Chapter XIV: Part 14

SIR ROBERT PEEL having, from the failure of the potato crop and the imminence of famine, become convinced that the Corn Laws could no longer be maintained, resigned office in December, 1845, and resumed it again for the purpose of carrying Free Trade measures when Lord John Russell had failed to form a Government. His measure for a gradual reduction of the duties on corn was ordered to go into committee, after twelve nights’ debate, by a majority of 337 to 240. After the settlement of the new commercial policy, the Government was defeated by a union of the Whigs and Protectionists, in a proposal to carry a bill for the repression of outrage in Ireland; and this was followed by Sir Robert Peel’s retirement from office, which had for some time been foreseen as unavoidable. Lord John Russell then became Premier. Consols averaged 95½; wheat, 54s. 8d.

JANUARY 13—St. Matthias’ Church, Malvern Link, in the parish of Leigh, consecrated by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. £130 were collected after a sermon by his lordship. The total cost was £1,700, and it will seat 350 persons.

FEBRUARY 27—In the first division on Sir Robert Peel’s Free Trade measures, the majority included Mr. Benbow, Hon. R. Clive, Viscount Eastnor, Mr. R. Godson, Lord Marcus Hill, Mr. Robert Scott, Sir Thomas Wilde, and Sir Thomas E. Winnnington. Mr. Borthwick, Mr. F. W. Knight, General Lygon, Mr. Pakington, Mr. R. Spooner, and Mr. J. A. Taylor voted with the minority.

MARCH 21—The Queen Dowager took her final leave of Witley Court.

MAY 11—The Worcester New Gas Company’s Bill went into committee. The Marquis of Granby, as chairman, suggested an amicable arrangement between the New and Old Companies. The committee accordingly adjourned for two days, and an agreement was then effected, principally by the zealous endeavours of Sir Thomas Wilde. The New Company consented to become purchasers of the Old Company’s plant, works, and stock at a valuation by arbitrators, and to pay £1,000 over and above the valuation, but to give nothing for “goodwill;” this being the point which had been the principal difficulty in the way of an arrangement.

JULY 3—Blowing-up of the Droitwich Patent Salt Company’s Works by the sudden explosion of the steam pipes. Two men named Carter, father and son, were so severely scalded that they died in a few hours after the accident.

AUGUST 4—First meeting of the Worcestershire Archery Society at Strensham Court. The Dowager Lady Winnington was Lady Paramount. The first prizes were won by Miss Clive and Miss Marion Bearcroft, Captain Clowes and J. H. Galton, Esq.

AUGUST 21—The Catholic Church at Hanley opened. A sermon preached on the occasion by Dr. Wiseman.

DECEMBER 26—The last number of the _Worcestershire Guardian_ published, the interest of the paper being afterwards identified with the _Worcester Journal_. It was one of the many Tory papers started by influential parties in London, during the years 1833 and 1834, for the purpose of regaining the power which the Conservative party lost in the Reform Bill agitation. It fought the battles of the party with much fidelity; and during the years in which Mr. George Hyde was editor, its attacks upon the Liberals were distinguished by a good deal of smartness and ability, though too highly seasoned with personality.

LOCAL ACTS—For paving, cleansing, and improving the town of Bromsgrove; Worcester New Gas Company’s Act; Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway Amendment Act; Severn Navigation Commissioners’ Amendment Act; for making a railway from the Birmingham and Gloucester line at Kingsnorton to Halesowen; Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Dudley Railway Act.

1847.

THE terrible condition of Ireland, and the decimation of its inhabitants by famine, occupied the greater share of the attention of Parliament. The Corn and Navigation Laws were entirely suspended until towards the close of the year; in spite of which, the average price of wheat in May was 100s. 5d. The issuing of the Minutes of the Council on Education, which have since been acted upon, and the increase of the grant to £100,000 per annum for the purpose of carrying them into effect, may be regarded as the most important measure of the year. Parliament was dissolved in July, and the elections tended to confirm the predominance of Free Trade principles. Parliament met again on the 18th November. Consols averaged 87; wheat, 69s. 9d.

JANUARY 26—An elegant silver salver, with appropriate inscription, presented to the Rev. Thomas Pearson by the honorary members of the Worcestershire Friendly Institution, in testimony of the value of the services by which, as chairman of the board of directors, he had so greatly increased the efficiency and usefulness of the society.

FEBRUARY 4—A massive silver tureen and four corner dishes presented to Captain Candler on his retirement from the mastership of the fox hounds—which he had held for ten years—at a splendid banquet given at the Star, Lord Lyttelton in the chair.

APRIL—Petitions presented from various of the Dissenting bodies throughout the county against the new Educational Minutes of the Privy Council.

APRIL 22—The first County Court held in Worcestershire, under the presidency of Benjamin Parham, Esq., then recently appointed the Judge of the Worcester District.

AUGUST 6—Shelsley Beauchamp Church reopened, after some costly alterations. The Rev. T. L. Claughton preached on the occasion, and £566 were collected; Lord Ward being a donor of £500.

AUGUST 6—An engine running off the rails on the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway at Kingsnorton, the driver, named John Warburton, was dashed to pieces.

AUGUST 16—The allottees took possession of the O’Connorite Lowbands settlement at Redmarley. The National Land Scheme, under which this estate, with others in different parts of the country, was purchased, set out into lots, and divided to the few drawers of prizes in a lottery to which thousands of others had subscribed, was one of the hugest delusions to which the working men of this country ever lent themselves under demagogue leadership. They allowed themselves to be persuaded, not only that to leave their manual handicraft and become squatters on an acre or two of ground would be the climax of independence and happiness, but that by some legerdemain of compound interest, their money and estates would be so reproductive that all the subscribers would in a few years get allotments, which, being freehold, would give them immense political power, and be the regeneration of the land. The fortunate allottees soon found that they did not hold the fee simple of their acres, but were called upon by O’Connor to pay a large rent, and being unaccustomed to husbandry were speedily reduced to the condition of ruined paupers, subsistent on the charity of the farmers among whom they were located. The affairs of the company are now being wound up under an Act of Parliament.

AUGUST 17—A Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons established in the county. Dr. Roden of Kidderminster was appointed Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire.

AUGUST 17—Grand Bazaar in Mr. J. H. H. Foley’s grounds at Prestwood, in aid of the funds of the Stourbridge Mechanics’ Institute. It continued open for three days, and realised £1,117.

SEPTEMBER 14—At the annual assembly of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry Cavalry, the portrait of the gallant Colonel of the regiment, which had been purchased by a general subscription of the officers and privates, and painted by Pickersgill, R.A., was presented to Lady Harriett Clive in the Shire Hall, Worcester. The pleasing duty of presentation was performed by Major Martin, as senior officer, and Colonel Clive acknowledged the compliment at length.

OCTOBER 7—A meeting held at Dee’s Hotel, Birmingham, to take steps for the establishment of a WORCESTER DIOCESAN TRAINING SCHOOL. The Right Rev. The Lord Bishop took the chair. The resolutions were moved by Lord Lyttelton, Archdeacon Spooner, Viscount Lifford, and Sir John Pakington, Bart., M.P., and a large sum was subscribed upon the spot. The first stone of the new school was laid by Sir John Pakington, October 10, 1850.

LOCAL ACTS—For rating, to the relief of the poor, the owners instead of the occupiers of certain property in the parishes of Kingsnorton, Northfield, and Beoley.

1848.

THIS year is to be gratefully remembered on account of the happy escape which our country had from the confusion and revolution which raged over the ill-governed kingdoms of the continent. A proposal of Government to increase the Income Tax was defeated by the general expression of popular disapprobation. Consols averaged 85; wheat, 50s. 6d.

FEBRUARY 12—On the second reading of the Jewish Disabilities Bill, J. H. H. Foley, Esq., O. Ricardo, Esq., and Lord M. Hill voted in the majority for their removal—and R. Godson, Esq., T. J. Ireland, Esq., Hon. General Lygon, Sir J. S. Pakington, Bart., F. Rufford, Esq., Captain Rushout, and Sir H. Willoughby in the minority.

FEBRUARY—The Corn Exchange dispute now raged in Worcester, being made in great measure a question of politics; the Protectionists supporting the proposal to build a new exchange in Angel Street, and the Free Traders insisting on the old site, from which they contended it could not be removed without much injustice to the shopkeepers and owners of property in the Corn Market. The Mayor, Mr. Webb, made many strenuous efforts to effect an amicable arrangement between the parties, but without success; and the silly result was, that instead of uniting the funds to build a handsome hall that would have been a credit to the city, two were built. The erection in Angel Street entailed great loss upon the subscribers; and the handsome room in the Corn Market, though left without many embellishments which had been intended to be added, was a ruinous affair both to the shareholders and the contractor. As the agriculturists all steadfastly attended the Angel Street room, the one in the Corn Market was at last obliged to be closed as a corn exchange, and was sold under the Joint Stock Company’s Winding-up Act for £1,710—the price to the shareholders being upwards of £4,000. It is now transformed into a very handsome Music Hall.

APRIL 22—The Worcestershire Agricultural Protection Society dissolved itself, and voted its funds in hand, amounting to £500, towards the erection of the Angel Street Corn Exchange. The Messrs. Dent, with Mr. Francis Hooper and Mr. Lucy, protested against the appropriation of the money to the building of the Angel Street Corn Exchange.

JUNE 19—Sir John Pakington moved an amendment on Lord John Russell’s plan for gradually reducing the duties on colonial sugar, and was only defeated by a majority of 15—260 members voting with ministers, and 245 with Sir John Pakington. Mr. Benbow, Mr. Godson, Viscount Mandeville, Mr. Rufford, Captain Rushout, Sir H. Willoughby, and Sir J. Pakington voted in the minority, and Mr. J. H. H. Foley, Mr. O. Ricardo, and Lord M. Hill with the majority.

JULY 31—Several Worcester theatrical amateurs performed Sheridan Knowles’s _Hunchback_ with great success and excellence of acting. The proceeds of this and another night’s performance were devoted to the establishment of a gloving school.

AUGUST—The British Archæological Association, under the presidency of Lord Albert Conyngham, held their annual congress in Worcester. They were received by the Mayor and Corporation—held morning and evening sederunts, at which papers were read and antiquities exhibited—visited Sudeley Castle and other places of interest in the neighbourhood—unrolled a mummy at the County Courts, &c. The meeting was concluded by a _soirée_ at the Guildhall, given by Lord and Lady Conyngham, at which Mr. Silk Buckingham delivered a lecture on Thebes, &c.

SEPTEMBER—After a lapse of ten years an EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS was again opened in Worcester, and proved upon the whole very successful. The catalogue numbered 200 pictures, amongst which were Constable’s “Salisbury Cathedral,” and works by Etty, Sidney Cooper, Müller, &c.

LOCAL ACTS—Worcester New Gas Company’s Amendment Act; to authorise the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway to raise a further sum of money; to authorise an alteration in the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway; to enable the Worcester Turnpike Trustees to make alterations in roads, &c.

1849.

THE extreme distress in Ireland caused by the continuance of the potato blight—the repeal of the Navigation Laws, carried on second reading by 266 to 210—and the admission of Jews to Parliament, refused by the Lords—were the chief topics of Parliamentary discussion. Consols averaged 92½; wheat, 44s. 3d.

FEBRUARY 3—Mdlle. Jenny Lind gave a concert in the College Hall, Worcester, in aid of the funds of the Infirmary, to compensate for the disappointment which had been felt by her non-appearance at the Festival in the previous year. The band of the 5th Dragoon Guards and the Worcester Harmonic Society took part in the concert. Thirteen hundred persons attended. The total receipts were £1,100, and £840 were cleared for the Infirmary.

APRIL—The WORCESTER MADRIGAL SOCIETY, recently formed, gave their first concert. This society, which executes the quaint music of the old madrigalists in excellent style, has already extended its fame far beyond the limits of the “faithful city.”

JUNE 29—The cholera broke out in Worcester, and continued fitfully to seize upon its victims till the middle of October, when it altogether disappeared. There were altogether eighty-nine cases, out of which forty-three were fatal. The expenses of the Cholera Hospital amounted to £832. Dr. Stevens’s saline treatment, only partially put in practice there, seemed to be successful, so far as opportunity was allowed for its trial.

AUGUST—The seventeenth anniversary of the Provincial Surgical and Medical Association was this year held at Worcester—Dr. Hastings, the founder of the association, being president. Many interesting discussions, on topics connected with medical science and the status of the profession, took place, and valuable papers were read at the different sittings. The meeting closed with a dinner at the Guildhall, at which the principal county gentlemen attended.

SEPTEMBER 21—St. Peter’s Church, Cookley, consecrated. William Hancocks, Esq., was the principal contributor to the expense of this handsome building, which cost some £3,400, and will accommodate upwards of 400 persons.

NOVEMBER 15—This day was very generally and religiously observed throughout the county as one of thanksgiving for the abatement of the cholera in the land.

DECEMBER 10—Rejoicings at Prestwood, Stourbridge, Stewponey, &c., in celebration of Mr. Henry Wentworth Foley’s coming of age.

LOCAL ACT—For better assessing the poor rates on small tenements in Kidderminster.

THE COUNTY ARISTOCRACY.

PEERS.

BEAUCHAMP, Earl—Seat, Madresfield Court. William Lygon, Esq., having for some years represented the county in Parliament, was elevated to the peerage by the title of Baron Beauchamp of Powyke Court, Worcestershire, 26 February, 1806, and created Viscount Elmley and Earl Beauchamp 1 December, 1815. He assumed the surname and arms of Pyndar, instead of those of Lygon, in October, 1813. He married Catherine, only daughter of James Denn, Esq., and had issue eight children. His lordship died 21 October, 1816, and was succeeded by his eldest son, William Beauchamp, who for some years acted as Chairman of Quarter Sessions, and represented the county from 1806. At his decease, unmarried, May, 1823, the honours devolved upon his brother, JOHN REGINALD, the present Earl. He married, first, 14 March, 1814, Charlotte, only daughter of the first Earl of Clonmel, who died 26 April, 1846; and, secondly, 1851, the third daughter of the Baroness Braye, and relict of Henry Murray, Esq. Is patron of four livings.

COVENTRY, Earl of—Seat, Croome Court; created, 1697. George William, sixth Earl, died 1809, and was succeeded by George William, the seventh Earl, Recorder of Worcester and High Steward of Tewkesbury, who died 1831, and was succeeded by George William, eighth Earl, Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the county of Worcester. He married, first, 16 January, 1808, Emma Susanna, second daughter of William, first Earl of Beauchamp, and had issue George William, Viscount Deerhurst, who married Harriett Anne, daughter of Sir Charles Cockerell, Bart., and died in November, 1838, leaving one son, the present Earl, and one daughter. The eighth Earl died May, 1843, when the title devolved on his grandson, who was born 9 May, 1838, and is, consequently, at present a minor. Is patron of five livings.

LYTTELTON, Lord, Baron of Frankley, county of Worcester—Seat, Hagley Park. William Henry, Governor of Carolina county, Jamaica, &c., was created Baron, in Great Britain, 1794, the title having expired with his nephew, Thomas, the second Lord Lyttelton (the probable author of the _Letters of Junius_), who died November, 1779. William Henry, Lord Lyttelton, died 14 September, 1808, and was succeeded by his eldest son, George Fulke; at whose decease, unmarried, 12 November, 1828, the title devolved on his brother by a second marriage, William Henry, third Baron. He married, 4 March, 1813, Lady Sarah Spencer, eldest daughter of the second Earl Spencer. His lordship died 30 April, 1827. He represented the county in Parliament from 1807 to 1820, during which time he was the consistent supporter of Liberal measures, and to him we are indebted for the extinction of state lotteries. He was a fluent and argumentative speaker. He was the warm friend of literary and educational institutions in the county. His lordship was succeeded by his eldest son, GEORGE WILLIAM, the present peer. The present Lord Lyttelton was born 31 March, 1817; he married, 25 July, 1839, Mary, daughter of the late Sir Stephen Glynne, Bart. Is patron of three livings.

FOLEY, Baron, of Kidderminster; created, 1776. Thomas Foley, Esq., M.P. for the county of Worcester, was elevated to the peerage 1711, but his son died unmarried, and the barony then expired. Thomas Foley, Esq., of Witley Court, his cousin, was made Baron Foley, 20 May, 1776. Thomas, the third Baron, married, 18 August, 1806, Lady Cecilia Fitzgerald, fifth daughter of the second Duke of Leinster, and had issue four sons and four daughters. He was Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the county of Worcester, and extremely popular with all classes of the inhabitants. He died 16 April, 1833, and was succeeded by his son, THOMAS HENRY, the present peer, who was born 11 December, 1808, and married, 1849, the eldest daughter of the thirteenth Duke of Norfolk—has been Captain of the corps of the Gentlemen Pensioners-at-arms, is Lord High Steward of Kidderminster, and is patron of one living. His lordship sat in Parliament, for the county of Worcester, from 1830 to 1833.

SANDYS, Baron, of Ombersley—Seat, Ombersley Court; created, 1802. Samuel Sandys of Ombersley, Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1741, was elevated to the peerage, as Baron Sandys, in 1743. The title, however, became extinct in 1801, when the second Baron died without issue. The Marchioness of Downshire, to whom his estates fell, was created Baroness Sandys of Ombersley, 15 June, 1802, with remainder to her four younger sons by the Marquess of Downshire, and their male issue. Her ladyship died in 1836, and was succeeded by her second son, ARTHUR MOYSES WILLIAM HILL. His lordship is a major general in the army. Is patron of the living of Ombersley.

WARD, Baron of Birmingham—Seats, Himley Hall, Dudley Castle, and Sedgley Park; created, 1644. John Ward, Esq., of Sedgley Park, became sixth Baron on the death, without issue, of his kinsman William, fifth Baron. He was created Viscount Dudley and Ward, April, 1763; but his son dying without issue, that title devolved on his half brother William, third Viscount, born January, 1750, who died 25 April, 1823. He was Recorder of Kidderminster, and represented the city of Worcester in the Parliaments of 1780 and 1784. His contributions in furtherance of benevolent objects were truly munificent, and the public charities of Worcester always largely participated in his largess. He was succeeded by his son, John William, fourth Viscount, who was created Earl Dudley of Dudley Castle in 1827; but as he died unmarried in 1833, this title and the Viscounty became extinct. The Earl was a man of powerful talents, but withal most eccentric in his manners; and during the last few years of his life was obliged to withdraw altogether from society. He was Secretary for Foreign Affairs under Mr. Canning, Lord Goderich, and during a part of the Wellington administration; and his speeches at this time always commanded great attention, and were admired for their classical eloquence and style. He wrote a somewhat celebrated article in the _Quarterly Review_ on the _Life and Character of Horne Tooke_, with others on Sydney Smith’s sermons, &c. The barony of Ward fell to his second cousin William Humble, in holy orders, who died December, 1835, and was succeeded by his son WILLIAM, the present peer. His lordship married, 24 April, 1851, Selina Constance, eldest daughter of Robert de Burgh, Esq., of West Drayton, who died without issue 14 November, 1851. His lordship is patron of thirteen livings, and has very extensive property in the county of Worcester; the whole of the Foley estates passing into his hands by purchase in the year 1838: the purchase money was said to be £890,000.

SOUTHWELL, Viscount (Irish peerage)—Seats, Hindlip, Worcestershire, and Court Mattress, Limerick. Thomas Southwell, Esq., of Court Mattress, was created a Baronet by Charles II, and, after the Restoration, was succeeded by his grandson, who took an active part in the cause of William III. He was created a Baron of the kingdom of Ireland by George I, in 1717. Thomas George, the third Baron, was, in 1776, created Viscount. He died 1780, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Thomas Arthur, fourth Baron and second Viscount, who married, in 1774, the daughter of Francis John Walsh, de Sérrant. He died February, 1796, and was succeeded by the present lord, THOMAS ANTHONY, under the title of fifth Baron and third Viscount Southwell. Lord Southwell married, May, 1799, Jane, the younger daughter of John Berkeley, Esq., of Hindlip, in whose right he came into possession of the Worcestershire property. His lordship, in 1836, received from his late Majesty the dignity of the Knighthood of the Order of St. Patrick. Is patron of the living of Hindlip, Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Worcester, &c.

BARONETS.

PAKINGTON—Seat, Westwood Park; created, 1620; revived, 1846. Sir John Pakington, who died 6 January, 1830, in his 70th year, being unmarried, and the title became extinct. His sister Elizabeth married William Russell, Esq., of Powick Court, and her surviving son, JOHN SOMERSET RUSSELL, assumed the name of his maternal ancestors, and inherited the Pakington estates. The family honours were gracefully revived in his person: he was elevated to the rank of a Baronet of the United Kingdom in 1846. He married, first, Mary, only child of Moreton Aglionby Slaney, Esq., and by her (died in 1843) has issue one son, John Slaney Pakington, Esq., married, 4 July, 1849, to Lady Diana Boyle, youngest daughter of the late Earl of Glasgow; Sir John married, secondly, 1844, Augusta, daughter of the Right Rev. George Murray, D.D., Bishop of Rochester; and, thirdly, June, 1851, Augusta, relict of the late Colonel Davies, of Elmley Park. Sir John is patron of the living of Hampton Lovett; has been Chairman of the Worcestershire Quarter Sessions since 1834; is Captain of the Westwood Troop of Worcestershire Yeomanry; twice unsuccessfully contested the representation of the county; and has sat for the borough of Droitwich since 1837. On the accession of Earl Derby’s administration, he was appointed Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for the Colonies.

SMITH—Seat, Eardiston House; created, 1809. William Smith, Esq., of Eardiston, married, 18 October, 1780, Mary, daughter of Edward Wheeler, Esq., of Lambswick; was created a Baronet 23 September, 1809; and died March, 1821; when he was succeeded by Sir Christopher Sidney Smith, born 14 May, 1798; married, December, 1822, Mary, daughter of the Rev. R. Foley, and had issue one son and three daughters. Sir Christopher married, secondly, Harriette, only daughter of the late Thomas Lee, Esq., of Headingley, near Leeds, and relict of — Murphy, Esq. He died 19 November, 1839, and his widow in 1840. He ably filled the chair at Quarter Sessions from 1829 to 1834. Sir WILLIAM, the present Baronet, was born 5 October, 1823—married 5 May, 1843, Susan, fourth daughter of Sir William George Parker, Bart., R.N.

WAKEMAN—Seat, Perdiswell House; created, 1808. Henry Wakeman, Esq., of Perdiswell, married, first, in August, 1787, Theodosia, daughter of John Freeman, Esq., of Gaines—which marriage was dissolved by Act of Parliament—secondly, in June, 1797, Sarah, only daughter and heir apparent of Richard Ward Offley, Esq., of Hinton, Salop; and had issue two sons and one daughter. He was created a Baronet 20 February, 1808. He died 23 April, 1831; and Lady Wakeman in 1843. Sir OFFLEY PEMBURY, the present Baronet, was born 17 May, 1799; married, 1848, only daughter of the late Thomas Adlington, Esq. Is patron of one living.

WINNINGTON—Seat, Stanford Court; created, 1755. Sir Edward, the second Baronet, married, in 1776, Anne, daughter of Thomas, the first Lord Foley; and died in 1805, being then member for Droitwich. He was a very learned scholar, and possessed of much critical acumen. Sir Thomas Edward, his son, married, November, 1810, Joanna, daughter of John Taylor, Esq., of Moseley Hall, and had issue three sons and four daughters. Sir Thomas died 24 September, 1839. He was a steady supporter of Whig measures, and represented Droitwich from 1807 to 1818, the county from 1820 to 1830, and Bewdley till 1837. Sir THOMAS EDWARD WINNINGTON, M.P., the present Baronet, was born 11 November, 1811; married, 21 June, 1842, Anna Helena, eldest daughter of Sir Compton Domville, Bart.; represented Bewdley in the Parliament of 1837, and is now its member. Is patron of three livings.

LECHMERE—Seat, The Rhydd; created, 1818; Anthony Lechmere, Esq., born November, 1776, was created a Baronet 3 October, 1818. He filled the office of Mayor of Worcester in 1816, and was the devoted friend of agriculture. He died 25 March, 1849, and was succeeded by Sir EDMUND HUNGERFORD LECHMERE, the present Baronet, born 25 May, 1792; married, 1819, Maria Clara, daughter of the late Hon. David Murray, and has issue one son and one daughter. Is patron of two livings.

BLOUNT—Seats, Sodington, Worcestershire; Mawley Hall, Shropshire; and Haggeston, Northumberland. Sir Walter, the seventh baronet, died 31st October, 1803, and was succeeded by Sir EDWARD, the present baronet, born 3 March, 1795; married, 14 September, 1830, Mary Frances, eldest daughter of Edward Blount, Esq.

PHILLIPS—Seat, Middle Hill. Thomas Phillips, Esq., of Middle Hill, F.R.S. and F.S.A., was created a Baronet in July, 1821, and married Harriett, daughter of Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Molyneaux, Bart., and by her had issue three daughters. Sir Thomas, in 1842, married, secondly, Elizabeth Harriett Anna, daughter of the Rev. W. J. Mansel, of Iscord: is a Deputy Lieutenant of the County.

HONOURABLES.

CLIVE, ROBERT HENRY—Seats, Hewell Grange, Oakley Park, &c.; second son of the first Earl of Powis; married, 19 June, 1819, Harriet, daughter of the fifth Earl of Plymouth. Has been lieutenant colonel in the army, and is Colonel of the Queen’s own Regiment of Worcestershire Yeomanry Cavalry. Was Under Secretary of State for the Home Department from April, 1818, till January, 1822. Sat for Ludlow from 1818 till 1832, and since that year for South Shropshire. Is patron of three livings. His eldest son, Robert Clive, Esq., is now M.P. for Ludlow.

COVENTRY, THOMAS HENRY, Rector of Severn Stoke and Croome Hill, and WILLIAM JAMES (Earl’s Croome), brothers of the late Earl of Coventry.

COCKS, JOHN SOMERS, Canon of Worcester and Prebendary of Hereford Cathedral, brother of the late Earl Somers.

LYGON, HENRY BEAUCHAMP—Seat, Spring Hill, Broadway. Third son of the first Earl Beauchamp—a lieutenant colonel in the army and Colonel of the 10th Hussars. Has sat for the county since 1817, with the exception of the short Parliament of 1831. Married, 8 July, 1824, Susan Caroline, daughter of the second Earl of St. German’s; she died, 1835.

LYTTELTON, SPENCER, Hagley, and WILLIAM HENRY, Hon. Canon of Worcester and Rector of Hagley, brothers of Lord Lyttelton.

TALBOT, WILLIAM WHITWORTH CHETWYND, Vicar of Ombersley, and WELLINGTON PATRICK MANVERS CHETWYND, of Honeybourne, Captain of the 7th Foot, sixth and seventh sons of Earl Talbot.

THE CHURCH.

BISHOPS OF THE DIOCESE.

1800—Dr. Richard Hurd.

1808—JUNE—The Rev. Dr. Folliot Herbert Walker Cornwall, translated from the See of Hereford.

1831—SEPTEMBER 13—Dr. Robert Carr, translated from the See of Chichester.

1841—MAY 1—Dr. Henry Pepys, translated from the See of Sodor and Mann.

DEANS OF WORCESTER.

1800—Rev. Arthur Onslow, D.D.

1817—OCTOBER—The Rev. John Bankes Jenkinson.

1825—AUGUST—The Rev. James Hook, LL.D.

1828—MARCH—The Rev. Dr. Murray, Bishop of Rochester.

1845—DECEMBER—The Rev. John Peel, Rector of Waresley, and brother of the Premier, in the stead of the Bishop of Rochester, who gave up this piece of preferment in accordance with the arrangements of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. To the Deanery of Worcester had hitherto been attached the Vicarage of Bromsgrove, with which were the Vicarage of Kingsnorton and the Chapelries of Christ Church, Moseley, and Wythal. All of these had been held by the Bishop of Rochester, and Bromsgrove had been without a resident Vicar for half a century. These preferments are now separated from the Deanery.

THE CHAPTER.

1800—Rev. J. Torkington, LL.D. Rev. J. Stillingfleet, D.D. Rev. John Plumptre, M.A. Rev. Richard Kilvert, M.A. Rev. Charles Talbot, M.A. Rev. Septimus Collinson, D.D. Rev. John Carver, M.A. Rev. Thomas Fountain. Rev. Thomas Evans, D.D. Rev. Thomas James, D.D.

1803—Rev. John Wingfield, D.D.

1804—Rev. James Meakin, A.M.

1804—Rev. J. F. Seymour Fleming St. John, M.A.

1808—Rev. John Bankes Jenkinson, M.A.

1813—Rev. William Digby, A.M.

1815—Rev. Townsend Forrester, D.D.

1815—Hon. and Rev. Edward Rice, M.A.

1817—Hon. and Rev. Richard Bagot, M.A.

1817—Rev. Herbert Oakley, M.A.

1818—Rev. Anthony Pye, M.A.

1822—Rev. C. R. Sumner, M.A.

1825—Rev. T. Gaisford, M.A.

1826—Rev. J. Davison, B.D.

1826—Rev. Christopher Benson, M.A.

1827—Rev. Godfrey Faussett, B.D.

1829—Thomas Singleton, M.A., to Deanery.

1830—Hon. and Rev. James Somers Cocks.

1833—Rev. E. Winnington Ingram, M.A.

1834—Hon. and Rev. John Fortescue, M.A.

1841—Rev. J. R. Wood, M.A., Chaplain to the Queen Dowager.

1845—Rev. J. Peel, D.D., Dean.

1848—Rev. E. H. Cradock, M.A.

The number of Canonries is now reduced from ten to four.

* * * * *

1834—FEBRUARY—The office of Rural Dean was revived by the Bishop of Worcester, having been allowed in this diocese to remain in abeyance for nearly a century. The Right Hon. and Rev. Lord Aston was the first appointed.

PROCTORS

ELECTED TO REPRESENT THE DIOCESE IN CONVOCATION.

1802—The Rev. T. R. Nash, D.D., Rector of Leigh, and the Rev. Francis Mills, M.A., Rector of Barford.

1806—Dr. Nash and the Rev. Francis Mills reëlected. The Rev. James Stillingfleet, M.A., Prebendary, chosen to represent the Dean and Chapter.

1807—Dr. Nash and the Rev. F. Mills reëlected. The Rev. James Torkington, LL.D., elected Proctor for the Dean and Chapter.

1812—The Rev. Richard Kilvert, M.A., Rector of Hartlebury, and the Rev. Francis Mills, M.A., elected for the body of the Clergy; and the Rev. Dr. Torkington to represent the Dean and Chapter.

1818—The Rev. John Wingfield, D.D., Vicar of Bromsgrove, and the Rev. Francis Mills, for the Clergy; and the Rev. James Meakin, M.A., for the Dean and Chapter.

1820—The same clergymen reëlected.

1826—The Rev. John Walker Baugh, M.A., Rector of Ripple, and the Rev. Francis Mills, for the Clergy.

1830—The Rev. J. W. Baugh, and the Rev. Francis Mills, for the Clergy; and the Rev. William Digby, Sub-Dean, for the Dean and Chapter.

1831—The same clergymen reappointed.

1832—The Rev. J. W. Baugh, and the Rev. Francis Mills, for the Clergy; and the Rev. Townsend Forrester, D.D., Sub-Dean, for the Dean and Chapter.

1835—The same clergymen reëlected.

1837—The Rev. Thomas Baker, M.A., Rector of Hartlebury, and the Rev. George Leigh Cook, B.D., Rector of Cubbington, Warwickshire, for the Clergy; and the Rev. William Digby, M.A., Prebendary, for the Dean and Chapter.

1841—The Rev. Henry Arthur Woodgate, B.D., Rector of Bellbroughton, and the Rev. John Howells, Vicar of St. Trinity, Coventry, for the Clergy; and the Rev. William Digby for the Chapter.

1847—The Rev. H. A. Woodgate, and the Rev. Robert Chapman Savage, M.A., Vicar of Nuneaton, for the Clergy; and the Hon. and Rev. Somers Cocks for the Chapter.

1852—The Rev. H. A. Woodgate and the Rev. R. Seymour were elected by the clergy. Two other clergymen were proposed, viz., the Rev. P. M. Smythe and the Rev. R. C. Savage; the latter as a gentleman opposed to the revival of Convocation; and a show of hands was taken. For Mr. Woodgate 20 hands were held up; for Mr. Seymour, 23; for Mr. Smythe, 17; and for Mr. Savage, 9.

THE EXECUTIVE.

LORDS LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY.

1800—The Earl of Coventry.

1808—NOVEMBER—The Right Hon. Lord Viscount Deerhurst appointed Lord Lieutenant in the place of his father, who resigned in consequence of his age and increased infirmities.

1831—MARCH—The Right Hon. Lord Foley, in the room of the Earl of Coventry, deceased.

1833—MAY—The Right Hon. Lord Lyttelton, in the room of Lord Foley, deceased.

1837—JULY—The Right Hon. Lord Foley, in the room of Lord Lyttelton, deceased.

1839—OCTOBER—The Right Hon. Lord Lyttelton, in the room of Lord Foley, resigned.

CHAIRMEN OF COUNTY QUARTER SESSIONS.

1800—William Welch, Esq.

1817—Earl Beauchamp.

1823—Benjamin Johnson, Esq.

1824—Lord Plymouth.

1829—Sir C. S. Smith, Bart.

1834—J. S. Pakington, Esq.

HIGH SHERIFFS OF THE COUNTY.

1800—William Smith, Esq., Eardiston.

1801—Thomas Phillips, Esq., Broadway.

1802—Thomas Newnham, Esq., Broadwas.

1803—John Phillips, Esq., Winterdyne.

1804—Edward Knight, Esq., Wolverley (_ob._), and Thomas Holme Esq., Beoley.

1805—John Amphlett, Esq., Clent.

1806—Sir Thomas Winnington, Bart., Stamford.

1807—Thomas Bland, Esq., Ham Court.

1808—Sir John Pakington, Bart., Westwood.

1809—Henry Bromley, Esq., Abberley Hall.

1810—Joseph Smith, Esq., Sion Hill.

1811—Thomas Hawkes, Esq., Dudley.

1812—John Baker, Esq., Wolverley.

1813—E. Lechmere Charlton, Esq., Hanley.

1814—John Knight, Esq., Lea Castle.

1815—Edward Dixon, Esq., Dudley.

1816—Joseph Lea, Esq., The Hill.

1817—John Taylor, Esq., Strensham.

1818—Samuel Wall, Esq., Hallow Park.

1819—John Jeffreys, Esq., Blakebrook.

1820—Richard Griffiths, Esq., Thorngrove.

1821—Elias Isaac, Esq., Boughton House.

1822—Samuel Ryland, Esq., Northfield.

1823—John Williams, Esq., Pitmaston.

1824—Sir C. S. Smith, Bart., Eardiston.

1825—T. S. Vernon, Esq., Shrawley.

1826—James Taylor, Esq., Moor Green.

1827—George Farley, Esq., Henwick House.

1828—George Meredith, Esq., Berrington, near Tenbury.

1829—E. Rudge, Esq., Manor House, Evesham.

1830—John Scott, Esq., Stourbridge.

1831—O. Ricardo, Esq., Bromsberrow Place.

1832—John Joseph Martin, Esq., Ham Court.

1833—John Brown, Esq., Lea Castle.

1834—John Howard Galton, Esq., Hadzor House.

1835—Sir Edward Blount, Bart., Mawley Hall.

1836—Sir O. P. Wakeman, Bart., Perdiswell.

1837—W. A. Roberts, Esq., Bewdley.

1838—Robert Berkeley, jun., Esq., Spetchley.

1839—William Congreve Russell, Esq.

1840—James Foster, Esq., Stourton Castle.

1841—T. C. Hornyold, Esq., Blackmore Park.

1842—Edward Holland, Esq., Dumbleton.

1843—William Robins, Esq., Hagley.

1844—John Richards, Esq., Wassell Grove.

1845—Thomas Simcox Lea, Esq., Astley Hall.

1846—William Hemming, Esq., Bordesley Park.

1847—E. G. Stone, Esq., Chambers Court.

1848—John Frederick Ledsam, Esq., Northfield.

1849—John Dent, Esq., Worcester.

1850—J. G. Watkins, Esq., Woodfield.

CHAIRMEN OF PETTY SESSIONAL DIVISIONS.

WORCESTER DIVISION—Early part of present century—Thomas Bund, Esq.

1810 to 1820—Rev. Arthur Onslow, D.D., Dean of Worcester.

1820 to 1842—Rev. John Foley, Holt.

Present Chairmen (alternately)—T. G. Curtler, Esq., and Rev. John Pearson.

HUNDRED HOUSE DIVISION—To 1834, Sir C. S. Smith, Bart.

Present Chairman—The Rev. Thomas Pearson.

PERSHORE DIVISION—1800 to 1836—Thomas Beale Cooper, Esq., M.D., Richard Hudson, Esq., and Lieutenant General Thomas Marriott.

Present Chairman—C. E. Hanford, Esq.

BROMSGROVE DIVISION—1833 (when the Petty Sessions were first held here)—The Hon. and Rev. Walter Hutchinson Lord Aston.

Present Chairman—The Rev. William Vernon.

EVESHAM DIVISION (formed 1842)—Thomas B. Cooper, Esq., M.D.

STOURPORT DIVISION (formed 1848)—Thomas Simcox Lea, Esq.

TENBURY DIVISION (formed 1845)—Rev. Charles Turner Farley.

BLOCKLEY DIVISION—Early part of the present century—Rev. J. R. Hall and William Broughton, Esq.

1827 to present time—William Dickens, Esq.

DUDLEY DIVISION—1800—The Rev. Joseph Cartwright.

1811—The Rev. William Smith.

Present Chairmen—Thomas Badger, Esq., or the senior magistrate in attendance.

DROITWICH DIVISION—Early part of the century—The Rev. J. V. Vashon and the Hon. and Rev. Lord Aston.

1844—Rev. William Vernon.

UPTON DIVISION—18-- Rev. George Turberville.

1838—Rev. Charles Dunne.

1850—Rev. A. B. Lechmere.

In the Kidderminster, Halesowen, Northfield, and Stourbridge Divisions it has not been the practice to appoint any permanent chairmen.

COUNTY CLERKS OF THE PEACE.

1803—John Soley, Esq.

1822—Thomas Blayney, Esq.

1839—H. B. Domville, Esq.

1843—W. Nichols Marcy, Esq.

CHAPLAINS OF THE COUNTY PRISON.

1800—Rev. — Faulkner.

18-- Rev. — Myddleton.

18-- Rev. J. Hadley.

1833—Rev. J. Adlington.

CHIEF CONSTABLE OF THE COUNTY POLICE.

1839—Mr. R. R. Harris.

GAOLERS OF THE COUNTY PRISON.

1800—Mr. William Davies.

1820—Mr. J. P. Lavender.

1846—Mr. Benjamin L. Stable.

MAYORS OF WORCESTER.

1800—E. Isaac, Esq.

1801—H. Hughes, Esq.

1802—Richards Rowlands, Esq.

1803—John Blew, Esq.

1804—John Forrest, Esq.

1805—John Dillon, Esq.

1806—James Wakeman, Esq.

1807—Thomas Allies, Esq.

1808—Samuel Crane, Esq.

1809—Herbert Rogers, Esq.

1810—William Blew, Esq.

1811—John Dowding, Esq.

1812—Benjamin Johnson, Esq.

1813—Thomas St. John, Esq.

1814—Robert Brown, Esq.

1815—Samuel Garmston, Esq.

1816—Anthony Lechmere, Esq.

1817—Robert Chamberlain, Esq.

1818—William Moore, Esq.

1819—W. H. Chamberlain, Esq.

1820—Elias Isaac, Esq.

1821—Francis Hooper, Esq.

1822—John S. Ballard, Esq.

1823—William Shaw, Esq.

1824—William Dunn, Esq.

1825—Edward Blew, Esq.

1826—John Dent, Esq.

1827—R. R. Garmston, Esq.

1828—Thomas Best, Esq.

1829—John Fletcher, Esq.

1830—John Morton, Esq.

1831—H. B. Tymbs, Esq.

1832—Henry Clifton, Esq.

1833—John P. Lavender, Esq.

1834—William Dent, Esq.

1835—Thomas Leonard, Esq., and J. W. Lea, Esq.

PASSING OF MUNICIPAL ACT.

1836—C. H. Hebb, Esq.

1837—C. H. Hebb, Esq.

1838—George Allies, Esq.

1839—Richard Evans, Esq.

1840—Thomas Chalk, Esq.

1841—C. A. Helm, Esq.

1842—Edward Evans, Esq.

1843—John Lilly, Esq.

1844—William Lewis, Esq.

1845—William Lewis, Esq.

1846—E. J. Lloyd, Esq., (_ob._) and William Lewis, Esq.

1847—F. T. Elgie, Esq.

1848—Edward Webb, Esq.

1849—R. Padmore, Esq.

1850—J. W. Lea, Esq.

RECORDERS OF WORCESTER.

1800—The sixth Earl of Coventry.

1808—The seventh Earl of Coventry, in the room of his father.

1831—The eighth Earl of Coventry, in the room of his father.

1836—Under the Municipal Reform Act the Recorder was made virtually, as he had been before nominally, the chief administrator of justice in all corporate cities and boroughs having a Quarter Sessions; and the appointment was vested in Government. John Buckle, Esq., barrister-at-law, was appointed Recorder of Worcester—the Government not acceding to the wishes of the Town Council, who had recommended Mr. Stinton.

CITY CORONERS.

1817—Mr. John Platt and Mr. Nathaniel Mence.

1825—James Wakeman, jun., Esq., in the room of John Platt, Esq., deceased.

1828—Mr. Gwinnell and Mr. J. B. Hyde, in the room of Mr. N. Mence (suddenly gone to America because of some defalcations), and Mr. Wakeman, resigned. Mr. Gwinnell died 1835, and the vacancy thus occasioned was not filled up.

1836—Mr. J. B. Hyde reappointed Coroner by the new Municipal Corporation.

TOWN CLERKS OF WORCESTER.

1800—Richard Cocks, Esq.

1801—Benjamin Johnson, Esq.

1829—William Welles, Esq.

1830—Charles Sidebottom, Esq.

1836—John Hill, Esq.

GAOLERS OF THE CITY PRISON.

1800—Mr. Tyers.

1802—Mr. James Griffiths.

1819—Mr. William Griffiths.

MAYORS OF BEWDLEY.

1800—James Fryer, Esq.

1801—Thomas H. Crane, Esq.

1802—Thomas Baker, Esq.

1803—Jonathan Skey, Esq.

1804—Joseph Crane, Esq.

1805—Samuel Baker, Esq.

1806—Jonathan Skey, Esq.

1807—Rev. Edward Baugh.

1808—James Fryer, Esq.

1809—W. A. Roberts, jun., Esq.

1810—Thomas H. Crane, Esq.

1811—Joseph Crane, Esq.

1812—Wilson A. Roberts, Esq.

1813—George Baker, Esq.

1814—Joseph Seager, Esq.

1815—W. A. Roberts, jun., Esq.

1816—James Fryer, Esq.

1817—Thomas H. Crane, Esq.

1818—Joseph Crane, Esq.

1819—John Brookholding, Esq.

1820—Robert Pardoe, Esq.

1821—Thomas Cartwright, Esq.

1822—Thomas Pilkington, Esq.

1823—Joseph Crane, Esq.

1824—Thomas Shaw, Esq.

1825—George Baker, Esq.

1826—John Brookholding, Esq.

1827—Thomas Pilkington, Esq.

1828—John Williams, Esq.

1829—Thomas H. Crane, Esq.

1830—James Fryer, Esq.

1831—T. S. Cartwright, Esq.

1832—John Brookholding, Esq.

1833—Thomas Cartwright, Esq.

1834—Slade Baker, Esq.

1835—Slade Baker, Esq.

* * * * *

1836—John Bury, Esq.

1837—John Nichols, Esq.

1838—John Beddoe, Esq.

1839—James Cole, Esq.

1840—William Bucklee, Esq.

1841—T. S. Cartwright, Esq.

1842—George Baker, Esq.

1843—James Holder, Esq.

1844—Joseph Farmer, Esq.

1845—George Masefield, Esq.

1846—T. T. Lankester, Esq.

1847—James Banks, Esq.

1848—Adam Prattinton, Esq.

1849—John Baker, Esq.

1850—John Bury, Esq.

1851—Slade Baker, Esq.

TOWN CLERKS OF BEWDLEY.

1775—W. A. Robarts, Esq.

1808—Samuel Baker, Esq.

1816—Slade Baker, Esq.

1833—William N. Marcy, Esq.

MAYORS OF DROITWICH.

The close Corporation of Droitwich used formerly to elect two Bailiffs and two magistrates, year by year, out of their own number; the Lords Foley, from time to time, holding the office of Recorder. The two last Bailiffs, for the year immediately preceding the passing of the Municipal Reform Act, were E. B. Penrice and W. H. Ricketts, Esqs. The following is a fist of Mayors under the Municipal Act.

1836—E. B. Penrice, Esq.

1837—John Robeson, Esq.

1838–9—E. B. Penrice, Esq.

1840—E. B. Penrice, Esq., (resigned) and S. Tombs, Esq.

1841—William Trehearn, Esq.

1842—Samuel Tombs, Esq.

1843—Edward Smith, Esq.

1844—John Pumfrey, Esq.

1845–6—T. G. Smith, Esq.

1847—Edward Smith, Esq.

1848–9–50—John Bradley, Esq.

TOWN CLERKS OF DROITWICH.

1800—Thomas Jacob White, Esq.

1820—Thomas Gale Curtler, Esq.

1836—Samuel Tombs, jun., Esq.

MAYORS OF EVESHAM.

1800—Hon. & Rev. G. Rushout.

1801—Anthony Roper, Gent.

1802—John Lord Northwick.

1803—George Day, Gent.

1804—Thomas Gore, Gent.

1805—William Barnes, Gent.

1806—William Soley, Gent.

1807—W. F. Preedy, Gent.

1808—Thomas B. Cooper, Esq.

1809—John Hunter, Gent.

1810—Sir C. Cockerell, Bart.

1811—Rev. E. Dolman Cooper.

1812—W. F. Preedy, Gent.

1813—Matthias Stratton, Gent.

1814—Rev. H. P. Cooper.

1815—George Day, Gent.

1816—Thomas B. Cooper, Esq.

1817—Hon. & Rev. G. Rushout.

1818—Daniel Edge, Gent.

1819—Edward Savage, Gent.

1820—Rev. Joseph Martin.

1821—Thomas B. Cooper, Esq.

1822—William Barnes, Gent.

1823—Benjamin Murrell, Gent.

1824—William Soley, Gent.

1825—W. F. Preedy, Gent.

1826—George Day, Gent.

1827—Thomas B. Cooper, Esq.

1828—William Byrch, Gent.

1829—John Procter, Gent.

1830—John Thomas, Gent.

1831—Daniel Edge, Gent.

1832—John Walford Izon, Gent.

1833—Sir C. Cockerell, Bart.

1834—Alfred C. Cooper, Gent.

1835—William Barnes, Gent.

* * * * *

1836—William Barnes, Gent.

1837—Thomas B. Cooper, Esq.

1838—T. N. Foster, Merchant.

1839—Ben. Workman, Solicitor.

1840—John New, Esq.

1841—J. M. G. Cheek, Esq.

1842—Thomas White, Tanner.

1843—Anthony New, Esq.

1844—Richard Gibbs, Gent.

1845—John Bromford, Gent.

1846—Zaccheus Hughes, Draper.

1847—J. B. Haynes, Surgeon.

1848—Anthony Martin, Surgeon.

1849—R. H. Hughes, Merchant.

1850—John Clarke, Esq.

TOWN CLERKS OF EVESHAM.

1800—James Taylor, Esq. (reappointed 1836)

1838—Oswald Check, Esq.

MAYORS OF KIDDERMINSTER.

Prior to 1836 the chief officers of Kidderminster were High Bailiffs. The following are the Mayors elected since 1836:

1836—William Butler Best, Esq.

1837—George Hooman, Esq.

1838—George Talbot, jun., Esq.

1839—Charles Talbot, Esq.

1840—Henry Brinton, Esq.

1841—Joseph Newcombe, Esq.

1842—Wm. Henry Worth, Esq.

1843—James Morton, Esq.

1844—Wm. Butler Best, Esq.

1845—George Hooman, Esq.

1846—Wm. Butler Best, Esq.

1847—Wm. Boycot, sen., Esq.

1848—Wm. Boycot, sen., Esq.

1849—Wm. Roden, Esq., M.D.

1850—Wm. Boycot, jun., Esq.

TOWN CLERKS OF KIDDERMINSTER.

1800—James Pinches, Esq.

1801—George Hallen, Esq.

1826—Thomas Hallen, Esq.

APPENDIX.

TABLE A—POPULATION.

1801. 1811. 1821. 1831. 1841. 1851. County of Worcester 139,333 160,546 184,424 211,365 233,484 276,926_a_ City of Worcester 11,131 13,551 16,207 _b_18,442 27,023 27,528 Dudley 10,307 13,925 18,611 23,443 31,232 37,954 Stourbridge (including 8,297 9,755 11,227 13,571 17,483 19,246 the Lye and Upper Swinford) Kidderminster Bor. & 8,036 10,025 12,752 17,913 17,500 20,852 For. Bromsgrove 5,898 6,932 7,511 8,612 9,676 10,310 Redditch 1,000 — — — 3,314 4,774 Stourport 1,603 2,352 2,544 2,952 2,952 2,993 Evesham 2,837 3,068 3,472 3,976 4,245 4,605 Pershore 1,910 2,179 2,328 2,536 — 2,717 Droitwich 1,840 1,977 2,176 2,487 2,779 3,125 Upton 1,858 2,167 2,319 2,343 2,599 2,698 Tenbury 1,541 1,562 1,668 1,768 1,776 1,784 Great Malvern — — — — 2,768 3,763

_a_ By the Act 7 and 8 Victoria, c. 61, part of Halesowen parish, containing 18,827 persons in 1851, and parts of other parishes, locally situated in Worcestershire, but belonging to other counties previously, became parts of Worcestershire. Taking the same limits, the population of Worcestershire in 1841 was 248,460.

_b_ The population of Worcester, even at this time, was estimated at 25,000; but the figures given above, up to this census, only indicate the population included within the old city boundary.

WORCESTERSHIRE.—CENSUS OF 1851.

HOUSES. POPULATION. Inhabited. Uninhabited. Building. Males. Females. Total. Eastern Division 32,136 1,387 236 81,441 81,067 162,508 Western Division 23,503 1,336 101 55,515 58,903 114,418 Entire County 55,639 2,723 337 136,956 139,970 276,926

TABLE No. 2.—CRIMINAL STATISTICS.

The following statistics only relate to the county of Worcester. Prior to 1821 there are no records of convictions, &c., in existence; the Table, therefore, commences with that year.

Year. In what Court Tried. Number of Prisoner Number Number No. Sentenced Number Summary Total Number of Proportion of
Tried. Capitally Sentenced to various terms Acquitted or Convictions. Persons Convicted to
Convicted. Transportation. of Discharged. Convicted. Population.
Imprisonment.
1821 Assizes 80 25* 15 18 22
Sessions 167 — 26 92 49 292 468 1 in 359
1822 Assizes 58 16 6 10 26
Sessions 132 — 22 57 53 324 437 1 in 390
1823 Assizes 69 15* 8 20 26
Sessions 68 — 12 35 21 348 438 1 in 397
1824 Assizes 49 16 5 12 16
Sessions 86 — 8 37 41 352 430 1 in 408
1825 Assizes 54 15 6 21 12
Sessions 103 — 14 51 38 363 469 1 in 379
1826 Assizes 90 27* 10 30 23
Sessions 70 — 8 36 26 304 405 1 in 446
1827 Assizes 110 34 25 29 22
Sessions 124 — 17 79 28 332 516 1 in 354
1828 Assizes 42 13 6 10 13
Sessions 156 — 27 88 41 304 448 1 in 414
_a_1829 Assizes 83 39 5 13 26
Sessions 154 — 34 75 45 287 453 1 in 412
1830 Assizes 80 32* 3 12 33
Sessions 142 — 25 81 36 319 470 1 in 405
1831 Assizes 90 43* 7 23 17
Sessions 220 — 41 112 67 402 628 1 in 307
1832 Assizes 74 28* 9 16 21
Sessions 164 — 36 83 45 373 545 1 in 345
1833 Assizes 73 22 13 19 19
Sessions 258 — 53 137 68 448 692 1 in 285
1834 Assizes 69 3* 20 23 23
Sessions 260 — 63 124 73 526 759 1 in 262
1835 Assizes 51 11 6 16 18
Sessions 139 — 24 82 33 373 512 1 in 393
_b_1836 Assizes 47 4 14 12 17
Sessions 212 — 32 125 55 357 544 1 in 363
_a_1837 Assizes 66 14* 10 24 18
Sessions 278 — 47 141 90 328 564 1 in 354
1838 Assizes 64 3 23 21 17
Sessions 303 — 36 179 88 425 687 1 in 292
1839 Assizes 70 1 16 31 22
Sessions 323 — 44 190 89 411 693 1 in 292
_c_1840 Assizes 76 — 10 36 30
Sessions 474 — 68 278 128 566 958 1 in 202
1841 Assizes 99 1 9 60 29
Sessions 383 — 43 231 109 461 805 1 in 256
1842 Assizes 101 1 16 59 25
Sessions 440 — 57 252 131 439 824 1 in 253
1843 Assizes 120 2 14 44 60
Sessions 418 — 39 245 142 535 879 1 in 242
1844 Assizes 141 1 17 78 45
Sessions 390 — 31 239 120 535 901 1 in 237
1845 Assizes 135 1 20 66 48
Sessions 368 — 28 220 120 460 785 1 in 298
1846 Assizes 154 — 17 79 58
Sessions 329 — 7 220 102 377 700 1 in 337
_a_1847 Assizes 88 — 7 52 29
Sessions 458 — 30 302 126 458 849 1 in 281
1848 Assizes 109 — 12 70 27
Sessions 515 — 21 354 140 599 1056 1 in 228
1849 Assizes 99 3* 10 33 53
Sessions 452 — 50 289 113 614 999 1 in 244
1850 Assizes 115 3 15 62 35
Sessions 427 — 38 280 109 605 1003 1 in 246

* Executions in all these years—vide pp. 146, 148.

_a a_ Criminal code greatly mitigated. Various offences hitherto only triable at Assizes, transferred to the jurisdiction of Quarter Sessions.

_b_ Prisoners’ Counsel Bill passed.

_c_ County Police established.

_d_ Sir John Pakington’s Juvenile Offenders’ Act passed.

* * * * *

*** In 1836 the jurisdiction of the City Quarter Sessions was extended to the new city boundary, and the deduction of population from the county raises the proportion of convicted persons from that year forwards. In 1845 the outlying parts of the county were included in the jurisdiction of the County Quarter Sessions, and the ratio of convicted persons is proportionably diminished.

TABLE No. 3.—PROVISION FOR RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.

It is not pretended that the following statistics are absolutely accurate—the amount of accommodation afforded being altogether matter of computation. Neither do they afford reliable data for comparing the relative increase of different religious denominations, because a considerable proportion of the old churches have been enlarged in the present century; while, on the other hand, many of the new chapels built by Dissenters, especially the Wesleyans, were erected in the place of preaching rooms used before the year 1800.

Built before Accommodation. Built after Accommodation. A.D. 1800. A.D. 1800. Places of 210 63,680 24* 14,590 Worship in the County connected with the Established Church Wesleyans 6 3,240 34 6,760 Baptists 13 3,654 17 3,498 Independents 4 2,283 10 3,176 Primitive — — 13 1,906 Methodists Wesleyan New — — 8 2,526 Connexion Wesleyan — — 4 950 Association Countess of 1 1,400 9 2,790 Huntingdon Catholics 2 630 10 2,089 Unitarian 8 2,300 — — The Friends 7 1,500 — — Other Sects — — 4 500

* The Churches built in the county since 1800 are—Redditch (chapel of ease); St. George’s Chapel, Kidderminster; St. Andrew’s, Netherton; St. George’s Chapel, Claines; St. Peter’s, Malvern Wells; Christchurch Chapel, Broadheath; Christchurch Chapel, Catshill; Bartley Green Chapel, Northfield; Christchurch Chapel, Lye; St. James’s, Dudley; St. John’s Chapel, Kate Hill, Dudley; St. Michael’s Chapel, Broadway; Christchurch Chapel, Trimpley, Kidderminster; Yardley Wood, Yardley; St. John’s Chapel, Kidderminster; Aston Magna, Blockley; St. Matthias, Malvern Link; St. Paul’s, Worcester; St. Peter’s, Cookley; North Hill District Church, Mathon; The Quinton, Halesowen; Langley Green, Halesowen; St. Peter’s, Worcester; Amblecote, Oldswinford; Trinity Church, Malvern.

TABLE No. 4.—OBSERVATIONS AS TO FALL OF RAIN.

Year. Worcester. * Cleobury. † Orleton. ‡ 1835 — 29.16 27.265 1836 — 32.93 28.155 1837 24.465 31.18 28.545 1838 23.850 28.73 26.355 1839 34.595 37.70 34.145 1840 20.715 26.94 25.800 1841 29.649 34.82 32.770 1842 — 25.09 25.480 1843 — 30.42 29.935 1844 — 23.56 21.730 1845 — 27.91 27.405 1846 — 29.24 27.015 1847 — 28.60 27.985 1848 — 36.69 39.015 1849 23.88 30.79 26.945 1850 18.66 22.84 24.615 1851 18.93 21.33 28.276

* The first series of these observations at Worcester were taken by Mr. T. R. Hill, at the Literary and Scientific Institution, and those for 1849–51 by Dr. Turley, St. John’s. It would seem as though less rain fell in this neighbourhood than in other parts of the county; but the years given happen to be amongst the drier ones, and in general it will be found that more rain falls at Worcester than in most other parts of England. The mean height of the thermometer in the midland districts of England is about 50°, at Worcester the mean will be found slightly to exceed that figure.

† From observations taken by Mr. Hunter of Mawley Gardens.

‡ From observations taken by Mr. T. H. Davis of Orleton, who possesses an accurate register of the rain which has fallen in each month for the last twenty years. The result shows May to be the driest, and November the wettest, month, and gives 2.19 as the average of January; February, 2.21; March, 1.91; April, 2.05; May, 1.82; June, 2.41; July, 2.39; August, 2.70; September, 2.41; October, 2.80; November, 3.16; December, 2.17; and of the whole year, 28.276 inches.

ELECTIONS OF 1852.

WORCESTERSHIRE EAST—J. H. H. Foley, Esq., and Captain Rushout reëlected without opposition.

WORCESTERSHIRE WEST—Hon. General H. B. Lygon and F. W. Knight, Esq., reëlected without opposition.

WORCESTER—MAY—(Election on Mr. Rufford’s accepting the Chiltern Hundreds)—William Laslett, Esq., of Abberton Hall, had some time previously announced himself as a candidate for the representation whenever a vacancy should occur, professing Radical opinions. The Conservatives brought forward Mr. Charles M‘Garel, who declared himself a supporter of Lord Derby’s Government; but as he was not explicit on the subject of “Protection,” he found so little favour with the voters, that after four days’ canvass he left the city. Mr. Laslett was then returned unopposed. JULY—Mr. Ricardo and Mr. Laslett united the suffrages of the Whig and Radical parties, and the candidate supported by the Conservatives was J. W. Huddleston, Esq., the well known barrister on the Oxford Circuit. He avowed himself a Free Trader, but would support Lord Derby’s Government in other matters. The Sheriff’s return showed 1,212 votes given for Mr. Laslett, 1,164 for Mr. Ricardo, and 661 for Mr. Huddleston.

KIDDERMINSTER—Mr. John Best, the former member, was opposed by Robert Lowe, Esq., a member of the Australian Council from 1843 to 1850, and member for Sydney in 1848. He professed to be ready to support Lord Derby’s Government according to their measures, though a thorough Free Trader. He thus obtained the support of the Whig and Radical parties in the borough, and also of a section of the moderate Conservatives. He was returned on the poll by a majority of 94: the numbers being—Lowe, 246; Best, 152.

BEWDLEY—Sir Thomas E. Winnington, Bart., Liberal, and Joseph Sandars, Esq., Conservative, were the candidates—Viscount Mandeville having been previously elected for Huntingdonshire. The votes were—for Winnington, 169; Sandars, 151.

EVESHAM—Lord Marcus Hill retired from the representation, and the candidates were Charles Lennox Grenville Berkeley, Esq., formerly member for Cheltenham, Liberal; Sir Henry Willoughby, Bart., Conservative; and Sergeant Wilkins, Radical. The votes given were—for Willoughby, 189; Berkeley, 170; Wilkins, 87.

DUDLEY—John Benbow, Esq., the former member, Conservative, and James Baldwin, Esq., an alderman of Birmingham, Radical, were the candidates. The votes given were—for Benbow, 400; Baldwin, 231.

WORCESTER RACES.

THE following are the winners of the “GOLD CUP,” value 100 guineas, the surplus in specie—4 miles—which used to be the principal race at the Worcester Summer Meeting, and which was first run for in the year 1812.

1812—August 12—Mr. Shawe’s b. h. Offa’s Dyke.

1813—August 11—Mr. Munsey’s b. m. Meteorina.

1814—August 10—Sir W. Wynn’s b. c. Bravo.

1815—August 8—Hon. W. B. Lygon’s b. c. Tozer.

1816—August 14—Mr. Charlton’s b. c. Tozer.

1817—August 13—Sir W. Wynn’s b. c. Piscator.

1818—August 12—Mr. Charlton’s ch. c. Indus.

1819—August 11—Mr. West’s br. h. Fitz Orville (w. o.)

1820—August 9—Lord Stamford’s ch. c. Comet.