Part 19 (2/2)
Sharples left Horncastle for Wisbech, being appointed by the trustees first resident physician at the hospital founded in that town by Miss Trafford Southwell. Losing an only daughter while there, the shock was so great, that he resigned the post, and removed to Taunton, and took up there the practice of a deceased brother, which he carried on until his death, Feb. 8th, 1897. At Horncastle he resided for some years in the old vicarage, south of the churchyard, afterwards moving to the house next the ”Fighting c.o.c.ks” Inn, called ”Westholme House.” For some years he was a very popular Secretary to the Southwold Hunt.
W. H. BENSON BROWN.
Among more recent natives of Horncastle, who have distinguished themselves, is the son of the late Mr. Robert Brown, of the Market Place.
He graduated at University College, Durham, as Licentiate in Theology, 1887, and was ordained deacon in 1890, priest in 1891, holding the curacy of North Ormsby, near Middlesborough; and was appointed Rector of Bucknall, near Horncastle, in 1898, by the patron his father-in-law, the late Mr. James Dunham, Merchant, of Horncastle. He was appointed Inspector of Schools, 1899. Mr. Benson Brown is an energetic worker, has restored his church, adding a carved reredos of oak, a handsome lectern, and filling the east window with good stained gla.s.s. He has also introduced various reforms and improvements in the parish.
WILLIAM HENEAGE SHARP.
Another native of Horncastle, who has already done credit to the town is the son of Mr. Henry Sharp, Saddler, in the Bull Ring; of a very old firm, established in 1760, and doing an European business. William Heneage Sharp was educated at the local Grammar School, 18859, where he gained the first scholars.h.i.+p granted by the Governors, under the reformed system. He then went to the college at Framlingham, Suffolk, 188990, a county inst.i.tution founded as a memorial of the late Prince Consort, and there gained several prizes. He then became a Junior Master in a private school at Devizes; and during his stay there took the 2nd and 4th prizes at the College of Preceptors. He next accepted a Masters.h.i.+p at John Ellis's endowed school in South London (Gospel Oak). After which he studied at King's College, London, 18991901, where he gained the Jelf prize for Dogmatic Theology, the Senior Wordsworth prize for Latin, and the Barry Divinity Prize. He was also appointed Precentor, and afterwards Dean, of the college, being senior student of his year, and taking a first-cla.s.s in the final examination. He was ordained by the Bishop of London, in St. Paul's Cathedral, in 1901, being appointed ”Gospellor” on the occasion. He was Curate of Staines, Middles.e.x, 19013, removing afterwards to St. John the Evangelist, Holborn, 19038; and was then appointed Theological Tutor and Sub-Warden at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, in the Diocese of Ripon.
ALFRED H. HEALEY.
A youth of Horncastle who has distinguished himself, though chiefly in another line, is Alfred H. Healey, son of the late Mr. Alfred Healey, Brewer and Merchant, of Horncastle, Branston and Lincoln. He was appointed to a Masters.h.i.+p of Ardingly College, Suss.e.x, but removed to Alnwick College more recently. A member of a family remarkable for their ability; a brother, though still young, being high up in the Civil Service; he is specially distinguished as an athlete. Among his performances are the following:
Olympic Games, at Athens, 1906, 2nd in 110 metres hurdle race.
English Champions.h.i.+p, 120 yards hurdle race, at Manchester, 1907, 2nd.
Northern Counties' 100 yards Champions.h.i.+p, hurdle race, Darlington, 1905, 2nd.
Northern Counties' Champion, 100 yards, at Batley, 1907, 1st.
Northern Counties' Champion, 120 yards, at Batley, 1907, 1st.
Northern Counties' Champion, 220 yards, at Darlington, 1907, 1st.
Northern Counties' Champion, long jump, at Darlington, 1907, 1st.
A record, no one before having won more than two events. His ”bests”
have been: 100 yards in 10 seconds; 120 yards (hurdles) 16 and three-fifth seconds; 220 yards (hurdles) 23 seconds; high jump, 5-ft.
8-in.; long jump, 22-ft. 4-in. He was also selected to represent England in the foot races at the Franco-British Exhibition, at Shepherd's Bush, 1908.
WILLIAM MARWOOD.
Horncastle had, for some years, the dubious honour of being the home of the public hangman. William Marwood was born at Goulceby, about six miles from Horncastle, and afterwards lived some years in Old Bolingbroke, coming to Horncastle about 1860; where he was a shoemaker, having a small shop in Church Street, now occupied by Mr. Joseph Borrill, of the same trade. Before being himself appointed hangman he a.s.sisted his predecessor in that office, Calcraft, and succeeded him in 1872; continuing the duties until his death, Sept. 4th, 1883; when he in turn was succeeded by Bartholomew Binns. He was rather short in stature, with large square head and large hands, indicative of firmness of character.
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