Source: Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette
Date: Thursday 13 November 1873
FASHIONABLE WEDDING


On Tuesday morning a large number of persons assembled in the snug little church of Freshford to witness the marriage of the Rev. Thomas Guy Barlow Poole, senior curate of St. Philip's, Hulme, Manchester, and son of the Rev. T. Barlow, Vicar of Letwell, to Miss Alice Christina Baker, eldest daughter of the Rev. George Baker of Freshford.

The weather fortunately was suitable to the occasion, and as the residence of the bride's father is only a short distance from the church, carriages were dispensed with and the wedding party walked to the sacred edifice. The wedding was conducted without any show or ostentation, but this did not prevent the inhabitants of Freshford and the surrounding villages, especially Westwood, where the bride is greatly loved, from showing by decorations and other outward manifestations, their esteem and good-will.

Thus along the route from the house to the church was displayed a number of flags and the gates leading to the residence of Mr. R. C. Hall were tastefully decorated. The design, which was composed principally of clematis, represented two hearts bound together with a band of yellow chrysanthemums. The design was executed by Wm. Helps, the gardener. Over the gateway of the churchyard was erected a pretty little arch made of laurel leaves, ferns, etc., and containing in the centre, worked on white ground, the initials of the bride and bridegroom, below which, suspended from silver chains, was a small silver casket containing arbutus and other flowers. On the obverse of the arch in silver letters were the initials of the bride and bridgeroom altered as follows:- "T.G.B.P. and A.C.P." The gateway of Mr. Baker's residence was set off with evergreens, as were also the pillars of the porch, the latter, which was skilfully done, being, we understood, the work of the Misses Gee.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a rich, white silk dress, wreath of orange blossoms, and tulle veil. The bridesmaids — Miss Baker, Miss Louisa Baker, Miss Poole, and Miss Morris — were attired in white dresses, two of them being trimmed with cerise, while the others wore blue trimmings. The bridegroom's best man was Mr. Frederick Poole, the other groomsmen being Mr. George Edward Bythesea Baker, the bride's cousin, and Dr. Guy. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. Baker, rector of Tellisford and uncle of the bride, assisted by the Rev. Robert Birley, rector of St. Philip's, Hulme. After the service the Hymn "How welcome was the call," which had been printed and distributed among the congregation, was sung. As the bride and bridegroom left the church the bells sent forth a joyous peal, and their path was strewn with flowers by the servants of the household and the village children.
The guests afterwards breakfasted at the house of Mr. Baker. The presents were numerous and varied, many of them being very costly, and included various sets of ornaments, - gold, garnet and silver, - silver, tea and coffee sets, sets of fish knives and forks, gold spoons, tongs, etc., handsome walnut writing desk, clocks, and valuable pictures. The happy pair left by the 3.30 train the same day for Gloucester. We should add that the dresses were supplied by Miss Watson, of Edgar-buildings, Bath, and the breakfast by Messrs. Fortt and Son, of Milsom-street.