days later, in the Market Hall, when addresses were delivered by F. North, Esq., (chairman), W. Walter (secretary), W. Maule, S. Putland, jun., C. D. Swain, W. Ransom and the Rev. J. Stent. None of those persons would have given countenance to the disgraceful proceedings of the Radical faction at the election which took place a few weeks later.
Mr. Brisco’s Bounties at Coghurst
At the Borough Election it was admitted by Mr. Cooper, a Liberal politician, that although Mr. Briscoe was a Conservative, he was one of the best landlords in the county. The following paragraphs will show in what way his benevolence was manifested.
At the threshold of the year Musgrave Brisco, Esq., M.P. repeated his usual bounty of a sovereign to each of his workmen and half a sovereign to each of the boys in his service, in addition to beef and bread. To the poor also of Ore, Fairlight and Guestling were distributed both food and raiment.
On the 7th of June a large wedding-cake, some bottles of wine and some money, were given by Mr. Brisco to one of his gardeners on the occasion of his marriage.
On the 8th of October, Mr. Brisco’s annual wedding celebration was observed at Coghurst with a dinner, music and games to his workpeople, their families and friends, the persons being present on this occasion numbering one hundred and thirty. The Fairlight Band was usually in attendance at these festivities, but on one or two occasions, Brett’s St. Leonards Band was engaged, to which latter band Mr. Brisco was an annual subscriber of £2 2s.
On the 20th of December, Mr. Brisco met his tenants at the Swan hotel; and, two days later, entertained them at dinner at Coghurst Hall.
- “We record, with pleasure [says the Hastings News] the recurrence of those marks of genuine benevolence which have for many years honourably characterised the munificent owners of Coghurst Hall, Musgrave Briscoe, Esq. and his excellent lady. At Christmas the men in Mr. Brisco’s employ were presented with a sovereign each and the boys with half a sovereign. The married men had, in addition, beef and bread according to the number in family. On New Year’s Day they further received presents of suitable clothing. Many of the poor of Ore and the two neighbouring parishes had blankets given them, and twenty-four boys were fitted out with strong winter boots. To the girls belonging to the schools (handsomely supported by Mrs. Brisco) presents of shawls and cloaks were made. We are glad to hear of the continuance of these good old customs, and commend this example to the rich, generally, for imitation.”
