January 4th 1868

Walter Shillington of Friars Street, Sudbury was charged with molesting and disturbing and disquieting the Rev Charles Badham, vicar of All Saints Church in Sudbury while celebrating the Divine Service in the parish church.
The clerk said "During the time of Mr Badham was reading prayers, defendant kept saying Amen at the wrong times and in a loud voice, I went to defendant and said he must go out, he replied 'if you try to push me out I won't go!', He used language that I do not like to repeat."
fined £2.

January 11th 1868

Birth. To Mrs Keeble at Armsey farm, Bulmer, daughter, prematurely.

January 18th 1868

Robert Smith, labourer of Clare was charged with threatening to kill his mother. To find surety of £20.

January 25th 1868

On Thursday evening last as two gentlemen were driving a horse and gig on the turnpike road at Melford, while on the hill near the turnpike the lamps of the railway station being in front of them they were misguided from keeping to the road and in consequence the horse and gig fell down into the field below, both gentlemen fell out without injury.

February 1st 1868

Barton Mills. The Rev James Davies who died in March 1708 aged 67, left to the poor of Barton Mills a dolver lying in Mildenhall parish which is now rented at £17 10s per annum, the poor are much pleased. 
(According to Peter Northeast, a dolver is a rough piece of land in the fens, it was probably bought cheaply in 1708 and cultivated in the mid 19th century. GH)

February 8th 1868

Married at Cavendish. Benjamin Mortlock to Eliza Cranfield of the same place.

February 8th 1868

Robert Smalls, aged 16 years of Shimpling was charged with stealing a watch from the dwelling house of John Bigham, labourer of Shimpling. Remanded.

February 15th 1868

Robert Small of Shimpling was sent to gaol for 21 days.

February 8th 1868

A series of attacks have lately been made on potato and coal stores at Clare, the lead was stolen from the roof of Mr Hill's malting and about 60 bushels of potatoes were stolen from a clamp belonging to Mr Dennis at Chilton street.
The last act was cleverly managed by shoring up the roof of the clamp that there was no suspicion of hollowness of the apparently full clamp.

February 15th 1868

Died at Gt Cornard. Very suddenly and deeply regretted, Sarah Ann, wife of the late Edward Baker of Cornard Mills.

February 22nd 1868

At Melford on Friday last a sad accident befell a labourer named Charles Duce, when drilling peas on a field belonging to Mathew Deeks, the horses took fright from a report of a gun some distance off and the poor man in attempting to stop them fell and the drill passed over him seriously injuring him.

February 2nd 1868

At Lavenham Fair held on Tuesday last, we hear that one horse being sold for £12 dropped down dead almost immediately after being paid for.

March 7th 1868

Cavendish. Capt. Trafford and Robert Honeywood Esq's of Cavendish met with severe falls while out hunting with Mr Marriot's hounds, ( East Essex) on the 25th inst, 
Mr Honeywood, it appears came to grief at the top of Ovington long meadow, his horse running into a ditch with by considerable force when he came to the ground. 
Captain Trafford's horse to the contrary overjumped himself from some unaccountable cause and he landed on his head, his rider was picked up insensible in the parish of Pentlow and was kindly conveyed home in the carriage of the Rev E. Bull
We are glad to hear that both the unfortunates are going on favourably, Capt Trafford has several cuts and bruises.

March 14th 1868

To be sold by George Coote at the Greyhound Inn at Glemsford on March 16th by direction of Mr John Bigg. 4 substantial cottages with near 1 ¼ acres of valuable garden ground situated in Egermont street, Glemsford
They are occupied by Copsey, Pettit, Twin and Watkinson at an annual rent amounting to £21 per acre.

March 14th 1868

Henry Childs, carpenter of Sudbury was charged with assaulting William Hardy with a life preserver at Melford White Horse beerhouse. To be settled out of court.

March 14th 1868

Melford. Amos Leeks 12, Hardy Leeks 7, John Heard 8 and Robert Joselyn 10 were charged with damaging a sheep the property of Ward and Silver of Melford.
William Howe said he saw the defendants driving the sheep about in a fold on Sunday afternoon. James Crissel said he saw three defendants driving the sheep about and told them to leave them alone. 
The mothers of the defendants said they were sorry it happened and were willing the police should whip the boys which was done.

March 21st 1868

Inquest at Lawshall on William Mulley, aged 75. 
On Friday afternoon deceased went to a beerhouse kept by a man called Wade, Mr Pryor for whom deceased worked haven given him a pint of beer, deceased said he would have ½ a pint then and had not quite finished it when his head hung back and he appeared to faint, 
Deceased had been to Brockley with two pigs and was quite tired out. 
Natural Death.

March 21st 1868

Cavendish. The Bishop of Tennesse, U.S.A., who is in now in England collecting funds for the buildings which were entirely destroyed during the civil war, preached on Thursday evening last week in Cavendish church. 
The collection amounted to £5 5s.

March 28th 1868

George Chatteris who was charged with the infamous crime of bestiality at Boxted, his Lordship said no jury would convict on the evidence produced. 
Not guilty.

March 28th 1868

Nisi Pruis Courty at Bury St Edmunds. Fisher versus Viall. 
The plaintiff claimed £64 6s 6d for tiles he supplied and defendant pleaded set off for straw of £9. 
Alfred Fisher the complainant said he was a brick and tile maker of Cavendish and his charges were fair and reasonable, he had dealt with defendant for 6 years, Mr Viall had sent for tiles and pipes without previous conversations, he did not tell him last year that he had charged too much. 
Verdict for Plaintiff of £2 15s.

April 11th 1868

At Clare on Monday morning the 6th inst as the 10-30 down train was passing a lane leading to Chapel farm, Haverhill, a man with two horses and a tumbril were in the lane when it seems the horses took off from the sound of the train and started off at a furious rate knocking down the man breaking his arm and injuring him.
They galloped in to the town before they were stopped, a distance of ½ a mile.

April 11th 1868

William Murkin, Thomas Bruty and Thomas Cutmore of Clare were charged with stealing 5s 6d out of the till at the Waggon and Horse at Clare, the property of John Newton. Murkin 2 months the others discharged.

April 18th 1868

Died. Savage after a short illness aged 76 years Widow of Cavendish.

April 18th 1868

A beech tree of fine proportions was cut down in the Melford Hall estate, it was over 10ft in circumference.
On Tuesday it was being sawn into slabs at Mr Salter's steam mills at Sudbury when the saw cut through two nails in the centre of the timber, the nails must have been driven in when the tree was a comparative shrub probably 150 years ago.

May 29th 1868

Bury Corn Market. Wheat to 72s 5d per quarter-Barley to 48 8d ---Oats to 28s.

May 29th 1868

We learn from the Dumfries Courier that the execution of Fenian Barret has been fixed for Tueday 12th. Calcraft who had been engaged to come to Dumfries has intimated it will not be possible for him to attend, the town clerk has obtained the services of Askern, the York executioner who demands the same fee as Calcraft at 20 guineas. (Calcraft was usually engaged in any Bury executions).

May 29th 1868

For several weeks past the inhabitants of Ashfield Green at Wickhambrook have been alarmed by the appearance of a ghost and it had been reported that two houses in the locality are haunted, on Monday night last, Mr Pryke, butcher, gave chase to the nocturnal visitor and succeeded in overhauling it and finding it in the shape of a beautiful woman who was covered with white from head to foot.

from the East Suffolk Gazette And Beccles And Bungay Weekly News of May 28th 1868 comes the story Burning A Ghost In Effigy.
At about nine on Saturday night several hundreds of persons assembled at Ashfield-green in Wickhambrook, to witness the burning in effigy of a ghost which had been caught on the proceeding Monday night by a butcher.
On the 23rd December last the wife of Edward SMITH died suddenly, and since that time it has been rumoured that the deceased woman has many times revisited her last abode, and her son, with his wife and child, who had since her death lived with his father, left their abode about a fortnight ago, in order to evade the nightly visits of the sprite, and no amount of reasoning could dissipate the fear that some supernatural agency was at work against them.
Many of their neighbours have also been much frightened by the apparition, and have been afraid to leave their dwellings after dark, but on Monday, the 11th May, between 11 and 12
at night, Mr James PRYKE, a butcher, had the temerity to give it chase, and the ghost, on finding its pursuer gaining ground vanished behind a hedge at the entrance to the occupation of Mr J.H. PRYKE. On overtaking it, and finding it a neighbour's wife, Mr PRYKE quietly retreated.
The inhabitants being disgusted at the conduct of the woman prepared an effigy which they carried on a pole for about three hours, and then consigned it to a bonfire, of 30 or 40 faggots, prepared on a field in the occupation of Mr R. GOODWIN, opposite Mr J. PRYKE's mill.

May 29th 1868

Glemsford. The Court of Bankruptcy, London May 19th. Re. William Alston, this is the sitting for proof of debts under bankruptcy of William Alston, formerly a miller, brewer innkeeper and farmer of Stanstead.

June 6th 1868

William Alefounder, labourer of Cavendish was charged by P.C. Bullet with assaulting him in execution of his duty near the White Horse, Cavendish. 10s with£1 10s costs. Joseph Maxim of Cavendish was charged with being drunk and riotous in Cavendish street and causing a number of persons to gather together. 7 days hard labour.

June 20th 1868

Messrs Newson will sell by auction by direction of the executors of the late Henry Braddock at the Angel Hotel at Bury---The Rose and Crown at Bridge Street, Melford-The Bull Inn at Melford (the principal Inn in this town)-the Cock Inn at Glemsford-the Six Bells at Brockley---a Beerhouse at Wickhambrook .

June 20th 1868

Inquest at Clare on Henry Hickford aged 16, it appears he was employed by Joseph Deeks of Clare to frighten birds and for this purpose he was furnished with a gun and powder but no shot, one day he returned home with a lacerated wound in the ball of his left thigh
He stated he slipped and the gun went off with his thumb over the muzzle, there was no shot in the gun. 
Accidental.

June 20th 1868

Annual fair at Cavendish on the 11th and 12th inst. 
There was but a small show of stock but everything passed off orderly, not a single case of calling the police.

June 20th 1868

Samuel Brett, employed by Mr Andrews of Wales End farm at Cavendish was carting manure when he was thrown down by a horse stamping on his foot and the wheels of the tumbrel passed over his right leg causing a severe compound fracture. 
Mr Waring attended and he is as well as can be expected

June 27th 1868

On Tuesday next Messrs Newson and Stanley will sell with instructions from Mr T. Brooke of Brooke House, Horringer, the contents of the above mansion which will include a few valuable paintings including "The Miser" and "Bull Baiting by P.Potter, the "Lion Fight" and "Cattle and Figures" by Breughel, "Kirkstall Abbey" a water colour , "Holy Family" by Rubens, Burgomasters Feast, a fine old Flemish picture and "Snyder's Dead Game".

June 27th 1868

There was an awful sudden death at Cheveley which occurred on Monday morning last, the wife of Martin Tweed aged 76 had just returned from the Star and Garter Inn with some refreshment for her husband who is aged and infirm, before she could offer him anything she dropped down dead before him. 
Syncope of the heart.

June 27th 1868

John Mitchell, groom to Frederick Branwhite of Melford was charged with absenting himself from work on the 20th of April. 12s or 14 days.

June 27th 1868

John Downey aged 17 years was charged with stealing a piece of plum pudding from a tent erected on Melford Green for the use of the Church Music Society on the 9th inst, Mr Sewell of the Lion Inn did not want to prosecute the boy and he was discharged with a caution.

June 27th 1868

Married at Glemsford, John Byford, the youngest son of Edward Byford of the Three Turns Inn at Glemsford, to Harriet, the eldest daughter of Mr N. Boxham of the above place.

June 27th 1868

On Sunday last what is commonly called a "shower of frogs" which excites newspaper readers, took place at Lavenham Hall, hundreds upon hundreds being visible all over the ground, it is supposed they rise from the ground.

June 27th 1868

The sugar works at Lavenham are progressing favourably, a large boiler weighing 14 tons arrived on Monday, the sugar beet on various farms around the area look remarkably well.

July 4th 1868

George Wordley of Glemsford was charged with assaulting an old man named William Gowers who said he was sitting on a bank near his house when Wordley carrying another man on his back came up and threw him on me. 
1s and 8s 8d costs.

July 18th 1868

Inquest at Clare on Thomas Hickford aged 62 who died the previous Saturday, deceased was engaged in brewing at Poslingford and while emptying the wort out of a tub into a copper his foot slipped and he fell into the scalding liquor
He was taken out by a man named Mansfield who was passing and taken home to Clare, he was savagely scalded that death terminated his suffering next day. 
Accidental.

July 18th 1868

Henry Bowyer of the Mulberry Tree Inn in London was charged by Jane Orris of Kedington with being the father of her child born

May 18th 1867

To pay 2s per week and costs.

July 18th 1868

William and Joseph Bowers and William Bowyer all of Gt Wratting were charged with taking fish out of the water running through the lands of Mrs Frost of Wash farm, Lt Wratting. 
Dismissed.

July 18th 1868

On Monday afternoon a fire broke out in a field of wheat belonging to Mr Deeks of Bull Lane farm at Melford, by the aid of labourers present they succeeded in stopping it's progress, the field is by the railway line and there is little doubt it was caused by a spark from the engine.

July 18th 1868

From Warwick Assizes. 
Harriet Curtis aged 28 was charged with having feloniously wounding Thomas Curtis her husband with a razor
His Lordship said the jury had to convict as they could do no other, he would like to take into consideration the comments of the jury that her husband was a worthless fellow and deserved what he got, yet more seriously if a woman had provocation and in avenging themselves in the same way and look at the enormity of the act she committed and by the recommending of mercy by the jury, he had to give her penal servitude for five years.

July 25th 1868

Married at Melford. Orlando Steed, Professor of Music to Susan the third daughter of John Silver and niece of Ward and Silver.

July 25th 1868

Joseph Wallace, 18, John Felton, 10, of Chedburgh were charged with destroying apples, the property of the Rev Creed of Chedburgh, both lads pleaded guilty and were ordered to be whipped with the birch rod, the elder to have six strokes and the younger to have four.

July 25th 1868

Sudbury. The heat of the weather during the last few days has been so intense that several cases of sickness through the effects of the sun rays in the harvest field, a commercial traveller driving from Melford was overcome on Thursday and has been lying at the Four Swans Inn at Sudbury. 
A poor man named White who was working at Donedin lime works has also been smitten down so as not being able to see for several hours.

August 1st 1868

Mr Overbury, a traveller for Messrs Wilder, wine merchants of London, died at the Four Swans Inn early Friday morning from sunstroke.

August 1st 1868

Inquest at Risbridge Union House at Kedington on the late John Bradford aged 24.
Robert French of Gt Yeldham said deceased was living in Kedington and was a wheelwright.
'At about 8-30 on Tuesday evening I went with deceased to Wratting Wash, I did not bathe but deceased went down to the river near the Union House, he undressed, I was taking off my shoes not looking at deceased when I heard "Fred Fred", I ran towards where the voice came from but did not see him, I ran down to the water mill for assistance and David Ruse went back to the river with me and looked for his clothes but I could not find them, I had forgotten the place where he bathed.'
William Eldred of Kedington, said 
'At 9-30 I was going to bed when I heard the alarm, I went with a rake but could not find him, I got out of the river and William Mayes was using a creeper which caught hold of deceased, I was dressed but I jumped into the river and caught hold of deceased's legs and drew him out, he was quite dead. I have known deceased for three years, he could not swim, I know the river is deep where he went in, it is the old hole of the water mill'
 Accidental.

August 1st 1868

Cavendish. Divisional Trial heard on Thursday last before Sir James Wilde. 
A gentleman named Wormald took occasion to discharge his groom one named Neale and soon after the groom left, Miss Wormald, who is 15 years old disappeared, the banns of marriage had between Neale and the young lady had been published at Cavendish in Suffolk as though her name was Morumild but when the two parties were before the altar she gave her true name and the ceremony was performed.
She however returned home the following day and her father now sought to get her marriage dissolved on the grounds of undue publication of the banns. 
The court found for Mr Wormald on that question but a question of law arising out of the circumstances has yet to be discussed. Sir James Wilde said although the undue publication of the banns appeared to have been without the knowledge of Miss Wormald it has been distinctly proved that she was made aware of the fact before the ceremony
It was a case in which the letter and spirit of the law applied to the marriage must therefore be pronounced null and void.

August 15th 1868

Wanted for farmhouse at Michaelmas next. A good plain cook, wages £8, address of where last place. Apply to Mrs Ling of Shalford Hall, Braintree, Essex.

August 15th 1868

Died on the 8th inst after three weeks of acute suffering from eating a quantity of cherry kernels in her 10th year, Emma Stapleton, 2nd beloved daughter Frederick Branwhite of Long Melford.

August 15th 1868

Isaac Tatum, 22, of Lavenham was charged with setting fire to farm premises at Lavenham whereby a barn, stables-outbuildings-1 ½ stacks of trefoil stover-100 sacks of trefoil cosh-implements-9 horses-sows and pigs and 100 fowls were all destroyed at Lavenham, the property of Thomas Clements. 
Thomas Clements said he knew defendant as he worked for him about 2 years ago and left because he would not help get a horse out of a ditch, 'I discharged him'. 
Penal servitude for 20 years.

August 15th 1868

Albert Ambrose of Melford was charged with entering the premises of Charles Sargent of Melford and stealing a goose and a hare. 7 years penal servitude as he had been convicted before.

August 15th 1868

John Tweed, labourer of Moulton was charged with an unnatural offence at Moulton on the 16th of may, the evidence is unfit for publication. 18 months hard labour.

August 15th 1868

Melford. On Thursday morning at about 12-30, a fire was discovered at the paper mills at Melford in occupation of Mr Overton
The fire engines were soon on the spot but not before 3 tons of paper-the mills-dwelling house-furniture-ropes-and rags were destroyed. Mr Overton was obliged to jump from a window in his night clothes to save himself, both the landlord and Mr Overton were insured. 

(There was a paper mill at the site of what was Bush Boake Allen at Liston).

August 15th 1868

George Wordley and Robert Rutter of Glemsford were charged with stealing victuals belonging to James Wheeler who said
'I am a labourer employed by Mr Alston of Stanstead. On the morning of the 24th I was carting bats in "Bunny Field" Stanstead at about 5 in the morning, I put my victuals near the path in the field, I saw the prisoners go by then turn back and go round the other side of the hedge'
'At about 6-30, I went to my basket and missed about ¾ lb of meat and a quantity of bread, a basin and a cloth, I value them 1s', 
James Garrod who was working with Wheeler at the time gave evidence. 
21 days hard labour. 
Robert Rutter was further charged with stealing two ducks the property of Robert Blythe of Clockhouse Farm. 2 months hard labour.

August 23rd 1868

Advert. The Great Eastern Railway. Rail and Boat excursions on every Monday up till 25th of Sepetmber. Cheap excursion tickets from Bury 5s in covered cars and 2s 6d-From Stowmarket 4s and 2s.

August 23rd 1868

Four cottages on Farley Green, Stadishall were burnt down, two children and an invalid were rescued, it was caused by children playing with lucifers, 
They were the property of Mr Dearsley of Stradishall.

August 23rd 1868

Gabriel Patrick, James Carter, Alfred Crouch, Alfred Hurrel, George Lambert, Thomas Lambert of Lawshall and John Mortlake of Shimpling were charged with absenting themselves from work by Ambrose Death.
 Dismissed.

September 5th 1868

Inquest at Gt Cornard on a labourer named Carter who left his house on Friday and was not heard of for nearly a week. 
On Friday the harvest frolic was held at the King's Head, Gt Cornard. Deceased was present and left the house about 11-30 worse for liquor
An acquaintance named Gardiner left with him and noticed he was walking in the direction away from his house towards Mr Baker's water mill
Gardiner told Carter this but received no reply but he came back saying something about leaving his stick behind, his mate saw him no more alive, on the following Friday some bargemen saw something floating on the water near Mr Hartley's soap works at Cornard and called a man named Mumford
The body was got out and found to be Carter, there was money in his back pocket. 
Found Drowned.

September 12th 1868

Married Belchamp St Pauls---Thomas Chaplin, the eldest son of Thomas Chaplin of Lambert's Farm, Belchamp St Pauls, to Elizabeth the youngest daughter of the late Edward Deeks of the Bull Inn, Cavendish.

September 19th 1868

Albert Clover of Melford was charged with unlawfully depositing excrement upon the footpath adjoining the turnpike road at Melford to the annoyance of persons travelling thereon.
Defendant said he could not help it as he was suffering from diarrhoea. The Bench said there were great complaints made of such nuisances and hoped this would be a caution. 
1s with 6d costs.

September 19th 1868

Edward Clark of Cavendish was charged with stealing a quarter of a peck of potatoes the property of J.S.Garret of Blacklands Hall, Cavendish.
It appears defendant had been picking up potatoes after the plough on Friday and P.C. Bullet met him coming home from work and asked him what he had got in his pockets, the prisoner admitted he had taken a few from his master. 
To appear at the next Melford Sessions.

October 31st 1868

John Worledge, 48, of Wickhambrook was charged with assaulting with intent Jane Worledge aged 15-16 who said 
'On the 18th of September I was upstairs and my father was also there, he tried to lift my skirt and petticoat up, I would not let him, he shoved me onto the bed'
'I shrieked out, his clothes were disarranged, my sister came into the room, my father swore at her'
'My mother had gone to London, I sleep in the same room as my father, sister, mother and my sister's little boy. My father is a thatcher. 
2 years hard labour.

December 12th 1868

On Monday morning about one o' clock, a gale visited Cavendish with tremendous force, damaging windows, roofs and chimneys, at Blacklands Hall a chimney fell through the roof doing damage amounting to £20 and in no slight degree alarming the inmates who expected the whole roof to fall in
At the Bull Inn one chimney was blown down but fell in the garden.

December 19th 1868

A couple of cauliflowers were cut in the Clare allotments, one measuring 18 inches round.

January 2nd 1869

Isaac Newman, Robert Mott and Charles Smith, labourers in the employ of Walter Chickall of Foxearth were charged with leaving a wagon loaded with manure on the side of the highway in Bulll Lane, Melford on the 22nd inst
Defendants said they had done nothing wrong, they took off their horses and went into the Inn and had their bait, leaving the wagon by the side of the road with plenty of room to pass. 
Dismissed with a caution.

January 2nd 1869

Robert Parmenter, mat maker of Melford was charged with stealing meat from Sarah Clover who said 
'I am a widow living at Alpheton, on the 24th inst I went to Melford with my father's donkey and cart, I called at Mr Wickham's grocery shop leaving the cart outside, in the cart I had four pieces of meat and some suet and some pork and mutton which I had bought from Mr Rogers worth 7s 10d belonging to me and my neighbours'
'When going away I missed the whip and feeling in the cart for it I missed the basket, I went into the shop and told Charles Spilling, we went to the police station and then to the prisoner's home which is in Back Lane in company of Inspector Keeble but did not find it'
'About one hour later Inspector Keeble showed me at the station the basket and the meat. Josiah Chisnal, 18, said I live with my parents at Melford, on the night of the 24th I was in Mr Wickham's shop, I saw the prisoner take the basket from the cart, just before that I saw prisoner come out of the Swan Inn, he took the basket then walked to Bull Lane, a ¼ of an hour later Inspector Keeble sent for me, I told him what I knew, I have known the prisoner all my life.'
 Committed for trial.

January 16th 1869

Robert Parmenter was sent to prison for 3 months.

January 2nd 1869

William Robinson was charged at Haverhill of being an accessory after the fact of stealing 10 fowls the property of the Rev S. James at Clare Hall. Discharged for want of evidence.

January 9th 1869

Oscar Underwood and Joseph Maxim of Cavendish were charged by Major Hinchcliffe of Pentlow Hall who said 
'I was in my grounds and saw three men in the long grass near the river where there is no footpath, one had a pole in his hand, about 40 yards from where I saw them I found a parcel in the grass containing a duck which was wet and fresh killed, I value the duck at 2s.'
Underwood 14s or 7 days, 
Maxim being older was sent to prison for 7 days with no option of a fine.

January 9th 1869

Cavendish. On Tuesday last, Mr A.J.Norton of Robbs farm, Cavendish, farmer and guardian of the poor in this parish, entertained all of the aged poor of the parish to dinner at the White Horse Inn where they consumed an unlimited supply of plum pudding and roast beef to which the old people did ample justice, after dinner they enjoyed themselves with plenty of "home brew'd" till 6 o' clock.

January 9th 1869

Died. A young man named Beeton, son of Joseph Beeton, carrier of Glemsford as a result of a gun accident, he was 24 years of age.

January 9th 1869

James Bruce, George Wordley, Walter Elliston, William Bareham and Robert Rutter of Glemsford were charged with stealing 12 live ducks valued at 30s from the Court Farm, Glemsford. Bruce for trial, no evidence to commit the others.

January 23rd 1869

Belchamp St Pauls. 
Inquest at the residence of the deceased. About one and a half miles from Clare on the body of James Hill, an old esteemed farmer who accidentally fell in a pond at Belchamp St Pauls on Friday night last. 
Elizabeth Deeves, wife of Robert Deeves, labourer of Belchamp St Pauls said 
'Deceased is 79 years old, he was my uncle, on Friday night last he left home to go and pay his poor rates stating he would return that evening'
'Next morning he was brought home dead, deceased was subjected to fits'
John Taylor, labourer of Belchamp said on the morning of Saturday last at about 7-30 he went to a pool on Trip's Farm, about 1 ½ a mile from deceased's house to water a horse, he saw an umbrella sticking up in a pond about a rod distance from the edge of the pond and the body of a man lying near it. He then went and gave information
Francis Wright, a thatcher of Belchamp St Pauls gave similar information, it was very dark and windy the night before, a roadway passes near the pond. 
Ishmael Goody, assistant overseer of the parish said 'Deceased came to my home at about ten to six to pay that evening and paid me £2 12s and said he would pay the remainder the following morning at Clare market.'
Found drowned in which they believed was an accident.

January 23rd 1869

Fire at Poslingford. 
There was a destructive fire at New House farm in occupation of James Ambrose at Poslingford, it broke out at about 6, before being extinguished, a double barn and a single barn-2 stables-3 sheds and other buildings-250 coombs of barley-106 coombs of wheat-70 coombs of oats-a pea stack containing 10 ½ acres and implements were destroyed.
The horseman and stockman were on the premises a few minutes before the fire broke out but they stated that they saw no sign of fire when they left, all denied having smoked or had a light when they wee working, the fire seems to have commenced in the double barn where none of the men went, the origin remains a mystery, notwithstanding there is a investigation by Supt Southgate and several other of his men. 
The buildings are the property of Mrs Elwes of Ipswich.

January 30th 1869

The sugar factory at Lavenham commenced work on Wednesday last when the first sugar ever produced in England from English grown roots was made by Mr Duncan, it is stated the pulp is already in high estimation among farmers of the district. 
The public are admitted to see the process on application.

(This factory failed within two years)

February 6th 1869

An old aged man named Stephen Gager, 78, died suddenly at Glemsford on Monday last, it appears he went Glemsford railway station for two bushels of coal and when he returned about 4 he told his wife to get the tea ready
She had just left the room when she heard a noise and saw he had fallen from his chair. 
The parish authorities did not think an inquest necessary.

February 6th 1869

Last week an old woman named Martha Eagle living alone in Bridewell Street at Clare died, she was noted for her miserly habits and had been known to deprive herself of the common necessaries of life, it is stated the sum of £270 was found in her house after her death.

February 13th 1869

Thomas Nice, a troublesome fellow in the parish of Acton was charged with refusing to maintain his son Joseph, aged 14 years, at the Union House, defendant said he is 16 years old or he would not have turned him out. 2 months hard labour.

February 20th 1869

Capt Wardlow met with an accident while out hunting with the North Warwickshire hounds which proved fatal, in jumping a fence he was thrown forward onto the pommel of his saddle and sustained serious injuries of a private nature
He was removed to the Regent Hotel at Leamington where he was staying during the hunting season and died in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

March 6th 1869

On Monday night last, some person effected an entrance at Ovington Rectory, the residence of the Rev C.J. Fisher, through a window protected with strong iron bars in front, entrance was through the pantry window adjoining the kitchen and carried off a ham, bacon and other provisions, the movement of him was not heard by the family.

March 13th 1869

On Saturday morning the inhabitants of the village of Bulmer near Sudbury were shocked to hear that a farmer residing at the "Tie" adjacent to the Sudbury -Halstead -Hedingham high road  had committed suicide by hanging himself. 
The deceased, Amos Tiffin Underwood, had resided in the village for several years having been the Registrar of Births and Deaths for the district. He had been suffering for several years with a pain in the head, 
On Saturday morning he was in the yard giving orders to the labourers but as soon as they were gone to work, "one of them left the stable when he should have been at work" after a short time, deceased went into the stable and mounted a corn hutch, tied the rope round his neck and swung himself off the hutch so he hanged himself
On the labourers returning from work they discovered their master hanging there and immediately cut him down, the body was still warm. There was an inquest at the Plough Inn which recorded temporary insanity.

March 20th 1869

Wanted situation as farm bailiff, farming in all branches of light and heavy soils, stock, draining, steam cultivations, accounts, wife to manage dairy, aged 40, good recommendations, Apply G. Flower of Hundon.

March 20th 1869

Potato prices coastwise. English Regents 68s to 100s per ton-Flukes 60s to 120s-Scotch Regent, 50s to 170s -Rocks 50s to 70s -French 40s to 70s per ton.

March 20th 1869

Mr James Pledger, blacksmith of Cowlinge has been adjudged bankrupt.

March 20th 1869

It seems a certain portion of the Irish population in County Durham are very brutal men, the 5th murder has been committed by Irishmen in the towns of this county in a very few months. 
At South Shields at midnight on Saturday last an Irish labourer named Tracey living with his wife in a miserable cellar, came home at 9 o' clock drunk and laid down before the fire and fell asleep, between 10-11 the same night he was aroused by some companions, they clubbed together and sent Tracey's wife for ½ a gallon of beer
She did not return before midnight being a little the worse for drink, as soon as she got into the yard Tracey attacked her and knocking her down dragging her down the steps he abused her terribly, kicking her in the stomach and abdomen with heavy clogs which he had on
Some neighbours and an Irishman pulled him off the woman who was unconscious. He ill used the Irishman who tried to protect the wretched woman who was lying in a pool of blood.
English residents in the neighbourhood having brought the police, he was taken into custody, the woman was dying. Dr Frain arrived but she was dead, when the prisoner was charged at the police station he shouted for the Virgin and all the Saints to protect him and for a couple of hours after being locked up in a cell his yells of terror could be heard a long distance off.

March 20th 1869

Inquest at Sudbury on Mary Heady 70 and her daughter Ann Heady 34 who lived at 56 Cross street, Sudbury. 
It appears a young man named William Stevens was paying his addresses to the younger deceased but had not been seen for some time, mother and daughter were known to be eccentric and according to medical testimony the younger woman was of unsound mind, owing to want of work as staymakers they were in a state of poverty but would not apply for parish relief
The body of the older woman appeared as a skeleton with skin covered over and appeared to have been laid out after death, it seems some idle boys of the town were in the habit of annoying the deceased women. 
Mr Mason, surgeon, said there were no marks of violence on the bodies, the eldest had probably been dead for 10 days the younger for 48 hours, both died from starvation. 
The inquest was adjourned.

March 27th 1869

Stephen Hickford, labourer and William Robinson, a marine store dealer of Cavendish were charged with stealing a sheep, the property of Abraham Chinery, butcher of Cavendish who said I had a quantity of sheep lying near the Red Barn in occupation of Mr Franklin
"on Friday last my son showed me a sheep skin as one of 62 which I recognised by the wool on its face and a little mark which I had put on the rump when I bought them, the value of the sheep is 35s."
John Heffer, farm bailiff at Church and Hermitage farms said "the Red Barn is part of the Oughton Hall farm which adjoins ours, at about six o' clock I saw the two prisoners coming in the direction of Hermitage farm, they went towards Hermitage barn, Robinson said he bought the sheep from Mr Garret's shepherd for 10s. 
12 months hard labour each.

April 3rd 1869

West Suffolk Quarter Sessions was the scene on Tuesday last of a novel event, some of the Princes of India are returning the compliment of the country we have annexed by coming to England and settling among us as country gentlemen
The Maharajah Dhuleep Singh, a descendant of a line which wore Kingly honours of an ancient civilization while our ancestors were wandering in the woad, has settled on an estate in West Suffolk, on Tuesday last he took his place among the Magistrates of this county.

April 10th 1869

The Overhall Estate, situated in Gestingthorpe and adjacent parishes are to be sold by auction at the Rose and Crown in Sudbury on

May 5th 1869

by direction of the trust of the late George Walker in 31 lots. 
The noble old red brick mansion surrounded by a well timbered park situated near the village and the church. 207 acres of arable and pasture-wood land-Ashley cottage and gardens-several enclosures of land adjoining the foundry and Pound farm, 32 acres
-Tucklan farm, 39 acres
-Dalvyn's farm, an exceeding choice residential occupation with 200 acres-the celebrated covers known as Wiggery and Oakley woods of 60 acres-Moat and New House farms containing 300 acres
-Church Hall farm at Gt Henny, 132 acres-valuable brick and tile known as Gestingthorpe brickyards extending to 10 acres underlined with inexhaustible supply of the finest of white brick and pottery earth
-the village Inn known as The Compasses
-The Manor of Overhall with the rights and privileges and emoluments to the value of £2,400 per annum. 
Particulars from Mr Coote at Sudbury, Suffolk.

April 24th 1869

Albert Webb, butcher of Melford was charged with being drunk and riotous on the 4th in Melford street. 10s with 8s 8d costs or 14 days.

May 1st 1869

A young gentleman of Sudbury of considerable mechanical skill constructed a small steam engine and screw which he fitted up to a boat and thus formed a propeller on the river, finding velocipedes the rage, the though struck him why not work one by steam, accordingly he attached a boiler and engine to a four wheeled velocipede by connecting the crank to the driving wheels
The other day he started, seated on his steam carriage and to the great amazement of spectators proceeded down Melford road, he had however forgotten to fit a tap to turn the steam off, he was now at the mercy of the velocipede which had completely run away with him until it ran out of steam.

May 8th 1869

For sale on the 20th of May. Valuable freehold farm known as Bradfields Farm containing 250 acres, situated in the parish of Pentlow midway between the capital market towns of Sudbury and Clare.

May 15th 1869

On Saturday afternoon a fatal accident occurred at Sudbury to a farm labourer named John Sandford aged 42 years in the employ of Mrs Hills of Gt Waldingfield.
Deceased who was a married man with two children was coming into Sudbury with a four wheeled wagon in which was seated his wife and some other persons when for some reason the horse took fright and deceased endeavouring to stop the animal was frightfully crushed between the nave of one of the wheels and the garden wall of a cottage in Delhi Terrace, Gigan End Street and died a few minutes after. 
Accidental.

May 22nd 1869

There has been enormous emigration from Liverpool on the Mersey the past week of extensive character and shows that the number of English emigrants is far greater than for many months
The emigrants from the Mersey has not all been confined to the English, Scotch or Irish as the greater bulk last week consisted of foreigners from Bremen and other German ports, no less than six steamers sailed during the week, the number of passengers was 7,155 of whom 4,063 were foreign, the remainder were English, Scotch and Irish, of the 12 ships that sailed, 10 were under provisions of the Government Emigration Act and sailed for America with 2,094 passengers while two sailed from not under the Act and carried 61 passengers for Brazil and the West Indies.

June 5th 1869

Wanted-6 Lancashire Machine Hands-Apply on Wednesday at the factory in Wickhambrook.

June 5th 1869

Charles Butcher, brewer of Ballingdon was charged with causing injury and hurt to Edward Hills, watchmaker of Sudbury by negligent driving on the 29th inst.
On the day given complainant and a companion had been trying a new velocipede on the Melford road accompanied by J.F.Hills, postmaster and brother of complainant and Mr Wright of the Market Hill, the owner of the machine
They had been some distance on Melford road and were returning about 9-30 in the evening when they heard a horse at full gallop and drawing a cart coming along the road behind them, the complainant pulled the machine near the grass close to the hedge, but before complainant could do so the cart ran onto the velocipede throwing him off and bruising him
Mr Hills and Wright ran after them as the velocipede was completely smashed, the cart contained three persons and they called to the driver to stop, one person looked back but the cart drove on. 
Defendant was fined £1 and £1 17s costs.

June 19th 1869

Messrs Newson and Stanley of Bury St Edmunds and Walbrrook E.C., will sell by auction at the Rose and Crown Hotel in Sudbury on the 17th inst. 
The freehold estate of Houghton Hall, situated in Clare, Cavendish and Poslingford, comprising a comfortable residence and 667 acre and one perch of land. There was a large attendance and bidding was very spirited, the estate was ultimately sold to Mr Charles Leech for £20,400. 
The manor of Houghton Impoy and Bully Hall comprising of 67 acres copyhold land with quit rents amounting to £6 was then offered and found a purchaser in Mr Goodchild at £450.

July 3rd 1869

On Monday evening, Mr Andrews, butcher of Sudbury was taken into custody at Clare charged with striking an elderly gentleman and his wife with a whip while driving past them and afterwards he defied the authority of the police, prisoner was intoxicated at the time. 
To appear at the next Petty Sessions.

July 17th 1869

Alfred and John Hale, two boys were charged with stealing one cabbage from the garden of Mr W. Sams of Clare on the 11th of July. Alfred to be whipped, John was discharged.

July 17th 1869

George Ruse of Lt Thurlow, gardener, was charged by Mary Wallis, a single woman, of exposing his person on the 5th and 6th inst. 1 month hard labour.

July 17th 1869

James Bareham, better known as "Jimmy Upright" landlord of the Clare Globe Inn was walking on common land, whilst in the act of stepping across a ditch he miscalculated his foot and was thrown head first therein with great violence and being a man of 16-17 stone he narrowly escaped breaking his neck.

July 24th 1869

Emigration to Canada. The season for emigration to Canada is now over. 
The East London Family Emigration Committee have been enabled by subscriptions and other sources to send out of the East End in London, workmen and their families to the number of 608 people, these men are of good character and have been reduced to extreme poverty by the scarcity of work, many having lost children from fever brought on by want, to procure food they have parted with almost all their furniture and clothing, skilled men were earning a pittance by breaking stones, letters received from them are full of gratitude and happiness, all found work immediately in the Canada.

July 24th 1869

Mr J.S. Garret of Cavendish has commenced harvest on his farm at Pentlow.

July 24th 1869

William Rutter of Glemsford was charged with a criminal offence against his daughter aged 14 years on the 7th of April.
He has since absconded and the magistrates after hearing evidence from three witnesses have committed him for trial.

August 7th 1869

Charles Everitt, 30, labourer was charged with breaking into the house of Mary Ann Fayers at Lt Waldingfield who said "I keep a beerhouse and a shop at Lt Waldingfield, 3 shillings, 2 lbs of tobacco and other articles were stolen"
12 months imprisonment.

August 7th 1869

William Rutter of Glemsford was charged with indecent assault on Mary Ann Wordley on the 7th of April
The girl was living with her mother and Rutter who was her step father, the girl was 16 years old, she said she was in a downstairs room alone, her mother having gone to the bake office, her step father came down stairs and threw her on the floor and indecently assaulted her
she resisted him and he went to the door then came back again and assaulted her again, she went to the bake office and told her mother who took her to the magistrate, the Rev Coldham
prisoner went away and did not return for nine weeks.
9 months hard labour.

August 28th 1869

James Twin and John Pettit both under 7 years of age were brought before the magistrates at Glemsford on complaint of Corben Morley of Lodge farm, Glemsford for damaging a fence in his field. 
Mr Morley said he brought these boys before the Bench to be a lesson to them, the Bench admonished them and discharged them. 
John Brewster aged 74 of Glemsford was charged by the same complainant with stealing 7 turnips from his field which he was employed to hoe. 
2s and 5s 1d costs or 7 days.

September 4th 1869

For sale on Tuesday next at Belchamp St Pauls---capital household furniture to be sold by auction by Mr F.C..Fitch upon the premises by order of the Rev J.P. Foster who is leaving the neighbourhood.

September 11th 1869

To be sold at Wrong's farm at Gt Cornard, Sudbury, the valuable live and dead stock-implements for 300 acres-10 horses-pony-4 cows-steers and heifers-70 sheep, by direction of the - of the late Mrs Elizabeth Taylor.

September 18th 1869

On Thursday evening, a wayward traveller who had walked from Braintree and feeling completely exhausted lay down on the Alpheton road
Robert Molton, farmer, .administered some brandy to the traveller who was then taken to the Royal Fox Hunters Arms where hospitality is always shown to strangers by the host Mr and Mrs Clements, the poor fellow was on his legs next morning after a good night's rest.

September 25th 1869

George Salter,13, Arthur Sore, 14, Charles Lee, 12, Charles Plum, 14, William Lee, 9, Henry Stanhope, 10 and John Ward, 10, were charged with stealing a ¼ of a peck of nuts at Parsonage farm, Melford, in occupation of Thomas Byford. The parents consented they should be birched by the police, the Bench ordered the two younger ones to receive four stroked and the elder to have six strokes.

October 2nd 1869

To Farmers and cowkeepers, grains may be had at Westgate brewery, Bury at 4d a bushel until further notice.

October 2nd 1869

A robbery occurred at Clare Half Moon at about 11 at night
Mr Eley thought he heard footsteps in the passage, on taking a survey he surprised a man who rushed out from the door, Mr Eley followed and picked up a bag thrown down by the party he was pursuing and took it home and was surprised to find a ¼ of a measure of suet and 2 lbs of beef, it was ascertained the meat was purchased by a man known in Clare only as Joe and he lived in Ovington
Nothing could be made of the affair and it would remain a mystery if not for the honesty of a man named Dyson whose attention was drawn to an object lying in the street which he took to be a man but turned out to be an great coat, he delivered it to the police who showed it to Mr Eley who recognised it as an old friend which had weathered many a storm, he considers it remarkable that the thief did not stick to his 2lbs of beef.

October 9th 1869

The movement for church restoration has spread rapidly of late years and has been exercised we are glad to hear in Cavendish. They have been busily engaged the last six months in restoring the interior of this fine church which consists of a chancel, nave and side aisles.

October 16th 1869

Inquest at Timworth on George Ager aged 14 years who met his death the previous day , he was carting muck with a tumbril and one horse which ran away, he was hanging on to the harness on the off side and on the Timworth road, he had a leading rein, he was picked up and died and a ¼ of an hour later. 
Accidental.

October 23rd 1869

Eliza Howe and Sarah Mason, married women of Stansfield were charged with stealing a quantity of top wood from Houghton Grove valued at 4d, the property of Thomas Abbot of Swann's Hall, Stansfield.. 7 days prison.

October 30th 1869

There was an accident at Stoke by Clare on Wednesday evening, a woman named Rogers, 70, was crossing the line which intersects Stoke Green when the luggage train approaching the station passed over the unfortunate woman killing her immediately.
It is said her head and legs were severed from her body and the remains present a shocking sight.

October 30th 1869

William Morley, labourer, ages 14 years was charged with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm with a knife on Robert Offord on the 15th of October at Monk's Eleigh
His master, Mr Hawkins, said he had always known him to be a well conducted boy till now but he was willing to take him back and give him another chance. The Chairman of the bench said he was guilty of stabbing another boy but as his master would be willing to take him back he would give him only 21 days hard labour.

November 13th 1869

At Kedington a large tower windmill was rendered almost a wreck by a gale, two sails having blown off and the small sail with a portion of the cap completely doubled up and the machinery was wrecked. 
It is in the occupation of Mr F. Taylor of Haverhill, 
estimated damage is £250 to £300.

November 20th 1869

Inquest at the Swan Inn at Lt Waldingfield on Edmund Boutell aged 21 years, who committed suicide by drowning himself the previous Sunday
Henry Pryke said he and his wife saw deceased jump into the pond situated in Mr Leech's farm. 
Suicide.

November 20th 1869

At Sudbury Paving Commission on Monday, the proposals mentioned at the last meeting to pull down properties and give ground for a new road from North Street to Back Lane measuring from 19 ft to 24 ft wide, it was agreed to purchase the properties for £120 and make the road.

December 4th 1869

Isaac Wordley (an old offender) of Glemsford was charged with killing a partridge on land in occupation of Mr Cross at Truckets farm, Boxted, on the 16th inst, Henry Cook, game watcher on the Boxted Hall estate proved the case. 
£2 with 8s 6d costs.

December 4th 1869

Clement Theobald a bricklayer of Melford was charged with stealing a chicken the property of Alfred Cadge. Dismissed.

December 11th 1869

Inquest at the Crown Inn at Westhorpe on Dinah Riches, the mother had taken it out in a handcart when near the Crown Inn 
She asked a boy named William Wade to drag the cart through the water so she could go over the bridge, the boy did so after which he went to his horse and tumbril, the animal immediately started plunging and turned round in the road and stamped on the handcart and the child's head, crushing it, it lingered about ¼ of a hour then died.

December 25th 1869

Annual sale of brushwood on the estates of Earl Howe in early January by George Coote. At Acton-Place wood-2 acres and at Hassals wood, 2 acres-Bulmer, 2 acres at Butlers wood and 4 acres at Birchwood 1 acre 2 rods---Parsonage wood Bulmer 1 acre-Easty wood Cavendish 3 acres and Northy wood 2 acres-Wasterfield wood at Newton 1 acre 2 rods-at Baiting wood Newton 1 acre 2 rods.

December 25th 1869

Died on the 20th inst Thomas Hardy for many years bricklayer on the Melford Hall estate.

December 25th 1869

The gale which passed over the neighbourhood on Thursday night left it's effects on Pentlow Hall, the residence of Major Hinchcliffe, a cow shed was blown down and two valuable cows and a donkey were killed, the cows were found by the yardman on Friday morning quite dead, the donkey had one of it's legs broken and was obliged to be shot, the cows were buried under the roof and appeared to have been dead several hours.
At Fenstead End, Glemsford, a windmill belonging to Mr Finch was blown down and up to £100 of damage was done and stacks were uncovered.

December 25th 1869

Inquest at the White Hart at Groton on John Gardiner aged 12 years
Deceased was at Mr Tiffin farm at Gostling Green on Wednesday afternoon, one of the men told him to get a bushel measure from the granary, when passing behind a filly standing in the yard it kicked him in the temple and fractured the bone part of which protruded and he bled a good deal.
Mr Man, surgeon attended but pronounced it a hopeless case, the poor boy died the next morning. 
Deceased had no way been worrying the horse, the kick seemed to have been given in play.