The Times 1871 - 1880 Feb 06 1871 - Recreation Grounds for the People

Feb 06 1871 - Recreation Grounds for the People

The Times, 06 Feb 1871; p.6, col. D RECREATION GROUNDS for the PEOPLE --------------------------- At the request of Mr. John Stuart MILL we insert the following appeal: - "Sir, - I feel it to be my duty, as the only independent person in this place, to try to aid my parishioners in their efforts to preserve their village green, looking upon it as a valuable means of promoting their happiness, health, and long life, as well as their moral and spiritual good. Upon this open green, which constituted one of the charms of this little seaside village of Flimby, near Maryport, in Cumberland, the inhabitants claim an uninterrupted right of recreation from time immemorial. Lord LONSDALE, however, who lately bought an additional property in the village, with a portion of the green attached to it, applied in 1867, through his tenant, for an injunction to prevent the parishioners from playing at the game of croquet on the green. The result has been a sort of tacit compromise, by which this game, which had been introduced by the clergyman of the parish among the colliers, and had been popular among them, has been resigned in favour of cricket, &c. "Unfortunately, a new encroachment on the rights of the parishioners has now been begun by another landowner, who has sold a portion of the green across which are two paths, and which has been one of the most frequented parts of the green, for the purpose of enclosing it, and building a house, with iron furnaces, with their accompanying chimneys, &c., to follow. Part of the green having been railed off for this purpose, the villagers, indignant at what they believed to be an infringement of their immemorial rights, followed the example of Mr. Augustus SMITH and others, by assembling and breaking down the railing. For this proceeding a prosecution has been commenced against the leaders; but they are confident that they can sustain the legality as well as the justice of their cause, respecting which they have received highly favourable legal opinions. "I venture, therefore, to make this appeal to all who sympathize with the working classes, and the blessing of a free, open space which has come down to them from former times for their innocent recreation, but with the loss of which they are now threatened. I hope that some will be found to help us with their subscriptions in sustaining the legal expenses which will be necessary to enable my parishioners to maintain their rights in their village green, and they shall be thankfully acknowledged if forwarded to the vicar. "Your obedient servant, "A. F. SHEPPARD." "Parsonage, Flimby, Maryport, Cumberland." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

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