The Foxearth and District Local History Society
1851-1853 Bury and Norwich Post newspaper archive

February 26th 1851

A fatal accident happened to Mr Aggis who is church clerk at Pentlow. He had come to Sudbury railway station with his horse and cart as is supposed for coals. On alighting the took he bridle from the horse's head and shortly afterwards in attempting to put it on again the horse was frightened by the noise of the incoming train, it turned round and running against him it inflicted severe injuries. He was taken home and died the next day.

March 12th 1851

At about 8 in the evening on Monday last a fire broke out in a barn belonging to Mr Dennis of Chilton Street, Clare. The fire was situated between the farmhouse and a row of thatched cottages and the latter repeatedly took fire but owing to the stillness of the evening and the exertions of the labourers by judicious use of water.
After some delay the Clare fire engine arrived and the flames were confined to the barn which contained straw. It is generally considered to be the work of an incendiary. Mr Dennis employs 16 men and 8 boys on 200 acres.

March 26th 1851

A lad named George Honeywood from Foxearth was climbing a fence with a loaded gun in his hand when it went off, the contents completely shattered his hand and he was taken to the surgery of Messrs Jones where his hand was amputated.

April 2nd 1851

Lucy Barber aged 19 a servant from Clare was sent to prison for three months for stealing © a bottle of brandy and 4s 4d the property of Sarah Ambrose a Clare widow.

April 9th 1951

Robert Fenn aged 19 and William Theobald 21 of Glemsford were charged with setting fire to a straw stack at Glemsford belonging to James Howard on the road leading from Glemsford to Hartest. Guilty.
April 16th 1851 At Melford Petty Sessions, Jeramiah Newman, George Wells and William Newman, labourers of Cavendish were charged with stealing on the night of 3rd-4th, one or two sheep the property of Mr Samuel Yelloly of Cavendish Hall. On information given the police proceede to the houses of the three prisoners and to another man Robert Savage. In the houses of Wells and Savage a considerable amount of mutton was seized and the three men were taken into custody, Savage had absconded. The same day early in the morning a sack was found in the water at Pentlow mill by the miller containing skin and four legs from a sheep. The men were committed for trial and a warrant was issued for detention of Savage.

May 28th 1851

White Hart Inn, Stanstead, for sale. Now in occupation of William Griggs at a rent of £ 38 per annum, large parlour, small bar, tap room, six sleeping rooms, large cellar, brew house, stables, 3/4 acre garden, fine water. There is no beerhouse in the village.

June 4th 1851

The Bevingdon House and Eyston Lodge estates for sale.
In the parishes of Otten Belchamp and Foxearth. Near capital market towns of Sudbury and Clare. 257 acres. Messrs Cook have been favoured with directions from the trustees of the late Thomas Parmenter.
Bevingdon House comprising excellent family residence and suitable agricultural buildings and 150 acres of land divided into convenient enclosures - Eyston Lodge estate consisting of 106 acres of excellent arable and pasture land.

June 18th 1851

A daring robbery took place at Great Henny on Monday by three young men from Sudbury. The robbery had been planned by the parties while in Bury gaol on another conviction. An accomplice gave information of their intent to rob Mr Cook, in consequence three policemen and a labourer watched the house for three weeks. On Monday night about midnight the thieves affected an entrance by a back window and were immediately attacked by the police who captured one of them by the name of Dawson, another villian who's name was Poole, a desperate ruffian, was seized by the labourer named Flower who called Mr Cook to bring a light and at the same time Mr Cook pointed his gun at Poole who seized the barrel and ina scuffle the gun went off, the contents lodging in both arms of Flower and in one arm of Poole who found himself at liberty knocked down Mr Cook and then was joined by Dawson. Two policemen on duty outside on hearing the shots went to assist their comrades leaving the way clear for them to escape. Messrs Murray and Lynch, surgeons of Sudbury were immediately sent for and amputated one arm from Flower immediately and it is feared the other will also be amputated. Information was forwarded to Cross ths Sudbury gaoler who in a short while apprehended Poole and Dawson who were in bed together at the house of a man named Shelley living on the " Mount" North Street, Sudbury, he also captured Pryke in the " Folly House" and lodged them in the gaol. On Wednesday they were taken to Castle Hedingham but Poole died on Monday afternoon at the police station from the effects of his wounds.

July 20th 1851

The Great Henny burglary-James Dawson aged 23 years and Stephen Pryke aged 15 years pleaded guilty. The prosecutor was a farmer named Cook who farmed in Great Henny and Alphamstone. Pryke guilty of burglary and to be transported for ten years and Dawson had the judgement of death recorded against him.
Note:- In the 1851 census for Great Henny, Edmund Cook was a 46 year old farming 340 acres at The Grove, Great Henny and employing 14 men and 6 boys.(G.H.).

June 18th 1851

At Melford fair on Thursday there was a good display of farm horses, milch cows and fat bullocks but few of them change hands.
A professional female pickpocket succeeded in easing several persons of their purses but she was caught and committed to Bury gaol. Ward and Silver had a display of agricultural machinery which included a threshing machine of 3 to 4 h.p. fitted to thresh barley without injuring the grain, a scotch cart with harvest shelving, scarifier, rollers, corn ricks, chaff cutter, pressing machine, horse rake, Melford plough. All by this enterprising Melford iron founder.

July 5th 1851

Bevingdon House Estate consists of 150 acres and a excellent farm residence with a spacious entrance hall, drawing room 18ft square, dining room 20ft by 18ft, each with a bow window, breakfast room, five bedrooms, three attics with surrounding flower and kitchen gardens. Agricultural buildings comprising wheat barn, barley barn, cart lodge, two stables, piggeries. Double cottage. The house is of superior description well adapted for a gentleman of moderate competency and presents a superior and imposing front to the Sudbury-Clare road.
Eyston Lodge is in Foxearth and consists of a farm house, double barn, stables and other buildings. 104 acres. The properties are under lease to William Charles Parmenter which epires in 1854 at a rent of £ 337 per annum.

July 30th 1851

An inquest was held at the King's Head, Ballingdon on the of 76 year old Sarah Golding a herb gatherer. Natural causes.

July 30th 1851

A 52 acre farm at Gestingthorpe has been purchased by Sudbury Building Society for £ 1800
 It is to be divided up into small parcels.

July 30th 1851

Mr Smith a Clare magistrate was charged with conspiring to procure the murder of his mother. He was aquitted, the judge saying in charging the jury that he had never heard or knew of a charge suppoted by witnesses of so bad a character.

August 6th 1851

Elijah Sparrow of Great Cornard was charged with shooting at Walter Bareham of Gt Cornard. The boy and several others had just been expelled from Mr Eady's garden when the prisoneer made his appearance and pointed his gun at the boy and shot him in the hand. Mr Eady had just been married and it was the custom for the boys to salute him with a kettle and horns " rough music". The prisoner said they were making a great noise. 1 month prison.

August 13th 1851

Pentloe Hall on the banks of the river Stour near Sudbury to be let partly furnished.

August 20th 1851

Valuable Essex estate situated in Henny and Middleton and known as Sheepcote.132 acres.

October 8th 1851

Sudbury-On Monday night last there was a brilliant display of the northern lights but being late very few saw it but one of the fire brigade happened to be awake and naturally thought it was fire and gave the alarm, post haste they were away and they galloped to the supposed fire, during the journey one of the party who's olefactory nerves appeared more acute than the others declared he could smell the fire but after travelling nearly to Lavenham the fire appeared to be as far off as ever and they returned home.

October 8th 1851

On Tuesday, Brundon Cricket Club played a game amongst themselves on the ground kindly lent them by Mr W.Baker of Brundon Hall.
Some good cricket was played and afterwards they adjourned to the Christopher Inn in Sudbury and spent a pleasant evening.

October 8th 1851

On Monday the 29th Melford Cricket Club met to play their final game of the season and afterwards they partook of an excellent repast at Melford Bull.

October 15th 1851

Sudbury Agricultural Association held their 4th meeting in the corn exchange. Rearing children without parish relief- James Smith who works for Richard Aldham of Foxearth Hall. £ 1 15s.

October 29th 1851

David Shepherd was found guilty of breaking into the house of Samuel Jarvis at Cavendish and stealing various monies. 7 years transportation.

October 29th 1851

On Monday morning early a fire broke out on the premises of Mr Pratt at Otten Belchamp. All the buildings except the farm house were destroyed. 2 barns were destroyed, one filled with barley the other wheat, 3 stables, a shed full of timber, cowhouse, fowl house, piggeries, a colt a calf and poultry were destroyed. It is situated beside the road. The wind lay in the right direction so saving the farm house but owing to dense fog at the time few people not more than 20 were present at the fire which started in a straw rick. The Sudbury fire engine reached the spot at about 9 a.m. but too late, damage was estimated ar 700L. On Saturday Superintendent Hoy apprehended George Ives a 19 year old on suspicion of arson.

December 17th 1851

On Thursday last at 5 pm P.C.33 and P.C.51 were on duty at Middleton when they met three suspicious characters who they stopped and searched. They were Abraham Rice of Ballingdon and William Piper(brother of Piper who was stabbed at Bulmer three years ago)also of Ballingdon. About half a bushel of barley was concealed in Rice's pocket also in a stone bottle and in his sleeves, on William Piper was found half a peck of barley which he carried in a beer can. Piper and Rice had been at work in a barn at Middleton Hall, an off hand farm held by Mr Samuel Viall of Foxearth, nothing was found on the third party. Rice had served 6 months hard labour in 1847 for a similar offence. On searching Rice's house two bushels of barley were found being steeped in a tub and a fat pig which was fed on barley. On Piper's premises a pig was also found.

December 24th 1851

George King, the church warden and overseer of Ovington was charged with injuring a book containing th proceedings of the vestry of Ovington. It appears that that a person was desirious of getting a licence for the sale of beer and defendant against the wishes of the parishioners raised the ratal of his house to enable him to apply for a licence. The beer house was opened but two leaves of the parish book which containes objections were torn out. Mr Thomas Chickall the complainant said they did not wish a heavy penalty. Fined 40s with costs.

January 7th 1852

Captain Bence of Kentwell Hall has unsolicited made a deduction of 15 per cent to his tenantry. Sir Hyde Parker of Melford Hall has made a 10 per cent abatement.

January 7th 1852

George Chatters a Glemsford labourer was fined 5s for selling beer and allowing it to be drunk on his premises.
John Fenn also fined £ 1 8s for similar offence at Glemsford.

January 14th 1852

An accident has happened to Mr Samuel Raymond son of Mr Samuel Miles Raymond of Belchamp Hall, Belchamp Walter. Mr Raymond was going shooting and as he was taking his gun out of the gig it went off, the charge lodging in his shoulder. Medical assistance arrived and it was found necessary to amputate but the sufferer died a short time afterwards. He was 39 years of age. It is a remarkable fact that for four or five generations the eldest son has not lived to inherit the estate and the deceased with what is now regarded almost as a presentiment of his early death selected a spot in the churchyard and planted a shrub on the spot to make his future grave. This request has been observed and his remains were not interred in the family vault.

February 4th 1852

An incident happened at Sudbury railway station on Friday afternoon between one and two, a stiff breeze was blowing, so strong that two trucks and a carriage were set in motion and driven on the metals one or two miles towards Bures. It was feared a collision might occur and the red flag was hoisted but the trucks were attached to the incoming train and taken back to the station.

March 10th 1852

In the little village of Acton a legend was current not many years ago that on certain occasions the park gates would fly open at midnight without hands and a carriage drawn by four spectral horses accompanied by a headless groom and outrider and would proceed with great rapidity towards a place called" nursery corner", the corner tradition says this is the spot where a bloody engagement took place when the Romans were Governors of England. Nearby there is a haunted pool called Wimbrell Pond in which tradition says an iron chest of money is concealed, any person who throws a stone into the water will hear it ring and a small person in white will call out in distress" thats mine".
I send you these legends as I heard them from the lips of my nurse, a native of this village

March 17th 1852

Tenders required for the erection of new farm buildings at Mr Pratt's farm at Otten Belchamp. The lowest tender will be accepted.

July 14th 1852

On Sunday during the time of divine service three cottages the property of Mr J.G.Weller Poley of Boxted were burnt down, it is supposed by a child who with its mother were the only people in the house and having thrown a lucifer into some rubbish near the house. The villagers being nearly all at church or chapel, scarcely anyone reached the spot in time.

July 21st 1852

Cavendish. Cricket, this truly national and manly game has through thew zeal displayed Mr Castley and other local gentlemen has been revived in Cavendish and from the patronage which the Cavendish Cricket Club has received since its opening, in addition there is being a good ground on which to play. It bids fair to rival some of its provincial compeers and sooner or later an older rival will throw down the gauntlet (with every apology for any apparent presumption on the part of the Cricket Club) it will cheerfully be taken up who whether vanquished or not will hold out the hand of good fellowship, bearing in mind the well known motto, " Palenam qui meruit ferat".

September 3rd 1852

Ropers and Muntfords farms were for sale situated in Pentlow and Foxearth, Essex, 109 acres was offered in 13 lots and 10 lots comprising 59 acres with barn, stables and double tenament was sold by John Savill for 2023L averaging 35L per acre.

September 22nd 1852

The Live and Dead Stock at Lovelands Farm, Belchamp St Pauls. To be sold by the directions of Mr H.H.Baker who's tenancy expires at Michelmas. 8 capital cart horses-bay riding mare-nag mare- brown gelding-3 cows-50 sows and pigs-waggons-tumbrils-ploughs-harrows- rollers-drills etc.
Also at Mary Hall Belchamp Walter by direction of Mr J.S.Stubbing-8 capital cart horses-chestnut filly-5 fat Welch runts-40 ewes-12 shoats- road waggon-3 harvest waggons-6 Downs foot ploughs-thistle plough-rolls- harrows-15 coulter Smythe drill-pony chaise-2 dressing machines-smut blower-brewing and dairy utensils-beer casks etc.

December 15th 1852

The annual gift was given to six old men of Glemsford arising from a field called " old man" s field" on Friday evening last amounting to £ 2 and upwards. Unfortunately one of the poor men died on the following evening.

January 5th 1853

A walnut tree which has so long adorned the grounds of Cavendish Rectory, it was noted alike for it's beauty and gigantic proportions was laid prostrate by the hurricane which raged on Monday last.

March 23rd 1853

William Marsh and Samuel Stow were charged with assaulting John Firman at Sudbury and stealing from his person four 5L notes, 8L in gold and a cheque worth 20 shillings. Mr Firman who is a farmer of Goldingham Hall, Bulmer, said he was riding home from Sudbury market at about 11 pm when on passing Brundon Lane he was pulled from his pony by two men and and the money was taken from his purse, they then disappeared. He returned to Sudbury and gave information. Both men were sentenced to 15 years transportation.

April 13th 1853

The Rev Andrews, the curate of Bulmer has been presented with the rectory of Chilton near Sudbury. A desire was expressed by the poorer members of his parish to present him with a token of their esteem, a subscription was raised and a handsome silver teapot and cream ewer was presented to the Rev gentleman at the school room. Mr Andrews was much affected by this mark of affection.
April 27th 1853. The valuable property of the late Major General Addisson of Chilton Lodge was sold by auction on Tuesday, after spirited bidding the Lodge rose to 2325L when it was knocked down to Mr Blunden, it was we understand for the mother of the Rev Foster of Foxearth.

April 27th 1853

Two men named Bean and Brewster of Glemsford were summoned to appear at Melford petty sessions on Friday last for assaulting Mr J.C.Moore and others. The prisoners did not attend and the bench committed Bean to 4 months imprisonment and Brewster to two months. The same evening the prisoners were apprehended in the Crown Inn, Glemsford, the police officer left the tap room to seek a conveyance to Bury Gaol when Bean made his escape out of the window, on his return the officer found one gone and anxious to see him again he left Brewster in the tap room who in the space of a few seconds made his way out of the back door. Bean who was furnished with a pair of steel handcuffs waited until next morning in a neighbouring village and begged the postman to convey the steel cuffs which were broken in several places to the policeman and to thank him for the use of them as he had no futher use of them. Both prisoners then started in the direction of Sudbury.

May 25th 1853

At the cattle fair at Melford on Thursday last there was a larger supply of neat stock and sold at high prices. Ward and Silver exhibited a 6 h.p.portable steam engine with a thrasher, a lot of people examined the machine.

August 17th 1853

Cricket-Clare v Ridgewell. Clare J.Chaplin 2-1.
Hammond 7-1. Clinton 2-1. Page 17. T.Castley 6. Taylor 4-4. Brown 0-4.
Stevens 10. Morley 6-1. Deeks 4. French 0. Byes 8-4. Total 66-15.
Ridgewell-Chaplin 4-8. Punchard 12-13. Durrant 0-1. Thinbone 0-19. Baker 2-4. Giblin 0-1. Coe 4-1. Goodchild 3-5. Sharp 0-0. G.Goodchild 3-5.
Total 22-51.

August 31st 1853

Cricket. This game was decided on the favour of Gosfield on the first innings. Unfortunately for the Cavendishians in the early part of the game Isted received a terrific cut under his eye which completely disabled him from the rest of the game. Cavendish 28- 74. Gosfield 87.

September 7th 1853

To be sold by auction on 30th of September 1853 the live and dead stock of Houghton Hall, Cavendish. Mr Henry Newson has been favoured with instructions from Capt.Heigham of Houghton Hall, Cavendish to sell by auction the following as he has let the farm. Mr Henry Newson will sell the excellent agricultural implements for 700 acres on Houghton Hall Farm.- 27 capital Suffolk cart mares and geldings-5 working bullocks-12 cows and heifers-80 half bred Leicester lambs-5 Leicester tups-4 home bred bullocks-3 cows with a handsome Shorthorn bull-133 swine-double and single breasted road waggons-harvest waggons- tumbrils-ploughs-harrows-rolls-iron draining plough-4 h.p threshing machine-horse powered chaff engine-corn and manure drills-turnip drill- Bentalls broad share plough-horse rake-Biddels scarifier-cake and bean crusher-harness-4 hackney and gig harness-set of double harness etc.

September 21st 1853

To be sold by auction the live and dead stock upon Kiln Farm and Cottage Farm, Melford, the property of Mr Amos Barber who is retiring. 14 full size mares and geldings-1 powerful mare for saddle or harness-8 cows with 3 calves at side-21 shorthorn steers-20 stores-71 swine-road waggons-3 harvest waggons-6 tumbrils-turnip plough-18 coulter press drill-Ward and Silver lever horse rake-7 ploughs-2 chaff cutters- butter and milk keelers-2 cheese tables etc. The sale will be held at Cottage Farm adjoining Kentwell Park.

November 2nd 1853

On Sunday last between 8 and 9 a fire was discovered on the premises of Mr William Orbell at Pentlow but owing to the praiseworthy exertions of the inhabitants of Pentlow and Cavendish the fire was confined a stack. It was no doubt the work of an incendiary.

December 14th 1853

In reference to statements in some Suffolk papers impunging the conduct of labourers at the fire on Mr William Orbell's premises at Pentlow we are informed in authcaity that great efforts were made to save the property by the labourers of Pentlow and other villages. We may also add that the saving of 2 wheat stacks was attributed to the excellent engine belonging to Cavendish, Pentlow and Foxearth, this is an efficient brigade conducted by The Rev.Bull.

December 21st 1853

A labouring man by the name of Bean employed by Mr Cady at St.Bartholomew's farm at Sudbury suddenly fell from a waggon and pitched on his head and was killed on the spot.

December 21st 1853

The church wardens of Melford, Mr Thomas Blunden and Mr Daniel Mills are determined to present to the deserving poor of Melford a 50 stone bullock on Friday next as there was never such a time when the humbler classes were in greater need than the present both from the inclemency of the weather and dullness of prospects. It is hoped that their liberality will induce other wealthy inhabitants to follow their example.

December 28th 1853

The butchers of Sudbury have exhibited some excellent specimens of Christmas beef but the shop of Mr Brock of North Street Sudbury was the focus of great attention. The entire front of the shop measuring 83 feet by 20 feet was covered with hares, pheasants, partridges, turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens, all attractively arranged with holly, mistletoe and greenery in the midst of which was a portrait of the proprietor who is just taking his pipe out of his mouth and wishing everyone a Happy Christmas.