Exeter and its neighbourhood under George 111- V11
Selected and annotated by Robert DYMOND, F.S.A.
1800
Jan 23rd, Account of daring robbery of £7,000 in cash and notes from the City Bank of Messers MILFORD, Richard HALL, CLARKE and Co, on the night of the 18th. This was followed on the 28th by the death of Mr Samuel MILFORD, the senior partner. A subsequent advertisement announced that the business would be conducted after Ladyday by Messers John MILFORD, John HOGG, and William NATION, under the title MILFORD, HOGG, NATION and Co.
March 27th, An advertisement by the Grand Jury signed "Raymundo PUTT, High Sheriff. announced that whereas Mr LAND, of the New London Inn, and other Exeter innkeepers had charged them and other gentlemen of the County 4s a bottle of port wine, and considering that the accustomed charge of 3s-6d a bottle was a most liberal allowance, they resolved to support any house that would sell good sound port at the old rate.
April 3rd, In the next paper John LAND advertised that "he continued to sell good sound port wine at 3s-6d a bottle, but added that the expenses for keeping for several years in order to render it of superior excellence obliged him to charge 4s for old bottled wine, and he hoped the nobility etc, will consider that advance to be barely equal to the interest of money and the loss by keeping a heavy stock so long to improve its flavour."
April 17th, A paragraph deplored the fact that few shops in Exeter were shut up on Good Friday, and that the churches were thinly attended. " The Serge Market which is usually held on Friday is not even altered to Thursday or Saturday, being perhaps considered of more importance than the attending to any Divine Ordinance." The numerous carts etc, "which fill the streets give more the appearance of a high holiday than of fasting or humiliation."
June 12th, An advertisement announced the starting of the Mercury coach from the New London Inn every morning at a quarter to four, arriving at the Swan with two necks, London the following day at noon. Fares outside £3-10s, inside £1-18s, luggage two and a half pence per pound. The London mail, via Salisbury, left every morning at 4.45 am and arrived at the same inn in London at 6am the next morning. Fares £4-4s and £2-3s. luggage 3rd per lb. Other coaches left for Falmouth, Bath and Bristol daily and a 2Balloon Coach" to Plymouth and Dock [Devonport].
July 3rd, 12 houses burnt down near the Black Boy Gate, Exeter, and 18 at Winkleigh.
Aug 21st, Great local manifestations of joy at the plentiful harvest. The assize of wheat which had been 16s-6d per bushel in June fell to 10s, but gradually rose again till it reached 18s in March 1801. Consols which stood at 65 in August 1800, fell to 56 in March 1801.
The high price of provisions occasioned riots in London.
Great storms of thunder and lightening for two hours on the 19th. St Edmund's Church, Exeter was injured.
Aug 28th, The Ordnance Survey of Devon commenced at Exmoor under Colonel MUDGE.
20 houses burnt down in South St, Axminster.
Sept 4th, H.R.H, the Duke of Kent landed at Plymouth from the Assistance, 60 guns, passed through Exeter on his way to join the royal family art Weymouth.
Sept 17th, The high price of provisions is a frequent subject of comment at this time. A long paragraph congratulates the citizens in the suppression of the practise of "regrating" "Formerly the inhabitants were supplied daily with potatoes, by hucksters at a price exorbitantly above what they were sold at by the farmer" As the abandonment of this mode of supply occasioned the overcrowding of the space allotted to the market, the Chamber opened an additional market place for potatoes from the gate of Bartholomew Yard to Northgate St.
Several landowners of the county announced by advertisement that, in order to reduce the prevailing scarcity, they had urged their tenants to keep a proportional part of their arable land in a progressive state of tillage, and to bring their corn early to market on pain of refusal to renew their holdings.
Sept 25th, Notice of intended application to Parliament for an Act for making a canal from Exeter Quay to Town Mills, Crediton.
The Chamber enacted a bylaw directing the citizens to sweep the pavement in front of their houses three days a week and appointing scavengers to collect their sweepings.” We hope this will prevent the many nuisances which constantly shock the eye and nose of every passenger."
Oct 16th, Amateur theatricals at Weymouth. Sir Charles W. BAMPFYLDE, Bart, M.P, for Exeter, took the leading part in "Ben Ton" with a degree of ease and sprightliness never surpassed in a London theatre."
Oct 23rd, Destruction by fire of Pim's paper mills near Head Weir. Loss £8,000.
Nov 13th, A heavy storm of wind and rain on the 8th and 9th, aggravated by thawing of snow at Exmoor, was followed by an unusually high flood in the Exe, submerging the low lying parts of St Thomas, Exe Island etc. The flood attained its higher level at 5pm on the 9th, when the water in those places was 6 feet deep. The inhabitants retired to their upper floors, those living in "cob" houses being greatly alarmed for their safety. An impetuous current brought down timber and hayricks, which accumulated against the new Exe Bridge to its great jeopardy. The roads on the west side of the city became impassable even for horsemen. Two chaises containing Mr HOLLAND, his family and servants attempting to enter the city by the Okehampton Rd, were stopped by the water near Ford's garden gate [opposite what is now Messers Stephens and Sons building establishment]. One horse being drowned, the traces were cut to prevent the others with the carriage from being borne away by the flood. Mr PHILLIPS of the Hotel [now the Clarence] obtained a boat from Captain THOMPSON, master of the Leith, merchant vessel, and by liberal rewards, obtained horses to drag it to the relief of the frightened passengers of the chaises. With great difficulty they were rescued after the water had reached their middles. Mr HOLLAND afterwards liberally rewarded their rescuers. At 6pm the water began to subside, when it was found that it had wrought great havoc everywhere near the river, including washing away a considerable portion of Hore's brewery in the Haven Banks [opposite the Shilhay] and part of the Cowley Bridge [the old bridge]. A public meeting was held at the Seven Stars at the Bridge foot, St Thomas, to raise subscriptions for the relief of sufferers.
Nov 20th, The celebrated library at Portledge House, near Bideford, containing about 10,000 volumes, mostly collected in the last century, was purchased by Mr Shirley WOOLMER, bookseller, Exeter.
1801
Jan 2nd, The King renounces by proclamation the title of King of France, and the fleur de lis are to be omitted in the royal arms.
Jan 22nd, Vice Admiral Lord Nelson arrived in Exeter on the 15th on his way to visit Earl St Vincent, then a guest of the CARY family at Tor Abbey, Torquay. The Corporation presented him with an address, and the Recorder, C. FANSHAWE, made a speech on presenting him with the freedom of the city. The Cathedral and parish bells rang in his honour, but he was obliged to proceed on his journey without delay, he was unable to be present at a grand dinner prepared by the Mayor.
Feb 26th, Introduction of "Vaccine inoculation" into Plymouth and Plymouth Dock [Devonport].
For some time past the poor classes of the city had held meetings on Southernhay to agitate for a reduction in the price of provisions, and bodies of them visited the houses of neighbouring farmers to insist on corn being brought to market and sold at cheaper rates. The reports of these disturbances are evidently toned down as far as possible, but it is clear that the alarm was great and widely spread. The Mayor announced the adoption of stringent measures for suppressing outbreaks, the volunteer corps offered assistance to the civil power, and the yeomanry were ordered to be in readiness. At a meeting held at the Guildhall liberal subscriptions were entered into for providing relief, the Chamber the Dean and Chapter each gave 100 guineas, Sir S. H. NORTHCOTE £100, Mr James BULLER, M.P, 200 guineas. Altogether more than £2, 000 was raised.
Disturbance was also threatened at Okehampton, Plymouth and other places, but by April 15th the symptoms of riot had subsided.
March 21st, Defeat of the French by the British at Alexandria, where Sir Ralph ABERCROMBY is mortally wounded.
April 30th, The census of this year showed that there were in Exeter 2,692 inhabited and 144 uninhabited houses. There were 3,947 families comprising of 7,304 males and 10,084 females. Total 17,389 [The large disproportion of the sexes was probably owing in great part to the demands of military service] The census of Devon gave 157,231 males and 185,756 females. Total 342,987. Population of all England 8,217,562.
Great rejoicings throughout the country over Admiral Sir Hyde PARKER'S victory at Copenhagen.
July 2nd, Announcement of the opening of the Lunatic Asylum at Bowhill, St Thomas.
Aug 27th, A grand masquerade given on the 19th by Lord Courtenay at Powderham to 500 visitors.
Sept 18th, Account of sham fight by the several military corps quartered near Exeter, in Clyst St Mary, under Lieut-General SIMCOE and Major-General DON. The regiments encamped on Woodbury Common consisting of the 20th Light Infantry, South Devon and Denbigh Militia and a body of artillery marched thence to force Clyst and Topsham bridges, which were defended by strong parties of volunteers, the Carmarthen Militia, and parties of the 8th Dragoons. One party under Lord ROLLE forced Topsham Bridge, the defenders of which fell back on the main body posted on the hill. The other body under Air William Watkyne WYNN, passed through Winslade Grounds to Clyst Bridge, the retreat of the defenders being covered by the Inniskilling Dragoons. The attacking army finally drove their opponents to Mr SPICER'S lawn at Mount Wear House.
Oct 1st, Dr Andrew HUTCHINSON elected a physician to the Hospital, vice, Dr John BLACKALL, resigned.
Oct 8th, The announcement of peace after 9 years war with France, was welcomed with great demonstrations of joy, illuminations, fireworks, bonfires, bell-ringing etc, John COOKE, issued one of the characteristic "bulletins".
Mr Thomas FLOUD, received great commendation for his vigour in enforcing cleanliness and suppressing the practise of leaving horses, carts, etc, in the streets. His efforts resulted in "changing the appearance of public streets from the most disgusting filth to perfect cleanliness."
Dec 3rd, A heavy fall of snow caused the Bath mail though drawn by eight horses, to be 10 hours late in its arrival to Exeter. The London mail was detained only 2 hours.
1802
Jan 7th, The Chamber advertised that they had appointed a sworn coal meter at £30 a year to measure all coal delivered to purchasers at the Quay.
Feb 11th, An advertisement signed by several Exeter postmasters announced the reduction of their charge for a chaise and pair from 16d to 14d per mile.
Feb 25th, "Saturday last 30th, died after a long illness, Mr R. REWMAN, the first establisher of this newspaper, which he printed and published nearly 40 years" A laudatory notice describes him as "of the most unipeached integrity, a lover of this country, loyal to the King, and steady in his religious principles. He was always a zealous supporter of our present happy Constitution in Church and State." The paper will be continued by Mrs Mary TREWMAN, the widow and Robert TREWMAN the son of the late proprietor, under the style of Trewman and Son.
April 8th, Illuminations bonfires, etc, on the signing of the definitive Treaty of Peace at Amiens.
April 29th, H.R.H, the Duke of Kent passed through Exeter on his was to Plymouth to embark in the "Isis" frigate for his government at Gibraltar. He merely took refreshment at Phillips's Hotel [now the Clarence] and proceeded immediately.
April 29th, Richard JURY, servant to Thomas TROOD, yeoman, Exminster, made a public apology by advertisement "for that he did wantonly ride a horse with Crooke at a very hard gallop" through the Black Boy Rd to the danger of passengers. JURY'S signature by a mark is witnessed by "John CROOKE, loyal saddler."
July 8th, A contested election of member for Exeter resulted in a poll ending with 786 votes for Mr James BULLER, 637, for Sir C. W. BAMPFYLDE, and 444 for Mr Edmund GRANGER. The latter retired on the last day of the poll. The successful candidates were "chaired" through the streets on decorated cars, Mr BULLER'S being drawn by 10 men in white shirts tied with blue and white ribbons, and in front rode a woolcomber at work, dressed with the emblems of his trade.
Sir Lawrence PALK and Mr J. P. BASTARD were elected for Devon without opposition, the former being proposed by Sir J. KENNAWAY and seconded by Mr TAYLOR of East Ogwell, the latter's proposer was Mr CHICHESTER, of Arlington, and his seconder Mr J. B. CHOLWICH.
July 22nd, Death on the 16th, at his house at Plymtree of the Very Rev Charles HARWARD, Dean of Exeter.
Aug 5th, Great entertainment at Pynes by Sir S. H, and Lady NORTHCOTE, to the 1st Devon Yeomanry, of which he was Lieut-Colonel. A cup was presented to Sir STAFFORD by the 1st Squadron.
Aug 26th, Announcement that contracts had been entered into for the construction of the Exeter and Crediton Canal. [The works were not proceeded beyond Cowley Bridge and some traces may be still seen in the meadows on the St Thomas side of Head and Blackaller Weirs]
Oct 21st, Dr DOWNMAN resigns his appointment of physician to the Hospital, and Dr William DYER was elected in his stead after a contest with Dr G. A. RHODES.
1803
Feb 24th, An advertisement invites tenders for erecting a new City Prison in lieu of Southgate, on the site now occupied by the newly erected Rougemont Hotel.
April 21st, A public meeting held in Exeter to promote the formation of a Jennerian Society for inoculating the poor with cow-pox free of charge.
May 5th, War declared with France after an interval of only one and a half years of peace.
June 2nd, H. R. H, the Duke of Kent arrived at the New London Inn on his return from Gibraltar, and proceeded next morning towards London.
June 16th, Death on the 9th, at his house in Grosvenor St, London, of the Right Rev Henry Reginald COURTENAY, Bishop of Exeter. He appears to have been an amiable if not gifted prelate.
June 23rd, He is succeeded by Dr John FISHER, Canon of Windsor.
July 21st, Mr PADDON appointed organist of the Cathedral, on the death of the celebrated William JACKSON. [Mr JACKSON died at his house in the Circus, Exeter, on the 5th July, after a long illness, and was buried at St Stephen's Church. He was born at Exeter on the 29th May, 1730, and having taught music there with great success succeeded Richard LANGDON as organist of the Cathedral in 1777. He distinguished himself not only as a musical composer, but as a painter and man of letters]
Aug 25th, A subscription opened for the relief of the sufferers from fire, which burnt down two-thirds of the town of Chulmleigh on the 17th. In the course of 9 hours it destroyed 95 houses, and property to the value of £25,000.
Sept 15th, On Friday the 9th, the new Bishop [FISHER], made his public entry into Exeter. He was met by the charity children at the entrance to the city, and the eldest boy submitted his patronage to the school "in an appropriate speech" The Bishop then proceeded in his carriage as far as the Grammar School, where he was met and welcomed by several of the City Clergy. The Mayor, Aldermen and Council, with the several trade corporations, were in waiting, and after the introduction of the Mayor and Aldermen to the Bishop, the procession moved on to St Peter's Yard, where the Dean and Chapter received and escorted him to the Chapter House, and from thence, attended by the choristers, minor canons and other Cathedral officials, he was conducted to the throne, the organ pealing forth Te Deum. The Cathedral was crowded.
Oct 13th, The assembly of the French forces at Boulogue, caused fears of invasion throughout England.
Oct 26th, Yesterday being appointed for a General Fast, the yeomanry, cavalry, and volunteers attended service at the Cathedral, and were afterwards reviewed on Southernhay by Major-General GROSVENOR.
A riot of Cornish miners at Tavistock quelled by volunteers.
Dec 22nd, The Government advertised a list of Fire Beacons in Devon and Cornwall, on the firing of which the forces were to assemble at the places of rendezvous. Those in Devon were, Ivybridge on the race ground, Stanborough Heights, near Moreleigh, Westerland Beacon near Totnes, Little Haldon near Teignmouth, Raddon Top, near Thorverton, Withycombe Hill, on Withycombe Common, Dorndown near Honiton.
1804
Jan 5th, A sham fight took place on Haldon, between a body consisting of the Exeter Volunteers, the 1st Somerset Militia, the Royal Miners, a squadron of the Royal Dragoon Guards, and other troops, and an imposing army, composed of Lord CLIFFORD'S Yeomanry Cavalry, Lord COURTENAY'S Volunteer Infantry, the Chudleigh Volunteers etc, Lieut-General SIMCOE and Brigadier-General GOWER commanded the occasion.
Jan 26th, A great storm of wind on the 19th, did much damage in the neighbourhood of Exeter by unroofing houses, throwing down trees etc.
A sham fight in which the Volunteers, Militia and regular troops with Artillery etc, were engaged, commenced by the attack and defence of Countess Weir Bridge, and ended at Powderham.
Feb 2nd, A robbery occurred at Highweek Church on the night of the 26th ult, the robbers carried off the Communion plate, consisting of a Chalice, Cup and Plate, the latter bearing the inscription, "E. Donc Yarde Esq of Bradley" and also the crimson velvet communion cloth and other valuable articles. £10 was offered on conviction of the thieves.
March 8th, An editorial paragraph is devoted to a lamentation over the fact that improvements projected in Exeter by public spirited citizens are constantly thwarted by others, and urging that a city that is in the western metropolis and the great thoroughfare from London to Plymouth and Falmouth, should present an example of cleanliness and order. The editor deplores the relaxed attention to these matters since the vigorous mayoralty of Mr FLOND, and that "filth" with gigantic stride, is pervading every street and lane of this city, so much so as to render it very inconvenient to walk at night without the aid of a friendly lantern. It may be said we have lamps, but to what purpose, cannot be well discovered, they are so few, placed at such a remote distance from each other, and, above all, affording their most execrable glimmer not two hours after they have been lit, that they scarcely make darkness visible, much less assist the benighted passenger on his way. It is indeed a libel on a lamp to honour a twisted piece of yarn, dipped in the coarsest oil, and which will scarcely retain its flame whilst the lighter descends from his ladder. I repeat, it is a libel on a proper lamp to honour such a glass case with a similar name. Of the improvements intended in this city, we might say much, we have heard many things were intended, but they still remain unaccomplished. We have seen the spirit of individuals displayed in the building of a handsome row of houses on Southernhay, on which they have expended nearly £20,000, we have heard the Chamber of Exeter have engaged to enclose and plant the site of ground in front of these houses, but what is the fact? It still remains covered with heaps of rubbish, although, the building has been completed many years since! the road is literally a mud-pit, the entrance by the Circus is barely passable, and the Green in front is partly railed with iron for the elegant purpose of exercising sick horses." The editor concludes by threatening "to renew our remarks as occasion may require." [The upper and lower rows of houses on Southernhay had not been then erected]
April 12th, Henry HUNT, executed for horse stealing at the County Gaol.
May 6th, At a vestry meeting at St Lawrence, The unanimous thanks of the parish were voted to Mr John COOKE [Captain COOKE] for his meritous conduct in voluntarily offering a reward of 5 guineas to discover such persons or person, who had wantonly and maliciously mutilated the figure of Queen Elizabeth placed over the door of this church, and fixing the head on a site in front of the church on the preceding night."
June 28th, Napoleon Bonaparte, late 1st Consul, proclaimed Emperor of the French on the 20th ult.
July 12th, Jane [or Ann] SPARKES convicted at the Sessions for keeping a disorderly house, was sentenced to be imprisoned for 6 months, and to stand in the pillory in front of the Guildhall for one hour on the 18th, and to find sureties for good behaviour for 3 years.
Aug 9th, Another editorial paragraph condemns the inefficient lighting of Exeter streets.
Oct 25th, The Mayor commended by the editor for his laudable exertions in causing the removal of the filth from the streets and for having them better lighted. He also requested the vestries of the different parishes to meet to devise a plan for better lighting, cleaning, and improving of the city. In the parish of Trinity where the Mayor Mr Joseph GREENWAY resided, the vestry had already engaged persons to sweep the streets, remove the soil, number the houses, mark the names of streets, and erect 13 additional street lamps.
Trewman's Flying Post Feb 26th, 1879
Exeter and its neighbourhood under George 111- V11
Selected and annotated by Robert DYMOND, F.S.A.
1804
Nov 14th, Four of Russell's waggons laden with treasure taken from two Spanish frigates off Cadiz, arrived in Exeter from Plymouth, escorted by cavalry and infantry on their way to the Bank of England. A corporal and private of the escort were committed to gaol on a charge of breaking in one of the chests and abstracting a quantity of dollars, which they sold in this city. The Corporal, Joseph HODGE, was sentenced at the Assizes to 14 years transportation for stealing 120 dollars.
Dec, Spain declares war against England.
1805
Jan 3rd, Seven proprietors of Sedan chairs in Exeter, advertised that with the approbation of the Mayor, they had adopted certain rules and fares. All chairs to be registered and numbered with the Town Clerk. On ball nights and other public occasions no chairman shall engage himself, but be subject to the first caller, That a charge per quarter hour be charged for waiting at private houses. Double fare to be charged after midnight. A single fare to be 300 yards, a double fare 600 yards. For each fare of 300 yards, the charge to be 6d. The scale of fares appears to have been thought too great an advance on the old charge of 6d, to any part of the city within the walls, whether before or after midnight and a suggestion was made that the fares should be 6d up to 300 yards, 9d to 600 yards, and so on adding 6d for each 300 yards.
Jan 31st, Declaration of war with Spain.
Feb 14th, Measures taken by the Mayor for the suppression of the night robberies and burglaries which had been frequent in Exeter of late.
March 28th, The Mayor Joseph GREENWAY, entertained the Judges of Assize, Sir Alexander THOMPSON and Sir T. SUTTON, "at an elegant dinner at his own house" [in italics seeming to show it was not custom to entertain at the Mayoralty House. The Mayor was senior partner in a firm carrying on the Cotton Mills at Trew's Weir, and situated in the large house next to the present Eye Infirmary, Magdalen St, which had previously been occupied by John DANTES, partner in the Exeter Bank]
On the 25th a destructive fire destroyed several houses at Collompton.
April 11th, Simon CORNER, a schoolmaster of Combmarsh, executed for forgery at the new drop over the County Gaol.
June 20th, Several persons fined by the County Magistrates for cockfighting at Dartington.
July 4th, The Prince of Wales is about to erect a Chapel of Ease to Lidford, at Princetown, under the direction of Thomas TYRWHITT, Esq, Lord Warden of the Stannaries, the architect and builder was Mr John POWNING of Exeter.
Aug 1st, News reached Exeter of the defeat of the combined French and Spanish fleets off Ferrol by Sir Robert CALDER.
Very liberal subscriptions raised throughout the country to make good the financial deficiencies of the Devon and Exeter Hospital and to enable the governors to re-open several wards which had been closed through lack of funds. Sept 8th, The freedom of Exeter presented to Vice-Admiral Sir John Thomas DUCKWORTH Bart, Sir John and several other naval officers were afterwards entertained to dinner by the Mayor.
Dec 2nd, Declaive victory of the French over the Austrian and Russian armies at Austerlitz.
1806
Jan 16th, Account of the funeral of Lord NELSON at St Paul's on the 9th, the eccentric "Captain COOKE" went to London to attend it, and it is said that through over fatigue or other causes he fell asleep just before the procession passed and returned to Exeter without seeing it.
Jan 23rd, Death of William PITT and accession of the big party to power under Charles James FOX [FOX died the following 13th September]
Feb 13th, Senis MOORE, M.D, elected physician to the hospital, vice Dr G. A. RHODES resigned.
March 13th, An advertisement invites tenders for paving the roads in front of what was then the lowest row of houses on Southernhay, from Mrs KEKEWICH'S [now No 24] to Mr ARTHUR'S [now No 13] The contractor to take gravel for the purposes from the River Exe.
March 27th, In honour of the victory of Sir John Thomas DUCKWORTH, Vice-Admiral at St Domingo, the Union Jack was hoisted over the flags of France and Holland, in front of Mount Wear House, which the Admiral had recently purchased from Francis William ?cer Esq
April 17th, The Princess of Wales passed through Exeter at 11pm on her way to Dawlish, where she was expected to stay for 6 weeks. Owing to an accident to her carriage she did not reach Dawlish until 2am, but was nevertheless received there by a great crowd. She afterwards paid visits to Teignmouth and Exmouth, and was entertained at Tor Abbey and made a cruise to Berry Head.
May 29th, The following is quoted as being the last of its kind that until lately had been common in the columns of this paper, "COCKING, A main Cocks will be fought at the Castle Inn in Barnstable between the gentlemen of Somerset and Devon. To show 21 cocks on each side for 10 guineas a battle, and 100 on each side the main. To weigh on Saturday 21st May, 1806 and fight on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday following. Feeders, TAMLYN for Devon, CHAPMAN for Somerset."
The Princess of Wales reached Sidmouth on the 20th, here she visited Lord Gwyder and family. The volunteer artillery fixed a salute of 21 guns from the Ford, and the bells were rung and the colours hoisted from the Fort and Church. Next day she inspected the progress of a villa residence in course of erection by her host Lord Gwyder and in the evening walked in the parade. On the 22nd she left Sidmouth for Caffnells near Christchurch, the seat of G. ROSE Esq, having previously declined the honour of a salute from the Fort out of consideration for some distinguished invalid visitors to the town
June 12th, Election at Honiton on the acceptance of a ?fiable sinecure by the Hon Augustus Cavendish BRADSHAW, who was candidate for re-election with Lord Cochrane. The celebrated William COBBETT, resigned in favour of Lord Cochrane. After seven days polls were BRADSHAW 259, COCHRANE 121.
June 26th, The Poltimore Inn, St Sidwell's [then a thatched building] was nearly destroyed by fire.
July 3rd, 5 houses burnt down at Cullompton
July 10th, Captain STOCKHAM, R.N, presented with the freedom of the city of Exeter in recognition of his distinguished services, particularly whilst in command of "The Thunderer" at the Battle of Trafalgar.
July 24th, Robbery on the 15th at the New London Inn, of bills amounting to £150 belonging to John Inglett FORTESCUE, Esq, from an unlocked drawer in his room, suspicion having fallen on an inmate of the house named Edward DALTON, a young gentleman of good position, aged 20, it was found he had left hastily by the Mercury coach for London. He was afterwards arrested at Southampton and brought back to Exeter, and having been committed for trial at the Sessions, was sentenced to 10 years transportation.
Aug 7th, Lord Cochrane accompanied by Colonel Johnson left Phillip's Hotel [now the Clarence] on a coach drawn by 6 horses ridden by postillions decorated with purple ribbons, to visit the electors of Honiton.
Vincentiz LOPES, a Spanish prisoner of war, executed on the 4th for the murder of his fellow prisoner Fernando ?TEZ, at Plymouth.
Aug 21st, John Davis RENDLE, convicted at the Assizes for forging endorsements to two bills of exchange, was executed at the New Gaol drop on the 15th.
Sept 4th, On the 31st ult the remains of Sophia, late Countess of Mount Edgecumbe, who died at Tunbridge Wells, arrived at the New London inn where the body lay in state during the night and was visited by a large concourse. On the following morning the procession passed on towards Mount Edgecumbe.
Sept 11th, The freedom of Exeter presented to Lieut William FADDY, R.N, who had lost his left arm in the action between Marengo and Belle Poule.
Oct 23rd, Lieut-General SIMCOE, a native of Exeter, who had for many years commanded the Western military district, was in August last appointed to the chief command of the army in India in succession to Lord LAKE. He had sailed with his suite for the East on board H.M.S, Illustrious, 74 guns, but it was now announced that the ship had returned to Torbay from Lisbon with the Lieut-General suffering from a severe illness. At Torbay he embarked in a sloop fitted up for his reception, and landing at Topsham on the 21st, was brought on the following day to the house of Archdeacon MOORE in Exeter, where he expired on the 25th, aged 55. He was interred by torch-light on the evening of the 4th November at the family seat, ?olford Lodge, Devon [His monument by Flaxman will be found in the S. Choir aisle of Exeter Cathedral]
Nov 13th, Napoleon declares the British Islands in a state of blockade and interdicts all communication with them.
1807
Jan 29th, Advertisement, "New Paving Act for the city of Exeter. To masons, paviors, bricklayers and others, the magistrates for the city and county of Exeter hereby give notice that they intend to contract for the laying of Footways in Fore St of the said City either with Moor Stone [which can be procured within 10 miles of the said city] or with Purbeck Stone, and the kerb with Moor Stone, and also for taking up the present Carriage Way, in the said street and repairing the same with pebble stone in the barrel form, using the old materials, and for keeping the said street in repair for one year after, the same shall be finished." The advertisement proceeded to state that the magistrates were ready to receive tenders for the repair of other streets within the said city [until the improvement could be extended to them] and also the repair of Paris, St Sidwell's, Magdalen and Holloway Streets. Proposals to be sent to Mr Thomas GRAY, surveyor. [In a subsequent advertisement they invited tenders for a brick sewer through Fore St]
Jan 29th, A violent gale of wind on the afternoon of the 22nd occasioned considerable damage in and near Exeter. A house was brought to the ground as the family ate in the parlour, a woman was extricated unhurt within the ruins at ground level. A similar occurrence happened in King's Alley. The whole front of the Theatre, with the piazza and pillars levelled with the ground, and 33 large elms were prostrated in Cowick Lawn. Many persons were wounded with falling slates, and in St Sidwell's a woman was blown from her horse and so much injured as to require removal to the Hospital
Feb 19th. The passage of the Dardanelle’s forced by Sir John T. DUCKWORTH.
March 12th, A destructive fire broke out in the evening of the 9th, in the workshops of Mr William SALTER, coach-maker, nearly opposite the Grammar School. The flames threatened destruction in all the houses between Castle St and the Bristol Inn [now the Public Rooms] The workshops being of wood and stored with inflammable materials, the fire was got under with great difficulty in three hours in aid of the military and citizens working six fire engines. A subscription was raised to reimburse SALTER'S loss.
March 31st, The Slave Trade abolished by the British Parliament.
May 7th, Sir C. W. BAMPFYLDE and James BULLER Esq, re-elected for Exeter, and J. P. BASTARD Esq, and Sir Lawrence PALK, Bart, for the county, in both cases without contest.
May 21st, Dr John BLACKALL and Dr Patrick MILLER issued advertisements soliciting election to the office of physician at the Devon and Exeter Hospital on the resignation of Dr Denis MOORE. Dr MILLER afterwards retired and Dr BLACKALL was unanimously elected in June.
May 28th, A memorable conflagration occurred at Chudleigh on the 22nd. It was supposed to have originated from some furze being set on fire by embers in a baker's oven, and aided by a strong wind, it spread in less than an hour over the greater part of the town. The buildings being mostly roofed with thatch, and the supply of water being very in inadequate, little could be done to stay the flames, and, out of 300 houses in the town 200 were quickly laid in ruins. The newly built market house and both the principal inns were destroyed. The terrified inhabitants exhausted by their exertions, abandoned themselves to despair and many took refuge in the church, which itself narrowly escaped. A public meeting presided over by Lord Clifford was immediately held to take measures for the relief of the sufferers. The Vicar, Rev Clifford BURRINGTON, was appointed treasurer, and subscription lists were opened at all the banks in the county. By the end of the year more than £15,000 had been collected. This disaster caused strong local feeling in favour of insurance against such losses, and it was followed by the appearance of numerous advertisements of the London insurance offices. It also led to the establishment of the West of England, Insurance Company.
July 16th, A fire which threatened the destruction of Axminster, was got under by the exertions of the South Devon Militia and populace without doing much damage. It was occasioned by a spark falling on a thatched roof.
July 30th, Advertisement of a meeting of the county Grand Jurors, held at the Castle on the 28th, Sir Bourchier WRAY, foreman, when proposals for establishing a company for insuring against losses by fire were discussed and resolutions passed in support. The design originated in the late fire at Chudleigh. Subscriptions were opened at Mr Joseph WOOLMER'S, St Sidwell's and at the Exeter and other banks in Devon and Cornwall. A meeting of subscribers to be held on the 9th October next, signed Joseph GLIDDON.
Aug 6th, A letter to the editor expressing the writer's opinion of the in utility of the proposed insurance society on the grounds that the existing London companies afforded ample provision for insurance.
Aug 13th, In a reply to the above letter, it was contended that a provincial office was required to promote the more speedy settlement of claims for loses by fire, and as being more interested than the London office in adopting preventative measures.
Aug 20th, The foundation stone of the House of Correction was laid on the 22nd by S. F. MILFORD, Esq.
Sept 10th, Notice was given of intention to apply for an Act for better rebuilding, cleansing and improving Chudleigh, for determining differences as to the identity of the sites of the houses burnt down there, and preventing future danger from fire.
Sept 17th, On the 15th several French officers, armed with cutlasses, broke their parole at Crediton and endeavoured to steal a boat at Exmouth, but being prevented by the owner, they took another very small one and put to sea. Several boats went out in pursuit but without success.
A meeting of the subscribers to the proposed Devon and Cornwall Fire Insurance Company held at the Old London Inn, John Burridge CHOLWICH, Esq in the chair. A provisional committee appointed to concert measures consisted of Messers Samuel Fred MILFORD, Joseph HUNT, John W. WILLIAMS, Samuel KINGDON, Robert CORNISH, Nathaniel CRANCH, John HOLMAN, and Samuel DAVY, Mr Joseph WOOLMER to be treasurer.
Oct 1st, On Friday last the Hon and Right Rev Dr PELHAM, the newly appointed Bishop, who had been previously enthroned by proxy on the 31st August made his public entry into Exeter. He was met at St Anne's Chapel by the children of the Episcopal Charity Schools, when the senior boy in an appropriate address, solicited the patronage and protection which had been bestowed by the Bishop's predecessors. On entering the city at Eastgate his lordship was met by the Mayor and Chamber, with the several corporates, accompanied with banners and music. The Mayor having congratulated the Bishop on his arrival, conducted him to the Cathedral. Here he took leave of the civic authorities and proceeded to the Chapter House, and having there been robed and congratulated by the clergy he returned to the great West door of the Cathedral, preceded by the choristers, lay vicars and other officers of the Church. As the procession entered the aisle, the choristers chanted the Te Deum, accompanied by the full organ, and thus the Bishop was accompanied to his seat on the Episcopal Throne. The usual service of the day concluded the ceremony, which was attended by a large concourse.
Oct 15th, A large number of subscribers to what is now to be styled The West of England Fire Insurance Company, was held at Exeter on the 8th, Samuel Frederick MILFORD Esq, in the chair, when the provisional committee presented a long report, suggesting a nominal share capital of £500,000 in shares of £100 each, of which 0ne-tenth should be called up, and recommending that premiums for insurance be charged at the same rate as the London offices, that the proprietors be paid five per cent per annum, the remaining profits being accumulated, and at the end of every five years be divided into four parts, one part to be returned as bonus to the insurers and the other three-fourths to be invested to form a reserved fund of £20,000, after attaining which sum the three-fourths to be divided among the proprietors. The report proceeded to lay down rules for the appointment of 40 directors, who were to meet every Wednesday. - John GLIDDON, Secretary.
Oct 22nd, "A gentleman of London" having presented John COOKE, "the noted loyal literary and political saddler of this city" with a bust of Mr PITT, he had it placed in a glass case and exhibited it in his shop window.
Nine French officers who had broken their parole at Crediton were apprehended and committed to the High Gaol. Four were apprehended at Thorverton where they had wandered three days and nights, subsisting on what they could find in the fields.
Nov 5th, The General Bank removed from South St to the Close, between the Devonshire Bank and the Globe Hotel [The building was recently taken down, and the site incorporated in that of the new City Bank]
Nov 12th, A great flood in the Exe carried the brig Enterprise over Trew's Weir, and destroyed the newly erected Fanny Bridge at Feniton, on the Honiton Rd. In the following month tenders were invited by advertisement for rebuilding the bridge.
On the 29th ult, James HARRIS of Pinhoe, huckster, did penance before the vicar and one of the churchwardens of Broadclist for defaming the character of Francis DUDDERIDGE of that place.
Nov 19th, In a letter to the editor, the writer expressed his opinion that after the great heavy losses sustained by the London insurance offices at various towns in the county, it is unjust and dishonourable to start a new local company, and that it will end in failure.
Dec 10th, Travelling retarded by a great fall of snow.
Russia and England mutually declare war against each other.
Dec 17th, It is announced that the capital of the new West of England Fire Insurance Company, which was to be fixed at £600,000, had been fully subscribed, and that numerous applications for more shares had been declined. The advertisement contained a long list of agents appointed in the Western Counties. Proposals for insurance were also to be received at the company's offices in St Sidwell's.
[At this time Mr William HOOPER, builder, father of the late Messers William and Henry HOOPER, was engaged in erecting the houses, at that time called Hooper's Buildings, but now known as Higher Summerlands in the Heavitree Rd, on a site leased by the Corporation of the Poor. The leases are now expiring, and the buildings reverting to the Corporation]
1808
Jan 14th, The following is extracted from "A poetical epistle from a lady in Exeter to her mother in the country"
With this city I'm sure you'll be charmed when you find
To clean and adorn it how all seem inclined!
No more in the High Street wide kennels you'll see,
Which were wont with nice ladies an ill to agree;
No more on the dresses as white as the snow
Will th' indelible marks of the dirt-splashes show.
Then our buildings in number and beauty advance
In spite of the menacing armies of France.
The South'rnhay with elegant structures is graced,
But the Friars allowed a criterion of taste,
A crescent! [whose clift Exe meandering laver]
High perched stands the pride of the Colleton-Graves."
[Colleton Crescent with the magnificence of which the poetess was so much impressed, had then been recently erected on the lands of the Colleton family. As was the custom in former years, a younger son of the ancient Devon race embarked in trade in the county Metroplois, and became the progenitor of the line of baronets still extant, though no longer connected with this county. Their estate in the Friars finally devolved on an heiress, Louisa Caroline COLLETON, who married Richard, afterwards Admiral GRAVES, and hence the above allusion to "Colleton-Graves." The town house of the COLLETON'S in Exeter was nearly opposite St Olave's Church, and at the time of its destruction by fire in March 1876, it was the wholesale stationery warehouse of Mr Alderman COOPER. Colleton Crescent had a rackfield in its rear extending the length of the Friars Walk, and this was not built until after it was sold in lots in 1828-29]
Trewman's Flying Post March 5th, 1879
Exeter and its neighbourhood under George 111- 1X
Selected and annotated by Robert DYMOND, F.S.A.
1808
Jan 21st, "We are happy to learn that Sir Thomas ACLAND of Killerton, Devon, Bart, who had been detained in his passage through Denmark, and sent to Konksberg prison, together with Corote la Motte, and Mr C. C. ADDELEY, the companions of his tour, have been liberated and they are all returned to England on the Lord Duncan packet which arrived at Southwold on Sunday, the 10th inst."
Feb 11th, A fire broke out on the 4th at the Dolphin Inn, Moretonhampstead which threatened the destruction of the town. It destroyed the in and several adjoining houses, but was got under by the inhabitants, aided by the French and Danish prisoners on parole there.
March 31st, Great festivities at Killerton on the 29th, when the late Sir Thomas Dyke ACLAND attained his majority. At this time the Post Office was still in a house [since removed] adjoining the West front of the Cathedral.
April 14th, By an advertisement under the new Paving Act the magistrates of Exeter invite tenders for paving the footpaths of Fore St, from North St to the Guildhall with granite, also for a brick sewer between the same points.
July 7th, An advertisement announces that at the next General Meeting of the proprietors of the West of England Fire Office it will be proposed to extend their business to Life Insurance.
Aug 18th, The West of England Eye Infirmary established by resolutions of a public meeting held on the 11th, John Pollexfen BASTARD Esq, M.P, for Devon in the chair, Mr William ADAMS was appointed Oculist to the new institution.
George TUPP, alias GODBEAR, executed on the 17th for the murder of Robert LEACH, at Morchard Bishop, by striking him on the head with an axe.
Sept 15th, Major DALRYMPLE and Captain HALSTED, having landed at Teignmouth on the 14th, passed through Exeter for London with despatches announcing the surrender of Junot and of the Russian Fleet to the British Forces in Portugal.
Oct 6th, Lieut-General Sir Arthur WELLESLEY [afterwards Duke of Wellington] landed from Portugal at Plymouth on the 4th and passed through Exeter on the morning of the 5th with two officers of his staff in, a chaise and four, on his way to London.
Oct 20th, John COOKE, the noted saddler of Exeter, having used language defamatory to the character of Mrs ALSFORD, pleaded guilty in the Ecclesiastical Court and did penance before the ministers and churchwardens of St David's. He issued a bulletin on the subject in the next paper.
Dec 29th, Destruction by fire on the 27th of Escot, the seat of Sir John KENNAWAY, Bart, and formerly of Sir George YONGE, Bart. The furniture and paintings were consumed, nothing being saved but the jewels, plate and papers. A farmer named PYLE was killed whilst rendering assistance.
1809
Jan 26th, A long continued fall of rain and snow occasioned a high flood in the Exe, inundating St Thomas and Exe Island. The inhabitants of St Thomas shut their shops and retired to their upper floors. Sheep, trees, gates etc, were carried down the river, the water gained its greatest height at 4am on the 25th, when it was about 2 inches higher than the great flood in 1800. The tenter ?acks in the Bonhay and Shilhay were under water and some carried away. The centre arch of the Cowley Bridge fell in and Bickleigh Bridge was so much injured as to render the road to Tiverton impassable.
May 4th, The old County Bridewell advertised for sale by auction in lots. [This structure occupied the site of Beaufort Place in Colwick St, just beyond the present railway station.
June 8th, About this time advertisements of the sale of French prize ships at Plymouth are especially frequent.
June 29th, On the 27th the Mayor and Chamber elected the following members of the Common Council, Bartholomew PARR, M.D, B. W. JOHNSON, Burnet PATCH, John FACT, J. W. WILLIAMS, Robert TREWMAN, and Charles BRAKE, Mr FLOUD, elected Alderman and J.P, vice Richard HART, resigned.
An advertisement invites tenders for taking down part of St Martin's Tower, putting up a Portland stone parapet, and plastering the tower. Apply to Mr CORNISH, surveyor.
July 6th, Joseph GREEN Esq of Guildford St, London, a partner in the Devon County Bank, driving in his gig near London, his horse took fright, he was thrown out and killed on the spot.
Sept 28th, Notice of application for an Act for making a canal from Totnes to Ashburton and for supplying Ashburton with water from the River Webburn.
Hugh DOWNMAN, M.D, died on the 23rd after 30years extensive practice in Exeter. [He was born in Alphington on the 7th February 1740, was educated at Exeter Grammar School, and took his degree of B.A, at Baliol College Oxford. He was at first designed for the church and was ordained at the Palace Chapel Exeter, 23rd June, 1763, and on the following day was licensed to the curacy of Alphington, but soon abandoned the clerical for the medical profession and after studying at Edinburgh, settled in Exeter and marrying Frances daughter of John ANDREW, M.D, was elected a physician to the Devon and Exeter Hospital on the 18th July 1771. He was a man of amiable disposition and an ornament of a select band of literary worthies of this city. He was the author of several poems, tragedies and miscellaneous pieces. His portrait by his cousin John DOWNMAN, was engraved by ?ler and Woodman]
Oct 5th, The new County Bridewell near Northernhay completed.
Oct 26th, The 25th was observed as a jubilee on the King entering the 50th year of his reign. The Cathedral and parish bells were rung, the Mayor and Chamber attended the Cathedral in state, the procession being accompanied by the trade incorporations and Freemasons headed by bands of music. The Bishop preached from the text, 1 Samuel 24. In the afternoon the military at the barracks fired royal salutes and the poor were feasted. Captain COOKE, the loyal saddler, regaled at the Cloth Hall at his own cost, upwards of 150 persons. Mr Daniel HEROLD, coachbuilder, having on the same day completed the 50 year of his business, decorated his premises with flags and foliage, and gave a dinner to his workmen and friends. The workhouse poor were also treated, and in the evening there was a display of fireworks. Similar celebrations took place in different parts of the county. At Broadclist in particular, Sir T. D. ACLAND, Bart, the High Sheriff, gave 20 sheep to feed the poor and feasted the prisoners at the Gaol.
Nov 9th, A paragraph from an American paper gives an account of the application of steam to the propulsion of a vessel plying between New York and Albany.
Nov 30th, A public meeting held in Exeter to promote the formation of a branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society. It was afterwards established at a meeting held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of the Mayor, 23rd Dec 1800.
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