Part 3: Billy on holiday - Outings from Hampton Court
In 1895 and 1896 Billy was working at Hampton Court. From time
to time he and some of his work mates would head off for a holiday
for a day or two.
Saturday 13th July 1895 (from Hampton Court, London)
Beanfeast Day. Caught 6.35 [1]to
Waterloo and there met the others, about 40, and caught 7.40 to
Folkestone. Went by S.E. Railway via Ashford, Tonbridge and through
very pretty country. Arrived at Folkestone and 10.10. Found weather
there, as elsewhere, very bright and fine. Jim, Harry, Ted Taylor
and I had a dip before dinner which was served at 12 at the Albany
Restaurant, rather a poor affair, after which 8 of us went for a
row. Fairly enjoyed that, then around fish market and harbour. Saw
Boulogne Boat come in. Went by lift to the Lees[2], heard Band of the KR Rifles[3], very good. From there, Jim and I went to
Fosters Hotel, had tea in style. Another stroll and a hurried look
at the museum brought us to 8.15 when we started back. Had a very
good journey, beguiled the time by singing etc. Got to Hampton
Court about 1, tired out as I think most were, but none the worse
for drink. For the outing fund we all paid in 7/6 and a prospect of
more to follow thanks to the subscribers. On the following Saturday
we had another 1/6 per man returned.
Tuesday 10th September 1895 (from Hampton Court)
Trip to Yarmouth
Ted Taylor and I left Hampton Wick by 7.10 and took passage on
G.S.N. Coy.[4] “Halcyon” for Great
Yarmouth. Left London Bridge at 9.00 a.m. sharp and after a good
voyage arrived safely about 7.30. Had first walk on beach and jetty
and then to bed – at Mrs Rouse, 17 Row 132 Great Yarmouth.
The Halcyon at Yarmouth, courtesy of
General Steam Navigation, Photo credit.
Wednesday 11th September 1895
Had a trip to Norwich on “Yarmouth Belle” up the River Yare and
Norfolk Broads nearly 60 miles journey for 1/-. Had three hours in
Norwich so after dinner had a look at Cathedral, Castle and Museum.
Back at Yarmouth at 7 p.m. Evening in Beach Gardens for Band of
Norfolk Regiment.
The Yarmouth Belle, courtesy of
General Steam Navigation, Photo
credit.
Thursday 12th September 1895
Fish market before breakfast and then to Old Toll House,
Museum and Dungeons. Saw the Unitarian Chapel where Mr JJ Marten
was in charge, then on Beach Market etc. Evening to Beach Company’s
concert.
Friday 13th September 1895
On Beach all day. To concert on pier at night. Mr Taylor went home
this afternoon by Halcyon.
Saturday 14th September 1895
Had a last look around Beach Market etc. Left Yarmouth by GSN Co.
“Swift” about 3.30 p.m. Sea rather rough but didn’t notice it much
as this boat is much larger than the “Halcyon”. Had a very pleasant
time till dusk when the coast lights were lighted. Rather
interesting to watch them. A few passengers formed a little party
for singing. As the evening went on, had a nice little affair round
the wheel till no one would volunteer to sing so Ted and I went
below and “turned in”.
Sunday 15th September 1895
Slept well considering it’s my first night at sea. Was woke up
about 5 a.m. by a rare noise going on overhead. Went up to find the
ship “laying to”, letting out anchor as we were enveloped in a
thick fog. [We] turned out to be just in the River. Stayed there
for nearly three hours and at last arrived at St. Catherine’s Wharf
at 10.15.
Friday 10th July 1896 (from Hampton Court)
After seeing this morning’s paper, got the day off and went to see
Sussex and Surrey at the Oval. Match started yesterday with the
result that both teams got out very quickly – Sussex 116 (Ern
Killick 57 not out) and Surrey 96, Hartley taking 6 wickets very
cheaply. Sussex started their second innings and this morning the
score stood at 48 for no wickets. Innings finished for 391, Killick
making 102, his first century in first class cricket. Quite enjoyed
the play Sussex being in all day. Saw several Horsham people on the
ground. After play finished I had a bath then took Electric Railway
to City – quite a novelty – walked leisurely to Waterloo and caught
9.15.
(Saturday) Surrey’s innings realised 370. They therefore lost by
only 43 runs. Fine win for old Sussex, thanks to Killick and
Hartley.
Saturday 11th July 1896 (from Hampton Court)
Annual outing today to Maidenhead by road. Started at 8. Had
beautiful drive through Hampton, Hanworth by Whiteley’s farms to
Harlington Corner. First halt there to “bail the cattle”. Got on
the Bath Road and had a fine run to Colnbrook (where we cross the
Bucks. Border) and Slough. Fine view of Windsor Castle here. Very
pretty country now right into Maidenhead. Arrived there soon after
noon and had stroll before dinner at 1.0 provided by “mine host” at
the Sun. Very good spread but very crowded at table.
Hampton Court Palace Works
Department Beano at Maidenhead, 11 July 1896. Billy is wearing his
new panama hat and kneeling in the middle row to the left of the
picture.
After dinner, Tom Nightingale took our photos in a group, then
about a dozen of us took a trip on the river to Boulters Lock.
Rather an exciting voyage. First ran down a punt then almost ran
down by a steam launch so intent were we on beating the other boat.
Still, all ended well and I think we all enjoyed the little trip.
Tea at the Sun and a last little walk around the town for souvenirs
etc. brought us to 6.30 when home we started. Returned by same
route as we came with the usual halts. Very lively in our brake.
Plenty of “singing” Got safely back to the Palace about 10.45
having spent a first class day. We paid in 7/- in subs and after
dinner, fare etc. was paid, shared out 6/10½ each. Thanks to the
subscribers.
- [1] From Hampton Court
where Billy was working at the time.
- [2] Lees Cliff
Hall.
- [3] Possibly referring
to the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles.
- [4] General Steam
Navigation Company.
Share this
page (third party services may set cookies)