Below are a selection of events for April 1861 showing what was happening around George Borrow and his family. The Borrows lived in 22 Hereford Square, Brompton, London, from September 1860 until George finally left in the second half of 1874.
The page for the 1861 gives a bit more background and links to pages explaining the sources and other months/years.
This is an on-going effort, and is expected to be updated. David would especially link to thank the wonderful staff at Kensington Local Studies for all of their help in researching this.
| April | ||||||
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 1 | 2* | 3 | 4* | 5 | 6 | |
| 7* | 8 | 9* | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13* |
| 14 | 15 | 16* | 17 | 18* | 19* | 20* |
| 21 | 22* | 23* | 24* | 25 | 26 | 27* |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||
2.—Fulham Vestry met to sell the crops of the Church acres. After the sale, the Churchwardens for the coming year were selected.
4.—The Rev. W. G. Lewis lectured on the Pilgrim’s Progress at Pearce’s Riding School, Westbourne Park, and an “crowded, applauding audience” raised over £20 for Lonsdale Road Ragged School, which was very much in need of funds. [nhbt:4]
7.—[Census night.] The Borrow’s house at 22 Hereford Square is occupied by two builders from Lowestoft whilst Mary Borrow and her daughter Henrietta are lodging at 6 Selwood Terrace. [source is the Census]
9.—After the consecration of All Saints Church, Thos. Pocock of Lansdowne-road entertained the chorister boys at tea at Vernon Mews. They were “allowed the free use of tea and tea-cakes &c. &c.” and apparently “caused the tea-cakes and sausage-rolls to suffer immensely in the struggle.” [The consecration was later reported as taking place on 30th April so not sure the date is correct.] [nhbt:5] [wlo]
13.—The West London Observer carried a number of horse-related adverts for Hammersmith: a bay pony, four years old, was for sale at the Red Cow; a three-stall stable at the Ship, Bridge Road was for let; and “B. B.” of The Institute wanted to buy a small phaeton suitable for a small pony, fourteen hands.
16.—No. 4, Hammersmith Company (of the South Middlesex Rifle Volunteer Corps) would parade in Company Drill at the local headquarters at 6 p.m., weather permitting. A further parade would follow on the 19th to be inspected by Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Ranalagh.
18.—Rev. J. P. Gell gave a lecture to the West London Protestant Institute at St. John’s, Notting Hill on “The Fortifications of Rome.” The fortifications turned out to be the “rites of the Holy Church, R.I.P.” [nhbt:5]
19.—John Ottignon, aged 36, a carpenter, fell from a roof and was killed whilst working at Cremorne Gardens. [nhbt:5]
20.—J. Hill, 12, Devonshire Terrace, Notting Hill Gate, was retiring from business and selling the stock of his fancy and toy warehouse “without regard to the original price.” Meanwhile J. Allnut, Cheesemonger & Poulterer, 62, High Street, Notting Hill, was advertising his Wiltshire bacon, Dairy-fed pork, and Ostend Rabbits. [nhbt:1]
22.—[?] Chelsea Board of Guardians were discovered having expensive dinners (9s. each, with wine) paid for by the rates, whilst meeting to re-assess the parish rates. A “lengthy report” was leaked and circulated causing great debate in Chelsea. A few months later it was announced that in future the Guardians would pay for their own meals. [nhbt]
23.—St. Philip’s church, an iron church, Manor-place, Paddington-green, was opened by the Bishop of London. The collection raised £60 and holy communion was given. Total cost of the building was around £600, with £500 already subscribed. Rev. Buckley was the minster. [nhbt]
24.—James Bird, the Solicitor, attended Fulham Board of Works with respect to the obstructions caused by the posts and wires of the Telegraph Company in Shepherd’s Bush. After legal discussion the Board unanimously resolved to bring a summons against the Company.
27.—The Bayswater Athenæum Vocal Union gave their first concert at Westbourne Hall, starting at 8 p.m. Despite the inclemency of the weather it was well attended, but unfortunately the choir lacked precision. Also, in a letter from “A. B.” it was announced that sittings in All Saints’ Church, had been reduced from £3 3s. to £2 2s. Mr. Light looked forward to seeing the seats occupied by regular holders “instead of the wandering strangers he has hitherto had.” [nhbt:4]