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Clippings (5): 1842
Improvements. Royal Visit. Arson
Introduction
Clippings (5) covers a range of events that related to Bournemouth during 1842: infrastructure, visitors, social matters. The media veneer of constant improvement and polish contrasts with one of several instances of arson that occurred over the early period. This illustrates the differences in condition and mood that existed across society. The breach of promise case attracted close attention from the media. It concerned a wealthy merchant from Poole who had invested in property at Bournemouth.
Clippings (5): improvements
Bournemouth (From a correspondent). This delightful and rapidly-increasing watering-place, and quiet retreat, celebrated not only for its salubrity but for its majestic bay and sheltered situation, is, again rapidly filling, and is fast becoming, both for comfort and accommodation, everything that the visitor or the invalid can wish or desire. Amongst the first of her improvements and beauties to be noticed is a church, centrally situated, which with its spire, when complete, will shortly become a beacon, not only to the passing traveller, but to the mariner, that the noblest structure amidst her gems has “grown with her growth,” and added her magnificent buildings and delightful scenery the work desired. A resident surgeon, too, now affords the patient at Bourne, what was before much needed, the opportunity of a skilful hand. For the domestic comforts required, there are likewise settled grocer, a baker, and a butcher in addition to which, there is a daily supply of fish, butter, milk, and vegetables from the neighbouring markets and villages. There are coaches daily from London, Weymouth, Southampton, Christchurch, Poole, &c an excellent and well-conducted hotel, a boarding-house and marine residence, hot and cold baths, and a library and a reading-room. In short, Bournemouth can now boast of every accommodation and comfort, and only requires a visit to appreciate its beauty and acknowledge its just claim to celebrity.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, Monday 16th May, 1842, p. 4.
Clippings (5): Westover Villa No. 16
TO BE LET, at that delightful Watering-place, Bournemouth, No 16 VILLA, which has been newly fitted up, and is ready for the reception of a family of distinction. For particulars, apply to Miss Maria Toomer, No. 7, Bournemouth, Hants. Please to read Dr. Granville’s opinion on the beauties of Bournemouth.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, Monday 16th May, 1842, p. 4.
Clippings (5): arson
Incendiarism. —On Sunday evening the 19th, some miscreants set fire to part of the extensive plantations belonging Sir G. Tapps Gervis, Bart., near Bournemouth. The fire consumed several hundred acres of fir-tree plantations on Sunday and Wednesday, on which latter day the same atrocious act was repeated.
Wiltshire Independent, Thursday 30th June, 1842, p. 4.
Clippings (5): Westover Villas No. 3
BOURNEMOUTH. FOR SALE by Private Contract, No. 3, VILLA, delightfully situate at Bournemouth, near the New Church. The above Villa in its almost finished state, will be Sold terms highly advantageous to a purchaser. For particulars, and to treat for the purchase, apply Mr. John Newman, House Agent, Christchurch.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, Monday 4th July, 1842, p. 3.
Clippings (5): breach of promise
WILTSHIRE ASSIZES— Friday. Nisi Prius Court (Before Mr. Justice Creswell and special jury.) Rooke v. Conway. Mr. Erie and Mr. Barstow conducted the plaintiff’s case, and Mr. Crowder and Mr. Butt that of the defendant. This was an action to recover compensation in for breach of promise of marriage. The plaintiff was the daughter of a tradesman in Salisbury, and, it would seem, was rather an accomplished individual. She was 28 years of age. The defendant was a merchant at Poole, the first cousin of the plaintiff, but sixty-eight summers had passed over his head. He was widower, with a grown-up family. The plaintiff went on a visit to this gay Lothario for eleven months … [Court proceedings] …. Evidence was then given that the defendant possessed many houses in Poole and Bournemouth; that he had a vessel on the seas, and was a considerable merchant …The lady, as was natural and in course, became ill, was nervous and irritable. The whole family despaired of her being lady the property in Poole and at Bournemouth, and of the ships at sea, and an action for damages was the result … The learned Judge having summed up, the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff— Damages one farthing.
Dublin Morning Register, Monday 22nd August, 1842, p. 4.
Clippings (5): effect of the new road
The new line of road from Southampton through Lyndhurst, Christchurch, Bournemouth, and Poole is now extensively used which cannot excite surprise when the splendid scenery of the New Forest is taken into consideration; to which is to be added the great and growing attraction of Bournemouth.—ln proof of the increased traffic, it may be stated that Poole gate, which was put up to public competition on Tuesday realised a considerable advance beyond any previous letting.
Dorset County Chronicle, Thursday 8th September, 1842, p. 4.
Clippings (5): Queen Dowager’s visit
Bournemouth. —Visit of the Queen Dowager. —As anticipated the Queen Dowager took an early occasion after her arrival at Canford, to visit Bournemouth. Her Majesty, on Saturday last, honoured this charming seaside retreat with a private visit. Her Majesty left Canford House … and proceeding through pleasant villages of Longfleet and Parkstone, arrived at Bournemouth about half-past three, driving along the front of the principal row of those detached villas which give so picturesque and charming a character to the place; Her Majesty alighted near the Bath Hotel, and with her attendants, immediately walked through the plantation and by the path down the cliff to the beach … During this time the intelligence of her Majesty’s arrival had spread, and the greater portion of the company now sojourning here assembled at the approach the beach to shew their respect and esteem for her Majesty, whilst they with genuine regard and attentive consideration abstained from an intrusive proximity to the royal party, it being manifestly her Majesty’s desire to enjoy the pleasures of privacy. Her Majesty returned from the beach by the approach in front of the Marine Library, and walked towards the Hotel, where the carriage being in attendance, her Majesty re-entered it and was driven off amidst the hearty cheers of the assemblage, which were graciously acknowledged by her Majesty. We have reason to know that her Majesty expressed herself much pleased with her visit to Bournemouth …
Dorset County Chronicle, Thursday 13th October, 1842, p. 4.
Clippings (5): Bournemouth Harriers
Bournemouth.-—A treat has been provided for the sportsmen of this neighbourhood, by the pack of harriers lately kept by the Hon, Mr. Ponsonby having been recently purchased from Mr. Timson, Mr. Farr, jun., and two or three other gentlemen; and which are kept in the immediate neighbourhood of this place, and hunted as the Bournemouth Harriers. They have already had many excellent runs this season, showing some capital sport.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, Saturday 26th November, 1842, p. 3.
Engagement
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