Displaying items by tag: Kibworth Harcourt
The City, Kibworth Harcourt
The City is an unusually named small cluster of dwellings situated in a lane to the left off Albert Street just before the junction with Carlton Road. The origin of the name is unknown however there is the thought that places called ‘The City’ were because they were towards ‘London’ so effectively south of the community, whereas areas called ‘Scotland’ were to the north. Burton Overy has a Scotland area! So maybe in Anglo Saxon or Roman times, the community stretched thinly from the Kibworths (south) to Burton Overy (north) resulting in the name ‘The City’.
Excavations to the north of The City have uncovered evidence that property existed in this area during and after the Roman occupation.
It is possible that some of the mud and thatched cottages existed in medieval times and there is evidence they were there in the latter part of the 18th century where the cottages had been built along both sides of the brook which flowed through The City towards and across Albert Street, then known as Hog Lane. (see Early Modern Kibworth Harcourt Village Centre- The Pig Market)
One of the original houses-No.1 The City (demolished in 1940’s)
The brook which flowed through The City often overflowed resulting in flooding of the lane and the dwellings, the people must have lived in poor unhealthy conditions at this time. It is believed that the poorest occupants of the village lived there. There was a pump in the City which supplied water during the rainy season, however drinking water had had to be fetched from the pump in Main Street opposite the Old House, quite a trek carrying water.
By the late 1880’s the brook had been diverted through a culvert under the lane and Albert Street.
The City was described by local historian, F.P. Woodford, in his book ‘History of Kibworth and Personal Reminiscences' as: “three mud thatched cottages and three small brick and thatched cottages as well as other houses”
Acknowledgments
Kibworth to Smeeton ‘A Stroll Down Memory Lane’ by Philip J Porter
History of Kibworth and Personal Reminiscences by F.P. Woodford
Approaching Kibworth Harcourt from Market Harborough along the A6 Harborough Road there is a lay-by on the left-hand side of the road nearly opposite Kibworth cemetery.
Before this lay-by was built the road had a sharp double bend designed to assist the horse drawn coaches navigate the incline as the road approaches the village. The double bend was the scene of frequent accidents.
A stream which flows from the vicinity of Carlton Curlieu to join the Langton Brook south of Kibworth Beauchamp passes under the Harborough Road and the lay-by at a point known as Rector’s Plantation. The land alongside, now Rectory Lane, was once a field that was part of the Kibworth Rector and parochial parish’s land.
On the 21st April 1834 at about midnight an accident occurred at Rector’s Plantation when an Express Coach travelling from Nottingham to London overturned at the sharp bends. Unfortunately, one of the passengers, Mr Michael Ingo aged 73 from Nottingham was fatally injured. His tombstone can be seen on the wall along the north side of St. Wilfrid’s churchyard (see below).
Acknowledgements
Kibworth Through Time by Stephen Butt
British History on line
THE KIBWORTH CONGRGATIONAL CHAPEL
Congregational Chapel on Leicester Road, Kibworth Harcourt
The Kibworth Congregational Chapel is located on the A6 Leicester Road, Kibworth Harcourt near the Wistow Road junction. The Chapel is a Grade II listed building, first listed in December 1966.
The two storey Chapel was built with red brick with a Welsh slate roof. The central entrance door to the west of the Chapel is dated 1759. The Chapel was extended to the east in 1811 to include a vestibule, a vestry, and a schoolroom. In 1815 a gallery was constructed in the Chapel. An organ was donated in 1930 and a few years later the pews were replaced with oak seats. There is a small graveyard to the rear of the chapel along with a building which was once a stable. The Manse is attached at a right angle to the north of the Chapel built in 1794 of red brick and is three storeys tall. Another house of similar style was built to the rear at a later date.
Inside the Chapel premises is a marble tablet dedicated to Phillip Doddridge DD.
Tablet dedicated to memory of Philip Doddridge DD
In 1841 Thomas Gook, the travel pioneer, was passing through Kibworth Harcourt, near to the Chapel, on his way to a Temperance Meeting in Leicester when he had an idea about organising a railway excursion from Leicester to Loughborough, possibly the forerunner of modern tourism. There is a plaque commemorating this on the outside of the Chapel.
THE ORIGINS OF THE CHAPEL
Following the Act of Uniformity of 1662 enacted by the Cavalier Parliament which required reordination of many pastors, gave unconditional consent to The Book of Common Prayer, advocated the taking of the oath of canonical obedience, and renounced the Solemn League and Covenant. Many Pastors, unable to accept these conditions, left the established Church resulting the growth of the dissention movement.
In 1672 after the Civil War and the Restoration a Meeting House situated in the yard at the rear of the Crown Inn Leicester Road, Kibworth Harcourt, was licensed for Presbyterian worship. (See The White House-Early Modern)
In about 1609 John Jennings became the Pastor of the dissenting congregation at the Meeting House until his death in 1701. He was succeeded by his son John Jennings Jnr. who established a dissenting academy at the Meeting House which opened in 1715. When John Jennings Jnr. moved to Hinckley in 1722 the congregation purchased the Meeting House.
From 1723 to 1729 Philip Doddridge, a former pupil of Jennings at the academy, became the minister and principal of the academy at Kibworth. (See Philip Doddridge DD-Early Modern)
The Dissenting Congregation at the Meeting House became Congregationalists and in 1759 the Meeting House was destroyed by a fire. Voluntary subscriptions raised funds for a new building, and the Congregational Chapel was licensed for dissenter’s worship in 1761. The Chapel was in use as a place of worship until the end of the 20th century and is now a private dwelling.
Acknowledgements
British History on line
The Story of England by Michael Wood
https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2625384/kibworth-congregational-chapel
British listed buildings.com
The central cemetery pathway
The Kibworth Cemetery is situated on the A6 Harborough Road, Kibworth Harcourt in Leicestershire.
During 1891 an extension to the graveyard at St Wilfrid’s Church was discussed at Vestry Meetings. It was decided that an extension to the graveyard was not feasible and on 29th February 1892 a meeting of village residents was held in the Village Hall and a Burial Board was formed.
The elected members of this first Burial Board were:
- Rev. Charles Henry Thomas Cruttwell (Chairman, Anglican Minister)
- Rev. Edmund Hipwood, (Congregation Minister)
- Mr. William Henry Ward
- Mr. George Reginald King
- Mr. William Harcourt Lovell Clark
- Rev. John Newman (Methodist Minister)
- Mr. William Horton
- J.S. Dickinson, (secretary)
The first meeting of the Burial Board was held on 8th March 1892 when the secretary was instructed to enquire from the owners of 7 potential sites whether they would be willing to sell from 2 to 4 acres for a Cemetery. The 7 potential sites were reduced to 2, the current site on Harborough Road owned by Merton College, Oxford and allotment land between the Railway and Harborough Road belonging to Mrs. Haymes.
The Board decided that the sites should be subject to survey by A.J. Draper the Diocesan Surveyor to ascertain their suitability for a Cemetery having regard to the nature of the sub-soil and the facilities for drainage.
At the Board’s meeting on 5th May 1892 the meeting agreed to borrow money from the Public Works Loan Commissioner to fund the purchase of the land and the work required.
Following the report from Mr Draper the Board decided to purchase the Merton College site.
At the Board Meeting on 25th June 1892 a draft contract to purchase 4 acres 3 roods and 28 perches of land from Merton College, Oxford was accepted.
This decision was placed before a Vestry Meeting on the 4th July 1892 when some opposition to the draft contract was expressed.
At the Vestry meeting on 11th October 1892 the following was proposed:
‘that there should be only one building erected on the Burial Ground and that such building be a Lychgate on the unconsecrated land’, and ‘that two thirds of the Burial Ground should be consecrated and one third unconsecrated.
At their Burial Board meeting of 1st November 1892. Mr. Coleman, the occupier of the Merton College field, was awarded £26-10s-0d compensation for loss of the field.
A loan of £2,000 was granted and on 3rd January 1893, Charles Edward Hare, a Bank Manager, was appointed as the Burial Board’s Treasurer.
Tenders were issued as follows:
Contract 1
For Levelling & Draining: £202 to £398, was awarded to Edward Mason of Kibworth.
Contract 2
For Making & Fixing wrought iron fencing, entrance gates etc. £175 to £290, awarded to Edward Mason.
Contract 3
For the Lychgate £408 to £675-15s-0d was awarded to Mr Haycock of Great Glen.
Tenders 1 & 3 were withdrawn. Edward Mason submitted revised tenders of £235 for Contract 1 and £413 for Contract 3. These tenders were accepted, leaving Mason Builders responsible for all the construction work.
On 10th May 1893 the purchase of the site from Merton College was completed at a cost of £750.
The first phase of the cemetery was completed in 1893 and consecrated in June of that year. The first burial, Florence May Kimbell aged 4 years, took place in August 1893.
Improvements to the Cemetery have seen access improved and pathways upgraded.
The Kibworth Joint Burial Board is now made up of representatives from both Kibworth Parish Councils and they have regular meetings to discuss burial costs and further improvements.
In 2021, an Epitaph software licence was purchased from Edge IT by Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council for the Joint Burial Board, for all of the burials since 1893 and in future, to be recorded and when completed, the details are due to be made available online.
Natural Burial Area
Kibworth Joint Burial Board has reserved an area for natural burials. This area will not have any headstones and only biodegradable coffins and caskets will be allowed.
The Natural Burial Area
The Lychgate
The Lychgate was built between July and October 1894 by Edward Woodford Mason, son of John Mason, one of Kibworth’s most celebrated builders and founder of the family firm. Historic England listed the Lychgate as a Grade II listed buulding in September 2022 ((Ref 1480910) - https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1480910?section=official-list-entry).
The Lychgate (front aspect)
Lychgate (rear aspect)
In February 1895 a wooden bier was presented to the Burial Board by Mr Haymes. This beautifully crafted trolley was pulled by the village Sexton. The bier would collect the coffin from the deceased's house and take it to the cemetery entering through the Lychgate into the burial ground.
Inside the Lychgate showing the bier and inside of the front doors
The Joint Burial Board agreed in 2021 to have the bier renovated and it is due to be cleaned, polished and any repairs made by a specialist from Lubenham in 2022.
After restoration the bier was returned to the Lychgate on 5th October 2022. (additional information by Kevin Feltham).
Acknowledgements
Stephen Butt
The Kibworth Chronicle
Kibworth Joint Burial Board and current chairman, Dr Kevin Feltham
Kibworth History Society
THE GREAT FAMINE AND THE BLACK DEATH
The 14th century was a difficult period for Kibworth Beauchamp, Kibworth Harcourt, Smeeton Westerby and indeed the whole country. 1314 saw the start of the Great Famine, followed by The Black Death in 1348, with both leaving a trail of death and economic problems for the three villages.
The Great Famine 1314 to 1317
During 1313 severe gales caused havoc in the villages damaging buildings, hedges and trees. Hard frosts in the first months of 1314 persisted until April followed by a hot dry summer which baked the ground resulting in a poor harvest. Autumn brought torrential rain and this extreme weather persisted throughout 1315 and 1316 leaving crops rotting and dying in the fields. Livestock suffered through the lack of animal fodder. This resulted in a severe shortage of food stocks and increased prices adding to the hardships engulfing the villagers. These food shortages persisted into the next decade. The death toll from the famine was approximately 10% of the population along with a severe damage to the economics of the villages.
The Kibworth Harcourt accounts for 1315 to 1318 show increasing rent arrears with the number of poverty-stricken tenants forced to give up their land increasing from 6 to 40 a year.
The Black Death 1348 t0 1553
The Black Death was a bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium now identified as Yersinia pestis, which originated in Asia around 1346 spreading across Europe to reach England in the summer of 1348. The plague spread throughout England very quickly leaving a trail of death in its path.
During that summer rumours, possibly through Kibworth Harcourt’s association with Merton College, Oxford, began to circulate in Kibworth of a terrible pestilence. Later that year the plague reached Leicestershire and arrived in Kibworth at the beginning of 1349.
The first deaths were recorded in Kibworth Beauchamp in April that year. The Kibworth Harcourt court rolls, held at Merton College recorded the first deaths in the village on 29th April 1349.
Image used to portray the disposal of bodies during the Black Death
The court roll only recorded deaths of landholders and tenants. The deaths of women, children, labourers and those not owning any land were not recorded.
Kibworth had the heaviest known losses from the Black Death of any English village and whilst the figures are not absolutely accurate, with some records lost, the death toll for Kibworth Beauchamp, Kibworth Harcourt and Smeeton Westerby was about 500. The mortality rate from the Black Death in England was estimated at 40% and when compared to the estimated mortality rate in Kibworth Harcourt, at least 70%, indicates that the village was far more severely affected than most. There appears to be no explanation for the disparity in these mortality figures.
The Kibworth Harcourt court rolls from this period, held at Merton College Oxford, give an indication of how the villagers tried to keep things running as near normal as possible, vacant tenancies were filled, new village officers appointed, and children whose parents had died and were too young to tend their parent’s land were[D1] [D2] [D3] [D4] cared for.
With the heavy death toll disposal of the bodies was a problem and open mass graves known as ‘Death Pits’ or ‘Plague ‘Pits’ were utilised.
By the end of 1350 The Black Death had begun to abate. However minor outbreaks of the disease appeared over the next few years and continued into the early years of the 15th century.
Having to cope with the deaths of so many relatives and friends had a large impact on the people who survived the disease. This coupled with the damage to the economies of Kibworth Beauchamp, Kibworth Harcourt and Smeeton Westerby, had a severe effect on village life over the next few decades.
Acknowledgements
The Story of England by Michael Wood
The BBC Magazine 11th June 2020, ‘On how pandemics shape society’ by Michael Wood
Britain Express, The Black Death in England 1348-1350’ by David Ross
Demographic Changes In Kibworth Harcourt Leicestershire In The Later Middle Ages by David Postles
Wikipedia
1571 – 1797
The first recorded trace of the Foxton family in Kibworth was the birth of John Foxton in 1571. He was the son of Samuel Foxton born 1530 in Leicester. John married Annis, born, c1575, in Kibworth Beauchamp. They had four daughters and two sons; Richard born 20 Nov.1609 and William born1613 who died in the year of his birth. John Foxton died leaving a will dated 29th August 1767 and Annis died in1635. Their son Richard Foxton lived in Kibworth Beauchamp and in 1646 married Agnes/Ann born 1626 in Leicestershire to parents’ unknown. Together they had eight children including Matthew born 1648. In 1673 Matthew Foxton married Jane Fox born1652 in Kibworth Beauchamp and they had four children: Ann born 1674, Elizabeth born 1676, Elisabeth born 1668 and John born 18th December1685.
Extract from the Kibworth Toll Book 1719 showing John and Matthew Foxton
From 1705 the Foxton family lived in Manor Farmhouse, 39 Main Street, Kibworth Harcourt. (see Manor Farmhouse, 39 Main Street, Kibworth Harcourt-Ancient). Jane Foxton died in 1711 and Mathew died in 1723. In Matthew’s Will he left a legacy for the poor of Kibworth Harcourt as shown in this extract from:
The thirty second report of the commissioners appointed in pursuit of the Act appointing Commissioners to continue the inquiries concerning Charities in England and Wales: Township of Kibworth Harcourt
Foxton Charity
Matthew Foxton of Kibworth Harcourt by WILL dated 3d Jan 1721, and proved at Leicester 1723 devised a half yard land in Kibworth Harcourt be divided equally between his two grandsons, and charged one share theof with the sum of 5s. per annum for the use of the poor of Kibworth Harcourt and the other share with the like sum of 5s to be paid on the feast day of St. Matthias for the like poor and to be distributed among them at the discretion of his heir-in-law for the time being and the minister of the parish church and the churchwardens of the town of Kibworth Harcourt forever. One share of his land was inclosed under the Kibworth Inclosure Act and the Commissioners, by their award, dated 14 July 1780, allotted to Elizabeth Wright in lieu of her property therin, a piece of land in West Field, Kibworth Harcourt, containing 4a. Or. 38f.
The present owner of this allotment is Samuel Lamon of Kibworth Harcourt who distributes the sum of 5s. on the 24 February among old and impotent poor persons of the township. The Commissioners could not obtain any information regarding the other 5s. per annum or the land upon which it was charged.
Matthew Foxton’s son John married Sarah Ward at St Wilfrid’s Church, Kibworth Beauchamp on 3rd July 1715. They lived in Manor Farmhouse and had two children, George, born 1716, and Ann born 1718. John Foxton died on 6th September 1767 and Sarah Foxton died on 1st December 1768.
Sarah and John Foxton’s headstone St Wilfrids Churchyard
In memoey of SARAH WIFE of In Memory of JOHN FOXTON JOHN FOXTON who departed who departed this Life September this Life November 29th 1768 3rd in the Year of our Lord 1767 Aged 80 Years Aged 82 Years The rightous shall be had in everlasting remembrance
John Foxton’s daughter Ann married John Owsley of Kibworth Beauchamp at St Wilfrid’s Church, Kibworth Beauchamp in 1739. George Foxton continued to live in The Manor Farmhouse becoming a land owner and grazier. In 1740 he married Elizabeth Fowler at the Church of St John the Baptist, Goadby. They had two daughters, Elizabeth born 1745 and Sarahf born 7th April 1747.
Sarah Foxton married Robert Adams on 6th September 1779 at Kibworth Beauchamp. They had eight children, the youngest was Poyntz Adams born on 4th September 1789 in Leyton, Essex. Poyntz was educated and mentored by his uncle Rev. Thomas Thomas. (see Rev Thomas Thomas part 1 and Poyntz Adams part 1-Modern)
George Foxton, Gentleman and Lord of the Manor was a much-respected man by his tenants and acquaintances but unfortunately he suffered from a serious nervous complaint which for many years left him dependant on others to survive. George Foxton’s wife, Elizabeth, died in March 1784.
It is likely that Rev. Thomas Thomas, who had been living with the Foxton family from 1788, supported and cared for George Foxton, who may have been suffering from dementia. George Foxton died on 6th December 1794.
The Gentleman Magazine 1794 reported his burial as follows:
‘County Leicestershire; Place Kibworth Beauchamp; Church name St Wilfrid; Burial date 30 Dec 1794; Burial person forename George; Burial person surname FOXTON (GENT); Person age 78; Burial person abode KH;
(Transcribed by June James; Credit June James; File line number 192)
Elizabeth and George Foxton’s headstone, St Wilfrids Churchyard;
In memory of ELIZABETH the wife of GEORGE FOXTON Gent She died on the 19th March 1784 in hope of a joyful Resurrection in the 60th year of her age In memory of GEORGE FOXTON Gent He departed this life Dec 24th 1794 In the 79th year of his Age in hopes of a joyful Resurrection through Death’s dark horn we hope she safely trod: Blessed are the faithful for they (illegible) The way to peace, Contentment and to God. Rest in hope.
On 21st September 1796 at St Wilfrid’s Church, Kibworth Beauchamp George Foxton’s eldest daughter, Elizabeth, married Rev. Thomas Thomas and they lived at Manor Farmhouse. Elizabeth Thomas died on the 6th September 1797, within a year of her marriage. (see Rev homas Thomas part 1-Modern)
There is a plaque commemorating the lives of Rev. Thomas Thomas BD and his wife Elizabeth (nee Foxton) in St Wilfrid’s Church, Kibworth;
Consoled in approaching Death by Faith scripture and the Hope of Advancement to Life eternal on September: 1797 dyd Elizabeth the Daughter of George Foxton of Kibworth Gentleman and Wife of reverend Thomas Thomas. BD. Rector of Isham. Alfo in Memory of Revd. Thomas Thomas BD. who died Dec 1st 1825 in the 85th Year of his Age. O Grief allow that Death nor Tomb profound Can duft reviving lock in charnel Ground When JAH commands the Clay dead form arise And Spirit like ascend to Sion Skies so Grievance more to feel nor fancyd Gloom But Rapture that confess a glorious Doom Where Saint becomes in Soul embodying Frame. A Monument of Praise to Shiloh’s Name.
With the passing of Elizabeth Thomas and the marriage of Sarah Foxton to Robert Adams and this family living in Essex there were no members of the Foxton family left in Kibworth Harcourt.
Written by David Adams with research by Jeni Molyneux
Research by Jeni Molyneux in December 2019 at the Pembrokeshire Archives uncovered the copy of the ‘Schedule of title deeds’ kept by Rev Thomas Thomas and this pencilled list of ‘lease and release’=sale of property relating to the Foxton family:
Schedule of title deeds, relating to an Estate at Kibworth Harcourt and Kibworth Beauchamp in the county of Leicester regarding the property of the Reverend Thomas Thomas clerk deceased.
(Document obtained from the Pembrokeshire Records Office)
20th and 21st September 1740
Indentures of lease and release. The release between John Foxton and Sarah his wife of the 1st part Thomas Ward and George Woodcock of the 2nd part and George Foxton, son and heir of this John Foxton and Sarah and Elizabeth Fowler /eldest daughter of Elizabeth Fowler widow/of the 3rd part.
3rd April 1783
An Indre between George Foxton and Elizabeth his wife of the one part and Thomas Ward/son and heir of Thomas Ward deceased of the other part.
29th August 1767
The Will of John Foxton
6th August 1794 The Will of the said George Foxton
26th 27th November 1795
Indentures of lease and release.
The release between Elizabeth Foxton of the 1st part the Reverend Thomas Thomas clerk of the second part William Peppin and John Johnson the third part and Thomas State and William Starked of the fourth part.
27th 28th February 1817
Indentures of lease and release. The release between John Foxton Adams, Robert Adams the younger, Poyntz Adams, Dorothea Oursley Adams and Elizabeth Adams (children of Sarah Adams deceased) of the one part and the Rev Thomas Thomas of the other part.
3rd March 1817
A n indenture between the said John Foxton Adams, Robert Adams the younger, Poyntz Adams, Dorothea Oursley Adams and Elizabeth Adams of the first part; William (W) Wartnaby of the second part, the Reverend Thomas Thomas of the third part, John (W) Wartnaby of the fourth part and John Arthur Arnold of the fifth part.
Indres (Indentures) of fine wherein John Hartnaby is plaintiff John Foxton Adams Robert Adams Poyntz Adams Dorothea Oursley Adams and Elizabeth Adams are Defunct.
POYNTZ ADAMS 1789-1870 Part 2.
May 1811 Dr Poyntz Adams left London to set up as a general practitioner in Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire. His career as a country practitioner was ahead of him with a set of expensive instruments bought for him, by his uncle Rev.Thomas Thomas.
In a letter from Poyntz Adams at 5, St Thomas’s Tents, Southwark to his uncle.
‘I go to church every Sunday and it is Mr Neve who does duty, his wife called to see me about a poor woman that I am attending. I have got already twenty -six patients on my books.
I have not had any midwifery yet, but I have been spoken to by two persons who live about four miles from Sodbury. Mr Drayton, surgeon called upon me last week, he has no doubt but I shall do very well. He left this place eighteen months ago; the reason he left was on account of the prejudices of the people was so much against him on account of him becoming an anabaptist while he was at Sodbury. The population of Sodbury was taken three weeks ago and it amounted to twelve hundred and thirty five including women and children.’
Grandson of George Foxton of Kibworth
correspondence with his uncle Rev.Thomas Thomas.
‘A youngest son who had to make his own way’
Whilst Poyntz Adams did not live in Kibworth except on visits his grandfather was George Foxton who lived in Manor Farmhouse, Main Street, Kibworth Harcourt and his aunt Elizabeth Thomas, nee Foxton. His mother Sarah was born, lived her early life and was married in Kibworth before moving to Essex. (see The Foxton Family of Kibworth-modern). From the Rev Thomas Thomas’s’ correspondence we see that Dr Poyntz Adams was educated and financed by him. The letters reveal the difficulties and hardships facing a young man of small means but the ambition to undertake medical training in the early 1800’s.
Poyntz Adams went as a medical student to London in 1810; he gives us an outline of his weekly schedule in letters written to his uncle and sponsor Rev.Thomas Thomas.
It was this uncle who funded him throughout his studies and training to become a surgeon and who helped him to set up his first practice at Chipping Sodbury.
THE KIBWORTH THEATRE
The Kibworth Theatre is believed to have been situated on the turnpike road in Main Street, Kibworth Harcourt during the 18th and 19th centuries. The exact location has not been confirmed but is baelieved to have been to the rear of 25 Main Street. This location would have been convenient to entertain passengers taking a rest break when journeying through the village on the many coaches travelling along the turnpike route. Indeed,travelling theatre players would also have also used the coaches and taken advantage of the theatre to perform plays. In addition, local residents particularly from the Dissenting Academy and the Grammar School in Kibworth Beauchamp may well have been patrons of the theatre.
Copies of two posters advertising productions at the theatre are shown below. The first on Wednesday evening 29th September 1790 was a production of the celebrated comic opera ‘INKLE and YARICO’ followed by ‘ALL THE WORLDS a STAGE’ The second was on Friday evening October 1st 1790 when a production of ‘RICHARD 111 Or, The Battle of Bofworth Field’ followed by ‘The Agreeable Surfrise’ was performed.
Attendance was not cheap, the posters shows prices for both productions at 2s for the Pit and 1s for the Gallery. Possibly these prices would have been unaffordable many local residents.
On the evening of 28th October 1802, the theatre produced the plays ‘School for Scandal’ a 1781 comic opera to music by Samuel Arnold and a libretto by John O'Keeffe along with an American romantic comedy ‘Gretna Green’ written by Grace Livingston Furniss.
It was believed that no poster for this production had survived until one was recently discovered in the papers of Rev. Thomas Thomas at the Northamptonshire Record Office.
REVEREND THOMAS THOMAS
1741 – 1826
Part 2
Rev. Thomas Thomas was a very talented aninteresting character; in addition to his secular duties he was a grazier and a man of letters. During her research into Rev. Thomas Thomas’ life, Jeni Molyneux discovered many artifacts of interest at the Record Office in Northamptonshire. This selection of those artifacts attempts to portray the many facets of Thomas’ writings and musings.
MEMORANDUMS for 1780 in his parish book.
Incidents 1780
Levies, horse hire
Jack Cleaning 1s
Dined at Cheney’s 4s
Mrs Eaton for dinners £1. 18s
Newspapers 10s 6d
Vails 1780 (gratuities or tips, bountiful bestowing to other people's servants rather than one's own who were paid to be in your service)
Samuel Eaton £1-11-6
Mary Eaton £1-11-6
Mr Hanbury’ s servants £1-1s
Mrs Frank’s servants 9s
Ambrose 1s
Gwenion Mrs Eaton’s 4s 6d
in all £5
Letters 1780
Mr Morton 3s
G. Hill etc etc etc
Total 6s 7d
Rhoddian (gifts, but perhaps in the sense of charitable donations)
Charles Frank’s widow 2s 6d
Houghton hire 2s7d
Hospital 7s
Ruled paper, singers 6s
Oxenden Ringers 1s
Kelmarsh ringers 5s
Xmas Boxes 6s 9d
MEMORANDUMS for 1783 in his parish book.
 |
Rhoddion1783 (gratuities or tips, bountiful bestowing to other people's servants rather than one's own who were paid to be in your service) Books 14s Hospital 7s In all £10.14 Incidents 1783 Mrs A Eaton £2 D. 10s:6d ???? In all £7
Vails 1783. Eaton’s 9s:2d (gratuities or tips, bountiful bestowing to other people's servants rather than one's own who were paid to be in your service) Mr H ???? servants? 1.2
Letters 1783 |
Prayed in 1784
List of names and dates for those he prayed for in this year.
Difficult to decipher, so bit of guesswork – Dr = daughter.
Ann Dr of Robert & Eliz Carter KB January 10
Matthew son of ??? & Ann J Colman JH January 28
Ann Dr of John & Ann Herb JH February 6
Robert son of Robert & Mary Tilley JH February 16
John son of John & Sarah Markham KB February 22
Elizabeth wife of Francis Fletcher KH March 6
Samuel Burdett KH March 9
Priscilla Dr of John & Sarah Markham KB March 18
Elizabeth Foxton KH March 23
Ann Dr of Thos & Eliz Perkins KH March 25
Jane Dr of Samuel & Mary Shipley SW March 30
Thomas Smeeton KB April 1
William son of Willm& Sarah Perkins KH April 1
11 June 1793
Writing to his friend William Hanbury of Kelmarsh Hall at Christ College, Cambridge.
‘It happened in the morning I received your letter, that I was at the house of a clerical friend to see what wonders his solar microscope could produce. Appearances were in just proportion to what we had to expect from a splendid and benignant sun. The works of Nature were clothed in a very entertaining garb. Every object, tho’ ever so minute in itself, was not precluded from rising to Notice and Consequence, except by the unseasonable Intervention of an unexpected cloud.
The dark changes obtruded by a lowering and unwished sky led me to compare the amazing powers of light with the wonderful consequences of wealth. Both have the virtues to make others seem enormously big- to swell a mite to the Magnitude of an Elephant, yea and to extend the Arms of a rich person to such a surprising lengths to embrace the Hills and Dales of distant Counties’.
I always sincerely wished for the Microscope of Content to magnify res to the size of Canterbury but human life is so circumstanced in many cases that mere shades are incompetent to gratify the reasonable pursuits of man’.
Late 17th early 18th Century
Writing to John Hinchcliffe the Bishop of Peterborough about the new insolvency act.
‘It happens that dishonest farmers and graziers buy cattle with design to transfer them to others knavishly on purpose to defraud the sellers, trusting that they are not liable to a Statute of Bankruptcy’.
C1798
Writing to his recently married niece Phoebe Williams at Hendre Eynon in Pembrokeshire he offers some sound marital advice:
‘I hope that years will only tend to increase your friendship and that you will prove, as originally designed by the appointment of marriage, a mutual blessing to each therein worldly affairs and spiritual concerns. I will add no more now on this subject, than I trust you will always consult each other’s felicity not merely as matter of duty, but from habit, choice and sincere affection, which will make the bonds of wedlock quite agreeable and delightful’.
1798
Thomas wrote a poem about Sir Horatio Nelson's Victory at The Battle of the Nile in August 1798
In rain the Tyrant Gaul’s nefarious guile
Attempts to rule the many mouthed Nile
Whose billows dy’d with Gallia’s streaming gore
Like Thunder’s tongue the praise of nelson roar
His bravery to surrounding nations tell
On Skill and courage of his Captains dwell
1802
On 28th October 1802 The Kibworth Theater produced two plays, ‘School for Scandal’ and ‘Gretna Green’. It was believed that none of the poster for this production had survived until one was found among Rev. Thomas Thomas’ papers. (See Kibworth Theater-Modern) The poster appears to have been used as notepaper.
1805
Rev. Thomas Thomas writes to his nephew John Howells, newly qualified as a surgeon, at Mr. Price’s London Hospital and wishing to go to India with the East India Company. (see Rev. Thomas Thomas part 1)
‘Exactness in dates is absolutely necessary to prevent disputes and mistakes.
You spell occasion and solicit thus. Consult Johnson’s dictionary to know whether you are right or wrong in spelling these two words.
About the 20th February I expected to settle with my Isham Tenant who came to Farndon within the appointments hour, but to my disappointment - on balancing accounts I was indebted to him above £15 for rebuilding part of the barn which fell down through the unskillfulness of the first builder. Thus no money was due from that tenant.B’.
He goes on to say that he has received a request from John Howell’s parents in Abernant, Carmarthenshire asking for advice on raising £150 ‘towards an India equipment.
‘Last week I applied to a gentleman in Surrey to know if he could procure an East India Appointment for a surgeon who is exceedingly desirous of going to India on the company’s medical establishment. But I flatter not myself that my application to this gentleman will succeed. I have had some correspondence with the brother- in -law of Marquis Cornwallis- and sometime ago I knew the Marquis’s nephew - a very learned gentleman. But merely to be acquainted with such men is not sufficient to excuse an application, or to ensure success if a person has the hardiness to apply. Some are unreasonably affronted by an application and others will reply a polite answer without either meaning or caring to do an essential service to a deserving candidate’.
He continues
‘this month I was invited to a ball, I believe very cordially where the company might amount to perhaps a hundred. Some of the chief fashionables were Viscount Althorp, Sir William Wake and lady, Lieutenant General Gwynne. I declined the invitation as it would be of no service to you or to me. It is not in my power I believe to get this appointment you wish, but tis our power, thanks to God to improve ourselves as long as our faculties remain unimpaired. God, not my professed friends has enabled me by diligence, care, discretion, a constant heed to the duties of office and the blessing of health to live comfortably. My prayers are that the same god would enable you to live equally so.’
‘P.S. Time is on the wing-ready to fly off and to leave you destitute of instructing help.
Avail yourself of a goose quill to embellish your prescriptions and to arrest the quick eye of judicious taste and true elegance’.
1807
October 31st. Rev. Thomas Thomas writes to his niece Phoebe Williams and her husband William in Pembrokeshire. He is replying to news of his brother and sister’s deaths earlier in the year.
‘Notice was justly taken of their departures by relations, friends and neighbours. When I put on my black garments I consider that two of my nearest and dearest relatives were lately clothed in their last earthly robes, white as emblems of the robes of righteousness….’
He is discussing how farm leases operate in Pembrokeshire and says
’I have a lease of some grounds from Merton College for 21 years but it is renewed every 7th year by paying a fine for its renewal’
Rev. Thomas Thomas’ Verse.
Thomas never lost his love of his native home and he wrote a verse ‘In Remembrance of native Soil’ referring to Trelech, the parish where he was born at Castell Gorfod.
In Remembrance of native soil.
Trelech, I love thy Glebe & limped streams
Where first I saw the Sun’s delightful Beams,
The path of Childhood in Amazement trod
Informed of a great beholding God
who made the World around with all therein
And threatens every child of wilful sins
But for each Minor good a joy creates
superior to what’s felt in another states
’Twas always in this fame I felt the Cross made sign
And faiths allied to map of realms divine
where myriads in perfection’s candid Robe
eclipsing far the day’s meridian Globe
In triumph sing on high Redeemer’s Fame
And him adore in style of sinless Frame
Now Dust of mother mild in long Repose
And her kind wishes oft my Thoughts engross
that showed maternal need of care unfeigned
which Fondness from a Bosom grateful gained.
When parents are consigned to sacred sleep,
A right Affection will spontaneous weep,
And looks will show the feelings sore within
for wail’d demise of much regretted kin
Who breath to Jehovah resigned with steadfast hope
For second Life in Glory’s envelope
1810
Rev Thomas Thomas writes that:
mutton and beef are 8 pence a pound, cheese 7 and half pence for a pound, good wheat 5 guineas a quarter, barley 53 pence a quarter and oats 25 pence a quarter. If you recollect the 4 runts I bought last summer which cost £10 each, you may guess how dear such are this year, when I gave £12 each for runts this year which are perhaps not quite so good as those in 1809’.
1811
Writing to his niece Phoebe Williams and her husband in Pembrokeshire.
‘The human mind, I believe is seldom idle, at least it appears to my understanding. Among the different objects that occur to my thoughts, the family of Hendre Eynon is often uppermost in my thoughts.
It is a great time since I heard from you and your Darlings, therefore when you have leisure from needful avocations that require immediate notice it would give me pleasure to know that you and yours are in the enjoyment of such health as I possess every day through the Almighty’s kind beneficence.
Remember me kindly to your children, also to Thomas and Amy Skeel(his other niece)
Though I never saw either of them except Amy, there is something of natural affection marvellously fixed in the minds of relatives, never to be thoroughly eradicated but by continued ill conduct, and mutual affronts, which is not the case with us at so great a distance. I have constant occasion to thank God for uninterrupted health for many years and I sincerely aim to be sufficiently sensible of so valuable a Blessing’.
1811
Writing to his niece Phoebe Williams and her husband in Pembrokeshire.
‘I hope that you are not satisfied with only paying for the schooling of your children; but that you also bestow much time to examine them and to explain to them matters within the compass of their comprehension, age, and powers of reasoning. By examining them yourself, as often as there is an opportunity; you may do them more essential service than you can easily calculate. Some parents are too sparing in the expense of books for young scholars.- I flatter myself that you have more wisdom than to save a few pounds in their reducation fro, books which may possibly occasion to their loss of hundreds, or perhaps thousands of pounds in the course of their lives. I desire that you will without delay buy the book mentioned on the other side as very necessary for latin and Greek scholars. You can do them much good in the way of learning’.
1815 27 June
Writing to his niece Phoebe Williams and her husband in Pembrokeshire about his accident on his travels when he was 74 years old.
‘.. though I have nothing of importance to communicate as to myself going on as usual without any fit of illness, but being liable to accidents every day – I was lately reminded by providence how much exposed we daily are to accidental mishaps - in hurting my knee by crossing a ditch. The skin was not bruis’d no blackening appear’d - and the swelling was but little; yet it continued to pain me in such a manner as to make me thankful to the Almighty that I was no further injure’d - than to have the sinews some-what strain’d - which will require time to be reduc’d to their proper tone. As to the ....’
1815
Extract fromThomas Thomas’ verses 1815.
In Praise of Wine.
The Grape well us’d in Reason he commends that to improve the bliss? of Friendship tends a lov’d Hilarity of Heart inspires and fills the mind with amicable Fires.
1815
Writing to his niece Phoebe Williams and her husband in Pembrokeshire
‘ I suppose that you take the trouble of teaching your sons a little Geography as an amusement, and likewise of some advantage especially in perusing the journeys of the Israelites through the Red Sea and the River Jordan -as also the travels of St. Paul.
On a small scale everybody has some concern with Geography and Mensuration - the knowledge of which I earnestly recommend as Opportunity offers. - Some from Pembrokeshire and I imagine from every county in the United Kingdom have suffered by the bloody conflict at Waterloo, and other sanguinary contests.’ Arising this year from the vices of the Corsican Despot. ‘It is high time that you should determine what line of life your second son is to adopt that his studies may tend to qualify him for what you design.- It is no further my purpose in mentioning the propriety of your second son naming what he is to be, or at least, designs to be -than that his schooling should be directed more particularly for attaining more science in one branch than another.
Wishing the happiness of both worlds to you and your spouse and young family’.
I am Dear Sir your most humble servant TT
1815
Reference in a letter about the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte
‘May we not refer to the fingers of God – that the tyrant monster Napoleon who who has been endeavoring to ruin his Country for many years – has been compelled to surrender himself to Captain Maitland, who by today’s paper has brought the savage despot to the Coast of Britain to be delivered unto our Government’
1825
Letter from the Vicar of Kibworth James Beresford to his neighbour the Rev. Thomas Thomas.
My Dear Sir,
I congratulate you on the successful termination of your business with Messrs. Green and Ward. I cannot do so without renewing in my name and that of the parish the expression of our profoundest gratitude for your most extraordinary kindness and liberality.
You my dear sir most
faithfully and cordially and
respectfully
James Beresford, Kibworth Rectory. Wed. 21st Sept. 1825
Researched by Jeni Molyneux
Acknowledgements
Northamptonshire Record Office