Stray Cattle at Winslow – 1892

WINSLOW PETTY SESSIONS, DECEMBER 14 1892
Before Geo. R. Greaves, Esq., and the Hon. C. Fremantle.

STRAY CATTLE AT LITTLE HORWOOD

William King, farmer, was charged with allowing his cows to stray on the highway at Little Horwood on the 19th Nov.

P.C. Tredway said shortly after one o’clock in the morning he found 10 cows straying about the village. He went to the defendant’s house and called him up, who thereupon helped him to get the cows into the field, which was opposite the defendant’s house. Some of the cattle were straying about on the green and some on the bridge over the brook. There was no fastening on the gate and there were gaps in the hedge, so that the cattle could get out where they liked. There had been a number of complaints about them, and the night before they got out and got into people’s gardens.

In reply to the defendant, the witness admitted he had never seen these cattle out before.

The defendant said he had a young bull, which jumped the gate and broke the fastening, where there were no gaps; because his son had two days’ work at stopping them.

The Bench fined the defendant 5s. and 6s. costs.

Analysis of the Article

Trivial in Nature

At first glance, this article (published, 21 December 1892) might appear trivial as it deals with a minor local incident—a farmer being fined for his cattle straying onto public roads and private gardens. Such stories were commonplace in small-town or rural newspapers of the time, reflecting the day-to-day concerns of local communities.

Locally Important

This story would have been of significant local importance in 1892 for several reasons:

1. Community Impact: Stray livestock could damage property, disrupt traffic, and create safety issues, particularly in rural communities where farming was central to daily life.
2. Accountability: The report shows that even minor infractions were addressed by local authorities, reinforcing the role of the judiciary in maintaining order.
3. Social Interest: Neighbours or residents whose gardens were affected would likely have followed the case closely, as it directly impacted their lives.

Why Articles Like This Are Useful for Researchers and Genealogists

1. Family History:
   • For genealogists, such articles can provide valuable insights into ancestors’ lives. For example, if William King were someone’s relative, this story gives a snapshot of his occupation, his interactions with the law, and his community standing.
2. Local Context:
   • Articles like this help historians and researchers understand the workings of rural communities in late 19th-century England, highlighting the importance of agriculture, community standards, and law enforcement.
3. Social Dynamics:
   • They illustrate relationships between residents, local authorities, and the legal system. For instance, the detailed mention of P.C. Tredway and the Hon. C. Fremantle shows how local governance operated at the time.
4. Everyday Life:
   • Such stories paint a vivid picture of daily life, showcasing challenges like livestock management, minor disputes, and the rural justice system.
5. Legal and Social Records:
   • Petty sessions were a critical part of local justice systems, and records like this serve as informal documentation of rural legal proceedings, which might otherwise be lost.
6. Cultural Insight:
   • The tone and language used provide insight into how local newspapers communicated with their readership. The article’s simple, factual reporting reflects the straightforward priorities of its audience.

Conclusion

While this article may seem mundane today, it holds immense value as a piece of historical evidence. It captures a moment in the life of a small rural village, offering insights into agricultural practices, legal processes, and social norms of the time. For genealogists, it could provide a direct link to an ancestor or local figure, while for historians, it is a glimpse into the fabric of 19th-century English rural society.

The Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Northamptonshire Telegraph, which also includes other titles within its masthead: Winslow Advertiser, Wolverton Express & Buckingham Liberal. It is dated Wednesday, 21 December 1892, and was published in Bicester.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what  can be observed:

Title and Purpose

• The masthead prominently highlights its regional focus, covering the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Northamptonshire. These are rural areas, and the publication likely served as a regional news outlet to inform the local population of current events, advertisements, and community updates.
• The inclusion of additional titles (Winslow Advertiser, Wolverton Express, and Buckingham Liberal) suggests that this was a publication with editions tailored to specific areas or a collective newspaper targeting smaller towns and communities in the region.

Cost and Format

• The paper is priced at one penny per issue. This makes it an affordable newspaper for its time, catering to a broad audience in the area.
• The format appears to be densely packed with small print and a mix of advertisements, notices, and news articles. This was common for 19th-century broadsheets, where space was maximised to provide as much information as possible.

Content Breakdown

1. Advertisements (Top Left Section):
   • The top left portion is filled with classified advertisements. These include:
     • Land Sales: For example, a sale at “The Home Wood, Charndon,” which spans 13 acres of coppiced underwood.
     • Studley Estates Auction: Promoting the sale of underwood on Thursday, detailing its location and conditions of sale.
     • Real Estate: Listings for properties “to let,” such as houses on Oxford Road and other rural properties.
     • Services and Employment: Notices seeking “Detectives,” domestic servants, and farm labourers, as well as offers of employment for young men and boys.
   • These advertisements give insight into local life and the economic activity of the time, including farming, property sales, and domestic employment.
2. Public Notices (Centre Column):
   • Timetables: A detailed London & North-Western Railway Timetable is prominently featured, showing departures and arrivals at key stations, including Oxford, Bletchley, and Banbury. This reflects the importance of rail travel as a primary mode of transport during the late 19th century.
   • Parish Officers: Announcements related to parish duties, such as balance sheets and account books available at local businesses.
   • Sales and Events: Notices for upcoming events, like a “Sale of Work” at a Wesley Hall and auctions for land or property.
3. News Articles (Right Section):
   • Local news stories and reports occupy this part of the paper:
     • Winslow Board of Guardians: This is likely a report on a local governance meeting addressing workhouse management, as the Board of Guardians was responsible for overseeing poor relief under the Poor Law.
     • Licensed Victuallers’ Association Meeting: A public meeting of an association likely concerned with licensing and regulating pubs and inns in the area.
   • Other smaller sections report on marriages, births, and community happenings, providing a detailed look into the personal lives of residents.
4. Legal and Court Reports:
   • At the bottom of the page, there are references to petty sessions, which were local courts dealing with minor legal cases. These would have been of great interest to the public, as they often reported on neighbours and community disputes.

Design and Layout

• The layout is typical of 19th-century newspapers, with a focus on functionality rather than aesthetic appeal. Dense columns of text, small fonts, and limited use of images or illustrations ensure that every inch of space is utilised.
• The newspaper’s reliance on classified ads, public notices, and timetables reflects its practical role in the community as both an information source and a platform for local businesses and individuals.

Historical Context

• Date: The paper is from 21 December 1892, a time when Britain was experiencing significant industrial and social changes. The presence of railway timetables and the emphasis on local governance show how interconnected even rural areas had become during this period.
• Ownership: While no direct mention of the publisher appears in this excerpt, regional papers like this were often independently owned and played a critical role in keeping rural communities informed.

Importance

This document is a valuable historical artefact, showcasing local life in late 19th-century England. It provides insights into the economy, social structure, and daily concerns of people in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Northamptonshire at that time. Its preservation allows us to glimpse how people communicated, travelled, and conducted business over a century ago.

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British newspapers offer a treasure trove of information for family historians. They capture moments in time, providing context, character, and community insight that official records cannot. With the free service provided by Old British News, this research becomes even more accessible, enabling historians to delve into rich, untold stories of their relatives. By combining these resources with other records, family historians can create a more complete and engaging picture of the past.

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