1823

Coroner’s Inquests 1823 cases

There were 53 cases in 1823, many of them formed of one sentence of text only.

The case of Charles Strong is the first occasion I have had, whilst transcribing these reports, where a case of self-murder was returned – one not proved by evidence to be during a deranged state of mind – and the Coroner’s warrant was used to order the body ‘buried in some public highway.’ I wonder where that might have been.

Mallaby, Judith – Salisbury

Unknown female – Trowbridge

Walker, Edward – Chiselden

Unknown infant – Kington St Michael

Webb, Harriet – Melksham

Taylor, John – Hilmarton

Unknown infant – Warminster

Unknown infant – Westbury

Limmington, Elizabeth – Calne

Strong, Charles – Redlynch

Gardiner, Jane – Unknown

Maslen, Mary – Seend

Brash, John – Liddington

Maddock, Henry – Winsley

Unknown infant – Bromham

Unknown male – Malmesbury

Bower, Marian – Marlborough

Doleman, Ann – Steeple Ashton

Mead, John – Froxfield

Flemel, William – Hungerford

Williams, John – Mere

Harris, Elizabeth – Downton

Beck, Aaron ; Underwood, Stephen – Avebury

Beams, John Broad – Hinton

Garroway, Sarah – Calne

Syms, Daniel – Semington

Milton, George – Bradford on Avon

Jeffries, John – Sutton Veny

Jones, John – Urchfont

Elliott, Joseph – Bradford on Avon

Pierce, Henry – Chippenham

Marchment, Hannah – Alderbury

Drew, James – Sherston Magna

Nash, Mary – Great Cheverall

Trueman, John – Stapleford

Unknown male infant – Trowbridge

Unknown infant – Longbridge Deverill

Syms, James – Bradford on Avon

Hibberd, John – Barford St Martin

Barter, Francis – Warminster

Holloway, James – Chapmanslade

Unknown female – Trowbridge

Rex, John – Easton

Escott, William – Malmesbury

Murphy, John – Calne

Norton, Ann – Oaksey

Bennett, Sarah – Wylye

Unknown male – Bradford on Avon

Vincent, Jane – Salisbury

Raymond, Samuel – Tisbury

Penney, Frances – Newton Toney

Unknown female – Trowbridge

Talbot, James – Salisbury

Mallaby, Judith 1823 January 27^th Salisbury

Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest at Milford on Thursday last, on the body of Judith Mallaby, who was found drowned the preceding evening. The deceased was observed to be in a state of intoxication in this city a few hours before. The Jury returned a verdict, “Found drowned, but how or by what means, no knowledge of which came before the jurors.”

Unknown female 1823 February 3^rd Trowbridge

On Tuesday last an inquest was held in Trowbridge, Thos. Timbrell, Esq., officiating as coroner, on the body of a young woman, servant to Mr Crook, grocer of that town, who fell down on Thursday last, whilst in her master’s kitchen, quite dead. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”

Walker, Edward 1823 February 24^th Chiselden

Mr Adye, the newly-elected coroner for this county, has, within the last few days, holden inquests on two children burnt to death; one, a boy named Edward Walker, 3 years of age, at Chiselden. This child was left unprotected where there was a fire.

Unknown infant 1823 February 24^th Kington St Michael

Mr Adye, the newly-elected coroner for this county, has, within the last few days, holden inquests on two children burnt to death; …the other was also three years old, at Kingston St Michael. This child was left unprotected where there was a fire.

Webb, Harriet 1823 March 10^th Melksham

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at New-town, in the parish of Melksham, on the body of Harriet Webb, servant to Mr Pocock, who was supposed to have been blown into the Kennet and Avon Canal, whilst crossing a drawbridge during the violent hurricane on Tuesday last. Verdict, “Found drowned.”

Taylor, John 1823 March 10^th Hilmarton

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Corton, in the parish of Hilmarton, on John Taylor, a servant of Mr Crooks, who was killed by a horse falling on him. Verdict, “Accidental.”

Unknown infant 1823 March 10^th Warminster

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on the remains of a child at Warminster, accidentally burnt to death during the short absence of a parent.

Unknown infant 1823 March 10^th Westbury

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on the remains of a child at Westbury, accidentally burnt to death during the short absence of a parent.

Limmington, Elizabeth 1823 March 10^th Calne

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Calne, on the body of Elizabeth Limmington, who, whilst engaged in some domestic employment, suddenly exclaimed to her daughter that she was dying, and immediately expired.

Strong, Charles 1823 March 17^th Redlynch

Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest on Saturday the 8^th inst., at Redlynch, on the body of Charles Strong, woodman to the Earl of Radnor, who killed himself by taking poison. The surgeons, on opening the body and examining the contents of the stomach, found that the deceased had taken arsenic. After a long examination of several witnesses as to the sane or insane state of the deceased’s mind at the time of taking the poison, the majority of the jury were of opinion that he was of sound mind, and returned a verdict accordingly. The Coroner’s warrant was then sent to the Churchwardens and constables, ordering the deceased to be buried in some public highway.

Gardiner, Jane 1823 March 24^th Unknown

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on the body of a child named Jane Gardiner, accidentally burnt to death during the absence of its mother.

Maslen, Mary 1823 March 24^th Seend

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on the body of Mary Maslen, found drowned in a ditch in the parish of Seend. Verdict, “Found drowned.”

Brash, John 1823 March 24^th Liddington

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Liddington, near Swindon, on the body of John Brash, found dead in his bed. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”

Maddock, Henry 1823 March 24^th Winsley

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on the body of Henry Maddock, at Winsley, who was supposed to have fallen into the Kennet and Avon Canal, when in a state of intoxication. Verdict, “Found drowned.”

Unknown infant 1823 March 24^th Bromham

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Bromham, on the body of a child accidentally burnt to death. It is a remarkable fact, that within the short space of five weeks, Mr A. has held not less than seven inquests on children burnt to death.

Unknown male 1823 April 14^th Malmesbury

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Brockenborough, near Malmsbury, on the body of a lad about seven years of age, who was killed by the wheel of a loaded timber carriage passing over his head, which was literally crushed to atoms. Verdict, “Accidental.”

Bower, Marian 1823 April 14^th Marlborough

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Marlborough, on the body of Marian Bower, found drowned in the river Kennet. This poor woman had been recently discharged from a lunatic asylum, and is supposed to have thrown herself into the river during a fit of derangement. Verdict, “Found drowned.”

Doleman, Ann 1823 April 14^th Steeple Ashton

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Steeple Ashton, on the body of Ann Doleman, found dead in a ditch, closely adjoining the house she inhabited. This woman had been many years afflicted with epileptic fits. Verdict, “Found dead.”

Mead, John 1823 May 5^th Froxfield

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on the body of a lad named John Mead, son of Mr Mead, coal-dealer of Devizes, who accidentally fell into the Kennet and Avon Canal near Froxfield. Verdict, “Found drowned.”

Flemel, William 1823 May 5^th Hungerford

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Ham, near Hungerford, on the body of Mr Wm. Flemel, who was found dead in his garden. Mr F. had been subject to epileptic fits, and it is supposed that one of them terminated his existence. The Jury returned their verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”

Williams, John 1823 May 19^th Mere

An inquest was on Saturday the 10^th inst., held at Mere, by Mr Whitmarsh, on the body of John Williams. It appeared that on the preceding morning the deceased was about to go down stairs, when he fell from the top to the bottom; that a person who slept in the same house, hearing the noise caused by the fall, hastened to his assistance, but on lifting him up, he was discovered to be a corpse. The deceased went to bed on Friday night very much intoxicated; he slept with his clothes on, and early in the morning got up, leaving his wife in bed; she was asleep, and was awaked by hearing the deceased fall down stairs, but she could not assist him, as he had locked the chamber door outside. A surgeon was immediately sent for, who on arriving found life was extinct. The deceased was only 30 years of age, and has left a widow and two children. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”

Harris, Elizabeth 1823 May 19^th Downton

An inquest was held by Mr Whitmarsh at Downton, on Friday the 16^th instant, on the body of Elizabeth Harris, who was found dead in her garden. Verdict, “Died by the sudden Visitation of God.”

Beck, Aaron ; Underwood, Stephen 1823 June 9^th Avebury

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq. As two young men, named Aaron Beck and Stephen Underwood, were on Sunday the 1^st inst., bathing in a stream in the parish of Avebury, Underwood got out of his depth, and was in imminent danger of being drowned. Beck, on seeing his friend in so perilous a situation, plunged in to his assistance, but was grasped so powerfully, that in a few moments both sunk to rise no more alive.

Beams, John 1823 June 9^th Broad Hinton

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Broad Hinton, on the body of John Beams, killed by a cart wheel passing over his head. Verdict, “Accidental.”

Garroway, Sarah 1823 June 9^th Calne

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Calne, on the body of Sarah Garroway, aged 82, found drowned in a brook near that town. Verdict, “Found drowned.”

Syms, Daniel 1823 June 9^th Semington

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Semington, on the body of Daniel Syms, aged 82, who suddenly expired whilst walking in a field adjoining his house. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”

Milton, George 1823 June 9^th Bradford on Avon

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Bradford, on the body of George Milton, a child three years of age, found drowned in a small tub of water, near which he had been playing. Verdict, “Accidental.”

Jeffries, John 1823 June 9^th Sutton Veny

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Sutton Veny, on the body of John Jeffries, killed by the wheel of a waggon passing over him. Verdict, “Accidental.”

Jones, John 1823 June 9^th Urchfont

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Urchfont, on John Jones, a pedlar, who died suddenly whilst sitting on a bank in that village. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”

Elliott, Joseph 1823 June 9^th Bradford on Avon

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Bradford, on the body of Joseph Elliott, who fell out of a boat into the river Avon, and was drowned. Verdict, “Accidentally drowned.”

Pierce, Henry 1823 June 9^th Chippenham

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Chippenham, on the body of Henry Pierce, a child two years of age, accidentally drowned.

Marchment, Hannah 1823 June 30^th Alderbury

An inquest was held by R P Whitmarsh, Esq., at Clarendon, near this city, on Wednesday last, upon the body of Mrs Hannah Marshment, who on the preceding Monday fell (in a fit) into the fire, and was so dreadfully burnt that she survived only until the following morning. Immediate surgical assistance was procured on discovering the deceased’s situation. Mrs Marshment had been subject to fits, and about three years ago had experienced a similar accident, when Mr Henry Coates, surgeon, found it necessary to amputate an arm, and contrary to his expectation (being then very much burnt all over her body), she recovered. A guard was then placed at the fire-place to prevent a return of the accident, but unfortunately it was omitted on the day when the accident occurred. The appearance of the deceased was shocking, not a feature of her face could be recognized. The evidence of the surgeon and others sufficiently proved to the Jurors that the deceased came to her death by being accidentally burnt, and they returned their verdict accordingly.

Drew, James 1823 July 14^th Sherston Magna

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Sherston Magna, on the body of James Drew, whose death was occasioned by falling from a load of hay. Verdict, “Accidental.”

Nash, Mary 1823 July 14^th Great Cheverall

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Cheverall Magna, on the body of Mary Nash; this young woman, whilst engaged in washing for her family, and in the midst of perfect health, was suddenly seized with a complaint in her head, of which she expired in an hour. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”

Trueman, John 1823 August 11^th Stapleford

On Wednesday last R P Whitmarsh, Esq., held an inquest at Stapleford, on the body of John Trueman, who had hung himself early in the morning. The deceased had been in a low desponding way for some time. Sufficient evidence of the deranged state of his mind having been adduced, the Jury returned their verdict accordingly.

Unknown male infant 1823 August 11^th Trowbridge

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on Wednesday, at Trowbridge, on the body of a male child, aged six months, whose death was occasioned by its mother giving it a composition of vitriol, &c., in mistake for Godfrey’s cordial. Verdict, “Accidental Death.” The unfortunate child was the son of a man attending the fair with two dwarfs.

Unknown infant 1823 August 11^th Longbridge Deverill

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Longbridge Deverell, on the body of an infant ten months old. The mother of this child was in the act of placing it in bed, but unfortunately her foot slipping, she fell with the child in her arms, and struck its head so violently against a piece of wood, as to fracture its scull, of which it died in a few hours. “Accidental.”

Syms, James 1823 August 11^th Bradford on Avon

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Bradford, on the body of James Syms, who died suddenly. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”

Hibberd, John 1823 August 25^th Barford St Martin

An inquest was on Tuesday held at Barford by R P Whitmarsh, Esq., on the body of John Hibberd, who was found dead on some manure, in the yard of Mr Green, of that place. He was seen at work a short time before, but having several years been subject to fits, it was supposed the violence of one of them terminated his existence. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Barter, Francis 1823 September 29^th Warminster

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Warminster, on the body of Francis Barter, an infant, aged ten months. The father and mother of this child were riding with it in a cart, and were overturned, in consequence of the horse running away, whereby the mother was very much hurt, and the child’s skull fractured, of which it died in a few hours.

Holloway, James 1823 September 29^th Chapmanslade

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Chapmanslade, on the body of James Holloway, who was crushed to death by a clothing machine, in which he became entangled.

Unknown female 1823 October 6^th Trowbridge

On Monday evening a man and his wife at Trowbridge, who had been spending the evening at a public house, partaking of what is termed some privilege beer (that is when a new workman or workwoman is taken into a shop or factory a certain sum of money is spent in liquor) and both went home between 11 and 12 o’clock in a state of intoxication. The man went to a neighbour’s house to get a light; in the mean time his wife fell down stairs and dislocated her neck; and on the husband’s return she was found dead.

Rex, John 1823 October 6^th Easton

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Easton, on the body of John Rex, who was found dead near a threshing machine, which he had been employed to attend. A violent fracture was discovered on his temple, supposed to have been received from some part of the machine, and which caused his instant death.

Escott, William 1823 October 6^th Malmesbury

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on Friday se’nnight, at Burton-hill, near Malmesbury, on the body of Wm. Escott, who, while going from Malmesbury to Chippenham, fell from his cart and broke his back, from the effects of which he shortly after died.

Murphy, John 1823 October 6^th Calne

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., at Calne, on the body of an Irishman, named John Murphy; Mr Ogilvie, a surgeon, considered the death of the deceased was occasioned by apoplexy, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Norton, Ann 1823 October 6^th Oaksey

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on the body of Ann Norton, a servant to a farmer at Oaksey; the poor girl had retired to bed in good health, and the next morning was found a corpse. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”

Bennett, Sarah 1823 October 27^th Wylye

An inquest was held at Wiley on Friday the 24 inst., by MR R P Whitmarsh, on the body of Sarah Bennett, who was found dead on her bed, and it appeared she had been subject to fits for many years. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”

Unknown male 1823 November 3^rd Bradford on Avon

An inquest was held before W. Adye, Esq., on Wednesday, at Bradford, on the remains of a boy, who fell into the river Avon on the 11^th inst., and was drowned. The most diligent search had been repeatedly made for the body, but it was not until Wednesday that it was discovered. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”

Vincent, Jane 1823 December 22^nd Salisbury

On Monday last an inquest was taken before Mr Cobb, the coroner for this city, on the body of a young woman, named Jane Vincent, who had been living in the service of Mr Musgrave, druggist, on the Canal. It appeared that she was taken suddenly ill the same morning, and medical aid was resorted to, but without effect. She expired within two hours after being taken ill. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”

Raymond, Samuel 1823 December 22^nd Tisbury

An inquest was held by Mr R P Whitmarsh, coroner, at Tisbury, on Thursday the 18^th inst., on the body of Samuel Raymond, who was found dead in his cart the preceding evening; he had been driving a cart, drawn by two horses, filled with sand; the cart was found upset against a bridge; one horse was standing, and the other lying on the ground; the deceased was found under the sand. As he had been travelling the whole of the night before, it was supposed that he fell asleep, when the wheels came in contact with the bridge, which caused it to be upset. Verdict, “Accidentally killed.”

Penney, Frances 1823 December 29^th Newton Toney

On Saturday the 20^th inst., Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest in the parish of Newton Toney, on the body of Mrs Frances Penney. The deceased was discovered in a deep well, and the most active exertions were made to extricate her. The usual means of restoring suspended animation were then promptly pursued by a medical gentleman, but they proved ineffectual. For some previous days she had shewn strong symptoms of a disordered mind. Verdict, “Insanity.”

Unknown female 1823 December 29^th Trowbridge

On Saturday the 20^th inst, an inquest was held on the body of a little girl at Trowbridge, whose clothes accidentally caught fire, and who, after some weeks lingering, died. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”

Talbot, James 1823 December 29^th Salisbury

An inquest was held at the Council Chamber on Saturday last, before the Coroner for this city, on the body of James Talbot, an infant about three months old. It appeared from the evidence that the death of the child was caused by suffocation, whilst lying in bed with its father and mother. Verdict, “Died by suffocation.”

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