Other ministers of note at different periods were George Shadford, a name still surviving in the town; Charles Atmore, who wrote sundry Wesleyan hymns; Thomas Jackson, a great scholar, twice elected President of the National Conference; Digory Joll, grandfather of the present Mr. Watson Joll (to whom the writer owes much of the information here utilized); and to these we may add Benjamin Gregory, 1817; Robert Ramm and Robert Bryant, 1830; {68b} Bryant was called a "son of thunder," from his great energy.

In 1835 Leonard Posnet was a popular minister, not only in the town but in the country around, being much appreciated by the farmers from his intimate acquaintance with their avocation. He was followed (1838-1840) by Joseph Kipling, grandfather of the now well-known Rudyard Kipling. Joseph Clapham was a faithful minister from 1843 to 1845, and was succeeded by (1845-1848) "Father" Crookes, "Preacher" Wood, and the "saintly" Fowler, who was said to have made 900 converts.

Then followed Wright Shovelton, Martin Jubb, Peter Featherstone, Henry Richardson, and others, among whom it would be invidious to make distinctions. We may add that a famous missionary of this sect was Thomas Williams, son of John Williams, a cabinet maker of Horncastle, the latter being an active member of the Wesleyan Sunday School Committee. His first wife, mother of the missionary, was Miss Hollingshead, who, with her mother, kept a girls' school, near the Bow Bridge. A History of the Fiji Mission, issued in 1858, says "The good ship Triton sailed from England, Sep. 14, 1839, carrying out the Rev. T. Williams, and his wife, to Lakamba, Fiji." They arrived there July 6, 1840. He there built a mission house and chapel, where he laboured several years, the mission growing in extent, until it was beyond his strength. In June, 1852, Mr. Moore was appointed as a colleague to relieve him of some of the work, but again his health broke down, and he was obliged to leave, after 13 years' hard labour, in July, 1853. He went to Australia and took various charges in that country, being chosen President of the Mission at Ballarat in 1873. He re-visited England in 1861, and again in 1881, returning to Ballarat, as a supernumerary, but still officiating. The present writer well remembers the impression made by a lecture, given by Rev. T. Williams, at the Bull Hotel, Horncastle.

[Picture: Wesleyan Day Schools]

Among the latest ministers of note has been the Rev. John Percy, who gave up his charge as Superintendent in 1904, and was succeeded by the Rev. E. Hayward, who left Horncastle on Thursday, Aug. 29, 1907, for work at Bridlington; he was succeeded by Rev. John Turner, of Colchester, who was 6 years ago in Louth Circuit, {70a} the Rev. G. German Brown continuing as assistant. He was succeeded by the Rev. M. Philipson, B.A., coming, with his wife, since deceased (March 14, 1906), from Stanley, near Durham, where they were the recipients of valuable presents on their departure.

In recent years no member of the society has been more valued than the late octogenarian, Mr. John Rivett, J.P., who died Sept 4, 1906. For nearly 70 years he was a generous supporter of the cause; he represented the district at no less than 13 Conferences, in various parts of the country, and at the Leeds Conference, in 1882, he spoke for an hour and a quarter in advocacy of its principles. Mr. Henry Lunn, of Horncastle and West Ashby, is also well known, as, for many years, an able local lay preacher and practical man of business; he was a representative at Conferences in London and at Burslem.

Of the buildings in Horncastle, connected with this society, we have gathered the following details. As already stated the first chapel was erected in Cagthorpe about the year 1786. It stood a few yards to the north of the present Baptist place of worship, which is close to the north-west corner of the Wong. The early history of this first erection is little known, but a letter written by Rev. T. Williams of Ballarat, dated May 10, 1889, to the late Mr. W. Pacy, states that, after some years, it was replaced by a larger building, of which the dimensions are elsewhere given, as being length 54-ft., by width 36-ft., with 4 large windows, having pointed heads, on the north side, and single windows on the south and west; a small porch at the south-east corner, facing the Baptist Chapel, giving entrance to the body and galleries; a door at the south-west end for the use of the minister, opening near the pulpit, which was at the west end; the eastern gable being the roadway boundary. Of these "pointed" windows the Rev. T. Williams says, "the lancet windows, with quarry panes, were a whim of Mr. Griggs Lunn and of my father. Of this building some remains are still visible, to the height of about 3 feet, in the south wall of Mr. Scholey's garden, about 50 yards to the north of the Baptist Chapel. Towards its erection a number of masons, joiners, and others, who could not afford subscriptions, gave their labours gratuitously. Two houses for ministers were also built close by.

In 1836 a third chapel was begun, on a new site in Union Street (now Queen Street), and was opened on Good Friday in the following year, the interior fittings being transferred from the second building in Cagthorpe.

In 1866 a movement was commenced, with a view to the erection of a still larger chapel, and the present fine building was the result; opened in 1869, with accommodation for over 1,000 persons (1024), at a cost of 5,876 pounds. {70b} The Sunday School adjoining, with large class rooms and infant school being built in 1875, at a further outlay of 2,578 pounds. The fittings of the chapel are of stained polished deal, the gallery front and pulpit are white, picked out with gold, the latter standing upon 4 round-headed arches of light and graceful design. A new organ was erected soon after the opening of this chapel, at a cost of 300 pounds, and in 1883 the instrument was enlarged and improved.

In 1886 the Centenary of Wesleyanism was celebrated and the occasion was marked by a strenuous effort to clear off the debt from the Horncastle Circuit. This effort was supplemented by "Ye olde Englyshe Fayre, houlden in ye Exchange Hall, Nov. 20, 21 and 22, MDCCCLXXXVIII;" and at a tea gathering on March 12, 1889, it was stated that the original debt had, in the previous two years, been reduced to 60 pounds, and since then the whole had been cleared off, the exact sum raised being 1,526 pounds 2s. 4d.; while, as an evidence of the general prosperity of the Society, the Chairman stated that in the last 24 years debts had, throughout the country, been paid to the total amount of no less than 1,226,245 pounds. {71a}

In 1860 a former foundry show room, in Foundry Street, built by the late Mr. Tupholme, was acquired through the generosity of Mr. J. Rivett, to be used as a mixed day school; it had one large general room, four classrooms, and two large yards, and afforded accommodation for more than 400 scholars. The premises cost 450 pounds, but before the school was opened some 1,300 pounds had been spent in adapting them to educational purposes. This has now been superceded by an even more commodious building in Cagthorpe, on the south branch of the canal, at the corner near the Bow Bridge, opposite St. Mary's Square, at a cost of 2,500 pounds. It has a very large room for a mixed school, another for an infant school, with classrooms and everything required, in accordance with the latest conditions by Act of Parliament. The foundation stone was laid June 22, 1904, and the school was formally opened Jan. 4, 1905.

A Young Men's Institute was established in the beginning of 1889, by the Rev. G. White, then Superintendent Minister, for which the classroom of the Sunday School was to be available for their use, every evening except Sunday, supplied with daily papers, magazines, &c.; classes also being held for the consideration of important subjects and for mutual improvement; these are still continued. There is also a Wesley Guild, which meets every Friday evening, in the band room, Queen Street, at 8 o'clock, during the winter months, and on the first Friday evening in the month during the summer. Marriages are celebrated in this chapel. {71b}



THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS.

We have given an account of the rise and progress of Wesleyanism, but, as that society eventually made a complete separation from the Church of England, of which its founder remained through life an ordained minister and communicant, so the seeds of disruption spread in itself. At different periods it threw out off-shoots, amounting in all to some eight different daughter societies; such as those which are named "The Original Connection," "The New Connection," "The Primitive Methodists," &c. Of these the last alone is represented in Horncastle. More than 50 years ago {71c} the Primitives had, in this country, 2,871 places of worship, with 369,216 sittings; with the exception of the "Original Connection," none of the other off-shoots had then as many as 100,000 sittings.

In Horncastle the first chapel, opened in 1821, was a small building, situated on the left side of what is now Watermill Yard, to the north of the town. This proving too small for the growing congregation, a larger structure, an oblong building, with front gable at the east end and a gallery, was erected in 1837; the minister's house being at the west end. This was about half way up Watermill Road, on the north side, now a stable, but still retaining a pointed window. This building was of the date of the superintendency of the Rev. John Butcher. The residence was found to be too damp to be comfortable, and a house was taken for him in Prospect Street. In the early days of this chapel Mary Crossley, a Revivalist, occasionally preached here. Possibly the services at this time were rather too demonstrative, as they were not unfrequently interrupted by roughs, and the sect acquired the name of "The Ranters." {72} An amusing anecdote is related of Mr. Butcher; he was a somewhat eccentric character, and in the discharge of his intinerant ministrations he usually rode on a donkey, sometimes accompanied by her foal; and a waggish passer-by on the road is said, on one occasion, to have saluted them with the greeting "Good morning, ye three," adding sotto voce, "donkeys."

After a few years this second chapel was found lacking in accommodation and a third building, the present edifice, was erected in Prospect Street, in the year 1853, with sittings for 380, at a cost of about 1,100 pounds. As this is a substantial structure, likely to last for many years, we may here describe it. It is of red brick, except the arch of the western door, which has a band of white bricks; the bricks are larger than usual, being 3.25 inches in thickness. The entrance has a double door opening into a lobby, at each end of which is a staircase, leading to the north and south galleries. There is a window on each side of the door, three windows above, and over them, in the gable, a stone, with the inscription "Primitive Methodist Chapel, 1853." At the east end of the interior is a Rostrum, 12-ft. long, divided into two stages, the front one being 8 inches above the floor, the second, behind it, about 4.5-ft. high, with access by steps at both ends. The front of this platform has slender piers, supported by lancet arches, with trefoils and quatrefoils between, giving a graceful effect, and painted white, gold, and grey, with a background chocolate in colour. At the back of the rostrum are eight arches in the pannelling. This is said to have been a copy of the arrangement in Bardney Chapel. Over the rostrum is a recess in the east wall, containing the harmonium, which cost 40 gs., and seats for the choir. The sittings in the body of the chapel are of stained and varnished deal. At the rear of the chapel, entered by doors at each side of the rostrum, is a large room for the Sunday School, with two smaller class rooms above it. The erection of this building was due to the exertions of the Rev. J. Haigh, who was appointed minister in 1850, and as an exception to the usual custom, he was requested to continue his ministry for four years. We may add that, at the opening service of this third chapel the ministers present were Rev. J. Haigh, as Superintendent; Rev. T. Fletcher; Rev. R. Pinder, then at Coningsby; Rev. J. Garbutt, Supernumerary, from West Ashby. The Rev. T. Fletcher was appointed as Second Minister in Horncastle, at that time, for two years; he became in 1872 Superintendent Minister for three years, and again 1884 for four years, leaving for Market Rasen in 1888. During the ministry of Rev. J. Haigh in Horncastle, several chapels were built in the neighbourhood.

Horncastle was at first included in the Lincoln Circuit, but in 1837, at the building of the second chapel it was constituted a separate circuit, and when the third chapel was erected, in 1853, Coningsby was made a branch of Horncastle.

The first preacher who visited Horncastle was a female, Jane Brown by name, who is said to have walked from Lincoln to Horncastle on a Sunday morning, giving an address in the Market Place in the afternoon, and in the evening holding a service in a house, now forming part of the back premises of the Red Lion Hotel. The first local preachers were also females, Mary Allen and Mary Clarke. The first two female members were Mary Elwin and Martha Belton.

Mr. Butcher having been the first resident minister, was succeeded by the Rev. C. Smith, who worked here and in various other places during 50 years, and then retired to York as supernumerary. The Rev. William Rose, who had been Second Minister in 1850, was appointed Superintendent in 1875, and remained two years. A few years later the Rev. J. Pickwell (1888-90) was Superintendent, with Rev. W. Whitaker as Second Minister; the former first joined the society as a scholar in 1849, being numbered among the local members, he afterwards removed to Lincoln, and acted as Itinerant Minister for 33 years before returning to Horncastle in 1888. Mr. Pickwell was succeeded by Rev. William Kitson as Superintendent, with Rev. R. H. Auty as Second Minister. Mr. Kitson retained his post during four years, when he left for Market Rasen. Mr. Auty was followed, as Second Minister, by Rev. John Bowness, and he, in turn, by Rev. Thomas Stones.

In 1894 the Rev. John Featherstone succeeded to the ministry, with Rev. W. J. Leadbetter as Second Minister, both these stayed to their second year, Mr. Featherstone dying in 1896. In that year the Rev. John Worsnop was appointed, with Rev. A. W. Bagnall as Second Minister; the former retained his post during five years; Mr. Bagnall two years, being succeeded in 1898 by Rev. Walter Tunley, and he, in 1899, by the Rev. George H. Howgate, who stayed two years. In 1900 Rev. J. Worsnop retired to Newcastle-on-Tyne, and died there in Dec., 1904.

In 1901 the Rev. Matthew H. Chapman became Superintendent Minister, with Rev. J. A. Kershaw as Second, both remaining during two years. In 1903 the Rev. Robert B. Hauley succeeded, with Rev. J. Cousin as assistant, both remaining two years. In 1905 (July) the former left for Kirkby Stephen, Westmoreland, the latter for a circuit in Shropshire. They were followed by the Rev. E. Allport, from Skegness, as Superintendent, Sept. 1905; and Rev. E. J. Hancox from Doncaster. In June of that year the annual Conference was held at Scarborough.

We will now put together a few details of the origin of this society. Hugh Bourne was born at Stoke-upon-Trent, April 3, 1772. {73} Although his family was said to be ancient, his ancestors having come to England at the Norman Conquest, he belonged to a humble rank in life, living at Ford Hays Farm. He was in early life educated by his mother, a godly woman, and while very young he learnt by heart the Te Deum, the Litany, and much of the prayers of the Church of England. He worked for his father, and an uncle who was a millwright, but found time to study hydrostatics, pneumatics, natural philosophy, as well as Hebrew, Greek and Latin. His mother's influence had given him a serious bent of mind, and he early acquired strong religious convictions. His biographer says of him "He tells, in child-like simplicity, how, when only four or five years old, he pondered over thoughts of heaven and hell, the last judgment, and other solemn subjects. During the next 20 years his inner life was one of hopes and fears, doubt and faith, conflict and victory."

His mother, going to Burslem on business, borrowed of a Wesleyan friend, some religious books, among them being Baxter's Call to the Unconverted, Allen's Alarm, and a sermon by Wesley on The Trinity. Her son Hugh naturally read these, and Wesley's sermon made a great impression upon him. One Sunday morning he was sitting in his room, reading Fletcher's Letters on The Spiritual Manifestation of the Son of God, when he declares that he was led "to believe with his heart unto righteousness, and with his mouth to make confession unto salvation." This was in his 27th year, A.D. 1799. He joined the Wesleyan society in June of that year, the special occasion being a love feast at Burslem, to which he was taken by an aged neighbour, a farmer near Bemersley, named Birchenough, at whose house services were conducted, who offered him a ticket which constituted him a member, and thus in his own words I was "made a member without knowing it."

As we shall presently see Hugh Bourne became one of the two originators of the Primitive community, the other was his friend and neighbour William Clowes, a sketch of his career was published some years ago, {74} from which we cull the leading particulars. He was born at Burslem 12th March, 1780, his mother, a daughter of Aaron Wedgewood, being a near relation of Josiah of that name, the inventor of the famous Wedgwood pottery. At ten years of age (1790) he began work in his uncle's pottery, which he continued for several years. At that time dancing, gambling and pugilism were the chief amusement of the factory men and colliers of Staffordshire, and for some years he led a wild life of dissipation, yet this was accompanied, at times, with a sense of self-condemnation and spiritual consciousness. "When I was ten years old," he says, "I remember being at a prayer meeting conducted by Nancy Wood, of Burslem, in her father's house, when, convinced of the sin of disobedience to my parents, I wept bitterly." Conflicts between good and evil continued to disturb him for several years. When a young man, at a dance in Burslem, he was so suddenly convicted of sin, that he abruptly withdrew. Shortly afterwards he married, but he and his wife quarralled so violently that he left her, and went off, taking with him only his mother's prayer book. After some wandering, without a penny in his pocket, he returned and begged his wife to attend the Wesleyan Chapel regularly with him, but she refused. He then, prayer book in hand, took an oath that he would serve God and avoid dissipation. This oath, however, was broken; but once more in the early hour of a cold January morning he went forth, and seeing a faint light burning in a window, he entered the house, to find a few humble methodists gathered for an early prayer meeting. There, he says, he knelt unnoticed, but there he "died to sin, and was born of God. This, I said, is what they call being converted. I was fully persuaded that I was justified by faith, and had peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." From that day, Jan. 20th, 1805, he began a new life.

The time now approaches when the two, Hugh Bourne and William Clowes began the great work of their life. At the beginning of the 19th century Bourne, being much employed at Harriseahead, near Bemersley, was shocked at the general lack of the means of grace, and he endeavoured in 1800 and 1801 to promote a revivalist movement. Daniel Shubotham, a boxer, poacher, and ringleader in wickedness, was brought, through Bourne's influence, to the Saviour, on Christmas day 1800, and with his natural energy of character took up the cause. Matthias Bailey, another of Bourne's old associates was also won over, and cottage prayer meetings were begun among the colliers. A meeting upon Mow Cop was proposed for a day given to prayer. At this time Lorenzo Dow, an American Wesleyan visited the Black Country, as the coal district of Staffordshire was called. He spoke of the American camp meetings, himself preaching at Congleton, when Hugh Bourne, with his brother James, was present; William Clowes being also a hearer. They bought books of Lorenzo Dow, which had a marked effect on the future. On May 31st, 1807, a camp meeting was held on Mow Cop, a hill in the neighbourhood, Bourne and Clowes being present. Stands were erected and addresses given from four points. Bourne organized two companies, who continued by turns praying all the day; others giving accounts of their spiritual experiences, among whom Clowes was prominent, and his words are "The glory that filled my soul on that day exceeds my powers of description." Persons were present on this occasion from Kilham in Yorkshire and other distant places, one, Dr. Paul Johnson, a friend of Lorenzo Dow, coming from Ireland.

The movement had now taken definite form and substance. Another camp meeting followed at the same place on July 19, lasting three days; a third on August 16th, at Brown Edge; a fourth on August 23rd, at Norton-in-the-Moors. At this time was held the Annual Wesleyan Conference, at which handbills were issued denouncing this separate movement. For a brief moment Bourne, Clowes and Shubotham hesitated; but the question was seriously considered at a meeting at the house of a friend, Joseph Pointon, when it was "revealed" to Bourne that the camp meetings "should not die, but live;" and from that moment he "believed himself to be called of God" for the new work; and shortly his brother James, James Nixon, Thomas Cotton, and others, gave themselves to the cause.

For some years the labours of these men and their associates were chiefly devoted to the pottery and colliery districts of Staffordshire, where a remarkable change was brought about in the moral condition of the hitherto almost brutalized people. The area of work was then gradually enlarged, extending throughout the whole country, and even, as we shall presently see, beyond it. The following are a few personal details of Hugh Bourne's subsequent career.

In 1808, on his way to Bemersley from Delamere Forest, an impression forced itself upon him that he would shortly be expelled from the Wesleyan connexion; on reaching home he found that a rumour to this effect was being circulated, and in June of that year the formal sentence of expulsion was carried out. He continued to devote himself to the work of evangelization, urging however all others to join whatever denomination they were themselves most inclined for.

He preached his first sermon at Tunstall, on Nov. 12, 1810, in a kitchen which had been licensed for preaching three years before. It was not plastered or ceiled, so that if not required at any future time, it might be converted into a cottage, which took place in 1821, when a chapel was erected. At the Conference held at Newcastle-on-Tyne, in 1842, he was most regretfully placed on the retired list, on account of his impaired health, a yearly pension of 25 pounds being assigned to him. He was still, however, to be at liberty to visit different parts of the connection; and during the next ten years of his superannuation he kept up a very wide correspondence on religious matters, and made a missionary visit to America. The last conference which he attended was at Yarmouth, in 1851. For several years he had felt a premonition that the year 1852 would be his last. The last sermon which he preached was at Norton Green, on Feb. 22, 1852; and on Oct. 11, in that year, he surrendered his happy spirit into the hands of God, who gave it, when "the weary wheels of life stood still." His chief residence would appear to have been at Bemersley, where it was long felt that they had lost in him "a man of great faith and mighty prayer."

We now pass over a period of several years. Clowes received a call to Hull. He had crowded the work of a life-time into some 17 years, and his health was now far from good. At a meeting in December, 1827, he exhibited such weakness as showed that he had done his best work. However, he continued to reside in Hull and visited other places from there, as his strength allowed. It is certain that he visited Horncastle, for an old lady, Mrs. Baildham, who died in May, 1900, having been a member of the connection more than 70 years, frequently asserted that she had heard both Clowes and his wife preach in, presumably, the second chapel in Mill Lane.

At the Conference in 1842, 35 years after the first camp meeting on Mow Cop, both Clowes and Bourne were present; but the assembly was saddened to see the original founders, of what was now a thoroughly established and wide-spread community, both shattered in health and broken by toil. Nine years later Clowes said to a friend "I feel myself failing fast, I am fully prepared." He spoke of the glories of heaven, and said "I shall possess it all through the merits of Christ." His speech began to fail, but he got downstairs, and once more led his class. On the Saturday he attended a committee meeting; on Sunday he was too weak to go to chapel; on Monday there was further weakness; early on Tuesday slight paralysis; and on March 2, 1851, he quietly passed to his rest, aged 71. The people of Hull were greatly moved, and many thousands lined the streets as the funeral procession passed to the grave, at which the Rev. William Harland briefly recited the story of the good man's work.

Of the general progress of the connexion, we may say, that down, to 1870 it was simply a Home and Colonial body, but, in that year, the Norwich branch sent out the missioners, Burnett and Roe, to the island of Fernando Po, on the west coast of Africa. This was in response to an appeal from the Fernandians, who had been converted by a member of the connexion, Ship Carpenter Hands, of the ship Elgiva, who, with his godly Captain, Robinson, had in the course of trade visited that country. The same year also saw a mission established at Aliwal North, in the eastern province of Cape Colony.

In 1884 the Primitive Methodists of Canada formed themselves into an independent community, although with expressions of mutual good will on both sides; their numbers at that time were 8223, with 99 travelling and 246 local ministers, and 237 chapels.

From the middle of the 19th century to its close was a period of great expansion, a return in 1888 reporting the existence in Great Britain of 4,406 chapels, there having been in 1843 only 1278. In 1864 Elmfield College was opened at York, as a middle class school, one of their best; John Petty being first Warden; in 1876 a college was opened at Birmingham, named after the great founder, "Bourne College." At Sunderland a Theological College was opened in 1868, the former Infirmary building being bought; and here, from that date till 1881, Dr. William Antliff, assisted, and afterwards, succeeded by Mr. T. Greenfield, trained candidates for the ministry. The college was afterwards transferred to a new building at Alexandra Park, Manchester.

In 1889, at the 70th Annual Conference, held in Bradford, the membership of the society numbered 194,347, with 1,038 itinerant and 16,229 local preachers; 430,641 Sunday School scholars, 4,436 chapels and 1,465 smaller places of worship; the value of the connexion's property being estimated at over 3,218,320 pounds.

For these details I am largely indebted to the notes of the late Mr. William Pacy, of the Wong, Horncastle, and to the courtesy of the Rev. R. B. Hanley, Minister 1903-5.



THE INDEPENDENTS.

Next in size to the Wesleyan Chapel and its Sunday Schools, on the west side of Queen Street, are the Chapel and Sunday Schools of the Independent, or Congregational, community, which stand nearly opposite, on the east side of the same street; the former being a handsome substantial building of brick, enclosed by a high wall, and tall iron rails and gate, to the precincts in front, at the north end. Its dimensions are 50-ft. by 36-ft., with schools behind, of the same solid structure, as will be seen hereafter, erected at a later date.

Like the Baptists this society dates from the time of the Commonwealth, or even earlier, though at first known by a different name. They arose, indeed, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The persecutions of Protestants, under Queen Mary, drove many to take refuge in Germany and in Geneva, where they became familiar with the worship of the sects established there, which, as an unchecked reaction from the superstitious and elaborate ceremonies of Roman Catholicism, took a more extreme form than the carefully developed Reformation of the English Church allowed. These persons, returning to England in the reign of Elizabeth, found, as it seemed to them, too much Romish doctrine and practice still retained; the Reformation, according to their ideas, had not gone far enough.

The Queen, as head of the English Church, was not disposed to listen to their demands for further change, and they were themselves too much divided to have the power to enforce them; dissension and disruption were the consequence. A chief mover in this process of disintegration was one, Robert Brown, who founded a sect called the "Brownists." He was the son of a Mr. Anthony Brown, of Tolethorpe near Stamford, in Rutlandshire, whose father, a man of good position, had obtained the singular privilege (granted only to others of noble birth) by a Charter of Henry VIII., of wearing his cap in the presence of Royalty. Robert Brown was educated at Cambridge, graduating from Corpus Christi College, and became a Schoolmaster in Southwark. About 1580 he began to put forward opinions condemnatory of the established church. He held, as opposed to the uniformity of worship by law established, that each minister, with his congregation, were "a law unto themselves;" that each such small community had a right to be independent of all others; that it was not ordination which gave a minister authority to preach, but the fact that he was the nominee of a congregation; that councils or synods might be useful in giving advice, but that they could not enforce their decisions, and had no punitory power of censure, or excommunication, against any who chose to adopt an independent course.

Such opinions, put forward in somewhat intemperate language, aroused much opposition and bitter feeling, which Brown was too impetuous to avoid, or to mitigate. He continued his teaching and presently formed a congregation at Norwich, holding his views.

An Act of Parliament had been recently passed (23 Eliz., c. 2) which made anyone guilty of felony who should write, or set forth, seditious matter; and the Queen, as supreme head of the Church, regarded Brown's action as an interference with the Royal prerogative. Severe measures were adopted in order to restrain this new teaching. Two preachers, Elias Thacker and John Copping, who embraced and proclaimed these tenet, were tried at the Bury Assizes in 1583, condemned, and shortly afterwards hanged. Brown was himself thrown into prison, but released through the intercession of Lord Burghley, with whom he was connected.

He now left England, and, with a number of followers settled, by permission of the state, at Middlebourg, in Zealand, where they formed a congregation. There, however, freed from all restraint, their principles of independence carried them so far that differences arose among themselves, which broke up the community. Brown presently returned to England, and for a time conformed to the Church, which he had so freely abused, being allowed even to hold the Benefice of Thorpe Achurch, in Northamptonshire. But again and again his independence asserted itself, and it is said that he incurred imprisonment no less than 32 times, finally ending his days in Northampton jail. While at Middlebourg he had published, in 1582, a book entitled A Treatise of Reformation, of which he sent many copies to England, and it was for distributing these, and other of his pamphlets, that the two above-named offenders were executed. {78} (Collier's Ecclesiastical History.)

The movement which Brown originated did not die with himself, and in 1593 a congregation of Brownists was formed in London, which numbered some 20,000 members. A few years later their obnoxious tenets again provoked persecution, and once more they had to take refuge on the continent. Churches were established by them at Amsterdam and elsewhere, the principal one being at Leyden, under the Rev. John Robinson, who afterwards came to be regarded as the founder of Independency. He was a man of considerable attainments; of more genuine piety than the impetuous Brown; and while equally with him, holding that each congregation was in itself a perfect and independent church, under Christ, he would avoid all bitter invective against other communities, who, with different regulations, might still be regarded equally as churches.

Although the Brownists had no regularly ordained ministry; as newly constituted under Robinson, there were a number of ministers elected by the congregations, and no one was allowed to teach publicly until, after due examination, he had been pronounced qualified for the work. The Independents differ chiefly from other religious societies, in that they reject all creeds of fallible man, their test of orthodoxy being a declaration that they accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and adhere to the scriptures as the sole standard of faith and practice.

In 1616 a number of the society again returned to England under the leadership of Henry Jacobs, who had served under Robinson, and once more established a meeting house in London; while others, in charge of a Mr. Brewster, who had been a lay Elder, also under Robinson, went out, in 1620, to North America, in the good ship Mayflower, and another vessel, and founded a colony at Massachusetts.

Although, as has been already stated, under the influence of Robinson sectarian bitterness was much modified, yet throughout the reigns of James I. and Charles I., the Independents were in frequent conflict with the Presbyterians; nor was there only sectarian strife, for both parties had numerous supporters in Parliament, as well as partizans in the army. Preaching Generals and praying Captains abounded; but Cromwell favoured the Independents, as against Presbyterians, and this gradually paved the way for toleration.

[Picture: Interior Congregational Chapel]

At the "Savoy Conference" in London (so called because held at the palace of that name), in 1658, the Independents published an epitome of their faith, and henceforth, with occasional interruptions, they held on their way; although it was not till 1831 that the "Congregational Union of England and Wales" was finally and fully constituted. They again published, in 1833, a more definite "Declaration of Faith, Order, and Discipline," which continues still to be the charter of the community.

We have seen that in the early annals of this society the name of John Robinson stood high in general estimation, but his was by no means the only honoured name. Among early members of mark was Dr. John Owen, of Queen's College, Oxford, a learned writer, and Chancellor of the University in 1652; he became Chaplain to Protector Cromwell, as an Independent. The Rev. Isaac Watts, who had been tutor to the sons of Sir John Hartop, became the popular minister of a Congregational Chapel, in Mark Lane, London, in 1693. Dr. Philip Doddridge was also a valued member, as Minister at Norwich, Northampton, Kibworth near Market Harborough, and other places. From his candour and learning he held friendly relations with the highest dignitaries of the established church; he is chiefly known for his two great works, The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, and his Family Expositor. To the regret of many he died of consumption, at a comparatively early age, in 1751, at Lisbon, whither he had been ordered by his doctors for the milder climate. The friend and biographer of the last-named, Mr. John Orton, was another esteemed member, who published several valuable works, he died in 1783.

Another was Robert Hall, who ministered at Cambridge, Leicester and Bristol, where he died in 1831. He was a great writer and very eloquent preacher. Professedly he was a Baptist, but he frequently occupied Independent platforms, and admitted that he had more feeling of fellowship with an Independent than with a strict Baptist. {80a} None of these, however, was more highly esteemed than Dr. Isaac Taylor, of Norwich and Colchester, author of several instructive works, and commonly called "the glory of the Independents." He died in 1829.

By the year 1851 this community had grown to such dimensions that it had, in England and Wales, 3,244 chapels, with a membership of 1,002,307. {80b}

The connection of the Congregationalists with Horncastle is of comparatively recent date, and the evidence on this subject is somewhat conflicting. Weir, in his History of Horncastle, published in 1820, does not name them, in his list of Nonconformists, as existing here at that time, but Saunders' History, published in 1836, gives them with the others. Hence they would appear to have established themselves in the town somewhere between those two dates; yet there exists a curious small publication, entitled "The Confession of Faith of the Society of his Majesty's Protestant subjects (dissenting from the Church of England) called Independents, in Horncastle, in the County of Lincoln, and places adjacent, Framed in the year of Christ, 1781, by W. R. Lincoln, printed by S. Simmons." {80c}

The inference from these facts would seem to be, that, at that date, 1781, there was an Independent congregation in the town, probably small, consisting of "W.R." and his personal adherents; as the wording of the confession is said {80d} to be very remarkable, and indeed unique, "W.R." was evidently rather of an eccentric turn of mind, which led him to publish this authoritative statement of Faith.

The society, probably, in a few years became extinct, and it is not till the year 1820 that we find any sign of their revival. The Church Book supplies the following details: In 1820 certain worshippers in the Wesleyan Chapel of that day, finding their religions views not in accord with general Wesleyan sentiment, decided to erect a chapel of their own; and for this purpose they selected a site in East Street, at the north west corner of Foundry Street, where now stands the house, 42, East Street. This building was opened for public worship on March 22, 1821; the morning preacher being the Rev. B. Byron of Lincoln, the Rev. John Pain, a Hoxton student, preaching in the afternoon, and the Rev. Thomas Hayes of Boston, in the evening.

Mr. Pain officiated for a few weeks and then returned to Hoxton to complete his education for the ministry. He had, however, left a pleasing impression behind him, and he was afterwards invited, in an address signed by 130 of the townsfolk, to come and settle among them as their first permanent minister. He commenced his labours, in that capacity, in July of the same year. Under his ministry the congregation rapidly increased, and the first chapel was soon found to be too small; and in September of the same year a new site was purchased at the north-east corner of Union Street, now Queen Street. While this chapel was being built (which is still their place of worship) they were allowed by the Wesleyans to make use of their chapel, at stated times; some of their services also being, for the time, held at the British Schools, on the site of which the 1st Volunteer Drill Hall was afterwards erected, now the carriage repository of Messrs. Danby & Cheseldine.

At the opening of this chapel, on March 28, 1822, the Rev. George Waterbourne, of Dewsbury, preached in the morning, and the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, of Hull, in the evening. On Thursday, May 9th, following, seven persons formally announced themselves to be a church on Independent principles, viz., William Barton and his daughter Mary, John Jackson and Elizabeth his wife, William Parker (Solicitor), Mary Ball and Rebecca Brown. The Rev. John Pain was duly ordained to the ministry on May 10, those officiating on the occasion being the Rev. W. Harris, LL.D., Theological Tutor of the Hoxton Academy, the Rev. B. Byron of Lincoln, and Rev. J. Gilbert of Hull. In July of that year three members were added to the church, in 1823 eight more were enrolled, in 1824 three more, and in 1825 six joined.

During this year a vestry was built at the back of the chapel; in May of the same year a Sunday School was commenced, which at the end of the year numbered 60 scholars; and the congregation gradually grew, year by year, until Mr. Pain died in 1844 (April 11). He was much beloved, and had brought into the fold about 150 members. He was interred in the chapel yard, a large stone on the west side marking his grave, while a tablet on the south wall, at the east end of the interior of the chapel bears this inscription, "Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John Pain, who was ordained Pastor over this church and congregation, Anno Domini 1821. As a minister he was talented, zealous and useful, his chief desire being to bring men unto God. As a man he was amiable and affectionate, his private life bearing testimony to the truth of those counsels he publicly taught. He departed this life April 11th, 1844, aged 44 years." The inscription on the tombstone is a long one, in verse, to which is added an epitaph to "Esther, Relict of the above," who "died in London, Feb. 1, 1868, aged 64. With Christ."

Of all the ministers of this chapel Mr. Pain was probably the most valued, and his memory is still cherished. We may add that he was born in Gloucester, a descendant, on his mother's side, of the old and honourable family of the D'Oyleys, whose seat is at Adderbury, Oxfordshire. His father was many years Pastor of the Independent Church of Forest Green, Gloucestershire, his mother being daughter of a Church of England clergyman. An engraving of him is still preserved, framed, in the vestry of the chapel.

Mr. Pain was succeeded in the ministry of the chapel by the Rev. J. Kelsey in 1844; he died in Adelaide, South Australia; and from 1845 to 1848 the Rev. W C. Fisher held the post. The Rev. Samuel Gladstone succeeded him, and officiated from 1848 to 1853. He afterwards went to Sleaford.

The Rev. J. G. Roberts was Minister from 1853 to 1856. He married a daughter of the late Mr. T. Meredith; there being a tablet to the memory of the latter, on the west side of the south wall of the chapel, with this inscription, "In affectionate remembrance of Mr. Thomas Meredith, who departed this life July 30, 1858, aged 66 years. As for me I will behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness."

The Rev. Thomas Betty succeeded in 1857, and held office till 1863, when his health broke down; his last entry in the books was written on Feb. 19, 1863, "God bless them all, church and congregation, Amen." He returned and died at Knottingley, March 26, 1865. During his ministry a debt of 75 pounds on the chapel was paid off, and in 1859 a minister's house was purchased for 250 pounds, and some 30 pounds spent in repairs, the money being raised by a bazaar.

The Rev. Thomas Lord followed in 1863, and ministered till 1866. He succeeded in paying off the debt on the British School, and on leaving the town was presented with a handsome timepiece by the Committee of the School. He had as a youth attended the chapel of Dr. Doddridge (already named) in Northampton, but left there in 1834. His first pastorate had been at Wollaston, from 1834 to 1845; then removing to Brigstock, where he ministered from 1845 until his transfer to Horncastle in 1863. {82}

He was succeeded by the Rev. J. E. Whitehead, from 1867 to 1871. During his ministry several improvements were effected in the interior of the chapel, including the erection of a commodious platform; oak furniture and elegant fittings being added, and the seats of the choir re-arranged.

The Rev. W. Rose followed from 1872 to 1878. He had been stationed at Portsea, but visited Horncastle in July, 1872, to preach for Home Missions, and was afterwards invited to undertake the ministry here. Being a native of Boston, and having resided for some time in Spilsby, he was glad to return to his native county, and commenced his ministry in January, 1873. During his pastorate the old seats in the body of the chapel were removed, and modern open benches substituted. In 1874 a plot of land was offered by the late Mr. W. A. Rayson for new school premises. Mr. Rose and the late Mr. J. E. Ward, as Treasurer and Secretary, took up the matter, and the present schools were erected on the south of the chapel. On the ground floor is a spacious room, 39-ft. long by 24-ft. wide; there is a vestry for the minister, an infant classroom, and a kitchen with convenient arrangements for tea meetings; above are six large classrooms for boys and girls. These were opened April 29, 1875; among the contributors being Mr. Samuel Morley of London, at one time President of the Society, and Sir Titus Salt, who both, with Mr. W. A. Rayson, gave 50 pounds each.

After Mr. Rose's retirement both he and Mrs. Rose still continued to take a kindly interest in matters connected with the chapel. She was a member of a highly respectable family in the neighbourhood, being a daughter of Mr. Searby of Wainfleet. Her health, however, was latterly precarious, and she died May 16, 1879, her husband dying Dec. 10, in the same year. They were both interred at Spilsby. Mr. Rose was highly esteemed among all denominations; was on cordial terms of intimacy with the Rev. Arthur Scrivenor, then Vicar of Horncastle; and, among other duties, he acted on a committee at Woodhall Spa, in connection with a Cottage Hospital for the poor, in which he took great interest, and which was carried on by the writer of these pages, then Vicar of Woodhall Spa.

Mr. Rose was succeeded by the Rev. W. T. Poole, of Paulers' Pury, Northants; a former Scripture Reader at Reading, who ministered here from 1878 to 1880, when he was transferred to Bracknall, Berks. He was followed by a Nottingham student, the Rev. W. Archer, from 1881 to 1885. Then came the Rev. J. H. Dingle, of Ruskington, near Sleaford, from 1885 to 1886, when he left for a charge at Patricroft, near Manchester. During his pastorate a very successful Bazaar was held in November, 1886, from the proceeds of which the manse was further improved, and the chapel again renovated, with decorations from the designs of Mr. C. H. Stevens.

Then followed an interval of two years, during which the chapel was served by students of the college at Nottingham. In 1888 the Rev. G. Luckett succeeded, coming from Long Sutton, and held office till Sept., 1893, when he was transferred to Curry Rivell, Somerset. An interval here again occurred, during which Mr. J. T. Whitehead and other Nottingham students took the duties, Mr. Whitehead afterwards accepting a pastorate in Lancashire.

In January, 1894, the Rev. Sidney Benjamin Dixon began his ministry, which he continued till December, 1897, when he was transferred to Tetsworth, Oxfordshire. For more than a year Nottingham students again performed the duties; and in November, 1899, the Rev. John Pogson, B.D., entered on his ministry, which he continued until 1905, when he was transferred to Whitworth, near Rochdale. Early in 1907 (Feb. 13) the Rev. J. H. Dingle, who had held the office in 1886, was re-appointed, having served, as above, 12 years at Patricroft, and afterwards at Newmarket and Sheffield.

There is one more tablet in the chapel, which we have not mentioned; it is on the west wall, "In affectionate remembrance of Jane, the beloved wife of William Wood, who died May 12, 1853, aged 48 years. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Mr. Wood was a draper in the High Street, and a pillar of the church; he afterwards removed to Southampton, and died there.

We have only to add that there are a considerable number of tombstones, with inscriptions, in the chapel yard, but burials ceased to take place there by Act of Parliament in 1855. Marriages are here solemnized. The Services are morning and evening on Sunday, with sermon in the evening of Thursday. A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavour Meeting on Tuesday at 8 p.m. A Ladies' Sewing Meeting on the first Wednesday of every month, and choir practice on Friday evening at 8, there being a good American organ.

For the above details I am largely indebted to the notes "On the Wong," of the late Mr. W. Pacey, supplemented by the History of England, in seven volumes, of the Rev. H. Walter, B.D., F.R.S., Professor in the East India College, Hertford, Chaplain to the Duke of Northumberland, &c., &c.



THE BAPTIST CHAPEL.

This is the oldest nonconformist building in Horncastle. It is generally supposed that there was a still earlier chapel, situated near what is called the Bow Bridge, which spans the southern branch of the canal, between Cagthorpe and St. Mary's Square, but we have no definite proof of this beyond a vague tradition.

The Baptist community date their origin from the time of the Commonwealth. The earliest person of note connected with this religious body being John Bunyon, author of The Pilgrim's Progress, {84a} who espoused the cause of the Parliament against Charles I. He first preached in Bedford, where he was a tinker by trade, in the year 1655, visiting various other parts of the country in succeeding years, until he died, August 31st, 1688, and was buried in Bunhill Fields.

An old document shows that at a meeting held at Bedford, in the spring of 1655, over which he presided, it was decided to send one of the members, "Mr. Brown to Horncastle, in Lincolnshire, to a few persons of the belief, seeking help to guide them in forming a society." Before the "Toleration Act" was passed in 1689, nonconformist places of worship were not allowed to exist within five miles of a market town. {84b} In Asterby, about six miles from Horncastle, there is a Baptist chapel, locally reputed {84c} to be the oldest in the kingdom. At Coningsby is a Baptist Chapel, with a school, dating from nearly the same period, with an endowment of 26 acres of land. The Baptists of Horncastle mostly, in those days, worshipped at Asterby. At Donington-on-Bain there is also a very ancient chapel, where the Baptists of Louth worshipped. The two chapels of Asterby and Donington have a joint endowment of 20 pounds a year, and are now affiliated to Northgate Chapel in Louth.

The Foundation Deed of the Chapel in Horncastle is dated Sept. 19, 1767; and the names of the founders are given as William Bromley, Vicars Keal, Hamlet Dabney, William Taylor, William Storr, William Dawson, Thos. Hollingshed, Charles Bonner, George Gunnis, James Coates, John Blow, and William Tenant.

The Chapel was originally a structure of one story, having its entrance in the centre of the north wall, and the pulpit opposite. Until the early part of the 19th century it had no baptistry, immersion being performed in the water-mill pit, {84d} in the north of the town.

Considerable structural alterations were made in the year 1843, when the walls were heightened and upper windows inserted; a gallery was erected at the east end; the north door was bricked up, and the present entrance at the east end opened; the pulpit being removed to the west end, facing the door. A further enlargement was made by a small vestry on the west being added, thus providing sitting accommodation for 250 worshippers.

On the north side of the building is a graveyard, but only three inscriptions are legible, they are "Mary Markwell, died March 28th, 1776, aged 29. Prepare to meet thy God." This was, doubtless, one of the earliest interments. The second is "In memory of Thomas Lamb, who departed this life June 7th, 1811, aged 82.

Here rests that lately animated clod, Who self despised, and glorified his God; And when that great decisive day shall come, He'll rise triumphant from the silent tomb.

Also of Frances, his wife, who departed this life April 2nd, 1810, aged 79. He was a watchmaker. The third is as follows: "Sacred to the memory of Eliza, daughter of William Parker, Solicitor, and Elizabeth, his wife, who died 1st April, 1835, aged 20 years. Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." Mr. Parker occupied part of the premises now forming the shop and residence of Mr. Bryant, shoemaker, in the High Street.

There is little doubt that the house adjoining the chapel, on the north west, was once the minister's residence. On the stairs leading to the present rostrum there is still a doorway, which evidently led to the house. There is a stone tablet over this door, and in 1892 an exact copy of this was made, and placed on the north wall. The inscription reads "John Hill, departed this life Oct. 16th, 1779, aged 48, Pastor of this Church 13 years."

There are some tablets on the wall within, but the Rev. F. Samuels, who was Pastor when the Chapel was renovated, about 1882, unfortunately allowed the inscriptions to be obliterated.

It is interesting to know that the Mint Lane Baptist Chapel, at Lincoln, was founded in 1767, by worshippers at Horncastle. {85a} Curiously it was not till 1892 that the Horncastle Chapel was "registered" as a place of worship, the omission being only then discovered, when application was made for a licence to solemnize marriages.

In 1893 the Chapel was thoroughly restored, at a cost of 80 pounds; the interior being modernised, the walls painted, the old high pews removed and replaced by neat seats, the old box-shaped pulpit taken down, and a rostrum and platform erected. There is a good organ, with special seats for the choir.

We may add that the Baptists are now a very numerous and influential body. At the Baptist World Conference, held at Exeter Hall, London, July 10 and following days, 1905, the first ever held as an united community, Dr. Maclaren of Manchester presiding, a message was received from the King and Queen, thanking for a loyal address from the Conference. The President also stated that he had informally received a greeting of good will from the Established Church, as well as from the Free Churches.

On that occasion ministers and delegates attended from various parts of Great Britain and the Colonies, from America, France, and other countries. A meeting was held under "The Reformer's Tree," in Hyde Park, Miss Burroughs, a coloured lady, being on the platform, also Mr. Britto, a coloured vocalist, and the singing being led by a coloured choir. The President, Dr. Clifford of London, stated that there were present 4,000 delegates, from all parts of the world, representing some seven millions of Baptists, {85b} and 5,700,000 communicants; but besides these there are 14 or 15 millions of "adherents" to the cause, so that the whole body numbers over 20 millions.

The Rev. W. E. Pearson was appointed August, 1905, but left in Feb., 1907, to pursue his studies at college.



THE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH.

The Croft Street Chapel, or New Jerusalem Church, is both structurally and intellectually, the most recent developement of Nonconformity in Horncastle. The founder of this community was a personality so remarkable that it may be well here to give a brief sketch of him.

Emanuel Swedenborg, son of a Lutheran bishop, was born at Stockholm, in 1689. During more than the first half of his life he was distinguished as a hard worker in the field of science, and from his many clever inventions, and valuable public services, he was ennobled by his sovereign. But in the year 1743, after a serious illness, accompanied by brain fever, the result of excessive mental labour, he threw up all work of this kind, declaring that he had received a "call" from the Lord, who manifested Himself to him, by personal appearance, and commissioned him to devote further life and strength to holier purposes.

Being a man of strong will, albeit, not improbably, with a touch (as was thought by several) of mental aberration, the result of his illness, he threw himself, with characteristic energy, into the work of religious proselytism, in support of the special views with which he was now inspired. He became a kind of religious clairvoyant, living an ecstatic existence in communion with angels and spirits. He printed accounts of various "Arcana," as he termed them; visions granted to him of heaven and hell; the state after death, the true worship of God, the inner spiritual sense of the scriptures; and so forth. He held spiritual intercourse with the dwellers in other planets, conversing with Apostles, with Luther, Calvin, Melancthon, &c. "Things hidden since the days of Job (he declared) were revealed to himself."

Followers gradually gathered round him, inspired by his own enthusiasm. He visited England frequently; and before his death, in London, A.D. 1772, he had established congregations in England, Ireland, Wales, France, Holland, Sweden, Russia, and even in Turkey and America. It is said that several Anglican clergy adopted his views, though still retaining charges in their own church.

The special tenets of the sect, which he founded, seem to have been, that, while believing in one God, they held that He was the Christ; that Christ always existed in human form, but not in human soul; and that in His Person there was a real Trinity; that the bible was to be understood in a spiritual sense, which was first revealed to Swedenborg. Their ritual, which was based on that of the Anglican Church, included a splendid priesthood and an elaborate ceremonial.

Swedenborg's very numerous writings included a number of mystic works, especially connected with what he called the "Spiritual Influx," which was not limited to locality but pervaded everywhere. Translations of all his works have been issued by the Swedenborg Society, located at No. 1, Bloomsbury Street, London, W.C., and at Horncastle they may be borrowed from the New Church Free Library in Croft Street. The Horncastle branch has also its own monthly magazine, The New Church Advocate.

The following is a brief account of the Society's origin and progress, in Horncastle, from particulars furnished to the present writer, by the esteemed minister, Rev. R. Mayes, in 1903 (the second year of his ministry), and by Mr. Edwin Townell, who has been secretary for a quarter of a century. The Society was inaugurated on August 9, 1869, when Messrs. Bogg, Moore, Hall, Cook, Austin, and Bellamy, met at the house of Mr. E. J. Moore, 19, Queen Street; Mr. Moore being appointed Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Bogg and Mr. Hall Trustees, and Mr. Bogg nominated as first Leader. Mr. Cook offered the use of a room in his house, rent free, and the first service was held on the following day, Sunday, the 10th of the same month.

As Mr. Bogg resided at Benniworth, nine miles from Horncastle, he could not undertake a service every Sunday; and, at first there was only an evening meeting, weather permitting.

[Picture: The New Jerusalem Church]

There was a good deal of opposition for a time, especially from the Congregationalists, under their minister, Mr. J. E. Whitehead; this, however, served rather to increase the general interest in the new movement, and the evening congregations grew in numbers. The first tea meeting (which ultimately became an established monthly institution) was held March 14, 1870, in a room in the alley named "Tinker's Entry," there being then 14 members on the roll; when addresses were given by Mr. J. S. Bogg, Chairman; and by Messrs. Cook, Moore, T. Wemyss Bogg, and others.

In May of the same year Mr. Richard Gunton, of the Lincolnshire New Church Association, visited them, followed by Rev. John Hyde in October, Mr. Gunton coming again in December of the same year. We may here observe that this connection with Mr. Richard Gunton became, as will be hereafter shewn, a most valuable asset in the Society's favour, in more ways than one. He took up his residence in London, first in Oseney Crescent, Camden Road, N.W., and afterwards in Tufnell Park Road, N., but he never lost his interest in the Horncastle branch; visiting the town year after year, to preach or give lectures, in the Corn Exchange, on behalf of the Society. His last visit was in October, 1896; his death occurring on the 5th of the December following, after (as was fitly stated) "40 years of faithful service as Superintendent Missionary," as well as having been Treasurer of the New Church Conference.

In 1871 Mr. Moore left Horncastle, the room in Tinker's Entry was given up, and the meetings were held in the house of Mr. W. Hall, where a library was also opened for the members. Subsequently, with a view to the erection of a suitable place of worship, Mr. Hall bought a piece of land in Croft Street and presented it to the Society, the project being also warmly supported by Mr. R. Gunton. A subscription list was opened, plans and estimates obtained, and the foundation stone of a fabric was laid, Sep. 16, 1872. The appeal for support concluded with these words: "This will be the first house of worship constructed in the County of Lincoln, for the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only God." This was signed by W. Hall, Treasurer, and Edwin Dawson, Secretary.

The Chapel was opened Jan. 29, 1873, being dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, Minister of the Chapel in Argyle Square, London; who had given a series of lectures in aid of the Society four years before (November, 1869) in the Corn Exchange; and, after the dedication, he again gave addresses, which were continued by Revs. P. Ramage, R. Storry, C. H. Wilkins, Mr. R. Gunton, and others, usually morning and evening.

We will now describe the Croft Street fabric, opened under these favourable auspices. It consists of a square oblong, standing north and south, 40-ft. by 20-ft.; the architect was Mr. Gosling of London, the builder Mr. Chas. Blyton of Horncastle, the material being red and white brick. There is accommodation for 150 persons; the cost of the structure was 350 pounds. The fittings, which had formerly belonged to a chapel in Cross Street, Hatton Gardens, London, were presented by Mr. William Pickstone. At the south end there is an apsidal recess with three lancet windows, the central one having coloured glass, with the figure of the Good Shepherd and an inscription at the bottom stating that it was "Presented by J. W Fishleigh and Fanny his wife, in memoriam, Feb., 1901," being in memory of their only daughter, who died in London, the mother having been brought up in this connection.

Within this apse there is a platform, with polished oak rail in front, resting on carved pillars. On this is a Reading Desk and Communion Table. The carpet and communion cushion were presented by the late Mr. T. Tapling, carpet manufacturer, of London, who was a native of Lincolnshire. In the centre of the apse is a carved oak chair, having the monogram I.H.S., which was given by Mr. C. Blyton. In front, standing on the Chapel floor, is a harmonium by Alexandre & Sons, of Paris; it is a fine instrument, having four sets of vibrators and 14 stops. It was obtained partly at the cost of the congregation, and partly by a donation of the late Mr. John Jobson, from Mr. Thomas Gunton (son of Mr. Richard Gunton of London), who resided at Bunnyfield House, Hatfield Park, and was for many years private secretary to the late Marquis of Salisbury. The instrument originally cost 84 pounds. Mr. William Hall presided at this harmonium from the first.

We have mentioned Dr. Bayley of London as the earliest preacher in the new chapel; there was no resident minister till 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Hall entertained during the whole of the first year (1873) the preachers above named. Others of note who followed were Mr. Layland of Nottingham, Leader of the Society in 1876; followed, 1877-8, by Mr. J. R. Boyle; to whom succeeded, 1878-9, Mr. W. A. Bates (afterwards of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia); Mr. W. J. Adcock, 1879-80; Mr. A. E. Beilby, 1880-1; Mr. W. Hall, 1882; and Mr. William Robinson, October of that year. At various dates the preachers were Rev. R. Storey of Heywood near Manchester, Rev. Mr. Wilkins of Nottingham, Mr. Skelton of London, Mr. Pulsford of Leicester, Mr. Cameron of Edinburgh, Mr. Fairweather of London, Mr. Ashby of Derby, Mr. Best of Hull, Rev. T. Prestland of London, Rev. Joseph Deans in 1899, and Rev. J. R. Rendell, President of the Conference; Rev. Lewis A. Slight of Northampton, 1900; Rev. J. T. Freeth of Bolton, President, 1901. From time to time preachers were sent by the New Church Conference, and later by the East Midland and Lincolnshire Association.

Three marriages were solemnized in the Chapel by Rev. L. A. Slight, viz., that of Miss Townell and Mr W. Chapman of Oundle, Dec. 11, 1900; Miss Elizabeth Hall and Mr. Edwin White, both of Horncastle, May 21, 1901; and Miss Florence Smith to Mr. Alfred Storton of London, July 9, 1901.

The Rev. Richard Mayes, the first resident Minister, came from Leicester, first preached here Feb. 23, 1902, and entered on his ministry in October of that year. Other preachers during that interval were Mr. Fairweather of Loughborough, Mr. L. A. Slight, Mr. Layland, Mr. W. Hall and Mr. H. Deans.

A Sunday School was opened with the Chapel in 1873; this was, at a later date, temporarily closed, but re-opened by Mr. Mayes. Under him, ably supported as he is by members the Townell and Blyth families, and others, the services, which are short, bright, and musical, are being attended by increasing numbers. Mr. Edwin Townell is still Secretary, as he was in 1880; and with Mr. Mayes' ministry Mr. H. Freeman succeeded Mr. W. Hall as Treasurer.



THE REV. THOMAS LORD.

The subject of this notice, no longer holding a ministerial charge, is by many years the doyen among Nonconformist preachers in Horncastle, being the oldest Congregational Minister in England. He completed his hundredth year on April 22, 1908; on which occasion he received a congratulatory telegram from His Majesty the King; while a public fund was instituted for a presentation to be made to him in recognition of the occasion, which he desired to be given in his name to the local Institution of Nurses.

Mr. Lord was born at Olney, Bucks., in 1808; and began his ministry in 1834, as pastor of a chapel at Wollaston, Northants, which he held for eleven years; thence removing to Brigstock, in the same county, where he laboured during 17 years. He subsequently held pastorates in Horncastle, Deddington (Co. Oxford), and Great Bridge, Staffordshire. He gave up permanent charge in 1878, continuing, however, to assist other ministers in that neighbourhood, until 1899, when, in consequence of failing eyesight, he removed once more to Horncastle, taking up his abode with his married daughter, Mrs. C. M. Hodgett, on the Wong (No. 7).

Mr. Lord has been an active worker in the temperance cause during more than 70 years; a member of the Liberation Society since its formation; a warm advocate of the Peace Society, of the United Kingdom Alliance; the inaugural meeting of which he attended at Manchester. He was one of the founders of the Congregational Total Abstinence Association; and has always been a warm supporter of the London Missionary Society.

Mr. Lord still preaches occasionally in Horncastle. He has officiated more than once recently in the Lincoln Mission Hall, and not unfrequently occupies the pulpit at the Presbyterian Chapel, Kirkstead, to assist the local minister, Rev. Robert Holden, who is his junior by some 16 years. On Sunday, May 31, 1908, Mr. Lord preached at Alford, in the Congregational Chapel; and on Sunday, June 7, 1908, at Boston, in the Chapel of the United Methodists.

[Picture: Rev. Thomas Lord, 100 years old, April 22, 1908]

Notwithstanding his age Mr. Lord's voice is still clear, deep-toned, and resonant; his manner is full of vigor, his language simple, yet eloquent and earnest. His step is firm and elastic. In habit he is an early riser.



CHAPTER VI. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

Having dealt with the places of worship in the town, we now proceed to give an account of its schools; and among these the Grammar School, from its antiquity, as well as for other reasons, claims precedence.

This Institution, on its present foundation, dates from the reign of Elizabeth, {91} one of whose special characteristics was her warm interest in education, which led her to encourage her nobles, and more wealthy subjects, to promote the cause. The Reformation had given an impetus towards emancipation from the ignorance which prevailed in Popish times, when the monasteries were almost the only centres of enlightenment—if so it could be called.

Henry VIII. did little or nothing towards relighting the torch, which had been held up by the monks, whom he abolished. His successor, Edward VI., founded a few grammar schools; among them being, in our own neighbourhood, those at Spilsby, Louth, and Grantham. During the brief reign of the Popish Mary, the movement was again checked; but Elizabeth, herself a cultivated scholar, rekindled the general interest in educational progress.

The title deeds of the school are unfortunately lost, which would have shewn to what extent it was then endowed, but documents exist belonging to the school, which prove the conveyance of certain lands, by John Neale of Horncastle, in the 17th year of Elizabeth (A.D. 1575); he being one of the first 10 Governors appointed in accordance with the rules of the foundation.

A useful little volume was published in 1894 by the late Dr. Robert Jalland, then Senior Governor of the school, containing its history, from the date of the Elizabethan foundation, gathered from various documents and minute books, preserved in the office of the Clerk of the Governors; from which we cull the following particulars:

In the 13th year of her reign (1571), by Letters Patent dated at Westminster, June 25, Elizabeth granted to her "well-beloved and faithful counsellor, and subject, Edward Fynes, Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter, Lord Clinton and Saye, High Admiral of England," that, at his prayer, "a Grammar School should be established in the town of Horncastle, for the good education of boys and youths, living there, and about the neighbouring parts, habitants and comerants." {92a} This was to be called "The Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth, in the Town and Soke of Horncastle of the foundation of (the said) Edward, Lord Clynton," &c., {92b} "to continue for ever." It was to consist of "a Master and Sub-Master, or Usher," and the "lands, tenements, revenues, reversions, and other hereditaments, for the support of the school, were granted, assigned, and appointed," for their better management, "to 10 discreet and honest men, who (should) be styled Governors."

The first Governors appointed were Clement Monk, clerk; John Smith, clerk; John Sackeverill, gent.; Thomas Litter, gent.; Geo. Hargrave, gent.; Thos. Raithbecke, yeoman; John Neale, yeoman; Thos. Hamerton, yeoman; Willm. Ward, yeoman; Willm. Harrison, yeoman. They were constituted "a body corporate," having a "common seal, to hold, to manage the revenues of the school, and empowered to spend, and invest, the income at their discretion," to appoint the teachers, and successors in the governing body, as vacancies should, by death, occur.

The property of the school, either from the original, or later, {92c} endowments, consists of lands, tenements, ground and quit rents, in Horncastle, or in the Wildmore Fen allotment of the same, land and tenement in Hemingby, lands in Winthorpe, Huttoft, Sutton, and in Thornton a payment of 12 pounds a year in lieu of former land, {92d} with certain moneys invested in Government Consols and Indian Stock.

The rental of the school property has varied at various periods. At the time of the civil war, when the neighbourhood was more or less in a state of anarchy, there is no record, for some years, of the Governors having even met to dispense payments; and the Head Master's salary was only 10 pounds. In 1735 it amounted to 42 pounds, and that of the Usher to 21 pounds; but in 1753 there was a reduction to 30 pounds for the Head Master, and 15 pounds to the Usher, owing to money having to be "borrowed for the exigenceys of the school." In 1786 the income of the school rose to 529 pounds; the highest point which it seems ever to have attained was 877 pounds, in 1854. In that year the Head Master's stipend is not specified, but two years later it was 235 pounds, with capitation fees amounting to 251 pounds odd.

In 1780 the Head Master was the Rev. C. L'Oste; he was also Rector of Langton by Horncastle, and a good scholar. He published a translation, in verse, of Grotius on The Christian Religion. It was printed at the Cambridge University Press, dedicated to the Bishop of Lincoln, with a very distinguished list of subscribers. {93} Differences arose between him and the Governors, and in Sept., 1782, he was served with a notice to quit, at the end of six months, for neglect of his duties. He refused to give up office, counsel's opinion was taken by the Governors, Mr. L'Oste pleaded in his own defence. The Governors gave notice of a trial at the assizes. No result, however, is recorded, and Mr. L'Oste retained office until his death in 1818.

[Picture: The Grammar School]

The year 1854 marked the close of the career of the most remarkable Head Master who ever ruled the school. The Rev. John Bainbridge Smith, D.D., had entered on his duties April 10, 1818, succeeding Mr. L'Oste. Coming to the post as an entirely unknown man, of comparatively humble origin, but of great energy, he soon acquired a leading position in the town and neighbourhood; becoming Rector of Martin, Rector of Sotby, and Vicar of Baumber. He was the author of several standard works on Divinity. Under him the school achieved such a reputation that, besides the day scholars, he had a large number of boarders coming from Scotland, Ireland, Devonshire, London, and even Jersey and France. His end was unfortunately as remarkable as his career. Returning by train from Lincoln he fell asleep, and being roused at Kirkstead by the porter giving the name of the station, and the night being dark, he did not perceive that the train was again in motion, and springing out of the carriage, he fell a few yards beyond the platform and broke his neck. The porter found him lying helpless, but alive, on the line. He was carefully conveyed to his residence at Horncastle, and lingered alive several weeks, retaining his mental faculties, but having no sense of feeling below his neck. At length he recovered slight feeling in his legs and feet, and probably tempted by this to make an effort to move, he was found one morning dead in his bed.

The Duke of Newcastle, who owned property in Baumber (where, as we have said, Dr. Smith was Incumbent), appointed him his private chaplain; and the Doctor's youngest daughter, Sarah Katherine, married the Rev. Henry Fiennes Clinton, a near relative of the Duke, and a descendant of the founder of the school, Lord Clinton and Saye.

The school building has not always occupied the site on which it now stands. As shewn in Stukeley's plan of the town, printed in 1722, it stood in the north-east corner of the school yard. In 1772 that structure was found to be in a ruinous condition, and the present building was erected, being opened for use at Midsummer 1778. A classroom was added at the south end in 1855, and more recently another small room put up at the north end. The residence of the Head Master was formerly a small low cottage, but it was considerably enlarged in the early part of the 19th century, and in 1858 a new wing was added at the north end.

In 1847 two "Clinton" Exhibitions were founded by the Governors, of 50 pounds a year, to be held for four years, by scholars going to the University. For lack of such scholars this was granted to Clement Madely Smith, youngest son of Dr. Smith, the Head Master, who studied for the medical profession, in London. No further appointment however was made, as in 1848 the Governors decided that they had no authority so to employ the funds at their disposal.

On the death of Dr. Smith, in 1854, a new scheme of education, more suited to the requirements of the time, was drawn up by a committee appointed for that purpose, which received the sanction of the Charity Commissioners, and was approved by the Master of the Rolls in the same year.

The attendance at the school, however, gradually fell off, until, in the year 1886, there were only 16 scholars; and further reforms were needed. Since then changes in the system have, from time to time, been introduced, to render the school more generally useful: the more recent being the admission of female pupils in 1903, for whom was appointed a resident lady teacher, Miss E. Gibson, who had matriculated, 1st class, at London University.

Small Scholarships also, not exceeding six in number, were established for needy pupils; and application was made to the Lindsey County Council, for a grant of 80 pounds, in aid of scientific lectures, {94} under the Technical Instruction Act of Parliament; so that a general middle-class English education was provided, along with Latin, French, book-keeping, and other technical subjects; an examination being held annually by some one unconnected with the school, who should be approved of by the Charity Commissioners. The school has thus, under the tenure of the Head Mastership by Dr. Madge, of late years, been considerably improved, and the area of the subjects taught, widened; assisted as he has been by the able Second Master, Mr. C. W. Gott, B.A., London, and Miss Gibson. But it has also been increasingly recognised that there was room for still further development, if the institution was to take its proper position among the endowed educational establishments of the county. This, however, is a subject to which we shall recur hereafter.

In 1855 a school Library was commenced, the Governors granting 10 pounds for the purchase of books; 20 pounds being given in the following year, and this has been further enlarged in later years, until the books now number nearly 500.

In March, 1893, a Magazine entitled Banovallum was established, to be mainly carried on by the scholars, the Editor being J. G. Meanwell, Sub-Editor J. R. Cowburn. It was a monthly record of school work and sports, with various other matters of interest. It was intended also to be a link of connection between "old boys" and new; and with this view former pupils of the school were invited to contribute. {95a} The outside support, however, of such a publication was not sufficient to render it a paying venture, and after an existence of rather more than two years, it expired with the July No. of 1895.

Here we may fittingly introduce some personal reminiscences of the school, and those connected with it, in its palmiest days, under the regime of Dr. Smith, and first we may mention members of his own family.

Although, as before stated, himself of humble origin, {95b} he married the daughter of a General Sandwith, a lady who was highly esteemed by all who knew her. She bore him three sons and three daughters, and predeceased him. His eldest son, Bainbridge, graduated at Cambridge University, took Holy Orders, was at one time English Chaplain at Smyrna, and succeeded his father in the Rectory of Sotby. He married a daughter of Judge Haliburton of Nova Scotia, the author of Sam Slick, The Watchmaker (1839) and other works, which were popular in their day. The eldest daughter, Frances, married a member of a then well-known Horncastle family, the Rev. John Fawssett, a graduate of Cambridge, who afterwards became in turn Rector of Minting and Vicar of Baumber with Stourton. A second son, Joseph Coltman, became a Solicitor in Hull, but died early in life. A second daughter, Isabella, married the Rev. W. Affleck Peacock (named after his relative Sir Robert Affleck, of Dalham Hall, Newmarket), Rector of Ulceby near Alford. The youngest daughter, as already stated, married the Rev. Henry Fiennes Clinton, Rector of Cromwell, near Newark, a near relative of the Duke of Newcastle, to whom he was appointed domestic Chaplain. The third and youngest son, Clement Madely, so named after his godfather, the esteemed former Vicar of Horncastle, adopted the medical profession and went out to India, where he became known as a keen sportsman among big game; a group of two tigers shot by him, and stuffed by Ward the great taxidermist, being exhibited in the Crystal Palace several years ago.

Of the scholars at the school, under Dr. Smith, we recall a few names, as samples of the class of pupils whom he received. There were three Sandwiths, Humphrey, Godfrey, and Henry, who were his nephews on his wife's side. Humphrey became a surgeon, and having a taste for foreign travel, went out to Constantinople to practice there. Having good introductions he was kindly received by Sir Stratford Canning, the English Ambassador, and making the acquaintance of Layard, he was invited to travel with him to Mecca, Mosul, and Nineveh, at two of which places excavations were conducted; as Hakim, or Doctor, he was visited by crowds of Arabs, suffering from various ailments; and his quinine wrought wonderful cures among them. When at home he sometimes surprised his friends by suddenly appearing among them dressed in Arab costume. In 1855 he was at the famous siege of Kars, under General Fenwick Williams; when a force of 15,000 English were shut in by an army of 50,000 Russians. The English had three months' provisions and three days' ammunition; they suffered greatly from cholera, and after five months surrendered, only when overcome by famine. Humphrey wrote a history of the siege.

Of Godfrey we remember little; Henry graduated at Cambridge, took Holy Orders and became Vicar of Thorpe Salvin, near Worksop. There were three Inveraritys, Duncan, Henry, and William; the first of these went out to India, and became a Judge in the Supreme Sudder Court. Henry devoted himself to yachting, and died early. William held a commission in a Highland Regiment of foot. Roseville Brackenbury, whose father, a former Peninsular officer, and member of an old Lincolnshire family, resided temporarily at Horncastle, in order to place his son under Dr. Smith, entered the East India Company's service, in the Bengal Presidency.

There were three Buchanans, sons of an old Indian officer, Major Buchanan, a Scotchman, but residing in Maida Vale, London. These were James, Alexander, and Robert. James was a dashing, chivalrous, high-spirited fellow, who took service in a Madras regiment of cavalry; his brother "Alick" was of a different fibre, being chiefly remarkable for the amount of treacle tarts which he could consume, at the shop of the once well-known "Sally Dickinson;" the third brother, Robert, entered the navy.

We may here mention, as evidence of the hard work which was done under Dr. Smith's system, a feat of memory performed by two brothers among the senior boys, Thomas and Alfred Cammack, which the present writer well remembers, as he was present as a small boy when it occurred. "Repetition," of one kind or another, was required of all boys; but these two repeated to the Master from memory, the whole of the first book of Milton's Paradise Lost (798 lines), Thomas with only three promptings, and Alfred with five. Another boy, Sidney Bousfield, did the same with nine or ten promptings. Thomas Cammack walked his hospital in London, and eventually became a consulting physician of some eminence, residing at Boston; Alfred died early. Sydney Bousfield went out to India, and died some years ago.

Two pupils, Holland and Forge, who came to study with the Doctor, of more mature years than the ordinary scholars, were "crack shots," and welcomed at many of the shooting parties in the neighbourhood. A third, Frank Richardson, who was an ardent fox hunter, had his horse brought to the door weekly, on the day when the meet was nearest, and was always among the foremost in the field. He was, further, a great athlete, and would follow the hounds on foot, and not seldom be in at two deaths in the day, several miles apart; of him, it is related, that he leapt the school-yard wall, nearly 7-ft. high. There were many more who were trained by the Doctor to serve their generation worthily in various capacities, but let these suffice as a sample of his influence.

The Under Masters whose services he enlisted were, further, not unworthy of him. We will name one or two.

The first Under Master of whom the present writer has any knowledge was Thomas Myddelton. He was by birth a gentleman, being connected with the very old family of the Myddelton Biddulphs of Chirk Castle, North Wales, who have now dropped the latter name, retaining only the Myddelton. Thomas Myddelton's father, John M. (then dead), had been Rector of Bucknall, in this neighbourhood, 1804-34; his grandfather, also named Thomas, having been Vicar of Melton Mowbray; he (John M.) having been an Exhibitioner of St. Paul's School, London, graduated B.A. at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, 1782, and gained a Fellowship.

[Picture: Lord Clinton and Saye, Founder of the Grammar School]

Thomas also graduated at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. While serving as Under Master at the Grammar School he was ordained to the Curacy of Bucknall, under his father's successor, the Rev. John Fendall. On the occasion of his ordination he begged a whole holiday of Dr. Smith, and treated the whole school to a day at Tattershall Castle; hiring carriages to take them all, there being yet no railway; and he gave them a substantial meal at the "Fortescue Arms" Hotel. He was naturally very popular with the boys of the school, although he was rather a strict disciplinarian, and made them work hard. He was commemorated in the "Breaking up Song" of the school in the following lines:—

Mr. Myddelton now comes in, With his nose above his chin; (two prominent features) With pleasant smile he waves his cane, As though to say, "I would fain refrain; It grieves me sore to give a thwack Upon the shrinking truant's back."

(CHORUS)

We're breaking up, and going away, All for the sake of a holiday. Jack's a dull boy without his play; So, Hurrah, again, for a holiday!

He remained at the Grammar School about two years, afterwards taking the Curacy of Langton with Wildsworth, near Gainsborough. He presently moved to West Stockwith, holding the Curacy of Wildsworth with East Ferry. He never held a benefice; but, having some private means, he continued to reside, in retirement, at West Stockwith, until his decease, about 1880. He was buried at Misterton, the adjoining parish, where he had also taken occasional duty.

After Mr. Myddelton the next Under Master was William Hutchinson. He was the son of the landlord of the principal inn in the neighbouring town of Wragby, and had been educated at the small grammar school there. He was appointed about 1845. He graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, as B.A., in 1848, keeping his terms there by permission, while acting as Usher at Horncastle. In that year he left Horncastle, and was elected Master of Howden Grammar School in Yorkshire, where he was also appointed Curate in 1848, being ordained Deacon in 1848 and Priest in 1849. While at Horncastle he had married Miss Caroline Dixon, daughter of a corn merchant; there were five daughters, all clever, the youngest being Miss Annie Dixon, who became distinguished as a miniature painter, exhibiting in the Royal Academy, and becoming a favourite of the late Queen Victoria. He held the Head Mastership at Howden for several years; holding also the Perpetual Curacy of Laxton near Howden from 1850 to 1855, the Perpetual Curacy or Vicarage of Airmyn from 1855 to 1862, when he was appointed Vicar of Howden, which benefice he held till his death in 1903.

It was somewhat remarkable that he began professional life in Horncastle, famed for its great horse fairs, and passed the rest of his life at Howden, also noted for its great horse fair. His wife is buried, with two sisters, in the cemetery at Horncastle.

The next Under Master to be mentioned about this period was Francis Grosvenor. He was the son of a respectable tradesman in the town, and had been educated at the Grammar School. At first he was employed by Dr. Smith as a supernumerary teacher of the junior boys, and became useful in the temporary absences of Mr. Hutchinson, at Dublin University. He was a conscientious and dependable youth, thoughtful beyond his years, and was much valued by the Head Master, who was a shrewd judge of character. He also graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, taking honours; and was ordained Deacon in 1847, and Priest in 1848. He remained as Second Master for some years at the Grammar School, being much esteemed among neighbouring clergy for his unostentatious manners and general worth. He frequently officiated in the Parish Church. Eventually he went to Chester, as Curate of St. John's Church in that city, where he remained many years, taking pupils. There was probably a talismanic attraction in the name of Grosvenor; Eaton Hall, the seat of Lord Grosvenor (now Duke of Westminster) being in the immediate vicinity. He was consequently very successful in obtaining pupils; and made money, whereby he acquired considerable house property there and elsewhere. He was devoted to archaeological pursuits, and published a learned paper (of 16 pp.) on "The early connection between the County Palatine of Chester and the Principality of Wales," which he read before the County Antiquarian Society. {99a} After many years' residence in Chester, he retired on a competency to Epsom, in Surrey, where his mother, brother and sister resided with him; and where he acted as Chaplain to the Union, until his decease, about 1880.

The last Assistant Master, under Dr. Smith, whom we may name was John Burton, born of humble parents in Peterborough. He was appointed about 1848, and served Dr. Smith faithfully about three years. He was not, however, a strong man, either physically or mentally. His weakness of character was shewn in an incident which might have had a tragic termination. Having formed an attachment for a young lady, living near the schoolhouse, and being rejected, he declared that he would commit suicide; and he fired off a pistol under her window at night, taking care, however, not to wound himself. On leaving the school he entered at Jesus College, Cambridge, and graduated in 1853, dying soon afterwards.

On the appointment of the Rev. Samuel Lodge, to the Head Mastership in 1854, Thomas White, a graduate of St. John's College, Cambridge, became Under Master. He had taken classical honours, and was an efficient teacher, and rather strict disciplinarian. He was the first Under Master allowed to take private pupils as boarders. He continued at his post six years, taking Holy Orders, and in 1860 was presented by the Bishop of Lincoln to the Vicarage of Scamblesby, which he held until his death in 1891.

It may be of interest if we here give some of the customs of the school at this period, as samples of a state of things which is now past and gone. The morality of some of them might be questioned in these days of advanced ideas on civilization, but, under the guidance of a man of Dr. Smith's mental calibre, their effect was the rearing of a generation of manly youths, capable of much intellectual, as well as physical, activity and endurance.

The Head Master was himself a remarkable instance of this. Punctually at 7.30, without fail, he was every morning in his desk at the school, to open proceedings with prayer, it being frequently a race between himself and his boarder pupils, as to who should arrive first, his residence being some quarter mile from the school. When he closed the school, with "abire licet," {99b} in the afternoon, he as regularly went for his "constitutional" walk. Furious indeed must be the weather if Dr. Smith was not to be seen on Langton Hill, summer and winter, rain or fair; if the former he would brave the elements, wrapt in a large blue cloth cloak, waterproof as his leather gaiters. If the latter, he would often saunter slowly, rapt in meditation, or composing verses, an occupation of which he was very fond, leaving behind him at his death several vols. of MS. poetry. {99c}

The school hours were from 7.30 to 9, before breakfast; 10 to 12.30 midday; afternoon 3 to 5; while the boarders at his own house worked with the Assistant Master from 7 to 9; the day boys, in the town, preparing exercises and repetition for the next morning, at their own homes. It was an amusement, for some of the more active, to get up some quarter of an hour earlier than the others, and hurry down to St. Mary's Church, to help old Dawson, the sexton, to ring the Grammar School bell. {100a} As the Doctor was very active in his movements, any boarders who were late in starting, could only reach the school in time, by running across the fields between the two branches of the canal, called "The Holms." Woe betide those who were late!

From the Doctor's energy of character it would be expected that he would encourage active healthy recreations. The days of cricket were not yet, {100b} although "single wicket" was sometimes practiced. Nor was football popular, as it is now. The game was indeed played, but we had, in those days, no Rugby rules, and the ball was composed of a common bladder, with a leather cover made by the shoemaker. In the school yard the chief game was "Prisoner's Base," generally played by boarders against day boys; in this swiftness of foot was specially valuable. There was also a game named "Lasty," in which one boy was selected to stand at the upper end of the yard, while the rest gathered at the lower end. After a short interval, the one boy darted forward towards the others, who all tried to avoid him; his object was to catch one of the other boys, and when he succeeded in this, the boy whom he caught took up the running to catch another, and this could go on for any length of time. There was another exciting game called "Lug and a Bite." In the fruit season a day boarder, from the country, frequently brought his pocket full of apples; he would throw an apple among the other boys, one of whom would catch it, and run away biting it; the others would chase him, and seize him by the lug (ear), when he would throw it away, and another would catch it, and continue the process, he being, in his turn, caught by the ear, and so on. This afforded much amusement, and many apples would in this way be consumed. There were large slabs of stone laid down in the yard, on which marbles were played with, and peg tops were spun. Hockey, or shinty, as it was commonly called, was also a favourite game; but these amusements were chiefly confined to the sons of tradesmen in the town.