The Isle of Wight 150 years ago.Extracts from the Hampshire Telegraph.March 1863 |
7 March 1863
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. - William Groves, butcher, was
charged by the Inspector of Weights and Measures with using an unjust pair of
scales, and Superintendent Horan, being sworn said: I went on 20th February to
the defendant’s shop, at Ryde, and inspected his scales, which I found to be 2
ounces against the purchaser. Defendant: I do not attend to the shop personally,
and my young man says he was not aware of it, but he supposes that when he
cleaned the scales in the morning, he forgot to put on the ball that adjusts
them. I have been in business 25 years, and this had never happened before, and
wouldn't have happened even then had I been aware of it. The Chairman: Our duty
is to protect the public, and if you are obliged to trust your business to a
deputy, you take greater responsibility on your own shoulders, and must depend
on his honesty. We do not for one moment believe that this was a wilful fraud on
your part, or we should levy a much heavier penalty, and for your own security
we would caution you to look oftener at the conduct of the parties in care of
your other establishments. Fined 20s. and 7s. 6d. costs.
Charles Chessel, a copesman, and Alfred Allnott, coachman
to Lady Clare, at Ryde, were charged with stealing three faggots and three oak
poles, the property of Major Verner, of Quarr. Mr. F. Blake appeared on behalf
of Allnott. Allnott bought an excellent character from his employers, and as it
was sufficiently proved that he had no idea that Chessel had no right to dispose
of the property, he was discharged but as Chessel himself claimed a right to it,
according to the copesman’s customs of being allowed a burden of wood every day
when cutting, the Court committed him to the Assizes to allow him to prove its
legality.
Thomas Riding, charged with leaving his wife and family
chargeable to the Guardians of the Poor, at a cost to the ratepayers of £10 11s.
11½d., was committed for one month. Charles Chadwick, of Cowes, ditto, for £14
11s 10, was liberated on the promise to take his family out of the House.
RYDE. – ANTI-TRAMWAY AGITATION. – The opponents of the
tramway are making extraordinary effort to get signatures to a petition to
Parliament, to prevent the Railway Company from obtaining a tramway from the
Pier to the Terminus. They are not very confident in the success of their
opposition, it seems, or, as they obtained a majority in the board of
commissioners, it might have been supposed that they would have rested satisfied
with their victory. The tramway, however, is so essential to the public
convenience, that it is no wonder they deem it necessary to bring every effort
to bear upon their Parliamentary opposition to give it a shadow of success. The
bill comes before the committee, we believe, on Friday; hence the necessity for
haste and zeal.
14 March 1863
The members of the “Hand in Hand” Friendly Society, to
the number of about 80, celebrated their forty-fourth anniversary at the Wheat
Sheaf Inn, on Monday last, by partaking of one of Host Read’s substantial
dinners, Dr. Foster in the chair, and the cloth being cleared, we have pleasure
to hear from the clerks that the society, which is now numbered 242 members,
still maintained its prosperous position and that its stability was most fully
established, although it had paid out during the last year £180 for sickness and
death, an increase of £208 had nevertheless taken place in the stock fund, which
now amounted to the sum of £4179 13s., after having paid out during the
forty-four years it had been established nearly £5000 for sickness, funerals,
superannuation, and medical attendance.
RYDE. – ACCIDENT AT THE R.V.Y. CLUB-HOUSE. –On Tuesday a
slight accident took place at the above establishment in consequence of the
escape of gas in the butler’s pantry. There was a pipe outside the wall which
leaked, and the escaped gas filled a small cavity in the wall, which oozed
through into the room. A light came in contact with it and an explosion took
place, which blew off a few feet of plaster from the wall and ignited the
latter, which was instantly extinguished.
21 March 1863
At the vestry meeting of the parishioners of Carisbrooke,
held on Thursday last, Mr. Henry Wadham, broker, was elected as an assistant
overseer, in the room of the late assistant, Mr. Edmund Pope Smith, who
absconded about three weeks since with a large amount of the poor rates in his
possession, collected in the short time during which he had been in office, his
whereabouts not having been as yet discovered. Through some unaccountable
neglect the usual bond with securities had not been executed.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales
paid a visit to this town on Saturday afternoon, although the weather was most
unpropritous, it raining heavily at intervals. The streets were crowded, it
being market day, and the newly married couple were received with the most
enthusiastic cheering throughout. The Mayor (F.Pittis, Esq.) having previously
signified to the inhabitants his wish that the decorations furnished on the
wedding day should remain, many of them were re-arranged for the occasion in
expectancy of the Royal visit, and the High-street presented the appearance of a
vast bower, the sides of the street being planted with growing trees from the
Forest of Parkhurst, which formed an extensive and pleasant Avenue, which, with
the numerous triumphal arches and an immense display of flags of every nation
and every hue, caused one of the prettiest sights imaginable. The happy pair, in
an open carriage, and unattended except by one solitary outrider, drove through
the town as far as the Lamb corner at a walking pace, and then turned off for
Cowes, the Princess bowing continually to the loud and fervent greetings of the
populace, and the bridegroom appearing equally as well pleased as his fair
bride. In commemoration of the event the town was again most brilliantly
illuminated in the evening.
COUNTY PETTY SESSION. - John Newbury, a farm labourer, in
the employ of Mr. John Way, of Woolverton, was charged with having unmercifully
beaten two of his master’s horses, - it is supposed out of revenge for his
brother having been sentenced at the latest Assizes to 3 years’ penal servitude
for sheep stealing. The charge being clearly proved, the court sentenced the
prisoner to 6 weeks’ hard labour.
Alfred Stubbings, the landlord of the Olive Branch,
public-house, at West Cowes, charged by P.S. Kent with having it open for the
sale of beer, &c., before five o'clock on Sunday afternoon, was fined 20s and
costs 7s 6d. Defendant pleaded that when the police came into his house Divine
service was over, and, as his license only expressed that he shouldn't sell
during divine service, he submitted that he had committed no offence. The court
said they had nothing to do with the license. The law laid down that all public
houses should be closed from three to five o'clock, and by that law both
magistrates and public and must abide.
BOROUGH COURT. - Jane Read and Fanny Andrews, a brace of
“unfortunates,” charged with being drunk and disorderly, were fined 12s 6d.
each, and in default of payment committed for 14 days.
COWES. - There Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess
of Wales honoured our town with a visit on Saturday afternoon, on their return
from Newport, greatly to the satisfaction of the residents. As the royal party
proceeded through the streets at a very slow pace, all had an excellent
opportunity of seeing the royal pair. Owing to some mistake the address from the
inhabitants of West Cowes did not reach Osborne quite so early as that from
Newport. However, on Tuesday last we were favoured with an acknowledgement of
the receipt of the address from General Knollys, and an assurance that it had
been most graciously received. As it was rumoured that the Prince and Princess
would attend divine service at Whippingham church on Sunday morning last,
hundreds crossed the ferry and walked to Whippingham to see the royal party. The
path from the high road to the church was strewed with flowers, the greater part
of which were afterwards gathered up to be preserved as mementos of the day. The
Prince and his bride looked well and happy.
RYDE. – COUNTY COURT. - The town of Ryde is about to
receive a great boon by the alternate sitting of the County Court in conjunction
with Newport. Hitherto the inhabitants of Ryde have had to travel to Newport in
order to transact the business. This change will not only save them both trouble
and expense, but act as a check upon those who now calculate upon impunity in
consequence of the time and money required to compel payment in Newport.
RYDE. - INQUEST. - On Tuesday
afternoon an inquest was held at the Strand Tavern, before F. Blake, Esq., on
the body of Charles Vinen, steward of the steamer
John Tom Taylor, who was drowned on
4th January last. It appeared in evidence that the deceased had been drinking
freely, and on arriving at the sure he found the boat gone, and is supposed to
have endeavoured to reach of the ship by swimming. The jury returned a verdict
of “Found drowned, but how or by what means there was no evidence to show.” The
body had been washed ashore on the day previous.
RYDE - THE TRAMWAY. - The
anti-tramway men have for the present gained their point, as on Thursday the
committee of the House of Lords, pass the Isle of Wight Railway Bill
minus the tramway. These very
opponents of a tramway at Ryde are highly pleased that the Portsmouth
Corporation have been successful in obtaining one, because it is likely to
facilitate travelling to the island. We need not characterise as it deserves
such inconsistency. The motive is transparent enough.
RYDE – THE ADDRESS TO THE ROYAL PAIR. - The good people
of Ryde have been sorely disappointed at the Prince and Princess of Wales
leaving the island without driving through the town. The address of the
commissioners was not a sufficient attraction to bring their Royal Highnesses,
as in reply to a communication from the clerk to the board, it was stated that
the address would be received through the Controller of the Household, General
Knollys. Accordingly it was posted to that functionary, who replied to it in the
cut and dried official style. False reports as to a visit were circulated, which
filled our streets with the curious several times; it is needless to add people
were disappointed.
28 March 1863
A GRAND MILITARY CONCERT was
given at the Queen’s Rooms on Monday evening, in aid of the funds for improving
the Garrison Chapel and Cemetery. The concert was fashionably attended, and the
performances elicited great applause. The overtures to “Stradella” and the
“Barber of Seville” were beautifully executed by the band of the 18th
R.I. regiment, the members of the Philharmonic Society, Messrs. Yelf, Roche, and
Smith rendering efficient support in the vocal department. The duett in
“Guillaume Tell,” violin and piano, by Mr. L. Gubbins and Mr. J. T. Mew,
received a well-merited encore, as did a flute solo by Mr. Herr Bergman, the
conductor of the band. The evening’s entertainment concluded with the National
Anthem.
COUNTY PETTY SESSION. - John Richard Dawson, of West
Cowes, charged with trespassing on the Cowes and Newport Railway, having
apologised for the offence, was admonished and discharged.
Martin Kirwan, a private in
the 18th reg., charged with stealing a gold pin, the property of
Captain Clark, of the 50th reg., was committed to the Sessions.
George Richards, convicted of drunkenness, was fined 12s.
6d., and in default of payment to be committed for seven days.
COWES. - The master of the
Collier Samson, of this port, when on
his voyage from Sunderland to Cowes, was lost overboard whilst the vessel was
lying to off Eastbourne. How or in what manner it happened we cannot yet
satisfactorily learn.
RYDE. – INQUESTS. - On Tuesday, two inquests were held in
this town before F. Blake, Esq., Coroner for the Island. The first took place at
the Oakfield Tavern, upon the body of William James Seymour, who was drowned on
Friday night near the projected fort at Spithead. The unfortunate man was
hauling his anchor when a sudden squall swamped the boat, and although Seymour
was an expert swimmer he was drowned. Verdict “Accidental death.” - The second
was held at the Strand Tavern, upon the body of Frances, the wife of Mr.
Nathaniel Ashford, a woman advanced in life, who was found dead in her bed on
Sunday morning. From the evidence of Mr. Woodward, surgeon, it appeared that
death took place from natural causes. Verdict accordingly.
RYDE. – MEETING OF PIER COMPANY. - On Monday last a
numerous and influential meeting of the old Pier Company took place at the Pier
Hotel, George Young, Esq. in the chair. The business of the meeting was to take
into consideration the report of the directors, which recommended “the
construction of a harbour and branch Pier at the North East end of the tramway.”
The report was read by Mr. W. E. Ratcliffe, clerk to the directors. Mr George
Garnett proposed the adoption of the report, to which an amendment was moved by
Sir A. S. Hamond. The chairman answered all the objections brought forward, and
ultimately the report was adopted by a large majority. Complaints were made of
the nuisance created by touting on the Pier, even by servants of the company.
The chairman said the annoyance complained of should be removed.
RYDE. – FATAL ACCIDENT. - On Tuesday afternoon a boy,
named Tewkesbury, about 13 years of age, living at Wootton, was sent by his
master to Newport for a doctor as he (the master) had been taken suddenly ill.
The boy, as Lambert's coach was passing, got up behind for a ride, when by some
mischance his foot slipped, he fell, and became entangled in the spokes of the
wheel. Before he could be extracted from his perilous position one of his thighs
had been fractured and he had received fearful injuries. Dr. McLachlan, Esq.,
was driving past at the time, when he immediately stopped his carriage and
kindly had the poor boy wrapped up in a horse-cloth, placed in the bottom of it,
and drove him at once to the Infirmary. Upon his arrival the gentleman drove to
Messrs. Bloxam and Penninger, surgeons, who were speedily in attendance, and
amputated one leg and set the other, and did everything that medical skill could
suggest, leaving the patient to the kinder care of Mr. J. Jones, house surgeon.
This was about five or six o'clock on Tuesday evening. The patient never
rallied, and expired on Wednesday morning at ten o'clock.
HAMPSHIRE LENT ASSIZES at WINCHESTER (7 March 1863)
Charles Chessell was charged with stealing a quantity of
fagots and wood, at Binstead, near Ryde. The prisoner was employed to clear wood
from a copse; some he had sold and some he appropriated for his own use. Guilty.
Six months’ imprisonment.
George James Notten pleaded guilty to being with two
other persons, then and there armed with guns and sticks, entering a copse
called Whitefield Wood, at Brading, and was sentenced to one months’
imprisonment.
Jane Hollier and Mary Manners were placed as the bar on a
charge of stealing a watch and chain at Newchurch, on 18 February, 1863. They
were both found guilty, and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment each.
Eliza Byrne pleaded guilty to stealing a petticoat at
Newport. Previous conviction. One years’ imprisonment.
George Newberry was found guilty of the charge of
stealing one she at Shorwell, the property William Harvey. Three years’ penal
servitude.
Ann Snow was placed at the bar on the charge of the
wilful murder of her new born female child at Freshwater on 20th January. Mr.
Beetham conducted the prosecution, & the prisoner was defended by Mr. Sanders at
the request of the Judge.
The prisoner was kitchen maid
at the Needles Hotel, Alum Bay. It appeared that on the evening of the 19th
January she said to Maria Wickens, a chamber maid at the same hotel that she
should go to bed. She went, and the next morning she (Wickens) saw the prisoner
sitting by the kitchen fire. She said to her “why do you not open the house, it
is so late.” Prisoner did not reply, but went about her work. They had breakfast
at nine o'clock. Wickens then went into the wash house and saw some water
discoloured. She asked the prisoner what it was and she replied “where she had
washed herself.” There were streams
on the carpet and floor. She then asked her
what she had been doing and she said nothing. Prisoner and witness went to an
out-house together and the prisoner asked her “how often it was emptied,” and
was told pretty often. The woman Wickens then went to Mrs. Meaning and they
together went to the out-house, let a candle down, and on the top of the soil
saw something wrapped up in a cloth. The two women then went in doors and on
returning saw that the bundle had been found further under the soil and some
ashes put over it. They got the bundle out with a pair of tongs and found it was
the body of a dead female child. Wickens then fetched the prisoner and asked her
if that child was hers, she said “yes,” and then said “don't tell the govenor of
it.” Mr. Bensley, the master, also went and the prisoner said the baby was hers,
and that she was not ashamed of it. They all went back to the kitchen and when
asked why she tied the string round the little thing’s neck, she replied because
she was afraid she could not keep it. Round the body of the child was a cloth
with the name of an Snow upon it, the tongue was protruding and froth coming
from the mouth. In reply to a question put by Wickens, prisoner, who was crying
at the time, said “she did not know her time was so near,” and that when it was
so “she intended going into the house.”
Mr. Sanders address the jury for the prisoner, after
which his Lordship summed up, and the jury found her guilty of concealment.
Twelve months’ imprisonment.
The Isle of Wight 150 years ago
1 March 2013