Below are a selection of events for September 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.
| September | ||||||
| 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* | |||
3.—Joseph Spencer, landlord of the Lord Hill, Westbourne Park Place, appeared at Hammersmith Police Court charged with opening before 1 p.m. on Sunday 23rd. The offense took place at 12.55 p.m. according to Inspector Steer’s watch, or 12.59 p.m. according to Spencer’s watch. No fine but costs of 2s. [wlo 5 Sep]
5.—Amongst items advertised for sale: young pony, 5 years old with cart and harness, apply George Dixson, 2 Warwick Street, Kensington; Cottage Piano, 10 Albert Terrace, Notting Hill Gate; an iron lathe, apply T. Langston’s, Star Place, North End, Fulham. [wlo 5 Sep]
6.—Two sermons would be preached in aid of the West London Hospital at St. Stephen’s, Shepherd’s Bush: Rev. W. G. Cookesley in the morning, and Rev. A. S. Latter in the evening. The on-going list of donations appeared underneath: 14 people promising £5 each, providing another 6 came forward. [wlo 29 Aug]
7.—Reuben Green, clerk to Kensington Vestry, published the tender invitation for “the sale and removal of the Coal Dust, Ashes, Cinders, and Rubbish” from houses in the parish. Contractor would have to provide sureties and bonds and must apply on the proper forms. Contractor to pay first instalment immediately on award, then quarterly. [wlo 12 Sep]
9.—St. Benedict Convent, King Street, Hammersmith, removed to Teignmouth, Cornwall, having resided in Hammersmith since 1793/4 when the “fortunate death of Robespierre” had enabled them to quit Dunkirk for the “happy and tolerant land of England.” [wlo 12 Sep]
12.—Hammersmith and Chiswick Savings Bank, est. 1816, advertised that it was open every Monday evening at the Latymer Rooms, near Hammersmith Parish Church, from 6–7 p.m. from Michaelmas to Lady-Day, and 7–8 p.m. Lady Day to Michaelmas. [wlo 12 Sep]
15.—The inquest into the death of Matthew Copeland, 56, a carman, 30 George Street, Hammersmith, heard that on the 12th Copeland with 6 others took a short-cut to work via Mr. Bird’s brickfields and crossed the West London Line railway when the engine appeared. Copeland was knocked down with the other escaping. Jury remarked most people did this to save 1½ mile detour and a bridge should be provided. Accidental death. [wlo 19 Sep]
16.—James Colbourne, 10 High Street, Kensington, would open a branch of his General Furnishing, Carpet, Iron Bedstead and Bedding warehouse at 19 High Street. [wlo 12 Sep]
19.—An area of the Serpentine having been set apart for bathers (5–8 a.m. and 7–8 p.m.) the Royal Humane Society said that from 1st January to 13th September there had been 64,846 morning bathers and 198,841 evening ones. [wlo 19 Sep]
22.—The sale of live and dead stock at Mr. Allaway’s, Earl’s Court Farm, Kensington, announced this date and the day following, would now not take place. [wlo 19 Sep]
24.—The New Latymer Schools were opened with a procession of Almsmen, Boys, Builders, Architect, Overseas, Committee and Clergy. The reporter noted the boys “looked remarkably well” and their singing was praised. [wlo 26 Sep]
24.—At Hammersmith Police Court, George Gibbs, mattress maker, was re-examined on a charge of stealing 4 metal knobs from the grave of Mrs. Chalmer and a chain from the grave of Sir George Herbert. Someone presenting Gibbs’ card had sold the knobs to Thomas West, Marine Store Dealer, Chelsea and witnesses saw Gibbs with other men around George Herbert’s grave. Case continues. [wlo 26 Sep]
25.—J. G. Bond would sell the contents of 2 Phillimore Terrace, Allen Street, Kensington by auction. Included were iron bedsteads, handsome chimney glasses, mahogany sideboard etc. [wlo 19 Sep]
26.—W. V. Jennings, 1 King Street, Broadway, Hammersmith, was advertising “buy hats of the maker.” First-class hat 10s. 6d. South Middlesex Rifle Cap., Plato-Ball and Cover, 9s. [wlo 26 Sep]
27.—Between 4 and 5 a.m. at Thomas Bray watchmaker’s, 7 Seymour Row, Fulham Road, Kensington, a P.C. discovered a fire and roused residents. The Chelsea Brigade’s engine, superintendant Piggott, arrived first to find the building in flames. House destroyed, insured for £200, but a heavy loss. [wlo 3 Oct]
28.—Rev. Baptist W. Noel preached the last sermon at Hornton Street Chapel, which is required for school buildings. Sir Morton Peto had secured a new site in South Kensington where a new chapel will be erected, the congregation meeting in the Assembly Rooms meanwhile. [wlo 3 Oct]
29.—At Hammersmith Police Court Emanuel Grondopi, professional cook, was charged with selling cherry brandy from his confectionery stall in Kensington Gardens without a license. Grondopi wasn’t present as he was engaged by an M.P. to provide entertainments in Yorkshire. Case adjourned until 27th October. [wlo 3 Oct]
30.—At St. Peter’s School Room, Hammersmith, Mr. G. E. Manton (organist of St. Peter’s) would conduct a concert at 8 p.m. Solos, part songs, piano solos, concertina and flute etc. Tickets 1–3 s., and also a new vocal class for ladies and gentlemen would be established under Rev. W. Cookesley, subscription 3s. quarterly. [wlo 19 Sep]