Chapter XXXI: Preface (30)

St. Botolph’s monastery having been destroyed by the Danes, his relics were in part carried to the monastery of Ely, and part to that of Thorney. Alban Butler, who affirms this, afterwards observes that Thorney Abbey, situated in Cambridgeshire, founded in 972, in honour of St. Mary and St. Botolph, was one of those whose abbots sat in parliament, that St. Botolph was interred there, and that Thorney was anciently called Ancarig, that is, the Isle of Anchorets. It may here be remarked, however, that Westminster was anciently called Thorney, from its having been covered by briars; and that the last-written “History of Boston” refers to Capgrave, as saying, “that in the book of the church of St. Botolph, near Aldersgate, London, there is mention how a part of the body of St. Botolph was, by king Edward of happy memory, conferred on the church of St. Peter in _Westminster_.” Father Porter, in his “Flowers of the Saincts,” says, “it hath been found written in the booke of St. Botolphe’s church, near Aldersgate, in London, that part of his holy bodie was by king Edward given to the abbey of _Winchester_.” The editor of the _Every-Day Book_ possessed “the register book of the church of St. Botolph, near Aldersgate,” when he wrote on “Ancient Mysteries,” in which work the manuscript is described: it wanted some leaves, and neither contained the entry mentioned by Capgrave, nor mentioned the disposition of the relics of St. Botolph. Besides the places already noticed, various others throughout the country are named after St. Botolph, and particularly four parishes of the city of London, namely, in Aldersgate before mentioned, Aldgate, Billingsgate, and Bishopsgate. Butler says nothing of his miracles, but Father Porter mentions him as having been “famous for miracles both in this life and after his death.”

LADY’S DRESS IN 1550.

The gentleman whose museum furnished the Biddenden cake, obligingly transmits an extract from some papers in his collection, relative to a wedding on this day.

_To the Editor of the Every-Day Book._

Sir,--Perhaps the following account of the dresses of a lady in olden time may be interesting to your readers:--

The wedding-clothes of Miss Eliz. Draper, 1550, a present from her husband, John Bowyer, Esq. of Lincoln’s-inn:--

“Wedyn-apparrell bought for my wyffe, Elizabeth Draper, the younger,
of Camberwell, against 17^{o} die Junii, anno Domini, 1550, with
dispensalls.

_First_, 4 ells of tawney taffeta, at 11_s._ 6_d._ the ell, _s._ _d._
for the Venyce gowne 46 0
_Item_, 4 yardes of silk Chamlett crymson, at 7_s._ 6_d._
the yard, for a kyrtle 52 6
_Item_, one yard and a half of tawney velvet, to gard the
Venyce gowne, at 15_s._ the yard 22 6
_Item_, half a yard of crymsyn satin, for the fore-slyves 6 8
_Item_, 8 yards of russel’s black, at 4_s._ 6_d._ the yard,
for a Dutch gowne 35 0
_Item_, half a yard of tawney sattyn 5 0
_Item_, a yard and a quarter of velvet black, to guard the
Dutch gowne 17 8
_Item_, 6 yards of tawney damaske, at 11_s._ the yard 66 0
_Item_, one yard and half a quarter of skarlett, for a pety
cote with plites 20 0
-------
Amounting to 271 4”

The wedding-ring is described as weighing “two angels and a duckett,” graven with these words, “_Deus nos junxit_, J.E.B.Y.R.” The date of the marriage is inserted by Mr. B. with great minuteness (at the hour of eight, the dominical letter F. the moon being in Leo), with due regard to the aspects of the heavens, which at that time regulated every affair of importance.

I am, &c.

J. I. A. F.

_June 5, 1826._

NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR.

Mean Temperature 59·55.

~June 18.~

CHRONOLOGY.

On the 18th of June, 1805, died Arthur Murphy, Esq., barrister at law, and bencher of Lincoln’s-inn; a dramatic and miscellaneous writer of considerable celebrity. He was born at Cork, in 1727, and educated in the college of St. Omers, till his 18th year, and was at the head of the Latin class when he quitted the school. He was likewise well acquainted with the Greek language. On his return to Ireland he was sent to London, and placed under the protection of a mercantile relation; but literature and the stage soon drew his attention, and wholly absorbed his mind. The success of his first tragedy, “The Orphan of China,” enabled him to discharge some pecuniary obligations he had incurred, and he made several attempts to acquire reputation as an actor; but, though he displayed judgment, he wanted powers, and was brutally attacked by Churchill, from motives of party prejudice. Mr. Murphy in a very humorous ode to the naiads of Fleet-ditch, intituled “Expostulation,” vindicated his literary character. He withdrew from the stage, studied the law, made two attempts to become a member of the Temple and of Gray’s-inn, and was rejected, on the illiberal plea that he had been upon the stage. More elevated sentiments in the members of Lincoln’s-inn admitted him to the bar, but the dramatic muse so much engaged his attention, that the law was a secondary consideration. He wrote twenty-two pieces for the stage, most of which were successful, and several are stock pieces. He first started into the literary world with a series of essays, intituled “The Gray’s-inn Journal.” At one period he was a political writer, though without putting his name to his productions. He produced a Latin version of “The Temple of Fame,” and of Gray’s “Elegy,” and a well-known translation of the works of Tacitus. He was the intimate of Foote and Garrick, whose life he wrote. He had many squabbles with contemporary wits, particularly the late George Steevens, Esq.; but, though he never quietly received a blow, he was never the first to give one. Steevens’s attack he returned with abundant interest. His friend Mr. Jesse Foot, whom he appointed his executor, and to whom he entrusted all his manuscripts, says, “He lived in the closest friendship with the most polished authors and greatest lawyers of his time; his knowledge of the classics was profound; his translations of the Roman historians enlarged his fame; his dramatic productions were inferior to none of the time in which he flourished. The pen of the poet was particularly adorned by the refined taste of the critic. He was author of ‘The Orphan of China,’ ‘The Grecian Daughter,’ ‘All in the Wrong,’ ‘The Way to keep Him,’ ‘Know your own Mind,’ ‘Three Weeks after Marriage,’ ‘The Apprentice,’ ‘The Citizen,’ and many other esteemed dramatic productions.” He had a pension of 200_l._ a year from government during the last three years of his life; and was a commissioner of bankrupts. His manners were urbane, and if he sometimes showed warmth of temper, his heart was equally warm towards his friends.

NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR.

Mean Temperature 60·17.

~June 19.~

1826.--GENERAL ELECTION.

The united kingdom may be said to be in uproar, wherever the electors are solicited for their “sweet voices.” One place latterly seems to be without a candidate; viz. “the ancient and honorable borough of Garrett,” situate near the Leather Bottle in Garrett Lane, in the parish of Wandsworth, in the county of Surrey. Information to the Editor respecting former elections for Garrett, and especially any of the printed addresses, advertisements, or hand bills, if communicated to the Editor of the _Every-Day Book_ immediately, will enable him to complete a curious article in the next sheet. Particulars respecting Sir Jeffery Dunstan, Sir Harry Dimsdale, Sir George Cook, Sir John Horn Conch, baronets, or other “public characters” who at any time had the honour to represent Garrett, will be very acceptable, but every thing of the sort should be forwarded without an hour’s delay.

NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR.

Mean Temperature 59·77.

~June 20.~

On this day, in the year 1751, a flitch of bacon was claimed at Dunmow, in Essex, by a man and his wife, who had the same delivered to them as of right, according to ancient custom, on the ground that they had not quarrelled, nor had either repented, nor had one offended the other, from the day of their marriage.--The above Engraving is after a large print by C. Mosley, “from an original painting taken on the spot by David Ogborne,” which print represents the procession of the last-mentioned claimants on their return from Dunmow church with the flitch.

Ogborne’s print, from whence the preceding engraving is taken, bears this inscription:--

“An exact Perspective View of DUNMOW, late the Priory in the county of Essex, with a Representation of the Ceremony & Procession in that Mannor, on Thursday the 20 of June 1751 when _Thomas Shakeshaft_ of the Parish of Weathersfield in the county aforesaid, Weaver, & _Ann_ his Wife came to demand and did actually receive a Gammon of Bacon, having first kneelt down upon two bare stones within the Church door, and taken the said Oath pursuant to the ancient custom in manner & form prescribed as aforesaid.” A short account of this custom precedes the above inscription.

Mr. Brand speaks of his possessing Ogborne’s print, and of its having become “exceedingly rare;” he further cites it as being inscribed “Taken on the spot and engraved by David Ogborne.” Herein he mistakes; for, as regards Ogborne, both old and modern impressions are inscribed as already quoted in the preceding column: in the old impression “C. Mosley sculp^{t}.” stands below “the oath” in verse, at the right hand corner of the _plate_; and in the modern one it is erased from that part and placed at the same corner above “the oath,” and immediately under the engraving; the space it occupied is supplied by the words “Republish’d Oct^{r} 28^{th}. 1826 by R. Cribb, 288 Holborn”: its original note of publication remains, viz. “Publish’d according to Act of Parliament Jan^{ry}. 1752.” The print is now common.

Mr. Brand, or his printer, further mistakes the name of the claimant on the print, for, in the “Popular Antiquities” he quotes it “Sha_p_eshaft” instead of “Sha_k_eshaft;” and he omits to mention a larger print, of greater rarity in his time, “sold by John Bowles Map & Printseller in Cornhill,” entitled “The Manner of claiming the Gamon of Bacon &c. by Tho^{s}. Shakeshaft, and Anne his wife” which it thus represents:--

FORM OF THE OATH.

You shall swear by Custom of Confession,
If ever you made nuptial trangression:
Be you either married man or wife,
By household brawles or contentious strife,
Or otherwise in bed, or at boord,
Offend each other in deed, or word;
Or since the parish _Clerk_ said _Amen_,
You wish’t yourselves unmarried agen:
Or in a twelve moneths time and a day
Repented not in thought any way:
But continued true and just in desire
As when you joyned hands in the holy quire
If to these conditions without all feare,
Of your own accord you will freely sweare,
A whole _Gammon of Bacon_ you shall receive,
And bear it henceforth with love and good leave.
For this is our _Custome_ at _Dunmow_ well known,
Though the pleasure be ours, the _Bacon’s_ your own.

On the taking of this oath, which is cited by an old county historian,[212] and somewhat varies from the verses beneath the before-mentioned prints, the swearers were entitled to the flitch, or gammon.

The “Gentleman’s Magazine,” of 1751, mentions that on this day “John Shakeshanks, woolcomber, and Anne his wife, of the parish of Weathersfield, in Essex, appeared at the customary court at Dunmow-parva, and claim’d the bacon according to the custom of that manor.” This is all the notice of the last claim in that miscellany, but the old “London Magazine,” of the same year, adds, that “the bacon was delivered to them with the usual formalities.” It is remarkable that in both these magazines the parties are named “Shakeshanks.” On reference to the court-roll, the real name appears to be Shakeshaft.

Ogborne’s print affirms that this custom was instituted in or about the year 1111, by Robert, son of Richard Fitz Gilbert, Earl of Clare: but as regards the date, which is in the time of Henry I., the statement is inaccurate; for if it originated with Robert Fitzwalter, as hereafter related, he did not live till the time of “King Henry, son of King John,” who commenced his reign in 1199, and was Henry III.

Concerning the ceremony, the print goes on to describe, that after delivering the bacon, “the happy pair are taken upon men’s shoulders, in a chair kept for that purpose, and carried round the scite of the priory, from the church to the house, with drums, minstrells, and other musick playing, and the gammon of bacon borne on a high pole before them, attended by the steward, gentlemen, and officers of the manor, with the several inferior tenants, carrying wands, &c., and a jury of bachelors and maidens (being six of each sex) walking two and two, with a great multitude of other people, young and old, from all the neighbouring towns and villages thereabouts, and several more that came from very great distances (to the amount of many thousands in the whole), with shouts and acclamations, following.”[213]

* * * * *

The chair in which the successful candidates for “the bacon” were seated, after obtaining the honourable testimony of their connubial happiness, is made of oak, and though large, seems hardly big enough for any pair, but such as had given proofs of their mutual good-nature and affection. It is still preserved in Dunmow Church, and makes part of the _admiranda_ of that place. It is undoubtedly of great antiquity, probably the official chair of the prior, or that of the lord of the manor, in which he held the usual courts, and received the suit and service of his tenants. There is an engraving of the chair in the “Antiquarian Repertory,” from whence this notice of it is extracted: it in no way differs from the chief chairs of ancient halls.

* * * * *

Of “the bacon,” it is stated, on Ogborne’s print, that “before the dissolution of monasteries, it does not appear, by searching the most ancient records, to have been demanded above three times, and, including this (demand of Shakeshaft’s) just as often since.” These demands are particularized by Dugdale, from a manuscript in the College of Arms,[214] to the following effect:--

“Robt. Fitzwalter, living long beloved of king Henry, son of king John, as also of all the realme, betook himself in his latter dayes to prayer and deeds of charity, gave great and bountifull alms to the poor, kept great hospitality, and re-edified the decayed prison (priory) of Dunmow, which one Juga (Baynard), a most devout and religious woman, being in her kinde his ancestor, had builded; in which prison (priory) arose a custome, begun and instituted, eyther by him, or some other of his successours, which is verified by a common proverb or saying, viz.--That he which repents him not of his marriage, either sleeping or waking, in a year and a day, may lawfully go to Dunmow and fetch a gammon of bacon. It is most assured that such a custome there was, and that this bacon was delivered with such solemnity and triumphs as they of the priory and the townsmen could make. I have enquired of the manner of it, and can learne no more but that it continued untill the dissolution of that house, as also the abbies. And that the party or pilgrim for bacon was to take his oath before prior and convent, and the whole town, humbly _kneeling in the church-yard upon two hard pointed stones_, which stones, some say, are there yet to be seen in the prior’s church-yard; his oath was ministered with such long process, and such solemne singing over him, that doubtless must make his pilgrimage (as I may term it) painfull: after, he was taken up upon men’s shoulders, and carried, first about the priory church-yard, and after, through the town with all the fryers and brethren, and all the town’s-folke, young and old, following him with shouts and acclamations, with his bacon borne before him, and in such manner (as I have heard) was sent home with his bacon; of which I find that some had a gammon, and others a flecke, or a flitch; for proof whereof I have, from the records of the house, found the names of three several persons that at several times had it.”

Anno 23. Henry VI. 1445, one Richard Wright of Badbury, near the city of Norwich in the county of Norfolk, labourer (Plebeius) came to Dunmow and required the bacon, to wit, on the 27th of April, in the 23d year of the reign of King Henry VI. and according to the form of the charter was sworn before John Cannon, prior of the place and the convent, and very many other neighbours, and there was delivered to him, the said Richard a side or flitch of bacon.

Anno 7 Edw. IV. 1467, one Stephen Samuel of Ayston-Parva, in the county of Essex, husbandman, on the day of the Blessed Virgin in Lent (25th March) in the 7th year of king Edward IV. came to the priory of Dunmow, and required a gammon of bacon; and he was sworn before Roger Bulcott, then prior of the place and the convent, and also before a multitude of other neighbours, and there was delivered to him a gammon of bacon.

Anno 2 Hen. VIII. 1510, Thomas le Fuller of Cogshall, in the county of Essex, came to the priory of Dunmow, and on the 8th day of September, being Sunday, in the 2d year of king Henry VIII. according to the form of the charter, was sworn before John Tils, then Prior of the house and the convent, and also before a multitude of neighbours, and there was delivered to him, the said Thomas, a gammon of bacon.

“Hereby it appeareth,” Dugdale says, “that it was according to a charter, or donation, given by some conceited benefactor to the house; and it is not to be doubted, but that at such a time, the bordering towns and villages resorted, and were partakers of their pastimes, and laughed to scorne the poore man’s pains[215].”

* * * * *

In a letter from F. D. to “Mr. Urban,” Shakeshaft, _alias_ Shake_shank_, is called the _ancient_ woolcomber of Weathersfield, and a copy of the register of the form and ceremony, observed fifty years before, is communicated as follows:--

_Extract from the Court Roll._

“_Dunmow, Nuper Priorat._

At a court baron of the right worshipful Sir _Thomas May_, knt. there
holden upon _Friday_ the 7th day of _June_, in the 13th year of the
reign of our sovereign lord _William_ III. by the grace of God, &c.
and in the year of our lord 1701, before _Thomas Wheeler_, gent.
steward of the said manor, it is thus enrolled:

{ _Elizabeth Beaumont_, Spinster }
{ _Henrietta Beaumont_, Spinster }
Homage. { _Annabella Beaumont_, Spinster } Jurat.
{ _Jane Beaumont_, Spinster }
{ _Mary Wheeler_, Spinster }

“Be it remember’d, that at this court, in full and open court, it is found, and presented by the homage aforesaid, that _William Parsley_, of _Much Easton_ in the county of _Essex_, butcher, and _Jane_ his wife, have been married for the space of three years last past, and upward; and it is likewise found, presented, and adjudged, by the homage aforesaid, that the said _William Parsley_, and _Jane_ his wife, by means of their quiet, peaceable, tender, and loving cohabitation, for the space of time aforesaid, (as appears by the said homage) are fit and qualify’d persons to be admitted by the court to receive the antient and accustom’d oath, whereby to entitle themselves to have the bacon of _Dunmow_ delivered unto them, according to the custom of the manor.

“Whereupon, at this court, in full and open court, came the said _William Parsley_, and _Jane_ his wife, in their proper persons, and humbly prayed, they might be admitted to take the oath aforesaid; whereupon the said steward, with the jury, suitors, and other officers of the court, proceeded, with the usual solemnity, to the antient and accustomed place for the administration of the oath, and receiving the gammon aforesaid, (that is to say) the two great stones lying near the church door, within the said manor, where the said _William Parsley_, and _Jane_ his wife, kneeling down on the said two stones, and the said steward did administer unto them the above-mentioned oath in these words, or to this effect following, viz.

You do swear by custom of confession,
That you ne’er made nuptial transgression,
Nor since you were married man and wife,
By houshold brawls, or contentious strife,
Or otherwise, in bed or at board,
Offended each other in deed or in word;
Or in a twelvemonth’s time and a day,
Repented not in thought any way;
Or since the church clerk said _Amen_,
Wished yourselves unmarried again,
But continued true, and in desire
As when you joyned hands in holy quire.

“And immediately thereupon, the said _William Parsley_, and _Jane_ his wife, claiming the said gammon of bacon, the court pronounced the sentence for the same, in these words, or to the effect following--

Since to these conditions, without any fear,
Of your own accord you do freely swear,
A whole gammon of bacon you do receive,
And bear it away with love and good leave,
For this is the custom of _Dunmow_ well known;
Tho’ the pleasure be ours, the bacon’s your own.

“And accordingly a gammon of bacon was delivered unto the said _William Parsley_, and _Jane_ his wife, with the usual solemnity.

“Examined _per_ Thomas Wheeler, steward.”

The same day a gammon was delivered to Mr. _Reynolds_, steward to Sir _Charles Barrington_, of _Hatfield Broad Oak_.

* * * * *

The custom of this manor is commemorated “in this old distich” viz.

~He that repents him not of his Marriage in a year and a day either
sleeping or waking
May lawfully goe to Dunmow and fetch a gammon of Bacon.~

It is further mentioned in “Piers Plowman’s Vision,” and Chaucer refers to it in the following words:

The bacon was not set for hem I trowe,
That some men haue in Essex at Donmowe

_Wife of Bath’s Prologue._

CUSTOM OF WHICHNOVRE, STAPFORDS.

_Bacon and Corn._

There is a similar usage, in the “Honor of Tutbury,” the whole whereof is here set forth in Dr. Plot’s words, viz.:

“I find that Sr. _Philip de Somervile_ 10 of _Edw. 3._ held the Manors of _Whichnovre_, _Scirescot_, _Ridware Netherton_, and _Cowlee_, all in _Com. Stafford_ of the Earles of _Lancaster_ Lords of the _Honor_ of _Tutbury_, by these memorable _Services_, viz. _By two small fees_, that is to say,

“When other Tenants pay for Reliefe one whole Knight’s fee, One hundred Shillings, he the said Sir _Philip_ shall pay but Fifty shillings: and when Escuage is assessed throgheowtt the land; or to Ayde for to make th’ eldest sonne of the Lord, Knyght; or for to marry the eldest daughter of the Lord, the said Sir _Philip_ shall pay bott the moitye of it that other shall paye. Nevertheless, the said Sir _Philip_ shall fynde, meyntienge, and susteingne one _Bacon flyke_, hanging in his Hall at _Whichenovre_, redy arrayede all times of the yere, bott (except) in Lent; to be given to everyche mane, or woman married, after the day and the yere of their marriage be passed: and to be gyven to everyche mane of Religion, Archbishop, Bishop, Prior, or other Religious; and to everyche Preest, after the year and day of their profession finished, or of their dignity reseyved, in forme followyng. Whensoever that ony suche byforenamed, wylle come for to enquire for the _Baconne_, in there own persone; or by any other for them, they shall come to the Baillyfe, or to the Porter of the Lordship of _Whichenovre_, and shall say to them, in the manere as ensewethe;

“_Bayliffe, or Porter, I doo you to knowe; that I am come for my self
(or, if he be come for any other, shewing for whome) to demaunde one
Bacon flyke, hanging in the Halle, of the Lord of_ Whichenovre, _after
the forme thereunto belongyng_.

After which relacioun, the Baillyffe or Porter shall assign a day to him, upon promyse, by his feythe to retourne; and with him to bryng tweyne of his neighbours.

“And, in the meyn tyme, the said Bailliffe shall take with him tweyne of the Freeholders of the Lordship of _Whichenovre_; and they three, shall go to the Manoir of _Rudlowe_, belongynge to _Robert Knyghtleye_, and there shall somon the forseid _Knyghteley_ or his Baillyffe; commanding him, to be redy at _Whichenovre_, the day appoynted, at pryme of the day, withe his Caryage; that is to say, a Horse and a Sadylle, a Sakke, and a Pryke, for to convey and carye the said Baconne, and Corne, a journey owtt of the Countee of _Stafford_, at hys costages. And then the sayd Baillyffe, shall, with the sayd Freeholders, somone all the Tenaunts of the said Manoir, to be ready at the day appoynted, at _Whichenovre_, for to doo and perform the services which they owe to the Baconne. And, at the day assign’d, all such as owe services to the Baconne, shall be ready at the Gatte of the Manoir off _Whichenovre_, frome the Sonnerysing to None, attendying and awatyn for the comyng for hym, that fetcheth the Baconne. And, when he is comyn, there shall be delivered to hym and hys felowys, Chapeletts; and to all those whiche shall be there; to do their services deue to the Baconne: And they shall lede the seid Demandant wythe Trompes and Sabours, and other maner of Mynstralseye, to the Halle-dore, where he shall fynde the Lord of _Whichenovre_, or his Steward, redy to deliver the Baconne, in this manere:--

“He shall enquere of hym, whiche demandeth the Baconne, yf he have brought tweyn of hys Neghbors with hym. Whiche must answere; _They be here ready_. And then the Steward shall cause thies two Neighbours to swere, yf the seyd Demandaunt be a weddyt man; or have be a man weddyt: and yf sythe his Marriage, one yere and a day be passed: and, yf he be a freeman, or a villeyn. And yf hys seid neghbours make Othe, that he hath for hym all thies three poynts rehersed; then shall the Baconne be take downe, and broghte to the Hall-dore; and shall there be layd upon one halfe a Quarter of Wheatte; & upon one other of Rye. And he that demandeth the Baconne shall kneel upon his knee; and shall hold his right hand upon a booke; which booke shall be layde above the Baconne, and the Corne; and shall make Othe, in this manere.

“_Here ye, Sir_ Philippe de Somervile, _Lord of_ Whichenovre,
_mayntener and gyver of this Baconne; That I_ A. _sithe I Wedded_ B.
_my wife, and sythe I hadd hyr in my kepyng, and at my wylle, by a
yere and a day, after our Mariage; I wold not have chaunged for none
other; farer, ne fowler; rycher ne pourer; ne for none other descended
of greater lynage; slepyng, ne waking, at noo tyme. And yf the seyd_
B. _were sole, and I sole, I would take her to be my Wyfe, before alle
the wymen of the worlde; of what condiciones soever they be; good or
evylle, as helpe me God ond hys Seyntys; and this fleshe, and all
fleshes._

“And hys neighbors shall make Othe, that they trust veraly he hath said truly. And, yff it be founde by his neighbours, before-named, that he be a Free-man; there shall be delyvered to him half a Quarter of Wheate, and a Cheese. And yf he be a villeyn, he shall have half a Quarter of Rye, wythoutte Cheese. And then shall _Knyghtleye_, the Lord of _Rudlowe_, be called for, to carrye all thies thynges, tofore rehersed: And the said Corne shall be layd upon one horse, and the Baconne above ytt: and he too whom the Baconne apperteigneth, shall ascend upon his Horse; and shall take the Cheese before hym, yf he have a Horse: And, yf he have none, the Lord of _Whichenovre_ shall cause him have one Horse and Sadyll, to such time as he be passed hys Lordshippe: and so shalle they departe the Manoir of _Whichenovre_, with the Corne and the Baconne, tofore hym that hath wonne itt, with Trompets, Tabouretts, and other maner of Mynstralce. And, all the Free-Tenants of _Whichenovre_ shall conduct hym, to be passed the Lordship of _Whichenovre_. And then shall all they retorne; except hym, to whom apperteigneth to make the carryage and journey, wythowtt the Countye of _Stafford_, at the Costys of hys Lord of _Whichenovre_. And, yff the sayd _Robert Knightley_, do not cause the Baconn and Corne, to be conveyed, as is rehersed; the Lord of _Whichenovre_ shall do it be carryed, and shall dystreigne the seyd _Robert Knyghtley_ for his defaulte, for one hundred shyilings, in his Manoir of _Rudlowe_; and shalle kepe the distres, so takyn, irreplevisable.

“Moreover, the said Sir _Philippe_ holdeth of his Lorde, th’ Erle, the Manoir of _Briddleshalle_, by thies services; that, att such tyme, that hys sayd Lorde holdeth hys Chrystemes at _Tutbury_, the seyd Sir _Phelippe_ shall come to _Tutbury_, upon Chrystemasse Evyn; and shall be lodged yn the Town of _Tutbury_, by the Marshall of the Erlys house: and upon Chrystymesse-day, he himself, or some othyr Knyght (his Deputye) shall go to the Dressour; and shall serve to his Lordys meese: and then shall he kerve the same meet to hys sayd Lord: And thys service shall he doo aswell at Souper, as at Dynner: and when hys Lord hath etyn; the said Sir _Philippe_ shall sit downe, in the same place, wheir hys Lord satt: and shalle be served att hys Table, by the Steward of th’ Erlys house. And, upon Seynt _Stevyn-day_, when he haith dyned, he shall take leve of hys Lorde, and shall kysse hym: and, for hys service he shall nothing take, ne nothing shall gyve. And all thyes services, tofore-rehersed, the seyd Sir _Philippe_ hath doo, by the space of xlviii. yeres; and hys ancestors byfore hym, to hys Lordys, Erlys of _Lancastre_.

“_Item_, the said Sir _Philippe_ holdeth of his seid Lord, th’Erle, his Manoirs of _Tatenhull_ and _Drycotte_, en percenerye, by thies services; that the seid Sir _Phelippe_, or his Atturney for hym, shall come to the Castell of _Tutburye_, upon Seynt _Petyr_ day, in _August_, which is called _Lammesse_; and shall shew the Steward, or Receiver, that he is come thither to hunt, and catch his Lord’s Greese, at the costages of hys Lorde. Whereupon the Steward or the Receiver shall cause a Horse and Sadylle to be deliveryd to the sayd Sir _Phelippe_, the price Fifty shillings; or Fifty shillings in money, and one Hound; and shall pay to the said Sir _Phelippe_, everyche day, fro the said day of Seynt _Peter_, to _Holy Roode-day_, for hymself Two shillings six pence a day; and everyche day for his servant, and his Bercelett, during the sayd time twelve pence. And all the Wood-masters of the Forest of _Nedewode_ and _Duffelde_, withe alle the Parkers and Foresters, shall be commandyd to awatte, and attend upon the sayd Sir _Phelippe_, while theyre Lord’s Greese be takyn, in all places of the seyde Forestys, as upon their Master, during the said tyme. And the said Sir _Phelippe_, or his Attorny, shall deliver to the said Parkers, or Foresters, that shall belonge to their Lordys Lardere; commandyng them to convey itt to the Erlys Lardyner, abyding at _Tutbury_: and with the remenant, the seyd Sir _Phelippe_ shall do hys plesoure. And, upon _Holy-Rood-day_ the sayd Sir _Phelippe_ shall returne to the Castell of _Tutbury_, upon the said Horse, with his Bercelet; and shall dyne with the Steward or Receyver: and after Dynner he shall delyver the Horse, Sadylle, and Bercelett to the Steward or Receyvour; and shall kysse the Porter and depart.”

* * * * *

Having here set forth these singular usages in the “_Pea_ season,” it may not be amiss to add the following--

_Receipt to make Somersetshire Bacon._

The best time is between _September_ and _Christmas_. Procure a large wooden trough; lay the sides of the hog in the trough, and sprinkle them heavily with bay-salt; leave them twenty-four hours to drain away the blood, and other over-abounding juices. Then take them out, wipe them dry, and throw away the drainings. Take some fresh bay-salt, and heating it well in an _iron_ frying-pan, (beware not to use copper or brass though ever so well tinned,) rub the meat till you are tired; do this four days successively, turning the meat every other day. If the hog is large, keep the sides in the brine (turning them ten times) for three weeks; then take them out, and dry them thoroughly in the usual manner.[216]

* * * * *

Finally, remembering that the customs before stated relate to marriage, it occurs that there is the following

_Receipt for a Good Match._

To make a good match you have brimstone and wood,
Take a scold and a blockhead--the match must be good.

NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR.

Mean Temperature 60·47.

[212] Plott, in his Staffordshire, from History of Robert Fitzwalter.
Lond. 1616.

[213] Inscription on Ogborne’s Print.

[214] L. 14, page 226.

[215] Dugdale’s Monasticon.

[216] Trans. Soc. Arts.

~June 21.~

THE LONGEST DAY.

This day the sun enters the sign Cancer, and is then at his extreme distance north of the Equator, passing in the zenith over the heads of all the inhabitants situated on the tropical line; while to us, who reside in London, he appears at his greatest altitude, and hence arises the increased heat we experience from his rays.

To individuals within the Arctic circle the sun at this time does not set.

Cancer is the first of the summer signs, and when the sun enters it we have our longest day. According to Sir William Jones, “the Hindu Asbrono mer Varaha lived when the solstices were in the first degrees of Cancer and Capricorn.” It is now above 2000 years since the solstices thus coincided, and, at present, the sign Cancer begins near the two stars which form the upper foot in the constellation Gemini, and terminates about the fourth degree within the eastern boundary of the constellation Cancer. In the Zodiac of Dendera this sign is represented by a _scarabæus_ or beetle.

_Fruits._

To the eye and palate of the imagination, this month and the next are richer than those which follow them; for now you can “_have_ your fruit and _eat_ it too;” which you cannot do then. In short, now the fruit blossoms are all gone, and the fruit is so fully _set_ that nothing can hurt it; and what is better still, it is not yet stealable, either by boys, birds, or bees; so that you are as sure of it as one can be of any thing, the enjoyment of which is not actually past. Enjoy it now, then, while you may; in order that, when in the autumn it _disappears_, on the eve of the very day you had destined for the gathering of it (as every body’s fruit does), _you_ alone may feel that you can afford to lose it. Every heir who is worthy to enjoy the estate that is left to him in reversion, _does_ enjoy it whether it ever comes to him or not.

On looking more closely at the Fruit, we shall find that the Strawberries, which lately (like bold and beautiful children) held out their blossoms into the open sunshine, that all the world might see them, now, that their fruit is about to reach maturity, hide it carefully beneath their low-lying leaves, as conscious virgins do their maturing beauties;--that the Gooseberries and Currants have attained their full growth, and the latter are turning ripe;--that the Wall-fruit is just getting large enough to be seen among the leaves without looking for;--that the Cherries are peeping out in white or “cherry-cheeked” clusters all along their straight branches;--and that the other standards, the Apples, Pears, and Plums, are more or less forward, according to their kinds.[217]

NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR.

Mean Temperature 59·49.

* * * * *

THE LONGEST DAY.

_For the Every-Day Book._

Cradled in glory’s ether-space,
By Venus nursed till morn,--
The light unrolls thy golden life
And thou art sweetly born.

O lovely Day of bloom and shine,
Of heat, and air, and strain!
Millions rejoice and millions die
Within thy halcyon reign.

Hopes, fears, and doubts, the passions move;
’Twas yesterday the same:--
To-morrow! thou wilt join the dead,
And only live by name--

Jupiter guides thee through the skies
To Hope’s eternal shore:
The sun departs--Thou, Longest Day--
Thou wilt be seen no more!

Methuselah of England’s year!
Thou Parr of Time--Farewell!
St. Thomas, shortest of thy race,
Shall ring thine annual knell.

J. R. PRIOR.

YOUNG BIRDS.

The following letter is to be considered as addressed to the reader, rather than the editor, who, as yet, is not even a tyro in the art wherein his respected correspondent has evidently attained proficiency. Indeed the communication ought to have been inserted in May. If its agreeable writer, and his good-natured readers, can excuse the omission, the birds and the editor will be equally obliged.

THE REARING AND TREATMENT OF YOUNG BIRDS.

_To the Editor of the Every-Day Book._

Now, thro’ the furrows where the skylarks build,
Or by the hedge-rows green, the fowler strays,
Seeking the infant bird.

Sir,--As the time has arrived for taking the young from the feathered tribe, it may not be amiss to say a few words by way of advice to the uninitiated, concerning the rearing, and training of these amusing creatures, who repay our cares with their rich melody.

We may now get Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Linnets, Larks, &c. in the streets, or at the different shops at a very small expense, either singly, or by the nest, according to their ages, but I should recommend all who wish to purchase young birds to go to a regular dealer, who sell them quite as cheap, and warrant them cocks. Buy them when they begin to feed themselves--or, if younger, when you have them home, put them in a cage, rather roomy:--then for Linnets, Goldfinches, or Chaffinches, mix rape-seed, bruised, and bread, steeped in boiling water--with which, when cooled, you may feed them, putting it into their mouths from the end of a stick, about every two hours; water they will not require, the food being sufficiently moist for them. When you find them peck at the stick, and take their food eagerly from it, which they will do at about a fortnight old, place some food about the cage with clean dry gravel, scattering among it some dry seed bruised; they will pick it up, and so be weaned off the moist food, which is no longer proper for them--also place water in the pot. This, as regards their feeding, is all you have to do, while they remain healthy--if sick, you must treat them according to the nature of their complaint. I think their sickness at this early stage of their existence is either caused by cold, or by the oily nature of their food, it being too strong for their stomachs; to remedy this, mix a little of the fine gravel with it, this will help their digestion. Sometimes the seed will scour them, in that case, boiled milk, or rust of iron put into their water is a remedy. So much as concerns the hard-billed tribe.

If your fancy runs on soft-billed birds, such as the skylark, woodlark, nightingale, or robin, you must feed them with egg, and bread moistened with water; or beef, raw or cooked; changing it as they grow and begin to feed themselves, to dry egg chopped small, and crumbled bread; throwing in with it German paste, until you find them contented with the latter. All these birds will live healthy, and sing stout, on this food, except the nightingale; he _must_ have beef and egg. The remedy for sickness and scouring is as before; if the paste binds them, give them raw beef, or chopped fig; the latter is good for all birds, keeping them in beautiful feather, and cool in body. When a month old, cage them off in their proper cages.

Give your captives good food, and clear water; keep their dwellings free from vermin, which you may always do by having a spare cage to turn them into once a week, while you search the other, and destroy the devouring race of red lice that breed in their crevices and corners.

Squirt a mouthful of water over your birds now and then, it will do them good; this will much assist them in their moulting, and make them throw their feathers faster, particularly larks, nightingales, and robins. The latter may have their water-pans to fix inside the cage, so that they can dabble in them, when they like; this will save the trouble of taking them out to clean their feet. Larks _must_ be taken out once a week, or their claws will become clogged with dirt, and rot off. The cleaning their feet is but very little trouble; dip them in warm water, and rub the dirt gently off with your thumb and finger. As these innocent creatures delight you with the beauty of their feathers, and sweetness of their song, too much cannot be done for their comfort.

Hoping this little dissertation (if I may so call it) will be useful,

I am, &c.

S.R.J.

I conclude with the following

SONNET

_On hearing a Thrush singing in the rain._

How sweet the song of the awakened thrush--
Mellow’d by distance, comes upon the ear,
Tho’ gather’d clouds have made the heavens drear,
And the rain hisses in the hazel bush,
Wherein he warbles with a voice as clear
As if blue skies were over, and he near
The one that lov’d him--sweet, yet sad to hear!
For it remindeth me of one I’ve heard,
Singing to other ears, herself unseen,
In her own bower, like that delightful bird,
While yet her bosom’s hopes were fresh and green,
One, whom I heard again in after years,
When sorrow smote her,--singing midst her tears.

S. R. J.

_May, 1826._

* * * * *

The editor has often wished, for the sake of feathered posterity, that he could ensure their liberty; but he can no more do that, than persuade those who think they have “vested rights” in the bodies of certain of the airy race, to open their cages and “set the prisoners free.” It is in his power, however, to assist a little in ameliorating their condition, by urging re-perusal and strict attention to the preceding letter. He is himself particularly struck with the direction, “_squirt_ a _mouthful_ of water over your birds now and then--it will do them _good_.” He ventures with becoming diffidence to suggest, whether to _syringe_ a _little_ may not be as beneficial as to “_squirt_ a _mouthful_.” This is the only exception he dares to hint, and it is to be marked as a qualified one, and, under a sense of inexperience, made “at a hazard.” But he agrees that “a _nightingale_,”--a _caged_ nightingale, alas!--“_must_ have beef and egg;” and “that larks _must_ be taken out once a week”; and--he may be wrong--if they fly away, so much the better. He is strongly of opinion that birds are like himself--they cannot “bear confinement,” and be happy.

[217] Mirror of the Months.

~June 22.~

1826. GENERAL ELECTION.

Parliament having existed to its utmost legal duration, the electors exercised, or withheld the exercise of their franchise, according to their individual wishes or hopes, desires or fears, intelligence or ignorance; or as feelings of independence directed, or influence over weakness misdirected. Contests were as numerous and fierce as usual; and, as might have been expected, in some places, the numerical state of the poll-books intimated more of intellectual enlargement than the final results. No new arguments or means were resorted to. The following paragraph is only inserted as an instance, that to buy as cheap, and sell as dear as possible, as a principle of trade, was not thoroughly lost sight of by dealers.

_Price of Provisions during Elections._

During the election at Sudbury, four cabbages sold for 10_l._, and a plate of gooseberries fetched 25_l._; the sellers, where these articles were so dear, being voters. At Great Marlow, on the contrary, things were cheap, and an elector during the election bought a sow and nine young pigs for a penny.[218]

ELECTION FOR GARRETT.

The “County History” says, that the Hamlet of _Garrett_ is in the road from _Wandsworth_ to _Tooting_. About two centuries ago it appears to have been a single house called the _Garvett_. In it was the mansion-house of the Brodrick family, pulled down about fifty years ago; the ground is let to a market gardener; part of the garden wall remains. Garrett now contains about fifty houses, amongst which are some considerable manufactures. This used to be for many years the scene of a _mock election_, and much indecency on the meeting of every new parliament, when several characters in low life appeared as candidates, being furnished with fine clothes and gay equipages by the publicans, who made a good harvest. The last of these, known by the name of Sir Harry Dimsdale, was a deformed dwarf, little better than an idiot, who used to cry muffins in the streets about St. Ann’s, Soho, and died about 1809. It has been dropped at the two last general elections; but the memory of it will be preserved by Foote’s diverting farce of “The Mayor of Garrett.”--There are three prints displaying the proceedings on occasion of this election.[219]

* * * * *

Since the preceding statement, which is almost in the words of Lysons, Garrett has been increased, and may be said, in 1826, to contain double the number of houses. Lysons and Bray call it a “hamlet;” and this denomination, if taken to mean “a small village,” is applicable to this place.

For particulars concerning the “Mock Election,” with a view to insertion in the _Every Day-Book_, Garrett itself has been visited, and persons seen there, and in the neighbourhood, who took part in the proceedings, and well remember them. Their statements of this public burlesque will be laid before the reader presently.

* * * * *

As a preliminary, it may be remarked that in the election for Garrett, there was a whimsical assumption of office, and an arbitrary creation of officers and characters unknown in the elections of other boroughs. In particular, there was a “Master of the Horse.” The person so dignified at its latter elections was pointed out as the oldest individual in Wandsworth, who had figured in the “solemn mockery,” and as, therefore, most likely to furnish information, from “reminiscences” of his “ancient dignity.” He was described as “Old Jack Jones the sawyer;” and it was added, “You’ll find him by the water side; turn down by the church; he is lame and walks with a crutch; any body’ll tell you of him; he lives in a cottage by the bridge; if you don’t find him at home, he is most likely at the Plume of Feathers, or just in the neighbourhood; you’ll be sure to know him if you meet him--he is a thorough oddity, and can tell all about the Garrett Election.” The “Plume” was resorted to, and “old Jack Jones” obligingly sought by Mr. Attree the landlord, who for that purpose peregrinated the town; and the “Master of the Horse” made his entry into the parlour with as much alacrity as his wooden assistants helped him to. It was “the accustomed place,” wherein he had told his story “many a time and oft;” and having heard, “up town” that there was “somebody quite curious about the Garrett Election,” he was dragging his “slow length along,” when “mine host of the _Feathers_” met him on the way.

John Jones may be described as “one of the _has_ beens.” In his day he was tall of stature, stout of body, and had done as much work as any man of his time--when he was at it. But, then, he had overstrained himself, and for some years past had not been able to do a stroke of work; and he had seen a deal of “ran-dan,” and a racketty life had racketted his frame, and

-------------------------“Time
Had written strange defeatures on his brow.”

After the first civilities, and after he had deposited his crutch and stick by the side of a chair, and himself in an adjoining one, and after the glowing pleasure from seeing a fresh face had subsided, and been replaced by a sense of the importance which attaches to the possession of something coveted by another, he talked of the “famous doings,” and “such sights as never were seen before, nor never would be seen again;” and he dimmed the hope of particular information, by “quips, and quirks, and wanton wiles;” and practised the “art of ingeniously tormenting,” by declarations of unbounded knowledge, and that “he _could_ a tale unfold,” but would not; because, as he said, “why should I make other people as wise as I am?” Yet there was a string which “discoursed most excellent music”--it was of himself and of the fame of his exploits. His “companions in arms” had been summoned to their last abiding-place, and, alas,

“They left him alone in his glory!”

John Jones’s topic was not a dry one, nor was John Jones dry, but in the commencement he had “preferred a little porter to any thing else in the world,” except, and afterwards accepted, “a drop of something by itself;” and, by degrees, he became communicative of all he could recollect. In the course of the present article his information will be embodied, with other memoranda, towards a history of the elections of the “borough of Garrett.”

Had an artist been present at the conversation, he might have caught the features of the “Ex-master of the Horse,” when they were heightened by his subject to a humorous expression. He was by no means unwilling to “have his head taken off;” but he deemed the “execution” an affair of so much importance as to solemnize his features from their wonted hilarity while speaking, to the funereal appearance which the writer has depicted, and the engraver perpetuated, in the following representation:--

MASTER OF THE HORSE AT THE LAST ELECTIONS FOR GARRETT.]

As a memorial of a remarkable living character, this portrait may be acceptable; he is the only person alive at Wandsworth, of any distinction in the popular elections of its neighbourhood.

* * * * *

The following interesting account respecting Garrett is in “A Morning’s Walk to Kew”--

_By Sir Richard Phillips._

Wandsworth having been the once-famed scene of those humorous popular elections of a mayor, or member for GARRAT; and the subject serving to illustrate the manners of the times, and abounding in original features of character, I collected among some of its elder inhabitants a variety of amusing facts and documents, relative to the eccentric candidates and their elections.

Southward of Wandsworth, a road extends nearly two miles to the village of Lower Tooting, and nearly midway are a few houses, or hamlet, by the side of a small common, called _Garrat_, from which the road itself is called _Garrat Lane_. Various encroachments on this common led to an association of the neighbours about three-score years since, when they chose a president, or _mayor_, to protect their rights; and the time of their first election being the period of a new parliament, it was agreed that the mayor should be re-chosen after every general election. Some facetious members of the club gave, in a few years, local notoriety to this election; and, when party spirit ran high in the days of _Wilkes and Liberty_, it was easy to create an appetite for a burlesque election among the lower orders of the Metropolis. The publicans at Wandsworth, Tooting, Battersea, Clapham, and Vauxhall, made a purse to give it character; and Mr. Foote rendered its interest universal, by calling one of his inimitable farces, “_the Mayor of Garrat_.” I have indeed been told, that Foote, Garrick, and Wilkes, wrote some of the candidates’ addresses, for the purpose of instructing the people in the corruptions which attend elections to the legislature, and of producing those reforms by means of ridicule and shame, which are vainly expected from solemn appeals of argument and patriotism.

Not being able to find the members for Garrat in Beatson’s Political Index, or in any of the Court Calendars, I am obliged to depend on tradition for information in regard to the early history of this famous borough. The first mayor of whom I could hear was called Sir John Harper. He filled the seat during two parliaments, and was, it appears, a man of wit, for, on a dead cat being thrown at him on the hustings, and a bystander exclaiming that it stunk worse than a fox, Sir John vociferated, “that’s no wonder, for you see it’s a _poll_-cat.” This noted baronet was, in the metropolis, a retailer of brick-dust; and, his Garrat honours being supposed to be a means of improving his trade and the condition of his ass, many characters in similar occupations were led to aspire to the same distinctions.