This is local history dynamite. Top local history sleuth [Howmuch?] has been rooting through old papers again, and came upon the following article from the Walsall Observer, dated June 16th, 1888. The image is as rough as a badger’s bum (as you’d expect for the age of the paper) but I’ve transcribed it below. People who were involved in the ongoing debate about mining and engines on the common may well be interested in this.
Anyone know what the hell is going on here? Were these troops here for long? Was it a flying visit? Was this commonly done? Is there any other record? I’m fascinated by this, and it shows just what a top bloke [Howmuch?] is. If you pass a pair of feet sticking out from below some local point of interest, they’re probably his. Say hello and thanks as you hurry past…
Boozing and schmoozing into the next morning – living it up with the squaddies in 1888. Like, wow. From the Walsall Observer, 16th June 1888. Click for a larger version – text transcribed below.
The Canteen License.- At the police court, on Wednesday, before W. F. Gordon, I. T. Birch, and A. O. Worthington Esqrs. Superintendent Barrett informed their worships that on Saturday last two officers of the South Staffordshire Regiment, part of which were then stationed upon the Common, came to him with a message from Colonel Webb. setting forth that it was the intention of the authorities of the camp to open the canteen from 2 p.m. until seven on the following day Sunday for the convenience of the friends of the soldiers visiting them. He did not wish to do anything contrary to the authorities of the corps, but at the same time he did not think the wishes of the Bench were being carried out in opening the canteen to private personas at all on a Sunday, and he thought it strange conduct to open at such hours after what had been said when the license was granted by the Bench at a former sitting. No complaint, however, had been made about it. -Mr. Gordon asked if the Superintendent knew that it was opened.- The Superintendent said he did not know as a fact, as he did not send any officer down. He only knew that if such was the case it was a breach of what took place before the magistrates. -Mr. Gordon: And you have no proof that it was open? -Superintendent Barrett: I have not. I understood that it would not be generally known about Brownhills that it would be open, and that very few persons would be there. -Mr. Birch: The conditions on which the license was granted were that it should be open to soldiers only. – Superintendent Barrett was instructed to make known to the officers that the decision of the bench at their former meeting, a keep a look out on the place in future.