Tales of Oxford's past emerge from carpets

But old newspapers found under carpets during a house clearance in Oxford were in remarkably good condition.

And they throw a fascinating light on life in the city and surrounding area in the late 19th century.

A copy of the weekly Oxford Chronicle and Berks and Bucks Gazette from July 12, 1879 – which cost 2d – revealed that help was at hand for people severely injured in accidents in the city.

If they were lucky, victims would reach the Radcliffe Infirmary in a horse-drawn carriage.

Otherwise they would be carried to the hospital or would have to walk – ambulances were still a long way off.

The paper reported: “Many a poor sufferer has been put to unnecessary pain, and his recovery often much retarded by being doubled up in a conveyance, when it was of the greatest importance that he should be as little disturbed as possible, and when every pull and push was causing him much agony.”

The answer came from St John Ambulance, which offered three litters – curtained couches carried on men’s shoulders.

The litters, bought in memory of former matron Miss Clarributt, were to be placed at the city police station, railway station and the infirmary.

Oxfordshire Constabulary was investigating reports of an illegal prize fight in a meadow at Rye Farm, Abingdon.

Two men, cheered by between 500 and 600 people, fought up to 50 rounds for a sovereign and at the end, were “frightfully disfigured”.

The paper reported: “We understand it is the intention of the police authorities to prosecute all who were engaged or in any way took part in this disgraceful affair.”

People in Woodstock were relieved that they would no longer have to listen to the parish church bells, which “have for so many years past pealed forth their tunes in such an inharmonious manner”.

The bells were to be sent away for repair, to restore their “soothing chimes”.

For drinkers, however, the news was not so good.

Various local ‘worthies’ were petitioning the House of Lords to close pubs on Sundays.