Author Topic: A Feast, a Festival and a Freeze - Dartmouth, 1814  (Read 4021 times)

Offline JAP

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A Feast, a Festival and a Freeze - Dartmouth, 1814
« on: Thursday 28 April 05 08:12 BST (UK) »
LDS FHL Film #0917912 is a transcription (by Miss E. J. Cornell & Miss J. Head) of the Parish Register of St Saviour Dartmouth.  They also transcribed some general notes made by the Minister including the following:

"In June 1814 Two thousand and Three Hundred of the Porr Inhabitants of Dartmouth were feasted on Hot Roast Beef and Plumb Pudding and Ale with the greatest order at nine tables, each containing about 250 persons.  There was also a grand Procession of all the Trades with their respective Banners and Implements in appropriate Dresses, extending from Bearscove to the New Quay which procession paraded the Town in order attended by a Military Band and a variety of other persons to hear read the Proclamation of Peace with France, read in due form as is usual on such occasion.  In the Evening a grand display of Fireworks and the Trees on New Ground the two following days were illuminated with a variety of coloured lamps.  Expence of these Rejoicings on account the Peace was defrayed by a Subscription of the Inhabitants and The Member of parliament for the Town of Dartmouth mounting to 300 (pounds) - meminisse Invat.  [signed] Robt(um) Holdsworth Vicarium"

"In January 1814 a very severe frost.  I skaited for several days on the Mill Pond in Dartsmouth.  The snow in many places very deep all over the country.  I walked over some drifts sixteen feet high in the Road from Townstal to Old Mill.  [signed] Robert Holdsworth"

JAP