"Norfolk News — Saturday 2 January 1909
TOM SAYERS' FIRST FIGHT.
The following incident may help to explain bow it is that there have been many regularly put prize fight* which somehow managed to escape the interference of the police : Nothing occurred during the time wa* at Tooting, except this A new lunatic asylum w.i* l-eing built in Garrett Lane for the county o* rev. wa* told off for duty the works, Tom Sayers, afterward* the well-known pugilist, was one of th? workmen. There also fellow named McGrath. One dinner hour a pit hob* Wandsworth Common theso* two ntested with each oth-r which was the bc*t man was given in favour of Saver*. was behind hedge watching the whole thing When called on why did not stop it. explained it all over before was aware of it Not true! Th-s was Sayers nr*t real fight. No. more bricklaying was done him after
[BNA:
Plus a LOT on "Inspector Bocking's recollectionsbreaking the heads of the Chartists""190912
"The Use and Abuse of the English Commons, 18451914
Bucks Herald — Saturday 2 January 1909
London the last days of the dying year have been rendered most unpleasant by a blizzard which produced all sorts of dire results. " Snow, beautiful snow " may be very nice in the country, but in London, to the vast majority of people it is an unmitigated nuisance. This morning it was difficult to get to the City, for 'buses were few and far between, and the muclilauded electric tram service had broken down as it always does when a little extra pressure is put upon it. In the main thoroughfares the surfaces were covered with churned coating of melting snow and mud, and when at last the City was reached it was found wrapped in sepulchral gloom. Anything more depressing could hardly imagined, and the few business men who had ventured up from their suburban homes soon returned to them, leaving their clerks to put in few hours under the glare the electric lights. The work of street-clearing is proceeding apace, and the "unemployed" are luck! The cost promises to reach huge total. The authorities at Westminster this morning placed the figure for the whole of London at from .130,000 to .150,000.
The irrepressible British youth has made something out our visitation. With plenty of snow to favour the sport, toboggan carnivals commenced at early hour Hampstead Heath. Wandsworth Common, Hilly Fields, Lewisham, and one or two other favoured spots around the Metropolis. Hundreds of people flocked to these resorts with every kind of article, from the solid bob-sleigh the impioved orange box. and the scene was one of great merriment. It is also good to know that at this trying season much being done to relieve the sufferings of the poor, and bring brightness the lives of neglected children.
. . . " Finally, if Inot too late, Iwill again take the pleasure of wishing my readers A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
[BNA:
"Bucks Herald — Saturday 2 January 1909
London the last days of the dying year have been rendered most unpleasant by a blizzard which produced all sorts of dire results. " Snow, beautiful snow " may be very nice in the country, but in London, to the vast majority of people it is an unmitigated nuisance.
This morning it was difficult to get to the City, for 'buses were few and far between, and the much-lauded electric tram service had broken down as it always does when a little extra pressure is put upon it. In the main thoroughfares the surfaces were covered with churned coating of melting snow and mud, and when at last the City was reached it was found wrapped in sepulchral gloom. Anything more depressing could hardly be imagined, and the few business men who had ventured up from their suburban homes soon returned to them, leaving their clerks to put in few hours under the glare the electric lights.
The work of street-clearing is proceeding apace, and the "unemployed" are in luck! The cost promises to reach huge total. The authorities at Westminster this morning placed the figure for the whole of London at from 130,000 to 150,000.
The irrepressible British youth has made something out our visitation. With plenty of snow to favour the sport, toboggan carnivals commenced at early hour Hampstead Heath, Wandsworth Common, Hilly Fields, Lewisham, and one or two other favoured spots around the Metropolis. Hundreds of people flocked to these resorts with every kind of article, from the solid bob-sleigh the improved orange box. and the scene was one of great merriment. It is also good to know that at this trying season much being done to relieve the sufferings of the poor, and bring brightness the lives of neglected children.
. . . Finally, if I am not too late, Iwill again take the pleasure of wishing my readers A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
[BNA:
"The Era — Saturday 9 January 1909
MISS ITALIA CONTI
At Liberty.
41, Crockerton road. Wandsworth Common.
[BNA:
"The Era — Saturday 9 January 1909
MISS ITALIA CONTI
At Liberty.
41. Crockerton road. Wandsworth Common.
[BNA:
"Shoreditch Observer — Saturday 9 January 1909
The proposal to form bowling-greens Wandsworth Park, and on Tooting and Wandsworth Commons has been abandoned for the present.
[BNA:
"Newcastle Daily Chronicle — Thursday 14 January 1909 / man killed on line at Prison Bridge
Early yesterday morning the body of a man was found or the London and South Western Railway, near the Prison Bridge, Wandsworth Common. A train had passed over it, and the head was completely severed.
[BNA:
"Newcastle Daily Chronicle — Thursday 14 January 1909 / man killed on line at Prison Bridge
Early yeAterday morning the body of a man was found or the London and South Western Railway, near the Prison Bridge, Wandsworth Common. A train had passed over it, and the head was completely severed.
[BNA:
Manchester Evening News — Saturday 16 January 1909
MARRIED MAN'S DECEIT. A Pathetic Farewell A verdict of suicide was returned at an inquest at, Wandsworth to-day on William Powell, a chemist's assistant, of Kidderminster, who was found decapitated on the London and South-Western Railway at Wandsworth Common on Wednesday. The evidence showed that the deceased was separated from his wife, and had been passing as an unmarried man, gaining the affections of a young lady who lived with her mother. On his real position being discovered the mother and her daughter wrote him letters, as the result of which 'no, it was stated, attempted suicide in December by taking laudanum, for which he was bound over. On the body was found a letter addressed to the Coroner directing that all letters, photos, &c., be given to a young lady whose name was not disclosed, and that all property belonging to deceased, which was in possession of a certain Kidderminster lady, be given to her. The letter continued God forgive me for all my sins. I cannot stand this life any longer. I have not a penny in the world, and my heart is broken. I have no wish to live.
____
The latetst London parlour craze, "Futty," is football on your own table. Ask to see It.-E4D.I
[BNA:
"Manchester Evening News — Saturday 16 January 1909
MARRIED MAN'S DECEIT. A Pathetic Farewell A verdict of suicide was returned at an inquest at, Wandsworth to-day on William Powell, a chemist's assistant, of Kidderminster, who was found decapitated on the London and South-Western Railway at Wandsworth Common on Wednesday. The evidence showed that the deceased was separated from his wife, and had been passing as an unmarried man, gaining the affections of a young lady who lived with her mother. On his real position being discovered the mother and her daughter wrote him letters, as the result of which 'no, it was stated, attempted suicide in December by taking laudanum, for which he was bound over. On the body was found a letter addressed to the Coroner directing that all letters, photos, &c., be given to a young lady whose name was not disclosed, and that all property belonging to deceased, which was in possession of a certain Kidderminster lady, be given to her. The letter continued God forgive me for all my sins. I cannot stand this life any longer. I have not a penny in the world, and my heart is broken. I have no wish to live.
____
The latetst London parlour craze, "Futty," is football on your own table. Ask to see It.-E4D.I
[BNA:
BELLE C C WESTERN BRANCH FORMED. For some time pas: the Harwell members of the Belle Vue Cycling Club have been contemplating forming a local branch of that club and with this object a meeting was held at the Park Hotel, on Monday evening There were present Messrs. W. H. Cook, S. W. Welch. C. Jones. 8. Porkies. F. Baker. J Watkins, H. Searle. A. Jones. sen.. A. Jones. junr, G. Baker. A. Bake, H. Davy. C. Taylor. and B. Mitson, and others Messrs. H. R. Davy, (Secretary of the Belle Vue Club), and O. F. Taylor, (treasurer) also attended. Mr. A. Jones who was elected chairman pro fees outlined the objects of the new club and said that there were number of members belonging to the club who lived in Hanwell and they thought it smut advisable to form a branch in the locality as the club's headquarters at Putney were so far away. Their runs would be the same as the Belle Vue club's but instead of starting from Putney they would start from Hanwell and meet the Putney club at the rendezvous. He also outlined the competitions that would take place dining the season. The secretary, and treasurer of the clob explained the financial position of the Belle Vue Club and its membership showing that it was sound in finances and members. After some discussion it was resolved that a branch be formed tobe called " The Western Branch of the Belle Vue Cycling Club " with headquarters at the Park' Hotel. The election of officers was as follows: — Capt M. C. Jones: committee Messrs. C. Jones. A. Jones. G. Baker and A Baker: sec Mr. G. Baker. The subscription for racing members was fixed at 7s 6d. and for social members Ss. A vote of thanks was accorded Messrs. Davey and Taylor for their attendance and also to the chairman at the conclusion of the business.
[BNA:
BELLE C C WESTERN BRANCH FORMED. For some time pas: the Harwell members of the Belle Vue Cycling Club have been contemplating forming a local branch of that club and with this object a meeting was held at the Park Hotel, on Monday evening There were present Messrs. W. H. Cook, S. W. Welch. C. Jones. 8. Porkies. F. Baker. J Watkins, H. Searle. A. Jones. sen.. A. Jones. junr, G. Baker. A. Bake, H. Davy. C. Taylor. and B. Mitson, and others Messrs. H. R. Davy, (Secretary of the Belle Vue Club), and O. F. Taylor, (treasurer) also attended. Mr. A. Jones who was elected chairman pro fees outlined the objects of the new club and said that there were number of members belonging to the club who lived in Hanwell and they thought it smut advisable to form a branch in the locality as the club's headquarters at Putney were so far away. Their runs would be the same as the Belle Vue club's but instead of starting from Putney they would start from Hanwell and meet the Putney club at the rendezvous. He also outlined the competitions that would take place dining the season. The secretary, and treasurer of the clob explained the financial position of the Belle Vue Club and its membership showing that it was sound in finances and members. After some discussion it was resolved that a branch be formed tobe called " The Western Branch of the Belle Vue Cycling Club " with headquarters at the Park' Hotel. The election of officers was as follows: — Capt M. C. Jones: committee Messrs. C. Jones. A. Jones. G. Baker and A Baker: sec Mr. G. Baker. The subscription for racing members was fixed at 7s 6d. and for social members Ss. A vote of thanks was accorded Messrs. Davey and Taylor for their attendance and also to the chairman at the conclusion of the business.
[BNA:
ANTI-TERRRITORIAL UPROAR AT WANDSWORTH.
BATTERSEA SOCIALISTS DEFEATED.
On Tuesday night Wandsworth Town Hall recently redecorated and embellished at • cost of the scene of uproar, the like of which ' not occurred within the combined recollections of the oldest inhabitant and hi, great-grandfather. Alarmiets asserted that the building shook from its foundations, but that, like some of the assertions made by reporters who were fearful and afraid (and which have appeared in the Proms), was greatly exaggerated. The hall was used on Tuesday night for a Town's Meeting in support of the Territorial Force. The Mayor presided in his robes with great dignity, which, however, could not overcome hie good humour, and he was attended by the leading officials, of the Council and the municipal apparitor. The platform and other parts of the hall were made gay patriotic bunting. There was • distinguished company to support the Mayor, including • number of oil' cers in unilorao The newly-formed andecellent bend of the 23rd Battalion played splendidly before the speechmaking began. Everything seemed to make for a harmonioue and successful meeting worthy of Wandsworth and of the cause But elements of discoid were present, and the suspicion arose that they came from listttreea, which majestic borough is to the old•wot Id people of Wandsworth as a red rag is to a furious bull. The suspicion soon strengthened into A , ONYIR\I CD RELIEF, and it was rumoured that the disturbing elements were the same as those which bad warred against the town's meeting at Battersea with such persie tence and with some effect. A further alarming belief was that a section of Socialists had come from Tooting, where—for Toating lies low—the dregs of the metropolis are libellously said to settle. The proceedings opened without incident. Letters were read by the Mayor from Lord Esher and Sir Henry Kimber, who were unable to attend, and from the Rev. J. H. Anderson (Tooting's redeeming feature), who wrote stating that it was better to encourage patriotism than to watch football. The disaffected then began to manifest themselves. They called for the reading of another letter. This document the Mayor admitted he had received, but in the exercise of his discretion he declined to read it. Those who knew anything about it could refer to it here After, be said. His worship went on to urge Wandsworth men to take their proper part in the scheme of national defence. Ho was occasionally interrupted, and his patriotic sentiments wereqeered at be the Socialists and by • woman who was said to be the heroine of tho Battersea uproar. Sir Henry Mackinnon and Mr. Lorden, who moved and seconded a resolution of support, were fret piently deprived for short periods of the exercise of free speech. After they had done their be-,t a demand was made for an opportunity to move an amendment. The Mayor refused to accept an amendment, though be read what was put torward. It get forth that the people had no country, because it helorged to the capitalists. They had no homes worthy the name and therefore they declined to support militarism in any shape or form. A Mr. Underwmxl, a man of no physical bigness, but great with for the cause, strode tut ward at the invitation of the Mayor and TV THE meeTlxi. from the platform. A continuous din prevented him from being beard, except when the people took their breath. The disjointed words which then reached their ears wore objected to Re. course was had to the infollible speech drowner the singing of "Sit down" to the tune of the chimee of Big Ben. Mr. Underwood, as an orator, was vanquished. He continued, however, to gesticulate most valiantly. The Mayor called for order, and regarding Mr. Underwood as the prin• eipal cause of the uproar urged him to desist, and even left the chair and tried to prevail upon him to go. Mr. Underwood gesticulated with renewed vigour. The Town Hall superintendent went on the platform to remove him. Mr. Undo' wood resisted. There was a struggle on the edge of the platferni, but it did not last long. The imistanee to the superintendent speedily feebled, and Mr. Underweod went hack to his place attended by the triumphant cries of all but his own associates. Official repolutiotis were put and carried. There were many interruptions from the woman and from her friends, who kept saying they had nothing to defend. The Wandsworth assembly shouted them down and threatened them w ith ejectment. When Colonel Thomson began to speak the Socialist disorder broke out with renewed force. Wandsworth determined to stand it no longer. A rush was made for the Socialist group. The meet• Mg was in in instant a confused, struggling and yelling crowd. There was a tumultuous movement as of a mighty struggle, and hands and arms belongieg, as it seemed to those on the platform, not to individual@ but to the general assembly, rose and fell as if dealing out blows. The yelling deafened one. In a very short space of time a bole was made in the Socialist portion of the mass near the front mats, and a swift movemenr. took place towards the door. From the middle of a strenuous swarm
A HAND WAS HELD LIMPLY in taken of unconditional surrender. It was, we believe, the hand of the leading Socialist who was being carricd out. In the middle of another swarm might have been the woman, but she could not be seen from the platform. Her accuptomed seat was void. When nearing the door there was a further stiuggle as the people at the back, advancing to see what the matter was, met the victors with their discomfited foe. Then police. helmeted headP darted swiftly hither and thither, and ways were opened up with startling diepatch. The police completed the evictions. Great fear fell on all the ociali,tsv,ho remained, and the end , of that meeting was peace and practical unanimity.
[BNA: 1909 — HQ was PUTNEY
Fulham Chronicle — Friday 26 March 1909
BELLE VUE CYCLING CLUB ANNUAL SUPPER AND SMOKING CONCERT To commemorate the opening of another the Belle Vue Cychng Club held their annual supper and smoking concert at their headquarters, the Fos and Hounds Hotel, Putney, on Saturday evening. The event was held under the mnet auspicious condition-, and ensured well for the success of the season. Mr. 11. Newman Goddard (one of the vice-presideets) presided, and he was supported by Meagre A. C. Nightingale (vice-president), R. C. Geoid (captain), C. Jones (subcaptain), R. W. Gray (vice-captain), H. R. and J. Davey (general secretary), G. Baker (sob. Igeneral bon. secretary), A Voile (-octal hoe. secretary), H. E. Webb (assistant emisl bon secretary), A G P Jonesfhoo. auditor), A. and F Baker I. Bruce Smith, it I Inuke, W. Goulding, A E Haydoo. H. St John, P. Moreton, F Pullman (members of the committee), T. (Spencer Cycling Club), R. Goring soil J. E. Patmore (Havelock Cycling Club), Stapky (Putney Athletic), G. Striae S. Daniel (Sutton Cyc)mg Club), Fielder and Mackenzie (Putney United) G. A. Neuendort, R S. Cray, Sims, ' Crew, Way, Janes, Ii G Watkins, All Giles, H.Searle, ' P. J Enightinp, A. Lewis, Viaibols, G. Fielder' (Petney United), Ash, Willby, etc. There was a large attendance of members and friends, but much diesppoiatment was expressed at the unavoidable
[BNA:
"Sheffield Daily Telegraph — Tuesday 13 April 1909
EASTER MONDAY IN LONDON. Rain Interferes with Holiday Makers. Eastertide is essentially a Londoner's holiday. The three or four days' relaxation which is afforded by the festival gives the Cockney opportunity of enjoying himself such has at other period of the year, and, needless to say, it is taken full advantage of. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday created record in the way of sunshine, and this accounted for the unparalleled exodus which took place from London to the seaside and country resorts on those days. Yesterday, however, the Clerk of the Weather was unkind, and although the morning opened clear, later heavy clouds began to gather and rain commenced to fall, with the result that many who had seized the opportunity of bringing out straw hats and other summer attire had cause to regret their somewhat hasty departure from winter conditions. But notwithstanding the uncertain state of the weather, the many thousands Londoners who annually look forward to Easter Monday for outing took their trips abroad as usual, although the entertainments under cover had a rather larger percentage of holiday makers than is generally the case. The various theatres and music-halls, where special Easter Monday "shows" were provided, did excellent business, and the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the Wallace Collection, the Tower, and other places of artistic and historical interest, received their full quota visitors. Madame Tussaud's was also the Mecca of many. In the East End, brake load after brake load of Cockneys, with their women-folk, set_ off for Epping Forest and other popular spots, with flags flying and concertinas playing, regardless of threatening rain, and only intent on tlioroughly enjoying themselves. Many took the opportunity of having a day's racing at Kempton Park, while others journeyed further afield, and took their annual trip to Brighton and other seaside towns, which outings were offered at specially cheap fares by the various railway companies.
On the south side of the river, additional cars were ran on the London County Council tramway system to carry holiday makers to Clapham Common, Streatham, Wandsworth Common, and suchlike open spaces, and large crowds waited at the termini at the various bridges, in order to obtain a seat.
In the west, the London United Tramways Company. notwithstanding the threatened strike, had no difficulty in carrying thousands of trippers to Kew Gardens, which proved a source of great attraction, Richmond, Kingston, and Hampton Court, and other up-river resorts. In the north the tramway extensions, which have been carried out by the London County Council during the last twelve months, proved bo a t boon to the residents of Islington, Highbury, King's Cross, and other nortnern disbricLs. and the taims running to Highgate Woods, Bamet, and Finchley were crowded throughout the day. The Alexandra Palace had some 80,u00 visitors, and the special holiday attractions included a circus, minstrel entertainments, music six military bands, a grand firework display Messrs. Pain and Sons. What created most interest, however, was the ascent of two balloons during the afternoon, under the direction of Professor Gaudin. As at the Alexandra Palace, the chief attractions the Crystal Palace, wh:ch was visited by over 70,030 holiday makers, consisted of balloon ascents and fireworks display. The other attractions consisted of variety entertainments, a performance "The Gentleman Jockey" in the theatre, music the Coldstream, Grenadier, Irish, and Soots Guards, with the drums and fifes, and in the evening a display of Brock's fireworks — one of the finest shows of its kind yet given- The scenes on Hampstead Heath were of the usual holiday character. Londoners in their thousands assembled there, and the famous Heath presented the picturesque appearance which has made it celebrated. The rain in the afternoon, however, sadly interfered with the merry-making, and the crowd had, perforce, to forsake their favourite spot at a much earlier hour than would have been the case had it been fine.
[BNA:
"On 12 Mar 2022, at 16:24, Philip Boys
[BNA: A cyclo-plane? Dublin Daily Express — Saturday 21 August 1909 A verdict of death from natural causes wag returned at inquest at Wandsworth yesterday respecting the demise Mr. Fredenc Taylor, aged 78, retimi physician, and former! v Coroner and Magistrate for WoocUtock. Oxfordshire, who expired whilst cycling Wandsworth Common early on Thursday morning. Deceased, who suffered from heart disease, left home the early hours to try a cycle-plane which he had made, and the exertion brought on heart failure. was found dead by constable. [BNA: Cycleplane? Western Times — Saturday 21 August 1909 Inventive Physician's Sad Death A verdict 0 f "Death from nAtural causes" was returned at inquest Wandsworth yesterday, respecting the demise of Taylor, 78, retired physician, and formerly coroner and magistrate for Woodstock, Oxfordshire, who expired whilst cycling on Wandsworth Common early on Thursday. The deceased, who suffered from heart disease, Jett home the early hours to try a cycleplane which had made, and the brought heart failure. He was found dead by constable. [BNA: Mr. John Troutheck held an inquest on the body of Frederic Taylor, aged 74, of Beauchamp-road, Lavender Hill, a retired medical practitioner who died from heart failure whilst testing a contrivance. The widow dated that her husband went out at four o'clock on Thursday morning to try a cyclo-plane he had invented before the traffic got too dense. He had often done so before. A police-constable stated that be found the deceased lying dead on the road side near Wandsworth Common, with the contrivance on his head. Witness had previously seen him cycling with it, and he appeared to get along as if nothing was wrong. Dr. Trevor said that the contrivance did not contribute to tie man's death. A verdict of natural death was returned. [BNA:
Norwood News- Saturday 28 August 1909
COMMON SCHOOLGIRL COMMENDED.
John Johnson (69), a costermonger, of 56, Welford road, Croydon, was charged on remand with begging from house taboos* at West Side, Wandsworth Common, on Monday week. — Prisoner's arrest was the outcome of the smartness of a scboolgirl named Holly Leggett, 40, West Side, Wandsworth Common. He tried to obtain money from her by telling a pitiful tale about his wife having been robbed at Clapham Junction which she did not believe. She followed him and discovered that be told a somewhat similar story to a gentleman. She then gave him into custody.
- lt was stated that prisoner had served 30 years in prison, including 21 years' penal servitude for minor offences.
- Mr. de Grey said great credit was due to the girl, who followed prisoner and found him out. He would be sentenced to a month's bard labour.
Prieonee: Thank you, air.
[BNA:
AN "INIQUITOUS" PROPOSAL
A proposal to spend 35 on tar-paving a footpath on Wandsworth Common. near Wandsworth Common Station, objected to by Mr. Phillip, who pointed out that the Borough Council paid heavy sums to the County Council and might not to do that body's work as well. He mentioned that in a similar matter the London County Council had turned its back on Balham.
Mr. Lidiard said the matter rennin-1 a gond deal of consideration. If the Borough Council started this kind if thing where was it going to stop. Mr. Wire said the path in its present condition wee a disgrace. Be urged the Council to carry out the work. Mr. Turnbull followed with the declaration that the proplesl was iniquitous. The Borough Council osteht not to make good the negligence of the County Council. Mr. Wise real document which showed that the Borough Council had agreed to maintain the path. The Council referred the matter back to the committee.
[BNA: