John Cartwright (1862-1944) - Part 4

Today we continue the remarkable story of John Cartwright, as told in his own words. In Part 4 John talks about electioneering and fox hunting.


The Life of John Cartwright of Blankney Fen from the age of twelve years


Now for a bit of electioneering. When I was in Lincoln about 1880 Colonel Chaplin was one of the members, but he lost his seat about that time, a great riot taking place when the poll was declared, finishing up by breaking all the windows in the front of the Saracen's Head Hotel, and they succeeded in rolling a barrel of blazing tar down the entrance. Mr. Pitcher just got the big doors fastened in time. I used to attend all the Squire's meetings in Lincoln. Once when arguing with a man in favour of the Squire, another man turned to me and said "Oh, I see you are one of old Chaplin's tenants". "Yes you are right" I said "and proud I am of it". "Well" he said, "I hear old Chaplin feeds his tenants on barley chaff dumplings buttered with wool". After that, you may be sure a broad smile came on my face. Writing about the old Squire I must mention the rent audit which he attended at the Bristol Arms, Sleaford. Bob Lill, a Fen-side character was also amongst us. Brother Jim, Frank Godson and myself had a bit of fun with Bob, tying a serviette round his top hat, and managed to get it on his head without him seeing it. Then he walked into the street. We got one of the maids to run after him telling him he was stealing the Bristol Arms property. Of course old Bob was very much annoyed and said "John's done it, I know he has". I got my first Fox's brush out of Bob Lill's yard. It was the first meet of the hounds Lady Florence attended. The fox was lost there for a time, and when the followers had gone up the road I saw the fox laying on the top of the barn, which was thatched in those days. I ran on the road and shouted for all I was worth. The Squire brought the hounds back and put his hand in his pocket and said "Here Lill, here's a tip for you for keeping your eyes open". I thought it a bit off, as I saw the fox first. I told Harry Dawkins the Huntsman the tip should have been mine. He said something to her Ladyship and I got the brush, and went home with a nice blooded face, greatly alarming poor mother when I opened the room door, but holding up the brush soon put the matter right. It was not intended to kill the fox there without giving him the chance to escape, the hounds being taken the far end of the buildings out of sight, but unfortunately when disturbed he turned round and ran the full length of the buildings and jumped bang into the pack. I had to make a speech about this that day at the Bristol Arms dinner. The Squire asked someone to respond for the fox hunters. Old Bob shouted out "Ask John, he knows something".

Don't miss the fifth and final part of John's story in tomorrows Journal.