Читать книгу The Curiosities of Dudley and the Black Country, From 1800 to 1860 - C. F. G. Clark - Страница 5

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1820. In these days Dudley could boast of its vigilant “Pitt Club,” and there were very bitter rival factions of Whigs and Tories in the town, the miserable affairs existing betwixt the Prince Regent and his discarded and illused Consort led to much heat and animosity amongst parties in the town, which tended to sever some of those social bonds which add so much to the good feeling of any locality.

On October 1st, 1819, a large public meeting was held in the Town Hall, under the auspices of the Mayor and leading inhabitants of the town, for the purpose of adopting a dutiful and loyal Address to “His Royal Highness George Prince of Wales, Regent of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.” The Mr. Francis Finch, so prominently figuring in this debate, was a highly respectable merchant, resident in the town. Being a gentleman of superior intelligence to his compeers, he was looked upon as the leader of the Whig party in the town, and, accordingly, fought their political battles.

The most notable event which occurred at the commencement of our recital was the Coronation of George IV., 1821. Dudley, though breathing a strong and hard pulsation for the unhappy Queen Caroline’s “Stuart-like stains of human weaknesses,” was not behind neighbouring towns in loyal demonstrations toward the Royal Family of England. On July 17th, 1821, we find it recorded that “a numerous meeting was held at the Town Hall, to inaugurate the coming Festivities;” The Right Honourable Viscount Dudley and Ward sent fifty guineas towards carrying into effect the loyal purposes of the meeting, “which was accomplished by a public subscription. Divine Service was performed at 10 a.m., at the Parish Church. All the school children in the town were marshalled into the Castle Yard and regaled with suitable eatables; each child received a Coronation Medal, furnished by Messrs. Chinner and Payton. Four sheep and a due proportion of ale were distributed at the Town Hall. Each publican was to provide a dinner, at two o’clock, for poor men and women, and it was ordered that any man or woman obtaining more than one dinner should be prosecuted for fraud. Captain Hawkes, with the Himley and Enville Troop of Yeomanry, was met with a brass band of music by the principal gentlemen and escorted to the Town Hall. Luke Booker, chairman.” “The principal inhabitants dined together with great goodwill, and much festivity:” and the first gentleman in Europe had around the festive boards in Dudley many a hearty congratulation on that memorable occasion. 1816. October 25th. St. Thomas’ New Church. The Foundation Stone of this noble Church was laid this day by the Rev. Luke Booker, D.D., Vicar of Dudley. This spacious Gothic structure cost upwards of £24,000, and it was restored and beautified by a public subscription in 1861, at a cost of £1,750. The Parish Register attached to this Church is very ancient, commencing in 1520. The early Registers were written by the Monks (Scribes) of St. James’ Priory Church, long since demolished.

On January 30th, 1823, we find that most indefatigable Radical, and energetic townsman, Mr. Samuel Cooke, Draper, issuing the following startling announcement: “Whereas, on Friday, June 24th, 1822, I, Samuel Cooke, of Dudley, did apply to Messrs. Bourne, Solicitors, for an inspection of the Vestry Book, appertaining to this parish, and was by them refused an inspection, unless accompanied by a Churchwarden. I hereby give notice, that in consequence of the difficulty attending this mode of access to the Vestry Book, I shall at the next Vestry meeting propose that the said Vestry Book, containing the alleged Secret Order to Mr. Brookes for plans and estimates of Netherton Church, be delivered into the hands of the Churchwardens, to be kept by them for general inspection of ratepayers.” Dudley, January 23rd, 1823. It was quite clear that Mr. Cooke was not consulted about the erection of St. Andrew’s Church at Netherton; nevertheless, that Church was erected, and has been a great blessing to many souls in that part of the parish.

February 2nd, 1823. “One Guinea Reward: Whereas, on Thursday last, about four o’clock, a party of young men (well-known in the town for their nocturnal exploits) was at that unseasonable hour riotously assembled to the disturbance of the peaceable inhabitants; were heard knocking at Surgeons’ doors, breaking of lamps and windows, and to threaten the life of an inhabitant; whoever can identify which of the party it was, who maliciously broke the windows of Mr. Samuel Cooke, shall receive the above reward.”