Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
29th December 1827
Parisian Fashions.
Bryning,
Hair Cutter, Dresser, Ornamental Hair Manufacturer, and Perfumer.
108, Thames Street, Windsor.
Respectfully informs the Nobility and Gentry, that he continues to receive the newest and most approved Parisian Fashions for Head Dresses. He begs to call the attention of Ladies and Gentlemen, wearing Ornamental Hair, to the very extensive Stock of that article he has now on Sale in every variety of shape and colour, which, from numerous improvements he has made, is warranted superior, for lightness and durability, to any yet offered.
Orders to any extent executed with despatch. Private Apartments for Hair Cutting. Families and Schools attended.
A portion of his Majesty's bounty to the poor of the town (noticed in our last) was on Wednesday distributed in coals by our worthy Mayor; - the remainder will be given on Monday next.
The King has been pleased to present the Birmingham Musical Festival Committee with a copy of
Dr.Arnold's valuable edition of Handel's Works, in 43 folio volumes. His Majesty's gracious intention was communicated to the
Earl Howe, President of the late meeting, through
Sir William Knighton.
Mrs.Dawson of St.Leonard's , with her accustomed liberality , has caused to be distributed , five chaldrons of coals, for the relief of the poor of Clewer, Windsor, and the vicinity.
The last mournful tribute to departed excellence, was on Thursday last paid to the remains of the late
Dr.Pope. The high reputation which he enjoyed as a physician, joined to his inestimable private worth, rendered his death a subject of deep and general sorrow; and accordingly a large concourse of relations and friends followed his remains to the grave. The universal regret of the inhabitants of Staines was demonstrated by the closing of their shops on the occasion. Almost all the members of the medical profession in the neighbourhood headed the procession; among them we noticed
Drs.Fergusson and
Smith,
Sir J.Chapman,
Messrs O'Reilly,
Furnivall,
Ives, and Co, &c. A numerous assemblage of the gentry and inhabitants of Staines, including several of the clergy also attended on the solemn occasion . Such spontaneous testimonies of regard, attest in the strongest manner the general estimation in which
Doctor Pope was held by those who had the best means of judging his abilities as a professional man, and of his private worth as a member of the community. His active benevolence, urbane manners, and kind disposition, endeared him to a large circle of friends, by whom his memory will be long and affectionately cherished.
The Colonel of the Life Guards has written a letter to our worthy Mayor, requesting that he will order the Publicans not to allow military men to remain in their houses after ten at night.
Hoax - Gurney's Steam Carriage
A number of hand bills, of which the following is a copy, were sent from London on Thursday, and distributed in Windsor in the course of the afternoon:- "Steam Coach .- The public will no doubt feel a gratification when they are informed that this wonderful machine will leave London on Friday morning next, the 28th inst., at ten o'clock. It will pass through Hammersmith, Hounslow, and Colnbrook, on its way to Windsor, and return through Egham and Staines, in the afternoon, to London."
The good people of this town were accordingly on the qui vive, at an early hour, yesterday morning, determined that the wonderful machine, whatever incredible number of miles it might propel itself in an hour, should not give them the go by. It was very accurately calculated, that if it started at ten from London (and who could doubt but it would so start ?) it might reach Windsor, almost without using its hind legs, by eleven, and take breakfast to boot. At eleven , therefore, a lively anxiety was felt for its arrival, and the Long Walk, up which it was reported it would pass, exhibited an unusually large concourse of persons for this season. Many, however, were not to be satisfied with a mere casual glance, but intent on feasting their eyes on the self propelling wonder, determined to meet it half way, and join in the cavalcade. About two the crowd was considerably increased, and various rumours were afloat. At three, about 4000 persons assembled in the Long Walk, many of whom were wound up to the highest pitch of expectation - on the approach of every vehicle, the crowd vociferated "gate!" and all were on tip-toe - every eye was strained. From this hour doubts as to the trustworthiness of the report began generally to obtain, which, as the afternoon advanced, became more and more serious, and the throng gradually dispersed. Some persons, however, who had seen the printed bills, (which by the way were not very profusely distributed) manifested a very praise worthy credulity to the very last, and even as late as four, when the fog began to arise, their hopes were by no means damped, for they thought they perceived the steam in the distance. We need not say that their hopes "vanished into thin air".The hoax is very generally attributed to the coach proprietors, who, it was reported, urged persons to book places for London, which from the necessary influx of strangers, would become extremely scarce. This we do not believe, simply from its inadequacy to the end proposed.
On Sunday morning, between two and three o'clock, a barge, the property of
Mr.Allen, bargemaster, of Thames-side, and moored off Putney-bridge, was owing to the high tide and boisterous state of the weather, sunk, and went to pieces.There were three men on board at the time. Unfortunately, one of them,
John Trindell, was drowned - the others saved themselves by swimming. The deceased was 26 years of age, and unmarried; his father is in the employ of
Messrs.Jennings. The barge was laden with coals and gas pipe, for the works of the Windsor Company; in the recovery of which latter considerable expense and risk will, it is supposed, be incurred. The body has not yet been found.
Yesterday morning the powder mill at Hanworth, the property of
Mr.Harvey, blew up with a dreadful explosion. We have not heard the cause of the accident, nor whether any lives have been lost. - This is the third explosion within the last six months.
Local Police
Monday, Dec.24.
The Life Guards and the Watchmen
The unfortunate man,
Smith, who has been so brutally assaulted by the Guardsmen, attended the Court this morning, accompanied by
Sir John Chapman, and apparently in a very enfeebled state.
Sir John stated that the poor fellow's life had been in imminent danger from the dreadful treatment he had received, and that he had been unable to attend before this morning. Indeed it seemed with some difficulty that he managed to stand without support, observing which, the worthy Mayor very humanely ordered a chair to be placed by the fire for him.
The Court asked if he could identify the men who had ill-used him !
Smith - I think I can swear to one of them, if the men are brought into Court, but it would be impossible for me to pick out a single man from the whole regiment drawn up in a line, I am an old soldier myself, and know that that is next to impossible.
The Court thought there was only one man (the owner of the cap F 21) against whom any evidence existed which would warrant the Court in requiring his attendance. The other four men, although they might be known at the barracks from the circumstances of the mudded trowsers, yet unless they were voluntarily sent, it would not be competent to the Court to demand their appearance. A letter was accordingly sent to the Colonel of the regiment requiring the attendance of the man who was known as F 21. A short time afterwards, Quarter master
Simpson appeared in Court, accompanied by the private in question. The Quartermaster stated that the man's name was
George Clifdon, and that he answered to F 21. The Court then desired the watchman to proceed with his statement.
Samuel Smith being sworn, stated as follows - Just before twelve o'clock on Monday night, while on duty on the Bridge, five soldiers, all Life Guardsmen, went to the Anchor; they knocked at the door, but the landlord refused to admit them. They seemed much disappointed at not being let in, and began to make a great row and disturbance. I went up to them, when they told me they had leave from the Colonel, I said I knew better, that they could not be on leave at that hour, and desired them to go home peaceably, and they promised to be quiet. But at the same time another soldier, whom I had just before taken out of the Anchor, came up, and the men now altogether set up a great noise. I followed them up street, and begged and prayed of them to keep quiet. One of them then turned round upon me, and said, "Now you go back or we'll murder you." I replied, "Well, I must take my chance with that, but I will and must do my duty." I still kept following them, until they got over against
Sir John Chapman's, making a tremendous uproar. I once more begged them to be quiet, when four of them turned on me and kicked me down, and kept kicking me all the while I was on the ground. They did not strike me more than three or four times with their fists, the rest was all foot work, the true Lancashire play. They kept kicking me with all their force all over, but I remained sensible all the time, I perfectly recollect that, while three of them continued to kick, one got my lanthorn, and kept paling me over the head with it. I now began to get very weak from loss of blood, which ran very fast.
The Mayor.- Do you recollect this man,
Smith, being one of the party ! -
Smith (who had been steadfastly eyeing the soldier for some time) said, I think he was the man who spoke to me on the Bridge, and afterwards beat me with the lanthorn.
The Mayor.- What sort of night was it ? - It was rather dark and foggy.
The Mayor.- Can you now, notwithstanding the darkness of the night, swear to this man ?
Smith - I verily believe that he was one of the party.
Clifdon - You are mistaken, I was not out of the Barracks that night, I should be sorry to do any body an injury.
To a question from the Mayor, the Quarter-master said, that sometimes the men took one another's caps.
The Mayor. - Do you call your men's names over every night ? - Yes, at ten o'clock; and on the complaint being made at the Barracks on Monday week, a check roll was called at one o'clock, when all the men were present.
James Mayne, servant to
Mr.Brown, grocer, Thames Street, said that a little after twelve he heard a disturbance, and immediately went to the street door, He observed a scuffle opposite
Sir John Chapman's. He saw two men kicking at something, which he supposed to be the watchmen, but which from the darkness of the night he could not discern distinctly . Three soldiers passed the witness as he stood at the door, and two others stayed behind, whom he observed kicking. Saw a hat and cap in the street opposite
Mr.Smith's door and picked them up, the cap was marked F 21 in the middle of the crown.
Court. - Can you speak to this being one of the men whom you saw on that night ? - No, I did not see any of them distinctly.
Court. - Do you suppose from the nature of the night, if you had been ever so ill-used by them, you could possibly swear to any of the mens faces ? - I cannot say positively; I think not.
Court. - (To the Quarter-master) - Pray is it a common practice, Sir, for the men to change caps ? - No, certainly not, but the caps hanging in rows upon pegs, it may happen so.
The soldier here declared that he had never lost a cap in his life. He had a cap changed however at the tailors some short time ago, in consequence of the strings not being long enough, which might account for the cap being found with his number.
The Mayor. - Has any man more than one cap, Sir ? - Every man has now three caps in his possession. The one which this man has in wear is nearly new, apparently three or four months old. If I could see that which was found I should be glad.
[The cap was ascertained to be in the possession of
Mr.Hodges who was gone to London.]
The case was therefore adjourned till Thursday, the Quarter-master undertaking for the man's appearance on that day.
Previous to the man's leaving the Court, he said - I think the fairest way would be for the watchman to come up, and pick the men out on parade. If I was out, this is not giving a man any chance at all. A man's clapt [?] into the guard-room, and he is sure to be sworn to. I will take my solemn oath that I was not out of bed on Monday night, for I did not wake all night, I didn't even know that any thing had taken place.
Another Highwaywoman
Mary Isabella Winter, was brought up, charged with robbing
George Cooper, a boy about 15 years of age, on the King's highway.
George Cooper, sworn, stated that he is in the employ of
Mr.Stroud, butcher of this town; that on Sunday night, at a quarter past nine, while walking up Park-street, two girls ran against him, one pressed his arm, and the other snatched his watch out of his fob; after which they both ran off, followed by complainant; they got into a sentry box in the Castle, but, on the soldier turning them out, witness demanded his watch, which they denied having, shifting it behind them to one another, and threatening to witness prove his words. Prisoner was the woman who took the watch out of his pocket; witness called out "stop thief," when
Henry Bowerman, one of the porters at the coach-office, came out and secured her; he demanded the watch, which she gave up in the presence of
Mr.George Chapman.
Magistrate. - How do you know this to be your watch ? From the general appearance , and from its having on it the maker's name,
Hooker, London.
Mary Isabella, who appeared to be one of the lowest of a degraded caste, here vociferated, "You've sworn false in the first place. Now did'at you come up and ax to go with me ? - No."
Do you mean to say there was any one with me ? - Yes.
I ask you, wasn't it in High-street ? - No, it was in Park-street, opposite
Dr.Fergusson's
When you ax'd to go with me, did'nt I laugh at you ? - Did'at you show me the watch, when I took hold of if for a laugh ? - No, I never showed you the watch.
Did'at you go to offer me the watch for two shillings, and I laughed at you ? - I never offered to go with her, and never offered to sell her the watch.
Did you give me any money ? - No.
You did; you gave me a shilling and three penny pieces.
Magistrate.- What did he give you the money for ? - To go with me.
Magistrate.- You had better hold your tongue; you are only criminating yourself.
Henry Bowerman, coach porter to
Moody,
Lillewhite, and Co., stated that on the evening in question, between nine and ten, while reading the paper in the office, he heard someone cry out, "the woman has got my watch, the woman has got my watch." Ran out and caught the prisoner. Saw the young lad and another, believes it was
Henry Gregory, following the good woman; certain the prisoner is the woman he stopped.
Morris and
Mr.Geo.Chapman came up to witness, left the prisoner in their custody. The watch never came into witness's hands; believed it was taken by
Matthew Cutt and
Hold.
Hold, being sworn, denied having the watch in his possession. He took the chain only, and
Cutt took the watch.
Cooper said he received the watch from one man, and the chain from another. There were so many people present that he did not recollect.
The case was adjourned till hursday, in consequnce of the absence of
Matthew Cutt.
Poaching
William Salmon and
John Appleton, who had both the appearance of being labouring men, were brought up in the custody of the officers , on a charge of poaching in Windsor Great Park.
Edward Hudson, sworn, stated that he was one of the keepers in the above park; that last night (Sunday); between eight and nine, as he was on the look out as usual, he saw two men shooting in Paddock copse; he was with other keepers, saw
William Salmon shoot two hen pheasants (which witness then produced) one of which
John Appleton picked up, and put into his hat; saw
Salmon shoot three times in all, and heard one shot before he came up; did not lose sight of
Salmon all the while; he killed two of the birds close to witness; the other man had no gun. Witness posted at some distance, on
Salmon's running by, felled him to the ground, and witness picked up the gun which
Salmon threw from him in falling. (The piece appeared a very efficient one for the purpose, having a long barrel, with something the appearance of a duck gun.) Examined the piece, which had the appearance of being recently fired. The other man had no offensive weapons whatever, and nothing was found on him so show that he went to destroy game. With the assistance of the other keepers, witness examined
Salmon, found a small quantity of powder in a canister, some shot (No.4) in a bag, and the bowl of a tobacco pipe to serve for a charger.
James Emmett, servant to
Hudson, was present during the whole transaction related to the last witness, whose testimony he corroborated.
The prisoners having been removed.
The Court said, that as the two men were apprehended for misdemeanor , and as the prisoner Salmon alone carried a gun, the other being quite unarmed, he,
Salmon, was alone amenable under the late act, notwithstanding
Appleton had game in his possession. He must therefore be discharged, and if it was thought advisable he might be summoned afterwards for having game in his possession, not being qualified.
The prisoners were again brought forward, when
John Appleton was discharged, after a suitable reprimand, and
William Salmon fully committed to take his trial at the approaching assizes;
Mr.Hudson, sen., being bound over to prosecute.
The prisoner, who is fine looking athletic young man, begged hard for mercy, alleging this to be his first offence; he wore a large patch on the side of his head, the consequence of the blow he received in attempting to make his escape.
Thursday, Dec.27
Life Guards
The Quarter-master produced the guardsman
George Clifdon, accused of the outrage on the watchman, according to his undertaking.
Magistrate - Is that your number ? - showing the inside of the cap to the prisoner.
Clifdon. - I know nothing of that cap, I had a cap some time ago of
Hardwick, which was sent back to after; that may be the same. I'll take my oath I was in bed at ten o'clock, and afterwards, when the corporal came round.
The Magistrates after comparing the writing in the inside of the cap found, and that worn by the prisoner; asked him whose marking the latter was.
Clifdon. - Mine.
Magistrate. - And the other ? It appears to be in the same hand.
Clifdon. - That's my marking too.
Magistrate. - It is not our wish to dictate what course you shall pursue; it is at your own option either to advance anything to rebut the evidence which has been proved against you, or to reserve what you have to say for another occasion . We shall be glad to hear anything that may tend to clear you of the charge.
Clifdon. - The watchman told me just now that he cannot swear to me, although he took his oath the other day.
Magistrate.- He did not swear to it, he said to the best of his belief.
Clifdon. - I have two witnesses here to prove that I was not the person. I never had that cap in my possession I will take my oath it never was my cap.
Magistrate. - Take care what you say, young man. It was but just now that you marked them both. Don't say anything to criminate yourself.
Clifdon. - I may have marked it, but that proves nothing, for some of the men have caps with the names of half a dozen men in them.
Magistrate. - We consider there is enough evidence to bind you over to appear at the sessions. You may therefore bring forward the men you mention, or reserve them for the session. I wish to know whether
Mr.Simpson has any instructions on the subject.
Quarter-master
Simpson. - My duty was to bring the man here. He wished to have the two men sent for, and the Colonel gave orders for them to come.
Magistrate. - As this is a most infamous and aggravated assault, and as there is sufficient evidence to warrant our requiring bail for this man's appearance at the sessions, we do feel that we should neither satisfy our own consciences , nor public justice, by suffering the matter to rest. The evidence he may have will serve him better at the sessions.
Clifdon. - It seems a very hard thing for a man to go to prison for an offence which he is innocent of.
Magistrate. - It does not follow that you are to go to jail. Every respectable man, who has conducted himself honourably , can I'm sure find no difficulty in finding bail in such a regiment as the Life Guards. I dare say the Quarter-master
Simpson will not object to becoming bail for you.
Quarter-master. - I am not prepared to give any bail for him.
Magistrate. - I think it very likely that the Colonel would be answerable . At least I should wish the application made, out of respect for the regiment.
Quarter-master. - It is my firm belief he will not; for at his desire I was to request one thing, namely, that in case of the man's committal, his clothes should be changed.
Magistrate. - Then of course the matter has been canvassed, and he must be committed. No man has a greater respect than myself for the Life Guards as a body, but I must do my duty. Upon consideration, I think I recollect seeing you here before.
Clifdon acknowledged he had, but upon a false charge.
It appears that he was bound over to keep the peace about six weeks ago, for an assault.
Mary Isabella Winter, who had been remanded on the previous day was again brought up in custody.
Matthew Cutt[?], victualler, deposed that on Monday evening he heard the lad vociferate, "Give me my watch," just opposite his house. He desired the woman to give up the watch, which she denied having; and was obliged to wrest it out of her hand by main force; in the struggle the chain came off, and witness gave the watch to the lad.
The Prisoner, who said she would reserve what she had to say till the sessions ; was then fully committed for trial, and
John Cooper the elder was bound over to prosecute.
Connubial Bliss. -
Mary Ferris, a little dirty dram drinking old woman, appeared on a warrant to answer the complaint of her lawful spouse,
John Ferris, under the following circumstances:- The complainant said, I am a bricklayer's labourer, and work in the Castle, and hard enough to be sure I've worked to maintain her decent. Well, on Sunday she whips a little hammer out of her pocket and said she'd do my business for me, and she bated me till my body's as black as your worship's shoe. And all that wouldn't plase her but she must go and draw a knife against me, and though I'm an ould man, your worship, I dont care to lose my life by a woman. The cratur's the plague of my pore life. The gentleman (pointing to the beadle) had a great to-do to open the door, because she was trying to burn down the house.
Magistrate. - I think some time ago the woman made a similar charge against the man, who was bound over for a certain time to keep the peace. His hands being tied, the woman now takes an opportunity of using her fists, and it is his turn to swear his life against her. Well , woman, what have you to say ?
Prisoner. - If I may say so before your honor's worship, he's used me cruel bad. I've not had a penny of his money, bad luck to him, for these three weeks, not enough to buy me salt to a prater. If you don't give the half now, of yer money, says I, I'll be going to that gentleman there. How's that my dear, says he, yer no wife of mine, worse luck to you. And how's that Johnny, says I Is it that I've been yer married wife for six and thirty year, the mother of yer 'leven childer, that's all well to do but one, God mind him, and you now wants to throw me off like an ould shoe ? Oh, but says he you know we were married in the Roman Catholic religion, and they can't touch a hair of my head. God forgive me for saying it before your honor, but he don't care no more for yer worship than he does for me; and he'd as soon swear as he'd say. You'll not be belaving me, but when he might have made me a bit comfortable on Christmas day; he goes out and gets drunk, aye, and as drunk as a baste he's been ever since. He behaved to me bastely in the street, taking up his ugly great fut to kick at me. Oh, but it's true now Johnny, you knows you've a mighty custom of turning me out of the honsey and taking up that fut o'yours to kick me. And then yer honor, the names he ca's me. It's get out you old sow, you dirty ould ---- says he. Oh, ah, it's another wife yer wanting says I.
Magistrate. - But it seems, my good woman, that the charge is laid against you, which you've answered by making another against your husband.
Husband. - Oh, 'twould do yer honor good to come and see her, she's drunk as David's sow every night.
Magistrate. - But how does she get so drunk when you give her no money !
Husband. - Oh, she goes into debt to be sure; though she's not worth a groat; she's owing two sovereigns, besides the twelve shillings a week that I'm giving her, when I only get thirteen.
Magistrate. - I think you'd better try and make it up. Suppose you try another fortnight, and let the aggressor take the consequence ?
Husband. - I'll be giving her three choices, yer honor. I she chooses to come home and behave herself likely good; if not, good agen, I'll pay for her fire and light, and if she don't like that, then I'll give her three and sixpence a week never to set these eyes on her again, and a bran new sovereign to set her up.
Magistrate. - Well, that's a fair offer, - what do you say, woman ?
Prisoner. - No , I'm his wife too long for that, yer worship, I'll mak him as comfortable as a body need be, if he'll joust give me the twelve shilling. To which last proposition Johnny assenting, the happy pair left the court arm in arm !
John Appleton, who was discharged on Monday, again appeared in custody; when he was informed that upon full consideration of the charge against him, the Magistrates thought it necessary to call upon him for bail to take his trial at the sessions with the other man.
Mr.Moreton, junior., applied for leave to have an inquest held on the body of his father, as there existed some doubt as to the real cause of his death. - Leave was given.
Reading
The Woodley troop of Berks Yeomanry Cavalry, under the command of
Capt.Montague, who had been in Reading on military duty since Monday week, were inspected on Friday, the 21st instant, on Bulmarsh Heath, by
Major Fulmer Craven, who was pleased to express his high approbation of the manner in which they performed their various evolutions. In the afternoon they dined at the Broad Face Inn, and were honoured by the presence of many military and private gentlemen of distinction in the neighbourhood. On the Sunday they marched from the Forbury to St.Lawrence's Church, when they heard divine service. On the Monday, after the Captain had intimated the intention of government to disembody the Yeomanry of Great Britain, by reading the circular issued to the Lords Lieutenant, and the orders he had received from the Lord Lieutenant of Berks, and
Colonel Dundas, Colonel of the regiment, the troop was disbanded in the Market-place.
On Sunday night, while the family were at church, the house of
Mrs.Smith, No.4, Sydney Terrace, was entered by some thieves, who succeeded in stealing a few silver spoons, and some articles of minor importance. A drawer in the beaufet luckily escaped their notice, otherwise the loss might have been very considerable, as it contained many valuables. A reward of £20 offered for the apprehension of the thieves, we hope will be the means of their detection.
In digging the loam at Katesgrove brick manufactory, lately, the labourers, when about 40 feet from the surface, discovered what had formerly been a bed of oysters, some of the shells of which were of an immense size. These curious phenomena have frequently been discovered in Reading and the immediate neighbourhood, even at a depth of 80 or 100 feet.