Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
1
THE EAST SUFFOLK GAZETTE from 1880

1880
1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

ADVERTISEMENT: Ward & Walton, late Robert Ward, Importers of wines and liqueurs
ADVERTISEMENT: Edward Buck, wine merchant, Northgate; established 1825
ADVERTISEMENT: Caxton Printing Press: sermons, pamphlets & conditions  of sale,  catalogues,

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

bill heads,  circulars,  cards, programme of  entertainments, tickets, rate collectors’ books, price lists,
sessional, county court & other legal forms
ADVERTISEMENT:  A  Dixon,  bookseller  &  stationer,  printer,  bookbinder,  just  published  The

1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

Beccles Almanack for 1880, price 1d. Market Place
ADVERTISEMENT: William Flower, chemical & drug warehouse, Market Place.
ADVERTISEMENT: CF Parker, grocer & draper; opposite the Church

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

1880
1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

ADVERTISEMENT: George Yallup, draper, Exchange Square
ADVERTISEMENT: Kent & Son, ironmongers, tinmen, braziers & gasfitters, Hungate
ADVERTISEMENT; D Soanes, boot & shoe maker, Market Place

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

ADVERTISEMENT: Wright, WH; Red House, Market Place
ADVERTISEMENT: Jonathan Read, formerly Durrant, watch & clock maker, jeweller; established
1804; Market Place

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

ADVERTISEMENT: Gambees ready relief pills sold at 20 Fair Close Road, proprietor
EDUCATION: Boarding & Day Schhol: Smallgate House, Scholastic Duties wll be resumed on 22

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

Instant. Boarders  are requested to reassemble  on Monday  19 January. Principal: Miss McCulloch,
who “Begs to remind her pupils that her Annual Soiree will take place on Tuesday 20 January. She

would  also  acknowledge  with  thanks  the  elegant  Dinner  Service  prsented  by  her  Pupils  &  her
Friends.”

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

TO LET: New Road near the Quay: Coach House & Stables; Apply Mr Hayward, cooper, Bridge St
TO LET: London Road, A Residence to Let with Flower & Fruit Garden, 2 Sitting Rooms, Kitchen
etc & 4 Bedrooms. Apply Thomas Garrod, London Road.
ENTERTAINMENT:  Literary  Institute;   Lecture  by  AK  Hockey  on  “Recreations  &  Tastes  of

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 
1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

Remarkable Men” Mr F Deane will read “The Sportheen”  & there will be a performance Vocal &
Instrumental Music in Assembly Room. Front Seats 6d, Back Seats 3d.
COUNCIL: The BRIDGE: It was said that the approach to the Bridge was bad & the Lighting & the

1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

state  of  the  road  were  very  bad  indeed.  Councillor  Darby  took  Mr  Phipson,  who  had  previously
pronounced the bridge to be safe, on a boat under the bridge, touching it with an oar, half a barrow
full of plaster fell. He had no idea it was in such a bad condition; but nothing has been done.

 
 

The Town Clerk said the Council had no authority to act. Alderman Laws suggested it might be done
in the shape of a Memorial to the Magistrates.
AFGHANISTAN: Nothing has occurred to disturb the position of the British force at Cabul since the

1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

reoccupation of that city. It is stated that the city presents a very desolate appearance, the insurgents
having done much damage. All the fighting men are dispersing to their homes.
IRELAND: The agitation agaist landlords in Ireland continues. On Sunday a meeting was held near

1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

Balla, County Mayo, at which resolutions were passed condemning rack renting as a moral injustice.
LIQUIDATION Mr Benjamin Brown; paying 4s/- in the £
CHURCH PROMOTION: Rev AC Tracy, formerly Curate, to Rectory of Stapleford, Herts.

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 
1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

WEIGHTS & MEASURES ACT: A Correspondent says this Act is a dead letter in this place. Bakers
go their rounds with their  bread  carts, minus  scales, with  impunity, & the 4lb loaf is  very often  a

doubtful question. Also the price of milk has been raised a hundred per cent; but are milk measures
stamped?

1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jan 

CHAPEL APPOINTMENT: Mr Robert Mobbs of Beccles to be Pastor  of Conregational Church  at
Fakenham.

1880
East Suff Gaz 13 Jan 

BATHING PLACE: Corporation to  let by auction for  5 years. The hirer to discharge the duties of
Superintendent.
SCHOOLS: Shrubland House, Station Road. Miss Ecclestone hopes to receive pupils on 27 January.

1880
East Suff Gaz 13 Jan 

Barders to assemble on Monday 26 January.
SCHOOLS: Miss Knapp of Station Road pupils on 20th January.
HOSPITAL: Thankfully acknowledge a gift of two tons of coal by Messrs N Pells & Son.

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 13 Jan 
East Suff Gaz 13 Jan 
1880
East Suff Gaz 13 Jan 

CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH:  The  first  phase   of   building   a   new  school   and   classrooms
completed at cost of £1100 including the site. Next phase to improve interior of church; Tender from
Messrs  Calver  of  Ringsfield  accepted.;  new  staircases,  new  gallery  front,  new  pulpit,  new  side

windosws, and an apse behind the pulpit intended to receive an organ, which will be purchased and a
warming  apparatus. All the woodwork will  be  of pitch-pine. The  church will probably be lighted
from the roof. The cost will be £1,000.

Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
2
1880
East Suff Gaz 13 Jan 

DIED Mrs Wright, widow of Rev George Wright, late Baptist Minister. Rev SK Bland conducted the
Service.

1880
East Suff Gaz 13 Jan 

OVERCROWDING:  Inspector of Nuisances, AG Love brought to Court, John Farrow, labourer of
Newgate. A room 15ft by 9ft rented by defendant occupied by himself, his brother and wife and their

seven   children, ranging  from twenty to three years. The  cubic  feet of  air being sufficient for  one
person only. Room to be occupied by one person only within seven days.

1880
East Suff Gaz 20 Jan 

DEATH  at Beccles  of John  Spencer,  born 1815, joined the  service  of George IV for three years,
went on to mercantile service, in 1857 obtained a master’s certificate. During the American War he
ran  the  blockade  twice  in  the  “Economist”  and  he  was  also  connected    with  the  “Galway  Steam

Packet Company” of  Lever Roebuck notoriety,  as  captain  of the “Victoria”. He was wrecked three
times  and on the  occasion of the loss  of the “Senator”, he  endured  exposure and suffering for five
days and nights in an open boat, withpot provisions of any kind. He was at the Gold Diggings during

the rush; and, in truth, his whole life was very eventful. He was landlord of the Star.
CONGREGATIONAL CONCERT by their chapel  choir  in  aid  of the Chapel  improvements. Mr &
Mrs Corbyn played major part. Pieces by Handel, Mendelssohn and “The last Rose of Summer” etc.

1880
East Suff Gaz 20 Jan 
1880
East Suff Gaz 20 Jan 

SCHOOLS: National Schools. Resignation of the Treasurer WE Crowfoot, through age. Election of
Read Crisp in his place. The master and mistress had fully sustained their character for effiiency, and
they were now aided by a very promising assistant master. Mr JK Garrod was Secretary.

1880
East Suff Gaz 20 Jan 

COUNCIL: (1). BRIDGE: The Mayor Mr Eastaugh had with Mr Darby inspected the arches, found
them in  a very  bad state.  Large pieces of stone had fallen out from the arches, and the walls were
cracked and greatly dilapidated.

 
 

(2). Well in the  old Gildhall Barn to be  filled  in.  (3).  Water used  at dairies  impure.James Bullen,
John  Driver,  William  Huson  and  Eliza  Nunn,  must  provide  proper  water  supply,  (4).  Pump  in
Ballygate to be removed and well sealed. (5). A roller standing in Old Market removed by occupier in

premises belonging to Mr Garrod, formerly Cutting’s  (6) Street lights not to be lit between 20 May
&  20 August (7) Mr Harper’s new  houses  [in Hungate] pathway  from  SW  corner of  Independen

Chapel classroom to Mr Harper’s gateway laid with York stone. 
WANTED Housekeeper, middle aged,  experienced for  Ladies’  School. Mr Wm Garrard,  Waveney

 
 
1880
East Suff Gaz 27 Jan 

House. 
SHOP:  Mrs  C  Atkinson  relinquishing  business  carried  on  for  20  years,  her  successor  Mr  W

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1880
East Suff Gaz 27 Jan 

Haverson;   Stocks   of   sugars,   fruits,   pickles   and   sauces,   brushes,   baskets   and   crockery.[34]  
Newmarket 
TREAT: Workmen at Mr Darby’s brickyards supper at Mr Charlish’s refreshment house.

 

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 27 Jan 
East Suff Gaz 27 Jan 

ENTERTAINMENT:  Fortnightly  entertainments  “for  the  People”  in  Assembly  Room.  About  400
present. Programme of music and recitation included a song and dance by a travelling minstrel.
LIQUIDATION: George Kerridge, earthenware dealer. 2s 6d in the pound.

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 27 Jan 
East Suff Gaz 27 Jan 

ESCAPE by 3 Leman School boys. Playing on ice on Crisp’s dyke near the Bathing-Place, Flegg fell
in, rendered insesible by hitting his head on ice. Two others fell in Woolner & Shadforth. Rescued by
maltster, Whyatt.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1880
1880
1880

CHURCH: Reopening of Organ. Recital: Handel, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven on Monday 9 Feb.
DEATH: John Garnham (died 3 Feb 1879) 
BREWERY  Dinner:  Messrs  Worthington  catering  by  Mr  Frampton  of  Britannia  Shades.  Mr  AB

East Suff Gaz 3 Feb 
East Suff Gaz 3 Feb 
 
East Suff Gaz 3 Feb 

Worthington presided, supported by Mr Clark & Mr Danby; Mr JM Brundell filled the Vice Chair.
COURT: Isaac Vertigen v George West, brickmaker. Claim £1 15s rent admitted. Earned 15s a week,
paid £7  a year rent and had ten children to support. He must pay 2s a month until next harvest.

1880
East Suff Gaz 3 Feb 

Ples 
Ples 

Dwelling: 
George WEST 

Pleasant Place 

 

CENSUS 1881 
Barsham, Suffolk, England 

 

 
Head 

40 
38 
15 

General Laborer

Ples 
Ples 

Susan WEST 
Samuel WEST 


Broome, Norfolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Wife 
Son 

 
 
 

Bricklayers Laborer
Scholar
Scholar

Ples 
Ples 

Mary WEST 
Agnes WEST 

12 
11 


Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Daur 
Daur 

Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Ples 
Ples 

Susan WEST 
Ettie ((Hetty)) WEST

 

10 

Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Daur 
Scholar

Scholar
Daur 

Ples 
Ples 

George WEST 
William WEST 

 
 



Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Son 
Son 

Scholar
Scholar

Ples 
Ples 

Mary WEST 
Arthur WEST 

 
 



Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Daur 
Son 

1880
East Suff Gaz 3 Feb 

Court: Emma Porter, domestic servant aged 13 v Robert Took, confectioner. Hired for 4 weeks at 1s a
week & 1s  6d  afterwards. Left after 5 weeks; not enough food, and too hard work. Took to pay 4s
owing.

1880

RETIREMENT:  Robert  A  King,  builder,  Beccles  to  retire.  Business  to  be  carried  on  by  Henry
Hopson, who has been his employee for 35 years.
ENTERTAINMENT: Australian General Tom Thumb gave performance in Assembly Room.

East Suff Gaz 10 Feb 
1880
East Suff Gaz 10 Feb 
Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
3
1880
East Suff Gaz 10 Feb 

RUGBY  FOOTBALL:  on  Saturday  afternoon  15  of  Norwich  Carrow  Works  team  v  15  Caxton
Works team, newly formed. Norwich won.

1880
East Suff Gaz 10 Feb 

CHURCH ORGAN  reopened.Built  1757  by  Richard  Bridge  for  St  James,  Clerkenwell.  In  1796
George  Pike  Englandbuilt  a  new  organ  for  that  church,  was  paid  £500  and  given  the  old  organ.

Moved  it to Beccles.  in  1859 rebuilt  by Messrs Bishop,  Starr & Richardson of  London under the
direction of HC Walker - in a dilapidated condition. Originally built at west end , was moved in 1859

to  corner  of north  aisle  -  in  confined position. Now  faces south,  enclosed in  substantial  oak  case
designed by Mr EW Norman of Norwich and made by Mr Woodroffe. A great part of works replaced
and given a third manual.

1880
East Suff Gaz 10 Feb 

OVERCROWDING: John Farrow had not obeyed earlier order. House belonged to Mrs Suggate and
was underlet. Fined £1 plus 8s 6d costs. Liable to 10s a day if not obeyed.
RETIREMENT: Mrs Elizabeth Ingram,  Station Road, retiring  from  businesscarried  on  by  her  late

1880
East Suff Gaz 17 Feb 

husband. James Cutler, bricklayer, plasterer, builder, Newgate, taking over.
ENTERTAINMENT “Mrs Jarley’s  Wax  Works” for Gorlston church Organ.  Very successful, well
attended despite the high cost.

1880
East Suff Gaz 17 Feb 
1880

COUNCIL: Sealing conveyances of purchase of land  adjoinig Railway Station. Stated that it was 15
years since the last reassessment was made throughout the town for rates. Some revisions had been
made.

East Suff Gaz 2 Mar 
1880
East Suff Gaz 2 Mar 

FIRE in premises of Mr Keridge, baker. prevented  by Police Constable Gray seeing smoke  coming
out of sitting room on first floor. Burning soot had fallen down the chimney. Extinguished.
Congrgational  Schools.  Superintendents:  E  Masters  &  JL  Kent,;  Treasurer  W  Read;  secretary  C

1880
East Suff Gaz 2 Mar 

Chase. Mr  Flower  resigned secretaryship  after  13 years, who  recalled that  he took over from Mr
ward, who on the night he resigned the post of Superintendent, died.
DROWNING  Bungay  waterman,  James  Cossay  left  wherry  at  Mr  Crisp’s  quay  [probably  by  the

1880
East Suff Gaz 9 Mar 

Bridge], went to Page’s beerhouse [Maltster’s Arms, Bridge Street] which he left at 11pm. returning
to wherry in the dark tripped over rope attaced to a wherry, fell into river and was drowned. Jury said

path should be wider and no ropes to stretch over path.
SANITARY  REPORT  by  EB  Crowfoot.  Population  5000;  Houses  1098.  Births  168;  Deaths  102.

1880
East Suff Gaz 9 Mar 

Average death rate per 1,000 was 21.3. Deaths of those under five  32. Problems: (1) Water closets
flushed by cans, so not properly flushed. Proper tank supplied with constant supply of water vital. (2)

Pump  water  sed  in  dairies  impure  Milkman  who  was  infected  by  scarlet  fever  spread  disease  to
family of nine when he came to milk the cow. (3) Systematic attention to sanitary nuisances in town,
street by street Sewer in Northgate completed in 1879.

1880
East Suff Gaz 9 Mar 

MARKET TEA: Mr Masters: The last season was a very bad one, excessively wet. The loss to many
of the hirers of Corporation marshes serious. Let by public auction. Mr Mayhew: He hoped they had
got over the worst. If not, woe betide all classes connected with agriculture, for another year like the

last they would not be sitting  round that table. Many neede the  assistance of the  landlords. I f they
acted wisely they would keep good sound men as tenants rather than sacrifice them and give to others
advantages which the old ones did not now possess. There was also a grumble about the high cost of

tithes and taxes.
LICENCE; Sun Inn from Mr Buggs to Robert Cock.
COURT:  Contaminated  water  used  to  wash  out  vessels  by  milkmen.  Given  2  weeks  to  improve,

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 9 Mar 
East Suff Gaz 2 Mar 

otherwise £20 fine.
COUNCIL:  Sunday closing  of licensed premises. Only  five  members  attended.  4  supported  idea.
Petition sent to Parliament from Beccles.

1880
East Suff Gaz 16 Mar 

1880
1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 16 Mar 

DEATH: Mrs Tracy, senior, aged 80, mother of the Rector.
TO LET: Unfurnishe apartments, WE Mills, Smallgate.
TESTIMONIAL to Superintendent Cole of £10 at Ixworth.

East Suff Gaz 23 Mar 
East Suff Gaz 23 Mar 
1880
East Suff Gaz 23 Mar 

VESTRY MEETING: Overseers elected: T Easter, RA King, JM Brundell, EW Hindes.; Collectors
of taxes: R Jarman & J Mullett.

1880
East Suff Gaz 23 Mar 

COURT: Benjamin Ward the Younger and Obadiah Clarke [in the 1881 census he was listed as being
35, a wherryman out of employ, living as a widower with his parents in Blyburgate]  were charged

with illegally fishing in private waters belonging to the Corporation, on the 19th of January. -- Both
the  defendants  pleaded  guilty,  Ward  saying  he  was  after  eels,  and  was  not  aware  he  was  doing

anything wrong, as he had seen others doing the same. -- Mr Angell said the object of the prosection
was  to  prevent  trespassing  on  the  Corporation  marshes,  as  the  tenants  had  complained  of  their
marshes being run over. The defendants had been asked to appear before the committee, and had they

apologised  nothing  would  have  been  heard  of  these  proceedings;  but  as  they  chose  to  set  the
committee  at defiance, the matter, it was  felt,  could not  be  looked  over. The magistrate fined the
defendants 2s 6d each, and 7s 6d costs; cautioning them that if  brought up again on a similar charge

the full penalty of 20s would be enforced. Thirteen days were allowed for payment.
Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
4
1880
East Suff Gaz 30 Mar 

SALE  by executors of Marcus John River, Esq a piece of arable land abutting on Castle Road and
lands of Sir Charles Clarke and John Copeman, Esq containing 3a 1r 37p in the occupation of Robert

Elliott.
ELECTION:  Mr  Everett,  Liberal  candidate;  Lord  Rendlesham  &  Colonel  Barne,  Conservative

1880
East Suff Gaz 30 Mar 

candidates, the present members.
LICENSED VICTUALLERS Chair taken by JP Walton. Agreed unanimously to oppose the closure

1880
East Suff Gaz 30 Mar 

of licensed premises on Sundays.
ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS: Gun drill under Lieut Walton
will continue to be the resident manager at Becclesr 

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Apr 
East Suff Gaz 6 Apr 

1880
 

East Suff Gaz 13 Apr 

ELECTION: Lord Rendlesham (Cons) 4239; Barne (Cons)  3618; Everett (Lib) 3504.
In Beccles Mr Worthington resented flour being thrown at his partner Colonel Marshall and attacked
the aggressor. Police escorted Worthington to the Brewery followed by an amused and rather excited

 

crowd.  Some fights took place  in the streets, some furze  bushe were burnt on the Common, where
there were 9 ploicemen and 200 demonstrators,  and a public lamp in Station Road was smashed
COUNCIL: (1) Bathing Place  let to Mr W  Smith  at  £20pa for  5 years; Mr RA King  & Mr Tyrell

1880
East Suff Gaz 27 Apr 

required to remove  obstructions  in Puddingmoor (2) Burial Board  be asked to trim the trees in old
burial ground (3) Sanitary: bye-laws to require plans of all new buildings to be submitted to Council
(4) Mr Delf  of Northgate recently bought two houses there, would be prepared to set them back to

remove existing obstruction for £20. Agreed
COUNCIL: The Mayor wished to alter the name of the Assembly Room, and as there appeared to be
some legal reasons for a change, it was decided in future to call it “The Town Hall”.

1880
East Suff Gaz 27 Apr 

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 27 Apr 

COUNCIL: Precept for the cost of the Board School last year 10d in the year.
ADVERTISEMENT: H  Lawrance, mineral & soda water  manufacturer, Yarmouth  & Beccles -  in
Gaol Lane. Print showing their Works inside.

East Suff Gaz 4 May 
1880
East Suff Gaz 4 May 

SHOP Plate GlassWindow smashed  by pony  backing  cart  into it. Mr Parkhouse  [27 Newmarket].
Cost £7.

1880
East Suff Gaz 4 May 

Artillery volunteers paraded and marched under Captain Thomson Wilson to Barsham Church. The
service was conducted by Rev RAJ Suckling, chaplain to the Corps. On return at 1  o’clock a large

crowd had collected to see them.
WANGFORD UNION Mr Richard French Chirman; WE Crowfoot, Vice Chairman.

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 4 May 
East Suff Gaz 4 May 

COURT: Sarah Mills drunk and using obscene language in Titshll Alley. Quarrelling. Norwich Castle
for 14 days hard labour.
SALE: Newly erected Terrace of 5 substantially built white brick and slated Residences & Spacious

1880
East Suff Gaz 11 May 

corner shop fronting Ravensmere adjoining the new road leading to the Railway Station.
LOT 1 House & Corner Shop, occupied by Robert Curtis £25 rental. (withdrawn  at £340)
LOT 2: Two residences adjoining, occupied by JH Hall & Wm Sayer £15 rental (not sold)

 
 

 
 

 
 

LOT 3 Two residences adjoining the last  lot,  occupied  by Henry Stimpson & Robert Flaxman £15
rental (not sold)
ALSO 50 eligible Plots of valuable Building Land. suitable fo genteel residences, close to the  

 
 

 
 

Railway Station. Each plot containing 20ft frontage and depth of 92ft.
(Lots 4 & 5 purchased by Mrs Oxborough at £20 each; Lots 6 & 7 by R Stannard at £20 each; Lots 8  
9 by T Easter. Remainder withdrawn.)

 
 
1880
East Suff Gaz 18 May 

RETIREMENT: James Mullett, [4] Ballygate, tailoring, drapery and hat establishment retiring after
40 years. Business taken over by WG Cross
CHORAL SOCIETY: between 40 and 50 singers. Mr Livock at the harmonium and conductor. Mrs

1880
East Suff Gaz 18 May 

Corbyn  chief  pianist.  Handel;  Barnby’s”Magnificat  in  E”.,  Mendelssohn,  Beethoven’s  “Ruins  of
Athens”
SALE: by executors of Benjamin Thrower: LOT 1: Freehold Residence & Confectioner’s Shop with

1880
East Suff Gaz 1 June 

convenient offices, occupying  a commanding position in the Market Place now occupied  by Rober
Took under a lease of 4 years at rent of £32.(purchased by Mr RA Took for£540

 
 

LOT  2:    Block  of  Three  Freehold  Cottages  in  Hungate  Lane,  occupied  by  Stephen  Oxborough,
Robert Freestone   and Harriet Baker, quarterly tenants  at total  of  £15. (purchased  Edward Ford  at

£165)
Pupils  of  Smallgate  House  under  Miss  McCulloch  put  ona  Drawing  Room  Entertainment  in  the

1880
East Suff Gaz 1 June 

Assembly  Room  in  aid  of  Beccles  Hospital.  Large  audience.  Performance  varied,  interesting  and
amusing
QUEEN’S  61st BIRTHDAY celebrated  by Rifle Volunteers. !45 officers  and men paraded  in Old

1880
 
East Suff Gaz 1 June

Market on Saturday at 4pm. Marched to the Common headed by the Band, dressed in the new scarlet
uniform. Maqjor Crowfoot, Captain Keogh, & Lieuts Robinson & Read
MILTARY  BANDS:  Artillery  Band  will  play  in  the  east  end  of  the  Avenue  every  Thusday.  On

1880
East Suff Gaz 8 June 
Friday evening the Rifle Band will play in the Newmarket
Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
5

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 8 June 

BICYCLE CLUB of Waveney Valley formed.
GAS COMPANY: Chairman WE Crowfoot; Present: WM Crowfot, Waterman, Parker, Ling &  

East Suff Gaz 8 June 
 
Dixon. Paid 8% dividend.

1880
1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 8 June 

BAPTIST UNION: Beccles without a pastor. Members 147, children in school 180.
page 5 missing
DEATH of Mr HJ Kerrison  aged  85. Upright,  hoourable, kind  and  considerate in  every relation of

East Suff Gaz 15 June 
East Suff Gaz 22 June 

life. He was churchwarden for more than twenty years.
SALE: Brick & tiled  double  cottage  between  Swines Green and  London Road in the occupation of
Robert  Houghton  and  Alfred  Elliott  at  rental  of  £10  pa;  each  cottage  having  front  sitting  room,

1880
East Suff Gaz 29 June 

kitchen,wash-house,  pantry,  coal-house,  bedroom  accommodation,  fruit  garden.  [purchased  James
Dowe £155]
LIQUIDATION: Mr C Frampton, publican [of Britannia Shades, 3 Blyburgate]

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jul 
East Suff Gaz 6 Jul 

FLAG A new flag for the Church Tower presented by the Mayor and Rector jointly.
TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION: 61 teachers went boating, fishing  and  picknicked  at Fritton. In the
afternoon  dancing was  attempted,  but was  given up, the weather  being too  hot;  and the members

1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jul 

found a more congenial amusement in singing well-known glees and part-songs on the lake.
ATHLETIC SPORTS,  several thousand people present. Refreshments by Mr Potter of the Crown &
Anchor Inn. Tug  of war between the Artillery  and Rifle Corps. The Riflemen  just won the  best of

1880
East Suff Gaz 6 Jul 

three pulls.
LICENCES: Sun Inn, Mr RA Cock;  Star Inn, Mrs Spencer; Queen Victoria, Mr J Girling.
SLAUGHTERING  in  unlicenced  premises.  Mr  Le  Grice  slaughtering  in  Hungate  Lane  without  a

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 6 Jul 
East Suff Gaz 6 Jul 

licence. Had also slaughtered in Smallgate and |Blyburgate without a licence. Fined £5             
SALE: by executors of William Meen
Beaumont Villa:  a  comfortable  and well-built residence pleasantly situated  on the  Londn#on Road

1880
 

East Suff Gaz 20 Jul 
 

recently occupied by Mr Meen.[purtchased by Mr B Woolnough for £270]
FURNITURE SALE: Surplus furniture of Mrs Loring

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 20 Jul 
East Suff Gaz 20 Jul 

RESIGNATION: Surgeon Robert Metcalfe resigns from Artillery.
RIFLE VOLUNTEERS; 125 of Beccles contingent joined 85 from Bungay at Shipmeadow for a joint

1880
East Suff Gaz 20 Jul 

drill session.
DEATH: Robert Ward, retired wine merchant, died 3 March 1880.

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 27 Jul 
East Suff Gaz 27 Jul 

FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL: EM LOring elected to scholarship at Eton.
LICENCES: Britannia Shades: James Reynolds.
EPITAPH ON MATTHEW TROTT in Aldeby Church: 1658. (in Latin)

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 27 Jul 
East Suff Gaz 3 Aug 
 
 

MS./ Quod Reliquum est/ Matthew Trott generosi hujus ecclesiae/ nuperi patroni hic inhumatur sacri
sint/ cineres licet ne violentor, utpote quia/ tu etiam (lector) et cinis es longaeuus vix-/ it plus tamen
alis quam sibi ac si quid/ sobria ac innocua vita si quid sua vel/ suorum pietas porro valuissent, adhuc

su-/ -perstes non caruisset epitaphio plura non/ addam sed ut ex voto valetas
Obit XXIX die Maii Anno/ aetatis suae LXXIII / anno incarnationis MDCLVIII / dicta sit Deo gloria
ALSO: Anno Dom. Thomasina uxor Matthei Trott, Generosi de Beccles, sepulta fuit 1 Octob.”

 
 

 
 

1880

WEATHER: Drenching showers on Saturday fell with scarcely any intermission until ten o’clock on
Sunday morning. In many places the fine and promising  crops of  barley have  been  crushed to the
ground, matted  and twisted  as though rolled, and the wheat  crop, although less  laid, has suffered

East Suff Gaz 10 Aug 

severely.
CONGREGATIONAL  BAZAR  in  Mr  Crisp’s   garden.  Mr  Bezant   of   Leamington   displayed   a
telephones. They were connected  by two wires 50 yards in length, the telephones placed in  an out-

1880
East Suff Gaz 10 Aug 

house at one end and a summer house at the other. Visitors would apply a disc to the ear and another
to the mouth, and a conversation would then ensue along the wires, quite audible and distinct
BECCLES REGATTA on Monday.in fine weather

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 10 Aug 

POLICE COURT: Mr AB Worthington,  brewer,  let the Victoria Arms pub  [in  Ingate] to  Edmund
Spendler  for  £18  pa,  paying  quarterly.  Did  not  pay  and  emptied  his  house  of  furniture  to  avoid

East Suff Gaz 10 Aug 

distraint.
TO LET: Cowkeepers & others: from Michaelmas premises in Newgate now occupied by Mr Robert

1880
East Suff Gaz 17 Aug 

Read.
CHOIR EXCURSION: for St Michael’s Choir; trip down the river in a wherry, with refreshments

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 17 Aug 

ENTERTAINMENT:Farini’s Friendly Zulus from the Royal Aquarium London & Circus. 100 men,
horses, ponies & camels. Gorgeous Cavalcade of Pictorial Carriages.
BURGLARY  Premises  of  Isaac  Green,  clothier,  Newmarket  entered  at  3am  by  a  tramp,  but  he

East Suff Gaz 24 Aug 
1880
East Suff Gaz 24 Aug 

escaped without taking anything.
COUNCIL:   SANITARY  COMMITTEE:  1)  Mr  Strathern  at  the  Angel  to   connect  with  water
company  2) two grates in passage by Welch’s house be removed and cess-pools filled up. 3) A gutter

1880
East Suff Gaz 24 Aug 
to be laid both sides of Saltgate with stones from the Common  4) The lamp on the Black Boy Inn be
Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
6

removed and placed on a column on the premises occupied by Mr E Spratt.
COUNCIL: Borough Rate to be 1s 4d in the pound. No rate previously ? or lately. Corporation Land

1880
East Suff Gaz 24 Aug 

bringing in £1,000 less for the Marshes in the last few years.
RAILWAY:  Excursion  to  London:  Wednesday  8  Sept,  leaving  Beccles  5.50  am  returnin  6pm

1880
East Suff Gaz 31 Aug 

Thursday from Liverpool Street. First Class 10s 6d; Covered Carriages 6s 0d.
CHORAL SOCIETY: First Rehearsal: Stainer’s “Daughter of Jairus”.

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 31 Aug 

LUNATIC ASYLUM: Clement Dennington, bricklayer of Ingate, behaving ery strangely, wandering
about with nothing  on  but  his shirt. Police  stayed with  him  all night  and  conveyed  him to  lunatic
asylum in the morning. He had been a good workman and steady man.

East Suff Gaz 31 Aug 
1880

POLICE COURT: Emma Sampson, wife of Roger Sampson charged with assaulting Martha Moore.
Complainant stated she met defendant in the yard, who commenced to abuse her. The defendant had
something under her apron, which proved to be a chamber pot. The contents of this defendant threw

East Suff Gaz 31 Aug 

over complainant, and then struck her in the face with the pot  and caused the blood to flow freely.
Upon that the complainant struck her in return. The defendant’s statement was in complete variance.
She said she was going down the yard and met complainant, who commenced to abuse her and to use

the most filthy language towards her. She also struck the defendant and knocked her down. In the fall
the  chamber pot was broken,  and she struck complainant with one  of the pieces. Defendant further
said that complainant’s children pelted her with the contents of the vessel.

 
 

In  corroboration  of  her statements she  called  William  Vyse, shoemaker,  [of Thurlow’s Yard] Mrs
Mills,  wife  of  Mark  Mills,  publican,  [of  the  Lord  Nelson,  29  Northgate]    and  Mrs  Oxborough,
shopkeeper, [perhaps of Long’s Yard] who stated that the complainant was the agressor. Dismissed.

1880
1880

DEATH: Arthur H Dowson at Mooroopna, Australia, surgeon of Geldeston on 13 Aug
RETIREMENT of Jonathan  Eastaugh from firm  of  JD  Eastaugh &  Sons  of  Lowestoft, Kirkley  &
Beccles. Sons take over,

East Suff Gaz 31 Aug 
East Suff Gaz 7 Sep 

1880
1880

BAPTIST CHURCH: Rev WH Smith pastorate from November.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH  REOPENING: Church rebuilt early in 19C had cost £2140 18s 4d

East Suff Gaz 7 Sep 
East Suff Gaz 7 Sep 

- about as much as had now been spent on the new schoolroom and the improved sanctuary.
The alterations to the  church: many of the side pews on the  ground floor were formerly of the old

 
 

fashioned square form, and thus valuable space was lost, while other seats in the  area  and  galleries
were  exceedingly  narrow.  The  whole  interior  has  now  been  refurnished  with  comfortable  open

benches, cushioned with crimson mats.
The  galleries, which were inconveniently deep  and unsightly, have been  reconstructed. The  gallery
front has  a solid  and  handsome appearance, and is ornamented with  arched panels,  backed with V-

 
 

joiunted boards. One marked improvement is the removal of the disused upper gallery, which gives a
greater sense of space and air at the end of the church. The pillars supporting the galleries have also
been replaced by new ones of a larger and more ornamental descriptrion.

 
 

The old square-shaped windows at the side  and front of the  church, have  been  replaced with  new
ones,  gracefully  arched  at  the  top,  and  fitted  with  “Moore’s  patent  ventilators”.  By  raising  the
windows in the front, the appearance of the building towards the street, as well as in the interior, has

been greatly improved.
Vestibules, paved with Minton tiles,  have been constructed  at each front entrance, opening  into the
area, with doors panelled with plate glass. New commodious staircases to the galleries have also been

 
 

erected. The aisles are laid with linoleum, and bordered with Minton tiles.
Perhaps the  most noticeable improvement  in the interior  is seen  at the  end  opposite the  entrance,
where an apse has been built for a new organ, and for the accommodation of the choir. In front of the

 
 

apse, a spacious and very elegant pulpit - the first design of which was suggested by the pastor - has
been erected on a platform. The pulpit, which is approached by a staircase on either side, is made of
selected pitch pine wrought into richly moulded panels, relieved with polished walnut pilasters; the

top is finished with a nahogany moulding, and book board. The platform below the pulpit is furnished
with highly polished oak table and chair.

 
 

A  large  sun-burner  has  been  placed  near  the  centre  of  the  ceiling,  which  effectively  lights  the
galleries and area, and which it is hoped will prove effective in ventillation.

 
 

In  addition  the  exterior  wood  and  iron  work,  and  also  the  vestries,  have  been  newly  painted;  all
interior work necessary for a heating apparatus has also been completed. The whole of the work has

been done  by Messrs Calver,  of Ringsfield,  under the  direction  of  E Boardman,  Esq  architect,  of
Norwich.
The total cost, including organ and extras, will be about £1,150

 
1880

 

BECCLES ARTILLERY INSPECTION. Capt Wilson CO, & Lieut Walton on parade with total of
83 Officers & Men, seven absent. ... Battery moved to the Gaol Yard where detachment manned the
64 pounder.

East Suff Gaz 7 Sep 
1880
DEATH of Mrs Youngs, wife of the Landlord of the King’s Head. The servant who slept in the same
East Suff Gaz 14 Sep 
Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
7

room found her mistress in the morning lying on the floor, dead.
FURNITURE SALE in Blyburgate of late Charles Bobbett: several dozens of port wine, plate, plated

1880
East Suff Gaz 21 Sep 

goods etc.
SALE   of  Residence   in  Blyburgate  [No   33]  of  Charles  Bobbett,  with  comfortable  siting   and

1880
East Suff Gaz 21 Sep 

bedrooms, offices, well of 54ft. [Sold to Mr James Guy for £295]
SARGEANT ALLEN for widow & chiuldren £ 10s from NCOs & Gunners of Artillery Battery

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 21 Sep 

MALT TAX repoealed
CENSUS: 1881: on night of Sunday 3 April.
TO LET: Caxton Arms, Beccles. Apply Steward, Patteson & Finch from 11 Oct.

East Suff Gaz 21 Sep 

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 21 Sep 
East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 

1880
 
1880

TO LET: 8 roomed Villa with Garden & Stabling  £19 pa
Or To Let: 8 roomed Villa with large Garden and Vinery & Stabling. £30
TO BE LET: A House with Garden, Vinery, Stable, Coach House & Offices. Apply CF Parker4

East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 
 
East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 

1880
1880

RAILWAY: Cheap Return ticket to London for 2 or 4 days.68 people took advantage of cheap fares.
DROWNED  on  board  the  fishing  boat  Victor  in  North  Sea.  Alfred  Farrow,  17,  of  Beccles  fell
overboard and was drowned.

East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 
East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 
1880

ACCIDENT: Miss Lillistone travelling in her carriage in London Road, the horse stumbled & threw
her old & trusted servant broke his collar bone. Horse ran on to St Mary’s Road. Stopped by a youth,
Johnson who caught the reins.

East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 
1880

LICENCE: The Horse & Groom, a house for many years privately occupied was transferred from the
Brewers to Henry Thrower of Beccles
DRUNK:  William  Beane,  chimney  sweep,    abused  Margaret  Girling,  Landlady  of  the  Butchers’

East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 
1880
East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 
Arms, because she would  not serve him  drink  out of hours.  When her husband returned he pushed
Beane out of the house, who then broke several windows. Many previous convictions; 28 days hard

labour
RECTOR’S   LETTER:   [In   connection   with   a   series   of   letters   about   Nonconformists   &   the
Church:”No one can show that the relations of Church and Dissent in this town for the last eight years

1880
East Suff Gaz 28 Sep 

have been other than the most friendly kind.” [He cited examlpes of the School Board, the Hospital
Committee & the Town Council  “Where the spirit was so  good” and “there is mutual respect and

consideration.”]
SALE of INGATE LODGE ESTATE:,

1880
 

East Suff Gaz 5 Oct 
 

by Will of  late George  Fenn:  Long  frontages  on the Railway  &  Ingate Road  [Grove Road]  7 the
intended new Road from Ingate Road to the Railway Station, which will form a new Entrance to the
Town & Railway Station from Lowestoft.

 
 

LOT 1: INGATE LODGE, a Genteel Modern Residence in Ingate Road & abutting on the intended
new road, containing Entrance Hal, Dining Room 20ft x 17ft; Drawing Room, Study, Kitchen, Bath
Room, Two Store Rooms, Pantry, Coal House & other Offices. Four airy & pleasant Sleeping Rooms

& two Dressing Rooms on the First Floor; Three Attics, Water Closet & other closet accommodaion;
with Two Vineries near the House, Two large Vineries adjoining Ingate Road, Stable, Coach-House,
&  other  outbuildings;  7  Piece  of  Garden  Ground  well  planted  with  Fruit  Trees,  bushes  &  shrub,

having a frontage of 175ft on Ingate Road & containing altogether 0a 2r 32p.  [Not Sold]
LOT 2:
Lot 1 on the EAST side of the New Road [Gosford Road] & abutting the Railwy containing 0a 1r 2p.

 
 
 A Valuable piece of Garden Ground, well  adapted  for building purposes, lying  opposite

[not Sold]
LOT 3: A  very  eligible piece  of Building  Land  containing  13 perches,  adjoining  Lot 1,  having  a
frontage of 43ft 6ins on the New Road. 

 
 
[C Betts £30
 
 

LOT 4: A similar piece  of  Land  adjoining the last  containing  16 perches & frontage of 33ft on the
New Road. [W Gill £31]
LOT 5: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [W Gill £32]

 
 
 

 
 
 

LOT 6: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [A Stimpson £30]
LOT 7: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [W Aldous £29]

 
 

 
 

LOT 8: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [E Masters £31
LOT 9: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [E Masters £31]

 
 

 
 

LOT 10: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [E Masrters £31]
LOT 11: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [E Masters£31]

 
 
 

 
 
 

LOT 12: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [RA King £29]
LOT 13: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [J Crisp £29]
LOT 14: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [J Crisp £30]

 
 
 

 
 
 

LOT 15: similar to above having the same contents & frontage
LOT 16: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [J Crisp £30]
LOT 17: similar to above having the same contents & frontage [J Crisp £30]

[J Crisp £30]
 
 
LOT 18: similar to above having the same containing 11 perches & same frontage [J Crisp £30]
Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
8

 
 

 
 

LOT 19: similar to above having the same containing 11 perches & same frontage [J Crisp £30]
LOT 20: similar to above having the same containing 10 perches & frontage of 25ft [ J Crisp £30]

 
 

 
 

LOT 21: Building Land of 15 perches abutting on the Railway frontage of 33ft [WE Wigg £32]
LOT 22: Building Land of 13 perches abutting on the Railway frontage of 33ft [J Crisp £30]

 
 

 
 

LOT 23: Building Land of 15 perches abutting on the Railway frontage of 33ft [J Crisp £30]
LOT 24: Building Land of 16 perches abutting on the Railway frontage of 33ft [J Crisp £31]

 
 
 

 
 
 

LOT 25: Building Land of 16 perches abutting on the Railway frontage of 33ft [J Crisp £32]
LOT 26: Building Land of 17 perches abutting on the Railway frontage of 33ft [J Crisp £33]
LOT 27: Building Land of 18 perches abutting on the Railway frontage of 33ft [J Crisp £33]

 
 

 
 

LOT 28: Building Land of 19 perches abutting on the Railway frontage of 33ft [J Crisp £41]
LOT 29: Building Land adjoining containing 27 perches, abutting on Railway & Coal Yard of Mr HL
Robbins, frontage of 60ft [RJ Read £70]

 
1880

 

TOTAL SALE: £876
SALE:  Castle Farm: Henry Read retires from Business: 12 Cart Mares & Geldings, Cart Foal,  16
Shorthorn Steers, 6 Milch Cows, 50 Grey-faced Ewe Lambs, 30 pigs, 4 Road & Harvest Wagons, 4

East Suff Gaz 5 Oct 

Three-quarter load Tumbrils, Turnip Cart, Phaeton, Ploughs, Harrows, Rolls, Smyth’s 16-Colter Corn
& Seed Drill, Cubitt’s baulk Drill, Root Cutters & pulpers, Horse-Power ChaffEngine & Works, bins,
trughs, iron-fold & rift hurdles, ladders, harness, tools, Dairy & Brewing utensils.

1880
East Suff Gaz 5 Oct 

CAPE MOUNTED RIFLEMEN WANTED: Farm  Lads, Grooms, Farriers  aged 20 to 26 years old.
Only single men apply. Pay from 5s to 6s a day
Rev RAJ Suckling, Rector of Barsham has been offered and has accepted the vicarage of St Peter’s,

1880
 

London Docks,  vacated by the death  of the Rev CF  Lowder. The rev  getleman made an  affecting
allusion to the subject  in  his sermon on  Sunday evening, stating that  he received it as a  direct call
from  God,  which  he  must  obey  at  any  cost.  During  his  twelve  years  residence  at  Barsham,  Mr

Suckling  has  greatly endeared  himself to  his parishioners  and  a wide  circle  of devoted friends,  by
whom his departure from this neighbourhood will be deeply regretted. It is understood that he will

not leave before Christmas. [Did he die before taking the appointment - see 14 Dec 1880?]
It is not yet known who will be appointed to the rectory of Barsham, which is in the gift of the present

 
 

rector.
FLOODS: The heavy rainfall of the last week or ten days has caused a considerable rise in the river

1880
 

Waveney, and the banks are overflowed in many places. This is the case on the Suffolk side only in
this immediate  neighbourhood,  as the Norfolk side was  recently raised  at  a  cosiderable  cost. The
expenditure, however does not seem to have been entirely successful in its object, as all Gillingham

marshes apear to be more or less flooded, probably owing chiefly to the overflow of the dykes.
HORSE SALE:: 162 Horses & colts sold. Some reached 45 guineas.
SALE of FURNITURE; The Ship Inn (under a Bill of Sale)

1880
1880

East Suff Gaz 12 Oct 
East Suff Gaz 19 Oct 

1880
 
 

Lowestoft Journal 

Suspected Murder at the Ship of Mrs Flowers, wife of the Publican.
THE SUPPOSED WIFE MURDER AT BECCLES.
Lowestoft Journal October 1880

 
 

 
 

On Wednesday morning, at six o'clock, the wife of James Flowers, landlord of the Ship Inn, near the
Bridge, wan found lying dead in the tap-room, and from the fact that the house had been closed at a
very early hour on the previous evening, and other circumstances, a good deal of excitement was felt

in the neighbourhood. An inquest was held before C. W Chaston. Esq., County Coroner, on Thursday
morning, when Alfred Francis, engine driver, in Mr. Darby's employ. who lives next door to the Ship
Inn, said he was in the habit of calling Flowers every morning at six o'clock. On Wednesday morning

Flowers was up when he went by, and called him in, and said, "There's a rather bad Job happened.
here; the poor Old  girl  lay here  dead"  Francis then went  into the tap-room  and  saw the  deceased
lying on the floor with her head nearly on the threshold of the cellar door, and her feet towards the

window of the tap-room. The witness, being in a hurry, could not stop to make a close examination,
but sent his children for a doctor and policeman. He was unable to say whether Flowers and his wife

lived comfortably together, but he had seen the deceased the worse for drink.
Hannah Willingham, a young girl who is staying with Francis, said she had often seen the deceased  

 
 

the worse fur drink. She last saw her alive at six o'clock on Tuesday night, when she was lying on her
face  in  the  cellar.  Witness  lifted  her  up,  and  helped  her  into  the  bar  and  sat  her  on  a  chair.  She

afterwards  went  for  the  charwoman  because  she  thought  the  deceased  needed  help.  She  saw  no
bruises except for an old one in the eye..
Harriet Beane said she had been charwoman to the deceased for eleven years. She described how the

 
 

last witness  came for  her,  and that  on her  accompanying the  girl  back to the  Ship  at half past six
o'clock, they found the doors and windows closed. The witness tapped at the bar window, and then
Flowers put his head out of the window above and told her his wife was in bed. Not feeling satisfied

the witness went back to the house again at eight o'clock, but could make no one hear. She said she
Beccles, Newspapers, from 1880 
David Lindley, May 2002- Jan 2004 
9

was much surprised to find the house closed so early, as she had never known it to be shut up till past
eleven. She had frequently seen the deceased the worse for drink, and had seen bruises upon her, but

when she asked deceased how they came she would make no answer, only burst into tears, Mary Ann
Ward  and  Sarah Ward, married women  also  gave  evidence, the  first  as to the  deceased's  drinking

habits; the second with  reference to  cries of "Murder", which she told the  Inspector  of  Police she
heard  about  ten  o'clock  on  Tuesday  night.  She  gave  her  evidence  very  reluctantly,  and  said  she

believed the cries were made by an invalid lady who lives close by, and who is out of her mind.
Mr EB Crowfoot, surgeon said he had made an external examination of the body of deceased and also
a post mortem examination. He found bruises on the arm, thigh, left side, and face. On post mortem

 
 

examination he found ten of the ribs had been broken on the left side, the fracture being continued in
four of the lower ones. On the right side eight of the lower ribs were fractured, and he attributed these
injuries to compression in the chest, perhaps by kneeling. He attributed the cause of death to shock,

consequent  on  the  serious  injury  to  the  ribs,  which  could  not  have  been  merely  from  a  fall.  The
anoemic condition of the brain, the pale and healthy appearance of the lungs, and the emptiness of the
right side of the heart, all pointed to sudden death. Death probably ensued very  quickly  after such

injuries, especially considering the condition of the brain, and the commencing fatty changes of the
heart.
Mr WT McComb, assistant to Messrs Crowfoot, corroborated, and the inquiry was adjourned at this

 
 

stage till Friday.
Flowers was detained in custody.
VERDICT OF THE JURY

 
 

 
 

 
 

The  enquiry touching the  death of  Susan Ann Flowers,  aged 67, was resumed  at the Police Court,
Beccles,  on Friday,  before Mr CW Chaston, coroner. The Chief Constable  and the Deputy Chief-
Constable were present; and Mr Dowsett watched the case on behalf of the prisoner Flowers.

 
 

John Finch, groom, in the employ of Mr S Darby said he was well acquainted with the deceased and
Mr Flowers. He went to the  Ship Inn on Tuesday night,  about six o'clock, when Flowers told  him

"My old woman has been on drinking again," and "She is a high mettled old woman , and she will
have her own way." He afterwards heard the deceased make a sort of groaning noise in the bar, the

same he had often heard her make when she was the worse for drink. He had seen her the worse for
drink so often that he did not pay any regard to the noise. No one to his knowledge was in the house

when  he  left, besides  Flowers  and  his wife. Flowers was the worse  for  drink, though  he was not
drunk. On Wednesday morning  at 11, the witness called in  at the  Ship,  and saw Flowers,  and said,
"Why, you must have locked up the door as soon as I got out." Flowers replied "Yes, you were the

last one that went out of the house." He also said he thought he had better shut the house up and go to
bed, as Mrs Flowers was the worse for drink, and lying there, it would look very bad for any one to
come in.

 
 

Charlotte Mills, wife of John Mills, waterman, Beccles, also said she was well  acquainted with the
deceased, who had  at  different times  complained to  her about  her husband  beating her.  Early  one
morning between haysol and harvest, the deceased came to her house ans asked witness to take her in

and take  care  of  her.  She was  afraid to  go  home alone, and would have witness  go back with  her.
When they got back to the Ship Inn, Flowers did not seem very angry, but they had been quarrelling.
At this stage the  enquiry was again  adjourned until half-past five o'clock, when Inspector Bardwell

 
 

said he had ascertained that Finch was the only person who entered the Ship Inn during the absence
of the  girl Willingham  and  her  return  on Tuesday night. He  had also  enquired  about Mrs Flower's
state on Tuesday, and her sisters informed him that though she was noisy, she was not shrieking or

calling out "Murder".
The evidence of the witnesses was then read over to them, and signed.
The girl Willingham, recalled, said the deceased did not appear to be in any pain when she assisted

 
 

 
 

her on Tuesday night from the cellar to the bar.
By permission of the Coroner, Mr Dowsett addressed the jury in the prisoner's behalf, after which the

 
 

Coroner briefly summed up, and the jury retired to consider their verdict.
After  thirty  minutes'  consideration,  the  jury  returned  a  verdict  of  "Wilful  Murder"  against  James