Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from the Berkshire Chronicle
Saturday 30th January, 1858
On Monday an inquest was held at Eastbury, before Mr. W.D. Wasbrough, on the body of Thos. Champion, aged 67. Deceased had been with Mr. John Spanswick at Lambourn on the previous Friday trussing hay. On their way home to Eastbury with the load of hay upon a waggon one of the trusses slipped through the line, and good quantity of hay fell to the ground. Deceased got upon the waggon to reload the hay, and then said he would ride home. At Bockhampton there is a large oak tree overshadowing the road, and as the waggon passed it Mr. Spanswick heard the boughs rustle, and on looking back saw the deceased lying in the road, having been knocked off the waggon by the tree, towards which his back was turned. Mr. Spanswick and his carter removed the deceased to his home, and sent for Dr. Arthur, but he never spoke after the fall, and died in a few hours. Verdict, accidentally killed.
An inquest was held at Tidcombe, on the 16th inst., on the body of William Mason, which resulted in the commitment of Mr. James Lidderdale, of Great Bedwin, surgeon, one of the medical officers of the Hungerford Union, who was attendance on the deceased, on a charge of manslaughter, and his commitment thereupon for trial at the next assizes. Mr. Lidderdale was admitted to bail by Mr. Justice Crompton, on Friday, himself in �500 and two sureties in �250 each.
MELANCHOLY SUICIDE - On Thursday morning, the 21st inst, Mr. Jasper R. Warman, of Restrip [?], in the parish of Purton, was found in his bed room quite dead, having cut his throat with a razor which was in his hand. He had complained just before of being unwell, and had suffered from mental depression. A coroner's jury gave a verdict of temporary insanity. Deceased was greatly respected.
It gives us sincere pleasure to announce that Captain Leicester Vernon's admirable lecture not only gave great gratification to all who were fortunate enough to hear it, but contributed the handsome addition of nearly �12 to the Mansion House decoration fund - a sum, which considering the expenses necessarily incurred, is larger than could have been fairly anticipated.