Coroner’s Inquests 1832 cases
There were 40 reported cases in 1832. I could find no more.
As with every year there are a number of cases of what we would today call drunk-driving – the case of Mr Blatchford is telling, containing as it does anecdotal evidence that other family members had died from intemperance. That of Robert Dowse concerns another form of driving, a group of fellow topers at an inn persuading the deceased by moral force to drink a whole pint of gin.
Scammell, John – Stockton
Strong, Sarah – Durrington
Heathfield, Mary – Netherhampton
White, Ann – Damerham
Marlow, Patience – Damerham
Simmonds, John – Harnham
Blatchford, Mr – Winsley
Pagnell, Mary – Kingswood
Nuzen, Eleanor – Monkton Farleigh
Jones, George – Bradford on Avon
Yeats, James – Orcheston
Turner, Miriam – Orcheston
Dallimead, William – Westbury
Polsom, Jonah – Atworth
Simpson, George – Yatton Keynell
Hull, infant – Christian Malford
Garratt, Elizabeth – Kingston Deverill
Stump, William – Malmesbury
Ray, James – Bowden Hill
Fry, James – Brinkworth
King, Mr – Melksham
Unknown male – Langley Burrell
Dowse, Robert – West Lavington
Pinckney, Robert – Berwick St James
Yew, Charles – Corsham
Walker, William – Harnham
Unknown male – Stapleford
Young, George – Charlton
Rabbets, Charles – Donhead St Mary
Best, infant – Bemerton
Staples, female infant – Netheravon
Unknown male – Codford
Jervis, Edward – Ludgershall
Berry, Mr – Burbage
Mullins, Henry – Laverstock
Tubb, William – Salisbury
Elliott, Henry – Salisbury
Parfitt, John – Mere
Hurden, Henry – Mere
Hurle, Thomas – Monkton Deverill
Ponton, John – Hilperton
Scammell, John 1832 January 16th Stockton
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on Monday last, at Stockton, on the body of John Scammell. The deceased was an old man, and whilst returning to his residence, at Codford St Peter, on a former evening, he wandered into the meads of H. Biggs, Esq., which were in a flooded state, where he was found lying on his face quite dead. Verdict, “Accidentally Drowned.”
Strong, Sarah 1832 February 13th Durrington
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on Thursday last, at Durrington, on the body of Sarah Strong, an infant. The deceased had been left in the care of a brother only seven years old whilst the mother went for some water, and on her return she was burnt in a most dreadful state, which caused her death in two hours after. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”
Heathfield, Mary 1832 February 27th Netherhampton
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on Friday last, at Netherhampton, on the body of Mary Heathfield, who was found that morning in a meadow in the parish, and on being removed to a neighbouring cottage, she soon after expired. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
White, Ann 1832 February 27th Damerham
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on Saturday, at Damerham, on the body of Ann White, an infant only 16 months old, who, during the absence of its mother, fell into the fire, and was burned to death. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”
Marlow, Patience 1832 February 27th Damerham
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on Monday last, at Damerham, on the body of Patience Marlow. The deceased was a young woman, who had been in a declining state of health for some time past, and on the previous Saturday morning, she was found dead in her bed. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Simmonds, John 1832 March 12th Harnham
Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest at the Swan Inn, Harnham, on Saturday last, on the body of John Simmonds, a young man of nineteen, apprentice to Messrs. Hayes, of Castle-street, who left his home on the preceding Tuesday, and was not heard of until the following Saturday, when he was discovered at the bottom of Avon River, about three hundred yards below Harnham-bridge. Verdict, “Found Drowned.”
Blatchford, Mr 1832 March 26th Winsley
An inquest was lately held by Mr Adye, at Winsley, parish of Bradford, on the body of Mr Blatchford, who, having returned from Bath market in a state of intoxication, is supposed to have fallen from his horse, in attempting to open the gate of his house, and, being incapable of rising, to have perished owing to the coldness of the night. Verdict accordingly. It is somewhat singular, that the father, grandfather, and brother of the deceased are stated to have met their deaths from accidents (the grandfather, indeed, is supposed to have been robbed, murdered, and thrown into the Avon) arising out of intemperance.
Pagnell, Mary 1832 March 26th Kingswood
An inquest was taken by Mr Adye, at Kingswood, on the body of Mary Pagnell, who was found dead in her bed. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Nuzen, Eleanor 1832 March 26th Monkton Farleigh
An inquest was taken by Mr Adye, at Monkton Farleigh, on Monday, on Eleanor Nuzen, a little girl, who was killed owing to the wheels of a wagon, laden with stone, having accidentally passed over her. “Accidental Death.”
Jones, George 1832 March 26th Bradford on Avon
An inquest was taken by Mr Adye, on Wednesday, at Bradford, on the body of George Jones, aged ten years, who was accidentally burnt to death. Verdict accordingly.
Yeats, James 1832 April 9th Orcheston
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on Thursday last, at Orcheston St George, on the body of James Yeats, who was killed by a drill passing over his body. Verdict, “Accidental Death.” Deodand, 1s.
Turner, Miriam 1832 April 9th Orcheston
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, also, on Thursday, at Orcheston St Mary, on the body of Miriam, wife of Mr Turner, who fell from her chair, in the presence of her family, and died instantly. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Dallimead, William 1832 April 23rd Westbury
An inquest was held before William Adye, Esq., at Westbury, on the body of William Dallimead, an old man 76 years of age, who hung himself from distress of mind, occasioned by his daughter having been delivered of an illegitimate child. Verdict, “Insanity.”
Polsom, Jonah 1832 April 23rd Atworth
An inquest was held before William Adye, Esq., at Atworth, on Jonah Polsom, who hung himself from distress of mind, combined with excessive drinking. Verdict, “Temporary Derangement.”
Simpson, George 1832 April 23rd Giddy Hall
An inquest was held before William Adye, Esq., at Giddy Hall, on the body of George Simpson, whose death was occasioned by falling under a waggon-wheel. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”
Giddy Hall, or Giddeahall is the manor of Yatton Keynell.
Hull, infant 1832 April 23rd Christian Malford
An inquest was held before William Adye, Esq., at Christian Malford, on the body of a child of Mr Thomas Hull, who fell into a small tub of water, and was drowned before assistance could be rendered. “Accidental.”
Garratt, Elizabeth 1832 April 30th Kingston Deverill
Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest, on Thursday last, at Kingston Deverill, on the body of Elizabeth Garratt, an infant ten months old, who was found dead in the morning by the side of her mother. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Stump, William 1832 April 30th Malmesbury
An inquest was held at Malmesbury, on Friday last, on the body of William Stump, who had retired in perfect health on the preceding evening, and was found dead in his bed on Friday morning. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”
Ray, James 1832 May 7th Bowden Hill
An inquest was held before William Adye, Esq., at Bowden Hill, on the body of Mr James Ray, who fell from his horse on returning from Devizes fair, and was killed on the spot. Verdict, “Accidental.”
Fry, James 1832 May 7th Brinkworth
An inquest was held before William Adye, Esq., at Brinkworth, on Jas. Fry, a little boy, four years of age, who was found drowned in a pond near the house in which he lived. Verdict, “Accidental.”
King, Mr T. 1832 May 7th Melksham
On Thursday last, at the termination of the festivities at Bowood, a melancholy and striking instance of the uncertainty of life occurred. Mr T. King, surgeon, of Melksham, who had been a spectator of the scene, and more than ordinarily cheerful through the day, while waiting for his horse at the inn at Sandy-lane, dropped his head on the shoulder of his brother-in-law, and was instantly a corpse! On Friday an inquest was held on the body by W. Adye, Esq., coroner, when a verdict was returned of “Died by the visitation of God.” The deceased has left a widow and nine children.
Unknown male 1832 May 7th Langley Burrell
An inquest was held before William Adye, Esq., at Langley Burrell, on the body of the coachman of the Rev. Mr Ashe, who died in consequence of a kick in his stomach from one of the coach horses. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”
Dowse, Robert 1832 May 7th West Lavington
An inquest was held before William Adye, Esq., at West Lavington, on the body of Robert Dowse, whose death was occasioned by some thoughtless persons having, for their amusement, prevailed upon him to drink a pint of gin, in an undiluted state. Verdict, “Excessive drinking.” The Coroner severely commented on the conduct of the persons who were the cause of the man’s death, and who appeared extremely sorry for what had happened.
Pinckney, Robert 1832 May 7th Berwick St James
On Wednesday last, as Mr Robert Pinckney, of Berwick St James, was swallow-shooting with a gentleman of the name of Turner, who resides in the same village, the gun of the latter went off by accident, and lodged its contents in the breast of the former, who shortly afterwards expired. An inquest was held on the body on Thursday, by Mr Whitmarsh, when a verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned. The feelings of Mr Turner on this dreadful event may be easier conceived than described. He has been ever since in a state bordering on distraction. This promising young gentleman was the only son of Robert Pinckney, Esq., of Berwick St James; and his untimely death has filled his family, relatives, parishioners, and acquaintance with inexpressible grief.
Yew, Charles 1832 May 7th Corsham
On Saturday, an inquest was held at Corsham, by Mr G T Archer, Bailiff, on the body of Charles Yew, aged two years and nine months, who fell into the brook at Poundhill, near where he lived, and was drowned. The child was out at play by himself, and had not been missing long, but when found, life was extinct. Verdict, “Found drowned.”
Walker, William 1832 May 14th Harnham
On Monday last, Mr Whitmarsh held an inquest at East Harnham, near this city, on the body of an elderly man, named Wm. Walker, who, it appeared, on the previous Saturday, while walking up Harnham-hill, complained to a waggoner that he was unwell, got into his waggon without his assistance, and in five minutes afterwards was a corpse. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Unknown male 1832 July 2nd Stapleford
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 22d ult., at Stapleford, on the body of a man unknown. The deceased was apparently upwards of 80 years of age, and was about 5 feet 4 inches in stature. He was found drowned in a water-carriage in Stapleford parish. Verdict accordingly.
Young, George 1832 July 2nd Charlton
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 27th, at Charlton, on the body of George Young. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Rabbets, Charles 1832 July 2nd Donhead St Mary
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 28th, at Donhead St Mary, on the body of Chas. Rabbets. The deceased was a fine young man, and on the previous Tuesday morning he was taken ill, and died the same evening. Verdict, “Inflammation of the Stomach.”
Best, infant 1832 July 2nd Bemerton
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 29th, at Bemerton, on the body of a new-born female child. It appeared that the deceased was found in a privy; and that the mother was Sarah Best, a servant in that parish. After a long and patient investigation of the circumstance, the jury returned a verdict of “Wilful Murder,” against Sarah Best. The Coroner issued his warrant for her apprehension, and she was committed the same evening to the Gaol at Fisherton Anger.
Sarah Best stood her trial at the Assizes later that month, and was acquitted.
Staples, female infant 1832 July 16th Netheravon
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, Coroner, on Friday last, at Netheravon, on the body of a female child. It appeared, from the evidence, that Hannah Staples, a single woman, was the mother of the child. Mary Maslen, a witness, deposed that on Thursday, the fifth of July, between ten and eleven o’clock in the morning, Hannah Staples came to her cottage, and said, that she had left Tom (meaning Thomas Piggot, a man with whom she cohabited) between four and five o’clock that morning, at the Firs, near Nine Mile Water, on the Down. She also said, that she had been taken ill upon the road, a little way off from Sparrow Bush, and, from circumstances which transpired in the cottage, deponent had little doubt that she had been recently delivered.
Sarah Farley deposed, that, on Wednesday, the 11th of July, Hannah Staples informed her, that her child was in a barley-field, at Haxton Sparrow Bush, where it had been a few minutes previous discovered by Sarah Howell.
From the evidence of medical gentlemen, it appeared that the body, when found, was in such a state of decomposition, that it was impossible to discover whether or not the child had been born alive, and, had any violence been used, it could not at that period be ascertained. Under these circumstances, the jury returned a verdict of “Found dead.”
Unknown male 1832 August 13th Codford
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 1st inst., at Codford St Mary, on the body of a man unknown. It appeared that the deceased had described himself as a sailor in his Majesty’s service, who had been on board a seventy-four, the captain of which was named either Gardener or Baker – that he had been invalided, and sent to Haslar Hospital, which place he had left about twenty days previously, cured.
Whilst begging in the village, he asked a person if he saw yonder clouds – saying that his lady was in them. Don’t you see how she laughs at you?” said the poor fellow. “I shall soon be there.” He was afterwards seen running backwards and forwards in the parish, lifting up his hands, looking at the clouds, saying, “I did not think you was so lofty, dear Mary. Come down, and I will catch you.”
The third day following this strange conduct, deceased was found at the bottom of Fonthill stream, quite dead. Verdict, “Temporary derangement.”
Jervis, Edward 1832 August 13th Ludgershall
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 6th inst., at Ludgershall, on the body of Edward Jervis, a native of Fovant, who was found dead in a barn belonging to Mr Hutchins, of the former place. Verdict, “Visitation of God.”
Berry, Mr 1832 October 22nd Burbage
An inquest was taken by Mr Adye, at Burbage, on Friday morning, on the body of Mr Berry, jun., who was thrown from his horse, and killed on the spot. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”
Mullins, Henry 1832 October 29th Laverstock
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 11th inst., at Ford, near this city, on the body of Henry Mullins, an infant. The mother of the deceased had left him with two other children in the house, for the purpose of getting wood, and on her return she found him so dreadfully burnt, that he died shortly afterwards. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”
Tubb, William 1832 October 29th Salisbury
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 20th, at Fisherton Anger, on the body of William Tubb, an elderly man, who was found drowned in the river, at Fisherton-bridge. From the evidence it appeared, that the deceased, whilst walking home in the dark, mistook his way, and walked into the river, near the Sun Inn – a very dangerous place, which ought to be railed in. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”
Elliott, Henry 1832 October 29th Salisbury
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 27th, at Fisherton Anger, on the body of Henry Elliott, who belonged to East Knoyle. The deceased, on Tuesday last, was driving his wagon to Winchester fair, and on arriving near the five-mile-stone, on the London road, whilst attempting to mount the wagon, his hold-fast (one of the loops of the tilt) snapped asunder, and he fell back on his head. He was taken on to the Pheasant Inn, in a state of insensibility; but was enabled on the following day to return back to Fisherton. On the succeeding morning, he went to the Infirmary, and on Friday afternoon expired, from the effect of the injury which he had received. Verdict, “Accidental Death,” and a deodand of 1s was levied on the wagon.
Parfitt, John 1832 November 19th Mere
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 9th inst., at Mere, on the body of John Parfitt. The deceased left his home on the preceding Tuesday, for Berwick Hill fair, and in the afternoon of that day he was found lying on the ground, near Hindon, in a state of intoxication. He was removed to Hindon, where he remained all night, and on the following day he was taken home to Mere, and died on the same evening. His death, according to the testimony of the faculty, appeared to have been occasioned by a fall, which produced a concussion of the brain. Verdict, “Accidental Death.”
Hurden, Henry 1832 November 19th Mere
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 12th inst., at Mere, on the body of Henry Hurden. The deceased was returning home to Bourton with a wagon from Basingstoke, when on arriving at Two Mile Down, beyond Hindon, by some accident he slipped from the vehicle, and the wheel passed over his head, and killed him on the spot. Verdict, “Accidental Death,” with a deodand of 1s on the wagon.
Hurle, Thomas 1832 November 19th Monkton Deverill
An inquest was held before Mr Whitmarsh, on the 16th inst., at Monkton Deverill, on the body of Thomas Hurle, who was found dead, on the preceding evening, in an out-house belonging to Mrs Higgins, of the New Inn. The deceased was an old man, and evidently died of apoplexy, brought on by intoxication. Verdict, “Died by the Visitation of God.”
Ponton, John 1832 December 3rd Hilperton
An inquest was held on Saturday, at Hilperton, on the body of John Ponton, an inmate of the poor-house, who, on Friday, put an end to his existence by cutting his arm in two places with a razor. He had sent his wife for the doctor, stating he was very ill; immediately she was gone, he ordered the girl to bring him his razor to cut his corns, and on her leaving him, he committed the fatal deed, and was dead in a few minutes. The Jury returned a verdict of felo de se, and at 10 o’clock, on Saturday night he was interred without the rites of the Burial service. He was about 77 years of age.
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Wiltshire Coroner's Inquests 1801-1920 