a history
Marriages: Gammon – Aldridge: On the 12th inst., at St. Marylebone, London, by the Rev. Charles Goody, Mr. R. Pinsent Gammon, of Edgbaston, Birmingham, to Mary Elliott, youngest daughter of G. O. Aldridge, Esq., of Christchurch, Hants.
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NEWTON: Sudden Death: — On Friday afternoon a gardener named Blatchford, in the employ of Mr. Pinsent, was seized with illness whilst at work that terminated death shortly after. Young Mr. Pinsent was with him when he was taken ill, and immediately sent for Dr. Haydon, who was quickly in attendance, but on seeing the patient he pronounced it a hopeless case.
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The Rapacity of the Hawk: A few days ago, a hawk, attracted by the melody of a beautiful collection of feathered songsters hung up in Mr. T. Pynsent’s greenhouse at Hillsborough, near Westward Ho, Appledore, made a dart at the glass and smashed a pane one-eighth of an inch in thickness. The hawk hung in the aperture nearly ten minutes, apparently dead, but when approached the Misses Pynsent, who were attracted by the noise; it flew way, having only been stunned.
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Schools in Devonshire: From the first part of the report of the Royal Commission on Education the following particulars are taken with respect to schools in this county … Chudleigh, founded 1668 by John Pinsent: Founder’s will states the object to be a “Free School for parishioners’ children without payment, apprentice fees, exhibitions at school and support of three scholars at Cambridge.” Gross and net income of charity £30; no separate exhibitions; a master’s house; master is an M.A.; school classical, third grade; four boarders, four-day scholars.
[see also Western Times: Friday 27th March 1868]
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Town Council and “The Extortion of Bough”: William Strong v John Elliott: This was a peculiar case. The claimant sought to obtain judgment for £1 13s, for damages sustained in the consequence of an illegal distraint. Mr. Floud appeared for the plaintiff, Mr. Merlin Fryer, instructed by Mr. W.D. Moore, Town Clerk, defended. Mr. Floud, in explaining the case, said there were two points in it for consideration: its merits, and the law which it involved. Mr. Strong rented from the Town Council certain premises in the Commercial Road under a lease. The Council demanded a year’s rent, which Mr. Strong agreed to pay; he, however, resisted a claim for £1 13s for alleged expenses of illegal distraint. This claim was monstrous, and the plaintiff was fully justified in resisting it. The first content was the Elliott, who was a bailiff in the employ of the Council, had no legal authority to make the distraint, the second, that if even he had that authority, he had no right to demand the expenses until the goods were impounded – which they never were; and that the plaintiff offered rent, which was refused, ultimately paying it and also the expenses – the latter under protest … Willey said he had a warrant, and pulled it out of his pocket voluntarily, but he was not asked to produce it. He gave it to me to look at. As I was looking at it Strong made a grab at it and put it in his pocket. – Mr. Pinsent was also called. He saw Strong tender the rent to the bailiff, and heard him after that order the bailiff off the premises … (warrant was not sealed … question of legality) …
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Wybrants – Mathew: Dec. 11, at Clyst Hydon, by the Rev. T. York, Fellow of Queen’s College, Cambridge and rector of Eversden, assisted by the Rev. C. A. Hoggan, rector of Talaton, Jonathon Wybrants, Esq. M. D. of Shepton Mallet, Coroner for Somerset to Anne, daughter of the late Jonah Pynsent Mathew Esq. of Talaton.
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Newton: Funeral of the Rev. F. S. Wall: This solemn event took place on Saturday morning and was very largely attended. The mournful procession marched from Bradley House about half past eleven in the following order … Fly and pair containing Rev. G. S Harris, Dr. Good, Dr. H. Gaye, and Mr. P. S. Michelmore, undertaker; Mr. Chudleigh, Mr. Parker, Mr. Buckler, Mr. Bearne, Mr. Liskey, Mr. Bracewill: Bearers: Hearse plumed and four horses: Coach and four horses containing Rev. Mr. Bromley, Mr. Bromley, junr., Miss Wall, and Rev, Mr. Sadler: Coach and pair containing Mr. and Mrs. Luscombe, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, maid servants: Coach and pair containing J. Vicary, Esq., J. Vicary, junr, Esq., R. Vicary, Esq. and Rev. J. M. Hawker (Ideford): The late Mr. Wall’s private carriage: J. Ingle, Esq’s, private carriage: Rev. J. Templer, his private carriage: J. Creed, and W. Cread, Esq’s private carriage: In the long procession that followed we noticed R. Francis, Esq., R. H. M. Baker, Esq., C. Gaye, Esq., S. Babb, Esq., J. J. Macbean, Esq., J. Pinsent, Esq., Messrs. J. Alsop, Clerk to the Board of Guardians, Mr. Moxey, Governor of the Union, E. Beazlay, and W. Law, Guardians, F. Buckland, J. Rendell, C. Westbrook, Capt. Todd, Dr. Bond, Dr. Haydon, W. Rowell, J. Shilston, J. F. B. Law, G. Stockman … …
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County Sessions: Wednesday: Before Earl Devon (chairman) and Biggs Andrews, Esq., Q.C.: The Court was opened at ten o’clock: The Rioting at Crediton: “Starving Alive”: Henry James, 18, shoemaker (imp.), and Barnett Elston (on bail), were charged with having, at Crediton, on Nov. 5th, with divers other persons, riotously and tumultuously assembled together to the disturbance of the public peace. Mr. Carter prosecuted; Mr. Clarke defended. The prosecuting counsel opened the case pointing out the technical differences between misdemeanour — the charge against the prisoners — and felony and having narrated circumstances of the riot stated he should prove by abundant testimony that the prisoners were not mere spectators, but that they took an active part in the riotous proceedings. The following is an outline of the evidence: Mr. John Cleave, baker, of East Street, anticipating the disturbance on Gunpowder Plot night, put his shutters at six o’clock. The rioters visited the shop with a shower of stones, doing damage to the amount of £5 or £6. Did not see the prisoners in the crowd: Mr. F. Elston was walking from West town to East Town about ten o’clock. Saw a large number of rioters — thirty or forty — recognised amongst them Barnett Elston: Knew him well, as they were natives of Crediton, and cousins. Heard him say several times “Down with the bakers; starving alive.” Others hollered at the same time. Saw both prisoners throw stones at Mr. Cleave’s windows. Several persons kicked the shutters. The prisoners followed the mob to the shop of Mr. Pinsent, baker. Cross-examined by Mr. Clarke — I helped roll the tar barrel; I did, not collect the money for it, but contributed towards the bonfire. The tar barrel and the bonfire were not one and the same thing — (a laugh). Did not speak to Barnett — not a word. Barnett was in the middle of the crowd, with whom the witness was running; did not recognise anyone else besides the prisoners — not even those who kicked the shutters. Barnett had been in the employ of witness’s father; he had worked for him since Nov. 5th. There was a constable nearby, and therefore the witness could not point out the prisoners to the police: Knew almost all the people in Crediton. Mr. George Stone, shoemaker, a Kirton man, gave similar testimony. Saw the prisoners in the crowd; heard Barnett cry out “Starving alive.” He kept bawling out with the others. This was near eleven, in West Town, near Mr. Lee’s shop. By Mr. Clarke — Did not see the witness, Fred. Elston, during the night: Witness had his hand bandaged, and was examined as follows by Mr. Clarke: You have met with an accident I see. How did it occur? I was cleaning a revolver for some gentleman. That was a dangerous thing to do; did you not know that the revolver was loaded? Mr. Carter interposed — Pray what connection had the revolver with this case? The court allowed the examination to proceed, and Mr. Clarke repeated the question. Witness — Yes, I knew it was loaded; but that has nothing to do with this case. Did it go off? Yes. What were you doing with the revolver; are you a gunsmith? — Why do you wish to tell lies? I have told you that l am a shoemaker. What were you doing with the revolver? — I am a shoemaker; but what has all this to do with the case? I was cleaning it for a gentleman. What gentleman? come out with his name. — Witness hesitated, and then asked the court whether he was bound to answer the question. The noble chairman answered in the affirmative. Witness still refused to give an answer, but when cautioned by the chairman he went out with it” — for a cousin of mine. His name is Stone. What day was it? — Last Friday fortnight. Were you not making preparations for Nov. 5th when the accident occurred? — No. If you want to get at it quickly, I will tell you all. My cousin is in the habit of going into the country and of being prepared. I was repairing his pistol for him, and while trying on the caps it exploded. Mr. Carter appealed to the chairman whether this questioning about the pistol was not a waste of time. The Chairman — cannot say that; Mr. Clarke may have some definite object. Mr. Clarke — Did you not go to Albert Elston’s for a soldier’s jacket? — Witness — No suggestion was made about it, but I did not borrow it. Did you not send for that jacket for the purpose of disguising yourself on Nov. 5th? Witness (hesitating) — No. Come now, did you not send for it? — No. Then why did you hesitate? — Because you began about the pistol, and it was all for nothing — (laughter). Did you deny before the magistrates that you asked for the jacket? Yes. Have you ever been charged with a little offence called burglary. Mr. Carter — A little “offence!” Mr. Clarke — A burglary at John Elston’s house? — Witness (emphatically) —Me, Sir; no, never. Mr. Edwin Lee, saddler, saw a crowd of about 150 or 200 in front of Mr. Lee’s shop; stones had been thrown at the windows. Recognised Barnett Elston about eleven o’clock: Knew him well by sight. P.C. Allen heard Elston when in the police cell say to James “believe that it is, that Fred Elston that has informed against us.” James replied, “believe it is so.” Elston then said “I’m …. if I care; if I was there, I can get plenty of witnesses to come forward and prove that I was someplace else.” This concluded the case for the prosecution. Mr. Clarke spoke on behalf of his clients. Riots of a most disgraceful character had taken place in the county, and he hoped they would not be repeated. The ringleaders should be punished; but had it been proved that the prisoners were amongst them? The evidence was unsatisfactory. Throwing a stone was a momentary act, but pulling down shutters was not; the former was spoken to by Fred. Elston, and yet he could not give any information as to the latter. He should show that Barnett Elston was standing amongst the crowd, and yet committed no act of violence whatsoever. Let the jury judge as to whether the witnesses had come forward in the cause of justice or to screen themselves. Evidence was called for the defence. Emma Chamberlain saw a mob break Mr. Cleave’s windows. Saw Barnett Elston standing nearby; but he was neither doing nor saying anything; he went quietly away. By Mr. Carter: — Was positive that Barnett did not damage Mr. Cleaves premises. Did not swear before the magistrates that she could not say Elston was not among the crowd when some stones were thrown. [The deposition of a witness before the magistrates was read; it showed that she had made that statement]. Mrs. Ann Woollacott was at her father’s house opposite Mr. Cleaves. Saw Elston, and said to him ” Barnett, don’t you have anything to do with this.” He replied that he should not, he knew who would be best off to-morrow. He took no part in the riot. Mrs. Charlotte Payne, wife of a shoemaker, heard a noise near her house in Deane Street. Went towards Mr. Cleaves shop: Saw Barnett Elston and Mrs. Woollaoott, and heard the conversation just spoken to by the latter. Henry Manning, mason, of Deane-street, saw Barnett Elston stand at his father’s door — neither saying nor doing anything to anyone, and this was while the mob were breaking into Mr. Cleaves’ shop. R. Ferris also saw Elston standing with his hands in his pockets “doing nothing” during the riot, near Mr. Cleaves. Mr. Clarke summed up for the defence, and Mr. Carter replied, arguing that the testimony of those who did not witness the prisoner’s rioting went for nothing. An Irishman, when caught with his hands in a man’s pocket, said he could bring hundreds to prove that they did not see it — (laughter). The noble Chairman having directed the jury on the case, the prisoners were found guilty on the fourth count in the indictment – riotous assembly. The rioters were later part of the day called up for sentence. His Lordship said — You have been convicted on very clear evidence of the offence charged against you in the indictment — that you connected yourselves with a riotous mob in Creditor the night referred to — that you went about the different parts of the town, breaking into the shops and plundering them of their contents. You seem to have gone considerably beyond that licence which is sometimes permitted on the 5th November, proceeding to appropriate to yourselves the property of others. You were sadly mistaken if you thought that you would bring down the price of bread permanently by such a course; but it is not for the Court to point out how foolish that conduct was. Whilst abstaining from expressing any opinion on the preliminary proceedings of the night — Gunpowder Plot – it is the duty of the Court to mark their sense of your offence by severe punishment — showing you and all others engage in acts of disorder that the law is strong enough to suppress. You are each sentenced to two months’ imprisonment.
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Devon Intermediate Sessions: This Day: Before the R., Hon. the Earl of Devon (chairman), and Biggs Andrews, Esq., Q.C.: The Riots at Crediton: Barnet Elston (on bail) and Henry James, 18, shoemakers, were indicted for having been engaged in the riots at Crediton, on the night of the 5th of Nov. Mr. Carter prosecuted, and Mr. Clarke defended the prisoners. … (description of events) … Fred. Elston, cousin of one of the prisoners, stated that he saw the prisoner Elston running with the mob towards the new schools in East Town. He cried several times, “Starving alive,” and “Down with the bakers.” When they arrived at the shop of the last witness, he saw both prisoners throw stones and break the upper windows. He had known Elston ever since he could recollect anything. Afterwards saw James throw stones at Mr. Pinsent’s shop. Cross examined: Was one of the parties previously engaged in rolling the tar barrel about the street. Also contributed to the expense of the bonfire … (continues at length) …
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Kingsteignton: Harvest Thanksgiving: Harvest thanksgiving was celebrated by the industrious inhabitants of this little village yesterday, and the proceedings passed off very successfully indeed. Special services were held in the afternoon in the chapel, when an appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. T. Bennitt, of Dawlish, who took his text from the 13th chapter of Joshua, and the first verse “And there remaineth yet much land to be possessed.” After the services a public tea was provided in the chapel, at which a goodly number sat down. Mrs. W. Widdicombe, Mrs. Stark, and Miss Pinsent kindly presided at the trays. In the evening a public meeting was held, which was presided over by J. Bowden, Esq. who delivered a very appropriate and eloquent opening address. The meeting was afterwards addressed by the Rev. B. Browne, Newton, Mr. Mann, and others.
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