Monthly Archives: May 2025

Gratitude for being saved from drowning in 1874

The Rye newspaper the South Eastern Advertiser, 26 September 1874, has the following article: NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING. – A female servant had a narrow escape from drowning on Sunday morning last, whilst bathing from the bathing machines at Warrior-square. Neglecting the warning of the attendant not to leave go of the rope, she did […]

The Intoxicating Liquors (Sale to Children) Act of 1901: the reaction of St Leonards landlords

The Intoxicating Liquors (Sale to Children) Act of 1901 provided, briefly, that: A landlord must not knowingly sell to children under 14 any liquor, except in sealed and corked bottles, and he cannot supply less than a reputed pint to such children; nor must he sell spirits to any person apparently under the age of […]

A day’s outing in 1898 for the employees of Charles Hughes, a Mercatoria builder

Newspapers frequently gave detailed accounts of summer day outings for the more substantial tradesmen, especially the builders, or for men in the same trade, such as cabbies or shop assistants. An outing for employees would typically set off from the workshop in long, open wagonettes or the smaller, also open breaks drawn by horses. It […]