Author: secretary

An unfortunate hill climb from the Plains of Philippi in the last act of Julius Caesar is the subject of this amusing Stamford theatrical reminiscence.

“Act V. of Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar,’ if the bard’s dramatic pictures of battle of the period are correct, presents commanders of the Roman legions as highly cautious individuals. There is a familiar axiom that ‘Discretion if the better part of valour,’ and, if so, then had Cassius paid a preliminary visit to a phrenologist, his bump of discretion would have been diagnosed as about the size of a grape-fruit.

The stirring tragedy of Roman Empire days was presented in Stamford years ago, as a kind of scholastic jamboree, associated with an academy long since numbered among the vanished cradles of learning, and , of necessity, was very much adapted, owing to scenic economies.

All went fairly well until the final scrimmages began on the Plains of Phillippi (sic), and then it was more than apparent that the noble Cassius and other leaders had ample leisure for lengthy soliloquies and dialogue portions, the while less important but mote active, combatants, had their full share of ‘alarums and excursions.’ This attitude, peculiar to Gilbert’s Duke of Plaza-Toro *(whose place, when away had regiment ran, was always at the fore-ho!’) had its best example during the scene in which the stage boasted a sort of hill-top – really an expanse of painted canvas, intended to represent earth and grass.

Doubtless with praiseworthy modesty and not wishing to intrude upon battles where his presence might be unwelcome, Cassius requested the faithful Pindarus, another outsider in military enterprises, to ‘Go, get higher on that hill, and tell me what thou not’st about the field!’ The bearer of this absolutely risk-free errand started the climb up the hill-top, via the canvas, and, apparently, packing case supports, and then the edifice begun to sway. The messenger’s progress became more cautious, but the summit betrayed greater signs of shakiness. Cassius never had a reply, for suddenly the expected happened. The hill-top collapsed, and the hapless Pindarus vanished from the view of the startled audience, to the accompaniment of earthquake effects. The curtains were hastily drawn upon this scene of confusion, needless to say.”

The Stamford Mercury, 24th June, 1938.

• See The Gondoliers.

Now is the time of year when many people suffer with hay fever. The itchy eyes, runny nose and constant sneezing can be most unpleasant. Luckily, today we have efficacious anti-histamines (available not only for humans, but pets too!) and which also treat a number of other allergies. Of course, sadly they don’t work for everyone and certainly a visit to the coast or the Scottish heathlands should help. With regard to the suggestion that snuff be used – do not try this at home!

“Hay Fever, which, again has so many victims in its distressing grip, was long ago tackled in a very systematic manner by the Americans. Half-a-century ago a Hay Fever society was formed by a company of habitual sufferers, and applied itself to discovery of a means of prevention or cure of the malady. One conclusion arrived at was that in certain parts of the States residents were almost immune. In this country the problem had exercised the minds of members of the faculty, and zonal immunity appears to be a theory for which there is something to be said, the seaside, particularly if the patient avoid glare, being regarded as the best place for treatment. A high altitude – say, 1000 feet above sea level – is also recommended, and a gravel soil is said to afford alleviation. If means don’t allow of any of these courses of treatment, however, try snuff. If may have its objections, but it certainly is efficacious.”

The Stamford Mercury, 1st July, 1927.

A rather romantic view of spotting for trains at Oakham railway station in the 1950s. Does this still happen today or is it all ‘on line’?!

“Trains and railways have always held a fascination for boys of every generation – and what man will not admit to a boy-hood ambition of becoming an engine driver? – and the present generation is no exception.

A stroll round Oakham railway station will confirm this, for now, as in the past, boys wait patiently, notebook in hand, for the expresses, ordinary passenger trains, or slow-moving goods. As the great iron monsters clatter through, eyes eagerly scan the numbers on the engine, and pencils switfly jot them down.

Expert eyes, too, take another swift glance to ascertain whether it is a grimy little 0-6-0 goods engine or a smart-looking 4-6-2 monster, used for hauling the fast expresses.

With trains roaring or chugging through the station every few minutes, the Oakham ‘train-spotters’ have a wide choice. Who knows what the next puff of smoke may denote? Perhaps a London-to-the-North express or just a grimy coal train. Whatever it is, its number will be solemnly entered in the little books, and the boys will then settle down to wait the next arrival.”

The Stamford Mercury, 8th September, 1950.

Staying with last week’s theme of St Mary’s church, the discovery of a crumbling well fuelled gossip of an underground passage leading to the church.

ANOTHER DEATH TRAP DISCOVERED.

“Mr. Ald. Bettle having noticed that some of the brick pavement in a passage at the rear of his chop in St. Mary’s-street showed unaccountable signs of ‘settling,’ he called in a workman with the object of having the uneven surface made good. The man remarked that the ground sounded as though it were hollow, and acting with caution he found that a six-foot rod went down into space without meeting resistance. Mr. Richardson surveyor, to the Newcomb estate, of which the property is parcel, was at once informed, and measures were promptly taken to clear up the mystery and to remove all danger. A cavern 32 ft. 6 ins. deep and roughly 12 ft. wide was discovered, containing five feet of water. The cavity had long ago been in four feet on the west side by three ‘stepped’ flat arches with chamfered edges, and on the east side by a single arch, also chamfered. These sprang at the south end from a depressed arch running from east to west in the face of the south wall of the huge opening. All the arches are built of a remarkably hard stone, not unlike ‘Barnack rag,’ but less coarse than the specimens met with in ‘outside’ work which has stood the storms of centuries. News of the discovery soon travelled, and people glibly talked of a subterranean passage leading to St. Mary’s church! The fact is, it had merely been a well. Many loads of foundry clinkers have been thrown in, and a useful cellar will now be made of the place. Beans of oak resting on the arches had become rotten. It is lucky that the discovery was made in time, for there has been constant traffic over the spot.”

The Stamford Mercury, 25th October, 1901.

A rather lengthy description of the thunder and lightning pounding Stamford one summer Sunday, but it contains an interesting appreciation of the architecture of St. Mary’s church.

“A terrible thunderstorm which broke over Stamford on Sunday evening caused the most intense alarm throughout the town. Ever since the previous Thursday, when there was a heavy rain which lasted from early morning to midnight, the atmosphere appeared to have been charged with electricity, and in the intervals of rain the heat was oppressive. The sun had shone out brilliantly on Sunday morning and afternoon; but about 1/2 past 6 dense thunder clouds rose up from the south-west, and shortly after vivid flashes of lightning were followed by loud peals of thunder. For nearly a quarter of an hour there had been a cessation, and it was hoped the storm had passed, when at about 1/2 past 7 an awful flash of lightning, which illuminated every room in every house in the town was instantaneously accompanied by a thunder clap that startled the bravest, and conjured up fears for the safety of surrounding buildings. The lightning struck the tower and spire of St. Mary’s church, and seemed to fill the body of the edifice with one sheet of flame. Divine service was proceeding, and there was a large congregation, most of whom were filled with terror; many ladies rushed frantically and screaming from the pews, others fainted, and a scene of panic and alarming confusion prevailed. The preacher (the Rev. F. B. Paul, nephew of the Rector) rushed down from the pulpit, and the Ven. Archdeacon Paul from the reading desk, and endeavoured to prevail upon the congregation to keep their seats. Viscount Cranborne and the Re. Hon. Sir Stafford Northcote, who were among the worshippers, also assisted in the endeavour to calm the fear which prevailed. Dr. Newman, who was likewise present, rendered his aid to restore the ladies who had fainted. When order was somewhat re-established, the congregation ruched through the rain to seek shelter at their homes and elsewhere. Almost as much excitement prevailed in St. Michael’s church, where, such was the alarm, the service could not be proceeded with. The lightning appears to have struck St. Mary’s spire against the upper north-west window, which is about 30 feet from the apex, stripping off the coping and crockets on one side, which fell which a crash into the street: it also knocked off a piece of the stone-work of the upper north window, and forced out a stone of the arch of the centre lancet light in the west front of the tower, just under the clock. The wire connecting the clock work with the striking hammer was broken; and a large block of stone descended from the north-west window to the bell-chamber, where it rested on one of the cross-beams. The stone work around the window is much loosened; but in other respects the spire is not damaged. It would have have (sic) been a source of regret to all archaeologists if this beautiful tower and spire had been seriously injured: they are remarkably fine examples of mediaeval architecture. The tower is Early English, and its various stages are enriched with clank arcades having lancet and trefoil heads, triplets of lancets, quatrefoils in circles, Runic work in a circle, and a beautiful western doorway. The octagonal broach spire is Decorated, a style of architecture that succeeded the Early English: its details are very rich. each face being pierced with windows of two lights, under exquisitely-wrought canopies, and statues of saints with their emblems at the angles. The composition has been considered worthy of being engraved for a costly illustrated work, entitled ‘The Towers and Spires of England and Wales:’ it invariably elicited the admiration of Sir Walter Scott when travelling between Scotland and London, his veneration for it being such that he uncovered his head whenever he approached it. The spire was also struck by lightning on the 14th June, 1842, which necessitated the re-building of it from just above the upper windows.”

The Stamford Mercury, 14th July, 1865.

A gang of robbers had found a useful passage underneath a family home and had made themselves very comfortable. It was an ideal place to stash their hoard, until the family and servants began to wonder. . .

“Singular Apprehension of a Gang of Robbers. –

During the last six weeks, the family and domestics of Henry Alwin Soames, Esq., a gentleman residing in Vanbrugh Fields, next Maize-hill, Greenwich Park, have been subject to strange underground noises, and smoke proceeding from the same direction: there have generally occurred at night. The servants, when in the passages leading to the kitchen and cellars, considered that they heard persons talking and knocking with some heavy instrument near the cellar situated under the parlour, which faces the lawn in the rear of the mansion. On Sunday the 17th, the family and servants were all absent except the cook, and she became very seriously alarmed at the strange noises. She therefore determined upon securing every door on the premises, and on her master’s return told him that she must leave her situation, if left alone again – she felt convinced that the house was haunted. About four o’clock on the following Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Soames, being satisfied that some person or persons were at work underground, went into Greenwich Park and met a police constable, to whom he related the circumstances, and also that smoke frequently found its way into the lower part of the house, where there was neither chimney nor fire-place. The officer accompanied Mr. Soames to the house, a large old-fashioned family mansion, overlooking from the back front the Thames and a very steep and rugged hanging wood. The police constable, attended by the gardener, coachman, &c., went on the paddock or lawn, at the bottom of which, 140 yards from the house, in the hanging wood, his attention was drawn to an opening in the brickwork into a subterranean passage, leading to the centre of the mansion. A spaniel dog belonging to Mr. Soames being on the spot, the constable requested that he might be induced to search the cavern (as they called it) in search of rats, &c. The dog went freely in, and immediately a voice was heard at the far end calling upon the dog to quit the place. The dog returned, followed at a distance by a man, who, on seeing several persons at the entrance, retreated back to his hiding place, refusing to surrender himself. A bundle of straw was then brought from the stable, put into the mouth of the tunnel, and set fire to. This not having the desired effect, pickaxes and spades were procured, and two large openings made through the lawn to the brickwork sufficient to admit a stout man. More straw was then set fire to, and dropped into the openings made. This had the desired effect: three blackguard fellows presented themselves, nearly suffocated, and implored to be released from their perilous situation. They were taken into custody, after which two police constables and Mr. Soames’s servants, lanthorns* in hand, proceeded to explore the retreat. They entered the passage in the hanging wood, on their hands and knees, and on proceeding something more then 100 feet, they discovered an open space, the bottoms of which was boarded, and a quantity of bricks piled up and covered with boards for seats or tables, and on one side another quantity of bricks formed into a fire-place, and which had been used for that purpose. On removing the boards from the bottom of this cell, an immense quantity of feathers was discovered, and a cash-box and other small boxes which had been broken open and their contents removed: many appeared to be jewel and trinket boxes and cases. The searchers proceeded from this place through a passage in which they could stand nearly upright for about 50 yards, when they were stopped by a brick wall, from which about fifty bricks appeared to have been recently removed, and upon touching one an opening was made into the cellar of the house. But for this timely discovery, it is apparent that a robbery of the premises would shortly have been effected. Mr. Soames and his family had no knowledge of this subterranean passage, which is supposed to have existed for centuries. The prisoners were charged before Mr. Traill, at the Greenwich police-court, and remanded.

The Stamford Mercury, 29th January, 1847.

• an earlier spelling of lantern: the reflective pieces were often made out of animal horn.

It is difficult to imagine today how a ‘darned fool’ might look, but even more what the dancing was like . . .

“A DARNED FOOL AT LANGHAM

WINS FANCY DRESS PRIZE:

Some original as well as pretty fancy dresses were to be seen at the annual dance in connection with the Langham and District Nursing Association in the village institute on Friday.

One lady had the pluck to go as a ‘darned fool’, whilst another, who called herself ‘No more strikes,’ was covered in spent matches.

This annual affair was arranged by Mrs. Mallory and the Nursing Association committee. and the awards of Lady Ainsworth and Mrs. Owen H. Smith were:-

Ladies: 1 Mme. Born (Darned fool.’), 2 Miss Mary Harris (No more strikes), 3 Miss F Cunnington

Gentlemen: 1 Mr. A. Moir (sailor), 2 Mr. Bob Revell (Little old lady), 3 Mr. Hinckley (Turk).

Children: 1 Mary Payne (gypsy), 2 Norah Hollingworth (Coronation year), 3 Reggie Squires (Red Indian).

The prizes were given by Mrs. Ruddle, the Hon. Mrs. Walsh, the Vicar and Mrs. Mallory and Mrs. E H. Hassan (Oakham).

About 120 danced to the music of the Four Ace Band, Mr. W. Porter Royce was M.C., and Mr. S Plumb door-keeper.

Mr. Gamble and Miss Rowett won a vanishing fox-trot*, and refreshments were served by Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Royce, Mrs. Rowett and Miss Close.

The organisers are very satisfied with the result in view of the fact that it was a wretched night and the fact that there were other local attractions. It is hoped that about £6 will be realised.”

The Stamford Mercury, 21st January, 1938.

*We have been unable to find out what a ‘vanishing fox-trot’ might be, but if any of our reader knows, we should be delighted to hear from you.

The Belvoir Hunt dates from 1750 and became a foxhound pack in 1762 (The Duke of Rutland’s Hounds). Since then the kennels have have been located at Belvoir Castle. It adjoins two other famous hunts: the Quorn and the Cottesmore. 

“THE BELVOIR.

The concluding meet of the season on the eastern side of the district took place on Friday at Weaver’s Lodge. There was, consequently, a large muster, including Lord Edward Manners (the field-master), Lord William Manners, Lord Robert Manners, Sir George Whichcote, Miss Whichcote, and the Misses Heathcote (Newton House). Hounds found a fox in Haydor Southings, which at the outset took a line as if for the Nightingale Bridge End-road, he ran very fast in the direction of Sapperton Wood. En route, however, he was apparently headed, and turning left-handed, he next bore towards Haceby. Hereabouts Gillard had a nasty fall, but happily escaped serious injury. In the meantime hounds had run on to Topp’s Spinney, where Reynard took another left turn, and he then proceeded to Newton Woods. Going through this covert he continued on to Newton village, where, getting into some gardens, he baffled hounds considerably, and they could do no further good with him. The fox, however, was afterwards viewed running in the direction of Newton Gorse, and although Gillard cast on, hounds were unable to recover the line. After drawing Sapperton Woods and Lenton Pastures blank the pack were taken on to Ingoldsby Wood late in the afternoon.

THE MASTERSHIP OF THE BELVOIR HUNT.

In consequence of the Duke of Rutland expressing his determination to cease hunting the Belvoir district at the end of this season a committee was formed for the purpose of placing the Belvoir Hounds on a new basis. With regard to the Mastership several offers have been received, but at a meeting of the committee held at the Guildhall, Grantham, on Monday, that which came from Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart., of Walton Hall, Warrington, was accepted. Sir Gilbert, who was 29 years of age on Monday, hunted with the Belvoir Hounds two or three times during the past few days.”

The Stamford Mercury, 3rd April, 1896.

Lucy, Countess Baldwin of Bewdley was an advocate of improved maternity care and particularly making anaesthetics available to women of low income to reduce the pain of childbirth. Part of the new buildings she was to open at Stamford High School included the current hall. Previously what is now the dining hall had fulfilled both functions.

“LADY BALDWIN TO VISIT STAMFORD

TO OPEN HIGH SCHOOL BUILDINGS

Lady Baldwin, wife of Earl Baldwin, probably one of the most popular Prime Ministers the country has had, has consented to perform the opening ceremony in connection with the new buildings at Stamford High School, now rapidly nearing completion.

The ceremony takes place on Saturday, 2, April.

The new buildings include three class-rooms, an art room, chemistry and biology laboratories, a school hall, complete with gallery which will seat 300. cloak rooms, headmistress’s flat etc.

The stone-laying ceremony was performed by the Marchioness of Exeter on Thursday, 29 April, 1937.”

The Stamford Mercury, 4th February, 1938.

Three separate railway incidences in June and July, 1896 are here described. Even police officers, is seems, were not safe.

“THE OUTRAGE ON THE BRIGHTON RAILWAY. –

At East Grinstead police-court on Saturday Alfred Lock was charged with attempting to murder Miss Louisa Clarke in a carriage on the Brighton Railway on the 16th July. A second charge was now preferred against the prisoner of having assaulted Annie Pearce, nursemaid, residing at 43, Adys-road, East Dulwich, on July 10. Miss Pearce was on her way to Brighton, and the prisoner joined the train at Hassocks. As the train passed through Clayton tunnel she alleged the prisoner threw her on the floor of the compartment. She screamed and then became unconscious. When she came to herself the prisoner was standing over her and said he should not touch her. She got her hand to the communicator, but was afraid the prisoner would assault her again if she pulled it. At Preston Park the prisoner left the train hurriedly. She made no complaint till she reached her sister at Brighton. Additional evidence was given in regard to the assault on Miss Clarke. Dr. Hendley, Guy’s Hospital, described Miss Clarke’s injuries, and said that she would not be able to attend for another week. After further evidence the case was adjourned for a week.”

The Stamford Mercury, 31st July, 1896.

“THROWING STONES AT A TRAIN. –

A dastardly act was perpetrated on the Great Northern Railway on Monday as the train leaving Grantham at 3.23 p.m. for Essendine was passing Burton Coggles. A missile was hurled at the train, and a window of one of the compartments was smashed, the broken glass flying to the other end of the carriage. The occupants of the compartment were a young man living at Stamford and five members of the Stamford police-force, and the former narrowly escaped severe injuries. At first it was feared that his eyes were cut, but fortunately he sustained only a slight scratch on the face and forehead from the broken glass. The stone of other missile did not enter the compartment. On arrival of the train at Essendine the matter was reported to the station-master.”

The Stamford Mercury, 12th June, 1896.