Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
30th April 1842
A number of workmen are at present employed at the Castle in making various alterations and repairs, which are to be completed by the time the court returns to it. Extensive repairs and improvements are also in progress at Frogmore Lodge, preparatory to her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent taking possession of that delightful residence.
Death of the Senior Military Knight of Windsor
Died, at his residence, the Upper Foundation, Windsor Castle, at five o'clock yesterday morning, Captain Edward Skilton, in the 70th year of his age. This gentleman was elected to the foundation in the reign of George IV, and was the senior knight of this ancient order. He served in the York fencibles at the Irish Rebellion in 1798. His amiable and gentlemanly conduct had gained him the esteem of his brother officers, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be buried in the Castle Yard, with military honours, by the 13th foot, now stationed at Windsor, under the command of Lord Charles Wellesley. By the demise of Captain Skilton, Lieut. Samuel Ragg becomes senior knight.
Literary Institution
On Wednesday evening the Rev.J.Stoughton delivered a lecture at the Town-hall to a very numerous auditory. The subject, although exclusively of a local nature, was of very general interest, treating of Windsor in the fourteenth century. Of course the Castle of the Sovereign, and many interesting incidents connected with the ancient edifice to the above period, formed the greatest attractions in the lecture, which were most ably adverted to by the rev gentleman with great accuracy, and in a fluency of language which he has ever at his command. In fact, the lecture comprised the whole history of the town, Castle, St.George's Chapel, &c., to the epoch fixed upon by the lecturer, who illustrated many portions of his address by the exhibition of various engravings, a model of the ancient Castle, and some relics of the old Castle itself, for the possession of which he expressed his obligation to Mr.Jesse and Mr.French. The lecture was really a rich treat, and we are glad to hear from some expressions that fell from Mr.Stoughton, that there is a probability of his continuing the subject to the present day. Certainly the applause with which he was frequently greeted on Wednesday should encourage him to proceed in that gratifying task. [We have just received the gratifying information that John Deacon, Esq., of the firm of Neville Reid and Co., has liberally made a donation to the society of �25.]
Fatal Accident
On Tuesday last an inquest was held at a beer-house in Brocas Lane, Eton, on the body of a boy named Edward Walby, aged about 15 years, apprentice to Mr.Short, shoemaker, of Brook-street, Windsor, before J.Charsley, Esq., coroner for the county of Bucks. It appeared from the evidence that on Sunday afternoon the deceased, with three other boys, named George Neale, William Wheeler, and a drummer, went on the river in a boat they had hired, and they had got but a little way when he (deceased) remarked to his companions "I wonder if I can swim;" he then began rocking the boat, and while doing so he fell into the river. His companions immediately backed the boat to endeavour to save him, but were unable to do so, and after coming twice to the surface he sank and was drowned. He was heard to say "Oh" each time he rose, and they threw out one of the sculls for him to lay hold of, but he could not do so. Finding all their efforts hopeless, the other boys then rowed ashore and gave the alarm, when some persons went off to recover the body, but it had been three quarters of an hour in the water before it was found, and then not many yards from where the unfortunate boy fell in . Of course after that lapse of time all hope of resuscitation was gone. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, with a deodand of one shilling on the boat."
An Unruly Sheep
Yesterday afternoon, as a drove of sheep was passing the corner of High-street from Sheet-street, one of them broke from the flock, and, in endeavouring to escape from the dog sent after him, ran into the shop of Messrs.Berridge, ironmongers. The dog continued to chase in the shop, and frightened the sheep so that he jumped through the inner glass-frame into the window, making sad havoc therein before he forced his way into the street again through a double glass-frame. The large plate-glass squares fortunately escaped being broken, although the sheep attempted to force his way through them first. The damage done altogether is supposed to be about 30s, and for this amount Messr.Berridge impounded one of the flock, as the drover refused to defray the expense of the damage.
Eton College
Last evening the examinations at Eton College for the Newcastle Scholarship terminated, when the Scholarship was awarded to Mr.J.M.Rice, K.S., pupil of the Rev.J.C.Abraham, and the medal to Mr.Joynes, ma., K.S., pupil of the Rev.E.Coleridge. There were 40 candidates for these excellent prizes, which number was reduced to nine, from which the above two were selected. The pupils next in merit were Scott, ma., James, K.S., and Simpson, ma. The examiners were E.J.Creasy, Esq., Fellow of King's College Cambridge, and the Rev.W.Adams, Fellow of Merton College, Oxford. The successful candidate is the son of Mr.Rice, M.P for Dover, and the medallist is the son of the Rev.Dr.Joynes, Rector of Gravesend.
Fowl Stealing
During the night of Saturday , or early on the morning of Sunday last, some person or persons forcibly entered the out-premises of Sir Felix Booth, Bart., of Fern hill, and stole twelve hens, a cock, and two pullets of the white Poland breed; besides a coachman's great coat and a sack. A liberal reward has been offered for the apprehension and conviction of the thieves.
Cutting Trees
In consequence of very great depredations having been recently committed by persons cutting and lopping trees on the property lately occupied by Mrs.Cavandish Bradshaw, at Winkfield Row, and the depredators having escaped punishment hitherto, a reward has been offered for their apprehension and conviction, with a view of deterring them from similar practices in future.
Signor Duvalla has announced a great-fete to take place on Monday night in the Acre; at which time he intends astonishing the public by ascending 400 feet on the inclined plane of a tightened rope.
Windsor Police - Monday
[Before John Clode, Esq. (Mayor), Sir John Chapman, and Robert Blunt, Esq.]
An application was made by Mr.W.C.Long, the clerk of the Windsor Union, for an order of affiliation upon James Huntley, for the support of a child belonging to him and Mary Anne Hughes, which child was born on the 25th of February, and had become chargeable to the parish of New Windsor.
Mr.Bailey, the relieving officer of the Union, proved that the child had become chargeable, and the necessary proof required by the Act of Parliament having been given that Huntley was the father, the bench made the required order, fixing the amount he was to pay at 2s per week.
Eton Police - Wednesday
[Before the Rev.Thomas Carter, C.Clowes, Esq., and the Rev.W.G.Cookesley.]
Charles Baker was charged with trespassing on the lands of Benjamin Way, Esq., of Denham, in the pursuit of rabbits. He was convicted, and fined 10s and 18s costs. Upon application for time to pay the money, he was allowed 14 days, and if not then paid to be imprisoned.
Robert Dawson again underwent an examination on a charge of grossly maltreating Margaret Creck, a foreign female, at the Rein Deer Inn, Slough, on the night of the 5th inst. Some additional evidence was given, but as another person, named William Bromsden, against whom a warrant had been issued, but who had absconded, was stated to be implicated, the magistrates farther adjourned the case to give time for his being apprehended.
William Stannitt was summoned for having committed sundry damage to the glasses, chairs and tables of William Sharpe, landlord of the Dog and Pot public-house, at Stoke.
The damage was committed so far back as last February, and at the next bench day the parties appeared before the magistrates, when Mr.Sharpe stated that he had no desire to punish the defendant if he would but promise to pay for the injury he had done; this the defendant undertook to do, and the bench allowed them to settle the matter amicably. However, the defendant had neglected to fulfil his promise, and the complainant had felt it necessary to procure a summons against him.
The complainant now applied for an adjournment of the case on the ground that his principal witness had been suddenly taken ill.
The magistrates acceded to that request, and the hearing was accordingly postponed.
George Loader, a dealer in marine stores, at Slough, appeared to an information charging him with neglecting to keep a book to enter his purchases, by which he had incurred a penalty not exceeding �20 nor less than �10.
The act of parliament relating to marine store dealers makes it incumbent for all persons engaged in that trade to enter in a book all goods they purchase and from whom they purchase. In the present instance the defendant had neglected to comply with the provisions of the act, and the case being proved, he was fined by the bench in the lowest amount, namely �10, and 17s 3d costs, which he paid.
Thomas Tranler was charged by his master, Mr.George Botham, farmer, of Stoke, with stealing a bundle of wood.
It appeared that Mr.Botham had continually been robbed of potatoes, wood, and other property, without his being able to fix upon the thief, and at last the prisoner was strongly suspected of stealing a bundle of wood. The evidence, however, being very slight, and the property of very trifling value, the magistrates were disinclined to send the prisoner to gaol for the offence. Mr.Botham, who was unwilling to do more than inflict a slight punishment for this offence, in the hope that it would be sufficient to prevent a repetition of the numerous robberies upon him, then preferred a charge against him of stealing two sacks and a saw, his property, and which had been found in the prisoner's house. Upon this charge the evidence was clear, and the prisoner was fully committed for trial.
Thomas Osborn, Edward Birch, and Francis Saunders were charged with being found playing at pitch and toss during divine service, on Sunday, the 17th inst., at Iver. The prisoners were reprimanded and discharged.
Egham, Saturday, April 30
Egham Races
At a public meeting held at the King's Head Inn, Egham, on the 18th instant, C.J.Clarke, Esq., in the chair, it was recorded that a committee consisting of the following names be appointed, five to be a quorum:- Messrs. Hibburd, Harris, Dore, Overton, Clarke, Bayle[?], Gardener, Moulden[?], and Eyre; and the committee shall first call on the gentlemen and tradesmen for their subscriptions, and that they shall also wait upon the stewards to use their interest with their friends in aid of the fund. The subscriptions collected by the committee, appointed at the late meeting, on the first day of its labours far exceeded the most sanguine expectations.
Attempted Suicide
A respectable woman of the name of Ladeland[?] attempted suicide on Monday morning by hanging herself in a shed near her house. It appears she got her husband's breakfast ready, and then went out to feed the pigs, and not returning so soon as was expected, a lad went to ascertain the cause, and found her suspended in the shed. On his giving the alarm assistance immediately came, and the poor woman was cut down; medical aid was promptly sent for, but there is very little chance of her recovery.
Uxbridge, Saturday April 30
On Tuesday the thirty second anniversary of the Uxbridge Auxilary Bible Society was held in the Public Rooms, Uxbridge; Sir W.S.Wiseman, Bart., President, in the chair. The annual report was read by the Rev.C.P.Price, M.A., Vicar of Uxbridge, from which it appears that a greater number of bibles was put in circulation during the past year, than in any preceding year since the formation of the auxilary, which was one of the earliest in connection with that noble and truly catholic institution, the British and Foreign Bible Society. A deputation from the Parent Society, consisting of the Rev.W.Aeworth[?]. M.A., Rector of Rothley, Leicestershire, and Mr.T.J.Bourne, one of its agents, attended, and advocated the cause of the society with much eloquence and effect. The meeting was also addressed by other speakers, both clergymen and dissenters, and a liberal collection was made at the doors.
Chobham, Saturday, April 30.
Chobham Waste
At a Vestry held on Friday last, pursuant to notice, to consider a list of the most necessitous poor requiring relief, and for adding twenty acres of the Waste to the parish farm, it was unanimously resolved , that widows, helpless and aged persons, together with the sick and unemployed, to the number of upwards of forty, should be relieved from the payment of the poor-rate now in the course of collection. Upon the question as to the propriety of adding twenty acres of the Waste to the parish farm for the employ of the agricultural labourers, the subject was renewed as to the salary received by the Clerk of the Union of �120 (it being stated the Clerk of the Windsor Union received considerably less) - the uselessness of the Registry Room at Chertsey - and many other items in the Quarterly Abstract, more especially the charge of �40 expended for "bones to grind;" besides, no return appeared to rise from the latter source, nor from the ridiculous system adopted in compelling the agricultural labourers to go ten miles every day to carry pieces of fir poles. It also appeared that the parish was indebted to the Union �71 13s 2 1/2d, a sum nearly four times the amount of the corresponding quarter of the last - whereas there was a balance due from the Union to the other eight parishes. The Guardian present at the meeting appearing to labour under some difficulties when called upon to explain the items, and as the proceedings of the Vestry, when the first enclosure was made, was not satisfactory, the Vestry was adjourned for a week, when all the original papers and documents connected therewith are to be laid before the meeting.
Reading Election Committee
The committee met yesterday morning for the despatch of business. J.W.Hogg, Esq., chairman.
Mr.Cockburn and Mr.C.Phillips appeared as counsel for the petitioners, and Mr. Sergeant Merewether, Mr.Austep, and Mr.Talbot, for the sitting member.
Mr.Cockburn, in opening the case of the petitioners, said that they complained that the return of the sitting members was obtained by bribery, treating, and other corrupt practices. The petition only sought to void the return. There was no claim for seats, and the committee, therefore, would not be troubled with a scrutiny. There were four candidates at this election, namely, Mr.Russell, Viscount Chelsea, Mr.Mills, and Mr.Tooke. At the final close of the poll the numbers for the candidates stood as follow :- Mr.Russell, 576; Viscount Chelsea, 564; Mr.Mills, 410; and Mr.Tooke, 397. From these it would appear that there was a great disproportion between the numbers polled for the respective candidates. This disproportion petitioners ascribed to the corrupt practices of which the petition complained. Up to the period of the election , the agents for the unsuccessful candidates has prosecuted their canvas under the most auspicious circumstances, and with every hope of success. But it appeared, that even before the election, a system of treating had been carried on to an extent unparalleled in the modern history of corruption, to which was added bribery of a very wholesale description.
The learned counsel having stated in detail the facts which he intended to prove, proceeded to call witnesses.
Mr.Thos.Rickford was sworn. He was mayor of Reading at the last election, and acted as returning officer. He gave the poll books to the town clerk.
Mr.Timber, deputy town clerk of Reading, deposed that the town clerk was in Italy, and that the poll books were in the custody of a clerk in the town clerk's office, named Walker, who had not been summoned. Witness had, however, sent for him. He was not present; but witness expected him.
Mr.Jackson, Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, produced the writ and return.
Mr.Cockburn said, that was all it was necessary for him to prove. The poll books were not wanted, except in cases of scrutiny.
Mr.Sergeant Merewether said, that putting in the writ and return only went to prove that there had been a return. It did not go far enough. It was necessary to prove, by the production of the poll, that the petitioner was, as he alleged in the petition, a candidate at the election. The learned counsel cited several cases from Rogers to show that that was the old doctrine of elections.
Mr.Cockburn proposed to adopt the course in the Waterford case. As there was no negligence, he suggested an adjournment till next day, to give time for the arrival of the clerk.
Mr.Sergeant Merewether objected.
Mr.Cockburn - Then all I have to do is to speak till four o'clock [laughter].
After some further discussion, it was agreed by both parties that an adjournment should take place.
The committee accordingly adjourned at one o'clock till 11 this day.