Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
Saturday, November 28, 1829.
Yesterday morning an inquest was held before J. May, Esq, coroner for the County, at the Swan public-house, Clewer, on the body of John Prince, a private in the Royal Horse Guards. It appeared the deceased had been ailing for the last five years, and for a long time had been afflicted with cough and difficulty of breathing, and while walking on Wednesday, not many yards from the public-house where the inquest was taken, he was seized with a fit of coughing which caused the breaking of a blood vessel on the lungs, and death instantly followed. The jury returned a verdict, "That the deceased died from the rupture of a blood vessel."
On the same day another inquest was held before the same coroner, at the Punch Bowl, Old Windsor, on the body of John Thorn, about four years of age. Elizabeth Day, who resides in the poor-house, and next door but one to the room of the mother of the deceased stated that when passing the window about half-past ten o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, she observed the child crossing the room with its clothes on fire; she immediately called to her mother, who was assisted by Elizabeth Maphan, after the fire was extinguished, in taking the clothes remaining unburnt from off the child. Previous to the child being burnt witness had seen it sitting in a chair playing with the fire. Elizabeth Forster who had the care of the child had gone to the back of the house, and had not been absent more than three minutes. Mr. Langwidge the surgeon, attended the child about an hour afterwards. The deceased expired about 11 o'clock the following night. - The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner observing that this was the third inquest he had held within ten days, upon children who had met with their death in a similar manner.
BUTCHER'S MEAT - The "cheap" butchers appear to be rapidly multiplying in the new Fleet or "Farringdon" market. The first shop in the market, as soon as the new market opened, had large tickets fixed on its meat - "Families served at 5 1/2d per lb." A shop almost instantly opposite now tickets at 5d per lb. Several of the same trade in other parts ticket at the like prices, and one really good and well-stocked shop had, in addition, beef steaks at 6 1/2 d. per lb. ! The meat was exhibited, and looked to be of as prime quality as could be wished.- British Traveller.
An elderly female named Higgs, in the employ of Mr. Oxley, of the Public Library, Thames-street, had a narrow escape last evening. It seems some workmen had carelessly left a trap-door in the yard connected to Mr. Oxley's premises open, and Mrs. Higgs having occasion to pass up the yard with a pail full of hot water, not perceiving the chasm, fell into the cellar, a depth of eight feet. She is severely bruised; but fortunately not otherwise much hurt.
Sir Richard Beddingfield arrived at the Castle Inn, in his carriage, accompanied by his Lady, on Thursday, the 19th Instant, from Ditchley, the seat of Lord Dillon, in Oxfordshire. He was in good health and took a hearty dinner after an airing in the park - On Friday morning he arose apparently quite well, but after dressing complained of a sudden and severe pain in the head, in consequence of which Mr O'Reilly was sent for and immediately bled him, but he never left his chamber again - Sir Henry Halford attended him on Saturday - All medical resources proved unavailing and he died on Sunday last about half-past one o'clock.
On Thursday night, an attempt was made to break into the house of Mrs. Bonnell, of Old Windsor, but the inmates being aroused by the noise, the thieves were obliged to make their escape, before an entrance could be effected.
ROBBERY - Early in the morning of yesterday week, the residence of Miss Horseford, of Eton College was entered, and a great quantity of wearing apparel, belonging to some of the Collegians, stolen. It appears owing to the negligence of one of the servants, the key had been left in the place where the apparel was deposited, which the thieves turned again upon their departure. No clue has yet been obtained likely to lead to a discovery.
ACCIDENT. - In the early part of this week, a serious accident happened to a man at Oakley Green, who had been out early in the morning shooting. On his return home, while getting through a quick-set hedge, and in the act of dragging his gun after him, but the muzzle, the trigger was caught in the briars, and the gun exploded, the whole of the contents entering his side. Such was the nature of the wound that his bowels protruded, and he now lies dangerously ill. But feint hopes are entertained of his recovery.
WINDSOR POLICE.
[Before J. CHURCH, Esq Mayor, R. TEBBOTT, Esq Justice.]
MONDAY.
William Oliver, alias Black Will, was charged with stealing, on Saturday night last, from the stalls of different butchers in the market, a pickled leg of pork, a piece of beef, and part of a ribspeare.
Mr. Horton, a butcher of Oakingham, stated, that he attended Windsor market on Saturday last, when the leg of pickled pork was exposed for sale on a salting tub. Between eight and nine o'clock he missed it. After some time, the pork was brought back to his stall; the prisoner was in the charge of Gray, who brought the pork back. The leg of pork produced was the same which he had lost.
Frederick Slough, a gardener, deposed that he saw Oliver take the leg of pork away. Witness went to the owner of the stall and told him what he had seen, and they went through the market together in search of the prisoner, but could not find him. Mr. Horton then sent for Gray.
George Gray, the gaoler, stated that Mr. Horton's son went to him on Saturday evening, and said a leg of pork had been stolen. From the description, witness thought Oliver was the thief. Witness found the prisoner at the Tuns; he denied any knowledge of the pork, but it was afterwards found by Mr. Smith in the prisoner's house, together with the two other pieces of meat produced.
George Cannon, in the employ of Mr. Wydmore, a butcher, of Burnham, swore to the beef, which he stated he had just sold to the waiter of the Castle Inn, and had been paid for it; he missed it about 8 o'clock, and saw it afterwards in the hands of Gray.
Smith, deposed to having gone to the house of Oliver, on Saturday night last, and found the meat produced, covered with a small cloth.
Oliver said nothing in his defence.
The prisoner was then committed for trial.
A man attended to make a complaint against the notorious Haines the lodging-house keeper in George-street. He stated that he had been lodging for some time with the above mentioned fellow, and in consequence of his wife having been a witness for the girl whom Haines assaulted some time since, he and his wife had used every endeavour to get them out of the house. He had paid his rent which was 4s a week, up to Saturday night last, and this morning while his old woman and his two young ones went out for a trifling errand, Haines had put a padlock on the door and locked them out altogether.
Mr. SECKER - Has he locked your goods up then.
Complainant - Yes, Sir, he has the whole of them.
Mr. SECKER - Then go and break the lock off.
Complainant, overjoyed - Thank ye gemmen, thank ye ! and he rushed out of Court, most anxious to obey the order.
Many minutes had not elapsed, before Mrs. Haines, with a pitiful countenance, made her appearance, as a complainant, and said the man owed for three weeks lodging, which was 7s. 6d., for he only paid half-a-crown a week, and that he had not a single article of furniture in the room, for the whole of it belonged to her. She had given him frequent notice to leave, as she required the room, (more properly the cellar) for a wash-house.
The MAYOR informed Mrs. Haines she must get rid of her tenant in the best manner she could.
MARRIED.
Nov. 17, at Margate, Mr. Francis Farmbrough, of Broughton Mill, near Aylesbury, to Miss Griffes, of Margate.
DIED.
Nov. 11, in Poland-street, David Slow, Esq many years surgeon of the Royal Regt. of Horse Guards.
Nov. 14, at Windsor, Mr. Joseph Taylor, spirit retailer, aged 71.
Nov. 21, in Peascod-street, Windsor, Mr. Thomas Bradshaw, aged 73.
Nov. 21, at Aylesbury, Anne, youngest daughter of J. Rose, Esq. in her 19th year.
UXBRIDGE.
On Wednesday morning last, between ten and eleven o'clock, a man was found drowned at Springwell lock on the grand junction canal, in the parish of Harefield. He appeared about forty-five years of age, was about five feet four inches in height, with dark brown hair, and whiskers, and bald on the forehead; he had on when found a silk hat, an olive green great coat, a blue under coat, a blue waistcoat with sleeves, dark drab small clothes and gaiters, two pair of grey stockings, a pair of new shoes, and a plaited shirt. He had, in his pocket 9 1/2d. The body was taken to the King's Arms, Harefield, where it lies to be owned, and awaits the coroner's inquest.
On Tuesday night last or early on Wednesday morning, a waggon loaded with flour, placed close to the mill door of Messrs. Fountain at Yiewsley Moor, was robbed of three sacks of flour, the sacks marked "H. Geary," in a black ring. A search warrant was immediately obtained, with which the Uxbridge constable proceeded to some cottages in the neighbourhood of the mill, and found a quantity of flour, which they immediately secured together with the owners of the cottages, whom they conveyed with the flour to Uxbridge. On Friday the prisoners underwent an examination before T.T. Clark, Esq, one of the magistrates of the County of Middlesex, who committed them to Newgate for trial.
On Thursday morning a rick of Lammas hay, belonging to P. Parr, of the Trout, at Yiewsley, was being prepared to be cut, when near the top were discovered three sacks of flour marked as above described, each about half emptied.
AYLESBURY.
His Grace the Duke of Buckingham passed through Aylesbury on Wednesday afternoon, on his way to his seat at Stowe. Lord Nugent met his brother at the George Inn, and proceeded in the carriage with him. We are happy to observe, that his Grace was looking remarkably well.
It is a fact (to prove the numerous instances might be quoted) that all kinds of fat cattle are at this moment selling by the farmers and graziers in this neighbourhood, at lower prices than they were purchased for when lean. The loss on cows and oxen is computed to be generally from �2 to �6 each, besides the keep; that on sheep is from 4s to 6s a-head.
A few days ago, a cat belonging to a farmer, at Lidcott Farm-house, was observed to climb a tree and go into a magpie's nest, where she remained some time. A young man curious to know the object of puss's visit, ascended after her, and found that she had kittened in the nest.
On Thursday night a horse and a set of cart harness, was stolen from Mr. Fisher, farmer, of Waddesdon. Two men dressed in light rough great coats, strangers at Waddesdon, were observed to take particular notice of the horse in the afternoon, and are supposed to have been concerned in the theft.
On Tuesday last, whilst Mrs. Ann Gibson, of Haddenham was gone to Thame market, her house was entered, and several articles of value stolen; amongst them was a hunting watch, a mourning ring, and a silver table spoon, marked S.W.
On Monday last, labourer of Tebworth, named Gates, who was working at Mrs. Clarke's White Horse Inn, Hockliffe, being at the top of a cart load of bean stubble, the horse unfortunately stumbled and overturned the cart into a muddy pond in the yard, and the wheel fell on Gates's head. Some time elapsed before he could be extricated, and he was supposed to be dead. Surgical assistance was instantly sent for from Toddington, and every attention was paid to the poor man; and, although he is weak, great hopes are entertained of his recovery.
On the 19th ult., an inquisition was taken by John Charsley, gent. one of his Majesty's Coroners for the county, at the parish of Penn, on view of the body of Charlotte Hancock, about 12 years of age, who was thrown out of a cart in consequence of the horse taking fright. Verdict - Accidental death, and a deodand of 2s. 6d. on the horse and cart.- On the third inst. another inquisition was taken by the same Coroner, at Holmer Green, in the parish of Little Missenden, on view of the body of Wm. Miles, an infant, aged 17 months, whose clothes caught fire in the absence of his parents, when he was so dreadfully burnt as to survive the accident only a few hours. Verdict - Accidental death - And on the 21st. inst., another inquisition was also taken by the same coroner, at the parish of Penn, on view of the body of John Youens, who was seized with a fit of apoplexy and suddenly expired. Verdict - Died by the visitation of God.
A melancholy instance of self-destruction occurred on Monday, the 23d inst., at Woburn Abbey. A middle-aged woman (a stranger) came a few years ago to Woburn, where, having conducted herself respectably, she was hired as a housekeeper to Mr. Marsden (head chamber-groom to his Grace the Duke of Bedford). So strong, however, was the unhappy woman's predilection for drink, that Mr. Marsden has frequently found his bottles emptied, and on tapping barrels, have been surprised to find their contents have been drunk. On the day above mentioned Mr. Marsden returned home for dinner, and his servant putting it on the table without a cloth, he said, "What, you are in the old way !" The servant then went up stairs for the purpose (as her master supposed) of going to bed, which she was in the habit of doing when in liquor. After being absent a few hours, Mr. Marsden became alarmed, and desired another female to search for her, who, after some time, discovered her in a large cistern of water at the top of the house. - An inquest was held before R.A. Redall, gent. coroner for the Honor of Ampthill, when a verdict of "Temporary Derangement" was returned by the Jury.- A remarkable circumstance has transpired since the poor woman's death. A young woman, who lives servant with the Rev. Mr. Cuttriss, of Ridgmont, and who came from a distant part of the country, told her mistress that about seventeen years ago her mother had left her father and family, and had not since been heard of; when it struck her that this was her mother. The girl obtained permission to see the body, when she recognised the unfortunate deceased as her long-lost parent.
HENLEY.
RESURRECTION MEN.- William Davis, William Bedgood, and Richard Knapp, were committed to Oxford gaol, on Wednesday last, on a charge of stealing the dead body of Wm. Matthews, from the grave in the church-yard, at Caversham. The prisoners were examined on Monday last, before the Magistrates at Henley, where the public feeling against them was strongly excited. We learn Knapp was taken up in London about three years ago, with a dead body in his cart. The body now exhumated was that of a young man, late groom to Mr. May, resident of Caversham.
At Woodcot fair, near Henley, on Monday last, the show of cattle was small, which met a better sale than at many of the late fairs, and purchases were made freely at advanced prices; sheep about 5s. a head, and cow cattle from 10s. to 15s. per. cent higher.
On Sunday morning, between one and two o'clock, the residence of the late Miss Batting, of Remenham Hill, near Henley, was burglariously entered by forcing the spring of the parlour window, and a japan cash box, containing �9, five gold seals, and some other trinkets taken away.
On Saturday night last two sheep were stolen from a field at Mill End, Henley, the property of Mr. Piercy; the heads and feet were cut off, and left with the skins in an adjoining field.
OXFORD.
On Monday last that portion of Field Marshall Earl Harcourt's Tenantry, who occupy farms in the lower part of the County, which is particularly subject to floods during a wet season, were plentifully regaled at his Lordship's seat, Newnham, with the "Good Cheer of Old England," when the noble proprietor of that magnificent Mansion, took into consideration the injury they had been exposed to by the late inundations of their farms and made each of them a full remuneration for the losses they had respectively sustained - It was a gratifying sight to see so respectable a Tenantry evincing so much attachment to their venerable and illustrious landlord, whose care it has ever been to soften as much as possible the misfortunes they experienced by the distressed state of agriculture, or the vicissitudes of the seasons. His Lordship's health, and that of his noble consort's were drank with enthusiasm, and a very just eulogium paid to their benevolent and charitable attributes. The venerable pair honoured the party with their presence for some time, and appeared delighted in having the opportunity of contributing to the happiness of those who in a very great degree derived their comforts and domestic enjoyments from the munificence of a considerate landlord. This gratuitous and unsolicited act of his Lordship being wholly unexpected, was the more gratefully acknowledged. If we may judge from the countenances of this respectable body of yeomanry, only one feeling could have prevaded them, - that of a fervent desire that many years may be added to the lives of this venerable and excellent couple, from whose known liberality and goodness so much real happiness is imparted to so many of their fellow creatures.
In the course of the entertainment his Lordship gave, with much animation which was heartily responded to, the following toasts:- The King, four times four.- The Plough, Fleece, and Flail.- Better times, and he should be happy to meet them at all times.
*** We hope the Noble Earl's tenantry have too much good sense to dabble in "Master Moore's" hieroglyphicks, but when we see that they have suffered from inundations, we feel no small curiosity to know whether the profaned predictions in his Almanack of fine weather in August last, have any connection with their losses. If any of them will favour us with a communication on this point we shall be greatly obliged.
FIRE AT SLOUGH.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE WINDSOR EXPRESS.
Sir, - I beg to inform you of an omission in your account of the fire at Slough, which I have no doubt is only necessary to point out to induce you to do justice to an individual, who, I think, and indeed all I speak to think, is worthy of particular praise. - I allude to Mr. Botham, who in all such calamities is extremely active. On the above occasion, his engine was in full-play, and all his people on the spot for half an hour before either of the barrack engines arrived, and great contributed to arrest the flames; and when it is stated that this engine is kept in repair, and at all times in readiness to be brought forward for public use, by a private individual, I think you will not hesitate to give Mr. B. a full share of the praise he merits.
On the burning of a rick of Mr. Williamson's the Engine was very much injured and cost nearly �10 to remedy it.
But for its services too at Mr. Gilbert's Chippenham, that house would have been down.
I have no other interest in this matter than a wish to see due credit paid where it is due, and especially where a person so acting has been passed by unnoticed.