What a load of pants! Well, trousers actually. And probably quite nice ones, for work. Once again, the British Newspaper Archives reveals more than you'd ever find from church or other records. Literally, that my ancestor William Bates (great x2 grandfather) had problems with getting his pants.
On August 18 1866 the Norfolk News carried a headline that read 'Delays are Dangerous'. The story concerned William Bates, a groom at Morton Hall, who in February 1866 placed an order worth £2 2s with local tailor Robert Spooner of neighbouring Great Witchingham. Spooner apparently promised to get Bates his pants made pronto but failed to deliver them until 11 May. Understandably, by then Bates had made other arrangements, and refused to pay Spooner a penny. Not happy, Spooner took the matter to Court in Aylsham but Bates prevailed with support from two witnesses (William Rushbrooke, a fellow servant from Morton Hall) and Frederick Hubbard.
So, Bates got his pants and won the case. Bravo Bates!
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