A DISTURBANCE AT THE THEATRE, TIVERTON, 1837.

The racegoers had flocked to Tiverton and many went to the evening performances at the theatre.  There had just been a parliamentary election and feelings were running high.  The Western Times, 2nd September 1837, reported:

"The theatre was opened on the two race nights, and we are happy to say was well enough attended to remunerate Mr. Davis, the manager, for the very excellent manner in which he catered for the entertainment of the public.  The pieces selected were light, as best fitted for holiday time, and were very well performed,

"A disturbance took lace on the first evening just before the commencement of the interlude, in consequence of the violent conduct of a man in the pit, whom we afterwards understood to be a saddler in Exeter, who had been drinking too much Sxotch ale.  He first called for three cheers for the Queen.  In consequence of the mational anthem having been played by the orchestra;  this was of course responded to by the whole assembly.  Lord Palmerston, the steward of the races, having just entered the theatre, three cheers were proposed for him - these were given most heartily, except by a few youths wo took it into their heads to hiss, , and the tory saddler then called for three cheers for Mr.Parker. some one called "three cheers for a fool" which made Mr. Parker's friends very angry, and he got up on the stage & began to show fight, amidst cries of "turn him out, turn him out." 

"The manager upon this came from behind the scenes and requested the gentleman would carry his politics elsewhere;  the said gentleman would neither take himself off or be quiet, and at length a universal cry  arose of "turn him out" and he was taken by the arms and legs, and thrust out into the street.  The performance then proceeded.  We were much pleased with the very spirited and gentlemanly manner in which the manager behaved throughout this disagreeable occurrence." 

Viscount Palmerston was a member for Tiverton , there were two of them, and was secretary of state for foreign affairs.  The Queen was the eighteen year old Victoria who had only been queen for three months.  I don't know who Mr Parker was, (some or other tory politician) but I shall edit him in when I find him. 

A MERCIFUL JUDGE, EXETER, 1831

At the Exeter City Sessions in March, 1831:

"Mary Harris, 21, was placed at the bar, charged that she, being a servant to Mr. Charles Presswell, tailor, of this city, did, on the 15th March last, feloniously steal a half-crown, his property.  This was a short and clear case.  The master having reason to suspect his servant of dishonest practices marked some money; among which was the half-crown in question; which was in his trousers pocket when he went to bed on the 14th, but had disappeared on the morning of the 15th, and was found on the prisoner by Mr. Street, a constable.   Guilty; but recommended to the merciful consideration of the Court, from a belief that she was not a practised thief , and that these had been her first offences.  Mr Presswell also said, that he understood the prisoner's father, who resided in the neighbourhood of Southmolton, bore a good character, and had a large family; and the prisoner came to his service with a good character from at tradesman in the city.  Circumstances that appeared to lnduce the Court to deal leniently with her, and direct that she should be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for the space of 6 cal months." 

Masters setting traps to test the honesty of their servants quite often came before the courts.  The judges and juries seem not to have been in the least sensitive to the  significance of such provocation.   Mr. Presswell (what a brilliant name for a tailor!) had exposed his 21-year-old servant to the possibility of being sentenced ro death or perhaps transported for life but then he asked for leniency.  Mary Harris,  up to this rime, a young woman of good character,  had been found by the constable to be carrying a marked half-crown.  How did he search for it? 

This was a short and clear case.  A merciful judge sent Mary to prison with hard labour for six calendar months. 

Source, The Exeter Flying Post, 7th April, 1831.

WAR AND PEACE, THE EXE ESTUARY, 1801

"Monday the silver cup given by Lord Viscount Courtenay was sailed for on the river Exe, in front of Powderham Castle; 16 boats were entered, but the prize was warmly contested by two boats from Plymouth; one belonging to Mr. Dyer, master of la Nymphe frigate, was however the successful candidate, and received the elegant silver cup value 25 guineas, from the fair hands of the Hon. Miss Courtenay.- The second prize of 5 guineas, and the third prize of 3 guineas, were won by Plymouth boats; the fourth prize of 2 guineas was won by a Lympstone boat. - The day being remarkably fine, a large assemblage of company attended, all of whom were much delighted with so picturesque a scene.- The boats started by signal gun at about eleven o'clock,and returned to the Goal about one.-  His Lordship's yachts were dressed in their colours, and the number of pleasure boats which crouded the river, added to those who contended for the prizes, formed a most pleasing prospect highly gratifying to every spectator."

I don't think Mr Dyer would have been at Powderham to enjoy the picturesque scene or to receive the silver cup from the fair hands of the Hon. Miss Courtenay.  England was at war and the famous frigate La Nymphe, of which he was the Master, was at sea on Channel duty.

The same copy of The Flying Post, 20th Augusr 1801, bore news of Nelson's abortive attack on Boulogne. (15th August 1801)  It reported, "Our loss in killed and wounded is estimated at about 200 men".  It was in this action that Captain Edward Parker of the Medusa, Nelson's aide-de-camp, had his leg ripped off at the thigh  He died from his wounds a few weeks later. 

I'm glad that the day of the race was remarkably fine and that a Lympstone boat took one of the prizes.

INDECENT EXPOSURE, EXETER, 1825

From The Exeter Flying Post, 21st April 1825 :   

"GUILDHALL - On Thurday last, before the Right Worshipful the Mayor and Mr.Alderman Lee, a well dressed man was brought up by Beedle, a constable on the Quay, charged by a most respectable professional gentleman with an unmanly and indecent exposure of his person, near the Cornish Arms public-house, at the bottom of Quay-lane;  the gentleman stated that he was not induced to prefer this charge from any particular squeamishness of his own, but from feeling for the situation of females passing that way, a repectably dressed woman having called out shame on the disgusting and unmanly fellow just as he passed;  the offender conducted himself with great levity, gave his name as John Dinnicombe, horse-dealer, of Axminster, said he could afford to get drunk before dinner, and earn a handsome sum after, did not deny the charge  and could plead nothing in extenuation but intoxication, the truth of which was very evident, but instead of extenuating was considered by the worthy Magistrates an aggravation of the offence, and he was accordingly fined 5s. for the offence with which he was charged, and 5s. for being drunk;  he immediately drew out his pocket-book which appeared both weighty and valuable, and having drawn from it a £5 bank note threw it on the table demanding the change, remarking at the same time that it was dear work, and he would ride rwenty miles for the future, sooner than stop for any necessary occasion in the city of Exeter:  the Magistrates passed a well deservd enconium on the gentleman who had been the means of bringing the offender forward."

I like the contrasts between a 'well dressed man', a 'respectably-dressed woman' and 'a most respectable professional gentleman' / a 'fellow' and a 'gentleman'.   

As in many of these court cases the defendant did not feel it necessary to show much respect for the magistrates. I like to think this assuredness is very English and that such could not, without horrendous consequence, have happened in other nations.  It also seems to me that these days we gentlemen and fellows can rely less on our freeborn liberties than once we could.

'Unmanly' seems an odd adjective to apply to indecent exposure of the person!  It's somewhat like describing suicide-bombers as 'cowardly'.    

KING OR QUEEN? EXETER, 1820

In 1820 the trial of the Queen divided the nation.  The Queen was wildly popular; the King was not.  King George lV  and his supporters introduced a Pain and Penalties Bill to Parliament with the purpose of hurting Queen Caroline.   When the Bill was rejected  by the House of Lords there was great celebration throughout the land.  In Exeter, however, according to Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, 16th November 1820, a significant minority seem to have been supporters of the King:

"....the friends of the Queen were making preparations to express their joy, on the reult of Her Majesty's trial. by an Illumination, and which took place on Thursday evening.   Public opinion was greatly divided on the occasion;  in the Fore-street, which numbers 271 houses, 138 were lighted up, and 133 were in total darkness; in South-street, Magdalen-street, Holloway, North-street and the back streets and lanes, the Illuminations were much more general. a number of Transparencies were exhibited, and Crowns, Stars, and various appropriate Motto's, shone brilliantly in Lamps;- but the dwellings of the higher ranks presented a very different appearance, for through the whole extent of the houses in Southernhay-place three only had lights - in Dix's-field one only - whilst every house in Bedford Circus,  Barnfield Crescent, Collaton Crescent and Summerland-Place, was in total darkness; - the same was observable at the Devon and Exeter Institutiuon, and at the New Subscription Rooms; nor at either of the princpal Inns was a light shewn.

There was a bonfire, and an abundant diplay of fire-works, in the Cathedral-yard, which served to brighten the gloom that otherwise prevailed in that quarter.  -  A great concourse of people continued to parade the streets for several hours in the most peacable and orderly manner."

    

A PRAYER FOR FINE WEATHER, EXETER, 1860

 In August 1860, bad weather was causing concern to the people of Devon, presumably primarily to the farmers.  Henry Phillpotts. the Bishop, who had a reputation for never being in Exeter when his people wanted him, was in Durham.   In September he was pressured by some of his flock. to instuct his clergy to pray for fair weather.   A letter he wrote from Durham, dated 31st August, was released to The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette,  It was published on 8th September.,1850.  It seems to show Henry's prompt concern for his people but I am a little suspicious of the date. 

"Dear Mr. Archdeacon, 

Though I know that very many of my clergy have, for some time past, used the 'Prayer for Fine Weather,'  in their several churches yet I can no longer forbear to entreat all of them to do the same.  Let me further impress on them the great importance of their urging their several congregations to use the same prayer, or some other to the same effect, in their family and private devotions. We are  confident in God's goodness, that whatever his visitations, they are sent in mercy.  May we all so use them that they may turn to our profit, and help us forward in the right way, that leadeth to eternal life. 

I request you, and through you the several deans rural, to make known to my clergy this my very earnest entreaty."

 I am, dear Mr. Archdeacon, your affectionate friend and brother,  H. EXETER, -

 Durham, 31st August, 1860. 

Henry was famous for letting God's visitations turn to his profit.  From a humble start in life  he managed to die an immensely wealthy man.

I wonder if Anglican bishops still ask their clergy to pray for fine weather.  Those Extinction Rebellion children might see that as a disturbing intervention..  

 

A REMARKABLE LETTER, EXETER, 1835

.

Somebody had stolen a bay mare, worth £20, from John Knapman, a farrier whose stables were at Bartholomew Yard in Exeter.  He suspected the horse had been stolen by a young man called  William Phillips.  When William Phillips came to hear that he was a suspect he wrote a letter to Mr. Knapman:

"Exeter April 1ts (thus) 1835,

Sir,

Hearing from very respectable quarters that you have insinuated you had an idea that you was aware who had your horse, I must beg leave to tell you that I do not insinuate the least to tell you that if you throw out any illusions to me, you may take my honest word for it I shall return the compliment by givin you as sound a thrashing with a ground ash as you perhaps have been in the habit of ever meeting with.  

No sir, when I turn horse stealler, it shall not be a broken down old horse, it must be something superior to what you ever had or ever will have to cause me to risk my liberty for life; therefore I beg of you to retract the assertion you have made as soon as possible.  If you should wish to see me you may do so without offering a handsome reward.

Sir. I remain yours to return any Compliment you may think proper for your Blackguard Behaviour,

Wm. PHILLIPS"

Three months later the case came to court and young William Phillips, despite the chutzpah, was found to be guilty.  Horse-stealing had only just ceased to be a capital offence.  He was sentenced to transportation for life.  I think we must allow he merited his cruel fate,  -  if only for his murder of the English language!

Source: The Western Times, 4th July 1835.

SKINNING DOGS, EXETER, 1830

Young Mr. Lang, whose father had a shop in Fore Street, had a black setter dog.  He told the magistrates at Exeter Guildhall that, between seven and eight of a Tuesday morning, his dog had been alive and well but  between ten and eleven of the same morning he passed through the yard of his next door neighbour ,Mr. Pridham, and "he saw the skin of the same dog ....thrown over a cask in a reeking state as if recently  stripped from the animal."   He immediately fetched a constable and Mr. Pridham was brought before the magistrates. 

A boy who worked in Mr. Pridham's shop gave evidence that at about 10 o'clock on the day in question, the skin was offered to his master for sale by an unknown boy who was in the company of "one Edwin Soper whom he knew to be a blackguard rascal. The boy asked 18d. for the skin and his master gave him 8d. or 9d. for it.

The court seems not to have been concerned that the dog had been killed but that it was stolen.  Mr. Pridham was charged with receiving stolen property.  The magistrates convicted Mr. Pridham of receiving the skin knowing it to be stolen, and ordered the payment of the value of the dog 5l.  and a penalty of 5l. beyond that sum." 

Source: The Western Times, 8th May, 1830.

Ten days later another dog-stealing offence was heard:

"At the Guildhall on Saturday, Aeron England, a low fellow, too well known in this city, was convicted of stealing a black setter dog, the property of  -  Meluish.  It was proved that England had offered to exchange the dog for another, on the day it was lost, (10th April last), and it had not been heard of since the time when it was seen in his possession.   The Mayor in announcing the judgement of the Bench, took occasion to remark that a considerable traffic in dog's skins was known to exist in Exeter, that the offenders were also known, and should they be convicted of unlawfully obtaining the skin of any dog, the utmost penalty of the law would certainly be inflicted. England was then sentenced to pay 20s. the value of the dog as also a penalty of 20s, and in default was sent to the treadmill for two months."

Source: The Western Times, 15th May, 1830.

AN EXETER JUDAS, 1840

Thomas Haydon was one of four young men, teenagers I guess,  who, in May 1840, stole silver communion dishes and cups  &c. from St David's church, Exeter.   Thomas seems to be a most unpleasant character. but I suppose he was more pitiable than vicious.   He was not charged because when apprehended, he immediately agreed to give evidence against the other three.  In court, as a witness under cross-examination, he gave this account of himself:

"I was in the county goal (sic) for a slop pail 12 months ago. I had stolen the slop pail - there was nothing in it then.  That was the first time ever I stole.  I was not imprisoned long, only six months.  I have not had much practice in stealing since I stole the slop pail - I stole that on my own account.  I was not much frightened when taken up on this charge.  I told of the others a few hours after I was taken up, I did not think much about being tried.  I did not hear of any reward....I did not give the information on account of the £5.  I repented of what I had done, and determined to atone to my country for it.  I dont know whether I shall escape if I convict the others.  I was told I should get off if I convicted the others at the examination on the 14th of May.  Mr Justice Kingdon told me so before the examination,  there were several then present.  Before that I had told all about it.  I was out of employ for ten days about the time of the robbery,,,,I was not then told that I should have £5 if I convicted the others.  Mr Bowden gave me half a pint of beer at Cowley Bridge. and the two policemen had half a pint each, but I was not then told that I would have £5 to convict.  No one told me it was transportation to commit the robbery but I expected it was so.  I heard no one say it was death for stealing in a church.

The other three young men , his companions in crime,  were found guilty of sacrilege.   The jury recommended mercy.   Sacrilege was a capital charge but the judge was merciful!  Two of the three suffered the reduced penalty of fourteen years transportation each.  The third  was sentenced to 8 months hard labour with 14 days solitary confinement.  Thomas Haydon had been  remanded in custody for two months but otherwise seems to have got off scot free.  I don't know whether or not he was given his £5.  

Source: The Western Times, 4th July 1840.

CAST-IRON ROOFING, EXETER, 1827

 In 1828 Mr Elias Carter, citizen and upholsterer  of Exeter, patented his invention for covering the roofs of buildings with cast-iron plates.   The Western Times was enthusiastic in its support for the initiative:

"In point of economy, the cost will be less than one-half that of lead, whilst the formation is such, as not to be detrimentally acted upon by any change of temperature and its weight is 5lb, on the square foot less than that of a large rag slate.  In simplicity of construction (which in all inventions ought to be the most valuable feature,) it certainly claims pre-eminent merits, three differently formed plates only being sufficient to complete a roof, and those require little or no skill in fixing.  On the whole, we have little hesitation in saying, that its adoption will soon become general wherever durability, taste, and economy, are a desideratum.  (My underlining.)

His tiles were used, in 1833,  to roof St Leonards church and some were in place there for about forty years.  They were used elsewhere and seem to have been a satisfactory form of roofing but they hardly bore out  the  confidence of The Western  Times.  There are  still some of his iron roofs in existence.  

PETER'S STONE, TEIGNMOUTH, 18??

This tale of alternative medicine came originally from the Western Times journalist Elias Tozer but I found it in this form in John Ll. W. Page's The Rivers of Devon, 1893.   The story is surely too bizarre not to be true!

"A Teignmouth doctor was attending a poor woman suffering from a sore.  One day he found the wound very much inflamed, evidently owing to the application of some gritty substance, of course applied without his authority.  For some time he could get no answer to his questions but finally the husband gave way, and stooping down, dragged a piece of stone from under the bed muttering sulkily, 'Tis nothing but Peter's stone and here he is.'   It seems that the poor man had walked from Teignmouth to Exeter and under cover of darkness flung stones at the figures on the west front  (of the cathedral) until he had detached an arm, which he carried home.  Some of the stone had been ground fine, mixed with lard, and spread over the sore."

   

"DOMINICALS," EXETER, 1873

 In June 1873, Henry Sandford of the West Quarter was brought before the Exeter magistrates by the Rector of Saint Mary Steps,  James Baxter Strother,  for refusing to 'pay his dominicals'.  Dominicals were a charge made on householders by the parson, of one penny a week plus four pennies for Easter, ergo 4s.8d. per annum.  This church-tax supplemented the parson's stipend.   Exeter was, I think, one of only three cities where the custom was in force.   

Mr. Strother, so said his counsel, "did not enforce the payment from any ungenerous or unkind motive, for often a portion of the payments made in respect of dominicals were returned again in consequence of the poverty of many of the parishioners."    Nevertheless, Henry Sandford had been summoned to the court.

"In cross-examination Mr. Strother said he believed the defendant was now a member of the Wesleyan Methodist body, but, as a resident in the parish, whether a Churchman or a Dissenter, he was liable to pay dominicals."   After much debate as to the legality of 'dominicals',  "the Bench were of opinion that there could be no doubt whatever that the right of Mr Strother to this payment had been clearly established, and an order for payment within fourteen days was made"

Source: The Exeter Flying Post, 4th June 1873.

 

  

THE DEATH OF SIR WILLIAM FOLLETT, 1845

Normally in the nineteenth century newspapers only God has His personal pronouns capitalised but The Exeter Flying Post of 3rd July 1845 did as much for Exeter's celebrated Member of Parliament,  Sir William Follett.  Once again the sense of pride of the Electors, albeit a small and privileged group of men, in their City and in their Representative is impressive. The Post was the voice of the Tories but I find the report of the City's universal pride in Sir William's successes and its sorrow at his death convincing.  He died on Saturday 29th 1845 and his obituary, bordered in black, from which the quote below, appeared in the next issue.

"When he attained to the office of Her Majesty's Attorney-General there was mingled in the sentiments of respect towards him, not only joy at gaining another step in the great career of Public Life, but a feeling of pride that He on whom these honours fell was closely identified with this City and its vicinity - from the days of his boyhood he had dwelt amongst us and had been intimately associated by the nearest ties with Exeter.  Our Fellow Citizens seemed to feel that His continued success conferred upon Them an increased feeling of gratification that He was one of Them and represented Them  in the Councils of State."  

A TOFF BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES, EXETER, 1836.

An early P. G.Wodehouseian figure perhaps, young Richard Wake Esq., the son of wealthy parents living in Heavitree, had come into town late on a Sunday night and, drunk as a lord, had flung stones at the public lamps.   He managed to destroy some sixty lamps, oil and gas as well as, inadvertantly, the window of a citizen dwelling in Paris Street.  Mr Blackall of the Magistrates had to meet the unusual challenge of sentencing the offspring of respectable citizens. He spoke accordingly:

"....I am extremely sorry to see the son of parents of such worth and great respectability reduced to the humiliating situation in which you now stand.  I must suppose that you have hitherto desired to be considered as a gentleman, but I must tell you that actions such as these are entirely unbecoming that character;  indeed, to my mind they betray a state of feeling and disposition devoid of principle as well as of the head as heart.  Let me hope that at the time you commited these outrages, you were under the influence of liquor, and that what in that state you were induced to do you are now truly sorry for, and heartily ashamed of.    Such conduct as has been clearly proved against you is wholly unworthy of any man claiming to be so considered in society, it will be impossible either that you should be permitted to keep the company of gentlemen, or that any man who values his own reputation should associate with you.  If then you have any feeling for yourself, - if you have the slightest filial regard for your excellent parents, I entreat you to refrain from repetition of conduct like this.  You are a young man, and I may suppose that at some time you mean to form a connexion with other families;  then let not me alone put it to you, but seriously ask yourself the question,  what family of any respectabilty can give countenance to such desire as you may entertain or admit you into it.?"

Fined £20. 6s , which was nothing like enough to pay for the damage, for which a cheque was at once handed to the court.   By way of comparison the same Bench, the same day sentenced  Thomas Kinsman as an idle and disorderly person ,  (described  by the Post to be  'a pretender to the enlightenment of mankind by the sale of 'godly books',)  to suffer the treadmill for fourteen days.  One law for the toff, another for the stroppy street vendor!  

Source:  The Exeter Flying Post,  28th April, 1836.

EXETER TO SIDMOUTH BY MAIL-COACH, 1852.

 "There is a pleasure in returning and realising the enjoyments of by-gone years and old-fashioned customs, and so we experienced one afternoon last week when endeavouring to secure a seat outside the Sidmouth Royal mail.  Not an inch of room, Sir, says the coachman, and all full inside;  but we were not to be done for we had a Christmas feast, a host of smiling faces, and many merry hearts waiting for our arrival at Sidmouth that very evening,  so watching the turn of the broad back of the coachman, who stood looking like a stone monument, we bounded on to the top of the coach, laid our railway rug on a leather portmanteau, put our feet on a lady's carpet-bag, and then quietly seated oursekves on what is denominated the roof of the coach, like Albert Smith on the high camel's back, an elegant observer of all observations;  the coachman mounted his box,  giving us a slight hint to hold on, and whirled us over sixteen miles of most delightful country in a given space of two hours and a quarter, and we at length were set down at the York Hotel where mine host, as worthy a man as ever picked the wing of a turkey or smiled over a bright glass of first-rate sherry, welcomed us unto his well-provisioned domicile." 

This correspondent to the Gazette, perhaps a cub-reporter, seems to me to be trying to emulate Charles Dickens.   Albert Smith is surely Albert Richard Smith, Victorian author and entertainer, and maybe the camel is to be found in Smith's  A month at Constantinople, 1849.  The York Hotel is still to be found on the Esplanade at Sidmouth.

Source:  The  Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 17th January 1852

A DISGRACEFUL JURY? EXETER, 1852

 At the Epithany Sessions at the Guildhall in Exeter, Ann Stringer, a decently dressed young woman, was  charged with stealing, on 31st December, 1851, three pieces of Derry cloth from the shop of Mr. Dingle, a draper in Fore Street.  The Jury found the prisoner guilty and the judge sentenced her to three months hard labour.

"Mr. Carter, who had appeared for the prisoner, in his usual style told the Jury that their verdict was a disgrace to them. 

(N.B.  This was the Grand Jury, assembled for the Session and consisting of some of Exeter's most respected and respectable male citizens.  The Foreman was Mr. S.S.Bastard!)

"The Recorder interposed, and said that he should not allow such remarks to be made.  His conduct was not only improper but indecorous.

"Mr.Carter said he should make his remarks when he thought proper.  He should not consider himself under despotic sway.  He demanded that the present jury should be discharged, as he had another prisoner to defend, and he did not think they ought to be entrusted with the case.

"The Recorder refused to discharge the Jury, and requested them not to notice the improper observations of the Council (sic)  They had discharged their duty as honourable men, and he fully acquiesced in the decision they had come to." 

Source: The Exeter and Plymouth Gazetter,  10th January 1852.