I have heard a few tales of this from various sources. I am sure that they are all as true as the story of our illustrious Magyar of posts passimandy wrote: ↑25 Feb 2020, 22:11Back in ye olde times the stagecoach driver would send a runner ahead to receive an official statement on a papyrus. He would pass this on to the Towne Cryer to announce from atop the Church wall to the gathered throng. A young scamp would then be paid sixpence to relay that message back to those of us further afield saving us the tuppence fare and the driver from unnecessarily tiring his horses.
Andy, being a modest man, but of substantial means used to send his under-footman to listen for news as he says above. What he misses out, in the interests of modesty, is that on the receipt of news from the under-footman, he used to get the first footman and second footman to convey him in his favourite sedan chair. He was a kind employer and only made them wear full livery on the way to the game (ie down Mucklow Hill) he did not make them perspire in full livery on the way back.
Those of more limited means used to brave the footpads and vagabonds along the Stourbr*dge turnpike. Many of these were dressed in a strange red and white striped garb similar to that worn by prisoners or escapees from the local asylum.
Lord Lutley, being a peer of the realm (as of now, of course simply used to send one of his men to convey a message as to when the match should start (to fit his convenience) and the kick-off time would be rearranged according to his Lordship's whim and pleasure.