Music:
Beginnings F major
Ballad of Matilda G minor
Crusaders E minor
Now the cuckoo she sings D major
St John Eb major
Noble Hindrance A minor/C major
Sampford Fair C major
The Ghost House C minor
The Mill Wheel G major
Here's to you at Harvest Time E major
The Grand Western Canal A major
Spare the Rod Bb major
A Christmas Wassail E minor
Steam Train E minor
There wasn't time to say 'Goodbye' C
minor
Endings F major
Letters:
Letter from Edgar
to Britric October 1075
Letter from Sir Hugh Peverel August
1270
Letter from Hetty to brother April
1550
Letter from Celia to Henry May 1635
Letter from Martha to cousin June
1645
Letter from Rector to John Powlett
November 1760
Letter from Stephen to father January
1780
Letter from innkeeper to son Joseph
September 1800
Letter from Lizzie to Annie August
1810
Letter from Charles to William May
1811
Letter from James to Ethel April 1901
Letter from Rebecca to Flora December
1920
Letter from Matthew to Grandad February
1932
Letter from Dulcie to mother March
1940
Letter from Rosie to Sue July 1999
Now the cuckoo she sings
For the summer draws near
And the Earth she awakes from her tomb
For the fields they stand green
Where the dark earth hath been
And the flowers in the hedgrow they bloom
All the birds sing their song
As the days they grow long
And the robin she feathers her nest
And the frosts they are o'er
For a six-month or more
As the earth with a new life is blessed
In the meadows of hay
Where the lambs frisk and play
All the blossoms hang heavy and sweet
And the children they sing
For to welcome the Spring
Tis the time for young lovers to meet
Every maiden shall wear
Pretty flowers in her hair
And the young men they sport and they play
While the lark sings above
'Tis the season for love
For the best month of all it is May
SO HERE'S TO YOU AT HARVEST TIME
Come fill your cup with ale good folk
Let's drink the barrel dry
For harvest time is here again
And the summer she must die
So here's to you at harvest time
Come share a toast with me
Let's raise a glass to the year that's past
And the year that's yet to be
Our corn is safely gathered in
And stored is all our grain
The fields stand bare and empty now
Till Spring comes round again
The summer's fruit we've gathered now
Our lambs they are full grown
The berries hang both ripe and sweet
And the swallow she has flown
Our baskets they are full again
There's plenty for each one
Come celebrate our harvest home
Now all our work is done
Come fill your cup with ale good folk
Let's drink the barrel dry
For harvest time is here again
And the summer she must die
The night is clear, the stars are bright
We come to wish you good cheer tonight
Though frost and snow may chill the air
Our wassail greetings we'll gladly share
Wassail to one and all my friends
The new year begins as the old year ends
Each voice sings out so loud and strong
Wassail, wassail the whole night long!
A health to Tom, a toast to Joyce
You'll hear each old familiar voice
We singers come from far and near
This company is the finest you'll hear
Wassail to one and all my friends
The new year begins as the old year ends
Each voice sings out so loud and strong
Wassail, wassail the whole night long!
Come share with us this yuletide cup
And join the merriment as you sup
Let hearts be joyful and spirits free
While passing time with good company
Wassail to one and all my friends
The new year begins as the old year ends
Each voice sings out so loud and strong
Wassail, wassail the whole night long!
With lamp and lantern you may be sure
We'll sing a carol at every door
We'll wake you all with a shout of cheer
And wish our neighbours a Happy New Year!
Wassail to one and all my friends
The new year begins as the old year ends
Each voice sings out so loud and strong
Wassail, wassail the whole night long!
I loved a Saxon from the north
A man of beauty, a man of wealth
A handsome Thane of noble birth
Who said he could not marry
I gave him wine and I made him lace
I served him venison, danced with grace
Perhaps he just did not like my face
He said he would not marry
Alas, alack to have loved in vain
For she was spurned with a cold disdain
He'll never forget Matilda's name
Because he did not marry
We treated him as a royal guest
We only offered the very best
But even then he was not impressed
And still refused to marry
I begged my father to offer my hand
To give my Britric a castle grand
I'd even have travelled to Saxon land
If only he would marry
Alas, alack to have loved in vain
For she was spurned with a cold disdain
He'll never forget Matilda's name
Because he did not marry
Revenge is sweet it is often said
And William of Normandy I did wed
So I am Queen of England instead
As Britric would not marry
Now surely he will rue the day
His lands he'll forfeit, I'll make him pay
In Winchester gaol may he rot away
Because he would not marry
Close your eyes and see the valley, green and gentle
Watch the lark take wing across the sky
Clouds are drifting, slowly making shadows on the hillside
Overhead the swallows fly
Close your eyes and see the sun is almost setting
In the field the cattle stand so still
By the stream the otter stops and listens for a moment
Dusk is falling o'er the hill
Millions of years have come and gone
Seas have dried and rocks moved on
Mighty creatures now long dead
Walked this land with heavy tread
Then the rivers new and pure made the valley green once more
Made a place for bird and beast to build a home
Shaped the meadow, formed the waterfall
And God laid His finger on this corner of the earth
And blessed it with a beauty for us all
Close your eyes and hear the story now unfolding
Listen to our tales from long ago
Look around - there's magic if you stop for just a moment
Here is our heritage, the past that makes us whole
Here is our village, our life, our soul.
From Tiverton to Sampford Halt we follow the track
Never look back
And as we cross the countryside we toe the line
Arrive on time
Ooh, ooh, we got music in our heart
Ooh, ooh and a love of rock and roll
Ooh, ooh we got power in our wheels
And rhythm in our soul
The services we offer are the very best
Never a rest
You'll see the steam a-flying when the pressure's on
You'll hear our song
CHORUS
Water and coal
Iron and steel
Fire in your belly is all you can feel
Wait for the flag
Whistle will blow
Open the throttle and let yourself go!
The engine gleams, the fire burns bright, we thunder along
Noble and strong
We love it when our pistons start to oscillate
Accelerate
CHORUS
From Tiverton to Sampford Halt we follow the track
Never look back
And as we cross the countryside we toe the line
Arrive on time
CHORUS
From a far-off land
Came a call to arms
As the Duke of Cornwall rallied men to fight
And the bold Sir Hugh
Heard it loud and clear
And swore to do his duty as a knight
So they set their sails
For a distant shore
To fight for God and country was their aim
In the heat and dust
Of a foreign land
They proudly cried the King of England's name
Knights in shining armour
Marching forth with pride
Promising all Christendom to save
Knights in shining armour
Noble men and brave
Fighting in their glorious crusade
In the olive groves
Of a strange new land
Was heard the sound of many a battle cry
And the sun beat down
On these English men
Who held their ground, each banner lifted high
And the good Sir Hugh
With his quest complete
To Sampford village homeward made his way
And he gave his thanks
With a gift to God
The church you proudly worship in today
CHORUS
We sing aloud both strong and proud
Our voices ring to ask you in
Across the valley hear our song
We are the bells of good St. John
Here we come to kneel in prayer
Welcomed in, God's love to share
Each arrayed in Sunday best
Friend and neighbour - all are blessed
Have you heard the news? Missus Brown has had another!
Yes, the Christening's next week
Well I never! - fourteen mouths to feed
And those twins of hers - I know
Went to Tiverton last Friday
But they'll never find a job
Never seen a pair so idle
From the cradle to the grave
Every sermon seeks to save
Lizzie's walking out with a boy from Holcombe Rogus
Seems a quiet sort of chap
Time she married - settled down at last
Jenny Cooper's named the day
Ooh I love to see a wedding!
He's got money so they say
Well his father went to Blundells
Alice Smith is not too good - seems her memory is fading
No - she'll never last the month
Well she must be nearly ninety-eight!
She'll be buried next to Tom
There's a headstone ready, waiting
How she's missed him all these years
Always came to church on Sundays
Bless our fam'lies - every one
Praise the Father and the Son
In the middle of the night when it's quiet as a grave
There are strange things a-happ'ning in the house of Mister Chave
There are tappings, there are knockings, there are voices in the night
There are murmurings and mutterings but nobody in sight
CHORUS
Maids Knock three times on the ceiling!
Villagers Who's there?
Maids Bang that mop on the floor!
Villagers What's that!
Maids Shake those curtains - move the furniture about
Blow out the candles - let them tremble - let them doubt
Villagers Ooh, this is very scary!
Send for Reverend Cotton he will surely sort this out!
In the house of Mr. Chave many tales are still untold
Though the stories we have listened to would make your blood run cold!
All the maids have had a beating but they couldn't say from whom
And a ghostly apparition has been seen to cross the room
CHORUS
In the house of Mr. Chave, things are not what they may seem
For the maids know all the secrets, they have hatched this little scheme
But a ghost in Sampford Peverill makes each visitor impressed
As we haven't any evidence we'll let the matter rest!
CHORUS
They came with pick and shovel for to work upon the land
From far and near they travelled for the wages in their hand
They came to dig and cut and build, these strong and hardy men
And the Grand Western Canal started life in eighteen-ten
The work was hard, the day was long but steadily it grew
And water flowed from spring and stream to make the dream come true
The bridges built, the locks complete, the high embankments made
And now at last the barges journeyed down to ply their trade
Carrying lime, carrying stone, weighed with sand and clay
Pulled by sturdy horses they would slowly make their way
Carrying coke, carrying coal, laden with supplies
Oh it was a wondrous sight to see a barge go by!
Across each bridge and aqueduct the great canal did wend
And past each farm and quarry, as the path would gently bend
So greetings were exchanged at every lock and wharf and quay
For the Grand Western Canal was an exciting place to be
The waterlilies flowered when the summer days grew long
And waterhen and coot were heard to swell the evening song
But still the barges travelled through this valley every day
From Tiverton to Taunton they would surely make their way
Carrying lime, carrying stone, weighed with sand and clay
Pulled by sturdy horses they would slowly make their way
Carrying coke, carrying coal, laden with supplies
Oh it was a wondrous sight to see a barge go by!
And now along this great canal, 'tis only ghosts you'll hear
Though phantom barges drift from sight if you should wander near
A horse's hooves may echo 'neath the bridges late at night
And the memories come flooding back to fill you with delight
Carrying lime, carrying stone, weighed with sand and clay
Pulled by sturdy horses they would slowly make their way
Carrying coke, carrying coal, laden with supplies
Oh it was a wondrous sight to see a barge go by!
Matthew, Mark and Luke and John In fourteen hundred and ninety-two
Bless the bed that I lie on Columbus sailed the ocean blue
Keep me safely through the night The Normans invaded in ten sixty-six
Till I wake at morning light When William the Conqueror was up
to his tricks
Doh soh soh mi re la re One nine is nine
Ti re soh soh soh doh doh Two nines are eighteen
Doh soh soh mi re la re Three nines are twenty-seven
Ti re soh soh soh doh doh Four nines are thirty-six
Wash your hands and clean your face
Hush when Master takes his place
Pay attention, stand up straight
Don't be cheeky, don't be late!
Don't be cheeky, don't be late!
Education makes us strong
Teaching children right from wrong
In your lessons take a pride
Spare the rod and spoil the child!
Spare the rod and spoil the child!
Check each day for spots or lumps
Scarlet fever, measles, mumps
God will put us to the test
We can only do our best
We can only do our best
School will teach them how to spell
How to read and count as well
Watch them grow with love and pride
Spare the rod and spoil the child
Spare the rod and spoil the child
The country stands divided - it's soul is torn apart
With brother fighting brother - t'would break a mother's heart
For three long years we've battled through hunger, pain and death
Yet England still is murmured on each dying soldier's breath
Fight for King and country Fight for God and freedom
For all that you hold dear From tyranny and fear
England shall be strong again Steady with your nerve my boys
As victory draws near The path ahead is clear
Those Puritans will suffer Those Royalists will suffer
They'll know the smell of fear We hold our country dear
And England shall be saved And England shall be saved
England shall be saved England shall be saved
England shall be saved England shall be saved
By the noble Cavalier By the loyal volunteer
Stand to your arms!
We fight for England now
Make it ready
Give fire!
We will give them something to remember
Raise the banner high with pride!
England shall be saved
England shall be saved
By the (noble Cavalier) (loyal volunteer)
How long we all have suffered - yet still the strife goes on
The march of weary soldiers - the musket and the gun
Our countryside is plundered, our property is seized
While strangers sleep beside us and steal whate'er they please
Who knows which side may triumph - for Cromwell or the King?
It's us who'll bear the cost, whatever victory may bring
May God take pity on us - may all this turmoil cease
Just give us back our livelihoods, our village and our peace
Close your eyes and see the valley, green and gentle
Watch the lark take wing across the sky
Clouds are drifting, slowly making shadows on the hillside
Overhead the swallows fly
Close your eyes and see the sun is almost setting
In the field the cattle stand so still
By the stream the otter stops and listens for a moment
Dusk is falling o'er the hill
Hundreds of years have come and gone
Still village life keeps moving on
Bells ring out both loud and clear
Calling our neighbours far and near
Here the rivers sweet and pure make our valley green once more
Make a place for bird and beast to build a home
Shape the meadow, form the waterfall
What joy to be living in this garden of the world
A blessing and a beauty for us all
This is where our history is still unfolding
As we watch the seasons come and go
Look around - there's magic if you stop for just a moment
This is our heritage, the past that makes us whole
This is our village, our life, our soul.
Acorn to oak, blossom to berry
So must the seasons follow their pattern
Waiting for Spring and the swallows' return
Just like the mill wheel the year must turn
Green leaves to brown, summer is over
Mist in the morning - must be the Autumn
Round to the north and the winter wind blows
Round like a circle the mill wheel goes
The north wind doth blow
And we shall have snow
And what will the robin do then poor thing?
He'll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
And tuck his head under his wing,
Poor thing!
Acorn to oak, blossom to berry
So must the seasons follow their pattern
Waiting for Spring and the swallows' return
Just like the mill wheel the year must turn
Buds on the branch, winter is over
Lambs on the hillside welcome the Springtime
Here in the hedgerow the primroses grow
Round like a circle the mill wheel goes
Lent crock, give a pancake
Or a fritter for my labour
Or a dish of flour or a piece of bread
Or what you please to render
I see by the latch there's something to catch
I see by the string
There's a good dame within
Trap, trapping throw
Give me my mumps and I'll be go
Acorn to oak, blossom to berry
So must the seasons follow their pattern
Waiting for Spring and the swallows' return
Just like the mill wheel the year must turn
Long grow the days, long grow the shadows
Bees are a-buzzing - must be the summer
Over the valley the warm breezes blow
Round like a circle the mill wheel goes
I place my shoes like a letter T
In hopes my true love I shall see
In his apparel and his array
As he is now and every day
Acorn to oak, blossom to berry
So must the seasons follow their pattern
Waiting for Spring and the swallows' return
Just like the mill wheel the year must turn
Flower to fruit, apples to cider
Time for the harvest, gathered together
Down through the valley the river still flows
Round like a circle the mill wheel goes
Monday for wealth Hempseed I sow
Tuesday for health Hempseed I throw
Wednesday is the best day of all This the best day of all
Thursday for crosses Hempseed I sow
Friday for losses Hempseed I throw
Saturday there's no luck Now there's no luck
No luck at all No luck at all
Acorn to oak, blossom to berry
So must the seasons follow their pattern
Waiting for Spring and the swallows' return
Just like the mill wheel the year must turn
Baby to child, maiden to mother
Here in the village, time paints it's picture
Round like a circle our lives ebb and flow
Round like a circle the mill wheel goes
THERE WASN'T TIME TO WAVE 'GOODBYE'
They tied a label round my neck
Put some choc'late in my pocket
With my gas mask in a box
And they told me not to cry
Then there were people everywhere
And my mother started crying
Someone took me by the hand
But there wasn't time to wave 'Goodbye'
I watched the houses flying past
Ate the choc'late in my pocket
Held my teddy very close
Watched the city passing by
The teacher said we mustn't fret
That the bombs would never reach us
But I wanted to go home
And I tried my hardest not to cry
Then my world turned green and I breathed the country air
There were fields of sheep - there were chickens everywhere
And I found myself in a nice, big house
With a cup of milk tasting warm and sweet
And a lady smiled as she tucked me in
And I said my prayers as I fell asleep
How I wish you could see all the blossom on the trees
And the green, green fields and the flowers and the bees!
There's a hill all yellow where the primroses grow
And we wake each morning when the cockerels crow
Every sheep seems to eat through the whole day long
And you'd never believe where the milk comes from!
If only you could be here too
Then my life would be quite perfect
But I miss you very much
Being homesick makes me cry
I wish this war would soon be done
Then we all could be together
For I'll never forget that day
When there wasn't time to say 'Goodbye'
April morning and fair the weather
Greet your neighbour and be of good cheer
For this the day we all share together
The finest Monday in all of the year
Come ye tanners and come ye smithies
Come ye ploughboys your labours to share
Bring your cattle, your sheep, your horses
Make your fortune at Sampford fair
Carts are laden, the street is crowded
There's hardly room for the cattle to pass
You've never heard such a great commotion
The day of the fair is here at last
CHORUS
'Oh don't sell Daisy - I love her dearly
She'll not be happy away from our farm
I know she's old and her milk is failing
But if she's contented then what is the harm?'
CHORUS
'I'll give you a dozen - these eggs are the finest
If you will part with that fat little pig'
'You must be joking - he's worth a king's ransom
It took me all winter to get him this big!'
CHORUS
'Now who will offer their labour this April?
So many fields for you young men to plough
I'll give you a-lodging and ale a-plenty
If you'll be willing to work for me now'
SAMPFORD PEVERELL
Beginnings Chorus
Ballad of Matilda Solo female + Childrens Chorus
Crusaders Male Chorus
Now the cuckoo she sings Childrens Chorus
St. John Chorus + 3 female gossipers
Noble Hindrance Chorus of Roundheads + Cavaliers
Sampford Fair Childrens Chorus + soloists
The Ghost House Childrens Chorus + 3/4 maids
The Mill Wheel Childrens Chorus + small groups/soloists
Here's to you at Harvest Time Chorus + soloists
The Grand Western Canal Childrens Chorus
Spare the Rod Female Chorus + 4 school groups
A Christmas Wassail Chorus + male solo
Steam Train Childrens Chorus
There wasn't time to say 'Goodbye' Solo child
Endings Chorus
6 Chorus numbers
2 Male Chorus
1 Female Chorus
6 Childrens Chorus
================================================
4 adult female soloists
2 male soloists
3/4 young women soloists
1 very strong child soloist
Opportunities for several soloists of any age/gender!
================================================
THE SAMPFORD STORY
Beginnings
Letter from Edgar to Britric October 1075
Ballad of Matilda
Letter from Sir Hugh Peverel August 1270
Crusaders
Letter from Hetty to brother April 1550
The Fair
Letter from Celia to Henry May 1635
Now the cuckoo she sings
Letter from Martha to cousin June 1645
Noble Hindrance
Letter from Rector to John Powlett November 1760
St. John
Letter from Stephen to father January 1780
The Mill Wheel
Letter from innkeeper to son Joseph September 1800
Here's to you at Harvest Time
Letter from Lizzie to Annie August 1810
The Ghost House
Letter from Charles to William May 1811
The Grand Western Canal
Letter from James to Ethel April 1901
Spare the Rod
Letter from Rebecca to Flora December 1920
A Christmas Wassail
Letter from Matthew to Grandad February 1932
Steam Train
Letter from Dulcie to mother March 1940
There wasn't time to say 'Goodbye'
Letter from Sue to Rosie July 1999
Endings
I, Hugh Peverel,
Together with many others in the company of the illustrious Earl Richard of Cornwall, have attached the sign of the holy cross on my mantle in the presence of the Bishop of Winchester and other great prelates. I am leaving my wife, family and earthly possessions under the protection of God and setting out to Jerusalem on the one hand for the grace of the pilgrimage and on the other to wipe out the defilement of the pagans and the immoderate madness through which innumerable Christians have already been oppressed, made captive, and killed with barbaric fury. With this charter I commit myself to the service of God and St. Peter, and hereby pledge to build a Church in His name in the village of Sampford Peverel, commending myself to the prayers of the loyal inhabitants, and if I should die, confirming my gift of alms to be distributed each year in the second week of Lent.
Britric,
News of your arrest for forfeiture and confinement at Winchester grieves me greatly. It is hard to estimate how many tears have been shed over the misdoings carried out by the brutish Normans, and my heart burns with anger at the plight of so many fellow Thanes and Jarls of such noble lineage. Yet, despite my great efforts and earnest pleas, the court will not budge over your sentence. I am fortunate enough to hold still, some degree of influence in this broken nation; and yet to risk open defiance of their partisan law would - as you must understand - put many others in jeopardy.
My messenger brings meat and other necessities for your consumption, but no coin as the guards would steal it. He also carries news from your family. I believe your uncle Ealdred is now recovered from his wounds, and may direct his attention to your plight. I remain as ever your friend and Lord, and can only urge you the more to hold fast and keep hope. Powerful enemies have caused your downfall, but perhaps in time, if the situation changes, you may be re-instated.
God keep you in good health.
Edgar
Dear Brother,
Well, the winter is passed and we are nearly ready for fair day. Samuel's pigs will surely fetch a good price this time - we've had several large litters this Spring. He's decided to sell the horse though - she's been a good mare but her strength is going and she cannot do the heavy work that's needed around this place. We shall have to look for a younger one this year. Elizabeth is most distressed - she loved the old thing.
I am sending this letter to ask if you will be over this way soon. We are expecting our fifth shortly and I would be grateful if you could return the cradle. I am sure your youngest has outgrown it and the way I feel, this child is surely not going to wait long!
Samuel says I'm a good old sow.
Give my regards to Ruby - I hope her back is not troubling her.
Your affectionate sister,
Hetty
Dear Flora,
I'm sorry you cannot come for Christmas. We have made the Christmas cake and Mummy let me do the icing. It took me all morning and I felt quite sick afterwards.
What is it like having mumps? I bet you look very funny. I have written to Father Christmas and asked for a new dolls house, but Mummy says I am not to be optimistic as he has many demands on him at this time of year.
I hope it snows. Do you remember the huge snowman we built last year? Daddy still hasn't found his cap and is quite cross about it even now. Charlie and I are going out with the carol-singers tonight. We have been making a lantern especially for it. Last year my toes got so cold that I am going to wear three pairs of socks this time.
Perhaps you can come for the new year if your lumps have gone.
Merry Christmas from your cousin,
Rebecca
I hope you are all well. Have there been any air-raids near you?
We saw a German plane yesterday and Alice Watson said she saw the pilot waving at her. He was flying very low and all Mr. Edwards cows started running across the field. Mr. Edwards was very cross and muttered all through his dinner.
Auntie let me go to collect the eggs this morning - did you know that hens really sit on them? They taste so good - why did we never get them at home?
Our teacher is very strict - I had to stand in the corner on Thursday for talking to Emily Johnson. It wasn't fair because she asked me a question first but Mr. Samuel wouldn't listen. At least I didn't get the cane.
When can I come home Mummy? Auntie is very kind but I keep crying at bedtime and she says it's time I stopped. I try really hard but I can't help it. Please come and visit soon.
Love Dulcie
PS. My shoes are getting too tight
Well at last I've unpacked all the boxes and got some curtains up! The house is lovely and I wish you could see the view - right across to Blackborough. The garden needs a bit of work but this warm Devon air is just the job for being outside and the soil is beautiful. I've already marked off a vegetable patch!
The village is delightful - everyone is so friendly - they all stop to say hello.
Jean (next door) has popped in twice this week to see how I'm getting on. The first time she brought a fruit cake -I can see I shall put on weight living here! The children have settled in well and are both off playing with friends this morning. The school has made them feel very welcome and they love their new teachers.
I've been to the church - you'd be amazed at the history this place seems to have - I'd no idea - right back to Sir Hugh somebody or other. The canal cuts through the village and is a lovely place to walk. You must come when the weather gets better and we can take the dogs there. It's so easy to get here with Tiverton Parkway station just up the road.
Didn't you say your Mum was evacuated somewhere round here during the war? Do ask her where she was - wouldn't it be funny if it was Sampford Peverel!
Well I must get on with a bit of sewing - I've nearly finished the curtains in Oliver's room. It's been such an upheaval but I know I shall be very happy here and can't wait for you to visit!
Lots of love,
Rosie
Dear Ethel,
I hope you are in good health. I have enjoyed a welcome break and now am ready for a return to the classroom. The numbers on the school roll are rising - goodness knows where I shall put them all. I just hope we do not have another epidemic of scarlet fever like last term.
We have fairly good attendance here - though I lose a good few during the harvest. The girls have a new sewing teacher this term. I hope she is effective - it is so important for the girls to learn these domestic skills - they can never manage the arithmetic - it seems quite beyond them. As long as they learn to behave politely and to be quiet and docile I shall have achieved my aim.
Did I tell you we have now replaced all the old school slates with paper and books?
This has been a blessing as you can imagine.
inspection
I shall endeavour to visit you in August.
Your loving brother,
James
Dear William,
You can hardly have failed to hear of the excitement and goings-on in Sampford of late.
I have already told you of the disruption caused by the building of the canal. We have been inundated with labourers of every kind until the village would fairly burst.
Several of these navvies have been discontented with the delay of their wages. So much so, that three weeks ago, after considerable drinking and other various excesses, a small riot took place here in the village. Betsy heard the commotion and summoned me to the window. Well by this time, there were 300 or so men making a right nuisance of themselves - you've never heard such a din.
They all congregated at Mr. Chave's house (you remember the one who had the 'ghost'!). After throwing a few bricks and stones, old Chave decided to take the law into his own hands. He fired a loaded pistol into the mob and of course one of them gets killed. It was a close thing not to have had even more bloodshed in the village, but luckily common sense prevailed and things slowly quietened down.
Well of course there had to be an inquest and Chave got away with 'justifiable homicide' but I think he'll have to watch his step from now on. There's a lot of ill-feeling around.
Now, I've brought you up-to-date with our news. You'll see the new canal next time you visit. It'll be a blessing when it's finished. I hope business is going well.
Give my regards to Elizabeth,
Your old friend,
Charles
Dear Henry,
The countryside here is beautiful - there are primroses everywhere and I have never heard such bird-song! Sometimes there seem to be a dozen skylarks rising from the field at once. As the men return from mowing they still have enough breath for a song as well.
I am sure this excursion will do me good - I already feel much refreshed.
You would not believe the activity in this area. Why the whole town and country is employed for at least twenty mile round in spinning, weaving, dressing and scouring, fulling and drying of serge. It seems this part of the land turns out the most money in a week of anything in England.
I have purchased also a pair of knitted stockings which have become so fashionable these days. Here both the men and the women knit as they lead their beasts to the field or as they walk to market! It is a truly rural Springtime scene from my window here in Sampford Peverell.
I shall return to London at the beginning of June.
Your most affectionate sister,
Celia
Dear Annie,
I have been thinking of you of late and wondering how you are liking your new employment in Exeter. Is it a very big house? How many maids and servants does your master keep?
Mistress has just been delivered of a sixth girl - though the babe seems weakly and not likely to live long. Master is away quite often these days - I think the wool business is doing well - at any rate there's no shortage of money, though we have not seen an increase in wages for three years.
I wonder if you have heard reports about our little event in Sampford? We've even been in the Taunton Courier! You must remember Mr. Chave - lives in Higher Town. Well, he's never been easy to get on with - Gladys Cooper left his employ after two weeks!
His maids have been scared to death over some ghostly apparition they've seen and all sorts of weird noises in the night. It got so that no-one dare visit the shop and Reverend Cotton from Tiverton had to come and investigate.
He spent 6 nights in that place and couldn't find anything! Now you know that Emmie and Cicily can be very silly girls - I think they've tried to put the wind up him. They even showed us all the bruises the ghost had given them! Well, I ask you........
Mr. Marriot from the Taunton Courier more or less said it was the maids themselves who did it! I wouldn't be surprised.
I am hoping to visit Exeter next month and wondered if we might meet. I will write again when I know which day I may take leave.
Take care of yourself,
Your dear friend,
Lizzie
To John, Earl Powlett November 1760
My Lord,
I write as your humble servant to ask for financial assistance with the recasting of our five bells in the church of St. John, Sampford Peverell. Thomas Bilbie of Cullompton has looked at our situation and can fulfil this task by next year. He is by all accounts a good craftsman and well-respected in the area. I am sure he will give us good terms.
Mr. Francis Surrage and Mr. Hugh Sweetland have offered to contribute towards this purchase. They are stalwart men and conscientious church wardens who take their responsibility seriously. Our congregation continues to grow slowly though there is much still to be done to spread God's word in the parish. Some of the young people are still wayward and need a guiding hand.
I remain Sir, your obedient servant,
John Adney,
Rector of Sampford Peverell and Uplowman
Dear Cousin,
I know not how to tell you of our sad circumstances. Suffice to say I have lost my dearest son and my husband lies injured most grievously. I do not know where Richard fell - a kind comrade came to bring me his Bible. He died quickly by all accounts which is a blessing. I fear for John's life as his wounds are deep and he is much affected by Richard's death.
I had thought we had seen the worst here in Devonshire - we have had soldiers quartered in the village, our supplies have been interrupted and anything we glean from the fields is taken by the army. We had remained loyal to the King but now after so many cruel and inhuman acts I care not who rules the land but yearn for peace and an end to this senseless slaughter.
Fairfax has swept through this place and taken Tiverton castle. Indeed, there wqas a skirmish just outside Sampford itself. He must be advancing westwards as Rupert still holds Bristol. We can only pray this war will end soon while there are still young men to work the land and children to be fed and clothed.
I pray for all of us and send you my great affection,
Your loving cousin,
Martha
Dear Grandad,
Thank you very much for the toffees you sent for my birthday. I have nearly finished them.
Wasn't it exciting news about that train breaking the world speed record? 77 miles in 56 minutes - I wish I could have seen it. I think it was called 'The Cheltenham Flyer'. You must have been very proud to have worked for the Great Western Railway.
'The Cornish Riviera' came through Sampford the other day and we all went to see it. You should have seen the shining brass. I'm painting a model train that I had for my birthday but it's really hard to get the right colour green for the engine. You'll have to help me when you come at Easter. Harry and I go to the station every weekend and train-spot - I'm keeping a notebook of all the engine numbers. I'll show you in the holidays.
Thank you again for the toffees,
Love from Matthew
Dear Joseph,
I do not know when you will receive this letter - or exactly where you may be living at this time. I hope someone may be able to forward this to you quickly. I know we have had our differences in the past, but I do beg you to reconsider my offer of work here in the village.
I am not getting any younger and your mother and I are finding it hard to keep the business going. Inn-keeping is not an easy life and my back is giving me trouble. Lifting those barrels causes much pain and Ruth is not very strong. We did have young James helping but he has gone off to Exeter and we are sorely in need of extra hands.
We have always done our best for you and the business should stay in the family. Please think of your duty to your parents. There's money to be made if you've a sound head on your shoulders, and the villagers like a good glass of ale and a gossip.
Your mother is anxious about you. I beg you reply at your earliest convenience,
Regards,
Father
Dear Father,
I have now reached a small village, not far from Tiverton, called Sampford Peverell. I am staying in one of the fine inns here and enjoying good food and company.
You will be pleased to hear I am learning much about the wool industry and have seen several 'spinning jennys' put to effective use. There is a fulling mill here in the village and I have spoken at length to the workers - they certainly turn out fine cloth in the area.
There are already one or two lambs in the fields, though the wind is coming from the north and I wonder how they will survive. It is cold work in the mill and I shall be glad when warmer weather arrives. I travel to Tiverton on Friday.
I remain your dutiful son,
Stephen