Grand multiple christenings were held when the father of 25 children, all by his wife, decided to have five sons christened all at the same time – perhaps to save money. The celebrations included the wedding of the couple’s daughter. The gossips enjoyed themselves so much they offered their services as gossips for the next five. Large families were not unusual in the nineteenth century, as many children didn’t survive infancy but a family of 25 is most extraordinary – more than enough for two cricket teams with reserves.
“A LARGE FAMILY.–A novel occurrence connected with the minister’s occasional duty has taken place in the parish church of South Kelsey, and which it is confidently believed has no parallel in the history of the mundane affairs of this fruitful and extensive county. Mr. Henry Rawlinson, of that place, baker, has been the father of 25 children by his present wife, and he had a few years since five sons christened together in Kelsey church, who were attended thither by the full complement of sponsors ; and after the ceremony, the customary country rejoicings were faithfully observed, to wit, eating and drinking till sharp appetites changed to full stomachs. During the day, the gossips, being in merry wood [sic], volunteered their services to stand again for the next five boys ; and it has since happened that five other lads have actually been born, the two last of whom were twins. The former sponsors being all alive, and true to their word, mustered lately at Mr. Rawlinson’s house in their holiday clothes and with cheerful faces, again to make promises and vows ; and in addition to their hopes of another merry christening, on arriving at church they had the pleasure of witnessing the ministration of the rite of matrimony to the second daughter ; after which the bride’s five rosy-cheeked brothers were separately christened before a crowded congregation of “all sorts and conditions of men,” including several spinsters, who “looked unutterable things.” To commemorate these conjoint occasions, an extensive sacrifice of geese, ducks, and fowls had been made, and after church, were all planted upon the table smoking hot, together with roast beef and plum puddings. It is needless to add that the good things of this life were distributed with a hearty welcome, and the partakers being all of the right sort did ample justice to the bidding of “mine host.” Sir John Barleycorn‘s presence, goodness and smiles, gave a zest to the entertainment, and caused many laughable “sayings and doings.” A constant supply of real Jamaica and ‘blue ruin’ kept the company together the whole of the next day. The gossips were so much delighted with their visit, as to offer to “stand again for the next five ;” and as Mrs. Rawlinson is a fine healthy-looking woman, some of the party are already enjoying the hope of another good jollification.”
Stamford Mercury, 1st February, 1833.