[List-Cumbria] Carlisle Journal, 02 Sep 1815 - Local News (2)

[Petra Mitchinson]

Saturday 02 Sep 1815   (p. 3, col. 1-5)     [continued] 

 

The fifth and last arch of the aqueduct over the Eden was closed on Wednesday last. Great praise is due to Mr. LUZMORE, the
superintendent architect, and Mr. NIXON, the builder, for their indefatiguable exertions. 

 

The weather, on Saturday last (the fair day), being very fine, the country beaux and belles had a full opportunity of displaying
themselves to the best advantage.-Throughout the day, and night too, the "scraping of cat-gut," which melodiously resounded in every
quarter, had a wonderful effect in attracting crowds of both sexes into the dancing rooms; while 

 

           "The fiddles, and clarionets, hautboys, and drums, 

           "Still rang in our ears their fantastical hums; 

           "Still Margery Magpie, on rigadoon toe, 

           "Through the swift dance's maze seemed before us to go. 

           "Still lovely Miss Maypole stalks stately along, 

           "In grenadier pride, through the frolicsome throng; 

           "And sweet Master Craven, so slim and so dapper. 

           "Still seems on his long pins before us to caper!" 

 

As usual, the whole concluded with many pugilistic contests, and other exhibitions, both of a droll and serious complexion. 

 

Amongst the other frolics of the fair (if it may be called a frolic to be caught in Hymen's bands), was one which merits some
attention.-A country Adonis having escorted a couple of blooming nymphs (one of whom he had some time courted) into a Rickergate
ball-room; the object of his former affections, indignant at what she conceived to be some instance of superior attachment to his
other companion, vented her feelings in no very unequivocal terms. This excited the attention of another swain, who, sympathising in
her forlorn condition, dropped certain hints, which were eagerly swallowed by the neglected damsel: accordingly their pockets were
emptied in a trice, and to their joy discovering that they possessed between them wherewith to accomplish a pilgrimage to the shrine
of Hymen at Gretna,-the couple proceeded thither, and it was not long ere the cabalistic words of the high-priest made them one
flesh. The next morning the adventurous bridegroom delivered his rib to her parents, whilst he went to his own residence to make
preparations for her reception. In the mean while ("fickleness, thy name is woman"), the fair bride's first-intended having been
favoured with an interview, a fresh treaty took place; and the hero of Gretna being called in as a party, consented to yield the
object of his sudden attachment on consideration of the sum of seven guineas, which was agreed to; and the original lovers, who were
duly married on Wednesday last in this city, had reason to exclaim-"All's well that ends well!" 

 

Amongst the instances of senile vigour with which our northern district abounds;-a person, who resides in this city, not far from
the Scotch-Gate, though in his 77th year, possesses a degree of activity, and bodily and mental vigour, which are rarely indeed the
attendants of his age,-rising regularly at a very early hour, and attending his business (that of a carpenter) with as much
promptness and ease as in the meridian of youth. He is grand father to 32 children, and last Sunday attended as godfather to his
13th great grandchild! 

 

A few weeks since, the carts belonging to Messrs. John and Isaac HOLMES, of this city, whilst standing at Thrimby-grange,
Westmorland, on the road to Kendal, were robbed of two trusses of goods by some persons unknown. Since that time it has been
ascertained that the one concerned in the robbery is the notorious John NAILOR, who was transported for 7 years from Appleby gaol,
for robbing the waggon of Mr. WALKER, Shap. NAILOR had with him a boy about 15 years of age, and a dark brown blood mare, with which
they were traced to Harrowgate by Mr. John HOLMES; where it is supposed they have many connections for receiving stolen articles.
Since that time it is reported they were near Appleby last week.-It is to be hoped that such desperate characters may be
apprehended, and thus further mischief prevented. 

 

RUSTIC SPORTS.-Mr. BRANDLING, of sporting celebrity, who rents large tracts of moor lands in the eastern part of Cumberland, for the
purpose of enjoying the healthy recreation of shooting; at the commencement of the season gratified the inhabitants of the
neighbourhood, on Melmerby green, by giving various prizes for such athletic exercises as form the usual amusement of these hardy
people. A coursing match for a silk handkerchief afforded much sport, as the dogs running along the sides of the mountains, the eye
never lost sight of them. Six athletic swains started for a hat-but the race was ultimately contested by only two of superior
bottom, KIRBY and YOUNG (gamekeepers), and won by the latter. The belt for wrestling was carried off by RICHARDSON, of Kirkoswald,
well known on the Carlisle arena; and a pair of gloves, the prize for leaping, by a man from Alston.-But not the least attractive
scene was the trial of excellence in the mazy dance, wherein the village maidens, laying aside their native coyness, vied with each
other, more perhaps in agility of movement than grace of attitude, for a bunch of ribbons, with as much earnestness as Venus and her
sister goddesses are fabled to have done for the prize of beauty. These enviable spoils were distributed amongst those whom the
Paris of the occasion deemed most deserving. The whole proceedings were conducted in the spirit of harmony and innocent festivity. 

 

 

[to be continued] 

 

 

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