THE RELIEF of Mafeking and an assassination attempt on King George III were the historic events which captured the headlines in the World's oldest newspaper this week exactly a century ago and 200 years ago.

Berrow's Journal of May 26, 1900, was packed with dispatches from South Africa on the Relief of Mafeking.

"The following telegram has been received from Major-General Baden-Powell: 'Happy to inform you that Mafeking successfully relieved today.

'The Northern and Southern columns joined up on the 15th of May and attacked yesterday, the 16th. After a smart engagement, they entirely defeated the Boers, though with loss to both sides. British casualties were three killed and 22 wounded.

'The relieving force marched into Mafeking this morning at nine. The enemy appear to be retreating in all directions. The townspeople and garrison of Mafeking are heartily grateful for the relief.' "

The Journal went on to highlight "Rejoicings in Worcester and the District."

"The display of joy in the city was universal. Shopkeepers and property owners put out liberal displays of flags and bunting, and crowds were thronging the streets by the middle of the morning, Church bells rang out everywhere.

"In the evening there was a torchlight procession through Worcester's main streets. Excited crowds were joined by military bands for the singing of patriotic songs, and effigies of Kruger and other leading Boers were burned. Seldom has Worcester been so stirred. Worcester Cathedral was also packed for a service of thanksgiving."

Citizens seem to have been generally well behaved during the rejoicings, save for one local pub landlord. The Journal reported his City Police Court appearance: "William Blake (49), publican of The Ketch Inn, Worcester was charged with being drunk and disorderly in charge of a horse and trap at The Cross. He pleaded guilty and explained that he was returning from celebrations for the Relief of Mafeking. He was fined 10 shillings."

Two centuries ago this week, Berrow's Journal carried details of "The Attack on the Life of His Majesty" - George III.

"The King with the Queen and the four Princesses went to the Drury Lane Theatre for a performance of a comedy when the frightful incident happened. Just as His Majesty entered the Royal Box and was bowing to the audience, a man stood up in the second row of the orchestra, levelled a horse pistol towards the King's Box and fired it. Luckily, the shot missed and the man was overpowered."

It turned out that the would-be assassin was James Hadfield, a man with a history of lunacy. He was subsequently tried at the Old Bailey.

The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors sent the following message to the King: "Your Majesty's dutiful servants of your ancient and loyal City of Worcester send Your Majesty expressions of horror at the late atrocious attempt against Your Majesty's sacred person, and present our heartfelt congratulations on Your Majesty's escape from so great a danger."

The same Journal edition of 1800 also carried a report of a House of Commons debate during which MPs had heavily criticised a Worcestershire man, Samuel Waddington. The nation was then suffering severe and widespread shortages of wheat and other essential foods. The cost of provisions generally was sky high, and there had been a number of public riots, including one in Redditch.

The Journal said the Commons had agreed that criminal proceedings should be taken against Samuel Waddington. His crime had been to "address a large body of hop planters at the Worcester Hop Market and urge them not to harvest their crops while the price was £11 a hundredweight. He pressed them to wait until the price was £20 a hundredweight - a sum he believed brewers would be willing to pay."