Jan 1840 - Dec 1849

1840 January 11 Cambridge Independent Press

Marriage of Benjamin Wisby of Harston to Mary Ann Coleman of Newton.

1840 January 11 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Death (at Ickleton) of Elizabeth, wife of Mr Whitechurch junior of Harston.

1840 January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

For sale, house in Harston, 7 bedrooms, 5 other rooms, brewhouse adjacent, stabling for 4 horses, coach house, orchard, walled garden, 3 acres pasture, apply William Long.

1840 March 7 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Chesterton Union Guardians of the Poor, 1 member for Harston appointed.

1840 June 6 Cambridge Independent Press

Association for Apprehension of Felons (etc), W. Taylor is the only member listed for Harston.

1840 October 17 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Notice, a separate building named ‘The Baptist Meeting’ at Harston has been certified for Religious Worship and is registered for solemnization of marriages as of 7/10/1840.

1840 October 31 Cambridge Independent Press

William Scarr, 26y, charged with house-break (that of James Speed at Harston), and stealing a coat etc. Found guilty (with former convictions), sentence 15 years transportation.

1840 November 7 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Death at Harston, Ann Daintry, 90y, for many years postmistress at Royston.

1840 November 14 Cambridge Independent Press

Auction by Elliott Smith, auctioneers, at the premises of Thomas Chapman, deceased (opposite The Green Man) on November 16, for the benefit of his creditors. 4-poster & other beds, bedding, mahogany chest of drawers, chairs, tables (mahogany & Pembroke), an 8-day clock, sofa, 3 stoves, oven, board, pantiled stable 12 x 8 ft, potatoes, apples etc.

1841 January 9 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Accident, the Rapid Coach ran over the head of a man lying drunk in the road at Harston, he is ‘unlikely to survive’.

1841 February 6 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Accident, the Wisbech coach collided, in Harston, with a waggon, so that the coachman was thrown from the box and suffered a severely sprained wrist; also the pole of the coach was broken.

1841 February 27, March 6, 13 Cambridge Independent Press

Notice of an application to Parliament for construction of a railway line……. from Clerkenwell (Middlesex)……Ware…..Harston……Cambridge….and north (with branch lines).

1841 April 17 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Marriage at Harston, of Charlotte Watson (Harston) to R. Willson, grocer of Cambridge.

1841 May 22 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Petitions (gathered) in favour of retaining the Corn Laws, signed by several parties in Harston, in view of the protection offered by them.

1841 June 5 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

W. Cambs. Association for the Prosecution of Felons (etc), member for Harston, William Salmon.

1841 June 5, October 9 Cambridge Independent Press, October 9 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Mr Sprague, surgeon, residing at Harston, to enter into a partnership with Mr Jenkins, surgeon of Melbourn, and their business to be called ‘Jenkins & Sprague’ ……( but later dissolved, qv announcement on October 9).

1841 July 3 Cambridge Independent Press

Auction by Elliot Smith & Sons at The Green Man on 8 July. Messuage, as 2 tenements next the Turnpike, with barn, yard & gardens, occupied by George Hatley, blacksmith, and by widow Hatley. Copyhold, Harston Tiptofts.

1841 August 7 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Marriage, Mr Whitechurch junior to Jane Gouldthorpe of Doncaster, at Greenwich on 29/7/1841.

1841 Sept 25 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Fatal accident : William Large, 47y, fell from a wagon, laden with corn, that he was driving from Trumpington Road at Stump Cross going towards Harston Mill. Was kicked by hindmost horse, breaking his neck, died next day. Mr Cooper, the coroner, gave the verdict as  ‘accidental death’, with a ‘deodand’ of £5 on the waggon & horses which the jury recommended should be remitted. Deceased ‘was a trustworthy servant’ and had been in the employ of Mr Morris & his father (of Longstanton) for 30y.

1841 November 6, 13, 20 Cambridge Independent Press, Cambridge Chronicle  & Journal

Notice, that the Trustees of the Turnpike Roads…….will meet at The Swan Inn, Harston, on 25/111, to consult on moving the Turnpike Gate and Toll House from Hauxton to Trumpington, between the north-east end of the Stump Cross Turnpike road and the first milestone  from Cambridge at or near ‘Stone Bridge’.

1841 December 11 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

William &  Sarah Johnson charged with ‘detaining’ a cottage at little Shelford, property of William Watson of Harston, and of assaulting a constable, sentenced to 2 months prison.

1842 February 5 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Highway robbery , victim Mr Tuck of Harston, when returning from Foulmire, theft of £122 in notes ‘of Messrs. Foster’ (? presumably = a bank).

1842 February 12 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Death of Mrs Mary Offley, 78y.

1842 February 19 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Death, Joseph Scott, employee of Henry Hurrell, of a heart aneurism, see February 26.

1842 February 26 Cambridge Independent Press.

1. Attempted burglary at the house of Mr George Humphrey at Harston Grange.  2. Inquest on the sudden death of Joseph Scott, labourer, in the employ of Mr Henry Hurrell of Harston, held at The Waggon & Horses. Verdict, death due to an aneurism of the heart.

1842 June 11 Cambridge Independent Press

Auction by Messrs. AD & BT Thurgood at the Green Man, Harston on June 16 at 4pm. A freehold messuage or double tenement with large garden in front, fruit trees with adjacent barn, next to the road from Harston to Haslingfield, late occupant, Mrs Smith. Details from Wm Thurgood solicitor or the auctioneers at Saffron Walden etc.

1842 June 25 Cambridge Independent Press

County Session Trials, David Cornwell, charged with stealing manure from a field in Harston.

1842 September 17 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Game (licence) certificates, bought by G. Willers & F. Humphrey of Harston.

1842 October 22 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Attempted burglary reported, at the house of Mr Taylor and at the parsonage.

1842 December 24 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

To let at Harston, house, shop, Blacksmith’s shop, small garden, opposite the Swan Inn.  Occupied for many years by George Hatley, the latest occupant being William How, shoemaker.

1843 January 28 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Accident, Mr Wilkin, coachman, in charge of a corn van with 2 horses, he had a drink at the pub at Harston, but then slipped and broke several of his ribs as he ascended to continue his journey, ‘now in a very precarious state’.

1843 January 21, 28, February 4 Cambridge Independent Press, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Auction by Elliot Smith & Sons on the premises of Mr William Northfield junior, of wheelwright’s stock. Dry, cut oak, ash, elm, beech planks, boards, cart sides, felloes, naves. 2 dung carts, a gig, etc. 3 months credit.

1843 April 8 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Chesterton Union Guardians of the Poor, George Goblett Humfrey was appointed (to represent Harston).

1843 June 17 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Accident and inquest at Harston, George Woods, youngest son of William Woods of Royston, who fell off the shafts of his waggon, was crushed by the wheels and died. Inquest before GJ Twiss, coroner, at The Waggon & Horses, verdict ‘accidental death’.

1843 June 17 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

As part of a comment on the Cambs local churches, re Harston church, ‘the chancel (has been) rebuilt in the cheapest and meanest style’, ‘the east window is of the poorest description’, the pews ‘are piled together with no central passage to the altar’, ‘the belfry arch is blocked with deal boards to provide a vestry, with the pulpit in front, so the congregation sits with its back to the altar’. ‘In the south aisle there is stove with a black flue going up to the roof’. ‘The porch is in a shocking state, with its tracery mutilated and blocked with mortar. ‘The churchyard has been turned into a garden with access to the west front precluded’. (However, others disagreed with this negative assessment, thus the vicar, WB James challenged the final statement in a brief letter on 24/6/1843, and another letter praised the renovations. There was a positive letter about the disposition of the pews, on 1 July).

1843 July 22, 29, August 19 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Trial at the Assizes, Joseph Thurlow (37y) and Jonathan Thurlow (16) were tried for sheep-stealing at Harston (H. Hurrell was the owner),   –  the sheep were ‘sold to a Duxford butcher’ ….. (long transcript of the evidence)…. verdict guilty, Joseph sentenced to 15y transportation, Jonathan acquitted.

1843 August 12 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Severe local storm, on 9/8/1843, Mr Deighton ‘lost glass from the south side of his house’, other nearby villages were affected much more severely.

1843 September 9 Cambridge Independent Press

Revision of Voter Lists, including Harston. (Harston is part of the Thriplow Hundred, together with Foulmire & Foxton). They were revised again in 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, always in early September).

1843 August 26, Sepember 9, 16 Cambridge Independent Press, August 19, 26, September 9, 16, 30, October 7 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

‘To be peremptorily sold’ –pursuant to a Decree of the High Court of Chancery, ‘Bullen v. Scott’ with approbation of Sir Griffin Wilson, Kt., at The Waggon & Horses, Haslingfield on 9 Oct in 6 lots (one of which was located in Harston and comprised:) – a copyhold close of pasture land in Langham Meadow in the parish of Harston: 3 acres. Particulars…. (London & Royston)

1843 September 9, 23, October 14 Cambridge Independent press & Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

In September 1843, the following are to be auctioned at The Bull Inn, Royston: a brick-built five-storey Tower Windmill at Harston with Patent Sails and Fantail, driving four pairs of French Stones, capable of grinding 150 quarters a week. Also a Smut Machine and a pair of Seed Stones, and stowage for 200 quarters of corn, with a dressing-house nearby. Standing on an eminence, ‘conditions for grist are excellent’. Also, a brick and pantile cottage, a well of excellent water, and a piece of fertile arable land, the whole = 3 acres. Freehold, subject to apportioned Land Tax & Quit Rent; early possession. The late proprietor carried on a very large business in flour, cake seed trades. Particulars from solicitors or The Bull Inn, Royston and other listed locations.

1843 September 22 Essex Standard

Sale of corn and oil mills by Messrs Elliott Smith & Son.

1843  October 28 Cambridge Independent Press

Royal Visit (following Queen Victoria’s recent accession), parade through Harston. ‘Rustic preparations were made as Her Majesty passed, and there was good English cheering from the labouring population, who crowded the road and lined the hedges. It spoke much for the sub-stratum, at least, of Cambridgeshire loyalty……….enormous accumulation of equestrians & carrriages approaching Cambridge….. from the aristocratic carriages & greys, down to the plebeian market cart…. that had poured out from the town itself. Such was the density of the crowd that the royal party were at times unable to proceed, and more than once the 2nd and 3rd carriages were thrown considerably to the rear…… how all sorts of collisions were avoided, is altogether a mystery. At last, however, Her Majesty approached Trumpington……’

1843 December 2 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, Norfolk Chronicle

Death in Harston of William Taylor aged 76.

1844 February 24 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Court case, John Seymour, toll-collector at the Hauxton Turnpike Toll, was charged with (demanding and) collecting 2d (twopence)  from Edward Bangle of Harston, as the toll for a donkey & dung-cart, for which Bangle ‘claimed exemption’. (Long consultation/argument in court, the defendant’s lawyer claiming that Bangle should, in fact, be subject to a penalty of 40s ‘for taking dung from the road’.) Lord Godolphin, judge, closed the case, promising to pay the court expenses out of his own pocket.

1844 May 11, Camb ridge Chronicle & Journal, May 18 Norwich Chronicle

Death at Harston, age 74, of Mr George Humphrey (Humfrey), brother of Charles Humphrey Esq., banker of Cambridge.

1844 May 25 Cambridge Independent Press, May 11, 18 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

The Rev. WB James MA, vicar of Harston, has been collated by the Bishop of Ely to the rectory of Fen Ditton, rendered vacant by the preferment of the REv. J Turner to the vicarage of Lancaster. The vicarage of Harston has been given to the Rev. Mr Bosanquet, a member of the University.

1844 May 25 Hampshire Advertiser, May 18, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

‘Testimonial of Respect’ to WB James, (outgoing) vicar of Harston, a ‘bread basket’ given by the poor of his parishioners, on his leaving for Fen Ditton. (‘A church elder, aged ca. 90y presented this (silver-plated) bread basket to the Rev Johnson ‘as a mark of the congregation’s kind feeling towards him’. There was also an ‘entertainment’, given to the members of the Church’s Coal & Clothing Club for ‘the poorest parents of the church schoolchildren’, ca. 50 people attended.)

1844, June 1 Oxford University & City Herald

Preferments: Rev W Browne James, M.A. vicar of Harston, Cambs, to the Rectory of Fen Ditton, Cambs.

1844 May 18 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, June 3 Morning Post

Appointments: University Intelligence: The Bishop of Ely has presented the Rev Bosanquet of the University of Cambridge to the vicarage of Harston, Cambs. Value £244 per annum.

1844 May 25 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Marriage at Harston, Jonathan Stockbridge, draper, to Louisa Row, both of Harston.

1844 June 8 Hertford Mercury & Reformer

James Rainbird, the driver of a wagon belonging to Mr Inkersole of Harston, was fined 11s 6d for driving while asleep in Barley.

1844 June 8, 22 Cambridge Independent Press

Thomas Thurston, Brick, Tile & Lime Merchant of Harston (The OLd English Gentleman) and Cambridge (Blucher Row), thanks his friends and the public for their support during the past 12 years at Harston Kiln, and offers for sale…. (lists of dfferent types of bricks, tiles, pavements, chimney pots etc). He has taken the Lime Kilns at Harston, lately occupied by Mr Rowlinge of Trumpington…. orders gratefully received…..delivery, discount for cash etc.

1844 June 15 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

The creditors and debtors of Mr GG Humfrey, deceased, to submit/pay their accounts forthwith.

1844 August 3 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Sale by J Wentworth, of 2.25 acres wheat, 2 acres clover, at The Od English Gentleman on 6/8/1844.

1844 August 17, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, August 28 Hereford Journal

Old apricot tree: a remarkable instance of great age to which this attained is evident in the garden of JJ Deighton Esq at Harston where a fine specimen is growing on an east wall, which was planted in the year 1714, bearing an abundance of fine flavoured fruit with a stem 3 feet in circumference.

1844 November 16 Cambridge Independent Press, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Auction, by Cockett & Nash at the Swan Inn on 22 Nov at 5 pm: Dwellinghouse with shop, bakehouse and outbuildings, orchard + 2 gardens at The Cross, Harston. By order of the proprietor, Mr Smith of Cambridge; immediate possession. Particulars etc: Cambridge & Royston.

1844 November 23 Cambridge Independent Press, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

For sale,, 2 young bay horses by John Garner, bred by the late Mr G Humphrey.

1844 December 14 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Inquest on the death of Thomas Hardwick, Harston, verdict ‘visitation of God’.

1844 December 21 Cambridge Independent Press

Harston school (for boys & girls) was received into ‘the union’ (Cambridge Board of Education) as a result of an application by the Rev. WB James, outgoing vicar.

1844 December 28 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Auction of ‘the newly-built’ Old English Gentleman pub, together with 3 acres land and a cottage., details to be given ‘next week’.

1845 January 4, 11 Cambridge Independent Press

Auction by J. Wentworth at The Hoop Hotel, Cambridge on January 17, of The Old English Gentleman Pub at Harston. It has a taproom, bar, large parlour, cellar, kitchen, 5 bedrooms, yard, garden, brick & tile stable, detached cottage, arable land let to Messrs. Jordan & Tuck. Copyhold Harston Shadworth, fine arbitrary, quit rent, land tax, ‘trifling’.

1845, January 24 ??

Death at Wootton, Beds, of Charlotte widow of late Rev William Leworthy, formerly vicar of Harston.

1845 February 1 Cambridge Independent Press

Report of a hunt (Cambridge Fox Hounds) that went through Harston.

1845 May 17 Cambridge Independent Press

Sale of furniture etc. belonging to Mr Stockbridge ‘who is giving up his establishment’, by J. Garner, auctioneer, at The Green Man on 22/5. Includes a pony phaeton, gig, tumbril carts, harness, valuable prints, china, glass, utensils, Trafalgar & Grecian mahogany chairs, Witney blankets, Marseilles quilts, Brussels & Kidderminster carpets etc.

1845 May 17 Cambridge Independent Press

Court case, Tuck versus Bridges, Tuck claiming a £5 balance for sale of 4 feather beds, verdict for the defendant.

1845 June 7 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Two burglaries at shoe-makers shops in Harston, reported, one at that of Mr Wing and one at that of Mr Wisbey, leather items stolen.

1845, June  9  Aris’s Birmingham Gazette

Bankruptcy: Examination of Insolvency:  James Tuck, Harston, Cambs, higler and poulterer, Court of Bankruptcy, London.

1845 June 21 Cambridge Independent Press

Executors of the late Mr G. Humphrey, sale of his furniture, and cottage (next to The Green Man) with large gardens, fruit trees etc to be auctioned at The Green Man on 27/6 by J. Garner, auctioneer.

1845 June 28 Cambridge Independent Press

James Tuck of Harston, higgler & poulterer, applied for bankruptcy (protection). Debts at 21/5 were £162 15s 11d, and his credits were £20 15s 3d (His insolvency appears to have arisen principally from heavy losses during a hailstorm in 1843).

1845 July 12 Cambridge Independent Press

Court case, Thomas Cornell (40y) charged with assaulting John Northfield, constable at Harston, at Mr Whitechurch’s house, during an argument over money. Verdict, guilty, 12 months hard labour (‘the defendant should be taught that the law is his master’).

1845 July 26 Cambridge Independent Press

Cricket match, Harston v. Melbourn, Harston won by a tiny margin. Playing for Harston, C Gwilliams, W Ellis, B Miller, R Reeve, C Wedd, T Watson, G Golden, S Cambridge, J watson, W Brown, K Watson, (T Watson, J Watson and R Reeve were the main bowlers). (See also 11/7/1846, Harston v. Barrington).

1845 November 29, December 6, 13 Cambridge Independent Press

Farmland sale: 297 acres of valuable arable  land, nearly all freehold and tithe free, Little Shelford & Harston, Cambs to be sold by auction, by Elliot Smith & Son, at The Eagle Inn , Cambridge, 13 Dec 1845, 5pm.

Lot 9-  allotment of arable land, in Harston, bounded on west by land belonging to Edwd Humphrey Greene, Esq. and fronting road leading from Shelford to Newton, containing 6 acres 0R. 0P Freehold.

Lot 10. Similar piece, to east of lot 9, fronting rd, 6 acres.

Lot 11 to east of lot 10, fronting rd, 6 ac.

Lot 12 bounded on west by private rd to……, ?ac. 5 miles Cambridge & Royston, 2 famous corn-markets. Plans and further particulars may be had from Messrs Pemberton & Thrower or from Auctioneers.

1846 January 10 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, January 14 Stamford Mercury

Death, after a painful illness of 31 y, of Mr Edward Johnson aged 58.

1846 February 14 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

111 signatures on a petition against the rescinding of the Corn Laws (one of the highest numbers for any Cambs village)

1846 Febraury 14, 21 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, Feb 21 Cambridge Independent Press

Auction, by Cockett & Nash, at Burnt Mill Close on 24 Feb at 11 am, between Harston & Haslingfield of 147 felled willow trees, 18 ash, 55 elm & sundry spires.

1846 Feb 21 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Cucumber plants for sale between Harston & Haslingfield (Burnt mill close).

1846 May 23 Cambridge Independent Press

A lodge of the Ancient Shepherds, about to be opened in Harston (among other local villages).

1846 September 5 Cambridge Independent Press, September 5, 12 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Brick Kiln: To builders, farmers, and others, HARSTON, Cambridgeshire, to be sold by Auction, by J WENTWORTH, by direction of the proprietor, Mr Thomas Thurston, (who is relinquishing the trade at the Harston Brick-Kilns), on THURSDAY, September 17^th, 1846, at Eleven O Clock;

Comprising many thousands of Building and Floor Bricks, Draining and Bottom tiles, Pan and Ridge Tiles, 9-inch Pavements, Chimney- Pots, Draining Pipes of all descriptions, several loads of Lime, 2 narrow-wheel CARTS, 2 CHAISE CARTS (one of which is a very superior built article), a set of Gig-Harness, two-barrel BREWING-COPPER, and a quantity of 9 and 18 gallon sweet Casks.

Credit for all bargains above Five Pounds, upon approved joint security, until Christmas next.

Catalogues are preparing, and may be had one week previous to the sale, at the Old Crown Inn, Royston; at public houses in the neighbouring villages; of the proprietor, Mr Thomas Thurston, Old English Gentleman, Barnwell; and of J Wentworth, auctioneer & appraiser, opposite Trinity College, Cambridge.

1846 Oct 24, 31 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Auction, by direction of Mr Charles Hall, (who is leaving the farm), on 3 Nov at 11 am, of ‘effects from The Rectory Farm, Harston’ (comprising) sheep, horses, cows & swine plus ‘dead stock’ (ie carts etc).

Livestock comprises 100 Shearling Leicester ewes and a tup, 3 powerful bay and 1 black carthorses each aged 5y, a bay do, 9y, a grey, a bay colt rising 4y, a 5y-old bay nag horse, a chestnut do, a Cleve pony, a yearling nag filly, a donkey, 11 young cows, some in full profit, others well-timed in calf, 3 springing heifers, 10 weaning calves, 12 large store-hogs, a sow down pigging and one empty.

‘Dead’ stock comprises Iron arm’d broad & narrow wheel dung carts, oak shaft roll, Ransome ploughs, harrows, scuffler, horse-hoe, dressing-machine, 16 dozen hurdles, water cart on wheels, long ladders, chaff-box & knife, bell-shaped casks, wort tubs, hog troughs, harness, dairy utensils, barn & field implements.

Credit until next Lady Day, for purchase > £5. Catalogues at Green Man, Harston & other nearby pubs. Elliott Smith & Son, Cambridge.

1846 November 21 Cambridge Independent Press

Extension of Eastern Counties Railway: notice given of application to parliament at next session: Cambridge to Bedford with branches to Royston and Biggleswade, re Royston & Hitchin Railway Act (some print here is blurred and difficult to read!).

‘ (this extension) …… with all proper works, stations, approaches and conveniences connected therewith, that is to say, a railway commencing by a junction with the last-mentioned railway, at or near a field in the parish of Great Shelford…… the property of the Master, Fellows and Scholars of St John’s College, Cambridge and now in the occupation of Henry Grain, passing thence, from, in or through or into or being situate within the several parishes, townships and extra-parochial and other places, following, that is to say, Trumpington, Stapleford, Great Shelford, Little Shelford, Newton, Hauxton (= Hawkston), Harston, Foxton, Barrington, Shepreth, Meldreth, Bassingbourn, Abington (= Abington Piggots = Abington the Clay), Waddon (= Whaddon), Wendy Shingay, Tadworth, Morden (= Little Morden), Guilden Morden (= Great Morden (in Co. Cambridge), Wrestlingworth, Eyworth, Dunton, Surton, Biggleswade, Northill, Lower Caldecote, Upper Caldecote, Letwell & Warden, Willington, Cople, Cardington, Harrowden, ?, ?, …. terminating in the parish of St. Mary’s, Bedford by a junction with the Bedford and Bletchley Railway near to a timber yard, the property of His Grace the Duke of Bedford and now in the occupation of George Diller (etc , etc)     ………   all turnpikes and other roads or highways, aqueducts, canals, sewers, watercourses may be necessary to stop up, divert (etc).   And also intended by such Act to take powers for the purchase of lands and houses by compulsion or agreement for the purposes thereof and for levying tolls, rates and duties (or) granting certain exemptions from these……(etc)’

Dated 7 Nov (1846): John Duncan, Solicitor, 7 New Palace Road, Westminster.

Also, on November 28, an announcement of an application for a Cambridge – St Neots – Bedford Junction railway line, see also Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, November 7, 14.

1846 November 21 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

John Inkersole, miller, Harston, is cited as a creditor in a bankruptcy case.

1847 January 8 Cambridge Independent Press

Marriage in Haslingfield on 28 Dec 1846 of Mr Serjeant Wallis, eldest son of Mr T. Wallis, farmer, to Elizabeth, second daughter of Mr Swan Wallis of Harston.

1847 February 12 Stamford Mercury

Marriage in Burwell, Cambs., on 3 Feb, of Mr William Oakley, sheep-dealer of Harston, to Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Mr R Fyson of Burwell.

1847 February 13 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

To be let by Elliot Smith & Son, a brewery and 9 inns in the region, including The Old English Gentleman at Harston.

1847 March 27 Cambridge Independent Press, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Registrar of Births, Marriages & Deaths, applicants invited, including Harston.

1847 April 3 Cambridge Independent Press, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Burglary at the house of Mr Inkersole, silver articles stolen (pen, pencil cases, snuff box, teapot, also half a side of bacon,, 5 or 6 hams, 4 pig-chaps, 2 or 3 pair men’s shoes, 2 hats, a shawl, a coat.

1847 April 10 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Destructive fire at Harston at the premises of Mr Robert Reeve, baker. It consumed Mr Watson (senior)’s house, a stable, killing a pony therein and a pigsty killing 3 pigs, also 40-50 fowls. The fire engine (from Shelford) took 2 hours to arrive and was too late, which ‘shows the necessity of having a fire engine here’ (ie in Harston). ‘There is no doubt that this was an incendiary’ (ie arson) ‘as it was at the 3rd or 4th attempt.’

1847 April 10 NR (?Norwich Recorder)

Appeal Mr Worledge & Sanders for costs in court case of abandonment- Standon, Herts.

1847 June 5 Hampshire Advertiser, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, June 11 Essex Standard, Stamford Mercury

Marriage on Tuesday at High Laver, Essex by the Rev CJ Collier BCL of Thomas Frederick Cheeseman of Staplers, IOW, to Elizabeth youngest daughter of John Inkersole/Ingersol of Harston.

1847 July 3, 10, 17 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

To let in Harston, a family residence with a 2-stall stable and chaise-house, apply Mr William Stockbridge, Harston.

1847 Jul 10  Hampshire  Advertiser, Jul 16 Stamford Mercury

Marriage on Wed, 7^th at St Pauls, Whippenham, Isle of Wight, by Rev w H Parker of Rev Charles John Collier, BCL of Stone, Kent to Mary Ann, eldest daughter of John J Persole, Esq,. Harston, Cambs.

1847 July 31 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Inquest at The Od English Gentleman, on Henry Jarman, found dead in the middle of the road, verdict ‘died of a fit’.

1847 July 31 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

For sale, by W. Rowton, at The Old English Gentleman, for Mr Peter Barker ‘who is declining farming’, of crops in Little Shelford, 3 acres 1 rood of wheat on Newton Road, lately Mrs Austin’s allotment, 13 acres barley, 7 acres tares, 4 acres of peas.

1847 July 31 Cambridge Independent Press

For sale at The Old Enclosure, Harston, 13 acres barley, 7 acres tares, 4 acres beans, and some land in Little Shelford (by W. Rowton, auctioneer on August 3).

1847 September 11 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Voter lists updated, including Harston.

1847 September 18 Cambridge Independent Press

Game certificate purchase lists: William Long was the only Harston purchaser.

1847 November 13, 20, 27 Cambridge Independent Press

Eastern County Railway is applying for permission to construct a branch from Harston to Bassingbourn, starting ‘at or near the field belonging to Anne Taylor, now occupied by Frederick Rowley’ and running, Harston…..Foxton……Foulmire….. Shepreth…..Melbourn…..Royston……Kneesworth…..Bassingbourn (to join the Royston – Hitchin railway).

1847 December 4 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Burglary at Mr Long’s hen-house at Rectory Farm, 20 fowl, 6 ducks, 6 turkeys taken, £5 reward for conviction.

1848 January 8 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Court appeal against an order for the ‘removal of a pauper’ named Jane Gilbert, born in Harston. Her father had acquired a settlement ‘by hiring & service’ in Harston – Order confirmed.

1848 January 8 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Charles Morley, 27y, convicted of stealing 2 bushels of wheat, 2 of beans and 6 of undressed oats, property of Mr Long.

1848 January 8 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Marriage, Mr Serjeant Wallis of Haslingfield, to Miss Elizabeth Wallis of Harston.

1848 January 29 Cambridge Independent Press

William Whibdy of Harston, convicted of wilfully damaging a copse, the property of William Whitechurch, sentenced to 2 months hard labour or a 8s 1d fine.

1848 January 15 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Sale of furniture, casks, stock-in-trade, ironmongery, timber, a carriage, a tumbril cart, etc., by Charles Wisby, auctioneer, directed by William Northfield, carpenter.

1848 March 4, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, March 8 Cambridge Independent Press

Elizabeth Williams, wife of a Harston baker, received a counterfeit shilling ‘from an accused person’, this was James Cane (and his wife), both accused of passing ‘bad money’ at Harston & Hauxton. He was committed at the Assizes, his wife remanded for further examination by the county magistrates.

1848 March 25 Cambridge Independent Press

Harston contribution to Addenbrookes Hospital funds, £1 12s 6d.

1848 April 8, 15 Cambridge Independent Press, April 15 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Auction by Wentworth & Sons at Harston Water Mills on April 20, for Mr John Inkersole who is leaving Harston, horses, cows, waggons, millers’ carts, gigs & harness, riding saddle, ca. 1000 flour sacks, household furniture, china, glass, etc. Included a piano and prints and books. 24 game fowls, yard dog etc

1848 April 22 Cambridge Independent Press

Court case, Langford v. Webb, the latter (of Harston) refused to pay the former 5s for procuring a customer for a harness, case adjourned.

1848 April 29 Cambridge Independent Press, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Theft of 25 fowls, 6 ducks, 1 drake from the premises of Mr W Long, £5 reward for discovery of offenders. (This is the second time this henhouse has been robbed within a few months).

1848 May 6 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

John Inkersole senior has assigned all of his estate to Thomas Inkersole of Matching, farmer.

1848 May 27 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Record of (?Charles) Wesley having preached at Harston and Shelford (re the new Methodist chapel being built at Hobson Street, Cambridge.)

1848 June 3 Cambridge Independent Press

Article on Methodism in Cambridgeshire –  Wesley’s preaching had originally been by courtesy of the then Baptist minister of Harston, the Rev. Mr Compton ‘in whose house the first Wesleyan preachers found a home’.

1848 June 10, 17 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

To let, cottage and 1 acre land, part garden, part orchard apply Mr Thomas Haynes, Harston.

1848 June 10 Cambridge Independent Press

Western Cambs Association for Prosecution of Felons (etc) – Harston members were FW Rowley & William Salmon.

1848 June 24, July 8 Cambridge Independent Press

Court cases, T. Flack of Thriplow found guilty of assaulting Elizabeth Wilmot of Harston, 2 months prison. W. Cox of Harston found guilty of stealing hay from H. Hurrell of Harston.

1848 July 1 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

William Cox (40y) accused of stealing hay, property of Henry Hurrell at Harston, found guilty but mercy recommended, so only 1 month prison.

1848 July 8 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Thomas Flack charged with assault on Elizabeth Willimott between Harston & Hauxton, while drunk, convicted, 2 months prison sentence.

1848 August 12, 19 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Sale by auction of a new-built house, by Wentworth & Son at The Waggon & Horses on August 20. 8 rooms, garden and 1 acre land, now let to Mr Stockbridge, grocer.

1848 September 23 Bristol Times & Mirror, Sept 29 Stamford Mercury, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Death at The Vicarage, Harston, on 18 September, Henrietta Cole Grossett, widow of Rear-Admiral Grossett, at the age of 55y.

1848 November 4, 11, 18 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

To Let: Brick and Lime Kilns…… good working order…..   Harston…. Enquire Mr Long, Harston.

1848 November 11 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal, Cambridge independent Press

Court case. Plaintiff (Hammond) vs. Bendysshe + another……. Jacob Wisby, who was a member of a Friendly Society at Harston …… ‘was entitled to receive £5. 8s at 12s/week’ ‘during his sickness’…..defendants summoned the stewards of the society & ordered them to pay, and if failing,  a warrant to be issued, directed to the constable of Harston, commanding him to levy the amount on the goods of the society… ie a complicated outcome (I think the court found in favour of the plaintiff??)

1848 December 10, 22 Stamford Mercury, December 16, Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

Death in Harston on 10 December, Mrs Swan Wallis, mother of Mr W Wallis of Peas Hill, Cambridge aged 79y.

1848 December 23 Cambridge Chronicle & Journal

For Sale and To Let: Harston, sale of ‘general household furniture and effects’, to be sold by auction by John Swan & Son on 28 Dec by order of executors of late Mrs Wallis. Catalogues from 19, Sidney St, Cambridge. The House & Gardens with Orchard To Let, with immediate possession.

1849 January 6 Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette, January 3 Manchester Courier & Lancashire General Advertiser, January 6 Derbyshire Courier, January 13 Morning Post

Preferments and Appointments: Rev Frederick Jeanes Durbin, of Rectory of Glandid, Glamorganshire, to the Vicarage of Harston, Cambridgeshire, after Rev Edwin Bosanquet resigned.

1849 January 13 Cambridge Independent Press

Rev FJ Durbin presented to The Vicarage, Harston, £244 with residence, patron The Bishop of Ely.

1849 April 7 Cambridge Independent Press

James Rainbird of Harston, father of (unmarried) Elizabeth Rainbird, helped her to claim 1s 6d a week maintenance from the father of her child.

1849 April 28, May 5 Cambridge Independent Press

Auction: 2 houses, orchard and Home-Close in Harston. To be sold by Charles Wisbey at the Swan Inn on May 8 in one lot. All premises are occupied by Mr J Northfield, comprising a good tiled house with large yard in front and garden at back, and another house, slated and occupied by Hatley, with garden at front, and another at back, plus Stable + Blacksmith’s Shop, with excellent Orchard behind, opening onto 2.,5 acres of Pasture Land in occupation of Mr Jacob Wisby.

Copyhold of Manor of Tiptofts – quit-rent 2s 6d; land-tax 4s. Timber included. Particulars from Mr Randall, solicitor, or Charles Wisbey, auctioneer, valuer & estate agent, Cambridge.

Also, 5 cottages freehold, with a compact Homestead consisting of Barn, Stable, Cow-house & other outbuildings, garden & orchard & pasture land, the whole = 1 acre, 2 roods, extending from the village nearly to the river. The entire property is let to Mr W. Samuel, a respectable tenant, at an annual rent of £24. Particulars from Mr T Allen, 7, Fitzwilliam St., or Charles Wisbey, auctioneer.

1849 May 5 Cambridge Independent Press

Robbery of hen roosts, property of Messrs Bagnall, Wisbey & Reeves of Harston. A stash of 18 dead fowls was found at Mount Pleasant farm, Huntingdon Road, but case unresolved.

1849 June 16 Cambridge Independent Press

To Let: House, ‘pleasantly situate’ on Harston Mill (Hill?), with extensive view over the parishes of Harston, Hauxton and Haslingfield, ca. 4 miles from Cambridge – the Omnibus from Royston to Cambridge passes by, 3 days a week. Contains: Breakfast Parlour, Drawing Room, Dining Room, 5 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, cellars, ca. 1 acre garden, a 2-stall stable and chaise-house.

1849 June 6 Morning Post (see also 1848 November 11)

Court case: Law Intelligence: Court of Queen’s Bench- Friday, June 15. (Sittings in Banco, at Westminster, after Term).           HAMMOND v BENDYSHE AND ANOTHER

This was a case tried at the last Cambs assizes, before Mr Baron Parke and a special Jury, when a verdict was entered for the defendants, leave having been given to the plaintiff to move to this court to enter a verdict for him, with £8 1s 1d damages. The following are the facts of the case:- the plaintiff is a labourer, residing at Harston, Cambs. of which county the defendants, Mr John Bendshye and the Rev J Fendall, are Justices of the Peace. The action was brought to recover from the defendants the amount paid by the plaintiff in order to regain possession of his goods and chattels, seized under the defendants’ warrant. In the parish of Harston there exists a friendly society, called the Amicable and Brotherly Society of tradesmen, which provides relief for any of its members afflicted with illness. Jacob Wisbey, one of the subscribing members, having been afflicted with a lameness which prevented him from working, made application for relief, and on its being refused, issued a summons against the defendant and others, the stewards of the society, calling on them to pay him the several sums claimed and to re-admit him to the benefits of the society. The case was heard, when, after several objections taken by the solicitor for the society, an order was made by the defendants on the stewards, which was followed by warrant directing the constable of the parish to levy on the goods of the society, which he did; but, as the sum (£2 19s 11d) found in their box did not satisfy the warrant, he seized also on the plaintiffs goods, for the recovery of which £2 1s 1d was paid, and the action then brought. A rule nisi to enter a verdict for the plaintiff having been obtained, the case came on for argument this day on the objections, the principal question before the court being whether the goods and chattels of the stewards of a friendly society, against whom an order of justice had been made, may be distrained upon without further notice, or whether it is necessary to issue a summons to them, requiring them to show cause why they had not satisfied the order. The court took time to consider the question.

1849 July 27 Stamford Mercury

Death at Harston on 19 July of Elizabeth Allcock, spinster, aged 85.

1849 August 4, October 27 Cambridge Independent Press

James Burrows (Burroughs), William Jeffery (Jefferies), George Minet (Mynott) were accused, and later convicted, of stealing pigs etc on 29/7, one of which belonged to John Watson of Harston (and wheat belonging to Henry Hurrell, Shelford)  –  there follows detailed evidence; since previously convicted, Burroughs was sentenced to 15y transportation, the other 2 to 2y hard labour.

1849 August 18 Cambridge Independent Press

Inquest, death, Elizabeth Churchman aged 16 mo., severly scalded with boiling water prepared for shaving, verdict accidental death.

1849 September 15 Cambridge Independent Press

Martha Whiskin of Harston, then unmarried, claims that she has been sent from Harston (where she was a servant of Mr James before his removal to Ditton), to London… etc etc.

1849 November 10 Cambridge Independent Press

More on future railway routes (Cambridge…..(via Harston) ….. Shepreth Junction, branch intended to join Eastern Co. railway….)

1849 December 7 Stamford Mercury

Death at Harston on 17 Nov of Sarah Newling aged 99 years 11 months. (‘For a number of years her only sustenance was bread, which she munched continually, after cutting it into small pieces with a shut knife, her constant companion. She had 5 sons and daughters, 40 grandchildren – and great- and great-great grandchildren in such numbers that no family member has been bold enough to attempt the task of reckoning them’.)

1849 December 21  Stamford Mercury

Marriage in Harston by Rev J Williams of  Mr William Trigg, corn-merchant, of Little Shelford, to Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Mr W Stockbridge, corn-merchant, of Harston.