January 3rd 1838

Information has been obtained about the fires at Halstead. Two men named Fletcher and Rayner have been in custody for examination, both weavers. Fletcher is aged 22, the prisoners work in a factory belonging to Abraham Rayner who asserts he is no relation to Henry Rayner, it appears that a statement by the prisoners made a confession to five fires, one at Mr Yeldham's, at Mr Bentall's and at Mr Vaisey's. For the Petty Sessions.

January 3rd 1838

Samuel Seeley and Benjamin Shepperd for offences against the game laws at Melford at night, to be imprisoned for 6 months or more.

January 10th 1838

On Saturday last, being old Christmas day, the children and teachers at Occold Sunday school partook of an excellent dinner.

January 17th 1838

At Suffolk Epiphany Sessions. Thomas Deadman, 19 and James Watkinson 19 and Mockdial? Croxey were indicted with stopping Ambrose Hartley in the highway at Glemsford and robbing him of 2 sovereigns, half sovereign and other monies. Ambrose Hartley said he lived at Pentlow and was in the Greyhound at Glemsford on the night of the 15th November, the three prisoners were also there, he knew them all before. Between 10 and 11 at night he took his purse to pay his reckoning and shortly after he left the Greyhound to go home, he had not gone far when he was knocked to the ground and he saw Deadman and Watkinson who he knew well, they then took his purse, monies and his watch, he knew Croxeth although he did not recognise him at first, he begged Croxeth not to take his watch, he said " if you make an alarm at what we have got we will resist you", he asked Croxeth to get his hat, which he did, he gave information Constable Russel who said at the trial that Deadman and Watkinson showed him where they had hidden the money in two different fields, Deadman confessed with the other two denying all knowledge. The keeper of the beerhouse at Stansfield said Croxeth told him of the robbery and that he had a watch for sale. Robert Alderton, the turnkey at Bury prison, said he drove Croxeth and Watkinson from Melford to Bury gaol after they had been before the magistrates, as they were coming along he heard Croxeth say to Watkinson that Hartley had sworn several things falsely, Watkinson said Hartley had said Deadman was the first man who went up to him when it was you, Croxeth said it was me. Transported for 10 years.

January 17th 1838

Isaac Brabrook for stealing a bridle from the Lion Inn at Sudbury and a great coat from the Anchor Inn at Sudbury. 8 months.
Henry Howe for stealing 3 bushels of wheat and a quantity of barley from Fred Smith at Melford. 6 months.

January 31st 1838

For sale at Lt Cornard an exceptional farm called " The Stocks", farmhouse barn and stable, 37 acres.

February 7th 1838

The poor of Sudbury have been liberally supplied with coal and soup during this last fortnight by the gentry and tradesmen having entered a subscription which amounted in a short time to 210L, 50L from Mr Bailey M.P. and last week the Rev Cobbold of Melford caused a fine bullock to be slaughtered and distributed among the poor of the parish, each receiving a portion according to the numbers in the family.

February 7th 1838

On Wednesday last, a man named Hills was found drowned in the river Stour at Gt Cornard, it appears deceased and two others had been drinking in a public house at Gt Henny and were intoxicated, they proceeded to Cornard but Hills wanting to take the short route left his companions and went across the fields where it is supposed he attempted to cross the ice and it broke.

February 7th 1838

Considerable depredations have been made on the preserves of game at Kentwell Hall and Melford Hall, the keepers have been strictly watching for some time past and about 2 on Wednesday morning they heard a report in the coverts, they mustered a considerable force and surrounded the preserves, the poachers found themselves hemmed in and made for a weak corner and with their bludgeons dreadfully beat a keeper named Medcalf who made a brave defence, his fellow keepers came to his aid and succeeded in taking two persons who have been committed for trial, the two prisoners with air guns had shot 10 brace of pheasants.
Samuel Medcalf, underkeeper, said they were lying near Kiln grove when they heard two shots, they went for assistance and surrounded the wood, during that time they heard shots and heard pheasants falling, soon after they saw five men coming out of the wood, witness laid hold of the first man and was kmocked down immediately, he heard one man say" cut away" witness flung himself on George Day and a struggle ensued, Day calling out " this is he" while another kept beating him, he held Day until Mitchell came up with his three partners the three poachers made off but Still was taken with a brace of pheasants in his pocket. Edward Hawkins, assistant keeper, said he was knocked down by a poacher and stunned, when he came to Harry Still was lying on the grass and he took him to Kiln Farm. Charles Harlock produced a bludgeon and a pump for an air gun which he found where the affray took place, Mr Almack deposed that it was Kiln Grove not Kill Grove,(Mr Prendergast said he was not aware of the Suffolk pronuciation of the word Kiln) and tried to raise objections but was overruled by the Judge.
Committed to Bury gaol-Harry Still and George Day charged with being in an enclosure at night time with three others at Melford and violently assaulting a second gamekeeper named Medcalf.
March 28th 1838. Harry Still and George Day were charged at Suffolk Sessions with being armed with guns and bludgeons in an enclosed preserves beloning to Hart Logan of Kentwell Hall at Melford, Samuel Medcalf, underkeeper to Hart Logan said he was watching with Beard the head keeper in Kiln Grove and they heard two shots, Medcalf said when he came to, he found Harry Still lying on the ground and he took him to Kiln farm and took three pheasants from his pocket, Mr Almack for the prisoner said Kiln Grove was the name of the wood not Kiln Wood. Transported for 7 years.

March 28th 1838

David Scott was charged with stealing 2 bushels of oats from Joseph Catchpole at Melford.

February 21st 1838

On Wednesday last, 6 convicts were removed from Bury gaol to be put aboard the hulk York lying at Woolwich, among them were James Watkinson and Thomas Deadman from Glemsford.
Abraham Rayner, a weaver of Halstead was charged with setting fire to five stacks belonging to Mr Vaisey at Halstead. Mr Vaisey said he knew the prisoner and 7 years previously had took proceedings against his uncle for stealing wood and that the prisoner wanted revenge. For trial.

February 24th 1838

The appointment of " Rural Police" in the parishes of Wickhambrook, Ousden, Hargrave, Dalham and Lidgate has had a benificial effect on the prevention of crime.

March 11th 1838

At Lavenham Fair, there was a large show of superb horses, prices were high with 100 guineas being refused for a fine hunter, some of the best sufflk brood mares being purchased for foreign buyers at around 40 guineas each, prime Scotch bullocks brought 7s 6d per stone of 14 lbs, home breds and Yorkshire making 6d a stone less, cows near calving made 10L to 15L.

March 14th 1838

John Ratcliffe and John Howe were indicted for stealing a sheep from William Raynham of Monks Eleigh. Transported for 7 years.
Robert Daking, a tinker of Lavenham was charged with breaking into the house of Isaac Cooper of Lavenham and stealing a copper kettle and other articles, the prosecutor is deaf and dumb also his wife and three children and could not be examined. 10 years transportation.
James Ramplin, 11 and James Smith, 12 were charged with stealing 22 lbs of lead from the house of John Poley at Sudbury. 1 month and a whipping.

March 21st 1838

Death on the 11th inst at Leamington Priors. Elizabeth Blackwell widow of the late John Campbell Lambert formerly of Liston Hall, Essex.

April 1st 1838

Died on the 19th ult, Joseph Nott of Oak farm, Pebmarsh, aged 76.

April 1st 1838

Inqui--at Sicklesmere Waggon on the body of Robert Rolfe aged between 10 and 11, in the employ of Mr Warren of Welnetham. James Polly, a labourer on Mr Warren's farm stated that on Monday 19th of March deceased was leading a horse in a field when he heard his master say " boy if you dont take hold of the end of the rein I will come to you", he then perceived the boy rising from the ground, deceased was holding his mouth and his nose was bleeding, witness asked the boy what was the matter with his foot and he said it had broken out in the evening, he said his master had hit him in the front of the face with an open hand, witness had conversation with his master and said it is reported that he had kicked the boy, he replied he had not hit the boy but a horse stood on his foot.
Mrs Rolfe, the boy's mother said he came home from work and said his master had been hitting him because he had not got the leader right, she looked under his knee where the boy said his master had kicked him and it was black, Mr Warren called at her cottage on his horse during the day when she stated the boy had said he had kicked him but he said it was the mare. Mr Image, Surgeon, said he attended the boy but he was in a sinking state, in the morning he made a medical examination on the body, the right kidney was filled with grumous blood but the heart showed great disease. Cause of death, heart disease. The Coroner said he found Mr Image's evidence satisfactory but pointed out to Mr Warren the impropriety of striking a boy of tender years.

April 1st 1838

Lucy Whitton aged 9 years sent to prison for 2 months for stealing two cambric collars and three caps from a linen line at Bury.

April 18th 1838

Sudden death of Hart Logan aged 66 years of Kentwell Hall, Melford at his residence in Pall Mall, he was taken with a chill but got worse.

April 18th 1838

The Rev John Gazelee has been presented with the living of Lt Yeldham by the Lord Chancellor.

April 18th 1838

A most awful instance of sudden death occured at Sudbury on Thursday last, Mr E.Allen of Ballingdon Grove, a merchant, was spending the evening in the Swan Inn when he exclaimed he felt unwell and dropped down dead, this is the second sudden death in the Swan in three months.

May 2nd 1838

Death on Wednesday last, Henry the youngest son of W, Logan of Clarkstone, Stirlingshire, nephew of the late Hart Logan, M.P. of Kentwell Hall, Melford.
On Tuesday the 25th the remains of Hart Logan, representative for this division after lying in state at Kentwell Hall, were interred in the family vault in Melford church, it drew a large assemblage of persons, the corpse was preceeded by 40 tradesmen of the parish on foot and the tenants were on horse back followed by seven mourning coaches and 24 private carriages.

May 2nd 1838

We are sorry to hear of the great distress which prevails in Sudbury among the weavers, 250 being out of employment, it is entirely owing to the rash and immoderate conduct at the late election. Many have enlisted as soldiers and others admitted to the Union House.

May 2nd 1838

Election in the room of the late Hart Logan. Harry Spencer Waddington was the only candidate, arrived in Bury on horseback at the head of a large body of gentry and yeomanry from his seat in Cavenham.

May 16th 1838

Maria Wordley and Sarah Slater were charged with stealing 77 yards of quilting from Robert Sealey at Glemsford.
Abraham Brewster was charged with burglariously entering the house of James Fenn at Glemsford.

May 30th 1838

Married at Belchamp Otten, Mr Smith of Crammer House, Melford to Anna Maria the second daughter of Mr J.Pratt.
Inqui--at Barningham on John Goodchild who the preceeding night returned home from a public house intoxicated, his wife opened the door for him but he refused to come in saying he was going to sleep in the shed, in the morning his body was found in a pond with his coat lying by the stable door, quite dead, it appears whenever he came home he would feed his pony from the haystack and in going to pass the pond fell in.
For unlawful fishing in the River Stour at Clare, Edward Hunt. 2 months.

June 3rd 1838

The South Suffolk Show took place at Clare, the ploughing match took place in fields belonging to Messsrs Dennis and Spencer.
Labourers, to James Rayner of Stansfield for bringing up 5 children with only 5L relief and that in illness, 1L. To William Everett for over 50 years service for Mr T.King. Sarah Halls for 19 years with Mr Ambrose at Clare. Uriah Chambers of Pentlow aged 12, recommended by Garnham Groom for rearing 68 lambs from 50 ewes with the loss of only one ewe.
Ploughmen--John Stammers and James Perry, 2L 10s each. Best stallion, Mr Branwhite of Gestingthorpe, 4L. Best 2 year old filly, Mr Horner from Foxearth, 2L. Best Suffolk cow, Mr Payne from Wixoe-Best cow of any breed, Mr Viall, Foxearth, Best Southdown ewe hoggets, Mr Viall, Mr Stubbin objected saying Mr Viall's ewes were not pure but the word pure did not appear on the list.

June 13th 1838

On Sunday last Mr Walter Chickall of Bradfield St George, lost 40 breeding sheep while straying into a field of clover and were blown.

June 20th 1838

FOR SALE--Kentwell Hall at Long Melford----Splendid Residence-Extensive Parks--Several Manors--A domain of 2000 acres.
Messrs Driver have the honour to annouce and favoured with the instructions to submit publicly and competively the highly important property, nearly all freehold, the complete Manors of Kentwell Monks, Over Hall and Nether Hall besides several smaller Manors and above 2000 acres of rich arable, meadow pasture and woodland, lying in a ring fence, the property of the late Hart Logan Esq.M.P.. This estate is particulary worthy of the attention of any Nobleman or Gentleman desirious of acquiring the above property. The Mansion House is situated upon a pleasant eminence and the approach is through the park by an avenue of lime trees, nearly a mile in length. The building is an original specimen of the Elizabethan Order, it has recently been restored at great expense and is now in perfect state and fit for immmediate occupation. The internal improvements were completed under Thomas Hopper the celebrated architect and no expence has been spared. The farms are a convenient distance from the road to Bury and Sudbury and are in the occupation of substantial tenants and are provided with substantial residences and have been put in complete repair, the outbuildings likewise.
The estate has long been celebrated as one of the leading features in this sporting country with no pains spared to keep up a stock of game which have been strictly preserved, there is between 330-400 acres of woods.

June 20th 1838

On Monday last was the anniversary of the glorious battle of Waterloo, the remmants of the Bury men dined at the Ram Inn and the evening was spent in great conviviality by the veterans, the wives being entertained also at the Inn the next day.

June 20th 1838

The Swan Inn in Sudbury to be let. Situated in the centre of this populous thriving market town it is now in the occupation of Thomas Newman who is compelled by ill health to give it up.

June 27th 1838

Married at Gosforth, the Rev E.Pemberton of Belchamp St Pauls to Sarah the youngest daughter of Willam Seahouse, Surveyor General of Customs of Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands.
At Mildenhall Petty Sessions, the Rev John Fox was charged with unlawfully taking a pheasant and 14 eggs from the Manor of Sir Henry Bunbury at Mildenhall. Fined 3L 10s.
Committed to Bury gaol, Deborah Wordley, charged with stealing part of a cart trace the property of Amos Shepherd at Glemsford and Mary Albon with assault at Melford. 1 month each.

June 27th 1838

We are sorry to say there was no public demonstration of rejoicing in the town of Lavenham on the eve of the Coronation. A few farmers and their own men had a dinner of beef and plum pudding, here and there were seen a few women drinking cups of tea with their neighbours, the majority of the poor among those most in need were left to their own resources. The more wealthy and influential of the inhabitants, we presume, regard the poor as objects of (unreadable) of their notice.

July 11th 1838

Bury Corn Market.-Wheat to 66s, White wheat to 70s- Talavers to 72s 6d-grinding barley to 30s, malting to 33s, oats to 25s.

July 11th 1838

Died at Cavendish, Samuel Braybrooke, shoemaker who worked with Thomas Woods and family for upwards of 55 years in the shoeshop.

July 11th 1838

There was a loyal demonstration of fellowship in the beautiful village of Melford on the occasion of the coronation of our gracious Queen in which all parties, rich and poor alike united to remember this happy event. 600 of the poor were given a good old English fare of roast beef and plum pudding on the green, it was provided by Poulter, Jarvis and Gooch. A number of gentlemen in the neighbourhood dined at the Cock and Bell.

July 18th 1838

Thank God that in another fortnight, slavery will cease to exist in the British West India Colony.

July 18th 1838

Sentenced to 7 years transportation, Sarah, aged 50, wife of John Payne of Hawkedon for stealing two silver and 9 metal spoons.
Henry Gridley for breaking into the bake office of Josiah Sparkes at Glemsford and stealing 2L. 2 months. Benjamin Wright for stealing a quantity of peas from Alexander Duff at Glemsford. 6 months. Sarah Slater for stealing 77 yards of quilting from Robert Leeks at Glemsford.
2 months. Deborah, wife of Joseph Wordley for stealing a cart trace from Ambrose Shepherd at Glemsford.14 days. Mira Wordley being accused of being an accomplice of Sarah Slater was acquitted.

August 1st 1838

Inqu--at the Cock Inn at Lavenham on William Patrick, a pensioner, Samuel Coe a farmer from Lavenham said that on Thursday evening at about 9-30 he saw someone standing by the direction post in Lavenham, he went up to him and found it was a man hanging from the arm of the post, the body was suspended by his handkerchief, he cut him down and went through his pockets but no money was found in them. James Roper of Lt Waldingfield, said he saw deceased lying down in the road about half a mile from Lavenham, he told witness he had been robbed of 7 sovereigns and 2 half crowns, witness asked him to turn out his pockets and he saw a hole in one, then he said he had lost his money and that if he had a horse pistol on him he would shoot himself.

August 8th 1838

James Waddell 37, a land agent in the employ of the Eastern Counties Railway, was charged with ravishing Heneriett Shipp aged 13 years at Elmsett, her father kept the Chequers at Elmsett and the prisoner dined there on the 29th, he then joined the others in the tap room, she shew him upstairs where he committed the offence. Guilty of gross assault. 2 years and to be kept at hard labour.

August 15th 1838

Turnips appear abundant in spite of the Black Jack which has made it's appearance in great numbers in the middle of the month, we know of an instance in the east part of Cambridgeshire where a very fine crop of turnips being smothered in the black caterpillar, the owner was determined to plough them up but they were a particular sort and he had no more seed, he had them hoed and not a single rook came until after the hoers had finished until the next morning when they came in great numbers and in two days not one single caterpillar was seen.
The piece of turnips is perhaps now the finest in the county. This adds to the incalculable value of the rook and blind indeed are the farmers who destroys them, there is a constant companion of the rook which is entitled to protection, the starling, which renders incalculable service particulary on the layers.

September 19th 1838

Advert. James Smyth, established 1800, respectfully returns his sincere thanks to the Noblemen, Gentlemen and others for their extended preference shown for his improved Lever Corn Drill and manure drill with 9 coulters and two barrels priced at 21L 10s and 14 coulter drills at 35L 10s.
For sale, the live and dead stock of the late James Golding of Clay Hall in Gt Waldingfield.
At Hundon Thicks, Clare, the live and dead stock of Sir Robert Harland who has left the farm.
At Liston near Melford, the live and dead stock the property of Mrs Beadle at Lapwing farm, 3 horses, 2 stacks of clover and one of hay.

September 26th 1838

On Sunday se'nnight the organ which was recently purchased by voluntary contributions for Cavendish church was publicly used for the first time. The sermon was by the Rev Coldham, rector of Glemsford and the Rev E, Bull of Pentlow, read the service. The church, though large, was crowded and the churchyard thronged with people unable to be admitted, the sum of 20L was collected.

September 26th 1838

Thomas Browne for running away three years ago and leaving his wife and family chargeable to the parish of Glemsford. 3 months.

September 26th 1838

Live and dead stock sale at Chilton Hall, Sudbury, the property of J.Addison who is leaving the farm.

October 3rd 1838

The South Suffolk Show held at Bury. An amount of implements were shown by Mr Smyth of Ipswich which desires mention, it included a manure drill which despite it's simplicity, will sow rape cake bone dust, malt dust and burnt earth.

October 3rd 1838

William Coultin aged 67 of Rougham who brought up 10 children with little parish relief, 2L. For cultivation--John Simpson of Wicken Fen for spade draining 5858 rods on 275 acres.

October 31st 1838

Susan Wright was charged with stealing from Daniel Vince at Sudbury, a purse containing 11 sovereigns and 2 sixpences. The prosecutor deposed that the prisoner asked to ride in his cart from Sudbury after 12 at night, when he left the George Inn at Sudbury he had his purse, when he had got a short distance he missed his purse, he accused the prisoner but she denied it but stooped to pick the purse of the floor of the cart, there was no money in it, she was taken to the gaol and 3 sixpences and a sovereign were taken from her mouth, the prisoner said that the prosecutor had give her a sovereign after taking her for a walk. Dismissed.

October 31st 1838

The election of 4 councillors for the Borough of Sudbury took place last Thursday and was preceeded on the part of the Tories by one of the most barefaced acts of bribery. On the Wednesday evening and Thurday morning previous to the election, the town crier was sent round the town to announce that Mr Bailey, father of the Tory member, had sent a donation to the poor of Sudbury and that all persons desirious of partaking it were to attend the Town Hall at 2 o'clock until 6 in the evening, several local Tories including Mr Bailey senior had assured those who had promised their votes, would participate in a bounty of 200L..

October 31st 1838

On Monday evening se'nnight, as Mr Everett, a jobber of Brent Eleigh was returning from Halstead market he was stopped on the Sudbury road by four fellows who pulled him from his cart, beat him and stole between 70-80 sovereigns and made off.

November 14th 1838

The election of municipal officers for Sudbury resulted in a triumph for the Liberals and them placing themselves in the situation of exercising their own judgement. The Mayor and the Reform members of the Council dined at the Swan Inn at Sudbury and entertained their triumph with great conviviality, about 20 Tories dined with the ex Mayor to condole him for his lost honours and disappointment at not being elected. Ou Council now consists of 10 Liberals and six Tories.

November 14th 1838

The South Suffolk Show was held at Sudbury. The animal which commmanded most attention was a fine Durham Ox bred by Mr Hobbs of Marks Hall, the animal was of a magnificent shape and was stated to be full of roast beef from snout to tail and estimated to weigh between 125-130 stone. Mr Mills from Melford showed four Suffolk cows and Mr Green of Newton, a fine Ayrshire cow. To John Steed of Acton for bringing up 9 children with only 2L 10s of parish relief and that was in sickness, 2L. Mary Underwood from Cavendish, 20 years service as dairymaid to W.Murrels. To Robert Duce of Foxearth for rearing 236 lambs from 200 ewes, losing only 5 ewes.2L. Wheel ploughing, W Griggs of Newton, 2L 10s, J.Went from Melford, foot ploughing, 2L 10s and to G.Ward of Foxearth, 2L.

November 21st 1838

Kentwell Hall at Long Melford, formerly in the possession of the ancient family of Moore's and lately the property of Hart Logan M.P. has been purchased by Col.Bence of Torrington Hall for 85, 000 pounds, this valuable property is intended we hear for the second son of the gallant Colonel, now only 15 years old, his uncle left the sum of 130, 000 pounds. The Mansion has within last few years undergone considerable alterations and improvements under Mr Hopper, the surveyor.

December 5th 1838

Died at Clare in his 46th year, James Hammond of the Whey Farm, leaving a widow and 4 children to mourn their loss.

December 19th 1838

Married at Cavendish by the Rev Edward Bull of Pentlow, Thomas Bridge A.B. of Caius College Cambridge to Sussanah the second daughter of the Rev Castley of Cavendish.
A meeting of 800 people of the working classes took place in a loft at Halstead, Essex, where various resolutions were passed adopting the principals of the Peoples Charter.

December 26th 1838

To be sold at Bulmer, Essex, by order of the Council of Sudbury Borough at the Swan Inn, Sudbury, on the 4th of January 1839

18 acres, all that piece from the freehold pasture called the " Armsey" situated in Bulmer containing 14 acres or thereabouts, abutting on lands called " Aubries", now let to William Simpson as tenant at a rent of 10 pounds. There are spots on the above which will prove eligible for building and commands a picturesque view of the River Stour.