October 18th 1751

They write from Bosbury in Herefordshire, that on Saturday was sev’night Farmer Hodges was attacked by a Highwayman well mounted, in a Place called the Red Field, who demanded a large Sum of Money which he had received for Hops; but the Farmer’s Horse instantly rearing in a surprizing Manner, threw the Highwayman down; by which Means he saved his Cash, though pursued to his very Door.

From the Derby Mercury   Friday, 18 October 1751 No. 31 Vol. XX

August 10th 1754

We hear from Bosbury, in Herefordshire, that last Week as some Men were digging for Gravel, they discovered, within about a Yard of the Surface of the Earth, eleven setts of Human Bones, which are but little decay’d, and lying in a very regular Manner, at about a Yard asunder each Sett, and without the least Appearance of their ever having been inclos’d in Coffins.—Vast Numbers of People daily resort to see these extraordinary Remains, and various are the Conjectures about them.

From the Oxford Journal   Saturday, 10 August 1754 p.3 col.2

February 3rd 1766

A COCK-MATCH to be fought, at the Dwelling-House of John Chadd, in Bosbury, between the Gentlemen of Worcestershire and the Gentlemen of Herefordshire; to shew eighteen Cocks on each Side for two Guineas a Battle and twenty Guineas the Main; and to fight on Thursday the 13th Inst.

KING and ELSMORE, Feeders

From the Glocester Journal   Monday, 3 February 1766 VOL. XLIV Issue 2280

June 22nd 1766

COUNTRY NEWS. Hereford, June 23. On Monday last William Reese, Clerk, was collated by the Lord Bishop of Hereford to the Vicarage of Bosbury.

From the Oxford Journal   Saturday, 22 June 1766 p.3 col.2

June 30th 1785

HEREFORDSHIRE.
MRS. SARAH BULLOCK, of Bosbury in that county, begs leave to inform the Public, that all the money left by Mr. Nash has been distributed to the poor of the several parishes mentioned in the said Mr. Nash’s Will; therefore all further applications will be fruitless.

From the Hereford Journal   Thursday, 30 June 1785 p.3 col.1

September 11th 1788  

LIST OF CERTIFICATES    Issued, with respect to the Killing of Game in the County of Hereford, prior to the first of September, 1788.     ON TWO-GUINEA STAMPS.
ALLEN William, of the city of Hereford, gent.
....
Hartland James of Bosbury, gent.
....
Stedman John, of the Razees, esq.
....
Weaver John, of Eyton, gent.
B. FALLOWES, Clerk to the Peace for the said county. SEPT.1st, 1788
By order of the Honourable Commissioner of Excise, JOHN BRETTELL, Sec.

From Pugh’s Hereford Journal   Thursday, 11 September 1788 p.4 col.2

April 9th 1794  

BOSBURY PARISHWANTED,—A proper Person to Farm or Manage and superintend the Workhouse of this parish, as may be agreed on.
Application to be made at the Vestry on Easter Monday, at Eleven o’clock in the Morning, or in the mean time, to
WM. PALMER and JAMES BAGGOTT. Overseers of the Poor.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 9 April 1794 Vol.25 No.1236 p.1 col.4

February 3rd 1800

At Hereford county sessions, seven parish officers of Coddington were tried and convicted of a conspiracy for procuring a marriage to be solemnized between J. Norris, a parishioner of Bosbury, and one Margaret Bedford, a pauper, chargeable to the parish of Coddington, with an intent to burthen the inhabitants of Bosbury. One of them was fined 20l. [£20] and sentenced to one month’s imprisonment; two of them fined 5l. [£5] each, and to be imprisoned a fortnight; another fined 51. [£5] and to be imprisoned one month; and the others fined 1l. [£1] each.

From the Hampshire Chronicle   Monday, 3 February 1800 p.2 col.5

February 25th 1801

Yesterday the Lord Bishop of this dioceses was pleased to collate the Rev. John Lodge B.A. to the Vicarage of Bosbury upon the resignation of the Rev. F. Otty, LL.B.—And,
Same day, the Rev. F. Otty, LL.B. was collated to the Rectory of Coddington, void by the cession of the Rev. John Lodge, B.A.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 25 February 1801 p.3 col.5

August 22nd 1803

To be peremptorily SOLD, pursuant to an Order of the High Court ot Chancery, made in Cause of “Brydges against Phillipps,” with the approbation of John Wilmot Esq. one of the Masters of the said Court, in Twelve Lots, at the Feathers Inn, in Lcdbury, in the county of Hereford, on Monday, the 6th day of September, 1803, between ihe hours of two and three in the Afternocn;— PART of the FREEHOLD ESTATES of FRANCIS WILLIAM THOMAS BRYDGES, late of Tiberton, in the said county, Esq. deceased, situate in the parishes cf Ledbury, Munsley, and Bosbury, in the said county of Hereford.
Particulars may be had (gratis) at the said Master’s Chambers, in Southampton Buildings, London; of E. W. Shepkeard, Lincoln’s Inn; of Messrs. Downes, Solicitors, Hereford; and at the Place of Sale.

From the Gloucester Journal   Monday, 22 August 1803 p.2 col.4

March 3rd 1806

To be SOLD by AUCTION, at the George Inn, in the town of Ledbury, on Tuesday, the 18th day of March, 1806, between the hours of Three and Six in the Afternoon, in the following Lots, subject to Conditions then to be produced (unless previously disposed by Private Contract, of which notice will be given);—
Lot 1. All that MESSUAGE or TENEMENT, with the Buildings, Garden, and Five Pieces or Parcels of Arable and Pasture LAND, and Orcharding thereunto adjoining and belonging, called Stapley [now Staplow] containing by estimation about Nine Acres, more or less, situate, lying, aad being within two miles of the town of Ledbury aforesaid, on the road leading to Bosbury, now the occupation of John Goodman, a Tenant thereof, at the very low rent of 10l.10s.
Lot 2. ......

From the Gloucester Journal   Monday, 3 March 1806 p.2 col.4

October 26th 1808

MONEY.
WANTED to Borrow, on the Credit the Ledbury Turnpike Tolls, the Sum of FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS, in order to enable the Trustees to complete the Improvements in the Road leading from Ledbury towards Bosbury.—By Order of the Commissioners.       T.B.NOTT, Clerk.
Ledbury, Oct. 19, 1808

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 26 October 1808 p.3 col.2

May 24th 1809

DESERTERS.
The following Men have neglected to appear at the Muster of the First and Second Battalions of North Herefordshire Local Militia under the command of Colonel Sir J.G. Cotterell, Bart. now assembled at Leominster and Hereford, and being declared Deserters, Notice is hereby Given, that whoever will apprehend and lodge them in any of His Majesty’s Gaols, shall receive the usual Reward allowed by Act of Parliament, on applying to Adjutant Dennis, Leominster or Adjutant Keen in Hereford.
FIRST BATTALION [7 men]
SECOND BATTALION
WM. BARTLETT, of Bosbury, Labourer, 18 years of age, 5 feet 5 inches high,brown hair, hazel eyes, round face, and fresh complexion.
JOHN GWIN of Bosbury, Labourer, 18 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, brown hair, grey eyes, round face and fresh complexion.
[4 other men]
By Order of Colonel Sir J.G. COTTRELL, Bart.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 24 May 1809 p.3 col.2

October 12th 1810

FIRE AT TEMPLE COURT
A Caution to Planters and Dryers of Hops Friday se’nnight, between seven and eight o’clock, a fire broke out in the hop-kilns of Mr.R.Hartland, of Temple Court, Bosbury, which destroyed the same with a back kitchen and upwards of a ton of hops. The flames were prevented spreading to the dwelling-house by the exertions of the neighbours, and the engine from Ledbury, which arrived about nine o’clock, was very useful in preventing further communication with the adjoining buildings. This fire was occasioned by the dangerous practice of placing a lighted candle against a wall, which falling down, communicated to a heap of fresh dried hops and immediately spread with great rapidity.

From the Kentish Gazette   Friday 12 October 1810 p.4 col.5.

Reprinted from the Hereford Journal, 3rd October 1810.

May 3rd 1815

REMOVAL OF BOSBURY CHURCH SPIREBosbury Spire to be Taken Down, and a Low Roof to be put Over the Tower WHOEVER is willing to Contract for doing the same, is desired to send in his Proposals immediately, to Mr. Richard Kendrick, one of the Churchwardens of the Parish of Bosbury.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 3 May 1815 p.3 col.4

November 10th 1815

FROM THE “CARMARTHEN JOURNAL,” FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1815. The Rev. Thomas Lewis, Minister of Egremont, in the Diocese of St. David’s, and Curate of Munsley and Putley, in the Diocese of Hereford, has been licensed by the Lord Bishop of Hereford, to the Mastership of the Free Grammar School of Bosbury, on the nomination of the Feoffees of the said school.

From the Carmarthen Journal   Friday 10 November 1815

Reprinted in the Carmarthen Journal, 5 November 1915 p3. col.2

December 9th 1824  

Verdict — Found Drowned. — On the 3d inst. an inquest was taken at Bosbury before Mr. Pateshall [coroner, William Pateshall], on the body of Mrs. Anne Cale, who on the Tuesday evening previous, was returning from Ledbury Market to Bosbury, and in attempting to ride through the water at a part of the road leading from the Turnpike road to the village of Bosbury, where it had become deep and rapid by the overflowing of the Leadon brook, her horse was forced off the road by the current, when she was thrown and carried a considerable distance by the stream before she sunk, in the presence of several persons who made great though fruitless exertions to save her.—On the same day an inquest was held by the same Coroner, on the body of John Ward, whose death was occasioned at the same place and under like circumstances, excepting that the deceased had no occasion to ride through the water, but insisted upon doing so in opposition to the solicitations of persons present, as he said for a frolic, notwithstanding he was apprised of the death of Mrs. Cale, which had happened half an hour previous. Verdict in each case — Accidental Death

From Worcester Journal   Thursday 9 December 1824 p.3 col.3

The same report in the Hereford Journal of 8th December added: “It was the opinion of the Coroner and Jurors, that a recurrence of the flooding of the road at the place where the last-mentioned persons lost their lives, at least to any dangerous extent, might hereafter be prevented by the alteration of a bridge maintained at the expense of an individual, whose known humanity and liberality there is reason to believe will induce him to take measures to effect so desirable an object, as soon as he is apprised of the above unfortunate accidents.”

June 22nd 1825

List of Names of the Men of the Herefordshire Militia, who have not Joined for Training 1st June, 1825 Name | Bal. Sub. or Vol. | For whom a Substitute. | What Parish they serve for. | Size. | Age | Complexion | Eyes. | Hair | Where born, | Trade or Occupation. | Attestation.
. . . . .
James Lewis | Sub. | James Griffiths | Bosbury | 5'4" | 20 | Brown | Hazle | Dark | Hom Lacy | Labourer | Ledbury 8 May 1821
. . . . .
Joseph Jones | Bal. | ------ | Bosbury | 5'4½" | 29 | Fresh | Hazle | Dark | Bosbury | Labourer | Ledbury 22 May 1821
. . . . .
Robert Jauncey | Sub. | Philip Sparkman | Bosbury | 5'6" | 22 | Fair | Hazle | Dark Brown | Colwall | Labourer | Ledbury 18 March 1823
. . . . .
William Colwall | Sub. | John Mutlow | Bosbury | 5'10½" | 19 | Fair | Hazle | Light Brown | Upton-on-Severn | Cooper | Ledbury 20 April 1825
. . . . .
N.B. The Sum of Twenty Shillings will Paid on Apprehension of each the above Deserters, and any Person harbouring or concealing a Deserter, is liable to Fine of Five Pounds.
By Order of Col. Sir GEORGE CORNEWALL, Bart; THOMAS JONES, Captain and Adjutant.

From Hereford Journal   Wednesday 22 June 1825 p.1 cols.2-5

Postscript: A total of 100 men failed to report that day.

November 22nd 1831

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES>
Sir,—Your paper of 17th contains a letter addressed to the Bishop of Hereford, on the subject of his spiritual patronage generally, and with especial reference to his late disposition of Colwall, which he has just presented to an exemplary clergyman of 60 years of age. The same letter has been made subservient to an attack upon the incumbents of Bosbury, Cradley, Coddington and Little Marcle, or their representatives. I venture to hope you will insert the underwritten letter to my curate in your columns, as an act of common justice.
I am Sir, your obedient servant,
J. H. UNDERWOOD, Vicar of Bosbury.

“Ledbury, Nov. 18.
To the Rev. John Sill
“My dear Sir,—You will be astonished, as much I have been, on perusing the enclosed copy of a printed letter, addressed to the Lord Bishop of the diocese, by Mr. James Martin, of Colwall, and bearing date Nov. 11, 1831. That a country clergyman, engaged in the exemplary discharge of his ministerial functions, should be drawn forth from the honourable obscurity of his station, and wantonly subjected to an unprovoked attack, is, I hope, even in these troublous times, a novelty.
....
“You and I have not escaped the lash of the spiritual Ajax Flagellifer.[?] Let me call your attention to this passage:—‘Bosbury, with a population of 1,100 souls, your Lordship has lately given to a young man, who never resides or even keeps a resident curate, the church being served by a tutor in a gentleman’s family, who lives in a distant parish.’ Our Archididasculus [head teacher, presumably being ironic?] puts Mr. Wynn in Schedule A (I suppose because he is 60), and now wishes to disenfranchise me because I am ‘a young man’ of a certain age. [JHU was 28 years old] It is presumable that our worthy friend, the unsuccessful candidite for Colwall, occupies a happy midway position in point of seniority, more congenial to the taste of his patron, and alike removed from the imperfections of a crude adolescence on the one hand, and senile debility on the other.
....
“Is it possible that Mr. Martin can be so ignorant of the topography of that gentleman’s house, in which, as a tutor, you are so deservedly esteemed, as to hazard the assertion that it is situated in a ‘distant parish’ from Bosbury? Does he not know that the parishes of Munsley and Bosbury are co-terminate?
....
“I am, my dear Sir, with much gratitude and respect, your very cordially, JOHN HANMER UNDERWOOD”

From the Times, London   Tuesday 22 November 1831 p.3

October 30th 1833

LEDBURY TURNPIKE TOLLS TO BE LET.NOTICE is hereby given, that the TOLLS arising at the several Toll Gates upon the Turnpike Roads in this District, will LET BY AUCTION, to the best Bidder, at the Feathers Inn, in Ledbury, on Friday, the 29th day of November next, between the hours of 12 and 3 in the afternoon, for the term of One Year from the 1st day of February next, in the manner directed by the acts passed in the third and fourth years of the reign of his Majesty King George the Fourth, “for regulating Turnpike Roads,” which Tolls produced the last year the sum of 1960l. and will be put up at that sum. And the Tolls arising at the several Toll Gates about to be erected on the roads from Bosbury Turn to Ridges Cross Hill, in the parish of Cradley; from Much Marcle Cross to Bromesberrow Heath; and at the foot of Bradlow, in the parish of Ledbury, will, at the time and place above-mentioned, be put in separate lots, at such sums as the Trustees shall think fit.
Whoever happen to be the best bidders must at the same time pay one month in advance (if required) of the rent at which such Tolls may be let, and give security, with sufficient sureties, to the satisfaction of the Trustees, for payment of the rest of the money monthly.
N.B. The Tolls to be demanded and taken at the respective Toll Gates will be according to the Table in the new Ledbury Turnpike Act, excepting that where the gates are beyond the distance of two miles from each other, the Toll will be paid the first and third.
T. BIBBS,
Clerk to the Trustees of the said Turnpike Roads. Ledbury, Oct. 21, 1833.

From Hereford Journal   Wednesday 30 October 1833 p.2 col.4

July 15th 1837

LEDBURY POOR LAW UNION,
IN THE THE COUNTY HEREFORD.
To be Sold Auction,BY ROBERT JONES, On Friday, the 21st day of July, 1837, at the George Inn, Ledbury, at four o’clock in the afternoon, subject to conditions then to be produced;—
THE following PREMISES, being Property belonging to Parishes in the Ledbury Union, viz.— Stretton Grandsome, Bosbury, Ashperton, and Much Marcle, and sold by order of the Board of Guardians:

   Lot l. A FREEHOLD TENEMENT, consisting of Three Dwellings, in occupation of Thomas Jones, William Haltham, and John Moretort, with Gardens annexed, called the Ark, in the Parish of Stretton Grandsome.
   Lot 2. A FREEHOLD TENEMENT, consisting of Three Dwellings, the occupation of Benjamin Weobley, Ann Pantoll, John Dyer, and Martha Lewis, with Gardens annexed, situate Stretton Grandsome aforesaid.
   Lot 3. One FREEHOLD TENEMENT, consisting of Seven Dwellings, unoccupied, and about Threequarters of Acre of Garden Land annexed, situate in the Village of Bosbury.
   Lot 4. A FREEHOLD HOUSE and GARDEN, unoccupied, situate at Woodsend, the Parish of Ashperton.
   Lot 5. A FREEHOLD HOUSE, with Two Dwellings and Gardens, occupied by Paul Mutlow, and Thomas Pugh, adjoining the last-mentioned Property
   Lot 6. A FREEHOLD HOUSE, with Two Dwellings and Gardens, occupied by Henry and Richard Lewis, at the top of tho Village of Ashperton.
   Lot 7. Four FREEHOLD TENEMENTS, and about Three Roods of excellent Garden Ground, situated at Matchfield, at the foot of the celebrated Terrace on Much Marcle Hill, in the occupation of James Sadler, Joseph Powell, Abigail Corbett, and John Wigmore.
   Lot 8. A FREEHOLD TENEMENT, and small Garden, situated on tho Gloucester Road, and near to Marcle Church, in the occupation of Mary Glover.
☞ The Overseers of the respective Parishes will show the Premises. For further particulars, apply J. Hughes, Clerk to the Union.

From Hereford Times   Saturday 15 July 1837 p.2 col.6

November 22nd 1837

NOTICE is hereby given, that on the second day of April, next, application will made to her Majesty’s Justices of the Peace assembled at Quarter Sessions in and for the County of Hereford, at the Shire-Hall, in the City of Hereford, for an Order for DIVERTING, TURNING, and STOPPING UP a certain portion of the HIGHWAY leading from CODDINGTON to BOSBURY, that to say, beginning at a point called Broad Oak, and one branch thereof leading thence through the Razees Coppice out into the Worcester and Cradley Turnpike Road, being in length about 680 yards, and the other branch thereof leading through the Razees Fold into the said Turnpike Road. And also, for STOPPING UP a ROAD called Queb Lane, leading out of the said Coddington Road into the aforesaid Worcester Turnpike Road, in length about 450 yards—and also for MAKING a NEW LINE of ROAD, beginning at the said Broad Oak, and leading across the Razees Estate, through Lands called the Nine Acres, the Grove, Church Croft and the Razees Hop-yard, into the said Worcester Turnpike Road, about 110 yards above the Razees House, being in length about 582 yards; and that the Certificate of two Justices having viewed the said Highways, of the same being partly unnecessary and partly more commodious and shorter, for reasons stated in such Certificate, together with the place of the old and proposed New Highways, will be lodged with the Clerk of the Peace for the said County, on the first day of January next.
(Signed) JOHN MASON, Surveyor of Bosbury Township. November 18, 1837.

From Hereford Journal   Wednesday 22 November 1837 p.1 col.3

Postscript: Explanatory map.

February 27th 1839

On the 18th instant, a very large and highly respectable meeting of the inhabitants of Bosbury took place in the spacious room at the Bell Inn, for the purpose of petitioning the Legislature against any alteration in the present Corn Laws. Mr. Godsall, the Senior Overseer presided, and opened the business of the meeting, which was addressed the Rev. E. Higgins, of Bosbury House in a very able speech, in which controverted the arguments urged in favour of the abolition of the Corn Laws, and pointed out the necessity of the Agriculturists coming forward in their own defence for the preservation the present laws, which he ably defended ; he concluded with moving “That it is expedient not only that this parish but the whole county should present humble petitions to both Houses of Parliament, entreating them to protect and maintain the present Corn Laws.” —The resolution was seconded by Mr. Mason, who defended the present Corn Laws.— Mr. Barrett, of Prior’s Court, after stating the ruin which would attend the repeal of the Corn Laws, proposed a petition to both Houses of Parliament, which he read amidst repeated bursts of applause.—Mr. Allcot seconded the adoption of the petition, which was carried by acclamation. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Bosley, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Turner, Mr. Mayos, Mr. Hill, the Rev. Mr. Underwood, and other gentlemen. The Chairman, after a speech full of convincing argument against the assertions of the Corn Law repealers, moved that the petition should be presented to the House of Commons by J. Barneby, Esq. 31.P. which was seconded by Mr. Ricketts, and the Rev. Mr. Higgins moved that the petition to the House of Lords should presented by Earl Somers, which was seconded by Mr. Barrett. Tbe thanks of the meeting were voted to tbe Chairman for his conduct in the chair, and also to the Churchwardens and Overseers, aud to the Rev. Mr. Higgins for preparing the petition.

From Hereford Journal   Wednesday 27 February 1839 p.3 col.6

July 17th 1839

On Wednesday evening a man named Fletcher was apprehended in Worcester, employed in a boat on the Ledbury canal, charged with stealing a quantity of wine from Mr. Anthony, of the Biddulph Arms, Ledbury—Another man, companion to Fletcher, escaped.

From Hereford Journal   Wednesday 17 July 1839 p.3 col.4

January 4th 1840

The CANAL.—The great importance of the completion of the Canal from Ledbury to Hereford, has lately been demonstrated, a fact which, a snort time ago, we observed ; we allude to the scarcity of Welsh coal in this city, occasioned by the disturbed state of the mining districts, which has forced an advance in the price of this article of prime necessity, nearly 25 per cent in this city ; had the Canal been completed, probably a depot of Staffordshire coal would at this moment be affording supplies at nearly summer prices. We have, therefore, much pleasure, laying the following information before the public ; it is an extract from a letter from an inhabitant of Ledbury, to a citizen of Hereford.
“ We are going on very well with our Canal ; the cuttings have commenced in the parishes of Bosbury and Ledbury, and about 70 men are actively and constantly employed ; in the course of another fortnight, this number will be increased least by a 100.—Of course it takes considerable time to make arrangements, before the men are steadily set on : purchasing the land, dividing the work into convenient contracts, making estimates, &c. &c. occupy much time : but there is sufficient guarantee that this duty is ably and industriously performed, by the fact, that the engineer is Mr. Stephen Ballard, who has some few assistants. Already the beneficial effects on the trade of Ledbury and neighbourhood are visible, although the work has scarcely begun ; wheelwrights making wheel barrows, masons preparing stone for the spring work brickmakers preparing clay, carpenters, blacksmiths, &c at various works, connected with the use of the Canal— these are the signs of our progress, and will daily increase and gradually stretch along the line, until it reaches Hereford ; aud it is superfluous to observe, that these effects will extend their influence to the shopkeepers and through them to the farmers,—in a word, all classes will benefit the impetus, which this comparatively large undertaking will give to the commerce of a large portion of the County ; indeed, nearly the whole cost of the Canal, will expended in Herefordshire ! Mr. Ballard is, I understand, using every exertion to get more of the contracts ready to be set ; aud, it hoped, they will soon be ready, as there are a large number of labourers out of employ in the neighbourhood.—lf no other good be effected than that of bettering the condition of these poor fellows and their families, a great good will accomplished. The first call on the subscribers, made at the beginning of December, was generally promptly responded to, there being but few defaulters. On the whole, the progress of the Canal is most saiisfactory, to the best interests of the entire community.”

From Hereford Journal   Saturday 4 January 1840 p.3 col.5

September 30th 1840

HEREFORD AND GLOUCESTER CANAL. —On Thursday a general meeting of the Proprietors of Shares in this undertaking, took place at the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, the Rev. K.E. Money in the Chair, when the successful progress of the Canal was stated, and that it would be navigable for the Company’s punt boats in the early part of next Spring from Ledbury to the Moorend at Ashperton. The Committee of last year was re-appointed, and a resolution that the Company proceed to raise £35,000 on mortgage of the Canal agreed to. Thanks were moved to the Committee of last year, and to the Chairman for his conduct in the chair.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 30 September 1840 p.3 col.4

April 3rd 1841

HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL. The half-yearly general meeting of the Shareholders in this undertaking, was held the Feathers’ Hotel, Ledbury, Thursday, the 25th ult. The Rev. K. E. Money, having been unanimously called to the chair, expressed his pleasure at seeing the number present. Although he lamented the unavoidable absence of many of the most influential of the shareholders residing at Birmingham, aud other places, at a distance; yet, as the business of the meeting was rather unimportant, [?] they might not be inconvenienced by their absence, so much as they might otherwise have been.
....
The following Report of Mr. S. BALLARD, the Company’s Engineer, was then read and adopted :—
“Gentlemen,—Since your last General Meeting, tho works on the line of the canal have gone on satisfactorily. The severe frosts of last winter caused some hindrance; but the three new locks Ledbury are completed, aud about seven thousand cube yards only remain to be excavated between Ledbury and the Moorend, a distance of five miles and a half.
“The works are nearly ready to admit of the boating of soil from the Deep Cutting at Ashpcrton, to complete the Leadon embankment at Prior’ Court.
“I have the pleasure of stating, that a considerable quantity of stone has been discovered in the course of the cutting, which is of much service the furtherance of tfie works.
“The works at the high ground at Ashperton are proceeding rapidly. There are about four hundred men at present employed on the line.
“All the time that I can spare from the works now under hand, is employed in setting out the line, and marking the land required for the canal between Canon Froome and Hereford. The line is already marked out as far as Withington, and I expect to complete the remainder of this part of the work by the end of April.
“I am, Gentlemen, your obedient Servant,
“March, 1841. STEPHEN BALLARD”
....
The ENGINEER, in answer to a question, said he was happy to say that they had hitherto gone on without a difficulty; and he believed that they would be able to complete the work, as far as the supply of water, half-a-year sooner than he had ever before stated. They were now busily engaged in building the Staplow Bridge, at the Bromyard road, which would finished in a fortnight.
....
[The Chairman summed up by saying that he] would persevere in his endeavours till the completion of the work—one highly beneficial to the county. He must say that although most pride was detestable, he felt kind of pride in anticipating the day when they should meet in Hereford to celebrate the completion of the Canal.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 3 April 1841 p.4 col.5

July 10th 1841

HEREFORD COUNTY SESSIONS. TRIALS OF PRISONERS before John Barneby, Esq., M.P.
COUNSEL IN COURT:— Messrs. Cooke, Skinner, Barratt, Armitage, and Venables.
.......
Thomas Parsons, aged 20, and Richard Lilly, aged 19, late of the parish of Bosbury, were charged with entering the dwelling-house of John Mayos, and stealing therefrom a quantity of bread, butter, and other articles. Elizabeth Mayos deposed that on Thursday, the 1st. of April, she saw everything safe on her husband’s premises; on rising the following morning, she found that the house had been broken open, and several things stolen therefrom; there were tracks near the house, where part of the stolen property was found. —Simmonds, a gamekeeper, suspecting the prisoners, took them into custody. Samuel Purnell took the shoes from the prisoners, compared them with the tracks, and they were found to correspond exactly. Guilty. The prisoners, before the time of the present charge, had been found guilty of felony at the assizes held in Gloucester. Transported for life.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 10 July 1841 p.1 col.6

Postscript: Mr. Barneby’s name was incorrectly given here as Barnery.

March 26th 1842  

Worcester.—At the Police Court in this city, a few weeks ago, a woman, with an infant in her arms, was committed to prison for cutting a small quantity of birch at Bosbury, the damage which she did being valued at one halfpenny. The child, it seems, died in prison on Sunday, and at the inquest which was held, the mother stated that it was her belief that the child died in consequence of a cold caught in the Ledbury lock-up house.

From The Gardeners’ Chronicle   Friday 26 March 1842 p.215 col.2

May 27th 1842  

LAPSUS LINGUÆ.—On the Sunday preceding last Christmas-day, the clergyman of a rural parish, not one hundred miles from Ledbury, says the Hereford Times, made the following singular announcement to his congregation:—“ I hereby give notice, that on Saturday next, being Good Friday, the service will commence at half-past two o’clock.” The Rev. Gentleman did not perceive his mistake till he read it in the countenances of his congregation, when he corrected himself by saying that “Saturday, being the anniversary of our Saviour’s nativity, service would commence at the time he had stated.”
The Rev. Robert Coleman, Wesleyan Minister, of Ledbury, summoned Richard Skinner, of Tarrington, for interrupting him at a chapel in Bosbury. After the rev. gentleman had finished his discourse, defendant told him that “he was much obliged to him for his tale,” and offered to give him some beer and tobacco. The only object of the rev. gentleman in coming before the magistrates was to prevent future interruption, and, at his request the defendant was dealt very leniently with, being let off on paying the expenses, which amounted to 9s. 6d.

From The Welshman, Carmarthen   Friday 27 May 1842 p.2 col.4

Postscript: There appear to be two reverend gentlemen referred to in the separate paragraphs.

October 15th 1842

HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL. Extracts from the Committee’s final report.
‘The supply of water from the river Frome has been secured and paid for. The feeder which it was conducted into your Canal was completed in a short space of time and such a manner as will render it permanently effective. The supply, even in this most extraordinarily dry season, has fully equalled the calculations that had been previously made.
It is therefore most gratifying to your Committee to be able to report the fact, that the Canal hits now the command of an abundant and never-failing supply of water, and that object is at length attained which, from the date of the first Act of Parliament in 1791 to the present time, period of more than half a century, has been looked forward to as the great means by which alone the regular, useful, and profitable navigation of the Canal could be secured.
Extracts from the Engineer’s final report.
Great exertions have been made during the summer to forward the excavation in the deep cutting at Ashperton, in order to allow the water from the river Frome to pass through to supply the Canal between Ledbury and Gloucester; but the cutting was not sufficiently advanced to admit of this till the 20th of August, on which day the water was for the tirst time turned into the Canal, which was then nearly empty throughout the whole line to Gloucester. The supply of water which the river has afforded has been fully equal to my expectations. Forty-four years has the Canal to Ledbury been under the ruinous disadvantage arising from want of water. Generally, at least four months in each summer was the Canal quite dry, and consequently without any trade. The loss of income arising from this great annual stoppage must not be estimated merely in proportion to the time lost each year; the irregularity and uncertainty occasioned by it prevented the establishment and extension of traffic which cheap and regular conveyance invariably produces.
....
The supply of water from the Frome is introduced to the Canal by a feeder three-quarters of a mile in length, arched over nearly the whole distance with a stone arch four feet two inches high, and three feet nine inches wide. There is a weir of hewn stone at the river Frome, two hundred feet in length over which the water flows into the feeder. A great part of this feeder is formed a considerable depth under ground, in some places sixteen feet deep. The whole work was completed in two months’ time, according to agreement with the Rev. John Hopton, through whose grounds the feeder passes. The regulation of supply of water to the Canal is effected means of a cast-iron bolt at the end of the feeder nearest the Canal There are fourteen arched bridges, one turnbridge, and two bridges with level bearers and planks over the Canal, and two arched roadways under it. * * * * * *
At every public road which the Canal crosses, a wharf or landing-place has been formed. The wharf at Ledbury is very conveniently situated close to the town.
....
At Staplow, the nearest point to Bosbury, Bromyard &c. a convenient wharf has been formed, and a dwelling-house with weighing machine has been built.
....

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 15 October 1842 p.1 col.5

April 22nd 1843  

HEREFORDSHIRE. ATTACK OF A SAVAGE BULL AND RESCUE BY A FEMALE. —On Sunday evening Mr. Hancocks, of Bosbury, in this county, directed one of his men, Herbert Price, to take a bull to water, which was accordingly done. As Price was driving the animal back to the stall, it attacked and threw him several times up in the air, continuing to move the unfortunate man forwards for twenty yards, where further progress was stopped by a pale-fence. Here the servant girl came to the rescue of Price, and Mr. Hancocks also proceeded to the spot and struck the bull a blow with a pike. Not at all liking the appearance of the animal, Mr. H. thought that the gun would be a better weapon to use, but unfortunately it was not loaded, The servant girl did not leave Price for a moment, but most resolutely struck the infuriated animal with a stick over the pales, the fence between the heroine and her four-footed antagonist not being more than four feet high. Her situation may be more easily imagined than described. More than once the animal made an attempt to get at her, but her undaunted spirit kept her to the post of action. At length the bull flung Price further by the side of the pales, opposite where the house-dog (a mastiff) was chained, and again lifted him from the ground, when he fell across the fence. The girl had the presence of mind to loosen the dog, which seized the bull by the nose, and held it tightly till the heroine had nearly got the poor man to Mr. Hancocks’ own door before he returned from looking for the gun. Price was immediately put to bed in an almost exhausted condition, and medical aid procured. We are sorry to add that four of his ribs are broken, and that he has sustained very severe injuries both internally and externally; hopes are, however, given that he will recover. The spirited and judicious conduct of the servant girl is deserving of the highest commendation.

From The Bristol Mercury   Saturday 22 April 1843 p.3 col.4

Postscript: Herbert Price, farm labourer, and his family appear in the 1851 census so he did survive.

August 30th 1843

ACCIDENT FROM FIRE—Mr. Jones, of Catley Cross, in the parish of Bosbury, having occasion a few days ago to send a man with a horse and cart to Gloucester, a boy, an out-door servant to Mr. J. named Dewson, was desirous of going likewise, but his master considering that his services were not wanted refused to allow him to do so, and said if he did, he should have nothing for his day’s work. Ultimately, however, the boy went, and got Mr. J. to give him a shilling of his wages. When the boy returned to Catley Cross from Gloucester, he was told that his father intended to flog him, and the poor lad was, in consequence, afraid to go home; after Mr. Jones and his family had retired to rest, Dewson contrived to get into the back-kitchen, unknown to Mr. J. and laid himself down before the hearth, where a fire had been lighted during the day. Being wearied with his journey he soon fell into a sound sleep, when by some means his clothes ignited and were completely burnt off one side before he awoke; finding himself to be on fire, he used his vocal powers to awaken some one in the house, but failing in this, he be-thought himself of the pool in the fold; thither he went, and immersed himself in water, which luckily subdued the flame, but not till he was dreadfully burnt. The boy is in Worcester infirmary, and it is supposed that he will recover. Dewson about two years ago had a younger brother burnt to death.

From The Hereford Journal   Wednesday 30 August 1843 p.3 col.5

August 3rd 1843

FAMILY CIDER FOR THE HARVEST. TO BE SOLD, in quantities of not less than Three Hogsheads. For particulars, &c., apply to James Rudge, at the Farm, Bosbury, near Ledbury, and within half a mile of Staplow Wharf, on the Hereford and Gloucester Canal. Purchasers to find Casks.

From the Worcester Journal   Thursday 3 August 1843 p.2 col.7 

January 3rd 1844

BOSBURY PLOUGHING MATCH.The Castle Froome, Canon Froome, and Bosbury ploughing match, took place on Friday last, in a field at the farm, Bosbury, occupied by Mr. T. Godsall, where twelve four-horse teams started to plough half acre each in four hours. Most of the teams had performed their task half an hour before the allotted time. The judges were Mr. Winnall, of Leigh, and Mr. Racster, of Thingehill. The prizes were awarded as under :—
    Waggoner.   -   Master.
    1l. 10s. to T. Sandford   -   Mr. Smith.
        Five shillings to the boy.
    1l. ls. to W. Child   -   Mr. Acton.
        Four shillings to the boy.
        15s. to T. Godsall   -   Mr. Brydges.
        Three shillings to the boy.
        12s. to — Turberville   -   Mr. Homes.
        Two shillings to the boy.
To encourage the unsuccessful candidates 2s. 6d. to each man and ls. to each boy, was given. A large party afterwards dined at the Bell Inn, Bosbury.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 3 January 1844 p.3 col.6 

March 23rd 1844

LEDBURY MARKETS.THE MARKET BOATWILL leave the undermentioned Places on TUESDAYS and on FAIR DAYS, as follows :—
Withington Wharf...  Quarter before Seven o'clock.
Kymin Wharf............  Half-past Seven o'clock.
Crews Pitch................  Quarter-past Eight o'clock.
Canon Frome............  Quarter before Nine o'clock.
Staplow........................  Half-past Nine o'clock.
And will return from Ledbury at Three o'clock in the Afternoon.
The Market Boat will commence Plying on Tuesday next, 26th inst.

---

                                       FARES:                        Best   Second
                                                                        Cabin. Cabin.
Withington Wharf (to or from Ledbury ...  9d.    6d.
Kymin Ditto               "         "                       ...  8d.    6d.
Crews Pitch                "         "                       ...  7d.    4d.                   
Canon Frome            "         "                       ...  6d.    4d.
Staplow                       "         "                       ...  4d.    3d.
No charge for Passengers’ Luggage if under One Cwt.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 23 March 1844 p.2 col.8 

May 4th 1844

ACCIDENT.—On Thursday last, as William Hill was employed raising stone at the Broad Oak quarry, in the parish of Bosbury, he met with a lamentable and serious accident,which might have proved fatal. Hill had made a deep hole in the bed of the stone, in which he deposited a charge of gunpowder ; in ramming it down firmly in the hole, the steel ramrod broke in two, the one part remaining in the concavity. In extricating it, the percussion produced a spark of fire, and the powder deposited immediately ignited ; a fearful explosion ensued, and Hill was blown several yards; one of his arms was broken, and his face frightfully lacerated. What makes the circumstance more distressing is, that his wife witnessed the disaster.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 4 May 1844 p.3 col.4 

May 30th 1844

BOSBURY CHURCH RENOVATIONThe church at Bosbury, Herefordshire, was reopened on Thursday last. The liberality of the landed proprietors and other influential neighbours, seconding the efforts of the parishioners, has enabled them to undertake very extensive alterations and improvements, and to restore the interior of the church to its pristine proportions. A fine organ (by Bates) has been erected at the west end, and a curious old font and lecturn (which had been defaced and injured) have been carefully cleaned and restored.

From the Worcester Journal   Thursday 30 May 1844 p.3 col.5

December 12th 1844

Ledbury Magistrates’ Office.—Richard Palmer, labourer, of Bosbury, charged Walter Lucas, of the same parish, with violently assaulting him, between nine and ten o’clock on the evening of the of the 16th of November. The Magistrates observed that this was the most cruel and aggravated case assault which had come under their notice for some time, and fined the defendant £2., and 10s. 6d. expenses. The money not being forthcoming, defendant was locked up, and his mittimus [A court order directing a sheriff or other police officer to escort a convict to a prison.] was made out; but it was agreed that he should remain in durance vile [detention], at Ledbury, and partake of the good cheer of Superintendent Shead till the morrow, to see whether his friends at Bosbury would liberate him; if not, he was then to be transplanted to Hereford for a season. —William Jones, of Bosbury, summoned James Parsons, of the same parish, for £1. 12s. 1d., which complainant stated to be due to him for wages. Defendant was ordered to pay the amount, and 8s. 6d. expenses.

From the Worcester Journal   Thursday 12 December 1844 p.4 col.2

January 10th 1845

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE On Friday last a child, belonging to a labouring man named Molvern, living at Catley Suffield, in the parish of Bosbury, who was playing in front of the door, accidentally fell into the draw-well, which was unguarded, eighteen feet deep, and three parts filled with water. The mother of the child seeing the accident, and incautious of her own life, leaped into the well. Her screams immediately drew several neighbours to the spot, who quickly extricated the mother and the child from their perilous situation. It is astonishing to relate that neither of them sustained any injury beyond a thorough immersion.

From The Welshman   Friday 10 January 1845 p.1 col.7

June 7th 1845

LEDBURY. CURIOUS CASE.
At the Ledbury Petty Sessions, last week before Rd. Webb, Esq. Chairman, the Rev. Canon Morgan, and the Rev. J. H. Underwood, William Kendrick of Bosbury, butcher, complained against Henry Russell, Robert Cale, Rchd. Jones and Samuel Cope (the two former of Ledbury and two latter of Bosbury), for having, on Thursday, the 22nd ult., being at Bosbury wake, placed the said William Kendrick in the parish stocks without his consent or any authority to do so. It appeared that Kendrick had inpounded a horse belonging to the defendant Jones, in consequence of it having strayed into Cutley [typo. error for Catley] Rye Meadow, and for which grave offence the defedants arraigned him before themselves at the bar at the Bell Inn, Bosbury, Cale acting as judge, and condemned him to the stocks for six hours! He was accordingly placed in the stocks, but liberated before the time allotted had expired. All the cases were heard separately in consequence of only one name being in each summons. Jones was fined £1 0s. 6d.; Russell £1 10s.; Cale and Cope pleaded guilty, and were fined £1 8s. each, costs included.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 11 June 1845 p.3 col.7

September 20th 1845

On Wednesday, the 17th instant, John Farmer, of the parish of of Coddington, in this county, was summoned before the sitting magistrates (Robert Biddulph, Esq., Captain Jones, and the Rev. Edward Higgins of Bosbury) to answer information laid against him for having drawn drink in his house at 25 minutes past three o’clock, on the afternoon of Sunday, the 31st ult. . . . ANOTHER BEER-HOUSE CASE.—Richard Gardiner, of the parish of Bosbury, appeared to answer information laid against him for having kept his house open for the sale of drink, during Divine Service at the parish church of Bosbury, on Sunday, the 31st instant.—Superintendent Shead said that went to Gardiner’s house at five minutes past four o’clock in the afternoon of the day in question, and saw a man there who was, seemingly, in a state of intoxication, and that there was some cider in a quart before him.- Gardiner attempted to excuse himself, by saying that the girl had drawn the drink while he was from home, without his knowledge. — Fined 10s.,and 9s. 6d. expenses.
BEER-HOUSE CASE, No. 3.—James Phillips, of Catley Cross, in the parish of Bosbury. beer-house keeper, was summoned to appear before the Magistrates, for allowing drink to be consumed on his premises, during divine service at Bosbury Church, on Sunday the 31st ult.— Superintendent Shead appeared to offer evidence in support of the information, but the defendant did not then appear, and it also came out that he had not been served with the summons personally. A fresh summons was ordered to be made out to summon Phillips to attend to answer the above information on that day (Wednesday) fortnight. Shead made a second complaint against Phillips, Shead said that he looked through defendant’s window, and saw fourteen or fifteen persons there, some of whom were playing at cards. A second summons was ordered to made out against Phillips, to require him to appear to answer this charge also. Phillips afterwards made his appearance, but was told that he was too late, and to attend that day fortnight.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 20 September 1845 p.3 col.7

December 4th 1845

LEDBURY PETTY SESSIONS, Nov. 26.—Magistrates present—Captain Jones, and the Revds. J. Underwood and Edward Higgins. ······ —Samuel Caswell, of Knightwick, Worcestershire, was charged by Hannah Bennett, an old woman of Bosbury, with riding furiously through the village of Bosbury, on the 29th October last, whereby he knocked her down, and seriously injured her. Edward Francis Grey, Ledbury, said he was at Bosbury on the 29th October last, and saw defendant ride against complainant, thereby knocking her down; and said defendant was going at the rate of twelve miles an hour. When she was taken up she was quite senseless, and her head was bleeding profusely. The defendant said he could not stop the horse, as it was a spirited one. Fined 1l. [£1] including costs, and in default of payment, was committed to Hereford gaol for fourteen days. ······ —On Monday last, Harriett Bowkett, a young female of Ledbury, was brought in the custody of Superintendent Shead, before the Revds. W. Money Kyrle and Edward Higgins, charged with having attempted to murder her male illegitimate child, aged about three weeks, by leaving it exposed in a field in the parish of Bosbury, on the evening of Saturday last. It appears that the prisoner left the workhouse of Ledbury between two and three o’clock Saturday afternoon with her child, which had no clothing of its own, but was wrapped in a flannel petticoat belonging to the mother. The prisoner carried the child as far as Bosbury, she being about to visit her mother at Hollings Hill Gate, and left it under a hedge near the residence the Rev. Edward Higgins. The child was found about half-past five in the evening by a man and his wife named Stallard, who carried it to Mr. Higgins’s house, where it was put in a warm bath and recovered. The nurse at the Union recognized the child by certain marks; and the prisoner confessed to Superintendent Shead that she had placed it there. It was quite dark and raining heavily when the child was found. Had it remained there much longer, it must have perished. The prisoner was remanded till yesterday, to secure the attendance of a witness, who saw her with the child in her arms on Saturday afternoon between three and four o’clock, when she was fully committed to Hereford gaol for trial at the Assizes. ······

From the Worcester Journal   Thursday 4 December 1845 p.2 col.3

June 13th 1846

DAMAGES— Elizabeth Hill, of the parish of Bosbury summoned Thos. Treherne, of the same place, for damages done to her garden by the defendant’s geese.—The complainant, who is a poor widow woman, had planted her garden with potatoes, which were in a flourishing state, when the defendant’s geese got in and tore greatest part of them up.—Mr. T. Pitt, of Bosbury stated that the amount of damage done to the garden was 2s.6d. which the defendant was ordered to pay together with 9s. expenses.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 13 June 1846 p.5 col.3

November 7th 1846

BURGLARY.— Late on Tuesday night or early on Wednesday morning last, the Endowed Grammar-school, at Bosbury, was burglariously entered. The thieves obtained an entrance by unfastening the casement of one of the school-room windows. The articles missing, so far as we are able to ascertain, are histories of England by the Earl of Chesterfield, Pinnock’s Goldsmith, Improved History of England, a large English Dictionary by Barclay, Eton Latin Grammar, English ditto by Fenning, several English Bibles, Pinnock’'s Geography, Walkingame’s Tutor’s Assistant, copy-books ready ruled, four boxes of steel pens, two pen knives, and a pocket ditto. Nothing up to the present time has transpired to lead to the discovery of the depredators.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 7 November 1846 p.5 col.2

June 12th 1847

STAPLOW WHARF, BOSBURY.—On Friday last a serious accident happened to a boy named Thomas Chambers, who was at a crane assisting to load a boat with timber. A stick, supposed to be two tons weight, was raised by the crane some feet off the ground, and the holdfast was put in the nick of the wheel, to prevent its lowering, just as Chambers was going to hold one of the handles to steady the crane, when the holdfast slipped out of the nick and the weight of the stick causing the handles to revolve as swift as the wind, the one struck the boy on the head and knocked in his skull. For several minutes it was thought he was dead, but in a short time he recovered so much as to be able to be conveyed home (which was very near the wharf), supporting himself between two men where he lies in a very precarious state.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday, 12 June 1847 p.5 col.3

October 30th 1847

BOSBURY. The second anniversary of the parochial meeting, in aid of the funds of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, was held in the school room, at seven o’clock last Thursday evening. The interest, which was so strongly manifested last year on the first formation of the committee, seemed to have suffered no diminution. Long before the clergy and influential laity of the parish entered the school room, the seats were fully occupied by an attentive auditory, composed of the farmers, tradesmen, and labourers of the parish, with the junior members of their families. On the motion of the Rev. J. H. Underwood, seconded by Sydney Gregg, Esq., the senior churchwarden (Mr. Thomas Pitt) was requested to take the chair. The proceedings of the evening were opened by the Vicar of the parish, who read the prayers used by the officers of the parent society at their metropolitan association. The resolutions, five in number, which set forth the aims and objects of the society, and the continuous desires which are everywhere arising for the extension of its operations, were moved and seconded by the clergymen present, and the influential residents of the parish.
.......
[Summary: the Society was incorporated in 1701 by King William III to support missionary work. All the local clergymen were strong advocates for this work and a parochial committee was established in Bosbury. During the meeting it was proposed that that “the best thanks of the meeting be given to those who had acted during the year past as collectors”.]
.......
The evening’s proceedings were then concluded with the customary prayer and benediction.—The decorous conduct and marked attention of the crowded assemblage to the observations and addresses of the speakers were very striking and commendable. Success is certain in objects so high and holy, where the feelings of the people are so generally and deeply interested, and where all classes (as in the instance now recorded) seem to combine so earnestly in one great and absorbing undertaking. Among those who either attended or took part in the business of the day, we noticed—Rev. W. Evans and Mrs. Evans, Burton Court; Rev. W. Hopton, Mrs. and Miss Hopton, Bishop’s Froome Rectory; Miss Higgins and Miss Schmeeke, Bosbury House; Rev. W. Lyall, rector of Castle Froome; Rev. C. Dowding, Ashperton; Rev. Thos. Dowell, Christchurch Parsonage; Rev. J. Hanmer Underwood, vicar of Bosbury; Mrs. Hanmer Underwood; Mr. Thomas Pitt, churchwarden, Temple Court; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Acton, the Grainge; Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Gregg, Peg’s farm; Mr. Inett, Old Court; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Mutlow, Cold Green; Misses Parkers, the Orchards; Miss Hickman and Miss Bydawell, the Farm; Mrs. Jordan, Old Court; Mrs. and Miss Bishop, Bosbury; Miss Turner, Lower House; Mr. and Mrs. John Palmer; Mr. Bosley and Miss Hall, Bentleys; Mr. W. Lewis, Noverings; Miss Osborne, schoolmistress; Mr. and Mrs. Bryan; Mr. Treherne, master of the Grammar School; Mr. and Mrs. Jennings; Mr. and Miss Jenkins, Lower Mills; Mr. R. Chadd; Mrs. Hooper; Mr. James Chadd; Mr. T. Jones; Mr. W. Allen and family; Mr. J. Shaw; Mr. Jos. Gardiner, junior; Mrs. Stewart and son, Catley Cross; Mrs. David Thomas and family; Miss Hill; Mr. Jos. Chadd and family; Mr. Graty and family &c., &c.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 30 October 1847  p.8 cols.2&3

March 8th 1848

LEDBURY TURNPIKE TRUST.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the TRUSTEES of the TURNPIKE ROADS, under an Act passed in the third year of the reigh of King William the IV., “For more effectually repairing the several Roads leading from the Borough of Ledbury, the County of Hereford, &c,” will meet [at] the Feathers Hotel, in Ledbury aforesaid, on Friday, the 31st day of March instant, at the hour of Twelve o’clock at noon, in order to consult about ERECTING A TOLL GATE [at] the side of the Turnpike Road leading from Ledbury to Bromyard, at or near the foot of STANLEY HILL, the parish of Bosbury, across certain highway there, leading through Catley towards the Village of Bosbury aforesaid.
Dated the 1st day of March, 1848.
 THOMAS BIBBS,
  Clerk to the said Trustees.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 8 March 1848  p.1 col.2

February 28th 1849

BOSBURY.
GIRLS’ SCHOOL.—In our advertising columns we have inserted an account of the receipts and expenditure incurred in the erection of this school-room. The liberal contributions of the owners of property, in addition to the munificent grant of the “Committee of Council on Education,”" have enabled the promoters of the school to erect a very commodious and handsome room 30ft. by 20ft.; 18ft. high. The building fronts the porch of the church and lytchgate, and forms a very striking object in the centre of a group of old gabled buildings of the Tudor æra. The north window constructed of Bath stone, with handsome mullions; the barge-board, ornamented with the trefoil and acorn alternately, gives a handsome finish to the village front. Much credit is due to Mr. Jukes, the architect, for finishing the building within the stipulated time, and also for not exceeding the terms of his contract. The property of the school is vested the Vicar and Churchwardens of the parish, who are also the “Committee of Management.” The tenant-farmers of the parish, with their accustomed liberality, hauled the building-materials; and this favour was much enhanced by the fact that their teams and waggons were cheerfully offered during the harvest months, to “their own hindrance.” A deficit of £12 4s. 0d. in the receipts will (we have every reason to hope) be made up by proprietors of land who have not yet contributed towards the good work. The school has been visited by her Majesty’s School Inspector, and the Committee of Council have made grants for apprenticing pupil-teachers in the boys’ and girls’ school. The average attendance at the two schools is 130.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 28 February 1849  p.3 col.7

October 17th 1849

HOUSEWARMING DINNER The friends of Mr J.Baskerville, of the Bell Inn, Bosbury dined together on Thursday last, the 11th inst., under the able presidency of James Gregg, Esq., solicitor, Ledbury. The vice-chair was ably filled by Mr. Hickman of the Farm, in the absence of C. M.R.Chamberlain, Esq., solicitor, Ledbury, who was prevented attending owing to the indisposition of his good lady. The following gentlemen formed the committee of management: — Mr.Thos.Inett,; Mr.R.Hickman; Mr John Acton; Mr.Thos.Pitt; Mr.S.Gregg, and Mr.James Willan. The dinner, which was served up in excellent style, gave general satisfaction to those who partook of it, and reflected the greatest credit on Mr. and Mrs.Baskerville. — We observed amongst the company present, the Rev.J.H.Underwood; Rev.Thos.Dowell; J.Gregg, Esq.; W.Reece, Esq.; R.Reece, Esq.; R.Homes, Esq.; Mr.Piper; Mr.Williams; Mr.Dunn; Mr.Bird; Mr.H.Pitt; Mr.Inett; Mr.Thomas Lane; Mr.Willan; Mr.Thos.Pitt; Capt.C.King; Mr.Hickman; Mr.Smith; Mr.Trehern; Mr.R.Mutlow; Mr.Bishop; Mr.Winnall; Mr.H.King, &c. After the removal of the cloth, the chairman gave the usual loyal toasts, which was followed by the Bishop and Clergy, the Rev.J.H.Underwood acknowleding the toast in a flattering and pleasing manner. The chairman next gave the Army and Navy, which was responded to by Capt.C.King, of Colwall. The Rev.J.H.Underwood proposed the health of the chairman. Mr.Gregg returned thanks for the very cordial manner in which they had drunk his health, and said that when he was at Bosbury he considered himself at home. There were many other toasts proposed and acknowledged, after which the company separated, highly delighted with the evening’s enjoyment.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 17 October 1849  p.3 col.6

November 24th 1849

ASSAULT.—On Tuesday last, Thomas Weaver, old offender, of Bosbury, was charged before the Rev. J. H. Underwood and Captain Jones, with assaulting Thomas Chadd, constable of the parish. It appeared from the evidence of the complainant, and Mr. Baskerville, landlord of the Bell Inn, Bosbury, that on Monday night, Weaver being in liquor, was according to his usual custom very quarrelsome at the Bell Inn, abusing the landlady, and otherwise disturbing the rest of the company, and the complainant was requested to turn him out of the house. In doing this the constable got very roughly used by the defendant, who not only scuffled and resisted, but struck him several times; and it was not until further assistance was procured that he was lodged safely for the night, and it also required an assistant in authority to march him to Ledbury that morning. Fined and costs. Not having the money, he was sent to the House of Correction at Hereford for two months.

From the Hereford Times   Thursday 24 November 1849  p.8 col.4

November 29th 1849

ASSAULTING A CONSTABLE.—On Tuesday, the 20th instant, Thomas Weaver, of Bosbury, was charged before the Rev. J. H. Underwood and Captain Jones with assaulting Thomas Chadd, constable ot the same village. It appeared that on the previous night the defendant was making a disturbance at the Bell Inn, Bosbury, and abused the landlady and otherwise quarreled with the rest of the company. The constable was requested to “turn him out,” and in doing so got very roughly used by Weaver, who not only resisted, but struck him several times. It was not until further assistance was obtained that he waa placed in “limbo” for the night, and it also required the assistance of another person to march him to Ledbury. He was fined £2 and costs, and in default, sent to Hereford gaol for two months.

From the Worcester Journal   Thursday 29 November 1849  p.4 col.5

January 9th 1850

BOSBURY From a Correspondent.
On Thursday last the friends of Mr. Thomas Jones, proprietor of the Crown Inn, dined together in his spacious and antique room ... On the present occasion the room was very cheerfully embellished with evergreens, and a large crown decorated with laurel branches and leaves was suspended against the wall at the top of the room, festoons on either side adding much to its grandeur. Mr. Jones rose to his present respectable sphere in life by his industry, sobriety and integrity; his friends, therefore, to manifest their good opinion and respect towards him, dined together at his ancient inn. The dinner, which reflected great credit on the landlord, consisted of the old English fare of roast and boiled beef and mutton, plum puddings, and pies; and a good supply of “John Barleycorn” also decked our host’s tables. The tickets being very low, enabled the arduous artisans, at this Christmas time, to join with their employers and friends in that cordial, social and brotherly friendship which we ought to demonstrate to each other. The company far exceeded the expectation of mine host’s friends, as 50 guests sat down to this good old English repast, under the able presidency of the Rev. E. Higgins, Bosbury House; the vice-chair being taken by Mr. J. Sparkman, Castle Froome, in the unavoidable absence of the Rev. J. H. Underwood, Vicar, who with his usual generosity handsomely supported the good cause. The Chairman gave the formal and customary toasts, which were responded to by the company in the most feeling and courteous manner. The excellent president also gave many apposite and appropriate sentiments, which I am sorry I cannot report, causing this large assembly to rise repeatedly and exercise their vocal powers in huzzas and the Manchester volley, which were as astounding as the Falls of Niagara .... previously to his vacating the chair, the excellent chairman assured the company that if he were in the country next year he would certainly again take the chair, to which he was unanimously elected amidst loud and long-continued cheering. This sympathising and social party separated at an early hour, manifestly delighted and satisfied with their evening’s amusement.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 9 January 1850 p.3 col.6

October 16th 1850

TRIALS OF PRISONERS BOSBURY,—STEALING HANDKERCHIEFS &c.
Richard Thomas, stonemason, was placed at the bar, charged with having on tbe 25th of September last, at Bosbury, stolen several handkerchiefs, a shirt, a knife, and a quantity of bread and cheese, the property of Wm. Birt.—Prosecutor deposed to day in question, and that when he returned he found the prisoner throwing the articles in question through the window, when a violent struggle ensued.—The articles were produced Court and sworn to.—The Chairman summed up, and the jury having deliberated, returned a verdict of guilty .—Transported for seven years.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 16 October 1850 p.3 col.6

The case was tried at the Michaelmas General Quarter Sessions before Chairman, Henry Morgan Clifford, Esq., M.P. for Hereford, at the Shire Hall, Hereford. He chose a harsh and increasingly old-fashioned form of punishment. In 1853, The Penal Servitude Act substituted shorter sentences of imprisonment for transportation, and a second Act in 1857 largely abolished transportation.

December 25th 1850

CITY OF HEREFORD ALTERATION OF THE WEEKLY CORN A REQUISITION numerously and respectably signed having been presented to the late Mayor, calling upon him to convene a Public Meeting, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of altering the Corn Market in this City from Saturday to Wednesday; and the Town Council having intimated that it would be an infringement of their Charter to interfere in the matter;- We, the undersigned, do hereby engage that, on and after WEDNESDAY, the First Day of JANUARY, 1851, we will attend at HEREFORD on WEDNESDAYS for the Sale of our CORN, and not on SATURDAYS as heretofore,when the attendance of Merchants, Millers, Corn Dealers, and others frequenting Hereford Markets, is respectfully requested.
N.B. The Corn Market will commence punctually at Two o’Clock.
name, village, acreage
..................
John Acton. Bosbury 200
J. Jinkins, Bosbury 30
R. Hickman. Bosbury 300
James Mutlow, Bosbury 260
John Mutlow, Bosbury 300
H. Treherne, Bosbury 150
James Wellin, Bosbury 250
J. Gardener, Bosbury 80
Thos. Bosley, Bosbury 70
Edward Brown, Bosbury .. 50
Thos. Inett, Bosbury 287
Edward Smith, Bosbury 80
N.Welsh. Bosbury 140
Edward Bury. Bosbury 160
F. Edwards, Bosbury 160
T. Hartford, Bosbury 70
...................
John Homes, Castle Froom.. 645
John Homes, Coddington..260

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 25 December 1850 p.2 col.3

November 15th 1851

DREADFUL ACCIDENT—A shocking accident occurred to Mr. John Acton, of the Grange, Bosbury, the evening of Tuesday se’nnight, as he was returning from Ledbury market with Mr. Holmes, of the Birchard, and another person. The parties were in a phæton and Mr. Acton was riding in the back seat, when, by some means, he fell on one of the hindermost wheels. The night being dark, he was not perceived by his friends until they met Mr. Mutlow, of Goldhill, near Bosbury turnpike, when they perceived the unfortunate man being ground with the wheel, by which means he received such severe injuries that no hopes are entertained of his recovery.

From the Hereford Times   Wednesday 15 November 1851 p.8 col.3

August 25th 1852

PERSUANT to a Decree of the High Court of Chancery made in a Cause “SPARKMAN against HOLBROOK,” the Creditors of PHILIP STEDMAN, late of the RAZEES, in the Parish of BOSBURY, in the County of Hereford, Esquire,deceased, (who died in or about the month of November, 1820,) are, on or before the Sixteenth day of November, 1852, to come and prove their Debts before RICHARD RICHARDS, Esquire, one of the Masters of the said Court, at his Chambers in Southampton Buildings, Chancery-lane, London, or in default thereof they will be peremptorily excluded the benefit of the said Decree.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 25 August 1852 p.3 col.1

March 8th 1851

LEDBURY PETTY SESSIONS. —Before Richard Webb Esq., (Chairman), Captain Jones, and Mr. J. A. Higgins, Esq.,
EVADING TOLL.—Mr. William Matthews, of the Merrings, Bosbury, was summoned for evading toll at the Bosbury turnpike. It appeared that on the 18th February the defendant was at Ledbury, and was asked by a gentleman to take some boards in his cart to Bosbury, which the defendant consented to do. At the Bosbury turnpike there are two gates, one called the “Bromyard” and the other the “Bosbury” gate. The defendant took a ticket from the Homend-gate at Ledbury, which would clear him through the Bromyard-gate, the way to his own home; but it was necessary, in taking the boards to Bosbury, that he should pass through the Bosbury gate, and pay the toll, which for two horses amounted to 8d. Instead of this the defendant passed through the Bromyard-gate, and instead also of keeping upon the road and the parish highway for a mile, or more, he turned off the turnpike-road within a quarter of a mile from the turnpike and went through some land belonging to the Temple Court estate, which was kept as a private road, and for the offence he was summoned by Mrs. Morris, the gatekeeper.—In defence the defendant said that having come to live at Bosbury so recently, he was not aware that the road he went along was a private road.— Fined 10s. 6d. including costs.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday, 8 March 1851 p.7 col.5

November 19th 1853

APPLES. APPLES WANTED.—POT FRUIT, and FRUIT for making CIDER, for Cash on Delivery at Canon Froome, Staplow, Ledbury, or Dymock Canal Wharfs, on the line of the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Canal.—Apply, with or without Samples, to the Advertiser, at the Royal Oak Inn, Ledbury, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Tuesday next, 22nd instant.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday, 19 November 1853 p.5 col.1

January 28th 1854

BOSBURY,—THE SCHOOLS—These schools are under Government Inspection. Mr. Burgess has recently been appointed to the boys’ school, vacant by the resignation of the late able master, Mr. Burrows. The Senior Pupil Teacher Richard Allen, of Bosbury, has been selected to fill the situation of Assistant-Master in the Scudamore Schools. In the girls’ school, Sarah Hooper, has just been appointed Queen’s Scholar, with certificate of the highest class, at the Training College, Cheltenham.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday, 28 January 1854 p.8 col.3

May 6th 1854

BOSBURY.—FAST DAY.—After a sermon preached by the Vicar of the parish, a collection was made at the offertory, when £5 8s. was contributed for the wives and children of the soldiers who have embarked for service in the East. The following evening a lecture was delivered in the Grammar School, at 8 p.m., by the Rev. Berkeley Stanhope, rector of Ballingham, and Fellow of All Souls. The rev. gentleman traced the causes, real and pretended, of the Russian invasion of the Moldo-Wallachian provinces, and gave a very interesting and masterly statement of the status belli, the diplomatic chicane of the Emperor Nicholas, and real and unexaggerated account of the Russian armies, their location and available resources. The lecture, which occupied two hours in its delivery, was interspersed with appropriate airs and national songs, by the Bosbury Choral Society. Mr. Burgess presided at the piano-forte. A large and influential assemblage, numbering 140, thronged the school-room, and listened with marked and gratified attention to the lucid exposition of the lecturer. A collection in aid of the military fund was made, and transmitted to the committee in London, amounting, with the alms given on Sunday, to the sum of £7 1s. 6d.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday, 6 May 1854 p.8 col.3

June 1854

SCHOOLMASTER, ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER —
A MASTER, Trained seeks a RE-ENGAGEMENT in a Grammar or Preparatory School. Is a Certified Teacher of Hullah’s System; an efficient Choirmaster; much success in School-management; can teach Drawing. Testimonials and References satisfactory.
Address, W. B., Bosbury Grammar School, Ledbury.

A classified advertisement from the Monthly Paper for the National Society for promoting the Education of the Poor etc. June 1854 issue. Page 35 of 40 (marked p. 215), col.1

It is reported in the August 1854 issue under Appointments that Mr W. Burgess from Bosbury has been appointed to Fishlake Grammar School, Doncaster.

August 1st 1855

BOSBURY.—STEALING A WATCH. Wm. Davies, labourer, previously convicted of felony, was charged with stealing a silver watch, the property of George Baggot, on the 27th July inst.—Mr. J. J. Cleave appeared on behalf of the prosecution, and called the prosecutor, who deposed : I was at the Tram Inn, in the parish of Bosbury on the day in question ; in consequence of a disturbance that took place outside the house, I took off my frock and waistcoat to fight; I handed my watch to a man named Farmer, who was standing near, who afterwards handed it over to the prisoner; next morning I missed the watch, and asked Davies if had got it, to which he replied “ No.” — Thomas Farmer deposed : I live at Bosbury, and was in company with Baggot at the Tram Inn, but when he stripped off his clothes I did not keep bis watch. — Superintendent Shead stated that he apprehended the prisoner on Friday last; when I went to him at his house, he said to me “ do you want me,” to which I replied “ Yes ;” searched him, and did not find the watch in his possession; but, on turning round I discovered him to be moving something that was under him (he being sat down at the time) and upon looking, found it to be the missing watch. — A man named Davies said that he heard prisoner say on Friday he had the watch, but that he should not return it to its rightful owner until Sunday.—The jury returned a verdict of guilty, and he was sentenced to be imprisoned for one calendar month.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 1 August 1855 p.3 col.5

Postscript: In the Hereford Times of 4 August are the same details but there is no mention of the Tram Inn. It does add: “James Davies, called for the defence, said that on Friday morning he met the prisoner and asked him what time it was ; he told him it was nearly six o’clock, and that he knew because he had Baggott’s watch, which he intended to return on Saturday night or Sunday. A previous conviction for stealing cider in 1852 was proved against the prisoner, when he was sentenced to 14 days, hard labour at the Quarter Sessions”.

April 11th 1857

LEDBURY. CHARGE OF CHILD MURDER.—On Monday last, Harriet Rudge, Bosbury, was brought before J. H. Higgins, Esq, R. Webb, Esq, and Capt. Hayward (on remand), charged with the wilful murder of her male child, supposed to be about a month old. The child was found drowned in the Hereford and Gloucester canal near Ledbury. and was supposed to have been in the water three weeks. An inquest was held on Saturday last, and a verdict of “Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown” returned. Before the magistrates a number of witnesses were examined, and such strong circumstantial evidence given, that the prisoner was committed for trial at the next assizes at Hereford. Mr. G. H. Piper, solicitor, appeared for the prisoner, who reserved her defence till her trial. She declined making any admission, but fainted on hearing the magistrates’ decision.

From the Worcester Herald   Saturday, 11 April 1857 p.2 col.8

Postscript: The full story of the proceedings at the Magistrates Court at Ledbury is given in the Hereford Times on the same date. It makes grim reading but if you want the facts here they are. The Hereford Journal caught up with the news and provided more detail the following Wednesday (see next snippet). The verdict of the trial at the Herefordshire Assizes was reported in August (see next but one snippet).

April 15th 1857

LEDBURY.CHILD MURDER. —A painful sensation was created in this town on Wednesday se’nnight, by the discovery of the dead body of an infant in the canal. It was got out and convoyed to the Horse Shoe Inn, where post mortem examination took place on Saturday. The body had been in the water nine days. It proved to be the illegitimate offspring of a girl named Rudge, from Bosbury, who had been living in this town for some years past. She was brought before the magistrates on Monday, and fully committed for trial on the charge of wilful murder. A woman who had dressed the child up to the day before it was missing, swore to the identity of the body, from a peculiar mark upon it, and a road-man proved seeing the prisoner with the child on the latter day; he also saw her coming back again without the child, and in answer to his questions as to where the child was, she said she had left it where it would well taken care of. The prisoner could not have been driven by poverty to commit such an act, as it seems she had money in the bank, and about £20 in her pocket. Mr. Reece was employed by the prisoner. When asked if she had anything to say, the prisoner replied in the negative, and was fully committed for trial. Her mother, who was present, fainted twice during the inquiry.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday, 15 April 1857 p.6 col.4

August 5th 1857

LEDBURY.CHARGE OF MURDER.—Harriet Rudge, single woman, aged 22, was indicted at the Herefordshire assizes, on Thursday, for the wilful murder of her male child, named James Rudge, by casting the child into water, by means of which it was drowned, on the 12th of March, 1857. Mr. Partridge conducted the case for the prosecution; Mr. Powell defended the prisoner. The prisoner, who was a young woman residing at Bosbury, and was subject to fits, was confined of a child February last. On the day named she was seen in a lane leading from Bosbury to Ledbury, carrying the child, and soon afterwards was seen returning without it. On the lst of April the body of a child was found in the canal, near that road, in a state of decomposition. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty, on the ground that the identification of the body was not satisfactory.

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Wednesday, 5 August 1857 p.3 col.2

August 8th 1857

BELL DINNER The first anniversary dinner of the new landlord, Mr.Henry Rowberry, was held on Wednesday last, under the able presidency of Mr.Bird, of Ledbury. Owing to the activity of harvest operations the attendance was not so large as it otherwise would have been, but those who were present enjoyed the good things so bountifully provided by Mr. Rowberry.

From the Worcester Herald   Saturday, 8 August 1857 p.3 col.2

August 21st 1858

LEDBURY. DEFICIENT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
—The following persons were brought up on (Friday) yesterday se’nnight, at the Police Court, before Richard Webb, Esq., (chairman,) Osman Ricardo, Esq., M.P., Thomas Haywood, Esq., Jas. Martin, Esq., Robert Biddulph, Esq., and the Rev. Edward Higgins, and fined in the undermentioned sums :—
    Ann Brazier, beerhouse-keeper, Ashperton, 5 unjust measures; 6d. and costs.
    Thomas Taylor, grocer, Ashperton, 10 unjust weights; 6d. and costs.
    George Brookes, beerhouse-keeper, Bosbury, 5 unjust weights and 2 measures; 6d. and costs.
    James Carwardine, ciderhouse-keeper, Bosbury, 2 unjust measures; 6d. and costs.
    Richard Harford, ciderhouse-keeper, Bosbury, 4 unjust measures; 6d. and costs.
    Hannah Harding, Bosbury, 4 unjust measures; 6d. and costs.
    Thomas Jones, innkeeper, Bosbury, 8 unjust measures; 6d. and costs.
    John Shaw, beerhouse-keeper, Bosbury, 5 unjust measures; 6d. and costs.
    David Thomas, flour-dealer, Bosbury, 5 unjust weights; 6d. and costs.
    ...............

From the Hereford Times   Saturday, 21 August 1858 p.16 col.3

July 5th 1862

LEDBURY. PETTY SESSIONS, JULY 2ND, 1862.—(Before James M. Aynsley, Esq., The Rev. B. L. S. Stanhope, the Rev. E. Higgins, and Colonel Webb.)
Police Constable Collins, stationed at Bosbury, preferred charge of assault against Charles Parsons, of Ashperton, which was committed on last Bosbury wakeday, whilst in the execution of his duty. Fined 2s. 6d. and 10s. 6d. expenses.—P.C. Collins also summoned Samuel Parsons, a labouring, man, for being drunk and riotous in a public house in Bosbury, on tho 17th June last. The case was clearly proved and the defendant fined for his drunken spree, in the sum of 1s. and expenses.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday, 5 July 1862 p.4 col.6

February 21st 1863

BOSBURY : Lecture on Cotton.—On Thursday se’nnight a very interesting lecture upon the above subject was delivered at the boys’ schoolroom at Bosbury, by the Rev. B. L. S. Stanhope, the vicar. The lecture was illustrated by numerous beautifully executed diagrams, the work of Mrs. Stanhope, as well as by specimens of cotton in all its stages of manufacture. Some splendid cotton fabrics, from one of the principal manufactories in Manchester, were exhibited, and were carefully examined by the fair sex. The rev. lecturer gave an interesting account of the progress of manufactories, noticing in particular the inventions of Sir R. Arkwright, and others, in the machinery employed in the manufactories. By means of diagrams showing the comparative lengths of staple of the different growths of cotton in various parts of the world, he succeeded in conveying to his audience a distinct idea of the superiority of American cotton to that grown in almost any other part of the world. The pleasures of the evening were much enhanced by the singing of several quartettes, including Sir H. R. Bishop’s “ Where art thou, beam of light, ” Miss Stirling’s “ All among the barley,” Balfe’s “ Last rose of summer,” and Storace’s “ Lullaby.”

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday, 21 February 1863 p.8 col.1

February 28th 1863

BOSBURY.
Wholesale Fowl Stealers.—We much regret to learn that this parish and neighbourhood has for the last three months been infested by gang of thieves, who have made great depredations among the geese, ducks, and fowls of the wives of many of the principal farmers. Unfortunately for these good and peaceably conducted folks the rascals have to this time escaped detection, though it is sincerely hoped that a clue has been obtained that will ultimately lead to the apprehension and conviction of these pests of society. Mr. Gardiner, of the Paddels, lost a quantity of fowls a few nights since, and an investigation resulted in tracing the course of the thieves to Defford station, near Pershore, Worcestershire, from whence there can be little if any doubt they took train to Birmingham. Among the other farmers upon whose stock poultry great inroads have been made, are Mr. Vobe, of Old Country, Bosbury; Mr. Willan, of Nashend; Mr. John Allcott, &c. Early Friday morning last Mr. John Andrews, of Catley Cross, lost between twenty and thirty very fine fowls. Footmarks were distinctly traced to cottage in the parish of Cradley, the occupants which are regarded with much suspicion. On entering, however, nothing was found to connect the inmates with the affair, except the peculiarly striking circumstance that the principal occupier was wearing a pair of slippers; that his boots could not be found; and that he refused to give the police any information as to why he had not them on or as to what had become of them. It was afterwards discovered that a certain cart and horse passed through Cradley Gate about five o’clock the morning of the robbery, and proceeded in the direction of Worcester. It would seem that some persons, acquainted with the neighbourhood, have put themselves in communication with some dishonest poulterers of Birmingham, and a sharp and systematic look out should be made by all the farmers in the neighbourhood, in order to trap them, and thus prevent this pilfering of the poultry cots.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday, 28 February 1863 p.5 col.4

March 7th 1863

CORRESPONDENCE
Sir, —Some of our friends in were somewhat startled by the purport of a paragraph in your last. I refer to the “Wholesale Fowl-Stealing. ” The writer of that paragraph says that several robberies of poultry have occurred within the last few days. Now it appears that only one has been committed within the last few days, namely, that at the farm of Mr. Andrews, Catley Cross. If all the others had been committed so recently, we may have some apprehension that fowls will be scarce, and that the garotters of those inoffensive animals may turn their attention to higher game. On enquiry it appears that, among those mentioned as having been robbed, there is one (Mr. Allcott) who was not robbed at all; and that the other robberies extend over a period of at least 12 months. The latest (prior to that at Catley Cross) having occurred three months ago.
    Trusting that, for the sake of truth, you will insert this in your widely circulated paper,
I remain, &c.,
      Bosbury, March 4, 1862.       VERITAS.

[We readily comply with the request of Veritas; but he will perceive that, after all, there is very little difference in his own statement and that of our correspondent, whose copy might have been altered even after it came into the office. Nevertheless, trivial as the correction is we are happy to make it.—E.H.I.]

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday, 7 March 1863 p.7 col.3

March 14th 1863

LOCAL FESTIVITIES HONOUR ROYAL MARRIAGE
BOSBURY.—At an early hour the natives were somewhat astonished the appearance of a drum and fife band, got up and conducted by Mr. Peacock. This band has only begun practising within the last month, but by great exertions two or three tunes were turned out pretty creditably on this most exciting day. Flags were displayed at tho Bell, by host Caundel, and the houses of Mr. Bishop and Mr. Gardiner presented a gay appearance, being prettily decorated with evergreens, mottoes, &c. Of course our venerable custom of ringing was “gone into,” and maintained during the day. The poor were not forgotten either. A subscription was raised which furnished each widow and old person with 2lbs of beef and a loaf. The school children were provided with a most substantial tea by the Revs. B. L. Stanhope and E. Higgins. Each child was also presented with a medal in commemoration of the royal marriage. Mr. Hickman, of the Old Court, kindly gave a fine young oak to be planted close to the school by the boys. After competing for prizes in a meadow belonging Mr. Pitt, of Temple Court, the children (about 180) were again regaled with cake and wine, to drink the healths of the royal pair. The extempore band then proceeded to the several farms in the neighbourhood to tell them of their existence. As this was the first public appearance of this band, let me say that great credit due to them for the exertions they must have made to come out in so short time. The proceedings of the day were terminated by a ball at the girls’ school, which was kept up to a very early hour.

From ‘A gentleman living an adjoining parish’: A very high meed [sic] of praise is due to the intelligent young schoolmaster, Mr. Peacock, who has within a very short time trained a band of performers from among the farmers sons, respectable tradesmen, and well-conducted labourers of the place, into a state of great efficiency. On this day, when they first turned out, they gave unqualified satisfaction.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday, 14 March 1863 p.3 cols.1 & 2

Postscript: The Hereford Times devoted most of this issue to reports on the events surrounding the marriage of the Edward, Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

April 15th 1863

BOSBURY PARISH OFFICERS.—Mr Pitt, of Temple Court, and Mr. Burrows, of The Grange, have been re-elected churchwardens; Mr. Sanders, of the Noverings Farm, overseer for Bosbury, and Mr. Newman for Upleadon and Catley divisions. The elected waywardens under the new Act are Mr. T. Gardiner, of the Village, for Bosbury, and Mr. James Mutlow, Goldhill, for Upleadon highways. Mr. Palmer, of the Notehouse, has been chosen for Catley. Mr. Hickman, of Old Court, and Mr. Burrows, are the guardians chosen by the parish to represent them.

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Wednesday, 15 April 1863 p.4 col.5

Postscript: The new Highway Act referred to was enacted on 29th July 1862 “An Act for the better Management of Highways in England”. Each Highway District (Hereford covering the county) has a Highway Board made up of Waywardens (elected annually) and Justices. “They shall maintain in good repair the highways within their district”. The Act seems to make parishes liable for the cost of repairing non-turnpike roads but contruction standards are not mentioned.

May 16th 1863

BOSBURY RETURNING FROM LEDBURY FAIR, AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.—As Mr. Fincher, farmer, of Little Catley, Bosbury, was returning from Ledbury fair on Tuesday evening with his horse and trap, in company with some friends, when they reached the foot of Stanley Hill Mr Fincher and two of his friends alighted from the trap to assist the horse going up the hill, leaving Mr. George Cole, of Froome’s Hill and Eliza Jones, of the same locality, in the trap, the female holding the reins. Mr. Cole was somewhat “elevated” and when they came to the top of the hill he would take the reins and not waiting for his companions, drove along the Bromyard road, for Catley, which is narrow, having several turns. While driving rather swiftly round one of these, at a short bend of the road, he upset the trap, throwing it completely topsy-turvy, the girl and Cole being underneath. In this state they remained for some time, the female hallooing for help. A cottager and her daughter of the name of Chad, reinforced by Mr. Fincher and companions, came to the rescue of the fallen and the trap was thrown off them as speedily as possible, Jones being sadly bruised, and the bystanders extracted four or five pebbles out of the girl’s forehead, so severe had been the pressure of her head against the ground. She was taken to a cottage where her wounds were washed, and she was eventually taken home in a donkey cart. Cole was badly cut in the head and his face covered with blood. He was insensible when picked up, and he was taken to Mr. Fincher’s of Little Catley. He was, when we last head [sic] from him, lying very ill. The horse was not injured but the trap received some damage.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday, 16 May 1863  p.7 col.6

August 1st 1863

BOSBURY LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A WESLEYAN CHAPEL,—The foundation stone of this new edifice, to promote the erection of which a tea-meeting was held in this town some time since, took place last Friday, when Frederick Orme., Esquire of Manchester, performed the ceremony, after which a sermon was preached by the Rev. John Saunders of Worcester. A public tea, to which about 150 sat down, took place in a tent, after which several spirited addresses were delivered by Mr. Orme and the Revs. J. Saunders, C. Ridley, J. Kirtian, and other friends of the cause. A collection made at the close amounted to £7 of which Mr. Orme very liberally subscribed £5. This, with the receipts from other sources, is only a small portion of the sum required.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday, 1 August 1863  p.3 col.4

November 14th 1863

BOSBURYNEW CHAPEL AT BOSBURY,—On Thursday last, Bosbury Wesleyan Chapel, a very recent erection, was formally opened for Divine service. The chapel, which is capable of seating 150, was built by Mr. Moss, of Gloucester, from a design furnished gratuitously by Mr. Pocock, an architect of London. It is in Gothic style, and is allowed to be, both as regards its general appearance and workmanship, the handsomest chapel in the Ledbury Circuit, and as a necessary consequence the Bosbury friends are in an excellent mood. In the afternoon and evening of the above day, the Revds. J.B.Blanche, of Malvern, and J.Anderson, Ledbury, respectively preached in the chapel. At 5 o’clock tea was served in the chapel, and notwithstanding a heavy rain fell during the whole of the day about 100 were present, whose presence under such adverse circumstances testified their attachment to the cause of methodism. On the following Sunday sermons were preached in the same chapel on behalf of the same fund; in the morning and afternoon by the Rev.J.Rattenbury, of Swindon, and in the evening by Mr.D.Staniforth, of North Malvern, and at the Ledbury chapel the same evening by Mr.Rattenbury. The total proceeds of the tea and collections amounted to between £11 and £12. The cost of the chapel, inclusive of the purchase of the land, is about £150.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday, 14 November 1863  p.3 col.6

January 26th 1867

PETTY SESSIONS, Wednesday.— Before Osman Ricardo, Esq., the Rev. Edward Higgins, Dr. Henry, and Major Peyton.
TURNPIKE CASE.—Elizabeth Baldwin, the keeper of the Stanley-hill turnpike gate, on the Bromyard turnpike trust, was summoned by Mr. John Pitt, of Bosbury, for taking toll when exempt, on the 22nd inst.—The complainant’s waggoner stated that he was sent by Mr. Pitt, on the 22nd inst., with a load of clover bosses to Chinacourt Mill, to be dressed or shelled, when the defendant asked for the toll, 3s., which the waggoner paid, at the same time stating to the defendant that his master had told him before leaving home he was not liable to toll for clover. The clover, it was stated, was grown by Mr. Pitt, and there was nothing else in the waggon.—The Bench fined the defendant 6s., toll 3s., and costs 13s.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday, 26 January 1867  p.3 col.4

February 2nd 1867

BOSBURY. On Monday evening, about seven o’clock, a disastrous fire occurred on the premises of Mr. Shayle, Upleadon Court. The fire broke out on a part of the farm situate about 300 yards from the house where there is a large barn, sheds, and stalls, and an inclosed fold, in which, at the time of the fire, about 30 head of stock were kept. On the same evening a pony had been put into the stalls, and the doors of the stable closed, but the latter were afterwards found open by Mrs. Shayle. It appears that the servant boy at the house told his mistress that he saw a light at the barn, but on looking out Mrs. Shayle saw that the barn was on fire. She and the boy instantly ran to the spot and found a straw rick, which had been threshed only three days previously, on fire. Mrs. Shayle, fortunately, had the presence of mind to let the pony out of the stall, and also to open the fold gates and turn out the stock, so that they might be free from danger. On going to the farm she found the doors open, although the man was positive that they were closed when he left a short time before. The boy was instantly despatched to Ledbury for the fire-engines, whilst Mrs. Shayle went to her neighbours for assistance. The straw-rick being on the south-east of the buildings, and the wind blowing from that quarter, the flames reached the barn, which soon ignited, and a bay of barley and also of hay were consumed. A bean rick also took fire, but a hay rick which stood within two yards of it was fortunately preserved, mainly through the praiseworthy exertions of one of the workmen, named Daniells, who assisted to cover it with kiln hairs and cider hairs, and who, in holding them down to keep the flames from reaching the hay, had portions of his own clothes burnt. Owing to the alacrity of the Ledbury fire brigade, the engines were soon on the spot, and there being a bountiful supply of water, which was specially directed to the bean rick, the flames were soon subdued. The sheds were saved, but we believe that Mr. Shayle’s loss may be estimated at between £200 and £300, as he, unfortunately, was not insured. A great number of people from miles round came to the scene of the conflagration, and rendered much assistance, as Mr. Shayle is highly respected in the parish, and his loss is much regretted. Every means have been taken to ascertain the cause of the fire, but as yet, we understand, nothing has been discovered, although there is little doubt as to its being the work of an incendiary.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday 2 February 1867 p.8 col.4

Postscript: The Hereford Times of the same day noted that:
“Mr. Shayle despatched a messenger on horseback for the fire engine, but the horse becoming exhausted much delay was occasioned, and we thought some valuable time was lost in harnessing the horses, and attaching them to the engine. At length the engine and brigade, accompanied by Superintendent Tanner, arrived at the scene of the fire about half-past nine o’clock, by which time the fire had made great havoc ...”

March 16th 1867

PUBLIC-HOUSE BROIL.—Thomas Haines, of Bosbury was summoned by P.C. Harper, for being drunk and riotous at Bosbury on the 18th February.—Harper stated that he was stationed at Bosbury ; on Monday, the 18th February, he was on duty ; he was sent for to the Bell Inn in consequence of a disturbance with defendant; he saw defendant and James Haines tusselling in the house ; the landlord ordered him to turn Thomas Haines out; he asked him to leave, and he refused ; he asked James Haines to loose him, and he refused ; he was bound to part them ; Thomas Haines then ran and struck the landlord ; he (witness) caught hold of him to turn him out ; James Haines caught hold of him again, and refused to let witness take him out; Thomas Haines was drunk ; witness asked for assistance, and cleared the way, and pushed Thomas and James Haines out at the door; he told Thomas to go home ; he challenged anyone to fight ; he told him he should summon him if he did not go ; he didn’t go; some one took him home. — H. Caundell the landlord of the Bell was next examined : He said defendant was not drunk on this occasion ; he sent a boy to see for the police, and on his arrival asked him to turn the defendant out; Thomas Haines was rather excited, and James was trying to keen him quiet ; defendant did not strike at witness.—William Andrews was then called : He said was a farmer, living at Bosbury ; he was in the Bell Inn at the time referred to, and saw a policeman at the door, and Thomas and James Haines tusselling together; Thomas was a little the worse for drink, he was stupid ; did not see Thomas Haynes strike at the landlord ; James Haines and the policeman turned Thomas Haines out of the house. —The Bench fined the defendant 7s. 6d., and 12s. 6d. costs, which was paid.

RESISTING A POLICE OFFICER IN THE EXECUTION OF HIS DUTY.— James Haines, the man who appeared so prominently in the above transaction, was next charged with having resisted the policeman Harper in the execution of his duty on the 18th of February.— The evidence of the policeman was for the most part the same as in the previous case.—Mr. Andrews was called in defence and stated that Thomas Haines was quarrelsome, and James Haines (his brother) was trying to quiet him ; the latter committed no assault, all he did was to prevent his brother from committing a breach of the peace.—Fined 8s. with 11s. 6d. costs, which were paid.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 16 March 1867 p.3 col.6

March 30th 1867

THE LATE FLOODS BOSBURY.—This village was completely inundated with the flood, and such a large quantity of water has not been known for years; indeed, no-one in the parish ever remembers such an overflow. In the village the water ran through the houses, and it is almost impossible to describe the amount of inconvenience and unpleasantness occasioned thereby. We hear that Mr. William Fincher, of Little Catley, has a narrow escape from drowning. It appears that he was returning home from Worcester, on Saturday, but he could not go along Catley-cross-road, in consequence of the water. He proceeded to Bosbury turnpike, and on passing through the second gate came to a part of the road where the bridge crosses, at which point the water was several feet deep, and ran so furiously that, on Mr. Fincher attempting to cross, he and his horse were washed completely over the hedge into an adjoining field. The force of the current rolled the horse over once or twice, but Mr. Fincher luckily got disentangled from it, and was carried to a part of the field where the water was not deep. The horse, after struggling for some time, managed to get clear.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday 30 March 1867 p.5 col.

November 2nd 1867

THE LATE HURRICANE —On Sunday morning, from about 7 to 9 o’clock, this parish was visited by a most violent storm of wind and rain. The wind appears to have entered the parish from the east, and on arriving near the village to have turned N.N.W., as the damage done too plainly indicates, Trees were blown down and roofs damaged all along its track. At Catley Cross the roof of the house was seriously damaged, and the thatch, more or less, blown away off every rick on the farm. Further on, at Gold Hill, Mr. Mutlow has lost 4 or 5 sheep; two were killed by the falling of a tree, and several so much hurt as to render it necessary to kill them. At Mr. Hickman’s, the Old Court, a chimney was blown down, destroying that part of the roof on which it fell, but luckily not hurting any one. It is remarkable that in the north and north eastern part of the parish the inhabitants were quite ignorant of the visit of this storm, so that they fortunately escaped the results of it.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 2 November 1867 p.3 col.

November 2nd 1867

BOSBURY AND DISTRICT.
About nine o'clock Sunday morning last this neighbourhood was visited by violent storm of hail and rain, such has not been experienced for a long time past, and the wind was so strong that, as will be hereafter seen, the amount of damage done was not inconsiderable. At the Lower Town, Ashperton, tbe storm raged with such force that the limbs on one side the trunk of a fine oak tree were completely laid flat, many of them being carried a considerable distance, but the peculiarity in this instance that the limbs on the other side of the trunk were not damaged. An apple tree was also cut in two, and several large boughs of an elm tree were broken off and blown several yards. Many other trees in the parish were also damaged ; but, curiously enough, the whole of the noble old oaks in Canon Froome Park were uninjured. At Bosbury, however, rude Boreas seems to have had full play, for at Mr. Mutlow’s (Golden Hill) a fine barland [pear] tree was blown down, and two sheep, out of some that had taken shelter thereunder, were killed. At Mr. Andrew’s (Catley Cross) tbe effects of the storm were still more severely felt. The tiling on various parts of the house was dislodged ; some large panes of glass in one of the bed-room windows were blown in, and a skylight on the roof was actually carried into the road, and, of course, broken ; a great portion of the thatching was carried off the barn and the wain-house ; the cart stable was stripped of nearly half of its Brosely tiles, and the granary roof wa3 much damaged. In the stack yard there was not a rick left undisturbed, the thatch of one hay rick being carried off at the eaves, and the tops the wheat ricks hurled violently away and many of the sheaves lodged in the adjoining trees. The rain fell heavily during all this time ; but fortunately Mr. Andrews, who is much respected in the parish, soon obtained plenty of assistance, and the ricks were covered over a short space of time, and thereby saved from further injury. Nearer to Bosbury village several apple, pear, and sallow trees were blown down, and in an orchard, belonging to Harbour Hill, six apple trees were uprooted. Many large limbs were also blown off some oak trees near to the Hill House, and at Bosbury House two trees were blown down and the tiles on an outbuilding removed. At Mr. Hickman’s (Old Court) a chimney stack was destroyed. The storm, fortunately, was short duration ; otherwise the damage to property in this neighbourhood would probably have been much more considerable.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday 2 November 1867 p.8 col.2

April 3rd 1869

BOSBURY. OPENING OF AN ODDFELLOWS’ LODGE.—On Monday, this little village was all excitement, owing to the above event taking place. After the enrolment of members a procession was formed and proceeded to the church where divine service was held, and an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Cheese. A public dinner took place at the Crown, at three o'clock (the Rev. Edward Higgins in the chair), and Messrs. Hickman and Burrows in the vice-chairs. There were upwards of 90 present. A capital repast was served up by the host, and on the removal of the cloth the usual loyal toasts were given, together with numerous others appropriate to the occasion, and some good songs were sung by Messrs. Gardner, Palmer, Morrison, Wigley, and others.

From the Worcester Journal   Saturday 3 April 1869 p.3 col.4

July 1st 1869

HEREFORDSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS.
TRIALS OF PRISONERS.
(Before JOHN FREEMAN, Esq., and a Bench of Magistrates.)
BOSBURY.—STEALING A HALF-SOVEREIGN FROM A LITTLE BOY.—Thomas Jones, 21, and George Ruckson, 18, vagrant labourers, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging them with having stolen a half-sovereign from a little boy, 7 years of age, named William Hendrick, on the 25th May.— The facts of the case have recently been published in these columns. On the day in question, about 12 o’clock, the boy’s aunt, Fanny Cope, sent him to Ledbury to fetch some medicine and 10s. worth of stamps (the father keeping the post-office at Bosbury), the money being wrapped in a bag, which he put in his pocket. On the road, about half a mile from Bosbury, he met the prisoners, when Jones, after asking him the road to Hereford, asked him for a halfpenny, which the boy gave him. Jones next asked him for 6d., which the boy said he had not got, and they all walked on towards Ledbury. They afterwards made him go into a meadow, where they ascertained his name, which they cut on a stick, and pulled the handkerchief containing the half-sovereign out of his pocket. The half-sovereign fell to the ground, and the boy picked it up, but Jones snatched it from him and then asserted he had not got it. They then went up a lane and made off, but the boy gave information of the robbery to the police, and the two scoundrels were apprehended the same night at Hereford. They had 5s. 6d. in their possession, and it was proved that they had changed a half-sovereign at the Foley Arms.—The Chairman, after commenting the heartlessness of the offence, sentenced the prisoners to four months’ hard labour each.

From the Ross Gazette   Thursday 1 July 1869 p.4 col.3

August 14th 1869

BOSBURY. HORTICULTURAL SHOW.—The show for this season was held at Bosbury (near Ledbury) on Thursday, in a field lent by Mr. Pitt, of Temple Court. The day was unusually fine, and the show a very successful one. Mr. Smith, of old Colwall; Mr. Gilham, of Hope End; Mr. Wilcox, of Underdown, and Mr. Haywood, of Worcester, were the judges, and the Rev. A. C. Custance acted as secretary. There was a good attendance of visitors, and everything passed off very pleasantly.

From the Western Mail   Saturday 14 August 1869 p.8 col.3

June 22nd 1870

DISASTER BY FIRE About three o’clock on Thursday morning, a fire was discovered on the premises of Mr. John Shaw, the Bells public-house. It appears to have broken out at the outbuildings, which comprised a shed, drinkhouse, stable and brewhouse; and as these buildings were all thatched and old, they were soon destroyed, the fire spreading rapidly.The Bells House (an old building) was soon under the influence of the fire, which made such progress that the inmates were in much danger of being burnt. The whole house and its contents were completely destroyed, and the sum of 50l. [£] or 60 l. is said to be missing. On either side of the Bells House is a cottage, the one belonging to the poor of Bosbury and the other to Mr. John Wentlow, of Alder End, who is also the owner of the Bells House. Both these houses have been very considerably damaged, and would, with other houses adjoining, have been entirely destroyed, but for the arrival of the engines from Ledbury in time to save them. There were plenty of hands to work them, and as a brook runs by the premises there was no lack of water. The whole contents of the Bells House were entirely destroyed, together with a horse in the stable, several small pigs, and a quantity of beer, cider and casks. The fire is supposed to have been caused by some hot ashes having been thrown out on the heap, near which was some dry wood. Neither the houses nor the effects were insured.

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Wednesday 22 June 1870 p.4 col.5

September 23rd 1871

COLWALL, BOSBURY, MATHON, CODDINGTON, AND STORRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.
The annual horticultural exhibition, in connection with the above parishes, was held at Colwall, in the grounds of Mr. Herring, on Wednesday. The day was beautifully fine, and the proceedings throughout were marked with gratifying success. In addition to the exhibition of produce, which may be described as exceptionally good, there was small but excellent show of poultry, for which liberal prizes were given. A large and handsome tent, 100 feet in length by 30 in width, supplied by Mr. Horton, of Colwall, was set apart for the exhibition of fruit and vegetables, and was decorated with appropriate mottoes. Prizes were given to the gardeners of the neighbouring gentry, but with this exception, the competition was confined to persons farming not more than 50 acres of land, and cottagers, (denominated in the schedule as classes 11. and III.) In the former class three first and second prizes were given for the best cultivated garden, and in the latter for a well cultivated garden the same arrangement was adhered to.
.....
Without instituting invidious comparisons, we may be permitted to say that the professional gardeners bore the palm with their show of apricots, grapes, and other fruit, which for general excellence we have not seen greatly excelled.
A large and fashionable company visited the grounds during the day, amongst whom we observed Rev. G. M. Custance, Rev. R. O. and Mrs. Carter and party, Rev. E. Hampden, Rev. A. and Mrs. Douglas (Mathon), Rev. C. and Mrs. Curtis (Coddington), Rev. H. and Mrs. Limpus and family, Rev. Mr. Riley, Rev. J. E. Cheese (Bosbury), Major Peyton and the Misses Peyton, Col. and Lady Biggs, Mr. and Mrs. Gee (Hanley Castle), Captain Vale (Mathon), Mr. S. Ballard, Mrs. and the Misses Ballard, Mr. H. and Mrs. Tippetts and party (Mathon), Mrs. Little and family (Birchwood), Mr. Whateley (West Bank, Ledbury), Mrs. King-King and Mr. T. H. King-King, jun. (Malvern), Mrs. Matthews, the Misses Rapier (Oak Court), the Misses Martin (Ledbury), Mrs. Masefield and Mr. Maseheld, jun. (Ledbury), Mrs. and the Misses Higgs, Mr. and Mrs. De la Pryme and party, Mr. Peers Warburton, R.N., Capt. Grove, Mr. Pearson, M. Lerrot, &c. The Rhine band from Malvern was in attendance during the afternoon, and performed a select musical programme.
The Rev. G. M. Custance, prior to the distribution of prizes, deprecated the custom of speechmaking at these shows, but thought that a few words on the present occasion would not be out of place. In the first instance he had to congratulate the people of Colwall upon the holding of the show once more upon their own ground. For the last four years it had taken what he might term a provincial trip, having been held during four consecutive years at Mathon, Bosbury, Coddington, and Cradley, but now it had come back to the mother parish, a place where, for more than 20 years, the exhibition had been regularly held. He hoped, now that it had come back —he did not go so far as to say they should always keep it there— they would do their best to encourage and promote its interest.

Bosbury prizewinners included: Redcurrants – Mr. R Edwards, Lettuces –J. Voyce, Potato onions – J. Young, Gourd – W.Dance, Plums – J.Powell, Pears – Sarah Morris, Apricots – J. Layton.

From the Worcester Herald   Saturday 23 September 1871 p.6 cols.5 & 6

June 20th 1873

A YOUNG LADY, experienced in tuition, requires a RE-ENGAGEMENT as GOVERNESS to young children. She teaches English, Music, and Drawing, and would attend to her pupils’ wardrobe. Address BETA, W.M., Old Court, Bosbury, Herefordshire.

From The Cambrian, Swansea   Friday 20 June 1873  p.4 col.6

July 25th 1874

LEDBURY.
FETE.—the Bosbury fete and races in connection with the Bishop Swinfield Order of Oddfellows, took place at Bosbury to-day (Friday), and was largely attended, although storms occasionally occurred during the day.

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday 25 July 1874  p.8 col.1

May 29th 1875

BROMYARD PETTY SESSIONS.
MONDAY MAY 24. CHARGE AGAINST BEERHOUSE-KEEPER—John Woodhouse, landlord of the New Inn, Cradley was charged on remand with permitting drunkenness on the 15th April. Thomas Tudge was charged with being drunk at the New Inn on the 15th April.
...   P. C. MacDonald, Bosbury, also saw Tudge near the Crown beerhouse.

From the Worcester Journal   Saturday 29 May 1875  p.3 col.4

January 15th 1876

FIRE AT BOSBURY CHURCH
At about half-past five on Sunday evening Ledbury was alarmed by a horseman riding into the town with the intelligence that Bosbury Church was on fire. It took very little time to horse the two engines, and within a few minutes both had started for the four-mile drive. It appears that the fire originated in the roof of the church, the flames from which were first seen at about five o’clock by a man in the employ of Mr. Homes. An alarm was immediately given, and assistance was soon at hand, when, by the help of ladders, Mr. Townsend, Mr. James Townsend, with P.C. Macdonald and a few others, ascended to the roof of the church and commenced removing the tiles in the immediate vicinity of the flames. In the meantime others had procured a capital supply of water, which had been placed in large tubs around the church, and from these a constant supply of buckets was conveyed to the roof and thrown upon the woodwork, which was burning over a considerable space. To the courageous conduct of those who ascended the roof in its dangerous state, as well as to the capital organisation of the water supply, the preservation of the church may be undoubtedly attributed, as, after the arrival of the engines, and when danger was at an end, it was evident that the engines could not have been much service owing to the height of the roof. The damage was confined to about ten yards of the western part of the roof, and owing to the precautions which were taken in keeping doors closed, there is very little damage internally. The fire originated from the flue connected with the stove, which goes through the roof, and it is supposed that, owing to the upper portion of the piping being out of order, a spark escaped and ignited the woodwork of the roof.

From Berrow’s Worcester Journal   Saturday 15 January 1876  p.5 col.2

January 27th 1877

LEDBURY.
PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY —[Before the Rev. E. Higgins, chairman, Mr. Jno. Hopton, Col. Webb, Dr Henry, Mr. Jno. Martin, Rev. Jno. Buckle, Col. Kyrle, and Messrs. C. A. Hewitt, Jno. Riley, and Jas. Wickens] ······ —Jno. Smith, of Bosbury, beershop keeper, was summoned by Supt. Blunsdon for permitting drunkenness on his premises, on the 9th inst. Mr. G. H. Piper appeared for the defendant. P.C. Macdonald proved the case. It was contended on defendant’s behalf that the men, who had been to a neighbour’s killing a pig, had only been supplied with one pint of beer, and were not drunk. Defendant’s wife was called, and most positively affirmed this. Fined £1, including costs. —James Henry Brazier, of the Crown, Bosbury, was summoned for a similar offence on the 9th inst. Dismissed. —William Bettington, of Bosbury, was summoned for being drunk on the licensed premises of James Henry [Herbert] Brazier on the 9th inst. Dismissed. —Thomas Mayall, James Hickox, and Philip Bettington, all of Bosbury, were summoned for being drunk on the licensed premises of John Smith, of Bosbury, on the 9th inst. Defendants denied being drunk, and said they had only one pint of beer. Fined 6s. each, including costs. ······ —William Smith, of Bosbury, roadman, was summoned for obstructing a highway at Bosbury on the 18th January. Dismissed. ······

From Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday 27 January 1877  p.8 col.4

December 25th 1880

BOSBURY.
BOSBURY CHURCH.—The large four-light east window of this church has been filled with the richest stained glass by the Rev. E. Higgins, of Bosbury House. It is designed as a joint memorial to two of his grandsons—Charles Baskerville Mynors, who died at the age of four years, and Arthur Clinton Baskerville Mynors, Lieutenant 60th Rifles, who died at Natal in April of last year. The latter was present at the battle of Ginghilovo, at the relief of Ekowe and died of dysentery at Fort Pearson, age 22. The subjects of the window are large figures of the four Evangelists under elaborate perpendicular canopies, and an illustration of Our Lord’s Presentation in the Temple. In niches at the base of the lateral lights are two groups having special reference to the deceased, and into which portraits have been introduced, viz., Our Lord blessing little children, and a view of the death-bed scene under canvas at Fort Pearson. The tracery is filled with monograms of the deceased, surrounded by angelic figures and richly-coloured foliage. In connection with the window two memorial brasses have been placed with appropriate inscriptions. One of tho four side lancet windows in the chancel has also just been filled with richly-stained glass, representing a full length figure of the Evangelist St. Mark, by the Rev. F. Poynder, and two grisaille lancets at the west end have been presented to the church by Messrs. Wailles and Strang, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, by whom the whole of the work has been executed.

From Berrow’s Worcester Journal   Saturday, 25 December 1880 p.4 col.6

August 27th 1881

NEW HOPS AT WORCESTER MARKET
The first pocket of new Worcester hops, grown by W.S.Lane, Bosbury, arrived here on Saturday, and was purchased by J.W.Buckland and Co., at £10. 10s. per cwt., for Mr. D. Bevan, Vale of Neath Brewery, Neath, Glamorganshire. The quality is very good and unusually stout for first picking.

From The Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday, 27 August 1881 p.4 col.6

July 21st 1883

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES DEMONSTRATION AT LEDBURY
Yesterday, the members of the various Foresters’ and Oddfellows’ lodges at Ledbury united in a demonstration and fête in the park of Mr. Michael Biddulph, M.P., which was kindly lent for the occasion. Fortunately the weather was most propitious. Special trains ran from Worcester, Malvern, Hereford, and Withington, and large numbers of people availed themselves of the opportunity of visiting the town. The day was observed a general holiday, all the places of business being closed at midday. The demonstration was promoted for the purpose of the two great friendly societies fraternising and uniting together on the occasion, and the object was most successfully attained and efficiently carried out.
......
Shortly before 12 o’clock the members of the two Orders assembled at the Town Hall, and, preceded by the excellent band of the Herefordshire Militia, walked in procession through the principal streets of the town. The Foresters wore green sashes, and the Oddfellows blue sashes, and the members of each Order walked four abreast, two Oddfellows on the right, and two Foresters on the left.
......
At two o’clock an excellent dinner was served up in a large marquee in the park by Mr. Brazier, of the Crown lnn, Bosbury. Mr. Biddulph, M.P., presided.
......
In a parish near Ledbury 80 per cent, of the men were Oddfellows. He [Mr Parr representing the Oddfellows] referred to the parish of Bosbury. ...... Court “Bishop Swinfield,” Bosbury, had 180 members, and the sick pay amounted to £68. 6s. 8d.
......
Towards dusk there was a very good display of fireworks, under the management of Messrs. Wilder, of Birmingham, and this terminated one of the best and most successful fetes ever held in Ledbury.

From The Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday, 21 July 1883 p.8 col.2

March 29th 1884

LEDBURY.
PETTY SESSIONS.— WEDNESDAY.
Before the Rev. E. Higgins, Colonel Money-Kyrle, the Rev. J. Buckle, Mr. C. A. Hewitt, and Mr. Hamilton Baillie.

ALLEGED EXCISE OFFENCES. — The Rev. Samuel Bentley, of Bosbury, was summoned for keeping a dog without a licence. Defendant appeared, and stated he had no intention of evading paying the duty. He took out a licence on the 3rd March last year, and he was under the impression the licence would last for twelve months. Defendant was ordered to pay the expenses, 7s., and the case was dismissed. — Mrs. Mary Ann Palmer, of Bosbury, was also summoned for a similar offence. Defendant had since taken out a licence. Dismissed on payment of expenses, 7s.

From Berrow’s Worcester Journal   Saturday, 29 March 1884 p.3 col.1

September 13th 1884

A WAGGONER’S LAD KILLED. —On Wednesday an inquest was held at the Union House, Ledbury, before Mr. T. Llanwarne, coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr. T. Badsey was foreman, touching the death of Thomas Weaver, a waggoner’s lad, of Bosbury, who died from injuries received from a waggon passing over his body on Friday last, at Aylton. Henry Rudge said he was waggoner for Mr. Mutlow, of Cold Green, Bosbury. On Friday he started with an empty waggon and four horses from Bosbury to Nailbridge, in the Forest of Dean, to fetch some coke for hop-drying. John Fawke and deceased were with him. He was about 14 years old, and was also in Mr. Mutlow’s employ. When near Mrs. Howard’s, at Aylton, deceased, who was walking alongside the wheeler horse, tried to get on the shaft, when he fell backwards and the waggon wheels passed over him. Witness was in the fore end of the waggon and saw the deceased attempt to get on. Deceased could not stand, and witness stopped with him whilst Fawke went to Mrs. Howard’s to try and get a conveyance to take him to Ledbury. Deceased complained of being hurt in the body, but said he was not in much pain. They could not get a trap at Mrs. Howard’s, and they put deceased in the waggon and took him on to the Oak at Much Marcle. They only had the fodder in the waggon. P.C. Baynham advised them to take deceased on to the Walwyn Arms, where they saw Mrs. Mailes, who gave him a drop of brandy while the trap was got ready. The policeman and Mr. Mailes’ man brought him to Ledbury. They were all quite sober. They had made no calls anywhere. They expected to be out the whole of the Friday evening and night and next day. They had with them some food and three gallons of drink, besides what they took for the men at the pit. They had not tasted drink at the time the accident occurred. Deceased asked to be allowed to drive the team while it was daylight. He did not complain of being tired. He did not know deceased intended getting on to the shafts until he saw him do so. He had not cautioned him that day, but had at other times. Deceased was accustomed to horses. P.C. Baynham Baid they went to the Cottage Hospital with the deceased, but found it closed in consequence of the absence of the matron through illness. He then went to Dr. Wood, who advised him to take deceased to Dr. Hill, the medical office for the Bosbury district of the Union. He saw Dr. Hill, who advised him to take the lad to the Workhouse at once. He did so and Dr. Wood was sent for. Dr. Miles Wood said he found it was a Bosbury case in Dr. Hill’s district, and advised that deceased be taken to Dr. Hill. Afterwards, at the workhouse, he found the lad in a state of collapse and shock, and on examination found injuries which showed the wheel must have passed over the lower part of the body. No bones appeared to have been broken. Deceased remained in an extreme state of exhaustion, and expired on Monday midday from the effects of the injuries received. Deceased was perfectly conscious and never made any complaint against the men. The coroner having summoned up the evidence, a verdict of “accidental death” was returned.

From Berrow’s Worcester Journal   Saturday, 13 September 1884 p.3 col.1

June 6th 1889

BOSBURY. SUICIDE. —On Friday, Thomas Bosley, of Foxhill, Bosbury, committed suicide. He was last seen alone by his son at 6 o’clock in the evening, and on the son returning home at 10 he found his father hanging to a tree in the garden. Deceased was 65 years.

From Ross Gazette   Thursday, 6 June 1889 p.4 col.2

January 22nd 1890

ATTEMPTED MURDER NEAR LEDBURY. Early yesterday morning James Williams, a farmer, of Bosbury was attacked by two strange men, who after robbing him, cut his throat. Though still alive he is not expected to recover. Superintendent Cope and staff are on the spot, but at present have no trace of the men.

From Gloucester Citizen   Wednesday, 22 January 1890 p.4 col.6

April 18th 1891

LEDBURY.—WEDNESDAY
Before the Rev. J. Buckle, Messrs. W. S. Broadwood, W. A. H. Martin, C. A. Hewitt, and E. J. Webb.
THEFT OF MARKET PARCELS.—Priscilla Davis, of Bosbury, pleaded guilty to stealing a parcel of grooery and a broom, the property of Mr. S. Merrick. From the evidence of Mark Rogers, George Jones, William Banks, and Supt. Phillips, it appeared that the parcels of grocery was purchased at prosecutor’s shop and sent to the Seven Stars Inn, where the goods were placed in Mr. Hawkins’s conveyance, addressed to Mrs. Hooper, of Bosbury, the purchaser. They were shortly afterwards missed, and Supt. Phillips traced prisoner to the White Horse Inn, where she deposited the goods under a table and left them. She was apprehended at Bosbury. Prisoner was fined £1.

From Worcester Journal   Saturday, 18 April 1891 p.7 col.4

April 18th 1891

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.
John Bosley, of Catley, Bosbury, who is over 80 years of age, attempted suicide by cutting his throat from ear to ear Thursday night. The doctor gives very little hope of his recovery. He has been ailing for some time, and his mind was slightly deranged.

From Worcester Chronicle   Saturday, 18 April 1891 p.5 col.4

August 8th 1891

LEDBURY.
PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY—Before Colonel Money-Kyrle, Rev. J. Buckle, Messrs. W. A. H. Martin, C. A. Hewitt, C. W. Radcliffe Cooke, M.P., and E. J. Webb.
Application.—Mr. Parton, of the Ring of Bells, Ledbury, applied for license to sell at Bosbury Races on the 10th inst. The Bench decided to grant this application to sell up to eight o’clock only, but would grant no further license. Mr. Brazier, of the Crown Inn, Bosbury, was consequently refused a license.

From Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday, 8 August 1891 p.6 col.6

March 26th 1892

SAD DEATH of a BOSBURY SHOPKEEPER The Hereford County Coroner (Mr. Llanwarne) held an inquest at the Old Country Inn, Bosbury on Wednesday [23rd March 1892], to inquire into the circumstances attending the death of Augusta Louisa Orgee, fifty years of age. ALFRED ORGEE, farmer and innkeeper, son of the deceased, stated that he and his brother left home about nine o’clock to attend the Worcester market. They kept a grocery shop, and deceased made out a list of the things required. She had breakfasted with them, and before laying the breakfast things had been reading her Bible. On their return home about four o’clock in the afternoon they found her hanging by a cord which was attached a beam in the back kitchen. It was evident she had got on a chair. Assistance was procured and the body taken down but life was extinct. Her husband died suddenly about 14 months ago, and it had been on her mind of late. She had the management of the property, and kept on fancying that something was wrong over the duties and the division of the property, and over having paid off a small mortgage, but in reality it was all right. He explained that there had been no dispute as to the property, and matters had been left to the deceased. She had been more or less depressed since concluding the business and taking out administration. She had suffered from neuralgia, and had been in a depressed state. A letter found in her pocket referred to the property, and concluding were the words “I feel quite distracted. Goodbye! God bless you both. Don’t vex.” A verdict of “Suicide whilst temporarily insane” was returned.

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday 26 March 1892  p.8 col.4

Postscript: The Parish Registers record that Kenelm Orgee was buried in Bosbury churchyard on 23rd January 1891 aged 66 and that Augusta Louisa Orgee was buried on 25th March 1892 aged 50.

October 1st 1892

County Petty Sessions.
LEDBURY.—WEDNESDAY.
Before Messrs. C. A. Hewitt, W. A. H. Martin, E J. Webb, and Major Palairet.
LOCOMOTIVE OFFENCES.—George Gibbs was summoned for driving a locomotive at a greater speed than four miles an hour on the 12th inst. P.C. Jones saw defendant driving down Staplow Pitch at the rate of eight miles an hour. Fined 10s.—Mr. J. C. Defendant, the owner of the engine, was summoned for having no man in front of the engine with a flag on the occasion, and was fined 15s.—G. F. Belcher, of Gloucester, was fined 10s. for stopping a locomotive within 30 feet of the abutment of Filling Bridge, in the parish of Yarkhill, on the 13th inst.

From the Worcester Journal   Saturday 1 October 1892 p.7 col.4

January 6th 1894

MALVERN.
PETTY SESSIONS>

June 30th 1894

BOSBURY HORSE SHOW Jumping and Driving Competitions and Races.
MONDAY, AUGUST 13th, 1894.
UPWARDS OF £100 OFFERED IN PRIZES. Programmes may be obtained from the SECRETARY, Bosbury, Ledbury.

From the Gloucester Journal   Saturday 30 June 1894 p.4 col.4

September 1st 1894

LEDBURY.—WEDNESDAY.
Before Mr. C.A.Hewitt (chairman), Messrs. C.W.R.Cooke, M.P., J.Riley, W.A.H.Martin, E.J.Webb, S.H.Bickham, C. Bell, and Captain Mynors.
   WITHDRAWN.— William Townsend, landlord of the Oak Inn, Staplow, was summoned by James Barrett, Staplow, and George James, Staplow, for assaulting them on the 18th inst., and Barrett was summoned by Townsend for refusing to quit his licensed premises. Mr. J. Corner (instructed by Mr. J. Lucy) appeared for Townsend, and after a consultation between the parties, he asked the Bench to allow all the cases to be withdrawn, the matter having been settled. This the magistrates consented to.

From the Worcester Journal   Saturday 1 September 1894 p.7 col.6

September 29th 1894

TRANSFER OF LICENCE.—The licence of the Old County [Country] Inn, Bosbury was transferred from Mr. A. J. Orgee to Mr. William Parsons.

From the Worcester Journal   Saturday 29 September 1894 p.7 col.6

December 22nd 1894

LEDBURY.
The first meeting of the Rural Parish Council was held on Tuesday evening ; present—Messrs. J. Banner. G. Cotton, J. C. Davies, E. S. Dawe, J. S. Dawe, T. S. Fowler, T. Hodges, J. Parry, R. South, and F. Wetson. It was proposed by Mr. T. Hodges, seconded by Mr. J. S. Dawe, and carried, that Mr. W. S. Lane, Bosbury, be appointed chairman. On the proposition of Mr. South, seconded by Mr. Wetson, Mr. J. S. Dawe was unanimously appointed vice-chairman. Mr. A Brown, Capital and Counties Bank, was elected treasurer, and Mills, assistant overseer, was appointed clerk to the Council until 25th March next.

From the Worcester Journal   Saturday 22 December 1894 p.2 col.6

July 6th 1895

SEQUEL TO DRINKING RHUBARB WINE.A Bosbury Man’s Death.An inquest was held at the Infirmary, on Wednesday afternoon, by Mr. W. B. Hulme, City Coroner, on the body of William Henry Vobe (54), farmer, of Bosbury, who died on Tuesday evening from injuries received some time ago.
Mrs. Eliza Vobe, widow of the deceased, residing at Old Country, Bosbury, said on March 13th deceased went to pay a bill at Mr. Rann’s, Mathon, about three miles away. About seven o’clock her husband was brought home in a cart by two men, but she was away when he arrived. Witness, on arriving home, asked him what was the matter, to which he replied that he thought his leg was broken. Deceased also said to one of the men named Powell, "You did it, and if I am laid up I will make you pay for it." Witness did not remember hearing Powell make any reply. Four days afterwards, with her help, deceased came downstairs and went into the garden. On the Tuesday deceased again went into the garden and had a fall, and he was oonveyed the next morning to Dr. Murphy, of West Malvern. On returning ber husband went to bed, and on the succeeding Saturday Dr. Murphy came and saw the deceased, saying that it was a serious case, and ordered his removal to Worcester Infirmary. The next day he was taken to tbe Infirmary. Before the deceased went into the hospital she had a conversation with him, in the course of which deceased said that Powell and be were at a Mr. Preece’s, and whilst there they both had some rhubarb wine. He further said Powell caught hold of his wrist, causing him to fall, and when falling thought his leg broke.
The Coroner informed the jury that, owing to want of time, he was prevented from adducing any more evidence. As there had been an allegation of pushing, he thought tbe inquiry should be adjourned for a week, to enable further inquiries to be made. The inquest was adjourned until Wednesday next.

From Berrow’s Worcester Journal   Saturday 6 July 1895 p.3 col.7

July 13th 1895

THE DEATH OF A BOSBURY MAN. Mr. W. B. Hulme, City Coroner, continued on Wednesday the inquiry which had been adjourned for a week, on the body of William Henry Vobe (54), a small farmer, of Old Country, Bosbury, near Ledbury, who died in the Worcester Infirmary from the effects of falls. Before deceased was removed from his home to the infirmary he stated that be and a man named Powell had been drinking rhubarb wine, and that Powell caught bold of his wrist, causing him to fall and hurt his leg. Subsequently he fell whilst in his garden and again hurt tbe same leg. At the adjourned inquest there was no evidence substantiating his allegation, and the jury returned a verdict of “Death from injuries caused by accidental falls.”

From Berrow’s Worcester Journal   Saturday 13 July 1895 p.3 col.7

August 15th 1896

BOSBURY RACES. BOSBURY RACES. Bosbury (Ledbury) Races and Jumping Competitions took place on Monday, when there was a good attendance of spectators. A long programme was gone through. Results :— Pony Race, for ponies 13 hands or under.—Miss A. Gwillim’s Nancy, I; Mr. B. Bennett’s Little Amy, 2.
    Bosbury Stakes (Open), for horses and galloways.—Mr. R. Lawrence’s Happy Girl, 1 ; Mr. Hughes’s Molly, 3 yrs, 2 ; Mr. B. Bennett’s Wild Rose, 3.
    Innkeeper’s Stakes (Open), for galloways not exceeding 14 hands 3 inches high, 10st each.—Mr. Jones’s Fair Marian, 1 ; Miss A. Gwillim’s Novico, 2 ; Mr. Jones’s Simon, 3.
    Hunters’ Classes (Class 1., Open), for the best mare or gelding up to 14 stone.—Mr. J. Homes’s Hunting Horn, 1 ; Mr. W. P. Pope’s Lucy, 2.
    Class 11., for the best mare or gelding up to 12st, the property of gentlemen, tradesmen, and farmers residing within the limits of the Ledbury Hunt, or within 8 miles of the Ledbury Kennels.—Mr. W. G. Canning’s chestnut gelding, yrs, 1; Mr. J. Homes’s The Major, 2 ; Mr. W. G. Canning’s The Tyke, 5 yrs, 3.
    Driving Competitions (Class 111., Open), for the best turnout for horses, to be driven in single harness.—Mr. E. S. Godsell’s Lord Bath, 1; Mr. J. S. Elliott’s Eclipse, 6 yrs, 14½ hands, 2.
    Class IV., for the best turnouts for horses, to be driven in single harness, the property of gentlemen, tradesmen, and farmers residing within the limits of the Ledbiuy Hunt, or within 8 miles of the Ledbury Kennels.—Mr. J. Homes’s The Don, 1 ; Mr. A. Harrington’s Tommy, 2.
    Open Jumping Prize (Class V.), for horses.— Mr. J. C. Wilson’s The Stag, 1.
    Ledbury Hunt Jumping Prize (Class VI.), for horses the property of gentlemen, tradesmen, and farmers residing within the limits of the Ledbury Hunt, or within eight miles of the Ledbury Kennels.—Mr. F. R. Yates’s Highland Fling, 1 ; Mr. R. C. B. Cave’s Leicester, 2; Mr. R. C. B. Cave’s Pot Luck, 3.
    United Hunts Jumping Prize (Class VII.), for horses, the property of gentlemen, tradesmen, and farmers residing within the limits of the Ledbury, North, South, and East Hereford, Worcester, and Croome Hunts.—Mr. Tom Smith’s Giraffe, 1 ; Mr. F. Firkins’a Artist, 2; Mr. W. W. Grundy’s Swallow, 3.
    Tradesmen’s Driving Competition, for the best turnout for horses as used for business purposes, to be driven in single harness.—Mr. J. R. Webb’s Hawthorn, 1 ; Mr. J. R. Webb’s Sunflower, 2 ; Mr. J. Badham’s Bang Up, 3.

From the Cheltenham Chronicle   Saturday 15 August 1896 p.10 col.3

September 12th 1896

SAVAGE ASSAULT BY GIPSIES AT BOSBURY.
At Ledbury Petty Sessions on Wednesday, William Hyde, aged 20, was charged with assaulting and beating Henry Edwin Bramley, at Bosbury. Mr. Garrood, Ledbury, prosecuted, and Mr. Jackson, Gloucester, defended.—Bramley lived at the Bell Inn, Bosbury, with Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, the landlord and landlady. On August 27, Mr. Lewis was away from home, and witness and Mrs. Lewis were at the inn. The prisoner, with five other men, drove into the village in a gipsy’s cart. Some of them appeared to be drunk, and when they entered the Bell Inn and asked to be supplied with beer witness, who assisted in the bar, refused to draw them any drink. They left and went to another inn, but only stopped there for a minute or so. They returned to the Bell, and asked to be supplied with beer. As they were refused, some of the gipsies became abusive and burst one of the panels out of the bar door, which was shut, and effected an entrance. They then began to use witness and Mrs. Lewis in a savage manner, the defendant striking him in the face several times, and also about the body. They upset the tables, breaking two glass decanters, and also beat Mrs. Lewis. The other participators in the assault had absconded.—Mrs. Lewis corroborated, and stated that seeing the condition of several of the gipsies she refused to draw any drink whatever. The defendant, when he got into the bar, said, “Let me get at him,” meaning Bramley. The conduct of the men for about 20 minutes was disgraceful. The prisoner was sent to gaol for a month’s hard labour.

From the Gloucester Journal   Saturday 12 September 1896 p.3 col.4

Postscript: The previous week the Journal reported that Henry Bramley was the brother-in-law of the landlord. More details are given in the next report.

September 12th 1896

LEDBURY PETTY SESSIONS—WEDNESDAY.
Before Messrs. C. W. R Cooke M.P. (Chairman) S. H. Bickham, J, Riley, and W. A. C. Gabb.
THE SAVAGE ASSAULT BY GIPSIES AT BOSBURY.
   William Hyde was charged with assaulting Henry Edward Bramley at the Bell Inn, Bosbury. Mr. Garrood (Ledbury) prosecuted, and Mr. R. Jackson appeared for the defence.
Complainant deposed: I reside with John Lewis at the Bell Inn. About five o’clock on August 27th a party of men arrived in a cart and asked for a drink, which I refused, and they went away to the New Inn, but did not stay there, and went on further. They came back to the Bell about an hour afterwards, and again asked for drink, but Mrs. Lewis refused it. They enquired what right she had to refuse them and became abusive, and they came into the bar and attacked Mrs. Lewis and myself. Defendant struck me several times on the nose and blackened both my eyes. He also broke two decanters and damaged the tables and my finger was seriously injured. I lost a lot of blood, and I was obliged to see Dr. Wood, who attended me. I have been suffering from the injuries ever since.
Sarah Lewis corroborated, and said the men came to the Bell and broke the bar door and the window. Hyde was the first in, and he and beat Bramley shamefully. Hyde said: “Let me have a go at him” and struck Bramley six or seven times. He also witness a black eye and bruised her arm.
Mr. Edward Thomas Lane, farmer, Bosbury, was passing the Bell at the time stated, when he heard the smashing of glass, and a lad cried out “They are killing Mr. Bramley.” He looked in and saw defendant beating Bramley most unmercifully, and he separated them.
The Bench said the assault was a very serious one, and ordered defendant to pay the costs, 11s. 6d., and to go to hard labour for month.

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday 12 September 1896 p.5 col.2

September 2nd 1897

PERSONAL GOSSIP The Rev. Robert Burges Bayly, curate of St.Paul’s, Knightsbridge, has been made vicar of Bosbury, Ledbury—patron, the Bishop of Hereford.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Thursday 2 September 1897 p.3 col.7

September 14th 1897

LEDBURY. HOP-PICKERS IN TROUBLE. —At the Police-court, on Monday, John Roylds, a gipsy, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. From the evidence it appeared that prisoner could boast of pugilistic propensities. When seen by the police he was surrounded by a crowd of gipsies, who had been hop-picking. He was standing over another man, who was kneeling on the ground with his face covered with blood. Ths police sent Roylds out of the town, but soon afterwards there were cries of murder on the Bosbury-road, and the police found that the prisoner and some companions had gone on after beating and knocking a woman about, and upsetting her perambulator, containing a baby. Sentenced to one month’s imprisonment. ——Lavinia Molloy, Irishwoman, was charged with threatening her husband, at The Slatch, Bosbury. The parties had been hop-picking at Bosbury for Captain Wood-Roe, and the police declared that prisoner was jealous of her husband. The Bench sentenced her to seven days’ imprisonment without hard labour, so that the prison doctor could examine her as to the state her mind.

From Gloucester Citizen   Tuesday, 14 September 1897 p.3 col.6

July 15th 1899

BOSBURY HORSE SHOW, JUMPING AND DRIVING COMPETITIONS AND RACES,
(Under the Rules of the British Pony and Galloway Racing Association)
MONDAY, AUGUST 14th, 1899.
Programmes and Entry Forms may be obtained from the SECRETARY, Bosbury, Ledbury, or Mr. A. B. SMITH, 68 Newmarket-street, Hereford.

From the Gloucestershire Echo   Saturday 15 July 1899 p.2 col.2

Postscript: The true ‘Galloway’ was a small stout horse originally bred in the district of Galloway in Scotland. They were about fourteen hands in height, bay or brown, with a small head and neck and black legs. In the mid-nineteenth century the breed was lost through cross breeding with the similar Fell Pony and Dales Pony. From this time, the term ‘galloway’ is used to describe horses of any breed with a mature height between 14 and 15 hands which is 142 to 152 cm.

August 26th 1899

FOUND DEAD IN BED AT BOSBURY. An inquest was held on Tuesday at tbe Bell Inn, Bosbury, by T. Hutchinson, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of William Scrivens, 50, farm labourer, of Harbour Hill Cottage, who was found dead in bed.
Kate Scrivens, daughter of the deceased, said her father was in his usual health when he went to bed on Saturday night about quarter-past ten. Her mother had already gone to bed. They slept in a room by themselves. Witness heard nothing of them during the night. She rose about six o’clock on Sunday morning, and about a quarter of an hour afterwards heard her mother scream out that her father was dead. Witness went upstairs snd saw the deceased lying straight the bed with his head hanging over the side. Witness’s brother had already been in to see him, and was seated in his own room crying. The deceased had been well lately, but had suffered from a rupture for many years. He had complained of the heat. His wife was very deaf and heard nothing in the night. She told witness that she did not notice him until she was dressing, when she said “Oh ! Bill, how late we are. What time shall you want those fowls ? ” and getting no answer she went up to see him and found him dead.
John Scrivens, cowman, son of the deceased gave similar evidence, and added that he sent for a doctor at once. Deceased had complained that his work was too hard for him and he would have to leave off, but did he not complain on Saturday nigbt, although he had worked late.
Mr K. McGohey, surgeon of Ledbury, said he was called to see the deceased at half-past eight on Saturday morning. He found the deceased in the position described. There was no external mark or sign on the body except a rupture of old standing which was not sufficient to account for the death. He was of opinion that Scrivens died from heart disease. The body quickly became discoloured, but being a stout man the weather would account for that. There were no signs of poison. About 11 months ago Dr. Green attended the deceased for pains in the head, from which he at times suffered a great deal, and which might be caused by a weak heart.
The verdict of the jury was that death resulted from natural causes.

From Hereford Times   Saturday, 26 August 1899 p.10 col.2

October 21st 1899

BOSBURY HORSE SHOW AND CRICKET CLUB The Committee of the two principal Societies in Bosbury, viz., the Horse Show and the Cricket Club, met together on Monday evening, at “Ye Olde Crown Inn”, Bosbury, for a dinner and social evening, at which a large number of friends were present. Captain W. B. Mynors occupied the chair, and there were also present Captain Mosley Leigh, Messrs H. M. Wilson, M.F.H., R. C. B. Cave, C. W. Bell, E. Holland, W. S. Lane, J. P. Manning, J. K. Job (hon. sec. Horse Show), R. Lomas, G. Lomas, S. Lane, E. G. Shew (hon. sec. Cricket Club), H. F. Shew, W. Ockey, R. Firkins, W Holmes, R. G. Lawrence, F. Oram, G. Gardiner, W. Homes, junior, P. Taylor, H. Harrington, A. Harrington, T. Hawkins, W. Pitt, J. Alcott, J. Palmer, E. Lane, W. Green, and others.—After the loyal toasts, Mr C. W. Bell proposed “The Bosbury Horse Show and Races. He should think, he said, everybody in the world bad heard of Bosbury Races and W. Shew (laughter). The speaker went on eulogise the meeting that they held in the second week in August, and said he hoped in time to see Bosbury races recognised as a first-class race meeting (applause).—Mr W. S. Lane, who responded, said was very pleased to hear the good opinion of Mr Bell as to what a success their meeting had been. It was doubtful if many other race meetings of its size had such jovial evenings afterwards. The success of their meeting was due, in the first place, to the management, and he was sure that the committee did everything in their power to make the meeting a success. The success in the next place was due to the support received from outsiders. They received support from the three counties. In a little village like theirs it was very dull without something, and their small meeting helped to pass the time away. They all they could to encourage sport, and it perhaps led up to farmers and others taking an interest in that noble sport of fox bunting (hear, hear}.—Mr E. Holland proposed the ‘Bosbury Cricket Club” in eulogistic terms. He said whenever Colwall played Bosbury they had always been well treated, and always had a very pleasant game. —Mr Shew, whose name was coupled with the toast, said he thought cricket did good for the parish. They met together and had pleasant evenings, and they always saw a good sprinkling of friends. The Club always strove to give their opponents as good a game as possible. The season had been a very successful one. In the first place they had had some good weather, and they had played 16 matches, won 5, lost 7, drawn 2 in their favour, 1 equal draw, and one against them. They made some good scores. One of their men had made 75 in one match. They made 189 against Colwall, innings closed (hear, hear, from Colwall supporter), and 160 against Hereford Constitutional, and on each of these occasions with very little outside help. He had to announce that the winner of the bat given by Messrs Lane Bros. and Bastow was Mr Sivell Lane (applause) Although was gone from their parish, he still came to help them with good scores and steady play. He was top of the bowling average (applause). Mr Shew also took that opportunity of thanking those gentlemen who had subscribed. Through them the Club had been enabled to share a “pro” with a neighbouring Club. With the same support another year they might be able to have a “pro” to themselves, and thus lessen the work of the officers who had to play in matches, and get the ground ready beforehand.—The Chairman then made the presentation of the bat, for which Mr Lane returned thanks in a suitable manner.—Mr P. Taylor proposed “The health of the Chairman,” and observed that whatever the Chairman undertook he did his utmost to make it successful (applause).—Captain Mynors suitably replied. Speaking of the President of the Horse Show, be said they were all very much obliged to Mr Wilson for consenting to take the poet. They would all be very glad to welcome him amongst them as a neighbour (hear, hear). Not only as a neighbour, but as Master of that distinguished pack of hounds, the Ledbury Hounds (applause). He had no doubt that Mr Wilson would fully keep up the reputation which the Ledbury Hounds had acquired in previous years, and he trusted Mr Wilson would fully fulfil the expectations they had of him. He begged to drink his health.—The toast was drunk with musical honours.—Mr Wilson, in replying, enlarged on the merits of country sport. He said that for his own part he should have thought that the people would rather have seen their local ponies running in the races than outsiders. But that was a matter of opinion. Of course they would get a better gate by having well-known animals there. What struck him most in Herefordshire were the extraordinary foxes. He did not know yet whether it was good scenting country or not. Unless it was it was a certain fact that the hounds could not catch the foxes. Continuing, the speaker said he hoped that they would judge, as he told them before, at the end of March, whether it had been a successful season or not. He hoped in the future to see a lot more of the farmers turn out to the hunt. If the farmers would support the pack well they would certainly prosper (applause).—The remaining toasts were—“The adjoining Hunts,” “The Victors,” “Hon Sec. of Horse Show,” “The Press,” and “The Host and Hostess.”

From Hereford Times   Saturday, 21 October 1899 p.10 col.7

January 6th 1900  

AT the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, on Thursday evening Mr. Ben Greet successfully produced a new play, entitled In Spite of All, a four-act romance-drama, by Edna Lyall, arranged for the stage by Mr A.S.Homewood. It is Miss Lyall’s first attempt as a playwright. The story is based on incidents in the Civil War, and the scene is laid at Bosbury, Herefordshire, where Miss Lyall’s brother is incumbent. The chief scene depicts Bosbury Cross, said to owe its preservation to the Rev. William Coke, son of the Bishop of Hereford, who was vicar there from 1641 to 1690. Leading parts in the play were undertaken by Mr W.R.Staveley, Mr Jerrold Robertshaw, Mr A.S.Homewood, Mr H.Brooke, Mr A.H.Pearce, Mr Percy Warden, Miss Edith Wynne Mattheson, Miss Joan Blair, and Miss Alice Arden.

From The Era   Saturday 6 January 1900 p.12 col.3

Postscript: Incumbent means holding an office, in this case Robert Burges Bayly was Vicar of Bosbury (and Edna Lyall’s real name was of course Ada Ellen Bayly).

February 3rd 1900

CRADLEY.
DEPARTURE FOR THE WAR.—, —Major O. S. Martindale Vale, having volunteered for active service in South Africa, received a telegram on Friday evening last, informing him that his services were accepted, and ordering him to proceed to Liverpool to embark for the Cape on Tuesday morning, on board the Lake Erie, Donald Currie Lane. He accordingly left here on Monday evening last.
....
Capt. Mynors, of Bosbury House, who has also volunteered, leaves by the same vessel.

From The Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday 3 February 1900 p.5 col.7

Postscript: This is not the Arthur C. B. Mynors whose death in 1879 is recorded under ‘Bosbury at War’ and whose war diary is included in ‘Bosbury in Books’. This is his elder brother, Willoughby B. Mynors who survived military service and returned home a Major in May 1901. (see below) The family arms are shown on the ‘Bosbury in Books / Heraldry of Herefordshire’ page.

April 21rd 1900

THE ATTACK ON THE BOSBURY SCHOOLMASTER.
A VERY BAD CASE.
At the Ledbury Police Court, on Saturday, before Major Palairet and Mr. E. H. Hopkins, George Phillips, labourer, was brought up in custody charged with committing an unprovoked assault upon John Knight Job, schoolmaster, Bosbury. Defendant failod to appear in answer to the charge at the last Petty Sessions, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension, with the result that P.C. Jones, Bosbury, took him into custody at Bishop’s Frame.
The prosecutor gave evidence to the effect that on the night of March 22nd he was returning home rather late with a lantern. Hearing a disturbance at Mr. Johnson’s, Bosbury, he went to enquire the cause of it. He saw defendant drunk and using bad language. He walked towards his home, and hearing someone behind him put up the lantern to one who it was. Immediately defendant, struck the lantern, smashing it to pieces, and then struck prosecutor in the back, knocking him several yards. Defendant also set a dog on him. He had never previously spoken to defendant.
Defendant denied striking prosecutor or setting a dog on him. He confessed to striking the lantern. In sentencing defendant to a month’s hard labour, the Bench said this was one of the worst assault cases ever heard in Ledbury court. Major Palairet said he regretted Mr. Job had been put to considerable expense in the matter, and the Bench would pay the expenses, 14s. 6d.

From Hereford Journal   Saturday, 21 April 1900 p.5 col.2

July 14th 1900

SITUATIONS VACANT.BLACKSMITH.— Wanted, a steady, good all-round Man.— Apply Alan Cotton, Wheelwright, Bosbury, Ledbury.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Saturday 14 July 1900 p.2 col.4

July 14th 1900

CRICKET
BROMYARD v. BOSBURY. —Played at Bosbury, on Saturday last. Score:
Bosbury.—F. P. Norbury c Ware b Cuff 24, J. R. Jackson lbw Farley 0, S. Lane b Cuff 1, G. Firkins b Farley 3, S. Field b Farley 0, R. Firkins b Farley 4, Parslow b Farley 0, W. L. Pritchard b Farley 6, E. G. Shew b Cuff 1, P. Taylor b Farley 1, W. Ockey not out 0, extras 9, total 49.
Bromyard.—C. H. Ware c Pritchard b Parslow 2, J. E. Cuff b Lane 11, J. D. Barrs c Lane b Parslow 3, P. K. Lewis lbw b Lane 7, Farley b Lane 6, D. B. Cross run out 13, J. Woodyatt b Parslow 0, G. W. Rouse b Parslow 1, W. Jones run out 4, M. T. Icke b Field 2, F. G. Mcintosh not out 0, extras 6, total 55.

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday 14 July 1900 p.2 col.5

Postscript: The Lane who took 3 wickets with his bowling is Sivell Lane who went on to play county cricket for Gloucestershire the following year when he took 5 wickets in the first innings against Surrey.

August 18th 1900

BOSBURY RACES. In delightful weather, on Monday, these events were got through at Bosbury. There is a great improvement in the course, which has been moved across the road. Details:
The LEDBURY STAKES, of 10 sovs; winner eight, second two. One mile.
Mr. J. James’ White Heather, 6 yrs, 13 st, J. James  1
Mr. J. Sumner’s Little Ada, 4 yrs, 12st 6lb, Mr. J. P. Evans   2
Betting: 3 to 1 on White Heather, who made all the running, and won by a length and a half.
The TEMPLE COURT HURDLE RACE of 15 sovs; winner 12, second three. One mile and a half.
Mr. J. James’ White Heather, 6 yrs, 13 st, J. James   1
Mr. Carr’s Gambler, aged, 10st 13lb. G. Taylor   2
Mr. W. Pitt’s Bread Sauce (late Ireland), 4 yrs, 11st 7lb ............ Owner   3
Betting: 2 to 1 on White Heather, 2 to 1 agst Gambler, 6 to 1 Bread Sauce. Won by a length and a half; bad third.
The BOSBURY PONY RACE of 15 sovs; winner 12, second three. One mile.
Mr. J. Edge’s Little Sarah, aged, 10st, Mr. C. R. Whitton   1
Mr. B. E. Wedge’s Florence, aged, 9st 6lb, Owner   2
Mr. H. Wiseman’s Carmen, aged, 9st 7lb, J. Major   3
Mr. J. F. Sander’s Parched Pea, 5yrs, 9st 2lb, Owner   0
Mr J. Lawrence’s Fair Amy, 4yrs, 9st 6lb, F. Leyland   0
.....

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday 18 August 1900 p.2 col.3

May 4th 1901

RETURN HOME OF MAJOR MYNORS.
Major W. B. Mynors, who has been second command of a regiment of Imperial Yeomanry in the South African Campaign, returned home to Bosbury, near Ledbury, a few days ago. Preparations had been made to give the gallant gentleman a fitting welcome, but, much to the disappointment of the villagers, Major Mynors expressed a wish that his return home should b© of a strictly private character. His wishes were duly respected, but in the evening an address that was intended to be read publicly on his arrival was presented at Bosbury House by the Vicar and a few others. Major Mynors thanked them in a few well-chosen words for their kind reception, and expressed satisfaction at being home once again.

From the Welliongton Journal and Shrewsbury News   Saturday 4 May 1901 p.11 col.3

February 16th 1903

THE ASHES OF “EDNA LYALL.”INTERRED AT BOSBURY CHURCHYARD.  After the cremation at Woking the ashes of “Edna Lyall” (Miss Ellen Ada Burges-Bayly, sister to the Rev. R. Burges-Bayly, Vicar of Bosbury, near Ledbury) were removed to Bosbury on Friday night, and very early on Saturday morning they were quietly laid to rest in the spot expressly chosen by herself beneath the old churchyard Cross, the Vicar and members of the family alone being present. The spot is close to Bosbury Cross, which figures in deceased’s book, “In Spite of All.”

From The Gloucester Citizen   Monday 16 February 1903  p.3 col.4

April 11th 1903

NOTES BY “OBSERVER.”
The will of Miss A. E. Bayly (“Edna Lyall”), who died on February 8 at Eastbourne, and whose ashes were deposited in the churchyard of Bosbury, Herefordshire, has been proved by her brother-in-law, the Rev. H. J. Jameson, of Eastbourne, and Mr. S. C. Slowan, surgeon, Farnham. The testatrix leaves the copyright of her works for the benefit of the children of her sister, Mrs. Jameson. The estate is sworn at £25,966 10s. 2d.

From the Worcestershire Chronicle   Saturday 11 April 1903  p.4 col.6

September 7th 1903

EDNA LYALL’S GRAVEThe grave of Edna Lyall,in the old-world Herefordshire village of Bosbury, is described by Evelyn Burges Bayly in the “Christian World” as simplicity itself. No hideous iron railing, no ponderous marble slab with fulsome inscription, mars the beauty of the spot, nothing but a plot of grass bordered by her favourite rose trees, on which will soon be placed an Iona cross bearing the following words:—

ADA ELLEN BAYLY
(EDNA LYALL) February 8th. 1903
“My trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever.”

During the last few months hundreds of visitors have gone to see the last resting-place of the novelist.

From the Aberdeen Daily Journal   Monday 7 September 1903  p.6 col.4

December 12th 1903

CAPTAIN CLIVE, M. P., AT BOSBURY UNFAIR FOREIGN COMPETITION NECESSITATES A CHANGE
A well-attended meeting was held at the Boys’ Schoolroom, Bosbury on Friday night, under the auspices of the Bosbury Constitutional Association, for the purpose of hearing the views of Captain Clive, the Member for the division, on the political situation in general and the fiscal question in particular.
Major W. B. B. [sic] Mynors, of Bosbury House, a staunch supporter of the Unionist party, occupied the chair, and amongst the principal inhabitants present were Messrs. E. T. Lane, J. K. Job, E. G. Shew, W. Caldwell, A. Preese, J. Davis, Pears, Foxwell, J. Cotton, S. Lane, Pembers, W. Green, Collett, R. Preece, Haynes, Bosley, Pugh, W. Green, Lawrence, Philpott, Payne, J. Palmer, Mr. T. D. Morgan (of Hereford), etc.
This was Captain Clive’s first appearance before his Bosbury constituents, and he must have been gratified with the way those present were anxious to become personally acquainted with him.
The CHAIRMAN, with a few interesting remarks, principally on the fiscal question, opened the proceedings.
Capt. CLIVE, M.P., who was warmly received, then addressed the meeting. He wished them first of all to accept his grateful thanks for the cordial manner in which they had received him. And he desired to take that opportunity of personally thanking them for the very great honour they did him in returning him unopposed whilst he was in South Africa to represent them in the House of Commons. He was quite sure it was their enthusiasm for the Unionist Govenunent— which he was glad to say was still in power—that caused them to elect him, a comparatively unknown man, to be their Parliamentary representative.
....
A vote of confidence in Captain Clive was heartily carried, on the proposition of Mr. E. G. SHAW [Shew], seconded by Mr. E. T. LANE. A hearty vote of thanks was also accorded the Chairman on the motion of Mr. W. CALDWELL, seconded by Mr. Mr. T. D. MORGAN.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday 12 December 1903  p.3 col.3

April 22nd 1905

SUNDAY POST TO BOSBURY.–A Sunday delivery and collection of letters to and from Bosbury oommenced on Sunday last. The cyclist postman leaves Ledbury at 6.45 a.m., and delivers along the direct road to Bosbury sub-office and the whole of the village and Bosbury House as is done by day post on week days. Correspondence for persons outside the delivery area is taken to Bosbury sub-office to be called for or delivered on Monday. Tbe postman remains until 9.25 am., and then brings in letters for dispatch.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday 22 April 1905  p.6 col.2

June 13th 1905

AN INTERESTING RELIC.— The old Storesbrook bridge, which crosses the main road about midway between Ledbury and Bosbury, is now being removed and a new bridge substituted. In the removal the workmen came to the foundation-stone, with the following inscription: “This bridge was erected at ye expence of the Honourable Edward Foley, Esq., Anno domini, 1777.” The stone, which is in excellent preservation, has been handed over to Mr. Paul Foley, Stoke Edith Park.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday 27 May 1905  p.8 col.2

June 13th 1905

SUPPOSED INCENDIARISM On Monday afternoon a fire was found to have broken out in the farmyard of Temple Court, Bosbury, about four miles from Ledbury. The Ledbury Fire Brigade were telegraphed for, and at once started, but by the time of their arrival the whole of the farm buildings, some of which were thatched, and their contents were in flames, and nearly the whole were destroyed. The buildings comprised a large barn, three cowhouses, a chaffhouse, and sheds, and the stock burnt consisted of several tons of straw, part of a rick of hay, a corn mill, two wagons and some implements. The live stock was fortunately removed in time, and the dwelling-house, which was adjoining, was also saved. The tenant (Mr. J. Davis) is insured, as are also the buildings. There is good reason to believe that the fire was the work of an incendiary. The damage is estimated at over £600.

From The Gloucester Citizen   Tuesday 13 June 1905  p.3 col.6

October 17th 1906  

HOTEL SERVANTS, &c. YOUNG Lady Requires Re-engagement in Hotel as Relief and Useful Help.—Apply E. K. Crown Hotel, Bosbury, near Ledbury.

From the Evening Express (Cardiff)  Wednesday 17 October 1906 p.1 col.2

April 16th 1907

The Bosbury Amateur Dramatic Society, which was initiated recently by Mr Henry Collett, gave two most successful entertainments at Bosbury Parish Hall on Tursday and Friday evening. Praise is due to Mr Collett and others. The programme included the farcical comedy Turn Him Out.

From the Ledbury Free Press  Tuesday 16 April 1907

May 21st 1907

P.S.SPARKMAN MURDERED AT RINCONWhile standing alone in the yard of his isolated home at Rincon, near Valley Center, P. S. Sparkman, a well known merchant, was shot in the back of the head by an unidentified assassin and instantly killed, Sunday night or early Monday morning. The conditions under which he met his death preclude suicide or any other theory but deliberate and pre-meditated murder, as the bullet entered at the base of the brain in the rear and penetrated the skull, emerging from the throat. A deep mystery surrounds the murder, as close investigation by the officers has failed to disclose any person who might have had a malicious motive.
The circumstances attending the tragedy are suspicious in the extreme. Sparkman was an Englishman who had lived in Rincon, a village five miles from Valley Centre, and seventeen miles from Escondido, for the last eighteen years. During that time he bore a notable reputation for peacefulness, and was never known to have a violent quarrel with anyone. None of his relatives live in this country but it is reported he has numerous connections in England.
The body of the murdered man was discovered at 9 o’clock yesterday morning by Magil Clapp, an Indian who says he happened to be passing the Sparkman home. Clapp immediately notified Constable Dinwiddie of Valley centre, who communicated with Coroner Morgan of San Diego. Sheriff Jennings and District Attorney Kirby started, on receipt of the news, for Rincon but no further developments had been learned from them up to a late hour last night.
Two salient points stand out in connection with the mysterious murder of Sparkman. In the first place he was well known in the country around Rincon for his generosity, and it is believed by many of his friends that some one who had profited by his benificence deliberately laid in wait for him, determining on murdering Sparkman outright and then looting his home, in the hope and expectation of finding a large sum of cash, which it was generally thought the dead man had concealed about the house
A strange feature of the murder which intensifies its gruesome horror is the fact that, although the corpse was not found until 9 o’clock yesterday morning, the light in Sparkman’s ...... [end of the newspaper cutting]

From the San Diego Union and Daily Bee   Tuesday 21 May 1907  

Postscript: This Philip Stedman Sparkman (1856-1907) is the grandson of Philip Stedman Sparkman who was born in Detroit in 1794 but came to live at The Razees in Bosbury with his great-uncle. Two years after our Philip’s father, John James Sparkman, died in 1873, Philip aged 19 left England and travelled widely in America before opening a store in Rincón, California, north of San Diego in 1884. As a hobby, he began recording the language and customs of the local Luiseño Indians. His “The Culture of the Luiseño Indians” was published posthumously by the University of California and, many years later, his “Grammar and Dictionary of the Luiseño Language”, both classics of anthropology. Philip Stedman Sparkman is buried in Oak Hill Memorial Park, Escondido, San Diego County, California, USA

July 20th 1907

LOCAL WILL. Mr. P. BAYLIS, WHITEMEAD PARK.INTERESTING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BEQUESTS. Mr. Philip Baylis, J.P., barrister-at-law, Deputy Surveyor of the Royal Forest of Dean, who died suddenly near his residence, Whitemead Park, on June 7th last, aged 58 years, by his will, which was made on Sept. 6th, 1902 appointed his cousin Mr. Thomas Ballard, of Ledbury, and his friends Mr. J. T. Chappell, solicitor , and Mr. C. L/ Smith, barrister-at-law, executors and trustees, giving each twenty guineas. .........
He bequeathed the Harford table, 1571, from the old manor of Bosbury, and now in his house in Ledbury, to the county of Hereford, to be placed with a brass tablet on it in some part of the Shire-hall, but if the authorities of the said county decline the bequest, then he gave it to the city of Hereford to be placed in some part of the Public Library; his books, pictures, engravings, and curiosities, except furniture to the Woolhope Club ....

From the Gloucestershire Echo   Saturday 20 July 1907 p.3 col.2

July 30th 1907

BOSBURY HORSE & HORTICULTURAL SHOW Jumping and Driving Competitions and Races.
MONDAY, AUGUST 12th, 1907.
Entries close August 3rd. Schedules may be obtained from the Secretary —J. K. JOB, Bosbury, Ledbury.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Tuesday 30 July 1907 p.2 col.3

September 7th 1907  

Scientific Hop Curing. It is clearly recognised that if our hop growers desire to satisfy the modern demands of their customers — the brewers, more exact attention than heretofore must be given to the theory and practice of the best methods of drying their produce. Brewers are now judging the value of hops not by appearance only, but by chemical tests, which investigate minutely many points that previously passed without notice. The slightest trace of impurity is sought for and detected, if existent, and the almost infinitesimal standard fixed by Government authority renders the acceptance of hops uncertain, and brings rejections within the range of frequent possibility. For all the annoying results of such rejections growers are alone responsible, as upon them rests the obligation to produce hops without any suspicion of taint or risk. As long in the cones hang upon the bine they are as Nature has formed them, natural and innocuous, but when the manufacturing or curing process commences the time arrives when they can either be made or marred. If treated carelessly they are speedily spoiled either by under or over drying, and if exposed to the fumes arising from the combustion of fuel, there may be imparted to them that noxious element, concerning which we have recently heard so much. This knowledge is inducing some brewers to refuse all hops that cannot be guaranteed as cured by pure heated air, and it may be foreseen that such conditions of purchase will be extended when the subject is more generally ventilated.

Our growers are, therefore, wisely looking round for the system that will most effectively and economically secure their hops from any of the dangers referred to. Mr. H. Wellband, of Otford Castle Farm, Kent, has installed Shew’s patent Economic pure air plant in three of his kilns, and last week invited many of his fellow growers to inspect it. He very kindly included me, and I gladly responded by going down to Otford.

Being met by Mr. Wellband and the inventor of the system, we were shown the exterior of the oasts, which are circular, and are not of modern construction. In the outer wall is fixed a fan 54 in. diameter, acted upon by an adjacent portable engine. From an inner air chamber three. ducts direct the current of cold air to the furnaces, and shut-off valves are provided in case the whole of the kilns are not in use. Each kiln in a group can thus be worked independently of the others. Under the drying floor is fixed the air heater, which is constructed in cylindrical form of strong steel boiler plate. Upon the outer circumference of the fire-box is rivetted a series of cast iron gills which offer a very large heating surface to the air that is forced over and through them. The fire-door is closely fitted, and the only air admitted to the fire passes through the sliding openings in the ash door, enabling the draught to be regulated to a nicety. Slow and complete combustion, which means economy of fuel, is consequently secured. The heated gases from the furnace, pass into a chamber, where they are equally distributed through a set of eight radiating pipes made of cast iron, and fixed above the furnace in an angular and star like arrangement. These being again united a little below the drying floor, a pipe is carried from them through the floor to the top of the kiln, whence the products of combustion, or at least what is left of them, are discharged. The jointings of the furnace and the pipes being all accurately made with asbestos, it is impossible for any of the fire fumes to come into contact with the hops, and the fire heat being practically absorbed and exhausted before it reaches the point of discharge, it is difficult to imagine a more economical plan. Under the conditions described, it will be understood that such fuel as costly anthracite is not required. Any fuel may be used, but gas coke is found to be preferable, as it is both inexpensive and smokeless, and also a good heat producer. The mechanical construction of the plant is strong and well designed in all its details, these and their durability being guaranteed by the makers, Messrs. Jones and Attwood, Heating Specialists, Stourbridge.

In working this apparatus, absolute control at every point is secured. The volume of cold air is regulated as already noted at the fan, it is then forced round the top of the furnace and through the gill plates, and travelling upward over the surface of the radiating pipes, passes through the load of hops at exactly such a temperature as may be desired. When the drying is completed, the opening of a door by the side of the furnace will admit a current of cold air, by which the temperature of the kiln will speedily be lowered and the hops cooled while resting on the hair cloth. Hops cured on this principle need not be turned during the drying and come off the floor whole and unbroken. With the assistance of a fan, such as we inspected, it is estimated that 40 pokes or 400 bushels can be thoroughly finished on a 15 ft. roundel in ten hours, the fuel required being about 1.5 cwt. per ton of dried hops.

Mr. Wellband and some forty other planters, who inspected the arrangement lately, expressed their complete confidence in its ultimate success, and Mr. Wellband desires me to add that he will be pleased for growers to examine the working of the system at any time during hop-picking. It has been adopted also by Mr. J. D. Large, of Goudhurst, and by several important growers in the Midlands, including Mr. W. F. Pudge, Bromyard; Mr. W. H. Gabb, Beauchamp Court; Messrs. Leeke, Bros., Malvern; Mr. C. Purser, Leigh; and others. The inventor’s address is E. G. Shew, Cold Green, Bosbury, Ledbury.

From the Mark Lane Express Agricultural Journal    9 September 1907 p.310 col.2

October 21st 1907

BARLEY AND HOPS AT THE BREWERS’ EXHIBITION.
HOP COMPETITION. The entries this year are considerably in excess of the two previous years .... [11 classes]
Class 8. —Worcester and Hereford, pale ales, 10 entries.
Class 9. — Worcester and Hereford, ordinary beers, 8 entries.

AWARDS.
A [champion prize (gold medal) and silver and bronze medals, with diplomas, for the best, second and third best samples of any growth from any district : —

Champion, gold medal, Mr. G. Mount, Canterbury.
Silver medal, Messrs. E. A. White, Ltd., Paddock Wood.
Bronze medal, Mr. W. F. Pudge, Bishop’s Froome.

In each and every class, £3, £2, and £1 with diplomas.
Class 8.— 1st, Mr. E. G. Shew, Bosbury, Ledbury; 2nd, Mr. W. H Gabb, Beauchamp Court, Worcester; 3rd, Mr. W. 1. Pudge, Bishop’s Froome.
Class 9.— 1st, Mr. W. F Pudge, Bishop’s Froome, Worcester.

From the Mark Lane Express Agricultural Journal    21 October 1907 p.479 col.2

January 11th 1908

REV. SAMUEL BENTLEY The Rev. Samuel Bentley, M. A. late rector of Newent, Gloucestershire, has died at Woodland Grove, Torquay, in his 85th year. A scholar of St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge, he graduated in 1849 and was ordained the same year. He was curate of Ashton Keynes, Wilts, from 1853 to 1860, and rector of St. Mary Magdalen, Bridgnorth, from 1860 to 1869, being then presented to the vicarage of Bosbury, Herefordshire, which he held till 1897. He was also from 1883 till 1892 rural dean of Frome, Southern Division. In 1897 he was nominated to his college living in Newent, which he resigned in 1905.

From the Gloucestershire Chronicle   Saturday 11 January 1908 p.4 col.4

October 26th 1908

MONEY. WANTED to Borrow, on the Credit of the Ledbury Turnpike Tolls, the Sum of FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS, in order to enable the Trustees to complete the Improvements in the Road leading from Ledbury towards Bosbury.
By Order of the Commissioners. T.B.KNOTT, Clerk, Ledbury. Oct.19, 1908.

From the Hereford Journal   Wednesday 26 October 1908 p.3 col.2

January 16th 1909

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Hopgrowers’ Association on Wednesday elected as president Mr. E. G. Shew, of Bosbury, who was a resident in Gloucester for a number of years.

From the Gloucester Journal   Saturday 16 January 1909 p.7 col.1

February 6th 1909

FARMER KILLED AT LEDBURY Mr. Thomas Lawrence, an elderly farmer, of the Lower Mill, Bosbury, near Ledbury, was riding home from Ledbury market on Tuesday when his horse threw him heavily to the ground. He was picked up and taken in a trap to Ledbury Cottage Hospital, but was there pronounced by a doctor to be dead.

From the Gloucestershire Chronicle   Saturday 6 February 1909 p.6 col.1

January 8th 1910

A DENIAL! Be it known that here in this County of Hereford there be persons selling or attempting to sell lighting plants, and (for obvious reasons) having no plant in Hereford for demonstration purposes brazenly point to the Simpitrol Plant at the Autocar Co.’s Premises and declare: “Our lights are like those.” To such statements we give an emphatic denial, for
SIMPITROL AIR-GAS SYSTEMS
are termed “the only perfect systems of Petrol Lighting.” They are the guaranteed, proven and most perfect systems whose light is nearest that of daylight. Simpitrol Systems are cheaper, brighter, healthier and safer than any other known system of artificial lighting.
SUCCESS.
WITHIN EIGHT WEEKS the following Installations of the SIMPITROL LIGHTING SYSTEMS have been made for well-known Gentlemen in the Parishes of Llanwarne (Church). Eardisley (House and Church). King’s Acre (Hotel). Much Marcle (House and Works). Yatton (House). Bosbury (House). Marden (House). Pixley (House). Castle Froome (House). Burghill (House and Institute). Springhelds, Ross (House). Haywood (House and Works). Hele, Devon (House).
ALL ARE GIVING THE UTMOST SATISFACTION.
ESTIMATES FREE. EXPERIENCED GAS FITTERS ONLY EMPLOYED. NO JOB TO [sic] SMALL. NONE TOO LARGE. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.
APPROVED OF BY FIRE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Full Particulars can be obtained of the County Agents, AUTOCAR COMPANY (H. BRACEWELL, Proprietor) Automobile Engineers, COMMERCIAL ROAD, HEREFORD, Where the Simpitrol Lighting System is installed and can be inspected at any time.
ESTIMATES, &c., FREE ON APPLICATION.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 8 January 1910 p.4 - advertisement feature

March 26th 1910  

CANTERBURY FARMERS’ CLUB AND EAST KENT CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE There was a crowded attendance at the monthly meeting of the Canterbury Farmers’ Club held at the Royal Fountain Hotel on Saturday evening. Mr. Lister Kay, chairman, presided. Among others present were Mr. Hetherington, in the vice-chair, Mr. Egerton Quested, ex-chairman, Mr. Laurence Hardy, M.P., Professor Salmon, and Messrs. W. W. Berry, Allington Collard, J. D. Maxted, S. Le May, Alfred Amos, E. Colthup, W. Colthup, J. E. Elgar, Walter R. Elgar (Sittngbourne). R. W. Wood, T. Wacher, Blake Wacher, J. Harvey, D. D. Crawford, H. Marsh. Arthur Amos, R. Tanner, H. H. Spanton. Maxted, junr., Frank Amos, George Mount, G.W. Finn, Fred Finn, John Maxted, Edwin Fowler, Herbert Neame, and E. L. Gardener (Secretary).
METHODS OF HOP DRYING [Item 3]
In response to the offer by the Royal Agricultural Society of a prize of £100 for the best hop-drying apparatus, four competitors entered—Mr. A. F. Partridge, Leominster, Mr. G. Shew, Ledbury, Messrs. Whiting Bros., Faversham, and Messrs. Williamson and Allen, Gloucester. The features which were to be considered of special importance were efficiency of work; adaptability to different binds of existing oasts (unless tbe plant was self-contained); quality for regulating heat and draught, and for cooling; economy of working; time required for drying; construction; and prime cost. The other judge was Mr. John Powell, of Lower Wick, Worcester.
There was a preliminary trial by the judges and the consulting engineer to make sure everything was in readiness.
Messrs. Williamson and Allen’s machine, under Joyce’s patent, was the first inspected. ... owing to an objection raised by the owner of the oasts as to the conduct of the trials the makers had to withdraw their machine. This was much regretted.
On August 9th. Mr. Shew’s plant at Bosbury, Ledbury, was the first to be examined. There were three kilns, each fitted with (its own gill furnace and radiating pipes. The arrangement of these is the special feature. They consist of a battery of V pipes. The object of this arrangement is to secure the uniform distribution of the heated air under the hair. It is blown into the kilns through by two fans; one, capable of delivering 9,000 cubic feet per minute, delivering into one kiln 16 square, the other larger fan, with a capability of 25,000 cubic feet, delivering into the two other kilns, each 15 feet square. The fans were driven by a portable steam engine and maintained, when running, an air pressure to lower part of kiln equal to about one-tenth of an inch of water. For the purposes of trial the three kilns were treated together as one. It was claimed that the system would work without fans by natural draught, though the output would be less than with forced draught. Two oastings were made in one of the kilns. The air inlets were not arranged for efficient working with natural draught, but the results proved that the plant would work efficiently without forced draught. The price of the plant hair fixed complete, but exclusive of engine and builder’s work was £252.
In considering the quantity of fuel per cwt. of output it had to be borne in mind that the fuel varied. In the case of Messrs. Whiting’s plant coal and coke in approximately equal quantities were used for six days, as he had said, then coke alone for five days, and lastly wood and coke for two. With Mr. Shew’s plant coke only was used throughout, and with Mr.Partridge’s coal only.
Comparing the power required, Mr. Elgar remarked that in Mr. Shew’s case there was a portable steam engine. This was unnecessarily large for the work required in the business, but was available for other work during the rest of the year.
Mr. Shew began his trials on the 13th [September] and completed them on the 22nd.
Mr. Shew’s plant and Mr. Partridge’s used forced draught, and by this means the quantity of hops that could be dealt with in a limited kiln space was much more than with a natural draught as in Mr. Neame’s system, but in their official report Mr. Powell and he pointed out that where there was plenty of kiln room they did not think there was any advantage in this matter.
After various personal inspections and going carefully into the figures and details, and weighing up the reports, they came to the conclusion that Mr. Shew’s plant was the best.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald    Saturday 26 March 1910 p.7 cols.1-3

Postscript: This is only the highlights featuring Mr Shew. Details of the trials will only make sense to hop growers.

July 15th 1911

SALES BY AUCTION.BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS.
MESSRS. SOTHEBY, WILKINSON & HODGE
will SELL by AUCTION, at their House, No. 13 Wellington Street, Strand, W.C, on Tuesday, July 18, and Following Day, at 1 o’clock precisely, BOOKS and MANUSCRIPTS, comprising the LIBRARY of Col. MONTAGU (deceased), late of 123 Pall Mall, S.W., including important Historical, Topographical, and Scientific Works; Books on Heraldry: Heraldic Scrap Book, collected by Joseph Edmondson; a Curious and Ancient Book of Coats-of-Arms of the Time of Henry VIII. — Petrarca:Sonetti, Canzoni e Triomphi, First Edition; Scarce Collections of Trials; Extra-Illustrated Works, &c.; also the LIBRARY of WILLOUGHBY BASKERVILLE MYNORS, Esq., Bosbury House, Herefordshire, including Autograph Letters of Benjamin Disraeli, Works of Disraeli, several of which are Presentation Copies; Topographical Works; Works on Art; Voyages and Travels; and Legenda Anglia:, Manuscript Lives of English Saints, written on vellum in the Fourteenth Century, in English.
May be viewed. Catalogues may be had.

From the Saturday Review    Saturday 15 July 1911 p.89 col.1

July 22nd 1911

BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS
SALES BY AUCTION.COINS AND MEDALS.
MESSRS. SOTHEBY, WILKINSON & HODGE
will SELL by AUCTION, at their House, No. 13 Wellington Street, Strand, W.C., on Monday, July 24, and Three Following Days, at 1 o’clock precisely, a collection of GREEK, ROMAN, BYZANTINE, and INDO-SCYTHIC COINS, the property of the late Dr. LEITNER, the Orientalist; the collection of English and miscellaneous COINS AND MEDALS, the property of the late Rev. W. F. BRYANT, Ladymead, Clifton; a collection of Greek, Roman, and English Coins, Medals, &c., the property of WILLOUGHBY BASKERVILLE MYNORS, Esq., of Bosbury House, Herefordshire, and other small properties, including the Numismatic Books of the late Mr. JAMES VERITY, Coin Cabinets, Antique Intaglie, and Camei, &c.
May be viewed. Catalogues may be had.

From the Saturday Review    Saturday 22 July 1911 p.119 col.1

June 30th 1913

HEREFORDSHIRE FARMER KILLED.
VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH.
At Bosbury Boys’ School, near Ledbury, on Saturday, Mr. T. Hutchinson, coroner for South Herefordshire, held the adjourned inquest on William Howes, farmer and hop grower, of Gold Hill, Bcsbury, whose death occurred as the result of the overturning of a trap in which he was being driven from Ledbury market by Mr. John T. Rogers, farmer, of the Hill Farm, Castle Froome.
At the first enquiry the evidence of William J. Howes, son of deceased, was to the effect that he received a message on the night of June 17 that his father and Mr. Rogers had been thrown out of a trap at Gospel Yew Corner, near Bosbury. Witness went and found his father lying at the side the road. Mr. Rogers close by. Deceased recovered consciousness, and said he believed his back was broken. Dr. Harrison, of Ledbury, had previously been telephoned for, and on his arrival deceased said he was going to die. He was in great pain, having a fractured spine, and was paralysed. He got worse and died as the result of the accident. Upon this evidence the coroner adjourned the inquest for the attendance of Mr. Rogers.
The latter was able to attend on Saturday, but he appeared to be very ill, and had his left arm in thick bandages. He was suffering from injuries to his neck and back. Two eye-witnesses of the accident stated that Mr. Rogers was driving slowly at the time, and when near the dangerous corner at Gospel Yew the wheel of the trap struck the bank, and the hub of the wheel catching in the turf caused the vehicle to turn over, with the result that deceased and Mr. Rogers were thrown to the ground. Both witnesses were of the opinion that Mr. Rogers and deceased were sober.
Mr. Rogers now gave evidence. He said he took deceased to Ledbury market, but he was delayed some time in starting to return home as he was negotiating with a gentleman to buy the pony he was then driving. On returning they did not go straight to Gold Hill, but went through Bosbury Village becanse he wanted see the landlord of the Crown Hotel at Bosbury about a sitting of eggs All witness and deceased had to drink at Bosbury was a glass of lemonade each. On continuing the journey he called upon Mr. Price, Catley, to see about some wool, and then went to see some of his sheep, which were in a field just beyond Gospel Oak. When they got to the corner at Gospel Oak the pony must have taken fright—witness believed at a heap of stones—and before witness knew what had occurred deceased and himself were thrown out of the trap. He could not remember anything else until after deceased had been taken home. All the witnesses were questioned by Superintendent Williams, of the Ledbury police, and Mr H. W. Orme, solicitor, who appeared for Mr. Rogers as to whether the occupants of the trap were sober, and each witness expressed the opinion that they were.
The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death, ” attaching no blame to anyone.

From the Gloucestershire Echo   Monday 30 June 1913 p.2 col.7

January 6th 1914

THE BOSBURY BALL. The annual Bosbury Invitation Dance, promoted by a committee of ladies residing in Bosbury and district, the proceeds being for Bosbuiy parochial affairs and the Ledbury Cottage Hospital, was held last (Thursday) night. The dance, as usual for many years past, was held at the Feathers Hotel Assembly Room, Ledbury, which had been most effectively decorated for the occasion with palms and other foliage plants kindly lent for the purpose by Captain C A H Palairet, of Westhill, Ledbury, the decorations being the work of Mr C Webber, Captain Palairet’s head gardener. Mr and Mrs T Howell, the host and hostess, had made their customary excellent arrangements for the comfort of the guests, who numbered between 130 and 140. Supper was served at midnight in the Corn Exchange, the tables being very prettily decorated.
The committee responsible for the arrangements comprised the following :—Mrs G Cotton, Paunceford Court; Mrs T Godsall, Tne Nupend; Mrs W S Lane, The Farm; Mrs E T Lane, Old Court; Mrs W Russell, Freetown; Mrs Shew, Canon Froome; Mrs E G Shew, Cold Green. The M.C.’s were Messrs W S Lane, Herbert Lane, Audley Cotton, E G Shew, G Firkins, and Tom Godsall. Mr W G Davis’s band provided excellent music for a programme of 22 dances. Dancing commenced at 8.30 p.m. and was continued to 3.30 a.m. The following is the list of those present:—
Mr T P Adams, Miss G Adams, Mr G Brodie, Mr Norman Brodie (Malvern), Miss Burman, Mr J Beaumont, Mr Bick, Mr R C Butt, Mr Tom Butt, Mr Frank Burrows (Ashford, Kent),
Mr Harold Clark, Mrs Harold Clark, Miss C Clark, Miss G Clark, Mr Jack Clark, Mr Collins, Mr Clutterbuck, Mr H G Cowell, Mr J R Cowell, Mr Audley Cotton, Mr C G Cotton, Mr Kenneth Cotton, Mr John Cook, Miss Elsie Cook, Mr N E Crocker, Miss C C Crocker, Mr Cowie, Mr J L Claremout,
Miss May Dawe, Miss Denley, Miss Down, Miss M Down, Mr Drew,
Miss Farmer, Mr Findon, Mr G W Firkins, Mr Wyndham Firkins,
Mr H Gabb, Mrs H Gabb (Leigh), Mr W B Godsall, Miss Godsall, Miss Freda Godsall, Miss Zilla Godsall, Mr Goodson, Mr A E Griffiths, Miss Griffiths, Miss Doris Griffiths, Mr H W Griffiths, Miss F J Gwilliam,
Mr Hall, Miss Hartland (Buckingham), Miss Harris, Mr E C Heis (Worcester), Mr G Hemus, Mr A J Hewson, Mr Edwin Holloway, Mrs Horsman, Mr Reg Howell,
Mr H B Jones,
Mrs E T Lane, Mr H E Lane, Miss H E Lane, Miss M L Lane, Miss Dorothy Lane, Mr G Herbert Leekce, Mr Pat Leeke, Mr W C Lewington, Miss Lewington, Miss M Lewington, Mr Lodge,
Mr J H Marsden, Mrs Marsden, Miss M Marshlain, Mr J Medcalf (Malvern), Mr Meredith, Mr C Meredith, Miss Ida Meredith (Powick),
Mr Newbiggings,
Miss Ockey,
Miss Pantall, Miss Parry, Miss Parry, Mr E Payne, Mrs Player, Mr N Pritchett, Mr E H Pritchett, Mr W H Powell, Miss Violet Powell, Miss Lillian E Powell,
Mr Bob Russell, Miss Russell, Miss Marjorie Russell, Mr D L Russell,
Mr E G Shew, Mrs E G Shew, Mr Geoff Shew, Miss Shew, Miss C Shew, Miss P Shew, Mr Guy Smith,
Mrs F W Taylor, Mr S P Taylor, Miss D Taylor, Miss Taylor, Miss D Taylor. Mr J J. Tilley, Mrs J J Tilley,
Mr S G Warner, Miss L White. Mr G Woodward, Miss Woodward, Miss N Woodward, Miss W Woodward.

From the Abergavenny Mail    Tuesday 6 January 1914 p.5 col.1

January 10th 1914

CONCERTS AT BOSBURY. In Aid of the Boy Scouts. A series of three most successful concerts were held in the Parish Hall, Bosbury, on Friday and Saturday in last week. The three performances were largely attended and on Saturday afternoon the newly formed troop of Boy Scouts from Putley, in charge of their Scout-Master, were invited. The entertainments were in aid of the Bosbury troop of boy scouts and towards which Mrs Buck (Noverings) and Miss Beith contributed equal shares in the arrangement of the concerts. Amongst those who attended the performance were :—Rev T W Harvey (Vicar), and Mrs Harvey, Rev Parmenter (Curate) and Mrs Parmenter, Mrs Fenwick-Fenwick (the Verzons) and party, Mrs Emberson and Miss Ballard (the Grange), Mrs and the Misses Manning, Mr and Miss Richardson (the Frith), Miss Passingham (Berrow), the Misses Harrington and Miss Holloway (Millend), Mrs Lane and the Misses Lane (Old Court), Mr and Mrs Lane (the Farm), Mr and Mrs Sivell Lane (Staplow), Mr and Mrs and the Misses Bosley (Catley Cross), Mr E G Shew, Mr J K Job, Mr T Green, Mr Collett, etc. The accompaniments were shared by Miss Cureton and Miss Beith.
The performance on Saturday evening opened with an amusing duologue entitled “The Collaborators,” in which Mr and Miss Brander kept the audience continually in ecstacies. Mr Lilley was undoubtedly the star of the evening, and contributed six songs and a monologue entitled “Herr Cohen’s first telephone call.”" Mr Brander and the Noverings songsters gave a costume song, For “Months and Months and Months,” in which Mr Brander took the principal part dressed up as a yokel at a minutes notice, owing to Mr Foster being unfortunately taken ill, who would otherwise have taken the part. A piano and violin selection “Patriotic Airs,” elicited much applause. The Bosbury Troop of Boy Scouts gave an ambulance display
.....
The evening concluded with an amusing comedietta, “Packing up ” by Mr and Miss Brander.

From the Abergavenny Mail    Saturday 10 January 1914 p.5 cols.1-2

January 17th 1914

BOSBURY. REMOVAL OF P.C. EVANSOn Wednesday morning at the conclusion of the business at Ledbury Police Court the members of the Herefordshire Constabulary in the Petty Sessional Division of Ledbury, through Supt. Williams, presented to P.C. Douglas Evans a silver-mounted walking stick, suitably inscribed, as a parting gift on his removal from the Bosbury out-station to Pontrilas, where he goes this week. P.C. Evans has been a member of the county police force for 15 years, and for just over 11 years of that time he has been stationed at Bosbury, where by his tact and common-sense methods he has become very popular with all classes. It is interesting to note that P. C. Evans is the possessor of two medals and seven bars gained in the South African War. At the outbreak of the war he was called up on the reserve and went out with the First Division. He served through the first part of the war and returned home, rejoining the county police force and marrying and settling down at Pembridge. He was called up a second time and went out to South Africa again, and came home at the conclusion of the war, when he was stationed at Bosbury, where he has been ever since. During the war he was at one time reported dead for three months.—P.C. Evans will be succeeded at Bosbury by P.C. Campion, from Pontrilas.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 17 January 1914 p.4 col.7

January 17th 1914

LEDBURY POLICE. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14.WAS IT A PRACTICAL JOKE?
William Daniel, roadman, of Ashperton, was charged with stealing a bicycle lamp value 7s 6d, the property of Frederick Parsons, Bosbury, on December 25th.
Mr H W Orme (Messrs Russell and Co.) was for the defence.
Prosecutor said he was a gardener and lived at Staplow. On the night of Christmas Day he went to the Crown Hotel, Bosbury, and left his bicycle outside the hotel with a lamp on it. At 9.15 p.m. the lamp was gone, and he gave information to the police, who later brought the lamp back to him. He identified the lamp produced as his. Alfred G Parmee, of the Crown Hotel, Bosbury, said prosecutor came to the house about 9 p.m. on Christmas Day. He had some refreshments and left at 9.15. When prosecutor came he saw he had a bicycle with a lamp on it.
P.C. Evans said on December 25 at 9.30 p.m. prosecutor reported the loss of the lamp. On December 26 witness went to Ashperton and later saw defendant at Newtown, Yarkhill. He taxed defendant with the theft of the lamp, and he at first denied it. He told defendant he was confident he knew something about it and that he was going to apprehend him, and defendant said, “I have a lamp, but someone must have put it on my bike.” He went with defendant to his home at Ashperton and there received the lamp produced.
By Mr Orme: He knew that Daniels, and other men named Whiting and Alford had been to Bosbury playing football on that day, and that they had been at the Brook Inn for some time.
Mr Orme pleaded not guilty, and that in this case a practical joke was played on defendant and on Parsons as well. A football match took place at Bosbury between Ashperton and Bosbury on the afternoon of Christmas day, and later had a convivial evening at the Brook Inn. Daniels walked with others to the Crown, where they had some refreshments, leaving the bicycles outside the Crown. When Daniels went into the Crown he was never out of the company of Whiting. It was not until Daniels was riding home without a light that he found the lamp was on the machine.
Defendant then went into the box, and said he was in the employ of the Ledbury Rural District Council as a roadman, and had been in the employ of the Council for 12 or 13 years. On Christmas Day he went with a football team from Ashperton to the Brook, Bosbury, where they played a football match, and after the match they stayed at the Brook Inn until after 8 p.m. Four of them, including Whiting, Alford and witness, then went to the Crown at Bosbury, all of them walking except Alford. At the Crown they had some drink. He was never out of the company of Whiting while they were at the Crown. About 9.30 Whiting, Alford and witness set off home, the two former lighting their lamps, and Alford going first. When he rode up opposite Whiting he saw by the light of Whiting‘s lamp and there was a lamp on his machine, and he said “Hullo, somebody has put a lamp on my machine.” He tried to borrow a lamp at the Brook Inn, but could not. When he saw the lamp on his machine he took it off, and then tried to put it back on the bracket but could not and so put it in his pocket. When he got home he put the lamp on the bicycle again.
By Supt Williams: He admitted it was to his advantage to have a lamp when he left the Crown, but he never lighted the one he found on his bicycle. He was fairly sober and could ride his bicycle.
By Mr Orme: Someone had played a practical joke on him, for which he believed Bosbury was known.
Harry Whiting, labourer, of Woodsend, Ashperton, bore out defendant’s version, and said defendant was never out of his company from the time they left the Brook until they left the Crown. Daniels never touched another bicycle or any lamp while at the Crown.
Ronald George Gurney, surveyor to the Ledbury Rural District Council, said he had always found Daniels very trustworthy and reliable during the 11 years he had known him. The Chairman said there was so much doubt the case that it would be dismissed.
Defendant thanked the Bench.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 17 January 1914 p.8 col.1

February 7th 1914

A FORMER MASTER OF THE LEDBURY.Mr Charles Morrell, J.P., of Dorchester, Oxon., formerly an enthusiastic follower of the hounds, having as master hunted the Ledbury, Worcestershire, and other packs, left estate valued for probate at £450 gross. Mr Charles Morrell was master of the Ledbury Hounds for many years, living at Stanley House, Bosbury. He was very popular, and hunted the hounds himself. Although a heavy man he hacked to to [sic] meets—no motor cars in those days. He went to hunt the Worcestershire from Ledbury.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 7 February 1914 p.5 col.5

February 7th 1914

Views of the Vicar of Bosbury.We have received the following letter from the Vicar of Bosbury:—
Sir,— With the offer by the Local Education Authority of increases in salaries and their annual revision, many friends of the teachers feel that for them now to hold out on strike, merely for a scale, is to create unnecessary strife, and thereby alienate the sympathy hitherto felt for them. Surely they may now leave themselves with confidence in the hands of the Committee, secure of justice, if not of generosity. The case of the Head Mistress of our Girls’ School, if it represents a common experience, may explain and justify the action of the strikers.
She came here direct from college, and has spent over 36 years of devoted service in the work of the school, raising it to a high state of efficiency. Her reports have been uniformly excellent. It is one of the schools selected for the training of young teachers.
When it passed to the Local Education Authority some 12 years ago, she was receiving a salary of £91 10s, and has continued at the same rate till this month, when it has been raised to £105.
According to the statement of salaries now being advertised by the Local Education Authority the minimum for this school is £90, rising to a maximum of £115. It appears, therefore, that, at the rate of increment the Committee have adopted in this case, this teacher can never hope to reach the maximum before age compels her to retire altogether from her work, since after 36 years she is still little more than half way to the goal.
If such a teacher, who, although a member of the N.U.T., [National Union of Teachers] has not gone out on strike, through devotion to a school in which she has spent her life, is thus treated by the Education Committee, can we expect those teachers who have struck to be content with the bare assurance that worth and service will always be carefully considered and adequately rewarded? Is it surprising that they should require a definite statement, not only of the minimum and maximum salary attached to a school, but also of the increment, so that they may judge the possibility of their life being long enough to secure it?
Yours truly THOS W HARVEY.
Manager Girls’ School.
Bosbury Vicarage.
February 4th, 1914.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 7 February 1914 p.8 col.6

February 7th 1914

PLEASING PRESENTATION BY BOSBURY SCHOOLGIRLS.On Wednesday the girls of standard V attending Bosbury Girls’ School gave an entertainment, entirely got up by themselves, in, the school at 3.30 p.m. The two girls responsible for the management were Rose Reynolds (who took the combined offices of stage manager, treasurer and Chairman in a very businesslike manner), and Violet Jones, who gave valuable assistance in other ways. They had requisitioned the services of a few lower standard girls, and the whole number of performers was ten. There was a good audience present, both of adults and children, and all seemed to really appreciate the different items set before them by the youthful performers. These consisted of several sketches in costume, two dances and various songs and recitations. The last sketch was made up by Rose Reynolds and it was arranged so that the end of the sketch should include a tea scene, to which their schoolmistress, Miss Arrowsmith (who was one of the audience), should be invited. She acceded to their request, greatly wondering as to what part she was to take. On seating herself at the table a covered saucer was placed before her, with the intimation that the contents were a present to her from the school girls, being the proceeds of the entertainment, [sic] and that the performers wished her to buy a present for herself with the money (which amounted to £1.
The mistress expressed her thanks to them for their kind thoughts, and, said how very pleased she had been with the entertainment.
The vicar (Rev T W Harvey) then made a speech, and said how thoroughly pleased he was with the performance and that he had been specially struck by the very good tone of the various sketches and recitations, and he gave a special word of commendation to the very capable stage-manager, Rose Reynolds, who although only a schoolgirl of 12 years old, showed wonderful ability in acting and managing, and who also undertook the arduous duties of “Chairman.”
Cheers were then given for the head-mistress (Miss Arrowsmith), the Vicar, the performers, the visitors, etc. When the audience had dispersed the mistress and the two assistant teachers (Miss Griffin and Miss Gibbs) were invited to tea with the performers, and a very pleasant evening was spent afterwards. The girls indulged in games, dances, etc., till 8 30 when light refreshments were handed round, and after singing the National Anthem, the pleased and happy company dispersed.
The programme of the entertainment was as follows:—
Piano solo, Miss E M Griffin.
Song, “Poor little Joe,” Six Girls.
Sketch, “Ivy’s Visit,” Violet Jones, Beatrice Chadd, Lily Goodchap.
Sketch, “The Lost Pencil,” Annie Nutt and Nellie Russell.
Recitation, “Lucy Gray,” Phyllis Box.
Sketch, “Disobedient Dolly,” Rose Reynolds, Violet Jones, Gertrude Hill.
Recitation, “Who are we?” Nellie Russell, Rose Jones, Annie Nutt, Rose Reynolds.
Recitation, “John Maynard,” Beatrice Chadd.
Play, “Forgive and Forget,” Six Girls.
Dance, Eight Girls.
Game, “Fairy Ring,” Five Girls.
Recitation, “The Cripple Boy,” Violet Jones.
Dance, Violet Jones and B Chadd.
Song, “Trouble,” Mabel Hill.
Pianoforte solo, Miss Griffin.
Sketch, “The Gipsy Girl,” 10 girls.
Presentation. “God Save the King.”

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 7 February 1914 p.8 col.7

February 14th 1914

SCHOOL TREAT. — For many years past there has been a Christmas treat given to the school children of the above parish by Mrs Buck (Noverings) and Mrs Emberson (The Grange). Owing, however, to illness amongst the children the treat could not be given early in the new year, as was at first arranged, but on Monday afternoon Mrs Buck and Mrs Emberson visited the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools and distributed the presents, which under more fortunate circumstances would have been the fruit of a Christmas tree. The gifts gave great pleasure to each recipient and much care and thought had been expended on the choice of each present. Many exclamations of satisfaction were heard, proving that the gift was a suitable and coveted possession. Each infant girl had a beautifully dressed doll, whilst the infant boys had mechanical toys, drums, trumpets, balls, and various other things delightful to the heart of small boys. Each teacher, too, received a present. Cake and sweets were handed round afterwards, and Mrs Buck promised the children that they should have the postponed tea-party later on at the Noverings. Hearty cheers were given for the two ladies by excited children, who then hurried home to show their treasures to their parents.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 14 February 1914 p.8 col.2

February 14th 1914

LEDBURY POLICE. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11.BOUND OVER.
William Wheeler, of Bosbury, was charged with stealing an iron furnace value 5s, the property of Robert Buchanan of Bosbury House, Bosbury, on July 19, 1913. William James Link, bailiff for Mr R Buchanan, of Bosbury House, said in May last year they were engaged in whitewashing the outside of cottages on the Bosbury estate. A man named Richard Hill had an order from witness to take out an old furnace at Winserdine Cottages to mix whitewash in. He fetched the furnace early one morning, and used it for the purpose of mixing whitewash at Broad Oak, and went from there to Yew Tree Cottage, where witness last saw the furnace in June. About six weeks ago he wanted the furnace for Winserdine Cottages, but could not find it. On February 1st he saw part of a furnace hid under some rubbish at Stoneyard Green, where defendant lived. Defendant had been engaged on the estate whitewashing. He identified the furnace produced as the one lost. The hole in the bottom was only a small one when they used it. In company with a policeman he went to defendant, who admitted taking the furnace from Yew Tree Cottage, and that he knew it was Mr Buchanan’s property.
P.C. Campion, of Bosbury, bore out the latter part of the previous witness’s evidence as to seeing defendant and recovering the furnace. He saw defendant, who was working on the Grange Farm, and asked him to account for the possession of the furnace in his garden. Defendant said “It is only an old one,” and later admitted taking it from Yew Tree Cottage on the Bosbury House Estate, that he had no permission or order to take it, and that he knew it was Mr Buchanan’s property.
Defendant was charged and elected to be dealt with summarily, and pleaded not guilty.
Giving evidence on oath, defendant, who is a young man of very respectable appearance, said he was a general labourer. He took the furnace from the Yew Tree Cottage because the woman living there said the children got in such a mess from the whitewash. He had to mix whitewash overnight to use at the cottages where no one was living, and he mixed it at home in the furnace up to about four months back. He worked on the Bosbury House estate up to a month ago, and when he left gave up all the implements and utensils he had belonging to Mr Buchanan, but forgot about the furnace. In reply to the Bench the witness Link said he discharged defendant because he found tools belonging to Mr Buchanan on defendant’s premises.
By Mr Ballard: When he first missed the furnace he did not raise a “hue and cry” nor did he ask defendant, as the man who last used the furnace, where it was. He would do so under ordinary circumstances, but he had his reasons for not doing so in this particular instance. The Bench said there was no doubt defendant did steal the furnace, but as it was his first offence, he would be bound over in the sum of £5 to be of good behaviour for six months, and would have to pay the coats £1 3s.
Mr Buchanan did not adjudicate in this case.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 14 February 1914 p.8 col.3

March 14th 1914

LEDBURY POLICE. AFFILIATION CASE.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10th.
Before Messrs Spencer H Bickham (in the chair), H Bray, J Wilfred Hewitt, E H Hopkins, and Dr M A Wood.

Wm James Homes, farmer, of Gold Hill, Bosbury, was summoned by Nellie Jones, single woman, of Lower Suffield, Bosbury, to show cause, etc., in respect of an illegitimate child, a girl, born January 9, 1914.
Mr E A Capel (Hereford) appeared for the complainant and Mr H W Orme (Messrs Russell and Co) was for the defence. Mr Capel outlined the case for the complainant, and said that she went into the service of defendant’s mother, Mrs Homes, in 1907, where she remained for three years, and then left, and returned in October, 1912, and remained until October, 1913. Defendant had many times endeavoured to have intercourse with complainant, but she had always obviated it until one occasion when she was passing the laundry, which was detached from the house, when defendant pulled her into the laundry. After the child was born complainant wrote to defendant with regard to the child, and in reply to that letter she received a letter from Messrs Russell and Co denying that defendant was responsible for the girls’ trouble.
Complainant was then sworn, and said that at the present time she was living with her parents at Lower Suffield. She was a domestic servant and when she was 14 years of age in 1907 she went into service with Mrs Homes, defendant’s mother, at Gold Hill, aad remained there for three years. She then left and went to other employment, returning in October. 1912, and remained there until October, 1913. When she was at Gold Hill the second time defendant often chased her and when he caught her he tried to put her down, but she struggled free. He came into her bedroom twice, but she got away. On March 30, last year, the Sunday after Easter Sunday, she bad been to feed the poultry and as she returned she had to pass the laundry. As she was passing the door of the laundry, defendant caught hold of her round the waist and dragged her into the laundry, overpowered her and committed an offence, and when she was able to escape she returned to the house. That was the only occasion defendant or any other man, had been intimate with her. On one occasion, in August, 1913, defendant chased her in the bouse, and she ran to the laundry, where the other servant, Gladys Summers, and a boy named Fred Hopcoutt saw them. Hopcoutt tried to get in the laundry, but Mr Homes put his knee against the door. Hopcoutt said be would know who was in there, and turned the, key in the lock, but Mr Homes swore at him and told him to unlock the door. The boy did so, and witness and Mr Homes came out, Gladys Summers and the boy Hopcoutt being at the door as they did so.
By the Bench: She left Mrs Homes’s employ on October 26, l9l3, the day she consulted a doctor, who told her of her condition.
Mr Orme applied to the Bench to allow him to postpone the cross-examination of complainant until later. The reason was that he had some ratber painful details to bring out, and he did not wish it to be said that he had brought them out without cause.
Mr Capel objected, and Mr Orme wrote his reasons on a piece of paper, which he handed to Mr Capel and then to the Bench, who said that Mr Orme must proceed.
By Mr Orme: When she was at Gold Hill the first time defendant never molested her. When she went back to Gold Hill a second time defendant began to chase her, but took good care not to let anybody see him. Then he got bolder and the other servant saw him. Defendant came up to her bedroom on two occasions on Sunday evenings, and did so when the other servant was out. She was in her bedroom and defendant came to it, but she escaped from him, though he tried to stop her. There was no scuffle or noise. On March 30 when defendant got her in the laundry Mrs Homes was in the dining room. What took place was all against her will.
Mr Orme Did you cry ?
Witness: Oh, dear, no; what was the use of crying ?
Mr Orme: Did you shout ?
Witness: No, what was the good of shouting? there was no one about.
In further cross-examination, witness said she did not complain to anybody about Mr Homes’s conduct. She was confident there was a key to the lock in August, 1913. The key may have been lost afterwards. She had no suspicion that noything was the matter with her until October 25, 1913. She always found the late Mr Wm. Homes, defendant’s father, to be a gentleman.
Gladys Summers, a maid at present in the employ of defendant’s mother, said she had been at Gold Hill nearly two years. She remembered on one occasion in October, 1913, complainant took defendant’s lamp from the kitchen and ran up in the laundry with it, and Mr Homes went after her, and came back with the lamp. He was not in the laundry a minute. The lamp was lit ready for Mr Homes to go drench a cow. Complainant bad never said anything to her about defendant chasing her and interfering with her.
In reply to Mr Hewitt, witness said the reason she told the Bench of the laundry incident was because three weeks last Sunday Nellie Jones met her and asked if she remembered it. She said she did, and Miss Jones then said that was all they wanted — she had admitted it.
Mr Capel then asked leave to cross-examine the witness, but failed to shake her evidence.
Fred Hopcoutt, a youth in the employ of Mrs Homes, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness in almost identical language, which raised laughter in court, and brought the remark from Mr Orme that be did not see what there was to laugh at.
Mr Orme then addressed the Bench for the defendant, and said that although there was no corroborative evidence, he would put defendant in the box to totally deny the allegation.
Defendant then went in the box and gave evidence on oath. He denied in detail the allegations of the girl. Until January 27 of this year complainant made no allegation to him personally that he was the cause of the trouble.
Cross-examined by Mr Capel: It was not at his wish that his dead father’s name was brought into the matter. He had had no conversation with Gladys Summers or Fred Hopcoutt on the question. He admitted be drove them to Ledbury that morning.
Re-examined by Mr Orme: When he knew they had been sub-pœnaed he told Mr Orme of it, and he warned him not to have any conversation with them whatever.
The Bench, after a short retirement, dismissed the case on the ground of lack of corroborative evidence.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 14 March 1914 p.8 col.3

April 4th 1914

LEDBURY COUNTY COURT. YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
Before His Honour Judge Harris Lea. At this bi-monntly court the cause list was the smallest for many years. There wese 30 ordinary summonses and 20 judgement summonses. In the past there had been as many as 90 and 70 respectively.
ADJOURNED. William Sivel Lane, The Farm, Bosbury, was sued by Elizabeth Penelope Lawrence, Stanhope Street, Hereford, to recover £6 12s 0d, and Edward T Lane, Old Court, Bosbury, was also sued for £23 8s 0d, In each case the claim was for the work of a steam cultivator in the spring of last year at the respective farms.
Mr H W Orme, for plaintiff, applied to His Honour to adjourn the hearing of the actions till the next court. Defendants disputed as to who the plaintiff was, and it was in order that he (Mr Orme) could satisfy defendants how the plaintiff came to make the claim that he asked for an adjournment.
Mr H V Smith (for defendants) said that neither of them knew anything of the plaintiff.
Mr Orme said he understood that the amounts mentioned were not disputed, but it seemed that defendants had no reason to believe that Miss Lawrence was the right plaintiff. They believed they had contracted with a Mr Wood, who had been a proprietor of a steam cultivator. He (Mr Orme) would undertake to pay the costs of the day on the adjournment.
His Honour asked the defendants and Mr Smith if they agreed ? Under the circumstances it was a reasonable request, because, of course, defendants did not want to pay twice over. (Laughter.)
Mr Smith said his clients would agree to the adjournment, as they only wanted done that which was right.
His Honour: Then the case is adjourned, plaintiff undertaking to pay the costs of the day.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 4 April 1914 p.5 col.5

Postscript: There was a follow up report in the Mail on 13 June:
In court Mr Orme stated that defendants had paid the amounts due, and he asked for the Court fees. The excuse defendants made for not paying was that Mr Wood had been made a bankrupt, which was a fact, and that they might be called upon to pay again. As Mr Wood was made a bankrupt in August, 1913, and neither of defendants had heard anything from the Official Receiver the idea was rather far-fetched. Defendants were written to several times by Miss Lawrence, but they never replied, and she took out the summonses. When Mr Wood was made a bankrupt Miss Lawrence took over the business and her name was on the engines. Defendants both said they had no idea but that Wood was the man they had to pay, but they had no account from him, and when they heard from Miss Lawrence that was the first time they knew anything about her. They admitted receiving letters from Miss Lawrence, and it was a lack of courtesy on their part not to reply. His Honour made an order for the payment by defendants of the Court fees, £1 1s by Mr E T Lane and 9s by Mr W S Lane.

April 11th 1914

BOSBURY. CINDERELLA DANCE.—Another of those popular Cinderella dances promoted by a committee of Bosbury ladies, is fixed for Tuesday, April 21, from 7.30 to 12 midnight. Miss Fardon will provide music for dancing, and tickets, which include refreshments, may be obtained from Mrs Buck, Mrs G Collett, Mrs Harvey, Mrs E T Lane, Miss Beith, Miss E Bosley, Miss Kendrick (Bosbury Post Office), Miss Manning, Miss G Payne, Miss J Preece, and Miss S Thomas.

From The Abergavenny Mail  Saturday 11 April 1914 p.3 col.1

April 11th 1914

ODDFELLOWS’ PRESENTATION AT BOSBURY. Mr William Green’s 30 Years Secretaryship. On Tuesday evening last the members of the “Bishop Swinfield” Lodge of Oddfellows, M. U., gathered in strong force at their lodge room, the old oak room at the Crown Hotel, Bosbury, for the purpose of doing honour to their permanent secretary, Mr Wm Green, who has held the office for about 30 years. To mark the completion of such a lengthy period of faithful service, the brethren presented him with a handsome oil-painting of himself, suitably framed, to be hung in the lodge-room, a roll-top desk and a purse of gold. Attached to the frame of the oil-painting was the following inscription :— “ William Green, presented by the brothers of the Bishop Swinfield Lodge of Oddfellows, M. U., March, 1914.” Major Mynors, formerly of Bosbury House, came over from his Radnorshire residence to preside over a very good gathering, which included Mrs Buck and Miss Beith, Bros W S Lane, A Cotton, E W Turner, R Drew, J Miller, Matthews, J Turner, J Millington, W Shuck, A G Parmee, J Clissett, F Farmer, F Foster, W Clissett, W Green, W Baskerville, J Hill, Mr J K Job, and many others.
The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said they had assembled on a very pleasant and agreeable occasion, namely to make a presentation to a gentleman who had been the secretary of the Bishop Swinfield Lodge for many years. He had just received a telegram from Bro Portlock, P.P.G. M., who was one of the head district officers for Herefordshire, to the effect that he was sorry he unable to attend, and wished health and happiness to P.P.G.M. Green and coupled it in friendship, love and truth. (Applause.) He also announced that P.P.G.M. E. H Hopkins, Prov C.S. was unable to attend. Continuing, Major Mynors said it was now his privilege on behalf of the subscribers to present Mr Green with the purse of gold and a roll-top desk and to unveil the portrait, which he hoped would be permanently hung in that room. He might say that they had recognised the abilities of Mr Green, and the great care and interest which he had taken in the work of that lodge. (Applause.) He took on the duties over 30 years ago and he was glad to see so many gentlemen present there that night who were members at the time the lodge started. Every year a few members dropped out and joined the great majority. He hoped that when an old member dropped out the younger ones in that pariah would step in. (Hear, hear.} It was his privilege about 1888 to present and unveil the portrait of the late Mr Gardiner, the former secretary of the lodge, which hung at the end of that room. Since then, he was sorry to say, with the exception of Mr Green and himself, all the other officers of the lodge had passed away. He hoped the successor would carry out the duties of the lodge as the old secretary had done. They had accumulated a large amount of funds, and he felt sure that that lodge was one of the wealthiest in the district or perhaps in the County. (Applause.) That was due to the way in which the funds had been managed and from the small beginnings it was no small matter to have accumulated £6,000. He hoped the lodge would continue in the future as it had done in the past. (Applause.) The benefits of the lodge were many men in their declining years were able to live in apparent comfort, and he doubted whether any lodge had done as much for its members as their lodge had. He hoped that Mr Green would live many more years longer to do the duties of that lodge. Mr Green had the details of the lodge so much at his fingers end that it would be indeed difficult to find a better man. (Loud applause.)
Major Mynors then unveiled the portrait and presented Mr Green with the purse of gold and the roll top desk, amidst the cheers of his brother Oddfellows. Major Mynors added that he felt sure the presents would be useful to Mr Green in his capacity as secretary of that lodge. He asked them to drink to his health, and wished him success as secretary of that lodge. (Cheers and applause.)
Mr Green, in response, said he was very much obliged to the Chairman for coming all the miles he had to make the presentation, and he also thanked the ladies and the whole of his brother Oddfellows. He hoped they would go on with the lodge in the way they had, though it was a very trying time for him, as the duties of secretary were no light task. They had accumulated a lot of money and met all their demands in a straightforward manner, and they, as old members, were proud of doing so, but they did not want State interference. (Hear, hear.) He thanked them again for the handsome presents they had given him — the desk would soon be full of literature and documents from the insurance committee. (Laughter.) He was very pleased that his portrait should be hung in that fine old oak room. (Applause.) He did not expect to see it there when he joined the lodge, when he was just turned 18. He went on to speak of the advantages of Oddfellowship and said that it improved the public made better husbands of the members, and better farmers. He referred to the Boy Scout movement in Bosbury, and said they would make good Oddfellows, because they were taught to look after themselves and to help their fellow men. Years ago they had to pay 15s to be initiated into the lodge, but Bro. Gardiner got among his fellow farmers, who contributed over £200 so that members could join free. Old members of 65 had their contributions paid. Now their funds were being exhausted instead of being pulled up owing to the State work; and they could not ask gentlemen who themselves had to pay contributions to contribute to their funds. He thanked the Committee who had worked hard in bringing these presentations about, and he also thanked Mr Parmee (treasurer) and Mr E W Turner (secretary of the committee.) (Cheers and loud applause.) Mr Wm Lane, who was greeted with applause, said that he was an old Oddfellow, and was treasurer of the Lodge for over 25 years. A very great responsibility rested upon the shoulders of Mr Green and to a certain extent on himself. He hoped that Mr Green would continue to be amongst them for many years to come. (Hear, hear). Everyone of them owed Mr Green a debt of gratitude for carrying out the duties of the lodge in such a straightforward manner. Mr Green had helped many of them present financially. (Hear, hear). He hoped they would all persevere like Mr Green had. Of course they could not all get to the top of the tree, but it would improve the tree immensely. Major Mynors had told them that Wm Green had been secretary of the lodge for 30 years, and it was also a great thing to say that he had only missed one lodge night. Mr Green and the late Mr Gardiner had built up that lodge to the position it was in now. As time went on many left the lodge, and it was his time now, but he hoped that it would be a long time before anyone followed him. (Applause). He proposed the health of the worthy Chairman, and said that it was not the first time he had performed a similar ceremony. (Laughter). Major Mynors was always ready to do anything for the people of Bosbury, and he also put himself to the inconvenience of coming there that night. They had a great many troubles at times, but Major Mynors was always ready to smooth matters over; indeed he was a peacemaker. (Applause). The Chairman’s health was drunk with musical honours. In response, the Chairman thanked them for drinking his health, for not by any means the first time. If that room could only speak it would tell them of the many interesting meetings that had taken place in that old historic room. He did not think that it had been put to a better use than on that occasion. (Hear, hear). He considered that presentation and the one to Mr Gardiner as the most important meetings of that lodge that he had ever been present at (Applause). He suggested that various plates should be put in the church, bearing the names of the officers of the church. It would be a very interesting memorial. He would be very glad to assist in the matter. He hoped the officers of the lodge would go on in the same way as they had in the past. They would see to the distribution of the funds in the same manner as had been done in the past. He felt sure that their present officers would be able to hold their own. (Applause). He thanked them very much for the cordial manner in which they had welcomed him. (Loud applause). Bro Parmee said the main part of the work had ben done by Bro W Turner, but he (the speaker) had been able to assist and the Committee had also done their share in the matter. (Hear, hear.) He thought the room would not be complete without the portrait of Major Mynors. He would also want Mr Lane’s, and if he started to want he was sure to get it. (Laughter.) The lodge had subscribed wonderfully well and they got well over £20, and he wished them to understand he was very glad of the result of it. He thanked the subscribers very heartily.
Bro Turner (secretary) said there had been some rather hard work in the thing which he undertook, but he had been greatly helped by Bro Clissett and the Committee very willingly. There were 244 brethren who had subscribed towards that presentation out of 300. He had received a letter from a Bro. Oddfellow at Bradford who sent his best wishes to them.
The health of the visitors was proposed by Bro Parmee, who coupled with it the name of Mr J K Job, who briefly responded. Bro A Cotton proposed the health of the Vice-Chairman (Bro W S Lane), which was drunk with musical honours, and Mr Lane responded, mentioning the efficiency produced by boys joining the boy scouts. A good programme of harmony was contributed by the following members:— Bros J J Clissett, F Farmer, W Shuck, F Foster, W Clissett, W Green, W Baskerville, J Hill, W Wood, and Mr J K Job. The singing of the National Anthem concluded a most enjoyable evening.

From The Abergavenny Mail  Saturday 11 April 1914 p.8 col.6

May 28th 1914

Bellringing Competition. LOCAL RESULTS.
Competition for the Kidston challenge shield took place at the Priory Church, Leominster, on Saturday last. This year there were two classes: Class A, for the best of the towers, to ring a touch of 240 bob minor; and Class B, 240 changes, consisting of 120 grandsire and 120 plain bob doubles. The results in Class A were: 1, Bridgnorth St. Leonard, who won the shield; 2, Bridgnorth St. Mary; 3, Mathon 4, Brecon; 5, Leintwardine; 6, Welshpool; 7, Bredenbury. Class B: 1, Bosbury; 2 and 3, divided between Cloverley and Whitboume; 4, Llanelly; 5, Llangattock; 6, Kingsland; 7, Bodenham. The adjudicator was Mr Harry Withers, Bourneville.
St. Mary’s team (Brecon) was represented by W. Hargest (treble), G. Giblin (second), Albert Mathews (third), W. A. Fletcher (fourth), G. Hardwicke (fifth), and W. Evans (tenor). The arrangements were carried out by the Rev. H. H. Gibbon, Mr E. Butler, Mr Edgar R. Jones, and Mr J. P. Hyett (secretary).

From the Brecon & Radnor Express   Thursday 28 May 1914 p.7 col.6

Postscript: There was more information in the Brecon County Times of the same day. The Glen Kidston shield was given by the late Capt. Glen Kidston. Fourteen bands took part at Leominster. Class A carried the challenge shield; Class B was originated this year by the Secretary to encourage those at the bottom of the ringing ladder, which is an extremely long one. The winners in both classes each received a silver medal in the shape of a bell.

May 30th 1914

LEDBURY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Ledbury Board of Guardians was held at the Board-room of the Union Workhouse on Tuesday morning. There were present—Mr W L Pritchett (Chairman), who presided, Mr J A Thompson (vice-chairman), Revs A G Jones, F C Lynch, A H Knapp, and A E Green-Price, Miss Holland, Alderman J Riley, Messrs S H Bickham, L J C Riley, J J S Powell, T A Pedlingham, H Bray, A G Bunn, J C Davies, W S Lane, E T Lane, J Parry, junr.. F J V Hamilton, T Calder, T S S Gardner, T W Holds, H Cowell, with the Clerk (Mr R Homes), the Relieving Officers (Mr A G Smith and Mr T Thompson), and the Master (Mr J Kendrick).
THE WORKHOUSE.
The Master reported the number of inmates in the house last week as 77 against 74 for the corresponding period last year, an increase of 30. During the fortnight 199 tramps were relieved as against 169, an increase of 30. He also reported the gifts of papers for the inmates from the Chairman, Mr Gardner and the Rector of Ledbury (the Rev F W Carnegy). The Master asked if the Guardians would kindly allow tea and sugar after dinner for the aged and infirm inmates.
The application was granted.

From the Abergavenny Mail   Saturday 30 May 1914 p.8 col.1

Postscript: The two Lane members are from Bosbury.

June 6th 1914

DOMESTIC SERVANTS WANTED. WANTED, good General Servant, with good references. — Apply Mrs Manning, Stanley House, Bosbury, Ledbury.

From The Abergavenny Mail & Farmers’ Gazette  Saturday 6 June 1914 p.1 col.4

June 20th 1914

BOSBURY. THE BROOK INN. —The license of the Brook Inn, Bosbury, which was referred by the Ledbury Bench to the County Compensation Committee, has been renewed by that body.

From The Abergavenny Mail (Ledbury Reporter section)  Saturday 20 June 1914 p.5 col.6

June 20th 1914

NON-MILITANT SUFFRAGIST MEETING. —In connection with the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, an organisation which is non-party and non-militant, a public meeting will be held outside the Town Hall, Ledbury, at 8 p.m. today (Friday), when the speakers will be Mrs Cowmeadow and Miss H Knight. There will also be a meeting the same day at Bosbury at 1.30 p.m. The promoters wish it to be distinctly understood that this meeting is promoted by the law-abiding suffragists, who are opposed to the actions of the “militants” as are the general public.

From The Abergavenny Mail (Ledbury Reporter section)  Saturday 20 June 1914 p.5 col.3

July 25th 1914  

BOSBURY.SCOUT DISPLAY.—The Bosbury Boy Scouts’ Association announce that there will be a grand scout display at the Cricket Meadow, Bosbury (by kind permission of Mr E B Thompson), on Bank Holiday Monday, August 3rd next, commencing at 2.30 p.m. The display will be given by the 1st City of Westminster Troop, one of the smartest troops of scouts in the country, and the 1st Bosbury Troop. The programme will include bridge building, the making of a Scout, waggon drill and broken bridge, obstacle race, tub-tilting, physical drill, wrestling, rescue from house on fire and ambulance work, rescue from wreck and rocket work, wireless telegraphy and signalling, musical march, cock fighting, inspection of troops by the County Commissioner (Major-General Sir Elliott Wood, K.C.B.), tattoo and sports. Tickets are now on sale, and can be obtained from Scoutmaster C A F Stewart at the Parish Hall, Bosbury. To conclude the day’s proceedings a concert and entertainment is being organised and will be held in che Parish Hall, commencing at 8 p.m. Amongst the attractions will be :—Living Lilliputian Marionettes, by Mr G Stewart Chapple (of London), with his songs, anecdotes and dances (on a complete miniature stage), including items from Harry Lauder’s, George Robey’s, the late Harry Fragson’s and Dan Leno’s repertoires; Mr Percy Hume in “Picture Building,” a novel entertainment, pictures being “built” during the recital of a story; dances by Miss Pippin Shew; songs by Mr H Lane, Mr H Jupe, Mr C A F Stewart, and Mr Thomas; chapeaugraphy and conjuring, by Mr H Murless; and Miss Taylor, A.R.C.M., at the piano. Tickets may be obtained from Scoutmaster C A F Stewart, 1st Bosbury Troop, Parish Hall, Bosbury.

From The Abergavenny Mail (Ledbury Reporter section)  Saturday 25 July 1914 p.5 col.5

On the previous page of the newspaper it was recorded that the 1st City of Westminster Scout Troop were holding their anuual camp near Note House Farm in Bosbury.

August 1st 1914  

BOSBURY.TREAT TO SCHOOL-CHILDREN. —On Thursday in last week the scholars attending the Bosbury Schools were entertained to tea, given them by two ladies of the parish, Mrs Buck (Noverings) and Mrs Emberson (The Grange). This treat was originally fixed for January last, but owing to illness amongst the children the tea was postponed until summer, and only the gifts distributed at that time. The tea was provided at the Noverings and proved a welcome innovation to the children, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves, two important factors being that the weather was propitious and the surroundings beautiful. The children marched from their respective schools with flags gaily waving, and reached the Noverings about 4 p.m., where they found a bountiful tea awaiting them, with many visitors all anxious and willing to aid in supplying their wants. After doing full justice to all the good things provided, an adjournment was made to a meadow in front of The Noverings, and games and races were indulged in until 6.30. Songs were then given by the boys and girls respectively, and the infants gave recitations. The Head-Master (Mr J K Job), on behalf of the children, heartily thanked Mrs. Buck and Mrs Emberson for their kindness in providing such a pleasant afternoon, and called for cheers for the two ladies. These were heartily given, as were also others for the visitors and helpers. Mrs Buck expressed on behalf of Mrs Emberson and herself the pleasure it had given them to be surrounded by so many happy faces and hoped they had all enjoyed themselves. She then called for cheers for the Head master (Mr Job) and the Head-mistress (Miss Arrowsmith) and the other teachers (Miss Job, Miss Griffin and Miss Gibbs.) These having been given the National Anthem was sung, and the children went home, receiving (as they passed Mrs Buck and Mrs Emberson) some cherries and a bun. The cherries were the gift of Mr W S Lane, The Farm, and were much appreciated. Besides the donors of the tea and the teachers, there were present:— Rev E and Mrs Parminter, Miss Beith and Miss Whetstone (Noverings), Miss Ballard and Miss MacAlister (Grange), Mrs and Miss H Lane (Old Court), the Misses Manning, Mrs Green, Mrs G Collett, Mr Samson, and others.

From The Abergavenny Mail (Ledbury Reporter section)   Saturday 1 August 1914 p.4 col.7

September 9th 1914

EVESHAM MAN’S SINGULAR SUICIDE
BODY FOUND BY HIS LITTLE SON
An inquest was held at Ye Olde Crown Hotel, Bosbury, on Monday evening, by Mr. T. Hutchinson (coroner for South Herefordshire), on the body of Ernest Alfred Henry Roberts (40), whose body was found in the stream that runs at the back of the above hotel on Sunday.
The evidence went to show that deceased with his wife and family left Evesham (where deceased had been a market gardener) on Thursday last to live at Ye Olde Crown Hotel, deceased having become the landlord-manager of the place. He had no dinner on Saturday, and refused any breakfast on Sunday morning. About 10.45 the same morning an assistant at the hotel, named Joseph Wright, took deceased’s son to the orchard adjoining the stream, when the boy shouted: “Oh, father’s in the brook.” A constable was sent for and a doctor summoned. In five minutes the constable had pulled the body to the bank, and tried artificial means of respiration, but life was extinct. The policeman found that both legs of deceased were tied together with string, and the body was in four feet of water.
The widow stated that deceased had never threatened to take his life. He was a very nervous man, and she thought it was the result of a sudden impulse, as he thought he could not stand the strain of this new business at the hotel.
The Coroner said it was clear deceased committed the rash act whilst temporarily insane, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

From the Gloucestershire Echo   Wednesday 9 September 1914 p.1 col.6

October 31st 1914

BOSBURY. LOCAL PATRIOTISM.—The following Bosbury men are at present serving their country: Sergt. W. Brice, Privates E. Chadney, A. Mason, - Mason, A. Powell, G. Rouse, I Rouse, Corporal W. Swaith, all in the K.S.L.I.; Private R. Mayor, Private A. Peters, R.F.A.; Private G. Palmer, Grenadier Guards, Private L. K. Job, Warwickshire Regiment, Privates A. and R. Buchanan, Liverpool Scottish; Privates G. Box, T. Box, T. Brant, D. Brown, G. Brown, W. Brown, C. Davies, F. Farmer, A. Foster, A. Jones, T. Johnson, T. Owen, and T. Oliver all in the 1st Herefordshire Regiment.

From the Ledbury Guardian   Saturday 31 October 1914 p.2 col.6

November 21st 1914

BOSBURY MAN’S EXPERIENCES IN FRANCE. In the space of 10 days Private Sivel Lane (son of Mr. W. S. Lane, The Farm, Bosbury), joined the Army and landed in France. He recently joined with Mr. Guy Smith, son of Mr. S. S. Smith, Heath Farm, Dymock. They both joined Kitchener’s Army, but have since been transferred, as the following letter, written by Mr. Sivel Lane to his father, will show. The letter is dated November 18th, and was sent from Royal Engineers, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot:—

“You will see by this letter that we have not gone yet. We are all under orders to leave at an hour’s notice. They won't let us go into the town unless we report at the Post office every hour, so expect we shall be off tomorrow. The major in command here inspected us this morning, gave us an address, and shook us all by the hand and wished us the best of luck. The King was down here yesterday and inspected some of the troops. We had a good view of his Majesty, who had a great reception from the soldiers.
“We have been out for a march to-day, and the Army boots have made my feet pretty sore. There are some tremendous camps round here. Our sergeant told me there were 400,000 in training. It is really a sight on the roads. You pass regiment after regiment of troops, and it is really wonderful how they are all kept, housed and fed. When we joined first we were in Kitchener’s Army, but we have been transferred and are now in the Regular Army. None of Kitchener’s Army have yet gone to the front.
”There is a regiment of Camerons here that the King reviewed, and they say they are equal to the Regulars, although they have only had three months training.”

Both Private Lane and Private Smith left for France on Saturday last. A goodly number of farmers’ sons have gone to the colours from the Ledbury and district, but there are still many eligible young men who have not yet responded to the call of their country.

From the Ledbury Guardian   Saturday 21 November 1914 p.2 col.2

April 17th 1915

KILLED BY A ROLLER.
Tragic Death at Bosbury. [WARNING: this story does contain distressing details.]
The Coroner for South Herefordshire (Mr.T. Hutchinson) told an inquest at Temple Court, Bcsbury, on Saturday afternoon, touching the death of Charles Samuel Hemmings, aged 13 years and 7 months, who had been engaged as waggoner’s boy at Temple Court, Banbury, since last October, and whose death occurred in a hopyard at Temple Court on the previous day.
George Hemmings, cowman, of Little Tarrington, said that the body the Jury had viewed was that of his son. He did not know anything about the accident. He believed that deceased was quite happy and contented in the employ of Mr. Thompson, at Temple Court.
Mr. Thompson gave evidence to the effect that on Friday, at midday, be received a message that an accident had happened in Barlands hopyard. As quickly as possible he went there, and found that deceased, who he had seen earlier at work with a Cambridge roller, was lying close to the roller, to which was attached two horses. He was lying face downwards. It was apparent that the lad bad fallen, and the roller had passed over hie body. He seemed to be quite dead when witness arrived. Witness sent for the police, and the body was afterwards conveyed to Temple Court.
The Coroner raised the question as to whether anyone saw the accident, and a juror asserted that it was stated that a man named Prosser was the first to see the boy.
“Then he ought to be here,” said the Coroner. He added that probably the man Prosser might be able to tell something; at any rata he could say what he saw of the matter. It was certainly bad judgment on his part not to try to see if be could render any assistance.
Replying to the Coroner as to what time elapsed between the period he received the message about the accident and the time he got to the scene, Mr. Thompson said it would be some minutes.
Mr. Hemmings: And the roller was on my boy all this time.
Mr. Thompson said he did not think there was a great deal of pressure on the boy when he got there.
P.C. Campion gave evidence as to going to the hopyard and finding the hody. Part of the boy’s right shoulder was underneath the roller when witness arrived there. The roller seemed to have passed over the body from this feet and stopped at the neck.
Dr. Trotter, of Ledbury, said be went immediately on being summoned. He said he thought that deceased was beyond human aid from the first. He examined the body externally, but found no sign of any fracture of bone on the back of the body. He observed three furrows and extensive bruises, which were consistent with a Cambridge roller having passed over the body. Hemorrhage in the eyes was caused by the blood being forced up into the head. In his opinion, death was due to the injuries and suffocation which supervened.
The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said it was evident that the roller passed over deceased, causing the injuries which resulted in his death.
The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death.” and passed a vote of condolence with the parents and family of deceased.

From the Evesham Standard & West Midland Observer   Saturday 17 April 1915 p.3 col.3

Postscript: A Cambridge Roller is a segmental roller made up of cast iron rings with a distinctive shape. The design was patented by a William Cambridge of Bristol in the mid-19th century. Rollers are a secondary tillage tool used for flattening land or breaking up large clumps of soil, especially after ploughing or harrowing.

June 26th 1915

BOSBURY SOLDIER KILLED. We understand that Mr. Robert Buchanan, of Bosbury House, received a private wire on Monday [21st June] to the effect that his eldest son, Private Alan Buchanan, of the Liverpool Scottish, had been killed in action. Mr. Robert Buchanan was at one time an officer in the same regiment. Another son is about to enter Sandhurst Military College.

From The Hereford Journal   Saturday 26 June 1915 p.5 col.6

July 24th 1915

BOSBURY MAN DIES OF WOUNDS. Mr. and Mrs. George Rouse, of Broad Oak, Bosbury, have this week received the sad intelligence that their son, Pte. George Rouse, of the 1st. K.S.L.I., was wounded at the Front on June 19th and died the following day. The casualty appeared in Tuesday’s list. The parents heard no tidings of their son from the middle of June, and obtained the cordial assistance of Mr. R. Buchanan, of Bosbury House, in an endeavour to trace him. Mr. Buchanan received a letter, dated July 15th. from Lieut. Maurice Foulger, “C” Platoon, “B” Company, 1st. K.S.L.I., stating that Pte. Rouse was badly wounded on June 19th. and died on the morning of the 20th. The letter continues:— “I shall be glad if you will convey to Mrs. Rouse on my behalf my feelings of sympathy in her bereavement. I trust it may be a consolation to her to know that he bore up bravely, and was an excellent soldier, and indeed, a son she might well be proud of.”  Pte. George Rouse and his brother Thomas enlisted in the K.S.L.I. at the outbreak of the war, and George was sent to the Front, being drafted to the 1st. Battalion, some months ago. He joined for twelve years.

From The Hereford Journal   Saturday 24 July 1915 p.5 col.5

January 22nd 1916

MR. E. T. LANE’S DONKEY The famous Herefordshire donkey and cart which has rendered golden service among farmers for the benefit of Red Cross funds has now provided a sum of £1,340. It still belongs to its original owner, Mr. E. T. Lane, of Bosbury.

From The Gloucester Journal   Saturday 22 January 1916 p.6 col.2

February 17th 1916

CRICKHOWELL. JUMBLE SALE. —The Bosbury donkey—sold by Lady Glanusk—at the recent jumble sale realised £83 10s. The Branch of the Farmers’ Union hope to realise, by the effort, at least £250 towards the Red Cross funds.

From the Brecon & Radnor Express   Thursday 2 February 1916  

May 13th 1916

LIEUT.-COL. WOOD-ROE. Resignation from Command of 2nd/1st Herefords.
Lieut.-Col. W.B. Wood-Roe, the O.C. 2nd/1st Herefordshire Regiment, has relinquished his command, the announcement being contained in the “London Gazette,” appearing in the Press on saturday last as follows:— Territorial Force Reserve—Lt.-Col. W.B. Wood-Roe, from Hereford Regiment, to be Lt.-Col. (May 6th).

The following is an extract from 2nd/1st Herefordshire’s Battalion orders of May 6th:—
“In relinquishing the command of this Battalion, Lieut.-Colonel Wood-Roe desires to say that he does so with the greatest possible regret. He thanks all ranks for the zeal and co-operation shown since the Battalion was formed. He wishes all the best possible luck and hopes the happy tone which now prevails will continue.”
It was with deep regret that the Battalion heard of the resignation of Colonel Wood-Roe who is a very popular officer, his never-failing courtesy endearing him to all ranks. In losing Colonel Wood-Roe the Battalion has sustained a very great loss. Many of the men in the Battalion have served under Colonel Wood-Roe since the beginning of the war, and they, naturally, feel the parting very much.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday 13 May 1916 p.5 col.6

June 3rd 1916

FAMOUS BOSBURY DONKEY DEAD. The death has occurred of Mr. E. T. Lane’s “famous Bosbury donkey,” which has been the means of raising over £3,000 for Red Cross purposes. The animal, which could seen in the streets attached to a cart decorated with coloured ribbons, was billed to appear at a second series of Red Cross Sales be held at Ross next month, and the promoters have every reason to mourn its loss. The animal first became famous at the Ledbury Red Cross sales, and ever since then it has been instrumental in raising funds for Red Cross funds. The last appearance in public was at Hereford last week. During the past six months its owner had taken the animal to sales both near and far.

From the Cheltenham Chronicle   Saturday 3 June 1916 p.2 col.3

November 25th 1916

HEREFORD WOMEN PRAISED.
PLAYING THE GANE AND FARMERS’ NECESSITIES. “One thing the farmers had to realise was that they had got to employ women if they were going to cultivate their land and carry on their farms. They did not like it in many areas, but they had got to do it, and the source of supply most ready to hand was the labour of the village women. But these women had to be treated properly, and they had got to be paid an adequate wage.” These were the words addressed by Mr. E. J. Cheyney, CB, Chief Agricultural Adviser of the Board of Agriculture, to a meeting of the Shropshire War Agriculture Committee at Shrewsbury. ... At a previous meeting to hear the substitution scheme explained, a Herefordshire farmer stated that his experience was that women workers were doing highly creditable work. ... One great difficulty is that women cottagers with separation allowances are generally receiving more money than ever before, and in large numbers of cases refuse to work for the comparatively small wages operating.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 25 November 1916 p.3 col.3

December 2nd 1916

Rev. Thomas William Harvey, vicar of Bosbiry [lists previous appointments] who had died on 9 October 1916, left an estate of £4,460 12s. 3d.

From the Hereford Times   Saturday 2 December 1916 p.2 col.5

March 7th 1917  

LIVERPOOL LANDOWNER’S GIFT.The landowner who was announced in the House of Commons as having given 300 acres to the Government is Mr. Robert Buchanan, J.P., of Bosbury House near Ledbury, Herefordshire.
Sir R. Winfrey, in announcing the gift in the House of Commons some little time ago, said the land would make five or six excellent small holdings for discharged soldiers. He had had the pleasure of accepting this gift on behalf of the Government.
Mr. Buchanan is chairman of directors of Buchanan’s Flour Mills Limited, and formerly resided in Hoylake [Cheshire]. Some time ago he transferred his residence to Herefordshire, where he has a large estate. He is well known in Liverpool corn trade circles and other important commercial centres in this city.

From the Liverpool Daily Post   Wednesday 7 March 1917 p.3 col.4

July 19th 1917

FIRE AT BOSBURY CHURCH. “EDNA LYALL’’S” BURIAL PLACE.
A fire broke out in the parish church of Bosbury, near Ledbury, on Thursday, [12 July] causing extensive damage to the edifice. The church is one of the oldest in Herefordshire, and is visited by tourists practically daily during the summer months. It has a detached tower, and in the churchyard lie the remains of the late “Edna Lyall” who wrote “In spite all” and whose brother, the Rev. R. Burges-Baily was at one time vicar of Bosbury. Th© old stone cross which stands near the grave is in beautiful preservation.
How the fire originated is a mystery. It seems to have started near the vestry, which is close to the principal entrance to the church. That portion of the edifice was gutted. The Ledbury Fire Brigade were able to prevent the flames from spreading to the older portion of the church. Fortunately the nave and the chancel were saved, and a fine old oak screen, and the organ were undamaged.

From the Ross Gazette   Thursday 19 July 1917 p.8 col.2

February 2nd 1918

HEREFORDSHIRE MILITARY APPEALS TRIBUNAL.Edward James Foster (20) single (C2), grocer’s carter, in employ of Mr. Collett, Bosbury,— National Service Representative’s appeal allowed.

From the Hereford Journal   Saturday 2 February 1918 p.3 col.3

October 6th 1922

EXAMPLES OF STATE TRADING.
A COSTLY “OVERSIGHT.” A few examples of Government trading revealed by a Blue Book issued on Monday night are given below— Loss of £9,101 on farm settlements for ex-Service men.
£250,000 wrongly paid to firm of importers of Chinese bacon and lard owing to an “oversight.”
Loss of £143,080 on cattle feeding stuffs due to “a lamentable lack of precision.”
Loss of £962,606 on dried fruits.
Bad debts of £200.000 for frozen meats.
The full story is told in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on trading or commercial services conducted by Government Departments during the period ended March 31st, 1921.
The loss on farm settlements includes £32,257 on the Pembrey Settlement, while though the Bosbury Settlement was valued at £16,050 when transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, and £23,070 had been expended on the estate, its value in the open market when completely equipped is, in the opinion of the Ministry’s principal valuer, £24,500. With reference to the National Stud Farm Tully, ...

From the Lichfield Mercury   Friday 6 October 1922 p.3 col.6

September 6th 1923

DISTRICT NEWS.
Bishops Frome. At the Ledbury Police Court last week, two young men named Edward Bond and Frank Herbert Chard, hailing from Bristol, were sent to Gloucester Goal, each for seven days’ hard labour, for stealing a waggon sheet, valued at £5, the property of William Wood, of Bosbury ; and a lid off an inspection chamber on land belonging to Mrs Buck, Noverings, Bosbury, and valued at 18/-. Defendants were found by P.C. Campion and P.C. Harris sleeping in a building at Bishop Frome (whither they had gone for the hop-picking), and the waggon sheet (produced) was used for a covering for defendants, who were sleeping on straw. The lid of the inspection chamber was found close by. Bond admitted taking the sheet just to cover them, and said he intended returning it next day. He said he found the lid near a bridge. Chard pleaded not guilty.

From the Bromyard News   Thursday 6 September 1923 p.3 col.6

March 23rd 1927

LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS. LEDBURY RURAL.
In the Ledbury Rural District Council area the number of candidates nominated did not exceed the number of vacancies, and a poll was unnecessary. Candidates elected were: Bosbury: Herbert Edward Lane, Old Court, Bosbury, farmer; *Edward Ballard Thompson, Temple Court, Bosbury,, farmer. Castle Froome: *Rev. Edward John Roberts, The Rectory, Castle Froome. Coddington : *Mrs. Julia Rayner-Wood. Donnington: Thomas Edward Jones, Lower House Farm, Donnington, farmer. Much Marcle: *James John Stedman Powell, Hall Court, farmer; *Stafford Weston, The Venning, Much Marcle, farmer and cider-maker.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Wednesday 23 March 1927 p.5 col.3

March 6th 1931

OPENED INN TOO EARLY
MANAGER FINED AT LEDBURY At Ledbury Police Court yesterday a summons for permitting the sale of intoxicating liquors out of permitted hours was preferred against Colonel J. Scott-Bowden, of Colwall as licensee, and Wilfred J. Smith, Bridgestreet, Ledbury, as manager of the Old Country Inn, Bosbury. Christopher Bowers and Frederick J. Foster, both of Mathon, and Charles William Nutt, Bosbury, were summoned for consuming the drink. All pleaded not guilty.
P.C. Campion, in evidence, said Bowers, Foster and Nutt were in the public house with beer in front of them fourteen minutes before twelve o’clock Sunday morning February 22nd. When witness spoke to Smith about the matter he replied that, according his watch it was twelve o’clock, and added: “I hope you will overlook this. I am only a beginner.”
Mr. H. W. Orme (Ledbury) for defendants, submitted that it was a genuine mistake. None of the defendants had any intention of breaking the law. The Bench dismissed the case against Colonel Scott-Bowden, and fined Smith £l. The other three defendants were also dismissed from the case.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Friday 6 March 1931 p.6 col.3

August 18th 1934

SERIOUS FARM FIRE 100 Tons of Crops Destroyed Near Ledbury
The Ledbury Fire Brigade were engaged for nearly two days in dealing with a serious fire at Temple Court, Bosbury occupied by Mr H. Weyman Jones. Nearly 100 tons of hay, oats, and beans of this season’s growing were destroyed.
The outbreak was discovered shortly before 8 p.m., and within 25 minutes the brigade were on the spot using 1,600 feet of hose in pumping operations. the supply of water from the River Leadon was inadequate, but the stream was dammed up and there was then plenty of water. Fortunately the direction of the wind, which had been blowing the flames towards adjoining farm buildings, changed when the brigade arrived, but within a short space the seven-bay French barn with a lean-to barn of similar capacity was a roaring mass of flames, and it took the brigade until 10.30 p.m. to control the outbreak.
Altogether 10 bays, representing a crop from 40 acres of hay and from 6 acres each of oats and beans were destroyed, together with two wagons loaded with oats.
Firemen returned to the scene yesterday, and with the help of farm workers and others cutting operations continued throughout the day. The cause of the fire is unknown.

From The Cheltenham Chronicle   Saturday 18 August 1934  p.7 col.3

March 20th 1936  

TOOK VALUABLE GREYHOUND
GLOUCESTER SCRAP DEALER FINED AT LEDBURY   A charge of stealing a valuable greyhound and dog collar was preferred against Arthur Thompson, scrap iron dealer, who lives on an encampment at West End Parade, Gloucester, at Ledbury Police Court yesterday. He was £1 and £1 16s. 1d. costs.
   The case for the prosecution outlined by P.S. Walters was to the effect that on March 6 Thompson, in company with a youth, called at the Oak Inn, Staplow, near Ledbury. While there Thompson saw a pedigree greyhound bitch owned by the licensee, William Herbert Bishop, and inquired if the animal was for sale. Soon after he left the premises the greyhound was missed.
   On March 8 Gloucester police visited Thompson’s encampment. Thompson was intercepted and told that inquiries were being made about the greyhound. Thompson subsequently returned the dog to the owner and expressed regret.
   Arthur Williams (22), West End Parade, Gloucester, stated that he went rabbiting accompanied by Thompson, who had with him a greyhound dog. Thompson told witness that the dog did not really belong to him, and he intended to return it.
    Corroborative evidence was given by Detective-Constable Franklin, of Gloucester, and other witnesses.
   Thompson, who was defended by Mr. H. W. Orme. stated that he saw the dog at the crossroads after leaving the Oak Inn, Staplow, and thought it might be a stray, and took it into his car home. When he subsequently learned who the owner was he returned the dog.

From The Gloucester Citizen   Friday 20 March 1936  p.8 col.2

March 23rd 1939  

RAT SHE CAUGHT WAS BAG OF MONEY A St. Briavels (Glos.) farmer had a shock when, on returning home from Chepstow Market, he felt in his pocket and discovered that his money-bag, containing £53, was missing. “Hm. Pickpocket, I suppose.” he concluded and resigned himself to his loss.
But a few days later he had a pleasant surprise. His money-bag with contents intact was handed to him.
Stabbed It with Pitchfork
Busily feeding mangolds into a pulper at Grange Farm, Bosbury (Herefordshire), Mrs. Baggus had seen something resembling a rat and promptly stabbed it with her pitchfork. Then she had seen it was not a rat but a dirty cloth bag, had opened it and to her amazement found it contained forty-eight £1 notes and a £5 note—and an account which gave her a clue that led to her tracing the owner.
Mrs. Baggus’s honesty was rewarded with a £1 note —Sent by Mrs. Baggus.

From the Daily Mirror   Thursday 23 March 1939  p.6 col.2

February 3rd 1940

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE The January meeting of Bosbury W.I. was held in the Parish Hall, Mrs. Collett presiding.
It was agreed to hold a men’s social and a whist drive to provide wool for comforts for the troops.
A competition — sewing a button behind one’s back, was judged by Miss Burton, and won by Mrs. Stephens. A vote of thanks to Miss Burton was proposed by Mrs. Hill, senr., and seconded by Mrs. J. Fletcher.
The social half hour was spent in games and community singing arranged by the Entertainment Committee.
Tea hostess was Mrs. Footman, and Mrs. J. Fletcher was in charge of the sales table.

From the Ledbury Reporter and Guardian   Saturday 3 February 1940  p.3 col.3

March 2nd 1940

WHIST DRIVE

From the Ledbury Reporter and Guardian   Saturday 2 March 1940  p.3 col.3

Postscript: On March 9th on page 5, the paper reported that the previous year the third annual whist drive had raised £15 0s. 2d. for the Cottage Hospital. Then on April 13th on page 4, the paper reported that the fourth Bosbury Whist Drive had raised £11 1s.

July 20th 1940

BOSBURY FRACAS
Assault Charges DismissedThree brothers, all of Bosbury, were charged at Ledbury Police Court on Thursday with assaulting and beating George James, a waggoner, of Birchend Cottage, Bosbury. A similar charge against George James was brought by the three men, Willian Edgar Hill, Henry John Hill and Herbert Kitchener Hill. who were defended by Mr. H. W. Orme, solicitor, Ledbury. James, who is employed at Townsend Farm, Bosbury, as a waggoner, stated that on Saturday, July 13, he was working with the three brothers at Grange Farm, Bosbury, where William Hill was employed at foreman. They were nearing the end of their work when the brothers started joking with him in the wrong sort of manner. William Hill suddenly kicked him and while the other two held him, William punched him. He tried to get away, but they penned him against the wall with pikes, Henry Hill stuck one of the pikes into his hand and injured it, and came at him with the pike. In self-defence he struck him on the arm with a hedge stake which was lying nearby and then backed away. As he went Herbert Hill threw one of the pikes at him but he stepped aside and avoided it. Finally William chased him up the road with a pike. Cross-examined. James agreed that the brothers all had long records of service with their employer, and that William Hill was foreman at the farm where he had been working. A large hedge stake was produced and defendant agreed that this was the wood with which he had struck William Hill. Mrs. James, wife of complainant. stated that as her husband was late coming home on the day in question she looked for him and found him sitting down. unable to ungear his horses, and in a bad way.
CONFLICT OF EVIDENCE
William Edgar Hill, of the Grange Farm, Bosbury, said he was clearing out a barn with his brothers and James. James usually finished work at 12.30 and when it was nearing that time he suggested that they should continue with their work a little longer to get the job finished. James refused to continue and said he would pick all of them up and drop them, and break every bone in their bodies. James struck at his face with his fist but he was carrying some straw on a pike which he put in the way and James struck the straw. He may have injured his hand on the (it) pike at that time. James then picked up a pike and witness told him to drop it. He did not do so and his two brothers went behind him and got it away from him. James then picked up the stake and hit his brother Henry on the arm with it, and the injury caused him to stop work for some time. James then ran away with a stake in his hand. He denied having said anything offensive to James or having kickwed or punched him.
This evidence was corroborated by his brothers Henry John Hill and Herbert Kitchener Hill.
After the Bench had retired to consider the case the Chairman stated that in view of the conflict of statements given in evidence all the summonses would be dismissed.

From the Evesham Standard   Saturday 20 July 1940  p.3 col.3

Postscript: A pikel is a 17th-century English dialect word for a two-tined hay fork with a long straight handle. The reporter may have heard it as pike.

January 11th 1941

LEDBURY POLICE COURT Thursday.—Before Major C. A. H.Palairet(in the chair), Mr. R. Lawrence and Mr. W. G. Warren.
Mrs. Ada Lord, licensee of the Old Country Inn, Bosbury, pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk on the highway on December 13th. P.C. Rees said he found Mrs. Lord sitting on the pavement in New Street, Ledbury, with her legs in the road. Mr. H. W. Orme, who appeared for her, stated that Mrs. Lord suffered from a stomach complaint and lived almost entirely on milk. She had been shopping in Ledbury, and had very little to eat all day. Feeling ill she had two gins and this really upset her. She was practically a teetotaler.
The Bench dismissed the case under the Probation of Offenders’ Act with a caution.

From the Gloucester Journal   Saturday 11 January 1941  p.10 col.6

April 25th 1941

LEDBURY POLICE COURTThursday.— Before Lt.-Colonel J. Scott-Bowden (in the chair), Mrs. J. W. Wilson, Mr. Sam Davis and Mr. R. Lawrence.
Henry James Goddard, The Stores, Bosbury, was summoned for employing an unlicensed driver for a motor vehicle and for permitting the use of it when a certificate covering third party insurance was not in force, He told the bench that the driver, George Andrew Jones, Little Noverings Cottage, Bosbury, was given 5/- to take out the licence and witness was unaware that he had failed to so. The Bench accepted the explanation and dismissed the case against Mr. Goddard, but Jones, who was summoned for driving under the conditions named, was fined a total of 30/-.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Friday 25 April 1941  p.6 col.3

August 7th 1941

Hop Pickers Wtd. for Bosbury in Sept—App. after 12 o’c. Mrs. Jerome 115 Aston Brook St. Bm.

From the Birmingham Mail   Thursday 7 August 1941  p.1 col.7

October 10th 1941

GIPSIES ATTACK POLICEMAN
Prison Sentences At Ledbury A vicious attack by gipsies on a police constable was described at Ledbury Police Court on Thursday. Pleading not guilty to a charge of assaulting the police, Jack Smith (41), William Davies (24) and Joe Loveridge (33), who had been hop-picking in the Bosbury district were each sentenced to three months’ hard labour. They were defended by Mr. Granville Clutterbuck, Gloucester.
P.C. Trevor Rees stated that on being refused admittance to the Bell Inn, Bosbury, Davies started an argument and refused to go away. While witness was leading him away, a crowd of gipsies armed with hedge stakes and bottles commenced an attack on him. He received blows simultaneously on his head, arm and body. Loveridge struck him with a missile which penetrated his helmet and caused a wound in the temple. His eye was cut with a stone that was thrown at him, and bottles were thrown. He was bleeding profusely, and was dazed and had to receive attention. Villagers eventually came to his rescue. The wound had turned septic, and his doctor had told him he must rest.
All three gipsies denied the charge, and Mr. Clutterbuck submitted that the men’s identity had not been proved, and asked the Bench to give them the benefit of the doubt.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Friday 10th October 1941  p.6 col.3

August 29th 1942  

Local police moves include Sergt. E. E. Bendall from Orleton to Leominster and P.C. H. Marston from Leominster to Orleton; P.C. T. C. Rees from Bosbury to Leominster Sergt. (on A.R.P. duties); P.C. A. F. Rock from Dilwyn to Bosbury and Police War Reserve Pearce, of Peterstowe, near Ross, to Dilwyn.

From the Kington Times   Saturday 29 August 1942  p.2 col.4

December 19th 1942  

VARIED CAREER OF BOSBURY NEW VICARThe Rev. Albert Orton, Vicar of St. Anne’s Church, Brondesbury (London) who has accepted the living of Bosbury, near Ledbury, has had a varied career.
He has been organist, pianist, conductor, bandmaster, soldier and musketry instructor.
He was at one time Assistant Choirmaster and Organist at Liverpool Cathedral. His last musical post was Master of the Music at St. Anne’s, Soho, the famous “Bach” Church in London.
He served in the last war in Italy and France. Ordained in 1929 he held various curacies. Was Vicar of Awbridge and Rector of Shillingstone before being appointed to St. Anne’s, Brondesbury, in 1939.
He married a daughter of Sir Sam and Lady Fay. He will be instituted to Bosbury on January 24th.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Saturday 19 December 1942  p.5 col.3

June 14th 1946  

NEIGHBOURS’ QUARRELStraying Cattle Lead To Blows A quarrel between neighbours about their fences led to an alleged assault case at Ledbury Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Walter Edward Barrett, farmer, Staplow House, Bosbury, summoned James Henry Stephens, lorry driver, of the Oak Inn, Staplow.
Mr. H. W. Orme, for Barrett, said Barrett found that two of his calves had strayed on to Stephens’ land. Some words followed about the fences, and when Barrett turned to away. Stephens struck him a nasty blow on the mouth.
Stephens, who was represented by Mr. R. A. Symonds, said that Barrett would not accept the explanation that he would get the hedge fixed up. Barrett rushed at him, swinging his arms. Thinking he was going to be struck, Stephens struck Barrett in self defence. The case was dismissed.

From The Gloucester Citizen   Friday 14 June 1946  p.4 col.5

January 29th 1948  

She Left Fortune To Her Friend After making bequests of money totalling £2,900 and others of some property and a few small bequests, Mrs. Marian Buck, of Bosbury, Herefordshire, left the residue of her £360,904 estate, on which duty of £183,259 was payable, to her friend Janet M. Beith, of the same address.

From The Citizen (Gloucester)   Thursday 29 January 1948 p.1 col.6

December 29th 1948  

Bosbury Farmer Mr. Herbert Edward Lane, J.P., of Old Court, Bosbury, Ledbury, farmer and hop grower, who died on June 26 last, left £37,971/14/11 gross (£35,989/7/0 net) duty paid £6,050. He left £500 and his effects to his wife, and the residue to her for life, with remainder to his children, whom failing to his sisters or their issue. Probate has been granted to his brothers-in-law James D. Dent, of Woodmanton, Yarkhill, Herefordshire, and Edmund R. Shew, of Cold Green, Bosbury, farmers and hop growers.

From the Gloucester Citizen   Wednesday 29 December 1948 p.6 col.4

June 10th 1950  

Postwoman and husband must leave home To 72-year-old Mrs. Emma Hodgkinson, The Old School House, Elford, near Lichfield, this week should have been a very happy one. On Wednesday she completed 20 years’ service as the village postwoman, which means she has only another twelve months to go before she qualifies for a post office pension.
But to mar her feeling of joy, both she and her husband, Mr. Geo. Hodgkinson, who is 71, are now faced with the dismal prospect of having to vacate their home, where they have resided for 17 years, and live temporarily in a shed which they own on a piece of land opposite the house.
......
RODE MOTOR CYCLE
Previous to her arrival in Elford 20 years ago, Mrs. Hodgkinson was employed for 20 years on postal delivery in Bosbury, Herefordshire, and during the first World War she rode a motor-cycle on her rounds. Mr. Hodgkinson told an Advertiser reporter “I am not really heartbroken because I have faith in God. He will not see us without a home.”
Said Mrs. Hodgkinson : “It is very unfair.”

From the Staffordshire Advertiser   Saturday 10 June 1950 p.4 col.2

May 19th 1951  

2 die in mystery double air crashTWO R.A.F. men were killed yesterday in a mystery air crash after a low-flying plane had alarmed residents in a Herefordshire town and village.
The Air Ministry issued a statement that two Harvard training aircraft collided in mid-air near Ledbury, but the report puzzled rescuers, who were certain they had seen the wreckage of only one machine.
The crash cut telephone communications over a wide area and for hours the whereabouts of the second “wreck” was a mystery. Then the Air Ministry announced that the other Harvard had landed safely, although part of one of its wings had been ripped away.
The crash occurred about noon on a main road three miles from Ledbury and two miles from the village of Bosbury. Observers said one plane nose-dived and hit the ground with such force that it was almost completely buried. Rescuers found wreckage strewn for 30 yards along the road. A telephone had been smashed and branches sheared off a tree.
It is understood that the two pilots killed were Officer Cadet F. Kozmuk, of Glamorgan, who was under instruction, and Flight-Lt. E. Fielding, of Wallasey, Cheshire. The planes came from R.A.F. Tern Hill.
The second Harvard, damaged and in search of a landing ground, is believed to have been the low-flying machine which alarmed people at Ledbury and Bosbury.
“It was obviously in difficulties.” said an eye-witness last night. “It would have found it very difficult to land in the area of the collision because most of the district is under cultivation and covered with strings and wires.”
The Ledbury-Bosbury road is usually very busy, but at the time of the crash was clear. A telephone repair gang was sent from Hereford, but Bosbury remained cut off until late last night.

From the Birmingham Daily Gazette   Saturday 19 May 1951 p.1 col.8

Postscript: The Harvard is a North American training aircraft. The crew who died were Fl/Lt. Edmund Fielding aged 24 of the No. 6 Flying Training School based at RAF Tern Hill near Market Drayton in Shropshire and the cadet under instruction, Frederick Kozmuk. Fl/Lt Fielding is buried at Rake Lane Cemetery, Wallasey, Grave IIR. The airfield closed as an RAF Station in 1976 but is still in use.
The ‘strings and wires’ referred to in the area are in the hopyards where they support the growing hop bines.

October 11th 1952

LABOUR’S NEW CANDIDATEMr. R. BuchananMr. Robert Mr. Robert Buchanan, The Ovals, Lyonshall, has been adopted prospective Parliamentary candidate for North Herefordshire by Leominster Divisional Labour Party. He succeeds Mr. Eddie Jones. of Skenfrith who, at the 1950 and 1951 General Elections unsuccessfully contested thc seat against Mr. A. E. Baldwin. the Conservatice Member.
Mr. Buchanan, a member of a family of Scottish descent who settled at Bosbury, Herefordshire, served in the 1914-18 war, first as a private and then as an officer in the Royal Artillery.
After the war he worked as a civil engineer. and also farmed in Herefordshire, Canada and Kent. until 1930, when he returnad to civil engineering.
In the 1939-45 War he served as a captain in the Royal Marines. At the end of the war he returned to Herefordshite and settled at Kington as an agricultural contractor.
Mr. Buchanan joined the Fabian Society in 1945.

From the Kington Times   Saturday 11 October 1952 p.1 col.2

January 9th 1953

HEREFORD HERD BOOK SOCIETY,NEW SECRETARY AND PRESIDENTMr. Robert John Bentley, aged 35, of Midhurst, Sussex, was Wednesday appointed secretary to Hereford Herd Book Society.
Mr. Bentley has been south liaison officer to the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs for the past four years. He is an ex-Indian Army officer and takes up his new post on April Ist.
The society also elected their Coronation president Mr. Geoffrey Griffiths, of Temple Court, Bosbury, Herefordshire, a world-famous breeder of Hereford cattle. He will go to Australia to judge Herefords at Sydney Royal Show and will judge the breed at Ihe Royal Show at Blackpool this summer.

From the Monmouthshire Beacon   Friday 9 January 1953 p.5 col.2

January 20th 1953

CATTLE JUDGE One of Great Britain’s best known stud beef cattle men, Mr. Geoffrey Griffiths of Temple Court, Bosbury, Herefordshire, will judge Hereford cattle at this year’s Sydney Royal Show from March 27 to April 7. Mr. Griffiths is the son of internationally known Hereford breeder, Mr. H. R. Griffiths of Little Tarrington, Hereford, by whom he was trained in cattle breeding before establishing his own stud in 1938 with Tarrington cows at Temple Court.

From The Riverine Grazier, NSW, Australia   Tuesday 20 January 1953 p.4 col.3

March 2nd 1954

Bosbury Baby’s Death At an inquest at Ledbury yesterday on a baby who died while sleeping between his mother and grandmother, the Coroner, Mr. C. W. Shawcross, said to the mother: “Do you think it is safe for a newborn baby to sleep with grown-ups? It is generally recognised that it is not a safe practice and you ought to have regarded it as dangerous.” A verdict of “Death from natural causes” was recorded on Malcolm D. Broome. aged six weeks, son of Ethel Broome, of Norbridge, Bosbury. A doctor said afterwards that the child would have died even if it had been sleeping alone.

From the Birmingham Daily Post   Tuesday 2 March 1954 p.5 col.5

May 12th 1954  

All That A Good Hereford Bull Should Be THIS bull,     just under a year old, has been bought by the Hereford Herd Book Society for presentation to the Royal College of Agriculture at Cirencester. Temple Wide Boy was bred and exhibited by the chairman of the Hereford Committee, Mr. Geoffrey Griffiths, of Temple Court, Bosbury, Ledbury, and was judged the Champion Bull at the Hereford Herd Book Society’s Show and Sale a fortnight ago. He fetched top price — 1,000 guineas. Correct in colour and markings, beautifully wide on top, capital bone, strong in the hindquarters, a wonderful coat, and impressive on parade. Temple Wide Boy stems from one of the finest families in the breed. His sire, Tarrington Drive On descending through Tarrington March On from Temple Setrite and his dam Winkle having Sugwas Carlos (by Vera Quarto by Tarrington Punch) in her pedigree. The purchase of this champion bull completes the herd of ten females which the Society are presenting to the Royal College to enable experts there to make an intensive study of the economics of beef production. Mr. Kenneth Russell, Vice-Principal of the College, will have charge of the herd, which will be handed over at a ceremony at Cirencester this summer.

From Sport and Country   Wednesday 12 May 1954 p.13 col.1

June 14th 1957

CARS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES £70, 1940 Standard 10. 4-door Saloon; also 1935 Ruby, £30.—Brook Inn, Bosbury, Ledbury.

From the Evesham Standard   Friday 14 June 1957 p.13 col.4

February 11th 1958

FLOODS RISE IN MIDLANDSCattle Moved to Safety as Severn Overflows.
Melting snow at the week-end and heavy rain yesterday have caused Midland rivers to rise rapidly. Last night there were reports of flooding at places along the Severn from Shrewsbury to Gloucester.
...
The position late last night was:—
Hereford. Animals were moved to higher ground yesterday as floods spread over hundreds of acres along the valley of the River Lugg between Hereford and Leominster.
Flood warning notices were placed on some roads and traffic was delayed at Five Bridges when the River Frome overflowed across the Hereford-Worcester road.
Bosbury.—The River Leadon covered more than 100 yards of the Ledbury-Bromyard road to a depth of three feet, and villagers described the floods as the worst in memory.

From the Birmingham Post   Tuesday 11 February 1958 p.7 col.2

March 30th 1958

Do not let his car plan misfire on you! by Tom Driscoll.
Motorists—the Pictorial warns you today! Don’t let cheeky Tom Walford take you for a “ride”!
Walford, a village garage proprietor, claims he is the only man in Britain insuring motorists against a mechanical breakdown and keeping their cars 100% roadworthy.
Trading under the name of Denwall Maintenance and Engineering, he promises trouble-free motoring for a 12s. 6d. registration fee and as little as 3s.-a-week payments.
And in his own proud words: “I have had about 5,000 enquiries and subscribers to the scheme.”
Some motorists have paid him £10 to have their cars inspected, tested and serviced. But after four months—since the scheme began—they are still waiting for cheeky Tom to collect their vehicles and start work on them.
‘Find Out’
Now motorists have asked the Pictorial : “ Find out what is the matter and tell us what has happened to our money.”
The headquarters of Denwall Maintenance and Engineering is a tin-roofed shack in the village of Bosbury, Herefordshire. Outside the shack are three petrol pumps that have been empty since last December. Motorists ,who tried to phone Walford got no reply—because his phone was cut off when he did not pay the bill.Walford admits he is broke and is to appear at Hereford bankruptcy court on Tuesday.
Where?
But he told me: “The money of members of the scheme is safe. l am out to give every member a fair deal. I am behind with work because I am a one-man show. I cannot understand why members are complaining.”
The police are now investigating the complaints.
Walford repeated : “I am out to help motorists. Their money is safe.” But he would not reveal WHERE the money is.

From the Sunday Pictorial   Sunday 30 March 1958 p.4 col.2

May 6th 1959

‘PAID DEBTS WITH MONEY FROM CAR SERVICING PLAN’ —Court ToldA man who knew he was insolvent paid his debts with money he had obtained from Birmingham motorists to whom he had offered a scheme to maintain their cars and keep them on the road trouble-free, it was alleged In Birmingham yesterday. Mr. John Wood, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told this to the Birmingham Stipendiary yesterday when Thomas Baden Watford (aged 37) of Maple Way, Chippenham, was accused of 11 offences under the Bankruptcy Acta of obtaining credit by fraud other than false pretences. .... ... Mr. Wood said that in 1956, Walford began trading as a garage proprietor in Bosbury. near Ledbury, and later formed a company called the Denwall Maintenance and Engineering Company. .... In January, 1958, Walford put an advertisement in a Birmingham evening paper announcing a scheme whereby motorists, by paying 3s. a week, could have all their repairs done by the Denwal[l] Maintenance and Engineering Co., who would undertake to maintain the cars in a roadworthy condition. The advertisement said: “We are out to help you, and it is our business to keep you on the road trouble-free.’ It added that the head office was in Bosbury, with depots at Acocks Green and Northfield.
Mr. Wood said: “It would appear from the advertisement that this was a substantial business, but at the time Walford had only a small garage at Bosbury.” ....

From the Birmingham Post   Wednesday 6 May 1959 p.7 col.5

June 16th 1960

CRICKET
Bringsty Beat BosburyAt home on Sunday Bringsty showed good batting down the list, in making 135 for 9. Leighton was top scorer with 29 including a six and 4 fours, G. Essenhigh scored 21, J. Oliver 20, C. Hawkins 19, E. Oliver and Spencer 10. For Bosbury A. Barnes took 5 for 36.
Bosbury were soon in trouble with 3 down for 12, and despite good batting by B Philipson 35 and D. Skinner 23, were dismissed for 87. B. Leighton took 4 for 26, C. Hawkins 3 for 48, and J. Oliver 3 for 7.

From the Bromyard News & Record   Thursday 16 June 1960 p.3 col.3

September 19th 1961

BOY KILLED BY BROTHER IN GAME OF ‘COWBOYS’ After hearing how an eight-year-old boy shot and killed his 12-year-old brother while playing “cowboys,” the South Herefordshire Coroner, Mr. C. W. Shawcross, said at a Ledbury inquest yesterday: “Boys will be boys and play cowboys. One has only to look at television every day to see what is being shown to the youth of this country.
“If they copy gunmen no one ought to be surprised. It Is not the first time a thing like this has happened and it won’t be the last.”
He recorded a verdict of “Accidental death” on Michael George Taylor, of Upper Mill, Bosbury, shot by Robert Charles Taylor, in an outhouse at their home.
Robert, not as tall as the 12-bore double-barrel shotgun standing behind him in the witness-box, told the Coroner: “Michael got the gun from the outhouse when we were playing cowboys last Saturday afternoon. He told me to get a cartridge. I got one from my father’s overcoat in the house where I knew he had some.
‘Gun Went Off’ “Michael opened the gun and told me to put a cartridge in. I closed the gun and he pulled the hammers up.
“Michael said to me: ‘You can’t shoot properly’ and went up the loft steps. He poked out a finger. My finger touched the trigger and the gun went off. It frightened me because I had never fired a gun before.”
Police-constable C. Boughton said he estimated the gun had been fired at a range of eight feet and Dr. G. E. R. Bibbings said that Michael died from shock and hemorrhage from a severe abdominal wound.
The Coroner said: “It is clear that death was accidental. One is always tempted to find scapegoats in these matters but I cannot see negligence on the part of the boy’s father or his uncle who owned the gun.
“The uncle was teaching the boys how to look after a gun and boys taught this way don’t usually do foolish things.”

From the Birmingham Post   Tuesday 19 September 1961 p.4 col.4

August 10th 1962  

CORSE LAWN’S WEAK FINISHIN spite of early successes, Corse Lawn were unable to get the better of Bosbury at Corse Lawn on Sunday and lost by three wickets. Corse Lawn began well, but the tailenders were routed by J. Mellor (seven for 31) and T. Mellor (three for 38).
The Bosbury innings began shakily. Then R. Gallimore put Bosbury on the winning path and was 39 not out at the finish
CORSE LAWN
C Rutter b J Mellor 23
Fred Peters b T Mellor 12
D White lbw b J Mellor 20
R Spry c J Davies b T Mellor 14
H Davis b J Mellor 9
F Lane b J Mellor 3
G Wellon b J Mellor 4
Frank Peters b J Mellor 0
O Lockley c J Davies b T Mellor 1
P Bullock not out 0
C Soans b J Mellor 0
Extras 4
Total (for seven wkts.) 94
Bowling: J Mellor 31—7. T Mellor 38—3

B0SBURY
T G. Box c 0 Lockley b Fred Peters 0
J Davies b C Soans b R. Spry 15
D Mills b D White b Fred Peters 8
J Box run out 0
R Gallimore not out 39
T Mellor lbw b R Spry 10
E Domimy [should be Dominey] lbw b G Wellon 9
B Barnes b Fred Peters 1
R Dalahaye not out 1
Extras 11
Total (for seven wkts.) 94
Bowling: R. Spry 33—2. Fred Peters 27—3. G. Wellon 14—1.

From the Tewkesbury Register and Gazette   Friday 10 August 1962 p.2 col.1

November 16th 1962

Died when his tractor overturnedA TRACTOR which pinned down and fatally injured Colin William Price, aged 60, of Swinmoor Farm, Bosbury, was stated at an Upton-on-Severn inquest to have been in “a dangerous and neglected condition.” The accident occurred on November 5 on a steep bank on an unclassified road, The Roughs, near Gullet’s Quarry, Castlemorton. The jury returned a verdict of “Death by misadventure.” Dr. T. C. Bradford, of Staunton said he was called to the scene of the accident where he found Mr. Price under the tractor, already dead. He said that, in his opinion. the cause of death was asphyxia and multiple injuries.
UPSIDE DOWN
P.-c. J. G. Herridge said that he arrived at The Roughs at 11.10 a.m., where he found the trailer with a load of fruit, facing downhill and the tractor upside down facing uphill. Mr. Price was pinned underneath it. Lifting apparatus had to be used to free him. The officer said that he thought Mr. Price had pulled into the bank in an effort to stop the trailer running away. The total weight of the tractor and trailer would have been about three tons.
STEERING WORN
The road, be said. was 9ft. 3in. wide and had a very rough surface. At the time of the accident it was wet. P.-c. Herridge estimated that the very steep slope was about 1 in 7. A Ministry of Transport vehicle examiner, Mr. John Drury, of 1, St. George’s Square, Worcester, said that he examined the tractor after the accident and found that the brakes only worked on one wheel on the off side. The steering, he said, was in a very worn condition and, in all, the machine was in a neglected and dangerous condition.

From the Tewkesbury Register and Gazette   Friday 16 November 1962 p.3 col.5

July 10th 1964

Gardens open to the publicTHE following Midland gardens are open to the public under the National Gardens Scheme.
....
HEREFORDSHIRE
Sunday: The Slatch, Bosbury, near Ledbury (Mr. and Mrs. Bennett) Medium-sized garden; herbaceous, roses and water garden in farmhouse setting.

From the Birmingham Post   Friday 10 July 1964 p.5 col.3

October 12th 1964

WILLS
Mr. Frederick Richard Berkley-Matthews, of The Noverings, Bosbury, near Ledbury, Herefordshire, late of Westerhall, Langholm, Dumfriesshire, formerly a director of the South Hetton Coal Co.— £110,317 (£108,670 net). Duty of £59,983 has been paid.

From the Birmingham Post   Monday 12 October 1964 p.8 col.5

November 23rd 1967

Farm killer disease spreadsTHE Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that there were 76 new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease bringing the total to 828. Herefordshire had its first case. This was among cattle at Bosbury and restrictions on the movement of animals were imposed over a 10-mile radius.
The number of animals slaughtered because of the epidemic is now 147,363. Of these nearly 11,000 were put to death yesterday. Field sports, including horse racing and coursing may be banned by the Irish Government because of the foot-and-mouth disease is Britain.

From the Coventry Evening Telegraph   Thursday 23 November 1967 p.1 col.6

The Birmingham Post of 16 December on page 7 reports: ‘The Ministry of Agriculture says that as from midnight tonight the infected area around Bosbury, Herefordshire, will be reduced to a radius of approximately five miles around the infected Premises.’

February 8th 1968

Women protest over new time Wives and mothers in the Herefordshire village of Bosbury are protesting about the introduction of British Standard Time. They have written to the Herefordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes asking for support. Villagers say one of the biggest disadvantages of BST is that children is rural areas will have to set off for school in darkness and that farming families will have to change their way of life completely during winter months.

From Birmingham Daily Post   Thursday 8 February 1968 p.16 col.6

Postscript: From politics.co.uk “The 1968/71 experiment, when BST was employed all year round, was estimated to have resulted in 2500 fewer deaths and serious injuries [on the roads] each year of the trial period. However, the proposals were heavily defeated by MPs, with particular lobbying from agricultural groups and Scottish farmers, who warned of a reduction in working hours and claimed the switch would have a detrimental effect on their livestock, who would be unable to adjust to the change.”

December 24th 1969

Vicar apologises
Birmingham Post Hereford Correspondent A repentant vicar has apologised to his congregation.
He said yesterday “I feel like going away for a month in the hope that my comments will all have been forgotten when I come back.”
The Rev. Douglas Green, Vicar of Bosbury, Herefordshire, criticised parishioners recently in the Ledbury Deanery News after a bowl and lid had disappeared during a festival service at the church.
He wrote: “It is a sad reflection on our honesty, and especially at any event connected with the Christian community, that such an event should be marred by what are now termed inadequate people.”
He added that the Christian way of life was “to keep my hands from picking and stealing.”
But the “missing” bowl has now came to light. It was found safely locked away in a cupboard in Bosbury Parish Hall.
Mr. Green said: “I am most repentant for writing the article.”

From the Birmingham Post   Wednesday 24 December 1969 p.5 col.5

February 16th 1970

Show society to wind upBosbury Show, which would have celebrated its golden jubilee this Year, is to cease because of rising costs and lack of public support.
The show made a considerable loss last year and members have reluctantly decided to wind up the society’s affairs.
It was founded as Bosbury Horse Show In 1920.

From Birmingham Daily Post   Monday 16 February 1970 p.9 col.3

December 8th 1975

Hereford man rolls into third placeA Hereford lorry driver tied for second place in a hand-rolled cigarette championship in London on Saturday but came third after rolling a further cigarette to decide the runner-up.
The final score of Mr. Victor Hadley, aged 52, of Cold Green Road, Bosbury, Ledbury, was 190 points out of a possible 200.
The winner was Mr. Alfred Petch, aged 49, of Leeds who scored 198 points and was awarded a cheque for £1000, a year’s supply of tobacco, and the trophy.

From the Birmingham Post   Monday 8 December 1975 p.14 col.2

September 1st 1977

Midlander hops into a tasty job.A Herefordshire farmer has been elected to a position where he could influence the flavour of beer throughout the world.
Mr. Richard Lane of Bosbury, has been elected president of the International Hop Brewers Convention, an organisation which looks after the quality and quantity of hops being grown worldwide.
There are 12 member countries of the convention, including the world’s two major hop growers, America and West Germany.
The organisation has been looking after the flow of hops to the beer industry for 20 years. Mr. Lane, whose family has grown hops for 80 years, is the first Midlander and the second Englishman to he elected to the post.

From the Birmingham Post   Thursday 1 September 1977 p.3 col.5

August 12th 1988  

Bags away!   ‘Biggles’ in flour-bomb blitz Crowds dived for cover as flier’s aim went wrong
by James Golden
A glint in his eye and flour-bombs in his cockpit, intrepid pilot Hamish Forbes Moffatt reached for the sky. His mission: Seek out and attack a 1903 Mercedes-Benz at a vintage car rally in the grounds of a nearby hotel. It was all to be just a wizard prank, with the target pre-arranged. But as the latter-day Biggles swept into his low-level bombing run, the joke misfired.
Some of the hundreds of spectators below did not realise what was about to happen. And, when the 53-year-old aviator’s aim proved less than perfect, they were blitzed. The terrified onlookers dashed for cover with flour-bombs bursting only feet away. Other missiles hit the hotel roof, and a smoke-bomb set fire to some roses.
Yesterday, Moffatt was brought down to earth with a bump when he was fined £500 after admitting flying at less than 500 feet. He also admitted dropping items likely to endanger people or property.
The incident started last New Year’s Day, when he took off in his Currie Wot biplane from the airstrip at his home in Woodlow Farm, Bosbury, near Ledbury, Herefordshire. He was heading for the grounds of the Verzons Hotel at neighbouring Trumpet, where he had been asked to entertain the vintage car enthusiasts. As he took off, resplendent in goggles, helmet and flying jacket, cloud cover was a little low, but seemed acceptable. However, as he went into his bombing run at 200ft, Moffatt failed to take the wind factor into account. ‘His aim was somewhat amiss,’ David Rushton, prosecuting, told Ledbury magistrates.
    . . .
Moffatt later told the Civil Aviation Authority that his exploits had raised £117 for Comic Relief. ‘I deny strongly any offence of low flying or anything associated with it,’ he added. His solicitor, Mr Ian Clark, said Moffatt would get an exemption certificate to allow him to fly below 500 feet.

From the Daily Mail   12 August 1988

July 18th 2002

Farewell to a man who lived life at full throttle A TEAM of Red Arrow stunt jets slicing up the Herefordshire sky was a fitting farewell to a man who lived life at full throttle, writes HEATH ASTON. In a formation which signals ‘one missing’ the jets buzzed Holy Trinity Church in Bosbury moments after the funeral of Hamish Moffat, 71. The aeroplane and car enthusiast whose life story packed more adventure than an episode of Biggles - his nickname-sake - was buried in his airfield nearby.
Born in Seremban in Malaysia in 1931, where his father was a rubber planter, the Moffatt family were forced to evacuate when the Japanese invaded in 1942. However Hamish missed the designated boat because he was larking about and ended up in Darwin, going to school in Australia. Later he moved with his family to a fruit farm in Fishpits, Suffolk, where he was chosen for National Service in the army. His short military career - just six weeks - was a complete disaster when the young rebel went AWOL to a vintage car rally.
His first significant car purchase was a 1923 Lagonda, the oldest car in the world to cross the Sahara, which it had done three times.
After a few years in London then a hill farm in Wales, in 1966 Hamish took a two-litre OM from London to Calcutta, had it shipped to Fremantle before driving across Australia to Sydney.
Hill trials In 1967 he took it to New Zealand along with a 1924 35T, originally owned by Donald Campbell, bought in 1958 and later shipped to Los Angeles where he drove it across the USA to New York. In 1972 he moved to Herefordshire, buying a shell of a house, Woodlow Farm, Bosbury which he did up over the years. In the early 1970s he went as far as India via Afghanistan as co-driver for Keith Schellenberg in the Round the World Rally. He met wife Bunty at hill trials in the Gower. They married in 1981.
In 1982 aeroplanes took over from cars in Hamish’s life and he installed a dangerously short strip behind his house to play with his 1928 Gypsy Moth and 1937 Curry Watt. He once made the national tabloids - nicknamed ‘Bi-plane Biggles’ - for flour bombing a hotel and smoke bombing from the sky, something which had noses at the Civil Aviation Authority out of joint.
Rev. Howard Mayell, who conducted the funeral, said: “His cars were racing cars, so he raced them, all were used to the full, he had no time for those who bought cars to polish and museum them. He was an active participant, never a spectator.
“With his death an amazing amount of knowledge has been lost, for he knew incredible detail about his cars and aircraft. There was always something to do, nothing would stand in the way, there was always something more important than seeing you; he never got bored as there was always goals to achieve.”

From the Hereford Times online   18 July 2002

December 6th 2002  

Ghost Train Review: Bosbury Village HallThe Bosbury Players’ production of Ghost Train last weekend created a well-staged evening of spooky entertainment.
A classic thriller, written by Arnold Ridley of Dad’s Army fame, the play follows eerie events as a group of passengers travelling to Truro get stuck overnight in the smoky waiting room of rural railway station, Fal Vale.
As the stationmaster Saul Hodgkin, Ken Reeve gave a solid performance, his telling of the ghost train legend adding intrigue.
Chris Chislett was excellent as Teddie Deakin, the foppish idiot whose interaction with closet drunkard Miss Bourne (Gill Andrews) was a highlight of the performance.
Linda Sinker and James Somerville vigorously played arguing society couple the Winthrops, the tension between them contrasting well with nervous newlyweds Mr and Mrs Murdoch (Robert Lane and Rhinedd Krinks).
Act two of the play filled the audience with fear as Julia Price, a tormented woman pulled to the station by supernatural forces, makes her entry. Effective in the role, Lynne Ardrey was well supported by Anne Williams and John Sabey as her mother and doctor respectively.
When the trio are revealed as ghosts, innovative use of mirrors, lights and flickering lamps creates the sense of a passing train. Praise must also be given to the set builders.
Overall, producer Alan Soper, his cast and crew should be congratulated for this clever performance, which had the perfect combination of laughs and scares.
Jo Lafferty

From the Evesham Journal   Friday 6 December 2002

July 25th 2013  

French breeder’s bulls from top Hereford herdThree Hereford bulls bred by two well-known Hereford breeders, both based in Herefordshire, have been purchased by French breeders Jean-Christophe Betis and Regis Bastien.
Gerald Blandford, based near Ledbury, sold Bosa 1 Jupiter to Mr Bastien and Bosa 1 Jack Frost to Mr. Betis, following their visit to Herefordshire earlier in the year.
The large Bosa herd has been much in evidence recently, following Gerald’s success in winning the prestigious National Herd of the Year 2012 title.
More recently almost the entire herd has been sold to a new Hereford breeder Jane Parker of Gloucestershire, a friend and neighbour of TV’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.
The viewing and subsequent purcahse of the Bosa herd by Mrs Parke[r] has been featured on Countryfile over the last few weeks,
Both Jupiter and Jack Frost have tremendous Breedplan performance recording figures and across all traits, with a Terminal Sire Index in the top 10 per cent for the breed. ....

From the Hereford Times   Thursday 25 July 2013

October 24th 2016  

Farm Manager Exciting Opportunity- Farm Manager for the Bosbury Estate, Herefordshire
This is a working role to establish in-hand beef and sheep units from previously tenanted farms, including formulating the ideas and then implementing other new enterprises. The estate is gradually bringing all land back in hand and the role is likely to expand from supervising initially one member of staff into several operations with a number of employees.
The new trustees aim to develop the estate (approx. 700 acres) into a national showpiece unit with modern agriculture supporting our core objective (through the use of other buildings and land on the estate) of assisting those leaving the armed services. Leading retailers have already expressed interest in taking our animals.
A forward thinking person or couple with good people skills will be provided with a house and suitable remuneration package.
Preference will be given to ex-military personnel with adequate agricultural experience, but this should not deter others from applying.

From the online Farmers Weekly, Jobs   24 October 2016

Postscript: Details are included. Recruiter - Buchanan Trust, Location - Bosbury Estate, Herefordshire, Salary - Competitive Salary, Posted - 24 Oct 2016, Closes - 28 Nov 2016