1839.
The Whigs being reduced to an extremity of weakness, resigned office in May, when the measures they proposed to take with regard to Jamaica were only carried by a majority of five. Sir Robert Peel, however, was unable to form a Government, because Her Majesty would not consent to change the ladies of her bedchamber, and Lord Melbourne once more assumed the Premiership. The Chartist disturbances at Newport and elsewhere were the most notable occurrences of the year. The Corn Law question began to secure increased attention. Consols averaged 92½; wheat averaged 70s. 8d.
January—Discussions on Socialism rife in Worcester. Robert Owen having been propounding his plans, John Brindley, head master of the Oldswinford hospital, delivered a series of lectures to refute him. A public controversy between them at the Guildhall attracted great crowds. Dr. Malden took the chair, and Brindley spoke first. Owen afterwards at great length gave a rambling account of his opinions, till he at last gave utterance to a very gross sentiment, at which a general yell arose, and the proceedings terminated in the utmost confusion. A vote of censure was passed on Owen in dumb show, and the people were so excited that he narrowly escaped some very rough treatment.
January 15—Bewdley first lighted with gas.
January—The gaol fever raged in the county prison, in which, though only built for 90, no less than 209 prisoners were confined.
February 18—The members for this county who voted against Mr. Villiers’s motion that parties should be heard at the bar of the House against the Corn Laws, were Mr. Bailey, Mr. Hawkes, General Lygon, Mr. Pakington, Mr. Horace St. Paul, Captain Rushout, Sir T. Winnington, and Captain Winnington. Colonel Davies and Lord M. Hill voted for it, and Mr. Godson was absent. The motion was negatived by 361 to 172.
May 7—Public meeting of the citizens of Worcester to sanction the newly formed Chamber of Commerce, as an association simply intended to promote the commercial interests of the city without reference to politics. Mr. Alderman Allies filled the chair, and gentlemen of all parties spoke warmly in support of the Chamber.