Newspapers 1851 - 1875
Northampton Mercury 24 July 1858
The Flower and Horticultural Show, which is held annually at Woodford took place Friday last. A large number of visitors assembled, although the weather was extremely unfavourable. A capacious barn was provided for the exhibition by Mr John Mitchell, whose zeal and activity has contributed materially to the well doing of this society. The garden produce and the vegetables were exceedingly fine; the wheat, barley, oats etc unexceptionable; and the well cultivated allotments of land reflected great credit upon the occupiers. The allotments belonging to the parish of Woodford (90 in number) are exclusively farmed by working men, as are also those upon the Woodford House estate, which are divided into 60 portions. Premiums were given for the best managed allotment in either of the two. The show of flowers was considered to be in every was superior to those of previous years, notwithstanding the recent dry and hot weather. We must not forget to mention the splendid collection of flowers and the beautiful ferns exhibited by General Arbuthnot. The judges of the horticultural and allotment shows were Mr Gale of Denford Lodge, and Mr Spencer of Keystone and Mr Brown of Drayton Estate in the floricultural department. The unavoidable absence of the Hon Mrs Arbuthnot was much regretted, but Mrs Smyth of Woodford Rectory, kindly distributed the prizes. The Rector of Woodford addressed the competitors and encouraged them to persevere in their labours and to continue the pursuit of what is both innocent and profitable – John Yorke Esq. of Thrapston one of the trustees of the charity estate in an appropriate speech stated that he had but a slight knowledge of floriculture but could bear a decided testimony to the improvement effected in the soil and crops of the allotments of land. Mr John Mitchell commended the care and industry displayed by the exhibitors. He was sure that the committee and friends of the Woodford Cottage Garden and Allotment Society would feel greatly encouraged by its prosperous condition and the working of its operations, more especially as the prizeholders were men of good character and well known respectability in their station of life. Mr Jonathan Blott avowed his intention to assist the society to his utmost ability, He was sure that the judges deserved unanimous thanks for the admirable manner in which they conducted their investigation and that their decision was unquestionable and satisfactory. Votes of thanks were then given to the Rev C Smyth, General and the Hon Mrs Arbuthnot, and J Yorke Esq. for their help and support. Tea was provided in a large booth of which about 200 persons partook and the Thrapston Brass Band was in attendance.
Northampton Mercury 20 July 1861
On Wednesday last a flower show was held at Woodford, this being Feast week at the village. The exhibition also comprised the parishes of Great and Little Addington, Cranford, Denford, Islip Lowick, Ringstead, Slipton, Thrapston and Twywell. The show was a very good one there being entries in almost all the classes, while in most there was a competition. In a large number of instances specil prizes were given. The show was held in a large and small tent in the Rectory house Close, and was numerously attended. Amongst those present we observed the Rev Lord Alwyne Compton and Lady A Compton, Rev C Smyth, Rev NH and Mrs Lightfoot. John Yorke, Hon Mrs Arbuthnot, Mr and Mrs Sherston, Rev H Ward Rev Orger, Rev JP Goodman T Tyron Esq, Rev Charles and Mrs Stopford, Rev Frederica nd Mrs Stopford, Miss Robinson, Rev Charles and Mrs Porter, and Rev C F Porter. Lady and Miss St John, Rev S W Paul, Rev Duthy, Miss eyles, Miss Morris etc etc. The judges were Mr Archer, gardener to Mackworth Dolben, Esq Finedon and Mr J Major, florist, of Oundle
Northampton Mercury 13 September 1862
Lord Teynham at Woodford. On Tuesday last this philanthropic nobleman poreached twice in the Baptist Chapel, Woodford. The subject in the afternoon being “Boastin Excluded” and in the evening “Foregiveness of sins”. Collections were made for the removal of a debt remaining since the erection of a new school room, and a tea meeting was held between the services in aid of the same object. The Revds Mr Felce of Aldwinkle; W Kitchen of Ringstead and J Cox, minister of the place, took part in the services. His Lordship (who was a guest of Mr Mitchell) has kindly promised to preach again at Woodford in the spring.
Commemoration lecture at Woodford. The anniversary of St Bartholome’s Day was not observed here art the time; but th on Sunday evening last Mr A H Collier (late of the editorial staff of the Leeds daily Mercury) delivered in the baptis Chapel an historical and practical lecture on the great Secession of 1662, its causes and resuts and the lessons suggested by it.
Northampton Mercury 13 December 1862
Committee meeting of the Architectural society of the Archdeaconry of Northampton ...also a ground plan for the re-seating of Woodford Church by the Rev C Smyth, also approved...
Northampton Mercury 21 March 1863
On Tuesday the 10th, the celebration of the Royal Wedding was duly observed here by the children of the schools, amounting to about 230, assembling in a barn of Mr Mitchell’s, to partake of tea and cake, which had been very excellently arranged for the purpose of the day. The children sung the anthem which was composed for the day with excellent effect and other pieces which gave great pleasure to those assembled in hearing them. After the treat given to the children was over the working classes of the village amounting to upwards of 400 assembled in the same barn and partook of a meat tea. The tea being over, The Rev M Royds, the curate of the village made a suitable and short address to the people, expressing his opinion that there was a great reason for the nation to celebrate the royal marriage which had taken place that day. It was a marriage in which every circumstance connected with it led to the belief that it would be a happy one, and beneficial to the people of these realms whenever the Prince of Wales should become king. The anthem for the day having been sung in excellent style, the whole of the people left the barn and joined in a variety of sports and amusements in a field where much pleasure was given to the children and the people by the games. After the treat was over a fine growing oak was given by the Hon Mrs Arbuthnot, on the parish green in the presence of a very large number of persons. Mr Mitchell stated that it was Mr Arbuthnot’s wish that it should be called Alexandra and said it was a very pleasing mode of perpetuating the remembrance to the present in the future. When the present generation shall be removed those of the younger now witnessing this interesting ceremony would, in looking at the tree in future years, be reminded of the present. The school children sang some very suitable pieces. A vote of thanks was most enthusiastically given to Mrs Arbuthnot and the large crowd was then called to witness a very beautiful display of fireworks which finished the recreation of a day long to be remembered for the unity and good feeling which pervaded the minds of the people in the celebration of the royal marriage.
Northampton Mercury 10 February 1866
On the 5th Inst at her town residence Frances, the wife of RP Gunnell Esq of 31 Oxford Square, Hyde Park and Hill Cottage, Woodford Northamptonshire
Northampton Mercury 29 September 1866
Northampton Museum The Rev C Smyth has a bodkin of large dimensions found in Woodford Church, and a curious portable sundial also found at Woodford
Northampton Mercury 8 June 1867
The stay at Ringstead was but brief before moving on towards Woodford the approach to which was the most awkward experienced through the day.
Woodford Church. The experiences of the awkwardness of the way were sufficiently atoned for by the many beauties of the church which is chiefly remarkable for its execution and the peculiarities of its construction and arrangement. This church has also recently undergone a thorough restoration. The tower arch, which is unpretentious, and yet most chaste and elegant, is left open ad discloses a beautifully painted lancet window, illustrating the annunciation. The East window is also beautifully painted and represents the various scenes of our Lord’s Passion. When the restoration of the church was effected, the old pews were done away with and in lieu of them or the usual open seats chairs are provided, the floor on which they stand being raised some three or four inches above the aisles. The carving of the inner door was very beautiful and extremely graceful. The door was supposed by Mr Poole to be of the date 1289 though Mr Smythe, the rector put it at 1300. The tower appeared to be of the same date. The church was built in the decorated period. There is a very curious pair of wooden effigies recumbent in the north aisle supposed to represent Sir William Traylly and Alionar, his wife. Connected with the late restoration, the Rev Smyth, the rector related a curios incident. On the west side of one of the pillars in the north aisle, and just under the capital, a hole was discovered containing an old box in which a human heart was found, wrapped up in a piece of cloth. There was nothing to show to whom it belonged, but it was clearly put in about the time of the erection of the pillar because a stone which covered iut corresponded with that on the other side. He might mention with regard to this that he heard the other day that at Yaxley a heart was found in a box apparently made from a piece of bamboo. No doubt this curious incident was traceable to the fact that when people fell in the Holy Land it was customary to send their hearts home in a box and bury their bodies on the field of battle.
Northampton Mercury 22 June 1867
Woodford Near Thrapston
The Parish Church will be re-opened after the restoration on Thursday July 18th with the following services:-
Holy Communion 7 30
Morning Prayer and Sermon 11 00
Afternoon ditto ditto 3 00
Evening ditto ditto 7 00
Woodford and Nene Valley Floral and Horticultural Show
Will be held on Tuesday July 16th in a field at Islip kindly lent for the occasion by M H Bigge Esq. about 300 yards from Thrapston Railway Station
Schedules may be obtained from the Hon Secretary. Rev C Smyth Woodford Rectory Thrapston.
Northampton Mercury 13 July 1867
Woodford near Thrapston. Church restoration Thursday 18th July 1867. The services for the day will be as follows:
7.30am Holy Communion
11 am Morning prayer Sermon by the Ven Edward Bickersteth DD Archdeacon of Buckingham and Vicar of Alesbury.
3pm Evening Prayer Semon by the Rev Thomas Yard MA Recytor of Ashwell and Rural Dean.
7pm Evening Prayer. Sermon by the Hon and Rev A G Douglas MA Rector of Scaldwell.
On Sunday July the 21st 1867 Sermons will be preached in aid of the restoration fund, morning at 10.30am; Evening at 6.30pm by the Rev the Lord Bishop of Peterborough.
Northampton Mercury 20 July 1867
On Thursday last the re-opening services of the unique parish church of Woodford were held. At half past seven o’clock in the morning there was the administration of the sacrament; at eleven o’clock there was morning prayer when the sermon was preached by the Rev. Edward Bickersteth DD archdeacon of Buckingham and vicar of Aylesbury; at three o’clock pm there was evening prayer when the sermon was preached by the Rev Thomas Yard MA Rector of Ashwell and rural dean: and again at seven o’clock pm there was evening prayer; the sermon being preached by the Hon and Rev A G Dean MA Rector of Scaldwell. The village of Woodford is one of the most prettily situated in the County and its Parish Church is a feature if which it may well be proud. It has been some two years undergoing restoration, It is remarkable from the peculiarity of its construction, the interior being somewhat irregular; but though peculiar there is much that is beautiful in it that cannot fail to command admiration. The result of the restoration is a marked improvement and the beauty of the building is by no means marred. As we so recently, reported in our report of the Architectural Society a few weeks back, gave an account of the church, it will be needless to enter into any detailed description. The restoration and improvement chiefly consists of the rebuilding of the east wall of the chancel, the construction of a new vestry and other alterations in the body of the Church. An arcaded septum wall of Caen stone, very chaste and elegant separates the chancel from the body of the church. The flooring is entirely new and is raised some two or three inches above the ground-work; and the old high pews, so objectionable to most persons now have been replaced by chairs, a change we believe, very acceptable to the parishioners though some would have preferred the open seats now becoming so common. The whole of the restoration and improvement to the chancel has been done at the expense of the rector, the Rev C Smyth, who must be congratulated on the excellent results attained. Mr Fowler of Louth, is the architect of the chancel restoration, the body of the church having been under the supervision of another architect, Mr Slater. Mr Allen, builder, of Irthlingborough was employed to carry out the work. One or two matters still remain to be attended to. An organ has been presented to the church by Mr Gunnell, but this has not been placed in time to be used at the re-opening services. The pulpit, an old structure, surrounded by much that is new, requires replacing by one more in accord with the septum wall, as now it is out of character. We believe such an alteration is in contemplation, the new pulpit to be of stone and made to correspond with the septum wall. The amount expended in the restoration has not yet been raised. About £300 more is required. On Thursday, the day of the re-opening, the weather was fine, almost unexpectedly so, and there was a large attendance of the clergy among whom we observed- Rev T Yard, Hon and Rev A Douglas, The Rector – (Rev C Smyth). Rev N F Lightfoot, Rev Sandilanes, Rev G W Paul, Rev Worley, Rev W Duthy, Rev F B Newman, Rev Hodgson, F P Lawson, G Grove, R Doke, C Smyth, N Royds, J G Orger J G Smyth, G S H Vyse, R Watson, J Watson, - Goodman, H F Johnson, C C Spencer, -Theed, W Smyth, F M Stopford, C Porter, A Boodle, F C H Bent, -Lee, J H Gandy, -Durrant, John Parsons Goodman and L F Clarkson etc. The reredos was very chastely decorated, otherwise there were no decorations. The morning service commenced at eleven o’clock. A procession of surpliced choristers and clergy was formed at the Rectory and proceeded to the church, the choir singing the processional hymn. “Oft in danger, oft in woe, Onward, Christian onward go.” On arriving in the church, and whilst the congregation taking their seats, the choir sang the hymn commencing “We love the place O God, Wherein thine honour dwells”
The prayers were intoned by the Curate, Rev T Stevens, the first lesson being read by Rev G Paul and the second by the Rev H F Johnson. The Anthem was taken from the 84th Psalm, 1st, 2nd, and 4th verses. After the singing of the 145th hymn “Hymns Ancient and Modern” the sermon was preached.
The Venerable the Archdeacon selected for the basis of his discourse the words of the 22nd verse of the 21st chapter of Revelations – “I saw no temple therein” etc. He said it had been concluded with great reason that the two closing chapters of Revelation contained description of the state of things subject to the general Judgement, a description of the eternal kingdom and the future blessedness of God’s Saints. Now amongst the characteristics of that new heavenly state, they read this simple description-“I saw no temple therein” In that there was something at first sight surprising. Where should they look for a temple if not in the Holy City – the New Jerusalem? They knew that here they had their temples or churches, where they could all meet to draw near to God, to enjoy holy communion with their Creator and Redeemer. Could it then be possible that in the Holy City where were the brightest manifestations of Deity, and where praise and worship would know their utmost perfection, that there they should look in vain for a temple? There was no temple and yet there was a temple, for “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb” are the temple of heaven, so that, after all, though there might not be the rich grandeur of material temples, their place was supplied by God and the Lamb. The venerable Archdeacon then appropriately alluded to the occasion which had brought them together reminding the congregation that, although God and the Lamb were the temple of heaven, yet God condescended to dwelling in temples made with hands. God did indeed dwell in their churches, because they were houses of God and therefore it was that those who loved God loved to see them kept in order. They were the means or instruments by which they might draw near to God by Jesus Christ. He urged them, instead of cultivating a spirit of going to hear this or that minister, to try, as far as possible to lose sight of the minister and to perceive the voice of Christ as addressing their consciences through the minister. The absence of temples in heaven was but a proof of the perfection of heaven. Before they could do away with temples on earth there must be a certain amount of real godliness in the world. Let them imagine such a state of righteousness. Every day would be in some degree a Sunday and every place a temple. There would be no necessity for any fixed places or seasons for serving God. Before they gave up their temples, they must have the whole inhabitants of the world converted into worshippers and the life of every individual must be one continued act of prayer and praise. Hence, when they read there was no temple in heaven, it meant that heaven was one eternal, unbroken Sunday where they would rest not day nor night crying “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord!”After dilating on the heavenly temple as one whose walls are bright with the lustre of the God-head, whose roof is His Majesty, whose pillars are His Omnipotence, and whose foundations are His Eternity, the reverend gentleman concluded by exhorting his hearers to seek the holy temple.
The service was a choral one, and the manner in which it was performed was highly creditable to the choir, which, we understood, is under the efficient management of the Rev. T Stevens. The collection at the early communion amounted to £40 7s 2 1/2d and at the morning service £30. Mr Philip Worley presided at the harmonium.
27 February 1869
All persons who have any just claim or demand upon the estate or effects of George Fisher, late of The Dukes Arms Woodford, in the County of Northampton, Farmer and Innkeeper, deceased are requested to deliver the particulars of their accounts, immediately to me the undersigned, that the same may be discharged
And all persons indebted to the said George Fisher, at the time of his decease, whether on security or otherwise are requested to pay the amount of their respected debts to me on behalf of the executors without delay
W M Garrard, Solicitor to the Executors
Kettering February 25, 1869
23 October 1869
Wesleyan Methodism – The members of this influential denomination display their customary activity in this neighbourhood. Recently a Wesleyan chapel has been erected at Woodford, to afford accommodation to a number of persons who had before held Divine worship in a private house. The chapel is small, but neat accommodating about 100 persons. We understand that a Wesleyan Chapel is also about to be built in the village of Titchmarsh.
The Baptist Chapel at Woodford is we understand about to be very much improved. The energetic pastor, the Rev T J Bristow, is organising a subscription fund for the purpose, and a bazaar is to be held in the ensuing spring, when articles generously sent for that occasion will be disposed of, and the proceeds devoted to this highly necessary work
Contracts – To Builders
The committee of the Baptist Chapel Woodford near Thrapston are desirous of receiving Tenders for the Alteration and Extension of their chapel. Drawings and Specifications may be seen at Mr Tyrell’s Woodford
Northampton Mercury 16 July 1870
Woodford Feast. This village festival has been kept with considerable spirit during the present week. Fortunately, the weather has been remarkably propitious, fine and cool. On Monday a cricket match was held in the Leys”, a field near the village. The contest lay between players resident in Woodford and Rushden. After a lengthened struggle, the latter defeated the antagonists. On Tuesday a public tea meeting was held in “the Leys” under a large tent. Afterwards cricket and a variety of rural sports filled up the evening, dancing to the music of a brass band being the closing amusement.
Northampton Mercury 12 November 1870
Woodford Northamptonshire
Family Residence or Hunting Box.
Malting House and cottages
Wind and steam mills
Situate in the Parish of Woodford
The remaining lots mentioned below (unsold at the auction on 31st May ult ) will again be offered.
For Sale by Auction by Mr J H Taylor at the White Hart Hotel in Thrapston on Tuesday the 15th day of November 1870 at Four, for five O’clock in the evening subject to conditions to be then read.
Lot 1 Stone built family residence or hunting box with flower and kitchen gardens, pleasure grounds lawn, stabling, coach house harness room, brew house , hard and soft water pumps and domestic offices containing.
On the basement floor Entrance Hall, Drawing Room (30 x 21 feet and 13 feet high) with three French casements opening onto the law, and inlaid floor; dining room, breakfast room, study, butler’s pantry, servant’s hall, kitchen, housemaids closet, scullery, larder, two water closets, store room and extensive cellarage beneath. On the first floor (which is approached by one of three separate and distinct staircases) Landing Place, nine bedrooms, dressing rooms, nursery, two water closets store room etc – The Residence of RP Gunnel Esq
Nb this lot will be put up with a reserved price.
Lot 2 An old established eight quarter malting, maltsters residence, garden and outbuildings, pump and excellent water in the occupation of Mr William Battle
Lot 3 Five cottages with gardens and outbuildings, in the occupation of George Tiney, William Wood and others
Lot 4 Three cottages and one rood of land adjoining in the occupation of George Spencer, Eli Carter and Rice Bird
Lot 5 Three cottages (newly erected) with garden shoemakers shop and outbuildings in the occupation of George Riddle, Charlotte Bailey and George Hawes.
Lot 6 A close of old pasture land containing with site of the buildings about four acres with windmill, steam mill, engine house and boiler room, stone built dwelling house, stables and other buildings erected thereon in the occupation of Mr Charley Brooks
Nb the engine and machinery are included in this lot.
Lot 7 A close of old pasture land adjoin lot 6 containing about four acres, in the occupation of Mr Walters.
For further particulars and to view apply to Messrs Hawkins solicitors, Hitchin Herts, to H P Markham Esq. Solicitor Northampton; to Messrs Archbould and Hawkins Solicitors Thrapston or to the auctioneer Thrapston
Northampton Mercury 26 November 1870
Woodford Northamptonshire
For Sale by Private Contract
The stone built house with gardens etc the residence of RP Gunnell Esq. Also a block of five cottages near thereto. Also a windmill (with four patent sails with two pairs of stones and a steam mill (with Butlin and Co’s Engine and boiler, two pairs of stones and tackle complete) and stone built house and stables thereto belonging together with eight acres of land (more or less adjoining. To be sold together or in parcels For particulars apply to Messrs Archbould and Hawkins Solicitors Thrapston.
nb The Stone built house is now known as DeCapel House, The windmill was in Mill Road, near the last house on way out of village.
Peterborough Advertiser 11July 1874
Contracts – To Builders
The committee of the Baptist Chapel Woodford near Thrapston are desirous of receiving Tenders for the Alteration and Extension of their chapel. Drawings and Specifications may be seen at Mr Tyrell’s Woodford
Northampton Mercury 22 February 1873
Richard Pickering Gunnell Esquire deceased
All Persons having claims or demands on the estate of Richard Pickering Gunnell late of Woodford in the County of Northampton, Esquire who died on 21st day of December 1872 are requested to sending the particulars thereof on or before the 31st day of March 1873 to Messrs Archbould and Hawkins Solicitors Thrapston. And all persons stood indebted to the said Richard Pickering Gunnell at the time of his decease are requested to pay the amount of their respective debts to the said Messrs Archbould and Hawkins forthwith
Northampton Mercury 29 November 1873
The White Horse public house having been rebuilt, Mr Thomas Talbut the landlord gave the workmen a dinner on Friday 21st November. Mr Beeby the worthy host of the house, who is in his 75th year was at the head of the table. After dinner the health of Mr Talbut was drunk with cheers as well as that of the host. In the evening the ringers rang some peals with the handbells and singing helped the company pass a merry evening.
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