Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, Saracen's Head Inn, Trinity School,
Caves Garage, The Green Parrot & River Garage

The plot on which these various businesses and private dwellings stood, is one and the same, and has changed its uses more than any other piece of land in Old Stratford as far back as our investigations go. As you read down this page we hope to give you a chronological picture of the different people who have lived and worked on this singular spot, through newspaper reports, advertisements and auction sales.

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Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem

Read more about the Hospital of St. John

The origin of the Hospitallers was an 11th-century hospital founded in Jerusalem by Italian merchants from Amalfi to care for sick and poor pilgrims. After the Christian conquest of Jerusalem in 1099 during the First Crusade, the hospital’s superior, a monk named Gerard, intensified his work in Jerusalem and founded hostels in Provençal and Italian cities on the route to the Holy Land. The order was formally named and recognized on February 15, 1113, in a papal bull issued by Pope Paschal II. Raymond de Puy, who succeeded Gerard in 1120, substituted the Augustinian rule for the Benedictine and began building the power of the organization. It acquired wealth and lands and combined the task of tending the sick with defending the Crusader kingdom. Along with the Templars, the Hospitallers became the most formidable military order in the Holy Land. The History of a Forest Village by O. F. Brown and G. J. Roberts This identification of the hospital of St. John with the hermitage or free chapel appears to be incorrect. The Elizabethan Survey and a Patent Roll of 4 Eliz. 1562 make it clear that these were separate institutions on different sites. The hermitage was probably situated at the brow of the hill at Old Stratford, whereas a possible site for the hospital would be between the river and the Deanshanger Road, where the Saracen's Head Inn and a close of two acres was sold by Lord Maynard to William Clarke in 1753. This close (between the present River Garage and the Deanshanger Road) might represent the two acres granted with the hospital by Letitia de Ferrers.

Saracen's Head Inn

First records of the Saracens Head go back to 1743 when referred to in a Highway Repair Act. The Saracen's Head was sold by Lord Maynard to William Clarke in 1753, and remained in the Clarke family until 1849 when bought by John Thomas who turned it into a boy's boarding school.

Catalogue of records of Arnold Charity FXIII/41. November 1693/94

Depositions taken at the house of John Smith known as the Saracens Head Inne at Old Stratford

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The Northampton Mercury September 27^th 1779

RICHARD SIRETT, from the George in Stony Stratford; takes this Opportunity of acquainting his Friends and Public in general. That he hath taken and entered on the SARACEN’S HEAD INN, in OLD STRATFORD. He Returns Thanks for their former Favours, and humbly solicits their Continuance; and assures them, that his utmost Endeavours shall be exerted to deserve the same, by Their most oblige humble Servant,

RICHARD SIRETT

The Northampton Mercury March 7^th 1785

STOLEN or STRAYED, out of a Ground belonging to the Saracen’s Head Inn, at Old Stratford, in the County of Northampton, on Friday Night the 28^th or early on Saturday Morning the 29^th, of January, 1785,
A BLACK-GREY Two-year-old HEIFER,
With a CALF, about five Days old.
Whoever can give Intelligence of the said Heifer and Calf, so that they may be restored to the Owner, shall receive ONE GUINEA Reward, and all reasonable Charges by applying to Mr. Sirett, at the Saracen’s Head Inn, at Old Stratford; or Francis Herring, of Ashwell, in Rutland.

The Northampton Mercury April 19^th 1800

Ten Guineas Reward.

NOTICE is hereby given, That if any one will give Information to Mr. RICHARD SIRETT. Of OLD STRATFORD,
in the County of Northampton, of the Person or Persons, who, on Friday Night last.

KILLED A FAT WETHER SHEEP,

The property of the said RICHARD SIRETT, and took away the Carcase; leaving the Skin, Head, and Entrails under a Hay Rick, in a Close, in the Parish of Cosgrove; such Informer shall, on Conviction of the Offender or Offenders, receive FIVE GUINEAS from the said Richard Sirett, over and above the Sum of FIVE GUINEAS allowed by the Stony Stratford Association.
RICHARD SIRETT.
Old Stratford April 15^th 1800

The Northampton Mercury November 14^th 1807

STOLEN,

ON Tuesday night the 13^th, or early on Wednesday Morning the 14^th of October, 1807, out of a meadow at OLD STRATFORD in the County of Northampton, in the Occupation of Mr. Clarke, of the Saracen’s Head Inn.
Any Person giving Information of the Offender or Offenders, shall on his or their Conviction, receive TWENTY GUINEAS REWARD

The Northampton Mercury January 23^rd 1808

GUN LOST. LOST, on Monday Night last, the 18th Instant, between Old Stratford and Cosgrove, A DOUBLE-BARRELLED GUN. Whoever has found it, and will bring it to the Saracen's Head, Old Stratford shall receive TWO GUINEAS REWARD.

The Northampton Mercury 1810

BARK.
Whittlewood and Salcey Forests, Northamptonshire.
APRIL, 1810
By Order of the Right Hon. Lord Glenbervie, Surveyor-General of His Majesty’s Woods,

NOTICE is hereby given, That the BARK of the undermentioned TREES, as they now stand, Will be
SOLD by AUCTION
 BY JOHN DAY

On Wednesday the 25^th of April, 1810, at the Saracen’s Head Inn, Old Stratford, in the following Lots:

WHITTLEWOOD FOREST.

Lot 1. Twenty-five Maiden Nary Trees, in Buckingham thick Coppice, numbered 1 to and 25, at per Tree.
Lot 2. Twenty-tour Maiden Navy Trees, in  Buckingham thick Coppice, numbered 26 to and 49, at per Tree
Lot 3. Thirty Browsed Navy Trees in Buckingham thick Coppice, numbered 1 to and 30, at per Tree.
Lot 4. Thirty Browsed Navy Trees in Buckingham thick Coppice, numbered 91 to 60, at per Tree.
Lot 5. Fifty Maiden Navy Trees in Hanger Coppice numbered 50 to and 9, at per Tree.
Lot 6. Fifty Maiden Navy Trees in Hanger Coppice numbered 100 to and 119, at per Tree.
Lot 7. Forty six Malden Navy Trees in Hanger Coppice numbered 150 to and 195, at per Tree.
Lot 8. Twenty two Browsed Navy Trees in Hanger Coppice numbered 61 to and 62, at per Tree.
Lot 9. Seventy eight Sapling Sale Trees, in Buckingham thick Coppice, numbered 1 to and 78, at per £ Value.
Lot 10. Thirty Browsed Oak Sale Trees, in Buckingham Coppice, numbered  79 to and 108, at per Tree.
Lot 11. Eighty-one Sapling Sale Trees, in Hanger Coppice numbered 171 to and 251, at per £.
Lot 12. Eight Browsed Oak Sale Trees, in Hanger Coppice 252 to and 259, at per Tree.
Lot 13. Seventy sapling Sale trees, in Pheasantry, numbered 301 to and 370, at per £.
Lot 14. Five Sapling Sale Trees, in Blackfutt Coppice numbered 407 to and 411, at per £.
Lot 15. One Maiden Tree for Repairs in Hanger Coppice numbered 1; and one Ditto in Pheasantry numbered 2, at per Tree.
Lot 16. Sixty-one Maiden Trees, to be lopped for Browes Trees, in Buckingham thick Coppice, numbered 1 to and 61. at per Top.
Lot 17. Twenty-seven Maiden Trees, to be lopped for Browse Trees in Hanger Coppice, numbered 62 to and 88, at pet Top.

SALCEY FOREST.

Lot 1. Seven Maiden Navy Trees, in Great-Straight’s Coppice numbered 1to and 7; and two Ditto, in Shrubby Coppice numbered 8 and 9, at per Tree.
Lot 2. Twenty two Browsed Trees, in Great Straight's Coppice, numbered 22; and three Ditto, in Shrubby Coppice, numbered 23 to and 25; at per Tree
Lot 3. One Browsed Tree, for Sale, in Great-Straight', Coppice, numbered  234; three Ditto in Shrubby Coppice, numbered 235 to and 237; and one Ditto, in Three-Bridge Quarter, numbered 238, at per Tree.
Lot 4. One Maiden Tree for Repairs, in Dearn’s Coppice, numbered 1, at per Tree.
Lot 5. Seventeen Maiden Trees, to be lopped for Browse Trees in Great Straight’s Coppice, numbered 1 to and 17; and three Ditto, in Shrubby Coppice, numbered 18 to and 20, at per Tree

This Sale will begin at Twelve o'Clock.

 Mr. Capes. of  Shrobb- Lodge, in Whittlewood Forest, Acting Deputy Surveyor for the above Forests, and the Keeper, of the respective Walks, will shew the Trees to  such Persons as may be desirous of viewing the same.
Catalogues may be had of the said Mr. Capes; it the Place of Sale and of the Auctioneer, Stony Stratford, Bucks.
CONDITIONS or SALE.
The Lots will be sold to the highest Bidder (the Officer of the Forest reserving a Right of once Bidding, if he should consider the same under the fair Value thereof, and if any Dispute arises on the Bidding, the Lot to be put up again for Sale.
The Trees to be felled by and at the Expense of the Surveyor General of Woods; and Care will be taken in cutting down the Trees as the Sap shall run.
The bark to stripped and taken off the Trees, by and at the Expense of the Purchaser, and not of the Crown.
The Purchaser of any Bark upon any Lot or Lots of Trees, to pay down, at the Time of Sale, Twenty Pounds per Cent. on the Value of the Bark so purchased, and the Residue of the Monty in good Bills, payable in London, at two Months’ Date, and to remove the same out of the Forests, at his own Expense, on or before the 1^st of August next.

The Northampton Mercury February 13^th 1813

To the Debtors and Creditors of RICHARD SIRETT, late of OLD STRATFORD, in the County of Northampton, Gentleman, deceased.
ALL Persons who stand indebted to the Estate of the said RICHARD SIRETT, are desired immediately to pay such Debts to Mrs. Jane Sirett, of Old Stratford, Mr. George Wallis of Stony Stratford, or Mr. Anthony Chibnall the Younger, of Pouxley, his Executors, or to their Solicitors, Messrs. Worley, of Stony Stratford.
And all Persons who have any claim or Demand on the Estate and Effects of the said Richard Sirett, are requested to send an Account thereof to his said Executors, or to Messrs. Worley, that the same may be discharged.
February 8^th 1813

The Northampton Mercury March 26^th 1814

Most desirable Freehold Estate,

OLD STRATFORD, Northamptonshire.
To be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT,

ALL that old-established PUBLIC-HOUSE or INN, called the SARACEN’S HEAD most pleasantly situated near the Bridge, in OLD STRATFORD, in the County of Northampton, with the extensive Buildings, Stables, Barns, Yards, Garden (walled round), and two Closes of exceedingly rich Pasture Land, Summer-House, Fish-Ponds, and Pleasure Grounds thereunto adjoining, containing in the Whole seven Acres (more or less).
The House contains two good Parlours, fronting the River Ouse South-East, a large Kitchen and Parlour fronting the Road North-West, Hall, Bar, back Kitchens, and other Conveniences, and eight comfortable and good sized Sleeping Rooms, with Ale and Wine Cellars, Dairy, &c. The Buildings are in excellent Repair.
This Estate is situated on an elevated Spot within a Quarter of a Mile of Stony Stratford adjoining the West Chester Turnpike Road, and commands a very extensive and picturesque View of the surrounding Country. The River Ouze runs in front of the House, and is the Boundary of Part of the Property; the Whole of which forms a more compact and desirable Purchase, either for the Residence of a Gentleman, or for Business, than is frequently to be met with.-Possession may be had at Old Lady Day next.
For further Particulars, and to treat for the Purchase, apply to Mr. Wm. CLARKE, the Proprietor, on the Premises, or to Mr. J. F. Congreve, Solicitor, Stony Stratford, Bucks.

The Northampton Mercury June 18^th 1814

Saracen's Head Inn, Old Stratford

Robert Wall begs leave to inform his Friends and Public in general, that he has taken and entered on the above Inn; and wishes to inform the Gentlemen Salesmen and Dealers, that he has every Accommodation that has been at the Inn for a Number of Years past, for taking in Droves; and hopes by assiduous Attention to gain their Favours and Support. Good GRASS for Cattle.
Old Stratford June 14^th, 1814

The Northampton Mercury May 29^th 1824

To be LET.
And entered on at Michaelmas next,

THAT old-established INN, called The Saracen’s Head Inn, pleasantly situated in OLD STRATFORD, now in full Business; consisting of three Parlours, eight sleeping Rooms, Bar, Larder and Dairy, a good front Kitchen and back Kitchen, good Cellaring, wine Cellars, Brewhouse, and many other Conveniences; an excellent Garden, with front and back Yard, and Boxes and Stabling for Forty Horses; Piggeries, and six Acres of very rich grazing Land, adjoining the Holyhead Road, with a front View of the River Ouse, which forms a delightful Prospect.
The Stock in Trade may be taken or not, at Valuation. For further Particulars, apply to Mr. JOHN CLARKE, Denshanger, near Stony Stratford; all Letters Post paid.

The Northampton Mercury  October 16^th 1824

Household Furniture, Brewing Vessels, Beer,
Casks, stout Farming Waggon, small six-inch
Cart, Water Cart, and other Effects

To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By JOHN DAY & SON,

On the Premises, at the SARACEN’S HEAD INN, In OLD STRATFORD, near Stony Stratford, Bucks Thursday the 2Ist of October,  1824, the Property of Mr. S. CLARKE, who is leaving the same : the Premises are no to be continued as an Inn .
THE FURNITURE comprises four-post, tent, and Servants' Bedsteads, with chintz, cotton, check, and flock Beds, Mattresses, cotton Counterpanes, Quilts and Blankets night Tables, and basin Stands, handsome pier and Mahogany and other Chests of Drawers, dressing Tables etc. handsome eight-day Clock, in oak Case (lately new);  Alarum; Set of mahogany dining Tables, with circular Ends, 11 Feet  long; mahogany and Windsor Chairs, China, Glass, and earthen Ware,, kitchen Grate, with Oven and Boiler; smoke Jack, seat Screens, , plated and pewter beer Mugs, liquor Measure, &c.; stove  Grates, and fire Irons, 100-Gallon brewing Copper, and Grate, one smaller Ditto, 18-Bushel mash Vat, Cooler and Bearers, nine Feet long, tour four Feet wide; working Tubs, Underbacks, one seven Hogshead, one six Hogshead, one four Hogshead and other Casks of two and a half; and two Hogshead, &c.; stout Waggon, six-inch-wheel Cart, water Cart, five Quarter corn Binn, one three  Quarter Ditto, 20 Fowls, two-draft beer Machine, eight Hogshead  fine Ale, in Lots, and various other Articles.
On account of the Number of Lots, the Sale will commence at Eleven o'clock, as the Whole Is intended to be sold in one Day if possible.

The Northampton Mercury July 8^th 1815

This is the first advertisement found in "The Northampton Mercury" for Mr. Kettle’s School which started first in Stony Stratford.

STONY STRATFORD ACADEMY.
Mr. KETTLE respectfully informs his Friends and the Public,
that his SCHOOL re-opens 16^th July, in all the useful Branches of polite Literature.
Terms. 20 Guineas per Annum.

Belvidere House Academy / Trinity School

Mr. Kettle Belvidere House Academy

The Northampton Mercury December 25^th 1824

MR. KETTLE

HAS great Pleasure in stating to his Friends and the Public he has TAKEN BELVIDERE HOUSE (formerly the SARACEN’S HEAD INN), which is most delightfully situated on an Eminence commanding extensive Views, and every Way calculated for an Academy. The Rooms are airy and spacious, with an excellent school Room, 13 Feet High, dry Ground 48 Feet long; extensive pleasure Grounds.
Mr. K. has spared no Expence in fitting up, …. Make Belvidere House complete to the Wishes … his friends, and Comfort to his Pupils.

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
Near Stony Stratford,
RECEIVES THIRTY FIVE YOUNG GENTLEMEN.

They are liberally BOARDED and EDUCATED by Mr. KETTLE, with able Assistants,
TWENTY GUINEAS per Annum. Entrance gratis
Washing 10s 6d. per Quarter.
The Young Gentlemen of this Establishment are prepared for the Public Schools, Universities, &c. Tuition for the above Terms are Latin, Greek, French, and English Languages, Elocution, Penmanship, Arithmetic , Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Navigation, Algebra, Land Surveying, with Use of Chain &c.; Geography, with Use of Globes; Merchant’s Accounts, by single and double, Entry; Drawing and Perspective, Dancing, &c. approved Masters. The number being limited, Quarter’s Notice or Acknowledgement is required.

SCHOOL RE-OPENS 17^th Jan 1825

Circulars may be had, gratis, of Messrs. Dicey, Smithson, Printers, Booksellers, &c. Parade, Northampton. All Letters will be respectfully attended.
References of the first Respectability will be given.

The Northampton Mercury July 23rd 1825

Notice to Debtors and Creditors.

WHEREAS STEPHEN CLARKE, late of OLD STRATFORD, in the County of Northampton, Victualler, hath this Day made an Assignment of all his personal Estate and Effects unto Mr. William Wilkinson, of Stony Stratford, in the County of Buckingham, Maltster; and Mr. William Timbs, of Old Stratford, Butcher; in Trust for the equal Benefit of his Creditors: and that such Assignment lies at my Office, and those Creditors who do not execute the same within one Month from the Date hereof, will be excluded all Benefit arising from the Effects of the said Stephen Clarke.
All Persons having any Claim upon the said Stephen Clarke, are desired to send in their Accounts immediately to either of the said Trustees, in order that they may be examined: And all Persons who stand indebted to the said Stephen Clarke are requested to pay the same to the said Trustees; or to Mr. Thomas Worley, their Solicitor.
Stony Stratford 21^st July 1825

The Northampton Mercury May 6th 1826

On the 23^rd April, at Birmingham, after a short illness, Mr. S. Clarke, late of the Saracen’s Head Inn, Old Stratford, aged 40 years.

The Northampton Mercury June 21^st 1828

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY, near Stony Stratford, receives a limited Number of YOUNG GENTLEMEN. They are liberally Boarded and Educated by Mr. KETTLE, with able Assistants, at 20 Guineas per Annum; Washing, 10s 6d. per Quarter; Entrance, Gratis.
The Young Gentlemen of this Establishment are prepared for the Public Schools, Universities, &c.
To prevent unnecessary Trouble, none but the Sons of respectable Persons are admitted. There are FOUR VACANCIES. SCHOOL RE-OPENS 21^st JULY, 1828.

The Northampton Mercury January 10th 1829

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
Near Stony Stratford,

RECEIVES a limited Number of YOUNG GENTLEMEN. They are liberally Boarded and Educated by Mr. KETTLE, with able Assistants, at 20 Guineas per Annum; Washing, 10s 6d. per Quarter; Entrance, Gratis.
The Young Gentlemen of this Establishment are prepared for the Public Schools, Universities, &c.
Tuition for the above Terms are Latin, Greek, French, and English Languages, Elocution, Penmanship, Arithmetic , Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Navigation, Algebra, Land Surveying, with Use of Chain &c.; Geography, with Use of Globes; Merchant’s Accounts, by single and double, Entry; Drawing and Perspective.

Dancing, &c. by approved Masters.

The Number being limited, a Quarter’s Notice or Acknowledgement is required previous to a Young Gentleman leaving the Academy.
SCHOOL RE-OPENS 19^TH JANUARY, 1829.

The Northampton Mercury July 18th 1829

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
Near Stony Stratford,

RECEIVES a limited Number of YOUNG GENTLEMEN. They are liberally Boarded and Educated by Mr. KETTLE, with able Assistants, at 20 Guineas per Annum; Washing, 10s 6d. per Quarter. The Young Gentlemen of this Establishment are prepared for the Public Schools, Universities.
Tuition for the above Terms are Latin, Greek, French, and English Languages, Elocution, Penmanship, Arithmetic Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Navigation, Algebra, Land Surveying, with Use of Chain &c.; Geography, with Use of Globes; Merchant’s Accounts, by single and double, Entry; Drawing and Perspective.

Dancing, &c. by approved Masters.

The Number being limited, a Quarter’s Notice or Acknowledgement is required previous to a Young Gentleman leaving the Academy.
SCHOOL RE-OPENS 20^TH JULY, 1829

The Northampton Mercury July 17th 1830

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
NEAR STONY STRATFORD,

RECEIVES a limited number (50) of YOUNG GENTLEMEN; they are most liberally Boarded and Educated at 26 Guineas per annum. Entrance gratis Books, Stationary, Washing, French, Drawing, &c. included. No EXTRAS. A French Master (native) resides in the house; the language constantly spoken.
SCHOOL will RE-OPEN 22d JULY, 1830

The Northampton Mercury January 8th 1831

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
NEAR STONY STRATFORD,

RECEIVES A LIMITED NUMBER OF
YOUNG GENTLEMEN.

THEY are liberally BOARDED and EDUCATED by Mr. KETTLE, with able Assistants, at TWENTY-SIX GUINEAS per Annum; Entrance Gratis. Entrance - Books, Stationary, Washing, &c. included. No extra.
The Young Gentlemen of this Establishment are prepared for the Public Schools, Universities, &c.
TUITION for the above Terms are Latin, Greek, French (by a Native), and English Languages, Elocution, Penmanship, Arithmetic , Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Navigation, Algebra, Land Surveying, with Use of Chain &c.; Geography, with Use of Globes; Merchant’s Accounts, by single and double, Entry; Drawing and Perspective.

Dancing, &c. by approved Masters.

The Number being limited, a Quarter’s Notice or Acknowledgement is required previous to a Young Gentleman leaving the Academy. References of the first respectability will be given.
School Re-opens 24^th Jan. 1831

The Northampton Mercury July 2^nd 1831

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
Near Stony Stratford,

RECEIVES A LIMITED NUMBER OF
YOUNG GENTLEMEN.

CONDUCTED by Mr. KETTLE, with able Assistants, receives a Limited Number of YOUNG GENTLEMEN, who are most liberally Boarded, and Classically, Mathematically, and Commercially Educated, on moderate terms. The French Language, by a Native, constantly spoken.
Those Gentlemen who feel disposed to place their Sons at this Establishment, are requested to send their names as early as possible.
Circulars may be had of Messrs. Dicey & Smithson, Northampton; Swan Inn, Buckingham, and at the Academy.

SCHOOL RE-OPENS 25^TH JULY
A Writing Master Wanted.

The Northampton Mercury July 14^th 1832

DESIRABLE RESIDENCE,
OLD STRATFORD, NEAR STONY STRATFORD,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
BY JOHN DAY,

At the Cock Inn, in Stony Stratford, Bucks, on Wednesday the 1^st day of August next, between the hours of Four and Six in the afternoon (unless previously disposed of by private contract, of which due notice will be given), and either in one or more lots, subject to such conditions as will be then and there purchased.
ALL the MESSUAGE, TENEMENT, or DWELLING HOUSE, called BELVIDERE HOUSE, delightfully situated in OLD STRATFORD, in the Parish of Passenham, in the County of Northampton, with Pleasure Ground in the front, large garden behind, stables, and two Closes of rich pasture land adjoining; the whole containing together, by admeasurement, 6A. 1R. 7P. (be the same more or less).
The House consists of two large parlours in front, breakfast room, kitchens, cellars, laundry, and ten good sleeping rooms; there are also a good Brewhouse, larder, six-stall stable, two boxes, chaise-house, spacious school room, and large open shed adjoining.
The Situation is most particularly worthy the attention of any Gentleman wishing to keep a School, a considerable establishment having carried on there for several years, by Mr. Henry Samuel Kettle, who is now retiring from business; and it is equally deserving the attention of a private family, there being every convenience for making it a desirable private residence.
Old Stratford is situated within a quarter of a mile of Stony Stratford, and 52 miles from London. The Holyhead Road runs through the village, and several coaches to and from London daily pass by the House.
Early possession may be had.
For a view of the premises, apply to Mr. KETTLE, the tenant; and to treat for the same, to Mr. FRANCIS CLARKE, of Denshanger, the Proprietor; or to Mr. CONGREVE, Solicitor, Stony Stratford.
11^th July, 1832

Mr. Robert Wall - Belvidere House Academy

The Northampton Mercury July 30^th 1832

WOOD LAWN HOUSE ACADEMY,
OLD STRATFORD, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE,
JUNE 26^TH, 1832.

R. WALL grateful for the liberal and kind manner in which he has been supported since his commencement, respectfully informs his Friends and the Public in general, that the Resumption of his Scholastic Duties will take place on the 9^TH Day of JULY Next.

Terms for Board and Education, wholly	Per ann. 18 guineas
Commercial, including Land Surveying, Drawing, &c. &c. &c.
Do. For Weekly Do.	14 do.

Classics taught on the usual terms.
Music and Dancing, &c. &c. by approved Masters.

The Northampton Mercury September 22^nd 1832

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
BY J. HARRISON;
Without the least reserve, early October next,

THE excellent modern HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, BOOKS, PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, MAPS, BILLIARD TABLE, TWO Pair of GLOBES, Theatrical Scenes on Rollers, handsome Dinner and Dessert Services, China and Glass, Brewing and Washing Vessels, School Desks, Forms, and other Effects of H. S. KETTLE Esq. who is leaving Belvidere House Academy, OLD STRATFORD, Northamptonshire, and retiring from Business.

Particulars in next Week’s Paper.
EXCELLENT SITUATION FOR A BAKER.
TO BE SOLD OR LET.

A Freehold DWELLING HOUSE, with good front Shop, newly built, 10-bushel Oven and convenient premises, situate in the High Street of Stony Stratford, Apply to Mr. KETTLE, Belvidere House, Old Stratford; or J. HARRISON, Buckingham.
[ONE CONCERN].

The Northampton Mercury December 8^th 1832

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
Near Stony Stratford, Bucks.
CONDUCTED BY

MR. WALL & ABLE ASSISTANTS.
YOUNG GENTLEMEN of this Establishment are liberally BOARDED and EDUCATED
AT TWENTY GUINEAS PER ANNUM.
Washing, &c. 10s. per Quarter.

The above-mentioned Seminary, situate on an Eminence about 52 miles from London to and from which place Coaches pass the door hourly – late in the occupation of H. J. Kettle, Esq. and known to contain more than 60 Pupils, has ever been distinguished as peculiarly healthful, and hitherto exempt from any of those epidemical diseases which have raged with such unrelenting malignity in many parts of the kingdom.
The System of Education comprehends all the usual branches of a polite and liberal Education – the situation is salubrious, the house commodious, and the play-ground large and dry, and airy.

TUITION.

Latin, Greek, French (by a Native), & English Languages, Elocution, Penmanship, Arithmetic , Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Algebra, Land Surveying, with Use of Chain &c.; Geography, with Use of Globes; Merchant’s Accounts, by single and double, Entry; Drawing and Perspective.

Music, Dancing, &c. by approved Masters.
SCHOLASTIC DUTIES RESUMED on the 8^th day of
JANUARY, 1833

The Northampton Mercury July 29^th 1833

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
Near Stony Stratford, Bucks.
CONDUCTED BY MR. R. WALL & ABLE ASSISTANTS

THE DUTIES of this ESTABLISHMENT will be RESUMED on the 8^th day of JULY next, 1833

The Northampton Mercury September 9^th 1834

OLD STRATFORD, Northamptonshire.
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and EFFECTS,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
BY WM. DAY;

On Thursday next, September 25, 1834, on the Premises
late in the occupation of Mr. Robert Wall, Old Stratford;

COMPRISING five tent bedsteads with furnitures, press bureau, and half-tester ditto, five seasoned goose feather beds and mattresses, eight pair of blankets, eight pair of sheets, five counterpanes, quilts, and table napkins; chamber chairs, mahogany and painted wash stands and tables; pier and swing glasses, mahogany drawers; window curtains and blinds, six pillar and claw table, mahogany Pembroke, and side ditto, carpet and hearth rug, sofa and cover, scarlet-moreen window curtains, pier glass in gilt frame, pair of 15-inch globes; brass and iron fenders and fire-irons; blue and white dinner service, mahogany and deal dining and other tables, rush-seat chairs, a general assortment of kitchen utensils in copper and brass, and tin; knives and forks, a quantity of potatoes and other effects.

The Sale to commence at Eleven o’clock.

Mr. A. Capes - Saracen's Head

The Northampton Mercury August 15^th 1835

A. CAPES begs to acquaint his friends and the neighbouring gentry, that he has COMMENCED as a WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANT, and hopes by strict attention to business, and a superior article, to meet with their patronage and support.
OLD STRATFORD, 12^th AUG. 1835

The Northampton Mercury January 4th 1839

Desirable FREEHOLD INN and LAND,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By Mr. JOHN DURHM, Junr.

On the Premises, on Friday the 18^th of January next, at Five o’clock in the Evening (subject to such conditions as will be then produced.);

THE old-established Freehold INN and PREMISES called “THE SARACEN’S HEAD INN,” situate in OLD STRATFORD, in the Parish of Passenham, and county of Northampton, with six acres or thereabouts of capital Pasture LAND, thereto belonging.

The House consists of two large front parlours, back parlour, two smaller sitting rooms, kitchen, back kitchen, brewhouse, and scullery, on the ground floor; eight best sleeping rooms, and two attics.

There is a pleasure garden in the front of the house, commanding a very delightful prospect, a spacious kitchen garden at the back, stabling for 16 horses, warehouse, and other convenient buildings.

This house is situated within a quarter of a mile of the town of Stony Stratford, and within two miles and a half of the Wolverton Station on the London to Birmingham Railroad.

The river Ouze bounds one side of the property, and the Holyhead Turnpike Road and the Turnpike Road to Buckingham form the boundary of the other sides – offering two spacious frontages for building – or the whole Estate may at a very moderate expense be converted into a genteel and comfortable residence for a private family.

A considerable part of the purchase money may remain on security of the premises, if required.
For further particulars, apply to Mr. CONGREVE, Solicitor, Stony Stratford, Bucks.
26^th December, 1838

The Northampton Mercury February 16^th 1839

On Thursday 28^th day of February instant, at the SARACEN’S HEAD INN, OLD STRATFORD, in the County of Northampton.

[An Auction was held to sell] 46 large and valuable OAK TREES, 45 Maiden & Dottard ASH, 17 Very large and superior ELMS, etc. [It would seem the premises had reverted to and In at this date.]

The Northampton Mercury October 5^th 1839

OLD STRATFORD, Northamptonshire.

HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, two double-barrelled GUNS,
one single DITTO,
Sweet iron-bound CASKS, capital three-draught BEER
ENGINE, with Pipes.

Gig and Cart Harness, Wagon, Cart, Timber, & Effects,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
By WM. DAY

On Wednesday, October 9^th, 1839, at Eleven o’clock, on the Premises, the Property of Mr. A. CAPES, SARACEN’S HEAD INN, OLD STRATFORD, (who is retiring from the Retail Business);
COMPRISING four-post bedstead, chinz furniture; tent, half-tester, and stump bedsteads; feather and flock beds, quilts, and blankets; mahogany and oak dining, tea and dressing tables; sofa, satin-hair seat, squab, and pillows; two oak tap-room tables; painted buffet cupboard, handsome rosewood tea caddie, mahogany work table, with draught board and men; fender and fire irons, a capital three-draught beer machine and pipes, oak sideboard with drawers; doubled barrelled gun (by Manton); ditto (by Richards); single-barrelled ditto, two pair of pistols, six glazed plates of rare horses, easy chair and cover, mahogany and other chairs, ancient case of oak drawers, inlaid pearl and fancy wood; mahogany bidet, oak wardrobe with drawers beneath and cases of drawers, oak linen and other chests, dresser with drawers, ironing stove and pipes, two milk leads, one tin small churn and stand, five one and-a-half-hogshead casks, one one-hogshead ditto, brandy rum and wine casks; water butts, brewing and washing tubs, glass and earthenware, a seven-quarter ditto, with partitions, one three and one four-quarter double ditto, narrow-wheel wagon, six-inch cart, field roller, two sets of gig harness, nearly new; set of cart harness, two pockets of Kent hops, bean mill 35-round ladder, sash lights, glazed door, and effects.
Also, several Pieces of Oak Timber, Fire Wood, &c.

John Jelley - Belvidere House Academy

The Northampton Mercury September 5^th 1840

On the 18^th ult. At Dunchurch, by the Rev. J. Sandford, Mr. J. Jelley, of Belvidere House, Stony Stratford, to Helen daughter of Mr. W. Sedgley, of the former place.

The Northampton Mercury September 12^th 1840

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
NEAR STONY STRATFORD, BUCKS.

J. JELLEY begs most respectfully to inform his friends and the public in general that, in consequence of the repeated solicitations of his numerous friends, he has been induced to OPEN the above ESTABLISHMENT, and hopes, by assiduity and strict attention, to merit that share of patronage it will be his constant endeavour to merit.
The Course of Education pursued at this Establishment comprises Instruction in the English, Latin, French, and Greek Languages; Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, with Use of Globes; Mapping, Ancient and Modern History, Land Surveying, Book-keeping, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Algebra, and other useful branches of the Mathematics.
Belvidere House is delightfully situated near Stony Stratford, and within a short distance of Wolverton Station, on the London and Birmingham Railway.
N.B. SCHOOL will COMMENCE on TUESDAY the 29^TH INST. The Terms are very moderate, and may be known on application.
Sept. 10^th 1840

The Journal of Revd. John A. Greaves 1829 - 1893 John Albert Greaves was a pupil at Mr. Jelley's school "He was quick and experienced very little trouble at learning and was usually at the top of his class. He went first to a junior school in the village and then, with his elder brothers, to a school at Stoney Stratford, kept by Mr. Barnes, a good man. After this they went to Mr. Addison who had a large school at Castle Thorpe at the first house on the right from Haversham. We next went to a school at Old Stratford kept by Mr. John Jelley, a native of Cosgrove, at the house which had been, Saracen's Head Inn kept by Mr. Capes, but is since called Trinity School. I can remember the frightful Saracen head with flashing eyes on the sign board on the inn."

The Northampton Mercury January 9^th 1841

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY,
NEAR STONY STRATFORD, BUCKS.
J. JELLEY

GRATEFULLY acknowledges the liberal support he has received, and begs to inform his Friends that the DUTIES of his Establishment will be RESUMED on WEDNESDAY the 29^TH Instant.
Parents who may be desirous of selecting a School where Pupils are treated with great kindness, and every attention devoted to their moral and intellectual improvement, will find this Establishment particularly worthy of notice.
The Terms are moderate, and may be known on application.
Belvidere House, Jan. 1^st, 1841

The Northampton Mercury March 4^th 1843

NOTICE is hereby given, That JOHN JELLEY, the Younger, of Old Stratford, in the county of Northampton, Schoolmaster, hath by Indenture dated the 21^st day of February, 1843, Assigned and set over unto William Duckett, of the town of Northampton, Shoemanufacturer ; and John Jelley the Elder, of Cosgrove, in the same county, Victualler, all the Personal Estate and Effects of him, the said John Jelley, the younger, upon trust for the equal benefit of all the Creditors of the said John Jelley, the younger, who shall within two months from the date thereof execute the same, and that the said Indenture was duly executed by the said John Jelley, the younger, William Duckett, and John Jelley, the elder, respectively on the 21^st day of February, 1843, and their execution thereof is respectively attested by Henry Becke, of the town of Northampton, Solicitor, and George Turner, Clerk to the said Henry Becke.
All debts due to the Estate must be forthwith paid to the said Trustees, or to me,
HENRY BECKE,
Solicitor to the Trustees.
Northampton, 1^st March, 1843.

The Northampton Mercury March 4^th 1843

Belvidere House academy, Old Stratford
MODERN HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By Mr. J. MACQUIRE,

On Tuesday, the 7^th March, 1843, on the premises of Mr. JOHN JELLEY, OLD STRATFORD, in the County of Northampton, under as Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors.
COMPRISING six mahogany chairs and two elbows, stuffed and covered in hair; handsome mahogany loo table, card ditto, mahogany sofa, stuffed and covered in hair; large Kidderminster carpets and rugs, four-post, tent, and 14 half-tester bedsteads, with moreen, chintz, and dimity furnitures; 11 feather beds, bolsters, and pillows; flock beds, and mattresses, 18 pairs of blankets, ditto sheets, 13 counterpanes and quilts, mahogany wardrobe and chest of drawers, painted wash-stands and dressing tables, bed-room chairs, druggets and carpets, swing glasses, large fenders and fire-irons, eight-day clock, deal table, Windsor chairs, knives and forks, copper and iron pots, saucepans and kettles, set of China, earthenware, and every kitchen requisite.
Also five long desks, six forms, and a large office desk.
The above furniture, &c. has been recently purchased, and will be all sold without reserve, on Tuesday next, commencing precisely at Ten o’clock.

The Northampton Mercury April 22^nd 1843

Notice of Insolvency. J. Jelley, schoolmaster, Old Stratford, Northampton

The Northampton Mercury July 29^th 1843

TO BE LET.
And entered upon immediately.

A Desirable and commodious DWELLING-HOUSE, with garden, pleasure ground, and outbuildings, most delightfully situate at OLD STRATFORD in the County of Northampton, commanding beautiful views of the Valley of the Ouze, and surrounding neighbourhood. The property is well adapted for a School, or any other purpose requiring room. For terms apply to Mr. JOHN DURHAM, Land Surveyor, Stony Stratford.

Mr. Lathbury - Belvidere House Academy

The Northampton Mercury July 13^th 1844

BELVIDERE HOUSE ACADEMY
OLD STRATFORD
ADJOINING STONY STRATFORD, BUCKS.

THIS ESTABLISHMENT, under the superintendence of Mr. LATHBURY,
will be OPENED for the reception of pupils on MONDAY JULY 22d.

Stratford, July 8^th, 1844

Passenham History of a Forest Village, O.F. Brown and G. J. Roberts

1846
A reference to a school in Deanshanger in a deed of conveyance of 1846, of a house (probably No.18) which is described as 'occupied as a School House for the benefit of the poor children of the Parish of Passenham'. The purchaser was one John Lathbury of Old Stratford, Schoolmaster, but we are not sure whether in fact he lived or taught there, as in 1849 Whellan Directory the only schoolmaster listed is Richard Lamburne.

Trinity School Established 1849

Described as "unoccupied" in 1849 when Mr. John Thomas of Wendover took charge.

John Thomas, father of James Thomas

The Northampton Mercury March 16th 1850 BELVIDERE HOUSE CLASSICAL AND COMMERCIAL SCHOOL,  OLD STRATFORD, Northamptonshire. Mr. THOMAS begs to inform the public that he has, at very considerable expence, rendered the above premises replete with every convenience for the accommodation of Boarders, and having removed his School hither from Wendover, and being desirous of increasing his numbers, he respectfully solicits the support of parties resident in the neighbourhood, assuring those disposed so to honour him that every effort will be used to advance their sons' progress in study, and that their health, morals and domestic comfort will receive the attention they demand. The next QUATER will COMMENCE ON 25th INSTANT. A Prospectus will be forwarded to any party, on application. N.B. A JUNIOR ASSISTANT WANTED

The Northampton Mercury July 2^nd 1853

BELVIDERE HOUSE CLASSICAL & COMMERCIAL SCHOOL,
OLD STRATFORD, STONY STRATFORD BUCKS,
CONDUCTED BY 
MR. THOMAS, HIS SON, AND OTHER ABLE ASSISTANTS.

At this Establishment Young Gentlemen are instructed in all the essentials of a solid and useful Education, qualifying them for either Professional or Commercial pursuits. The discipline is firm and equal. The domestic arrangements are on a liberal scale, and great attention is paid to the health and comfort of the pupils. The Premises are pleasantly situated, very airy, and healthy; and the Proprietor is, at the present time, making extensive alterations and improvements, rendered necessary by the increasing patronage of the public, which he takes this opportunity gratefully to acknowledge.
The Academy will be RE-OPENED ON MONDAY, the 18th INSTANT.

The Northampton Mercury January 7th 1854

BELVIDERE HOUSE CLASSICAL AND COMMERCIAL SCHOOL,
OLD STRATFORD, STONY STRATFORD, BUCKS.

Mr. Thomas, grateful for the patronage of his friends, begs to inform them and the public that the duties of the above School will be RESUMED on Monday, the 16th JANUARY NEXT.

An ASSISTANT MASTER WANTED.

The Northampton Mercury March 17^th 1860

BIRTHS: March 11, at Old Stratford, the wife of Mr. J. Thomas, Belvedere House School, of a daughter.

The Northampton Mercury March 11^th 1865

TRINITY SCHOOL, OLD STRATFORD.—For some time past public readings have been given fortnightly at the above establishment, chiefly for the instruction and amusement of the scholars. Mr. Thomas, the energetic principal, has spared neither trouble nor expense in fitting up the spacious schoolroom with a moveable platform and other conveniences. It is only justice to say, that on every occasion the meetings have been attended by a most respectable and numerous audience, who seemed to look forward with much pleasure to the several gathering, and to enjoy the entertainment thoroughly. The marked improvement of the boys in elocution, confidence, and general deportment has been most satisfactory, and reflects great credit on the school. The second readings of the present term were given on Thursday evening, March 2nd, before above 250 of the neighbouring gentry and inhabitants. The chair was taken by the Rev. J.H. Barton, the Rural Dean. Rev. H. Wood rector of the parish, was also present, and took part in the readings. These gentlemen are patrons of the school, and take a lively interest in its success. The rev. chairman, in his opening address, remarked on the great advantages of these readings in bringing before the boys in particular selections from all the best authors, and having their beauties so well brought under their notice, particularly the many fine passages in the works of our Immortal Bard, whose writings "are for all time." Several good readings from various authors and some recitations were given, amongst, which were particularly noticed two readings by the Rev. Mordaunt Barton, and also Tennyson’s, "'Dora," rendered in a most pathetic manner by Mr. H. Lee, one of the masters of the school. The form scene from the play of "Julius Cæser" was most effectively recited by ten of the boys ; " The Bells: by Pope was cleverly read by four pupils, in such a manner as to sound like a peal of bells; the laughable piece, "The Old Clock," recited by ten other scholars, was remarkable for the drollery and comic humour imparted to it, causing much merriment. Several other readings, interspersed with songs, a glee by the school choir, and performances on the pianoforte by some young ladies of the neighbourhood, reflected great credit on their taste and execution. The National Anthem concluded the evening’s entertainment.

The Northampton Mercury June 24^th 1865

TRINITY SCHOOL, OLD STRATTORD.—On the 15^th inst., the young gentlemen of this establishment, held their breaking up holiday in the spacious play-ground field. The athletic sports were superintended by Adjutant Wells, of the Bucks Yeomanry Cavalry, the drill master to the school, and consisted of long and high jumps, high jump with the pole, running and walking matches, hurdle races, jumping in sacks, &c. The contest for the numerous prizes was carried on with much spirit, and caused great amusement and interest to a large patty of ladies and gentlemen, who assembled to witness the games. An abundant tea, with many other good things, was provided by Mr. Thomas, the principal. The Deanshanger band enlivened the proceedings, and both boys and visitors seemed thoroughly to enjoy themselves. On the following morning the school prizes were distributed by the Rev. H. J. Barton, the Rural Dean, and the Rev. Henry Wood, Rector of Passenham, who exhorted the scholars to continue their efforts for improvement in their studies, and gentlemanly conduct. The Rev. Mr. Barton wished particularly to impress upon them the great advantages arising from the Middle Class Competitive Examinations at which nine of the scholars had recently attended, hoping that a much larger number would become, candidates for the next, and drew their attention to the fact, that upon the middle classes the prosperity of England is mainly dependant. He much regretted his inability to be present at the athletic sports, which, by promoting physical strength, formed both mind and body to contend successfully in the great struggle of life. A few words of good advice and kind wishes from the principal closed the proceedings amid deafening cheers, such as English boys alone can give. The school is in a most flourishing state.

The Northampton Mercury October 7^th 1865

AN IMPUDENT ROBBERY. On Wednesday afternoon an impudent robbery took place at this station [Wolverton] A youth named Belgrove, son of Mr. Belgrove, farmer of Stoke Hammond, came from Mr. Thomas' school, Old Stratford, for the purpose of riding home with a Mr. Ridgway, who attended Wolverton market, and left his box, together with a pair of boots, at the Radcliffe Arms Inn, till they were ready to start. On getting into the trap, Mr. Ridgway asked his young friend if he got all his things right, when he discovered his boots were missing. On making inquiries, he was informed that a man had just left with a pair of clean boots on and gone in the direction of the Old Market House. Young Belgrove went in pursuit of the fugitive, and soon caught him with the stolen boots on his feet. He was then taken into custody by police-constable Goodson, who conveyed him to Stony Stratford lock-up. On Friday he appeared before the Rev. H. J. Barton, Rev. R. W. Scurr, and J. C. Mansel, Esq., and was remanded for a week.

The Northampton Mercury September 4^th 1866

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Mr. Thomas, of Old Stratford, was summoned by Sergeant Willis with removing a cow from Old Stratford without a licence. From the evidence adduced it appeared the cow was moved without Mr. Thomas’s directions. Fined 5s. and costs.

The Northampton Mercury March 9^th 1867

DESTRUCTION OF WAKE'S OAK. The readers of the Northampton Mercury will bear with regret that one of the finest old oaks in England after enduring the storms of a thousand years, has come to the pitiable end of being burnt down by a party of mischievous schoolboys. This tree, known by the name of Wake's Oak, stood in Whittlebury Forest, and in the vicinity of the Duke of Grafton's seat, Wakefield Lodge, and about three miles from this town. The name, age, and situation of the tree make it extremely probable that it existed when Wac or Wake the Saxon possessed the domain, and that it was named from the noble owner or was planted by his own hand. The brave old tree was much valued by the people of the neighbourhood, and seemed likely to flourish for many a generation yet to come. Unluckily, however, the boys of Mr. Thomas's school, at Old Stratford, had a holiday on Shrove Tuesday, and, with their teachers, rambled to the old oak, when some of the number climbed up its hollow trunk, and others, not thinking what would follow, lighted a fire in it to force their companions down again. Rapidly the fire gained head, while they in vain endeavoured to extinguish it, and unfortunately returned to school again without giving information of the mischief they had done, and thus prevented the fire from being put out, as at this early stage, with proper help, it might have been. During the evening a workman observed smoke issuing from the tree, and at once men were at work as quickly as possible, but not before the fire had greatly extended itself. They worked through part of the night and the next day without success, and would have resumed the following morning, but about six o’clock on that morning the noble old tree fell down. Thus has perished one of the finest old oaks of our county.

The Northampton Mercury September 14^th 1867

STONY STRATFORD TRINITY SCHOOL V. CAPTAIN WELL’S ELEVEN. This match was played on the School grounds, Old Stratford, on Friday, 6^th inst., and ended in favour of the School. Subjoined is the score:

The Northampton Mercury January 1^st 1868

TRINITY SCHOOL,
OLD STRATFORD, near Stony Stratford.
VISITORS:
The Rev. Canon BARTON, M.A. Rural Dean.
The Rev. HENRY WOOD, Rector of Passenham.

THIS SCHOOL has been established upwards of 18 years under the direction of the present Principal, Mr. JAMES THOMAS. It offers a sound Education, with careful moral training. Divine Service is held in the Schoolroom, every Sunday Evening, with the License of the Bishop.
The School is periodically examined under the provisions of the University of Cambridge for the Examination of the Schools.
The last Report, and the Terms of the School, will be sent on application to the Principal.
The SCHOOL will be RE-OPENED on THURSDAY, 30^th instant.

The Northampton Mercury December 5^th 1868

Cambridge report regarding the religious part of examinations: "I remark with satisfaction that one school in this district, "Trinity School, Old Stratford, has now for two successive years been thus examined.

The Northampton Mercury June 19^th 1869

TRINITY SCHOOL,
OLD STRATFORD, near Stony Stratford.
VISITORS:
The Rev. Canon Barton, M.A., Rural Dean.
The Rev. Henry Wood, Rector of Passenham.

This School has been established upwards of 20 years under the direction of the present Principal Mr. JAMES THOMAS. It offers a sound education, with careful moral training. Divine Service is held in the School-room every Sunday evening, with a licence from the Bishop.
The School is periodically examined under the provisions of the University of Cambridge for the examination of Schools. The last Report and the Terms of the School will be sent on application to the Principal. The next term will commence on Monday, 26th July.

Mary wife of James Thomas The Northampton Mercury March 5th 1870 BIRTHS: On the 19th ult., the wife of Mr. Thomas, Trinity School, Old Stratford, of a daughter.

The Northampton Mercury April 30^th 1870

The Rev. Canon Barton said the Trinity School, Old Stratford, was one out of the nine schools who received the Cambridge University examiner.

The Northampton Mercury August 20^th 1870

TRINITY SCHOOL GAS WORKS. Mr. James Copcutt, of Aylesbury, has recently erected some gas works at Trinity School, Old Stratford. On Friday last, the occasion of the first light up, Mr. Thomas gave a supper to the men who had been engaged at the works.. After supper the usual loyal toasts were drunk; Mr Thomas then proposed the health of Mr. Bates, the builder, and of Mr. Copcutt. He expressed his satisfaction at the way in which the work had been done by both these gentlemen, and also at the quiet and orderly conduct of the men. During the evening Mr. McKrill, Mr. Copcutt's foreman, exhibited the "Life Light." Mr. Copcutt says, he invented this Life Light for ships and lighthouses; it is at least four times more powerful than the Lime Light as commonly known. It is the most powerful and portable of any. It is more so than the Electric Light. There can be but one opinion as to the superiority of the gas produced by the works erected by Mr. Copcutt. If such works as these could be erected in some of our large villages, it would be a great boon to the inhabitants, and pay a good percentage to shareholders.

The Northampton Mercury July 22^nd 1871

OLD STRATFORD, COSGROVE, and FURTHO,
Northamptonshire
And CALVERTON, Buckinghamshire
VALUABLE FREEHOLD AND TITHE-FREE
ESTATES,
FOR SALE BY AUCTION
 By Mr. GEO. BENNETT,

 
On Friday, the 4th of August, 1871, at the Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford, at Three for Four o'clock in the afternoon.

Lot 1. A very desirable brick-built and tiled DWELLING HOUSE, containing Three front Sitting-rooms, Kitchen, Dairy, and Pantry on the Ground Floor, and Five good Bedrooms; together with TWO COTTAGES, ORCHARD, GARDEN, and TWO CLOSES of rich PASTURE LAND adjoining, containing together 3A. 2R. 16P., or thereabouts with Stable, Cow-sheds, and convenient Farm Buildings thereon, situate at Old Stratford, in the parish of Cosgrove and Furtho, and adjoining the London Turnpike-road.

Lot 2. A CLOSE of very superior MEADOW LAND, containing 3a. 1r. 2p. or thereabouts, situate near to the Bridge, at Stony Stratford, and adjoining the said Turnpike-road.

 Lot 3. A CLOSE of excellent MEADOW LAND, containing 6A. 0R. 1P. or thereabouts, situated in the parish of Calverton, near Stony Stratford Bridge, and adjoining the said Turnpike-road.
 
The whole of the property is now in the occupation of James Thomas, Esq., or his under tenants, at the annual rent of £105 9s. 6d. Possession can be had at Lady-day next.
Two-thirds of the Purchase money for each Lot may remain on Mortgage, if required.
For further particulars, apply to Mr. Wm. Bearn, Land Agent, Finedon Hill, Wellingborough; or Mr. Roche, Solicitor, Daventry.

The Northampton Mercury September 23^rd 1871

TRINITY SCHOOL,
OLD STRATFORD, near Stony Stratford.
VISITORS:
The Rev. Canon Barton, M.A., Rural Dean.
The Rev. Henry Wood, Rector of Passenham.

This School has been established upwards of Twenty-two years under the direction of the present Principal Mr. JAMES THOMAS. It offers a sound education, with careful Moral Training. Divine Service is held in the School-room every Sunday evening, with a licence from the Bishop.
The School is periodically examined under the provisions of the University of Cambridge for the examination of Schools.
The last Report and the Terms of the School will be sent on application to the Principal.
The next QUARTER will commence on WEDNESDAY, 4^TH OCTOBER.

The Northampton Mercury August 1^st 1874

TRINITY SCHOOL, OLD STRATFORD. On Tuesday last a large company assembled in a tent on the grounds of the above school, to witness the distribution of the prizes to the successful pupils. The company were well pleased at the evident care and attention to the moral and religious training of the boys, who acquitted themselves with great credit to the principal, the Rev. James Thomas and his assistant masters. They leave on Thursday for their summer holidays.

James Thomas pupils from Trinity school (date unknown)

The Northampton Mercury August 11^th 1877

PRIZE-DAY AT TRINITY SCHOOL. The gathering at Trinity School, for the distribution of certificates and prizes, took place at the school on Thursday week last.  There were present the Rev. W. P. Trevelyan, rector of Calverton; the Rev. H. and Mrs. Wood, Calverton; the Rev. W. F. Short, warden of St. Paul’s, Stony Stratford; the Rev. J. and Miss Wood, the vicarage, Wolverton; the Rev. J. Wiglesworth, Castlethorpe; the Rev. Mr. Alderson, of St. Paul’s College; W. H. Bull, Esq., Stony Stratford, and numerous friends of the pupils. The principal, the Rev. J. Thomas, said eight of the boys had sat for the last Cambridge Local Examination, and they were all successful. Two were senior students. Mary E. Thomas, Trinity School, and Walter Mead, Aylesbury who, in addition to the preliminary subjects, passed also in religious knowledge, English and French: in the latter subject Mead was distinguished. The six junior students were: John Thomas, Trinity School; T. W. B. Burn, London; J. Wiglesworth, Castlethorpe, placed in third-class honours; C. Battams, Passenham; also A.E. Scrivener, Passenham, and H. Wright, Leicester. He had 22 certificate from the College of Preceptors, whose examinations were very similar to the Local Examinations, to which they were an excellent preliminary. The Rev. W. P. Trevelyan then gave away the certificates and prizes. Mr. Thomas then said that two of Miss Chibnall’s pupils, Flora K. Munday, Potterspury, and Maud Bignell, of Stony Stratford had obtained certificates from the College Preceptors. The Rev. H. Wood and the Rev. W. P. Trevelyan expressed their gratification at what they had seen and heard. A programme of vocal and instrumental music was then successfully carried out. At the conclusion of these proceedings, after rounds of cheers had been given for the prize-givers, the visitors, and the principal, the company adjourned to the lawn, and spent a very enjoyable evening.

The Northampton Mercury March 22^nd 1879

TRINITY SCHOOL. Eight boys from this school were successful at the late Cambridge Local Examinations: Seniors, H. A. Adams, Wing, and J. H. Wiglesworth, Castlethorpe. Juniors. A. Lindow, Wolverton, 3rd class honours; J. M. Neely, Wolverton; A. Syratt, Calverton; W. J. Elmes, Stony Stratford; James Thomas, Trinity School; O. E. Woollard, Stony Stratford. Nineteen boys gained certificates at the College Preceptors: H. A. Adams, Wing, 1st division, 2nd class; E. D. Bird, Old Stratford; T. Adkins, Apsley; J. A. Chennells, Eddlesborough; A. J. Cave, Merton; F. W. Hornby, Northampton; W. E. Culverhouse, Wolverton; R. Randall, Wycombe; Thomas Smith, Fenny Stratford; W. Reynolds, Luggershall; G. Wooster, Wendover; E. Wooster, Wendover; S. Read, Warwick; C. Thomas, Stony Stratford; W. Pollard, Stony Stratford; H. F. Turney, Aspley; L. Wiglesworth, Castlethorpe; R. Williams, Wolverton; H. C. Stephens, Notting Hill.

Dogmouth Aug 24/63 Aged 89 - Born July 20th 1874 Farmer Amos Old Family name Please excuse Bad writing and mistakes. Went to Thomas School Trinity College Old Stratford when I was 9. Had a day off got to school at night and John Thomas said ..ull [fool] you, Coat off and give me good Tanning, I never cryed Boys smiled and I told them John Thomas had not hurt Old Farmer So I had some more. He made Blood run down My back.

*********************

Farmer Amos Wolverton Express, March 6, 1970 Mr. Farmer Amos, of the Dogsmouth, Cosgrove, was reminded of his schooldays when he read an article about the Trinity School at Old Stratford in the Express recently. Mr. Amos was a weekly boarder at the school in 1883 and thinks he is the only living ex-pupil. Farmer – that is his first name – is 95, an ex-farmer and a son of a farmer. He remembers that the school had five masters, plus a French master. Two boys used to share a bed but he remembers having to sleep underneath the bed at one time because he had ring-worm! He was taken to a chemist’s in Stony Stratford to have it dressed. Crowning the newcomers When the Rev. James Thomas, who was headmaster, died he was buried at Passenham. Mr. Thomas had four sons and two daughters, and the sons later took over the school. But shortly after this the school “went down” and was closed and turned into a private house. During the two years Mr. Amos was at the school he said it was extremely good and the discipline was quite strict. Mr. Amos recalls how the older boys used to “crown” newcomers with a chamber pot. The new boy then had to walk round and all the other boys tapped him on the head. One boy got the pot stuck on his head and it had to be broken off. All the other boys had to pay 2d. each to recover the cost!

The Northampton Mercury August 4^th 1883

TRINITY SCHOOL. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. A large assemblage witnessed the distribution of prizes and the musical and dramatic entertainment given by the boys, at Trinity School, Old Stratford, on the afternoon of the 26th ult. The chair was taken by the rector of the parish, the Rev. G. M. Capell. The head master, the Rev. J. Thomas, B.A., was greeted with applause.

The Northampton Mercury November 24^th 1883

DEATH OF THE REV. JAMES THOMAS. We deeply regret to announce the death of the Rev. James Thomas, which occurred on the 12 inst., after an illness of only three days. On Saturday last the funeral took place in the pretty little churchyard of Passenham.

At a quarter past-two the sad procession started from the scene of so many years' loving labour. The order was as follows—The hearse, with coffin of plain oak, with brass mountings, consisting of a Latin cross, a star, and a shield bearing the following inscription;—" James Thomas. Feel asleep Nov. 12th, 1883. Aged  56." The following pupils —T. T. De Fraine, A. Barton, A. Plummer, G. Bailey. C. C. Wheldon, M. Mead -having requested to be allowed to bear the coffin from the hearse to the grave, as last token of love and respect for their late dear master, were allowed to act a pall bearers, their strength not being sufficient to bear the corpse. The carriers were old servants of the deceased and residents in Old Stratford. Then followed five carriages, containing the family and relatives of the deceased ; and after them the rest of the pupils and the household servants. The coffin was met at the churchyard gate by the Rev. G. M. Capell (rector of Passenham), Rev. J. Wood (vicar of Old Wolverton, and rural dean), Rev. F. W. Harnett (vicar of St. Georges Wolverton), with the choirs of Deanshanger and Old Wolverton. On entering the church the solemn strains of the " Dead March " in Saul were heard. The prayers were impressively read by the Rev. G. M. Capell. When the pall was removed the coffin was covered with wreaths of the choicest flowers, many of which came from a distance, as tokens of love and respect for deceased. Hymn 265," Thy way, not mine, O, Lord," was then stung, and after the two psalms were chanted, the lesson was read by the Rev. J. Wood. On coming to the grave, hymn 260, “Hark, my soul, it is the Lord,” was sung, and the remainder of the sad ceremony performed by the Rev. G. M. Capell ; then all that was left on earth of one who was endeared to everyone who knew him by hit kindliness and consideration was committed to its last resting place. When the coffin was lowered, the hymn 140, "Jesus lives," was sung, and then the beautiful service closed with the Blessing. Amongst those present were the Rev. B. Cadogan, rector of Wicken, and Rural Dean ; Rev. J. B. Sams rector of Grafton ; Rev. J. M. Lester, vicar of Stony Stratford ; Rev. P. G. Macdonall, rector of Cosgrove ; Rev J. W. Spark, W. H. Bull. Esq., Messrs. W. H. Robinson, J. Hudson, J. A. Scrivener, W. Reeve, H. Roberts, &c., and many ladies.

The Northampton Mercury January 5^th 1884

TRINITY SCHOOL, STONY STRATFORD
Established 1849.

Late Principal: The Rev. JAMES THOMAS, B.A.

HEAD MASTER: The Rev. W. B. TISAM, B. A., late Exhibitioner of Oriel Coll., Oxford, assisted by Mr. A. B. MACCULLOCH, Sen. Fresh. T.C.D.; Mr. J. THOMAS, R.U.I.; a Drill Master, and Certificated Teacher of Music.
This School will RE-OPEN on JAN, 22^nd, on its old system. Boys are here prepared for the usual Examinations, and to fill any position in mercantile life. Special attention is paid to the moral and religious training, and to the home comforts of the pupils.
The premises include lofty school and class-rooms, spacious dormitories, together with extensive playgrounds, cricket fields and swimming bath. The position is healthy and pleasant.
Prospectus will be sent on application to Mrs. Thomas.

The Northampton Mercury October 18th 1884

Article mentions: The evening service was taken by the Rev. W. B. Tisam, late master of Trinity School. Stony Stratford.

Rev. James Thomas 1827 - 1883. Curate at Passenham and St. Mary's Stony Stratford, Principal of Trinity College.

Kelly's Directory Northamptonshire 1885 TRINITY SCHOOL, NEAR STONY STRATFORD. Head Master Rev. JOHN THOMAS, B. A., Mathematical Honourman, Queen’s College, Cambridge. THE HEAD MASTER has had considerable experience in School Work, and will make the moral and religious training of the Pupils his especial care. The course of study is adapted, as far as practicable, to the mental capacity of individual Pupils, and to their future walk in life. The elder Boys are sent in for the Local and other Examinations. Careful provision is made for health and comfort in the domestic arrangements. The premises, which are pleasantly situated, consist of lofty and well-arranged School and Class Rooms, Dormitories and Lavatory, with good Cricket, Football, Tennis and Play Grounds, lately improved at considerable outlay, in addition to a large Swimming Bath, carefully graduated in point of depth; the whole covering EIGHT ACRES. A good supply of Milk is procured from the Private Dairy. The Head Master employs such a Staff of University Men and other as will enable him, with their assistance, efficiently to instruct his Pupils in all required subjects. The Year is divided into Three Terms. The Charge for Boarders is 35 Guineas per Annum, strictly inclusive. For further particulars apply to Head Master, Trinity School, Stony Stratford.

The Northampton Mercury  August 8^th 1885

STONY STRATFORD. Trinity School —On Wednesday, 26th ult. prizes were awarded to the successful candidates the last Christmas examination the College of Preceptors; of ten who were presented the following seven passed :—A. W. Barton, A H. Bridgman, H. Q. De Frame, E. Druce, H. Punter, F. Roads, and E. Stockings. In addition E. Stockings, G. W. Sewell, and W. Bates received prizes for being first their classes in the summer school examination; G. E. Miles and P. Wheldon for very good second places the same. E. Druce and E. Longland carried off the head master's special prizes for English composition.— cricket team has had engagements, and as the boys have generally been opposed to men, the result is very creditable, seven matches being won and seven lost, the other being a fair draw. In the last two matches the excessive heat was almost too much for some members of the team. The average bat was awarded to A. H. Sage. Much enjoyment has been the nearness the school bathing place, and all the boarders but one can swim. The boys dispersed Thursday for seven weeks.

The Northampton Mercury January 15^th 1887

TRINITY SCHOOL, OLD STARTFORD,
THE EXCELLENT HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,
Comprising:

 Drawing and dining-room furniture, a very superior 2-manual cabinet AMERICAN ORGAN (by Mason and Hamlin), in handsome walnut case; a single-manual CHURCH ORGAN, with six stops (by J. Kemshed and Sons, Northampton; two Cottage PIANOFORTES, in rosewood and mahogany cases, (by Kirkman); about 1,000 volumes of school and miscellaneous BOOKs, Oak knee-hole office writing table, mahogany sideboard, mahogany dining and occasional tables, pictures, pier glasses, Brussels and tapestry carpets, enclosed bookcases, school requisites; bedroom and dormitory furniture, mahogany chests of drawers, washstands, Arabian bedsteads, nine 2ft-6in. school bedsteads, a large quantity of feather beds, wool mattresses, and bedding, linen and plated articles, kitchen utensils, china, glass, and earthenware. A large gas cooking stove and piping (by Copecutt), Smith and Wellstood's Trafford Range, Cooley's patent creamer, with tins and piping complete, out-door effects, rick cloth and poles, pulleys, and ropes, set of brass-mounted trap harness, set of thill harness, chaff cutting machine and miscellaneous effects.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY MR.
GEO. WIGLEY,
ON THURSDAY NEXT, JANUARY 20TH, 1887.

 
On the Premises, Trinity School, Old Stratford, by direction of Mrs. THOMAS, who is leaving. The Furniture may be viewed the day previous to sale. The Sale will commence at Ten o'clock.

Henry J. Baker Principal 1887

The Northampton Mercury 17th December 1887

Mary Thomas v. Henry John Baker. —Mr. Stimson, of Bedford for plaintiff, and Sir. W. B. Bull, of Newport Pagnell, for defendant.—Mrs. Thomas the widow of the late Mr. Thomas, head master of Trinity School, Stony Stratford, and in December last negotiations commenced between the plaintiff and defendant as to the disposal of the school. It appears Mr. Baker first agreed to take all the school furniture valuation, which afterwards he declined. Consequently an auction sale had to be held, which caused delay opening the school at the proper time, and before the final agreement was signed, Mrs. Thomas sought a capitation fee, no good will was paid for, of one guinea per head for all boys who returned to the school under Mr. Baker's management. Mr. Baker demurred to that, but finally it was settled that half a guinea was to be paid, and 21 of the old boys returned, making a sum £11 0s. 6d. due Mrs. Thomas, the amount sued for April last. Mr. Baker was applied to for payment the amount, and he wrote a letter in reply, stating was willing to pay the money if Mrs. Thomas would throw off £5 for loss which he had sustained not getting into the school earlier.—The Judge, after carefully considering the evidence on both sides, said considered something was due Mr. Baker, had pay rent from Christmas last and did not get possession till the end of January ; therefore, he would strike off £5, and give judgment for plaintiff for £6 0s. 6d. with costs, be paid in fortnight.

Dec 20 1887 Mr Dumbleton To Henry J. Baker Principal Tuition of G. Dumbleton During Michaelmas Term 1887

Schoolmasters of Trinity School

The Northampton Mercury October 12th 1889

Henry John Baker. of Claremont, Woburn Sands, Buckinghamshire, school master, lately residing at Trinity School, Stony Stratford, Northamptonshire.—This debtor, who was only asked a few questions, was allowed to pass his examination

The Northampton Mercury October 19^th 1889

STONY STRATFORD.
 PETTY SESSIONS. October 11.
DISMISSED.

James Kelly, of Trinity School, Old Stratford, appeared to answer a summons charging him with using threats towards William Demeeres, of the same place. Dismissed.

The Northampton Mercury November 9^th 1889

FIRE. About eight o’clock on Tuesday night, a hayrick was found to be on fire on the premises at Trinity School. The rick was in close proximity to some outbuildings, one of them being full of straw. The Stony Stratford Fire Brigade was called, and duly arrived. A plentiful supply of water being forthcoming from the river, in about 3½ hours the fire was got under, but not before the rick was pulled to pieces and strewed about the adjoining field. The rick was the property of Mr. T. J. Callidine, of Stony Stratford. How the fire originated is not known.

The Northampton Mercury November 23^rd 1889

TOWCESTER.
 COUNTY COURT. MONDAY.
Before His Honour Judge Snagge.

THE STRATFORD SCHOOLMASTERS.

J. B. Graves and Company, drapers, of Stony Stratford v. Wm. Demeers and James Kelly trading as Demeeres and Kelly, schoolmasters, Trinity Hall, Old Stratford. Claim £4 4s. 1d. For goods sold. The defendant Demeers wished the case adjourned until the question of dissolution of the partnership between the defendants had been settled. He, however, admitted the debt, but he stated there was a disagreement between him and his partner as to the matter. He later on wanted his Honour to make two separate orders on the defendants so much each, as he said he was afraid he should otherwise have to pay all the money himself. His Honour made a joint order for payment by instalments of £1 a month. But he said if the question of dissolution was settled in the meantime he would give leave for an application to be made to him to vary the order. He should then like to go more fully into the matter. William Newman, grocer, Stony Stratford, sued the same defendants for £7 18s 10d., balance of account. Defendants pleaded a set of £1 3s. 9d. for one half term’s fee, books, stationary, and club subscriptions, for the education of the plaintiff’s son, commencing 9^th March last, and one term’s fees,  £2 2s., in lieu of notice, making a total of £3 5s. 9d. Mr. G. H. Percival appeared for the plaintiff, and asked for an order for payment forthwith. He understood Demeeres was about to leave the country. He was believed to be a foreigner. Demeeres denied that he was a foreigner – he was a Londoner. Kelly said he personally was Irish, but his partner was as much at home in Brussels as there. (Laughter.) Both denied they were intending to leave Stratford or the partnership would not have been dissolved. He agreed to waive the set off, and his Honour then made a similar order, and on the same terms as in the prior case. An application for costs was to be made at a future Court.

The Northampton Mercury January 25^th 1890

TOWCESTER
COUNTY COURT. JANUARY 20^th
Before his Honour Judge Snagge.
THE SCHOOLMASTER PARTNERSHIP AGAIN.

William Demeeres, Stony Stratford, schoolmaster, v. James Kelly, Stony Stratford, schoolmaster. This was an action for dissolution of the partnership, for appointment of a receiver, and for accounts to be taken. It has been before the Court for two or three months past.  At the last bearing the plaintiff was represented by Mr. C. W. Smith, of Fenny Stratford, and the defendant by Mr. C. W. Powell, of Newport Pagnell, and the case was submitted back to the arbitration of Mr. S. C. Bell, of Northampton. The Plaintiff, however, on the present occasion failed to award from Mr. Beel, and his Honour asked the defendant (who apologised for the absence of his solicitor through illness) if he was willing to take it up, to which he replied that he was. Mr. Whitton thereupon opened the letter and read the award as follows. Whereas by an order of the honourable Court, dated the 18^th day of December, 1889, it was ordered that all matters in difference in this action, and all other matters within the jurisdiction of the Court in the difference between the parties, should be referred to me the undersigned, Stephen Crow Beel, of Northampton, accountant, whose award to be made or given on or before the 18^th day of January, 1890, should be entered as judgement in this action. And it is further ordered that the costs of the said reference should be in the discretion of me, the arbitrator. Now I, the said Stephen Crow Beel, having heard the evidence of the plaintiff and defendant, and duly considered the accounts and documents produced before me by the said parties, do award and find (1) That there is no sum due from the defendant to the plaintiff in respect of the partnership business mentioned in the plaintiff’s statement of claim; (2) That there is due from the plaintiff William Demeeres, to the defendant, James Kelly, the sum of £6 3s. 1d, on balance of accounts between them in the said partnership business; (3) And I further award that £2 2s. 0d., my costs of the said arbitration, and of this my award, shall be paid by the said William Demeeres. Dated this 11^th January, 1890. (Signed) Stephen C. Beel. His Honour, on application of the defendant, made an order in the terms of the award, with costs, to be taxed in the usual way. The defendant informed his Honour that there were several outstanding book debts due to the partnership business, and asked that they might be secured to him, as he had reason to believe that the plaintiff had left the country in violation of his promise to his Honour. His Honour, however, said he could not do that, as someone else might have a claim upon them; but they might be paid into Court, when he would deal with them in the interest of the creditors and the defendant.
William Newman, Stony Stratford, grocer, v, Demeeres and Kelly. Mr. T. M. Percival appeared for the plaintiff, and said that the claim was for £7 18s. for goods sold. His Honour had made an interim order in November last for £1 per month, pending the result of the proceedings for the dissolution of the partnership in the last case. Only one instalment had been paid, and he was informed that Demeeres had left Stony Stratford, and he consequently asked for judgment forthwith, with costs. The plaintiff, in reply to his Honour, said he did not know where Demeeres was. He had left Stony Stratford, and so far as he was aware he had gone to London. His Honour consequently made the order for payment forthwith, with costs.
Joseph Brian, Graves and Co., Stony Stratford, drapers, v. Demeeres and Kelly. This was a claim for £4 4s 1d., and his Honour made a similar order.

The Northampton Mercury July 18^th 1890

A NEW CHURCH. A meeting was held at Trinity House, Old Stratford on Monday afternoon, to consider the advisability of building a church at Old Stratford for the united parishes. There was a good number present including the Rev. Dr. Payne, rector of Furthoe; Rev. G. M. Capell, rector of Passenham; Rev. P. G. McDonall, rector of Cosgrove; and the Rev. R. E. Crawley, vicar of Potterspury; all of whom the charge would affect. Dr. PAYNE stated he had called a meeting of his neighbours to convey to them the wishes of the Bishop of the Diocese, which were that Old Stratford, now comprising the outlying portions of the parishes of Passenham, Potterspury, Furthoe, and Cosgrove should be placed under the spiritual care of one clergyman, and for that a church should be erected on the most convenient site available. The Chairman stated that so far as he could ascertain the feelings of the inhabitants were in favour of having a united parish and a church of their own in their midst.
After some discussion the proposal was unanimously agreed to, and a committee was formed of those present and a few residents at Old Stratford, to carry out the project. The consent of the patrons of the livings concerned in the movement will have to be obtained before anything definite can be proceeded with.

The Northampton Mercury December 1^st 1893

On Tuesday evening a Conservative meeting was held in Trinity Hall Schoolroom, Old Stratford.

Auction of Trinty School by the Trustees of the late Mr. John Thomas

The Northampton Mercury November 2^nd 1894

OLD STRATFORD, Northamptonshire.
Close to Stony Stratford and within 2½ miles of
Wolverton Station on the L. and N. W. Railway.

MESSRS. DURHAM, GOTTO, and SAMUEL
are instructed by the Trustees of the will of
the late Mr. JOHN THOMAS,
TO SELL BY AUCTION, in Two Lots,
At the COCK INN, STONY STRATFORD, on THURSDAY,
NOVEMBER 15^th, 1894, at Five for Six o’clock in the evening.
The Substantially Brick-built and Slated
                FREEHOLD RESIDENCE,

Known as TRINITY HOUSE, pleasantly situated on a good elevation overlooking the River Ouse and the Town of Stony Stratford,
Containing: Hall, drawing-room, morning-room, dining-room 27ft. by 15ft., breakfast-room, excellent kitchen, scullery larders, good dairy and churn house, and other domestic offices, with eleven bed-rooms, one of which is 23ft. by 16ft., and two are 19ft. by 16ft. respectively, and three attics, and there is an excellent cellarage in the basement.

At the rear in a large walled-in yard is a well-built brick and slated building, consisting of a large room 38ft. by 25ft., formerly a schoolroom, but which could be used as a billiard-room, and a room formerly a class room, both heated with hot water, furnace and store rooms adjoining with loft over them; also near is a two stall stable with loft over, lean-to boarded shed, and hen-house, and there is a coach-house.

Enclosed in a small farm yard are a boarded cow-house, piggery, and poultry houses with building adjoining, formerly a gas house and now used as a stable.

In the front of the residence is a tastefully arranged pleasure garden with tennis ground adjoining, and at the rear is an excellent walled-in kitchen garden, well planted with thriving fruit trees; and surrounding the house and premises, except where they adjoin the public roads, is about 5a. 1r. 0p. of Valuable Accommodation PASTURE or BUILDING LAND, With extensive road and river frontage, the whole covering an area of 6a. 0r. 23p. (more or less).

Particulars with conditions of sale may be had of Messrs. J. and E. T. WORLEY, Solicitors, Stony Stratford;
or of Messrs. Durham, Gotto, and Samuel, Land Agents and Auctioneers, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, and Northampton.

The Northampton Mercury November 23rd 1894

PROPERTY SALE.  Mr. F. E. Gotto (Messrs. Durham, Gotto, and Samuel) held a sale of property at the Cock Hotel on Thursday week. The Property known as Trinity House, Old Stratford, was offered first. The first lot consisting of residence and buildings and a pasture field, the whole containing an area of 3a. 1r. 3p.  was withdrawn at £720; and the second lot, consisting of 2a. 3r. 20p. of pasture land suitable for building purposes, was sold to Mr. W. Webb, Old Stratford, for £500, who subsequently became the purchaser of the first lot at £700.

Electoral Rolls in Passenham Parish 1894, 95, 96,

Thomas WESTLEY Old Stratford - dwelling house - cottage at Trinity

The Northampton Mercury June 25^th 1897

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: The committee, of whom Mr. Hamilton was the secretary, are to be congratulated on the hearty way in which they worked for the success of the festival of this place. The decorations, too, were exceptionally effective, many of the tradesmen throwing not a little enthusiasm into the affair. The Rev. Dr. Payne invited all the residents to a stroll round his gardens, and the offer of a buttonhole to all who cared for the privilege. A tea was provided for the children in the Tram Dept. and for all the other inhabitants in Trinity House School-room, kindly placed at disposal by Mr. Crossham. Sports were held in a field kindly lent by Mr. Webb, there being 24 entries altogether, including races for men, women, and children. Dancing was heartily indulged in, the music being provided by Mr. F. Barley, of Stony Stratford. In the evening there was a display of fireworks, and dancing round a bonfire in Mr. Panter's field.

The Northampton Mercury September 3^rd 1897

MARRIAGE OF MISS E. A. THOMAS. An interesting wedding was celebrated at St. Giles' Church on Tuesday, the contracting parties being Miss Emma Sophia Thomas, third daughter of the late Rev. J. Thomas, of Trinity School, Old Stratford, and Mr. Herbert George de Fraine, second son of Mr. G. T. de Fraine, of Walton, Aylesbury. The bride, who was given away by her mother, was attired in a simple costume of white alpaca, and wore a large white hat trimmed with lace and roses. She carried a beautiful shower bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were: Miss Thomas, Miss B. Thomas (sisters), and Miss F. de Fraine (sister of the bridegroom). They were dressed in costumes of grey cashmere, and wore white Toreador hats trimmed with pink roses. The officiating clergymen were Rev. J. Thomas, of Thornhill, Dewsbury (brother of the bride), and the Rev. C. H. Scott. Mr. G. de Fraine acted as best man. Miss Walford presided at the organ, and played Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" at the close. The presents were of a useful and handsome description.

William Berkeley Crossham

Kelly's Directory of Northamptonshire 1898

PRIVATE RESIDENTS Powell Charles W. Trinity House [Tenant of William Berkeley CROSSHAM]

Crossham remains on the Electoral Rolls until 1907.

The Northampton Mercury July 25^th 1913

ILLNESS OF MRS. POWELL.

Mrs. C. W. Powell, of Old Stratford, the esteemed wife of Mr. Powell (magistrate’ clerk at Newport Pagnell), was taken suddenly ill on Thursday morning. Her medical adviser, Dr. Bull, was called in, and the lady is progressing as favourably as can be expected.

The Northampton Mercury October 15^th 1916

The death took place on Wednesday, at Old Stratford, of Ella, widow of Mr. Charles Powell, and daughter of the late Rev. Charles Selby Lowndes, of North Crawley, Bucks.

Mr. W. Webb Auction 1917

Trinity House (date unknown)

LOT 6.

OLD STRATFORD

“Trinity House.”

WATLING STREET ROAD.

(2½ miles from Wolverton Station, L. & N.W.R.)

CHARMING RESIDENCE

Very private, compact and convenient, facing South, with TENNIS LAWNS, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, FLOWER and KITCHEN GARDENS, ORCHARD and small FARMERY with rich GRASS PADDOCK, containing together

3A.    1R   . 4P.

(more or less).

THE HOUSE contains: Portico with Verandah overlooking the Ouse Valley, Hall, Drawing, Dining, Breakfast and Morning Rooms, well fitted with china cupboards, shelves, glass cases and tiled grates; 11 Bed and Dressing Rooms, fitted with wardrobes and cupboards; a large Bathroom, well fitted, h. & c.; Lavatory and Linen Cupboards on Landing ; Butler's Pantry, fitted with h. & c. water, cupboards and shelves ; Servants' Hall, Kitchens, Scullery, Wash-house, Beer and Wine Cellars ; excellent Force Pumps (hard and soft water), with Tanks, all well and conveniently fitted, and usual Out-offices. An extensive Courtyard, approached from the Watling Street Road through double doors, to a building formerly a

SCHOOL HOUSE,

containing: Main Room (38ft. x 25ft.) and a Class-room (25ft. x lift.), with h.w. apparatus, Coach-house or Garage, Stables, Harness Room, Fowl Houses, and Farmery Buildings, &c. The PLEASURE GARDENS and TENNIS GROUND are tastefully arranged; the large KITCHEN GARDEN being well stocked with Fruit Trees, 3 Greenhouses, Potting and Tool Houses thereon.

The PADDOCK is a very valuable Pasture Field, having a river frontage, with Bathing Place, and a side draught for water therefrom if required.

The above would make an excellent Private Nursing Home, or adaptable for a Boys' or Girls' Private School.

The usual Landlord's Fixtures will be included in the Purchase. The fence between this Lot and Lot 7 is to belong to and be maintained by the purchaser of this Lot. Timber included. Modern Sanitary arrangements and excellent Water Supply.

Annual Rental, £80 0s. 0d.

(Late C. W. Powell, Esq.)

Outgoings: Land Tax, £2 3s. 7d.; Tithe, £2 12s. 10d.

Possession can be had on completion of purchase.

Auction result Lot 6: Trinity House, Watling Street-road, Old Stratford, rental £80; withdrawn at £1,400.

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Caves Garage

The Northampton Mercury September 6^th 1918

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED. Send terms and particulars to Cave, Trinity House, Old Stratford, Stony Stratford.

The Northampton Mercury May 16^th 1919

A NEW KNIGHT

Sir John Little Green, who is one of the new Knights, comes from an old Weedon family. His father left Weedon, where the family had lived for 200 years, and went to live at Wolverton. John Green attended school there in the early seventies, and later went to Trinity House School at Old Stratford.
After his schooldays he went into the offices of the railway works, but the land attracted him, and after three years in the railway offices he began tha long connection with agriculture and agricultural journalism which is so widely known. He was a great friend of Mr. Jesse Collings, and for many years edited the “Rural World.”

The Northampton Mercury May 16^th 1919

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED. Apply Cave, Trinity House, Old Stratford

The Northampton Mercury September 6^th 1918

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED. Send terms and particulars to Cave, Trinity House, Old Stratford, Stony Stratford.

The Northampton Mercury July 16^th 1920

3 TON MOTOR LORRIES, in good running order, from £250. Apply, C. H. Cave, Motor and General Engineer, Old Stratford, Stony Stratford, ‘Phones 17 and 25.

MOTOR-BOAT 16ft. by 5ft.; first-class running order; just re-painted and overhauled. Complete with bilge pump, awning, etc. Apply, C. H. Cave, Motor and General Engineer, Old Stratford, Stony Stratford,

The Northampton Mercury September 17^th 1920

C. H. CAVE,
GARAGE. OLD STRATFORD,
STONY STRATFORD.
DELIVERY FROM STOCK AND EARLY
 DELIVERIES OF "HUMBER."
"ALBERT," AND "G.W.K." CARS,
 Etc.
'Phone 17 and 25

Trinity House - Electoral Rolls

According to the Electoral Rolls, C. H. Cave was last recorded in 1939, the Electoral Rolls do not cover the war years so we cannot know the date when they left Trinity House. In 1947 Edwin and Ivy Cowan were recorded as living in Trinity House. 1948 & 1949 June: Harry and Gewndline Smith are living in Trinity House.

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The Green Parrot

The Green Parrot is first mentioned in the Electoral Rolls 1934 Electoral Rolls 1934 In Force 15th October 1934 - 14th October Electoral Rolls 1935 Barbara Leigh Hilda Smith Electoral Rolls 1935 Jessie Hunter Barbara Leigh Hilda Smith Electoral Rolls 1936 Jessie Hunter James Owen Jones Barbara Leigh Jack Westell Electoral Rolls 1938 &1939 Phineas John Oldfield Vera Evelyn Ryrie Oldfield Electoral Rolls 1946 Valerie M. Hawkes Margaret M.  Max Mary E. Max Patricia A. Max Electoral Rolls 1947 Margaret M.  Max Mary E. Max Electoral Rolls 1948 Margaret M.  Max Mary E. Max Electoral Rolls 1949 June Ann W. Jackson Margaret M.  Max Mary E. Max Ruth Max Electoral Rolls 1949 November Mary E. Max Now 12, London Rd. in re numbering 1949 George Mooney Jean Mooney

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River Garage


River Garage in 1952

The Easter family moved into Trinity House in August 1954 and took over the running of the garage in October of the same year. Bill and Paul Easter [newspaper image] View of River Garage and Trinity House The Wolverton Express October 26th 1979 Silver celebration for River Garage River Garage is celebrating its twenty-fifth birthday, looking back on a quarter of a century of service to thousands of satisfied motorists. Probably best known of its franchise with the Swedish firm of Saab, River Garage also specialises in sporting Alfa Romeo from Italy, and economical little Skoda from Czechoslovakia. It was in 1954 that Mr. William Easter took over the Trinity Garage at Old Stratford just north of the Great Ouse bridge on the A5 trunk road. Over the years he has made alterations to the original workshops and to the house which has had a chequered career. On its site there has been a café, a school and a pub, The Saracen’s Head. He also built himself a bungalow in the extensive grounds, so that both he and his co-director son Paul, ‘live over the shop.’ Mr. Easter senior is semi-retired, although he still plays an exceptionally active role. It is Paul, assisted by more than twenty members of staff, who runs the business. Motorist who stop for petrol or to report a breakdown probably do not know that Paul aster is an experienced rally driver, who has travelled to many parts of the globe. The manager of the Service Department, Mr. John Milner, used to build and maintain the cars in Paul’s rallying days. William Easter was born in Norwich and trained as an engineer in the North of England. For twenty five years he was with the construction firm William Press as plant manager. He was living in Barnet when he decided to look for premises to open a plant hire business and after looking at a number of sites chose one at Old Stratford. As it worked out he opened a service station and garage instead. How it was when William Easter took over the old filling station, twenty five years ago, too, have the outbuildings and workshops. Note the original petrol pumps with their overhanging arms, bearing a number of different brand names. The River Garage after modernisation in 1955 There is now a smart forecourt and Saab showroom. To the rear of the premises is another showroom, extensive workshop accommodation and offices. The petrol pumps now bear just one brand name – BP.

The Wolverton Express 5th April 1963 Rally among the tulips Last week for the third consecutive year. Mr. Paul Easter of the River Garage, Old Stratford, entered his Austin Seven mini car in the gruelling 2,000 mile Tulip Rally. After more than 7,000 miles on this rally, the car has proved itself the best from Britain in the 850c.c. touring class, Paul being placed sixth behind works entered D.K.W.s and Saabs. One experience which cost him a much higher position was when a wheel broke away when the car was travelling at more than 65 m.p.h. on a bend and in a special timed section where every second counts. Paul said afterwards: “The wheel broke away and the next thing we knew we were spinning in a shower of sparks. The wheel went bouncing down the mountain side.” His co-driver was Bob Freeborough, of Towcester, and this was their best-ever performance in an international rally. Fresh from his success, Paul is now preparing for the Acropolis Rally in Greece which he says will be “really tough.” Left to right: Timo Makinen, Paul Easter. The Wolverton Express 22nd January 1965 LEADING THE FIELD AT MONTE CARLO Old Stratford man in the winning car YESTERDAY (Thursday) came the unofficial news that Finnish driver Timo Makinen had won the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. Sharing the credit and the glory was his co-driver and navigator 26-year-old Paul Easter of the River Garage, Old Stratford. Their BMC Mini-Cooper “S”, travelling from Stockholm, was the only one of the 237 entries to complete the run to Monte Carlo without penalty points, with a fantastic last stage through a snow  storm. Timo and Paul began the last 380-mile mountain drive on Wednesday evening as firm favourites, the snow having put all but 33 of the other cars out of the running. Fingers were tightly crossed at the River Garage on Wednesday. Jubilant at their son's success in getting the only "clean” run Mr. and Mrs. Bill Easter eagerly awaited news of the final 380-mile mountain drive. Obviously proud of her rather quiet, intense son, whose passion is rally work, Mrs. Easter confessed to the” Express" that even she had been surprised at the suave, confident manner Paul displayed in a BBC interview on Tuesday night. “He knows how I worry," she said, and he rang me up from Monte Carlo to tell he was through ‘absolutely clean’. I knew the first car was supposed to be at 9 o'clock. Paul rang up at ten past ten and told me they had got through even though it meant charging snow drifts." Mr Bill Easter admitted Paul had evidently inherited his own love of fast motoring —this from a man who regularly travelled 60,000 miles a year on British roads in wartime, and still likes to drive fast. Paul, he explained, was sent for at short notice last September by BMC and put as navigator to Timo Makinen in the Tour of France. They hit it off  “like brothers " and Timo had been to stay at the River Garage since then. Navigating, he said, was often an even more arduous task than driving, and Paul had shown he was good at both, taking over for many stretches or the long journey from Stockholm. For Paul this Monte Carlo success is a marvellous belated birthday present. He was 26 on January 12. Mrs. Easter told the "Express" yesterday that B.M.C. had telephoned to say that Timo and Paul had won the Rally. Paul also rang his mother with the message "The car ran very well and the champagne is flowing!” Paul, said Mrs. Easter, had always been keen about cars and driving, ever since he was 18 months old, when they bought him his first pedal-car. He has had consistent, success in four Tulip rallies and had his first taste of a "Monte" last year in his own privately-entered Mini. "He eats, lives and sleeps rallies." she declared. He has spent an awful lot of money and he has worked hard on his own car." The Wolverton Express 29th January 1965 MONTE Carlo Rally winners. Timo Makinen and co-driver Paul Easter were so far in front on the final 11-hour mountain stage that they could afford to lose four minutes checking tyres—a thing which they would not have done had they been hard pressed. On Monday evening after leaving their Mini-Cooper S at the Racing Car Show in London, they went on to Birmingham to face television cameras. They dashed back to Paul's home at the River Garage, Old Stratford, in the evening, where they entertained rally and car club friends, including Bob Freeborough, of Towcester, who failed to complete the rally. In only their second rally together (in the first they failed to finish) the B.M.C. works pair were the only ones to reach Monte Carlo un-penalised. Paul drove during the early stages with Timo resting and preparing for the special stages. After the first two stages their Mini was first car on the road, and conditions were so bad that only ten minutes after a snow plough had been over the road snow was just as deep. Paul said they just drove at the snowdrifts as fast as they possibly could. Although they need not have stopped on the 11-hour mountain circuit they had decided to check the tyres and lost four minutes—their first penalties in the Rally. Both Timo (on his fourth rally) and Paul have driven privately entered Minis in the Monte, and last year in his first Rally, Paul failed to finish. Paul's friend and partner on numerous rallies Bob Freeborough described the achievement of winning what the experts claimed to have been the toughest rally on record, as "amazing." To finish at all was tremendous, added Bob. who went out when trapped by the snow on a mountain road Early on Tuesday morning Timo and Paul left for Monte Carlo, where they were to face American television cameras before going on to Brussels. On Sunday they will go to Helsinki, where Timo is assured of a tremendous welcome. Although he had lost many hours' sleep since the start of the Rally. Paul said he did not know just how much. Timo said he slept well on the Rally. The car was very comfortable and before the special stages he was asleep for 11 hours. 1965 MONTE CARLO RALLY Since 1911, when 23 stawarts first braved the hazards of the Monte Carlo road from Paris, Boulogne, Brussels, Berlin, Vienna and geneva, the Monte Carlo Rally has grown to be recognised as Europe's premier winter test of cars and drivers. The 1965 event was the 34th in the series. The blizzard which overwhelmed so many competitors during the final stages made the roads even more hazaedous than usual, and only 35 drivers finished out of 237 who left the starting points. The winning team were Finn, Timo Makinen and his British co-driver Paul Easter in their BMC Mini-Cooper 'S' - a second-year-running win for this model. Terence Cuneo's painting shows them during the last stages of the Rally on the run-in to St. Auban, in conditions that demanded the utmost in skill and concentration from the drivers. Also seen in the painting are P/ Harper and I. Hall's Sunbeam Tiger and R. Clark and A. Porter's Rover 2000, foremost amongst the other British cars which acquitted themselves so magnificently. The Wolverton Express January 28th 1966 Rally treatment upsets Paul WINNER of the Monte Carlo Rally until the controversial disqualification, Paul Easter, of Old Stratford, navigator for the “Flying Finn.” Timo Makinen, was furious and disgusted with treatment received from French officials. Paul, who has spent only a few hours at his home at River Garage between personal appearances, luncheons and BMC meetings, finds everyone sympathetic after the shock tactics received in Monte Carlo. The reception the three “winning” cars received on the Palladium Show last Sunday was fantastic, he said and everyone including the French press and especially the British public had given them a tremendous boost. Everyone regarded them as rightful winners, and the disqualification had brought extra publicity. Paul’s mother said “the disqualification is beyond me.” Agreeing that if the headlights were wrong at the end of the rally they should have been objected to at the start. Mrs. Easter could not understand why the organisers allowed Timo and her son to go out for the final test “unless they were hoping they would not finish it. This just shows that with “sportsmen there is no sportsmanship,” Mrs. Easter added. The technicality which robbed BMC of a hat-trick of “Monte” wins was the use of quartz-iodine bulbs in the main lights are extinguished and headlights of a standard Mini-Cooper S. To dip the main the fog-lights used for dipped beam. The Mini-Cooper driven by Makinen and Easter was the first of the three which thrashed the rest of the field in what Paul described as “a tough but fantastic rally.” [as written] The Wolverton Express 6th May 1966 Success in the Tulip Rally Paul Easter (right), of Old Stratford, and Timo Makinen who took part in the Tulip Rally which ended last Thursday. They tossed a coin with BMC team mates to see who would drive the modified Mini Cooper “S” – and lost. But with their standard car, the Monte Carlo Rally winners of 1965, still won their class and the category for production model cars. This was Paul’s sixth “Tulip” and he told me of their success on Monday, at his home, the River Garage. He arrived there on Sunday and was off to Greece to take part with Timo, in the modified Mini Cooper “S” this time, in the Acropolis Rally.