Coroner’s Inquests 1825 cases
There were 31 cases in 1825, many of them classed as Visitations of God. The only exceptions from the normal were a poaching battle in the night-woods which saw the death of William Bailey, and Martha Francis’s drunken treatment of her husband.
Kite, Thomas – Berwick St James
Southgate, Isaac – Wilton
Williams, Elizabeth – Berwick St James
Blake, Mary – South Newton
Green, infant – Calne
Francis, John – Trowbridge
Goldney, Mr – Devizes
Pain, Edward – Shrewton
Nicholas, Joseph – Downton
Moore, Ann – Tisbury
Gray, John – Salisbury
Welch, Elizabeth – Mere
Marshall, George – Tisbury
Ford, William – Fugglestone St Peter
Budd, Benjamin – Unknown
Gray, William – Great Wishford
Morris, Benjamin – Quidhampton
Lush, William – Donhead St Andrew
Harnett, Hannah – Whiteparish
Moxham, Jane – Ebbesbourne Wake
Smith, John – Salisbury
Godwin, James – Salisbury
Hancock, William – Corsham
White, Joseph – Marston
Hayter, James – Downton
Parsons, Henry – Woodford
Hibberd, Daniel – Burcombe
Unknown infant – Alderbury
Bishop, Henry – Downton
Bailey, William – Downton
Kite, Thomas 1825 January 3rd Berwick St James
Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest on Monday last at Berwick St James, on the body of Thomas Kite, a shepherd, who, after returning home on Christmas day, and partaking of a hearty supper, suddenly fell from his chair, and was a corpse in an instant. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”
Southgate, Isaac 1825 January 31st Wilton
Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest at Wilton on Wednesday last, on the body of a man unknown, who was found dead in his bed the preceding morning, at a lodging house in Wilton; he had been playing on a dulcimer about the streets on Monday, and went to bed in perfect health. Some letters and papers were found in his pocket-book, by which it appeared that his name was Isaac Southgate, that he had been in the army, and had lived as servant to John Swale, Esq., of Milden Hall, Suffolk; and from a memorandum it appears that the said John Swale, Esq., had, by his last will and testament, dated March 1821, left the deceased Isaac Southgate an annuity of 10l during his life.
Williams, Elizabeth 1825 March 7th Berwick St James
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on Friday the 4th instant, at Berwick St James, on the body of Elizabeth Williams, who, on the preceding day, whilst making bread in a neighbour’s house, suddenly fell down and expired. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Blake, Mary 1825 March 7th South Newton
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, at Chilhampton, on the body of Mary Blake, who was found dead in her bed by her daughter; the daughter, it appeared, went to call her mother up to breakfast, and found her a corpse. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Green, infant 1825 March 28th Calne
An inquest was a few days since held before W. Adye, Esq., on the body of a recently born infant. The mother, whose name is Maria Green, was a servant to Mr Heath, of Quemerford, and the infant was found in her box, deprived of life. A surgeon who had examined it, deposed, that in his opinion, it had been born alive, and that it had afterwards been strangled. The Jury, in consequence, returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against the mother; and Mr Adye issued his warrant for her committal. She is not yet, however, sufficiently recovered to be removed.
Maria Green stood her assizes trial in July 1825, from Fisherton Gaol, and, although I was unable to find a full note of the result, I did read to the effect that the only evidence of the child being born alive was the flotation of the lungs, so I suspect the charge of Murder did not stand, and was possibly brought down to a conviction of Concealment of Birth, though I am unable to confirm this.
Francis, John 1825 May 16th Trowbridge
A deplorable occurrence happened at Trowbridge on Saturday evening the 7th instant. A man and his wife, named Francis, who had for some time resided in that town, as venders of earthenware (but who, it appears, had not lived on the best terms), after drinking pretty freely, became very abusive to each other, and the woman gave her husband several most severe blows, upon which the constables put her into confinement for the night.
The wretched man died next morning, and an inquest was held on Monday last by Mr Adye, coroner, for the purpose of ascertaining the circumstances of his death. It was proved that the deceased John Francis and his wife (Martha) had been drinking together in a public-house at Trowbridge, in the afternoon of Saturday; that she was continually abusing him and threatening to murder him; that she struck him several times during their stay in the public-house; that she afterwards knocked him down 7 or 8 times in the street, and when down kicked him about the head and face, swearing that she would murder him; and that his head and face were covered with blood.
On examination his skull was fractured behind the ear; and there were several external wounds and bruises. A surgeon deposed that his death was occasioned by violent means; and the jury returned a verdict of Manslaughter against the wife who has been committed to Fisherton Gaol. She is a very powerful woman, and the deceased was an old and emaciated man. It appeared that every time she knocked him down, she picked him up again, and kicked him before her.
Martha Francis was convicted on the charge of manslaughter, and sentenced to two months in prison and a fine.
Goldney, Mr 1825 July 4th Devizes
A poor man named Goldney, of the parish of St John’s, Devizes, while he was about to partake of some supper on Sunday evening the 26th ult., suddenly exclaimed “O, how I do shiver!” and fell to the ground a corpse. The poor fellow had formerly been a chaise driver.
There was no inquest reported for this case.
Pain, Edward 1825 July 4th Shrewton
An inquest was held before Mr R P Whitmarsh, at Rolleston, on the body of Ed. Pain, who was discovered by his wife (on her return home from work) on the bed, a corpse. Verdict, “Died by the visitation of God.”
Nicholas, Joseph 1825 July 4th Downton
An inquest was held before Mr R P Whitmarsh, on Saturday se’nnight, at Downton, on the body of Joseph Nicholas, who, whilst at work in a meadow, fell down and expired. Verdict, “Died by the visitation of God.”
Moore, Ann 1825 July 4th Tisbury
An inquest was held before Mr R P Whitmarsh, at Tisbury, on Monday, on the body of Ann Moore, who was found dead in her bed; she had been subject to fits, and the Jury returned a verdict that she died in consequence of a fit.
Gray, John 1825 July 11th Salisbury
On Tuesday last an inquest was held in this city, by Mr Cobb, the coroner, on the body of John Gray. It appeared from the evidence, that the deceased, who had not been previously unwell, whilst following his employment as an ironfounder, suddenly fell down, and expired. The Jury returned a verdict of “Died by the Visitation of God.” The deceased was in the employ of Messrs. Figes and Co.
Welch, Elizabeth 1825 August 1st Mere
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, at Mere, on Friday last, upon the body of Elizabeth Welch, who on the preceding day, whilst labouring under temporary mental derangement, destroyed herself by cutting her throat with a razor. The jury, having sufficient evidence to prove the deceased had for some years past been subject to mental derangement, returned a verdict accordingly.
Marshall, George 1825 August 15th Tisbury
An inquest was held before Mr R P Whitmarsh, at Chicksgrove, on Wednesday last, upon the body of George Marshall, a lad about 14 years of age, who on the preceding day, whilst driving a wagon drawn by three horses, and loaded with wheat, was by some accident thrown down, when the near wheels of the waggon pressed him heavily against a bank, as to occasion his immediate death. Verdict, “Accidentally killed.”
Ford, William 1825 August 22nd Fugglestone St Peter
On Wednesday last Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest at Wilton on the body of William Ford, a mason, who, whilst at work upon a scaffold at Fugglestone on the preceding Saturday, fell, together with his son and another mason, to the ground, in consequence of the scaffold breaking down. It appeared, in the investigation, that one of the pot-lugs of the scaffold had broken and given way. A concussion of the brain occasioned the deceased’s death on the following Tuesday, and a verdict was returned accordingly.
The son of the deceased was conveyed to our Infirmary, where every attention by the medical gentleman has been given him; but he is still in a very precarious state. The other mason received a severe contusion on the chest, but he is now nearly recovered from its effects.
Budd, Benjamin 1825 August 29th Unknown
An inquest was held on Monday last by Mr Whitmarsh, on the body of a young man named Benjamin Budd, who on that day was driving a waggon loaded with wheat, from Quarley Cottage to Sarum, when he by some accident suddenly fell down, and the wheels passing over his head, killed him on the spot. Verdict, “Accidentally Killed.”
Gray, William 1825 September 12th Great Wishford
An inquest was held on Saturday, the 3d inst., at Wishford, before R P Whitmarsh, Esq., on the body of Wm. Gray, who had hung himself in his bed-room the preceding evening. The deceased had been talking with a neighbour at about 4 o’clock in the afternoon; and between 6 and 7, he was found suspended, without the least remains of animation. He had been blind for a number of years, and for some time past appeared, at intervals, to be deranged. Verdict, “Hung himself while labouring under mental derangement.”
Morris, Benjamin 1825 September 12th Quidhampton
An inquest was held before Mr R P Whitmarsh, at Wilton, on Monday the 5th inst., on the body of Benjamin Morris, a shoemaker of Wilton, who was found on the preceding day hanging on one of a clump of trees, near the Devizes road, in the parish of Quidhampton. Verdict, Hung himself whilst labouring under mental derangement.”
Lush, William 1825 September 26th Donhead St Andrew
Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest on Wednesday last, at Donhead St Andrew, on the body of Wm. Lush, aged five years, who was found drowned in a well. Verdict, “Accidentally drowned.”
Harnett, Hannah 1825 October 31st Whiteparish
Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest at Whiteparish on Saturday the 29th inst., on the body of Hannah Harnett, a child about 2 years of age, who was accidentally drowned the preceding day. Verdict accordingly.
Moxham, Jane 1825 October 31st Ebbesbourne Wake
Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest at Ebbesborne, on the body of Jane Moxham, who was found dead in her bed. Verdict, “Died by the visitation of God.”
Smith, John 1825 November 14th Salisbury
On Monday an inquest was held at the Council Chamber on the body of a poor man named John Smith, who was found dead in the yard of the Barley Mow Inn. He was aged and infirm. After several witnesses had been examined, the Jury returned a verdict, “Died by the visitation of God.”
Godwin, James 1825 November 14th Salisbury
The fate of James Godwin, who (as stated in our last Journal) left his house in this city on the 26th ult., and had not been heard of, is now ascertained. His body was on Friday last taken out of the river Avon, a little above the upper end of Castle-street; and an inquest on it was held the same day, by Mr Whitmarsh, when the jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned.”
Hancock, William 1825 November 14th Corsham
An inquest was held on Monday by Mr Archer, bailiff of Corsham, on Wm. Hancock, of Box, who was killed on Sunday morning by a waggon at the Cross Keys. Verdict, “Accidental death.”
White, Joseph 1825 November 28th Marston
An inquest was held on Wednesday, by W Adye, Esq., at Marston, in the parish of Potterne, on the body of Joseph White, nearly 70 years of age, who was discovered by his son, suspended by a cord from a beam in an outhouse, adjoining his cottage. The beam to which he had attached the rope was so low, that the unhappy man was obliged to kneel to accomplish his destruction. Verdict, “Hung himself during a temporary derangement.”
Hayter, James 1825 November 28th Downton
An inquest was held before Mr R P Whitmarsh, on Saturday the 19th inst., at Downton, on the body of James Hayter, who fell from a chair on which he had been sitting, and was a corpse in an instant. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”
Parsons, Henry 1825 November 28th Woodford
An inquest was held before Mr R P Whitmarsh, at Woodford, on Monday, on the body of Henry Parsons, who was found dead on the floor of his kitchen; about two hours before he was discovered, he had been digging potatoes. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”
Hibberd, Daniel 1825 November 28th Burcombe
An inquest was held before Mr R P Whitmarsh, on Tuesday last, at Burcombe, on the body of Daniel Hibberd, who falling from his chair, expired without a groan. The instant before the poor man had asked his daughter whether she was not going to read a chapter from the Bible. The words were scarcely uttered ere was a corpse. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”
Unknown infant 1825 December 19th Alderbury
An inquest was held by Mr Whitmarsh, on Friday morning, at Alderbury, on the body of an infant five months old, who was burnt to death the preceding day. The mother had left the child for only five minutes, whilst she went to a pump not many yards from her house; and on her return she found her child in flames; a surgeon was sent for, but the infant expired before his arrival. Verdict, “Accidentally burnt to Death.”
Bishop, Henry 1825 December 19th Downton
Another inquest was held by Mr Whitmarsh at Downton, on Saturday the 17th instant, on the body of Henry Bishop, a lad about eleven years of age, who was accidentally drowned in the river of that place, the preceding day. Verdict accordingly.
Bailey, William 1825 December 26th Downton
Fatal Affray with Poachers
On Tuesday morning the 13th instant, about two o’clock, James Drake, gamekeeper to Earl Nelson, was called up from his bed by an assistant keeper named Edner, who informed him that some poachers were then firing guns on his Lordship’s manor at Standlynch, near —–, in a wood called Batt’s Croft. Drake sent another man named Emery (gamekeeper to Thomas ——–, Esq.) for assistance; and on his return, —————– proceeded, each armed with a club stick, to the croft.
Upon their way, they heard several reports of guns. On reaching the spot, a desperate scuffle ensued between them and three men named William Bailey, John Bailey (his brother) and Thomas Frampton. Emery, it appears, on being called by Edney, proceeded immediately to the assistance of the keepers; and upon arriving within 300 yards of the place where the conflict was going on, he heard the report of a gun, and also heard Drake repeatedly calling for his (Emery’s) assistance. He hastened to the spot, and there found Drake with William Bailey under him on the ground; John Bailey was standing near Drake, whom Emery seized and threw down. Edney was also near, with Frampton under him.
Emery, Drake and Edney, kept the three poachers down, until a man named Jerrett came, who helped to tie their hands, and assisted in taking them prisoners to Drake’s house. Two guns (one of them loaded with shot) and a flail were found on the spot where the scuffle took place. Five pheasants were found in the possession of the poachers. Such was the severity of the above conflict, that one of the poachers (William Bailey) had his head so dreadfully fractured, that he survived but till the following Thursday; his brother too was most severely beaten, and Drake, the keeper, was very much bruised.
On Saturday the 17th instant, an inquest was held by Mr Whitmarsh, the coroner, on the body of William Bailey, when the above circumstances were related to the Jury by various witnesses. Edney positively swore, that after the scuffle had commenced, he saw the deceased retire a little distance from Drake, and discharge a gun at him, but without effect. Under all the circumstances, the Jury returned a verdict of “Justifiable Homicide.”
it should be noticed that every possible medical aid was rendered to the unfortunate man who died, and to the others who suffered from injuries in this lamentable affair, the attendance of two surgeons having been procured for them.
Unfortunately, a mark has deleted a few words in the first part of this report.
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Wiltshire Coroner's Inquests 1801-1920 