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'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
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1829
Merlin. 13th June, 1829 We have been informed that it is the usual practice of the lower orders in this neighbourhood to bury their new born children in the churchyard, without the knowledge of sexton or clerk, and that an instance of this occurred some weeks ago at Newport when a body was found and examined by the Coroner, and bore no marks of violence. It had evidently been brought into the world by surgical means. There was no suspicion, therefore, of its having been murdered. Poor people however ought to he cautious how they adopt this plan, economical as it may seem, for if discovered they may incur a suspicion of having made away with their infants and be exposed to the most serious consequences.
On the 14th inst. two inquests were held at Newport before W. Brewer, Esq., Coroner, on the bodies of Ann Jones and David Thomas. The former drowned herself in the fishpond at Tredegar (House) while labouring under a fit of mental derangement. The latter, a boy of ten years old, was accidentally drowned by falling off a horse into the Monmouthshire Canal at a place called Pillgwenlly.
Joseph Sewell, a native of Scamblesbee in Lincolnshire,
who has so lately been exhibiting himself in the towns of South Wales,
died here on Saturday last. He arrived on Wednesday and exhibited the
whole of Thursday (fair day) with a midget called Farnham. Friday evening
he complained of being unwell and shortly afterwards had several epileptic
fits, which so completely shook the caravan, that the men were obliged
to secure the wheels to prevent it from falling. Some medical men were
immediately sent for, but it was evident to them that he could not survive
long, and he expired about 12 o'clock on Saturday night.
Our correspondent in Newport informs us that the condition of the labouring people is worse than it has been for some years; which he attributed to the numbers of Irish immigrants that come daily by the steam packets from Bristol. Day after day, says he, groups of men, women and children, for the most part without shoes or stockings, are seen parading our streets, begging at tradesmen's shops and houses, and then applying for relief. We trust that perfect tranquillity will soon be restored to our unhappy sister island and in that case the labouring peasantry will, we doubt not, he able to find sufficient employment at home.
Richard Radnor was indicted for violently assaulting Elizabeth Barnett, and committing a rape upon her person. The prosecutor said that Elizabeth Barnett a girl of 13 years of age, was in the employ of Luke Davies, and was sent by him with his cows to Red Barn Meadow near his house on Sunday morning 5th July at eight o'clock, and on that occasion she stated she was accosted by the prisoner, and was so frightened she could hardly stand. The prisoner threatened to kill her if she made a noise. (She described the offence). She then went home and told her mistress what had happened, in consequence of which, Luke Davies her master, went in search of the prisoner. The girl's mother and a midwife spoke to the state in which they found the girl the day the offence was committed. The prisoner called no witnesses but denied having any connection with the girl. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and the judge with great solemnity passed sentence of death upon him, imploring him to seek for mercy and pardon, where alone it could be found, assuring him that no mercy could be extended to him from man.
Richard Radnor, condemned at our late assize for a rape, expiated the offence on the drop over the front of our County Jail on Thursday last. May such dreadful spectacles deter others from the perpetration of crimes, which the law severely but wisely visits with condign punishment. The unhappy man conducted himself after his condemnation like a true penitent, acknowledging the justice of his sentence, and employing the short time allotted him in this world in preparation for the awful change he was soon to undergo. The reverend chaplain of the jail zealously assisted him in his devotions, which was the more necessary as the unfortunate man could neither read nor write, and administered every consolation that religion offers to the penitent sinner. After hearing a sermon suitable to the awful occasion, and partaking the Holy sacrament, at 12 o'clock he was conducted to the scaffold, and in a few minutes was launched into eternity. A great concourse of people had assembled to witness the melancholy spectacle.
We are informed that the Commissions under the Act of Parliament for the lighting of the town of Newport, have again contracted with the Gas Company, and that the enlightened inhabitants have prevailed over those who "preferred darkness rather than light."
Saturday evening last, the Bishop of Llandaff arrived at the Kings Head Inn, and on Sunday morning attended Divine Service at St. Woolos Church, where His Lordship preached an eloquent sermon from the first chapter of the Corinthians, tenth verse. "Now I beseech you brethren by the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no division among you."
A few days ago a carpenter named Thomas Dobbs in the employ of William Kier of Whitecroft, had a corn on his great toe which sorely annoyed him and which prevented his shoe, whenever he had a new one, from fitting genteely and comfortably. He very deliberately applied to one of his fellow workmen to chop off his toe with his chissel (sic). The man being of tender heart objected. Not so however with another who very readily acquiesced in the request, observing at the same time that he would either take off his toe or his head if he wished it. It appears that the toe was the only member which had given offence and that he was resolved to spite. The amputation being agreed upon, the parties commenced operations by placing a half inch chissel on the poor unfortunate member which the patient himself held, whilst "Doctor Morris" with a blow of the mallet performed the operation, though not without a second application of the chissel, the same being two small to take the toe clean off at once. The patient says the paring of the rough edges was the most painful part of the operation. We understand he is likely to do well.
On Tuesday last Mr. Williams of Tivoli Lodge, Newport was going out in his gig drawn by his servant. On starting, the horse dashed off at full speed down Stow Hill, through the town, over the bridge, and on to the Chepstow Road, passing several carts and wagons on the way. The smith who has been in the habit of shoeing the horse, resides near the Chepstow Road. Into the shoeing house the horse ran, the off wheel of the gig coming into contact with the corner of the wall, drove the horse against the opposite wall, broke the shaft and Mr. Williams and his servant were thrown out with great violence, but fortunately received very little injury.
The annual cattle show which continues under the immediate and liberal patronage of Sir Charles Morgan Bart. took place at Cwrt-y-Bella farm near Newport on Thursday last. The stock exhibited was such as to call for the admiration of a very respectable and enlightened assemblage of breeders and gentlemen who take a lively interest in everything which conduces to the importance of agricultural pursuits.
A good fire on a winter day at a mere trifling expense
is of importance to a poor man. One pennyworth of tar or resin water will
saturate a tub of coals with triple its original quantity of bitumen (the
principle of heat and light) and of course render one such tub of three
times more value than it was unsaturated.
On Thursday last at the Church of St. Woolos in the County of Monmouth, Edmund Blewitt Esq., of the Middle Temple, third son of Edward Blewitt Esq. of Llantarnam Abbey, to Mary, eldest daughter of Thomas Prothero Esq. Of "The Friars" in the same County.
An annual examination of the children of this institution took place on Monday last when Sir Charles Morgan Bart. M.P., Lord Rodney, Mrs. Homfray, Mrs. Morgan of Ruperra, Miss Lascelles and Mr. Octavious Morgan, Mr. Munday and Mrs. Haverton, the Rev. Mr. Cluff, Mr. Wiltson and Mr. Coles and in respectable assembly the ladies and gentlemen of Newport attended. The usual routine of examination of the boys passed much to the satisfaction of the company. Sir Charles expressed himself highly gratified at the order and improvement in the clean, healthful, and for poor children, decent appearance. Sir Charles' usual treat of mince pies next made their appearance, and the boys nothing loth at the sight, showed the pleasure they felt in their smiling and joyous countenances. After the conclusion, Sir Charles and the ladies and gentlemen from Tredegar House, adjourned to the house of Mr. Napper where an elegant dessert was provided for the occasion. This Institution was opened on 28th March, 1815 during
which time 996 boys have been admitted and have received useful and moral
instruction. It is open to all denominations and children are admitted
from ages 6 - 12. They leave having received instruction in reading, writing
and arithmetic, together with the knowledge of the Ten Commandments and
Dr. Watts' Hymns. [ Back ] |
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'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
Past |
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