Dry Drayton in the 1850s - local news items from Cambridge Newspapers.
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Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 19 January 1850 p1, Poaching
Cambridge Division. Dry Drayton, Richard Raven (and three others not in custody) were charged with trespassing in search of game on land belonging to Mr. Phypers, at Dry Drayton. The fact was proved by a witness named Kidman. The defendant was fined £2 and £1. 5s. 6d. expenses and in default of payment was committed for two months imprisonment.
Cambridge Chronicle, 13 April 1850, P2. Incendiarism
We regret to state that the spirit of incendiarism instead of having been subdued by the number of convictions for arson and the severity of the punishments awarded to the offenders, appears to be rather on the increase than otherwise. On Tuesday night last about half-past 11 o’clock a fire broke out on the farm premises of Mr. Thompson (Where was this?), of Dry Drayton, in a straw stack standing in immediate contiguity to the house, this contained four or five loads of straw, and was speedily consumed; the fire then spread to the pig styes which with the hen house and 12 fowls were consumed, and a wheat barn next fell a prey, this contained a large quantity of implements, the bean cuttings of 5 acres, some sacks, a coomb of beans and a coomb of barley, all of which were consumed. The stable and cart lodge with a quantity of implements were next speedily levelled and thence the fire communicated to the barley barn which contained about four loads of wheat straw, the wheat cutting s off about 7 acres, 12 bushels of potatoes, half a ton of hay, and a few wurzel. In the yard the produce of about 8 acres of wheat, a stack of bean straw off four acres, some cribs, troughs Etc, were consumed. The Norwich Union engine having been sent for was in attendance and at work till 6 in the morning. The stock and horses and some carts were got out without injury and the damage will amount to between 250L and 300L, which is covered by insurance in the Norwich Union. The stack was lighted in such a direction as to bear witness of intention to fire the dwelling house, but in this the vile incendiary was happily foiled as the wind veered before his purpose was effected. The buildings were the property of Mrs Haggerston. This is the 5th attempt to fire these premises within a period of six months, and strong suspicion attaching to a particular party named John Wing; he was apprehended and remanded till Friday (yesterday), when he was finally examined and fully committed. The evidence was to the effect that he frequently passed the house at unseasonable hours (he being close by), that his footsteps were known to the inmates and was heard and remarked by Mrs Thompson, in the night in question, just before the fire broke out; at the time that he was discovered, he was standing fully dressed near his grandmother’s door. He was proved to have left a public house but a few minutes before, and would have to pass the Thompson’s house to reach home.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 18 May 1850 p3 Fraudulent scales in the village shop
Cambridge Division, Saturday May 11 Before Revs W.Smith and J.Thornhill. Dry Drayton.— The Nails and the Chisel, and how the "Chiseller" was "Nailed." —In the village of Dry Drayton lives one David Watts, a general shopkeeper; (Where was this?) David's wares may be of unquestionable quality, and no one can make light of his weights; "They are of good brass," David's frequent remark, "and don't corrode." Last week the Goliath of weights and measures, Mr. Smith, waited upon David to see that his stones, half-stones, and other weights were good and lawful. David met Goliath with grim satisfaction, and the weights were pronounced accurate; glancing, however, at the scales in which the flour is weighed, Mr. Smith saw attached to the beam a piece of string, and his curiosity prompting him to take a peep behind it, he discovered two very large and heavy nails and a chisel. In a modern (unpublished) vocabulary, the verb to "chisel" to cheat, and David Watts could not therefore have selected a more appropriate instrument than a chisel for such a purpose. And the verb to "nail" in the said vocabulary signifies to catch; David, therefore, after having nailed and chiselled so many of his poor customers, was now "nailed" himself. The delinquent was brought before the County Bench. Mr. Smith said that the defendant could adjust the nails and chisel by the string that held them just as he liked, and when he thought proper to give himself the full benefit of his ingenuity he could chisel the tune of at least two ounces; and, as the poor frequently purchase but a very small quantity of flour at a time, it would, in the long run, tell with terrible effect upon them. Fortunate it is that David was "nailed" at last; and it is hoped he will leave off "chiselling" for the future. In the presence of the Bench poor David assumed a contrite look, and declared that he could not account for the manner in which the nails fastened themselves to the beam, nor how the chisel managed to force itself into their company. The Bench read David a sharp lecture; told him that it was a bad case, and fined him £2. 10s., and 16s. expenses, which he paid with a downcast aspect; and, having left the room, he expressed a devout wish that his "little affair" had escaped the notice of our Reporter.
Cambridge Chronicle, 18 May 1850, P2. Incendiarism
On Saturday night last, about quarter past ten o’clock, a fire broke out on the premises of Mr Kidman of this place. (Where was this?) Mr Kidman and his family were at supper, when his mother suddenly exclaimed that she saw a light at the end of the barn facing the house. Mr Kidman immediately rushed out , and found that the barn in the south-west corner of the homestead (which with the house formed nearly a square) was on fire. The flames spread rapidly and Mr Kidman had barely time to rescue his horses and some other stock in the straw yard, before the whole of the buildings were in flames. The fire burned fiercely spreading along two sides of the yard, consuming rapidly hovels, a range of barns and threshing floors, nag and cart stables, cow houses piggeries, &c. And a valuable stack of hay which stood behind the buildings, near where the fire broke out; some other stacks, however, in immediate contiguity to this were saved. So soon as the buildings in Mr Kidman’s homestead were consumed, the fire spread to two cottages at the side, each being jointly occupied, the one by Messrs Willmott and Kidman, and the other by Messrs Stanford and Trevis: the first of these was thatched, and the other slated: the occupants had time to save their furniture, though it is of course injured by removal. The cottages were burned to the ground. The contents of Mr Kidman’s barns, hovels, and yard were as follows:- 16 quarters of barley, dressed and in straw; 20 quarters of beans and peas; 40 quarters of oats; half quarter of wheat; 400 fans of hay and corn chaff; 75 loads of straw; 40 tons of clover hay; sundry seeds &c, &c; two carts; corn and seed drill; horse crib; dressing machine; chaff boxes; harrows; quantity of harness, and numerous implements. Among the livestock consumed were 7 hogs; 30 ducks; 95 fowls; 50 chickens; and about 5 dozen pigeons. So soon as it was possible a messenger was despatched to Cambridge for the engines, and that belonging to the Royal Farmers’ Office was first on the spot, being immediately followed by the Norwich Union. The Phoenix arrived shortly afterwards; but they were all but little use, beyond effecting a more speedy extinguishment of the fire in the ruins. Mr Kidman’s house was saved, and his property which was burned was insured by the Norwich Union. He estimates his loss at about £400, but to this must be added the value of the buildings, which were insured in the Phoenix, and were worth between £200 and £300. There is no doubt that the fire was caused by an incendiary, but we regret to say that he has not yet been discovered.
Cambridge Chronicle, 25 May 1850, P2. Late Fire.
It was stated in our paper last week, that the engine belonging to the Royal Farmers’ Union was first on the spot. That was incorrect: the first engine that arrived was the Oakington engine and it had been working nearly an hour before any other came. Great praise is due to Mr William Warboys, foreman of the engine.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 27 July 1850 p4 Assizes trial of alleged arsonist
Arson at Dry Drayton. John Wing, (27), was charged with having fired, on the 9th of April, farming premises in the occupation of Joseph Thompson, of Dry Drayton (Where was this?). Mr Power prosecuted, and Mr. Naylor defended the prisoner. Joseph Thompson, the occupier of the premises destroyed, described the property consumed, and said there was only a private path for his son’s own use from the back of the tenement where his son lived to the barns, &c., near where the fire broke out. The prisoner lived with his grandmother in part of a double tenement conjointly with witness's son. The premises consumed were the property of Mrs. Elisabeth Haggerstone. Mr. Naylor: Never quarrelled with the prisoner. Witness's premises have been attempted to be fired several times, and on one occasion if they had been burned, prisoner's house must have been burned also.
Mary Thompson, the wife of the prosecutor's son stated that on the night of the fire, just as it broke out, she heard a running at the back of the house. The steps seemed to come from a gap near where premises were along a stoned path to the little wicket at the back of the house. No one had any business there, witness heard the wicket gate open, and heard a person run round and enter Mrs. Wing's door. Saw a flame directly afterwards and rushed downstairs, not a minute elapsed, some straw at the end of Mr Thompson snr's pigsties were on fire and the thatch on top of the pigsty was just catching bold. Witness screamed aloud but saw no one. Witness has lived there twelve months, and during that time has heard prisoner come home every night. From her previous knowledge has no doubt it was the prisoner she heard behind the house. Witness went along the path in front of the house saw the prisoner coming from his grandmother’s house fully dressed in his usual dress. That was a few minutes before twelve. Witness's husband followed her down stairs, and went and let the horses out. When she met the prisoner, who said "helloa what's the matter" Witness's husband said "You villain you, you have done this" and Wing replied, "If you think so here I am, take me, I had just gone upstairs when I saw the light, and woke my grandmother." After the fire the prisoner sent for her and asked her what she had said about his apron, and then she told him she was awoke by his footsteps which were lost in his grandmother's house, he said he "hoped she would be careful what she said and to tell nothing but the truth." and she replied, "of course she should." A person going from Badcock's public house to the prisoner's would have no business at the back of the premises.
Cross examined by Mr. Naylor: Witness and her husband were on friendly terms with the prisoner.
Re-examined by Mr Power: Prisoner generally came home by the front path, had heard footsteps at back about six weeks before the fire, but nothing took place: taxed prisoner with having been there on that occasion, and he did not deny it. There is no window in her bedroom at the back side of the house.
William Thompson, husband of the last witness, stated that the night of the fire he went to bed just before ten and was awakened a few minutes before twelve o'clock by his wife; then heard someone running at the back of the house and round the end. Witness and his wife both went down, and went and let the live stock out and then saw the prisoner, who was dressed, had his apron on and appeared much frightened and agitated. Witness said, "you villain, you have been doing this" and replied, "if you think I have, here I am, take me." The fire lasted about an hour and a half, and when it was over witness went to the prisoner's tenement. Mr. Thompson then corroborated his wife's evidence as to what took place there. The wind the night of the fire blew from the south, or in a contrary direction to the prisoner's house. Cross examined by Mr. Naylor: The prisoner assisted at the fire, helped to draw a cart out, that was all witness saw him do. Witness and his wife were both agitated too, and the prisoner's grandmother also.
Thomas Badcock, publican, of Dry Drayton, said the prisoner was in his house on the night of the fire, entered about 7 o'clock and stopped till five minutes past 11, having gone out once only in the interval for a few minutes; prisoner's house is about three furlong from witness's, when he left he had his apron on, the same dress he had at the fire. By Mr. Naylor: never heard any thing against the prisoner's character as quiet and peaceable.
Mr. Naylor addressed the jury for the prisoner, enforcing the extreme improbability of the prisoner kindling a fire so near the dwelling of the person (his grandmother) who bad behaved so kindly to him at the risk of her life, has own effects, and those of the old lady, which would most likely descend to him, and when they had heard he had no ill will to any of his neighbours; and ridiculing the idea of Mrs Thompson being able, on just awaking from sleep, to distinguish accurately footsteps that only lasted a second or two. The learned counsel also attacked the accuracy of the plan which certainly was a very curious specimen, In conclusion he said the fire was doubtless accidental, or had been caused by some one else, and the only subject of suspicion against the prisoner was the fact of his coming home just at the time it broke out. At the conclusion of his address he called Mr. Pettet, Shoemaker, to whom the prisoner was apprenticed, and who gave him a twelve years' good character as a quiet and peaceable young man.
His Lordship summed up very favourably to the prisoner, saying the case rested on the belief they entertained of the capability of Mrs. Thompson to speak with accuracy to the footsteps she heard behind the house being the prisoners.
The jury acquitted the prisoner.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 10 August 1850 p1, fruit stealing
Dry Drayton. Joshua Seaby was charged with stealing fruit from a garden of Mr Reynolds of Dry Drayton.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 19 October 1850 p3 Fire
Dry Drayton. As we were going to press last night a report reached us that a fire was raging in the stack yard of Mr Reynolds.
Cambridge Chronicle, 26 October 1850, P2, Incendiary Fire
About half past seven o’clock on Friday evening, October 18, a fire broke out on the premises of Mr Reynolds, (Where was this?) in a pea rick, at the further side of the stack yard, containing about nine acres. The flames then caught a peas and bean stack of about five and a half acres; a bean rick of six acres; two stacks of barley from about fourteen acres; two wheat cobs from nineteen acres; a clover stack of ten acres; a stack of hay about ten acres, all of which were totally consumed. The estimated loss is between £400 and £500, insured in the Norwich Union Fire Office. All of the above stacks were close to buildings (also insured in the Norwich Union) which with great exertion, were saved. A slight damage was done by water and the removal of thatch to some cottages near, belonging to Mr Burton; and also damage to the thatch of a cottage occupied by Anwell on the opposite side of the road; insured in the Dissenters’ Office. The Oakington, Norwich Union and Royal Farmers’ fire engines were quickly in attendance, but owing to the small supply of water, it was found impossible to save any of the stacks.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 26 October 1850 p4 Theft of fowls
Stealing fowls at Dry Drayton Jos Asplen (46) charged with stealing at Dry Drayton three fowls, the property of Thomas Reynolds. Mr. Mills for the prosecution; no counsel for the prisoner. The prosecutor was a farmer at Dry Drayton and had another farm at Dry Drayton which was an "off" farm, with a cottage, in which lived a servant named Badcock and his wife and family. On the night of Thursday, 25th July, the hen-house door at the "off" farm was unlocked, and 32 fowls were taken out of 74, and in the morning the door was found open. The prisoner lived at Chesterton, he was observed by Howlett of the Cambridge police, to be walking in the town of Cambridge, on the 29th July, with a basket. Howlett searched the basket. It contained some fowls, which were covered over with a cloth, and two lettuces were lying on the top of the cloth. The prisoner said he bought the fowls from a man he did not know. The prisoner was taken into custody, and one of the fowls was identified. Guilty.—Twelve calendar months' imprisonment, and hard labour, one fortnight solitary every two months.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 18 January 1851 p3, Theft of turkeys and fowls
Robberies. Friday night, the 10th inst., five turkeys and eleven fowls were stolen from the farm premises of Mr. T. Reynolds, of Dry Drayton.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 14 June 1851 p7, damage to hedge and short weights.
Dry Drayton. John Stearn and John Binge, labourers, of this parish, were charged with maliciously damaging a hedge, the property of Samuel Aychurch. Fined, damage, 1d. each, and 7s. each expenses, and committed for a week.
William Binge, of this place, shopkeeper, was summoned at the instance of William Smith, inspector of weights and measures, for having short weights. Defendant admitted the offence, and was fined 1s. and 13s 6d. expenses.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 21 June 1851 p2 Seven cottages for sale
Seven Cottages. Gardens, Orchard, &c. Dry Drayton Cambridgeshire. To be sold by auction, by Wentworth & Son, At the Three Horse Shoes Public-house, in Dry Drayton, on Friday, June 27, 1851, at half-past seven o'clock in the evening, in one lot, All those Seven Cottages and Bakehouse, (Where was this?) together with the Orchard or Garden Ground adjoining; as now let to Messrs. Morley, Eddlestone, Chamberlayne, Dowse, Reynolds, Brooks, and Bynge, at rents amounting to about £22 per annum. The whole contains One Acre (more or less). Copyhold of the Manor of Dry Drayton. For further particulars, apply to Mr. Clement Francis, solicitor, Emmanuel-lane; or to Wentworth and Son, auctioneers, valuers, estate agents, and undertakers, opposite Trinity College, Cambridge.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 30 August 1851 p2 Donkey Stolen
On the 26th (August 1851) a donkey was stolen from Dry Drayton, the property of William Bradford.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 28 February 1852 p8 assaults
Dry Drayton. Harriet Blunt, was charged with assaulting Eliza Wing, of this place. Defendant admitted the offence, and was fined 1s. and 10s 6d., expenses. Elizabeth Silk, wife of James Silk of Dry Drayton, labourer, was charged with assault on Elizabeth Silk, the wife of William Silk, of the same place. Fined 1s. and 15s. expenses, or 21 days imprisonment, and bound over to keep the peace for 3 months.
Cambridge Chronicle, 5 June 1852, P8. Incendiary Fire
A fire broke out in this village a little before one o’clock on Sunday morning last, on the farm homestall of Mr Thomas Reynolds, jun., known as “Crofts”. It was first discovered by a person named Kidman, who at once went and released six valuable horses from the stable, or they must have been burnt: he then gave the alarm. The Oakington engine was soon there, but not being in very good order, was some time before it could be got into play, although there was a plentiful supply of water. Mr R sent a messenger to Cambridge for the Norwich Union engine, which was quickly despatched; but before its arrival at Dry Drayton, the following property was burnt: Wheat barn, barley barn, stable, chaff house, 3 piggeries, open sheds, straw or out-barn. The granary and house, being tiled, were saved, but greatly damaged by fire and water. They were the property of Miss Smith; the insurance unknown. Mr Reynolds, who is insured in the Norwich Union Office has had burnt 12 acres of wheat in the straw which was in the barley barn; 2 carts (one a new one); some implements; a dressing machine; stack of wheat straw; also a quantity of straw and a stack of haulm. There is no doubt but that this was wilfully set on fire , as it broke out in about two loads of straw which laid at the back of the barn and contiguous thereto; and the buildings being thatched and old, the fire soon spread. The villagers certainly worked well and through their exertions the house and granary were saved. As we are informed we should say the total loss will not exceed £600. John Wing, on suspicion of setting fire to the above was brought before the Mayor on Wednesday, and remanded until Saturday. This is the same person who was committed for setting fire to Joseph Thompson’s farm, April 9 1850, and tried at the Summer Assizes, but there was not sufficient evidence to convict him; and it is suspected the same man has been the cause of all the fires that have taken place in Dry Drayton.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 24 July 1852 p8, trial of alleged arsonist
Arson at Dry Drayton. John Wing (20), was charged with having, on the 20th of May, fired premises in the occupation of Mr. Reynolds. Mr. Worrledge prosecuted, and opened the case; the prisoner was undefended. The fire occurred on the of 27th May, about two o'clock in the morning. The prosecutor, who lived at different premise's, sustained injury to the extent of £600. On the morning before the fire, the prosecutor found three skips of his bees had been thrown into a pond, and the prisoner took them out. On the morning of the fire, witness named Jonathan Morley met the prisoner, and asked him if there was any truth in the statement that his master's bees had been flung into the pond, and replied "no; got about a double handful of live ones out". Morley said hanging was too good for the man who threw the bees into the pond, and the prisoner assented, saying if he had a gun he would have shot the man, but added, "the next thing will a fire."-John Chapman (with whom the prisoner lodged and slept) said that the prisoner went to bed about 10 o'clock, and got up about 11, saying he was going to watch his master's property, and to see if he could happen of any man who was going to do his master any injury.- Wm. Thompson, publican, of the "Black Horse," Dry Drayton, said that at about 11 o'clock on the night of the fire prisoner had half a pint of beer at his house, stopped five minutes, and then went out. Sarah Badcock, another publican, said that between half-past eleven and twelve the prisoner called at her house, and after knocking her up wanted a pint of beer; but she refused to serve him. Asked him what he was after at that time of night; and he replied that he was going to look after his master's property. —Sophia Pettitt said that she lived near Mr. Reynolds' premises, and she was looking out of the door about twelve o'clock. She then saw a man hide himself in a cart lodge, and called out to him, "Ulloa, what are you after?" three times: at last the prisoner came out, and said he was on the look out for his master; and that was the reason he had hidden himself.- Mrs. Silk said that at the time stated by the last witness, she was leaving her premises (having been there to tea When the prisoner came out of his hiding-place, she asked him to see her safe past the pond, and he complied. Prisoner said, leaving her, that he was not going home just yet; witness sat up for some time, waiting for her husband, who was gone to Cambridge. A few minutes after the prisoner left, he returned, and drew his hand across the window; witness had left the shutters open. Witness called out, "who is there come in," thinking it was her husband: it was the prisoner, who enquired if Mr. Silk had got home: witness said no, and he left. In a quarter of an hour afterwards, Mr. Silk arrived at home, and pointed out the fire to witness. It was then all in a full blaze. Mr. Silk said that in his way home he passed Mr. Reynolds farm about 12 o'clock; it was then apparently all safe: he then went to his father's, and stopped there for a quarter of an hour: the fire had just broken out when he left his father's.— Charlotte Seaby stated that about 12 o'clock on the night of the fire the prisoner called at her house, and lighted his pipe: went away, returned in twenty minutes, and said there was a fire at Mr Reynolds’. His Lordship put it to the jury whether there was any case against the prisoner. The juryman said there was not; and under his Lordship's direction, returned a Verdict of acquittal.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 9 October 1852 p4 Apprentice absconding
Cambridge Division. Dry Drayton. A young man named Lindsey was fined 10s. 6d. and costs for absconding from his master, Mr Burrell, of Dry Drayton.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 30 October 1852 p5, Sale of Manors
Near to Cambridge. Mr. Marsh has received instructions from the Trustees and Executors, to Sell by auction, at the Mart, opposite the Bank of England, on Thursday, the 4th of November, at Twelve o'clock. the Freehold, "Manor of Crowlands," in Dry Drayton, also, "The Manor of Coventry,"in Dry Drayton, Held under renewable Lease from the Bishop of Ely, for Two young lives, with Policy of Insurance for £650 on the life of the survivor.
Lot I.—The Freehold Manor Of Crowlands, in Dry Drayton, comprising a large extent of valuable Copyhold Land and divers houses, all subject to arbitrary fines. There are in this Manor 15 Heriots of the best Chattel, payable on death. The income from fines, quit-rents, and heriots is, on an average of years,£54 7s 2d. per annum, but which will increase with improvements on the copyhold estates.
Lot 2 Leasehold Manor Of Coventry, in which the fines are arbitrary (but, in which, there are not any heriots), comprising also a large extent of valuable Copyhold Land and Buildings, producing an income from fines and quit-rents, on average of years, amounting to £39 per annum.
Further particulars may had of Messrs. Cuddon, Norwich; of Thomas Huxley, Esq., solicitor, 3, Middle Temple Lane, Temple; of J. R. Mann, Esq., estate-agent, Cambridge, who having valued all the lands and premises parcel of these Manors, will give every information to intending purchasers; and at Mr. Marsh's Offices, 2, Charlotte Row, Mansion House.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Friday 24 December 1852 p8 poaching
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions. James Mitchell of Dry Drayton, was fined 10s and expenses for using a snare in search of game on some property of the Rev Mr Smith
Cambridge Chronicle 23 April 1853 p.4. Fire.
About 11 o’clock on the night of Thursday last, a fire broke out on the premises of Mr Wenn, (Where was this?) of the above place, whereby a wheat and barley stack were consumed. An express was immediately despatched to Cambridge for the engines, but the Phoenix was the only one that attended; owing to its presence the salvation of Mr Wenn’s homestead, barns (thatched) and dwelling house (the property of the Rev W Smith) may be attributed. There was plenty of water and the most strenuous and happily successful exertions were made to save the property. The stacks were large and valuable ones, but the correct amount of damage is not yet ascertained. Mr Wenn was insured in the General Life and Fire Insurance Company.
Cambridge Chronicle 14 May 1853 p4. Inquest William Loates
An inquest was held at the King William the Fourth, Dry Drayton, on Friday last week, before Mr J.E.Marshall, coroner, on the body of William Loates. Ann Willimott said she saw the deceased suddenly fall down in his kitchen, and went to assist him to rise, but found him dead. Verdict – died by the visitation of God, in a fit.
Cambridge Chronicle 18 June 1853 p.4 Inquest Joseph Marritt, Thatcher.
An inquest was holden on Saturday last, at the Black Horse, Dry Drayton, before Mr Marshall, on view of the body of Joseph Marritt. The deceased was a thatcher and was engaged in his usual occupation on Friday last when he lost his balance and fell head first from the ladder upon which he was standing: he was assisted to rise but sustained so much injury from his fall that he never recovered and remained speechless from the time of the accident till about 6 o’clock the following morning, at which time he died. Verdict “Accidentally killed by falling from a ladder”.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 15 October 1853 p8 Various offences by Dry Drayton people
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions, Saturday Oct. 8 1853. John Impey of Dry Drayton, was charged by Superintendent Low with assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty. Convicted in the penalty of 10/-. and 14s. costs, and in default committed for 2 months’ Imprisonment, with hard labour.
John Parsons, Dry Drayton, was charged by the parish constable with assaulting him in the execution of his duty. Fined £2 and costs, and in default committed for 6 weeks.
George Dilley, Thomas Markham, William Badcock and Alfred Impey were charged with stealing walnuts, the property of Mr W Phypers of Dry Drayton, farmer. Each of defendants was convicted in the sum of 5s and 1½d damages; or in default 14 days imprisonment, Dilley paid; Impey was committed and Markham and Badcock were given one week to pay.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 17 December 1853 p5. Theft of £33
William Burton, the younger, John Parsons, and Daniel Dilley, all of Dry Drayton, labourers, were charged with stealing £33. from the house of William Burton the elder, the monies of the said Wm. Burton the elder. The prisoners were taken before the Rev. Mr. Smith, on the 5th and remanded till to-day, when Burton and Parsons were fully committed, Dilley being discharged, the evidence not being conclusive against him. On 6th January, Burton and Parsons were both convicted, and received 12 months hard labour each and a fortnight solitary at the end of each three months (Cambridge Chronicle 7 Jan 1854 p8)
Cambridge Chronicle 24th December 1853 p4, Child starved to death
A inquest was held before Mr Barlow on Tuesday last, at Dry Drayton, on view of the body of William Pinney, aged 5 weeks, the infant child of a travelling boiler maker. The mother had carried the child in her arms under her shawl, from St Ives, on the afternoon of Monday last, and had fed it twice on the road. When she got to the Five Bells on the corner of the Cambridge and Huntingdon road, leading to Dry Drayton, she and her husband went in and she proceeded to the fire to warm the child, when she found it dead. Mr Ellis of Willingham viewed the body and from his testimony the jury found that the child had died from stoppage of the circulation of blood from excessive cold.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 08 April 1854 p8 Black Horse
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions. Licenses: William Taylor of Dry Drayton was permitted to hold the license of the Black Horse until the next transfer day. The full transfer was reported in the Cambridge Independent Press, Saturday 20 May 1854 p7.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 22 April 1854 p8 Non payment of maintenance
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions. Dry Drayton, Wm Swann, one of the two overseers of Dry Drayton complained of John Brickwood of the same place having refused to obey an order of maintenance - committed for three months.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 9 December 1854 p5. Annual Ploughing Match
Ploughing Match. A public meeting of the members of the Oakington, Westwick, Longstanton and Dry Drayton Ploughing Society, was held on Monday evening last at the Butcher's Arms Inn, it being then decided that this match should take place on Wednesday, December 13th, in two fields belonging to Mr Thos. Reynolds, and John Wayman. Ploughs are to be in the field at nine o'clock. The dinner for the Society will be provided at the above named Inn. There will be also a Draining Match the same day. Full details of the ploughing match, the winners, their employers and the ploughs used can be found in the Cambridge Independent Press, Sat 16 December 1854 p7.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 20 January 1855 p8, Five Bells
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions. Dry Drayton - Robert Underwood applied to have the license of the "Five Bells" public House transferred from Stephen Chapman to him - granted.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 9 June 1855 p8 drunken fight
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions. Dry Drayton. Assaults.— George Dilly, David Dilly, and John Burton, all labourers living at Dry Drayton, were charged with committing an assault upon Susan Wing; and George Dilly was further charged with assaulting William Wing. The affray took place at a public-house: and from what was stated, it appeared to be a drunken spree. The complainants appeared, and stated that they wished to withdraw the charges, and they were allowed to do so, upon payment of 13s. 6d. costs in the first case, and 9s. 6d. in the second.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 14 July 1855 p3 Serious Matrimonial Dispute
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions, Dry Drayton. A Mrs Seely, of Dry Drayton, charged her husband with threatening to kill her. The Rev Mr Smith, who said they had both been to him, advised them to "forget and forgive". They promised to do so and to live quietly together. Discharged with a caution.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 4 August 1855 p8 - assault
Assault. An old man, a labourer, named William Badcock was charged with assault on Charlotte Seaby, on the 6th of July, at Dry Drayton. It appeared that the day in question was the day of Dry Drayton Feast, and that the defendant had got fresh, having, as he admitted, drank six glasses of beer. The complainant was sitting on a style, and the old man happening to come up. She asked him, "How is your daughter and brother getting on?" His reply was. “D--n your brother and all belonging to him.” She said "It's a pity, being man and wife, they can't agree, without going to law.” He then raised a basket he had in his hand, and hit her in the face with it. The old man admitted his offence, and pleaded his inebriated state in mitigation. He was fined 1s., and costs 11s. 6d. Allowed a fortnight to pay.
Cambridge Chronicle 29th September 1855 p8. Inquest Joseph Hickman.
An inquest was held before Mr Barlow, on Monday last, at Dry Drayton, on view of the body of Joseph Hickman, a man who for some years had been addicted to drinking, and for the last 20 years had slept in barns, cow lodges and other outbuildings. On the night of his death he went into a public house at dry Drayton , the worse for drink, and the landlord supplied him with a pint of beer , and after that a young man gave him a quarter of brandy; he left about 20 minutes to ten and was seen to go to Mr Bell’s cow lodge, where he had slept for some time past; and as he entered the cow lodge there is no doubt he fell dead, for his body was found lying within the lodge, whilst his feet were outside. Mr Thurnall, surgeon, of Cambridge, being examined stated that the deceased has died in a fit of apoplexy, accelerated by excessive drinking; and the jury found their verdict accordingly.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 10 November 1855 p3 Poaching
Dry Drayton. Unlawfully Searching for Game. William Stearn, labourer, Dry Drayton, was charged with having, on Sunday, the 28th of October, entered a plantation belonging to Sir St. Vincent Cotton, with a dog, with the intention of killing game. A gamekeeper in the employ of Sir St. Vincent Cotton deposed to seeing the defendant in the planting with dog, which appeared to be knocked up, and was beating about the planting. The defendant contended that he went that way to and from his work, and that he did not send the dog into the plantation. The Bench informed him that he had no right in the plantation, and fined him £1. and the expenses 16s., or fourteen days' imprisonment. The Defendant pleaded hard for a mitigation of the penalty, and was allowed to the 10th instant to pay the money.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 1 December 1855 p8 Annual Ploughing Match
OAKINGTON, DRY DRAYTON, AND LONGSTANTON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The annual meeting of this society took place at Oakington Wednesday last. The ploughing was on a piece land belonging to Mr. Linton, and 25 teams started shortly before ten o’clock. We regret to say that there has been no improvement in this branch of agriculture, upon that of last year; indeed, according to the opinion of most gentlemen present, the ploughing was this year worse than on any previous occasion. Mr. Gunnell, Milton; Mr. Reynolds, Coton and Mr. Coiterill, Elsworth, officiated as Judges. A substantial dinner was provided by Mr. Radford, at the Butcher’s Arms, of which about fifty gentlemen partook. Mr. Henry Cole presided;and Mr. Phipers, of Dry Drayton, acted as Vice chairman: The usual loyal toasts having been drunk, Mr. C. W. Naylor proposed “The Armies and Navies of England and France,” and in doing so, said that when they regarded the present crisis affairs, when two civilised nations, hitherto at variance, were joined together in one common cause, with one object, it was gratifying to find them prosecuting the war in which they were engaged with their whole heart and soul, and with the laudable object of reducing one of the greatest despots that ever existed on the face of the earth (cheers). The Chairman gave "Prosperity to the Oakington &c. Ploughing Society," and hoped that another year there would be much improvement in the ploughing as there was in the draining (hear, hear). Mr. Reynolds (Oakington) proposed the health of the "Visitors," and Mr. Harcourt, of Cambridge. Mr. Harcourt returned thanks for the compliment,and expressed a hope that he should be present at the society’s meetings on many future occasions.
The following award of the prizes was then read by Mr. Gunnell, who said that in the first class the committee had intended to award five prizes, but owing to the wretched manner in which the work had been performed, the judges had come the conclusion that only three competitors were deserving of prizes:—
FIRST CLASS.
1. John Osborn, whose master is Mr Gardner, Histon, prize £1.5.0.
2. Wm. Galtry, whose master is Mr Gardner, Histon, prize 17/6d
3. Wm Wilmot, whose master is Mr Crow, Oakington, prize 12/6d
SECOND CLASS. In the second class, the work performed by boys was rather better in proportion
1. John Burton, whose master is: Mr. Phipers, Dry Drayton, prize 15/-
2. Alfred Stokes, whose master is: Mr. Henry Cole, prize 12/6d
3. John Dellor, whose master is Mr. Jno Papworth, prize 7/6d
4. Charles Galton, whose master is Mr. Gardner, prize 5/-
Four of the ploughs used were Howard's, and three Ransome's.
DRAINING -
The draining was said to very good.
1. Thomas Linford, whose master is Mr. Henry Cole, prize 15/-
2. Joshua Harradine, whose master is Mr. Henry Cole, prize 12/-
3. Wm. Smith whose master is Mr. Phipers, Longstanton,prize 7/6d
4. George Ison, whose master is Mr. Linton, Westwick, prize 5/-
Mr. Clements proposed "The Judges," and paid a high compliment to Mr Gunnell.
Mr. Gunnell, in returning thanks, said the judges had done their best in awarding the prizes to the most deserving. The ploughing was, he was sorry to say, with few exceptions, very bad; but he hoped, as the society had been extended, and they had got Mr Gardner, of Histon, in, who had set them a pattern that day, that another year they would contrive to beat Mr. Gardner. The only way to make good ploughmen was to pit them against some better than themselves {hear, hear). Mr. Reynolds also responded, and took the opportunity to praise the ploughing in the second class, which, considering that it was done by boys, was not so bad. Mr. Cotterill said that he had seldom seen better draining than he had witnessed that day. The ploughmen having been called, Mr. Naylor, at the request of the Chairman, addressed a few observations to them, telling those who had won the prizes not to fancy themselves superior ploughmen, as they had had such bad work to compete against, and it would require a great deal of exertion on their part to make them good ploughmen. The fact of the lads having ploughed tolerably well showed a desire on their part to improve themselves; and he had no doubt they would be encouraged in every possible way to do so, by their masters. As for the draining, they had been told by one of the Judges that it was the best he had ever seen in his life, and he felt pleasure in congratulating them upon that fact. Men in their situation, if they performed their duties honestly and straightforwardly, were as worthy members of society as any class in the community; and if they were attached to their masters’ interests, there was no doubt their masters would consider them in return(hear, hear). Mr. Gardner proposed the health of the Chairman, who was an old schoolfellow of his, and hoped he would enjoy many years of happiness. The CHAIRMAN responded, and wished there might be an improvement in the society another year. Mr. Reynolds gave "the lender of the land", and hoped he would get it ploughed better another year. ........ Several Other toasts were given and responded to, and some excellent songs were sung, harmony and conviviality being kept up till late hour.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 7 June 1856 p7. Rev Smith - sale of unsound horse
A lengthy report of the third hearing of the civil case of Foster v Smith. Through an agent, the Rev Smith, Rector of Dry Drayton, sold a cart horse to Foster, a miller, for £44. When, shortly after, the horse started to collapse as though dead, Foster sought his money back, but the Rev gentleman claimed there was nothing wrong with the horse and the case went to the law - the jury finding for the miller. You can read the whole report of the case from the Cambridge Chronicle (some 4,500 words) by following this link
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 29 November 1856 p6 Annual Ploughing Competition
Cambridgeshire. Oakington And Dry Drayton Agricultural Society. The Fifth Annual Anniversary of the above Society was celebrated on Tuesday last. The ploughing took place on a piece ground belonging to Mr. Henry Cole, which was well adapted for the occasion. There were 25 ploughs, and the workmanship was pronounced very satisfactory. The Judges were: Mr. William Norman, of Cottenham; Mr. Pyke, Madingley; and Mr. Reynolds, of Coton. In the afternoon about 50 gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner, provided at the Butchers' Arms, under the presidency of the Incumbent, the Rev. James Buckley. The cloth having been removed, the Chairman proposed "The Queen;" "Prince Albert, Albert Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." . The Chairman next proposed " The Oakington Society. He was sorry that the Club was not as prosperous as last year ; but, it were worth keeping up at all, it should well kept up, for such societies were calculated to do great deal of good (hear, hear). He hoped, therefore, the friends of the Society would endeavour to give it an impetus, and the worthy Secretary would be glad to receive the names of any additional gentlemen that might think proper to join the Society (applause).
FIRST CLASS.
1. William Finn, whose master is Mr William Linton, prize £1.5.0
2. William Warboys, whose master is Mr Swan, prize 17/0d
3. Richard Duce, whose master is Mr Swan / Dry Drayton, prize 12/0
SECOND CLASS
1. No first class prize adjudged
2. James Dilley, whose master is Mr Johnson (Dry Drayton) prize 7/6d
3. John Burton whose master is Mr Phypers, prize 5/-
4. Joseph Doggett, whose master is J.Doggett, prize 10/-
5. E.Golding, whose master is Mr H.Cole, prize 7/-
6. W Peppercorn, whose master is Mr H.Cole, prize 5/-
Six of the ploughs were Howard's, one Pearson's and two Ransome's.
Drainers
1. T.Linford, whose master is Mr H.Cole, prize 15.0.
2. W.Smith, whose master is Mr A Phypers, prize 10.0.
3. Henry Carter, whose master is Mr Doggett, prize 7.0.
4. John Brickwood, whose master is Mr Aychurch, prize 5.0.
The prizes having been awarded, the men were suitably addressed by the Chairman. He told the Boys Class that there was plenty of room for improvement; and if there was not better ploughing the probability was that the Club would fall to the ground. One of the great objects of the Society would be neutralized if the men showed no improvement; for if the Society failed in its object, there appeared but little utility in keeping it up. He advised them, therefore, to study to improve, and if they did then no doubt the Society would increase in vigour instead of falling into decay. The men then left the room, one of them remarking that there was good deal of difference in ploughing out than at home, on land which they knew. The Chairman, in complimentary terms, proposed the health of "The Judges," who had admirably performed the duties entrusted to them. Mr. Norman first acknowledged the toast. The Judges concurred that they had rarely seen better ploughing than that of the first class; and never, perhaps, worse than in the second. The draining was most excellent, and could not be excelled. The two other Judges also acknowledged the toast. Mr. Linton proposed the health of Mr. Knowles, who acknowledged the toast, spoke at some length on the value of such associations, and gave his name as an annual subscriber. He then proposed, in complimentary terms, the health of the Chairman — a gentleman highly respected by his parishioners; and he hoped that time, if possible, would more firmly cement the bonds between them (loud cheers). The Chairman acknowledged the compliment. He was always very glad to meet them. Good ploughing was not to him a matter of pounds, shillings, and pence, as it was to the farmers, and it really mattered not to him personal whether the work was done well or not; at the same time he was always glad to hear that it was done well; and even if it were not, for the sake of the holiday, for the sake of thus harmoniously meeting among themselves once during the year, he hoped the Society would be well kept up, and prove of benefit to the men, whose interest they all had at heart. As far as he was concerned, he should be most happy to do all in his power to forward their views, and to carry on the Society Cloud applause). W. Norman proposed the health of Mr. Phypers, the Vice-Chairman (loud applause). The Vice Chairman acknowledged the compliment. Their funds were not decreasing, but their number of subscribers had diminished. He thought that the ploughing considerably improved in the neighbourhood since the establishment of the Society (hear. hear). He should like to see more competition in the second class, for it was the boys and not the old men they wanted to improve in ploughing (applause).....(the report continued with other toasts and replies)
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 10 January 1857 p8 Poaching offences
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions. Saturday Jan 3rd 1857
William Impey of Dry Drayton, charged with trespassing in pursuit of game, on land in the occupation of Samuel Achurch, at that parish on the 6th of December. Fined 1s., and 10s. costs
Richard Dilley and Robert Stearn, charged with using certain dogs for the purpose of taking game at the parish of Dry Drayton on the 16th November. Dilley fined 5s., and 10s. 6d. costs - Steam fined 1s and 10s 6d. costs. Allowed fortnight to pay.
Richard Dilley again charged with Henry Head, with trespassing on land in the occupation of Thomas Reynolds at Dry Drayton, on the 21st December. Fined 1s each, and 10s each costs; to be paid in a week.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 2 May 1857 p5 sale of cottages
DRY DRAYTON, Cambs. Five cottages, with one acre of productive garden ground, and carpenter’s shop. Freehold. To be sold by auction, by Mann and Son, at the Birdbolt Inn, St. Andrew’s-street, Cambridge, on Saturday, the 9tb May, 1857, at Six o’clock in the Evening, in One Lot. Three stud and thatch cottages, with large brick and tile carpenter’s shop, (Where was this?) and other outbuildings, the several occupations of Ansell, Odams,and Huddlestone, and two clay and slate cottages detached, in the occupation of Binge and another. The above property stands on one acre of capital garden ground, situate in the best part of the village, all Freehold, producing annual rent of £l7 15s., which is most punctually paid. —Land-tax. N. B. Two-thirds of the purchase-money may remain on mortgage if required. Further Particulars may be obtained on application to Joseph Garrratt, Esq., Solicitor, St. Andrew’s-street, and of Mann & Son, Auctioneers and Land Agents, Hobson's-street, Cambridge.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 4 July 1857 and Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 4 July 1857 Sale of the Queen's Head
Eleven capital public houses, land and orchards being in the town of Cambridge or the immediate vicinity, will be sold by auction by Mr A.G.Ekin, at the Hoop Hotel Cambridge on Friday 24th July 1857 commencing punctually at two o'clock. The list includes The Queens Head, beer house Dry Drayton and several cottages with an allotment of land in the tenure of Thomas Badcock and others.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 1 August 1857 p5 Cricket Match
Oakington and Dry Drayton. A friendly game of cricket was played at Dry Drayton on 23rd July between these two parishes, which ended in favour of Oakington by five runs.
Cambridge Chronicle 29th August 1857 p4 Inquest on baby.
An inquest was held on Tuesday before F.Barlow, Esq., Coroner, at Dry Drayton, on view of the body of Joshua Seaby, aged 5 months. From the evidence it appeared that the parents married in 1854 and had 3 children, the mother having had one previously, and all four children died at very early ages, the first at one month, and the second at one day, the third at six weeks and the fourth at five months. Mr Knowles, surgeon, made a post mortem examination of the baby and from his evidence the jury found the deceased had died from inflammation of the lungs.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 12 September 1857 p8, Return cricket match
Dry Drayton and Oakington, The return match between these two villages took place at Oakington on Tuesday last. It being a very wet day there was only time for one innings and the match was decided in favour of Dry Drayton as they were ahead of Oakington by 27 runs.
Cambridge Chronicle 26th September 1857 p4 Cricket Match. Oakington v Dry Drayton.
On Wednesday last another cricket match was played at Dry Drayton, between these two clubs, to decide, which were the conquerors, and after a well contested game the Oakington were victorious, beating the Dry Draytonians by 35 runs.
Oakington
G.Linton, b. Taylor, 14 , not out 35
S.Linton not out 1. b.J.Thompson 0
J.Papworth, b.Taylor 3, b J.Thompson 11
E.Mitchell, b.J.Thompson b J.Thompson 19
J.Wayman c F.Walker b and c J.Thompson 0
W.Worboys b J Thompson 2, b Taylor 1
S.Radford b J.Thompson, b Taylor 0
Bye 1, Byes 2
Totals 28, 68.
Dry Drayton
J. Thompson b G.Linton 2, c Mitchell 0
J.Himpey b and c Papworth 0, b G.Linton 0
J.Mackney run out 9 c Worboys 5
W.Taylor lbw 6, b Mitchell 1,
F.Walker not out 5, not out 9
B.Thompson run out 1, b Papworth 10,
T.Metcalfe b G.Linton 1, b G.Linton 6
Byes 3, 3
Total 27, 34.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 28 November 1857 p8 Ploughing match
Oakington, Dry Drayton, Longstanton, and Westwick Ploughing Society. The society celebrated its sixth anniversary at Oakington, on Thursday last, Nov. 26, and the ploughing and draining matches came off in the neighbourhood of that village: the former on land of Mr. Henry Cole, twenty-five ploughs being entered and the latter in a field belonging Mr. W. Linton, in which eleven drainers competed. It will be remembered that last year several persons who attended the society's meetings spoke in no complimentary terms of the performance of the ploughing: on the present occasion it is gratifying to state, that the Judges alluded to it in terms of commendation, and being men of standing and judgment as agriculturists, their opinion is worth something. The following gentlemen were Judges—Mr. W. Dennis, Mr. Reynolds (Dry Drayton),and Mr. W. Huckle (Willingham) The dinner, of which about 40 gentlemen partook, took place at the Butchers' Aims; the Vicar of Oakington, the Rev. J. Buckley, presiding, and Mr. Phypers, of Dry Drayton, occupying the vice-chair. .......
Mr. Dennis read the judges' award, giving at length their opinion upon each man's work; and the labourers having been summoned, the following prizes were bestowed upon them:
PLOUGHING.
First Class.
1. M. Warboys, whose master is Mr Warboys, prize £1.5.0.
2. Wilmont, whose master is Mr Cole, prize 18/0
3. W. Ginn, whose master is Mr W. Linton, prize 12/0
4. W. Whitehead, whose master is Mr W.Phypers, prize 5/-
Second class.
1 W Lawrence, whose master is Mr H. Cole, prize £1.0.0.
2 J. Treavis, whose master is Mr W. Smith, prize 15/-
3 Jas. Doggett, whose master is Mr Doggett, prize 10/-
5= H. Radford, whose master is Mr H.Phypers, prize 4s
5= A. Metcalfe, whose master is Mr Fenn, prize 4s.
Boys' Class.
1. G. Anable, whose master is Mr. Swann, prize 6/-
2. W. Burton, whose master is Mr Achurch, prize 2/6d
3. J. Hopkins, whose master is Mr Cole, prize 2/6d
DRAINING.
1 T. Linford, whose master is Mr H.Cole, Prize 14/-
2. Carter, whose master is Mr. J. Doggett, Prize 12/6
3. Wilmont, whose master is Mr. J. Fenn, Prize 8/-
4. Smith, whose master is Mr. A. Phypers, Prize 5/-
5. Brickwood, whose master is Mr. Achurch, Prize 3/6d
Hopkins, commended, and received 2s6d.
The Chairman told the laborers that he hoped their success this year would spur them on further exertion; although this was probably the last occasion which he should see them in that capacity, he should be glad to hear of their success. Mr. Dennis also addressed to the men some clever observations upon the character of their work. Although they had made some improvement since the establishment of the Society, there was still great room for more; and as they were to live by the sweat of their brow, it was essential they should exert themselves as much as possible, if they wished to become useful to their employers. He gave them some advice with regard to "gearing" their ploughs, and cautioned them to treat their unsuccessful competitors with consideration, as another year they might be in the same position themselves. Mr. Dennis's remarks were evidently received in a spirit of thankfulness by the men and boys, who promised to endeavour to carry out his advice. They were then dismissed, and proceeded to enjoy themselves in the quarters provided for their accommodation.
The press report then lists a series of toasts and responses.
Cambridge Chronicle 30 January 1858, p4 Inquest of Child.
An inquest was held on Saturday last, at Dry Drayton, before Frederick Barlow, Esq, Coroner for the County, on view of the body of Edwin Binge, aged 6 years and a half, who had been that morning drowned in a pond in a field, in the occupation of his father. It appeared in evidence that about half an hour before it was known that the child was in the pond, he had been seen in the field with two other children, much younger than himself, and who it was impossible to receive as witnesses. The pond was covered with ice, and independently of the dipping place, there was another place where the ice had been broken, and it was presumed that he fell from the bank onto the ice at this point, and the ice giving way and the pond eight or ten feet deep he sank and was drowned, his body being found about midway between the two holes. There being no evidence to prove how he came into the water, the jury found an open verdict of found drowned.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 30 January 1858 p7 support for wife living in Dry Drayton.
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions. Dry Drayton. A Husband's Liabilities. Edward Bridgeford, an engine-driver, in the employ of Mr. Culledge, brewer, Southwark, London, was summoned by the Overseers of Dry Drayton, to shew cause why he should not increase a weekly allowance of 3s. 6d. to Esther, his wife, living with her mother, at Dry Drayton. Mr. Barlow (Magistrate's Clerk) appeared on behalf of the Guardians of the Chesterton Union, and said that the allowance made to the wife of the defendant not being sufficient, she had become chargeable to the parish of Dry Drayton. The Guardians were of the opinion that the defendant should allow his wife 5s. per week; but they did not wish to dictate to the Bench, being quite satisfied that justice would be done in the matter. Mr. Solomon, Borough-road, Southwark, appeared for the defendant, contending that the wife was not a competent witness. She could not give evidence against her husband, because she might criminate him, and for which the husband would be liable to be sent to prison for neglecting to maintain his wife. Mr. Barlow argued contrary, after which the Magistrates decided that the case could be heard. Esther Bridgeford, an elderly woman, stated that she was living with her mother at Dry Drayton. Her husband did not live with her; he lived in Queen Elizabeth-street, in the parish of St. John, Southwark, London, and was employed by Mr. Culledge, brewer, she believed as an engineer, at £2. per week. She had been married about thirty years, but she had not lived with her husband for the past twelve years. She had been allowed 3s. 6d. per week from her husband, but that was not sufficient to keep her; she had four children, but they were not living with her. Her youngest son was living with her father; the others were off hand. Mr. Solomon, in cross-examination, endeavoured to elicit from the witness that her conduct had been reproachful; that she had been a drunkard; that she pawned her husband's property that she left him on her own accord; that she consented to take 3s. per week when before Board of Guardians at Southwark, about ten years back, and that her mother turned her out because of her bad conduct. To all these questions, the witness gave a negative reply. Mr. Solomon submitted that the allowance was ample, and he could if he choose prove that the wife was not entitled to one shilling. The facts were, it appeared, that about ten years ago the wife made an application to the parish authorities in Southwark, and it was then agreed (the wife consenting) that 3s. per week should be allowed her. That sum was recently increased to 3s.6d. She had accused his client of living in adultery, but he (Mr. S.) could prove that there was no foundation for any such accusation; and even if it were that had nothing to do with the present inquiry. Her conduct had been that her mother had been obliged to turn her out. The house occupied by the husband was open to her, but she had deserted him. Edward Bridgeford the husband, stated that his wages were 30s per week. He had two children at home one fourteen, the other eleven: the eldest earned 9s per week His wife left him in July 1848. She was addicted to drinking, and used to pawn the household goods. She left witness on her own account. The wife: I could not live with you, because you used to bring other women home. The Husband: I deny it. There was a home for her if she liked to go to it. The Magistrates cleared the room for about half-an-hour, and upon the readmission of the public, the Bench decided that they should dismiss the application.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 10 July 1858 p2, sale of properties.
Dry Drayton, Cambridgeshire. To be sold by auction, by James Billet, at the Queen's Head public house Dry Drayton, on Friday, the 23rd of July, 1858 at Seven o’clock in the evening. The Following Estates in two lots.
Lot 1. All that piece of ground in Dry Drayton, consisting of an orchard and garden, and containing, with the site the Two Cottages standing thereon, 0a. 1r 22p,. The cottages and gardens are in the several occupations of Wm. Pratt and Wm. Badcock; and the Orchard is well planted with Fruit Trees, and is in the occupation of Mr T. Badcock. The Lot is Copyhold of the Manor of Crowland, Dry Drayton, aforesaid.
Lot 2. All that valuable Freehold Orchard, adjoining the set Lot, well planted with Fruit Trees, and containing with the Roadway, la. 1r. 28p., in the occupation of the said T. Badcock. The purchaser of this Lot is to Fence the roadside as Stumped and next the copyhold orchard.
For further particulars apply to Mr C.Margetts, solicitor or to the auctioneer, Huntingdon.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 21 August 1858 p8 Assault
Cambridge Division Petty Sessions. William Fynge of Dry Drayton charged William Sealey of the same place with assaulting him on the 7th inst. The assault was unprovoked the defendant being drunk. Fined 20s and costs 13s 6d. Paid.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 4 September 1858 p6 Harvest assault.
Dry Drayton.— Wm. Badcock was charged with assaulting William Impey, of the same place. It appeared that both men were at work in the harvest field, Badcock loading, and Impey pitching the sheaves on to the wain. Badcock complained of Impey not pitching the sheaves fast enough, and after the exchange of words, Badcock threatened his companion, and finally got down, assaulted him, and blacked his eye. Badcock was ordered to pay a fine of 5s. and 16s.6d. costs, and having threatened to "stop Impey's wind" if the last-named "pulled him," was ordered to find sureties to keep the peace.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 18 September 1858 p5 Livestock sale
Dry Drayton. To be sold by auction by Mann and Son on Friday October 1st 1858 at two o'clock in the afternoon punctually, the property of Mr William Phypers, who is relinquishing a portion of his occupation. Consisting of:
6 head of cow stock
6 useful cart horses
3 two year old cart colts and fillies.
90 long wool lambs
20 ditto ewes.
Catalogues may be obtained at the place of sale and of Mann and Son auctioneers, valuers and land agents, Hobson's Street, Cambridge.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 28 May 1859 p8 Poaching
Petty Sessions and Police Intelligence. Cambridge Division Petty Sessions, Dry Drayton. William Seaby, John Parsons, and Daniel Dilley, labourers of Dry Drayton, were charged with trespassing upon land in the occupation of Mr. Thos. Reynolds, in search of game, on Sunday, the 15th inst. Parsons and Dilley not appearing, the evidence against Seaby was first heard in his presence. George Kidman stated that he secreted himself in a ditch while the defendants passed by him. They had a dog with them, and he observed that the dog was enticed to run after hares, but he could not say whether they had a gun. Witness was positive to the defendants being the men he saw. Seaby, in defence, said the dog did not belong to him, and that he was about three furlongs off his companions. The magistrates fined Seaby 30s., and 16s. 6d. costs, or six weeks' imprisonment, with hard labour. The evidence against the other two defendants was similar, and in their absence they were each fined 2l. and 11s. costs.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 28 May 1859 p5 sale of the Black Horse.
List of lots described as "the estates of Richard Foster Esq deceased" to be sold by auction on 22nd June 1859 by Charles Wisby. These included the old established brewery in Thompsons Lane Cambridge with residences and fifty old licensed inns and public houses etc.
Lot 23 Dry Drayton, the Black Horse, tenement, blacksmith's shop and close about 13 and a half acres.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 25 June 1859 p4 sale of carpenter's shop and cottages.
Dry Drayton and Fulbourn. Cambs- For absolute sale. To be sold by auction, by Mann & Son. At the Bird Bolt Inn, Cambridge, This day (Saturday), Jan 25th 1859. At six o'clock the Evening. Three Stud and Thatch Cottages, large Brick and Tile Carpenter's Shop, and other Outbuildings, in the several occupations of Ansell Odams, and Huddlestone, and Two Clay and Slate Cottages, attached, in the occupation of Binge and another. The above Property stands on about One Acre capital Garden Ground, and is situate in the best part of the Village; producing annual rents, amounting to £47 15s., which are most punctually paid. Land-tax —.
N.B.—The property in Fulbourn announced for sale last in last week's paper has been disposed of by private contract.
Particulars may be obtained of JOSEPH GARRATT, Esq. Solicitor, St. Andrew's-street, and MANN & SON, Auctioneers. Hobson's-Street.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 16 July 1859 p8 Wedding
Silk - Summers. At Dry Drayton on the 12th instant, by the Rev William Smith, Mr John Silk, farmer, to Jane, eldest daughter of Mr William Summers of the above place.
Cambridge Independent Press - Saturday 23 July 1859 p2 assault
Cambridge Division. Saturday, July 16. Present: Major Pemberton, Alex Cotton, T. J. Ficklin, R. S. Wale, Esqrs., and Rev. J. Thornhill Dry Drayton.— George Dilley, labourer, of this village, was charged with assaulting William Impey, on the 6th instant. It appeared that Impey was not, at times, sane, when so afflicted, would challenge people to fight. — The Bench not being able to rely upon his evidence, dismissed the case.
Cambridge Chronicle 3rd September 1859 p5 Harvest treat to labourers on Scotland Farm.
On Thursday last, the 25th Inst, John Fenn Esq, the proprietor and occupier of the Scotland Farm, gave the labourers of his farm such a treat as they will not easily forget. He invited the men and their wives to take a trip to London by Railway, and having arrived at Kings Cross, there were two vans in readiness to convey the party to the principal places in London, including St Pauls, Westminster Abbey, etc etc. The party then proceeded to the Crystal Palace, where a substantial dinner of roast and plum pudding had been provided, to which, as may be supposed, ample justice was done. After perambulating the Palace and admiring all its beauties, they partook a refreshing cup of tea: they then gave three cheers for the Queen, three cheers for their master, and returned home highly delighted with the day’s excursion, and grateful to their munificent employer.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal - Saturday 10 September 1859 p8 damaging plum tree
Dry Drayton. Sarah Brickwood, married woman, was charged with doing wilful damage to a plum tree to the extent of Is., the property of William Heard. Defendant did not appear, but in her absence the case was proved, and the Bench inflicted a fine of 5s. and the damage (Is.) with the costs, making the total of £1 to pay.
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