Soham Chronicle

1787-1848

* More information in the booklet. Email me for details.

March 31^st 1787

Stolen. From the stable of Mr. Thomas Dobede of Soham. A bay horse pony between 12 and 13 hands high, with a very long tail, many spots on both sides from the spur, one of his fore teeth broken off and appears to be old. Whoever will give information thereof, so that the offender may be apprehended, shall receive £5.5d reward by applying to Mr Dobede or Mr. William Wilkin, Attorney. Previously on Feb. 17 Mr Dobede had stolen from his house, a quantity of half crown pieces and halfpences. £10.10d reward was offered by Mr. Wilkin.

26^th June 1800

Joseph Lofts and William Levet were convicted of stealing meat from the mill of James Metcalf-transported for seven years.

24^th October 1801 Population 2,004

Leading from Ely to Soham.- Turnpikes at the stone Bridge and Soham Turnpike Gates. Tolls to be let at the house of Mr. Robert Finn in Ely. Whoever happens to be the best bidder, must at the same time give security to the satisfaction of the Trustees of the Turnpike Road for payment of the rent agreed.

July 19^th 1806

On Friday, John Jacob was committed to County gaol, charged by an inquisition taken before John Ingle Esq., Coroner for County with having feloniously killed Frances Rockhill of Soham. At the inquest Jacob and Rockhill (both millers) had a dispute in a public house and in course of a fight Jacob hit Rockhill a blow on right side of head which killed him.

4^th October 1806

Marriage. At Soham Rev. J.P. Francis vicar of Holy Cross, Westgate and Rector of St. Peters, Canterbury to Miss Peachey, only daughter of J. Peachey Esq.

4^th October 1806

One day last week 4 persons were convicted of robbing the orchard of Mr. Thomas Wilkin, attorney at law, in Soham, each fined 10/-. Money to be given as bread to the poor. - This mentioned as a caution to others.

26^th July 1811

Bishop Laney’s Charity lettings.

Close of pasture in Qua Fen. 8a 3r 0p let to Richard Horsley.
Close of pasture in Little Field. 2a now let to Mr. Wm. Collin.
Measuage and garden in Pratt St., 1a 3^rd in occupation of Thomas Tebbit.
Tenament and garden in Brook Street.
Close of pasture, 1a 3r 0p at Little Lane corner and 2 acres approx. of arable land in Bancroft and Northfields in occupation of John Reeve.
24 acres (approx) of fen land in Great Fen in occupation of John Reeve.
24 acres (approx) of pasture land on Gald Hase in occupation of John Dobede.
5 acres (approx) arable land next Hall Street in occupation of Thos. Tebbitt.
5 acres (approx) arable land in Clipshall Field, Butchers Causeway and Noditch Field in occupation of Andrew Metcalf.
1 acre (approx) pasture land in occupation of Elizabeth White.
26 acres (approx) meadow land, 8 acres pasture land being two closes, one in Clay Street, the other called the Mart, next Noditch Field and 11a 2r approx of arable land in Burwell Hales, Clipsall Field, Stoney Lands. Noditch field and Downfield in occupation of Staples Eward (sic) Staples.
32 acres approx. land in East Fen in occupation of Edw. West.

13^th January 1815

Died on Monday last Thomas Dobede, eminent farmer, Soham.

24^th November 1815

A few days since, died Mr. Joseph Finch, Grocer and Draper of Soham. He held for a considerable time and until his death, the office of Parish Clerk in that populous town. He gained the esteem and respect of his fellow townsmen and neighbours.

15^th March 1816

Died lately Richard Horsley aged 93 of Soham.

April 3^rd 1818

Died on Sunday last at the Holmes, after a tedious affliction, which he sustained with fortitude and resignation, John Peachey Esq., in the 66^th year of his age.

24^th August 1821 The Soham Gang. Tried at Assizes.

Fifteen members of this gang were apprehended and charged with stealing fowls, sacks of malt, turkeys, a wooden measure, tools and various articles belonging to householders in Freckenham, Fordham, Wicken and Soham. All found guilty, one was sentenced to death, some to hard labour, and several to transportation for 7 years. *

24^th August 1821 Population 2,856

On Wednesday morning about 2 o’clock a most alarming fire broke out at the Cross Green Farm, belonging to John Dobede, which entirely consumed a large haystack and stack of straw. The fire was caused by over heating of haystack. Prompt help of the inhabitants saved the buildings and the two engines were kept supplied with water, a considerable distance from the fire so that they were there several hours. Perfect order prevailed.

28^th January 1822

Benjamin Dennis appealed against conviction and fine of £5 for breaking lock off Turnpike gate between Soham and Ely for the purpose of allowing a wagon and 4 horses to go through and refusing to pay toll. *

26^th April 1822 At Ely Sessions

Thomas Edgar, George Houghton, Robert Martin, Isaac Cook and James Dennis charged with feloniously entering the dwelling house of John Horsley, Soham.

15^th April 1825

Mr. Robert Whiting died.

9^th March 1827

Died John Dobede after an illness of a few hours, an eminent farmer and malster of Soham.

19^th February 1830

Soham Lode bank was breeched in floods, no serious damage to adjoining lands.

3^rd February 1831

Gas Vacuum Engine fitted to Draining Engine in Soham Mere, by Mr. Brown was worked for 1½ hrs lifting the water 14 ft and discharging about the same quantity as a 30 horse steam engine. *

8^th July 1831

Henry Horsley committed to the Castle by James Drage Merset Esq., charged with feloniously entering a garden at night belonging to Mr. Thomas Wilkin, cutting down and damaging 15 fruit trees to the value of £10.

John Casburn (49) pleaded guilty to stealing barley, the property of his master T. Beck. One months hard labour.

23^rd September 1837

Died. Mr. Thomas Tebbitt, in the 61^st year of his age. He had been sexton for 35 years, only twice absent in all that time.

21^st October 1837

John Gough (17) indicated for stealing some silver from Eliz. Cockerton. She went to Stirbich fair with her husband and felt the prisoner take something from her pocket and put it into his own. A policeman searched him and found 7 half-crowns in his pocket. Jury verdict of guilty. 3 months hard labour.

7^th October 1837

Inquest on the body of Sarah Saunders who fell into a ditch whilst in a fit. Verdict accidental death.

16^th October 1837

William Clements, Landlord of the “Tiger” died very suddenly whilst at breakfast. Verdict – died by the visitation of God.

3^rd August 1839

Fatal accident to Mr. Thomas King of Soham. He was returning in his chase from a visit to his brother in Colchester. On turning a sharp and dangerous corner in Keddington, the wheel touched a post which upset the chase and threw him out. *

22^nd January 1842

Fire. John Death, grocer and draper, loss of £2000.

26^th March 1842

Mr. Thomas Tebbitt, 87 years died. Sexton and gardener. For 70 years member and conductor of the Society of Ringers. A dumb peal was rung in his memory upon the 10 melodious bells. He had 3 children, 28 grand children and 10 great grandchildren.

26^th March 1842

Mr. Martin Wilkin v Ludbrooke. Wilkin was a plaintiff for slander. *

21^st January 1843

Death of Mrs. Alice Whiting of Brook Street aged 69. Her numerous relations and friends deplore their loss, as well as the poor of the neighbourhood to whom she was a charitable benefactress.

5^th August 1853

Wm. Malden, Plaintiff, Corn Merchant v Horsley, Wheelwright, Defendant. James Carter employee of Wm. Malden and his brother John Malden sued for 6s 1½d for oats and peas supplied to defendant in March 1840. Verdict for defendant.

26^th August 1843

Drowned in a ditch in Bull Lane. Child of 4 years belonging to Mr. Martin, carpenter. Found about 4 o’clock Monday afternoon by person passing on a load of corn. Some kittens had been drowned and it was thought child was trying to get to them. No witnesses.

30^th December 1848

Fire About 9.30 on Christmas Day, a fire broke out on Mr. Edward Bullmans Half-acre Farm which destroyed 2 sacks of hay, a stack of clover, a barn, bullock and cart lodges together with agricultural carriages and implements and tools. *

On Friday last some malicious person or persons broke to pieces a valuable chaff-cutting engine belonging to W. Addison of Soham.