Kingsteington: Lord Clifford, of Ugbrook Park, who is Lord of the Manor of Kingsteignton and owns upwards of 2,000 of its broad acres besides most of its houses, etc., decided to celebrate the coming-of-age of his eldest son and heir in most liberal manner by providing a dinner for all his tenantry and a tea for their wives and children on Thursday. At first it was his lordship’s wish, conveyed by letter from his steward, Mr. Knight, for all his land tenantry to attend banquet at Chudleigh on the same day, and his cottage tenantry to have dinner and their wives’ tea at home. The matter was discussed among the parties Concerned, and they decided, if his lordship had no objection, to have a jollification all together in their own village. This, on being communicated to his lordship, received his approval, and gave instructions accordingly. The following committee was then appointed to make arrangements: J. H. Whiteway, Esq. (his lordship’s local steward), Messrs. C. Knowles, W. Smalldridge, G. Pinsent, J. Luscombe, J. Trueman, T. Pilgrim, P. Burridge, T. Babbage, T. Lear, W. Gillard, H. Partridge, and T. Rutland. Never within the memory that quaint individual, the oldest inhabitant (Mary Radmore, aged 110), did the respectable village look as remarkably grand. Fir trees were planted on either side of the streets towards Newton, Chudleigh, and Teignmouth, and a profusion of bunting was everywhere displayed. The bells were merrily rung, and the band of the 10th D.R.V. discoursed music through the streets, everybody donned their gayest, put on their best behaviour, and I enjoyed them-selves after the most approved fashion. At the old Post-office the first triumphal arch on the road from Ugbrook was erected. At its centre was suspended splendid banner bearing the inscription “Long live Lord Clifford: Health and Happiness ever be with him.” … (dinner with speeches) … In proposing “The Ladies” Mr. Knowles couldn’t understand the reason why there were so many old boys around them when they had such a blooming lot of young ladies in the parish; if they were afraid to propose themselves and commissioned him he would propose for them (hear hear): Glee: “Here is a health to all good lasses”: Mr. G. Pinsent, in responding, was not altogether hard upon the ladies – perhaps he was rather cowed at the presence of so many. Although he had not as yet entered the blissful state, he would not exclude them from meetings of that sort because he believed their presence would have a tendency to make the men a little more sociable …
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0369 Hennock: Gilbert Pinsent: 1840 – 1918