Newspaper searches (Daft and Hickling) are complicated by:

• Hickling as a surname rather than the place
• Hickling & Daft in many cricket & football reports (particularly, local celebrity, Richard Daft) – see 24/1/1891.
• Daft – solicitor of Nottingham

In addition, the Daft family appear in the C20th in reports of the Horticultural Shows as well as attending weddings and funerals in the village.

In Chronological Order:

1734: Leicester Chronicle 25^th September 1869

Westly’s Gift:

Joseph Westly, by will, dated 23^rd April 1734, and proved at Melton Mowbray, devised to his nephew John Daft, and his heirs, a close of pasture ground in Hickling, called Case Lane Close, charged, amongst other payments, with one of £10 to the minister and churchwardens of Stathern, the interest of which the testator directed should be applied at their discretion towards the maintenance of a schoolmaster in that parish. The £10 has never been raised, but the owner for the time being of the close charged which contains 2a.2r., has paid 10s yearly to the parish schoolmaster, in augmentation of his stipend. John Corner is the present owner of the close.

Nottingham Journal 23^rd May 1812:

On Monday last, Mr Stephen Daft, of Hickling, farmer to Miss Robinson, daughter of Mr Robinson, of Croxton.

Nottingham Review and General Advertiser for the Midland Counties 23^rd February 1827:

Died.

Lately, at Hickling, in this County, Ann, wife of Mr John Daft, wheelwright and publican, of that place.

Nottingham review and General Advertiser for the Midland Counties 8^th October 1830:

At Hickling, on Monday last, by the Rev E. Anderson, Mr Samuel Doubleday, butcher, of Long Clawson, to Miss Hannah Daft of the former place.

Stamford Mercury 15^th March 1833:

John Daft is transported for stealing a horse; he is the son of George and Mary Daft and grandson of Robert Daft (baptised Hickling 4^th February 1727).

At Lincolnshire Crown Court. “Horse-stealing at Eagle John Daft, aged 35, miller, was arraigned on a charge of stealing a dark brown mare, the property of Mr Wm Smith, farmer, of Eagle.  The mare was proved to have been safely secured in the prosecutor’s stable on the evening of the 14th of September, but was discovered to be missing a few hours afterwards. John Laidman, constable of Ferrybridge, in Yorkshire, stated that he saw the prisoner with the mare in his possession, at the stable of a person named Cheesborough, when Daft told him the mare was his, that it had been formerly run in his father’s gig, and now that his father was dead (he was not) he the prisoner had received it as part of his fortune.  The prisoner was afterwards traced to Hunslet, when he was apprehended and lodged in Leeds gaol; he then said his name was John Walker. On being confronted by Mr Smith whilst in prison he told a different tale, and said that he had bought the mare at Retford for 20l.  Being called upon for his defence, the prisoner said that had he been sent to York, he should have had many witnesses to prove that he had bought the mare. The jury instantly returned a verdict of guilty, and he was sentenced to transportation for life.”

Stamford Mercury 29^th March 1833:

John Daft removed from Lincoln Castle to be sent from Woolwich on the Justitia for transportation for life.

Nottingham Review and General Advertiser for the Midland Counties 18^th October 1839:

Petit Jury listing:

• Mr William Garton, of Normanton-on-Soar, Foreman
• Mr James Stubbs, Normanton-on-Soar
• Mr William Collishaw, jun. Hickling
• Mr Thomas Daft, Hickling
• Mr Andrew Marson, Normanton-on-Soar
• Mr George Daft, Hickling
• Mr Thomas Rollings, Mansfield
• Mr George Barratt, Mansfield
• Mr John Stevenson, Mansfield
• Mr Thomas Bradley, Kirkby
• Mr Francis Bradley, Kirkby
• Mr John Bird, Kirkby Woodhouse
• Counsel present – Messrs Clarke, Wildman, Whitehurst and Wilmore.

Nottingham Journal 21^st February 1840:

Freehold House and Land,

At Hickling, Nottinghamshire.

To be sold by auction,

By Messrs. Burton and Clark.

On Wednesday the fourth day of March 1840, at the House of Mr Daft, the Wheel Inn, in Hickling, in the County of Nottingham, at Five o’Clock in the Evening (subject to such Conditions as will be then produced), either together or in the following lots:-

Lot 1.

The Manor of Hickling, with the Rights and Privileges to the name belonging.

And also all that capital messuage or Manor House, with good stabling and other accessory outbuildings adjoining, yard, gardens, orchard and homestead or Home Close, called the Hall Close, containing altogether with the [Scite] of the buildings by recent admeasurement 4a.2s.15p. or thereabouts, situate nearly in the centre of the village of Hickling aforesaid now in the occupation of Mr Gregory.

Lot 2.

All that close of excellent meadow and pasture land near to Lot 1, containing by recent admeasurement, 2a1s.6r and called or known by the name of the Thorn Hill Close also occupied by the said Mr Gregory, who is under notice to quit at Lady Day next.

For a view of the Estate, apply to the Tenants, and further particulars may be had on application at the office of Messrs Clarke and Son, Solicitors, in Melton Mowbray.

Melton Mowbray, Feb 18th, 1840.

Nottingham Review and General Advertiser 7^th January 1848:

Nottinghamshire Sessions; petit Jury:

• Mr Thomas Adlington, Sutton-in-Ashfield (foreman)
• Mr William Baines, Sutton-in-Ashfield
• Mr John Beeston, Plumtree
• Mr John Berry, Sutton-in-Ashfield
• Mr Joseph Bexon, Plumtree
• Mr John Bonser, Broughton Sulney
• Mr Edward Chapman, Mansfield
• Mr William Chapman, Plumtree
• Mr Robert Cowlishaw, Hickling
• Mr John Cupp, Mansfield
• Mr Thomas Daft, Hickling
• Mr William Grice, Broughton Sulney

(several cases heard; including ‘Stealing Bones’.)

Nottingham Review 11^th July 1851:

Phoebe Clarke and Ann Norris were charged with having on the 5^th July, at Hickling, stolen about two quarts of milk, the property of Thomas Daft, farmer. Mr Daft, it appeared, had for some time past noticed that several of his cows had considerably decreased in the quantity of milk they yielded, and as the only way in which this could be accounted for was by the supposition that someone had been clandestinely milking them he instructed Police constable Buxton to watch them, with a view if possible to detect the thieves. Accordingly on the night of the 5^th instant, Buxton stationed himself in the enclosure in which the cows were, and at about 12 o’clock he observed the two prisoners approach the cattle, and each having selected a cow commenced milking her. He then interfered and took the women into custody. The Prisoners both confessed the charge and were committed for trial.

1851 census: no record for Ann Norris in Hickling. There is a record for [Febe] Clarke (age 31); wife of Thomas Clarke (age 28, labourer) with son, John Clarke (age 3) – all born in Hickling.

Nottinghamshire Guardian 24^th July 1851:

Summer assizes; 1, at Hickling. Phoebe Clark, aged 31, lacemaker, and Ann Morris, aged 19, lacemaker, pleaded guilty to stealing on the 5^th of July 1851 at Hickling, one quart of milk, the property of Thomas Daft. Two witnesses gave the prisoner Morris a good character. – To be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for fourteen days.

Nottinghamshire Guardian 21^st July 1859:

County Courts (insolvency)

In re Thomas Daft Hickling. No opposition. To come up for final order on the 16^th August.

Nottinghamshire Guardian 17^th December 1869:

At Hickling, on the 12^th inst., Anne, the beloved wife of Mr George Daft, farmer, Halloughton, aged 62.

Leicester Chronicle 25^th September 1869

Westly’s Gift:

Joseph Westly, by will, dated 23^rd April 1734, and proved at Melton Mowbray, devised to his nephew John Daft, and his heirs, a close of pasture ground in Hickling, called Case Lane Close, charged, amongst other payments, with one of £10 to the minister and churchwardens of Stathern, the interest of which the testator directed should be applied at their discretion towards the maintenance of a schoolmaster in that parish. The £10 has never been raised, but the owner for the time being of the close charged which contains 2a.2r., has paid 10s yearly to the parish schoolmaster, in augmentation of his stipend. John Corner is the present owner of the close.

Nottinghamshire Guardian Fri 17 Dec 1869

At Hickling, on the 10th mat, Mr Robt Dlckman, shoemaker, aged 58. At Hickling. on the 12th inst. Anne, the beloved wife of Mr. George Daft, farmer

Grantham Journal 11^th January 1873:

Choir Treat.- On New Year’s day the Church singers with their friends sat down to a good dinner provided by Mr Speed of the Plough Inn. After the cloth had been drawn, Mr Daft (who has been in the choir upwards of fifty years) took the chair, and the usual loyal toasts were give; also the health of Miss Marshall, the worthy organist, which was well received; likewise those of the rector and churchwardens. Several songs were sung in a creditable manner. The healths of the host and hostess having been drank, and the “National Anthem” sung, the party separated at eleven o’clock, highly delighted with their evening’s entertainment.

Leicester Journal 6^th March 1874:

Robbery at Nether Broughton. – Joseph Burrows, 26, grazier, was charged with stealing a horse-rug, value 10s., the property of Samuel Daft Doubleday, at Nether Broughton, on the 9^th day of January, 1874. – Prisoner pleaded not guilty. – Mr Lloyd prosecuted, prisoner being undefended. – Samuel Doubleday said he was a butcher, living at Hickling. On the 9^th January he drove to Nether Broughton, and entered a public-house, leaving a rug on a horse outside. On the following Monday, PC Ward showed him the rug now produced, which was his property. Did not see the prisoner take the rug. – A. Graves said he lived at Nether Broughton Lodge, and knew prisoner, who rented a field there. In a ditch at Broughton, witness found the rug rolled up and tied with rope. Did not know that prisoner put the rug in the ditch. – John Toseland said he was a tailor living at Nether Broughton, and had seen the rug produced before, and which he borrowed from prisoner. – PC Ward said he received information of the robbery and went to prisoner’s field and found the rug produced in a ditch. Obtained a warrant for the apprehension of prisoner and on the way to the police station he said he should plead guilty because he wanted to get back to his wife and family. – Prisoner said he knew nothing about the robbery. The rug belonged to him, but he had lost it some time previously. – His Lordship summed up and the jury found prisoner guilty. His Lordship sentenced prisoner to two calendar months’ hard labour.

Grantham Journal 20^th December 1879:

Obituary. – Died at Hickling, on Saturday, December 13^th, John Daft, in his seventy-ninth year of his age. He was parish clerk for thirty-four years, postmaster for twenty-five years, and a member of the Church choir from a boy – nearly seventy years. He was upright and faithful in the discharge of his various duties, and lived and died universally respected.

Nottinghamshire Guardian 26^th December 1879:

On the 13^th inst., at Hickling, John Daft, 34 years parish clerk, aged 78 years.

Leicester Journal 12^th March 1880:

At the Union Workhouse, Melton, Mr Joseph Daft, aged 79 years.

Nottingham Evening Post 13^th April 1883:

(same as Nottingham Evening Post 13^th April 1883)

Grantham Journal 14^th April 1883:

Hy. Hind was charged with indecently assaulting Ann Daft at Hickling on the 28^th ult. It appeared in evidence that the prosecutor summoned her master for the above offence, she having only been in his service at Hickling for a very short time. Mr Stevenson, solicitor, for the defendant and Mr Everall solicitor appeared for the defendant. At the close of the evidence for the prosecution the Bench retired to consult and upon re-entering the court decided to send the case to the next Quarter Sessions. Defendant was ordered to find bail, himself in 3100 and two sureties in £50.

Ann Daft was the daughter of John and Sarah Daft of Sutton Granby; her grandmother came from Hickling and she would have had relations in Hickling at the time of the assault – see generation 8 in the Daft family timeline (fuller detail will be added to generation 9, in due course).

Nottinghamshire Guardian 20^th April 1883:

Serious Charge of Indecent Assault.

At Bingham Petty Sessions on Thursday, before Mr RM Knowles and Mr Vere Wright, Mr Henry Hind of Nottingham, was charged with indecently assaulting Ann Daft, at Hickling, on the 23^rd March. Mr Stevenson appeared for the complainant, and Mr Everall for defendant. Complainant stated that she was living in the Meadows at Nottingham with her sister. She was a single woman. At the beginning of the present year she advertised for the post of housekeeper and in answer a lady called upon her sister. In consequence of that witness called upon defendant’s daughter at her house in the Park. Miss Hind engaged her as housekeeper to her father at Hickling. She afterwards received the letter produced, telling her to go on the following day. She arrived at Widmerpool on the Friday, and was met at the railway station by the defendant and a man, and Miss Dixon, who she believed had been housekeeper previously. The next day (Good Friday) Miss Dixon left between seven and eight o’clock in the evening. There were two rooms in the house on the ground floor, three bedrooms, and she only knew of one above. Her bedroom was the top one. About 8 o’clock there was no one else in the house but herself and defendant. Witness was in the kitchen. Mr Hind came and asked her to come into the sitting room. She replied that she had not quite finished her work, but would come as soon as she had. She afterwards went upstairs to dress, and then went into the kitchen, and found the light put out. Defendant again asked her to go into the sitting room. Mr Hind was standing up in the sitting room against the door. He asked her to sit down, and she sat against the table. Mr Hind came up, sat in the easy chair, got hold of her, and pulled her onto his knee. She told him to leave her alone; she did not wish him to take hold of her in that way. He replied that he did not mean any harm. He asked her if she would like a glass of anything to drink, but she declined. Complainant then gave evidence to the effect that Mr Hind had attempted to indecently assault her in the sitting room, and subsequently in his bedroom. She afterwards got away, and went into her own room. There was no lock on that door, but she put her boxes against it and sat upon them. Mr Hind came up and pushed the door, forcing it open. Witness then stated that she struggled with defendant, but ultimately, after leaving the room and returning with some drink, which he compelled her to take, and after which she became unconscious, he indecently assaulted her. Defendant went downstairs.  Witness went downstairs about five o’clock next morning, having in the meantime sat in her bedroom, as defendant would not allow her to go downstairs, unless she went into his bedroom. When she came downstairs defendant was still in his own room but the house was locked up still. She unfastened it, and went out to see if the groom was up, but no one was stirring. Witness went in doors again, and afterwards saw a labouring man named Simpson, to whom she complained of the conduct of Mr Hind. She afterwards went to the groom’s house, but could make no one hear. She afterwards saw the groom and complained to him. Defendant came downstairs about nine o’clock in the morning, and asked her to have some champagne, which she refused. He asked her to look over his conduct of the previous night, as he had had a deal of whiskey, but she refused to do so. He subsequently asked her to go and live with him. She went home to Nottingham by way of Ruddington, where she had a sister. The phaeton stopped at the Red Hart at Ruddington, but she went to her sister’s and complained to her of what had taken place. Witness knew Mrs Vincent, of the Red Hart, and complained to her. Witness had some brandy there. Mr Hind asked her to have some gin, and she told Mrs Vincent she would have some brandy. She did not see who paid for it; she did not herself. This was after she had complained to Mrs Vincent. She was afterwards driven by defendant to Nottingham and complained to her sister. She called in Mr Hunter, surgeon. On the Monday she went to Mr Walker’s, of Cavendish road, The Park, with whom she had previously lived , and he took her to his solicitor the next day. She had lived at Mr Walker’s for six years. – Mr Everall declined to cross-examine the witness. – Mrs Amy Smith, wife of Richard Smith of Ruddington, and sister of complainant, remembered the Saturday after Good Friday. She saw her sister that morning about twelve o’clock. She complained to her of having been assaulted by the defendant. – Mrs Elizabeth Vincent, landlady of of the Red Hart, Ruddington, spoke to defendant’s phaeton stopping at her house, and he came inside. Complainant also came in afterwards, and complained of ill-treatment by someone. They left the room together, and complainant seemed very poorly. They went into the bar, where Mr Hind was, and he asked her to have some gin, but she preferred brandy, which Mr Hind paid for, and complainant and Mr Hind went away together in his trap. – Mrs Holmes, of Annesley street, Nottingham, said her sister was living with her before she went into defendant’s service, but the Saturday after Good Friday, about one o’clock her sister came to her house in a trap, and made a complaint of being illtreated by someone. Witness went for Dr Hunter about six o’clock as her sister felt very sick and ill. – Mr Hunter, surgeon, of Nottingham, said he was called in to attend Miss Daft, on Saturday, the 24^th, abou six o’clock. She was upset about something, and in a nervous condition, and vomiting. She also complained of bruises, or pain over her body. Witness saw her twice afterwards, but made no minute examination at that time. Subsequently he did examine her more minutely. – This concluded the case for the prosecution, and the magistrates retired to consult, and on returning into court, the Bench stated that they had decided to commit defendant for trial at the Sessions, bail being allowed, himself in £100 and two sureties of £50 each. – – Mr Everall remarked that he had a complete answer to the charge.

Nottingham Evening Post 2^nd July 1883:

Notts Quarter Sessions.

This Day.

The Quarter Sessions for the County of Nottingham were held this day at the Shire Hall, before the Right Hon. Lord Belper (chairman). There were also on the Bench Mr Sherbrooke (vice-chairman), Mr T I Birkin, Mr Francklin, Mr HV Story, Mr Knowles and Mr A Heymann. The following gentlemen were sworn on the

Grand Jury:

• Mr W Collishaw, jun, Hickling (Foreman)
• Mr J Widdowson, Hucknall Torkard
• Mr T Chamberlain, Plumtree
• Mr S Morris, West Bridgford
• Mr ST Jackson, Clifton
• Mr W Calladine, Hucknall Torkard
• Mr H Rhodes, Hucknall Torkard
• Mr J Oldershaw, Costock,
• Mr J Pycroft, Plumtree
• Mr J Wadkin, Rempstone
• Mr T Hanbury, Toton
• Mr J Pell, Whatton
• Mr J Weston, Eastwood
• Mr H Allcock, Linby
• Mr J Ward, Mansfield
• Mr C Davy, Mansfield
• Mr J Pollard, Beeston
• Mr S Kirkby, Hucknall Torkard
• Mr SC Tomlinson, Radcliffe
• Mr T Worth, Hucknall Torkard
• Mr J Harrison, Stapleford
• Mr J Beardsley, West Bridgford
• Mr Jabez Underwood, Radcliffe

After the Royal proclamation against vice, profaneness, and immorality had been read, the Chairman delivered the

Charge to the Grand Jury.

Lord Belper, in charging the Grand Jury, said he was happy to see that there was such a large attendance. No doubt many of them had had to attend at some little inconvenience, but at the same time he thought it would be very unsatisfactory if the day should ever come when gentlemen in their position were not prepared to make a small sacrifice in order to assist in the administration of justice. At the present moment he was happy to say they might confidently hope that their affairs, so far as agriculture was concerned, looked brighter for the future than they had done for the last few years. With respect to the business before them there were six cases, and he did not think any of them would give them very much trouble, but, as regarded one or two, he should like to make a few remarks. In case No.2, John Jackson and George Brown were charged with stealing a gold watch and a gold ring from Mary Ann Beardsall. The peculiarity of this case was that the woman from whom these articles were said to have been stolen seemed to have behaved in a somewhat extraordinary way, and was perhaps at the time not in a condition in which she could clearly tell what became of the things. She appeared to have been walking about the streets, before the robbery, if it was one, took place, but he thought the grand jury would find that it was a proper case to be sent down for trial. No doubt Mrs Beardsall lost the articles, and they were found in the prisoners’ possession, but it might be a question whether they actually stole them from her or received them as a gift, or found them lying about. He thought the grand jury would be of opinion that there was a prima facie case which ought to be tried in that court. Another was that of Eliza Hallam, who was charged with stealing a feather, the property of William Kay, and this was a very simple case on the evidence. The prisoner was in the shop of the prosecutor purchasing some things, and two feathers were left on the counter. One of these was missing, and was seen afterwards in the prisoner’s bonnet. She did not give a satisfactory explanation of how she became possessed of the feather, and she was arrested. A rather singular circumstance occurred as to one of the witnesses for the prosecution, and he mentioned it as their attention might be called to the fact. An application was made by the attorney for the defence for a summons charging with perjury the policeman who gave evidence in the case, on the ground that he stated that he did not cut out the feather with a penknife, one of the witnesses for the defence having said he did so. That was an extraordinary application to make whilst the case was pending, and he thought it was very properly dismissed. The grand jury must not let any application of that kind influence their decision in this case. If there was any foundation for such a charge of perjury, and he could not see that there was, it would be more clearly proved by the evidence to be given in that court, when there would be an opportunity of testing all the matters by examination and cross-examination, and by questions that might be put from the Bench. The only other case to which he thought it necessary to call the attention of the grand jury was that of Henry Hind, who was charged with a somewhat serious offence, that of unlawfully and indecently assaulting a woman named Ann Daft, at Hickling. The case was the more serious because of the position of the prisoner and the circumstances under which the assault was stated to have been committed. He would not trouble them with all the details, but would mention shortly the facts as he gathered them from the depositions as sworn to by the prosecutrix. It appeared that Hind, who lived in the neighbourhood of Nottingham, advertised for a housekeeper, and the prosecutor answered the advertisement and got the place. On the second day of her being in the house, when alone with the prisoner, according to her story, he committed the offence. Her story did not seem quite clear, but she said the accused gave her some drink and she became stupefied. The next day she said she wanted to go to the railway station, and he drove her there. She complained to her sister in Nottingham, and afterwards to another person, and these witnesses were ready to come forward and corroborate her statement. He thought the grand jury would find that this was a proper case to be tried in court. If the story of the prosecutrix was not perfectly clear, and if she had exaggerated her case, or any part of it was false, that would be proved on the trial. It seemed to him both for the interests of justice and the interests of the prisoner himself it was a case where his innocence or guilt should be clearly established before the court. It was certainly, in his opinion, a case that ought to be tried, and he thought after the remarks he had made and the evidence they would hear, the grand jury would be of the same opinion. There were one or two other cases, but they were of such a kind that he did not think they required any remarks from him.

New Magistrate.

Mr Lewis Randall Starkey, of Norwood Park, Southwell, qualified as a magistrate.

The Alleged Indecent Assault at Hickling.

Mr Henry Hind, ironfounder, was indicted for having unlawfully and indecently assaulted Ann Daft, at Hickling, on the 23^rd of March, 1883. – Mr Weightman appeared for the prosecution and Mr Harris for the defence. – Mr Weightman said the first count of the indictment charged the prisoner with an attempted rape, the next with an indecent assault, and the third with a common assault. He had carefully considered the whole of the depositions, and had mentioned to his lordship what he was about to state. He could not, however, say that it had received his approbation. He (Mr Weightman) found that the first count of the indictment had been added since the case, was sent for trial, the prisoner being then charged with an attempted assault. He had considered the whole of the depositions, and found an absence of corroboration in them. There were various matters in the whole case of which it would be well to spare the recital, if possible, and he mentioned this to his lordship because he should not think of taking the course which he proposed to take without doing so. He felt justified in saying that it would be well in the interests of justice that the Court should be spared this inquiry, and, acting on instructions he had received, and on his own judgement, he begged to offer no evidence in this case. – Mr Harris: That would amount to a verdict of not guilty. – The Chairman and other magistrates retired for about 10 minutes, and on their return Lord Belper said he had had the opportunity of consulting not only with the magistrate present in court that day, but also with one of the magistrates who sent the case for trial, and who was well aware of the facts. He had also read the depositions, and it was the unanimous view of the magistrates that they should ask Mr Weightman whether he would not proceed with the case, as, in the opinion of the magistrates, it ought to be proceeded with. Mr Weightman said he had considered the case, and acting on what he had already told the Court, and on his own opinion, he could not help thinking that if the case was to go to the jury it could only have one result after a long and painful inquiry. He could only repeat what he had already said. – The Chairman and other magistrates again retired for a short time, and on their return, Lord Belper said the court regretted very much the course which had been pursued by Mr Weightman, who was instructed for the prosecution. – Mr Weightman spoke to him before taking that course and asked his opinion as to the advisability of withdrawing from the prosecution. – He (Lord Belper) thought it ought to be his duty, having read the depositions, to state that, in his opinion, and that of the other magistrates, it was not in the interests of justice that the case should be withdrawn. One reason for doing so was that there was a want of corroboration, but with respect to this it was obvious to any one who had any knowledge of cases like this that it was seldom that there was any actual corroboration of the evidence of the prosecutrix as to the assault, but there was this corroboration that the prosecutrix in the present case complained to some people the next day. – Mr Harris: And they denied it. – The Chairman: – I only speak from the depositions. – Mr Harris: She says she complained, but those to whom she says she complained say she did not. – The Chairman: I have read the depositions carefully over twice, and I will refer to them again, so that there may be no mistake. – Mr Harris: A complaint made at the time is one thing, but a complaint made afterwards, when she had been riding about with the man, is another. – The Chairman: I am perfectly satisfied on the point, and I will refer to the depositions. The first witness to whom I will refer is Elizabeth Vincent, and in her evidence she says that Miss Day made a complaint to her of having been ill-treated, and mentioned some one in connection with it. She seemed very poorly. The next witness was Mary Holmes. – Mr Harris: Pardon me. She says she was asked to have gin, and she said she preferred to have brandy. – The Chairman: I am not going into the case. Mr Harris: I say this is not corroboration. – The Chairman: I say it is. The next witness, as I have said, was Mary Holmes, who said the prosecutrix made a complaint of having been illtreated and mentioned somebody in connection with it. The next witness was Mr Walter Hunter, who said he found the prosecutrix upset and in a nervous condition. She made a complaint to him of having been ill-used, and the witness attended her twice afterwards. These were the three witnesses. I am authorised by the magistrates to say that they are not prepared to put themselves in collision with the bar, but they have asked me to state that they entirely disapprove of the course which Mr Weightman has taken in withdrawing from the prosecution, and that they believe that by doing so there has been a miscarriage of justice. Under the circumstances they will not allow any costs for the prosecution. The verdict is that of not guilty. – Mr Harris: Perhaps your lordship will allow me to say that this is not an unusual course in my experience. You have made observations on the case, which has not been presented to the jury, and about which there is not a fraction of evidence before the court. You have said that in your opinion the interests of justice have not been duly considered. – The Chairman: In the case not being tried. – Mr Harris: That looks like a reflection on the man at the bar, and I take the opportunity of saying — – The Chairman: I really cannot see in what position you stand. I have considered the case and given my opinion. The case is not before the Court, and the jury have found a verdict of not guilty. – Mr Harris: I object in the interests of the prisoner to the observations you made, which reflected on his character. There was no man who was more anxious that this case should be absolutely put before the jury in all its facts than the prisoner at the bar. – The accused was then discharged.

Leicester Journal 23^rd November 1883:

Flood. – In the heavy storm of rain on Saturday the Thorpe-end brook rapidly filled and notwithstanding the precautions taken against the flooding of houses the water entered into Mr Cobley’s dwelling house on the Wymondham road to a depth of about ten inches. The stream near the railway station rose considerably and about midnight was within a few inches of entering the Railway Hotel. No serious damage, however, is reported at Melton. At Hose, about eight miles distant, a man named Thomas Hart, labourer, aged 62 years, was returning home from Clawson. When crossing the road which leads to the railway station the water being about three feet deep and the brook running at the side about eight feet deep he stumbled and fell, dropping a basket he was carrying. In trying to recover it he lost his balance, and falling into the stream was swept away. His body was not recovered until midnight, when PC Chopping found it entangled in some bushes about 200 yards from where he was seen to fall. – An inquest was held on deceased at the Rose and Crown,  Hose, on Monday, before Mr Coroner Oldham. – George Daft said he saw deceased on the road going from Clawson about five o’clock. The road was flooded and he called to him to go back and take the road by the plank, but deceased took no notice. He afterwards saw him fall into the ditch, and called to Stephen Allen, who went to deceased’s assistance, but failed to rescue him. -Stephen Allen said he saw deceased washed away into the ditch, where he hung by the hedge, but he could not reach him. A rail was held out to deceased, and also some reins thrown to him, but he could not take hold of them. – PC Chopping stated that from information received about seven o’clock he went to rescue deceased, but was unable to find the body until half-past twelve o’clock. – The jury returned a verdict of “Accidentally drowned,” adding a rider recommending the Highway Board to have a fence erected, as they considered the spot dangerous.

Grantham Journal 24^th January 1891:

Skating – During the last five or six weeks, skating has been very much indulged in by the villagers and others from the surrounding neighbourhood upon the Grantham canal. On Tuesday last, Mr R Daft, the veteran cricketer, and his son, Mr HB Daft, of football renown, brought a large party of ladies and gentlemen skaters from Ra[d]cliffe. After enjoying themselves on the ice, they sat down to a substantial tea provided for them by Mr and Mrs Price at the Plough Inn. There were also other large parties from Nottingham during the frost.

Grantham Journal 2^nd January 1892:

Wedding.- One of the prettiest weddings ever seen in this village took place on Saturday last, in Hickling Church. The contracting parties were Mr C Munks and Miss RH Doubleday, eldest daughter of the late Mr Samuel Daft Doubleday. The service was fully choral – a compliment to the bride, who has been a member of the choir for some time; indeed, many tokens of the respect in which the young lady and her family are held were manifested, the presents being numerous and valuable. On the bridal party entering the Church, Mr G Parr, the organist, played a very nice march; ad after the wedding ceremony, on returning from the altar to the vestry to sign the marriage register, Handel’s beautiful “Wedding March” was rendered. Showers of rice were thrown on the happy couple on proceeding from the Church to the carriage. The bride was beautifully attired, and the bridesmaids also looked very pretty. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr Samuel Stokes Doubleday. The bridesmaids were – Miss SE Doubleday, Miss LC Doubleday and Miss Kate A Doubleday, sisters of the bride; the best man was Mr Fred Doubleday. Canon Skelton was the officiating clergyman. The bells rang out merry peals at intervals.

Grantham Journal 29^th December 1906:

Report of the wedding of Miss Annie Harriman to Mr George Lakin (both of Hickling) includes gifts from:

“… Mr T Daft, Lenton, jam dish and spoon; Miss H Daft, two pairs of tablespoons; Miss Daft, East Bridgford, sideboard cloth; …”

Grantham Journal 29^th March 1913:

The Easter Vestry Meeting was held on Tuesday evening in the Council School, the rector (Rev FJ Ashmall) presiding. The accounts for the past year were examined and passed. The rector’s warden, Mr W Collishaw, and Mr R Parr, people’s warden were thanked for their past services and re-elected. Mr S Marshall and Mr R Daft (sidesmen) were also complimented and re-appointed. Mr W Collishaw and Mr R Daft were re-elected lay representatives to attend the Ruri-decanal Conference.

Nottingham Journal 16^th August 1913:

Sale of Work at Hickling.

In aid of the Hickling Church Roof Renovation Fund, a sale of work was held on the lawn at the Rectory on Thursday afternoon. Mrs Windley, of Colston Bassett, performed the opening ceremony, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the proposition of the Rev. A.H. Sutherland, seconded by Mr R. Daft. A beautiful bouquet was presented to Mrs Windley by two little girls.

Grantham Journal 1^st October 1921:

Obituary.- We regret to record the death of Mr Arthur daft, only surviving son of Mr Robert Daft of Hickling which took place on Wednesday week. Deceased, who was aged 46, was an engineer’s fitter and came with his wife and daughter about three months ago to reside with his father. For a considerable time he had been unable to follow his employment owing to lung trouble. He was laid to rest in the Churchyard on Saturday, the Rector of Upper Broughton Rev H London officiating. Some of his old workmates from Leicester attended. There were many beautiful wreaths.

Grantham Journal 24^th February 1923:

Large Egg.- Mr Robert Daft a few days ago found that one of his hens had laid an egg weighing 3½ ounces, 6½ inches in circumference, and 7½ inches long.

Grantham Journal 19^th May 1923:

Scholarships.- In addition to the two scholars attending Hickling Council School who gained diplomas in the Junior Section of the “Daily Graphic” National Scholarship Scheme, two other pupils at the same School, Edith A Daft and Violet K Mann have been successful in winning diplomas in the Senior Section of the same Scheme.

Grantham Journal 19^th March 1927:

Scholastic. – Miss Edith A Daft, a pupil teacher in the Hickling Council School, has passed the Preliminary Certificate examination with distinctions in music and needlework. Congratulations to her and the head teacher.

Grantham Journal 18^th June 1927:

Obituary.- The remains of Mrs Elizabeth Doubleday, widow of Mr Samuel Daft Doubleday, who pre-deceased her fifty two years ago, were laid to rest in the Parish Churchyard, beside her husband, on Saturday afternoon. The Rector, the Rev Canon Ashmall officiated. The mourners were chiefly sons, daughters, sons and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. A number of neighbours and friends were present. Prior to the service, “O Rest in the Lord” was played on the organ, at which Miss Corner presided. There were two hymns, £There is a Lnad of Pure Delight” and £Abide with Me.” The “Dead March” was played as the mourners left the Church. Deceased was a grazier, and carried on a cheese dairy for many years during her; early widowhood, relinquishing the business some twenty-five years ago. Since then her grand-daughter, Miss Munks, has been her constant companion and help. Of a strong constitution, deceased looked likely to attain 100 years of age, but, unfortunately, she broke her thigh, and, weakening from the accident, she passed away in her 91^st year. She leaves two sons and four daughters. There were many beautiful floral tributes as follows:- From Dot; Sam, Alice and the girls; Sallie, Jack and Fred; Ruth, Charles and Tom; Tid, Willy and Billy; Kate, Tom and family; Fred, Pollie and family; Will, Ada and family; Jackie; Canon and Mrs Ashmall; Nurse Wing; Mr and Mrs C Taborn, Selwyn and Gweneth; Mr and Mrs Turlington; The Wharf; HCT; SA Simpson; Mrs March; Mrs and Miss Daft; Pollie and Tuss her tenants.

Grantham Journal 28^th April 1928:

R Daft, Churchwarden referenced in the induction of the new Rector, William Dannatt.

Grantham Journal 10^th November 1928:

Croxton Kerrial

School Appointment.- A meeting of Managers held at the Vicarage on Friday considered and accepted the application for the vacant post in the Croxton school. The successful candidate was Miss Edith Annie Daft from hickling, Melton Mowbray, who had been a pupil teacher in that parish for four years before going as an uncertificated assistant mistress to a large mixed school in Nottingham. This lady, who attended for the interview, was one of three recently recommended by the County Education Committee.

Grantham Journal 2^nd April 1932:

Eastertide.- Services were held on Good Friday and the offerings were for the Diocesan Rescue and Preventative Work. On Sunday the services began with Holy Communion at 5.30am. the choir contributed an anthem, “This is the Day” which was very much appreciated. The annual vestry meeting was held on Monday and the Churchwardens, messrs R Daft and J Dickman were re-elected. The Rector and Mrs Dannatt are now away for a short holiday and on Sunday next the Rev JHR Wood Vicar of Cropwell Bishop, will conduct worship at three o’clock.

Grantham Journal September 3^rd 1932:

A Whist drive and Dance organised by Miss Proudman was held on Friday at the Council School in aid of the Midland Institution for the Blind. Miss D Power and the Misses KM and R Spencer ably assisted Miss Proudman in carrying out the various duties. The prize winners were Miss EA Daft, Mrs A Faulks, Miss A Starbuck, Messrs C Crump, S Barnes and Captn Stuart Smith. A bottle of port was won by Mrs Stuart Smith and a cake by Mrs Albert Rose. The Ruddington Rhythmic Band supplied the music. The proceeds totalled £3 12s 3d.

Grantham Journal June 10^th 1933:

(see Wadkin News 5 (37); Robert Daft is reported ‘at the gate’ for the Garden Fete raising money for the Church Bells Restoration Fund.

Nottingham Evening Post 23^rd February 1934:

Fatal Tricycle Ride

Octogenarian’s “Accidental Death”

Story of Motor Accident

An 86-year-old Hickling man, who had ridden aa tricycle almost daily for the past 15 years was involved in an accident with a motor car at the Hickling cross-roads on the Fosse Way on Saturday, January 27^th and died in the Basford Infirmary on Tuesday.

The deceased was Robert Daft, a retired wheelwright, and at the inquest conducted by the deputy city coroner (Mr WS Rothera), sitting with a jury at the General Hospital, to-day, a verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.

Mrs Ethel Caroline Daft, a daughter-in-law, of Croxton Kerrial, near Grantham, said deceased had retired since the age of 60. He lived alone at Hickling and looked after himself.

Following the accident, witness was sent for, and she found him sitting in a chair by the fireside.

She stayed with him for several days, and he treated the accident quite lightly, and did not go into details, or make any complaint or allegations against the driver of the car. He had a cut face and a cut across the nose.

A Sportsman.

The Coroner: At 86 he would not particularly love motor cars?

Witness: I suppose not, but he was a sportsman. He was sorry it had happened both for his own sake and that of the driver.

Witness added that deceased also had an injury to a finger on the left hand.

Dr WJ Candlish said Daft was admitted to the infirmary on February 12^th. He had severe inflammation of the whole of the left arm, and died from toxaemia from septic absorption.

The driver of the car, Walter Gordon Bowmar, a company director, of Cropstone, near Leicester, said he was proceeding from Leicester to Nottingham.

The road seemed to be clear, but trees screened the road which was being used by Daft.

Sounded His Hooter.

Witness sounded his hooter before reaching the cross-roads, but at the junction Daft on his tricycle came across his path. He tried to avoid the old man by swerving in front of the machine, and thought he had avoided a collision. Witness felt no bump, but on looking back he saw Daft had fallen on to the road and was entangled in his machine.

He helped deceased up, took him home, and then to a doctor in the next village, who stitched the cut under his eye. The injury to the finger was not noticed at the time.

The coroner remarked that it was an unfortunate accident, in which both parties apparently failed to see each other.

Grantham Journal 3^rd March 1934:

The funeral of an old member of a well-known Hickling family, Mr Robert Daft, aged 86, took place on Saturday. His death occurred in Basford Infirmary, Nottingham. Deceased, who was a very active man, was accustomed to ride a tricycle about the country roads for many years. On January 27^th he went to Widmerpool to a meet of the Quorn Hounds and unfortunately collided with a motor car and was thrown from his tricycle. He received medical attention for a short time at his home, his neighbours being extremely kind and attentive, but it was deemed necessary to remove him to Basford. At the inquest by the Deputy City Coroner (Mr WS Rothera) sitting with a jury at the General Hospital on Friday, a verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned. Deceased’s daughter-in-law said he treated the accident quite lightly, and did not make any complaint or allegation against the driver of the car. He had a cut face and a cut across the nose. Medical evidence was that Daft developed a septic arm and died from toxaemia. The driver of the car, Walter Gordon Bowmar, Company Director of Cropstone, said he was proceeding from Leicester to Nottingham. Witness sounded his hooter before reaching the cross-roads, but at the junction Daft, on his tricycle, came across his path. He tried to avoid the man by swerving in front of the machine and thought he had a voided a collision. He felt no bump, but on looking back he saw Daft had fallen on to the road. He was entangled in his machine. Witness helped deceased up, took him hime, and then to a doctor who stitched the cut under his eye. The injury to the finger was not noticed at the time. The Coroner remarked that it was an unfortunate accident in which both parties apparently failed to see each other. Deceased, a zealous Churchman, was Rector’s warden for many years. He daily read his Bible and was held in high esteem in the village. He was brought from Basford on Friday and his coffin was placed in the Church. At the funeral, the Vicar of Kinoulton, Rev Paul Dressler officiated as the living of Hickling is now vacant. In Church he spoke of the Christian character of the deceased and the hymns “Now the Labourer’s Task is O’er” and £Forever With the lord” were sung. Floral tributes were from. – Edith and Ethel; Jack and Pollie, Jack and Dot; Annie; WC Bowman; in affectionate and grateful remembrance of a faithful Church worker of St Luke’s, Hickling; Jessie; Mr and Mrs Temple.

South Bingham Deanery Magazine (article by the Rector, William Dannatt) April 1934:

“Robert Daft – In the long history of Hickling Church there must have been many to whom our beautiful House of God was indeed a loved and hallowed place. But none, surely, loved it more or served it better than Robert Daft. To hear him speak of the “dear old church” was to realise that it had become part of his life, and worship and communion there were the most treasured joys of his heart. Though he often spoke of his end and spoke of it with the glad confidence of one to whom the Christian hope had become a glorious reality, he long hoped to be spared just that he might the longer serve the Church that he loved. And now he has passed on full of days, to be with the Lord he so faithfully and consistently followed, he has left behind him the memory of a man upright in his life, downright in his testimony to the faith that was in him. If he seemed intolerant of the slackness of others in their duty to God but that was because he felt that such slackness was dishonouring  of God. It shocked his sense of the honour and reverence due to Almighty God. But if sometimes he seemed stern and unbending, he also had a kind, gentle side to his nature. Above all he was a man of God, one who ‘knew in Whom he believed’, one who served his day and generation by the will of God. May the example of his life encourage and inspire many of Hickling to follow him, as he followed in the steps of his Master”.

Canon Ashmall added:

“I would like to add to the above, which I would heartily endorse, a few words of appreciation of this dear old man whose loss we mourn and for whose life and Christian Testimony we bless God’s Holy Name. Robert Daft was a native of this parish. In the early days of my ministry, 1911, he returned to us from Long Eaton, after the death of his wife, and took up his abode near to his saintly sister, Mrs Harriman, of fragrant memory. From the first his presence was felt, and the truth in him was manifested. He was a burning and a shining light amongst us. His light was not hidden under a bushel. If all did not rejoice in his light, no one had any doubt of the manner of man he was. There was the robust sturdy grace of John the Baptist in him, stirred in him by the indifference and carelessness to the things of God and man’s welfare.

A Christian is not just one who is different from others, but one who is used to change the lives of others. This was Robert Daft’s special characteristic – that as a layman he was never ashamed to confess his loyalty to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier, and in season and out of season, to testify to all and seek to bring all to the knowledge of the truth as he had learned it. ‘Thanks be to God’.

At the age of 86 years he fell asleep. An accident befell him on his familiar tricycle on January 27th; he fell asleep on February 20th  and was laid to rest in the churchyard, a few yards from his home in the parish on February 24th. His body was placed in the Church he loved so well in the afternoon of the previous day. The funeral was attended by a large congregation, who had known, honoured and loved him, including one nephew and two nieces, Mr John Harriman, Mrs G Lakin and Mrs I Parkes, his daughter in law, Mrs Daft, widow of his only son, deceased; and their children. The service was taken by the Rev P Dressler, Vicar of Kjnoulton, who spoke in an appropriate address of his life, work and example. The hymns were, ‘For ever with the Lord’  and ‘ Now the labourer’s task is o’er’. The floral tributes from relatives and friends and included a cross from the congregation, Blessed are those who die in the Lord for they rest from their labours. 

Grantham Journal 7^th April 1934:

… On Tuesday, the vestry meeting was held, and Mr Percy Collishaw was elected Rector’s warden in place of the late Mr Robert Daft.

Grantham Journal 1^st May 1937:

Funeral. – The death occurred on Monday of Mrs Constance Mary Woolley, wife of Mr Edward Woolley aged 63 years. Much sympathy has gone out to the widower, two sons and a daughter in their loss. The funeral took place on Thursday, Canon Ashmall and the Rev L Foster officiating. Two favourite hymns, “Rock of Ages” and “Jesu, Lover of my Soul” were sung, Miss Corner accompanying at the organ. The church was filled with relatives and friends. Beautiful floral tributes were sent by Joe, Bert and family; EM Armstrong; Tom, Alice and children; Mrs Toft and daughters; Mrs J Dickman; Doris and Fred; Miss Daft and Nellie; Fred and Mary; Mrs Daft and Son; Dad and Bessie; Mr and Mrs Dudeney;  Harold and Mary; Olga and Howard; Miss Jessie Burton; Kate Wiles and family;, Kinoulton; Dot; Frank Copley; Mr and Mrs Whittaker; Mabel and Tom Munks; Annie and Dolly; Leonard, Lillie and family; Richard and family; women’s section of the British Legion; Richard and family; and members of Hickling Mothers’ Union.

Grantham Journal 23^rd September 1939:

Laid to Rest. – The funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Charlotte Mann took place at Queniborough on Monday. Deceased was the third daughter of the late Mr Samuel Daft Doubleday and was 68 years of age. Her husband predeceased her some years ago. Chief mourners were Mr W Mann son; Mrs Dickman, Hose, and Mrs T Wiles, Hickling, sisters; Mr and Mrs S Doubleday. Mr B Doubleday, Long Clawson, Mr and Mrs Tom Munks, Old Dalby, Mr Tom Wiles, Harby, Fred, Dorothy, Madge and Eva Wiles, Hickling, Florrie and May Doubleday, Long Clawson; Mr C Munks, brother-in-law; Miss Munks, Miss Stokes and Miss P Shelton. There were many floral tributes.