Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
19th November 1836
Sales by Auction - Building Materials, Windsor Castle
Mr.Tebbott - Most respectfully informs the Public that he has been honoured with directions - To Sell By Auction, In A Store Yard, near Park-Street, Windsor, - On Thursday, November the 24th, 1836, at 12 o'clock,
The remaining Valuable Materials, removed from various parts of Windsor Castle and adjoining buildings during the restoration. Comprising 14 costly gothic window frames, with four mullions in each, arched heads and rich tracery, glazed with splendid figured stained glass in ornamental metal bars (size,No.6,8 ft 4in. high, 8ft wide, moulded one side, 6 ditto of the same size, moulded both sides, and 2 ditto, ditto, 10ft 8in, high , 9[?]ft 0 6in, wide), suitable for any conservatories,
libraries, and other rooms of equal consequence. Circular sash frame and sash 6 feet diameter, 2 pair of French folding doors with richly carved panels, 10ft, by 5ft, and sundry pilasters; to pair of wainscot gothic folding doors, 5 sashes 8ft by 2ft 6in, glazed with plate glass; 14 gothic Portland 4-light moulded window frames, 14ft 6in by 6ft 6in, appropriate for chapels or large rooms. One hundred feet of marble steps, with moulded nosings, about one hundred of Portland ditto, 2 stone staircases 3ft 6in. diameter, marble, Portland and York paving, handsome marble chimney pieces, water closet basons, capital iron door and frame (6ft 9in, by 4ft 1in.) ,
patent lock with 10 bolts to ditto, 5 lead cisterns, hall stoves, about 50 feet of iron palisade fence, 4ft 9 high, on Portland plinth, 60 chimney pots, &c.&c.
The public will be admitted to view the above Materials on Tuesday and Wednesday pervious to the Sale, by an entrance from Park-street, near the Black Horse public-house.
Catalogues to be had at the Crown Slough; White Hart , Beaconsfield; Chequers, Uxbridge; White Hart, Maidenhead; Clarence Hotel, Staines; Rose, Wokingham; White Hart, Bagshot; and Mr. Tebbott's Office, Windsor.
Yesterday morning a shocking accident happened to Mary Thorn, a servant in the employ of Mr.Evans, a drawing-master at Eton College; while in the act of cleaning a grate in the nursery, her clothes accidentally caught fire; her screams immediately brought the family to her assistance,
when they found her enveloped in flames. Mr.E with great presence of mind seized a blanket and wrapped it round her, by which means he extinguished the flames, in doing so he was severely burnt. Hopes are entertained that she will ultimately recover.
Windsor Dispensary
In consequence of some misunderstanding that has taken place lately between two of the Consulting Surgeons, Messrs. Hammond and Fowler, of the Windsor Dispensary and the Committee involving we understand, in the first instance, some points of
professional etiquette, and also, as it is alleged, matters of serious consequence to the well-being of the Institution itself, the two gentlemen had deemed it their duty to tender their resignations, which were accepted by the Committee,
who then fixed Thursday last for a meeting of the Subscribers, to proceed to the election of two other medical officers in the room of those who had resigned.
In the meantime Messrs. Hammond and Fowler appealed to a meeting of their professional brethren in Windsor to whom they related the circumstances which had given occasion for their resignation , and at that meeting
it was stated in justification of those gentlemen, that they had "clearly substantiated by evidence cases of disrespectful, unprofessional, and unfair conduct on the part of the Dispencer towards them, his superior officers;" also, " that they would have betrayed the rights and respectability of their common profession, had they continued to serve."
It was also determined at that meeting, of which Sir John Chapman was chairman, to call a meeting of Subscribers at the Town Hall on Wednesday last (the day before the period fixed for the election), to give Messrs. Hammond
and Fowler an opportunity of substantiating their cases, and the Dispenser (Mr.Pearl) an equal opportunity of rebutting them.
In consequence of that announcement a meeting was held at the Town Hall, at which , in the absence of the Provost of Eton, who had promised to take the Chair, the Mayor (Edw. Bovingdon, Esq.) was unanimously called on to preside.
The Mayor opened the business by stating that he was not aware what had been transacted before the Committee, but he presumed the handbill that had been issued stated sufficiently what were the objects of the present meeting.
Sir John Chapman would state to them why the Provost of Eton had not taken the Chair, and also what it was that was recommended to be done.
Sir John Chapman said, it was well known in Windsor, that two gentlemen, who for some years had been Medical Officers to the Institution, had resigned their situations. He would not that day enter into the circumstances of the case, because he was informed that their meeting
that day was contrary to the rules of the Institution, and therefore it was not the intention of the two Medical gentlemen to enter into any statement. He would, therefore, merely state the reasons for calling the meeting, because he looked forward to the fulfilment of
something like a pledge - certainly not a direct pledge - that an opportunity would yet be given to those gentlemen to state why they had thought it necessary to resign. Knowing the great respectability of those gentlemen, he (Sir John) and his professional brethren, who had heard there had been something very unfair -
The Rev.Mr.Selwyn interrupted Sir John Chapman, and referred to the rules of the Dispensary, to show that that meeting was not properly called. They might make any observations they pleased, but it must be laid down distinctly that it was not a meeting of the Subscribers.
Sir John Chapman hoped the meeting would give him credit for not calling them together unnecessarily. In the full feeling that Messrs. Hammond and Fowler would have an opportunity of being heard, and learning the preceding evening that the meeting was irregularly called, he was willing to waive them resolution he had intended to move, which was for the appointment of a Committee to enquire
into all the circumstances of the case; not the present Committee of the Dispensary, but one capable of understanding fully all the circumstances by which medical men were governed, and to lay down better rules for the management of the Institution. The present rules were most unsound, as
they did not afford the protection to the Medical Officers which they ought to receive.
The Rev. Mr. Selwyn protested against the course adopted by Sir John Chapman. The meeting was not an authorised one.
Sir John Chapman said his only object was to protect the interests of the sick poor, and to uphold the honour of the profession to which he belonged. He threw himself upon the Mayor, to say whether he might proceed.
The Mayor said he was placed in a rather unpleasant situation. He had been unaware of the objects of the meeting, and after what had fallen from Mr.Selwyn, he really did not know of what the meeting consisted.
The Rev. Thomas Gosset suggested that the best course would be, according to the rule referred to by Mr.Selwyn for the five Governors to call a meeting for the specific objects stated in the handbills and then the whole of the matter could be freely discussed. They would then go according to the regulations.
Sir John Chapman said if that were the wish of the meeting he would willingly accede to it. He would however observe that the Provost of Eton on finding they were irregular in calling this meeting had declined to preside at it. He then adverted to the Committee, in whom he said, the medical gentlemen could place no confidence when
The Rev.Mr.Selwyn again protested against the conduct of the Committee being brought under discussion at this meeting.
Considerable discussion of a similar character took place which resulted in nothing of a definite nature. It appeared to the general opinion that on the following day, fixed for the election, it was competent to any Subscribers to enter into the cases of Messrs. Hammond and Fowler,
and that appeared to be satisfactory to Sir John Chapman, who then concurred in a motion which was carried unanimously , that the meeting do adjourn.
Thanks being voted to the Mayor for his impartial conduct in the chair, the meeting broke up.
On the following day (Thursday) a meeting of the Subscribers to the Dispensary took place at the Town-Hall. The Rev. Thomas Gosset was called upon to take the chair but he wished to declined accepting the office, as from being one of the Committee whose
conduct was impugned, he conceived he was criminated. It being the general wish that he should take upon himself the duty of Chairman he consented to do so.
The Chairman having read the advertisement calling the meeting said he should be happy to hear any observations that might be made.
The Rev.Mr.Selwyn said it was expedient that the meeting should be adjourned in order to give time for dispassionate enquiry into all the circumstances attending the resignation of the Medical Officers, before a competent tribunal - which a public meeting was not - so that the new surgeons would come into office fully acquainted with their powers and with the rules of the Institution. He proposed the following resolution:-
"That a Committee be appointed to define, more accurately , the relative duties of the Visiting Surgeons, and the House Surgeon, with power to inquire into the cause of the late disagreements; and that the Election of two Visiting Surgeons into the vacant offices be postponed till the Report of the Committee shall have been approved by a general meeting of Subscribers to the Institution."
If the meeting should accede to that resolution , it would then be for them to determine what body of persons should conduct the enquiry. It was admitted on all hands that a public meeting was not a fit tribunal for the discussion of the question and it was his opinion, that the existing Committee was a competent one to enter into the inquiry, but if it was the opinion of the meeting, that there should be a special Committee for the purpose he would not object to it.
The Rev. Mr.Pope seconded the motion.
Sir John Chapman thought that the appointment of a Committee would meet the wishes of his professional brethren, but he suggested that the Committee should consist of two-thirds Subscribers and one-third Medical men, who
should be selected, not from the Town of Windsor, but from the neighbourhood. There were many gentlemen in the neighbourhood, who were competent to judge all the circumstances, and who would willingly assist in the inquiry - he
alluded to gentlemen at Egham, Staines, Maidenhead, Burnham, and Winkfield. That would relieve the Medical men in the town from what might appear to place them in a delicate situation.
The Rev. Mr. Selwyn said the meeting could determine who should form the Committee, after they had resolved the appointment of a Committee.
Sir John Chapman said if the meeting was competent to appoint a Committee, he would willingly leave the subject in their hands, but perhaps that meeting was as illegally called as the one the preceding day. However he would be willing
to forego any irregularity there might be, for the sake of having a proper inquiry instituted. The meeting ought to have been called on a requisition signed by five Governors, and he was in possession of a requisition
signed by more than that number, but he would forego it for the sake of the inquiry.
The Chairman said, the object of the mover of the resolution was, not to proceed with greater speed than was necessary, and at the same time to prevent any unnecessary delay, and also to prevent any discussion on irritating subjects ; which he thought would meet the views of the Medical Gentlemen.
The Rev. the Provost of Eton asked if they were to adjourn and have another meeting called, was it likely they would have a better attendance than at present !
Sir John Chapman repeated his opinion that that meeting was as irregular as the one the preceding day.
The Rev.Mr.Coleridge had to doubt this was a legal meeting, but if they pleased they could postpone the Election of Surgeons.
The Chairman observed that that was a part of the Resolution.
The Rev.Mr.Okis said they were only called to elect the Surgeons, and he doubted whether they could proceed to any other business.
Sir John Chapman said, to prevent any further discussion on the subject, he begged to hand a Requisition to the Chairman.
The Rev.Mr.Cookesley denied that it was an illegal meeting. They had met to elect Surgeons, and they were taking the proper steps to do so - [hear, hear]. As for the Resolution , no one appeared to object to it.
The Chairman referred to the Rules, which stated, that any proposition brought forward at one meeting could be confirmed at a subsequent meeting. It therefore followed they could proceed.
Sir John Chapman expressed his willingness to withdraw the Requisition, if it was thought they could proceed to appoint the Committee. He observed, he could not but admit he had some fear, if the subject was referred to the existing Committee.
Mr.Evans asked why should odium be thrown on the existing Committee, by appointing another ?
Sir John Chapman said he could state many reasons, but if they were to enter into the discussion of them there would be a field wide open for it. He had already moved that the Committee to be appointed, should consist of two-thirds Subscribers and one third Medical men.
The Rev. Mr. Roberts said he hoped those Medical men would be Subscribers, for it would be exceedingly improper to admit foreigners on the Committee.
The Rev.Mr.Cookesley observed, that the Medical Subscribers were ex officio members of the Committee, and they had already come to a determination on the subject. It was therefore, impossible to do otherwise than go out of the Subscribers.
The Resolution was then put, and carried unanimously.
Sir John Chapman then said, if he were expected to assign his reasons for deviating from the usual course, it might lead to a very extended discussion, although he could adduce very strong ones for so doing. He had come to that meeting with every possible desire to benefit a valuable and charitable Institution,
to uphold the interests of the sick poor, and to maintain the honour and respectability of his profession. After a few further observations, he concluded by moving , as stated above, that the Committee be constituted of two-thirds Subscribers, and one-third Medical men.
The Rev.Mr.Cookesley seconded the resolution, and hoped it would not be objected to, as it would be the means of setting at rest a great deal of uncomfortable feeling. He begged, however to observe, that he would not second the resolution if it was intended to convey the slightest imputation of the existing Committee, to
whom he was satisfied the town felt grateful for their services. But the point in dispute was professional honour [Sir John Chapman had observed that that was the only point]. If he were in the medical profession, he confessed he should have acted in the same way, and that he thought that in such a question the profession should be consulted. He would, therefore vote for the Committee,
but on the understanding , that the report , whatever it might be, should be binding on both parties [cries of "No." and "a General meeting."] He should do so , in the hope that an end would be put to all differences.
Sir John Chapman said it was not until the day before, that he even knew the names of the present Committee, and therefore could not be supposed to be personal in his observations respecting them. He had the highest opinion of those gentlemen, but considering the present state of things, he thought the medical profession ought to be represented on the Committee.
The Rev.Mr.Carter said they had already placed great confidence in their Committee, and it would be unfair if they did not now look to them. He proposed that the inquiry be conducted by the present Committee, and that the Medical gentlemen should send their representatives there, if they did not choose to attend themselves.
Mr.Soley seconded that resolution.
The Rev.Mr.Selwyn thought that Mr.Carter's motion would meet every difficulty, and that the Medical gentlemen would see that their interests were properly attended to.
Sir John Chapman said he was only anxious for the honour and dignity of the profession and if Messrs, Fowler and Hammond were still to be considered Members of the Committee and could send Representatives there he was satisfied. He asked accordingly to the composition of the present Committee, what proportion were Medical men.
The Rev.Mr.Selwyn said there were six Medical men, 11 Clergymen and 10 others.
The Chairman. That is 21 to 6.
The Rev.Mr.Selwyn said that several of the Committee would be enabled to attend, while there was no doubt all the medical men would attend every meeting.
After some father discussion, Mr.Soley he begged to observe that the question before the meeting was not looked upon by the medical profession as one between Messrs. Hammond and Fowler, and Mr. Pearl, but between the profession and the Institution. There
were circumstances to be brought forward of which that meeting were not the proper judges, and upon which no one was competent to give an opinion who, was not a medical man, and it would therefore tell[?] them that if they decided against the profession the latter would not be satisfied with their judgement.
As a medical man he claimed their indulgence, as it was the first time he had ever addressed a public assembly, and he would not then have done so had he not been influenced by a determination
to uphold the interests of the Institution. He contended that the profession was entitled to their consideration and support when they came forward to do their duty to the Institution, and as certain reflections had been cast upon them impugning their character - [cries of "No, no"]. At
all events there was a strong impression on the minds of the medical men that that was the case. Sir John Chapman had in consequence called a meeting of the medical men and put Messrs. Hammond and Fowler on trial respecting their complaints of the House Surgeon.
Circumstances had then been stated which they were of opinion were inconsistent with the interests of the Institution, and consequently a bill was issued by which the meeting of the day before was called. It however appeared that the meeting had been
irregularly called, and now he was only anxious that the investigation should proceed in a manner consistent with the interests of all parties. All the medical men wished was fairness and justice.
Eventually it was agreed that the enquiry should be left with the present Committee, the Medical Officers concerned to be represented by medical deputies, who might call evidence and vote on all questions that came before them.
Mr.Pearl it was also agreed, should be similarly represented. The enquiry to embrace every matter connected with the late misunderstanding.
Thanks being voted to the Chairman the meeting broke up.