MISCELLANIOUS
1830: "The
Pleasure Fair
was anything but pleasant. We never remember seeing the Forbury in such
a state as it was on Tuesday - not a part but was ancle [sic] high in
mud. There were Wombwell's and Atkins's Menageries, Samwell's Theatre,
and a host of other shows, and dancing booths; but owing to the
dreadful state of the ground they must have met with very little
encouragement. Wednesday, however, the weather was more favourable, and
the Forbury presenting a cleaner appearance, the pleasure seeking
visitors were enabled to gratify their inclinations" ( Reading
Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Newspaper,
27 Sept 1830, p 3).
1837: Windsor Fair: "The
menagerie of Mr. Wombwell, and the exhibition of waxworks by Mrs.
Ewing, were the most attractive in the fair . . ( Windsor & Eton Express, 28 Oct
1837)
1840: Cambridge
Midsummer Fair: "The pleasure
fair was but thinly
attended, and, to judge from the disconsolate countenances of the poor
stall-keepers, we should imagine that gingerbread, nuts, wood-horses,
penny-whips, tin trumpets, &c., met a heavy sale. There are but one
or two shows, in which are to be seen mechanical figures and clever
monkeys; Mrs. Samwell's riding-school stands in a prominent place, but
unfortunately for her, Mr. Batty was first on the field. The London
dancing booth, we hear, is shorter both in length and company; it is
the worst fair remembered for many years, and the rain last night was
not calculated to enliven the depressed spirits of the stall-keepers.
We must not omit to mention that among the vast number of disgusting
drinking booths which literally surrounded the fair, is one conspicuous
above the rest, kept by a shallow-pated Tory, with a very large banner
inside, on which is written in large letters, "Church and State," this
bright trick is on "speculation" of attracting the intellectual mob who
frequent such haunts. If to-day proves fine, probably there will be an
influx of company at the fair." (The Cambridge Independent Press,
27 June 1840, p 3).
1851 (November): "Jeremiah Wombwell (the animal showman) died in his
caravan at Richmond, aged 73" (Chronlogical
Calendar of 1850: Weekly
Dispatch, January 5, 1851, p 3).
1862: Alarming
Accident in a
Menagerie: Macomo, "the African
lion tamer", well known throughout England in connexion with Mander's
menageries, is now confied to his bed at Norwich, having met with
rather an alarming accident a few days since while going through some
of his performances. It appears that Macomo, who is a very intelligent
and couragous African, was engaged in representing a lion and tiger
hunt when a young lion suddenly reared and caught him by the shoulders.
Macomo had a spangled dress on, or probably the performance would have
been his last; as it was, he was dragged down and the lion fastened
upon his left hand. Macomo, however happily slipped and fell under the
lion near the railing of the large den in which the "hunt" had been
represented; and his assailant being beaten off with an iron rod, he
was quickly released from his critical position. It was then found that
he had been severely bitten in the hand, and part of the fore finger
has been amputated. Macomo (who was bitten in the leg by a lioness
while exhibiting in Norwich two years since) is now progessing
favourably. (The Times,
6 Jan 1862)
1862: Kingston, Ireland: FEARFUL SCENE - HEROIC
CONDUCT: As Bell's troupe of equestrians were proceeding through
George's-street, Kingstown, on Tuesday, previous to the mid-day
performance, a man named Kelly, a shoemaker, incautiously got too near
the van containing the lions, for the purpose of teasing them, when one
of the beasts caught his arm in her talons and dragged it into the
cage, lacerating it in a fearful manner—literally tearing all the flesh
away from the shoulder downwards. The lion also clutched at his face.
It was a fearful moment of suspense—the people about the cage were
bewildered, and totally powerless to render the least assistance. Mr.
Batty, the great lion tamer, seeing how matters stood, rushed boldly
into the cage, and beat the brute with a loaded whip which he carried,
and succeeded in forcing the lioness to let go her prey. But for Mr.
Batty's intrepid conduct and timely assistance, the unfortunate man
would have been torn to piece [sic]. To save the man's life it was
deemed necessary to amputate the arm. (The Cork Examiner,
18 July 1862)
1862: “Hull Police Court: Breach of The-Bye-Law: Caroline Hough
was summoned for a breach of the bye-law, by erecting a swing-boat in
Osborne-street which projected 18 feet across the carriage-raod.
Judgement was respited on payment of costs (Hull Packet& East
Riding Times, 17 Oct 1862)
1863: Glasgow: Public Sale. Messrs. Hutchison & Dixon will sell by
Public Auction, at Jail Square, on Wednesday, 5th August at Twelve
o’clock Noon, the whole WOOD MATERIAL of SWALLOWS CIRCUS consisting of
Battens, 6 X 2.5 inch ; Planks 12 feet X 9 X 1.5 inch ; Do.,12 feet X 7
X 2 inch ; Scantling, 3 X 1.5 inch, and ? Sarking ; also, Ceiling
Joists and Spars of Yellow Pine, 6 X 2.5. various lengths ; and Drum
Batten Flooring. Glasgow, 30th July, 1863. (Glasgow Herald, 31
July 1863 ; Issue 7350)
1869: "Mr. James Cooke, the equestrian circus proprietor, died at
Portobello
on Sunday. He retired from the profession in 1856, and has since
resided in Edinburgh" (Penny
Illustrated, 11 Sept 1869)
1870: “Marriages: WILLIAMS - HOUGH – Aug. 17 th, at Bradford parish
church, Mr. Randall Williams to Miss Mary Ann Hough, both of Bowling.” (The Leeds Mercury, 18 Aug 1870)
1874: Grantham Fair:
"The
pleasure fair was very largely attended, the splendid weather
attracting unusual numbers of pleasure-seekers. The Female Christy
Minstrels had crowded houses nightly, and exhibitions of waxwork,
marionettes, and many minor shows did an excellent business. Lawrence's
theatre closed a month's season on Wednesday night, having done very
well, which term will also apply to the bazaars and attractions
generally." (Stamford
Mercury: Grantham section: 27 March 1874).
1877: Penrith Hiring
Fair: "The half-yearly hirings were held
here on Tuesday. The day was fine
though cold for the time of year. Numerically, all classes of servants
were well represented, and there was also a good attendance of
employers. The average wages were: Best men for the half year,
£20, with board and lodging; good men, from £17 to
£18; lads from 15 to 17 years of age, £10 to £16;
younger and second class lads, £7 to £9. First class women
obtained from £9 to £12; second class from £7 to
£8 10s; girls £7 to £5. The influx of visitors was
great for whom there was a variety of amusements in the shape of what
was presumptuously called "Wombwell's A1 Menagerie," ghost and
monstrosity shows, a third rate circus, &c., &c. In the evening
the dancing "lofts" were pretty well filled. The lynx-eyed sergeant in
the afternoon detected a professional pickpocket, who had apparently
done a good stroke of business, and on Wednesday she was awarded three
months condign punishment." (Penrith
Herald, 26 May 1877)
1878: “Died at Nottingham, on the 12th inst., Thomas, the son of
Britton and Elizabeth Pettigrove (Marionette Proprietors)” (The Era, 20 Jan 1878)
1882: Worship-Street Police
Court, London: Showmen James Chittock and Stephen Lyons
found themselves in front of Mr. Walker who was prosecuting on behalf
of the parish authority: “Police-Constable John Kent, 36 G.R. said that
on Tuesday, March 21, he kept observation on a waste piece of ground in
Ivy-lane [Hoxton], where a temporary building had been erected. A large
hand-organ and two drums were being played outside the building till a
quarter past eight, when a performance by dogs and monkeys was
commenced inside. . . On the 24 th, the organ and one drum were used,
and a similar performance by the dogs was gone through. A large crowd
occupied the grounds, and very bad language was used. There were
several swings in the grounds, and the people about them shouted and
made a great deal of noise. The prisoners were at the doors of the
building and near the swings taking money. Inspector Parker of the G.
Division said he visited the place on the night of Saturday, March 25.
He saw the prisoner Chittock putting some dogs through a performance.
The organ was being played and one trick consisted of a dance by
Chittock with a French poodle. Ultimately the case was remanded for
formal proof that the prisoners did not hold a music and dancing
license.” (A Showman’s
Troubles, Penny Illustrated,
8 April 1882).
Death of William Sedgewick age 5 months who died "from injuries
sustained through upsetting a paraffin lamp" at the World's Fair,
Agricultural-hall, Inslington (The
Times, 31 Dec 1884)
1885:
Adjudications in London: Cooke,
Alfred Eugene Godolphine
(trading as Cooke Brothers) Dane-road, Sale, Manchester, and Liverpool,
lately trading with J. H. Cooke and H. W. Cooke as Cooke Brothers,
circus proprietors. (The Times,
27 June 1885, p 12)
1885: “Anthony Cunningham (40) a showman travelling with his
Caravan from Middlesbrough to Guisbrough in order to attend a fair at
the latter place . . . (Sad
Death of Showman, Northern
Echo, 27 April 1885)
1885: Death of “Minnie, the daughter of Jacob-Jewell, the old
Israelite showman whose death was announced in September last year (The Era, 3 Oct 1885)
1886: "World's Fair at
Bingley Hall:
Under the
expansive denomination of the "World's
Fair," an exhibition
and entertainment opened at Bingley Hall last night and embraces one of
the most varied shows of the Barnum type that has ever appeared in
Birmingham. The proprietors of the "show" are Messrs. J. Birkett and
Randall Williams, and the general management of the affair is
undertaken by Mr. John Maitland. The show includes almost everything
embraced in a huge fair, from a first-class menagerie to the usual
appartenances of shooting galleries, giants, and boxing booths.
The
most interesting section of the show is that which is occupied by the
collection of animals known by the name of Bostock and Wombwell's
menagerie, and comprising excellent specimens from various parts of the
globe. . . . One of the chief items of
attraction was the optical
exhibition by Mr. Randal Williams, the entertainment last night
consisting of a very clever performance of "Faust". The shooting
galleries and kindred things are arranged in rows across the hall, and
at the entrance is a large contrivance comprised of "sixty galloping
horses," worked on an improved system. In the centre of the circle of
horses a splendid" operatic organ," by Gavioli, of Paris is fixed, and
during the performances plays selections fom popular operas. Around the
organ a number of figures are fixed representing the different
nationalities of the world. In addition to the above-mentioned
attractions several curiosities are on view, including the Headless
Man, the Giant Boy (15 years of age, and 6ft, 7in. high), the Great
Soldier Giant, Thauma, a huge Shark, and a variety of other
novelties."
(Birmingham
Daily Post, 25 Dec 1886. Provided
by Birmingham Central Library,
Chamberlain Sq Birmingham).
1886: "The death is announced at Brixton, at an advanced age, of Mr.
William
Cooke, the equestrian, for some years proprietor of Astley's
Amphitheatre. For several years in his earlier equestrian life, William
Cooke and his brother Thomas, were the principal circus proprietors in
Manchesters and other Lancashire towns." (The Manchester Guardian, 12 May
1886)
1887: "Died at Planen, Saxony, May 5th, of imflammation of the
lungs, Henry Manley, late circus proprietor, deeply regretted. (The Era, 18 May 1887)
1888: Greenock Fair: Assaulting
a Showman: At the Police Court
this forenoon -- before Bailie Shearer -- a young man named Dominick
Divitt was find 21s or ten days imprisonment for having assaulted
Nicolas Salamansky within his exhibition in Rue-end Street yesterday.
(The Greenock Telegraph and Clyde
Shipping Gazette, 6 July 1888)
1889: "Mr. Fred Hengler, circus
proprietor, died suddenly at Birmingham on
Tuesday, at age of thirty four." (Penny
Illustrated, 11 May 1889)
1889: The Murder Near
Sheffield:
At Sheffield (West
Riding) Court yesterday, Robert West, a travelling showman, was charged
on remand with the murder of Emma West, his wife, at Woodhouse near
Sheffield, on Saturday morning, the 17th inst. It will be remembered
that while his wife was in bed in the caravan West cut her throat and
then surrendered to the police, making a full confession. When
deceased's mother was called an extraordinary scene occurred. Mrs.
Sketchley called prisoner a murderer and villain, on which West said
she was partly the cause of it, and that he was glad he had killed
deceased, and only wished he had killed a man going by the name of
"Leicester Jack" of whom he was jealous. He only wanted to die now, and
the sooner for better. He was committed for trail on the capital
charged and on leaving the dock called out, "Good-bye" to his friends
in Court in a most careless manner". (The
Times, 24 Aug 1889, p 10)
1891: Glasgow: THE ORGAN NUISANCE. At the Glasgow Northern Police
Court, Walter Wilmot, showman has been fined 10s 6d for creating a
breach of the peace by causing an organ to be played by steam at New
City Road showground, to the annoyance of the inhabitants. (Aberdeen Weekly Journal, Wed, 4 Feb
1891 ; Issue 7465)
1894: Broseley: "Pleasure Fair This
annual event took place on Tuesday. The
weather during the day was very unsettled, heavy showers of rain
occurring at
intervals, but towards evening it cleared up, when there was a large
influx of
visitors from the surrounding districts. There were several shows,
roundabouts,
park swings, shooting saloons, switchback, gingerbread and other
stalls, all of
which appeared to be well patronised. The innkeepers also apparently
were doing
a good stroke of business. The bulk of the fair was held in a field
adjoining
the New Road,
which, owing to the rain, was in a very slushy condition, causing
considerable
inconvenience and discomfort to visitors, more especially to the fair
sex." (Wellington Journal &
Shrewsubry News, 28 April 1894)
1894: Broseley: " Found Dead
in a Caravan
On Thursday, Dr. Tailer, borough
coroner, held an inquiry at the Pheasant Hotel, touching the death of a
showman’s
child, named William Young Scard. Mr. E. R. Instone was foreman.— The
mother
said her husband was the proprietor of Wadbrook’s ghost illusion show,
now
attending the fair. It was about 11-30 on Tuesday night when she put
the child
to bed. It was then all right, and when witness woke about six o’clock
on the
following morning she discovered it dead. They lived in a caravan.—Dr.
Moore,
assistant to Dr. Collins, said he visited deceased an hour after it had
died,
when he found a vein of the skin dilated. It was fully developed, and
was a
well-nourished child. There were no marks of violence about the body
whatever.—
The jury returned a verdict of “Death from natural causes.” (Wellington Journal & Shrewsubry News,
28 April 1894)
1894: Oldham, Lancashire: Death- Williams - on Aug 1st, at Oldham,
Agnes the beloved wife of Alf
Williams, William’s Ghost Illusions, deeply regretted. (The Era, Aug 11, 1894)
1896: Aberdeen: A SHOWMAN’S ILL-TREATMENT OF A HORSE. Hugh Smith,
showman of no fixed residence, was charged before Baillie Edwards in
Aberdeen Police Court yesterday with having Cruelly ill-treated a horse
by working it in a caravan while it was in a weak and emancipated
condition, and while it was suffering from open sores. Accused pleaded
not guilty. Inspector Macrae, of the Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals, stated that when he saw the horse going along St
Nicholas Street, he stopped it, and on examination found two open sores
under the collar and two on the back. The sores were inflamed and
seemed to have been covered over with grease. He took the horse out of
the harness, and told the showman that it was not in a fit state to be
worked, to which remark Smith replied that he could not feed the animal
on beef steaks. A policeman corroborated. Chief Inspector Wallace, of
the S.P.O.A., who had subsequently examined the horse stated that he
found it in a shockingly poor condition. It had two open sores on
the shoulder, one on the back and one on the rump. They were
discharging matter and had been dressed with black grease. The load the
horse had to draw was about a ton and a half in weight. The Baillie
characterised the case as an exceedingly bad one, and imposed a fine of
40s, with 24s 6d of expense, the alternative being ten days
imprisonment.(Aberdeen Weekly Journal,
8 May 1896 ; Issue 12879)
1897: Dunfermline Science
and Industrial Exhibition: Dunfermline Drill
Hall: Feb 25-Mar 20, 1897: "Mr. H. Crouch, of Glasgow, makes an
important contribution to the entertainments by sending a fully
equipped kinematograph -- an instrument which was the wonder of the
"World's Show" in Edinburgh. With the kinematograph life seems to be
invested into every picture thrown on the sceen. In the case of a
railway station, for instance, the people are rushing to and fro with
the baggage, and the train steams into the station at full speed. The
same life-like effects are introduced into every picture - some
serious, and some funny, and every side of human nature is hit off to a
shaving. The instrument and its production are made doubly interesting
by Professor de Cone's descriptive lecture." (Dunfermline Journal, 27
Feb 1897)
1897: Iron-Bridge Pleasure Fair: " Attacked by a Lion
Amongst the paraphernalia present at
the pleasure fair, held on Saturday, was Mr. Pat Collins's menagerie,
which
included Wallace, the well-known lion, who has attacked several keepers
and
killed a coloured man in London.
In the evening, when Lawrence (the keeper) was coming out of the den
the animal
attacked him, and ripped open all the veins at the back of his right
hand,
which bled profusely. The animal was driven back with red-hot irons. Lawrence was
compelled to
go to a local doctor, who dressed the wound, and on returning from the
surgery
the keeper unwisely again entered the den, when the ferocious animal
once more
attacked him. This closed the show, and Lawrence
again paid a visit to the doctor." (Wellington Journal & Shrewsubry News,
5 June 1897)
1897: Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland: "On
Thursday evening Professor A. Kineto, Belfast , gave a very enjoyable
cinematogragh entertainment in the Oxmantown Hall, Birr, in the
presence of a large audience. Twenty-two representations were given,
all of which were highly appreciated, those attracting particular
attention being the 'Sea Cave' and 'Fire Brigade'. The realistic
depiction of the different views is certainly a marvel of scientific
attainment." (Midland
Tribune, 1 Jan 1898: )
1897: Aberdeen: ATTACK ON A SHOWMAN. In Aberdeen Sheriff Court
yesterday – Acting Sheriff J. C. Dove Wilson on the bench – William
Nelson, horsedealer; Janet Nelson, his wife ; and Sarah Nelson, his
mother, residing in a van on Fraserburgh Links were charged with
assault and breach of the peace. It was alleged that on 2nd
August, on the public road leading from Fraserburgh to Strichen, they
had severely assaulted James Smith, a showman. The man pleaded guilty,
and was fined £2, the option being 15 day’s imprisonment ; his
wife, pleaded guilty to striking the man once, and she was fined 15s,
with the alternative of seven day’s imprisonment ; while a plea of not
guilty by Mrs Nelson, ***, was accepted and she was discharged. (Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 7 Aug
1897; Issue 13270)
1898: World's Fair,
Islington:
"The fair take
place annually and the hall is arranged as a country fair a circus
being placed in the centre together with two round abouts and some
stalls. Around the side walls are arranged various shows, cages, and
numerous shooting galleries peep shows and mostly constructed of wood
and canvas. It is stated however that the canvas used will be rendered
uninflammable. On one side of the building are three large shows two of
which are for animatograph lanterns and these it is stated will be in
accordance with the recent regulations. The front of the shows will be
formed of travelling vans and the enclosure at the rear will be
provided with seats and a raised platform, two exists are shown from
each side of each show. There is another large enclosure which is to be
used for a swimming exhibition.
"On previous
occasions I have had to call attention to the dangerous custom of
allowing inhabited vans inside the hall and on this occasion I am
informed that with one exception the only people living in the vans
will be the fat ladies it being impossible for them to live elsewhere.
There is one other van however inhabited by the manager of the fair and
it is consided necessary by the management that he should live on the
spot for the purpose of controlling the arrangements. In addition to
these there will be stalls for elephants, camels and the horses for the
circus. On previous occasions, I have called attention to the danger of
bedding these annuals with straw or feeding them with hay in the hall.
It has I am told been arranged that the animals shall not be bedded
with straw until the public are out of the building and that only
enough hay shall be given the animals to keep them quiet.
"The peep shows it is said are to be lighted by
electric light. All these are points which have been raised in previous
years and to which the licensee's attention should be again directed.
"It appears to me that the stall for the
elephants is inconveniently near the exit into Liverpool Road and that
between the two doorways leading into Upper Street should also be
removed. Access to one of the hydrants will also be obstructed by a
cage of animals. This should be made accessible."
(From a letter dated Dec 6, 1898 from London County Council,
Superintending Architect's Dept., Theatres & Music Halls Branch,
Spring Gardens, S.W. to Theatres, etc. Committee, re Royal Agricultural
Hall. World's Fair. By permission of City of London, London
Metropolitan Archives)
1899: A Lion Tamer
Attacked by a
Lioness: A lion tamer named
Broncho Bill was at Sedgwick's Wild Beast Show, in Leeds, attacked by a
lioness late on Monday night. He had safely performed in a cage of two
angry lions, but when he was entering the cage of the lioness she
growled and tried to maul him. He struck the beast repeatedly on the
head
with a stick, but she pawed and lacerated him. He was eventually
rescued, but he again entered the cage and discharged two pistols. He
was yesterday obliged to keep to his bed." (The Times,18 January 1899, p
6)
1899: “Wanted, Known, the late Randall Williams Doorsman Manager
at Liberty. F.K. Reeves, 23, Nechells-place, Birmingham (The Era, 25 Feb 1899)
1899: Marriage: Miss Nellie Clarke daughter of William and
grand-daughter of Joseph Clarke and Richard Sedgwick son of William (The Era, 12 Aug 1899)
1900: Edmunds' (late Wombwell's)
Menagerie sold by auction at Kensington
Fields on July 29 and 30; and the stud of 50 draught horses sold by
auction on Aintree Racecourse July 31 (Gore's
Directory of Liverpool
& Birkenhead, 1900: Annals
of Liverpool, p 1971)
1900: Ashton Man Shot
at Rotherham Fair:
"An Ashton man was accidentally shot and killed at Rotherham Fair when
a sideshow went tragically wrong. The young man named Charles Hilton
worked for George Copewell, also of Ashton, in running what was known
as a ‘Battle Shooter’. Customers were issued with Winchester
repeating rifles to shoot at bottles hung from string or eggs supported
by jets of water. It was Charles’ job to keep up the
supply of eggs, while Copewell and
his other assistant, Sarah Crossitt saw to the customers. One that
night was William Hague, a cycle maker of Rotherham. (No relation to
Leader of the Opposition, surely? I think we should be told!) He had
had several shots and was taking a fresh rifle from Crossitt when it
went off for no reason. Hilton was standing a few feet away and the
bullet hit him in the head. He was pronounced dead on reaching
Rotherham Hospital. At the coroner’s inquest, it was said that Hilton
was on the wrong side of the stall replacing eggs when he was
shot. George CORNWELL from Bolton and the
owner of the fair said that he had
never known a gun go off accidentally in 18 in the business. He also
offered to pay for Hilton’s funeral and traveling expenses for his
father. The inquest concluded that his death was accidental and no
blame was attached to either HAGUE or Crossitt." (The Ashton
Reporter: 10 Nov 1900)
1901: "It was with great regret we heard of the death of Leopold
Bosco at Miles Platting Fair Ground, at 2 a.m. on Monday morning" (The Showman, 12 April 1901)
1901: At the Ashton Borough Police Court on
Monday, George GREEN, John SMITH, and Charles JOHNSON, carters, were
charged with cruelly working horse whilst in an unfit state on 18th
May. Defendants did not appear. James DAY, the owner of the horses was
summoned for a similar offence by causing the same to be worked whilst
they were in an unfit condition. Inspector Pocock then opened the case,
the
facts of which, he said, were somewhat peculiar. The defendant Day was
the owner of a menagerie travelling from town to town with five
caravans drawn by the four horses, the subject of this charge, and two
ponies. The caravans contained lions and other animals, and it was
necessary to have horse flesh with which to feed the lions. He did not
see He did not see the horses actually dragging the vans, but they were
seen after the menagerie arrived on the Ashton Market Ground, and the
Bench would have evidence as to their condition. These poor animals had
been made to travel about from pillar to post, and they did 23 miles
the day before he saw them . . . Day and his wife came up, and the
former
said, "I hope you won’t make a bother about this. I have been in
trouble, and if you will say nothing about it, I will have them all
destroyed. We have to get these poor horses to feed the animals. He
pointed out to the defendant that he was working the horses, and showed
him marks of harness on them. He then said, "Yes, we came from Openshaw
this morning." Witness told him that anyone could see that the horses
were totally unfit to work, and he replied "You say the word and I will
have them destroyed in the street." . . . The same afternoon, Mr Hall,
veterinary
surgeon, was called in, and he saw the animals in a stable behind the
Ashton Hotel. He examined them in the presence of Day and the
defendants Green, Smith and Johnson. Green said he drove the grey from
Manchester, and the day before from Lymm, 23 miles, but would not drive
it again. Johnson said he drove the bay gelding. He also said the grey
and the bay had been bought for killing. Mr Peter Gillespie, MRCVS,
practising at
Salford and Strangeways, said he examined the four horses on the 21st
April, an on that date they were, in his opinion, fit for work. The bay
cart horse was 20 years old, but fit for slow work. The grey cart
horse, 14 or 15 years old, was in fairly good condition, and there
would not be any cruelty in working it. . . . After a short
consultation between the
magistrates and the clerk, Mr Hamer said they were satisfied that a
case had been made out. The Chairman told Day that he would be fined
£3 and costs, or one month’s imprisonment. George Green, John
Smith, and Charles Johnson 10s and costs, or one month. (Ashton Reporter, 8 June 1901)
1902: Sudden Death on
Leigh Fair Ground:
Mr. S. F. Butcher held an inquest at the Railway Hotel, Twist Lane,
Leigh, on Monday afternoon concerning the death of Ellen Proctor, 37,
wife of John Proctor, shooting gallery proprietor, 26, Fish St.
Preston, who died suddenly on the Leigh Fair Ground on Sunday. John
Proctor, husband of the deceased gave evidence of identification and
said his wife had been subject to fits. On Sunday morning witness left
the van and he had only been out a few minuteswhen he heard deceased
moaning. He went back to the van and found her in bed in a fit. Witness
went for Dr. Pollard but deceased died in about ten minutes. He had
only been married to deceased twelve months. Catherine Lorenzo said she
had known deceased for three or four years and had seen her in fits.
The Coroner said he had had a note from Dr. Pollard stating that in his
opinion death was due to an epileptic fit. The jury returned a verdict
of death from " Natural causes" (Leigh
Chronicle, 25 April
1902) [Ellen was the youngest daughter of showman
Humphrey Cornwell]
1903: Accident on the
Ashton Market Ground: About 11.50, on
Friday noon, a
man named John Killett, engine driver for Mr Collins, owner of the
gondolas on the Ashton market ground, was engaged carrying a signboard
up a ladder reared against the gondolas, when he fell to the ground,
striking his head upon the pavement, and causing a severe wound over
the right eye. He was assisted to the police station, where his wound
was stitched by Dr Mann. (Ashton
Reporter, 28 Nov 1903)
1909: Sanger's Circuit:
Lord George In a Landau: Before Touring
Round the Eastern Counties: Lord George and Mrs. Sanger created quite a
stir in Epping Forest on Monday writes a correspondent. The famous old
showman was in a landau drawn by a pair of cream horses followed by an
equipage drawn by four Shetland ponies. Lord George Sanger has decided
to take a tour this summer round the Eastern Counties. He informed a
correspondent that he had taken the Palace at Ramsgate and would also
run quite a new show at Margate. (World's
Fair, 24 April 1909)
1910: The Mitcham Fair
Shooting Charge: Henry Harris, 51, showman, was indicted
for having shot at Frederick Gray and Harry Gray, his son, with intent
to murder them at Mitcham on August 12. Mr. Travers Humphreys,
for the prosecution, said the case arose out of the apportionment of
the ground for the Mitcham Fair, both parties being showmen.
Frederick Gray, father, came to the fair that year, expecting to have
the same plot he occupied the previous year. Before the fair started
Harry Gray came with a caravan and found it occupied by the prisoner
and other "squatters". It was arranged that the prisoner should be
bought out for £6, but he apparently
repented of his bargain, and eventually shot at them with a
revolver. The prisoner was found Guilty of shooting with intent to
do grievous bodily harm. In passing sentence his Lordship said this was
a very good sample of what would happen if Socialism were to prevail
and there was no ownership of property. Every one would seize the first
bit of property he could lay hands on, and then some one else would
come along and fight for it. He should think the case would strengthen
the hands of the Conservators to stop these things going on. He
sentenced the prisoner to ten years' penal servitude. (The Assizes:
South-Eastern Circuit: The Times,
3 Dec
1910, p 4)
1910: A Brave Young
Lady: Miss Marie Herrick
(photo): We have pleasure in giving to our readers a photograph of Miss
Marie Herrick, who so bravely went to the rescue of Mr. Fred Gray when
he was attacked at Mitcham, (The
World's Fair, October 15, 1910)
1910 [Ireland] In the King's Bench division yesterday, before Mr.
Justice Dodd, sitting without a jury, the hearing was begun of an
action by Edward Hanneford, circus proprietor, Belfast, against his
wife's brothers and sisters -- Robert Scott, James B. Scott, Wm Scott,
Rose Gibbs and Emma Beckett. The action arose out of the payment of
£170 by the plaintiff to redeem a circus belong to the
Scott family, against which a bill of sale had been obtained. The
case is at hearing. (The
Freeman's Journal, 9 Dec 1910)
1911: "The Leeds Zoo:
Large
crowds
continue to patronize the Jungle and Continental Circus at
Hunslet Skating Rink. Some excellent faire is provided, the children
being specially catered for by the clowns and elephant rides. Included
in a programme of bright things are the following, Miss Precilla, a
clever lady rider; Saraguna, an Indian with strong teeth; Mr. Cody, a
brother of the famous Buffalo Bill, who gives an exhibition with the
whip. The collection of beasts and birds is well worth seeing. Among
the other attractions is Marcella, who weighs close upon 40 stones and
stands 7ft high. She is only 19 years of age." (The World's Fair, 4 Feb 1911)
1911: Death of Mrs.
Williams
[Rachael Weston]: "We regret to hear of the death of Mrs. Williams, an
old and well-known
Traveller in Lancashire and the North of England. The deceased lady had
been settled down at her residence, 53 Rent-street, Farnworth, where
she passed away. The interment took place in the Catholic ground of
Farnworth Cemetery last week. The principal mourners were : -- Mr.
James Williams (husband), Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Williams (son and
daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Jameson (daughter and
son-in-law)., Misses Alice and Charlotte Williams (daughters), Messrs.
John, James, Thomas, and Joseph (sons), Mr. Thomas Williams
(brother-in-law), Mrs. Massey, Mrs. James Whiting, Mrs. Proctor, Miss
M. A. Proctor, Mrs. Holden, Miss M. Holden, Mr. Israel Holden, Mr. Geo.
Massey, and others." (The
World’s Fair, 4 Feb 1911)
Contributed by Margaret Gooda.
1912: "We have just been reminded that if
our old and respected friend, the
late John Wilmot (better known as Honest John) had been spared, Mrs.
Wilmot and himself would have received the congratulations of their
many friends on Sunday last, November 3rd, the occasion being their
golden wedding anniversary. (World's
Fair, 11 Sept 1912)
1913 : "Pool &
Bosco's Circus: This (Friday) evening Messrs. Pool and
Bosco's circus submits its programme to a Cavan audience and the
expectation of a large audience." (The
Anglo-Celt, Cavan, 7 June 1913)
1917: "The Rev. T. Horne, rector of Syresham, Northamptonshire,
and senior chaplain of the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain and
Ireland, said that long before the establishment of picture halls, the
cinema was used for show purposes by showmen, and in many ways he was
the one and only censor of films in those early days (Praise of the Cinema: Chief Constable's Evidence at the
Inquiry (Westminster) The
Times, 13 Mar 1917, p 3).
1918: Death of the Rev. Thomas Horne, the
"showman's parson":
"Mr. Horne was born in a caravan at Nottingham Goose Fair in 1849. His
father was a lecturer for Wombwells, and afterwards for Manders'
menagerie . . In 1857, Thos. Horne's
father died, but his mother continued to travel with the shows"
(News of the World, 21 July
1918)
1937: "Despite having been in the
Adamson Cottage Hospital, Cupar, Fife for
six weeks, Mrs. Wright, now in her 90th year, has re-joined her family
with their shooting ranges, etc. and is travelling the Scottish fairs
once again" (World's Fair,
30 Oct 1937).
EXTRACTS
FROM
MERRY-GO-ROUND (Friendship Circle of
Showland Fans):
1881: "At the close of February, 1881, James Bishop, aged
83, died from injuries received from burning, caused by an accident in
his own caravan, which had been occupied by him without intermission
for the last 35 years. He was then supposed to have been the oldest
showman in England, having started, at the age of 20, as a bandsman to
an exhibition of giants, dwarfs, and fat women. Later, he became a
partner with Atkinson and Gillman, proprietors of a Menagerie that
rivalled that of Wombwell. He was afterwards proprietor of a
performing seal, a Punch and Judy Show, and a fine-art Exhibition.
During the time that James Bishop and his
wife lived in a caravan,
there were born to them no less than 18 sons and 2 daughters, all of
whom were reared in the caravan, and were educated by their father in
the "three R's", and brought up to various trades or the musical
profession. One of his daughters became the mother of Miss Selina
Young, the "Female Blondin" who walked a tight-rope across the Thames.
The Second daughter married a Showman name Wortbehoek, and was the
mother of 24-children, all of whom were born and reared in a caravan."
(By B..B.
Murdock, copied from J. Harris Stone's
book "Caravaning and Camping out."
(1912)
1897: Showman John Barker was accidentally killed at Norwich East
Fair.
1900: "Edwin Laurence’s Bioscope Show: “this was almost the first of
the Bioscope shows (Randall Williams’ being the very first). In 1900,
Laurence’s show known as Dr. Laurence’s Electrograph, was given a new
two wagoned front, built by Messrs. Orton and Spooner”. (Vol. VI, No.
9, Feb 1950)
1901: “Silcocks are mentioned as having a set of Swings, small trumpet
organ and Coconut Shies at Mold in North Wales". (Vol. VII, No. 4,
November 1951)
1901: "Mrs. Mackney of Ghost show fame in the North East died in
November" (XIV, No. 5, Nov/Dec 1961)
1902: "William Danter, the eldest of three brothers (the others
being John and Joe) and who was born in 1836, died at Newport, where
the Danters had long provided the fairground amusements. He was
succeeded by his son, J. S. Danter. One of his nephews was the late
Edward Danter, who for many years afterwards provided holiday fairs at
Rodney Parade, Newport, with Bioscope Show, Gondolas, four abreast and
Steam Yachts." (Vol. XIV, No. 6, Jan-Feb 1952)
1902: November "saw the death of a famous London Showman of those
days, Francis Bailey, of Battersea, whose Gondolas and Gallopers were
regular features at the Agricultural Hall, Islington and at St. Giles'
Fair Oxford. He was succeeded by his son, Charles Bailey, while
his daughters were Mrs. Frank Bostock and Mrs. Fossett, of circus
fame. A grandson is Mr. R. Bailey, whose rides travel with
Forrests Amusements. A son-in-law to Charles Bailey was James Manders
who continued to travel his gallopers, but the Switchback was sold to
Harniess Bros." (Vol. XV, No. 4, Oct-Nov, 1962)
1903 : Walter Wilmot (Glasgow) married Helen Manders (of Manders
Waxworks Show)
1903: “In the autumn of 1903, John Manders was the only big
Waxwork show left travelling” (Vol. VII, No. 14, Back End, 1953)
1906: "Professor Wall (proprietor of Hammersley and Wall’s
famous Ghost Show) died at Easter, 1906 and his widow the following
September. Their show had been acquired by Mrs. Flora (Pat)
Collins some years previously and was travelled as a Bioscope Show and
later as a Menagerie, until her death in 1933" (Vol.
IX, No. 3, April 1956)
1906: March 11, 1906, "Mrs. H. Scard (nee Wadbrook) wife of Mr.
H. Scard, sen. of Wadbrook and Scard's famous Bioscope Show, died at
Yotelafera". (Vol. lX, No. 3, April, 1956)
1906: Richard Dooner married Nellie Wadbrook at Nantyglo, June
5th 1906.
1906: "many sets of Gallopers were changed to Flying Motors – ie., in
place of the animals, motor cars were suspended from the top rafers,
and the platform lowered to the ground and made stationary. Among
showmen who did this were Walker Hoadley, H. Wallis, W. H. Marshall, J.
W. Waddington, J. Hibbert, G. Redfearn and G. T. Tuby. This new
arrangement did not last for long, as also in 1906, most of the
Switchback Rides changed from gondolas to motor cars. " (Vol. VII, No.
3, August 1951, p 8)
1906: "On December 15th, 1906, Jacob Studt, Jun. (Joe) was
married to Miss Mary Anne Dooner at St. Mary's Parish Church,
Southampton. Among those present were his brothers, Masters H.P. and
Richard Studt, while his younger brother was the page boy. Another of
the Dooner Sisters (Sophie) married R. Miller (who was pianist with
Dooner's Bioscope Show) at St. Paul's Barry, on January 17th, 1907."
(Vol. X, No. 1, Dec 1956)
1906: "Mrs. Charles Farrell, who was a daughter of Job Davies (of
Stoke-on-Trent), and nices to Messrs. Pat and John Collins, died just
before Christmas. Her husband travelled a large Bioscope Show,
Four-abreast and Steam Motors." (Vol. X, No. 1, December 1956)
1908: Newcastle Town Moor: – “At the meeting of the Town Moor
Management of the Free men of Newcastle-upon-Tyne held prior to the
Festival, there were two tenders for supplying the whole of the fair.
The tender of 1,100 made by North Eastern Roundabout Proprietors
Syndicate was accepted, these comprising Messrs. Walker Hoadly, John
Murphy, Walter Murphy, Harry Caris, Alfred Payne, William Murphy and
the Northern Stallholders Society. The tender of 673 made by the
Northern Showmen’s Syndicate (comprising Messrs. James and Randall
Monte Williams and Messrs. Relph & Pedley) was not accepted.”
(Vol. XI. No. 4: June/July 1958: p. 56-7)
1909: "During 1909, a number of prominent showpeople died,
including Mrs. White, the wife of Sidney White of Bioscope Show and
Tunnel Railway fame. George Biddall (at Cockermouth), Colonel
Clarke (at Farnworth) and Andrew Purchase of Menagerie and Waxwork
fame. John Hodds, manager of Crighton’s Bioscope Show, was killed by a
Traction Engine in Norfolk. (Vol. XII, No. 4, July 1959) Mrs.
William Haggar died during Carmarthen Fair in 1909." (same issue)
1909: Llanelly Fair: "At this fair, the present day well known
London showman, Mr. Albert Roberts, then a boy of 14, was highly
praised at the local Coroner’s Court for a valiant attempt to save
George Gavin, aged 14, another showman’s son, from drowning in the
Castle Pond, Llanelly". (Vol. XIII, No. 5, Sept 1959)
1910: "Sale by Auction: In early March, 1910, Walter Paine’s
Dreamland Bioscope show, of London, was sold by Tom Norman (Silver
King) to G. C. Campbell for J. W. Waddington (Yorkshire). The Burrell
engine “Luisitania” was sold to G. Baker and Sons. This engine (No.
2868) and its smaller companion (No. 2982) were known as “Dignity” and
“Impudence”. (Vol. VI, No. 9, Feb 1950)
1910: "W. Irvin (London) appealed for assistance for the Chittock
family, of Bioscope Show fame, in distress after the death of the
owner." (Vol. XIV, No. 5, November 1960)
1911: "George Aspland of Gondolas fame died in May, 1911 and in
August the father of the famous Scottish show family of Wilmots, John
Wilmot, died aged 86. He was born at Bath (Som.) and in his early days
was associated with the firm of Brewers in the West Country before
migrating to Scotland" (Vol. XIV, No. 3, July-August 1961)
1911: "John Wilmot, one of Scotland's greatest showmen, and a
pioneer of the Guild, died in August, 1911." (Vol. VII, No. 3,
August 1951)
1911: “The first Electric Scenic to have tropical scenery and
waterfall was opened by Pat Collins at Wolverhampton in June,
1911." (Vol. VII, No. 3, August 1951)
1914: "The Era, of January 7th, 1914 gave the account of the
wedding at Neath of Tom White (White Brothers) and Mollie
Menzies. It also contains an advertisement by W. Biddall for a cinema
operator and Traction Engine Driver for his Bioscope Show (London
Area)." (Vol. XVI, No. 5, Jan-Feb 1963)
1932: "On Thursday, March 24th, 1932, the day
before Good Friday, I
went to the opening of the Queen's Road (Manchester) Easter Fair.
Spotting a new show, I quickly made my way over to it to find the
proprietor, Mr. Tom Purchase, in earnest conversation with J. Collins'
ground manager, the gist of it being that he was short of meat for the
lions, so I chipped in and informed Mr. Purchase that I had an uncle in
the meat trade. Within an hour I had my uncle on the job with all the
required meat. For this I was given freedom of the show. Alas, it was
short lived. Captain Tom Purchase, a most courageous lion tamer, had
already lost one leg previously and had a wooden one. During his act
his
nineteen-years-old daughter Rosie performed a dance in the cage whilst
father kept the lions at bay. On Good Friday, poor Tom was severely
mauled by one of the lions during Rosie's dance. She got out safely,
but Tom, after lingering for about a fortnight in hospital, succumbed
to his injuries. That, I trust is the saddest story I shall ever have
to related about a fairground. Rosie Purchase, however,
being a good trouper, as most of the showmen's
sons and daughters are, was soon in action again, and I saw her
performing in a Manchester store during a subsequent Christmas season,
whilst the late Richard Chipperfield, Sen. put his lions through their
paces. Today, I'm pleased to say that Rosie who is now Mrs. James
Chipperfield, can usually be found in the box office of the famous
Chipperfield Circus." (by Cedric Hugh Conway: The Glow in
the Sky: Vol. XIV, No. 1, Birthday Edition: 1940-1960)
1946: "Harry Lee (Bradford) married the only daughter of
Herbert Waddington of Yorkshire Steam Yachts fame."
17 June 1946: "Caroline Pettigrove, 35, at Hounslow
Cemetery. Holy Burial. Attended by Father Greville,
Chaplain to the Showmen's Guild."
8 July 1946: "Rosina Jane Lawrence, 50 at St.
Austell. Holy Burial. Attended by Father Greville, Chaplain to
the Showmen's Guild".
11 July 1946: "James Mayne, 39 at Houslow. Holy
Burial. Attended by Father Greville, Chaplain to the Showmen's
Guild".
Showmen’s
Enterprise as Film Exhibitors, by R. S. Taylor: Merry Go Round,
Vol.
IV, No. 3, March, 1945
“Early in 1897 came Edwin Lawrence, Senr., who converted his Marionette
Show into a travelling Cinematograph Theatre, the projector being
purchased from John Wrench, of Cecil Court, London, W. “
“Another pioneer showman who was early in the field was Mr. Joseph
Crecraft, who bought his first moving picture machine second-hand. He
tried it out as a novelty in addition to the usual animal performances
in his show. Later a new projector was purchased fom Messrs. Pathe
Freres together with the film “The Passion Play,” which proved an
enormous success. Soon the show was given over entirely to
pictures.
Mr. Crecraft also purchased a camera and filmed topical scenes. One of
his “scoops” was the taking of the funeral of the victim of a Ton
Pentre murder, which packed the show at every performance”.
“One of the best shows that ever travelled (if not the best) was Albert
Holland’s “Wonderland.” which according to notes beside me, had a
“massive organ front 55 feet long, 15 feet wide and 21 feet high.
Originally built for Mr. Arthur Twigdon by Orton and Spooner, the booth
itself was 63 feet long, 48 feet wide and seated 600 people, there also
being room for 400 standing, and was superbly decorated inside and
out.” The projection equipment is not mentioned, but the “show front
comprised a magnificent organ, which was equipped with two drums, side
and bass, and contained pipes that were made of both wood and brass.
Owing to the enormous wind pressure that was required to supply the
innumerable pipe sections in the instrument, bellows were superseded by
four compressed air pumps. This exhibition travelled Derbyshire,
Northants, Notts, Staffs, Cambs, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and
Buckinghamshire. "
Other projectors possibly used by travelling shows of pre-Great War
days that were mentioned: Urban’s “Bioscope”; Taylor’s three cornered
cross; Pathe’s
“Imperial”; Gaumont’s “Chrono”; Kamm’s (a German machine); also
Kamm Co. made projectors at
Wembley;
A. Kershaw & Son, Leeds; the Kalee “Indomintable”, the
“Filmograph”; plus three American projectors - the “Motiograph”,
“Power’s”
and “Simplex”.
SAD
SHOOTING GALLERY FATALITY ON ASHTON
MARKET GROUND
"Ashton Wakes Ground was the scene of a distressing shooting fatality
shortly after midnight on Saturday. A young man, Edward Coyle (23), a
native of Ardwick, Manchester, and a seventeen year old girl from
Preston, named Matilda Whalley, were employed at a shooting saloon
owned by Mr Frederick Harrison, of Preston.
Shortly after midnight the order to close the galleries was given by
the police. Miss Whalley was in the act of withdrawing the charge from
a repeating rifle which had not been used, when a crowd of men and
youths rushed along. The girl at the time had her finger on the
trigger, and some man, it was stated, knocked against her. The rifle
went off and the bullet entered the right breast of Coyle, who was
standing inside the gallery attending to the objects to be shot at. The
wounded man at once called out "I'm shot."
The proprietor, Mr Harrison, and others rendered assistance, but when
Dr Twomey arrived, Coyle was dead. The bullet penetrated his right lung
and heart, and death occurred two or three minutes afterwards. The body
was removed to the mortuary. The young girl in whose hands the rifle
was fainted. Coyle had only been in Mr Harrison's employment a
fortnight. Miss Whalley and he were on the best of terms.
The inquest was held in the Court Room, Ashton Town Hall, on Tuesday
forenoon by Mr J F Price, district coroner. Mr Coyle, warehouseman, 5
Crawshaw-street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, said the deceased was my son, and
was a professional trick jumper. Her formerly worked at the hay and
corn stores of Mr Parnell, Chester-road, Manchester, until he came out
as a trick jumper. He was 23 last birthday, and had always had good
health. I was with him on Bank Holiday, and he left home on the
Wednesday following to commence work for Mr Harrison, shooting gallery
proprietor, and I never saw him alive again. I identified the body
shortly after six o'clock on Sunday night.
Frederick Albert Harrison, traveling shooting gallery proprietor, of
Preston, said: I have been on Ashton Market Ground since Wednesday
night. I have known deceased to speak to about two years. He had been
assisting me at the shooting gallery a little over a week. His duties
were not specified, and he did anything that was required. On Saturday
night, he was inside the saloon placing objects to be shot at on to
jets of water. Whalley was unloading her guns which had been left
loaded. She held the gun with the muzzle pointing towards the target
whilst she drew the cartridge out. A crowd of people came by and pushed
against the girl's elbow and this caused the gun to swerve round at the
moment of unloading and to go off. I heard Coyle shout "Oh, I'm shot."
I went inside to him and brought him out, and he fell right over.
Mabel Whalley, 38 Newton St, Preston, said: I am 17 years of age
and have been engaged at Mr Harrison's shooting gallery all through
last winter, and for the last fortnight have been traveling about with
him. About twelve o'clock, the police came and asked us to stop. In
accordance with the usual custom, I was unloading a repeating rifle.
With about two cartridges left in it. I had got one of the two
cartridges, and was going to repeat it. I had my thumb on the trigger
ready to drop the hammer and pull the repeater. Just at that moment a
crowd of people came, and I was not looking. They caused my elbow to
move, and it caused the gun to swerve round and go off.
At the request of the jury, the last witness took hold of the gun and
demonstrated her ability to handle the weapon. This she did with some
amount of trepidation and precaution, as if in fear of the deadly
weapon containing a charge of shot. The jury returned a verdict of
accidental death." (The Ashton
Reporter: 24 August 1901)
WAKES
TREAT
TO ASHTON WORKHOUSE INMATES
"In accordance with the usual custom the inmates of the Union Workhouse
were given a Wakes treat on Ashton Market Ground on Wednesday. About
one hundred inmates, old and young, deaf and dumb, the halt and the
blind, took advantage of the opportunity afforded of having a
"razzle-dazzle" on the Market Ground. They were accompanied by the
Workhouse Master (Mr Shore) and a staff of attendants, and walked in
procession from the Workhouse to the Fair Ground, where they arrived
about two o'clock, and were taken in hand by Mr J Snell, Chief
Constable, who had arranged a capital programme for their delectation.
Every attention was paid to their requirements by the Chief Constable,
who was ably assisted by Sergeant Tolson and several constables. The
first place visited was Captain T PAYNE's latest electric
bioscope, where they were enabled to see trick and laughable pictures
by the score, also local living pictures in which Ashtonians were asked
to see themselves as others saw them. The local pictures represented
workpeople leaving Whittaker's Hurst Mills, Heginbottom's, and the
Wellington Mills, Whitelands-road.
The visitors were next delighted with a ride on Collins' Venetian
Gondolas, which the generous proprietor allowed them to monopolise to
their hearts' content, stopping at intervals to see who had had enough.
They subsequently tested their equestrian abilities on John Collins,
jun, galloping horses, and from there they went "tobogganing" on John
Green's switchback, and later on got amongst the poultry, and indulged
in long flights of imagination as they were being whirled round on
Peter Collins' cocks and hens.
They wound up at the Fish Market, where they were entertained by Mr
John Whitehead, fish dealer, to a sumptuous repast of oysters, shrimps,
fruit of all kinds, cocoa nuts, mussels, ice cream &c. On leaving
the market they were each presented with a parcel of fish to take back
with them. A most enjoyable afternoon was spent, and when the visitors
assembled outside the market they did not fail to show their
appreciation of the kindness and consideration of those who had so
lavishly catered for them. (The
Ashton Reporter: 24 August 1901)
Death of Mr. John Wilmot
"It is with deep regret that we have to inform our readers of the death
of Mr. John Wilmot, who passed away in his 69th year at his Glasgow
residence on Sunday last. The late Mr. Wilmot was affectionately known
as the Father of Scottish Showmen, and right well did he carry the
proud title. His quiet but genial manner had gained for him the respect
of all Scottish Trvellers, in fact to all those with whom he cam in
contact with. The Scottish Travellers are indeed poorer today by the
loss of one of the best.
"Mr. Wilmot, although not a Scotchman,
had spent the greater part of his life in that country, and had built
up a good reputation from a small beginning. Born at Bath in 1843, he
spent the early part of his life with the Brewer family, so well known
in the West of England, and he afterwards joined the well known
travellers, Messrs. Gregory and Wm. Manders. Striking out for himself,
he was soon the proprietor of a roundabout, and from that day he may be
said to have constantly advanced, and every new novelty found him ready
to increase his stock. For nearly thirty years he has been identified
with Sir Edward Moss at the Waverley Market Carnivel, and was also
lessee of a great number of fair grounds throughout Scotland.
An Outside Appreciation
An Appreciative article on the late Mr. and
Mrs. Wilmot, the "Helensburgh News" said:
"Few men have more friends than Mr. John
Wilmot, the veteran showman, who has been 'on the road' for close on
half a century. Many a struggling showman has he helped with a kindly
word and something more tangible to tide him over a nasty road. Knowing
the value of money and its uses, no man is more generous to deserving
objects. Although we cannot claim Mr. Wilmot the honour of being a
Scotsman --- of course, that's no fault of his! --- he belongs to the
country that is second in importance to Scotland. At first his
roundabouts were driven by manual labour, but eventually steam and
electricity were used as motive power. Mr. Wilmot is the pioneer of
electric light in Scotland; being the first to use that illuminant in
this country. It was employed in connection with his 'Caledonian
Hunters' and when in rural districts people came from far and near to
see the straight white lights.
"At present he is the lessee of all the
principal showgrounds in Scotland, is welcomed at all the towns he
visits, is able to take his place in any company, and is familiarly
spoken of everywhere as 'Honest John.'
"It is many years since Mr. Wilmot first came
to this town, while in Greenock he has been there for the past 43
summers. Besides, he has been a householder in Glasgow for over forty
years -- all these facts being a record of which any man may be proud.
"Mr. Wilmot gives the reasons for
success, which, in brief, were sobriety and strict attention to
business. Associated with the 'Grand Old Man of the Road' in his
business is Mrs. Wilmot, who has shared his joys and sorrows, and
proved herself a loving helpmate all these years, and their six sons,
three of whom assist with the management of the 'home' concern, while
the others are more or less engaged in shows of their own.
"The caravan in which Mr. Wilmot travels is a
marvel of ingenuity, its accommodation containing among other
conveniences, a separate bedroom and a well appointed kitchen.
Portraits of relatives and friends hang round the walls, and this gives
an added cosiness to the neat little abode.
"Let us hope that for many years to come
Mr. Wilmot and his sons will be spared to visit our town to help to
enliven and amuse both young and old."
The Funeral
"The funeral of the late Mr. John Wilmot took
place on Wednesday last from his residence at 15, Irongate, Glasgow, to
Sighthill Cemetery (where his mother is also interred), amidst great
manifestations of sorrow and respect. The coffin was conveyed to the
hearse by his six sons. The chief mourners were the widow sons,
daughters, and grand children. The remaining coaches conveying
relatives and friends, many of whom have come a conserable distance to
pay their last respect to the Father of Scotish Showmen.
Wreaths and Floral Tributes: Sir Edward Moss; Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull,
Belfast; Mr. and Mrs. Cadona, Portobello; Mr. and Mrs. John McIndoes;
Mr. C. Howard; Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson; Mrs. Bakers, Misses Bakers; Mr.
and Mrs. S. McIntosh; Mr. and Miss Anderson; Mr. J. Robertson; Mr. and
Mrs. I. Miles; Mr. and Mrs. A. Testo; Mr and Mrs. G. Biddall, Perth;
Mr. and Mrs. Irvine (junior); Mr. and Mrs. H. Bradley; Miss Ellen Day;
Mr. and Mrs. E. Sheeran; Mr. and Mrs. Stringfellow; Mr. and Mrs. I.
Danson, Dundee; Mr. and Mrs. W. Smith; The Socttish Lions F.C.; Mr. and
Mrs. Geo Mackay; Mrs. Anthony, Edinburgh; Mr. and Mrs. G. Green and Mr.
Kelso, Glasgow; Mr. and Mrs. Faulkener, Broxburn; Mr. and Mrs. Harriss,
Bonnybridge; Miss Dunn and Mrs. Holland, Crieff; Mr. Wm. Maxwell,
Southport; Mr. and Mrs. Affleck, King's Lynn; Mr. John Wilmot Junior,
Family, Glasgow; General John Wilmot's Staff, Dumbarton; Walter
Wilmot's Staff; and Mr. James Wilmot's Staff. (World's Fair, August 26, 1911.
Provided by Dean Ladds).
RANDALL
WILLIAM'S SHOW BURNT TO THE GROUND
One of the most disastrous fires that has taken place in showland
for some time occurred in the early hours of last Friday morning when
Randall Williams' show was burned down at Thirsk. The usual
performances had taken place on Thursday night and everything appeared
all right when the show was closed, but less than an hour afterwards
the show was one mass of flames and although the fire brigade were
promptly in attendance their efforts to save the show were
unfortunately in vain. The damage which is estimated at nearly
£2,000 is, of course, a serious one for the proprietors as the
show was not ensured and great sympathy will be felt for them in their
severe loss. Happily they are in the fortunate position of having
other amusement attractions so we shall no doubt soon see the show
replaced by another. A local account says: - A disastrous fire occurred
in Thirsk in
the early hours of Friday morning resulting in the total destruction of
Messrs. Randall Williams and Sons' picture saloon. The building,
which was of wood, occupied a position in the Market Place for about a
month. Later it was decided to stay in the town for the winter,
and the saloon was removed to the Flatts, a field just off Westgate,
and here two performances have been given nightly. On Thursday night
performances were given as usual, and about
half-past eleven the place was locked up and all seemed to be
secure. About 12 o'clock, however, a blaze was noticed by Mrs.
Moss, who lived in Victory-row, two or three hundred yards away, and
she called her son, Mr. J. Moss, who was soon on the spot. Police
Constable Bean was on duty, and upon being informed of the outbreak he
immediately summoned the fire brigade.The flames, however, spread very
rapidly, and before the brigade
could get their hose attached to the town water supply the building was
burning furiously; in about half an hour it was a complete wreck, and
all that could be done was to play on the smouldering embers. In the
absence of the proprietors it is not known whether the
building was insured. The damage is very extensive. A large
van with apparatus, &c., which cost about £750 has been
destroyed, the engine for generating electricity, costing about
£350,
is a wreck, and all the electrical apparatus is in ruins. The
large building was capable of seating 400 or 500 people, and in it was
a valuable piano, part of an organ, and some musical instruments
belonging to the orchestra. These, together with a large number
of cushioned seats, have been involved in the destruction, and the
total damage is estimated at £ 2,000.
Some travelling wagons were drawn away from the saloon into the
field and saved, as was also a wooden hut. How the fire originated is
not known. Probably it may have been due to
a stove, as two were used in heating the building, and the fire appears
to have broken out near to one of these. The engine was close by,
but it is said that no fire was left in the fire-box, and there could
be no danger from that source. The films were saved, as the
precaution was taken of removing these every night. (World's Fair, 1 Feb 1913)
BIRMINGHAM
ONION FAIR
There is a curious picture of the Fair in the "Theatrical Looker-on"
for 1823. A writer described how there were "mountains of onions
and piles of ginerbread, large pigs and little women, tall men and
short weight" gathered together. Among the current attractions
were Davis's 20 horses in a circus performance and Scotwton's
theatrical
booth: At an early hour droves of my
neighbours, as well as wild beasts and corresponding keepers, Mssrs.
Lloyd Scowton, Mackintosh and squad with their guns, trumpets and
blunderbuses, and plentiful supply of thieves, were distributed in
every part of the town of Birmingham.
COOKE's circus, which included Mr. Cooke himself as strong man and
equestrian, Paddington and slack-rope walker, Miss Hengler as
tight-wire specialists, and Mr. Bridges as bareback rider, was also
present.
DRAKE's "Picture of Birmingham," published in 1825, said of the
Michaelmas Fair that in addition to the cattle, there were immense
quantities of onions -- which "seemed preposterous," but they all found
purchasers.
In an 1830 acount of Brimingham the writer stated that the fairs were
in high repute, being well attended and much business tractacted:
"The holiday people were numerous as are the usual exhibitions for
their amusement, and altogether much bustle and gaity and hilarity
prevail." (Birmingham Gazette)
"The Fair -- But Not the
Onions" (by C. H. Lea )
For several years the Onion Fair languished. It became the happy
hunting ground of toughs and gangs who exacted tribute from showmen in
return for not molesting them, and it seemed likely that the Fair would
die the natural death prophesied for it in 1875. But Pat Collins was
getting busy. In due time he leased the Old
Pleck ground, and he has told the writer that friends thought he was
mad! There was method in his madness however. He refused to
deal with the Black Bands, the Stool Boys, or the Peaky Blinders, and
when the Fair opened the roughs had some severe shocks. Police
were in attendance, and the roughs were repelled. Pat Collins has told
the writer: "At night along came two members
of the gang. One greeted me familiarly and twitched my hat over
my eyes. My fist shot out, and down went the man. His friend
received a punch which made him sag at the knees." The defeat of the
gangs was so spectacular that they never again gave
any trouble, and the Fair began to regain its lost respectability.
(Birmingham Gazette: 26
November 1935)
THE
SAMWELL SHOWMEN
1833, Oct 27: Maidstone Gazette and Kentish Courier pg 5. 'Maidstone
Fair. The fair has been pretty numerously attended but some complaints
existed of the absence of the precious metals. In fact the only class
who seem to have done any good are the pickpockets, whose zeal and
industry were amazingly productiveThe shows were numerous and
sufficiently interesting, from Samwell's grand equestrian circus to the
penny peep show, which exhibited the 'army of Don Pedro in full motion,
taking the fleet of Don Miguel''.
1836, Dec 6: Kentish Gazette, pg 2. 'The Hurricane. There was a huge
storm a few days previously all along the South-east coast of England,
with much damage being done to Kent coastal towns and to Canterbury. At
noon the gale resembled a West Indian or Canadian hurricane
nothing could resist its violence chimney pots, chimney roofs,
fronts of houses, windows, and frames were alike carried away by its
force. It being fair time, the booths were completely demolished;
gingerbread toys, &c flying about in all directions. Middleton's
theatre was nearly destroyed; Mrs Samwell's equestrian booth was
completely unroofed. Part of a window was blown in at St Mary's Church.
At Dover Castle nearly 1,000 panes of glass were destroyed'.
1836, Dec 8: Kentish Observer, pg 5. 'The fair of Dover commences on
the 23 ult., and never do we recollect the poor creatures who keep it,
to have had such a continuance of the bad weather from the first day of
their opening, added to which the storm of Tuesday nearly laid all the
standings level. Samwell's circus was left to the canopy of heaven,
Middleton's booth was obliged to be secured by large ropes[Mayor gave
them 4 extra days to try and recoup their losses] it was obviously a
Very bad fair commercially'.
1838, Apr 25: The Blackburn Standard, pg 2. 'The Gazette, Blackburn,
Wednesday April 25, 1838. The past week has been rendered remarkable by
a local occurrence of more than ordinary interest and importance. The
inhabitants of Blackburn, as most of our readers are aware, possess a
common right in two pieces of waste ground, viz, the Town's Moor, and
Blakely [sic] Moor. For one of these plots, Mr. Joseph Feilden, of
Witton House, is known to have entertained, for some time, a longing,
lingering affection. The idea of a TOLL for cattle, shows, stalls,
&c., appears to have transformed Blakely Moor, in his estimation,
into one of the loveliest spots upon earth; and accordingly we find our
enamourato, to all appearances, bent upon the attainment of the prize,
at whatever sacrifice of pocket or reputation, provided always that the
former do not exceed the VALUE of the object sought to be attained.
Like most other suitors, - and especially those whose intentions are
not the most honourable, - his first advances were made secretly. The
guardians, however, from time to time, obtained intelligence of his
proceedings, and their increased vigilance happily frustrated the
cunningly-devised design. Exasperated, therefore, by delay and repeated
disappointment, our generous neighbour at length determined to throw
stratagem to the winds, and take boldly and by force that which he had
vainly attempted to secure by artifice and cunning. Accordingly we find
that the would-be Lord of the Manor, instead of secretly imposing upon
the timid or the ignorant, by demanding a toll which they had not the
nerve to resist, or the information to detect its injustice, is now
putting forth his demands with a bolder and more manly bearing.
Preparations having been made for the erection of an equestrian circus,
for the Easter Fair, a demand of £7 was made by the agent of Mr.
Feilden for the use of the waste land belonging to the inhabitants! In
the mean time, the Police Trustees, (the only body we have to protect
the common rights of the town), hearing of this bargain, cautioned the
proprietress of the circus against acknowledging the right of Mr.
Feilden to demand anything for the use of that property, at the same
time intimating that if she did so, the building would be destroyed.
Under these circumstances, the party erecting the circus is said to
have applied for, and obtained, a bond of indemnity from Mr. Feilden
and the work was accordingly completed. Well, the performances
proceeded on Monday and Tuesday, during which time the Trustees very
prudently proposed to settle the dispute, on condition that Mr. Feilden
would return the money. All, however, was in vain. Shylock would be
content with nothing less than his bond: and lo! on Wednesday morning
about ten o'clock, about one hundred men, headed by the agent of the
Police Trustees, levelled the building to the ground! The event, in
this quiet Borough, excited nearly as much interest and attention as
though an invading force had been driven from the precincts. Hundreds
flocked to the scene of destruction, and many and curious were the
speculations in which the sage multitude indulges, as to the law, the
expense, or the result to which the contest might lead! As to the law,
and expense, however we incline to the opinion, that Mr. Feilden will
not hastily embark in a proceeding so utterly hopeless for him as the
acquirement of this public property appears to be. The contest, if any
there be, will be one into which the inhabitants of Blackburn will
enter with an unbending energy. They have before been charged with
ingratitude towards Mr. Feilden and his family, on account of former
eminent services, and from all that we can learn, our townsmen are now
equally ready to subject themselves to the same imputation! [There
follows several more paragraphs slighting Feilden and his family].
To the Police Trustees much praise is due for the promptitude with
which they have stood forward to defend the interests committed to
their care. There is only one circumstance to be regretted in the
transaction, and that is the deep injury it has inflicted upon Mrs.
SAMWELL, a widow lady with a large family to provide for, and who was
in no way to blame in the matter. The circus was destroyed on the
morning of the principal fair-day, when her receipts would no doubt
have been handsome, and the remainder of the period up to this time has
also been lost to her. Thus she has lost the benefit of the fair, and
also had her establishment to maintain in idleness, the expenses of
which are about £70 a week. The cost of re-building the circus
has fallen upon Mr. FEILDEN; and we do hope that our fellow-townsmen
will afford her such encouragement as the nature of the case entitles
her to expect. Whilst the inhabitants of Blackburn show a laudable
desire to defend their own interest, let it never be said that they
manifest indifference to those of the fatherless and the widow!
[Note, Mrs Samwell took the police trustees to court claiming the
damages and costs, and won. As far as I have discovered, Samwell's
circus never again visited Blackburn. However, during the court case,
Mrs Samwell's daughter Mary Ann married Henry Cornwall, (a musician and
later manager of Cornwall's Amphitheatre in Jersey) in nearby Preston,
so something good came out of the saga]
1838, May 30: The Blackburn Standard, pg 2. 'Mrs. Samwell's Circus. It
is with great satisfaction that we refer our readers to an
advertisement in another column, announcing that the Police Trustees,
who performed their duty to the town so nobly on a recent occasion when
an attempt was made to deprive the inhabitants of their rights and
privileges in relation to Blakely Moor [i.e. they demolished the circus
which Mrs Samwell had erected on the approval of Joseph Feilden
the Trustees opposed Mr Feilden's claim to ownership of the site] have
consented to patronize the performances this evening. Mrs Samwell, as
we stated at the time, sustained a great loss by the destruction of her
Circus at the fair; and the Police Trustees have set a worthy example
to our fellow-townsmen which cannot fail to meet a warm response. In
defending the rights of the inhabitants, it was necessary to inflict
some injustice upon an unoffending party and that party a widow
with a large family [i.e. Mrs Samwell]. To repair that injury in some
degree is the object the Police Trustees have in view in patronizing
the performances for this evening; and we cannot permit ourselves to
doubt that a bumper house will show that the inhabitants of Blackburn
can be just to others as well as to themselves'. [This page also has an
ad for Samwell's Royal Circus 'by desire and under the patronage of The
Trustees of the Blackburn Police'. Successful though the 'patronage'
may have been, Mary Samwell sued the Trustees the following month for
£200 and won.]
1838, Jun c.5: The Blackburn Standard. 'Blackburn Petit Sessions,
Friday. Before the Rev J. Hopwood, J. F. Hindle, J. Simpson, and J.
Lister, Esqrs. Wages. Joseph Daly and his brother, two performers at
the Circus in this town, summoned Stephen Samwell, a son of the
proprietress, for wages amounting to £3.13s. Mr James, the acting
manager of the establishment, appeared for the defendant, who was at
that time in Preston, superintending the erection of a circus. He
stated the case to the Magistrates as follows; - Some time ago, in
Bolton, the complainants applied to Mr. Stephen Samwell for an
engagement. Mrs. Samwell was at that time in London. The defendant
engaged them at £2.10s. a week, and said if his mother did not
like to give so much he would make it up out of his own pocket. Mr.
Samwell had no right to engage them as he himself was only a servant in
the establishment, in the receipt of wages, and also under age. Their
wages, however, had been regularly paid to the complainants and Mrs.
Samwell did not own them anything; the summons had been taken out for
something which young Samwell had promised to give out of his own
pocket. The complainants admitted this statement to be correct, and the
magistrates therefore dismissed the case'.
1853 Jan 18th Kentish Gazette: 'Lawrence's Circus. During the past week
this place of amusement has been nightly crowded with fashionable
audiences to witness the exploits of the celebrated Dick Turpin and his
famous Black Bess. The highwayman was capitally acted by Mr Wm.
Samwell, and the training of the mare is really wonderful. This week in
addition to the clever equestrianism of Madame Schmidt, Miss Wells,
Elsler; Messrs Schmidt, Wells, Butler, Wm and S Samwell, Twist, Aguzza
&c we have 'The Rigs of Mr Briggs''.
1869, Nov c. 8 or 20: The Sphinx (Manchester, England). 'At the Circus.
We had plenty of horsemanship, tumbling, clown-work, and circus
generally, for our money. Half-past seven to nearly eleven was no bad
allowance. Of all the performers, however, during the whole evening,
the dogs were far away the best. The two poodles shaven and shorn,
gravely going through their tricks, and all the more comic because of
their gravity; the beautiful spaniel, who did everything in an
affectionate and caressing manner; the curly black retrieverand, above
all, the spotted 'clown dog'Left sitting upon his chair, he sneaks off,
while his companions are performing some trick or other, and going
behind his master's back, mimics their motions, and burlesques their
performance in a manner inconceivably ludicrous, because apparently of
his own free will and pleasure. Mr Samwell holds a long narrow basket,
like a dirty clothes basket with no bottom to it, and through this the
other four dogs jump very cleverly; our friend looks on, bides his
time, makes a rush as if to go through the basket in his turn, but
turns off short, and slips round his master's legs. Similarly when his
companions have leapt through a hoop, he waits until said hoop has been
thrown down on the ground, and another trick is in process, and then
runs up to and wriggles himself through it, with the air of a dog who
knows how to do a thing or two with as little trouble as possible.
Amidst shouts of approving laughter which greeted this four-footed
artiste, we took our departure'. [Note, this is Thomas Samwells, a.k.a.
Prof. Tom Samwell].
1883, Feb 17: New York Clipper. 'John Samwell died in England recently.
As a youth when Ducrow managed Astley's, he was an excellent
equestrian, and subsequently he toured the provinces with a circus of
his own'.
1883, Mar 17: New York Clipper: 'Prof. Tom Samuells [sic], who has just
closed a successful engagement with W. O. Dale Stevens' Australian
Circus, joins the John Robinson Show this week'. [and on same page:]
'Circuses. J. F. Robinson, general-manager, and D. S. Vernon,
general-agent of John Robinson's Circus were in town the past
weekseason is to open in Cincinnati April 9. The principal performers
engaged are G. Holland, Ed. Holland, John Lowlow, W. Ashe, W.
Forepaugh, Kate Holloway, Minnie Marks, Willie Marks, Tom Samwells,
Leon and wife and G. Paine.'.
1883, Mar 31: New York Clipper. 'Tom Samwells, who goes with John
Robinson's Show the coming season, has been engaged by W. O. Dale
Stevens for the Winter season of 1883-4'.
1886, Sep 25: New York Clipper. 'Last week, while Chas. Samwell, of the
Forepaugh & Samwell Co., was in Columbus, O., he met Ida Williams,
the fat beauty of the Dime Museum. She at once recognized her old
manager, and, to show her kind feelings toward him, later presented him
with a solid gold-headed cane, suitably inscribed. She also presented
Mrs. Samwell with a diamond ring'.
1888, Dec 29: New York Clipper. 'Prof. Samwells and his trained animal
show have left San Francisco, Cal, for a tour of Oregon, Washington
Territory and British Columbia'.
1889, Sep 2: New York Clipper. 'San FranciscoProf. Samwells and his
troupe of trained animals are playing through the interior'.
1906, Oct 20: The Billboard. 'Well-Known Trainer Dead. Thomas Samwells,
who enjoyed an international reputation second to none in his day as an
animal trainer, died in the hospital at Shreveport, La., Oct. 4 at the
age of eighty-one. [note this is incorrect as he was born 1833].
The showman had been ill but a very short time. Thomas Samwells was
born in Maidston [sic], County of Kent, England in 1825 [this is
incorrect] and as his parents were show people he was literally brought
up in the business. After the parents died the brothers continued to
manage the show and took it to all the important towns of England,
gaining for themselves a good name and eminent position in the show
world. Thomas devoted most of his time to the training of animals and
so prominent did he become that Mr. Sanger of the Sanger Show engaged
him at the highest salary ever paid an animal trainer up to that time.
In 1872 Mr. Samwells came to America with the Jarnett & Palmer
Black Crook Co., bringing with him a dog and pony act that became the
sensation of the Old Nible [or Noble?] Gardens. It was heralded about
the country as the greatest animal act extant and Mr. Samwell's [sic]
tour of the leading houses in this country was a continued ovation. He
afterwards made extensive tours into Mexico, South America and South
Africa. The deceased leaves a wife who attended him faithfully during
his last illness [n.b. this was Mary Ann, nee Whiteley] and a son.
Internment was had in Greenwood Cemetery. Mr. Samwells was a kindly
man, and during his show days he enjoyed the respect and confidence of
his associates and employes[sic]. The last days of his life were spent
in quiet and rest after a most strenuous and active career. Anyone
knowing the whereabouts of the son of the deceased will confer a favor
be addressing C. H. Fehlner, foot of Milan street, Shreveport.
La.'. By Caroline
Cavanagh
DID
ALBERT WALLETT EXIST?
The confusion surrounding the search for Nellie Wallett (Yorkshire
Family Historian August 1999) was in part related to the identification
of her brother, Albert. Nellie was said to have had two brothers,
Joseph Reuben, a stage scenic designer, and Albert, an actor. By
far the most extravagant tales were told about Albert - he travelled
with the same company as Nellie and her husband, Jonathan Roberts, but
at one time had even formed his own company which he took to
Ireland. Here he put on 'The Belle of New York' but the venture
failed and he had to swim the river Liffey in Dublin to escape his
creditors.
No one knew what had happened to Albert and no birth registration for a
suitable Albert Wallet could be found in the GRO indexes.
However, he was there in the 1881 census for Lothertum-cum-Aberford
living with his widowed father, the travelling photographer Joseph
Wallett, his sister 'Sophia' Wallett and his brother, Joseph Reuben
Wallett. Albert's age was given as 9 years making his year of
birth (in Leeds) either 1871 or early in 1872. In
addition, he was around when Nellie and Jonathan (then on the
road as 'actress' and 'comedian' respectively), married in Bradford
Register Office in November 1890. He, as Albert Wallett, and an
'M. A. Seed' were witnesses to the marriage.
After this the trail went cold. All three had left Bradford by
the time of the 1891 census, nor was Albert at home with his father and
step-mother in the photographic caravan in Talbot Street, Normanton.
In the course of looking for the death of Joseph Wallett the
photographer (whom we knew by now to have been born as Burton) we had
found an entry in the Wakefield registration district for a Joseph
Reuben Burton, who died as an infant in 1908.. This seemed
interesting, especially when we came across him again, in the burials
at All Saints, Normanton. A quick look at the baptismal register
revealed: born 14th July, baptised 12th August 1908, Joseph
Reuben Burton, son of Albert (General Dealer) and Mary Ann Burton,
Westfield Market.
So it looked as if Albert had reverted to the name Burton and had
married his M(ary) A(nn) Seed - and so it proved. The wedding
took place on November 4th at Holbeck Church: Albert Burton, aged
20 years, bachelor, Fancy Salesman, son of Joseph Burton, Photographer,
and Mary Ann Seed, aged 26 years, spinster, daughter of John Seed,
Fancy Salesman, both of 17 Port Street, Holbeck. Mary Ann was the
eldest child of John Seed who on his death in 1908 was described in
'World's Fair', the Showmen's Newspaper, as 'the oldest bazaar
proprietor travelling ..... his death removes a familiar and popular
figure from our midst'. The Burton and Seed families probably got
to know each other at the various fairs they attended in the West
Riding and Albert may well have been an assistant to Mary Ann's father.
It was ten years after their marriage that the first of Albert and Mary
Ann's children appear in the baptismal register at Normanton.
Nellie was born in 1901 at Talbot Street, and she was followed by
Christiana in 1903, John Albert in1906 and Joseph Reuben in 1908, all
born at Westfield Market. Identifying older children born between
1891 and 1901 proved more difficult but with the help of contacts in
Normanton (obtained through the use of the telephone directory!) we
eventually were able to speak to one of Albert's grandsons who still
lives in the town. Through him we learnt that the eldest child
was Doris, born in September 1892 in Hirst's Yard, Thomas Street,
Huddersfield, and that after her there had been several more babies who
had died in infancy.
Albert is consistently described as a 'General Dealer' and this, no
doubt, encompassed a range of activities relating to fairgrounds and
carnivals. In 1898 he was listed - as Albert Burton - as a member
of the UK Showmen and Van Dwellers Protection Association (the
forerunner of the Showmen's Guild), and in 1907 in a report for World's
Fair, the showmen's newspaper, he is listed as a stallholder - this
time using the name A.Wallett - at Normanton's First Annual Winter
Carnival.
We have never seen a photograph of Albert or Mary Ann but by an amazing
coincidence we have made contact with showmen who have been able to
describe him to us. By this time we were very curious about Westfield
Market and / or the Fairground in Normanton, especially as Albert's
father, Joseph, was described as of 'Westfield Market' when he died in
1916 and Joseph's second wife was of the 'Fairground' or 'Feast Ground'
on her death in 1904. So, having been told that the travelling
fairs used an area of ground near the railway called 'North's
Fairground', we went to Normanton on a cold March day last year.
Here we accosted the first elderly person we saw near Talbot Street and
asked for North's Fair-ground. The gentleman and his daughter
replied - 'we are Mr and Miss North!!!. The Norths put us
in contact with Elsie May, the last surviving daughter of the ten
children of John Henry Christopher Seed, the younger brother of Mary
Ann. Elsie describes Albert as a boistrous, fine-looking,
military-style man with a large moustache whom she remembers as
commissionaire at one of the cinemas in Normanton. As a child she
had found it very frightening to be sent to visit her aunt and uncle as
they always wore long black clothes! We also discovered that Westfield
Market is now a supermarket car park.
Albert died in 1935 whilst working as a colliery screener at the West
Riding Colliery, Altofts, and Mary Ann three years later in 1938.
Although as a person Albert seems substantial enough, what of his
acting career? In spite of extensive searches, no mention of him
in connection with the theatre has been found. Like that of many
actors, his stage career was probably short, intermittent and greatly
exaggerated!
And what of his birth registration? We know that he was not born
until after the census of 1871 which was early in April, and, if he
gave his true age when he married Mary Ann ( which he may not have done
as she was at least five years older than him) he would
have been born before November 4th 1871. His birth probably did
take place towards the end of 1871 as it was at that time that there
was a wave of patriotic fervour as the nation gave thanks for and
celebrated the recovery of The Prince of Wales, Prince Albert, from
typhoid fever, and many babies were named after him. But Albert's
birth registration has still not been found, either as Burton or
Wallett - in Leeds or anywhere else! Contact: Ann
Hartley
FUNERAL
OF THE LATE MR. G. H.
CORNWELL
Impressive Scenes at
Warrington Cemetery: Amid many manifestations of regret
the funeral of the late Mr. George
Humphrey Cornwell, who died at Bury on Friday last, took place at
Warrington on Tuesday afternoon. The remains were taken from Bury
by motor hearse. The internment took place at the family vault in
Warrington Cemetery, and was witnessed by a large concourse of
relatives, show people and the general public. People from all
shades of public life were present, the Mayor of Warrington sending a
representative, whilst members of the Order of Buffaloes and the
Masonic Order, both of which the deceased was a member of long
standing, attended.
The floral tokens presented a wonderful sight, some magnificent
specimens of the florists's art being sent by relatives and
friends. Names mentioned: Loving Wife, John, Albert, and
Daughter-in-law Lilly,
Sam, Jennie and Fred (cousins), Stanley and Emily (niece and nephew),
Flossie and Family, Mr. Alderson (Southport), Mrs. Ashbourne, Mrs.
Balantyne, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, Mrs.Bland, (sister-in-law) and
Hilda, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Brierley (Oldham), Mr. and Mrs. John H.
Bromilow, Brothers of the Britannia Lodge R.A.O.B. (Warrington),
Brothers of the Reedford Lodge, Mr. and Mrs. Buckby, Mrs. Buckley
(niece), Mr. and Mrs. Butterworth, Mr. Colier and Family, Mrs. Mary A.
Cottam, Mr. and Mrs. J. Cottam, Mrs. Stanley Cottam, Mr. and Mrs. Fred
Chadwick, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Chadwick (nephew), Mr. and Mrs. J. Clough
(Warrington), Councillor and Mrs. P. Collins, Mr. John Collins and
Family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Crighton (Birkenhead), Mrs. Geo. Cornwell
(widow), Albert Cornwell (son), Mr. and Mrs. John Cornwell (son and
daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. J. Corrigan (Leeds), Mrs. Cottam
(sister), Mr. and Mrs. John Cottam (nephew and niece), Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Cottam (nephew), Mr. and Mrs. Stanley and George Cottam (nephew),
Mr. and Mrs. George Davies, Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Farrar and Family, Mrs.
Brown (Blackpool), Friends at the Buck and Hawthorn Hotel (Ashton), Mr.
and Mrs. J. Hardman (Preston), Mr. and Mrs. Garlick (Preston), Mr. and
Mrs. Gaukrodger (Burnley), Mrs. J. Green and Family (Preston), Mr.
Walter Green (Preston), Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Headley and Family,
Mr. W. Helm, Mr. and Mrs. Helm (Bury), Mr. and Mrs. Hessbrook (Newport
Salop), Mrs. Holden, Mr. and Mrs. Hobson, Mr. and Mrs. R. Holdsworth,
Mr. and Mrs. Howard (Farnworth), Mrs. Stanley Howarth, Mr. and Mrs. T.
Howarth (Bury), Mr. and Mrs. B. Howden and Family (Boston), Mr. Sam
Ingham, Mr. R. Ingham (Hyde), Mrs. Jewell, Mrs. Jewitt and Margaret
(Wakefield), Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jones (Rochdale), Mr. J. T. Kennedy
(Ashton-under-Lyne), Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kemp and family (Oldham), Ivy
Leaf Club of Bolton, Mr. and Mrs. Kindred, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Longworth,
Mr. V. Lucas (Bury), Mrs. Makin, Mr. and Mrs. G. Marshall and Family,
Mr. and Mrs. Willie Marshall, Mrs. Meashine, Mr. Geo. Mellor (Oldham),
Mrs. Sam Mellor and Family, Members of the Showmen's Fellowship, Mr.
and Mrs. Middlebrook, Mrs. Minshull, Mr. W. Mitchell, Mr. Brian Monahan
(Mayor of Warrington, Mr. and Mrs. J. Morris (Ashton-under-Lyne), Mrs.
Newnes, Owl Lamp Works (Oldham), Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Paget, Mr.
and Mrs. Walter Paget, Mr. and Mrs.William Pike (Bolton), The Prince
Albert Lodge R.A.O.B. (Burnley), Prince Edwin Lodge of Freemasons,
Cousins Ada, Louie and Little Ada (Proctor), Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe
(Ashton-under-Lyne), Edith, Ellis and Willie Radcliffe, Mr. and Mrs. C.
Relph (Northampton), Bill Russell (Gt. Yarmouth), Mr. and Mrs. Walter
Shaw and Family, John Shaw (Godson), Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sedgwick and
Family, The Showmen's Guild, Lancashire Section, Mrs. Shuttleworth and
Family, Mr. Harold Shuttleworth, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Spencer, The Stewart
Family, Mr. and Mrs. John Stuart (cousins), Mrs. G. Taylor (niece), Mr.
and Mrs. George Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. J. Taylor, Bessie Thistlewaite,
Mr. and Mrs. Thistlewaite (Bolton), Mr. and Mrs. Vail, Mr. and Mrs.
Walmsley, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Whyatt, Mr. J. Whyatt, senr., Mr. and
Mrs. James Whatt, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Williams (nephew and niece), Mrs.
Wilson and Family (Morecambe), Mrs. Young . . . .
Amongs others present were Mr. Brian Monahan (Mayor of Warrington),
whilst showmen's organizations, traders, Masonic and Bull lodges were
represented by Messrs. R. Ingham, R. Holdsworth and J. Headley
(representative of the Showmen's Fellowship), Mr. Harrison (Masonic
Lodge 42, Bury), Geo. Mellor (R. H. Mellor and sons), "World's Fair"
(H. M. Jay), Warrington Police (Sargeant Bromwich and P.C. Wallis),
R.A.O.B. (Primo Solan C.P, J. Jones, K. and M. Bro. Plinston and Bro.
Solan), Victory Lodge, Ivy Leaf Club, Mr. William Pile, Prince Edwin
Lodge128, P.M. W. Helm, Knight, Jones, K. and M, Primo Solan, Bro. J.
Plinston, Bro. Richmond, P.G.S. Warrington Buffs.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Geo. R. Davies, 20,
Union Street, Bury. (World's
Fair, October 1926)
YOUNG
TRAVELLERS DEATH
News of the death of Freddie Williams only son of Mr and Mrs. R.
H. Williams has been received with feelings of regret by a large circle
of friends in showland a report of the funeral which took place at
Warrington will be found on page 10 of this issue. We regret to inform
to have to announce the death of Fred
Williams the only son of Mr and Mrs R. H. Williams roundabout
proprietors the deceased was taken ill on October 13th and was taken to
Leigh Infirmary where it was found that an operation was necessary this
was performed on the day following but he passed away on October 16th
he was laid to rest on October 22nd at Warrington Cemetery (p 10).
Principal mourners were :-
1st Coach :- Father and Mother, Annie and May (sisters)
2nd Coach :- Jake Jewell, Miss M A Jewell, Miss Minnie Jewell, and Fred
Jewell (uncles and aunts)
3rd Coach :- Mr and Mrs G Cornwell (uncle and aunt), Mrs Young, and Mrs
Stewart
4th Coach :- Mrs Cottam (aunt), Mr and Mrs Chadwick (cousins), and Miss
Flannery
Friends Included :- Mr J Williams, Mrs Shorrocks, Mr H Weston, Mrs W
Richardson, Mrs J Black, Mrs Hemmingway, Mrs J Cordwell, Mrs Fearns, Mr
and Mrs L Taylor, Mr and Mrs Delaney, Miss Cubbins, Mr Tom Lorenzo, Mrs
L Crick, Mrs J Taylor, Mrs Nellie Henshaw, Mr Tom Edwards, Mr and Mrs M
Mosedale, Mrs Tom Mitchell, Mrs Savage, Miss May Sedgewick, Mr and Mrs
Taylor (Warrington), Mrs Cooper, Miss Agnes Wright, Miss A Edwards, and
Mrs Flannery.
Wreaths and Floral Tributes were sent by :- Father, Mother and Sisters,
Mrs Jewell (grandmother), Jake and Minnie Jewell (uncle and aunt), Miss
M A Jewell (aunt), Fred Jewell (uncle), Mrs Cottam (aunt), Mr and Mrs G
Cornwell (uncle and aunt), Mr Albert and John Cornwell (cousins), Mr
and Mrs John Cottam and Family, Mr and Mrs John Chadwick (cousins),
Jack Mitchell, Solly and Sammy Clark, Mr and Mrs James Taylor and
Family, Mr and Mrs J Dillon, Mr and Mrs J Williams junr, Mr and Mrs
Fearns and Family, Mr W Hart, Miss Lizzie Taylor, Mrs and Mrs Shorrocks
and Family, Mr and Mrs Hemmingway, Mrs Bobby Green, Miss Agnes Wright,
Mr and Mrs Weston, Mr and Miss Shufflebottom, Showmans Guild (Lancs
Section), Billy Mitchell, Tom Edwards, Lot Taylor, W Grant, Tommy
Lorenzo and Jack Edwards (companions) Mr and Mrs John Walker and
Family, Mrs Tom and Billy Mitchell, Mr and Mrs W Chadwick and Family,
Mr and Mrs A Sedgewick and Family, Messrs John and Arthur Ryan, Mrs
Yates and Mr and Mrs Delaney. Mr W Helm and Family, Messrs Hughes and
Martin, Mr and Mrs J Smith junr, Mr and Mrs H Jennings, Mr and Mrs W
Forshaw, Mr and Mrs Job Farrell, Mr and Mrs Alf Buckley, Mr and Mrs L
Crick and Family, Mr and Mrs Williams (Warrington), Mr and Mrs Scarfe
and Family, Mr and Mrs J Butterworth, Mrs Shuttleworth and Family, Mrs
and Mrs Lawrence Taylor, Miss Frances Cubbins, Mr and Mrs W Kaye, Mr
and Mrs W Mitchell junr, Mr and Mrs Royle and Family, Miss Janey and
Nellie Henshaw, Mr and Mrs Harry Ingham and Family, Mr and Mrs Edwards
and Family, Miss Kate and Charles Lorenzo, Mr and Mrs Tom Forshaw, Mr
and Mrs J Green junr, Mr and Mrs Parkinson, Mr and Mrs Mosedale, Mr and
Mrs John Boss, Mrs Holden and Daughter, Mrs J Black and Family, Mr R
Cubbins, Mr and Mrs Albert Sedgewick, Mr and Mrs W Cubbins, Mr and Mrs
W Grant and Family, Mr Joe and Emily Grant, Misses May and Evelyn
Sedgewick, Miss Violet Grant, Mr and Mrs R Theodore and Family, Mr
Willie Weston, Lizzie and Benny Mitchell, Mr and Mrs W Proctor, Mr and
Mrs S Cubbins, Boys and Girls Wallis Fairground.
Mr and Mrs Williams wish to thank all friends for the sympathy shown to
them in their bereavment and for the many beautiful floral tributes.
(Worlds Fair, 1st November
1919 ) Contributed by Hellen Walmsley.
St.
Giles Fair, Oxford:
"The stalls extended on the west side from Little Clarendon Street to
New-Inn-Hall Street. At the top of St Giles' Blandy's Ghost Illusions
formed the attraction. In close proximity was a flying trapeze, which
was a novelty. A thick wire was erected about 30 feet high and 40 yards
long. To this was attached a handle with wheels, which with slight
pressure ran swiftly down the wire. The public were invited to take
hold of this handle, throw themselves from the platform, and then
experience the peculiar sensation of flying though the air. At the end
of the wire was a padded board to prevent injury to the aerialists, and
a net underneath in case of a fall. This was well patronized, not by
men and boys only, but on Monday by numerous females, who ascended the
platform and made the flight quite regardless of the audible comments
of the onlookers at their temerity. After a time the proprietor of the
trapeze was informed that the journey would not be allowed to be
undertaken by females. Day's menagerie, containing a collection of 500
animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, bears, haenas, pack of wild
wolves, ostriches, pelicans, vultures, owls, &c., was filled from
morning to night. Amongst the other shows were ... two sparring
saloons, the armless wonder (a man born without hands or arms) who
performed all kinds of work with his feet, 'The Beauty of Adelaide', a
woman of immense size, 'Kasper and Tamara', the mysterious thought
readers, Carver's champion shooters (a man firing at apples, plums,
&c. on a woman's head), Scott's circus, Anderton's conjuring
entertainment, Sidgwick's menagerie and waxworks (including Lorenzo, an
American lion tamer), the performing fleas, &c. The roundabouts
were numerous, and included the old-fashioned ones turned with a handle
to the latest improvements in steam-powered engines.... Two steam
switchback railways should be included among the novelties. They were
largely patronized by old and young, and the proprietors of 'the plant'
will carry with them pleasant recollections of the fair.... The Oxford
Bible stall was, as usual, erected near St John's and Mr. Wheelhouse
and Commander Williams courteously received all comers. Tracts were
freely distributed, and the Church Army held meetings in St Giles' on
both days.... The majority of young people, as on previous occasions,
amused themselves by brushing each other's faces with feather brushes.
In a few cases where these were being roughly used the police deprived
the owners of them. The attendance was extremely large on both
days." (Oxford Chronicle,
24 September 1889)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Many thanks to Ian Rhodes who has kindly given me permission to
include the articles from the Ashton
Reporter which he has transcribed
and posted to his website: Yesterdays
Fairground
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