> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Volume 2, Number 37 - URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-37/ - Published: 2026-09-12T06:00:46.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-12T06:00:46.000Z - Description: An omnibus incident near St Julian's Inn, assault with a cabbage, robbing a bread cart, pickpockets at High Street station, a gas explosion at the Queen's Hotel and Sanger's Mammoth Equestrian, Zoological, and Military Hippodrome visits the new Cattle Market. - Author: Newport Cornucopia - Tags: News Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Registration Court Registering to vote in Victorian Newport was a lot less straightforward than it is today. The Second Reform Act (Representation of the People Act 1867) enabled male householders and certain lodgers to vote and the Ballot Act 1872 allowed secret ballots but registrations were still scrutinised and could be objected to. Here are some examples from 1880 that were heard at the Town Hall taken from the [Monmouthshire Merlin](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406513/3406521/93/Jaynes%2BOR%2BBuildings?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). - *Clement Elliott, 3, Richmond-terrace, Maindee, Liberal, was objected to by the Conservatives on the ground of insufficient description of premises, but the Barrister allowed the vote. An application for expenses was not supported by Mr. Bailhache and re- fused, much to Elljott's discontent, he stating that “it was a pretty thing" to lose a day's work through an unsustained objection.* - *John Parkinson, Maindee, was struck off the register, because the third column was not filled up.* - *Robert Huntley, Griffin-street, supported by the Liberals, applied for a vote on account of rooms occupied by him in his Mother's house. Owing to the period of occupation being insufficient, the claim was not allowed.* - *John Hockey, owner of two freehold houses at Maindee, was objected to by the Conservatives, the ground being that! the property was not correctly described. The claim was allowed, but the Barrister declined to grant costs.* - *Humphrey Jones, Jayne's-buildings, Maindee, was objected to by the Conservatives for the same reason as in the last case, Mr. Davis pointing out that the claim did not state where Jayne's-buildings were situated, whether in London, Cardiff, or Newport.— Mr. Bailhache said that at any rate the notice of objection had found Mr. Jones, and that, he thought, was sufficient to establish the claim.* *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406513/3406521/93/Jaynes%2BOR%2BBuildings?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) One could argue the last claim was valid if Jayne’s Buildings had been listed in Maindee. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Assault with a Cabbage' Ellen Ryan was charged on a warrant with assaulting Ellen Motherway. The prosecutrix, who keeps a shop in Cross-street, said the prisoner came into her shop on Friday, and struck her on the head with a large cabbage. This was the prisoner's eighteenth appearance in court, and **she was committed for 28 days**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Robbing a Bread Cart James Champion was charged with stealing a loaf of bread, the property of Joseph Ranzatto. Prosecutor's cart was standing outside the Bush Inn, Commercial-street, on Friday and the prisoner was seen by a recruiting sergeant named Hunt, to abstract a loaf therefrom. When taken into custody by Sergeant Brooks the prisoner said he intended to pay for the loaf, but Mr Ranzatto had left the public-house before he got back. The Bench disbelieved this story, and **sent the accused to gaol for 28 days with hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Window Breaking Daniel Keefe, *who looked like a coal trimmer*, was charged with breaking a windo in the house of Mary Hodgkiss, 2, Jones' Court, on Sunday morning, and doing damage to the extent of 15s. Prisoner admitted having caused the damage but said he did so because a girl in the house robbed him of 10s. **He was fined 20s including costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Pushing a Man Through a Window David Thomas, a seaman, was charged with being drunk in Commercial-road and pushing a man through a window at 42, in the same street. P.C. Baker preferred the complaint. **Fined 21s including damage and costs, or 14 days in default**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Coal Stealing Jeremiah Shea, 14 years of age, was ordered to be **imprisoned for one day and receive six strokes with a birch rod**, for stealing 25lbs of coal, the property of the Ebbw Vale Company from a truck at the old dock. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Beware of Pickpockets A lady residing in Clytha Square was robbed of £4 10s whilst at High street station on Saturday. The thief was adroit enough to remove the purse from the lady's pocket, abstract the contents and then return the purse. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/IMG_9076.jpeg) Websters Postal and Commercial Directory, 1865 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Gas Explosion Alarm was created at the Queen's Hotel last Friday afternoon by a vibration which shook the whole house. Enquiry showed that the kitchen-maid was in the act of cleaning the cooking-stove, which she does not appear to have understood, as she allowed the gas to escape until it exploded with a loud report, and a force that made the house shake. The kitchen windows were blown out, and the contents of the room were damaged. The kitchen-maid, in addition to being greatly terrified, sustained a contusion of the knee, which necessitated her removal home, but she is not believed to be sriously injured. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/IMG_9080.jpeg) Websters Postal and Commercial Directory, 1865 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport and its Cab-Drivers Colonel Heyworth, writing on the subject of cab-driving in Newport, says:— "I have never, in any town, and with a class of cab-drivers so generally civil and obliging. What I complain of is that in driving their fares many of the drivers seem to think they must always be doing something, no matter how zealously the animal being driven is exerting himself. Hence you see repeated chuckings of the reins, so as to jerk the bit in the horses mouth (always a reprehensible practice), and at the same time a continued whipping at the poor beast's skin. Let drivers such as these do less for their money, remembering that his best might be better, if, when hurrying along, he had a mouth at rest, a a skin untortured. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/IMG_9078.jpeg) Websters Postal and Commercial Directory, 1865 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Extraordinary Charges of Burglary at Newport On Monday, at the Borough Police-court, before, T. P. Wansbrough, Esq. (in the chair), A. J. Stevens, C. Lyne, and J. S. Stone, Esquires, Henry Armstrong, alias Thomas Jones, a carpenter in the employment of Lord Tredegar, on remand, was called upon to answer to several charges of burglary and theft. The first charge was for burglariously entering the premises of Mr. Theophilus Beynon, and **unlawfully stealing a bottle of cough mixture**. P.C. Skeldon stated that on Sunday morning, the 3rd inst., at about 12.30, he was going round the house of Mr. Theophilus Beynon, in Clytha square, when he perceived that the kitchen window was not in the same state as when he examined it before, the top sash being entirely down and the shutters a little open. Witness having opened the shutters fully, looked in, and saw a man going from one room to another. He (Skeldon) then aroused the inmates of the house, and Mr. Beynon admitted him through the back door. Witness at once rushed through the house and caught prisoner standing behind the front door. The gas in the kitchen was full on, and besides witness had his lamp. He handcuffed the prisoner, and told him he should take him to the Town-hall on a charge of burglariously entering the house, when the accused said, "I did not come in with any bad intention. I was let in by a girl through some door." On hearing this, Mr. Beynon called up his two servants, when prisoner said it was neither of them who let him in. Witness left the prisoner in charge of Mr Beynon while he examined the house, and all the fastenings were secure with the exception of the upper bolt on the front door. When taking him to the station prisoner struck him in the breast, and resisted violently. At the Town-hall a bottle of cough mixture, a set of shirt studs and sleeve links, 15s 6d, and a pair of brown kid gloves were found on the prisoner. Bertha Matthews, servant to Mr. Beynon, deposed that between twelve and one o'clock a.m. on the 3rd inst. she was called downstairs, and found prisoner, a perfect stranger to her, in custody of P.C, Skeldon. Several drawers in the kitchen bad been opened, and a shawl taken out of one. The cough mixture produced by the policeman was bought by witness for her mistress. She could not say that the kitchen window was fast when she went to bed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/image-1.png) Richmond House, the residence of Mr Beynon and the scene of the crime. Theophilus Beynon said he lives at Richmond House, Clytha-square. He went upstairs about midnight on the 2nd, and had not gone to bed when the policeman knocked. He at once let Skeldon in, and the prisoner was caught close to the hall door; he was evidently trying to get out, for a bolt was undone which witness had previously fastened. ln the pantry he found his overcoat, which had been taken from the hall. Before retiring he went round the house, and saw that all the doors were properly secured. The shutters in the kitchen were closed, but he could not tell whether the window was hasped. Prisoner was committed for trial at the Winter Assizes. The prisoner was next charged with stealing, a seal-skin jacket, an overcoat, and other articles from the house of Mrs. Elizabeth Duckham. The prosecutrix, a widow lady, residing at Somerset House, Cardiff road, stated that on the 1st January last she discovered that her house bad been entered through the dining-room window, which was shut the night before, though witness could not swear that it was fastened. She missed the seal-skin jacket, the greatcoat, work-box, and other small articles produced. The seal-skin jacket cost £10\. James Duckham, son of the previous witness, said that on the 31st December, 1879, he got home about, 11.45 p.m.. and fastened up the house. He then saw the coat produced, which belongs to his brother Henry, hanging up in the hall, and placed his own on an adjoining peg. Inspector Curtis was the next witness. He stated that he went to prisoner's house on the 4th inst., in company with Inspector Jones, and found Mrs, Duckham's property, of whose loss he received information last New Year's Day. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-07-at-19.09.39.png) Rough location of Somerset House, Cardiff Road, the property of Elizabeth Duckahm. On his return to the Town-hall he charged prisoner with the theft; he made no, reply. Prisoner was committed for trial on this charge also. The next charge was one of stealing from Tredegar House a mustard pot and spoon, a spade guinea and a half-guinea, six tea-spoons, and many other articles, the property of the Right Hon Lord Tredegar. Inspector T. H. Jones, who assisted Inspector Curtis in searching the prisoner's house, deposed that he discovered in the pantry an electro-plated mustard pot and spoon bearing the Tredegar crest; and in a tool chest upstairs a purse containing a spade guinea and a half-guinea also in a drawer down stairs six metal spoons. The things now produced were those he found. When they were shown to prisoner, and he was asked how he accounted for their possession, he. said they came from Tredegar House. Samuel Benfied, one of the Monmouthshire constabulary, deposed that he searched prisoner's house on the 5th inst. He found 85 pieces of soap, a long window curtain, several yards of green baize, a piece of chintz, three pieces of tapestry, two toilet covers (one marked "CM."), four marked "Tredegar," one packet of sperm candles, a box containing cigars, and other articles, all believed to have come from Tredegar House. Indeed prisoner stated that with the exception of some of the cigars all the things, enumerated were the property of Lord Tredegar. T. S. Machray deposed that prisoner was employed on the Tredegar estate, and for the last two years he had fulfilled the duties, of mansion-house carpenter. His wages were 24s weekly. He lived in one of Lord Tredegar's cottages, with a wife and, four children. Witness identified some of the articles, produced as Lord Tredegar's property. Thomas Perrott, valet to Lord Tredegar, identified the mustard pot and spoon. They were missed after a luncheon at Coedkernew on the occasion of the trials of hunters in November last. The prisoner was there and assisted to pack up the table requisites brought from Tredegar House. The prisoner was committed in this case also. Two other charges of burglary and one of larceny (the persons robbed being Mr. S. G. Homfray, Mr. J. R. Jacob, and Mr. S. Vernon), were not proceeded with. Whilst under examination the prisoner presented a most dejected appearance. He asked no question from first to last, and made no defence in either case. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406530?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-09-at-08.18.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th June, 1859](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398550/3398554?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Omnibus Incident Near St Julian's Inn' *Charles Hale v. Charles Blake*. Plaintiff is the owner of an omnibus running between Newport and Caerleon, and defendant is articled clerk to Mr. H. J. Davis, solicitor and the action was brought to recover £19 13s. damage, alleged to have been sustained by plaintiff's horse and 'bus, through the negligent driving of defendant on the night of October 12th, 1865\. Mr. Graham appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Cathcart for defendant. The jury was composed of the following gentlemen Messrs. James Ewins, jun., confectioner Harry Allen, bootmaker; Henry Gardner, bootmaker; Thos. Charles, draper; and D. Jenkins, draper. The names of the people in the jury were known shopkeepers at the time. Under the Juries Act 1825, to be considered for jury selection you needed to be a male between 21-60 and meet one of the following criteria — Landowner: Owning freehold land worth at least £10 a year, Long-term Renter: Holding a long-term lease (at least 21 years) on land worth an annual rental value of £20 or more, Householder: Renting or occupying a home with an annual rental value of at least £20 (£30 in London) **and*. ****having at least fifteen windows**. Plaintiff sworn, said be drove a 'bus from Caerleon to Newport. On the 12th of October last he was going home, and left Newport about 20 minutes to seven o'clock. He had his lamps, but they were not wanted, and were not lighted. Met Mr. Lee's carriage near St. Julian's Inn, about one mile and a half from Caerleon, which is situated between two hills. Was on the right side of the road just then, and saw a trap coming down near the footpath on his side, and saw it was defendant, who was driving another young man. They were halloaing or singing. They came right on and ran into me, the near shaft of their carriage going into my horse's neck, and dragging my 'bus on to the footpath and I fell out on my head on the footpath, and another person who was with me. My horse started off to Newport. I went after him, and found him in charge of a police-constable. He was covered all over with blood and perspiration. The 'bus was very much injured. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-08-at-08.06.43.png) Map from around 25 years prior to the accident but the area would have looked similar in 1866 When the accident happened I was on the walk. I took the horse to Newport and gave him in charge of Mr. Evans, farrier, and then took the 'bus home with assistance. The harness was all broken. In my judgment I did all I could to avoid the collision. (The bills for the damage were here put in) I had to pay men for assisting me to take tho 'bus home". I paid 4s. per day for 28 days for hire of a horse. I was offered £11 the horse soon after I bought him. I refused that, as he was worth £14 or £15\. I have used used him ever since. George Jones, a labourer, working at St. Julian's, said:- I remember the 12th of Oct. After I had done my work I was sitting on a stile. Hale's 'bus passed me. I got up on the step. It was about seven o'clock. Mr. Lee's carriage passed us near the foot of the hill. Hale passed on the left-hand side. He was walking the horse at the time after he passed Mr. Lee's carriage till the accident occurred. After other evidence had been given, proving negligence on the part of the defendant, James Hale, horse dealer, proved the value of the horse to be between £14 and £20\. William Evans, farrier, deposed to the injuries inflicted on the horse. Mr. Cathcart then addressed the jury and called the defendant, who said: I was driving from Usk on the 12th of October last. Had a whip with me. It was in the socket. I did not take it out, from Usk to the place where the accident happened. Came through Caerleon. Saw Winmill's 'bus; did not nearly run into it. Passed over the bridge, and when I came to St. Julian's there was a light there. Just as I passed I saw Hale's 'bus. He was on his off side. There is a turn there. The light had effect on my eyes. When I saw Hale I called out to him. He paid no attention to what I said, and pulled his horse across the road, and the shaft of my gig entered the horse's neck. I was going about eight or nine miles an hour. I went through Caerleon about seven miles an hour. I was not galloping on the flat. Corroborative evidence having been given, Mr. Cathcart addressed the jury at some length on the whole case, and the judge having summed up, the jury retired, and, on returning, delivered a verdict for the amount claimed, with costs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th January, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401975/3401980?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- This wasn't the first time Charles Hale had crossed paths with Thomas Winmill --- Thomas Winmill, omnibus driver, was summoned for assaulting Charles Hale, omnibus driver. Mr. Graham appeared for defendant. Complainant said he drove the opposition 'bus between Caerleon and Newport. On the 8th inst. he was coming with his 'bus Newport with passengers. Defendant was coming behind at a very rapid rate. He drove up, and as he passed struck at complainant with the butt end of his whip. Witness guarded off the blow, which broke his whip. Defendant then pulled up, and drove the horse's head through complainants 'bus window. There were four passengers inside, some being females. One of the females fainted. Cross-examined by Mr. Graham: I do not drive across the road to prevent defendant passing. Mrs. Powell and some other persons were in the 'bus. Mrs. Bird fainted. Would swear that he never said, "He would serve the —— out''— meaning Winmill. Thomas Bird said he was in the 'bus on the day in question, with some female friends. He saw the defendant driving behind at a rapid rate. One of the females in her fright broke the 'bus window in cautioning Hale to pull aside, as he is deaf. Defendant drove up, and as he passed, tried to strike complainant with the butt end of his whip. He then pulled up, and sent the horse's head through the window. Witness's wife fainted. Witness told defendant that if he did not back his horse, he would knock him between the eyes. Cross-examined: I go into town nearly every day. I never ride with Winmill. Never saw Hale drive across the road to prevent defendant from passing. Mr. Graham having briefly addressed the Bench for the defence, the Chairman said the defendant would be fined 10s. and costs, and he was cautioned as to the future. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th June, 1865*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401606/3401609/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-08-at-08.13.59.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-08-at-08.14.18.png) Thomas Winmill was living in 1 Clytha Crescent (left) during the time of the incidents and by the time of his death in 1873, he was living in 16 Clytha Square (Park House). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sanger's Mammoth Equestrian, Zoological, and Military Hippodrome ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-09-at-08.26.59.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-09-at-08.27.16.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th May, 1859](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398541/3398545/24/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) This establishment performed in the Cattle Market on Saturday and Monday, and, as usual with "the riders," succeeded in attracting large audiences. Shows, swings, &c., accompanied the hippodrome, a fair upon a small scale being held in its immediate vicinity. During the present week the company have exhibited at Caerleon, Pontypool, Blaenavon, Brynmawr, and Tredegar, and have been generally successful. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th June, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398550/3398558?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/image-2.png) [Source](https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/lifestyle/show-some-love-for-lord-george-sanger-newbury-s-famed-sho-9413291/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-08-at-08.38.49.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400699/3400700/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)