SOME ASSORTED REFERENCES TO Gunpowder and November 5th:
in the Loose (Kent) Churchwardens Accounts c.1700-10 of the form: 'Gave to the Ringers on Gunpowder Plot and on a Thanks given day 3s'
Mr W.M. BROWNE, Saddler, Goudhurst: Appeal for funds after house destroyed by gunpowder, killing his wife and himself, and leaving 5 orphan children (Dover Telegraph 8 Nov 1834 p.1 col.1)
Fredk. John HILLER, Junr. - charged with letting off gunpowder, wrapped in paper, at the door of Edward THOMPSON Esq., thereby setting fire to his premises. Not guilty verdict. (General Sessions of the Peace at Dover - Kentish Gazette 17 Nov 1820 back page col.3)
"A few days since, a son of Mr TOWN, Blacksmith at Ulcomb, went up in his garret with a lighted candle to get some gunpowder; he accidentally let fall a spark from the candle into the cask, which blew off the roof of the house, and scorched the boy in a dangerous manner, but there are hopes of his recovery." (Kentish Gazette Jan.12-15 1790 p.4 col.4)
GILKER Simon Jnr: "Here lyth the body of Simon GILKER killed by means of a rocket Nov 5 1696 aged 48"
(Milton Nr. Sittingbourne MI. KFHS Journal Dec.80)
" Here lieth the body of Simon GILKER Jnr, who was killed by a rocket Nov.5 1696 aged 48 (Milton by Sittingbourne MI)
[Note: The interesting thing is that this was NOT a firework, but was in fact a military rocket]
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W. LAWRENCE of St.Margaret Street Canterbury, presenter of Firework Display at Old Palace, Wootton Green
(Kentish Gazette Aug 6 - 10 1790 p.1 col.3)
(from Dover regatta report):
" ...... a display of fireworks took place in the evening, fronting Waterloo Crescent and several rockets were at the same time fired from the committee vessel in the Bay, which produced the most pleasing effect and drew together almost as large a concourse as were present at the aquatic sports. The amusements of the day which had proved highly satisfactory throughout were finally closed by the Regatta Ball at the Apollonian Hall which, though not numerously was fashionably attended." (from Dover Telegraph 28 Sept 1850 p.8 cols ¾, Dover Regatta)
Mr CULMER, Ironmonger of Canterbury - retailing Gunpowder - (Kentish Gazette Sep 10-14 1790 p.1 col.1)
Mr HALL, of Wye. Retailing gunpowder (Kentish Gazette Sep 10-14 1790 p.1 col.1)
Mr JACKSON, Maidstone, Gunsmith - retailing gunpowder (Kentish Gazette Sep 10-14 1790 p.1 col.1)
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I WONDER HOW MANY Parochial Church Councils would today think of ringing the bells at the church on Nov. 5th ??