Newspaper reports

 

The following known newspaper reports relate to our family.

 

EVERSHOT - DREADFUL FIRE.  TWENTY HOUSES DESTROYED (29 September 1865)

EVERSHOT - EXTENSIVE FIRE  (3 October 1865)

EVERSHOT - The late Fire  (5 October 1865)

Henry Charles Mullins of Evershot  (4 April 1936)
Great Western Colliery Disaster (11 April 1893)

Sudden Death at Radford  (8th December 1865)

 

 

Items connected to our relatives are denoted in red text

 

 

EVERSHOT.  DREADFUL FIRE.  TWENTY HOUSES DESTROYED.

[From the Western Gazette, Friday 29 September 1865]

 

On Tuesday last, a dreadful fire, which was not extinguished until nearly twenty houses had been destroyed, and more than a hundred people had been rendered homeless, occurred in this little town. Summers Lane is a somewhat narrow thoroughfare leading out of the main street of the village in a southerly direction, towards Cattistock. On Tuesday, at noon, this lane contained several houses, but only one or two detached cottages now remain. It was on the west side of this lane, a few paces from the main street, and at the back of a house occupied by a carpenter named English, that the fire broke out. As far as we could ascertain from personal enquiries on the spot, it was caused by hot ashes placed in a back-house connected with Mr. English's premises.

The flames were discovered about one o'clock, the whole of the house being almost instantly enveloped in them, as if by magic. The neighbouring houses being thatched, and the thatch being as dry as tinder in consequence of the long-continued drought, P.C. Hare, and others who were on the spot immediately, at once saw that the whole of the lower end of the town was in danger and messengers were instantly despatched for the two engines kept at Melbury House. In the meantime, the wind blew the flames and sparks across the narrow thoroughfare, upon the roofs of the barn, slaughterhouse, &c., occupied by Mr. Trenchard, butcher, and these were soon discovered to be on fire.

The flames now spread rapidly towards the main street, until the whole of the houses in Summers Lane, with the exception of the one or two detached cottages to which we have before referred, were one mass of fire, and the lane was no longer passable. Telegraphic messages were now sent to Yeovil for more engines, and to Dorchester for a staff of policemen. The request for the engines reached Mr. Bradley, the Captain of the Yeovil Volunteer Fire Brigade, at a quarter past two, and his engine started in fifteen minutes after its receipt, and reached Evershot in 45 minutes. Before its arrival, however, the wind had changed and driven the flames across the main street, and house after house in this thoroughfare also fell a victim to the flames. At this time, the scene was a grand but dreadful one.

Both sides of the street and the lane were masses of fire, both thoroughfares were impassable, the heat was so great that it was impossible to approach any of the burning premises, and it appeared probable that the fire would sweep up both sides of the street, and wipe Evershot out (as a Yankee would say) altogether. It was only by dint of the most strenuous and well-directed exertions of those in charge of one of the Melbury House engines, and of the Yeovil Brigade engine, that this catastrophe was averted, and the fire confined to the lower end of the village. Two other engines were present—a second from Melbury House and the West of England Company's from Yeovil, but these were less serviceable than the two first named. To attempt to extinguish the fire in the seventeen or eighteen houses in which it was already raging was useless, and the efforts of the firemen were directed to the cutting off of the flames, and thus preventing their further spread up the street. There was an abundant supply of water in a stream, one or two hundred yards distant, or the engines would have been comparatively useless, and the total destruction the of the place inevitable. By keeping the houses next to those which were burning completely saturated with water, the firemen eventually succeeded in checking the progress of the flames, and saving the remainder of the little town.

 

The following are the names of the persons who were burned out of their houses:— Charles White, labourer; George Brett, tailor; E. Rutley, labourer; T. Frampton, labourer; A. English, carpenter; S. Christopher, butcher; W. Groves, labourer; J. Groves, shepherd; J. Childs, labourer; J. English, labourer; J. Tompkyns [?Tompkins], labourer; J. Groves, gamekeeper; A. Sartin, widow; J. Perrett, cooper; S. Chubb, shopkeeper; J. Edwards, bootmaker; E. Knell, tailor; S. Jessop, labourer. Besides the premises occupied by these persons, one empty house, and the barn, &c., occupied by Mr. Trenchard, butcher, were entirely destroyed. Those persons who lived in Summers Lane lost nearly the whole of their furniture; but those whose residences were in the main street, having more time to prepare for the reception of the enemy, managed to save the greater part of their property.

The whole of the buildings were the property of the Earl of Ilchester, and were uninsured. Mr. Chubb's stock and furniture were insured to some extent, but his loss will, nevertheless, amount to £100. With these exceptions, none of the property destroyed was, as far as we could ascertain, insured. A body of police soon arrived from Dorchester; and, under Supt. Brown, who happened to be in the village, and Sergeant Vickery, they rendered valuable assistance. We need hardly say that, at such a time as this, everybody turned out, and, without regard to class or station, and with a sublime indifference to dirt and discomfort, did all that could be done to arrest the progress of the flames. Among the most active were Mr. Baskett, solicitor, Mr. Martin, Mr. Baring, the Earl of Ilchester's steward, the Rev. – Greenhill, Mr. Clapcott, and Mr. Forward; and even the Rev. – Collins, the clergyman of the parish, and his wife and daughters, were seen handing to each other the buckets of water for the engines. Mr. Clapcott, Mr. Collins, Mr. Martin and others, opened their houses and provided refreshments for all who needed them. One was almost tempted to lose sight for a moment of the crowd that had been rendered homeless, and to feel something like satisfaction that so fine an opportunity had been for once afforded for the working together in one common use, and with one mind and soul, of a whole community. Such a sight is certainly quite as uncommon as the destruction of half a town in a single afternoon.

Although the loss of property was great, no life was lost, nor any personal injury sustained. This being so, the inhabitants have good reason to comfort their souls with that reflection, so full of resignation and true philosophy, "It might have been worse." We say that no "life" was lost; and when we say this, we are not thinking of human life only. It was reported that some pigs were unintentionally converted into roast pork, but we are happy to say that such was not the case, that the animals in question are still living, and that, whenever they go the way of all swine, they will probably do so in a strictly orthodox manner.

There has not yet been time for any steps to be taken to raise a fund for the relief of the poorer sufferers from this sad affair, but we are greatly mistaken in our estimate of the wealthy inhabitants of Evershot and its neighbourhood if some such steps are not taken shortly. Of the families left houseless, several were allowed to take possession of a large unoccupied house, the property of the Earl of Ilchester, some have gone away to a distance, and the remainder have been taken in temporarily by their neighbours. Our news-agent was burnt out among others, but we cannot refrain from expressing a hope that this circumstance will in no way interfere with the discharge of his duties on Friday. One calamity a week is enough; and it would be sad indeed if, immediately after such a catastrophe as that of Tuesday, the Evershot people should be deprived of their weekly copies of the Western Gazette.

 

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EVERSHOT - EXTENSIVE FIRE

[From the Western Flying Post, 3 October 1865]

 

This place was on Tuesday last the scene of one of the most destructive fires it has fallen to our lot to record. Eighteen dwelling-houses, besides a barn and some stalls, were totally destroyed, and but for the exertions of those entrusted with the working of the engines employed in stopping the progress of the flames, there is every reason to believe that property to a much greater amount would have fallen prey to the devouring element. As it is, the loss to the noble owner will, we understand, be considerable, and although many articles were saved, yet the greater proportion of the furniture, &c., belonging to the unfortunate inhabitants was destroyed. A grocer's stock in trade and some fat pigs are also mentioned as being among the property lost on the occasion. On the breaking out of the fire the engine belonging to the Earl of Ilchester was soon on the spot, and a telegraphic message was sent to Captain Bradley, at Yeovil, requesting the aid of the Brigade. On receipt of the news a muster of the members was soon made, and the brigade drawn by four of Mrs Bulleu's best horses, with their engine and apparatus, were soon on the scene. On their arrival they at once set to work, and in conjunction with the other engine succeeded in preventing the fire from spreading, and aided by a good supply of water, the fire was pretty well got under by eight o'clock. The engine belonging to the West of England Insurance Company from Yeovil which arrived during the evening, relieved the Brigade, who as soon as they saw no danger of the fire spreading, set off on their return journey, arriving at Yeovil at half-past nine. We are informed that very little of the property was insured. Many conjectures are made as to the origin of the fire, but the cause most generally assigned seems to be that some straw was ignited by wood ashes thrown by one of the tenants on the ground adjoining one of the houses. The thatched roof of one of the dwellings by some means was ignited and the rapid spread of the fire, aided by the wind was the result. This catastrophe has rendered some twenty families houseless.

 

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EVERSHOT - The late Fire

[From The Dorset County Chronicle, 5 October 1865]

 

We learn that to mitigate the losses of the poor cottagers a subscription has been started, and the youthful Earl of Ilchester, Mrs. Strangways, Mr. Martin and the principal residents are among the subscribers. Eighteen families, living in fourteen houses, have severely felt the ravages of the fire. Their names are as follows: Aubrey English, carpenter (in whose house the fire is supposed to have commenced); Charles White, labourer; George Brett, tailor; Edward Rutley, labourer; Thomas Frampton, labourer; Stephen Christopher, butcher; John Groves, labourer; John Groves, jun., gamekeeper; John English, labourer; James Childs, labourer; John Tompkins (?Tompkyns), labourer; Ann Sartin, widow; John Perrett, cooper; Samuel Chubb, grocer; John Edwards, shoemaker; Esau Knell, tailor; and Samuel Jessop, labourer. In addition to the destruction of the cottages we learn that two stables, two slaughter-houses, a barn, cowshed, and several linhays [a shed or other farm building open in front, usually with a lean-to roof (Shorter OED)] were involved in the conflagration. Mr. Chubb's stock-in-trade we hear was insured in the West of England Insurance Office; and Mr. Trenchard, butcher, who had property in the outbuildings, was also insured in the same office. The cottagers' furniture suffered as much from the hasty removal as from the effects of the fire, and we hope the subscription list will be sufficient to recoup them for the loss they have sustained. The total damage is estimated at about £3000.

 

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Henry Charles Mullins of Evershot - still working at 83, and married 60 years

GWG talks with a rare old worthy of Evershot

[From the Dorset Echo, Saturday 4th April 1936]

 

Note:

 

Information copied with permission from Jane Taubman (www.taubman.org.uk/family/hcmullins.html)

E mail(jane@bakerymail.co.uk)

Henry Mullins was the son of Ann Groves (bap 28.7.1828 died 10.9.1854) and Charles Mullins (1825 to 1856) married 25.5.1850. Jane Taubman is a descendant of Henry. (Ann Groves was the daughter of John Groves (Mason) and Jane (nee Tomkins))

Henry Mullins is shown on the 1861 census as living with John Groves (Mason) and William Groves and was noted as being John’s grandson. This means that Henry is our John William Barrett Groves’ cousin.

Truly, it is no easy matter to get across the chasm of 70 years, yet in this village, nay, on ones very doorstep, stands a historian of repute. He knocks. The door opens. "Is the schoolmaster in ?" "Oh, yes"
Then slowly : "I think he wanted to see I about and thing or two." He knew full well I did, but that was his Dorset way of drawing to the point.

In he comes, recognises the room. "H'm, now just think, I saw 'em plaster these room in '74 "I was born April 26, '53, my fathers family were bakers, and the parson says there have been Mullins' here for generations. Schooling? No, I never went to school; but rattled around with my mother's people who were masons.

At the age if 12 I started work on the Estate as a mortar boy, ands here I do still work. Our first job was on the new offices. We were busy on it when thy rushed down to say the village was all afire. "We left work, and rushed off up the street to help put it out, but most of old Evershot were burnt down." One of the buildings to suffer demolition was the barn, reputed to be the meeting place of Tess and Alec D'Urberville on her return journey through Evershot.

Married
 We were married on April 8 1876 at Yeovil Wesleyan Church, came back to Frome St Quinton. Only last night I said to mother: 'Do 'ee mind how we come back in the wold tilted trap?' She Zed: 'Shall I ever forget it?'

"Now mind what you be putten down for the missus can read if I can't! And you'll look out if it don't read properly". I laughed heartily at this treat for Mrs Mullins is, if anything, an even better historian than her happy spouse. We do well to remember that the social life of an early 19th century Dorset village is well known to octogenarians: partly through hearsay from their parents; partly through slowness of change in country life.

Bread and Taters
"How did you get on for food," said I. "Food-oh, none too much. Mostly 't were bread and taters, 'n taters 'n bread. Why 12 zacks were usual crop to carry drew a family till taters a-comed again. Then there was a pig, killed 'n zalted in. You midden 'blieve it, but a workman today is a gentleman compared wi' they days. Now do 'ee stop a scraten down so much wi' the pen. Bread was 9d a loaf. "Clothes. Mostly cord and fustian and readymade boots were just comen in, here and here."

Club Walken
Quoth Harry :- "Evershot fete were the first Tuesday in June." Now I knew what these club walkens were like by experience, so asked my old friend if he still possessed a club members' pole. "No- they've been agone for 50 year."

Wrong for once, was Harry. Going to my study, I fetched from thence an Evershot "painted pole" given to me by dear old George Pullman. Harry became strangely agitated; recollections brought flashes of light to his eyes. "What! Never. You ain't a-got 'oon o'm hev ee ? He must hev a number or a name zumwhere."

Now it must be owned that stick had not been closely inspected. We two examined its length and there sure enough were two letters in red. "J.H"

"Yes 't is then, that's Joe Hill's." A gentleman come to I some months ago asking about our wold club and zed he'd gie a pound vor a pole. 'Ood he part wi'n vor a pound?"
"Not for five," was my sharp rejoinder. What take money for dear old George Pullman's Keepsake! the proposition was unthinkable.

Ha'penny Dips
"How did you get on for light? Of course we've electric street lamps off the grid now." This proved another good lead. "Ha'penny dips - But you cudden buy many o' they. Ah, we went to bed when t'was dark, and got up when 'twas light."

Parish Council
Following the passing of the parish councils act by which every village could have a little parliament of its own, Evershot was not slow in coming forward to partake of advantages. An election for councilors was held at Stocklands's School; Mr Harry Mullins was a candidate and the working men saw to it that he went on "ah hands up." The parish council duly met for the first time on December 4th, 1894; Councilor Mulllins has retained it through 41 years; and still is a valuable member.

Is it a right of way? A now disused footpath? A chalk pit or Two? Where the lime kilns used two be? Where the drains were laid? Where each of the four inns used to stand; or where the chandler's, the threshing barn, where such and such roystering took place := Why ask Harry Mullins, of course; and who dares to contradict?

He can neither read nor write; but bless you he merely turns back the page of his memory and there in chapter, page, number, verse so and so; and off he reels the facts with accuracy begotten of an unfuddled brain.

In lighter vein
"Evershot had a fair, ye know. Twelfth o' May. Then there was market every Thursday, Barrels, n' barrels o' butter. 'T were wonderful where all come from. Two families, the Chub'ses were coopers; always busy making small barrels, firkins; from ash grown round here. The firkins o' butter were loaded when sold, on to a dree horse dray, and hauled to Dorchester." (or did he say "Doddester"?)

Of the grey haired, bearded patriarchs of the soil, and there are many, who closeted with me, have revealed their life's story; scarcely one but must needs plentifully besprinkle his tales with "cass'ns"; "waddeb's"; "coosn's"; "oosn's"; and such dialectical brevities. But Evershot's historian used a vocabulary of a polished, New Stone Age type; thereby. One must assume, reflecting the language of a superior sort. Most of his discourse was conveyed in an easy style; it was only when he was really moved at some long past event that his language become definitely dialectical.

The evening was far spent. He rose to take his departure; passed a  staircase; paused; halted; looked at it. "D'ye know, when we were putting that up, I missed the step at the top of a ladder, and come right down. Funny tho'. It didn't hurt till I got to the bottom!"

So much for Mr Mullins, mortar boy at the age of 12, mortaring still at the age of 83 years, hale and hearty today.

Mrs Mullins keeps active; does all her own housework, reads the papers with the greatest of ease; and is as homely a picture of a dorset great grandmother as you wish to see, as she sits by the open fire of a winter evening, busy plying her needle.

They have 6 children living, five great grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

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SUDDEN DEATH at Radford. 

[The Nottingham Journal, 8th December 1865]

 

Yesterday, Mr Swann held an inquest at the Pelican Inn, Radford, touching the death of Mr Wm Cope, joiner, of Birch-row, Radford. On Wednesday morning, deceased rose early as usual, and about six o’clock was getting his breakfast previous to starting out to work for the day. Soon after, one of his sons heard someone groaning in the kitchen, and on going down stairs, found his father on the floor in a dying state. Mr White, the family surgeon, was called in, but deceased was past human remedy. The cause of death was stated to be apoplexy*. Deceased was 65 years of age, and father of Messrs G and W cope, clockmakers. – Verdict: “Death from natural causes.”

 

*Apoplexy (definitions according to old medical terms dictionary) – A sudden loss of sensation and movement due to  a disturbance of blood to the brain. Any sudden  rapidly fatal disease.

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