THE BECCLES MONTHLY ADVERTISER
The news items were recorded from the Newspapers by David Lindley, but a lot of information was added from notes by
EA Goowyn
BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1857

MAYORS: 1855-1857; George Fenn; 1857-1858 Samuel Steel
The repeal of.the stamp duty on newspapers and advertisements has caused an increasing demand for
periodical publications and cheap literature; and almost every town of any size now possesses its own

1857
Beccles Wkly Adv 2 Feb 

Record of passing events. The publisher of the serial now ,offered to the notice of the neighbourhood,
is impressed with the desire that Beccles, containing upwards of 4,000 inhabitants, and surrounded by
populous villages, may be placed on an equal footing with other localities.

 

The  railways,  by  facilitating  the  means  of  communicating  with  larger  towns,  have  increased  the
competition  in trade,  and rendered it  necessary  for  all who  are  engaged  in  commercial pursuits to
exert every energy in extending their business transactions, and reducing their rate of charges to the

lowest scale commensurate with reasonable profit.
‘The publisher anticipates that the establishing of this Journal will furnish an efficient aid in securing  
these results, and supply a desideratum long felt to exist.

 
 
 
 

It  will  be  his  aim  to  give  a  faithful  chronicle  of  passing  events,  at  home  and  abroad,  carefully
endeavouring to exclude everything  of  a personal, party, or sectarian nature.  Due attention will  be

paid to the lighter literature, by reviews of new publications, and the introduction of tales, anecdotes,
original  poetry,   and  instructive   or   and   entertaining   articles—all  of  a  strictly  moral  tendency,

interspersed with pictorial embellishments.
It only remains to invite the kind co-operation of  the public, by a liberal and continuous system of  

 

advertising, and by securing a wide spread circulation for a periodical which, it is presumed, will be a
welcome visitor to every home.
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

1857
1857

William Goodison, Ballygate, takes over the Duke

Inn
Professor  of  French

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Monsieur  Pringee,  Ballygate,
at  Fauconberge  School;
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

attends private families or schools
ADVERTISEMENT:
greatest dispatch
ADVERTISEMENT:

Frederick  Mills,  Tailor  &  Wool  Drapery: mourning  orders  executed  with
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
John  Kindred,  Brewer,  Wine  merchant:  London  &  Dublin  porter  &  stout
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

(Charles Farrow, Diss)
ADVERTISEMENT:

Thomas Claxton, Bridge Street, Tailor & Draper: good assortment of Men &
Boys' black & fancy cloth caps
ADVERTISEMENT:

1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
1857
John  Aldred,  Bridge  Street,  Grocer  &  Draper,  china,  glass,  earthenware  at
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

warehouse near the Bridge
ADVERTISEMENT:

1857
1857

Thomas Laws, Nursery & garden produce, forest & plantation trees
Robert Claxton,

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

Hungate, Boot & Shoe maker, Ladies & Gents boots & shoes
William  Harper,  Hungate,  Implement  Manufacturer,  chaff  cutters,  horse-

ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

power machinery, oil  crushers, ploughs
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

James Dunscombe, Hungate, Inn, Cross Keys, taken over Inn

1857
1857

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
RS  Leftley, Hungate, Grocer, Draper,  cheesemonger  & provision merchant
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

(late Chenery)
ADVERTISEMENT:

Joseph Norman, Hungate, Carpenter & Builder, mahogany, birch, cedar, beech
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

& deal boards, planks. Coffins
ADVERTISEMENT:
let on hire
ADVERTISEMENT:
vintage poor, quarter of usual
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

Charles Horsley, Hungate, Coach Builders, (late Gilbert) Horses & Carriages
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Robert  Ward,  Blyburgate, Wine  &  Spirits, fine  wines  in  stock.  This  year's
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Hungate Lane, has taken over the Horse & Groom Inn

1857
1857

Henry Youell,
George Fenn, Ingate, Brick Kiln, bricks, tiles, pipes

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Charles Haddingham, London Road, Miller, corn, seed merchant, Tower Mill;
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
fresh pollard £6 per ton; coals at the Wharf

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Charles Barkway, Dolphin Inn, New Market, has conducted inn for 11 years.
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
Good accommodation
ADVERTISEMENT:
cigars

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Grocer, tea  dealer  &  cheesemonger;  low  price
1857
R  Block,  [3]
New  Market,
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

New Market, Grocer
New Market, Baking Powder manufacturer, packets 1d, 2d, 4d,

1857
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

RA Burstal, [25]
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

JB Corbyn, [5]
6d, 1s, wholesale & retail
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:  Mrs  Corbyn,   [5]   New   Market,  Piano   &   Singing,  instruction   in   the
accomplishments; terms on application
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
New Market, Chemist & Druggist, prescriptions prepared

1857
1857

JB Corbyn, [5]
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Read Crisp, [15] New Market , Printer, Bookseller, stationery & bookbinding;
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

bibles, Church services
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

Isaac Green, Rook’s Lane, Boot & Shoe maker
Henry Haken,

1857
1857

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

New Market, Saddler, Harness maker, whips, bits & spurs
Mr Neep, Dentist at King's Head, every  description  of  artificial teeth; single

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
tooth from 10s

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Drapery Sale: millinery, mantles, shawls, furs, fancy
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
goods, french merinos
ADVERTISEMENT:

Alfred Pigg, Sheepgate,
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
William Whitehead, Northgate, Stone & Marble works, monuments, tombs,
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

grave stones; chimney pieces, table tops
ADVERTISEMENT:

Thornton  &  Co, Northgate, Beccles  Brewery,  corn  merchants,  dealers  in
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

British & foreign spirits
ADVERTISEMENT:

CF Parker, Old Market, Grocery & Drapery, Ladies' Cashmere boots 6s; Men's
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

Wellington's £1
ADVERTISEMENT:
jeweller
ADVERTISEMENT:

Joseph  Harmer,  Old  Market, Watch  &  Clockmaker, silversmith  &  working
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
George Fenn, Pudingmoor, Lime Kiln
1857
(late Chenery) new lime, coals, slates,
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

tiles, laths, cements
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

Sheepgate, Tailor, winter overcoats: Men's from 8s 6d to 17s 6d

1857
1857

J Mayhew,
D  Soanes,  Sheepgate, Boot &  Shoe maker, Wellington, Dress &  Waterproof

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

boots
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

J Carr, & Son, The Walk, Boot & Shoe maker, successors to PC Benns
James Crisp, Auctioneer, Estate Agent, accountant

1857
1857

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
suicide. He was
1857

SUICIDE: Edward Mannell, committed
28

clerk to Robert Ward, wine merchant, age
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

1857
1857

WORKING MEN’S INSTITUTION:
POLICE: COUNCIL on recommendation  of Mr Fenn  (Mayor) recommends refusal to  amalgamate

Council pays £20 annual Sub to Institution
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb

Borough with Cunty Police. There would be an Inspector & an Inspector (the present Johnson, Cone
& Pont would be retained)

1857
1857

COUNCIL: £50 voted to the coal Committee fo distribution of “Coals to the Poor.”
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Feb
Samuel Darby, Bridge  Street, Coal & Timber merchant, brick, tile  &  drain
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar

pipes (stock of Mr S Haward)
ADVERTISEMENT:

Hungate, Brazier, Ironmonger, kitchen range for roasting, baking,
1857
JL Kent, [2]
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar

boiling or steaming
ADVERTISEMENT:

1857

S Steel, [11] New Market, Chemist, dispensing, chemicals, drugs, spices, soda
water, perfumery, leeches
ADVERTISEMENT:
newest & most fashionable
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar
George  Syder,  [2]  The  Walk, Cabinet  maker,  upholstery, paper  hangings,
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar
New Market, Servants' Registry Office

1857
1857

Mrs Woodward, [17]
William Vyse, Northgate, Boot & Shoe maker, conducted business for 6 years

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar

ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar
WH  Leavold,  The  Wharf, Coal  &  Slate, Coals,  slate,  salt,  tar,  cement  at
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar

Corporation Wharf
ADVERTISEMENT:
fixed engines
SILK WORKS: Peddar’s  Lane, the
Messrs Woodroffe & Son
LECTURE:

Robert Martin, Iron & Brass Foundry, millright & engineer; agent for steam &
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar
1857
Foundations  have now been  laid  for the  factory; The builders
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar

James Baylis, Pedar’s Lane, Silk Works manager, gave a lecture on Steam Power to the
Working Men's Institution
SHIPPING Company: Restarting repairs at Mutford Lock, they have been prevented by goods traffic.

1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 2 Mar

RAILWAY, Beccles & Lowestoft
FIRE: at James Holmes, near Bridge Street, the
the roof .

1857
1857

Railway
construction started on 3rd of March at Beccles junction.
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
Jolly Tanners Inn a
fire in a stable, which destroyed
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
1857

RAILWAY: The COUNCIL has  Sold a Marsh to the
£658

Beccles &  Lowestoft Railway: 6a 3r 36p for
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
1857

STEAM MILL:
years advocating by G Fenn, now Mayor
FIRE:

The COUNCIL
has  approved  a Marsh
drainage scheme by
Steam power  after  9
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr

1857
1857

in cottage near the Plough in Ravensmere occupied by George Elvin
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr

WATER & GAS Co
ACCIDENT

AGM Mr WE Crowfoot, Chairman
James Ward, junior, of Hungate, while working at Horsley & Son, fell 14ft from paint

Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr

loft; no fractures
FISH PRESERVATION Waveney: Mayor chaired meeting; to stop poaching

1857
1857

Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr

FIRE    at  
breakfast

JB  Corbyn’s,
Baking  Powder  Factory  at  8am  while  the  manager  (C  Crickmer)  was  at
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr

MUSICAL SOCIETY in the Assembly Room, newly formed Amateur Musical Society. Concert on
Easter Monday

1857
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr

1857
1857

DIED:
DIED: Joseph Prime, fishmonger

Sarah Pont, wife of George Pont, police officer aged 48
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr

1857
1857

TO LET: House late Mary Rix, (deceased) in St Marys:Road,   Myrtle Cottage; apply SW Rix
SALE

Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
Joseph Norman’s, (deceased)

building & carpentering business, Hungate,established 80 years
James Crisp, (occupant), Smallgate: drawing, dining, breakfast rooms, 7 bedrooms, coach

Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
1857

TO LET
house, stable

Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
1857
TO LET:  Adjoining Corner of Old Market; 2 parlours, kitchen, 6 bedrooms
Beccles Mthly Adv 1 Apr
NEWSPAPER CHANGE OF NAME
TO BECCLES WEEKLY NEWS
John  &  Edward  Raven,  Hungate, Builders  &  Carpenters, have  taken  over
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
business of Joseph Norman

Beccles Wkly News 21 Apr
FR Newson, [21] New Market, Grocery &  Provisions, have  opened  branch
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
next to Woolnough, cabinet maker

Beccles Wkly News 21 Apr

1857
1857

VESTRY MEETING:  W Cowles , (13 years) & Mr Kerrison (17 years) re-elected Churchwardens
St MICHAEL’S ROOF: Vestry Meeting

Beccles Wkly News 21 Apr

repairing of Church roof to go ahead
VESTRY  MEETING:  Church  rates  to   be   considered   at  rating  meeting   not  Vestry.  Amicable
discussion of Church Rates.  Several Churchmen  supportede Mr A Pigg, Dissenter, on  question  of

Beccles Wkly News 21 Apr
1857
Beccles Wkly News 21 Apr

abolition.
LAW: George Pont, Police

Constable, arrested Robert Howell, dealer, stealing horse provender

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 21 Apr

MUSICAL  SOCIETY:  Assembly  Room  concert:  Alfred  Stanford,  flute,  superior  amateur;  Mrs
Corbyn, Mr Steel

Beccles Wkly News 21 Apr

1857
 

EMIGRATION STATISTICS
1850:  280,000 

Beccles Wkly News 21 Apr

 
 

1851:   335, 000 
1852: 368,000 
1853: 329,000

 
1857

1854:   323,000 
ADVERTISEMENT:

1855:    176,000 
John Ross, Saltgate,

1856:  176,000 
Baker & Confectioner taking over business late Shreeve

Beccles Wkly News 28 Apr

1857
1857

CRICKET: Meeting of Beccles Cricket Club “upon the old Cricket Ground upon the Common.”
TO LET

Beccles Wkly News 28 Apr
Old Market, has room suitable for office or consulting room
John Lee,
Beccles Wkly News 28 Apr

Bird, Confectioner, fancy cakes, biscuits & all kinds of confectionery
Mrs Blaxill, Milliner & Dressmaker, makes Dresses & Bonnets in the newest

1857
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Wkly News 5 May
Beccles Wkly News 5 May

style
ADVERTISEMENT:
terms
ADVERTISEMENT:
bracelets, shawl pins & chains, rings

Mrs Brown, Milliner & Straw Hat maker, fancy & other straw hats; reasonable
1857
Beccles Wkly News 5 May
New  Market, Mourning  Jewellery,  jet  goods,  brooches,
1857
Read  Crisp,  [15]
Beccles Wkly News 5 May

1857
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
ARCHDEACON’S  VISITATION  by
followed by dinner at the King's Head & White Lion
COURT: William

Miss Haken, New Market, Millinery, commenced business
Beccles Wkly News 5 May
Ven  Thomas  Ormerod,  a  
large  number  of  clergy  present,
Beccles Wkly News 5 May
1857

Smith, Ballygate of the Angel  Inn, had 2 bits &  a curb stolen  by Horace Baker,
Westhall.  Sentenced to 2 months

Beccles Wkly News 5 May

CRICKET CLUB at Old Cricket Ground: first meeting of year
SALE
Lot 1: Double Dwelling House, gardens; Occupied by John Baldry & Jas Watling
Lot 2: new double dwelling, with garden, adjoining & north of lot 1

1857
1857
 
 

Beccles Wkly News 5 May
George Bullock, exors, South Road
Beccles Wkly News 5 May

 
 

 
1857

 

Lot 3
COURT: assault

arable land, north of Lot 2 containing 35 rods
by George Goffin on Wm Hunting drinking at Horse & Groom. Dismissed
Beccles Wkly News 12 May
Borrett, jun, cordwainer, assaulted by

1857
1857

COURT: Charles
MARRIAGE: Charles Nursey, stonemason

Henry Pigney of Gillingham; fined 12s
married to Eliz. Sayer of Bungay

Beccles Wkly News 12 May
Beccles Wkly News 12 May

STEAM DRAINAGE: George Fenn, Mayor, steam power drainage on Common. Engine & building
cost £1332
TOWN HALL under repair

1857
Beccles Wkly News 12 May

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 19 May

ADVERTISEMENT:
gallon

Eddy  Smith,    Queen's  Head,  Newgate:  Home  brewed  beer  from  6d  to  1s  a
Beccles Wkly News 26 May
AE Mount, Smallgate, photographer: framed portrait 2s 6d, collodion process;
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
colouring

Beccles Wkly News 26 May

VESTRY MEETING: Church Rates: Rate required £140, but decided against rate being set
SAVED from ACCIDENT: Samuel Newson, grocer, saved ladies in gig from Bungay being pulled

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 26 May
Beccles Wkly News 26 May

by runaway horse
ENTERTAINMENT:  Stephen  Bartram,  Victoria  Gardens: rural  entertainments  on  June  2;  races;
greasy poles
SCHOLAR:  Aldis Wright, BA, son of George Wright, gained Hebrew Scholarship at Cambridge

1857
Beccles Wkly News 26 May

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 2 Jun

SILK FACTORY, Peddar’s Lane, completed; machinery now being installed
SALE: HJ Kerrison, for

Beccles Wkly News 2 Jun

Sale or to Let, House in Rosemary Lane, Northgate
SALE: John Gooderham, Northgate,  Lot 1: new Dwelling, with plate glass shop front; grocery
Lot 2 cottage adjoining occupied by George Block
EDUCATION: Sir John Leman School: 10 new Governors appointed by the Lord Chancellor: Rev

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 2 Jun
Beccles Wkly News 2 Jun

 
1857

 
Beccles Wkly News 9 Jun

TJ  Johnston,  R  Dashwood,  HJ  Kerrison,  JK  Garrod,  RW  Clarke,  WW  Garnham,  EB  Fiske,  John
Crisp junior, WE Crowfoot, W Lenny.

 
 

“The Course  of  Education at this  School  includes  all the  branches  of  a  liberal  English  Education,
while the Classics, Mathematics  & the  higher  departments  of  Literature  are  imparted  at moderate

charges to those boys who are intended for professional or commercial pursuits.”
EDUCATION: Leading Article: “We are not friends to  State  Education.  We  do not consider  it the
province of the State to educate People”.

1857
Beccles Wkly News 9 Jun

COURT: George Goffin, threatened ex employer, William Smith of Angel; swore to kill him. Bound
over

1857
Beccles Wkly News 9 Jun
1857

COURT: George Bailey, of the Falcon Inn: 3 men & woman intoxicated at 10.30 am playing skittles.
Very Noisy

Beccles Wkly News 9 Jun

1857
1857

CHAP FAIR
CHURCH: Johnston, JT Rev, Rector: details given of the needs for Restoration of the St Michael’s
Church

Revived in recent years, held in New Market; holiday makers; some dissipation & folly
Beccles Wkly News 9 Jun
Beccles Wkly News 16 Jun
1857

COURT:  RW  Clarke,  Clerk  of  Guardians  Shipmeadow,  threatened  by  Julius  Tingey  of  Bungay,
fishmonger. £40 surety

Beccles Wkly News 16 Jun

FIRE: Nicholas Baldwin, Ravensmere, Fire in Shaw's Yard, an accident. Small damage to roof
TURNPIKE: Turnpike - Little Yarmouth, meeting

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 16 Jun

to give consideration of new Toll-Gate
SALE: John Norman, Hungate Lane: 5 tenements in occ of Mr Fryer & others £24 - 9s p.a.
TOWN HALL: repair & improvements: outside rubbed & painted, under Appleton, county surveyor
SALE: Newgate: Peremptory  Sale, double cottage  occupied  by Matilda  Spall & Jas  Jessup near

Beccles Wkly News 16 Jun

1857
1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 16 Jun
Beccles Wkly News 16 Jun
Beccles Wkly News 23 Jun

Station Rd
ADVERTISEMENT:

Photographer: large views of Church 2s

1857
1857

AE Mount,
Beccles Wkly News 23 Jun
Vessel the Water Lily, had very large catch of 3 lasts of herrings.

FISHING CATCH: Thornton & Co
Offered £100 for it.

Beccles Wkly News 23 Jun

Postmaster, Librarian, Mason for 47 years; Secretary to the Dispensary
WW Garnham, Millinery

1857
1857
1857

DIED: John Crickmay,
ADVERTISEMENT:
EDUCATION: Sir John Leman School: SS Jones Headmaster

Beccles Wkly News 23 Jun
muslins now 4d 1/2d a yard, mantles now 6s 3d each
Beccles Wkly News 30 Jun

resumes 21 July; “The Master will be
prepared to receive, in addition to those on the Foundation, a few other Boys and Boarders to whom

Beccles Wkly News 30 Jun

he undertakes to impart a sound Classical Education.”  SS Jones, Master
EDUCATION: Beccles  Infant  School
children on list in 1857. Average attendance 55 to 60.

1857
run  by  two  ladies
founded  1833;  900  admitted  since;  68
Beccles Wkly News 30 Jun

 
 

 
 

The Accounts:
Receipts 

 
 

 
Disbursements

 

 
Annual Subs 
 

 
 

 
Rent for Room 

£8-10s-6d 
 

£4
 
 

Beccles Corporation Sub£10 
 
Feoffees Sub 

 
 
£3-3-0 

Mistress’s Salary 
 

£26
 

 
 

 
 
Children’s Pence 

Master 
£5-4s-0
 

 

 
 

 
 

£14-4s-9d
Each

Rates: 
 
 

Boys & Girls ages 3 to 8
3d a week
 

Child
without
recommendation
 
 
 
 

 
 

Each Child with recommendation 
2d a week

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

Others in family 
 
Hours 9 am to 12   &   2 pm to 5 pm

1d a week

 
1857

 

COURT:  Jeremiah  Chapman,  Chequers  landlord,  convicted  of  keeping  a  Disorderly  House  at  12
midnight. PC Cone “a very great noise .. six or seven females who are prostitutes. There were also  
several men, and among them some poachers and other bad characters.”

Beccles Wkly News 30 Jun

COURT:  Thomas  Goldsmith,  briclayer,  master: Chas  Goldsmith,  apprentice,  his  nephew,  out  all
night. 3 weeks gaol

1857
Beccles Wkly News 30 Jun

1857
1857

COURT: David Foyster, at Beccles
DISPENSARY  COMMITTEE:  Edward  P  Montagu,  Dispensary  Chairman, & Rev  Francis,  Rev

stealing  Property of John Garden; 6 months hard labour
Beccles Wkly News 30 Jun
Beccles Wkly News 30 Jun

Flower, WE Crowfoot, R Bohun, JE Crisp
BURIAL GROUND damaged, vandalism occurred

1857
1857
1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 7 Jul

CRICKET: Beccles v Southwold: Beccles 90, Southwold 91
TO LET: Sharpin (owner)
CHURCH: Rev  Charles  Langham,  Curate  of  Beccles, Receives  MA,  late  of  Emmanuel  College,

Beccles Wkly News 7 Jul
Dwelling, Parlour, Kitchen, 3 bedrooms, garden £9 p.a.
Beccles Wkly News 7 Jul
Beccles Wkly News 14 Jul

Cambridge
LEADER  ON  ADVERTISING:  “This   is  essenially  an   adverising   age,  but  we   are  far  from

1857
Beccles Wkly News 14 Jul

entertaining of the somewhat pevalent opinion that advertising has reached its culminating point.”
Increase of Advertisments in England:
!830:   777,445 

 
 

 
 

 
1838:  1,313,580      (Duty  act  of  1853  reduced  to

1/6) 
EDUCATION: Miss Page, Term starts

1857
1857

Monday 20 July
Beccles Wkly News 14 Jul

EDUCATION: Mrs Thornton, Term starts
EDUCATION: Mrs Cullen,

Tuesday, 21 July
Beccles Wkly News 14 Jul

1857
1857

Term starts

Wednesday 22 July
Sale of Dwelling House: Drawing & Dining Rooms, 3 Offices, 5 Beds,

Beccles Wkly News 14 Jul

SALE: S Fuller, of Wangford
2 Kitchens, Gig House
CRICKET: Beccles 90; Southwold 91

Beccles Wkly News 14 Jul

1857
1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 14 Jul

ADVERTISEMENT:
CATTLE MARKET The holding of Cattle Marke in New Market recently approved. There was none

Anne Knights, Berlin Wool & Fancy goods
Beccles Wkly News 21 Jul
Beccles Wkly News 21 Jul

before.
To LET: Dr Peskett, occupies
CRICKET: Return Match: Southwold 87 & 55; Beccles 50 & 87 for 4

1857
1857

 Family House
with Stable, Coach Ho, Offices, Garden
Beccles Wkly News 21 Jul
Beccles Wkly News 28 Jul
Aaron Mobbs, Hungate, Grocer, Provisions, (late Joseph Chenery) reopens  6
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
August

Beccles Wkly News 4 Aug
Royal Cirque Unique: Beccles 7th of August: Procession; Sax-Horn Band; Riding 4 horses
1857

CIRCUS:
at once. Splendid Brass Band

Beccles Wkly News 4 Aug
1857

COUNCIL  MEETING  -SPECIAL:  Mr  WW  Garnham  (a  Town  Councillor)  fined  £25  for  not
complying with the Regulation that Hirers  of Marshes  let for  grazing  only, should pay  £5 for  each

Beccles Wkly News 4 Aug

acre that they might cut, mow and carry away.
ADVERTISEMENT:
COURT: Edward Barkway,  Pickerel Inn: 5 people drinking on Sunday at 11.40 am

1857
1857

George Syder, [2] The
Walk is
Selling his entire stock
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Aug

1857
1857
1857

DIED: WR Sharpin, Esq
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Aug

Butcher, home-cured hams & tongues (Temperance Place)
Henry  Madell,  Blyburgate,     Supplies  Game

Robert Copeman,
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug
guns   &  pistols   &  sporting
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug

ammunition
WANTED by SILK WORKS Peddar’s Lane: Hands Wanted: Girls wanted from 11 to 20
ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT: BW  Lilly, Photographer: visits town  in August.  Samples to  be seen  at Miss

1857
1857
1857

Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug
Sig Aeagean, Photographer:
likenesses on glass for 6d
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug

Gent, grocer, Blyburgate
BECCLES HORTICULTURAL Flower Show: Apollo Gardens; entrance 1s; Band in attendance
COURT: Robert Lark, says it  is  a false  accusation: he publicly  denies  being  informer against the

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug

Pickerel
SALE: Rogerson of  Geldeston selling 12 brick-and-tiled Cottages in Beccles

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug

SALE of STOCK: John Borrett, sells 5 cows, sheds, & household furniture
SILK WORKS: Account: just completed.

Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug

1857
1857
1857

Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Aug

VESTRY MEETING: Church Rates 
RACES at Beccles, Tuesday & Wednesday,  September 8th & 9th. Beccles Handicap 28 Runners; 4

Setting of Rate defeated 104 for, 184 against
Beccles Wkly News 8 Sep
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Sep

Races on Tuesday, 5 Races on Wednesday. £270 to be run for. Stewards: F Barnes, Capt Crookshank,
Lewes  Garden,  George  Fenn.    On  the  Race   Evenings:  Apollo  Gardens  opened:  Concert   etc,
Fireworks. (Torrential Rain spoilt the first day, but not the second)

1857
1857

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION follwed the Races in the Apollo Gardens on 10 September
TOWN CLERK: Sharpin, EC Esq

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Sep
Resigning as Town Clerk
Beccles Wkly News 8 Sep

1857
1857

COUNCIL FINE on WW Garnham reduced to £15 [see 4 August]
SALE: Benjamin Bensley,

Beccles Wkly News 8 Sep

Sale of Dwelling
CHURCH RESTORATION: Rev JT Johnston, Decided to  aim for new roof, re-pewing &  heating.
carried unanimously.

Beccles Wkly News 8 Sep
1857
Beccles Wkly News 13 Sep

TO BE LET: Public House: The Duke, Ballygate apply Mr Robert Jordan
SALE: Harding, Painter/Plumber/Glazier taken business of RT Cullen: assortment of stained glass
ADVERTISEMENT:

1857
1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 13 Sep
Beccles Wkly News 13 Sep

Thomas  Brown,  Hungate,  Baker   &  Confectioner,  (late  assistant  to  Mrs
Shreeve) Wedding cakes at short notice
RACES: at Beccles: Torrential Rain: Grand &  Steward's  Stands & several others built. Few horses
ran

Beccles Wkly News 13 Sep
1857
Beccles Wkly News 13 Sep
1857

VESTRY MEETING: Long  speech by Mr Alfred Pigg; Motion: “That the Vestry declines to make
any Rate,  and requests the Churchwardens to propose  some other  mode  of obtaining the requisite

Beccles Wkly News 22 Sep

Funds.”  Carried  by  71  to  30.  Mr  Crowfoot  asks  for  Poll  of  whole  Town.  Meeting  adjourned  to
Council Chamber. Result: 101 for Rate, 184 against.
SALE of FURNITURE:

1857
1857

William Sharpin, deceased
Beccles Wkly News 22 Sep

RETIRING:  HWR  Davey,  Surgeon  retiring  &  moving:  Speeches:  Mr  Crowfoot,  J  Kerrich,  Col
Wilson. 53 gents at dinner

Beccles Wkly News 22 Sep
canvass for Town Clerk. Support from 250 people listed in paper

1857
1857
1857

COUNCIL: SW Rix,
DIED: John Aldous, aged 78
DIED: WK Barker, aged 73, ironmonger

Beccles Wkly News 22 Sep
Beccles Wkly News 22 Sep
Beccles Wkly News 22 Sep
1857

SALE or LET: S Fuller, S of Brampton House: Drawing Room, Dining Room, offices, 5 bedrooms, 2
Kitchen, Gig House, Garden

Beccles Wkly News 22 Sep
George  Syder, The Walk, Sale  of  Stock of furniture;  easy  chairs, mahogany
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
dining chairs
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Wkly News 6 Oct

1857
1857

Robert Block, has
received  in his dairy  Suffolk Cheese
Beccles Wkly News 6 Oct

TOWN CLERK:  Long debate on  Election  of Town Clerk (salary  £30). Rix  had been  25 years  in
Beccles. His  opponents declared  him difficult to work with.  SW Rix,  not  elected: Supported by: J
Crisp, Carpenter, Ward, Knowles, Scott, Cowles.

Beccles Wkly News 6 Oct

 
 

 
 

George Angell elected  supported by Garnham (2), Steel, Benns, Brooks, Thompson, Harvey, Laws
Voting 8 for Angel (formerly Fauconberge Scholar & Cambridge), 6 for Rix.

1857

DAY of HUMILIATION & Prayer. “Wednesday last was observed in accordance with the Queen’s
Proclamation  as  a Day of Humiliation  & Prayer. The  entire  business  of the Town was suspended.

Beccles Wkly News 6 Oct
Services at all places of Public Worship.”
1857
Beccles Paper, 13 Oct 

RESTORATION OF BECCLES CHURCH: A Meeting of persons interested in this object was held
in the Church on Thursday, the 7th inst.
The  chair  was  occupied  by  the  Rector,  the  Rev  J  Talbot  Johnson,  who  observed  that  they  had

 

assembled for the purpose of receiving the report of the Committee appointed in June last, and, who,
after a long and careful investigation had come to the conclusion to engage the services of Mr John
Henry Hakewill, and now had submitted the following Report for their consideration.

 

“The  Committee  which  was  appointed  some  months  ago  to  consult  an  architect  on  the  proposed
restoration of the Parish Church has now to inform this meeting that after considerable deliberation
they  fixed  upon  Mr  Hakewill,  who  accordingly  came  down  and  inspected  the  church,  and  has

subsequently forwarded the plans now submitted to the meeting, accompanied by a Report. Although
the present plans and drawings are, as the architect says, only preliminary, and therefore incomplete,
your  committee  is  anxious  to  lay  them  before  a  public  meeting  as  early  as  possible,  in  order  to

consult, on every occasion, the wishes of the parish.
The following is the architect’s report to the Committee:

 
 

‘Gentlemen, Having, agreeable to your request, made an examination of your church, for the purpose
of  considering  a  plan  for  giving  additional  accommodation  therein,  I  beg  to  lay  before  you  the

following report,  and the  accompanying  drawings.  I find the  church  generally  in  good  repair. The
principal  defect  is  in  the  nave  roof,  which  appears  to  have  been  injured  by  the  cutting  away  the

original tie-beams; and the timbers are now kept together by iron straps and  bolts,  and have a  very
bad appearance.
The lead is likewise  defective in many places  and being  laid  upon the  battens is  liable to  frequent

 

injury; besides which being exposed to the interior, serious inconvenience is felt by the condensation
arising from the alternate action of heat and cold.
This inconvenience might be remedied by an under-ceiling; but as it would leave the roof in the same

 

defective state, I do not recommend it; but should rather wait until funds are enabled you to have an
entirely new roof.
In order to obtain the  additional  accommodation you require,  and put the church  in proper order, it

 

must be entirely re-pewed.
There  is  no  reason why the whole  area  of the  church should  not be made  available for  seats. It is
remarkably free from the  usual obstruction of large piers: and I  do  not know  another church which

 

has for its size such an uninterrupted line form east to west.
By the removal of the west gallery, and enclosures underneath, a great amount of space will be taken
in; and the organ can be placed at the east end of the south, where there are no seats at present.

 
 

I  have shown  in the plan the  organ in this position; which besides  being the  best place for  it  its
removal will open to view the magnificent west window, adding greatly to the beauty of the Church.
The pulpit is placed on the north side, against the column to the west of the church; and the reading

 

desk opposite; and I have removed the front of the west end, under the first arch of the south arcade.
The vestry I propose to keep in its present position.

 
 

By this arrangement of the seats as shown by the accompanying plan, there will be accommodation
on the ground floor for 1460 persons, including 320 children, which latter I have placed in the north

and south chancel aisles.
 

 
 

 
 

The seats can be divided thus:
In the nave and aisles

 
 
 

 

 
296

74 seats holding 4 each
 

 
 
 

 
280
 

56 seats holding 5 each
 
62 seats holding 7 each

 
 
 

434
 
24

 
 3 seats holding 8 each
 

 
 
in the Chancel

 
10  

 1 seat  holding 10 each
 

 

 
 

 
6
 

 
2 seats holding 3 each 
 
 

 
72

12 seats holding 6 each

 
 
 

 

 
18

2 seats holding 9 each 
 

 
 
 

 
           1140
 

 
 
 
Children’s seats 
 

320
 
 

 

 
           1460

Total 
 

 
 

The space allowed for adults is 2 feet 11 inches; and for children 2 feet.
The present accommodation, upon the same scale, I consider allows for 998 persons, including 176

children;  thus  there  will  be  a  total  increase  of  462;  viz,  318  adults  and  144  children;  with  the
additional advantage of uniformity in all seats.
If it should be necessary to increase this number by the erection of a western gallery, it could be done

 

without interfering (as the present gallery does) with the west window; but it should not be brought
out beyond the first arch; and I should certainly not erect it unless it was absolutely necessary.

 
 

Waiting your commands
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant, John Henry Hakewill.’

 

“On  carefully  considering  this  report  the  committee  is  of  the  opinion  that,  (provided  the  parish
approves of the plan),  it would,  at  least,  be  highly desirable to  ascertain whether sufficient funds

could not be raised in this town and neighbourhood to put a new roof on the nave previous to fixing
up the new pews, agreeably to the architect’s recommendation.
The  committee  also  thinks  that  the  funds  already  raised,  with  the  aid  expected  from  the  Church

 

Building  Societies, will be  enough to  defray the  expense  of the  re-pewing  alone,  omitting  for the
present the merely ornamental portion of the whole plan, which might be left for a future occasion,
without detracting from substantial advantages to be gained from a rearrangement of the pews.

 

In two points, however, on which the committee now comes back to the parish are first, whether the
parish so far approves of the proposed ground plan in the arrangement of the seats, as to authorise the
Committee  to  make  an  application  to  the  incorporated  Society  for  promoting  the  enlargement,

building and repairing of Churches and Chapels, for a grant to aid them in carrying out that plan: and
secondly, whether it is not desirable to make an effort to raise £300 additional for the purpose of re-
roofing  the  nave  before  commencing  the  main  work  for  which  the  existing  sums  were  originally

subscribed; presuming that, if the requisite sum could be obtained, the original object will be carried
out under the existing roof.
 

 
 
Signed  on  behalf  of  the  Committee,  John  Talbot

Johnston, Chairman.”
Mr Johnston then observed that the subject which had called them together had become increasingly
interesting; and he felt that it affected the moral condition of those attendants at church, who sit at the

 

lower end. With regard to the roof he thought if the parish was disposed to do it all, the present would
be the most fitting time.

 

At the suggestion of R Bohun, Esq., Mr Johnston read the minutes of the former meeting; after which
the Mayor proposed that the report of the Committee be received.

 

Mr  Crowfoot  thought  that  the  sums  already  subscribed  would,  with  such  additional  aid  that  they
expected  from  the  Church  Building  Societies,  be  sufficient  to  meet  the  expense  of  re-pewing  the

Church. He should also like to see the church re-roofed; but he now simply moved that the meeting
the re-pewing. It was desirable to apply to the Church Building Societies at once, because they meet
in November, and the work ought to be begun  in the  early part of the new year;  and therefore any

delay would defer the subject for twelve months longer.
The  Mayor  suggested  whether,  as  sufficient  money  had  not  been  raised  to  complete  the  entire
restoration of the church, it would not be desirable to wait a little while, until the necessary amount

 

could be obtained. He should like to see the pillars restored, the church thoroughly warmed, and the
whole thing  undertaken  and  carried out in first-rate  order; and if done in this way,  he did not think
there would be much opposition in the parish.

 

Mr Read (Castle), quite agreed with the Mayor; and thought the present was the best time to begin the
subscription  for  carrying  the  whole  scheme  into  effect,  for  it  was  always  allowed  that  delays  are
dangerous.

 

Mr Bohun was of the opinion that too much should not be  attempted  at first;  but that it would  be
advisable to proceed with the  original plan;  and that  after  having pursued  as  far  as they could, the
great object primarily in view, they should improve upon it.

 

The Mayor proposed that Mr Hakewill’s plans, which  had  been  laid before the meeting, should  be
adopted, and that the whole thing should be carried out, but not until it had previously submitted to
another meeting. He, for one, should vote a decided negative, unless the whole project be carried out.

 

After some lengthy and  desultory conversation, the Rector said we must not forget that we have in
view  a  practical  present  good.  We  want  to  provide  more  free  sittings.  The  present  sittings  are
anything but to promote devotional feelings, and more especially among young persons. He regretted

particularly that the sittings of the poorer classes were, for the most part, so placed so that they could
neither see nor hear. After what had been  adduced  at the present meeting  he thought the re-roofing
should  have  the  first  consideration,  and  afterwards  the  re-pewing;  in  the  meantime,  subscriptions

might be obtained for carrying out the ornamental part of the project.
Mr Crowfoot said he was quite willing to  adopt the suggestion of the Mayor,  and would therefore
withdraw his former resolution, substituting in its stead, the following:

 
 

“That this Meeting adopts the Architect’s plans for the purpose of application to the Church Building
Societies; and that the Committee be instructed to collect additional subscriptions for the purpose of
carrying  out the  entire restoration, roofing,  and warming the  church,  and submitting the whole to  a

future meeting.”
This resolution was seconded by the Mayor, and carried unanimously. The names of the Mayor, Mr

 

Buck, and Mr Steel, were added to the Committee; and the meeting separated.
CHURCH RATE: No Church Rate proposed. Expenses to be paid by congregation

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 20 Oct

CONCERT in Assembly Room: Kate Melville & MW Baldwin of Italian Opera Band
RAILWAY:  Beccles/Bungay

Beccles Wkly News 20 Oct
Norfolk  side  planned:  Application  of   Eastern  Union.   Stations   at
1857
Beccles Wkly News 20 Oct

Geldeston, & Ellingham
DIED: Thomas Reeve, aged 82

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 20 Oct

NEW PUBLICAN: James Walne, at White Horse, New Market
foreman to firm in London)

also stone/marble mason (15 years
Beccles Wkly News 20 Oct
Tea, Coffee, Gen Dealer. Opening business

1857
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

George Pont, Old Market:
Beccles Wkly News 27 Oct

Smallgate, Photographer: Portaits
pipe maker, recovered impounded donkey without sanction. £1 fine

RW Lilly,
COURT: Robert Calver,
WEATHER: FLOODS  in Beccles in  St Anns Rd. Fenn's  house  flooded. Complete building  by  St

Beccles Wkly News 27 Oct

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 27 Oct
Beccles Wkly News 27 Oct

Ann's Bridge washed away
DIED: Richard T Cullen, plumber & glazier, aged 32

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 27 Oct
. Apply SS Jones: House, workshops, yard; cottages near, gig house,

TO LET: Snell & Hotson Yard
stable

Beccles Wkly News 27 Oct

William Bennett, the Falcon, Clothes renovated or purchased
Mr Alecock, Shoeingsmith: apprentice wanted

1857
1857

ADVERTISEMENT:
ADVERTISEMENT:

Beccles Wkly News 3 Nov
Beccles Wkly News 3 Nov

MAYOR: Alderman Steel elected Mayor, proposed by Thomas Laws
DIED: Mary Eastaugh, widow of Jonathan, died. Late of Heckingham. Aged 64

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 3 Nov
Beccles Wkly News 3 Nov
1857

FALL  of DELHI:  Church Bells  rung to  celebrate the Fall of Delhi. Dinner  at the King’s Head to
celebrate. Col Wilson (brother of General Wilson who commanded the assault) present (He lived in

Beccles Wkly News 3 Nov

Beccles?)
DIED on 16 September  Rev George Crabbe, aged 72 son of poet.. Wrote Biography of his father

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 3 Nov
Read Crisp, Hungate  Lane, Printing Works

ADVERTISEMENT:
CHURCH RESTORATION: Johnston, Talbot Rev
SALE: Henry Harding,
CLERK  WANTED:  Robert  Clarke,  Wangford  Union  Clerk, resigned.  Applicants  invited  £80  pa.
Sureties of £300
MAYOR: Fenn, George, Dinner to retiring Mayor

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov

1857
1857
1857

£2000 needed
Hungate, Shoeing & Blacksmith, established 60 years. Business to be sold

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov

1857
1857

at King's Head
Henry Bedingfield, The Fleece Inn, Blyburgate:

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov

ADVERTISEMENT:
am Mon, Wed, Sat for Norwich; return 3.30pm from the Star Inn, Haymarket

leaves Beccles with his Van: 6
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Dec

EDUCATION: Sir John Leman School, Governors' Meeting: vacancies for 10 boys over eight
WORKING MEN’S INSTITUTE: Talk on Dr Livingstone, 400 present; Chairman George Fenn

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 1 Dec
Beccles Wkly News 1 Dec

SILK WORKS: Hands laid off, depression in industry.
CHURCH  RESTORATION:  Johnston,  Rev  Talbot,  Subscriptions:  Kerrich   £50;  Montagu   £10;

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 1 Dec
Beccles Wkly News 8 Dec

Dashwood £12
CONGREGATIONAL  TEA  in  Assembly  Room:  300  people;  Rev  Flower,  Mr  Ward,  Hickman,

1857
Beccles Wkly News 8 Dec

Mayhew, Pigg. Reference made to increasing influence of Congregationalists.
COURT: Thomas Press, carpenter, fighting in Hungate. Sureties of £20
ADVERTISEMENT:

1857
1857

Beccles Wkly News 8 Dec
RW Lilly, Saltgate, Photographs
on glass or paper.
Beccles Wkly News 15 Dec
1857

WANGFORD UNION: SW Rix, elected
Lenny (8 votes)
TO BE LET: Samuel Steel,:

as Clerk (25 votes). Other candidates Angell (10 votes) &
Beccles Wkly News 15 Dec

1857
1857
1857

House & Shop. Low rent
Beccles Wkly News 15 Dec

SALE: Shaw's Yard, Ravensmere (peremptory sale): 11 houses, rental £50 p.a. freehold.
COURT: Alfred Darby,

Beccles Wkly News 15 Dec
Ship Inn, open at 11.30pm on Sunday. Fined 11s 6d
Beccles Wkly News 22 Dec

COURT: James Martin, Fighting  in Blyburgate, two policemen tried to arrest him, but he  escaped.
£40 sureties

1857
Beccles Wkly News 22 Dec
BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1858
MAYORS: 1857-1858 Samuel Steel; 1858-1859 William Cowles

EDUCATION: Alfred Hartley, Fauconberge School returns: Term Starts 26 January 1858
EDUCATION: Mrs RT Cullen,  Smallgate, Young  Ladies  Seminary  at Corner of Old Market.  Late

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly News 5 Jan
Beccles Wkly News 12 Jan

Miss Copland
EDUCATION: “The Educational Home for Young Ladies” Exchange Square, Miss Page

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly News 12 Jan

COUNCIL Quarterly  meeting: Debate on  Education. 1.) Proposed  grant of £5 to the Adult  School
(now called “The Youth’s School”) established in 1851. Negatived. Mr WW Garnham collected £3-

Beccles Wkly News 12 Jan

14s-6d in Subs for the School at the Meeting.   2.) Grant to the Woking Men’s Institute cut from £20
to £10 (It was said that the Papers were read by “Gentlemen” rather than Working Men.)

DIED:  John  Rolfe  Gordon,  Gent  died.  Son  of  late  Alexander  Gordon  of  Charterhouse  Square,
London
WORKING MEN’S INSTITUTION: 126 Subscribers; 26 Working Men

1858
Beccles Wkly News 12 Jan

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly News 19 Jan

MEETING to gain support for the new National Daily Paper “The Dial”; Rev John Gill of Sudbury
spoke in support. “The daily prss, with perhaps the exception of the Pulpit, is the greatest power of

Beccles Wkly News 26 Jan

the Age.” Main idea - to counteract the influence of the Times
ROYAL WEDDING: Celebration of th Marriage f the Princess Royal to Prince Frederick William of
Prussia. The Rector: The Princess was ging abroad “where she would be tempted to do many things

1858
Beccles Wkly News 2 Feb

that were wrong - especiall to break the Sabbath.... They woud pray that she might be peserved from
that sin.”
ENTERTAINMENT: Dr Shaw’s Drawing Room Entertainments.  Extraordinary Magical Delusions.

1858
Beccles Wkly News 2 Feb

Brilliant Chemical experiments.
CITY MISSION: Long account of London City Mission’s work by Rev F Tyrell at a meeting in the
Assembly Room.

1858
Beccles Wkly News 2 Feb

1858
1858

COUNCIL MARSHES DRAINAGE: Steam Mill installed.
RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY: Long account. Rector & Rev J Flower spoke.

Beccles Wkly News 9 Feb
Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Mar

ANGLING: Beccles Walton Angling Club formed. Mr T Cutting, Secretary & Treasurer 
ELECTION of TOWN COUCILLORS: Mr EB Fiske & E Buck elected to vacancies

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Mar
Beccles Wkly News 20 Apr
1858

COUNCIL: Mayor received  application  from Theatrical Group for  a standing  in Old Market  for  a
fortnight. The mayor opposed, supported by Alderman John Crisp junior: “By refusing they would be

Beccles Wkly News 20 Apr

consulting the best interests of the Lower Classes, for to say nothingof the morality of the question,
such exhibitions only tend to take away the pence of the Poor which they require for better purposes.”
Refusal carried nem con.

1858

PETTY SESSIONS: Harriet Miall, alias ‘Swap’ a woman of ill fame in this town, & Henry Barnard,
her paramour charged with stealing from William Clarke, labourer of Willingham, a silver watch, silk
handkerchief & parcel containing pair of trousers.

Beccles Wkly Nws  20 Apr
 
 

Clarke met Miall in the Falcon - treated her with a pint of beer. When he paid for it, Miall took the
change of 9d. He left the Falcon and went to the Cross Keys for a parcel he had left with the ostler.
He then started  home, He was overtaken by the two prisoners, who  began to talk to him  about the

change.  Miall  put  her  arms  around  his  waist.  After  they  left  he  was  missing  his  watch,  pocket
handkerchief and parcel.
Barnard discharged. Miall admitted stealing watch & trousers, but withdrew & pleaded not guilty. To

 
 

be tried at next Quarter Sessions.
CONCERT: Amateur Musical Society Concert in the Assembly Room “attended by s most genteel &
fashionable audience”. Probably the last Concert, because of poor support.

1858
Beccles Wkly News Apr

1858
1858

EDUCATION: The German Language: Herr H Klein is forming a Class in Beccles weekly
BAPTIST CHURCH Annual Meeting in Corn  Exchange.  250 people sat down to Tea. Mr Wrght
stated that  day  completed  36th year  of  his Pastorate. Desired that  a piece  of  land  near the Chapel

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Apr 
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Apr 

should be purchased to form entrance from Station Road, & eventually the site of a new Chapel. £95 -
18s - 6d raised.

1858

FIRE which  at  first threatened serious  consequences broke out  in the House of Rev JT Johnston,
Rector. A large oak beam across the chimney breast became ignited, fire found way into the Dining

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Apr 

Room above. It was discovered early in the evening & the fire was speedily extinguished.
RAILWAY:  Waveney  Valley  Line:  Suggested  alteration  to  the  Line  to  the  Norfolk  side  of  the
Waveney. Mr Butcher [of Bungay]  opposed. He  owned the  Lease  of the  Waveney Navigation,  it

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Apr 

would be an injury to trade by River, impeding water traffic.
The  Promoters:  Mr  Kerrick,  (the  Mayor),  Mr  Thomas  Smith  (Deputy  Mayor)  &  Mr  Bruff  (the
Company’s engineer) before the Committee of the House of Commons.

 
 
 
 

On  the  Norfolk  side  the  population  of  4,554  benefitted  compared  to  721  on  the  Suffolk  side.
Numerous Maltings, Mills, etc. would enjoy Railway accommodation. There were exorbitant chages
for Tollage for Corn & Coals at present. The Monopoly would be broken up. The passing of this Bill

will be of vast importance to our Town & Neighbourhood
ADVERTISEMENT:  William  Vyse,  Boot  &  Shoe  Maker,  Northgate.  Thanks  Public  for  6  years
support.

1858
Beccles Wkly 27 Apr 

1858
1858

INDEPENDENT CHAPEL Annual Sermon on behalf of Sunday School on 9 May.
BUSINESS: William Delf, Iron & Brass Founder, taking business of Charles Cameron and removing

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 May 
Beccles Wkly Nws 4 May 

the same to Blyburgate
ADVERTISEMENT: James Marshall, dyer & Scourer, Bridge Street

1858
1858
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 May 

SALE: SMALLGATE:
LOT 1: Smallgate:  Messuage in two Dwellings with Workshop, Yard, etc, now in the occupation of

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 May 
 

F Brown & W Carter, with combined Rent of £12
LOT 2:  Smallgate: Cottage & Buildings, separated  from  Lot 1  by  a Passage.  In the  occupation  of
Suckling Hunt, John Simpson & others. Situated next the Street, nearly opposite the White Lion.

 
 
1858

SALE:  NEWGATE:  Double  Cottage,  substantially  built,  in  the  occupation  of  Mrs  E  Davy,  John
Darby & Fred Barber. Combined ental of £11- 12s.
RESTORATION of  St MICHAEL’S:  at Vestry Meeting  in the  Parish Church  it was unanimously

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 May 
1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 4 May 

resolved “Approved the Plan for the Restoration  &  reseating of the Church,  as  arranged with Mr
Hakewill. Forthwith to obtain a Faculty.”
POOR  RATE  Collector,  Mr  Love,  to  do  duties  of  Overseer  in  addition  to  those  of  Collector.

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 4 May 

Approved at Vestry Meeting.
COUNCIL MARSHES: 126a 3r 6p Let for £203-2s-0d
170 a Let for £337-15s-0d (£100 more than last year.

1858
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 May 
 

1858
1858

DIED Robert Oswald on 30 April in his 75th year.
COURT: George Watson,  stone mason,  resisted  arrest  by  Police Constable Baldry  for  refusing to
leave  the  New  Market  Place   after   being  turned  out  of  the  White  Horse  wher  he   had   been

Beccles Wkly Nws 11 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 May

misconducting himself. Fined £4 & Costs 10s/6d
Sergt Taylor “Many persons when taken into custody give the Police a great deal of trouble, & have
to be dragged to the Station.”

 
 
1858

POLICE: Charles Osborn of London, a commercail traveller arrived in the town on Saturday & took
up his  quarters  at the  White  Lion. On  Sunday he proceeded to the Independent Chapel,  &  greatly

Beccles Wkly Nws 11 May

disturbed the congregation;  he was afterwards seen running through the marsh dykes & conducting
himself in a very strange manner. He was ultimately captured by Sergeant Taylor & Police Constable

Baldry. On Monday he commenced his freaks again , & he drew together a great many children & he
became such an  inolerable  nuisance that  he was taken into  cutody  &  conveyed to Melton County

Asylum.
ENTERTAINMENT: Hoffman’s Company, or Gramophonic Band. in Assembly Room; 2s/-, 1s/- 6d
One Night.

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 May
1858

ENTERTAINMENT:   WS   Wooden’s   Olio   of   Oddities   “illustrated   by   nearly   one   hundred
Instantaneous Metaamorphoses of Voice, Character & Costume.” 3s/-, 2s/-, 1s/- One Night.
SILK  WORKS  COMPANY  Meeting  of  Shareholders:  Company  to  amalgamate  with  “London  &

Beccles Wkly Nws 11 May
1858
Beccles Paper 18 May 

Norwich Crepe & Silk Works, Co Ltd”: Read Crisp, Secretary
ENTERTAINMENT:    Victoria    Gardens,    Beccles.     Stephen    Bartram    “Rural     &    pleasing
Entertanments:- Sports, Donkey Race, Foot Race for Women under 40, By Young Ladies under 20,

1858
Beccles Paper 18 May 

for  Gown  Pieces  etc.  Boys  climbing  greasy  Pole,  Diving  for  ranges,  Jingling,  Smoking  etc.  A
Dancing Booth; Brass Band. Commences at 11 am in the forenoon. End at 11 pm.

1858
Beccles Paper 25 May 

COURT: John Goffin of Beccles at 1 am created a disturbance in Rook’s Lane after he was refused
admittance  to  the  house  occupied  by  Mrs  Candler  (with  whom  he  was  on  very  intimate  terms)  -
shortly  afterwards  she  saw  him  hanging  to  a  linen  post  in  the  Yard,  Cut  down,  but  was  nearly

strangled  and  afterwards ran  down to the River  & plunged in, threatening to  drown  himself. PC’s
Baldry & Lay succeeded in getting him out & conveyed him to the Station. Reprimanded.
ANNUAL CATTLE FAIR on Whit Monday on Beccles Common - a good supply of fat & lean Stock

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Jun 

- but few Sales effected. A Devon Steer exhibited by Mr William Read, butcher, & grazed by Mr F
Robinson of Barsham weghed 100 Stones.
THE  CHAP  FAIR  in  New Market:  The  usual  number  of  Shows,  Stalls  &  Whirl-a-Gigs.  A  large

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Jun 

display of Ginger Breads & other tempting fare.
In the evening large numbers of the Lower Classes came in from the neighhbouring Parishes, so that
at  length  the  Market  Place  became  completely  crowded.  However,  the  Rain,  which  subsequently

 
 

poured  down in  heavy torrents, drove the  company  into Public Houses,  all of which were  literally
crammed. We are informed that no misdemeanours occurred.
Silk Works, Ltd: at Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders it was resolved that the company

1858
Beccles Paper 8 Jun 

be wound up and the capital of the company transferred to London, Norwich & Beccles Silk Works.
Mr Fenn appointed liquidator.
COURT: Stephen Bartram illegally keeping house open after hours and resisting arrest. On morning

1858
Beecles Paper 8 Jun 

of 28 May people singing in house Victoria Gardens between 12.30 & 12.45 am.  5 men & 2 women
drinking in upstairs room. Fined £1 for resisting arrest.

1858
Beccles Wkly 8 Jun 

TO BE SOLD: A very handsome Rowing Boat with Masts, Sails, Oars etc, in excellent trim having
been built in the last two years. Enquiries James Boyden or William Wright, boat builder.

1858

ACCIDENT: Last  Wednesday at  7 pm Mr Pulford,  hay dealer  of Broome,  having purchased from
Messrs Horsley the mare which caused the accident to Mr Drewell on Saturday - which he knew had

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Jun 

proved vicious, proceeded on his way home, driven by Mr Swan of Geldeston, coachman to Edward
Dowson,   Esq.  When  they   arrived   opposite  Mr  Cowles’  Academy  [44  Northgate],  the  horse
commenced  kicking  &  became  quite  unmanageable;  until  at  length, with  a  view,  as  he  hoped,  of

preventing  an  accident,  Swan pulled her  into the opening between Mr Garrod’s residence [Tannery
House, Northgate?]  and his  bark barn; but unfortunately, by this means they were both thrown out
with great violence against the wall. The horse then turned round & ran back, smashing the window

of Mr Garrod’s Counting House, and upsetting a timber grill opposite the Marquis of Granby Public
House [39, Northgate], after which, having cleared herself of the Cart, she ran back to Mr Horsley’s
Yard [in London Road, where the Job Centre now stands]. The two men who were quite insensible

were conveyed into the Barn & medical aid having been procured, they were subsequently conveyed
to their respective homes.
SALE by direction of Executors of  late Mr Oswald:

1858
 

Beccles Paper 20 Jul 
 

A comfortable FAMILY RESIDENCE pleasantly situated in Northgate, with paved Cortyard & large
Garden, well planted with  choice fruit trees &  bushes walled  all  round, a pump of excellent spring
water & conveniently arranged Stable, Gig House & Offices.

 
 

The House  contains  Entrance Hall, Breakfast, Dining  & Drawing Rooms, Three  Sleeping Rooms,
Three Attics, Kitchen, Store Room, Pantry, Wash-house & Cellars.
Annual Outgoings: Land Tax 16s 11d 1/2d.  

 
 

 
 

 
 

This property is all Freehold, was in the possession of the late proprietor & possession may be had at
Michaelmas.

1858

RAILWAY ACCIDENT:  Last Wednesday on the Railway  between Beccles  & Aldeby  Stations  as
men were  unloading plate  for  relaying  line, the  engine  driver  suddenly shunted the waggons,  and

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Jun 

James Mangay being close between them was unable to extrucate hinself. Being a tall man he jumped
up, and happily the buffers passed below his body, but inflicted a rather severe wound.

1858

SHIPMEADOW WORKHOUSE: 64  applicants  for office  of Master  & Matron  of the Workhouse.
The Board disposed summarily of about 50. The election will take place next Wednesday.
MAGISTRATES’ CLERK: Edward Colby Sharpin resigned office of Clerk to the Magistrates after

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Jun 
1858
Beccles Wkly News 15 Jun

46 years. Appointed 1812. Edward Swatman unanimously appointed.
BURGLARY: During Friday night a Burglar entered the House of Mrs William Sharpin near London
Road & stole from the Parlour a desk with its contents consisting of £5 or £6 & various letters, papers

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Jun 

etc.  Also  from  the  Pantry  a  plated  wire-strainer,  with  siver  edge,  &  from  the  Wardrobe  in  the
Breakfast Room, some linen articles.
COURT:Charles Crawford, labourer, charged withh assaulting & beating Mary Ann, wife of William

1858
Beecles Paper 15 Jun 

Quarrel, maltster. They lived next door to each other. Mr King had been at work at Mrs Johnson’s,
washing  his hands with soap belonging to Mrs Taylor. Mrs Johnson persuaded King to pay for the
soap. He threw 1d into Mrs Taylor’s house, which so exasperated her she  attacked Mrs Johnson &

after having bitten her in the wrist, & torn her hair, threw her down in the street. Fine 7s/- including
costs.
EDUCATION: SIR JOHN LEMAN SCHOOL: Half yearly Meeting of Governors: Capt EP Montagu

1858
Beccles Wkly News 15 Jun

(Chair), R Bohun, EB Fiske, WE Crowfoot, Rev JTJohnston, HJ Kerrison, W Lenny, WW Garnham.
“The Master  complained  of the  non-attendance of many  of the Pupils, & it was  resolved that the
Rules of Expulsion for this offence be strictly enforced. The boys were examined in the usual manner

in  the  presence  of  the  Governors.  There  are  several  vacancies  for  boys  residing  in  Beccles  &
Ringsfield
RAILWAY  EXTENSION  from  the  Railway  to  Corporation  Wharf.  Propsed  by  Alderman  Fenn,

1858
Beccles Wkly News 22 Jun

Seconded by Alderman John Crisp, junior.
ELECTION  of  COUNCILLORS:  James  Harvey,  Thomas  Laws  &  Edward  Buck  re-elected  after
retirement of WW Garnham & Henry Read of Castle Farm. [no opposition]

1858
Beccles Wkly News 22 Jun
1858

RESTORATION  of  St  MICHAEL’S:  Tenders  for  Repewing  &  Restoration  of  Parish  Church  of
Beccles  can see the Plans &  Specifications upon application to William  E Crowfoot,  Esq, or at the
Office of the Architect, 50 Maddox Street, Lonon, W on or after 19 June.

Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Jun 
1858

EDUCATION: Seminary for  Young  Ladies, Bank  Street  [Ballygate]. Mrs RF Thornton thanks for
support for  18 years. Boarders,  including Music  £16 pa. Day 10/- per Quarter, Music  £1 per year.
Pupils reassemble 20 July. Vacancy for articled pupil.

Beccles Wkly News 22 Jun

1858
1858

BISHOP Visits St Michael’s on hs fist Visitation.
RAILWAY ACCIDENT: On Friday near the Station George Cutts of Rumburgh, a navvy engaged at

Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Jun 
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Jun 

8 am in coupling waggons. The Engine Driver started the engine. Cutts was knocked down & both
wheels of a Waggon went over his right foot and leg. Six men carried him to the George & Dragon

where he had been lodging, Dr Peskett found no fracture - but foot jammed & bruised.
EDUCATION: FAUCONBERGE  SCHOOL Prizes: (Form  III  EB Crowfoot) “The  boys  adjourned

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Jun 

for a game of Cricket, followed by Tea etc.
SALE:  Two superior brick built, four roomed, Freehold Dwelling Houses with front garden walled
in.  Situate  in Northgate, one tenanted by John Mills, the  other lately occupied by Mrs J Feltham,

1858
Beccles Wkly 27 Jul 
deceased. Estimated Rentals £14.

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly 22 Jun 

SALE: Household Furniture in dwelling house lately occupied by Mrs Feltham.
EDUCATION: Mrs Ashford, Old Market, reopens her Schol on 13 July.

Beccles Wkly News 29 Jun
1858

EDUCATION: Sir John  Leman’s  Endowed  School,  establshed  1631.  SS Jones, Master. Duties  of
School will recommence on 20th July. A few vacancies remain.

Beccles Wkly News 29 Jun
1858

DROWNING:  Isaiah  Dunnett,  aged  12,  &  his  father  conveying  hay  in  a  Wherry  near  the  Smelt
House, fell over & drowned. The body was recovered by Mr Wright & taken to the Pickerel Public
House.

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 Jul 
1858

COURT: Charles Hammond, late Master of the Union Workhouse. Non payment of £218-3s-1d due
to  the  Union.   Said  he  had   not  sufficient  Goods  to  distrain.  Committed  to  Beccles  House  of
Correction.

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 Jul 

1858
1858

CHURCH RATE: Dissenters send letter signed by 240 people opposing Church Rate to Parliament.
EDUCATION: Young Ladies’ Seminary: Mrs RT Cullen. Holidays terminate on 21 July. White Lion
Street [Smallgate]

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 Jul 
Beccles Wkly News 13 Jul
1858

COURT: George Bailey, Landlord of the Falcon, New Market, charged by Sgt Taylor of having at 1
am in the morning of 1 July permitted a number of women of ill fame to asemble & meet together in

Beccles Wkly News 13 Jul

his house contrary to his licence. Pleaded Guilty. Fined £4 & 15s 2d Costs.
EDUCATION: Mrs  Cullen,  White  Lion  Street  [Smallgate].  This  increasing  School  has  now  been

1858
Beccles Wkly News 20 Jul

established  several  years  &  offers  to  the  daughters  of  Tradesmen  &  Farmers  an  opportunity  of
obtaining a sound & useful education upon moderate terms. The pupils are treated with liberality &

kindness, & the strictest attention is paid to their health , morals & religious principles.
EDUCATION: Establishment for young  Ladies, Bridge  Street, (late  of Bank  Street) ... The present
vacation will terminate on 20th Inst. Terms for Boarders £20 pa, including the general acquirements

1858
Beccles Wkly News 20 Jul

of an English education, with accomlishmenmts of Music, Fencing & Dancing.
SILK WORKS:  Letter: “As you [Read Crisp] were  Secretary to the  abortion in Beccles called the
Silk Works, pray can you inform me why they are not at work (I am a shareholder and anxious about

1858
Beccles Paper 20 July 

my little investment) and have they joined the scheme called the London, Norwich & Beccles Crepe
Company yet? Or is the Company numbered among the “dead Men”.
Editor: Apply to the liquidator for information.

 
1858

 

VESTRY MEETING: Surveyors to shut up & stop up a portion of passage or roadway leading from
Gaol Street [Newgate] past the Baptist Chapel & substiute a roadway from Station Road
DIED: Rev Henry Nicholson Burrows, MA of Trinity College, Cambridge. Had  been  Principal  of

Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Jul 
1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Jul 

Hull College & afterwards of the (now extinct) Proprietary School at Yarmouth. In 1846 Headmaster
of the Fauconberge  School, Beccles which  he  advanced  remarkably, raising  its position  & repute.
Resigned 1853.

1858
1858
1858

SERVICE in OPEN AIR held on Sundays for Railway Labourers by Rev J Flower.
DIED: Charles Crowe in his 57th year, youngest son of Samuel Crowe, formerly Postmaster.
DIED: Mary Ann, wife of Mr Samuel Berger, Supervisor of Inland Revenue, in St Mary’s Cottage,

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Aug 
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Aug

Ballygate.
COURT:  George  Bailey,  Landlord  of  the  Falcon  charged  with  keping  a  “Disorderly  House”.  PC
Baldry’s    evidence  conflicted with that of other people. Case  dismissed.  (Baldry  later  exonerated

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Aug

from perjury)
DIED: Henry Ezra Suggate, Esq., Surgeon RN, late of Beccles, aged 78
DIED: William Stanford, Relieving Officer, Aged 61, returning home at 12.45 pm reached the gate to

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Sep 

his House in London Road, collapsed & died. He was appointed when the New Poor Law came in in
1835.  He  discharged  his  duties  in  an  efficient  &  able  manner,  invariably  evincing  the  greatest
kindness to the Deserving Poor.

1858

SILK FACTORY to be LET: Situate in Peddar’s Lane, a very substantial brick & slate building with
three separate floors erected in 1857. All the Machinery, Steam Engine, & other fixtures on & about
the Building will be let with it, if required. Application to Mr Fenn.

Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Aug
1858

AGRICULTURE: Our Area is almost entirely Agricultural. The Harvest has been gathered in. 1857
was  a year  of  great  abundance. This year,  good  average. Barley:  about two thirds  of  a shilling  of

Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Aug

Malting Quality. Oats little grown. Beans moderate. Peas, almost a failure. Potatoes not extensively
grown.

1858

COURT:  LICENSING  MEETING:  Police  had  no  complaints  except  the  Falcon,  the  Landlord
convicted twice since June 1857 & the house being a regulat resort for women of ill fame, & other

Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Aug

disorderly characters. The Magistrates refused to renew the Licence.
ADVERTISEMENT:  Spohia  & Annie: “Sketches  from Nature”: Introducing  new characters  on  2
September, ASSEMBLY ROOM

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Aug
1858

CHURCH RATES: Letter from Alfred Pigg, milliner, on Church Rates. He had led the opposition at
the Vestry Meeting.
CHURCH RESTORATION: Tenders:

Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Aug

1858
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Sep 

 
 

Messs Godbold & Sons, Brockdish 
Messrs Woodroffe, Beccles 
 

 
 

£1,360
 
£1,837

 
 
1858

 
 

Messrs w King & Son, Beccles 
Proposed by W Cowles, Seconded by WE Crowfoot that Godbold be accepted. Carried.
RECTOR  returns   after  6  weeks.  Testimonials   given  to   him.  The  Ringers  “watched  for   his

 
£2,000
Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Sep 

conveyance, and, as soon as it came in sight, welcomed him home with a merry peal of Bells.”
REGISTRAR: Mr David Jude appointed Registrar of Births & Deaths.
COUNCIL: Inconclusive discussion as to whether the Town should be lighted by gas or oi lamp.

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Sep 
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Sep 
1858

COURT: Four Boys for throwing stones in the Churchyard. Frequent complaints of numbers of idle
boys, who  make  it a practice  during  dinner  hour to  congregate  in the Churchyard, throw stones  &
jump over & on the grass. Dismissed & cautioned. If others convicted would be committed to Gaol &

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Sep 

whipped.
COURT: William Rouse, gardener. Threatening the life of his wife. Conduct very violent. Everything

1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Oct 

in  the  house  was  broken  &  prisoner  behaving  in  a  disgusting  manner.  Prisoner  interrupted  often,
swore at the Magistrates. Removed from Court. Sureties required.

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly 11 Oct 

TO BE LET: Small genteel House in Northgate, apply E Buck, wine merchant.
STREET LIGHTING: Letter from “An Inhabitant” complaining of poor public lighting.

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Oct 
1858

HOUSE   OF   MERCY   opened    at   Ditchingham   (after   temporary   rented   accommodation    at
Shipmeadow) £80 collected at inaugural services.
EARLY CLOSING: Letter: “As one of the working assistants in this Town I am thankful to see some

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Oct 
1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Oct 

of the Tradesmen  beginning to  closetheir  Shops  at 7 pm  each evening  except  Friday  &  Saturday.
Why should we be kept to ourwork until 10 pm & 11 Pm on Saturday, when of all other nights we, as
female assistants require to be earlier?”

1858

MAYOR’S  DINNER  “....  in   drawing  together   about   30  persons,  including  the  Aldermen   &
Councillors of the Borough, by whom this Public Entertainment to the retiring Mayor awas given ...
We  cannot  however  justify  the  silence  &  inactivity  of  Municipal  electors,  who  knowing  gross

East Suffolk News 19 Oct

corruption   to   abound,   and   a   self-serving   policy   to   be   ever   uppermost   in   their   municipal
administration, do  not  rise with united strength  & sweep  away from office &  distinction  all those
whose conduct they now so loudly condemn ...”

1858

EDUCATION: NATIONAL SCHOOLS: examined by Rev JD Sloane, one of Her Majesty’s Deputy
Inspectors.
COURT: Edward Dowlen, a man employed on [building] the Railway charged with wilfully breaking

Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Oct 
1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Nov 

a window at the Falcon after being turned out by the Landlord.
MAYOR: Mr W Cowles (of Beccles Academy) succeeds Mr Steel as Mayor.
COURT; James Crickmer, Maltsters Arms. Open at illegal Hours. Fine 1s

1858
1858

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Nov 
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Nov 

1858
1858

COURT: Edward Barkway, The Pickerel, open at illegal hours. Fined 1s.
ODDFELLOWS:  Their  10th  Anniversary:  WE  Crowfoot  in  the  Chair  at  the  White  Horse,  New
Market; James Walne, landlord.

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Nov 
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Nov
1858

LIGHTING: Public Lighting in London Road: Petition with 45 signatures. Only every alternate lamp
lit, rendered at once uncomfortable & unsafe for respectable persons. Gives encouragement to the idle
& dissolute.

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Nov
1858

COURT: Sgt Taylor: “On Sunday morning at quarter past twelve I was going down Blyburgate wth
PC  Baldry.  When   I   got  against  Mr  Ecclestone’s   [13  Blyburgate]  there  were  several  persons
wrangling; the  defendant was  one  of them.  I persuaded him to  go home  & passed  on. When  I  got

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Nov

opposite Dr Cleveland’s [34 Blyburgate] I head a disturbance. I looked back & saw two men fighting
& fall on the pavement by Col Wilson’s [17 Blyburgate]. I parted them & requested them to go home.
Jessup began swearing ...”  William Frankland: “I was sitting indoors on the night of the incident ...”

Henry Cutting “ I was in bed in my house in Newgate ... I got up & looked out of the window ... the
noise was very great & several people were looking out of their windows...”

BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1859
MAYORS: 1858-1859 William Cowles; 1859-1860 John Garnham
1859

COURT: Benjamin Bleuit pleaded  guilty to the  charge  of stealing a  razor, the property of Thomas
Walker & was sentenced to two months Hard Labour.
Charles  Cornish,  a  sweep  from  Bungay,  drunk  &  disorderly,  refused  to  leave  Dolphin  Inn,  New

Norwich Mercury 4 Jan 
1859
Norwich Mercury 12 Jan 

Market (Charles Barkway) knocks down Constable etc. Fined £6 & 7s/6d costs. Paid
EDUCATION:  Fauconberge  School:  Second  Master  WA  Wiliams,  St  John’s  Cambridge.  French
taught by Monsieur Pringee

1859
Norwich Mercury Jan 
1859

COUNCIL  ACCOUNTS:  Spplementary  Number  of  Paper  discussion  on  Council  Accounts.  Row
over books not showing all expenses. AldermanGarnham opposes George Fenn

Beccles Wkly Nws  18 Jan
1859

MENAGERIE: Wombell’s Royal Windsor Castle Menagerie at Beccles, 25 January. “Entering each
Town inn Grand Procession at half past eleven.”

Norwich Mercury 25 Jan 
1859

ENTERTAINMENT: M Desares’  Eqestrian  Dogs  &  Monkeys,  Corn  Exchange  on  Wednesday  &
Thursday 1s/-, 6d & 3d

Norwich Mercury 1 Feb 
1859

ROYAL  MARRIAGE:  Anniversary  of  the  Marriage  of  the  Princess  Royal  with  Prince  Frederick
William of Prussia was  celebrated by  a Ball in the Assembly Room ... the Company amounting to
nearly one  hundred.. Dancing  commenced at  8.30  and  continued until the  next morning. Howlett’s

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Feb 

very effective Band from Norwich
COUNCIL:  1.)  A  place  to  be  hired  for  the  Fire  Engines  -  removed  from  the    Church  Porch    in
consequence of intended restoration of the Church.

1859
Beccles Wkly News 1 Feb

 
1859

 

2.) Teasurer’s Abstract of Accounts, could be bought for 1d, but only two bought last year.
CHURCH  RESTORATION:  The  Removal  of  the  Pews  etc  to  be  commenced  on  Monday  14
February

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Feb 
1859

WORKING MEN’S INSTITUTE Anniversary celebration in the Assembly Room, Band etc. About
400 present (Many working class). George Fenn, President reported few Agricultural Labourers used
the Institute, “who, as a class were so defficient in education”, but good attendance of mechanics &

Norwich Mercury 9 Feb 

lads.
ASSAULT: Thomas Baldwin  charged with  assault on his wife.  She  attended the Baptist Chapel on
Sunday evenings, he didn’t like it.

1859
Norwich Mercury 9 Feb 

1859
1859

CHURCH RESTORATION: Removal of the Pews in the Parish Church to be commenced.
MUSIC: English Operetta (Opera & Concert combined) Assembly Rooms; 21 February, 4s/6d, 3s/-
& 2s/-.

Norwich Mercury 12 Feb
Norwich Mercury 15 Feb 

1859
1859

PERIODICAL: New Tale in the “Guide”, “The Hidden Feast” This is novel ever published.
LECTURE  IN DISS  by  SW Rix  (who was  a  native of Diss) to the Mutual Improvement  Society:

Norwich Mercury 15 Feb 
Norwich Mercury 15 Feb 

“Funeral Customs of all Ages”
MUSIC: Celebrated Hungarian Band on 28 February. 2s/-, 1s/-& 6d

1859
1859

Norwich Mercury 15 Feb 

LITTLE YARMOUTH TURNPIKE TRUST: The Act will expire in 1863. Tolls let on Lease for one
Year.

Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Feb 

1859
1859
 

FIRE ENGINES: Mr Alecock offered his Shop at Rental of £4 - 10s. Accepted.
CHURCH FITTINGS: To Contractors and Builders
Mr  Fenn  received  instructions  from  Messrs  Godbold  &  Sons  to  sell  by  auction  in  the  meadow

Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Feb 
 Beccles Paper,  22 Feb 
 

adjoining the road leading to the Railway Station on Monday 28 February, 1859: Pewing, Galleries,
and all other interior fittings of Beccles Church. Many thousands of feet of 3/4 inch boarding, studs,
joists, stairs, panelled work, excellent pulpit,  a beautiful inlaid octagonal table six foot in diameter.

Altar  rails  and  balusters,  excellent  wainscot  altarpiece  entire,  and  a  unique  brass  chandelier  with

suspension chain complete.
CHURCH RESTORATION: The work of removing the fittings from the Parish Church preparatory
to its  restoration  having commenced  on Monday morning  14 February, the walls of the Assembly

1859
Beccles Paper,  22 Feb 

Rooms echoed on the evening of Wednesday to the beautiful liturgy of the Church of England, and
the services will be regularly conducted there during the continuance of the repairs.
CHURCH RESTORATION: The Rector applied for the use of the Assembly Room for use of Divine

1859
Beccles Paper,  22 Feb 

Worship during the Restoration of the Parish Church. He requested that it might be refused for public
amusements and entertainments. Mr Fenn opposed to confining it to services. Mr Garnham said that
it  was  not  right  to  refuse  the  room  for   any  respectable   entertainment.  He   considered  public

amusements  essential to the well-being of the town  and  a  great auxiliary to  its trade. Ten voted  it
should be used for other purposes, three against.
CHAPEL:  Celebration  of  the  25th  Anniversary  of  Rev  Flowers’  Pastorate  of  the  Congregational

1859
Norwich Mercury 23 Feb 

Church (1835-59). Chair taken by SW Rix. Rev Flower had succeeded Mr Sloper who had succeeded
Rev Joseph Heptinstall (1773-1802)  Eight Church of England gentlemen had joined. in the Gift of

£65.  Refers  to  absence  ofsectarian  spirit.  400  present.  Speakers  SW  Rix,  Alfred  Pigg,  James
Robinson, Nessrs Mayhew, Jermyn & Leavold.

1859

EAST  SUFFOLK RAILWAY:  now within  a Month of opening. The whole  line was now finished
between  Yarmouth  &  Woodbridge.  “Cordial  &  hearty  thanks  to  Sir  Morton  Peto  for  the  very

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Mar

substantial & superior manner in which he had executed the works of the East Suffolk Railway.”
POLICE  INSPECTION:  under  Supt  Hardinge  by  Major-General  Cartwright,  Government  Police
Inspector ....Very favourable terms ..”

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Mar 
1859

ENTERTAINMENT:  Grand  Display  of  Fireworks  on  Tuesday  1  March,  in  the  Market  Place,
followed by entertainment in the Corn Hall. Panorama of Mont Blanc, etc
rETIRING from BUSINESS: Alfred Pigg, Mullinery Sale. [Busines taken over by WJ Sharpe on 12

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Mar 
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Mar 

Apil]
CHURCH  RESTORATION:  Assembly  Room  insufficient  to  accommodate  Sunday  afternoon  and
evening services. Extra services in the Corn Exchange. One for children at 3 p.m. and one at 6p.m.

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Marr

Sunday School at 2 p.m.
INQUEST at “Harbour End” Beer House on William Pye, aged 48, broom maker of Fritton. Samuel
Darby said that at 6 pm Pye came into the Hermitage - worse for liquor - but did not drink much. My

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Mar 

man Knights helped him into his cart & my boy led the horse to the Bridge - but he then turned to
come  up the street. Rebecca Neech of Fen  Lane saw him  between 8pm &  9 pm  driving very fast
round the Corner and heard the Horse & Cart plunge into the Corporation Basin. He was found dead

under the cart.
LIBRARY: Few towns of  equal population possess so  good a  Library  as Beccles, yet how small  a
number of the  inhabitants avail themselves of this advantage: 5,000 Volumes  of so  good character.

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Mar

We  would  especially  urge  the  Tradesman  &  Mechanic  to  become  its  members.  Mrs  Crickmay,
Librarian.

 
 

R Dashwood, Secretary, succeeds EB Fiske. Sub to Members to be increased from £5-10s-0d to £10-
10s-0d

1859
 

RESTORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH:
1.  Estimated cost £2,100. So far £889 subscribed by people living in Beccles;

 Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Mar

 
 

 

£461 by non residents; £200 by Church Building Society; Miss Leman’s legacy £224; Rev Hollond
£100. This makes  a total of £1874, leaving £226 to  be  raised. The non  conformists have to pay all
their costs.

 
 

2.  Money  from  letting  the  Hermitage  to  go  to  Restoration  Committee,  WE  Crowfoot’s  proposed
amendment.
3. Mr Hakewill’s estimate for repairing and partially reconstructing the roof at £238 accepted. £41 for

 
 

repairing the quoins and sills of windows.
IN POUND: Julius Tillett, fishmonger, to pay 16s/- for keep of pony confined in the Common Pound
on Swine’s Green

1859
Norwich Mercury 23 Mar 
1859

MUSIC:  Amateur  Musical  Society  lately  established  in  Town  to  give  a  Musical  Soiree  in  the
Assembly Rooms on Easter Monday. (Mr A Stanford to play the flute Solos)
CHURCH  LETTING:  of  Hermitage  provided  £310  for  restoration  funds.  Let  to  Mr  Cuddon  of

Beccles Wkly Nws  Mar 
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Apr

Bungay.
COUNCIL: 1.) £5 given to Youths’ Evening School. Average attendance 37.
2.)  British  Schools  introduced  better  system  than  any  other  -They  now  had  a  certified  Master  &

1859
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Apr
 

Mistress
3.) Steam Mill. Sum of £320 due for one fourth part of sum due & for one year’s interest for a repair
of machinery

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

4.) A small piece of Land near the Gate House on the Common planted with lucerne
5.) £5 additional to the British School.
6.)  Steam Engine cost of erecting, & Centrifugal pump & machinery for Drainage £1332 -18s-0d

 
 

 
 

Excavators, concrete reservoir & outflow dykes, piles, boarding sides, felting
& boarding boiler, painting, making embankment opposite etc 
 

 

£73-12s-1d
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
£1406-10s-1d

 
 

 
Total 

 
 

Worked    from    1    September    1858    -   18   March    1859   -   800   hours   -    40   tons    of    coal
 
Engine Driver & Assistance 

£30-7s-6d
 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 

£15-0s-0d 
COUNCIL: CATTLE: Depasturing of Cattle: allowed to each householder: 6 Cattle
COUNCIL: LIGHTING the Town last season cost between £140 & £150

1859
1859

Beccles Wkly Nws 10 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Apr
1859

WORKING MEN’S  INSTITUTION:  Council  votes  £5  to  Youths’  Evening  Institute  [No  grant  in
1858]

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Apr

1859
1859

Mr FENN: Letter praising Mr Fenn as a “Public Man”
EDUCATION: BRITISH  SCHOOL: Meeting  of Parents to introduce  new Teachers: Mr Arnold  &
Miss Bates. School had previously been conducted (since 1834?) on Lancastrian Method ie Monitors

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Apr

taught.  Now  Teachers  to  be  fully  in  charge.  Arnold  “Reading  with  Arithmetic  is  of  primary
importance, to which the greatest amount of time & attention would be directed.”
NATIONAL SCHOOL HISTORY: Letter asserting “National School began in 1822. Previous to the

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 May

erection of the present rooms in 1837, Boys taught in what is now the Council Chamber & Girls in
the room now used as Woking Men’s Club” [it was started in 1812 in Northgate]
EDUCATIONAL  SUCCESS:  RC  Whiting  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge  won  Porson’s  Prize  in

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 May

1859. He had been educated at Fauconberge School.
ELECTION  MEETING:  Conservatives  in  Town  Hall:  Henniker  &  Fitzroy  Kelly.  Dr  Crowfoot
introduced them. Reference to Kelly “He had carried a Bill of the most important character...”

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 May
 
 

Liberals in Corn Hall: Adai. Main topic: Parliamentary Reform. Childs of Bungay accused Kelly of
Interfering in Ipswich 1835 elction.
COURT:  Christopher  Brown  fined  for  unlawfully  assaulting  Sarah  Ann  Mills.  He  interfered  with

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 May

plaintiff & young man walking together  .. “an evil much complained of in the Town,  a numbe of
young men & lads frequenting the streets at night & insulting females who were forced to seek the
protection of the Police.”

1859

PROGRESS, subject of Leading Article. “A backward glance for half a Century proves that we have
made wonderful improvement. ... It has not been all material progress. We have progressed morally,

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 May

intellectually and pactically”
INGENIOUS  BEGGAR:  James  Garner,  fisherman,  apprehended  for  begging  in  Northgate.  “The

 1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 May

prisoner, when begging had a hump on his back, as if he was deformed; but, on being searched at the
Police Station, they soon discovered the supposed deformity was a bunch of rags sown to his coat”

Given 14 days labour.
COURT: James Pitchers accused of stealing 3s/- on a Saturday night:
“I went to the George & Dragon at 8 o’clock, where I stopped till about 10. I the went to the Dolphin

1859
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 31 May
 

and sopped there till half past 11,  & was  at the Falcon till  12. I then went as far  as the George  &
Dragon, but the company was all gone. I then went past the Black Boy to the Railway crossing ...”
LIGHTING: Read Crisp (editor of the Beccles & Bungay Weekly News) excluded from Meeting on

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 31 May

Public Lighting (He refused to serve on the Committee)
OPENING of the RAILWAY [Newspaper is missing. This account by E Ulph in Beccles Museum]
In  1858  the  old  Halesworth,  Beccles  and  Haddiscoe  Railway  was  purchased  by  the  East  Suffolk

1859
 

4 June 1859 
 

Railway.  It is  interesting to note that the  line was closed  down  for  a time  so that work  could  be
undertaken in order to allow heavier and long-distance trains to travel from and to London.
Reopening of the line under its new owners, the Great Eastern Railway Company, took place on June

 
 

4th,  1859. Without doubt, this was  a day of  great festivity at Beccles. A contemporary  newspaper
account says that “the  bells  in the majestic  old steeple poured  forth  a merry peal, whilst flags  and
flowers lent their aid to enliven the locality of the station.”

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 

DIVORCE:  Suggate v  Suggate (nee Chenery) divorce Full report - on  grounds of  cruelty. Heard  at
Westminster.[supplement printed!] Jury found for wife.
CIRCUS on 28 June (then Bungay, Halesworth, Yarmouth, Lowestoft

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 

1859
1859
1859

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 

CRICKET: Married v Singles in Beccles; Married 27 & 37; Singles 39 & 31 for 4
CRICKET: Beccles 53 & 47; Bungay 116
CRICKET: Wrentham 104 & 35; Beccles 69 & 38 for 4. Wrentham won on First Innings

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Jul 
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Jul 
1859

COURT: Mary Ann Roberts sentenced to two months Hard Labour for stealing a cotton shirt & one
black silk Handkerchief
NURSERY: Peaches & Nectarines grown in pots in Fenn’s “Orchard House”.

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Jul

1859
1859

Norwich Mercury 16 Jul 

CRICKET: Wrentham v Beccles: Wrentham won on first innings.
SILK WORKS: Liquidation of Silk Works. They had disposed of the Lease to Mr Wild of Norwich,
who intends to reopen  the works, and probably on a still larger scale. £30 vote to Liquidator.

Norwich Mercury 16 Jul 
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Aug 
1859

RAILWAY FARES: George Fenn writes that amemorial should be presented to secure areduction of
fares on East Suffolk Line.
DIED: John Crisp Webster, Congregationalist & Mason.

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Aug 

1859
1859

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Aug

RACES: Postponed until next year.
REGISTRAR. David Jude, Registrar of Births & Deaths to be Registrar of Marriages for Wangford

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Aug
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Aug

in place of JC Webster
COURT: Jeremiah Tyrell & George Tyrell,  grocer  of  Southtown,  builder  - refusing relief to their

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Aug

indigent Mother. Jeremiah Tyrell had pension of 7s/- a week. George Tyrell was ordered to pay. Hi
mother received  10s every 6 weeks from the Feoffees &  lived rent free in an Almshouse.  Shold  be

paid 3s/- per week by George Tyrell.
SALE: Land on each side of Road leading to the Railway Station.
The first offer should be made to the Corporation at its original cost. They had spent a large sum of

1859
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Aug
 

money purchasing it and had sunk a large sum when they sold it to the Railway. It should not get into
the hands of 5 or 6 individuals. The Corporation spent a lot of money draining land for the houses. 
STATION ROAD to be called Station Street (not Theatre Street or Wellington Street.

1859
1859

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Aug

COUNCIL QUARTERLY MEETING: Mayor, Aldermen Garnham, Crisp, Fenn & Steel; Councillors
Fiske, Buck, Read, Read, Harvey, Knowles, Brooks, Laws, Pells.
SOLICITOR’S PRACTICE: John Crisp Webster’s Practice taken by Alfred Kent

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Aug

1859
1859

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Sep 

SCHOOLS TREAT: Independent & Baptist Chapels Schools Treat at Ashman’s
DITCHINGHAM HARVEST HOME: commended as a substitution for “the notorious and drunken
Harvest Homes of the past.”

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Sep 
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Sep 
1859

NEW  BAPTIST  CHAPEL  to  be  built.  Sir  Morton  Peto  had  given  Building  Site.  Subscriptions
already promised £530. Total Cost £1,000
CHURCH  RESTORATION:  George  Thrower   intends   making  Cushions  for  the  Benches  -   in

Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Sep 
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Sep

accordance with regulations of Restoration Committee.
DINNER to Mr Thornton for over 100 at the George & Dragon, Hungate Lane, landlord Mr Girling.
“I started in business in the Town 35 years ago & there was a Day of Trial & I succomed to

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Sep 

 
1859

 

circumstances [he went bankrupt], producing ale & beer. A large business.
REOPENING OF PARISH CHURCH to be on Thursday 13 October with a sermon by the Bishop of

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Oct

Norwich at 2.30 p.m.
[Pew Rents from Goodwyn “A Suffolk Town in Mid Victorian England”

 
 

 
 

page 51
The Rector promoted the restoration of Becdes Church; but in this effort too, he encountered strong
opposition—not in the principal object, but in the re-allocation of pews. He  feared the abolition of

pew  rents  because  of  the  revenue  which  would  be  lost  thereby.  A  large  body  of  townsmen  (7
October) was determined on abolition and carried the day against the Rector and the Church-wardens.
Strong feelings were  aroused.  W. Garnham, addressing the Rector,  declared that they  had had  no

troubles during the last Rector’s time, “but since you came we have had nothing else.”]
Suggested Pew Rents: 10s/-, 7s/6d, 5s/-, 2s/6d, 1s/-
COURT: Chritopher Howe fined 10s/- for stealing Turnips from George Fenn’s Castle Farm.

 
1859

 
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Oct

1859
 

TO BE LET OR SOLD, Furnished or Unfurnished, with possession at Christmas:
Family  Residence  in  Northgate,   consisting   of  Drawing  Room,   handsome  apartment  with  bow
windows 29ft 9ins x 19ft 3ins & looks into Pleasure Garden; Dining Room, Study, Kitchen, Butler’s

Beccles Newspaper 11 Oct
 

Room etc.,  Seven  Sleeping Rooms  & Three Attics, Vegetable Garden of three  quarters of  an  acre,
with frontage of Ninety yards at River’s side.
A Boat House, Summer House, Stables & Coach House. In the Pleasure House is a well-stacked &

 
 

fruitful Vinery & an Orangery. Contiguous is a Meadow containing four acres.
[Montagu left Beccles in 1859, the year his wife died. He died in 1862 at Sandgate, Kent aged 71]
TO BE LET with immediate possession: A commodious House &  Shop with Garden  in Northgate,

 
1859

 
Beccles Wkly 11 Oct 

now in the occupation of Thomas Claxton, tailor, who is removing to New Market.
MUSICAL EVENING at the Assembly Room: The Misses Beauchamp
REOPENING OF PARISH CHURCH. Closed  for seven  months. Contains  1300 sittings,  but  1600

1859
1859

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Oct
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Oct

present. The Bishop entered by the west door, which had been closed for a century. Mr Walker the
organist. Organ rebuilt by Messrs Bishop, Starr and Richardson of London at £300. The restoration
was done by Messrs Godbold of Brockdish, under architect Hakewill.

1859

MAYOR’S DINNER, William Cowles entertained at the King’s Head - a party of Freiends including
the Rector & leading inhabitants.
CHRISTIANITY:   Leading Article: “Christianity ought to  be the overriding actor  in the Nation, &

Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Oct
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Oct

the Press should be its Agent.”
COURT: Robert Cutler fined 10s/- for keeping his Beerhouse open at an omproper time.
WORKING  MEN’S  INSTITUTE:  Proposal  to  amalgamate  with  the  Church  of  England  Young

1859
1859

Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Oct
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Nov

Men’s Society (formed 4 October 1859). Rejected. Church of England Society required membership
of the Church of England. Working Men’sInstitute open to all.
INSURANCE:  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Beccles  Provident  Society.  Three  of  the  Trustees:  Messrs

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Nov

Cowles. Steel & W Garnham “such useful & benevolent intuitions”.
COURT: William Tuthall, aged 12, seven days & a whipping for stealing a whip lanyard (& several

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Nov

other thefts)
Mr Read (grocerr) proposed as Mayor by Mr Lenny. Declined. Mr Laws then proposed Mr Lenny &

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Nov

Mr Garnham by Mr Brooks.  Mr Garnham elected. [a real rumpus]
SILK WORKS will resume soon. A large quantity of Machinery has arrived. There is a 12hp engine.

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Nov

In addition to the present building there is a new one 100 ft long & 45 ft wide.
COURT: William Purland of Beccles charged as desserter from the Royal Artillery. Delivered to the
Military escort to Woolwich.

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Nov

1859
1859
1859

CONCERT: Grand Concert in the Assembly Room
PUBLIC LECTURES: Fortnightly “For Mutual Improvement”. First Lecture Rev J Flower.
C of E YOUNG MEN’S SOCIETY: Denied that membership confined to members of the Church of

Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Nov

England.
SALE  of  SHOP  FITTINGS,  Furniture,  Paper  Hangings  of  Thomas  Sayer  junior,  who  is  leaving
England.

1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 29 Nov
1859

PUBLIC HOUSE;  S  Walne returns thanks for  encouragement of  12 years whilst she  lived  at the
White Horse, in New Market - she has now taken the Duke’s Head in Ballygate
EDUCATIONAL  SUCCESS:  Mr  WM  Crowfoot,  MB  London.  Scholarship  &  Gold  Medal  for

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 Dec 
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 Dec 

physiology, Scholarship & Gold Medal for Surgery & first Gold Medal for Midwives. Eldest son of
WE Crowfoot, educated at the Fauconberge School. [born 1837]
DIED: Mr William Gooch

1859
1859

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Dec 

POVERTY: Letter in reference to optimistic spech at Oddfellows’ dinner by Mr Scott
A  Journeyman  Shoemaker  wrote:  “half  the  Winter  we  scarcely  earn  enough  to  keep  the  family
decent.”

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Dec 
 
 

1859
1859

ENTERTAINMENT: Ethiopan Seranaders in theAssembly Room (referred to as Nigger Minstrels)
PAST & PRESENT  leading  article. THE PAST:  its Charities were  evident & well  conducted.  Its

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Dec 
Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Dec 

Library &  Lectures  flourished. It could present an exhibition of Art,  Science & Craft? to challenge
the rivalry of Cities. Literature, Horticulture graced its Public Rooms.Schools revived & flourished.

 
 

PRESENT  ...”There  has  been  a  sad  renewal  of  the  bitter  hostility  of  classes  and  of  the  narrow
sectarianism spirit which, a quarter of a century ago, seemed to have been rooted out for ever.”

 
 

CAUSES  of  THIS:  1.)  The  Leaders  now  ....  are  immersed  in  there  own  business  avocations.  A
fraternity of men cobining leisure, independence, intellect, energy & unselfishness
2.) Fstivities fostered a kindly spirit - we have less public feasting & meeting. The chief want of the

 
 

present  age  is  sympathy.  ...  The  most  fatal  manifestation  of  this  last  evil  is  in  connection  with
religion./
FEOFFMENT CHARITY: Main disbursements:

1859
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Dec 
 

Cash to the Poor    
Institutions 
Blankets to the Poor 

 
£44-3s-0d
£39-5s-0d 

£38-19-0 
Schools     &    Charitable
 
 
Occupants ofAlmhouses

 
C  of   E  YOUNG  MEN’S   SOCIETY:   Lecture   by   SS  Jones  “Press  On”:  Histories  of   Several
Individuals who had risen from humble ranks of life to the highest position in society & enjoined his

£20-0s-0d
1859
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Dec
hearers to emulate their assiduity, perseverance & self denial.
BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1860

MAYORS: 1859-1860: John Garnham; 1860-1861: EB Fiske
BECCLES GAOL: Amalgamation of Divisions & Discontinuance of Beccles Gaol. In the opinion of
Mr Kerrick, the Court (in Ipswich) ought to hesitate before it resolved on a matter which would carry

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Jan
the  Justices,  the  Grand  Jury  &  Petty  Juries,  the  Prosecutors,  Prisoners,  Witnesses  and  others,  a

distance od  42 miles  every quarter. The matter should be  considered by  a Committtee, the present
Committee reapointed.
SILK WORKS: All orders for Goods or work for these Mills will be given in a printed Form signed

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Jan 

by me. W Wilde, junior.
MENAGERIE: Morder’s Royal Menagerie:  Lions, Tigers, Lepards,  Elephant,  Llamas, Hyeneas  etc
Labouring Classes 6d.

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Jan 
1860

RIFLE  VOLUNTEER  CLUB:  Packed  Council  Chamber  of  those  interested.  If  sufficient  people
Volunteered  the  Government  would  pay  for  the  Rifles  &  part  of  the  Clothing.  Colonel  Wilson
addressed the Meeting - as a former Regular Soldier. A Committee was formed & £36 raised.

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Jan 
 
 

Committee: Mayor  (Garnham), Col  Wilson,  Fenn,  Fiske, Angel, Crisp, Read (Castle),  F Garnham,
Steel. Secretary: Rix
WORKING MEN’S INSTITUTE AGM George Fenn, President. Upwards  of  500 present.  40  new

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Jan 

Working Class Members
CHAPEL:  NEW  BAPTIST  CHAPEL:  Railway  Road,  Beccles:  Tradesmen  in  Beccles  willing  to

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Jan 

contract for Bricklaying, Masonry,  Slating  & Plastering  - one  contract for the whole,  according to
plans & specifications which will be  open to  inspection at Mr Wright’s,  London Road. Tenders to

him before 14 February.
BECCLES PUBLIC  LIBRARY:  Letter: Before the  Library was  established  in 1835, “there was  a

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Feb 

‘Circulating Library’ filled with well thumbed trashy novels, th ‘Book Club’ of the gentry, and one or
two other societies of limited ranges.
The writer pleads for adherance to a fundamental rule “The purchase of standard & useful works: He

 
 

refers to the spending of money on hiring book from Mudie’s”.
BECCLES RACES: Committee decided to abandon all future attempt to restart Races on account of
lack of support.

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 14 Feb 

1860
1860

COURT: Mary Ann Houbett, 21 days Hard Labour for stealing 17 eggs.
RIFLE CORPS: First Drill of this Corps. Colonel Wilson took Drill Instructor’s role. Between 40 &
50 men.

Beccles Wkly Nws 14 Feb 
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Feb 
1860

COURT: William Tills, fishmonger, Cove, fined 10s/- & 8s/6d costs for assaulting Rosetta Grainge
by throwing snowballs at her. “Defendant was standing near the Church Gate with several boys of his
class. It seems to be a very common practice in the Parish to annoy people on the way to Church.”

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Feb 

1860
1860

RIFLE CORPS: Enrolled 61 People (list given). Sworn in by Capt Montagu, RN.
WORKING MEN’S INSTITUTE discussion: “Whether former times were better than the Present.”
“It was shown, by tracing the characteristics of the successive periods in the history of our Country,

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Feb 
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Feb 

that the present condition & state of society was in every way superior to what had gone before.”
BALL: East Suffolk Hunt Ball held at the Corn Hall. 200-300 present.
COURT: George Smith, vagrant, one Month Hard Labour for stealing a sheet.

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Feb 
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Feb 
1860

CHURCH PASTORAL AID  SOCIETY:  letter  complains that the  Society pays the Rector £90 to
£100 for his Curate’s salary, when the aim of the Society purports to be “to send the Gospel among

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Mar

the benighted millions in our large Towns.”
CONCERT CLASSIQUE: Assembly Rooms.

1860
1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Mar

LIBRARY: Read Crisp’s Select Lending Library; Subs Beccles 15s/-, Country 21s/-
CHURCH  PASTORAL  AID  SOCIETY:  Letter  in  reply:  Rector’s  greatly  increased  activitities

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Mar
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Mar

required  a Curate. The Church  Pastoral Aid  Society  agreed to pay for Curate,  if Beccles provided
£50. In 1859  £76 was provided by Beccles towards salary of £90. There is  no Parsonage House in
Beccles.

1860

INFORMATION SOUGHT: Robert  Ezekiel  Julians, formerly of Beccles,  afterwards of Colchester
(assistant to Mr Chenery, a Draper there) & then for some time assistant to Mr Poppy, also a Draper
of  285-286  High  Holborn,  London;  &  afterwards  being  out  of  employment  &  at  lodgings  in  the

Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Mar

House of Mr Hill in Gloucester Street, Lambeth. DISAPPEARED between the months of February &
May 1841 from his lodgings & from his London acquaintances, & has never since been heard of by
his family or kindred.

 
1860

 

Any Person who can give information to William Chater, solicitor of Suffolk, will be rewarded.
MUSIC:  Selection  of  Sacred  Music  in  the  Assembly  Rom  by  a  Band  &  Choruses  of  Amateur
Performers conducted by Mr & Mrs Corbyn. 29 March: Handel, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Haydn)

Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Mar
1860

GAOL CHAPLAIN Rev Henry Francis, Chaplain of Beccles Gaol Resign “after a service of 46 years
& being in his 86th year of my Age.”
RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY: Long account of Meeting

Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Mar

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Mar

ENTERTAINMENT: Washington Friends’ great Geographical Moving Panorama (with songs) in the
Assembly Room
CHURCH of ENGLAND YOUNG MEN’S  SOCIETY: Discussion: “Should the Crystal  Palace  be

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Apr 
1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Apr 

opened on Sundays?” Majority of 6 say No.
SALE  of  SURPLUS  STOCK  at  Coach  House  of  Messrs  Horsley  &  Son  to  make  room  for  new
Workshop, Steam Engine House etc.

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Apr 

1860
1860

DIED: Mr James Harvey of the White Lion.
SERMONS by Rev W Jeffery on the Irish Revival at the weekly United Meetings for prayer in the
Corn Hall. He  cocluded prayer with  special  appeals “for the  conversion of drunkards, the  Sabbath

Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Apr 
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Apr 

Breakers, and the careless & undecided of Beccles.”
SHIPMEADOW  WORKHOUSE:  Retirement  of  George  Sandby  from  Chairmanship  of  Wangford
Union.  His  retrospect:  “Before  1835  there  was  a  sullen,  discontented,  rebellious  spirit  among  the

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Apr 

Labourers, a hostile, antagonisic attitude towards their Employers. In too many cases they were firing
their Masters’ stacks, refusing to go to work & insulting those who did.
Great savings in Poor Rate: the old & infirm could now be properly relieved.

 
 

 
 

... great and manifest improvement had been obtained in the industrious and rural habits.
Advantage in men of many pofessions etc meeting on the Board of Guardians.”

 
1860

 

LAYING FOUNDATION STONE of NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL on Good Friday. Prayers  held  in
present Chapel. Laid by Rev G Wright assisted by RA King & James Walne, the contractors.

Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Apr 
 
 

Five people under Mr Hupton of Claxton in 1805 built present chapel at a cost of £470. The five and
fifteen others united into a Church in 1808. Last Saturday he buried the last of the church, originally

composed, at the age of 87.
Last year it was decided that the old buildings were not worth repairing.  Sir Morton Peto  gave the
,land.

 
 
1860

RESTORATION of the PARISH CHURCH: A further sum of £712 required. The Patron of the
Living, Rev Edmund Holland gave a further donation of £100.
FIRE: Mr John Crisp, jun and Mrs Pedgrift desire to thank all persons who so kindly assisted at the

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Apr 
1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 

Fire in Northgate during the night of Tuesday last, feeling convinced that had it not been for their
very active and energetic exertions, a much greater destruction of property would have ensued.
SALE: Perempt Sale ofFreehold Property. Mr Fenn at King’s Head on Friday 4 May 1860

1860
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 
 

Dwelling House with Front Shop and Back Work Shops, Yard etc for many years occupied by
GeorgeTaylor, brazier, situate in the Market Place, Beccles.
SALE OF GOODS: at Gillingham Wharf for S Darby: wood, wine casks, etc.

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 

FORESTERS’ DINNER, “Pride of Forest”, First anniversary. in Dolphin Inn. Chair: G Peskett, Esq,
MD, Vice Chair: Edward W Adams, of Court of Foresters, Bungay. Tickets, 2s 6d, from Charles
Barkway, the Dolphin; William Godbold, Treasurer, Blyburgate; William Piper, Northgate.

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 
1860

COUNCIL: Proposed by Ald Steel that the money received from the Railway for land sold should
pay off debt to Messrs Easton & Amos. Not passed.
YOUTH’S EVENING SCHOOL: Mr Wiseman’s Evening School: He was quite indefatifable in his

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 
 
 

exertions. Mr Scott: “”endeavouring to get young men off the streets to attend of an evening, where
they might improve their minds as well as their morals. They were really taught readig, writing and

arithmetic.” £5 granted to National School & £5 to British School.”
Expenses of plan produced by Mr Malthouse created acrimony between Ald Steel and Mr Lenny.

 
 

Resolved by Ald Fenn setting up Committee of whole Council to consider problems.
Wall opposite Mrs Clarke’s Residence [29 Ballygate owned by Mr Crowfoot]: Mr Crowfoot

 
 

approached: Said he had no responsibility for the wall, but would help towards cost. Wall to be
rebuilt
FIRE IN NORTHGATE: in kiln in Malthouse near the River, owned by Mrs Pedgrift, in occupation

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 

of Mr Crisp, jun. Broke out at 12, fire engines arrived, put out by 4am.
WANGFORD UNION: Rev Edward Holmes, Rector of St Margaret South Elmham elected
Chairman; Frederick Darby Robinson of Barsham & Rev George Sandby, Vice Chairmen.

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 

1860
1860

CHURCH: Churchwarden: Mr WJ Sharpe elected in place of Mr Jarman.
RIFLE CORPS: Approved by Commander-in-Chief. “The enrolled members of the Corps intending
to equip themselves, will do well to lose no time to order their uniforms” The committee accepted

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 

joint offer of Messrs Scott, Mullett, Claxton and Mills to supply tunics, trousers & caps at £3 per man
CHURCH of ENGLAN YOUNG MEN’S SOCIETY: Mr D Jude in Chair. Discussion: “Is a
Monarchical Form of Government to be preffered?” For the Monarchy, Mr SS Jones. Motion won by

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr 

Chairman’s casting vote.
SALE of GOODS: Peremptory Sale by James Crisp on 12 May under Deed of Assignment
Stock-in-Trade of Mr Thomas Sayer, uon premises in Ballygate: painters’ plumbers & glaziers’

1860
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 May 
 

materials; also Household Furniture.
COURT: Walter White, late of Ditchingham, miller, accused of assaulting Susan Manning, wife of
Simon Manning, farming bailiff, Roos Hall. “Statements which are not fit to be published”. Sent for

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 May 

trial.
TO LET: The Free Beer House, called “The Victoria” in London Road, together wih garden, well
stocked, and in full profit, an excellent meadow of 2 acres, lage workshop, adapted for a wheelwright

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 15 May

or carpenter, stableroom for 12 horses, cart-lodge, etc.
SALE: Mr Fenn Monday 28 May, 1860:
BAPTIST CHAPEL: Brick & Tiled, situate near the road leading to the Railway Station, with

1860
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 May
 

Freehold Ground on which it is erected & a small piece of ground lately forming part of Chapel Lane.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY: one or two good workmen at T Claxton, tailor & draper, New Market.
RIFLE VOLUNTEERS: “The Rifle movement is becoming a power in the country.. Rifle Corps have

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 15 May

everywhere been formed, and this movement has been taken up with great public spirit and
patriotism.
CHURCH: Congregational Church Tea in the Assembly Room. 270 sat down to tea.

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 May

SOCIETY for the PROPOGATION of the GOSPEL: meeting chaired by WJ Crowfoot.
ADVERTISEMENT: George Syder, Stock of Paper Hangings, Old Market.

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 May

1860
1860
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 22 May

SALE of FURNITURE: Mr Fenn, 28th May
Valuable Furniture of Capain Montagu, RN (who is leaving Beccles.) large orange trees, greenhouse

Beccles Wkly Nws 22 May
 

plants AND Laudaulet Carriage, Sailing & Rowing Boats.
COUNCIL: Decided to sell the Windmill by auction. It had cost altogether between £800 & £1,000.

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 29 May

It was no longer necessary now that they had a steam mill, and would cost £7 or £8 a year to keep it
in workable condition.
Fire Engine No 1: Needed a suction pipe for getting water. Would cost £10 or £12. Agreed

 
1860

 

RECTOR & THE PRESS; Rector described our papaer as “that paltry little publication in this town.”
The Rector’s conduct should be marked with the desire to avoid  strife and ill-feeling. Any deviation
from such a course necessarily renders him open to public censure. We have given full reports of all

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Jun 

religious proceedings in connection with the established church or those who separate themselves
from her communion.
We claim no literary merit - we affect none. We profess to be simply chroniclers of passing events.

 
1860

 

APOLOGY for defamation of character; To Robert Martin, jun: We hereby express regret and offer
apology for having made certain statements seriously affecting your character and njuring your trade;
also for having circulated a letter equally injurious to you. William Spratt, E Spratt.

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Jun 
1860

CHURCH: Confirmation by Bishop of Norwich: “The removal of the old pews by the recent
restoration of the noble fabric, presented every facility ....
14th SUFFOLK VOLUNTEERS: On Monday 18th June the Volunteers this Corps made their first

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Jun
1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Jun 

appearance in un iform. By 6 o’clock a large crowd had collected opposite the Corn Hall, in which
building the men first assembled - the dress of grey with facings of red cloth is decidedly becoming.
They marched to the parade ground at St Mary’s. After an hour’s drill they marched back to the Corn

Hall.
SALE of FURNITURE of Mr BN DAle of the Angel, who is leaving the town.

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jul 
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jul 

EDUCATION: Miss Brunning is removed to the house late in the occupation of Mrs Parish in
Blyburgate. School resumed on 17th instant.

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jul 

PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED between Barker & Mullenger ironmongers. It will be carried on by
Walter Mullenger.

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jul 

CHURCH: Wanted a Parish Church ORGANIST
BAPTIST CHAPEL rapidly approaching completion. The old Chapel has now been sold for other
purposes.

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jul 
1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jul 

14th SUFFOLK VOLUNTEERS: Sergeant Ramplin of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, who is at
present located in this town, has obtained permission from his Colonel to superintend the drilling of
this Corps.

1860
 

SALE by Mr Fenn in White Lion on 24 July, 1860 the Estate of late James Copeman:
LOT 1: Smallgate: A commodious Messuage [No 5] with a large and well-planted Garden in the
occupation of late Mrs Copeman

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Jul
 
 
 

AND Three comfortable Dweling Houses occupied by Mrs Drewell [No 3], Mr Thirtle [No 7] and
James Flegg [No 9]
AND a Cottage Gig House & Stable adjoining with three Cottages adjacent occupied by Widow

 
 

Copeman, William Laws, and William Tipple (one of them next Newgate)
LOT 2: Three Cottages in Newgate adjacent to the above, occupied by John Edwards, Susan King &
David Foyster

 
 
 
 

LOT 3: 2 Messuages adjoining the Corn Exchange [in Sheepgate] with Shops & Buildings thereto
belonging, in the occupation of Mr Bullock, watchmaker & Miss Knights, & a part of the yard
occupied therewith.

 
 
 

 
 
 

 LOT 4: Two Cottages in Hungate Lane in the occupation of  Widows Fairweather & Forsdike
AND a Stable now in the occupation of James Money and the residue of the Yard adjoining Lot 3
LOT 5: In Blyburgate: A Dwelling House & Shop near the street in the occupation of Mrs Hannah

Copeman:  [No 24]
AND a Dwelling House adjoining thereto occupied by Mr John Stimpson
IN THE REAR:

 
 

 
 

 
1860

 

Four Cottages with a large Yard and Garden in the occupation of Turner, Baldry & Fearman 
EDUCATION: Mrs Cullen Smallgate, Beccles engaged a resident German Governess who id
proficient at both German & French. Mdlle Hansel has taught in Paris. Terms: German, 15s a quarter;

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Jul

French 15s a quarter, Both French & German 25 s a quarter.
BANQUET to Sir Samuel Morton Peto at Lowestoft
SUICIDE of David Davey, lime burner, by hanging. His wife had died recently. Harriet Barkway,

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Jul
Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Jul

wife of Edward Barkway, carter and innkeeper: “The deceased used my house for 14 years. I have
observed a change in his mind lately, which commenced just before his wife died. I have heard him

say he did not know what was to become of him, as he was a lost man.”
DINNER given at 6 pm on Wednesday last to about 40 persons (men & boys) who have been

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 31 Jul

employed in the erection of the new Baptist Chapel. Provided by Mrs Walne at the Angel Inn.
EDUCATION: Election of Schoolmistress by Board of Guardians at £20 a year, with board, lodging

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws  7 Aug

& washing.
SALE of STOCK -In-TRADE by Peremptory Sale of Robert Martin’s Stock & Husehold Furniture.
ELECTION of ORGANIST: Pay to be no more than £40 a year. Mr Walker, the previous organist

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 14 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 14 Aug

was insolvent and his solicitor was offering  2 shillings in the pound. His brother had played
(inefficientl) lately and the Wednesday had been neglected. Mr Walker would have to come
personally to receive his money. Many tradesmen said he owed them money.

1860

ADVERTISEMENT: John Riches, sack manufacturer, Smallgate. Also mats, plough lines, cart
grease.
SALE of STOCK IN TRADE of Thomas Day, Wheelwright and beer seller, London Road.

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Aug

1860
1860

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Aug

TO BE LET: Two newly erected Genteel Residences in London Road. Apply N Pells, builder,
Beccles.
ORGANIST APPOINTED. He will not arrive until September. Mr FD Robinson of Barsham

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Aug
1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Aug

performing duties gratuitously at present.
SALE of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE of Mr James Boyden (who declines house keeping.) in
London Road.

1860
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Aug

1860
1860

SALE of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE of Mrs Mary Last, (who is leaving England) in London Road.
14th RIFLE VOLUNTEERS: The undersigned members of the Corps suggest they have rifle range
on the Common at the East end of the Racecourse.

Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Sep
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Sep
 
 

Robert Jarman 
 

Charles Robey 
Thomas Claxton

 George Drewell 
HT Hardinge
 
 

FR Ward 
 

 
John W Steel 

WC Mullenger 
David Soanes

A Radermacher
 
 

John Clarke 
 

Richard Pont 
James Money

HW Cutting 
Robert Webber
 
 

Joseph Ward 
 
John Starland 

William Harmer 
WB Barrand
James Carr 

William Mason 
John Woolnough
 
 
James Thrower 
WP Garrod

 
Ths A Woodroffe 
 

William Thornton
George Baxter 
Clement Palmer

 
 
George Block 
Richard Av Rix
 
 
William Grimwade 
Frederick Thayer 
Richard Martin 
Samuel Hurren.
BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1861
MAYORS: 1860-1861: EB Fiske; 1861-1863: Thomas Laws

1861
1861

CHPEL OPENING: Baptist Chapel opened. [newspaper article removed]
FIRE at HENSTEAD. Farm belonging to Mr Smith. No 2 & No 3 Fire Engines under Superintenece
of James Goffin  & William Cutting, immediately set  off  &  arrived at the place of the Fire  a  little

Beccles Wkly Nws 29 Mar
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Apr

before seven. By this time the Outhouses & Barn were entirely consumed & a Wheat Stack was in
flames. The fire continued to rage until half past three onSunday Morning.

1861
1861

BAPTIST CHURCH been using theAssembly Room for several months, thanks Council.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS: Mr Devereux Garnham of Lowestoft [son of WW Garnham,

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Apr 

born 1840], student at St Thomas’s, Admitted Member. Formerly resident in Beccles, student at the
Fauconberge School.
CHURCH RESTORATION: Three Sermons to raise money, one by Rev FW Davenport, curate

1861
1861

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Apr

COUNCIL: ASSEMBLY ROOM: Rifle Volunteers using it for drill, are ruining the floor. Mr Fenn
had great sympathy for them, but it should not be allowed.
RAILWAY: WAVENEY VALLEY RAILWAY: Ready to start work on it when land is delivered to

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Apr
1861
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Apr

them [by the Council?]
DIED: Heber Thomas Hardinge, Esq., Superintendent of Police, aged 25.
SALE of his FURNITURE in his house in London Road

1861
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 14 May
 
1861

INDEPENDENT CHAPEL: Tenders for Vestry, School Rooms, etc. in Independent Chapel, plans at
Counting House of Mr Ward, wine merchant
DIED: James Roberts, cooper, aged 84

Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Jun

1861
1861

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Jul 

ORGANIST: Mr JH Deane, Organist of Beccles Church, Professor of Piano & Organ
He advertised AND resigned in the same week!

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Jul 

 
1861

 

CHURCH:  WANTED  an  efficient  Organist  &  Choir  Master.   Salary  will   not  exceed   £40  pa.
Application to Read Crisp, Churchwarden.

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jul 
1861

GAOL: All Prisoners removed from Beccles Gaol on  10 June sent to Ipswich. Officers  given  no
notice when it was to be closed. “Visitors” to Gaol J Kerrick, JC Safford, WJ Crowfoot, RC Denny

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jul 

suggest the following should be given pay for the Quarter:
Samuel Drewell (Turnkey & Schoolmaster) Aged 55, served 12 years;
Henry Cutton (Cook)  aged 48, served 18 years.  

 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

Henry Vincent (warder) aged 43, served 15 years.
There had been 17 Prisoners & 2 awaiting trial.
The late Governor, Mr George Drewell, had become the Master of the Workhouse at Oulton. He had

been  Governor  of  Gaol  for  17  years,  his  wife  was  Matron.  He  had  been  for  4  years  Assistant
Governor to his Fathe, who was Governor for 46 years. Men had been “worthy & efficient servants of
the County”.

1861

COUNCIL: STEAM MILL: The whole of the Corporation Marshes - 800 acres, have sunk 10 inches
on  account of  efficient drainage. The buildings to  be  moved  & machinery reconstructed by Messrs
Easton & Amos without charge. Messrs King will rebuild for £24.

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jul
1861

BECCLES GAOL: On Friday last the Officers were discharged. The premises were handed over to
the Chief Constable.
LEAVING BECCLES: Abraham Brown, pawnbroker of Rook’s Lane.

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jul 

1861
1861

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jul 

EDUCATION: NATIONAL SCHOOLS Treat. 305 Children, with CHurch Bells ringing, marching
through New Market & Ballygate to Asman’s. Passing through the Lodge Gates. Fine Arch erected
by the  male teachers.  Started  on north  lawn -  given tea - played Cricket - a swing, trap ball,. Two

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jul 

balloons would not lift up because of the bad weather. On leaving each child given a large bun by the
Rector.

1861
1861

ORGANIST: Mr CW Johnson of Great Yarmouth elected.
EDUCATION: INDEPENDENT CHAPEL  SCHOOLS Treat. 400 Children at Ashman’s

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jul 
Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jul 
1861

BAPTIST’S Tea to celebrate George Wright’s Ministry at Beccles. 80 people sat down to Tea, held
in the New Chapel.

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 Aug 
1861

ADVERTISEMENT: Harriet White, bookseller & stationer has taken over Premises in New Market
occupied by Miss Cattermole [3 New Market]
John Leupolt, nephew of SS Jones of the Leman School obtained 7th place out of 250 candidates for

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Aug
1861
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Aug

Civil Service. Formerly at Fauconberge School.
DIED: John Delf, gardener, aged 72.
MASONS: APOLLO LODGE: George Fenn retired from Chair. GF Garnham installed. Other Posts:

1861
1861

Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Aug

J Mullett. WC Mullenger, R Horsley, James Crisp, R Norman & SS Jones.
YARMOUTH RACES: the number of passengers leaving Beccles Railway Station for the Races on
Tuesday & Wednesday was 530, who had to return by the 6 pm train, This was the largest number of

1861
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Sep 

Tickets ever issued.
Colonel Wilson  resigns from the  Suffolk Rifle Volunteers. Mr J Garden refused to take the  Post.
Lieut  Crowfoot  elected  to  be  Captain.  Ensign  Read  to  be  Lieutenant.  Sergeant  Angell  nominated

1861
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Oct 

Ensign.
DIED: Rev Thomas Sheriffe of Henstead Hall. late Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford. Rector of
Henstead since 1836.

1861
Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Oct 
1861

LOCAL  ELECTION:  Laws  93,  Mayhew  90,  Wright  88,  Buck  71.  These  did  not  wish  to  be
nominated, but received votes: Mullenger 69, Read 15, Block 14.
MEMORIAL to ISAAC BLOWERS restored at the expense of Rev Samuel Ward, of Putnam, State

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Nov 
1861
Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Nov

of Ohio, USA to whose father isaac Blowers was “a Liberal Benefactor”.
MAYOR: Thomas Laws elected Mayor. To receive salary of £24.
LECTURE by SW Rix: “Beccles Men of Other days.” Charge 6d in Aid of the British Schools at 8

1861
1861

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Dec  

pm on 3rd of December
RIX: Joseph Arnold (2 columns of his History very interesting)
DIED: The Prince Consort

1861
1861

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Dec 
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Dec 
BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1862
MAYOR: 1861-1863
1862

SILK WORKS Stealing Silk: Elizabeth Holland charged with stealing a quarter ounce of silk. 40 girls
work  in the  factory,  and there were  18  in the room  in which she worked  under  a  mistress.George
Mays  went  upstairs  to  the  winding  room  and  saw  Elizabeth  Holland  put  some  waste  silk  in  her

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Mar

pocket. At first she denied it,  but later produced the silk.  She was taken before the manager of the
Silk Works, Mr George Baylis, who had her taken into custody. Mr RB Snowdon, a witness, formerly
manager of the Silk Works, said that the girls have no right to remove the silk from the skeins, but

they do it. It was not stealing, but waste. There is no market for silk here.
She   was   sentenced   to   three   weeks   imprisonment.   [The   Magistrates   were   Rev   J   Safford   of
Mettingham, Rev RC Denny, the Mayor, (Thomas Laws), & the ex-Mayor (Edward Fiske).]

 
 
1862

DINNER for Mr Thornton. 35 Tradesmen in the Hermitage Inn. He spent his money amongst them &
alleviated distress.
COUNCIL LAND COMMITTEE to invest £172 of purchase money to be paid by Waveney Valley

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Mar
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Mar

Railway Co in purchasing Meadow of 1a 1r 32p belonging to Charles Dashwood of Great Yarmouth,
on  the  East  side  of  the  Railway  Station.  Also  to  Enfranchise  Land  [from  the  Manor  of  Beccles].
[Probably No 266 on Tithe Map 1841]

1862

DISPENSARY   BEQUEST:   Samuel   Taylor   Dawson,   MD   of   Botesdale   left   £100   to   Beccles
Dispensary

Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Mar
1862

POOR LAW CHANGES: Poor Law will no longer be assessed Parish by Parish, but on the Hundred
as a whole,  based  on the Rateable  Value throughout the Hundred. Towns will be better  off  - the

Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Mar

country less well off.
DIED: Miss Howman,  a  bountiful Friend  of the  Poor,  aged  71. A  special Train took  her  body to

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Mar

Norwich. Buried in the Family Tomb at Hockering.
 DEATH: On Saturday the 22nd March, suddenly, at her residence at Beccles, in the 72nd year of her
age, Dorothea  Louisa, only surviving  daughter of the late Rev Roger Freston HOWMAN, formerly

1862
Beccles Wkly 25 Mar 

rector of Shipmeadow in this County, and of Hockering in the County of Norfolk.
DIED: Edward Mills of the Crown Inn, Blyburgate, aged 46, found dead near the Gaol - had fits of
apoplexy - but by prompt action restored. Found at 2.30 am.

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Mar
1862

INTERNATIONAL  EXHIBITION:  Great  International  Exhibition.    Mayor,  Mr.  Laws  went  by
invitation to  its opening. Messrs Horsley &  Son,  coachbuilders  exhibiting  a Miniature Brougham  -
entirely executed by Beccles Craftsmen.

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May 
1862

ENTERTAINMENT: Legendmain, Madlle Veroni, the only female magician in the world will appear
at the Assembly Rooms on Friday and Saturday next when we trust the people of Beccles will reward
the fair enchantress by a good attendance.

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
1862

ADVERTISEMENT Benjamin Brown   Saddler  and Harness Makers  reads: NB  Everything for the
use and comfort of the Horse supplied on the shortest notice.
ADVERTISEMENT: CF Parker, New Market, a large assortment of Shawls, Dresses, Bonnets, Hats

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May

& Millinery.  A vacancy for a Respectable Youth as Apprentice.
ADVERTISEMENT: Aaron Mobbs unrivalled 4s Tea TTT, Hungate
INN: George and Dragon Tavern  Hungate Lane reopened.  R.B. Snowden.

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May

1862
1862

ADVERTISEMENT: James Crisp Auctioneer, Valuer and Accountant.
ADVERTISEMENT:  W.W.  Garnham's:    Ladies  best  Alpine  Kid  Gloves;  1s.  a  pair  Millinery,

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May

Mantles, Dresses; The Agathon Vest.  
EDUCATION: Fauconberg Grammar School.  Annual custom of the Trustees of the School Estates

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May

breakfasting with the Headmaster, the Rev.G.A. Hartley  on 3rd instant  and the boys  had  a whole
holiday in Commemoration of Dr. Fauconberg and his munificent benefaction.

1862

ADVERTISEMENT: Robert Catchpole & Sons, having succeeded to the old Established Business of
Watch & Clock Maker  carried on for  many years  of Mr Garrod Jones in Blyburgate. All kinds of
Clocks, Watches & Jewellery made to oder, if not in stock.

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
1862

ADVERTISEMENT: J Branford & Sons, Saddler, Collar & Harness Maker - in consequence of Mr
Brewer’s leaving Beccles, have hired a Shop in Blyburgate where they intend carrying on the same
business.

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
1862
ADVERTISEMENT: Benjamin Brown, having succeeded to the Old Established business of Saddler
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May

& Harness Maker carried on for many years in Sheepgate
ADVERTISEMENT:  Isaac  Green,  Boot  &  Shoe  Warehouse,  New  Market,  has  bought  Bankrupt
Stock of Man’s Hats,  Scarfs & Neckties selling at  20%  off prime  cost.  Winter  Stock  of Boots  &

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May

Shoes.
ADVERTISEMENT:  Hadbook  of  Courtship  or  The  Art  of  Lovemaking  fully  explained.  How  to
make a Man propose. How to woo a rich bachelor.

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
1862

COUNCIL MARSHES:  Letter about Marshes: Rental £170 more than previous year. “The result is
owing to the great imprvement in the value of the Marshes from the effective drainage by steam in
the past four years. (Farmers confident of no casualties from floods)

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
1862

NONCONFORMISTS:  Letter from  a Churchman: Attacks  aim of Congregational Union to destroy
the Establishment (Down with it, Down wth it, even to the ground) Dissenters unite with Chartists,
Infidels etc.

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
1862

14th  SUFFOLK VOLUNTEERS: AGM: Capt Crowfoot presiding. (WM Crowfoot, Chairman;  SF
Rix, Secretary; Treasurer, R Bohun; Committee, G Fenn & Thornton) Bandmaster, M Prigee

Beccles Wkly Nws 6 May
1862

ADVERTISEMENT: C.F. Parker  New Market Place.  2nd display of Shawls, Mantles, Fancy Dress
etc.

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 May

1862
1862

ADVERTISEMENT: Read Crisps  New Market Place.   Gold Wedding Ring Guard.
ADVERTISEMENT:  Read  Crisps  New  Market  Place.  Carriage  Bags   and   Entertaining   Works

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 May

provided  for  monotony  of  travelling  to  London  for  Great  Exhibition  and  owing  to  Proverbial
Slowness of Eastern Counties Line.
SALE:  Instructions  of  late  Miss  Howman:  LOT  1:  Ballygate  House  [27  Ballygate]  held  by  Miss

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 May

Crowfoot, agreement ending 11 October 1865, Annual Rent of £30.
LOT 3: Cottage with Pump, Shed, Yard & Gardenadjoining Lot 1 in occupation of William Jarrell,
yearly Rent £5

 
 
 
 

LOT 3: Valuable Garden with extensive frontage next Ravensmere containing 87 Rods in occupation
of Daniel Dennant. Yearly Rent £5.
TO BE LET: BEER HOUSE The Maltster’s Arms near the Bridge, with large Yard & Outbuildings

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 May

& Stable sufficient for about 30 Horses. Apply John Garnham, London Road.
ADVERTISEMENT: Beccles Ales  and  Lowestoft  Stout.   Samuel Howett, Harbour  Inn  and Royal
Hotel, Lowestoft.

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 May

1862
1862
1862

ADVERTISEMENT: R. Block.  Good rice for feeding
CHURCH RESTORATION FUND.  Collection  2 sermons
TO BE LET: Bear House to be let    Malsters Arms  (top of page)

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 May
1862

ADVERTISEMENT: Isaac Green.  Boot and Shoe Warehouse - selling an acquired stock of Men’s,
Hats, Scarves, Neckties.
COURT:  William  Bird  of  the  Railway  Tavern  fined  40s/-  for  wilfully  permitting  drunkenness  &

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 May
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 May

disorderly conduct.
ADVERTISEMENT: New Milk Supplied by Charles Barkway, Blyburgate Street.

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jun 
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jun 

WARNING: To Bathers.  All persons who are found bathing in the RIVER WAVENEY between the
Smelt  House   and  200  yards  below  Beccles  Bridge   after   9  o’clock  in  the  morning,  will   be

PROSECUTED according to law.    T.A. Laws, Mayor Beccles 26.5.1862
LONDON PUB: Stephen Wright, formerly of the White Lion, Bungay, now of the Wheat Sheaf Inn,

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jun 

West Smithfield, London, invites support from former clients. “Well victualled House with carefully
aired beds at 1s/6d per night.
ADVERTISEMENT: Mrs. Corbyn  Piano student

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jun 
Beccles Wkly 8 Jul 

ADVERTISEMENT: COWLES ACADEMY: Messrs Cowles &  Son.  Vacation terminates Monday
21  July. The Classical Department  conducted  by Mr W Cowles;  French  by Monsieur Pringee; Mr
Cowles superintends the English Department assisted by competent Masters.

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jun 

PUBLIC MEETING to receive  report  of Committee  appointed to inspect the Tower  of the  Parish
Church. Read Crisp, WH Garrod, Churchwardens.
SALE: DWELLING HOUSE by executors of Mrs Harriet Knights: Substantially built brick & Tiled

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jun 

Dwelling House in Blyburgate  next the Black Boy, with  convenient Yard &  Premises  at the  back.
Moiety of a Well. [78 Blyburgate]
ALSO a well-accoustomed Blacksmith’s Shop & Traverse, now occupied by Stephen Roe.

 
1862

 
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jun 

ATTACK  ON  PENNY  THEATRE:  Letter  from  Rector  of  an  adjoining  Parish  complaining  of
Beccles Authorities in permitting a Penny Theatre in the Old Market “The demoralising effects which
exhibitions of this kind have...”

1862

PENNY THEATRE: Reply by TA Laws, The Mayor: He has no power. The Lord of the Manor has
power to give permission for performances.
TO BE LET: A Bake Office & Cottage. Aply Mrs Hunt, New Market [part of 34 New Market]

Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Jun
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Jun

1862
1862

CONCERT: Promenade Concert  Church Tower
STOCK  FAIR  on  the  Common:  “Great  repository  sales  at  Norwich,  Halesworth  etc  have  had  a
depressing influence on all contry Fairs. ... Good show of pigs. Usual Chap Fair in New Market.

Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Jun

1862
1862
1862

RAILWAY: Excursion trains from Beccles
Sale of Crops growing on Grounds belonging to Body Corporate of Beccles.
Sale of wheat not good (middle column)

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Jun

1862
1862
1862

Willow Shavings,  white and coloured 3p. a bundle   Read Crisps Newmarket.
14th Suffolk Rifle Volunteers getting to Great Yarmouth, special train laid on.
TO LET: Genteel Family residence with Garden,  Stables, Chaise House,  now in the  occupation of

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jun 

Col Wilson. Apply Col Wilson or John Crisp, junior [21 Blyburgate?]
SALE: Estate of Eliza Norman, deceased wife of John Norman. Debts to be paid.
Counterfeit coins

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jun 
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Jun

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Jul 

Mr. C.W. Johnson  Organist and Prof: of Music
Johnson  organist of Beccles Parish Church able to give piano and singing lessons

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Jul 

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Jul 

Beccles Freemasonry
 DIED: George Ford, carpenter

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jul 
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jul 

EDUCATION:  Beccles  academy,  Messrs  Cowles  &  Son.  Vacation  terminates  Monday  21  July.
Classical  Department  conducted  by  Mr  W  Cowles;  French  by  Monsieur  Pringee.  Mr  Cowles

supervises the English Department assisted by competent masters.
EDUCATION:  Leman  School;  SS  Jones,  Master.  Term  starts  21  July.  Mrs  Jones  is  desirous  of
receiving 3 or 4 little girls to educate with her own.

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jul 
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jul 

EDUCATION: Miss Corbyn, White Lion Street [Smallgate] Receives a few young Ladies to board &
educate. It is her  endeavour to combine with moral & religious training  a happy home,  a thorough
English  Education  &   accomplishments  befitting  the  position  of   a  Gentlewoman.  Two  Parlour

Boarders   can  be  received.  Reassemble   Wednesday  23  July.  [Her  address  is  138  High  Street,
Lowestoft!]
CENTENARY OF BELLS: In the Belfry of the Tower hangs a Board on which is inscribed “Robert

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jul 

Margorem, Churchwarden took down the old peal of eight Bells, and put up this new peal of ten Bells
on July 6th, 1762.”
The Bells rang for Salamanca, Corunna, Waterloo and sounded the praise of Nelson of the Nile, the

 
 

Peace of 1855. Muffled peals for the Funeral of the Duke of Wellington, of the Mother of our beloved
Queen and so recently of Albertt the Good.
Dinner at the White Horse Inn.

 
1862

 
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jul 

PUBLIIC HOUSE: Geoge & Dragon, Advertisement: Whiskey 2s/9d a bottle.
SHOP: Jonathan Read takes over Rademarker’s watch & Clock Business.
Proposed closing of Blowers Lane (under Beccles)

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Jul 
Beccles Wkly Nws 29 Jul

1862
1862

Horticulture   Fenn's Market
Mr. Dolais Entertainment.  Educated at Commercial Academy.  Given in Assembly Rooms

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Aug

1862
1862

Sale of Sir Morton Peto Bart Estate and 19th August
Beccles Academy  Vacation terminates on 21.July

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug
1862

Leman  School duties of  establishment to  resume. Mrs. Jones  headmaster's wife to take in  girls to
educate with their own.

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug

1862
1862
1862

Meeting for overseers rate.  Meeting in Vestry.
Asylum for Idiots and Imbeciles in Essex Hall, Colchester
Beccles Lottery   4 tickets won

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug

1862
1862
1862

Ringers Anniversary
Centenary Appeal of Bells
Mrs. Corbyn Professor of Pianoforte and singing

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug 

1862
1862
1862

Funds for repairing Church Tower received from Feoffees...Sum required  £30
Beccles COUNCIL Mayor Alderman Garnham:   Blowers  Lane
W.W. Garnhams milliners

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug 
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug 
1862

Beccles Church Outing  Sunday School  Undisclosed lady paid for railway tickets to  
 
Accident in shooting the wagon of boy of 13

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug 
Lowestoft

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug 

Silk Factory hands needed - girls aged 12 - 19
Church Annual Sunday School Garden Treat to Lowestoft. Most of the children had never travelled
by rail & had never seen the Sea.

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Aug 
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Aug

1862
1862
 

Wanted 3 or 4 good mowers to mow COUNCIL marshes at Beccles.
SALE: Instructions from Messrs Garrod, the Proprietors to Sell
LOT 1. Semi-detached comfortable Dwelling Houses with Yards, Outbuildings, & Gardens attached

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Aug
 

In Ingate Road [Grove Road] occupied by Mrs Mannal & Mrs Candler as yearly Tenants
LOT  2.  Productive  Garden  Ground  planted  with  Fruit  Trees  &  fine  Pasture  Land  &  large  Barn,
Storehouse, Stable & Gig House - all brick & stone built & tiled. Near Ingate Road [Grove Road] &

 
 

Common Lane, adjoining Lot 1.
LOT  3.  Well   built,  handsomely  white-brick  fronted   Freehold  Residence   in   Exchange   Square,
occupied  by Miss Woolner & Mr WH Garrod.  Large paved Yards  in rear with Outbuildings, back

 
 

entrances from Newgate. ALSO a good Cootage fronting Newgate occupied by Robert Weeds.
Lot 4. Four Brick & Tiled Cottages with small Gardens & entrance from Newgate. Three occupied by
Widow Page, James Nunn & Albert Lockwood.

 
 
 
 

LOT  5.  Coach  House  &  Granary,  Cart  Lodge,  Three  Stables  with  haylofts  &  other  convenient
buildings & yard, surrounded by brick wall, on the  East side  of Newgate adjoining  Lot 4 above, &
opposite the back of Lot 3.

1862
1862

SALE of the Estates of Sir Morton Peto.
TO BE LET: Residence occupied by Rev FW Davenport. Furnished or unfurnished. Apply SW Rix

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Aug

1862
 

SALE: Instructions from Mrs Swan to sell:
LOT 1. Dwelling House, Shops & part of Garden in New Market in occupation of Mr Pert, plumber,

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Aug
 

glazier & painter & in which the said business has been carried on for the last 35 years.
LOT 2. Small piece of Garden ground adjoining the above.

 
 

 
 

LOT 3. Remaining part of Garden with Fruit Trees & Bushes & two Vineries.
LOT 4. Two Stalled stable adjoining Lot 2 above with approach from Cliff.
ENTERTAINMENT: Mr Dale’s popular entertainment “Sensations & Imitations”

 
1862

 
Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Aug
1862

SITTLE PLAYING at the George & Dragon. Ben Sexton, champion Skittle Player matchd for £10 to
knock down 700 skittles in 100 throws - & he easily accomlished his task in one hour & ten minutes.
ADVERTISEMENT:  Popular  Sanitary  Tracts  issued  by  the  Ladies’  Sanitary  Association;  also

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Aug
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Aug

Science for the Household, 2d each, at Read Crisp’s.
SILK  FACTORY:  Wanted  a  number  of  good  gauze  weavers  and  silk  winders  to  whom  constant
employment and good wages offered. Wanted also girls from the age of 12 to 19 years as learners in

1862
Beccles Paper 26 Aug 

different departments of the mill
ADVERTISEMENT: Mobbs’ Best Tobacco at 3d per ounce.
CRICKET: Bungay Grammar School defeated the Fauconberge School by 81 runs

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Sep  
Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Sep  

1862
1862
1862

CRICKET: Fauconberge School defeated Beccles 120 & 36; 37 & 117
CRICKET: Bungay Grammar School defeated Fauconberge School: 85 & 70 for 6; 90 & 63.
Archaeological visits  Gillingham and Barsham Churches Rose Hall                   

Beccles Wkly Nws 92 Sep
Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Sep
Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Sep
1862

DEATH of John Barber Scott of Bungay. “Possessed of ample means and an independent position, he
was able to devote his time and energies to the interests of his native place.”
TO BE LET: House with front Shop, parlour, keeping room, kitchen, six sleeping rooms, good cellar

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Sep
1862
Beccles Wkly 16 Sep 

& yard in centre of Nothgate. Apply James Piper
Blowers furniture to be sold at the Victoria Gardens last page

1862
1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Sep

Church Missionary Society  
Market at Beccles.  Wheat prices down  

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Sep 
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Sep

1862
1862

Young Men's Society
British and Foreign Bible Society  

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Sep
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Sep
1862

EDUCATION:  Sir  John  Leman  School:  Pivate  pupils  taught  Classics,  French,  Drawing,  Land
Surveying, Navigation etc. Term begins 1 October.
RAILWAY: Great  Eastern Railway: Cheap Trip to  London & back to the  International  exhibition.

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Sep
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Sep

First Class 10s/6d; Covered Carriages 6s/-.
SALE: Household Furniture of Mrs Ferrier
ADVERTISEMENT:  William  Alecock    Shoeing  forge  &  General  Smiths  (near  the  cross  Keys

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly 30 Sep 
Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Oct

[Hungate] Singes Horses by Gas.
ARCHAEOLOGY MEETING between Norfolk &  Suffolk Archaeology Trustees  at Beccles. Town
Charter exhibited etc. Paper by SW Rix.

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Oct
1862

INTERNATIONAL  EXHIBITION: Mayor  holds Meeting: Resolution passed  for  closing shops  on
day of Excursion to International Exhibition.
ADVERTISEMENT: JP Rampling, late Coldstream Guards, Drill Instructor to Beccles & Wrentham

Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Oct
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Oct

Rifle Volunteers. Gives instruction in every description of Drill, now so universally recommended &
taught  both to young  Ladies & Gents in all the Principal  Scholastic Institutions throughout Europe.
Chldren from eight & upwards instructed.

1862

ADVERTISEMENT: Internatinal  exhibition: Horsley &  Son, from the  continued success  attending
their light, elegant & roomy Broughams, respectfully inform the Public that they are now, by the aid
of Steam Power, enabled to offer them at great advantage in price & workmanship; to be seen at their

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Oct

Establishment. Finishing to Order in a variety of Colours.
COUNCIL:   SURVEYOR:  George  Fenn  writes   letter  to  Council  on   expiration  of   his  time  as
Alderman. He writes of too onerous duties. Council resolve to appoint a Surveyor.

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Oct
1862

GAS  SUPPLY:  Leading  Article:  “Bad  as  the  Gas  has  been  in  former  years,  this  year  it  is  much
worse.”
MURDER  AT  HALESWORTH:  Full  page  Supplement  on  “Horrible  Murder  of  a  Halesworth

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Oct
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Oct

Policeman (Ebenezer Tye).”  [John Ducker  a haycutter  convicted  on 31 March  1863 &  hanged  at
Ipswich, 21 April, 1863 ]
COUNCIL  SURVEYOR:  Meeting  to  consider  the  appointment  of  Surveyor.  £50  a  year.  Horsley

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Oct

proposes, seconded  by Wright: Advertise the Post. Mayhew proposes & H Read seconds: George
Fenn.  Wright  charges  Fenn  with  misuse  of  Corporation  property  “There  is  not  a  barrow  on  his
premises but what belongs to the Corporation.” Fenn elected by majority of 8.

1862

SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL: Fenn answers charges about Corporation Property. Wright not
prsent. Fenn unanimously exonerated.

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Nov
1862

MEETING  OF  COUNCIL:  letter  from  Wright  saying   he  had  not  known  of  special  meeting
concerning George Fenn.

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Nov

1862
1862

Steam Mill  original printed  . (local paper ?)
TO  BE  LET:    [Northgate  17]  Residence  in  Northgate,  containing  Sitting  Room,  Kitchen,  three

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Nov
Beccles Wkly 11 Nov 

Sleeping Rooms, pantry, cellar etc. Now in the occupation of Mrs Pedgrift
LANCASHIRE CHARITY FUND: Rector’s Appeal (on  instigation of the Bishop of Norwich) for
Industrial Lancashire Cotton Operatives during American Civil War.

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Nov

1862
1862

Prince of Wales marriage   3rd column
MAYOR: THomas Laws elected for second term as Mayor. Mayor & Rix (who was not a Councillor)
elected Aldermen.

Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Nov

1862
1862

ADVERTISEMENT: Thomas Neal, Watch & Clock Maker & Jeweller, Hungate.
MAYOR’S DINNER: Leading Article regrets: A certain class of our Townsmen was almost wholly
unrepresented at the Dinner. “It is true the gentleman who now fills the chief office of the Borough is

Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Nov

a  plain  Tradesman;  but  he  none  the  less  deserves  &  claims  the  respect  &  support  of  all  Classes
including the highest.
OFFENSIVE  SMELLS  complained  of  in  letter:  “Cologne  is  known  as  the  City  of  Stinks  on  the

1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Nov

Continent, if the state of things continues, what will Beccles be?”
Charles Kingsley on Poor Rate
ADVERTISEMENT: Read Crisp: Ladies Bag (leather) from 1s/6d, Purses 3d, Playing Cards 9d

1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 25 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Dec 
1862

FEOFFMENT CHARITY 1862: Expenditure: Cash to the Poor: £51-1-6; Coals: £74-3-4; Blankets:
£30-12-0
LANCASHIRE CHARITY FUND: £68 sent  from Beccles to  Lancashire Distress.  (finally reaches

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Dec 
1862
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Dec 

£90)
Sir John Leman Ad. for pupils

1862
1862
1862

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Dec

Mixed musical entertainment
Lecture given by S. Wilton Rix on Funeral Customs in the Bible for British Schools Funds  (last page

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Dec
Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Dec
first column
BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1863
MAYORS: 1861-1863: Thomas Laws; 1863-1865 SW Rix
1863

RAILWAY: Public Meeting  called  by the Mayor sends  letter to the Directors  of the Great  Eastern
Railway Co asking for improved accommodation at the Station.

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jan 

1863
1863

CIRCUS: Visit of Wombell’s Circus with Band. 400-500 Animals
ADVERTISEMENT: Mr Markwell basket maker

Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Jan 
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Jan 

1863
1863

COUNCIL: Beccles COUNCIL
LECTURE: in School Room adjoining Independent Chapel: Dr. Colensco and the Pentateuch by Rev.

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Jan
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Jan

C.S. Carey  In aid of British Schools
CONCERT: Vocal & Instrumental Music in aid of the Working Men’s Institute

1863
1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Jan

WORKING MEN’S INSTITUTE
ROYAL WEDDING: Meeting in Town Hall to decide on Celebrations for Prince of Wales’ Marriage

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Feb
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Feb

Choice  of Musical  Entertainment & Ball. Rev Davnport,  curate: “regarded Balls  as michievous  &
frivolous.” WW Garnham in favour of a Ball ... It woud benefit the Trade of the Town by enabling
Tradesmen to sell articles which were not required on other occasions.” Ball decided on.

1863
1863
1863

SILK WORKS: Beccles Silk Works Factory Meeting (2 columns)
BUSINESS TRANSFER: James Ecclestone takes over Grocery Business of Aaron Mobbs, Hungate
ROYAL WEDDING: Marriage  of Prince of Wales  arrangements for party Boys under 12 and  girls

Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Feb
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Feb
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Feb
under 16 to be considered as children but girls could have a pint of beer (and boys)

1863
1863
1863

Beccles COUNCIL
CHURCH TOWER FUND
BALL: Public Ball in Assembly Rooms to celebrate marriage  Howlett's Band to attend  

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Mar
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Mar 
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Mar
1863

RAILWAY: Opening of Waveney Valley Railway -Bungay and Eastern Union Line:
Yesterday, Monday, the 2nd March 1863, deserves to be a red letter day in the Beccles calendar. At
last the line of railway which connects us with Bungay and the Eastern Union Line, is opened to the

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Mar

public. It completes the radiation from Beceles to all parts of the kingdom,  and makes this town,  a
point of intersection,  at which travellers  and traffic to  and from all points of the  compass, will  be
perpetually crossing. How far this modern feature of our geographical position is calculated to benefit

or  injure  us  in  our  commercial  affairs,  our  aspect  as  a  neighbourhood  for  residence  of  opulent
families, our social habits, or our general progression in morals and intelligence, are questions which
open  a  wide  and  difficult  field  of  inquiry,  and  which  only  time  and  a  due  regard  to  a  variety  of

considerations can enable us to solve. Meanwhile it is for us to adapt ourselves to the new world in
which we  live, and to see to it that  its blessings are not  lost  on  account  of  any want of  vigilance,

wisdom, or united action on our part
ROYAL WEDDING: Great Festival in Celebration. Dinner for 2,500 people

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Mar

 ENGLISH DEMOCRACY: Leading Article;  Enviable  England! While other Nations  are torn with
domestic strife, or crushed under despotic cruelty, or groaning beneath the incubus of superstition, or

Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Mar

steeped in the ignorances of ages, for us the Great Ruler of the World’s destinies has in reserve the
exalted principle (not without onerous  responsibilities) of  being permitted to  live,  under yet  more
auspicious influences in an age imbued with yet purer & more enlightened principles, and worthy  of

more extended liberties & yet larger measures of happiness.                
FOOTBALL: Fauconbege School defeated Norwich Grammar School 3 - 1 at Beccles
MARRIAGE OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES. A PUBLIC BALL Will be

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Mar
Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Mar

held in the Assembly Rooms, Beccles on Tuesday, the 10th March, to Celebrate the important event.
PATRONS: Col. A.S.ADAIR J. KERRICH, Esq. The Mayor F.A. OAKES,  Esq. A. W. GARDEN,
Esq. Charles DASHWOOD, Esq. COMMITTEE: Mr STEEL Mr E. BUCK Mr W. GARNHAM Mr

W.  COWLES  Mr  HUNTER  Mr  SCOTT Mr  HORSLEY  Mr  BURSTAL  And  others.  Tickets  (to
include Tea, Coffee, and Refreshments) -- Gentlemen, 7 Shillings and 6 Pence; Ladies, 5 Shillings;
may  be  had  of  Mr  STEEL,  Honorary  Secretary,  or  any  of  the  Committee.  HOWLETT'S  BAND

WILL ATTEND.
LECTURE:  Proclamation of Peace at Beccles  Facsimile impression
SILK WORKS: presents of dresses for factory girls to wear at marriage of Prince of Wales

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Mar
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Mar

1863
1863
1863

DIED: William Whitehead [Mason]
ADVERTISEMENT: James Eccleston  tea dealer   
ADVERTISEMENT: Read Crisp selling off Prayer Books because of addition of Prince of Wales

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Mar
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Mar
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Mar
1863

PRINCE  of  WALES’  WEDDING: Meeting of  Working Men  in the  assembly Room to thank the
Mayor, etc On Banner: “We thank our Worthy Mayor/ For all his Favours Past/ Long may helive &

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Mar

have good health/ And Land in Heaven at last.”
EDUCATION: SIR JOHN LEMAN SCHOOL: Windows broken.

1863
1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Mar

CHURCH SERVICE: under correspondence  Choral part of the services criticised
DIED: Edward Colby Sharpin. [Town Clerk of Beccles etc] Debts to Charles Bobbett, Gent, one of

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Apr

the Executors. Signed Edward Swatman.
ODDFELLOWS: 4th Anniversary of Court Pride of the Forest to be held
SERMON: Charles Stokes Carey's reply to Dr. Colenso’s attack on Pentateuch

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Apr
1863

DIED: Sudden death of bricklayer having collected a chimney pot for Mr. Pells. A bricklayer named
William Andrews was repairing a cottage in Ingate Street, and had  been to Mr. Pells' for a chimney
pot.  Whilst returning with it, when passing the residence of Mr. John Garrod, he was seen to fall to

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Apr

the  ground.   Several persons ran to his  assistance, but he was found to  be quite  dead.  He was  72
years old and is described to us as having never known a day's illness.  The corpse was carried to the
residence of the deceased, where it awaits a coroner's inquest.

1863
1863
1863

ADVERTISEMENT: G. Syder  Upholsterer
TO LET: 2 room cottages near Old Market
CIRCUS: Sangers Classical Circus and Monster Hippodrome to visit Beccles on 2 May 1863 for  one

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Apr

day only.
DIED: On 24th inst. at Beccles in her 82nd year Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, many years a grocer in that
town, and relict of the late Mr. Thomas Collins

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Apr

1863
1863
1863

COUNCIL LAND: Good grazing and mowing to be let by auction 270 acres
NEWSPAPER: 6th Anniversary of Beccles Weekly News; Average 1000 copies sold weekly
ADVERTISEMENT: C.F. Parker   Grocer and Draper

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 May

1863
1863
1863

ADVERTISEMENT: Mullinger’s Cow Milking Machine
ADVERTISEMENT: Mr Neep, Surgeon Dentist has removed to Mr Read’s, jewellers, New Market.
APPOINTMENT: William Aldis Wright, MA of Trinity, Cambridge,  Editor of beautiful  edition of

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 May

Bacon’s essays, has Post of Librarian at his College. Educated at the Fauconberge School.
TO BE LET: The SCORE: 2 roomy Cottages, in good repaior with use of Wash house, near the Old
Market. Apply SS Jones.

1863
Beccles Wkly 5 May 
1863

EDUCATIONAL  SUCCESS:  Henry  Pearson,  educated  Fauconberge  School,  elected  Scholar  of
Magdalene College, Cambridge.
CIRCUS: Mr Sanger’s Circus in Mr Garnham’s Meadow. Procession at 1 pm on Saturday. Knights in

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 May
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 May

Golden  Armour,  Cavaliers  on  splendid  Horses  -  handsome  Triumphal  Cars.  Shortly  before  the
commencement of the afternoon performance the large  Elephant broke loose & running  against the
side of the Marquee, tore a large rent in the canvas & threw over some of the seating. He was soon

again  secured.  On  Sunday  evening,  at  half  past  eight,  one  of  the  Camels  broke  loose  &  after
wandering over most of the Streets was recaptured in the Station Road.

1863
1863

DIED & FUNERAL of Mrs Kerrick of Geldeston Hall.
TO BE LET: The Dwelling House now occupied by Rev. Davenport to be let from Michaelmas next.

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 12 May

1863
1863

C of E YOUNG MEN’S SCIETY: Weekly Meetings on Natural History conducted by WE Crowfoot.
ARTILLERY: Battalion Suffolk Artillery

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 19 May

1863
1863
1863

DIED Aldred     
ADVOWSON for SALE: Advowson of Rectory of Shadingfield offer of sale at the Mart
POST OFFICE: closes  at 5.45  and not 6 p.m. but letters may be sent with  an  extra penny until the

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May

starting of the 6 p.m. mail
MARRIED:  Samuel Wright Boatbuilder to Ann Rich, widow 
COURT: Rev GO Leman of Brampton fails in case to recover money for tares sown in place of wheat

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May

by four tenants of his Farms. He claimed an argument by which he was to be paid £1 for each acre of
tares.
ADVERTISEMENT  to Housekeepers:  Willow  Shavings for  Stoves, white blue, magenta, yellow

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May

and green 3d. per bundle  Gold and silver shavings, 3d. per packet, may be had to Read Crisps, New
Market Place
TO BE LET:  Michaelmas next. A dwelling house in Saltgate Street consisting of 2 Bed Rooms and 2

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May

Sitting Rooms with a Stable and a Coach House, if required - Apply to Dr Crowfoot, Church Gate,
Beccles
SALE: Estate of the late John Kettle To be sold by Private contract, eight freehold cottages, in Ingate

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May

Street with large garden in rear, containing very valuable gravel, pit and brick earth etc.,
SALE: A freehold house in the Old Market in Beccles.  The property is all let to  good tenants at  a
yearly rental of £48.  For further particulars, address to Mr. Cornwell, 7 Lewis Street, Camden Town,

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May

London
ADVERTISEMENT: Croquet 21s. each, children’s' croquet 13s. German balls, skittles, Hoops, Trap

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 May

Bat and Ball , La Grace, Bows and Arrows, Bats and Balls and a variety of children’s' outdoor games
for the season. Outdoor games at Read Crisps Fancy Repository, New Market Beccles.  

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Jun 

CRICKET:  Fauconberg School v. Norwich school away match. Fauconberge wins.
CRICKET: Fauconberge School defeat Bungay Grammar Schol on Bungay Common.

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Jun 
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Jun 

ADVERTISEMENT: ARCHERY: Ladies & Gents Bows: 6s/6d & 10s/6d. Arrows 6d. 
 
MEETING AT INNS: A number  of  gentlemen met at  Waveney  Lodge Hotel/White  Lion Hotel to

 
 
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Jun 

congratulate
ACCIDENT:At 11 am on Tuesday Charles Marshall,  employed by Messrs Thornton, was driving  a
Horse & Cart near the Bridge. The Horse suddenly fell into very deep water, dragging the Cart with

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Jun 

him  &  precipitating  the  man  into  the  River.  The  accident  was  observed  by  Mr  James  Flowers,
Landlord of the Ship, immediately took a Boat moored nearby & went to Marshall’s assistance. This
however  proved  very  difficult  from  the  violent  plunging  of  the  Horse.  The  drowning  man  was

rescued  as  he  was  sinking  for  the  last  time.  Drs  Dashwood  &  Peskett  after  half  an  hour  resored
animation.
SALE: Freehold Property Mr. Fenn selling at the King's Head  9.June 1892  4 excellent Brick  and

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 Jun 

Tile Cottages with garden at back of Mr. Fenn's Brick Yard in Ingate Street.
POLICE: Beccles Division of Police inspected.
TO BE LET: at Michaelmas next: A Commodious Dwelling House fit for a Small Genteel Family;

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 

consisting  of  Parlour,  Drawing-Room,  and  Four  Bed-Rooms  and  situate  near  the  Church  Gate
(Saltgate Street), Beccles Apply to Dr. Crowfoot, Beccles
ADVERTISEMENT: Boys Penny Mag.  Boys Own Mag.  S.O. Beetons Publications. Beetons

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 
1863

ADVERTISEMENT: Illuminated family bible. O.T. is now completed  English Woman's Domestic
Magazine  Dictionary of Science and Art  .
VESTRY MEETING: Parish of Beccles Notice given for a meeting to be held to decide whether to

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 

merely  repair  or partially  or  entirely renew the wall  and  fence  on the  east  and south sides  of the
Churchyard, and extending from Mr. Crowfoot's house to Miss Cooper's house.
PRIMITIVE METHODISTS Meeting & Procession singing Hymns

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Jun 

SILK WORKS: Winders required. 5s/6d a week.
VESTRY  MEETING:  Bad  state  of  walls  &  palisades  on  the  east  &  south  side  of  Churchyard.
Decided to renew rather than renew them.

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun 

1863
1863

CONFIRMATION of 57 by the Bishop
ORGANIST  &  Professor  of  Musc:  Mr  CW  Johnson.  Erected  handsome  organ  for  Herringfleet
Church.

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun 
Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun 

1863
1863

CRICKET: Beccles defeat Fauconberge School: 79 & 79; 75 & 57 for 7.
ADVERTISEMENT:  Jos.  Rampling  -  drill  instructor  to  Beccles  and  Wrentham   Suffolk  Rifle

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun 

Volunteers instructs in drill taught through Europe children from 8 years at Southwold, but lives in
Beccles.  Also ladies class in Cornhall.

1863
1863

CHURCH MEETING: Annual Meeting of Church Pastoral Aid Society at Corn Exchange on 22 June
CHURCH MEETING: On Thursday afternoon last Society for Propagation of Gospel held in Town

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun 

Hall
DIED: PC Benns, aged 74.
SALE Henry Shurlock Farr sale by Auction in July: Manor of Beccles & Waveney House

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jun

1863
 
1863

EDUCATION: Fauconberg Prizes: 6th Form: T Nelson, H Pearson, N Pearson
5th Form: Harris & Flower
SALE:  Mr.  Fenn  instructed  to  sell  household  furniture  linen  etc.  of  the  late  Ann  Crickmer,  Post

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jun
 
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jun

Office, Beccles 
RAILWAY  &  COUNCIL  Seal  affixed  to  Conveyance  of  Sale  of  Portion  of  Lady’s  Meadow  to
Waveney Valley Railway

 
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jun
1863

VOLUNTEERS  FIELD  DAY  at  Beccles:  3rd  Battalion.  United  Bands  under  M  Pringee.  Beccles
strength 61 (total 409)
EDUCATION: SIR JOHN LEMAN SCHOOL: Celebration of end of Term on meadow lent by Rev

Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jun
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Jun

Hartley, Cricket, Sports, Tea.
SALE Properties in Beccles Waveney House: The Lodge
SALE: Double Cottage in Ravensmere in occupation of James Barrett and Daniel Dennant

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jun
1863

SALE of LAND: Freehold Arable Land - Hunter's Piece adjoining Ringsfield Road containing 5a, 2r,
15p in occupation of Mr. Robert Barnby
CONCERTS:  Promenade  Concerts  given  by  14  Suffolk  Volunteers  Band  giving  2  Promenade

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jun
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jun 

Concerts  on  White  Lion  Bowling  Green  (kindly  lent  for  this  occasion  by  Mrs.  Harvey)  (Mons.
Pringee White Lion Street ticket sellers)

1863
1863

CHURCH Pastoral Aid Society Annual Meeting was held in Town Hall 
WARNING: Notice to Bathers:All persons who are found Bathing  in the River Waveney,  between

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jun
Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jun

the Smelt House and two hundred yards below Beccles Bridge, after 9 0'clock in the morning, will be
PROSECUTED, according to Law. T.A. Law, June 21st, 1863

1863

CRICKET: “About fifteen years ago [1848] there existed in Beccles a first class Cricket Club whose
victories  are  still  remembered with pride by many. ... Re-establishment of thr Club, JH Crowfoot,
Captain; G Sharpin, Secretary; Thomas Laws, President.

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jun
1863

HOLIDAY REQUEST from the Mayor  (Shops  closed)  on  day of Review of  Suffolk  Volunteers in
Henham Park. Supplement on the Review at Henham (really a celebration of the birth of an heir to
Lord Stradbroke)

Beccles Wkly Nws 30 Jun
 
 

Stradbrooke proposes the Health of  “The  Sovereign  of the most loyal, the most free  and the most
wealthy Country in the World.”
MASONS: Freemasonry Annual Meeting of Brethren of Lodge Apollo 383 was held on 29th ult. at

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Jul 

the Lodge Room, White Lion Hotel. WC Mullenger Master.
PRIZE: Queen's Prize to Private John Read National Rifle Association at  Wimbledon
SILK WORKS: Employment Beccles Silk Works. Wanted a few good weavers, to whom good wages

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jul
Beccles Wkly Nws 16 Jun 

and constant work  is  guaranteed.   Wanted  a  number  of  good WINDERS, wages 5s.6d. per week.
Wanted  girls  from  14-20  years  of  age  as  LEARNERS  in  different  departments,  to  whom  every
encouragement will be given.   

 
 
1863

VESTRY  MEETING:  Parish  of  Beccles  Notice  is  hereby  given  that  a  meeting  in  Vestry  will  be
holden on Thursday 30th inst. at Ten o'clock in the forenoon, to consider what steps should be taken
in  consequence of the Dry Rot having attacked the flooring in the Parish Church

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Jul

 
1863
1863

 

Beccles  20th July 1863
EDUCATION: Beccles Academy present vacation will terminate on 27th inst.                    
CRICKET: Bungay defeat Beccles on Beccles Common: 180; 77 & 43 for 6

Read Crisp      R.C. Houghton   Church Wardens
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Jul
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Jul

 
1863
1863

 

All Day: Lunch by Mr Snowden of the George & Dragon. May spectators
CRICKET: Beccles defeats Wangford.
DIED: Death of Dressmaker from bad living conditions and working hard, followed by that of a rope

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Jul
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Jul 

walker
CHARITY COMMISSION Inspector inspected:
1. Mill Land Trust: SW Rix explained Transfer of some land to Burial Board in 1854.

1863
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Jul

 
 

 
 
 

2. Feoffment Trust: David Jude, the Secretary;  3. Church Property by Kerrison & Houghton
4. Leman School: SS Jones;  5 Hospital Lands: Town Clerk, Mr Angell, & John Clark, Treasurer
6. Fauconberge School: We Crowfoot & EB Fiske

 
 

7 Barrington Purvis & Feoffees Almshouses
1863

RIFLE  VOLUNTEERS:  Beccles  Rifle  Association  Meeting.    A  number  of   gentlemen  met  at
Waveney Lodge Hotel/White Lion Hotel to congratulate Mr. John Read on his success at recent Rifle

Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Jul 

Association Meeting at Wimbledon
COURT:  County  Court  for  District  held  at  Town  Hall  before  Mr.  J.  Worlledge.    46  cases  and  7

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 28 Jul

judgement summonses.
SALE: Property of HS Farr

1863
 

Beccles Wkly 28 Jul 

 
 

Two Houses in Northgate occupied by RA King & W Crowfoot
[Reached £310 Reserve £400. Not sold.]
ASSEMBLY ROOM: Reopening of Assembly Rooms

 
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Aug

1863
1863

CHURCH: Dry Rot in Church, under the seats. Perforations to be made lager
VESTRY MEETING: Parish of Beccles Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the request of
several Rate payers a meeting of the Vestry will be holden on Thursday next the 13th inst. at 10 a.m.

Beccles Wkly Nws 4 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Aug

in the forenoon, to  consider whether  it  be desirable that the Churchwardens should make  any and
what alterations in the plan which they have adopted for the re-instating of the wall and fence of the
Churchyard, as decided upon at vestry Meeting on 11.June by order of Churchwardens.  Re-instating

of  wall  and  palisading  was  recommenced  yesterday  and  will  be  prosecuted  with  every  available
dispatch
SALE of CARRIAGE: A Miniature Brougham, nearly new, plated lamps, painted & lined blue. late

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Aug

EC Sharpin.
RAILWAY: Mr William Benns, Collector at Beccles Station for 9 years, leaving - going to Harleston
to run Station.  18 years Station Master at Haddiscoe & Beccles. Testimonial on 27 October.

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Aug

1863
1863

SALE:  Elegant Rosewood table moved to Corn Exchange for convenience of sale
FAUCONBERGE HISTORY: St Mary’s Hospital (the site of its ruins) granted by the Crown to the
Corporation  of  Beccles  in  1674.  In  1846  it  became  the  residence  of  Rev  HW  Burrows  who

Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 11 Aug

“succeeded in raising the Grammar School endowed by Dr Henry Fauconberge from a state of ruin...”
CHURCH WALL & Palisade. Long & acrimonious Meeting called at the request of several principal

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug

rate payers  (Dr Crowfoot, George  Fenn, Thomas  Laws (the Mayor), etc.) to seek  alteration  of plan
adopted for Church Pallisading (enclosure of Burial Ground & Steeple) Rector away. Rix & Garnham

strongly opposed to holding the Meeting.
Contractors: Messrs Cutting £79; Mr Delf £120. Cutting’s accepted. Mr Pells, Clerk of Works. [Mr J

 
 

Garnham mentioned that he  had lived  in Beccles for  51 years - Mr Crowfoot said  he  had lived  in
Beccles for 57 years & his family before him for  300 years] Meeting decided not to reconsider the
plans.

1863
1863
1863

ADVERTISEMENT: Read Crisp: The new & fashionable game of Croquet, 13s/6d
ARCHERY: East Suffolk Club at Southwold. Splendid Luncheon for 60. Ball in evening.
RIFLE VOLUNTEERS BAZAAR: Proceeds of two day Bazaar at Beccles £277.

Beccles Wkly Nws 18 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Sep
1863

HARVEST HOMES:  Leading  article  commends improvement: religious services  &  good  dinners.
Less drunkenness; “The foolish prejudices against machinery have been removed by common sense”.
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Rector asks for Grant of £5 for Church Sunday Schhol towards cost of using

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Sep
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Sep

Corn Hall instead of redecorated Assembly Room. Mayhew (Dissenter) protests against a Grant for
denominational teaching, but Rix supports. Carried.
CRICKET: Fauconberge School defeat Norwich Grammar School at Beccles. 107 v 44 & 37.

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Sep

ORGANIST: Osition of Organist Vacant. To be advertised. [CW Johnson resigned]
TOWN COUNCIL: Assembly Room will  cost  £124 to  restore. Mr Robert appointed Caretaker  of
Hall for £10 pa.

Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Sep
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 1 Sep
1863

TO  BE  LET,  at  Michaelmas  The  Dwelling  House  in  Saltgate  Street,  Beccles  occupied  by  Mr.
William Garrard. Apply to S.W. Rix
TO  BE  LET:  House,  Balllygate.    Dwelling  House  in  New  Market  Place.  Suitable  for  any  trade.  

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Sep
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Sep

Apply Kerrison
SUNDAY  SCHOOL: Church  Sunday  School Festival Annual  Feast to  children  of Church  Sunday
Schools held on Thursday last in grounds of Ashmans

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Sep

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly 15 Sep 

TO BE LET: Owner PC Benns: Two Dwelling Houses in Northgate.
FIRE in House n Hungate Lane occupied by Journeyman Painter Charles MacLean. Members of Fire
Brigade put it out. A hole in the floor.

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Sep

1863
1863
1863

CRICKET: Fauconberge School defeat Norwich Gammar School, but lose to Bungay.
BOWLS at White Lion. Beccles v Neighbouring Farmers; Tea.
ENTERTAINMENT: Madame Card: Electo Biology & Clairvoyance at Assembly Room

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Sep
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Sep
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Sep

1863
1863

CRICKET: Fauconberge School defeat Bungay Grammar School: 101 v 23 & 35
HARVEST FESTIVAL:  Very Abundant Harvest. Collection  of  £21  - 2s  1d to be  divided  between
National Schools £5 - 5s - 6d, District Visiting Society £5 - 4s - 0d, Church Pastoral Aid Society £5 -

Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Sep
Beccles Wkly Nws 29 Sep

8s - 6d, Church Missionary Society £0 - 5s - 0d
CURATE LEAVING, Mr Davenport  leaving. Had been in Beccles  3 years. To be senior Chaplain

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 6 Oct

Priory Church, Great Malvern.
ACCIDENT: WW  Wodroffe, builder,  returning  from Barnby  nearing Beccles on the  Worlingham

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Oct

Road, his pony took fright at a cart which had been upset, & started off. The gig was son upset & Mr
Woodroffe thrown out with some violence. Only severe bruises.

1863

ENTERTAINMENT: Mr Snowden:  Panaromas: “The American War” & “The Overland Route to
India” Assembly Room 2s/-, 1s/- 6d
SILK  WORKS:  Factory  Schools  for  operatives  in  the  Silk  Works  owned  by  William  Ansell  of

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Oct
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Oct

London; evening schools on Tuesday & Friday evenings. 50 attended.
ACCIDENT on RAILWAY: One of the Drays belonging to Messrs Thornton passing Rail crossing at
Westhall with 6 barrels of beer, the horse slipped & fell down. The driver of the Dray, knowing that a

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Oct

train was over-due & perceiving the gate keeper (who is a woman) was unnerved, sent a person on
the line with a signal flag, but the Train was too near to be stopped, although the driver was able to
slacken  speed.  The  engine  dashed  through  the  Railway  gates,  smahing  the  Dray  to  pieces,  &

scattering the beer in all directions. Fortunately the Horse escaped by the drayman cutting the traices.
POLICE: East Suffolk Constabulary: Chief Constable, Deputy Chief, 5 Superintendents, 9 Inspectors,
7 Sergeants, 93 Constables - allocated to 72 Sub-Districts. Durinng the past quarter they have had 182

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Oct

Prisoners in custody.
POLICE  STATION:  Gaol  Committee:  Conversion  of  2  cells  in  South  Front  into  Day  Room  for
Police. Also 3 new windows in upper room now used as a Bedroom for the Police.

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Oct
1863
Beccles Wkly 27 Oct 

SALE:  under  Deed  of  Assignment  of  Property:  Property  of  Mr  James  Crisp  in  Bridge  Street
[Northgate?]
THE STREETS of BECCLES: Recent Improvements

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Oct

STEAM MILL on MARSHES. Formerly an expense, now made a profit.
RAILWAY STATION: More accommodation needed at Railway station

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Oct

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Nov

MAYOR’S  ENTERTAINMENT  to  aged  Women  (above  60).  “He  has  paid  great  attention  to  the
interests of the Working Class”

Beccles Wkly Nws 13 Nov

1863
1863

COUNCIL: Election of SW Rix as Mayor.
DINNER  to  Ex  MAYOR,  TA  Laws:  Long  speech  by  new  Mayor,  SW  Rix  inluding  Historical

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov

Account of Beccles Corporation Properties.
POLICE INSPECTOR Cole reappointed Sergeant at Mace & Inspector of Nuisances £4 pay
SILK WORKS SCHOOLS voted £5 from the Council

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 Nov
1863

ODDFELLOWS Anniversary: 170 of Bretheren & Friends in Assembly Room for Dinner provided
by Jonas James of White Horse. 342,953 Members in Country - gave money to Irish Famine & the
present Lancashire Distress. Money disbursed in Beccles for sick pay & funeral levies £146. Finished

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Nov

Meeting at 12.30 am.
PENNY READINGS & LECTURES: Readings by Rev Hartley & Rev Flower.
LECTURES: “A Pool of Water, its nature & content” by WM Crowfoot

1863
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Nov

 
 

 
1863
1863

“Music” by Corbyn & Pringee
FOOTBALL: Fauconberge School draw 1 - 1 with Bungay Town.
BARNBY LAND: Exchange of Glebe Land in Barnby for land to erect Parsonage: Baker & Dulley.

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Nov
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 Nov

1863
1863

POOR RATE: Revised Valuation of Property.
WEATHER  GALE,  blew  down  Mr  Lenny’s  tall  Chimney,  although  braced  with  iron,  destroyed
adjacent buildings. Roof of Mr Sayer’s House in Ballygate [No 15 Ballygate] considerably injured &

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Dec
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Dec

also that in Saltgate occupied by Mr Bagshaw. One of the Front Windows in Mrs Clarke’s House in
Ballygate [29 Ballygate] was smashed. Many people were lifted off their feet by the violence of the
Storm.

1863

FATAL ACCIDENT: Five men taking shelter  on the  east side of  new Corn Granary  of Mr John
Crisp, junior near the Railway Station - wall on the east side gave way, barley & bricks fell on the
men. Charles Oxborough killed.

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Dec
1863

FATAL ACCIDENT: Charles Oxborough,  a  journeyman  bricklayer  accidentally killed.  Support of
wife & children (6 at home) - subscription.
APPRENTICE ABSCONDED: William Baxter  apprentice to David  Soanes, shoemaker, absconded

Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Dec
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Dec

from service. Imprisoned for 14 days in Ipswich Gaol for 14 days with hard labour.
INQUEST on CHARLES OXBOROUGH John Crisp  junior: “ Granary was built  last  Summer  by
July. Mr Ingram of Beccles built it under Mr Toll who acted as architect under Crisp’s orders. He had

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Dec

a great deal of practice, well-skilled in Building. Mr Chase one of his employees was the carpenter.
Found to be Accidental Death, but iron columns, anchors & ties should be added to Building.
PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION for Widow & Family of Charles Oxborough, killed at Granary.

1863
1863

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Dec

FOOTBALL: Fauconberge lost to Bungay 3 - 0
CHURCH CHOIR. Wanted bass, tenor, alto & treble voices to form a Choir for Beccles Church. A

Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Dec
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Dec

small quartrly payment to each singer. Organist Mr R Ellis, New Market.
CHURCH  SUNDAY  SCHOOL:  500  attend  Meeting  presided  over  by  the  Rector  to  encourage

1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Dec

attendance at Church Sunday School.
INQUEST on DEATH by DROWNING of Elijah Clarke, waterman.

1863
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 29 Dec
 

Charles Clarke,  Sailor  of Beccles “On Thursday evening I  started  from Beccles on the Wherry of
which George Hawks is the Master.My brother myself & Mr Hawks were the only people on board.
The Wherry was loaded with barley & we left Geldeston at about six o’clock. The wind was North

West blowing  a  fresh  breeze. We  had the usual sail,  reefed with  one reef. Mr Hawks steered the
Barge.  We  went  on  all  right  as  far  the  ‘Dip  House’.  We  were  going  before  the  wind  which  was
blowing very strong. My Brother said to me ‘I’m going to see the fire’. This was in the aft part of the

Barge. He stepped aft, on the plank-way which was on a level with the water, & was very slippery
with ice. Suddenly I heard a splash & on looking round I saw my Brother in the water.
Mr Hawks threw him the the end of the Sheet, which would have reached him, but the Wherry was

 
 

going through the water five or six miles an hour. This was about half past six o’clock & moonlight.
We had no boat with the wherry. The water was level with the banks, being high tide. I pulled the sail
down as  quickly  as possible, but the wherry had  got 400 or 500 yards from where my Brother fell

into the water before we  stopped.  We then  got  out the Quant,  & went back ti try &  find  him. He
appeared to me to keep up between five & ten minutes before he sank. He could not swim. I can a
little.  Elijah was quite  sober, &  I  am sure  he  fell  quite  accidentally, & Mr Hawks could  not have

brought up the Wherry sooner than he did. We could not find my Brother & went back to Beccles. I
am a seaman & know nothing of the navigation of Wherries.”
John Goffin of Beccles, labourer, at about 11 o’clock was called by Mr George Hawks, Master of the

 
 

wherry ‘Sarah Ann’ to go up the River to search for the body of Elijah Clarke. Mr Hawks went with
him to point out the place. They went about two miles up the River , as far as the ‘Dip House’, & then

dragged the River & in about an hour’s time found the body on the Suffolk side, six or seven yards
from the shore. They took thebody of the deceased (whom witness knew well) to the Pickerel Inn. He

was dressed in his usual clothes.
The Jury after some hesitation, returned a verdict of “Accidental Death.”

 
1863

 

CHRISTMAS: The  Shops in this Town  are  gay with their  usual Christmas  decorations,  especially
those of Mr R Block & Mr CF Parker, grocers. Mr H Jordan, butcher of this Town has made his usual
well-known display of Christmas beef. One of the bullocks slaughtered by him, weighed 130 stones,

Beccles Wkly Nws 29 Dec

and was grazed partly by himself & partly by Mr Gardiner of Wheatacre.
Mr Copeman  killed two splendid  Shorthorns, weighing  upwards  of  100 stones  each,  grazed  by Mr
Henry Read of the Castle Farm, & sold to Mr Copeman for£100.

 
 
 
 
Mr Barnard also killed two fine Shorthorn beasts, weighing upwards of 70 stone each.
BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1864

MAYOR: 1863-1865: SW Rix
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT:  Leading  article  calls for Act of  Parliament to  end Capital Punisment.
[Not abolished until 1964 100 years later!].

1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Jan 
1864

WEATHER:  The  River  Waveney  for  the  last  week  has  been  entirely  frozen  over.  This  has  not
occurred since the Winter of 1860-1861. While this has put a stop to the trade of the Port & thrown
out of employment those who earn a livelihood by navigating the stream, it has also offerred a fund

Beccles Wkly Nws 12 Jan

of intense enjoyment to others who revel in the bracing exercise & delightful sport of skating. During
the whole week the river was literally crowded with people ... each day the sport was continued until
dusk, & in the evening those who were prevented by business from skating at more seasnable times,

turned night into day by torches, & sped along the ice with equal safety.

1864
 

COUNCIL: The Town Clerk’s Salary to be £65 a year.
Annual Donations: National  Schools £10; British  Schols  £15; Infant  School £10;  Youths’  Evening
School £5; Beccles Dispensary £5-5s; Working Men’s Institute £10

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Jan
 
1864

COUNCIL: Deputy Mayor [Thomas  Laws] objects to  expense  of  £2  incurred  by Mayor  in  having
Bells rung to celebrate Birth of Heir to Prince of Wales, wihout consulting Council. Mayor’s action
approved.

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Jan
1864

ENVIRONMENT: Mr Cutting required to remove the standards erected in front of his house in Old
Market within two days - or the Corporation Surveyor will remove them.
MEETING of YOUNG MEN: 170 young men were given tickets & attended at the Assembly Room

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Jan
1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Jan

& given an “Abundant & substantial Tea.” They were talked to by the Mayor (SW Rix), the Deputy
Mayor Thomas Laws) & WM Crowfoot, etc. The Mayor recommends “habits of frugality, industry &
early rising.”

1864
1864

DIED: Mr Shepherd Smith, aged 73.
BANKRUPT: Robert Butcher of Geldeston, Merchant.

Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Jan
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Jan
 
 

[A Mr Butcher advertised a Tontine Bond for the Beccles Navigation on  10 February 1848.  Was it
the same man?]

1864
1864

NEW CURATE for Church: Rev CH Shaw new Curate of Beccles.
WORKING MEN’S INSTITUTE: 8th Anniverary of the Institute. Public Tea. 400 present.

Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Jan
Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Feb
1864

LECTURE  to  WOKING  CLASS   by  Mr  Murphy  on  “London  &   London   Work”  &  “How   a
Workhouse Boy became a DD”
CONGREGATIONAL  TEA:  30  years  of  Mr  Flower’s  Pastorate  in  the  Assembly  Room.  300

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Feb
1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 23 Feb

attended. Rev J Flower spoke. Only 15 of the Members 30 years ago remained - Mr Ward was one of
them. During those 30 years - enlargement & improvement of Chapel at £1,000 cost, & commodious
schoolrooms.  The number of members had almost doubled. Rev C Hickman had been assistant to Mr

Flower for 16 years. Mr & Mrs Corbyn in charge of the Choir.
EXERCISE:  Letter:  “In  these  days  of  what  Kingsley  calls  ‘Muscular  Christianity’  it  is  highly
desirable that every expedient for the development of the senses, thighs & mucles of the youthhood

1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 29 Mar

of the land should be developed.” Proposed games for the Beccles Volunteers.
FIRE  ENGINES:  At  present  kept  in  a  shabby  tumble-down  place,  totally  unfit  accomnmodation.
Alternative: new Engine House - offer made to build one 30 ft x 20 ft with an open area in front of

1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Apr

360 sq ft - including pump for testing hose on the premises. At corner
 of Wellington Street [Station Road] next to the Baptist Chapel, Rent £8 pa. Each Engine would be
with its hose, buckets ready at a moment’s notice - everything in perfect order.

 
 

1864
1864
1864

CRICKET: Fauconberge School defeat St John’s Bungay: 116 & 47 for 6; 131 and 31.
PUBLIC ROOMS plan prepared by George Fenn, Surveyor for Council.
GARRIBALDI VISIT overshadows ShakespeareTercentenary.

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 15 Apr
Beccles Wkly Nws 3 May
1864

RAILWAY TRAINS to London: 3 from Beccles; 2 from Norwich, 3 from Lowestoft & Yarmouth 3
from Bungay.

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 May
1864

EARLY CLOSING: Letter from “A Trdesman” urging Summer Shop Closing at 7 pm. 
 

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 May
1864

COURT: William Bean,  chimney sweep  assaulting  PC  Potter.  2 Months  imprisonment with Hard
Labour.

Beccles Wkly Nws 3 May
1864

COURT: Information by Assistant Overseer of Beccles against Edward Flatman, Parish Constable of
Hulver Street with reference to removing a pauper to Beccles;
Emily Rouse: “I live at Hulver in the Parish of Henstead. I have known Francis Delf for 40 years. I

Beccles Wkly Nws 10 May
 
 

saw her  on  Friday.  I  carried  her some  food. I  found in the  house a pot on the  fire, with some tea
leaves, an old arm chair, two tables and no bed. Upstairs I found two or three pieces of old curtains,
an  old piece  of ticking,  and  a few  old  straw bands.  She  had  been  in that state for some time.On

Saturday I took some more food & found the old lady fallen down in the passage and unable to get
up. On Monday I removed her to my own house. Mr Flatman came up with a cart about 7 o’clock in
the evening. No decision taken. She went to Shipmeadow. [Isaac Vertgen mentioned as Clerk to Mr

Swatman]
LECTURE:  Sig, Gavaggi will  deliver  an Oration  in the Assebly Room: “Italy,  Victor  Emmanuel,
Garribaldi & the Pope.” 2s/-, 1s/- & 6d

1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 May
1864

COUNCIL MARSHES:   Exceptional prices for  letting  of Corporation Marshes: 330  acres  realised
£1,063
INQUEST on George Mouser, aged 32 drowned in the River. His aunt said he was “given to drink.

Beccles Wkly Nws 10 May
1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 May

His  mind  was  wek.  I  do  not  think  he  was  altogether  sane.  Deceased’s  family  have  been  much
afflicted mentally. His mother was in an Asylum.”
14th  SUFFOLK RIFLE  VOLUNTEERS The Roll was  83 -  up 12  on  a year  ago.  Improvement  in

1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 May

shooting  of  the  Cops.  Report  by  Captain  Crowfoot.  Thanks  to  Lieut  Read,  Private  ead  &  Sergt
Jarman, representatives at Suffolk Rifle Association Meeting in 1863.
CRICKET:  St John’s, Ilketshall, 139  v Fauconberge  School. Won by  St John’, Ilketshall  by 44  on

1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 17 May

First Innings
COUNCIL: BLOWERS LANE [now Market Street] Desirable to purchase property on the Noth Side
of Blower’s  Lane, to wden the Thoroughfare. Committee set up. Memorial on the subject received

1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 24 May

from the Inhabitants.
CRICKET: Fauconberge School defeat Wellington Club, Lowestoft
SUFFOLK  VOLUNTEERS  Third  Battalion  -  Drill  on  Beccles  Common  (Norwich  Market  draws

1864
1864

Beccles Wkly Nws 24 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 31 May

away  great  numbers  who  probably  would  otherwise  be  present  on  Saturday)  Leiston,  Lowestoft,
Beccles, Halesworth & Bungay & a Band from Lowestoft. They wore new uniforms.
Beccles strength 73; Bungay 87; Lowestoft 100

 
1864

 

COURT: John Kerrick, Esq of Geldeston Hall v Charles Bullen, rat catcher.
Kerrick bought fishing net from Bullen, to prevent fishing in the River. Subsequently sent to Norwich

Beccles Wkly Nws 31 May
 
 

for sale & retrieved by Bullen. Net was Fifty-two and a half yads long.
COUNCIL: BLOWER’S LANE: Sum of £475 to widening & improving Blower’s Lane.

1864
1864

Beccles Wkly Nws 31 May
Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Jun 

Died:  Sir  Edmund Bacon  of Raveningham Hall  aged  84, born 1779.  Eldest son  of the 8th Bart by
Anne, daughter of Sir William Beauchamp Proctor. Educated at Rugby. Succeeded in 1820. Married

in  1801 his  cousin, daughter  of Dashwood Bacon,  Esq.  of Ottey  St Mary, Devon. Had  2 sons &  3
daughters, but succeded by his nephew, son of Nicholas Bacon.
CRICKET: Fauconberge School defeat Bungay Grammar School 60 & 25 for 3; 48 & 45.

1864
1864

Beccles Wkly Nws 7 Jun 

CRICKET: Beccles 53 & 104 v Brampton & Westhall 182
DIED 3rd Earl of Gosford,aged 58 of gout. Born 20 August 1806. educated at Harrow. Represented
the County of Armagh for 17 years in Parliament. Elevated to the lords as Baron Acheson. Liberal.

Beccles Wkly Nws 14 Jun
1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Jun

1855 Knight of Order of St Patrick. He “pursued the even tenor of his Parliamentary career without
exciting attention as a speaker or administrator.”
“On one  occasion the voice  of the noble  Earl was heard in the House of  Lords, as seconder of the

 
 

address from the Throe on the reopening of Parliament in a neat compact speech, very much to the
purpose & not wearisome to his audience by the length of it.”
He married in 1832 Lady Theodosia Brabazon, only daughter of John 10th Earl of Meath. They had 2

 
 

sons  &  2  daughters.  The  eldest  son,  Archibald  Brabazon  Sparrw  Acheson,  4th  Earl  was  born  at
Worlingham, Hall in 1841.
“To those who  did  not  know him sufficiently well to understand  him, there was  an  appearance  of

 
 

hauter & stand-offishness; but it was more  apparent than  real,  & at  every succeeding  interview his
manner was more kind & cordial.”
He had a splendid Library of 7,000 to 8,000 books.

 
1864

 

EDUCATION: FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL Prizes:
VI   Harris, Pearson 

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Jun

 
 

 
 

 
V    Barrell, Peskett, Jones 
 

IV    Mott, Copeman,
 

III        Garrard,  Penrowe

II    Fisher
CRICKET: Brampton 182; Beccles 53 & 104. All Day.
DEATH: Mr Richard BURWOOD, senior, whitesmith, aged 75 years.

1864
1864

Beccles Wkly Nws 21 Jun
Beccles Wkly 28 Jun 
1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Jul 

NEWSPAPER:  Beccles  &  Bungay  Weekly  News  published  for  the  first  time  as  “Read  Crisp  &
Moore”
MARKET  STREET:  The  whole  of  the  property  om  the  North  side  of  Blower’s  Lane  has  been

1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Jul 

purchased; and the building will be removed soon after Michaelmas. Thus a spacious, convenient &
saf approach to the Station will be made - The town will be improved in appearance.
RAILWAY TRAINS: Special trains at reduced fares to Saxmundham for Suffolk Agricultural Show.

1864
1864

Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Jul 

RAILWAY  TRAVELLING:  Various  crimes  lead  to  criticism.  There  should  be  a  communication
between passenger & guard.
SUICIDE: J Blaxhill, grocer,Black boy stree, drowned by Suicide, Man found him who went down

Beccles Wkly Nws 19 Jul
1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Jul

the Yard of Pleasure Yacht Pub. (financial concerns) Lived opposite the Black Boy.
ALSO Body of James  Womac,assistant to Mr Burstal,  grocer, New Market. Unsettled young  man,
attached to young woman - broken off

 
 
1864

COUNTY COURT: Edward Mills, Bailiff to the  Lord  of the Manor of Beccles  v Henry Thrower,
cabinet maker - damage of 30 shillings for assault.
Mills supervised the fixing of Stalls in Market on Fair Day, 16 May. He told Thrower where  to pich

Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Jul
 
 

his Brother’s Booth - refused - tussle took place. Trestle fell on Mills’s foot -
from the Gutter. [Stall 16 or 20 yards from Mr Steel’s  Shop. About 5 or 6 pm.
CRICKET:  Bungay  v  Beccles.  A  match  played  between  these  clubs  on  Beccles  Common  on

injured. Put up Stall 3ft
1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 26 Jul

Wednesday last & resulted in a victory for the former on the first innings. Had the hour for pitching
& drawing the wickets been strictly observed it would have been more satisfactory, and might have
afforded time for finishing the match. As it was, the play was not commenced until an hour after the

appointed time and through a misunderstanding or mismanagement the stumps were drawn an hour
before the hour intended, which  gave rise to a little unpleasantness. In one instance the decision of
one of the umpires was interfered with and disregarded, which is entirely at variance with the rules of

cricket. The batting of the Bungay side was good, while the fielding on the part of the Beccles eleven
was not equal to what we have witnessed in former matches, some of the highest scorers having been
missed at the earlie part of their innings.

 
1864

 

Beccles 58 & 55 for 4; Bungay 193.
BANK  PROBLEMS:  East  of  England  Bank  suspended.  Money  had  been  invested  on  prohibited
Securities. Deficiency £123,000

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Aug
1864

VIOLENCE:  Samuel  Bunn  was  attacked  &  hit  by  John  Goffin,  labourer  while  he  was  unloading
bricks for Mr Thornton from Mr Lodge’s Wherry.

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Aug

1864
1864

INDEPENDENT CHAPEL Children’s Treat. 330 Children; procession, games, tea, Fire-works.
GAOL ESCAPE: William Tylor, labourer, escaped fro Gaol.

Beccles Wkly Nws 2 Aug
Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Aug 
1864

THE PETTY SESSIONS Were held on Friday 5th August, before the Mayor, S. Wilton RIX, Esq.,
(in the chair) the Revs R.C DENNY and J.C. SAFFORD, and the Deputy Mayor.

Beccles Wkly Nws 9 Aug