26 May 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
NATIONAL SCHOOLS. – The spacious and handsome National Schools, lately erected at St Leonards, were opened yesterday, on which occasion the school-children were regaled with tea and buns, in the Assembly Rooms. A large number of the clergy and gentry were present, and assisted in the proceedings [Now the mosque at Mercatoria, this Anglican school was designed by Decimus Burton].
9 June 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
Henry Went Tree v John Fryman. – This was an information laid under the General Turnpike Act, against the defendant, for having on the 23rd of May last, in his capacity of toll-keeper on the St Leonards and Sedlescombe turnpike-road, demanded and received a toll of fourpence of James Cox, who was at that time exempted from that toll, and claiming such exemption… [he had already paid that day, and hence thought he should have been allowed to ‘re-pass’ at other times on that day. The magistrates said they thought it meant returning only. Cox was in the service of Tree, and had passed several times through the Tower gate with his horse and cart. It was decided that although the wording of the Act was ambiguous, ‘the real meaning appeared to justify the defendant in what he had done, and the information was quashed’].
ST LEONARDS. On Friday, while Joseph Avery, a workman of Mr Carey, was guiding a pile at a new groyne opposite the Marina, the “monkey” descended and crushed his hand so severely that it was necessary to amputate three of his fingers.
23 June 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
A NARROW ESCAPE. – On Saturday afternoon, at about half-past one, a man named Chapman, who was engaged in some excavations near the Fountain Inn, was suddenly buried in a quantity of loose earth which fell in upon him. Another man, who was working with him, narrowly escaped the same fate. Chapman remained buried in the earth, about 20 or 30ft. from the mouth of the cave, before he could be extricated, and when rescued from his perilous situation, was apparently nearly suffocated. Messrs. Gilbert and Fy were promptly in attendance, and succeeded in restoring his exhausted strength.
30 June 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
7 July 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
[County Bench]. Samuel Reeves, acting under the assignees of Richard Harman, insolvent, applied for a license for the Tivoli Tavern. The out-going tenant, Richard Harman, had refused to give up the license; the present application was therefore made, in accordance with an Act which specially provided for such cases. The application having been made in due form, was granted [The Tivoli tavern was located close to Asda, approximately where Battle Road meets Sedlescombe Road North].18 July 1848, Sussex Advertiser:
It may be gratifying to the advocates of the [secret] “Ballot” to learn, that a patent has recently been granted to Mr W. Chamberlin, jun., of St Leonards, for a machine for taking and registering votes at elections. By the kindness of Mr Chamberlin, we were invited to inspect it, and though, personally, we care not two pins for the ballot, yet we are free to confess that great praise is due to Mr Chamberlin for the invention of this ingenious machine, which we believe to be extremely well calculated to effect the objects which the advocates of the Ballot have professedly in view. We believe if this machine were in use at general elections, the corrupt voter might take bribes from all candidates who were corrupt and foolish enough to offer them, and yet vote as he pleased, and he who gave the bribe would be none the wiser…[As the writer points out it would greatly reduce bribery for votes, yet he did ‘not care two pins for the ballot’, and hence apparently approved of bribery ! The inventor was son to the Royal Victoria Hotel’s manager].
28 July 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
Page 3. ALARMING ACCIDENT. – At twelve o’clock on Monday last, as Mrs Robertson, a lady residing at 6, Verulam-place, was about to ride out on horseback, in company with her husband and sister, the animal on which she was mounted suddenly started off with her in the direction of St Leonards. When near the archway, a waggoner attempted to stop the horse with his whip; the animal then swerved, the lady let go her hold, and after passing through the arch, fell to the ground, severely wounding the side of her head, and lacerating her ear. The unfortunate lady was taken up in a state of insensibility by police-constable Jones and a bystander, and carried into Mr Cumming’s surgery, where her wounds were dressed, and from whence she was shortly afterwards removed to her residence in a carriage. We are happy to state that no injury appears to have been sustained by the skull, and the sufferer is going on favourably.15 August 1848, Sussex Advertiser:
On the application of Mr John Painter, one of the overseers of the parish of St Leonards, orders were made for the removal of Bridget Fitzgerald, single woman, to the parish of the Holy Trinity, Hastings.
18 August 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
CONTRACT.
THE COMMISSIONERS for the Improvement of the Town of St Leonard are desirous of entering into a Contract for the Construction of a NEW GROIN.
Persons willing to make proposals for that purpose, may see the plan and specification at the office of the Clerk, South Lodge, St. Leonards-on-Sea, where sealed tenders are to be sent on or before the 4th September.
25 August 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
[Bench]. Friday, August 18.John Burn was brought up in custody on a charge of vagrancy.
Police-constable Jones deposed, that on the previous day at noon, as he was on duty at St Leonards, he saw the prisoner come out of 42, Marina; and on enquiring what he did there, was told by him that he had been begging, and consequently took him into custody.
The prisoner told him that he was a county of Dublin man, last from Dover; he did not make a practice of begging; had never told a lie and never would. He slept under a haystack on Wednesday night, and had only possessed 2 ½d during the last seven days. He never yet knew what a prison was.
The prisoner was then discharged, with an injunction to leave the town immediately, to which he responded with “Long life to your honor, and prosperity.”
Monday, 21 August.
Mary Parkson, charged with begging at St Leonards, was dismissed. The prisoner had been given in charge by a lady who had previously afforded her relief.
John Cohine, a genuine Paddy, with a formidable shillelagh, was charged by police-constable Hayward with begging at St Leonards on Sunday, after having been cautioned.
The prisoner made a flourishing oration, which, however, was little better than lost, owing to a defect in his organs of articulation, and the Milesian accent in which he delivered his address. One sentence, however, was made out, which conveyed the precise piece of information, that he was “from county Cork, now a bit.”
A silver and a pewter spoon were found upon the prisoner, a circumstance for which he endeavoured to account by pouring out a profusion of gibberish, and he was at length discharged.
John Burn, 26, discharged on the previous Friday for begging, and warned to leave the town, was brought up in custody, charged with a repetition of the offence.
Police-constable Jones deposed to having seen the prisoner wandering about the town on Saturday evening, and enter the Anchor Inn; on his asking what he did there, he said that he was begging.
The prisoner stated that he had been promised some work in the town, and had stopped to obtain it.
The Mayor reminded him that when he was discharged before, he had promised to leave the town immediately.
Prisoner – I don’t know where to go. I have travelled enough lately.
The Mayor – You are committed for fourteen days.
On hearing his sentence the prisoner observed that he thought the prisons and workhouses would soon be all full.
Tuesday, August 22.
A respectably-dressed man and woman, the former calling himself a tailor, were brought up in custody, charged with begging at St Leonards on the preceding day. It appeared that they only asked for some broken victuals. Having suffered incarceration for one night, they were discharged.
3 October 1848, Sussex Advertiser:
Hastings. Registration Court. On Friday, 29th September, the revising barrister (Archer Ryland, Esq.), held a court at the Town Hall for the revision of the lists of voters of the several parishes within this borough.
Mr W.D. Cooper appeared for the liberal party and Mr Langham for the conservatives.
ST LEONARDS. William Smith claimed a vote as occupier of a house built in the rock near St Leonards, Caves, appraised at 5s a week rent, and owner of a stable and coach house connected with the same appraised at a yearly rent of £5. Mr Cooper supported the claim, which was allowed.
ST MARY MAGDALEN. Charles Puggle, on the list of voters in respect of a house and residence, at Market terrace, St Leonards, was opposed by Mr Cooper. Puggle stated that he paid 4s a week and taxes, and had laid out a considerable sum in the improvement of the house. The landlord gave the annual rent at a weekly letting property equal to £13. Vote allowed.
Charles Perry claimed a vote in respect to a house where he resided, at 26, Shepherd street, for which he paid ten guineas a year. Supported by Mr Cooper. Allowed.
David Tree, residing at 18, Grand parade, claimed a vote in respect of the same, and 10, York buildings, St Mary in the Castle, having occupied the said houses in succession. Supported by Mr Cooper. Allowed.
The following persons not appearing to answer objections, were struck from the list:- James Balcomb, Spittleman down; John Bayby, Spittleman down; George Clement, Silverhill; William Edwards, Norman road west; John French, 4, Lavatoria; Henry Gilbert, 20, St. Marina; Charles Hall, Norman road west; Samuel Hayward, Lavatoria; William Shaw, 16 Norman road west; Charles Haywood Southall, 6, Maze hill; Edward Tyhurst, East street [Spittleman Down was the Bohemia area].
27 October 1848, Hastings & St Leonards News:
A “county-Cork man,” whose acquaintance with any other language but his native Gaelic was so limited, really or professedly, that the assistance of his daughter as an interpreter was necessary, was charged with A.J. Croft, Esq., a gentleman residing at 1, Warrior-square, with importunate begging at his residence, on the previous afternoon.
The prisoner tumbled down upon his knees to signify his penitence, but the Mayor said he should make an example of him, as the case was proved, by committing him to prison for ten days.
31 October 1848, Sussex Advertiser:
George Russell was summoned for non-payment of a poor rate of 4s., due in December 16, 1847, to the parish of St Mary Magdalen.
The defendant said that he was unable to pay, and had been in the receipt of relief from the parish of St Mary in the Castle.
The Bench said, that as it appeared the vestry were fully aware of the facts of the case, an order must be made for payment.
The defendant promised to pay in a week.
A SAGACIOUS ANIMAL. William Smith, was charged under the St Leonards Local Act, with having left a horse loose and uncontrolled in the Maria [Marina ?]. The defendant denied the charge.
ST LEONARDS. A chalybeate spring has been discovered by Mr Grosbe, of Bird Cottage, near the Independent Chapel [The 1851 census at 3 West Hill [Road] has: Emilie Groslob, head, M, 52, St Leonards Spa Keeper, born Germany British Subject].
26 December 1848, Sussex Advertiser:
ALL SOULS. Several “Sisters of Charity” have lately arrived at the Roman Catholic convent in the vicinity of this town, in addition to those already stationed there, and more are shortly expected.
25 January 1849, Brighton Gazette:
ST LEONARDS. Yesterday se’nnight Mrs Mansfield, of 62, Marina, gave a dinner party, followed by a ball and supper, to a large and fashionable circle of St Leonards and the neighbourhood. Mr Kirchner, the popular pianist of Brighton and private musician to Prince Richard Metternich, attended. The company comprised Mr and Mrs Brisco and family, Lady and the Misses Hussey, Major, Mrs and Miss Magendie, Mr and Mrs Norton, Mr and Miss Bedingfield, Mrs and Miss Blakiston, Mr and Miss Erle, Miss Still, Mr and Mrs T.H. Wagner, Messrs. C. Grant, Middleton, Croft, E.P. Westly, F. Webster, Rougemont, Griffith, C.H. Stanton, Still, Watson, Crake, and Hussey; Misses Peacock, Lomax, Still, Mackay, &c., &c.
On Thursday evening a ball was given by the bachelors at the Assembly Rooms. The arrangements were excellent, and Kirchner’s band from Brighton was in attendance. The company numbered 190 of our most distinguished fashionables.
26 January 1849, Hastings & St Leonards News:
The order for the removal of Elizabeth Nye from the parish of St Mary Magdalen to that of Capel, was suspended on a certificate from Mr Fry, surgeon, to the effect that her health would not permit her removal.
2 February 1849, Hastings & St Leonards News:
WRECK OF THE PERSEVERANCE.
With deep concern we have to record the loss of the “Perseverance,” schooner. The unfortunate vessel landed on Saturday morning opposite the Saxon Hotel, for the purpose of discharging her cargo, having been detained several days by adverse winds. Towards night she got in her ballast, and preparations were made for getting her off [the beach] to sea… [she collided with a groyne, deck wrecked] The crew were taken from the wreck in pairs, by means of ropes thrown to them from the beach, being thoroughly drenched by their passage through the surf… The vessel was built by Mr Winter, of Hastings, about six years ago, and was the property of Messrs. Putland, Winter, and Chester [Stephen Putland was of London Road, coal merchant, while Samuel Chester was a wholesale grocer on East Ascent].