# A History of Horncastle from the Earliest Period to the Present Time/Chapter 11

CHAPTER XI.
HORNCASTLE WORTHIES, &c.
Miss Annie Dixon.
ISS Annie Dixon, the artist, was a native of Horncastle of whom the town may well be proud. She was the eldest daughter of a corn chandler, living on the Spilsby Road, now called East Street; he had two sons and five daughters. We know nothing of the sons, but Miss Annie early developed great taste in water-colour painting; and among her early productions was a miniature of a near relative of the present writer, done in 1855. Another of Miss H. A. Palmer, eldest daughter of Captain Moffat Palmer, of Horncastle, and widow of the late George Storer, Esq., of Thoroton Hall, Notts., late M.P. for S. Notts., was done about the same time. She afterwards removed to London, and became the first miniature painter of her day; was a frequent exhibitor in the Royal Academy, and a favourite with Queen Victoria and the Royal family, of most of whom she painted miniatures. She died unmarried Feb. 15th, 1901, aged 83, and was buried in the Horncastle cemetery.
Another daughter, Leonora, married a Mr. F. Stapleforth, of Holbeach. Two other sisters, Fanny and Emily, unmarried, carried on a ladies' school at Spalding; and another, Charlotte, married a former Under Master of the Horncastle Grammar School, Rev. W. Hutchinson, who in 1862 was appointed by the Lord Chancellor Vicar of Howden, in Yorkshire. Of these Emily, died unmarried, May 28th, 1903, aged 80, and was also buried in the cemetery; as well as Charlotte (Mrs. Hutchinson), who died Oct. 19th, in the same year, aged 73. Their graves are situated to the east of the chapel.
Lord Allerton.
Lord Allerton, formerly Mr. William Lawnes Jackson, is a member of a Horncastle family. A near relative was a well-known object, a few years ago, in our streets as a cripple, going about on a donkey, lying flat on a large saddle or "pad," his only means of locomotion. Lord Allerton's father, William Jackson, left Horncastle for Leeds, somewhere in the "thirties," or the "forties," going it is said, with only half a sovereign in his pocket, given by an aunt, and a spare shirt given by an uncle. At Leeds he found employment in the tanyard of a Mr. Robert Barker, where he presently became foreman. He afterwards returned to Horncastle and worked in the tanyard of the late Mr. Hawling; but went back to Leeds and commenced tanning on his own account, at Meanwood near Leeds, and afterwards on a still larger scale at Buslingthorpe. He speedily began to prosper, and in due course was succeeded by his son; who made a large fortune in the same business. He became a magistrate of Leeds, and was elected to the Mayoralty in 1895. He represented North Leeds in Parliament for many years, as a conservative, being first elected in April, 1880, and re-elected five times, with ever increasing majorities. He was for many years a Director and Chairman of G.N.R. Company, and held other public offices. In 1896 he succeeded Mr. A. J. Balfour, under Lord Salisbury's administration, as Chief Secretary for Ireland, being also, for several years, Financial Secretary of the Treasury; and was raised to the peerage in June, 1902. He was born in 1840, married in 1860, Grace, the only daughter of George Tempest, Esq. He owns, as his country seat, Allerton Hall, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, and 27, Cadogan Square, as his town residence. His uncle, Mr. John Green, still lives in Horncastle, on the Edlington Road.
Edward Gilliat.
Edward Gilliat was the eldest son of the late Mr. George Gilliat, of the Manor House (now called "Banovallum"), by his second wife. He was educated partly at the Grammar School, being afterwards a pupil of Canon Sanderson, at Seaford, Sussex. He entered at Pembroke College, Oxford, where he obtained a scholarship in 1861. In 1862 he took a 1st class in Classical Moderations, and 1st Literæ Humaniores, 1864. In 1867 he was Proxime accessit for the Latin essay. He was appointed Assistant Master at Westminster School, Sept., 1867, holding the post to Dec., 1870. He was ordained deacon in 1870 and priest in 1871, by the Bishop of London. In Sep. 1871, he was appointed Assistant Master at Harrow, where he remained till 1900. He has been a voluminous writer, publishing his first work, Asylum Christi, 3 vols., in 1875; On the Wolds, 1879; Under the Downs, 1882; Forest Outlaws, 1886; John Standish, 1889; In Lincoln Green, 1893; Wolf Head, 1898; The Kings Reeve, 1899; Romance of Modern Sieges, 1907; and God save King Alfred, in the same year. He also published, for the S.P.C.K., Dorothy Dymoke, and Champion of the Right. He has now retired from scholastic work and resides at St. Catherine's Hill, Worcester.
Frederick Grosvenor.
We have already in our notice of the Grammar School (p. 98) given an account of the Rev. Francis Grosvenor, son of an ironmonger in the town; ​there was also another son, Frederick, educated under Dr. J. Bainbridge Smith, at the school, who graduated at Oxford, and was ordained deacon in 1860, and priest in 1861. He held a curacy at Basford, Notts, 1860-62; was travelling Chaplain to the Bishop of Brisbane, 1862-65; Curate of Holy Trinity, Westminster, 1866-67; of St. Mary's, Hulme, Manchester, 1867-69; of St. Gabriel's, Canning Town, London, 1869-73; at Dudley, 1874-76; and at Hornsea, near Hull, 1876-85; when he, like his brother Francis, retired to Epsom, and succeeded him as Chaplain to the Union there, until his decease.
William Barton Caparn.
Mr. John Caparn, Chemist, having a shop in the High Street (now occupied by Mr. Herbert Carlton), had a son, William Barton Caparn, who graduated at Brazenose College, Oxford, taking honours, in 1843. He was ordained deacon in 1843, and priest in 1845, in the diocese of Ripon. He became Vicar of East and West Torrington, near Wragby, in 1846, which he held till 1859. He held the benefice, as Vicar, of Drayton, Somersetshire, from 1866 to 1875. Having private means, he gave up that benefice, and became Curate of Angersleigh, in the same county, 1877-79; which he then gave up, and undertook the Chaplaincy of the Taunton Union, and local hospital. These he resigned after a few years, and resided at Taunfield House, Taunton, until his death, April 10th, 1892. He published various minor works; the first being a small volume on Epitaphs, later productions were Meditations to be used in Church before Divine Service; Councils and warnings before and after Confirmation, &c.
George Gilliat, Esq., late of The Wharf, Horncastle, married, as his first wife, Miss Caparn, a sister. Miss Helen Caparn, another sister, married Mr. William Sharples, Surgeon, a partner of the late Mr. T. Snaith, of Horncastle, and one of the first doctors at Woodhall Spa. Mr. Sharples left Horncastle for Wisbech, being appointed by the trustees first resident physician at the hospital founded in that town by Miss Trafford Southwell. Losing an only daughter while there, the shock was so great, that he resigned the post, and removed to Taunton, and took up there the practice of a deceased brother, which he carried on until his death, Feb. 8th, 1897. At Horncastle he resided for some years in the old vicarage, south of the churchyard, afterwards moving to the house next the "Fighting Cocks" Inn, called "Westholme House." For some years he was a very popular Secretary to the Southwold Hunt.
W. H. Benson Brown.
Among more recent natives of Horncastle, who have distinguished themselves, is the son of the late Mr. Robert Brown, of the Market Place. He graduated at University College, Durham, as Licentiate in Theology, 1887, and was ordained deacon in 1890, priest in 1891, holding the curacy of North Ormsby, near Middlesborough; and was appointed Rector of Bucknall, near Horncastle, in 1898, by the patron his father-in-law, the late Mr. James Dunham, Merchant, of Horncastle. He was appointed Inspector of Schools, 1899. Mr. Benson Brown is an energetic worker, has restored his church, adding a carved reredos of oak, a handsome lectern, and filling the east window with good stained glass. He has also introduced various reforms and improvements in the parish.
William Heneage Sharp.
Another native of Horncastle, who has already done credit to the town is the son of Mr. Henry Sharp, Saddler, in the Bull Ring; of a very old firm, established in 1760, and doing an European business. William Heneage Sharp was educated at the local Grammar School, 1885-9, where he gained the first scholarship granted by the Governors, under the reformed system. He then went to the college at Framlingham, Suffolk, 1889-90, a county institution founded as a memorial of the late Prince Consort, and there gained several prizes. He then became a Junior Master in a private school at Devizes; and during his stay there took the 2nd and 4th prizes at the College of Preceptors. He next accepted a Mastership at John Ellis's endowed school in South London (Gospel Oak). After which he studied at King's College, London, 1899-1901, where he gained the Jelf prize for Dogmatic Theology, the Senior Wordsworth prize for Latin, and the Barry Divinity Prize. He was also appointed Precentor, and afterwards Dean, of the college, being senior student of his year, and taking a first-class in the final examination. He was ordained by the Bishop of London, in St. Paul's Cathedral, in 1901, being appointed "Gospellor" on the occasion. He was Curate of Staines, Middlesex, 1901-3, removing afterwards to St. John the Evangelist, Holborn, 1903-8; and was then appointed Theological Tutor and Sub-Warden at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, in the Diocese of Ripon.
Alfred H. Healey.
A youth of Horncastle who has distinguished himself, though chiefly in another line, is Alfred H. Healey, son of the late Mr. Alfred Healey, Brewer and Merchant, of Horncastle, Branston and Lincoln. He was appointed to a Mastership of Ardingly College, Sussex, but removed to Alnwick College more recently. A member of a family remarkable for their ability; a brother, though still young, being high up in the Civil Service; he is specially distinguished as an athlete. Among his performances are the following:
Olympic Games, at Athens, 1906, 2nd in 100 metres hurdle race. English Championship, 120 yards hurdle race, at Manchester, 1907, 2nd. Northern Counties' 100 yards Championship, hurdle race, Darlington, 1905, 2nd. Northern Counties' Champion, 100 yards, at Batley, 1907, 1st. Northern Counties' Champion, 120 yards, at Batley, 1907, 1st. Northern Counties' Champion, 220 yards, at Darlington, 1907, 1st. Northern Counties' Champion, long jump, at Darlington, 1907, 1st.
A record, no one before having won more than two events. His "bests" have been: 100 yards in 10 seconds; 120 yards (hurdles) 16 and three-fifth seconds; 220 yards (hurdles) 23 seconds; high jump, 5-ft. 8-in.; long jump, 22-ft. 4-in. He was also selected to represent England in the foot races at the Franco-British Exhibition, at Shepherd's Bush, 1908.
William Marwood.
Horncastle had, for some years, the dubious honour of being the home of the public hangman. William Marwood was born at Goulceby, about six miles from Horncastle, and afterwards lived some years in Old Bolingbroke, coming to Horncastle about 1860; where he was a shoemaker, having a small shop in Church Street, now occupied by Mr. Joseph Borrill, of the same trade. Before being himself appointed hangman he assisted his predecessor in that office, ​Calcraft, and succeeded him in 1872; continuing the duties until his death, Sept. 4th, 1883; when he in turn was succeeded by Bartholomew Binns. He was rather short in stature, with large square head and large hands, indicative of firmness of character. His first official act was to hang a man named Francis Horry, at Lincoln, who murdered his wife at Boston, in 1872; his last was to hang a man, James Burton, at Durham, who murdered his young wife, aged only 18, from jealousy. On this occassion the man fainted on the scaffold, and got entangled with the rope under his arm, and Marwood had to lift him in his arms to get him disentangled, and then drop the unconscious man down—a painful scene. This was only about a fortnight before his own death. Among his last executions was that of Charles Peace, a notorious burglar, who shot a man at Banner Cross, near Sheffield. In May, 1882, he went to Dublin to execute the perpetrators of the Phœnix Park murders, three Fenians, who shot Lord E. Cavendish, and his secretary, Mr. Burke. In his last illness, which was short, it was suspected that his health had been in some way injured through Fenian agency, and a post mortem examination was held by order of the Home Secretary, but a verdict was returned of "natural death." Mr. Henry Sharp, Saddler, of the Bull Ring, was one of the jury on this occasion.
Marwood's wife was, for some years, ignorant of her husband's official occupation, as he generally accounted for his absence by saying that he had to go away to settle some legal question. Visiting the slaughter-house of a neighbouring butcher, he observed to him that he could "do" for men as the butcher did for cattle, because the men whom he had to deal with were themselves "beasts."
Some of Marwood's official paraphernalia are still preserved at the Portland Arms Inn, Portland Street, Lincoln, where he generally stayed at an execution. The late Mr. Charles Chicken, who resided in Foundry Street, Horncastle, had a rope 1¼-in. thick, given him by Marwood, with which he had hanged six or seven criminals. Other ropes used by him are in Madam Tussaud's exhibition, in Baker Street, London, where there is also a bust of himself. He used to exhibit his ropes to foreign horse-dealers, who attended the great August Fair at Horncastle, at a charge of 6d. each. There was recently a portrait of Marwood, in crayons, in a barber's shop, 29, Bridge Street, drawn by J. S. Lill, postman, but this has now disappeared. Marwood's favourite dog, Nero, and other effects were sold by auction, after his death in 1883, by Mr. W. B. Parish.
Other Horncastrians whose lives, or circumstances, were more or less exceptional, may be here also briefly noticed.
Henry Turner.
Mr. Henry Turner, about the middle of the 19th century, was a corn and coal merchant, and also land agent for Sir Henry Dymoke, Bart., of Scrivelsby Court. He occupied the house at the corner of South Street, next the water side, then a private residence, but now the shop of Mr. F. Stuchbery, Iornmonger. He married the widow of Arthur Thistlewood, a native of Horsington, noted, in his later years, as the leader of the "Cato Street Conspiracy," which ​proposed to assassinate the ministers of the government, in London, when attending a dinner at Lord Harrowby's residence, in February, 1820. The plot was discovered and frustrated, and Thistlewood, with others of his guilty confreres, was executed on May 1st in that year. Mrs. Turner was the daughter of a butcher, named Wilkinson, whose shop was situated in the High Street, where is now the shop of Mr. Uriah Spratt.
Martin Brown.
Mr. Martin Brown, grandfather of Mr. W. H. Brown, Plumber and Glazier, of Church Lane, was in the early part of the 19th century captured by the press gang in Horncastle, and made to serve in H.M.S. Mars, in the war with Napoleon. In one contest his ship was lashed to a French man-of-war, to fight it out, and his captain was killed. He survived to tell the story till 90 years of age, with scarcely a day's illness, until his death, Nov. 9th, 1866. He lies buried in Holy Trinity churchyard, his wife, who predeceased him by several years, being buried in St. Mary's churchyard, on the south-east side.
Captain Shepherd.
Captain Shepherd, an old naval officer, lived many years, and died, in Union Street, now called Queen Street. He had had many voyages and experiences, which he was fond of recounting to his many friends. He had brought home many trophies and curiosities; among other things he gave an Indian bow, made of sugar cane, and poisoned arrows, to the present writer, when a boy.
Miss Franklin.
In the next house to Captain Shepherd resided Miss Franklin, sister of the great arctic navigator. Sir John Franklin. Much interest was taken in Horncastle in the fate of Sir John, when absent on his last polar voyage, and considerable sums were raised, more than once, among the residents in the town, to assist Lady Franklin in sending out vessels in search of her husband, under the command of Captain Leopold MacClintock and others. We have mentioned elsewhere that a public dinner was given to Sir John, at the Bull Hotel, just before he sailed for the last time to the north.
In connection with this it may be added that the son of another great arctic explorer, Sir John Ross, used to visit friends in Horncastle, and is still remembered. Sir John Ross sailed in search of Sir John Franklin in 1848, but was unsuccessful.
Edmund Keane.
Edmund Keane, the Tragedian visited Horncastle with his company, in the first half of the 19th century, and acted in a large building, which is now the warehouse of Mr. Herbert Carlton, Chemist. The mother of Mr. Henry Sharp, Saddler, and the late Mr. Henry Boulton, of St. Mary's Square, among others, witnessed these performances. In connection with this, it may be added, that Mr. Charles Keane, Actor, son of the above, sent two nieces to be educated at a ladies' school, kept by Mrs. Nicholson, Bank Street, Horncastle, and on their leaving he made her a present of a valuable pianoforte.
Ambrose Langley.
About 30 years ago Robert Langley kept an inn in South Street, called the "Coach and Horses," on the premises now occupied by Mr. Crowson, Grocer. His son, Ambrose Langley, became a noted footballer, in Horncastle and neighbourhood. He afterwards left the town and joined the Grimsby Town Football Club; subsequently he went to Middlesborough, Yorkshire, playing for the Ironopolis Football Club. He afterwards joined the Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, which team he was with eight years, being captain three years; playing in the final for the English Cup, for that team, when they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers by two goals to one, in 1896. Leaving Sheffield Wednesday he became manager of the Hull City Football Club, which position he now (season 1907-8) holds.
Captain Surgeon Smith.
Captain Surgeon Smith, son of a draper, Mr. Walker Smith, who occupied, about 25 years ago, the shop near the Post Office, on the south side of the High Street, now occupied by Mr. Redmore, enlisted as a private in the Army Hospital Corps; and, afterwards, passing all examinations with credit, he rose from the ranks to become medical officer in the corps; an exceptional instance of such promotion.
Henry Allenby.
Henry Allenby, son of a fellmonger, Mr. Richard Allenby, residing near the Wong, and having a tanyard on the Lincoln Road, became an assistant chemist at St. Albans. Afterwards coming under notice, in a chemist's shop in London, he was selected to accompany the Duke of Edinburgh in his tour round the world, in H.M.S. Galatea, as dispenser to the expedition. This was in 1866; and in this capacity he visited India, Japan, China, Australia, &c.
John Schofield.
Mr. Robert Schofield, Landlord (in the middle of the last century) of the Saracen's Head Inn, Bridge Street, Horncastle, had a son, John, who left Horncastle for London, and became a member of the Stock Exchange, where, from small beginnings, he became so successful in business, that he eventually married a daughter of Bishop Blomfield, of London.
Miss Robinson.
The Rev. W. Robinson, Vicar of Wood Enderby and Wilkesby, in the middle of the 19th century, like several other clergy, who at that time had no country residences, lived in Horncastle. His daughter, happening to be of the same size and figure as Queen Victoria, was for several years engaged in the Queen's service, as a living model, on whom were "tried" all dresses intended for the Queen. In return for this she received, as a perquisite, her Majesty's cast-off dresses, from the sale of which she realised an acceptable income. It is said that, through her, on the marriage of a lady friend, the dresses of both bride and bridesmaids were all royal attire. It was generally understood that ​this appointment was due to the representations, in her favour, of Miss Annie Dixon, the artist (herself a native of Horncastle, mentioned elsewhere), who was at that time a grata persona with the royal family.
John Cussons.
Mr. John Cussons, son of the late Mr. John Cussons, Baker, in the Bull Ring, and nephew of the late Mr. David Cussons, Printer and Bookseller, High Street, Horncastle, ran away before his apprenticeship had expired, and went to America, settling in the Confederate States. He there espoused the Confederate cause against the Federals, and took a leading part in the civil war, commanding Confederate forces in several important engagements. Since that time he has visited Horncastle, and has published a history of his military operations. He now resides on his own property, at Forest Lodge, Glen Allen, Virginia. His last publication, in 1908, is Jack Sterry, the Jessie Scout. He is also the author of A Glance at Current History, The Passage of the Thoroughfare Gap, Some Modern Pillars of State, Principles of Cryptiography, Assimilating the Indian, &c.
Henry Allison.
Henry Allison, son of Mr. Allison, Miller, formerly residing in West Street, married a daughter of Mr. David Cussons, and leaving the town about 1848, settled in Hull, where he established a large business as paper manufacturer. He was elected Mayor of Hull; and died some years ago, leaving a widow, who resides in a large mansion, which he built on the outskirts of the town, Marlborough House, Anlaby Road. The business, with several branches, is still carried on by members of his family.
John Brown.
John Brown, the "Poet Laureate" of Horncastle, has already been mentioned; he is chiefly known by the volume Literæ. Laureatæ published in 1890, dedicated to Lord Tennyson, by permission, and containing most of his poetical productions. These are remarkable for his knowledge of Lincolnshire dialect and local folk-lore. The volume was published, after his death, on behalf of his widow.
He was born in the first workhouse, adjoining St. Mary's churchyard, his parents being in charge of that institution. Being first apprenticed to a cabinet maker, Mr. J. Williams, when only just "in his teens," he ran away to Hull, and took service on a vessel, the Margaret, bound for Cronstadt. His first voyage, however, was sufficient to disgust him with marine life. When about 15 he found employment with a theatrical scene painter from London, who settled in Horncastle. He afterwards went to London to learn his trade as a house decorator. He married in 1833 a Miss Gainsborough, of Alford. In 1838 he went to Lincoln, and for some years carried on his trade there. In 1848 he returned to Horncastle, and still carrying on his trade, became a member of a literary coterie, who used to hold meetings in the coffee room of the Bull Hotel. In 1860 he bought a house on the Louth Road, which he opened as the Globe Inn, and which became the resort of his literary friends. Literature, however, did not conduce to business. In 1872 his health failing, and his savings ​having evaporated, he was granted a residence in the Whelpton Almshouses, where he continued to employ his pen, in comfort, until his death in 1890.
Thomas Baker.
The late Mr. Thomas Baker has already been referred to, but is worthy of a fuller account. He was not a native of Horncastle, but lived in the town more than 60 years, and became so identified with its interests, in many ways, that he may well be regarded as one of its "worthies." Born in 1814, at Braintree, in Essex, he was the son of a veterinary surgeon in that town, his family having previously there owned the once well-known coaching house, named The Horn Inn; although earlier members of his family had occupied a higher position; one of them, named Thorowgood, having founded the Grammar School at Oxford.
Before coming to Horncastle, in 1841, Mr. Baker was known on more than one county cricket ground, and had distinguished himself on the University ground at Cambridge, "Parker's Piece." On coming to Horncastle he immediately made his mark in cricket as a round-hand bowler; and the leading young men of the neighbourhood became his pupils. One of his feats was, in a match between an 11 of All England and 22 gentlemen of the county; when he bowled out, with his first ball, Iddison, Captain of the All England team. The great matches in which he took part for many years were too many to tell. Among other things he had the distinction of being employed by Sir Evelyn Wood to train a village club in his parish.
Besides his cricketing skill he was remarkable for his ventriloquial powers; and the story was told, that, while sitting in conversation with two strangers, at the Bull Hotel, he threw his voice under the table. The two sprang up to catch the supposed eavesdropper, when he at once calmed them by throwing his voice in another direction, and then letting them into the secret. He was also, in his way, a fair actor; and, with the late Mr. John Brown, the Horncastle Laureate, and others, he helped to amuse considerable audiences, in town and neighbourhood. In comedy he could take all the parts himself, rapidly changing his dress, and at one moment adopting the high falsetto tones of an old crone, and the next moment speaking in the deeper accents of a strong man. It is greatly to his credit that, only having for many years a small shop, famed chiefly for his two specialites, "bull eyes" and "Grantham ginger-bread," he brought up a large family, who have taken good positions in various parts of the country. He was a staunch conservative and churchman.
In his later years he was often visited by strangers, who were entertained by his fund of anecdote and cricketing reminiscences. Among these we may name the novelist. Miss Marie Corelli, who, while staying at Woodhall Spa, sought his acquaintance, as being one of the "characters" of the neighbourhood, and to his delight she gave him her autograph. Mr. J. J. Hissey, the author of A Driving Tour in Lincolnshire also visited him at his house in Horncastle, and says of him "although wearing a shabby garb, he struck me with his perfect self-possession, and superior manners. ... I have met many characters, but Mr. Baker struck me as being the most remarkable." He died Feb. 12th, 1903, aged 88; and in his last illness letters poured in upon him from old friends and pupils, expressing their sympathy and their pleasant recollections of his company.
ODDITIES.
To these "worthies" of the town we here add two or three of its "oddities." About 1844 Billy Boulton, who kept an inn in Millstone Street, now called North Street, named the Tom Cat, was noted for his great strength; for a wager he dragged a "dung cart" on the turnpike road, from Lincoln, to his own yard in Horncastle, a distance of over 21 miles. It is said, however, that he suffered from rupture for the rest of his life, as a consequence of the great and continued exertion involved in this feat. The inn is now named The Cricketers' Arms, but it may be noticed that the figure of a cat is still engraven on a pane of the front window.
The same man bought the wife of a man named Rogers, a boatman, who put her up for auction, standing on a tub, with a halter round her neck, in the public street; the price paid being £20. She had a son and daughter by Boulton, who both lived to be married, but died early. In after years, having lost her (so called) husband, Boulton, she removed to Lincoln, and there meeting her former husband, Rogers, she became reconciled to him, and both again lived together, as man and wife, until death.
A man, known as Aty Rushton (short for Horatio), who lived in Horncastle, on the West Ashby Road, about the same period, and let out horses on hire, being in Lincoln, laid a wager that he would set off from Lincoln, above hill, just after the moon rose, and ride to Horncastle, 21 miles, before the moon should rise there; which would be later, the town being in a hollow, with a steep hill in the west to hide the moon for some time; while Lincoln is on a hill, with a view to the west over low county, where the moon would be seen earlier. He rode a swift animal of his own, and strained all its powers in the effort. Unfortunately there was then a toll bar on the Lincoln road about a mile from Horncastle, where he found the gate closed, and was delayed two or three minutes before the keeper could pass him through. He pressed on with all speed, galloping through the town, shouting in his excitement "Now me! now moon!"; but as he dashed into his own' yard, he saw the moon shining in a bucket of water, standing by the stable door. The delay at the toll-bar had lost him his wager.
A son of the above, Thomas Rushton, was a great fisherman, and not always particular where he followed his sport. Walking in the night to a certain lake in a park, about 6 miles from Horncastle, he fished it and landed two or three brace of good trout, and then about eight o'clock in the morning, he called at the hall, and sold them to the squire for his breakfast. He used to tell this anecdote to his confidants, with his well-known chuckle of satisfaction, as a satisfactory stroke of business. Many other stories of his performances with "the angle" could be also related, but this may suffice.
The following relates not to a native of Horncastle, but to one whom we may call an "intruder," although he was to play his part (not a very creditable one) in the town. We avoid, for obvious reasons, giving names and dates. There had occurred a number of petty thefts, which made, those who possessed anything of value, uneasy about their treasures, lest their turn for spoliation might come next. The police arrangements for the town were still of a very ​primitive character, and quite inadequate for due protection of the house-holder. The days of the "bobby" and "peeler" were not yet, at least in country districts; although Sir Robert Peel had done away with the old watchman, and established the present police system in the metropolis; and some other of our larger towns had followed suit. But in Horncastle the constable, by way of setting a thief to catch a thief, had, it was said, himself in his earlier years been a great smuggler, while in his age he was a spindle-shanked old man, whom a boy could knock down. Roused by the insecurity of property, the authorities decided to import a London detective, disguised in plain clothes. He came, and for a while marauders, among whom the secret soon leaked out, carefully stayed their hands. After a time, however, robberies began to recur; especially a corner shop near "the far bridge," was the scene of considerable pilfering. The detective was called in to investigate. He took up the matter, but did not succeed in making any arrests.
It was noticed by someone that a brass button was missing from the sort of gamekeeper's velveteen coat which he wore; and, strange to say, a button of the exact kind was found behind the counter of the shop where the thefts occurred. No public action was taken in the matter, but it came to be strongly suspected that the professional thief-taker had himself been guilty of thieving. Other suspicious circumstances occurred, but he was a clever man, and nothing was brought home against him. It was believed, however, that something of the truth had become known at head quarters, as his appointment was a few months later cancelled, and he was not appointed elsewhere. He continued to reside in Horncastle and, having no employment, he accepted the post of water bailiff to the local angling association, which he filled for some time, until he eventually disappeared from the scene of his labours, which were thought by not a few to be somewhat "fishy" in the unfavourable sense of being at least questionable in their nature.
He had not left the town very long when it became known that certain parties had received from him some of the goods which had disappeared from the grocer's shop, which had been robbed. Sundry hams were found concealed in a hay loft, and it was generally believed that the robbery of an inn in the town, not far from the shop in question, as well as other thefts in the country around, had been perpetrated by him.
PUBLICHOUSES
One of the remarkable features of Horncastle is the number of its publichouses, and these were far more numerous formerly than at the present day. This was, of course, mainly due to the great number of dealers who attended the horse fairs, not only from all parts of England and Ireland, but from most countries on the continent; especially the great August fair, which formerly lasted no less than three weeks. The present facilities for rapid travel, by rail, and quicker means of communication, which now enable dealers to hear of horses for sale, and to visit them in their owners stables, before they are brought to the fair, has altered all this, and the fairs now last only a few days at the most.
These publichouses had also generally attached to them large yards, and extensive stabling (as may still be seen), where the best horses were shewn and tried, without appearing in the streets. In consequence of the reduced need for such accommodation many of these publichouses have disappeared. Among ​the names of those which have been lost, are the Royal Oak, the Peal of Bells, Cock and Breeches, Chequers, Hammer and Pincers, Dolphin, Pack Horse, Woolpack, Fox and Goose, Marquis of Granby, Blue Bell, Horseshoes, Axe and Cleaver, Three Maids' Heads, Queen's Head, the George, and others which are only traditionally remembered.
Several of these were almost contiguous. For instance, on the west side of the market, on the site of No. 1, now (1908) occupied by Mr. R. W. Clitherow, formerly stood a good-sized publichouse, which was destroyed by fire. Being rebuilt, it became the private residence of Mr. H. Sellwood, Solicitor, father-in-law of the late Poet Laureate, Lord Tennyson. Separated from this, northward, by only two houses, was the Black Horse Inn, still existing, and next to this, on what is now part of the shop of Messrs. Lunn and Dodson, was the Peal of Bells, and not more than half-a-dozen yards distant, on the opposite side of the street, was the very old Saracen's Head, still existing.
On the north side of the Market Place, next to what is now Mr. Cammack's cycle depot, was the Queen's Head Inn, now gone; and at the north-east corner of the Market Place, one door removed from St. Lawrence Street, was the Nelson Inn, still existing; while at the south-east corner stood the large George Inn, no longer existing; and near the churchyard, under the same roof with the old vicarage, was a much patronized dram shop, kept by a Mrs. Clayton, long since removed.
Of some of these we are able to give particulars, not without interest. The Cock and Breeches was kept by Roland Oliver, a breeches maker, whose daughter migrated to London, and, as Mrs. Hibbert, kept an inn, the Elephant, in Fenchurch Street, City. At the Queen's Head were, early last century, barracks for volunteers or soldiers, with their drill sergeants; who performed their drill and practiced with "Brown Bess" in a chalk pit, on the west side of the Edlington Road, now disused, but still represented by a deep depression in the field below the footpath to Thimbleby, and at the back of the gardens of Mr. Frank Heane, of the Garth House, and other adjoining residents.
At this same inn, the Queen's Head, some 20 years or more ago, on removing the bricks of the kitchen floor, the workmen found a skeleton, probably that of a man who had been murdered for his money at the August fair, and in connection with this, it was remembered that a farmer living at Stourton, who used to frequent this inn, had some years before attended the fair, but never returned home, nor could enquiring friends find any trace of him.
The Nelson Hotel, on the same side of the Market Place, was formerly kept by an old man named Vesey, who was said to have been, in his earlier years, a great smuggler on the coast, but coming to Horncastle, he reformed, and was appointed constable. The sign of this inn is a portrait of the great hero of Trafalgar and the Nile, originally well painted by the artist, Northouse, but it has recently been repainted in the worst style, and almost "improved" out of recognition.
The George stood on the sites now occupied by the Post Office, and the adjoining shop of Messrs. Salter, Shoemakers, the original archway of the inn yard still remaining between them. This was formerly one of the principle inns of the town, equal in size to the Bull and the Red Lion; and from it, before the railway line was opened to Horncastle, the landlord, Mr. Hackford, ran a coach, to meet the train at Kirkstead. An incident, in connection with the ​George may here be mentioned, which is not likely to occur again. A wealthy lady, Miss Heald (who had also a house in London, where the writer, as a boy, visited her), occupied in those days the old hall (now demolished) in Edlington Park. She was of the family of Chancellor Heald, to whose memory there is a marble tablet, on the north wall of the chancel of St. Mary's Church. She had a nephew, who was an officer in the fashionable regiment of the Guards. He became enamoured of the once famous courtesan, Lola Montez, who had been mistress to the King of Bavaria, attracted by her beauty, it was said, as she drove, and he rode, along Rotten Row, the resort of fashion, in Hyde Park, London. She wished to make the most of the opportunity to regain a
Old Thatched Inn in the Bull Ring.
respectable position, and pressed her attentions of the young officer too persistently. She was a woman of daring and reckless temperament; and his love and admiration gradually, on closer acquaintance, gave way to fear. At length he did all he could to avoid her, which roused her bitter resentment, and at length he became in daily terror of her revengeful nature. Coming down from London to Horncastle, to collect his rents, he put up at the George, and was there found, by a friend who called upon him, sitting at his luncheon, but with a brace of pistols lying on the table, fully expecting that she would follow him, and force him into matrimony. It is said that she ended her days in an American prison, after perpetrating a murder in a railway carriage.
​Another inn worthy of mention here is the Fighting Cocks. Here this once fashionable but cruel sport used to be practised, until it was made illegal by Act of Parliament, in 1849, and it is said to have been clandestinely continued for some time longer, although a penalty of £5 was imposed. An old man working on the premises in 1902 could remember the last fight. The "pit" was in the present garden, at the rear of the inn yard.
In the Fighting Cocks yard were formerly the kennels of the South Wold hounds, and the writer can well remember going frequently, as a boy, while he attended the Grammar School, to see them fed, as well as occasionally being mounted by the whips on one of the horses of the hunt, when, after the hunting season, they went out for exercise. Mr. "Jack" Musters, the whilom rival of Byron for the hand of Miss Chaworth, was at that time Master.
In the yard of this inn there still remain two large scythe blades affixed to the wall of an outhouse. The history of these is that they were formerly on the front of the inn, facing the street, because was annually held, on August 21st, what was called the Scythe Fair, when the county blacksmiths gathered to purchase scythes, to supply the Irish, and other reapers, for the coming harvest. This was discontinued when the machinery for reaping came into use.
The Three Maids' Inn was situated in the High Street, on part of the site now occupied by the Corn Exchange, and was demolished when that building was erected. A small inn, on the east side of North Street, now called the Cricketer's Arms, was formerly named the Tom Cat, because here was sold the strong old gin of the well-known distillers, Swagne and Borde, whose trademark was a cat. Hence gin took its name of "Old Tom." There is still the figure of a cat engraven on the front window, with the words "Unrivalled Tom" beneath it.
Opposite the Bull, the leading hotel in the town, replete with all modern requirements, stands the King's Head, an old "public," still remarkable for its low thatched roof; the reason for which is said to be, that by the forms of the will of a former owner, it was bequeathed to his successor, with the condition attached, that it should continue to be thatched: a condition which the advance of civilization may, in a few years' time, make it difficult to fulfil.
And here we may make the concluding remark that 100 years ago most of the houses in Horncastie were thatched. It is on record (Overton MS.) that the first slated house in the town was built for a Mr. Storr, a gardener, in what is now the back passage from the Bow Bridge to the Wong, near the Baptist Chapel. This was afterwards occupied (1790-1800) by Mrs. L'Oste, widow of a former Rector of Langton. The next house to be slated was that of Mr. Titus Overton, lately the residence of Mr. John Overton, Grocer.
* ↑ Illustrated Police News, Aug. 18th, 1883.
* ↑ The Boston Guardian in an obituary notice said "all who knew him esteemed him," and the Horncastle News said "There is gone from among us one of nature's true gentlemen."
* ↑ This ready mode of disolving the bond of wedlock was not uncommon in former times, but a similar case is recorded as having occurred in or near Scarborough in recent years, and in November 1898 a case came before Mr. Justice Kekewich, in the Chancery Court, of a man, before leaving for Australia, having sold his wife for £250.
* ↑ For these details, as well as many others, I am indebted to family records in the possession of the late Mr. John Overton, which I have had the privilege of consulting on many occasions. JC.W.