Below are a selection of events for June 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.
| June | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
1.—J. Hunt, the Broadway, Hammersmith, advertised that his Drapery establishment would close early that day, and all subsequent Saturdays, at 9 p.m. J. Walker, 1 Clarendon Road and Portland Road, Notting Hill, had 30,000 bedding plants for sale (£1 for 100).
5.—At Fulham Board of Works the Surveyor reported that the Electric Poles in Uxbridge Road had been taken down, and it was expected the company would in future lay cables underground. Mr. Wilson, Queen’s Buildings, Brompton, complained that in wet weather there is a great accumulation of water which prevents him building a new villa in Munster Road. Referred to Committee.
7.—At the bankruptcy court Alfred Wilson, 39, High Street, Kensington, owing £4496 against assets of £1834 was approved bankrupt. His profits for the last 35 months had been £825, loses £981, trade expenses £1905 and domestic expenses £758.
8.—The foundation stone of the new buildings of Godolphin School, Hammersmith, was laid by the Bishop of London. In the morning current and former pupils played a cricket match, the former pupils winning. In the afternoon the Head Master entertained a large party (including the Bishop) to lunch, and a procession followed at 3 p.m., over 1,000 people had purchased tickets.
11.—43 boys and 30 girls of the Fulham Union (workhouse) were treated at the personal expense of the Guardians with an Excursion to Hampton Court. The London General Omnibus Company supplied the transport, and “an immense quantity of beef sandwiches, cake, lemonade, nuts and oranges” were served. After a tour of the Court there were races, foot-ball etc.
12.—At Kensington Vestry it was reported that the United Kingdom Telegraph Company were intending to remove the wires in Norland Square. The complaints against the Drum and Fige Band at St. Phillip’s Orphanage, Brompton, which now had solicitors involved, was dropped after the police said the matter would receive their attention.
13.—At a public Vestry meeting of All-Saints, Fulham, the church rate for the ensuing year was set at 3½d. Two days previously the Turnham Green Deveonshire Cricket Club agreed that their new annual membership fee would be 10s. 6d.
15.—The West London Observer editorial discussed the House of Commons decision (on 10th) not to merge the parishes of Chelsea and Kensington into a electoral borough. They thought Kensington didn’t care, but “the radical parish of Chelsea [who had] gone so far as to choose their candidate” would be greatly pained.
17.—Leotard “a superb model of strength and agility” made his first and long-promised appearance at Cremorne Gardens giving “gymnastic exhibitions that can be viewed without pain or misgiving.”
20.—At about 2.15 a.m. a devastating fire broke out in Mr. Stevens’, boot-maker, shop, 22 High Street, Kensington. Six people were rescued from the upper windows but the fire rapidly spread to No. 21 (Mr. Parkin’s, grocer) and No. 23 (Mr. Mrs. Dallas’ china shop). It then spread to Mr. Fox’s (currier), Mr. Smith (tripe-dealer) in Young Street. The fire was put out by various local Fire engines. A number of the houses being uninsured a subscription for the sufferers was started.
22.—The West London Observer carried a letter complaining of the late closing system by drapers in Hammersmith. Assistants were “worked as machines rather than human beings.” It was admitted a “certain amount of trade was done” but more reasonable closing would simply mean people would buy during daylight. The example of J. Hunt (see 1 June) was cited as a good omen.
22.—A long list of subscriptions for the sufferers of the calamitous fire in Kensington High Street (20th) appeared. A special subscription was taken at Kensington Chapel by Rev. John Stoughton. An updated list appeared on the 29th. The total collected (13 July) was £361 13s. 5d.
25.—A full, brilliant and fashionable assembly was at Signor Biletta’s morning concert at Campden House, Kensington. Mr. Wolley assisted by Claudine Hampton, got up the comedy “Delicate Ground.” The West London Observer note that Miss Hampton’s forte was “evidently not the stage.”
26.—At Kensington Vestry Mr. Green reported that the Metropolis Roads Commissioners had consented to a paved crossing in Kensington High Street, opposite to the Palace Gates.
27.—Fulham Union wanted a Relieving Officer. Salary was £110 per annum with a security of £100 being required. Closing date 10th July, with interviews at 2 p.m. on 11th before the Guardians.
29.—J. Goodge of the Duke of Sussex Tavern, Acton Green (near Turnham Green) advertised that he was now able to offer Joseph and John Vickers’ Superior Gin in Bottles. His advertisement lists Cream Gin 2s. 6.d a bottle, Imperial Luqueur Geneva 2s. 9d., Eau de Vie Vieille de Cognac, 5s. 9d. Elliot Watney and Co.’s porter, stouts and Pimlico ales, as well as Rawling’s lemonade, soda water and ginger beer were also available.