wemburywaves

On This Day in Wembury – 6 March 1861

William Lobb, a farmer in Wembury, found himself in court after being accused of assaulting James French on 18 February.

French told the magistrates that his father, a tenant on Vincent Pollexfen Calmadys estate, had sent him with eleven sheep to place in Hardwick Pound after they had strayed into another’s land. These sheep belonged to Lobb. On the way, Lobb confronted him and asked what damage was being claimed. When French replied that his father sought half a sovereign, Lobb handed over the sum — then, according to French, struck him in the face and on the back of the head.

French admitted that angry words were exchanged but insisted he had not raised his stick against Lobb. He recalled Lobb threatening that he did not mind spending a few pounds “to knock a head off.”

For the defence, solicitor Mr Andrews argued that Lobb had acted in the heat of temper after provocation and that the quarrel was coloured by jealousy, as Lobb was soon to take over the Frenches’ farm tenancy.

The bench described the assault as trifling. Lobb was fined 2 shillings 8 pence plus costs.

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Reflection

Disputes over land and livestock were no small matter in Wembury’s tight-knit farming community. A stray flock could quickly spark tempers, especially when a change of tenancy loomed. What reads now as a minor scuffle reflected the high stakes of Victorian rural life, where honour, livelihood, and long-standing rivalries often met at the parish pound.

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Source: Plymouth Mail, 6 March 1861