Portrait of George Borrow

Events in and around Brompton 1860’s: 1862

Below are a sample of events from 1862 in Brompton, Kensington etc. that were happening around George Borrow and his family. For an overview and further information please see the Brompton in the 1860’s page (on links to the left).

At the start of the year George Borrow and his family had been living at 22 Hereford Square for just over a year.

mp = Morning Post

January
SMTWTFS
1*234*
56*78*91011*
1213*14*15*161718*
1920*2122*2324*25*
2627*2829*3031
February
SMTWTFS
1*
23*4567*8*
910*1112*13*14*15*
161718*19*20*2122*
23*242526*2728
March
SMTWTFS
1*
23*4*5*678*
9101112*131415*
161718*19*2021*22*
23*24*2526272829*
3031
April
SMTWTFS
1*2*345*
67*8*9*10*1112*
131415*1617*1819*
20*21*22*23*24*25*26*
27282930*
May
SMTWTFS
1*2*3*
45*67*8910*
1112*13*14*1516*17
181920*21*22*23*24*
252627*28*29*3031*
June
SMTWTFS
1*2*34*567*
89*1011*1213*14*
1516*1718*192021
222324*25*26*2728*
2930
July
SMTWTFS
1*2*34*5
6*78*9*101112*
13*14*15*1617*1819*
2021*2223*242526*
27*28293031
August
SMTWTFS
1*2*
34*5*6*789*
1011*121314*1516*
17181920212223
24*25*26*2728*2930*
31
September
SMTWTFS
12*34*56*
7*8*910*111213*
1415*16*1718*1920*
2122*232425*2627*
2829*30
October
SMTWTFS
1*234*
56*7*8*9*1011*
121314*15*16*1718*
19*20212223*2425*
26*272829*30*31
November
SMTWTFS
1*
23*4*56*7*8*
9101112*131415*
161718*19*2021*22
2324*25*26*272829*
30*
December
SMTWTFS
1234*5*6*
789*10*11*1213*
14*1516*17*18*19*20*
2122*2324*25*2627
28*293031

January

1.—From this date until further notice South Kensington Museum would close Wednesday evenings and instead open on Saturday evenings until 10 p.m.  Admission free.

4.—P.C. Ryan discovered three ragged and destitute Italian boys lying on straw in a field of Mr. Atwood’s, market gardener, Kensington.  Whilst the Italian minister in Park Lane had offered to send them back to Italy, they declined as “they could not obtain sufficient support in their own country.”

6.—A Christmas Tea meeting would be held at 5 p.m. at Oaklands Chapel, Shepherds Bush, to welcome Rev. Charles Graham, their new pastor.  Tickets 6d.

8.—At Kensington Vestry Mr. Maydwell commented on the slow progress of the Brompton Road improvements which lead to a “somewhat warm and personal discussion”.  Mr. Freeman (chairman) and Mr. Broadbridge (surveyor) explained it was “no easy task to persuade owners of waste land to give up property without compensation.”

11.—In the West London Observer Gaspere Guarnerio, 28 High Street, Kensington, announced a sale with immense reductions on Christmas Present Fancy Stock.  No reasonable offer refused.  Gold watches from 3½ guineas.

13.—No. 2 Company, South Middlesex Rifle Volunteers, would resume drill, now with arms, at 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at Knightsbridge Barracks, Fridays at 7.30 p.m. at Beaufort House.

14.—Frederick Perfect, 19, a painter, was charged before Hammersmith Police Court with neglecting to maintain his wife, Maria, of Kensington.  Frederick said he’d been forced by Maria’s father to marry her in June 1861, and Maria said he’d left her on 24 August after she told him she’d been “intimate” with her own father and brothers.  Frederick fined 10s.

15.—At Beauford House, Walham Green, under the patronage of Viscount Ranelagh and Hon. Edward C. Curzon, the South Middlesex Rifle Corps band would give a grand concert in aid of the band fund.  Vocalists were Miss Saunders, Miss Marian Wheatley, Mr. Suchet Champion and Mr. C. Henry.  Henry Wheatley would conduct.

18.—The West London Observer’s editorial was astonished at the progress in building the International Exhibition at South Kensington, due to be finished 1st February.  They were also concerned that the local roads would not be sufficient for the crowds expected.  In particular, Brompton Road hadn’t been widened.

20.—At the weekly meeting of the North End and West Kensington Philanthropic Society at the Hand and Flower, Hammersmith Gate, the previous year’s accounts were reported: donations £25 9d.; subscriptions £12 8s. 9d., surplus from the Cremorne Fete £5 1s. 9d.; £22 2s. relief given in money, £9 14s. 6d. in coals.

22.—At Brompton County Court (first reference in print) the case of Byny v. Prowse was heard over £14 of monies received from members of Kensington Det. 29th Volunteers, and not accounted for.  At Kensington Vestry members of the Press first sat in the box specially provided for them, their numbers having increased.

24.—At the bankruptcy court Stephen Froud (otherwise John Henry Froud), a builder of Lansdowne Road North, Notting Hill, applied for a bankruptcy discharge.  £634 was owed to unsecured credits, £3,518 to secured; property given up to assignees was £15 and property in the hands of creditors £4,450.  Bankruptcy allowed to pass but discharge adjourned for another month.

25.—A proprietor of several houses needed £250 to finish a new one and offered the best security.  Contact J. G. at the offices of the West London Observer.

27.—The Ven. Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar of Kensington, opened the New School for Girls in Church Court.

29.—A letter from J. E. Bradfield, 19 Strand, appeared in the Daily News, claiming there was a plan to erect toll-gates in Hyde Park and that the Commissioners of the Exhibition were behind it.  “Tyburnia has a right to endeavour to get to Brompton” but this could not justify the “desecration of a public park with ‘legalised highwaymen’”.

February

1.—Mr. W. L. Goome, Civil Engineer and Surveyor, King Street, Hammersmith, was offering his services to landowners etc. needing valuations for compensation from the Hammersmith, Paddington, and City Junction Railway, whose contractors were about to start work.

3.—At noon, P.C. Harrison was on duty in Jennings Buildings, Kensington, when he saw Vincent Simpson, “a rough looking little urchin” throw a stone at his brother, which missed.  At the trial later that day Harrison said there had been many complaints of stone-throwing, on which Vincent said “there are not many gentlemen who go down the Buildings for stones to hit.”  Fined 2s. 6d. or 4 days.

7.—Putney Musical Amateur Society gave its second concert at the Iron Room, Upper Richmond Road, with works from Handel, Mendelssohn, Mozart &c., which were “so ably performed” that the Society “bids fare to become ... most prosperous and lasting.”

8.—A second notice for subscriptions for the bereaved sufferers of the Hartley Colliery Accident appeared in the West London Observer.  Donations to Edward Ball, 26–27 High Street, Kensington; Mr. Wright Maydwell, 1 Alexander Place, Brompton; Robert Harvey, High Street, Notting Hill.  On 29 Jan. the draymen of the London Department of the Romford Brewery had raised a sum of £5 5s.

10.—Two boys, Patrick Callaghan and John Discroll, absconded from the Brook Green Roman Catholic Reformatory.  At the trial (latter that day) they claimed to have been repeatedly flogged and showed the marks.  Both claimed the Brother Superior had told them “the Devil was in the house and they should run away.”  Remanded for the attendance of the Brother Superior.

12.—At Fulham Board of Works Mr. Stevens objected to the Metropolis at large having to pay for the “proposed road through Hyde Park.”  Resolve to ask the Government to raise the money through Coal Dues.

13.—The preachership of Lincoln-Inns field having become vacant a distinguished list of candidates was published and included Rev. Dr. Irons, Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton.  [DN, 10 Feb.]

14.—The problems of the inadequate approach roads to the forthcoming Great Exhibition, in particular Brompton Road, Kensington Road and the narrow portion of Park Lane at the junction with Piccadilly were raised in the House of Commons.  Improving them was the responsibility of the parishes, not the Government.  However, the Government would fund the proposed road through Hyde Park out of Coal Dues.

15.—W. H. Timms, Wine Merchant, 2 Grove Terrace, Notting Hill, advertised in the West London Observer that he purchased old wine bottles in large or small quantities.

15.—George Blandford, 9 Holland Street, Kensington, was in the Hereford Arms, South Kensington when Eliza Gibson, a tall well dressed woman, entered and tore off his hat, throwing it in the fire and then proceeded to pull his hair and smack his face.  Gibson fined 2s. 6d. without costs.

18.—The Lord Mayor wrote to Queen Victoria asking for her feelings on the erection of a National Memorial Monument to Prince Albert.  The Queen wished to avoid controversy but was deeply touched.

19.— Thomas Jarvis entered the shop of Mr. Derry, a draper, 3 The Terrace, Kensington, purchased goods of 23s. and tendered a £10 note.  After being given change he drove off in a hansom, and the note was found to be forged. [wlo 12 Apr]

20.—Kensington Board of Guardians considered the case of the poor Indian woman, now in the workhouse, fretting about her children in India, who needed £25 for the passage back to Calcutta.  The daughter of Sir Edward Ryan, and Mrs. Paynter were running a subscription in Brompton and the Board would write to the Secretary for India.

22.—The offices of the Commissioners of the 1862 Exhibition, previously located on the Strand, would move to the Exhibition buildings, which were still being erected.  The Daily News noted this would result in “much profit” for Brompton omnibuses but that no progress had been made on widening the approaches, except for Chelsea Vestry, which had widened Eaton-Square to Sloane-Square. [DN, 20 Feb.]

23.—Rev. E. Madeley of Birmingham would preach at the New Jerusalem Church, Black Lion Lane, Hammersmith at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.  No collections.

26.—At Fulham Board of Works Mr. Lovely reported that the Government had abandoned their intention of making a sunk road across Hyde Park.  A letter from Mr. Shaw, Furnival’s Inn, claimed the new railway works were interfering with the sewers in new Richmond Road, North End.  Referred to sewer’s committee.

?.—On 1 March the West London Observer announced the death of Matthew Truman, a member of the Kensington Vestry, 40 Norland Square, Notting Hill, aged fifty-six.  He’d become an M.D. in Naples, a member of the Royal College in 1828 and wrote Food and its Influence on Health and Disease.

March

1.—With the duty now off paper, G. N. Watts was advertising his Glass and Paper-Hanging Warehouse, 131 High Street, Notting Hill.  The cheapest and most varied stock of paper hangings were available with the newest designs and borders to match.

3.—At the Kensington Special Sessions the number of licensed houses was given as: Willesden, 12; Acton, 11; Chiswick, 24; Hammersmith, 66; Fulham, 23; Chelsea, 90; and Kensington, 99.  Very few complaints had been received.

4.—An Amateur Concert would be given in the National School Room, St. Peter’s, Hammersmith, at 8 p.m. to raise money to pay off the £80 debt for the church organ.  Tickets 5s. and 2s. 6d.

5.—The Chiswick and Hammersmith Companies, South Middlesex Rifle Volunteers, held a friendly shooting matching at Beaufort House in the afternoon.  Although there were heavy south-west gusts, squalls of rain and it was very cold, excellent scores were made.  Hammersmith won, but it was a close match.

5.—Kensington Vestry discussed Messrs. Tucker’s Candle Factory and Malting House, High Street, Kensington, opposite the Vestry Room.  All declared the “offensive character of the smells and the distance at which they could be detected.”  Mr. Godrich, Medical Officer, said the establishment could do no more to mitigate the nuisance.

5.—An advertisement for Once a Week number 141 appeared.  The issue included Russian Populate Tales, translated from the Russian by George Borrow: Emelian the Fool.” [mp 5 mar]

8.—Mr. Pummell, the Kensington Beadle, wrote to the West London Observer disclaiming all connection with the Kensington Dramatic Club, who had used his name on their bill without his authority.

12.—Fulham Board of Works, in a long discussion, considered how to raise a loan for the new sewers in Hammersmith.  One sewer would run from the Queen of England to Albion Road, cost £994; the other from the Creek to Broadway, cost £2,300.

15.—A choir for the practise of Glees, Madrigals &c. was being formed in Chelsea, Brompton and Kensington.  To join, apply by letter to H. B., Messrs. Stanesby, 179 Sloane Street.

18.—Rev. William Frith would deliver a lecture at Chiswick Congregational Church on Black Bartholomew, 1662: the ejection of 2,000 ministers from the Established Church.  Admission free and all classes invited.

18.—Matthew Feilde would deliver a lecture, “Total Abstinence NOT a Divine Injunction but a human Invention,” at Monmouth Hall, Westbourne Grove, Bayswater at 8 p.m.  Admission free and the clergy and ministers of all denominations especially invited.

19.—Kensington Vestry received a letter from the Metropolitan Board of works offering to pay half the costs of improving (widening) Kensington High Street.  The total cost was estimated at £500.

19.—Also in Kensington Vestry, the results of the consultation on the proposed tramway through Onslow Square were give: 9 in favour, 74 against.  Following Chelsea’s refusal to allow the tramway to Cadogan Pier, the entire scheme had since been dropped.

21.—Mary, 18, daughter of Rev. James Connell of St. Paul’s Hammersmith, died of diphtheria, her brother Ilay, 5, having died of the same three days before.

22.—A large notice from the Brompton Road Improvement Committee appeared in the West London Observer.  Over £1,000 in subscriptions had been received (£500 from the Exhibition Commissioners).  Honorary Secretary was James Broadbridge, 5, Addison Terrace, Kensington (Vestry Surveyor), and many people in Brompton Row, Queen’s Gardens etc. were mentioned.

23.—Around 3 a.m. Mr. W. F. Wolley, of Campden House, Kensington, was awoken by the sound of falling objects, and shortly afterwards nearly overpowered by smoke.  After many frantic attempts he managed to get the servants and other occupants to safety, but the house, erected 1612 and a haunt of Beauty, Rank and Fashion was completely destroyed.

24.—Margaret Kenepeck and her son, James, 9, of 2 Munden Street, appeared before Hammersmith Police Court charged with uttering a counterfeit shilling to Ann Felthouse, 2 Vernon Street (a bacon seller).  The family were on parish relief but whist police searched the apartment Margaret was cooking beef steaks and lamb chops: a number of counterfeit coins were found.  Remanded to the cells.

29.—During the week ending 29 March there were 4,780 visitors to South Kensington Museum on the Monday, Tuesday and Saturday free days; 3,188 on Monday and Tuesday free evenings.

April

1.—Thomas Screech, a young man dressed as a baker, was charged with wheeling a barrow on the pavement in Lansdowne Road, Notting Hill, a distance of 100 yards.  Thomas disputed the distance and said nobody was on the pavement at the time.  Fined 10s. and costs, or seven days. [wlo 5 Apr.]

2.—Kensington Vestry received a letter from the promoters of the Kensington Junction Tramway (Warwick Road to the Exhibition), saying they were abandoning their enterprise.

5.—An update on the Campden House fire was published: a large portion of the walls had fallen in, mainly on Wednesday when there was a high wind and Mr. Wolley was still recovering from the shock with rescued guests still recovering.  Workmen had been repairing the damage to Mr. Egg’s house. [wlo 5 Apr.]

7.—The World Renowned Professor James, wizard, ventriloquist and improvisatore, with Goblin Sprightly, would perform at the New Assembly Rooms, Palace Avenue, Kensington, for one night only.  Doors open 7.30 p.m.

8.—Thomas Jarvis, around 40 who walking on crutches, arrived in a hansom cab at Mrs. Stroud’s, clothier and outfitter, High Street, Notting Hill, purchased goods of 14s. 3d., tendered a £5 note and drove off in cab.  Note later found to be a forgery. [wlo 12 Apr]

9.—The first meeting of the Godolphin School Cricket Club was held and officers elected.  Through the liberality of the head-master, Rev. H. Twells, members were to receive Professional Instruction.  Colours: blue cap and one shirt with red facings. [wlo 12 Apr]

9.—Around 5.30 p.m. Thomas Jarvis, arrived in a cab at William Hatch’s, a draper, 5 Gloucester Road South, Kensington, and purchased 17s. of goods, tendering a forged £5 note.  Police sent for and Jarvis arrested.  At the trial the following day Jarvis was revealed as being wanted in various locations for passing forged notes: his real name was William Mason, originally a tailor.  Remanded. [wlo 12 Apr]

10.—James Broadbent, 5 Addison Terrace, Hon. Sec. of Brompton Road Improvement Committee, wrote to the West London Observer pointing out a misprint in their report: the owners/occupiers of Queen’s Buildings had agreed to give up a large piece of their land without compensation. [wlo 12 Apr]

12.—Margaret Kinnerfick, 43, with son James, 9, were again tried for passing counterfeit coin (see 24 Apr.) and were joined by her other son, Wm. Kinnerfick, 14, a labourer.  Jury acquitted James who scarcely overtopped the dock, who was then taken to the workhouse.  Margaret 12 months hard labour and William 3 years in the reformatory. [wlo 19 Apr]

15.—A meeting would be held at the Windsor Castle Tavern, Hammersmith, where the Hammersmith and City Railway would explain the forthcoming undertaking, and sell the remaining shares. [wlo 12 Apr.]

17.—At the Kensington Board of Guardians Archdeacon Sinclair was elected chair for the coming year, but being a busy man, would not be able to attend regularly. [wlo 19 Apr.]

19.—A large advertisement for the Hammersmith and City Railway company appeared.  Their Act had passed into law and works would soon start with a capital of £180,000 in 18,000 shares.  Charles Blake, Stanley Gardens, Notting Hill was one of the directors and residents of New Brompton would also benefit “by means of the various existing Omnibus communications.” [wlo 19 Apr]

19.—The West London Observer’s editorial noted the surprise of visitors who visited Hammersmith to find it destitute of railways.  Remote districts such as Kew, Chiswick and Mortlake had railways, but the closest station to Hammersmith was “a tortuous line ... to Fenchurch Street, ... practically no utility ... Hammersmith ... avoided as a place of residence.” [wlo 19 Apr]

20.—[Easter Sunday] A great many of the South Middlesex Riffle Volunteers, with their spouses, left London by train to go to Brighton for the Volunteer Review.  After enjoying the breach in the afternoon they dined in “various hostelries” with “substantial” meals.  Monday began wet but cleared to a glorious day when Lord Clyde, French Officers etc. came to inspect.  Around 250,000 spectators saw 20,000 men under arms. [wlo 25 Apr]

21.—[Easter Monday] The West London Observer wrote of Easter Monday holiday: many went to the fair at Greenwich, 28,988 went to the Crystal Palace, 22,000 went to the British museum, 18,000 to the National Gallery and 23,954 to Regent Park’s Zoo.

22.—Matthew Feilde, 24, Queen’s Road, Norland Square, wrote to the West London Observer claiming the proposed 1s. admission price for the forthcoming International Exhibition was a day’s provision for the poor, and proposing 6d. on Mondays to widen participation. [wlo 3 May]

23.—Mr. Davies, landlord of the Holland Arms Tavern, died in the evening, after becoming completely exhausted following a carriage ride on Monday.  He had been broken hearted since his wife had died.  Mr. Davies was a member of Kensington Vestry. [wlo 25 Apr]

24.—The Hammersmith and City Railway would hold a meeting at the Plough Hotel, High Street, Notting Hill at 7 p.m.  Undertaking to be explained, shares issued etc. [wlo 19 Apr]

25.—J. Guest, Grocer, Hammersmith, issued a public apology to Messrs. Adam and King, King William Place, Hammersmith, for mentioning their names to Rev. Cookesley, St. Peter’s, Hammersmith, in a manner which caused annoyance and injury.  The apology was repeated printed for the next few weeks. [wlo 3 May]

26.—Charles Ballard, “Chymist”, King Street, Hammersmith was again adverting Taylor’s Liquid Stopping which instantly cured tooth-ache and regenerated decayed teeth.  1s. and 2s. bottles. [wlo 25 Apr]

30.—At Kensington Vestry Mr. Wilkins complained that many of the lamps in the Old Brompton Road were not lit until 8.10 p.m.  Mr. Gilbert said that in many places in the parish the lamps weren’t lit until 30–45 minutes after the time in the contract.  A letter of complaint to be sent to the Gas Company. [wlo 3 May]

May

1.—The opening of the Great Exhibition was the event of the week.  Before 8 a.m. a jam of carriages had formed from the Exhibition (now Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road) back to Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.  30,000–40,000 visitors attended on the first day, including the Duke of Cambridge, Japanese Ambassador and Crown Prince of Prussia. [wlo 3 May]

2.—Between 6 and 7 p.m., a crowd having gathered at the corner of Norland Road near Shepherd’s Bush Gate to watch some performing dogs, Joseph Bliss, a drunken draymen, drove at them and knocked down and killed a little boy, Davis, 3½. [wlo 10 May]

3.—The parents of boarders at Douro House School, St. John’s Wood, were informed that boarders would be moving to Newton House, Church Street, Kensington, in May. [wlo 3 May]

3.—A General Servant was wanted for a Tradesman’s Family: wages £10 per annum, everything found, family washing put out and a boy to assist.  Must be good cook, Irish objected to. [wlo 3 May]

5.—“Verax” wrote a reply to the West London Observer concerning “The Church and Her Enemies” (which had been running in the Correspondence columns for months).  He defended the still unnamed Incumbent who “gabbled prayers”, the attendees who arrived late, the “abominable roaring of the Organ” and the “bad attempt at singing.” [wlo 10 May]

7.—At the Kensington Annual May Elections, Brompton Ward, Messrs. Edwyn, Allum, Baines, Buckley, Fitch, Freake, Gutteries, Peck, Scott and Vincent retired.  All were re-elected except for Allum, Buckley and Vincent: Robert Turner, Edward Green and James Kendell were elected in their sted. [wlo 10 May]

10.—R. Nash, 5 Brook Green Lane, Broadway, Hammersmith, was again advertising his plumbing, painting, glazing, distempering etc. services: cheap and available at the shortest notice. [wlo 10 May]

12.—Matthew Fielde, St. David’s College, would preach a sermon in aid of the Working Classes’ National Albert Memorial Fund, at Monmouth Hall at 8 p.m.  Admission free, reserved seats 6d. [wlo 10 May]

13.—Between 1 and 2 a.m. in Mr. Jacobson’s shop, (jeweller), 42 Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, a fire was discovered by the police who violently knocked the door to awake and save the inmates.  The local engines arrived and it took an hour to put out. [wlo 16 May]

14.—Mr. Wilkins told Kensington Vestry that there were insufficient dust collectors in Brompton and if more were not recruited fever would become rampant in the poorer places.  Mr. Green had been in contact with the contractor and two extra carts would be put on. [wlo 16 May]

16.—The West London Observer reported that during the past week the International Exhibition had been undergoing thorough changes and “now begins to present an appearance of completion.”  Also, the turnstiles for registering visitors “have been brought to a sense of their duty.” [wlo 16 May]

20.—Miss Katharine Hickson would give an entertainment, “two hours with the tragic and comic muse,” at Westbourne Hall at 7.30 p.m.  Stalls 5s., reserved seats 3s., family tickets (admit 4) 10s. 6d.  Unreserved seats 2s., back seats 1s.  Other performers included Henry Halford as Macbeth, Miss Stabbach and Signor Nappi (vocalists) and Master Arlidge, the infant wonder (flute). [wlo 10 May]

21.—The Royal Horticultural Society’s first great Exhibition took place at Kensington.  The flower display was 200 feet by 130 and exceedingly beautiful.  Unfortunately there were drenching showers all day, it was cold and the rain got through the canvass tent.  Nearly £700 was distributed in prizes. [wlo 24 May]

22.—At Inverness Terrace, Bayswater, Police Sergeant 24 D., seeing two youths (John Collier and John Glawson) behaving strangely, stopped them and found Collier to be concealing a small dog under his coat.  This was later identified as having been stolen from Eliza Johnston, 25 Kensington Gardens Square.  At the Police Court a further case of dog-napping was brought against them.  Remanded for a week. [wlo 31 May]

23.—The body of a respectably-dressed man, 45, was found in the Serpentine, Hyde-Park, by Mr. Farrar, 10 Raphael-street, Brompton.  Dr. Christian was consulted and supposed death by drowning had occurred some hours before.  A description of items found on the body was given to aid identification. [24 May]

24.—Vincent A. Morris, late of Kensington, was advertising his Hammersmith Riding School, 42a, St. Peter’s Square.  Twelve lessons in the school £3 3s; on the road £5 5s.  Horses broken for all purposes. [wlo 24 May]

27.—Thomas Sayers, Champion Chateau, Camden Town, London, with his “Mammoth Equestrian Company” which would be at Windsor Castle (27+28).  Attractions included Brass Band, 40 American Cream-bred Horses, two hundred men and horses, William Mitchell, renowned Clown, Jim Powell, England’s Premier Horseman and his 8 beautiful children, troupes etc.  Reserved seats 2s., boxes 1s., pit 6d. [wlo 10 May]

28.—On a crowded platform at Kew Bridge Railway station a middle-aged man was seen to stagger and fall, and when lifted was found to be dead.  He had £100 on him and carried a letter which said “The bearer is John Ward, ... of Folkinghame, Lincolnshire ... in case of sudden death or accident by railway please write to my brother in law...” [wlo 31 May]

29.—The ancient ceremony of beating the bounds took place at Fulham.  Starting at 9 a.m. the task took until 4 p.m.  The railways had removed landmarks making the task necessary.  Afterwards 20 parochial authorities sat down to an excellent dinner at the South Middlesex Riffle Volunteers, Beaufort House, Walham Green. [wlo 31 May]

31.—A memorial was available to sign at Mr. Cooper’s, Grocer, Union Terrace, Notting Hill; Mr. Grainger’s Tobacconist, Shepherd’s Bush and Mr. Stather’s, Draper, Norland Road, praying the West London Railway Company to build a Railway station at Shepherd’s Bush (the company had decided not to do so). [wlo 31 May].

June

1.—The Rev. P. M. Holden would preach his farewell sermon at St. Paul’s, Great Portland Street, Portland Place, in the evening.  Great regret was felt at his relinquishing his church duties. [wlo 17 May]

2.—First 1s. day at International Exhibition with a queue of 200 on opening.  100 boys from Duke of York’s School entered first, followed by 40 from St. Luke’s School Chelsea etc.  By 5 p.m. £24,553 had been taken. [wlo 7 June]

2.—Kensington Railway Station, West London line, having taken 5 months to build, opened and was used by parties visiting the International Exhibition.  Hurcomb’s Railway Coffee House, 6 Napier Road, opposite the station, was providing Monthly Train Cards with the times of all trains from the station. [wlo 7 June]

4.—The Ladies’ Institution of the United Kingdom for Females of a Weak Intellect would hold their annual bazaar at Zion House, Turnham Green (and on the day following).  A Military band would also attend. [wlo 24 May]

7.—Mr. and Mrs. Suchet Champion, 1 Denbigh Terrace, Denbigh Road, Notting Hill, advertised their new system of cultivating the voice.  They attended Kensington and Hammersmith on Mondays, Islington Wednesdays and Brompton Saturdays. [wlo 7 June]

9.—[Whit-Monday] The Foresters’ Fete in aid of funds for the West of London Hospital would be held at Chiswick House.  Attractions included M. Evanion, the Wizard, Archery Prizes, Aunt Sally, Punch and Judy, six bands and refreshments which would be “as perfect as can be.” [wlo 17 May, wlo 14 June]

11.—At Kensington Vestry James Broadbridge, surveyor, recalling the 1851 Exhibition when the parish workmen had been given a holiday, and asked for a similar holiday for the current International Exhibition plus £2’s worth of shilling tickets for the 35/36 workmen currently in employ.  Carried. [wlo 14 June, wlo 28 June]

13.—Caroline Ann Dawson, 41 Addison Road North, aged 7, entered John Lescelley’s bookshop to pay for the papers, where Lescelley, “a young man,” lifted her over the counter and indecently assaulted her, with the details “unfit for publication.”  6 months with hard labour. [wlo 21 June, wlo 19 July]

14.—Following the retirement of Thomas Wakley, candidates for the Coronership of the Western District of Middlesex, together with their supporters, advertised in the newspapers: Thomas Alley Jones, The Grove, Hammersmith; W. Boyd Mushet, More Park House, Fulham; Frederick Charsley, Uxbridge; James Bird, Phœnix-lodge, Brook-green.  The contest raged for weeks. [wlo 14 June]

16.—At Hammersmith Police Court, John Simpson, Lodging House and beer-shop keeper, Jennings Buildings, Kensington, was charged with not keeping floors and stairs clean.  Police found the female cleaner in “state of intoxication” and the place filthy.  Fined 10s. and costs: this was 10th time summoned for this. [wlo 21 June]

16.—The Prince of Wales visited the International Exhibition and stayed for three hours. [wlo 21 June]

18.—Fulham Board of Works considered the tenders for slopping (for one year): Mr. Dawson for Fulham: £40; Mr. Coat £50 for Fulham, £50 for Hammersmith; Mr. Chalker £60 for Fulham, £60 for Hammersmith; Mr. Wilson of Hammersmith, £37 10s. for each parish.  Dawson for Fulham and Wilson for Hammersmith accepted. [wlo 21 June]

24.—A meeting of former teachers and scholars would be held in the Lecturer Room of Kensington Chapel, Allen Street with tea at 6 p.m.  Admission by ticket only; tickets from Mr. Budgon, 21 High Street Kensington. [wlo 21 June]

25.—Kensington Vestry consented to the Metropolitan’s Police request for a 4 cab cab stand in Church Street.  Messrs. Ball, Banting and Greenway wanted the costermonger barrows, “a nuisance at present”, removed from the corner of the church and a cab stand erected there. Vestry would ask the Police. [wlo 28 June]

26.—John Young, an Omnibus Conductor, was summoned for standing 5 minutes “loitering” at Kensington Museum entrance, Cromwell Road.  Mr. Dayman, magistrate said order would fail if omnibuses did not move on.  Fined 20s. or 14 days imprisonment. [wlo 28 June]

28.—The Ranelagh Brick Words, Fulham Fields, and Swan Brick Works, Wallam Green, were advertising “this season’s” bricks as ready for sale.  J. Johnson proprietor. [wlo 28 June]

July

1.—The International Exhibition was so thronged that some portions were impassable, with 62,336 attending during the day.  There had been over 1½ million visitors since the opening. [wlo 5 July]

2.—The Thames National Regatta started at Putney with participants from around the world.  Many locals from Chelsea, Hammersmith, etc. took part. [wlo 5 July]

2.—The Royal Horticultural Society 3rd great meeting was held at their Brompton garden.  Stove and greenhouse plants, orchids, fuchsias etc. were on display together with various fruits including grapes, figs, nectarines and strawberries.  Prizes amounting to £550 awarded; Prince Charles attended together with upwards of 11,000 visitors. [wlo 5 July]

4.—In Victoria Road, at 11.15 p.m., after passing Edward Huntley, a watchman guarding the open sewer, Mr. Wallis, manager of the estate in Prince Albert’s Road, living at 4 Cambridge Place, Victoria Road, Kensington, was attacked by three men and severely beaten.  Huntley disappeared and was later arrested by police, suspected of being involved. [wlo 12 July]

6.—Rev. John Stoughton would preach a sermon at Kensington Chapel, Phillimore Terrace, on the decease of Rev. John Leifchild, the former pastor. [wlo 5 July]

8.—George Gates, aged 10, 19, James Street, Hammersmith, was tried for robbing his father George, a plumber.  George was often kept without food, chained up, and had few clothes.  He’d stolen the money to buy clothes and flee his father, who was a “cruel man”, had turned wife out and came home drunk every night.  Remanded. [wlo 12 July]

9.—William Banbury, licensed cab-driver, was summoned for not taking passengers desirous of hiring him in the Cromwell Road, at 6 p.m. on 20th June.  Several persons hailed him (including a police constable).  Fined 40s. and in default one month with hard labour. [wlo 12 July]

12.—A 9 room residence with garden, St. Peter’s Square, Hammersmith, was available for £45 a year rent.  Apply Mr. Godbolt, House Agent, Westcroft Place. [wlo 12 July]

13.—Rev. John Stent, Norland Chapel, Norland Road, Notting Hill, “riveted” his hearers in a hour long sermon on Rev. xxi 26 as he took them on an imaginary tour of the International Exhibition, South Kensington. [wlo 19 July]

14.—The trial heat for the Wingfield Challenge Sculls, the principal amateur Thames race, took place from Putney to Mortlake (having being rerouted because of steam-boat traffic).  Mr. G. R. Cox, London Rowing Club raced W. B. Woodgate, Brasenose College, Oxford.  Woodgate won in 27 minutes 8 seconds, a very good time considering the high wind and rough water around Corney Reach. [wlo 19 July]

15.—A two day Grand Highland Gathering, under the patronage of the Duke of Argyle etc. would take place at Beaufort House, Brompton Road.  Gates open at noon with competition by the most celebrated men of Scotland from 1 p.m. till dusk.  Admission 1s., reserved seats, 2s. 6d. [wlo 5 July]

17.—Charles Hubbard, who had erected a wooden refreshment booth in the Cromwell Road (for the Exhibition), without proper notice, appeared before Hammersmith Police Court.  There were hopes a prosecution would clear the many wooden building which had been put up.  Adjourned. [wlo 19 July]

19.—Miss Moffatt and Fraulein Keiffenheim were advertising their Superior Morning School for young ladies, 9 Holland Street, Kensington.  Terms moderate. [wlo 19 July]

19.—The annual feast of the boys of the Blythe House Reformatory School, Hammersmith, took place with much cake, fruits etc. donated by the Catholic Gentry of the Neighbourhood, many of whom attended.  There were games and the school band played. [wlo 26 July]

21.—The Kensington Guardians visited Plashet [workhouse] School for the annual inspection.  They found the children in excellent health and well-instructed, the rooms clean and comfortable.  Mr. Wilkins, Vice-Chairman, handed £2 to the Matron for a little treat. [wlo 26 July]

23.—At Kensington Vestry Mr. Green said that the fever in Jennings Buildings was not spreading and the Medical Officer thought all that was required was to flush the sewers. [wlo 26 July]

26.—Mr. Roberts, West London Cricket Ground, near Thistle Grove Lane, Brompton, was charged with allowing pigeon shooting and running matches which attracted crowds of “idle persons” which “caused great nuisance to the inhabitants.”  Various inhabitants of Thistle Grove testified to the shootings, some of whom had been mistaken shot.  Adjourned. [wlo 2 Aug, wlo 9 Aug]

27.—The 3rd anniversary of the consecration of St. John’s, Hammersmith, would take place with a morning sermon by Archdeacon Denison followed by luncheon at St. John’s school.  There would be an Offering for the Parsonage House building fund. [wlo 19 July]

31?.— Mr. Pummell, the Kensington Beadle, had “succumbed to modern improvements” and through the instrumentality of Mr. Richardson, Norland, the Kensington Fire Engine would be replaced.  The old engine, ridiculed as the “parish squirt” was unable to deal with the large buildings that had recently been erected. [wlo 2 Aug]

August

1.—The Metropolitan Board of Works would meet to consider tenders for building the four miles of sewers emptying near the West London Railway Extension, Fulham, and reaching Chiswick Mall and King’s Road. [wlo 12 July]

2.—Kensington and Brompton Savings Bank, Vestry Hall, Kensington (est. 1819, president Sir John Stuaart), advised that from 29 September it would be opening on Monday and Saturday evenings from 6–8 p.m. and that sums would take 7 (previously 14) days to be paid for depositors. [wlo 5 Aug]

4.—The Notting Hill Philanthropic Society steam boat excursion on the Sea Swallow to the Nore and Sheerness, in aid of funds, was a great success.  South Middlesex Volunteer Band were on board, tickets 3s. 6d. adults, 2s. 6d. children. [wlo 26 July, wlo 9 Aug]

5.—Godolphin School, Hammersmith, would re-assemble in their new buildings, Bradmore with Henry Twells, M.A., head master [wlo 19 July]

6.—The Great Exhibition Umbrella case was tried at Brompton County Court.  Captain Garnham, a season ticket holder, had been forced to pay 1d. or forfeit his umbrella when visiting the Exhibition.  Judge found Commissioners had exceeded their authority: 1s. damages and umbrella to be restored. [wlo 9 Aug]

9.—W. D. Slater, Clerk for Fulham Union Workhouse, advertised for donations to take the workhouse children to the International Exhibitions for a treat.  The advert had appeared for a number of weeks already. [wlo 26 July, wlo 9 Aug, wlo 16 Aug]

11.—Charles Cox, a “boy”, was charged with stealing one mangold wurtzel, value 1d., from Mr. Alderson’s the dairyman of Brook Green Lane.  Charles said he took it for his rabbits, and Alderson said there had been great thefts of his wurtzel.  Fined 2s. and 6d. plus 1d. for the wurtzel. [wlo 16 Aug]

14.—At the Kensington Board of Guardians Rev. Bakewell motioned that the salary of the Head Nurse (Miss Bradford) be increased from £20 to £30.  Carried.  The Board also increased Mr. Deacon, the Engine Keeper’s salary, from £1 1s. to £1 5s. a week. [wlo 16 Aug]

16.—Two shops “commanding plate glass front, house accommodation etc.” were to let in Kensington and would suit a business requiring a “wealthy and populous neighbourhood.”  Apply Mr. Chesterton, Estate Agent, 21, Lower Phillimore Place, Kensington. [wlo 16 Aug]

24.—[Anniversary of Festival of St. Bartholomew, 1662].  Rev. John Stoughton would preach two sermons on the ejection of 1662 at Kensington Chapel; Rev. R. Macbeth would preach on the same at Broadway Chapel, Hammersmith. [wlo 23 Aug]

25.—The two day Grand Fete of the Third London Rifle Volunteer would take place at Beaufort House, Walham Green, North End, Brompton starting at noon.  Miss [Ellen?] Terry would appear in The Rosebud of Stingingnettle Farm, there would be sports and a grand concert would conclude the event.  Tickets 1s., carriages 2s. 6d., children under 12, 6d. [wlo 23, 30 Aug]

25.—Kensington Board of Trustees met to consider the appeals of the International Exhibition Refreshment contractors against being rated (£918 3s. 7d. and £946 6s. 6d.)  After legal argument the appeal was denied, and the stick and umbrella contractor would also be pursued for rates. [wlo 30 Aug]

26.—The Bishop of Nova Scotia performed the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of St. James’s, Notting Hill, New National School.  The site free-holder, Frederick Chinnock, had demanded £500 and the buildings were expected to cost £1,500.  Many people had already donated hundreds of pounds. [wlo 30 Aug]

28.—At Hammersmith Police Court Margaret Callaghan was charged with violently assaulting Ann Heeley, of Jennings Buildings, with a jug.  After hearing that Simpson was the landlord, Mr. Dayman said that was quite sufficient: two months with hard labour. [wlo 30 Aug]

30.—Fulham Union was advertising for a Chaplain: £50 per annum and appointment would be subject to consent by the Bishop and Poor Law Board. [wlo 30 Aug]

30.—Between 600 and 700 Shareholders of the Metropolitan Underground railway were carried on an inaugural trip from Paddington to the City. [This was the world’s first underground railway.] [wlo 6 Sept]

September

2.—Mr. W. H. Lovett was taking three family members home when his dog-cart was thrown into a steep and dangerous declivity in Munden Street.  The cart overturned, everyone was thrown into the road, one sustaining a broken leg.  The Munden / Devonshire street crossing “had been dangerous since it was laid down.” [wlo 6 Sept, wlo 13 Sept]

4.—The Fulham Board of Guardians met to elect the new Chaplain.  Messrs. Swail and Carter spoken in the highest terms of Rev. A. S. Latter and a letter of recommendation from Rev. R. G. Baker (Vicar of Fulham) led to Rev. A. S. Latter being elected. [wlo 6 Sept]

4.—At the 1s. day at Crystal Palace, for the Flower and Fruit show, there were 9,073 paid admissions and 1,655 season ticket admissions. [wlo 6 Sept]

6.—Mr. J. A. Smith offered his valuation services to those requiring compensation for the building of the Hammersmith and City Railway, with extension to Kew.  He pointed out that “Railway Companies are mostly liberal when claims are properly adjusted.” [wlo 6 Sept]

7.—Rev. L. Waterhouse, the newly elected minister, would preach at Waterloo Street Wesleyan Chapel: a collection would be made after the evening service in aid of the Trust Fund. [wlo 6 Sept]

8.—At 8.30 a.m. Henry Emmanuel of Hammersmith drove his cart through Marlbro’ Road, Chelsea when a late-running omnibus, driven at a “furious rate,” crashed into him, throwing him and his horse on the pavement.  Emmanuel was in a precarious state, with at least one broken rib. [wlo 13 Sept]

10.—Mr Lovely at Fulham Board of Works complained about unofficial dustmen and wanted a threat issued in the newspapers.  This duly appeared on the 13th under the heading “Flying Dustmen Beware.” [wlo 13 Sept]

13.—The new Kensington Railway station, Addison Road, (now Kensington Olympia) advertised the train times: [wlo 13 Sept]

UP TRAINS

STATIONS.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Leave

A.M.

A.M.

A.M.

A.M.

P.M.

P.M.

P.M.

P.M.

Kensington

10.40

11.10

12.10

1.10

5.10

5.40

6.25

7.25

Hampstead Road arrive

11.00

11.30

12.30

1.30

5.30

6.00

6.45

7.45

   Departure for North London

11.05

11.35

12.35

1.35

5.35

6.05

6.50

7.50

   ,, Stratford

...

11.50

1.20

2.20

5.50

...

7.05

8.05

Fenchurch street arrive

11.40

12.10

1.10

2.10

6.10

6.40

7.25

8.25

Special Omnibuses leave the corner of the Cromwell Road, the nearest point to the entrance to the Exhibition, half-an-hour before the departure of the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Up Trains.  Fare 4d.

Leave

DOWN TRAINS.

Fenchurch Street

9.15

9.45

10.45

11.45

12.45

1.45

5.00

6.00

Blackwall

8.55

9.25

10.25

11.25

12.25

1.25

4.40

5.40

Stepney arr

9.07

9.37

10.37

11.37

12.37

1.37

4.52

5.52

,, dept

9.21

9.51

10.51

11.51

12.51

1.51

5.06

6.06

Bow

9.27

9.57

10.57

11.57

12.57

1.57

5.12

6.12

Stratford

...

9.40

10.50

11.58

12.52

...

...

..

Victoria Park

9.31

10.01

11.01

12.01

1.01

2.01

...

...

Hackney

9.35

10.05

11.05

12.05

1.05

2.05

5.20

6.20

Kingsland

9.37

10.07

11.07

12.07

1.07

2.07

5.22

6.22

Newington Road

9.39

10.09

11.09

12.09

1.09

2.09

5.24

6.24

Highbury

9.42

10.12

11.12

12.12

1.12

2.12

5.27

6.27

Caledonian Road

9.46

10.16

11.16

12.16

1.16

2.16

5.31

6.31

Camden Road

9.50

10.20

11.20

12.20

1.20

2.20

5.35

6.35

Hampstead Road arr

9.55

10.25

11.25

12.25

1.25

2.25

5.40

6.40

(Change Carriages) dept

10.05

10.55

11.35

12.35

1.35

2.35

5.45

6.45

Kensington arr

10.25

10.55

11.55

12.55

1.55

2.55

6.05

7.05

 

FARES

Single

Return

1st Class.

2nd Class.

1st Class.

2nd Class.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

Between any Station on North London Line or Blackwall, Fenchurch Street, or Stepney and Kensington

1

0

0

9

1

6

1

0

Between Stratford and Kensington

1

8

1

0

1

10

1

4

15.—Two young half-starved looking beggars appeared before Hammersmith Police Court in possession of three well-bound religious books in French, Italian and English.  Such were indiscriminately distributed at the Exhibition, and they and the court laughed at the idea they could read them. [wlo 20 Sept]

16.— Kensington Vestry Works Committee met to consider the 26 applications for Fire-Engine Keeper (Town Ward) at 25s. a week with clothes and lodging.  A shortlist of 6 was produced, all with extensive experience, and eventually William Palmer, 1 Pratt Street, Lambeth, was appointed.  It was revealed his current employer had sacked him on finding he’d applied. [wlo 20 Sept]

18.—George Varney, labourer, was found guilty of stealing oats, 15s. from his employer, Mr. Tisdall, Holland Farm, and Eli Griffin, carman, of receiving the same.  Two months each for unlawful possession. [wlo 20 Sept]

20.—J. Hunt, Hammersmith House, Broadway would, from October, close early at 8 p.m. on Saturdays.  He also wanted a respectable youth as an in-door apprentice, with or without premium. [wlo 20 Sept]

22.—Woodstock Cricket Club played their closing match of the season at Shepherds Bush Green, the married v. the single men.  Excellent bowling resulted in no great scores being made and the single men won.  Later 40 members sat down to an excellent dinner at their club house, The Duke of Clarence. [wlo 20 Sept, wlo 26 Sept]

22.—A public meeting at Chiswick Vestry Hall heard from the committee charged with putting the Parish Church into a safe condition, which had already been closed for 3 months.  One report said repairs would be £700, the other that repairs would be wasted as it needed pulling down and rebuilding.  No funds were currently available and repairs were agreed, with the money to be raised by a Church Rate. [wlo 27 Sept]

25.—Kensington Board of Guardians heard the Relieving Officers required £50, 56 loaves and 196 lbs. of meat; that there were 341 inmates in the workhouse, and during the week the following tramps had been relieved: 20 men, 20 women and 13 children.

25.—A. and T. Police Divisions played a friendly cricket match on Shepherds Bush Common, with T. winning by 5 runs and 7 wickets.  Afterwards 40 players and friends sat down to an excellent dinner, including rabbit pies, at Mr. Rhodes’s, Wellington Inn.  [wlo 27 Sept]

27.—Fulham Dispensary, Park Lodge, Parson’s Green, conducted by W. Churchill Dempsey, was again advertising, having opened a few months previously.  Providing affordable medical relief to the poor of Fulham not receiving Parochial support, an annual £1 1s. subscriber could recommend 3 patients a year. [wlo 27 Sept.]

29.—A letter from residents of Stanley Gardens was read at Kensington Vestry: the fence around the a piece of land on the north of the ornamental garden had been removed months previously, the land was dangerous with 8 foot pits, local children fighting on the wasteland and in a disgraceful state.  Vestry ordered immediate enclosure. [wlo 4 Oct.]

October

1.—The Directors expected the Metropolitan Underground line (Paddington to the City) to open on this date.  Trains to run every 20 minutes from 6–8 A.M., every 10 minutes 8 A.M.–8 P.M., then every 20 minutes from 8 P.M. to midnight.  Some fares as low as 2d. [wlo 6 Sept]

4.—R. W. Blamy, 12a Portland Road, Notting Hill gave notice that his wife having left him on 22 September, he would not be answerable for any debts she may contract. [wlo 4 Oct]

6.—Kensington Vestry heard a letter from William Sutherland Hanson, 2 Walgrave Terrace, Earl’s Court, Old Brompton, complaining the Vestry accounts were unpublished and 3 months late. The printer said the Medical Officer’s tabular report was late and promised them the following day.  Mr. Hanson attended the meeting but unfortunately fell asleep. [wlo 4 Oct]

7.—Hammersmith was due to be visited by Sanger’s Menagerie and Circus.  A great collection of horses would be encamped in Windsor Castle Field: “morning” performance at 2 p.m., evening at 7.30 p.m., and parade at 1 p.m.  Great crowds expected. [wlo 4 Oct]

8.—A letter from Henry Hanson, 16a Elm Grove was read at Fulham Board of Works.  Mr. Hanson was being troubled by four cows, the property of Mrs. Roach, being driven through a 3 ft. door (15 yards from his door), morning and evening, to some land at the back of Eagle House.  Women and children would be run over by the cows on the 1½ yard footway.  Referred. [wlo 11 Oct]

9.—Henry Ward, of Mr. Martin’s school, Kensington, was tried for throwing stones at William Drinkwater, of the Kensington National School, at Fulham Police Court.  It transpired that the boys from both schools threw mud and stones at each other “about once a day.”  Dismissed. [wlo 11 Oct]

11.—The Editorial discussed Kensington Vestry’s desire to appoint paid and independent Inspectors of Weights and Measures.  Under the previous system ratepayers were often appointed inspectors without their knowledge and then had to “turn common informers against their fellow-ratepayers.” [wlo 11 Oct]

11.—John Bailey, 75 years lessee and occupier (at £12 10s. ground-rent) of Bloomfield Villa, Silchester Road, Notting Hill, appeared in a special jury compensation case against the Hammersmith and City Railway.  Three local surveyors supported a claim of £1,000; whereas the company’s surveyors supported between £400 and £576.  Awarded £750. [wlo 18 Oct]

14.—The Wind-Up supper of the Arlington Park Cricket Club would take place at George Oxford’s John Bull Tavern, Turnham Green.  Tickets 3s., starting at 7 p.m. precisely. [wlo 11 Oct]

15.—A letter from J. F. Redgrave, on behalf of Charles Gore, was read at Kensington Vestry.  The 8 small gratings in the south end of Kensington Palace Gardens road were too narrow in heavy storms, and damage was occurring to the road.  Referred to works committee. [wlo 18 Oct]

16.—Alfred Russell, a little boy, was summoned by Rev. Robinson, Latymer Road, Hammersmith (at Hammersmith Police Court), for disturbing his congregation by rushing into the service, scraping his feet against the forms, laughing and then letting a bird loose.  Russell admitted having the bird in his pocket but said he didn’t let it lose—it escaped.  Bound over for six months. [wlo 18 Oct]

18.—J. A. Smith, Auction and Estates Offices, Broadway, Hammersmith, advertised that he’d been appointed to sell the Pavillon Vitrini, an erection for books 18 ft. by 9ft. wide, from the French Department of the International Exhibitions. [wlo 18 Oct]

18.—William Cooke’s sons (late of Astley’s Royal Amphitheatre), announced they were opening the Victoria Riding School, Onslow Terrace, Brompton, and would teach horse riding to ladies and gentleman, “decidedly essential to a Finished Education.”  Terms moderate, ladies instructed by Mrs. Cooke if preferred. [wlo 18 Oct]

19.—James Kennedy, an Irish labourer upwards of 60, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and calling out “I am for Garibaldi” at Vicarage Gardens, Kensington, at 4 a.m.  Fined half a crown. [wlo 25 Oct]

20 + 21.—On Monday Rev. Dr. F. Hessey would lecture on the Distress in the Cotton Manufacturing Districts at Kensington Working Men’s Association, Earl Street School Room.  On Tuesday Rev. H. Twells would lecture on “Cheap Literature” at St. John’s Working Men’s Association.  Seats ranged from free to 6d. [wlo 18 Oct]

23.—Edward Summers was found working a horse with wounds on the back and fore-leg in High Street, Kensington.  Independent of the wounds the horse was worn out and unfit for work.  Fined 20s. with horse to be sold if not paid. [wlo 25 Oct]

25.—James Bain, 1 King William Place, Hammersmith, having taken over the premises, would open this day.  Best store candles 6d. per lb., pure malt vinegar 2d., 3d., 4d. per pint with choice pickles, new marmalade, Lea and Perren’s Worcestershire sauce etc. [wlo 25 Oct]

26.—At 11 a.m. at Kensington Chapel Rev. John Stoughton would preach; and at 6.30 p.m. Rev. A. Tidman would preach, collections being made at both services in aid of the Lancashire Distress. [wlo 25 Oct]

29.—At Kensington Vestry a request from Stevens’ Patent Bread Company was read, asking for a copy of the permission to construct cellars in 1, Grove Terrace, Brompton, where a steam engine had been quietly buried under the public highway for at least a week.  Copy provided. [wlo 1 Nov]

29.—Kensington Vestry heard a special report on Mr. Tucker’s Candle Factory (see 5 March).  An inspection by the Medical Office had found nothing wrong, but the Vestry insisted the noise and smell were intolerable.  Vestry to keep their eyes upon the works. [wlo 1 Nov]

30.—Mr. Roberts, West London Cricket Ground, Brompton, was summoned before Hammersmith Police Court for allowing running and shooting matches which caused a public nuisance.  His barrister, Tindal Atkinson, promised they wouldn’t happen again and summons was withdrawn. [wlo 1 Nov]

November

1.—Mr. Crookes, Brook Green, Hon. Treasurer of the West London Hospital, promised £10 if 9 others would do likewise.  An advertisement said Mr. Clough, Fulham, and Mr. Banting, Kensington, had donated and invited others to join to raise £100. [wlo 1 Nov]

1.—A group of ten Ladies were receiving warm clothing etc. at their residences to forward to the Cotton Manufacturing Districts.  Addresses included Mrs. Macbeth, 23 Cambridge Road; Mrs. Starkey, 31, The Grove, and Mrs. J. Allen, Ashchurch Villa, New Road. [wlo 1 Nov]

3.—Tradesmen’s Harmonic Meetings would recommence at Windsor Castle Hotel, prop. T. Clayton, continuing the first Monday of each month with a “rianist” engaged for each occasion. [wlo 1 Nov]

4.—Henry Christian, late of 6 Hereford Square, Brompton, now Manchester Buildings, Westminster, appeared as witness against William Calverty, carpenter, who he’d engaged to make boxes to move his furniture.  It transpired Calverty had removed some furniture on the 28th and sold it, storing some in the Hereford Tavern, prop. James Mason.  Remanded and refused bail. [wlo 8 Nov]

6.—St. Philip’s Choral Association rehearsals, under direction of Mrs. J. S. Higgins, organist of St. Philip’s, would recommence at 8 p.m., continuing until the end of April.  Member/subscriber tickets half a guinea. [wlo 11 Oct]

6.—Between 8 and 9 p.m. 10 workmen shoring up an arch on the Hammersmith and City extension railway, near Silchester and Lancaster Road, which was collapsing from the recent heavy rains, heard a rumbling noise and fled.  The arch collapsed and 5 were crushed to death, with one still missing when reported.  [wlo 8 Nov]

7.—Robert Watson, junior secretary of the Hammersmith Soup Kitchen Committee, advertised that last season £142 14s. 11½d. had been raised and £127 3s. ½d. spent.  Subscriptions for the coming season were invited. [wlo 8 Nov]

8.—Mr. Swain, The Lodge, Notting Hill, auctioneer, advertised he’d be selling Nos. 18, 19, 20 and 21 Elgin Crescent, producing a rent of £233 8s. a year on an unexpired 90 year lease. [wlo 8 Nov]

8.—Two little boys, John Stewart and William Tagney, appeared at Hammersmith Police Court charged with putting large stones and bricks on the West London Extension Railway, near Shepherd’s Bush Bridge, last Saturday morning.   Sent for trial with severe punishment expected. [wlo 15 Nov]

12.—At Kensington Vestry Hall the transfer of various licenses was effected.  Included were Mrs. Maynard, Blue Anchor, Steyne, Acton (widow of man killed on the Railway) and The Britannia Latymer Road from Mr. Williams to Mr. Simmons. [wlo 15 Nov]

15.—The editorial discussed the report of Mr. Bazalgette, Chief Engineering of Metropolitan Board, on the proposed “Deoderizing Station” to be built in Fulham, on top of which an ornamental garden etc. was proposed.  It was darkly hinted that the Churchyard Burial Ground would close and the ornamental garden become the new cemetery. [wlo 15 Nov]

18.—Rev. C. H. Butcher would give a lecture, Paris in 1862, to the Hammersmith Institute.  Admission free to subscribers (who will need to show their tickets), non-subscribers 1s. each.  The Committee sought people wanting week/month-old newspapers and periodicals at “not less than half price.” [wlo 15 Nov]

18.—The schoolmistress of St. James’s School, Notting Hill, a young lady named Eylet, brought a prosecution against a boy, William Lawrence for picking up a stone and deliberately throwing it at the school-room window, breaking it.  Fined 5s., defaulted so 7 days imprisonment with hard labour.  Arresting Constable said Lawrence’s father was “a very bad character.” [wlo 22 Nov]

19.—At the Fulham Board of Works, Mr. Bean reported that the Hammersmith Railway had altered their plan for Wood Lane bridge, and it would be 53 ft. span, but without screens to hide the engine.  Mr. Hunt said cattle were driven down Wood Lane and a serious accident would result if there were no screens.  Surveyor instructed to insist on screens. [wlo 22 Nov]

21.—Francis Meager, a boy, was charged at Hammersmith Police Court.  Francis’ employer, John Atkins, a draper of Bishop’s Road, Bayswater, had sent Francis to deliver 5 stays to a house in Gloucester Terrace with 2s. 3d. for change.  Francis did not return and the whereabouts of the stays was unknown.  Remanded to give Police time to find stays. [wlo 29 Nov]

24.—The annual meeting of the teachers and Old Scholars of West End Chapel Sunday School, Hammersmith, took place with Rev. Dr. Leechman presiding.  At 5.30 p.m. 130 people sat down to tea following which a meeting was held.  [wlo 15 +29 Nov]

25.—At St. Peter’s Boys’ National School, Hammersmith, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rickman would give their popular, humorous, mimical, vocal and instrumental entertainment, Sketches of Town and Country Life.  Proceeds to liquidate the £60 debt for the church organ.  Tickets 2s. reserved, etc. [wlo 22 Nov]

26.—Just after noon a fire broke out in Mrs. Wm. Radford’s Laundry, 15 William Street, Notting Dale, caused by a large hot stove igniting drying clothes.  It was quickly extinguished when the Notting Hill Volunteer Fire Brigade, and Kensington Engines arrived. [wlo 29 Nov]

29.—C. Hamilton, 1 Park Terrace, Hammersmith, was seeking to purchase “Books in all languages”, together with music, prints, parchment deeds, etc.  He would shortly be offering books suitable for presents, at a very reduced price. [wlo 29 Nov]

30.—Rev. John Stoughton, Kensington Chapel, would begin a short course of lectures on the Pentateuch.  Services start at 6.30 p.m. [wlo 29 Nov]

December

4.—At Fulham Board of Guardians the Fulham relieving officer required 506 loaves and £33; the Hammersmith relieving officer 480 loaves and £44; number of inmates in the workhouse: 394, with 12 admitted in last week, 11 discharged, 1 died.  Out-door poor in Fulham 551. [wlo 6 Dec]

5.—A Concert under direction of John Day, Musician in Ordinary to the Queen, would take place in the School Room, Fulham, in aid of the Fulham Philanthropic Society.  Tickets 1s. (reserved seats 2s. 6d.) from Mr. Wilson, Printer, High Street Fulham. [wlo 29 Nov]

6.—Mr. Spratt, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Surgeon, Albion Terrace, Newland Street, Kensington, was advertising his horse infirmary and shoeing forge. [wlo 6 Dec]

9.—In an important case at Kensington Petty Sessions, Mr. H. W. Nevill, the celebrated digestive bread baker, who made 20,000 loaves a day and sold them wholesale, was summoned for delivering bread from a 4 wheeled cart in Turnham Green, without being provided with scales.  It was proved that Nevill’s bread was “fancy bread” and could be lawfully sold without scales. [wlo 13 Dec]

10.—Rev. Sunderland delivered an eloquent but unexciting lecture on total abstinence to the North End Temperance Movement, at Wild’s School Room.  The audience was the largest of the present season. [wlo 13 Dec]

11.—The London and Baptist Missionary Societies would hold a meeting at Oakland’s Chapel, Shepherd’s Bush, with Rev. Charles Graham in the Chair.  Former missionaries Rev. William Fairbrother (China) and Rev. R. Williams (Agra, N.W. India) would attend. [wlo 6 Dec]

13.—A letter by “One on the look out” appeared condemning those coughing in Church, and advocating they stayed away, or at least use a handkerchief to deaden the noise. [wlo 13 Dec]

14.—The Bishop of London opened the new Iron Church at Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, very near the Hammersmith and City Railway viaduct.  Designed to hold 700–800 people, it was dedicated to St. Andrew and will cover the poorer districts (Potteries, Latymer Road etc.)  Rev. A. D. Robinson, projector, would be the incumbent.  [wlo 6+20 Dec]

16.—The great “Christmas Cattle Market” was held with a large supply of cattle of variable quality.  The supply of sheep, although small, was adequate, for as the West London Observer editorial said, “who thinks of eating mutton for his Christmas dinner?”  Prices were satisfactory to the breeders. [wlo 29 Dec]

17.—Mr. Carter’s Choral Classes, with various eminent artists kindly giving their services, would perform The Messiah at Chelsea Vestry Hall, Kings Road, with all proceeds to the Lancashire Operatives.  Upwards of 100 performers would be involved. [wlo 13 Dec]

18.—A public meeting would be held at 8 p.m. in New Victoria Hall, Archer Street, Westbourne Grove, with Archdeacon Sinclair chairing, to discuss the Notting Hill Cotton District Relief Fund. [wlo 13 Dec]

19.—A meeting of 42 gentlemen at the Kensington Vestry Hall, Churchwarden Greenway in the chair, heard a long address from Matthew Fielde advocating the adoption of the 1855 Public Libraries Act.  At the vote only two hands were raised in favour. [wlo 27 Dec]

20.—Gaspere Guarnerio, 28 High Street Kensington, was retiring from business due to ill health, and all his stock of watches, clocks, jewellery etc. had to be sold by this date, at greatly reduced prices, no reasonable offer refused: Ideal Christmas Presents. [wlo 13 Dec]

20.—A long list of Kensington subscribers to the Cotton District Relief Fund appeared in the paper, with £1,219 14s. 4d. having been raised so far (£1,467 the following week).  Lady Holland had donated £50, Rev. Stopford A. Brooke £20, Mrs. Henderson’s servants, 1s. 6d. etc.  [wlo 20+27 Dec]

22.—The body of Robert Hoare, 122 Gloucester Terrace, Tyburnia, was discovered in the Serpentine, Hyde Park.  Six weeks previously, after purchasing a new hat, he’d walked back to Knightsbridge on a foggy night and hadn’t been seen since, although the hat was found in the Serpentine the following day. [wlo 27 Dec]

24.—Robert Parker, a little boy, previously in custody for stone-throwing, quarrelled with a boy called Collins, the toll collector at Portland Street corner, North End.  They agreed to a “fair fight”, but on the way Parker struck Collins with his belt buckle, cutting open Collins’ head with much blood.  Fined 10s. or 14 days imprisonment with the magistrate saying if Parker didn’t reform he’d murder someone. [wlo 27 Dec]

25.—[Christmas Day] At Hammersmith Police Court Messrs. Ayres, pawnbrokers, King Street, Hammersmith, were summoned for placing wares for sale on the footpath in front of their premises.  After much legal argument the case was dismissed with Messrs. Ayres not to place goods more than 2 ft. from their premises. [wlo 27 Dec]

28.—Rev. J. Edgcombe Richards, Coverdale Chapel, Limehouse, would become Pastor of Ebenezer Chapel, Albion Road on this day.  Lovers of Truth, unconnected with other Churches, affectionately invited. [wlo 13 Dec]