"Elizabeth Bunclark was summoned for using abusive language to Harriet Fulford. Defendant kept what is called a money club; a number of women (in this case 42) subscribe 1s a-week each, and every Saturday they draw lots for a prize of two guineas. The ticket being transferable, it is not uncommon, towards the end of a drawing to give as much as 10s or 12s for a chance in this lottery.
"Mrs. Fulford had not paid her week's subscription; defendant called on her to dun her for it, and assailed her with a volley of abuse.
"As it appeared that although defendant, as well as the witnesses, was in the street (Spiller's-lane) Mrs, Fulford was within the door of her house, the Bench were of opinion that the squabble was not an offence against the Improvement Act, and dismissed the case.
"We understand that measures will be taken for prosecuting Bunclark for keeping an illegal gambling house."
They sound like a jolly bunch, the merry wives of Spiller's Lane (St. Sidwells). I can imagine them gathering together for the draw, with the odds shortening and the deals being done, and it seems a pity that Mrs. Bunclark's run-in with Mrs. Fulford should have come to court.
Source: The Western Times, 22nd July 1843.
No comments:
Post a Comment