arrow The Times arrow 1871 - 1880 arrow Feb 09 1871 Recreation Grounds for the People
Feb 09 1871 Recreation Grounds for the People Print E-mail

The Times, 09 Feb 1871; p.6, col. E

                   RECREATION GROUNDS FOR THE PEOPLE
                                     ---------------------------
                             TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.

Sir, - I observe in The Times of the 6th inst. a letter under this head, signed
by the Rev. A. F. SHEPPARD, the vicar of Flimby. In this letter Mr. SHEPPARD
says: -

"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.

This paragraph is a mis-statement or a misconception of the true facts. No
injunction was applied for by Lord LONSDALE or his tenant to prevent the
parishioners from playing croquet on the green. Mr. SHEPPARD claimed a  right to
play this and other games on Lord LONSDALE's land. The tenant of the land
brought an action of trespass, and Mr. SHEPPARD, the defendant, acting on
advice, allowed the plaintiff, the tenant, to sign judgement, with 40s. damages,
the usual amount in such cases, and the costs of the action.

The result it will therefore be seen was an abandonment by Mr. SHEPPARD of the
right he set up. There was no pretence for them, and there was "no tacit
compromise" or any compromise whatever about the claim. The action took the
usual course, and Mr. SHEPPARD, finding himself in the wrong, acknowledged his
error, and withdrew from the proceedings.

         I am, Sir, your very obedient servant,
         WILLIAM LUMB, JUN., the Plaintiff's Attorney in the Action.

Whitehaven, Feb. 7.

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Petra
 
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