Below are a selection of events for July 1866 showing what was happening around George Borrow and his family. The Borrows lived in 22 Hereford Square, Brompton, London, from September 1860 until George finally left in the second half of 1874.
The page for the 1866 gives a bit more background and links to pages explaining the sources and other months/years.
This is an on-going effort, and is expected to be updated. David would especially link to thank the wonderful staff at Kensington Local Studies for all of their help in researching this.
| July | ||||||
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 1 | 2* | 3* | 4 | 5* | 6* | 7* |
| 8 | 9 | 10* | 11* | 12* | 13 | 14* |
| 15 | 16* | 17* | 18* | 19 | 20* | 21* |
| 22* | 23* | 24* | 25* | 26 | 27* | 28* |
| 29 | 30* | 31 | ||||
2.—The London Swimming Clubs competition to swim 1000 yards in the Serpentine, Hyde Park, starting at Kensington Bridge attracted 21 swimmers and was won by D. J. Avisa of Coventry in 18 minutes 29¼ seconds. There was a large crowd of spectators. [wlo 14 Jul]
3.—At Chelsea Vestry A. W. Barcley, medical officer, reported that 72 deaths, including 32 of children under five, had been reported in the fortnight ending 23 June, considerably above the London average. Whilst deaths from pulmonary complaints were few, there were 30 due to small pox, 6 to whooping cough, 3 to diarrhœa and 2 to scarlatina. Vaccination was recommended. [cn 7 Jul]
3.—Shortly before 5 p.m. a strong gust of wind caused scaffolding being used in the construction of the new Kensington (Metropolitan) Railway to collapse, injuring the 4 men working on it. All were sent to St. George’s Hospital: two were eventually able to return home, with the other two still recovering. [cn 7 Jul]
5.—The 1st Middlesex Engineer Volunteers would stage an amateur dramatic perform of Sheridan’s The Rivals in aid of Band funds. Stalls 4s., reserved stalls 2s. 6d., amphitheatre, 1s. (presumably at their head quarters in College Street, Brompton). [cn 30 Jun]
5.—Shortly before noon a fire broke out at Colonel Baring’s, 6 Gloucester Road, Old Brompton and before it was extinguished the house and contents were destroyed. The adjoining house was also much damaged. Although both the Chelsea District engine and Brompton and Chelsea Volunteer engine arrived, it was 30 minutes before they could find water to use. [cn 7 Jul]
6.—Mrs. B. Roll, Thistle Grove, Brompton, gave birth to a daughter. [Pall Mall Gazette 7 Jul]
7.—A. Andrews, 147 Marlborough Road, Brompton, carver, gilder, looking glass manufacturer, picture frame maker, house decorator etc., was inviting the public to call and inspect his work. Chimney glasses (50 by 40 inches) available. [cn 7 Jul]
7.—Dean’s Salve, the safe and speedy cure for all skin diseases (established for upwards of 90 years) was available from Mr. Caird, Chemist and Dentist, 343 King’s Road, Chelsea and H. Lawrence, Pharmaceutical Chemist, 49 High Street Kensington, amongst others. [cn 7 Jul]
7.—In consequence of increased business Claude Bossoli, artist and photographer had opened a new photographic studio at 92 Brompton Road, where visitors could obtain first class and approved portraits. The Chelsea studio at 42 King’s Road was also available. The West Brompton Photographic Institution had formed a club where members could obtain photo portraits at 45 Brompton Road. [cn 7 Jul]
10.—At Brompton County Court, Sir Eardley Wilmot, judge, ruled that the Vestry could add £400 to the £10,000 they had received from the Metropolitan District Railway, but both sides had to pay their costs. [cn 14 Jul]
11.—At Kensington Vestry Mr. Barber complained of the stench arising from the keeping of pigs at the Potteries (near Notting Hill), and of the making-up of new roads. A long discussion followed: Surveyor to report. Mr. Wigmore, Beaufort Villas, Fulham, won the sewer tender with a bid of £2,275 (see June 20). [cn 14 Jul]
12.—A grand juvenile fete would be given at Cremorne gardens with a navel engagement between the boats of the Citizen Boat Company and Gun Boats. The steam boats would be moored opposite the Citadel of Cremorne by 9 o’clock, with the attack commencing at 10. Afterwards there would be rockets, coloured lights and deep sea pieces. Admission 1s. [cn 1 July]
14.—Pearce, Underwood & Co., Perambulator Manufactory, 26a Walton Street, Chelsea, was advertising that all perambulators came with a written warranty. Repairs done and old perambulators taken in exchange. [cn 14 Jul]
14.—The people employed by Mr. Whittick, builder, Chelsea Road, accompanied by their wives and sweethearts, were treated to a holiday excursion to Hampton Court in commodious vans. After seeing Hampton they retired to the Cardinal Wolsey for an excellent dinner. [cn 21 Jul]
16.—With the alteration complete, the West London Commercial Bank, Limited, 34 Sloane Square, would be opened on this date. They had been trading from temporary offices at 179 Sloane Street. [cn 30 Jun]
16.—At 7 a.m. above 12,000 people assembled at the Serpentine, Hyde Park, to witness a swimming race over 1000 yards for £50. David Pamplin won with a time of 17 minutes 10 seconds. [wlo 21 Jul]
17.—At Chelsea Vestry, an application by Mr. Laidlaw asking for a lamp at the south-east corner of Edith Terrace, and suggesting the one in front of Mr. Bull’s nursery, King’s road, be moved to the south-west corner of Manor Grove, was agreed. The Vestry had £2,689 in the current account, £1,000 in the deposit account and transferred £1,005 from the current to the deposit. [cn 21 Jul]
18.—The Brompton Bowling Club, meeting at The Swan played Hammersmith. Messrs. Render, Bell, Richards, Smith, Evans, Bull, Edwards, Pearson, J. Bell and Slater of Brompton scored 92, Hammersmith 132. Afterwards Hammersmith provided the Brompton team and their 40 supporters with a handsome supper at the Bell and Anchor Tavern, Hammersmith. [wlo 21 Jul]
20.—Andrew Walker would lecture on the instant coming of Jesus Christ and the preparations necessary, at the Pimlico Literary Institution. Admission free, no collection. [cn 14 Jul]
21.—William Bull, 7 Cranley Terrace, Fulham road (near the Hospital for Consumption) was advertising hats and caps made to order and cleaned on the shortest notice. [cn 21 Jul]
21.—In another financial editorial, “when by the breaking of numerous Banks one is induced to ask, where can money be placed in safety” the newspaper asked why so many banks were collapsing. “Greed for enormous profits ... periodical mania ... reckless speculation” was the answer. It pointed out the newly opened West London Commercial Bank was a good bank (see 16 Jul). [cn 21 Jul]
22.—The body of a child, sex unknown due to decomposition, found in Cromwell Lane, Brompton, was brought to Kensington workhouse. [cn 28 Jul]
23?—Four young gipsies, John Powell, Christiana Powell, Catherine North and Noria North were charged at Wandsworth Police Court with picking up about 40lb. of lead from spent bullets at Wimbledon Riffle Butts. Reprimanded and released. [cn 28 Jul]
24.—At the Chelsea Committee of Works Dr. Barclay offered some remarks on the expected approach of Cholera. He wanted notices printed, landlords to clean dustbins, cess-pools etc. In the event of an outbreak medicine and disinfectant should be given gratuitously. The committee agreed and notices were printed immediately. [cn 28 Jul]
25.—The Chelsea Guardians heard that Mary Bristow, a young woman who had been ill in the workhouse for 6 weeks and had died, had asked that £3 16s. 3d. that she had saved in the Chelsea Saving’s Bank might be given to her sister, who though ill at Margate, came to see her and stayed with her until her death. The guardians deduced 4s. per week from the amount for her maintenance and handed the rest over. [cn 28 Jul]
25.—Thomas Burgin, labourer, had been drinking in the Britannia, Latymer Road, when he struck John Fisher. Mr. Sauders, landlord, tried to persuade Burgin to go home, but he wouldn’t, picked a fight with a Mr. Watkins and was knocked down. He then challenged Fisher to a fight, and after 30 minutes Fisher was knocked down insensible, never recovered, and died in hospital. [cn 28 Jul]
25.—At Kensington Vestry Mr. Lucas didn’t like the plans of the water companies to supply clean water on Sundays (i.e. working on Sundays to prevent cholera). Mr. Kingdon “hoped such sentimental nonsense would not be entertained ... gas was supplied to Churches and Chapels on Sundays ... common sense decide in favour of an abundant supply on the Sunday”. [cn 28 Jul]
27.—Lord Ranelagh would open Beaufort House Grounds, Walham Green, to the public at 2 p.m. so they could see his exhibition of breech-loading fire-arms. All were invited, especially inventors. [cn 21 Jul]
28.—Helen Beatrix Potter was born at 2 Bolton Gardens (Old Brompton Road), her grandfather being a wealthy calico manufacturer, and her father a solicitor. She grew up in the house, kept animals and around 1880 she started to keep a diary of local events. She later wrote the children’s books such as Tales of Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkins (a name she noticed on a grave in Brompton Cemetery). [Dictionary of National Biography]
30.—There was a major riot at a large meeting of the Reform League in Hyde Park, Kensington. Among the cases later brought to court: Alfred Ellis charged with been drunk and causing wilful damage; Charles Ellis, wine merchant, charged with throwing stones at police; James Ferry striking a constable with a brick etc. [wlo 4 Aug]