Noteworthy Marriages
The Countess of Rothes and the Hon George Waldegrave. The bridegroom in this marriage solemnity, was at the time Captain of the 1st Cinque Ports Rifles Volunteers, and was afterwards twice elected to represent the borough of Hastings in Parliament. His marriage with the Countess of Rothes was solemnised on the 22nd of January at All Souls Church, Langham place, London, in the presence of a large party of relatives and friends of both families. The church bells in Hastings rang merry peals on the auspicious event, and the non-commissioned officers of the Rifles were all remembered by name, each having cards and a large slice of cake sent to him. Equally large pieces were also received by the sergeants for distribution among the men of their respective sections. These cakes were supplied from the confectionery establishment of Mr. Vickery, of Hastings.
Miss F. M. Papillon and S. Ashton, Esq.
Crowhurst Park was again a scene of festivity on the 31st of October, when was performed the marriage of Miss Frances M. Papillon, second daughter of Thomas Papillon, Esq., to Samuel Ashton, Esq., youngest son of the late S. Ashton Esq. of Pole Bank, Cheshire. The bridesmaids were ten in number – namely the five sisters of the bride and the Misses Oxenden, Nesbitt, Hardinge, Mossop and Potter. The marriage took place at Crowhurst Church, the officiating minister being the Rev. Montague Oxenden, rector of Eastwell, uncle of the bride. There was a numerous assemblage of relations and friends. An elegant dejeûner(sic) was prepared at the Hall for a numerous party, and at four o’clock the bridegroom set out for the Continent. The festivities closed with a dinner and evening party.
Maritime Disaster
Sinking of a schooner. Great excitement was caused at St. Leonards on the morning of Saturday, June 29th, by the report that a vessel had been struck by lightning and had gone down with all hands on board. On hastening to the beach to ascertain if the report was true, the present writer beheld, at about eight miles distant, and pointing upwards in an oblique direction, the upper portions of a schooner’s masts and sails. At the same time a boat was putting off from the coastguard station at Bopeep, and another from a brigantine that was sailing within a few miles of the shore. These, with other boats that afterwards put off, were rowed with all possible expedition to the submerged vessel. It was found that the vessel had not been struck by the electric fluid as was first supposed, but that it had foundered during a terrific squall of wind, lightning, thunder and rain. So sudden and violent was the storm that the ship, reeling but for an instant, plunged headlong and sank to the depth of about six fathoms. The captain and two of his men took to the small boat, while the rest of the crew – three in number – were picked up by a fishing-smack and carried, it -
