Page 106 - Reading Mercury

On Tuesday last, the annual jubilee commenced at Wokingham, (just at the
conclusion of the market) by the triumphal introduction of one of the intended victims
for the stake on St. Thomas-day. He was most numerously and exultingly, and
ushered in amidst the reiterated huzza’s of men, women and children, to the great
agitation of the proprietors of the earthen ware stalls who instantly packed up with
wonderful agility. After being driven in the true bull-baiting style to the most
conspicuous parts of the town., he was safely lodged at Mr. Alderman Lampard’s, the
Old Rose, but not till a very worthy representative of Majesty or Magistracy, in the
person of a constable, was unluckily (in the hurry) laid in the dirt, in the execution of
his office, when humanely officiating to insure the bull fair play. The fatigues of the
day being over, the evening concluded with ringing of bells and every demonstration
of joy.
A correspondent observes, the humane part of the inhabitants of the town of
Wokingham, are at length disappointed, for relying on the Clerical and Magisterial
professions of their present Magistrates, they had been for some months induced to
hope, that spot would now be rescued from its characteristic cruelty of Bull-Baiting;
but notwithstanding the overseers and churchwardens with-held their usual support, a
subscription was entered into by the lowest class, and a second bull was procured late
on the preceding evening. On Friday the first was brought to the stake in public
market, and underwent the usual severities.
After a respite of two or three hours, the second was brought to the stake for the
afternoon’s diversion, and, notwithstanding there were plenty of dogs’ it was pleasing
to observe, that no decent inhabitants seemed inclined to countenance the business.

1788

th
Mon 4 Feb
T A P L I N
Surgeon, Apothecary, and Man-Midwife,
MARKET-PLACE, WOKINGHAM
Impressed with a due sense of the very extensive, and constantly increasing
confidence for liberally reposed in him during an establishment of seven years, can no
longer delay the communication of his most grateful acknowledgments for so
flattering a promotion of interest in every part of the country. Consider himself
singularly fortunate that the stability of his practice has been long since sanctioned
with the stamp of public approbation, and it is a gratification of every wish that he can
with the strictest veracity assure his numerous friends, the system of assiduity and
moderation that first obtained their favours shall be most unremittingly adhered to for
their preservation
CHEMICALS, GALENICALS, and DRUGS of the first qualities, and Prescriptions
prepared with the greatest accuracy.

th
WOKINGHAM, 9 Feb. 1788
Mr. Willmot, Surgeon and Apothecary, returns thanks to his friends for their past
favors and informs them that his shop and business are relinquished to his nephew,
Mr. JOSEPH BUTTER, Surgeon, and begs leave to recommend him to their
patronage.---Mr. Willmot’s Books, Manuscripts, and Prescriptions, during forty years
successful practice, are given to his Nephew, and he will most readily give his advice
GRATIS to any patient of Mr. Butter’s which shall want his assistance.

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