EAST DONYLAND​ / ROWHEDGE
Newspaper Articles 1850 -
THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 4 January 1850 - “ACCIDENT - On Tuesday, the 18th, as a young man, named George Cracknell, was coming from Rowhedge, on a waggon loaded with sprats, he accidentally fell from the top, and sustained a fracture of the left arm. He was conveyed to the Essex and Colchester Hospital, where the limb was set, and he is doing well.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 15 March 1850 - “COLCHESTER SMALL DEBTS’ COURT. Monday, March 11th.- ASSAULT - James Allen, carrier, v. Charles Sicamore, fish dealer, East Donyland.- This was an action to recover damages for an assault.- Mr. Abell supported and Mr. Philbrick defended the claim.- Plaintiff who has recently commenced the occupation of carrier from Donyland to Colchester, stated that on Friday, the 22nd February, he drove into the Prince of Wales’ yard, between four and five o’clock, where he saw the defendant with an old man (a rival carrier) named Cook, who was with his horses. Cook came to him and said “Ah! you won’t run many days more for Capt. Jones has no more money for you.” Plaintiff replied that that was no business of his, upon which Sicamore exclaimed, “ ----- it Cook, go into him.” He afterwards went into the bar-parlour of the public-house, where defendant offered to fight him with one hand tied to his cart. After he (plaintiff) declined the challenge, defendant, putting his fist in his face, said, “ ---- you, if it was not for the law I would give it to you.” There were several persons in the room at this time.- Cook, Ward, Thompson, Chignell, and Cockerell; several of whom were the worse for liquor. When he sat down defendant several times trod violently on his toes, and he (plaintiff) told him he should pay for it. Defendant also spat in his face when he was out in the yard.- In cross-examination by Mr. Philbrick, plaintiff denied that he had been in any other public-house the same day or that he was drunk at the time referred to. Several persons witnessed the defendant’s conduct, but he had not summoned any of them as witnesses. Was sure defendant did not accidentally tread on his toes, because he did the same after he removed them out of his way. Cook is 70 years of age, but Sicamore was not defending him.- On behalf of the defendant, Mr. Philbrick called J.R. Cockerell, millwright, who stated that he was in the bar-parlour, but did not see anything of the defendant’s conduct complained of; plaintiff had some words with Cook, who abused him for having commenced in opposition to him, but witness did not see him quarrel with the defendant.- James Ward gave similar evidence, observing that “if there was any difference between them they were both alike” - (laughter) - but he did not believe defendant struck the plaintiff at all. In fact the summons which contained the words “cruel beating” was a palpable lie - (laughter) - for there was no cruel beating at all.- The Judge. You need not trouble your head about that, you have only to give your evidence.- The defendant was afterwards examined and totally denied the plaintiff’s assertions.- His Honour gave judgment for the defendant with costs.”
ALSO - “UNDEFENDED ACTIONS - John May, Lion Inn, Abberton, v. Chas. Jennings, thatcher, East Donyland. Debt, £11.7.5.
THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 22 March 1850 - “COLCHESTER CASTLE. Saturday, March 16.- ASSAULT - Ann and William Wilkinson, (brother and sister), of Rowhedge, the latter of whom did not appear, were summoned for assaulting Mrs. Sarah Guy, of Layer Breton, on the 12th instant.- Mr. Goody appeared for the complainant.- The Bench fined the defendants 2s. 6d. each, with 25s. expenses; and, in default of payment in a fortnight, the former to be imprisoned for seven and the latter 14 days.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 28 June 1850 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT - June 24. Before William Gurdon, Esq., M.A. Judge. ALLEGED FORGERY - Charles Sicamore v. Edward Jones, fisherman, Rowhedge.- Mr. Philbrick for plaintiff; Mr. Goody for defendant.- The plaintiff, who deals in fish and coals, sued the defendant for a bill of 13s. 9d. for the latter commodity, sold in 1844. The defendant, who had before promised payment, was asked for the money six weeks since, but refused to pay it, adding that it was out of date, and the plaintiff could not force him to pay it.- The defence now set up was that the account had been already paid, in proof of which a bill was produced; and the defendant’s wife stated that she gave the money, with the bill, to the plaintiff’s wife soon after the coal was delivered to them in 1844, and received it back the next day with “settled” upon it, and it had since been, with other receipts, locked up in a box.- Mrs. Sicamore, on the other hand, denied that she either had the money or receipted the bill, for she could not write,- A pocket book, which contained the original entry of the account, was not brought by the plaintiff, which was a circumstance his Honour said he must take into consideration in so difficult and conflicting a case. He did not feel in a position to give the plaintiff a verdict without stronger proof of a forgery having been committed; and therefore, under the circumstances, he should give judgment for the defendant,- Mr. Philbrick said he had just been told that the word “settled” was written by the defendant’s own daughter.- His Honour said if such were the case it might form the subject of another inquiry, and if an impartial Jury found the defendant guilty of forgery, he should not hesitate to grant the plaintiff a new trial.- Mr. Philbrick applied to have the bill impounded by the Court, which was done.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 18 October 1850 - “John Everitt, a young mariner from Rowhedge, was convicted of being drunk in Magdalen Street and abusive to policeman King late on Saturday night, and fined 10s., with 3s. 6d. costs - in default he was committed for seven days.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 1 November 1850 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT. Oct. 28.- NON-ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES - J. Lee, coach builder, Colchester, v. Charles Sicamore, fish and coal dealer, Rowhedge.- Mr. Philbrick for defendant.- This was an action for £1.7.6. balance of an account of long standing between the parties.- Mr. Philbrick said his defence was that whereas the whole amount of the debt was only £9, that of the defendant for coals supplied to him was upwards of £13.- His Honour said no set-off had been pleaded, and therefore they could not go into that part of the case.- In the course of the subsequent evidence it appeared that there had been a running account in 1842 and two following years, and that coals ordered by the plaintiff had been duly delivered on his account to his brother at Halsted, to Mr. Mason, landlord of the Prince of Wales, in this town, and other parties. It was also said be the plaintiff that in 1844 the defendant asked him for £2 in advance on account of his bill, 30s, of which Mr. Mason (before referred to) paid him at his (Mr. Lee’s) request.- The defendant denied having received this money, and said he had subpoenaed Mr. Mason, to prove that he had not paid it him.- The Bailiff stated that Mr. Mason had been duly summoned to attend; and his Honour asked how it was he was not present.- Mr. Sicamore said he had told him that it would be very inconvenient, and that he could not attend.- His Honour said he should fine him £5, wishing him to understand that the Court did not sit there to study individual convenience. Subsequently his Honour said the case had better be adjourned, in order that this witness might be in attendance, and also to get further particulars from the plaintiff respecting his claim, and a clearer account from the defendant as to the amount due to him for coals. Mr. Mason (he added) must be fined 30s. for non-attendance.- Mr. Philbrick said he knew Mr. Mason to be a very respectable man, and perhaps as the defendant was the party who summoned him the Court would at his request allow the question of the fine to stand over for the present.- His Honour (after consideration), Well, let it be understood that we are not to have parties here studying their own convenience in this way. The clause gives me power in any case of this sort to fine to the full extent of the claim, and if he does not appear at the next court, at the request of either party, I shall fine him.- The case was then adjourned.”
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ESSEX HERALD – 12 November 1850 – “BAALHAM AND THE ASS.- One of those rare occurrences which could not fail to set townsfolk on the giggle, came off in Head-street [Colchester], between 7 and 8 o’clock on Saturday se’nnight. A lad, named Sawkins, from East Donyland, was driving a donkey and cart down the street to the post-office, when suddenly he lost all command over the animal by its plunging forward at full speed, and despite the subduing influences of bit and bridle, the stubborn and hard-mouthed animal stayed not till it had reached the end of the street, and then thrust its head through the window front of Mr. J. Baalham, hatter and clothier. The affrighted Baalham rushed out and seized the ass, which brayed lamentably at the mishap, and the offender was detained in the tailor’s custody till the sum of half-a-crown was forthcoming for its damages.”
ESSEX HERALD – 12 November 1850 – “In re Charles Neall, otherwise Charles Newton. This case came before Mr. Commissioner Goulburn in the bankruptcy Court, on Tuesday. The bankrupt, Charles Neall, was a grocer, at Epping, some years since. He became bankrupt, and his certificate was never granted. In July last, he was gazetted a bankrupt, as a miller, at Donyland-mills, near Colchester, in the name of Charles Newton, having assumed the latter name. His debts are said to exceed £5,000; there are no assets, except Donyland-mills. This property the bankrupt’s solicitor values at several thousands; the creditors not so many hundreds of pounds…..” The article states he bought Donyland-mills in June 1849 for £600. In a previous article the mill was called Fingringhoe Mill and that Newton was in jail. The full article will not be included here as it probably refers to Fingringhoe.
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 31 January 1851 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT. Jan. 27.- “WILLIAM CHURCH, bricklayer, Wivenhoe, v. SAML. CHAPMAN, broker, Colchester.- Mr. Church for plaintiff; Mr. Philbrick for defendant.- This was an action for 30s., the remaining portion of a debt for work done by contract to some of the defendant’s cottages at East Donyland.- The contract was not disputed, but it was said, in defence, that the repairs had not been substantially executed; and this part of the case was confirmed by Mr. John Lambert, of Old Heath, who has since purchased the property, and said he found the roof in such a dilapidated state as to render it impossible that the work could have been properly done so short a time before.- Verdict for the defendant.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 31 January 1851 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT. Jan. 27.- “INSOLVENCY CASES - ... Mr. Abell also presented the petitions of Mr. Wm. Nickels, gardener, of East Donyland, and William Woodward, mariner and shopkeeper, of Wivenhoe, and in each case the Court granted an interim order for protection.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 22 November 1851 - “MAKING LOVE BY SOLICITORS - Mr. Church on Monday, appeared before the bench at Colchester, on the part of Mr. T. Carter, mariner, of East Donyland, who had embarked on the sea of matrimony and been wrecked in a storm, the object being to woo back his six months’ bride, she having fled from the ship in the confusion. Mr. Church quoted 1st and 2nd Cupid, kiss 15, as the statute upon which he founded his application, and he also appealed to the special agreement between the parties (see parish register reports, p.55), as a proof that the lady ought to forget and forgive, promising on his part that his client would keep within compass, and steer better in future, by keeping his sails prepared against squalls.- Mr. Abell, on the part of the wife, yielded to the soft pressing of Mr. Church, expressing a belief that if the husband treated her a little more gently, they “might be happy yet,” and after some good advice had been poured into their ears by the bench, the re-united pair, who were respectably dressed persons, shook hands and left the court to try another voyage together in the good ship Matrimony.”
THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 27 December 1851 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 30th, at Donyland Heath, at 11 o’clock.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 27 March 1852 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds will meet on Tuesday, March 30th, at Donyland Heath, at a quarter to 11 o’clock.”
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ESSEX HERALD – 24 August 1852 – “CASTLE, Saturday, Aug. 21.- “James Mothersole, East Donyland, was surcharged for house duty, but appealed against it, because it would not let for £20 per annum; and thought there was no house in the parish except Donyland Hall that would let for such a sum.- Mr. Howard, the clerk, said he should not like to pay £5 for a house in the parish, to live in during the sprat season. [Laughter.] – Relieved.”
William Southernwood, East Donyland, was ordered to pay 8s. for a dog, which he had kept three-quarters of a year.
Joseph Everett, butcher, East Donyland, appealed against a surcharge of £1. 8s. 9d. for a riding horse. Appellant said he had always driven this horse in a cart; he had not got a saddle, and never jumped across his horse’s back to take a joint of meat to a farmer’s. Relieved to 10s. 6d. the duty for a trade horse.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 9 October 1852 - “Friday, Oct.1. BANKRUPTS.- Robert PITT, East Donyland, Essex, shipowner.”
ESSEX HERALD – 12 October 1852 – “COURT OF BANKRUPTCY, Oct. 4. Before Mr. Commissioner Goulburn. EAST DONYLAND, &c.- The bankrupt, Robert Pitt, carried on the business of a shipowner, builder, and licensed victualler, at east Donyland, and the present meeting was for the proof of debts and choice of trade assignees.
Mr. Jones, from the office of Mr. Abell, of Colchester, appeared for the petitioning creditors, Messrs. John and Amos Smith, of Weeley, Essex, brickmakers, who procured the adjudication in bankruptcy on the 27th ult. for a debt of £66. 6s. 10d.
The bankrupt’s creditors principally reside at Colchester, Copford, East Donyland, &c., and the total amount of their debts is about £700, and the assets are uncertain, depending in some measure on the result of a claim made to the bankrupt’s goods, by Messrs. Cobbold and Co. brewers, Ipswich and Colchester; which the assignees under the bankruptcy dispute, and a meeting for hearing which question was, on the motion of Mr. Jones, appointed for the 13th instant.
A number of local proofs of small amount having been admitted, Mr. John Smith, one of the petitioning creditors, was nominated to act as trade assignee, and accepted the trust.
The next meeting for the further proof of debts and examination of the bankrupt is the 19th of November next, at 2 o’clock, to which time his protection was renewed.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 13 November 1852 - “THE LATE HIGHWAY ROBBERY - Joseph Sparkes, the man who was remanded on Monday week, charged with stealing a 5l. note and three sovereigns from the person of Mr. Thomas Wolf, farmer, of Ardleigh, on the Mersea Road, on the night of Saturday, the 23rd Oct., was again brought up, on Monday last, at Colchester. Mr. J.H. Church appeared for the prosecution. A coat which was found was placed upon prisoner, and identified by prosecutor as the one he wore on the night of the robbery.- Mr. William Cansdale, of Rowhedge, proved that prisoner and a taller man without cap or shoes, came to the ferry and seemed in great haste to cross it....”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 26 November 1852 - “COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.- Nov.19. Re. PITT, EAST DONYLAND, &c.- The bankrupt came up for the purpose of passing his accounts.
Mr. Abell represented the trade assignee, Mr. John Smith, of Weeley, brickmaker.
The balance-sheet filed by the bankrupt commences on the 1st of January, 1850, and ends on the 27th September last. The following is a copy of the summary, viz.:-
DEBTOR.- To creditors unsecured, £651.14.6; ditto holding security, £1,518.16; capital 1st of January, 1850, £66.0.5; profits, £697.17; liability, per contra, £125; total, £3, 059.7.11.
CREDITOR. - By debtors good, £23.2; ditto doubtful, £180.11.4; ditto bad, carried to losses, £20.16.5; property surrendered to assignees, £30; ditto held by creditors, £1,460; trade expenses, vouched, £510.18.8; ditto unvouched, £186.3.3; personal expenses vouched, £123.11.5; ditto unvouched, £174.2.10; liability per contra, £125; losses, £145.16.5; errors in posting, 2s; total, £3059.7.11.
Mr. Nicholson, the official assignee, presented the following report to the Court:- “The accounts are far from being satisfactory. The capital which the bankrupt commences his balance-sheet is not vouched, he having taken credit for a sum of £1,500 as the estimated value of property on mortgage, which is not expected to realize near the amount. A small portion which has been sold since the bankruptcy has realized less by about £200, consequently instead of there being a capital there was a deficiency in 1850. The unsecured creditors are vouched by accounts. The bankrupt kept no regular cash-book, and therefore the cash account raised since the bankruptcy is very imperfect. His profits are unvouched, and upwards of £400 of his expenses are estimated. It will be observed that the bankrupt’s income, as returned in his balance-sheet, amounts to the sum of £697.17, whilst his expenses are returned at the sum of £1,094.16.2, being an excess of £396.19.2. The assets are returned at the sum of £233, out of which not more than £53.2 is expected to be realized. I have only received the sum of 4s. 8d. The solicitor to the estate has a sum of £17.14.11 in hand, arising from the proceeds of the furniture, &c., which he refuses to pay into my hands.- Isaac Nicholson, Official Assignee, 19th November, 1852.”
No opposition being offered, the learned Commissioner passed the bankrupt’s examination, reserving the consideration of his conduct as a trader for the certificate meeting.”
ALSO - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT.- Nov. 17.- UNDEFENDED CASES - John Pitt, baker, v. Joseph Everitt, butcher, East Donyland. Judgment for 13s. for rent.”
ALSO - “EAST DONYLAND - COTTAGE PROPERTY AND LAND, Producing upwards of £60 per Annum. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY Messrs. Cook and Sons, At the Cups Hotel, Colchester, during the month of December, by direction of the Mortgagees, and with the consent of the Assignees.
Several Valuable HOUSES AND COTTAGES, and an Acre of Garden GROUND, well situate in Rowhedge Street, East Donyland, late the property of Mr. ROBT. PITT. Particulars in next week’s papers.
Colchester, Nov. 24th, 1852.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 3 December 1852 - “COLCHESTER CASTLE.- Nov.27. [The licence] of the Ship Inn, East Donyland, from Robert Pitt to Robert Adams.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 10 December 1852 - “COLCHESTER CASTLE.- Dec.4. Elizabeth Wade appeared to prefer a similar charge [assault] against her husband, Augustus Wade, ship-carpenter, of East Donyland, but in consequence of the latter being unable to attend on account of illness the case was adjourned for a week.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 17 December 1852 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT.- Dec.13. J. PITT v. G. LEVETT, East Donyland.- Action for £1.6.3, for bread alleged to have been delivered to defendant’s wife.- Mr. Abell for plaintiff; and Mr. Goody for the defendant.- Plaintiff, who is a baker, at Rowhedge, said he had, in accordance with an order given by defendant’s wife (who had been in the habit of ordering goods for defendant’s vessel, the Gipsy), sent goods to the amount of £1.6.3 to his house for the Prince of Orange, and Mr. Ponder, the master of that vessel, took them in; he had never applied to Ponder for payment; had delivered bread previously at Levett’s house for captains of vessels, as it was near the wharf.- Mr. Levett said he had no interest in the Prince of Orange; his captain was in the habit of ordering the bread, and his wife had never ordered any.- Mrs. Levett was too ill to attend; and as her evidence was necessary to clear up the case it was adjourned till the next Court day.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 28 January 1853 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT.- Jan.24. PITT v. LEVETT, East Donyland.- Mr. Abell for plaintiff; Mr. Goody for defendant.- This was an action for £ [blank] for bread supplied to the crew of defendant’s vessel, it was alleged, by order of his wife.- His Honour said in case of this sort there must be shown a distinct authority from the husband to give the order; and tradesmen could only recover for common necessaries supplied without such authority. Simply in his character of owner of the vessel defendant was no more liable than the landlord of a house would be for his tenants.- Defendant’s wife was called by the Judge, and said the master of the vessel left her the money, with which she paid Mr. Pitt for one lot of bread, but she gave no order to him for more.- Judgment for the defendant.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 18 February 1853 - “COLCHESTER CASTLE.- Feb.12. An application was made by Mr. J.G. Fenn, on behalf of Mr. Smythies, of Eye, Suffolk, the owner of Roman Hill Farm, East Donyland, for a reduction of the assessment upon that estate, on the ground that the house is now unoccupied.- The reduction was opposed by the overseer of the parish, who stated that a bailiff is still living in the house.- After a short discussion, the Magistrates said they could not entertain the application, no notice of it having been given; but it was arranged that the matter should be again brought before them on the next Bench day.”
ESSEX HERALD – 8 February 1853 – “COLCHESTER CASTLE – February 5.- CHARGES OF ASSAULT. Charles Alliston and William Harris, sailor boys of Rowhedge, were charged with assaulting Benjamin Blyth James, son of a master mariner of that place. Mr. Goody appeared for complainant, that whilst walking through the streets at Rowhedge, he saw defendants come out of a beer-house partially intoxicated, when they told him they had drunk three pots of beer, and on his remarking that they could not have drunk so much in the time, they both struck him with their fists, and afterwards pelted him with stones. Defendants said complainant commenced the assault by abusing and calling them “runaways.” They were ordered to pay 5s. each expenses, and warned not to repeat the offence, or they would not be so leniently dealt with.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 4 March 1853 - “ROBBERY AT EAST DONYLAND - Walter Fisher, labourer, Old Heath, was yesterday (Thursday) taken before J.W.E. Greene, Esq., at the County Magistrates’ Office, charged with breaking into the harness house at East Donyland Lodge, in the occupation of Mr. W. Warwick, and stealing a silver snuff box and other articles belonging to his servant.- Mr. E. Church watched the case on behalf of the prosecutor.- James Malster said on going into the harness room on Friday morning last he missed a small deal box containing two knives, a silver snuff box, some money, a brass padlock and key, and other articles; and on examining the premises he discovered that a pane of glass was broken, and some dirt on the window cill, apparently off a man’s shoe; he had since identified a knife and padlock shown him by policeman Smith.- police-constable Smith said he apprehended prisoner at his father’s house on Sunday morning, and upon searching him found the lock owned by Malster; since prisoner had been in his custody, he confessed that he had gone to the house alone, in the hope of getting a rabbit, as he had nothing to eat, and not finding one he took the box, but he hoped Mr. Warwick would forgive him.- Charles Willis spoke to purchasing a clasp knife of the prisoner at the Old Heath Bell on Saturday night for threepence; he had since given it to policeman Smith, and it had been identified by prosecutor.- Prisoner was fully committed for trial at the next Quarter Session.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 6 May 1853 - “ASSAULTING A WIFE.- At the Castle on Saturday (before T.L. Ewan and John Bawtree, Esqs.), James Martin, mariner , of East Donyland, was charged with having assaulted his wife on the 23rd of April.- It appeared from the evidence of Mary Anne Martin that defendant had been married about 8 months, and was frequently in the habit of getting intoxicated. On the day in question he went out to take his wages, and returned intoxicated between 1 and 2 o’clock, when he became very excited because dinner was not on the table, and attempted to burn some little coats complainant was making. She took the work into a neighbour’s cottage, and on her return defendant knocked her down and turned her out of the house. Martin earned £2.2. when in work and £1.1. “stint” money. Martin, in defence, said plaintiff was in the habit of using very bad language towards him. He had been married twice before, and had lived very comfortably with his former wives, and if plaintiff liked to live quietly with him there was a comfortable home for her.- The Magistrates asked if he would allow his wife 2s. a week.- Defendant said he could not do so, as he did not earn more than an average of 18s a week, and out of that he had to maintain a family of three children and discharge a debt.- The Bench fined him 5s. for the assault and 8s. expenses, recommending that they should endeavour to settle their differences, as there appeared to be blame on both sides.- The money was paid.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 27 May 1853 - “COLCHESTER CASTLE, May 21. John Everitt, mariner, of East Donyland, was summoned by his wife for assaulting her and threatening her life. The defendant came ashore on Friday last, was drunk on the Saturday and Sunday, and on Monday in a quarrel with his wife about some shore money he struck and kicked her and made use of some violent threats. In answer to the Bench, the complainant said she had no hesitation in swearing that she went in fear of her life.- The Chairman said the Bench believed the wife had just ground for her complaint, and they should call upon him to find sureties for his good conduct for six months, himself in £40 and two sureties in £20 each. He believed the Legislature intended to provide some more severe punishment for brutal conduct to wives; and he was sure it was quite called for in cases like this. Not being prepared with sureties he was detained in custody until they should be forthcoming.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 24 June 1853 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT.- June 20. Before W. Gurdon, Esq., M.S., Judge. DISGRACEFUL DISTURBANCE AT ROWHEDGE - WILLIAM DEATH, Colchester, furniture-broker, v. CHAS. SICAMORE and DANIEL BLACKWELL, Rowhedge.- This was an action for £3, claimed in damages for an outrageous assault committed on the plaintiff at the above village.- Mr. Goody for the plaintiff; Mr. Philbrick for the defendant.
The witnesses on both sides having, at the request of the former, been ordered out of Court.
Mr. Goody stated that this action had been brought by Mr. Death to recover damages for a most aggravated assault at Rowhedge, and he thought the details of the case would prove a row and disturbance well bearing out the name of the place. On the 17th of May the plaintiff was waited on by a man named John Everitt, who wished him to buy his furniture, alleging that in consequence of some differences with his wife he intended to give up housekeeping. The plaintiff advised him to be reconciled to his wife and not to dispose of the furniture, but the man persisted that he would do so; and at his urgent request Death went over to his cottage at Rowhedge, and purchased the furniture, for which (being of an humble and scanty description) he agreed to give him 18s. Plaintiff procured a horse and van, and had nearly loaded it, and was in the act of bringing out of the house some few remaining articles, when he discovered that the van and furniture had been taken away. on going to the door to ascertain the cause of the removal, he saw a crowd assembled, an egg was dashed at him, and the defendant Blackwell called him an “old rogue.” Plaintiff thereupon pulled the door to, but it was instantly forced open again, whereupon he went out for the purpose of taking refuge at the Crowns public-house near by. No sooner was he out of doors, however, than he was followed by the crowd, hooting him and pelting him with eggs and stones, one of the latter dealing him a severe blow on the head, the effects of which he felt to this moment; while the defendant Sicamore, observing that the plaintiff’s object was to gain the public-house, ran to the door and closed it against him, leaving him still to the mercy of the crowd. He should prove that Blackwell threw at the plaintiff once, and that Sicamore incited the mob - for a mob it was - by calling out “go it - pelt him,” and a witness would also state that he saw two eggs in Sicamore’s hand about this time. He should also be able to show that as many as 3s. worth of eggs were sold at a shop in the village. When the plaintiff found that he could not get into the public-house he did his best to get away from the crowd, and as, in beating his retreat, he was about to pass some water, Sicamore, following him, called out “Dip him - dip him,” and that indeed it was a mercy that he (Death) escaped with his life, although he was happy to say that the defendant’s call was not acted upon by the crowd. He hoped to be able to establish these facts in evidence, and he thought the Court would be [of] opinion that the plaintiff was entitled to the damages claimed.
William Death, the plaintiff, was then called, and gave evidence in entire corroboration of the above statement. His hat, completely beaten in, and coat, besmeared with dirt and egg-stain, were exhibited in Court.
In cross examination by Mr. Philbrick plaintiff said that he did not discover on reaching the village that he had gone on rather an unpopular errand; Everitt was to have 18s. for the furniture, and it would not be worth more than 30s. or £2 in his (plaintiff’s) shop; he was not remonstrated with upon these things being taken away considerably under their value; believed Blackwell came up to him first at Everitt’s house, and called him a rogue, and told him to be off about his business, but did not give him any reason; there were then about 30 persons about the house, and Sicamore was also there.
John Clark, a shipwright, proved that as he was going to dinner, he saw the defendant Sicamore with two eggs in his hand. There were then between 40 and 50 persons assembled in the street. Saw Blackwell there; he was near Sicamore; there was a good deal of loud talking; it was not good-natured talking by any means; the crowd were “kind of upon a threat.” (Laughter.) Witness persisted he did not know what the disturbance was about, for he did not stop, but walked on about his business. He prevaricated however a good deal upon the questions, and His Honour finally asked him whether he had any doubt whatever in his own mind that the disturbance was connected with the taking of the furniture of Everitt’s.
Witness said that it was certainly about the furniture.
His Honour, at the close of the case, refused to allow the expenses of this witness in consequence of the manner in which he gave his evidence.
Mr. Goody said he had summoned another witness - a woman named Knights, who kept a shop and sold eggs. The witness, on being called, did not appear, and the Bailiff said when he served the summons upon her she told him she would not attend; he [the bailiff] indeed found that such was the feeling in the village that he was unable to get any information whatever respecting the matter.
Mr. Philbrick, in behalf of the defendants, said that although there had been a disturbance in the village on this occasion, and one which he would not seek to justify, he was instructed that the defendants took no part whatever in it, neither by personal violence by the defendant, nor inciting the crowd to commit upon him the injury he unfortunately sustained at their hands. He should call independent witnesses, who would prove, as he was instructed, that the plaintiff was altogether mistaken as to the persons who had injured him, and that the defendants were no parties to the row. He then called Mr. James Cole, a smack owner, who said he remembered the row on the 17th. It originated in consequence of the plaintiff purchasing the furniture of a drunken man named Everitt, who lived in the Crowns yard. Everitt had been drunk for days, and witness asked Death for the sake of the poor man’s wife and infant children not to take them. Witness offered to give 1s. towards the plaintiff’s expenses in coming down if he would not buy them. Plaintiff replied, “If I don’t buy them some one else will.” The disturbance took place after this. He saw a great many boys pelting the plaintiff with eggs, but did not know who any of them were. Saw Sicamore and Blackwell there and was near to them, but did not see them throw either egg or stone, nor say anything to incite the crowd.
Cross-examined by Mr. Goody. Was not aware that Everitt had walked to Death’s, at Colchester, and back that morning; he was drunk in the morning, but still he could have walked there; saw Sicamore go up to the Crowns, but did not observe that he prevented Death from going in; witness was a “volunteer” here to-day, and nobody knew he was coming until the defendant Sicamore asked him this morning. This witness also fenced a great deal with the questions, and was remonstrated with by the Court.
William Wilkinson, mariner, also saw a “lot of boys and girls pelting the plaintiff, but did not remember that the defendants did anything of the kind, and must have seen them if they had; witness was near to the spring when the plaintiff passed, and did not hear the defendants or anybody else call out, “dip him;” was so near to Sicamore that he must have heard him if he had said so.
In cross-examination witness said he did not see Everitt’s door thrust open; he saw very little of it.
Charles Sicamore, the defendant, who stated that he was a fish dealer, alike denied having taken any part in the row. He said he felt sorry for the poor woman, Everitt’s wife, and rather than they should be taken he offered Death £4 for them; he neither threw an egg nor had one, “except two that he carried home for his dinner.” (Laughter.) Did not call out to the crowd to “pelt him,” or to “dip him;” and did not go within 40 yards of the spring.
By the Judge. Did not take any part in this row, but looked on; didn’t tell them to leave off throwing at the plaintiff, for he did not know who they were; they were a “lot of boys and girls;” there were a great many grown-up people, but did not see anything thrown by them. (Laughter.) Did not know how “boys and girls” should be able to get money for eggs.
Mr. Goody remarked that plaintiff denied that defendant offered him £4 to abandon the purchase of the furniture. On the contrary, when Everitt had been paid 10s. of the money Death offered to give him back the furniture if he liked to return the money, but Everitt would not do so.
His Honour said this was certainly a most cowardly assault on the part of 50 or 60 attacking one men. He might not think it the act of a respectable dealer in furniture to purchase things of a person under such circumstances, but with that indeed he had nothing to do, nor had the people, although they might have expressed, quietly, great disapprobation of such a purchase. The question for him was simply whether the defendants Sicamore and Blackwell took part in the assault which had undoubtedly been committed upon the plaintiff. Now as to this issue, of course there had been direct contradiction; but he must say he thought that, generally speaking, the man who was assaulted in this cowardly way, when he did not appear to entertain malice against any particular individual, was most likely to select from the persons in the crowd those who were taking the leading part against him. He thought there would be no motive here, therefore, for Death speaking falsely, in picking out Sicamore or Blackwell as the ring leaders in this disturbance. He trusted that the actual effect of the assault was not personally very serious, but he thought that a case of this description - a lot of people combining in this way against a stranger - demanded that there should be some fair and liberal compensation for the injury received. There was no doubt Sicamore was taking a strong part in favour of this woman, and his very remonstrance with Death about taking the furniture was quite sufficient to incite the crowd to this conduct. Both the defendant and the witness Cole, if they claimed a character of respectability, had been guilty of a breach of that respectability in the countenancing, and not trying to prevent, a breach of the peace. If they meant to be thought respectable they must take care not to allow such disgraceful outrages as these. It was worse almost than an Irish mob, and one would hardly have supposed that such a scene could have taken place within a few miles of Colchester.
Judgment for the plaintiff for the sum claimed.”
Also. Undefended case:“Chas. Hunwick , blacksmith, Layer-de-la-Hay (sic), v. Joseph Wade, (co-surety), shipwright, East Donyland. £7.5.7; in a fortnight.”
Also. “COLCHESTER AND EAST-ESSEX HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. This flourishing Society held its second exhibition for the season on Wednesday, in the grounds of J.T. Hedge, Esq., at Reed Hall, situated about a mile from the town, and well adapted for the accommodation of a public gathering of this description.... Lettuces.... 2nd prize, Abraham Rudland, East Donyland.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 26 November 1853 - “ESSEX POULTRY ASSOCIATION - On Thursday, the first day’s exhibition of this association for the improvement of the breeds of domestic poultry was held at Mr. Griffin’s Repository, Colchester. There were about 87 exhibitors and 216 pens of fowls....” A. Warwick, Esq., of Donyland Lodge, officiated as a secretary of the association.
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 4 February 1854 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds will meet on Tuesday next, at Donyland Heath, at a quarter to 11 o’clock.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 8 February 1854 - “STEALING HOLLY STICKS - George Green, labourer, was charged with stealing a bundle of holly sticks, the property of W.R. Havens, Esq., at East Donyland.- It appeared that on Thursday morning last, shortly before 12 o’clock, prisoner was seen by Mrs. Miller, who lives in the wood, to pass the house with a bundle of holly sticks, which, in reply to her questions, he said he had been cutting; she told him that he had no business to do so, and he answered, “No, mistress, but I was obliged to do it for a piece of bread.” Witness refused to let him take them away, and sent for John Malster, wood-ranger to the prosecutor, who came and identified the sticks as some he had cut a fortnight since for sale.- Prisoner, who was apprehended at his lodgings, in Barrack Street, Colchester, by a police-constable of the Borough Police, was committed for trial at the Adjourned Session.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 25 March 1854 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds will meet on Tuesday next at Donyland Heath, at a quarter to 11.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 24 June 1854 - “SUDDEN DEATH OF AN OLD TRADESMAN.- On Wednesday evening, J.M. Churchill, Esq., coroner, held an inquest at the Town Hall, Colchester, on the body of Mr. William Chaplin, butcher, High Street, whose death resulted under the following very painful circumstances:- Elizabeth Jennings, the wife of a thatcher residing at East Donyland, stated that on Tuesday evening she saw deceased drive by her house in a cart towards Fingringhoe, and shortly after return, calling out and vainly endeavouring to stop his horse. She stopped the animal for him, and thinking deceased was taken in a fit, as he could scarcely sit in the cart, and his features were evidently convulsed, asked him to stay at her house, which he declined to do and drove on. Shortly after a little girl informed her that Mr. Chaplin had fallen out of the cart, when she went with two men and assisted him out of the road into the vehicle, and he instantly expired without speaking a word.- Mr. Waylen, surgeon, East hill, stated, as the result of his examination of deceased, that he found a considerable wound in the scalp, but no fracture of the skull. From the statement of the first witness he was of opinion that the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain produced apoplectic symptoms, which caused deceased to fall out of the cart upon his head, and that both apoplexy and concussion might have operated to produce death.- The jury, having consulted together, returned the verdict of “Death from apoplexy.” - Deceased, who was 73 years old, had carried on a good business in Colchester 29 years.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 30 December 1854 - “GRAND POULTRY SHOW AT COLCHESTER - On Thursday the second annual exhibition of various breeds of poultry was opened for three days, in Mr. Griffin’s Depository, Queen’s Street, Colchester....Turkeys - Highly commended: W.A. Warwick, Donyland-lodge.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 24 November 1855 - “A GREENHORN DONE BROWN - John Maynard, a well-known sharper, was examined at the Thames police office on Wednesday, on the charge of having duped Captain Charles King, of East Donyland, out of thirty-two sovereigns. On the 15th of October the Captain had dined in Aldgate, and was steering for St. Katherine’s dock, where his schooner was lying, when he fell into an ambush laid for him by the sharp ones, and being introduced to a party at a public-house was duped by the stale trick of an offer from a man who had just come in for a large fortune - a greenhorn as he thought - from Exeter - to distribute amongst the poor of his parish. The captain, with kind consideration for the destitute of Donyland, was willing to receive 20l. for that benevolent purpose, and even consented to take 40l. on condition that he had a new hat for the trouble of distributing it. Dazzled and driven off his guard by a display of pocket books and red bags of gold he was led to deposit his purse, with thirty sovereigns, on the table; when he returned, friends and money were gone, and he discovered he had been acting the part of greenhorn himself.- The prisoner was remanded.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 28 September 1855 - “Larch Poles for Sale. APPLY to Mr. Malster, Donyland Wood, near Colchester.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 5 December 1855 - “COLCHESTER CASTLE- Dec.1. James Simons, was charged with stealing two Cochin China fowls, the property of Sarah Sibbon, at East Donyland, but prosecutrix not being in attendance to give evidence the case was dismissed.”
SUFFOLK AND ESSEX FREE PRESS – 31 January 1856 – “FATAL ACCIDENT – On Saturday evening, J.M. Churchill, Esq., coroner, held an inquest at the Jolly Wagoners, Hythe, on the body of John Francis, 12 years of age, son of the landlord, who was drowned on the previous Wednesday. The only witness was John Jones, mariner, of East Donyland, who deposed that he saw deceased, on Wednesday, sculling a boat down the river towards his father’s vessel at Rowhedge, and, a short time after, found the boat bottom upwards, deceased not being visible. The body was sought for, and found on Friday morning in Fingringhoe creek. Verdict, “Found drowned.”
SUFFOLK AND ESSEX FREE PRESS – 21 February 1856 – “ESSEX AND SUFFOLK FOX HOUND – Tuesday furnished a capital day’s sport with this gallant pack. The meeting was at Gol Grove…. Copford Place…. Easthorpe… Birch…. Stanway…. Trotted on to Friday wood, which was drawn blank; drew Donyland Wood, found, and run the fox in quick pace to Friday Wood, turned sharp down to Berechurch Park, where Reynard had run to earth in a water course close to the Hall. Spades and pickaxes were soon procured, and after an hour’s diligent use of them Reynard was brought out to meet the funeral honours of the death “whoo-whoop,” and finally to satisfy the cravings of the impatient pack….”
THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 15 March 1856 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds will meet, weather permitting, on Tuesday, March 18th, at Donyland Heath, at 11 o’clock.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 27 September 1856 - Election. “A fourth candidate for Colchester has been announced in the person of William Rawdon Havens, Esq., barrister-at-law, of Donyland Heath.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 13 December 1856 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds meet on Tuesday, Dec. 16th, at Donyland Heath, at 11 o’clock.”
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SUFFOLK AND ESSEX FREE PRESS – 12 February 1857 - “COLCHESTER DIVISION, Feb. 7.- John Crooks, labourer, was charged with stealing two bundles of holly sticks from Donyland Wood, the property of W.R. Havens, Esq.- Prosecutor being busily engaged in election transactions as a candidate for the borough representation, did not appear, and prisoner was discharged from custody for the present, but the property was detained.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 13 February 1857 - “COLCHESTER TOWN HALL.- Feb.5.- James Hayes, an Irishman, was committed for one month’s hard labour for vagrancy at Donyland, on Tuesday last.”
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ESSEX HERALD – 17 February 1857 – “ACCIDENT – On Wednesday last (11th), a man named Charles Siccamore, fishmonger, of Rowhedge, was picked up insensible in the road between that place and Colchester, having, it is supposed, fallen out of his cart which was met at some distance. He was taken to the hospital, where he still continues suffering from compression of the brain.”
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SUFFOLK AND ESSEX FREE PRESS – 16 July 1857 – “DOVERCOURT – VISITORS TO THE SPA.- Miss Robinson, East Donyland.”
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SUFFOLK AND ESSEX FREE PRESS – 19 November 1857 – “THE CHASE – The ESSEX AND SUFFOLK will meet…. Tuesday, the 24th, at Donyland Heath.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 27 March 1858 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds will meet on Tuesday, March 30th, at Donyland Heath, at 11 o’clock.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 22 January 1859 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds will meet on Tuesday, January 25th, at Donyland Heath, at 11 o’clock.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - 25 February 1859 - “COUNTY MAGISTRATES’ SITTING.- Feb.19. “BEER-HOUSE INFORMATION.- Henry Harris, a beer-house keeper, of East Donyland, was charged with keeping his house open for the sale of beer at the unlawful hour of twenty minutes past four o’clock on Sunday afternoon (6th).- Defendant pleaded guilty.- police-constable Buck found the prisoner’s house open on the day in question before five o’clock, five men drinking in the tap-room, and two mugs of porter and beer at defendant’s house. Defendant said he was ignorant of the law in that respect; and, it appearing that no complaints had hitherto been made against the defendant’s house and he had generally conducted his house with respectability, he was fined in the mitigated penalty of 5s, and expenses, or in default 14 days imprisonment.”
ALSO - “Robert Richard Boscowen, a wretched-looking tramp without shoes or stockings, who said he was a native of British India, and his father was an Englishman, was charged with feloniously assaulting John Goodwin and putting him in bodily fear, and taking a knife, value 6d., from his person.- Prosecutor, a little boy in the service of Capt. Coles, of Donyland Lodge, instructor of musketry at Colchester Camp, stated that at half-past 5 o’clock on Saturday afternoon, he was returning from Mr. Kemp’s between Donyland Wood and the Post-office, when defendant overtook him, seized him by the throat without speaking a word, threw him upon the bank, and put his hand over his mouth. He then felt in witness’s pocket, but finding only a knife, he threw it down saying it was “no good,” and made his escape. Witness informed Captain Coles, and William Bridges, the butler, accompanied by p.c. Pooley, of the borough police pursued the prisoner, whom they found at Lewis’s lodging-house, East-street.- Prisoner acknowledged seeing the boy, but denied touching him.- He was committed for trial at the adjourned sessions.”
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SUFFOLK AND ESSEX FREE PRESS – 14 April 1859 – “EAST DONYLAND – LECTURE ON THE OCEAN.- On Saturday evening last, a most interesting and graphic lecture was delivered on this subject to a crowded audience at the large room of the Three Crowns, Rowhedge, by Mr. E.G. Caston – a gentleman who was formerly a naval cadet of H.E.I.C.s good ship Childe Harold and now master of the National School at this village and port. Mr. Caston, from his experiences and observations on the “vasty main” is particularly enabled by happy delineations and apt and pleasing style to ensure the attention and approbation of his auditory. The lecture is one of no ephemeral character, but one which from the instruction imparted, especially in places where the inhabitants are a sea-going people, is likely to be of lasting benefit, and from its religious tendency, to lead to much good. The lecturer, after speaking of the ocean as known to the ancients, and giving a general sketch of navigation, descanted upon the sea under various heads – its component parts, its wonders, its productions, &c.- and then treated of flotation and the progress of navigation.- The lecture was well received.”
ALSO – “COLCHESTER DIVISION, April 9.- PASSING SURVEYORS’ ACCOUNTS.- The surveyors of highways of the several parishes within the division came up with their accounts…. Mr. Bruce, one of the overseers of East Donyland, reported an encroachment in that parish by Mr. Sainty.- He was directed to give the usual notice, and then if not attended to, to take out a summons.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Wednesday 18 May 1859 - “WANTED, by a Young Man, aged 20, a SITUATION as FOOTMAN, single handed, in or out of livery, no objection to travel; can have a good character.- Direct to W.L., Post-Office, East Donyland, Colchester, Essex.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 10 June 1859 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT - June 8.- UNDEFENDED CASES.- The following cases were undisputed and verdicts entered for the plaintiff.- John Pitt, baker, East Donyland, v. William Smith, mariner; £1.7. for goods.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Wednesday 20 July 1859 - “COUNTY MAGISTRATES’ SITTING - July 16.- Unjust Weights and Measures - Charles Willis, pork-dealer, of St. Giles’s, Colchester, for having a weighing-machine and two weights light and unjust.- Superintendent Daunt said defendant’s wife was selling pork in a cart at East Donyland by a weighing machine, which on inspection he found to be a drachma against the purchaser, caused by a penny and half-penny being placed under the scale.- Defendant said the money was placed there to make the scale balance.- The Chairman said in this case there was apparent a direct case of fraud. It was one of great aggravation and must be visited by a heavy penalty. Defendant would be fined £2 and 9s. expenses, and in default 21 days’ imprisonment.”
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SUFFOLK AND ESSEX FREE PRESS – 21 July 1859 – Adds: In this case the Supt. Visited defendant’s small shop at Donyland, and found the weighing machine used 8 drachms against the purchaser, caused by putting a penny piece between the tin of the scale, and which defendant’s wife endeavoured unseen to abstract while the Inspector was trying the machine. It was a case, Mr. Daunt said, in which evidently a fraud on the public was intended.- Defendant said it was a little machine he had bought, and his wife liked to take it out in the cart.- Mr. Cooke told defendant he was the third person to-day who had endeavoured to lay the blame on their “missuses.” Why did not the men see to these things themselves? …. The machine and weights forfeited.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Wednesday 27 July 1859 - “POSTAL ACCOMMODATION - A wall letter-box has recently been erected at Rowhedge, and proves very acceptable to the inhabitants, the Post-office for East Donyland being situate at the other end of the village.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 26 August 1859 - “COLCHESTER MAGISTRATES’ SITTING.- Aug.20 - Saml. Everett, a mariner, was charged with assaulting Wm. Pudley, a shipwright, at East Donyland, on the 14th inst.- Mr. Jones for the complainant; Mr. Goody for the defendant.- It appeared that the plaintiff, defendant, and a man named Cheek, each sent to the baker’s a joint of beef in batter (commonly called a “toad-in-the-hole”), and on being baked the wrong ones were sent to the owners; while the plaintiff was dining the defendant’s wife came in and asked for the pudding; but it was then eaten; plaintiff afterwards went to the defendant and offered to pay for it, but it was refused, and a quarrel ensued, and defendant then kicked him. Plaintiff afterwards consulted his lawyer, and a letter was sent to defendant, saying that no further notice would be taken of it if further annoyance was discontinued. The parties met in the road on a subsequent day, when the defendant offered with an path to pay the lawyer’s bill.- Mr. Goody contended that the assault was condoned by the letter, and that no annoyance had been occasioned since its receipt.- The magistrates, however, fined the defendant 1s. and 9s. expenses.”
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SUFFOLK AND ESSEX FREE PRESS – 20 October 1859 – “COLCHESTER BOROUGH, Oct. 13.- AFFILIATION ORDER.- Samuel Dove, labourer, of East Donyland, appeared to an information in the matter of a bastardy.- Mr. Abell |(for Mr. Jones) appeared to support.- Complainant’s name is Eliza Green, now of Old Heath. She had lived in service at Mrs. Bruce’s, at Donyland, where also defendant lived, in the house as groom. The intimate acquaintance began about six weeks before last Christmas, when defendant in the middle of the night invaded the privacy of the young woman’s bedroom. The corroborative evidence was a letter defendant had addressed to the young woman, calling to remembrance their stolen pleasures.- Defendant did not deny what was alleged against him, but pleaded that as complainant and a fellow servant used to put brooms, brushes, dressed-up dolls, and other things in his bed, he had liberties given him.- Complainant, recalled, acknowledged that such things had been done in fun.- The Chairman, speaking for the majority of the magistrates, considered such proceedings, as offering liberties to the defendant, whom he had before known as a respectable young man, and who, in consequence of this, would be ordered to pay only one shilling per week to support the child, instead of a higher sum, as he would otherwise have had to do. The payment was to commence upon the 20th of August.- Time was allowed to pay the £1. 7s. costs.- Mr. Tabor did not appear to take the same view of the case as his brother magistrates.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 16 December 1859 - “THE CHASE - THE ESSEX AND SUFFOLK FOX HOUNDS.- Meet on Monday, Dec.19th, at Donyland Heath.”
THE ESSEX STANDARD - Wednesday 4 January 1860 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT - December 29.- CRICKMAR v. BROWN - Mr. Jones for plaintiff; Mr. Goody for defendant.- Action £8.2.6. balance of account for building a house. The answer set up by the defendant was that the plaintiff did not perform his work, and, although he obtained a certificate from the surveyor, yet it was by fraud; and that he received a certain sum in full satisfaction of his claim.- The parties live at East Donyland, and it appeared that the plaintiff agreed to build a house for the defendant by specification for a certain sum. The cottage was completed and the amount was paid, with the exception of £8.2.6. Another bill was afterwards sent in, including some extras that had been done; and Mr. Woods, a surveyor, was sent by the plaintiff with a receipt for £18, which was taken. The defendant alleged that this sum was accepted in full satisfaction of the claim; and the plaintiff contended that it was only on account.- After hearing the evidence his Honour thought defendant’s the more creditable story, and gave a verdict for him.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 27 January 1860 - “COUNTY MAGISTRATES’ SITTING.- Jan.21. - AN INCORRIGIBLE - John Constable, an apprentice in a mariner, was charged with breaking into a boat, the property of Mr. Chas. Heath, oyster merchant, with intent to commit a felony.- Mr. H. Goody, appeared for the prosecution.- It appeared that on Saturday evening, the 14th inst., from suspicions entertained, police-constable Bond and a mariner named John Cheek watched the vessel lying at the wharf at Rowhedge, and soon after the prisoner was seen to go on board, and wrench off the hinges of the cabin door. Nothing had been left in the cabin, and on the prisoner coming out he was seized; and in answer to what he was doing he said he had been to Ben Brown’s boat to get a gull-tuck (a large knife used for the separation of oysters) to break into Mr. Heath’s boat with.- The prisoner has been twice convicted before and the only course therefore open to the bench was to commit the prisoner for trial at the Quarter Sessions.”
Also - “ASSAULT - George Pitt, of East Donyland, was charged with assaulting Mary Ann Walford, of the same place, on the 11th inst.- Mr. H. Goody for the complainant; Mr. Abell for the defendant.- It appeared that about two years since the parties were engaged, but since that engagement had been broken off the defendant had constantly annoyed her. On the morning in question, while the complainant was coming out of a shop, she was met by the defendant, who caught hold of her arm and pushed her against some railings, at the same time using opprobrious language to her.- In cross-examination it transpired that the complainant had received various trifling presents from the defendant, but they had not been returned, as he refused to have them.- Mr. Goody said the only object was to protect the complainant from the defendant’s annoyance.- A minimal fine of 2s. 6d. was therefore inflicted, with 5s. costs, and the Bench recommended the complainant to return the presents.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 10 February 1860 - “COLCHESTER MAGISTRATES’ SITTING.- Feb.4. - ASSAULT - John Brown was charged with assaulting John Seaborn, at East Donyland, on the 21st January.- Complainant said on the day in question he was standing at a blacksmith’s shop, when the defendant came past, and said to a man on the spot, “Halloo, young Green, I shall go home and kill my wife, and swallow the brewer’s dray,” an expression which the defendant always used on passing complainant’s house, and which he explained to mean that complainant’s wife had died, and he had afterwards married a brewer’s widow.- Witness asked him what he meant by it, and defendant pulled off his coat, and put his fist in witness’s face.- A man named Dowman corroborated the complainant’s evidence.- The defendant said that complainant began the “row,” and called a witness in support, but who precisely confirmed the complainant’s evidence.- Fined 1s. and 10s. expenses, and allowed a fortnight for payment.”
ALSO - “HARWICH - THE WEATHER.- We had quite a gale here for a time on Monday last, the wind being N.W.... The brig Ann and John, of and from Newcastle, for London, coal-laden, when in the upper part of the river (Stour), had her fore-mast, main top-mast, main-mast head, and bowsprit carried away, and was on Tuesday brought to this port in tow of the three smacks Faith, Eagle, and Kate, of Colchester. The weather continues very squally, with showers of snow and hail.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 24 February 1860 - “THE HURRICANE ON SUNDAY.- The weather, which during the past week has been very severe and unsettled, seemed to reach its climax on Sunday afternoon. The day broke mild and calm, and, excepting an occasional cloud, appeared almost spring-like. At two p.m., however, the heavens suddenly became overcast, and between four and five the wind rose to a hurricane, accompanied alternately by heavy rain, snow, and sleet. At Donyland Church portions of two of the octagonal wings were blown down; and at the Camp Church (a wooden building), although no actual damage was done, apprehension was caused by the violence of the wind that the Chaplain closed the service and dismissed the congregation.”
Also - “ESSEX ADJOURNED SESSION. The adjourned session for the county was held on Tuesday.... PLEADED GUILTY.... John Constable, 15, sailor-boy, to attempting to commit a felony on a boat at East Donyland.- Mr. Pearce (who appeared for the prosecution), recommended the prisoner to mercy, and informed the Court that it was not the wish of the prosecutor to press the charges.- Three weeks’ hard labour.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 27 July 1860 - “COLCHESTER COUNTY COURT.- July 25. Before W. Gurdon, Esq., M.A. Judge.
About 120 summonses were issued for this Court, but those undisputed and settled by consent left but few for trial, and those of an uninteresting character.
WRIGHT v. PEARMAN - This was an action by the plaintiff, a baker, of Magdalen Street, to recover of the defendant, a gardener, of East Donyland, £5. 1., damages sustained by breach of warranty of a horse.- Mr. Abell for plaintiff; Mr. Philbrick for defendant.- It appeared that the plaintiff bought a pony of the defendant for £8. 10, but before making the bargain noticed to him that it had a sore on the shoulder, and the defendant replied that it was not lame from it. The pony was sent to plaintiff’s house, and it was then found that it was permanently lame. Notice was given to the defendant to take it away, but refusing to do so it was sold, and realised £4.10, the expenses of the sale amounting to 15s.- His Honour, without calling for the defence, said the defendant did not appear to have warranted the animal as sound, and he must therefore, give a verdict against the plaintiff, at the same time he had a remedy by bringing as action for damages by wilful misrepresentation.”
Also - “EAST DONYLAND - On the 18th inst., the annual treat for the children of the Sunday School of East Donyland, numbering about 240, took place in the grounds of Mr. J. Kemp, where they were regaled with tea, plum-cake, &c. The teachers and visitors subsequently sat down to tea in the barn, which was decorated for the occasion; and, after engaging in Elastic sports, the children returned home about 8 o’clock.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - 9 November 1860 - “COUNTY MAGISTRATES’ SITTING.- Nov.3. ASSAULT - Wm. Allen, of East Donyland, was summoned for assaulting Mrs. Adelaide King, wife of a mariner at Rowhedge. Mr. Jones appeared for the complainant; Mr. Sansom, from Messrs. Turner and Deane’s office, for the defendant.- It appeared from the evidence of the complainant that the defendant was her brother, and that on the 26th of October he called at her house, but shortly afterwards went away. She went into the yard to call her husband, when the defendant struck her three times, and used very bad language.- Cross-examined. The house where she lived belonged to her father, who had left it to the defendant, but he had not yet taken possession of it.- Mr. Jones suggested that the defendant should be bound over to keep the peace for six months, which was eventually agreed to.”
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THE ESSEX STANDARD - Friday 7 December 1860 - “At the County Magistrates’ Clerk’s Office, Colchester, on Wednesday, John Lambert, apprentice to Mr. Jeremiah Easter, mariner, East Donyland, was charged with violently assaulting William Clench, apprentice to Mr. James, smack-owner, East Donyland, on Monday, the 3rd of December.- The parties were drinking at the Ship, East Donyland, when a dispute arising between them defendant struck complainant, who broke defendant’s pipe in his mouth, when defendant got complainant’s head down and violently struck his face several times against the iron-bound table, cutting open his nose, closing his eye, and so injuring him that he was obliged to apply for surgical assistance, and was at present unable to attend to his employment.- Defendant pleaded Guilty, and expressed great sorrow for his conduct; in consideration of which the Magistrates dealt with him leniently, but ordered him to pay complainant a sovereign compensation for his injuries, 2s. 6d. to a witness, and 10s. 6d. expenses, in a month.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 13 April 1861 - “COLCHESTER GARRISON STEEPLE CHASES.- On Thursday these annual steeple chases, supported chiefly by the military officers of Colchester Camp and the sporting gentry of that and other parts of the county, in connexion with the Essex and Suffolk Hunt, came off on the government training ground of Middlewick, a mile and a half from Colchester. Colchester, on the occasion, presented a gay and animated appearance, with flags and banners hoisted from various houses and buildings, indicative of the holiday occasion. The course, thronged with military and civilians, presented a very animated appearance. The course which was a circular one, measured twice round, about three and a half miles. It consisted of a fair hunting country and some of the fences, ditches, and banks, of which there were about 27, were steep and difficult. The course, comprising fallow, pasture and corn fields, lay over the farms of Messrs. Bloomfield, Bruce, and Lambard, in the parishes of East Donyland and St. Giles. The following are the results:- Middlewick Stakes: Mr. Shave’s Sailor. Atlas broke his back jumping a fence, and was killed. Captain White, master of Essex and Suffolk fox-hounds, rider, unhurt.- Essex and Suffolk hunt Sweepstakes: Despised.- Garrison Stakes: Little John.- Selling Stakes: Captain Bennett’s Perfection.- Consolation Scramble: Lightning.- It was computed that there were twenty thousand spectators.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - 1 February 1862 - “THE CHASE - The Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds will meet on Monday, February the 3rd, at Donyland Heath, at 11 o’clock.”
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THE SUFFOLK CHRONICLE - “BANKRUPTS - Tuesday, September 30. Joseph WADE, East Donyland, Essex, mariner.”
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To be continued....
