inmates their usual treat of roast beef and plum pudding, with vegetables, for their dinner; after which the
men were supplied with porter, pipes and tobaccoand the women and children with tea. Oranges, nuts,
finish the festivities, a Christmas tree was provided, as in other years, by the kindness of friends. It was
well hung with useful things, such as warm scarves, gloves, mits, cuffs, handkerchiefs, combs and
younger ones. The schoolroom, which was gaily decorated for the occasion was filled with eager and
happy faces. The tree having been stripped, several pieces were sung suitable for the season, and a good
looks.
EDUCATION: FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL Gymnasium
1870
East Suff Gaz, 18 Jan
East Suff Gaz, 25 Jan
ASSEMBLY ROOM - plan for redocoration inside ( not done for 7 years) and outside
LICENCE of George and Dragon transferred from Won Collier to John Girling
1870
1870
1870
East Suff Gaz, 25 Jan
East Suff Gaz, 1 Feb
POLICE COURT: 2 MEN charged by Mary Ann Ayers landlady of the Plough - dismissed
BANKRUPT: CHARLES GOLDSMITH, Sale of one fifth share from sale of the Plough of 2 dwellings
LEAVING TOWN: REV. JOHN YELLOLY
STAMP OFFICE: Mr Taylor leaving town. Mr Jarman appointed.
1870
East Suff Gaz, 22 Feb
persons were thrown into the water. Mr AE King was engaged in teaching his son, a lad of about three
years of age, to skate, and ventured on a portion of the ice weakened by the hot water and steam issuing
from the Tannery, which consequently gave way and they were suddenly immersed in deep water. An
succeeded in keeping himself and his son above water until a wooden trough was pushed to him which he
grasped with one hand while supporting his son with the other. With the assistance of a young man,
an hour had elapsed and the poor little fellow was insensible, but Dr Metcalfe was soon in attendance and
he was fortunately restored.
1870
1870
East Suff Gaz, 1 Mar
East Suff Gaz, 15 Mar
BRIDGE: Corporation would not contribute towards the bridge.
EDUCATION: NATIONAL SCHOOLS: Inspector’s Report. Boys’s School: The instruction is not yet
proportion of the boys will be presented above the third standard. The order is very creditable. An
Admission Register is much needed. I have to report favourably of the teaching of the Assistant Master.
1870
1870
DEATH: Mr John Lay, butcher, aged 76.
TO LET: Spacious Store Room 66ft x 23ft & a Granary 37ft x 23ft. The Buildings are Brick & Tile & in
East Suff Gaz 15 Mar
pa. Apply William Woodroffe, builder, Beccles.
BANKRUPTCY of Charles Haddingham, Miller and Merchant, London Road
1870
East Suff Gaz, 29 Mar
East Suff Gaz, 12 Apr
WATERWORKS: PARLIAMENT: Beccles Water Bill read a third time
FIRE at William Spear, Newmarket quickly put out
1870
1870
1870
East Suff Gaz, 19 Apr
East Suff Gaz, 26 Apr
BRIDGE: Norfolk & Suffolk both interested in improving the Bridge. Would Beccles contribute?
BRIDGE: Council agreed to contribute £500
under the wheels of one of Mr John Crisp’s carts & was crushed to death.
DRAINAGE: Opposition to drainage of town by J Crisp, J Edwin Crisp, WE Crowfoot, H Sharpin,
Talbot Johnston, Robert Ward, SW Rix, etc
1870
East Suff Gaz, 17 May
4th SUFFOLK ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS: Mustering 40 on Sunday marched to Barsham Church
with their Band. Rev RA Suckling, Chaplain to the Corps, preached
1870
1870
East Suff Gaz, 17 May
East Suff Gaz, 24 May
DRAINAGE: Plans for the drainage of the town put forward by Mr Bruff. Great dissension in Council.
FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL: Headmaster appointed: Rev Henry St John Read, MA: Open Scholarship,
Haileybury.
EAST SUFFOLK ELECTION: Lord Mahon (Conservative) 3,456 (in Beccles 141); Sir Alex Shafto
MURDER: Girl murdered on pathway to Ringsfield Road (known as Jordan’s Loke) from Beccles.
Discovered at 2 am.
7.30 pm. General Parade 7.30 pm for Company Drill. Band to attend, Tunics & Battery Caps. The Range
will be open for the use of the Corps on Tuesday & Wednesday & on Saturday until 5 pm. RI Metcalfe,
14th SUFFOLK RIFLE VOLUNTEERS: Parade 7.15 pm on Monday for Company & Light Infantry
Drill. New Shakos issued on Friday at 5 pm. Ball practice: Range on Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays
DRAINAGE: Deputation to Town Council headed by WE Crowfoot aimed at curbing expenditure on
drainage. WE Crowfoot said that deaths in the town were the result of bad sewerage, but considered it
missing page
DROWNING: Mr Stanford & CF Parker saved four men from drowning, whose boat capsized near
1870
East Suff Gaz, 26 Jul
FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL: Presentation to Rev Hartley, 17 years in town, Also Centenary of School’s
existence. Nearly 60 boys on school list - about 40 of them Boarders. A handsome silver epergne costing
APPRENTICE WANTED as out-door apprentice to General Drapery. No premium. Apply Samuel
Parkhouse.
1870
East Suff Gaz, 9 Aug
COUNCIL: agreed to go ahead with some of the Drainage Scheme, appointed Committee to consider
details.
1870
1870
East Suff Gaz, 9 Aug
East Suff Gaz, 16 Aug
FRANCO PRUSSIAN WAR
PRINTING WAYZGOOSE: Caxton Printers: 40 men & apprentices set off at 8 am in two-pair horse
pm. Tea there at 6 pm. Left at 10 pm.
FATAL ACCIDENT: Robert West, a gardener, carting barley from a field owned by John Crisp abutting
Broke his neck.
COUNCIL: to give £20 to repair of Church BELLS.
1870
there early in the morning found the place ransacked. Thieves found only nine shillings.
RAILWAY: More than 100 people went on cheap railway trip to London, Monday to Thursday.
1870
Arithmetic by voluntary teachers. 2d a week, if it can be afforded.
TOWN CLOCK being given illuminated dials. Now one placed on the east side
1870
Beccles and possessing a room in Manor House Lane, for which he received no rent and paid rates. Mr
Kent also. He occupied a place in Beccles two or three days a week. Both were allowed.
the room for the Institution.
WATERWORKS: struck copious water in their well at 80 ft.
1870
£500. Cost would be £3,500 between Norfolk & Suffolk. Inconvenience caused by bend in road at its two
extremities. Norfolk City Magistrates did not recommend such an expenditure.
1870
1870
OLD MARKET: Bear & Bells: Landlord William Barber.
COUNCIL: Mr J Mayhew re-elected Mayor.
East Suff Gaz, 15 Nov
1870
1870
East Suff Gaz, 6 Dec
East Suff Gaz, 20 Dec
LIQUIDATION: Horsley & Son in Liquidation. Paying ten shillings in the pound.
missing papers: 20 December 1870 - 3 January 1871 inclusive.
1871
1871
East Suff Gaz, 31 Jan
East Suff Gaz, 7 Feb
COUNCIL ELECTION: Mr W Stanford elected, majority of 29 over Mr S Parkhouse.
EMIGRANTS: Notice to intending emigrants: The USA & Canadian Emigration & Banking Agency
drapers, agriculturists and others able to pay their fares.
SOUP KITCHEN: During the last three weeks 300 families had been relieved three times a week. [£40
COUNCIL: agree to contract of Mr Acock of £734 to complete No 2 sewer in the town.
BECCLES ACADEMY: one of the Masters, Arthur Gayfer, passed exam for Dublin University.
1871
East Suff Gaz, 18 Apr
magistrates then came to the same conclusion.
COUNCIL: Oziers to be disposed of on Council land. To be sold at 1s 6d or 1s 9d a bundle to Mr
COUNCIL: agreed to sell two swans to Mr Hunter for £1- 1s
MANOR OF BECCLES: Council to consider purchase of Manor of Beccles.
1871
East Suff Gaz, 18 Apr
Brass Founder. Manufacturer of improved safety steam generators & high pressure engines.
Head Man Wanted: Wages 1s per week above day wages, with free house.
WORKHOUSE: Election of Master & Matron. Master £70 pa, Matron £20 pa. with board, lodging &
1871
WATERWORKS Shares: details
CIVIL SERVICE EXAM: passed Indian Civil Service Exam: SS Jones, son of late Headmaster of Leman
1871
East Suff Gaz, 2 May
COUNCIL: Watering the Streets: Experiment for one month agreed.
SALE: William Jecks sells household furniture at Arnold House, Lowestoft. Moved to Kirkley.
1871
East Suff Gaz, 30 May
has resigned through ill health. Stammers schoolmaster there for six years.
TO LET: Two houses in Station Road. Apply WW Woodroffe, builder near Northgate or Mr Henry
COUNCIL: Contract for Sewer Two signed and seal affixed.
COUNCIL: SEWER TWO: Commencement can be seen on Marsh on the left hand side of the Avenue as
1871
East Suff Gaz, 5 Jul
RAILWAY: Over 70 trains pass through Beccles Station every day.
AGRICULTURAL SHOW: First visit in its 41 year history. Men of town and neighbourhood came up
1871
East Suff Gaz, Jul
Show given contributions of £450: £100 from Council; 10 gns from John Crisp; £10 each from Gurney,
Lacon, Garrod Bros, Thornton etc. & others £5.
right)
Agricultural Show held on the Common. In the centre of which is a plantation [Boney’s Island] covering
summer, This is on the north side of the Show. Approached by gravel walk a quarter of a mile long with
handsome gates and palisading at each end. On either side there is a neat edging of grass and a well-kept
intersects the path at about two thirds of its length and is crossed by an iron bridge. At the entrance is a
pretty octagonal arbour and two others of different shape at the end.
where a hut was erected for the purpose of taking tickets.
land, were the beautiful marquees in which the Horticultural and Poultry Shows were held, with flags
floating gaily in the breeze from their summits. Looking beyond the broad Avenue, with a row of flags on
the plantation, with the neater tents for the judges and secretary and refreshment booths towering above.
There was a shed for cattle 90 ft long, next to this the 32 lb cannon of the 4th Suffolk Artillery
bullocks, riding horses and cattle 270 ft long. At the back pens for sheep and pigs 360 ft long, a water
tank and a few more stalls for the bullocks
ft and another single row of 220 ft. Near the centre of the ground were refreshment booths and ladies’
cloaks. Refreshments by Messrs Snowden, Beccles. In the centre the Riding Horsering 40 yards by 120
of 12 ft. and a platform for the Band near the centre.
On the left: stalls for agricultural horses 450 ft by 250 ft, and carriages and heavier agricultural
DECORATIONS FOR THE SHOW: In Station Road there were 14 arches at intervals of 25 yards down
the whole length of the road, with flags and greenery. In Ballygate a neat little arch of evergreens spanned
leading into the town from Bungay, Rev St john Reade had erected a very neat arch, dressed with pretty
contrasting sprigs of laurel and fir. On it were three inscriptions in white letters on a red ground, more
In the Old Market, Mr Barber at the Bear and Bells had two flags and in Hungate Mr Ward & Kent had
the prettiest arch.
1871
1871
East Suff Gaz, 1 Aug
East Suff Gaz, 8 Aug
TOWN CLOCK struck 200 or 300 instead of 11 at 11 pm. The Parish Clerk stopped it.
WORKS OUTING for men of Garrod’s Tannery. Craft lent by Messrs J Crisp. 65 men started at 6 am for
Oulton Regatta.
WORKHOUSE at Shipmeadow: 63 boys and girls with the Master and Matron and the schoolmaster and
Bungay. Had a bathe in the sea, afterwards a sail out, a substantial dinner in a tent on the beach and a
good tea, returning home by the 6.25 train.
dinner. Sailed over Broad. Started for home at 6 pm. Arrived home at midnight.
REGATTA: Breeze from the south east. Hot.
1871
slaughter house, with blood put in a muck bin etc, so that it was injurious to health.
Richard Bohun: “ I live in Ballygate near the premises. He suffered from a severe smell. The stench was a
inspected the premises on Friday 28 July. There was nothing to complain of in the slaughter House, but
several pigs were kept in a court, and beyond there was a blood pit, which contained a great quantity of
an advanced stage of decomposition and the pigs had been fed from it, the trough and floor being
saturated as well as the pigs. The smell was most dreadful and I had to go away to get some fresh air
On the 31st of July there was not so much blood in the pit and the pigs were not so dirty. In the muck bin
there was a great deal of filth, which had been emptied from the stomachs of the animals and were
SW Rix said he lived on the opposite side of the road and suffered from the smells. Six weeks ago he was
called into one of the bedrooms next the street, and on opening one of the windows, there came in such a
room. Mr Jordan had taken great pains to prevent smells. James Mullett [4 Ballygate] said the smell was
intolerable. Mr Beckett’s premise were to the west. Mr Kerrison [23 Ballygate] gave similar evidence. Mr
Mr Beckett: “There is a paved yard at the back of my house [20 Ballygate], with a fall of four feet
towards the garden. I have a flagged slaughter house, which is limewashed once a month and when the
blood. We mix the grain with this blood & the pigs devour it faster than I can get it. There were two
bullocks and a calf killed yesterday and the blood will all be eaten by tonight. The muck bin is at the
middle of this bin there is a pump by which liquid matter is taken away before it becomes disagreeable.
The muck bin is cleared out every full moon: men come with a water cart at 11 o’clock at night and the
fortnight. There is no other way of emptying cesspools than carrying it away in carts. The place was not
emptied until two days after the usual time last month because the men were busy with the hay.”
nuisance continued the slaughter house would have to be moved elsewhere.
DEATH of last Tontine bond holder. Lapsed. Dated July 1786. £31 pa extra to the Council.
1871
East Suff Gaz, 17 Oct
East Suff Gaz, 31 Oct
COUNCIL: No 2 Sewer completed. Total sum £924-19s-1d
BAPTIST CHAPEL: Rev J Blake to be Pastor.
1871
excited by the sad report which was whispered at every breakfast table in the town on Wednesday
morning. Seldom has such a gloom been cast over the town, and the rumour was at first deemed
for some hours after the other members of his family had gone to bed. On Tuesday evening, he attended a
meeting of the National School committee, when he appeared to be in his usual health and spirits. He then
retired to rest. Nothing was heard of him during the night. The next morning, Mrs. Johnson, on awaking,
was surprised and alarmed at the discovery that her husband had not been to bed...”
window of the room. The Rector had hanged himself.
Dr. W. M. Crowfoot was the principal witness at the Inquest, when the Jury found that the deceased had
He was 57 years old and had been Rector for 16 years. He spent some years as a Missionary in Ceylon
and was at one time a member of the Wesleyan Church. The living is worth £370 pa. Rev Hollond of
RECTOR’S SUICIDE: Headmaster of National School, Mr WM Anderson, who was a witness at the
Inquest wrote to the paper:
Tuesday 31st, Barrell was brought before WE Crowfoot, magistrate, charged with wandering about the
streets of Lowestoft at midnight. He was discharged. He came to see me and from his conversation and
Magistrate, who had him put under restraint.
Isaiah Copeman, butcher, taken premises in Blyburgate, recently occupied by Robert Reeve & for many
EMIGRATION: ‘Alan Line’ to America. Mail steamships from Liverpool every Thursday to New York -
Cabin passages £18-18s; & £15-15s; Intermediate £9-9s including beds, bedding & utensils, dining and
WEATHER: Heavy fall of snow on Sunday evening.
SCHOOL BOARD to be formed. Unanimous decision at meeting chaired by Rev St John Reade
1871
East Suff Gaz, 5 Dec
are in a frightfully dangerous condition. On Friday last, a horse attached to a waggon, while coming over
the Bridge into the town, fell down broadside on the road. Being an aged animal it was too exhausted to
when a waggon reaches the crest of the bridge, the incline is so severe that it comes down with a run, to
the imminent danger of any vehicle which may be coming from the opposite direction ... when three or
RECTOR’S WIDOW: Presentation to Mrs Johnston, widow of the Rector, of collection of money by
Churchwardens etc of £324-11s-6d as a tribute.
where a considerable amount of gunpowder is stored adjoin - some alarm was felt lest the burning flakes
of soot, which fell thickly, might extend the fire beyond the flue, Superintendent Gobbett used the Water
blazing chimney top and extinguished.
RAILWAY TICKET: The case against Surgeon Dentist Mr Neep, accused of not having a ticket on a
denomination.
READING ROOM & LITERARY INSTITUTE to be formed - a new society
1872
spoke: sympathy for their ideas.
WORLINGHAM BELLS: First time rung since their restoration. Sir Charles Clarke & Churchwardens
the Beccles Company.
DEATH: Sarah Steel, wife of Samuel Steel, aged 50.
1872
East Suff Gaz 30 Jan
BREWERY of Messrs Thornton: Workmen’s dinner at the Marquis of Granby provided by Mark Mills.
50 sat down. Chair taken by RB Snowden.
1872
East Suff Gaz 13 Feb
RAILWAY COLLISION: The Leiston branch train standing on the station on the up line, waiting for the
8 o’clock down train from Ipswich in order to proceed to Aldeburgh - run into by special ballast train at
Bent and his staff of men the traffic was not long delayed.”
COURT: Mr Neep, surgeon dentist, accused of suborning witnesses in his previous trial about not paying
COMMISSIONER OF OATHS: Mr Alfred Kent of firm of Kent & Clowes Smith, solicitors.
TO BE LET: Old established Stone Mason’s in Northgate. Apply HJ Kerrison
1872
East Suff Gaz 12 Mar
Iron & Brass Founder & General Smith.
SMALLPOX: One family has smallpox. Two daughters died some time ago, the father & son moved to a
house at the other end of the town, both died last week.
1872
East Suff Gaz 26 Mar
SCHOOLS: BOARDING & DAY: London Road, conducted by Miss Garrard: sound English education,
accomplishments, good moral training & home comforts.
1872
East Suff Gaz 9 Apr
DEATH: Sudden death of Mr George Whincup, aged 70, driving a bullock to Messrs Read’s sale fell
down dead near Mr Cooper’s Mill on Ellough Road. Left Willingham at 10am with his Grandson.
would speak, he was leaning on his stick and seemed to be staggering. When he got within a yard of the
pony I was driving he fell down. I have known him for about fifty years.”
the death of the woman and went to the house where they subsequently died. After the death of the men
the women went back to their old house carrying the infection.
since the suicide of Talbot Johnson [the Rector, who lived nearby] had religious mania - thought she had
taken the Sacrament unworthily. Hanged herself in the cellar. [listed in Puddingmoor in 1871 (number
ACCIDENT: Workman on Waterworks in Ringsfield Road, fell into a reservoir, 13ft deep, more or less
empty
Common, and the Pleasure Fair, which consisted of the usual swinging boats, steam horses etc in the
Newmarket.
first excursion of Season to Lowestoft & Yarmouth. First of a series on Mondays & Thursdays throughout
the Summer.
River. Father George Knights; Mother, Harriet Knights: “There are 2 steps to the River at the end of the
lane where my house is situated” [They lived in Thurlow’s Yard, Northgate in 1861 & 1871] Witness,
Yard] were playing opposite my father’s house. I saw my brother in a boat, pulling up the chain attached.
boat a few yards from the wherry. He could row, and used often to get into the boat. About ten minutes
after that I heard a boy named Ward [also lived in Thurlow’s Yard] say the boat was half way across the
The body was found directly with the creepers [things to drag the bottom of the river.”
RECTOR: Rev Frederick Francis Tracy, MA, late of St Pancras, Chichester, appointed Rector of
MAINTENANCE OF THE POOR : The Parish of Beccles, during the half year contributed to the Poor
£1,227. The number of indoor paupers 119; out-door paupers, 374. Contribution of Beccles £754 & also
A servant in the employ of Mrs Collins, grocer, was engaged in some household work, 7 was standing on
the top of the copper, when she, stepping on a piece of soap, slipped and fell into the copper, the water in
into the kitchen, and lost no time in rescuing the girl from her perilous position, when she found the poor
girl’s legs were scalded, but fortunately not severely.
1872 ?East Suff Gaz 11 Jun
On Sunday afternoon about 3pm a boat was hired from John Mills, waterman, Northgate [Fen Lane] by a
party of five: Mrs Nelly Gardiner, Miss Kitty Press (classed as “unfortunates” & three men, Walter West,
were worse for drink.
Imprudently enough, the wind being very strong & blowing in sudden & dangerous gusts, they hoisted a
water. A young man Henry Shiplee, who was in the boat not far from the scene of the accident, quickly
rowed to the spot & succeeded in rescuing the woman Gardiner. Clark, who could swim well, swam on
man West and the woman Press, sank.
It is stated that the man West, who had for some time on a fishing voyage, in which he had been pretty
hardly earned money in dissipation.
NATIONAL SCHOOL: Meeting concerning National School decide to keep it as a church school.
small cottages almost opposite this room [the girls’ National Schoolroom in Ravensmere] which they
knocked into one room and there educated 30 or 40 children. This went on for several years, numbers
1837. £500 was raised and rooms were built [the National Schools buildings in Newgate.]. At the same
time the British Schools were founded [the Non-Conformist schools]. In 1867 the present schools were
LEMAN SCHOOL: “Considering that of the fifty free boys in attendance, 44 are the sons of tradesmen
residing in the town; it is from this fact, that the Leman School is worthy of some recognition on the part
FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL: Headmaster: Rev H St John Reade; 64 boys in the school.
SHIPPING TO BECCLES: Albert Mannall intends running a vessel from South Devon Wharf, Lower
1872
East Suff Gaz 23 Jul
price of freight.
COUNCIL: Report of Committee visiting sewage works: Mayor (Mr Laws), Mr Mayhew, Dr Metcalfe &
SALE: Property in Jones’s Score, next the River
LOT 1: A most excellent Cottage fronting Northgate in the occupation of James Linder
ALSO: Substantial detached Cottage now in the occupation of Albert Lockwood
LOT 2: Four good Cottages at the West End of Lot 1, in the occupation of John Winsdale [No 5], B Ward
LOT 3: Valuable business premises, substantially built brick & slated Dwelling House, large Boat
Builder’s Shop, Stable, with other buildings & offices adjoining, having a good River Frontage. In the
Robert Gosling, Beccles, labourer, was charged with having, on the 21st of July, stolen two live ducks,
the property of Robert Clark, of the Pickerel, Mr. Smith appeared for defendant.
safe when he went to bed at ten o’clock. He was called up about twelve by Noah Gray, [who lived at 11
Puddingmoor] and then missed five ducks, but the next morning he found two more in a neighbour’s
police, which were his property. There was one old one – a black and white duck, and a young one -a
dark grey. The feathers produced were the feathers of the ducks. He valued them at 2s. 6d.
went to bed about ten. Had been robbed every year he had lived in the Pickerel. Knew it was 12 o’clock,
as any one else would, when the clock struck. Didn’t hear the clock strike. Didn’t see these ducks after
Noah Gray, of Puddingmoor, Beccles, labourer, said: My house is on the opposite side of the way, a little
higher up than Clark’s, about 40 or 50 yards from it.
somebody in the road, and in consequence of that, I looked out of the window. I saw two men standing
against the Pickerel pales, and then saw them go on to the prosecutor’s premises. It was a bright
men come out of Clark’s premises, and one of these came past my house. I don’t know who he was, he
appeared as if he had a handkerchief on the ground and did something up in it. The next morning I went
joined company again and went towards the church, but came back and went his down Mr. Bellward’s
loke [lane]. I have seen the prisoner before, but I don’t know anything about him and have never been in
After I had seen this I went and called up Mr. Clark, it was about 12 o’clock. About four the next
morning, in consequence of what I was told, I went down to Bellward’s Quay and saw a boat, in which
lying in the road asleep. The man who passed my house was a tallish man, walked with a rolling gait, and
was dressed in a dark Guernsey or coat and light trousers.
live just opposite Tyrrell’s; the man who was lying in the road did not appear to he sober.
Samuel Bellward remembered the morning of the 22nd July. Got up about 4 o’clock, when he missed one
man named Barrett in it with two ducks. Barrett said he did not know how either himself or the ducks
came there. Fastened the boat Barrett was in, to his boat, and was rowing down the river when Barrett
to him, and said, pointing to Barrett who was coming down the wall, “There goes the man now.”
Mr Smith said he apprehended the case against his client could not proceed, as the evidence pointed to
The Chairman said certainly no evidence had at present been given connecting the prisoner with the
robbery, but the case must go on.
PC William Peak said: I remember 21
received, I went to Clark’s house, and afterwards to prisoner’s. When I went into prisoner’s house I
fingers, and I picked off his hand a small duck’s feather.
garments prisoner wore that night – a dark coat and light trousers: they are marked with blood, and a
feather is still adhering to the trousers. On the way to the station, prisoner said, “Is Barrett locked up?”
Police-constable Balaam spoke to going to prisoner’s house. He found the feather produced just inside the
house, and squeezed blood from it.
there was no evidence of identification as to the fowls being Clark’s property, or as to the prisoner being
one of the men who was seen to go on Clark’s premises.
and he was accordingly discharged. Barrett had not at present been apprehended.
DRUNKENNESS
July.
Defendant was the man spoken of in the previous case as being found lying asleep in the road, and the
Fined 4s and 6s costs, which he paid.
BECCLES RACES: Proposed reestablishment of Beccles Races. Sixteen years since the last races.
1872
Webster. James Crisp, Treasurer; Robert King, Secretary. [The idea was turned down.]
INDUSTRIAL ACTION: Movement of builders: bricklayers, carpenters & painters for increased wages.
SALE: LOT 1: Seven convenient Cottages in Meachem’s Yard & with excellent frontage to Northgate, in
the occupation of Widow Smith, S Moore, C Aldous, Widow Barber, Widow Cooper, W Secker & F
occupation of Samuel Wright, Boat Builder.. All in good condition. [No 1]
LICENSING LAWS: New Act of Parliament required public houses to close at 11pm unless an order by
1872
WEATHER: On Saturday afternoon a heavy thunderstorm. Pells’s windmill struck by lightning and one
of the sails damaged, although not to a very great extent.
taken in three wagons to Southwold, under the care of the Governor, Matron, Schoolmaster &
Schoolmistress. They started at an early hour. The surprise of many of the youngsters upon looking at the
LICENSING DAY for pubs: No convictions during the year, all houses well conducted in an orderly way.
For the first time every Publican and Beer House Keeper has to sate the name of the landlord.
Ancient Order of Foresters met there. No decision could be taken.
COUNCIL bought seven swans, they had been marked and set on the river.
1872
to sell. Mention of the executors of Robinson & Crisp.
COUNCIL order Mr James Beale to remove encroachment created by his new shop in Hungate.
1872
scratching from brambles & bushes: Kemp’s Lane, Sandy Lane, Mill Stile Lane & Bullock’s Lane.
CHURCH: Subscription List for presenting a brass lectern of a suitable size and character.
1872
ten hours work a day. They wanted 22s a week.
CARPENTERS to get 1s 3d more a week. They will end work on Saturday at 5pm instead of 6pm.
POLICE COURT: George Pitchers drunk & disorderly in Blyburgate - loitering about for two hours while
sewerage works were in progress. Got into a fight with one of the workmen. Last time 7 August. Fined £1
14th SUFFOLK RIFLE VOLUNTEERS: parade in Old Market under Capt WM Crowfoot. 57 of all
ranks.
1872
East Suff Gaz 1 Oct
LICENSING: These were given leave to open at 5.30 am instead of 6 am: Robert Mills (Falcon); John
Green (beer house Hungate); Charles Howlett (Refreshment Rooms, Blyburgate); William Baldry (the
Blyburgate); Philip Jermy (Fox & Hounds); Robert Kent (Hermitage); Jeremiah Brooks (Fleece); Alfred
Grice (George & Dragon); Edward Bailey (Duke) - all granted
Foresters attend.
NORTH COVE: Alfred Woolner of North Cove guilty of thrusting his head into North Cove Church
with costs 10s 6d.
ACCIDENT AT BECCLES STATION: Isaac Riches, a striker in the blacksmith’s shop at Beccles Station
Crowfoot and Dr Metcalfe (who did operation) amputated leg below the knee and left foot.
and day attendance. The medical or surgical care and attention which cannot be obtained by the poor in
their own homes. Beccles with its population of 5,000 ought to have its Infirmary or Cottage Hospital.”
Drewell is temporary Mistress. [daughter of Gaoler, Samuel Drewell, born 1823]
ACCIDENT VICTIM: Isaac Riches injured in Railway accident died. (Coroner’s Court on accident.)
1872
by Isaiah Copeman
NATIONAL SCHOOL: Parents of National Day & Sunday Schools given tea. 400 present. Rector, Mr
inhabitants, and whilst in that parish he had what would appear the very obvious advantage of knowing
every individual in it. He knew every individual not merely by name, but he had this intimacy - which he
are you tonight? Have you got a cup of tea?” Well, down there in Dorsetshire, he used to do that
frequently. As soon as he went in they would say “Now do’e sit down, sir, and have a cup of tea;” and
shall I do for a quiet cup of tea, a quiet bit of bread and butter, a quiet bit of cake (laughter). He had
turned this over in his mind till he got quite tired of it, and wished he could go again to Dorsetshire and
for the deed, it became his pleasure thus to return the compliment. He could assure them it was a very
great pleasure to him to see such a goodly company assembled there, and see so much enjoyment, in that
14th SUFFOLK RIFLE VOLUNTEERS: Private JR Mills, of Worlingham - emigrated to Canada -
continuing his success in rifle shooting.
1872
East Suff Gaz 19 Nov
WORK HOUSE: Robert Chilvers, late of Beccles, blacksmith, absconded from Shipmeadow Union
House with a suit of clothes owned by the Guardians. Charge proved by Mr Stammers, the Master. To
DEATHS of Sir Henry Hickman Bacon, Bart, aged 53. Also Constable Robert Norman.
POLICE DINNER: The members of the Police Force stationed in Beccles entertained by the Mayor at the
1872
East Suff Gaz 19 Nov
WHERRY Teazer, property of Samuel Darby of Beccles, sailed from Yarmouth laden with deals and ten
tons of cement for sewerage works in Beccles - crossing Breydon Water, capsized and sank. The Master,
WATERWORKS Company, unauthorised dug a trench over the Bridge, buried a pipe in it and filled up
the trench.
1872
East Suff Gaz 10 Dec
COLLISION: Rev GA Whittaker’s coachman driving from the Station, turning round the corner near Mr
Collins’s shop, not noticing the sewerage works were in progress there and the road was blocked by a
WEATHER: Strong Gales: wall in Blyburgate in which a letter-box was fixed was blown down.
FEOFFMENT CHARITY: ended 2 December 1872
1872
East Suff Gaz 10 Dec
Costs & Distribution:
Poor Rate, Land Tax, Tithe Charge
£13-2-10
Printing, Stationery, Miscellaneous
Salaries
£24-3-0
Subscription to schools & charities
Volunteer Rifle Corps
£53-12-0
£5-5-0
Blankets for the Poor
Coals for the Poor
£19-15-0
£74-17-4
Recipients Of Rev. Thos Farr’s charity
£20-0-0
374-3-7
GB Angell elected Collector for next year
£50 voted for Infirmary.
December. New Chapel rapidly approaching completion.
RECTOR’S INFANT SON, George Herbert Tracy presented by the children of the National School with
children.
DOG SHOT by Sir Charles Clarke’s gamekeeper when pursuing a rabbit on his land. Sir Charles did not
1873
East Suff Gaz, 7 Jan
COUNCIL: gave donation of £100 to new Infirmary. Mr John Crisp gave piece of ground adjoining the
COUNCIL: Cottage Hospital: contain 6 or 8 beds for general occupation 7 2 in accident ward. Land
offered. Plans submitted by Mr Clements gratuotously. Cot about £1000. At present £400 in hand. £100
COUNCIL: SEWERAGE: Agreed that contractor be allowed 90% instead of 75% of advance on contract
because of wetness of weather. (Councilor Masters wanted to keep to business arrangement of 75%)
1873
East Suff Gaz, 14 Jan
TRAMP, James Thompson chargd with begging in Blyburgate - He was locked up, but tore up all his
clothes. The charge had to be held in one of the cells. Given 21 days hard labour.
1873
1873
East Suff Gaz, 28 Jan
East Suff Gaz, 11 Feb
LITERARY INSTITUTE: 80 members; Secretary AE King
COUNCIL: agreed that Mr Groom could hold Horse Show for three days in July on the Common, which
will be closed for two days and open the third day, the day of the Horse Race
1873
1873
East Suff Gaz, 25 Feb
East Suff Gaz, 25 Mar
NATIONAL SCHOOLS to be kept independent & obtain more subscribers.
SOUP KITCHEN: Tuesday & Friday from 14 December 1872 to 14 March 1873: 28 deliveries to 6,731
grant £68 -17s - 4d
FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL: H St John Reade leaves Beccles to become Head of Godolphin School,
SOLICITOR’S PARTNERSHIP: Kent & Clowes Smith dissolved
PUBLIC LIBRARY: Miss Grigson resigned. Miss Drake appointed.
1873
East Suff Gaz, 8 Apr
Headmaster & reside at St Mary’s until a permanent appointment is made.
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH: Dr Metcalfe appointed to No 1 District, Loddon.
1873
farewell supper
page missing
1873
East Suff Gaz, 22 Apr
East Suff Gaz, 22 Apr
THE AVENUE: The huts on the Avenue to be sold at next Marsh Letting.
BOARD SCHOOLS: Number of boys & girls attending: 70 or 80. There were 96 on the books.
1873
1873
East Suff Gaz, 22 Apr
VESTRY MEETING: Question of replacing Gas lighting in Church: WE Crowfoot : “At the time the
present gas burners were fixed, he opposed it on the ground that they ought not to cut those fine old
stone.” Crowfoot: “That is the answer I got.”
Rector gives a dinner at the Rectory to the Corporation & Churchwardens & some friend. A party of 30
1873
East Suff Gaz, 6 May
East Suff Gaz, 6 May
BUSINESS: Jonathan Lockwood taken over business of George Boast
INDEPENDENT CHURCH: Rev John Flower to resign from Pastorate after 40 years.
1873
Beccles & his father a surgeon at Lowestoft. Dr Jones married Millicent Acheson daughter of 2nd Earl of
College, Cambridge. BA 1836, MA 1840. In 1836 commenced studyof medicine. 1846 Physician to St
George’s Hospital. 1869 Hon Sec of Royal Institution. Erected new laboratories. Wrote a number of
Outbreak of a low kind of fever in Grove Road. 1 boy has died. Premises in bad condition, gastric fever.
Mr Garnham could not get people to enter the premises and empty the pits, result of sewage poison.
1873
1873
COUNCIL to ask sanction from the Local Government Board to appoint a Medical Officer for £30 pa.
HORSE SHOW: Mr Groom to be allowed use of Common free of charge for Horse Show.
East Suff Gaz, 6 May
recently used by Mr Bellward, but too expensive.
DOLPHIN Landlord, Charles Frampton, sent for police to remove John Playford - drunk & disorderly.
GRANARY: Removal of Granary - see Property
SCHOOLS: Elementary Schools set up in surrounding villages under Elementary Education Act 1870
1873
East Suff Gaz, 13 May
cases degenerated into occasions for the utmost license, and been distinguished by the undisguised
prevalence of vice and debauchery. Under these circumstances, it is certainly not to be regretted that fairs
ORGANIST: Mr Livock, played for the Archdeacon’s Visitation.
WATER WORKS: Management will be carried on by Mr Read Crisp. Applications for laying on services
1873
East Suff Gaz, 17 Jun
SEWERAGE WORKS: £6,000 to be lent by Public Works Loan Commissioners at three and a half
percent, to be repaid within thirty years. Mayor: certain amount of “red tapism”.
Councillor Steel, who seemed unable to comprehend what was going on....”
COUNCIL: Councillor Steel said that “at the last meeting it was reported that he did not comprehend
defective.”
[Editorial comment: “We are totally unable to account for the rage Mr Steel seems to have worked
business of the Council by the frequent repetitions it was necessary to make in order that he might
understand the nature of the business under discussion ... we are of the opinion that the Members of the
lost all regard for common decency.”]
GOSPEL TENT: A large tent has been erected in Station Road, neat the Wesleyan Chapel, where on
in the Service are quite unknown in Beccles and seem to be attached to no denomination.
THEFT: John Maddis stole horse hair from William Horsley & Son, coachmakers. William Harmer, a
saw Maddis in the Engine House putting a quantity of horse hair (which he was employed to pick) into
the lining of his coat. The whole of the bottom of the coat was filled with hair, valued at two shillings &
14th SUFFOLK RIFLE VOLUNTEERS: Inspection by Lt-Col Leathes. Capt Crowfoot away, Lieut Read,
sick. Lieut GB Angell in command. 70 men paraded at 6.30pm. The Corps headed by its band, marched
marched past in quick and double time, line was formed, and the manual, firing, and bayonet exercises
were gone through; then followed several Company movements, the whole concluding with skirmishing.
3,000 ft in length. A new feature is the engagement of two professional lady riders - one took first prize
for riding at Alexandra Park Horse Show last week.
1873
East Suff Gaz, 8 Jul
The Honorary members of the Choir, with their wives, to the Rectory to tea. Discussion for improvement
of Choir
National School headed by bands of 4th Suffolk Artillery & 14th Suffolk Rifles (united) under command
of Band Master Fowler, 4th Suffolk Artillery Volunteers, proceeded to the site singing hymns “Onward
The Rector offered some appropriate prayers, after which Lady Clarke came forward to lay the
Foundation Stone. A trowel, having been handed to her by the builder, Mr RA King, she deftly spread the
a copy of the East Suffolk Gazette for the current week, & a list of the Municipal Officers of the Borough,
was deposited in a cavity prepared for it by Master Claude Metcalfe. The stone was then lowered into its
customary taps with a mallet, declared the stone to be “duly & truly laid.”
Sir Charles Clarke said “ They certainly none of them possessed any prophetic power & they knew not
years hence, but there was one thing of which they were all most perfectly aware, and the poor would
never cease to be of the land, and that disease of every character & nature would never cease out of the
distress should be met & relieved by those qualified by education & knowledge to attend to it.
They had in their Architect a gentleman fully known for his thorough honesty of purpose & for his
every one there & no step would be wanted in the building of the Hospital.
The other work .. almost all the fittings & other work had been taken by persons residing in the town.
NEW SCHOOL DESK recently patented by Mr SF Pells, combining a sloping writing desk and desk, flat
table for tea-meetings and a backed seat with book board for services. The mechanical arrangements by
THE HORSE SHOW: The stalls in which the horses are to be placed erected in the form of a square &
are all covered with canvas. Accommodation for: 30 stallions, 50 hunters, 54 hackneys & roadsters, 21
enclosure a horse ring - an ellipse of 200ft in circumference, where trotting & jumping trials will take
place. At the side of the ring a Grandstand 300ft long to accommodate 1000 people. 20 Classes; prizes
Show. Many Entries. Band of 33rd (Duke of Wellington’s Own) Regiment. Will end with Fireworks
Display.
1873
Anniversary of Beccles Company of Ringers. Dinner at the White Horse. Rector Presided. Mayor present.
A company of thirty including other towns. Capital Dinner by Jonas James.
public attention, but had as little sympathy with those lower tones of church feeling & church opinion
which practically reduced the position of Church & of Churchmen to that of one of the Christian Sects.
He said he was passionately fond of music & hoped they would have harmonious music within the
Church.
become bellringers that they might have frequent opportunities to get drunk.
TEA in the Assembly Room given by the Mayor to old ladies of Beccles. 108 ladies over 60 attended -
HORSE SHOW: on 23, 24 July. Good hot weather - high praise. Fire works each night.
MARRIAGE of WP Garrod to Miss Ann Bond, daughter of Mr T Bond of Pullham St Mary.
1873
East Suff Gaz 5 Aug
- 5s.
COUNCIL. Authorise loan of £6,000 officially. £326 pa until 1903.
1873
Surveyor. Motion by Crowfoot in less critical language than Parkhouse’s original one.
FAUCONBERGE HEADMASTER: JH Raven, MA. Term begins 13 September
1873
Java, the gift of Mrs Edward Arnold of Norwich.
PRINTERS’ WAYZGOOSE: On Saturday all the employees of Caxton Works to Lowestoft. Nearly 200
marquee at back of Suffolk Hotel. Afternoon tea later at Suffolk. Younger ones returned at 9.30, the
remainder by special train at 11pm.
Defended by Mayhew. Council voted to ignore the criticisms of Fenn and pass on to other business.
Several members walked out at this point. (The Mayor had done all he could to defend Fenn. “Mr Fenn is
in a false position, as he was more fitted to govern than obey.”
NATHANIEL BLYTH of Crown Inn has lost licence given to him & applied for replacement
1873
aged 75 years
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE
which were heard pealing forth from the church tower. On inquiry, it was found that a fire had broken out
in the warehouse of Mr. Jeremiah Tyrrell, Pudding-moor, who is well known as a general furniture dealer
the command of Superintendent Gobbett and Inspector Cole, and besides these, the Mayor (T. A. Laws,
Esq.). the Town Surveyor (Mr. G. Fenn), and other of the borough officials were also present, giving
Notwithstanding that there was abundance of help and that plenty of water was available from the river, it
soon became evident that all attempts to save the warehouse (a weather-boarded and asphalt-roofed
worse than useless. Accordingly, the efforts of the firemen and those who were present were directed to
saving the dwelling-house of Mr. Tyrrell with the shop adjoining, together with their contents. In an
meanwhile playing upon them to keep them cool, whilst the warehouse, in which the fire first broke out,
was left to its fate, and was quickly being consumed. The rapidity with which the flames spread was
prevent the flames spreading to the shop, and dwelling-house, all the woodwork of which was consumed,
merely the roofs and walls being left standing. fortunately, however, the flames were prevented spreading
quantity of water that was obliged to be plentifully bestowed upon them. In a little more than an hour
from the time of the commencement of the fire, the flames were well under control, and all danger of their
debris
Although the damage sustained is very considerable, it is nothing to what might have been the case. From
extended, and all the woodwork of which was burnt, were stored no less than 200 cartridges, and had
these exploded (and it is marvellous they did not, as they were in close proximity to the flames), the
catastrophe occurred, and by 11 o’clock all further need of the fire engines was at an end, and shortly
after the premises were left in charge of the police. The cause of the fire is unknown, but Mr Tyrell is
of £1,159.
We cannot conclude our report without a word of praise to all those who were present for the energetic
saving the property in danger. [The property destroyed was number 40 Puddingmoor]
Rev - Neville, new Curate of Beccles
1873
East Suff Gaz 14 Oct
DEATH of George Wright, who for half a century has occupied a public position in the town, with
unsullied honour, irreproachable character and constant benevolence. He commenced his ministry in
1870, aged 81.
RETIREMENT of Rev John Flower; £325 collected for presentation.
(Beccles), Rev J Brown (Wrentham) etc.
Rix: “They meet that night under very affecting circumstances. It was not merely that they were parting
only yesterday had left his church - had left it indeed in a good old age. It was true he had retired before,
but he had now left it altogether. His life had ended at a good old age ... Never, truly, had a minister or
Robert Ward gave a history of Congregationalism in Beccles & gave him the present. Mr Kent gave Mrs
Flower a plated tea & coffee set.
visit he wept as he walked about to think that his future years would be passed where no hills arose to
vary the landscape, and to send gladness into the soul, but he had since learned to drink in joy from
Soon, he was ill for eleven months commencing with pleurisy - he recovered, against expectation and
resumed his duties. After twelve years he broke down utterly and suffered from nervous debility. Rev
preacher.
During these years there were changes to the Chapel: enlarging and adding galleries cost £1,000; The
had outlived their own usefulness, and in some degree at last lost the love and esteem of their people. He
had gradually found himself getting weaker ...
commend Congregationalism, for that could not be a bad system under which the pastoral labours of
three ministers had covered a whole century.
1873
East Suff Gaz 21 Oct
TO BE LET: Residence of late Mrs Chalker, containing on Ground Floor: Entrance Hall, Dining Room &
Drawing Room leading into Conservatory & Fernery. Housekeeper’s Room & well arranged & complete
Floor: Servants’ Rooms.
The Outbuildings comprise: 2 Coach Houses, Stable & 2 Lose Boxes, Harness House, Laundry &
The Pleasure Grounds are about one acre in extent, in which are Vinery, capital Orchid House, Stove
House, etc.
Lemon Trees, Fuschias, Geraniums etc. Bedding-out plants & seedlings in boxes & about 300 Strawberry
plants in pots.
1873
East Suff Gaz 28 Oct
LOCAL LIQUIDATION CASE: James Johnson, printer, bookseller, stationer of Newmarket, now of
Mark Lane, City of London & of Dove Terrace, Stratford, Essex.
1873
East Suff Gaz 4 Nov
ELECTION: Four retiring Members: Darby, Crisp, Pells & Rix. - renominated. Also Campling, Brown,
Gill & Eastaugh nominated. Campling & Pells did not wish to stand. Darby, JE Crisp, FS Rix & Eastaugh
SEWERAGE PIPES tested. Finished at the hydrant opposite Mr Kerrison’s house in [25] Ballygate & at
the Town Hall - & the water flowed satisfactorily to the Old Market man hole.
1873
1873
East Suff Gaz 18 Nov
East Suff Gaz 25 Nov
COURT CASE: Mrs Frampton, landlady of the Dolphin.
COURT CASE: Charlotte Gibbons, landlady of the Rose & Crown.
1873
1873
East Suff Gaz 9 Dec
East Suff Gaz 16 Dec
CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY: 400 people present. Food provided
LIQUIDATION: Benjamin Brown, saddler & harness maker.
1874
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan
SHIPMEADOW WORKHOUSE Christmas Day: Usual treat of roast beef, vegetables & plum pudding.
5pm to 8 pm all members of a family allowed to spend their together.
PARTNERSHIP dissolved between William Cowles senior & W Cowles, junior, schoolmasters, Beccles
1874
East Suff Gaz 20 Jan
WEDDING of third daughter of Mr JK Garrod to Mr George W Dickson. Mr Garrod’s employees, about
SCHOOLS: Northgate Street Seminary: the Misses Spencer
London Road, Boarding & Day School - Miss Garrard
Northgate Street, Mrs RF Thompson, (she has two furnished rooms to let.)
Leman School, Henry Boyce.
hand side going to the Avenue, which the Railway Company would be glad to get rid of; more than an
acre.
1874
1874
East Suff Gaz 20 Jan
East Suff Gaz 20 Jan
ASSEMBLY ROOM CELLAR: The old Chain (6cwt 14lbs) sold at sale. Also lamp pillars.
COUNCIL: Tar the path from the corner of Love Lane (St Mary’s Road) to Mr John Crisp’s house
1874
East Suff Gaz 20 Jan
MR JECKS leaving the country. Wished to sell his buildings on the Quay to the Council for £75.
Referred back.
1874
East Suff Gaz 10 Feb
GENERAL ELECTION: Viscount Mahon & Lord Rendlesham - Conservative candidates- both elected -
Colonel Tomlin the Liberal - not elected. Majority 1,122 & 822 out of 7000 voted. Constituency of 9484.
EXCISE SUPERVISOR: Mr Crowe moved to Maidstone. Mr J Cass takes over.
MAYOR’S COURT: Auditors appointed: William Read, bank cashier; Arthur Edward King, accountant;
1874
NATIONAL SCHOOLS: 380 422 scholars on books; average attendance 300. They must build a fence to
separate themselves from neighbouring fields. [Curate seems to be Mr Nevill] - Religious education of
but his curate would do so now. For nearly two years prior to his coming, his predecessor from various
causes, which he could well understand did not visit in the schools and that would explain the state of
St MICHAEL’S CHURCH: Wanted an Organist and Choirmaster. Salary £40. Apply the Rector.
PROFESSOR OF MUSIC. Mr AH Livock (9 years pupil of Dr Buck of Norwich) Thanks Ladies &
1874
East Suff Gaz 31 Mar
As Mr Livock’s engagement as organist & choirmaster terminates on 23rd of June, he will be able to
attend concerts as organist, pianist or accompanist. Terms on application.
1874
14th SUFFOLK RIFLE VOLUNTEERS: WM Crowfoot, Captain commanding
NETTING FISH: Remembering the too common practice of a certain class of persons of fishing by nets,
got a ducking whilst awaiting the return of the tide in order to engage in the reprehensible practice. It is a
pity the dips are so rare.
one at 92, two at 91, each one at 89, 88, 86, three at 85, two at 84, two at 83, and three at 82.
SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK: By way of showing the interest and sympathy he felt with the important
and friends to partake and dessert in the Assembly Room. Although no teacher connected with the church
Sunday Schools attended (owing to the wish of the Rector) about 120 persons sat down to a sumptuous
GOOD FRIDAY Religious Services: Parish Church morning: Litany, Communion Service & sermon by
Rev FF Tracy. Evening sermon by the Rector on behalf of Society for Promoting Christianity to the Jews.
Open air Service on the Common in connection with the Bible Christians, but a cold wind blowing
prevented large attendances. A tea was given in the evening at the old Quakers’ Meeting House.
Sheffield after ten years to take post in Liverpool.
SUPERINTENDENT GOBBETT leaving Beccles, moving to Halesworth. “Great ability ... to which is
under Major Allez.
VESTRY MEETING: The Rector: In a church the size of this it was extremely difficult to keep the
had repeated complaints made as to the disquiet, which unfortunately prevailed at that particular part of
the church where persons who did not come for devotional purposes were most likely to congregate.
1874
Beecles Paper 21 Apr
To BE LET: Residence in Northgate, lately in the occupation of Mrs Chalker, deceased. Apply Mr
Moore.
1874
1874
East Suff Gaz 28 Apr
East Suff Gaz 28 Apr
LIMELIGHT LECTURE: Footprints of Jesus - well attended
RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.
paupers increased 15%; in 200 years lunacy has risen 200%; in 12 years the conviction for crime
increased 65%; in 26 years mortality among males increased 6.2%
1874
For some time past a Mr Passmore has been labouring in the town in connection with a sect often
confused with the Plymouth Bretheren which calls itself by the somewhat tantalising name of
On Wednesday afternoon two or three hundred persons assembled themselves at the new Bathing place
to witness the novel ceremony of the immersion of 11 persons in the River - six women & 5 men, which
a dip in the River.
The Service commenced at three o’clock, by an address to the persons assembled to witness the
proper mode of baptism, & referred at some length to its symbolic teaching. During this address, which
was not listened to with the closest attention, the candidates for immersion were going through a
candidate in succession, who then made his or her way out of the chilling water.
Amongst those immersed were several aged persons, who obtained a sympathy akin to pity from the rest
After the ceremony a few more words were addressed to the sightseers, but they were necessarily short as
the people began to leave the place at once.
that year the Evangelist’s 28 year old wife, Emma, was there with her one year old son, Albert. Edward
Passmore was away from home on (presumably) a preaching mission at Botesdale, staying at No 16 The
Emma Passmore was born in Bedfield, Suffolk & the son was born in Beccles.]
ASSAULT: Sarah Mills charged with assaulting Harriet Maddis - who said she was walking down her
1874
defendant, and they began quarrelling. From words they proceeded to blows, and Mills threw Maddis
down and held her by the throat until she was so exhausted that had not Mr Aldred, the baker, and Mr
corroborated the story. Mr Aldred said that as he was walking down his yard, he heard the screams of
women and children, and going further down he saw Mills and Maddis struggling on the ground. With the
denied most of the statements and applied various vile epithets to her. She was fined 2s & 8s costs. The
money was paid.
Sarah was 67. He was born at Denton and she at Aldeby. The participants in the fracas probably lived in
Titshall Alley immediately behind 20 Northgate.]
invitation of this church to become their Pastor. It is expected that he will commence on 28th of June.
BECCLES HOSPITAL OPENING: There will be an exhibition of paintings, drawings, engravings and
the Furnishing Fund. Special thanksgiving in the Parish Church on 28th June when sermons will be
preached by the Archdeacon of Suffolk.
Gillingham, where it ran about snapping at everything which stood in its way. In Beccles it made several
attempts to bite men and dogs and at Gillingham it bit one of the grandchildren of Mrs Boon, landlady of
further mischief by shooting it and throwing its body into the ditch near the Dam.
BATHING PLACE: Now that the weather is suitable for bathing, this place has come into request.
1874
town. Presented with £30 from members of the church. [another 17 gns see 30 June]
COUNCIL: 1. Idea of one Medical Officer for half the county rejected. Council wished to keep present
COUNCIL: 2. Mr Passmore asked for use of Bathing Place for baptism six times a year. It seemed that
they were to charge 3s 6d per person baptised.
1874
East Suff Gaz 23 Jun
COUNCIL: 4. Alterations to be made to the Engine House {Fire Station] owned by the Magistrates. They
wish to add a soup kitchen on lease for 21 years.
Paintings & Natural History was opened on Wednesday. In 4 days there were 1,471 visitors; Gross
receipts £102.
Suffolk, Revs FF Tracy & JH Raven. Members of the two Volunteer Corps under Capt Metcalfe & Capt
Crowfoot formed in front of the Council Chamber [in Smallgate] & marched to the Church to the playing
WEDDING FESTIVITIES: marriage of WM Crowfoot solemnised at St Peter’s Church, Brighton on
Tuesday last, when some of the inhabitants of Beccles showed the respect and esteem they felt towards
of the labouring classes, husbands and wives of all ages, were hospitably and bountifully entertained at
tea at the house of the Bridegroom’s father.
the National School. Thanks Mayor etc. giving him a present of 12 guineas.
WEDDING of John Oldrin, of Rushmere, Wangford to Miss A Bright of Earlham House, Lowestoft.
Rushmere) - Dinner at King’s Head. Chair taken by Mr J Blunderfield of Yoxford; Vice Chair by Mr W
Cutting, manager of the Old Market Iron Works.
supplied by Mr Webster and Mr Shore. Party of about 50.
INTERESTING MARRIAGE: POLICE COURT: Charge preferred by Flowers against a well-known
Bean, whose affections both were anxious to secure. Crow was formerly the favoured lover, but absenting
himself from the town for some time, he was ousted from his position by Flowers, now about 84 years of
brought an action against him. and he was fined 18s 6d or 14 days imprisonment.
Following up his success, and with an activity which puts many younger men entirely in the shade,
DOLPHIN: Charles Frampton of the Dolphin mentioned.
CROWFOOT: A large company of persons assembled at the Station to watch the return of the Bride &
1874
East Suff Gaz 4 Aug
flying of flags, served to give the Town quite a festive character. They were presented with a valuable &
handsome time-piece by the 14th Suffolk Rifle Volunteers of which he has been Captain for several
Prize Day at the Fauconberge School: Mr Raven, Headmaster on his pupils: “On the whole, they had very
poor powers of making themselves understood when they spoke to him: how they would fare when
know how to speak properly - important to the clergyman, lawyer & useful in many professions. The
weakness of the school was that they all worked together in the same room. There were no classrooms
BECCLES BREWERY Co: About 30 employees were conveyed in a wherry to Mutford. Saw the Regatta
there on the Broad. Capital dinner on the Wherry. Chair taken by R Snowden, Vice Chair by G Darby.
1874
1874
East Suff Gaz 8 Sep
East Suff Gaz 15 Sep
pages missing
CHORAL SOCIETY: Proposed to form a Choral Society. Instruction will be given in both secular &
TRAIN COLLISION at Thorpe. Killed: Rev H Stacey and his wife, who had been spending the day at
Yarmouth.
1874
1874
East Suff Gaz 29 Sep
East Suff Gaz 29 Sep
14th SUFFOLK RIFLE VOLUNTEERS: Colour-Sergeant Roff, their Drill Instructor
POLICE COURT: William Bean, chimney sweep charged with unlawfully assaulting R Goldsmith.
and set his ladder against the trough. Defendant threw two buckets of water over him. About three weeks
previously Bean hit him with a knobbed stick and he was always in danger when he went to his house.
the windows out of the house. Imprisoned for six weeks with hard labour.
FOUNDRY: Wanted a strong, active lad to help in smith’s shop. William Harper, foundry
1874
Fancy Drapery, Hat and hosiery department.
LIQUIDATION: Joseph Norman Harmer, Beccles, jeweller
1874
East Suff Gaz 6 Oct
DEATH: Mr Bransby Francis, victim of the Thorpe train crash. Son of Rev Robert Francis of Beccles;
pupil of WH Crowfoot & Guy’s Hospital. Doctor, worked at Norwich, aged 59.
1874
East Suff Gaz 3 Nov
ELECTIONS: Retiring Councillors re-elected: Masters, Parkhouse, Kindred. S Steel has left the town.
Nathaniel Pells, surveyor, elected. [he had previously retired] John Cooper, miller; Abraham Brown,
VESTRY MEETING: Mr R Jarman’s salary as Collector for the Poor Rate & School Board raised to £75
pa
1874
East Suff Gaz 10 Nov
DROWNING: Henry Weavers had lived for a fortnight near the Limekiln quay. Son missing. Noah Grey,
limekiln labourer found cap in water. Body found next morning. Samuel Ward, fishmonger found body
Pudding Moor, Beccles, Suffolk, England
Henry WEAVERS
M
49
F
Yarmouth, Norfolk, England
Wife
Elizabeth WEAVERSU
1874
COUNCIL: Post of Councillor vacant on account of insolvency of Mr WH Webster
East Suff Gaz 1 Dec
East Suff Gaz 15 Dec
1874
COUNCIL: The Literary Institute & the Library to share the use of the Town Hall, each paying their
DEATH of James Fairweather, a bell ringer for 25 years and a chimer for 50
COURT ROOM, new Court room in Old Gaol: commodious & well-lighted on the first floor.
1874
East Suff Gaz 22 Dec
produce ticket from the Soup Kitchen Committee.
WEATHER: last Wednesday large numbers of people skating over the marshes, the thaw and fall of snow
CURATE : Rev JHN Neville preached farewell sermon - about to leave town.
RE-OPENING OF WORLINGHAM CHURCH.
1874
East Suff Gaz 29 Dec
Worlingham, which took place on Wednesday last. In doing so, it will, perhaps, not be uninteresting to
note a few of the improvements which have been effected during the last eighteen months to this church,
which is of very ancient date, as shown by the fact that this Prior of Butley Abbey presented to this
recorded is “John Wayte, Rector of Worlingham in 1371” The registers of Worlingham commence in
1538. Here we might mention that according to Suckling’s History of Suffolk, two churches formerly
been down many years, and was probably not used after the end of the 15th century.
plaster. The former has been replaced with a more modern covering, and the latter knocked off and the
with an oak bench on either side, the windows have been restored, the floor re-paved, the roof renovated,
and a new oak door has taken the place of the old one at the north-west entrance to the sacred fabric.
months, the church presenting an entirely different appearance to that which it formerly bore. The walls
have been re-plastered, and new and comfortable oak benches occupy the nave, a few being supplied with
church are a few of the old benches with carved heads, in pretty good preservation. Passing up the tile-
paved aisle, we observe that the windows have been restored to their original Gothic pattern, and filled up
with green glass with amber border, and that an entirely new arch has been made at the entrance to the
pleasing effect. The chancel has also been re-seated with oak benches for the choir and clergy.
Within the communion rails the ornamentally paved floor has been raised two steps, and there is a new
handsome appearance, and indeed forms one of the most attractive features of the church. It is the gift of
G.L. Harrison, Esq., and is formed of encaustic tiles and mosaic. In the centre is a cross, and on each side
There are also lilies, the emblems of purity, in mosaic. The effect of these alterations to the chancel is
somewhat marred by the low roof, and the windows, which appear to be the only things which have not
The chapel on the south side of the chancel (now known as there chancel aisle) was erected by some
family formerly resident in the parish -- possibly by the Jernigans, or the Dukes. Under the east window
tion of an altar, where the priest performed mass for the souls of the founder and his family - From this
portion of the chapel, now used as a vestry, is a doorway, giving access to what was formerly the high
The organ, placed in the chancel aisle, was the gift of Robert Harrison, Esq, and was built by Messrs.
Walker, of London. Its case is of oak, and its outside pipes are highly ornamented. The following is a
SWELL ORGAN
Open Diapason
56 pipes
Open Diapason Great
44
Piccolo
Principal
Oboe .
56 pipes
56 pipes
41 pipes
walled
flute
Flute tuble
56 pipes
Flute
56 pipes
PEDAL BOURDON, THIRTY PIPES
No. of Pipes in Great
324
Swell to Pedals
Total
622
open diapason (great), which has a very rich tone; the reed (oboe) in the swell, which is of fine quality,
altogether well fitted up, and is highly creditable to its builders.
windows have been restored and fitted with cathedral glass like those in the nave. On the floor of the
chapel lie the brass effigies of a man and his wife, from beneath which the arms and inscriptions are
and Mary his wife, dyed Anno 1511.” There is an elegant mural monument by Chantry of Robert Bernard
Sparrow, only son of the late Robert Sparrow, Esq., of Worlingham, which formerly occupied a place on
window is a handsome brass plate bearing words to the effect that the chancel was restored by Sir Charles
Clarke in memory of his father and mother. The following are the words;-
formerly of Durham Lodge, Norfolk, and Mary Anna, his wife, the aisle was restored by their eldest son,
Charles Clarke, M.A., clerk, baronet, of Worlingham Hall, A.D. 1873.
been removed to the entrance of the tower, which has been thoroughly repaired, and the old inscribed
stones scattered about the church replaced as a flooring to it. Not the least important alteration to the
church has been the removal of the north-western entrance, which has been filled up and a new window
inscribed on the south-west angle of the nave it is probable that part of the edifice underwent a
considerable repair in 1608. We must not forget to mention the old roofs of the nave and of the chancel
the church a neat, but withal, a handsome appearance.
A new pulpit of carved oak, with stone base and steps, and fitted up with a small brass lectern and
to the rood loft. An oak door has been made to this staircase, which is in a good state of preservation.
We are glad to say that the comfort of those who attend divine service in this church has not been
vault in the centre of the nave aisle. At the entrance to this vault is a brass with this legend inscribed in
black letters, but without date, “Orate pro anima Walter Lecherd,” & c.
of about £1600, while the fittings, such as the pulpit, lectern etc, will be paid for by subscriptions. A
Bloomfield, Esq., of London was the architect; Mr J.D. Botwright, of Bungay, was the builder.
white marble, bearing the arms of the Playters, and an inscription to the memory of Dame Elizabeth
Playter, daughter and sole heiress of John Felton, Esq. This monument has been repaired at the expense of
Divine service commenced at eleven o’clock on Wednesday morning [23 December] ….
RE-OPENING OF WORLINGHAM CHURCH
Sir,
January, 1875
In your report of the above, there are some slight errors and omissions.
chancel, benches, floors etc. My contract was for restoring the nave, viz, the new roof, benches, pulpit etc.
If I had seen your reporter, I should have told him that the following persons were associated with me in
of Broome; Mr Robert Godbold of Harleston, did the carving for me; Mr John Brundell of Beccles,
glazed the windows, Arthur Blomfield, Esq., M.A., of Montague Square, London, was the architect,
Please insert this in your next issue, as I do not wish to monopolise all the honour and credit.
I am yours most obediently, John D Botwright, Bungay
1875
East Suff Gaz 5 Jan
SUICIDE ATTEMPT: A determined and nearly successful attempt to commit suicide was made on
Saturday morning by John Flowers, whose marriage with Lydia Bean, a woman half his age ... was
not perhaps made the best of bargains, and that notwithstanding his venerable age of 84 he had made a
great mistake. No sooner had this thought occurred to him than it became clearer, and regret for his
and seek peace at Shipmeadow Union, to which place he betook himself. Whether absence made his heart
grow fonder, or he became curious to know what effect his absence had on his better half is doubtful, but
most unhappy, for he became so tired of it after being at home for a few days he tried to hang himself in
an adjoining shed, but was found and cut down by his brother-in-law, Billy Bean. [He subsequently cut
WORLINGHAM CHURCH: list of those who did the work - in a letter.
BAPTIST CHAPEL: White marble tablet, near the pulpit in memory of George Wright
1875
is reported) when the horse took fright & dashed along the road at a terrific pace, throwing him out of the
cart. The horse continued its course, & the keeper of the Railway gates, hearing its approach half opened
consternation, instead of crossing the road the horse dashed down the line.
e 4.12 train to London from Beccles was coming up, & a dreadful incident seemed imminent. Fortunately
the horse & cart were removed, delaying the progress of the train ten minutes.
INSURANCE: It is scarcely necessary in the present day to insist upon the importance of young men
left without resources wherewith to tide over that trying and expensive period, or in case of death,
overburden their parents with heavy funeral expenses. The wisdom of such a course is generally admitted;
are five Friendly Societies in the town:- Oddfellows; two Courts of Foresters; two branches of Rational
Sick & Burial Society. The Oddfellows has 200 members.
1875
1875
East Suff Gaz 26 Jan
East Suff Gaz 26 Jan
COUNCIL: 1. Mr Elliott be employed to examine the Engine at the Steam Mill and put it in order.
COUNCIL 2. Tender for 25 chairs for Assembly Room from Mr SF Pells at £4 - 3s - 6d accepted.
1875
East Suff Gaz 26 Jan
COUNCIL 4. TOWN HALL: Mr Pells: lobbies to library & Institute inconvenient & too small. The
inside for the Institute on the lower floor unsightly - as part of a room 18ft 6ins & part 7ft 6ins - would
BELLMAN of the town: Mr James Beales, (billposter), in place of Mr Potter, resigned.
FOUNDRY: Mr Oldrin told to remove his steam engines etc. from the Old Market.
1875
East Suff Gaz 26 Jan
1875
East Suff Gaz 2 Feb
COURT: William Clarke charged with unlawfully refusing to pick oakum. Pleaded guilty and said he was
not ashamed of it either. Mr H Stammers, Master of Shipmeadow Workhouse: Defendant admitted on
picked one pound of oakum, should be dismissed. Refused to pick oakum. Imprisoned and kept to hard
labour for 14 days.
1875
1875
East Suff Gaz 9 Feb
East Suff Gaz 9 Feb
ACCIDENT at Caxton Press: Arm badly damaged.
FORESTERS’ ANNIVERSARY DINNER: Chairman, WM Crowfoot. Dinner at King’s Head. Toast to
‘a better half’ (cheers) and he hoped that the long honoured name of Crowfoot would be handed down to
posterity untarnished and respected, as it was now in Beccles. He begged to propose to them the health of
deserved. It was very kind of Mr Crowfoot to leave the comforts of home, which he now understood and
enjoyed (laughter); before it was a charity to invite him to come (renewed laughter)
The Dwelling House & extensive trade premises in Northgate now occupied by Mr Edward Buck.
ALSO the comfortable White Brick & Slated Residences in the occupation of Mr Buck & Mr Alfred
These last mentioned Houses are of modern erection & replete with comfort.
The entireproperty is freehold & covers an area of half an acre, havi8ng frontage of 86ft on Northgate &
many years & there is every advantage of a still more extensive trade.
[Northgate 19 & 21]
1875
East Suff Gaz 16 Feb
BECCLES BREWERY: Employees annual supper. Mr Grice of George and Dragon provided an
excellent repast. About 50 persons (including several tradesmen & other friends). Chairman: JM
Lutwyche.
FIRE in Gaol Lane put out by PC Fox. In outbuilding used by Mr Dunn as a Carpenter’s shop.
1875
Moore & Co” has been dissolved. The business will in future be carried on by us under the style of
“Clowes & Clowes”. signed WCK Clowes & William Clowes, junior. 13 March 1875.
1875
East Suff Gaz 30 Mar
CAMBRIDGE CLASSICAL TRIPOS: 67 candidates. Arthur George Peskett of Lowestoft the top
candidate, educated at Fauconberge School under Rev AO Hartley.
Chaston’s near the Church [farmer]. The hind was uncarted on a wheat stubble adjoining the Beccles
Road & made its way through Weston and Ellough to Sotterley Park, a distance of about six miles, where,
existence, and prematurely put an end to an afternoon’s sport, to join in which gentlemen from Norwich,
Yarmouth and many other places had come.
Grimson, labourer, aged 79.
DEATH: Richard Thornton, brewer, for many years connected with this town. Aged 75.
1875
1875
BOARD SCHOOL: WM Crowfoot, Chairman of Governors; Mr Buscall, master; Miss McKenzie,
COUNCIL: New Steam Engine purchased for £200 broke down within a few days & had to be repaired.
COUNCIL: not interested in Sedan Chair.
COUNCIL: Police to stop children playing with hoops in the street.
1875
East Suff Gaz 27 Apr
with large Yard adjoining, abutting on the River Waveney & where a lucrative trade as a Stone Mason
has been carried on a great number of years. Substantial well built Dwelling House fronting Northgate,
ALSO a comfortable Dwelling House & Front Shop adjoining, now occupied by Mrs RF Thornton.
Freehold.
Clarke
LIQUIDATION: Edward Gilbert Rigby Watson, Chemist.
1875
consisted of 100 nests. The birds were observed to be busy as usual on the 9th. On Sunday afternoon 11th
[of March] returning from church, I was struck by the unusual stillness and observed the rooks had all left
young ones or at least eggs ready to be hatched when they left their old home. Another small rookery,
consisting of 19 nests, in Beccles, about a mile and a half distant was also similarly deserts a week
shortly afterwards have fallen to the ground. If the trees are sound the desertion might have arisen from an
absence in the district of food for the young.”
engineer, went to Egypt to superintend the construction of the Grand Cairo & Alexander Railway. When
he took over the Bury Gas Works they were in a sad plight and he took them to their present most
fortunate if they find a successor so upright, conscientious and painstaking.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS & District Visitors - 60 of them have tea in the Rectory Rooms
1875
on to the Common. I was so pleased with the view that I determined to look at it a little closer and
proceeded a short distance along its course. But I had not gone far before I was compelled to retreat. Not
received particular attention. Plants and shrubs were there in profusion, and the flowers had begun to
unfold themselves and to lend their aid to render the spot particularly attractive. But the air was filled with
enquiries I learnt that the foul ditch from which this stench springs has existed for many years.
EMIGRATION TO CANADA. A large audience of labourers heard Mr Dyke, the Canadian Government
Canada only 2. Plenty of work for the labourer. Canadian Government gave free grants of land & paid £2-
4s-8d of £3 required for agricultural passage to Canada. This Spring had commenced the Canadian
Canada.
Collection at the door for labourer in Worlingham & 9 children wishing to emigrate.
1875
Ellough, in floodwater near his home.
14th SUFFOLK ARTILLERY BAND will play a selection of music on the Avenue every Thursday
Programmes 1d. Signed G Hussey, bandmaster.
BECCLES CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT this evening
1875
gentry of Suffolk who “could not rest when they saw painful [painstaking] Pastors & Ministers brought to
the bar at every Assize, indicted, arraigned & condemned for matters of very slender moment.” He
[1874: Public Worship Regulation Act was passed, giving parishioners the power (subject to the sanction
of the Bishop) to prosecute a clergyman for the introduction of certain practices into the Church of
East Suffolk Gazette, Tuesday June 8, 1875 AT BECCLES, MR. FENN & MESSRS. H. & S. READ
(jointly concerned) Are favoured with instructions to Sell by Auction, at the LION HOTEL, BECCLES,
of Mr. WILLIAM MOORE’S Estate,
THE following Valuable FREEHOLD PROPERTY-
Chalker, with Coach-houses, Stables, Harness House, Ornamental Garden and Pleasure Ground,, in
which are Conservatory, Circular Fernery, Peach House, and Cucumber House
disappeared from Beccles rather suddenly. He built Douglas Place in the grounds of Northgate House]