Sun. Jan. 13th. This day died Mr. William Lang aged 88 years, he carried on the Business of a Blacksmith (till with in about 6 years of his death) with great reputation, and acquired by industry and honesty, a competency, to render the latter part of his life comfortable and happy. He left the principal part of his Effects (about £300 value) equaly between his three sons (viz) John, Joshua and George.
Thur. Jan. 31st. This day died after a few days illness, Mr. Thomas Puddicombe, at the advanced age of 97 years, formerly a respectable Serge-Maker of this town, but had declined business for some years. It is remarkable that he retained his sight and reason to the last.
Thur. Feb. 21st. About 2 O’Clock P.M. a Storm of Thunder and lightning with a shower of Hail. Considerable Dammige was done this day by the Lightning to the Church and Tower of Totness. Died, Mary the Wife of William Dolbear. She had been a bed-lier for several years.
Mon. Mar. 4th. Richard Treleaven sat off for Plymouth, and George Harvey was bound an Apprentice to Mr. Pinsent.
Sat. Mar. 9th. Wind N.E. very cold Snow 3 Inches deep.
Sun. Mar. 10th. Mrs Tozer Widow & Wm Tozer Shoemaker Banns were published for the first time.
Mon. Mar. 11th. March’d into this town (from Tavistock in their way to Poole in Dorsetshire) about 200 Royal Miners, they had a good Band and a large quantity of Baggage with them, which was lodg’d in the Shambles. This Evening Mrs. Dyer drop’d off her chair in a Paralytic Fit, at Mr. Peters’, she was on a tea visit.
Tue. Mar. 12th. 8 O’Clock A.M. The Royal Miners march’d for Exeter. 3 O’Clock P.M. About 200 more of the same Regiment March’d into this town.
10 O’Clock P.M. died Mrs. Dyer Aged 80 years.
Wed. Mar. 13th. 2nd Division of Royal Miners march’d for Exeter.
Thur. Mar. 14th. Wind N. A smart Frost and very cold.
Fri. Mar. 15th. About noon March’d into this Town from Chudleigh and South Bovey the Light Companies of the East and North Devon Militia, and to remain here till further orders, they were billited as follows : White Hart 34 ; Punch Bowl 25 ; White Horse 24 ; Bell 22 ; Black Horse 18; Red Lion 17 ; Dolphin 18 ; Ring of Bells 17 – total 175 .
Thur. Mar. 21st. By this morning’s Post the route was received for the Light Companies of the East & North Devon Militia to march back again to Chudleigh and South Bovey.
Fri. Mar. 22nd. Died Mrs (Commonly called Dame) Abbott aged 81 she had been blind Nine years.
Sat, Mar. 23rd. This morning the light companies of the East & North Devon Militia March’d for Chudleigh and South Bovey.
Tue. Mar. 26th. About ½ past 4 P.M. Judge Buller and Judge Grose arrived at the White Hart in this town.
Wed. Mar. 27th. This morning Judge Buller and Judge Grose sat off for Exeter in thair way to Taunton.
Thur. Mar. 28th. By this Morning’s Post a Letter was Received giving an account of the Death of Christopher Merry, he died in the West Indies on board his Majesty’s Ship Brunswick in October last.
Sat. Mar. 30th. Wind E, Very Cold.
Sun. Mar. 31st. Sharp Freezing. About Noon Thomas Tyrwhitt Esqr. arrived at the White Hart Inn, in this town, he came from Tor Royal, Dined, and sat off for Exeter. On the Door of his Carriage was the figure of Hercules holding his Club as if going to strike, and the following motto over it: “Me Slante Verebunt”. This Day a Man was frozen to Death near Mr. Tyrwhitt’s Lodge on Dartmoor; he was a native of Chagford, had been discharged from a Man of War and was returning home to his family.
Mon. Apr. 1st. Wind N.E. and Colder than ever was remembered at this season of the year.
Mon. Apr. 15th. Wind N.W. Showers of Snow and the Weather Still Continues very Cold
Fri. Apr. 19th. This day was to have been married Sergeant Bentley of the Marines to Mrs. Soper that keeps the White Horse Inn in this town, the Licence was bought, guest invited, and every preparation made for the celebration of the nuptials, but the Sergeant in the Morning said he had an order to repair immediately to his Commanding Officer at Newton, and would return again on Saturday evening, but the Sergeant did not come according to promise and ’tis supposed has left Mrs. Soper in the lurch.
Sat. Apr. 20th. This Day was married with Licence, Farmer Philip Frost to Mrs.Bishop, Widow.
Wed. Apr. 24th. This Morning Died Elizabeth the Wife of Samuel Westlake, who now belongs to the 4th Devon Militia and is left a Widower with 7 young children, one only of the number is out an apprentice.
Thur. Apr. 25th. Major General Simcoe visited this town, he came from Tavistock.
Fri. Apr. 26th. General Simcoe sat off for Chudleigh.
Sun. Apr. 28th. Married, Thomas Cornish, Carpenter, to Mary Tozer, Daughter of William Tozer, Shoemaker.
Fri. May 3rd. Mr. Samuel Allent (alias Blanchford) in returning from Exeter with his Cart & one Horse which was stone blind, and Mr. A. very imprudently & contrary to law riding on the cart, and generally supposed to be asleep, by which means the Horse got too near Mr. Hemmen’s Mill Leat, and Cart, Cargo and Poor Sam, and Sharper were all plunged head and ears into the stream, fortunately some people just then passing, with great difficulty saved Sam & Sharper from a watery Grave, but the whole Cargo (consisting of Tea, Sugar, Confectionaries, Tobacco, Snuff, Bread &c&c to the value of some Pounds) was totally lost, and as the Goods were not insured consequently the “loss must fall on the owner”
Mon. May 6th. A Sergeant and private of the 4th Devon Militia arrived hear from Newton with a route to draw billets for 146 Men and to remain till Saturday.
Tue. May 7th. ½ Past 10 A.M. March’d into this Town with their Colours unfurled 6 Officers, 6 Drummers, 2 Fifers, and about 140 of the 4th Devon Militia, they marched from Newton to make room for the Stafford Militia, which were going to march through that Town.
Thur. May 9th. Died Nurse Frood, aged 81 years
Sat. May 11th. The Militia marched back to Newton.
Tue. May 14th. Married Wm Tozer, Shoemaker to Mrs Tozer Widow of the late Mr. Wm.Tozer of Howten in this Parish. It is rather remarkable that a Woman should have two Husbands following of the same name.
Wed. May 15th. Mr John Hancock has taken his late Master Mr. Fyne’s House for an Inn, ’tis to be The Courtenay Arms, and he enters on it at Midsummer next.
Mon. May 20th. Two of the second Cheshire Militia came here from Tavistock with intelligence of that Regiment’s going to March in 4 divisions through Moreton, and Chagford, in their way to Horsham Barracks in Sussex.
Wed. May 22nd. 1 O’Clock P.M. March’d in a part of the first division of the 2nd Cheshire Militia, the division consisted of 240, of which 80 were march’d to Chagford.
Thur. May 23rd. The Cheshire Militia halted, the Baggage lodged in the Shambles.
Fri. May 24th. 1st Division of the Cheshire Militia march’d for Exeter and about noon the 2nd Division march’d in.
Sat. May 25th The 2nd Division march’d for Exeter and the 3rd came in under the command of Lieut Colonel Sir Peter Warburton.
Sun. May 26th. the 3rd Division halted
Mon. May 27th. The 3rd Division march’d for Exeter and 4th arrived.
Tue. May 28th. The 4th Division march’d for Exeter the whole Regt. consisted of about 900 men.
Wed. May 29th. This being the Anniversary of the restoration of King Charles 2nd The Bells moved on the occasion, and some sprigs of the Royal-Tree adorned the Windows of a few individuals.
Thurs. May 30th. Died suddenly, in the Seventy third year of his age, Mr. Thomas Dunsford, Sadler, leaving behind him an only daughter his Executrix. He was always esteemed by those who had the happiness of being acquainted with him, for the great integrity of his character.
Sat. June 1st. Great Market. A great quantity of Cattle was produced for Sale, the selling rather dull but what were sold was at a reduced price. The general conversation with the Farmers was, the great probability of a fall in the price of Cattle, and such a general prospect of apples as was scarce ever remembered before.
Sun. June 2nd. 9 O’Clock A.M. The remains of Mr. Dunsford privately interred in the Baptist burying ground.
Tue. June 4th. King’s-Birth-Day. The Morning was ushered in with the ringing of Bells, about noon the firing of cannons was distinctly heard, the evening concluded with ringing.
Wed. June 5th. Mr. White of Ashburton, took Mr. John Mardon’s house, and enters on it at Mid-summer next, he has several Spinning Jennies, and has bought One-Mill at the bottom of Long-meadow, where he is going to erect a Machine for Carding and Scribling Wool.
Tue. June 11th. A Viper bit Mr. James Alway by the Leg, as he was going over a hedge. In about an hour after, his Leg swelled very much, changed colour, and gave him a vast deal of pain, proper medicine was immediately applied to the part, and it soon subsided again.
Mon. June 17th. The Soldiers began their encampment on Milber-Down near Newton-Abbot. Several Persons of this Town went on the top of Sitten* Hill from whence they could perfectly see (with a glass) the Men erecting their Tents.
Wed. June 19th. Mr. Elias Bishop removed from where he lived in Fore Street, to his own house (part of the House called the George).
Wed. June 26th. Married with Licence, Mr. John Nosworthy of Neadon in the Parish of Mannaton to Miss Wills daughter of Mr. G.Wills of Moor in this Parish. Miss Wills fortune £400. Mr. Nosworthy gave the ringers a guinea.
Thurs. June 27th. Mr. White’s Machine at One Mill sat to work, several Children employed, and likely to prove a benefit to the Town
Mon. July 1st. Moreton-Tower began to be repaired, (Pointing and Rough-casting). The Masons, Wm Bidder and Son, John Parker and two Sons, and Wm. Thorn. The Church-wardens agreed to give them £12.0.0 and find all the materials. North-Bovey Fair, More Cattle their than was expected, but very little selling. In the evening wrestling for a guinea.
Tue. July 2nd. The diversions at North Bovey continued (viz) Skittle playing, Women running for a Holland. In runing the last heat one of these Female Pedestrians (owing, ’tis supposed to her great exertions) fell down in a fit, and ’twas thought for several hours that she would die, but medical assistance being called in and proper means taken, she recovered .
Thurs. July 4th. An Itinerant Preacher made an harangue in the Shambles. His Text the whole of the 13 Chapter of Romans he had proceeded but a few minutes (being a very indifferent extemporal Speaker) before he produced some pamphlets for sale, when the whole were disposed of he decamped. He said he was a native of Cornwall, bred a husbandman, had been in the Army, and (from his behaviour) appeared to have a twist in his Brain.
Sat. July 6th. The Masons finished the Tower, and without the least accident.
Tue. July 9th. This morning A Sergeant and private belonging to the 2nd Surry Militia arrived here from Exeter with a route to draw billets for 3 Companies of that Regiment, and to remain here and at Chagford till further orders. In the afternoon the 3 companies marchd in, one company march’d for Chagford.
Sat. July 13th. This Evening died aged about 58 years Miss Jane White, Sister to Mr. Edward White Fell Monger.
Thur. July 18th. Fair Day. About 1500 Sheep and Lambs, Produced for sale, 800 of them were sold. The No. of Bullocks were greater than had been remembered at a Summer’s Fair, particularly Cows and Calves. In a large Booth near the Town Pump, there was a grand Exhibition (viz) Balancing, Wire-Dancing, Tumbling, Learned Horse &c &c.
Thur. July 25th. Two Lieutenants, two Sergeants, two Corporals and about forty privates, of the three companies of the 2nd Surry Militia that lie here and at Chagford, have volunteered to serve in the regulars. Capt Wyatt read the Duke of York’s Circular Letter three Days following to them, (the Company that lie at Chagford came in each day) this being the last time the Volunteers put cockades in their Hats and paraded thro’ the Town with Drums and Fifes, Mr. Geo. Gray Senr. gave each man a pint of beer.
Fri. July 26th, Sun. 28th, Mon. 29th. The Volunteers marched for Crediton being the 2nd Surry Militia’s head Quarters. The Officers and several of the Volunteers returned again, and joined their respective Companies, the reason of they not being all accepted is not publicly known.
Sun. July 28th. The Rev Thos. Clack Junr. Curate of this Parish Ordained Priest, and the Right Honble. Lord Viscount Courtenay presented him with the Living of Milton-Damerel worth nearly £300 pr. Annum. Milton-Damerel is situated in the N.W. part of this County, lies between Holdsworthy and Biddeford, and by computation 36 miles from Moretonhampstead .
Wed. July 31st. Mr. Bragg removed from the late Mr. Fynes House to his new House at the bottom of Forder Street.
Thur. Aug. 1st. House Breaking &c. A watch stolen from the House of Mr. John Lang by one of the 2nd Surry,
Fri. Aug. 2nd. . . . . but Lang recovered it again. Mr. Andrew Pethybridge’s Dairy at Willow-stone broken into, Bacon, Butter, Sugar &c &c stolen, one Guinea reward offered to any person that would discover the offender. Mr. D. Harvey had a quantity of Cabbage Stolen from his garden. A reward of 5s/- offered.
Sun. Aug. 4th. Last Night Mr. John Burrington’s Shop broken, and goods Stolen to the amount of about £4.
A Meeting of the Parishioners in the Vestry on the above business, a Watch ordered to patrole the Streets every night. The Officers likewise ordered a double guard and no soldier to be seen out after drum beating.
Tue. Aug. 6th. Several Cats stolen from different people, supposed to be the Soldiers for the skins to make Caps. Mr. Geo. Gray offered (by public cry) a reward of 5s/- to any person that would bring his Cat alive, or if killed one Guinea to the person discovering the same.
Sat. Aug. 10th. Two Geese stolen from Mr. Hancock and a general complaint of Poultry being stolen.
Sun. Aug. 11th. By this Mornings Post a Letter was Received giving an account of the death of Wm. How he died in the West Indies on board his Majesty’s Ship Brunswick.
Fri. Aug. 16th. The Route recvd for the Surry Militia to March on Monday next for Plymouth by the way of Tavistock.
Sat. Aug. 17th. Wind S.W. A severe storm of Wind and Rain the greatest part of last night. A quantity of Meadow Hay washed off, the Corn considerably damaged, and a number of Apples blown down. Wheat sold this day in the Market for 11s/6d Pr. Bushel.
Mon. Aug. 19th. The two Companies of the 2nd Surry Militia quartered here Marched for Tavistock to the great sorrow of several young Women and Widows of this Town.
Wed. Aug. 28th. A young Woman of Bridford called Potter apprehended on suspicion of her having had Child and destroyed it. After being in Custody for some hours and closely interrogated on the Business, she confessed she had had Child, that was born alive but did not kill it, and if they would go with her she would shew were it was they followed her to a Wood about 3 miles from where she lived and on examining the spot she pointed out, they found after removing the leaves and a small quantity of earth a fine Male Infant with apparent markes of violence particularly about the neck. A Coroner’s Inquest will be taken on the Body tomorrow.
Thur. Aug. 29th. An Inquest taken at Bridford, on Potter’s Infant. Coroner – Hugo Gent. Mr. Ponsford Surgeon attended and dissected the body, from whose deposition, and from a chain of circumstances, it evidently appeared that the child was strangled. The Jury returned a Verdict of Murder by the Hand of the Mother. She is not carried to Jail being in a state not fit to be removed, but remains in custody under a Guard.
Sun. Sep. 1st. This evening the Grand Fleet under the Command of Lord Bridport sailed from Torbay, and was a pleasing sight to a number of person who were on the top of Peppern Down from whence they could distinctly see without the assistance of a Glass the Fleet pass round Berry Head.
Thur. Sep. 5th. By this Morning’s Post the Gazette Extraordinary was received of the surrender of the whole of the Dutch Fleet in the Texel (on the 30th ult. ) under the command of Admiral Story to the English Fleet commanded by Admiral Mitchell. In consequence of the above intelligence, the Bells were immediately sat ringing and continued with little intermission till 10 at night.
Fri. Sep. 6th. Richard Cornish, son of Mr. Cornish Governor of the Workhouse, riding on a pack horse in a furious and careless manner was thrown off, by which accident he broke one of his leg’s, and otherwise bruised.
Sun. Sep. 8th. A Mr Emmett, butcher of Plymouth, carried through this town (under an arrest) on his way to the Sheriff’s prison St Thomas.
Sat. Sep. 14th. Potter of Bridford carried to High-Gaol for the Murder of her Bastard child.
Mon. Sep. 16th. Ringing in consequence of the capture of Seringapatam and the death of Tippoo Saib on the 4th of May last. The Gazette containing this intelligence was received by this Morning’s Post.
Dunsford Fair, from the backwardness of the season, which renders the Nuts unfit for gathering, and a very heavy rain the boys were deprived of their annual Holiday (viz) going to Sandyke Wood, a Nutting.
Tue. Sep. 17th. The Victuallers of this Town went to Newton to renew their licences and Mr. Hancock for a licence for the late Mr. Fynes’s House (London Inn and not the Courtenay Arms) but was refused. The Justices reason was “We will not increase the No. of Public Houses in Moreton”. Mr. Hancock was greatly disappointed.
Wed. Sep. 18th. Last night ran away from their Masters George Hamlin an Apprentice to Mr. John Pinsent and John Ash an Apprentice to Mr. John Stevens. Ash’s Father pursued them to Plymouth, and brought back his son but Hamlin would not return.
Fri. Sep. 20th. The Mountebanks of Gilbert & Powel exhibited on a stage near the Town Pump.
Sat. Sep. 21st. Hamlin return’d and by the intercession of his Mother & the promising to behave better in future, and undergoing a severe flogging which he justly deserved, his Master condescended to take him in again.
Sun. Sep. 22nd. ½ Past 6 A.M. The Bells Struck up 1,2,3,4,5,6, it being the anniversary of the Coronation of Our Blessed Sovereign. 9 A.M. Married Mr. Gilbert Hutchings to Miss Mary Browne. This morning we had a violent storm of Rain accompanied with a High Wind from the S.E.
Thur. Sep. 26th. The Mountebanks exhibited again. The Tumbling exceeded everything of the kind that had been seen in Moreton for many years.
Sun. Sep. 29th. This morning excessive rain for several hours which swelled the brooks to such an height as had not been remembered at this season of the year.
Mon. Sep 30th. Gilbert Frost at the Black Horse gave notice to his landlord Mr. Stevens that he should quit his House next Quarter Day.
Tue Oct. 3rd.[sic] Mr. James Mardon declined business, discharged his debts and sat off for London.
Tue. Oct 15th. The Parishioners meet at the Parsonage House to pay their tithe. Showery weather a quantity of corn on the ground spoiling.
Thur. Oct. 17th. Birth. Mrs Soper at the White Horse a Son. This morning’s Post brought an extra Gazette of the Capture of Surinham (in South America) from the Dutch, and rather disagreeable news from Holland respecting the situation of our Army there.
Sat. Oct 19th. Mr. John Berry (Brother to Mr. Daniel Berry) took the Black Horse enters on next quarter day.
Mon. Oct. 21th. Mr.Gilbert Frost has taken Miss Bridgman’s House opposite Mr.Richard Harvey, and intends keeping a large Cheesemonger’s shop.
Tue. Oct. 22nd. Mr. Wm. Smale hath taken the House at Pound now occupied by Mr John Hancock the latter is going to live in his late Master’s (Mr.Fynes) House at Cross and talks of opening a Coffee House, run a Chaise, and take in the London papers &c&c !!!
Wed. Oct. 23rd. Died Joan the Wife of John Battershill aged 73, She had been the Mother of 15 children.
Fri. Oct. 25th. Anniversary of his Majesty’s accession to the Throne. Ringing as usual.
Mon Oct. 28th. Died this morning John Berry Weaver aged 78 years he has left a widow aged 76 they had been Married 58 years, and had 13 children 6 of them now living they have had 51 Grand-Children 45 of them now living. He lived in the same House that he died in 68 years, – Work’d for Mr. Wm. Smale and his father upwards of 50 years and had been Sexton to the Presbyterian Meeting House 34 years.
Tue. Oct. 29th. Lord Courtenay’s Court held at the White Hart, where Constables and the other officers were sworn in for the Manor and Borough of Moretonhampstead and others appointed to be sworn in at the next Court.
Tue. Nov. 5th. In rememberance of the Gunpowder Plot (which) was designed to blow up the Parliament house in the reign of King James 1st and in the year 1605 The Bells began Ringing at a very early hour and continued nearly the whole day, but owing to the very heavy rain the Boys were deprived of their Holiday (viz) Bonfire, fireworks &c &c.
Tue. Nov. 12th. This Morning about ½ past 5 a large fiery meteor was seen to pass over this Town. Died at Kenn Mrs Clack Wife of the Rev. Thos. Clack Rector of Kenn and Moretonhampstead.
Wed. Nov. 13th. Died in the Workouse aged Jane Mardon, Alias Cockel.
Sun. Nov. 17th. Married Mr.Charles Browning Carpenter to Miss Mary Hutchings Daughter of Mr. Wm. Hutchings Carpenter.
Wed. Nov. 20th. Wind S.E. Fine Weather Harvest nearly over. A remarkable late and bad harvest. Corn in general very badly saved; good Wheat now sells at 14s/- pr. Bushel. A quantity of Cyder made this year, the Average price 20s/- pr. Hogshead.
Thur. Nov. 28th. Fair Day. Remarkable fine weather for Winters Fair, No. Sheep produced for sale were 2768, out of which 1451 were sold. Confectionaries and Ginger Bread found but a poor sale, which from the high price of Corn were beyond its usual price. Whistles & Rattles went off pretty brisk, Drums & Trumpets, very dull. Fiddles were rather flat. In the Evening a Ball at the White Hart.
Fri. Nov. 29th. Quite a Summer’s Day. The Ladies dressed off in their White Robes. In the afternoon Feats of Horsemanship in a Field at Court, by a party from the Royal Circus.
Sun. Dec. 1st. Married Mr.Samuel Can, Journeyman Pack Sadler, to Miss Mary Dayment.
Mon. Dec. 2nd. Died aged 50 Mrs Susanna Gray, Wife of Mr. Samuel Gray of Cranbrook in this Parish.
Tue. Dec. 3rd. The Trustees of the Turnpike met at the School House and let the Turnpike Gates for one year, as follows, Folly-Lane-Gate, kept by John Easton, who returned the last year £48.0.0 the Gatc was taken by James Avery alias Tavernor at £58.0.0. This Tavernor kept the same Gate some years since, when ’tis thought there was more travelling then at present and returned but £28.0.0 in the year. Here, I shall leave the Reader to make his Remarks. Bughead-Cross-Gate, kept, and taken by Joe Berry, at (about) 40s. more then he returned the last year. New-Bridge-Gate, kept, and taken by William Howe, at 20s more than he returned last year.
Wed. Dec. 4th. The party from the Royal Circus visited Moreton again, the performance of Riding and Tumbling were wonderful ! They gave prizes like Mountebanks.
Mon. Dec. 9th. Died after a lingering illness aged 56 George Ponsford Woolcomber.
Wed. Dec 11th. Equestrian exhibition in a field at Court.
Fri. Dec. 13th. Last night Joshua Lang, Blacksmith, carried off from the House he resided in, all his Household Goods &c. &c. and this morning the House and Shop appeared quite shut up.
Sun. Dec. 15th. Wind & Frosty
Wed. Dec. 18th. The Horse-Mountebanks visited this place for the fourth and last time.
Thur. Dec. 19th. Wind N.E. excessive hard freezing
Fri. Dec. 20th. Intensely cold. Mr.Charles Pooke removed from his House near the Shambles, to a House in the Apple Market, lately occupied by Mr. Elias Bishop.
Tue. Dec. 24th. George Hamlin an Apprentice to Mr. Pinsent, detected by his fellow Apprentice (George Harvey) in stealing candles from his Master, he was immediately taken in Custody, and carried before Justice Roberts at Drewsteignton where he confessed he had frequently been guilty of the same crime, and sold them to William Tavernor and his wife who keep a shop in Court Street. Tavernor and his wife absconded on hearing of Hamlins confession.
Wed. Dec. 25th. Christmas day, the Morning was ushered in with carols.
Mon. Dec. 30th. Birth. Miss Eliz. Wotton of a Son.
Tue. Dec. 31st. This morning died of an obstruction in his Bowels William Wills, Junr. aged 39 years. About ten hours before he died (at the particular request of himself and friends) his Apothecary gave him twelve ounces of Quicksilver, but it had not its desired effect.
