Notes from the 31 December 1832 edition of the Bridgwater Alfred:
This is the very last edition of the Alfred in our collection, although the news paper ran for another year before winding up. You can read more about its history here.
Unfortunately this last edition of ours has next to nothing of local interest, as the vast majority of the space given over to the Bridgwater Alfred, as opposed to the London Alfred from which it was adapted, is mostly taken up with political editorials and the fall out of the recent election. A very long descriptions is given of the announcement of the victors of the election for the Western Division of Somerset, in which E.A. Sandford and C.J.K Tynte were elected, Bickham Escott loosing at the Assize Hall, then speeches, then a ceremony of putting on spurs and girding of a belt and sword. A procession follows through the Streets of Taunton and then dinners are held by the respective political camps.
The most relevant local news relating to Bridgwater, aside from the usual shipping list, are two death announcements.
On 21 December 1832 Mr Bishop, a baker of Bridgwater died.
On 23 December 1832 Mrs Ludlow, wife of the port master of Bridgwater, died at Bath.
