Then and Now; or Fifty Years ago. Facts, ancient and modern, connected with the County of Dorset and the South-West of England

Front matter

O R, FIFTY YEARS AGO. FACTS, ANCIENT AND MODERN, CONNECTED WITH THE <E$mt% of §mtt and the of CONTAINED IN A SERIES OF LETTERS, BY W I L. L I A M MATE. Reprinted from the "POOLE AND BOURNEMOUTH HERALD." POOLE AND BOURNEMOUTH W. MATE AND SONS, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS. OR, FIFTY YEARS AGO. FACTS, ANCIENT AND MODERN, CONNECTED WITH THE bounty of gmwt aud tho f oufh-^c.si oi (England, CONTAINED IN A SERIES OF LETTERS, By WILLIAM MATE. Reprinted from the " POOLE &" BOURNEMOUTH HERALD." POOLE AND BOURNEMOUTH: W. MATE AND SONS, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS, HIGH STREET, AND COMMERCIAL ROAD 1883. TO OUE EEADEES. The foregoing Letters are reprinted from the Poole and Bournemouth Herald, in which paper the series appeared consecutively, extending over a period of about twelve months. I am fully aware that many facts of importance which occurred in the town and neighbourhood of Poole, from the years 1828-35 are not referred to ; and that others to which reference has been made have not been so fully described as could be desired.

The materials at my command, for compiling the letters, in some instances were very scanty, and I therefore preferred for the present to be silent on some subjects of interest, rather than risk stating that which was not fully reliable. In other cases I have contented myself with stating facts without going very closely into details. The Letters, however, taken in their entirety, I can vouch for as correct. The subject is far from being exhausted, and probably at no distant date I shall commence another series, taking up those subjects I have now for various reasons passed over, and also continuing them from the point where I have left off, down to the present time. W. MATE. Herald Office, Poole, lst Supt'.'i_U'r,4&0& CONTENTS. Page. Facie.

CHAPTER XI.

Chapter I

—Introduction. — Dorsetshire and its early Inhabitants. — Ancient Parliamentary Representation. — The Towns which sent representatives to the Par liament of Edward I. — Dorsetshire a Century ago. — Early Struggles for Par liamentary Reform 5 — 7*

Chapter II

— The Whig Ministery in 1832. —The Reform Bill Agitation. — The Times, of August 7th, 1882, on the Reform Bill of 1832. — Earnest men in Pre-Reform

CHAPTER XII.

— The county of Somer set. — Its ancient Representation. — Electoral Statistics. — A Tabular \X\v ot' the Repre sentation of the Somerset Boroughs. — List of Representatives for East Somerset, from 1832 to present time. — Facts connected with various elections.— List ,,i Kc-nvsciitative.-* for East Somerset, from 1832 to the present time. — Facts connected with various times 7 — 8

Chapter III

— List of Representatives for Dorsetshire from 1760 to the present time. — The right of Voting previous to 1832 — Number of representatives in Dorsetshire previous to 1832 9—10 elections. — List of Representatives for Mid- Somerset, from 1868 to the present time. — Facts connected with various electrons 28-30

Chapter IV

— Patrons and Patronage. — The Boroughs of Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, and Bridport. — A curious incident connected with the Borough of Shaftesbury. — The influence of the Calcraft family in the Borough of Wareham. — Single- Speech Hamilton. — The Bankes' and the Bonds' influence at Corse Castle 10-12

CHAPTER XIII.

— Distressed statc of the Country in 1829.— Riots in Ireland.— The Wellington Administration. — Death of George IV., and the Accession of William IV. — The Dissolution of Parliament. — The French Revolution. — The Flight of Charles X. and his Court from Paris. — Great loss of

Chapter V

— Wire pulling.— Wareham saved from entire disfranchisement. — The effect of the First Reform Bill. — Electoral Statistics. — A TabularView of the Represent ation of Dorsetshire, compiled from Parlia mentary Returns. — The Area and Population of the Boroughs life in Paris, and 2,000 persons wounded . . 30-32

CHAPTER XIV.

— Flight of Charles X. to Cherbourg. — The FYcnch Boyal Family embarks on board an American vessel, which set sail for Spithead. — Arrival of the "Meteor" steamboat in Poole 13-14 Harbour, with a portion of the French Court and Flousehold. — Lulworth Castle

Chapter VI

— The County of Hants.— The Representation of North Hants, from 1832 to the present time. — Facts connected with the various contests. — The Representa tion of South Hants from 1832, to the present time. — Facts connected with the elections and Grounds placed by Mr. Weld, the owner, at the service of the King. — The Landing of Charles X. at Poole, August 23rd, 1830.— His reception by the Inhabitants. — His timidity in noticing so many people on the Qua}'. — Kindness of the leading Inhabitants to the Exiles. — The Duchess de Berri and 14-16

CHAPTER VIL

— Electoral Statistics of Comte de Chambord in Poole. — A complete list of the French Court and Household . . 32-33 North Hants, South Hants, the Isle of Wight, and the Boroughs. — A Tabular View of the Representation of Hampshire compiled from Parliamentary returns. . . . 16-17 CHAPTER _ XV.— Charles X. at Lul worth. — The King's anxiety respecting his late Ministry. — Landing of the specie boxes at Poole. — Special message from the Duke of Wellington to the Collector of Customs at Poole. — The Duchess de Berri. — Her visits to Corse Castle, Swanage, Wareham, and Weymouth. — Departure of the Exiles from Lulworth. — Arrival in Poole, and embarkation on board the " Lightning " Admiralty steam packet. — The Exiles in Edinburgh

Chapter VIII

— The Nomination Boroughs of Hampshire : Newton, Stock bridge, Whitchureh, and Yarmouth. — The larger Boroughs : Winchester, Southampton, Andover, Petersfield. Lymington, Christ church, and Newport 18-20

Chapter IX

— The County of Wilts — Electoral Statistics. — A Tabular View of the Representation of Wiltshire compiled from Parliamentavy Returns. — List of Representatives for North Wilts, from 1832 to the present time. — Interesting facts connected with various elections. . .. 20-22 34-36

CHAPTER XVI.

— The Exile King, who and what he was. — Louis Philippe and his connection with the Town of Christchurch. — The Duchess de Berri. — The Duke de Angouleme. — The Duchess de Angouleme. — The Duke of Bordeaux, afterwards Comte de Chambord. — His manifestoes. — He claims the title of Henry V 36-38

Chapter X

— South Wilts.— List of Representatives for South Wilts, from 1832 to present time. — Facts connected with various contests 22-24 FACTS, ANCIENT AND MODERN. Page Page. at Winfrith. — Apprehension of Rioters, and their lodgment in Dorchester Gaol. — The disturbed state of the neighbourhoods of Blandford, Shaftesbury, and Wimborne. — A Troop of Dragoon Guards stationed at Blandford. — Agricultural Labourers charged with Rioting before the Shaftesbury Magis trates. — Their commitment to Gaol. — Incen diary Fires at Bere Regis, Whitchampton, Corse Corse, and Canford. — The establishment of the Dorset Yeomanry Cavalry . . 52-54

CHAPTER XVII.

—Louis Philippe's proclamation. — A curious calculation respecting Louis Philippe's family and that of the Emperor Napoleon. — The effect of the French Revolution on the large towns of Europe. — The progress of Parliamentary Refcr.n. — Its early history 38-40

CHAPTER XVIIL

— Death of George IV., and the consequent elections. — Pro clamation of William IV. in London and Poole. — The funeral of George IV. — Poole Borough Election. — Unopposed return of Mr. Lester-Lester and the Hon. W. S.

CHAPTER XXIV.

— Special Commission for trying the Rioters. — The Commission opened at Winchester. — Trial of the Prisoners. — The sittings of the Court from the 18th to the 30th December. — Sentence Ponsonby. — An anecdote respecting Mr. Wilberforce's election for Hull. — Drinking the members' health. — A tremendous row at the Antelope, all the windows broken. — Mr. Lester-Lester. — Mr. Ponsonby . . . . 40-43 of Death, " without hope of mercy,'' passed on Cooper, Eldridge, Gilmore, Holdaway, Annetts. and Cooke, the leaders. — Sentence of Death recorded against 51 other prisoners 54-56

CHAPTER XIX.

— The elections in the Dorset Boroughs : Shaftesbury, Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, Corse "Castle, Wareham, Lyme Regis, Bridport. and Dorchester. — Dorset County Election. — The return of Mr. Henry Bankes and Mr. Edward Berkeley Portman. — Hampshire County Election. — Hampshire Borough Elections. — Somerset County Elections. — Somerset Borough Elections. — Wiltshire County Elections. — Wiltshire Borough Elections 43-45

CHAPTER XXV.

— Further particulars respecting the Trials of 347 Rioters. — Cost of the Special Commission to the County. — The Trial of the Berkshire Rioters . . . . 56-58

CHAPTER XXVI.

— Trial of the Wiltshire Rioters. — Excitement in Salis bury. — Trials of 330 Prisoners. — Terrible scene in the Court. — The leaders sentenced to Death, " without hope of mercy." — The sentence of death recorded against 24 others 58-60

CHAPTER XX.

— Assembling of the New Parliament. — The Royal Speech and its effects.— The King and Queen invited by the Lord Mayor to visit the Mansion House. — Their acceptance of the invitation, and subsequent refusal of it. — The state of London. — The resignation of the Wellington Administration. — Tho Whigs re-called to office. — The cast of the new Ministry.— The Duchess of Kent appointed Regent during* the minority of the Princess Victoria. — Prorogation of Parliament 46-47

CHAPTER XXVII.

— The Judges at DorcheBter. — Trial of the Prisoners. — The condemned Prisoners in Winchester Gaol. — Commutation of the sentence of Death against four of the Prisoners. — Execution of Cooper and Cooke. — The Wiltshire Convicts. — Presentation of a Memorial to the King praying for a commutation of the sentence of Death. — The Appeal granted. — The suppression of the Riots 60-62

CHAPTER XXVIII.

— Agitation for Parliamentary Reform. — The hard winter of 1830.— The'first Reform Meeting in Poole. — The Inhabitants Petition Parliament in favour of Reform. — The right of Voting in Poole. — Disputes between the Burgesses and Commonalty. —The old Corporation and the admission of Members 62-64

CHAPTER XXI.

— Riots and Rioters.— The distracted state of the country in 1830. — Incendiary fires. — The commencement of the Machine Riots.— The Hampshire Riots and Rioters. — Riots at Andover. Southamp ton, Romsey, Basingstoke, and Winchester. 47-49

CHAPTER XXII.

— Rioting in Wilts, Somerset, and Dorset.— The Tisbury Riots. — A Troop of Yeomanry Cavalrv attacked by a Mob armed with bludgeons," crowbars, pickaxes, hatchets, Ac— Twenty-five Rioters captured and taken to Salisbury Gaol.— Tho Rioters at Salisbury. — The Mob meet at tho entrance to the city by the Constables and Yeomanry.— The Riot Act read. — The Rioters dispersed.— The Rioters at West Park and Fordingbridge.— Great destruction of Property at Mr. Thompson's Mill, and Mr. Sheppard's Iron Works.— Apprehension of Cooper and others.— Their commitment to Gaol.— Tho Mob expected at Ringwood and Christchurch. — Threatening Lord Normanton 49-51

CHAPTER XXIX.

— Early Reform Meetings. — "Orator" Hunt's influence in Dorset, Wilts, and Somerset. — His return to Parliament for the Borough of Preston. — The first Reform Meeting in Dorset, held at Sherborne. — The Meeting of Parliament. — The Ministry declare themselves in favour of Reform.— The King consents to the first Reform Bill. — The introduction of the first Reform Bill. — The Second Reading opposed. — The Bill carried by a Majority of One.— The Irish and Scotch Reform Bills 64-66

CHAPTER XXX.

— Great Reform Meet ing a,t Poole.— An Address to the King on Parliamentary Reform agreed on. — The old Corporation unanimously agrees to petition the King and Parliament in favour of Reform— Dr. Taylor sent as a Deputation troin the Town with the petition. — The Levee.— Dr. Taylor presented to the Kin '.

CHAPTER XXIII.

— The Dorsetshire Riots. — Destroying Threshing Machines at Parkstone and Lytchett. — Precautions taken to prevent Riots at Wareham.— Riots OR, FIFTY YEARS AGO. Page. Page. rejoicing in all parts of the County. — Mr. Portinan's reception at Blandford. — The Candidates' Addresses 83-85

CHAPTER XL.

— The result of tho Elections. — Great Reform Dinner at Bland ford. — The Meeting of Parliament. — Tho re-introduction of the Reform Bill. — The Second Reading. — The Votes of the Mem bers for Dorset, Hants, Somerset, and Wilts. — The " Chandos Clause." — Votes of Dorset, Hants, Somerset, and Wilts Members on the Third Reading of the Bill 86-88

CHAPTER XLL

— Great excitement in the country. — Monster Political Meeting at Birmingham. — Apsley House attacked by a Vagrant Mob. — Parliament Prorogued. — Excitement in Dorsetshire. — Weymouth — His return to Poole, and enthusiastic reception. — Great Reform Speech. — Mr. Bankes' opposition, and Mr. Portman's support of the Bill. — Mr. Calcraft's opposition. — The state of the Country 66-69

CHAPTER XXXI.

—Reform Meetings at Salisbury, Devizes, Southampton, Win chester, and Weymouth. — The Dorset Members and the Bill. — A Parliamentary Debate. — Reform Meetings at Wareham and Bridgewater 69-70

CHAPTER XXXII.

— Complimentary Dinner at the Antelope Hotel, Poole, in honour of Messrs. Portman, Lester-Lester, and Ponsonby. — What was said and done on the occasion 71

CHAPTER XXXIII.

— Political dissen- Elcction. — The Coronation of William IV. — Terrible News from London. — The Death tion? in Poole. — -Serjeant Wilde solicited to " stand " for the Borough. — The learned Serjeant's Address to the Burgesses. — Serjeant Wilde misled, — He declines to 11 come forward." — Facts concerning Ser jeant Wilde 72-73 of Mr. Calcraft 89-90

CHAPTER XLIL

— A Vacancy in the Dorset County Representation. — Mr. Pon sonby, M.P. for Poole, solicited to " stand " for the County. — Mr. Ponsonby's Address to the Freeholders. — A vacancy in tho Borough of Poole. — Meetings for the selection of Candidates. — A " shoal " of

CHAPTER XXXIV.

—Messrs. Lester- Lester and Ponsonby alarmed. — Mr. Pon sonby's Address to the Burgesses of Poole. — Mr. Lester-Lester's Address. — Defeat of the Candidates in the field 91-93 Government on General Gascoyne's Amend ment. — The King advised by his Ministers to dissolve Parliament. — The King hesitates, objects, but finally yields. — Tbe Proroga tion. — The Votes of the Dorset and

CHAPTER XLIII.

— The County Contest. — Meetings in support of Mr. Ponsonby's Candidature. — A "Man of sound Constitutional Principles wanted." — ■ Lord Ashley consents to be Nominated. — His Address to the Freeholders. — The Somerset Members 73-75

CHAPTER XXXV.

— A great National Crisis. — The effect of the Dissolution on the Reformers alive to the critical state of affairs 93-94 Country. — News from London. — A busy week in Poole. — The General Election. —

CHAPTER XLIV.

— The Nomination of Messrs. Lester-Lester and Ponsonby re elected for Poole. — Election Banquets at the Antelope and London Hotels. — Dorset, Hants, and Wilts Borough Elections . . . . 75-77 Candidates. — Great excitement at Dor- Chester. — Speeches at the Nomination. — ■ The first day's polling. — Mr. Ponsonby ahead. — The second day's polling. — Lord Ashley's with 176 Majority. — Sunday Work 95-96

CHAPTER XXXVI.

— The old Corpora tion of Poole. — How members were elected.

CHAPTER XLV.

— The third day's E oiling. — Lord Ashley 126 ahead. — Speeches y Lord Ashley and Mr. Ponsonby. — The fourth day's polling, Lord Ashley 28 ahead. — Speeches by Lord Ashley and Mr. Ponsonby. — The fifth day's polling: Lord Ashley one vote only ahead. — Speeches by Lord Ashley and Mr. Ponsonby. — Sixth day's polling : the Tables Turned, Mr. Ponsonby one ahead. — Speeches by Lord Ashley and Mr. Ponsonbv. — The seventh day's polling : Mr. Ponsonby 13 ahead . . 97-99 —A complete List of the Burgesses in 1830, together with the list of persons then pro posed as new members 77-78

CHAPTER XXXVII.

— Dorset County Election. — Great Reform Meetings at Poole and Blandford. — A Reform Candidate Wanted. — A CandidateFound. — Mr. Calcraft accepts the invitation. — Great excitement everywhere in Dorsetshire 79-80

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

— The Nomination of Candidates. — Great Reform Processions

CHAPTER XLVI.

— The polling con tinued. — Mr. Ponsonby charged with being a Roman Catholic. — Lord Ashley defends his hon. opponent from the charge. — The eighth day's polling. — Mr. Ponsonby's majority reduced to seven. — News from London : The Reform Bill thrown out by the Lords. — The ninth day's poll. — Tho " Scale "Turned. — Lord Ashley eight ahead. — The tenth day's poll. — Lord Ashley ten ahead. — The eleventh day's poll. — Lord Ashley seven ahead — The twelfth day's poll. — Lord Ashley 18 ahead. — The way the majority was obtained. — The thirteenth day's poll. — Lord Ashley 32 ahead. — The at Dorchester. — Riotous proceedings at the Nomination. — The High Sheriff powerless in his efforts to preserve order. — The High Sheriff declares the Nomination postponed. — Tumultuous proceedings. — Mr. Calcraft and the Salt Tax. — The Nomination resumed 80-83

CHAPTER XXXIX.

— The Nomination resumed. — The show of hands declared in favour of Messrs. Portman and Calcraft. — A Poll demanded on behalf of Mr. Bankes. — The Poole Voters objected to. — The objection over-ruled. — The polling for six days. — Retirement of Mr. Bankes. — Great FACTS, ANCIENT AND MODERN. Page , Page. fourteenth day's poll. — Lord Ashley 27 ahead. — The fifteenth day's poll. — Lord Ashley 36 ahead at the close of the poll . . 99-101

CHAPTER LIV.

— The First Reformed Parliament. — The first Election in Poole under the Reform Act.— The return of Mr. Lester-Lester, and Sir John Byng. The defeat of Mr. Tulk 112-113

CHAPTER XLVIL

— The Anti-Reform Victory. — Divided opinions. — Mr. Pon sonby's explanation of the cause of his defeat.— The declaration of the Poll.— After the Election. — The news brought to Poole. — The "Wrecking" of Gaden's Cottage, Longfleet, and the "King William " Public house, Parkstone 101-102

CHAPTER LV.

— The Borough Elec tions of Wareham, Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Shaftesbury, and Lyme Regis. — A Review of the Dorset Elections

CHAPTER LVL

— The Hampshire Elec tions. — The Wiltshire Elections. After the

CHAPTER XL VIII.

— Serious Riots at Blandford. --Mr. Moore's House Attacked. — Mr. Smith's Windows broken and his Office Papers Destroyed. — The Parsonage House damaged. — The Dragoon Guards sent for. — The Riot Act read. — The Magis trates assembled. — Apprehension of the Ringleaders. — Their committal to Gaol. — Their Trial and sentence to Death. — Their reprieve. — Riots at Sherborne 101-103 passing of the Bill. — A Meeting of the old Corporation 114-116

CHAPTER LVIL

— A complete change in the Political Kaleidoscope of the Borough of Poole. — Dissolution of Parliament. — Mr. Lester-Lester retires from the Repre sentation of Poole. — Mr. C. A. Tulk adopted as the Whig Candidate. — The Second Elec tion under the Reform Bill. — The Return

CHAPTER XLIX.

— The County Contest not over. — Mr. Ponsonby Petitions against Lord Ashley's Return. — Mr. Ponsonby hesitates to proceed, fearing the costs. — Lord Ashley in like manner troubled as he views the out-look. — The Reformers sub scribe towards the expenses. — Lord Ashley intimates that he will not Defend the of Mr. C. A. Tulk.— Defeat of Messrs. Irving and Bonar 116-118

CHAPTER LVIIL

— The Whigs and Tories of Poole in 1834.— The bitter feeling of the period. — Some of the causes which led to the defeat of the Conservatives. —The Rev. W. B. Clarke's opinion . . . .118-119 Petition. — The Anti-Reformers subscribe to tbe defence fund. — Hearing of tho Petition. — The decision of the Committee. — Lord Ashley declared elected. — The End of the Great Election between Canford

CHAPTER LIX.

— Church Building in the Borough of Poole in 1833. — St. James' Church. — Mr. Ponsonby and St. Mary's, Longfleet. — Laying of the Foundation Stone, Sept. 1830. — Messrs. Parr and St. Mary's Church, Parkstone 119-123 and St. Giles 103-105

CHAPTER L.

— How the news was received in Dorsetshire. — Mr. Portman's

CHAPTER LX.

— Consecration of St. threatened resignation. — The Reformers of the County alarmed. — Poole Borough Election. — The election of Sir John Byng. — Dorchester Borough Election. — Election of Mr. W. Ashley 105-106 Paul's Church.— Mr. G. W. Ledgard as a Church Builder.— The Rev. W. B. Clarke's Criticisms. — An Anecdote respecting St. Paul's Church. — The Inhabitants of St. James and the building of the Church . .123-124

CHAPTER LI.

— The effects of the rejection of the Reform Bill by the House of Lords. — The disturbed state of the

CHAPTER LXI.

-The Right Hon. Sir John Byng. — Mr. Charles Augustus Tulk. Mr. John Irving. —Mr. James Bonar . . v^124-125 Country. — Riots at Bath, Bristol. Notting ham, and other places. — The New Reform Bill introduced and passed by the House of Commons. — The Bill read a second time in

CHAPTER LXIL

— The Old and New Burgesses.— The Fees payable on the ad mission of New Members.— Minors admitted. — Proposals to refund the fees paid on behalf of Minors. —A Case stated for Counsel's Opinion.— The Opinion given . .125-126 the House of Lords. — Great Meetings in support of Reform. — The Government de feated in Committee. — The King asked to create a " new batch " of Peers 106-108

CHAPTER LIL

— The excited state of

CHAPTER LXIIL

— The Building of Hamworthy Bridge.— What led to the Bridge being built.— The Opposition of the Conservatives. — Resolutions of a Town's Meeting in favour of a Bridge 126-128 the Country. — The House of Commons petitioned to Stop the Supplies. — The people refuse to pay Taxes — The Inhabit ants of Poole petition the King not to confide in any men not in favour of Parliamentary Reform. — The Peers drop their opposition to the Bill. — The third reading carried by a large majority — The effect of the Bill 108-110

CHAPTER LXIV.

-The Vestry Meeting and the Proposed Bridge.— The Bill for con structing a Bridge in Parliament.— The Opposition to it. — Failure of the Opposition. — The Bill Passed. — Remarks 128-130

CHAPTER LIIL

— The New Boundary Act. — A Parliamentary Debate on the Boundaries of the Borough of Wareham. — Where is Sherford Lake. — The Boundaries of Christchurch. — The Boundaries of

CHAPTER LXV

— Opposition to the Municipal Reform Bill.— The Evidence before the Parliamentary Committee of the Poole Witnesses.— The Bill Passed into Law. — The Cost of the Opposition . . . , 13} Poole. — A Conservative view of the situation 110-112 OK, FIFTY YEARS AGO. Facts, Ancient and Modern, connected with the County of Dorset and the South- West of England.