Below are a selection of events for April 1863 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 1863 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.
| April | ||||||
| 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* | ||
1.—Around 9 p.m. some light goods hung near a gas burner caught fire in Mr. Messenger’s draper’s shop, 2, Holland Road, Notting Hill. The flames melted the gas pipes and the gas flames threatened the first floor. Engines arrived and extinguished fire but much damage to stock by fire and water. Insured. [wlo 4 Apr]
1.—West London Extension Railway opened their line to Victoria Station at Pimlico to public traffic. Stations had been provided at Southall, Hanwell, Ealing, Kensington, Chelsea and Battersea. First train leaves Southall at 7.50 arriving Victoria at 9.22 etc. 8 trains a day, 3 on Sundays. [wlo 4 Apr]
2.—At Kensington Board of Guardians Mr. Blackwell, master, reported 3 cases of small-pox admitted this week, 2 of which were sent to the Small Pox Hospital but refused admission as it was full. [wlo 4 Apr]
4.—R. Hodgson, Terrace House, three doors from the Grove, was advertising the latest novelties in Fancy Dresses, Bonnets, Mantles &c. He also needed a respectable youth as an out-door apprentice. [wlo 4 Apr]
6.—[Easter Monday] At Hammersmith Police Court Emma Gale, a young woman of excellent character was charged with leaving her 2 year old boy at a door in Brunswick Gardens, Kensington, on Saturday. Emma who could no longer support her son had turned to multiple people for help (including Workhouse) but had been refused. [wlo 11 Apr]
8.—When moving for the adoption of a 9d. in the pound Poor Rate at Kensington Vestry Mr. Hogg said the committee wanted 8d., but after Mr. Green’s statement, they realized that would lead to a £1,200 debt at the end of six months. [wlo 11 Apr]
11.—J. R. Rosse, B.A. announced his New Academy was opening in temporary classrooms in the Old Ebenezer Chapel, King Street, Hammersmith. First-class education, moderate charges, preparation for Navel, Military and Civil Services etc. [wlo 11 Apr]
11.—G. Guppy, Florist, Seedsman &c., 9a, Phillimore Place, High Street, Kensington, late Gardener to the Rt. Hon. Lord Sondes, offered his services to the Nobility and Gentry at 20% cheaper than any other firm. [wlo 11 Apr]
12.—Services would resume at Old Ebenezer Chapel at 3 p.m. on Sundays, under Mr. Rosse, a young Presbyterian minister. The Chapel, one of the spheres of labour of Rev. Rowlnad Hill, had been closed for several years. [wlo 18 Apr]
14.—Viscount Ranelagh, head of the Middlesex Volunteer Rifles, applied to Westminster Police Court for a libel summons against Charles Pignett, 26 Queen Street, Brompton, and Staunton Meyrick, Queen Street, Chelsea. A pamphlet had been produced quoting the Viscount’s replies to a Royal Commission, making it appear that the Viscount despised working men and wanted them flogged. Summons granted. [wlo 18 Apr]
15.—Mary Brown, a young women who had been drinking in the Gunter’s Arms with a Brompton Cemetery gravedigger, went into the Cemetery to sit down and claimed two women threw a jacket (belonging to Thomas Cook) to her. The jacket had been stolen and Cook found it beneath Mary’s dress. Remanded. [wlo 18+25 Apr]
17.—Daniel Gillard, a Latymer boy who worked on Saturdays for Joseph Wiggins, cheesemonger, King Street, Hammersmith, appeared before Hammersmith Police Court charged with stealing money from the till. He’d been caught with a two-shilling piece, and more money fell from his apron as he left the shop. Father was very intemperate in court and abused prosecutor. 14 days with hard labour. [wlo 25 Apr]
18.—A lady who had discovered a cure for rheumatics, in 2 doses, offered to send remedy on receipt of 12 postage stamps and stamped envelop. Address to E. Williams, Mr. Edwards’, Hair Dresser, Hammersmith Gate. [wlo 18 Apr]
18.—Two sopranos, 1 contralto, 1 tenor and 1 bass were required to lead a large congregation in a church 2 miles west of Hyde Park Corner. Apply “Organist”, 163 Piccadilly, W. stating amount of salary required. [wlo 18 Apr]
20.—Thomas Paynter died at his residence in Thurloe Square, Brompton, aged 68. One of the first Magistrates in the Police Courts of the district, he served in Kensington, then Hammersmith, and recently Westminster. [wlo 25 Apr]
22.—Kensington Vestry discussed the small pox in the area. Mr. Adams believed only 1 or 2 people had died. Mr. Gilbert said the disease might be spreading without deaths. Mr. Wilkins didn’t want rumour least there was panic. Medical Officer to report. [wlo 25 Apr]
23.—The foundation stone of the New Wesleyan Chapel, Warwick Gardens, Kensington would be laid at 3.30 p.m. followed by a public tea meeting at 5.30 p.m. in the large wooden building adjoining the land. Tickets 1s. [wlo 18 Apr]
25.—John E. Hamilton advertised that he had taken over the Hand and Flower Tavern, Hammersmith Road, (opposite Kensington Station), and by only selling superior articles solicited patronage. [wlo 25 Apr]
26.—William Condon, a militiaman billited with Mr. W. Ackroyd, 5 Dove Place, High Bridge, Hammersmith, grocer, returned home drunk on Sunday at 6.30 p.m. and knocked over a jar of pickles, damage 3s. Hammersmith Police Court gave either damages plus 1s. fine, or 8 days imprisonment. Removed to cells. [wlo 2 May]
28.—The New Independent Chapel, Broadway, Hammersmith, would be opened with a service at noon with a sermon by Samuel Martin, Westminster, followed by a cold collation and then tea at 5 p.m. An evening service would follow with James Hamilton, Regent Square. [wlo 25 Apr]
30.—Kensington Board of Guardians heard a long letter from the medical department of the Privy Council about small pox and how to prevent it spreading (cf. vacination). Mr. Wilkins said that since January there had been 1 case in Brompton, 2 in Kensington, and 2 or 3 in Notting Hill. Chairman stressed that the public must not be alarmed. [wlo 2 May]