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The Wrexham Telegraph 1857

Editorial

Charter of Incorporation: The Public Enquiry

A print of our fine High Street & Town Hall earlier this century.
© Wrexham Archives

Wrexham will not have to wait long for a decision on whether the town is to be granted a Charter of Incorporation. The Public Inquiry opened Thursday last at the Town Hall.

Mr Buckton detailed the case for change: the lack of a recognised head for the whole town, no unanimity amongst the public officers when appointed, Wrexham Regis is divided from Wrexham Abbot, the Lighting department is split into four districts. Pigstyes and slaughterhouses abound unchecked by a Nuisance Removal Committee that has no power to affect any change. Everything depends upon the exertions of private individuals, and therefore is fitful and incomplete. Consequently nothing is done as it should be.

Mr Griffiths of Kings Mills opposed the Charter asserting that the expense to the ratepayers would be trebled and yet would still fail to solve the problems highlighted.

We feel the Charter will most unquestionably be advantageous to the town, but we doubt whether it will do away with the necessity of extra powers in an Improvement Bill, or through adopting the Health of Towns Act, if its supporters truly wish to clean up our town. (February 1857).

Wrexham Incorporated

The town bellman announced the news about the granting of the charter.
© Wrexham Archives

Information was received on Wednesday last that the Privy Council has decided to grant a Charter of Incorporation to the town of Wrexham. The borough comprises the whole of Wrexham Abbot and Wrexham Regis and part of Esclusham Below. Objections by Sir Watkin, Mr Yorke and others have been accepted: the Racecourse, land adjoining the railway and property around Kings Mills will be excluded from the borough. (May 1857)

Situations Vacant & Wanted

Wanted a sober steady man as HOUSESERVANT, who knows the duties of the situation and waits well at table.

Wanted by a Young Woman, a situation as WET NURSE.

TO BLAST FURNACEMEN: Wanted as UNDER FURNACE MANAGER, an active steady man, capable of taking charge occasionally if required. Apply Plas Isa Iron Works, Ruabon.

Wrexham Petty Sessions

Workhouse Escapees Go to Jail

Four boys of the ages of 11 and 12 were charged by Mr Bragger, the governor with running away from the Wrexham Workhouse. Three of the runaways said nothing in their defence, but the fourth gave as a reason that he had been beaten by the schoolmaster. The Chairman of the Bench said this sort of thing must be prevented and sent them to the House of Correction in Ruthin for 21 days with hard labour. (May 1857)

New Home For Militia

The Sergeant Major and six sergeants have taken formal possession of the new Depot. The armoury upstairs can hold arms for 450 men. The rooms of the officers are very snug, while that of the Sergeant Major most commodious. The depot is most timely as the Government has indicated its intention to call out one third of the militia for exercises owing to worsening relations with China. (June 1857)

Announcements

British School – Girl's Department

Miss Coghill, the Mistress, imparts instruction of such character as cannot fail to be the means of fitting Girls to fill the various spheres of industrial and domestic life. The branches taught are Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, English Grammar, Geography, History, Sewing and Knitting. The fees are 2d, 3d and 6d. (January 1857)

British School - Boy's Department

The school has recently been fitted with spacious galleries divided by curtains to allow the separate and efficient instruction of each class. The courses of instruction consist of the following branches: Reading, Writing, English Grammar, Arithmetic, Measurement, Geography, History, Latin, Drawing, linear and perspective. Fees vary according to age and attainment of the pupils, 2d to 6d. (January 1857)

Headmaster, assistant and pupil teachers, British School.
Note to readers: this photograph is for illustrative purposes only.
© Wrexham Archives

Dreadful and Fatal Accident at the Talwrn Colliery, near Wrexham

Four Lives Lost

On Friday morning a fearful explosion of firedamp took place at the Talwrn Coliery, Coedpoeth. The accident occurred at 9 o’clock and when the explosion was heard, utmost consternation was felt by all, as there were 24 men known to be working down the pit. Out of the 24 men, only 12 escaped, four were found dead on the spot, five others were badly burnt and the others less so. (August 1857).

Unwelcome Visitor During March Fair

An excitable bull entered the premises of Mr Powell, confectioner, Charles Street on Monday last. Mr Powell feared for his stock, but luckily for him, the bull did not have a sweet tooth and was coaxed out by its owner before any damage was done. (March 1857).

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