News From Yesteryear
Coronation Celebrations of Queen Victoria in Claybrooke Parva – From ‘The Northampton Mercury’, Saturday 7th July, 1838
In the neighbouring hamlets of Great and Little Claybrooke, a subscription was raised amongst the richer inhabitants, to supply their poorer neighbours with a supper. At five o’clock the females of the two hamlets were regaled with tea and cakes, and at half-past six joined their husbands and children at the supper table. About 400 persons of both sexes and all ages took their seats at three long tables erected in the play yard of the village school. A band of music played during the meal, and the church bells rang at intervals throughout the day.
Celebrations of Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in the Claybrookes – Leicester Chronicle – Saturday 03 July 1897
The villages of Claybrooke Magna and Parva celebrated the Diamond Jubillee of the Queen with marked éclat and display on Friday the 24th June. By the efforts of the following energetic committee, the sum of £40 was obtained, of which the vicar gave £10: Messrs T S Nixon (Chairman), W Beale (Treasurer), G Brown, G Benford, W Hopkins and T Adams. A free feast was provided for the whole of the parishioners and also the workpeople of Mr F J Stanhope, Alma House which is on the borders of the parish, the latter gentleman giving three good prizes to the sports, in addition to what were purchased out of the funds.
A splendid dinner of cold roast ham, beef mutton and ham was served to between three and four hundred adults in spacious buildings lent for the occasion and forming part of the woodyard occupied by Messrs G Hill and J Randle. The whole length of the villages was festooned with evergreens flags and mottoes. The most remarkable part of the celebration, however, was the procession, which, from a characteristic point of view, exceeded anything ever before attempted in the parish. Punctually at eleven o’clock the processionists assembled at Bull’s Head Green and it was at once seen that a vast amount of labour had been bestowed in its preparation. First came police constable Himan, on a fine grey kindly lent by Mr B Skirth of Ullesthorpe, and by his side rode a stalwart old soldier, late of the Indian forces, in the person of Mr T Dunning, with his rifle.
Behind them marched Mr Bodycote, bearing high a banner, followed by a top hat cycle brigade, with their head gear completely enveloped in ribbons, rosettes and coloured bands. Mr T S Nixon lead the way with Mr A H Carrell, the former attired as “The New Woman” and the latter as “A Gentleman Up To Date”, with attendants represented by Messrs E Hall and W Brookes. Messrs T Simpson and A Beckett the first named as a “French Peasant” and the last as “Britain” next appeared followed by Mr W Pattison as a cyclist huntsman, with Dr Hutchinson and Mr F Boyes in suitable costumes. The whole of the machines were literally covered with rosettes, evergreens and beautiful roses. Then followed the Enderby Brass Band, which did yeoman service throughout the day. Next came the prancing steed of Mr Walter Beale, in the get-up of a genuine ‘Paddy’ and brandishing a monster shillelagh. In close attendance was “Jolly John Bull”, in the person of Mr Jessie Ball, with his son, Mr E Ball as “a young agriculturalist”, while Mr Ernest Ball of Claybrooke made an excellent “Jolly Old Farmer”, accompanied by his faithful “shepherd” (Mr E Handerton and Mr Scotton Jr rode in the person of “a nice young gentleman”. Then came a carriage lent by Dr Hutchinson, in which rode Mrs M Piggin as personating Her Majesty. Attended by Mrs Illgrove and Miss Lucy Piggins as maids of honour and driven by a royal coachman (Mr George Brown), the Church’s alliance with the state being represented by the Rev J F Todd marching with hands resting on the Royal carriage; while mounted body guards and foot attendants surrounded “Her Majesty”. Mr Fred Bockley now comes skipping along as “Clown”, the bones being in full accord with the measures of the band, while his clownish antics created great fun. It was, however, reserved for Dr Davis (who is temporarily assisting Dr Hutchinson) to fairly take first honours in his representation of “The Baby”.
He appeared in a gaily bedecked tiny donkey-cart, as though out with “Nurse” for a morning ride and enjoying the luxury of a sugar-stick – fully half a yard long. Following on this came a troupe of Green Coat Boys in bright new jackets and Mr A Tyer’s waggonette decorated with aged people and cripples unable to ‘foot’ it in the lengthy march. Next was a hand-cart in which was seated “A Pretty Princess” propelled by some half-dozen gaily-dressed maidens, this representing village trade, from the Griswold factory of Messrs Moore and Eady.
The rear was brought up by the schoolboys and a large number of parishioners. After parading the villages of Claybrooke Magna and Parva, a dinner took place. The company then repaired to Mr Ball’s cricket ground to witness a match between 22 married and 11 single men, the former scoring 99 and latter 84 for four wickets, Mr T S Nixon and Mr W Brooks eventually retiring with 28 and 34 respectively. At 4 pm all the children had a good meat tea, the women having sat down with the men for dinner. Then followed racing for prizes and dancing, which latter was kept up in the Village Hall from 10 till 12 pm. On the following day the women and children (the latter being presented with 120 Jubilee mugs) were further regaled with tea which dancing followed. Miss Mason presented the aged and widows with ¼ lb tea and 1lb sugar each, and several unable to attend the festivities were sent plates of meat etc.
Fight in Church Porch – From The ‘Northampton Mercury’, Saturday June 4 1881
William Masson of Claybrooke Magna was charged with assaulting William Knight, of the same place on Sunday, May 15th at Claybrooke Parva in the church porch. Defendant tried to snatch a flower from complainant, who gave him a push, whereupon defendant struck him in the face three times. Fined £1 11s., including costs.