100 Years Ago:

Hindlip Hall presented a very bright appearance on Thursday evening when, in response to the invitation of Lord and Lady Hindlip, a very large number assembled at the second annual household ball. The company comprised the servants of the household, a number of friends from Worcester, a large party from Madresfield Court and guests from Croome Court, Strensham Court, Earls Croome and Severn Bank.

Everyone apparently enjoyed themselves and highly appreciated the hospitality of Lord and Lady Hindlip. The rooms were all artistically and brightly decorated, the colour scheme being red and yellow. Dancing was kept up vigorously until morning when the event concluded with Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.

150 Years Ago:Impudent robbery. On Wednesday morning, a robbery was perpetrated at the Crown Hotel in Broad Street, Worcester. Two men, one tall and fair and the other short and of dark complexion, entered the bar and called for two glasses of sherry which were supplied by the barmaid. Shortly afterwards, while the barmaid proceeded to another part of the bar, the two men left and it was almost immediately discovered that the cash box containing about £3 in silver and some postage stamps had been stolen. It is believed they were Birmingham thieves.

* Angel Street Chapel. We are informed that it is intended to re-build the Independent chapel in Angel Street in this city, the expense of which is estimated at £5,000. Subscriptions amounting to £4,000 are already promised, five donors having contributed £3,000 of that amount.

200 Years Ago:ON Friday last, a ball and supper was given at Northwick Park, Worcester, by Lady Northwick. The company was numerous and consisted of most of the nobility and gentry in the neighbouring country. Eighty guests sat down to supper at one o'clock and the dancing was afterwards continued until five in the morning.

* Mr John Ward, grandfather of the actress Sarah Siddons and who was for some years manager of a theatre in this city of Worcester, had so mean an opinion of his profession that he vowed eternal warfare against his daughter Sally if she married an actor.

The young lady soon after married Roger Kemble, a gentleman having for some time been upon the stage. Mr Ward sent for the bride and said: "Well my dear child, you have not disobeyed me. The devil himself could not have made an actor of your husband" (John Ward had managed the New Theatre at the King's Head off High Street, Worcester and Roger and Sally Kemble's daughter became the legendary Sarah Siddons).

250 Years Ago:THE tailors of this city, having a few days since attempted to reduce the extravagant wages they are obliged to pay their journeymen, the employees unanimously declared they would not work at all.

The masters, in order that their customers may not be disappointed, find themselves under the necessity of continuing to submit to the unreasonable demands of their men, consequently an advance in prices must reasonably be expected.

* Samuel Barnes, baker and maltster in Newport Street, Worcester, takes this method of acquainting the public that he has lately erected a new invented machine - supposed to be the best of the kind in the kingdom - for making oatmeal. Those who oblige him with their custom may depend on being always supplied to their satisfaction and at reasonable rates.

* On Monday last in Wiltshire was married William Ross, a young fellow, gardener to Lord Bolingbroke, to Mrs Mary Dorrell, aged 85, possessed of a fortune of £4,000.