Many
Festivities were held on the grounds of The Place before it became a
Public Recreation Ground.. Our research has turned up a few interesting
Functions which were held there.
3rd
August 1839, At the residence of John Dobede Esq., there
was great celebration and festivities, this was in honour of his eldest
son John, who had recently filled the Office of the High Sheriff of the
County. 60 guests partook in a most sumptuous entertainment. There was
a temporary Dining Room erected for the occasion. The following evening
the young heir and his Sister, gave a Grand Ball for 140 Guests. The
festivities ended on Saturday, with a capital dinner for the immediate
employees of the Estate.
5th
January 1879, An annual dinner was held at The Place, for
the Aged Poor of the Town. They were served with beef and plumb
pudding. This was given by Mr George Mainprice, who was then in
resident at The Place as a Tenant.
25th
January 1888, Mr Arthur Bland from Lark Hall Farm Fordham,
today married Miss Elizabeth Mary Taylor, eldest Daughter of Mr John
Taylor of Soham Place. The Bride was attended by 4 Bridesmaids, who
were Miss Florence Taylor, Miss Constance Taylor, who were Sisters of
the Bride, Miss Annie Taylor, who was her Cousin, and Miss Gifford. The
Brides dress was of white moiré trimmed with handsome lace. Two
Bridesmaids wore dresses of pink mauve shade of moiré, and the other
two were in lemon moiré. A Ball was held in the evening and the
presents were abundant.
27th
July 1888, The first Horticultural Show was held in the
grounds of Soham Place, which had been kindly lent by Mr John Taylor,
being well suited for the display. The exhibits were plentiful and
comprised of some excellent specimens of all kinds. The event attracted
between 1,600 - 1,700 visitors , had the weather been kinder there
would have been many more. Several exhibits were sent in by Gentlemen
of the Town , but these were not entered for competition just purely
for show. A excellent display of fireworks were displayed in the
evening , courtesy of Mr Cockerton. Rural sports events were also held
on the occasion.
22nd
July 1892, The 5th annual Horticultural Show was again
held on the grounds of Soham Place. There was a fine show of fruit and
flowers etc., which exceeded those of the previous year.
3rd
November 1893, On this occasion the Place was the scene of
great sadness as the death occurred of Mr John Taylor aged only 57
years. Wednesday of the previous week he enjoyed the Wedding
Celebrations of his youngest Daughters Wedding. He had for the past
year been suffering from an incurable ailment, so his death though
sudden came as no surprise. Mr Taylor had employed more labour than
anyone else in the Parish, he was a most successful Farmer, of more
than a 1,000 acres of land. Therefore Mr Taylor was greatly missed by
the Agricultural Labourer, who found in him a good all round man always
ready to do the best for them. When he died he was a County Councillor,
a Governor of the Endowed School, he was a member of The School Board,
and a Feoffee. He served the Town well and faithfully as a Guardian,
Surveyor and Overseer and a member of the Burial Board.
30th
July 1897, The Senior Children attending the Church Sunday
School, numbering over 200 with their Teachers, held their annual treat
in The Place grounds which were kindly lent by Mrs Mary Taylor. The
Children headed by a Brass Band went to Church first to a flower
service. They afterwards proceeded to The Place grounds were they were
given refreshments, and a display of fireworks, after which the sports
began. The Public were admitted to witness the fireworks display.
