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Arborfield
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Thomas Hargreaves bought 'The Mount' in Bishopstoke, near Southampton in July 1870, and made his mark on the village very quickly. He endeared himself to the local people by a very generous donation of a new building, sometimes known as the Institute, as described below. Note that this was almost six years before Arborfield gained its own Reading Room in 1881, paid for my Sarah Hargreaves in memory of their son Arthur, who died aged only 19 in 1878.
Hampshire Telegraph 15th September 1875: BISHOPSTOKE. A new and commodious reading-room has been erected at Bishopstoke. The room, which is built in the Gothic style, is 35 feet long by 19 feet wide, is very lofty, with a library and living rooms attached, and is situated about 200 yards from the post and telegraph office, on the site where, until recently, stood a large double tenement or dwelling-house. This property has recently been bought by Captain Hargreaves, and built, entirely at his own personal and very great expense, a capacious reading-room, fitted up with every requisite for the convenience and comfort of all who may avail themselves of its privileges.
Hampshire Advertiser Wednesday 20th October 1875: BISHOPSTOKE - PRESENTATIONS. Two very gratifying presentations were made at the Reading Room on Thursday evening, viz., a very handsomely bound reference Bible to Mrs. Warriner, from the children, teachers, and friends of the Union Chapel, Horton-Heath, as a slight token of their gratitude for hospitality and kindness bestowed on them, and the other to Captain Hargreaves, who has generously built the Reading Room, and, together with its well-stocked library, handed it over for the use of the inhabitants. The testimonial to the gallant captain consisted of an address, beautifully illuminated by Mr. J. Leach, of Southampton, as follows:- “To Captain Hargreaves, The Mount, Bishopstoke. We, the members of the Bishopstoke Reading Room and Library, desire to record our grateful thanks for the munificent gift you have made us and this neighbourhood, by the erection of a spacious and convenient reading room and the well-stocked library you have established. We acknowledge the immense boon that this institute is to us, and trust that we shall so use it that we may reap the great use it is calculated to impart, and prove to you our true appreciation of your gift. Wishing you and yours every blessing, and that your efforts to benefit others may bring to yourself a rich reward, we are, on behalf of the members, Stephen Hobbs, John Mason, James Herridge, William Chamberlain Dummer, Henry Herridge, Charles A. Laishley, George Forty, Thomas Winzar, committee.” Mrs. Warriner and Captain Hargreaves suitably acknowledged the presentations, and during the evening a vocal and instrumental entertainment was given, the proceedings closing with the National Anthem.
Hampshire Advertiser Saturday 1st January 1876: BISHOPSTOKE - ENTERTAINMENT. On Wednesday evening the members of the reading room and library were favoured with a visit from Mr. Mason, of Canal-walk, Southampton, who exhibited a large number of dissolving views, which afforded great satisfaction. During the evening, Mr. Warriner gave some first-rate songs, which were much appreciated by the audience, each song receiving an encore. It is hoped the members will be favoured with another visit from Mr. Warriner during his stay in the neighbourhood. Captain Hargreaves kindly gave the members the loan of one of his capital musical boxes, which played during he evening, and was greatly admired. At 6 o'clock, by special arrangement, the children of the members were admitted free to the room, when Mr. Mason gave a selection of views, which were much appreciated. At the close each child was presented with a bun and an orange, and before leaving the room gave several rounds of cheers to the lady who had favoured them with such an excellent treat. About 120 children were present. Thanks were voted to Captain Hargreaves and Messrs. Warriner and Mason. [NOTE: The 'Mr. Warriner' was most likely Mrs. Warriner's son Emile, born in Cheltenham, and who was now 19 years old.]
With acknowledgements to Bishopstoke History Society for photos of the Reading Rooms. Back to Thomas Hargreaves Page
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