Hundreds of years of history revealed in Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and the Deepings in our Mercury Memories
A range of stories from up to 200 years ago feature in this week's Mercury Memories.
Every week we take a walk down memory lane, looking at stories up to 200 years ago, thanks to the support of the Stamford Mercury Archive Trust.
10 years ago
January 25, 2013
More snow is on the way for the area but forecasters say it won’t be anywhere near as bad as the past week when 16cm fell around Stamford.
The snowfall started on Friday night last week and by Monday morning there was a thick covering on the roads and pavements.
Some loved it, went sledging, made snowmen and even an igloo, while others found it difficult as roads were treacherous and schools closed.
The Met Office predicts light showers in the Mercury area at 6pm tonight and sleet showers tomorrow.
But the area has already seen the worst of it and the weather station at RAF Wittering recorded the sixth heaviest snowfall in the UK at 9am on Monday, with 16cm.
The roads remained largely clear as gritting teams worked around the clock.
The owner of a textile firm who moved his head office to Stamford has praised the town centre, saying it is an ideal shopping location.
Chris Tattersall opened The Wool Room in Star Lane in September after starting his business online.
Despite challenging economic conditions and a location slightly away from the High Street he soon found business was booming and moved his head office to Stamford as well.
Last week Stamford Chamber of Trade and Commerce revealed plans to set up a “town team” inspired by retail guru Mary Portas, to try and rejuvinate the town centre.
But Mr Tattersall thinks Stamford is an ideal location for an independent retailer.
He said: “Without a doubt I would recommend Stamford town centre. It is a great tourist destination,
“Stamford is the right location in terms of demographic. We are a big supporter of the high street.”
While The Wool Room started out as a web-only business, Mr Tattersall soon realised the value of a presence in the town centre.
He added: “We want to offer something different. We want to offer a shopping experience.
“Why have big businesses failed? Maybe they are not adapting to the times.
“We aim to have a ‘bricks and clicks’ strategy. John Lewis and the Arcardia group are doing something similar.”
Secondary school pupils who took their GCSE maths exams early have been congratulated after achieving record results.
Year 11 pupils at Stamford Queen Eleanor School were entered into their maths exams earlier than usual before Christmas,
When the results were announced this month, an impressive 61 per cent of the entrants achieved an A* to C grade, beating last year’s record result of 49 per cent.
Headteacher Wendy Hamilton said: “We are delighted with these outstanding results and the students should feel very proud of themselves.
“Over the past few years we have seen consistent improvements and this year will be no different.
“We are confident that the results will continue to rise, and our high maths grades set expectations pretty high.
“Well done to all the students for their exceptional effort, hard work and success.”
The Year 11 pupils have already improved on last year’s results by 12 per cent.
25 years ago
January 23, 1998
Pensioners living in sheltered accommodation fear for their lives following plans for a council shake-up of warden services.
New guidelines are being introduced after complaints of varying levels of service in South Kesteven. Among the proposals being considered for wardens by South Kesteven District Council are:
- A basic 37-hour week
- Re-defining of responsibilities
- Allowing wardens to live away from their housing schemes.
Philip Spencer, a resident of St Clement’s, Stamford, said: “What are we to do when we need a warden if someone has died, or is dying, or has a fit, and that person is working miles away. Originally when we came here we were of the understanding that there would be a warden here 24 hours a day.
“Our families were reassured that there would be a warden here, but it seems we are going to have mobile wardens.”
There are 20 sheltered housing schemes in the Stamford, Bourne and Deepings area, with a total of almost 700 properties.
RAF Wittering personnel serving aboard HMS Invincible, which has been sent to the Gulf, could still be there in March.
The 103 servicemen and six Harriers were sent to join Invincible in the Mediterranean in November.
On Friday when tension increased with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein the ship was deployed to the Gulf.
The Harriers are likely to return in March when HMS Illustrious takes over duties from Invincible.
But with the problems, no-one can be sure when Wittering staff will return.
Squadron leader Dave Buchan, RAF Wittering spokesman, said: “Obviously we will give our support to Invincible for as long as it’s needed, but we hope to get our personnel back as soon as possible.
“No one can predict how the situation in the Gulf will develop, but we do hope to have our personnel back some time at the end of March when Illustrious takes over.”
Oundle’s Prince William School is preparing itself for its largest ever sixth form intake this September.
This year there are nearly 20 A-level courses on offer, boosted by the addition of performing arts and physical education, and potential take-up on the new courses is already strong.
Headteacher Chris Lowe said: “What we are doing is meeting a demand from students. We have had a number of new courses being requested, and as the students are there to fill the courses we’ll be providing them.”
Mr Lowe feels numbers are likely to swell through an increase in pupils staying on and interest has been shown by potential students with inquiries received from as far away as Corby, Kettering and neighbouring Cambridgeshire.
Head of sixth-form David Colson said: “The open day held last term proved very successful in attracting potential sixth-formers, and the staff are pleased with how positive and motivated students have been with their choices.”
The achieving of language college status and successful launch of General National Vocational Qualifications a year ago has also helped attract pupils.
The school’s record of preparing youngsters for all levels of higher education will mean than more than 100 students will apply to universities, breaking all previous records.
50 years ago
January 26, 1973
With the prospect of Oakham Urban Council leasing a site off Cold Overton Road for a headquarters for Scouts and Guides in the town the two organisations have agreed that the new HQ should be a joint project.
They both recognise that some big money-raising efforts must be launched.
So far as their building funds are concerned the Guides have considerable leeway to make up on the Scouts.
Apart from money-raising the Guide movement in Oakham is embarking on an expansion programme in order to reduce or eliminate a very considerable waiting list.
At present there are four Brownie packs, two Guide companies and a Ranger Guide unit. In addition Oakham School have a Guide Company.
It is now proposed to form a fifth Brownie pack and another Guide company.
The total strength of the movement in the town is now around 200.
Ten years ago there was only one Guide company and one Brownie pack in the town.
Bourne is to lose one of its oldest landmarks, and a business existing for some 70 years will close down.
Mr Colin Notley and his brother Chris, who have run J. S. Notley and Sons corn mill in Eastgate since the death of their father a few months ago, have decided to wind-up the business on January 31.
This means that the old water mill, from where the Notley family has operated since 1910, will be demolished and the land sold as building plots.
“Since first Uncle Jim retired last year, and the more recent death of our father, the work here has become too much for two of us,” Mr Chris Notley said.
“The mill wants a lot of structural work doing to it at very heavy cost. And if we employed someone to help us run the business, considerable money would be wanted to bring the building up to requirements. This has always been a family business and no outsider has ever been employed here.
“The mill is in a bad state of repair, and Colin and I have decided to call it a day.”
Besides being a landmark the mill was at one time a focal point for the children of Eastgate, Coggles Causeway and The Austerby, who spent much of their summer holidays paddling and playing in the river near the mill.
As a result of complaints about the condition of the bus shelter in the Old North Road, Wansford Parish Council agreed on Friday that a letter be sent to the bus company, and also to the County Council, asking if some action could be taken.
In view of the damage and misuse of the shelter, the police should be asked to keep their eye on the shelter.
The Clerk reported that the Government’s scheme for grant-aiding village halls is under review, and Wansford has been asked to assist by providing an assessment of fairly long-term requirements. After some discussion it was decided to defer this item until the annual parish meeting to be held on March 16.
It was agreed that the Clerk be asked to contact the appropriate authority with a view to having a speed limit imposed on the Old North Road, and also through the village.
100 years ago
January 26, 1923
Cheaper Gas – the Stamford and St. Martin’s Gas Light and Coke Co. announce that as from January 1st the price of gas is reduced by a penny per therm, which is equal to 4½d. per 1000 cubic feet.
Farm and Residential Properties – There was a good company at the Stamford Hotel on Friday afternoon, when Messrs. Richardson conducted a successful sale of valuable local properties. A farm of 120s, 2r. 3p., mainly pasture and arable, with farmhouse ad two cottages, at Ufford, in the occupation of Mrs. A. Fitzjohn, was bought by Mr. J. W. Burdall, of Acrise, Kent, for £2750, and Rusholme Lodge, St. Paul’s-street, Stamford, a freehold detached resident (vacant possession) by Mr. J. Fancourt for £1325. The solicitors concerned were Messrs. Stapleton and Son and Mr. Chas. Atter respectively.
Unemployment’s Ebb and Flow – Despite the fact that a local firm has had to dispense temporarily with the services of 30 employees during the past three weeks, the returns of the Stamford Labour Exchange (which also administrates for Bourne) on Tuesday showed that unemployment generally has slightly decreased. This is accounted for by the fact that Messrs. Blackstone and Co, are gradually re-engaging the services of employees who have been off their pay rolls for some months. The figures on Tuesday were 690, as compared with 700 the week before. A remarkable fact is that there are 24 first-class joiners out of work – a larger number than have ever before been on the books.
Bourne
“Callers” From London – The Board of Guardians on Thursday were informed that during the previous fortnight no less than 209 vagrant had been received. The excessive number was reported to be due to the fact that so many of them were calling on their return journey from London. On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the relieving officer was granted an increase of £13 towards the cost of his travelling expenses.
Victims of Septic Pneumonia – Two deaths have occurred during the week from septic pneumonia, both victims being railway employees. They are Mr. Samuel Smith, platelayer, who died on Saturday in the Butterfield Hospital, and Mr. W. H. Richards, of Gladstone-street, engine driver. Each left a widow and two children.
Fire – On Wednesday evening a minor outbreak of fire was discovered at Mr. G. E. Parker’s house, Abbey-road. The brigade were at once called out, but their services were not required.
n The Hospital – A meeting of the general committee of the Butterfield Hospital was held on Tuesday, when Mr. A. E. K. Wherry presided over a good attendance. The House Committee reported that during the past quarter there had been 14 in-patients and 11 out-patients, and 13 operations had been performed. Thanks were expressed to the Matron and staff for their services. The balance sheet revealed an income of £585 19s. 9d., and total expenditure was £500, but it was pointed out that whilst the income was for 12 months, the expenditure covered only 10 months.
150 years ago
January 24, 1873
A grand ball was given at Burghley House on Wednesday night by the Marquis and Marchioness of Exeter. The numerous party included most of the neighbouring county families and their visitors.
Only four Guardians attended the Union Board on Wednesday. The relief papers were heavier than usual, but the whole of the business was transacted in an hour. The inmates numbered 137, being 16 less than in the corresponding period of last year. The recipients of out-relief numbered 797, at a cost of £90 4s. 9½d.; corresponding week of last year 857, at a cost of £93 11s. 5¾d. Twenty wayfarers were received in the house during the week.
Stamford and Rutland Savings Bank – The general annual meeting of the trustees and managers of this institution was held at the Bank on the 16th inst.; the Rev D. E. Jones in the chair. The accounts of the quarter ending 20th November, 1872, were examined and passed. The annual statement was then produced and examined, from which it appeared that the institution now possesses a property in investments and cash amounting to £92,524 16s. 9d. After deduction the sum required to pay the demands of all the depositors, amounting to £89, 081 1s. 10d., a clear balance remains of £3443 14s. 11d.
Stamford quarter sessions on Saturday were again maiden. The Recorder (the Hon, Chandos Leigh), in addressing the Grand Jury, said: In looking over my minute-book I find that April 20, 1872, was actually the last session when we had a single prisoner to try; and I also find that at these sessions there will be no duties imposed on you or on me. Of course we must feel that this is most gratifying, and again I must repeat it – in consequence of the new year – that I think great credit is due for the way in which crime is suppressed and prevented in this your borough, and every good townsman must congratulate himself upon the efficiency of the police arrangements, to which, no doubt, a good deal is owing. The last time we met I had occasion to make some remarks in regard to certain public Acts: there is nothing I can call attention to this time, and I shall therefore formally discharge you, and at the same time thank you in the name of the borough for your services.
We understand that Mr. W. Marriott, of Ryhall, who although afflicted with blindness is a skilful musician, has been appointed organist at the Congregation chapel, Star-lane, Stamford.
Poor rates of 4d. in the pound have been allowed for the parish of Wothorpe, and for so much of the parish of St. Martin’s as is in the Liberty of Peterboro’.
A football contest between the Stamford and Peterboro’ clubs was announced by handbill to come off in Burghey Park on Tuesday; but shortly before the time for play to begin, and to the disappointment of the Stamford team (who had swept the ground and made other arrangement), messengers arrived with the intelligence that Peterboro’ declined to give battle on account of the snow which had fallen.
We mentioned some time ago that the organ of All Saints’ church, Stamford, had been wilfully damaged. This week it has been discovered that the three alms-boxes in the church have been tampered with, and the alms abstracted, although patent locks had been applied to the boxes.
200 years ago
January 24, 1823
At the quarter sessions for the borough of Stamford on Saturday last, there was not any business to come before the court.
On Tuesday last a seasonable supply of warm clothing, consisting of 77 yards of mixed woollen, 200 yards of stout flannel, and 44 yards of good linen, the gift of the Rev. Wm. Mansfield, Rectory of Colleyweston, was distributed in that parish.
Serjeant White, of Grantham, has been appointed Governor of Falkingham house of correction. The candidates for the office were very numerous.
The thermometer in St. Martin’s, Stamford Baron, was at 18 degrees below the freezing point at nine o’clock in the morning on Sunday last. Yesterday (Thursday) it was lower than on any other day at the hours when the sun had influence, being at 21½ deg. at three o’clock in the afternoon.
On Saturday last, John Hales, labourer, of Market Deeping, aged 82 years, was found at an early hour of the morning in an hovel adjoining his dwelling-house hanging by the neck by a rope to a beam: assistance was procured to cut down the body as soon as discovered, but life was extinct. The deceased had left his wife in bed a few minutes before, and not returning quite so soon as expected, she went in search of him, and found him in the manner above described. He was an inoffensive man, and it is difficult to account for the act of suicide. An inquest was held on the body on the 19th inst., by S. Edwards, Gent. coroner, and it appeared in evidence that bodily as well as mental frame of the deceased was almost worn out by age and hard labour; the jury returned a verdict that the deceased hanged himself, and that his mind at the time was in a state of aberration and derangement.
On Saturday last an inquest was taken at North Witham, before Geo. White, Gent. Coroner, on the body of Elizabeth Bullimore, a child about five years old, who was burnt to death. It appeared that this child, with another younger than herself was incautiously left by her mother in the house where was a fire in a low grate, to which it is supposed the children were drawn by the natural desire to warm themselves, and the clothes of the elder taking fire, she immediately ran out of the house, and was seen by a neighbour, who promptly came to her assistance, and throwing his coat over her and rolling her in the snow, succeeded in subduing the flames, but not until they had so fatally burnt the poor little girl as to occasion her death. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
A meeting was held at Boston on Tuesday to consider of the existing laws for the relief of Insolvent Debtors, when it was resolved that the Insolvent Acts had been productive of the most serious evils to the trade and commerce of that town in common with the rest of the country, and that a petition to Parliament should be prepared and signed, praying the repeal of such Acts.
