January 9th 1877

There is now an erection in Melford churchyard of a head and foot stone in memory of Amy, the wife of James Sedgewick, a stage performer aged 28 who lost her life on August 11th 1876 at the Gala in Melford park, she leaves six children to lament her loss.
The surplus of £ 5 5s sent to her husband who acknowledged the kindness shown him and his family.

January 16th 1877

At Bury Corn Market-wheat 50s 2© d a quarter (36 stone)-Barley 43s a quarter(32 stone).

January 16th 1877

Lacy Scott will sell by auction at Bury market, a kennel of sporting dogs including Retrievers, Laverack Setters and Wood Spaniels, the property of a gentleman who has given up shooting.

January 23rd 1877

From the Freemantle Herald. An account of the praiseworthy conduct of Captain Joseph Dunn of Melford for management and conduct of a ship during a heavy hurricane encountered near Mauritius, the ship arrived in Freemantle having lost it's rudder and compasses,

January 30th 1877

The licence of the Bull Inn, Cavendish, to be transferred from J.Deeks to William Wallace of Lawshall.

February 6th 1877

Plough shares-1s each and plough breasts at £ 1 each.
Castledine and Nunn, Bury St Edmunds. Genuine Ransome plough shares sold by N.Warren of Elmswell at 1s a dozen reduction.

February 6th 1877

James Sargent a farm labourer from Smeaton Hall, Bulmer, was charged with stealing a pilot coat from outside Mattingly's the clothiers of Market hill, Sudbury. Remanded.

February 6th 1877

There was an inquest at Bures St Mary on a man named Robinson who lives in a cottage about a mile from the village of Bures, he was upwards of 70 years. On Tuesday morning he took shelter in a barn belonging to Mr G.Woods of Bures Hall, during a gale, when a gust blew the barn down, burying the deceased. Dr James Hair said he was dead before being extracted from the ruins. Accidental death.
February 13th 1877, Coldham Hall to be let. 6 miles from Bury. Residence of the late Holt Lomax. Suitable for a nobleman or gentleman.

February 13th 1877

James Starling was charged with stealing turnips from Braggons farm, Boxted. Mr Smith the bailiff valued them at three for a penny. 14 days.

February 13th 1877

On Thursday evening as the Mail cart was about © a mile from Clare it collided with a horse and cart driven by the landlord of Clare Bear and Crown, the mail horse which died, was valued at 30g.

February 27th 1877

Under a bill of sale-the contents of Pentlow Hall.
Close to Cavendish railway station.

February 27th 1877

On Thursday evening as Edward Gardiner of Wickham Hall was badly hurt when a runaway horse came in collision with his vehicle in Sudbury.

March 13th 1877

On Saturday as a boy named Bareham was climbing over the iron gates to the school yard, his foot got caught in the railings and he fell back breaking his leg.

March 20th 1877

Henry Richold, 33, a painter of Melford was charged with bigmany by marrying Josephine Steinbach while his wife was still alive.
18 months hard labour.

March 20th 1877

George Brown 59 of Gregory Street, Sudbury, was charged with attempting to murder his wife Eliza Brown, by cutting her throat. 10 years penal servitude.

April 3rd 1877

200 candidates were confirmed at Melford church by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese on Saturday, there were 149 from Melford- Shimpling 20-Alpheton 20-Stanstead 12.

April 3rd 1877

John Atkinson, landlord of the Shepherd and Dog at Poslingford was charged with having people on the premises during prohibited hours. £ 1 with 6s 6d costs. Henry Wallis, George Levell, George Hurst and Walter Gowers charged with being on the above premises during prohibited hours. 5s each.

April 11th 1877

Mathew Sealey of Cavendish was charged with being drunk in charge of four horses and a waggon in Bull Lane, Melford. The waggon belonged to George Leech of Houghton Hall, Cavendish. P.C.Gobbet said he sent a man home with the horses and waggon to Houghton Hall. 5s with 11s costs.

April 17th 1877

There was an inquest on a lad named William Marshall of Lavenham. Deceased worked at Lavenham mat and hair factory in the High Street. A horse goes round in the rack under the mill house which drives the machinery. James Boyden said deceased and I work at Mr Roper's mat factory, on Saturday morning deceased went to hang the horse on to the mill and I hooked the other side, he said " gee up" and the horse went on and drew the deceased's head between the iron drafts to which the horse is attached and the side of the building, he fell with blood running from his nose, I am 11 years old. Accidental death with the recommendation that Mr Roper should endeavour to cover the rotating shaft.

April 17th 1877

A detachment of the 5th " Royal Irish Lancers" came to Sudbury, en route to Norwich from Aldershot, there were 150 men. On Sunday afternoon their band played on the Market Hill to a large number of people assembled on the Hill.

April 24th 1877

A lad named Piper employed at Melford Flax mill (Bush Boake) had an arm caught in straps which drive machinery and his brother employed in the scutching department was struck by a revolving wheel.
Both have bruises.

April 24th 1877

There was a meeting of the creditors under bankruptcy of James Coldham, late an innkeeper at Belchamp Otten, he has debts of £ 479 and assets of £ 20. Advised to accept 5s in the pound.

May 15th 1877

A little boy of Clare, an 8 to 10 year old was summoned by the Rev Klamborowski for damaging a fence to the amount of 1d. The Rev said he did this as a warning to people. 1d and 7s 6d costs. The proceedings of the Rev gentleman has caused sensation in the town.

June 5th 1877

On Tuesday a special service was held at Acton church to mark the re-openimg of the organ which has been repaired and enlarged by Mr Bovington of London.

June 12th 1877

Last week a little girl named Gridley a daughter of the foreman in the factory in Cavendish lane, Clare, was playing about on a building in the course of demolition on the Market Hill, Clare, she fell and grazed a leg, nothing was said at the time but mortification set in and the poor thing died on Friday.

June 12th 1877

On Saturday as men were employed in erecting the Parish house in Nethergate Street, Clare, when the scaffold gave way, some of the men clung to the poles but one unfortunate young man living in Chilton Street was hurled to the ground and had both legs broken.

June 12th 1877

Preparations are being made for the visit of the Suffolk Agriculture Show to Sudbury which is being held on the Peoples Park.
Contractors for the shedding, grandstand, etc.are Mr Grimwood of Sudbury and Mr Wanford. The Corporation are laying on a water main for the stock etc. Arches will span Sudbury streets with a grand one over East street, an inspector came down last week with the view of coneccting the Post Office with the show ground for telegraphs but the distance was too great.

June 19th 1877

On Monday morning a man named Harry Sargent from Lawshall borrowed a gun from his neighbour Nice, to shoot rooks on his allotment, he stood the gun down after loading it and it went off with the contents lodging in his head. The inquest is today.

June 19th 1877

There was an inquest on the body of an infant, the son of Janet Godding of Cavendish, a single woman. Doctor Waring said it had been born alive.

July 3rd 1877

At the Suffolk Agricultural Show at Sudbury. Cart mare- 1st prize to Mr Byford of Glemsford,£ 5. Gelding, First prize to Mr Alfred Viall of Cavendish,£ 5, with Bulmer Kitchen 2nd with Bumper.

July 17th 1877

Messrs Lenny and Smith will sell by the instructions of Earl Howe-Kings Farm, Pentlow, 180 acres of capital arable land- comfortable farm house and buildings in occupation of Joseph Orbell.
Also in close proximity of Melford railway station and belonging to the executors of the late T.E.Green of Acton Hall and fronting the river Stour-23 acres two rod and 13 perches of meadow land. (This field is still called Acton meadow).

July 17th 1877

George Rowe, foreman to Mr Allen the coal merchant was charged with cruelly ill treating a dog. John Nunn of Ballingdon said he was walking his dog down Station road in Sudbury when his dog aged three months ran after some chickens belonging to defendant who ran after it and kicked it and pushed his finger into it's eye and struck it with an iron bar. Winess said you have done it now and defendant replied " yes and I would serve you the same if you had run after my chickens". 14 days hard labour.

July 24th 1877

There was a fatal accident in Melford to a child named Mills aged four. It is the practice of children to run behind vehicles, in this case the child ran between the fore and the hind wheel of a van, the child fell and the wheel passed over it's head.
Accidentally killed.

July 31st 1877

The foundations of a new National school at Poslingford have been laid. The building is to accomodate 70 children and will contain a large shool room of 30ft by 18ft and one of 16ft by 12ft, residence for the mistress with four rooms and offices. Messrs Mason of Haverhill are the contractors. Total cost is expected to be £ 800.

August 7th 1877

Anna Gallant a 33 year old widow of Great Waldingfield was charged with the wilful murder of a new born illegitimate child by throwing it into a pond. Not guilty of murder but 18 months hard labour for concealment of birth.

August 7th 1877

William Jones a 30 year old groom was charged with breaking into a house at Edwardstone and stealing 3 loaves, 5s in money anf © pound of butter the property of Albert Everett. 15 months hard labour.

August 14th 1877

The finishing strokes to alterations at Glemsford church were given when a new organ erected by Foster and Andrew of Hull was opened. The alterations alluded to have cost upwards of £ 5000.
August 21st 1877, A shocking accident occurred on Wednesday to a man named George Smith aged 45 years, employed by Thomas Brand of Brook Hall Farm, Foxearth. The man was feeding a horse " an entire" for the night when it kicked at him and striking him in the body, his watch being doubled up by the blow. He was at once taken home and medical aid was quickly on hand but the poor man died the next evening. Deceased leaves a widow with five children. (Note:-In the 1871 census George Smith lived at Brook Hall Cottages).

August 28th 1877

A little girl named Robinson living in Cavendish lane, Clare, was playing on a gate when the gate fell on her, her injuries are so severe that there is little hope for recovery.

August 28th 1877

A lad named Thomas Fulcher residing in Bulmer was left in charge of an infant but when he got the baby to sleep he went into the road to play. A few doors from where he lives is a well, about 10 o'clock a little girl went to the well to draw some water which supplies the whole of the houses with water when the boy who was looking into the well overbalanced and fell in. Assistance was obtained and a basket was let down with grappling hooks for him to catch hold but no voice was heard in response to the calls. He was taken out quite dead. It is supposed he was killed before reaching the water as he had struck the brickwork when falling smashing the left side of his head and breaking his neck.

September 18th 1877

Live and Dead Stock Sale at Acton Hall for the executors of the late Mr T.E.Green of Acton Hall. 21 horses and an entire colt-33 head of neat stock-6 cows-Shorthorn Bull-26 bullocks and buds-183 black faced ewes and lambs-70 swine-60 poultry-7 waggons-8 tumbrils-3 corn drills-etc.

September 18th 1877

Last week the wife of the bailiff at Hermitage Farm, Clare, saw two men throwing stones at the ducks, one of which she had missed. On being surprised two men, Coote alias Borley and Hickford made their escape, Coote has since been lodged in the police house but Hickford has not yet been taken.

October 9th 1877

Death of Mrs Coote aged 54 of Swaffham Hall, Bulmer, she was the wife of George Coote the auctioneer.

October 9th 1877

Horses at the sale at Acton Hall averaged £ 60 with the 14 working horses making an average of £ 72.

October 23rd 1877

Corn prices at Bury Market-Wheat, 52s © d a quarter, (a quarter is two sacks of 18 stone each for wheat)-Barley-46s 5d a quarter,(a quarter of barley is two 16 stone sacks)-Oats-16s 6d a quarter,(two sacks at 12 stones each). Cattle-store steers-£ 10 2s 5d each-Irish stores-£ 7 22d each. Fat beasts-9s 6d a stone-Sheep-10s to 10s 6d a stone. Number of stock in the market-fat neat stock-57. Store cattle 762. Sheep-1671-Pigs-635. Horses 12.

October 23rd 1877

Samuel and Arthur Rutter, George Garwoood and Jacob Chatters, lads from Glemsford were summoned for assaulting William Prince who said he was shepherd for Mr Smith of Glemsford. Prince said that on the 11th he took his sheep from a fold near the matting factory leaving the fold safe, at about quarter to six in the evening he returned the sheep to the fold where he found one hurdle undone and heard someone from the factory say " the old-- had to go round", the factory people were just leaving work and some came and stood opposite where he had put the fold right. He said several stones were thrown at him, one hit his hat and cut his head, a great many stones were thrown at him, next morning he a made complaint to P.C.Ward and went to the factory to identify the culprits. John Petitt deposed and said " I work at the factory, at about quarter to six I left with Samuel Rutter and walked together as far as the causeway where we saw about a 100 boys, Rutter did not throw any stones, Harry Maxim corroborated. Charles Cutmore said " I lock the factory when all the hands are gone, I could see Alfred Rutter making rope as he works outside he can work longer, Alfred Rutter could not have been there, I saw a lot of boys running from the sheep fold and shouting he is coming, Huntley Porter corroborated. Garwood and Chatters fined 10s and 5s costs each.

October 30th 1877

Edgar Garrod, farm bailiff to Henry Westropp of Place Farm, Melford, was charged with fraud. The prisoner had been employed by Mr Westropp for 18 months and it was his duty to get grains from different people (brewers grains) and to pay for them with money from the prosecutor. The charge is that he received grains from Mrs Clayton at the Crown, Mr Deeks at the Cock and Bell and Mr Bear at the Cross Keys but did not pay for them. Mr Westropp said prisoner received 17s a week and a house. Bail allowed.

November 27th 1877

A serious accident befell a man engaged in building the spacious new maltings near Melford railway station. A scaffold slipped from it's bearings, one of the men jumped to the next scaffold, one clung to the building but the third, Albert Theobald, fell a distance of 30ft, he had several cuts on his head, two fractured ribs, a dislocated ankle and other injuries. The poor man is progressing favourably.

November 27th 1877

For many years complaints have been made that the lower part of Ballingdon is neglected with many cottages in a dilapidated condition and occupied by people of doubtful character.
About a year ago several gentlemen put certain proposals into shape as the people would not go out of their way to hear advice on religious or sanitary education, a building is to be used as a mission hall with coffee and reading rooms attached at a cost of £ 350. It will be open at six in the morning as many of the men work in brick yards, pits and maltings etc. Mr and Mrs Harvey will be the managers, Mr Harvey has also been engaged as colporteur for the town.

December 11th 1877

An accident occured in Monk Wood, Coggeshall, resulting in the death of an old man named William Lewesy. It appears the old man was employed to pick up game killed by a shooting party on Mr Honeywood's estate. He placed himself in the line of fire of Capt.Egginton who was concealed by thick ubderwood, in this position he was shot and died. Accidental death, no blame to be attached to Capt.Egginton.

December 11th 1877

As Mr R.Allen of the Cedars, Bulmer, was in the hunting field following the hounds at Hawkedon near Clare he attempted to jump a ditch when his horse slipped, he managed to regain his feet but the frightened horse trampled him, inflicting severe injuries with several ribs fractured and his arm broken in three places.

December 11th 1877

There was an inquest at Glemsford on Elijah Tatum aged 25 years who hanged himself. Leon Bradnam said I am a letter carrier and I had a letter for Joseph Brown with whom deceased lodged, I opened the door and saw deceased in the room, he laid a letter on the chair and said here is one for Joseph Brown. Henry Brown said deceased lodged with my son who lived next door to me, yesterday morning my son George ran to my door saying Elijah Tatum has hanged himself. On Monday morning the deceased had been to Bury to try join the militia. Hung himself.

December 18th 1877

At Sudbury Fat Stock on the Market Hill there were some fine pens of swine. 1st prize of £ 3 3s for two fat hogs went to Mr Isaac Mills of Lavenham-2nd prize of £ 1 11s 6d went to Mr S.Carlton of Great Waldingfield-1st prize of 1 guinea for pen of not less than 6 London porkers awarded to Mr J.Binks of Sudbury-2nd of © guinea to Mr O.Payne of Borley, the judges were W.Byford of Glemsford and Mr Chinery of Cavendish. At Cardinals Stock Yard-best over yeared fat ox or heifer of any breed went Mr T.P.Brand of Foxearth-best pair of oxen hiefers to Mr W.Mann of Henny-2nd to Mr J.Dyer of Assington. Best of pen of 4 black faced wethers (sheep) to Mr H.Meekings of Chilton-2nd to Mr T.Higgs of Sudbury. Pigs-H.Meekings, Chilton.

December 25th 1877

The mothers of the children attending the Bridge Street school were entertained to a capital tea at the expense of the Rev Bigg.

December 25th 1877

The butchers of Melford had another fine display of meat on show, such a display of beef has rarely been seen. At the shop of Mrs Segers there was a 1st prize ox from the sale at Bury of 102 stone grazed by Mr Jillings of Thetford, although the beasts in Mr Ruse's shop were not so weighty they were of the same good quality, among them was a fine 1st prize Shorthorn from Mr Spurling's sale at Ipswich grazed by Mr W.Mann, weighing 85 stones and another two Shorthorns from Mr Spurling, also several sheep from purchased at Ipswich. At Mr Allen's shop were 2 capital home bred steers from St Ives market as well as an excellent supply of poultry, turkey's and geese. At Messrs Salter and Blythe were some excellent well fed pigs.

January 1st 1878

A few days since, Robert Sawyer aged 19 went to the White Hart at Chadwell Heath with some friends and drank a large quantity of spirits, at least 20 glasses expresing his intention of curing a cold, on reaching home he died from suffocation.

January 29th 1878

Sir William and Lady Hyde Parker gave on the night of the 22nd instant, a ball, at their beautiful residence at Melford Hall.
The magazine, John Bull, says the hostess wore blue satin trimmed with white satin, forming van dykes all up the front and ornamenting the edges of the undraped tunic at the back. Two sisters wore white dresses with beautiful trails of flowers embroidered with silk trimmings at the front. There was a handsome dress of prune velvet and lemon coloured silk arranged with white lace. Also there was another of blue satin, the front being arranged with a satin plastron with clairdelune beads and fringe. A white net looked very pretty with narrow perpendicular puffings at the front seperated by bands of gold braid at the back with a deep flounce and net folds and draping at the waist, all trimmed with gold waist belts and gold spray of leaves on the side of the head.

January 29th 1878

James Boreham, Walter Brown and Walter Elliston were charged with refusing to quit the Prince of Wales beerhouse at Glemsford. Dismissed. Job Suttle was charged with refusing to quit the Angel beerhouse at Glemsford. David Wordley said " I keep the Angel, on the night of 14th January, Suttle was using bad language and was noisy, I ordered him to leave and he struck me several times". In 1873 defendant was sent to a reformatory for three years, he has since enlisted. 10s with 7s costs.

February 5th 1878

The restoration of Clare church is nearly complete with the exception of the benches. The restored part of the church is a striking contrast to the rest of the building. The people of Clare have succeeded in becoming possesed of 10 acres of land from one of the tenants who has given up his lease. The land has been divided up into small allotments for convenience.

March 12th 1878

There was an inquest at the Swan Inn, Melford, on the body of Thomas Gibbons a lad of 12 years from Belchamp Walter. William Smith a labourer of Little Yeldham said he was employed by Mr John Hart a knacker and dealer of Belchamp Walter. Last Tuesday, Hart bought a dead horse at Lavenham Fair and witness was taking it home in a cart drawn by one horse which was stone blind. Witness called at Mr Cadge's in Melford for some food, he also had some ale and left about 7 o'clock, he then called at the Swan in Melford where he had some more beer, he left at about 9-30 but was not drunk. He did not stop at another public house in Melford, he drove down Liston lane, the dead horse lying length ways in the cart with a dead sow by it's side. Witness wa sitting on the dead horse and the deceased was sitting beside him, it was a dark night, while going down Liston Lane the horse stumbled and fell, it sometimes had meagrims, witness jumped off but the horse jumped up before he could get hold of its head, the wheel went up the bank and the cart overturned and the horse went down again, he sat on the horse's head to stop it getting up again and called to the deceased and another lad named Arthur Gibbons who was riding another horse behind. The lad ran for assistance and when it arrived it was found deceased was under the cart. Arthur Gibbons who said he was 12 years old gave corroborative evidence and said Smith had had a little beer but not much. Alfred Cadge said he went to Smith's assistance where he found him lamenting bitterly that he could not find deceased or hear anything of him. They found deceased under the dead horse and extricated him with difficulty, the road was dark and narrow, at first he thought Smith was drunk but then saw a wound on his head and thought he more " dawzled". Mr Jones a surgeon said he went to the spot and found deceased lying beside the road quite dead and Smith with a wound on his temple. He could not say if Smith was drunk or it was the effect of falling. He made a post mortem examination and found no broken bones but death was due to pressure, he suffocated. John Hume, another man who went to the spot said Arthur Gibbons told him that Smith was drunk as could be. Accidental death.
At the Petty Sessions, Smith, from Little Yeldham was charged with being drunk in charge of a horse on the 5th instant. Arthur Gibbons deposed-I am 12 years old and live at Belchamp Walter, we went to Lavenham Fair and left in the afternoon, we had a drink in Lavenham Cock and came to Melford through Bridge Street, it was dark when we got to Melford and we went to the Swan, the boy that was killed was my uncle, we left the Swan and went down the street as far as the Cross Keys and asked the way, we turned back and went down Liston lane. I do not know how much beer Smith had to drink, I had one or two drinks.Thomas Gibbons and defendant were riding on the cart, I was riding a horse behind, I think Smith was sober, I do know Smith, he is no relation to me, I do not work for Mr Hart, the horse did trot once or twice, we did go to Lavenham Cock where I think Thomas Gibbons asked defendant to go home. Alfred Cadge said " I am a shoemaker and was in the King William when someone came in and said there had been an accident in Liston lane". I saw defendant and said to him " you are drunk", defendant said I am not drunk, I then saw the wound in his head, I think he was dawzled. P.C.Neaves said he saw the body in the King William beerhouse, when he saw it defendant was in the taproom staggering about, he said he was going to take the horses home to Belchamp, I said you are in no state to go. A young man from Belchamp said he would take the horses home, we went to Liston lane where defendant took hold of the horse's tail, I then took him into custody.
Case dismissed.
(Note:-Fred Chatters says that William Smith was Jimmy and Stanley Smith's grandfather and was known as " Billie Know")(G.H.)

April 16th 1879

Francis Hellen a farmer from Lamarsh was charged with assaulting William Nice a pie-man from Jail Lane, Sudbury, who is generally known by the sobriquet " Peter". Both parties said it was a lark and it was settled with defendant to pay the costs.

June 18th 1879

The annual fair was held at Melford on Thursday. The supply of stock was good and some were in fair condition. Sheep were limited, horses numbers were good and there was a number good nags and ponies. The pleasure fair was on the green but a heavy down pour spoiled trade.

June 25th 1879

At Sudbury County Court action was taken by Deeks, a charwoman and laundress against Mr Mathews who owns Pentlow Hall.
Plaintiff said she washed and cleaned 22 rooms at the Hall and also found flannels and the soap. Defendant hired her in May 1877 to clean the Hall and owed her £ 1. In defence Mr Mathews said plaintiff hired a cottage off him and owed 52s 10d rent, he also thought £ 1 was too much for cleaning the house. Found for plaintiff.

July 2nd 1878

There was an inquest on the body of Frederick Bantock a five year old boy the son of Henry Bantock of Great Waldingfield, who on Wednesday evening on leaving school went into Park meadow where his father and other men were engaged in loading and carting hay. The father cautioned the boy to keep behind out of the way of the horses and wagon but it seems he set his foot on the spokes of the wheel and his head became lodged between the ladders and the waggon. He was released immediately but was quite dead. Accidental death.

July 9th 1878

There was a property sale at Clare. Land adjoining the Town known as Lower farm. Austin's field, 9 acres, R.Mortlock £ 520-Hither Austin's field, 8 acres, H.Dennis,£ 500-Chilton field, 8 acres, R.Mortlock,£ 500-Captains Ley, 11 acres, H.Dennis,£ 550-Essex field and Homestead paddock, 2 acres, H.Dennis,£ 280-Hop ground pasture, 4 acres, C.Jones £ 280-Hubbards field, 8 acres, C.Jones,£ 500-Essex field, 9 acres, C.Jones,£ 550- 9 acres (10 acres), C.Jones,£ 600-Clarks field, 4 acres, Mr Wade,£ 240-Dwelling house withdrawn.

July 9th 1878

250 children from Melford schools were conveyed from Melford to Walton by train, on arriving they were regaled with tea and cake and again at 6 p.m.before returning home.

August 8th 1878

Between 1 and 2 on Sunday morning a man named Spearman aged 70, in the employ of Mr Godbold the veterinary surgeon at Sudbury went into his house in Strawberry Lane in Sudbury and went to bed leaving the door unlocked, some time later he was awoken and found himself covered in blood with cuts and bruises and 4s taken from his purse. Spearman said he suspected a man who he had been drinking with the previous evening.

August 20th 1878

Lightining struck a cottage situated in Belchamp St Pauls on a farm named " Locks", the fire engine from Clare soon arrived saving a barn a short distance from the cottage which was destroyed. The tenant succeeded in saving about half the furniture but he is insured by the United Patriots Society and he will be fully compensated.

August 20th 1878

Sale of Live and Dead Stock at Braggons Farm Boxted and Tittle Hall by directions of the executors of the late Mr John Smith. 20 horses-14 shorthorn cattle-200 half bred ewes and lambs-30 shoats-200 poultry-Crosskills road waggon-6 harvest waggons-2 water carts-timber jim-Ward and Silver horse powered chaff cutter-reapers and mowers-2 double furrow ploughs-6 Downs foot ploughs-Smythe drill-harrows etc.

September 10th 1878

Edward Elliston a matting weaver of Gelmsford was charged with ill treating his wife who said she went into the " Three Tuns" for some butter, her husband was there and he paid for the it, we then went to the " Greyhound" and I sat beside him and drank with him.
Lucy Francis said she lives next door to the complainant and went to bed at about 12, I heard a lot of noise with someone running up and down stairs, next I heard Elliston say " take them off" and Mrs Elliston said " no not for you tonight", I heard a blow. I opened the window and said to Mrs Elliston not to make so much noise, she said " so would you if you had been knocked about like me". 5s with 13s costs and bound over to keep the peace for 6 months and the sum of £ 10.

September 10th 1878

Lightning struck a barn at Culverton Farm, Hundon, occupied by Henry Dennis of Chilton Street, Clare. The barn and sheds were burnt to the ground also a litter of 11 pigs and some fowls were lost. The farm is part of the estate recently bought by the Right Honourable W.H.Smith who is the First Lord Of The Admiralty.

September 17th 1878

H.Denny, a respectable looking lad of 17 years who had been employed to drive 550 sheep from Horringer Fair and slept at the Bear Inn at Sudbury the previous Thursday was charged with stealing 4s from Harry Lever the ostler at the Bear. Harry Lever said when he missed the money he went to the Oak and together with George Siggers the ostler at the Oak, went in search of the prisoner to Lady's Bridge, he asked for his money and the prisoner gave him 3s 6d and said he had given 1s to a man named Webb for helping him drive the sheep from the meadow. 1 month's hard labour.

September 17th 1878

A serious accident occurred in Sudbury to a girl named Eady who was attacked by a large dog belonging to Mr A.E.Remer of Bevington Lodge, Otten Belchamp. Mr Remer keeps a number of retrievers and Scotch collies, usually about six of the dogs accompany him when he rides into the town, they have hitherto not shown any savage propensities except on one occasion when the large dog bit a man's hand. This same animal on Monday afternoon was accompanying him with five other dogs when near the Black Boy Inn it sprang at the girl who was nursing a baby and inflicted terrible wounds to her face, her nose was completely severed, she screamed and assistance was promtly rendered. The poor girl begged that her mother be sent for to accompany her to the hospital, she was taken into Mr Oxley's the chemist who bound the wounds and his assistant went for the surgeon. The mother came with Mr Lynch the surgeon and Dr Holden and they conveyed her to St Leonards hospital. Mr Remer volunteered to pay all expences and had the dog immediately killed, the value of the animal being 25 guineas. Much commiseration was felt for the poor girl when the large crowd who had gathered saw the anxiety she displayed for her infant charge.

October 8th 1878

A ploughing match and produce show was held at Poslingford. Judges were Mr Wade of Ashen and Mr H.Dennis of Chilton.
Class 1-Two horses without driver-1st Robert Rawlinson £ 1-2nd George Frost, 15s-3rd John Rawlinson, 3s-Extra prize of 2s 6d to John Frost.
Youth class under 18, horse without driver, 1st Charles Howe, 10s-2nd George Addison 5s. Kidney potatoes, 12 potatoes, Benjamin Brett, 2s 6d- Benj.Murkin 2s-George Suttle 1s. 12 round potatoes, Ruth Codlin, 2s 6d.
Robert Deeks 2s-Henry Deeks 1s. Three cabbages, Geo.Suttle, 2s-3 savoys, Maria Basham, 2s-red cabbage, Geo. Martin 2s-6 onions, William Newman, 2s-6 turnips, Thomas Basham, 1s 6d. 6 carrots, James Richardson, 1s 6d-6 parsnips, W.Newman, 1s 6d.-30 pods of scarlet runners, Geo, Beeton, 1s 6d. 2 marrows, Samuel Spooner, 1s 6d.

October 15th 1878

Fire broke out in the stackyard of Mr Remer of Bevington Lodge, Otten Belchamp. Two wheat stacks were destroyed and one haystack. It is believed to be the work of an incendiary.

November 19th 1878

Mr Wombwell's menagerie visited Sudbury on Saturday and the collection was visited by a large number of people. On the previous evening, on closing the dens for the night, the keepers were unable to seperate two jaguars from the leopards and in the morning it was found that one of the jaguars was dead and partly eaten by the others.

November 19th 1878

George Chatters and William Wells of Glemsford were charged with stealing a sheep the property of Mr B.Deaves of Gelmsford.
Mr Deaves said P.C.Ward brought him a dead ewe and the two prisoners.
P.C.Ward said he was on duty in Glemsford street at aboiut quarter to ten in the evening, on passing " New Cut" I saw two men coming from the allotments, one was carrying something heavy, I saw it was Chatters with a dead sheep on his back, I caught hold Chatters and he said they were taking it to Joseph Brown to have it dressed, I took the sheep and prisoners to Mr Deaves who identified it as one of his ewes, both men were drunk. Chatters told Mr Deaves that they found it in the orchard and thought it was unwell and they were taking it to Mr Deaves. For trial.

December 3rd 1878

A shocking accident occurred on Friday near Lamarsh locks, the meadows were flooded and the Lock house at Lamarsh was completely isolated. A workman employed by Mr Harrison the lock keeper was about to cross the line had reached a rail bridge which crosses the river when a train came. The engine driver saw him and whistled but the man did not hear him, he was thrown down. The engine driver stopped the train and when he and others ran back a shocking sight met their gaze, his head was nearly cut off and his body nearly in two halves.
Accidental death.

December 17th 1878

During the last few years great changes have taken place in Walter Belchamp, those who recollect the appearance of the village 20 years ago cannot fail to recognise this. A new school for 100 children has been erected also a residence for the curate with three quarters of an acre attached with a cottage and garden, the whole being secured in perpetuity for the parish. Many cottages in the street have been enlarged and in cases rebuilt taking the place of the clay and thatched hovels which might look picturesque with honeysuckle trailing over the doors and windows and trees waving above their mossy thatch as in Brownlow's painting, but anything but a pleasure to live in, to say nothing about overcrowding. Both the Church and the Hall have had considerable attention from the resident squire and clergyman the Rev J.St.Clere Raymond who has also been the author of other improvements. A new wing has been added to the Hall with some finely cut brickwork imitated by the builders(Messrs Elliston and Son) as to deceive the eye.
The church has been well restored with the east end of the chancel rebuilt and enlarged with beautiful decoration, the mosaic work being introduced wit good effect into the reredos and its surrounds. Remains of Norman work were found in the walls corresponding with portions built into several piers and walls in the pleasure garden in the Hall.
Altogether the village is being transformed and the rector who is the principal owner deserves great praise.

December 17th 1878

On Friday last, a young man named Smith in the service of the Rev C.J.Fisher of Ovington was charged with stealing a leg of mutton from the rectory. The police acting on information received, went to Smith's residence and found the mutton in a pot boiling and nearly ready for the table. The accused and his father were taken to Hedingham police station.

December 24th 1878

The butchers shops at Melford were well filled as usual with old English fare for the Christmas season. Miss Seagers had a splendid ox grazed by Mr Biddel from Playford and bought at Bury market where it won the town cup and weighed 118 stones, also a handsome shorthorn grazed by Mr Johnson of Barrow weighing 111 stone and another grazed by Mr Cooke of Livermere and weighing 93 stone and four sheep from Mr A.O.Payne of Borley. Mr T.Ruse provided two splendid shorthorns from Mr Carlton of Great Waldingfield weighing 80 stones each which had carried the first prize at Mr Cardinall's sale also two of equal quality from Messrs Scot and Nunn's sale also three fine shorthorns from the same sale. Mr Allen had two capital steers of 80 stone each. Thomas Salter had several well fatted porkers and the usual supply of geese and turkeys etc.

December 24th 1878

On Thursday last every cottage in Acton was supplied with coals according to the size of the families. The recipients are grateful to General Darval of Acton Place.

December 24th 1878

The wind and steam mills situated on the Melford Sudbury road were offered for sale at the Rose and Crown in Sudbury. The mills and premises were knocked down to Mr Orlando Payne of Borley for £ 750.

December 31st 1878

There was some old fashioned weather for Christmas at Sudbury, the intense frost gave opportunities to skaters and sliders to pursue their pleasure. The meadows around the town and the reach (a long stretch of water near Friars meadow) formed capital ice rinks and were patronized by people of all classes. The North meadow was re- flooded by the mill owners of Brundon and Sudbury mills at the request of the many young men and a capital ice sheet formed. It was intended to play a game of cricket on the ice on Thursday but the thaw set in.