January 5th 1864

At a previous Sudbury Town council meeting it had been agreed that 5L should be spent on the Croft bridge but Mr Spurgeon complained that the ranger had shown him a bill for 16L, the bill was from Sillitoe, Mr Grimwoods man, and was legal, he would not sanction it in any way and was the greatest piece of jobbery he had ever seen. 
As Mr Grimwood was on the committee and had employed his own man this was a case for investigation.

January 5th 1864

About three in the afternoon on Friday, fire broke out on the farm of Mrs Elizabeth Cooper at Brockley near Bury.
Mrs Cooper's son was threshing with horse power when the alarm was given that one of the stacks was on fire, the fire was not extinguished until the cow house-barn-piggeries and sheds were burnt down. Only the dwelling house and a small shed were saved with two sows and some fowls. The Hartest fire engine arrived and rendered efficient service.
The fire was caused by a little boy named Boreham who's father was working on the farm, the boy found a empty box of lucifers on the road and was rubbing the rough edge with a stone when it burst into flames, he flung the burning box down onto some straw and ran and told his father.

January 5th 1864

Wickhambrook Highway Board----
Further contracts were -Cavendish, 6 ½ miles, labour at £12, stones at 6s per load from Mr Smith and tenders by Mr Byford, labour £15, stones 5s 6d per load, Mr Smith's tender was accepted. Clare-7 ½ miles from Mr Deeks at labour £32 19s, stones at 5s 6d a load, accepted. There were three tenders for a new barrel drain by Taylor and Boreham at 9s and 8s 6d, Taylor accepted. Repair of old drain, Boreham accepted.

January 12th 1864

Thomas Berry of the Weavers Beerhouse, Stour Street, Sudbury, was charged with keeping his house open after 11 at night. Dismissed.

January 19th 1864

Married on the 12th inst at Cavendish by the Rev Peter---
William Partridge Murrills, the eldest son of the late William Murrells, farmer of Cavendish, to Mary Ambrose daughter of the late Thomas Ambrose, farmer, also of Cavendish.

January 19th 1864

For several days, men have been dragging the river at Sudbury and searching for different parts of the body of a man named French, a resident of Mill Lane in Sudbury, his friends fear he has committed suicide, his cap and scarf being found near the bathing place. The man who is a tailor by trade was greatly addicted to drink.

January 19th 1864

William Mills ,a barge boy, was charged with stealing a mince pie from Mr Berry, a pastry cook of Sudbury. It is stated that Mr Berry frequently suffers from boys entering his shop when he or his assistant are out and pilfering pastry. 7 days.

January 19th 1864

Nathan Olley was charged with stealing a sheep, the property of Mr J. Jillings of Lawshall.
Mr Jillings said he had 301 ewes folded in a 12 acre field at Lawshall, next morning he had missed one, he noticed toe marks and where a sheep struggled, he traced the foot marks to Little Meadow where he saw where the sheep had been killed which was 20-30 rods from the prisoner's house. 
P.c. Walter Wright said he traced the foot marks with Lambert, another police officer ,to the prisoner's house. In answering questions the prisoner said he had been to Shimpling Bush and went home across Little Meadow. He had a knife in his pocket which showed the police and it had mutton on it, when he next showed it, it had been cleaned. The next day witness said near the prisoners house is a pond about 10 yards away from prisoner's house, in it he found a pillow case with 3-4 lbs of mutton in it also a duck and a large stone. 
In a pond 50 yards off he found a bag with a quantity of mutton and three bricks in it also a shoulder, leg , loin and neck in it. He apprehended prisoner. 
In his defence the prisoner said he left the Shimpling Bush and went home across the meadow. William Reeman said on the night in question he was going through the 12 acre field and saw some-one who he thought was the shepherd, he said "hello partner, been viewing your flock", the prisoner replied he had been to lift a sheep which was cast. 
12 months hard labour.

January 19th 1864

Henry Salmon, aged 15 years, a miller's boy was charged with embezzling 1 shilling from his master Edward Kersey green at Hitcham. Not guilty.

January 26th 1864

Born on the 23rd inst to the wife of the Rev W.H.Irvine M.A. of Foxearth, a daughter.

January 26th 1864

A few days since, some men were engaged in lopping arms off a poplar tree in Cavendish when one of the arms suddenly broke off and fell on the head of a man named Frederick Ives and rendered him insensible. He was conveyed home but the wound has proved a severe one and there are little hopes of recovery.

February 2nd 1864

Inquest at the Fox and Hounds at Rede on the body of a young woman named Eliza Brooke aged 16 who was found drowned in a pond of Mr Rollinson, farmer of Rede. 
Deceased was living in Cambridge in service of a clergyman she visited her sister a Mrs Herrington of Chedburgh who was then living at Rede, she formed an acquaintance with a gentleman's servant in that village, after returning to Cambridge it is said she received no answers to her letters she sent the young man and on Wednesday last obtained a day off and went to Rede to see him. 
David Clarke said he was working in a field for Mr Rollinson and saw an umbrella lying near a pit on his master's farm, he went to the pit and saw a piece of dress lying above the water, a man named Flack helped him get the body out and took it to the Fox and Hounds. 
Verdict- found drowned in a pit of water but no evidence of how it got there.

February 16th 1864

Letters to the Editor
Your report of the supposed suicide at Rede does not contain the correct account of the distressing occurrence. During last summer the deceased person visited her sister, Mrs Mirrington of Depden who was then living at "Harks Farm" Brockley. She formed an acquaintance with a young man named John Elliot the son of Samuel Elliot, a shopkeeper and farmer at Rede at whose house she spent a great deal of time. After harvest she went to a situation in Cambridge and letters passed between them. 
About 6 weeks ago her father wished her to break off the acquaintance and all correspondence ceased etc etc .

February 2nd 1864

William Baker, Stephen Smith and George Pope, labourers of Hartest were charged with committing a breach of the peace by fighting and exciting others to fight at Hartest Crown on the 24th of January. Bound over in the sum of £10 each to keep the peace for 6 months.

February 2nd 1864

Charles Moss Orbell, a farmer of Brook Hall, Foxearth, was charged with being drunk and riotous in Cross Street, Sudbury, in the early hours of the 15th. On several previous occasions he has been charged with being drunk and disorderly.
Superintendent Sachs and Sgt Chambers said they saw defendant knocking on the door of a house beside the Bull Inn in Church Street in the early hours of the morning, they told him it was a private house but he carried on. He was very drunk and on passing through Ballingdon he went to a house where many young people were at a party, the young ladies were very much frightened and sent for the police. 
The magistrates said they would have committed him to prison but as his mother was very ill he would be fined 50s.

February 9th 1864

Re-opening of Halstead market which has been in abeyance for near 40 years during which several attempts have been made for it's resuscitation, it was re-opened last Tuesday with respectable trade in stock.

February 16th 1864

Letters to the Editor----
Sir, I am not a hunting man but feel interest in the continuance of the fox hounds in this country as I am sure if they are given up we shall see the gentlemen turn more attention to the preserving of game which is the bane of agricultural success. I would suggest to my brother farmers who are not hunting men would it not be advantageous to raise a purse annually and given to the commitment for carrying on the hounds.---
I am Sir, your obedient servant, a tenant under a game preserver.

February 16th 1864

Married at Foxearth----
On the 4th inst W.S. Goodchild of Glemsford, the second son of J.Goodchild of Wratting to Laura the youngest daughter of the late Thomas Chickall of Claret Hall, Ashen, Essex.

February 16th 1864

Works on the railway line at Sudbury continues to make slow progress in making foundations for the bridge to cross the river near Ballingdon street. 
The soil is extremely boggy for several feet in depth and full of springs in some places, there are considerable difficulties in obtaining foundations although a steam pump is being employed to keep the water down. The architect is being blamed by practical men who know the soil for not commencing the foundations on a bed of stone and gravel instead of throwing it out for the purpose of substituting it with concrete, these men are of the opinion that the stone strata would bear the weight of one of our many old steeples.

February 16th 1864

The Mayor of Sudbury, Mr J.Grover, made another annual distribution of coals to the poor of Sudbury, last week 500-- ½ cwts , making 12 tons in all were distributed, a most acceptable addition to the comfort of the recipients.

February 16th 1864

On Thursday last an accident happened on the railway works in a field called "Spratford Lay" midway between Melford and Lavenham. It seems some men were excavating earth from under the surface, at dinner time four of the men incautiously sat under a part which had been excavated when a portion fell on one of them, a man named Richard Whent. The others escaped and conveyed the other poor fellow home. Mr R. Jones, surgeon, was quickly in attendance, he found the spine of the back injured so much that there is no hope of recovery, he is a young man, marrying only recently.

(Note: The field still exists, still known as Spratford Lay. It is below (to the south of) Lineage Wood, and just next to Crabtree wood, between Crabtree wood and the railway. It was an old pasture probably cut in half by the railway. It is heavy thick clay. The railway is not in a cutting, it is on the level, but to the north of the field there is a deep culvert under the old railway and it would seem that they had dug the culvert through the clay rather than doing a 'cut-and-cover', and were sheltering in the excavations when the accident happened. It was February, and unless they were very lucky, the stream would have been in flood at the time. ARMC and RHP)

February 16th 1864

On Tuesday afternoon as Frederick the son of Mr Ruse, butcher of Melford was walking across the yard, he slipped and broke his leg.

February 16th 1864

Alfred Mulley, thatcher of Kettlebaston was summoned for assaulting John Brett at Preston Bells
Brett said "I had not more than two pints of beer all day, we were supplied with a pot of beer in the Bells when in the tap room defendant struck me in the face and blacked my eye, he was fighting with a man named Snell". 
1s with 10s 6d costs.

February 23rd 1864

Some 14 years ago Mr Sparrow of Wickhambrook had spent the evening with the late Mr Fyson, draper, he was returning home when he missed his watch, chain and gold key, not doubting that some of Mr Fyson's servants had it, suspicion fell on the groom, a married man with a family. This impression was not removed till a few days ago when it came out that a man named Wilson, then working on Mr Sparrow's farm had picked it up in a field although a £2 reward was offered the man had not the honesty to acknowledge finding it and stated a cart wheel had been over it, he gave it to his son who sold it to a man at Newmarket.

February 23rd 1864

Bulmer----The sudden death inquest on the body of Alexander Cram aged 63, formerly constable of Sudbury who died suddenly. The deceased was on a visit to his son and sister in law? at Tarrets farm was seized when he went to bed. Mr Waring of Cavendish, who arrived in a few minutes stated he died from affection of the heart.

March 8th 1864

As Mr John Canler, a sawyer was returning home from Cow Green, Bacton to his residence at Cotton on Wednesday night, the night being extremely dark he mistook the road and walked into a deep clay pit on the green and became immersed up to his arm pits, his cries aroused the sleepers and by their exertions he was rescued. 
A fellow worker with whom he had spent the night provided him with dry clothes and accompanied him home.

March 8th 1863

Walter Clarry, a boy of between 10-11 years was charged with stealing 6 turnips from Mr T.K.Silverstone of Saxham. 
To have six strokes of the birch rod.

March 8th 1864

Jane Deeks and Anne Allen were charged with stealing a silver watch, gold chain, a guard and two silver coins from----under examination the prosecutor became very excited and gave many irrelevant answers, the chairman ordered him from the court and the prisoners wee acquitted.

March 15th 1864

THE HEDINGHAM WITCHCRAFT CASE
Mr Fowke a private gentleman from Sible Hedingham and one of the Guardians of the Poor of that parish brought the case against Emma Smith the wife of a beer house keeper of Ridgewell and Samuel Stammers, a carpenter of Sible Hedingham, charging them with causing the death of an old man called " Dummy" under the following circunstances.

Dummy who was deaf and dumb and about 80 years of age had lived in a small mud hut near Sible Hedingham for the last 8 years and had been known in the neighbourhood for about 20 years, but his name and place of birth or his country were never known although he was generally supposed to be a Frenchman. His habits were peculiar and his inability to express himself otherwise than by grotesque gestures and was also very excitable caused him to be regarded by many as possessed of the power of witchcraft. 
He was in the habit of travelling about the nearby villages gaining his livelihood by telling fortunes and was often consulted by youg people on the locality as to their love affairs. He usually wore two or three coats the number of which he increased according to the heat of the weather and two or three hats of different descriptions at the same time and was always accompanied by three or four small dogs. He seems to have been an inoffensive old man and was treated with great kindness by the good families of the neighbourhood and as a source of merriment by the youthful and the idle. 
Among the places the old man went to was the village of Ridgewell, a few miles distance of Hedingham and there he made the aquaintance of the prisoner Smith, at the beerhouse of her husband.
On the occasion of one of these trips to Ridgewell, the poor old man wanted to sleep at the prisoner's house and on her refusing he stroked his stick and used other threatening signs to signify his displeasure at her refusal. Soon after this the prisoner Emma Smith became ill and was reduced to a low nervous condition and at once expressed her conviction that she had beeb bewitched by poor old Dummy and that she would not recover until she had induced him to remove the spell from her.
She made several applications to him without effect and at last while labouring under great mental and nervous excitement she went from her home at Ridgewell to Sible Hedingham on the evening of the 3rd of August.1863, and she met old Dummy at the Swan public house about a quarter of a mile from Dummy's hut. They remained there for some time, she endeavouring to persuade him to go to Ridgewell with her and to sleep at her house and offering him three sovereigns to do so. Dummy however refused to do so and drew his fingers across his throat implying that he was afraid of having his throat cut. 
As soon as it became known that a woman from Ridgewell who had been bewitched by old Dummy was at the Swan, a great number of villagers flocked to see her and the Swan soon became a scene of riot and confusion and the old man was pulled and danced about, falling once or twice violently to the ground. The prisoner Smith still continued to urge the old man to go home with her, repeating she would give him three sovereigns and treat him well as she had been in a bad state for nine or ten months and that she was bewitched.
After the closing of the Swan the parties moved outside with the prisoner Smith standing by the side of Dummy declaring that he should go home with her.
She then tore the old man's coat and struck him several times over the arms and the shoulders with a stick and kicked him and dragged him down to a little brook near the Swan and said " you old devil you served me out, now I will serve you out". Smith then shoved him into the brook and when he was getting out the other side she went round over a little bridge and the other prisoner, Stammers, went through the brook and they pushed him back into the brook. He succeeded in getting out and went and sat down on a stone heap until the two prisoners dragged him towards the brook, one taking hold of him under the armpits and the other by the legs they threw him into the brook at a point where the brook is dammed up and was of some little depth, he remained struggling until one of the villagers called out that " If someone did not take the old man out he would die in a minute," 
The prisoner Stammers jumped into the water and pulled him out. He lay on the grass for some time in a very exhausted state, wet and muddy, they eventually led him home to his miserable little hut where he lay in that condition in his wet clothes all night.
The only direct evidence of the throwing into the brook by the two prisoners was that of a little girl named Eva Henrietta Garrad, who is about ten years of age and who gave her evidence in such a way as to elicit from the learned Judge the observation that she was gifted with extraordinary power of intellect and cleverness of explanation he had ever met with and that he could conceive no possible reason to doubt the truth of her story. 
On the morning of the 4th the old man was seen in his hut by Mr Fowke, still in his wet clothes and trembling violently. He was also a good deal bruised and screamed from pain when his clothes were taken off him. He was then under the direction of the surgeon and taken to the Union House at Halstead and placed under the care of Mr Sinclair the house surgeon where he remained until his death on the 4th of September last. The post mortem examination showed that the lungs and the kidneys were much disorganised, the pericardium adhering to the heart and a suffusion of the lymph on the membrane of the brain indicating recent inflammatory action and the witness gave as his opinion that he died from disease of kidneys produced by immersion in water and sleeping in wet clothes and in this opinion the witness was coroberated by another medical man who attended the post mortem.
For the defence it was contended that the evidence of the little girl could not be relied on and without it there was no evidence that either of the two prisoners threw the old man into the water and secondly there was not sufficient evidence that the death resulted from the immersion and that it might have resulted from some other injury the old man might have received by the falls the old man might have had in the tap room of the Swan public house.
The learned Judge then summed up the case with great care and the Jury immediately found the prisoners guilty and they were sentenced to six months hard labour, the learned Judge said that he took in to consideration the mental condition of the female prisoner and the fact that when Stammers found that there was a danger he took the poor old man out of the water. 
The case lasted five hours.

March 15th 1864

George Bullock from Cavendish was charged with breaking a fence belonging to the Blacklands Estate. 
John Cockerton said "I am employed by Mr Garrett and I went to 'Kemsey's Wood' to do up a fence with two hurdles when defendant came along and trod them down saying he had orders from his employer Mr Norton as he had an old barn which they reached by the path and had went that way for twenty years.
 Dismissed.

March 22nd 1864

Died aged 14 years, Julia the youngest daughter of the late J. Hammond ,the turnkey at Bury Gaol.

March 22nd 1864

The Rector of Sible Hedingham has written to the "Times" to say, although too much commendation cannot possibly be bestowed on Mr Fowke, the gentleman who directed the prosecution in the witchcraft case which was reported last week's papers for the pains he has taken to bringing punishment to the perpetrators of so wanton an attack upon a poor and afflicted old man, he says at the same time it would most unfair that an impression certainly erroneous should get abroad that there were not many other persons in the parish who regarded with horror and detestation, the gross outrage committed on the night of August the 3rd. In proof of this the Rector stated that a subscription will be entered into among the parishioners by which the expenses of the trial will be defrayed.

March 22nd 1864

Inquest at Brickhouse farm, Gt Waldingfield on Henry Steed, aged 45 years, farm bailiff to Mr Sargeant of Gt Waldingfield.
It appears that on Sunday morning the 13th, deceased went into the yard contiguous to the farm to see some stock and returned with a loaded gun, on crossing a stile that leads out of the yard the gun went off and the charge which consisted of powder and shot lodged in his arm under his right shoulder. 
The poor fellow staggered home where assistance was speedily secured, he lingered till between 6 and 7 when he expired. Accidental.

March 29th 1864

A few days since, during excavations for the construction of the railway line at Sudbury, a human skeleton was found in Vine field some 2 feet from the surface.

March 29th 1864

Died on the 19th of January at Parkfield Farm, Australind, West Australia. Anne, wife of Robert Rose, son of Robert Rose of Stanton Hall, Suffolk.

March 23rd 1864

Married on the 21st inst at Belchamp St Pauls, Essex, William Kemble Jones of New Hall, farmer and miller to Eliza Catherine, eldest daughter of Thomas Chaplin of Lambert's farm on the same place.

March 29th 1864

Lettie Newman, housekeeper of Laxfield was indicted for attempting to poison William Keeble at Laxfield. 
Guilty-penal servitude for life.

April 5th 1864

There was great excitement at Halstead, Essex, by reports that Emma Pudney alias Howard had drowned her two illegitimate children. 
It appears that she had been employed at the crape factory of Messrs Courtauld but her earnings were small, on the Monday afternoon she left home in great excitement and proceeded to the Relieving Officer for relief, he refused her on the grounds she had received 6s for her work on the Saturday previous, she then made her way home across the fields to a place called "Sandy Bottoms" and there threw her youngest child, George, aged 10 months, into the river and called elder child aged 4 years to see her do it, she then pushed him in also, she made her way back to her mother's house and in answer to her inquiry, "where are the children", she replied they were in heaven as she had left them in the river. 
The screams of the elder boy was heard by a police constable named Young who reached the spot just in time to save the poor little fellow but the youngest child was floating in the river. 
The prisoner was apprehended and committed for trial on a charge of wilful murder.

April 5th 1864

For sale at Harwich---about 100 head of Dutch cattle-fat steers-milch cows and calves etc. in the cattle sheds of the Great Eastern Railway Company.

April 12th 1864

James Mitchell of Melford was summoned by his employer Mr F.Branwhite for absenting himself from work as horsekeeper for one day on the 4th. Defendant acknowledged the charge. 7 days hard labour.

April 19th 1864

Married at Balmain, ( perhaps Balmain in Sydney Australia) John, the 4th son of William Wright of Eyston Hall, near Sudbury, to Eliza Mary, the 2nd daughter of John G. Cohen of Waterview Bay, Balmain.

May 1st 1864

Walter Alliston aged 14 of Glemsford summoned for stealing a piece of wood woth 9d from Mr Benjamin Deaves a farmer of Hunts Hill, Glemsford. 
William Clarry said 'I work for Mr Deaves and met defendant with a piece of wood, I said "I know where you got that from", and defendant said "don't say anything about it and i will take it back", I told my master, the boy asked my master to look over it, he would not'.
 7 days and a whipping.

May 10th 1864

Samuel Brittian and his son Walter aged 9 years were charged with robbery at Shimpling. 
Samuel Ruffel deposed, 'I live at Shimpling and manage the affairs of Mrs Elizabeth Turner, my sister in law, I believe her house has been robbed frequently, the hymn book produced is her property. The prisoners live ¼ of a mile from her house, she is not able to care for herself as her mind is affected, these things are her property---the tea caddy-box and spectacles-fancy boy -candle stick etc etc.' 
Committed for trial.

May 10th 1864

George Pursey aged 15 years was charged with stealing one pheasant's egg on certain land called Balston Hall Grove on the Melford Estate. Pleaded guilty---2s with 7s 6d costs.

May 10th 1864

Henry Brown, a mole catcher of Glemsford was charged with taking 6 pheasants eggs from the Kentwell Hall Estate at Melford. !s with 7s 6d costs.

May 10th 1864

Alfred Canston of Cavendish was charged with misconduct in the service of Mr Andrews, farmer of Cavendish, on the 22nd of April, defendant and another man named Shephard were carting manure from Cavendish street with two tumbrels and three horses each, defendant stayed in the street and got drunk, another man had to be sent for to take charge of the horses, one of which was an entire and needed much care. 21 days hard labour.

May 17th 1864

William Murrels, a labourer employed on the new line at Ballingdon was charged with together with his son for stealing a piece of timber the property of Messrs Brassey, Ogleby and Harrison, the contractors on the line. 
The elder prisoner to have four weeks hard labour and the younger was discharged.

May 17th 1864

Inquest at the Queen Inn at Wickhambrook on the male child aged 16 days of Clarissa Paske, single woman, it was born weakly. Natural death.

May 17th 1864

On Friday last, a man named William Tatum, employed at the clay pit in removing earth from the new bridge being erected at Ballingdon , when about a tumbrel load fell and fractured his right leg above the knee.

May 24th 1864

On Friday evening a terrific thunder storm struck Sudbury, At Alphampstone, Essex, a lightning flash struck a straw stack and destroyed it on Mr Battle's farm. He is a farmer and malster, the buildings were also destroyed together with two cows and one horse, the farmhouse only escaped, 100 coombs of malt were also consumed. A tree at the rectory at Borley was struck and shattered to pieces by the electric fluid.

May 24th 1864

At a meeting of Wickhambrook Highway Board, three tenders were received at Cavendish, viz; by Mr Byford at £11 10s per mile and 220 loads of stone----Mr Page, £11 per mile and 250 loads of stone----Mr Hardy, £13 per mile and 250 loads of stone. The lowest by Mr Page was accepted. At Glemsford---there were three tenders viz; Mr Smith £12 per mile and 350 loads of stone---Mr Byford, £11 per mile and 320 loads of stone--- Mr Pettit, £10 10s and 320 loads of stone. Mr Byford, (the waywarden) proposed the lowest price by Mr Pettit be accepted.

May 31st 1864

Proof of the fickleness of our weather came after the extraordinary heat we received last week was followed by a sharp frost on Sunday morning, this is a warning to gardeners that even within three days of June tender plants cannot be trusted out of doors.

May 31st 1864

On Sunday evening an old man named Woods who had drunk too freely at Horringer Red House and rendered himself obnoxious, got into a squabble with a lot of men and boys in front of the Inn.
One of the boys named Lagden repeatedly attacked him, Woods being so drunk he could not defend himself, he was knocked down several times by this lad who was urged on by the congenial spirits standing around, at length the old man fell with his leg doubled up under him that it broke near the ankle, even then he was abused for not getting up to fight again, the language used was disgraceful.
 On it being found his leg was broken the landlord got his horse and cart out and took him to Bury hospital where he is going on well..

May 31st 1864

The bells of Walter Belchamp rang a merry peal at intervals during the day on the 23rd to welcome the Rev J.St.Clare Raymond on his return to his ancestral home at Belchamp Hall in which exetensive repairs have been done and improvements since the death of the late squire.

May 31st 1864

Isaac Ransom late of the Plough Inn in Stour Street, Sudbury was charged with harbouring certain persons of notoriously bad character in his house. 
P.C.Scott and P.C.Humphrey said they went to the defendant's house and in the tap room there were 30-40 people, men women and boys, singing, shouting, clapping and hurrahing. On the table stood a pail of beer from which they were drinking, among them were old and young Bantock and a girl Bantock who were bad characters.
Defendant told the police that the incoming landlord named Viall was giving the people a treat. 
Case dimissed.

June 7th 1864

Jeremiah Newman a labourer of Cavendish was charged with assaulting his employer, Mr Pratt Vial. 
Mr Vial said 'I went to my field in the evening where two men had been working sowing artificial manure for turnips, the manure was sown too thickly in some places and naked in others, there was enough for seven acres. Only four was sown. Next morning I went to defendant when he was working and said put that cob down for I have discharged you, he got hold of my collar and put his fist in my face.'.
 Fined 11s and 5s 6d costs.

June 21st 1864

Died-while bathing in the Horetin river, (a branch of the Waikato) in New Zealand, Charles Townley Martin, Ensign in the 70th Regiment, aged 25 years, the 2nd son of Richard Martin of Hemmingstone Hall, Suffolk.

June 21st 1864

Court of Exchequer----Bevan v Countess Waldegrave. 
This action is by an attorney not now in practice against Countess Waldegrave for breach of covenant. The plaintiff alleges that an agreement between him and the late Earl Waldegrave and himself that if a sum of money that he had lent his Lordship was not paid by a certain time when the next presentation of the living of Borley should fall in, the plaintiff shall have the right of presenting the incumbency but if the money was repaid as agreed upon the covenant should end. 
The money was not repaid before the presentation fell in and he made an application to defendant, the Countess to indect a nominee of her own. 
The application was not attended to but the Countess presented a gentleman of her own selection, the plaintiff then demanded repayment of the money lent but the defendant pleaded that the money had been repaid. 
The trial took place 12 months ago at the Guildhall before the Lord Chief Baron and the jury found for the defendant but subsequently the plaintiff obtained a new trial on the grounds of improper reception of evidence, but refusal to receive the conversational which took place under which it was written. 
The majority of the Court upon hearing the argument of Counsel thought the evidence had been received and ultimately it was decided that a new trial should be granted unless defendant's counsel agreed to withdraw the equitable plea and in that case there would be further argument on the remaining pleas.

June 22nd 1864

William Reeve of Cavendish was charged by his employer Mr Pratt Vial, with wilful damage. 
Mr Vial said 'Four men were engaged in hoeing mangels, in the evening I went into the field and found 160 plants cut up, next morning I asked the men who did it, they said it was Reeve,' 
Henry Angle, farm bailiff, corroborated. 
Adjourned.

June 28th 1864

Married at Castlemaine, Australia---John M'Kenzie Draper to Emma Lois the 2nd daughter of Thomas Pattle, formerly of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.

July 12th 1864

Killed in action at Tauranga, New Zealand, on April 29th,---Charles Hill aged 29, Lieut of H.M.S. Curacas, son of the Rev Hill of Buxhall Rectory in Suffolk.

July 12th 1864

Died---On the 14th of January at Port Louis, Mauritious, aged 26 years, George Rakes the youngest son of the late John Mauldon of Sudbury in Suffolk.

July 12th 1864

On Thursday afternoon men were employed on the Great Eastern Railway extension from Sudbury to Bury in the Brundon cutting, they were engaged in digging earth for ballast for the embankment over the Common when a large quantity of earth on one side of the line unexpectantly fell, burying an unfortunate man named Underwood who was killed on the spot. 
It appears the men were not excavating earth from this part but filling trucks with ballast that had been dug further up, the soil was very friable, composed of sand, gravel and silt etc, it was wet and liable to slip, it had not been undermined, the sides of the cutting were near perpendicular.
It was stated at the inquest that the men, contrary to the rules, had coupled the trucks up so they could not escape between them. A man digging near saw the earth falling and called out to the others to run. Several did and got under the trucks but one was late and he was hurled violently to one of the trucks, he was immediately covered up except for one side of his head, he only said "oh dear" and breathed once or twice then died.
Death was caused by concussion to the ribs and chest and bruises on his face. 
Mr Mason, surgeon, was sent for and he said death was instantaneous, the body was conveyed to Ballingdon White Hart Inn where the inquest was heard. 
Two navvies, Cobbs and Murrels saw the accident. 
Accidental.

July 12th 1864

At Suffolk Trinity Sessions at Bury, Joseph Humphreys, 40, farm bailiff and Eliza Alward were charged with stealing two trusses of hay ,the property of William Frost of Stoke by Nayland. 
Humphreys three years penal servitude and Alward 18 months gaol.

June 28th 1864

A match of cricket played between Lidgate and Cavendish on Friday last was anticipated to be a friendly game by the Lidgate gentlemen and doubtless would have been the case but for the discourteous disagreeable conduct of the umpire of the Cavendish eleven. 
The match was won by Lidgate by three runs. Lidgate 52 and 38---Cavendish 54 and 33.

 Letters to the Editor----
As one who was present at the game I beg to expose the reason the Cavendish umpire was described as discourteous and disagreeable, these were the mildest adjectives that could be applied to him. 
When Lidgate gathered on the field for the purpose of giving Cavendish their innings, they called for the ball so it could be thrown between each other to amuse the younger players until the two batsmen were sent out. This the umpire refused to do, the ball was the property of the Lidgate club, having purchased it, not Cavendish, therefore they were right in demanding it and the umpire was wrong in with-holding it 
Hints that the Cavendish umpire was considered unpleasant because he persisted in playing cricket to the letter. The opinion of everyone who understands the game is that he was totally unfit to be brought into the society of gentlemen who met for a friendly match. On two or three occasions during the Cavendish innings the batsmen were given in when they were clearly out and that they afterwards acknowledged they were so by the party themselves and when he was appealed to in the Lidgate innings he gave verdict against the batsman, for instance when a batsman was struck upon part of his body above the wicket he was given leg before, another while endeavouring to get his hand out of the way of a ball which was bounding, he involuntary held his hand up and it struck his thumb, he was given out for handling the ball. 
Some of the Lidgate gentlemen having played many college and other matches and are thoroughly conversant with the game were disgusted at the uncouth and uncricket-like conduct of the umpire that they actually refused to take guard from him on the grounds of his partiality. 
They are determined they will not play the return match if the same umpire is being engaged. 
I am Sir, one who was there. 
( Perhaps bounding would today be called a bouncer, G.H.)

July 19th 1864

Died-lost overboard on the 2nd of April on passage from Sydney to Calcutta in the Ida, aged 18 years. Rowland, the second son of the Rev S. Miller, vicar of Tannington, Suffolk.

July 19th 1864

Died---In May at Toowomba, Queensland, aged 37 years, George Womack, the son of the late William Ridley of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

July 19th 1864

On Thursday last a man named Thomas Willis was undermining earth on the new railway line at Lavenham when a piece fell on him and knocking him down and causing him to roll over 20-30 times and breaking his thigh, 
Willis is now recovering.

July 19th 1964

Considerable excitement was caused in Bulmer near Sudbury in the last few days. 
It appears that on Saturday week a girl named Mary Anne Cansell, a servant in the employ Mr W. Nott at Butler's Farm was observed to be unwell and upon Mr Smith, surgeon, being sent for it was discovered she had recently been delivered, she declined to state what she had done with the child and upon a search being made it was discovered in some straw in the fowl house. 
It was a full grown male child and bore no marks of violence except that a piece of tape was found tightly tied twice around the neck, information was given to the police who took possession of the child and an inquest was held. 
Mrs Nott and her daughter gave evidence and from the post mortem examination it was impossible to judge whether the child had been alive. 
Verdict, found dead, not sufficient evidence to show how. When she is sufficiently recovered she will be brought before the magistrates on a charge of concealment of birth.

July 19th 1864

Arthur Game of Sudbury, a railway worker, was charged with assaulting Harriet, the wife of William Purr, keeper of the "tap" at the Bull Inn at Melford, defendant went in on Tuesday night last and called for a pint of beer, she refused to serve him and he struck her on the face. 
15s with 8s costs.

July 19th 1864

Emma Howard alias Pudney was acquitted of the wilful murder of her son George Howard otherwise Pudney at Halstead on the grounds of insanity and to be detained during her Majesty's pleasure

July 19th 1864

Bury Corn Market----
Wheat to 40s-Barley to 28s 11d---no oats or rye-Beans to 33s 6d-Peas to 35s.

July 26th 1864

Advert---- On the Rectory Grounds at Glemsford a Bazaar in aid of restoration of the parish church on Tuesday and Wednesday August 2nd and 3rd. Under the patronage of Countess Jermyn-Lady Arthur Hervey-Lady Barnardiston Lady Parker-Mrs Starkie Bence-Miss Burke of the Aubries---Mrs Tywhitt Drake of the Thorn, Shimpling-Mrs Young of Bradfield Hall, etc etc. 
The band of the Coldstream Guards-Band of Sudbury Rifle Corps. Accomodation for horses and carriages, hay and corn if required. Admission for August 2nd __ 2s 6d-for family ticket for four 7s 6d---On Wednesday 1s with 6d for children.

July 26th 1864

Mr S.Q.Viall denies a statement that the monument proposed to be erected over his father's grave at Foxearth was not a column surmounted by a wheatsheaf or any other agricultural emblem and states that Mr Cardinall in his address to bystanders on the occasion of the recent attempted disinterment did not make allusions to the unchristian uncharitable nature of Mr Foster's refusal to permit disinterment of the body.

August 3rd 1864

Died aged 72 years at Prince Edwards Island after residence there of 33 years-Mr W. Seaman formerly of Saxmundham, Suffolk.

August 3rd 1864

On Tuesday night the populace of Poslingford were regaled by Mr and Mrs Severne to a most plentiful supper, all labourers wives and children above the age of 12 years assembled in the most capacious barn which was decorated with flowers and evergreens. 
Hot joints of beef and mutton-plum pudding-vegetables were liberally supplied to the company by the many helpers of young people from farming families. A band from Clare added to the cheerfulness and the evening passed pleasantly and the large assembly of near 200 separated in good order.

August 9th 1864

Died on the 3rd inst at Liston, Sudbury----George Beaufoy esq of South Lambeth.

August 9th 1864

The Sudbury-Melford railway line is making slow progress, the only place where progress is visible is the embankment between Ballingdon and Brundon and the brick piers which the bridge will be formed over the street at Ballingdon. 
A difficult part is to be performed, this is to excavate and brick seven piers at the proposed bridge over the river between Friars meadow and Ballingdon street, the obstacles are far greater than the Friars meadow bridge where the footings go down 30 feet, one of the piers is to be built in the middle of the river, excavations are very slow owing to the decayed peat and quick sand.

August 9th 1864

James Jennings aged 11 years who neither reads or writes was charged with setting fire to a straw stack the property of Mr Joseph Lamb of East Bergholt on May 17th. Guilty, his Lordship said the boy to be removed for the present and sentenced later.

August 9th 1864

We stated last week that on Wednesday and Thursday the bazaar to be held at Glemsford in the Rectory grounds was in aid of the fund for the restoration of the church. 
The sacred edifice was erected in the 13th century, renovated in the 14th and considerably altered and practically rebuilt in the 15th century. It has fallen into great dilapidation, so much that when the new tower was built a few years ago, severe causes and mishaps occurred during the undertaking, a great part of the unfinished tower fell down on two occasions so that the work cost more than £800, it was determined to complete the rest when funds could be provided and of those £2000 was calculated would be required, £500 was speedily raised and the bazaar was projected to assist the work we described last week of the dilapidated and unseemly condition etc etc.

August 16th 1864

William Sadler of Belchamp St Pauls was charged with breaking the windows of Mr Gunn, the relieving officer of Ballingdon. It appears the prisoner went to the house of Mr Gunn and demanded admission to the workhouse which was refused, prisoner then struck the window with his stick. 
5s with 5s 6d costs.

August 16th 1864

The visitors to Glemsford Bazaar exceeded 2000, receipts at the gate amounted to £88 making aggregate proceeds of £427, the rector said "no fete could have passed off more happily, not an angry word was heard nor a cross look was observable".

August 16th 1864

Melford---
A lamentable accident took place on the new line between Sudbury and Bury, a man named George Blackman, brother of the sub-contractor and foreman of a gang of labourers who were engaged in tipping wagons employed in moving earth from a cutting, it being his business to thrust between the wheels of the trucks, a piece of wood to act as a brake, in the act of doing so to a laden truck about 7 in the morning when the wood slipped from between the wheels and he was thrown on the rails in front of the truck
He managed to roll off the rails but his arm was caught by the wheel and was frightfully crushed. The deceased was taken home by his fellow workmen and Mr Simpson, surgeon, was sent for, he found it necessary to amputate the arm. 
In the operation he was assisted by Mr Waring of Cavendish and went well until about 11 at night when he started to sink and died on Wednesday afternoon from shock. 
The inquest was held at the King William Inn at Melford. It was explained that the horses were taken off the trucks as usual when braking, deceased had been engaged in that sort of work for 11 years. Accidental death . 
On Sunday afternoon the poor fellow's remains were interred in the grounds of the Independent Chapel at Melford.

August 16th 1864

Philip Hammond of Shimpling was charged with striking Issac Briggs of Shimpling in the face. The Bench advised them to settle things by themselves which they did with defendant to pay 5s costs.

August 20th 1864

Sale of Live and Dead Stock at Middleton Hall by the directions of the exors of the late Samuel Vial. 21 cart horses-4 cart colts-1 hackney mare 5 years old-well known herd of 16 choice valuable Suffolk milch cows-200 half bred lambs-30 fat hogs-40 shoats.

August 20th 1864

At Stanstead White Hart Inn on the 23rd of September, the valuable mill premises-private residence-business premises. Situated near the village of Stanstead.

August 30th 1864

On Tuesday last, a distressing accident occurred in a barley field at Barrow Hall farm when Robert Johnson, son of the late Mr Johnson lost his life. 
It seems deceased and his brother left the harvest-men who were engaged in loading and went into another field where Oliver Johnson, (deceased younger brother) commenced mowing barley with a scythe, deceased who was behind called out to Oliver to stop and attempted to pass him but before the latter could stop the swing the scythe passed under deceased's ham and cutting his leg and wounding the poplitcal artery giving rise to great a haemorrhage.
Oliver Johnson ran to the men in the adjoining field to seek assistance and a message was sent to Mr Barker, surgeon, of Barrow but he was visiting a patient at Saxham, he was unable to arrive for ½ an hour. 
On reaching Hall farm he found Mr Johnson in a state of collapse, Mr Image was also sent for but he was unable to arrive in time, death put an end to all the suffering of the young man about three hours after the accident. There are several rumours as to the manner to which Mr Johnson came to such an untimely end but we are able to state the above particulars are correct.

September 6th 1864

George Underwood of Cavendish was charged with assaulting Mr John Andrews a farmer of Cavendish, who said 
'I met George Underwood who had been working for me in a meadow at Cavendish adjoining my house. He said "why don't you pay me" he said with an oath, I told him I would pay him when I knew what was due to him, he said if you don't pay me I will pay you and struck me with his fist twice, he was the worse for drink'.
 11s 6d with 6s 6d costs.

September 20th 1864

There were harvest home celebrations at Chadacre Hall, the residence of Miss Hallifax, in a bountiful manner. In the middle of the day all labourers on the estate, with the married ones being invited to bring their wives and two children, they sat down to a substantial dinner of beef, roasted or boiled and plum pudding, about 120 persons partook of good old English fare.

September 20th 1864

On Sunday afternoon last a woman named Harriet Turp the wife of a labourer of Pentlow was drowned. 
She was walking with her neice and another woman named Suttle along the new line of the railway which is in ths course of construction between Melford and Clare. On arriving at the new cut made to receive the river on the land of Mr Byford the deceased crossed the plank placed across the channel which was for the use of workmen employed in building the railway, the others refused to follow.
When she returned she fell from the plank which was only 14" wide and the cut being 30 to 40ft wide and the water 6ft deep, she was drowned. 
Her companions ran ¾ of a mile before they could find anyone to help, two men recovered the body. Accidental drowning.

September 27th 1864

Thomas Brown, Daniel Suttle and Joseph Woolard, labourers of Glemsford were summoned by Thomas Ballard a gamekeeper for Maj Hinchcliffe of Pentloe Hall for tresspassing on land at Cavendish in search of game. 
Fined 20s and 9s 6d costs.

September 27th 1864

Died on 2nd July at Sydney, New South Wales in her 22nd year-Emma the fourth daughter of Ellis Symonds Gowing, formerly of Cranley Hall, Eye, in Suffolk.

September 27th 1864

The Revising Barrister (Carlos Cooper) attended the Rose and Crown Inn at Sudbury to revise the list of voters. Melford-Mr Spurgeon applied for occupation, adjourned.---Assington, the Rev Philip Gurdon to be added to the list---Glemsford, five new applicants, all granted, viz: William Byford---William Bradman-Jonas Death-B.Glascock-Golding Boggis. -- Melford-John Burgess, Independent Minister claimed for "freehold pew rights" disallowed---Sudbury, Charles Hurrell, allowed-J.Halls to be struck off as having sold the property.

October 1st 1864

Died on 11th of June at Melbourne, Australia, in his 24th year, John, the second son of John Catt of Manor House, Witnesham, Suffolk.

October 11th 1864

Died on the 10th of August at Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia-Mary the wife of Benjamin Brook, late of Ixworth, Suffolk.

October 11th 1864

Killed aboard H.M.S. Phaeton at sea in the West Indies by the falling of a block from aloft while in the execution of his duty, aged 32 years, Charles Paget, Lieut. R.N. third son of Lord Paget.

October 25th 1864

Abraham Savage, dealer of Cavendish, was charged with assaulting his wife
P C .Butcher said he heard screams of murder in Cavendish street on the night of the 17th, he proceeded to the spot and found defendant beating his wife, Savage was the worse for drink. 
£2 with 8s 6d costs.

October 25th 1864

At a meeting of Sudbury Town Council, Mr Garnham said an offer had been accepted by Mr Green of the Horn Inn for a cottage abutting the Horn Inn which if pulled down would give a right of way from North street to Back Lane opposite one of the new roads now being on Woodhall Farm.

November 1st 1864

Died on the 24th inst at Westminster of inflammation by accidentally piercing of his hand---Thomas Andrews the only son of the late Thomas Woolard of the Angel Inn at Lavenham.

November 1st 1864

George Baker of Thurston was charged with allowing a pony to stray on the highway of that parish. Defendant pleaded guilty, the chairman said "you have been here before on the same charge", 
defendant said "I know nothing about the law as I am no scholar",
the chairman said "you will know next time if you come here again you will get a heavy fine, you will be let off this time with payment of costs". 
4 s costs.

November 8th 1864

On Tuesday as men employed on the new railroad at Melford, in the cutting through Mr Deek's farm, a quantity of earth gave way, completely burying a man named Dare, the other men who had a narrow escape of a similar fate speedily extricated him with no bones broken only badly bruised, he was able to walk home.

November 8th 1864

William Hammond, labourer of Hartest was charged with on the night of 19th October, setting fire to the premises on Cook's farm, occupied by Spencer Albon. Not sufficient evidence.

November 8th 1864

Thomas Townsend, a lad employed by Mr Thomas Alston at Stanstead was charged with absenting himself from work on the 8th of October, defendant said his master threatened to "hide" him, the complainant said he neglected the sheep, the boy said his father advised him to leave work. Complainant withdrew the charge.

November 8th 1864

On Tuesday last, Charles Mills, employed by Mr Mumford of Lavenham Hall was climbing a tree to frighten down some hens which had gone to take roost there when the bough broke and the boy fell breaking his leg.

November 8th 1864

On Tuesday last Mr W. Chickall was coursing on his father's land at Wickhambrook riding a thoroughbred mare, the animal being fresh and playful he dismounted and asked one of his father's labourer's, a married man with five children, to gallop it for several times across a field towards the mill, it is supposed it she caught sight of the sails and was frightened, the man was thrown off but one of his feet was caught in the stirrups and he was dragged upwards of forty yards with the mare going at 20 miles an hour and her feet striking the man in various parts. 
Mr Stutter, surgeon of Wickhambrook attended him and found he was badly bruised but had no dangerous wounds.

November 8th 1864

Lord and Lady Paget are at their country residence of Melford Hall and were welcomed by a merry peal of bells.

November 15th 1864

The new line of the railway is progressing in the Lavenham area and on Thursday last the first stone was laid of the large bridge which passes over the line at the entrance to town was laid by Mr Roper the horse hair and cocoa mat manufacturer.

November 15th 1864

Died on the 25th of October on board the P.and O. S.N. Co's steamer Rangoon on his passage home from Bombay on sick leave, aged 27 years, Frederic, the sixth son of the late Samuel Death of Alpheton Hall, Suffolk.

November 15th 1864

There was an inquest at the Bull Inn, Cavendish, on the body of William Simmons an excise officer stationed at Cavendish.
Ellen Simmons said her husband had recently taken up drinking and was in arrears with his accounts. He was found with gun shot wounds, he was to meet his Superintendent of excise this week. 
Open Verdict.

November 29th 1864

Inquest at Withersfield on the body of Elizabeth aged 27 years, the wife of Josiah Claydon a railway navigator, who after going several times to a well at the bottom of a hill complained of pains. Death from irritation of the bowels.

November 29th 1864

Lord and Lady Paget have been entertaining a select circle of friends at Melford Hall. On Wednesday, his Lordship accompanied by Lord Claredon Paget, Mr Hammond who is British Consul at Cherbourg, Captain Bence and Mr N.Barnadiston, they shot through the preserves and bagged 1549 head of game.

December 6th 1864

James Wright and Ezra Spark of Shimpling were summoned by James Whymark the underkeeper from Chadacre who said 'I was watching a snare with a hare in it when I saw two men arrive, although it was foggy, I think I saw Spark bend down and take the hare out of the snare'. 
Dismissed.

December 6th 1864

Yesterday, Monday morning, a man named William Hill working on the new line at Lavenham, had his leg broken by a truck accidentally tipped over, it struck his leg and broke it, he was removed home to Lavenham and was attended by Mr Barkway, surgeon.

December 6th 1864

Robert Brown, labourer of Bulmer was summoned for riding on a wagon drawn by four horses without reins on the highway at Gt Cornard, His master, Mr Browning, farmer of Bulmer, said the man had been working on the same farm for 36 years and was always steady, he was lame. 
The bench said if he was lame he should not have been sent out. 
Fined 1s.

December 6th 1864

William Fitch of Gt Thurlow was charged with threatening the life of his daughter Caroline who said that defendant was her father and on the night of the 9th he threatened to rip her belly open, 'I am afraid he will do me bodily harm'. 
Ordered to find two sureties of £25 each and bound over in the sum of £10.

December 13th 1864

During the last quarter of this year a great number of articles mostly bedding have been missed from the Sudbury Union but no traces were found until last week or two when the master took stock, he found numerous articles missing, sheets, blankets, counterpanes, pillow cases, bolster cases etc. 
Various enquiries were made and at the beginning of the month a clue was found and a search was made of a house of woman called Moss and at the Plough beer house in Stour street kept by George King Viall where various articles were found. 
Moss was committed in custody until the next Quarter Sessions. Vial for trial at the Quarter Sessions but bailed in the sum of £50 and two sureties of £25 each, Mr Mauldon was accepted and he was allowed one day to find another.

December 20th 1864

To be sold-at Halstead in Essex---
a policy of life assurance of a gentleman aged 77 years on the 1st of February last, a policy of assurance by the Sun Office on the life of James Scotcher of Gt Yeldham at an annual premium of £54 5s 10d. For particulars apply Harris and Morgan solicitors of Halstead.

December 20th 1864

Joseph Wordley, mat worker of Glemsford was summoned by Sophia, wife of J.Oakley for assault, complainant said on morning of the 30th ult, at about 6, "I was going to work at the hair factory when I overtook the defendant on the road, I said there is only we two here, when he touched me and behaved rudely, I told him it would not do, I told my work mates and said I would not put up with it". 
Dismissed

December 27th 1864

Died on the 13th inst at the Headquarters of the Regiment, aged 41, Captain G.F.Weller Poley, Adjutant of the Queen's Own L.I. Militia, late of the 20th Foot.

December 27th 1864

Upwards of 70 fat geese were last week distributed among members of the Goose Clubs at the Hare and Lion Inns at Melford.

December 27th 1864

Letters to the Editor----
Sir-
Allow me to ask the ratepayers of Cavendish and Glemsford why no steps have been taken to make good the soft road running through the estate of J.S. Garret called Blacklands, it would lessen the distance of the two places by at least one mile and now the railroad from Sudbury to Shalford will be in a few months be open the large ratepayers of Cavendish by making their part of the road sound would confer a great boon to the public that travel that way. -
I am Sir yours
 D.

December 27th 1864

The butchers of Melford exhibited their usual supply of good meat this Christmas. At the shop of Mr Seagers were four fine beasts which he purchased at Bury Christmas sale, one grazed by Mr Nunn of Eldo house weighed 114 stone, there were several fine sheep from Mr Mills of Rodbridge farm. Mr Allen also exhibited some fine sheep and 100 turkeys and a large quantity of geese. Upwards of 70 geese were distributed among members of the goose clubs held at the Lion and Hare Inns.