250 YEARS AGO:

ON Friday last, Peter Yeates the younger, of the parish of St Peter, near Worcester, was committed to our county gaol to await trial.

He has been charged by a coroner’s inquest with feloniously killing and slaying Ann Yeates, his mother-in-law.

● Last Thursday night the outside shop shutters of Mr West, woollen draper in Worcester, were broke through and cloth to the value of about £7, that lay between the outside and inside shutters, was carried off without any discovery of the offenders.

200 YEARS AGO:

WORCESTER: General subscription free school.

The subscribers to the above institution are respectfully informed that the school is intended to be opened in little more than a month.

They are requested to send their recommendation of children on or before February 4 to the master, Henry Clements at 16 Fish Street. The labouring poor who are desirous of having their children taught at the above school and who have no recommendation are desired to leave their names and other particulars with the Master.

150 YEARS AGO:

THE Christmas holidays.

We believe the request of the Mayor of Worcester J Wood as to the closing of shops and trading establishments on Christmas Eve will be generally acceded to by the tradesmen of this city. The Mayor has very considerately expressed his earnest desire that Christmas Eve should be kept as a general holiday in this city. The day’s closure of shops and trading establishments will be complied with by the principal tradesmen of the city, thanks to the untiring exertions of the early closing association. The Christmas Eve closure will be a great boon to the working classes and will no doubt be properly appreciated by them. It is hoped that, in order to enable all engaged in business fully to enjoy the holiday thus afforded, the general public will assist by making their usual Christmas purchases as early as possible in the previous week.

100 YEARS AGO:

WORCESTER prison. On Sunday, at the invitation of the chaplain, Mr Bibbs brought into the prison a concert party whose members gave a choice selection of sacred music from the old masters.

Needless to state, it was a very great musical treat which was most thoroughly enjoyed by the audience of prisoners who would have liked to applaud, if allowed.

Solos, duets and quartets were performed by the singers including Cast Thy Burden and Abide with Me.