Tag: archives

What in Heaven’s Name?

There are over 100 types of clouds, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s International Cloud Atlas. Whether it was unusual clouds that appeared over Grantham in 1829, or a sign from the heavens, something strange was in the air as the sky over the town was transformed into something never before seen .

“On Tuesday evening the 6th instant the inhabitants of Grantham were agitated by a very extraordinary appearance in the heavens: about half-past seven o’clock the Eastern and Western parts of the horizon seemed as two prodigious columns of fire issuing from immense volcanoes; the clouds were extremely disturbed, and the rack, riding in opposite directions, portended an elementary war. The vane and steeple of the church were quite illuminated; and the effect produced upon the houses in the town (principally of brick) is scarcely to be described: they reflected a strong fiery red, and appeared as if viewed through one of Claude Lorraine’s glasses of that color. During the time of the curious appearance, which was nearly half an hour, the air was particularly close and warm: a considerable degree of anxiety was depicted upon the countenances of all who viewed the phenomenon, and in the impression of religious awe which the mind received, the beautiful idea of the Royal Psalmist was strongly enforced, wherein he describes the Supreme as “riding on the wings of the winds and directing the storm!” The unusual appearance had vanished by eight o’clock, but in the mind’s eye of those who had sensibly beheld it, left a trace which will long continue.”

Stamford Mercury, 16th August, 1811.

A Wansford Wobble

It’s strange to think of the places we see and live in as anything other than how they are now. It is thought that probably from Saxon times the Old Bridge across the Nene at Wansford carried the earliest versions of the Great North Road; very different from our experience. The bridge we see today dates mainly from about 1600. In 1811, however, part of Wansford bridge (currently a listed structure!) toppled into the water below as a cart and horse met with a coach. In 1929 the Great North Road (A1) moved from its centuries old route to the east of Wansford.

“A few days ago as a cart, horse, and boy were passing over Wansford bridge, they were unfortunately met by Eclipse coach, when all the former were precipitated into the water, together with several yards of the wall: by an extraordinary interposition of Providence, the boy and horse, notwithstanding the fearful height from which they fell, were rescued from the water almost unhurt.”

Stamford Mercury, 1 March 1811.

A Tipsy Cow

There are plenty of animals that are said to get drunk on their travels. Honeybees can get drunk off of tree sap and are often attacked by their sober companions, elephants on sweet fruits and monkeys in Caribbean hotel resorts sneaking sips of cocktails purchased by their guests. In 1829, one cow belonging to a merry man called John Bull decided it was her time to get tipsy.

“DRUNKEN COW.- John Bull is often drunk, why may not his cow get tipsy sometimes? A curious affair took place at Bulwell, Notts, on the 6th inst.: Mr. Adin, having been brewing some ale against the feast, set it outside the building to cool; a cow, attracted to the spot by the odour, tasted it, and finding it as pleasant to the palate as it had been to the smell, actually drank the whole, consisting of twelve gallons and a half! It did not seem to do her any harm.”

Stamford Mercury, 16 October 1829.

Fire at The Crown Inn

With heartbreaking scenes unfolding in Paris upon the fire of Notre Dame, it brings to mind the sadness many would feel if some of our own beautiful buildings in Stamford went up in flames. There are many jaw-dropping spaces dotted around the town that no doubt fear the consequences of a fire – in 1811, however, The Crown Inn, now known as The Crown Hotel, suffered a scare of its own.

“On Monday evening, about nine o’clock, a fire was discovered at the Crown Inn in this place. It was occasioned by some fire having communicated (through a flue of the scullery chimney) to a beam in Mr. Piercy’s bed-room, and had probably been burning many hours before it was discovered by Mrs. Piercy, who had been attracted to the room by the cries of one of her children, (a fine boy about 3 years of age,) who had not long been put to bed. At the instant she opened the door, a column of smoke extinguished the light of a candle that she held in her hand, and the room was soon after in a blaze. Her cries quickly brought Mr. P. to her assistance, who, with great difficulty, and at the hazard of his life, tore down some stout wood-work, &c. and so fortunately prevented the flames spreading further; had an interval of five minutes more elapsed, the child must have perished, and the whole premises would, in all probability, have been consumed.”

Stamford Mercury, 12 April 1811.

Caught with pork in Stamford!

Stamford has been known for many things: the Bull Run, Mid-Lent Fair and its array of beautiful, listed Georgian buildings. However, in 1811, it was also the place where a Jewish man was caught and accused of eating Pork.

“An extraordinary inquiry is likely to engage the next court of quarter sessions for Boston, in matter of indictment for an assault commited in the Jewish synagogue in that town one day last week. – Whilst the Rabbi was engaged in his religious duties, one of the circumcised fraternity, a travelling pen-cutter, interrupted the solemnities, and reproached him (the Rabbi) with the sin of eating pork at Stamford some time ago!  A warm altercation ensued; and in the end the accuser was thrust out of the assembly, in such a way as induced him to apply to the magistrates for warrants against three of the persons who put him forth (named Moses, Israel, and Solomon), for an assault.  The warrants were granted, and the parties, we are informed, have since been bound in recognizances to appear at the sessions.”

Stamford Mercury, 7 June 1811.

Where’s Your Bible?

It is not uncommon to assume that if the doorbell rings in the middle of the day, it is probably not someone you know, but someone trying to sell you something. In 1823, some gentlemen from the Bible association called upon a woman who most definitely had something to prove! Unfortunately, she gave away to them the fact that though she had a Bible, she had not looked at it for three years!

“Some gentlemen of the Bible association lately calling upon an old woman to see if she had a bible, were severely reproved with a spirited reply, “Do you think, gentleman, that I am a Heathen, that you should ask me such a question?” Then addressing a little girl, she said, “Run and fetch the bible out of my drawer, that I may show it to the gentlemen.” The gentlemen declined giving her the trouble, but she insisted on giving them ocular demonstration that she was no Heathen. Accordingly the bible was brought, nicely covered; and, on opening it, the old woman exclaimed, “Well, how glad I am that you have come: here are my spectacles, that I have been looking for these three years, and didn’t know where to find ’em” – Carlisle Journal.”

Stamford Mercury, 26 September 1823

Emigration to America

Emigration to America caused a great deal of concern two hundred years ago.  The “mania” to emigrate had taken deep hold of the population, who were seeking greater economic stability than could be found in the UK at that time.

“EMIGRATION.–The Plymouth Paper says, “We have had to touch more than once on this painful topic, and we are again impelled to revert to it.– Whatever may be the real cause, it is too true that the mania has taken deep hold of the population of this port and the neighbouring parts around, large portions of which have resolved and are resolving to become the inhabitants of the American land.  During the past and present week in particular many have embarked : among others, Mr. Hornbrook, a woollen manufacturer, from the neighbourhood of Tavistock, who is said to have taken the whole of his establishment, consisting of 16 men and apprentices, and four women, for the avowed purpose of carrying on his future concern at Pittsburgh, the Birmingham of America.  We could mention other names, which the public would hear with some surprise.  A silversmith at Plymouth is employed almost from morning to night in furnishing the emigrants with gold and silver in exchange for Bank paper;  and were we to state the amount thus exchanged, and which thenceforth may be considered as totally lost, as well as the possessors, to the mother country, it would be quite evidence enough, if any be wanting, of the spirit of emigration.”

Stamford Mercury, 5th June 1818

Keeping up Appearances

Appearances are most important.  This article purports to be concerned with saving the reader money on costly doctors’ visits, yet quickly becomes an advertisement.

“WHAT APPEARANCES COST

Keeping up appearances is an expensive luxury.  You’re worth 150l, a year, your neighbour is worth 400l.  You think you can do as he does ; so you can – for a time.  The jackdaw thought he would look nice in the peacock’s feathers, but he couldn’t stand the pressure, and before he could take them off the other birds made it warm for him.  It may appear very fine to have the doctor’s carriage driving up to your door, but remember, every time the coachman pulls up it costs you five shillings.  Whether you prefer to give the doctor five shillings or to spend one shilling on a bottle of Allison’s Cherry Balsam when Coughs are in the house, is your business.  Allison’s Cherry Balsam has saved many a man pounds by relieving him, his wife, and family from Chest Complaints.  Sold in bottles at 1s. 1  1/2d. by every Chemist and Drug Store.  Post free for 15 stamps from Hy. Allison, Lincoln.

Agents : Every Chemist and Drug Store in the United Kingdom.

Wholesale agents : Barclay and Sons, 95 Farringdon-street, E.C. ; Newbery and Sons, Charterhouse-square, E.C. London ; W. Foggitt, Thirsk ; Evans, Liverpool.  Sole proprietor : Hy. Allison, Lincoln.”

Stamford Mercury, 17th January 1902.

The Ram Jam Inn: ‘House of Drunkards’

If you’re travelling on the A1 you will have seen The Ram Jam Inn. Originally a thriving coaching inn, it now sits on the side of the road between Stamford and Grantham, looking a little worse for wear. It is said that Dick Turpin was a frequent guest, with stories of the lawbreaker up-to-no-good at the establishment. However, in 1823, another theory of how the Ram Jam got its name came to print in the Stamford Mercury…

“Travellers on the great North road are puzzled with the meaning of the “Ram Jam House,” near Greetham Inn. The vulgar opinion has been that it arose from an unintelligible exclamation of a man made drunk with the ale he found there- “Ram Jam, by. G-!” The true origin of the word may, however, be found in the language of Indostan, where Ramjam signifies a drunkard. Ramjam house must therefore mean the house of drunkards, which probably was not the intention of the magistrates who renewed the license, nor of the respectable persons who keep the house- Rees’ Cyclo., art. Drunkenness”

Stamford Mercury, 23 February 1823.

A Curious Funeral

The act of body snatching wasn’t uncommon in 19th century Britain, so a grieving father went to extreme lengths to protect his son’s body during his funeral. Armed with wire and explosives, a crowd drew to the graveside as they watched the man pour gunpowder over the coffin. However, the gravedigger feared for his life with every shovel of earth poured – dreading an explosion!

“DUNDEE FUNERAL.- Curiosity drew together a crowd of people on Monday, at Dundee, to witness the funeral of a child, which was consigned to the grave in a novel manner. The father, in terror of the resurrection men, has caused a small box, enclosing some deathful apparatus, communicating by means of wires with the four corners, to be fastened on the top of the coffin. Immediately before it was lowered into the earth, a large quantity of gunpowder was poured into the box, and the hidden machinery put into a state of readiness for execution. The common opinion was, that if any one attempted to raise the body, he would be blown up. The sexton seemed to dread an immediate explosion; for he started back in alarm after throwing in the first shovelful of earth.- Scotch Paper.“

Stamford Mercury, 1 August, 1823.