The Thursday News - Classifieds

The London Chronicle

May 18, 1758

WANTED,An Advowson from 200l. to 600l. a Year, with any Life upwards of Fifty upon it; or a next Presentation of about the same yearly Value, provided there is an old Incumbent.
Any Person (being a Principal) may direct to Mr. Wm. Dobey, opposite the Sun Tavern, in Holborn.
 
To be LETT, Furnished, A very good House, consisting of three Parlours and a large Hall below stairs, five Bedchambers, a Dressing Room and a large Study, and two small Rooms, five large Garrets, with as many beds as may be wanted; over the Scullery and Dairy there are seven Bedchambers for servants; there are all reasonable Conveniences for Servants, such as Store-Rooms, Clossets, Shelves; good Stabling for ten Horses at least Coach-houses, Brew-houses, Out-houses, &c. with or without Land; The Gardens in good Order, a Dove-house, Fish-ponds, well stock'd, in a fine Sporting Country, a Mile from Buckenham, a Market Town in Norfolk; 16 miles from Norwich, and 99 from London.
Enquire of Mr. Jackson, Bookseller, in St. James's Street.

WIP Wednesday - 18th Century Servant's Clothing

Today I thought I would talk about servant's clothing.

The Chocolate Girl - Jean-Étienne Liotard 1745

This image is a bit before the time I usually
focus on here, but I thought it was a great example of the way servants were expected to dress. Her simple
Caraco and skirt are covered by an apron.
Her hair is covered with a bonnet (mob
cap) which is her only decoration, and
she's wearing a serviceable fichu.
Nothing in her appearance is particularly
ornate.

Henry Robert Morland – late 18th century woman servant

Henry Robert Morland painted a number of images of servants. You can see here that his 18th century servant woman is wearing a fairly plain dress. The bow on her cap is the only decoration. 




Highly visible male servants were the exception. Footmen, the butler, and other highly visible male servants were expected to dress in fancy livery as a show of the estate's wealth.

Colonial Williamsburg

While they were expected to dress well, in accordance with their employer's status, servants who wore clothing considered too ornate or above their station were scorned by the upper classes.  This came to a head toward the end of the 18th century, when the industrial revolution made luxuries more affordable. Soon, servant uniforms began gaining popularity as a mark of the separation of the classes within an estate.
This dichotomy can be seen in this panting, and yo can read more about it, and servants in general here. I also have a link to The Complete Servant (free on google books) under the For Writers tab at the top of the page.

The Thursday News - Wills

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

15th March 1799

A poor labouring man (whose name is CARRINGTON and who has a very large family of children) at Swinstead in this county, is said to be heir to a Mr SCOTNEY who got a large fortune in the East Indies and lately died in London. £10,000 secured by mortgage on an estate in Scotland, forms part of the fortunate property.

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

18th February 1791

PENNELL´S Will: The Heir at Law of WILLIAM PENNELL, late of Horncastle in the County of Lincoln, Attorney at Law, deceased, (whose Residence since the month of April 1783 at different times and for several months together, has been in London or the vicinity thereof, to the Month of June last, when the said William PENNELL returned to Horncastle aforesaid; continued there until his Death, which happened on the 26th day of January last), requests that if any Person or Persons can give Information of being a subscribing Witness or Witnesses to any Will or Codicil executed by the said William PENNELL, since the Month of April 1783, that they will forthwith give notice thereof either to JOHN HANSON, Attorney at Law, Chancery Lane, London: or to RICHARD HEALD of Horncastle aforesaid, Attorney at Law.

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

7th January 1792

Next of Kin - Notice is hereby given that whoever can satisfactorily prove themselves to be nearest in Degree of Kindred to William OSBORN, late of Raithby in the county of Lincoln, Farmer and Grazier, deceased, may hear of something to their Advantage by applying to Mr WEBB, Attorney at Law at Louth. NB: The said William OSBORN died in the month of March 1789.

The Thursday News - Men, The Bad And The Good

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

4th January 1799

George ROSE left his Wife and Family about two Years Ago chargeable to the Parish of Billingborough in the county of Lincoln. He was born at Musson, Leicestershire, is about 44 years of age, Swarthy complexion, has a scar on the right side of his nose, thick lips, slim made, near-sighted, and wears spectacles; is about 5 foot 3 or 4 inches high; by profession a Rag-gatherer and Pattin maker. He has been a Soldier in the Cambridgeshire Regiment of Infantry, raised in the American War about the year 1776 or 1777, under command of General John PARLOW from which he obtained his discharge in the year 1783. Whoever will apprehend the aforesaid George ROSE lodge him in one of his Majesty´s Gaols and give Information immediately to the Overseers of Billingborough aforesaid, shall be hansomely rewarded for their Trouble.

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

25th October 1799

It is with great regret we have to record the death of that brave young officer, Captain SKYNNER, the eldest son of the Reverend Mr SKYNNER of Easton near this place. He commanded the ´La Lutine´ frigate of 32 guns, which was unfortunately wrecked off the coast of Holland in the night of the 9th instant, and all the crew perished, but one.

The Thursday News - Deserters

  LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 16th September 1796

Royal South Regiment of Lincolnshire Militia; Deserted from the said Regiment, quartered at Chelmsford Barracks, the following persons, viz:-
George COOPER (from Capt. LLUELLWYN´s Company): 27 years of age: 5 Feet 5 Inches high; Residence Weston, Yorkshire; Occupation a Laborer: dark Complexion, Brown Hair, Hazle Eyes, a large scar on the Right side of the Throat - Deserted on 9th of August last, in full Battalion Cloathing and Black Leather Cap: - Substitute for William BUFF of Gosberton, Lincolnshire.
William MAPLESTON (from the same Company): 27 years of age: 5 Feet 7 Inches high: Residence at Kirton, Lincolnshire: Occupation a Laborer: Fair Complexion, Brown Hair, Grey Eyes with a Dimple on his Chin - Deserted on 9th August last in full Battalion Cloathing, and Black Leather Cap: - Substitute for Samuel TUNNARD of Kirton, Lincolnshire.
Edward PACEY (from the same Company): 33 years of age, 5 Feet 6 and a half Inches high: Residence at Boston, Lincolnshire: Occupation a Waterman: ruddy Complexion, Brown Hair, Black Eyes, a Mole on his left Cheek - Deserted on 9th August last in full Battalion Cloathing, and Black Leather Cap - Substitute for James SHAW of Algarkirke, Lincolnshire. (It is supposed the said Edward PACEY is gone into Timberland Fen, to Harvest Work. - Whosoever will apprehend and lodge him in any of his Majesty´s Gaols, shall receive Five Guineas Reward to be paid by Thomas RASDALL or Samuel BURRELL, Overseers for the Parish of Algarkirke, over and above what is allowed by Act of Parliament).
Charles CUTTS, 25 Years of Age: 5 Feet 7 Inches and a Quarter high: Residence at Corby, Lincolnshire: Occupation a Laborer, fair Compexion, sandy Hair, Grey Eyes: - Deserted on the 10th August last, in full Light Infantry Cloathing and Cap. - Substitute for John CLARKE of Colsterworth.
John SPENCE, 27 Years of Age: 5 Feet 6 Inches and a Quarter high: Residence at Donington, Lincolnshire: Occupation a Laborer: ruddy Complexion: Brown Hair: Grey Eyes: large Scar on his left Wrist: - Deserted on the 23rd August last - Substitute for John PARKER of Donington, Lincolnshire.
Thomas GREGORY (from the Grenadier Company): 30 Years of Age: 6 Feet One Inch and a Quarter high: Residence at Swineshead, Lincolnshire: Occupation a Laborer, Fresh Complexion, Light-Brown Hair, Grey Eyes, Cut on his left Hand: Straight and Stout made (Person): Deserted on 23rd August last in an old Regimental Coat and Round Hat. - Substitute for John CLEMENTS of St Nicholas Parish, Lincoln.
John LITTLE (from Captain BELL´s Company): 25 Years of Age: 5 Feet 7 Inches high: Residence at West Walton, Norfolk: Occupation a Laborer: Fresh Complexion: Brown Hair, Brown Eyes: a Scar on the fore-finger of his Left Hand: - Deserted on the 23rd of August last, in a Light-Brown Lacket and a Round Hat. Substitute for William ROBINSON of Kirkby Laythorpe, Lincolnshire.
Whoever shall apprehend the above Deserters, and lodge them or either of them in any of His Majesty´s Gaols, will, on Application to Colonel SIBTHORPE, Chelmsford Barracks, receive Twenty Shilling each, over and above what is allowed by Act of Parliament for apprehending Deserters: - and the Parish of Kirkby Laythorpe will allow the further Sum of Three Guineas for apprehending the said John LITTLE. (dated) September 1st, 1796.

The Thursday News - Theft

LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 13th November 1795

The house of George JOHNSON of Bridge-End, in the Parish of Horbling, Lincolnshire, was broke open on the 28th October 1795 and amongst other things a remarkable WATCH was taken away; the outside spring of which is hollow, Three Clips on the Side of the Face, and the inside Engine is broke (sic). If the above is offered for sale or to be pawned, on giving Notice to Mr GEORGE JOHNSON, as above, FORTY POUNDS will be paid on the Conviction of the Offender for Burglary.

The Thursday News - Morality

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

21st August 1795

MARSTON FEAST - We the inhabitants of MARSTON, near Grantham, having duly considered the bad consequences attending Country Wakes and Feasts, which, tho originally intended for Religious Meetings, are now quite perverted, serving chiefly to encourage Drunkenness the Inlet of Vice and Prophaneness; and further considering that the present alarming high Prices of Provisions, must nearly involve every poor Family in insurmountable Debts and difficulties; which to prevent and keep our Parishioners from such Embarrassments, as well as to check the rapid Growth of Vice and Immorality, we have unanimously agreed to discontinue our ANNUAL FEAST and to give this Public NOTICE, of our Resolution to abolish it. Given under our hands this 16th day of August 1795. (signed) Thomas EDINBOROUGH Alexander WRIGHT William GEESON Thomas WORTH Richard HARMSTONE Samuel HUCKERBY Noah ROPER William WING D METHERINGHAM

The Thursday News - For Sale

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

13th March 1795 

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TO BE SOLD - A NEW PORTABLE GRAND PIANOFORTE with Three Unisons, also a SQUARE ONE. The above, for Brilliancy of Tone and Principle of Action, are equal, if not superior to any Instrument of the Kind ever offered to the Public, being finished by one of the first Mechanics in Europe. Apply Mr BARNET, at STAMFORD.

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

13th March 1795

B FIRTH, MILLINER, IN THE CITY OF LINCOLN, Begs leave to inform her Friends, and the Public, that she has an assortment of MUSLIN that will be sold at REDUCED PRICES, they being an Article she don´t (sic) in future intend to deal in.

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

13th March 1795

GRANTHAM - THOMAS RAWLINSON has Cured a Large Quantity of HAMS, BACON and TONGUES: Ham from Ten Pound to Twenty Pound weight; Flitches from Three Stone to Eight Stone weight. Any Person giving Orders, may depend on having good and well cured (sic). NB AnAPPRENTICE to a BUTCHER and GRAZIER is Wanted at May-Day. For particulars apply of the above

The Thursday News - Help Wanted

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

20th March 1795

WANTED at EASTER Next, A MAN and his WIFE to RESIDE in the WORKHOUSE, and provide for the POOR of the Parish of HOWELL. For particulars apply to Mr John ELKINGTON, of HOWELL, near SLEAFORD.

LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

20th February 1795

CHRISTIAN KREBS, Surgeon and Occulist begs leave to inform his Friends and the Public that he may be consulted at his Apartments at Mrs GOODYEAR´s, High Street, BOSTON, Lincolnshire, every Day until the Second of April 1795. Letters to be post-paid. Boston, February 19, 1795.

The Thursday News - Sales

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

17th April 1795

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION (By THOMAS PENNY) on the Premises of Mrs CAMPLIN in DYKE in the Parish of BOURN in the County of Lincoln on TUESDAY the 28th Day of APRIL, 1795. SEVEN HORSES and MARES about FOURTEEN BEASTS of Different Ages and some IMPLEMENTS of HUSBANDRY. Six Months´ Credit will be given (on an Approved Security) for all Bargains above Forty Shillings. The Sale to begin at Ten o´clock in the Forenoon.

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 23rd January 1795

SKENDLEBY near SPILSBY - NURSERY of TREES to be SOLD. A Variety of Forest Trees, Fruit Trees, Evergreens and Flowering Shrubs, Bulbous and Herbaceous Flower Roots etc, Garden Seeds of all Kinds: Clover Seeds, Grass Seeds of all Sorts, for the improvement of Lands; Rape and Turnip Seeds of different Sorts, the Turnip Seed chiefly of his own raising, with a particularly fine Sort never before sown in these Parts: all the above warranted to be of the best Quality, and the Lowest Prices by:- John OLIVER, Nursery & Seedsman. Good Allowances for Trade.

The Thursday News - Merry Widows

 September 28, 1792Marriage: On Thursday se´nnight was married at Carlby in this county, Mr James GLENN, farmer, to Mrs HODGKIN, a most disconsolate widow for 20 days!

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 March 18, 1796

On Friday last Mr HUSBEND, Shoe-maker of Morton in this County, was married at Gainsborough to Widow CAWTHORP. The man had been a disconsolate widower for Eighteen Long Tedious Days; A Little riotious behaviour amongst the swinish multitude occurred on the occasion.

The Thursday News - A Unique Solution

LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 October 8, 1790

All persons are hereby cautioned against trusting Mary WALL, wife of John WALL, Blacksmith of Somerby in the County of Lincoln, as he will not be answerable for any debts she may contract - Also all persons are desired not to pay her any bills on my account from the date hereof. November 20, 1790.

LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 17th June 1796

A Caution: Whereas, Elizabeth KIRK, Wife of me, Thomas KIRK of Bicker in the County of Lincoln, Farmer, prompted by an Evil Disposition, without any Provocation, Absconded from me on or about the 13th Day of January 1796, and has not since returned Home: Now I do hereby give Notice, that I will not pay or discharge any Debts that she may have entered into since she left me, or which she may hereafter contract. Witness my hand, Thomas KIRK, Bicker, 1st June 1796.

The Thursday News - Strangely Wed

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 11th June 1790

Marriage: A few days ago was married at Waddington near this city of Lincoln, William GAD aged 79 to Mary GAD of the same age and of the same place. What is extraordinary there was at tea in the evening, the bridegroom, the bride, their fathers (sic), four brothers, two sisters, two uncles, two aunts, one kinsman and one kinswoman: and altogether but six persons whose ages amounted to 416 years, and all of one name.

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 8th October 1790

Marriage: On Thursday last was married at Donington, Richard NICHOLS, (commonly called ´Saucy Nichols´) aged 71 to Ann DIXON aged 22. The good old man, hoping to avoid the ridicule of the multitude, led his Bride elect along a bye lane to the Church.

The Thursday News - Great News

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

April 16, 1790

Amongst the fortunate proprietors of Lottery tickets this season, is Mr MARRIS of Winterton in this county, who a few days ago was agreeably surprised at being informed, the ticket of which he held a Half Share, had drawn a £20,000 Prize. He then immediately set off for London where he has had the pleasure to receive £10,000 on demand, as being his share of the Prize.

Fashion Friday

Portrait of the artist's daughter - François Boucher 1760

 

This lovely young girl has flowers in her tight coiffure, and a large bow tied around her throat. Her gown is fairly plain, aside from the pink ribbons cross her stomacher, but she is wearing a lovely shawl. The bird perched on her finger is likely to show her to better advantage. Paintings often included things of interest to the person being painted to relay a bit of their personality (at least the personality they wanted to put forth).

What do you think of her fashion sense?

The Thursday News - Women Go Rounds

 LINCOLN, RUTLAND & STAMFORD MERCURY

 January 29, 1790

A curious boxing match took place a few days ago at Waddington near Lincoln between two females of that village, Susanna LOCKER and Mary FARMERY. They both laid claim to the affections of a young man; this produced a challenge from the latter to fight for the prize, which was accepted. Proper sidesmen were chosen and every matter conducted in form. After several count-down blows on each side, the battle ended in favour of Mary FARMERY.

Fashion Friday - The Love Letter

The Love Letter - Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Our love letter recipient wears her hair in a high fashion with a pink 

ribbon around her ruffled cap.  Her necklace, possibly a locket, ties 

at the back of her neck. 

Her watteau gown flows loose down her back, and ends in flounces 

at the elbows. Of course, she has the biggest accessory for a lady of 

means, a puffy dog, which seems to be about to take out the painter. 

What do you think of her style?

The Thursday News - Oddities

 IPSWICH JOURNAL

February 14, 1784

There is now living in the parish of Systen (Syston), near Grantham, a family remarkable for the following kindred, viz:- A grandfather 70 years of age, and near 20 stone in weight, and lately married to his fifth wife, now a grandmother of about 20 years of age; also a grand-daughter, 2 husbands, 2 wives, 2 mothers, one son and 4 daughters, 2 brothers, 3 sisters and 1 uncle, 2 aunts, a niece and two cousins; yet notwithstanding their consanguinity and affinity, this family consists of only six persons

WIP Wednesday - Honest writing

For WIP Wednesday, I wanted to talk about writing honestly, no matter how much it bothers you, as the author, to do so. 

In my WIP, the heroine's sister just confessed something she witnessed. I felt a tightening in my gut the whole time I wrote it, then heavily considered removing it for two days after. In the end, I left it in and I'm glad I did. The story would have been paler, and probably more confusing without it.

In The Devil Wears Plaid, by Teresa Medeiros, we learn some pretty terrible stuff about Jamie's past. I have to wonder how different the story would have been if Ms. Medeiros had been to afraid to include it. Jamie's entire past wouldn't exist, a large portion of the motivation for the story wouldn't exist, and the reader would find it far harder to become invested in the story.

Sometimes, as writers, we might want to remove or avoid something that's hard to write. We might tell ourselves that it's not appropriate for the story, or it's not the kind of feelings we want to inspire in our reader, but I suggest thinking on it a few days before hitting delete. 

You might be glad you did. 

Please, feel free to share your favorite book with an indispensable shocking moment.

Fashion Friday

Los Angeles County Museum of Art - 1790 -1795

Here we have an antique clothing display at the LA Museum of Art.

The tailcoat is brown silk and cotton weave with deep brown silk satin stripes with a short waist and three buttons on each side and an open collar. The vest is silk as well, which was a popular fabric for upper class clothing in the 18th century.

The shirt has ruffles at the wrist and neck. The breeches are tan cotton and the shoes appear to have bows rather than buckles.

What do you think? does this gentleman-equin have style?