Mercuriosities

Electors in Stamford voted for Charles Tennyson D’Eyncourt, uncle of the future Alfred Lord Tennyson, in 1831 when, for the first time ever, a candidate standing against the Burghley interest secured a seat in Parliament. He stood again in the 1832 election but was not successful.

‘To the Independent Electors and People of the BOROUGH of STAMFORD, and Parish of SAINT MARTIN, Stamford Baron.

FRIENDS AND FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN!

It is my painful duty to communicate to you the unsuccessful result of our exertions to to accomplish the partial emancipation of the Elective Franchise of this borough from the Unconstitutional and Corrupt usurption of the National Right of returning Representatives to the Comons House of Parliament; and I should be unworthy of your good opinion if I did not acknowledge of your generous support.

Electors of Stamford! We have been vanquished in this contest, but the disgrace is not on us; it rests on those who in their BROKEN PROMISES shamefully deceived us, – and on those who by every species of Intimidation and Corrupt Influence have prevented their unhappy and servile followers from “doing as they like with their own.”

The persecutions visited upon the Electors of Stamford, since your contests for the return of Mr. TENNYSON, – aided by other and notorious influences, – have now rendered the Representation of Stamford the Private Property of the MARQUIS of EXETER and a self-elected CORPORATION. The BALLOT, can only rescue you from the “House of Bondage.”

Electors of Stamford! Your Bondage will be but temporary. A REFORMED PARLIAMENT will ensure your early Deliverence; and if the struggles for your Freedom advance (as they assuredly will) the Liberties of your country, by securing Purity and Freedom of Election, we shall by amply consoled for our temporary defeat, as a willing sacrifice to the National Interest.

I am, Gentlemen,
Your grateful and devoted Servant,
ARTHUR FRANCIS GREGORY.
Stamford, 12th Dec. 1832.'

The Stamford Mercury, 14th December, 1832.

For all parents with a teenage daughter, worry no more. If you can procure Dr. Williams’ pink pills, all life’s woes will disappear. They cure weakness, loss of appetite, depression, headache, backache, anaemia, etc. – if only life were so simple. A handy book is still available for those who don’t know how to take the pills.

‘ABOUT YOUR DAUGHTER

No Longer a Child

Perhaps you have already noticed that your daughter in her “teens” has developed a fitful temper, is restless and excitable, and often in need of gentle reproof. In that case, remember that the march of years is leading her on to womanhood, and at this time a great responsibility rests upon you as parents.

If your daughter is pale, complains of weakness and depression, feels tired-out after a little exertion ; if she tells you of headache or backache, do not disregard these warnings. Your daughter needs help, for she is most probably anaemic–that is, bloodless.

Should you notice any of these disturbing signs, lose no time but procure for her Dr. Williams’ pink pills, for her unhealthy girlhood is bound to lead to unhealthy womanhood.

What Dr. Williams’ pink pills can accomplish is instanced by the case of Miss M. E. V. Mearing, of 2, Sunningdale Cottages, Harlington-road, Hillingdon, Uxbridge.

“A year or two after entering my teens,” she said, “I began to feel listless and tired out. I completely lost my appetite, and what little food I did eat caused indigestion. I was frequently attacked with faintness and headaches. The slightest exertion caused palpitation and breathlessness. Though always tired, I could not sleep.

“I was nervous, and the least noise would set me trembling. I grew paler and thinner, and suffered pain almost unbearable.

“A doctor told me I was suffering from anaemia, but medicine did not seem to do me any good. I began to think I should never get better and grew terribly depressed.

“Then I happened to read how Dr. Williams’ pink pills had cured a girl of anaemia, and I thought I would try them. By the time I had taken the second box I began to feel the benefit. My appetite improved and I became brighter.

“I continued with the pills and gradually regained my strength. Headaches no longer troubled me, and I could run upstairs without losing my breath or getting palpitation. My nerves became steady, and all traces of anaemia disappeared. I now enjoy excellent health, and I have only Dr. Williams’ pink pills to thank.”

Dr. Williams’ pink pills for pale people enrich the impoverished blood of girls and women, and by doing so they repair waste and prevent disease. They give to sickly drooping girls health, brightness, and charm, with colour in the cheeks, sparkling eyes, a light step and high spirits. Let your daughter begin them to-day ; any dealer supplies these pills ; but ask for Dr. Williams’.

FREE.–Of interest to all girls and women is the little book, “Plain talks to Women.” Offered free to those who send a postcard for a copy to Hints Dept., 36, Fitzroy-square, London, W.1.’

Stamford Mercury, 9th January, 1920.

People who frequented Stamford Race-Course or the Theatre were warned that they would not be passed for confirmation into the Church of England in an excited rant by the curate of St Michael’s.

“Great excitement had been occasioned amongst the parishioners of St. Michael’s in Stamford by what occurred in the church on Sunday evening last. Immediately after the close of the service in the reading-desk by the Rev. J. N. Peill (the curate), that Rev. Gentleman, under very visible perturbation of feeling, thus expressed himself:- “The Bishop of this Diocese will hold a confirmation here tomorrow week. I shall attend in this church tomorrow and Tuesday between the hours of 12 and 2, to examine candidates; and on Thursday evening I shall deliver a discourse on the subject: service to commence at half-past six. It has been reported in this town that I intend refusing my certificate to any candidate who has attended either the Theatre or the Race-course: It is true: but I hop I shall not have to refuse, as I trust none who have attended either of those places will offer themselves as candidates. I can explain my reasons for this in private, to any person who will favor me with a call. This much I will say in public – I consider the person who attends with the Theatre or the Race-course is an enemy to God.” – In the delivery of the sermon which followed, Mr. Peill’s nervous excitement continues in a remarkable way: he mis-read his matter, and mispronounced his words, giving to almost every person in the congregation an impression that he was labouring under indisposition from indulgence; and on Monday, we understand, a respectable parishioner deemed it his duty to call upon him, and to suggest that it was due to the Rev. Gentlemen’s congregation that some explanation of the circumstance should be given. Mr. Peill assured him that he had drunk nothing to justify the supposition that he was intoxicated, and appealed to some persons at his lodgings to confirm this; which they did. Here the matter rests.”

The Stamford Mercury, 25th August, 1837.

These two sonnets by ‘an Agricultural Laborer, of Helpstone, near Stamford’ were the first works of John Clare ever published. Clare’s first collection, entitled Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery, was published in 1820. 

'SONNETS
By J. CLARE, an Agricultural Laborer, of Helpstone, near Stamford.

TO A PRIMROSE.

Welcome pale primrose, starting up between
 Dead matted leaves of oak and ash that strew
 The ev'ry lawn, the wood, and spinney through,
Mid creeping moss, and ivy's darker green.
 How much thy presence beautifies the ground;
How sweet thy modest unaffected pride
Glows on the sunny bank and wood's warm side;
 And where thy fairy flow'rs in groups are found,
The schoolboy roams enchantedly along,
 Plucking the fairest with a rude delight;
While the meek shepherd stops his simple song,
 To gaze a moment on the pleasing sight;
O'er joy'd to see the flow'rs that truly bring
The welcome news of sweet returning Spring.

~~~~~~~~~~

THE SETTING SUN.

This scene how beauteous to the musing mind!
 That now swift slides from my enchanting view - 
The Sun, sweet setting yon far hills behind,
 In other worlds his visit to renew.
What spangling glories all around him shine,
 What nameless colors cloudless and serene,
(A heavenly prospect brightest in decline)
 Attend his exit from this lovely scene.

So sets the Christian's sun in glories clear;
So shines his soul at his departures here;
 No cloudy doubts nor misty fears arise,
  To dim Hope's golden rays of being forgiven;
 His sun sweet setting in the clearest skies,
In safe assurance wings the soul to Heaven.'

The Stamford Mercury, 12th November, 1819.

Atkinson’s was a well-known brand of Bear’s Grease, believed to help reduce hair loss. It seems that some unscrupulous manufacturers were hi-jacking the brand name and logo to promote their own inferior products, probably made of lard.

FOR THE GROWTH OF THE HAIR.

CAUTION.

‘The Gentry resident in Stamford and its vicinity are respectfully cautioned against some very near imitations of the above article. Some of them say Atkins, instead of Atkinson, others William, &c., instead of James, and many of them are very deleterious. The genuine has a Bear printed on the top of the pot, (not a printed label,) and is enclosed in wrappers with the proprietor’s signature, and a small address label of difficult construction, pasted on the side of the pot. This article is now well-known for regenerating the hair, and is also very pleasant for dressing it, giving great strength to the curl, and making it beautifully soft and glossy. Price 2s. 6d. and 4s., – and perfumed with Otto*, 3s. and 5s.. Sold by the Importer, Jas. Atkinson, perfumer, – wholesale 44, Gerard-street, and retail, 39, New Bond-street; by appointment by Mr. Wilson, Stationer, Stamford and Mr. Parker, perfumer, Boston, and most perfumers and hair-dressers.

Also, ATKINSON’S BROWN WINDSOR SOAP, made by a new process, which frees it from all irritating qualities, and renders it peculiarly emollient in use.’

Drakard’s Stamford News, 1st February, 1828.

*Otto (or attar) was an essential oil (i.e. distilled). The perfume added to Bear’s Grease probably smelled of roses.

A very sad tale of a french lover and his mistress who carried out a suicide pact because they were not allowed to marry.

“A remarkable Suicide which happened in Lyon in 1770. – A young man well known in that City, handsome, well-made, of an amiable disposition, and very accomplished, fell in love with a young woman whose parents refused their consent to his proposal of marriage.

The lover in an agonizing fit, broke a blood vessel; the surgeon declared there was no remedy to stop the bleeding. His Mistress found the means of getting an interview with her lover, and presented him with a brace of pistols and two poignards, that in case the former should fail, the latter might certainly dispatch them. They embraced each other tenderly, for the last time. The triggers of both pistols were fastened to rose coloured ribbands. The lover took hold of the ribband of that pistol which was designed to dispatch his Mistress, she held that designed for her lover; at a signal agreed upon, they both fired at the same time, and both instantly fell down dead.”

The Stamford Mercury, 27th July, 1780.

Serial tankard thieves hit two Stamford pubs one night. We presume the pubs in question were The Crown at Great Casterton and The Bull and Swan in St. Martins.

TANKARDS STOLEN

“WHEREAS on Wednesday Evening the 14th of June, 1780, two Men came on Horseback to the Home of Mr. MICHAEL WOODS, the Sign of the Rose and Crown, at Bridge Casterton, Rutland, called for a Tankard of Ale, and rode off with the Tankard, being a Silver one, marked in Cypher with M. S. W. And the same Evening the above two Men (as supposed) stopped at the House of Mr. RICHARD TURTLE, the Swan and Bull, St. Martin’s, Stamford-Baron, and from his Door also rode off with a Silver Tankard, marked with the Words Walter Robinson.

If any Person will give Information of the Men who stole the above Tankards, shall receive Two Guineas Reward, and all expenses paid on Conviction, by applying to the above Mr. WOODS or Mr. TURTLE.

If the above Tankards are offered for Sale, pray stop the Parties, and give Information as above.”

The Stamford Mercury, 22nd June, 1780.

A phenomenon seen in the dark October skies, inspired a star-gazing correspondent to write about the meteor and shooting stars he had observed.

NORTHERN LIGHTS. – On Tuesday evening a re-appearance of the meteor was observed in the north and north-west parts of the hemisphere. Below the wain in Ursa Major, the blaze resembled the sheet lightning so frequently seen after a hot summer’s day, though it was more steady than the electric fluid. One most elegant silvery flame, about the breadth of the rainbow, proceeded from the western horizon, and crossed the meridian south-west of the zenith, extending to an altitude of nearly 45 ͦ. During the phenomenon, several falling or shooting stars were observed; and the wind (which in the forepart of the day had been blowing a gale) was gentle at S.W.: the external thermometer 46 ͦ, and the barometer 29.3 inches. Of late the Aurora Borealis have been more frequently observed in this country then formerly; for several years they were not at all noticed, and none previous to 1544. They perhaps obey the same laws as do the winds, and the variations in the orbits of the planets. – W.F.

The Stamford Mercury, 14th October, 1836.

Goldsworthy Gurney‘s interests led him to work in many fields, from boiler systems to improving the ventilation system of the House of Commons and developing the Limelight used in theatres. He took out many patents, including one in 1827 for his new steam carriage.

‘Mr. GOLDSWORTHY GURNEY, whose name is already familiar to most of our readers, after a variety of experiments, during the last two years, has completed a STEAM CARRIAGE on a new principle. The boiler is tubular, constructed upon philosophical principles, and upon a plan totally distinct from any thing previously in use. It is composed of a succession of welded iron pipes screwed together in the manner of the common gas-pipes, forming a sort of inverted horse-shoe, and the space between is the furnace ; the whole being enclosed with sheet-iron. A contemporary journal states, “Mr. Gurney, who was educated a medical man, has actually made the construction of the human body, and of animals in general, the model of his invention.”

Coke or charcoal are to form the fuel, by which means smoke will be avoided. The carriage would carry six inside and fifteen outside passengers. In front of the coach is a very capacious boot ; while behind, that which assumes the appearance of the boot is the case for the boiler and the furnace. The length of the vehicle is fifteen feet, and with the pole and pilot-wheels, twenty feet ; of the front wheel three feet nine inches ; and of the pilot-wheels three feet. There is a treble perch by which the machinery is supported, and beneath which two propellers, in going up a hill, would be set in motion, somewhat similar to the action of a horse’s legs under similar circumstances. In descending a hill, there is a break fixed on the hind wheel to increase the friction ; but independent of this, the guide has the power of lessening the force of the steam to any extent. By this means also he regulates the rate of progress on the road, going at a pace of two miles or ten miles per hour, or even quicker if necessary. There is another lever also by which he can stop the vehicle instanter, and in a moment reverse the motion of the wheels, so as to prevent accident, as is the practice with the paddles of steam-vessels. The guide keeps the vehicle in its proper course, by means of the pilot-wheels acting upon the pole, like the handle of a garden-chair.

The weight of the carriage and its apparatus is estimated at 1½ ton, and its wear and tear of the road, as compared with a carriage drawn by four horses, is as one to six. When the carriage is in progress the machinery is not heard, nor is there so much vibration as in an ordinary vehicle, from the superior solidity of the structure. The engine has a twelve-horse power, but may be increased to sixteen : while actual power in use, except in ascending a hill, is but eight-horse.

Mr. Gurney has already secured a patent for his invention ; and he has our best wishes for his permanent success. If the steam carriage can be made general, its effects will be more important than even those of the steam-boat, as being applicable to a greater variety of purposes, more easy of employment, and involving less expence.

Mr. Gurney’s steam coach has been running every day last week in the Regent’s Park and the New Road. On Thursday, amongst other distinguished personages, besides Don Miguel, the Duke of Athol visited the carriage, as was so delighted with its appearance, that he insisted on being allowed to ride in the interior. As there are no steps yet fixed, and his grace is somewhat advanced in years it became necessary to lift him in. He remained in it for half an hour, and when he descended, acknowledged that he had never been driven better.’

This is a précis of a much longer article appearing in Drakard’s Stamford News, 18th January, 1828.

David Copperfield was the popular prize for these children’s (known as ‘Guilders’) Christmas activities. It was apparently worth one guinea, which is equivalent of £72.68 today – well worth winning!

‘How to Win £1 1s. Volume of ‘David Copperfield’.

LOTS OF OTHER PRIZES.

FOR GUILDERS OVER NINE

A beautifully bound £1 1s. 0d. volume of Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield” is offered as a prize to the Guilder who sends in the nicest hand drawn or painted Christmas card. Several other prizeds also offered.

Volumes of “David Copperfield” and other books are offered as prizes for the crossword puzzle to be found elsewhere on this page.

Special prizes are offered for the correct solution of the following jumbled words, all of which are names of countries or towns: ONONLD, ISPRA; UBDINL; INBRHGUES; HNETAS; BISONL; EACNFR; CEREGE; OCSLTNDA; RLIEDNA; NDNGELA; PRTOULAG.’

The Stamford Mercury, 2nd December, 1932.