A History of Horncastle, from the earliest period to the present time

by J. Conway Walter

Addendum II.

The Governors of the Grammar School are about to erect, in this year, 1908, new and more commodious premises for the school, in the grounds of what is now called “The Chestnuts,” near the west end of West Street.

CHAPTER VII.
WATSON’S FREE SCHOOL.

Next in importance to the Grammar School, and prior to the existence of the two well appointed National Schools, Church and Wesleyan, possibly even of greater utility than at present, is Watson’s Free Infant School; the founder of which placed it under the control of the Grammar School.

The title deeds of this Institution are in the keeping of Mr. H. Tweed, Solicitor, who is Clerk to the Governors; and from these we gather the following particulars of its history. Richard Watson in the latter half of the 18th century was a resident in, and a native of, Horncastle, being the son of James Watson, who had made money by tanning, at that time a staple business in the town. Although engaged in trade he ranked with the resident gentry, his sister, Frances, marrying James Conington, Esq., belonging to a family of good position, not only in the town, but in the county; members of which have also distinguished themselves at the Universities, the name still surviving. She is referred to in an Indenture of date 22nd Sept., 25 George III. (1785), as “Frances Conington, of Boston, widow, formerly Frances Watson, spinster, surviving sister and heir of Richard Watson, late of Horncastle, gent., deceased, tanner, and his wife Elizabeth.” By her marriage she had a son Francis Conington, who as nephew of Richard Watson, was the sole executor of his will and testament. The principal deed has the following external inscription: “Title deeds of the school, signed, sealed and delivered, by Benjamin Handley (afterwards called “of New Sleaford”), [108a] in the presence of Williom Swallow, [108b] supervisor, and Abraham Hanson, of Horncastle.”

The following is the heading within, “Sealed and delivered by Frances Conington, being first duly stamped, in the presence of Caleb Preston, and Bowlin Kelsey of Boston.” This is further confirmed, as follows: “Sealed and delivered by Frances Conington, in the presence of William Swallow, supervisor, and Abraham Hanson, of Horncastle.”

Then follows a “Release of lands in Lincolnshire to found a school (dated 22nd Sept., 1785), inrolled in His Majesty’s High Court of Chancery, the 8th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1786, being first duly stamped according to the tenor of the statutes made for that purpose.” (Signed) Thomas Brigstock.

The seals attached to this are those of Frances Conington, James Conington and Benjamin Handley. There is a note in the margin that “James Conington came before me this day, and acknowledged this to be his deed, and prayed the same might be inrolled in His Majesty’s High Court of Chancery. Robert Chapman, Master in Chancery.” Dated 6th March, 1786.

The actual terms of Richard Watson’s will are these: “I am very desirous of establishing a small school within the town of Horncastle, wherein the children of such poor persons, as the Governors of the Grammar School

shall think objects of charity, may be taught to read, knit, spin, and plain needlework, or sewing. I do therefore hereby earnestly request, will, and direct, my nephew and executor, after my decease, by deed, conveyance (&c.), to convey, and assure, to the said Governors, and their successors, for ever, all the lands situate in Croft, and all those messuages, cottages, or tenements, within the yards and pingle adjoining, situate in Far Street (now called West Street), Horncastle; and also that part of now inclosed arable, meadow, and pasture ground, lying in Wigtoft, containing 6 acres, 28 perches, now in the occupation of my cousin, William Watson, with appurtenances, upon the Trusts following, viz.: (1) to keep the house (school) in good repair, and the residence (2) for the maintenance of a proper master or mistress, to be from time to time nominated by them, to teach such poor children, &c.”

It is then added that “the said Richard Watson dying on Sept. 30 (1784), the said Frances and James Conington, desirous to fulfil his bequest, agree to convey to the use of the said Governors, the said messuages, &c.” An Indenture is added, witnessing “that on payment by Benjamin Handley of ten shillings to Frances and James Conington, they have granted, sold, and released” the aforesaid property, and “appointed by these presents from the day next before the date of the Indenture, all the said messuages, &c., called by the name of the ‘ffoal thing,’ [110a] and that plot commonly called ‘Backside,’ the closes in Croft abutting on the highway, and lands near the old sea bank; and land called the ‘bridge plot’ in Wigtoft (6 acres), assigned to Richard Watson, by the award of the Commissioners appointed by Parliament, in the 12th year of His Majesty, for enclosing common and open fields (No. 40 in award map), with houses, barns, curtilages, and woods, to be held by the Governors of the Grammar School, the reversions, rents, &c., to the use of John Thorold (and the Governors), [110b] on trust, that the said Governors collect the rents, &c., and apply them as shall be required, from time to time, for poor children; and shall have power to erect a new school house, or alter, enlarge, &c., and to mortgage, &c., in order to provide suitable (premises), spinning wheels, &c., and to make rules for management, as shall to their judgment seem needed, agreeing with the said Benjamin Handley, and his heirs, &c., subject in all things to the Court of Chancery at Westminster.”

The present status of the school is as follows: The original premises are still in use, standing in a retired position, in “Watson’s Yard,” about 50 yards from West Street; they consist of school buildings, play yard, and teacher’s residence. In 1835 the school was enlarged and repaired. In 1895 it was further improved by the removal of bedrooms above, when it was opened up to the roof; at the same time a commodious classroom was added at the east end. Accommodation was thus provided for 120 children. The increase in scholars necessitated an increase in the teaching staff, and the Head Teacher, Mrs. Robert Marshall, who was appointed in 1885, has, since these alterations, been assisted by an Under Mistress and two Monitors.

The scholars are of both sexes, and between the ages of three years and seven. The school is conducted on Church of England principles, and

examined by both Diocesan and Government Inspectors; a Government Grant being earned to supplement the funds of the Watson bequest. The scholars are taught reading, writing and arithmetic, with the various kindergarten subjects. The Secretary to the Charity, H. Tweed, Esq., Solicitor, of Horncastle, pays half the rents to the Lincoln County Council, for teachers’ salaries, and retains the other half for repairs and incidental expenses. All the other tenements in Watson’s Yard are the property of the Charity.

THE LANCASTERIAN & THE BELL SCHOOLS.

Beside the endowed schools, already described, the Grammar School for the middle and upper class, and Watson’s School for the children of the poorer classes; there were two other schools before the present National Schools came into existence, the history of which is of some interest. Weir, in his History of Horncastle, says “a school, on the Lancasterian, or British system, was established at a public meeting, held in October, 1813; and, a few days later, a meeting was held at the church, when it was resolved to establish a school on the plan of Dr. Bell. Both buildings were erected in 1814, supported by voluntary contributions, each for about 200 children.” [111]

This needs some explanation. Dr. Andrew Bell was an East Indian Company’s Chaplain, stationed at Fort St. George, Madras, in 1789. He noticed, in the course of his duties, that in the native schools, beside the regular paid teachers, the more advanced pupils were also employed to instruct younger scholars; each pupil thus having a tutor, and each tutor a pupil; a system by which both were enabled to learn faster, and led to take more interest in their work, than would otherwise have been generally possible. Being an enthusiast in educational matters, he resigned his chaplaincy, with its good stipend, to inaugurate, and himself carry on, a school for the children of Europeans in the Presidency, on the same principles. The result was so satisfactory that on his return to England, in 1797, he published an account of what he called the “Madras, or Monitorial System,” and endeavoured to introduce it in this country. Little progress, however, was made for some time, beyond the establishment of a charity school, on these lines, at St. Botolph’s, Aldgate, London, and a school at Kendal, Co. Cumberland.

About the same date Joseph Lancaster, a young Quaker, set up a school for poor children, before he was 19 years of age, in a room lent to him by his father, in the Borough Road, Southwark, and in a very short time he had nearly 100 under his charge. He also adopted the monitorial method, but, as a Quaker, omitting the Church teaching of the Bell schools. Persevering in the work, he was received in audience by the King, George III., who gave him encouragement. He then travelled over the kingdom, giving lectures on the new mode of instruction; which in consequence spread with rapidity. In 1798 he taught about 1,000 boys, between the ages of 5 and 12 years, his sisters teaching some 200 girls.

Objections were made to the indefinite character of the religious teaching of a Quaker, by Professor Marsh, and others, and the Bell schools, with their Church instruction, had by the year 1818 become numerous. The services of Dr. Bell himself, in the cause of education had been recognised, and rewarded by a Canonry of Westminster. By the year 1828 upwards of 200,000 children

were being taught on his system, and at his death, a few years later, he bequeathed £120,000 to carry on the work which he had so much at heart. [112a]

These two systems, the Lancasterian or unsectarian schools, and the Bell or church schools, continued to increase in number; there having been established in 1805 “The Royal Lancasterian Institution,” otherwise called “The British and Foreign School Society,” while the Bell system was represented by “The Church of England National School Society.”

The first Lancasterian or British School founded in Horncastle, in 1814, was located in premises adjoining the Wong, on the site afterwards occupied by the first Volunteer Drill Hall. It was afterwards transferred to what is now called Dog-Kennel Yard, occupying a building which had previously been a theatre, and which was partly fitted up with sittings removed from St. Mary’s Church, giving accommodation for 200 children. Neither in its internal structure, however, nor in its situation in an out-of-the-way back yard, was the former theatre well adapted for school purposes; and although the late Mr. Samuel Goe had in 1869 bequeathed a legacy to the school, which rendered it almost independent of annual subscriptions, the establishment of a much more commodious school by the Wesleyans, in Foundry Street in 1860, affected it unfavourably, the number of scholars gradually decreased, and it was finally closed in 1876. [112b]

The Bell, or Church School, also built in 1814, and accommodating about 200 scholars of both sexes, formed the nucleus of the present Church National Schools. These two schools, the Lancasterian or British, and the Bell or Church School, are the only public elementary schools, named in the Gazetteers for many years, except the Watson Charity School, already described.

Of the present Church National Schools, that for infants was erected in 1860, that for boys in 1872, at a cost of about £1,000, the original building being now the girls’ school; the whole affording accommodation for 300 children. These were, a few years ago, taken over by the Lindsey County Council (in 1893), and are now under both Diocesan and Government Inspection. [112c]

THE SCIENCE & ART SCHOOL.

With the establishment of Technical Schools this country may be said to have entered on a new era, in national education, which, in its development, may lead to results, the importance of which can hardly yet be realized. The possibilities are almost unlimited. A wide-spread network has been created, which may bring even the humblest members of our artisan families within its deneficial meshes, while also working at intervals, as opportunities offer, in our remotest villages.

This great movement, curiously, originated from dissension in Parliament, a remarkable illustration of the old adage, “’Tis an ill wind that blows no one any good.” In the year 1890 the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in Lord

Salisbury’s ministry, [113a] introduced what was called “The Local Taxation (customs and excise) Bill,” [113b] intended to empower County Councils to buy up the licences of superfluous public houses, and to compensate the publicans by grants of money. The funds for this purpose were not to be a charge upon the local rates, but to be provided by an increase of the duty on spirituous liquors. Strange to say, this measure was so persistently opposed by the temperance party, aided by others, who for the moment acted with them, that the proposed use of the money, thus raised, was at length abandoned, a considerable surplus, however, being thus at the Chancellor’s disposal, after the reduction of several other taxes, the remainder was handed over to the County Councils, to be employed in the furtherance of technical education. The money thus set apart was called “the ear-marked money,” and the measure enacting it was, somewhat unworthily, termed “The Whiskey Bill.” Horncastle benefitted by a sum being placed to the credit of the local authorities for the establishment of a school of science and art; all such institutions in the county being under the general direction of the organizing secretary, Mr. S. Maudson Grant, residing in Lincoln.

At first classes were held in the Masonic Hall, Bank Street; and in 1891 an efficient teacher, Mr. Mallet, was engaged to give commercial instruction in arithmetic, shorthand, &c., [114a] and he was very successful in getting pupils. In 1892 larger accommodation was required, and two rooms were rented, over what is now the Bicycle Depot of Mr. Sorfleet, at 14, East Street; and Mr. Switzer was engaged as teacher of science and art, at a salary of £100 a year, being allowed further to augment his income by taking private pupils in certain other subjects. About the same time £100 was spent on models, and other requisites; and by the close of 1892, Tetford, Wragby, and Woodhall Spa having been included in a general scheme for the district, it was found that the pupils attending the classes already numbered 219; of whom 76 were under Mr. Mallet’s instruction, 101 under Mr. Switzer, including 39 school teachers in the neighbourhood, attending on Saturdays; while 42 received special instruction from a qualified teacher in dressmaking. Operations were also, in the same year, extended to rural parishes, a meeting being held at Woodhall Spa, on Feb. 10, presided over by the Rev. T. Livesey, County Councillor, when a district embracing 20 parishes was formed; Mr. Livesey being ex officio Chairman of Committees, Canon J. Clare Hudson, Vicar of Thornton, appointed as acting Chairman, and the Rev. J. Conway Walter, Rector of Langton, Hon. Secretary.

This was followed by other meetings at Horncastle, at which, in due course, plans were matured for both town and country classes in various subjects. On the death of Mr. T. Livesey, in 1894, Mr. Robert Searby, of Edlington, succeeded him as County Councillor, and took a great interest in the school; the late Mr. W. Brown, of the Capital and Counties Bank, was elected Chairman, and for several years he rendered most valuable service to the schools, being followed, on his decease in 1901, by Mr. R. W. Clitherow, Solicitor, who had previously acted as Treasurer. So far the whole scheme had been attended by the most marked success in all departments.

In the year 1894 the numbers of pupils, and of the subjects taught, had further increased; and it became necessary again to move into more commodious premises. The large building in Queen Street, which had been erected by the late Mr. F. Stevens, of Gordon Villa, and was then occupied by Miss Morris, as a school for young ladies, was rented, having two large classrooms and a smaller one.

Among the teachers who followed was Miss Annie Foster, who succeeded Mr. Switzer in July, 1895, and continued as head of the Institution for nearly six years. She was a most enthusiastic and energetic worker, and under her the schools attained the highest point of success, both as regards the number of pupils attending and the variety of subjects taught. The school at this time had attained to the highest degree of efficiency which it is ever likely to reach. Not only had Horncastle pupils taken more prizes than those of any other technical school in the Parts of Lindsey, but on the visit of the Government Inspector, Mr. Minton, at the prize-giving in September, 1896, he stated that the school occupied the third place in all England. [114b]

In the year 1899 again the Inspector, on his examination in October, reported its state as being “very satisfactory,” and in that year grants were earned of £140 from the County Council, £35 from South Kensington Science

and Art department, £50 from the Whitehall department, £12 from fees for science and art teaching, £10 from the evening continuation classes, a total of £247. Miss Foster was assisted by Miss M. E. Edgar. A former pupil, Mr. C. H. Stevens, a native of Horncastle, was also appointed Assistant Master, until he was promoted to take charge of a technical school at Folkestone. Mr. A. Blades, of the London University, Junior Master of the Grammar School, was for a time an Assistant. At the end of 1900 (Nov. 15) Miss Foster resigned, being promoted to the head teachership of the Camden School of Art, in London. Miss M. E. Edgar, who had been assistant teacher for several years, was at this date appointed Head Teacher, in the Science and Art department, Mr. C. W. Gott, of the Grammar School, B.A. of London University, becoming Head Master of the evening continuation school, and Mr. H. J. Haddock teacher of shorthand.

It would not be possible, nor is it desirable, here to go into full details as to all the work done; but as, in future years, it may be interesting to have some record of the progress in the earlier days of this Institution, and as the writer of these pages has been closely connected with the school, from its first inception, a summary of the more important particulars is here given.

In the spring of the year 1896, a course of public lectures, illustrated by lantern views, was given by himself, descriptive of his own travels in Egypt, which were attended by full audiences of junior pupils, and many adults. In 1897 he gave a similar series of lectures on his travels in Palestine, and these proving equally popular, a third supplementary course was given by him in 1898.

In 1898 illustrated lectures were also given by the Rev. J. A. Penny, Vicar of Wispington, on “The Abbeys and Castles of England,” and as being very instructive on the subject of architecture, these were largely attended. They were followed by a course, which proved very interesting, given by Mr. R. W. Clitherow, the Treasurer, descriptive of a walking tour made by himself, among the scenery of the English lakes. He also gave an instructive lecture on Canada.

In the spring of 1898 the Head Teacher, Miss Foster, gave a series of lectures on “Physiography,” being an account, the result of most careful study and practical investigation, of the various geological formations and fossils of the earth, illustrated by specimens largely of her own collecting. [115] These were very instructive, and attended by a fairly numerous class of pupils.

Other valuable courses of lectures were given during this early period of the school’s existence. In the autumn of 1896 Dr. R. McLay, of Horncastle, was engaged by the Committee to give lectures in the Masonic Hall, on “First Aid to the Injured,” under the St. John’s Ambulance regulations. The pupils, numbering 25, were afterwards examined by Dr. G. M. Lowe, of Lincoln, when 23 of them passed as entitled to St. John’s Ambulance Certificates. So much interest was shewn in these lectures (to which policemen were specially invited), that it was resolved, in the following year (1897), that the services of Dr. McLay should be secured for a repetition of them, with increased remuneration. They were again given in the autumn of that year (beginning Oct. 18), when 24 persons attended, of whom 16 presented themselves for examination, which was again held by Dr. Lowe, all of whom passed with credit, and gained

ambulance certificates. We give these particulars as shewing the value of the work done at this period.

Similarly valuable instruction has been given in later years, but, with diminished funds available, and classes smaller, owing doubtless to the exhaustion in some degree of the stream of candidates for instruction, compared with its flush at the outset of the school’s existence, fewer lectures on these extra subjects have been given; and instruction has been confined to more ordinary, but not less useful, work, in drawing, geometric and from models; modelling in clay, painting in water colours and oils, book-keeping, arithmetic, shorthand, French, and so forth.

To show that the school has continued to do good work, we may state that on January 25, 1906, a meeting was held for the annual prize giving, when close upon 70 pupils, of both sexes (69), received rewards, several of them for success in four or five different subjects. For the year 1905–6 the school received a grant of £100 from the County Council, £25 from the Horncastle Urban Council, and the fees of pupils paid about half the expenses.

We now give a brief account of the more important of the work carried on during the same period in the country parishes. In March, 1892, the first “pioneer” lecture was given at Woodhall Spa, on Horticulture, by Mr. Horace Huntly, lately in charge of the Duke of Bedford’s gardens at Woburn Abbey, Beds. This was well attended, and the instruction given was most useful, for the better cultivation of cottagers’ gardens. This was followed by a course of three lectures on the same subject, in March of the succeeding year. In April of the same year (1892), a series of six lectures were given at Stixwould and Horsington, by Miss Kenealy, of the National Health Society, on the subject of home nursing, and treatment in cases of accident, fevers, &c. These also proved so instructive that she was engaged to repeat them in the summer of the following year; and they were given in eight different parishes, beginning with Langton on June 5th; the attendances being very large, in one case 70 being present.

Mr. Robert Jalland, Surgeon, of Horncastle, also gave a lecture at Kirkby-on-Bain, in April of the same year, on the subject: “How to secure healthy homes,” which was very instructive and well attended, over 40 being present. In the autumn of that year a series of five lectures on Cookery were given by Mrs. Pierce, of the National Health Society, at four centres, Roughton, Thimbleby, Horsington, and Minting, beginning on Oct. 10th, and continued weekly. These were considered so instructive that the Secretary, having made notes of them, was requested to have 500 copies printed, for free distribution, which was done.

In January of 1893 lectures on butter-making, with practical demonstrations, were given by Miss Carter, a professional teacher with certificate of the B.D.F.A., in nine parishes, from Jan. 12th to 24th. Lessons in sheep shearing were given in May, at eight centres, Roughton, Kirkstead, Woodhall, Langton, Wispington, Stixwould, Bucknall, and Thimbleby, the teachers being Mr. S. Leggett of Moorhouses, Boston, and Mr. R. Sharpe of Horsington; prizes of £1 and 10/- being given to the most proficient pupils.

In 1894 lessons were given in hedge plashing, on Mr. Gaunt’s farm at Waddingworth, in November, the teacher being Mr. H. Butler of Greetham, money prizes being given. Lessons in under-draining were given on Mr. Carter’s farm at Bucknall, in December, the teacher being Mr. W. Scott of Hatton, money prizes being also given.

In 1895 lectures on poultry keeping were given in February, by Mr. E.

Brown, F.L.S., and Mr. F. Parton, at five centres; and they also visited various farmyards in the neighbourhood to give practical advice; these lessons were well attended. Lessons in horse shoeing were given at Horncastle, for the neighbourhood, by Mr. J. B Gresswell, M.R.V.C., of Louth, in May and June, at which nine blacksmiths attended; certificates of the National Association of Farriers being awarded. Lessons on sheep shearing were given at Thimbleby, Kirkstead, and Bucknall, in June, the teacher being Mr. R. Sharpe of Horsington. Dairy lessons on butter making and stilton cheese production were given by Miss Carter, at Woodhall Spa, Kirkby-on-Bain, Minting, and Reed’s Beck, in October and November. Lessons in under-draining were given on Mr. F. W. Scott’s farm, at Bucknall, in December, the teacher being Mr. W. Scott of Hatton, and money prizes given. Two lectures on bee keeping were given at Woodhall Spa, in November, 1895, by Mr. W. J. Banks of the Grammar School, Wragby, which were well attended; the same gentleman also giving a practical demonstration of the same, by request, at the Manor House, Woodhall Spa, in August of the following year (1896).

In 1896 Hedge Plashing lessons were given, in January, at Stixwould, Bucknall, and Horsington, the teacher being Mr. W. Scott of Hatton. The Head Secretary, Mr. S. Maudson Grant, was present and said he was “much

pleased with the work done.” Lessons in stack thatching were given, in September, in the yards of Mr. H. N. Coates, of Langton, Mr. R. Roberts, of Thimbleby, and Mr. S. Harrison, of Roughton, to ten candidates, the teacher being Mr. Isaac Storey, of West Ashby. These extended over four days, and were pronounced by the General Secretary, Mr. S. Maudson Grant, of Lincoln, to be “highly satisfactory.” In November lessons in under-draining were again given by Mr. W. Scott, of Hatton, on the farm of Mr. Joseph Clifton, of Horsington, to two classes of candidates, those over and those under 24 years of age, and were well attended.

In 1897 hedge plashing lessons were given in February, on the farm of Mr. S. Harrison, of Roughton, also by Mr. W. Scott, on three days, to two classes, over and under 24 years of age, being also well attended; prizes of 25/-, 20/-, and 15/- being given to each class; and two extra prizes of 7/6.

Poultry lectures were given, also in February, extending over six days, at Mr. Bates Leedale’s farm, at Woodhall, and at Mr. W. H. Holmes’, of Minting House, by Mr. W. Cook, the well-known chicken breeder, and originator of the breed named “Orpingtons,” of Orpington House, St. Mary Cray, Kent (since deceased). These lectures created the greatest interest; the audiences were crowded, at one lecture there being 127 present; and as he visited many farmyards to give advice, and several farmers bought valuable chickens from him, his visit may be said to have materially improved the breed of fowls in the neighbourhood.

In May of this year, 1897, it was decided at head-quarters to make a change in the process of operations. Hitherto instruction in the country parishes had been provided through the Committee of the Science and Art School, at Horncastle, but from this date each parish was to have its own Technical Education Committee, elected annually, with the other parish officials; and these were to apply direct to the Head Secretary, at Lincoln, for such instruction as they might think desirable, parishes uniting for this purpose if they chose to do so. More money than heretofore was now being expended on the Science and Art School in Lincoln, and the grants for the country lessons were now greatly reduced. Of this country instruction no record was henceforth kept at Horncastle, and no detailed account can therefore be given here; the lessons have been mainly confined to hedge plashing, ploughing, under-draining, and such other practical subjects as suited the farmer, or agricultural labourer.

In conclusion it may be said that although it is yet too early to prophecy, it would seem that a great future lies before us in the development of education. Co-ordination of work between (as we have at Horncastle) the endowed Infant School, the National Schools, Technical Schools, and the “secondary” Grammar School, with higher-grade colleges, should furnish a kind of educational ladder, by which the child of the artizan, or rustic, may rise from the humblest position to the highest, if he has the ability, and the will, to avail himself of the opportunities thus placed within his reach. It is hardly too much to say that the result may well be, that in the keen rivalry of nations, which characterizes the present age, England should thus be enabled to more than hold her own in the struggle of industrial life.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE DISPENSARY

May well be said to be the most important charity in the town, not only from the valuable services which it has, through many years, rendered to the suffering poor, but because it was a pioneer institution of its kind; while the area of its usefulness has probably been more extensive than that of any similar charity in the county.

Dispensaries were established at Louth in the year 1803, at Lincoln in 1826, at Grantham in 1838, at Boston in 1852, at Market Rasen in 1857; but Horncastle was in advance of the earliest of these by more than a dozen years. Further, the records of the charity shew, that, in the early years of its existence, patients were here treated from places so distant as Spilsby, Friskney, Wainfleet, Trusthorpe, Theddlethorpe, Alford, Fotherby, Marsh Chapel, Saltfleetby, Boston, Lincoln, Sleaford, Grantham, and even beyond the county, from Loughborough, Hull, and Beverley.

This, it may be explained, was mainly due to the fact that it was virtually the creation of a man who was, in many matters, in advance of his time, that great public benefactor, Sir Joseph Banks, Bart., of Revesby Abbey, who held the Manor of Horncastle, and took the greatest interest in the welfare of the town and neighbourhood.

At a preliminary meeting held at the Bull Inn, Horncastle, on Wednesday, Oct., 28, 1789, it was resolved, apparently on his initiative, to establish a dispensary; and this took formal shape on Dec. 3rd following, when the governing body was elected, consisting of Sir Jos. Banks, President, with Vice-Presidents the Honble. Lewis Dymoke, King’s Champion, Thomas Coltman, Esq., William Elmhirst, Esq., Treasurer, and Richard Clitherow, Gent., legal adviser; the Honorary Physicians being Edmund Laycock, M.D., and Edward Harrison, M.D., with Mr. John Chislett as Surgeon and Apothecary.

A code of rules was drawn up, which, with occasional revisions, to suit changing circumstances, remain substantially the same to the present day. A donation of 10 guineas constituted a life Governor, a legacy of the like amount gave the trustee paying it the same privilege. An annual subscription of one guinea made the subscriber a Governor during the year. Church or chapel collections of two guineas secured governorship for the year to the minister, and an additional Governor for each two guineas so collected. The officials were to be a President, Vice-Presidents, and Treasurer, elected annually at a special meeting of the Governors. Other regulations, as to patients and their attendance, numbered between 40 and 50.

The institution was to be open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. till noon, when the medical officers would prescribe for patients, attending with a governor’s nomination. Those unable to attend should be visited at their homes. As a small practical beginning the wooden framework of a shop was bought at Wainfleet, for the small sum of 5/5; and drugs were ordered from the firm of Wallis & Stockton, of York; and a further supply obtained from Messrs. Skeen & Peale, of London.

The first building, which was used from 1789 till 1867, was No. 2 on the south side of St. Mary’s Churchyard, being rented for the sum of five guineas a year, until it was purchased in Feb., 1810, for the institution, jointly by Dr. Harrison and the Rev. John Fretwell, [120a] for £111 2s. 8d., the conveyance being effected by Mr. Clitherow at a charge of £13 15s. 8d. Improvements were made in this building, at a cost of £13 5s., in 1812, and of £27 15s. 7d. in 1821.

Of the first physicians, Dr. Laycock resigned office in his first year, on Sept. 29th, 1790; but Dr. Harrison continued his duties for many years, only retiring on Oct. 11th, 1821, shortly before his death. Although that gentleman carried on a private asylum, for patients mentally affected, at his own residence in West Street, [120b] he took a great interest in the Dispensary, and was indefatigable in his attendances, often at his own inconvenience. Moreover his pecuniary assistance was not small; as, besides sharing in the purchase of the premises in St. Mary’s Churchyard, the accounts shew that in 1820 he paid £27, and in the following year £19 14s. 4d., for Dispensary expenses, which sums were afterwards repaid to him by the Governors; and (as will be shewn hereafter) he bequeathed at his death £100 to the funds. A vote of thanks was passed to him at the annual meeting of the Governors in September of 1821, for a further gift of £21, with the expression of their regret that his valuable services could no longer be given. Associated with Dr. Harrison, in dispensary work, was Dr. Fawssett, appointed on the resignation of Dr. Laycock, who loyally co-operated with that gentleman for 33 years, and only survived him two years, dying on Oct. 16th. 1823.

Since that time almost all the medical men of the town have, in their

turns, rendered useful service to the Dispensary. It would be invidious to single out any of these as being more capable, or more devoted to the work, than others; but we may mention one exceptional case, which all will recognize. From an early period medical pupils were allowed to visit the Dispensary, in order to study special cases, and the treatment they received from qualified practitioners. Among these was a young man, Mr. E. P. Charlesworth, who virtually here received the early part of his medical education. He afterwards, for some years, practised in Horncastle; and in Dec., 1807, a resolution of the Governors was passed, conveying to him their warm thanks for his generosity in relieving poor patients, often at his own expense, and for his readiness to receive them, for consultation, at his own residence, and to make up drugs for them at all hours. He subsequently removed to Lincoln, and became a noted physician, whose reputation extended considerably beyond the county. During 33 years he was one of the most active medical advisers and patrons of the Lincoln Lunatic Asylum; and, after his death in 1853, a statue of him, in white marble, was erected in the grounds of that institution.

All these medical attendants at the Dispensary gave their services gratuitously until, at a general meeting, held on April 23rd, 1878, a resolution was passed, that henceforth the two doctors should each be paid £30 a year, which has been the rule ever since. At that date the late Dr A. E. Boulton resigned, and Mr. Robert Jalland and Dr. Haddon were the first to receive this well-merited remuneration, attending to their duties in alternate months.

Scattered about the minute books of the institution are various notes, of some interest, from which we here give a selection. On Feb. 23rd, 1790, the Rev. John Fretwell, “sensible of the distresses of the sick poor, gave one and a half guineas from the communion money, to be laid out in salop sago and

Bowen’s sago powder, to be distributed at the discretion of the faculty.” Nov. 27th, 1790, cases of small pox having occurred in the town, it was resolved to inoculate all poor persons, free of charge; and thereafter many names are given of those who underwent the operation. With this we may compare the following entry as indicating the progress of medical science during 12 years. June 8th, 1802, an epidemic of small pox having occurred, and “inoculation becoming general, the Governors recommend vaccination.” A statement was printed for circulation, that in 100,000 cases of vaccination, not one death had ensued; that it was now practised in all parts of the world, and favourably received, and that the National Institution of France had pronounced it to be the greatest discovery of the last century. [122]

Feb. 4th, 1792, has an entry, in no way bearing upon dispensary work, but interesting as a memento of an old mode of conveyance. The proprietors of the sedan chair asked permission for it to be kept at the Dispensary, for which they were willing to pay one guinea annually; and this was agreed to at the next meeting of the Governors. This chair was let out to convey ladies to evening parties in the town. It was borne by two men, and was in use within living memory, as late as “in the sixties.”

April 21st, 1792. A gift of apparatus for the recovery of drowned persons, with a drag, was received from the Royal Humane Society of London. A water bed was afterwards purchased, which was let out for a small fee to poor patients, temporarily bed-ridden.

On Nov. 28th, 1809, at a special meeting of the Governors, the usefulness of the Dispensary was further extended by the appointment of a midwife, to attend upon poor women in labor, both in town and country, being paid from the funds of the charity, a fee of 3/6 for each case; and from the year 1810 to 1829, inclusive, Mrs. Elizabeth Southwell is mentioned, from time to time, as acting in that capacity. In the years 1829, 30 and 31, owing to the increase in the number of patients, special appeals were made to the landowners of the district for increased support.

In July, 1834, a resolution was passed that doctors attending patients at the Dispensary, might introduce pupils, to study cases under their treatment; and, in one case, a lady applied for permission to attend a course of instruction, in order that she might be enabled to assist her husband in making up medicines. From 1840 to 1894 drugs were supplied by Messrs. Herring & Co., of London, but since that they have been supplied by local chemists, who are subscribers.

In the autumn of 1840 there was an epidemic of scarlatina, and of the 237 patients on the books, 50 were suffering from that complaint. In consequence of the additional work thus caused, the salary of the dispenser was raised from £40 to £60 a year.

Again, with regard to a new source of income, among early notices we find the following: that on Sept. 29th, 1790, the first anniversary of the Dispensary’s formation, a sermon was preached, on its behalf, at a service in the parish church, by the Rev. John Dymoke, Rector of Scrivelsby, and Chaplain to his grace the Duke of St. Albans. This became an annual observance, and has continued so ever since, the preachers being selected with special care, and often from a considerable distance. For instance, at the following anniversary,

in 1791, the Rev. Everard Duckworth, LL.D., Prebendary of Canterbury, was invited to preach, and he being unable to undertake that office, the Rev. Peter Bulmer, Vicar of Thorpe, officiated in his stead. Among other preachers named we find the Rev. Basil Beridge, well-known for his works of charity, Rector of Algarkirk, near Boston; the Rev. W. Goodenough, Archdeacon of Carlisle; the Rev. E. R. Mantell, Vicar of Louth, and other prominent clergy of the county.

How widely the institution was appreciated is shewn by the number of leading persons who gave it their patronage. Sir Joseph Banks was its warmest supporter, through life, regularly attending the committee meetings, either as a Governor or President, until his decease, June 19, 1820; and his example brought to the meetings members of the Chaplin, Massingberd, and Heneage families, Lord Yarborough, and others, at no small inconvenience, from considerable distances.

Among other Presidents have been the widowed Lady Banks; Lord Yarborough, on several occasions; the Honble. and Rev. John Dymoke; to whom succeeded the Honble. Henry, afterwards Sir Henry Dymoke, Bart.; Lord Worsley; the Right Honble. E. Stanhope, M.P.; J. Banks Stanhope, Esq. After the death of Mr. Stanhope, Jan. 18th, 1904, it was resolved, at a special meeting of the Governors, Jan. 28th, that the Secretary should record, among the minutes, their regret at his death, and their high appreciation of his

long and generous support. The chairman was requested to send a copy of this to the Honble. Mrs. Stanhope; and at a meeting held on March 31st, following, a very kind letter in reply was read from Mrs. Stanhope, promising her support in the future, in lieu of that of the deceased gentleman. The chairman was again requested to convey to her the thanks of the Governors, and Mrs. Stanhope was elected and continued to be President until her death, October 25th, 1907.

Among Vice-Presidents have been two Earls Fortescue (father and son); Lord Worsley: Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart.; J. Hassard Short, Esq.; Earl Manvers; C. H. Massingberd Mundy, Esq.; General Sir E. Brackenbury, Knight of Hanover; J. Lewis Ffytche, Esq.; Capt. Dallas York, Lord Willoughby d’Eresby; Sir H. M. Hawley, Bart.

For many years a ball was given in aid of the funds, in the Assembly Room, Bull Hotel, Horncastle, which (with the exception perhaps of the “stuff” ball at Lincoln) was the most fashionably attended of any such gathering in the county. Among the stewards of this ball we find the names of G. M. Alington, Esq., of Swinhope Hall; Joseph Livesey, Esq., Stourton Hall; C. Waldo Sibthorpe, Esq., Canwick Hall; G. F. W. Sibthorpe, Esq.; Col. Sibthorpe, M.P.; the Right Honble. C. T. d’Egremont, M.P.; E. Heneage, Esq., M.P.; Capt. Mansell, of Well Hall; G. B. Langton, Esq., of Langton Hall; J. Banks Stanhope, M.P.; Sir Montague Cholmondly, Bart.; Sir Charles H. J. Anderson, of Lea, Bart.; Sir William Ingilby, Bart., Ripley Castle, Yorks; Lord Yarborough; H. Handley, M.P., Sleaford; Lord Amelius Beauclerk; Capt. Boucherett, North Willingham Hall; Honble. Capt. Monson; Capt. Lionel Dymoke.

Among the lady patronesses were Lady Worsley, the Duchess of St. Albans, Lady Mary Christopher, Mrs. G. W. Sibthorpe, Lady Anderson, Mrs. Livesey, Lady Nelthorpe, Lady Dymoke, Lady Albinia Pye.

These balls were discontinued, to the general regret, and to the loss of the dispensary, after the year 1871; and to make up for the loss Mr. J. Banks Stanhope in that year presented the institution with a cheque for £20.

We close this list of officials, with a brief account of the dispensers, on whom the efficiency of the institution largely depended. They were usually qualified chemists, or surgeons and apothecaries; and generally also acted as secretaries. The first of these we have already named, Mr. John Chislett, to him succeeded Mr. Lewis Bilton, secretary and compositor, 1793–1799; L. Barton, compositor, 1799–1801; G. Lunn, compositor, 1801–1807; John Lenton, compositor, 1807–1809; William Morley, compositor, 1809–1810; Thomas Taylor, surgeon apothecary, compositor, 1811–1826; Thomas Snaith, Surgeon, 1826–1834; William Ward, surgeon and apothecary, 1834–1839; W. Shepherd, 1839–1840 (ad interim); Francis Macarthur, [124] dispenser, 1840–1865; William Caunt, dispenser, 1865–75; William Betts, Chemist and Druggist, 1875, Lady-day; elected secretary Nov. 2nd, 1882; his services have extended over a longer period than those of any previous dispenser.

On the death of the Champion, Sir Henry Dymoke, Bart., April 28th, 1865, the Governors resolved to erect a new dispensary, as a memorial of his long connection with the charity. Circulars were issued inviting subscriptions, and, among other donors, Robert Vyner, Esq., of Gautby Hall, gave £200;

the site of 52, North Street, was purchased, and the present building was erected in 1866. In 1867 the old house in the churchyard was sold for £142 11s. 4d., and the new premises were occupied in the autumn of that year. It was built from the designs of Messrs. Bellamy & Hardy, Architects, of Lincoln, the contractor for the work being Mr. Robert Carter, Builder, of North Street, Horncastle. The original contract was for £765, but the ultimate cost, with furniture, lawyer’s expenses, &c., amounted to £1,026 10s. 11d. It is subject to a ground rent of £1 to the Stanhope estate.

Of late years the support, by subscriptions, has on several occasions been inadequate. In January, 1899, there being a deficit of £70, the late Mr. J. Banks Stanhope gave the Governors a cheque for that amount. In the year 1905, there being again a serious deficit, application was made to the trustees of the Hurstcroft and Snowden charity, and they contributed £20 on condition that 25 poor children should receive medical treatment free of charge. A further sum of £53 14s. remaining as a surplus, in the hands of the Soup Kitchen Committee, was also given to the funds. Canon Quarrington, formerly Vicar of Horncastle, also contributed £20; and other donations made up a relief fund of £106 (see Report for the year). The debt was thus wiped out, but death having carried off many former subscribers, increased support will be needed in the future.

Legacies have been bequeathed to the institution by various persons, at different times, as follows: Dr. Harrison, by will dated Feb. 5th, 1820, left £100; the late H. J. Fielding, Esq., who died Aug. 10th, 1879, left by will £100; in 1884 the late Mr. T. Garfit bequeathed £100; ten £10 shares in the railway were bequeathed by Mrs. Fox Marshall in 1897; £100 was bequeathed by Mr. J. W. Hart, of Tetford, in 1900; Mr. John Bancroft left £50 in 1905; £357 were invested in Consols and £200 in railway shares, in 1899; a portion of this was sold in 1902, and £300 were invested in the Corn Exchange; the Dispensary premises were also insured for £800, instead of £600, in the County Fire Office, in 1902.

It will thus be seen that although the operations of the institution no longer embrace the extended area of the early years of its existence, it is still doing a most valuable work in the alleviation of suffering among the poor and needy, in both town and country for many miles round, and is thoroughly deserving of the increased support, which is required, to continue its efficiency. We trust that this will be recognized by the land owners and others, and that such assistance will be forthcoming.

CHAPTER IX.
THE CANAL.

The Horncastle Canal, connecting for commerce the town with the river Witham, and so with Lincoln, Boston, and the sea, though now a derelict, was formerly of much value. Its history is here given from its earliest inception.

Horncastle having been for some centuries the chief market of an important agricultural district, an association was formed towards the close of the 18th century, with the title “The Company of Proprietors of Horncastle Navigation, in the County of Lincoln.” This was, in the year 1792, incorporated by an Act of Parliament, which gave a list of the names of the original members, and secured to them, and to their successors, perpetual possession of the same, and a common seal. The canal was to be 11 miles long, extending from the junction of the two rivers, Bain and Waring, which traverse the town and meet at the point where now stands the public swimming bath, to the Witham at Tattershall; and passing through the parishes of Thornton, Martin, Dalderby, Roughton, Haltham, Kirkby, Coningsby, and Tattershall.

The company had at first a capital of £15,000 in £50 shares, no member being allowed to hold less than one share or more than 20. The surveyors for the undertaking were Messrs. Robert Stickney and Samuel Dickinson.

When about two-thirds of the work was completed this capital was exhausted; and in the year 1800 a second Act of Parliament was obtained, which authorised the raising of a supplementary sum of £20,000 in shares of £50; additional members being enrolled, and mortgages raised on the tolls. The whole profits of the concern, for several years, were absorbed in paying off the debt thus contracted, so that no dividend accrued for the shareholders until the year 1813. The channel, from Horncastle to Dalderby, was an entirely new cut, the rest being the river Bain deepened and straightened in its course. It was adapted for the passage of vessels of 50 tons burden; and in the whole length of 11 miles there was a fall of 84 feet.

The original rate of charges was 2/- per ton for the whole length of the canal, 1/9 to the seventh lock, and 1/3 to the fourth lock; vessels laden with lime, manure, or material for roads, were granted free passage. [127] By the second Act of Parliament, in 1800, the charges were raised to 3/3 per ton for the whole length of the canal, 2/7 to the seventh lock, and 1/6 to the fourth lock; lime, manure, and road material being exempted, as before.

The whole structure was completed in the autumn of 1802, and the canal was formally opened on Friday, Sept. 17th of that year. The occasion was observed as a general holiday by the towns-folk. At one o’clock the boats the Betsy of Horncastle, and the Martha of Dalderby, the property of Messrs. Gilliat & Wilson, and the British Queen, owned by Mr. Boyers, were hauled into the two basins of the canal, elaborately decorated with colours, amid the cheers of spectators, who are said to have numbered more than 2,000. The vessels having been brought to, several salutes were fired, and a band of music, on the pleasure boat of Mr. Lane, played “God save the King,” “Rule Britannia,” “Hearts of Oak,” &c. Having traversed some distance on the

canal the company afterwards landed at the wharfs on the two branches, and a large number of the shareholders partook of a festive repast at the Greyhound Inn, East Street, near the south basin. The navvies and other workmen who had been employed in the construction of the canal, were also regaled on the boats, and afterwards feasted at the Greyhound.

In following years an excursion was made annually by the Directors, conveyed down the canal, in a fine barge, which was their own property, named “The Lady Banks,” in order to inspect its condition; and this was followed by a public dinner at the Bull Hotel, which continued to be an established institution during the period of the canal’s prosperity.

The shares quickly rose considerably in value; a great number of barges came to the town, and it was no uncommon occurrence to see the whole distance from the South bridge to the Bow bridge packed closely with heavily laden vessels, carrying coals, grain, or other merchandise. In 1836 it was computed that about 30,000 quarters of wheat, and 3,000 packs of wool, passed through the canal annually; and in 1850 the profits of the traffic amounted to about £2,000 a year.

Consequent on the opening of the railway in August, 1855, the canal, as a means of goods conveyance, gradually became disused, until, of late years, it has become worse than a mere derelict, since it forms an obstruction to the free passage of the water brought down by the two rivers, and after heavy rain it has led to temporary inundations of the town, to the great inconvenience of those residing near it, as well as interfering, as might in some circumstances be serious, with the sanitary arrangements.

A few years ago an attempt was made to restore the canal traffic, but the railway monopoly had become too thoroughly established, and the project failed; yet the competition, could it have been maintained, might have had a salutary effect upon the cost of railway conveyance, to the advantage of the general public.

Our canals, it should be remembered, are a time-honoured institution; the Lincolnshire Cardyke and Fossdyke date from the period of the Roman occupation of this country. The Magna Charta of the early 13th century took cognizance, not only of the roads, called “The King’s Highway,” but also of inland navigation, under the term “Haut streames de le Roy.” The latter half of the 18th century was remarkable for great achievements as regards internal waterways, notably in the Bridgewater Canal, and the Grand Junction Canal of London; and to this period, as we have seen, the Horncastle Canal belongs.

In this twentieth century, again, notwithstanding the great railway facilities, there is a wide-spread movement in favour of extended water traffic, headed by the very successful Suez Canal; with a prospect of the sister channel of Panama. Berlin is said to owe its prosperity largely to its well-organized system, connecting the rivers Oder, Elbe, Spree, &c., which have an annual traffic of some million and half tons. Our own Manchester Ship Canal is another instance; the most recent case being fresh developments of the Aire and Calder Navigation, in South Yorkshire. The canals, too, which have been recently constructed in India, are yielding, by the latest reports, [128] a handsome revenue to the Government, as well as greatly benefiting the native population.

It is acknowledged that a more general use of waterways, throughout the kingdom for the cheaper transport of our heavier and more bulky produce, would be a national boon; and a Royal Commission was engaged in considering the subject of the acquisition of all canals as Government property. [129a]

It is now being more and more recognised that, on the establishment of railways, everyone jumped too hastily to the conclusion that the days of canals were over; whereas, in truth, there is still a large field, probably an increasing field, for the cheaper traffic in heavy goods, which canals can provide for. The Belgian town of Bruges, though situated several miles inland, is now to be converted into a port by the government of that country, through the creation of a canal, which is expected to increase the prosperity of that city. Similarly it is suggested that our own town of Nottingham could be made a great inland port, if water carriage were provided; and Sir John Turney, before the Royal Commission, has recently (July, 1907) stated that the trade of that town might thus be greatly increased. These, be it remembered, are not isolated cases.

As to our own local interests, we may reasonably regret that, after so much money being invested in the Horncastle Canal, and the serious losses incurred by so many investors, no further effort should be made to utilize it. The trade of Horncastle is not so satisfactory but that we might welcome every adjunct, which could in any way contribute to its furtherance; while, even from an æsthetic point of view, it were desirable that, with the present dilapidated locks, and the banks in some places broken, the channel, which is in parts little more than a shallow bed of mud, befouled by garbage and carrion, or choked by a matted growth of weeds, should be superceded by a flow of water, pure and emitting no pestiferous exhalations.

THE RAILWAY.

In few things has there been more remarkable evolution, or we might even say, revolution, than in our methods of locomotion. In these days of historic pageants we might well conceive of a series of scenes passing before us, shewing the means adopted at different periods, or under different conditions, in this respect. The war-chariot of Queen Boadicea, charging the legions of Cæsar, or (in our own neighbourhood) that of the British warrior Raengeires, routing his Saxon foes, at Tetford, with their wheels of solid wood and other massive carpentry, would form a, then inconceivable, contrast to the future taximeter cab, to be evolved in this 20th century.

The lumbering “wain” of the Saxon churl, though still surviving in the name of a constellation, befitted only an age little advanced beyond barbarism.

The primitive “shout” (Dutch “schuyt”), or “dug-out” boat, hollowed by Celtic flint-axe from the bole of a mighty oak, and slowly propelled by the almost wild Girvian, through the tangle of fen morass, had but a remote connection with the steam packet which, within living memory, plied on the neighbouring Witham, between Boston and Lincoln. Although the speed of the latter was so slow, that (as a friend of the writer has done) a pedestrian, travelling by road, could reach either of those places, from our town of Horncastle, in less time than it took to go by carrier’s van to Kirkstead wharf, and thence by the said steamer.

While, again, both these would provoke only a smile of contempt in the voyager who now crosses the atlantic, at a rate of 20 knots or more in the hour. Then, again, compare with these the cyclist, who now flashes past us with the speed of lightning; or the motorist, who vanishes from our sight, almost before the dust he has raised is blown away.

Another humbler mode of progress, again, was a familiar sight in our boyhood, when the farmer’s wife jogged contentedly to market, seated on a pillion, behind her husband, and carrying her butter, eggs, or chickens, in roomy market baskets by her side. Even the gig, to carry two, of the better bucolic class, has now become obsolete, as the train pours out, at the station, its living stream of market folk, male and female, within a few minutes of leaving their own doors several miles away.

As to our country roads we are, it is true, well supplied with them, but a pageant view of the past, such as we have here conceived, would reveal to us our British forefathers, toiling, in wearied gangs, under Roman task-masters, at the forced labour of road making; by which the town’s markets and chartered fairs were to be accessible, from all directions, for generations yet unborn. In our present iron ways, we might well suppose that we have attained the highest evolutionary stage in expeditious traffic; but who, indeed, shall venture to gainsay, that as a sequel to our wireless telegraphy, we may one day eschew the mundane altogether, and become a race of aeronauts.

The Great Northern loop line, connecting Boston and Lincoln with Peterborough and Grantham, and so with the further north and south, was opened in October, 1848. At that date, except the “Navigation” for heavy goods, such as corn, coal, &c., there were only coaches, once a day, for public conveyance to Boston, Lincoln, Market Rasen, and Louth. But through the enterprise of Mr. Samuel Sketchley, of Horncastle, Solicitor, of the old firm of Selwood and Conington, an Act of Parliament was, not without difficulty, obtained, July 10th, 1854, for the construction of a branch line, running from

Kirkstead to Horncastle; the importance of this event being recognised by a joyous peal of the parish church bells being rung, and crowds parading the streets, at 10 o’clock at night, at which hour the news arrived. The next day the rejoicings were continued, the bells of St. Mary’s Church being again rung, while the tower of the church was adorned with a tricolour flag, bearing the inscription “God speed the railway,” and crowds again passed through the streets, headed by the town band and a large tricolour standard.

The construction of the line was begun in April of the following year, 1855; the contractors being Messrs. Smith & Knight. The original capital of the company was £48,000, in £10 shares, but the ultimate cost was about £60,000. The G.N.R. Company undertook the working, paying half the receipts to the shareholders; and as, for the distance (about 7½ miles), the expenditure was, compared with that of many such undertakings, small, so, as an investment, the enterprise proved a profitable one, few lines yielding so good a return for the outlay; the £10 shares still (in 1907) sell at nearly half as much again (£14 17s. 3d., July, 1907).

A brief account may well here be given of the opening ceremony of this important event in the town’s history, condensed from the public journals of the day. The line was examined by the Government Inspector, Colonel Wynn, and a few days later Mr. Seymour Clarke, the G.N.R. manager, stated that it could not be in a more efficient condition. The opening ceremony was fixed for Aug. 12th, 1855. At an early hour the town was crowded with visitors and shops were closed. At 7 a.m. 2,500 lbs. of beef were distributed among the poorer people. Peals of bells were rung, the Horncastle and Spilsby bands added their music of popular airs. The streets and station were profusely decorated, under the direction of Mr. Crowder, florist, Mr. John Osborne, parish clerk, Mr. Archbould, head gardener to Sir H. Dymoke, Mr. Nelson from Stourton Hall, and a local committee. Flags displayed the arms of the town, those of Sir H. Dymoke, Mr. J. Banks Stanhope, the Bishop of Carlisle, then lord of the manor, the Rose of England, and the Union Jack. About noon a procession was formed in the Bull Ring, to meet the Directors of the G.N.R., by Mr. F. Harwood, master of the ceremonies, in the following order:

Navvy bearing bronzed pickaxe and shovel.

Banner.

Navvies, four abreast.

Banner.

Two navvies, bearing silver-gilt wheelbarrow.

Banners.

Horncastle Brass Band.

Contractor.	Engineer.
Secretary.	Solicitor.
Auditor.	Auditor.

Banners.	Directors, two abreast. Churchwarden, Dr. B. J. Boulton. The Vicar, Rev. W. H. Milner.	Banners.
Banners.	Shareholders and their friends, four abreast. Spilsby Brass Band. Parish Clerk, Mr. J. C. Osborne, in his robes, preceded by his Standard Bearer.	Banners.
Banner.	Members of the various Clubs, with Banners.	Banner.
Banner.	1,000 School Children, 4 abreast.	Banner.
	The Public.

The procession marched from the Bull Ring to the Railway Station, where the elders of the party on the platform, and the children, with their banners, ranged on the opposite side, awaited the arrival of the train bringing the G.N.R. Directors, and as it drew up the bands played “See the Conquering Hero comes.”

The procession, augmented by the directors, then re-formed, and marched through the town; in the Bull Ring the National Anthem was sung. A large marquee was erected in the grounds of Mr. R. C Armstrong (now Mrs. Howland’s garden), adjoining South Street, in which the contractors, Messrs. Smith & Knight, provided for the directors and shareholders, and other guests, in all over 200, a splendid dinner, served in excellent style, by Messrs. Wilson and Serpell, of the Bull Hotel. The Honble. Sir H. Dymoke presided, as Chairman of the Horncastle and Kirkstead Railway Co.; being supported on his right by Mr. Hussey Packe and Mr. C. Chaplin, Directors of the G.N.R., Major Amcotts and Sir M. J. Cholmeley, and on his left by J. Banks Stanhope, Esq., M.P., Director of the Horncastle Railway, and Rev. W. H. Milner, Vicar. Congratulatory speeches were made, and the day closed with a fine display of fireworks.

Opened under such favourable auspices, and supplying a felt need, the railway has continued to be a success; improvements have been made, from time to time, in the stations at Horncastle and Woodhall Spa. The line continues to be a single one, but it is sufficient for the local requirements, and the shares, as before mentioned, at the present time (1907) find a ready sale at an advance of about 50 per cent. on their original price. We might add that if the railway could be continued to Spilsby, and then connected with the different lines running to the Skegness, Mablethorpe and other health resorts on the coast, its utility, and doubtless its paying value, would be largely increased, as it would shorten the distance by many miles.

CHAPTER X.
WORKHOUSE OR UNION.

We now notice the chief of those public institutions, and the buildings connected therewith, which have been established in the town, within more recent times, for its welfare, or its adornment; in order to bring its corporate efficiency into more complete accord with the advanced requirements of what may be called modern municipal life. Among these the foremost place, from its general importance, is naturally due to the Union, or Workhouse; and here it is necessary to make some preliminary remarks.

The workhouse, or union, for a large district is a comparatively recent creation. “The poor” we have had “always with” us, but they have not always been dealt with as they now are. By statute 23 Edward III. (1349), it was enacted that “none should give alms to a beggar who was able to work.” By common law the really deserving poor were to be assisted “by parsons and parishioners, so that none should die for default of sustenance.” By Act, 15 Richard II. (1392), impropriators (i.e. laymen holding church property) were bound to contribute a certain yearly sum to the poor of the parish, but no compulsory law was passed till 27 Henry VIII. (1536). The present poor law system dates from 43 Eliz. (1601); successive amendment acts being passed from 1836 to 1847, and again in 1861; and a further relief act in 1862.

At first parishes regulated their own methods and amounts of relief. For a long period, indeed, the labouring class were subject to strict legal rules, both as to service, and in their individual movements. It was quite an innovation when, in 23 Henry VI. (1445), a servant was permitted to change masters after giving due notice; and when moving, or, as it is locally called, “flitting,” from one parish to another, for employment, he had to produce a certificate of settlement from his last abode. In such matters the overseers were paramount, until their powers were transferred to the newly constituted guardians of the poor, by Act of Parliament, in 1839. [133]

The “workhouse” preceded the “union,” which latter term was adopted when parishes, throughout a large district, were united for the purposes of poor relief. [134a] In some cases a country parish had its own workhouse. For instance, old parish books of Thimbleby, [134b] show that in 1819 £20 was spent upon the village workhouse, which was insured for £200.

Among some old churchwardens’ records, in the possession of Mr. John Overton, of Horncastle (members of whose family have frequently held that office), it is mentioned that early in the 18th century a “public oven” was erected in the town to enable the poor to cook their meals, or to bake the “black bread,” then in common use, [134c] more conveniently than they could at home. [134d] At a later date (1780) a spinning school was established by public rate, to help the poor to earn a livelihood by a home industry. [134e]

An important advance was made in poor relief, in 1735, when, as the same records state, “on April 17 a committee was appointed, [134f] in Horncastle, to build a workhouse,” and on May 7th in the following year a brief note gives the cost of the building as being £175 13s. 4d. This was situated on the east side of St. Mary’s Square, separated by a few yards from the Grammar School, the site being now (1908) occupied by a common lodging house. It continued to be the public workhouse for over 100 years; and that the poor, who needed relief, were generally expected to enter as inmates, is shewn by another brief note, in the same records, to the following effect: “May 2nd, 1781. Out payments discontinued, except in sickness.”

It was not till 1838 that the present workhouse, in Foundry Street, was built, from the designs of Mr.—afterwards Sir—Gilbert Scott, being one of his earliest undertakings [134g] It is a commodious structure, capable of accommodating

260 inmates; and, with grounds attached, covers an area of between four and five acres. It is now known as “The Union,” and the union district embraces 69 parishes, represented by 76 guardians, to whom, as already stated, the former duties of the overseers were transferred in 1839.

The Rev. Canon A. E. Moore is the present Chaplain.