A wide variety of Christmas celebrations can be found in the newspaper from the 1820s – from Christmas markets to the theft of Christmas presents.
“Crowland Market. – We hear with pleasure that the market and show at Crowland on the 18th inst. were well attended by graziers and others of the first respectability. The stock, and particularly the sheep, were peculiarly good – equal, some say superior, to any in Smithfield. – The Lord of the Manor, we understand, has given a considerable impulse to the general feeling, by expressing his approbation of the exertions made by his numerous respectable tenantry, – who, as will be seen in another part of our paper, have set on foot a subscription for the ensuing Chrismas show.”
The Stamford Mercury, 26th December, 1824.
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“A remarkably beautiful ox was slaughtered in Stamford on Friday last, by Mr. Joshua Lumby, butcher, in the Highstreet, and furnished a bonne bouche at the Christmas dinner-table of many families. It was a four-year-old home-bred ox, fed by Sir John Trollope, Bart., upon his Casewick farm: it weighed 97 stone, and was allowed by competent judges to be one of the completest oxen, inside and outside, ever slaughtered in Stamford.”
The Stamford Mercury, 30th December, 1825.
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“A gentleman of Stafford, a short time ago, forwarded a quantity of fine pork pies and some choice brawn by the Chester mail; unfortunately on the very day a lot of convicted felons were travelling to the hulks by the same conveyance. Towards evening, these worthies, whose scent had been improved, and whose appetites had been sharpened by the day’s ride, discovered and devoured the savoury viands, which were intended as a luxurious relish for more dainy palates, and a Christmas present for more valued friends.”
The Stamford Mercury, 16th December, 1825.