|
Home
Biographies
Locations
Balsham
Bassingbourn
Cambridge
Cottenham
Fen Ditton
Gt and Lt Shelford
Haddenham
Littleport
Peterborough
St Ives
Soham
Wisbech
Links and thanks
|
Policing Fen Ditton in the 1840s and 50s
| Parish Constables | Fen Ditton Lighting and Watching Act Force | Arrival of the New Cambridgeshire Constabulary | Fen Ditton Penance |
Fen Ditton Penance
Cambridge Independent Press, 12 May 1849 carried the following report:
DOING PENANCE IN DITTON CHURCH.
Amongst the many ridiculous laws which yet disgrace the statute-book, and which the boasted spirit of the age has not swept away, is that of a person to do penance in a church. It is an ecclesiastical law, and probably that may account for its being one of the mummeries yet tolerated; for a cry of reform in the church is sure to elicit the well-worn cry of "The church in danger" from the bigotted. There was a time when the doing of penance was no doubt looked upon with awe, but as we grow older we grow wiser, and now it is properly treated with unmitigated contempt, as an insult to common sense and decency.
Happily, doing penance in a church is of rare occurrence, and it was with laughter and astonishment that the inhabitants of Cambridge must have read that such a scene was to be enacted in the church of the unpretending village of Ditton, about two miles from hence, the sentence having been gravely passed in the Arches Court on Tuesday, the 24th ult, upon one Edward Smith, a gardener and fiddler, having, about twelve months since, slandered Mrs. Martha James, the wife of the Rev. William Brown James, Rector of Fen Ditton. The writ was brought into the Arches Court by request from the Vicar-General of the Bishop of Ely; and no appearance being given for the defendant, the proceedings were conducted in poenam.
It is with considerable pain that we advert to the alleged slander, but to make our report complete we are necessarily obliged to do so. About two years ago, when Edward Smith was at work in the Rectory garden, as under-gardener, he chanced to dig up the the head and part of the shoulder of a child. This discovery naturally produced no little consternation in the man's mind, and caused him to chatter before his pot companions. The remainder of the body of the infant was discovered in a ditch somewhere in the vicinity of the garden and we believe an inquest was held upon it; but we fancied at the time, and indeed, so expressed our opinion, that the matter did not undergo a very searching examination. It was in consequence of the observations made by Smith relative to the finding of these remains that he was cited in the Arches Court.
Sunday last was the day fixed for the performance of the penance, and for severel days previous it was the all absorbing topic of conversation. Smith was at Cambridge about every day during the week, and was "lionised", as it was thought a lucky thing to see him, and to have spoken to him on the subject was the boast of many a wandering clown. To some Smith stated that he would not conform to the edict of the Court; to others, he said he would. He even went so far as to say that he intended to black his face, to give himself a more peculiar appearance when attired in his sheet, all ghastly white. At length the anxiously looked for day arrived — Sunday morning came and fortunately, or unfortunately, (just as people like) the weather, though cold, was fine, which gave the curious a better opportunity of indulging their curiosity. We did expect to see a great many people at Ditton; we were prepared to see something uncommon; but we never supposed that so vast a concourse would assemble on the occasion, or that so disgusting and brutal an exhibition awaited us. From nine o clock till eleven, the road from Cambridge, by the Paper Mills, was thronged with as motley groups as can well be imagined. Carriages, flies, four-wheels, dog cats, gigs and more humble vehicles, were dashing along for Ditton in gallant pace; the pedestrians comprised students of the University, reputable tradesmen, artisans, bargees, navvies, coal-heavers, shoe-less vagabonds, and limping beggars. There was a fine display of the fair sex, the most of whom, we hope and believe, were denizens of Barnwell; and never, we opine, was that so free of rogues and the frail sister-hood. Hundreds made their way to the village by the fields, as the pleasantest walk.
By ten o'clock the church yard began to display a lively appearance, and it soon became tolerably full. Still, as it yet wanted an bour to the commencement of prayers, it was felt to be essential to while away the time. Boys played on the graves, and jumped over the stones, after the fashion of leap-frog; the more sedate amused themselves, and let us hope learnt a stern moral lesson, by reading the epitaphs upon those stern monitors to humanity, the gravestones, which tell of the virtues and faith of those who quietly repose in the narrow confines of mortality’s last resting-place; some contented themselves with watching the fresh arrivals that were continually pouring into the church-yard, exchanging a nod of recognition to an acquaintance, and each smiling in sympathy at the cause of their meeting in Ditton. The gates to the church now became surrounded. boys shook the doors, and whistled and swore, and bellowed, and played those sorts of practical jokes that obtain at the doors of a theatre when the impatient crowd are clamouring for admittance. At length that worthy functionary — the Peter of Ditton church — was seen approaching the door with a ponderous key protruding from a side-pocket. "Hooray" cried a dozen boys, "Here he comes"; "make way there", "Come on, old fellow, we want to get in." Then the crowd became more compressed, and pushing, squeezing, squeaking, squeeling and swearing commenced. "Clear the road" cried he of the key, "make way for the Sunday-school children!" But people pressed the closer, and evidently thought little or nothing of Sunday School children. After many an in-effectual effort to persuade the crowd to give way, the worthy functionary marshalled his juvenile tribe to another door but a portion of the crowd was quickly at his heels and he walked round and round, from door to door, the picture of quiet despair. At length a very narrow door was opened, wide enough to admit one person; and great was the crowding, shouting, and squeezing thereat. Some unfortunate child was half crushed, and screamed most lustily; and the angry voices of females blended unharmoniously with the rugged clamour of reckless men. The pews were speedily filled, and then the broad gates were opened on the opposite, or Cambridge side, and wonderful it was to see the human stream pour into the aisle of the church, which soon became crammed; so that it was difficult either to stand or sit. The screen was covered by men of the poorer order, who sat astride; the capitals of the pillars had each its human occupant, the window nooks were taken possession of, and how people managed to climb up, except by jumping from each others heads is most mysterious. There could not be fewer than 1,200 or 1,400 people in the church and hundreds were yet outside unable to get in; reminding one of an epitaph in Ely Churchyard:
"Here I am without the door
The church is full twill hold no more"
But the windows outside were dotted with human heads and ever and anon during the service a nose was pushed through a pane of glass, either by accident or as a piece of innocent recreation, by some one struggling for a peep.
At eleven o'clock the Rev. Mr Small of Emmanuel College, who had undertaken to perform the service for the Rector, pushed his way up to the reading desk, followed by the Rector himself and his wife, who at once became the "observed of all observers;" and people pushed and crowded and climbed on top of the pews to catch a glimpse at the the fair and portly lady, who had vindicated her honor in a court of justice against the allegations of an unthinking stupid fiddler. Mr. and Mrs. James sat in a pew a short distance from the pulpit. No sooner had Mr Small commenced the prayers, than the responses were made by several present in a tone and in such a manner as at once convinced us that mockery was intended; and which must grieve every well regulated mind. As the service proceeded, the mob in possession of the church, for it deserves no other name, began to wax impatient. "Speak up old feller," roared a stentor, addressing the clergyman, "I should like a drop of ale," shouted one with a flannel jacket, which no doubt was true, as the atmosphere began to be exceedingly close; and many such disgusting interuptions and observations were made.
At the conclusion of the Litany it was expected that the "Penitent" was to appear in his sheet, but that not being the case, great impatience was manifested, and a cry of "Where's Smith?" was set up. Several being weary before the Litany terminated, lighted short pipes, and the air soon became impregnated with the fumes of tobacco. So crammed was the aisle that Mr. Small could not, nor did he attempt, to perform the communion service in the proper place, but at his reading desk; and it should be observed that throughout the service he read in a firm and impressive manner, elevating his voice and exerting himself that he might be heard by his numerous congregation. The prayers having been performed, Mr Small threw off his surplice and mounted the pulpit, to the manifest annoyance of the assemblage, who could not restrain their impatience — but coughed, shouted and shuffled with their feet, and beat the seats with sticks: these tricks had now become the disorder of the day; still the rev. gentleman with many a supplicating look, and casting anxious looks around him, proceeded to deliver his text, Matthew v 1 "Judge not, lest ye be judged.” The preacher then proceeded to descant on the great wickedness of men, actuated by malice or revenge, who defamed the characters of their fellow-creatures without cause.
After proceeding in this strain for a short time, the cry arose, "He comes! he is here!" At this moment, Smith was observed struggling through the crowd towards the pulpit, and then came a scene no pen can fairly paint, no tongue describe. A shout of applause, in compliment to Smith, burst upon our astounded ears, followed by dismal shouts of execration and groans for the Rector and his wife, sickening to reflect upon. The house of the living God, that structure raised to His honour and glory was now converted into a place for blasphemy and a display of vindictive feeling and unhallowed exultation that would have cast a slur upon the savages of New Zealand in their wildest state. The mob pressed madly on to get near Smith, who, by the bye, had no white sheet on; pews were broken down, women screamed and men shouted, inebriate with rage; wood crashed, hassocks were whirled high in the air, and then fell, crushing a bonnet, or falling on a head. Mr. Small now made anxious gesticulations to Smith to proceed; Smith's lips moved, but so great was the uproar that not a word could be heard; he waved his hand to the people that they might be quiet and hear him, but no sooner did be produce his written recantation than one simultaneous shout again arose, and the confusion now became most painful and horrible. Mr. Small left his pulpit, and came down to speak to Smith, and then arose the cry, "Get into the pulpit Smith, get into the pulpit" But in a minute the pulpit and reading-desk were full of people. Smith certainly attempted to read, but not a word was heard, and the following is a copy of the recantation he held in his hand, and which he is supposed to have read; but no man, we dare say, would be bold enough to say he ever heard one word :—
"Whereas I, Edward Smith, have uttered and spoken certain scandalous and opprobrious words against Martha James, wife of the Rev William Browne James, Clerk, Rector of the parish of Fen Ditton, in the county of Cambridge, to great offence of Almighty God, the scandal of the Christian religion, and the injury and reproach of my neighbors credit and reputation, by calling her a ____ and using other defamatory words of and against her. 1, therefore, before God and you, humbly confess and acknowledge such my offence, and am heartily sorry for the same, and do ask forgiveness, and promise hereafter never to offend her in like manner again, God assisting me".
After a further pantomimic display between Mr. Small and Smith, the mob seized the latter, and placing him on their shoulders, bore him out of the church with a yell of triumph.
Smith left by one door and the rector and his wife by another, each had their followers. The "Penitent" was hailed with loud applause, as though he had done something meritorious to acquire popularity, while hisses and groans followed the steps of Mr. and Mrs. James, as though they, and not Smith, were the slanderers. Smith being taken from the men’s shoulders, now gave his arm to his wife, whose broad smiling and flushed face lit up to a pitch of the highest gratification, at what she evidently conceived to be her victory. Villagers pressed forward and shook him cordially by the hand, saying, "old feller, you're a stunner!"
A large party now assembled at the Plough , where ale and tobacco were loudly called for. Smith and his wife went on the Green and he was called on to address them. He seemed exceedingly excited and exclaimed, "I am sorry 1 cannot ask you all to dinner, my friends; but you know I am only a poor man". He then gave a detail of his finding the child’s head when at work at the rectory and stated that Mrs. James had accused him of bringing this body from the churchyard for a scandalous purpose, and he had been out of work ever since. He added, that if the Rector had "put him" into a minor court he would have fought him; he fancied, however, the Rector was now sick of meddling with the fiddler. Smith and his wife shortly afterwards retired, he expressing a hope that there would be no disturbance; but a vast number stopped at the inn, and drank and smoked to their hearts’ content.
But to revert to the former part of the narrative. We stated that the church was crowded and that hundreds could not find room. It was necessary therefore for these to find some amusement, so dogs were set to fight, boys were urged to quarrel, and men fought pitched battles. A large number, tired of such sights repaired to the rectory garden, where a wag placed himself at the gate, saying, with an affable smile upon his broad, good-humoured countenance, "Walk in, gentlemen; take a look at the grounds; you are quite welcome." Then, as the "gentlemen" were not very particular as to whereabout they walked, a fiery-faced female domestic from an upper window shriecked "be off; How dare you! well, I never. What will the Rector say" Then a dustman in Sunday gear, called out "Aint his reverence got no beer and bakker to ax his friends to have - he ought to have tapped a barrel on purpose." "In course be ought," cried a begrimed faced chummey, "Here's a scurvey way to treat one's visitors." These and such like observations whiled away the time till suddenly the church bells began to ring. This was thought to denote the termination of service; but the tinckling proceeded from a different cause. As soon as Smith entered the church, some bargees sitting on the screen seized the bell ropes and pulled away right merrily. It is said that a broom was hurled accross the church towards the minister, and that a hassock struck him. It might be so; we did not see it, although we were within a few yards of the pulpit but such was the confusion, so great the violence that prevailed, that one needed the eyes of Argus to see all that was going on.
Fen Ditton is a village of beggars, from the silvery-haired man down to the lisping child. One cannot pass through, or near, but he is sure to be pestered for a copper by the one, or "please give me a half penny for opening the gate", by the other. This then of course was an occasion not to be lost sight of. The beggars, or "askers" as they are fashionally called, forgot their own individual merits and raised their cry of sympathy for "poor Smith": the money-boxes, and large ladles, so in requisition on Plough Monday, were brought out, and "please remember poor Smith" was the vigorous cry of the supplicants. But if anything were given, and which we hope was not the case, we much question if "poor Smith" were any the better for it.
It is said that the Churchwardens, on the Sunday morning, anticipating the coming storm, waited upon the rector’s wife, and to prevent confusion in church, urged ber to forego the public demonstration of penitence, and at all events not to be present herself, for which there was no absolute necessity; but it is difficult to overcome the obstinacy of an angry woman; she would listen to no terms. Let us hope that she now repents her decision, and regrets being the occasion of one of the most disgusting exhibitions ever enacted within the walls of a sacred edifice. Smith may have, in his drunken chatterings, given cause for annoyance; but the rector’s wife, strong in her virtue, and glorious in her purity and innocence, might well have afforded to treat with supreme scorn the scandal raised by a mere gossipping village fiddler, to gratify the ears of men as ignorant, and probably as reckless, as himself! We understand the man Smith was in the service of two former rectors, as gardener and parish clerk, and was continued by Mr. James — circumstances which may be considered to be very favourable to him.
London Evening Standard - Monday 07 May 1849 p3 and many other papers carried shorter accounts:
"thoroughfares leading to Ditton from Cambridge aud other adjacent places, were crowded with passengers, and there were not less than 3000 persons in the village before the bells had done chiming. The church was crowded to suffocation, the majority of the audience standing upon the seats, and eagerly fighting for the place which would command the best view of the place where it was supposed Smith would stand. After a scene of indescribable and revolting profanation, in the course of which tobacco smoking was freely practised in the church, the most irreverent language uttered, pews torn up, and the furniture of the edifice destroyed and converted into missiles of mischief, Smith was introduced, and went through the ceremonial of recanting his slander in dumb show, being afterwards escorted to his inn or public-house by a numerous mob, who repeatedly expressed their exultation at the defeat of decorum of which they had been the instruments."
Cambridge Chronicle 14 July 1849 p2.
Reported that repairs to Fen Ditton church were to be paid for by the Rector after parishioners expressed unwillingness to use parish funds to pay for the damage.
Cambridge Chronicle - 21 July 1849 p2.
Reported that Edward Smith was in custody in the County Gaol for not paying the costs awarded against him in the Court of Arches.
Cambridge Independent Press 15 Sept p3
Reported that Smith owed over £40 for costs and wanted to tell his version of the whole story via the local press, (summarised below).
Smith had worked as assistant gardener to 3 successive Rectors over 18 years, had led the singing in Fen Ditton church and, with jobbing about, and his fiddle, earned his livelihood. On 28 January 1847 the trunk of an infant without head or arm was found in a pond by Rev Mr James, Rector, and his servant Whiskin, on his premises on the Thursday. The body was allowed to stay in situ until the following Friday morning when it was taken out and placed in the church, at which time a coffin was ready for it. An inquest was held on the Saturday at which Smith sat as one of the jurymen. An open verdict was returned, the jury not being satisfied as to the cause of death - there was a wound on the right side of the body. A reward of £10 was offered to clear up the mysterious case.
On 20 March 1847 Smith discovered a child's head in a flower border. Mr James ordered Smith to re-bury the head. After Smith had buried the head, Mr Lestourgeon and Mr Johnson came to the rectory as medical men and had a private examination of Elizabeth Gilby and the present Mrs James, who was then a fellow servant in the house. Then Mr James ordered Smith to take up the skull again and show it to the medical men and then gave it to the the Constable who had it for 3 weeks until 10 April, when Mr James married his servant Martha Whiskin , and the head was again buried.
Smith alleged that on 15 Feb Martha Whiskin, then unmarried, called upon Smith and told Smith and his wife that she had been sent from Harston (where she had lived as servant with Mr James before his removal to Ditton) to London in a certain way and they thought it very strange that she should thus accuse herself.
On the Tuesday following, a boy was sent to see Smith in the fields and told him he was no longer employed. Mrs James accused Smith of placing the head in the garden - Smith responded with the language complained of in his defamation case.
When action was initiated against Smith in the Court of Arches, Smith wrote to the Home Secretary, and was advised to appear before the local Magistrates. He attended the Court of Arches on 8 August and was shown the statement he was accused of making. He could not afford to attend the court later as he was out of work.
Smith's hope was that, now he had given a full explanation, he might get some support from his friends.
Later press reports showed that some were moved to make small donations to help Smith in his predicament. (Cambridge Independent Press 22 September 1849 p3, 22 September 1849 p3, 10 Nov 1849 p2) Smith appeared at the Insolvent Debtors Court on 24th November 1849 (the London Gazette Dated 16 October 1849, Issue 21029, Page 3117 Edward Smith, gardener of Fen Ditton in the gaol at Cambridge) and The London Gazette 13 November 1849, Issue 21037, Page 3423 Smith to be discharged before the Judge of the County Court of Cambridgeshire, at Cambridge, on Saturday the 24th day of November 1849, at Three o'Clock in the Afternoon precisely. Edward Smith, late of Fen Ditton, in the county of Cambridge, Gardener, Wife a Laundress, a Prisoner in the Gaol of Cambridge, in the county of Cambridge) Edward was released from gaol on 20th December 1849. It is not known how he raised the money to cover his debt and get out of gaol.
William Browne James b 1801 and Martha Whiskin b Harston in 1822 were married 10 April 1847 in the church at Fen Ditton - Martha was the daughter of a gardener, could not read or write and signed the wedding certificate with a mark. In the 1851 Census William was aged 50 and Martha 29 and they had two sons aged 2 and 1 years). Rev William Browne James died Aug 20 1877 at Fen Ditton, aged 77, after serving for many years Rector of the Parish.
Edward Smith was born 1806 in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. In 1841 he was an agricultural labourer living in Fen Ditton with his wife Frances and their 11 year old son Charles. In 1851 Edward and his wife Frances b.1806 at Fen Ditton, occupation - laundress, were living at Green End Fen Ditton. In 1861 Edward and Frances were living at Green End Fen Ditton. Edward was a gardener. In 1881 the couple were in an almshouse at Church Street Fen Ditton. Edward died 1885 in the Chesterton Union workhouse age 81.
top of page
Parish Constables
Fen Ditton Lighting and Watching Act Police Force
The Arrival of the New Cambridgeshire Constabulary
The Fen Ditton Penance
|
