Book iNMihL. / \ THE , HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM, EMBRACING ITS Antiquities ©rate, antf JHamtfactttreg, FROM THE EARLIEST A UTHEJYTIC RECORDS, TO THE PRESENT PERIOD. INSCRIBED (BY PERMISSION) TO JOHN SMITH, ESQUIRE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE TOWN. BY JOHN BLACKNER. NOTTINGHAM: PRINTED BY SUTTON AND SON, BRIDLESMITH-GATE ; AND SOLD BY LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER-ROW ; AND B. AND R. CROSBY AND CO, STATIONERS-COURT, LONDON. *-&* v(/* *jy* */y\ u?t x/jn 1815. ■t! "«i i ' . t . • . '■ N *' s s fe PREFACE. TThE anxiety of every inquiring mind to obtain a candid and impartial history of the city or town, in which Providence has destined him to reside, particularly one so famous as Nottingham was in days of yore, is so apparent, that did I not feel myself in duty bound to return thanks to those friends, who have generously aided in furnishing me with information, I should not have trodden in the beaten and joyless track of those authors, who consider a " Preface to the reader" as an indispensible appendage. But, as justice and gratitude demand that tribute from me, I shall perform the pleasing duty concisely, and without affectation. Among those, who have thus aided me, I have to name Mr. George Coldham, town clerk; Mr. Tollinton and Mr. Booth, churchwardens of St. Mary's, a few years ago; Mr. John Hawksley, late of Arnold, and now of Snenton ; Mr. Sutton, printer; and Mr. Johnson, Mr. Turner, and Mr. Allen, sextons of the three parishes. There is another friend, whose never-ceasing exertions have contributed much to my stock of information on this subject; but who, from a sense of delicacy, is desirous of being nameless here. I shall not attempt to emblazon the birth of this work, by detracting from the merits of those who have gone before me, to whose productions I owe much ; nor shall I, like many authors, sound my own trumpet of praise ; but shall leave the readers to form their own judgment of the merits of the production. And if it give them a degree of pleasure in the reading, corresponding with the trouble it gave me in collecting the materials, they will be fully satisfied. B INTRODUCTION. It is to the transcendant genius of a Milton, and the gigantic powers of a Hume, that historians owe the clearing of their dubious path. Till the bounteous Creator lent to the world the above-named immortal writers, a historian might have wandered in the trackless wilderness of antiquity, with as little probability of a successful egress, as though he had been wandering in the Cretian labyrinth ; and the more plausible falsehoods he culled from the thorny wild, the more was he extolled by the credulous multitude. But these two great men have proved, that a researcher into history, is not bound, in order to establish his character as a writer, to exhibit any thing but what is founded on authenticated facts, or supported by collateral circumstances, not of a very dubious kind. They had thousands of prejudices to encounter; but they steered triumphant through the tempest, and anchored safely in the haven of truth. I would not here be understood as wishing to discard every thing which is doubtful, merely because it is so; for many doubtful questions may be rectified by circumstantial argument and collateral bearings ; no, my intention is to exclude the legends of those dreamers, whose exertions centered in a display of the marvellous, that they might feed the wild fancy, and fatten on the fruit of the credulity of those for whom they wrote. In history, as in the science of astronomy, there is a certain space, beyond which, the native and artificial powers of man, never will enable him to penetrate. The virtuoso, who delights to wander in the fogs of his own raising, may grope, if he please, in the nebulous regions of history; but until it be proved that some good is likely to result to mankind from his labours, I shall not attempt to follow him into his darksome retreat. For what matters it to us whether the ancient Druids dwelt in rocky caves, or in huts of a conic form; or whether they transmitted their legends from father to son by oral or written means ; which, to the world are now no more, except what are pretended to ba preserved by modern dreamers, to feed the folly, and waft the flame of the readers of romance; a species of composition which tends so much to dissipate tho morals of the fair part of the creation, that the Almighty wisely created to solace the other sex through the thorny path of life ; but who, for want of due attention being paid to their education, and a proper cultivation of their morals, when nature begins to bloom, too often implant the thorn, instead of the rose, in the breast of the partners of their bed. Were we to consult the historians of the monkish age, we should find long dissertations on Gog and Magog; on. Brute or Brutus, and his Trojans : we should also find a list of twenty-eight kings, all reigning in Britain, when it was invaded by the Romans; but, in all probability, when they related these things, their own desire to excite wonder supplied the place of fact ; or at least, they gathered the matter of which their histories are composed, from the wild legends of their cloisters, where hypocrisy and fraud were the chief articles of barter; and to support which sprung a desire to deceive. It can now be of no consequence to us, by what name this country was known two or three thousand years ago : whether it was called Albion, either from Albion Marcatius, who, it is said, reigned over the wild hordes that inhabited it before any thing like a written chronicle was known among them ; or from Ab albis rupibus, words which imply the white rocks which present their projecting bearings towards the coast of France; or from the word Olbion which signifies rich and happy. Or, next, whether it was called Britain from the British words Pryd and Cain, which imply form or shape, and white ; or from the British word Bryth, which signifies painted or coloured ; to which the Greeks added Tania, meaning region, the painted region; or from the Greek word Alphon, which signifies white. Be all this as it may, it only proves that conquerors, folly, and caprice, have adopted, or changed the names of countries at their will. Notwithstanding this country may have been known by a hundred different names, we know it best by that of England; and the great object of the historian should be, to show how it has risen from its once obscure situation to its present state of opulence and power; that its inhabitants may profit by experience, and thereby learn to cherish the virtues, and avoid the vices of the past and present times. The arguments which apply to the unsettled state of the early part of British history may, with equal propriety, be applied to the history of this ancient and celebrated town ; for what difference can it make to us (since no chartered 8 INTRODUCTION. right, or privilege enjoyed by custom depends upon its original name) whether it was called Causcnnw, Gofennce or Govciunr, from a cluster of hills, according to the opinion of Dr. Gale ; or, as Dcering has it, from a number of caves*- and afterwards Snoden-gaham, Snoiiden-gahatri, or Snotlengaham, and thence Nottingham, which latter name, from a change of circumstances and expression, I think, sprung from the numerous nutterics in its neighbourhood, though the former might have arisen from a compound of the Saxon words den, cave, and habitation : Not, very probably, bcin<* substituted for Nut, when etymology was less attended to than it is at present. And, though exceptions may be taken to any rule, which is the offspring of fancy, it is fair to conclude, that the names of towns, like the surnames of men owe their birth to some particular circumstance connected with business, Sec. or to the product of some particular plot of earth. As a proof that this town was once beset with nuttcries, when the workmen in 1793, were removing the soil in a swampy piece of ground near Poplar-place, between the rivers Lecn and Beck, in order to lay the foundation of Mr. Robert Denison's cotton-mill, whole handsful of entire nuts were found, at least two feet below the surface. This circumstance might be worth the attention of the naturalist, as, in all probability, they had lain there near two thousand years. The first deed, now extant, wherein this town is called by its present name, is that in which William Peverel gave the tithe of the fishery of Nottingham to the monastry of Lenton ; he having previously been created Lord of the Manor of Nottingham, by his father William the Conqueror, to whom he was a natural son. At the time William created his son Lord of (he Manor of this town, he gave him ten acres of land, to be converted into an orchard of which, it is thought, Standard Close formed a part, as it continues extra-parochial to the present day, but more of this hereafter. This close has long been in the Newcastle family, part of which was given for the purpose of the General Hospital's being erected upon ; and the remainder was sold, in 1807, for building purposes, under the express condition, that no house should be erected upon it, the annual rent'of which should b? less than twenty-five pounds- and that no manufactory should be carried on in any of the buildings. From whatever sources Nottingham derived the different names it has borne; and from whatever causes the changes have taken place, it is not material further to inquire; but wc may venture to affirm, without fear of contradiction, that, in point of manufacturing and commercial genius — in industry and useful invention, it yields preference to no town or city in the British empire; and in its progress in the fine arts it will give up the palm but to few f. Alter briefly treating upon the antiquity of the town, and its various embellishments and peculiarities, the grand object will be to delineate the rise, progress, and value of its trade and manufactures; and to show the necessity of fostering those acquirements as the guardian angels, or vital sparks of its existence. What is said by John Rowse, the monkish historian in the reign of Henry the Vllth, respecting Nottingham having been a place of note, near a thousand years before the birth of Christ, is treated by Deering just as nonsense deserves: but a few arguments, collateral to those employed by that writer, may not be deemed impertinent, or inconclusive. When the Romans made a conquest of this country, they found the inhabitants of the interior in a state of nudity, and resembling, in manners and ways of life, the wandering Koracks of the present day, who inhabit Mount Caucasus. Practisers in human sacrifice, they lived in a state of savage seclusion from all mankind, except their own isolated hordes — in strict obedience to their Druids and Bards — delighting in woods and caves; and every clan allowing a community of Wives. The lofty yielding rock on which Nottingham stands, then half circumscribed with woods, which bade defiance to the tempestuous howling of the north and north-east winds, affording at the same time, plenty of fuel and game: the Trent, which would serve them as a barrier against their southern enemies, and yield them plenty of fish, and water for themselves and their flocks ; while the south and south-west sunbeams shed an enlivening influence on the spot, would be inducements sufficient for some of those children of nature to chuse it as the place of their abode. The vast * Asser, who was one of our Saxon historians, asserts that Snotlingaham, in the Saxon, Speluncarum domum, in the Latin, and TuT ogo banc, in the ancient British language alike mean a habitation or retreat in the rocks. t At the present time Mr. Boriniugton and Mr. Barber, as portrait and landscape painters, stand almost unrivalled, as does Air. Tomson for the painting of animals. INTRODUCTION. quantity of oak, too, the object of their peculiar devotion, would be a strong incentive to them to fix their residence so near to where it grew. Their more maritime neighbours, who, of course, would be beforehand with them in the knowledge of commercial pursuits, would supply them, in exchange for their flocks and their herds, with implements of war, and with tools with which to make their subterraneous habitations in the rock, the sandy quality of which would render the task comparatively easy for them to perform. We have thus given reasons why the rocky front on which Nottingham stands, was, probably, inhabited so early as the days of the Druids, and others will appear hereafter; but the idea of giving, even a tolerably correct history of a town, during a space of near three thousand years, while the records of the country itself cannot be traced, with any degree of certainty, more than two thousand, would put any one, except a monkish historian, to the blush. The learned have long canvassed the question whether Nottingham ever was a Roman station; but as no proof, cither positive or circumstantial, has ever been adduced in support of its having been so, except that an old man, is said, by Dr. Stukeley, to have found a pot of Roman coins at Wilford, (a small village on the south bank of the Trent, nearly opposite to this town, where a ferry-boat is kept to conduct passengers to and fro), which, by the bye, is no proof at all ; first, because there is no evidence, except that of Dr. Slukeley's, that such pot ever was found, whose testimony of itself is of a very dubious nature; and secondly, if such a pot were found, it might have been deposited there to prevent its contents from falling into the hands of the Danes, when they ravaged this neighbourhood in the year 866. But be this as it may, J feel no inclination to enter further into the dispute, as it is not connected with the object in view. It is almost certain, however, that the Romans had a camp at Mansfield-Woodhouse, a village fourteen miles hence; as the late Hayman Rook, Esq. of that place, discovered various remains of that people's industry in his own neighbourhood. In the Saxon heptarchy, the kingdom of Mercia, of which Nottingham formed a part, began in 582, and continued 202 years; during which time there reigned in it eighteen kings, most of whom were cither great promoters of peace , or were very fortunate in war; one of whom, whose name was Peafo, established Christianity among his subjects about the year 660. As these German adventurers, from their marauding course of life, possessed a considerable share of military skill it is likely they would fix upon this advantageous situation- as a place of strength ; in particular as, by dislodging the Britons, they would easily convert the caves of the latter into storehouses for their plunder ; or into places of retreat in case of danger ; and as the forest would supply them with fuel and with game. The Trent, too, would particularly engage their attention; as it would afford them any easy communication with the German Ocean, and thereby enable them to obtain a supply of strength in case of need, without such supplies being constrained to be landed until they arrived at their ulterior destination. By the same conveyance too, the fertile plains of Lincolnshire would teem their harvests into the storehouses of the invaders ; while the forest of Sherwood would furnish them with timber with which to build their vessels. And the rich mines of Derbyshire, which were likewise in Merda, would also send their leaden wealth down the Derwent into the Trent, making this town a central depot ; which would daily add to its importance ; and also to the commercial interest of the kingdom, of which it formed a part. Hence it is from this time, and from these concurring circumstances of advantage of situation, as well military as commercial, that we arl to date the rise of Nottingham, as a place of importance. While the heptarchy lasted, and the kingdom of Mercia was governed by a separate monarch, there can be little doubt of this town's being frequently the seat of government, as its situation afforded such excellent sport for the chase, which was always considered a kingly exercise, particularly as we step backwards into the ruder ages of the world. But, waving all probabilities, we may fairly conclude that this toWn made rapid advances during the heptarchy, or shortly after, since in the reign of Ethelred, the fifth Saxon king, in 866, it could, for a time stop the progress of a vast army of Danes, that had landed in the north ; and, after having burnt the city of York carried fire and sword, sparing neither age nor sex, till they arrived at Nottingham, which was then denominated a city and which, after great difficulty, was taken by the enemy, who therein took up their winter quarters Although we have accounted for the forming of many of the caverns in the rock, where it presents its stupendous front towards the south, by supposing them first to have been made as dwellings for the ancient Britons, and then converted tnto storehouses by the Saxons; yet there are many extraordinary vaults in the interior of the town, which C * s 10 .INTRODUCTION have long been considered as objects of groat curiosity ; especially those around the great Market-place ; and one leading from Market-street, up Pilc.hcr-gate, and terminating near the mansion of the Jate John Sherwiri, Esq. now the property of .Mr. Hi, Bigsby, attorney-at-law. This immense vault is chiefly arched in a regular manner, and supported by columns, carved with capitals. Some parts of this vault, to all appearance, was originally designed for places of worship; and others for places of abode. Deering informs us, that it was discovered by one Edward Goddard, a bricklayer, who was living in his time. In one of the apartments were found a wooden cup and can; but when touched they mouldered to dust. Let us endeavour to account for the formation of these subterraneou* apartments. In the early part of the tenth century, many disputes arose between the married and the unmarried clergy; the parties alternately procuring each other's expulsion from the performance of the sacrcdotal duties, accordingly as each could make interest with the higher powers. In the reign of Edward the Martyr, it appears that the monks were in favor, to the complete exclusion of the married priests. But, about the year 975, some dreadful calamities befalling the country, such as the earth not yielding her increase, disorders among the cattle, &c, which the people looked upon as so many .curses sent from heaven, to punish them for the miseries which were endured by the married clergy and their families; in whose behalf, and in order to appease the wrath of heaven, the Duke of Mercia* destroyed the monasteries in his province ; cast out the monks, and gave their benefices to the married clergy. Under this change of circumstances is it not probable, that those hypocritical and disappointed monks would exhibit a strange austerity of morals, and shew a desire to live apart from the rest of society, in order ta excite compassion in the minds of the people, and stir them up in their defence? To enable them to carry on this farce the better, by an extraordinary appearance of sanctify and devotion, is it not highly probable, that they would procure the making of these subterraneous dwellings, as places of affected retirement and retreat? more particularly as this being a large town, that the more people might be within the hearing of their wailings, and have their feelings wrought upon in support of the holjf monkish cause. At the village of Dale, ten miles west of.this town, is a large cave in the side of a hill, which tradition informs us was, in ancient times, the retreat of holy men. Within the view of this cave an immense stone window-frame, belonging to an ancient abbey, still rears its majestic brow. While on this subject it may not be improper to speak of a cave of modern formation, which runs under a hill, called Dog-kennel-hill, on the west side of the road leading from St. Mary's workhouse to the Gallows-hill. This cave, which is the largest in the town, is the work of one James Ross, or Rouse, who, during thirty years, got sand in it, which he sold to the good housewives of the town to scatter upon their floors. Old age and infirmities compelled him, a few years age, to cease from his labour; and he retired to spend the remainder of his days in St. Nicholas's workhouse. The hills about the gallows, and those on the south side of the Derby road, leading from hence to Radford, have all beeu perforated to a considerable extent by persons getting a livelihood in the manner as did poor Ross ; but the caves near the gallows were chiefly filled up, and the scattered fragments of hills and rocks removed, in 1811, by the distressed mechanics and artizans of the town, who were employed to do the work by the overseers of St. Mary's parish, rather than take them and their families into the workhouse. While these poor fellows were at work on these hills they found more than thirty human skulls, and many other bones ; but the whole in so scattered a state, as to justify a supposition that they had been brought thither at the lowering of some one of the church yards. But to return to the antiquity of the town, and the bravery and patriotism of its inhabitants, which objects will be further illustrated by dropping a few more words on the invasions of the northern barbarians. The cold and uncultivated state of the regions those people inhabited had a natural tendency to contract the generous feelings, and enlightened ideas which give happiness to man, in proportion as they are diffused. Those people always living in a state, bordering upon anarchy; never obeying their chieftians, except when they led them on to plunder; possessing in an extraordinary degree, those principles which spurn at the chains of a master ; and the food the ate, and their general habits, all conspired to stamp their very features with relentless ferocity; and to propel them on to seek for * At the dissolution of the heptarchy, the kingdom of Mercia was converted into a dukedom. INTRODUCTION. ] 1 happier climes; which the divisions of the Roman empire enabled them to obtain. Being enemies to learning themselves, they sought its destruction in others, hence books, as well as men, became objects whereon to vent their savage fury. And hence it is that we find so many chasms in the histories, both of nations and towns, where these barbarians once held dominion. But, if wc consider, that Nottingham, in 8G6, could make a serious stand against an army of Danes, that had ravaged and laid waste the greater part of the north of England; and, when compelled to submit, that it could furnish winter-quarters for this army, we must conclude that it contained a considerable number of brave fellows, whose habitations occupied a serious extent of ground. The imposing number, and consummate bravery of the inhabitants at that time, are fully established by the resistance they made to the Danes ; and the extent of the town is fully established by the great circumference of the wall which surrounded it, and which was erected by Edward, the elder, in 910. Then if we compare these positions with the diminutive state of the town, in the time of Edward the Confessor, we must conclude, that it had suffered much from the contentions for power by the northern invaders, in the intermediate time. For, in' Doomsday. book, it is stated that Nottingham contained only one hundred and twenty-three burgesses, and nineteen villains, without any other class of men being noticed ; which certainly would have been done, if any such had been found in it at the time; while it contained two hundred and Jifteen houses. This proves that much destruction had taken place; and that the inhabitants had either been slaughtered in their resi stance to their oppressors, or that they had fled for safety elsewhere--perhaps both ! But the most valuable part of the extract, from Doomsday-book, is that which proves this town to be a borough bit prescription ; it being admitted to be such before any charter, now extant, was granted to constitute it a borough. It also returned members to parliament, as early as the year 1283. Nottingham has also been independent of the county ever since the reign of Henry the Fifth ; and a county of itseif from the days of his successor. The following towns and cities likewise enjoy the like privilege; to wit: Berwick-upon-Tweed, Haverford-West, Kingston-upon-Null, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Poole, Southampton, Bristol, Canterbury, Chester, Coventry, Exeter, Gloucester, Lincoln, Lichfield, Loudon, Norwich, Worcester, and York. In the division of South Britain into twenty-eight petty kingdoms, prior to the invasion of the Romans, Nottingham belonged to that part, the people whereof were called Coritani ; and when the country was divided by Constantine the Great, in the early part of the fourth century, into four governments, it belonged to that division .called Maxima Caesaraeensis. TO JOHN SMITH, ESQUIRE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE TOWN, AND LIEUTENANT-COLONEL COMMANDANT OF THE SECOND REGIMENT OF LOYAL LONDON VOLUNTEERS. SIR, &oLN Author, who, in dedicating his labours, searches among the tombs for materials with which to emblazon the character of his Patron, pays but a slender compliment to his own discrimination, and offers a very inadequate tribute of respect to the man, whose favor he is seeking to acquire. To tell a Gentleman that he inherits a thousand qualifications from his ancestors, when, in fact, his own virtues are scarcely known ; or when his vices are perhaps conspicuous, is to make a public exhibition of him, as a person whom mankind ought to shun. A writer who sacrifices truth at the shrine of adulation, burlesques himself, and deserves not the confidence of his readers; while a Gentleman who possesses not merits of his own to render hirn conspicuous in public, as well as in private life, is unfit to sanction a publication. I shall not, therefore, obtrude myself upon your notice by common-place panegyric on the virtues of your ancestors, though they have been long famed in Nottingham for acts of charity and benevolence, and for being trustees to the benefactions of others ; but shall confine myself to a statement of those qualities which always endear their possessor to that part of society, whose good opinion and esteem are of value. As a father of a family, and a pattern of conjugal fidelity, your character stands unrivalled, while your conduct in the Senate, as a lover of your country, and an admirer and defender of its constitution, has exalted you amongst the foremost of those, whose GREATEST GLORY IS, THE PROMOTION OF THEIR COUNTRY'S GOOD.'!! Under a firm persuasion that, during life, you will continue to rank among your country's best friends, and that you will use your utmost endeavours to restore the pristine purity of the constitution, I respectfully submit to your notice the History of your native Town, trusting you will find it an agreeable companion during some of your leisure hours. SIR, I have the honor to be, your very obedient and humble servant, JOHN BLACKNER. i THE HISTORY OF JV o t tin g ha W 9 FROM THE EARLIEST ANTIQUITY TO Stye pvt$mt ®fme* CHAPTER I. CONTAINING OBSERVATIONS UPON THE STATE OF ITS ATMOSPHERE; ITS TOPOGRA- PHICAL DESCRIPTION; AND AN ACCOUNT OF ITS RIVERS, POOLS, BRIDGES, AND ROADS. When the observing and sentimental traveller from the south, has arrived upon Ruddington-hill, and his eyes are cast forwards, he beholds, with equal astonishment and admiration, the ancient and celebrated Town of Nottingham, extending itself irregularly over the summit, the sides, and at the foot of an almost perpendicular rock, which terminates the site, in a south-eastern direction, which was occupied by the extensive forest of Sherwood, so renowned in song and ancient story, for the valorous exploits of Robin Hood and Little John*. The prospect of Nottingham from Ruddington-hill, is doubly delightful to the approaching stranger, in the summer season ; for while the town exhibits an appearance similar to that presented towards the sea by the celebrated city of Genoa, the bold, decorative, and native scenery which surrounds it, almost beggars all description. The genial refulgence of the south and south-west sunbeams, which shine, unobstructedly, upon the gardens, and extensive fields and meadows of Nottingham; and the gently sloping * This ancient forest used to be visited in the summer season by great numbers of the merry-hearted mechanics and artizans of this town, with their wives and sweethearts, in what were called nutting parties, who took with them provisions and liquor for the day; and also a fidler, to whose melodious strains they capered ou the " light fantastic toe," until the sun bid his golden head in the western clouds. These happy sports, which revived in th€ mind the rural simplicity of the days of'yore, have been rapidly on the decline since, the year 1*792; and the various inclosures on the forest have brought them to a close. '" D 14 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. hills, which rise in graceful succession to a considerable distance, sheltering the town, in a great measure, from the northern antl eastern blasts, unite in forming such grounds into a kind of natural hotbeds. And when these grounds are aided too by a requisite portion of industry, they present a luxuriance scarcely surpassed by any part of the kingdom. The floods, which, in the winter season, generally overflow the meadows, contribute much to their fertility; but when they happen in the summer season, they often do much damage, by laying- and nding the grass; or, if in harvest time, by sweeping away the hay. But more of til :< fter. As the traveller approaches the town, his eye is entertained on the righ' with the extensive view of the Vale of Belvoir, and the hanging woods and rural scenery of Co. the fai residence of the Musters's. In his front, and to the left, he beholds the flat open meado Nottingham, which spread open their flowery bosom to welcome him to the town; while furthc westwards he beholds the beautiful and towering structure of Wollaton Hall, the country residence of Lord Middleton*; and the rich fields of Beeston open to his view: the latter being diversified with plantations and the country seats of the wealthy tradesmen of Nottingham, who have acquired competencies by their industry or good fortune, where they live retired from the bustle and contention of the world. One of the diversifying beauties, in the landscape we have been describing, is the rolling of the majestic TREJYT. For a considerable distance, before this river reaches Nottingham, its rapid current nearly takes a northern direction ; but when it arrives at the foot of our meadows, it seems almost to make a stand, as though it were offering its finny store, and the use of its limpid stream, to the inhabitants of this town; after which it takes an eastern direction, and swiftly rolls along to seek its bed in the grand and tumultuous reservoir of the world. This river, which is the third in England, both for size and beauty, issues from three springs, between Congleton and Leek, in Staffordshire, flowing south through that county; and, having received the Tame, it takes a north-eastern direction, and enters Derbyshire, after its junction with the Dove ; crossing the northern angle of that county, and forming, for a short space, its separation from the counties of Leicester and Nottingham. It enters the latter county at its south western extremity, after having received the Denoent into its bosom. It then takes an oblique direction towards the eastern extremity of Nottinghamshire, forming, on the north-eastern angle of that county, the boundary between it and Lincolnshire, and then falls into the Humber, about twenty miles below Gainsborough. The rich productions of the inexhaustible mines and mountains of Derbyshire are brought down the Cromford canal, a junction being formed between it, the Erewash, and Nottingham canals, at Langley Mill, near Eastwood ; and about eight miles north-west from Nottingham. The Erewash * This majestic fabric was erected, by Sir Francis Willoughby, in the year 1588. The stone of which it i* built, he obtained from Ancaster, in Lincolnshire, in exchange for Wollaton-pit coal. TRENT. FLOODS. 15 canal begins at the above-named junction; and, after skirting from thence the south-eastern extremity of Derbyshire, empties itself into the Trent at Sawley. The Nottingham canal also begins at the junction ; and, after passing through the liberties of Eastwood, Newthorpe, Cossal, Trowel, and Wollaton, (at all of which places, pit-coal is gotten in abundance,) and skirting the northern extremity of our meadows, it falls into the Trent, a little below the Trent bridge, nearly opposite the entrance into the Grantham canal. These continued advantages give a facility to the commerce of this town, which places it, in that respect, as it is in many others, almost without a rival, in the inland counties*. There is a company established by act of parliament, (which secures to the watermen one perch on each side of the river, as a haling-path,) to keep the course of the Trent clear from all obstructions; but this task they have not been able to perform; in consequence thereof, a branch of the Nottingham canal has been brought from the top of Beeston meadow to Lenton, which enables the boats to avoid the shoals of Wilford, so obstructive in the summer season. The Trent is accounted the glory of Nottinghamshire; and the only inconveniency arising from its waters is, its being subject to. great and frequent FLOODS. Deering informs us, in page 164, of a very remarkable flood, in 1683, which was occasioned by the breaking up of a frost, that began in September the preceding year, and lasted till the 5th of February in the year above named ; when the vast sheets of ice tore down part of the Trent bridge, which was rebuilt of stone by the Corporation ; the whole of it, prior to that time, being of wood. An account of a notable flood is handed down to us by tradition, generally called the Midsummer flood, which happened in 1728. The most remarkable flood, since that time, or perhaps before it, was occasioned by the breaking up of a frost, which began December the 24th, 1794, and lasted till the 9th of February following ; during which intermediate time there was such a vast fall of snow as had not been equalled for many years ; nor was its quantity lessened by intermediate thaws. And when the thaw took place, it was so excessively rapid, that there was not a valley in the counties of Stafford, Derby, or Nottingham, but what was converted into a river, the current of which carried along, with irresisitble fury, vast sheets of ice, and half melted snow; posts, rails, timber, sheep, &c. into the Trent; which overflowed its banks to such a height, that the inhabitants of Narrow-marsh, and its vicinity (a street in this town running parallel with the meadows) were made prisoners in their habitations during two days and nights ; the water being upwards of three feet deep in some of their houses, which did considerable damage to their furniture. The house of Alderman Hornbuckle, and one known by the sign of the White Hart, (now the Star and Garter) then kept by an old maid of the name of Selby, were * It must be confessed, however, that the people of Nottingham have been miserably deceived respecting the price of coal; for instead of having that article cheaper, as was expected, through the conveyance of the canal, which was opened the 30th of July, 1793, the price has been considerably advanced. 10 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. just above the water-mark; therefore, the height of this flood may be known, so long as those houses stand*. Northwards of the town, and at the extremity of its fields, formerly were two large coppices; but which are now cleared of their woody covering, and let on leases by the Corporation. In the copy which I have of Deering, the following words are written on one of the margins : — " These coppices, in 1712 and 13, had twenty burgess parts ; each part had twenty shillings paid by the Chamberlains." At the foot of these coppices a spring arises, and is joined by the stream of another, which arises about midway between it and the town ; the latter of which used to be walled around, and have an iron ladle chained to the wall, by the side of a trough, to enable passengers to drink. These rivulets, when united, form a current, which is called the River Beck ; which, after washing the eastern extremity of the town, falls into the Leen. This small river, during the last mentioned flood, was swelled to a prodigious degree, and intirely inundated Plat-street, and the adjoining yards, or streets, as they are now called, which compelled the inhabitants, who dwell in low kitchens in that neighbourhood, to seek shelter elsewhere. But the most damage which this flood did, within the liberties of Nottingham, was at the Leen bridge, and on the flood road ; the former, and as much of the adjacent road, as the county was compelled to keep in order, cost £550 repairing. The flood bridge, commonly called the Ten Arches, and which had very lately been erected, was so shattered, as to render all attemps to repair it ineffectual. There was a very large flood in May, 1787, which did much damage ; but it was not so high as that which was at its height on the 28th of February, 1809, when the water entered the houses in Narrow-marshf. Previous to the building of the Ten Arch Bridge, the common road, between the Leen and the Trent Bridges, was round two pools, except in time of high water, when there was a road over them, on wooden bridges, which had been erected for that purpose. When the road round the pools was dry, chains were fastened across the bridges which went over them ; and hence they were called Chainy Pools. The largest and deepest of these pools used to contain good store of fish ; but it is now intersected by the canal, and is daily filling up ; and the pleasure which the angler enjoyed on its banks is passed away, never to return. In 1766, the bridges which went over these pools were rebuilt, at the expense of the town ; they, however, are now removed, never to be replaced. We are now about to relate a circumstance or two, which to some may seem ill-timed, as we have not done with the Trent ; but, as the subject is connected with the mischievous consequences of the flood in 1795, we will enter upon it here. An act of parliament, bearing date the 19th of May, 1796, entitled an act for raising, maintaining, and keeping in repair, the road from the north end of the Old Trent bridge, to the * Throsby, in his account of this flood has described it twice; in page 71 , he says it happened on Sunday, February the 7th. And in page 129, he says it happened in March. Now, unfortunately for the correctness of Throsby, Sunday was on the 8th of February, in 1795. The truth is, that this flood began on Monday the 9th of February; and on Tuesday it was at its height. The height of this and another flood has since been marked on the west side of the Seven Arch bridge. \ At this time, a whole street of houses was undermined in the city of Bath; and many of the miserable inhabitants were buried in tlj* •ruins. TRENT FLOODS. 17 west end of St. Mary's Church-yard, by the way of Hollow-stone, in this town ; and for erecting- and maintaining- such, and so many flood bridges upon the said road, as may be necessary to carry off the flood water ; and for widening and improving the entrance into the town, by way of Hollow-stone, gives to twenty-five commissioners, the power of erecting a toll-bar on the said flood road, to enable them to carry the above designs into execution ; with this proviso, that they should, with all convenient speed, erect a sufficient number of bridges to carry off the water in times of need. In the ensuing August, the workmen began to remove the Ten Arch bridge ; when, by the springing of one of the arches, three of them lost their lives. A clause in the above-named act, more striking- then the rest, is, that which compels the Corporation of this town to pay £100 a year, out of an estate, which was given to them for quite a different purpose, towards keeping the flood road in repair. The reason assigned is, that they had voluntarily repaired it some time, which was to save the expense thereof to the parish of St. Marv ; and, as such, it became a disputed point in law, whether they were not liable to keep it in repair in future : to avoid litigation, the Corporation conceded the point*. Lest, however, from the strangeness of the circumstance, the reader should not give credit to the relation, I will give the clause in question, which is as follows : — " And whereas by royal charter, bearing date at " V; estminster, the twenty-first day of February, in the fifth year of the reign of his Majesty, ■ c King Edward the Sixth, in consideration of the great burthens and expenses, by the Mayor and " Burgesses of the town of Nottingham, daily sustained in and about the amending, supporting, " and repairing their bridges upon the water of Trent, had determined to give, and confirm unto ,c the said Mayor and Uurgesses of the town of Nottingham, and to their successors for ever, the ow to the town. — History of Stamford. -f- ! he number of arches, mf-ntioued in Dctrin^, may have been occasioned by a mistake of the printer. 20 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Dr. Thornton says, from an escheat roll of the 30th of Edward the First, that this bridge bore the name of Heath')tth-brig : which in Deering we find rendered Highbath bridge, from the Sumo language; an appellation supposed to have originated from a number of wooden coverings having been erected just above it. to conceal people from the eye of the passenger, while in the act of bathing ; two of which were standing upon piles in our author's day. The entire removal of these coverings reflects do great credit on the present age ; for the indecency and danger of public bathing in the Trent are too conspicuous to require anv illustration here. From the same escheat roll. Dr. Thornton gives us the following extract: " That the jury found • i[ oof to the King's loss, if he granted licence to John le Pawner, and to Alice his wife [who was sister and heir of i.ugh de- Stapleford. son of Robert de Stapleford, of Nottingham. i to ■ .4*6 13s. od. rent, with the appurtenances in Nottingham, to a certain chaplain, to celebrate •-* divine o ffi c es for the souls. tec in the chapel of St. Alary, on Hethbeth-brig." To which extract Deering subjoins. n where, in the doctor's time, there was an arch, which went still bv the name • of chapel arch, but at this time it is not remembered by anv bodv I have met with." Our author conceives this chapel to have stood near the road, and between the south end of the bridge and a plot of land called Lady Bay. which forms the eastern boundary of the town's liberties ; and to which, he supposes, this chapel might give the name. For three reasons this solution appears to me improper : first, because, if this chapel stood so far from the main road, passengers rid pass by unnoticing and unnoticed: and, consequently, lose the benefit of the prayers, and the priest, the profits resulting from their credulity. Secondly, because the plot of ground called Lady Bay. very probably took its name from being the pasture of my Lady's Bay Mare, or a mare called Lady Bay. Thirdly, and which is by far the most powerful argument against Deering's opinion, Thoroton says expressly, that the chapel stood upon the bridge ; therefore it could not stand near Lady Bay. If I may hazard a conjecture respecting this chapel, it is, that it stood at the western corner of the northern abutment of the bridge, near the public-house ; and that opposite to it stood a watch-house, on part of the foundation of which stood that buildin°- which was taken down in 1S1U. I am strengthened in this opinion from the known practice of the R rmsa priests, in causing chapels to be erected near straight passes, which enabled them to work upon the superstitious feelings of passengers, exciting their benevolence in support of hypocrisy and fraud. Diring the troubles in this town, which were occasioned by the feuds between Charles and his parliament, there was a fort erected at the Trent bridge, which was alternatelv possessed bv the Nottingham republicans, and the Newark royalists : and which Deering considers to have stood upon Hooper's Sconce; but the publication of the memoirs of Colonel Hutchinson has completely refuted this opinion : though, from the meaning of the word Sconce, he judged rightly that a fort had been erected on the spot. For, one winter, when fortune smiled upon the Newarkers. thev sought to lay this town in ashes; to prevent which. Colonel Hatchinson inundated the meadows, and caused Hooper, one of his engineers, to erect a fort on the southern bank of Tinker's Leen by where the bridge stands,, which leads from the high bridge over the canal to Wilford-ferrv TRENT. BRIDGE. 21 where is still a small elevation ; and by means of this fort the Colonel was enabled to command the Trent-lane ; i. e. the flood road; and to frustrate the designs of the Newarkers.* The fort mentioned by Whitelock, from whom and from tradition, Deering obtained his information on the subject, stood near the north end of the Trent bridge ; for, Mrs. Hutchinson says (and she was an eye witness) when the Colonel and his men were making their approaches to take it, that they got possession of a small island, or sand bank, a little above the bridge; and that the besiegers and besieged could converse together, " as they were, at furthest, within " carbine shot." The military works on the Rye-hills, or Royals, as the high part of the meadows is called, which were visible a few years ago, no doubt were the remains of the trenches cut by the Colonel, to secure his men from the enemy's fire, while he was making his approaches to the fort, as he was several days and nights engaged in the undertaking ; notwithstanding which, he had but three men wounded on the occasion. When the Newarkers saw the invincible bravery of the Colonel and his men, they deserted the fort in the night ; and, such was their panic, that they broke up two arches of the bridge, to prevent an immediate pursuit. The possession of this fort, to the Colonel, was of very great importance, as, when it was occupied by the enemy, the town was in constant danger, and his means of receiving succours from the south were rendered very precarious. The reader will be enabled to form an opinion of the magnitude of this fort, when he is told, that the Newarkers left in it, eighty sheep, an hundred loads of coal, twenty quarters of oats, much hay, and a great quantity of lead. At a small distance from the north end of the great bridge, is a dead water, over which is a bridge of one arch, which water is known by the name of the Old Trent ; the course of the river having evidently been changed, for a short space, by the power of man ; but at what time is uncertain, probably when the bridge was built by Edward the Elder. Between the bridge and Wilford ferry-boat there are also, evident marks of the river's having run further north, than it does at present; and the current T there is constantly endeavouring to force itself to the south. The water's surface at the bridge is sixty-one feet four inches higher than where it. falls into the Humber. The Trent has long been famous for the value and variety of its fish ; so much so, that one of our poets thought well to compose the following stanza on the subject : " The beauteous Trent within itself enseams, u Thirty kinds of fish, and thirty different streams." It is recorded in Doomsday-book, that the burgesses of Nottingham complained of being prohibited from fishing in the Trent. This proves, beyond all doubt, that they possessed the right of fishing in this river, coeval with their burgess tenure ; a tenure, which, according to the learned civilian, Serjeant Hey wood, they hold by prescriptive right, and not as ( royal a boon. This complaint proves also, that they had been deprived of this right; probably by William the * Tinkers Leen is a small rivulet, meandering in an eastern directios along the meadows ; it being the product of several contiguous springs, and the draiDings of the meadows. It passes under the canal at the seven arches, and then finds its way to the I.ecn. There used to be two plank bridges over it, one leading to Wiiford-ferry, and the other to the pander's house ; hut, in 1309, the Corporation 9a u^ed good bridges to be erected in their stead ; and others in various parts of the meadows. 22 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Conqueror, to "ratify William Peveral, his bastard son; for we find the latter, in the reign of ' Henry the First, granting- the tithe of this fishery to the monks at Lenton ; while it is reasonable to conclude, that he kept the rest for himself. It is also fair to conclude, when Peveral and his ilcscendents lost ail power in these parts, that the burgesses resumed their right of fishing in the Trent ; which right they still possess, within the liberties of the town. Deering represents the practice of the people of Nottingham going a fishing as a cover for idleness. In some instances he may be right; but, as a general practice, I beg leave to differ from him; for if exercise and recreation were to be denied to the sedentary mechanics and artizans, they would soon be eaten up with rheumatisms, asthmas, and consumptions, for want of action to aid the stomach in the office of digestion, and to keep the animal juices in due order and circulation. Our author likewise gives us the following alphabetical list of fish which are caught in the Trent. To wit: barbel, bream, bulhead, burbot, carp, chub, crayfish, dace, eel, flounder, grayling, gudgeon, lampern, lamprey, loach, minow, muscle, perch, pike, roach, rud, ruff, salmon, salmon-trout, salmon-pink, sand-eel, shad, smelt, strikleback, sturgeon, stream-pink, tench, trout, and whitling; in all, thirty-four. Respecting the etymology of the name of this river authors disagree. Baxter, according to Deering, supposes it to have been of Roman origin, and gives us Troventio for its name; while he says Ravesmas called it Troantia.. On this subject I shall give Deering's words, as being consonant with my own opinion. He says, " I shall not mispend my time in any further fruitless ic etymological inquiry, but take the Saxon name from Camden, which is, Trconta. This might " very ea ily, in process of time, lose the o, and become Trenta, which is the name I find in all " charters and records wheresoever this river is named." Before quitting this noble river, we will drop a few observations on the influence it has on the atmosphere, and how far it is probable, such influence may tend to promote the health of the inhabitants of this town. When the sun has hid his refulgent head beneath the western horizon, and ceases to rarify our atmosphere with his beams, the effluvia, which exude from ordure, unswept kennels, butchers' shops, fellmongers' vats, &c. condense into noxious vapours, which, for want of some attractive power to draw them away, often prove the source of pestilential fevers, and other distempers, destructive to the human frame. But here, no sooner does the atmosphere regain a sufficient degree of gravity, from the enlivening dawn of the east, to enable it to bear up the fogs and vapours from the surface of the earth, than the impetuous current of the Trent drags them along, by means of its attractive power, till they are lost in the refreshing breezes on the coast. This beneficent influence will be more apparent to the reader, if he will notice, that, in the winter season, when the sun has scarcely the power of rarifying the atmosphere, the meadows will frequently be clear, in consequence of their propinquity to the Trent, while the forest air is hazy and thick ; particularly in a forenoon, when the atmosphere has not obtained a sufficient degree of elasticity to enable it to bear up the fogs and vapours above the level of the hills, so as to bring 1 them within the attractive power of the Trent. The flat and delightful vale, which is bounded on one side by the sloping hills of Clifton and Ruddington, and on the other by those of Beeston, Not- tingham, Colwick, and Carlton, and which receives the frequent breezes from the west, south-west, and north-west, operates as a conductor to the foggy and noxious vapours which arise in this town ; LEEN. 23 and likewise to the tempests which gather in the higher regions : hence so few dreadful thunder storms about this town, to what there are in those parts of the kingdom where the like advantages are not enjoyed. For, except the atmosphere be so destitute of elastic power, as not to be able to bear the congregated bodies of sulphur and nitre, above the lower current of the air ; and the wind blows from the east, south-east, or north-east, the growling thunder will threaten us in vain with the effects of its fury ; and when these circumstances do not combine to keep the gathering tempest lowering over our heads, we see it riding in awful majesty down the current of air, which is drawn by the sweeping waters of the Trent. To these operations of nature is to be attributed the resistance which the plague met with in the south part of the town in 1667, as much as from the influence of the effluvium exuding from tanner's ouze. It is probable however, that the burning of tanner's knobs might, in a considerable degree, aswage this destructive visitation ; and so would the burning of any thing else ; for the fire, by rarifying the foul vapours, and thereby giving them expansion, creates a vacuum, which is immediately filled up by purer air rushing in*. In the year above-named, when people took shelter in Narrow-marsh to avoid the plague, as none died of it in that neighbourhood, there were forty-seven tanner's yards in that street. In 1801, when a fever was raging in all the higher parts of the town, and in its vicinity, there was but one tanner's yard in that street ; yet, but very few dangerous symptoms appeared in it during the time the fever was raging. But while people could be found, sufficiently credulous to believe, that the scrofula could be cured by the touch of a king, no wonder they should also believe, that the plague was wholly arrested in its progress by the effluvium arising from tanner's ouze. We will conclude our remarks on the river Trent by noticing a circumstance which is mentioned by Dr. Plot, in his history of Staffordshire. The Doctor informs us that, in the reign of Queen Mary, two parishes within a mile of Nottingham, had many of their houses and churches blown down by a hurricane ; and that the water, with the mud of the river Trent, which runs between the two towns, were carried a quarter of a mile, and flew with such violence against some trees, as to tear them up by the roots. Though the Doctor does not inform us what villages these were ; yet, according to the description he gives of their situation, it appears that Wilford and Snenton were the villages alluded to. Throsby would persuade us, that Snenton and Gedling are the villages ; but he had forgotten that they are both on one side of the Trent ; and that Gedling is four miles from Nottingham. RIVER LEEJY. When the traveller has passed over our canal, where coal, timber, corn, iron, stone, slate, plaster, manure, and tile wharfs abound, with their contiguous warehouses ; and where industry sits laughing on the labourer's brow, he next comes, at the distance of a few paces, to the River Leejj, which is, in fact, the common sewer of the town. * The plague, which raged with such \iolence in London, in 1665, was not eradicated till a great part of the city was hurnt down the following year. 24 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. This little river takes its rise in the ancient forest of Sherwood, not far from Newstead Hall*. Then passing- through Papplewick, Hucknall, Bulwell Basford, and Lenton ; then by the south-eastern borders of our park, and skirting- the northern extremity of the meadows, it falls into the Trent a little below the bridge ; though the following extract from the perambulation of the forest of Sherwood, in the Sixteenth of Henry the Third, will prove, that in ancient times it entered the Trent opposite Wilford church, where the old course is still preserved. " The "boundaries of the forest came down, according to the course of the Leen, to Lenton, and from ■' thence as the same water was wont of old times to run into the water of Trent." The last part of this extract proves, that the course of this river, from Lenton to where it enters the Trent, (which to every eye carries the appearance of being artificial) was made long before the time of Henry the Third; and there is strong reason to conclude, that it was made by William the Conqueror ; who, in order to render the then, newly erected castle of Nottingham a place of security, would find it necessary to bring the Leen by its foot ; as well to supply it with water, as to grind corn for the use of the garrison. At what time a bridge was built over this river, as a communication between the town and the meadows, is uncertain ; but the fair conclusion is, that it was built at the time the course of the river was altered; because without it the meadows would be cut off from the town. Dr. Thoroton informs us, that in the Tenth of King John, the repairing of this bridge was undertaken by the brethren of the hospital of St. John the Baptist, in Nottingham ; and, though Deering attempts to disprove this opinion, and leaves it unsettled, I shall not enter into the dispute ; conceiving it of no consequence. It would seem, however, that Dr. Thoroton was wrong : for, by an inquisition taken about the Leen bridge in the Thirty-sixth of Henry the Eighth, by whom the property belonging to the hospital of St. John, was seized, it is expressed, that the said great bridge over the Leen, has, from time immemorial, been upheld and repaired by the town of Nottingham, and the several wapentacks or hundreds of the county : the town keeping the two northern arches in repair, and part of the crown between the second and the third ; and the different hundreds of the county the other eighteen, according to their several proportions, which it is unnecessary to enumerate, as the commissioners for the flood road have taken charge of the wholef. In 1765 the old bridge was taken down, it being found too narrow a thoroughfare for the increasing trade of the town ; and the entrance from it, which formed an angle to the west, passing behind the Red Lion inn, and forming an oblique turn to the bottom of Hollowstone, is now brought to the east of the Red Lion inn ; and thus the dangerous angle is cut off. The present bridge consists of three good brick arches ; and under the northern one is a bath, supplied by a spring which rises on the spot ; but it is rarely used, on account of its exposed situation. * This fine seat, the property of Lord Byron, was, from the time of Henry the Second to that of Henry the Eighth, a house of regular Augustine Canons ; after which it was converted into one of the most beautiful seats in England. t Sir Thomas Parkyns, in his " Queries and Reasons," printed in 1724, says, " the Corporation have lately Bet up a Toll-House on their Trent Bridge, and unreasonably exacted a Toll of, and from the County of Nottingham, though they themselves cannot get into their own Town, without going over our Leen Bridge, of thirty-two arches, built, and at this very day repaired in proportion by the seven hundreds of our County." WATERWORKS. 25 Leland informs us, that the old bridge, was a good stone bridge, one arch of which is still standing under Mrs. Smalley's bakehouse, which is the first house at the east end of Narrow-marsh, on the southern side of the street. Several of the old piers were found, a few years ago, when the workmen were preparing the foundation of the canal inn, and other buildings, betwixt the Leen and Canal, on the west side of the flood road ; and such was the nature of the stone, and the cement with which it was connected, as, seemingly to bid defiance to the ravages of a thousand years. When Colonel Hutchinson, in Charles the First's reign, was assailed by envious defection within the town, and by superior numbers without, he broke up several of the arches of this bridge, to prevent a surprise ; but as internal peace and prosperity soon ensued, under the stern protectorship of Cromwell, it is probable they were shortly rebuilt. In Magna Britannica mention is made of the Mill-place ; a piece of meadow land called Mill-dam; and the Castle-mills; the two former being contiguous to, and the latter upon the river Leen. I cannot find any spot designated by the name of J\l ill-place ; but that formerly known by the name of Mill-dam, is what is now called Spaio-close, opposite to the castle. Taking it for granted that the castle mills stood near this spot, it justifies a traditional account, that a mill, or mills, once stood at the foot of the castle rock, on the verge of Brewhouse-yard. It also justifies the opinion, of the river having been brought down to Nottingham for one of the purposes before WATERWORKS. The Waterwork Company, whose engine stands at the bottom of Finkhill'Street, and at the eastern extremity of the Duke of Newcastle's estate, obtained their lease of the Corporation in the year 1898. The main wheel of this hydraulic machine sets in motion a number of crank levers, and is itself moved, like the great waterwork wheels. at London bridge, by the power of the water, with which it supplies the town : leaden pipes are laid from the engine, which supply some of the lower parts of the town with water ; while the higher parts are supplied from a cistern behind the General Hospital, into which the water is forced up from the engine through a main pipe. Until the year 1782, when Thomas Hancock was chosen engineer, the company made but little progress, either in serving themselves or the public; since which time, through his ingenuity, their affairs have gone on in a prosperous way ; but, on the 21st of November, 1805, this valuable member of society was lost to them, to his family, and to the world. His loss will be long deplored by every lover of social order and conviviality, who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He possessed a quick apprehension, a clear understanding, a sound judgment, and a heart attuned to the finest touch of sensibility and benevolence. — Nature formed him a mechanic and a philosopher; and by dint of application, without the aid of a liberal education, he became an adept in optics and chemistry ; and he obtained a comprehensive penetration into, and a clear understanding of the passions and governing principles of the human mind — He was my friend, as far * In IS 13 the southern bank of the Lsen, from Finkhill-street to Turncalf-alley, was faced with stone, which was got on Mapperley-hilb. The only mill now remaining upon the Leen, within the liberties of this town, stands near the bottom of Ten-bells-yard, which is opposite to the county gaol. Until the canal was cut, a road used to pass over the Leen into the meadows, close by this mill. G 20 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM, as a desire to aid my then, and, I hope, still expanding* mind, and a congeniality of sentiment, could make him so ; and this, with a tear of affection, is the only tribute I can pay to his departed manes. Could his spirit now hover over me, and be also endued with the power of articulation, he would say, with his usual engaging smile, "" my friend, endeavour to imitate me in all my actions, " which can, with justice, be set down on the side of virtue ; but let the remembrance of my errors f * be hid in eternal sleep." i i is likeness was taken by Mr. Bonnington, and, after his death, it was engraved and sold for the benefit of his widow. The Waterwork Company too, to their eternal honor be it spoken, assigned a part of the engine-house as an asylum for Mrs. H. during her widowhood; and directed an annual stipend to be paid her also; which, with a little industry, will screen her from the scoffs and frowns of those contemptible abortions of nature, that sport with the widow's sufferings, because they know she has lost her protecting friend. — Reader, pardon this digression . it was due to a departed friend and departed worth, and to thyself, as an example, that thine actions may be useful to mankind. And, if I have erred, in this respect, be pleased to place such error to the account of the heart. Independent of the water engine, many parts of the town are supplied with water by pumps, erected by the Corporation, within about the last thirty years; which stand in the following places, viz. one at the west end pf Chapel-bar ; two in Parliament-street, one of which is nearly opposite to the end of Sheep-lane, and the other near the top of Clumber-street ; one at the top of Charlotte-street ; one near guildhall, close by the spot where stood the weekday-cross ; one in the shambles ; one in front of the exchange ; one upon Beastmarket-hill ; and one opposite to the south end of Sheep-lane, near where stood the malt-cross ; the latter of which pumps was removed soon after the cross was taken down. That this pump was erected for the public good, and taken away for the same purpose, to some may seem paradoxical; yet this was the case. As it stood near the centre of the entrance into the market-place it was an eyesore in the day, and an object of danger in the night ; and, as the ordure, which accumulated year after year in the vaults on the Long-row had so far penetrated the rock as to ooze into the well, which rendered the water, at times, quite nauseous to the taste, and altogether unfit for culinary purposes.* The springs within the liberties of the town, which are of any note, are, Trough-close spring, near Mapperley-hills ; Beycroft-spring, and Rag-spring, the two latter of which are near the road leading from this town to St. Ann's-well, and are in fame for curing sore eyes. The spaw, in spavv close, just opposite to the castle, was, by far, of the greatest repute, its water being of a strong- chalybeate quality, and very bracing to the nerves. But, in 1811, the close was fenced on the leen bank side, and the spring-head was removed without the fence, in which a semi-circle was made for its admission. This unjustifiable removal of the head, has been the ruin of the spring ; for, in dry weather, it ceases to flow ; whereas, when in its former, and natural situation, it flowed in all seasons. And that situation too was rendered still more desirable from another spring rising near to it, whose water was of a smooth and emolient quality, and very useful to sore eyes. The principal * Various attempts have bpen made by Mr. Waiker, builder, on Tollhouse-hill, to supply the town with the delectable. water of Sion-hil t> but the object has not been accomplished ; but, let us hope it is not given up. BATHS ROADS. 27 inhabitants of the town are very blameable for suffering 1 parsimony and cupidity to remove a public benefit, which, very possibly, may never be restored. The pump water is of a hard and curdling- quality, which renders it unfit for the purpose of washing ; therefore those housekeepers who are not supplied from the engine are under the necessity of buying washing water of persons who fetch it from the Leen or canal ; many use it also for culinary purposes, and in so doing they act rightly, as it is more congenial to the animal fluids, and less likely to create the stone and gravel in the kidneys and bladder ; complaints which are rather prevalent in this town. PUBLIC BATHS. In most of the inland parts of England, one would think that the physicians had conspired to prevent the use of public baths, in order to the furtherance of their trade ; or that the inhabitants thereof appreciate the value of their health very differently from other people, both in ancient and modern times. For though the practice of bathing is generally considered the dsrnier resort for the restoration of debilitated constitutions, yet the construction of public baths is almost entirely neglected. These observations are particularly applicable to Nottingham ; for, excepting the badly constructed and badly accommodated bath, under the Leen bridge, the small one belonging to Miss Barnsdall, between the Leen and the canal, opposite to Navigation-row, is the only one in the town. There is one at St. Ann's-well ; but its distance from the town, and the slovenly manner in which the house and bath-apartments were long kept, have caused it to be almost deserted. PUBLIC ROADS. The road from Loughborough to this town, till the year 1738, was almost impassable, when an act was obtained to put it in repair ; which, under the superintendance of Alderman Cooper, of Leicester, was immediately carried into effect. In 1758, acts were also obtained for the making of turnpike roads from hence to Derby, Grantham, and Alfreton ; in short, turn in what direction you may from this town, you will find the roads in general in excellent condition. Until 1740, the road from Chapel-bar to the top of the Sand-hills was a deep hollow way ; at which time Lord Middleton obtained permission of the Corporation to raise it, by casting the hills into it which lay on both sides. The workmen, in performing the undertaking, found several rock walls, which appeared to have been partitions between distinct rooms; and, as they presented no marks either of Saxon or Roman formation, they were concluded to be of British construction. In 1811, this road was again heightened and improved : a footpath was made on the south side ; and that on the north side was paved, and lighted with lamps.* The south entrance into the town is through the Hollowstone ; a street cut through the solid rock ; and was formerly so narrow as to admit of but one carriage passing at a time ; but, on account of a man being killed in it, in 1740, the Corporation, at their own expense, caused the road to be so much widened, as to admit of two carriages passing; and in some places three. In * About this time the road was stopped in St. George's close, which led to the Wheyhouse ; in consequence of the mischief done to the young trees, whi h the proprietor had previously planted in the hedge-row. 28 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. 1S00. it was again widened by the commissioners of the flood road ; and the house of Mr: Barber, grocer, at the south-west (iorner, was taken down and rebuilt more westward: the White Lion public-house, on the west side of the street, was also taken down ; and the licence removed to a house on the opposite side ; the road, at the same time, being- so much heightened, as to render it necessary for the second floors of the old houses on the east side to be converted into the first floors. The heightening of the road from the Leen bridge to the entrance into Hollowstone was rendering an essential service to the public; as prior to that time, particularly till the alteration in 1740, it was a mere filthy bog. At the entrance into this hollow way stood one of the ancient town gates, and over it a portcullis; evident marks of which were remaining- till the last mentioned year. This gate was standing, about the year 1538, when Leland visited the town; for he says, " The gates were all down, " saving two or three ;" and, beyond all doubt, this was one of those then standing. Just at the south-western elbow of the road, was a cavity which would hold twenty men, with stone benches and a fire-place, and a flight of steps which led to the top of the rock : the room having- been used as a guardhouse; while a sentinel could go up the steps in safety, to see if an enemy were near Peering conjectures that this guardhouse was made by the parliamentary troops in the time of Charles the First. That it was used by them, there can be little doubt ; but the probability is, that it was made at the time the hollow was cut and the gate erected. The only other gate, a particular description of which history has preserved, was that which stood at the western entrance into Chapel-bar : it was taken down in 1743, "Under it on each '* side," says Deering, " was an arched room of a pentagonal figure, of which that which had a " door opening under the middle of the gate was a guardroom; the other, the door of which faced " the east, was a chapel for the conveniency of the guard ; hence the name of Chapel-bar." Long- before the gate was taken down, this chapel was converted into a brewhouse, as an appendage to the inn at the north-west corner of Chapel-bar ; on which occasion a wag wrote the following lines, " Here priests of old turned wafers into God, tl And gave poor laymen bread for flesh and blood ; " But now a liquid myst'ry's here set up, " Where priests and laymen both, partake the cup." The top of the arch over the gate was well earthed, and cultivated as a pleasure garden, in which grew a large sycamore tree; and, in the summer season, beds of tulips displayed their varigated beauties ; while on the southern corner stood an arbour, in which six people might regale themselves, and which was gracefully shaded by the foliage of the tree. These Babylonian beauties now are fled ; And in their place trade rears her busy head.* * Deering states, that some old people informed him, that they could remember the remains of a stone gate at the top of Lister-gate, and, from the name of gate being applied to the street, and the propriety of a common entrance into the town in that direction through the wall, I have no doubt as to the fact of a gate having stood in that place. Tradition informs us also, that a gate stood near the top of Clumber-street, which, if the account be correct, must have been erected at the time the wall was-bttilt. It is clear, however, that nothing remained of these gates, sufficient to attract the attention of Spede in 161'(K MEADOWS. 29 The width of this street is twenty-six feet, including two feet on each side appropriated to foot passengers; a space quite too narrow for so important an entrance, which opens into the heart of the market-place. Some old buildings were taken down in 181 1 , on the south side, which has added seventeen feet to the width of the street ; but there are others standing, which retard the accomplishment of the patriotic object of those gentlemen who planned the improvement, and sought, by personal donations, to render it complete. MEADOWS. Oft when the sun has hid his refulgent head behind the western hills, and, while fringing with his departing beams the lingering clouds, have I trod these delightful meads, with a mind stored with a mixture of gloomy and pleasing sensations. How oft have I, in these contemplative moods, sent up a fervent prayer, that the restless hand of power, or the spirit of internal discord never may again be permitted to spoil the native beauty of the spiring blade, the mellifluent sweets of the daisy, the crocus, and the buttercup, with destructive dissentions ; nor again incarnadine them with streams of human blood. On one side your ears are struck with a confused sound arising from the voices of conversing thousands, and the motion of their feet ; and on the other with a hollow murmur, occasioned by the rolling of the Trent : while the romantic figure of the town seems as though it were rising to meet the darkening and descending clouds. How pleasing it is to the contemplative philosopher, when industry has laid down her implements, to see her numerous offspring, both young and old, rush into these meadows to brace their toil-relaxed nerves with the refreshing breezes of the evening ; and, while they inhale the odour of the flowery herbage, or of the new mown hay, join in social conversation, or in the sportive romp ! While some are sympathizing over the miseries brought upon mankind by the hand of oppression, the crush of empires, and the clang of arms ; others are adoring the bounty of divine providence ; and others again are enjoying, by anticipation, the sweets of connubial love. The restless stateman who sets the world at odds ; and the blood-stained warrior, who delights in the slaughter of his fellow men, will seek in vain, in the evening of their days, for that serenity of soul, which the philosopher enjoys in viewing scenes like these. These meadows contain 283 acres, comprehending the west croft, which lies between the Tinker's Leen and the canal ; and is divided into sixteen burgess parts. The land is the property of many ; but it is commonable to the burgesses at large, from the 6th of July to old Candlemas day ; that is, they turn in on the 6th of July ; and on the 13th of August, they drive out for the purpose of letting the herbage grow ; and, on the 3d of October, they turn in again, when the cattle remain till old Candlemas-day. Each burgess having a right to the pasturage of three head of cattle, or forty-five sheep. The east-croft consists of thirty-five burgess-parts, and three acres and one rood, which is called, the Pinder'sfee ; and is divided from the meadows by the flood road and canal ; it contains 51 acres, 2 roods, 31 perches, and used to be open to the burgesses under the following regulations — from the 19th of September to old Martinmas-day,, each burgess has a right to the pasturage of three head of cattle, on paying for each horse one shilling and five-pence, and thirteen-pence for each cow. to the Chamberlains, who account for twelve -gaits for the Corporation, H 30 HISTORY OP NOTTINGHAM. which belong- to the Mayor, the Chamberlains, and Town Sergeants. In September, 1814, an order of hall was passed by the Corporation, which directs, that two shillings and six-pence shall be paid for the depasturing- each cow, and three shillings for each horse. Out of the money so collected, the pounder for the meadows receives one penny for every head of cattle ; and he and the field pounder have each a right to turn in three head of cattle. On the south bank of the Trent, and adjoining the bridge, is a close called Over Trent-close, which is divided among the aldermen ; each one having his part allotted to him at the time of his election ; on which account it is also called the aldermen's parts. If an alderman become reduced in circumstances, and resign his gown, it is no uncommon thing to have a pension granted him by the Corporation, during life, and the life of his consort, if she be the longer liver. There is another piece of land called St. George's close, containing about six acres ; and is the sole property of the Corporation : it is bounded on the east by the whey-house farm ; on the south west by the boat-close, and on the west and north by the meadows. There is also a portion of land on the north side of the town called the Hunger-hills, which is the property of the Corporation ; and which has long been parcelled out by them into burgess-parts ; and is now converted into gardens. — I strongly suspect that that part of the whey-house farm and that part of Greasley's pasture, which lie within the jurisdiction of the town, have, at some distant period, belonged to the Mayor and burgesses; as the stones which mark ssuch jurisdiction, and which contain the names of the Mayor and Chamberlains of the year of their erection, are found in them both. There is a traditionary tale which connects these parcels of land with a transaction of one of the ancestors of a certain great man in this neighbourhood; but prudence forbids me saying more on this head. SAND AND CLA Y FIELDS. These fields, which lie north and north-west of the town, contain 654 acres. Within the last hundred and fifty years, according to the best information I can obtain, these fields were entirely open ; and were cultivated two years by the plough, or otherwise, as suited their respective proprietors ; and every third year they were enjoyed exclusively by the housekeeper burgesses. As this plan was found inconvenient to both parties, it was agreed that the proprietors should fence their respective lots, if they chose ; that the land should be laid down for mowing and pasturage, (though this is not universally attended to) and that two gaps in each fence should be made by the proprietors, on or before the 12th of August^ and which should continue open till the 12th of November ; during which time the production of the fields was to be the sole property of the burgess-housekeepers. From the adoption of this plan, more herbage was produced than the cattle of the burgesses could consume ; many of them being too poor to purchase cattle, which caused the town to be badly supplied with milk, except what was brought from the neighbouring villages ; and that, as at the present time, being skimmed to such a degree as to take from it every oleaginous particle ; so that to remedy these evils it was agreed, that the non-burgess housekeepers should have the privilege, in common with the burgesses, of turning in three head of cattle each, during the commonable time. In 1807, some burgesses determined to dispute the claim of the non-burgess housekeepers ; accordingly a committee was formed ; and one Samuel Milner, and others FOREST. TOWN LIBERTIES MIDDLETON JURY. 31 impounded the cattle belonging to a person of the name of Glover,, who, by the aid of persons, whose interest was concerned,, brought an action against Milner, which was tried in the shire-hall, before Baron Thomson and a special jury, on the 5th of August, 1808; and the burgesses lost the trial ; with this proviso, however, that none of the non-burgess housekeepers, except those that reside in what are culled toftsteads, should have the right of turning into these fields.* In consequence of several incroachments being made upon these fields by the land owners erecting houses, barns, &c. on their respective lands, actions were instituted, in 1791, by one Isaac Alvey, a burgess, against Samuel Rose and Joseph Osborn, which were tried at the ensuing March assizes, before Sir Nash Grose and a special Jury ; when verdicts were obtained in favor of the burgesses ; with a restriction, that the buildings then standing should remain ; but none should henceforth be erected, under any pretence whatsoever. Notwithstanding this decision, a number of other incroachments were made ; which induced the aforesaid Isaac Alvey, (being aided by his brother burgesses) to institute actions against John Wright, surgeon, and Charles Osborn, in 1805, which were tried before Sir Giles Rooke and a special jury at the Midsummer assize ; the decision being again in favor of the burgesses ; and an order was made by the Judge for all the buildings, which had been erected since 1791, to be taken down ; and that the burgesses should have the power, at every Lammas, of destroying or removing every new incroachment upon the fields. FOREST AND WASTE LAND. The Forest, including roads and small intacks, contains one hundred and twenty-four acres ; Mapperley-hills contain fifty-seven acres and a half and two roods ; and four acres and one rood are contained in the waste land, which lies on each side of the Mansfield road, between the Gallows-hill, and the entrance into the town.f LIBERTIES OF THE TOWN, AND MID DLETOJS* JURY. When King Alfred divided the kingdom into shires, hundreds, and parishes, he allotted larger portions of land to villages than to cities and great towns ; considering, that while the inhabitants of the latter gained a livelihood, by adding an artificial value to many of the productions of the earth, by converting them to various purposes for the use of man, those of the former had to supply them with food, by following the rural occupations of life. While this great and good monarch thus divided the country, he gave to the people a system of laws which made it their interest to defend it with their lives. But he did not foresee that the lapse of nine hundred years would swell the population of the manufacturing and trading towns to such an extraordinary degree, or his * Toft (Toftum) a messuage or house, or, rather a place or piece of ground where a messuage once stood that is decayed or casually burnt : it is a word much used in fines, wherein we often read Toftum and Croftum. Jacob's Law Dictionary Hence toft-stead, i. e. the place of the toft, in like manner as homestead means, the place of the hou.ie — According to the practice, of common law, every freehold house is a toftstead which has paid scot and lot sixty years; or one which stands on the site of another tlint had paid that lenath of time; or, in fact, a succession of houses standing on the same spot, which have conjointly thus paid. Hence those non-burgess housekeepers have a right, from custom, to turn into the fields, who occupy houses thus circumstanced within the liberties of the town. f The admeasurement of the different parts of land, enumeiated in the foregoing pages, I had f;pm Mr. Bailey, land surveyor. 32 lliSTOttY OF KTOtTlrtGHAM. policy would have prcvehted him from tliils circumscribing their boundaries. Nottingham has to complain, in a peculiar manner, of the Unequal distribution of the land ; For While the circuit of the town is about three miles, and is daily increasing, the circumference of its jurisdiction is but ten miles ; so that were every inch of land inclosed, the whole WoUld not furnish a sufficiency of miik and vegetables to the inhabitants, the Watit of Which Causes them to be subject to numerous exactions. To secure the boundaries of the town, a certain number of respectable characters, annually appointed, form what is called the Middleiori, Mickleton, or Leet Jury, and circumambulate them twice a year, with the coroner at their head. It is also the duty of this Jury to break down all obstructions in old roads ; to fine those persons who may have made such incroachments as do not immediately obstruct a public road ; arid to present all nuisances to the quarter sessions. Until within a few years this Jury paid so little attention to their duty, except imposing ridiculous fines upon their noviciate companions, that the streets' Were so beset With posts, as to render it dangerous for persons to traverse them in the night. These nuisances are how generally removed ; and it is much to be wished, that the Jury would pay the same attention to the removal of spouts, which, in rainy weather, pour their liquid contents on the heads Of passengers, as they Walk along the streets. RACE GROUND. Nottingham being one of those towns which are favored with the King's plate,* it has long been famous for the contentions exhibited on its Race Ground. Many years this resort of pleasure could vie With most others of the same description in the kingdom, for the number of nobility and gentry that attended it ; but of late it has been on the decline, in this respect. The first course was four miles round ; which, about, the year 1752, gave place to an excellent one of two miles. This was destroyed by the Rudford and Lenton inclosures, within the boundaries of which parishes it principally lay ; but, in 1798, another was nrade in the form of a figure of eight. But in consequence of the bad view afforded to the spectators* &c. this gave place to one of an oval form in 1813. Formerly the races Were held in July ; but are now held in August ; and generally on the second Tuesday in that month. Five o'clock, too, used to be the time of starting ; but it was altered to two o'clock in 1813. Besides the King's plate.* there is a subscription cup ; a hunter's stakes; the cOuhty members' plate, of fifty pounds, for three year olds; the noblemen and gentlemen's plate of fifty pounds, for three fend four year Olds ; and the town plate of fifty pounds, for horses Of all ages, which have never WOn the value of fifty pounds at any one race ; and the sport always continues three days. The Stand was erected in 1777, under the patronage of Sir Charles Sidley, of sporting memory ; and is a handsome brick building two stories high. The front and ends are supported by pillars, which form a handsome piazza, under which many a dashing female screens her dress from the disordering effects of a Shower. At a meeting held 2tt t'rte White Lion inn, on •* A bell was the prize which was run for in ancient times, hence the phrase of " bearing away the bell ": aftenftmls a piec# of platp, .••misting 'of a cup or b"o«l,'was given by the irionarcl) to encourage the speed in hordes 5 hence the phrase ©f " King's plate." RACE STAND. ST. ANNS WELL. 33 the 21st October, 1776, a subscription was entered into for the erection of this stand; no person being- permitted to subscribe less than twenty guineas, which would entitle each subscriber to two silver tickets, to be transferable ; each ticket to admit a lady or a gentleman. Here follows a list of the subscribers, with the sum paid by each. Guineas. Duke of Newcastle (Lord Lieutenant) ... 200 Duke of Norfolk ' 200 Duke of Portland - - - 200 Earl of Lincoln .......... 200 Earl of Stamford 50 Lord George Cavendish ...... .30 Lord Edward Bcntinck 200 Lord Middleton 100 Lord Melbourn ..........50 Sir Gervas Cliftou ..60 Sir George Saville ......... 100 Sir Charles Sedley .........100 Sir William Boothby ....... -20 Sir Francis Molyneux ....... .20 John Musters, Esq. ......... 100 E. T. Gould, Esq 20 Anthony Eyre, Esq. .........50 John Sherwin, Esq. ........ - 20 Abel Smith, Esq. 50 Cornelius Launder, Esq. -----..20 L. Rolleston, Esq. -----....20 Rev. Mr. Nixon ...... .... 20 Mr. John Foxcroft ---..-..-20 Messrs. John and Thomas Wright .... 40 Mr. Samuel Statham -.--....20 Mr. Thomas Martin -----..-20 Guineas. Mr. Jonathan Truman -.-.-.--20 Mrs. Collin, Elton - - . .' 20 Mr. Brand 20 Mr. James Foxcroft ---------20 Mr. George Moody Brentnall 20 Mr. Thomas Hunt .... 20 Mr. S. Turner 20 J. Newton, Esq 20 W. Emerson, Esq 20 W. C. Sherbrooke, Esq 20 Job Charlton, Esq. ...--..--20 John Hewitt, Esq. --. 50 Rev. C. Laundtr 20 Mrs. Jerom --20 Mr. Alderman Carruthers ----..-20 Mr. Thomas Rawson --.-...-20 Mr. H. Parker 20 Sir Thomas Parkyns, Bart. ...... 20 John Kirke, Esq. ...... ...20 John Key, Esq. .......... 20 Thomas Edge, Esq. -- 20 John Westcomb Emcrton, Esq. ..... 20 John Whetham, Esq. 20 Dr. White .......20 Mr. Richard Dodson, jun. ....... 20 While the eye is delighted with the sports of the turf, the soul is swelled with exultation on beholding, in front, all bounteous nature presenting her autumnal tribute; while, in the rear, thirteen wind-mills are preparing food for the use of man. ST. ANN'S WELL. This once so famous convivial haunt was, in ancient times, called Robin Hood's- well ; but, by an inscription upon a stone found in the building by one Ellis, and by him communicated to Peering-, it appears to have been a chapel, dedicated to St. Ann, which was erected in 1409; whence the place took its present name. The eastern wall of the house stands upon the remains of this chapel ; and the fire-place occupies the site where stood the holy altar, where credulity and sincerity have often unfolded their follies and vices to the votaries of voluptuousness, cupidity, and fraud. Here has long stood a 34 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. public-house, possessing- the conveniencies of a bath, a bowling-green, and, once, well laid out gardens ; concerning which Deering gives us the following quotation from his often noticed anonymous author. " At the well there is a dwelling-house, serving as a habitation for the •• Woodward of those woods, being an officer of the Mayor. This house is likewise a victualling " house, having adjoining to it fair summer-houses, bowers, or arbours, covered by the " plashing and interweaving of oak boughs for shade, in which are tables of large oak planks, " and are seated about with banks of earth, fieightered and covered with green sods, like green " carsie cushions. There is also a building containing two fair rooms, an upper and a lower, " serving for such as repair thither to retire in case of rain or bad weather. Thither do the •• townsmen resort by ancient custom beyond memory." The same author tells us, that he was present at a carousal at this place with King James the First, and a number of his toping courtiers; when, to use his own words, they drank the Woodward and his barrels dry. — This custom, so fondly spoken of by this author, like the" good times in which it was observed, is now passed away, never to return. There is a quantity of trumpery kept at this house, consisting of an old iron helmet, of a gigantic size, an old wicker chair, &c. which are said to have belonged to the renowned Robin Hood ; be this as it may, they have long answered the purpose of their different possessors ; as many giddy girls and their accommodating lovers used to think the having on their heads the cap of Robin Hood, and the sitting in his chair, necessary ceremonials to prepare them for the hymenial altar ; and many a salute has been washed from the lips of the enamourantoes with bumpers of the Woodward's nut-brown ale. ROBIJV HOOD. Merely for the reader's amusement, we will drop a word or two on the subject of this famous freebooter. Rapin says, " about the year 1199, lived the famous Robin Hood and his companion " Little John, who were said to infest Yorkshire with their robberies !" And, according to the Anecdotes of Archery, the birth place of this hero is Loxley in Staffordshire.* And Dr. Stukeley. in the Palaographia Britanni calls him Robert Fitz-ooth, or the pretended Earl of Huntington. Others contend, that he was the real Earl of Huntington ; and that he was driven by necessity to a plundering course of life, either by his youthful dissipations, or to avoid the vengeance of the crown. Sir Edward Coke, in his third institute, when speaking of Robin Hood, says, that men of his lawless profession were called Roberdsmen ; and that the statutes of Winchester, in the 13th of Edward the First, and the 5th of Edward the Third, were made against Roberdsmen and other felons. f Stow, in his Annals, calls him and his followers renowned thieves. According to Charltan's history of Whitby Abbey, Robin and his determined band, bade defiance to the power of the crown, by retreating, when pursued by superior force, across * It is proper to infer, however, that our hero was a native of Loxley in Warwickshire, as according to Magna Britannia, the family of Fitz-ooth's resided there, and Robert Fitz-ooth gave a considerable portion of land to the priory of Kenilwotth, in the reign of Henry the Second, whereas it does not appear that they were possessed of any property whatever at Loxley in Staffordshire, f From this it should seem, that the word Roberdsmen was applied to all forest freebooters. ROBIN HOOD. 36 Yorkshire, and taking shelter on board his little fleet, at a place about six miles from Whitby ; and which is still known by the name of Robin Hood's Bay. We are told, that his strength was so great, that he could send an arrow a mile from his bow • and that too with the certainty of hitting his mark. But, notwithstanding his great strength of body, and prompt counsel of mind, he was doomed, in his old age, to fall a victim to the treachery of a monk. The manner of his death is thus related : — Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, having set a price upon his head, which caused many fruitless attempts to be made for his detection ; and at length, being closely pursued, many of his companions slain, and himself worn down with fatigue and old age, he took shelter in the priory of Kirklees in Yorkshire, about three miles from Huddersfield ; the prioress at that time being his near relation. A regular decay of nature, and a train of disappointments, brought on a disease, when a monk was called to open a vein ; but, either from ignorance or design — probably the latter, he performed the operation so ill, that the orifice could not be closed, nor the blood be staunched. Robin finding his exit fast approaching, and being desirous to point out the place of his interment, called tor his bow and quiver ; and discharged two arrows, the first of which fell into the river Calder, and the second into the park ; and the spot where the last fell he desired might be the repository of his bones. — He died on the 24th December, 1247, as appears from the inscription on his tomb ; which, though it has long been defaced, has been preserved by Dr. Gale, Dean of York, together with the epitaph which we copy literally. htar undersea!) dis latil stean Laiz Robert Earl of Hj>ti>.gion Nea areir ver az hie >a gecd Av pipl xauld i>i Robin Held Sick utlaz az hi av ?z men Yil England kits si agen. Obiit 24 Kal. Decembris, 1247. which may thus be rendered : — Underneath this little stone, Lies Robert, Earl of Huntington ; Ne'er archer was as he so good ; And people called him Robin Hood. Such outlaws as he and his men, Will England never see again. Evans, when speaking of our hero, in his tour, seems to think, he was one of those discontented wights that rose in arms against the system of inslosing the open lands in the reigns of Henrv the Second and Richard the Fu'st ; and that, having become inured to a woodland course of life no consideration could induce him to quit his lovely bowers. The inscription and epitaph are, however, an undisputed testimony of the time of his death, and of his havin°- belonged to the Huntington family ; and it is certain that he rendered himself famous in the neighbourhood of Nottingham, by often plundering the rich, particularly the clergy, and relieving the poor. The name of the person that wrote his Garland is entirely lost ; which is to be regretted, as manv of 36 HISTOJtY OF NOTTINGHAM. his songs would do credit to Shcnstone's woodland notes. A pamphlet written in the year 1652, and still preserved in the Oxford museum, says, Little John, or John Little, lies buried in Hathersage church-yard in the Peak of Derbyshire ; and that a stone at his head and another at his feet, at that time retained the letters I. L. the two initials of his name. SHEPHERDS RACE. Upon what was usually called Snenton-common, on an elevated spot near St. Ann's-well, was a maze or labyrinth, cut in the ground, and known by the name of Robin Hood's, or Shepherds' Race. The length of the winding was 535 yards ; and the ground which it occupied was about eighteen yards on each side : at the four angles were oval projections, intersecting the four cardinal points. Dr. Stukeley thought it was of Roman origin ; but Deering was of opinion, that it is of later date ; yet conceived it to be older than the Reformation ; as is evident, says he, from the Cross-croslets in the centre of the four rounds. He also considered it to have been cut by the priests of St. Ann's, for amusement and recreation, when they were not permitted to go out of sight or hearing of the chapel. The trenches were so narrow, that those who run the winding course were necessitated to run on the turf. As there is in general some truth for the foundation of a traditional name, it is very probable, that this labyrinth was cut by the Shepherds, in days of yore, when tending their flocks on these renowned plains. — — This spot, so long sacred to rural amusements, on inclosing the lordship of Snenton, was ploughed up, on the 27th of February, 1797. A spot of earth, comprehending about 324 square yards," sanctified by the lapse of centuries, as a place of rustic sport, by the curiosity of its shape, and by the magic raptures which the sight of it awakened in our fancies of the existence of happier times, could not escape the hand of avarice, which breaks down the fences of our comfort — the mounds of our felicity ; and destroys the reverence of custom, if an object of gain or of ambition present itself to view. Here the youth of Nottingham were wont to give facility to the circulation of their blood, strength to their limbs, and elasticity to their joints; but callous hearted avarice has robbed them of the spot. DRUIDS' HOLES. The absence of every thing, in the shape of correct information, respecting the origin of any thing spoken of, which has engaged, and divided the attention of antiquaries, is an argument in favor of its great antiquity. This opinion will apply to the cluster of caves in our park ; which are indiscriminately called The Rock Holes, and The Papist Holes ; but which I presume to call The Druids' Holes, from an opinion of their having been made by the ancient Druids. Their rude unchisseled interior bespeaks them the work of persons unacquainted with architecture ; and their fronting the rising sun and their distance from the town, demonstrate the original design of them to have been for the residence of religious devotees ; who, being separated from the bustle attending the occupations of the laity, could devote their attention to their sacred functions and be ready to offer up their orisons to the Deity at the first dawning of the day; a practice much attended to in ancient times, by every nation of the earth. That these caves were originally hewn and set apart as places of worship for. the ancient Britons, 1 think there is but little doubt; since DRUIDS' HOLES. SHERWOOD FOREST. 37 the Druids, who were alike their lawgivers, philosophers, and divines, delivered their public instructions to the people in groves of sacred oak ; and where could a place be found, more appropriate for their habitations than the one we are speaking' of? since the forest, which abounded with oak, came down to the very spot. And, as this forest forms so conspicuous a part in the songs of yore, and legendary tales about Nottingham, we will give the following sketch of it from the pen o^the late antiquary Hayman Rook, Esq. -of Mansfield Woodhouse. " This forest, it appears, was anciently divided, or rather known by the names of Thorncy " Wood, and High Forest ; the first of which, although the least, contained nineteen towns or " villages, of which Nottingham was one. The High Forest abounded with fine stately oaks, " and was free~from underwood.*; "The forest of Sherwood extends i itself into the hundreds of Broxtowe, Thurgaton-a-lee, and " Basset-lawe. When the forest of Sherwood was first made I find not: the first mention of it " that I do find is in: Henry the Second's time ; but I conceive it a forest before ; for William " Peverell, in the 5th of king Stephen, doth answer de Placitis Forestae in this county. Thus far ' f we can trace the antiquity of the forest, which is undoubtedly of very great extent. It is " the only forest that remains under the superintendence of the chief justice in eyre, north of Trent, " or which now belongs to the crown in that part of England. Many perambulations of this " forest, made in the different reigns, are preserved in the tower, and in the court of Exchequer s " the first perambulation was made in the 28th of king Edward the First ; the second in the 30th of " king Henry the Eighth; the third in the 14th of king Charles the Second,. — The forest is, " described in a survey, made in 1609, to be divided into three parts or districts, called the north " part, the south part, and the middle part. The north part contains the towns of Carburton, " Glead thorp, ; Warsop, with Nettleworth, Mansfield- Woodhouse^ Clipstone, Rufford, and " Edwinstone, the hays of Birkland and Bilhagh, and the towns of Budby, Thoresby, Paverelthorpe, "or Palethorpe, and Ollerton. The south part contains the towns of Nottingham, part of " Wilford, Lenton, Radford, Snenton, Colwick, Stoke, Carlton, Gedling, Burton, Bulcot^ Gunthorp, " Caythorp, and Loudham, Lambley, Arnold, Basford, Beskwood park,, Woodborough, Calverton, " and Saunterford manor.. The middle part contains the towns of Mansfield, with Plesley-hill, " Skegby, Sutton, Hucknal, Fulwood, part of Kirkby, Blidworth, Papplewick, Newstead, part of Linby, and part of Annesley. The whole quantity of ground , in the forest, according /o that " survey, is as follows : a A. R. P. " Inclosures ............... 44889 1 10 " Woods 9486 23 41 Wastes 35080 2 6 " Clipstone park 1583 1 35 " Beskwood park ---.-......... 3672 " Bui well park ---*.--._..._.. 326 3 2 " Nottingham park ............. 129 3 9 * Thomey Wood division obtained tbat name from the oaks being mixed, here and there, with thorn trees. K 38 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. •' Inclosures since the survey in 1609 : — Years. Acres. li Arnold forest ----•--«...._.. 1789 2280 " Basford forest -......-...__. 1792 1158 " Sutton. in-As'nfield .......... _ „ _ 1794 2608 " Kirkby-in-Ashfield ............. 1795 1941 " Lenton and Radford ............ 1795 261." After this little digression we will return to the subject of the Druids' Holes, on which Dr. Stukeley thus speaks, in his Itinerarium Curiosum. " One may easily guess Nottingham to have " been an ancient town of the Britains : as soon as they had proper tools they fell to work upon " the rocks, which every where offered themselves so commodiously to make houses in ; and I " doubt not here was a considerable collection of colonies of this sort." He further says ; " This C( is a ledge of perpendicular rock, hewn out into a church, houses, chambers, dove-houses, &c. " The church is like those in the rocks at Bethlehem, and other places in the holy land : the altar u is natural rock, and there has been painting upon the walls ; a steeple, I suppose, where a bell " hung, and regular pillars ; the river Leen winding about makes a fortification to it, for it comes : i " Thy sons, O Nottingham, with fervor pray, " May no intestine feuds thy bliss betray ; " Health, plenty, pleasure, then will ne'er decay." WEST VIEW OF NOTTINGHAM CASTLE, AND THE DRUIDS' HOLES. 41 CHAPTER II. CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE CASTLE, BREWHOUSE-YARD, AND THE CIRCUS. Upon the summit of a craggy, misshapen, and almost perpendicular rock, at the south-western extremity of the town, stands the castle ; the height of the rock being 133 feet above the level of the meadows. Mounted on so lofty a precipice, this mansion seems to bid defiance to the rolling tempest, and to court the conflict with the rudest blast. To the sight of the traveller, as he approaches the town, it presents a squat appearance, nowise corresponding with the majestic grandeur it displays to the circumspective eye. Centuries before the Norman invasion there was a tower or citadel upon the rock, whereon the present castle stands, which we find noticed in Magna Britannia in the following words ; the writer of which copied most of his observations on this subject from Camden : — " The Danes, " who frequently vexed this isle with their ravages, came at length to this town, anno 852, which " when Budred, the last king of the Mercians*, heard, he immediately besieged them, but without < 102 ! 122 142 j 122 126 G HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. i)i" age and upwards, of whom fourpence a head was collected in support of this odious tax*. — And as one third of the people were supposed to consist of clergy, mendicants, and children under fourteen, this will give Nottingham a population at that time of 2170. From this time till towards the latter end of the sixteenth century we find no data whereon to calculate the population of Nottingham. In 1567, St. Mary's; in 1572, St. Peter's; and in 1562, St. Nicholas's parish commenced recording burials : in the first five years after such dates, St. Mary's annually averaged 50 ; St. Peter's 14 ; and St. Nicholas's 12 deaths ; to which we may add 24, taking the parishes together, for those whose remains would be taken to other places, for the sake of mixing with the ashes of departed kindred ; and for the omissions which would very probably, occur in the registers on their first being instituted ; which numbers united will give 100 deaths annually for the five years alluded to; and this, by calculating on Dr. Price's plan, which lias received the sanction of experimental proof, we shall find the number of inhabitants in Nottingham, at that time, amount to 3100, giving an increase of 930 in about 200 years. The paucity of increase in this length of time may be accounted for from the war carried on between the houses of York and Lancaster for the crown, the most senseless of all the wars carried on by the English ; which began soon after the accession of Henry the Fourth, in 1399, and ended with the battle of Market- Bos worth, on the 22d of August, 1485, at which time Richard the Third lost his crown and his life. In this mortal conflict between the white and red roses (the former of which became dyed with blood, and the latter received a deeper tinge by its frequent immersions in the same fluid) there were fourteen battles fought, independent of numerous skirmishes, and many of them equal, in point of slaughter, to those of modern times ; and in which, it is very probable, many Nottingham men fell a sacrifice ; particularly in the last of the awful number, for Richard, who was much attached to this town, marched from it to the fatal field of Bosworth, and here too his army had principally been collectedf . Hence we have a right to conclude that * The following are the cities and towns whose population exceeded "2000 lay persons, of fourteen years and upwards, when the above tax was collected : — Cities and Towns. London - - - York - - - - Bristol - - - - Plymouth - - - Coventry - - - Norwich - - - Lincoln - — - Sarum (Wilts) - Lynn - - - - Lay persons - - 23,314 - - 7,248 - - 6,345 - - 4,837 - - 4,817 - - 3,952 - - 3,412 - - 3,226 - - 3,127 Souls. 34,977 10,872 9,517 7,255 7,255 5,928 5,1 IS 4,839 4,690 Cities and Towns. Colchester - - - - Beverley ----- Newcastle-upon-Tyne - Canterbury - - - - Bury (St. Edmund's) Lay persons. - - 2,955 - - 2,663 - - 2,647 - - 2,574 - - 2,442 Oxford 2,357 Gloucester -----.-- 2,239 Leicester --------- 2,101 Shrewsbury --- 2,082 Soute. 4,432 3,994 3,970 3,S6I 3,663 3,535 3,358 3,151 3,123 f It appears from the following interesting circumstance that Henry had his partizans too, in this neighbourhood ; for Sir John Byron would not go to the battle single-handed, as his wealth placed so many dependants under his control Sir John Byron and Sir Gervas Cfifton were intimate friends, as well as neighbours; and though the former took the part of Henry, and the latter that of Richard, this nowise diminished their friendship ; and, previous to the battle of Bosworth, they reciprocally took the following oath : — "That, if either " of them were vanquished, the other should intercede with the conqueror, that the estate of the loser might not be forfeited, but enjoyed " by his family." While Clifton was bravely fighting in the troop, he received a blow which overpowered him, and he fell. Byron observing the fall, quitted the ranks, and ran to the relief of his suffering friend, sustained him on the ground, guarded him with his shield, and iutreated him to surrender. Clifton replied, "All is over; I beg my dear friend you will remember the oath between us;— «=-*! POPULATION. ■' , ■■ ' - -' ■ ! - =g tr many Nottingham men fell in the conflict ; which would be a considerable drawback upon the population a long time afterwards. During- the space of eighty-five years we find tyrant contending against tyrant ; and the people were the murdered slaves and dupes of the whole. We next come to the account given by Deering, which appears to have been taken by some sloven of a calculator in the year 1739. Here we find the number of houses is pretended to be given ; while five streets, of which Narrow-marsh is one, are ranked in the list without a single house being set down. The number of inhabitants however, as it stands in the account is 9890; and the editor of Deering, whoever he might be, assures us, that the calculation was made by a person going from house to house. In Lowe's Agricultural Survey of Nottinghamshire, we find in the year 1779, the number of houses, families, and inhabitants in the town distinctly recorded as follows : — * Houses. Families. Inhabitants. - 3191 3556 17711 In the year 1793, Sir Richard Sutton surveyed the town, and found the number of inhabitants to be 25000. In 1801, when a general census was taken of the kingdom, the number of houses> families, &c. in this town stood as under : — Inhabited Houses Houses not Inhabited. Families. Souls. 4977 100 6707 28861 And, in 1811, another census of the kingdom was taken, when the following statement was givem for Nottingham, which is a striking proof of the industry of the town, rising superior to every difficulty ; for that year and two or three preceding ones, had brought more of the calamities of war upon the inhabitants, in the loss of trade, than had been witnessed during the memory of man Si. Mary's parish St. Peter's . - St. Nicholas's . l5reA\hou.ie-yard Inhabited Houses. - 5228 529 - 730 16 Standard-hill and Castle-wharf 25 Total 6528 Uninhabited Houses t 249 ] I 24 284 Families. 5585 568 718 17 27 6945 Males. 12381 1270 1720 41 122 15537 Females. 1 1990 1569 2103 63 101 1 8826 Total. 27371 2139 382 3 107 223 34363 The population of Great Britain long remained a subject of controversy among writers on the internal policy and strength of the kingdom, as well with respect to the actual number of (lie inhabitants, as their increase or diminution; until the question, respecting the number, was finally set at rest by an act which received the royal assent on the 31st of December, 1800, and which directed a general enumeration of houses, families, and persons, to be given in on the 10th of "Victory is your's. Use all your interest, that my lands may not be taken from my children " The worthy Tiyron, upon the po : nt of ren wins his promise, perceived that his friend was departing, and exclaimed with emotion, " -My. my dear Clifton, stay !" hut, a'as ! the wound was mortal, and the unfortunate Clifton expired on the field. Perhaps Uyron performed the oath he took, and the promise he would have renewed; for Sir Oerv ts C ifton, the descendant of him who fell, now enjoys the same estate, which "as possessed bv his ancestors nviiir centime- prior to the battle of Bosworth. Hat tons History of the Bailie of Bosirorth Field * Mr I.nwe s^ys Deerinrt's calculation is 10720 ; but, in the copy of that author in my possession the number is as giTeu a!>ov«. ■}■ The mimb-T of uninhabited houses was greater this year tlian at any ot er known p< riod of time. u 78 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. 35P March following- for England and Wales, and for Scotland as soon as the season should permit. This proviso was made in the act on account of the cold climate in Scotland rendering it impossible for persons engaged in the business to traverse the bleak mountains of that part of the United Kingdom so early in the year. In 1811, another census was taken, by order of parliament, to ascertain whether the population increased or diminished, and what the difference of such increase or diminution was ; the following table maybe entertaining to the reader, as in it both questions so long disputed w ill be found set at rest. The population of Great Britain, as taken in the years 1801 and 1811, stated and contrasted : — England Wales - Scotland Males. 3,987,935 257,178 734,581 Army and navy, and convicts 470,598 Total - 5,450,292 1801 Females. 4,343,499 284,368 164,487 5,492,354 Total. Males. 8,331,434 * 4,575,763 541,546 5 291,633 1,599,068 \ 826,191 470,598 \ 640,500 I 1811 Females. 4,963,064 320,155 979,497 6,262,716 Total. 9,538,827 611,788 1,805,688 640,500 12,596,803 Increase. 1,207,393 70,242 206,620 169,602 1,654,157* 10,942,646 \ 6,334,0S7 A circumstance which had caused considerable disagreement in the estimates, that had been aiade on the numerical strength of the country, previous to the enumeration in 1801, was the want of a proper datum, whereby to determine the proportion of persons to a house. Dr. Davenant and Dr. Brakenridge reckoned six persons to a house ; while Mr. Gregory King allowed rather more than four and a half in London, and four and three-tenths in the cities and market towns, &m\four in the villages. The fast now appears to be, that in England and Wales the proportion is, fine and three-fifths persons to a house, and in Scotland five and two-fifths. Taking- twenty-five of the most populous cities and towns, of which Nottingham is the thirteenth, London has seven and one-fourth, Plymouth nine and three-fourths, Sheffield four and three-fourths, and Norwich, the lowest, (as Plymouth is the highest of the number,) four and a half. In 1801, the proportion to each house in Nottingham was, as near as the number can be divided, Jive and three-fourths to a house ; and in \S\\,Jive and one-third. In a level country, subject to become the bloody theatre of contending nations, where the hope of permanent possession is subordinate in the breasts of rival leaders, to that of plunder and devastation, villages are almost unknown ; as near the whole population is cooped up in walled towns and fortified cities; personal security being no where else to be found. — From the conquest of this country by William, to the reign of Henry the Seventh, the garrisoned towns and cities in England were just the reverse ; they being considered more as haunts of refuge for men of desperate fortunes, than as places of settled residence for the general population of the country : the feudal lords having an interest in keeping these places thinly inhabited, because, there a spirit of independence was fostered by an union of sentiment, which often became a thorn in the bosom * The population of tlie earth is generally admitted to amount to 800,000,000 ; and some writers contend, that one human being departs this life every moment, which would make the deaths annually amount to 31,536,940 ; but this display of mortality is better adapted to impress the mind with the awful lesson, that the scythe of death nearly keeps pace with the beating of a pendulum, than to assist the statistical calculator in his researches. POPULATION. — PROVISIONS. 79 of their pride. These feudal lords, the better to ensure a continuance of their power over the lower orders of society, compelled their vassals to reside in scattered villages, to prevent the seed of independence being' sown in the hot-bed of the mind by a combination of sentiment and a community of interests. Though the tyrant is a stranger to those fine pulsations of the heart, which dispense sympathy to the sufferer, and justice to the injured, yet he is taught, as the first lesson of his creed, that mutual sufferings beget mutual friendship; and that these, when combined, are ever active in devising means to break down the barriers which separate man from those comforts that heaven designed as the reward of his virtues, his industry, and his courage. The crown of England being often contended for by rival claimants, the possessors of it strove to obtain command of the garrison cities and towns ; not so much for the sake of plunder, as to secure them to themselves, tbat they might overawe the respective districts where they were situate, and dragoon the neighbouring youth into their armies. These towns too often had to sustain the shock of besieging hosts, led on by enraged chiefs. Thus the means provided by nature and art for personal protection were often turned to its annoyance; and garrisoned towns were looked upon more as nurseries of evil, than as places of protection against insult and wrong. To these obstacles to a dense population may be added the very numerous and superlatively destructive foreign wars in which this country was engaged, in the space of time of which we are speaking, which drained the towns and villages indiscriminately of their youth, (except the vassals, that were not permitted to go, or not subject to be taken without the consent of their lords ;) so much so, that we find by an Act of the Ninth of Henry the Fifth, that there was not a sufficient number of respectable persons in the respective counties to act as sheriffs, coroners, and escheaters. Such were the obstacles with which trade had to contend, before it could give a population to its favorite haunts, commensurate to the ample promotion of its future glory. Nottingham having a fortress at that time, which was formed by nature and improved by art, caused it to feel the weight of the evils we have been speaking of, in the plenitude of their vengeance ; but the feudal system and the war between the Hoses ceased at no very distant period prior to the invention of the Stockino- Frame, which has given it a population far superior to many of those towns that were distinguished above it, when the odious Poll Tax was levied. PROVISIONS. Deering, when writing under this head, says, " Upon the whole, thus much may be said in general, that nothing is so cheap (in this town) as to render it contemptible ; nor any thing- requisite to a comfortable way of living so dear, but that the middling people, in the respective season, may have a share." About that time, that is about the year 1756, tea and sugar were becoming articles of general use; and our author seems highly disgusted that "seamed, sizers, winders, &c." should be partakers of them; and he particularly inveighs against these people making use of snuff, which he says, was in general use among them. This shews, that when speaking of " the middling people" he did not allude to the working class in general. Me distinguishes provisions into immediate netessaries, and less necessaries ; among the former he 80 JIJftTOJtY OF NOTTINGHAM. classes bread, malt, shambles' meat, butter, cheese, eggs, salt-fish, beans, peas, and common vegetables. Among the latter, he ranks poultry of every kind, fresh fish of every kind, rabbits broccoli, cauliflowers, asparagus, spices, and other grocery goods. Few markets can surpass ours for shambles' meat; and, indeed, if any of a very inferior sort be exposed for sale, the Corporate servants, under the direction of two examining- butchers, seize and burn it. The iish-markct, generally speaking, is very indifferently supplied, principally owing to a combination of the fish-mongers, who, in a plentiful season, carry the fish to Derby, Birmingham, &c. for the purpose of keeping up the price ; and who, when compared with the London fish-mongers, are such slovens in their business, as to disgust a person, that generally resides in the metropolis, with the sight of their ware. The gardeners' market is tolerably well supplied the year round ; and the price of the aiiicles is pretty well kept down in the spring- and summer seasons, by the number of country people who bring- vegetables to sell from Newark, Castle Donington, &c. Butter and eggs always fetch high prices. CHAPTER IV. CHURCHES AND CHAPELS. We are now entering- among the hallowed and sepulchral monuments of the dead, where solemn silence sits enthroned in awful majesty, undisturbed in his empire of eternal nig-ht, save by the admission of new tenantry, or when a bone, once sportive in the giddy circles of life, drops from its socket. Here, at every step, we tread upon the ashes of the departed, once, like ourselves, endued with the passions and the breath of life ; and who now mingle in uninterrupted repose. Here the young-, the old, the beautiful, the decriped, the ostentatious, the rich, and the poor, unite their mouldering bones without a murmur or a sigh. Here the children of industry have laid down their implements, the tyrant his rod, the slaye has cast off his galling chains ; and the coquette has closed her captivating eyes. ST. MARTs CHURCH, Stands upon the most elevated spot in the town, it being twenty-three yards above the level of the meadows. The form of the building- is collegiate ; and its lofty square tower presents a most majestic appearance, impressing the mind of the beholder with the solemnity of the occasion for which temples of religion were erected. In the steeple are ten fine musical bells, whose vibrating and transpiercing melody diversly impresses the mind ; sometimes hailing the return of peace ; sometimes sounding the knell of departed thousands who have bled in the field of victory ; and at other times informing us, by a solemn and heavy peal, that the trials are at hand of those unfortunate ST. MARY'S CHURCH. mortals who are strongly suspected of having violated the laws of our country. The following are the dates of these bells : — The 1st and 2d were hung preparative to the rejoicings at the coronation of George the Third, in 1761 ; and the 3d and 4th were cast and hung the preceding year. The 5th is dated 1699; the 6th 1613 ; the 7th 1690; the 8th 1605 ; the 9th 1695; and the 10th in 1637. This bell, however, was broken in 1757, and was re-cast the same year by Mr. Hedderley of this town. The dimensions of this church are, in the inside, from east to west, 216 feet ; from south to north, at the west end, 67 feet ; in the centre 97 feet, and the chancel 29 feet. The height of the steeple is 126 feet ; and that of the aisles 60 feet. Thoroton speaks of our churches in the following words : — " The vicarage of St. Marie was " twenty marks, and so was the rectory of St. Peter ; and the rectory of St. Nicholas ten marks " when the Prior of Lenton was patron : St. Marie's is now £10 5s. value in the King's books, ie and the Marquis of Dorchester is patron. St. Peter's £8 8s. 6d. and the King patron, as he is " also of St. Nicholas', which is but £2 16s. 8d. value." Ecton in 1723 states, St. Mary's to be ,£10 5s. in the King's books, and ,£1 0s. 6d. yearly tenths ; St. Peter's £8 7s. 6d. in the King's book, and £12 19s. yearly value ; and St. Nicholas' £2 16s. 8d. in the King's book, and £15 7s. 9d. yearly value ; the two latter being discharged from paying the yearly tenths on account of the smallness of their income ; and are therefore entitled to Queen Ann's bounty.* Deering was of opinion that St. Mary's church is of Saxon architecture ; and he rested that opinion on the following absurd story — A workman that was employe^ in rebuilding the west end, in 1726, told him, that he found a date cut in the end of a beam, ivfiich he did not pretend to remember ; but xaas sure that at that time, it proved the church tq be eleven hundred y ears old, A man who had found a date of eleven hundred years standing, arid that was able to decipher it, in the mutilated state it must be in on the end of a beam, must be possessed of some little erudition; and consequently would have noted down t\e figures. The singularity of the circumstance too, would have become a subject of conversation and inquiry among the curious of the day ; but nothing of this kind took place. The venerable Bede, the father of British history, and who was a bishop, speaks thus on the subject of churches. " There was a time when there was not a stone church in the whole land, " but the custom was to build them all of wood. Finan, the second bishop of Holy-island, or * Lindisfarn in Northumberland, built a church there, A. D. 152, for a cathedral, which was not " of stone, but of wood, and covered with reeds; and so it continued to Eadbert's time, the seventh :c bishop." The account of Deering's ivorkman makes the building of St. Mary's church to have taken place as early as the year 626; whereas we are informed by William of Malmsbury, that * In 1535, a valuation was taken of all church dignities, benefices, and all other ecclesiastical preferments throughout the kingdom, according to the best documents which could be procured ; and such valuation is called The King's Books In 1558, all vicarages, not exceeding ten pounds in yearly value; and all rectories, not exceeding ten marks, according to the above valuation, were exempted by act of parliament from paying the first fruits. And, in 1707, all livings were discharged from paying the yearly tenths, whose annual incomes were less than fifty pounds ; consequently St. Man 's benefice in this town was considered above that value at that time, as it is not in the discharged list. '1 he first year's income of a benefice was paid by the inenmhent to the king, and was called the first fruits, and one-tenth of such income, which is annually paid to the same quarter, is called yearly tenths. 82 IIlSTOJtY OF NOTTINGHAM. about the year 974, King- Edgar issued large sums from his treasury, (probably at the instigation of Dunstan, archbishop of Canterbury, under whose influence the king was guided) for repairing places of public worship, which were then built of wood, and covered with shingles, and were so rotten as not to admit of public worship being performed in them. That a church stood on the site of the present one, at the time of the conquest, or that one was erected shortly after that event, is certain, since we find all the three churches named in the foundation deed of the priory of Lenton, in the reign of Henry the First ; and. that the present church was built before the reformation is also certain, as that kind of architecture, which is unmeaningly called Gothic, and of which style this church originally wholly consisted, went out of fashion as soon as monastic gloom was dissipated ; and it is equally certain that it was not built before the middle of the twelfth century, as this style of archictecture was not introduced into England before that time ; and, if Deering had studied the science ever so little, instead of attending- to the tales of superannuated old men, he would not have led so many of his readers astray respecting- the age of this church. The British Encyclopedia states, " It may be observed, that antecedent " to this period, neither tabernacles nor niches with canopies, statues in whole relief, pinnacles, " pediments., or spires, nor any tracery in the vaultings were used ; but at this time, or soon after cf these began to obtain." But, to set the question at rest, we will call in the aid of John Leland, antiquary to Henry the Eighth., who visited this town about the year 1540. He says, " there be t* three paroche chirches (St. Mary, St. Peter, St. Nicholas,) but the chirch of St. Mary is ',' excellent, new, and uniforme yn work." From the foregoing observations, and the positive declaration of Leland, the conclusion is, that this church was built upon the site of an old one by Richard the Third, who was ever partial to this town ; or by Henry the Seventh, or, possibly it was began by the former and completed by the latter ; but, that it was finished after the union of the Roses is as clear as noon-day ; for, in the fluting of the pediment of the southern porch are two red roses and two white ones, in a good state of preservation ; in the centre of the pediment is a crosslet decorated with red and white roses ; and at the top of the arch over the porch hang- seven other roses, but in so mutilated a state, that the distinction of the red and white ones is scarcely perceptible. Were it possible to suppose, that any further proof was wanting to refute the tale of Deering's ivorkman, it might be found in this ; namely, public buildings of Saxon architecture consisted of very thick and heavy ivalls ; whereas, considering the magnitude of the edifice we are speaking of, the walls are thin and light. In 1726, the west end was rebuilt, when the uniformity and beauty of the whole were destroyed, by the Doric order being substituted for the Gothic style ; and instead of the lofty pinnacles, which used to adorn its crown, a Grecian urn was substituted. In 1707, a clock, made by one Rowe of Epperstone, was put up, the dial of which faced the south ; but, in 1807, the dial was taken down, and, the clock being found to be nearly worn out, a new one was made by Thomas Hardy, of this town, for which he received £126, and it was put up in February, 1810; and two dials were affixed to the tower, one facing the east and the other the west. The exterior of this noble and hallowed fabric displays the direful effects of the relentless tooth of time : it is frequently undergoing repairs ; and must continue to do so, otherwise, before many ST. MARY'S CHURCH. 83 more ages have passed away, its lofty walls will come tumbling to the ground. Much blame is attachable to some of the foregone church wardens, for having repairs done with such perishable stone ; as the south side, west of the aisle, which was new faced in 1761, and several other parts, recently repaired, fully testify. The staircase to the belfry, which was rebuilt in 1811, is an exception to this rule of wasteful expenditure of the parish money. The church-yard is now walled round, and encircled, at the top of the walls, with cast-iron palisades, with a gate at each corner, which is open only during divine service, and when other business is doing. Perhaps money was never expended about the church with more propriety than what was applied to this purpose ; for, it is certainly most disgraceful to civilized society for those places which are set apart as repositories of human ashes to be converted into theatres of lewdness, gambols, and dissipation. The uncultivated Indian views with reverential awe the spot which contains the bones of his forefathers ; then let us blush at the idea of being outdone by him in veneration for the dead. The work of properly inclosing the churchyard was begun in 1792, and was completed in 1807. In the former year it was found necessary to widen the street on the south side of the churchyard, for which purpose part of the latter was cut away, when a chantry-house, belonging to the Bridge Estate, and several little dwellings belonging to the vicarage were taken down ; they standing upon part of the ground which was necessary to be removed*. While this work was in progress a remarkable circumstance came to light, which, from its forming a curious trait in natural history, merits insertion. The churchyard being higher than the road, and the old wall being removed, a heavy shower of rain washed the earth from several coffins ; among which was one containing the remains of a Mr. William Moore, who once kept the Black Swan public-house on the north side of the High-pavement, and who had been buried twelve years. From the age of twenty-two an enlargement appeared on one side of his body, and it continued to grow to the day of his death, which happened at the age of seventy ; and he frequently told his friends, that he felt a hard substance concreting within him, which circumstance was injudiciously omitted to be inquired into when he died. On the exposure of his bones, in the rotten shell which had contained them, a substance, much resembling pumice stone, and as large as an ox's liver, was found, which was broken in pieces, and several parts of it were preserved by the curious. It is worthy of remark, that his ribs were much more bowed on the side in which this concretion grew, than they were on the other. There are two burying grounds, independent of the churchyard, one on the north and the other on the south side of Barker-gate. A plot of ground between Bellar-gate and Garter-gate was also bought for the same purpose, in 1814, at an expense of eight shillings a yard. In the interior of this church were the chantries of St. Mary, St. James, and one which took its name from one Amyas, Avho was mayor in 1334. There were likewise two chapels and a Guild, or Fraternity of six priests ; the former being dedicated to All-saints and the Virgin Mary, and the latter to the Holy Trinity ; and the house belonging to these priests, called Trinity House, * The vicar receives forty shillings a year from the parish as a remuneration ; but I do uot find any thing paid to the Corporation, 84 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. according- to the best information I am in possession of, stood where now stands the coach-house of Charles Mcllor, Esq. at the east end of his mansion, which is facing- the south end of St. Mary's-gate. . The chapel of All Saints was on the north side of the church, and was the property of the ancient family of Plumptres, from the 23d of Henry the Seventh, about which time, it is very probable, it was built* : here many of that ancient family lie interred. In the east corner is a marble monument to the memory of Henry, son of John Plumptre, Esq., with the family arms engraven over it : he was born July 22d, 1708, and died January 3d, 1718. The inscription speaks highly of his learning and the powers of his mind. Near to the foregoing is an alabaster tomb, on which lies the figure of a man in a gown with wide sleeves, and his hands in a praying- posture, Without an idea being left of whom it is intended to represent. It is extremely defaced, as much from children being shamefully permitted to exercise their mischievous arts upon it, as from the mutilating hand of time, though it has the appearance of being very ancient. At the west end of this chapel is a marble monument to the memory of Henry Plumptre, Esq. and Joice, his wife, with a Latin inscription to each; the former died December the 29th, 1693, and the latter November the 8th, 1708. On the south side, and opposite the chapel of all All Saints, is that dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which, till the year 1804, contained the tombs of the first and second Earls of Clare : that of the first was dated 1637, and the other 1665: the inscriptions upon them are preserved on a handsome mural monument erected in their stead. In this chapel too lies a mutilated alabaster figure, without any inscription. On a pillar in the middle aisle is fixed a marble monument to the memory of William Flamstead, gent, who died in 1653; and according to the inscription, was town clerk and steward of Nottingham. In this aisle and in the body of the church are many gravestones, *wbich were once ornamented with brass plates ; but which, as Deering informs us, were torn off by some of the contentious combatants in the time of Charles the First. What a pitiful species of warfare was this ! In the Chancel a number of mural monuments present themselves to the observer's notice. On the south side is one to the memory of Lady iVlary Brabazou, who departed this life the 2d January, 1737, and lies here interred by the side of her father, the Right Honorable Chambre, Earl of Meath, who died the 1st of April, 1715. Near the above is one to the memory of the Rev. Dr. Haines, late vicar of this parish, who paid nature's great debt on the 27th of April, 1806, at the age of 71. Though his mind was not expanded by the principles of philosophy, or by deep research into the liberal notions of theology, yet his conduct was peaceable, tolerant, and friendly ; and many poor families had to regret his death ; for many were partly fed by his private bounty ; nor did he vex his parishioners by a scrupulous exaction of tithes. V * In the year 1T38, the wainscoting- of this chapel was taken down by one Stocks, a joiner, who converted a piece of it into the door of a corner cupboard, which was- overspread with a deeply engraven thistle in full bloom, the royal arms of Scotland, Probably this was put u|> in honor of James the First wh.-n he visited this town. The cupboard is still in being, and the thistle is unimpaired ; the author having examined it pre\ ious to the writing of this note ST. maky's church. 85 On the north side of the chancel, and facing- the communion table, is a handsome monument, which bespeaks the good deeds of Samuel Hey wood, attomey-at-law, who died in 1789, aged 34. Those who still remember him, speak of him as forming 1 one of those rare exceptions of uprightness, which sometimes give lustre to the profession of the law. On the opposite side is one to the memory of Thomas Newdigate, Esq. third son of Sir Richard Newdigate, of Ardbury in the county of Warwick, serjeant-at-law, who departed this life the 24th of January 1722, aged 74. And near to it is one to the memory of Scroop Berdmore, D. D. vicar of this parish, who departed this life at the age of 60, in 1770; and likewise one to the memory of his brother, who acquired an ample fortune by the profession of a dentist; and who died in 1785, aged 45. The Altar-piece is a handsome piece of cabinet work; and was erected in 1727. In 1800, the King's Arms were painted in a pompous manner over the vestry door, principally at the instigation of a man, whose whole conduct in life has been a manifestation of his, neither fearing God, nor honoring the King ; but whose name shall not disgrace these pages. In this place Dcering fancied he discovered the representation of St. Christopher, of* a gigantic size : he might as well have supposed the almost obliterated figure to have been intended as a representation of Neptune, as he tells us that ships and water appeared about his feet. It seems, from what our author says to have been a wretched daubing, which ought to have excited his laughter, rather than his curiosity. In the north window of the chancel, the figure of St. Andrew, in stained glass, appears in all its original beauty ; and which is protected, on the outside, by a piece of wirework against the destructive hand of folly. In the west end, or ante-church, as it is usually called, are likewise many mural monuments. One, over the entrance from the southern porch, is sacred to the memory of John Morris, gent. who died in 1798. He acquired ajiberal fortune in the hosiery business ; principally, however, by obtaining a patent for the manufacturing of mits, and which will be particularly noticed under the head, Trade. On the same side is one to the memory of the Rev. Joseph Malbon, curate of this parish, who died at the age of 30, in 1777. Near to the last is one to the memory of Laurence Whitaker, who departed this life in 1769. On the north side, one remembers Samuel Wright, merchant of this town, who died in 1753, aged 56. And beneath it is one which informs us that Ichabod Wright, Esq. died in 1777, aged 74; and that Elizabeth, his wife, aged 82, died in 1782. Near to this place is one to the memory of Francis Hall, Gent, who died at the advanced age of 85, in 1801. Further to the west, is one sacred to the memory of Philip Strelly, and Elizabeth, his sister ; the former died in 1768 ; and the latter, who was the last branch of the family, in 1786. More westwards still, is one to the memory of Robert Wright, who departed this life in 1799, at the age of 74. He was an eminent hosier in this town, by which business he acquired a handsome fortune. Edmund Wright, Esq. his son and successor in business, is well known for his wealth ; but much more so for his benevolence to the poor. From his door the needy never go away empty ; nor does the tear of distress ever fall in his presence in vain. At the west end is a small mural monument to the memory of Bath Williams, Esq. lieutenant colonel of marines, who, after having endured forty years' service in various parts of the world, had the misfortune to be drowned in the Trent, in 1799, and at the age of 68. Y 80 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. It appears, from what the anonymous author, quoted by Deering, says, that there were organs in this church in the early part of the seventeenth century ; but a churchwarden, about that time, made bold to sell the pipes, and leave the case empty, in which state it remained till about the year 1704-, when the parishioners subscribed for a new set of pipes. These in their turn became very much out of condition, and were put into a state of complete repair in 1742, at the expense of the parish at large. In 1777 this organ was disposed of, and a most excellent new one was erected by the celebrated Snetzler. The instrument is supported behind the Quire by two Tuscan columns, over which David is painted as playing on his harp. — A glass partition was run across the church, at the back of the Quire, in 1798 ; and, in 1808, a new timepiece was placed in front of the loft. The Marquis of Dorchester had the presentation of this vicarage in 1708 ; the Duke of Kingston, in 1722; the Archbishop of York, as the Duke's representative, in 1730; and, at the present time it is possessed by Earl Manvers. The present vicarage house, which stands facing the south-east corner of the churchyard, was built on the site of an old one in 1653, for the accommodation of Mr. Y\ hitelock, and his friend and companion in prosperity and adversity, Mr. Reynolds, who came here as minister and lecturer, on condition of each receiving sixty pounds per annum, while single ; and an hundred pounds if they entered into the marriage state. The parish gave £300 towards the building of the house ; the corporation gave the timber ; and the two gentlemen paid the rest of the expense. In 1808, Dr. Bristow, the then incumbent, and successor to Dr. Haines, commenced an action at law against Mrs. Haines to recover damages, for her late husband's not having kept the house in a proper state of repair. It was a very unpopular proceeding ; and, though he laid the damages very hi"-h, he obtained only £70. He, however, immediately set about having the front new modelled and stuccoed ; and the whole interior also was put into a state of good repair. LIST OF THE VICARS OF ST. MARY's PARISH. The 1290 Johannes de Ely 1304 Robertus de Dalby 1313 Hinricus dc parva Haly 1317 Johannes de Ludham 1322 Joh. ff. VVitti Coryn 1347 Johannes dc Laundc 1347 Robert de Wakebridgc 1 348 Richard de Radclyffe 1349 Roger de Nyddingworth 13 49 Richard de Swanyngton 1351 Thomas de Pascayl 1357 Johannes Lorimer 1360 Johannes de Hoveden 1364 Johannes de Stapleford 1371 YVilliclmus dc Sandyacre 1 380 Robertus de Retford Years denote their Entrance into Office. 1401 Richardus de Chilwcll j 1617 1409 YVilliclmus Ode \ 1635 1447 Willielmus Wright \ 1662 1461 Johannes Hurt \ 1686 1476 Thomas Turner * 1690 1498 Johannes Greve \ 1693 1499 Simon Yates \ 1694 1504 Richard Travcnor ' 1698 1534 Richard Matthew * 1708 1535 Richard Wylde \ 1723 1554 Oliverus Hawood \ 1730 1568 Johannes Lowthe \ 1743 1572 Willielmus Underuc \ 1770 1578 Robertus Aldridge j 1806 1616 Oliverius Wytherington > 1810 1616 Johannes Tolson 5 Radulfus Hansby Edmundus Lay cock Gcorgius Masterson Samuel Crobrow, S. T. P. Benjamin Carnficld, A. M Vicarage vacant Tymothy Carrol, A. M. Edwardus Clarke, A. M Samuel Bcrdmore, A. M. Johannes Disney, A. M. Thomas Bcrdmore, A. M. Scroop Berdmore, S. T. P. Nathan Haines, D. D. John Bristow, D. D. George Hutchinson, M. A. ST. MARY S CHURCH. 87 The Rev. Mr. Whitelock was presented in 1651 ; but, along with his friend Mr. Reynolds, was driven away by the operation of the Seven Mile Act, soon after the restoration, when they found an asylum in the family of the Musterses, at Colwick. Two churchwardens, and two assistants, or sidesmen, manage the temporal affairs of this church, the churchwarden elect chusing his own sidesman previous to his being sworn into office. The churchwardens serve two years ; the vicar and the housekeepers chusing one alternately ; and the senior being accountant churchwarden for the year. The following table of receipts and disbursements for the year, beginning at Easter, 1806, as furnished by Mr. William Kelk, church- warden at the time, will give the reader a clear idea of the internal management of the church affairs. RECEIVED. s. d. X RECEIVED. £. d. Weighing machine - - A chant's charity For old iron - Rent of Mrs. Haines - Cooper's dividend Burgesses' pence For five hour bells . For burial in the church For sounding board Heat of Mr. Dunn - - 21 2 4 17 2 5 8 10 15 3 5 6 10 53 19 1U * Brought up ....... .. 53 < Rent of Mrs. Lart ...... 6 | Manner's charity ...... 2 | Cash from the late churchwardens . 127 \ Assessments for the last year ... 29 ? Amount of an assessment book 403 | Subscription for fencing the churchyard 199 5 Land sold for ditto ...... 94 j Rent of ditto ....... 1 19 U4 6 ro 17 91 H 2 H 3 8 916 14 PAID. £. s. d. Mr. Parkej's annuity .....10 4 Ringers one year's salary .-..30 11 Widdowson for cleaning steps ditto - 13 3 Loft tenders, &c. ditto .... 6 12 9 Communion plate cleaning ... 3 9 Johnson, sexton, one year's bills - 25 5 1 Organ blower, one year .... 2 Cook, glazier, for work done from June, 1804, to April, 1805 ... 14 13 Mr. Goody for bars for the organ 12 6 Repairing the prayer-book ... 3 Mr. Severn for wine ----- 715 Mr. Jalland for black cloth ... 45 Mr. Barnsdall for new seats ... 3 1 Assessment book making .... ] 8 Expenses at the confirmation ... 3 12 11 Mr. Smart for mats ..... 2 Ale for glaziers, &c. ..... 117 6 Mr. Burden for repairing seats -.066 115 4 3 PAW. £ Brought up. U5 Mr. Dawson for timber .... Mr. Lee for teaching singers ... 4 Widows' pence, Easter and Christmas 2 Mr. Pearson, organist, one year - . 10 Mr. Cook, glazier ......31 Apparitor's bill ....... E. Smith for washing surplices - - 1 Mr. Wilson, assisting to repair the organ ......... Mr. Torr, for work done in 1804 - Mr. Rouse for repairing the organ - 8 Postage (Acham's charity) - . ^ Mrs. Fry, for ale . . . ^ .. » Christmas box for singers .... 1 Mr. Greasley, glazier . - - - - Mr. Markland for wine -. - ... . 9 Mr. Stainrod for work .... 9 Mr. Brothers for ditto - - - - 20 s. 14 5 7 10 15 4- 8 17 1 7 4 17 16 d. 3 6 6 10) 11 11 6 217 11 88 HISTORY OP NOTTINGHAM. PAID. £. Brought over ....... 217 Mr. Cooper for repairing the engine 3 Mr. Hough for writing .... 6 Messrs. Burbage and Co. for printing 1 Mr. Tupman for ditto - - . - - 6 Mr. Huthwaitc for wine .... 4 Mr. Holmes for ditto .... - 4 Mr. Daykin for work done in 1805 76 Candles for singers ...... Mr. Frost, whitesmith ..... M rs.Caunt, bread for Manner's charity 2 For collecting ....... 1 Sidesmen's allowance ..... 4 Rev. J. Bristow for houses that stood in the church-yard .... - 2 Mr. Nail for ale Watts for dressing bricks .... Mr. Twells for arbitration and bonds for Mrs. Lart's house, one-third part 1 1 Mr. Dodd for work in 1799 - - - 30 Apparitor's bill, 1807 373 RECEIVED. Fines from victuallers for suffering tippling on the sabbath .... From tradesmen for trespassing on ditto For a watchman being drunk on duty For carriages travelling oa the sabbath £. s. 13 15 7 2 12 10 13 2 6 12 1 4 d. 11 7 7 10 6 4 6 s. 1 6 3 9 1 6 17 1 16 8 5 1 7 4 6 9 PAlis. £. ,. d. Brought up........ 373 5 1 Mr. Stretton for plans, &c. ... 4 4 Mr. Ashwcll for iron railing ... 154 19 For ditto -----..-. 36 6 8 Mr. Stretton for church-yard wall - 253 3 O To ditto for other work in part - - 14 13 6 Books and paper ...... 2 6 Three lb. clover seed .---- 3 Mr. Ely for ale 2 2 For repairing the burying ground wall in Barker-gate .....1318 Mr. Elliott for work at the Pilchcr. gate hospital ...---- 3 O Mr. Cook, glazier ------ 211 Assessments turned over to Mr. Tollington 29 12 10| Mr. Balguy's opinion at the election for Sexton 8 8 Cash paid to Mr. Tollinton - - - 22 18 Bad money _*_".- ----/0 5 d. PAID. Expenses at two constable meeting* For warning in constables, delivering cautions, and posting up tables of penalties ........ Five poor families relieved ... Fifteen poor families relieved, as recom- mended by the constables ... Mr. Sutton, for 300 addresses - - Mr. Dunn, for books on the sabbath In hand, paid to Mr. Tollinton . . 916 14 £. s. d. 1 12 15 6 13 4 1 15 1 4 9 2 6 9 To the foregoing-, the annexed note, will be a good accompaniment, on the authenticity of which, the reader may place full reliance.* * " A Terrier containing an account of the houses, eiebe lands, tythes, stipendiary payments, and all other ecclesiastical dues and profits «* whatsoever, belonging to the vicarage of St. Mary, in Nottingham, delivered at the Primary Court of Corrections of the Most Reverend " Father in God, Matthew, by Divine Providence, Lord Archbishop of York, in the year of our Lord 1748. "1. Imprimis. The Vicarage, house and garden thereto belonging, situate and being in a place in the town of Nottingham, called " Maylin-hill. ST. mary's church. 89 At Easter, 1808, four regular overseers were appointed for this parish; till. which time only two had been chosen ; hut, so vastly had the business- thereof increased, that two were found " 2. Item. About one acre of land in the Sandfield, butting towards the park pales on tbe south, Mr. Cole's land on the west, the " highway on the north, Mr. Plumptre's land ou the east. In 1726, in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Hawksley, now of Mr. George «' Greasley. "•& Item. Above one acre of land in the SandGeld, one end butting towards the highway leading to the Sandhills on the south,, the "other end towards Lark-dale, Mr. Egginston's land on the east, north and west. In 1726, in the occupation of. Mr. Thomas Limb, now of " the same or his undertenant. " A. Item. About half an acre of land called the Harp in the Sandfield, butting on Mr. Sulley's land towards the north, Mr. Flenuniog's ■ " land on the west and south, Mr. Ward's land on the east. la 1726, in the occupation of Nicholas Richardson, now of Mrs Nixon, or «■ her undertenant. " 5. Item. About three roods of land in the Sandfield, butting on the highway coming down to the Sheep-land, or Sheep-lane, on the " east, Mr. Ralph Edge's.land on the south, Mr. James Clayton's land on the west, charity land belonging to Mansfield, (let to- Mr. Newhamj " on the north. In 1726, in occupation of Nicholas Richardson, now of Mrs. Nixon, or her undertenant. " 6. Item. About one acre of land in the Sand field,. in-the road to Lark-dale and Bowling-alley-house, Mr. Samuel Wyer's land towards " the west, Mr. Potter^s land towards the north end, Mr. Abel Smith's land towards the east, Miss Hinldey's-land, (Mr. Alderman Huthwaite " tenant,) towards the south end. In 1726, in occupation of , now of Mrs. Nixon, or her undertenant. " 7. Hem. About one acre and one rood of land in the Sandfield, near Lark-dale, Mr. Sherwin's land on the south, lands belonging to " Mr. Smith and the Free-school on the east, Mr. James Clayton's land on the north, Mr. Wylde's land, (Stephen Dodd tenant,) on the west. " In 1726, in occupation of , now of Mrs. Nixon, or her undertenant " 8. Item. About one acre of land in the Ciayfield, butting upan the Beck-bleach-house, .since called Beck-barn, Mr. Skiner Newham's " land on the south,. the Eeckonthe east end, land belonging to the Corporation on the north, George Dodd*s land (late Mr. Grave's) on the " west end' In 1726; in occupation of Geoffrey Nixon, now of Mrs. Nixon, or her undertenant. "9. Item. T.wo leys containing. about one acre in the Ciayfield upon Gold's-wong., Mr. Hall's land on the east, Mr. Key's land on the " south and west, Mr. Trentham's land on the north. In 17*26, in occupation of Geoffrey Nixon, now of Mrs. Nixon, or her undertenant. "10. Item.- One land in the Ciayfield near Broad-oak Pool, D3vid Coulston's land on the east, Charity land belonging to Mansfield, (let " to Mr. Tepott,) on the south end, land belonging to the Corporation on the west, Mr. PI'umptre's land ou the. north end.' In 1726 in " occupation of Geoffery Nixon, now of Mrs. Nixon, or her undertenant: " IT. Item. One land containing near one acre in the Ciayfield near the Long-hedge, the Meadow-platt on the south, lands of Mr. Thomas " Smith's heir, and of Mr. Sherwin's on the east, Mr. Plumptre's land -on the north, Mr. Robert Thorpe's land on the west. In i 726, in " occupation of Geoffery Nixon, now of Mrs Nixon, or her undertenant. " 12. Item. A close or garden on tbe backside of Carter-gate, butting on Snenton-close on the east, a garden of the late Mr. Drewry's " on the south, Lord Chesterfield's-land on the north. In. 1726, in occupation of Geoffrey Nixon, now of Mrs. Nixon, or her undertenant. " 13. Item. About one acre of land in the Ciayfield near Fox-lane end, the highway on the end towards the west, Miss Hinkley's land "on the end towards the east, Mr. GregoryJs land towards the south, land belonging, to the Corporation oa the north. In 1726, in " occupation of Bartholomew Baiton, Esq., now of Mr. Charles SulLey-. " 14; Item. About three roods-of land in the Ciayfield, butting ou. the Beck-dike, and Mr. Plumptre's land on the west, Mr. William " Johnson's land, (late Mr. Millward's,) on the north, Mr. Morris's land on the east, land belonging.to the Corporation on the south. In "1743, in occupation of William Hutchinson, now of Mr. John Nix. " 15. Item. About two acres of land in the Ciayfield upon Crowhill-sands, of Mrs. Plumptre's, and of Mr. William Johnson's on the " east, Mr. Jebb's land on the north, a narrow ley late belonging to Lady Morpeth, now to Mr. William Jackson, on the west, Mr. Hall's " land on the south. In 1743, in occupation of William Hutchinson, now of Mr. John Nix- " 16. Item-. About one acre of land in the Ciayfield at the Woodland, or Wood-lane end, the p.inder's fee and the Beck on the east end, " the pinder's fee on west end, a close belonging to the Corporation on the north, Mr. Plumptre's land on the south. In 1726, in occupation " of Mr. William Jackson, now of his son Mr. William Jackson. " 17. Item- About one acre of land in the Ciayfield, near Darma Meadow-plat, a close of Mr. Plumptre's on the east, and the land of " Walters, Esq. late Mr. Smith's, on the west, Mr. Thorpe's land on the north, lands of Mr Thomas Smith's heirs, and part of the " Glebe on the south. In 1726, in occupation of Mr. William Jackson, now of his son Mr. William Jackson. ** 18. Item. About one acre of land in the Ciayfield on the east side of the Beck, at some distance the land of the late Mr. William "Thorpe, (former y Busy's Furlong,) on tbe west, Mr. William Jackson's land on the east, Mr. Plumptre's land on^the north and soutl*. " In 1726, in occupation of Mr. William Jackson, now of bis son Mr. William Jackson. 90 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. inadequate to its performance. And, as we are now quitting this parish, as a distinctive part of the town, the following short account of the assessments collected for the maintenance of the poor " 19. Item. Two leys containing about one acre of land in the Clay field, butting on the Beck near the new spring, the Beck on the east, •• Mr. Robert Thorpe's land on the south, Mrs. Hall's land on the west, Mr. James Clayton's land on the north. In 1726, in occupation of " Mr. Thomas Lamb, now of the same or his undertenant. " 20. Item. One land containing about three roods in the Clayfield near the gallows, the highway to the gallows on the west, Mr. Smith's " land on the south, Mr. Plumptre's land on the north, laud belonging to the Corporation on the east. In 1726, in occupation of Mr. Thomas " I.amb, now of the same or his undertenant. " 21 . Item. Three or four short cuts containing about half an acre of land in Darma Meadow-plat in the Clayfield, the Beck-dike on the " south, Mr. Plumptre's land on the east and north, the lands of Mr. Smith's heirs on the west. In 1726, in occupation of Mr. Thomas *' Lamb, now of the same. " 22. Item. One ley containing about three roods of land in the meadow near Hooper's Sconce, the Leen and Mr. Drewry's Pingle on the " north, Mr. Charles Drewry's land on the east, Mr. Abel Smith's land on the west, the Pinder's fee on the south. In 1726, in occupation *' of Mr. Thomas Lamb, now of the same or his undertenant. " 23. Item. One other ley containing about half an acre of land in the meadow near Hooper's Sconce, the Pinder's Fee on the north' " the little Ryehill Dike and Mr. Plumptre's land, (Winrow tenant,) on the east, Mr. Hind's land on the west, Mr. Plumptre's land,(Winrow " tenant) on the south. In 1726, in occupation of Mr. Thomas Lamb, now of the same or his undertenant. " 24. Item. About one acre and a half of land in the meadow near the King's meadows, Mr. Abel Smith's land on the South-hill closes , " Harrison tenant,) on the west, Mr. Robert Millar's land, (Thomas Boot tenant,) on the north, lands of Mr. Ralph Edge and of Mr. Abel " Smith on the east. In 1726, in occupation of Mr. Thomas Lamb, now of the same or his undertenant. " 25. Item. .About three roods of land in the meadows upon the great Rye-hills, butting upon the Bull-piece, on the north Mr. Plumptre's " land, on the south Mr. Farr's land, (late Mr. Drury's) on the east, Mr. Featherston's land on the west. In 1726, in occupation of Mr. " Mr. John White, now of his son Mr. William White. " 26. Item. One ley containing about one acre of land in the meadows upon the Great Ryehills, butting upon the Bull-piece on the " north, Mr. Plumptre's land on the south, Mr. Abel Smith's land, (late Mr. Greave's) on the west, land belonging to the Charity School on " the east. In 1726, in occupation of Mr. Thomas Jalland, now of Mr. Thomas Collin. " 27. Item. One ley containing about one acre of land in the meadows upon the Great Ryehills, butting upon the Bull-piece on the north, " the Pinder's Fee on the south, Mr. Plumptre's land o.i the west, Mr. Abel Smith's land, (late Mr. Greave's) on the east. In 1726, in " occupation of Mr. Thomas Jalland, now of Mr. Thomas Collin. * 23. Item. One ley containing about one acre of land in the meadow upon the Ryehills, causeway pool and Mr. Robert Milner's land " on the north, the Pinder's Fee on the west, Mr. Plumptre's land on the east and south. In 1726, in occupation of Mr. Thomas Jalland, " now of Mi. Thomas Collin. *' 29. Item A piece of land supposed to be by the Leen side near the King's Meadows leading into the Park-iow, and for some time past, " in the occupation of his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, for which his Grace pays to the vicar thirty shillings per annum. " 30. Item. The church-yard which had a house standing thereOB formerly, but it was taken down some years ago to enlarge the place " for burials, now the churchwardens pay to the vicar the yearly rent of forty shillings in consideration of the said house.* " 31. Item. Tythe of the Leen mill, being twenty shillings payable at Easter. " 32. Item. Tythe of Nether Trent Close. " 33. Item. Tythe of all Tofts and Crofts. " 34. Item. Tythe bread of every baker of the parsih, viz. a halfpenny loaf every Saturday. " 35. Item. Tythe pigs, potatoes, flax, and all other small tythes. " 36. Item. Tythe of all gardens occupied by gardeners at two shillings in the pound rent. " 37. Item. For all sheep that go in the fields from Michaelmas to Martinmas at fourpenoe per score. "38. Item. Twenty shillings per annum for a sermon upon the subject of christian love and charity, to be preached yearly on Good " Friday, in the afternoon, left by the will of Alderman Parker. 39. Item. Twenty shillings per annum for two sermons upon charity, to be preached yearly, the one on the Sunday before Whitsunday, " the other on the Sunday before Christmas-day, left by the will of Alderman Staples. " 40. Item. Ten shillings per annum for a sermon to be preached yearly upon the day of the restoration of King Charles the Second, " left by the will of Mr. William Thorpe Clerk, late vicar of Blidworth' " 41. Item. Surplice fees (viz.) for every burial in the church-yard one shilling, in the church two shillings, in the chancel two shillings * / tonctive this to hav been the Trinity-house; and, tradition informs us, that it stood in the north-west corner of the church-yard. ST PETER'S CHURCH, IT NICHOLAS'S CHURCH, ST. PETER'S CHURCH. ft! may not be thought unworthy of observation ; being partly obtained from the parish records in the vestry, and partly from the overseers' ledgers : — the pence with their fractional parts are omitted. Years. 1764 1768 1792 1797 Sums collected. £. s. d. 380 2 513 19 3657 14 5457 10 Years. Sums collected. £. s. d. 1802 11050 1804 15382 13 1808 18499 10 1812 24763 12 The following is an aggregate statement of the Town Rate, from the 9th of August, 1799, to the 31st of December, 1807, of which St. Mary's parish pays two thirds. Years. £. s. d. 1799 269 92 1800 902 10 1 1801 1368 16 11 1802 1338 6 1803 . ----- - 2982 15 2| 5 Years. £. si d. 1804 1661 10 7| 6 2{ 1805 1322 1806 3013 10 8£ 1807 2901 8 1 ST. PETER s CHURCH Stands a little to the south of the Market-place, upon an eminence twelve yards above the level of the meadows. Its structure, both in beauty and size, is far inferior to St. Mary's. It is built of stone, in the Gothic style ; and, at the west end, a clumsy tower supports a spire of an ordinary size. Deering conjectures that this church is " hardly quite so old as St. Mary's ;" by which words he evidently supposes it to be of Saxon origin ; since that people were masters of this kingdom, long after the fictitious date which our author has assigned for the erection of St. Mary's church. How a man of Deering's learning could fall into so gross an error, is really surprising. If there had been any remains of the thick heavy walls, and the obtuse angles, which marked the Saxon architecture, there would have been a shadow of probability in support of his opinion ; but, not the smallest trace of such evidence appears. " and sixpence, and the same fees are paid for those who die in the parish and are buried in other places, for every churching sevenpence- " halfpenny, for the publication of every banns one shilling and sixpence, for every certificate at the publication of banns one shilling, " for every mariiage by banns one shilling, for every marriage licence five shillings, and for every woman who lives in the parish and is " married bv licence in any other place five shillings. " 42. Item. For every head stone set up in the church-yard or the burial ground two shillings and sixpence, and far etery flat stone ore " ponnd, one shilling. " 43. Item. Mortuaries. " 44 Item. Easter offerings (viz.) sixpence-halfpenny for every house in the parish." " We believe the above Terrier, consisting of forty-four articles, contains a true account of the houses, glebe lands, tythes, stipendiary *' payments, and all other ecclesiastical dues and profits whatsoever, belonging to the vicarage of St. Mary, in Nottingham. " Scrope Beardmore, vicar of St. Mary, in Nottingham ; Thomas^Pearson, Richard Liptrott— Churchwardens ; William White, John Nix, " Charles Sulley, Thomas Lamb, Martha Nixon." 92 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. On the subject of Gothic architecture, as it is mistakenly called, F.. Carter, Esq. F. A. S. thus expresses himself. " Our pointed arch style of architecture, nicknamed Gothic, appears to have " emerged by accident, and incidental changes, into construction and method, and to have arisen " from the embers of architecture in use amongst us, during the era of the Saxons" Thus this great antiquary finds the kind of building we are speaking of to have " emerged by accident ,f and incidental changes into method from the embers of Saxon architecture," instead of its existing as monuments of the labour of that people. The eloquent author of the History of Malmsbury, who labored much in the field of architectural antiquity, has the following observations on the subject. " The beautiful peculiarities which stamp the sacred edifices of the thirteenth and " fourteenth centuries, are the steeples with spires and pinnacles ; the pillars formed of an " assemblage of light columns ; the lofty windows, sometimes towering* to a point, sometimes " (especially at the east and west end of the churches) much enlarged, divided into several lights " by stone mullioi^, and always filled with glass stained with lively colours, to represent saints and u martyrs, kings, queens, and benefactors." Here we have the date of the introduction of spire and pinnacle erections, of which our church is one ; and this most distant date is in the thirteenth century. Probably this church was built in the early part of the fifteenth century by Henry the Fifth, who displayed a partiality to this town. Had it been built much later, it would, in the language of Leland, like St. Mary's, have obtained the appellation of new ;■ and, had it been built at a much earlier period, the marks of decay would not have escaped his observation.. In the age to which we are alluding-, the clergy had instilled a belief, that crimes, of whatever nature, had their price of forgiveness in this world ,- and, under the influence of this opinion, it was customary for those monarchs, who had shed the most blood, to be the most bountiful in erecting churches, monasteries, and abbeys : hence it was that so many of these edifices sprung up in Europe, when the founders thereof had thinned the population of the earth with their crimes : among- whom, our Henry the Fifth stands eminently conspicuous. Deering says, when the workmen were making a family vault in the south side of the church by order of Abel Smith, Esq. banker, of this town, in the year 1739, they found " a red tire, " glazed with cross-keys upon it ;" hence he concludes,, that the altar had been paved around with the like materials. On our author's naming this circumstance to John Plumptre, Esq. the latter shewed him a similar tile which had been found in St. Mary's church, and on which were the figures of a bell, a key, and a sword, the two latter being the symbols of St. Peter and St. Paul. Bells were introduced into churches by St. Paulinus, bishop of Nola, in the fifth century ; and the figure thereof, accompanied with the symbols of the two principal saints, being represented on the materials for paving the most sacred part of the churches, would have a tendency to heighten the veneration in the audience. But, so far from the finding of these sacred fragments being a proof of the great antiquity of the churches themselves, a proof to the contrary, is deducihle therefrom; for, when these edifices were built on the foundation or site of others, the probability is that some fragments of the old, and greatly damaged pavements, would be buried in the earth which was occasionally removed, ST. PETER'S CHURCH. 93 Until the dissolution of chapels, chantries, and religious guilds, by Henry the Eighth, there were in this church the chapels of St. Mary and All-Saints, the former in the south and the latter in the north side of the church. There was also a guild, or fraternity of St. George ; the date of which is carried back to the year 1440.* The exterior of this edifice has undergone considerable repairs within the last thirty years. In 1789, the upper part of the steeple was in a very dilapidated state, when a man of the name of Wooton, commonly called the steeple climber, undertook to repair it, without the expense of scaffolding. He began by placing a ladder against the steeple, which he secured to the wall with tenters : he then mounted that with another on his shoulder, which he fastened above it in like manner ; and, so on till he reached the top. To prevent himself falling, he was girded round with belts, which, bv means of hooks, he connected with the ladders. Thus were the materials borne up ; and thus was Wooton enabled to rebuild four yards of the steeple ; and, when he had completed the work, he fixed a weathercock on the top. When he had accomplished his undertaking, in order to excite admiration and obtain money, he walked round the summit of the spire, beat a drum, and drank a bottle of ale, in the sight of thousands of people on a market-day; but the reprobation of the man's temerity, so far over-balanced public admiration, as in a considerable degree to diminish his expected rewardf. In 1800, the south side of the church was rebuilt, though the stone was extremely unfit for such a purpose, And, in 1806 and 7 the northern portico was taken down, and that side of the church was stuccoed. A question, whether the parishioners or the rector should repair the chancel, was agitated in the vestry in 1814; but, in consideration of there being no great tithes belonging to the rectory, with the prospect of a most expensive litigation and a doubt of success before their eyes, the parishioners agreed to take the burden upon themselves. Deering says, during the civil wars, that an accidental bomb fell into the vestry and dashed it to pieces. And Throsby says, this circumstance happened when the town was besieged If that species of attack could be called a siege, which consisted in a body of men once obtaining possession of the town by treachery in the night, and once when its defenders were elsewhere employed, and then flying away at the approach of the latter, then Throsby is right in saying that Nottingham was besieged by the royalists, and not otherwise. I presume that Colonel Hutchinson purposely directed several bombs or shots at this church to drive the Newarkers away, who had made a lodgment in it, in February 1644. There is a peal of eight bells in this steeple, the best attuned and the most melodious of any within many miles. They were cast in 1771, and rung the first time on the morning of Christmas-day that year ; though Throsby, negligently, and ignorantly, states them to have been cast about the year 1783. * In the south ais'e, or the chapel formerly dedicated to St. Mary, the Spiritual Court of the Archdeaconry has been kept, time immemorial ; but in, or about the year 1795, the practice of litigation ceased, all causes being referred to the eourt of York, except the merely issuing of citations ; notwithstanding this, the eourt meets as usual, four, five, or six times a year, which meetings axe regulated by tbe court of York. f Through misfortunes, tbis man ended his days in Nottingham gaol, as a debtor, In. 1808, 2 A 94 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. A poor washerwoman, of the name of Margery Doubleday, by a will bearing date the 20th of June, 1544, left the rent of a close, which abuts upon the south side of Broad-marsh, and which then let for twenty shillings a year, to the sexton of this parish, on condition of his ringing the then seventh bell (which she bought for the purpose) every morning, except Sundays, at four o'clock, to arouse the washerwomen of the town to their labour. She also willed the rent of a close, which was then seventy-six shillings and eightpence, to be paid to the Guild of St. George in this church, for prayers being put up for her soul and that of her husband, for ever*. These salaries are now become sinecures ; the sexton and minister receiving the wages, the former for tolling the bell once a year, and the latter for dreaming a dirge and thinking a mass* The church-yard, till the year 1804, was open to the public; there being one entrance to the north, one to the south, and one at the north-east corner; but it was then inclosed, by stopping the north and south entrances, and by running a line of cast-metal palisades across the east end, leaving a footway from the south-east to the north-east corner ; the southern, and northern boundaries of the ground being inclosed with a wall ; a principal entrance, for persons attending divine worship being preserved in the latter direction, near the end of Peck-lane. Within this hallowed inclosure are many grave and head-stones ; among the former, on the east side of the path which leads to the northern entrance into the church, is one, sacred to the memory of a man who was a great stickler for the high, or blue party in this town, at elections; and who is stated to have had great influence with the working class. He was a needle-maker by trade ; but, though poor, he was honest ; for, it is said to his honor, that he never took a bribe. What a national blessing would it be, if as much could be said, with truth, of every elector and representative in the kingdom! In 1727, an opposition took place at the election of Borlace Warren, Esq. and the Hon. John Stanhope; the latter gentleman and John Plumptre, Esq. being of the whig party ; but Mr. Warren was the object of our hero's choice, who declared, while the election was in progress, " that he should not mind dying immediately, if his cock succeeded ;" and so it turned out ; for, when the chairing was over, he fell down dead with impassioned joy ; in consequence of which, and from his having been a dutiful and kind son to a widowed mother, the following serio-comic epitaph was written for and engraved upon his tomb : — Here lies Vin Eyre, Let fall a tear, For one true man of honor, No courtly Lord, That breaks his word, Will ever be a mourner. In freedom's cause, He stretch'd his jaws, Exhausted all his spirit ; * This close was stated to be at the wood side ; and as I am informed, the next close but one to the Trough Close,- on the north side, •f- In St. Peter's register, we find the following anecdote recorded : — "The little bell, which the Towu Crier useth, doth belong to the church of St. Peter, and was cast at the charge of the parish, 1624." ST. PETER S CHURCH. 95 Then fell down dead — It must be said He was a man of merit. .Let freemen be As brave as he, And vote without a guinea : Vin Eyre is hurl'd To th' other world And ne'er took bribe a penny. Sept. Gth, 1727. True to his friend, to helpless parent kind, He died in honor's cause — to interest blind ! Why should we grieve, life's but an airy toy ; We vainly weep for him who died with joy ! This man being thus marked out, as an exception in the system of corruption at elections, proves that considerable progress in the path of patriotic rectitude has been made since that time; as, within the last twenty years, many electors have been found, among the working class, whose conduct in resisting threats, and every species of seductive allurement, has done honor to the parties to which they were respectively attached.— Every letter is worn out of the stone, which covers the ashes of honest Vin. ; and, their not being replaced, reflects discredit on the burgesses at large, particularly the party in whose cause he expired.* A peculiar neatness distinguishes the interior of this church ; and, in 1812, an organ was erected in it by subscription among the parishioners. — A large square window used to adorn the east end of the chancel, by the variegation it displayed of ancient coats of arms in stained glass ; but, in 1720, it was built up, and an altar-piece was placed against it, which is a great ornament to the church. It represents Christ and eleven apostles at the last supper; and Moses and Aaron grace the side extremities in their pontifical robes. But, the beauty of the piece was much injured by the operation of the southern sunbeams, before the parishioners had the foresight to protect it by a window-blind. The north side of the chancel is graced with several mural monuments : — Two to the memory of the families of Lockes and Saunders, ornamented with their respective armorial bearings are near the eastern end. Another informs us that John Tempest, Esq. third son of Sir George Tempest, Bart, of Tong, in the county of York, died in 1752, at the age of 51. His wife, Elizabeth, is stated to have followed him in 1784, at the age of 77. It also remembers the Rev. Robert Tempest, who departed this life in 1755, aged 53. Near the vestry door is a beautiful one of white marble to the memory of Charlotte Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Ann, Lord and Lady Carrington, and wife of Alan Hyde, Lord Gardner, who departed this life on the 27th * There are six or seven elm trees in this church-5'ard — A statute of the last of Edward the First, directs trees to be planted in chuich- yarc's ;. and the preamble to it states, that the original design of planting them in these places was, to protect churches against the wiud. 06 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. of March, 1811, at the age of 27. She left two children ; and is spoken of as having possessed every virtue, which can adorn the female character. On the opposite wall is one to the memory of Edward Chappel, rector of this parish and of Barnborough in the county of York, and prebendary of Southwell. Over the door is a plain monument which states John Sherbrooke, Gent, to have died in 1760, aged 84. There are several other monuments in this church, among which we will notice one to the memory of Francis Braithwaite, a respectable hosier of this town, who died at the age of 47, in the year 1813. He was principally instrumental in causing the organ to be erected the previous year. In the south aisle is one to the memory of Thomas Trigge, Alderman, who quitted this earthly tabernacle in 1704, in the 52d year of his age. He gave £b0 at his death to buy land with, the rent whereof to be distributed in bread to the poor, by the minister and churchwardens on Christmas-day. Near to this is one to the memory of John Rickards, Alderman, who departed this life in 1703. Upon a tombstone in this aisle in the following inscription : — " Here lie the bodies of William " Ayscough, printer and bookseller, of this town, and Ann, his wife — she was daughter of the " Rev. Mr. Young, rector of Catwick, in the county of York. He died March 2d, 1719; she u died December 16th, 1732," To this Deering adds, " The above Mr. Ayscough is remarkable " for having first established the art of printing in this town, about the year 1710."* In the north aisle are several hatchments, one to the memory of a bachelor of the name of Langford, one to a female of the Smith's family, and the other three to males of the same family. LIST OF THE RECTORS OF ST. PETER s PARISH. 1241 Johannes de Nottingham | 1483 Johannes Maycwe I 1618 Hugo Parke, sequestrator 1280 Johannes Cathal j 1486 ltobertus Cotyngham I 1287 Richardus de Stapleton \ 1499 Willielmus Ilkeston 1538 Johannes Ploughman. 1550 Nicholaus Cooke \ 1292 Johannes Brus de Pykering | 1510 JohannesPloughKyngsbury 1300 Adam de Kyrkby 1322 Lancelot de Corebto 1323 Willielmus de Willoughby 1334 Robertus Jolan 1347 Willielmus de Whatton 1349 Henricus de Kcyworth 1369 Robertus de Newbald 1375 Willielmus de Rodington 1392 Hugo Martel 1426 Johannes Burton 1434 Johannes Drayton 1445 Willielmus Gull \ 1578 Johannes Nyttervel Wittie | 1583 Carolus Aynsworth | 1588 Radolphus Shutte 5 1593 Johannes Pare | 1604 Franciscus Rodcs \ 1606 Roger Freeman | 1610 Johannes Kelle | 1610 Thomas Low | 1617 Georgius Cotes 1619 Georgius Cotes 1640 Johannes Goodall 1642 Johannes Aysthorpe 1667 Samuel Leak 1672 Edwardus Buxton 1680 Willielmus Wilson, A. M. $ 1693 Nathan Drako, A. M. \ 1704 Timothy Fenton, A. M. * 1721 James Wilson, A. M. $ 1725 Edward Chappell, A. M. 5 1767 Samuel Martin, A. M. i 1783 Jeremiah Bigsby, A. M. * 1797 John Staunton, L. L. D.+ * 1814 R. W. Almond, A. M. * Mr. Ayscough commenced the printing business in a house, on the west side of Bridlesmith-gate, midway between Pepper-street and Peter-gate. In about six years after, Mr John Collyer commenced printing a newspaper, (in a house on Timber-bill, now occupied by Mr. Wilson, draper,) which was called the Nottingham Post, and was continued till the year 1732, when Mr. George Ayscough, son of the above-mentioned William, began the Nottingham Courant, in the house wherein his father t;onimenced the business of printing. In 1757, Mr. Samuel Creswell, of this town, and Mr. John Gregory, of Leicester, began a paper, called the Leicester and_Nottingham Journal: it ST. NICHOLAS'S CHURCH. 97 ST. NICHOLAS s CHURCH. By examining Specie's map, we find that the church, which occupied the site of the present one, was similar in shape and size to St. Peter's ; but, it appears to have been more ornamented, and rather more modern in its erection. V^ hen the castle was commanded by Colonel Hutchinson, Alderman Toplady treacherously let the Newarkers into the town, who obtained possession of this church ; on which account Mrs. Hutchinson thus speaks. " There was an old church, called St. " Nicholas's church, whose steeple so commanded the platform, that the men could not play the " ordnance without woolsacks before them. From this church the bullets played so thick into the " outward castle yard, that they could not pass from one. gate to another, nor relieve the guards, " but with very great hazard." When the Colonel had chased the Newarkers out of the town, he, by the advice of the committee, ordered the church to be taken down, lest it should again furnish his enemies with the means of annoying him. On this subject, Deering fell into an egregious, if not a malicious mistake ; for he says, Colonel Hutchinson sent the bells to Owthorpe, which place was the Colonel's property ; but, so far from that being the fact, that village was then in the hands of the royalists, and continued so till the surrender of Newark to the parliamentary troops ; nor is there more than one bell at Owthorpe. Several pieces of a bell, or bells, were found some years ago by a person who was digging near the foundation of the present tower ; and it is probable that the whole of the bells were broken by the shot from the castle. A paper preserved by the late Mr. Walter Merry, antiquary of this town, contains the following remarks : — " At, or about Candlemass, 1714, one or more of the pinnacles of the tower of St. Nicholas's " church, in Nottingham was blown down, which occasioned the breaking of a main piece of " timber, between the steeple and the body of the church ; on the plaster of which beam were " written these words — This church was burnt and pulled down 1647, and began ag-ain 1671." The paper was signed, Bn. Stephenson, sexton, and J. Abson, rector. Some remains of the foundation of the old church has been found by the sexton near the top of Rosemary-lane. The present church is built of brick, with stone ornaments : the steeple is a tower, containing one bell (independent of the sermon bell,) which was cast in 1726. The edifice was finished in 1678 ; but it has undergone several alterations and improvements since that time. In 1756, the was printed in Leicester, and published at a given hour in Nottingham. This concern lasted till 1769, when Mr. Creswell bought the Courantof Mr. Ayscough, and converted it into the Nottingham Journal, in the house at the south end of the Exchange, now occupied by Messrs. Parker and Son, tailors and drapers In 1772, Mr. George Burbage set up the Nottingham Chronicle, on the Lonar-row, in the second house west of the Crown Inn, now in the occupation of Messrs. Newman and Kirk, drapers. This paper continued till 1775 when Creswell and Burbage compromised their opposition, and became joint proprietors of the Journal, which afterwards became the sole property of Mr. Burbage, and, at his death, of Mr. George Stretton, who married his daughter. In 1780, Mr. Henry Gox, writing-master, commenced printing the Nottingham Gazette, in the house now owned and occupied by Mr. Tatham, grocer, on the Middle-pavement, at the eastern side of the entrance into Postern-place ; but it was given up within the first year. The Nottingham Review was established by Mr. Charles Sutton, at hishouse, at the north-east corner of Bridlesmith-gate, 180S. And another Nottingham Gazette was began by Mr. William Tupman, in 1813, at the north-west corner-house in High-street. f This gentleman's name was Aspinshaw; but, he obtained the king's licence to change his name, on account of some territorial inheritance". 2 B 98 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. south side was extended by means of voluntary contributions ; and, in 1783, ,£500 was raised in the same honorable way for the purpose of enlarging- and otherwise repairing- the north side. - There are few edifices erected for religious purposes, which exhibit more grandeur, in the art of decorative simplicity, or more taste without ostentation, than the interior of this church displays ; and there is a small organ, which was erected in 1811. On the north side of the communion table, an elegant painting- represents the good Samaritan ; and on the south side, one represents the return of the Prodigal Son. The walls are likewise decorated with a number of monuments, some of which have a striking appearance. On the right hand side of the communion table is one to the memory of Elizabeth Alsop, who died in 1731 ; and to Mary Alsop, who died in 1751. In the south aisle is a handsome one to the memory of John Collin, Esq. and several of his children, the descendants of Lawrence Collin, gunner to Colonel Hutchinson. He was a wool-comber by trade, and obtained an order from Cromwell, after the decapitation of Charles, to settle in this town and follow his business ; but the Corporation opposed the order, on the ground of his not being a freeman of the town. They were induced however to yield to the mandate of Cromwell : and, from the benefactions of his posterity, the town has reason to be thankful, that the nonsensical opposition of the Corporation was over ruled: — The inscription upon his monument is in these words : — Near this place LIES THE JiODY OF L v >:, - JOHN COLLIN, ESQ. Who departed this life June 18th 1717. IX THE 45th YiiAR OF HIS AGE. He married Mary, daughter or George Longford, Esq. and Judith his wife, by whom he had issue ^ six sons and foir daughters, longford, abel, Thomas, John, Samuel, and George, Ann, Mary, Judith, and Ann. Ann, Samuel, and George, died in 1 heir infancy before him. Abel Collin, died August 8th 1730. Judith Collin, died Feb 7th 1731. Three graves-stones below inform us, that Lawrence Collin, died in August, 1704, in the 91st year of his age : that Abel Collin died in April, 1705 ; and Thorqas Collin, in January, 1706. Another monument remembers Lucy Gage, wife of John Gage, Esq. who departed this life in 1739 ; and the Rev. John Gage, rector of Colwick and West-Bridgeford, who died in 1770. At the west end of the north aisle, a handsome marble contains the following inscription : — " Near this place lieth the body of Lamuel Lowe, who died the 30th June, 1770, aged 80 years " Also, Mary, his widow, who died 13th January, 1775, aged 77. Likewise William Lowe, their " son, who died 25th July, 1788, aged 64. Also, Ann, his wife, who died 7th December, 1781, " aged 41. There are many vaults in this church, among which are two near to the last mentioned place, containing the ashes of two Nottingham families, of considerable repute ; viz. the Huishes and the ST. NICHOLAS'S CHURCH. 99 Davisons. The grandfather of the present branches of the Huish family was a woolcomber ; and, by care and industry he commenced the business of a hosier, in which he laid the foundation of ample fortunes for his posterity. The other family has been less fortunate ; though Robert and John, the two sons of Doctor Davison, will long be remembered as active tradesmen and distinguished patriots ; John also being a vigilant magistrate of the town ; but, some unfortunate circumstances having shattered his affairs, he became reduced, and the goodness of his heart completed his ruin ; for, having given security, to a very large amount, for the faithfulness of a young man, as clerk in the Bank of England, who betrayed his trust, and escaped the halter by a kind of miracle, he was obliged to pay the forfeited sum, which brought on an insolvency ; and he died in 1804, in the prime of life, of a broken heart. Mr. Robert Davison was equally unfortunate, though one of the most accomplished tradesmen of his clay. He quitted the hosiery business, and commenced worsted spinning at Arnold, on a very extensive scale, in conjunction with Mr. John Hawksley ; but, the concern proved unprosperous; and he expired of an apoplexy in 1807, leaving his affairs in a state of insolvency. At the east end of this aisle is an elegant marble monument to the memory of Francis Hawksley, who died August 30th, 1749, aged 82 ; Elizabeth his wife, who died December 15th, 1756, aged 88 : and to Francis their son, who died September 14th, 1781 ; also, in memory of Thomas Hawksley, who died January 4th, 1782, aged 49 ; Elizabeth his wife, who died September 9th, 1807, aged 75; and also their son Thomas, who died October 3d, 1802, aged 49. The last named gentleman was equally famed as a chemist, a patriot, and a philantropist in this town. There are four hatchments in this church — one to the memory of a Mr. Newdigate who resided in a house at the top of the north side of Castle-gate, known for years by the name of JSewdigate-house ; another to the memory of the first Sir George Smith, Bart, who built the mansion now called Bromley-house on Angel-row ; the third to that of Cornelius Launder, Esq. late of this town ; and the fourth in remembrance of a Mr. Cooper of the Thurgaton family. The church-yard, which is eleven yards above the level of the meadows, is thickly beset with grave and head-stones ; and among the numerous epitaphs which they exhibit, is one to the memory of a Thomas Booth, who was considered the most accomplished hero of his age in the practice of deer-stealing. Old Tom was so delighted with the epitaph, .which was made before his death, that he obtained a head-stone and had it engraven thereon, preparative to his dissolution, which happened in 1752, in the 75th year of his age. He was a very stout man ; and by trade a whitesmith. The stone stands against the southern wall of the church. " Here lies a marksman, who, with art and skill, " When young and strong, fat bucks and does did kill. " Now conquered by grim death (go reader tell it) u He's now took leave of powder, gun, and pellet. ' " A fatal dart, which in the dark did fly, " Has laid him down among the dead to lie. " If any want to know the poor slave's name, " 'Tis Old Tom Booth, ne'er ask from whence he came. " He's hither rent; and surely such another, Lor C. « Ne'er issued from the belly of a mtfther." 100 HISTORY OP NOTTINGHAM. On the east side of the church-yard is a small mural monument to the memory of William John Gill, son of the Rev. Joseph Gill, vicar of Scraptoft in Leicestershire, who was apprentice to Mr. Attenburrow, surgeon, and who, at the age of 19, on the 19th August, 1802, was drowned in the Trent, while in the act of bathing, between the boat-house and the bridge. He was much admired for the suavity of his manners ; and was much lamented by the faculty for the precocity of his genius. The following pathetic lines are engraven on the monument : — " Ah ! why in speechless, hopeless, anguish bend, " O'er his lov'd grave, the parent, sister, friend ? " Why mourn, when honor, goodness, mildness, truth, " Ennobled and adorned his blameless youth? ; ' Why mourn, when firm in virtue's path he trod ? " That virtue which endeared bim to his God. " He saw, approved, made soft the mortal blow, " And snatch'd him guiltless from a world of woe." Adjoining to the south-east side of the church-yard is an additional burying ground. RECTORS OF ST. NICHOLAS'S CHURCH. 1259 Will Bishop 1267 Richard de Weremsworth 1285 Johannes de Ludham 1317 Herbertus Pouger 1318 Williclmus de Ilkeston 1321 Galfridus de Wilford 1329 Gilbertus de Ottrington . Thomas Tutil 1351 Richardus Kaym de Gotham 1366 Johannes Templer 1366 Johannes Deinby 1367 Thomas Lorday de Stanley 1371 Willielmus de Bilham 1427 Willielmus Cokker 1432 Willielmus Westthorpe 1435 Johannes Sampson 1436 Johannes Hopwell 1464 Nicholas Fish 1466 Richardus Elkesly 1471 Robertus Echard 1476 Thomas Tewe 1477 Edmundus Holme 1497 Johannes Dale 1502 Thomas Reyncr 1503 Reynaldus Marshal 1531 Alexander Penhill Roger Bampton vel Mempton \ I 1585 Railulphus Shute ? 1588 Johannes Lambe 5 1611 Robertus Malham * 1622 Robertus Aynsworth) § 1663 Johannes Aysthorpe ? 1665 Vacant to 1669 5 1669 Samuel Leek * 1674 Vacant to 1682 5 1682 Johannes Simpson 5 1715 Johannes Abson, A. M. | 1749 George Wakefield, A. M * 5 1767 George Beaumont, L. L. B. 5 1773 Charles Wylde, D. D. \ 1533 Thomas Ward It is singular, that in every list of the rectors of this parish, previous to the publication of this History, the writer thereof has substituted vicars in their stead. The list too, from 1622, to 1669, appears a complete jumble, which we will rectify in the best manner we are able. It is stated in the previously published lists, that Robert Aynsworth, who was inducted in 1622, was the last incumbent till after the restoration; that John Aysthorpe, who became rector of St. Peter's in 1642, was sequestrator of St. Nicholas' in 1663 ; and that, in 1664, there was no sequestrator. — Now, from Robert Aynsworth being stated to be the last incumbent till after the restoration, we should be justified in concluding, that one had been inducted immediately on that event taking * The Corporation presented Mr. Wakefield with the freedom of the town, on his being inducted into this rectory ; and the first time h« exercised his franchise was in 1754, when he voted contrary to the corporate interest, in return for which, they withheld from him a share of the £50 which they gave annually among the ministers of the three parishes; but restored it to him in about three years. This donation is now entirely withheld. ST. NICHOLAS'S CHURCH. 101 place, which was in 166(3, yet we find none mentioned till 1669; though we are told, that John A.sthovpe was sequestrator in 1663; as if a sequestrator had been a regular officer in the parish. A sequestrator is an officer appointed by government to seize upon certain property, and, who has the charge of it till some question in dispute, relative to it is decided. And when St. Nicholas's church was demolished, in 1647, as we hear no more of the then rector, we have a right to conclude, that he was dismissed, probably for participating in the treachery of Alderman Toplady ; nor could there be any property to sequestrate ; since, although the benefice is a rectory, it possesses no great tithes, there being no cultivated land in the parish, except a few plots of garden ground. Nor do we find that the small tithes were ever collected. The error seems to have arisen here — From the destruction of the church to the time of its being rebuilt, it is probable that the rector of St. Peter's officiated, with respect to marriages, burials, &c. and would/ of course, receive the dues arising therefrom ; and as such, as far as respects those duties, he ought to be set down as rector of this parish. Samuel Leek, or Leak, is positively named as such in both parishes ; and I have ventured to place John Aysthorpe in the same capacity. St. Peter's parish is circumstanced the same as St. Nicholas's, respecting great tithes ; and, as to the small ones, I cannot learn of their ever having been collected, except in the following instance,, the particulars of which I had from one of the parties concerned. The rector, about the year 1793, said to one of the officers of the church, c f if you will inform me of any person who keeps " breeding sows in the parish, I will make it worth your while." The person replied, that he knew of but one, whom he named ; and, in a # day or two he let him know, that his sty would be honored in a short time by a tithe-pig visitant. The owner of the pigs, however, determined to prevent the necessity of such visit ; and he accordingly took a young pig in his arms, and contrived to make it move the knocker at the rector's door, who, being informed of the nature of the visit, welcomed the squeaking guest into the house; but, he never inquired for a tithe-pig any more; nor did he reward the person who had given the information. In St. Mary's parish the case is different: there the vicarage tithes are collected with considerable severity, particularly since the death of the Rev. Dr. Haines. There are also two customs pursued in this parish, that are said to be peculiar to it ; and which shall be related here, though one of them might more properly belong to another place. Tradition informs us, that King John, when on one of his visits to this town, called upon the chief magistrate, whose cellar he found destitute of ale : and that he likewise called upon the minister of St. Mary's, whose cupboard was destitute of bread. John, being vexed to find two such characters in circumstances so disagreeable, ordered, that the chief magistrate should annually have a certain quantity of ale given to him by every publican in the town ; and that the minister should have a halfpenny loaf given to him weekly by each baker in his parish. The former tribute is collected by one of the town serjeants, who, in lieu of sixpence worth of ale which used to be drank by any one he chose to give it to, now demands fourpence in money, and the liberty of tasting the landlord's tap. — The latter is collected by any person whom the vicar chooses to appoint. 2C 102 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. ST. MICHAELs CHURCH. When tradition is neither supported by written document nor substantial circumstance, it should be most sparingly received ; but, when it is corroborated, though only by the latter, it merits some attention. In this situation we find the generally received opinion, of a church, dedicated to St. Michael, having stood between Fox-lane and St. Ann's-street ; which space is to this day, called St. Michael's church-yard. When the proper authorities go on their processioning excursions they are attended at this place by a clergyman, who reads a lesson out of the scriptures on the spot. And I am informed, by Mr. Joseph Crisp, on whose veracity the greatest reliance may be placed, that his father, who was a gardener, in the course of his digging in this place, found a great many human bones. These circumstances certainly combine in support of the opinion, of a church having stood here ; but at what period is entirely left to conjecture. Had it existed at the general survey, it would of course have been noticed; or if, when the town wall was erected, there is scarcely a doubt but it would have been encompassed on the north by that fortification. The probability is, if a church ever did stand here, that it was erected by some of the Mercian kings ; and that it was destroyed by the hostile Danes in 868, as it might be made «se of by the inhabitants in opposing the approach of these spoliates to the town. ST. JAMES s CHURCH, OR CHAPEL OF EASE. Various attempts were made within the last twenty years to obtain a grant for the erecting a chapel of ease in this town, which were regularly opposed by the incumbents of the three parishes; but, when Standard-hill was advertised to be sold, it being extra-parochial, and, consequently, without the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of the diocese, it was thought a favorable opportunity for the accomplishment of the object. Accordingly, the friends of the measure, bought a piece of ground upon this desirable spot, and then applied to parliament for authority to consummate their wishes. The incumbents petitioned against the bill, which was strongly opposed in the House of Lords ; but they failed, and, in 1807, it received the royal assent. It was not a want of room in the churches,-which caused a number of the adherents to the established faith to wish for a new church ; for, except on extraordinary occasions, there is always accommodation for many more persons than what attend. No, it is the discipline, and not the tenets of the establishment with which the members of this congregation are at variance. In a cavity in the foundation stone, at the south-west corner, is a brass plate, containing the following inscription : — " This first stone of a building, dedicated to St. James, for the public " worship of Almighty God, agreeably to the rites and ceremonies of the established church of " England, was laid by Thomas Hill, Edmund Wright, Richard Eaton, and Benjamin Maddocfc, " Esquires, the 27th day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1808, and the 48th year of the reign " of his majesty, King George the Third ; the Right Honorable and Reverend Edward Venables " Vernon, being Lord Archbishop of the diocese." In June 1809, the fabric was in such a state of forwardness as to admit of divine service being- performed in it, at which time it was consecrated. The building is too low, to be elegant ; yet it T JAMES'S CHURCH S-? MARY'S CHURCH, st. Michael's church. — st. james's chukch. — peverel court. 103 is high enough to be comfortable for a considerable congregation ; and, to make it more so in winter, it is flued in various directions, for the purpose of heat being conveyed. The side aisles are commodiously lofted, as also is the west end of the nave. The steeple, if it deserve the name, is a tower, with one bell, which was cast by Hedderly, bellfounder in this town, in 1791, for the use of a cotton mill in Broad-marsh. The walls are of brick, cased with stone ; and the window and door frames are, in what is termed, the Gothic taste. ST. JAMES s CHAPEL. The first building, bearing the distinctive name of chapel, which we read of in this town, apart from the churches, was dedicated to St. James : it stood about sixty yards from the bottom, and on the south side of the street which bears the name of the saint. Probably this chapel was of Saxon origin, since we find no account of its erection by the Normans, and since, on the establishing of the Peverel Court the sittings thereof were ordered to be held therein, and which were held there till 1316, when Edward the Second removed this court to the County-hall, and exonerated the town of Nottingham from its feudal jurisdiction ; and gave the chapel to the Carmelite Friars, to whose convent it stood contiguous. Edward the Third, in the 4 1st of his reign, granted the honor of Peverel, as the high stewardship of this court is called, to William de Eland, of Basford, and his heirs, about which time it appears to have been removed to that village ; the high steward having the power of keeping it at any place within its jurisdiction. Whether it had been removed from Basford and taken thither again, between the years 1368 and 1791, does not appear; certain it is however, that this court had been kept at Basford during a long and uninterrupted series of years previous to the last mentioned date ; about which time, Mr. John Sands, keeper of the prison, opened the doors and let the prisoners out, because there was no food allowed for their support and because he had been legally informed, that, if one of them died of want, he would be liable to take his trial as a murderer. The court was then removed to Lenton ; the prisoners being placed under the care of Mr. Wombwell. who, in 1804, built a new coffee-house and a prison. The court we are speaking of is a Court of Pleas, for the recovery of small debts, and for damages in case of trespass : its jurisdiction extends over one hundred and seventy towns and villages in Nottinghamshire, one hundred and twenty in Derbyshire, and several in the counties of Leicester and York. At the present time, Lord Middleton is the high steward, Mr. John Balguy, barrister, the deputy .steward, and Mr. S. Sanders, solicitor, the prothonotary. A court is held every Tuesday, and the writs issued are returnable the next court day to that on which they are issued : and a general court, in which the high steward is supposed to preside, is held twice a year, which are called " The courts of trials."* Deering, from not being able to obtain a list of the high stewards, supposed such list to have been destroyed in " the civil wars;" but, by referring to Rastall's History of Southwell, and other * Several additions were made to the limits of the jurisdiction of this court by Charles the First and Charles the Second, in which Rotherhain and Sheffield were included. 101 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. records, I have been able to make out the following list, which, I by no means, present to the public as complete. LIST OF THE HIGH STEWARDS. William Peverel ; Sir William Peverel, son. of the former; Ralph Paynel, one of the Empress Maud's captains ; The Crown ; John Earl of Morton, afterwards King John ; Robert de Vavasor; Hugh de Stapleford ;* William de Eland; Rowland Revel, who married an heiress of William de Eland ; Randal Revel, and Hugh Revel, successors of Rowland. — The Hutchinsons of Basford, a Collateral branch of the family of the Hutchinsons of Owthorpe ; Lord Goring, from whom the stewardship passed to his son Charles, Earl of Norwich ; Henry Goring next possessed it ; and next Charles, second son of the Earl of Norwich. It afterwards fell into the hands of Lord Wlgorne ; and after him into those of his sons, Charles, Lord Herbert, and Arthur, Lord Somerset. Queen Ann, in the 5th year of her reign, by letters patent, granted the honor of Peverel to Sir Thomas Willoughby (whom she afterwards created a peer of the realm, along with eleven others, to control a political question in the House of Lords), and his heirs for ever. From this nobleman the honor descended to his son, Francis Lord Middleton ; and from him to his son Francis Lord Middleton ; from him to his brother, Thomas, Lord Middleton ; from him to his cousin Henry ^ Lord Middleton ; and from him to his son Henry, the present and sixth Lord Middleton. Mrs. Hutchinson states, that the powers of this detestable court lay dormant a considerable time, previous to the appointment of Lord Goring, to the office of high steward, which is the highest panegyric she could pass upon the relatives of her husband ; for, it must have been a sense of the injustice of this court, which induced them thus to suspend its operations. Mrs. Hutchinson further states, that h a pragmatical babbler, of the name of Chadwick, who, by his arts, had arisen from a " cleaner of trenchers to a retailer in scraps of law," had the address to get the powers of this court revived, and himself to be constituted their prime mover. Shortly after the writer of these pages became a resident of Nottingham, he went with a friend, one morning in February, to see what havoc stern winter had made in the coffee-house gardens at Lenton, which had been represented to him as a kind of paradise in the summer season ; being unconscious, at that time, that one of the most wretched mansions of human misery stood within their precincts. Several robins were fluttering upon the keenly frozen snow, in quest of scattered crumbs ; and a blackbird, all shivering with cold, was hopping from spray to spray — the wind whistled, and bleak, from the north-east, the angry blast blew. — While walking in pensive * Of the Staplcford's little is known, they resided at the village of Stapleford for some generations, and the last male of the family dying without issue, his sister Margaret took the estates, &c. into the Tevery family. This family had long been seated at Long Eaton, but John Tevery having marred the above Margaret Stapleford, he made Stapleford his place of residence, and the family continued there until (for want of male heirs) the property went by marriage to the Palmes's who soon afterwards retired into Yorkshire, and disposed of the property here. The old mansion was sold to the Warrens and the lands to different persons. The family of Palmes still exists in Yorkshire, being seated at Naburne near York. The Elands were settled at Basford for a considerable length of time, and the family name seems to have ended in the person of Mary who was the daughter and heir of Thomas Eland, and who married Rowland Revel in the reign of Henry the Eighth. The estates of the Elands were sold to Thomas Hutchinson, Esq. of Owthorpe, who gave them to his second son John, from whom descended the Hutchinsons of Basford. PEVEREL COURT. DISSENTING CHAPELS; 105 admiration, his ears were stricken with the sound of a human voice, the tremulous cadence of which bespoke the anguish of the bosom whence it came. These were the words which it uttered — ' r God bless you master, pray relieve a poor prisoner, famishing for want of food, and trembling iC with cold." — A clap of thunder would not have made so deep an impression on the memory — death alone can remove that impression from the heart. — Hastily turning - about, a man appeared, peeping through a hole in a door, with a beard of four week's growth upon his face, which was otherwise haggard and meager — his eyeballs glaring with anxiety ; and his body sparingly clad in filthy rags. What ! a prison in a pleasure garden ! was the first exclamation that presented itself! — and pray what is your offence, my poor man? and what your means of subsistence? " My offence" replied the victim, " is that of running twenty-five shillings in debt, when my " family was nearly perishing with hunger, during last year's famine, (1795.) and which I have " not been able to pay ; and my means of subsistence (while, with a look which was half sarcastic " and half expressive of his sufferings, he pointed towards a pump,) my means of subsistence are •* all within that well, except a few scraps which the keeper pleases to give me, for cleaning his " knives and his shoes." What ! is it to be borne, that, in what is called a land of liberty, a human being is to be incarcerated within four walls, without bread, and without fire.* " That is iC all," replied the prisoner, still pointing towards the pump ; " and. as my wife and children are " now supported by the parish, not one of them can come near me, to chear me with a smile." Without calculating upon consequences, or reflecting, that his strength was inadequate to the performance of what the wounded feelings of the heart suggested, the narrator immediately set his shoulder to the door, with the hope of wresting it from its hateful hinges ; but, the unhappy man stopt him. by saying, "" you will only, by a vain attempt, bring yourself into trouble, and add " much to mine ; for, if I should obtain the keeper's displeasure, he will not give me a morsel of ,; bread to prolong my miserable existence, till the rules of the court will permit me to leave this " abode of sorrow; in which case I must die of want here, and never see my disconsolate family " more." — A flood of tears g-ave relief to the writer's half-bursting heart — he forced the small contents of his pocket into the hand of the wretched sufferer, and then fled from this disgraceful dreg of the feudal law. If Lord Middleton's favorite dogs were once confined in this prison, his lordship would order the walls to be levelled with the ground ; and, O ! what honor would be the lot of that gentleman, who should be the cause of driving this badge of disgrace from the face of the earth. DISSENTING CHAPELS. Dissenters took their rise in England in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, under the appellation of Puritans ; and many were added to their numbers in the time of James the First, in consequence of his establishing the Book of Canons, and from his causing the Book of Sports to be published. * H>-re the following passage fjrom Eeocaria's Essay presented itself to the writer's mind, and caused the above exclamation. " The ■' degree of the punishmen', and the consequences of a crime ouuht to be so contrived as to have the greatest pussible effect on others, " with the l--ast possible pain to the delinquent. If there be any society in which this is nut a fundamental principle, it is au unlawful - society, for mankind, by their anion, originally iutcuded to subject themselves to the least evils possib'e.'' 2 D 106 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. The first dissenting- congregation were called together, November the 20th, 1572; and the first independent church was established by one Henry Jacobs, in 1616. The bigoted and persecuting conduct of Charles the First added many to the body of dissenters, particularly by his disregard of the sabbath, which was exemplified in his ordering the Book of Sports to be re-published, which he enjoined the clergy to read in their pulpits, under the forfeiture of excommunication and the loss of their benefices. He.thus added to the dissenting- interest, by furnishing many conscientious shepherds to guide the different, and hourly increasing- flocks. Though Charles the Second owed his crown to the dissenters, he sought by every means in his power to be their tormentor ; first by passing the Act of Uniformity, in 1662, and secondly, in two years after, by passing the Conventicle Act, which enacted, that every person, above sixteen years of age, who should be found at a religious meeting, the principles of which should be adjudged to be contrary to the established religion, where more than five persons were present, besides the household, should pay five pounds, or be imprisoned three months for the first offence ; double for the second ; and for the third, to be banished seven years, or pay one hundred pounds ; and, in case of return or escape, to suffer death, without benefit of clergy. The passing of the famous, or rather infamous, Oxford, or Five-mile Act, in 1665, completed the tyranny of Charles, and shewed the vile and persecuting spirit which governed his councils. This Act inflicted a penalty of forty pounds upon every dissenter who should be found preaching, or teaching a school within five miles of any city, town corporate, or borough, except he had previously taken the following oath. To wit. " I, A. B. do swear, that it is not lawful, upon any tf pretence whatsoever, to take arms against the king, or against those commissioned by him ; and " that I will not, at any time, endeavour any alteration of government in church or state." In consequence of this arbitrary measure., Mr. Whitelock and Mr. Reynolds were driven from their asylum at Colwick-hall ; and it is computed, that the dissenters, in the space of three years, were plundered of ten millions of property ; and that eight thousand died in prison in the course of this reign* The dissenters of this town may date their origin from the time of Charles the First ; for, as the inhabitants took part with the parliament, it is fair to conclude, that, a liberality in religious sentiments was encouraged; indeed this is evident from the handsome manner in which Whitelock and Reynolds were treated. But while the dissenters in general were smarting under the furious lash of Charles the Second, those in this town used to assemble at midnight in a vault, under where Mrs. Gawthorn's house now stands, at the top of Drury-hill. And, after the Act of Toleration was passed in the reign of William and Mary, a party assembled in a house at the north-east corner of Pilcher-gate. In a short time after this the HIGH-PA VEMEJVT CHAPEL was erected, which belongs to a sect, anciently known by the name of Socinians, that arose in Poland, from the preaching of one Faustus Socinus, who died in 1604; but they are now more , * Se« Palmer't History of tbe Nonconformists HIGH-PAVEMENT CHAPEL CASTLE-GATE CHAPEL. 107 properly known by the appellation of Unitarians, or Antitrinitarians ; they believing in one God only, as the creator and preserver of all things ; and that Christ, the son of Joseph and Mary, was sent by God on a divine mission, to instruct mankind by his doctrine and example, both in life and death, in the ways of righteousness, humanity, morality, and brotherly love. They believe that the Holy Ghost consists in the inspiring spirit of God, through the medium of the scriptures : that there is no such thing as original sin, as that would import concupiscence, or deformity in nature ; and that man has a free will to do good and to fulfil the law. Deering calls them Presbyterians ; and Throsby, the copiest of all his errors, does the same. Presbyterians are so called, from their church government being regulated by a Synod, or Presbytery, consisting of elders, chosen and invested with powers for that purpose, by all, or certain members of the body over whom they preside. The members of the church of Scotland are disciples of John Knox, who was a follower of John Calvin ; and yet they are called Presbyterians, from a vulgar error, that the word Presbyter designates the tenets of their faith ; whereas it has no more to do with the definition of those tenets, than the President of the American States has to do with the consciences of his fellow citizens. As well might every descendant of Abraham be called a Theologian, because the Hebrews were once governed by a Theocracy, as to call any sect Presbyterians, because they are dissentients from the established church. This chapel was new roofed, the floor flued, the walls stuccoed, and otherwise repaired, in 1S05. The building is fifty-nine feet, by fifty feet,- and, though it is not the largest, it is the most majestic, and has the most commanding appearance of any chapel in the town. Adjoining to it, on the south side, are two commodious school rooms, and a small sitting-room, with every necessary accommodation. In this chapel the herculean talents of the late Rev. George Walker, (well known in the philosophical and political circles) long thundered forth the principles of civil and religious liberty — the benignity, resulting from the practice of humanity and charity — the necessity of instructing youth in the precepts of morality, and in the rudiments of education — while he would pour the balmy sweets of comfort into the hearts of his hearers, by calling upon the Father of Mercies, in the most emphatic strains, to secure the eternal happiness of mankind. Here the Rev. James Tavler, and the Rev. Joseph Hutton, now unfold the beauties of Christianity with superior eloquence, to one of the most respectable congregations in the town ; and illustrate its precepts by example. And, in viewing the free schools kept here, with what emotions of delight do we behold the man possessed of thousands, bending the knee to, and courting the attention of the orphan, in order the more forcibly to implant the rudiments of education and the precepts of morality in its infant and expanding mind. CASTLE-GATE CHAPEL. The congregation that attends this place of worship is very numerous ■ and many of its members are of high respectability, both for wealth and moral rectitude, as well as for their liberality and charity to the poor. The members of this church are called Calvinistic Independents, or Congregationalists, from their adhering to the doctrines of John Calvin ; and from their holding 108 H1STOJIY OF NOTTINGHAM. it as a matter of right, that every congregation, or church, should stand independent of any other, respecting its own internal government. They believe in predestination and particular redemption —that grace is necessary to salvation — that good works are not the less necessary to render them objects worthy of being partakers of grace, which can only be obtained through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost — that the blood of Christ, the Son of God, was shed for the redemption of God's elect ; and that none will be refused that seek, though at the eleventh hour. They separated from the Unitarians on doctrinal points, about the year 1688, in which memorable year this chapel was built. It stands on the north side, and near the bottom of Castle-gate: it is a noble structure, and measures fifty-five feet by fifty-three. Adjoining to it is a vestry and two convenient school rooms : the inside is well lofted, and presents a commanding appearance. A burial ground, belonging to the society, in front of the chapel, contains many grave and head-stones ; and under it runs a culvert which divides St. Peter's and St. Nicholas's parishes. The present minister is the Rev. Richard Alliott, who possesses a fine flow of eloquence, and every virtue, so eminently necessary in his conspicuous situation. THE PARTICULAR, OR CALVINISTIC BAPTISTS, Have a chapel on the south side of Park-street, adjoining the yard, which belongs to Collin's hospital. Though the date of its erection is lost, there is little doubt but it was the third place built in Nottingham for the use of dissenting worship. It measures sixty feet by twenty-seven. There is a burying ground belonging to the congregation, lying on the west side of Mount-street, nearly opposite to Mount-court. The erecting of a new chapel, in George-street, was begun in 1814, which measures sixty-three feet by fifty. Their present pastor is the Rev. John Jarman, whose conduct and labours as a christian minister, have rendered him highly respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. Iu 1805, a schism took place in this congregation, when a small party retired to a school room in Maltmill-lane. They afterwards joined a few Scotch Baptists, that had been knitting together about two years previous ; and now, as a united body, under the pastorship of Mr. Samuel Ward, they are becoming numerous, as a sect of Scotch Baptists, and have bought the above-named chapel in Park-street. The Scotch Baptists, embrace the calvinistic tenets ; and differ nowise materially from the sect of which we have just been speaking, except in church government. Q UAKERS. This peculiarly distinguished sect took their rise when Cromwell was dashing away in all the plenitude of power. When a bird, which was hatched in a cage, has escaped from the wiry walls of its prison, it takes a hasty flight — flutters its wings — hops from twig to twig, to elude the arts of its pursuers — it seems to contemplate on its new situation ; and occupies a considerable time in flying from bush to bush, as if in hopes of finding a place of greater security. And thus, when the combustible materials,'of which polemical opinions in religious matters are composed, had taken fire, men began to contemplate, that it was dangerous to rest their hopes of future happiness upon the dogmas of another man's creed; and that the wrath of heaven might be the wages of their QUAKERS. 109 own neglect, if they lost an opportunity, which a concatination of circumstances had furnished, of diffusing' those tenets which the different parts of scripture presented to their several understand- ings. Hence it was, that so many religious sects took their rise, immediately after the mounds of Romish superstition and bigotry had been broken down ; and when the successful efforts in favor of liberty had given full vent to opinion. It has been concluded, and perhaps justly, that many men of late have commenced teachers of the gospel from mercenary motives ; but this cannot be said with truth, of the religious heroes of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries ; since prisons and poverty were frequently the reward of their labours. Among the worthies of that time was the celebrated George Fox, born at Fenny-Drayton, in Leicestershire, about the year 1624, where he preached his first sermon under a large tree, which was held in high veneration by his followers; and not at Drayton in Lancashire, as is falsely stated by some writers. It is variously stated that Fox was a shoe-maker, and a breeches-maker ; but, be that as it may, it is certain that he was imprisoned in Nottingham m the year 1649, for setting the inzcard influence of the spirit, and the plain testimony of the scriptures in opposition to the outward forms and explanatory ceremonies of the other preachers. Fox, however, fell into very good hands ; for, being committed to the keeping of John Reckless, one of the sheriffs, who took him to his house, where George, in the space of fourteen days' confinement, made such an impression on the sheriff's mind, that, at the end of that time, he absolutely preached Quakerism himself in the open market-place. Shortly after this, George Fox was taken before two Derbyshire magistrates, when, one of them, after scoffing at him, for his telling them to tremble at the word of the Lord, exclaimed, " Why, this man is a Quaker ;" from which flippant expression, the Friends, as they term themselves, obtained their distinctive appellation; and not from the trembling and quaking of George Fox, as has erroneously been stated and generally believed. By. some writers this sect have been denominated Deists, by others Socinians, while others again have considered them Arminians. Whether all these notions be partly correct, or wholly groundless, I believe few, who are not Quakers, can determine, since to keep their tenets from public investigation has, with them, been a studied point. But, whatever be their private principles, their public practice is consistent: they take good care of their own poor — refuse to pay levies to support the established religion — have no set preachers — are regular in their religious worship — persecute none for differing with them in opinion — and, are charitable to all. And to their eternal honor, it may be added, that if the inhabitants of the earth were all Quakers, political harpies would not fatten on the miseries of mankind — the world would not be one vast slaughter-house — the Rhine and the Danube, and indeed the vast ocean itself would not be incarnadined with human blood ; nor would widows and orphans have to seek their husbands and fathers in fields covered with gore, and mutilated trunks and scattered limbs; for swords would be beaten into ploughshares, and spears into pruninghooks, and nations would learn war no more. The Quakers' chapel, which stands near the north end of Spaniel-row, was built in 1737, and cost £337 Is. 7d They have a burying-ground near Walnuttree-lane. 2 E 110 HISTOKY OF NOTTINGHAM. JSION CHAPEL stands in Halifax-street, opposite to one of the Methodist chapels: it was built in 1761, and measures 30 feet 4 inches, by 57 feet 6 inches. It was erected by a party that split from the Unitarians ; but who shortly after rejoined them, at the solicitation of the Rev. George Walker. It was afterwards occupied by another party of Independents, but who were deprived of it about the year 1800. It then fell into the hands of a sect, under the pastorship of a Mr. Crockford, who belonged to the Calvinistic Methodists — the followers of the doctrine of George Whitfield ; or, as they were generally called " Lady Huntington's party." Mr. Crockford was a man of most vehement passions, and possessed an unconquerable independency of mind ; and, the proprietor of the chapel (it was private property) and he disagreeing, caused him to be discharged ; and the chapel remained without either pastor or congregation a considerable time; but, in 1807, the congregation was re-united under the ministry of the Rev. John Bryan, whose suavity of disposition and urbanity of manners have secured to him the approbation of a respectable class of hearers. THE TABERJYACLE, which stood between Milton-street and Mounteast-street, was built by the followers of John Wesley in 1762, who disposed of it to the General Baptists in 1782 ; and they sold it to a cowkeeper of the name of Barnes, since which it has been taken down. THE SANDEMANIANS erected a chapel in Hounds'-gate, in 1778. They owe the origin of their creed to John Glass, a minister of the church of Scotland, who, about the year 1728, was charged with a design of overturning the national faith. About the year 1755, Robert Sandeman, an elder in the church of Scotland (where these people are still called Glassites) took up the question of this new faith against a Mr. Hervey, who had written strongly against it ; and hence this sect obtained the name of Sandemanians. They maintain, that the kingdom of Christ is not of this world — that faith is neither more nor less than a simple assent to the divine testimony concerning Jesus Christ — and that belief in the scriptures is nothing more than a belief in any thing else, except what results from the divine authority on which they rest. Their peculiarities are — their weekly administration of the Lord's supper — their love-feasts, of which every member is desired to partake, and which consist in their dining together every Sabbath, in the interval between the morning and afternoon service — their kiss of charity given at their love-feasts, at the admission of members, and at other times when they see necessary and proper — their washing each other's feet — and that of a second marriage disqualifying a member from serving the office of elder. The principles of passive obedience and non-resistance, form with them a kind of theo-political creed. Mr. Prentice, late an opulent hosier, has long officiated as minister ; but age and infirmities now disqualify him for the task. METHODISTS. Ill METHODISTS. This very numerous and popular sect first held their meetings in this town, at the house of one James in Pelham-street, and their first preacher, independent of Mr. Wesley, was one William Lee, a tailor. They next assembled at the house of the late, and well-known Matthew Bagshaw, in Crosland-court, NarrOw-marsh, who converted his house into an occasional meeting-house, by breaking a hole through the chamber floor, so that his voice (for he was the principal preacher) could be heard in the house and chamber at the same time. This practice was pursued until the congregation found the means of erecting the tabernacle, as before stated ; and, in 1782, the Hockley chapel was erected, which measures 52 feet 9 inches by 51 feet 2 inches. The origin of this sect is so well-known, that a very few words on that subject shall suffice. — ■ They sprung up at Oxford in 1729., under a Mr. Morgan, who soon after died, when John and Charles V esley undertook the defence of his opinions ; and, in 1735, they were joined by the celebrated Whitfield. These three gentlemen, and from them their followers, obtained the name of Methodists from a brother student in the University observing, in consequence of the methodical manner in which they spent their time, that u they (meaning the fellows at the college) had got a new " set of Methodists among them ;" alluding to some physicians who had formerly reduced the practice of physic at that place, to a regular method, in opposition to the strolling and puffing empirics, who, in every age of the world, have infested mankind with their nostrums, as the frogs did the land of Egypt. In the year 1741, Mr. Whitfield split from the Wesleys ; he embracing the doctrine of Calvin, while they preferred the general part of the system taught by Arminius, who was a native of Leyden in Holland ; and who followed the doctrine of Beza, in opposition to that preached by Calvin. The following are the tenets taught by the Methodists which are extracted from a recent publication : — lstly. The fall of man ; by which it is understood, that by disobedience Adam fell from the favor of his Maker, into a state of condemnation ; from a state of rectitude and happiness, into a state of disorder and misery; and, in consequence of his fall, rendered himself liable to everlasting punishment. And that in consequence of the fall of Adam, all men bring a depraved nature with them into the world. — 2dly. Universal Redemption by Jesus Christ; and that by his death he made a full and perfect atonement for the sins of mankind. — 3dly. Justification by faith ; by which is understood, the free and full pardon of past sins, and the acceptance of our persons ; which blessings are obtained by faith in the mercy of God, manifested through the Lord Jesus Christ ; and is evidenced on the part of a sinner by good works. — 4thly. Complete or full Sanctification, by the Spirit of God, and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 5thly. The necessity of holding fast faith and good works, in wder to be saved to eternal life. A considerable time previous to the death of Mr. John Wesley, which happened in 1791, it had been foretold, by many intelligent persons, that a schism would take place among his followers, when his influence had ceased to operate. In 1797, these predictions were verified. Dr. Priestley, when speaking of the leading men among the Methodists, made the following remarks: — " Finding " themselves by degrees at the head of a large body of people, and in considerable power and 112 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. '■' influence, they must not have been men, if they had not felt the love of power engrafted in such • a situation ; and they must have been more than men, if their subsequent conduct had not been '•' influenced by it." " A shrewd hint," says Evans, " that Dr. Priestley thought the Methodists lf had been too remiss in their attention to their liberties, which they ought to have conveyed entire *■' and unmutilated to posterity." Many petitions were presented to the Conference by the people, to which some of the ministers subscribed, praying- that they might have a share in the disposal of their own voluntary contributions, and also in the choice of those men, under whose ministry they were to sit ; and, that they might have the Lord's supper administered among them. These petitions were voted out, and the consequences are well known. The inscriptions upon two monuments in Hockley chapel, will save me the trouble of giving a further relation of this business. FIRST INSCRIPTION. To the Memory of THOMAS HANBY, Minister of the Gospel, a zealous advocate for the Lord's Supper among the Methodists : from whom bigotry and human policy had long withheld that privilege. He often called this town his home, and expressed a wish to end his days in it: after faithfully discharging the duties of the sacred office 43 years, his desire was granted by a release from mortality, on the 29th day of December, 1796, aged 63 years. SECOND INSCRIPTION, To the memory of ALEXANDER KILHAM, Minister of the Gospel, A faithful servant in the vineyard of Christ, A zealous defender of the rights of the people, against attempts to force on them a Priestly Domination. Deserted by many of his friends, he lived to see the cause flourish, in which he died a martyr. • In promoting the glory of God and the happiness of his Brethren, he counted nothing too dear a sacrifice : In the pursuit, ease and indulgence were despised by him. His last hours were peaceful and triumphant, unblemished by a moment's repentance for having opposed corruption in the church ; he blessed God, that he had made him instrumental in doing it, and only regretted that he had not done it more faithfully. Committing his soul to his Redeemer, he took his flight to a better world, December 20th, 1798, aged 36 years. Throsby says, an escutcheon, over the pulpit in this chapel, was placed there in memory of Lady Huntington. This is one of his gross blunders; for the hatchment was placed there in commemoration of the Rev. John Wesley. Probably, part of the dirt, with which Throsby so awkwardly attempted to bespatter a preacher in this chapel, fell in his eyes, and thereby prevented him discovering the truth. ARMINIAN BAPTISTS.--ST. MARYS-GATE CHAPEL. --UNIVERSALISTS. 1 1 a The new, or Kilhamite Methodists lost a host in the death of their champion ; but they gained their independence and the privilege of partaking' of the Lord's supper. And the old or Weslean Methodists, being deprived of the chapel, redoubled their efforts for the obtainment of another ; which object they accomplished in 1798. It stands on the east side of Halifax-street ; and, when first erected, it was about the size of the old one ; but has since been enlarged, and it now measures 84 feet 4 inches by 52 feet 10 inches, independent of a vestry and other conveniencies. THE GENERAL, OR ARMINIAJV BAPTISTS erected a chapel at the lower end of Plumptre-place, in 1799, and in front of it is a commodious huryiug ground. The building is 47 feet 9 inches by 47 feet 8 inches, independent of the vestry. The inside of the chapel possesses a neatness and simplicity of decoration, exactly corresponding with the manners, the habits, and the dress of the congregation. A close adherence to each other, wheu the clouds of adversity interpose their malignant influence, forms a prominent feature in the character of these people. Mr. Robert Smith is their pastor, whose powers of eloquence are far outshone by the mild, humane, and endearing qualities of his heart. ST. MARY s-GATE CHAPEL. The sect of Independents, previously mentioned as having lost Sion chapel, erected one on the west side of St. Mary's-gate, in 1801, which measures 41 feet 9 inches by 36 feet. Their minister is the Rev. John Green. They are, as the author has reason to understand, the followers of the Rev. Ingham, one of the distinguished characters who united with the Messrs. Wesley and Whitfield, in promoting the future happiness of mankind. Rut, they are generally considered Sabellians, who took their rise from Sabellius, an Egyptian philosopher, that lived in the third century. The Sabellians maintain, that there is but one person in the Godhead — that the word and the Holy Ghost are mere virtues, emanations, or functions of the Deity — that He, who is in heaven, is the father of all things — that He descended into the virgin, became a child, and was born of her as a son — and, that, having accomplished the mystery of man's salvation, He diffused himself on the apostles in tongues of fire. HEPHZIBAH CHAPEL. After Mr. Crockford and his followers had been deprived of Sion chapel, they found means, in 1804, to erect a new one in Broad-lane-paddock, to which they gave the above Hebrew name, which, in English signifies my pleasure. But, unfortunately for Mr. Crockford, the pleasure was of short duration ; for his hearers neglecting to make good the necessary payments, the chapel was advertised, and, in March 1808, sold to the Universalists, of whom we are about to speak. UNIVERSALISTS. This sect, like the Sabellians, had their origin in the fructifying climate of the east: Origen, who died in the year 254, laid the foundation of their faith. St. Augustine of Hippo, who died in 431, when speaking of some divines, that had embraced this doctrine, calls them merciful 114 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. doctors. From this time we hear no more of Universalism, till about the year 1500., when it was revived by the German Baptists, and by the Mennonites, or Dutch Baptists. In the seventeenth century the question was taken up in this kingdom by Dr. Rust and Jeremiah White; and since by Dr. Newton, bishop of Bristol, Mr. Stonehouse, rector of Islington, Mr. Elhanan Winchester, Dr. Hartley, Mr. Purves, &c. ; and by Dr. Chauncey, of Boston in America. They embrace the beauties, and cast out, 'what they term the imperfections of Calvinism, and Arminianism ; and believe in universal restoration. — The following- is an epitome of their arguments. They found their tenets upon the power, the will, the justice, and the mercy of God. They contend, first, as God has the power to create and make us perfect, that his not having done so is an act of his will ; and that to doom any portion of mankind to endless punishment, merely because by an act of his will, he has suffered them to sin, would make his will to spring from a principle of the grossest injustice ; and, consequently, would justify an opinion, that he is an unjust God — 2dly. That, if he has the power to save all mankind, and not the will so to do it, would destroy his mercy — and that, if he has the will to exercise his mercy, and not the power, it would destroy his omnipotence, and, consequently he ceases to be a God, except such a one as results from "the heated fancy of man — Sdly. That if the attribute of mercy does not consist in its exercise, the consequence, as far as relates to the Deity, is nothing but a name; and that this attribute, which so much endears the governed to the governor, and brightens up the character of the judge and the magistrate, is not an emanation from the Divinity, but a direct contradiction to the display of his goodness. — 4thly. That if God delights in the endless punishment of his creatures (and if he permit it, and has the power to prevent it, he must either delight in it, or be regardless of their welfare) it destroys his justice, his love, and his mercy; and constitutes him a cruel, a merciless, and an inexorable tyrant. — Such are the heads of their arguments ; and their tenets are— lstly. That Christ died to make atonement for the sins of all mankind, and likewise for those of the fallen angels — 2ndly. That God's justice and mercy have no allay — 3dly. That God's elect are those whose sins are forgiven before death, and whose souls are translated from earth to heaven, immediately on the demise of their respective bodies — And, 4thly. That, those who die in sin will have punishment inflicted hereafter, corresponding with the number and magnitude of their crimes in this life ; after which they will be restored to divine favor. . In 1806, this sect converted a building in Plumptre-street into a chapel, to which they gave the name of Bethel chapel, or the house of God ; but poverty soon scattered their congregation, and, they continued in that state, till the dissolution of Mr. Crockford's party, as stated above. The same prying enemy to human happiness brought upon them a second dissolution ; and they are now extinct,except the remains of another party of the same sect, which sprung up in 1804, and now hold their Meetings in Clare-street, headed by Mr. J. Fisher, better known as Doctor Fisher, from his being a compounder and vender of nostrums. Bethel chapel is now called Providence chapel ; and is occupied by an inconsiderable party of Huntingtonians, without a regular preacher, they being adherents to the tenets of the late William Huntington, of coal-heaving celebriety. ROMAN CATHOLICS. FREE-SCHOOL, IN STONE Y-STREET. 115 THE ROMAJY CA THOLICS have a chapel at the west end of King's-place, Stoney-street, where they enjoy, as they ought to do., their faith and prejudices in peace. What various notions, different men embrace, Of justice, mercy, love, and faith, and grace ; Yet all unite in one important end — Each hopes in heaven to find himself and friend. %* As a gross error found its way into the 40th page, respecting the meridian of the town, the author takes this opportunity of correcting it, by giving the following statement : — The latitude of the Exchange, at Nottingham, is 52 degrees, 59 minutes, 35 seconds, north ; longitude, west of St. Paul's 1 degree and 7 minutes, or in time 4 minutes and 28 seconds difference of the meridian ; and west of Greenwich observatory 1 degree, 12 minutes and 47 seconds, orin time 4 minutes and 51 seconds difference of meridian. CHAPTER V. SCHOOLS AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. Man, without education, would be little better than the beast in the field : he would learn hospitality from interest ; and the means of procuring food and raiment from necessity ; but, to the noble qualities which exalt the soul, and harmonize the mind, he would be a stranger. The infant mind may be compared to an unprinted bookleaf after leaf becomes unfolded, and receives impressions from the instinctive powers of perceptibility ; but, when wrong impressions are made, difficult is the task to eradicate them. In this state of the mind, notions too often become implanted, that might constitutes right; from which we may infer, that every moral lesson taught a child (and all education should be accompanied with moral precepts) is the preventive of a crime. From this view of the case, what consolation must arise in the breast of him, who volunteers his time and talents to instruct the children of poverty ! FREE-SCHOOL, IN STONE Y-STREET. We cannot better illustrate the intent of this institution, than by giving a copy of the foundation deed, which is as follows : — " To all christian people, to whose knowledge this present writing triplicate indented shall come " to be seen or read, Agnes Mellers, widow and vowess, sendeth greeting, in him that is the root " of Jesse, produced to the salvation of all people. 116 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. " Whereas the most excellent and famous prince King Henry the Eighth, of his right blessed ■ disposition,, and mere mercy, by his letters patent sealed under his great seal, has licensed, ' authorized, and granted, to his well-beloved counsellor Thomas Lovel, Knight, treasurer of his ' most honorable household, and me the said Agnes, and our executors, and to every one of us, ' licence, power, and authority, to begin, found, and erect, unite, create, and establish, one free- * school, of one schoolmaster and one usher, perpetually to be kept in the parish of our lady in k the town of Nottingham, for evermore to endure after the ordering, institution, and will of us, the ' said Thomas and the said Agnes, or one of us, our executors or assignees, or the executors of ' either of us hereafter to be made, and further things, as in the same letters patent more plainly ' appearcth. " Know ye, that I, remembering how the universal faith catholic by clergy and commons most 'firmly corroborated,, and by learning the public weal commonly is governed, ardently have ' designed to the honor of Almighty God, laud and praise to the elect and chosen mother of mercy ' and virgin, our lady St. Mary, to accomplish the said virtuous and blessed grant, and by force ' thereof, begin, erect, found, create, establish, and make one free-school, of one master and one ' usher, to teach grammar everlastingly to endure, and to be kept in the parish of our blessed lady ■' St. Mary the virgin, within the town of Nottingham, willing, ordaining, and establishing, that • the said school be evermore called the free-school of the town of Nottingham. And John Smith, ' parson, of Bilborough, I make schoolmaster of the same, as long as it shall seem to me and the 1 mayor of the said town of Nottingham for the time being convenient. And to my right trusty ' friends Mr. William English and William Barwell, I make deputies, and ordain guardians, ' keepers, and surveyors of the said free-school during their lives : I will also, ordain and establish, ' that the mayor, aldermen, and common council of the said town of Nottingham and their ' successors, after the decease of the said Williams, shall yearly, from year to year, on the feast of ' tine translation of St. Richard, the bishop, choose two discreet persons, burgesses, to be ' chamberlains, guardiaus, keepers, and surveyors of the lands and tenements and possessions, ' pertaining and bequeathed, given, or hereafter to be given and bequeathed and belonging to the ' said free-school, to rule, govern, and support, the charges, payments, and business of the same, ' from the same feast of translation, to the said feast of St. Richard next following, at which feast, ' or within eight days then next following, I will that the said guardians, now by me named, or '■ hereafter to be named, made and elected, shall make account to the said mayor and aldermen, ' and their successors, of all things by them received or taken to the use of the said foundation, ' and after their accounts so made and finished, new guardians, or else the same, by the advice and ' discretion of the said mayor and alderman to be elected and chosen, and that the same guardians, ' keepers, and surveyors, by the name of the guardians of the free-school of Nottingham may ' plead and be impleaded before all judges of every court, and also writs and actions maintain ' and have. Moreover, I will that the said mayor, aldermen, and common council of the said ' town of Nottingham, with the guardians, that now be of the said school, or hereafter shall be, ' or ei«-ht of them at the least, whereof the mayor and guardians of the same free-school, I will, ' shall be three, after the decease of the said Mr. John Smith, parson, of Bilborough, or after FEEE-SCHOOL, IN STONEY-STEEET. II? P such time as it shall fortune that the said Mr. John Smith, shall leave or be removed from the said " office of schoolmaster, shall conduct and hire one other able person of good and honest u conversation, to be schoolmaster of the said free-school, and one usher, at such time, and as soon rf as the lands and possessions given to the said free-school, will support the charge thereof, and " the same schoolmaster and usher, for good and reasonable causes, or either of them, to amove " and expel, and others in his or their stead, to take, retain, and put in, from time to time, as often ci and when they shall think requisite and necessary. " And furthermore, I will and ordain, that the schoolmaster for the time being, and his usher, " or one of them, shall daily, when he keeps school, cause the scholars every morning in their " school-house, ere they begin their learning, to say, with an high voice the whole credo in deum " patrem, 8$c. " Also, I ordain and establish, that the guardians of the said free-school for the time being " and their sucessors, shall yearly on the feast of the translation of St. Richard, which is the 16th " of June, keep or cause to be kept and done solemnly in the church of St. Mary in Nottingham, '• the Obiit of the said Agnes Mellers, my husband's and mine after my decease, and give, pay " and expend, of the rents, issues, and profits, given and bequeathed, pertaining and belonging- " to the said free-school, for our souls' health, 20s. in form following : — that is to say, to the vicar " of the said church, personally being present, from the beginning of the dirge and mass of " the same Obiit, to the ending thereof, for his attendance, and for his lights at that time burning * 3s. and if he occupy by deputy, then to have but 2s.; and to every priest of the same church. " and either of the clerks of the said parish, there also being for such like time 4d. and also to the " mayor of the town of Nottingham, for the time, being personally present at the beginning and " ending of the same mass and dirge 6d. and to every alderman of the same town, there also being " present for such like time 4d., and the mayor's clerk and his two Serjeants being and attending " on their master and aldermen at the beginning of the said mass and dirge, and and for serving " such things as shall be prepared for them at the Obiit, to each of them 2d., and to the parish " clerks for the great bells ringing eight peals, and after the accustomable length, 3s. ; and the " said guardians shall retain and keep in their own hands, for either of them for their own use — " for their business and attendance, in providing bread, ale, and cheese, and towels, cups, pots, " and necessary things at the said Obiit ; and there shall be expended in bread, to be sent to the f; aldermen, &c. according to the custom in the church 2s. in cheese 8d. in ale 16d., and the residue " remaining over this mine ordinance and will performed, if any be left, I will shall be distributed " to the poorest scholars of the said free-school, to pray for our souls and all of our friends. " I will also, ordain and establish and strictly enjoin, that the schoolmaster and usher, nor any n themselves or their posterity. .i FREE-SCHOOL, IN STONEJ-STREET. 119 John .Hesky, alderman,, by his will of the 29th of September, 1558, gave the property of the tithes in Nottingham fields and meadows., in trust to the Corporation, for the use of this school; as also a house in Carlton -street, save and except that ten shillings, part of such income, should be distributed to the poor on the annual Obiit of the foundress. John Parker, alderman, by his will bearing date the 26th of October, 1693, left the means of furnishing a library to this school.- The alderman had lent the Corporation an hundred pounds, for which he held Butcher's-close on lease, which lease, at the date of the will, had twelve years to run. Testator directed Thomas Trigg, James Farewell, and John Rickards, trustees to his will, to let the interest of this hundred pounds remain with the Corporation during the twelve years, at the end of which time the principal and interest united to be applied to the purchasing of as much laud as should produce twenty pounds annual rent ; or, in default of such money not being- sufficient for the purpose, the residue to be supplied out of the proceeds of his other estates.* This sum was to be appropriated to charitable purposes, such as twenty shillings a year to the vicar of St. Mary's for preaching a sermon on christian love and charity on Easter-eve; twenty shillings to be given in bread to the poor the same day ; the same sum to the town clerk of Nottingham for keeping- the account of its expenditure ; and nine pounds every other year for the putting three poor boys apprentice, at the discretion of the Corporation, with three pounds to be paid to each boy when out of his time, providing- he conducted himself properly during his apprenticeship. The will then proceeds : — "■ And that my said trustees- for the time being, shall " employ and bestow ten pounds, part of the second year's rents and profits of the said lands " in the purchasing of books, such as they shall think fit, for the first founding and beginning " of a library for the use and benefit of the master and scholars of the free-school in Nottingham ; " and so alternately to the end of eight years — nine pounds a year to put out apprentices, '-' and ten pounds to buy books." The will further states, " if any apprentice should die or " miscarry in his apprenticeship, his three pounds to buy books for the free-school." And again, " the books to be so bought to be lettered outside, J. Parker and a catalogue thereof kept by the " town clerk." The first purchase made for this library was in 1707, when twelve books were bought; in 1709, seven more; in 1711, twelve ; in 1713, four ; in 1723, an atlas was bought; in 1727, eight books were added ; in 1736, a pair of globes were bought, but they were taken away by alderman Worthington sometime about the year 1799, and as they were in his possession when he died, they were seized upon by his executors and therefore lost to the school; but another pair have been substituted. In 1738, twenty-four books were added ; in 1745, two ; in 1748, twelve ; in 1758, twelve, which consisted of Rollin's Ancient History; in 1766, nineteen ; in 1767, sixteen; in , seven; and, in 1810, Alderman Ashwell being school-warden, he added twenty-nine, which, with the exception of Rollin's History, constitute near the whole value of the libra ry.f Four small closes, which lie between Trough-close and Free-school-lane, north of the town, belong * The property from whence these charities arise, lies at Harby, in Leicestershire, and is held by a person of the name of Orson, f Richard Sterne, ereatsd Archfciskop of York, by Charles the Second, received his early education at this school. 120 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. to this institution, as do several houses at the south end of Broad-lane, and others in St. Peter's-gate and Pcter's-church-yard, &c. The benevolent intentions of the donors to this institution were long frustrated, by nothing- being taught in the school but the dead languages ; for those persons who could afford to give their children an English education, sufficient to qualify them for a course of learning in the dead languages, generally sent them to the regular academies ; and those who could not do this, either wanted the means or the inclination to obtain admission for their offspring ; therefore the offices of master and usher were similar to that of keeper of the king's hawks — they were truly sinecures ; but, as may be seen by the following order of common hall, the evil is removed ; nor is the benefaction any longer confined to the children of burgesses. " TOWN OF NOTTINGHAM, TO WIT " At a common hall, or meeting of the mayor and common council in and for the said town, on " Tuesday the 17th of February, 1807. c - In pursuance of the power and authority committed to us, the mayor, aldermen, and common " council of the town of Nottingham, by the deed of foundation of Agnes Mellers, widow, " foundress of the free-school, of the said town, we do (in addition to the regulations contained in " the said deed of foundation) order and establish the following ordinances and constitution for the " future governance and continuance of the said free-school, hereby repealing any constitution, *' statutes, or ordinances heretofore made by the mayor, aldermen, and common council of the said " town of Nottingham, which may be in anywise contradictory or repugnant to the present " ordinances, or any of them. " 1st. We do ordain, that for the future the said free-school, shall be kept open for the whole " year, except two vacations of a calendar month each, at Christmas and Midsummer, in every f( year, for the reception of scholars entitled to be taught thereat, to be admitted by the school wardens, " according to the form and in the manner hereafter described, during seven hours and a half in ie every day in the summer half year, reckoning the same from Lady-day till Michaelmas, and six . mad, no one will say the tame of your This brought such a peal of laughter upon the counsel as caused him to sit down in peace. THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL. 123 " 2dly. That each of the said boys have every year, one coat, one waistcoat, one pair of breeches, " two shirts, two pairs of shoes, two pairs of stockings, two bands, one round bonnet, tuft and " string, and two pairs of buckles. And each girl, one gown and petticoat, two shifts, two aprons, " two pairs of shoes, two pairs of stockings, two caps, one riband, two tippets, and two pairs of '* buckles, given them yearly, in May, or at such other times as the trustees think proper. " Sdly. That the said boys shall wear their coats, bands, stockings, and bonnets, — and the girls " their gowns and petticoats, caps and tippets every day, so as the trustees and other benefactors " may know them, and see what their behaviour is abroad. " 4thly. That in the election of children, regard shall be first and principally had to orphans, — 4f and in the next place, to such as have most children and least to maintain them with, so as strict !' care be taken that none be admitted but those who are real objects of charity, and not any who " are chargeable to the parish, or whose parents receive relief therefrom ; and that the choice be rt always impartially made, without respect to friends or interest. " 5thly. That no children shall be admitted but such as are healthy and strong, and free from " any contagious distemper : and, to prevent being imposed on, the trustees shall carefully view " and examine each child before his or her admission. " 6thly. The master shall constantly attend his proper business in the school every year, from " seven to eleven in the morning, and from one to five in the evening, betwixt the first day of (< March, and the last of September inclusive ; and from eight to eleven in the morning, and from " one to four in the afternoon, betwixt the first day of October, and the last of February inclusive. " And the mistress shall give due attendance to perform her part. And that the children may be " speedily improved, they shall not be permitted to break up above three times in the year,— at the " three great festivals, viz. Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide,— and that for no longer time than " other petty schools. " 7thly. The master and mistress shall every day carefully observe,— that every child come into " the school clean washed and combed ; and that their clothes be neat and whole ; and that they '•' do not tear or abuse their books ; and likewise that they do not loiter or play the truant, but " constantly and exactly (if well) be at school at the hours and times above appointed. And the " master shall keep a monthly journal or table of the children's absence, neglects, or faults, to be " laid before the trustees at their meetings, in order to redress the same. And, for his more " exactness herein, the childrens' names shall be called over in the school every morning and " afternoon, half an hour after the time appointed for their coming, and the transgressors marked " in the fault bill, whether absent or tardy. " 8thly. This school being only intended for the benefit of such poor children whose parents* or " friends are not able to give them learning, the master or mistress shall not receive or demand any u money, or other gratification of the childrens' friends, at their entrance or breaking up, or upon " any other pretence whatsoever : neither shall the master or mistress teach any other children ' besides the poor children belonging to this school ; but shall content themselves with their n salaries, upon pain of forfeiting their places. " 9thly. The master shall teach the children the true spelling of words, and distinction of ]24 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. " syllables, with the points and stops which are necessary to true reading. They shall also be " taught to write a fair legible hand, and the rudiments of practical arithmetic, viz. the first five " rules. And the mistress shall teach the girls to mend their own clothes, work plain work, and to " knit. And both boys and girls shall be taught to sing psalms, and a mannerly behaviour towards " all persons : all which, being duly performed, will the better fit them for service or apprenticeships. " lOthly. That the principal design of this school may be effectually answered, which is, — to " train up poor children in the knowledge of God and religion, as taught in the church of England, " the master and mistress shall instruct the scholars in the principles of the christian religion, as * laid down in the church catechism, which they shall be taught first to pronounce distinctly and " plainly^, and then, for their better understanding thereof, in order to practice, the master shall " explain it to them, by the help of Lewis's or other proper Exposition : and this shall be done, " at least, twice a week. The master shall also bring and accompany the children to St. Mary's " church every Lord's-day. morning and afternoon, to hear divine service and sermon ; and every •' Holy-day, Wednesday, and Friday, to prayers, once in the day, at least; and shall teach them " to behave themselves with all reverence while they are in the house of God ; and duly to make " their reponses, kneel, and to join in the other public services of the church : for which ends " they are always to have their Bibles and Common Prayer-books with them. " llthly. The master and mistress shall take special care of the manners and behaviour of the " children, seriously endeavouring, by all means, to impress the principles of the fear of God, of " christian truth, justice, integrity, patience, temperance, and all good morals, on their hearts and " consciences ; and to discourage and root out the very beginnings of vice, particularly lying, " swearing, cursing, stealing, taking God's name in vain, profanation of the Sabbath-day, idleness, " disobedience to parents or superiors, or the like, not only by corporeal correction, but, at the " same time reminding them of the due reverence and love of God, the honor of his name, word " and day ; times, persons, and places ; with a lively faith and hope in the blessed Son and Spirit: " and that they are to live in love, peace, and friendship one amongst another, and to avoid bad " words^ quarrelling, and revenge, * Esthly. The master and mistress shall use prayer every evening in the school, immediately " before the children are dismissed ; and shall teach and direct the children to say their private kf prayers when they go to bed and rise. iC ISthly. The master or mistress shall give to the children some exercise every Saturday night, " and eve of an Holy-day, either to get part of a psalm, or practical chapter in the Old or New " Testament, or collect, by art, or write it down, or else a sum or question in arithmetic ; by which " means they may employ their minds at vacant hours. " l4thly. That for the satisfaction of all the present contributors, and encourage other persons « to become so, there shall be an annual public examination of the children, in the several parish " churches of St. Mary, St. Peter, and St. Nicholas, before the trustees, subscribers, and what other ft persons think fit to be present; whereby it may be known how they improve in learning and " knowledge. " 15thly. That to encourage parents to suffer their children, after they are cliosen, to continue THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL. 125 "in the school till they are duly qualified to leave the same, and for the better bringing up of boys " to mechanical trades, it is agreed by the trustees, — that such children as quit the school with the '' approbation of the said trustees, testified by some memorandum entered in their book, at any of " their public meetings, shall take their bibles along with them ; and also, — that the treasurer for " the time being, shall pay to the respective master to whom every such boy shall be bound " apprentice, with such approbation so testified, the sum of five guineas, towards putting him out, " to be paid by five annual and equal payments : — and every girl that has continued her full time '' in the school, and behaved to the satisfaction of the trustees, shall, at her leaving the school, have " two guineas expended in such clothes for her as the trustees shall think proper." The Master to be chosen fur this School to he " 1st. A member of the Church of England, of a sober life and conversation, and not under the " age of twenty-five years. n 2dly. One that frequents the Holy Communion. " 3dly. One that hath a good government of himself and passions. " 4thly. One of a meek temper and humble behaviour. " 5thly. One of a good genius for teaching. " 6thly. One who understands well the grounds and principles of the Christian Religion, and is " able to give a good account thereof to the minister of the parish, or ordinary, on examination. " Tthly. One that writes a good hand, and who understands the grounds of arithmetic. " Sthly. One who keeps good order in his family. f 9thly. One who is approved by the minister of the parish, (being a subscriber,) before he be " presented to be licenced by the ordinary." The following orders shall be read to the parents, on the admittance of their children into the said Charity School, and be duly observed. " 1st. That the parents constantly send their children to school at the school hours, and keep " them at home on no pretence whatever, except in case of sickness, and then they shall give ; (he being supposed to be the best judge, from his resident situation) should have the power of taxing the estates whence the bequest emanates, or else the bequest itself, to enable him to keep the building in repair. John Longden, Esq. generally causes the houses in Ins presentation to be occupied by the poor of Bramcote, in order to ease that parish in its rates: at .; Earl Manvers might do the same, respecting any of the villages within his estates ; therefore for Nottingham to keep the whole of these habitations in repair, according to the bare letter of the will, it would be making the inhabitants thereof contribute towards the rates of those parishes, whose poor were placed in these alms-houses; and God knows they have enough to do in paying their own. If John Longden, Esq. and Earl HANDLE YS ALMS-HOUSES — WAKTNABY'S ALMS-HOUSES. 141 Manvers would give up their repective shares in the presentation, it would then be both reasonable and just for the mayor of this town to repair the dwellings in question, by means of a town rate ; and, by reserving the presentation wholly to himself, he might apportion the benefit of the bequest among the three parishes, so as to compensate them for their expenses. If these dwellings are suffered to remain in an uninhabitable state during a succession of years, (three I believe,) the consequence will be, that John Longden, Esq. will become the exclusive proprietor of the stipend paid to the occupiers, as his predecessor did, about the year 1768, of the £20 annually paid, as directed by the will of the said Henry Handley, to a minister in this town for reading a lecture once a week, which was lost in the following manner : — The Rev. Mr. Davenport, being a curate at St. Mary's, and having but a small income, the leo-acy was given to him, from a principle of compassion, to enable him the better to provide for a very numerous family. In process of time Mr. Davenport obtained the benefice of Ratcliff-on- Trent, from which place he used to come every Wednesday morning to read the lecture in St. Mary's church. For a time he used to accompany the lecture with the morning prayers, as an accommodation to the vicar. At length he declined reading prayers ; in consequence of which the vicar refused to let him pass through the vicarage seat, which it was necessary for him to do in order to mount the pulpit. Notwithstanding this obstruction, Mr. Davenport continued to come as usual, and, when he found the vicarage seat door closed against him, he would give it a shake, and, at the same time, make a significant nod to some of the congregation, by way of saying, " take notice that I am here." After pursuing this course some time, Mr. Davenport neglected to attend — the legacy remained undemanded during three years ; and from that time it has been lost, and, that part of the donor's will perverted. And this will be the case with the charitable purposes of the will altogether, if similar opportunities occur. I would here recommend to the gentleman, who holds the estates of the testator, Handley, to examine the conduct of Mr, Evans, who has the direction of the charitable donations of the Plumptre's, and then remind him of the words of our Lord in the parable of the good Samaritan — " go thou and do likewise." About the year 1748, the Corporation repaired these habitations at the cost of their own chamber purse ; but, the other presentors not following their example, they consider themselves under no obligation to do the like again. BARNABY JVARTWABYs ALMSHOUSES. Barnaby Wartnaby an industrious blacksmith of this town, who having acquired considerable property, determined upon perpetuating his memory by an act of charity ; accordingly some years before his death, he erected a building, at the end, and on the north side of Pilcher-gate, consisting of three lower, and three upper rooms — the lower ones he consigned for the residence of three poor women, and the upper ones to the same number of poor old men for ever ; any one of whom to be subject to removal by the trustees, for leading disorderly lives; the founder being a strict nonconformist, in the furious reign of Charles the Second, By his will, bearing date the 30th of October, 1672, he directed that each of his bead-folk should receive five shillings at his death; and further, that ninety pounds should be disposed of thus ; that is, each man to have a new coat, aud 2 N 142 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. each woman a new gown • and that the surplus to remain in the hands of the trustees, to add to the rental of two houses adjoining- the alms-houses, and one in Woolpack-lane, long- in the occupation of Mr. Fox, framesmith, and now in that of William Rushton, of the same business, for the purpose of making provision, as far as such property would go, for the poor people in his alms-houses. Deering gives the mayor of the town a principal authority in the management of this charity j whereas he neither has, nor ever had, any more to do with it, according to the information 1 have received from the oldest of the present trustees, than had the author of the Arabian Nights Entertainment, nor does the testator's will mention the mayor at all. Deering further says, that the rents arising from the above-named tenements i( were to be disposed of for cloathing, coal, " and repairs." Here he is right ; and the practice seems to have been, ever since the testator's death, to give each man a coat, and each woman a gown every two years, with two tons of coal to each annually. The trustee above alluded to, informed me, that, about the year 1785, a weekly allowance of sixpence was began to be given to each of the old people in these alms-houses, in audition to their cloathing and coal, which was shortly afterwards encreased to a shilling ; and, though the regular allowance thus continues, two, three, or four pounds are sometimes sent to be divided among the old people. The trustees are, Thomas Hall, Esq. F. Hardwick, Esq. Mr. William Jamson, attorney-at-law, Mr. Thomas Evison, Mr. John Stirland, and Mr. Thomas Dufty, who have the sole presentation to, and management of the charity. In 1806, these alms-houses underwent a general repair, as well as the two adjoining houses ; till which time a stone in the west end contained the following inscription : — As God above, out of his Love, Has given to me store, So I out of Charity, Give this House to the Poor. , Let's pray for one another, So long as we do live, That we may to God's Glory go, To him that this did give. Barnaby Warinaby, 1665. The following brief inscription now occupies the place of the above. This House and others were given to the Poor, bv Barnaby Wartnaby, 1665. PILCHERGATE ALMS-HOUSES. A little above Wartnaby's alms-houses, on the same side of the street, stand four miserable, unendowed hovels, in the presentation of the minister, churchwardens, and overseers of St. Mary's parish, of the origin of which no trace can be found. There is strong reason to believe, however, that they were once endowed, and that the property has been applied to other purposes. There is a house on the same side of the street, which was leased to one Dunn, by the parish officers, in 1731, for the term of ninety-nine years, and on conditions highly advantageous to the lessee, which, PILCHER-GATE ALMS-HOUSES — WARSER-GATE HOSPITALS. 143 very probably, might once belong to these humble habitations. There is another house in this street, the possessor of which, I believe, holds it more by the title of occupancy than that of right; and which, if properly sought into, might be found to have belonged to these premises. In the summer of 1807, at a full vestry meeting in St. Mary's church, it was unanimously resolved, to carry a previous resolution into effect, which gave full powers to the churchwardens and overseers to sell these premises, and an adjoining yard ; and with the proceeds of such sale, to erect other small dwellings upon some spare ground belonging to Woolley's bead-houses in Beck-lane, which was at their disposal. It was likewise resolved, if any surplus remained, after a clear adjustment of accounts, that it should be applied in the best possible manner for the benefit of those who might hereafter occupy the intended habitations. These salutary resolutions, however, have not been carried into eiFect ; and the ground, on which the houses were intended to be built, has been disposed of, as will be seen hereafter. A butcher's stall, which stood near the Weekday-cross, has been disposed of by the parish officers, since the above resolutions Avere passed, for ,£35, the interest whereof has been adjudged to the occupiers of these miserable dwellings. JVARSER-GATE HOSPITALS. These habitations stand on the south side of the street, and nearly facing the end of Queen-street. The origin of this foundation, like the one we have just been speaking of, is entirely lost; though there exists an opinion, though upon what authority I know not, that William Scott, who was mayor of this town in 1578, was the founder, and that he left property, the annual rent of which was to be distributed among his bead-folk. Forty years ago the building consisted of a few miserable huts; but, within that time the whole has been rebuilt, at the expense of St. Mary's parish, the minister, churchwardens, and overseers thereof having, by will, or otherwise, obtained the presentation : it is divided into six dwellings, three upper and three lower, of one room each ; those who occupy the upper receive ten shillings a year, and those in the lower one guinea each. It has been customary too, within the last ten years, for each occupier to receive half a ton of coal at Christmas ; but this depends entirely on the will of the churchwardens. The property from which these annual stipends emanate, is a plot of ground in the fields, which was long held by the late Mr. Rowbothom, of the Flying Horse Inn. There likewise goes a tradition, that a portion of land near Poplar-place once belonged to this charity, and that an annual acknowledgment was paid for it some years ago ; but all claim upon the land and the acknowledgment too is now for ever lost. This, however ought not to prevent the parish officers from inquiring into the value of that portion of land in the fields which belongs to this charity ; for small indeed must be that plot of ground within the liberties of Nottingham which is not worth more than £4 13s. a year, particularly when the advance in value is taken into consideration.* * Since the above was prepared for the press, the writer hereef has ascertained that this land consists of the following lols, viz. three roods and thirty-'even perches, upon Golds- wong-hill, improperly called Gooseham-bill, marked No. 21 8 in the Clayfield survey ; and two leys in these fields, near the Mansfield-road, containing three roods and five perches, marked No. 184. There is a parcel of land in these fields belonging to the sexton, for the time being, of St. Mary's parish, but the author knows not the origin of the bequest : it consists of two roods aud three perches, beiug part of a plot called Stonewatering-leys, and is marked 31 1 in the survey. 144 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM, As the parish officers are not trustees, as directed by the existing- will of a testator, for this or the Pilcher-gate charity, but merely agents for the parish, such charities are bona fide parish property ; and therefore any burgess partaking of their benefits is disfranchised from voting for a member of parliament. WOOLLEY s BEAD-HOUSES. Concerning this charity, Deering speaks in the following words, viz. " Thomas Woolley, late " of Nottingham, gent, by his last will, bearing date the 14th of April, 1647, gave to the parish " of St. Mary, two cottages and appurtenances, situated in a place called Beck-lane, the one to be " divided into two tenements, so that both might hold three poor persons, to be placed therein at " the discretion of the minister, churchwardens, and overseers of the poor for the time being. He ( also left a rent charge of 40s. per annum, to provide two gowns yearly of 20s. value each, for " the bead-folk, and if there be no need, to employ the money in the repairs of the bead-houses. " These 40s. are at this time paid by Mr. Clifford Harrison, 13s. 4d. and by Mr. Featherstone, " 6s. 8d. half yearly. This is an airy wholesome place, and the parish has built two apartments " over the old ones for two poor people more." The correct state of the case seems to be, that the two cottages formed one connective building of two rooms, both on the ground floor ; that one was double the size of the other ; and that a partition wall, run across the larger one, was merely necessary to complete the testator's design, in respect to the number of dwellings ; that the parish, afterwards, built three apartments over the old ones; and that the appurtenances alluded to consisted of a piece of land in front of the building, which was divided into small plots of garden ground for the conveniency of the occupiers of the charity, about one hundred yards of which were leased, in 1812, to the late Mr. J. W. Caunt, maltster, for the term of fifty years, at two guineas annual rent ; which rent is equally divided among the six occupiers.* The old people complain, that Mr. Caunt inclosed more land than he had agreed for with the parish officers; this however, the writer leaves to their successors to inquire into, not doubting but they will render justice to the parties, having on his part communicated to them the old people's complaints. It is proper to state here, that this is the land alluded in the account of the Pilcher-gate alms-houses, as being directed to be built upon, by a resolution of the vestry, which resolution, in the humble opinion of the writer hereof, has been improperly contravened. Mr. Featherstone, a descendent of the gentleman of that name, mentioned by Deering, pays thirteen shillings and fourpence yearly to one of the occupiers of the lower rooms ; and the executors of the late Mr. Caunt pay thirteen shillings and fourpence to each of the other two ; those persons who occupy the upper rooms receiving no regular stipend, except their share of the two guineas, as named above. The churchwardens, in the ^xercise of their discretionary disposal of certain portions of the sacrament money, give to these poor people a few hundreds of coal in * On the 2d of May, 1815, a committee of gentlemen was appointed in St. Mary's vestry to examine into the validity of this and other leases; -ond power was given to take legal advice ou the subject, at the expense of the parish. woolley's bead-houses — willoughby's hospital. 145 the winter season,, and sometimes a little money ; and it is somewhat entertaining to hear them descant on the virtues of those gentlemen, who are the most liberal on these occasions. A slate in front of the building contains the following inscription : — These Bead-Houses were built by Thomas Woolley, Gent* Anno Domini, 1647, and repaired by James Dale, } ~ r> r» ? Churchwardens. IIobert Booth, ^ Anno Domini, 1809. WILLOUGHBY s HOSPITAL, Of this institution, Deering speaks thus: — " Thomas Willoughby, by his last will, dated the " 4th of September, 1524, and proved the 1 1th of May, 1525, left to his wife and children in trust, " and after the death of his executors, to the churchwardens of St. Mary's for ever, a close in " Fisher-gate and two gardens in Moot-hall-gate, the rents and profits thereof to be employed in " the reparation of his alms-houses on Malin-hill, and, if repairs be not wanting, to be bestowed " on fuel for the said bead-folk ; out of this each churchwarden to have sixpence for his trouble." Our author further says, — " The whole rents belonging to Willoughby's bead-houses for five poor " widows, are at present £9 10s. Besides this, William Willoughby, grandson of the founder, " left to the bead-folk on Malin-hill, an annuity of ten shillings a year to be laid out in wood or " coal. The hospital, and some tenements thereunto belonging, called Willoughby-row, now stand in the close above alluded to; but, from what property the ten shillings a year emanate, I have not been able to learn : the money is paid to one of the old people (who divides it among the rest) at the bank of Moore, Maltby and Co. on an order being produced from the senior churchwarden. Deering states the building originally to have consisted of jive dwellings : and, as there were si*, a considerable time previous to the removal of the whole, that will account for the following circumstance, as it has been related to me by elderly persons, viz. that about 1758, (for I have not been very particular about the year, conceiving it of little consequence) the grandfather of the late Mr. Archer, sinkermaker, who is stated to have dwelt in Narrow-marsh at that time, being churchwarden, sold a part of the estate in Friar-lane which belongs to this foundation, and with the proceeds thereof, built an additional habitation. In the close, where now stands the hospital, stood formerly eight small houses ; and it appears from Deering that one Richard Hooton, a plasterer, obtained a lease of the whole premises, for fifty vears, in 1705, at the annual rent of five pounds ; that he sold a part of the said leasehold, to one George Merring, who built three other tenements upon it; and that Hooton sold the remainder of his interest in the said lease to one Joseph Hart, a tallow-chandler, who erected another tenement; and who, in the year 1720, obtained a renewal of his part of the lease for sixty years longer. Deering describes this as a cunning and dishonorable fellow, for he states him to have 2 O 146 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. obtained a lease of the whole, at the expiration of the original lease, for the time above specified, lo the exclusion of Merring* and his heirs, though the latter had built three houses on his part of (he "round. Query, did not the churchwardens receive a fee ? At the expiration of this lease, in 1780, the present hospital was built; though Throsby, whose publication did not appear till 1791, states the old building still to be standing on Malin-hill, notwithstanding it was taken down the same year that the new one was erected. Mr. Morris, whose name has already been mentioned, when speaking of St. Mary's church, having a great desire to add the site on which the old building stood to his garden at the south front of his house on Short-hill, agreed with the churchwardens for the same, on a lease of two hundred years, on condition of erecting twelve comfortable dwellings upon the estate near Pennyfoot-stile, and paying five shillings a year ground rent ; six of which dwellings to be on the ground floor, and six one story above them. The building was accordingly erected, contiguous to three tenements on the east and three on the west, which belong to the foundation. In the front of these hospitals is a stone bearing this inscription : — Willoughby's Hospital removed from Malin-Hill. John Peppir and> „ ., T > Church wardens, William Lowe, ^ 1780. The following was the state of this charity in 1807, at which time the principal materials for this chapter were collected : — g. s . d. Each of the six poor persons who occupied the lower apartments, received half yearly} 2 2 from the churchwardens ...__...--.-----.-- ) Those occupying the upper apartments received .....--.-._._ 180 Which made an annual total of ......... ~ --.____. 42 The rent of the estate at that time was as follows : — IN FRIAR-LANE. Stabling belonging to the Lion Hotel, (Lord Carrington lessee) -- - -■- ■- ^ - - . 10 Mr. Sheldon's premises, joiner ................... 10 IN CARTER-GATE. The Half Moon public-house, &c.held on lease by Mr. S. Beardsley - ...... 10 Three tenements at the east end, and three at the west end of the hospital - ----- 25 5 55 5 In 1807, the property in Carter-gate produced to the lessee the following rents :-— The Half Moon public-house - - - ■- -. - - ... _ . . _ _ . . . _ 34 6 A range of stabling and cow houses ........---_---. 10 A framesmith's Shop ... .„-.„_-_. - > . -. „ . »''-_"._ .» .. Q 50 There is also a building comprehended in this lease, which joins the house of Mr. Halford, cooper, and which was occupied by him as a parlour.* This parlour has since been converted into a dwelling-house, and lets for five pounds a year. The framesmith's shop has since been let "* Mr. Halford's house belongs to -Plumptre's- charity, and is held -by Mr. Beardstey ea lease, who lets it to Mr. Halford. WILLOUGHBY'S HOSPITAL BRIDGE MASTERS' HOSPITAL. 147 to a bricklayer of the the name of Lane, at four guineas rent; and it is now occupied by a person of the name of Blount, at five pounds rent, as the author is informed. In 1810, the lease of the Lion Hotel stables in Friar-lane expired, and anew one was granted to Mr. Charles Porter, for the term of twenty-one years, at the annual rent of sixty-seven pounds ; and on condition of his laying five hundred pounds out on the premises. This will give the reader an idea of the manner in which the old lease was granted. The same year the three dwellings at the west end of the hospital were converted into six additional apartments for old people ; and shortly after another was added, which makes the whole numbers of dwellings upon this foundation nineteen, and every occupier now receives from the churchwardens five pounds four shillings a year, at half yearly payments, which makes the allowance to this hospital amount annually to j£95 16s. The income to meet which is, £, s . d. From Mr. Beardsley's lease .---------.., 10 From Mr Sheldon's lease 10 00 Rent of three houses at the east end of the hospital --..-16 00 From Porter's lease -.---...--.-.-. - 67 00 103 The leases on this charity will expire in the following order, viz. Sheldon's in 1819 — Porter's in '1821— Beardsley's in 1830— and. Morris's in .1980. BRIDGEMASTERS' HOSPITAL. On the north side, and nearthe top of Barker-gate, stood, till 1812, when they were taken down., five miserable looking thatched huts, in the presentation of the Bridgemasters ; and the only donation which the occupiers received, as connected with the foundation, was two shillings each on St. Thomas' day. It is in the contemplation of the Corporation to rebuild this hospital in a respectable manner at some future time. The origin of this institution is now lost ; but had it formed a part of the royal bequest of Edward the Sixth, it would have been named in the deed of that monarch, which conveyed to the Corporation certain lands for the support of the Trent-bridge ; therefore it is fair to conclude that this hospital was built by the Bridgemasters out of the surplus of their rents, arising from the bridge estate, before any part of that estate was parcelled out into burgess parts; the latter expedient, very probably, being adopted by the Bridgemasters in preference to that of erecting more houses, by way of giving a wider diffusion to their benefactions. The site whereon this hospital stood, and what was used as garden ground by the occupiers, is a most eligible one indeed, and might be made highly advantageous to those persons who may hereafter become objects of the Bridgemasters' bounty. It possesses three uninterruptable fronts — the north and east being bounded by what is called, the new burying ground, and the south by Barker-gate, which is now a clean, airy, well paved street ; nor is the western extremity of this land entirely devoid of advantage, as a road leads by it into Felix-place. The south and north fronts are each 32 feet, and the east and west 64, which give an area of 512 square yards, which Church wardens. William Kelk, 5 William Abnett,) ~ T n > Overseers. John Coleman, ) St. Nicholas's erected eight of a similiar description, on the north bank of the Leen, between Finkhill-street and Greyfriars-gate. None of the poor occupiers have any allowance ; while, as a deduction upon the charity itself, the overseers of St. Mary's, in 1807, demanded the manure from the persons in the dwellings at their disposal ; which practice, I hope more unwittingly than designedly adopted, is still pursued. COLLIJYs HOSPITAL. Abel Collin, by his last will and testament, dated February the 4th, 1704, left the remainder of his personal estate, after legacies and other bequests had been discharged, to his nephew, Mr. Thomas Smith, in trust for his building and endowing this hospital. In 1709, Mr. Smith executed this part of the worthy founder's will in a manner highly to his credit, by erecting a fabric, handsome, commodious, and durable, consisting of twenty-four dwellings, for the accommodation of a like number of poor widows and widower*, there being a good house-place and closet on the ground floor, and two good chambers on the second story. The rooms are also very lofty, a circumstance which does credit both to the head and heart of the executor. The premises are bounded on the north by Friar-lane, on the east by Spaniel-row, on the south by Hounds'-gate, and, partly on the west by the Baptists' chapel, and partly Tsy other buildings which run to Hounds'-gate. The building consists of two separate erections, one of which contains twenty, and the other four dwellings ; the whole of which is ornamented with rustic stone work, which, now it is kept in a proper state of painting, gives a good effect. The whole is surrounded with a wall, which also encloses a well paved walk, and the principal part of which is topt with iron palisades, illpon a stone placed in the north front is engraven the following inscription : — &W hospital, by the appointment of Abel Collin, late of Nottingham, Mercer, deceased, who in his life was of an extensive Charitie to the Poor of all Societies, and at his death by his last Will and Testament, left a 'competent Estate for erect- ing and endowing the same ; e in which a sum of £40 was given to the relation of a lessor, which, of course, would produce a contract highly disadvantageous to the poor and aged objects of the founder's bequest, and whose interest it was his duty to have considered ; but, as even no common ruffian would be disposed to covet the possession of his character, his name shall not be inserted here. This, however, ought not to be the less a warning to other casual trustees ; for another writer may not be inclined to spare a wretch, merely through the fear of sullying his pages with such names. It is too much the case with men, who have no immediate interest in upholding these institutions, to content themselves with saying, when they see the buildings tumbling in ruins, — Y It is a pity, " to be sure, to see the monuments, which were raised by the hand of benevolence in past ages, c: either converted to purposes opposed to the pious intentions of their founders, or suffered to go " to decay ; but then, it is no business of mine." If the suffering these buildings to go to decay, or seeing their respective endowments applied to purposes different to what they were intended, are gross perversions of justice, most assuredly the fugitive answer above named is a gross perversion both of common sense and common prudence. For, if the principles of humanity to the living, and of justice to the good deeds of the dead, will not stimulate men to action, the seldom sleeping principle of self-interest, one would think, would have the desired effect; as all, except immediate speculators, have a common interest in preserving those habitations and endowments, the object of which is to keep poor people off their parish. And, for want of the business being taken up in an authoritive manner, it may be easily seen, by looking over the list of public charities, that many evils have resulted to society — We will shew one most glaring instance. Margary Mellors, widow, (independent of some property which she bequeathed to the Corporation in trust, towards keeping the Trent bridges in repair,) by her last will and testament, dated the 9th of June, 1539, left four cottages and their appurtenances on the Low-pavement, which were to be converted into an hospital for six poor women for ever ; the mayor of the town, and rector of St. Peter's parish for the time being, to be perpetual trustees of and presenters to the charity. They stood on the north side of the street, and included a stable and garden, &c. and, from information handed down from generation to generation in the family of Simpsons, which occupied the Artichokes public-house in Pepper-street, during a succession of ages, it appears that the assembly rooms and some adjacent buildings now stand upon the premises which this worthy widow had devoted to charitable purposes. M e may also mention a charity, left by Robert Sherwin, for the benefit of six poor widows of St. 2 R 158 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Peter's parish, the payment of which, a few years ago, was withheld. Public apathy would have seen the widows robbed of their mites, had not Dr. Staunton, then rector of the parish, stepped forwards on the occasion, in a manner highly to his credit, both as a clergyman and a gentleman. To remedy the glaring evils which arise out of the avariciousness of executors, and the neglect or dishonesty of guardians, the author begs leave to submit the following plan : — 1st. A committee to be established, called " The committee of benefactions," to consist of the Mayor, two Aldermen, and the senior Churchwardens of the three parishes. 2dly. Such committee to order a copy of the will of every testator that has bequeathed any legacy, great or small, to all, or any of the three parishes. 3dly. The copies of wills thus procured, to be kept in the guildhall ; and access to be had to them under the local regulations of the committee. 4thly. One day in the year to be appropriated to an investigation into the state of the hospitals, as well respecting the buildings, as the manner in which their respective endowments are paid. On which day (or at some other specified time) the churchwardens to produce copies of leases, bonds* debentures, &c. which they may have executed, on account of public charities, by virtue of their office, in the course of the preceeding year ; and also an account of all minor charities which may- have passed through their hands. othly. If, at such investigation, any of the charities remain unpaid, the person or persons, whose duty it was to have paid them, to be served with proper notices, signed by the chairman of the committee, giving him, her, or they to understand, if such money, or moneys, be not paid within a time therein specified, that law proceedings will be commenced for the recovery of the same. 6thly. No churchwarden or other public officer to grant a lease of any charitable property, of which he may be the trustee by virtue of his office, without first consulting the committee of benefactions on the subject ; nor then, except by their advice. 7thly. All expenses incurred by the committee of benefactions, whether in obtaining copies of wills, &c. in prosecutions, for the enforcement of payments depending on charities, or otherwise, to be defrayed by a town rate. 8thly. A professional man to be employed as a secretary, whose duty it should be to keep proper records of all proceedings, to warn in the committee to meet, on ordinary as well as extraordinary occasions. A measure of this kind would be sanctified by public approbation, and its proceedings would be converted into law — law, which none but the most abandoned would ever dare to think of violating, for fear of immediate expulsion from the ranks of civilized society. The hospitals would be well attended to, and, consequently, would be kept in good repair — the endowments would be applied in a manner consistent with the intentions of the pious founders and benefactors— an additional portion of happiness would be extended to those whose years and infirmities have a peculiar claim on our solicitude— the poor would bless the committee ; and the members of the committee would feel themselves amply rewarded for their trouble in the enjoyment of those blessings, and in the consciousness of having performed a great and public good. THE GENERAL HOSPITAL. THE GENERAL LUNATIC ASYLUM. OBSERVATIONS ON THE ALMS-HOUSES — GENERAL HOSPITAL. 159 Most sincerely it is to be hoped, that the too frequently delusive enjoyments of present situation will not so far influence any gentleman's mind, as to induce him to think the honorable task, above pointed out, beneath his notice— -capricious fortune deals out her favors and her frowns without discrimination ; and the man who is floating in wealth to-day, to-morrow may be without a penny. The fortunate' circumstance of the German noble's refusing to let his daughter marry a wealthy suitor until the latter had learnt a trade, may be contemplated here with proper effect. It is w r ell known, that a gentleman who was chief magistrate of Nottingham since the year 1792, who possessed the good things of this life in great abundance, and whose popularity and influence were most extensive, died, shortly after having passed through the high dignity of his magisterial elevation, in the midst of poverty, and of a broken heart, leaving a widow to subsist on the bounty of her friends. A gentleman too, whom the author and many of his friends well knew, as the first practical attorney in Derbyshire, was reduced about the same time from his distinguished station, and by means apparently unaccountable, to the necessity of receiving parochial relief, and even of begging from door to door. Wealth, however transient its possession, and though it is not always attended with unmixed happiness, will never cease to be desirable to the great bulk of mankind, because it seldom fails of furnishing the means of personal gratification, whether such gratification be of a virtuous or a vicious kind. Wealth, as far as relates to its own inherent and abstract qualities, requires little else than such inherent and abstract qualities as a guarantee ; whereas poverty trembles at every approaching blast. Wealth when contrasted with poverty, is like a man armed cap-a-pee being opposed to one in an entirely defenceless state. Wealth, like the sturdy oak in the forest, braves almost every tempest ; while poverty, like the misletoe or the hop-bind, requires aid to give it erection. But. by an honest and judicious management of public charities, even poverty, in many instances, may be converted into an asylum for fallen greatness, where the bitter pangs of reflection may be deprived of most of their effects by the fostering hand of care. GENERAL HOSPITAL. The necessity of an institution of this kind had been long and most severely felt, before an object so desirable could be accomplished ; the laudable exertions of many humane persons being required for its attainment on a scale anywise commensurate with public necessity and public expectation. A most commanding spot of ground consisting of two acres, near to the south-western extremity of the town, and just without the boundaries thereof, was at length furnished by his Grace the Duke of Newcastle and the Corporation of Nottingham conjointly, free of expense, for the site of the building, garden, &c. and on the 12th of February, 1781, the foundation stone was laid by John Smellie, Esq. mayor, amidst a vast concourse of spectators, on which occasion he addressed them in the following words : — " Gentlemen, I am come here, at the request of the committee of the general hospital, to lay " the foundation stone of that charitable institution. I am well satisfied it will be of considerable " advantage to many sick and lame poor, in the present and future ages. When I consider the " noble benefactions and generous subscriptions which have been presented, it affords a pleasing '• prospect of its utility being continued to posterity. Therefore, in my official character, I think 100 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. ■■itwii iihiiiw iiinwMniwiiriiT— -mrnn-T-TTiMTrtMrior wniiiiiTiwiMmT-rfri-TTfiMi ■lliir , ^"^im»nr'M"iMii»lTairiimii— iiitfiii '• it my duty to give countenance and protection to so laudable an undertaking'. I shall be happy •• if my conduct meets with your approbation; and I can assure you, that the most acceptable •• return you can make to me, will be to preserve peace and good order on this solemn occasion." Under the stone, which was laid at the south-east corner of the building, were placed money of the various coinage of his present majesty's reign, and a brass plate over them, engraved by Mr. J. Farnworth, watch and clockmaker of this town, containing the following- inscription : — " General Hospital, near Nottingham, open to the sick poor of any county. On the 12th day of (C February, 1781, John Smellie, E-q. mayor of Nottingham, laid the first stone of the building-. Ci The Corporation gave the ground for the said hospital. John Simpson, Architect." To tell the reader, that this is a useful institution, would be like informing him that dormant vegetation is restored to perfection by the genial influence of nature's all-cheering- sun. I shall therefore wave all encomiums on the benefactors, subscribers, &c. and insert the thirty-third annual report, as presented by the auditors of the institution to the subscribers ; and, when this book is nearly destroyed by the ravaging hand of time, may the pages which contain it be particularly preserved. Thirty-third annual report of the state of the General Hospital, near Nottingham, (open to the sick and lame poor of any county or nation,) from the 25th of March, 1814, to the 2bth of March, 1815. " In presenting to the public this, the thirty-third report, since the establishment of this hospital, " we are happy to announce the general satisfactory state of the charity, and the pleasing prospect " of the continuance of its good effects to the latest generations. " In a populous commercial nation, the number and wants of the poor, will, from a variety of " causes (which the utmost sagacity of man can neither foresee nor prevent,) be very great; but (C in these institutions a powerful remedy is found ; and, at the same time, the great and important " cause of religion is assiduously promoted. What but brotherly love and christian charity could " draw the attention of those, who are blest with the means of doing good, to the distresses of their " fellow-creatures ? And how can the poor receive the relief afforded, without lifting- up their " hands in thankful gratitude to the Almighty Being, who put it into the hearts of those whom he " hath made his stewards of his bounty, to dispense his blessings ! " Thus may christians of all ranks and denominations unite in carrying on this great work ; and " at the consummation of all things, be blessed with this testimony of our Lord and Saviour Jesus tc . Christ, " Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, '• ye have done it unto me." " Such considerations, together with the satisfaction that must ever result from the consciousness " of having made lighter the sufferings, and contributed to the happiness, both temporal and " eternal, of our fellow-creatures will, doubtless, not only insure the continuance of that generous cc support which the hospital has already experienced, but also raise up new friends; so that this " useful institution may still go on and prosper, from generation to generation. " The governors have to inform the friends of the charity and the public in general, that among " the late alterations, a steam engine has been erected, and two warm baths constructed^ heated GENERAL HOSPITAL. 161 " by steam, for the accommodation of the public, in addition to those set apart for the use of the " patients : other considerable conveniencies haye also been obtained, by a washing machine, " steam table. &c. " The conducting of this charity is vested in the hands of the governors : all subscribers of two " guineas or more a year, or benefactors of fifty pounds or upwards, are governors ; a committee *■' of whom meet every Tuesday morning, at eleven o'clock, to do the current business of the " hospital, to examine the reports of the house visitors, to admit and discharge patients, to receive (*. the complaints or proposals of all persons, and to prepare such matters as are proper for the " consideration of the general board. A general board of the governors is held twice a year, viz. "' on the 25th of March, at which board the president for the year, auditors, and deputy receiver, " are annually chosen ; the accounts inspected and settled ; an abstract of the same laid before ** them ; together with the number of patients received and discharged in the preceding year, and " printed for the satisfaction of the public ; and sometime in October, of which timely notice will " be given, and which is considered as the general anniversary meeting of all the friends of the " general hospital, and of the lunatic asylum, a sermon is preached before them at St. Mary's " church, a collection made for the two charities alternately, and the friends of both dine together. f ' The governors think it highly necessary to request the subscribers to be particularly cautious " not to recommend such as are improper, either from the nature of their complaint, or from their " circumstances. As to the former, the governors wish to admit only such as there is a probable " hope of curing, or at least of relieving ; and therefore in all doubtful cases, they desire that the " subscribers will consult some apothecary as to the propriety of sending such patient, or let the t! case be briefly represented by some judicious person, in a letter to the secretary, before the ' f patient is sent, to prevent the expense and fatigue of a fruitless journey. As to the latter, it is -'■' but justice to the physicians and surgeons, who generously attend the infirmary gratis, to exclude " all such as are not able to subsist themselves and to pay for medicines. That the intention of if contributors may be directed to this very important particular, it is judged proper to re-publish " the 14th rule, for the admission of patients, (viz.) "No domestic servant or other, shall, merely <; on that account, be excluded the benefit of the hospital, but it shall be left to the determination fC of the committee how far the servant recommended is, or is not, a proper object; which committee ' ; will also consider that it is contrary to the intention of this charity to relieve those who are able " to pay for relief; and it is reasonable to suppose that all masters (whether subscribers or not) " who are in affluent circumstances, will not desire them to be relieved at the public expense, to the " detriment of more necessitous objects, and to the disadvantage of the surgeons, who give their '-' attendance gratis." u Benefactors of one hundred pounds, and upwards, or subscribers of five guineas or more, ** annually, shall have the power of recommending six in, and twenty out-patients annually ; but '•** shall not have more than two at any one time in the house. " Subscribers of two guineas annually, or benefactors of fifty pounds, shall recommend two in- *' patients, and three out-patients in a year, having only one in-patient at one time ; allowing also ** a proportionable privilege to those who are both benefactors and subscribers. 2 S 162 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. " Subscribers of one guinea annually, or twenty guineas in benefaction, shall recommend two " out-patients in a year, and during the term of ten years for the benefaction of ten guineas. As this establishment eannot be conducted without adhering to the rules and orders made for the government of it, which have been printed and published for the general information of all persons whatsoever ; the subscribers and contributors to this hospital are desired to take particular notice of the following Rules and Orders : " 1st. That no person can recommend a patient whilst his subscription is in arrcar, nor any persons be admitted ' patients who are able to subsist themselves, and pay for medicines; and that every person will be discharged of ' course by the committee, within two months after admission, unless the physicians and surgeons have reason to ' believe the patient may receive some considerable benefit by a further trial. " 2d. That no person can be admitted a patient (except in cases of accidents, which are taken in at any hour of ' the day or night, beds being always kept ready for that purpose) without a recommendatory letter, signed by a ' subscriber or benefactor, in the following manner : — " To the Governors of the General Hospital, near Nottingham. " Gentlemen,-.. I recommend to your examination A. Z. of the parish of , whom I believe to be a real ' object of charity, and desire he may be admitted an out (or in) patient 01 the hospital, if duly qualified. Age, disease, how long ill, I am. your humble servant, &c." " N. B. This letter under the hand of every person who recommends a patient, must be delivered to the weekly < committee on Tuesday morning, between ten and eleven o'clock; and in case of death, the person, &c. who ' recommended the deceased, must either remove the corpse, or defray the burial expense, which will be reduced to as ' small a sum as decency will permit ; and if a distant patient be not removed on his discharge, the governors will ' send such patient home at the parish expense, by an order from a justice of peace. " Governors who recommend patients at a distance from Nottingham, are desired to send before hand a letter, ' directed to the secretary, with a short statement of their case, drawn up by some physician, surgeon or apothecary, ' that some judgment may be formed whether they are proper objects of the charity ; and likewise to enquire if the v beds are all occupied : an answer will be retuined when they can be admitted. " 3d. No persons to be admitted who are able to subsist themselves, and pay for their cure; no woman big with 1 child ; no child under six years of age, except in extraordinary cases, as fractures, or where cutting for the stone, ' or any other operation is required ; no person, disordered in their senses, suspected to have (he small. pox, venereal ' disease, itch, or other infectious distempers; having habitual ulcers in their legs, cancers not admitting operation, < consumptions, or dropsies in their last stages, epileptic or other fits, that are apprehended to be in a dying condition, ' or incurable, shall be admitted as in-patients, or if inadvertently admitted, be suffered to continue; and no one shall ' be admitted, or suffered to remain as in-patient, who is capable of receiving equal benefit as an out-patient. " N. B. As no person suspected to have any infectious distemper can, by the above rule, be admitted, the governors ' desire all persons to give directions that the patients they recommend, be sent to the hospital in decent cloathing, ' free from vermiu, and with proper change of linen, that they may be kept clean. " 4th. That no patient discharged for irregularity or disorderly behaviour, be received. again iito this hospital upon ' any recommendation whatsoever. " 5th. That no person related to the hospital, do at any time presume (on pain of expulsion) to give or take of any < tradesman, patient, servant, stranger, or other person, any fee, reward, or gratuity of any kind, directly or ' indirectly, for any service done, or to be done, on account of this hospital. " 6th. That a letter be scut to al 1 subscribers whose subscriptions are in arrcar; which it is hoped, none will be ' offended at, as they may forget to make their payments regularly. " 7th. When there are more patients recommended than can be admitted, preference is given in the first place, to ' those who come from the greatest distance ; in the second place, to those who have not recommended within the -year; and in the third place, to such as are recommended by the greatest subscribers, and whose admission the GENEEAL HOSPITAL. 163 " committee are of opinioa will most effectually answer the. end of the charity; and the rest, if proper objects, are " admitted out-patients till they can be received into the hospital. All such as are disposed to contribute to the support of this injirmary by their last will, are desired to do it in the manner following— for want of due attention to which several sums bequeathed to charities of this kind have been lost. " Item, ---I give and bequeath to A. B. and C. D. or the survivor of them, the sum of , upon trust, " that they, or one of them, do pay the same to the treasurers of a society who call themselves the governors of the " General Hospital, near Nottingham ; which sum I charge on my personal estate, and desire it may be applied to the " charitable uses of the laid hospital , for which, on payment, the treasurer's receipt shall be a sufficient discharge." BENEFACTIONS. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, and the Corporation of Nottingham, two acres of land for building the hospital upon, the garden, fyc. .£200 \ Brought forward Arkwright Richard, Esq. Willersley Archbishop of York, His Grace the Aldrich Dr. Cockglode, near Ollerton Acklom Jonathan, Esq. Wiseton Ditto, a second Benefaction Bainbridge Mrs. Eliz. Woodborough 100 50 25 25 1000 | Ditto, a second Benefacton 5 Cheslins Miss, Nottingham Devonshire, His Grace the Duke of, Chats. ? worth .... $ Denison John, Esq. Ossington - Birch J. Esq. M. P. Hasle Hall, Lancashire 105 j Dashwood Cha. Vere, Esq. Stanford Hall Bentinck Lord Edward, R. H. . ■ 100 | Denison Robert, Esq. Ossington Boothby Sir W. Bart. Mansfield Woodhouse 50 5 Emmerton John W. Esq. Thrumpton . Elliott William, Esq. Nottingham Barry Pendock, Esq. Rocla Veston Bury Mrs. Nottingham Bingham Rev. James, Wartnaby - Bristowe Samuel, Esq. Twyford - Barnard Rev. Mr. Cortlingstock Barnes David, Esq. Chesterfield - Bourne Rev. L. Dronfield, Derbyshire Bi others Mr. (an acknowledgment accep- ted by him on waving a prosecution) 05 50 30 31 10 21 21 21 !1 I Elliott William, Esq. Nottingham I Eyre A. H. Esq. Grove Edge Thomas, Esq. Strellcy Evans Francis, Esq. Lenton Grove Evans Rev. Mr. - Evans Miss . Franks Mrs. Elizabeth Fellows John, Esq. Nottingham - I Gregory G. D. L. Esq. Hungerton Hall 100 50 18 50 10 10 00 50 50 20 50 50 50 50 31 10 10 to 10 10 10 10 20 20 Nottingham - Burnell Mrs. Southwell - - . 10 10 | Gregory Mrs. Susan, Nottingham Buxton Mr. John, Nottingham - . 10 10 | Gisborne Rev. T. Yoxhall Lodge, Staf Bolton Mr. Samuel, Nottingham - 10 10 \ fordshire - Buck Mr. Samuel, Holwell, Leicestershire 10 \ Gawthern F. Esq. Nottingham - Cavendish Lord Charles ... 100 { Green Rev. W. Hardingham, Norfolk Chaworth W. Esq. Annesley . . 100 j Gregory Rev. Mr. Langar Crvne Dr. Kenelworth, near Coventry Carrington Right Hon. Lord Coke Daniel Parker, Esq, Derby Coke Rev. D'Ewtr, Brookhill Hall, near Mansfield - Crofts Mrs. (after her decease, by Mrs. Hunt) Clifton r Gervas, Bart. Clifton Grove 100 50 50 \ Hayford Mrs. Oxton 5 Hayne Richard, Esq. Notlingham 50 50 21 Holden Robert, Esq. Darky, near Derby Huisk Mark, Esq. Nottingham Heathcote Rev. Edward, East Bridgford Hall Rev. Robert, Stubton Infirmary, a Friend to the Jerom Mrs. Nottingham ... 50 21 21 10 10 100 50 50 30 21 21 400 50 2518 ? 4070 & 164 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Brought over . - .£4076 Knight John, Esq. Lang old 50 Kayo Rev. Sir R. Bart. Dean of Lincoln 25 Kirkby Rev. Richard, Gedling 21 Lovet Mrs. Nottingham ... 100 Launder Cornelius, Esq. Nottingham 50 Launder Rev. A. C. Nottingham - 25 L.upton Mr. Nottingham 20 Lady unknown (by the hands of Mr. Hoskins) ..... Morris John, Esq. Nottingham . Manvers Right Hon. Earl, Thoresby Middleton Right Hon. Thomas Lord, Wollaton - Middleton Henry Lord, Wollaton Middleton Henry Lord, Wollaton Mantagu Right Hon. Fred. Papplewick Musters John, Esq. Colwick Hall Mundy Edw. Miller, Esq. M. P. Shipley Mellor Abijah, Esq. Nottingham Mason Mr. J. B. Nottingham Menteath Rov. Mr. Closeburn Hall, Dumfrieshire - NewcastleHisGrace the Dukeof,Cluraber Newark Right Honble. Lord Viscount, M. P. Holme Pierrepont Nevill Langford, Esq. Nottingham Newton R. Esq. Norton, Derbyshire Oxton Town of (by Mrs. Sherbrooke) Portland his Gr. the Duke of Welbeck Portland his Grace the Duke of Plumptre J. Esq. Fredville, Kent Pierrepont Hon. John Evelyn, Thoresby Penalties, arising from conviction of per- sons, for having bought goods of embezzled materials (by the magis- trates) - Pinxton Parish of (by the Rev. D. Coke) Pocklington Roger, Esq. Winthorpe - Poole John, Esq. Nottingham 10 300 100 200 100 100 50 -50 50 21 10 10 300 100 21 10 100 200 105 100 100 10 10 94 50 21 21 6591 .£6591 - 21 - 21 ■ l- - 10 10 30 - 21 - 21 Brought forward Priaulx Rev. P. East Bridgford - Padley Robert, Esq. Burton Parker Heneage, Esq. Mansfield Wood- house .... Rollestoo L. Esq. Watnall Robinson Joseph, Esq. Bulwell Robinson James, Esq. Papplewick Smellie John, Esq. John Buxton, and John Ball Mason, gents. ( theMayor and Sheriffs of Nottingham) instead of the Micha-luias feast, 1780 Savile Sir George, Bart. Rttfl'ord Sherbrooke Mrs. Oxton ... Smith Abel, Esq. Nottingham Sherbrooke WilMam, Esq. Oxton Smith S. Esq. M. P. Wood Hall, Herts Simpson Hon. John, M. P. Babworth Sherwin John, Esq. Nottingham Shering John, Esq. Nottingham Stokes Miss Ann, Notiingham Stokes Miss Millicent, Nottingham Story J. L. Esq. Nottingham Strelley Mrs. Nottingham Spilsbury B. Esq. Willington, Derbyshire Statham, Martin, and Barnet, Messrs. of Nottingham, an acknowledgment ac- cepted by them on waving a prosecu- tion ------ Smellie John, Esq. Nottingham Shorney Mrs. Nottingham Smith Mr. T. High-pavement, Nottingham Thompson Job. Esq. ... Taylor Mrs. Elizabeth, Lincoln Thompson Rev. W. West Bridgford Unknown, through the hands of Thomas Coutts, Esq. and Co. Unwin S. Esq. Sutton-in-Ashfield Unknown (by D. P. Coke, Esq. Vernon Rt. Hon. Lord, Nutthall Temple 50 120 105 100 100 50 50 50 50 42 21 21 21 20 20 20 10 10 10 105 50 10 6337 50 20 10 10 10 10 2 10* 14,159 12 10 * The unknown friend that gave this large sum of money, gave an equal sum to the infirmities of Derby and Sheffield, in May, 1 807, the whole being the produce of thirty thousand pounds in the three per cent, consolidated funds. For some time his name was a secret; but it afterwards appeared to be the Honorable Henry Cavendish, -who died at Clapham the 10th of February, 1811. He was one of the greatest philosophers and chymists that ever lived ; and a most admirable eulogium of his distinguished merits, was delivered at a public meeting «f the Imperial Institute at Paris, by the chevalier Cunier on the 6th of January, 1812., GENERAL HOSPITAL. 165 Brought forward Williams Rev. Mr. Nottingham Williams Rev. Mr. (2d benefaction) Wright John, Esq. Nottingham Wright Thomas, Esq. Nottingham Williams Mrs. Nottingham £14,159 12 10 100 50 50 50 50 14,459 12 10 j Brought forward Walter Rev. J. Bingham A fine (by the Magistrates) .£14,459 12 10 21 10 14,490 12 10 Benefactions under ten pounds 294 7 9 Total 14,785 LEGACIES. Key Mrs. (her Executrix) Fulford Key John, Esq. Fulford Harris Miss, Nottingham SmellieJohn, Esq. Nottingham Copley Mrs. Nottingham Tye Mr. Thomas, Nottingham Immyns George, Esq. Nottingham Needham Mr. (surgeon) Nottingham Thompson Charles, Esq. Mansfield', 100^. stock in the three per cents. Frost Mr. William, Nottingham Coulson Mrs. Nottingham Taylor Mr. John, Nottingham Parnham Mrs. Mary, Nottingham Williams Rev. Edward, Nottingham Wolley Mr. James, Codnor, Derbyshire Botham Mr. Thomas, Nottingham Revill Thomas, Esq. - Chadwick James Mansfield, Esq. Lockitt Mr. Henry, Nottingham Leaver Mrs. Mary, Nottingham Mellor Abijah, Esq. Nottingham Strelley Mr. Joseph, Colwick Welby William, Esq. Denton Carruthers Mr. Alderman, Nottingham Stacy Mr. William, Farnsfield .£500 500 100 100 20 6 6 . 21 21 100 20 50 20 100 60 20 100 500 40 50 42 5 50 100 200 2725 6 Brought forward Warren Mrs. Elizabeth, Bisley. Jerrom Mrs. Mary, Nottingham Pearsall Mr. John, Nottingham Storer Mr. John, Nottingham Elliott William, Esq. Nottingham Morris John, Esq. Nottingham Mettam Thomas, Esq. Nottingham Reddish Mr. Simon, Ovcrstone Hall Francis, Gent. Nottingham Cannt Mr. Alderman, Nottingham A Lady (per Mr. Holdsworth) Smith James, Gent. Nottingham Hawley Mr. John, Ilkeston Kelsall Mrs. Elizabeth, Nottingham Dakeyne Mrs. Christian, Nottingham Dakeyne Mr. Robert, Nottingham Launder Cornelias, Esq. Nottingham Ugnall Mrs. Ann, Nottingham Ellis Mr. Thomas, Nottingham Tomlinson Rev. William, Beverley Pocklington Mrs. Mary, Newark Harwood Mr. William, Bilborough Pidcock Mr. William, Nottingham Needham Mrs. William, Nottingham £2725 6 - 100 O - 300 . 10 . 21 - 50 ■ 100 ■ 50 - 20 . 20 . 50 n 30 - 20 . 50 - 105 100 • 100 100 - 100 - 21 • 100 - 200 • 50 . 50 5 Total, 4477 6 A LIST OF THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIBERS, MARCH 25, 1815. All those marked * are both subscribers and benefactors. *Arkwright Richard, Esq. Willerslcy Castle, Derbyshire .... Allen Mr. Alderman, Nottingham Aihwell John, Esq. (Mayor) Nottingham Allsopp Mr. Lewis, Nottingham Almond George, Gent. Nottingham Alliott Rev. Mr. Nottingham X Atkin Mr. James, Nottingham £2 2 £10 10 X Barber, Walker, and Co. Messrs. Eastwood - 10 10 X Bolton Thomas, Esq. Ratcliff Lodge \ Barry Barry, Esq. Rocla Veston X Butterley Company, Derbyshire X X Burnell Peter Pegge, Esq. Wiukbnrn 5 Bateman Sir Hugh, Bart. Ham, near Ashborne 3 X 2T 160 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Beardmore Mr. Joseph, London - £1 1 Brodhurst William, Esq. Mansfield - -22 Bettison Jonas, Esq. Holme-Picrrepont - 2 2 Beresford John, Esq. Ashborne - - 2 2 Blaydes Hugh, Esq. Banby Hall - - 2 2 I5eechcr Bev. William, Southwell - - 2 2 Beecher Rev. John Thomas, Southwell - 2 2 Barrow Rev. Dr. Southwell - - - 2 2 Bristoe Rev. William, Southwell - - 2 2 Brown Rev. J. H. Eakring . . - 2 2 Brown Rev. J. H. Cotgrave - - - 2 2 Broughton Rev. Mr. Tunstal, Salop - - 2 2 Brettle Jofin, Esq. Thurgarton - - - 2 2 Bromley Sir Robert Howe, Bart, Stoke Hall 2 2 Bourne Gervas, Esq. Bramcote - - - 2 2 Braithwaites Messrs. Nottingham - -33 ♦Bolton Mr. Samuel, Nottingham - - 2 2 Bigsby Rev. Thomas, Nottingham - - -» 2 2 Bardsley Mr. Nottingham - . . - 2 2 Bates Mr. Alderman, Nottingham - - 2 2 Bott Mr. George, Nottingham - - - 2 2 Blathcrwick Mr. Nottingham - - - 2 2 Barwick Mrs. Nottingham - . - 2 2 Brocksopp Mr. Nottingham - - - 2 2 Brough Mr. John, Nottingham _ - 2 2 Chesterfield Bt. Hon. Earl of, K. B. Bradby 5 5 *Carrington Rt. Hon. Lord, Wycombe Abbey 5 5 *Clifton Sir Gervas, Bart. Clifton Grove -55 Craufurd General, Blyth - - - -55 Chaworth John, Esq. Annesley Hall _ -55 Coape Lieutenant Colonel, Sherwodge Lodge 3 3 Charlcsworth Rev. John, Ossington - - 3 3 Canterbury his Grace the Archbishop of, Lambeth Palace - - - - 2 2 Clifton Bev. William, Clifton - - - 2 2 Cleaver Bev. J. C. Holme-Pierrepont - - 2 2 Chamberlin Mr. Bichard, Lenton - - 2 2 Cox Humphry, Esq. South Scarle - - 2 2 Coleman Mr. Nottingham - . - 3 3 Chatteris Mr. Edward, Nottingham - - 2 2 Collishaw John, Gent. Nottingham . - 2 2 Cox Mr. George Lissant, Nottingham - 2 2 Coldham George, Gent. Nottingham - 2 2 Cole, Huddlestone, and Co. Messrs. Nottingham 2 2 *Dasbwood C. V. Esq. Stanford Hall -55 Donston George, Esq. Worksop - - 2 2 Deverill Mr. William Hooton, Newton - 2 2 Drewry Mr. Alderman, Derby - - - 2 2 Dinsdale Rev. Owen, Wilford - - £11 Dashwood Rev. S. F. Stanford, near Longhbro' 2 2 Dickonson Thomas Lacy, Esq. West Retford 2 2 Davy and Roberts, Messrs. Druggists, London 2 2 Deakin Mrs. Bagthorpe - « - - 2 2 Dale Mr. James, Druggist Nottingham - 2 2 *Emmerton J. W. Esq. Thrumpton -33 *EyreA.H. Esq. Grove - - - 3 3 Eyre Bev. Archdeacon, Babworth - - 2 2 *Edge. Thomas Webb, Esq. Strelley - 2 2 *Evans Francis, Esq. Lenton Grove - 2 2 Elliott W. E. Esq. Gedling House - - 2 2 Elliott John, Esq, Nottingham . - 2 2 Elliott Mr. Thomas, Nottingham - - 2 2 Enfield Mr. Henry, Nottingham - - 2 2 Evans Walter, Esq. Derby - - - 1 1 Evans William, Esq. Derby - - - 1 1 Foljambe Francis, Esq. Osberfon - - 10 Fountayne Miss, Papplewick . - - 5 5 Frank Frank Admiral, M. P. Kirklington 5 5 Fyncs B,ev. Dr. Cromwell - - - 2 2 Flamstead Rev. Dodsley, Spondon _ - 2 2 Fillingham George, Esq. Syerston - - 2 2 Foster Rev. Robert, Sutton Eonington St. Michael's . . . . - 2 2 Fisher Thos. Esq. Beaconfield, near Newark 2 2 Fowler Miss, Southwell - - _ - 2 2 Foxcroft Mr. Lenton Firs - - - 2 2 Foxcroft Mrs. C. Nottingham - - - 2 2 Freeth Daniel, Gent. Castle Hill, Nottingham 2 2 Frost Mr. Nottingham - - - - 2 2 Fellows J. M. Esq. Nottingham - - 2 2 *Gisbome Rev. T. Yoxall Lodge, Staffordshire 5 5 Girardot J. C. Esq. Allestree, near Derby 5 5 ♦Gregory Rev. Mr. Langar - - - 3 3 Green James, Esq. Lenton Abbey - - 2 2 Greaves R. C. Esq. Ingleby, near Derby - 2 2 Godfrey E. S. Esq. Newark - - - 2 2 Gawthern Mrs. Nottingham - - - 2 2 Goodacre Mr. Standard Hill, Nottingham 2 2 Grist Mrs. Nottingham - . - - 2 2 Hayne William, Esq. Nottingham . - 10 10 Holden Robert, Esq. Darley, near Derby 5 5 Hall and Son, Messrs. Basford - - -55 Holiin«, Oldknow, and Co. Messrs. Pleasley Works . . . - - -55 Hayne Thomas, Esq. Nottingham - -55 Haddens Messrs. Nottingham - - - 5 5 GENERAL HOSPITAL. 167 Huish Mark, Esq. Nottingham Holt Rev. George, Boughton ... Handley W. F. Esq. Newark . Hall General, Park Hall, near Mansfield Hall Rev. J. H. Ridley . Hall Thomas, Esq. Nottingham Hart Francis, Gent. Nottingham Hard wick Mrs. Nottingham ... Hoolev Mr. Nottingham - Howitt Mrs. Nottingham ... Hancock John Gent. Nottingham Hopkinson Mr. George, Nottingham Hind Mr. Thomas, Nottingham Hopper Mr. Richard, juo. Nottingham Holmes Rev. Mr. Normanton ... Holmes John, Esq. Retford - IJodgkinson George, Esq. Southwell Jackson and Manly Messrs. druggists, Pater- Noster Row, London - Jordan Rev. John Thomas, Hickling w Jamson Mr. Burton-Joyce - Knight H. G. Esq. M. P. Langold Kirkby Rev. John, Gotham ... Kewney Mr. Nottingham ... Killingley Mr. T. O. Nottingham Lowe Wm. Drury, E.->q. Locko, Derbyshire Longdun John, Esq. Bramcote Hills Leaver Richard, Esq. Mansfield Lowe Robert, Esq. Southwell Lowe Mr. J. High Field ■ - Lowe Mr. William, Nottingham Lacy Mr. Charles, Standard Hill, Nottingham Launder Miss, Nottingham ... Lawson Mr. Joseph, Nottingham Lawson Mr. George, Red Hill Lodge Lawson Mr. James, Red Hill Lodge *Middleton Right Hon. Lord, Wollaton Hall 10 10 ♦Musters John, Esq. Colwick Hall Mundy E. M. Esq. M. P. Shipley, Derbyshire Morris Mrs. Nottingham ... Maitby T. and W. B. Messrs. Nottingham Molyneux Henry Howard, Esq. M. P. Wellow Meynell Francis, Gent. Derby Moore Thomas, Esq. Lowdham Martin Rev. Samuel, Warsop Martin J. N. Esq. Wollaton ... Morewood Mrs. AJfrcton Hall, Derbyshire Maitby Gilbert, Esq. Hoverin^ham £5 5 2 2^ 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 o 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 5 5 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 •2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Mellor Chailes, Esq. Nottingham Markland Jonathan, Gent. Nottingham Maitby Thomas, Esq. Nottingham Middlemore W. R. Esq. Nottingham Melville Mrs. Nottingham - Melville Mr. Nottingham - Newcastle his Grace the Duke of, Clumber Newcastle her Grace the Duchess of Need John, Esq. Mansfield Woodhouse Need Nathaniel, jun. and Co. Messrs. Drug. gists, Nottingham - Nealc Rev. Pendock, Tollerton Nightingale Peter, Esq. late of Lea Bridge (by his Executors) - Nunn Mr. William, London - - - Needham Matthew, Esq. Lenton Naylor Mr. Standard Hill, Nottingham *Portland his Grace the Duke of, Welbeck Pocklington Joseph, Esq. Muskham Grange Pocklington Roger, Esq. Muskham Grange Phillips Samuel, Esq. Nottingham Parkyns Lady, Ruddington - *Padley Robert, Esq. Burton Joyce Parkinson Rev. Dr. Kegworth Parker Mr. John, Nottingham Prentice Mr. Nottingham Pepper Mr. Thomas, Nottingham Payne Mr. Nottingham - Robinson John, Esq. Winthorpe House Rawson Thomas Jekyll, Esq. . Ramsden Robert, Esq. Carlton in Lindrick Ray Mr. West Bridgford Rawson W. F. Esq. Nottingham Roe Mr. Martin, Nottingham Roberts Mr. Thomas, Nottingham Richardson Mr. VV. G. Nottingham Richardson Samuel, Esq Derby Rickards S. Esq. Draycot House, Derbyshire Stanhope Lord and Ladies, Bradby Savilethe Hon. and Rev. John Lumley, RufFord *Sherbrooke William, Esq. Oxton Sherbrooke Sir J. C. K. B. *Smith Samuel, Esq. M. P Wood Hall, Herts Story Mrs. Nottingham - Story J. Bainbrigge, Esq. Woodbro' Hall Smith William, Esq. Nottingham Smith George, Esq. M. P. London Stretton Mr. George, Nottingham £<& 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 21 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 20 21 4 4 5 5 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 3. 168 H1ST0KV OF NOTTINGHAM. Smith John, Esq. M. P. London Smith Mrs. Lncy, Chelsea Smith George, Esq. Wilford Sketchley Samuel, Esq. Newark Sianton Messrs. G. and C. Mansfield Story Rev. Philip, Lockington Smelt Rev. VV. Gedling Staunton Rev. Dr. Staunton Strutt William Esq. Derby Strutt Joseph, Esq. Derby Strutt George E7i reasurers. Of this number, 4417 persons were admitted on sudden accidents, without any recommendation; and there have been, since the first opening, 185 amputations, 9 trepanned, and 55 cut for the stone.— The average number for the year has been 39 in, and 343 out-patients. OFFICERS. Right Honorable Lord VERNON, of Sudbury The Reverend Dr. WYLDE, and THOMAS MALTBY, Esquire SAMUEL SMITH, Esq. and CO. JOHN and ICHABOt) WRIGHT^ Esqrs. and CO. and Messrs. MOORE, MALTBY; EVANS, and MIDDLEMORE Doctor JOHN STORER ..._.--- Consulting physician extraordinary for life. Doctor WILLIAM MARSDEN, Doctor CHARLES PENNING-^ TON, Doctor ALEXANDER MANSON, S Physicians. Mr. THOMAS WRIGHT, Mr. JOHN ATTENBURROW, Member) of Royal College of Surgeons, and Mr. JOHN WRIGHT, i The Reverend JAMES BAGG, A. B Mr. ROBERT THOMPSON, Mr. CORDEN THOMPSON, Mr. SAMUEL ASH WELL, Mrs. ELIZABETH BEARDSLEY Mr. SAMUEL WILKINSON - - - Surgeons. - Chaplain. - House surgeon, apothecary, and secretary, i Apprentices in the Hospital. - Matron. - Deputy Receiver. J 72 HISTORY OP NOTTINGHAM. CORRESPONDENTS AND RECEIVERS. For the County of Derby, - - - Mr. Alderman DREWRY, Derby. For the Hundred of Newark, - - - Messrs. GODFREY and HUTTON, Bankers, Newark. For the Hundred of Bingham, - - - Rev. THOMAS BEAUMONT, of East Bridgford. For the Hundred of Broxtowe, Mr. CHARLES STANTON, Mansfield. For the Hundred of Thurgarlon, - - Rev. WILLIAM BECHER, Southwell. For the Division of South Clay, - - JOHN HOLMES, Esquire, of Retford. Messrs. SMITH, PAYNE, and SMITHS; Messrs. ROBARTS, CURTIS, and Co. ; and Sir RICHARD CARR GLYNN, and Co. Bankers, London. *** The Governors will be glad if such gentlemen and clergymen as approve of this undertaking would trouble themselves to inform their neighbours of the nature and utility of this hospital, and promote subscriptions to support it. Old Linen is always considered a valuable present to the charily. KITTY HUDSON. We will close our account of this institution by giving the particulars of the most extraordinary case ever recorded in the medical annals, as extracted by Dr. Hugh Moises from the minutes of the hospital, and afterwards published in the Medical and Physical Journal. And Mr. Attenburrow, Mr. Wright, and Mr. Thompson, are still residing in this town as living witnesses of the truth of the case. Thinking, however that the reader would be gratified by every iota of information which could be collected on the subject, I sent for the woman herself (who is now living at Arnold in this neighbourhood) to come to my house, which she did, on the 23d of July, 1815, from whom, in the presence of several neighbours, I learnt the following particulars — She is now a hearty, communicative woman, and very pleasant in conversation. She said she was born at Arnold on the 9th of March, 1765; and that at six years of age she was brought to her grandfather, Mr. White, then sexton of St. Mary's parish Nottingham, where a girl resided, in the capacity of servant, several years older than herself, who used to say to her, " Kitty, if you will get me a mouthful of pins by such, or such a time, I will give you so much " tuffy" K'tty use( l t° ^ e employed in sweeping the church several times a week, and was always very careful in picking up pins and needles, which she regularly stored in her mouth, for she received alike for both. She followed this practice, as she says herself, till she could neither eat, drink, or sleep without pins or needles in her mouth, having got out of bed many times to supply herself with them, in order to get some sleep. Indeed to such a pitch had she carried this strange habit, before the mischief was discovered, that her double teeth were worn almost to the gums by constantly chewing these little instruments of torment. At length she began to feel a constant numbness in her limbs, and a great disinclination to sleep, which, after various medical applications, was the cause of her being removed to the general hospital, where, as she says, she was the ninth patient. For the account of her extraordinary sufferings and her not less extraordinary cure, the reader is referred to the extracted minutes below. On asking her respecting her marriage, &c. she stated that John Goddard, a youth of her native village, who had sweethearted her from a child, to use her own expressions, was an out-patient in the hospital, for a complaint in his head, of which he lost an eye, when she was an in-patient, who used to cheer her by saying he would marry her if she lost all her limbs, providing her life was GENERAL HOSPITAL KITTY HUDSON. 173 spared. And she still says, she believes that it was the cheering' of this young man, and her attachment to him, which enabled her to bear up against her sufferings. In about six months after her cure she was married to this faithful lover, by whom she has had nineteen children, eighteen of which lived to be christened, and she had three of them living at one time, though only one now remains, a girl of seventeen years of age; and she has been blind near two years, but, at the time this account was given, had received a little sight of one eye. Kitty says, from the loss of both her breasts, and a variety of other causes the doctors used to tell her she would never rear a child ; but she says God has enabled her to falsify their predictions. On being asked if she at any time felt any inconvenience from her past sufferings, she replied, nothing material, except that a pin or needle still remained in one of her left ribs, which, when she was heavy with child gave her great pain, and now hurts her sometimes. Her husband died in the present year, for whose memory she expresses the utmost attachment. And it is not a little remarkable, that somewhat less than four years ago, she was in our hospital with a broken leg, when she miscarried of her last child. She travelled as the Arnold post from that village to this town about four years, sometime ago. The remarkable case of Kilty Hudson, of Nottingham, who voided from different parts of her body many needles, pins, and pieces of bones, in a letter from Dr. Hugh Moises to Dr. Bradley. Extracted from the Medical and Physical Journal, Vol. VII. Dear Sir — Tn giving the following case, I faithfully transcribe the minutes taken by the physicians and surgeons of the General Hospital, Nottingham, under whose immediate care the patient (Kitty Hudson) was received, at her different admissions. As- a( some periods of her disease, frequent consultations ware held, th« minutes were more carefully made and preserved at those periods; while at others, when the symptoms were considered as less urgent, little, or very unsatisfactory, notice is taken of thorn. To this may be added, the unfortunate loss of one of the books, to which I was in consequence excluded a reference at the time I collected the case in my place-book. I had formerly mentioned the outlines of the case to mauy professional men, who held deserved rank in the medical world ; and of whom I might say, with Cicero, that they were lnteriores et reconditce literw. I, however, found that the tide of scepticism might hurry me into endless controversy, without a prospect of any practical advantage being derived from the discussion. With these impressions I hesitated to make the case public, (as it was my intention to have done at the Lyceum Medieum, in 1792,) well knowing that Philosophi celulem in litibus conterunt. In respect to the facts of this remarkable case, Dr. Storer, Mr. Wright, Mr. Bigsby, Mr. Attenburrow, Mr. Thompson, and every other professional man in the town of Nottingham, who were resident there at the time, are in full possession of, and are at liberty to confirm or contradict any part of my statement, according as I may be found correct or otherwise. I believe it was the intention of Doctor Snowden White, then senior physician to the Hospital, to have published it; but his premature death from phthisis haemopto'ica, I suppose, prevent' d his carrying his intention into execution.* It has, therefore, hitherto been but lamely communicated to a few practitioners; nor can I detail it in the manner I could wish, for reasons already given. The preserved facts of the case are before you, and for their being facts, I might pledge myself to you in the language of Terence,. Liquet mihi dejerare. 16th November, 1801. I have honor to be, &c. HUGH MOISES, M. D. * The unfortunate sufferer told the author of the History of Nottingham at his interview with her, that Dr. White afterwards told lier he would publish the aceouut for her benefit. 2 X 174 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Kitty Hudson, a single woman, was admitted into the General Hospital, Nottingham, on the 4th of August 1783, for an inflammatory affection of the right arm ; her usual occupation had been that of sweeping the pews and aisles of a church.— -On inspection of the arm two needles were discovered in the skin, a little above the dorsal side of the wrist. They lay in a transverse direction, and were readily extracted by pushing the points through the skin and laying hold of them with a pair of forceps. Upon a more minute examination, some more needles were felt about three inches higher up the fore arm, but farther back than the others, and more over the fiVxor muscles ; these Jay longitudinally, and appeared to have their heads downwards. These needles were extracted as before, a small puncture with a lancet having been previously made. (Of the number of the last-mentioned needles I find no mention.) Aug. 6th. Another needle is felt very plainly a little below the former place. 7. The nurse, in attempting to extract one from her leg, has broken it, and left part of it in. A large needle has been taken away from her foot, which was laying across her instep, and among the tendons. Oct. 11 A very large darning needle was this day extracted from her right breast, seemingly buried within a part of the gland ; thinks she feels another needle very deep seated under the gland in the middle of the breast; complained of great pain in the breast after the removal of the needle, which in about an hour afterwards became so excessive as to throw her into convulsions. Nov. 1st. The convulsions have continued at periods till now ; the needle still appearing to lie very deep within the breast; and about Ihree days ago her jaws became locked; very weak and low ; pulse small and weak; made an incision quite through the breast, and extracted a large needle which adhered to the tendinous fascia covering the pectoral muscle ; afterwards brought the lips of the wound together by adhesive plaisters. (From this last report I find none other until) v Jan. 12th, 1784. Has now very severe pains in the breast; apply Goulard's fomentation sprinkled with laudanum. 15th. Took her purging medicine last night, which had no effect ; fomentation increased the pain ; omit it. Touch the fungous ulcers with the weak solution of lunar caustic. Feb. 3d. Passed a pin yesterday by urine, which was not coated, or particularly corroded : and this day, with the same excretion, passed a needle. Had much pain in the sphiucter vesicas before and during the passage, and the urine bloody, though less so to-day. 5th. Passed another needle yesterday by urine; is faint and low. 11th. The breast healing fast, less pain, and the needle not easily distinguishable ; has had pain in the hroat and vomiting, which brought up blood ; feels still an obstruction in swallowing. 12th. Brought up a needle by vomiting. 14th. Had a needle extracted from her breast. 16th. Complains of pain in the lower part of the thorax, betwixt the ribs, but nothing to be felt. 19th. Pain now in her breast, as when a needle was there before, that between the ribs goue off. 26th. Two days ago the whole of the breast began to be iuflamed, and the inflammation continues. March 3d. Inflammation gone off. 8th. Still complains of pain deep seated in her breast, which prevents her resting. 19th. The needle in the breast to be extracted. 22d. It passed into the thorax during the operation ; part of the gland, which was schirrous, was removed. 26th. No pain from the needle ; breathing easy. 29th. Felt the needle in her stomach, and threw up a considerable quantity of congealed blood. April 5th. Has had no pain from the needle since last report; breast healing. 8th. Continues mending ; no symptom of any more pins or needles. 26th. Quite well ; dismissed cured. May 7. Is readmitted; about a week since was taken with a pain, a pricking sensation at the stomach, and vomited a matter which consisted of a solution of a pin similar to what she passed by urine, with some streaks of blood, attended with external inflammation, with two small ulcers, which are now much better. 10th. Last night took tinct. theb. gt. Ixxx. Procund no rest; complains of great pain in the stomach, and thinks she feels two or three pins or needles, and that they change their position. GENERAL HOSPITAL— KITTY HUDSON. 1T5 llth. Brought up thrfe pins, two csrroded, one not much so. 17th. Plaister taken off; pain was relieved by it ; but the part sore and a little ulcerated ; stomach yet sore. 2lst. Yesterday threw up matter similar to what came from her stomach when the pins were there; complains of much pain in her stomach, but no pricking feel, except when pressed; feels as if matter discharged from the part into the stomach; jaw locked, and a little subsultus tendinum. Ordered milk, whey, butter-milk and water, and weak broths frequently for diet. 22d. Had very little rest during the night ; early in the morning got up and took three tea-spoons full of tinct. theb. without any sensible effect ; had frequent spasms in the course of the day; went into the warm bath this evening; was very faint and much convulsed on coming out, afterwards considerably better : took a bolus about eight o'clock. 23d. Has had a tolerable night's rest; thinks herself much easier; no. relaxation of the jaw; has much pain and subsultus tendinum. 24th. Somewhat freer from pain this morning ; has had several stools from the bolus ; went into the warm bath, and was much better after it ; has taken the tinct. theb. three times. 25th. Has brought up a considerable quantity of matter since last night ; much relieved from pain, but no relaxation of jaw. 29th. Feels more pain at her stomach, as if there were pins and needles ; sickness and vomiting ; jaw looser. June 2d. Yesterday brought up a pin : still feels pain and pricking at her stomach ; costive. 3d. Brought up four pins together, and one singly before these.— Drink warm gum water. 6th. Feels no pain but soreness. 9th. Complains of a pain in left breast: apply linen dipped in Goulard's water, and sprinkled with laudanum.—. Stomach much swelled and hard. 17th. Much pain in her stomach; two pins or needles to be felt on each side of her stomach. One needle taken out this day. 29th. Dismissed relieved. Aug. 11. Re-admitted. On Friday last threw up a pin from her stomach; since easier there, but had a pin in right breast. One needle taken out from the surface, but has continued pain from one deep seated in the same breast, with spasms, and jaw stiff. "Warm bath this evening. 16th. Spasms have been severe, and has taken the laudanum to the amount of 500 drops. No pain except in breast. Warm bath whenever the spasm or pain increases. 20th. Great pain in breast, and in jaw, which was locked ; general convulsions and violent. 22d. Took a boius on Friday, went into the warm bath, and was much relieved; repeated bolus twice on Saturday, and one last night, using the warm bath. A splinter came away from the inner angle of the lower jaw on the ri^ht side ; body open and jaw quite relaxed ; no spasm, but violent pain in the breast. 26th. For several days has complained of great pain in her breast; and describes it to be as if several pins were lodged in the mamma and pectoral muscle, and lying between the two ribs. Aug. 30th. The right mamma was extirpated this day, in the middle of which a needle was found closely impacted ; an haemorrhage taking place in the evening, the dressings were removed, and a small artery was taken up ; a pin was found in the dressings. Sept. 4th. Complained of pain ; the dressings were partially removed; another pin was sticking to the dressings; four other pins were also discovered in the wound, which were removed without difficulty. One of the pins having lost the head, her perception was so accurate as to distinguish it before removing the dressings. 9th. On removing the dressings two pins were found adhering to them. She rested well, and has lost every symptom of spasm or pain, except what is in consequence of the operation. 7th. Two more pins were found lodging on the dressings this day, together with a plumb stone which she swallowed two days ago. No fever, but her stomach r.'jects what ever medicine is offered.* Th.s took place after her second breast was taken off, while the wound was still open, as she informed the author. 176 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. 8:h. The food taken, came away from (he wound in the form of poultice. 9th. Complains of slight degree of paiu in different parts of the breast. The wound is in a healing state. 10th. No material alteration. 11th. The food swallowed still continues to work out at the wound, issuing from a sinus \\ ry small, and covered with granulations acting as a valve to it. Ordered to eat no animal food, or dry bread, but live only on milk diet in different forms, with sago and rice. Port wine half-a.pint per diem. 12th. Complains of much pain, which she thiuks is owing to a piece of bone working ils way along the sinus to make its exit at the wound. The piece of bone she imagines is about half an inch long, and lather thick. 13th. This morning it came away exactly as she had described it, and appears to be part of one of the ribs ; she still complains of mr.ch pain, and thinks there is another piece of bone making its way to come out. This evening the other piece of bone came away, covered as she had described it; and appears to be the end of one of the ribs, covered with a vast number of insects of the grub kind. 14th. A great number of grubs came away with the dressings this day. 15th. A small piece of bone came away with the dressings ; complains of much pain, as if there were several more pieces to come away. 16th. This morning another piece of bone came away, rather larger than that of yesterday. 17th. Complains of much pain and prickings in tin part; food passes through the sinus. 18th. Two pieces of bone came away covered with a cartilaginous substance; from the kind of pain she feels, thinks there is another large piece of bone that will soon come away. 19th. This morning the large piece of bone came away as she had described it; is much easier; almost every thing she eats or drinks still escapes through the sinus. 20th. The wound looks well ; no food has passed the sinus to-day. 21st. This morning four small pieces of bone came away, and there was also a considerable quantity of food on the dressings ; not so faint and low. 22d. Five small pieces of bone and a quantity of food came away with the dressings. 23d. She is much easier to-day, and very little food has passed through the sinus. 24th. Passed no food through the sinus since yesterday, and takes it freely ; thinks the rib, from which the exfoliafation has taken place, is now detached from the back bone. 27th. Does not take food so easily ; it is heavv at her stomach, and occasions nausea, but does not pass through the sinus • the rib feels to her as though it were broken into several pieces. One piece of carious bone came away this day. 30th. One piece of bone came away on the 28th ; could take no food; was ordered nutritive clysters of milk and broth. Yesterday two bones came away, portions of rib ! feels as if more were lodged at the oesophagus ; feels as if a gathering was coming on lower on the ribs ; chilliness and shivering at times ; clyster came up in part at her mouth, and gave her pain ; lessen the quantity, and repeat them. Three pieces of carious rib came away this morning. Oct. 1st. This morning thirly-four pieces of bone were working their way through the sinus. Took a small quantity of bread and wine last night, which greatly refreshed her; eat some bread and milk for supper with some degree of appetite. 2d. This morning was considerably better ; was got up, and walking about the ward in good spirits. After the wound was dressed, was seized with spasmodic affection of the lungs, almost producing suffocation, which was succeeded by rigor and fainting. No bone or aliment came away with the dressings. In the afternoon and evening was much better. 3d. Continues nearly the same as yesterday. 4th. The food she takes passes off by stool soon after she has taken it ; ordered to eat rice gruel as her principal diet ; take from 20 to 80 drops of laudanum half an hour before she eats any food. 5th. Food continues to pass undigested, almost as soon as taken. The laudanum has not had any sensible effect. 6th. This morning a portion of bone, about three quarters of an inch in length, of a curved form with points, was discharged by stool, since which she has been free from pain, and breathing easier. GENERAL HOSPITAL—KITTY HUDSON. 177 7th. Took 80 drops of tinct. theb. without the least effect; complains of frequent rigors, succeeded by heat, several times a day. 8th. Last night and this morning has taken 90 and 100 drops of tinct. theb. without any effect whatever. Can ge£ but little rest, from a universal soreness of the right side, which she describes as if her ribs were falling out of theif sockets. 12th. Had nothing come away from sore till to-day, a few pieces of bone, (no number specified in my minutes); has had cough, and expectorated dark foetid matter, but not to-day ; complains of great pain in the stomach, as if a large piece of bone was there ; food passes off quick as before. 14th. This morning brought up a large piece of bone; complains of great soreness of the oesophagus; food continues to pass unaltered, and almost immediately after being swallowed. 19th. Feels now as if pins, or a piece of bone, were penetrating the bladder, or the right side near the neck of the bladder. 21st. This day passed a piece of bone by urine. 25th. On Saturday and yesterday she threw up blood, liquid, not congealed, she thinks about a tea-cup full. — Complains of pain in her stomach, but not as if any extraneous substance was lodged there. 28th. Constant nausea and vomiting on taking food ; feels something thick and long, which seems to come to her throat, afterwards returns to the stomach, and lies heavy on the left side of her stomach. Nov. 1st. Symptoms as before, only yesterday morning, a red spot or two on the right breast, very sore and inflamed ; has now the appearance of an eschar, and covers the upper part of the breast; no sensation as of pins or needles, or any irritating substance in the breast ; frequent chilliness and heat. 9th. Breast healing on the outside, but yet feels pain internally, as though there was bones in it; takes food better, and it stays with her. 11th. Complains greatly of the heart-burn ; a thin discoloured matter discharges from an ulcer in the breast. 15th. Felt as if a bone rose from her stomach ; she thinks the bones came from the left breast ; which is now healed excepting a small ulcer. 18th. Still complains of heart-burn. Breast almost healed. Brought up two small bones yesterday. 20th. Complains of rib on the left side, under the breast, feeling as if it was splintered ; heart-burn continues. 23d. Had pain in her jaw, and stiffness ; went into the warm bath, which relieved her. Dec. 1. Breast very painful ; no cardialgia ; ulcer on the breast ; food stays; body open. 8th. For the last seven days has had almost constant ichorous discharge from the breast, with the usual erysipelatous appearance, attended sometimes with great sickness. 9th. Yesterday diarrhoea came on with discharge df matter. 17th. Purging ceased ; still complains of much pain in the breast, and acid on the stomach. 23d. Complains of much pain in her arm and shoulder. 26th. Complains of pain in her breast, but much easier since the application of the blister. Dismissed cured. March 8th, 1785. On re-admission she complains of great pain in her left eye, that she describes as proceeding from her breast on that side. The eye-lid much swollen and inflamed, and one part of it has put on the appearance o£ eschar, that has been observed in other parts of the body to terminate in excoriation. 11th. The right eye is now in the same state as the other, and equally painful. 14th. A considerable quantity of blood was taken by the leeches. The swelling and inflammation is nearly gone. 21st. She has complained of pains in the right side for several days, extending along the course of the right ureter, and this morning says it has stopped the discharge of the urine. On examination, a piece of bone was found lodged in the upper part of the vagina, on the right side of the os uteri, and was extracted. 30th. To this time the symptoms have remained much the same, and five pieces of bone have been extracted at different times, since the 21st instant. N. B. One of the pieces was found making its passage into the vagina, at the part above mentioned, and after extraction the aperture was large enough to admit the point of a finger. (From this report I do not find any minute until) 2 Y 178 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Oct. 18th. Dismissed, cured. Jan. 3d. Readmitted ; fell down stairs ; head and side much bruised ; ordered to have the head shaved about th« part affected, and coveivil with cm pi. ncutrale. Feb. 3. Extracted four bones from the vagina, the whole about an inch long, to appearance exfoliations of the ribs. Complains of great pains in the side, as if more boucs were making their way downwards. Cutaneous ulcerations of the legs. 4th. Extracted three bones laying across, and considerably farther within the vagina. The last bone seemed to be retained about half its length, within the sinus, from which they are supposed to make their exit at the lower part between the os uteri and rectum. Great pains of side and stomach ; alternative chills and flushing ; tongue white and furred : no appetite. 17th. After making water complaints of lacerating pain of the right side, as if pieces of bone were still moving downwards to the vagina, and having alternate symptoms of pyrexia, sickness, pain at the stomach, &c. with hardness and swelling externally, where she supposes another needle to be deep seated ; she thinks she can fully distinguish its form and points. Several piece* of bone of uuequal sizes, some one inch in length, and half an inch in breadth, (about twelve in number) in their appearance like a divided portion of rib, putrid, blackish, and covered with offensive matter, some of them partially remaining within the sinus, betwixt the rectum and uterus, others loose within the vagina, have been extracted at different times since the 4th. Upon examining the matter brought up by vomiting,, some small insects were observed in the mass, which was of a darkish colour, very low and weak. 18th. Still complains of violent pain, as if more bones were passing. Extracted three pieces, within the middle of- one portion (to appearance rib) of about a quarter of an inch in length and half an inch in breadth, a large pin was found running longitudinally through part of its substance, and firmly impacted. She thinks mote bones are woiking, downwards the same way. 19th. -Extracted a very small needle from the fore part of the leg, near the outer ancle* and from the deep-seated pain near the same part, she fancies a pin is lodged. The erysipelatous ulceration, which affected the greatest part of the leg, has entirely gone off. 20th. Have extracted another portion of bone, nearly one inch in length and half an inch broad, from out of the vagina, having two pins running parallel to each other, in the same manner as in that of the report of the 18th.— Feels more bone. The former symptoms still continue; ancles cedemataus at night; cannot sleep for pain, or retain any solid food whatever. 25th. Complains of very lacerating, pricking pain all last night. Have removed a portion of bone, having a pin running through its substance longitudinally ;■ and another portion three-quarters of an inch in length and half an inch in breadth, with a pin running transversely through it, forming a right angle. Had a stool, which was streaked with blood; a continued discharge of pus, black and foetid, from the vagina; still complains of pain in the side, stomach, &c. with sickness as before. March 3d. Removed two narrow portions of bone, about one inch in length and three-quarters an inch in breadth ; one portion having two pins impacted longitudinally, the other only one. Thinks the whole of the loosened bones from the ribs are discharged, as she is fiee from lacerating pains; other symptoms continue; gets little or no sleep. 5th. Complains of pain in the bowels, as if a bone was passing through them ; stools very black ; several of them in a day, with grubs, the same as in the matter vomited before. The stools ordered to be saved for examination. 8th. Upon examination the stools were found very black, and a pin was discovered at the bottom of the vessel, discoloured, and seemingly in part dissolved by a menstruum. 10th. Shortness of breath when lying ; the legs, thighs, and skin of the breast cedematous ; great distention and, hardness of the stomach and abdomen ; has passed no urine these three days. 14th. Feels very great fulness with load at the stomach ; thinks no urine is secreted into the bladder ; has not made water these three days, nor has any inclination ; has chilly fits succeeded by heat two or three times a day; has stool* 4aily, of a dark colour. GENERAL HOSPITAL— KITTY HUDSON. 179 18th. (Edema, and tightness about prsecordia not so considerable ; complains of great pain in the bladder, especially during the excretion of urine, which is now more frequent; pain of the right leg from a pin. 22d. Has complained for three days past of pain in her bowels, with purging to the extent of nine, ten, or eleven stools a day, with great pain in making water. The urine deposits a copious eaithly sediment, mixed with mucus of a greyish cast. 24th. Purging continues ; makes very little water, and then with great pain ; in the night of the 22d had a very strong convulsion fit, which threw her out of bed, and bruised her very much ; has had frequent vomitings, as before; complains of great pains in the bones of the sacrum and loins ; the stomach not so much swelled or hard. April 20th. Violent pain in her bowels with continual purging ; has discharged two pins with some fragments of bone by stool : pain as usual in her right side. 21st. Extracted some portions of bone (no number mentioned) from the sinus in the vagina, through one of which a pin was driven. May 1st. Great pain in her right breast, pricking as if several pins were buried deep ; the glandular parts enlarged and hard ; can feel two or three seemingly buried in the middle of these indurated glands; takes six or seven tea spoons full of tinct. theb. two or three times a day without any effect either in producing sleep or mitigating pain ; had several convulsion fits this night, which were only relieved by large doses of opium. (N. B. Each tea spoonful held 100 drops.) 4th. Pain this evening intolerable in her breast; took at eleven in the morning, eleven tea spoons full of tinct thebaica, and this morning tzvelve, which have not yet (eight o'clock) either alleviated the pain or produced any effect, excepting exciting nausea. (From this day we find no report until) June 12th. Dismissed, cured. July 26th, 1792. I have this day been credibly informed by a neighbour and relation of Kitty Hudson, that she is married, has two fine children, and enjoys better health than for several years past. At present I shall make no comment on the case; I feel it, however, a duty 1 owe to myself, (and to anticipate the attack of puny criticism) that I should here observe, that the language of the case throughout, is strictly that of the minutes preserved in the Case Books of the hospital, as taken thence by myself upwards of ten years ago. HUGH MOISES, M. D. When the reader reflects, that nearly thirty-six thousand of his suffering fellow mortals, either as in or owf-patients, have been entered on the books of this hospital within the space of thirty- three years ; and that upwards of twenty-seven thousand of that number have been restored, in a state of convalescency, to the fond arms of a husband, a wife, a child, a parent, or a friend, he will rather approve of, than censure the author's conduct in giving so minute a detail of an institution which dispenses so many benefits around. With what pleasure and inquiry will those pages be looked over, which contain the names of the benefactor donors, and subscribers ; and with what rapture will many hereafter point to this or that name, and exclaim to the conversing friend, "such V an one, whose name you there behold, and who ennobled human nature by being charitable to " the poor and distressed, was a relation, or an ancestor of mine! !" The physicians and surgeons too merit our highest commendation and praise, for devoting their time and exercising their talents in alleviating the sufferings of those who are daily falling victims to accident and disease. The life of man, like the earth's vast surface, is replete with flaws and irregularities ; and the question will not bear disputing, whether he is the most commendable who seeks to remove the asperities, and smooth the rugged passage ; or he whose conduct tends to make its irregularities still more 180 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. conspicuous and troublesome, by punishing misguided mortals for errors, the commission of which they had but half the power to avoid ; or which, under other circumstances, they would most cautiously have shunned, The friends of this excellent institution, and the public at large, will excuse me for observing-, that there is one rule in the interior management of the establishment which- is very liable to be abused, viz. that which excludes a patient for ever, for irregularity of conduct. The language and behaviour of a captious and an over-bearing matron may so far irritate the mind of a patient (sickness always contributing to mental disquietude) as to produce words, which wounded pride and an ignorant consequence of office may construe into insolence ; and, thus an unguarded expression, flowing from an independency of soul, may be the cause of very great misery to, and .perhaps the death of a useful member of society. — It requires great circumspection and impartiality of conduct in the house visitors to guard against this evil. GENERAL LUJYATIC ASYLUM. The foundation of this extensive and well-constructed public building was laid on the 31st of "May, 1810, and it was opened for the admission of its unfortunate tenantry on the 12th of February, 1812. It is situate on the declivity of a hill in the parish of Snenton, facing the Carlton road, and a few hundred paces without the boundaries of Nottingham liberties. The gentlemen who generously took upon themselves the general management of the infirmary, very early saw the necessity of an asylum for the wandering, half lost, and sometimes wholly neglected maniacs — they contributed very much, in their collective as well as individual capacities towards the accomplishment of an object so desirable ; and, till 1809, they regularly annexed a statement of the funds designed for its erection to the annual report of the state of the General Hospital, at which time the asylum fund was converted into a separate establishment. These humane and praise-worthy gentlemen could not see their fellow creatures, clothed in rags, or half naked, when deprived of their reason, parading the streets, the sport of coxcombs and thoughtless boys, without being painfully struck with the sight ; and they endeavoured to provide a remedy for ^he evil. — As man is the noblest work of God ; and as his mental powers are given to him, as the grand palladium of moral happiness, the restoring one to the enjoyment of the faculties of ratiocination must be paying a tribute of gratitude to the Deity, and conferring a benefit on society, independently of performing a duty to the sufferer as a fellow man. Besides, the life of every passenger lies in the hands of the wandering maniac — or, if only a wound be inflicted by him, to whom can the injured person apply for redress? he may procure the imprisonment of the offender; and what then ! the sympathizing pity the misguided offender, while the only recompence the other receives, is the painful reflection, that his own misfortune has added to the misery of another, whose loss of reason loas his only crime. To which may be added, when men labouring under this dreadful malady, fall into the hands of the keepers of workhouses (which is uniformly the case wheu asylums are not to be had) they generally become worse; rather than better — To Ri store INTELLIGENCE TO THE HUMAN MIND, INTELLIGENCE AND HUMANITY ARE REQUIRED. GENERAL LUNATIC ASYLUM. 181 The following short article, which appeared as an advertisement in the Nottingham newspapers, will give the reader an insight into the nature of the institution : — In pursuance of an act of parliament passed in the 48th year of his present majesty, intitled "an act for the better " care and maintenance of lunatics, being paupers or criminals in England ;" we do hereby give notice, that the General Lunatic Asylum, near Nottingham, has been declared to be completed, and in a state fit for the reception of lunatics, and other insane persons; and that the same will be accordingly opened for that purpose, on Wednesday the 12th day of February next, and (on account of the fast-day) not on the 5th as before advertised. And for the information of overseers of the poor, notice is also given, that if any lunatic, or dangerous idiot, be chargeable to any parish within the county of Nottingham, or the county of the town of Nottingham, the overseers of the poor of every such parish, are by the said act required to give information of every such insane person, to a justice of the peace acting in and for that county wherein the parish to which such pauper belongs is situated, on which occasion the justice will make such orders concerning every such pauper as the law directs. And if any overseer of the poor shall wilfully delay or neglect to give information as above mentioned, he is by the same act of parliament rendered liable to the forfeiture and payment of ten pounds. N. B. If the patient be not a pauper, printed forms (necessary to be obtained for admission) may be had of Edward Smith Godfrey, Esq. treasurer, Newark; or of the director at the asylum. Dated the 6th day of January, 1812. EDWARD SMITH GODFREY, Clerk of the peace for the county of Nottingham. GEORGE COLDHAM, - - Clerk of the peace for the town and county of the town of Nottingham. THOMAS MORRIS, - - Secretary to the voluntary subscribers. The reader will have observed from the above,, that there are three, parties to this institution, viz. the voluntary subscribers, the town of Nottingham, and the county of Nottingham. The property of the institution is divided into twelve shares or parts, as are also its expenses and connective presentation ; seven of which parts or shares belong to the voluntary subscribers, jour to the county of Nottingham, and one to the county of the town of Nottingham. A report from the committee, appointed to superintend the erection of the General Lunatic Asylum, near Nottingham, delivered at the first anniversary meeting of the Governors, held at the Shire-hall, in Nottingham, on the 10th day of October, 1811, his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, President, in the chair : — My Lord Duke, The committee appointed to superintend the erection of the General Lunatic Asylum, near Nottingham, have agreed upon the following report. Your committee have endeavoured to discharge their duty, by conforming without deviation to the working drawings approved at a general meeting, and by exerting their utmost circumspection to prevent any unnecessary expenditure; your committee however, have been compelled by circumstances, not within their control, to exceed the sum which was originally supposed to have been adequate for the completion of the buildings. This increase has not arisen from any inattention, or error in the part of the surveyors, but from the unforeseen inequality of the rock upon which the foundations of the walls have been laid, which has rendered the removal of the ground unavoidable, and has added one story beneath the basement of the north.east wing, which however has afforded increased accommodation to the establishment. It is also stated by your committee that the fitting-tip and furnishing, for which no estimate could have been made at the commencement of the undertaking, are likely to impose upon the funds of the institution, a demand much beyond what was generally expected, so that the voluntary subscribers will require from the public bounty, a very considerable sum, for the performance of their engagements with the two counties. Your committee present the following abstract of the accounts, and beg leave to refer those governors, who feel desirous of inspecting the particulars, to the secretary at the General Hospital. 2 Z 182 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Work and labour of different kinds, partly executed by contract, and partly by measurement and £ s. d. valuation, according to (he original plans and estimates - - - - - - 11.783 6 1 Extra work and labour in the subbasement, drains, Sec. measured and valued - - ,s£1352 J 3 Extra earth, and rock digging and cutting in the subbasement, yards, courts, and founda- tions, by measurement, valuation, and daily labour ...... 963 19 Amount of the two preceding charges ............. 2316 12 Fitting-up and furnishing, partly ascertained and partly estimated ....... 1705 Furniture and contingencies, not included in the above charge, together with the surveyors' fees, esti- mated at ". ... 1760 o Amount of the expense for completing, fitting-up, and furnishing the asylum with the courts, gardens, and contingencies as above specified ....-..-.-- 17564 18 I The lodge and stable ...'.. 500 The purchase of the land, planting trees, and setting down hurdles - - - . - - 1755 Total amount of expenditure .--..--. 19819 18 1 Without running' through every minutia of this account, suffice it to say, that there was a deficiency of £4031 18s. of which sum the subscribers had to raise by further contributions £1673 14s. 2d. — The report then proceeds : — In submitting this statement, your committee feel no doubt in rcsppct of the means of supplying the deficiency, they entertain a well grounded confidence in the good will of the public towards a charitable institution, which in this county has never been solicited in vain, when a proper claim to it has been made out. The report concludes in the follow. ing words — Your committee, in putting a period ffer up their devotion at the altar of trade, as they not only enjoy the benefits arising from it, which other nations enjoy, that are engaged in commercial pursuits, but they likewise owe to it the inestimable possession of their civil and religious liberty, the truth of which we will endeavour to make appear. Britain was famed among the Phoenicians and Greeks, long before the birth of Christ, for the excellency of its Cornish tin ; the knowledge of which fact is worth more than a million of volumes composed of monkish legends, as it proves that the whole Of the ancient Britons did not consist of ignorant barbarians, till instructed by their conquerors, as is too generally believed ; there being- no possibility of men worming ore from the bowels of the earth, and preparing it for use, without some knowledge of the mechanical or chymical arts. Some circumstance entirely fortuitous might cast the first load* of tin in the way of the Cornish natives, lumps of which, from its ponderosity and peculiar appearance, they might preserve ; and which would probably be shewn as articles of curiosity to the first friendly adventurers that set their feet upon the shore. These, doubtless, were the Phoenicians, who, from the knowledge they possessed of the value of metals, and the means of preparing them for the use of man, would instruct the Cornish natives how to give them malleability by means of fusion, probably conditioning, in the best manner they could, for the exclusive privilege of the traffic. An art once implanted in the human mind, naturally begets others; and a slender progress in the refinement of manners is a natural consequence. Thus by little and little the understanding becomes expanded, and receives new ideas of human polity, and of the necessity of forming associations for mutual defence and congregated independence, unknown to the inhabitants of any country in nature's rudest state. This will account for the marked distinction which is always found to exist, between the manners of those that inhabit the skirts of a country, and those who dwell in the interior, before the nature of civil government is generally understood And here the powers of trade shew themselves to the humblest capacity, upon the habits and manners of mankind. Immediately on emerging from the original state of society, those who are ever so little * This is the name which the Cornish miners apply to a stratum, or bed of ore. 3 D 198 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. practised in external traffic will see the necessity of wearing' some kind of cloathing, not so much to screen the body against the inclemency of the weather, as to conceal certain parts of it from the eye of curiosity, in order to prevent the rising- blush — Whenever shame has found a seat in the human mind, it is evident that civilization has been there to mark the outlines of its own foundation. When the Phoenicians and the Greeks had bowed their necks to the Roman yoke, it is natural to suppose that the conquerors would obtain a knowledge of the trading intercourse of the conquered. They would soon learn from the trembling captive that Britain abounded with well timbered forests, with rich pastures, with immense herds of cattle, and with ores ; which circumstances, so inviting to the sons of rapine, would operate more powerfully in the breasts of the lordly Romans, than a mere thirst for empty martial glory, to induce them to attempt the conquest of our island. They made the attempt, and succeeded in the undertaking; and they converted the British forests into ships, in which they exported the metal, the cattle, and the men, to other parts of their empire ; and in return they imported their vices, their crimes, and their arts. So much too did the Romans improve the culture of the land, that Britain soon became the imperial storehouse ; and her forests and harbours furnished them with the means of making her the depot of the imperial navy. This, in the end, proved the bane of the Roman authority here ; for, in the third century, one Carusius, a Fleming by birth, obtained the command of the fleet, with which he bade defiance to the threats and the power of Maximian, the Western Emperor — he was declared Emperor of Britain, and maintained her independence some years ; till he fell by the hand of an assassin, and Rome recovered the shadow of sovereignty in the land. This is the first time we find Britain protected by a British fleet.* Notwithstanding the dreadful contentions and massacres, which almost amounted to extermination, between the British, Picts, Saxons, Danes, and Anglo -Saxons, during several generations after the evacuation of the island by the Romans, yet trade always bore its head above the storm ; for a proof of which we have only to turn our attention a few moments to the accounts given by historians of the vast sums of money raised by the Anglo-Saxons, at sundry times, on the spur of the occasion, wherewithal to purchase the forbearance of the Danes. Nature having denied to this country the means of obtaining the precious metals, except through the medium of plunder, or that of trade ; and the inhabitants, at the periods alluded to, not being capacitated to practice the former to any considerable extent ; therefore the latter must have been carried on by them very largely, or they could not have complied with those numerous exactions; nor could the vacuums, occasioned in the circulating medium by such exactions, have otherwise been filled up. We have two circumstances on record, which prove what importance was attached, by two of our greatest Saxon monarchs, to trading pursuits. Alfred refused to taste any delicacy except it had been brought from the Mediterranean, or the Indies ; and Athelstan passed a law, which specified that a merchant who should make three long- sea voyages on his own account, should be admitted to the rank of Thane. But the Norman ruffian and his myrmidon followers, by * Lord Cork, speaking of this hero, says, " It is to him we owe the first dawnings of our naval power: a power which has since appeared " in all its meridian glory. From his conduct we were apprised of our natural strength as an island," TRADE. 199 exterminating' the greater part of the people, but more particularly by riveting the chains of feudalism upon the miserable remnant, broke every social tie, and laid trade in a long and dreary sleep ; and with.it slept the embers of English liberty. A solemn silence, like the curtain of nighty expanded over the land; and was only interrupted by the groans and reproaches of the vanquished, the hoarse shouts and triumphant arrogance of the victors, the clarion's discordant sound, and the clang of martial arms. The country was now parcelled out among the conqueror's captains, and with it the wretched inhabitants as their vassals ; and whose chains were rendered still more galling by the struggles which afterwards ensued between chieftain, and chieftain, and between chieftains united and their superior lord. The successors of William found to their cost, though the barons delighted in seeing their own vassals wreath under the lash of slavery, that they spurned at the idea of being vassals themselves — their resistance to unbridled domination frequently overturning, or endangering a throne, which they were originally intended to protect. The necessity of an interest to counterpoise the power of the sturdy barons soon appeared manifest to the monarch, which sometimes induced him to cast himself into the arms of the clergy; but this was flying from Scylla to fall into Charybdis ; for the craft- of the one party was as dangerous to the independence of the crown, as the unruly disposition of the other. At length prudence directed the monarch to foster the trading interest, which was almost extinct, in order to counterbalance the power of the factious barons, and the dangerously growing ascendency of the clergy. Hence charters were granted to cities and boroughs, to secure to the inhabitants thereof certain privileges and immunities (dependent upon royal favor) as a sure mean of gaining partizans to the interest of the crown, by exciting a spirit of emulation among the vassals and retainers of the barons. The maxim was a good one ; and, from the moment of its adoption, trade again reared its fructuous head ; and with it its rose-cheeked handmaid — liberty. The king became the protector of trade, and trade the protector of the king.* The circle in which trade had to move, during a considerable length of time, was very circumscribed ; owing to various causes, such as a want of capital in those whose inclinations led them to its pursuits ; a want of confidence ; the dormant state of literature and of mechanical genius ; the discountenance it received from those who dreaded the effects its renovating influence could not fail to have upon the human mind ; and the murderous contentions, so long maintained between the houses of Lancaster and York. But, notwithstanding the feuds between the two royal houses, (independent of the other obstacles) for a time retarded the progress of trade, they finally- established its importance, and laid the barbarous system of feudalism prostrate at its feet. Henry the Seventh had seen one nobleman (the Earl of Warwick) make and unmake kings at his will ; he had seen first one house and then the other triumphant, always by means of caballing with the barons : he had seen himself raised to the throne by a faction that he knew, upon receiving the slightest disgust, would not scruple to pluck the gorgeous diadem from his brow. Two attempts of this sort being actually made, in one of which the very man joined,f to whom Henry principally * Though commerce may exist, in a small degree, without civil liberty, yet civil liberty was never known to exist without commerce ; except that sort of liberty which is enjoyed by the most uncultivated savages, f Sir William Stanley. 200 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. owed the possession of the crown, and who was decapitated on the occasion. These things being- well known to Henry, he determined, if possible, to ward off any unfavorable result; which purpose be accomplished by giving to trade every encouragement in his power. He excited in the breasts of the barons a passion for foreign delicacies — for costly show, and entertainments. Many of them became embarrassed in their circumstances ; and consequently compelled to give up their numerous retainers and many of their vassals; or their new enjoyments — the former was the smaller sacrifice, because in making it at the shrine of their newly begotten vanity they could glitter in the gew-gaw fashions of the court, and thereby preserve a greater share of domestic concord. Their embarrassments, however, continued to grow upon them — they applied to the king- for leave to dispose of parts of their estates, free of the capite tenure, which would sell the better, in consequence of the crown sacrificing its feudal claim.* The requests were granted, because nothing could be more agreeable to the royal will. Numbers of tradesmen, who had acquired a money capital, now became possessed of freehold estates, which, along with the consideration they had already obtained, gave to the trading interest an imposing attitude in society, while the feudal system gradually sunk before it, as the snow-ball melts in the. face of the mid-day sun. Like cattle escaping from a pound, the poor vassals fled from their masters ; and took shelter in trading towns, or on board of merchant ships. They soon reaped the fruit of their own industry — they became better fed and better cloathed than what they had been accustomed to be ; while their bosoms glowed with the soul-cheering fire of independence, till then by them unknown. — Contentment, mirth, and glee sat perching upon their brows, instead of despondency and gloom. Heaven seemed to have given them new life; and the slave suddenly found himself exalted into man ! ! As to our religious liberty, it is a branch springing from the proud stock of our civil independence ; for had not trade previously diffused the enlightened rays of the latter among society, Henry the Eighth might have blustered against the pope; but he would have fallen a sacrifice in the tempest of his own raising ; and the people, in all probability, would have greaned at the present day beneath the papal yoke. As there are some men, that push their notions into society, who contend that trade has never added one sixpence to the wealth of England, we will conclude these observations with, a simple statement of facts, and a few deductions naturally arising therefrom, which will put the assertions of the self-wise economists to the blush. From the year 1700, to 1800, the value of our exports, over that of our imports, amounted to £348,000,000. But it is the practice of the enemies of our trade, while they examine the question itself, to overlook all its consequences and bearings ; else why do they tell us, because the duties upon exports and imports are paid by one Englishman into the hands of another, that those duties add nothing- to the wealth of the country, or to the taxes of the state ? They assert, that duties paid this way, is nothing but borrowing and lending-; or to * Though Kdward the First, according to the records of parliament, permitted the barons to sell their land, such land still remained subject to the feudal law, which was an almost insuperable bar to the transfer of domains in parcels, as the expense of a transfer was nearly equaltothe settler's share of their value. Therefore the light of sale was almost a nullity under such circumstances. TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM, 201 use a common adage, " it is robbing- Peter to pay Paul." If the inhabitants of the moon would have the condescension to pay us a few duties for our goodness in permitting them to enjoy the light of the sun, the economists, perhaps, might acknowledge the utility of such payments. Let us, however, state the case fairly ; and then try the argument by its own sterling merit. Suppose the government demands forty millions of taxes annually; and that nine millions of that sum be paid in duties upon exports and imports to and from our own colonies, independently of foreign trade, which was the case in 1808 ;* and suppose that these duties were entirely withdrawn; would not that sum be levied additionally upon the land ; or upon our traffic with foreign nations ? and, if levied upon the latter, it would amount to an annihilation of the whole. Land and trade being the only sources of taxation, though the products thereof are collected in many different ways. Then supposing the land proprietors were compelled to pay this additional sum, without being permitted to levy it upon their tenants, would they not have that sum less to expend in giving employment to industry in a thousand various ways? and would not this deduction from the employing fund cause additional misery, and a consequent increase of poor's rates? But supposing the land proprietors should not be compelled to pay this additional sum out of their rentals, would not the farmers be compelled to pay it ? certainly they would, or it would not be paid at all! in the latter of which cases a national decrepitude and a yielding to external enemies must ensue; and in the former, an advancement in the price of provisions, corresponding with the additional sum demanded, must ensue. Here, then, view the question which way we will, it brings with it its consequent calamities to the working class, and to the nation at large. V\ e might enlarge on this subject, by calculating on the trade with other nations ; but it is presumed to be unnecessary to conviction, on a subject so very clear. That Britain owes her civil and religious liberty, her independence as a nation, and a considerable share of her enjoyments to trade, is a position, I flatter myself, pretty clearly proved. And, as many persons, who are enemies to those liberties, have sought the accomplishment of their wicked object by an insidious attempt to shew the inutility of trade, I hope that will be an excuse with the liberal minded for this long digression in its support; conceiving as I do, that every patriot, who can convey his thoughts to the world through the medium of the press, ought to step forward in its defence, as a son would to preserve the life of his parent. TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. MALT AND ALE. Fortune did much for Nottingham in placing it in a situation to command an extensive share of inland traffic ; and the ingenuity and industry of its inhabitants have finished what fortune left incomplete. Shortly after the conquest, many Normans settled in this town, probably at the instigation of Peverel, to re-people his newly acquired domains ; and finding it to possess a highly advantageous situation for trade, by means of the majestic Trent ; and finding too that the fertile * See Parliamentary Debates for that yew. 3 E 202 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. vale of Belvoir furnished plenty of grain,, they soon turned their attention to the making of malt, and the brewing- of ale. Probably these businesses had been followed here by the Saxons and other inhabitants of the place, long- before the arrival of the Normans, some of whom might communicate to the latter the utility of carrying them on, as well for exportation as home consumption.* — Various causes might operate to secure to this town a superiority in the malting business, which it enjoyed during many centuries, and which still exists in a partial degree ; among which we may reckon the excellency of the barley produced in its neighbourhood, and particularly the facility with which fuel could be obtained. Nor would the excellent character which its ale always possessed through the country fail to add to the anxiety for the obtainment of its malt. The malting business seems to have been at its height in the time of Cromwell and that of Charles the Second, as Dr. Thoroton gives it as his opinion, that the inhabitants were making more profit of that business, at the period alluded to, than they by the wool trade had previously done. Nottingham ale has been characterized by the following poetic effusion, which we will give for the amusement of those who still delight in making " the good creature" subservient to their gratification. The occasion of its being written was this : — A person of the name of Gunthorpe, who, within the memory of persons now living, kept the Punch Bowl public-house in Peck-lane, sent a barrel of ale of his own brewing as a present to his brother, an officer in the navy ; and who, in return, composed the poetic epistle, and sent it, under the title of, " NOTTINGHAM ALE." Fair Venus, the goddess of beauty and love, Arose from the froth which swam on the sea : Minerva leapt out of the cranum of Jove, A coy sullen slut, as most authors agree: Bold Bacchus, they tell us, the prince of good fellows. Was a natural son — pray attend to my tale ; But they that thus chatter, mistake quite the matter — He sprung from a barrel of Nottingham ale. Chorus — Nottingham ale, boys, Nottingham ale ; No liquor on earth like Nottingham ale! And having survey'd well the cask whence he sprung, For want of more liquor, low spirited grew ; He mounted astride, set his a — se on the bung, And away to the gods and the goddesses flew; But, when he look'd down, and saw the fair town, To pay it due honors, not likely to fail ; He swore that on earth, 'twas the place of his birth, And the best—and no liquor like Nottingham ale. Chorus— Nottingham ale, &c. * Deering states, that the Normans introduced malt liquor into England ; whereas the common Chronicle of the country states there to have been " ale-hewses" in it so early as the year 728. TKADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 203 Ye bishops and deacons, priests, curates, and vicars, "When once you have tasted you'll own it is true, That Nottingham ale is the best of all liquors ; And who understands the good creature like you ? It expels every vapour-— saves pen, ink and paper ; And when you're disposed from the pulpit to rail, T'will open your throats— you may preach without notes, When inspired with a bumper of Nottingham ale. Chorus-- -Nottingham ale, &c. Ye doctors, who more execution have done. With powder and bolus, with potion and pill ; Than hangman with halter, or soldier with gun ; Than miser with famine, or lawyer with quill ; To dispatch us the quicker, you forbid us malt liquor, Till our bodies consume, and our faces grow pale ; But mind it, what pleases, and cures all diseases, Is a comforting dose of good Nottingham ale ! Chorus— -Nottingham ale, &c. Ye poets, who brag of the Helicon brook, The nectar of gods, and the juice of the vine ; You say none can write well, except they invoke The friendly assistance of one of the nine — Here's liquor surpasses the streams of Parnassus, The nectar ambrosia, on which gods regale ; Experience will show it, nought makes a good poet, Like quantum sufficit of Nottingham ale!* Chorus— Nottingham ale, &c. That there is ale in Nottingham which merits the praise here bestowed upon it, is beyond dispute; but the universality of its character is not so pure as formerly, owing to the heavy duty upon it, and the other imposts upon publicans, who are taxed more than proportionably, when compared with any other class of tradesmen ; and the frequent irksomeness of whose situation is ill compensated by the profits of their business. In London, Nottingham ale still retains its pristine character ; and were it not for the distance between the two places, and the almost unavoidable adulteration it receives on the road, much more of it would be sold in London than is at the present time. It is partly owing to the excellent quality of the coal in this neighbourhood, that Nottingham owes the superior flavor of its ale. Three wholesale brewhouses have been erected here within the last twenty-four years ; but the strong prepossession of the inhabitants against what is termed brewery ale has rendered the projects abortive, as far as respects local public-house consumption, in the article of ale ; but, in the article of porter the case has been very different ; for the porter brewed by Deverill and Co. is equal to what is generally met with in London ; and, indeed it is superior to much of the city * One rerse is purposely omitted, on account of its immodesty. 204 HISTOKY OF NOTTINGHAM. beverage. From the year 1800, to 1S04, the Newark brewers made a bold attempt to force their interior liquor upon the inhabitants of this town, by means of purchasing 1 all the public-houses, or the leases thereof, which they possibly could — the complaint against this measure became general; and the magistrates at length came to a determination of stopping the licences to such houses ; and thus the monopolizing project ended in the discomfiture of the projectors. The first wholesale brewhouse was opened in Goose-gate, in 1792, by Mr. Thomas Simpson ; and, after about thirteen years pursuit in the concern he brought it to a close.* The next wholesale brewhouse was erected on a most extensive scale, where now stands Poplar-place, and was opened in 1794, under the firm of Henry Green and Co. but the concern by no means answered the expectations of the wealthy part of the firm ; and it was shortly given up. The third and last concern of this sort was opened in 1807, at the north end of the Leen-bridge, under the firm of Deverill and Co. and promises to be a lasting establishment ; for, independently of the porter brewing, they do much in the brewing of ale, with which they serve many private houses both in town and country, and also many public-houses in the villages, at a less or a greater distance from the town. WOOLLEN CLOTH TRADE. It is not a little singular that our best writers, on the subject of manufacturing of cloth, should insist that such and such countries are beholden to such and such other countries for the art thereof; and in particular that England is wholly indebted for it to our continental neighbours. This notion must have originated in inattention or ignorance, and have been followed merely from habit, or a fear of combating established prejudices ; for, though it is very true that one nation has been beholden to others for many of the improvements in this, as in most other arts, it is not the less certain that the manufacturing of cloth may have been an indigenous invention of every people, distinct and abstracted in the original formation of society. To prove this, we have only to consult the natural faculties of the human mind. When man, urged by the instinct of hunger, had killed an animal, whereon to satisfy his cravings, reason would instruct him that the skin would be a proper article to screen his body against the inclemency of the weather, as well from the resistance it would offer to his teeth, as from its pliability, and the facility with which he might separate it from the flesh— a stone ground against another stone till it had acquired an edge, would enable him to perform the latter operation, as well as that of shaping the skin into a garment. If it happened to be a sheep which he had slaughtered, the felting of the wool, by the heat and moisture exuding from his body, would display to him its superior utility, providing it could be converted into an extended substance, as the wearing the woolly side of the skin next his body would convince him of the nourishing- quality of the wool. And the most trifling circumstance would convey to his imagination the ease with which * About the year 1S05, an ingenious mechanic of this town, of the name of Bywater, invented a machine for cloathing of windmill sails while in mot'on, according to the power of the wind. For the furtherance of this invention Mr. Simpson found capital, as well as an addition of ingenuity; and the partners obtained his majesty's letters patent for the exclusive application of the discovery. They also obtnined a patent for the rigging and unrigging of vessels at sea by the same means ; and also one for giving additional facility in the veighing of ships' anchors; the whole of which produced more fame than profit to the patentees. TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 205 the harls or filaments, by giving them a twist, might be converted into yarn ; even an accidentally twisting of a few filaments together between his fingers and thumb would be sufficient; while the intertwining of the twigs or briars of a bush, or the art with which he would discover that the birds of the air made their nests, would unfold, to his naturally inquiring fancy, the means whereby he might form the threads into cloth. Circumstances, equally simple, would instruct men in the art of making cloth of the hair of other animals, and the filaments of bark. Thus we see, that nature, in her most rude and infant state, would instruct mankind in the art of the manufacturing cloth, without one nation being indebted to another for the original contrivance.* This simple and natural view of the question considerably lessens the importance which is usually attached to the two Brabant weavers who settled in Yorkshire in 1331, and those that settled at Canterbury, Norwich, Sandwich, Colchester, Maidstone, and Southampton in 1567. — That these foreigners introduced many most useful improvements in the art of manufacturing cloth, there can be no doubt ; but that cloth was wrought in this country long before their arrival, we have the clearest proof, independently of the foregoing observations. It is stated in the Notitia Imperii (as appears from the British Encyclopedia) that there was an imperial manufactory of woollen and linen cloth, for the use of the Roman army then in Britain, established at Venta Belgarum, now Winchester. And we have a very curious and substantial proof of the degree of perfection, which the art of weaving was at in this country during the seventh century. It is to be found in a book written by Aldhelm, bishop of Sherborne, on the subject of " virginity,'' about the year 680, and is contained in a simile illustrative of chastity.f The bishop says, " chastity alone forms not a perfect character ; but requires to be accompanied " and beautified by other virtues. It is not a web of one uniform colour and texture, without any " variety of figures, that pleaseth the eye, and appears beautiful ; but one that is woven by " shuttles, filled with threads of purple, and many other colours, flying from side to side, and "forming a variety of figures and images, in different compartments, with admirable art." Here is a proof, that figure-weaving, as well as the simple process of the art, was in use in England at that time ; or the bishop would not have so aptly applied it to the subject he was treating on. King John, among other immunities secured to the people of Nottingham by his charter, dated the 19th of March, 1199, granted to the town a merchant's guild, to whom he gave the exclusive privilege of manufacturing dyed cloth, or cloth which was designed to receive a dye, within ten miles round the town. This proves that the business of manufacturing cloth had been carried on here before that time ; for the inhabitants of a town would scarcely be so extravagant as to solicit, or the monarch to grant them a charter for the enjoyment of a certain business, to which, and to * Manv most useful discoveries have been made by persons merely observing the simple operations of nature — The use of a ship's rudder was discovered in consequence of a person's observing an eagle direct its course in the air by the motion of its tail. The first idea of a steam engine was conceived, from the steam in a kettle blowing off the lid. The discovery of electricity was occasioned by two globes of brimstone being accidentally brought into contact. To which we might add the invention of glass, gunpowder, and telescopes by accidental circumstance. f The bishop died in 709, and the See of Sherborne, with that of Wilton, was translated to Salisbury about the middle of the eleventh century. 3 F 206 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. its utility, they were strangers. From the year 1347, in which Edward the Third took Calais, to 1558, in which, under Mary, it was wrested from the English, that city was the principal staple for the wool market; it being- the centre point of communication between the English and Flemish merchants. It was during this period that the woollen trade was at its highest glory in Nottingham, by the means of which, Deering states, the following families, among others, to have risen to opulence and fame; namely, the JBugges, the Binghams, the Willoughbies, the Tannesleys, the Mappurleys, the Thurlands, the Amyases, the Allesstrees, the Samons, the Plumptres, and the Hunts. But the surrender of Calais gave a stab to this trade, from the effects of which it never recovered.* This business soon after gave way to that of SMITHS, Such as blacksmith, whitesmiths, &c. which was partly owing to the plenty and excellency of the coal in this neighbourhood, partly to the unshackled encouragement given to the woollen trade in Yorkshire, and partly to a cause, which is interwoven with the independency of the human mind. The cloth trade being carried on by a company of merchants, that possessed exclusive privileges and the power of making bye-laws for the internal government of such trade, they would have the means of compelling the workmen to labour on principles alike inimical to their interest and independence, so long as no other employment offered itself to the notice of the latter ; thereby producing a system, which, in point of practice, would be little better than that hateful feudalism, from which the working class had so lately emerged ; while Vulcan, by introducing his anvil and hammer, the management of which would require but a comparatively small capital, would offer to the sons of industry a rivalship in execution and an independency of action, unknown to them before ; and which they would not fail to embrace. The anonymous author, so often quoted by Deering, resided here in the reigns of James the First and Charles the First, makes the following observations, when speaking of Bridlesmith-gate. " It was so called," says he, " by reason of the great number of smiths dwelling there, who made " bitts, snaffles, and other articles for bridles, of which trade there are some still inhabiting this " street, though the major part of them is now worn out by smiths of a rougher stamp, such as " make plough-irons, coulters, shares, stroake and nayles, harrow teeth and the like, of which trade " there are at this day such store in this street, and other parts of the town, as serve to furnish, not " only the county of Nottingham, but divers other bordering shires, as Leicester, Rutland, and " Lincoln.' 5 Smithy-row is, no doubt, one of the other places here alluded, as may be gathered from the name, as well as from the thick concretions of smithy-slack having been found of late, considerably below the present surface of the Market-place, when the earth has been removed for the purpose of buildings being erected, which the author hereof has seen and examined. The same author concludes, and in my opinion very justly, that Gridlesmith-gate (now Pelham-street,) * Vout-hall, or Vault-hall, at the north-west corner of Drury-hill, where now stands the house of Mrs. Gawthorn, took its name from the vaults under it, in which the wool used to be stored, when the cloth manufacture was earned on in this town. TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 207 took its name from a provincial corruption of girdle into gridle ; and therefore gave as his opinion, that this street had been inhabited by smiths who made girdles and their appendages. Considering the period at which our anonymous author wrote his narrative, which, Deering states to be in 1641 ; and considering that the makers of light articles had nearly left the town, we may conclude that these businesses gradually retired, in the latter end of the sixteenth century, when Birmingham and Sheffield were taking the lead in the Vulcanic arts. Notwithstanding this, Nottingham continued to supply the neighbouring towns and counties with the rougher kind of materials, till almost every village could boast a smith of its own.* FOUNDERIES. In the casting businesses Nottingham has long held an eminent station, though they have never been carried on to an extent equal with what has been done at Birmingham, Rotherham, Chesterfield, &c. As may be seen by referring to the account of the benefactors to the Free-school, bell-casting was followed here at an early date ; and the bell at St. James's church was cast by Hedderly as late as the year 1791, soon after which that person went to America, and the business has not been followed here since ; except as small bells are cast by Mr. Tatham, at his brass and cock foundery at the corner house in Bridlesmith-gate, leading into Peter-gate : this business has been carried on in the town at least a century ; and in the present premises about sixty years, f — This concern was previousiy settled in Castle-gate, a few yards above the meeting-house ; at which time there was also another brass foundery in the same street, a little way above Jew-lane; but it was given up. A small iron-foundery was erected in 1773, by Mr. Foljamb, in Narrow-marsh, which has given the name of Iron-yard to the spot. It has ceased to be worked several times, and has several times changed its masters ; and is now in full use again. The iron-foundery erected in Granby-street, by Mr. Alderman Ashwell, in 1803, is a concern of considerable magnitude, which is worked by one of the most complete steam engines in the kingdom, of five-horse power. J Dispatch and execution of workmanship are found here, in an equal degree, to what are produced at any other foundery in the country. A few years after the commencement of this concern, Mr. Ashwell introduced brass-casting also, which is pursued with flattering success. TANNERS. At what time the tanning business, which was founded on one of the earliest wants in society, was introduced into this town, is unknown, though, very probably, it was at an early stage of our history, from the great quantity of oak in the immediate vicinity of the town, the bark of which is still so essential to the production of the tan, notwithstanding the chymical improvements of M. * Framesmitbs will be spoken of in another place. f Mr. Tatham was the first to introduce gas-tfyht into the town, which he did io the winter of 1814. J In March, 1815, a person of the name of George Harrison was killed by tlie engine, at the moment he had clandestinely introduced himself, for the purpose of carrying to another foundery the improved application of its powers. 208 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Seguin and others. And, there is little doubt but this business had its share in driving the cloth trade away, for the reason stated under the head " smiths." Deering has preserved the date of a transaction, which proves that the tanners possessed considerable influence, soon after the close of the fifteenth century. Our author says, (and of the truth of which there is no doubt) that, on the 18th of February, 1546, a deed was executed by the Corporation, on the one part, and the tanners on the other, whereby "the mayor and burgesses oblige themselves to William Sharpington, James f - Mason, John Renell, John Gregorie, and Thomas Sibthorpe, tanners, to pay to them and their " successors, tanners of Nottingham, for ever, an annuity of forty shillings." An opinion was very prevalent some years ago, and is not now wholly eradicated, that this money is paid as an acknowledgment by the Corporation to the tanners for an old building, on the south side of Narrow-marsh, called Tanners' -hall, as they had no occasion for it after their business fell to decay. The truth seems to be, that the Corporation originally made a grant of this stipend to provide an annual dinner for the tanners, as an inducement to them to form themselves into a company, that their business might thereby be kept in the town ; and, as a further encouragement, the Corporation gave the company the use of the building in question, as a general storehouse for their goods, and as a place of general sale — hence its present name.* From an old manuscript book, lent me by the late Mr. John Henshaw, formerly a master tanner here, which contains the bye-laws of the trade, I will give the following extracts : — Extract the first : — " Anno Dom. 1646. Mr. John James, alderman, chosen masters of the tanners' trade ; " John Townrow and Thomas Truman, wardens for the year. Monday after St. Andrew's-day, " we the company of tanners, being met according to custom, do order, that all apprentices that ic are not free-born shall pay to the wardens of the trade, for their recording, five shillings ; and " for their upsets ten shillings and sixpence. And we do also order, that such as are free-born of " the trade shall pay for their recording two shillings ; and for their upsets six shillings and "■ eightpence." Alderman James served the office of mayor this year, which shews that the tanners were then in high repute, or the chief magistrate would not have condescended to become their master in an association. At this time Alderman James was performing a still more conspicuous part — he was the principal enemy among the magistrates to the tyrant Charles the First, whose power was now nearly at an end. Extract the second — " December 5, Anno Dom. 1664. It is this day ordered by the master and " wardens and company of tanners, that if any person of the said company, duly elected by the said " company, and chosen master for one year according to the annual custom, shall at any time ' ; hereafter refuse to accept and execute the said master's office as usual, then every such person " or persons shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty shillings, to be disposed of at the discretion of " the said company for their use" — subscribed by forty-seven master tanners. In pursuance of the above order, William Fillingham paid the stipulated fine in 1716. * This old buildiasr has been supposed to have been a court of justice: this opinion is erroneous, except as tke assizes might be held in it when the plague raged in the town; and from which Narrow-marsh was free. TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM, 209 Extract the third — " September 8, Anno Dom. 1668. Upon a meeting of the company of ?f tanners, at the master's house of the trade, Thomas Hardmeat, it was agreed and concluded upon " that the particular persons, tanners, whose names are under-written, shall buy such proportion " of hides affixed to their names under- written for a month next ensuing, under the penalty of " forfeiting sixpence for every hide neglected to be bought, to be paid to the wardens of the trade ff for the present year ; and it is intended that these hides shall be bought of the butchers of " Nottingham. And it is ordered by the company under- written, that no tanner, nor journeyman, tc nor apprentice shall buy any hide, kep,* or calf-skin, above the price of ninepence, nor tan them " at any rate for them nor the fellmongers, under the penalty of such hide or skin so bought or " tanned to be paid to the wardens for the promoting of the feast. It is further agreed, that he " that brings in a hide to the hill,f shall have the privilege of buying it ; or, if any other buy it *5 he shall pay the first chapman one shilling." [These resolutions were signed by twenty-five masters, and the number of hides to be bought was affixed to each name. Indeed it appears, that none but masters were considered as belonging to the company.] " It is agreed and concluded upon by the tanners above-said, that he that buys any hide or hides * of the butchers at their houses or slaughter-houses in the week-day (if it can be proved by any :i two persons of the same trade,) shall forfeit two shillings and sixpence for every hide so bought 4: to the wardens of the trade for the year." It appears pretty evident that some difference had existed between the tanners and butchers respecting the mode of conducting the sale of hides, &c. and that the above resolutions among the former were the consequence or the cause of a reconciliation. But it is not so easy to conceive why the tanners enjoined, that they should give only ninepence for a hide, &c. while with the same breath they awarded a shilling to a person who might have a hide or skin bought out of his hands. In 1672, it was agreed by the company, that any person who bought a hide within six miles of Nottingham, except in the open market, should forfeit five shillings for every hide so bought. Extract the fourth — " Anno Dom. 1744. Memorandum. The mayor and burgesses this year f first refused to make good their ancient payment to the company of tanners." From this time the company received only twenty shillings a year from the Corporation, nor is the circumstance afterwards noticed in their book. Indeed their number appears to have been rapidly on the decline, which naturally lessened their consequence ; for, their number had risen from 36 to 47 between the years 1641 and 1664; yet at the end of the four succeeding years it was reduced to 25. From this.time to 1701, the declension had been but small, as in that year there were 21 masters; while in 1750, only three remained; and during the last ten years, or thereabouts, there has been but one. Therefore this company must now be considered as at an end, since it is impossible for one master to form a company ; yet, the three or four journeymen, along with a few fellmongers of the same class, continued till very lately to keep up * Kep, means the skin of a calf tbat dies in its second year. f It appeals to have been Beastmarket-hi!l where the hides, &e. were exhibited for sale; as I fmd in another place in this o'd manuscript, an account of business being done near toe top of the Cora-maiket. S G 210 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. the annual feast with the money paid by the Corporation. And, it is not a little singular that, in 1812, when Mr. Thomas Roberts, the present and only master tanner in the town, applied for the annual stipend, the Corporation, unsolicited, gave him the old allowance of forty shillings, and continue to pay that sum, notwithstanding only twenty shillings had been paid during so many years ; and it is now divided by Mr. Roberts among his journeymen, without attending to the old custom of holding a feast. The tanners kept up the old farce of electing a master till the year 1808, when the late Mr. Henshaw, then out of the business, thinking himself the only legititnate offspring of the trade, and considering it a degradation to be elected to the office by fellmongers, not only refused to attend the annual feast, at which time the officers used to be chosen, but withheld the book, that no sham master might be recorded. Thus the very shadow, as well as the substance of the company vanished. The tanners, like many more of Adam's sons, on whom fortune has sometimes lavished her favors, were made giddy and overbearing by prosperity. In 1661, they began to shackle the trade by combining to prevent each other from taking apprentices, except on extravagant conditions ; a system which is sure in the end to injure the business it is erroneously intended to protect; because nature is regular in her proceedings, and therefore requires a succession of youth to fill up the chasms occasioned by incidents, old age, and death.* The tanners likewise by combining to keep down the price of hides, skins, and bark, drove the owners thereof to seek other markets ; and thus completed the ruin of their trade in this town, while they vainly fancied they were securing the golden fleece of Colchis. From the great number of horn snuffs and old vats which have been frequently found, it is pretty evident, that near the whole of the ground between Turncalf-alley and Bridge-street, has been occupied by tanners and fellmongers, the vats appertaining to both. Deering conjectured, and no doubt rightly, that the tanning business had been carried on, on the east side of St. Peter's- churchyard, there being visible marks of the fact in his time, in a house then occupied by a Mr. Coates, attorney-at-Iaw, at the lower end of Pepper-street, and now the property of the Rev. Dr. Staunton. And, in lately examining the premises of Mr. Tatham, brass-founder, which lead down Peter-gate, I found tan vats and other necessary appendages for carrying on the tanning business. In 1769, William Henshaw and William Haigh were chosen wardens ; since which time none have been elected to that office ; the latter of whom was the last that paid a fee as an upset, which was in 1766. And in 1739, Ralph Peet paid the last fee which was ever paid for recording an apprentice. It was customary likewise, till 1769, for the company to have a sealer, whose duty it was to examine all tanned goods, and declare them fit, or unfit for the market. And, as he was likely rather to be a bar to their rapacity than a guarantee to their imaginary benefit, which seems to have centered in a short-sighted policy, it is a wonder that they employed one so long. — Thomas Radforth was the last person who held this office. This subject naturally leads to an * The plan of apprenticing in Lancashire, which has been so injurious to the calico printers, is excepted against in the above allusion; because it is alike at variance with nature's laws and with uprightness in human policy. TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 211 inquiry into the practice now in use of examining and marking every hide, skin, or pelt by public sealei^s, or inspecto?*s, before they are sold to the tanners and fellmongers. In 1604, the second of James the First, an act was passed to regulate the conduct of butchers, tanners, curriers, fellmongers, and shoemakers, as far as the public interest was concerned in the use of hides, skins, and pelts ; and to prevent horse-leather from being used by shoemakers. But, by the granting of a patent for converting horse-leather into boot legs (known by the name of cordovan,) one essential part of the act became perverted ; and the remainder was suffered, by common consent, to lie at rest. In process of time, however, an evil sprung up which called aloud for public interference. The butchers, by their careless and avaricious conduct, rendered the hides, &c. of far less value than they ought to be : they not only flayed the carcases down to the hoof, and thereby added too much of the shank to the hide, but they frequently gashed the hides, &c. so much in the act of flaying, as to render them of comparatively little value ; which, besides casting a dead loss upon the shoemakers (they buying their ware by weight,) was a serious loss to society at large. In consequence of which the shoemakers, aided, I believe, by the curriers and saddlers, petitioned parliament, in 1800, for a redress of grievances, and obtained an act to that effect. But that being found deficient, they again petitioned in 1801, when another act was obtained, which answered their expectations, This act enjoins the chief magistrate, or head officer of any city, town corporate, borough, &c. to point out a proper place or places, wherein shall be examined and inspected, on proper days, all the raw hicks or skins of oxen, bulls, cows, heifers, steers or stirks, calves, hogs or pigs, sheep, lambs, horses, mares, and geldings, killed, slaughtered, or flayed within such city, &c. and all such hides, &c. which are brought to be disposed of at such place or places. The act also provides that the shoemakers and others engaged in leather businesses shall send a list of the names of persons, from among whom they wish the public inspectors to be chosen, to the chief magistrate; and the latter is enjoined to select such inspector or inspectors from such list ; to whom he afterwards administers the following oath — " I, A. B. do swear, that I will faithfully and diligently " execute the office of inspector of hides and skins, according to the true intent and meaning of an " act passed in the fortieth year, &c. intitled, &c. without fear or affection, prejudice, or malice, to " any person whomsoever ; so help me God." The inspectors here are Robert Lineker, a shoemaker, and John Bailey, a fell monger ; and the place directed by the magistrates for the examination of hides, &c. is a small distance above the fish-stalls on the north side of the Market-place. They are compelled to have two stamps each ; viz. one with the letter S. denoting sound, and the other with the letter D. denoting damaged. When they have examined the hides, &c. they stamp them near the tail with that stamp, which, in their opinion, the quality of the articles requires; and if the articles be damaged the law authorizes them to levy the following penalties upon the owners :— For gashing or otherwise injuring, in the act of flaying the hide of an ox, bull, cow, heifer, or stirk, or for flaying the carcase of such animals more than two inches below the knee, five shillings — for the skin of a calf, and the hide of a horse, two shillings and sixpence ; and for the skin of a sheep, lamb, or hog, sixpence. The magistrates and inspectors have the power of mitigating these penalties as they may consider 212 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. circumstances to require. — For their trouble the inspectors are entitled to one penny for the hide of an ox, bull, cow, heifer, stirk, horse, mare, and gelding; for every calf, and hog skin a halfpenny ; and for every sheep and lamb skin a farthing 1 . THE CURRIERS AND FELLMONGERS, There is little doubt, may boast an antiquity in this town equal to that of the tanners ; but their numbers do not appear ever to have been great. In 1641, there were nine master fellmongers, and six master curriers — in 1739, there were only two of the former, and four of the latter. And, at the present time, there are six curriers and four fellmongers, with one of the latter at Lenton, who may be classed with his fellows in this town. SHOEMAKERS. 11 The Tablet of Memory" gives the incorporation of the cordwainers' company in the year 1410, while the tf Picture of London" for 1803, gives the date a century later — an error in the press has probably occassioned the difference. As the influence attached to incorporated companies was very considerable, and continued so till within the last century ; and as we know the Nottingham company of cordwainers is of long standing, we may therefore infer that the master shoemakers here were not long ere they followed the example of their metropolitan brethren, particularly as the Corporation of Nottingham, for a small annual stipend, were ready to second their views. Accordingly a company was formed here, the principal conditions in whose union were, to prohibit any journeyman from being employed that had not served an apprenticeship to a master belonging to some company ; and to prevent any master from setting up in the town, or keeping a stall in the market that did not belong to the Nottingham company. To give to this combination the appearance of legal authority, the company paid the Corporation twenty shillings a year, in consideration of which that body sanctioned them in the maintenance of their exclusive privileges. And thus things continued till about the year 1747, when a master shoemaker of the name of Hancock refused to enter the company— a trial at law was the consequence, and the company was cast, and consequently lost all authority. Another conflict between clashing interest* now ensued : the Corporation still demanded their annual tribute, which the shoemakers refused to pay, because the former had lost the power of protecting them. The officers of the company used to consist of four masters, two stewards, and two wardens, the latter always paying the Corporation their fee ; but, after Hancock had cast the company, no more wardens were elected, that the Corporation might not have any one to fix their claim upon. A member of the company, of the name of Hart, had some property seized upon for the tribute ; but, as I am informed, the Corporation yielded without the question being brought into court ; and thus this paltry dispute had an end. The company is still in existence, though it consists of only five members, four of whom are elected masters, and the other a steward ; and they hold their annual feast on the 5th of November, or old St. Crispin's-day. When in their time of prosperity, they bought a plot of ground, containing about an acre, near Kennel-hill, which the members of the company still possess, and which is called Shoemakers' -close. TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 213 BONE-LACE* This article, which is likewise called bobbin-lace, had long been manufactured in this town to a considerable amount till it was superseded by the different branches of business attending- the framework-knitting trade, such as winding, seaming, sizing, and chevining, which drove the bone-lace manufacture away. Buckingham and Northampton, with their connective counties, are the principal seats of this business in England; though the wives of militia-men belonging to those counties have a good deal scattered the art about the country by following the fortunes of their husbands within the last twenty years ,* and even in this town we find a few cushions again in use. It is worthy of remark, that an ounce of Flanders thread, when manufactured into lace, has been sold in London for £40. Here the folly and ingratitude &f the British ladies are conspicuous — they encourage foreign artizans, while those of our own country can produce articles of a similar quality and possessing superior beauty to those imported of a corresponding description, and which can be sold for less than a tenth of their cost, while our own artizans and their families are often starving for want of employment. We are now about entering upon the description of a branch of business the most important to Nottingham of any which was ever carried on within it confines; and, to a Nottingham man, it is unnecessary to say we mean the FRAMEWORK-KNITTING BRANCH. Indeed, so much is this town dependent upon the engine, known by the name of the stocking frame, and its appendant machines, that, if it stood still, al! other businesses must stand still also. The town may in fact be compared to one vast engine, whose every part is kept in motion by this masterpiece in the mechanic art.?. The inventor of this curious and complicated piece of machinery, which, , in many instances, consists of more than six thousand parts, was one William Lee, M. A. of St. John's college,, Cambridge, and was heir to a small freehold estate in Woodborough, the place of his nativity, which lies about seven miles from Nottingham. Mr. Lee being deeply smitten with the charms of a captivating young woman of this village, he paid his addresses to her in an honorable way ; but, whenever he waited upon her she seemed much more intent upon knitting stockings and instructing pupils in the art thereof, than upon the caresses and assiduities of her suiter ; he therefore determined, if possible, to mar the prospect of her knitting, under an idea, no doubt, of thereby inducing her to change that for one more congenial with his views. The former part of his project Mr. Lee accomplished in the year 1589, by the invention of an engine or frame for the knitting of stockings, which possesses six times the speed of the original mode, and which has admitted of an almost endless variety of substantial and fancy articles being wrought upon it. After the accomplishment of so great an undertaking, it seems other notions than those of gaining the fair * Bonp-lace is so called either from the bobbins which are used in ; ts formation being generally made of bone, or from the French word bom, which signifies good, excellent, &c. the article being orisinal'y made in France. 3 H 214 IIISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. and fickle object of his former pursuit attached themselves to the mind of Mr. Lee — ambitious of being the inventor of so useful a machine, he immediately adopted measures which appeared to him the most likely to secure wealth and future fame.* The known partiality of Queen Elizabeth for knitted silk stockings, which she had worn since the year 1560, would naturally induce Mr. Lee to think that the production of an article so superior in quality, and wrought with such superior facility, could not fail to procure the royal patronage as , a reward for his invention : an idea which every speculative genius is justified in fostering; but which many have fostered in vain. Flushed with this honorable expectation, Mr. Lee hastened to London, presented his frame to the Queen, and worked in it in her presence. But, whether she was too much engaged in enjoying her triumph over the Spanish Armada, or in dalliance with, and in cajoling her different admirers, cannot now be determined; this, however is certain — she treated Mr. Lee and his invention with neglect, if not with contempt. Stung with the ingratitude of his sovereign, and meeting with no better treatment from his countrymen in general, he therefore sought encouragement at Roan in Normandy, under the protection of the celebrated Henry the Fourth of France. Here, with nine frames and so many workmen that accompanied his fortunes, he met with the encouragement of an enlightened monarch and an applauding nation ; but misfortune, the usual attendant on merit, was determined to haunt him through all his earthly pursuits. The stroke of an assassin, which brought the good King Kenry to the grave, made way for the misrule of Louis the Thirteenth, whose bigotry and persecution swallowed up every virtue, which beamed in the court of Henry, and, consequently, every encouragement which the latter had given to the mechanic arts. Mr. Lee, finding himself neglected at Roan, applied at the foot of the royal fountain in Paris ; but the streams of that fountain were stopped when merit applied for aid; therefore he meet nothing in his application but disappointment and chagrine. Finding his merits thus neglected both at home and abroad, he gave up his mind to the empire of grief, which soon gave him rest from his sufferings in the grave. Seven of his workmen, with their frames, returned to England, leaving two behind at Roan with theirs. Thus England owes the return of this useful art, to the hand of an assassin and the ignorance of the French king, after her ingratitude had driven it away. One Aston, of Thoroton in this county, having been taught the art of framework-knitting by Mr. Lee, before the latter left this country, and, being a person of considerable genius, had retained a tolerably correct knowledge of the frame, notwithstanding he had followed the business of a miller during the time his fellow workmen had been in France ; and, still having a desire to further the invention, he joined the workmen on their return ; and they, in conjunction, soon * Tradition informs us, that the first frame was almost wholly made of wood — that it was a twelv« gauge — thai there were no leail •inkers : and that the needles were stuck in bits of wood. We are likewise told, that the difficulty Le" met with in the formation of the stitch for want of needle-eyes/ had nearly prevented the accomplishment of his object, which difficulty was at length removed by his forming eyes to his needles with a three-square file. We have information too, handed in direct succession from father to son, that it wai not till late in the seventt-enth century that one man could manage the working of a frame: the man who was considered the workman, employed a labourer, who stood behind ihe frame to work the slur and pressing motions ; but the application of traddles and of the feet, rendered tbe labourer unnecessary. »•— rl'i. TKADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 215 restored the disorganized frames to a working state. But whether they carried on the business in Nottingham, or in what other part of the county thereof, is uncertain : probably, after they had brought the frames to a tolerable state of perfection, they sought different directions, according to their several inclinations and views. It appears certain, however from the information handed to us by Deering, that there were but two stocking frames in Nottingham in 1641 ; nor was the increase very great during the next hundred years, as appears from the following state of the trade in 1739 :— Framework-knitters .------50 Framesmiths - - - - - - - -14 Needlcmakers - - - - - - . -12 Setters. up ...--...-8 Sinkermakers --...-.-5 At this period we find none ranked in the profession of a hosier ; consequently we have a right to conclude that the business of a hosier had not then assumed a distinct shape; and also that every framework-knitter disposed of his own goods in the best manner he could. This will account for the slowness of the progress made by the trade during the period alluded to ; for it is very unlikely that any serious number of workmen would be able to furnish themselves with frames to work in, and then have to depend upon the precariousness of a sale for subsistence for their families. For a considerable time after the revival of this important art in England, its principal nursery was London, which was partly occasioned by a want of country hosiers, and partly by the rage in those da_ys for what was called fashion work: the custom then being to wear stockings of the same colour as the other outward garments, which caused a continual demand for small and immediate orders. But when this custom declined, and country hosiers began to exert themselves, the London dealers found their account in depending upon the country manufacturers for supplies. Hence it is that, within the last sixty years, the manufacturing of stockings in London has been on the decline, while in those places more congenial to the interest of the trade, it has been more rapidly on the increase. So that, at the present time, a few fancy frames and those used as decoy ducks , in retail shops, are nearly all which the metropolis can boast of. Shortly /after the return of Mr. Lee's workmen from France, the Venetian ambassador in London engaged one Henry Mead, for £500 to go to Venice and take a frame with him, for the purpose of establishing the framework-knitting art in that country ; but it appears that Mead had not merit equal to the expectations of his employer, for the project failed for want of mechanics to keep the frame in a working state ; in consequence of which it was sent back to England for sale, along with some wretched Venetian imitations. An attempt was also made by one- Abraham Jones to carry the invention to Holland; and, the ingenuity of the adventurer, in all probability, would have enabled him to carry his seheme into execution, had not the plague, which then raged with violence in the low countries, hurried him and his connections to the grave. His frame was afterwards «ent to London for sale. In the hope of preventing a recurrence of these dangers to the country's interest, in this now much-sought-after business, and likewise to guarantee it against the mischiefs arising from persons being engaged in it that had not served an apprenticeship to the trade, and thereby, for want of 216 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. experience, introducing badly wrought articles into the market, to the manifest discredit of the rest, the framework-knitters in London petitioned Oliver Cromwell, as protector of the common- wealth of England, to grant them a charter, and to constitute them a legal company. This petition was complied with ; but, whether the granted instrument was thought insufficient, in its regulating and guaranteeing powers, or whether the company thus constituted, thought a charter from Cromwell improper to be acted upon after the restoration, we are not informed; be this however as it may, the company petitioned Charles the Second, soon after he obtained the diadem, for a constituting charier, which was granted ihem in 1664, and which incorporated them under the name of " The Worshipful Company of Framework-knitters ;" to be governed by a master, wardens, and assistants, who are directed to be chosen annually on the 24th of June. These officers had power vested in them by virtue of the charter, to make bye-laws from time to time for the government of the trade, as, in their estimation, its interests might require; which bye-iaws, if signed by the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice of the court of King's Bench, and the Chief Justice of the court of Common Pleas, are valid in point of law, if not in direct opposition to the statute law of the land, or when they run counter to the interest of the country ; the latter question being left to the decision of a jury.* The body of bye-laws now in existence was framed in 1745, and was signed by Philip, Lord Hardwick, Lord Chancellor, by Sir William Lee, Knt. Lord Chief Justice, and Sir John Willes, Knt. Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. Deering, when speaking of the framework -knitters' company, has the following remarks : — "In " process of time, when the trade spread further into the country, they also in proportion stretched " their authority, and established commissioners in the several principal towns in the country where " this trade was exercised ; there th^y held courts at which they obliged the country framework- " knitters to bind and make free, &c. whereby they for many years drew great sums of money, till " some person of more spirit than others in Nottingham brought their authority in question, and " a trial ensuing, the company was cast, since which time the stocking manufacture has continued " entirely open in this country " The want of date, and the disingenuous manner in which the above paragraph is written, have left the reader's mind in doubt, as to the nature and consequences of that trial, particularly when he considers the subsequent conduct of the company. It would be fair however to conclude, from our author's statement, that no circumstance had taken place from the time of the trial to that in which he wrote, by which the validity of the charter had been ascertained. But, by recurring to recorded facts the truth will best appear. In an old printed document, refered to in the last note, entitled, " Case of the Framework- knitters," we find the following :— " Some short time before '■ the year 1734, a dispute arose between the members of the company in London and some " manufacturers in Nottingham, which occasioned a law suit ; but the merits of the question in " that suit were not fully tried ; the company being nonsuited for want of legal form in the * It is the duty of these great law officers to give notice to chartered companies, if an act of parliament be in agifation inimical to their interests. Deerine says that Cromwell refused to grant a charter to the framework-knitters ; but here our antiquary is mistaken, for I have a. printed document by me which proves to the contrary. TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 217 " bye-laws produced at the trial, which appeared to be confirmed by the Chancellor and Judges, " but could not be proved to be the act of the company, which was the reason the court did not " try the merits. The result of this dispute was, that the artists in the country were for having the " bye-laws amended, and till that was done, would not comply therewith ; nor could the company ie get any deputies to act for them in the country.'' Here then we see that the merits of the charter were not tried ; and that it was the incongruity of the bye-laws, which brought on the dispute. Notwithstanding this however, as a new code of bye-laws was not formed till 1745, it is no wonder if so long a lapse of time brought the charter into disuse in the country ; though the sanction of those bye-laws by the three greatest law authorities in the nation, about twelve years after the trial, proves that the validity of the charter was then considered as unshaken. We are now arrived at a period in the history of these affairs in which the company and the trade at large may be considered in different points of view — the company may be compared to a man in the decline of life that principally depends upon the toil of others for support, and whose every effort serves to betray his own weakness ; while the trade may be likened to a bloorriing youth that has just learnt the value of his own strength, and who considers every farthing drawn from his toil, under pretence of supporting him, as an unjust tax upon his industry. The company now endeavoured to enforce payment from the country workmen, finding that persuasion and low cunning had lost their effect; and the trade threatened them with annihilation if they persevered. In 1751, the company commenced actions against two workmen at Godalmin for not paying their quarterage ; and the trade threatened, if they proceeded in the actions, to apply to parliament for an act to unshackle it from the company's trammels and break up their body— the company took the hint, and let the matter drop ; and the trade found its advantage in their imbecility. Various attempts have been made since that time to restore to the charter its pristine authority, under the idea of stopping colts* from working at the business, who, it is contended, have been the cause of many goods being introduced into the market of an inferior quality, from their not possessing a competent knowledge of the art. Without entering into the merits of this question,, which in truth do not belong to history, the reader may rest assured that the charter, as far as respects the prosperity of the trade, is for ever laid at rest. In 1805, a most extensive association was formed among the framework -knitters of Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester, and their respective counties, where the business is principally carried on, for the purpose of raising money to enable the company to prosecute a man of the name of Payne, of Burbage, in Leicestershire, for following the business and learning others without his having served an apprenticeship, on the issue of which prosecution the future prospects of thousands, similarly circumstanced, depended. Payne was supported by the Leicester and Leicestershire hosiers, who, being the principal manufacturers of coarse and inferior goods, felt themselves peculiarly interested in pushing the trade among those workmen that, from their little knowledge of the art, were the least likely to contend for regulated prices, and for properly fashioning the * A name given to persons that work at the business who have not served a regular apprenticeship to it, 3 I 218 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. goods. After a world of li ligation and expense on both sides, the matter was brought to a final hearing in Westiniuster-hall, in February, 1809, when, though the charter was admitted to be as good in laic as other charters of a like description, it was forbidden to be put in force, any further than as relates to the internal government of the company, such as chusing masters, wardens, 5fc. ; and for the purpose of spending the money which the members of the company may think well to contribute ; providing such money is not applied to purposes contrary to the statute law of the land.* As a proof that the legislature has thought the framework-knitting business of some importance in its own abstracted merits, we have only to mention the act passed in the 7th and 8th of William and Mary, which inflicts a penalty of forty pounds, with the loss of the frame, upon any person caught in the act of sending one to a foreign country. In 1766, an act, commonly called the Teioksbury act, was passed, the object of which was to prevent the fraudulent marking of framework-knitted goods; a practice having been long pursued by some hosiers of ordering their workmen to mark the goods with more oilet-holes than corresponded with the number of threads in the material of which such goods were made, except those wrought of silk ; and except such goods were wrought of a material of less than three threads. But the salutary provisions of this act are now rendered nugatory by flaxen stockings being nearly disused, and by the invention of machinery to spin cotton and worsted yarn, which, generally speaking, renders more than two threads unnecessary. In the 28th of his present majesty, an act was passed which constituted it felony to break or wilfully injure a stocking frame ; and it likewise directs that the holder of a frame shall give it up to the owner after he has received from the latter ie the customary and usual notice ;" which customary and usual notice, from long established practice, consists of fourteen days. In consequence of the crime of frame-breaking being so extensively pursued in 1811, an act was passed which made it death to break or wilfully injure a stocking or lace frame, or the machines thereunto appended ; but this was shortly superceded by another, which placed stocking, lace, and other frames under one common protection, and reduced the crime of breaking them to the punishment of transportation, according to the act of the 28th of the king. It is unnecessary to enter into a particular description of the various and numerous parts which constitute a stocking frame, since it is not like those productions of fancy, whose existence may be measured by a month, and a description of whose component parts might gratify idle curiosity during an hour. No, the frame is the offspring- of profound genius and nice discrimination^ has been brought to its present high state of perfection by the united talents of many ; and is become a staple article in the complex system of our national manufactories., as well as a great supporter * As a proof of the folly of working men being persuaded by attornies to expend their money on such occasions, I will relate the following circumstance: — Being in London on some public business, along with Mr. German Waterfall, shortly after the above question was decided, we called on Mr. Laudington, the company's solicitor, to make some inquiries about the business, when he complimented the people of Nottingham for their superior penetration and understanding, in consequence of their backwardness in paying contributions in supporting the company on this occasion, because, considering the altered state of trade from the time the charter was granted, the cause was hofelexs ; notwithstanding this very man had used his influence to persuade them to contribute while the trial was pending, from ac opinion given on his part that they would be ultimately successful. Mr. Laudington received about j6300 ! ! TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 219 of our prosperity and fame ; nor will it ever be laid aside so long as stockings, and a great variety of other articles of dress, are considered necessary to the customs of society. But with respect to a description of the various additions to the stocking frame, the case is otherwise, some of Avhich are nearly forgotten, and others may share the same fate ; therefore of them a more particular description should be given. Deering states, that, in his time, no essential article had been added to the original machine ; the last sixty years, however, have made ample amends for the lack of early invention. And, it is worthy of remark that almost every improvement which this complicated piece of workmanship has received, has owed its birth to the genius of Nottingham or its neighbourhood. To be able to do justice to the memory of every one that has made discoveries and applied them to the stocking frame, would be highly gratifying ; but this is impossible, since almost every invention has had several claimants. Where the claim stands supported, however, by fair testimony, the name of the inventor shall be duly honored. TUCK RIBS. The additional machine for producing this work, consists of a tucker -presser, and was first known in Nottingham about the year 1756.* Some people pretend that we owe its origin to the brain of an Irishman in Dublin, while others assert that the invention came from a French refugee in London ; but, as we have no direct authority in support of either of these claims, it is very probable that the name of the inventor will never be known. The simplicity of the tuck-presser, and the numerous and diversified patterns which can be produced by its means, renders its invention far more admirable : it consists merely of a thin bar of iron attached by screws to the frame presser, so as to admit of its being moved to and fro, the space of one, two, or three needles, according to the pattern required ; there being grooves cut in the lower edge to admit of the needle or needles passing up, during the pressing motion, on which the tuck loops are wrought, while the teeth press down the other needle-beards to admit of the stitches passing over the needle-heads. And thus by moving it this way one course and that way another, while different coloured threads are worked, a diversity of shades is produced in a strait- down line, which gives to the stocking the appearance of party-coloured ribs. This kind of stockings is now out of fashion, but the tuck-presser has been applied to the manufacturing of other articles, as will be seen in the course of this chapter. DERBY RIBS. Long before the invention of the stocking frame, our fair knitters had introduced the plan of reversing the stitches in straight lines down the stocking; and, from the wales thus reversed lying- lower than those knitted in the ordinary way, the stockings so knitted were called ribs. Hence sprang a desire in the breast of many of those engaged in the framework-knitting business to produce an imitation. In this the tuck ribs failed, as they bore no resemblance to the original ribs, * That part of the frame called a pretier might more properly be called a pressing bar ; but the former phrase is prefered because it is •nirersally adopted by the trade. 220 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. except in their different shades. The practice of making- turned clocks in plain stockings first suggested the plan of making, what have since been called Derby ribs ; and, indeed, many plain stockings were actually converted into ribs, by the tedious process of letting down alternate stitches, and turning them up on the rough side of the stocking, long before the invention of the rib machine * In this, as in almost every other invention, public opinion has been divided respecting the object on whom to confer the honor : an old stocking-maker of the name of Bowman, who resided at Dale-Abbey, it has been said by many, was the original projector of this machine ; but, knowing that the claim was a divided one, I wrote to William Strutt, Esq., of Derby, on the subject, and from whose answer I will give the following extract : — " It was Jedediah Strutt, my father, who " invented the Derby Rib machine, in the year 1758, or thereabouts. About that time he settled " in Derby for the purpose of carrying on the manufacture of ribbed stockings in conjunction " with his brother-in-law, Mr. W. Woollett, who was then a hosier, in that place, and which ** partnership continued till the death of my father in the year 1797. A great part of the time < c during which the patent was in force, Mr. Samuel Need of Nottingham was a partner, under f a valuable member of society. Another distinguishable defect in the warp stockings is, their possessing little more elasticity than a piece of common linen ; consequently, if they be made to fit the leg, they will tear in the act of drawing them on. Notwithstanding the native and irremoveable defects in these stockings and breeches-pieces, there were 300 frames at least, employed in manufacturing them within the last sixteen years ; and probably the number would still have been considerable, * Much merit is also due to Mr. James Tarrat, of this town, for early improvement, if not for the original invention of the warp frame, TEADB OF NOTTINGHAM. 229 on account of the extremely low price at which they were sold, if the cupidity of the manufacturers had not caused them to be made of single cotton, which in a short time drove them out of the market. Indeed, after this, for a man to be seen with a pair of warp stockings on, it was sure to cause him to be pointed out as an object incapable of obtaining a better pair, Here one pest destroyed another, as the crocodile destroys the noxious reptiles which fall within its grasp. In the year 1796, John Barber, Esq. of Bilborough, in this neighbourhood, obtained a patent for making double-lap stocking stitch-work upon the warp engine or frame. From the article produced by this invention being as stout as a blanket, when made of good worsted, and being without the property inherent in that article of contracting in size after being wet, Mr. Barber conceived the idea of converting it into sailors' jackets ; which, in his opinion, would be warmer and more pliable than those in general use.* With this view he applied to the Lords of the Admiralty, petitioning their lordships to have the experiment made under the eye of one of our naval commanders. To this proposition they agreed, and Lord Nelson was pitched upon for the purpose. The event surprised Lord Nelson and the Lords of the Admiralty, and justified the expectations of Mr. Barber — the project was adopted; and the sailors were cloathed in the manufacture of Nottinghamshire, that gained the glorious victory of Trafalgar, on the 21st of October, 1805, when Lord Nelson lost his life. The double-lap, when made on fine frames and is wrought of good worsted, forms an excellent article for gentlemen's pantaloons. Since the failure of warp stockings, many of the frames have been employed in making lace ; but more of this hereafter. The stocking and warp frames differ essentially in their powers, as well as conformation : the former being a complete engine of itself, and is capable of having articles of the finest texture wrought upon it; while the latter is nothing without its conjunctive machine. NOTTINGHAM LACE. The discovery of the mines of Potosi, in the year 1545, was of far less value, and far less honorable to the cruel and merciless Spaniards, than the discovery of making lace on the stocking frame has been to the people of Nottingham — the mines sink in value by application, and diffuse eternal disgrace on the iniquitous nation that discovered them ; while framework-knitted lace will be a spring of never-ceasing wealth to this town, if avarice does not destroy it by unfair dealings, as its source receives a constant replenish from the genius of those it employs; thus stamping upon it the images of gratitude and growing vigour, which brighten by comparison with every source of ill-gotten store. The facility with which oilet-holes could be made by the covering tickler, gave the first idea of manufacturing lace upon a stocking frame. The different sorts made with the twilled machine were, the Valenciennes, the two-plain, the Jlowered, or joining-net, and the spider. The Valenciennes was made with a tickler to every other needle, with which, when the plain course was wrought, every second stitch was shifted to the next needle but one ; then, by another motion of * This gentleman, it is generally understood, spent a fortune of £50,000 in mechanism, and in permitting knaves to impose on his credulity. 3 M ; J niSTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. the machine, the stitch remaining- untouched was removed the same distance, and in the same direction. The same process was pursued the next course, only the stitches were shifted the contrary way; and thus a double cross-stitch net was produced, which was well calculated for mits, gloves, and purses. When this net was made with only shifting once in a course, it was called single eross-siitch. And the two-plain was so called from there being a tickler only to every third needle, consequently two needles remained plain every course ; though by moving the ticklers with a rack handle, any of the stitches could be shifted, as the workman was directed by his pattern or his whim. The flowered, on joining-net took its name from certain parts of the work being left plain in the shape of flowers, which in some patterns were joined by intertwining branches. Instead of the ticklers being cast into leads in the usual manner, they were made of thick wire, and bad the bottom ends battered broad, through a hole in each of which, a wire passed lengthwise on the tickler-bar, in the form of a spindle, upon which the ticklers moved in a leverage motion as they were acted upon for that purpose. When it was necessary to leave any particular space plain for the purpose of forming a flower, a branch, or a sprig, the ticklers, which would otherwise have acted upon these parts, were turned upwards by means of a roller on which the patterns were set, in like manner as tunes are pricked on the cylinder of an organ. The invention of this net is attributed to Mr. Robert Frost. Two other plans were attempted for raising the ticklers — one by means of slides and the other with strings and pullies : but with very indifferent success. Spider-net received its name from the figure of an insect of that name being wrought in the work, which was done by making the ticklers act upon appropriate needles. In fact, wildworms diamonds, and an almost endless variety of other devices can be formed by the same means. In 1S06, there was a great demand for this net, for ladies' habit shirts, &c. ; but its own imperfections soon reduced the consumption of it to what was used by women, whose reputation was little better than its own ; and they used it for no other purpose than that of giving a bewitching appearance to the bosom, while they falsely assumed its concealment. SQUARE-NET. This net possesses a greater degree of lustre and durability than any other, and is therefore better calculated for mits, gloves, purses, and shawls, of any yet produced. Mr. Robert Frost obtained a patent for the making of this net by a machine, the conformation and principal movements of which were founded on the Derdy-rib machine. During the existence of the patent, attempts were made to invade it, by making the net with the knotted machine, but this never succeeded till the year 1798 ; and the reader, by refeih-g to the knots, will see the principle of this improvement, while we describe the practice in shewing the formation of the net. A tuck-presser is made use of, which presses the stitch over the loop on every other needle, after which the work is put back to the sinkers by means of a pushing-bar, which is affixed to the machine ; which machine is like a knotted one, with the exception of its having a point only to every other needle, and having an additional bar, which lies between the bottom bar and the point bar, and to which the horns are affixed ; so that by means of an additional rack handle, the point TKABE OF NOTTINGHAM. 231 bar is moved to and fro, to enable the workman to apply the point to this or that needle,, without altering the position of the horns, which was the movement so long unsuccessfully sought for.— - The pressed stitches are now knotted upon the unpressed ones both ways, the machine being used twice every course for that purpose. Thus by varying the presser and the points one needle every course, square fast meshes are produced, which form a net, as has been stated, superior to any other for certain purposes.* JVARP-LACE. About the year 1784, a Mr. Ingham, of this town, discovered the art of making net upon a warp frame'; but for reasons, which I am not fully acquainted with, the scheme was given up. In 1787, William Dawson, an ingenious needle-maker, contrived a warp engine for the making of lace, the different parts of which were set in motion by a wheel, which was turned by the hand. In a short time after he got a factory built in Turncalf-alley, which contained a considerable number of these machines ; but his grinding of lace, as his plan was sarcastically called, succeeded very indifferently, as the net cost nearly as much mending as it did making. He afterwards took to manufacturing a different description of net, which answered well for officers' sashes, window curtains, braces, &c. And, in 1800, he removed with his machinery to Islington near London ; his factory in Nottingham being afterwards converted into a silk mill. Various patents have been obtained, by persons of this town, for making warp lace ; but so numerous are the pretensions set up for the invention of different movements and variously formed meshes, that it would be no easy matter to enumerate them : suffice it to say, on that head, that the patentees and other inventors mutually laugh at, and invade each other schemes. POINT- JYET. This branch, which more than any oilier has contributed to the prosperity of Nottingham, had various competitors for the honor of its discovery. Thomas Taylor and son, James Morris, and one Flint, all Nottingham men, have all a share in the credit. The Taylors laid a separate claim to the honor, and so did the other two individually; but the most probable state of the case is, that the world is indebted for it to the genius of the whole. Flint first conceived the idea, and his necessities induced him to communicate it to the Taylors for twenty pounds, who were framesmiths and good mechanics, consequently they could work by his instructions, and add something from their own stock of ingenuity. Still, however, the thing was not complete, and Morris was called in, who gave the finishing ideas to the formation of the mesh; and all he ever got * A few stockings were made with a stripe of knotted work and stripe of net alternately, the latter being made of stouter silk, and the machine beins applied only once in a course, a handsome three-square hole was produced; the grooves in the tuck-presser being covered with a slide while the knotted rib was wrought. These stockings, from their superior beauty, it was thought would have had a-rendy sale ; but the cupiditv of one or two persons destroyed the scheme in its bud. In 1803, a gre.it improvement was made in the tuck-presser, by casting stumps, with grooved ends, into leads of an inch broad, which are screwed upon a slide which moves on the surface of the common presser. These stumps answer the purpose of teeth in the pressing slide j and are in every way better calculated to suit the intended purpose, particularly as the workmen are not subject to half the misfortunes, a they are with the teeth in the pressing slide. 232 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. for his services was the satisfaction arising- to an honorable mind from having- added something to the stock of human benefits. About the year 1113, the Taylors obtained a patent for the manufacturing of this net, which they sold to Mr. Morris, the oilet-hole mit patentee., and he sold it to John Hayne and Co. to whose determined perseverance the net owes much of its importance in the fashionable world. For lightness and beauty of texture, and for regularity of mesh, this net had no parallel ; nor have the subsequent inventions in the art of making lace, apart from the point-net machine, produced a parallel, in all the various purposes to which fancy has applied it. Still, during the first twelve or fourteen years of its existence, it could not establish that sort of credit which is necessary to ensure to a newly introduced article of fancy an extensive sale, which was owing to its not possessing a sufficient degree of fastness in the mesh to prevent it from roving when a thread should happen to be broken. Various trials were made both in Nottingham and Mansfield, (a few frames of this description having been set to work in the latter place) to fasten the stitch upon the frame ; and many are the claimants to the honor of its accomplishment ; but if we are to credit the history of Mansfield, the object was attained by John Rogers of that place, in the year 1786,—- Shortly after the completion of this desirable object the net changed its name, from loose-point, or single-press, to fast-point, or double-press ; and experience soon proved that it merited public approbation ; as a proof of which we need only name, that, at the time the mode of fastening- the stitch was discovered, there were few more than twenty point-net frames in existence, and some of them not more than eighteen or twenty inches wide; whereas in 1810, there were at the least fifteen hundred frames employed in this manufacture, and many hundreds of them more than thirty inches wide ; which, taking the business in all its branches, gave employment to, from ten to fifteen thousand persons, including women and children. It is worthy of remark too, that great numbers of women and children, in the counties of Derby, Leicester, York, Stafford, &c. received employment in whipping, running, and tambouring this net, when other work could not be obtained. DESCRIPTION OF THE POINT-NET MACHINE. This machine, like the Derby-rib, is screwed upon the rafter, and its motions too, in general are the same. The standard-bars, about thirteen inches long (four inches of which are bent down, so as to admit of a slot, and one inch of the parts thus bent down is turned up for a screw to pass through in a perpendicular direction) being laid on the rafter, a back-bar. as long as the machine is wide, and having upright ends which will admit of strong centre-screws passing through them, is then screwed to the standard-bars, and rests upon the perpendicular screws, which are called gauge-screws ; and thus the foundation of the machine is laid. The bottom, or horizontal arms, which are about ten inches long, being connected by two cross-bars, are then fixed between the centre-screws, upon which they move in a leverage direction ; and thus the first movement is produced. The extent of this motion is determined by top and bottom standard-screws, which are affixed to the near end of the standard-bars, and between which the bottom arms move. The ends of those arms (which are brought out sufficiently to give the machine an inclining position when in its working motions) have circular sockets, in an inward direction, in which the axis of the TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 233 spindle-bar roll. From the spindle-bar rise the side-arms, near the upper end of which the top centre-screws pass through, and on the points of the latter the centre-bits, to which the tickler- bar is attached, perform their half-circular motions. To the hand-bar of the frame are screwed two cranked bits of iron called temporary-levels, against the inclined surface of which the tickler- bar rests, as well when the frame is over the arch as when the second pressing motion is performing. To the tickler-bar are screwed leads of an inch broad each, into which the ticklers are cast, each of the latter having an eye sufficiently broad to cover two needles, while the blades of the ticklers are thin enough to pass between the needles without driving them from their natural position. A thin side-bar lies behind the leads, and is confined in its proper sphere of action by long end-bits screwed thereto, and which pass in their rising and falling motions between the tickler-bar and iron-loops, which are screwed to the last mentioned bar. These being the great essential parts of the machine, the lesser ones will be described when we are speaking of their motions and utility. While the jacks are drawn, the blades" of the ticklers lie between the needles and behind the sinker-nibs, which causes them to become connected with the loops when the plain course is wrought. When this is done, the workman puts the frame back with his right hand, while with his left he takes hold of the machine handle, which is screwed near to the centre of the tickler-bar. and by its means he turns the latter bar, and consequently the ticklers also, from a perpendicular to an horizontal direction, at the same time rolling the machine upon its back centre-screws and raising the body of it from the bottom to" the top standards, so that every tickler, by coming in contact with the needles, embraces two in its eye ; at the same time the half circular motion of the tickler-bar, causes the cranked ends of the slide-bar to strike against the pushing-springs, which are screwed to the side-arms ; and thus by the slide-bar being forced upwards, it drives the loops upon the needles, from which the ticklers are then drawn ; and thus the loose-point, or single-press course is finished. And by working the next course with the tickler-blades between the contrary needles, which is done by the spindle-bar being shogged the space of one needle in the sockets in which it rolls, the point-net mesh is completed. To produce the fast-stitch.ihe workman, instead of drawing the ticklers off the needles when both are connected with the loops, he draws the machine towards him sufficiently for the tickler- eyes to quit the needle-heads ; at the same lime a bolt, which slides up and down in sockets which are screwed into the off side of one of the side-arms, stops the motion of the machine by coming in contact with a gauge-screw, which projects towards the frame in an horizontal direction for that purpose, and which passes through the cranked end of a piece of iron screwed to the needle-bar. — The machine is now dropped down to the bottom standards, and thereby the tickler-blades are brought between the needles and put back to the sinkers, while both ticklers and needles are involved in the loops. The lower edge of the tickler-bar now rests against the temporary-levels, while the upper edge, to which the tickler-leads are screwed, is brought sufficiently forwards for the ticklers to bring the loops under the needle-beards, in which motion it is arrested by a cranked tumbler laying hold of the top of the bolt. The slide-bar, by means of a tongue descending from its centre, which is connected by a string with a thumb-bit, that rolls on a swivel in the centre of the tickler-bar is put up in order to divide the stitches from the loops, so as to admit of the needle- 3 N 231 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. beard ends being pressed down between them. The presser is now put down — the bolt is drawn down from behind the tumbler — the course pressed a second time — the stitches are again forced over the loops, and the latter are again put upon the needles, as described at the conclusion of the single-press operations ; and thus the double-press course is completed. — The pressure upon the left hand, in the act of raising the machine, is in a great measure taken away by a mainspring which operates from the rafter again t the front cross-bar of the machine. — The bolt is drawn from behind the tumbler by a lever which connects it with the locker of the frame, and is raised to its steady position by a small spring. — There are also guard-screws, projecting from the needle-bar, for the purpose of preventing the ticklers from touching the needle-heads when the former are in a perpendicular direction. Many ingenious workmen have applied their inventive powers to the simplifying several of the motions, by changing or adding to the machine a variety of articles ; but as these depend more upon the whim and caprice of the workmen, than upon real utility, I shall not trouble the reader with their names, or the purposes to which they are applied. A feeling of grateful respect to a branch of business, to which Nottingham owed a great part of its support from 1797 to 1811, will account for the minute description given of this machine. — When the French war, the Spanish war, and a change of fashions attendant upon a war system had nearly destroyed every branch of the fancy trade in stockings — when want and starvation were shaking their whips at the industrious inhabitants of this town, the point-net branch blazed forth like a great luminary to guide their steps from the path of sorrow. And, whatever may have been the foibles of Flint, to whose inventive genius the town owes so much in the discovery of this machine, it is a pity that abject poverty should be his companion in his old age ; and, if he should outlive the publication of this article, I hope it may induce a subscription for his support — the money might more than repay the benefactors, by inducing others to exert their powers of mind for the public good. The extreme fineness of the frames, on which point-net is wrought, formed an obstacle to the making the net of any other material than that of silk, till the year 1804; which, in consequence of that material being incapable of receiving a perfect whiteness, a substitute had long been called for by the public. Fine cotton and flaxen yarn, the latter of which cost forty guineas a pound, had been tried with a thread of silk to each ; but let the silk be doubled with which it might, the threads always cut or discoloured each other. Notwithstanding repeated failures, the lace manufacturers urged the cotton spinners to proceed in their endeavours to spin yarn sufficiently fine to admit of its being worked double. This they accomplished in the above-mentioned year, and at a time too when silk was so very scarce, that, otherwise, numbers of workmen must have stood still for want of employment. . The introduction of cotton net into the market soon produced a most extensive sale, not only from its preserving a perfect whiteness, but from its answering almost every purpose of the bone, or cushion lace, at a much cheaper rate. In 1808, cotton point-net was at its zenith of glory, at which time more than six hundred frames of the first quality were employed in manufacturing it ; but it was doomed to fall a sacrifice to the eyil genius of the trade — cupidity introduced single TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 235 cotton, that eternal pest, and even single-press, made of that worst of all materials, was also re-produced — single cotton, sometimes wrought into single and sometimes into double-press, was foisted in cargoes upon foreign merchants for the genuine double cotton net — shoals of speculators, or rather peculators issued from the town with robbery in their eyes, deceit in their hearts, falsehood on their tongues, and boxes of spurious net on their backs, with the latter of which they soon inundated the country, till in a short time no person of respectability could be found that would buy the good cotton point-net, for fear of being imposed upon by the bad ; and at the present time (1815) scarcely a yard of it is made, except a little single-press at Mansfield. The more reputable among the manufacturers adopted the plan of distinguishing between the genuine and the spurious by printed labels, which had a good effect for a time • but the infamous soon found the means of playing upon this plan, for they labelled too, but took care to label the bad for the good ; and thus the ruin of this valuable branch of business was completed. It is soma consolation however, to know, that the radical quality of silk is a preventive to the infamous arts ; and to this may be attributed, that point-net lace is still, and I hope will ever be in repute. It is proper to observe here, that cotton net is still made upon warp frames to a considerable extent. It has been too much the practice, particularly some years ago, with the manufacturers of fancy goods in this town, to endeavour to abate the workmen in their prices, which could answer the object of avarice only for a time, because the circumstance of a reduction in the manufacturing price cannot be long kept from the ears of the consumer. And the practice is still more inexcuseable (and I know I shall be borne out in the assertion by the testimony of every honorable manufacturer in the trade) because a corresponding depression, in the estimation of the rich, in articles of fancy dress, always accompanies a reduction of their prices. To repel these attacks upon their prosperity, the workmen, in some of the branches, were in the habit of clubbing their mites to enable them to support the hands of any particular employer, for the purpose of stopping his business when he made an attempt to reduce their prices. An act, called the Combination Act, was passed in the year 1799, which compelled the knotted and point-net workmen to break up their funds, which they did on the 12th of October the same year. But, as an object of torture always loses part of its terrors by becoming familiar to the eye, so this has been the case with the Combination Act in many instances in this town, particularly when the workmen have had justice on their side, w 7 hich is always considered so by the public when attempts are made to reduce their earnings, except a reduction in the prices of the necessaries of life has previously taken place. The Combination Act is marked with such direct partiality as to make it odious in the eyes even of those who seek to further their own views by taking advantage of its provisions ; and even the barristers that accept briefs founded upon it will generally hesitate in their declamations. The facilities it affords for punishing the employed, over what it affords for punishing the employers is the cause of its being held in general abhorrence. Hence it is that the workmen employed in the point-net branch, by conducting their opposition to the individual attacks of their employers in peace have universally linked public sympathy to their cause, and have generally been successful. 236 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. The mode adopted formerly of measuring- the lace pieces by the employers was the most preposterous which the imagination can conceive. The standard of calculation was for a piece to measure twelve long yards, which were paid for as twelve common yards ; and the understanding; in the trade was, that a piece of this length should measure eighteen stretched yards, on account of the elastic quality of the net. But an unprincipled heart in the measurer always unnerved his arm in the act of admeasurement; and to such an excess did impositions creep upon the heels of each other in this practice, till many workmen were actually compelled to make twenty-four yards for twelve, and even then they had no guarantee against further imposition. In 1809, a plan was proposed to remove this intolerable grievance, by adopting a mode of admeasurement founded on calculation, which was universally approved of by the workmen, and warmly supported by every honorable employer ; and the dishonorable were put to the blush. The following handbill, which was published on the 24th of August, in the above year, will throw much light upon the business : — To the Gentlemen Lace Manufacturers, assembled at the Punch Bowl, Peck-lane, for the purpose of adopting measures pursuant to the good of the trade. Gentlemen, the workmen, presuming on your condescension, think it would argue an utter indifference on their part to the general interest of the trade, were they to suffer a crisis so momentous as the present is to its future welfare to pass without their notice. Your professed objects are, the removal of two evils, whose consequences, although not equally destructive in appearance, yet, by suffering them to exist, they will be found so in the sequel. You will easily perceive, that we allude to the making of single cotton net, and the measurement of pieces. The means of removing the first of these evils, we conceive you to be in full possession of; if not, alf. our endeavours shall be turned to the aiding you in the laudable pursuit : while on the latter subject, we beg leave to offer a few observations. It is well known to you, Gentlemen, that the nature and contexture of the net are such as to preclude the possibility of establishing a standard mode of measurement, so as to prevent those disquietudes and jealousies which constantly exist between the employer and employed, and even among the employers themselves ; each one having his particular mode of measuring, which he can vary at his will, or as it may suit his purpose; that is, each one considers himself justified in obtaining the greatest possible length, that he may be enabled to go to market and sell cheaper than his neighbour; thus a competition is produced which engenders ill-blood among the employers— -reduces the article in public estimation, and eventually bring a continual abati ment upon the workmen, by continually adding to the length of their pieces ; which, considering the never-ceasing advancement in the prices of the necessaries of life, and the increase of house-rent, taxes, &c. is likely, even in this respect, to produce consequences too serious for contemplation. And furthermore, this fortuitous competition so reduces the value of the article, that every contrivance is adopted to make net of inferior materials, and of inferior quality, to ensure individual sale. Thus by deceiving the public for a time, public faith is lost, and with it the trade itself must perish, to the inevitable ruin of thousands of workpeople, and to the serious detriment of those gentlemen who have embarked their property therein. And we beg leave to give it as our opinion, that no plan will effectually put a stop to the evils resulting from the present distracting mode of measuring, bnt that of paying by count'— a plan, which wants nothing but your concurrence and injunction to put it in practice ! ! Objections may be started to it, we know ; but those objections, we flatter ourselves, we can obviate. For instance, it may be supposed that some workmen will be so vile as to filch from the numbers of holes agreed upon to be, between the marks ; but, it being understood that detection in this respect would not only cost the defaulter his seat of work, but likewise his character in the trade, so that he would not be able to obtain employment elsewhere-— common fear would keep the designing honest; for who would employ such a wretch ? and who dreads not obtaining the character of a vagabond ? Thus the manufacturer would have nothing to do, after seeing that the net was brought in agreeable in quality, but to count over the number of marks, and to give orders to have his pieces made with a TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM. 237 number of marks to correspond with the length required. And, if in the act of counting over, he suspected foul play, one of his warehouse girls would quickly determine the question ; and the consequences of fraud would be immediately felt in the displeasure of the employer. The plan here alluded to, we flatter ourselves, is pregnant with many benefits to the trade, inasmuch as it would cause happiness to exist between the employer and the employed, in their transactions with each other. --it would prevent that destructive competition between the employers themselves, and all the consequences attendant thereon. Gentlemen, we have forborne to enter at large into a minute detail of the plan in question, under an idea that it mi"ht be too tedious for immediate discussion— its benefits struck us as its most prominent feature ; but any information on the subject, we shall at all times be ready to submit. This was signed, on the part of the workmen, by German Waterfall, John Blackner, Samuel Peace, and Thomas Brooks. This bill, as was expected, produced a great sensation in the meeting of manufacturers : Mr. William Hayne, the greatest manufacturer in the town, who had been returned from France about twelve months, after seven years' captivity, most warmly espoused the cause of the workmen, in the professed plan of paying by count, as also did many more honorable characters among the employers — they did more — they immediately adopted means for carrying it into execution, by ordering an instrument to be made, called a rack, which consists of several small tooth and pinion wheels, a hammer, and a bell ; the whole being cased in a box and affixed to some part of the frame, so that the wheels can be acted upon by the rotary motion of the slur ; and when as many revolutions have been performed as are required for the production of an agreed number of holes or meshes lengthwise between the marks, the hammer strikes the bell, which is the signal for the workman to weave into the selvage of his piece a bit of coloured silk.* This plan, though founded on the principles of eternal justice, was warmly opposed by Mr. William Nunn, a first rate manufacturer at that time, and an exotic, and a tyrant in the trade ; nor was he wanting of a few others to support him in his nefarious opposition ; but they soon yielded to the weapons of public disapprobation and shame; and before the close of the year 1810, he was left to support the contest in favor of injustice himself. The following extract from a hand-bill, published by the workmen on the 9th of July, 1810, will illustrate the above remarks. — It is necessary however to state, that the gentlemen that had adopted the rack had also agreed to reduce the rent of lace frames, to destroy the inducement which high rents held out to persons not in the trade to buy frames, a practice which had been much pursued, and which was considered materially injurious. These manufacturers had therefore given public notice, that, on a given day, they would abate the price of making the point-net piece, in their own defence, except the non- complying manufacturers adopted their system ; and, in the sequel, both plans were successful. The workmen were therefore necessitated to bestir themselves in support of their own interest. — Extract : — The committee, immediately upon their being elected, applied to the manufacturers above alluded to, to suspend the notice of abatement, to give them time for a display of their endeavours, to induce the non-complying manufacturer* * Several workmen have been found vile enough to violate the rack contract; but the workmen at large have regularly taken cognizance of the criminals ; some have been compelled to ask pardon in the newspapers, and others have been refused permission to work at the branch for a given time. 8 O 238 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. to adopt (he rack and reduce the rent, of whom Mr. Nunn is chief ; notwithstanding that he did himself propose one shilling a week, as the standard rent, to one of the above gentlemen, in May, 1809. Mr. Nunn was applied to last March, by two deputies from the workmen, to comply with the adoption of the rack, and the reduction of the rent ; and the. reason assigned by him for his non-compliance with their request was, that, as his own workmen did not complain, he had a right to suppose they were satisfied. The workmen of this gentleman were accordingly called together, when 128, out of 144, signed a petition to him, praying that he would comply with the above regulations, for the salvation of the trade, and for their own peace and comfort in their transactions with his warehouse; sines without the rack to regulate the length of pieces, the situation of a workman is deplorable indeed. This petition was taken to Loudon by two of Mr. Nunn's own workmen, and was backed by their arguments and their prayers; but without any other effect, than that of his admitting the principle of their arguments to be just, and turning a deaf ear to their prayers. No language of mine can do adequate justice to the characters of the regulating manufacturers; and, in J8il, Mr. Nunn yielded to the force of public opinion; and the rack has happily been applied to other species of lace work.* STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE FRAMEWORK-KNITTING TRADE. The materials for this article were several years collecting,, with care and industry rarely surpassed, particularly by one ingenious and indefatigable individual, for the general use of the trade ; and, in 1812, they were brought into arrangement ; and to each city, town, and village, the particular number of frames therein contained was attached. In the more immediate framework- knitting districts, the frames were actually counted by persons going from house to house— for instance, Nottingham was found to contain 2600, Leicester from 1600 to 1700, Derby near 400, Ilkeston and Heanor 350 each, Hinckley 1500, Sheepshead 900, Radford, Old and New, 350, and Mansfield 400 ; but, on a subject of such difficulty in coming at correctness, it is judged improper to commit the credit of this work upon an arrangement so liable to quibble and dispute. The names of most of the towns and villages where frames are found, will be given in alphabetical order in their respective counties, with a summary number of the frames in each county ; and an interesting division of the trade into its several branches will be found in the sequel The state of the trade in foreign countries may be depended upon as bordering on correctness, particularly in France, Spain, and the Netherlands. On the statement respecting America the least dependence is to be placed, in consequence of the infant state of the trade in that extensive and rising Republic being subject to so many contingent fluctuations, stoppages, and migrations, which render accuracy in the obtainment of information almost impossible. NOTTINGHAM, j Arnold 5 Brinsley AND THE C O U N T Y. * Becston ? Bradmore Awsworth 5 Beggarlee \ Basford (Old and New) Annesley $ Bingham 5 Bulwell Attenborough * Bramcote i Blidworth * It was intended to enter into the particulars of the twist-net manufacture in this chapter; but, at the present tone, insurmountable obstacles have been cast in the way to an obtainment of the necessary information, which will be removed in a few months; therefore it has been judged the most adviseable to postpone the whole account to the appendix, rather than give it iu detached parts. ACCOUNT OF THE FRAME WORK-KNITTING TRADE. 289 Barton Burton Joice Balderton Calverton ■ Cossall Caythorpe Carlton Cortlinstock Cotgrave Clifton Cropwell Bishop Chilwell Eastwood Epperstone Farnsneld Fanulon Gedling Gotham Gunthorpe Hucknall Torkard Huckiutll Dirty Ilickling IToveringham Kirkby Woodhouse- Kirkby Key worth Kimberley Lin by Lowdham Leake (East and West) Lambley Mansfield Mansfield Woodhouse Market Warsop Nottingham Newark Ncwthorpe Normanton Over Broughton Oxton Oxton Grange Pappltwick Radford (Old and New) Ruddington Ratclitf Snenton (Old and New) Stanton Sutton.in-Ashficld Skegby Shelford Selstoa Stapleford Southwell Sutton Bonington Thargarton Thrumpton Woollaton Wilford Widmerpool Willoughby Watnall AVoodborough Total 9^85 LEICESTER, AND THE COUNTY. Ash by-de-la-Z ouch Ansty Asfordby Astou Flenville Astley Ayleston Belgrave Birstall Bark by Barkby Thorpe Bagworth Belton Barrow Bottesford Blaby Biuntiugthorpe Broughton Barwell Burbage Cossington Courtsthorpc Cosby Coleorlon Moor Cadeby Castle Doningtoa Desford Diseworth Dalby-in-the-Woulds Dunton Basset Enderby Earl Shilton Frisby Froleswortb. Foston Glenfield Gaddesby Grooby Ilumberstone llathem Hether Ilemmington Hoton Hinckley Htiglescote Ibstock Kuighton Kegworth Kilby Long Whatton Leicester Loughborough Little Dulby Little Thorpe Lutterworth Market Bosworth Mountsorrel Melton Mowbray Markfield Nailstow Nether Brpughton Norborough Newton Linford Newbold Garden Osgathorpe Oadby Peckleton Quorndon Queneborough Ratby Ravenstone Reorsby Rothcby Snanniuston 240 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Shecpshead Silcby Syston Sutton Seagrave Saxelby Stapleton Stoke Golding Shomford Stoney Stanton Stanton-under-Bardcn Sapcote Thurmaston Thorpe Thorpe Acre Thorpe Satchville Thrinkstonc Thurcastoa Thornton Whitwick Wimeswould Whetstone Walton. on-the-Woulds Wigston-two-Steeples Willoughby Waterless Woodhouse Woodhouse Eaves Total - 11183 DERBY AND THE COUNTY. Ashburn Allestree Alfreton Ashover Ashford Breeston Bolsover Brampton Baslow Bakewell Bonsall Black well Belper Bel per Lane Bull Hill Brcadsall Chester (Little) Cocksbench Codnor Chaddesden Crich Cromford Calvcr Castleton Chesterfield Dale Abbey Draycote Darley Dale Den by Duffield Derby Eaton (Little) Frittesly Green Lane Grindleford Bridge Higham Heage Heanor Horseley Horseley Woodhouse Hoi brook Hadden Ilkeston Kirk Ireton Kilbourn Loscoe Litton Lewcote Gate Little Over Long Eaton Morton Marriott Moor Matlock Measham Melbourn Ockbrook Over Hadden Pentridge Pinxton Quorn Ripley Ridings Rowsley Risley Stanton Sinder-hill Spondon Smalley Sandiacre Stauton-by-Dale Swanwick Shirland Somercote Smisby Sawley Taddington Tideswell| Tibshelf Toad. hole Wandsley Wingfield South Wessington Wirksworth Total 4700 GLOUCESTER, AND THE COUNTY. Bredon Bristol Cheltenham Cirencester Deerhurst Dursley Gloucester Leigh Northleach Northstoke Peromerton Tewksbury Twining Thurley Winchcombe Woodchesfer Total 970 . ACCOUNT OF THE FKAMEWOKK-KNITTINCr TKADE. 241 CO UNTY of DE VON Barnstaple Exeter Plymouth Dock Total 38 COUNTIES of WILTS, SURRY and BERKS. Croydon Crompton Farncomb Godalming Salisbury Wanborough Windsor Total 130 COUNTIES of MIDDLE- SEX, ESSEX, and KENT Canterbury Colchester Dover Deptford Faversham Greenwich London Total 137 COUNTIES of OXFORD, and NORTHAMPTON. Althorpe Banbury (Oxon) Chacomb Daventry Flewer Meadford Middletoncheyney Pattashall Slapston Shatford Northaston (Oxon) Towcester Total - 214 COUNTY of NORFOLK. Norwich Thetford Total . YORK, AND THE COUNTY. Attercliffe Barnsley Beverley Bradford Doncaster Dobcross East Moor* Gisborough Halifax Huddersfield Hull Leeds Leadgato Newton Ripon Rotherham Sheffield Saddleworth Wakefield York Yarm 23 Total - 172 LANCASTER, AND THE COUNTY, Blackburn Chorley Lancaster Liverpool Manchester Preston Rochdale Total - 75 WORCESTER, AND THE COUNTY. Bromsgrove Evesham Kidderminster Pershore Upton Worcester Total -. 4S CHESHIRE and CAR- NARVONSHIRE. Aberconway Chester Macclesfield Stockport Total 17 COUNTIES of STAF- FORD and SALOP. Birmingham Newcastle Stafford Shrewsbury Tutbury Uttoxeter Wolverhampton Total 46 * An ingenious person of the name of Clapham, residing in this village, discovered the mode of making lamb's wool yarn, about the year H99. 3P 242 IIISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. CUMBERLAND, NOB- THUMBEBLAjYD, and WESTMOBELAND. Alnwick Berwick Carlisle Cockcrmouth Kendal Newcastle Wigton Wooler Total - - LINCOLN, AND THE COUNTY. Boston Grimsby Horncastle Keel by Lincoln Loceby Marton 50 Total - 17 WABXVICK, AND THE COUNTY. Bed worth Coventry Kineton Nuneaton "Warwick Total 50 SCOTLAND. Aberdeen Air Airdray Airbrooth Bamff Bathgate Biggar Cupar Coupar Coldstream Dunse Dunholme Dundee Dumfries Edinburgh Falkirk Glasgow Galashiels Hawick Haddington Hamilton Irving Jedburgh Kelso Kincardine Killardy Lanark Linlithgow Moffatt Mussellburgh Montrose Peebles Poisby Perth Renfrew Selkirk Stanrawen Stirling Total - 1449 IRELAND. Armagh Athmailey Athlone Ballynasloe Bandon Belfast Balbriggcn Bulruddering Cullon Clownis Couthil Coleraine Carvon Cork Clonmell Carlow DUBLIN Drogheda Dungannon Donaghadea Galway Inniskillen Lurgan Londonderry Longford Lisburne Limerick Monaghan Ncwry Newton Stewart Omagh Rathcoal Strabane Sligo Tanderagee Total 97S FRANCE.* Amiens Abbeville Arras Besancon Castres Chartres Clermont * The notion so generally entertained of there being many thousands of frames in Lyons is erronous; there being only about 1800, in that city, and about 1 100 in Paris and its vicinity. ACCOUNT OF THE- FRAME WORK-KNITTING- TRADE. 243 Dijon § SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. § GERMANY. | Berlin 5 Havre de Graca ^ Barcelona & Cordova § Cadiz | Coimbra (P.) | Lisbon (P.) § Madrid Lisle § Dresden Lyons Morieul § Koningsberg | Leipzic Montdidicr & Magdeburg Nismes § Wirtemburgh § § Total - . Orleans § Oporto (P.) c Seville 2340 PARIS § Passy § St. Iloque § Rouen Rheims § Talavpra. de-la -Reyna § | Valencia § § St. Quentin Total - - J955 § PETERSBURG!!, &c. - 200 St. Omers § § STOCKHOLM - - - - 30 Strashur^h. § | COPENHAGEN - . - . 3i Troyes § : ITALY. § Valenciennes | Bologna s Leghorn & § Total - - 6855 § Mantua § AMERICA. § Messina | Milan § Naples | Essex Town e German Town § New York NETHERLANDS. - Arcndok (near Antwerp) § Palermo § Princes' Town ! St. Martha's Vineyard 1 Total . Brussells ; Rome § - rp * & lunn § ' Venice Ghent j " . . - 269 Tournay §- - . ■ h Total - -.. 520 §- ■ - . Total -. - -985 ■ h - GRAND TOTAL. Great Britai n an d Ireland - - - - - . - - - 29588 France - ■ _ . . - _ - . ■ - . •■ - - - - " - - - 6855 Netherlands - - . - .— - - - - - - - - " - - . 520 Spain and_P ortu gal - - - - - - - - •---' . 1955 Italy - - ., . - . > - - - - - - . ' - • 985 Germany- . .. - - . - - 2340 Petersburg, Stockholm, and Copenh agen - - - - - - - 265 America - - " ■ - - - - - " - 260 42768 To the foregoing table the following subdivision of the framework -knitting 1 trade into its manifold and diversifying -branches- will, "it is-hoped, be highly gratifying to those readers that are least acquainted with the trade of Nottingham ; and to those that are acquainted with it, it cannot fail to be entertaining. But to guard all persons against being led astray by it, in their connective concerns and immediate calculations^, it is necessary to state, that these branches or divisions are ever on the fluctuation, and frequently too. to an amazing extent. It is necessary to state further, 244 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. that the calculations were made in 1812, from information collected by persons who took an actual survey of the trade, or from persons that had incidentally resided in the various places where it is carried on in the British empire, the relative divisions of the foreign part of the trade not here being taken into the account. But, notwithstanding- every possible attention was paid to come at the truth, this table is not professed to be correct, because correctness on such occasions is not attainable, even by government itself. The table will be found of the most use in ten, twenty, or fifty years to come, when some of the branches may be extinct, or nearly so, and when the inquiring mind will find some satisfaction by comparative investigation. The number given to each branch, is what were supposed as therein employed. SUBDIVISIONS. Plain cotton hose, from 14 to 22 gauge ....... 1600' Plain cotton hose, from 24 to 28 gauge ....... 2600J Plain cotton hose, from 30 to 36 gauge ....... 2289^ Plain Gotton hose, from 38 to 54 gauge ....... 1100^ Gause cotton hose - -- Plain cotton pieces __...__..-« Plain cotton gloves ........... Drawers and pantaloons ._...----- Sandals, gaiters, &c. - ... Socks (ancles and feet) .--.------- Angola and Merino hose .....----- Plain worsted hose, from 12 to 20 gauge ... - . - - - 2600") Plain worsted hose, from 22 to 26 gauge ....... 2100 V Plain worsted hose, from 28 to 34 gauge ....... 950 J Gauze worsted hose - - - -•» Lambs' wool hose _.....----- Thread hose* __...-..---- Plain worsted and double-loop piecest .... . . - Cotton caps - - - - - ._..- ... Worsted caps - - -- .... - - ... Petticoats, shirts, &c. - - - - -- Fleecy _-_....«----- Plain silk hose, from 23 to 26 gauge ........ 1150* Plain silk hose, from 28 to 36 gauge . -- - - - - - 250) Silk gloves . . . - .... Silk purses and pieces ...-------- Silk ribbed hose ._.---»-•-- Cotton ribbed hose «...------- Worsted ribbed hose ._..-.--»»- 7589 350 250 350 530 370 180 350 5650 250 900 350 1500 200 120 300 110 1400 320 20 56 750 2750 * It should be stated, that these frames are principally employed in Scotland f This double-loop work must not be mistaken for the double-lap warp work, it being a very different thing. This is produced upon a plain frame, by the simple operation of pressing two courses over the needle-heads at once — every second course being left in as «Dpressed state at the needle-heads while the jacks are drawn for the next. Thus a double-loop work is produced. ACCOUNT OF THE FRAMEWORK-KNITTING TRADE. 245 <$ ■ iniii i ■» Ribbed (common) pieces ----------- 600 British ribbed pieces* ----------- 1800 Silk spider and shammies ----------- 70 Cotton spider hose and pieces ---------- 340 Silk knotted hose ---------_.- 260 Elastic hose ------------- 30 Square-net --.-------.._ 3 Double-lap warp pieces ----------- 320 Jack warp pieces + ------- -..- to 30 Warp sashes and braces ----------- 60 Warp net, from six to eight course inclusive, and mechlin - 190"} Two course ------------- 35 \_ ^0 Silk 15^ Point-net double silk --------*-. 700") Single silk - - - - - - - - - - - - - 320 V 1040 Single and double press cotton - - - - - - - -- 20 J Twist.net 140 Total in Great Britain and Ireland - - - 29588 There is an old proverb which says. "The little smith of Nottingham that does the work which no man can do." The etymon of which has been attempted to be discovered by various ways . but its origin is now of no importance. Suffice it to say, that no proverb was ever supported better, if we refer to the smiths of this town in general, but particularly if we refer to the framesmiths ; for to their mechanical judgment and dexterity in workmanship, it is owing, in a great degree, that the stocking frame and the various machines which are appended to it, have been brought to such perfection. J The setters-up too merit no small share of praise for their inventive skill, and their nicety in adjustment. The declension of the various branches of the trade, within the last few years, has driven many of these practical mechanics from this town, and to other businesses ; and not a fevr have sought refuge in America. COTTON YARM The name of Nottingham will ever be coupled with the invention of manufacturing this article with the greatest pride, as will shortly appear, though the business has not been prosecuted here to * Under this head are comprehended those frames emploved in making ribbed pieces, which double the ordinary stoutness in their manufacturing ope rations, by doubling the loops on the machine in pressing only every other course. Some Germanized Englishman pave to these pieces the name of German-rils, when attempts were made to barbarize English manners by the introduction of the German ■ ry costume, in the same manner as the native tenlerBess v.as sought to be extracted from the bosoms of our ladies, ami bloody notions jnfused therein, by decorating their heads with Suwarrovo bonnets, in commemoration of that savage monster's deeds — Britain must not thus fce robbed of her fame ! ! •f- These articles are so called from the warp machine being applied to a plain frame — the jacks make the common loops, and the machine l rk upon the n' edle-hearls ; and thus double work is produced, with an imitation of ribs. % In 1307, there were 47 master frame-smiths (the highest number ever known) many of whom had large establishments of journeymen and apprentices— in 1615, there were but 29, and these generally with small establishment?. 3 Q 246 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. any thing- like the extent which it has been at Manchester and various other parts of Lancashire, as well as in Derbyshire. And, as many persons may read this history that are strangers to the great importance of which cotton wool is to this country, a few words on the subject of its production may not be unacceptable to them, and may not be considered obtrusive by those who possess more general information In China, Abyssinia, and the East Indies, cotton wool is produced from an annual shrub, about the size of a currant bush, called gossypium, and which unfolds the cotton from a pod about the size of a common hazle nut ; though in the latter country the arboreum or cotton tree is well known ; and it is now cultivated in America and the West Indies to great advantage. The pod of this tree, which grows to the size of a hen's egg, informs the cultivator of the proper time of plucking by the bursting of the shell ; and after it is gathered, and the wool is separated from the husk, in a mill calculated for that purpose, the wool is put into bags which contain from 300 to 320 pounds weight, and is trodden down in the same manner as hops are when bagged in this country. — The best cotton wool in general use is brought from Tobago in the West Indies, Demerara, in the province of Surinam, and the Brazils. - There is a species of cotton wool produced in the West Indies, principally as an article of curiosity, called Siam cotton, from the seed having been brought from the country of that name ; but the filaments are so exceedingly fine and soft, as to make articles manufactured of it more costly than silk. The method of spinning cotton yarn, previous to the invention of Jennies, was by plying at a domestic machine, well known among the provincial housewives by the name of a long or one- thread wheel. But; as the demand for our cotton goods increased, the ingenuity of our countrymen was set to work to devise means for expediting the various processes in the manufacturing of such goods. About the year 1737, a person of the name of Paul, in London, contrived an engine, with which he fancied he could spin a number of threads at one time, and for which he obtained a patent; but the scheme proved altogether abortive. Various other persons made similar attempts, and with like success, till James Hargrave, a weaver in the neighbourhood of Blackburn, in Lancashire, contrived a machine, in the year 1767, which he called a jenny, and upon which he spun eight threads at once. Mr. Hargrave .obtained a patent for this machine, and he caused a building to be erected at the north-east corner of a street in Nottingham, which from that circumstance obtained the name of Mill-street, wherein his machinery was first set to work in a proper manner. The jenny is the best contrivance hitherto discovered for spinning the yarn used in the woof; and it was soon constructed for spinning 84 threads; and with it one person can spin 100 hanks in the day, each hank measuring 840 yards. Mr. Hargrave also improved the art of carding cotton wool, by affixing two or three cards to a stock or stool, with which one woman could do as much work as three by the ordinary means of carding on the knee — these cards obtained the name of stock-cards. A still more expeditious mode of carding was shortly after invented, in the application of cylindric-cards ; but the inventor's name seems to be forgotten, except the matter could be traced to the unfortunate John Hayse, of whom we are about to say a few words. And, as what I shall state on the subject as connected with this man, will clash with what appears on the subject of cotton spinning in some of the COTTON YARN. 14T Encyclopedias and other publications, which give all the praise to the late Sir Richard Arkwright, it is necessary for me to premise, that I had the account from a person of credit, that was many years employed as a practical mechanic in the cotton spinning business in Lancashire, and who was personally acquainted with Hayse ; and further the testimony is supported by every person with whom I have conversed on the subject, that knew the parties at the time. John Ha3 ? se and Richard Arkwright, the former a turner, of wood, and the other a barber, resided as neighbours at Preston, in Lancashire, Arkwright, from the nature of his business, having much loose time on his hands, would frequently spend a few hours in Hayse's shop, and who, very probably, had a taste for mechanism himself. During these hours of conversation, Hayse informed Arkwright, that he felt confident he had discovered the art of spinning cotton by means of rollers, and shewed him the instruments he had made for accomplishing his object. Arkwright now began to think for himself, but, not having the means of applying his acquired knowledge to any prosperous purpose, he opened his views in part to a person of the name of Smalley who had some money, and who encouraged him, though quite unnecessarily to glean every particle of information on the subject from Hayse, without giving the latter any suspicion of their intention. Arkwright repeated his visits to the shop of his unsuspecting friend, and never failed, though frequently lightly and jocosely, to make the subject of cotton spinning the burden of their conversation. Hayse sometimes urged by motives of vanity to display his superior skili, and sometimes by irritation at being contradicted by Arkwright, frequently exhibited his little machinery, till the latter obtained a correct knowledge of its movements and application. He then obtained money from Smalley with which he proceeded to Nottingham, there being much cotton yarn consumed by the hosiery business in that town — there being man}/ capitalists for the encouragement of genius in mechanical invention ; and its being also known that Nottingham contained some excellent practical mechanics. Arkwright had also another object in view for coming to Nottingham — he was fearful lest Hayse should hear what he was about, and find a friend to push his previous claim at. the patent office. Our adventurer succeeded in all his views at Nottingham — from the ingenuity of one Hailam, a cabinet-maker, his machinery received much of its perfection ; and the moniec! men of the town found him the means of prosecuting the new inventions ; and in 1769, he obtained a patent in his own name for spinning cotton yarn according to the specifications which he had then produced. Mr. Arkwright now took up his regular residence in Nottingham, and he soon found the means of erecting a cotton mill, which he did on a piece of ground between Woolpack-lane and Hockley in this town, and which was the first cotton mill erected in the world.* In 1772, the validity of this patent was tried and found to be good. In 1775, Mr. Arkwright obtained another patent, which, from its being represented of a general nature, very probably comprehended the operations of carding and roving ; but its validity was tried in 1781, and a verdict was given against him. In 1785, Mr. Arkwright brought the question of this patent again into court, and gained a verdict in its favor ; but his opponents did not long * The mill was burnt down in a few years after it was built, and another "as erected upon the site 248 II [STORY OF NOTTINGHAM. suffer liim to enjoy its benefit in quiet, for they once more brought the matter into court, and he finally lost on the "round of his not working according- to his own specifications. On the 29th of June, 1791, the foundation was laid of Mr. Robert Denison's cotton mill, on a plot of ground between Pennyfoot-lane and Poplar-place; and on the 10th of October, 1792, the machinery was set to work. It contained 3024 spindles, and gave employment to 300 persons ; and was altogether the most handsome and largest manufactory ever erected in Nottingham. The war carried on against the French Republic caused this great concern to be shut up from the 8th of March, 1794, to the 2d of June, 1801, when it was re-opened by Messrs. Oates, Stephens, and Co. and during the night of the 28th of November, 1802, it was discovered to be on fire, and such was the fury of the flames, that the utmost exertions of an anxious and sympathising population that crowded around, aided by engines, were unavailing ; and the entire machinery with the greater part of the shell were consumed by the devouring element. And the ground on which it stood was" afterwards cleared and converted into gardens. A fine engraving was made from a drawing of Mr. Barber's which exhibits the terrific grandeur of the awful scene. George Oldfield Needham, a native of, and now a resident in Nottingham, by dint of a strong mechanical genius and from information obtained by. being many years employed in cotton mills, in 1813, brought to perfection several machines for improving and simplifying the arts of carding, roving, and spinning cotton wool. He offered his machinery to some of the great cotton manufacturers in Lancashire ; but they scouted it, on the ground of their present machinery being- rendered useless, if they adopted Mr. Needham's, and the great expense which must be occasioned by the change. He then applied to the Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce in London ; and the following- recommendation will shew the manner in which he was received. London, 23d February, 1815. To the Eight Honorable Lord Sidmoulh, Secretary of State for the Home Department. We the undersigned members of the committee of mechanics, of the society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, earnestly recommend to your Lordship's notice, the cotton carding and spinning machines, invented by Mr. Needham, which have undergone a minute and laborous examination by the undersigned, who have brought under their view the various machines now employed in this important branch of British manufactures. By their examination tiiey have ascertained that Mr. Needham's machines are not only highly ingenious and simple, but decidedly superior to any of the kind now in use, and promise to be ofgreat public utility in the manufacturing of cotton. The very limited funds of this society, together with its established regulations for rewarding of meritorious inventions, could only procure for Mr. Needham a pecuniary vote of forty guineas and the honorary gold medal. — These rewards, although small in their amount, mark in the highest degree the opinion of the undersigned, and the general body of the society on the subject of Mr. Needham's inventions. The undersigned have been induced to make this application to your Lordship in behalf of Mr. Needham, not only because he is in very reduced circumstances, occasioned by his exertions in bringing his machines to perfection ; but because they feel it to be their duty to express the distinguished sense in which they hold his inventions, and to recommend to your Lordship to procure him the countenance and reward of government, commensurate with the importance of his inventions for the manufacture of all denominations of cotton. This application was signed by Thomas Gill, chairman of the committee, residing at No. 83, St, James's-street, London, and by twenty-six others, many of whom added their professions, such WORSTED MILLS. 249 as mechanist and engineer, mathematical instrument-maker, mechanical draughtsman, &c. And on the subject being laid before the Lords of Council forming the Board of Trade, one hundred pounds was presented to Mr. Needham, as a temporary relief. Notwithstanding the application says, that Mr. Needham received only forty guineas from the society, we find the two following items in the statement printed by the society on the 30th May, 1815, in which the rewards are all named and numbered : — " 57. To Mr. George O. Needham, Bishop's-row, Nottingham, for improved " carding and spinning machinery, the gold medal, and forty guineas. 58. To Mr. George O. " Needham, of Nottingham, for an improved roving machine, twenty guineas.'' There is another gentleman that has added much to the mechanical fame of Nottingham, in the manufacture of cotton yarn, or twist, and also much to the credit, as well as to the interest of the kingdom, by rendering it independent of foreign nations for the thread of which bone- lace is made, an article which used lo be imported from Flanders. Mr. Samuel Cariledge, a native and constant resident of this town, by applying his genius to mechanical pursuits, in 1805, brought to perfection the spinning of cotton yarn sufficiently fine, and possessing a sufficient degree of twist, of which to manufacture bone or bobbin-lace. But, before he could get it properly introduced into the trade, he had to contend with the long established prejudices of Buckinghamshire, &c. and with the interest of the importers of and dealers in Flanders thread, which was invariably made of flax. In one instance he sold a quantity to a Buckinghamshire manufacturer, without the latter knowing it was made of cotton, and, though he highly admired the lace produced from it, when he afterwards learnt the nature of its composition, he condemned it altogether, and gave all his interest against its sale. Mr. Cartledge, however, much to his credit, persevered ; and the following resolution, unanimously passed at a general meeting of the Buckinghamshire lace- manufacturers, held at the Swan inn, Newport-Pagnell, the 20th of February, 1815, will prove the sense in which they now hold Mr. Cartledge's merits, though he has many competitors to contend with in the business.* " Resolved. That it is the opinion of this meeting, that Mr. Samuel Cartledge, of Nottingham, f is entitled to the thanks of the lace-manufacturers for his invention of cotton thread, used in " the manufacture of British lace ; and for his introduction of the same to the trade on liberal " terms. And that the chairman do communicate this resolution to Mr. Cartledae " Upon a very moderate calculation it is presumed, that Mr. Cartledge's invention has added thirty thousand pounds annually to the productive labour of the country. WORSTED MILLS. In the year 1788, Mr. Robert Davison and Mr. John Hawksley erected a worsted mill in this town, on the north bank of the Leen, where -now stands Navigation-row. It was burnt down in 1791 ; and shortly afterwards these gentlemen erected another mill, on a very extensive scale, the works being driven by an engine of sixty-horse power. The site of its erection was on a plot of F Newport-Paznell may be considered in the same point of view with respect to the bone-lace, as Nottingham is in the frainewoifc- fcnttting business, 3 R 250 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. ground, contiguous to the east side of the road leading into Arnold from Nottingham, and which, in the old writings belonging to the estate, is called Arnot Hill. The death of Mr. Davison, and some heavy losses in 1809, added to the already incumbered state of the concern, caused the final stoppage of this manufactory, the materials of which, to the very foundation, were sold and taken away ; and, on the 5th of February, 1810, Mr. Hawksley laid the foundation of another mill, which required an engine of twenty-horse power, in Butcher's-close, Nottingham ; and he left the delightful habitation at Arnot Hill, surrounded with plantations, gardens, and hot-houses, and removed with his family to Sneuton. On the 8th of October following, the mill in Butcher's-close was set to work ; and, for a time, it was thought that the concern would enable Mr. Hawksley to rise above the pecuniary difficulties which bore heavy upon him ; but in this expectation his friends were disappointed ; for his difficulties increased — he died suddenly in January, 1815 — the mill was stopt ; and, in the succeeding November, the works were sold by public auction for the benefit of the creditors.* In 1809, the works belonging to Arkwright's cotton mill in Hockley were sold ; and in two years after it was converted into a worsted mill, with an engine of fourteen-horse power, by the firm of Cole, Huddlestone, and Pliipps. SILK. This article is certainly of very great importance to Nottingham, and as such it might be expected that I should enter into its natural history ; but, as that subject has been so often and so ably handled by various writers, I shall confine myself to the giving a few dates when this admirable production was introduced from one country to another. We find silk first mentioned as the production of China, whence it was introduced into Persia at a very early period ; and from Persia it was brought into Greece, about 320 years before the birth of Christ. It seems to have been little known in Rome till the time of Heliogabalus, who died in the year 220, as that emperor was the first person that wore a robe made entirely of silk, which robe was then called Holoserica. Silk was exchanged for its weight in gold in the reign of Aurelian, who died in 275, as appears from the answer of that emperor to his wife when she asked permission to wear a silken robe, which favor he refused by saying, " that he was far from valuing "thread and gold at the same price. ''f In 555, some monks brought a quantity of silk- worm's eggs from India to Constantinople, where raw silk was soon produced in abundance, which, for a considerable time, was manufactured into garments at Athens, Corinth, and other Grecian cities. In 780, Charlemagne sent two silken vests as a present to Offa, king of Mercia, which appears to have been the first time that silk was seen in England. In 1130, Roger, king of Sicily, introduced * The Rev. Edmund Cartwright obtained the following patents for combing cheeps' wool, viz. one on the 3d of August, 1789, one on the 11th of December, 1790, one on the I5th of May, 1792, and one on the 4th of July, 1797; and Mr. Hawksley obtained one for the same purpose on the 8th of June, 1793. Mr. Hawksley assigned the right of his patent to Mr. Cartwright for a fourth share of the profits of the whole ; and, on (he 1t\ of July, 1801, the latter gentleman obtained an act of parliament for extending his right to the above patents, consolidated and improved, for fourteen years longer, Mr Hawksley still reserving his share as before. ■f See Manners and Customs of the Romans. SILK PIN AND WIRE-DRAWING. 251 silk-worms, and silk-manufacturers also into his dominions from Greece, and settled them at Palermo ; whence the arts of producing- and manufacturing the silk soon found their way inlo Italy and Prance. Silk mantles were first worn in England by some ladies at a ball, held at Kennelworth castle in Warwickshire, in 1286 ; and silk was first manufactured in this country in 1504, but it was not brought to any thing like perfection till 1620. James the First and Second expended great sums of money in attempting to propagate the silk-worm ; but the atmosphere of our climate was found to be too changeable to admit of so great a national advantage. About the year 1716, Mr. John Lombe brought the plan of an organzine silk mill from Italy at the risk of his life ; and in 1718, he obtained a patent for the organzining of raw silk, and about the same time he erected a mill for this purpose at Derby. He afterwards petitioned parliament for a renewal of his patent, on the ground of his not having obtained a sufficient remuneration for his imminent risk for his country's benefit and the great expenses he had been at ; but this was refused, and, as a compensation parliament voted him £14,000, and his brother Thomas received the honor of knighthood, as a partner in the concern. There have been various silk mills erected in Nottingham, viz. Elliott's, in Sheep-lane, Bolton's, on the Low-pavement, Watson and Nelson's, in Fletcher-gate, &c. but the only one now of any importance is that belonging to John Fellows, Esq. in Turncalf-alley, and in which 2800 swifts are employed. The silk of which Nottingham lace is made, is brought in an organzined state from Italy ; while that of which stockings are made is principally brought from China and the East Indies; the latter, from its size and softness, being the best calculated for stockings, while, for the same properties, it is not calculated for lace The silk of which black stockings are generally made is known among the workmen by the name of Novi : hence many of them conclude it to be Italian silk — the mistake arises from its beins: reeled after the Novi manner. PIJY AND WIRE-DRAWIJYG MANUFACTORY, $>c/ Mr. Henry Redgate carries on an extensive concern of this sort in Hounds'-gate, the wire- drawing business being carried on by his father ; to which, in 1807, he added that of pin-making, and he erected an engine of six-horse power to drive his works. He also pursues the business of wire-weaving and wire fender making, to a considerable extent ; as likewise does Mr. Samuel Wood, at the Leen-side ; though the latter gentleman has all his work done by the hand. Formerly there were two glasshouses in this town ; one at the east end of Snenton-street, of very large dimensions, and one between Charlotte-street and York-street, near the end of Glasshouse-lane; but within about the last fifty years they have both disappeared, nor has glass ware of any consequence been made in them during that time. There were likewise two potteries within the last thirty years, one on the east side of Milton-street, and the other near the bottom of Beck-lane. But the clay was principally brought from a considerable distance, which added so much to the cost of the pots, as to prevent the proprietors maintaining a competition with the Staffordshire dealers. 252 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. ■— — ■ i ■ i ii ■ i ii i i in i ■ i i i m i ii— wf/f BAJYKS. The bank of Samuel Smith, Esq. and Co. was in being- in 1702, and John Smith, Esq. the patron of this history, informs me, that the family have reason to believe, that it was established in 1700, though the precise date was not to be found. The bank of John and Ichabod Wright, Esqrs. and Co. was established in 1759.* The bank of Moore, Maltby, Evans, and Middlemore, was established in 1802.f The bank of Fellows, Mellor, and Hart, was established on the 1st of January, 1808 ; and that of Rawson, Inkersole, Rawson, and Co. on the 10th of November in the same year. As to physicians, surgeons, apothecaries, and solicitors, their numbers will always be regulated by the population, the misfortunes, the follies, and the vices of mankind. CHAPTER IX. THE CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN. This town is governed, in its civil department, by seven aldermen, one of whom is annually chosen mayor, twenty-four councilmen, a recorder, who holds the office during life, two sheriffs, two chamberlains, and two coroners ; all of whom, as a matter of course, must be burgesses of the town. But, before we speak of the power of these constituted authorities, we will drop a few words on the origin of a burgess, and on the town's prescriptive and chartered rights. Camden calls Nottingham a city, which Deering supposes he does from its having been a walled town. Deering is here mistaken ; for it was a city, in the English sense of the word, in Camden's time, in consequence of its then having a suffragan bishop, the office of which was last filled by Richard Barnes, who was consecrated in 1558. Nottingham with 25 other towns, was created a bishopric in 1534, all of which have ceased to be so; but when Nottingham lost that distinctive appellation, it resumed its ancient title of borough, which it holds by prescription, that is, antecedently to the existence of its charters. § * The mansion of John Wright, Esq. at T.enton, was erected in 1804. f Tbis 6rm was dissolved at the close of 1815, in consequence of the death of three of the partners ; and on the 1st of Ja nuary, \H\6, the banking husiness was proceeded in, under the firm of Moore, Maltby, and Robinson ; the present Moore being son of the former. ^ Biackstone, however, asserts, that a town's once having been a bishopric gives it the right to continue the title of city ever after, as a proof of which he names Westminster. GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN. 2*53 Borough springs from the Saxon Borhoe, or Bond, which arose from a number of families uniting in a bond of mutual protection, and living in a congregated body ; and the spot which they inhabited, whether they were migrative or stationary, was called Borhoe, or Borough, as our orthographers have long since rendered it. When the Saxons invaded this country they naturally imported their language and manners — hence the word borough took its rise in England ; and every adult male that resided in a borough, vassals excepted, was a burgess ; i. e. a freeman of a borough. The abject effeminacy which came from the east, and insinuated itself, into the habits and manners of the Romans, very probably would have reduced the political state of Europe to the standard of Asiatic slavery, had not thousands fled into the wild and bleak regions of the north, where necessity made them brave, and where liberty became the dearer to them, from their having to defend it with their toil, their privations, and their lives. Though each of these hordes, or clans, was governed by its respective chief, his power, except in certain cases, was subordinate to the public will ; for, as plunder and reprisal formed the principal source of his revenue, soldiers became necessary to his support ; not to enable him to plunder his own people, for the moment a chief ceased to be the protector of his people they deposed or murdered him, and chose another; no, his soldiers were for the defence of his clan, and to enable him to levy contributions upon those that he chose to call his enemies. Then, as an inducement for his adherents to arm in his and their own defence, every one thus enrolled was called a freeman of the clan, and as such enjoyed certain privileges. Their masculine limbs being thus furnished with weapons, and their minds with notions of independence, they found the importance of their congregated strength, and therefore often imposed terms upon their chieftains; nor need we wonder that one of these terms generally was, that of being heard by themselves,, or through the medium of their representatives in the icittena- gemote or parliament, without the consent of tohich as Blackstone justly says, no new law could be made, or old one altered. The freemen had likewise the right of electing the subordinate magistrates, &c. which rights and customs they bouiKt themselves by oath at the altars of their deities to defend. Thus while the lordly Romans, the boasted civilizers of the world, were burying the noblest principles of the human mind in the sloth of Asiatic effeminacy, the hardy children of the north, that had fled to regions of frost and snow to avoid the conqueror's poisonous embrace, preserved the genuine spark of liberty from destruction, and carried it with them in their conquering excursions to foreign countries. And though the feudal system long smothered it, yet the extension of commerce, as has already been shewn, soon wafted it, in this country, again into a blaze. Our Saxon ancestors that settled in Nottingham would establish therein their own system of civil polity; and hence the origin of our prescriptive rights, which form the basis of the charters afterwards obtained. The charter of king John, which was dated at Clypston, the 19th of March, 1199, expressly declares, " If any person, in time of peace, whencesoever he comes, shall abide in this borough a " year and a day, without being claimed by his lord, no one shall afterwards have legal claim of " him, except the king himself." The first sight of this passage naturally impresses the mind with an idea, that Nottingham was privileged by royal charter to be " a city of refuge ;" a rallying 3 S 254: HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. TirjM.m.w'rinWTwr i point against the galling- manacles of slavery. May this honorable appellation long continue its due ! But has not the passage a meaning, as applicable to the local privileges of the town at the time the charter was granted ? — does it not imply, that every man that should reside a year and a day in the town, unclaimed by his former lord, whose service it presupposes he had quitted without permission, should be a freeman or burgess of the borough ? It certainly appears evident that this is the literal import and meaning of the passage ; though if we take the words freeman and slave, according to their present application, we shall not be borne out in the interpretation ; because all Britons are free, in the limited sense of the word, though few, comparatively speaking, are freemen by elective franchise ; but this was not the case when the charter in question was granted, as the feudal system then displayed the whole of its monstrous vigour, with distinctive appellations of freemen, socmen, villains, borderers, and slaves.* By a reference to the last note it may be seen, that every class in society were more or less in a state of vassalage, except the freemen, who alone were entitled to the distinction of citizen of a city, and burgess of a borough. And, as every species of subjection which depends upon caprice, for an extension of or a diminution of its severity, is diametrically opposed to freedom, the comparison certainly gives weight to the opinion, that every man, whatever his previous condition, who resided a year and a day in Nottingham, after the granting of the charter in question, without being claimed by his late master, became a burgess of the borough, and was thereby freed from all feudal subjection. When the declension of the feudal system in some degree, equalized the political state of the people, and they were permitted to settle where fancy or interest directed, the easy manner of becoming a burgess of this town, with its influence of general enfranchisement, would induce many to make it the place of their abode, particularly as the burgesses enjoyed certain immunities, which will shortly fall more directly under our notice. To prevent an extensive deterio ration of the burgess immunities, by so general an admission of participants, a plan would naturally suggest itself to those in power, of narrowing the means by which strangers became possessed of the freedom of the town ; and hence the following rules were adopted : — First, the eldest son of a burgess to have his freedom as his birthright, if born within the town; secondly, all the younger sons of a burgess, if born in the town, providing they have served a regular apprenticeship in any part of England ; thirdly, all those persons to have their freedom, that serve a legal apprenticeship to a burgess within the liberties of the town ; fourthly, those to whom the corporation chose to * Soc, from the Fiench, soc, a ploughshare, or service due from tenants to their lords. Socage, from soc, an ancient tenure hy which tenants, i. e. socmen, were obliged to cultivate the land of their lords —Dr. Ash. Villains. These were persons of servile condition, bound to perform unlimited services. Their landlords could deprive them at pleasure, of their lands, gosds, and chattels, and compel them to pay redemption money before they could give their daughters in marriage. N. B The copyholders of the present day are the remains of this class of subjects. BobdaR. borderer, or bordarii, from the French hardier. These were cottagers who supplied the lord of the manor with poultry and «"gs.— Rider's History of England. "slaves- These were people that occupied the lowest and most servile station in life: they, in fact, were slaves to other slaves, and were tranters to the native dignity of man. They were sold like cattle in the market, like Africa's sun-burnt hopeless tribes, " whom christians ' buy aud sell." On them the scourging lash could be exercised with impunity to gratify the savage lust of revenge, or the silly vanity of superiority ; and, in the midst of Jheir sufferings, it was a crime to heave the heart-rending sigh. GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN. 255 sell the freedom ; and fifthly, those that have their freedom given to them by the corporation, as a mark of honor, or for services performed.* BURGESS OATH, AS TAKEN IN 1716. This hear ye — Mayor of this borough of Nottingham, recorder, sheriffs, and all other worshipful men, that I, A. B. shall be loyal and true to the king and to you, and to this town of Nottingham bear faith and truth, and to be obedient, and justifiable of my body and goods, and my chattels ; and to the officers and ministers of this town of Nottingham, and for the time of ministration of their offices, itiasmuch as in me lies, I shall be attending, helping, and supporting; and the counsel of the said town of Nottingham, I shall truly keep, and to no man shew it; and the franchises of the said town I shall maintain and sustain with my body, my goods, and my chattels, to the utmost of my power, and that not let, neither for love nor dread, without regard of any man, but that I shall maintain the laws and good customs and franchises abovesaid, and truly bear and do duties and customs that I ought to do So help me God. BURGESS OATH AS TAKEN AT THE PRESENT TIME. I, A. B. do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his majesty king George, and that I will be true and faithful to the mayor and burgesses of this town of Nottingham, and to my power maintain and defend the franchises, privileges, jurisdictions, and charters of this corporation, and perform, execute, and do all such duties, offices, and things, as I ought to do as a member of the same.— So help me God.f LAJYDS AND OTHER IMMUNITIES BELONGING TO THE BURGESSES. The general opinion of well informed people is, that the charter of Henry the Second, which is dated in 1154, was the first charter which was granted to Nottingham, because it is the oldest extant, and because what it professes to grant, or rather to confirm, it calls " free customs/' and admits their existence long before. This charter secured to the burgesses Tol, Theam, Ixfangentheof, and Theolonia. Tol, or Tholl, is a power to take, and a right to be free from toll. This, however, must be here taken in reference to the burgesses of this town only, as connected with this charter; as they are still exempt from paying toll for bringing their goods to, and taking them from our fairs and markets, which other people are bound to pay to the • Fees paid by burgesses on being admitted to their freedom, by birthright. £. s. d. Stamp duty ---------------- __100 To the town clerk --------------._. 016 For parchment containing the oath -------- ------.006 To the mayor's sergeant ---.---_---____ -012 To the common sergeant ------- -----___012 To the churchwardens of St. Mary's towards keeping the church in repair - - - . .. 001 To the briclgemasters towards keeping the Trent bridge in repair ------ - - 1 To the mayoress --------------___006 To the two pounders, the town cryer, and the keeper of the bouse of correction, 3d. each - - - 0)0 To be spent by the new made burgess -- -------__. -006 16 6 By those entitled from servitude, the same, with the addition to the chamberlaius of 6s. 8d. - - - 1 13 2 The honorary burgesses and those that obtain by purchase 40s. additional stamp duty - - - - 3 13 2 f la ISC6, a clause was added expressive of the trade, calling, or occupation of the person sworn; and also by what means he obtained his right. 256 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM, corporation.* Theam. The jurisdiction held by the lord of the manor in his court over the bondmen and villains within the boundaries of his manor. Infangentheof, or Infangthefe, is a phrase in the Saxon language which implies a privilege in the lord of the manor of passing- judgment upon any theft committed within his jurisdiction. It would really seem, from the then application of this ancient Saxon word, and the " free custom" incorporated by charter under its name, that the burgesses of Nottingham enjoyed the right of manor from the formation of the town into a Saxon borough, and that this right never was wholly abrogated, though the title of Lord of the Manor of Nottingham was enjoyed by various feudal lords. And, as a compromise between the burgesses on the one part, and William Peverel, their first feudal lord on the other, it is not unlikely that the latter, in consideration of reciprocal cessions, gave the burgesses the right of hunting and hawking on his forest manors; and hence the traditional opinion, that the burgesses of Nottingham had a right to hunt and hawke to the extent of the forest of Shirewopd. Theolonia implies a right enjoyed by certain persons to be free from particular tolls. This charter freed the burgesses of Nottingham from toll or rather secured to them the said right as one of their " free " customs," which might then have been disputed, from Thrumpton to Newark, and from all things passing over the Trent, from the brook beyond Rempston to the river at Retford and Vicker's Dyke This privilege was afterwards extended by king John to all the fairs and marts in the kingdom. f This charter of Henry the Third, which was signed at Westminster the 24th of February, 1229, granted to tbe burgesses the right of taking toll of all merchandize brought into the town : and likewise the right of choosing coroners from among themselves. The charter of Edward the First, bearing date at Lincoln the 11th of February, 1283, granted to the burgesses the right of electing a mayor and two bailiffs from among themselves, the chief magistrate having previously been called Reeve. By the charter of Henry the Fifth, which was signed at Leicester the 24th of May, 1414, the office of recorder was instituted ; the mayor and four others, whom he had the power conferred upon him of nominating, were constituted justices of the peace ; and the county magistrates were forbidden to interfere in the affairs of the town. The charter of Henry the Sixth not only confirmed the grants of foregoing charters, but it furnished the mayor and * Until 1 T9P, all grain brought to market was subject to a corporate toll; but in that year the question was contested in court, and the corporation lost the suit. -f- A Nottingham bursess, as I am informed, by having his oath with him, is still freed from all city, borough, or corpora'e tolls in the kingdom] except the borough of Beverley anil the town of Gainsborough, when going to or coming from fairs or market: how these two exceptions have crept in is not for me to say. We will here mention a circumstance of rather a singular nature, as connected with boroujh tolls : — The inhabitants of Ilkiston, in Derbyshire, pay only half toll for tollable articles which they carry to or from the boroughs of Nottingham and Derby, which immunity is guaranteed to them so long as they keep a gallows standing within the precincts of tbe village. The vulgar opinion is, that this privilege was granted to them by John of Gaunt, to whose memory a wooden figure is preserved in the chancel of that chBich, which represents a man of extraordinary size. But the more probable opinion is, that this privilege wag obtained in consequence of a circumstance thus related : — During the space of time when the assizes were he'd at Nottingham for the two counties, a contagious distemper is said to have induced the judge to cause the court of assize to be tv Id at Ilkiston, as being free from the distemper and as a point of medium between the two boroughs, at which time a man was condemned and executed at the village. And, jn commemoration of the event, it was ordered, that as long as the inhabitants thereof should keep a gallows standing they should enjoy the immunity above named. This circumstance miaht happen in the days of John of Gaunt, and he might interest himself in procuring the i.iH!ir; and thus tradition may have interwoven it with his name. GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN. 237 burgesses with a number of other privileges. It incorporated the town by the title of " Mayor " and Burgesses of the town of Nottingham/' and, from the 15th of September, 1449, separated it for ever from the body of the county, except the castle and its appendages, and the shire-hall and prison, with the additional title of " The county of the town of Nottingham/' The bailiffs were changed into sheriffs, and the mayor was constituted the king's escheator. But what makes this charter of more importance is, that it gave the burgesses the power of choosing seven aldermen out of their own body, (one of whom to be annually elected mayor) who may hold the office during life, except some notable cause be assigned to the contrary : they were also authorized to wear scarlet gowns, &c. after the manner of the aldermen of London.* It is a singular circumstance that no writer has yet attempted to prove how the burgesses of Nottingham became possessed of the land, which, at certain times of the year, they inherit as their own. But, without rambling among probabilities for the cause, which could only involve the character of the departed in suspicion, I will submit my humble efforts ; as the real cause of others' silence on the subject is alike indifferent to me and harmless to the interest of the burgesses — they possess the land, under certain regulations and restrictions, and nothing but a national convulsion, or their own imprudence, can wrest it from their hands. The only charter which mentions these lands, is that commonly called the restoring charter^ granted by William and Mary shortly after the revolution in 1688. The words which relate to this subject are as follows : — " And of our abundant grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, ; ' we have given, granted, restored, confirmed and ratified, and by these presents, for ourselves, our fHenrv Butler 1772 < (Richard Butler 1773 Thomas Oldknow 1774 John Carruthers 1775 John Fellows 1776 Thomas Sands 1777 Richard Butler 1778 Thomas Oldknow 1779 William Huthwaite 1780 John Smellie 1781 John Carruthers 1782 John Fellows 1783 Richard Butler 1784 William Howitt 1785 William Huthwaite 1786 John Carruthers 1787 Joseph Lowe 1788 William Howitt 1789 5 William S mith + I Richard Butler 1790 John Fellows 1791 William Huthwaite 1792 Joseph Oldknow 1793 Henry Green 1794 Thomas Caunt 1795 Benjamin Hornbuckle 1796 William Howitt 1797 Joseph Lowe 1798 Thomas OldknOw 1799 Joseph Oldknow 1800 Samuel Worthington 1801 John Davison 1802 Benjamin Hornbuckle 1803 Stokeham Huthwaite 1804 John Ashwell 1805 Edward Swann 1806 John Allen 1S07 Joseph Lowe 1808 William Howitt 1809 Wright Coldham 1810 John Bates 181 1 William Wilson 1812 Edward Swann 1813 John Allen 1814 John Ashwell 1815 Charles Lomas Morley * The cause of Mr. Hawksley's expulsion will be noticed in a more proper place. t In one of the Mayoralties of Thomas Trigge. he, according to tradition, caused a woman to be placed in the Cuckstool for prostitution, and left her to the mercy of a foolish mob ; through which she lost her life, and he was prosecuted, and the Cuckstool taken down. X Mr. Smith resigned to avoid the consequences of a prosecution for holding the office, without having taken the Test Oath-. 2&4 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. LIST of SHERIFFS for the TOJVJY of NOTTINGHAM FROM THE EARLIEST RECORDS NOW EXTANT. 157+ Robtus Phypps 1576 Edws Burton, Thomas Donycliffe 1577 Humfrus Bonar, Georgius Hutchinson 1578 Georgius Widowson, Johes Curson 1579 Thorns Reve, Ricus Tomlynson 1580 Robt. Yorke, Simon Pyckerd 15S1 Willius Pyggen, Roger Wood 1582 Willius Greves Ricus Hurte 1583 Robtus Small, Robtus Hallame 1584 Thomas Huthwayte, Anker Jackson 1585 Johes. Hall, Thomas Wallys 1586 Ezachias Newhold, Hen Donne 1537 Johes Noden, Nichus Sherwyn 1588 Edwardus Goodwyn, Robtus Stables 1589 Ricus Parlebye, Radus Shawe 1590 Willius Freemane, Nichas Baguley 1591 Edws Jowett, Leondus Nixe 1592 Johes Johnson, Ricus Welche 1593 Tho. Drurie, Ricus Recklesse 1594 Martinus James, Willius Widdoson 1595 Willus Langhford, Willius Wylson 1596 Willius Knyveton, Georgius Stockley 1597 Henricus Scott, Willius Pynder 1598 Franciscus Rollston, Henrictis illvey 1599 Jacobus Hobson, Ricus Parker 1600 Jacobus Wolfe, Johes Parker lfioi Thomas Hill, Marmaducus Gregory 1602 Robtus Sherwyn, Jacobus Rotherham 1603 Willius Littlefare Willius Hynde 1604 Thomas Nyx, Robtus Parker 1605 Robtus Freeman, Antonius Gamble 160G Ricus Rechlesse, Georgius Ryley 1607 Thomas Morley, Robtus Heald 1608 Nichas Sherwyn, Johes Dalton 1609 Jacobus Seele, Ricus Hare 161-0 Lodovicus Oxley, Stephus Hill l6l I Georgius Walker, Henr. Bangley, or Baguley J612 Willius Clarke, Percivallus Millington 1613 Ricus Jowett, Joseph Allvey 1614 Jo. Perrye, Willius Ludlam 1 61 5 Willius Rockett, Willius Hnnt 1616 Samuel Burrows, Willius James 1617 Michael Coke, Hugo Verdon J 61 8 Willius Grcgoriej Johes James 1619 Willius Mastyn, Willius Nyxe 1620 Robtus Bugge, Edwdus Morrice 1621 Gabriel Bateman, Cuthbert Vayn 1622 Willius Parker, Rogerus Derbyshire 1623 Willius Hopkyn, Willus Lupton 1624 Thomas Cooke, Willius Littlefare 1625 Richus Collishawe, Johes Dodsley 1626 Willius Stainey, Robtus Egginton 1627 Alex Staples, Robtus Graves 162} Richard Hardmett, Robtus Harris 1629 Edws Richards, Johes Poynton 1630 Richus Dringge, Willius Frost 1631 Francis Toplady, Richus Hare 1632 Gabriel Groves, Jacobus Beardsley 1633 Edwas Bampton, Willus Wattson 1634 Homfridus Greaves, Ranulphus Millner 1635 Willius Richards, Willius Drewrie 1636 Thomas Wolley, Richus Turpyna 1637 Thomas Malen, Thomas Millner 1 638 Josephus Winfield, Thomas Jackson 1639 Henric James, Thomas Gamble 1640 Johannes Cooper, Willus Parker 1641 Johes Sherwin, Willius Sherwin 1642 Johes Tomlyn, Georgius Allsebrook 1643 Richus Hyder, Paulus Hooton (644 Thomas Smyth, Willius Bayley 1645 Johes Fillingham, Adrian Garner, or Canner 16+6 Johes Parker, Thomas Huthwaite 1647 Ricus Whitby, Willius R } !eye 1 648 Thomas Green, Robert Smylh 1649 Johes Reckless, Ricus Watkiuson 1650 Joshuah Hill, Willius Halt 1651 Edmund Richards, Robert Malyn 1652 Robert Saxton, Barnaby Warfnabye 1653 Thomas Cooper, Brownlowe Egginton 1654 Daniel Sulley, Francis Cocke 1655 Roger Riley, Richard Smith J 6*6 Richard Crampton, John Smalley 1657 William Pettyc, William Lealand 1658 William Parker, John Toplady 1659 William Drewrie, Isaak Malyn 1660 Adrian Cooke, Samuel Ryley 1661 Ricus Hodgskyn, Willius Barton 1662 William Toplady LIST OF SHERIFFS FOR THE TOWN OF NOTTINGHAM. 285 1663 1664 1665 1666 1667 J 668 1669 1670 1671 1672 1673 1674 1675 1676 1677 1678 1679 1680 1681 1682 1683 1684 1685 1686 1687 1688 1689 1690 1691 1692 1693 1694 1695 1696 1697 1698 1699 1700 1701 1702 1703 1704 1705 1706 1707 1708 1709 1710 Xtoferus Hall, Gervasius Rippon Robtus Kirkbye, Johes Rawson Jos Clay, Edus White Gervasius Wilde, Samuel Richards Benjaminus Richards, Radus Bennett Arthurus Rcccards, Willus White Ricus Smyth, Robtus Coulson Willus Wilde, Johes Parker Samuel Smith, Francis Salmon Hugo Walker, Adrian Gamble Thomas Muxlow, Robtus Worthely Willus Coulton, Harroldus Smyth Willus Woolhouse, Franciscus Sumner — Shir (supposed) John Shirwin, Saml. Lealand Robert Green, Jo Malyn Robtus Peache, Johes Whitby Johes Peach, Johes Huthwaite Thomas Lee, Johes Shipman Willius Jackson, John Uuwyn H. Hardy, S. Partridge Johes Scattergood, Rich. Wright John Huthwaite, George Cooke Samuel Watkinson, William Cockle William Orme, William Bains Jacobus Huthwaite, Benjamin Green Johes Hoe, Edrus Hickling Samuel Smith, Fr. Armstrong John Kitchin, William Barke Roger Radfortb, Robert Linley Robert Harrison, John Grevas Thomas James, Robert Allicock Thomas Lovet, John Richards Francis Metham, George Frith Joseph Cooke, William Bilby Richard Beam, Alexander Burden John Reynolds, John CoIIia William Johnson, Thomas Hawksley William Drury, Robert Brentnall William Rippon, Francis Smith Lionel Lamb, Thomas White Jacob Tibson, Thomas Fillingham Alvery Dodsley, Matthew Hoy! and Robert Hoyes, Thomas Trigge 1711 John Sherwin, John Sweetapple 1712 Gervas Pilkinton, Joseph Hemus 1713 John Huthwaite, Bartholomew Hallam 1714 Marmaduke Pennell 1715 Robert Egginton, Lawrence Burn 1716 John Newton, Wm. Shepherd, John Radforth 1717 Joseph Walters 1718 Jonathan Truman, Ricus Smith 1719 Willus Garton, Samuel Poe 1720 William Robenson, Edmund Wildbore 1721 John Burton, Robert Egginton 1722 James Hoe, James Huthwaite, junior 1723 Nathaniel Charnell, John Hornbuckle 1724 Samuel Harris, John Poe 1725 John Morley, William Bilbie, junior 1726 Richard Wheldon, Roger Radforth 1727 John Harnill, Joseph Inglesant 1728 Jonathan Freeman, junior, Henry Butler 1729 John Wood, Samuel Fellows 1730 Stephen Egginton, Cornelius Huthwaite 1731 John Foxcroft, John Bilbie 1732 Thomas Langford, Leavis Sherwin 1733 Isaac Wylde, Joseph Finch 1734 Francis Parkyns, Joseph Smith 1735 Joseph Wright, Joseph Bilbie 1736 James Dymock, Robert Huish 1737 Charles Morley, James Hornbuckle 1738 Thomas Shaw, Joseph Wright 1739 Humphrey Hollins, Samuel Wood 1740 William Cooper, John Sherbrook, junior 1741 Alexander Burden, junior, Benjamin Bull 1742 James Huthwaite, junior, Robie Swann 1743 William Goodwin, William Foulds 1744 John Killingly, junior, Thomas Haywood 1745 John Oldknow, John Sands 1746 Thomas Cotes, Thomas Oldknow 1747 John Plumptre, junior, William Cotton 1748 John Eggerton, Humphrey Cox 1749 Benjamin Mather, Richard Butler 1750 Jonathan Dodson, William Seagrave, fozpn clerk 1751 Thomas Worthington, John Carruthers 1752 John Blackwell, Thomas Spibye 1753 John Fellows, Thomas Sands 1754 W. Huthwaite, R. Seagrave, town clerk in 175$ 1755 John Smellie, John Inglesant 1756 Mark Huish, Alexander Foxcroft 1757 John Wilson, Robert Foulds 1758 Robert Hall, John Wells 4 C 286 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. 1759 John Foxcroff, Joseph Stubbins 1760 James Foxcroft, George Dodson 17G1 John Pad ley, William Howitt 1762 Benjamin Foxcroft, Matthew Whitlock 1763 Isaac Wylde, Joseph Lowe 1764 Benjamin Hombuckle, John Sands 1765 William Betdson, Benjamin Mather 1766 John Doncaster. William Smith, junior 1767 Henry Hollins, George Sands 1768 Thomas Oldknow, junior^ Michael Hayes 1769 Joseph Heath, Joseph Oldknow 1770 Samuel Eaton, John Oldknow 1771 William Wells, Henry Green 1772 John Wells, Robert Cox 1773 George Burbage, John Collishaw, junior 1774 Ralph Newham, William Heath, junior 1775 Edward Chatteris, Samuel Newham 1776 Smith Churchill, Tertius Dale 1777 Sir George Smith, Baronet, Samuel Statham 1778 Samuel Heywood, Robert Summers 1779 Samuel Worthington, Samuel Green 1780 John Buxton, junior, John Ball Mason 1781 John Fellows, junior, John Hancock 1782 Thomas Caunt, Thomas Wright Watson 1783 Henry Keyworth, John Need 1784 Edward Swann, Alexander Strahan 1785 John Heath, George Dodson, junior 1786 Stokcham Huthwaite, Thomas Hawksley 1787 John Davison, Thomas Nelson 1788 Timothy Fellows, William Huthwaite, junior 1789 Joseph Hurst Lowe, Joseph Heath 1790 John Whitlock, Elihu Samuel Fellows 1791 William Doncaster, John Stone 1792 Thomas Wilde, Thomas Pepper 1793 Nathaniel Whitlock, Thomas Carpenter Smith 1794 Thomas Richards, Henry Green, juuior* 1795 John Allen, John Ashwell 1796 Thomas Richards, Nathaniel Need, junior 1797 Cornelius Huthwaite, William Dawson 1798 Wright Coldham, William Wilson 1799 Robert Hall, junior, Jonathan Dunn 1800 George Nelson, Henry Enfield 1801 John Allen, Thomas Whiter 1802 William Howitt, William Hickling 1803 George Nelson, Thomas Williams 1804 Charles Lomas Morley, John Houseman Barber 1805 Charles Mellor, Edward Staveley 1806 Octavius Thomas Oldknow, Alexander Strahaa 1807 John Bates, Wright Coldham 1808 John Carr, Francis Wakefield, junior 1809 Kirk Swann, William Morley 1810 Charles Wakefield, John Stevens Howitt 1811 Isaac Woolley, Samuel Hall 1812 Edward Allatt Swann, Alfred Lowe 1813 Charles Lomas Morley, John Michael Fellows 1814 John Allen, junior, William Soars 1815 Richard Hopper, Thomas Wakefield In the foregoing list of sheriffs, which to the year 1808, is taken from the town clerk's book, I have not altered a single letter, or changed a figure, or shifted a name, except in the following instance, which I did under an impression that a mistake had crept into the record, though it is possible that I may have been mistaken. The year 1714 was a blank, and Marmaduke Pennell was placed to the year 1715, and the five succeeding names to the year 1716, which the reader will see I have altered. • The names of Thomas Richards, John Allen, and Wright Coldham occur twice ; the reason is, that they served for other persons. For instance, Mr. Coldham served for George Coldham, his brother, town clerk. LIST OF RECORDERS AND TOWN CLERKS. 287 The following lists of recorders and town clerks, I have likewise been favored with from the town clerk's books, as they appear, with the exception of two alterations of dates in the list of recorders, which were done to correspond with the dates in the British Peerage. LIST of RECORDERS for the TO WJY of NOTTINGHAM. L500 Thomas Babvngton, Armiger 1574 Radus Barton, Armiger Richard Parkyns, Armiger 1603 Sir Henry Pierrepont, Knight 1616 Wills Fletcher, Armiger 1642 Johes Comes de Clare 1668 Henricus, Marchoi Dorchester 1680 Henricus, Dux Newcastle 1690 William, Earl of Devonshire, created Duke 1694 1707 Evelyn, Marquis of Dorchester, created Duke of Kingston, 1715 1726 Thomas Holies, Duke of Newcastle 1768 Henry FynesPelham Clinton, Duke of Newcastle 1794 William Henry Cavendish Bentinck, Duke of Portland 1809 The Right Honorable Henry Richard Vassall Fox, Lord Holland* LIST of TO WN CLERKS for the TO JVJY of NOTTINGHAM. 1574 Nichus Plumtre, Gent. 1597 Willus Gregory, Gent. 1617 Robtus Greaves, Gent. 1644 Willus Fiamsteed, Gent. 1653 Robtus Greaves, Gent. 1661 Radulphus Edge, Gent. 1684 Carolus Bawdes, Gent. 1692 Edward Althorpe, Gent. 1696 Lawrance Althorpe, Gent. Henry Morris, Gent. 1731 Richard Smith, Gent. 1744 William Seagrave, Gent. 1758 Robert Seagrave, Gent. 1791 Richard Enfield, Gent. 1791 George Coldham, Gent. 1814 Henry Enfield, Gent. * In the speech which Lord Holland made at his inauguration into office, he attributted the distinguished honor which the corporate body had conferred upon him to the high esteem in which they held the venerated name of his uncle, the late Right Hon. Charles James Fox. And the following letter, which was addressed to H. Green, Esq. Mayor, and which I have given from the letter itself in Mr. Fox's hand-writing, will shew on what tha* high esteem was founded :~ TO HENRY GREEN, ESQ. MAYOR OF NOTTINGHAM, Sir, — / haee received your letter of the 4th instant, for which I return you my most sincere thanks. It is certainly true that I ibas asked whether 1 would accept of the reeordership of Nottingham, and at the same time fairly informed, that it was an honor which had been designed to he offered to the Duke of Portland, but that the different systems of ccnduct in public affairs, which his Grace and I had respectively adopted, iuduced several persons to think that the compliment might with greater propriety be paid to me. In answer to this inquiry I said that it ivas mo opinion, that in the present situation of things, the circumstance of its having been intended for the Duke of Portland previous to the late differences in polities, did not appear to me to be a reason why I should refuse a compliment which so much flattered me. At Uu; same time I stated that the honor in question was one which I should never have thought of soliciting. I was induced to give this answer, not from motives of personal vanity, but because, in the present very critical state of affairs, I thought that a declaration of so respectable a body as the corporation of Nottingham, in favor of the principles and conduct of the minority in both houses of parliament might be eminently serviceable to the public. I now undersland that there is still a disposition to choose the Duke of Portland, possibly in the majority, but certainly in a considerable and respectable number of the electors, and that if I were to succeed in being elected recorder, it could only be by a personul contest with his Grace. 4nd I will fairly confess to you, that in these circumstances my dislike to a contest of this nature, with a person for whom I have such real esteem. as I entertain for tlie Duke ef Portland, however I may lament (as I certainly do J the part he has lately taken in public affairs, is such that I vish by no means tu engage in it If there exists the least doubt in the corporation, with respect to whose public conduct at this juncture is to be preferred, the Duke's or mine, I am sure that in every point of view he is a much more proper person to fll the office, in question than I am, who have no other connection With you than what arises from having already received from you an unmerited and distinguished honor. With respect to the Oppreheniion which you state of disuniting the body of the whigs, I am sorry to say that I fear little mischief remains to be done 288 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN. This town is under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the See of York, and the head of an Archdeaconry; over which the Reverend John Eyre, rector of Babworth, and one of the residentiaries of York Cathedral, now presides. The Diocese of York was divided into five Archdeaconries by Archbishop Thomas, in 1090. To that of Nottingham there is no endowment; and the dignity is subsisted wholly by the perquisites of the office, which, in 1534, were valued at £61 0s. JOd. Formerly, the archbishop paid the town a triennial visit, for the purpose of confirming the offspring of those, who were adherents to the national establishment ; his visits of late years however, have been uncertain. The archdeacon, either by himself, or by his official, holds an annual visitation in St. Mary's Church, at which time the churchwardens of the several parishes are sworn into office. The Spiritual Court of the Archdeaconry has been held in St. Peter's Church, for ages : but the judicial power is now removed to York. The Reverend Charles Wylde, D. D. rector of St. Nicholas's, in this town, is the official of the Archdeaconry, and surrogate for proving of wills: Mr. Bigsby, attorney -at-law, is the registrer ; and John Caunt of this town, and a Mr. Pilgrim of Bingham, are apparitors. LIST OF ARCHDEACOJYS, FROM 1174 TO THE PRESENT TIME. 1351 John de Brinkelow 1353 Richard de Derby 1397 John de Nottingham 1415 John de Wadekam 1418 Simeon de Gaunstede 1419 Robert Bovver 1433 Nicholas Wymbish 1461 Thomas Byron J 476 William Worsley 1499 Thomas Crossley 1506 John Hat ton 1516 William Fell 1528 Cuthbert Marshall 1549 Robert Silvester 1560 William Day 1174 1181 1188 1190 1219 1224 1240 1262 1286 1290 1310 1328 1330 1331 1351 John ■ ■ William de Thaney Robert Fitz William William Jestand William de Rotherham William de Bodeham Thomas de Wynton Henry de Shipton Thomas de Eadbury William de Pickering John de Grandison Gilbert de Hebervick Manuel de Flisco Ambaldus Cardinal Robert de Kildesby 1565 John Lowthe 1590 John King 1611 Joseph Hall 1627 Richard Bayley 1635 William Robinson 1660 Vere Harcourt 1683 Thomas White 1685 Samuel Crowborough 1689 William Pearson 1715 Robert Marsden 1748 Hugh Thomas 1780 Sir Richard Kaye, Bart. 1810 John Eyre on that head, and I hope you will excuse my frankness, when 1 say without knowing your particular sentiments on these subjects, that I cannot give the appellation of whig to persons who support not only the present detestable war, but the infractions of the constitution, and spirit of oppression and persecution which has distinguished the executive government during these last two years. I have been thus particular in order that my declining the contest with the Duke of Portland may be clearly imputed to its true motives, my private and personal regard for his Grace, and not to any thing like an approbation of the public conduct, which I daresay with the best motives, but I fear with the worst consequences, he has thought proper to pursue. 1 am, Sir, Yaw moat obedient and most humble servaut, South-street, 1th April, 1794 C. J. FOX. SHERIFFS FOR THE COUNTY OF NOTTINGHAM. 289 In the above list there appears to be an omission of one archdeacon, since we find that Robert Purseglove, who was consecrated suffragan bishop of Hull in 1552., held the Archdeaconry of Nottingham, as is evident from an inscription to his memory in Tideswell church, of which place he was a native. He died May the 2d, 1579; and,, in 1560, he was deprived of the Archdeaconry of Nottingham and other spiritual dignities, by Queen Elizabeth, for refusing to take the oath of supremacy. It is presumed, that the following list of high sheriffs for the county, from the commencement of the seventeenth century, may be acceptable to the generality of readers; and also the following observations on the power and duty of that high office. The sheriff (originally denominated shire reeve) is an officer of very great antiquity in the kingdom, and called in Latin Vice Comes, as being the deputy of the Earl or Comes, to whom the custody of the shire is said to have been committed at the first division of England into counties or shires; but the Earls in process of time, by reason of their high stations and employments, and attending on the king's person, not being able to transact the business of the county, were delivered from that burden, reserving to themselves the honor, but the labour was laid on the sheriff, who does the king's business in the county of which he is sheriff; the King, by his letters patent, committing to him custodiam comitatus (or safeguard of the county.) Sheriffs were formerly chosen by the inhabitants of the several counties (except in Westmoreland where the sheriff is hereditary; and the city of London has the inheritance of the sherievalty of Middlesex invested in its charter) : But by the 9th of Edward the Second, the sheriffs are chosen by the judges and great officers of state in the Exchequer Chamber at Westminster, yearly, on the morrow of All Souls, who propose three persons to the king, who afterwards appoints one of them to be sheriff for the succeeding year; but the day of choosing these officers is now altered to the morrow of St. Martin, The sheriff has great power and authority, judicial and ministerial. — In his judicial capacity he is to determine causes in his county court; to decide all elections of knights of the shire, coroners, verderers, ^c. to decide the qualification of voters, and return such gentlemen as he shall determine to be duly elected. — A.s keeper of the king's peace, he is the first man in the county, and superior in rank to any nobleman therein, during his office. He may apprehend and commit to prison any who break the peace, and bind any one in recognizance to keep the king's peace; he is also bound to pursue, and take, all traitors, murderers, felons, and other misdoers, and commit them to prison for safe custody : also to defend the county against the King's enemies; and for that purpose, as well as for keeping the peace, to summon the people of his county to attend him ; which is called posse comitatus, and which all above 15 years old, must obey on pain of fine and imprisonment. — In his ministerial capacity the sheriff appoints the gaoler, bailiffs, &c. who execute all processes issuing from the king's courts of justice. In the commencement of civil causes, his officers arrest, nd take bail, and summon the jury previous to any trial or inquiry, &c. — In criminal matters he lso arrests, and imprisons, has custody of the delinquent, and executes the sentence of the court, though it extend to death itself. 4 D 290 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. N. B. Prior to the net of parliament of 24th of George II. (1751) intitled " An act for regulating the commencement of the year, and for correcting- the calendar now in use/' the year commenced on the 25th of March, but by that act all succeeding- years were fixed to commence on the 1st of January; and in the interval between the said 1st of January and 25th of March, the sheriffs are usually appointed. SHERIFFS FOR THE COUNT Y OF NOTTINGHAM, FROM THE YEAR 1700, TO THE PRESENT TIME. 1700 Richard Hacker, of Newark-upon-Trent, Esq. 170! Joseph Harbord, of Gringlcy, Esq. 1702 William Burncll, of Winkburne, Esq. 1703 Henry Sherbrooke, of Arnold, Esq. 1704 Borlace Warren, of Stapleford, Esq. 1705 Patricius Chaworth, of Annesley, Esq. 1706 Mundy Musters, of Col wick, Esq. 1707 Sir George Savile, of Rufford, Bart. 1708 William Levinz, of Burton, Esq. 1709 Richard Edge, of Strclley, Esq. 1710 John Simpson, of Babworth, Esq. 1711 Jonathan Acklom, of Mattersey, Esq. 1712 Henry Sherbrooke, of Oxton, Esq. 1713 Francis Lewis, of Stanford, Esq. 1714 George Sharpe, of Barnby, Esq.* 171.5 John Collin, of Elton, Esq. 1716 Julius Hutchinson, of Owthorpe, Esq. 1717 Joseph Mellish, of Blythc, Esq. 1718 Isaac Knight, of Warsop, Esq. 1719 Lionel Copley, of Plumptre, Esq. 1720 William Hallows, of Cortlingstock, Esq. 1721 John Sherwin, of Bramcote, Esq. 1722 John Grundy, of Bleasby, Esq. 1723 James Banks, of East Stoke, Esq. 1721 John Richards, of Normanton, Esq. 1725 George Langford, of Coulston, Esq. 1726 Beilby Thompson, of Bole, Esq. 1727 Richard Brown, of Gunthorpe, Esq. 1728 Anthony Eyre, of Rampton, Esq. 1739 Samuel Peake, of Farndon, Esq. 1730 William Shipman, of Mansfield, Esq. 1731 John Nevill, of Nottingham, Esq. 1732 John Neale, of Mansfield Woodhouse, Esq. 1733 John Disney, ofFlintham, Esq. 1734 Thomas Porter, of Arnold, Esq. 1735 Thomas Lister, of Bawtry, Esq. 1736 William Btirnell, of Winkburne, Esq. 1737 William Challand, of Wellow, Esq. 1738 Joseph Clay, of Lambley, Esq. 1739 John Gilbert Cooper, of Thurgarton, Esq. 1740 Thomas Langford, of Basford, Esq. 1741 John Story, of East Sloke, Esq. 1742 William Cartwright, of Marnham, Esq. 1743 Lancelot Rolleston, of Watnall, Esq. 1744 John Linley, of Skegby, Esq. 1745 Henry Donston, of Worksop, Esq. 1746 John Thornhagh, of Shire-Oaks, Esq. 1747 Sir Charles Molyneux, of Teversall, Bart. 1748 Thomas Stowe, of Newark-upon-Trent, Esq. 1749 William Chaworth, of Annesley, Esq. 1750 William Westcomb, of Thrumpton, Esq. 1751 John Borlace Warren, of Stapleford, Esq. 1752 Darcy Burnell, of Winkburne, Esq. 1753 Mundy Musters, of Colwick, Esq. 1754 Jonathan Acklom, of Wiseton, Esq. 1755 Sir Thomas Parkjns, of Bunny, Bart. 1756 Robert Sutton, ofScofton, Esq. J757 John Hall, of Mansfield Woodhouse, Esq. 175S Sir George Smith, of East Stoke, Esq. 1759 John Whetham, of Kirklington, Esq. 1760 Ralph Edge, of Strelley, Esq. 1761 Samuel Gordon, of Newark-upon-Trent, Esq. 1762 John Newton, of Bulwel), Esq. 1763 Daniel Gach, of Balderton, Esq. 1764 Charles Mellish, of Ragnall, Esq. 1765 William Ellis, of Newark-upon-Trent, Esq. 1766 George Brown, of Ordsall, Esq. 1767 Sir Gervas Clifton, of Clifton, Bart 1768 John Bell, of Colston Basset, Esq. 1769 Robert Foster, of Newark-upon-Trent, Esq* This gentleman paid £9, for the Judges' expenses while in this town. SHERIFFS AND LORD LIEUTENANTS FOR THE COUNTY. 291 1770 1771 ) 772 1773 1774- 1775 1776 1777 1778 1679 lf80 1781 1782 1783 1784 1785 178(3 1787 1783 17811 1790 1 791 1792 1793 Urban Hall, of Warsop, Esq. Gsorgi; Donston, of Worksop, Esq. George Neville, of Thorney, Esq. John Emerton Westcotnb Emerton, of Thrump- ton, Esq. Joseph Pocklington, of Carlton-on-Trent, Esq. Cornelius Launder, of Hickling, Esq. Abel Smith, the younger, of B:ilcote, Esq. John Musters, of Col wick, Esq. William Bilbie, of Berry kill, Esq. William Denison, of Ossina;ton, Esq. Charles Vere Dashwoocl, of Stanford, Esq. Lancelot Rolleston, of Watnall, Esq. John Litchfield, of Mansfield, Esq. John Gilbert Cooper, of Thurgarton, Esq. Pendock Neale, of Tollerton, Esq. Sherbrooke Lowe, of Southwell, Esq. Anthony Hartshorn, of Hayton, Esq. Thomas Waterhonse, of Beckingham, Esq. Richard Stenton, of Southwell, Esq. John Chamberlain, of Sutton Bonington, Esq. George Chaworth, of Annesley, Esq. George De Ligne Gregory, of Lenton, Esq. Edward Thoroton Gould, of Mansfield Wood- house, Esq. Richard Lumley Savile, of Rufford, Esq. 1794 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799 1800 1801 1802 180.3 1801. 180.5 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 181 + 1815 1816 John Simpson, of Babworth, Esq. Jonas Bettison, of Holmc-Pierrepont, Esq. John Wright, of Nottingham, Esq. John Gaily Knight, of Warsop, Esq. Nathaniel Stubbins, of Holme-Pierrepont, Esq. Samuel Bristowc, of Beesthorpe, Esq. William Gregory Williams, of Rcmpston, Esq. William Elliott Elliott, of Nottingham, Esq. Robert Lowe, of Oxton, Esq. William Sherbrook, of Arnold, Esq. Thomas Webb Edge, of Strelley, Esq. Christopher Rolleston, of Watnall, Esq. Sir Thomas Woollaston White, of Walling- Wells, Bart. John Longdon, of Bramcote, Esq. John Manners Sutton, of-Kelham, Esq. Thomas Walker, of Berry Hill, Esq. John Musters Chaworth, of Annesley, Esq. Thomas Wright, of Norwood Park, Esq. Hugh Blades, of Bamby Hall, Esq. John Need, of Mansfield Woodhouse, Esq. William Fletcher Norton Norton, of Elton, Esq> John Smith Wright, of Wilford, Esq. Sir R. H. Bromley, of East Stoke, Bart. 1519 1559 1566 1587 1589 1616 1625 1676 1688 1690 1714 1763 1765 1768 1795 1809 LORD LIEUTENANTS FOR THE COUNTY. This is the first appointment I can find upon record; in which Edward Clinton, first Earl of Lincoln, and Thomas Manners, first Earl of Rutland, were appointed joint Lord Lieutenants of the Counties of Nottingham, Lincoln, and Rutland ; since which time the following noblemen have held the Lieutenancy of Nottinghamshire, from the dates annexed to their several appointments, distinct from the Lieutenancy of any other County. Henry, second Earl of Rutland. Edward, third Earl of Rutland. John, fourth Earl of Rutland. Gilbert Talbot, seventh Earl of Shrewsbury. William Cavendish, first Earl of Devonshire. William Cavendish, first Duke of Newcastle. Heory Cavendish, second Duke of Newcastle. William Pierrepont, fourth Earl of Kingston. John Holies, Earl of Clare, afterwards Duke of Newcastle. Thomas Pelham, Earl of Clare, afterwards Duke of Newcastle. Evelyn Pierrepont, second Duke of Kingston. Thomas Pelham, Duke of Newcastle. Henry Fiennes Pelham Clinton, Duke of Newcastle. William Henry Cavendish Bentick, third Duke x>f Portland John Pelham Clinton, Duke of Newcastle. 292 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. BURGESSES AND KJYIGHTS OF THE SHIRE, WHO UATE REPRESENTED THE TOWN AND COUNTY OF THE TOWN OF NOTTINGHAM, AND THE COUNTY THEREOF, $n ^arliamnit, FROM THE TWENTY-THIRD OF EDWARD THE FIRST, TO THE PRESENT TIME. When Where Elected. Held. BURGESSES OF THE TOWN. KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 1294 1296 1297 1299 1299 1299 1301 1301 1304 1305 1305 1306 1307 1308 1310 1311 1311 1312 1313 1314 1314 1315 1316 1318 1318 1321 1323 1324 1S25 1326 1326 1326 1327 1327 1327 1329 1329 1329 Westminster, Johannes de Fleming, Willielmus deHardby, Gerrasias de Clifton, Johannes de Annesley London, .......... Willielmus de Stanton, Willielmus de Colewyk York, - - Johannes le Fleming, Adam de le Flemin g, - Richardus de Bingham, Richardus de Furnen Lincoln, -.-----.-. Ranulph. de Waldesby, Will, de Chaworth. Miles Loudon, .......... Will.de Chaworth. Miles, Randulph deWandsley Westminster, Johannes de Crophill, Gualtcrus de Thornton, Randulphus de Wandslcy, Will, de Chedworth London, - Adam Fleming, Johannes Ingram, . - Philippus de Lasseys, Robertus de Eccleshall Westminster, - - - - -. . . - Johannes de Lysbers, Robertus de Eccleshall Westminster, John Fitzadam deMorter, WalterdeThornton, Thomas Malet, Hugo de Hersey Westminster, Johannes Lambocks, Robertus Ingeham, - Robertus de Jorts, Robertus deSamby Westminster, ......... Robertus de Standely, Robertus Jourz Karl. - - Johannes de Nottingham, Johannes Ingram, Thomas Malet, Johannes de Villers Northampton, Johannes de Beston, Johannes de Bere, - Waltertus Gousle, Petrus Pycot Milites Westminster, ......... Johannes de Grey, Willielmus de Chaworth Westminster, Willielmus Gilham, Johannes Lambok, - Walterus de Gaushill, Thomas Malet. Milites London, . Johannes Lambocks, Richard le Curzun, - Willielmus Farwell Westminster, Johannes Lambocks, Richardus de Brumby, Thomas Malet, Hugo de Hcrcy. Milites Wind. ... - . - - . _ - - Petrus Pycot, Petrus Foun. Milites Westminster, Hugo Stapleford, Richardus Palmere, - - Petrus Pycot, Petrus le Fown York, - - Johannes Bryan, Robertus dc Brundby, - Johannes deCharveleys, Ger. fil. Gervasii. Milites Westminster, Willielmus Gotham, Bartholomeus Cotgreve, Lincoln, .......... Johannes de Lysorus, Petrus Fenn Lincoln, ......---- Laurentius de Chaworth, Hugo de Hercy York, . - Willielmus Buck, Johannes de Palmere, . Thomas de Longevillers, Petrus Foun. Milites York, ... - - - ' - - - - - Richardus Willoughby, Petrus Foun York, . . Galfridus le Flemyng, Simon de Folevill, Westminster, .--.-.--- Robertus de Jortz, Richardus de Willoughby London, .---_----- Reginald de Aslacton, Robertus de Jortz Westminster, Robertus de Brunuby, Alanus Cardoun, - Johannes Bary, Robertus Ingram York, . - Richardus Curzin, Johannes de Cupper, Randulphus de Burtou, Petrus Foun. Milites Lincoln, - Johannes Bully, Johannes Widmerpoole, - Pertus Foun, Robertus Ingram. Milites Westminster, .--.--.-- Johannes de Annesley, Williolmus de Gotham N. Sar. - Nicholas Shelford, Willielmus de Shelford, - Philippus de Calfetost, Petrus Foun York, ... - - - - - - - - He nricus de Facombcry, Robertus Ingram Northampton, Johannes Peruwyke, Petrus Briffield, - - Robertus Ingram, Petrus Fen. de Markham Westminster, Lawrentius Spicer, Robertus Moorwood, - Robertus Jortc, Johannes Byks. Milites Winchester, Johannes Fleming, Alanus Cardon, - - Petrus Foun Westminster, ....----- Paganus de Villers, Petrus Foun BURGESSES OF THE TOWN AND KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 293 When Where Elected. Held. BURGESSES OF THE TOWN. KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 1330, Nottingham*, - - - - - - - - - Johannes de Monteny, Willielrnus de Eland 1331, Westminster, Willielrnus Gotham, Robertus Moorwood, . Johannes Byks, Rogerus de Verdon 1331, Westminster, --------- Johannes Ingram, Johannes de Oxen 1331, York, - * - - - - Johannes le Brett, Richardus de Strelley 1332, Westminster, Johannes de Widmerpoole, Johannes Fleming, Willielrnus de Eland, Thomas de Rade. Milites 1333, Westminster, Robertus Moorwood, Johannes de Crophill, Richardus de Strelley, Johannes de Oxen 1333, York, - - Johannes Widmerpoole, JohaHnes Fleming, Willielrnus de Eland, Thomas de Radcliff 1334, Westminster, Johannes de Feriby, Willielrnus de Thorpe, - Johannes de Brett, Richardus de Strelley 1334, York, - - Johannes de Feriby, Richardus de Curzin, 1335, Westminster, Johannes de Feriby, Willielrnus de Thorpe, - Johannes de Oxenford, Richardus de Strelley 1335, Nottingham*, --------- Thomas de Bckering, Richardus de Strelley 1335, Westminster, Willielrnus de Gotham, Rad. le Taverner, - Willielrnus de Eland, Richardus de Strelley 1335, Westminster, Rogprus Bothayle, Willielrnus de Colston, - Johannes de Oxenford, Richardus de Strelley 1336, Westminster, Willielrnus de Gotham, Robertus Moorwood, -Willielrnus de Eland, Richardus de Strelley 1337, York, - - Nicholaus Ingram, Simon Folevile, 1337, Westminster, Rogerus de Bothayle, Willielrnus de Colston, - Wiiiiclmus de Eland, Johannes de Oxenford 1337, Nottingham*, Johannes de Feriby, Rad. le Taverner, - Richardus de Willoughby, Petrus Foua 1338, Westminster, --------- Johannes de Vaus, Willielrnus de Gotham 1338, Westminster, Johannes Colier, W r illielmus de Roderham, - Egidus de Meignill, Rogerus de Egington 1339, Westminster, Robertus Moorwood, Willielrnus de Roderham, Johannes Darcy, Johannes Deyncourt 1339, Westminster, Galfridus Fleming, Willielrnus Tovy - - Robertus Jort, Thomas de Asheburne 1339, Westminster, ---..---. Johannes Barry, Robertus Jorce 1340, Westminster, Willielrnus de Lodcrham, Simon Wodeburgh, Galfridus de Staunton, Johannes de Vaus 1342, Westminster, Robertus Ingram, Richardus Newthorp, - Robertus Jorte, Richardus de Willoughby 1343, Westminster, .--.-.--- Reginald de Aslacton, Robertus le Jortz 1345, Westminster, Rad. Taverner, Richardus le Taverner, - Thomas Newmarsh, Johannes Kineton 1346, Westminster, Rad. Taverner, Hugo le de Spenser, - - Johannes de Vaus, Gervasius de Clifton 1347, Westminster, Rad. le Taverner, J. de Widmerpoole - - Willielrnus Trussbut, Nicholas Bernack 1347, Westminster, .-...---. Johannes de Vaus, Gervasius de Clifton 1349, Westminster, Hugo le Spicer, Johannes de Brigford, - - Thomas de Bykering, Johannes de Wadesworth 1350, Westminster, --------- Thomas de Bykering, Johannes de Wadesworth 1351, Westminster, - - - - - - - - Willielrnus de Wakebrigg, Willielrnus del Ken 1351, Westminster, Richardus de Grey. Miles 1352, Westminster, Willielrnus Findern, Thomas Moorwood, - Richardus de Grey. Miles 1353, Westminster, Robertus Burnby, Thomas Moorwood, - Richardus Grey de Landeford, Will. deWakebrugg 1354, Westminster, Thomas Moorwood, Johannes Ingram, - Richardus de Bingham, Rogerus de Hopewell 1356, Westminster, Roger Hoppewell, sen. Roger Hoppewell, jun. Richardus de Grey, Johannes Bozoun 1356, Westminster, Thomas de Moorwood, Johannes Ingram, 1357, --------.--- Rich, de Grey de Landeford, Johannes Bozoun 1358, Westminster, ......_.- Thomas Malett, Hugo de Herty 1359, - Johannes Ingram, Robertus Burnby, . - Richardus de Grey, Willielrnus Wakebrugg The three marks attached to Nottingham, are to correct the like number of errors fallen into by Prynce, and followed by Deeruig ; the two former are said l»y them to be held at Westminster, and the latter at Northampton. Deering says, all historians agree, that a parliament was held It Nottingham, in 1330; therefore the error of placiugit at Westminster has arisen, I suppose, from his placing the 5th of Edward the Hid. in 1329; fhich I have corrected according to thejiocket peerage. 4 E 294 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. When Where Elected. Hell. BURGESSES OF THE TOWN. KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 1359, Westminster, Roger Hoppewell, jun. Willielmus de Findcrn, Richardus de Grey, Willielmus Wakebrugg 1359, Westminster, Willielmus Solierc, Thomas Moorwood, - Richardus dc Grey, Robert de Marton 1361, Westminster, Willielmus de Waggbrug, Thomas Moorwood, Simon de Leek, Willielmus de Wakebrugg 1362, Westminster, Rogerus de Hoppewell, Henry Ward, - - Richardus dc Bingham, Thomas de Nevil 1363, Westminster, Hugo Spicer, Willielmus Prior, ... Simon dc Leek, Robertus de Marton 1364, Westminster, Hugo Spicer, Rogerus Hoppewell, - - Simon de Leek, Robertus Marton 1365, Westminster, - - . ' - - - - - - Simon de Leek, Robertus de Marton 1367, Westminster, Hugo Spicer,' Henricus Chamberlain, . - Simon de Leek, Sampson de Strelley 1368, Westminster, Thomas de Marewode, Petrus Mason, - - Robertus de Marton, Willielmus de Strelley 1370, Westminster, Rogerus dc Holm, Henricus Bradmere, - Rogerus Beler, Robertus de Marton 1370, Westminster, Rogerus de Holm, - Rogerus Beler 1371, Westminster, Johannes Cropshull, Johannes Bond, - - Simon de Leek, Richardus de Grey 1372, Westminster, ......... Simon de Leek, Johannes dc Gateford 1375. Westminster, - . - - - ' - - . -S.de Leek. Chivaler, Johannes de Birton 1375, ... Robertus German, Willielmus Copper, . Johannes Anncsley, Johannes de Beckyngham 1376, Westminster, Robertus Germayn, Willielmus Capper, . Johannes Anncsley, Johannes Beckyngham 1377, Westminster, - . . . . . . -S.de Leek. Chivaler, Johannes Annesley 1378, Gloucester, J. de Annesley. Miles. W. de Nevil. Miles 1378, Westminster, -.--..... J. de Annesley. Miles. J. de Beckyngham 1378, Westminster, Robertus Gffrmayne, Thomas de Bothale, - Johannes de Annesley, Johannes Parker 1379, Westminster, Henricus Cook, Robertus Germayne, - - Sampson de Strelley, R. de Marton 1380, Northampton,- - -- -. __ . Johannes de Gaytford, Robertus Basely 1381, Westminster, -----.... Thomas de Rcmpston. Mile9. Simon de Leek 1381, Westminster, ----..._. Sampson de Strelley, Thos. de Rempslon. Miles 1382, Westminster, - - - - . . . . . Simon de Leek. Miles. Johannes de Burton 1382, Westminster, ---.-..._ Sampson de Strelley. Miles. Johannes de Barton 1383, N. Sar. - Thomas Bothale, Johannes de Tamraesley, - Bert, de Bolynbrok, Thomas de Annesly 1383, Westminster, ------ .^. Robertus de Basely, Thomas de Annesly 1384, Westminster, Richardus Milford, Robertus Germain - - Johannes de Annesley, Richardus de Bevercote 1385, Westminster, Johannes Crawshawe, Willielmus Hunston, Johannes de Annesley. Miles. Johannes de Birton 1386, Westminster, Willielmus Bottiler, Robertus de Henden, - Johannes de Annesley, Johannes de Leek. Milites 1387, Westminster, ...-..._. Johannes de Leek. Milites. Johannes de Annesley 1388, Cambridge, Thomas Mevcrley, Willielmus Bottiler - - Johannes de Annesley, Robertus de Cokfield. M. 1389, Westminster, Willielmus Bottiler, Robertus Gerney, - Johannes de Leek, Johannes de Gaytford. M. 1390, Westminster, Johannes de Burton, Hugo Cressy 1391, Westminster, Thomas Mapperley, Willielmus Bottiler, . Robertus Cokfield. M. Thomas Hercy 1392, Westminster, Willielmus Bottiler, Nicholas Allestre, . Thos. deRempstone. M. Johannes Gaytford. M. 1393, Westminster, Willielmus Nevil. Miles. Nicholas de Strelley 1394, Westminster, Robertus Germaine, Themas Mapperley, . Thomas de Rcmpston. Miles. Nicholas Burden 1396, Westminster, Robertus Germaine, Thomas Mapperley, - Thomas de Rempston. Miles. Hugo Cressy 1397, Westminster, . - . Thomas de Rempston. Miles. Robertus de Marton 1399, Westminster, Johannes de Plumptre, Johannes Taunbley, - Johannes Gaytford, Willielmus de Leek 1400, -------..... Johannes de Burton. Miles. Johannes Knyvcton 1402, Winchester, Richard Stanhop. Miles. Johannes Clifton. Miles. 1403, Westminster, _. Richard Stanhop. Miles. Simon de Leek 1406, Westminster, Walterus Stacey, Thomas Fox, - - - Thomas Chaworth. Miles. Rich. Stanhope. Miles BURGESSES OF THE TOWN AND KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 295 When Where Elected- Held. BURGESSES OF THE TOWN. KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 1407, Gloucester, Johannes Rothell, Johannes Jorne, - - Johannes Zouch. Miles. Hugo Hussey. Miles 1410, Westminster, Thomas Mapperley, Johannes Hoddings, . Willielmus Reginaydon, Thomas de Staunton 1412, Westminster, Johannes Tannesley, Thomas Mapperley, . Robertus Plimpton, Henricus de Sutton 1412, Westminster, Robertus Glade, Johannes Tannesley, Aid- - Johannes Zouch. Miles. Thos. Rempston. Miles. 1413, Leicester, .-.--..--. Robertus Plumpton. Miles. Henry de Sutton 14 L3. Westminster, Henricus Preston, Walterus Stacey Hugo Husye, Radulphus Makerell 1414, Westminster, Johannes Allestre, Johannes Bingham, - - Thos. de Rempston. Miles. Will, de Crompton 1416, Westminster, Henricus Preston, Willielmus Burton, - Thomas Chaworth, Henry Pierpoint 1418, Gloucester, Willielmus Stacey, Thomas Fox 1419, Westminster, Thomas Page, Johannes Bingham - - Johannes Zouch, Hugo Husye 1419, Westminster, ........ - Thomas Chaworth, Radulphus Makerell 1420, Westminster, Thomas Page, Richardus Samon ... Richardus Stanhop, Henricus Pierpoint 1422, Westminster, Thomas Page, Johannes Allestre, Alderman - Johannes Zouch, Richardus Stanhop 1423, Westminster, Johannes Wilford, Thomas Page - . Thomas Chaworth, Henricus Pierpoint 1424, Westminster, Johannes Allestre, Johannes Wilford - - Henricus Pierpoint, Willielmus Merings 1425, Westminster, Willielmus Burton, Willielmus Bradmere, - Gervasius de Clyfton, Norman Babyngton 1427, Leicester, - Thomas Pogg, Alderman, Johannes Manchester, Hugo AVilloughby, Radulphus Makerell 1428, Westminster, Johannes Manchester, Johannes Etewell, - Richardus Stanhop. M. Johannes Berweys 1429, Westminster, Johannes Manchester, Johannes Etewell, - Richardus Stanhop, Miles. Johannes Bowyg 1430, Westminster, Johannes Plumptre, Aid. Johannes Manchester, Richardus Stanhop. Miles. Norman Babyngton 1432, Westminster, Willielmus Halifax, Aid. Galfridus Kenton, 1434, Westminster, Johannes Manchester, Robertus Resyn - Richardus Willoughby, Johannes Gower 1436, Cambri ige, Johannes Plumptre, Aid. Will. Halifax, Aid. Thomas Chaworth, Willielmus Plympton 1441, Westminster, Thomas Allestre, Aid. Thomas Thurland, Aid. Johannes Zouch, Willielmus Merings 1446, Cambridge, - - - - - - -'- - Nicholas Fitzwilliam, Richard Illingworth 1446, Westminster, Thomas Babyngton, R,obertus Resyn 1448, Westminster, Thomas Thurland, Aid. Thomas Allstre, Aid. Johannes Roos. Armig. Richard Estlyngworth 1449, Westminster, Thomas Thurland, Aid. Thomas Allestre, Aid. Johannes Stanhop. Miles. Henry Bosom. Miles 1450, Westminster, Thomas Thurland, Aid. Thomas Babington Johannes Wastnesse, Richardus Illingworth 1452, Reading, - Richardus Delwood, Johannes Squyer . - Robertus Clifton, Johannes Stanhop 1454, Westminster, ......... Richardus Illingworth, Johannes Watnesse 1459, Coventry, ......... Robertus Strelley. Miles. Johannes Stanhop. Ar. 1459, Westminster, Robertus Stable, Johannes Serjeant 1460, Westminster, RoWtus Strelley. Miles. Johannes Stanhop 1466, - - Elected, but lost ..... Elected, bat lost 1471, Westminster, Thomas Ncvill, Johannes Hunt . . . Henricus Pierpoint, Johannes Stanhop. Here ends Pryne's list, to which; with a few slight alterations., I have adhered. 1476, Westminster, John Mapully, John Clerk, . . . - John Byron, Esq. William Meryng, Esq. The writs, indentures, and returns from this time to the first of Edward the Sixth, are all lost, except an imperfect bundle of the 23d of Henry the Eighth, which wants for the county, but those for the town are, Robert Lovat Richard Hasyligg £0(5 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. nig^nj r i wp i rv-*-r?r?- MM Prom this time the parliaments always held their sittings at Westminster, with the exception of three being- held at Oxford; the first by Mary, in 1554, and the second by Charles the First, in 1(313, and the third by Charles the Second, in 1080; therefore it is of no use to continue the column of places, where held. 1546, 1551, 1553, 1554, 1555, 1556, 1558, 1558, 1562, 1570, 1571, 1'584, 1585, 1588, 1592, 1596, 1600, 1602, 1613, 1619, 1622, 1G25, 1625, 1627, 1639, 1640, 1646*, 1653*, BURGESSES OF - THE TOWN. John Pastell, Nicholas Powtrcll Robert Hasiligge, Francis Colman Humphrey Quarnbye, Thomas Markham Humphrey Quarnbye, Francis Colman - Nicholas Powtrcll, Esq. William Markham Hugh Thornhill, Esq. J. Bateman, Gent. ' - Francis Colman, Gent. Edward Brown, Gent. - Elected but lost - - Humphrey Quarnbye, Gent. J. Bateman, "Gent; Ralph Rarton, Gent. William Balle, Gent. Thomas Manours, Knt. John Bateman s Gent. Richard Parkvns, Esq R. Bateman, Gent. Robert Constable, Knt. Richard Parkyns, Esq. George Mannors, Esq. RJchard Parkyns, Esq. Humphrey Bonner, Gent. Richard Parkyns, Esq. Humphrey Bonner, Aid. Anker Jackson, Aid. William Gregory, Gent. William Grayes, Gent. Richard Hart, Alderman, Anker Jackson, Aid. Elected, but lost - Michael Purefoy, Esq. John Lascells, Esq, J. Bryan, Esq. Francis Pierpoint, Esq. Robert Greaves, Gent. J. Mai-tin, Gent. Gerv. Clifton, Knt. and Bart. J. Byran, Esq. - Charles Cavendish, Knt. Henry Pierpoint, Esq. Chs. Cavendish, Esq. Gil. Boun, Serjeant-at-Law Gilbert Millington, Esq. F -ancis Pierpoint, Esq. Gilbert Millington, Esq. William Stanhop, Esq. None elected - James Chadwick, Esq. John Mason, Esq. 1654*, ------ 1656*, Col. James Chadwick, William Drury, Aid. 1659*, John Whalley, Esq. John Parker, Aid. KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE, Michael Stanhope, Knt. John Markham, Knt. Elected, but lost John Herry, Knt. John Hollis, Knt. John ConstabU;, Knt. Elizeus Markham, Esq. Richard Whalley, Esq. Elizeus Markham, Esq. Richard Whalley, Esq. Anthony Foster, Esq. John Markham, Knt. Hugh Thornhill, Esq. Elected, but lost John Mannersi Esq. John Mollineux, Esq. Robert Markham, Esq. Edward Stanhop, Esq. Henry Pierpoint, Esq. Edward Stanhop, Esq. Thomas Manners, Knt. Robert Constable, Knt. Thomas Manners, Knt. Thomas Stanhop, Knt. Robert Markham, Esq. Brian Lascells, Esq. Charles Cavendish, Esq. Philip Strelley, Esq. Elected, but lost Charles Cavendish, Knt. Robert Pierpoint, Esq. John Hollis, Knt. Percival Willoughby, Knt. Elected, but lost Gervase- Clifton, Knt. George Chaworth, Knt. Gervase Clifton, Knt. and Bart. Robert Sutton, Esq. Gervase Clifton, Knt. and Bart. Henry Stanhop, Esq. Henry Stanhope, Esq. Thomas Hutchinson, Knt. Gervase Clifton, Knt. and Bart. John Byran, Knt. Thomas Hutchinson, Esq. Robert Sutton, Esq. Thomas Hutchinson, Knt. Robert Sutton, Esq. John Hutchinson, Esq.f Gervase Pigott, Esq. John Odingsells, Esq. Edward Cludd, Esq. William Pierpoint, Esq. Edward Whalley, Esq. Edward Neville, Esq. Charles White, Esq. Edward Neville, Esq. Edward Cludd, Esq. Edward Whalley, Esq. Peniston Whalley, Esq. Edward Neville Esq. Thomas Bristow, Esq. All the returns marked thus *, I have been enabled to add to the lists of representatives hitherto published : Deering acknowledges he could not obtain them, and Throsby, I presume, never attempted. The first parliament which Charles summoned in 1640, met on the 13th of April ; f Mrs. Hutchinson informs us, that her husband was strongly solicited to serve for the town, but Mr. Francis Pierpont intreated him to stand for the county, and use his influence for him in the town ; which he did, notwithstanding the many unkind returns he had received from that gentlwnan. BURGESSES OF THE TOWN AND KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 297 and the second, which proved so fatal to him, on the 3d of November. The four succeeding ones, as well as that which was summoned to-' meet on the 25th of April, 1660, called the Restoring Parliament, were called during- the - Interregnum. Deering informs us, that he could not find the names of either our town or county members, belonging "to that parliament which Charles summoned to meet at Oxford in 1643 ; nor was he likely, since there were no elections on the occasion. Charles merely., after the battle at Edghill in Warvyickshire, summoned that parliament to meet him at Oxford which had been elected in 1640 ; but, besides those of the blood royal, there were only 42 lords and 1 IT commoners attended to his call. To the honor of Nottingham, however, its members continued at Westminster, firmly attached to the people's liberties. The Bareboji'es, or Little Parliament summoned in 1653, was so called, from a conspicuous character of that day, of the name of Praise God Barehone, and from the paucity of its numbers, it consisting only of 144 members ; and not as Deering has it, of 139. Our author conjectures, that Edward Ciudd, Esq. of Southwell,* was returned by the town- of Nottingham to this parliament; but, as maybe seen by looking at the list, he is mis-taken. He is likewise wrong in stating Gervase Pigott, Esq. to be a member of this parliament; that gentleman was never returned after the year 1646. But to set the matter at rest respecting Mr. Ciudd's being returned for the town in 1653, we have only to analize that parliament and we shall find, there was not one borough member in the house. The members stood as follows : — County Members - \. . - 115 Loudon - - . - _ 7 Scotch - - - _ - - - _ - 5 - Irish - - - . _ ■ _ _6 W-elch ----- - . . . • . 6 Field Officers - . . » _ . 5 144 BURGESSES OF THE TOWN. KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 1660, John Hutchinson, Esq. Robert Pierepoint, Esq. f William Pierepotnt, Esq. Gilbert Lord Houghton Arthur Stanhope, Esq. .... ----____ 1661, Robert Pierepoint, Esq. Arthur Stanhope, Esq. - Sir John Clifton, Knt. John Eyre, Esq. - - - - - - - -- -Sir Scroop Howe, Knt. Sir Francis Leek, Knt. and Bart, 1678, Robert Pierepoint, Esq. Richard Slater, Esq. - Sir Scroop Howe, Knt. John White, Esq. 1679, Robert Pierepoint, Esq. Richard Slater, Esq. - Sir Scroop Howe, Knt. John White, Esq. 1680-1 Robert Pierepoint, Esq. Richard Slater, Esq. - Sir Scroop Howe, Knt. John White, Esq. * Mr. Ciudd resided at Norwood Park, near Southwell, and during the interregnum, he acted as a civil magistrate; and, according to the custom of the commonwealth, he had to perform the ceremony of uniting those persons at the hymeneal altar, that chose to enter into the married state ; such union being then considered purely as a civil contract. This ceremony, we are informed by tradition in that neighbourhood, he used to perform under the umbrageous shelter of an oak tree, not far from his house, around which benches were erected for the conveniency of the parties ; which tree is preserved by the Sutions, the present owners of the estate., with a religious veneration, it being capped with lead and otherwise taken care of ; and is to this day called Ciudd s Oak. When the author of this work visited this altar of hymeneal devotion in the summcf of 1815, the happiness of its former youthful visitants danced in his imagination , and he put up a silent prayer for its preservation. t Colonel Hulchinson aDd Mr. Stanhope were elected for the town in 1660, to serve in that parliament which met on the 25th of April ; but in June following the Colonel, aud every other member that had signed the king's death-warrant were expunged, and Mr. Pierpoint was elected in his stead. 4 F 298 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. rr-r *&*• BURGESSES OF THE TOWN. 1685, John Beaumont, Esq. Sir William Stanhope, Knt. 1689-90 Hon.Fra. Pierepoint, Ed. Bigland, scrj.-at-law 1690, Charles Hutchinson, Esq. Richard Slater, Esq. 16*5, Richard Slater, Esq. Charles Hutchinson, Esq. died, William Pierepoint, Esq. - 1698, William Pierepoint, Esq. Richard Slater, Esq. died, Robert Sacheverel, Esq. ... 1700, William Pierepoint, Esq. Robt. Sacheverel, Esq. 1701, William Pierepoint, Esq. Robt. Sacheverel, Esq. 1702, William Pierepoint, Esq. George Gregory, Esq. 1705, Robt. Sacheverel, Esq. Wm. Pierpoint, Esq. died John Plumptre, Esq. .... 1708, John Plumptre, Esq. Robie Sherwin, Esq. 1710, John Plumptre, Esq. Robert Sacheverel, Esq. 1713, Robert Sacheverel, Esq. Borlace Warren, Esq. 1714-15, John Plumptre, Esq. George Gregory, Esq. 1722, John Plumptre, Esq. George Gregory, Esq. 1727, Borlace Warren, Esq. Hon. John Stanhope 1734, John Plumptre, Esq. Borlace Warren, Esq. 1741, John Plumptre, Esq. Borlace Warren, Esq. died, Sir Charles Sedlcy, Bart. .... 1747, R. H.Geo. Vise. Howe, Sir Chas. Sedley, Bart.* 1754, R. H. Geo. Vise. Howe, Sir Willoughby Aston, Bart. Lord Howe dying in 1758, The Hon. Col. William Howe ...... 1761, The Hon. Col. Wm. Howe, John Plumptre, Esq. 1768, The Hon. Col. Wm. Howe, John Plumptre, Esq. 1774, The Hon. Gen. Howe, Sir Charles Sedley, Bart. Sir Charles dying in 1778, Abel Smith. Esq. jun. was elected; but he dying in 1779, hit brother Robert Smith, Esq. ... 1780, Robert Smith, Esq. Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. 1784, Robert Smith, Esq. Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. 1790, Robeit Smith, Esq. Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. 1796, Dan. Parker Coke, Esq. Robt. Smith, Esq. created a Peer in 1797, Sir John Borlase Warren, K. B. KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE, Sir William Clifton, Bart. Reason Mellish, Esq. John White, Esq. John Lord Houghton, created a Peer and succeeded by Sir Scroop Howe, Knt. Sir Scroop Howe, Knt. William Sacheverel, Esq. died y John White, Esq. Sir Scroop Howe, Knt. John White, E»q. Sir Thomas Willoughby, Bart. Gervase Eyre, Esq. Sir Thomas Willoughby, Bart. Gervase Eyre, Esq. Sir Thomas Willoughby, Bart. Sir F. Mollineux, Bart. Sir F. Mollineux, Bart. Gervase Eyre, Esq. ditd, Joha Thornhagh, E*q. Sir Thomas Willoughby, Bart^ John Thornhagh, Esq. Sir Francis Willoughby, Bart. John Thornhagh, Esq. R. II. Scroop Vise. Howe, William Levinz, Esq. The Hon. Francis Willoughby, William Levinz, Esq. The Hon. Francis Willoughby, Wiiliaui Levinz, Esq. R. 11. Scroop Vise. Howe, Sir Robert Sutton, K. B. William Levinz, Esq. li. H. Scroop Vise. Howe, office^ Thomas Bennett, Esq. The Hon. John Mordaunt, Thomas Bonnet, Esq. died y William Levinz, Esq. junior The Hon. John Mordaunt, William Levinz, Esq. R. H. Lord Robert Sutton, John Thornhagh, Esq. R. II. Lord Robert Sutton, John Thornhagh, Esq. R. II. Lord Robert Sutton, John Thornhagh, Esq. my Lord dying in 1762 ? The Hon. Thos. Willoughby John Thornhagh, Esq. The Hon. Thomas Willoughby Henry Earl of Lincoln, The Hon. Thomas Willoughby, who succeeded to the title of Lord Middleton in the same year ; Lord Ed. Bentinck zt>a$ elected in 1775, and the Earl of Lincoln dying in France in 1778, The Hon. Charles Meadows Lord Edward Bentinck, The Hon. Charles Meadows Lord Edward Bentinck, The Hon. Charles Meadows Lord Edward Bentinck, The Hon. Charles Meadows The Hon. Evelyn Pierepoint Fjord W. C. Bentinck, Mr. Pierepoint died in 1801, Hon. C. H. Pierepoint • A violent contest took place at this election between John Plumptre, Esq. supported by the wbigs, and Sir Charles Sedley, supported by the lories the laller party succeeding, for the first time from the jear 17)5 ; in consequence of which, Sir Charles gave his partisans the finest fir in his park at Notb.aU, which they erectid as a Maypole, where now the pump stands in Parliament-street, between Clumber-street and Milton-s;r»et. It was ordered town by the late Mr. Thomas Wjtfr when he was overseer of the highway in 1789. CONTESTED ELECTIONS. 299 BURGESSES OF THE TOWN. KNIGHTS OF THE SHIRE. 1802, Sir John Borlase Warren, Joseph Birch, Esq. Hon. C. H. Pierepoint, Lord W. C. Bentinck, who whose return was declared void in 1803, Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. . 1806, Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. John Smith, Efq. 1807, Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. John Smith, Esq. 1812 John Smith, Esq. Rt. Hon. Lord Rancliffe vacated in 1803, Anthony Hardolph Eyre, Esq. Anthony H. Eyre, Esq. Hon. C. H. Pierepoint. Lord Newark by courtesy Anthony II. Eyre, Esq. Lord Newark Rt. Hon. Lord Newark, Lord W. C. Bentinck. who vacated in 1814, and was succeeded by Frank Frank, Esq.* ELECTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, FOR THE TOWN. The following table shews the number of electors that polled at the different stated periods ; and though it does not embrace every election from the year 1713, yet it will satisfy the reader's curiosity, as to the number of electors. n„ Polled. 1710, John Plumptre, Esq. - - - - - -- - - 728 Roberl Sacheverel, Esq. --------- 703 Robie Sherwin, Esq. .--«---._ 675 Borlase Warren, Esq. ------- Total 1722, John Plumptre, Esq. ___---. George Gregory, Esq. ------- Borlase Warren, Esq. ..---.- - 574 - - 2680 Jo. Polled. Only Votes 866 - 1 808 - 7 756 - 566 Total Total number of Electors that polled 1502 2430 1754, Lord Howe Sir Willoughby Aston John Plumptre, Esq. 574 No. Polled. 980 924 915 Total 2819 Number of Freeholders that polled 145. Total number of Burgesses then in existence 1757. * In a parliament summoned by King Edward the First, June the 28th, 1283, to meet at Shrewsbury the 30(h September, the same year, to which besides the great barons called by a particular writ addressed to each of them, and two representatives elected for each of the shires, there were called two members for each of the following cities and towns. The wrils were directed to the Mayor Citizens and Sheriffs of London — Mayor and Citizen' of Winchester — Mayor and Bailiffs of Newcastle-upon-Tyne — Mayor ,-ind Citizens of York — Mayor and Bailiffs of Bristol — Mayor and Citizens of Exeter — Mayor and Citizens of Lincoln— Mayor and Citizens of Canterbury — Mayor and Citizens of Carlisle — Bailiffs of Norwich— Mayor and Goodmen of Northampton — Bailiffs of Nottingham — Bailiffs ot Scarborough— Mayor and Bailiffs of Grimsby — Mayor and Bailiffs of Lynn— Bailiffs of Colchester— Bailiffs and Goodmen of Yarmouth— Mayor and Goodmen of Hereford — Mayor and Goodmen of Chester — Bailiffs and Goodmen of Shrewsbury — Mayor and Goodmen of Worcester See Faedera, Vol. 2, 247, 249. A parliament something similar to this had been summoned in 1264, but the towns seuding members are not recorded ; but that two members were tent from several of - he principal cities and towns is certain, as well as the representatives of each county. Ibid, Vet. 1, iOt. N. B. The above were then the principal cities and towns iu the kingdom. 3Q0 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. ntui a uM i iwau n i CT— i — mumi u i i i u ii mwi i Plumptre had long- been the favorite of the whigs, but he having* accepted an office under government, they were highly offended at his conduct • depending, however, upon his influence, lie not only thought of stepping into the seat, but of bringing in Sir W illoughby Aston likewise ; this the whigs could not bear, therefore, they made sure of their own champion, and split as many of (heir votes in favor of Sir Willoughby Aston as placed him second on the list; thus Mr. Plumptre was lost in a fog of his own raising. The number of only votes which polled on this occasion were — For Howe - - - - - - . 901 For PWimptre - - - - . - - 26 For \ston - - . - - ■ - 3 1774, Sir Charles Scdley, Bar Honorable Colonel W. Howe Lord Edward Bentinck Total 930 Total number of Electors that polled 1858 No. Polled. Only Votes - 1114- - 308 re 971 - 502 . 911 - 234 Total • - Total number of Electors that polled 201; 2996 1044 1780, Robert Smith, Esq. Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. Major John Cart w right 1790, Robert Smith, Esq. Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. Captain Johnson Total o. Polled. Only Votes 569 96 342 8 149 10 1060 - 114 No. Polled. - - 443 - 415 - 237 Total 1095 Captain Johnson suffered himself to be put up by the Tory, or White Lion Club, so called from its being held at that Inn, for the purpose of running Mr. Smith to expense, without any hope of ultimate success. No. Polled. Only Votes. Town Votes, Country V 1796, Robert Smith, Esq. _ 1210 . 282 - 1926 - 184 Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. . 1069 . 82 - 655 . 114 Peter Crompton, Esq. - 561 - 364 - 528 - 33 2840 - 728 2509 331 This contention arose out of the political events of the day, which then split the country into factions; whig and tory both changing sides, according as they were influenced by the love of freedom, or by the fear (falsely grounded) of losing their property ; the French revolution was an object of admiration to one part of the people, and of terror to the other. Mr. Smith having been induced (as was generally believed) by his private friendship with Mr. Pitt, to join the war CONTESTED ELECTIONS. 301 party, many of his old friends determined to oppose him ; and Dr. Crompton was prevailed upon to be the instrument in their hands. Many of the electors, who polled on this occasion, made sacrifices which will ever endear their conduct to the lovers of independence. It was not Mr. Smith, properly speaking, that they opposed, but the war; and time has proved, that if the nation in general had followed their notion of things, Ave should now have been a happy people. No. Po'li'd. Only Votes. 1802, Sir John Borlace Warren ...... 087 - 48 Joseph Birch, Esq. . . - - - - ' 928 - 591 Daniel Parker Coke, Esq. - - - - 636 - 10 Total .- .. . 2551 . 649 Total number of Electors that polled 1600 Mr. Coke had become an object of popular dislike, in consequence of his having given his support to the war, to which was attributed the' excessive high price of provisions. It was very remarkable in this contest, that Mr. Birch was a total stranger, was then standing a contest at Liverpool, and that he did not arrive here till the 4th day of the poll. He was unseated in consequence of a petition to the House of Commons from Mr. Coke • but the circumstances which took place in consequence of this affair, more properly belong to the political events of the town ; and the relation of them shall therefore be reserved for that place. On Monday, the 30th of May, came on the memorable contest between Mr. Coke and Mr. Birch , and to give the account of it dearly to posterity, we will set down each day's poll. 1803, First day, May 30th . - ' . ' . Second day, May 3 1st - - Third day, June 1st . . Fourth day, June 2d ....... Fifth day, June 3d - - _ . _ . . Sixth day, June 4lh ....... Seventh day, June 6th ---_... Total Number of town burgesses »..__. Number o,f county burgesses- --..._ Number of freeholders in the town ..... Number of freeholders in the county ..... ■ i Total number of burgesses that polled for each .... Total number of freeholders that polled for each ' ■ . Total number of freeholders that polled on this occasion ... Total number of burgesses that polled on this occasion ... Grand total ... - 2523 The next contest was carried on between the friends of Mr. Birch on the one part, and those of Mr. Coke and Mr. John Smith on the other, with an ardour scarcely ever exceeded in the history of electioneering; the two latter gentlemen having joined interests, though of opposite political 4 G ffToke. Birch. 109 - 100 42 - 20O 180 - 90 218 - 202 153 . 26& 297 - 123 360 — 180 1359 1164 789 - ;, 838 301 - 248 135 - 67 134 • 11 1090 1086 269 * 78 . 347 - - 217G 302 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. opinions ; Mr. Smith being a whig of strict constitutional principles; but, though a native of the town, he had resided very little in it, and his politics were as little known ; many of the whigs therefore split their votes in favor of Mr. Coke, and thus placed him at the head of the poll ; while if each candidate had stood upon his own interest and had taken the chance of split-votes, in all probability he would have been at the tail. Mr. Smith, however, by his manly conduct in the house, in advocating the rights of the people, soon acquired the esteem of every lover of his country. 1806, First day, October 31st - Second clay, November 1st Third day, November 3d Fourth day, November 4th Fifth day. November 5th Sixth day, November 6th Seventh day, November 7th Eighth day, November 8th Ninth day, November 10th Total Coke. 44 315 231 212 283 351 233 90 14 1773 Smith. 35 286 205 187 219 316 192 90 13 1543 Birch. 84 310 275 169 290 174 108 25 8 1443 For Coke For Smith For Birch Town V»tes. 1193 990 1098 Country Votes. 434 414 272 Array Votes, 81 72 41 Toial number of Electors that polled 2994 London Votes 65 67 32 Only Votes. 20 19 1190 1807, John Smith, Esq. D. P. Coke, Esq. Dr. Crompton Town Voles. 1096 826 573 Smith. 1216 Country Votes. 120 111 62 Coke. 937 Only Votes. 20 71 301 Crompton. 635 Total number polled by each On this occasion Dr. Crompton sacrificed much of that esteem he had so justly acquired in 1796, by pertinaciously persevering in a contest, contrary to the advice of his friends and the interest of the town, and without a shadow of success ; except as he might expect that success to result from the errors of some of the contending, or conducting parties. He put up on the pure principles of electioneering, that is, to take the suffrages of the electors free of any expense ; which, on the present system of representation, and, in particular in a town that has more than a thousand out- voters, is impossible to be attended with success. The poll was closed without the doctor's consent; on which occasion he presented a petition to the House of Commons, complaining of the conduct of the sheriffs ; but the house declared it frivolous and vexatious. On the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th of October, a very sharp contest was carried on between John Smith, Esq. Lord Rancliffe, and Richard Arkwright, junior, Esq. The occasion was this : — D. P. Coke, Esq. declined the honor of again being put in CONTESTED ELECTIONS. 303 nomination, and by public handbill, endeavoured to transfer the party influence which had long supported him in his political capacity, to Mr. Arkwright; but in many instances, he had mistaken personal attachment for party principle; and therefore his more intimate connections were mislead. This was clearly understood by some of his more penetrating political opponents, who thought it a fair opportunity of bringing in two members opposed to the war party, the effect of whose counsels Nottingham had so wofully felt. But how to find a proper character to oppose Mr. Arkwright was the difficulty. Lord Rancliffe had been named, but had been induced, by the advice of a few of the more timid of the whigs, to make a public declaration of his intention not to stand the contest. Mr. Birch, who had previously maintained three contests, was put in nomination, without his knowledge or consent; but this measure was considered more vexatious than prudent, and, of course, received but little support. Dr. Crompton made his appearance, and was put in nomination; but his system, though purely honest and constitutional, was not calculated to produce the wished for success; therefore he received little support; and the first day of the election passed away in this, to one party, hopeless, and to the other triumphant condition. In the evening however, about eight or ten common working men determined upon a desperate effort; and, at their own expense, sent three of their company, in a post chaise to Bunny-hall, to solicit Lord Rancliffe to permit himself to be put in nomination the next morning, and to press his personal attendance ; while another of the company had previously prepared an answer to Mr. Coke's address, which was immediately printed at the company's expense. Lord Rancliffe met the application with promptitude and decision; and this determined measure of a handful of poor men roused all the latent energies of the party that were friendly to peace and parliamentary reform, many of whom had previously voted for Mr. Coke from principles of gratitude or personal attachment, he never having made party motives an object of distinction when applied to for the exercise of his influence in behalf of those persons that were in difficult or distressed circumstances. The state of the poll at the conclusion will fully explain the rest : — 1812, John Smith, Esq. ....... Lord Rancliffe ....... Richard Arkwright, Esq. ...... .Peter Crompton, Esq. ...... Joseph Birch, Esq.* . - - Total number of Electors that polled 2781 • Mr. Birth's name was withdrawn on Lord Raocliffe's nomination, and Dr. Crompton's the third day of the poll. t The last contested election we have any knowledge of for the county of Nottingham was conducted oq the 4th and 5th of April, 1722.—; The candidates with their respective numbers polled were as follows^— No. Polled. Sir Robert Sutton, Baronet -..-...... 1349 Scroop, Lord Viscount Howe - - - - - - . . 1339 William Levioz, Esq. - - • --- . . -'. 1265 Honorable Francis Willoughby - • - - -•- . -. 12,57 Total number of Freeholders that polled 2024 The two gentlemen returned were of the whig party. No. Polled. Only Votes 2013 - 35 1515 170 1239 - 576 8 - 1 5 . 301 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. CORPORATE CONTESTS. SENIOR COUNCIL. No. Polled. 577 475 1747, Roger Radforth ......... Benjamin Bull .-.--..__ Total number that polled 1052 Mr. Radforth was a butcher by trade; therefore it was sarcastically said, the butcher had hilled the bull. 1780, Joseph Oldknow ---._. No. Polled. 847 Only Votes. 191 Samuel Eaton - - 801 m 21 Henry Green ...... . 770 ■ _ 110 George Bnrbage - - 527 - 9 Total . 2945 . 331 Number of Burgesses that polled 1639 1787, Captain John Col ishaw ...... No. Polled. 819 Samuel Heywood, attorncy-at.law .... - - . 232 Total This is the greatest number of electors that ever polled here in one day. 1051 The cause of Mr. Heywood's unpopularity was, his proposing to inclose the open fields. 1788, Samuel Green Edward ChattcrU J789, Thomas Caunt John Buxton 1793, Robert Cos Total Total Henry Key worth Stokcham Huthwaite 1798, Richard Hooton Robert Brown Total .... Total number of Electors that polled 1075 JUNIOR COUNCIL. Total No. Polled. - - 52? - - 237 - - 764 ^ No. Polled. - - 912 - . 802 - 1714 No. Polled. Only Votes. 631 - 520 516 . 9 465 - 9 1612 538, No Potted. 868 684 1552 It ought to be observed here, that 111 votes were struck from Mr. Brown's number as improper. CONTESTED ELECTIONS. 305 1799, James Lee John Crosland 1801, Charles T wells, attomey-at-law Joseph Harvey 1807, Lewis A.llsopp, attorney-at law James Ellis - Total Total No. Polled. 467 279 746 No. Polled. 172 125 297 No. Polled. 244 133 Total 377 The reader will find the particulars relative to the last election in the foregoing part of this chapter; as also of the election for the reinstatement of the junior council. 1810, Martin Roe Edward Stevenson . John Lomas Darker No. Polled. 95 13 4 Total . - ... 112 On the 26th of April this election was brought on ; and it was one of those scenes which excite little else than laughter and contempt: Mr. Stevenson, an industrious framework-knitter, was a most convenient instrument in the hands of the populace to discharge the arrows of railery at Mr. Darker, which was his declared motive for permitting himself to be put in nomination. During the 17th, 18th, 21st, 22d, 23d, 24th, and 25th, of August a very spirited, yet most good-naturedly conducted contest was carried on between Mr. James Dale, and Mr. Richard Bonington. 1815, James Dale Richard Bonington No. Polled. 1207 1174 Total 2381 CHAMBERLAIN ELECTION. No. Polled. 1789, John Whitlock ....... - - - 26 Elihu Samuel Fellows ....... ..25 Thomas Hunt ...... ....22 On this occasion there were two contests, the first between Mr. Whitlock and Mr. Hunt, and the second between Mr. Fellows and Mr. Hunt; the same number polling for Mr. Hunt both times. A contest for chamberlains, is a thing quite unusal, as the mayor elect has a right to chuse his own stewards to manage the estate of the burgesses, whose collective body he represents; consequently, when the clothing are permitted to control such choice, it must be the result of an act of courtesy on his part. 4 H 306 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Were I to pass over in silence two of the contests for the office of junior counsellor, namely, Brown opposed to Hooton; and Ellis opposed to Allsopp, the reader would justly charge me with gross partiality ; it is not on this'ground however, but on that of duty, that the following remarks arc made. - - « Brown and Ellis were both journeymen stocking-makers, and as such were equal in point of rank, as far as circumstances constitute an equality; yet, how different were their pretensions! Mr. Robert Brown possessed a -captivating address, with the manners of a polished gentleman, entirely free from affectation : he had been favored with a liberal English education ; and his talents were of the elevated kind, without that too often accompanying, and disgusting appendage, pedantry. He was therefore an acceptable companion to the liberal minded rich ; and, his having advocated the cause of his fellow workmen, for which he had been prosecuted and persecuted, had placed him very high in popular estimation. And, there is great reason to believe, had he been successful in the contest, that an intelligent majority of the corporation would have been glad to have seen him thus elected as a member of their body. — In him, talent supplied the place of wealth ; and the civic crown would not have been sullied by the sweat of the brow that might have worn it ! But how different was the case with James Ellis ! He had nothing to distinguish him from the lowly class to which nature had assigned him — among which, in Nottingham, many enlightened characters are to be found ; and from which fortune had made a vain effort to exalt him — he had nothing to distinguish him, but a prodigal abruptness of manners, and a coarseness of behaviour, which had no other effect, except that of sometimes affording amusement to little minds. And, the only excuse for his presumption, in putting up for the office of junior counsellor, can alone be found in a species of insanity, to which the faculty has not yet given a name. Therefore, if this person had been elected, his success would have brought manifest disgrace upon those that elected him, and on that body, of whom the late Right Hon. C. J. Fox spoke so highly, and with whom, by the force of authority, he would have mixed. The evils resulting from bodies of electors supporting persons like this, are far greater than is generally imagined: two of which we will name. First, It excites the rich to exert every possible effort to narrow down the elective franchise of the people, which, in Nottingham, may be narrow enough in thirty years to come, by the military interference with apprenticeships, if the corporation do not adopt some corresponding remedy in the qualifications for the obtainment of the town's freedom ; and secondly, that very body are brought into disrespect, that have the guardianship of the burgess's interests in their hands ; and therefore those interests must be deteriorated in a corresponding degree, 807 CHAPTER X. A SHORT HISTORY OF THE NOBLEMEN THAT HAVE BEEN DIGNIFIED WITH THE TITLE OF EARL OF NOTTINGHAM, FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NORMAN POWER IN THIS COUNTRY TO THE PRESENT TIME. Henry de Ferrariis, son of Walcheiin de Ferriers or Ferrariis, a Norman, was made Earl of Nottingham by William the First, who gave him also Tutbury castle and other possessions in Staffordshire; and likewise large estates in the counties of Berks, Oxon, Wilts, Lincoln, Bucks, and Gloucester. This Henry founded the priory of Tutbury. He was succeeded by Robert, his third son, his two elder being dead. He was one of the witnesses to the laws made by Stephen in the 1st of his reign ; and, on account of the signal services he performed at the head of the Derbyshire men in the battle of Northallerton, or what is frequently called the battle of the standard, in 1138, Stephen presented him with the Earldom of Derby. But he died the following year, and was succeeded by his son Robert de Ferrers, Earl of Ferrers and Derby. He stiled himself, according to Dugdale, Robertus comes, Junior de Ferreriis, and likewise comes, Junior de Nottingham, as appears by a charter of his dated 1 141, by which he confirmed to the church of St. Oswald of Nostell, whatsoever Henry de Ferrers, his grandfather, Engenulph de Ferrers, his uncle, Robert, his father, or any of their wives had previously given to that church. He was also a benefactor to Tutbury in Staffordshire, the canons of Nostell and other religious institutions in Yorkshire, Leicestershire, and Cheshire. He also founded the priory of Derby, which was afterwards translated to Darley. — He died in 1165, and- was succeeded by his only son William de Ferrers, Earl of Ferrers and Derby. He certified, in the reign of Henry the Second, to the holding of seventy-nine knights' fees. He confirmed the grants of his ancestors to the monks of Tutbury ; and was bountiful to the knights hospitallers. He married Margaret, daughter and heiress of William Peverel, (according to Glover's Catalogue of Honor) whose grandfather was natural son to William the First ; the marriage ceremony of which couple was performed at Canterbury by the celebrated Thomas a Becket. He died in 1172, and was succeeded by his son,* Robert de Ferrers, Earl of Ferrers and Derby. He, along with the Earls of Chester, Leicester, " It appears that the Peverels were Dot Earls, but Lords of Nottingham ; for Camden says, " William, surnamed the Conqueror, made his natural " son William Peverel, ruler of this county, not by the title of Earl, but Lord of Nottingham." It also appears that the property of the barony belonged to the Lards of the town, till some time after Peverel was ousted of it by Henry the Second. 308 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. Norfolk, &c. joined young Henry against his father and sovereign, who, from a thoughtless indulgence, had caused his unnatural son to be crowned in his life time. Our Earl, on this occasion, garisoned his castles of Tutbury and Duffield, and entered Nottingham, which he partly destroyed, with a hostile army, because it adhered to the interest of the old king. When fortune, as well as justice, had declared in favor of the injured monarch, Robert made his peace with him, on condition of surrendering the above named castles, which the king, very prudently, demolished. To make peace also with heaven, according to the fashion of those days, Robert founded the priory of Woodham- Ferrers in Essex; and died in 1189. William de Ferrers, his son, succeeded him in his titles of Earl of Ferrers, Nottingham, and Derby; but was afterwards deprived of the two latter earldoms by Richard the First, who gave them to John, Earl of Morton, his brother, and afterwards king of England. Our dispossessed Earl, however, followed Richard in his wars into Palastine, and lost his life at the siege of St. John de Acre; nor were any of his family possessed of the earldom of Nottingham from that time, whatever some writers may say to the contrary. John Plantagenet, already governor of Nottingham castle, and in possession of the honor of Peverel, with the property of the barony, had the earldoms of Nottingham and Derby conferred upon him by his brother Richard ; which favors he requited by endeavouring to usurp the throne in the absence of the latter, for which the faithful Longchamp, bishop of Ely, deprived him of his honors and commands. The generous Richard, however, restored to his ungrateful brother his dignities and power, which he held till he became king himself in 1 199. From this time the title of Earl of Nottingham lay dormant till it was conferred upon John de Mouhray in 1377, by Richard the Second on the day of his coronation. This young- gentleman was honored with the title of Earl of Nottingham at twelve years of age ; nor was it long before he gave an open instance of his manhood, for, though he died before he had attained the age of eighteen, he obtained the title of Lord Maubray of Axholm, by Elizabeth Seagrave his wife, daughter and heiress of Margaret Brotherton, Duchess of Norfolk. At his death, Richard bestowed the title of Earl of Nottingham upon Thomas Mouhray, his younger brother, who was immediately after created Duke of Norfolk. — But he did not long enjoy these distinguished honors ; for he died in February, 1381. Thomas Mouhray, or Morhray, was created Earl of Nottingham in 1382, and hereditary Marshal of England and Duke of Norfolk in 1398. He used to stile himself Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Nottingham, Marshal of England, Lord of Mouhray, Segrave, Gower, and Brews. This gentleman did not, however, long enjoy his estates and high dignities in peace ; for, shortly after his being created Duke of Norfolk, he was banished the realm by the king ; the occasion of which is thus related by historians: — The Duke of Hereford charged the Duke of Norfolk with having spoken words to the dishonor of the king, which he positively and indignantly denied : the affair became serious, and, according to the custom of those times, was to be decided by single combat ; the victor in such cases always being supposed innocent. But the king interposed his authority, just as the combatants were about to engage, and, by the force of his arbitrary power, he banished Hereford for ten years, and Norfolk for the term of his natural life. Hereford retired EARLS OF NOTTINGHAM. 309 to Paris, and his father, the Duke of Lancaster, dying shortly after, who was also uncle to the king, he assumed the title of Duke of Lancaster, and afterwards deposed the arbitrary Richard, and was crowned king of England by the name of Henry the Fourth ; and thus laid the foundation of those destructive wars between the houses of Lancaster and York. Fortune dealt otherwise with the subject of this memoir ; for he died of grief at Venice the first year of his rival's reign. His first wife, who died without issue, was Elizabeth Strange, daughter of Sir Thomas Strange, who was son and heir to Lord Strange, of Blackmore. His second wife was Elizabeth, sister and coheiress of Thomas Fitz Allen, Earl of Arundel by whom he had three daughters and two sons, the eldest of whom, , Thomas Moubray, enjoyed the title of Earl of Nottingham by courtesy from the time of his father's elevation to the dukedom of Norfolk. He also enjoyed the marshalship of England by inheritance. He married Constance, daughter of John Holland, Earl of Huntington and Duke of Exeter, and Elizabeth, daughter of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster ; but left no issue ; he died in 1405, and was succeeded by his brother John Moubray, who, in 1425, had the dukedom of Norfolk restored to him. He married Catharine, daughter to Ralph, Lord Nevil, the first Earl of Westmoreland ;; and died in 1432. John Moubray, Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Nottingham, Earl Marshal of England, Lord Moubray, Segrave, and Gower, succeeded his father. He was created Knight of the Garter by- Henry the Sixth, by whom he was employed to negociate a peace with France ; and in the first of Edward the Fourth, was constituted Justice Itinerant of all the royal forests south of Trent; but died in 1461, and was buried by the high altar in the Abbey of Thetford, in all probability in consequence of his having made two pilgrimages to Rome and one to Jerusalem, &c. His wife was Eleonora, daughter of William Bouchier, Earl Ewe in Normandy, by whom he had John Lord Moubray, who, in his father's life time, was created Earl of Warren and Surrey by Henry the Sixth, came by inheritance to the titles of Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Nottingham, Earl Marshal of England, and baron Segrave and Gower. At his death, which happened in 1476, the Moubray family became extinct in the male line, he leaving no issue except an only daughter, whom Edward the Fourth married to his son Ricliard Plantagenei, Duke of York, who inherited all the Moubray titles and estates in right of his wife. This match was made by Edward for the purpose of casting' wealth and consideration into the hands of this his son, since his extreme youth, for years to come, must prevent the consummation of the marriage ; and which anticipated felicity wa* finally prevented, by the Duke of Gloucester, afterwards Richard the Third, for he murdered the young prince, along with his hapless brother, Edward the Fifth, while the. latter was under thirteen years of age, for the purpose of clearing his way to the throne. The vast inheritance of the Moubrays now descended to the Howards and Berkleys, through Margaret and Isabel, daughters of Thomas Duke of Norfolk. Sir John Howard, son of Sir Robert Howard and Margaret, heiress of Thomas de Moubray, created Duke of Norfolk by Richard the Third in 1483 ; in a few days after that savage had so foully stolen the crown ; and the same year was presented with the title of Earl Marshal of England by the same hypocritical tyrant. And 4 I 310 HISTORY OF NOTTINGHAM. ■ JVil'ia/Ji, Lord Berkley of Berkley castle an Gloucestershire, .son' of James, Lord Berkley, and Isabel, daughter of Thomas, Duke of, Norfolk, was- created EtU'l of Nottingham ; he having previously been raised to the dignity of a Viscount by Edward the Fourth. This nobleman, we are told, had such an aversion to the usurpation of Richard, that he entered into conspiracy to dethrone him. which being brought to light before the plot was ripe for execution, he was necessitated to quit the kingdom, and he fled to the Duke of Richmond in Brittany, who after becoming king, by the name of Henry tia©I Seventh, created him Earl Marshal of England. He had three wives, but left issue by noiie of them ; and disapproving of the matrimonial choice of his brother Maurice, his heir-at-law, on account of his wife's plebeian parentage, he disinherited him of the greater part of the family estates, particularly, of the castle and barony lands of Berkley, and gave them to the king, a great part of which continued in the possession of the crown till the death of Edward the Sixth ; and the title of Earl of Nottingham, it seems, lay dormant, till it was confered upon ■''■■- ' '" Henry Fitz Roy by Henry the Eighth, a natural son of that monarch's by Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Blount. This love-begotten branch of the royal stock was but six years of age when he was dignified with the above title, as well as that of Duke of Richmond, at which time he was also constituted Lieutenant-General of the king's forces north of Trent, and Warden of the Scotch marches. Shortly afterwards he, was made Admiral of England; and, in the. 22d of Henry the Eighth, the Lieutenancy of Ireland was given to him, Sir William Skeffington being constituted his deputy. He was also created Knight of the Garter in two years afterwards. He married Mary, daughter of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, she brought him no issue; he died in 1536. Charles, Lord Hozvardoi Effingham, son of William Howard, head of the eldest collateral branch of the Howards, was/during his father's, life, one of the persons commanded by Elizabeth- in the 13 th of her reign, to conduct. the lady Anne of Austria, daughter to the Emperor. Maximilian, from Zealand to Spain; and three years afterwards was installed Knight of the Garter; He was likewise made Lord Chamberlain to the queen, which) situation his father had previously held. In the 28th of Elizabeth he succeeded the Earl of Lincoln as Lord High Admiral of England ; and is stated to have been the idol of the sailors, which, coupled with his known valour, was of the utmost importance to his ccAni%vin 1588, when lie iMekt'e^ the. professedly invincible Spanish Armada. For this, and other ; services performed against the Spaniards, he/was created Earl of Nottingham } and he caused a representation, in tapestry or needle- work, of the engagement with the Armada to be wrouoht and hung up in the House of Lords, where it bangs at the present time. In the preamble of .tlse, patent by which he wasrcxealddiElarl of Nottingham, it was represented that this dignity rwas. c^aferxed upon him, :partIy/on account (rifohis services intaking- Cadiz in 1596, which very much enraged the Earl of Essex, who. conceived the merit all his own; and he offered to assert his claim against the Earl of Nottingham, or any of his kindred in single combat. Preparative to the coronalion oHJ/anWs the First: this nobleman was Lord High Steward, whose duty it is to precede the-kingon suehi occasions wi-tib. a drawn* sword. To his first .wife this nobleman married Catharine;, daughter >of nHonry:- (Gary) Lord Hunsdon, by whom he had two sons, William and Charles', the former dying in his father's. life time, hut not before he had married Anne, daughter EARLS OF NOTTINGHAM* 811 and sole heiress to Lord St. John of Bletsoe, by whom he left one daughter, who was married to John, Lord Mordaimt, in Bedfordshire, afterwards Earl of Peterborough. His second wife was Margaret, daughter of James Stewart, Earl of Murray in Scotland, she being naturalized by act of parliament in the first of James the First. By her he had two sons, James who died young, and Charles, who was afterwards knighted by James the First. He died in 1625, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. Charles, his second son by his first wife, seems to have inherited little of his father's greatness, except his titles and hereditary estates ; therefore we will pass him over with observing, that this branch of the Howards became extinct in 1681, the barony descending to Francis Howard of Great Buckham in Surry. In the succession of the Earls of Nottingham hitherto I have followed Deering ; and partly so in the circumstances; but the account of the two next great characters is given from the supplement to the Biographical Dictionary. Heneage Finch, Earl of Nottingham, was the son of Sir Heneage Finch, Knight, sometime Recorder of London, and, in the first year of Charles the First, Speaker of the House of Commons; who was a fourth son of Sir Moyle Finch, of Eastwellin the county of Kent, a younger branch of the noble family of Winchelsea. He was born in the year 1621, educated in Westminster school, and became a gentleman commoner of Christ-church-College in Oxford, 1635. After he had prosecuted his studies here for two or three years, he removed to the Inner Temple, where, by his diligence and good parts, he became a noted proficient in the municipal laws, was successively barrister, bencher, treasurer, reader. &c. Charles the Second, on his restoration, made him his Solicitor-General, and advanced him to the dignity of a Baronet, by the name of Sir Heneage Finch of Raunstone in Buckinghamshire. He was reader of the Inner Temple the next year, and chose for his subject the statute of 39 Eliz. concerning the payment and recovery of the debts of the crown, at that time thought very seasonable ; and he treated it with great strength of reason, depth of law, and admirable sense. In April, 1661, he was chosen a member of parliament for the University of Oxford ; but, says Mr. Wood, he did us no good, when we wanted his assistance for the taking off the tribute belonging to hearths. In 1665, after the parliament then sitting at Oxford, had been prorogued, he was in full convocation, created Doctor of civil law ; he being at that time one of the four members that had communicated the thanks of the House of Commons to the University, for their reasons concerning the solemn league and covenant, negative oath,&c. made in 1647. The creation being over, the Vice-chancellor, in the presence of several parliament men, stood up and spoke to the public orator to do his office. The orator made an admirable harangue, and said, amon«- other things, to this effect, That the University wished they had more colleges to entertain the parliament men, and more chambers, but by no means more chimnies; at which Sir Heneage was observed to change countenance, and drew a little back. When the disgrace of the great Lord Chancellor Clarendon drew on, in 1667, and he came to be impeached in parliament, for some supposed high crimes, Sir Heneage Finch, still Solicitor- General, sheued himself very active and forward against the noble Earl, and very frequently spoke in those debates, which ended at last in the banishment of that greatly unfortunate man. We 312 HISTOBY OF NOTTINGHAM. ,should have taken notice before, that he shewed himself in like manner, very busy though but according to the duty of his place, at the trial of the late king's judges, on which occasion he made several speeches and discourses. In the year 1670, the king was pleased to appoint him his Attorney-General ; and about three years after upon the removal of the Earl of Shaftsbury from being Lord Chancellor, he was made Lord Keeper. Soon after he was advanced to the degree of a baron, by the title of Lord Finch of Daventry, in the county of Northampton (he being then owner of that manor) by letters patent bearing date the 10th of January, in the 15th year of Charles the Second, and upon the surrender of the great seal to his majesty, on the 19th of December, 1675, he received it immediately back again, with the title of Lord High Chancellor of England. He performed the office of Lord High Steward at the trial of William Lord Viscount Stafford who was found guilty of high treason by his peers, for being concerned in the popish plot. In 1681 he was created Earl of Nottingham, as a reward for his many faithful services ; and in the year following, he died at his house in Queen-street, in the 61st year of his age, being quite worn out with too much business, which his station and office required. Though he lived in xery troublesome and ticklish times, yet he conducted himself with so regular, exactly poised, and such even steadiness, that he still retained the good opinion both of his prince and of the people. He was distinguished by his wisdom and eloquence, and was such an excellent orator, that some have stiled him the English Roscius, the English Cicero, &c. Bishop Burnet, in the preface to his History of the Reformation, tells us that his great parts, and greater virtues were so conspicuous, that it would be a high presumption in him to say any thing in his commendation, being in nothing more eminent than in his zeal for, and care of the church of England. His character is excellently described by Mr. Dryden, in his Absalom and Achitophel, under the name of Amri, thus : — Our list of nobles next let Amri grace, Whose merits claim'd the AbethdiD's high place j Who, with a loyalty that did excel], Brought all the endowments of Achitophel. Sincere was Amri, and not only knew, But Israel's sanctions into practice drew ; Our laws that did a boundless ocean seem, Were coasted all, and fathom'd all by him. No Rabbin speaks like him their mystic sense, So just, and with such charms of eloquence: To whom the double blessing does belong, With Moses's inspiration, Aaron's tongne. Under the name of this worthy person, are published, several speeches and discourses in the trial of the judges of king Charles the First, see in the book entitled, An exact and most impartial account of the indictment, arraignment, trial, and judgment (according to law J of twenty-nine regicides, 8$c. London, 1660, qu. 1679, Oct. Speeches to both Houses of Parliament, 1th Jan. 1673, 13th of April and \Sth of Oct. 1675, Vjth of Feb. 1676, 6th of March, 1678, and 30th of April, 1679. These were spoken while he was Lord Keeper and Chancellor. EARLS OF NOTTINGHAM. 313 Speech at the sentence of William, Viscount Stafford, 7th December, 1680, printed in one sheet, folio ; and in the trial of the said Viscount, p. 212, 213. Answers by his majesty's command, upon several addresses presented to his majesty at Hampton-court, the 19th of May, 1681, London, 1681, in one sheet, in folio. His arguments ; upon which he made the decree in the cause between the Honorable Charles Howard, Esq. plaintiff, Henry, Lord Duke of J\orfolk, Henry, Lord Moubray his son, Henry Marquis of Dorchester, and Richard Marriott, Esq. defendants ; wherein the several ways and methods of limiting a trust for terms ofyearSj are fully debated, Land. 1685, in nine sheets, in folio. He also left behind him, written with his own hand, Chancery Reports, MS. in folio. Daniel Finch, Earl of Nottingham, was the son of the foregoing, by Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Daniel Hervey, merchant of London. He was born about the year 1647, and educated in Christ- church, in the University of Oxford, and entered early into the world, serving in several parliaments in the reign of king Charles the Second, for the city of Litchfield, and for the borough of Newton, in the county of Southampton. In 1679, he was constituted first commissioner of the Admiralty, and sworn of the Privy-council; t