150 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK (15th - 21st MARCH 1871)
This week's stories include the carter who came to grief in Thatto Heath, the iron foundry’s stay-away apprentice, the St Helens earthquake, the heartless husband from Peter Street who would not help his burning wife and the Ashton man who appeared to have killed his wife but could not be prosecuted.
We begin on the 15th with what was advertised as "A Grand Miscellaneous Concert (Under Distinguished Patronage)", which was held at Sutton National School in aid of the Church Choir Fund. The choir along with guest soloists performed on the night with tickets designated like train seats. First class ones cost 2s 6d; second class was 1 shilling and third class a tanner. What the difference was exactly wasn't specified, although I expect the more expensive seats were more comfortable and closer to the front – important when there was no amplification.
During the evening of the 17th an earthquake – that had its epicentre in North Lancashire / Yorkshire – was felt in St Helens. The Liverpool Mercury wrote that it had been "powerful enough to fill the timid with alarm, and to give some faint idea of the might of those subtle and mysterious influences which, working in the bowels of the of the earth, could produce results that might have been destructive both of life and property."
Writing more specifically about the effect in St Helens, the paper continued: "On Friday evening, about five minutes past eleven o'clock, an earthquake was distinctly felt in the town of St. Helen's, and the country round extending for some miles. There was a very slight upheaving, but a strong tremulous or shaking motion, sufficient as to alarm numbers of persons, and cause them to leave their beds to ascertain the cause of the strange disturbance. Many persons imagined, from shaking of the windows, that thieves were endeavouring to force entrances into their houses, while others thought that the strange feeling was produced from the settling down of some of the coalmines under the town. No serious damage is reported."
With hardly any public buildings in existence in St Helens, some pubs served as multi-purpose community venues. The Star Inn in Liverpool Road was used as a polling station and last year a council by-election had taken place there for the Eccleston ward that was won by a Mr Morton. Shortly afterwards this letter was published in the St Helens Newspaper: "Sir, Can nothing be done to put an end to the disgraceful practices resorted to at our Municipal Election? At the late election voters were brought in conveyances to the place of polling, and if they voted for Mr. Morton they were regaled with beer and other intoxicating drinks".
Many inquests were also held at the Star – although I doubt a case concerning a more heartless husband was ever heard at the pub than on the 18th. This account was published in the Wigan Observer: "An inquest was held at the Star Inn, Liverpool-road, St. Helens, on Saturday, on the body of a woman named Sarah Taylor, wife of James Taylor, glassmaker, of Peter-street. It appeared from the evidence given that the deceased woman, who was in delicate health, got out of bed some time on Tuesday morning and while on the floor allowed her nightdress to catch fire from the candle.
"Her cries alarmed the family, and her daughter quenched the burning garment, but not before the poor woman had suffered fearful injury, from the effects of which she died on Thursday. It appeared that the husband was awakened by some of the children when the accident occurred, but that he rendered no assistance, and it was shown that his conduct towards his wife and family has been heartless in the extreme. The jury returned verdict of “Accidental death,” and the coroner censored Taylor in the strongest terms."
In order to carry heavy weights and traverse the many poor roads in St Helens, cartwheels had to be large and strong and when fully loaded, the cart exerted enormous pressure on them. It would certainly bring tears to your eyes if a carter drove his vehicle over your foot! On the 20th one such individual called John Barker was driving his cart laden with coal along Elephant Lane in Thatto Heath (pictured above). Upon nearing the Vine Tavern, carter George Green driving a swifter horse attempted to overtake Barker's cart.
The latter took exception to being passed and attempted to block the road but in the melee got thrown to the ground. One of the wheels of his own cart proceeded to pass over his legs, breaking them both. Bystanders emptied the coal out of Barker's cart and placed him inside and took him to a doctor. Unless the man was enrolled in some form of insurance scheme from say, a friendly society, his family would now face a lengthy period without income until his legs healed.
Varley's family foundry began in Waterloo Street in 1837, the same year that Queen Victoria ascended the throne. When the works closed in 1990, the sixth generation of Varley's was running the business. In 1870 some of the workmen at the Waterloo Foundry decided to celebrate the 21st birthday of their boss's son by firing what the Prescot Reporter called a "rough sort of cannon". One shot didn't go off and when a boy called Joseph Howe stooped over the fuse it suddenly exploded, severely scorching his hands and face and possibly blinding him.
This week another young employee was in trouble. He was Henry Lindon, an apprentice to James Varley who was prosecuted "by his master" for staying away from his work. The magistrates ordered Lindon to return to his job and find a surety in the huge sum of £20 in order to complete his apprenticeship contract with his boss. Apprentices were bound to their jobs and could not leave for another position until they turned 21. Quite a number of lads received short prison sentences for not going to work and with the surety demand being so high, it seems quite probable that Lindon would have served some time.
The 1871 census was set to take place on April 2nd and the entry for Edward Walsh of Heath Lane in Ashton-in-Makerfield states his "condition" as widower. What the entry does not reveal is that the 35-year-old labourer had only recently lost his wife under circumstances that implicated him in her death. In fact Ellen had only died on March 21st and the Wigan Observer described the subsequent inquest and court hearing:
"On Friday an inquest was held at Ashton, before Mr. Driffield [coroner], on the body of a woman named Ellen Walsh, the wife of a collier named Edward Walsh, and who died on the 21st inst., under somewhat peculiar circumstances. On the 13th inst. deceased and another woman went to the house of a friend at Haydock, and when her husband returned home from work he found his wife in the house, but no dinner ready.
"An altercation took place, and there was evidence of some slight blows being struck by both parties. The husband and the lodgers then left the house, and returned about nine o’clock, when there was another altercation, which ended in the deceased running from the house and her husband following her. One of the men who hastened after them saw the woman lying on the ground at the end of the house, and the man standing besides her. She was assisted into the house of a neighbour, and then home to bed, where she gradually became worse, and died, as above stated, on the 21st inst.
"The jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, but whether this was caused by the violence of her husband there was no direct evidence to show. Walsh had been taken into custody pending the inquiry, and he was brought before Messrs. Lamb and T. Marshall, at the county police court, Wigan, on Monday.
"Mr. Lowe (the assistant magistrates' clerk) briefly stated to the justices the particulars of the case, and pointed out to them that, in face of the medical evidence, and of the fact that the jury had returned an open verdict, it would be almost impossible to obtain a conviction. The magistrates ordered that the prisoner be discharged." In the census there are no lodgers listed – which might reveal their distaste for living with a man who appeared responsible for his wife's death.
And finally, as a bonus item, breach of promise of marriage cases used to be very common. However like many court hearings, there could be different standards for the rich and poor. This week two wealthy families in Galway were involved in a breach of promise case and the extraordinary sum of £5,000 damages was awarded to a woman. To put that in context, many labourers would only earn £50 in a whole year. However a poor washerwoman living near Lincoln, who brought her own breach of promise case this week, was not so fortunate – as described by the Henley Advertiser:
"At the Lincoln Assizes the case of “Chantry v. Nix” has been tried, and was an action for breach of promise of marriage. The defendant is a small farmer and pig-killer, living at Rossley, and farming 22 acres of land. He is above 40 years of age, and the plaintiff is slightly younger, and has been employed by the defendant as washerwoman. Last year the defendant lost his wife. Soon after this he gave the plaintiff a shawl of his former wife as a remembrance of her. Three months afterwards he sent his housekeeper down to the plaintiff's cottage with a message to her to come and speak to him.
"On her arrival he told her not to get engaged for he meant to marry her as soon as convenient. She accepted his offer, and this was the contract relied upon by the plaintiff. Shortly after this he made her a present of a sucking pig. A very old woman who was called as a witness stated that on one occasion the defendant told her he was going to be married to the plaintiff.
"The old woman, who was a Calvinist, as well as the defendant, said to him that he “ought not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.” The plaintiff is a Churchwoman. The defendant was married to another person at the end of last year. He was called as a witness, and denied the promise. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff. – Damages, one farthing."
Next Week's stories will include the attempt to strangle a policeman in Sutton, the end of the road for Laffak Colliery, the Eccleston woman who said she stole a shawl as a joke and the deadly chemical works in St Helens.
We begin on the 15th with what was advertised as "A Grand Miscellaneous Concert (Under Distinguished Patronage)", which was held at Sutton National School in aid of the Church Choir Fund. The choir along with guest soloists performed on the night with tickets designated like train seats. First class ones cost 2s 6d; second class was 1 shilling and third class a tanner. What the difference was exactly wasn't specified, although I expect the more expensive seats were more comfortable and closer to the front – important when there was no amplification.
During the evening of the 17th an earthquake – that had its epicentre in North Lancashire / Yorkshire – was felt in St Helens. The Liverpool Mercury wrote that it had been "powerful enough to fill the timid with alarm, and to give some faint idea of the might of those subtle and mysterious influences which, working in the bowels of the of the earth, could produce results that might have been destructive both of life and property."
Writing more specifically about the effect in St Helens, the paper continued: "On Friday evening, about five minutes past eleven o'clock, an earthquake was distinctly felt in the town of St. Helen's, and the country round extending for some miles. There was a very slight upheaving, but a strong tremulous or shaking motion, sufficient as to alarm numbers of persons, and cause them to leave their beds to ascertain the cause of the strange disturbance. Many persons imagined, from shaking of the windows, that thieves were endeavouring to force entrances into their houses, while others thought that the strange feeling was produced from the settling down of some of the coalmines under the town. No serious damage is reported."
With hardly any public buildings in existence in St Helens, some pubs served as multi-purpose community venues. The Star Inn in Liverpool Road was used as a polling station and last year a council by-election had taken place there for the Eccleston ward that was won by a Mr Morton. Shortly afterwards this letter was published in the St Helens Newspaper: "Sir, Can nothing be done to put an end to the disgraceful practices resorted to at our Municipal Election? At the late election voters were brought in conveyances to the place of polling, and if they voted for Mr. Morton they were regaled with beer and other intoxicating drinks".
Many inquests were also held at the Star – although I doubt a case concerning a more heartless husband was ever heard at the pub than on the 18th. This account was published in the Wigan Observer: "An inquest was held at the Star Inn, Liverpool-road, St. Helens, on Saturday, on the body of a woman named Sarah Taylor, wife of James Taylor, glassmaker, of Peter-street. It appeared from the evidence given that the deceased woman, who was in delicate health, got out of bed some time on Tuesday morning and while on the floor allowed her nightdress to catch fire from the candle.
"Her cries alarmed the family, and her daughter quenched the burning garment, but not before the poor woman had suffered fearful injury, from the effects of which she died on Thursday. It appeared that the husband was awakened by some of the children when the accident occurred, but that he rendered no assistance, and it was shown that his conduct towards his wife and family has been heartless in the extreme. The jury returned verdict of “Accidental death,” and the coroner censored Taylor in the strongest terms."
The latter took exception to being passed and attempted to block the road but in the melee got thrown to the ground. One of the wheels of his own cart proceeded to pass over his legs, breaking them both. Bystanders emptied the coal out of Barker's cart and placed him inside and took him to a doctor. Unless the man was enrolled in some form of insurance scheme from say, a friendly society, his family would now face a lengthy period without income until his legs healed.
Varley's family foundry began in Waterloo Street in 1837, the same year that Queen Victoria ascended the throne. When the works closed in 1990, the sixth generation of Varley's was running the business. In 1870 some of the workmen at the Waterloo Foundry decided to celebrate the 21st birthday of their boss's son by firing what the Prescot Reporter called a "rough sort of cannon". One shot didn't go off and when a boy called Joseph Howe stooped over the fuse it suddenly exploded, severely scorching his hands and face and possibly blinding him.
This week another young employee was in trouble. He was Henry Lindon, an apprentice to James Varley who was prosecuted "by his master" for staying away from his work. The magistrates ordered Lindon to return to his job and find a surety in the huge sum of £20 in order to complete his apprenticeship contract with his boss. Apprentices were bound to their jobs and could not leave for another position until they turned 21. Quite a number of lads received short prison sentences for not going to work and with the surety demand being so high, it seems quite probable that Lindon would have served some time.
The 1871 census was set to take place on April 2nd and the entry for Edward Walsh of Heath Lane in Ashton-in-Makerfield states his "condition" as widower. What the entry does not reveal is that the 35-year-old labourer had only recently lost his wife under circumstances that implicated him in her death. In fact Ellen had only died on March 21st and the Wigan Observer described the subsequent inquest and court hearing:
"On Friday an inquest was held at Ashton, before Mr. Driffield [coroner], on the body of a woman named Ellen Walsh, the wife of a collier named Edward Walsh, and who died on the 21st inst., under somewhat peculiar circumstances. On the 13th inst. deceased and another woman went to the house of a friend at Haydock, and when her husband returned home from work he found his wife in the house, but no dinner ready.
"An altercation took place, and there was evidence of some slight blows being struck by both parties. The husband and the lodgers then left the house, and returned about nine o’clock, when there was another altercation, which ended in the deceased running from the house and her husband following her. One of the men who hastened after them saw the woman lying on the ground at the end of the house, and the man standing besides her. She was assisted into the house of a neighbour, and then home to bed, where she gradually became worse, and died, as above stated, on the 21st inst.
"The jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, but whether this was caused by the violence of her husband there was no direct evidence to show. Walsh had been taken into custody pending the inquiry, and he was brought before Messrs. Lamb and T. Marshall, at the county police court, Wigan, on Monday.
"Mr. Lowe (the assistant magistrates' clerk) briefly stated to the justices the particulars of the case, and pointed out to them that, in face of the medical evidence, and of the fact that the jury had returned an open verdict, it would be almost impossible to obtain a conviction. The magistrates ordered that the prisoner be discharged." In the census there are no lodgers listed – which might reveal their distaste for living with a man who appeared responsible for his wife's death.
And finally, as a bonus item, breach of promise of marriage cases used to be very common. However like many court hearings, there could be different standards for the rich and poor. This week two wealthy families in Galway were involved in a breach of promise case and the extraordinary sum of £5,000 damages was awarded to a woman. To put that in context, many labourers would only earn £50 in a whole year. However a poor washerwoman living near Lincoln, who brought her own breach of promise case this week, was not so fortunate – as described by the Henley Advertiser:
"At the Lincoln Assizes the case of “Chantry v. Nix” has been tried, and was an action for breach of promise of marriage. The defendant is a small farmer and pig-killer, living at Rossley, and farming 22 acres of land. He is above 40 years of age, and the plaintiff is slightly younger, and has been employed by the defendant as washerwoman. Last year the defendant lost his wife. Soon after this he gave the plaintiff a shawl of his former wife as a remembrance of her. Three months afterwards he sent his housekeeper down to the plaintiff's cottage with a message to her to come and speak to him.
"On her arrival he told her not to get engaged for he meant to marry her as soon as convenient. She accepted his offer, and this was the contract relied upon by the plaintiff. Shortly after this he made her a present of a sucking pig. A very old woman who was called as a witness stated that on one occasion the defendant told her he was going to be married to the plaintiff.
"The old woman, who was a Calvinist, as well as the defendant, said to him that he “ought not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.” The plaintiff is a Churchwoman. The defendant was married to another person at the end of last year. He was called as a witness, and denied the promise. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff. – Damages, one farthing."
Next Week's stories will include the attempt to strangle a policeman in Sutton, the end of the road for Laffak Colliery, the Eccleston woman who said she stole a shawl as a joke and the deadly chemical works in St Helens.
This week's stories include the carter who came to grief in Thatto Heath, the iron foundry’s stay-away apprentice, the St Helens earthquake, the heartless husband from Peter Street who would not help his burning wife and the Ashton man who appeared to have killed his wife but could not be prosecuted.
We begin on the 15th with what was advertised as "A Grand Miscellaneous Concert (Under Distinguished Patronage)", which was held at Sutton National School in aid of the Church Choir Fund.
The choir along with guest soloists performed on the night with tickets designated like train seats. First class ones cost 2s 6d; second class was 1 shilling and third class a tanner.
What the difference was exactly wasn't specified, although I expect the more expensive seats were more comfortable and closer to the front – important when there was no amplification.
During the evening of the 17th an earthquake – that had its epicentre in North Lancashire / Yorkshire – was felt in St Helens.
The Liverpool Mercury wrote that it had been "powerful enough to fill the timid with alarm, and to give some faint idea of the might of those subtle and mysterious influences which, working in the bowels of the of the earth, could produce results that might have been destructive both of life and property."
Writing more specifically about the effect in St Helens, the paper continued:
"On Friday evening, about five minutes past eleven o'clock, an earthquake was distinctly felt in the town of St. Helen's, and the country round extending for some miles.
"There was a very slight upheaving, but a strong tremulous or shaking motion, sufficient as to alarm numbers of persons, and cause them to leave their beds to ascertain the cause of the strange disturbance.
"Many persons imagined, from shaking of the windows, that thieves were endeavouring to force entrances into their houses, while others thought that the strange feeling was produced from the settling down of some of the coalmines under the town. No serious damage is reported."
With hardly any public buildings in existence in St Helens, some pubs served as multi-purpose community venues.
The Star Inn in Liverpool Road was used as a polling station and last year a council by-election had taken place there for the Eccleston ward that was won by a Mr Morton. Shortly afterwards this letter was published in the St Helens Newspaper:
"Sir, Can nothing be done to put an end to the disgraceful practices resorted to at our Municipal Election? At the late election voters were brought in conveyances to the place of polling, and if they voted for Mr. Morton they were regaled with beer and other intoxicating drinks".
Many inquests were also held at the Star – although I doubt a case concerning a more heartless husband was ever heard at the pub than on the 18th. This account was published in the Wigan Observer:
"An inquest was held at the Star Inn, Liverpool-road, St. Helens, on Saturday, on the body of a woman named Sarah Taylor, wife of James Taylor, glassmaker, of Peter-street.
"It appeared from the evidence given that the deceased woman, who was in delicate health, got out of bed some time on Tuesday morning and while on the floor allowed her nightdress to catch fire from the candle.
"Her cries alarmed the family, and her daughter quenched the burning garment, but not before the poor woman had suffered fearful injury, from the effects of which she died on Thursday.
"It appeared that the husband was awakened by some of the children when the accident occurred, but that he rendered no assistance, and it was shown that his conduct towards his wife and family has been heartless in the extreme.
"The jury returned verdict of “Accidental death,” and the coroner censored Taylor in the strongest terms."
In order to carry heavy weights and traverse the many poor roads in St Helens, cartwheels had to be large and strong and when fully loaded, the cart exerted enormous pressure on them.
It would certainly bring tears to your eyes if a carter drove his vehicle over your foot!
On the 20th one such individual called John Barker was driving his cart laden with coal along Elephant Lane in Thatto Heath (pictured above).
Upon nearing the Vine Tavern, carter George Green driving a swifter horse attempted to overtake Barker's cart.
The latter took exception to being passed and attempted to block the road but in the melee got thrown to the ground.
One of the wheels of his own cart proceeded to pass over his legs, breaking them both.
Bystanders emptied the coal out of Barker's cart and placed him inside and took him to a doctor.
Unless the man was enrolled in some form of insurance scheme from say, a friendly society, his family would now face a lengthy period without income until his legs healed.
Varley's family foundry began in Waterloo Street in 1837, the same year that Queen Victoria ascended the throne.
When the works closed in 1990, the sixth generation of Varley's was running the business.
In 1870 some of the workmen at the Waterloo Foundry decided to celebrate the 21st birthday of their boss's son by firing what the Prescot Reporter called a "rough sort of cannon".
One shot didn't go off and when a boy called Joseph Howe stooped over the fuse it suddenly exploded, severely scorching his hands and face and possibly blinding him.
This week another young employee was in trouble. He was Henry Lindon, an apprentice to James Varley who was prosecuted "by his master" for staying away from his work.
The magistrates ordered Lindon to return to his job and find a surety in the huge sum of £20 in order to complete his apprenticeship contract with his boss.
Apprentices were bound to their jobs and could not leave for another position until they turned 21.
Quite a number of lads received short prison sentences for not going to work and with the surety demand being so high, it seems quite probable that Lindon would have served some time.
The 1871 census was set to take place on April 2nd and the entry for Edward Walsh of Heath Lane in Ashton-in-Makerfield states his "condition" as widower.
What the entry does not reveal is that the 35-year-old labourer had only recently lost his wife under circumstances that implicated him in her death.
In fact Ellen had only died on March 21st and the Wigan Observer described the subsequent inquest and court hearing:
"On Friday an inquest was held at Ashton, before Mr. Driffield [coroner], on the body of a woman named Ellen Walsh, the wife of a collier named Edward Walsh, and who died on the 21st inst., under somewhat peculiar circumstances.
"On the 13th inst. deceased and another woman went to the house of a friend at Haydock, and when her husband returned home from work he found his wife in the house, but no dinner ready.
"An altercation took place, and there was evidence of some slight blows being struck by both parties.
"The husband and the lodgers then left the house, and returned about nine o’clock, when there was another altercation, which ended in the deceased running from the house and her husband following her.
"One of the men who hastened after them saw the woman lying on the ground at the end of the house, and the man standing besides her.
"She was assisted into the house of a neighbour, and then home to bed, where she gradually became worse, and died, as above stated, on the 21st inst.
"The jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, but whether this was caused by the violence of her husband there was no direct evidence to show.
"Walsh had been taken into custody pending the inquiry, and he was brought before Messrs. Lamb and T. Marshall, at the county police court, Wigan, on Monday.
"Mr. Lowe (the assistant magistrates' clerk) briefly stated to the justices the particulars of the case, and pointed out to them that, in face of the medical evidence, and of the fact that the jury had returned an open verdict, it would be almost impossible to obtain a conviction. The magistrates ordered that the prisoner be discharged."
In the census there are no lodgers listed – which might reveal their distaste for living with a man who appeared responsible for his wife's death.
And finally, as a bonus item, breach of promise of marriage cases used to be very common.
However like many court hearings, there could be different standards for the rich and poor.
This week two wealthy families in Galway were involved in a breach of promise case and the extraordinary sum of £5,000 damages was awarded to a woman.
To put that in context, many labourers would only earn £50 in a whole year.
However a poor washerwoman living near Lincoln, who brought her own breach of promise case this week, was not so fortunate – as described by the Henley Advertiser:
"At the Lincoln Assizes the case of “Chantry v. Nix” has been tried, and was an action for breach of promise of marriage.
"The defendant is a small farmer and pig-killer, living at Rossley, and farming 22 acres of land.
"He is above 40 years of age, and the plaintiff is slightly younger, and has been employed by the defendant as washerwoman.
"Last year the defendant lost his wife. Soon after this he gave the plaintiff a shawl of his former wife as a remembrance of her.
"Three months afterwards he sent his housekeeper down to the plaintiff's cottage with a message to her to come and speak to him.
"On her arrival he told her not to get engaged for he meant to marry her as soon as convenient.
"She accepted his offer, and this was the contract relied upon by the plaintiff. Shortly after this he made her a present of a sucking pig.
"A very old woman who was called as a witness stated that on one occasion the defendant told her he was going to be married to the plaintiff.
"The old woman, who was a Calvinist, as well as the defendant, said to him that he “ought not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.” The plaintiff is a Churchwoman.
"The defendant was married to another person at the end of last year. He was called as a witness, and denied the promise.
"The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff. – Damages, one farthing."
Next Week's stories will include the attempt to strangle a policeman in Sutton, the end of the road for Laffak Colliery, the Eccleston woman who said she stole a shawl as a joke and the deadly chemical works in St Helens.
We begin on the 15th with what was advertised as "A Grand Miscellaneous Concert (Under Distinguished Patronage)", which was held at Sutton National School in aid of the Church Choir Fund.
The choir along with guest soloists performed on the night with tickets designated like train seats. First class ones cost 2s 6d; second class was 1 shilling and third class a tanner.
What the difference was exactly wasn't specified, although I expect the more expensive seats were more comfortable and closer to the front – important when there was no amplification.
During the evening of the 17th an earthquake – that had its epicentre in North Lancashire / Yorkshire – was felt in St Helens.
The Liverpool Mercury wrote that it had been "powerful enough to fill the timid with alarm, and to give some faint idea of the might of those subtle and mysterious influences which, working in the bowels of the of the earth, could produce results that might have been destructive both of life and property."
Writing more specifically about the effect in St Helens, the paper continued:
"On Friday evening, about five minutes past eleven o'clock, an earthquake was distinctly felt in the town of St. Helen's, and the country round extending for some miles.
"There was a very slight upheaving, but a strong tremulous or shaking motion, sufficient as to alarm numbers of persons, and cause them to leave their beds to ascertain the cause of the strange disturbance.
"Many persons imagined, from shaking of the windows, that thieves were endeavouring to force entrances into their houses, while others thought that the strange feeling was produced from the settling down of some of the coalmines under the town. No serious damage is reported."
With hardly any public buildings in existence in St Helens, some pubs served as multi-purpose community venues.
The Star Inn in Liverpool Road was used as a polling station and last year a council by-election had taken place there for the Eccleston ward that was won by a Mr Morton. Shortly afterwards this letter was published in the St Helens Newspaper:
"Sir, Can nothing be done to put an end to the disgraceful practices resorted to at our Municipal Election? At the late election voters were brought in conveyances to the place of polling, and if they voted for Mr. Morton they were regaled with beer and other intoxicating drinks".
Many inquests were also held at the Star – although I doubt a case concerning a more heartless husband was ever heard at the pub than on the 18th. This account was published in the Wigan Observer:
"An inquest was held at the Star Inn, Liverpool-road, St. Helens, on Saturday, on the body of a woman named Sarah Taylor, wife of James Taylor, glassmaker, of Peter-street.
"It appeared from the evidence given that the deceased woman, who was in delicate health, got out of bed some time on Tuesday morning and while on the floor allowed her nightdress to catch fire from the candle.
"Her cries alarmed the family, and her daughter quenched the burning garment, but not before the poor woman had suffered fearful injury, from the effects of which she died on Thursday.
"It appeared that the husband was awakened by some of the children when the accident occurred, but that he rendered no assistance, and it was shown that his conduct towards his wife and family has been heartless in the extreme.
"The jury returned verdict of “Accidental death,” and the coroner censored Taylor in the strongest terms."
In order to carry heavy weights and traverse the many poor roads in St Helens, cartwheels had to be large and strong and when fully loaded, the cart exerted enormous pressure on them.
It would certainly bring tears to your eyes if a carter drove his vehicle over your foot!
Upon nearing the Vine Tavern, carter George Green driving a swifter horse attempted to overtake Barker's cart.
The latter took exception to being passed and attempted to block the road but in the melee got thrown to the ground.
One of the wheels of his own cart proceeded to pass over his legs, breaking them both.
Bystanders emptied the coal out of Barker's cart and placed him inside and took him to a doctor.
Unless the man was enrolled in some form of insurance scheme from say, a friendly society, his family would now face a lengthy period without income until his legs healed.
Varley's family foundry began in Waterloo Street in 1837, the same year that Queen Victoria ascended the throne.
When the works closed in 1990, the sixth generation of Varley's was running the business.
In 1870 some of the workmen at the Waterloo Foundry decided to celebrate the 21st birthday of their boss's son by firing what the Prescot Reporter called a "rough sort of cannon".
One shot didn't go off and when a boy called Joseph Howe stooped over the fuse it suddenly exploded, severely scorching his hands and face and possibly blinding him.
This week another young employee was in trouble. He was Henry Lindon, an apprentice to James Varley who was prosecuted "by his master" for staying away from his work.
The magistrates ordered Lindon to return to his job and find a surety in the huge sum of £20 in order to complete his apprenticeship contract with his boss.
Apprentices were bound to their jobs and could not leave for another position until they turned 21.
Quite a number of lads received short prison sentences for not going to work and with the surety demand being so high, it seems quite probable that Lindon would have served some time.
The 1871 census was set to take place on April 2nd and the entry for Edward Walsh of Heath Lane in Ashton-in-Makerfield states his "condition" as widower.
What the entry does not reveal is that the 35-year-old labourer had only recently lost his wife under circumstances that implicated him in her death.
In fact Ellen had only died on March 21st and the Wigan Observer described the subsequent inquest and court hearing:
"On Friday an inquest was held at Ashton, before Mr. Driffield [coroner], on the body of a woman named Ellen Walsh, the wife of a collier named Edward Walsh, and who died on the 21st inst., under somewhat peculiar circumstances.
"On the 13th inst. deceased and another woman went to the house of a friend at Haydock, and when her husband returned home from work he found his wife in the house, but no dinner ready.
"An altercation took place, and there was evidence of some slight blows being struck by both parties.
"The husband and the lodgers then left the house, and returned about nine o’clock, when there was another altercation, which ended in the deceased running from the house and her husband following her.
"One of the men who hastened after them saw the woman lying on the ground at the end of the house, and the man standing besides her.
"She was assisted into the house of a neighbour, and then home to bed, where she gradually became worse, and died, as above stated, on the 21st inst.
"The jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, but whether this was caused by the violence of her husband there was no direct evidence to show.
"Walsh had been taken into custody pending the inquiry, and he was brought before Messrs. Lamb and T. Marshall, at the county police court, Wigan, on Monday.
"Mr. Lowe (the assistant magistrates' clerk) briefly stated to the justices the particulars of the case, and pointed out to them that, in face of the medical evidence, and of the fact that the jury had returned an open verdict, it would be almost impossible to obtain a conviction. The magistrates ordered that the prisoner be discharged."
In the census there are no lodgers listed – which might reveal their distaste for living with a man who appeared responsible for his wife's death.
And finally, as a bonus item, breach of promise of marriage cases used to be very common.
However like many court hearings, there could be different standards for the rich and poor.
This week two wealthy families in Galway were involved in a breach of promise case and the extraordinary sum of £5,000 damages was awarded to a woman.
To put that in context, many labourers would only earn £50 in a whole year.
However a poor washerwoman living near Lincoln, who brought her own breach of promise case this week, was not so fortunate – as described by the Henley Advertiser:
"At the Lincoln Assizes the case of “Chantry v. Nix” has been tried, and was an action for breach of promise of marriage.
"The defendant is a small farmer and pig-killer, living at Rossley, and farming 22 acres of land.
"He is above 40 years of age, and the plaintiff is slightly younger, and has been employed by the defendant as washerwoman.
"Last year the defendant lost his wife. Soon after this he gave the plaintiff a shawl of his former wife as a remembrance of her.
"Three months afterwards he sent his housekeeper down to the plaintiff's cottage with a message to her to come and speak to him.
"On her arrival he told her not to get engaged for he meant to marry her as soon as convenient.
"She accepted his offer, and this was the contract relied upon by the plaintiff. Shortly after this he made her a present of a sucking pig.
"A very old woman who was called as a witness stated that on one occasion the defendant told her he was going to be married to the plaintiff.
"The old woman, who was a Calvinist, as well as the defendant, said to him that he “ought not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.” The plaintiff is a Churchwoman.
"The defendant was married to another person at the end of last year. He was called as a witness, and denied the promise.
"The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff. – Damages, one farthing."
Next Week's stories will include the attempt to strangle a policeman in Sutton, the end of the road for Laffak Colliery, the Eccleston woman who said she stole a shawl as a joke and the deadly chemical works in St Helens.