April 2nd 1844

The Marquess of Downshire has an estate at Somerton near Hartest in Suffolk and is patron of the church in that parish having been descended from an ancient family named Blundells who had a seat there.

April 2nd 1844

The 1st Div.of the Royal Scots Greys will this week march from Ipswich Barracks to Edinburgh and the headquarters of the regiment will follow on the 15th.

April 9th 1844

On Saturday night at about 5-45 pm at a farm called Bletchleys in Pebmarsh and held by Mr John Nott of Bures was discovered to be on fire, the fire was discovered at the side of a barn and burnt with such rapidity that all efforts to save it were fruitless, a double cottage was burnt and many of Mr Nott's implements from his home farm which were at Bletcheys. 3 valuable horses and some pigs were burnt to death also the produce of 7 acres of wheat

April 10th 1844

George Smith and James Cousins both 20 years were charged with breaking into the house of Robert Hicks at Milden and violently assaulting him and stealing a great coat, hat, 4 silver teaspoons, 1 table spoon, a gold ring set with pearls and other articles.
The 3 prisoners had that night called at the beer-shop at Monks Eleigh and had also visited a beer-shop kept by a man named Faires about 3 miles from the scene of the burgarly. Each 15 years transportation.

April 23rd 1844

Died on the 9th inst suddenly in a fit of apoplexy aged 62 years, Ann, wife of Nathaniel Mayhew of Cotton.

May 1st 1844

We publish a return from 412 cotton mills in Manchester, Lancashire. Lord Ashley's principal charges were that there was a great preponderance of female over male labourers, the women had become the main bread winners as the men were worn out by the age of 40 by excessive toil and turned adrift with the women supporting them and the children too. The cotton mills deny this.

April 30th 1844

At the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society, Mr Wilson of Stowlangtoft Hall near Ixworth presented a specimen of the tile used for the " eyes" in underdraining and made at Woolpit, it has a section of the capital U turned down, etc.

May 7th 1844

On Friday afternoon there was an alarm of fire in a cottage in Acton on a farm called Highlanders in occupation of Mr Gainsborough Dupont and the property of William Jones, the engines belonging to St Peter's and All Saints arrived in time to save a barn contiguous from destruction, the cottage was destroyed, it is reported that the cause was overheating of the cottage oven.

May 22nd 1844

Caroline Tuffin was committed for trial charged with stealing three sovereigns from Joseph Dow, an old pensioner on the 19th inst at Ballingdon King's Head near Sudbury. She was taken into custody by Rosbrook the constable of Ballingdon and taken by him to the Borough gaol, Mr Cross, the Borough gaoler entertained strong suspicions she had swallowed the sovereigns as she looked unwell and asked for some medicine, he gave her some castor oil and effect was that two sovereigns made their appearance and were produced for the magistrate, she made a full confession to Mr Cross that she swallowed two sovereigns.

May 13th 1844

Sale at Finsted End, Boxted. Furniture and effects of Mr Mirrington who has declined the business in favour of his brother in law, Mr Watkinson. Good goose feather beds-sweet beer casks--brewers copper-new millers cart and tilt, etc.

May 20th 1844

On Sunday afternoon, a large haulm stack at Borley Hall near Rodbridge Turnpike gate at Melford, in occupation of Mr Branwhite of Gestingthorpe was set on fire and was quickly reduced to ashes but happily the wind was in the right direction and no other damage was done or the whole of the farm buildings would have been destroyed. The young villian by whom the deed was perpetrated walked deliberately off and meeting one the workmen, told him he had done it. He was apprehended and we hope he will receive the punishment he deserves.

May 20th 1844

The pleasant village of Melford was the scene of much rejoicing on Tuesday on the occurence of the marriage of Miss Faulkner to the Rev Coldham, the path to the church which is quarter of a mile distant was strewn with flowers by the spontaneous gratitude of the villagers.

May 20th 1844

On Tuesday morning, Sir Joshua Rowley received communication from Col Dear of the 21st Reg of Fusiliers stationed in the East Indies with a copy of an inquiry in a case which caused a great sensation in the regiment. A short time back a young man by the name of William Townes, a native of Polstead, whilst on guard, met one of his comrades and said he was feeling wretched and was determined to commit suicide. His comrade advised him to get consolation from his minister. He told them that 9 years ago he was poaching in Hintlesham wood and had murdered a game- keeper and that another innocent man was hung for it and he was haunted day and night by visions and would welcome death. It appears that about 9 years ago the gamekeeper and his assistant in service of Miss Lloyd of Hintlesham Hall heard a party in the preserves and found 3 men who they attempted to take into custody but were violently attacked by them and Byam Green, the gamekeeper, had his skull crushed by the stock of a gun. A reward was offered for the discovery of the men and a man named Chalker, a French Polisher of Ipswich, was apprehended, the events at his trial were purely circumstantial but the prisoner was given the extreme penalty.

May 28th 1844

Editor---The practice of incendiarism does not abate as our paper shows but we rejoice that detection appears more frequent and we trust the efforts putting down this crime is making known that the convicted prisoners will subjected to the severest form of transportation,--the chain gang on Norfolk Island.

May 28th 1844

At quarter past 11 on Friday night last, the premises of George Norden in Assington, Sudbury, were discovered to be on fire. Mr Norden with the help of neighbours succeeded in releasing most of the stock and implements but the whole of the property belonging to Mr John Gurdon was destroyed with a cow and calf and 30 head of swine which rushed into the flames when attempts were being made to rescue them and perished with dreadful shrieks, a double tenement, occupied by Crissel and Butcher, labourers, were consumed. The thatched buildings behind the Shoulder of Mutton, about quarter of a mile from the first fire belonging to Charles Godden were the next to catch fire, the brewhouse and stables were destroyed. Two bad characters, Layzell Randall and Isaac Ward alias Everett were apprehended on suspicion.

June 4th 1844

On Whit Monday, the 16th annaul meeting of the Stoke and Melford Union Assistance Benefit and Sickness Club took place at the Bull Inn at Melford.

June 18th 1844

Editorial---There cannot be any doubt that most of the incendiary fires are caused by the infernal lucifer match and we understand a petition is in circulation requesting Parliament to entirely prohibit their sale without a licence.

June 18th 1844

Letters to the Editor. Sir, It gives me pleasure to contradict a report in your paper last week relative to the conduct of the labourers of Acton at the fire which occurred here last week. I refer to the statement that the labourers of this place refused to render assistance without excuse, Mr Bear whose premises adjoin assures me that the labourers exerted themselves to any assistance willingly.
Yours Laurence Ottley Vicar of Acton.

July 2nd 1844

James Micclefield alias Lot was committed for trial for setting fire to Mr Mumford's farm at Caxton Hall, Lt Cornard, Sudbury, on April 15th causing an immense destruction of property.

July 2nd 1844

At Sudbury on Saturday last a messanger from the House of Commons served the Mayor with a copy of the Disfranchisement Bill.

July 9th 1844

On Wednesday night, last fire broke out on a farm in Walter Belchamp in occupation of Mr Chinery and belonging to Mr S.Mibank Raymond of Belchamp Hall. It speedily consumed two barns-stables-cart sheds-piggeries-threshing machine-waggons-harness-implements-a hay and stover stack-25 coombs of wheat-three sows and four pigs. Several Essex Rural police were soon on the spot and many farm labourers whose conduct entitled them to the highest praise, Melford and Sudbury Fire Engines attended but from want of water could render little assistance.

July 16th 1844

Thomas Rust who was charged with setting fire to Mr Nott's premises at Pebmarsh pleaded guilty and said I did two fires. He said I took a pistol and some lucifer matches and fired it off in a rat hole with straw in it.

July 17th 1844

For Sale at Silver End Green in Belchamp St Pauls.
Lot 1-Freehold double tenement occupied by William Gibbons and George Fox, frontage adjoining to road from Tilbury to Ovington. On same road- three tenements occupied by Josh Green-James Jervis-James Everett. Lot 3--Double tenement in occupation of Samuel Tarbun-Henry Harrington in the same district of the other two.

July 26th 1844

At Mr Jonas Webb's annual letting of tups at Babraham there was never such an number of attendance. The Duke of Richmond was the hirer of the highest priced ram at 76 guineas.

July 26th 1844

At a match of cricket between Boxford and Gt Bentley, after two days of scientific play on both sides it was decided in favour of Boxford by 42 runs.

July 26th 1844

On Monday morning as a little boy named Charles Ottingwell, aged 11 years, was keeping sheep at Drinkstone, two strangers came over the stile and one said to the boy who had on a pair of high lows." they will fit my child" they caught hold of the boy and took off his shoes declaring that they would cut his throat if he raised the alarm.

July 26th 1844

At Essex Assizes, John Hardy, aged 11 years was convicted of setting fire to a stack the property of Frederick Fitch. Recommended mercy on account of his age but to be transported for 15 years.

July 26th 1844

Mary Pickman aged 12 years for setting fire to the stable of Mr Blake at Mundon. 15 years transportation.

July 26th 1844

Henry Smith aged 8 years for firing barns at Debden. 15 years transportation.

July 26th 1844

Samuel Pool a 19 year old labourer was convicted of setting fire a haulm stack the property of Hammond Branwhite at Borley.
15 years transportation without hope of commutation.

July 31st 1844

Died in his 84th year, Robert Raymond, farmer, of Belchamp Walter, Essex.

July 31st 1844

Isaac Everett aged 21 and Layzell Hicks aged 16 were found guilty of setting fire to a stable and barns at Assington. Guilty.

July 31st 1844

James Micklefield aged 17 years was charged with setting fire to a farmstead at Cawston Hall, Lt Cornard and destroying a barn-stacks of wheat-beans-a great number of sheep-clalves-pigs, the property of George Mumford. This was a clear case as the prisoner had been committed to gaol about 9 months ago for stealing potatoes from Mr Mumford and avowed to get even with him, the amount destroyed ammounted to between 2000-3000 pounds. Guilty and to be transported for the rest of his natural life.

July 31st 1844

Isaac Everett to be transported beyond the seas to such part of her Majesty's Dominions for 20 years and Layzell Hicks to be transported for 10 years.

July 31st 1844

On Sunday night last at between 10 and 11, a haulm stack was maliciously set on fire at Foxearth Hall, Foxearth, in occupation of Mr Richard Aldham, fortunately it was discovered by some village people who were returning home, they saw the villian running away from the spot who had no doubt had committed the act, prompt assistance was rendered by Melford and Sudbury fire engine and the fire was confined to the stack which was a short distance from extensive farm buildings.

July 31st 1844

Letters to the Editor---In a letter to your paper last week about men at Fordham being insufficiently paid. I send you a statement of average earnings the year round. 5 men receive 12s to 14s per week-12 receive 10s-12s-7 men receive 8s to 10s. 12 boys receive 1s 6d to 7s--1 old man of 67 whose labour is worth no more than 6d a day receives 5s a week for keeping birds since Michaelmas. In addition to these regular men, several have been employed in claying in winter and weeding in summer.

July 31st 1844

Suffolk Assizes---Joseph Barret aged 31 years was indicted for setting fire to a dwelling house at Thurlow, a cowhouse, granary and other buildings, the property of Rebecca Jones, Maria King and Samuel Jones.
Acquitted.

August 6th 1844

At a match of cricket between Boxford and Bentley, John Almond jun.one of the Bentley bowlers had the good fortune to out the whole of the Boxford side by his own hands, viz, 7 by bowling-2 catches and 1 stumping. We beleive this to be unparalled in the history of the game.

July 31st 1844

On Thursday night between 9-10 a large haulm stack belonging to Mr Blunden at Cranmore Green, Melford, was set on fire and speedily reduced to ashes.

July 31st 1844

At the Borough Sessions at Sudbury, William Peck for stealing turnips from Mr Baker of Brundon Hall farm Sudbury, a former conviction was proved against him and he is to be transported for 7 years.

July 31st 1844

Died on the 24th of July after many Parliamentary attacks, the Franchise of Sudbury owing to internal corruption.

August 13th 1844

At the Borough Sessions at Sudbury--Louisa Galley, Eliza East and Sarah Tuffin were convicted as common and disorderly prostitutes in the public streets of Sudbury to the annoyance of the public. To pay £ 1 7s each.

July 31st 1844

Removed to Milbank, James Micklefield transported for life, Isaac Everett for 20 years and Layzell Randall for 10 years.

July 31st 1844

The removal of three old houses on the North side of St Peter's church, Sudbury, has commenced.

September 3rd 1844

The return match of cricket between Cavendish and Clare gentlemen took place on Cavendish Green on Tuesday ultimate and terminated in favour of the former, at the conclusion of the game, the parties retired to Mr J.Eley's at the 5 Bells Inn where the table was bountifully spread with good old English cheer. The chair was ably filled by the much respected and worthy umpire, Mr Hunt of Claret the evening was spent in great harmony.
The steady good bowling of Messrs Evans and Rose were more than the Clare side were able to contend, again the silk net, which was kindly made and presented by a young lady from Clare to carry the ball home in is not much the worse for the use. The batting of Page and Deeks was much admired.
Clare 1st and 2nd innings. Hammond-8-4. Suckermore-0-2. Ellingham-11-0.
Dyson 9-13. Robinson-0-0. T.French-1-4. Linton 2-1. Crosby 0-0. Pearsons 0-11. Jarvis 0-6. W.French 1-5. Byes 2-2.
Cavendish 1st and 2nd innings. Braybrook-2-3. Everett-0-1. Rose-0-9.
Hammond 0-5. Deeks-21-0. Ely-2-1. Page-25. Rice 2-3. F.Golding-0. Evans 2.-J.Golding-2. Byes and Wides-7.

September 10th 1844

Sir Hyde Parker, who has been on a voyage in his yacht, having extended his cruise to the North Cape, landed at Harwich at the close of last week and has since arrived at Melford Hall.

September 17th 1844

On Friday, a pike weighing upwards of 13 stones (14lbs in a stone) was taken from a pond at the Bull Inn in Bacton in the presence of a number of spectators.

September 24th 1844

Died on Thursday last at Poslingford, Mrs Ambrose, widow of Thomas Ambrose, formerly of Blacklands Farm at Cavendish.

September 24th 1844

On Wednesday on the 13th, a fire broke out in a cart lodge near a barn at Blacklands Farm in Cavendish. The poor parishioners promptly assembled and gave every assistance in their power and by means of their timely assistance the fire was extinquished. Mr James Hickford, the tenant of the farm is kind hearted and obliging, he employs his regular number of harvest men all the year round and more on particular occasions, he gives work according to the custom of the country which renders incendiarism on his farm, extraordinary and unaccountable.

October 1th 1844

Advert--Mr James Hickford takes this opportunity to thank the inhabitants of this parish for their kind assistance at the fire on his premises last week.

October 15th 1844

Committed to Bury gaol--George Chinery, charged with stabbing and unlawfully wounding William Steward of Melford with the intent of disabling and maiming him.

October 15th 1844

Thomas Sutton having furiously driven a cart between Alpheton and Melford so as to endanger the lives of passengers. 6 weeks.

November 19th 1844

On Saturday last, two beggars called at a cottage in Otten Belchamp begging relief, finding no-one at home but a little boy they asked for a drink of water, he went to get it and during his absence stole a watch and made off with it.
Thomas Maxim, the cottager, gave information to Police Officer Cross at Sudbury and he discovered two men on the following Monday morning, Cross detained one of the men named Skelton and found in his possession the case of a doubled up watch in which was inscribed the name of the owner of the watch. On Tuesday he was taken before Mr David Badham and Mr Samuel Raymond and committed to Chelmsford gaol. On Tuesday night, Cross, who was searching for the other robber, detained him on the road between Cavendish and Clare and took him back to Cavendish where both of the men had been on Sunday night and ascertained they had slept in an old cart shed, in a hole in the thatch, made by sparrows, they found a bag containing the works of the watch and the chain and key, the last man apprehended is George Rolton who was committed also.

December 18th 1844

George Chinery for stabbing William Steward at Melford. 1 month.

July 1st 1844

John King of the White Horse in Sudbury was fined 30s and Thomas Sillitoe and George Strutt, beer sellers of Sudbury were fined 20s for keeping their houses open during Divine service.

July 10th 1844

At the Essex Quarter Sessions, Lord Rayleigh said that of the 48 prisoners, only 17 could read at all and only one perfectly. His Lordship suggested " if farmers could make school a kind of register office for farm servants it would be very beneficial, instead of takimng the first idle boy he met, a farmer would go to the school master and say " I want a boy of a certain age to scare crows or tend cows and the master would recommend a boy and going to school would be a stepping stone to work, the parents who now fear the loss of child labour would make them go to school.

July 16th 1844

At about quarter to three on Wednesday last, the church of the Holy Trinity at Halstead which was to have been consecrated by the Lord Bishop of London, the beautiful tower with the steeple attached to the height of 115 ft, fell down with an awful crash.