Wed. Jan. 11th. Died aged Alyling, Daughter of Mr. Robert Alyling.
Sun. Jan. 15th. The House of Mary Howe, in Nodcourt, searched by Mr. Knight officer of Excise of this Place, wherein was found two Kegs of Liquor, one Brandy & the other Gin, and a Bag containing about a quarter Cwt of Tobacco.
Tue. Jan. 17th. Married Mr. Edward Laskey to Miss Mary Peters.
Thur. Jan. 19th. Heavy rain accompanied with a tremendous gale of wind which continued for twelve hours, and did considerable damage to many houses in this Town.
Sat. Jan. 28th. This day a continual storm of wind and rain, which did more damage than that of the 19th About 4 in the afternoon a Stack of Brick Chimnies were blown down from Mr. Bragg’s new House, broke in part of the roof of the House, some Hundreds weight of Bricks fell thro’ the ceiling of one of the rooms and crushed a bed to atoms, had it happened after the family were in Bed several of them must have lost their lives. Miss Nancy Whitefield had a Chimney blown down, which did some damage. Several other Houses, felt the effect of this storm, so that the Masons and Thatchers have their spring work in. A bad wind that blows no body good.
Sun. Jan. 29th. Banns of Marriage published for the first time between Mr Robert Hutchings, Carpenter, and Miss Jenny Dayment.
Sun. Jan. 29th. Died at Rushford in the Parish of Chagford aged 39 Mr. John Bragg Brother to Mr Wm. Bragg of this place, Tanner.
Wed. Feb. 1st. The remains of Mr. John Bragg, drawn here in a Hearse, and interred in the Church Yard.
Mon. Feb. 6th. Died after a long illness aged 50 Harry Mardon, Husbandman.
Wed. Feb. 8th. Died aged 52 Jane Wills, Wife of Robert Wills.
Thur. Feb. 9th. The Volunteers, fired for the first time, and generally supposed with tolerable precision, they fired Ball Cartridges at a Target several of which hit, and three very near the centre.
Sun. Feb. 19th. Married, Mr. Robert Huchings, to Miss Jenny Dayment.
Sun. Feb. 26th. Died aged 68 Susanna Godbeer, Wife of Abraham Godbeer.
Wed. Feb. 29th. Moreton Volunteers, Inspected by Lord Clifford, Lord Ebrington, Major of the North Devon Militia, and Lieutenant Colonel Taylor, who were accompanied with General Simcoe’s aid-de-camp and Lieut. Col. Taylor’s Son. They remained in the field above an hour, and were highly pleased with the appearance of the Men particularly for their steadiness while under arms.
Mon. Mar. 5th. Mr. Pinsent Soap-maker and Tallow Chandler, has this day given up Business to Mr. George Harvey, his Apprentice. Mr Pinsent and his two daughters Miss Mary & Miss Sarah, are going to live at Court House.
Tue. Mar. 6th. This day a large Barron Pig was killed at the White Horse, which weighed 705 lbs (net) it was sold to Mr. Richard Harvey for 5½ pr lb and came to £16.3.1½. The Pig was three years old, remarkable small boned, and the fattest, ever killed in Moreton since the memory of the oldest person living here, it was fed by Mrs Soper.
Fri. Mar. 23rd. Died at Court-House aged 59, Mr. John Pinsent.
Sun. Mar. 25th. Died aged 73 Jane Bates, Wife of Edward Bates.
Banns of marriage published between Mr. Samuel Wrayford, and Miss Elizabeth Windeat.
Mon. Mar. 26th. John Hawkins Esqr of Kingsbridge came here to reside, and has taken Mrs Whitborn’s House. Mrs Whitborn is gone to live in the higher part of the House some time since occupied by the late Revd. James Rowland.
Wed. Mar. 28th. Died aged 73 Mrs Lightfoot of Arscot
Sun. Apr. 1st. Banns of marriage published between William Wannell and Grace Saunders
Sun. Apr. 8th. Banns of marriage published between Mr. John Sillifant, Saddler, and Miss Elizabeth Cuming of Yalworthy in this Parish.
Mon. Apr. 9th. Mr. George Pooke (Son of Mr Charles Pooke) Shoemaker, taken the Shop joining Mr Thomas White and begun business on his own account.
Tue. Apr. 10th. Mr George Mardon and family left Moreton for Great Torrington, where they are going to settle.
Sat. Apr. 14th. Mr John Wotton left Moreton for Great Torrington, he is going to work for Mr. George Mardon.
Fri. Apr. 20th. Died suddenly aged 45 Ann Cragg.
Sun. Apr. 22nd. Married William Wannell to Grace Saunders.
Mr. Wm. Underhill, Taylor & his Son John, left Moreton for Bath.
Tues. Apr. 24th. Married Mr John Sillifant, Saddler, to Miss Elizabeth Cuming of Yalworthy in this Parish
Wed. Apr. 25th. Married Mr. Samuel Wrayford to Miss Elizabeth Windeat.
Sat. Apr. 28th. Mr. Wm. Underhill’s Household Goods Sold by Public Auction.
Fri. May 11th. This Day Colonel Taylor Inspected the Moreton Volunteers. Mr. Donnal’d, High Constable of Wonford Hundred and Inspector of Weights and Measures, came here, and examined the Weights and Measures of the different Public Houses, Bakers and Shop-Keepers and all that were found deficient he took away and ordered the parties to appear before the Justices’ at Crockertonwell the Monday following.
Mon. May 14th. In consequence of the above about eighteen persons of this place appeared at Crockertonwell and they were all fined from 20s/ to 5s/ each. Died aged Alice Morry .
Sat. May 19th. Great Market, a great shew of Cattle, but few sold.
Tue. May 22nd. Mrs. Underhill (Wife of Mr Wm. Underhill Taylor) and 5 children sat off for Bath.
Fri. May 25th. General Fast, which was observed in the usual manner.
Tue. May 29th. The Anniversary of the Restoration of King Charles the 2nd which now compleats 144 years since, the Bells are knocking it round 1,2,3,4,5,6, and the windows and even the Horses heads are decorated with Twigs of the Royal Tree.
Mon. June 4th. The anniversary of his Majesty’s Birth Day, who now enters the 67th year of his age. The Morning was ushered in with the ringing of Bells, in the Afternoon the Volunteers Paraded, and fired eight rounds a Man of Ball Cartridges at a Target, in the Evening the principal Inhabitants assembled at the London Inn to drink the King’s Heath, the Evening was spent with the greatest conviviality, and genuine marks of loyalty were shewn by all ranks on the occasion.
This day about noon the Town was alarmed by intelligence, that the Woods on the right hand side of the road leading to Drewsteignton was on fire. The Drums beat to Arms and the Volunteers assembled to march out to assist in extinguishing it, but just as they were going to march off an account was received that it was stoped by the men that were on the spot. The fire was occasioned by a boy earring a fire brand from one Coal Pit to another and had a very alarming appearance for some time, but there being very little wind, prevented the fire from spreading with that rapidity than it otherwise would – about half an acre of wood with ten Bundles of Bark, was destroyed.
Mon. June 11th. Last Saturday night Mr. Hancock, of the London Inn, and Mr. Richard Eastabrook, Farmer of this Parish disposited 20s/ each and if either of them failed forfeit his 20s/ To ride from the Town Pump in this Town to Jump and back again, the first that returned to have the other’s Horse. They started this morning about 7 0’Clock, and rode in a most furious manner for nineteen miles when Mr. Eastabrook’s horse gave up – Mr. Hancock rode on to Jump, and on returning, found his opponent near the Spot where he left him, he acknowledged to have lost and gave up his Horse. They rode into Walkhampton, bought a Horse of a Farmer, and left the losing Horse to the care of the Farmer, it being so completely knocked up as to be rendered incapable of travelling for the present. They return’d at half after two in the afternoon. Mr. Hancock rode to Jump (which is 23 miles from Moreton) in two hours and a few minutes.
N.B. Mr Hancock got home the Horse the Thursday following.
Wed. July 4th. This afternoon died aged 70 Mr.George Jackson, of Wray Barton, in this Parish. To sum up his character, He was an affectionate Husband, a tender Father and the Labourer’s Friend – and we trust in him was combined every virtue that constitutes the Sincere Christian.
Sat. July 14th. This afternoon the Duke and Dutchess of Bedford, passed through this Town, in their way to Tavistock.
Tue. July 17th. 80 of the Royal Cornish Militia march’d in here from Okehampton
Thur. July 19th. Fair Day, 1938 Sheep were produced for sale, out of which 615 were sold. The No. of Bullocks were more than usual, the selling rather dull, and at reduced prices – On this day we were honoured with two grand Exhibitions (viz) Hathaway’s grand Cabinet of Wax Figures, and Seward’s Puppet Show, with wire dancing, dexterity of hand Italian shades & a variety of other amusements, these Exhibitions were numerously attended, and being near the Shambles, we were amused the afternoon and evening with the sound of the brazen Trumpet, the buzzing Drum, and the tinkling Cymbal.
Mon. July 23rd. The 80 Royal Cornish Militia men march’d for Exeter.
Sat. July 28th. Mr Thos. Neck Junr opened a Grocers Shop in part of the late Mr Pinscnt House near the Shambles.
Tue. July 31st. Died aged 42 Mr William Mardon Carpenter
Thur. Aug. 23rd. The Miss Pinsents, left Court-House, they now reside in a House in Court Street, lately occupied by Mr.Knight Excise Officer.
Wed. Aug. 29. Mr Joseph Wotton, Junr. sat off for London.
Wed. Sep. 12th. Mr. John Snow of Lowton, served with an Exchequer Writ, for selling spirituous liquors to Mr. John Hancock of the London Inn, to appear in London Novr 6th personally or by Attorney.
Sat. Sep. 15th. Married, Mr. John Brayley of Fingle Mill to Miss Phoebe Tozer of Howton. Died aged I year and 3 months Grace the Daughter of Mr. and Mrs.Windeat of Wooston.
Sun. Sep. 16th. The Rev Mr. Bransby delivered an affectionate address to the Congregation announcing his intention of becoming their stated Minister.
Mon. Sep. 17th. The Stores, began to be removed from Sutton to Court House.
Tue. Sep. 18th. Lord Courtenay and two of his Sisters arrived here, about 12 noon, walked to North Bovey, returned and dined at the London Inn, and for the great attention paid them, his Lordship very politely proposed giving Mr. Hancock a New Sign (His Arms) which was accepted by the latter. After dinner they took a view of the Church walk’d in the Century, gave the Ringers a Guinea, and sat off for Ford about six in the evening
Fri. Sep. 21st. This day a meeting was held at the White Hart by the Clerks of the Commissioners of Assesed Taxes of Teign Bridge Hundred to regulate and explain the Property Tax, for the Parishes of Moreton, Lustleigh, North Bovey & Manaton. A great number attended, many of which seemed dissatisfied at the decision of the Clerks, and but few perfectly satisfied.
Fri. Sep. 21st. Mrs Cuming of Yalworthy, fell from her Horse, in the road between Howton and Moreton Town, by which accident she received a great contusion and cut in the side of her head, and lost a quantity of blood, but thought not to be very dangerous.
Sat. Sep. 22nd. The Anniversary of his Majesty’s Coronation, which was observed as usual.
Mon. Sep. 24th. Mrs. May of Upacott, thrown from her Horse, in the fall she broke three of her fingers and otherwise much bruised.
Mr. Joseph Wotton returned from London, His reasons for returning so soon are not publickly know.
Sat. Sep. 29th. Rev Mr. Walkey left Moreton, he is succeeded by the Revd Mr Freke of Clannaborough as Curate, and by the Rev Mr.Tothill, of Cheriton Bishop, as storekeeper .
Mon. Oct. 1st. The Rev Mr. Bransby, Minister of the New Dissenting Chapel, opened a Classical School in a House (late Mr.Violl’s) adjoining Mr Jabez Jackson’s, he begins with seven Boarders and three Day Schoolars – Terms of the School, Board and Education Twenty five Guineas pr. Annum Day Scholars Four Guineas Pr. Annum.
Departed this life, in the 70th year of his age Mr Jacob Heard.
Tue. Oct. 2nd. Messrs Wm and John Tuckers (Brothers) opened a Boarding School, in a House near the Cross Tree lately occupied by the Rev Mr. Walkey – , Terms, Board Twenty Guineas Pr Annum, Education Five Guineas Pr. Annum.
Mon. Oct. 15th. Some of the people called Quakers held a meeting for Worship in Mr. Humphries School Room, it began about 11 O’Clock in the morning and ended about half past one in the afternoon. Two Women and one man Spoke. A great number attended, and it was generally thought that they spoke very well in their way.
Tues. Oct. 16th. A Survey at Mr John Snow’s at Lowton, for all his cattle, implements in Husbandry, Household Goods and Furniture. He has given up the Estate to his eldest Sons. This is the effect of Smuggling.
Wed. Oct. 17th. A Chapter of Accidents at the Bell Inn. Mrs. Wolland of Drewsteignton came on a visit to Mrs. Thorn, the Boy came with her, got asleep in the Chimney Corner, fell into the fire and scal’d his face and hands so bad that he could not return with his Mistress. Mr Thorn’s apprentice (Mary Giffard) return’d with Mrs Wolland, on their way home the Horse fell and the poor maid with the fall fractured one of her legs in so shocking a manner, that the splinters of bone came thro’ the shin.
Thur. Oct. 18th. Ann Saunders, of Court, Aunt to the above Mary Giffard, fell and dislocated one of her Ancles
Fri. Oct. 19th. Last Monday evening a Sergeant of the Plymouth Division of Marines came here under pretence of looking for a deserter, and was billeted at the six Bells Wednesday he yielded himself in as a deserter to Robert Marwood, Shoemaker and one of the Moreton Volunteers. Thursday he was marched to Drewsteignton, and made oath before Justice Roberts, that his name was William Clayfield, was 40 years of age, had been in the Marines 24 years, Sergeant 17 years, was returning with his party and recruits from Gloucestershire, and left them at Exeter last Saturday. This day he was march’d to Exeter and lodged in the county Bridewell. He would not assign any partiicular reason for deserting .
Tue. Oct. 23rd. Jacob Yandole, Shoemaker, and drummer in the Volunteers married to Mary Germon.
This day the Moreton Volunteers were inspected by Colonel Taylor the Colonel was highly pleased at their Soldierly appearance and steadiness under arms.
Thur. Oct. 25th. With The Ringers awaked us pretty early this Morning, which put us in mind of his Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.
Sat. Oct. 27th. A Company of Comedians just arrived here from Crediton, and are going to perform a few nights in the old Theatre in Pound Street. Manager Mr. Vincent
Mon. Oct. 29th. Lord Courtenay’s Court, held at the White Hart, and the usual business transacted.
Died aged 77 Mrs. Browne, Aunt to the Mr Mardons in Cross-Street
Mon. Nov. 5th. The anniversary of the Gunpowder plot, Ringing, bonfire and a few Squibs. In the Evening the Theatre opened with Jane Shore, and Fortune’s Frolic or the Ploughman turned Lord.
Tue. Nov. 6th. Married Mr Sarel officer of Excise of near Tiverton, to Miss Ann Peters, daughter of Mr Peters Butcher and Farmer of this place. Mr. Sleeman, sometime since Excise Officer in this Town, but now of Islington near London, passed thro’ Moreton with his second wife from Cornwell, in the Afternoon they sat off for Exeter in their way to London, ‘tis said she is a woman of considerable fortune.
Sat. Nov. 10th. Died aged 84 John Langbridge, he lived in the House that he died in upwards of 50 years, and had been blind twelve years.
Sun. Nov. 18th. Died aged 87. George Connett. The Banns of Marriage published for the first time between Mr. Robert Wills, widower, and Mrs Joan Croot (widow of the late Nicholas Croot Carrier).
Thur. Nov. 29th. Fair Day, 2300 Sheep were produced for sale out of which 1600 were sold. The No. of bullocks were but few.
Tue. Dec. 4. Married Mr Robert Wills to Mrs Joan Croot.
Wed. Dec. 12th. Died aged 55 Mrs May of Uppacot
Tue. Dec. 25th. Christmas Day. Chorals sung as usual by the Church and Meeting Choirs.
Thur. Dec. 27th. Died aged 62 after a long illness Miss Mary Bridgman.
Died aged 85 Thomas Morrey
Sun. Dec. 30th. Mr Knight Officer of Excise left Moreton for Bristol.
Mon. Dec. 31st. Mr Thomas Cornish, Governor of the Work-House, seized in a fit of the Palsy, as he was carried home and found quite dead all the left side.
