EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF W GIBBINS, CONSTABLE 1795 to 1840.

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Note:  Comments in brackets and italicised are my interpretation. This was typewritten and I have copied the original spellings. Transcribed by Jane Dickson.

1795

May 5

Clifden House was burnd down it not in shurd [insured] was.

1799

May 16

Thos. Cartland & Richard Andreu fought

 

May 17

My hopgood [Mary Hopgood] & Mol Ray fought.

 

May 24

The Heads of the Parish drove Cockmarsh.

 

June 3

The wearin for briches June 3 at Rd hatch [RedHatch].

 

-

Mr Wrightley & Mr Wells intended to take in the Common [?]

 

July 30

Chs. Barnutt bought a flitch of Bekin 43 Pound at 8 pence ppr p £1.10.6.

-1798

 

The Malthouse at Cookham set on Fire.

 

April 13

Loping over in Sashes, 19 ¼ hundard poles, 69 bundles £3 17 5.

 

April 28

Fought with Aaron Medwin.

1800

June 24

Begane Chirrey [cherry] gathering.

 

June 17

A Grand revue of 31 thousand men upon Winkfield Plain.

 

June -

The Weat was sold for 40 Pounds a Load (40 bushels).

 

Nov 3

Charles Buckland & Wm Carter fought.

   

Bought a horse of George Allen  a horse 5 Ginnies [guineas]

 

Nov 9

A very high wind & don a dail of damage.

 

Nov 22

The King com a hunting through Cookham gave the Ringers to Gunies for ringing.

1801

Jan 1

Sir George Young sent for me about the tithes of

At the end of this year 1800 the Weat was 44 pound an the Bread 5 shillings & 4½d

 

Jan 30

Weat was sold at Wycomb for 44 pounds 10 shillins per Load.

 

March 4

Weat was sold for fifty Pound a load & Bread 5s 10½d.

 

Apr 18

Great Rejoicing at Maidenhead for Nelcon Victory.

 

Apr 7

Old Henry Cannon died.

1800

August

That six houses in Westmaid was pulled down.

1801

July 4

Begun Cheyry picking.

 

July 16

Begun gathering of Pair [pear].

 

July 17

Very sharp storm of heal [hail].

   

6 New Laders made in the year 1801.  1 x 48 Round  1x 36 Round, 2 x 43, 1 x 60.

 

Aug 15

Old Mr Darby died

 

Sept 10

Peace was Porclemd [proclaimed]

 

Sept 13

Dun gathering fruit.

 

Dec

Began freesing quit sharp then broke January 17

 

Dec 27

A great Snow in a very short time.

1802

Jan 2

A good deal of Snow fell.

1802

Jan 7

Old ford bought a hog  57 shillins.

 

Jan 12

Paid Rd. Aldridge ten pounds for Pigneys Cops for the good will of it.

No entries until 1807

1807

Jan

Mr John Westbrook took Spencers Farm at Michaelmas.

 

Feb 18

A very larg storm of snow fell.

 

June 8

The first green shirrey was to be seen this year.

 

June 28

Begun Chirrie gathering at Wistler.

1808

Jan 9

Sir George Young was rested.

   

In the beging of March there was meny mad dogs about & bit a good meny people and dun a deal of damage.

 

June 6

Lord Scarborough sale was.

 

Sept 29

Old Michel Carter Died at the Golden Ball.

1809

Jan 7

Mrs Aldridge at the Mount died.

 

Jan 21

Marlow Mill was burnt down.

The Queens Pallis was on fire & dredfully burnt.

 

Jan 28

The highest flod that have been for 40 years and dun a deal of damage.  The Bridges at Twyford was blowed up.  The Bridge at Bisham was blowed up.

 

Mar 12

Mr Thos Wilmot dun the duty as Clark.

 

Mar 15

John Beck the Clark died.

 

Apr 2

Wm Game the first Sunday of been Clark.

 

Apr 18

The Green Dragon in Maidenhead Moor was burnt down.

 

Apr 21

A Very Deep Snow was Meny trees Vead down with the wait of snow.

 

Apr 22

The watter Rised very fast and a great Flod.

 

Jun 26

Blackbord somons me to Justic. (Nick-name of Thomas Hatch).

 

Sept

The first of the Local Millitia going out to Reading.

 

Oct 25

The Juble was & rosted a Ox in Maindenhead More.

1810

June 16

Joseph Bishop & I fought at hatches.

 

June 18

I fought with B. Paggott at hatches.

 

June 25

Began Chirey Gathering at Bishops.

 

June 29

Sir George Young died.

 

Nov 2

The Princess Ameila Died aged 27.

 

Nov 4

Mr James Aldridge died aged 36.

 

Nov 12

The Marlow Coach overturned.

 

Nov 20

Joseph Bishop used me very bad at Stranges shock his fist in my face & threted me very much.

 

Nov 20

I took a Leace of Old Thomps.

 

Dec 5

Mr Herbies (Irbies) house at Britall near Burnham Bucks was Broke in & Stole their out ware in a Paricl & Old Quin to the amount of 70 Pounds.

     

1811

Feb 10

The Liverpool Coach turn over at Hurley Hill.  A Woman was killed a man wounded.

 

July 23

Young Thos Westbrook Died at the Mount.

 

Oct 28

James Wyatt & W Parker Bought Mr Vansittart’s Wood out of my hands at 16 pounds per acre the fall next to Bradham Gate 6 acres.

 

Dec 24

I chetched John Tillen cutting of the young stuff out of G Wyatt hedge in Hils Lane.

1812

Mar 15

Mr Henden died at Castles at Cookham.

 

Apr 29

Mol Smith as was Sandals hit me a pop of the face & I hit twice.  She fetched a warrant for me.

 

May 11

I was had to Justice for hitting of Mary Smith & got clear.

 

June 24

Mr John Allens come to Weldens Farm.

1813

Jan 12

The Rev Mr Wheatley was married to Miss Pepys in London.

That house at Witebrook was bilt by Mr Pepper.

 

Mar 10

Mr Stephen Westbrook of Cannon Farm was married to Mrs Aldridge widow of Mr James Aldridge.

 

July 22

Cookham beat Taplow at Cricket.

   

A hard frost began Dec 26 1813 and lasted till Feb 27 1814

1814

May 31

Montem Custom (see footnote)

 

July 12

Mr Darby was fined 250 Pound for running malt.

 

Oct 22

Mr Stephen Darby was married.

 

Nov 2

Mr Perrins Sale was at the tythes farm Cookham.

1815

Feb 17

Mr Richard Aldridge took to Leycesters farm as Benbow left.

 

July 3

Mr James Darby was married to Miss Poulton.

 

July 10

Old Mr John Darby of Maidenhead died.

 

July 28

Young Mr John Darby died in Maidenhead.

 

July 29

John Green left the hair & hounds & Geo Hatch com to it at Cookham Dean.

 

Nov 24

Hatches People left the Checkers & John Green from Cartlands went their he gave £55 for Good will & The fixtures cam to £33.

1816

Feb 9

Old Mr Roper Schoolmaster Maidenhead died.

 

Feb 13

The Windsor Bank stoped payment.  Brown & Combs.

 

March

At the beginning of March the other Windsor Bank stoped Payment    Ramsbottom & Baverstock.

 

Mar 1

The Beer sunk to 5 pence pr pot.

 

May 4

Mr Steven Darby went to Moore Hall Cookham to live.

 

Dec 12

Mr James King at Baben inn farm had all his stock sold for rent.

 

Dec 21

Old Josh Aldridge Maidenhead died.

1817

Jan 20

Sir Saml Young took to Baben Inn Farm.

1818

Mar 3

Mr Wm Hubbert was married to Miss Westbrook at Spencer Farm.

 

May 5

John Grove Walked for a Wager from Maidenhead to London Barefooted & back again in 16 hours without wattles or Drink.

 

May 9

The Walking man Cripps completed his journey from London to Oxford seventeen days together in hole one thousand & thirty seven miles   1037 miles in 17 Days.  [I wonder did he go via Scotland]!!

1818

July 25

A Pony race in Spade Oak Meadow.

 

Nov 17

The Old Queen Died at Kew & was berried at Windsor Dec 2nd.

 

Dec 28

Thos Holderness and his family left the Dragon Cookham.

1819

Jan 1

Old Mrs Cannon Died at Winter Hill aged 83 years.

 

Feb 2

Mr Gregery com to the Drag [Dragon] on Cookham.

 

Mar 1

The Cookham Clubb was Broke up.

 

Mar 20

Lady Vansittart Died.

 

Aug 10

Mr Wilkinson was at Stonehouse.

 

Dec 21/22

A great deal of Snow fell this two days together.

1820

Jan 29

The Old King George 3 Died aged 81 years and 8 months.

1821

June 5

Henry Wround Esq died Cockmarsh Worfe.

 

July 12

Old Ramper Beat his wife & his efegy was Burnt.

 

Dec 21

A very high Flood and Cookham Bridge was Drove a way and a Great Deal of Damage Don.

1822

Sept 10

Mr Swain was married to Miss Sara Westbrook, Cannon Farm.

1823

Mar 5

As Mr Blake was swailing a hog the Barn Checked fire & Burnt it down and 9 Reecks & Two Barns & Stable at the tythy Farm was Burnt Down.

 

Aug 5

Mrs Aldridge saille was at Wite Place Farm.

 

Nov 2

A very high flod com very unawares.

 

Dec 9

Wm Gibbins took of Mr Allnutt 19 acres of Land in Cookham Field.

1824

Jan 27

The Beer rose to 5 pence per Pot.

 

Feb 2

Cononal Vansittart died at Bisham Abbey.

 

Apr 21

The first time the Cookcoo is heard.

 

May 11

A roaing Match from Oxford in London in 16 hours.

 

May 24

Wm Barker & Wm Jaffery was sent to Jeal for cutting trees in Cockmarsh.

 

July 22

The Corner Stone was Laid in Maidenhead New Chapel by Mr Clark the Mayer.

1825

Jan 21

George Vansittart at Besham Abey Died aged 82 years.

 

Feb 25

Mrs Westbrook died at Spencers Farm.

 

March

Lately died Lord Braybrook, Bill & Bare Waltham St Lawrence.

 

June 20

Mr Probert was hung & three more for horse stea.

 

Aug 2

Mr Cannon Dun riping.

 

Nov 9

Mr Venables was made Lord mare of London.

 

Dec 4

Wm Audrey house sold by auction for £250.

 

Dec 31

Finished Maidenhead Chapple Bridge 1825.

1826

Feb 27

H Pink Lee Esq died.

   

The Lord of the Manor:  Miss Horn had a trial at Law about Miss Horn haven two hundred sheep on the Comon and no Land.  Miss Horn lost it.

 

Apr 9

Odney House was Broke open and £19 13 5 stole belong to Mr Monday.

 

Apr 12

Marlow Paper Mill was Burnt Down.

1826

July 28

Mr Venables Lord Mare of London Died at Clifton Spring and com in the Sity Barg.

 

Dec 10

Sir Samuel Young died.

1827

Feb 23

Old Hillsdon left the Checkers and Wm Coopas com their.

 

Mar 3

Mrs Bishop Died at Winter Hill Farm widow of John & Wm Bishop.

 

Mar 27

Young John Westbrook stuck was sold by auction by Mr Rolls for Dept (debt) he owed £3000.

A fire broke out in Bisham Abbey.

 

July 4

Wilmots House sold.

 

Nov 11

Old Mr Witts Died aged 84 years.

1828

Jan 25

Young Wm Tuckel was sent to Jeal for cutting a tree down in Quarry, for a month.

 

Feb 14

Old Thos Towers died at the Wite Hart Cookham aged 65 years.

 

June 4

Mr Hamerton, Wite Place farm was married.

 

June 24

The Parish sold the house ware Wm Gray lives to Mr Judd for thirty five £35 and ware Bishop lives £40 and ware Wm Carter lives at £70 to George Hatch..

 

July 22

Mr Cannon begun ripping and lasted six weeks.

 

Oct 29

Mr John Westbrook left Spencers Farm.  Mr Terry took it.

1829

Mar 15

Hary Hatch two houses was sold by action fetched £126.

 

Mar 22

Old Richard Ray Taplow Pound Lock died.

 

Apr 15

Old Squire Wilson died at Ives Place Maidenhead aged 95.

 

July 6

Mr Coney died Late of Cookham Elms.

 

July 25

A very heavy fall of rain fell.

1830

June 2

John Allen left Weldings Farm Mr A Westbrook took it.

 

June 26

King George ye Forth died aged 67 years.

 

July 31

The Lection was at Marlow the two Williams was chused.

1831

Apr 22

The Parlement Difsolve.

 

Jul 5

The Election was at Marlow lasted 4 days and not over.

 

Sept 25

‘Mention of’ Mr Cannon, Winter Hill.

1832

Mar 21

Old Mr Badger Marlow died meny years Clark in the Church.

 

June 8

Mr Wm Poulton died aged 48 years – Late of Winter Hill.

 

July 3

The Election at Marlow Connel Clayton was Chused.

 

Aug 13

Old Lady Witts Died at Cookham Ferry aged 93.

 

June

The Colvamalbrous was very bad.   ???

 

July

Marlow Bridge is bilt this Somer with cast iron.

 

Dec 14

Wm Sexton opened at tom and Jerry Shop.  [rum drink].

1835

Feb 4

Old Mr Dkynner Died aged 85 at Cookham.

 

Feb 15

A Wagtgon & 3 horses got into the watter in Poulton Mead and the three horses was drowned.  (Note: There are several cases of drowning at Poulton Mead).

 

Oct 30

Wm Gibbins was made tything man.

1834

Sept 4

Mrs Haukins died aged 67 at Stone House.

 

Dec 5

Mr Charles Benbow died.

     

1836

Mar 15

The Heads of the Parish Throud out the Commons out.

 

Feb 18

Young George Audrey as was called ‘TARR’ died in Reading Jail.

 

Feb 23

Wilmots 4 houses sold to Mr Darby.

 

Apl 21

The 6 Parish houses was sold by action.

 

May 3

The heads of the Parish throd out the Commons.

 

Aug 22

The Parish Houses was sold.

 

Oct 29

A Great Deal of Snow fell & a sharp frost.

1838

Mar 19

Mr Cannon’s Sale.

 

June 28

The Queen was crowned.

 

Oct 6

The Cort Leek and Cort Barren.

 

Nov 23

A Great Seale Elms on Winter Hill Farm 477 Elms and Hilgrove was sold by action by Mr C Cooper.

1839

Feb 11

Joseph Parsons took Mr Leycester’s land again.

1840

Jan 1

Cookham Bridge opened for Travack.

Entry in Diary May 31 1814  “The Montem” was:

“Montem Custom” was a triennial procession of the Eton boys, on Whit Monday, to a certain mount (ad Montem) known as Salt Hill, the Bath Road (near Slough) and which was doubtless so called because certain of the boys levied tribute (for salt, as the phrase went) from every person present and even from any chance passed.  These juvenile tax-gatherers were attired in fancy dresses of silk.  The King and Queen, besides many members of the nobility frequently honoured the procession with their presence; and on such occasions as much as £1000 has been collected which was given to the Senior Scholar to support him at Cambridge.  The origin of the custom is unknown.  It was discontinued in 1847.  (This date may be erroneous).

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