MARRIAGE FESTIVITIES
On Thursday last, the occasion of the marriage of Mr G F Field, with Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Mr Robert Hambler, Badsey, was a scene of festivities, which were carried out right heartily throughout the day. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev T H Hunt, in the Parish Church, which was well filled by spectators.
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A fortnight later in The Worcester Journal of Saturday 6 March 1869, the following article appeared!
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS, MONDAY MARCH 1
Before the Rev A H W Ingram (Chairman), ReV H G Faussett and J Clarke, H Workman and W H Ashwin, Esqrs
RIOTOUS BEHAVIOUR IN A CHURCH
William Field, Charles Hall, Elisha Hopkins, William Williams and Joseph Harris were charged on the information of Joseph Jones and William Phipps, the churchwardens of the parish of Badsey, for having been guilty of unlawful and riotous behaviour in Badsey parish church, on the 18th ult. On the day in question, a wedding took place in the church, and although the vicar and churchwardens refused to allow the bells to be rung, the defendants forcibly entered the belfry, and in spite of all opposition, rung the bells. The vicar explained that during the season of Lent, it was the rule not to allow the bells to be rung, and the only time when this rule was broken, was on the occasion of the marriage of the Prince of Wales.
Mr H New, who appeared on behalf of the defendants, tendered an expression of regret for what had taken place, and stated that such a thing should not occur again, and the churchwardens and vicar being willing to settle the matter, accepted the apology. The chairman told the defendants they were liable to a penalty of £5 on conviction, or two months’ imprisonment. This case excited a great deal of interest in the town, and the court was crowded.