Newspaper Reports 1870 - 1879



These newspaper articles come from public domain sources and have been compiled for easy reference in date order. They are by no means a comprehensive collection.
The Northampton Mercury the UK’s oldest newspaper with a proven record of continuous publication, was first published in 1720, and printed articles of Northamptonshire and national interest.

Croydon's Weekly Standard was established in 1859. The last issue under this name was on June 25th. 1887. Being replaced the following week, July 2nd 1887, by the first issue of The Bucks Standard.

The first issue of "The Wolverton Express" appeared Wednesday April 17th 1901, cost one penny. The Wolverton Express specialised in detailed local “human interest” stories from Stony Stratford, Wolverton and nearby villages.


Northampton Mercury 08 January 1870

Castlethorpe.—A concert was held in the above newly-opened school, on Saturday last, which gave great satisfaction to a crowded audience. The following is the programme : 1 Piano duet, Miss Pike and Miss Readman ; vocal duet," Ring out, wild bells," Miss Grimes and Miss Harvey; song, " Simon, the Cellarer," Mr. Slade; song, Mr. H. Whiting," Here stands a young man who wants a sweetheart," encored and responded to by " My fussy old mother-in-law;" glee, " Hail, smiling morn," the Choir; song, Cousin Loo", Miss Pike ; song and chorus, " Gentle Hallie," Mr. Gregory; song, Mr. Wilmer, " Round goes the world;" song,  Maggie's Secret," Miss Poole, encored and last part repeated; glee, "The Deacon," the Choir; song, "It's the way of the world," Mr. J. Whiting; comic song, in character, "The bell goes ringing for Sairah," very amusingly given by Miss Grisbrooke, and loudly encored, responded to by " The Lords of Creation," which was also very much appreciated; song and chorus, " Driven from home," Mr. J. Cowley; song, "The fidgetty man," nicely sung; by Miss Wilmer; glee, "Awake, Æolian Lyre," the Choir; duet, " Palaski's Banner," Miss Mansell and Miss Poole ; song, " Act on the square," Mr. H. Whiting; chorus, "Men of Harlech," the Choir; song and chorus, " Toll the bell," Mr. Lawrence; song, " Far away," very sweetly and pathetically sung by Miss Grisbrooke; song, "The king of the air," Mr. J. Cowley; chorus, "Dulce Donum," the Choir; song, "Do they miss me at home ?" Mr. W. Gregory; " God save the Queen." Too much praise cannot be given to all the performers, for the very able manner in which they all acquitted themselves; and also to Miss Poole, for her very good accompaniments to nearly the whole of the evening's entertainment.


Croydon’s Weekly Standard 15 January 1870

DEATHS. January 1, at Castlethorpe, Thomas Goulbourn, infant son of the Rev. J. L. Wiglesworth, aged 7 weeks.


Northampton Mercury 23 April 1870

CASTLETHORPE.—A concert of sacred music was given in the School-room on Tuesday evening last. The following programme was well carried out:—Anthem, "How beautiful upon the mountains," choir; air, " But thou didst not leave," Miss Poole; anthem, " O taste and see," choir; song, " The better will," Mr. J. Cowley; song, "Resignation," Miss Grisbrooke ; anthem, "Like as the Hart," choir; song, "Too late," Miss Worster; song and chorus “Incline thine ear" Mr. W. Gregory; song, "Go when the Morning shineth," Miss Pike ; song, " Consider the Lilies," Miss Sargant; " March onward, Soldiers true," choir ; the solo was sung by Miss Grisbrooke; solo and chorus, " Now pray we for our country;" solo, Miss Grisbrooke; chorus by the choir ; song, “The Missionary's Grave," Mr. J. Gregory; duet, " O lovely Peace," Misses Poole and Grisbrooke; song, " Thou art my hope," Miss Pike ; song, " Love not the World” Mr. Osborne; song, " The Border Lands," Miss Worster; anthem, "In Jewry is God known," choir; air, "Angels ever bright and fair," Mrs. Sargant ; song, " Weep no longer," Miss Grisbrooke ; " Hallelujah Chorus," choir. The accompaniments were played by the Misses Poole, Glidewell, and Grisbrooke. Miss Glidewell played the Hallelujah with her usual skill, and several of the school children helped to sing in all the anthems and choruses, which was a pretty sight, their voices being very sweet, and keeping good time with the choir. They have had very careful training by Miss Grisbrooke, and the choir also have made great progress under the instruction of Miss Poole.


Northampton Mercury 19 November 1870

CASTLETHORPE.—A concert was held in Castlethorpe School, on Monday last, to crowded audience, when the following programme was well carried out :—" Rule Britannia," Miss Peasland and Choir; "The Captive Greek Girl," Miss Pike ; " Never Look Behind," Mr. W. Gregory; " The Danube River," Miss Grimes; glee, '' Red Leaves " Choir; reading, Mr. Carr ; "Molly Bawn," Mr. W. Wilmer; "The Rhineland Watch," Mr. J. Cowley; "See yon Rose," Miss Peasland; " Old Sarah Walker " (in character), Mrs. Tray; glee, "Here in cool grot," Choir; " When the cruel war is over," Miss Poole; Scotch airs (pianoforte duett), Misses Pike and Readman ; glee, " The Village Choristers, Choir; "Never again with you, Robin," Miss Peasland; " Sarah's Young Man," Mr. H. Whiting; chorus, " Forth to the Battle," Choir; reading, Mr. Carr; " Apprenticed," Miss Grimes; glee, "The Erl King," Choir ; " Bobbie, Bobbie," (in character), Mrs. Tray; "The Shipboy's Letter," Miss Wilmer; "When I've nothing else to do," Mr. Wilmer; "God save the Queen." The songs of the ladies were all encored, and Mrs. Tray treated much amusement in her usual comic good humour. The choir rendered their songs and glees very nicely, and praise is due to Miss Poole for her training them so efficiently.


Northampton Mercury 14 April 1871

TO TIMBER MERCHANTS, WHEELWRIGHTS AND OTHERS

CASTLETHORPE. near Stony Stratford.
GEO. BENNETT
Is instructed
TO SELL BY AUCTION,
On Tuesday, January 17th, 1871,

ASH and 12 ELM TREES, standing blazed and numbered on the Farm occupied by Mr. Grimes, of CASTLETHORPE
Catalogues will be in circulation one week prior to the Sale. The Lots may be viewed on application on the Premises.
The Company requested to meet the Auctioneer at "The Carrington Arms Inn," Castlethorpe, at Two o'clock.


Northampton Mercury 25 February 1871

CASTLETHORPE, near Stony Stratford.
150 Lots of genteel HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE
and Effects of the late MRS. SARAH AMOS,
WILL BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
BEESLEY & SONS,
On Friday, March 3rd, instead of Thursday, March 2nd,
as previously Advertized (by order of the Executor).


Northampton Mercury 29 April 1871

STONY STRATFORD.

Petty Sessions, April 22.—Present, J. C. Mansel, Esq., chairman, and C. G. Perceval, Esq. Constables were sworn for the following places : —Stony Stratford West, William Sirett and George Sewell; Stony Stratford East, Joseph Elines and Thomas Calladine; Calverton, William Meacham and Thos. Downing; Wolverton, Thomas Ganderton and James Irons; Castlethorpe, William Panter ;


Northampton Mercury 27 May 1871

FATAL ACCIDENT THROUGH A STEAM TRACTION ENGINE, AT ASHTON.—W. Terry, Esq., county coroner, held inquest, on Thursday last, at the Old Crown Inn, Ashton, touching the death of Thomas Malin the elder, a cattle dealer, aged 61, which took place under the following circumstances : —On Monday last he was driving a cart containing two calves past a field adjoining the road from Hartwell to Ashton, on the farm of Mr. Geary, where a steam traction engine was being used with a cultivator, belonging to Mr. J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe. The engine was close by the hedge when the engine-man, Joseph Olney, set it working. As soon as the steam blew, the horse deceased was driving started off, and he fell back on the side of the cart. The horse galloped away down the road, the bridle was broken, the tail-board of the cart was jolted off, and deceased, after the animal had gone about 240 yards, fell out of the cart behind across the road on his chest and face. He was picked up insensible by man who was passing, his cart being stopped by another man. He was conveyed home, and attended by Mr. J. P. Knott, surgeon, of Blisworth, who gave it as his opinion that he had fractured the base of his skull, and probably ruptured some internal vessel. He died at half-past two on Tuesday, 24 hours after the accident. The evidence of James Olney, the engine driver, was that he did not start the engine till a few minutes after deceased had passed and was out of sight.—Thomas Webb stated that the horse started when deceased was about ten yards past the engine.—Thomas Welch also stated that it was an engine at the top of the field that whistled, while none of the witnesses could say whether the engine near the hedge whistled or not. —Mr. Whiting, the owner of the engine, who was in the field at the time of the accident, said his engineman always received strict instructions to look out for any vehicles passing along the road, and to stop the engine if it was at work. They were also ordered not to blow a whistle whilst any one was passing. Sometimes they had a man to look out on the road, but he was not aware that it was incumbent on them to do so. They always had man before the engine when it was travelling.—The jury returned a verdict in which, after stating the cause of the accident, they expressed an opinion that, " without imputing any criminal degree of neglect to Mr. Whiting, the owner of the cultivator, they considered he was much to blame for not employing some person to be stationed on the road to warn passengers, as required by the Act for Regulating the use of Locomotives on Highways; and they considered it extremely important that the provisions of that Act should be more generally known and acted upon. They further considered that some blame attached to James Olney, the driver of the engine, for starting it so soon after he had seen horse and cart pass along the road." [Under the 5th and 6th of William IV., cap. 50, sec. 70 of the General Highway Act, is not lawful to erect any steam engine, or. machinery attached thereto, within 25 yards from any carriage way, unless the same be in house or behind a wall or fence sufficient to conceal or screen the same from the carriage way, so that the same may not be dangerous to horses or cattle. Every person offending against this Act is liable to a penalty of per day, recoverable before two justices. The Act of the 28th and 29th Victoria, cap. 83, sec. 6 for regulating the use of locomotives refers to the Act just quoted, and further provides that the foregoing restrictions shall not extend to, or prohibit the use of, any locomotive steam engine for the purpose of ploughing within 25 yards of the highway, "provided person shall be stationed in the road and employed to signal the driver when it shall be necessary to stop, and to assist horses, and carriages drawn by horses, passing the same, and provided the driver of the engine do stop in proper time."


Northampton Mercury 24 June 1871

STONY STRATFORD Petty Sessions, JUNE 16th. Present: The Rev. H. J. Barton, chairman; and W. G. Duncan.
Castlethorpe.— Joseph Evans Whiting, of Castlethorpe, was summoned for using a steam plough in a field near the turnpike road, without having anyone stationed on the road to give warning to the engineer of any conveyance approaching, or to be ready to render assistance required (according to Act of Parliament.—Defendant pleaded guilty.—Fine costs, 14s. 6d. Paid.


Northampton Mercury 02 September 1871

MARRIAGES: August 21, at Castlethorpe Church, by the Rev. Wrigglesworth, curate, Mr. Thomas Cook, to Ann, eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Pollard, of Wolverton Station.


Northampton Mercury 28 October 1871

EIGHTEEN FREEHOLD HOUSES,
With Large GARDENS and APPURTENANCES,
LONG STREET and HANSLOPE, in the county of
Buckingham.
W. J. PEIRCE
Has received instructions
TO SELL BY AUCTION,

At the Carington Arms Inn, Castlethorpe, in the county of Buckingham, on Friday, 3rd November, 1871, at Five for Six o'clock in the Evening, the following desirable Freehold Property, subject to such conditions as will be then produced, and in the following or such other Lots as may be agreed upon the time of Sale :

Lot 1. ALL that very desirable stone-built and slated Freehold MESSUAGE or Dwelling House, with a the large Yard, Wheelwright's and Blacksmith's Shops, Shoeing Shed, extensive Garden, and other appurtenances ' thereto belonging, together with the MESSUAGE or Tenement adjoining the before-mentioned property, the whole, occupying area of 2r. 13p. or thereabouts, situate at Long Street, in the parish of Hanslope, and now in the occupation of Mr. Henry Ayres and his under-tenant, at an annual rental of £15
Lot 2. All those TWELVE brick-built and slated MESSUAGES or Tenements, with the Yards, Barns, and other appurtenances thereto belonging, situate in Warwick Square, and adjoining the High-street of Hanslope aforesaid and now in the several occupations of Messrs. Rainbow, Caves Edwards, and others, part being unoccupied, the whole, when let, producing an annual rental of £40.
This Lot is subject to a perpetual annuity of 2s. per annum, payable to the Representatives of the late Richard Oakley Esq., of Affley, in the county of Hertford.
Lot 3. All those FIVE Freehold MESSUAGES or Tenements, with the Barns and other appurtenances thereto belonging, situate in Church End, in the parish of Hanslope aforesaid, and now in the several occupations of  Messrs. York, Till, and others, at rents amounting to £16 per annum.
To view the Property, apply to the Tenants ; and for further particulars, to Messrs. Freshfields, Solicitors, 5, Bank-buildings, London; Mr. J. Parrott, Solicitor, StonyStratford; Mr. J. Carter Jonas, Land Agent, Cambridge; or the Auctioneer, Derngate, Northampton.


Croydon's Weekly Standard 02 November 1872

TEMPERANCE ENTERTAINMENT. – On Saturday, Oct. 26, a public tea was provided in the Wesleyan school-room, of which upwards of fifty friends partook. After tea an entertainment was given by the Band of Hope and adults. The music was well conducted by Mr. T. Dawson, of Wolverton Station, who gave an excellent speech at the commencement.

Programme: recitation, “My new Alphabet,” J. Onley; recitation, “Shut up the Drink Shop,” G. Nicholls; “Dare to do right,” choir; dialogue, “Danger,” S. Cowley and J. Osborne; recitation, “Susan Paine and Ben Bobbin”; recitation, “The Child’s Pleadings,” C. Nicholls; “Listen to the Temperance Call,” choir; recitation, “Churchyard Voices,” W. Gregory; “The little Temperance Soldier” recitation, “Mind how you Bargain, lads,” Miss Daniels; recitation, “A Shot at the Decanter,” S. Cowley; “There’s an Angel waiting for you,” choir reading, “The Soldier’s Dream,” J. Osborne; “Stand up for Jesus,” choir; recitation, “Close the Ale-house door.” The meeting broke up about nine o’clock, and all seemed satisfied with the evening’s entertainment.


Northampton Mercury 11 November 1871

DEATHS: Nov. 7, at Castlethorpe, Bucks, Sarah, widow of the late Mr. Benjamin Whiting, of Piddington Lodge, in this county, aged 78


Northampton Mercury 22 March 1873

NEWPORT PAGNELL

COUNTY COURT FRIDAY, MARCH 14. Before J. Whigham, Esq.
Lord Carrington v. Frederick Whiting. This was a claim for £1 16s. 4d. for mense profits, and for possession of a cottage at Castlethorpe. Mr. Bull for the plaintiff. His Honour was of the opinion that a proper notice had been given, and ordered possession to be given up on March the 24th March, with a verdict for the amount claimed, and costs.


Croydon's Weekly Standard 26 April 1873

Concert.- On Friday last, a concert was given in the School-room, before a large and appreciative audience. It is seldom such talent is brought forward in so small a village as appeared on this occasion. Great praise is therefore due to those ladies and gentlemen who have been the means of creating this evident love for music. The programme commenced with a pianoforte duet, “Overture to William Tell,” by the Misses Watts and Walpole, which met with a due share of applause. The comic songs by Messrs. Goodman, Whiting, and Blunt were well sung and each gained an encore. Miss Watts’s songs were rendered in her usual good style, the sweetness of her voice being greeted with shouts of applause. The reading, “Bessie and I,” from Belgravia, by Mr. J. R. Wilmer, was read with much pathos, and thoroughly amused the audience. Miss Poole did justice to the song “Hubin Bay.” Miss Walpole sang “Esmeralda” in an excellent manner, and received an encore for “Won’t you tell me why, Robin?” Mr. H. Bailey’s tenor voice was well displayed in the song “Tom Bowling.” The Misses Thomason showed great taste and execution in the pianoforte duet, “Hark! O’er the Sea,” the voices of Miss Watts and Miss Walpole blended together admirably, adding materially to the effect. A recitation, “The Well of St. Keyne,” by Miss H. Mansell, whose modulation of voice in various parts of the piece, was particularly noticeable, received due appreciation. The National Anthem brought a pleasant evening to a close.


Northampton Mercury 14 June 1873

MARRIAGES. June 5, at St. Edmund’s Church, Northampton, by the Rev. N. T. Hughes, vicar, Mr. W. Wilkins, of Castlethorpe, to Miss Ziliah Tomalin, of Northampton.


Northampton Mercury 26 July 1873

Stephen Herbert, 22, labourer, wilfully setting fire to a stack of hay, the property of Andrew Mason, at Castlethorpe, on the 8th July, 1873. Not guilty.


MARRIAGES. Aug 19, at the Wesleyan Chapel, Gold-street, Northampton, by the Rev. W. Goodridge, Mr. SAMUEL COWLEY, of Castlethorpe, to MARY ANN only daughter of Mr. GEORGE DANIELS, Weston Favell.
Northampton Mercury 20 September 1873

DEATHS. Sept. 5, at Castlethorpe, Bucks, Mrs. ELIZABETH WHITING, aged 94.


Northampton Mercury 16 May 1874

CASTLETHORPE, Bucks.
FOUR excellent CART HORSES, capital assortment of
modern
FARM IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINES,
HARNESS, and other Effects,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By W. J. PEIRCE,

On TURSDAY next, 21st MAY, 1874, on the Farm Premises at CASTLETHORPE, in the county of Buckingham, by order of Mr. RICHARD COLEMAN (who is leaving).

THE Implements, &c., comprise three capital iron-arm carts, with gearing; water cart, three sets of thiller harness, four sets of trace ditto, G.O. tackle, a six-horse iron scuffler, iron cultivator, by Smith ; iron horse-hoe, by Coleman ; iron ploughs, by Howard and Ball; two sets of iron harrows, one set wood ditto, capital iron field roll, reaping machine, Hornsby ; six-coulter steer drill, with seed box and clover sieves; winnowing machine, by Clarke; patent weighing machine, by Avery; combined oat and bean mill, by Ransome and Simms; three turnip cutters, by Gardner; two knife chaff machine, by Richmond and Chandler ; iron sack barrow, bushel and strickle, barn tackle, sheep cribs on wheels ; cow cribs, sheep troughs, iron and wood pig ditto, ladders, quantity of sacks, three rick poles, hurdles, corn bins, iron hand drags, forks, rakes, and various other Effects. Also, four excellent Cart Horses, quiet, and good workers. Sale to commence at Twelve o'clock.


Croydon's Weekly Standard 23 May 1874

SCHOOLROOM, CASTLETHORPE.

A BAZAAR

Will be held in the above Room, in aid of the Voluntary School, on THURSDAY, May 28.
The doors will be open at 11 a.m. Admission until Four o'clock, 1s.; after Four, 6d. Children Half-price.


Croydon's Weekly Standard 30 May 1874

BAZAAR.- On Thursday the 28th instant a bazaar was held in the Schoolroom, in aid of the voluntary school. The goods for disposal included the usual assortment of nicknackery, and also a large number of useful and ornamental articles, which were temptingly displayed in the schoolroom. Two very useful additions were made to the number in the shape of a capital pig given by Mr. Whiting, and a fine young lamb contributed by Mr. Pike. The stalls were attended chiefly by ladies, who proved themselves excellent saleswomen. They were – Miss H. Mansel, Miss Vardey, Miss and Miss Jessie Pike, Mrs. and Miss K. Whiting, Mrs. Amos, Miss Phillips, and Mrs., Miss S, and Miss E. Sargeaunt. The goods sold very freely and we hope a large sum may be realised for this especial object. Lady Carrington was one of the principal contributors


Croydon's Weekly Standard 30 May 1874

GOOD TEMPLARS.- A meeting was held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, on Thursday last under the auspices of the Ten Sisters’ Lodge of Good Templars, Stony Stratford, for the purpose of forming a branch lodge, the result of which had not reached us when we went to press. Mr. G. Smith, of Newport Pagnell, occupied the chair. The speakers were Messrs. Rodwell, Arkwright, and Burgess. Glees, songs, and recitations added much to the pleasure of the evening.


Northampton Mercury 04 July 1874

CASTLETHORPE, Bucks.
USEFUL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, DAIRY
VESSELS, GIG, and other Effects,
W. J. PEIRCE
WILL SELL BY AUCTION,

On MONDAY NEXT, JULY 6TH, 1874, on the Premises, the Carrington Arms Inn, Castlethorpe, in the county of Buckingham, by order of Mr. Richard Coleman (who is leaving), the following

HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and EFFECTS,

COMPRISING mahogany four-post bedsteads, with furnitures ; iron French ditto, palliasses, feather and flock beds, bolsters and pillows, mahogany wardrobe, mahogany chests of drawers, marble top and painted washing and dressing tables, chamber services, dressing glasses, towel horses, oak and painted linen chests, mahogany night commode, child's cot, bed-room chairs, carpets, moreen window curtains, etc. two mahogany dining tables, mahogany Pembroke ditto, six mahogany chairs, in hair ; couch, in ditto; two mahogany card tables, chimney glass, in gilt frame 21- day timepiece, under glass shade, engravings and prints, china dessert service, 28 pieces breakfast service, blue and white dinner service, 170 pieces ; six china plates, set of plated cruets, tea and coffee pots, six pairs' cut decanters, water bottles, custard cups, tumblers, wine glasses, celery and pickle glasses, sandwich tray, mahogany cornice pole, copper tea-urn, carpets and hearth-rugs, 18 and elbow Windsor chairs, American clock, dinner bell, white-handled knives and forks, set of block-tin meat covers, milk pans, cream tin, butter kiver and boards, milk buckets, two doz. churn, scales and weights, fenders and fire-irons, turbot kettle, iron boilers, saucepans, tin ware, wash tray and form, wheelbarrow, useful Gig, and various other Effects.
Sale to commence at Eleven o'clock.


Northampton Mercury 29 August 1874

STONY STRATFORD.— Petty Sessions.—Before the Rev. R. N. Russell, chairman ; and W. G. Duncan and R. Walpole, Esqrs.— Charles Brownsell, Castlethorpe, was charged with riding upon the highway without reins, and wa3 fined ss. and 6s. 6d. costs.


Northampton Mercury 12 September 1874

NORTHAMPTON. DIVISION PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday, Sept. sth.—Before G. W. Gunning, Esq. (chairman), H. O. Nethercote, Esq., Sir John Robinson, Bart., Drury Wake, Esq., J. A. S. Bouverie, Esq., and R. Lee Bevan, Esq.

A Dangerous Practice.— Joseph E. Whiting, Castlethorpe, Bucks, was summoned for using a locomotive engine within yards of the public highway, and having no caution flag, at Pitsford, on the 25th of August.—Mr. R. Lee Bevan, who prosecuted, stated that on the day in question he was driving from Brampton Station along the turnpike road leading from Harborough to Northampton. He was suddenly very much surprised tremendous outburst of steam, and the action of some engine. He could not see first from whence it came, but found it was about 30 yards from him, and just inside a hedge. The horses became very restive, and he and his servant had great difficulty restraining them. When the animals became quieter he sent his man on and got the engine stopped. He then drove up to the man and expostulated with him for starting his engine without seeing whether there was any person in the road. The man excused himself by saying that he did look down the lane, but could see no one; he offered no apology.—Mr. Whiting expressed his regret that such a thing had occurred, the man with the flag had gone away a short time, but he was always very careful that his men gave warning to people of the vicinity of the engine.—Mr. Bevan reminded the defendant of a man having recently been thrown from his horse and killed consequence of the animal taking fright at one of his engines. A serious accident might have occurred in this instance; it was possible he would be thought unkind for bringing the case before the magistrates, but he did it for the sake of the public as much as himself. —The Chairman remarked that the practise was a very dangerous one, and too much care could not be taken to prevent serious accidents.—A fine of £1 and costs must be inflicted.


Croydon's Weekly Stanard 22 November 1874

STONY STRATFORD
PETTY SESSIONS

John Herbert, of Hanslope, was summoned for riding on a wagon drawn by two horses, without any means of controlling the same, in the parish of Castlethorpe. Fined £1, and 10s. 6d. costs. Committed for fourteen days in default of payment.


Croydon's Weekly Stanard 13 February 1875

CONCERT.- We have before had occasion to notice how agreeably, through the interest and assistance of a few ladies and gentlemen, the inhabitants of Castlethorpe and neighbourhood, have been enabled to spend an evening, and we revert to the subject with pleasure. Those who know anything of human nature, know how beneficial to mankind is social intercourse. And few can measure in words how powerful for good it is, when one common object is in view, and that object mutual benefit and improvement. One of the readiest and most pleasing methods of promoting kindliness and good fellowship, is through the medium of music, which stirs the emotions, assuages discord, sooths, cheers, and invigorates the mind; it nerves the soldiers to battle, and in all its various spheres, life is a battle, and every community is part of a great army requiring to be prompted to fight against the common evils of ignorance and vice. That we must support our schools and further education, is a fact patent to everyone, from the loftiest statesman to the humblest cottager, but as “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy,” so it is equally appreciated, the healthful and refined recreation is as essential to the sentiments, we have much pleasure in expressing our satisfaction with the excellent entertainment afforded at Castlethorpe on the evening of Tuesday last. In consequence of the indisposition of the Rev. J. Wiglesworth, the duties of chairman devolved upon Mr. H. Pike, who kindly undertook the office at the last moment. The doors were open at seven, and the rapid influx soon showed what an interest was taken in the well chosen programme. Towards half-past seven scarcely a seat was to be had. A duet, the Madame Angot Qyadrilles, played by Miss Walpole and Miss D. Walpole, with admirable precision, opened the entertainment. This was followed by a glee from a class of children trained by Master T. Varney, to whose indefatigable exertions, the young trebles would have done more justice, had they had their leader to give them confidence, which in a public performance is indispensable to perfect success. In Master T. Varney’s absence, they were ably accompanied by Miss D. Walpole; and we much admired “Lightly tread, ‘tis hallowed ground”; and the assistance given by the bass voice of Mr. T. Gregory, Mr. H. Cowley and Mr. G. Nicholls was a great advantage. A recitation by Miss W. Mansel, “The Magpie’s lecture,” was given in her well-known happy manner. “Wild Bells” sung by Miss S. Varney, who has a sweet soprano voice, with evident fluency and accuracy of tone. Great applause was elicited by “Hunting Tower,” a duet sung by Mr. T. and Miss Pike, and the last verse was repeated. “In Shadow Land,” a very pretty song was sung with great taste and feeling by Miss Walpole. “Oh Belle Mahone,” a graceful melody was very nicely sung by Mr. T. Gregory, and the refrain in which Messrs. H. Cowley, and G. Nicholls joined was particularly effective. Mr. W. Pike was vehemently encored in a comic song “Oh fie for shame,”; and the dry humour of Mr. Shakeshaft was much appreciated in another of the same character. The second part commenced with an instrumental piece played by Miss D. Walpole, with the lightness of touché and charming execution, which delights all real lovers of music. Mr. T. Pike gave great pleasure in his naïve reading of “The Bashful Man,” and retired amidst much applause. Miss Watts reached some of the tenderest feelings of her audience in “Home Sweet Home,” and was compelled to yield to the repeated encores. Mr. C. Whiting sang “You naughty, naughty, man,” in a most genial and unaffected manner, which gained him the greatest approval, and he sang the last verse again, in accordance with the vehemently expressed wishes of the audience. Of Miss Mancel’s most excellent recitation “Phaeton Junior,” we can only say with all those who had the happiness of hearing her, that we wished for more. The proceedings closed with “God Save the Queen,” which was sung enthusiastically by all present.


Croydon's Weekly Stanard 10 April 1875

CASTLETHORPE

Amongst the festivities of Easter week, we have the pleasure to chronicle a concert in the schoolroom of the above place on Thursday the 1st, inst., which appeared to give great satisfaction to a numerous and highly appreciative audience. At the request of the Rev. J. Wiglesworth, the chair was taken by the Rev. J. Brown, formerly curate of the parish. The concert commenced with an instrumental trio played with great taste and precision by Miss Pike, Miss J. Pike and Miss R. Whiting. This was succeeded by one of the glees, interspersed through the programme, the singing of which by the children did great credit to them and also to the pains bestowed by those who had so kindly instructed them. “Weel may the keel row” especially struck us, and the seraphine accompaniment in addition to the piano, formed a volume of sound which was very harmonious. Miss Pike was heartily encored in a taking little song, “The Cottage by the Sea;” and solos, comic and sentimental followed each other in quick succession varied by some excellent readings and two recitations. Those whose musical taste lay in instrumental performances must have been delighted with the duet “Il Corricolo,” brilliantly given by the Misses Walpole. Messrs. T. Pike, C. Whiting and W. H. Pike were vehemently encored in their excellent comic songs. We greatly admired the very pretty rendering of a simple ballad called “I’ve just had a letter,” by Miss H. Whiting, who had to repeat part of it in accordance with the earnest encores of the audience. “Footsteps of Angels” was also re-demanded from Mr. T. Gregory, who sang with taste and feeling. Miss Walpole’s “Won’t you tell me why, Robin,” “the Schooner on the Sands,” and “Thady O’Flinn” (which latter she kindly sang in the place of a performer who failed to appear) were given with the excellent vocal power and genial manner which never fail to elicit the heartiest approval from all who have the good fortune to be her hearers. The National Anthem concluded the entertainment. Mr. Brown, as chairman, expressed the thanks of all present to those who had so kindly exerted themselves, and congratulated the inhabitants of Castlethorpe in being thus ably and heartily encouraged in their efforts to afford so pleasantly a recreation for themselves and for those neighbours who mustered in such numbers on this occasion.


Northampton Mercury 15 May 1875

HANSLOPE. Marriage Rejoicings took place here on Tuesday last the occasion of the marriage Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. Bennett Thomason, Hanslope, with Mr. Henry Whiting second son of Mr. J. E. Whiting, Castlethorpe. The wedding breakfast was laid in a large marquee adjoining the house. A triumphal arch was erected over the gateway leading into the public road, surmounted with the motto, "God bless the wedded pair." The weather was all that could be desired. The bride, in rich dress of white silk, entered the church, leaning on the arm of her uncle (by whom was given away), attended by eight bridesmaids, who wore white muslin, trimmed with lace, cerise bows and sashes. The bridesmaids were the Misses Emily, Alice, Louisa, and Caroline, sisters of the bride; Miss Kate and Miss Nellie Whiting, sisters of the bridegroom; Miss H. Thomason and Miss Checkley. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. M. A. Nicholson, the vicar. The service was coral, Mrs. Edward Slade ably presiding at the harmonium. As the happy couple left the church, flowers were strewed in the pathway, along which was placed cocoa matting, carpet being laid in the church, the bells of which struck up merry peals, which were continued at intervals throughout the day. About half-part two the happy pair left, amidst a shower of rice and old shoes, for London, en route for Brighton. In the evening a ball was held in a barn, gaily dressed with a profusion of evergreens, mottoes, &c. Dancing was kept up with an animated spirit until the small hours in the morning.


Croydon's Weekly Standard 15 May 1875

MARRIAGE FESTIVITIES

The marriage of Miss Mary Elizabeth Thomason, eldest daughter of Mr. Bennett Thomason, Hanslope, to Mr. Henry W. Whiting, second son of Mr. J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe, was celebrated with considerable rejoicing on Tuesday last. The church of St. James had long before the time appointed for the ceremony received a large number of friends and members of the congregation, while outside the pathway was lined with spectators, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the wedding party. Cocoa-nut matting was laid down from the entrance gates to the church door, the aisle being covered with carpet, both being profusely decorated with evergreens and flowers.

About half-past eleven o’clock, the bride, attired, in a rich dress of white silk trimmed with tulle and lace, and wearing a wreath of orange blossoms and tulle veil, entered the church, leaning on the arm of Mr. Humphrey, and immediately the choir commenced to sing hymn 212 “Hymns Ancient and Modern,” Mrs. Edward Slade ably presided over the harmonium. Eight bridesmaids;- the Misses Emma, Alice, Louisa, and Caroline Thomason (sisters of the bride), Misses Kate and Nellie Whiting (sisters of the bridegroom), Miss Hannah Thomason and Miss Checkley, - wore dresses of white greuidine trimmed with cerise bows and sashes, and were attended by the same number of groomsmen.

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. M. A. Nicholson; at the conclusion of which and after the signing of the register the bells struck up a merry peal, which they continued at intervals during the day.

A triumphal arch was erected over the gates leading from the main road, surmounted by the following motto:- “God Bless the Wedded Pair.”

About one o’clock, upwards of fifty guests sat down to an excellent dojeuner in a marquee adjoining the residence of the bride’s parents, the decorations of which displayed great taste. Mottoes were conspicuously placed in suitable positions; “let us keep the Peace being above the seats of the bride and bridegroom, and opposite “Welcome,” while over the entrances were “May they be happy” and “Health and Prosperity.” The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by the Rev. M. A. Nicholson, and enthusiastically drunk, and was responded to by the bridegroom in a neat and appropriate little speech.

At a quarter to three the happy couple left amidst a shower of rice and a few old shoes for Wolverton en route for Brighton, where they will spend the honeymoon.

In the evening a ball was given to upwards of 100 guests. The room appropriated for the dance was an upper storey of a large barn, which had been admirably converted, under skilful hands, into a very pretty ball room. Festoons of evergreens and flowers, mottoes and various devices were placed round the walls, which were hung with coloured strips of paper, adding much to the effect. Dancing commenced about nine, and was kept up with considerable animation until after five o’clock. An excellent programme was rendered in a masterly style by Messrs. Glidewell and Pinfold and Miss. Glidewell.

The carriage arrangements for the day were entrusted to Mr. Hawley, of Stony Stratford, four flys with pairs and postillions being engaged.

The weather was very favourable, especially if the old adage “Happy is the bride that the sun shines on” is considered, as there was no lack of sunshine.

The festivities were resumed on Wednesday, and on Thursday the men engaged upon the farm were provided with a capital dinner.

The bridal presents, which were laid out in the drawing room, were numerous and costly, and we append a list of them:-Silver tea and coffee service and toast rack, Mr. and Mrs. Whiting; banner screen, Mrs. Thomason; Family Bible, Mr. Thomason; clock and barometer, Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey; two pictures, Miss L. Thomason; pink and gilt coffee service, the Misses A. and E. Thomason; gold-plated egg stand, Mr. C. Whiting; bronze ink stand, Mr. G. Whiting; blue and gilt toilet service, Miss K. Whiting; pair of candlesticks to match, Miss R. Whiting; bronze flower vase, Miss Checkley; silver cruet stand, Mr. and Mrs. Whiting; silver cruet stand, Mr. and Mrs. Checkley; set of table mats, Miss C. Thomason; silver-plated egg stand, Mr. R. Thomason & family; silver-plated cruet stand, Mr. B. Reading; pink and gold tea service, Mr. J. Finlayson; China toilet service, Mrs. Finlayson; electro-plated teapot, Mr. Finlayson; breakfast cruet, Mr. J. Odell, jun.; breakfast cruet, Mr. John Blunt; pair of decanters, Mr. B. Townsend; silver mustard pot, Miss Readman; pair of plated salt cellars, Mr. W. Thomason; silver fish knife and fork, Mrs. Stephenson; silver fish knife and fork, Mr. H. Readman; pair of bronze vases, Mrs. Dimbleby; gilt and white lustres, Miss Crick; large album, Mrs. Dimbleby; set of large brown and gilt jugs and tobacco jar, Mr. C. and Miss M. Crick; pair of blue and white China flower pots, Mrs. Lacy; electroplated egg boiler, Mr. and Mrs. Heasler; pearl gong, Miss Faulder; silver-mounted marmalade dish, Mrs. Higgins; bronze ink stand, Mr. John Higgins; pair of glass vases, Miss Edith Higgins; volume of Longfellow’s poems, Mrs. Walpole; pair of plated fruit spoons, Mrs. Slade; pair of electro sugar sifters, Mrs. Slade’s pupils; papier mache toilet dish and glove box, Mrs. Nicholson; small album and glove box, Miss Latimer; garden chair, Mr. Groocock; half-dozen silver forks and two silver sauce ladles, Mr. anmd Mrs. Thornton.


Northampton Mercury 19 June 1875

COUNTY COURT, FRIDAY, JUNE 11th - Before J. Whigham, Esq-. Judge.
J. R. Wilmer v. Richard Coleman.Mr. Stimson for defendant—The claim was for 7s. 9d.—The plaintiff is agent to the Imperial Fire Office, and the defendant was formerly a tenant of Lord Carrington's at Castlethorpe, who has agreement with all his tenants that they should pay the policies as they became due. Defendant rented under his lordship for ten years, for seven of which he paid the amount of the policies, as required. At the expiration of that time he alleged that the property was out of repair, and told Mr. Wilmer that he did not intend to pay any more premiums until something was done to it, but requested Mr. Wilmer to keep the policies all right for him, by which the plaintiff understood him to mean that he was to pay the sums as they became due, and the defendant would repay him—hence the present action —Mr. Wilmer supported his evidence by the production of letter in which defendant stated that he would see the matter righted.— The defendant contended that such a construction ought not to have been put upon his letter, and also that he ought not to have been charged with a new policy, which he did not order; and further that he had been charged the rates and taxes for five or six years upon premises in the occupation of Mrs. Wilkinson.—His Honour directed the plaintiff to be nonsuited.


Croydon's Weekly Standard 10 June 1876

In Liquidation.
CASTLETHORPE WHARF
In the parish of Cosgrove, Northamptonshire.

VALUABLE
FREEHOLD ESTATE
,

Consisting of a Full Licensed Free Inn, with excel-
lent Wharf Yard, Corn Warehouses, Weighing
House with Weighing Machine, Lime Kiln, Stabling
for eleven horses, Coach House, Brewhouse, Grana-
ries, Piggeries, large Barn, capital walled Garden,
and other Appurtenances.

Together with
21 Acres of excellent Pasture and Arable
Land, adjoining
,
To be Sold by Auction,
BY W. J. PEIRCE

By order of the Trustee of the Estate of Mr. John
Ayres
, on FRIDAY, the 16th day of JUNE, 1876, at
The COCK HOTEL, STONY STRATFORD, at Five for
Six o’clock in the evening, subject to such con-
ditions as will be there produced, and in one or
More Lots as may then be agreed upon.

All the very valuable Free and Full-licensed
HOUSE, known as the NAVIGATION INN,
Sitiate in the parish of COSGROVE, in the county of
Northampton, and on the road leading from Stony
Stratford to Castlethorpe and Hanslope, containing
large parlour, tap room, kitchen, scullery, three bed-
rooms, three good attics, capital cellar and brewhouse;
together with

The excellent WHARF-YARD, with landing for
tying-up eight boats; coal and coke yards, lime-kiln,
capital warehouse (capable of storing 150 quarters
of corn), salt-house, granaries, weighing-house, with
weighing machine; stabling for eleven horses, lock-
up coach-house, large barn, with slated roof;
piggeries, excellent walled kitchen garden, and
other appurtenances thereto belonging.
There is a COTTAGE, containing three rooms,
Adjoining, which is now used as a warehouse.
And also all the CLOSE of first rate Arable
LAND, containing 9¾ Acres, or thereabouts, adjoin-
ing the before mentioned Property, and fronting the
road aforesaid; together with
A CLOSE of excellent Pasture LAND, containing
11½ Acres, or thereabouts, adjacent thereto, with
good thatched hovel, and appurtenances created
thereon, the whole being now in the occupation of
the said John Ayres.
The Grass Land has a never-failing supply of water,
And there is a spring running through the foddering
yard.
Arrangements may be made for early possession
of the property.
To view apply on the premises, and for further
Particulars to W. R. Parrott, Esq., Solicitor, Stony
Stratford, or the Auctioneer, Derngate, Northampton.

Northampton Mercury 13 October 1877

Valuable and Desirable
FREEHOLD PROPERTY.
HANSLOPE, near Stony Stratford, Bucks.
 J. P. GOODWIN
Is favoured with instructions from Mr. Harper.
Hanslope, Bucks,
TO SELL BY AUCTION,

On Tuesday, the 16th of October, 1877. at the Watts' Arms Inn, Hanslope, at Six o'clock in the Evening, subject to such conditions as will be then produced,
ALL that brick-built DWELLING HOUSE, with the stable, cart shed, barns, capital piggeries, and other outbuildings thereto belonging, together with the large kitchen flower gardens, and small paddock adjoining.
The whole contains, by admeasurement, 2a. 0r. 12p., or thereabouts, and is in the occupation of the owner.
The House contains drawing-room, sitting-room, parlour, kitchen, two pantries, and three bed-rooms. The Garden is well stocked with fruit trees, and in an excellent state of cultivation.
The Paddock is divided from the garden by neat iron fence.
There is a capital Well of Water on the premises.
The property is pleasantly situated near to the turnpike road, and is within four miles of Wolverton Station, London and North-Western Railway, and within one and-a-half miles of Castlethorpe, where it is expected a railway station will shortly be made. To view, apply on the premises ; and for further particulars, to J. Parrott, Esq., or W. A. Parrott, Esq., Solicitors, Stony Stratford ; or to the Auctioneer, Newport Pagnell. 463


Northampton Mercury 10 November 1877

NEWPORT PAGNELL Petty Sessions, November 7.—Before the Rev. Joseph Tarver, W. Levi, Esq., Colonel Chester, R. B. Walpole Esq., the Rev. Charles Selby Lowdes, and Charles Pole Stuart Esq., J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe, was, charged by Inspector Hall with using an engine on the highway, which did not consume its own smoke, on the 16th October. Mr Stimson for the defendant. P.C. Batchelor proved the case. Superintendent Hedley said that complaints had been respecting the engines, and a fire had occurred at Woughton-on-the-Green through the sparks from one of them. Mr Stimson contended that the engine was properly constructed to consume its own smoke, and
therefore a conviction could not ensue, even if through the negligence of servants smoke issued from it. The case was adjourned for a month for the production of scientific evidence.


Northampton Mercury January 05 1878

CASTLETHORPE-Christmas Tree. On December 27th a public tea was provided in the school-room adjoining the Wesleyan Chapel by the Band of Hope Society, when upwards of 100 sat down to tea. sat down tea. In the evening a Christmas tree was lighted up, heavily laden with useful and fancy articles, which was well patronised, and in short time the tree was cleared of articles; after which sociable games were indulged in.


Northampton Mercury 12 January 1878

CASTLETHORPE.—A CONCERT took place on Tuesday, 8th, at the School-room, which was well filled, and a capital programme was gone through. Mr. Sargeant presided. The commenced by capital performance on the pianoforte by the Misses Thomas, after which Mr. Taylor sang " Nancy Lee," in excellent manner, which gained him a well-deserved encore, which was followed by “ The Bell Watchman" given in a masterly style by Mr. Scrivener, after which a reading was griven by Mr. Sargeant. Mr. and Miss Thomas then gave able rendering of “The Life Boat,' which was much applauded, after which Mr. Kemp gave an amusing song, “The Goose Fair," which received a well-deserved encore, which was followed by a song " Never trouble, boys," Mr. J. Panter. A capital performance on the pianoforte by the Misses Thomas. Mr. T. H. Pike then sang, " I don't mean to tell you her name," in an excellent manner, which was followed by Mr. C. Whiting, who sang an amusing song, '* The Russian Bear," which was encored. Another duet on the pianoforte, followed by Miss Thomas, after which Mr. Kemp gave the song, " Tom, the Tinker", which gained him a well-deserved encore. Mr. Taylor then sang " My Pollie" in masterly style, which was followed by a song," Hark, the goat bells ringing," given Mr. and Miss Thomas, after which Mrs. Towns gave " Far away" in very effective manner, which was encored. A reading by Mr. A. J. Pike followed. Mr. Sargeant then gave an excellent song, which was encored, after which Mr. Whiting appeared another of his amusing comic songs, which caused much laughter and amusement, and a well-deserved encore.


Northampton Mercury 18 May 1878

CASTLETHORPE- NARROW ESCAPE. On Saturday evening Joseph Panter, labourer, was walking along the London and North-Western line, near the reservoir, and was struck on the arm by a passing express train, and hurled into the grip by the side of the line.


Northampton Mercury 15 June 1878

HANSLOPE. WHITSUNTIDE HOLIDAYS have been very dull this year, it raining very heavily every day except Monday. No one in connection with any the local clubs made any effort get any athletic sports up, or games of any kind, as has been the custom these last few years. The friendly society held at the Bull Inn had their annual dinner in the large room of the above inn as usual on Whit-Monday, the Castlethorpe Drum and Fife Band being engaged for the occasion, played a selection of music as well as could be expected considering the time the band has been established.—The Old Longstreet Benefit Society: About 50 of the members dined together at the Globe Inn. Host Brooks served up excellent repast in his usual style- The society had at the end the year 165 financial members. The income for the past has been—per contributions and fines, £169 9s. 6d. ; expenditure for sick, funeral, and officers' salaries, £209 0s. 11d. The society has in the Northamptonshire Savings' Bank, £379 7s.; in treasurer's hands, £34.—On Tuesday the Swan Inn Sick Society, and the Loyal Progress Lodge of the National Independent Order of Oddfellows, dined together at the above inn. Host Gregory served an excellent repast to upwards of 100 members and friends of the above societies. The Brass Band was engaged for the occasion, and played several selections in good style. In the evening the large public room at the Swan was cleared, and dancing was commenced in earnest to the strains of the band till ten p m., all seeming to have enjoyed themselves.


Northampton Mercury 15 June 1878

CASTLETHOBPE.—WESLEYAN SCHOOL On Sunday last two sermons were preached by Mr. Baker, of Towcester, to good congregations. On Monday the children had their annual tea and treat in the School-room, after which a public tea took place, and was well attended. In the evening a public meeting was held in the chapel, when addresses were delivered by Messrs. Grimes, Swannel, and other friends, on Sunday school work. Collections were made at the close of each service on behalf of the school funds.


Northampton Mercury 13 July 1878

CASTLETHORPE.—Mr. Thomas at present residing at Derby, youngest son of Mr. Varney, of Castlethorpe, has been successful in obtaining the first: prize for an essay on the "Horse," offered by the Baroness Coutts to the teachers of South Derbyshire. His Worship the Mayor, and a committee of gentlemen, awarded the prizes, which were distributed by Lady Every, the of the Baroness, at the Royal Drill Hall, Derby, before a large audience, on June 28th.


Northampton Mercury 26 October 1878

NEWPORT PAGNELL

PETTY SESSIONS, Oct 23. – Before Sir Philip Duncombe, Bart., the Rev. Charles Selby-Lownes, M. G. S. Knapp, Esq., the Rev. Joseph Tarver, and Major Levi.
Hanslope.—William Compton was charged with stealing a pair of gloves, the property of Thomas Amos, Oct. 15th.— Mr. Parrott, of Stony Stratford, appeared for the prosecution ; and Mr. Stimson for the defence.—Thomas Amos deposed : I am farmer, and reside at Castlethorpe. On the day in question, at about a quarter-past twelve, I went to the Cock, and hung up my great coat in the tap room. I had a pair of gloves in the pocket the coat. At about a quarter-past one, when I returned, a navvy came in, and asked me to give him some beer. I did so. I went into the yard to put my horse to, and sent my boy into the house to fetch my coat. When I had gone about quarter of a mile I missed my gloves from the coat pocket. I returned to the Cock, and communicated my loss to the landlord. He said the two men who were then in the room had been there all the while. I said I would communicate with the police, and have the two men searched. The two men were the navvy and the prisoner. The police-constable searched the navvy first, but did not find the gloves, then searched the prisoner, and found the gloves in the inside breast-pocket of his coat. The gloves produced are those I lost. I value them at 3s. The prisoner saw the police-constable search the navvy.—Cross-examined : Have lived at Castlethorpe all my lifetime, and know the prisoner. Never heard anything against him. Do not know the navvy I treated. Have heard that he bolted the next day. The prisoner appeared to have been drinking, but was not drunk. He was quite willing to be searched, but there was a great deal of “bounce" about the navvy.—P.C. Tustain and William Newbury, brother to the landlord of the Cock, confirmed Mr. Amos's evidence. —Mr. Stimson, in defence, said that the prisoner was drunk, and went to sleep, and knew nothing about the gloves being in his pocket till the police-constable found them there. His own conviction was that the navvy took the gloves out of Mr. Amos's pocket and put them, for lark, into the prisoner's pocket. The very next day the navvy bolted. He also alluded to the previous good character of the prisoner, and asked the Bench to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt by dismissing the case.—The Bench, believing there was a doubt, dismissed the case.


Northampton Mercury 23 November 1878

John WOODS
WILL SELL BY AUCTION
On Saturday, Nov. 30th in the Yard of the George Hotel, Northampton, at 11.30 punctually.

The property of H. C. PHILLIPS, Esq., Castlethorpe, Stony Stratford:
[Lot] 38. Chestnut Irish Mare, 5 years, about 16 hands: quiet to ride and drive, and a good fencer.


Northampton Mercury 11 January 1879

CASTLETHORPE.—An Inquest was held at the Carrington Arms, Monday, before Coroner Worley, on the body of William Corkett, labourer of Bletchley, working on the London and North-Western Railway, at Castlethorpe. Deceased was 25 years of age, and met with his death most probably under the influence of drink. He had been to Stony Stratford, Thursday, the 2nd inst., and returned in the evening. He was met by the police-constable of Yardley Gobion about twelve o'clock, and was under the influence of drink. Nothing more was heard him till next morning, when was found dead near the river bridge, against some fences by the side the road leading from Castlethorpe to Thorpe Wharf. Dr. J. Smith, of Hanslope, was soon in attendance, and found that death resulted from dislocation of the neck. It is supposed that Corkett went to get over the rails, and fell, a steep incline being on the other side of the fence. Verdict, “Accidental death."


Northampton Mercury 15 March 1879

CASTLETHORPE.—Accident.—On Monday last Thomas Bull, labourer, of Hanslope, in the employ of Mr. J. E Whiting, of Castlethorpe, while engaged at water cart for the steam ploughing engines, was kicked a horse on his leg. completely shattering the bone between his knee and ankle. He was afterwards conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary.


Northampton Mercury 17 May 1879

At Derby, last week, the youngest son of Mr. Varney, Castlethorpe, was presented with a handsome walnut wood writing desk bearing the following inscription on a silver plate :—" Presented to Mr. T. Varney by the teachers and day scholars of St. Anne's Boys' School, as mark of their love and respect, Easter, 1879."


Northampton Mercury 28 June 1879

HANSLOPE.—Accident.—On the 19th inst., Arthur John, son of John Herbert, Cuckoo’s-hill, was accidentally run over a load of manure while engaged at manure cart for Mr. Whiting, farmer, of Castlethorpe. The wheel passed over his left leg, and broke it in two places. He was at once conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary, where he is progressing favourably. This is the third accident which has occurred at Mr. J. E. Whiting's farm within this last six months to persons engaged with Mr. Whiting's horses.


Northampton Mercury 19 July 1879

CASTLETHORPE.-ACCIDENT— July 7th, William Rainbow, six years old, son Mr. Thomas Rainbow, of this village, while at play in the street was accidentally run over by a straw elevator belonging to Mr J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe, breaking his arm, and bruising his thigh very much. Dr. J. Smith, of Hanslope, was soon in attendance and set the boy's arm, and attended to his other injuries. The boy is now progressing favourably.


Northampton Mercury 26 July 1879

STONY STRATFOBD.—PETTY SESSIONS, JULY 18TH.— Before Lord Penrhyn, Spencer R. Harrison, Esq., and H. Watts, Esq.James Compton, Castlethorpe, was summoned for allowing his horse to graze on the side of the road. Fined 1s., and costs 8s


Northampton Mercury 09 August 1879

BIRTHS. August 1, at Castlethorpe, the wife of Mr. GEORGE NICHOLLS, a son.


Northampton Mercury 16 August 1879

HANSLOPE. Mr. Joseph Arch addressed an enthusiastic and crowded meeting of the N.A.L.U., at the Swan Inn Assembly Room, on the 7th instant. Mr. Joseph Swannel, of Castlethorpe, who presided, dwelt at considerable length on the farmers and their men, believed the Union deserved the support of all the labourers. He strongly advocated the cause of the labourers, and said that before long he sincerely hoped that the county franchise would soon be in their hands. Mr. W. Hayward, secretary of the Northampton and Bucks district, said that the N.A.L.U. was gradually growing in strength, and gave instances where the income had been nearly doubled certain districts during the past few months. He moved, "That this meeting feels highly gratified at the renewed prosperity of the Labourers' Union, several parts of the country. And, being deeply convinced that the Union is as necessary now as ever was, if not more so, and earnestly recommends every labourer join the movement, and stick to it." Mr. John Page, treasurer of the Hanslope Branch, said that gave him great pleasure to second the resolution. The Chairman then called upon Mr. Arch to address the meeting. Mr. Arch, who was received with loud cheers, said : I think it is nearly two years since I addressed a' large audience in this room. At that time I advocated the principles of the National Union, I trust, to the best of my ability. I have seen no reason whatever to change my views that point, nor have I discovered as yet any better method of my fellow-labourers advancing in the social scale than uniting together. I don't know hardly whether I shall make what may be termed practical speech to-night, or an historical one. Perhaps, I should be taking the wisest course if I give you a little bit of the history of this movement. I need not tell you that commenced in 1572, and that that time the labourers of England were receiving very low wages indeed. I will tell you how much the labourers' wages advanced in 40 years, that is, according to your own Government Blue Books on agricultural statistics. Forty years it took the labourers of England to gain a general advance of 3s. a-week. Now, this Union had not been started four years before the labourers as a rule, gained as much as that. (Hear, hear.) Now, it took 40 years without an organization, to raise our wages, and the wages of our fathers, and we, by an organisation, could raise our wages the same amount in four years, I say is not this organisation worthy of every man's support! (Hear, hear.) But, course, we never expect to do all things right for everybody. When my fellow-labourers first made an appeal to me to come forward and speak on their behalf I was not so ignorant but to know that I was likely to make mistakes, I was not so blind but that I knew that I would enrage the farmers of this country. I was prepared, as far as my humble judgment would let me, and to the best of my ability, not to injure the farmer, but to benefit my fellow labourers. It may be that the right man did not take this question hand. Perhaps if some rich nobleman had taken up this question he might have made it a greater success (No, no!) But all I had to bring before the British public was thirty years' experience of married life as an agricultural labourer, whose wife had borne him eight children, and had to suffer the pinchings of want, the hardships hard toil, with but very little to satisfy nature, and with a rough old smockfrock. And these were all the recommendations I had to appeal to the common sense of the public. Well, that was not much, you will say. I have read the starting and success of several movements in this country during my little experience. I can remember the great Corn-law agitation— though I was but a boy—but I never can remember, nor have read of an organisation which struck this country with so much surprise, which inflamed in the minds of so many thousands of England's farm labourers the desire to rise as did this movement when first started. It went far beyond my most sanguine expectations. You scarcely found a paper in the kingdom, after this movement had been in existence not more than a month, but what was noticing the agricultural labourers' rising. Well, there must be something higher and nobler than Joseph Arch's smockfrock ; there must be something more of supernatural power than what was coiled up in his small brain. It was this fact—the labourers were gone down in the social scale to that extent of poverty that, if you will allow me to use the metaphor, like a drowning man, they the first straw that they thought would help them up the social ladder. At that time hundreds of labourers rushed into this Union. I could only have wished they had stayed through with it till to-day. (Hear, hear.) Now, just quietly passing along, I might tell you at the outset that, before we had started our Union a month, we had in the neighbourhood of my own home 250 men sent adrift. We had no means to support them, but when the British public were appealed to, when our liberal and generous-hearted trades unionists knew, what did they do? They rushed to our assistance, and, while we began that first battle with no ammunition in the magazine, after seven weeks' hard fighting, I may tell you that not a single man went back until had gained his rights, and, after seven weeks' hard fighting, we finished the campaign with £800 our funds. (Cheers.) Now what was the idea that struck the officers of the movement at that time? They said, " There are other counties where the labourers are as badly paid, and as badly treated as have been Warwickshire; the principles of the Union are floating the air, and men are drinking them in almost every county ; it very possible that the men in these counties will have to fight a similar battle to the one we have had to fight." It was proposed, seconded, and carried, that any working man in any part of the kingdom, who felt disposed to unite with us, if they were called upon to fight a battle, that that £800 should be used, as well as the contributions of our newly formed Union—should be used to the last penny, to fight the rights of the working-man in any other part of the kingdom. (Cheers.) Will anyone tell me that that was a low, mean, selfish object? We can stand as leaders of this national organisation upon firm and honourable vantage ground. I won't go through the various details of 1873, but let us come to 1874. The Union began to spread through number villages the county of Bucks. went into Norfolk and Suffolk, and somewhere about thirty counties of England became, as our opponents say, tainted with the spirit Unionism. Well, in 1874, the farmers in the eastern counties, as you all well remember, said, “This Union is growing into a giant of strength these men will soon be too much for us. We must use every means within our reach—yes, sir, either fair or foul—to crush this organisation." Great land proprietors backed the farmers in their efforts to crush them. If they had crushed the men of the eastern counties, they would have crushed the men of Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire, and we knew it. We struck a blow for freedom, and we meant to have it, cost what it might. Some 4,000 men one time were thrown out of employment; and what had our Union then got to fight that tremendous battle with? £3,000, looked at our battle; we looked at our forces; we looked our ammunition. We said  “At Leamington another effort must be made. The great heart of the public must be appealed to." laid our cause before the great towns of England, and in about eighteen or nineteen weeks a noble sum was obtained from the subscriptions of men in various towns and villages, and they did subscribe nobly We had some handsome sums sent us from your Wolverton Works by the intelligent and sympathetic artisans who work there, and we respect them to this hour. We appealed to the generosity of the people of England, and seventeen weeks we managed to bring into the funds of our National Union £23,000 to help us fight that battle. (Cheers.) Now, I am surprised at some who tell us they are profound and well-educated democrats. I am surprised to think of their narrowness of mind when they say, "We are somebody—we are above the ordinary run of society " What does the National Union mean? "The men are called fight as great a battle they fought in the east in 1874. We don't stop to question whether your income sent to the Central Fund last year was £100, £200, or £500. We don't stop to question whether to carry out this battle, and to see that the men of Buckinghamshire are not crushed the earth, will cost £1,000, £2,000, or £3,000. If the money is there, we carry the money where the fight is, and where there is peace and security, we say to those men who are not engaged an unhappy conflict, "Stand by your brethren who are," and whatever may have been their contributions is not the question. What is their position—what is their want—and let that want be met. (Cheers.) Now if it can be shown any fair reasonable grounds that some other system of working would be more advantageous to the labourers, and we can be brought to believe, we are quite amenable to reason. (Hear, hear.) But, gentlemen, there one thing I will promise you I will never do. I may do some very strange things, but this I will never do. When you and the members of this Union throughout the kingdom want me to advocate one which I cannot believe in, which I know from experience is not the one you want, the wage you offer will never buy me to preach what I don't believe in. You can have it if you like, but I will never take money out of your funds to preach that which I have not a conscientious belief in. (Cheers.) Your movement has undergone some very peculiar struggles, struggles which, I unhesitatingly say, might to a large extent have been avoided. But you will be told that all this, sad calamity is due to me. Well, I have got a pretty broad hack. (Laughter.) I think I may say, and say fairly, that I have been about as well abused during the last seven years as any man in this kingdom. But you have your attention called to a very extravagant act of mine—at least is charged upon me—in the purchasing of a newspaper. Now, I just wish you ladies and gentlemen to listen to the history of that paper. You are all aware that in 1875 a paper was started in Loudon in your interest, as you were told. I have no doubt of the honour of those gentlemen who started it, but the time came when you, as working men, were in jeopardy of losing that paper. I will tell you how it was. One of the largest shareholders in that paper informed your present general secretary that unless the paper paid better it would certainly have to be given up. Well, I had always believed in labourers having some periodical to circulate your view. You know that few papers will take a question for the labouring man. I knew that the periodical was of immense value to your organisation. Knowing, then, as I did, from a high authority, that there was a likelihood of danger, I heard at the same, time that the late Labourers' Union Chronicle was in the market for sale. I made no negotiations, I entered upon no contract, but one of those gentlemen who had been first and foremost to denounce me was the very gentleman who went with me to Derby to meet the largest shareholder of that London paper, and he said, all means let us have it, and secure to the labourer a good and well-conducted paper." That matter was brought before your Executive Committee. They had to choose or refuse. I never so much as held up hand, either for or against it. (Applause.) —Votes of thanks were given to the chairman, and to Mr. Arch and Mr. Hayward, for addressing them.


Northampton Mercury 27 September 1879

Accidents. —A man employed J. Whiting, Castlethorpe, removing a portable thrashing engine on Tuesday night last, unfortunate circumstance fell, and the machine passed over his legs, fracturing both of them. He was speedily conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary.


Northampton Mercury 15 November 1879

CASTLETHORPE.—A Band of Hope Entertainment was given the School-room, on Saturday, the Band of Hope choir and members. Mr. John Olney, sen., presided, and delivered short but appropriate address. The secretary read the report, which, on the whole, was considered favourable. Subsequently recitations were given E. Bennett, K. Sprittles, T. Bennett, E. Olney, C. Harris, E. Sprittles, readings Miss E. Compton, and dialogues by W. Clarke, J. Olney, D. Cowley, and others. The choir gave some very appropriate hymns. The collections were good.


Croydon's Weekly Standard 03 December 1879

A navvy
A navvy
Image by kind permission of The Living Archive
FATAL ACCIDENT. Another fatal accident occurred to a navvy, on Tuesday last, whose name is unknown, near the Three Arches, Castlethorpe. It appeared he was travelling from Roade to Wolverton, and was knocked down by a passing train and killed on the spot. His body was conveyed to the Carrington Arms to await an inquest. This makes the third man killed on the railway between Roade and Wolverton in six days. The inquest was held at the Carrington Arms, on Wednesday, the 10th inst., before J. Worley, Esq., when the following evidence was addressed: David Smith said: I live at South Leverton, Nottinghamshire, and am an excavator, and have been seeking work in the neighbourhood. Yesterday morning I was walking up the London and North-Western Railway, near Castlethorpe, in company with a young man, when deceased came up to us and spoke to me. I knew him, and have known him for several years, as we have previously worked together. He has told me he came from Manchester. I do not know his proper name, but he was generally know by the name of “Pincher.” The last time I worked with him was about three years back. His age I should judge at about 35. It was between ten and eleven o’clock yesterday morning when he came up with us, and we walked on together towards Wolverton. He said he was going on there to try and get work. I stopped with my mate, and deceased walked on. When he was about 60 or 100 yards ahead there were two trains meeting, and I saw deceased in the six-foot way, between the two lines on which the trains were. I lost sight of deceased about the time the trains met, and as soon as they had cleared I saw him lying in the four-foot of the up loop-line, over which the train had just passed up. He was then quite dead. His head and his legs and arms were out. Deceased appeared to have got in front of the up train while endeavouring to avoid that passing down. George Benson said: I live at Goltam, Nottinghamshire, and am an excavator. I am up here looking for work. Yesterday morning, I was going along the line with last witness towards Wolverton, and deceased caught us up just before we reached Castlethorpe. He and my mate recognised each other, and walked on together a little way. I did not know him. He then went on ahead; and I and my mate stopped whilst I cut some tobacco. I saw the deceased step out of the way of a train of a train coming down. He was then about 6 or 100 yards ahead. There was a train passing upon the new line at the same time. I did not see him struck by the up train, but when we came up we found him lying in the four-foot of the up line. He was quite dead. We did not move the body, but stopped a train following up, and the driver and fireman moved the body. The body was afterwards removed to the Carrington Arms, in Castlethorpe. It was about half a mile from Castlethorpe where he was killed. The jury returned a verdict “That deceased was accidentally killed when stepping aside to avoid a passing train.
Navvies
Navvies
Image by kind permission of The Living Archive

Croydon's Weekly Standard 06 December 1879

FATAL ACCIDENT. On Thursday morning, the 4th inst. A sad fatal accident occurred to a man named Thomas Gregory, a native of Castlethorpe. It appears that the poor man, about quarter to six o’clock, was proceeding to his work at Wolverton, and while endeavouring to avoid a passing train, was knocked down by a pilot engine and literally cut to piece. Upon picking up his body it was found minus the head, portions of which we afterwards found lying strewn about in various parts of the line. The body was conveyed to the “Carrington Arms,” to await an inquest. The deceased who was an organist of Castlethorpe church, leaves a large family to mourn his loss.


Croydon's Weekly Standard 13 December 1879

INQUEST. An inquest was held at the Carrington Arms, before J. Worley, Esq., on Saturday last, touching the death of Thomas Gregory, who was killed on the line on the previous Thursday. George Sprittles said: I live at Castlethorpe, and am a labourer. I knew deceased. He lived at Castlethorpe, and was a turner and fitter, working at Wolverton Station, where he had been employed about 20 years. His age is about 40. On Thursday morning, about six o’clock, I was passing along the line between Castlethorpe and Wolverton and found deceased lying in the four-foot way, on the down side. The place was about a mile from Castlethorpe. I noticed his back was bare, and I put my hand to it and found it warm. I moved the body out of the four-foot. I did not notice it particularly. It was dark, and I not know it was deceased, Thomas Gregory. There was no sign of life, and I did not know the body was mutilated. A policeman’s hut was about 250 yards nearer to Castlethorpe. I went there and borrowed a light, and on going back I saw a head lying in the six-foot way, about three or four yards from the body. Two men then came up, who were on their way to Wolverton, and I then returned the light to the policeman at his hut and told him about the body, and then proceeded to my work. I had not seen any train pass before I came to the body, I had come about 250 yards along the line. I believe deceased was in the habit of going along the line to his work. The men living at Castlethorpe usually go that way to their work. Deceased’s basket laid two or three yards from his feet. Edward Robinson said: I live at Hanslope, and am a foreman platelayer on the line. My work lay between Castlethorpe and Wolverton. Last Thursday I got to my work at seven o’clock, and at a quarter past I found the body of the deceased lying on the outside of the down line. It was too much mutilated to be recognised, but I knew the basket to be Gregory’s. I noticed marks on the line. Deceased appeared to have been dragged about twenty-two yards along the down line. At that point, just above where the body was, I noticed remains of his head, as if it had been smashed on the rail next the six-foot of the down line. I moved the body on my trolley to Castlethorpe. I have been on the length between Castlethorpe and Wolverton about seven years. I knew deceased. He was in the habit of going to and from his work daily along the line. The time for him to be at Wolverton would be six o’clock. It was rather a cloudy morning. A great many men walk to and from their work.-Job Cowley said: I live at Castlethorpe, and am a signalman, stationed at the box at Castlethorpe crossing. On the 4th of December the witness Sprittles called at my cabin at six minutes past six o’clock in the morning, and stated he had found a body on the line about 250 yards south of my box. I told him to take my lamp and see who it was. H e seemed as if he did not care to go, but I pressed him to do so as I could not leave my box. When he came back he said he could not recognise the body. I telegraphed to Wolverton. I had a train shunted in the loop line opposite to my box at 5.40, and it remained for the Irish Mail to pass by, which it did at 5.41, and at 5.43 the train passed from the loop into the main up-line and went on. At 5.47 a light engine and an up coal train would meet at about the place where deceased was found. An empty wagon train had passed my box at 5.36. It would take about twenty minutes to walk from my box to the works at Wolverton, along the line. The men can get into the works up to 6.16 in the morning. I heard men pass that morning, but did not look out. They are allowed to go along the line from Castlethorpe to work. I have frequently seen deceased passing to and from work. He usually was looking down in walking along. He was often last going and returning. It would not be unusual to be going alone. His age is 39. He has worked at the works for twenty years or more. The jury returned a verdict that deceased was accidentally killed whilst proceeding along the line to his work.

FUNERAL. The funeral of Thomas Gregory, who was killed on the Railway, on Thursday, December 4th, as recorded in our columns of last week, took place at St. Jude’s Church Castlethorpe, on Tuesday last, which was crowded to excess. The Rev. M. A. Nicholson, vicar of St. James’ Church Hanslope assisted by the Rev. Wigglesworth, curate, officiated at the ceremony. Miss A. Varney presided at the organ, and the choir sang “The dead march in Saul, together with Nos. 400 and 225 of Hymns Ancient and Modern, revised edition. Deceased was followed to the grave by a large number of relatives and friends, and the Members of the Royal Progress Lodge of the National Independent order of Oddfellows, of which lodge deceased was treasurer: and also by members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and Millwrights, and members of the Wesleyan Benefit Society, both of which societies deceased was also a member: and a large number of his fellow workmen from Wolverton. The coffin, which was of polished oak, was literally heaped up with flowers after it was lowered into the grave. Deceased was 39 years of age, and leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his loss.

The following is another account furnished to us by a correspondent. Last week was recorded the very sad and fatal accident which befell Mr. T. Gregory, the organist and choir master of the above parish. His death was mentioned with much feeling by the vicar and curate in their sermons at Castlethorpe, on Sunday. The awful sadness with which their friend and teacher had been taken from, as it were, their very midst, was impressively dwelt upon by the vicar, more especially addressing himself to the members of the choir, for whose instruction and improvement Mr. Gregory had laboured with unwearied patience and devotion. His loss in this respect will be irreparable, and his steady, earnest life was an influence and an example to all those whom he had to do, which we trust will yet speak in their memories, who have lost in him the ready sharer in any innocent recreation, and the friend who tried to lead them to feel that life has a fuller meaning than the present moment, that all have the responsibility he never shirked of being much help to one another. The funeral of Mr. T. Gregory took place at Castlethorpe on Tuesday last, and was attended, not only by the relatives of deceased, but by the members of different clubs, and by numerous friends, who wished then to show their feeling for one who had gained the esteem and respect of all who knew him. The service was performed by the Rev. M. A. Nicholson, and appropriate hymns were sung by the choir.


Northampton Mercury 13 December 1879

CASTLETHORPE. Fatal Accident happened on the London and North-Western Railway, on December 4th, to Thomas Gregory, of this village, mechanic in the Wolverton Works. thought that while proceeding, usual, to his work, between five and six in the morning, he was overtaken by an up train, and trying to avoid this he stepped on to the down rails at the same time an engine was passing. He was knocked down and fearfully mangled, his head being severed from his body. In this frightful condition he was found by George Sprittles, of Castlethorpe, and afterwards conveyed the platelayers to the Carrington Arms, Castlethorpe, awaiting inquest, which took place on Saturday morning, before J. Worley, Esq., coroner for North Bucks, and a respectable jury, consisting of the following gentlemen : —Mr. William Denny (foreman), Messrs. Robert Varney, Thomas Gostlow, Richard Denny, Job Cowley, William Feasey, Joseph Cowley, Benjamin Hillyer, William Clarke, James Nicholls, William Hillyer, and James Cowley. On the evidence of several witnesses, and after the summing up the coroner, the jury returned verdict of " Accidental death." The deceased was much respected, he being organist and choir master of St. Jude's, Castlethorpe, also treasurer of the Loyal Progress Lodge of the National Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The funeral of deceased took place at the parish church, which was crammed to excess, on Tuesday last. The Rev. M. A. Nicholson, vicar of St. James's Church, Hanslope, assisted the Rev. J. J. Wigglesworth, curate, officiated at the ceremony. Miss A. Varney presided at the organ, and played the Dead March in "Saul," together with Nos. 400 and 225 of Hymns Ancient and Modern —the choir assisting in the hymns. Deceased was followed to the grave a large number of relatives and friends, together with the members of the Loyal Progress Lodge of National Independent Order of Odd Fellows, members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and Millwrights, and members of the Wesleyan Benefit Society, of all which societies deceased was a member; together with number of his fellow-workmen from Wolverton. The coffin was of polished oak, and, after being lowered into the grave, was literally heaped with flowers. Deceased was 39 years of age, and leaves wife and seven children to mourn his loss.
 

—Another fatal accident occurred to a navvy, on Tuesday last, name unknown, near The Three Arches, Castlethorpe, who was travelling from Roade the railway to Wolverton, and was knocked down passing train and killed on the spot. His body was conveyed to the Carrington Arms, pending an inquest, this making the third man that was killed between Wolverton and Roade within six days.


Northampton Mercury 27 December 1879

Events of the Year
September- A man named Simmons, when driving the horses drawing a thrashing machine, at Castlethorpe, was knocked down and killed.