I've recently spent some time reading the 1870's archived copy of the 'Local Board of the District of the Town of Tonbridge'. It has been fascinating reading, albeit difficult on occasions as the meetings were transcribed by hand in pen and ink, and the handwriting has been hard to decifer. However, it has all been worthwhile as it has given me an insight into what was important to residents of the town in the 19th century.
An entry on the 4th of December in 1871 titled 'Breaking Lamps' caught my eye. It illustrated how nothing much has really changed over the last 100 years or so, and we are still concerned about the same issues as our ancestors. This one made me smile!!!!
'The Surveyor reported that he had been informed by Sarah Elizabeth Morley, that on Sunday 24 November at about 1 o'clock she saw Master Burton throw a stone through a lamp opposite her house in East Street, and another Master Burton with a catapult shoot a stone through the same lamp.
Complaints as to the serious damage and annoyance to the Public by use of catapults having become so numerous that it is absolutely necessary some stringent measures should be taken to stop the same.'
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