January 2nd 1828

There was a good show of Christmas beasts at Chelmsford on Friday se'nnight ammongst which was a Buffalo Ox by the Nagpoor bull which weighed upwards of 150 stone (London Weight).

January 2nd 1828

Early on Christmas morning a dark brown gig horse was stolen from the stable of the Rev Pemberton at Foxearth and an aged chestnut riding horse from the stable of of Mr G.Hurrel of the same place. (probably Red House,)G.H.

January 9th 1828

Last week as Mr John Sparrow of Edwardstone was upon Clare road on his way to the West Country, the Sudbury mail cart came in collision with a post on the Clare bridge, throwing the driver into the water, had it not been for the prompt assistanc from Mr Sparrow the driver must have had a watery grave.

January 16th 1828

There was a shocking accident at Melford when the wife of a soldier named Mott had the occassion to go shopping and left her young two children at the house for less than ten minutes, the youngest one was much burnt by it's clothes catching fire, so dreadfully burnt was the poor infant it presented one of the greatest spectacles ever seen, he died the next day.

January 21st 1828

Stolen from the Rev Butts stable at Glemsford, a full sized hunter also a dark chestnut mare, they were the property of Mr Henry Craven of Stamford Hill.

January 21st 1828

Committed to Bury gaol, James Oakley charged with stealing two horses from the stable of the Rev Butts at Glemsford.

January 21st 1828

Inqisition at Sudbury on Robert Brighton who was found drowned in Mr Orbell's water mill, the man had spent the evening with friends and returning home is supposed to have missed his path and fell in the river.

February 20th 1828

On Friday last, a heifer was stolen from Mr Farrow, a butcher of Hawstead, after searching in all directions, Mr Farrow succeeded in tracing the beast to Acton at a public house near Sudbury where he was informed that a man with one arm had left it, a short time after a boy was sent for it, he stated it was sold and he was ordered to drive it to the purchaser, he was sent back and Mr Farrow set out in the same direction and met a man on the road, he apprehended him and he was committed on bail, his name is Thomas Bantock and had already undergone transportation for the same offence.

February 27th 1828

Notice--Bury-Melford-Sudbury-Coach. The Sudbury Coach goes to Belle Savage, Ludgate Hill, it statrts from Sudbury Rose and Crown every Monday morning at 9 o'clock except Saturdays and returns from Belle Savage every day, Sunday's excepted at 12 noon, it calls at the Spread Eagle at Grace Church Street, the Green Dragon at Bishopsgate Street and the Bull at Aldgate.

February 27th 1828

A correspondent complains of the indecent behaviour of the Guards on the coaches blowing their horns as they pass through Bury during service on Sundays, frequently in the vicinity of churches.

February 27th 1828

For Sale--200 hundred oak trees in Acton and Bulmer, with tops and bark.

February 27th 1828

We understand that the livery keeper against whom a warrant was issued for buying 2 horses stolen from the Rev Butt's stables at Glemsford, will be brought to trial.

March 12th 1828

Died at Castle Hedingham--Thomas Granger, late of Park Gate Farm, Gestingthorpe.
4500 Ash, Elm and other trees to be sold at Kentwell Hall Estate arising from thinning of different plantations.
Ashen Hall Estate to be sold---Excellent family home, recently erected.
107 acres.

March 19th 1828

Japhet and Samuel Cook, brothers, were charged with being on the premises of Mr Thomas Wilson's malting at Hadleigh, they were detected going off with their pockets filled with malt. 7 years transportation.
M.Bareham and W.Skilton for stealing a pig from James Brown at Clare. 12 months. Joseph Goddy for stealing 1s of copper coin from his master, 14 days and to be privately whipped.
Yesterday se'nnight the dairy of Mr E.Chinery of Melford was entered and robbed of a round of beef, turkey, 2 hams, 2 tongues, breasts of pork, a hare and a brace of snipe.

March 26th 1828

A premium of 10 guineas which was offered by Sudbury Corporation for the best plan of a new Town Hall, has been awarded to Mr Ginn.
March 26th 1828.About midnight yesterday week, two valuable horses were stolen from the stable of Mrs Ewers of Walter Belchamp.
March 26th 1828.James Oakley and John Humm of Glemsford were sentenced to death for stealing two horses fron the stable of the Rev Butt. No prisoners were left for execution.

April 9th 1828

Suffolk General Hospital. In patients admitted 4- discharged 3-remaining 20.

April 9th 1828

Some delay seems to have occurred in the resignation of John Wilks of his seat as representative as the honourable member for Sudbury, he has retired to Bruges with 120L in his pocket. An election was to take place yesterday.

April 9th 1828

Lucy Dixey was convicted as an idle disorderly person, being a common prostitute found wandering the streets of Sudbury on Sunday evening. 1 month.

April 23rd 1828

Died at Blackland Hall, Cavendish, John Quye, the poor have lost a warm benefactor.

April 23rd 1828

A dreadful crime has been brought to light at Polstead, in this county and if reports we have are correct, by one of those mysterious circunstances which sometimes surpass what " tis dreamt of in our philosophy" the facts we have heard are these, some such as a young man of respectable family whose name it would be improper to mention, left the village rather suddenly and a young woman with whom he had been acquainted has disappeared at the same time, letters afterwards received from the young man represent that they were living together in a remote part of the Kingdom but bearing a London postmark. A few days ago however in consequence of the dreams of the girl's mother, a search was made in a barn, about 15" underground was found a body who though dressed in a male's attire, is supposed to be that of a young woman. An inquest was held on Sunday last by John Wayman, Gent, Coroner, but proceedings were adjourned till next Friday April 30th 1828. The statement we made in our paper last week was correct. The village of Polstead is a picturesque spot, remarkable for it's growth of wild cherries which mingled with gorse presents a beautiful landscape. Maria Marten, the daughter of a mole catcher had unhappily been lured into the paths of vice, the fruits of which were two illegitimate children, one of which is still living, the other of which is the son of William Corder the younger son of a wealthy farmer, died last year etc etc ---.

April 23rd 1828

To be let--A capital family mansion, with 100 acres, furnished, with a 10 year lease with an absolute right to shoot over 3000 acres, well stocked with game.

May 7th 1828

Inquest at Lavenham on Thursday last on Henry Alding who died the previous evening, deceased was about 14 years had been apprenticed to John Davies, a chimney sweep of Lavenham. Samuel Boreham, journeyman to Davies, said deceased was addicted to dirty habits and he had seen his master's wife treat him as an angry housewife would treat a kitten, even worse, to break him of the practice, but the boy cannot help it. Ann Snell who works for Mr Davies said she heard the boy complaining of pains in his bowels and Davies sent for some gin and port wine, this witnesss said she heard deceased tell Mrs Davies in Boreham's presence he " dirtied" himself to sicken her. Susan Lambert said she heard the boy's master abuse him frequently during his illness and on the day he died he called out " oh my belly", Mrs Davies said damm your belly, the boy had run away twice. Mr Burch, surgeon, said he was sent for and found the boy dying, he ordered him to bed and later that day he was informed he was dead, he opened the body, there was no appearance of violence but an enlargement of the liver but in his opinion death was caused by the relaxing of the bowels, death would not have occurred if he had diarreha but Davies was ignorant of the fact.

May 7th 1828

The following were removed from Bury gaol to the Leviatham hulk at Portsmouth. John Humm, Joseph Oakley and Thomas Bantock for transportation for life.

May 14th 1828

Just about the time Maria Marten's body was found at Polstead, a human skeleton was found buried in a barn at Akenham belonging to Mr Woodward, the barn was undergoing repairs but the skeleton must have been buried many years before. The remains were afterwards interred in the churchyard.

May 21st 1828

A shocking accident occurred at Acton to a family by the name of Ranson, having eaten some food cooked in a copper boiler which was wanting repair, all were taken ill, the woman died on Friday and her husband on Monday, four children are lying ill.

May 28th 1828

In order to prevent the total demolition of the Red Barn at Polstead where the remains of of Maria Marten were found, for the purpose of supplying reliques to the curious we believe orders have been given for the barn to be pulled down.

June 11th 1828

The Red Barn at Polstead continues to excite the public curiousity, there was a large assemblage of visitors on Sunday. A short time since a curious incident occurred, a person, a hatter, from a distance came to see the red barn, not finding anyone about he entered to examine it internally to see the grave, he laid down in it in the position he imagined Maria Marten had laid in it, he had scarcely done that when a Lady and Gentleman entered the barn and were gazing earnestly upon the grave when the hatter scampered up from the grave to no small terror to the Lady and Gentleman who no doubt thought that it was Maria Marten's ghost, the hatter however came forward and begged pardon for the fright.
On Sunday last an immense assemblage of people collected at the Red Barn in consequence of the announcement that the Rev Whitmore was going to preach within it's walls, he dwelt forcibly with the murder, both of the girl's parents of the unfortunate girl were there.
June 25th 1828. The Rev Young a dissenting preacher from London, preached on Sunday near the Red Barn at Polstead, between four and five thousand people were present.

June 25th 1828

Branches Park Estate for sale. 13 farms--One of the finest estates in England--Mansion in 200 acres of park, gardens and grounds laid out by " Capability Brown"--2178 acres with tolls of two extensive sales. July 23rd. Branches Park sold for 105, 000L. Mr Robbins the auctioneer in his opening address said wheat averaged 6 quarters, oats 8-10 quarters.
Died Alice Stuck, daughter of the late Joseph Hale of Boxted.

July 9th 1828

Married on Friday se'nnight at Woolwich, Richard Lambert Esq of the Royal Artillery to Eliza Charlotte Louisa, daughter of the late John Campbell Esq, Accountant General of the Court of Chancery and of Lyston Hall in Essex.

July 23rd 1828

After a terrific storm at Sudbury, the hay cocks were immersed in water to a considerable height by the overflowing of the river Stour, a barge was needed to remove the hay carried down to the bridge in order to prevent the arches being choked.
Eliza Everard and Susan Parminter were convicted of being absent from work from the service of Messrs Duff at Glemsford. Former 1 month, latter 14 days.

July 23rd 1828

Baythorne Park Manor and Estate to be sold. 403 acres.
Smock windmill and estate at Finsted End for sale. The mill stands on a beautiful eminence designed apparently by nature for the occasion.

July 30th 1828

On Wednesday last, the village of Acton near Sudbury was visited by a violent storm, the elctric fluid struck the dwelling house of W.Brand at Cooker Tye, the house was covered by thatch which was immediately set ablaze but owing to the prompt arrival of Meford fire brigade the flames were prevented from spreading to the adjoining buildings, the house and the greater part of the furniture was destroyed.
The recent storms along the course of the river Stour from Clare to Manningtree has cleared not less than 200 acres of hay washed away as clear as it had been carted.

July 30th 1828

Mark Lane. Red Wheat to 65s a quarter-White wheat to 70s-Rye to 30s- Barley to 35s-Grey Pease to 34s-White Pease to 47s-Tick Beans to 36s- Harrow Beans to 40s.

August 13th 1828

At the trial of William Corder, Anne Marten said " I am the wife of Thomas Marten, I live at Polstead, my husband had a daughter called Maria Marten, I have known the prisoner for 17 years, he lived at Polstead and was acquainted with Maria, he came to our house frequently, in 1827 she was delivered at Sudbury and returned home after 7 weeks, a fortnight later the child died, the prisoner said he was the father of the child, the prisoner continued coming to our house, I heard a conversation between him and Maria, he carried the child to Sudbury, she had had a child before Corder's, etc etc.

August 27th 1828

At Ipswich Lamb Fair at least 130, 00 sheep and lambs were penned.

September 10th 1828

On Thursday last an iquest was held on the body of ----Hathaway, a lad who was found hanged in the stable of the King's Head at Ballingdon.

September 17th 1828

An accident happened on Monday morning last to Samuel Bitten and his son, they are in the employ of James Green, a bricklayer of Sudbury, they were repairing tiling in Friars Street, the spar to which they had fastened the ladder broke, precipitating them onto a stone street, the father died in two hours from a fractured head, there are hopes for the son.

September 17th 1828

Nether Hall at Gestingthorpe for sale by orders of the executors of Ewdward Downs also the live and dead stock. 8 horses-9 spotted Suffolk cows-implements etc, of John Firmin who is leaving the farm.

October 8th 1828

Yesterday se'nnight a court martial was held in the Angel Inn at Bury on a Private belonging to the 6th Enniskillen Dragoons for being intoxicated and striking Captain Barber. He was sentenced to 200 lashes which were inflicted on him on the Newmarket road on Wednesday morning during their march.

October 18th 1828

Committed to Bury gaol, Edward Partridge charged with killing and slaying Elizabeth Steed in Gt Waldingfield.

October 29th 1828

Thomas Cook for breaking into the factory of Messrs Hills at Sudbury and stealing 200 yards of silk. to be transported for 14 years and his accomplice Joseph Houghten, to be transported for 7 years.

November 5th 1828

Committed to Bury Gaol--Robert Theobald, charged with stealing a silver watch and a pair of shoes from John Ranson of Acton.
Claret Hill Farm--Live and Dead stock of Samuel Stevens who is quitting the farm.

November 12th 1828

Committed to Bury Gaol--George Partridge charged with the wilful murder of George Ansell of Milden. At the trial Partridge said his parents were living in Milden and had 17 children now alive, the prisoner is about the middle one in age, last year he lost one of his children under mysterious circunstances, the body being found in an ozier bed, though a verdict of wilful murder by persons unknown was brought in it is the general opinion that Jonas Ansell was stunned by another boy in the water and drowned and that the mother of the child who struck him had hid the body in the ozier bed to screen her son from any trouble. The prisoner was conveyed to Bury Gaol. We understand that Partridge has made a full confession.

November 19th 1828

On the evening of the 5th inst a most alarming accident occurred to Master Alfred the son of Mr Coe of Brooke Hall at Foxearth. A number of persons having been invited to spend the evening at his farm he was fetched from Mr Blockburn's Academy on Melford Green to share in the amusement, while engaged in the discharge of fireworks some of the sparks communicated to a large quantity in his waistcoat and trouser pockets which exploded in rapid succession and dreadfully mangled the whole of his right side from his neck to his hip also his right hand, although surgical aid was immediately obtained it is feared the accident will prove fatal.

November 19th 1828

On Friday last, Thomas Cook and Joseph Houghten were removed from Bury gaol to be put aboard the York hulk lying at Portsmouth for 14 years transportation.

November 26th 1828

Married at Pentlow, Essex, Leo Stammers a carpenter from Cavendish to Jimima Finch of Cavendish.
Birth, on Sunday se'nnight at Polstead, to the widow of the late William Corder, a son.
Convicted of absenting themselves from work at Alexander Duff and Co, Glemsford, Amelia Coe and Susan Parminter. 3 weeks prison.

December 10th 1828

Mr John Fenton's sheepfold on his off-hand farm at Alpheton was entered last week by a dog which killed two sheep and severely injuring several more, similar misfortune has befallen others in the neighbourhood, it is suspected that it is a large dog that accompanies Sykes stage waggon on the Sudbury road.
Samuel Wordley was convicted of divers misdemeanours in the service of Francis Peacock at Glemsford. 14 days.

December 17th 1828

Died at Boxford--Alex Hogg, who was a purser in the Royal Navy and was with Capt Cook in his voyage of discovery in 1777

December 17th 1828

James Watkinson was convicted of divers misdemeanours in the service of Alexander Duff at Glemsford. 21 days.
Susan Newman for stealing a number of turnips from a field in Somerton.
14 days.

December 17th 1828

At Essex Assizes, Robert Proctor a farmer of Gestingthorpe and William Simpson his servant were indicted for stealing corn from the barn of Lewis Majendie in Gestingthorpe. It appears that last autumn at Michaelmas Mr Majendie put off a farm which he occupied to Proctor and the men who were threshing the crop in the barn had the habit of leaving the keys to the barn with the incoming tenant but they continually missed corn, they informed the bailiff and a constable was put to watch the barn, at about six the next morning the prisoners came and filled a skep from the heap, the constable secured them. Proctor 12 months and Simpson 6 months.
John Oakley was charged with stealing 3 bushels of wheat from the barn of Willaim Hall at Glemsford. 1 month

December 24th 1828

To be sold at Gt Waldingfield, the contents of a blacksmith's shop, property of Mr Turkentine.

December 31st 1828

Inquisition on John Sexton aged 10 years who drowned in the river Stour at Bures, he had been crossing the river upon the doors of a staunch, with the wind being high he was blown over and drowned, owing to the current his body was not found until two days later