January 9th 1872
As Thomas Theobald aged 9 years who is in the employment of Mr J.S.Gardiner of Borley was resting his hand on the chaff cutter which the men were working, his hand fell in between the cogs and he was terribly injured. The poor boy was taken to Sudbury where Mr Lynch the surgeon amputated three fingers. He is now recovering in St Leonards hospital.
January 9th 1872
On Friday evening the bell ringers assembled at Clare church in the belfry for practice. Whilst ringing, the machinery of the 7th bell gave way and the bell fell mouth downwards onto the beams supporting the frame. This caused great consternation as the bell weighs 24 cwt, some bellringers thought the steeple had collapsed.
February 6th 1872
A dastardly practice seems again to be in vogue in Melford. Last week two dogs picked up a deadly drug in the street close to their homes, one dying, on Sunday another dog died when similar was poison waspicked up near it's home.
February 20th 1872
An accident happened last week to a man named Thomas Craske employed by Mr T.Alston of Stanstead Hall. He was at work at Kiln Farm, Kentwell, for Mr Smith, when the threshing machine became blocked, Craske employed the same means to clear it as he usually does and was pulling back a small wheel when the large strap from the engine flew off hurling him to the ground with much violence and was picked up insensitive and much bleeding, he was carried to Mr Smith's house wher Mr Jones the surgeon attended him and found his left arm so fearfully smashed that amputation was necessary. The operation was skilfully performed by the gentleman assisted by other medical men from the district. Mr Smith has allowed the man to remain at his house where he progressing favourably.
February 27th 1872
On Monday morning at about 5 in the morning a fire broke out in an outhouse at the George Inn, Melford. It was discovered by a member of the landlord's family who perceived a light outside, on looking out he saw the granary was on fire, the alarm was raised and neighbours responded quickly so that only half of the top floor was burnt. It could have been serious as the granary adjoins the brew house and that is beside the house. The fire engine was quickly on the spot but was not needed. The fire is supposed to have been wilfully started.
March 5th 1872
Edward Joselyn a weaver of Melford was charged with assaulting George Allen in the Cross Keys at Melford. The Bench considered it pot house squabble and dismissed the case.
March 5th 1872
Peoples Park- At a meeting of Sudbury Town Council the clerk reported that an order had been made that the Great Eastern Railway Company would pay half the cost of the petion to get the purchase money out of the Chancery Court, part of the money being railway money. Mr Higgs said that original name of the park was Pightle Piece but in the course of time it had been corrupted to Pig Tail Piece, Mr Green said it was now Peoples Park.
March 5th 1872
A summons was obtained against a lad named Jarvis for damaging the dress of Mrs George Foster of Chilton Lodge by kicking mud on it as she was leaving church, he turned out to be the son of a gentleman's coachman. Mrs Foster withdrew the summons but said the boy deserved to be whipped. The Superintendent refused to do it, the magistrate said it was a great pity but the Superintendent would have been open to action if he had.
March 12th 1872
On Friday last an accident happened to Mr Thomas Baker a merchant and miller of Lavenham whilst hunting at Gifford's Hall, Polstead. As Mr Baker was passing through a gateway he was kicked on the leg by a horse ridden by Mr Grimsey of Semer Common. Mr Baker was conveyed to Boxford and attended by Mr Gurdon the surgeon. Much surprise was expressed that Mr Grimsey should have taken an entire horse into the field.
April 16th 1872
On Saturday last at Newton, about 80 men, being the
entire adult labouring population, went on strike for a rise in wages.
For two previous days the land has lain idle and barley seed unsown. The
masters complained of the manner of the strike and the time chosen more
than the terms demanded by the labourers. During the winter months
nothing is deducted from their wages although it is difficult to find
work for them although some of the men earn only 2s 6d a week. Now the
weather has changed they have ungratefully gone on strike for 2s a day.
The rector the Rev Charles Smith says of late years the wages were 10s a
week and older boys could earn 3s 6d to 5s a week. The men take the
harvest and the women can glean and there are a few extras such as beer
or malt and horsemen receive 1s 6d a week extra. There is not much piece
work now since the introduction of threshing machinery previous to which
men worked in threshing for six months of the year. Rents are 4L per
annum and there are gardens and small allotments. The men argue they
don't know about capital but they should not be in poverty while the
master's sons and daughters were riding and driving about in such
style, they admit that the master's are kind and often put little things
their way but they don't want charity.
March 7th 1872
On Tuesday there was much rejoicing at Glemsford and the
workmen of the silk factory and the women and children were entertained
to dinner to commemorate the marriage of Mr Henry Eaton the eldest son
of Mr Henry W.Eaton M.P.for Coventry and head of Eaton and
Sons, proprietors of the silk manufacturers in Glemsford. A large booth
was erected near the Crown Inn and at three o' clock 250 people sat down
to an excellent dinner provided by Mr Moore the landlord of the Inn.
After the health of the Queen and the Royal Family and the bride and
bridegroom was drunk the party formed a procession and led by Cavendish
fife and drum band paraded through the street and returned to the meadow
where sports were entered into by with great gusto by the younger ones
while the older ones preferred to dance to the strains of the band. At 7
tea was taken, served in the booth, after three cheers for Mr and Mrs
Peacock the manager of the silk factory the day was conclided.
June 27th 1872
Dovehouse Farm for sale-situated in Gt.Henny and Twinstead 94 acres.
July 23rd 1872
Edward Farrance and Charles Twinn of Glemsford were summoned for assault on P.C.Ward on Fair day the 25th of June at 2 o' clock in the morning. P.C.Ward said he was with two other constables and standing on the green when several young men came out of the Plough Inn yard. Several stones were thrown at us and I produce one which I took from Twinn. Stone throwing was prevalent in Glemsford now. Farrance fined 3L and Twinn 1L both with 5s 6d costs.
August 6th 1872
As Mr Deal of Foxearth was driving his daughters through Melford his horse suddenly fell opposite the Bull Inn, the two females were conveyed to Bull and Dr Blyth found one had a fracture of the arm. Mr Deal and his other daughter escaped injury.
September 3rd 1872
There was an inquest at Bures St Mary on the body of Mr Edward Manning a coal merchant of Bures. Abraham Cousin a licenced victular of Bures said deceased who was 58 years old and himself went to Sudbury market, deceased was driving. They pulled up at the Queens Head at Bures St Mary but before some gin which was ordered was taken, deceased drove off and came in collision with a horse and cart which was driven by G.Davy and deceased who was drunk was thrown out on to his head. Deceased had a defect in his eyes. Accidental death.
September 17th 1872
Messrs Cross and Sons of Sudbury, matmakers, have just completed a large mat of 525ft square feet with an 18 inch border for a church in Peru.
October ? 1872
At the licensing meeting at Melford the publicans who attended wished to adopt the following licensing hours. Most wished to open at 5 in the morning instead of 6 and were quite content with 11 pm closing.
October ? 1872
George Wells also known as " Emperor Wells", was summoned for fighting in Cavendish street. Ordered to find 10L surety for 3 months as he was continually in trouble.
November 5th 1872
7 Freehold cottages near the Queens Head, Ballingdon were sold to Mr Overall for £ 250.
November 12th 1872
At a meeting of Sudbury Town Council Mr Green called attention to the dangerous condition of the water fall bridge. The town clerk was directed to write to Messr Clover and Archer asking them to repair the bridge.
November 1872
A fatal accident happened to a fine lad named Henry Goody aged 15. Deceased was in the employ of Mr Gooding a miller of Wickham St Pauls. At about 12-30 on Saturday night his master sent him to start the windmill which is set on rising ground next to the highway from Sudbury to Hedingham. The lad went as directed and about 2 o'clock his master followed but could not find him for a time, his lacerated and mangled body was found near a box not far from the machinery. Several limbs were torn from his trunk and his head dreadfully cut and partly severed from his body. It is difficult to acertain how the accident happened, it was a very stormy night with high winds, he must have come in contact with the stones or machinery.
January 14th 1873
At Suffolk Quarter Sessions, Captain Bence of Kentwell Hall said it was neccesary to have two constables at Glemsford as there was 2300 acres in the parish and inhabitants of 2000, chiefly of the lower classes. They had a very good man at present but it was not possible for him to do all the work. The chief constable was instructed to take the necessary steps for a second constable.
January 21st 1873
It is reported that horsehair factory will open at Clare. The premises will be near the Bear and Crown Inn in Cavendish lane.
April 1st 1873
George Vickers, the schoolmaster at Hartest was charged by Charlotte Seeley with assaulting her on the 15th. She said she is 14 years old and lives at home. Between 10-11 am as she was passing defendant's house in Hartest she was singing a song, suddenly defendant came up and struck her and kicked her, Charles Howe a little boy corroborated her story. Defendant said for the last 4 months I have been annoyed by persons of the lower class singing a song which contains personalities insulting to me and I boxed her ears. The chairman said he had no right to take the law into his own hands and there would be a small fine of 6d but with 9s costs. The bench cautioned complainant not to sing songs or she would be in trouble, the mother was also censured.
April 15th 1873
There were disgraceful scenes witnessed at St Gregory's Church at Sudbury on Easter Monday while a wedding was taking place. The sacred buildimg was crowded with people, many of them women with babies in arms and of the lowest class, they filled the aisles and were standing on chairs laughing and talking during the service and making indecent and improper remarks. The whole scene resembled a mob at a fair. These disgraceful scenes have been recorded at two of Sudbury's churches, something must be done.
April 22nd 1873
The mill known as " Sikes Mill" situated near the cemetery in Newton Road and in the occupation of Mr Thomas Baker has been removed to Assington to the premises of Mr Pollard's mill where it is to be re-erected. The mill which weighs 20 tons was drawn to it's destination by 22 horses.
April 22nd 1873
Joseph Edwards of Belchamp St Pauls was charged with drunk and riotous and assaulting the police at Sudbury. 20s with 10s costs.
April 22nd 1873
An application was made by the Patent Gunpowder Company for a licence to erect works at the old paper mill at Melford.(Bush Boake). Sir William Hyde Parker, Colonel Palmer of Lyston Hall and Stour Fishing Preservation opposed the application. The nearest to the proposed magazine is the Railway Cottage (362 yards), Cranfield Farm beloning to Sir William Hyde Parker (384 yards), the Windmill,(1430 yards), Lapwing Farm (2200 yards)Mr Westropp, Lyston Hall (© a mile) Col.Palmer, Lyston Church and Mill 3/4 of a mile. Sir William Hyde Parker said " I own Cranfield farm and Bullamy Moors and the proposed works would depreciate my property. The Bench refused a licence.
May 13th 1873
On Tuesday evening upwards of 2000 farm labourers assembled on Sudbury Market Hill to hear Joseph Arch the President of the National Labourers Union
May 13th 1873
Two windows in the south aisle of Cavendish Church have been filled with stained glass at the expense of Mr George Bocock of this parish.
May 13th 1873
George Flack, George Mays, Benjamin Oakley, Theobald, John
Chowns and John Starling, labourers of Glemsford were summoned by Mr
J.C.Goodchild a farmer of Glemsford for leaving their work on the 20th.
The case excited great interest among local farmers, also present were
representatives of the Labourers Union including Joseph Arch. Fined 20s
each and 3s 6d costs.
May 13th 1873
Oliver Brown, Alfred Farrance and Richard Middleditch, lads of Gelmsford were charged with assaulting Abraham Adams who works for Goodchild. 14 days gaol each.
May 20th 1873
Four cottages called " Rotten Row" near Place Farm, Melford were destroyed fire.
May 27th 1873
There was an inquest at the White Horse, Ballingdon, on the body of Mark Green, a labourer aged 58 who fell into Messrs Allen's chalk pit while going home in Ballingdon field on Saturday night and received injuries from which he has since died.
June 3rd 1873
Clare vicarage has been pulled down and a new one to replace it has been erected. The builders were Messrs Taylor from Cambridge.
June 3rd 1873
The first stock sale has taken place at Clare on the 24th, it was well patronized.
August 5th 1873
A fatal accident happened at a sandpit dug on the side of Ballingdon Hill. The pit which has been in use for several months was being worked by three men when there was a slip and James Carter was completely covered. His body was recovered next morning at 9 a m. The pit is in occupation of Mrs Baker from Ballingdon Hall. Deceased leaves a widow and six children.
September 7th 1873
Letters to the Editor.- The day of the reaper and e gleaner. It is calculated that the average produce of gleanings from one acre is a bushel of corn but the mechanical reaper and horse rake leave little behind and the ancient privilege of gleaning has lost half it's value and caused heavy grievance for the poor.
September 16th 1873
Live and Dead Stock Sale at Newton Hall on
instructions from the executors of the late Mr Hugh Green.- 36 head of
pure Suffolk horse stock which includes 28 full sized mares and
geldings-6 two year old colts and yearling fillies-2 foals-grey cob-
powerful brougham horse-21 cows-1 Shorthorn bull-2-year old Alderney
bulls-10 heifers and steers-470 sheep(Hampshire Downs)-5 Cotswold tups-
130 swine-200 head of poultry-13 road and harvest waggons-8 three
quarter carts, 7 full sized-2 night soil carts-2 donkey tumbrils-jim-
shepherds house etc-cattle steaming apparatus with copper pan.
All as used at Newton Hall and Maskalls farm, Boxford.
October 7th 1873
Pleuro pneumonia has broken out amongst cattle on
Sudbury common land. They have been put in quarantine by the authorities
to isolate them for 30 days. The Watch committee has erected three large
sheds at the entrances to various meadows to shelter and milk the cows.
Strict watch is being kept by the ranger and all gates are locked.
October 14th 1873
On Tuesday morning at between 4 and 5, two men passing Messrs Kolley's mat factory near the Cock Inn at Glemsford saw a light in the engine room, they called Mr Crick the foreman who found the building on fire. The alarm was given and a large number of employees at the factory quickly assisted in removing things from the factory and they checked the progress of the fire. The engine from Cavendish was quickly on the scene and the fire was confined to the engine shed. The building is of brick with iron floors for heating and drying. Damage is estimated at 500L.
October 14th 1873
At the County Court at Sudbury, William Nicholls a barge builder sued Alfred Cansell, landlord of the Angel at Sudbury for 3L damages for assaulting plaintiff by closing a door on his hands and bruising them. Found for the defendant.
November 4th 1873
The old Paper Mills at Melford (Bush Boake) have been sold to Mr J.Grubb for 665L. The building will probably be converted into a flour mill.
November 11th 1873
James Wheeler a labourer of Stanstead was charged with stealing a piece of coal from his employer, Mr Thomas Alston of Stanstead Hall, who said prisoner is employed by me at an off hand farm at Glemsford as horse keeper and has been for several years. Last Saturday night P.C.Noller brought me a piece of coal which I value at 3d wrapped in a chaff bag and the prisoner. The constable had seen him take it off a tumbril, he begged forgiveness, I said no. 21 days.
November 18th 1873
Messrs Oliver and Sons, brewers at Sudbury gave a
dinner at the Four Swans Hotel to workmen employed in building the new
brewery on the Cornard road, 90 people sat down to a splendid dinner.
Messrs Grimwood are the builders.
November 18th 1873
The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company offer for sale at a low price on 4-6-10 years credit with favourable rates, land in Iwoa and Nebraska, situated on the Chicago route between the Atlantic and the Pacific.
December 9th 1873
P.C.Robert Bullet of Cavendish was summoned on information given by William Thompson for being drunk at Cavendish on the 24th of November. The Chief Constable said he made inquiries respecting a letter he received from Mr Thompson and had already punished defendant for the offence. Dismissed.
December 30th 1873
The children of Pentlow were entertained to tea at Cavendish Lecture Hall by the Rector of Pentlow, Rev J.Darnell. The hall was lent for the occasion by Mr J.S.Garret. 80 children attended.
January 6th 1874
On Friday night 10 fowls were stolen from Parsonage farm at Melford in occupation of Messrs Ward and Silver. The lock on the door was broken from the hasp.
January 13th 1874
Frances Elliot a bricklayer and Henry Webb a labourer of Sudbury were charged with unlawfully fishing with nets in the Stour at Sudbury. 2L.
January 13th 1874
On Wednesday evening a ball was given at Melford Hall by Sir William Hyde Parker. 130 nobility, clergy and gentry of the neighbourhood attended. Winterburn's band was engaged.
January 13th 1874
There was an inquest at Clare Half Moon on the body of Thomas Letch a sack mender who had been employed at Ashen Windill recently. He died suddenly at the Millers Arms, Clare, where he was lodging. Natural causes.
February 3rd 1874
As Mr Branwhite of Melford was driving a valuable horse valued at £ 200 in a break at Melford, it dropped down dead after shaking it's head. A few months ago he lost a another valuable horse in similar circumstances.
February 17th 1874
The public house known as the Shepherd and Dog at Poslingford was sold at the Half Moon Hotel, Clare, to Messrs Gray, brewers of Halstead for £ 830 including two cottages.
March 3rd 1874
Manders menagerie paid a visit to Sudbury Market Hill on Thursday. A lad named Andrews got behind the rope when a leopard suddenly seized his head and inflicted terrible wounds, the lad gave a terrifying scream and the performance was stopped.
March 3rd 1874
Death of Joseph Eaton Hale of Sommerton on 16th February 1874
(Hale owned Brook Hall and built Hawkes farm and Red Cottages).
March 26th 1874
On Monday week as three menbers of West Sufflok Yeomanry Cavalry (Privates F.Hellen, Webber and Charles Cooper) were returning home to Lamarsh from drill, as they passed through Henny a two year old colt the property of Mr Sikes, broke from a meadow and accompanied them to Lamarsh Common where it viciously attacked the horses of Webber and Cooper, Webb escaped without injury but Cooper recieved as severe kick on the leg shattering the bone, they rode home and Mr Hair of Bures set the limb.
June 2nd 1874
Early on Wednesday morning fire broke out on Borley Green resulting in the destruction of two cottages and their contents. The fire was discovered by the son of the occupant, a lad named Sillitoe, who was awakened by a sense of suffocation and looked round and saw his bedroom on fire. Sudbury Fire Brigade was sent for but an hour elapsed before they arrived and despite desperate exertions of neighbours, two cottages were destroyed. When the Brigade arrived they directed efforts to the property contigous which was in jeopardy. The fire originated in Sillitoe's cottage through the ignition of a rotten beam.
June 9th 1874
Through some conversation having taken place in a public house at Clare, a ploughing match was arranged confined to farmers sons only. The match took place at Poslingford in a field at Wenford farm with the horses lent by George Goodchild of Clare. Charles Deeks of Hundon was returned as winner and Mr Ambrose of Cavendishm saved his stake, it was a furrow drawing match. Other competitors were Richard Brown of Hundon, Reeve of Ridgewell, Bailey and Barnard.
June 9th 1874
Lavenham sugar beet factory is being demolished on complaints of nuisance caused by pollution of the stream into which refuse is poured, it will be a serious blow to the neighbourhood.
July 28th 1874
At a property sale at the Bull Inn at Melford, Mr Thomas Brand of Pentlow bought two cottages opposite Melford Chapel for £ 200.
July 28th 1874
Mr F.Branwhite of Melford has sold his roan hackney stallion," Defiance" to the King of Italy.
August 25th 1874
At an inquest on Oliver Orbell aged 24 it was found he died from intemperate living, he was lodging at the George Inn, Sudbury, and lived on a private income.(He was the youngest son of the late John and Sarah Orbell who farmed Brook Hall, Foxearth.
September 1st 1874
Frederick Making and George Lambert, labourers of Lawshall were summoned for being on land in search of rabbits. Mr Mumford, defending, said it cannot be deemed trespass as the men were mowing on the land of their master, Mr Catchpole, when a rabbit got up and one of the men killed it with his scythe, another got up and one of the men chased it across the field, it is generally accepted custom to let men take the rabbits in the harvest time. The Bench said they would only make a token fine of sixpence with 7s 6d costs. The gamekeeper to Mr Holt Lomax said the men had been told not to take rabbits
September 8th 1874
The Harvest Home was celebrated at Foxearth church
for the safe incoming of harvest. The first portion of the prayers were
by the Rev Andrewes the curate and the second part by the Rev Foster.
After the service the company adjourned to the vegetable show in the
school room where there was a large number of entries with 31 samples of
potatoes, then on to the rectory meadow where 450 labourers and their
wives and visitors sat down to dinner.
November 10th 1874
Some miscreants on Tuesday night placed a gate on the road between Clare and Cavendish, the mail cart driver gave the alarm.
November 10th 1874
At the dissolution meeting of the Hedingham Highway Board, Mr J.S.Gardiner of Borley laid before the Board the statement of expenditure. The Rev Foster questioned the accuracy of the figures laid before the Board by Mr J.S.Gardiner and said the returns were incomplete. Mr Vaisey replied that the charge against the committee was scandalous.
November 24th 1874
There was a robbery at the Railway Bell in Station road, Sudbury, when a gold watch was stolen form Mrs Ambrose, the landlady
November 24th 1874
On Saturday evening a young man named King, a journey man miller employed by Mr D.Clover of Ballingdon was returning home from work along the Bulmer road when he was stopped by two men and knocked down they then rifled his pockets took a purse with 6s in it and a knife. He communicated with the police and on Sunday morning two policemen proceeded to Borley where they apprehended two men.
December 1st 1874
On Thursday, Charles Felton of Borley and Thomas Martin alias Thomas Stebbing of Foxearth were charged with robbing Helekiah King. The same afternoon Martin was apprehended at his house in Foxearth and Felton at Borley, both were committed for trial.
December 15th 1874
During the past seven weeks the vicar of Clare has lost four children from fever, this has caused gloom over the town.
December 22nd 1874
A football club has been formed in Sudbury, the president is Mr Lancelot Andrewes, secretary is Mr J.Dyson.