Mercuriosities

Long before the days of the facsimile machine, one man had a vision of transmitting letters miles away by means of an ‘artificial hurricane’ – perhaps this was the original ‘air mail’!

Something similar could be seen in shops not that long ago, whereby cash could be removed quickly from the shop floor and sent directly to the accounts department, thus minimising the amount of cash held in the tills. Indeed some readers may remember this system in place in the Co-op in Stamford High Street, in the building that more recently housed Wilkos.

“-The Mechanics’ Magazine has an account of a new plan for the rapid transmission of letters and light dispatches through tubular passages, at certain intervals in which he purposes to place air-exhausting machines, which will establish a perpetual current of artificial hurricane, by means of which spherically-shaped elastic vehicles, or bags, will be blown from station to station. The first cost is estimated by Mr. James at 2000l. per mile, and the working expenses at 300l. to 500l. per annum for every 50 miles. This system would enable us to transmit documentary intelligence at the rate of 7200 miles a day! Instead of one exchange of letters per day between Liverpool and London, there might be twelve exchanges.”

The Stamford Mercury, 2nd May, 1845.

Continuing the story of the hard life young convicts lead after being transported to Van Diemen’s Land.

The Stamford Mercury, 21st November, 1845.

A harrowing account of the hard life lead by young men after transportation to Van Diemen’s Land.

“LINCOLN. – History of a Thief. – Recently, a youth 19 years of age, named Jos. Sanderson, who was transported from Doncaster in the year 1838, having returned from transportation, called upon police-inspector Ashton, of this city, and gave him an account of his life, from which which we condense the following particulars:-In December, 1836, he left home (Sheffield) with his brother john, and a boy named Thos. McGuire, and came to Lincoln. Here, and on the road, they committed 13 felonies; and in January, 1837, they were apprehended by Ashton for stealing silk-handkerchiefs from the shop of Mrs. Jeavons, and some pork from the shop of Mr. Geo. Simpson, butcher: being tried before Lord Abinger at the following assizes, McGuire was sentenced to seven years’ transportation, and the two brothers to six months’ imprisonment each. Joseph sadly misconducted himself whilst in prison, and at the end of the term was taken to a London refuge, that efforts might be made to reclaim him. After being in the establishment for almost a fortnight, he determined upon escaping; and accordingly, one night after he had been put to bed he got up, dressed himself and went up the chimney: having arrived at the top, he threw down his cap, and leaving his smock at the top of the chimney to prevent the smoke from coming out, he dropped down the side of the building, left London, and went down to Sheffield, where he again joined some juvenile companions in crime. Not long afterwards, he was apprehended by Mr. Bond, constable of Doncaster, and with two other youths was committed for trial for stealing three silk-handkerchiefs, tried, and sentenced to seven years’ transportation. In February, 1838, he was removed from York Castle to the boys’ hulks at Chatham, and after being there for nine months, he was removed with 269 other boys and 10 men to a convict-ship at Sheerness; and after four months’ voyage, the whole were landed at Hobart’s Town, Van Dieman’s Land*. Here, after the likenesses of the whole had been taken, each was asked how many times he had been in prison, and for what; to what church he belonged; what was his trade, what friends he had in England, and where they lived. The ship’s company were then examined, and the largest boys were selected from the rest, put into a boat guarded by soldiers, and conveyed to the barracks.”

The Stamford Mercury, 21st November, 1845.

To be continued . . .

*Tasmania

The bells rang out for Lord Burghley‘s birthday, but Stamford folk were not happy. His father, the (3rd) Marquis of Exeter was not a popular man in 1845 due to his opposition to the railway coming to the town.

“Nine-tenths of the inhabitants of Stamford were greatly annoyed at an early hour on Wednesday morning by the ringing of bells at several of the churches of the town. It was stated to be on account of its being the birthday of Lord Burghley (eldest son of the Marquis of Exeter), who on that day completed his 20th year. The ringing was continued throughout the day; and, connected with the exceeding unpopularity of the Marquis’ unscrupulous opposition to the railway which is to bring coals to the town at one-third of the price heretofore paid for them, and to confer other essential advantages on the inhabitants, made the annoyance intolerable at this juncture. Many, disturbed from their business by the din of the bells, assembled in the streets, and expressed their dissatisfaction in indignant terms, declaring that, with the experience they had, they could not find it in their hearts to rejoice, ‘for all Lord Exeter’s honesty, or all Lord Burghley’s beauty.'”

The Stamford Mercury, 7th February, 1845.

Quite why this post-boy needed to hide his actions from Mr. Whincup of the George is not clear. Perhaps he had borrowed the chaise to deliver the passengers to Empingham on the quiet?! In any case, the chaise and all the horses were lost in the Welland.

It is also not clear what sort of vehicle it was, some were two-wheeled and driven by only one horse, others (like a post chaise) could be four-wheeled and enclosed. Often the driver would ride one of the horses.

“A serious loss was sustained by Mr. Whincup, of The George Inn in this place, on Wednesday night, through the misconduct of a post-boy names James Eaton. He had driven to Empingham two passengers who came to Stamford by the Regent coach, and on his return went with the chaise and horses into the river Welland, on the north side (to avoid observation from the George), to wash them, and the consequence was that the whole were by force of the current carried down the river. Opposite the brewery of Mr. Phillips the cries of the post-boy were heard, and that gentleman’s pleasure-boat was immediately used to save him: he was standing on the top of the chaise, with his head just above the water, when he was rescued: immediately the chaise and horses sunk, and the cattle* were drowned.”

The Stamford Mercury, 4th March, 1825.

*I don’t think there were cattle involved as well. Perhaps this refers to the horses?

Erithacus rubecula, or robin, our favourite garden bird took up residence in Lincoln Minster and everybody loved it, except an officious Verger.

“This bird (probably a pious decendant of the old visitor), which for so many winters has taken up its abode in the caythedral, has commenced its carolling rather early this season. On Sunday afternoon the 12th inst. it was seen flitting about the choir, sometimes perched in the carved work surmounting the Bishop’s throne, then flying off to the altar-screen, shirping a few short notes until the organ peeled forth the commencement of the psalms, when it warbled aloud in accompaniment of the chanting, and frequently after added its melody to the choruses, especially when the boys were singing; grateful probably for the scattered scumbs they bring to it, or finding the alto of their youthful voices more accordant with its own notes than the deeper tones of the tenor and bass. Robin is generally ‘residentiary’ during the winter season, and either from long practice or good teaching has learned to conduct itself very passably. The bird seldom does more than chirp a note ot two during the prayers or the lessons, but for this forbearance considers itself fully entitles to sing ad libitum whenever the choir organ gives the tone. Some years ago a surly verger endeavoured to shoot poor Robin, as an intruder and a nuisance, but all who love the Robin (and who does not) will rejoice to learn that, though carved work and glass sustained damage, the pious bird escaped.”

The Stamford Mercury, 17th October, 1845.

Major evacuation (‘Operation Pied Piper’) began in September, 1939. By February 1940 the small village of Barnack had taken 80, but the Government wanted the villagers to take another 200!

“280 CHILDREN FOR BARNACK AREA

Billets not easy to obtain.

‘They don’t realise the stubborness of the householders after what they have gone through. Some of them have said that they would rather go to prison than put up with any more evacuees!’

This remark was made by the Clerk (Mr. W. Dellar) when a Ministry circular, stating that another evacuation scheme had been formulated, as discussed at the monthly meeting of Barnack Rural District Countil, held at Stamford on Monday.

Lord Exeter presided, supported by Mr. C. G. Argles and Mr. J. W. Burdell, together with the Clerk (Mr. Walter Dellar) and the Medical Officer (Dr. W. Anley Hawes).

CO-OPERATION WANTED

The circular stated that Barnack area was expected to billet 200 children evacuees from the large towns or cities in addition to the 80 already staying in the rural district.

The Clerk said that the Government was of the opinion that evacuation was as desirable now as at the outbreak of the war, and hoped for the full co-operation of the local authorities and householders.

It was proposed to establish a roll of householders who were willing to co-operate. This new scheme was still coluntary, and would not be put into operation unless air raids developed and there were obvious perils to the population. The local authorities would have 36 hours’ notice oif evacuation in the event of an emergency.

The circular added that the task of the Covernment was to prepare for the future. There were over 400,000 children in the evacuation areas, but it was not fair that the burden should fall on one householder in every fout. Others should be willing to share the budren of their neighbours.

DIFFICULTY ANTICIPATED

The Clerk emphasised that the primary consideration was the safety of the children, and that they should remain in the evacuation areas.

Mr. Dellar also pointed out that the Government had increased the allowance to householders from 8s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per week for all evacuees of 14 years andover in their charge.

The Clerk said that children of 14 or over could stay at their billets if their parent desired.

Members agreed that 8s. 6d. per week seemed hardly enough to keep a grown-up child.

The view was also expressed that considerable difficulty would be encountered in getting householders to billet the 200 other children allocated to Barnack district.

The Clerk stated that only about one-fifth of the original number of evacuees now remained in Barnack rural area, but in view of the previous survey the Government stated that there was plenty of room for the 280 they now allocated.

THE ROOT OF THE TROUBLE

That householders who placed their names on the roll, which would be sirculated to every house, need not fear that the evacuation burden would fall on them, was included in the Ministry circular, the Clerk said. He went on to explain that compulsory powers could be exercised on householders by the Council if the voluntary response failed to bring about an equitable distribution.

The Clerk said that even so the Government did not understand the circumstances. They had no idea what the houses or the householders were like.

Lord Exeter : The thin is so vast and incomprehensible that we don’t know where we stand. One official seems merely an echo of the other . . . .Dual control and dual education seem at the bottom of these evacuation troubles, and they should be stopped.

MEDICAL OFFICER GRANTED ASSISTANCE

The Medical Officer also referred to evacuation, and said he was compelled to ask the Council to engage a trained nurse for the auxiliary evacuation hospital at Barn-hill, Stamford.

Dr. Hawes added that her had been wroking as many as 20 hours a day, and he could not keep on as a ‘sort of hotel keeper.’ he added that he had tried every registry for doctors, but none was available to give assistance, having been absorbed by the Emergency Medical Service. A trined nurse was the only alternative, and he also felt that the housekeeper at Barn-hill should receive increased remuneration for her servcies, which were very arduous.

The Council agreed to the Medical Officer’s request to try to obtain a trained nurse at a salary of £110 per year, and also decided to increase the wages of the housekeeper to 30s. per week with board.”

The Stamford Mercury, 23rd February, 1940.

Quite why these two love stories are reported in November is unclear. We always though it was in the spring that ‘a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love‘*. However, the village, first over the scottish border, became a haven for lovers following the 1754 Marriage Act (England and Wales). Youngsters under 21 were forbidden to marry without parental permission.

“During the last ten days, there have been several flights of ‘happy pairs’ through Carlisle, towards the shrine of Gretna. On the 3d inst. an old man from Askham, Westmoreland, (aged sixty,) flew thither on the wings of love, with a buxom damsel of twenty. And on the 5th inst. a more elevated couple drove northward in a chaise and four full gallop. Who they were, or whence they came, no one can tell: but, like the late Lord Erskine, the gentleman was veiled (if not petticoated) as he hurried through the town! – These are rare times for the brandy-loving noose-tyer. – Carlisle Journal.”

“A religious sect has recently spring up in the county of Surrey, one of whose tenets is to salute each other a meeting with a holy kiss. One of the female devlotees, a young lady of a thousand charms, happened to encounter a young gentleman, of whom she was enamoured, and gave him a more cordial and loving salute than was quite becoming. The next day she received a message from the High Priest of the sect, saying that she had been excommunicated for ‘kissing with an appetite’.”

The Stamford Mercury, 12th November, 1824.

*From Lockslely Hall, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

We have all experienced the urge to jump, when standing next to a drop or abyss. In this story, Mr. A ‘s companion felt the same with tragic consequences.

‘Extract from a private letter to the Editor – “A brother of a respectable gentleman at Bristol (known for several branches of my family), was make a tour a short time since on the Continent for the benefit of his health. When travelling through Italy, he one day met with a young man who was pursuing the same course; and as he seemed without connections or attendants, and possessed interesting manners and a prepossessing appearance, Mr. A. propsed that they should continue their journey together. In the course of conversation, he discovered that the young man had deeply imbibed the principles of infidelity; and Mr. A. being a pious and intelligent man, entered upon the subject with the hope of imparting to his companion the comfort of those doctrines of which he himself felt the power and the value; and the young man listened with apparent attention and interest. On the following day they ascended to the summit of the burning Vesuvius, and contemplated its terrific crater with astonishment and awe. Next day the stranger requested Mr. A. to accompnay him again to the volcano; but he, finding himself exhausted by the fatigue of the journey, declined; promising, nevertheless, should his strength rally, that he would comply with the request on the morrow. For the morrow the young man waited not, – but hiring a guide, he proceeded immediately to the spot. At the summit he stood for some time, looking at the tremendous chasm; and then, presenting his watch to the attendant, he plunged headlong into the abyss! The guide, almost petrified at the sight, remained for a time in silent horror, and at length returned to the inn, to inform Mr. A. of the event, and to give into his hands the watch he had received for the deluded and unhappy creature. Mr. A., whoc was rapidly sinking in the last stage of consumption, was inexpressibly shocked; and after sending the account to his friends in England, in a short time he expired, under the consolatory and peaceful influence of those truths which led him to the joyful expectation of an inheritance in the skies!”‘

The Stamford Mercury, 12th November, 1824.

A huge crowd of over 10,000 people descended on Peterboro’ to see the opening of the railway line to Blisworth.

“Opening of the Peterboro’ and Blisworth Railway – This line having been inspected by General Pasley, the Inspector-General of Railways, the formal opening took place on Saturday, the particulars of which will be found in our fourth page. Monday was appointed for the opening of the line to the public- an event which will be long remembered by the many thousands of persons who witnessed the proceedings of the day. The first up-train left Peterboro’ station (which is a capacious place on the east side of the London road a few hundred yards from the bridge) at 7 o’ clock in the morning, with six carriages, and another train followed at 1/2 past 10 with a goodly number of passengers; and this later met the first down-train from London at the Wansford station, where the latter arrived shortly before 12 (at least one hour after its appointed time). The passengers from London, Northampton, Wellingboro’, Higham Ferrers, Thrapston, Oundle &c., having filled the first train to Peterboro, the greatest disappointment was experienced at Sibson station, where at least 200 persons were waiting to proceed by it to Peterboro’: a few did succeed in getting upon the roofs of the carriages, but the more respectable company were left behind, and had their ticket-money returned. On this train’s approaching Peterboro’, a most interesting scene presented itself to the voyagers, many thousand persons having congregated to witness the arrival of the first public railway train into that city; and although the population was under 7000 at the taking of the last census, it is believed there must have been from 10,000 to 12,000 persons present – every town and vilage for some miles around having assisted to make this extradionary assemblage. The majority of the company occupied the meadow where the celebrated bridge-fair is held, but the bridge and the road thence to the turnpike were also densely crowded with anxious spectators, as also was every window from which a view of the train could be obtained: it was stopped on the west side of the road for the purpose of receiving the passengers’ tickets, which occupied about a quarter of an hour, and after this the road was crossed on the level, and the train approached the station, in Fletton parish, amidst the plaudits of the throng, the ringing of the church bells, and bands of music. The moving mass then crossed the river Nene and entered the city, at which time at least half the shops were closed, and those who were ready to wait upon their patrons seemed to have little or nothing to do. The inns generally were very crowded, and from the presence of so many strangers the landlords must have experienced a good harvest. The interval which took place between the arrival of the first train from London, and that of the second, which was advertised to arrive at a quarter to 3 o’clock, was occupied in taking refreshment, and in visiting the cathedral and the shows : the latter consisted of Ewing’s wax-work exhibition, a theatre, and several other attractions of less importance, which were stationed in the Market place.”

The Stamford Mercury, 6th June, 1845.