Page 103 - Reading Mercury

from a suspicion that some of the prisoners’ irons were not safe, had searched them in
the morning, and discovered that some of them were sawed almost through, which
plainly indicated a design to attempt n escape; he therefore had them new ironed, and
a chain fastened to the floor of the room in which they were confined, which was run
through their irons, and two additional guards were stationed in the gaol. It appears
that a link of the chain had been previously cut in such a manner, that they could
easily let themselves loose, which unluckily was not perceived by the Keeper, or
blacksmith; and a hole of only nine inches wide; and nine and a half long, having been
made in the boards of the ceiling, (tho’ 11 feet high) they crept through it into the
roof, and taking some tiles off, let themselves down by the help of their bedding,
which they had cut in pieces and tied together. The watchman met two of them in an
entry not far from the gaol, with their fetter on, and not withstanding he instantly gave
the alarm, and pursuit was made after them, they could not be traced; nor has the least
intelligence been since heard of them. Two ladders were found to have been placed
near the gaol, to favour their escape, from which, and other circumstances, there is no
doubt but they had accomplices. By the confession of some of the other prisoners, we
find that the board had been cut several months before, and that a piece of paper had
been artfully pasted over it and plaistered and chalked over, so that it could not be
discovered.

th
Mon 9 April
FLORIST FEAST
th
On Wednesday, the 18 day of April, 1787, at Wm Fouch’s the sign of the Red
Lion, Wokingham, the following prizes will be given, viz.
A handsome Piece of Plate of a good value, to him that shews half a dozen of the
best and compleatest trusses of Auriculas, one of a sort, not less than five pips upon
each truss. And a Piece of Plate of 10s. value to him that shews the second best ditto.
Particulars as above.
A Piece of Plate, of 10s. value, for him that shews half a dozen of the best trusses of
Polyanthos’, not less than five pips upon each, and to prove on oath that his blossoms
are of his own blowins, from his own plants. And Five Shillings to him that shews
the second best ditto. Particulars as above.
And 5s. to him that shews the best dish of Hyacinths,---Particulars as above.
No person to shew more than one dish.
The prizes to be determined by three umpires, chosen by the majority of the
company
Mr. HOLTON, Stewards
Mr. STIVE,
**Tickets 3s. 6d. each, dinner included; and every person to be entitled to one
shilling’s worth of liquor.
Dinner to be on the table at one o’clock precisely.

On Monday, being the grand Easter Hunt, a remarkable fine deer, one of those
brought sometime since from his Grace the Duke of Beaufort’s, will be turned out, at
ten o’clock, before his Majesty’s hounds, at the Golden Ball, near Wokingham. From
the great number of nobility and gentry, already arrived in the neighbourhood, and
those that are expected to attend on his Majesty at that time, ‘tis supposed that the
meeting will be uncommonly brilliant. All the stables in the environs of the Forest, are
already full. Great sport is expected.

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