1714, 1st August. Accession of George I as king, and the beginning of the Hanoverian dynasty and so-called 'Georgian period'.
1716 At this time: 'CANDAL PURSE. Hundred of Sherborne. R[ector]. Deanery of Shaftesbury. Valuation £7-8-8. Patron: Lord Brook. Incumbent: Mr R. Heymour. Seat [manor house]: Mrs Hopkins [presumably Hoskins]. [Lord of] Manor: Lord Brook.'
5th February, Tuesday. The Manor of Purse Caundle. There was 'a Court Baron of the Right Honourable William Lord Brooke, by Andrew Shirley, gentleman, steward there.
Homage: Thomas King (principal juror), James Pope, John Taylor (jurors).
Who say on their oaths that to this court came John Clarke, who holds for the term of his life, according to the custom [of the manor], and who surrendered into the hands of the lord of the manor aforesaid part of a tenement with appurtenances (that is to say) part of a messuage or dwelling house, otherwise known as le Kitchin, and the northern end of le barn of the said messuage, a close called the Barton on the eastern edge of the said messuage, and a parcel of land called le old apple orchard, containing by estimation ten roods, a close of arable land called Overfeild, containing by estimation seven acres, two closes of arable land called Hill Closes, containing by estimation two acres, one meadow called Eastmead, containing by estimation two acres and a quarter more or less, and a parcel of meadow called le Plott, containing by estimation three quarters of an acre, with appurtenances, and all and singular of these premises were once in the tenure of William Kinge deceased, and late in the tenure of Alice King, widow and relict of the aforesaid William King, together with the use and occupation of the water in le Barton, in an complete and full a manner and form as the aforesaid William King enjoyed the premises aforesaid during his life, by virtue of a copy of the court rolls bearing the date the first of April in the 23rd year of the reign of King Charles II, late king etc [1671], granted by Philip Hoby esquire, and all the estate, title, interest and claim of the said John Clarke to the aforesaid premises, whereby there falls to the lord an heriot, which is included in the form within mentioned. Whereupon there came to this court the aforesaid John Clarke and James Clarke, son of the said John, and took from the said lord of the manor aforesaid and by delivery from the steward aforesaid, the aforesaid part of a tenement and the seversl closes and premises aforesaid with appurtenances. To have and to hold the aforesaid part of a tenement, closes and all the rest of the said premises with appurtenances, to the said John Clarke and James Clarke, and also to John Clarke, son of the said James, for the terms of their lives and of the longest one of them to live, successively, according to the custom of the manor aforesaid. Paying for it annually five shillings and fourpence at the usual times, and for all other charges, services, heriots and dues, formerly due and accustomed, and for having therein the title and estate, the aforesaid John Clarke senior, and James Clarke, give to the lord aforesaid, as a fine, £45. And so the said John Clarke senior is admitted tenant thereto and made his fealty, but the fealty of the said James and John Clarke his son, shall be held over until etc.
[Signed] Thomas King
James Pope
John Tayler'
'Michas 3d King Geo: 1716
Dorsetshire [---] John Lanyon )
Gent. demth agst Clement )
Newsham Esqr the Manor of )
Purse Chaundell oths Chaundle )
Purse oths Purse Candle wth )
the Appurts and 20 Mefses - )
40 Gardens 1000 acres of Land )
50 acres of Meadow 500 acres )
of Pasture 50 acres of Wood ) Willm Lord Brooke
800 acres of ffurze and Heath ) Baron Brooke
and Common of Past. for all )
Cattle Courts Leet Courts ) of Beauchamp
Baron and View of Frankpledge ) Court Vol
with the Appurts in --- ) Roll 312
Chaundell Purse oths Purse )
Candle Milborne and Stawbridge )
oths Stalbridge and also the )
Advowson of the Church of )
Purse Chaundell - - - )
ExdGent. demth agst Clement )
Newsham Esqr the Manor of )
Purse Chaundell oths Chaundle )
Purse oths Purse Candle wth )
the Appurts and 20 Mefses - )
40 Gardens 1000 acres of Land )
50 acres of Meadow 500 acres )
of Pasture 50 acres of Wood ) Willm Lord Brooke
800 acres of ffurze and Heath ) Baron Brooke
and Common of Past. for all )
Cattle Courts Leet Courts ) of Beauchamp
Baron and View of Frankpledge ) Court Vol
with the Appurts in --- ) Roll 312
Chaundell Purse oths Purse )
Candle Milborne and Stawbridge )
oths Stalbridge and also the )
Advowson of the Church of )
Purse Chaundell - - - )
Richd F. Lee Deputy Clk Warrs' (WSRO 383/512!)
1722 Under what was to be known as Knatchbull's Workhouse Act (9 George I, c.7), parishes were empowered to establish workhouses or poor-houses. There was to be a general growing tendency to deal stringently with the able-bodied poor and grant them relief only within an institution in which they would be set to work. Parishes alone or united could build or adapt existing buildings for the purpose. These were often referred to as 'poor houses' - see also 1782. Apparently Purse Caundle had "old Poor Houses" according to the Census enumerator in 1841 (q.v.).
1727, 11th June. Accession of George II as king.
c.1729 John Burgess became Parish Clerk, until 1763 - see APPENDIX C2.
1729-1730 During the winter the number of deaths was up at Stalbridge due to the national outbreaks of "agues and influenza".
1730, 21st December. The Rev. John Chafey M.A., vicar of Lillington, Dorset, since 1717, was installed rector of Purse Caundle following the death of Rev. Richard Highmore.
From about now the depiction of the rural poor in English painting started to be more realistic, by such artists as Thomas Gainsborough, George Morland, and John Constable. (See John Barrell's The Dark Side of the Landscape, etc.)
1733 English was again required to be used in all legal documents, including Manorial records, after Latin had been legislated in 1660 (q.v.).
1735-1737 Bishop Secker of Bristol began his Diocesan Survey, which has since been transcribed in Bristol Record Society Vol. 37 - reproduced for Purse Caundle in 1767 below.
1738, 2nd November, Purse Caundle Manor Court Baron.
'The Homage on their Oathspresent as follows-
First, we Present the several Freeholders, Leaseholders and Copyholders who made default in appearing at this Court.
Also, we Present Mr John Prankhard a Tenant of this Manor for not Scouring and Cleansing his ditch leading from his house against the Church Yard in Purse Candle to the bridge adjoining to the Parsonage house there and that the same be done by Midsummer next under the penalty of Twenty Shillings [£144 in 2007].
Also, we Present Eliz Clark widow for not repairing her barn at Ruston within this Manor and that the sasme be done by Midsummer next under the penalty of Twenty Shillings.
[Signed] Henry Snooke
James Pitman
Freeholders amerced at 5s [£36] assessed to ) 1s 6d [£10]Tenants by Ind[enture] each at 3s assessed to ) 1s 6d
Tenants by Copy[hold] each at 2sassessed to ) 1s 6d
Agreed by us [Signed] Henry Snooke
James Pitman'
1739, 20th November, a Court Baron, before John Hutchings, Deputy Steward of the Manor.
Walter Chaffey bailiff.
The names of the Homage
Sworn James Pitman
Sworn Robert Snook
The Homage on their Oaths present as follows.
First, we Present the several Freeholders, Leaseholders and Copyholders who made default in appearing at this Court.
Also, we Present The ditch from the corner of the home of the late Thomas Kings to Mr John Prankards ditch [against] the Church Yard to want Scouring and that the same be done by Walter Brett the Occupier thereof by Christmas under the penalty of Twenty Shillings.
Also, we Present the Church way and ditches leading from Tripps Farm to the Church, and from John Chards house to the Parsonage house to be out of repair and to want amending and scouring and we do order the same to be amended and scoured by Tho Sewall [---] who ought [---] and [there] by Christmas next [---] shall each person [---] being default [---].
Also, we Present that since the last Court Henry Snooke a Copyhold tenant of This Manor is dead whereby there [---] due to the Lord of the Manor a Herriott which is [---] and that Robert Snooke is the Lords next Tenant [---] was admitted [---] Court and did his ffealty.
Also, we Present that the pound is out of repair and that the Same is to be Repaired by the Lord of the Manor.
Also, we Present the Foot path Three Wearmead from stile to stile to be out of Repair and being within this Manor and that the Same be Amended by the Occupiers of the ffarm late John Hoskyns Esq, by Xmas next under the penalty of Twenty Shillings.
[Signed] James Pitman
Robert Snooke
There were the same amercements and assessments as previously.
[Signed] Agreed by us ) James Pitman
) Robert Snooke'
1741, 23rd June. 'The Court Baron of nthe right honble Francis Lord Brook Baron Brook of Beauchamps Court in the county of Warwick Lord of the Manor [of Candle Purs, Purs Candle] aforesaid . . . Before John Hutchings, Gent, Deputy Steward of the Sd Manor.The names of the sworn Homage: James Pitman, Robert Snook, John Prankerd.
Presented were the several Freeholders, Leaseholders and Copyholders who made default in appearing at this Court.
The Footpath leading to the Church lying within this Manor from Rew house to Mr john Chaffeys Lains [---Shleand?] The Same be repaired by the occupier of Tripps Farm by Michaelmas next under penalty of Ten Shillings.
{Amercements and assessments as previously]
List of Freeholders and Tenants:
Freeholders: The heirs of John Hoskyns Esq for the Farms; the widow of Mr John Chaffey for the rentes; John Jolleffe; William Foot; Anne King widow.
Copyholders: Samuel Barrett decd; Robert Snook; James Pitman, Elizabeth Clasre; John Clark [crossed through] dead; Ann King; Joan Brown.
Leaseholders: Elias Parret late Jeffery Brine; Mary Clark widow; John Clarke; [Robert?] Player? Esq; John Prankerd; Elizabeth Pope widow; James Pitman.'
1742, 16th July, a Court Baron, again held 'before John Hutchings, Gent, Deputy Steward of the Manor.
The names of the sworn Homage: James Pitman, Robert Snook, with the same amercements and assessments as previously.
Presented were: John Prankherd, John Clark, Elias Parrett, Charles Bragg Esq., Leaseholders of this Manor have made default in attending at this Court and that the heirs of John Hoskyns Esq for the Farme, John Hallett, William Foot, Freeholders of this Manor, and that the assigns of Samuel Barrett deceased, and Elizabeth Clark widow, Copyholders of this Manor have made default in appearing at this Court.
The Footway leading from the Church to the reverend Mr John Chaffeys house late Richard Highmores to be out of repair and that the same be amended by Michaelmas next by the Supervisors of the Highways of Purse Candle under the penalty of Ten Shillings [£72].
The Ditches on both sides of the road and also the foot road leading to the Church of Purse Candle to the House of Robert Snook in this Manor to be out of repair and want scouring and amendment and that the ditches be scoured by the Occupiers of the Grounds thereto adjoining by Michaelmas next under penalty of [Ten - torn] Shillings on each person making default and that the footway be amended by the Supervisors of the Highways by Michaelmas next under the penalty of Ten Shillings.
That the Occupiers of a Farme now belonging to the Revd Mr John Chaffey and formerly to Mr Richard Highmore decd being parcell of this Manor have a right at all Times of the year to go with Carts and Carriages and to drive Cattle and Sheep thro two Closes called Challwell field and Snailhill part of the farme late John Hoskins Esq to certain Closes called Pasthill being parcell of sd farme in the occupation of the sd John Chaffeye situate on each side of London Road.
William King has got into possession of a piece of Ground cont abt one quarter of an acre being part of Mays Tenement parcell of this Mannor and keeps the possession thereof under [---] that the same was and is the Inheritance and part of the farme late John Hoskins Esqr decd.
[Signed] James Pitman Robert Snook'
1742-1743 During the winter the number of deaths were up at Stalbridge, and possibly at Purse Caundle, from the smallpox rife throughout England.
1743, 11th May, a Court baron of Lord Brooke was held, again 'before John Hutchings, Gent, Deputy Steward of the Manor.
1743, 11th May, a Court baron of Lord Brooke was held, again 'before John Hutchings, Gent, Deputy Steward of the Manor.
The names of the sworn Homage were: John Prankerd, John Clarke, Robert Snook, James Pitman.
[The same amercements and assessments as previously were agreed and signed by Robert Snook and James Pitman.]
Presentments were: The footway leading from the Church to the Reverend Mr John Chaffeys house late Richard Highmores to be out of repair and that the same be amended by Michaelmas next by the Supervisors of the Highways of Purse Caundle under the penalty of Ten Shillings.
The Ditches on both sides of the Road, and also the foot road leading to the Church of Purse Candle to the house of Robert Snook in this Mannor to be out of repair and wants scouring and amendment and that the Ditches be scoured by the Occupiers of the grounds thereto adjoyning by Michaelmas next under the penalty of Ten Shillings on each person making default, and that the footway be amended by the Supervisors of the Highways by Michaelmas next under penalty of Ten Shillings.
That the Tenants of this Manor have a right to the plowboot, gateboot, stileboot and fireboot without assignment and houseboot with assignment.
[Signed] Jno Prankerd
Jno Clark
Robert Snook
Jamy Pitman'
1747 On 15th August, the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the parish of Sherborne made complaint to two Justices - William Clapcott and John Meech - concerning Hannah Sherring, widow of James Sherring, and her children Katherine aged about 7 years and James aged about 5 years, who had recently settled in Sherborne, and likely to become chargeable to the parish. Upon examination it was found that their legal place of settlement was the parish of Caundle Purse, whereupon the Justices ordered the removal forthwith of the Sherring family from Sherborne to the churchwardens and overseers of Caundle Purse. On the Removal Order (DHC ref- PE/SH: OV 1/4/17) there is a note that the three Sherrings were delivered to Mr Robert Snooks, churchwarden of Caundle Purse on 22nd August 1747.
1749 Bridget Hoskins, widow of Peter Hoskins, died. The Purse Caundle manor house then possibly passed to the Gooch family.
1750, 4th May. There was an earthquake with a Dorset oigin. (DHC ref: D/FOW/D2)
1752 A New Calendar was introduced. Up to now the Julian Calendar year had commenced on 25th March, but had become 11 days behind the rest of the world's Gregorian Calendar. England at last was to adopt this 'New Style' Gregorian Calendar in 1752, with the year now to start on 1st January, and ending on 31st December. To account for the out-of-step 11 days, the day following Wednesday 2nd September 1752 was Thursday 14th September 1752. This caused upset amongst the population who somehow considered they had 'lost' 11 days of their life, and gave rise to the cry "Give us back our 11 days."
1753, 9th July, Turnpike Deeds were arranged for improvements, gates, tolls, etc. on the road from Whitesheet Hill in Wiltshire, through Shaftesbur, Milborne Port, Sherborne, to the Halfway House in Nether/Lower Compton. Money was to be raised by private loans at interest, re payable from the tolls. This was to be along part of the old main road between London and Exeter, running through north Dorset, including the northern part of Purse Caundle parish, being diverted from the old medieval road at Toomer Hill, eventually coming some 600 yards south and closer to the village, before meeting up with the old road again at Milborne Port.
1754, 28th November, a Purse Candle 'Court Baron of Lord Brooke, held again before John Hutchings Esqr, Deputy Steward of the Manor.
The sworn Homage was Robert Snooke, John Clarke.
Freeholders of the Manor: [Jenkin] Elisha, John Brett, William Horsey, The heirs of John Hoskyns Esq.
(Amercements and assessments were as previously.)
Presentments: Mrs Mary Player by whose Life a Leasehold Estate called Tripps otherwise Mewe Farm lying within this Manor dyed on the Sixth day of June 1751 and by her death fell into the Hands of the right Honourable the Earl brooke Lord of the sd Mannor and that an Herriott on her Death became due to the Lord of this Mannor which is paid and satisfied.
That Elizabeth Clarke widow of John Clarke who held a Copyhold tenement called ruston for her Widowhood is lately dead and that John Clarke Grandson of the sd John Clarke is the Lords next Tenant who is Intitled to this tenement for his Life by Virtue of a Copy of Court roll of this same Mannor dated the 5th day of February 1716 and Granted to the said John Clarke the Grandfather and James Clarke both deceased for their Lives and the Life of the above named John Clarke the Grandson by the Rt Honourable William Lord Brooke deceased and that the sd John Clarke the Grandson came into Court and Claimed to be admitted Tenant to the same Tenement and premises and was Admitted Tenant accordingly and did his Fealty.
The Ditch from Farmer Toogoods barton Gate to the Stile leading into Ellis Everitts Mead to want Scouring and that the same be done by the Occupiers of the Severall Grounds adjoining by the 25th day of December next under penalty of two Shillings a [---] each person making default.
That William King is got into pofsefsion of a Plott of Ground containing about one Quarter of an Acre lying opposite Mr Hoskins's Barn formerly part of Mays Tenement [arcell of this Mannor as proved to Us on the Oath of Thomas King who proved in Court that he heard his Father Thomas King who dyed about twenty Years ago and was then Fourscore years of Age and born in the parish of Candle Purse declare that the sd plott was held by Lease from the Lord of this Mannor and taken out of the Close called Mays adjoining.
That the Heirs of John Hoskyns Esq, [Jenkin] Elisha, John Brett, and William Horsey, Freeholders of this Mannor and Charles Braggs Esq, John Prankherd and Elias Everett, Leasehold Tenants of this Mannor have made default in Appearing at this Court.
[Signed] Robert Snook, John Clark, Nicholas Clark.'
1757-1759 Of the Dorset Lieutenancy Militia Ballot Lists - the majority of which were destroyed in 1927 because of their badly decayed condition - nothing has survived of any involvement by Purse Caundle inhabitants. In the Register of Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps in Dorset, listed is Captain Noake's Company of Volunteers for Sherborne, but unfortunately it is not listed with places of abode.
1758, 7th March. John Chafy M.A., son of previous Purse Caundle's rector John Chafy who died 1757, was installed rector in his place. The Patron was Francis, Earl Brooke. (See APPENDIX C2)
1760, 25th October, accession og George III as king.
1761, 9th June, at 11.45 a.m. there was a strong earthquake felt at Sherborne, Shaftesbury and 13 miles around. (DHC ref: D/FOW/D2)
1762, 12th March. A day of Prayer and Fasting.
Only now was bull-baiting stopped at Marnhull, five miles from Purse Caundle.
1763, 1st September. The burial at Purse Caundle of John Burgess who had been Parish Clerk there for 34 years, and to be succeeded by his son Thomas Burges to 1800.
17th November. A Purse Caundle Court Baron 'of the Right Honourable Francis Earl Brooke and Earl of Warwick Lord of the Mannor, held before Thomas Miles, Deputy Steward.
Homage: John Clarke, Robert Snooke, Who being sworn and charged upon divers articles touching the Business of this Court do on their Oath present as followeth:
That the Brook from Parsonage Bridge to Horns Well Lane wants to be scoured and often renders the Road leading from Purse Candle to Milborne [Port] unpafsable and that the same ought to be scoured by the Occupiers of the several Grounds adjoining Therefore we order the said persons to scour their respective parts of the said Brook before 24th June [next] under the penalty of 5s [£30] each person making Default.
That the Ditches on each Side of the Road from Farmer Toogood's Barton Gate to the Gate leading ninto Farmer Dowding's Ground called Dole want to be scoured and that the same ought to be done by the Occupiers of the several Grounds adjoining Therefore We order the said Persons to scour their respective parts of the said Ditches before 2nd February 1764 under the penalty of 10s 6d each person making Default.
That the Copyholders within this Mannor may cut and have sufficient Gate Boot, Stile Boot, Plow Boot and Fire Boot without Assignment of the Lord of this Mannor or his Agent for that purpose appointed according to the Custom of the said Mannor.
[Signed] John Clark, Robert Snook.'
1765 Up to this date there had not been so far any Alehouse Recognizances for Purse Caundle.
During 1765-1767 there was to be widespread smallpox.
1766, Saturday, 30th August. According to The Journal of the Rev. John Wesley, the Methodist preacher, Having just come from Shaftesbury, 'We rode to Stallbridge, long the seat of war by the senseless, insolent mob, encouraged by their betters, so called, to outrage their quiet neighbours. For what? "Why, they were mad; they were Methodists." So, to bring them to their senses, they would beat their brains out. They broke their windows, leaving not one whole pane of glass, spoiled their goods, and assaulted their persons with dirt, and rotten eggs, and stones, whenever they appeared in the street: but no magistrate, though they applied to several, would show them either mercy or justice.' Wesley had apparently managed to bring the matter to the Court of King's Bench after prolonged delays of eighteen months or so. At the assizes '. . . it fell so much heavier on themselves when they [the rioters] were found guilty. And from that time, finding "there is law for Methodists", they have suffered them to be at peace. I preached near the main street, without the least disturbance, to a large and attentive congregation.'
As his next stop was Axminster he must have passed by Purse Caundle by either the old (non-payment) medieval road, or the new fee-paying turnpike road. Along the former road is now Gospel Ash Farm (a matter of a few yards inside Somerset), and said to have been named after an ash tree in a field along the Dorset/Somerset boundary. Under this tree which stood right on the boundary, John Wesley was supposed to have preached. According to Countryside Treasure in Dorset - West Dorset, Part 2, published by Dorset County Council in 1980: 'Tradition relates how John Wesley used to preach there until constabularies arrived from one county or the other, when he simply carried on preaching but from the other side of the tree.'
There is currently (2010) a large ash tree in a field here (Grid ref: ST 692 188), but whether directly associated with the original one is not certain.
1767 The Diocesan Survey started by Bishop Secker of Bristol in 1735, was continued by Bishop Newton in 1766: 'Caundle Purse H[oly] Trinity [sic?]. R[ectory]. King's Book 7.8.9. [Valor Ecclesiasticus giving the yearly value of the benefice in 1534].
Certified 43 li [Liber Valor et Decimorum 1707]. Mr Walker 80. [written over this figure is written "since 60 clear" [- value of the living at the time of writing, i.e. £80 "since £60 clear".] (approx. £8.117 and £6,087 respectively at 2007 values). Patron Ld Brooke. Incumbent John Chaffey [interlined "good"], resides upon a peculiar within a mile and half. Small Parish. One family of Presbyterians.
None. B[isho]p Smalr[idge - George Smalridge was Bishop of Bristol 1714-1719. Entries in the Survey for several parishes include details "according to Bishop Smalridge". In this instance it appears that he had recorded that there were no dissenters here in his time.]
John Chafey M.A. succeeded his father in 1758. Wm Sharp his curate. In 1766 about 20 families. No Dissenters, Methodists, or Papists. The curate James Shields licensed with a salary of 20£ [approx. £2.029 in 2007] a year and surplice fees. Divine service every Sunday alternately morning and afternoon. Four communions, 10 communicants. Mrs. Chafey being in an ill state of health lives in Salisbury, near which he has some other preferments.
In 1767 no Papists.'
Was the name of the church as shown of Holy Trinity an error? - but see also 1780. And who was Mr. Walker?
Under the Highways Act passed this year, on the 22nd September each year, unless a Sunday then the next day, constables, tythingmen, churchwardens, and householders of every parish were to meet to choose ten sufficient persons for presentation to justices in October, who would in turn appoint one or more to the office of Surveyor of Highways.
A Directory shows that at neighbouring Stalbridge, as well as the weekly Market on Thursdays, there were Fairs on 6th May and 4th September for all sorts of cattle. Milborne Port had Fairs on 5th June mainly for entertainment, and 28th October for a few cattle, sheep, and toys.
1768 The Rev. John Wesley wrote in his Journal that having preached at Wincanton the day previous: 'About one, Wednessday the 28th [September], I preached at Stalbridge, to a large and seriously attentive congregation.' A similar reception to that he had received in 1766.
1770 WSRO ref: 383/321 is a bound book in which there begins a record of yearly meetings of the Purse Caundle Court Baron:
'15th November, Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esq, [new] Lord of the Manor, henld before Moulton Messiter, Gentleman, Steward there.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, William Horsey, Thomas Dowding, James Stoy, Elias Greene, John Coomes, George Toogood.
We present John Collins to be Hayward of this Manor for the Year ensuing.' All the Homage signed, except John Coomes who had to make his "X" mark.
1771, '23rd November. Purse Caundle Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esq, before Moulton Messiter, Gentleman, Steward there.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, James Stoy, Elias Greene, George Toogood, John Coomes.
Presented was John Collins to be Hayward of the Manor for the year ensuing.
All the Homage signed, except John Coomes who made his "X" mark.'
1772, '21st November. Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esq, held before Moulton Messiter, Gentleman, Steward there.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, George Toogood, John Coombs.
Presented: William Horsey who had died since the last Court, a Heriot of £3 [£287] thereby due to the Lord.
John Chard had also died, with heriot of 1s [£4.75] due to the Lord.
John Collins to be Hayward for the ensuing year.
All the Homage signed, except for John Coombs who made his "X" mark.'
1773, 13th November. 'Purse Caundle Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esq., held before Moulton Messiter, Gentleman, Steward there.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, George Toogood, John Coombs.
Presented: John Clarke had died since the last Court, with his Copyhold Tenement fallen into the Lords hands, and a Heriot of the best beast hereby due to the Lord of the Manor.
James Clarke died since the last Court, with his Leasehold Tenement also fallen into the Lords hands, and a Heriot of Twenty Shillings due to the Lord.
John Collins again presented to be Hayward for the ensuing year.
All the Homage signed, except John Coombs who made his "X" mark.'
1774, 19th November. 'Purse Caundle Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esq., held before Moulton Messiter, Gentleman, Steward.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, John Coombs.
Presented: John Collins to be Hayward of the Manor for the Year ensuing, and he was approved and Sworn accordingly.
All the Homage signed, except again John Coombs who made his "X" mark.'
During the year was published the 1st Edition of the Rev. John Hutchins of Wareham's The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. The coverage of 'Purse Candel' was relatively small. For instance, there was the short entry: 'The Church is a small ancient fabric, and contains little remarkable' and not much more, compared to the seven or more columns in the 3rd Edition c.1870. However, the generous early history of the Manors of Athelney and Shaftesbury, and major family genealogies were not much less than later. Included was a form of genealogical table of the Hanham family of 'Purfe-Candel'. There were also potted biographies of Nathaniel Highmore MD, son of one of the parish rectors; and of Bishop Peter Mew, son of an owner of the manor house. The list of Patrons and Rectors was practically almost complete. See appropriate CHAPTERS and APPENDICES.
1775, 11th November. 'Purse Caundle Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esq., held before Moulton Messiter, Gentleman, Steward of the Manor.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, John Coombs, Thomas Dowding.
John Collins again Presented to be Hayward for the ensuing year.
All the Homage signed, except John Coombs who made his "X" mark.'
1776 According to Volume 31 of the House of Commons Sessional Papers of the Eighteenth Century, the following is an Abstract of the Return of the Overseers of the Poor of Purse Caundle in the Sherborne Out Hundred:
'Money raised within the Year ending at Easter 1776: £12-8-4.
Expended, out of the Money so raised, in paying County Rates, and for other Purposes not relating to the Poor: £0-14-4.
Expended on Account of the Poor: £10-3-0.
Whereof was applied in paying Rent of Workhouses and Habitattions for the Poor: Nil.
In Litigations concerning Settlements and Removal of Paupers: Nil.
Number of Workhouses and Number of Persons which each will accommodate: Nil.'
See 1787 below re. a report of the Overseers of the Poor.
16th November. 'Purse Caundle Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esq., held before Moulton Messiter, Gentleman, Steward.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, John Coombs, George Toogood.
John Collins Presented to be Hayward for the year ensuing.
All the Homage signed, except John Coombs who had to make his "X" mark.'
1777, 12th November. 'Purse Caundle Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esq. held before Moulton Messiter, Gentleman, Steward.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, John Coombs, William Upward, George Toogood.
John Collins Presented, approved and sworn as Hayward for the ensuing year.
All the Homage signed, except John Coombs who had to make his "X" mark.'
1778, 24th October. 'Purse Caundle Court Baron of Henry Hoare Esquire, held before Moulton Messiter, Gent, Steward.
Homage sworn: Nicholas Clarke, James Toogood, John Coombs, William Upward, George Toogood.
Presented: John Collins to be Hayward of the Manor for the year ensuing, being approved and sworn accordingly.
Presented Edward Miller for digging and carrying away great Quantitys of the Soil in the Highway leading from Milborn Port to Henstridge.
All the Homage signed, except John Coombs who made his "X" mark.'
1779, 11th December. Purse Caundle Court Baron, when Presented was the Death of Mary, wife of Robert Noake, late Mary Prankard spinster. Presented John Collins again to be Hayward for the ensuing year.
1780 No meetings of the Purse Caundle Court Baron were recorded for 1780-1782.
The Archdeacon of Dorset's Book 'was made for the use and convenience' of the Venerable George Watson Hand soon after he entered upon his archdeacon's office in 1780. The entry of particular interest reads: 'Caundle Purse R. H.Trinity[!] Kings books £7. 8. 9. certified £43. Income 60£. Patron Ld. Brooke small Parish Divine Service every Sunday alternately Morning and Evening. In 1767 No Papists. Incumbent John Chafey succeeded his father in 1758.' This does not seem to have been updated since 1767 (q.v.).
About this time was drawn the first known Purse Caundle estate map of the Earl Brooke and Earl of Warwick. The introductionof estate maps could have made periodic perambulations of bounds unnecessary.
1782, 22nd August. William Horsey was installed rector of Purse\Caundle on the death of John Chafy earlier in the year. Patron was Henry Hoare Esq.
The Act 22 George III, chapter 83 (known as Gilbert's Act) re-enforced the 1722 Act regarding the formation of workhouses.
1783 At this time there were still being published details of the following Fairs and Market Days in the immediate area:
'Sherborne: Wednesdays before Holy Thursday for all sorts of cattle and pedlary.
July 18th: Wool, horned cattle, sheep, horses and pedlary.
July 26th: Horses, cattle, and in particular for lambs and pedlary.
First Monday after 10th October for wool, horses, horned cattle and pedlary.
Milborne Port: June 5th and October 28th for a few cattle and toys.'
The following entry was made in Purse Caundle's Parish Register:
'The First of October, 1783, being the day of Tax of three pence [£1] duty to his Majesty Commenced for every Marriage, Birth and Burial (excepting in the case of Baptisms of those children who are born of Parents who receive relief from the Parish, and in the case of Burials of those who are buried from any Work House, or Hospital, or those that are buried at the sole expense of any Charity.' (DHC ref: PE/PCD RE 4/1)
6th December. A Court Baron. Presented: Thomas Savage to be Hayward for the ensuing year.
1784, 20th November. Court Baron. 'Presented: Thomas Savage to be Hayward for the ensuing year.
Presented: The death of Barbara, wife of the Rev. Mr. Read late Barbara Gardner spinster. Heriot of £10 [£974] in respect to farm in Manor called Trymms farm [Tripps?].'
1785 January-March there was snow, frost and ice.
The summer suffered much from lack of rain. Appropriate contemporary comments were made, such as:
April- "Farmers wish much for rain." "Hot sun. Muddy sky."
May- "The dust on the roads insufferable." "There is a great want of rain in . . . England." "Severe drying exhausting drought. Cloudless days. The country all dust." "The country strangely burnt-up."
Then on 19th August- "Terrible storm all night . . . and broke off boughs from the trees." Followed a couple of days later by "Sweet harvest day."
September-November were again to be wet, with ten weeks of rain and accompanying flooding. On 25th November there was "Considerable snow on the ground."
26th November. 'Court Baron before Richard Messiter, Steward. Presented: Death of John Dyer, a life named in a cottage, etc., late Thomas Sturgess, but that that the same is held by the life of Samuel Sturgess. Thomas Savage to be Hayward for the ensuing year.'
1786 On 16th January, Joseph Olive Esq., mayor of Poole in Dorset, made examination of Jane, otherwise Jenny Barber, "a rogue and vagabond", who had been apprehended within the parish of St. James, Poole, and found that she had been born in Purse Caundle where she had lived at service, and had not gained subsequent settlement, and had been relieved by several persons in Poole, and having nothing wherewithal to subsist and no place to lodge in but the open air. Jane had to make her "X" mark on the Examination form. The mayor then made an order to the Constables, Tythingmen or other Officers of the Peace of Poole and elsewhere to convey her from Poole, firstly via the parish of Hamworthy, and the churchwardens or overseers of the poor of Purse Caundle to receive her. (DHC ref: OV 2/3/53) In the Purse Caundle Parish Register it is recorded that Jane Barber had been baptised at Purse Caundle on 31st July 1765 - see APPENDIX C5.
25th November. A Court Baron, where it was Presented that George Coombs to be Hayward for the ensuing year.
According to the 2nd edition of Hutchins, in a 'Return to Parliament 1786: There are no charitable donations within the parish.
John Messiter, Minister
Edw. Miller, Churchwarden'
Presumably the latter comment related to such things as bequests the interest from which was to fund charitable operations.
1787 Hutchins was to also record:
'The return by the overseers of the poor of this parish [Purse Caundle] to Parliament, 1787:
Money raised within the year ending at Easter 1776 £12 8s 4d
Expended in county-rates, and other purposes £ 0 14s 4d
Expended on the poor £10 3s 0d
Money raised in 1783 £45 13s 2d
Money raised in 1784 £34 12 7d
Money raised in 1785 £31 7s 10d
Medium of these three years £37 4s 6d
Medium of county expences £ 4 10s 5d
Medium of nett annual expences for the poor £32 14s 1d
Medium, of law expences £ 0 13s 4d
Medium of setting the poor to work £ 0 11s 8d'
[£1 = £100 approx. at 2007 values]
27th October. Court Baron held before Richard Ring, Deputy Steward. Presented was George Coombs to be Hayward for the ensuing year.
By 1787 the Stalbridge cattle market, held on alternate Mondays, had been revived. After the American War of Independence there was no other such market between Salisbury and Yeovil, but it was to decline again in the 19th century.
Cottagers often had a pig in a stye in their gardens.
1788, 23rd January. John Messiter B.A. was installed rector of Purse Caundle on cession of William Horsey. Patron: Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart.
18th October. 'Court Baron, before Edward Ings, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
1789, 4th August, Tuesday. King George III and the Royal family visited Sherborne Castle and Park from noon until late. (See Parson Woodforde's Diary)
11th October. 'Court Baron, before Edward Ings, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
1790, 16th October. 'Court Baron before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for the ensuing year. Death of Martha Chafie, by whose death a life was lost upon Mr Chafie's Estate.'
1791, 8th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
This year's Universal Biritish Directory made no mention of any of Purse Caundle's inhabitants.
1792, 6th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presentment: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
1793 In the first week of January, at Sherborne, Sturminster [Newton], 'and a great number of other places' in the south-west, an effigy of Thomas Paine (author of The Rights of Man) was hung and burnt, as being considered undermining the King's Majesty and the Constitution. This unrest came with the onset of the French Revolution, when there was a fear of a French invasion, such that between 1794-1798 there were raised within counties companies of volunteer soldiers. It is not known whether there were any Purse Caundle disturbances or subsequent volunteers.
16th October, a 'Court Baron was held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward. The waggon house of the Farm held by Rev. W. Chafie under the Lord out of repair, and ordered to be repaired by the next Court. Similarly regarding the dwelling of Charles Collins.'
Similar to circumstances of a century before, there was a shortage of low denomination currency, such that many traders again had to issue their own halfpenny and farthing coin tokens. One place being Sherborne.
1794, 15th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward. The death of John Clark, a life named in a cottage held by Jane Clark under the Lord. Also the death of Samuel Sturgis, with a cottage and garden fallen into the Lord's hands. Also the death of Mary Jeffery, sister of Rev. Mr. Chafie, a life name in a farm held by him under the Lord. The Waggon house not yet repaired under penalty of forty shillings [approx. £176 at 2007 values].'
This year saw the beginning of five years of exceptional bad weather.
An interesting book to read giving some indication of living conditions at this time is The Diary of a Farmer's Wife 1796-1797. It is the day-to-day Diary (with its eccentric spelling) of the wife (Anne Hughes) of a well-to-do farmer in Hereforshire, which although not really local to Purse Caundle, does give the reader some insight into typical country life.
1797, 11th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward. Continued presentment of waggon house. Death of Thomas Dowding, a life named in a dwelling house and lands held under the Lord of the Manor.'
10th October. There should have been a Court Baron, but 'A sufficient number of Tenantys not appearing no Presentment was made. [Signed] Geo. Messiter'.
'Land Tax Assessment for rthe Sherborne Hundred - Purse Caundle:
Proprietor Occupier Sum assessed
Sir R. C. Hoare Bt Geo. Coombs 5 - 11 - 4
Sir R. C. Hoare Bt Edward Swire 0 - 8 - 4
Thos Couche Esq James Miller 9 - 4 - 8
Revd Wm Chafy James Miller 2 - 10 - 4
Revd John Messiter Rector - -
Revd Canon Colton James Loader 7 - 17 - 10
Mr Collins William Notley 1 - 1 - 4
Mr Noake Geo. Coombs 1 - 14 - 2
Mr Horsey Himself 1 - 0 - 10
Mr Horsey Himself 0 - 4 - 0
Mr Dowding Geo. Coombs 0 - 8 - 8
Mr Stoy Geo. Coombs 0 - 8 - 8
Late Toogoods Richard Bakstock 0 - 11 - 6
1788, 23rd January. John Messiter B.A. was installed rector of Purse Caundle on cession of William Horsey. Patron: Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart.
18th October. 'Court Baron, before Edward Ings, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
1789, 4th August, Tuesday. King George III and the Royal family visited Sherborne Castle and Park from noon until late. (See Parson Woodforde's Diary)
11th October. 'Court Baron, before Edward Ings, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
1790, 16th October. 'Court Baron before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for the ensuing year. Death of Martha Chafie, by whose death a life was lost upon Mr Chafie's Estate.'
1791, 8th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
This year's Universal Biritish Directory made no mention of any of Purse Caundle's inhabitants.
1792, 6th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presentment: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
1793 In the first week of January, at Sherborne, Sturminster [Newton], 'and a great number of other places' in the south-west, an effigy of Thomas Paine (author of The Rights of Man) was hung and burnt, as being considered undermining the King's Majesty and the Constitution. This unrest came with the onset of the French Revolution, when there was a fear of a French invasion, such that between 1794-1798 there were raised within counties companies of volunteer soldiers. It is not known whether there were any Purse Caundle disturbances or subsequent volunteers.
16th October, a 'Court Baron was held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward. The waggon house of the Farm held by Rev. W. Chafie under the Lord out of repair, and ordered to be repaired by the next Court. Similarly regarding the dwelling of Charles Collins.'
Similar to circumstances of a century before, there was a shortage of low denomination currency, such that many traders again had to issue their own halfpenny and farthing coin tokens. One place being Sherborne.
1794, 15th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward. The death of John Clark, a life named in a cottage held by Jane Clark under the Lord. Also the death of Samuel Sturgis, with a cottage and garden fallen into the Lord's hands. Also the death of Mary Jeffery, sister of Rev. Mr. Chafie, a life name in a farm held by him under the Lord. The Waggon house not yet repaired under penalty of forty shillings [approx. £176 at 2007 values].'
A real Halfpenny token of 1794, inscribed around the edge CURRENT EVERY WHERE. Marked on the reverse PRO BONO PUBLICO.
1795, 14th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward for ensuing year.'
Medal issued to celebrate the marriage in 1795 of the Prince of Wales (future George IV) to Princess Caroline.
1796, 12th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward. The waggon house on Tripps farm under same penalty as in 1794.'This year saw the beginning of five years of exceptional bad weather.
An interesting book to read giving some indication of living conditions at this time is The Diary of a Farmer's Wife 1796-1797. It is the day-to-day Diary (with its eccentric spelling) of the wife (Anne Hughes) of a well-to-do farmer in Hereforshire, which although not really local to Purse Caundle, does give the reader some insight into typical country life.
1797, 11th October. 'Court Baron held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward. Continued presentment of waggon house. Death of Thomas Dowding, a life named in a dwelling house and lands held under the Lord of the Manor.'
A real 'Cartwheel' penny of 1797, so-called because of its large size - 1 4/10th inches diameter.
1798 Early in the year there was heavy snow and rapid thaw. During the year a General Mobilisation was ordered, to prepare to repel any feared French invasion.10th October. There should have been a Court Baron, but 'A sufficient number of Tenantys not appearing no Presentment was made. [Signed] Geo. Messiter'.
'Land Tax Assessment for rthe Sherborne Hundred - Purse Caundle:
Proprietor Occupier Sum assessed
Sir R. C. Hoare Bt Geo. Coombs 5 - 11 - 4
Sir R. C. Hoare Bt Edward Swire 0 - 8 - 4
Thos Couche Esq James Miller 9 - 4 - 8
Revd Wm Chafy James Miller 2 - 10 - 4
Revd John Messiter Rector - -
Revd Canon Colton James Loader 7 - 17 - 10
Mr Collins William Notley 1 - 1 - 4
Mr Noake Geo. Coombs 1 - 14 - 2
Mr Horsey Himself 1 - 0 - 10
Mr Horsey Himself 0 - 4 - 0
Mr Dowding Geo. Coombs 0 - 8 - 8
Mr Stoy Geo. Coombs 0 - 8 - 8
Late Toogoods Richard Bakstock 0 - 11 - 6
Total: 33 - 12 - 0'
(DHC ref: QDE(L)47/15/20) [1d = 34p. 1s = £4. £1 = £81 at 2007 values]
1799 People living on heavy clay soils, such as that at Purse Caundle, could barely sow half their quantity of wheat because of torrential rains. Sheep rot was also prevalent.
9th October. 'Court Baron held before Edward Dyne, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs still to be Hayward. The continued Presentment of the Barn on Tripps Farm. The dwelling house of Tripps Farm and the barnns to be out of repair, and ordered that the same to be repaired under a penalty of £50 [approx. £3,382 at 2007 values]. House, barns, etc. belonging to the same farm situate in the Street of Purse Caundle out of repair, under penalty of £50. Dwelling house belongingto the Estate called Rue in possession of William Notley to be repaired by next Court.'
(DHC ref: QDE(L)47/15/20) [1d = 34p. 1s = £4. £1 = £81 at 2007 values]
1799 People living on heavy clay soils, such as that at Purse Caundle, could barely sow half their quantity of wheat because of torrential rains. Sheep rot was also prevalent.
9th October. 'Court Baron held before Edward Dyne, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs still to be Hayward. The continued Presentment of the Barn on Tripps Farm. The dwelling house of Tripps Farm and the barnns to be out of repair, and ordered that the same to be repaired under a penalty of £50 [approx. £3,382 at 2007 values]. House, barns, etc. belonging to the same farm situate in the Street of Purse Caundle out of repair, under penalty of £50. Dwelling house belongingto the Estate called Rue in possession of William Notley to be repaired by next Court.'
A real George III penny of 1799, back to a normal size of 1 2/10th inches diameter.
1800, 4th October. 'Court Baron, held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward.'
1801 First Census held. Purse Caundle contained 73 males, 75 females = 148 inhabitants in 26 inhabited dwellings. Very little information of use to genealogists was included.
7th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombsto be Hayward. Presented was the death of James Dowding, a life name in a tenement called Dowding's fallen into the hand of the Lord, and a heriot of forty shillings [approx. £110] paid.'
1802, 27th October. 'Court Baron, held before Thomas Ware, Deputy Steward. Presented: George Coombs to be Hayward. Presented: Barn belonging to the late James Toogood ruinous and out of repair; to be repaired under penalty of £5 [c.£356].
1803, 12th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: John Coombs [now] to be Hayward. [Continued] Presentment of James Toogood's Barns, etc.'
A local newspaper reported: 'Mr Coombs, of Purse Candel, a very honest respectable farmer, died 26th December, at the Castle Inn, Sherborne, of a paralytic stroke, which seized him the 24th.' Was this the George Coombs who had been the Hayward for a number of years, but had had to sign with an "X" mark?
In Michael J. Flame's PhD Thesis of 1997, he gives thr following Poor Law details relating to Purse Caundle:
'Adults permanently relieved outdoors - 13.
Children permanently relieved outdoors - 9.
Adults and children permannnnently relieved indoors - Nil.
Relieved occasionally - 7.
Total relieved - 29.
Total relieved as total of population - 19.6%.
Non-able-bodied relieved (above 60 years old) or disabled from labour by permanent illness or other infirmity - 3.
Able-bodied adults and children - 26.
Able-bodied as percentage of all paupers relieved - 89.7%.
Permanent indoor paupers as percentage of all paupers relieved - Nil.'
1804, 10th April, a Bastardy Order was issued for Thomas Burgess, labourer of Purse Caundle, and Jane Ricketts (nee Bazell) of Winterbourne Kingston. (DHC ref: PE/BCN/OV22)
10th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: John Coombs to be Hayward for the ensuing year.'
1805, 24th October. 'Court Baron, held before Richard Messiter, Steward. Presented: John Coombs to be Hayward. Presented: Death of John Day, with a cottage and garden falling into the Lord's hands.'
Early in this 19th century there were high prices because of poor harvests, and the Napoleonic Wars.
1806, 24th March. In the Salisbury and Winchester Journal was an advertisement whereby the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of Stalbridge were ready to receive proposals from any person for Farming their Poor for one year, and providing the several paupers with Provisions, Firing, washing and mending, at a stipulated sum per pauper; and allowing all advantages resulting from the labour and earnings of the paupers. 35-40 paupers could thus be accommodated.
22nd October. Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: Jonathan Cadie appointed Hayward for the ensuing year.
1807, May. General Election. Regarding Purse Caundle, according to the Poll Book it was to take part in electing two Knights of the Shire. Candidates were: W. M. Pitt Esq, E. B. Portman Esq, and H. Bankes Esq.
Situation - Nature of -
Freeholders Residence Freehold Name of Freehold Occupier's Name
John Horsey Milborne Port Caundle Purse Land Himself
Rev. John Messter Woolwich, Kent Caundle Purse Rectory Thomas Uphill
John Stoy Pointington Caundle Purse Land Mary Coombs
Horsey voted for Pitt and Portman; Messiter for Portman; Stoy for Pitt and Bankes.
23r5d october. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: Jonathan Cadie to be Hayward.'
A real George III halfpenny of 1807.
1808, 21st October. 'Court Baron, held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: Jonathan Cadie to be Hayward.'
1809, 20th October. 'Court Baron, held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: Jonathan Cadie to be Hayward.'
1810, 20th October. 'Court Baron, held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: Jonathan Cadie to be Hayward. Presented: The farm house at Rew held by Charles Collins for lives, and in occupation of William Notley was out of repair. Also house belonging to James Stoy, and to be repaired by next Court. Presented: Death of Elizabeth Chaffey, farm called Chaffey has fallen into the Lord's hands, with heriot of £3 [c.£163].
1811 Census: 69 males, 63 females = 132. Again very little information required.
18th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: Jonathan Cadie to be Hayward.'
1812, 16th October. 'Court Baron, held before Uriah Messiter, Deputy Steward. Presented: Jonathan Cadie to be Hayward. Presented that it is contrary to the Custom of this Manor to plepasture the Lanes with horses or cattle of any description, and we do order the Hayward to impound such cattle as he shall find feeding therein. Also the cottage of Mrs. Teaver is out of repair and to repair before Xmas next under pain of forty shillings [£96].'
As late as 1812 William Stevenson could write of Dorset that "in the vale of Blackmoor, th'cows are mostly of the Devonshire kind."
1813, 15th October. 'Purse Caundle Court Baron of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Baronet, Lord of the Manor, held before George Messiter [now] the Steward there. Homage: James Styles, William Harris, Thomas Savage, George Burgess. Jonathan Cadie sworn as Hayward for the ensuing year. Rue House held by Charles Collins and occupied by Samuel Lawrence as Undertenant to William Notley is out of repair, and that a certain outhouse adjoining thereto is also in Want of some Amendment and that the same be seveerally amended and repaired before Lady Day next under the Forfeiture of forty shillings. An Incroachment on the Waste and an Infringement by George Stacey on the Manorial Right by his having dug a pond converted to his own use on a parcel of Ground near Park Hill, and present that the same be thrown out before the next Court.
[Signed] James Styles, The "X" Mark of William Harris, The "X" Mark of Thomas Savage, The "X" Mark of George Burgess.
(W.Notley had Notice and promised to repair. G.M.)
N.B. G.Stacey paid 6d [approx. £1.20] acknowledgement and promised to throw out this Incroachment. G.M.' (WSRO ref: 383/336)
1814, 14th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Steward. Presented: William Coombs appointed Hayward. Death of James Stoy, one of two lives in a tenement under the Lord, a heriot of £1 [£53] paid.'
Between 1796-1814 were published the several volumes of the greatly expanded second edition of Hutchins, with Purse Caundle in the final volume. It was now mentioned that 'The parish is inclosed and chiefly in pasture; the remainder is partly arable, partly coppice.' It was also noted by inference that the new turnpike had been built as mention was made of 'The old causeway from Sherborne to Stalbridge passed a little North of the vill.' The church was now described in great detail (see APPENDIX B1), with the interesting point of 'the South and West sides of the church almost covered in ivy', which presumably was removed in later renovations/rebuilding. It was further noted that 'The Register begins 1731', seemingly from the new rector, the Rev. John Chafy, without any explanation of the whereabouts of any previous one(s). Synopses of the 1801 and 1811 Censuses were included. See also 1787 re. Account of the Overseers of the Poor.
1815 Following the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo on 18th June, there were widespread celebrations in towns and villages throughout Britain. The Rev. William Barnes, the Dorset dialect poet was to write a poem, Bishops Caundle, recording how the victory ws celebrated in one Dorset village - not many miles away from Purse Caundle.
'BISHOPS CAUNDLE
At Peace day, who but we should goo
To Caundle for an hour or two:
As gay a day as ever broke
Above the heads of Caundle volk.
Vor Peace, acome for all, did come
To them wii two new friends at hwome.
Zoo while we kept, wi nimble peace
The wold dun towir avore our feace
The air at last, begun to come
Wii drubbens of a beaten drum;
Ani then we heard the horns loud drouts
Play of a tuenis upper notes;
An I then agean a risen chearm
Vrom tongues of people in a zwarm;
Ani zoo at last, we stood among
The merry feaces oi the throng.'
In this long poem there is also a description of the feast and dancing on the village green, to the accompaniament of musicians platformed on a gaily painted farm waggon. It continues:
'In Caundle, vor a day at least,
You woudden vind a scowlen feace,
Or dumpy heart in all the pleace.'
24th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Steward. Presented: William Coombs appointed Hayward. The dwelling house and buildings of the tenement held by Charles Collins very much out of repair and delapitated, and to be repaired forthwith.'
1816 There was to be bad weather and resultant poor crops.
22nd October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Steward. Presented: William Coombs appointed Hayward.'
1817, 28th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Steward. Presented: Richard White appointed Hayward for the ensuing year. Death of Jonathan Senior where a life is dropped in a leasehold tenement held by him of the Lord.'
1818, 30th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Steward. Presented: John Ridout appointed Hayward.'
Amongst the findings this year of the Select Committee on nthe Education of the Poor, for the County of Dorset, regarding Caundle Purse:
John Peddle, curate, had signed the Return. In the 1811 Census the population of the parish was 132, of which 15 were Poor in 1815. There were no endowments for the Education of Youth. there was an unendowed Sunday school containing 28 children. Observations: The poorer classes are desirous of having the means of education.
1819 The weekly Salisbury and Winchester Journal newspaper for Monday, 8th March, carried the following advertisement:
'OAK and TIMBER, Purse Caundle, Somerset
TO be SOLD by AUCTION, by H.TAYLOR, on Thursday the 11th day of March, 1819, at PURSE CAUNDLE MANOR HOUSE, at 1 o'clock precisely, subject to such conditions as will be there produced - 248 MAIDEN OAKS, 3 MAIDEN ELMS, 1 POPLAR, and 68 POLLARD TREES, with their Tops, Lops, and Bark, numerically marked with paint, and standing in Purse Caundle FARM - particulars describing the Lot are in circulation, and may be had at the King's Head, Milborne Port; Virginia Inn, Henstridge; at Purse Caundle House; or of H.Taylor, timber-surveyor, auctioneers, Stalbridge, Dorset, of whom further particulars may be known.'
2nd November. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Steward. Presented: John Ridout appointed Hayward. The death of Jonathan Senior by which a second life is lost in tenement lately held by him.'
1820, 29th January, the accession of George IV as king, until 1830. 31st October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Steward. Presented: John Ridout appointed Hayward. Presented was the quantity of earth dug on the Lord's waste by the Turnpike Road side leading from Milborne Port by Samuel Dungey and others, and that the said Samuel Dungey hath appeared now in Court and paid compensation to the Steward for the same.'
1821, 30th October. 'Court Baron, held before George Messiter, Steward. Presented: John Ridout appointed Hayward. Death of Charles Collins by which tenement held by him was fallen into the hands of the Lord, and a heriot of £3 [£209] paid into Court.'
1822, 18th March. Edward Huddlestone Esq., late of Kingsclere, Hampshire, but now of Purse Caundle (manor house), as one of those making a declaration as to the purchase of certain lands in Hampshire. (HCRO ref: 29M62/7)
The earliest surviving Purse Caundle Churchwardens' Accounts date from this year, being mainly concerned at this time with still making payment of bounties to parishioners for the heads of adders and sparrows under the Tudor Vermin Acts. A bounty of 1 1/2d was paid for each adder (of which some 38 were killed during the year), which were thought to be responsible for biting sheep on the muzzle, with resultant swelling and suffocation. 3d was paid for a dozen sparrows, of which some 40 dozen were killed during the year. See APPENDIX C2.
1826 Robert Hamlin of Purse Caundle, labourer, aged 23, was convicted of involvement in smuggling, and fined £10 [£696], and given 5 months imprisonment in Dorchester Prison. (Registers of Dorchester Gaol, 1782-1853)
Much of the content of this and the following five years is taken from the Hunting Journal of the Blackmoor Vale Hounds 1826-1831. The preamble noted:
'In perusing the hunting Journal of the Blackmoor Vale Fox Hounds, it must not be forgotten,-First, that a very considerable part of the Country which their Proprietor established in the Sprin of 1826, HAD NOT BEEN HUNTED AT ALL FOR NEARLY THIRTY YEARS;-that the Foxes had been systematically destroyed [under the Vermin Acts?], and even that their Haunts and Earths were known to FEW, if to any person, except those who dealt in their destruction.-Secondly, that this small extent of Country had never been hunted before by any Gentleman as an ENTIRE COUNTRY.-Thirdly, that at its extreme north-eastern Wiltshire extremity the Covers are of enormous extent, and so full of Earths as to baffle the vigilance of the most careful and active stopper.-Fourthly, that a large portion of the Country lying between Yeovil and Compton Castle, is nearly destitute of Cover of any description capable of holding a Fox during the WINTER MONTHS, consisting almost entirely of sandy arable land, intersected by roads, and notorious as bad-scenting ground.-And lastly, that a system of annoyance bordering on persecution, IN THE COUNTY OF DORSET, was not wanting to superadd difficulties to the whole of no ordinary kind, such indeed as must be continually kept in view by the Courteous Reader of the following pages.'
Although the Hunt met several times a week during a Season, only those meets which have a Purse Caundle or immediate area content are included in this History.
'September 22nd: In this the sixth meeting of its first Season the Blackmoor Vale Hunt met at Stalbridge Park:-found a litter in the Park Wood, and killed one after a very little running. Stopped the Hounds and went to Caundle Brake, (a fine Gorse Cover belonging to that generous and distinguished sportsman, Edward Huddlestone, Esquire.) where we got upon the walk of an old Fox evidently disturbed by having heard the Hounds in the Park; hunting him across Toomer Farm to Inwood; in which Cover the Hounds got up to him, and after a short but sharp run, left him among the houses in Henstridge Bowden.'
October 3rd, Tuesday, the Blackmoor Vale Hunt was in the general area of Purse Caundle, including Caundle Wood.
October 13th, Friday, the Blackmoor Vale Hunt 'met at Plumley Wood, where we found a fine litter of Foxes, and ran two hours; changing continually in the thickest Cover, and under a scorching sun. The Hounds being much distressed, we stopped and went home.'
24th October. A Court Baron was held.
Friday, 3rd November, the Blackmoor Vale Hunt met at Plumley Wood, 'finding a brace and half of Foxes, but in a very boisterous and windy day, with heavy rain blowing up from the south-west. Hunted our Fox to the Caundle Holts, and thence by Batcombe Wood across to Stalbridge and Weston Vale to Stalbridge Park Wood, where we changed to the litter there and stopped the Hounds.'
Friday, 29th December, the Blackmoor Vale Hunt 'Met at Plumley Wood, near\Stourton Caundle, and found immediately:- going away through the Caundle Holt Covers by Ashcombe Wood to Haydon, and along the Vale to Purse Caundle, by Frith Wood to Stalbridge Park, where he went to drain and got in. The Hounds going away to an halloo with another Fox, over the Park Wall to Inwood, and through that Cover by Henstridge Bowden, to Caundle Brake, and along Milborne Moor to Hanover Wood, where the Hounds, when close to his brush, were hallooed on to a Terrier! Went back to Stalbridge Park, -bolted the first Fox, and killed him for the Hounds' sake.'
1827, Friday, 5th January. Blackmoor Vale Hunt: 'We unluckily chopped this day a fine dog Fox in Caundle Brake, a single Hound meeting him in a rack way, the Fox having got well upon his legs. A second Fox stole away, the Hounds not getting upon him for nearly thirty minutes after he had left his kennel. Bad and stormy as the weather was, the Hounds hunted him at a walking pace, for Frith Wood and thence to Plumley Wood, and over the Earths there to the Caundle Holt Covers and Caundle Wood where they got up to him, when a tremendous shower of hail brought Hounds and Horses to a stand-still; but they persevered, and eventually ended up in Sherborne Park.'
Friday, 19th January, the Blackmoor Vale Hunt 'Met at Caundle Brake, and drew Frith Wood, where we found a brace immediately; sixteen and a half couple running THEIR Fox to Earth in view, in Sherborne Park, after a sharp burst of forty minutes . . .'
Friday, 2nd February. 'The Blackmoor Vale Hunt met at Plumley Wood. It being a very raw cold morning, with the wind south-east, and the Hounds late in consequence of the frost, we soon discovered by old WILDBOY that our Fox was gone! And that we had the heel of him. Catching the Hounds up as quick as we could, we hit him into the Caundle Holt Covers, and hunted him to Bull Close Furze', and onward to Bishops Caundle, Glanvilles Wootton, and beyond. Further frosty weather followed.
Saturday, 3rd March, the Hunt 'met at Inwood, and finding immediately, and after one hour and twenty minutes good hunting by Toomer to Caundle Brake, and by Milborne Moor to Goathill and North Wootton, we got up to our Fox and ran him in view of the leading Hounds to the Earths in Sherborne Park.'
Friday, 9th March, the Blackmoor Vale Hunt started at Stock House, chasing their Fox through Bishops Caundle to Caundle Woods. 'He then turned his head towards Plumley Wood, but was headed back for Caundle Wood again by Ashcombe to Marsh Common and thence to Haydon, leaving Sherborne Park to the left and up to the Earthsd at Hanover Wood; going through that Cover to Milborne Moor, where the Hounds began to run for him, hurrying him along the Vale to Purse Caundle, and over the enclosures to the top of Plumley Wood, where they ran into him and killed after a good hunting run of three hours and half.'
Tuesday, 9th October, the Hunt 'Met at Plumley Wood, and found a brace of Foxes immediately, in a very heavy rain, running forty minutes in Cover with a very middling scent - but losing him when we got upon the fallows near Hanover Wood. Went to the Caundle Holt Woods and found four Foxes running and changing till half past two - when the Hounds were ordered to be stopped:- and by A VERY WIDE and persevering cast, a single scent was hit off.' when they continued until 5 p.m., killing near Marsh Common after running 'six hours in an incessant and heavy rain!'
Friday, 26th October, '. . . the Blackmoor Vale Hounds met at Inwood, finding immediately, and going away by Caundle Brake at a severe and pressing rate to Stalbridge Weston . . .' and Thornhill.
Friday, 2nd November, 'The Blackmoor Vale Hounds met this day at Stock House' and during the course of the day's hunting went via Caundle Wood and beyond 'to Bishops's Caundle and to the Caundle Holts, where they were stopped at four P.M., with three fresh Foxes before them!
Friday, 16th November, the Blackmoor Vale Hunt again chased from Thornhill 'to Bishop's Caundle Wood, and into the Caundle Holts, where they again had three or four fresh Foxes on foot, and by continued changing, did nothing.'
Friday, 30th November, 'The Blackmoor Vale Hounds met this day at Plumley Wood, and found at the Caundle Holts, running their Fox to Caundle Wood', when he was eventually killed 'under Sherborne Park Wall.'
Friday, 21st December, the Hunt 'Found at Caundle Brake;-going away at his brush for Purse Caundle, and Plumley Wood, breaking Cover in the same field with him; going across the Vale to Hanover Wood' and thence to Sherborne Park for the kill.
1828, Friday, 18th January, the Hunt 'Found at Inwood;-getting away immediately, close to our Fox by Caundle Brake, and along the Milborne Moor at a racing pace for Lord Digby's Park . . .'
Friday, 1st February, the Hunt 'met this day at the Caundle Holt Covers;-finding at Plumley Wood, and where, after one hour and five minutes, principally in Cover, the Hounds got up to their Fox, and killed. Found a second in the Caundle Holts, and after a very sharp burst of fifty minutes, killed a Fox in New Lease Coppice.'
Friday, 15th February, the Hunt 'Found at Caundle Brake;-going away to Plumley Wood, and the Holts, where nthe Hounds changed;' and thence to Glanvilles Wootton.
Tuesday, 4th March, the Hunt 'Met at Plumley Wood, and found immediately in the Caundle Holts-and after three hours and twenty-five minutes very good hunting in a very bad-scenting day, working our Fox through Plumley Wood, Frith Wood, Caundle Brake, Hanover Wood, and Haydon Coppice, by Ashcombe Wood, to Caundle Wood, the Hounds got up to him, forcing him at a rattling pace across the enclosures to Stourton Caundle, and away for New Lease Coppice, killing him handsomely in Plumley Wood.'
Friday, 28th March, 'TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIVE HORSEMEN met the Blackmoor Vale Hounds this day, at Stock House;-finding immediately, and after a brilliant burst of forty minutes, killing our Fox in very superior style in the open, before he could reach the Caundle Holt Covers. Found a vixen Fox at Hanover, ran her about one hour, when the Hounds were stopped late in the day, and taken home.'
Friday, 10th October, the Hune 'Found three or four old Foxes at Plumley Wood, and after two hours and a quarter, we ran into an old dog Fox and killed.'
Friday, 31st October, 'Rather more than one hundred horse met [the Hunt] at Stock House. The Hounds found a fine litter of Foxes in the Covers there, and after running in Cover one hour very sharp, close to the brush of a Cub (which we whipped off from), we got away twenty minutes behind an old Fox, which we ran to Lord Digby's Park Wall, where we stopped the Hounds, the Earths being open; we then walked the Hounds on to Caundle Brake, and found a leash of Foxes presently, and after a pretty hunting run without any scent, we stopped the Hounds at four P.M. just above Ashcombe Wood, with three Foxes on feet.'
Tuesday, 18th November, the Hunt 'found a Fox at Temple Coombe Wood at two o'clock, ran him at a killing pace to Caundle Brake, where we CHANGED; and after running the fresh Fox to Frith Wood, and to Henstridge . . .'
Friday 21st November, the Hunt 'Met at Plumley Wood, where a very large Field were present. Drew the Caundle Holt Covers and found five Foxes immediately; getting away with a dog Fox to Caundle Holt, to Woodrow. . .'
Friday, 19th December, 'A very large Field met [the Hunt] at Caundle Brake;-found a brace of Foxes going away in about thirty minutes, to Frith Wood, where we crossed a stale scent, and hunted him slowly to the Caundle Holts, and lost. Went back and found a brace and a half of Foxes in Stalbridge Park; . . . VERY HEAVY RAIN.'
Tuesday, 30th December, 'A large Field met [the Hunt] at Inwood, where the Hounds unluckily chopped a Fox in his Kennel.. Finding a second immediately, and after a good hunting run of two hours and thirty-five minutes, killing in Caundle Brake.'
1829, Friday, 9th January, the Hunt 'Met at Plumley Wood;-found a brace of Foxes in the Caundle Holt Covers, and after a very severe burst of twenty minutes ran into a very large and old dog Fox, killing in the enclosures near Marsh Common. Found again a brace and half of Foxes in Plumley Wood; going away with one to Frith Wood, and to Stalbridge Park, and on to Stalbridge Weston, and thence through Plumley to the Holts, and on to Caundle Wood, where we got upon another Fox, which we ran to Marsh Common, and thence at a killing pace to the Holts, and to fallow close to Plumley, where we had a check, and stopped the Hounds, when nearly dark, TEN MINUTES BEFORE FIVE, after a very good run of two hours and forty minutes.'
Friday, 6th February, the Hunt 'Met at Stalbridge Park;-found a brace and half of Foxes at Inwood, and after a superior run of one hour and forty minutes, by Temple Coomb Wood, Henstridge Bowden, Caundle Brake, Plumley Wood, and Hadspen, we got up to him in Goathill, adjoining Lord Digby's Park, and when the Hounds were killing him, he went to an Earth that had been left open at Mews Hill, and saved himself, when a few yards only before the Pack.'
Friday, 27th February, the Hunt 'Met at Cherton Wood;-finding immediately, and going away close at his brush for Temple Coombe Wood, and thence to Inwood, where he waited a little, and then made his way to Caundle Brake, and to Frith Wood, under Stalbridge Park, where the Hounds ran into and killed after a severe run of one hour and forty minutes.'
Friday, 6th March, 'A very large Field met [the Hunt] at Stock House', and during the day chased 'away through the Caundle Holts to Caundle Wood, and thence by Marsh Coppice to the enclosures and orchards under Bishop's Caundle. . .'
Friday, 13th March, the Hunt 'Drew Thornhill Coppice, Stalbridge Park, and Inwood, blank. When on our way to the Coombe Woods, we were hallooed to a fox-scent half an hour old, hunted him, however, fifty-five minutes by Toomer, Frith Wood, and through Plumley Wood, pointing for the earths at Sherborne Park, but the Fox being a long while a head of us, and the snow which had fallen in the morning, being still in patches on the surface of the ground, we came to a stand-still, and took the Hounds home.'
Tuesday, 29th September, 'A large Field met [the Hunt] this day at Inwood, where we found a litter, and in twenty minutes very quick work, the Hounds killed a very finefull-grown dog Fox. We then found an old Fox in the Caundle Brake, which after going to Frith Wood, was headed back by the Brake, and by Henstridge Bowden to Inwood, and thence to Temple Coombe Wood, but the heat being excessive, and the horses much jaded, we stopped the Pack, and took them home, after three hours hot work.'
Tuesday, 6th October. The Hunt 'Met at Thornhill Obelisk: drawing Thornhill Coppice, adjoining the Park, and after forty-five minutes very pretty running by Caundle Brake and Toomer Farm, we killed him in Toomer Coppice, near Inwood.'
Friday, 14th November, with the Hunt '. . . A brace of Foxes being hallooed away from Inwood, we laid on immediately to one of them, going away to Caundle Brake, Plumley Wood and Hanover, and thence to North Wootton. . .'
1830, Friday, 19th February. 'A very large Field met [the Hunt] at Henstridge Ash Inn, wind north-west, and a very heavy snow-storm falling for several hours. Found immediately in Inwood;-going away with an execrable scent to Stalbridge Park, and by Stalbridge Weston to Plumley Wood, and across the vale to Purse Caundle, and by Dole's Coppice to Stalbridge Park, and again to Inwood, where the Hounds got upon rather better terms, running him a little quicker up-wind to Temple Coomb Wood, where the Hounds certainly changed, coming back with a staler scent to Caundle Brake, the Fox being hallooed half an hour before us, hitting him into Frith Wood, and on towards Plumley, where we were beat out of scent, after a run of three hours and three quarters, over a very extensive tract of Country.'
Thursday, 25th February. 'A good Field and a select one met [the Hunt] at Stalbridge Park;-after drawing Thornhill Coppice, etc., the Hounds were taken to Caundle Brake, and unkenneled a brace of Foxes immediately, (five couple and half going away with one to the Stalbridge Park Wall, where they were met with a tired Fox which Mr. Farquharson's Hounds had brought from Butterwick, running him in view back towards Plumley Wood, joining with Mr. Farquharson's Hounds and killing in Frith Wood) the body of the Blackmoor Vale Hounds going away at the top of their speed towards Inwood', and beyond.
Friday, 26th March. 'Upward of a hundred horse met the Blackmoor Vale Hounds this day at Stock House; the morning apparently most inauspicious with a very bright sun, a blue and cloudless sky, and the thermometer at nearly 80, due south, at ten o'clock; the wind, however was west!' During the day the Hunt chased a fox 'for the Caundle Holts, from whence he was headed by a shepherd and his dog, turning towards the Sherborne Road, and over it to the Holwell Grounds. . .'
26th June, the accession of William IV as king, until 1837.
Friday, 15th October, the Hunt 'Met at Stalbridge Park, which we drew blank;- finding, however a brace of Foxes in Caundle Brake, running from thence to Frith Wood and back for two hours, the hill being lined with carriages and groups of horsemen, and the Foxes headed in all directions; getting away at last', and finally 'killing him in the open, near Charlton Horethorne, in two hours and fifty minutes hot and hard work.'
Friday, 29th October, the Hunt 'Met at Inwood;-finding a very old and gallant dog Fox immediately, after three ineffectual attempts (being headed by a large and anxious Field) getting away on very good terms to Toomer farm, and under Frith Wood, which they skirted, the Hounds pressed him at the top of their speed through Purse Caundle to Hanover Wood, and away to Plumley Wood and New Lease Coppice', and onwards to Hazelbury.'
Farm labourers wanted higher wages; and their tenant employers wanted lower rents from the landlords to enable them to pay any higher wages.
Purse Caundle seems not to have been directly involved with the November/December 'machine-breakers' riots (or 'Swing' riots, being the name of the leading instigator), which were going-on elsewhere in the neighbourhood. Because of the disturbances around the county, on Monday, 29th November, at Stalbridge and many other parishes several special constables were sworn-in by Justices. On Wednesday morning, 1st December at Henstridge, two Justices came to swear in several special constables. But that did not stop a mob later that day burning a threshing machine near the Ash Inn at Henstridge, and one at Toomer Farm. Within a few hours a force of some hundreds of special constables and other horsemen arrived on the scene, when some of the suspected trouble-makers were captured.
Next day a mob of 40-50 strangers (some at least apparently from nearby Henstridge) entered Stalbridge, where they seem to have been joined by villagers, but seemingly one of the constables was able to quell them and arrest a couple of the men. Early next morning, the 2nd December, a fire at Stalbridge was to be mentioned in a subsequent letter, but little damage was said to have been done. Another letter was to say that regarding the events at Stalbridge, the magistrate who sent for the Troops to go there from Blandford remained with them throughout the night.
In the other geographical direction, there was to be some trouble in the Sherborne area, and consequent mobilisation of forces of law and order.
All told though, 'there was no serious rioting in Dorset due to the vigorous and active steps taken by magistrates, constables, etc.' Before and after the riots recommendations and proposals had been made by magistrates to major landowners that - to deter active unrest - agricultural workers' wages be increased, and possibly rent reductions. A fuller story may be found in Jill Chambers book - see BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Friday, 31st December. As far as the upper classes were concerned, life seemed to carry on as usual, for the Hunt which 'Met at Stalbridge Park;- walking the Hounds on to Frith Wood, where we found immediately, after two rings in Cover, going away close to his brush for Toomer, and over the enclosures into the village of Henstridge, where the Fox was headed, coming back at a pressing pace to Caundle Brake, and on to Purse Caundle and Hanover Wood, and along Milborne Moor to Goathill, and through Lord Digby's Park to Haydon, and under Ashcombe Wood, to the Caundle Holts, where the Hounds got up to him and killed after a very good run of two hours and thirty-five minutes.'
1831, Friday, 18th February, the Hunt 'Met at Stalbridge Park;-finding in Frith Wood, and going away, all but in view, to Caundle Brake, and over Toomer Farm', killing near Henstridge. Later the Hounds 'Found a second in Caundle Brake;-running him to Frith Wood, and across the enclosures towards Stalbridge Weston to Plumley Wood, and through it for the Caundle Holts, where we changed to a brace of fresh Foxes after a severe run of two hours, and went home late in the evening.'
Wednesday, 9th March. 'The Blackmoor Vale Hounds met this day at Stock House, where a large and select Field were assembled.' During the day the Hunt passed through 'Bishop's Caundle, and within a few fields of Caundle Wood, where the Fox was again headed, the Hounds running him to Sourton Caundle and killing him in one hour and twenty minutes. . .'
Tuesday, 22nd March. 'The Hunt met at Charlton Hawthorne, and were walked on to the celebrated Gorse Cover of Caundle Brake, where they found their Fox immediately, going away close to his brush through Frith Wood to Plumley Wood, and on to Ashcombe Wood, Haydon, and Goathill, making their way through Sherborne Park', finally ending at West Chelborough 'after a run of three hours and forty five minutes, over twenty-five miles of ground and upwards, through fourteen parishes.' The Hunt's hounds were to kill 25 brace of foxes during this Season.
The New Sporting Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1, May 1831, page 54, reported: 'Mr Portman, M.P. for Dorsetshire, took possession of the Blackmore Hunt at the close of the season, and is setting about the thing with that earnestness which is sure to be crowned with success. If there is a sufficient stock of foxes left in his vale country we have no doubt that he will show sport, as it is an excellent scenting country.' See 1845 for further on local Hunting.
'ELECTION POLL BOOK FOR DORSET
Candidates were: E. B. Portman, H. Bankes, and Rt. Hon. J. Calcraft.
There was seemingly only the one eligible voter of Purse Caundle:
Richard Messiter, Clerk. Tithes Freeholder. Residence: Stourton Caundle. Voted for Bankes.'
On 19th October there was widespread national rioting and disturbance over the Reform Bill, including at Sherborne. A mob attacked Sherborne Castle and 'broke every pane of glass which they could get at, and tried to force the great gates.' Whether there was any demonstration t Purse Caundle is not known. The Bill was finally passed in June 1832. The right to vote was extended for example to well-to-do farmers, but it was still not secret, and voters were still liable to bribery and intimidation.
During the year was publisged a Topographical Dictionary of England, containing a reasonable entry for Purse Caundle.
As well as a 'Glove Manufactory' at Milborne Port, there was now one at Stalbridge. Women at these could earn nine shillings per week. (See 1841 Census in CHAPTER 8)
1833 On 22nd October there was a Purse Caundle Court Baron.
1834 Whilst the upper and gentry classes were continuing to enjoy themselves with huntingnaround the countryside, the same could not be said for the ordinary cottager working on the land. During the 1830s times continued to be hard for agricultural labourers, especially in Dorset where wages were falling each year. In 1830 a labourer's wage was nine shillings per week, but by 1834 six shillings was being threatened. It was this that caused the eventual scandal and transportation of the Tolpuddle Martyrs in the first quarter of the year. It is not known what wages and conditions were in Purse Caundle, but there must have been some apprehension by both employing farmers and their farm staff, especially with the memory of the 1830 agricultural disturbances still fresh in their memories. Luckily extra income would be fortrhcoming from home-working in the glove trade by women (and their childen). A source of small amounts of money - as well perhaps of something for the pot - could have been derived from birds and animals killed under the old Vermin Acts.
1835 In the Dorset History Centre (ref: D/FFO/25/122) is a handwritten note:
'Mr Ayre/Statement/respecting a Pew/in Purse Caundle/Church= taken July 28, 1835/from Mr I. Young/in ye office/[---(Signed)]
'Purse Caundle Church
Mr J. Ayre therefore [presents ---]/the Pew [in] the Church - and he/had it in his psn abt [27 years] -/leave was given by Sir Rd Steward/[to him] - so it went on till/Hopton came. Mr Young bought/the Estate and took [possession] of the Pew/and used it [exclusively] for abt 3 years/Then Hopton came and made a/[demand] of the Pew and put a lock/on and has therein sat, but Young/has occasionally gone in and sat/with him. Mr Hopton has -/some times gone out and left [him] there.
Mr Hopton has so had it/abt 3 Years -/Sir Rd Hoar is Rector of the Parish.'
(Sir Richard Colt Hoare, 2nd Baronet, Lord of the Manor, was to die in 1838)
It is not known when pews weere introduced into Purse Caundle church. Once installed they were always going to be a bone of contention. Firstly, were they freely usable by any parishioner, orz were they for sale? Whichever case was adopted, there was still the matter of status. Lords of the Manor, if resident, with their families would always have the most prominent position, and quite often furnished their pews as befitted their station with such luxuries as cushions, curtains, and fireplace. Next in importance would be the owner of the manor house, if not the Lord of the Manor. Their respective staffs also had prominent pews. According to their status, parishioners would then naturall gravitate to their appropriate hierarchial positions towards the back of the church where the humblest sat. At Purse Caundle it would seem that the pews were somewhat higher than at present. In this particular instance of dispute it would seem that although pews were specifically not for sale or rent, they could be allocated by grace and favour. (See later in 1905 as regards a stipulated freedom of their use by any parishioner.) This whole aspect of pews has been studied by K. Dillon in his unpublished Ph.D. thesis, The social and ecclesistical significance of church seating; and Spencer Thomas in his article 'Pews: their setting, symbolism and significance', published in The Local Historian, November 2009.
1837, 20th June, death of King William IV, and accession of young Victoria as queen.
