Below are a selection of events for May 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.
| May | ||||||
| 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 | 31 | |
1.—At Kensington Vestry, a letter from Mr. Pack, 11 New Street, Brompton, complaining that No. 12 was boiling pig wash and other offal continually in their back garden. Resolved that the Medical Officer take action.
6.—At Beaufort House, North End, Fulham, the South Middlesex Rifle Volunteers put on a benefit for their band. Professor Jacobs, the world-renowned Wizard of Wizards, Ventriloquist, etc. would perform on a stage made to resemble the Temple of Enchantment. The Goblin Sprightly would assist the Professor, as he’d done for the last 20 years.
7.—The Chelsea Vestry considered a letter from J. Sewell of 12 Oxford Terrace, Hyde Park, giving particulars of the “Thames Railway from London-Bridge to Chelsea”. It would benefit Chelsea, Kensington, Shepherd’s Bush and Brompton. It was referred to the Committee of Works. Mr. Sewell attended in person the following week to explain the plans, which would also include a sewer. Costs were estimated at only one million pounds. [nhbt]
10.—The Annual Dinner of the Fulham Churchwardens took place at the Star and Garter Tavern, Richmond Hill with nearly 40 gentlemen sitting down to “a very superior banquet, comprising every delicacy of the season.”
11.—The London District Telegraph Company (messages to all parts of London) were advertising in the Notting Hill and Baywater Times that they were open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.: a single message cost 6d., message and reply 9d.. There were offices in Kensington (26 High Street), Bayswater/Westbourne Grove (2 Colburg-place); Notting Hill (24 High Street); Paddington (2 Inverness-terrace); Shepherd’s Bush (near the Gate), South Kensington Museum. [nhbt]
13.—Royal Cremorne Gardens re-opened for the season. Messrs. Grieve and Telbin had improved the stereorama, the Savanah Minstrels and Singnor Poletti performed (Riviere’s quadrille band engaged for the season). Mr. Simpson continuing as sole proprietor. The great Leotard would commence when the Circus opens.
15.—Kensington Vestry, having previously issued an order against Mr. Green to pull down an extra storey on 26, Hyde Park Gate South, (being built without permission) learned that their order had been ignored, and the extra storey was now complete. Passed to the Parliamentary Committee.
16.—Kensington Board of Guardians heard the case of Mr. Longbottom, “a fine specimen of a truly English labourer” of Clarendon Cottages, Portobello Road, who had met with a severe accident and walked with crutches. Granted 2s. 6d. and a loaf a week for a month, with the option of going into the Infirmary.
18.—The grand horticultural exhibition of the season was held at the Crystal Palace in bright May sunshine. The Coldstream Guards’ band played whilst visitors enjoyed the flowers; locally grown pine-apples, grapes, peaches, nectarines, melons, cherries and strawberries were exhibited. [nhbt]
20.—The Foresters’ Fete at Chiswick house was very successful with over 7,000 attending and the weather delightful. Starting with a procession at 12 p.m. there followed general entertains throughout the afternoon. Bands included a quadrille band lead by Mr. Tanks, Mr. Culpitt’s and Mr. Wilson’s and the North End Drum and Fife Band. Above £150 was raised for the West of London Hospital.
22.—The annual election of Kensington Vestrymen took place, without any opposition. In Brompton Ward, Messrs. Bass, Blore, Brown, Heather, Maydwell, Mould, Stickland and Watts were re-elected. Mr. Whitehead, having left the parish was not eligible for re-election and was replaced by C. Perkins, Nos. 28 and 29 Michael Place.
23.—Fulham Union advertised a £2 reward for the apprehension of the person ho left a male infant in the ditch near the Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush on 21st. A further £2 reward was available for the apprehension of the person who left a male infant in Edith Road, North End, Fulham, on or before the 7th.
24.—George Williams and William Harper were examined at Hammersmith Police court, charged with uttering counterfeit shillings at the Duke of Sussex, Clifton Street, Shepherd’s Bush (landlord Isaac Williams). They had been in custardy since the April 17th, Mrs. Williams being confined shortly after their apprehension. Committed for trial.
27.—The funeral took place of Henry Langston with the procession, including the North End Drum and Fife Band, starting at 2.30 p.m., four members of the Ancient Order of Foresters carrying the pall. Rev. Batty, officiating curate, Fulham, conducted the service in the church and the pall was then carried “through a dense crowd of spectators” to be buried in Fulham churchyard.