PRISONERS in the two gaols at Worcester were given some relief from hardship at Christmas 200 years ago, thanks to gifts from local benefactors.
The Worcester Journal of 1802 reported: "The prisoners in our City Gaol return their thanks to Mr Forrest, Sheriff, for the most plentiful dinner of roast beef, beer etc on Christmas Day, also to the Lord Bishop of this Diocese for a donation of one guinea, and likewise to a lady unknown for a gift of the like sum.
"The prisoners in our County Gaol also return their grateful thanks to a person unknown for a donation of three guineas for their relief."
l Heavy downpours and river flooding seem to have marred Christmas in and around Worcester exactly 250 years ago.
The Journal of 1752 reported: "The excessive heavy rains we have had in this neighbourhood for several days past have occasioned the waters to be out in such a manner as hath not been known for many years before, and by reason of which the Post came in this day two hours later than usual."
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