Press Cuttings for Warborough & Shillingford Through the Ages
Oxford Journal 8th May 1756
The Late Reverend Mr. Henry Luffe.
At the Parsonage-House, Warborough, between Benson and Dorchester in Oxfordshire.
Catalogues to be had the third of May at the Crown Inn in Reading, at the Inns in Benson and Shillingford, the Bear Inn in Oxford, the Lamb Inn at Abingdon, the George Inn at Wallingford, the Place of Sale, and George Plummer’s, Auctioneer in Reading.
To be viewed three Days before the Sale, Sunday excepted. The Sale to begin each day at Eleven o’Clock.
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Oxford Journal 25th August 1770
Whereas by an Act of Parliament passed in the Tenth Year of his present Majesty’s Reign for amending the Road from the County of Buckingham, through Thame and Little Milton to the Turnpike Road between Bensington and Shillingford in the County of Oxford, the Trustees for putting the said Act in Execution are directed to meet yearly and every Year during the Continuance thereof at some Publick House in the Parish of Warborough in the said County of Oxford, on the first Friday of the Month of September. The said Trustees hereby give Notice, that they intend to meet at the Sign of the George* in Shillingford aforesaid, in the Parish of Warborough aforesaid, on Friday the 7th Day of September, by Ten o’Clock to proceed in the Execution of the said Act. By Order of the Trustees, GILES PRICKETT.
* The George was what is now a private house at the junction of Warborough Road and the A4074 opposite The Kingfisher which itself was previously called The New Inn.
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Oxford Journal 9th March 1793
TO be LET, and Entered upon on Lady Day next, — A small, neat DWELLING HOUSE, consisting of a Hall, Parlour, Kitchen, Cellar, two Pantries, &c. on the Ground Floor, and four good Bed Rooms over them, a neat Garden well stocked with Wall-Fruit Trees, &c. — The Premises are pleasantly situated near the Church, at Warborough, in the County of Oxford, near the Turnpike Road, about a Quarter of a Mile from Shillingford, one from Dorchester, one from Benson, and two from Wallingford. The Premises may be Viewed by applying to Mr. Rogers, at the Bell Inn,* Shillingford; and for further Particulars apply to Mr. Hart, Auctioneer, in the High Street, Oxford.
*The Bell Inn was adjacent to Shillingford roundabout.
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Jackson’s Oxford Journal 18th August 1804
Notice is Hereby Given, that Application is intended to be made to Parliarment in the next Session for an Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of two Acts passed in the 4th and 24th years of the Reign of his present Majesty, “For Repairing and Widening the Road from Shillingford, in the County of Oxford, through Wallingford and Pangbourn, to Reading, in the County of Berks, and for building a Bridge over the River Thames at or near Shillingford Ferry.” – Wallingford, August 11th 1804. John Hedges. Clerk.
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Oxford Journal 13th April 1805
SHILLINGFORD, OXON
R.B.EBSWORTH, Surgeon and Manmidwife, having had ample Experience in the Treatment of Jaundice and Dropsy, to the study of which he has devoted a great Part of his Time, and particularly for the Purpose of curing the latter Disease without the Necessity of the Operations usually resorted to in Dropsical Cases, and which but too frequently prove abortive in the End.
Persons labouring under the above Complaints may have an Opportunity of consulting him every Morning, between the Hours of Eight and Ten, at his House at Shillingford, aforesaid.
N.B. All Critical Operations in Surgery performed for the Poor, gratis, if they can be done conveniently at his House, at the above Hours on Sunday Mornings
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Jackson’s Oxford Journal 15th July 1815
On Monday last James Banister was executed in front of out county gaol, pursuant to his sentence at the last Assizes, for the wilful murder of his wife at Shillingford on the 19th June last. The prisoner, since his condemnation, had conducted himself in a manner becoming his situation and acknowledged the justice of his sentence. The unhappy man was turned off about eight o’clock in the morning, and after hanging the usual time, the body was cut down and delivered at the Anatomy School at Christ Church for dissection. He had been in good business as a butcher at Shillingford, and has left two children to lament the melancholy death of their parents.
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Oxford Journal 28th November 1828
Horrible Ghost.- For some days past we have heard much talk of the Nuneham Courtenay spectre, which makes it’s appearance in the neighbourhood of that village, on the London road, at midnight, and has been seen several times by the drivers, guards, and passengers of the Gloucester mail and other coaches. It is represented as passing before the horses across the road at a very solemn ghost-like pace. Some say it is a very large black monster of a man; others describe it as a quadruped – as a large donkey or a small elephant; but all agree in stating that it either vanishes into “empty air” or sinks into the earth. It is seen only at a particular spot, and many persons have taken a ride from this city, in order to have a peep at it; therefore we hope next week to be favoured with a full, true, and particular account of this awful spectre.
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Oxford University and City Herald 31st January 1829
The Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors
THE Matters of the Petitions and Schedules of the Prisoners hereinafter named (the same having been filed in the Court) are appointed to be heard as follows: –
At the Court House, at Oxford, in the County of Oxford on the 26th day of February 1829 at Ten o’clock in the Morning.
JOHN SMITH, formerly of the Parish of Saint Thomas, in the city of Oxford ; and late of Shillingford, in the parish of Warborough, in the county of Oxford, Renter of Turnpike Tolls.
JOHN ATKEY, formerly of Southampton, in the county of Hants; and late of Shillingford, in the parish of Warborough, in the county of Oxford, Excise Officer.
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Berkshire Chronicle 1st May 1830
AGRICULTURISTS are invited to inform themselves of the utility of the
CAT’S-CLAW DRAG HARROW
Invented by WILLIAM SAUNDERS, of Shillingford, Oxfordshire. It has been proved an expeditious extractor of couch grass, a pulverizer also, very useful in letting in seed corn; and, being on high wheels, there is no trouble in taking it to the field, or at land’s-end in turning, for, by a simple contrivance, the teeth are suspended when so wanted. They are made by WILLIAM COLES, wheelwright, at Warborough, in Oxfordshire, under the inspection of the inventor.
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Reading Mercury 25th October 1830
John Bedford was charged with having, on the 15th July, stolen and taken away 4 sow pigs, and a harrow pig, the property of Wm. Waters, of Warborough, in the county of Oxford. It appeared that the pigs were missed from the prosecutor’s premises about six o’clock on the morning of the 15th July, when three men were sent to look after them; they heard the prisoner was seen driving them along the road; they traced him to Mr. White’s, at Chievely, where he had sold two; after that he sold one at the Crown, Newbury-road, and one was found at the prisoner’s house, North Moreton. The prisoner put in a written defence, stating that he bought the pigs of a man of the road, who said he brought them from Nettlebed. – Guilty: seven years’ transportation.
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Oxford Journal 25th January 1831
THE MAID AND MAGPIE – On the morning of Friday, the 7th instant, the following circumstances took place at Warborough, near Shillingford, in this county, which may serve to show the depredatory disposition of a raven. A farmer in the village having several of his sheep and lambs destroyed by the rot (so prevalent among the sheep at the present time) employed one of his sons, a lad about 14 years of age, to skin the dead ones (wisely thinking that although the mutton was spoiled, the wool was as good as ever), who whilst thus employed observed a large raven hovering over his head, eying the carcass of a skinned lamb that lay on the ground, which it was prevented from pouncing on by the presence of the boy. On looking attentively he observed that his visitor had something in his beak which it appeared unwilling to drop. The curiosity of the boy was now excited to know what it was so careful of; and observed it several times to stoop, he retired a short distance to watch its motions. The bird immediately pounced upon the carrion, when the boy seeing it on the ground, struck the raven on the side of the head with a well-aimed blow of his hat, and it dropped its prize, which proved to be a large silver spoon, marked with initials “F.F.” which was probably purloined by the sable thief from some gentleman’s pantry, to the great dismay of the kitchen-maid. The above is a positive fact.
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Oxford Chronicle 18th November 1843
INQUESTS — On the 11th instant, at Shillingford, on view of the body of William Richardson, aged 62, who, on his return home the day before, after delivering a load of wheat, fell down as he was driving the team, in the turnpike road, between Shillingford and Bensington, and died instantly. Verdict – Died by the visitation of God.
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Oxford Journal 28th September 1847
REV. H. LUFFE, late Incumbent (from 1735 to 1756) of Warborough, near Benson, in the county which has no rural police yet, — A Monument in memory of the above named Clergyman, having been mutilated by some drunken rioters, the present Minister is anxious to communicate with any kinsmen of his now living, and feeling themselves interested in the matter.
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Oxford Chronicle 25th December 1847
INCENDIARY FIRE — On Thursday night, the 16th. inst., about 12 o’clock, the inhabitants of Warborough, Oxon, near this town, were alarmed by the cry of “fire,” which proved to be on the farm belonging to the late Mr. Henry Saunders, and which has been recently purchased and is now occupied by Mr. John Beisly, corn-dealer. Two large barns, containing a considerable quantity of corn, an oat rick, and three waggons, loaded with straw, which stood near, were destroyed. The two engines kept in the village (one belonging to the parish and the other to Mr. Alfred Saunders, of Shillingford) were soon on the spot, and by the exertions of the inhabitants the dwelling house and the other farm buildings, as well as several ricks of corn and hay, were saved. The amount of property saved by the two engines within the last few years has been very great, but we hope in future, when application is made to the fire insurance offices for a remuneration to the poor men who have worked night and day in their endeavours to rescue property endangered by the fiery element, their appeal will be listened to. Mr. Beisly is insured – he is an excellent master, and the hearts of the labourers generally throughout the parish were made glad on hearing that the farm had fallen into his hands. There is no doubt that this was the work of an incendiary, who, we trust, will speedily meet with his deserts.
The manual fire engines referred to were stationed near where the Pavilion now stands and in Shillingford Brewery, Warborough Road.
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Oxford Journal 14th June 1856
PEACE DEMONSTRATION .- The restoration of peace was celebrated here on Wednesday last, the 11th instant, in a manner that will not be forgotten by the present generation, and which reflected the highest credit on the ladies and gentlemen who formed the committee of management, by whom the arrangements of the day were planned and so efficiently carried out. At early dawn a royal salute and merry peal of bells aroused the inhabitants, when old and young, rich and poor, bestirred themselves in right earnest to enjoy the pleasures of the day; flags and banners were displayed in profusion, especially at the Brewery at Shillingford, the mottos being most appropriate. At one o’clock an excellent brass band, comprised of musicians from Dorchester and Wallingford, assembled at the George Inn, and after playing several lively pieces through the streets of Shillingford, wended their way to the well-known Warborough Green, where two large booths were erected for the occasion, and in which a dinner of good old English fare was in readiness for the inhabitants. About 350 men, women, and boys (residents of Warborough and Shillingford), partook of the repast, yet there was enough and to spare. The Rev. F. Reyroux presided, and in an able address passed a high eulogium on the Rev. H.White, the highly esteemed Rector of the parish, who, although absent on the occasion, fully approved of the demonstration, and had most liberally contributed to it. He regretted that his health prevented him from being present. He also adverted to the horrors of war, and the blessings of peace, and spoke of the heroism of our own soldiers and brave allies. Mr. Field feelingly alluded to the same subject. Several loyal and other toasts were given and well responded to, after which the company repaired to another part of the Green to enjoy the sports of the day, and to enable the ladies to prepare the booths for the reception of the children, who, with their teachers, partook of a rich supply of excellent cake and tea. The amusements of the day consisted of jumping in sacks, a jingly match*, diving for an eel (not caught), foot races, donkey races, and jumping over hurdles. There were also other recreations, and everything passed off in a most creditable manner. Mr. Thomas High, the superintending constable of the district, was present, but his services were not required; in fact, he assured the writer he never witnessed a more orderly assemblage.
* A circle enclosed by a rope (or marked off) is occupied by 8 to 10 people, all except one are blindfolded. This player is called a JINGLER because he or she carries a small bell which is rung constantly. The blindfolded players must locate the Jingler during an allotted time. The first person to catch him or her is the next Jingler.
The Crimean War started in October 1853 and ended in March 1856
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Reading Mercury 17th October 1868
SHILLINGFORD ALES AND PORTER
FIELD AND COMPANY, SHILLINGFORD near WALLINGFORD,
BREWERS of PALE and other ALES and STOUT.
Families supplied with these well-known Beers in the best condition direct from the Brewery.
Orders by post punctually attended to.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 14th June 1889
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY PRIZE MEETING. – At the recent prize meeting of the Oxfordshire Volunteers, the champion shot last year (Private Pentycross) was again the highest scorer, and the winner of the best prizes (in all £17).
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Berks& Oxon Advertiser 6th March 1891
WARBOROUGH
DEATH OF MR. E. Tripp. – Mr.E. Tripp, an old and respected inhabitant of this village, died on Thursday, the 26th. inst., at the age of 57. He was the oldest tradesman in the place, a good neighbour and a general favourite. In olden times he was a noted cricketer, and his old-fashioned under-hand bowling, his tenacious defence of his wicket, and vigorous left-handed hitting, made him an acquisition to any county team.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 20th October 1893
DARING BURGLARY AT SHILLINGFORD WORKS. –
On Saturday night, or early on Sunday morning, a daring burglary was committed at the Shillingford Works. Everything was in perfect safety when the premises were closed on Saturday afternoon, but soon after six o’clock on Sunday morning the counting house door was seen to be open by a passer-by, who thinking something was wrong, gave the alarm, and one of the partners was called up. On a close examination being made, it was found the door, which abuts on to the street leading to Warborough, had been forced open, and with the same implement a drawer containing money was also broken open. The cash amounting to £6 or £7 was of course taken, but another locked drawer was not tampered with, the thief being probably satisfied with the haul made from the first one. Nothing else was disturbed, the only other trace of mischief being some marks on the window nearest the street which had resisted the attempts made to gain access to the premises in that way. The police were at once communicated with and on Monday, Supt. Hawting, of Watlington, and P.C.Smith of Benson were engaged for some hours in making enquiries and in endeavouring to get some clue to the guilty parties. Up to the time of going to press, however, no arrest has been made, and as far as we can see, there is very little likelihood of any trace of the rogues being discovered.
Vintner’s Cottage would appear to be the only part of the Works buildings remaining that abuts Warborough Road.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 23rd November 1894
SHILLINGFORD
The extraordinary and disastrous flood which has for the past week converted Shillingford-on-Thames into Shillingford-in-Thames is now happily rapidly subsiding. The highest point was reached about 10 p.m. on Thursday 15th inst., when the New Inn* was flooded out, together with Shillingford Works** and the neighbouring residences, whilst the low lying road between Carfax and Mr. Minchin’s was under water some three feet. In a malthouse wall by the riverside are two stones recording the height of two previous floods, the higher dated January 27th 1809 and the lower, December 3rd 1768. A careful examination of these old flood marks shows that on the previous occasion the water was, when at its highest, 11½ inches below the one and seven inches above the other. The floods of 1852 and 1875 have been frequently been referred to in comparison with the one under notice, and from reports lower down the Thames that of 1852 appears to have had equally serious results, but at Shillingford Wharf they were 1ft 5in and 2ft 4in respectively lower. In reality there have been two distinct floods in the parish in connection with the recent heavy rainfall; an upland deluge which spread consternation and alarm among the Warborough residents on Wednesday 14th inst., covering the streets with water to a depth of three feet in places, entirely submerging the Thame Road from Mrs. Tubb’s, Chiltern View, to Miss Beisley’s at the Manor, and finding its level in cottages and stack yards, producing a state of affairs the like of which has certainly never been witnessed by the oldest inhabitants. No sooner had this upland flood subsided somewhat and the Shillingfordians had left off laughing at the misfortunes of their neighbours than the rapidly rising river forcibly reminded them that those who live in glass houses had better refrain from throwing stones. It must necessarily be some time before the full extent of damage done to hay and corn stacks, etc., can be ascertained, but in any case it will be considerable. Fortunately no loss of human life or any serious accident to livestock has to be chronicled; poultry belonging to Mrs. Gilkes, Mr. Ashby, and Mr. West were drowned and a few domestic pets are reported missing. Many exaggerated tales and startling rumours were rife of perils on land, hairbreadth escapes, and deeds of daring, but inquiry proved them all fiction. As a matter of fact, the rise of water, although excitingly rapid, did not prevent people who took ordinary precaution from saving and storing in safety their portable property. A large number of visitors were in evidence on Sunday in the neighbourhood, and to punt over the well-kept lawns, with deserted residences rising out of a weary waste of water was indeed a melancholy novelty and it is sincerely to be hoped was a spectacle the like of which may never be seen again.
*The New Inn is now The Kingfisher.
**Shillingford Works was in Warborough Road on the site previously occupied by Shillingford Brewery, behind Vintner’s Cottage.
It should be noted that these events took place before the flood control weirs were installed by the Thames Conservency and storm drains installed in the villages.
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 16th February 1906
SHILLINGFORD BRIDGE – It has been found necessary to rebuild the spandrel walls and parapet of this bridge, which is situate half in Oxfordshire and half in Berkshire, and it is repairable jointly by the two County Councils. The tender of Messrs. Brasher and Son, of Wallingford, has been accepted at £245, which is recommended shall be equally shared by the two Councils.
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Oxfordshire Weekly News 10th July 1907
ACCIDENTLY DROWNED AT SHILLINGFORD WHARF
An inquest was held at Shillingford on Wednesday by Mr Hawkesworth, Deputy Coroner for South Oxon, touching the death of Harry Ernest Giles, labourer, Wallingford, I the reserve of the Oxfordshire Light Infantry. Deceased, who had done service in India, was working with two others at Shillingford Wharf on Monday. Quite suddenly, according to the evidence, he commenced to behave somewhat foolishly, and threw his companions’ hats, as well as his own, into the river. He then divested himself of his clothing, and being a good swimmer, he plunged in after them. On approaching the shore he was seen to throw up his hands and exclaim “Oh!” then he suddenly sank and he was recovered apparently dead about ten minutes afterwards.
The Coroner said it seemed to him the case was a very clear one. He thought the evidence tended to point to the fact that perhaps he rather injudiciously made more of his powers of being able to swim.
A verdict of “Accidently drowned” was recorded.
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Henley & South Oxford Standard 4th August 1911
ASSAULT AND BATTERY
Horace Taylor of Wallingford, gardener, was summoned by Ada Cobb, of Shillingford, for knocking her down in the street in Warborough on the 28th ult. The defendant appeared and pleaded not guilty, but in consequence of the evidence of the complainant and her sister, Mrs Amy Pead, the magistrates fined him 10s and costs 9s.
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Abingdon Free Press 9th August 1912
MOTOR CAR ACCIDENT
A serious motor car accident occurred at the Shillingford Crossroads* on Tuesday evening. As a car belonging to Mr Schwartz, a Warwickshire gentleman, was travelling from the direction of Wallingford to Warborough, a collision occurred with a smaller car proceeding from the direction of Dorchester to Henley. This car struck the hind wheel of the larger car with such force that it turned it over on its side, smashing the wheels and some of the machinery. The owner, who was driving, was badly shaken and the chauffeur at his side was thrown right over his employer’s head and sustained a broken wrist. In the smaller car was a clergyman, and another lady and gentleman. The lady and one of the other passengers were very badly shaken, and extensively cut about the face and head by the broken glass screen. A glance at Mr Schwartz’s smashed car shows the tremendous force of the impact, and makes it appear almost miraculous that the accident was not attended with fatal results. This is the third motor accident which has occurred at this corner recently.
*now Shillingford roundabout
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 27th June 1913
LOCAL WILLS.
Dr.Alexander Mitchell.
The will has been heard of Dr.Alexander Mitchell, M.D., Riverside, Shillingford, Oxon, for many years police divisional surgeon attached to Scotland Yard. The personalty amounted to £2,896.
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Oxfordshire Weekly News 8th July 1914
LOCAL WILLS
Mr William Greet, of Ferry House, Shillingford, lessee and manager of the Lyric Theatre, London, and formerly of the Royal Marines, who died at Bournmouth on the 25th April last, aged 62 years, left estate of the gross value of £21,530-19s-0d of which the net personalty has been sworn at £3,868-3s-6d. Probate of his will dated 4th April 1910 has been granted to Mr Tom Pitt, theatrical manager, of the Lyric Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue, W. and Mr George Frederick Slade, solicitor of Wallingford. The testator left £250 and his household and personal effects to his wife, Mrs Dora Victoria Greet, together with the use during her widowhood of one of his residences. All his other properties he left to his wife for life, with remainder equally between his brothers and sisters and his sister-in-law, Maud Graves. He directed his trustees to continue and “work out” any of his theatrical ventures in which he had embarked capital or possessed an interest as if he were alive, and if they should see fit, for this purpose to convert such undertakings into a company.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 9th July 1920
FOR SALE, situated in Warborough, Wallingford, Berks, Valuable Freehold BUILDING SITE, centre of Village, ten minutes walk from River Thames, together with Three COTTAGES, Large BARN, STABLE and YARD. Apply Mr. J. Tripp, “Homeville” Stonehouses, Gloucester.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 24th September 1920
The Chairman said that he had received complaints respecting the footpath from the New Inn*, Shillingford to near Shillingford Bridge, and it was decided to erect a post with two arms, at the New Inn end of the path, so as to prevent wheel traffic using the path in future.
*The New Inn is now The Kingfisher.
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 9th June 1922
FOR SALE – 12-16 WOLSELEY 2-Seater ; dynamo ; dynamo ; £65.
Full particulars, Hartley, Shillingford, Wallingford.
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 5th January 1923
The Licensing Committee reported………..
George Inn*, Shillingford. The removal of the publican’s licence from this house situated on the main road at Shillingford, to the Cricketer’s Arms** beer house, situated in the village of Warborough was confirmed. The effect of the confirming order was to satisfy the demand for a fully licensed house at Warborough, and to close a house at Shillingford where there is another fully-licensed house.
*now a private house at the junction of Warborough Road and the A4074
**now a private house on Thame Road
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 6th April 1923
OVERCROWDED BUSES
To the Editor.
SIR, I think in the interest of the travelling public in Oxford I ought to bring to your notice the dreadful overcrowding of the country service buses run by the Oxford Motor Bus Company. The bus from Wallingford on Monday evening leaving Benson at 9.08 was crowded. At the next stopping place (Shillingford) there was no room for anyone else, and yet the conductor allowed people to enter. At Dorchester more people came, and the “relief seats” in the centre, which were occupied by passengers, had to be given up on the instructions of the conductor in order to crowd more people in. At the following stops more and more people got into the bus. Women with babies in arms could not find seats, and every passenger on that bus had to take (out of consideration for the crushed children and despairing mothers) one child on his or her knee. Surely the Bus Company could have arranged for relief buses to cope with the holiday traffic. Has the Watch Committee of the City Council no control?
Yours etc.,
A TRAVELLER IN THE BUS
Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 20th April 1923
SHILLINGFORD
DANCE – A dance in aid of Warborough Cricket Club was held in the New Innn* on Tuesday. The Thame Jazz Band was in attendance, and there were about 100 present.
*now The Kingfisher
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette September 28th 1923
Harvest Home Celebrations
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the erection of three extensive farm buildings at Shillingford Farm, Mr Frank Shrubb gave a harvest home celebration at the New Inn* on Saturday evening. All his employees together with all the members of Warborough Parish Council (of which body he is chairman), attended, as well as Mr Harold Gale, Mr Arthur Holloway, and the Vicar of Warborough(Rev. A H Caldicott). The farm has been in the uninterrupted occupation of the late Mr Shrubb and his son, Mr Frank Shrubb, for 73 years. The usual toasts were well received and responded to. Friends from Oxford, together with several of the farm hands, contributed to an enjoyable musical programme.
*now The Kingfisher
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 7th December 1923
VILLAGE DRAMA
Society’s Annual Meeting at Oxford
Visit of Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch
The hall of Worcester College was crowded to the doors on Wednesday afternoon when the Village Drama Society held its annual meeting. The Provost of Worcester presided, and among the audience were Mrs John Buchan, who has an active branch at Elsfield, Miss Grace Haddow (vice-President of the Federation of Women’s Institutes) and manther members and supporters of the Society from London and the Oxford district. Women’s Institutes were represented, and a play was performed by the members of Shillingford Women’s Institute.
Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 24th April 1925
Alleged Burglary at Littlemore
An Arrest
During Monday night Mrs John Ferguson, of Kins Lea, Littlemore, was awakened by a noise in her bedroom, and having switched on the light found to her surprise a man standing in the room. He immediately ran down the stairs and escaped. Mrs Ferguson telephoned for the police, and a number of constables were sent out on bicycles, accompanied by Supt. Daly in his car. The man was caught between Shillingford and Dorchester with a number of articles in his possession alleged to have been stolen. He was brought up before Mr Gelderd-Somervell the same day and remanded until tomorrow.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 2nd October 1925
ACCIDENT :- As William Cobb, groom to Mr Frank Shrubb, was driving his employer’s horse and trap along the Benson Road one day last week, the horse slipped down on the tarmac, throwing him out of the trap onto the road. The horse, on rising, bolted. Mr Cobb just managed to grip hold of the step of the trap and was dragged along. Fortunately, however, some workmen were at hand and stopped the frightened animal before it had proceeded far. Mr Cobb had a miraculous escape, and fortunately, sustained no injury beyond a shaking.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 13th November 1925
WARBOROUGH
“JANE” – Performances of this amusing, farcical comedy are to be given by “The Warborough Barnstormers” in the Greet Memorial Barn on December 1st, 2nd and 3rd, commencing at 7.30 p.m. The proceeds will be devoted to the cost of the Electric Light fittings for Warborough Parish Church. The parishioners are very fortunate in having Mrs. Greet, a lady who takes such an interest in all things appertaining to the welfare of the village. “The Warborough Barnstormers” have, on other occasions, proved themselves a very talented company, and we are confident that their efforts will be well rewarded this time.
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 15th October 1926
Speeding at Warborough
Frank Wood, of Bognor was summoned for driving his car to the danger of the public at Warborough.
John Banks said that on the day in question he was driving a Fiat car from London to Cheltenham. Cross examined he said that the road is about 25 feet wide and upon approaching the Shillingford cross roads slowed down to 10 miles per hour. He drove on again at a speed of 25 miles per hour before reaching the cross roads near the New Inn* at Warborough and the next thing that happened was defendant’s car shot out from Warborough Road at a great speed. Witness applied his brakes but was unable to avoid a collision, which resulted in a great deal of damage to defendant’s car. The defendant’s car was a small one – a Singer.
The defendant, on oath, said that he was doing about 10 miles per hour when he saw the Fiat approaching at a speed which he estimated at 40 miles per hour. He had no time to accelerate and the Fiat had plenty of room to avoid a collision. He added that he had 15 years’ experience without any trouble whatever. His car was considerably damaged.
The Bench decided to convict and imposed a fine of £10, to include costs, and also ordered the defendant’s licence to be endorsed.
*now The Kingfisher
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The Oxford Chronicle September 16th 1927
OXFORDSHIRE “WAR” DEVELOPS
Manoeuvres Increasing in Scale
Troops and Social Life
The scale of the military operations in Oxfordshire and Berkshire has increased this week, leading up to the manoeuvres on the grand scale which are to be begun this week-end.
Thame was the centre of operations in the early days of the week, and last Friday & Saturday, when the troops of the 4th (Guards) Brigade, the 5th Infantry Brigade, and the 6th Infantry Brigade, were all fighting on different sides of the town.
THE REALISTIC TOUCH
Captain Liddell Hart, in a message to the “Daily Telegraph”, tells how, as a prelude to Sunday’s movements, the Brigade Major of the 6th Infantry Brigade received (in supposition) a telephone call from the postmaster of the frontier village of Longwick, who shouted down the telephone: “The enemy have invaded us, Mr Smith came in on his motor-bicycle from Meadle; he saw thousands. Sergt. Jones also saw them; he was shot through the arm……I agreed the cavalry are now in Longwick….” – and with that ejaculation the conversation finished abruptly.
“A NICE WAR” AT WALLINGFORD.
On Monday the war at Wallingford was chiefly in the neighbourhood of Rush Court, but there were also operations at Brightwell, and intermittent sounds of artillery were heard – chiefly in the afternoon and evening. There have been fewer soldiers than ever in Wallingford during the day, but they have returned to the town in large numbers in the evenings and they continue to take part in social events. Large numbers at local dances are troops; they form a considerable percentage of the cinema audiences; and still more spend the evenings in the convivial and noisy atmosphere of public houses.
“It’s a nice war, but not much like the real thing” was the comment of one veteran.
Night operations, however, are a feature of the war and there have been many events of interest to the military students. Civilians taking short country walks in the evenings, too, have had some interesting experiences. One man, who said he walked for over an hour without seeing a soldier, was on the Brightwell – Wallingford road near Slade End when a light was flashed on him, and he discovered a number of Highlanders hiding in a ditch. Evidently they were expecting an attack from the direction of North Moreton. Many have gone in search of the troops in the hope of seeing some battles, but for the most part they have little reward for their endeavours. The modern army is nothing if not inconspicuous.
“Nice” as the “war” may be in comparison to the “real thing”, the troops have not been free from many discomforts attendant on an out-of-doors existence in cold and sometimes wet conditions. One has a vivid memory of a shivering group of infantry lying in wait and in mud near Cholsey for an enemy who might never arrive, and a company returning from the hills soaked with the chilly rain on Tuesday.
BRIDGE CLOSED TO TANKS
There have been a bumper crop of rumours in Wallingford, and some of the stories have been very detailed and picturesque. One that had not the slightest foundation was that a lancer, in trying to manoeuvre a collision with a tank at Didcot, on Sunday, was thrown in front of the tank and killed. Another was that a farmer ignored a warning to stop working some horses attached to an agricultural machine because some artillery had been placed near the field, and that as a result of firing, the horses were frightened and a man and a horse injured. This rumour was complete with the name of the farmer and other details, but enquiries failed to get any confirmation.
As a result of representations made by Wallingford Town Council to the military authorities, Wallingford bridge has been closed to tanks, and notices to this effect have been erected.
Up to the present the divisional operations have been continued, and in the Wallingford district the 1st Guards Brigade and the 2nd Infantry Brigade, representing a Northern Force, have been opposed to the 3rd Infantry Brigade, representing a Southern Force.
Part of this Northern Force, wearing the ordinary cloth caps to distinguish them from their opponents, advanced on Tuesday from the direction of Warborough and Benson towards Reading in an effort to make the enemy thin out their line and to gain a position that would enable enfilading work from the enemy’s left to be carried out by artillery. This battle was the longest yet fought in this area, for more than two days passed from the time of leaving camp to the return. The interval was very short, for they were out again on Wednesday, when operations were continued in heavy and constant rain.
A POSTPONEMENT
The operation of the 2nd Division, which were postponed yesterday, are taking place today and tomorrow, and there will be an additional operation by this division on Monday.
Information regarding the inter-divisional exercise taking place from September 21 to 24 may be had on application to Aldershot Command Headquarters near Wallingford railway station, Berkshire.
FIGHTING ROUND THAME
Thame and district was the scene of heavy fighting all day Monday and up to Tuesday morning.
The clash was between the Eastland and Westland armies, and the Thame Bridge, or as the local name has it, “Crendon Road Pills”, proved to be one of the principal battle grounds between the contending forces. Thame Bridge was “blown up” but the R.M.’s were soon on the spot and quickly threw across the River Thame a pontoon bridge. The bridges at Waterperry and Ickford were also “blown op”. The tanks in full force swooped down and captured Thame, holding it for several hours, but were eventually forced to evacuate.
A great attempt was made by the Eastland Army to capture and destroy the “valuable ironworks” at North Weston. Their observers had informed them that the guard was not very strong, but they found them well prepared and sufficiently strong to beat off all attacks. The aeroplanes rendered valuable service to the contending armies, and when the cavalry and tanks came into conflict great excitement prevailed, and splendid work was done on both sides. The Guards Brigade from the Wallingford camp were engaged in the “battle”, and, by quick movement captured many “prisoners” during the fighting near Thame Bridge. Monday night was a beautiful moonlight night, and favourable for the inter-army exercises. Most of the troops engaged are those under the command of Major-General Sir Edward Ironside, commander of the 2nd Division of the Aldershot Command.
All day Wednesday, Wednesday night and yesterday there were heavy rains in the Thame district, and the fields at North Weston, Thame Park Road, Chinnor Road and at Scotsgrove have suffered accordingly.
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Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette 4th November 1927
OXFORD ART SOCIETY
The Annual Exhibition
There is a certain amount of poor and undistinguished work in this year’s exhibition of the Oxford Art Society – work which suggests that the artists have learnt nothing from the newer influences in painting – and there are also a few outstanding canvasses, contributed by artists of national reputation………..Mr. Charles E. Flower, a contributor for many years, is seen at his best in his “Landscape from Shillingford Hill”. The style is a bit old-fashioned, but of it’s kind it is very well done……….
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 29th June 1928
WARBOROUGH
TRIP TO ALDERSHOT. – A party of 80 people organised by Mr. King, made the trip to Aldershot for the Tattoo on Saturday. They assembled at the Memorial in the evening and were conveyed by the Oxford Motor Services. They reached home early on Sunday morning.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 27th February 1931
WARBOROUGH
DANCE – A dance arranged by Mr. and Mrs. Percy Wilson was held in the Greet Memorial Barn on Friday last week. Over 60 attended, and spent a jolly time, excellent music being played by the Sonara Band. The effort was in aid of the funds of the building.
“THE QUAKERS’ WALK”. – Running through Warborough is a very ancient footpath known as “The Quakers’ Walk”. This path, has been grossly neglected for years. Recently the County Council took it over and removed outstanding surface roots which appeared in it. In addition, they have laid down a plentiful supply of gravel on the walk. Needless to say these improvements are greatly appreciated.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 1st May 1931
UNIQUE SUCCESS. –Mr Charles E. Flower, of Warborough, has, for the third year in succession, had a wood-cut accepted at the Royal Academy, which will be open to the public on Monday next. His subject is “Ruckford Mill” in the next house to which John Constable, the great landscape artist, resided, and the district for miles around is known as “Constable’s Country”. Mr. Flower has made a special study of wood-cuts. The whole district congratulates him upon his unique success. He is a member of the Oxford Arts Society and does all his own printing. Last year his subject was “Benson Lock”.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 14th April 1933
WARBOROUGH
DEDICATION OF LYCH GATE.- The lych gate which has been erected at the entrance to the Parish Church, Warborough, in memory of the late Mrs. Caldicott (wife of the Vicar), will be dedicated on Easter Sunday afternoon at 3.
RIVER BATHER MAKES EARLY START. – Miss Fletcher of Shillingford, began her bathing season by plunging into the Thames on Tuesday morning. This is a somewhat early start in the matter of river bathing.- By the way, her father – Mr.W.K.Fletcher – a wholesale confectioner for many years, has inaugurated a factory for the manufacture of sweets at Shillingford.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 23rd September 1935
A WHIST DRIVE
In aid of the Warborough and Shillingford Rifle Club
will be held in
THE GREET MEMORIAL BARN, WARBOROUGH
On WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18th at 7.30 p.m.
Prizes : Geese, Fowls and Christmas Fare
Tickets 1/3, including Refreshments
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 13th December 1935
WARBOROUGH
Girl Guides – A party of Girl Guides, accompanied by their Captain, Miss Caldicott, went into camp on Friday for a fortnight, at Oxwich Bay, near Swansea.
Womens Institute Outing – Members of the Warborough and Shillingford Women’s Institute went for their summer outing to Bournemouth on August 13th. The weather was beautiful and a very enjoyable time was spent by the sea.
Choir Outing – The members of the Warborough Parish Church Choir, accompanied by the Vicar (the Rev. A.H.Caldicott) and the Organist and Choirmaster (Mr.P.Wilson), held their annual outing at Bognor on August 14th. They travelled by charabanc and arrived home by about 11 p.m. after a very enjoyable day.
Football Club – The annual meeting of the Warborough and Shillingford Football Club was held in the Pavillion on Friday at 8.30 p.m., when a small assembly was presided over by Mr. Preston. The minutes of the last general meeting were read and confirmed. The Treasurer reported that approximately £21 was to their credit at the Bank. Mr.C.J.W.Harris was elected President for the coming year. It was decided that all subscribers of 10s. 6d. and upwards should be Vice-Presidents. The following officers were elected: Secretary, Mr.R.H.Kelsey: Assistant Secretary, Mr.Preston: Treasurer, Mr.P.Wilson: Captain, Mr.A.Swan: Vice-Captain, Mr.J.Waters. It was decided to enter the Cuddesdon League and the Charity Cup.
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Berks & Oxon Advertiser 3rd June 1938
An Interview with Mrs. Eliza Tutty of Warborough
Small, snowy-haired and incredibly frail, Mrs Eliza Tutty received me sitting up in her little four-post bed, which looked older than she herself. “Sit down quite close, my dear,” she said, “I can hear nicely, but, you understand, I can’t see you.” Outside, the wet, cold May twilight deepened, the rain lashed on the leaves of a tree near the window, through which music of the glorious bells of Dorchester Abbey came, softened and mellowed by the distance. In the quiet room, a little old lady sat in a far deeper twilight, and with her hand in mine, told me a little bit about her beloved Warborough.
“I’m not a Dorchester woman” she began. “Why, no, I was born in Warborough round about when the Crimean War was on. I remember a man went from Warborough. A foot soldier he was, wore one of those tall, black, hats. Very handsome he looked. Young men, yes, and old men too, were all clean shaved, very much as they are today, but after that war, when all the soldiers came home with beards, they came into fashion, and our last dear old King was one of the last to wear one. They had a Jubilee for him not so long ago, didn’t they?” pursued Mrs Tutty. “Ah, but the teas as they had then were just nothing to the other Jubilee. I remember two of them in Warborough for Queen Victoria, and at the first one, and mind you I was over 30, we had races, and there was a cruet and a copper kettle. Now I had a kettle and I wanted that cruet, but of course, that being so, I won the kettle. So having one, I sold it to a lady for 5/-. Three dinners we had when I was a girl. Lovely dinners they were, one for Peace, and one each for Jubilees. Two in Appleby’s Barn, and one in Stubb’s. Several parsons I remembers. Parson Smith (his son, Mr Norman, lives in Shillingford), and Parson White. Parson Stalker, he married me.
Isn’t the green at Warborough lovely?” she asked. “They’ve always thought a power of the green, and when I was little, the earliest I can remember was cricket there in top hats. I believe they plays football there now,” she said regretfully, evidently having a lingering penchant for cricket in top hats. “Parson White, he fell down dead in the pulpit, and quite a young man. Warborough always was a lovely village, and except for the new houses over to the Old Bell, and the Greet Hall, and the War Memorial, there’s very little difference except as they keep the edges of the road tidy nowadays, and has that horrid tarmac!”
I felt that she had talked enough, and crept away, and as I went down the stair, I could hear the gentle old voice murmuring of top hats and copper kettles.
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Reading Mercury 22nd April 1939
PARISH COUNCIL. – A letter was read from the Bullingdon Rural District Council at the annual meeting of the Warborough and Shillingford Parish Council, held on Friday last week, referring to the provision of houses for agricultural workers. It was agreed that such houses were desirable and that if any were built under the scheme there would be a demand for at least six in the village. Mr.C.O.Hanson, who was re-elected for the ensuing year, presided, supported by Mr. Walter Bond, who was re-elected Vice Chairman, and Mr. P. Wilson (Clerk to the Council).
It was reported that an estimate had been received for the taking down of five dangerous poplar trees on the Warborough-Shillingford road, and it was agreed that the work should be put in hand as soon as possible at a cost of £11.
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Reading Mercury 15th July 1939
The meeting of the Warborough and Shillingford Women’s Institute on Wednesday took the form of a garden party at “Ferry House”, by invitation of Mrs. C.J.W. Harris, who presided, supported by Mrs. Shirley King. Mrs. Harris reported on the half-yearly federation meeting held recently at Oxford. After viewing the grounds the members were entertained to tea, followed by games and competitions. Mrs. Harris presented the prizes as follows:- Mrs. E. Beasley (parcel game), Miss Jordan (thread-needle competition), and Miss Davis (putting peas in a bottle).
To be continued………………………..