85th year, he ordered that his body be buried in one of his woods and covered with one of the hair cloths he used to dry the malt on and that six of his hedgers and ditchers should carry his corpse, six others to be his pall bearers and six more to follow as mourners with their bills and hedging gloves, he likewise ordered that a hogshead of beer to be drunk and bread and cheese to be distributed and to each of the pall bearers who carried the corpse to receive one pound each. The request was complied with.

February 17th 1819

Committed to Bury gaol--George and Thomas Wilding charged on suspicion of breaking open the barn of Thomas Firman of Cavendish and stealing 6 pecks of white clover seed.

March 10th 1819

There died at Cavendish, Daniel Cooper, few men professed to so many trades than him, he was a thatcher, razor grinder, chairmender, bottomer, rat and mole catcher, husbandman and gun tinker, gardener, shoe and stickmaker, lastly a tailor and hatmaker. It is understood that he wants to be buried before his front door with his brad under his scraper but this was not complied with. It is said that he left 1000 pounds to his grandson, a miller who lives at Brockley.

March 17th 1819

On Saturday evening at about 9, Mr Lewis was returning from Sudbury Market when he met a fellow near the mill in Melford, Mr Lewis bidding him goodnight, the villien immediately fired a pistol at him, the contents grazing the upper part of his head but being mounted on a spirited poney, Mr Lewis made his escape.

April 7th 1819

Sentenced to death at Bury Assizes were--James Tyler for breaking into the dwelling house of Susan Baker of Sudbury and stealing a silver spoon, hempen cloth and other articles. James Johnson and John Nichols,(one blind the other with wooden leg)for stopping and robbing Hannah Smith at Spexhall of 1© d. All were reprieved.

April 7th 1819

William Worledge who was charged with being found in an enclosure at Alpheton with nets, lurcher and a bludgeon. It was contended that the bludgeon was a walking stick which did not come under bludgeon in the eyes of the law, it was the prosecutors own fault that he escaped punishment in the purse.

May 8th 1819

By the generosity of an unknown friend, the Sunday school at Sudbury at the Old Meeting Place, have received good linen cloth for shirts for 50 boys and the like quantity for handkerchiefs. It is remembered that large quantity of Nankeen for bonnets was received a few years ago.

May 8th 1819

Fire broke out at the maltings near the Black Lion at Glemsford, belonging to Henry Braddock, the kiln and the outbuildings were destroyed, the public house would have shared the same fate but for the exertions of numerous assistants.

May 19th 1819

At Cavendish Fair Day on the 11th of June there will be a shew of stock of every descripition and a good ordinary wil be provided at the Inns as usual.

May 26th 1819

Several surcharges have been made for sending out labourers during the night to assist gamekeepers protect the game against poachers, it was decided last week by the Commissioners of Taxes that such persons did not come under denominations of gamekeepers and the surcharges would be dismissed.

May 31st 1819

For Sale--The Advowson of Stanstead near Glemsford, in a beautiful part of Suffolk-present income 425 pounds per annum. The parish contains 1098 acres with parsonage and offices, 24 acres of glbe land, incumbent is aged 65 years. At the Mart in London.

June 14th 1819

A serious accident occurred at Sudbury when Charles King an apprentice to Thomas Stammers who while turning a mill stone in Mill street, a roller gave way.crushing his leg dreadfully.

June 23rd 1819

The Advowson of Long Melford for sale at the auction mart opposite the Bank of England in London. The parish contains 60000 acres of rich land, tithes are due to the Rector except for 2000 acrs, glebe 130 acres, parsonage for large family. Present incumbent is aged 79 years.

July 14th 1819

Inqu-at Melford on John Piper who drowned while cutting rushes in the river Stour at Melford, having got into deep water.

July 28th 1819

Reports that the smallpox in Melford are greatly exaggerated and a this time there is no smallpox in the county.
At the County Sessions, John Snell and William Mann for stealing several hens from William Woodgate at Milden and James Scarfe of Monks Eleigh, both to be transported for 7 years and John Clarke for receiving, 14 years.

August 4th 1819

Married yesterday se'nnight, Samuel Baker of Liston to Miss Chickall the second daughter of Thomas Chickall of Ovington Hall.

August 4th 1819

At Essex Assizes a verdict was given against the High Sheriff for setting spring guns in his woods so as to end the life of fellow creatures who trespassed. Mr Baron Garrow declared that in his opinion a manner consistent with humanity the Bench differed as to the legality of setting dog spears they will make a distinction between dogs and men.

August 4th 1819

On Thursday last, a game of cricket ws played between Lavenham Gentlemen and Melford gentlemen, the game was won by the former.

August 4th 1819

On Friday evening as Mr Cadge, junior, a builder, was coming from Hartest to Bury for his father in a luggage cart, his horse ran away and overturned the cart, Mr Cadge had his leg broken.

August 25th 1819

Married lately--Samuel Baker and Miss Chickle both of Pentlow.

August 25th 1819

On Thursday the schooner " Independence" arrived at Harwich from France having on board the remains of General Robinson, on Monday the corpse passed through Melford attended by two mourning coaches and six gentlemen in carriages all the late General's tenants on their way to the interment in the family vault at Denston.

August 25th 1819

On the 12th inst a lad named Pearson aged 14 years went into the calf house of Mr T.Kent at Lt Walden Park to give some milk to the calves, he soon found himself suspended from a pole 5ft from the ground, by a leather strap, his father released him but the vital spark had fled. Accidental death.

September 8th 1819

At Horringer Fair on Saturday the number of hurdles set fell short of last years by some 30 dozen, sales were readily affected at about 1s above Ipswich Sale. Shearling Leicester whethers obtained 60s a head.

September 8th 1819

Inqu- at Gt Cornard on the body of John Gant deceased. Deceased and two other men were working in the chalk pit and from the sides of the pit having been too much undermined a considerable amount of chalk fell upon them and deceased was killed, the two other men were dug out alive although one of them was much bruised. The waggon was destroyed and also a van and two valuable horses were killed. It appears the pit is left open all hours and these men got to work early in the morning not knowing the danger. Accidental and the jury returned a deodland of 50s the value of the chalk which had fallen in.

September 8th 1819

Desirable Estate at Stanstead and Hartest for sale at the Bell Inn at Hartest.--Lords farm in Hartest street, 12 acres. In Hartest, Hunts farm, 66 acres with newly erected dwelling house, buildings and a cottage.

September 27th 1819

At Woolpit Cattle Fair yesterday se'nnight there was a large shew of Scotch cattle and great prices were being asked and paid, much business was transacted. At the Fair a swindler accosted a person and observed that (pointing to an inferior horse on which his accomplice was riding) it is a fine animal but the man will not sell it to me, if you buy it for me I will give you 5L, the credulous countryman treated with the rider and gave at least 12L more than it was worth, then in vain he searched for his employer who had decamped. Another rogue mounted a horse to try it then rode off with it. At Hadleigh Fair every lamb sold at 20-30s a head.

September 27th 1819

Edmond Rolfe for setting a snare for hares on land belonging to Mr Nathaniel Lee of Acton. Fined 5L.

November 3rd 1819

James Wilding for stealing an ass from Ambrose Ruffell at Cockfield, transported for 7 years.

November 24th 1819

The examination of pensioners is now finished in Bury, about 300 have been approved by the surgeons appointed by the medical board. On Wednesday 150 of them were marched off to Portsmouth by Capt Bentley the Receiving Officer, on passing the residence of our worthy chief magistrate, the party gave three hearty cheers, the remainder are expected to march on Thursday.

December 8th 1819

Married--Mr Marin of Wickham House to Miss Violl the eldest daughter of Mr Violl of Bulmer.(Violl, perhaps Viall).
At the Fair at Bury on Wednesday there were numerous Scotch stock, sales made at high prices. Butter- there was a great deal of inferior butter on sale but sold at 50s-60s, Suffolk flat cheese obtained 3d-4d and some Derby and Cottenham made 7d to 8d.

December 29th 1819

On the 10th a Lugger sailing boat with it's cargo of 200 half ankers of gin was seized at Southwold.

January 5th 1820

The following letter was received in Ipswich from a convict at Botany Bay, dated Feb.1st 1819

I have a very good place and a good master, I expect to be foreman in the mill as I flatter myself that I am the best hand in the country. I can do any wages I like but not for 4 years are up, in the present situation, I get no wages but 10© lbs of flour and 10© lbs of beef weekly, a suit such as it is, every 6 months, I sell some to buy tea and sugar and pay my lodgings at 1s a week. The Secretary of State is sending wives to their husbands, I made an application but was told I had been so little in this country but by the next order I surely should be in 8 to 10 months. I can assure you it is a far better country than England, a man who makes himself useful can earn 1 pound to 2 pounds a week even at farm labouring he will get 6s to 11s a day. I wish it was possible for you to come over as two mills stand idle, bakers pay millers 1s a bushel for grinding flour and 1s 6d if dressed, peaches are 1s 6d a dozen and lemons 3 for a penny.

January 5th 1820

As Mr Sarnsome was returning to Cockfield yesterday se'nnight from Lavenham market, he was accosted by two men who asked for relieve, when he declined they were joined by two others who cruelly beat him and robbed him of 30s, he had 40L in his possession but luckily it escaped the notice of the robbers who have all been apprehended and committed to Bury gaol, they are John East, John Austin, Robert Steward and Edward Smith.

January 5th 1820

Thomas Mills was charged with uttering counterfeit shillings at Stoke by Clare.

January 19th 1820

Sir William Parker of Melford Hall gave 4 cauldrons of coals to the poor of Melford who are not on parochial relief.
One day last week a child of about 8 years was so severely burnt at Melford as to occassion it's death, the mother had gone to the bakehouse leaving the little girl with an infant in her arms, she reached for something from the chimney piece when her cloathes caught alight.

February 16th 1820

Clare Bank Notice---Notice to Debtors. All persons who stand indebted to the joint and seperate estates of James Ray and James Reynold Ray of Clare (against whom the commission of bankruptcy has been awarded) are required to pay debts to the bankrupt's estates, co-partners who are bankers, dealers and chapmen.

February 16th 1820

A few days since there was an accident at Sudbury when a daughter aged about 12 years, of Mr Hazel a tailor was left in charge of an infant, while blowing the fire a coal caught her clothes and she was so dreadfully burnt to cause her death.

February 16th 1820

A farm called Old Park Farm at Alpheton to be sold, 280 acres, situated in Alpheton and Melford.