Seasonal tales of noblesse oblige, feasting and charity for the poor and the usual problems brought by icy weather.
“On the 23d inst. Lady Anne Noel gave to the poor and small tradespeople of North Luffenham, and to a few others where it was thought charity, two fat oxen (weighing 110 stone), and 220 quartern loaves of wheaten bread.
Lady Sophia Whichcote, of Glaston, gave a dinner of roast beef, plum pudding, and ale, as usual, on Christmas day, at the Horse Shoes Inn, to upwards of 70 poor people of that place: her Ladyship also distributed a large quantity of wearing apparel amongst them. The parishes of Thistleton, Ayston, and Wardley have been made happy with the annual Christmas donation of Mr. and Lady Mary Fludyer, consisting of a very bountiful supply of beef, bread, and money, to every poor family.”
The Stamford Mercury, 31st December, 1824.
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“Long Sutton. – The science of bell-ringing is at a very low ebb here. The bells when acted upon resemble more the cry of a pack of hounds suffering from a severe cold, than any thing else earthly. A frieind of our’s concluded that our bells must be either of lead or of timber. Certainly more dolorous notes never ushered in merry Christmas to poor sinners than fo the ding-ding notes of Sutton bells. We hope something may be done to mend their voices.”
The Stamford Mercury, 1st January, 1847.
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“The severity of late frost having ‘locked-up’ the navigation, the arrangements for bringing coals to Stamford via the railway have been impeded. As soon, however, as the river Nene is clear, a supply may be expected from Sutton Bridge; and the present exorbitant price (26s. to 29s. per ton) must be materially reduced. We have good authority for stating that a company is being formed who will carry on the trade with ample means and in a liberal spirit, it being the determination of the parties to sell this necessary of life at the lowest possible profit.”
The Stamford Mercury, 1st January, 1847.