1722

 

July 2. Gloucester,  June 28.  On Monday last one STEPHEN WEBB of Hardwicke in this County was unfortunately killed by an accidental Blow, which (‘tis said) was given him by one JOHN PHELPS of Longhope, in the aforesaid County.

 

July 23.  JOHN PHELPS,  who was indicted for killing STEPHEN WEBB, as in our Journal of the 2d. Inst. Page 78, was acquitted.

 

Oct 1.  Gloucester, September 29.  Last night Mr JAMES DOWEL, of Chalford near this city, fell from his Horse as he was riding homewards and broke his Scull, and died in 3 Hours after.

 

Oct 22.  Gloucester, Oct 22.  One JANE LIMMOCK, from Larford’s Gate, near Bristol, is committed to this County Gaol, for barbarously murdering her Husband, by cutting open his Guts.  One JOHN HARDWICK is also committed, for being an Accomplice in the same Fact.

 

 

1723

 

Jan 14.  Gloucester, Jan 12.  One SARAH GAY of Burton, a Mile from Cainson and 5 from Bristol, living in a Farmer’s House, her Belly being got up, she endeavour’d to conceal it for fear of Shame, and when her Pains came on her she said she was violently afflicted with the Colick; but her Mistress thinking her to be with Child, went up Stairs with her, and coming down soon, the maid was delivered in the meanwhile, murder’d the Infant, and wrapt it in a Blanket; her Mistress coming up again soon discover’d it, tho’ the Maid had the Impudence to deny it, till her Mistress open’d the Blanket.  The Coroner sate on the Body, and brought her in guilty of Wilful Murder.

 

Mar 18.  ELIZABETH POULSON, of Prestbury, was indicted for the Murder of her Bastard Child, on the 25th of December last; but the Evidences agreeing in their Opinion that the Child was Stilborn, the Jury acquitted her.

   ANNE WILMOTT was indicted on Suspicion of being concern’d with SARAH BENBOW  alias CASELEY, both of the Parish of St Philip and Jacob, in the Murder of Benbow’s Bastard Child; which Child was taken out of Wilmott’s Vault, and had its Mouth Stuffed full of Paper and Cinders.  Benbow, in her Defence, said, that as soon as She was delivered of the said child, she wrapp’d it up in her Petticoat, and left it on the Dresser in Wilmott’s wash house; the Jury looking upon that as a great Disregard to the Preservation of her Child, and considering by the Strength of the Evidence that Wilmott could have no Advantage by murdering it, she having forewarn’d Benbow some Time before of frequenting her House, &c. Wilmott was acquitted, and Benbow found Guilty - Death.

   JANE LEAMOUCKS,  of the Parish of St Philip and Jacob, was indicted for the murder of her husband JAMES LEAMOUCKS, on the 12th of October last, by giving him one mortal wound on the Navel with a knife.  Several witnesses deposed that they had often heard her threaten to kill him; but one John Harding swore positively that she told  him she had stabbed her Husband, and desired him to hide the knife in the Garden, for fear it should be discover’d.  She said very little to the Purpose in her Defence, and being a Person of a very bad Character, the Jury brought her in Guilty of Wilful Murder. - To be burnt.

   MARY BARRETT was indicted for the Murder of her Bastard Child, on the 2d of December last.  Several Evidences deposed that the Child was full grown, but did not perceive any sign of violence that had been us’d to the Body of it, and the Prisoner in her Defence alledging that it was Stillborn, the Jury, being favourable, acquitted her.

 

Apr 1.  EXECUTED.  ... but Cam denied the Fact for which he Died, as did Sarah Benbow also the murder of her Bastard Child.  At the same time Jane Leamoucks was burnt for the murder of her Husband; she likewise denied the Fact, and behaved herself very stubborn, from the time of her receiving Sentence to the place of Execution.

 

Apr 15.  Gloucester, Apr 12.  They write from Woodchester, a Place about 9 or 10 Miles from this City, That last Tuesday some Persons going to dig for sand in that Parish, discovered all the Bones of a full grown Person.  By their position it seems, the Body had been thrown there in haste.  No signs of any Coffin appeared; but, by the Skull, in which was a preternatural Hole, there lay a great Nail.  The Neighbourhood is full of Conjectures, &c.

 

May 20.  From Mist’s Journal, May 11.  On Tuesday se’nnight, one JOHN FLOWER kill’d a Boy with a Pick Axe, as he was at work with him in a Coal pit, near Pensford, four mile from Bristol.  He confess’d the Fact, and that he did it without any Provocation; the next Day he was committed to Ilchester Gaol.  It appeared to the Coroner’s Inquest, that the man was Lunatick, he having attempted to kill his own Father but three Days before, and was prevented only by the timely coming in of his brother.

 

Jun 3.  Bristol, May 30.  We had a very unhappy Accident happen’d near this Place; a Gentleman walking from hence to Stapleton, in Gloucestershire, meeting of a Collier Boy on the Road, ask’d him some Questions, the Boy returned him very impudent Answers, which so provoked the Gentleman, that he pulled a Knife out of his Pocket and Cut his Throat; the Gentleman is since Committed to Newgate.

 

June 10.  Bristol, June 5.  A Collier in this City got very drunk, coming up towards Kingswood, rode over a Boy about 12 Years old and kill’d him on the spot; the Coroner’s Inquest brought it in Wilful Murder, the Man rode off and has not been heard of since.

   The same Day 3 or 4 Taylors, with several others went a Swimming in the Piles between Bedminster and Bristol, one of the Taylors was prevail’d with to try first, who, as soon as he Leapt in sunk, and rose up 2 or 3 times, which made the rest think him in jest, but finding themselves mistaken endeavour’d to save him, but could not by reason the Water was too deep.

   We have an account from Kingswood that 9 Colliers were kill’d by the Fall of a Mine, ...

 

Aug 12.  Gloucester, August 10.  On Sunday Morning, the Fourth of this Instant, one JAMES EARL, of the Parish of Melksham in Wiltshire, hang’d himself.

 

Aug 19.  Gloucester, August 17.  ... and the Lieutenant who was try’d for killing another Lieutenant on Durdham Down, was found guilty of Manslaughter.

 

Dec 2.  We hear from Upton on Seavern, That a Child coming into a Shoemaker’s shop there, and eating a small Ball of wax which lay in the said shop, died in a short time after.

 

1724

 

Apr 13.  Gloucester, April 13.  On the 8th instant one WILLIAM WHITE was committed to our Castle for the Murder of one THOMAS PARRY, by stabbing him in the Belly with a Knife, of which Wound he instantly died.

 

June 15.  Gloucester, June 15.  And on the 7th Instant four Boys washing in the River Severn near the said place, three of them were drowned.

 

June 22.  Gloucester, June 20.  They write from Stow in the Would, that on Thursday was Sev’night two Men sitting under a Bush, near that Place, one of them (with a Dog they had with them) was kill’d by a Flash of Lightning, and the other was dangerously wounded, who we hear is since dead.

 

July 27.  Gloucester, July 25.  (Assizes) WILLIAM WHITE,  for stabbing and murdering of THOMAS PARRY, of Wootton Underedge.

   FRANCIS WATHEN, charged by JOHN TAWNEY for murdering RICHARD MERRY of Upton, and also charges WALTER PEACH for the same.

 

Aug 3.  WILLIAM WHITE of Wootton Underedge was indicted for the Murder of Thomas Parry, on the 6th of April last, by giving him a mortal wound under the Right Arm with a knife.  The Evidence against the Prisoner was very full and plain, but there being a Quarrel between them about kicking a young Woman’s Lanthorn, and it appearing there was no premeditated Malice in the case, and likewise that the Deceased struck the Prisoner two Blows on the Face, he was found guilty of Manslaughter only.

   Sentence.  WILLIAM WHITE, Burnt in the Hand.

 

Oct 5.  Gloster, Oct 5.  And from Ashchurch, near Tewkesbury, that a Man Servant being sent to Shake a Tree of Pears before he went to Tewkesbury Fair, and being in haste, the Bough broke with him, and the Poor Fellow was found under the tree with his Neck broken.

 

1725

 

Jan 4.  Gloucester, Jan 4.  They write from Campden, That on the 23d of last Month, one Mr FLETCHER of Yberton, being at an Inn, was set upon by three Men, who so Barbarously used him, that on the 29th of the same Month he died.  One of them made his Escape, but the other two have given in Bail to appear at the next Assizes.

 

Jan 11.  Gloucester, Jan 11.  On Thursday Night last, a young Man who had been on board one of the trows to see his Friends, slipt off the Plank as he was coming a Shore, and it is said has not been found since.

 

Jan 18.  Gloucester, Jan 18.  On Monday last a Young Man, about 14 Years of Age, Son to the Clerk of St Johns in this City, accidentally Shot himself with a Pistol, not knowing it to be charg’d, of which Wound he instantly died.

 

Jan 25.  Gloucester, Jan 25.  The beginning of last Week, the Hostler, belonging to the Star Inn, near the Key, through some Discontent, went and Hang’d himself.

 

Mar 1.  Gloucester, Mar 1.  They write from Bristol, That a Captain of a Ship belonging to London, had the Misfortune (being unacquainted with the Streets of Bristol) to fall over a Precipice between two Roads, whereby he beat out his Brains, and died immediately.

 

Mar 8.  Gloucester, March 6.  Commitments to our County Gaol: SARAH CLAPEN, alias HARPER, for concealing or Murdering a Bastard Child.

 

Mar 15.  At the Gloucester Assizes THOMAS HERBERT and three other Persons were arraign’d and try’d upon an Indictment for the Murder of Richard Fletcher, and upon a full Hearing of the Cause, in which the King’s Council appeared, the Defendants were acquitted of the said Indictment, and only one found guilty of Manslaughter.  This is published to justify the Coroner’s Inquest (who found the Death of the said Richard Fletcher to be only Manslaughter) and the Persons concerned for the Defendants from the many odious, vile and false aspersions unjustly charged on them.

 

1726

 

Jan 4.  Gloucester, Jan 1.  We have an Account from Burford, in Oxfordshire; that the letter end of last Week a Farmer’s wife within three Miles of that Place, cut her Throat with a Penknife and Died immediately.  ‘Tis said she did it thro’ some Discontent.

 

Jan 11.  Gloucester, Jan 8.  We hear from Stow in this County, that at Broad Rissington near that Place, on Tuesday last, as one Mrs HEMING (a Farmer’s Widow who had nine Children) was frying some Meat to entertain her Neighbours, and wanting some Mustard, she immediately takes a Ball to make some, but it being rusty, she put it into the Fire to clean it, when to her great Surprize the Ball, as soon as it was hot, burst into several pieces, whereby the poor Woman was so desperately wounded, that she died the next Morning.  The windows of the House were also broken.  It seems this Ball had been appropriated to the use of making Mustard seed for many Years, before this false Catastrophe; and ‘tis supposed by its bursting that it was a Bomb-shell fill’d with combustible matter, used in Engagements by Sea or Land.

   From Cheltenham, That a poor woman was lately found dead in a field near that place, having two Loaves of Bread lying by her.

 

Feb 8.  From Bristol, That on Wednesday Morning last one GEORGE PRUETT of Horfield near that City, was found dead in his Bed, with his Brains beat out, and three Stabs in his Body.  And we hear, there was also found an Iron Bar in the Room, with which ‘tis supposed his Life was finished; and likewise an old stocking all bloody in the Bed by him, as tho’ the Bar had been wiped therewith.  How this fatal Accident happen’d is not yet known; but a Kinsman of his who (we are inform’d) was to be his Executor, has been examined before a Justice, but we don’t hear that they can prove any thing upon him.

 

Apr 19.  Bristol April 16.  On Monday last a young Man, who, they say, was to be married the next Day, had the Misfortune to fall off a Causway and break his Neck, as he was coming down St Michael’s Hill.

 

Apr 26.  Gloucester, April 23.  Yesterday was Sev’night, about two in the Afternoon, a MAN UNKNOWN leap’d into the River Severn, near Wopill, in sight of several Persons, and was drowned.  The Body being taken up on Tuesday Morning last, it was found to be Mr WILLIAM TERIL of West Kinton in Wilts.  He was about 30 years of Age, and somewhat disorder’d in his Senses.  The Body was carried away in a Hearse, in order to be buried at Kinton.

 

May 3.  JOHN JEANE> RICHARD PYE (Cabbin Boy) > Guilty.

 

May 3.  Gloucester, April 30.  On Thursday last one GILES MAJOR was Committed to our Castle, from Cheltenham, on suspicion of Murthering his Brother in Law.

 

May 31.  Bristol, May 27.  On Sunday last a Boy [Francis George] was drowned by going into our River to wash himself.

   ... And on Tuesday one JOHN EWEN of St Leonards Parish in this City, who last week beat and whipt a Boy of about three Years old, who was put to Nurse to his Wife, till he died under his Hands, was taken and committed to Newgate.  The child’s Offence, for which he used him so barbarously, was only fouling the Bed.

   ... And on Thursday last a Porter in St Thomas street putting a Barrel of Pitch up one pair of stairs, his Foot slipping, the Barrel returned upon him and so bruised him, that he died in two Hours after he was carried to his Lodgings.

 

Jun 7.  Advert.  re Male child aged 1 week left at Tetbury in a basket.

 

Jun 21.  Ross in Herefordshire.  A Servant Girl here who was brought to bed of a Bastard Child, murder’d the Infant by breaking its Neck, and afterwards hid it in a parcel of Feathers.

     Gloucester, June 18.  On Tuesday last, one of the Dragoons washing himself in the Severn, near this City, was drowned.

 

Jul 26.  Gloucester, July 23.  The Assizes for this City beginning this day at the Booth Hall in this City, the following Persons are to be brought upon Trial, viz. Giles Major on suspicion of murdering FRANCIS GEORGE.  John Hooper for Manslaughter.

 

Aug 23.  Bristol, August 20.  Wednesday night last one Farmer YOUNG of Redland, near Durdham Down, was barbarously murdered in his Bed, himself only being in the house, but it is not yet found out by whom, tho’ it’s fear’d his Wife is not wholly ignorant of it, they having lived a disagreeable Life, and she having left his bed for some time, besides which, a Key belonging to him was found upon her.

 

Aug 30.  Gloucester, August 29.  MARY YOUNG and THOMAS BOWEN her Son were on Thursday last committed to our Castle for the Murder at Durdham Down, mentioned in our last.  Since when BENJAMIN BOWEN another of her Sons is apprehended at Abergavenny for the same, and being under examination, will be speedily sent hither.

 

Sep 6.  The Account we received from Bristol (in our last) of the apprehending of BENJAMIN BOWEN at Abergavenny is a groundless aspersion cast upon him, he now living in London.

 

Sep 13.  Bristol, September 3.  The Coroner’s Inquest have given their Verdict before the Justices that Mr YOUNG of Redland, near Durdham Down, was most barbarously and wilfully murder’d.

    .... Advert re escape of JANE ATKINS, aged 30/40, of Kingswood Wilts.  Convicted of murdering her new born child; description.

 

Sep 20.  Bristol, September 18.  This Morning JACOB DAVIS one of our Neighbours, a lighter-man, who was drown’d last Night, is taken up at the Key.

 

Oct 4.  Gloucester, October 1.  From Bristol, That on Saturday last in the Afternoon five men belonging to the Brass works at Baptist Mills, having been up the River in a boat, as they were coming back again, the boat being driven by the rapidity of the stream struck, against a stake, or some such thing, with such force, that every one of them was thrown out of the boat; however, some of them caught hold of the boat, and the rest of the Twiggs which grow on the bank of the river, by which means they were all saved, except on JAMES THOMAS, whose Twigg broke off, and he was unfortunately drowned.

 

Oct 18.  Gloucester, October 15.  They write from Wotton Underedge in this county, that on the 14th of last month (being their Fair) one JACOB ROBINS being intoxicated with Liquor, and mistaking his Son had received an abuse from some persons at the Turnpike, went thither, where a battle ensued between him and two Lime carriers; after which, Robins went off: But meeting with an acquaintance by the ways they both concluded to go back again to the Turnpike.  By this time the Keeper of the Turnpike (who was absent during the Skirmish) was returned; and Robins demanding of him his wig, which he said he had lost there, the Keeper strove to pacify him, by telling him if he had lost any thing there, he would look after it; but Robins not content with this reply, gave him abusive Language, and assaulted him; upon which the Keeper closing with him, they both fell to the Ground, and Robins’ Leg was so broke with the fall, that in a weeks time he died with a mortification.

 

Oct 25.   They write from Bristol, 22 Inst.  Last Night a Man was drown’d by the Lime kiln on St Philip’s Backs.

                 Gloucester, Oct. 24.  Last Week a Jeweller going from hence to Bristol on horse back, on a sudden lighted, and went to a pond near the road side, and drowned himself.

 

Nov 1.  Gloucester, Oct 29.  We have an account from Little Sodbury in this county, that on Tuesday last a poor Man who keeps a Shop there, and sells Drams, &c. going out and leaving his Wife (who was blind) to serve in it; some villains ‘tis supposed took an opportunity to murder her, and afterwards carried off to the value of 10/- in Money.

 

Nov 15.  Gloucester, Nov 14.  On Wednesday last one CHARLES BUTLER was committed to our Castle for the Murder of MARY HARWOOD of Little Sodbury formerly mentioned.

 

Dec 13.  Gloucester, Dec 10. .......perished by the extremity of the weather, since which another poor Man has also been found dead on Horton hill near Petty France.  And we hear that the Roads are render’d so bad by the vast quantity of snow, ....  

 

 

1727

 

Jan 30.  Bristol, Dec 30.  We hear that a young man, an Apprentice to a Pipe-maker in this City, upon some Disrespect from his Sweet heart, stabb’d himself in her presence, and ‘tis suppos’d to be mortal.

 

Jan 17.  Bristol, Jan 7.  A barbarous Murder was committed last Tuesday, by HENRY BROOKMAN, (an idle fellow, about 18 years of age)  on the body of MARY COFF, a Quaker, who was found in the Meeting House last Wednesday, with her throat cut from Ear to Ear.  It happened, that one of the Neighbours seeing the said Brookman coming from thence, caused him to be apprehended upon suspicion, and being brought before the Justices then sitting at Pensford, they immediately ordered him to be search’d, and found a Bloody Knife in his Pocket, which prov’d to be the poor Woman’s; whereupon he made an ample confession of the Fact, viz. That he first knocked her down, then searching her pocket, found therein 18d. in Money, and that Knife, with which he cut her Throat; he was thereupon committed to Ivelchester Gaol.

               Worcester, Jan 11.  Last Sunday was 7 Night, as a Man of this City was halling up his Oister boat below Gloucester, in his way hither, going very near the River side, the Ground fell away from under him, whereby he fell with it into the water and was drown’d, leaving a Wife and two Children.

 

Feb 14.  Gloucester, Feb 11.  On Monday Night last, one MATTHEW GIROD, a Person that dress’d wash’d or Oyl’d Leather, at a Mill in or near Barton street, fell into the works and was kill’d, he hath left a wife and two children.

 

Feb 21.  Gloucester, Feb 18.  They write from Ross, in Herefordshire; That on Wednesday last in the Evening, one Mr LONGBOTTOM fell into a Cellar, and broke his Neck.

 

Feb 28.  Gloucester, Feb 25.  By the great Quantity of Snow and Rain, that fell on Tuesday and Wednesday last, we hear there has been great Floods in all parts of the Country, and several Men and Horses have been drowned; ...

 

Mar 14.  Gloucester, Mar 11.  Our Assize beginning this Day at the Boothall in this City, the following Persons are to be brought upon Trial, viz. GILES MAJOR, on suspicion of murdering FRANCIS GEORGE; JOHN HOOPER alias WILLIAMS, for Murder; ... CHARLES BUTLER, for the Murder of MARY HORWOOD of Little Sodbury; JOHN GOWIN alias LEVANS, for being concerned in a Murder with JOHN HOOPER, &c.

 

Mar 21.  GILES MAJOR indicted for the Murder of his Brother in Law (FRANCIS GEORGE) on the 26th of April last.  MARGARET LAD, a near neighbour to the Prisoner, depos’d, That on the 26th of April, about 10 a’clock at Night, she heard Francis George cry out Murder several times, and also heard a Person say, was not you the Death of my Sister? which (she said) was like Major’s Voice: Hereupon she arose and went to some of her Neighbours, and told them what she had heard; but they not being willing to get up, desired her to call to her Neighbour George to know what was the matter, which she did; and having no Answer, went to bed again, thinking all was well.  The next Morning about Five she arose and went to Spinning; and after some time, not perceiving her Neighbour George go to his labour as usual, she went to his Door, and opening it, saw him dead on the Floor; at which, being much surprised, she went back again, and acquainted the Neighbours with it, who immediately took a Constable and entered the House, where they saw the Deceased lying against a Post in the Chimney corner with his Throat cut in a very barbarous manner, and a great deal of Blood on the Ground.  Among the rest, was the Prisoner, (Giles Major) who seem’d to take but very little notice of his deceased Brother; however, being seized on suspicion of the Murder, his Wastecoat, Breeches and Shoes were found to be bloody: And farther to corroborate the Fact, a Gentleman of Cheltenham going to view the Body of the murder’d Person, discover’d some Blood on the Ring of the Door, as also upon a Stile that lead into an Orchard, which induced him to make a stricter search, in order to a farther discovery; and going by the side of a Hedge that led to the House where Major liv’d, he discovered the print of a Man’s Foot on the Grass, which was very tender, and looking narrowly into the Hedge to see if there was nothing hid there, as a Knife, or the like, found a Garter tied all in knots, all bloody, and with it some Hair, of the same Colour with tht of the Deceas’d; after which, there was also found in a Chair in the House of the said George a piece of a Garter exactly agreeing with the bloody Garter.  And what is still more remarkable, when the Prisoner was apprehended he had no Garters on; and a witness (who work’d with him) depos’d, that he had seen Major put on and pull off those Garters several times.  These and several other Circumstances being very full against the Prisoner, and he producing no one to his Reputation, the Jury found him guilty of the Murder.

 

CHARLES BUTLER indicted for the Murder of MARY HORWOOD  of Little Sodbury, and taking a Sum of Money out of the House.  Several witnesses depos’d, that they saw Butler have some Gold about him, which he took pains to shew a day or two after the Murder was committed; and particularly a Moidore, which was lost out of the House, and he was so ignorant, that he knw not the value of it: But what was still more evident, one of the witnesses depos’d, that she saw Butler on Sodbury Common the Morning the Fact was committed, and talking together bout it, Butler said he had been there that Morning for some Tobacco, and that Mary Horwood was then very well as far as he could perceive; but her Husband was gone out to look after some Oxen, as he really was.  These and many other Circumstances gave the Jury reason to find him Guilty.

 

The Trials being over, the Judge proceeded to give Sentence as follows:

Received Sentence of Death, 6. viz.  GILES MAJOR, CHARLES BUTLER, ...

[4 SINCE REPRIEVED; Giles Major to be executed Friday next.]

 

Mar 28.  Gloucester, Mar 26.  Yesterdy GILES MAJOR and ABRAHAM CAYNES were executed here.  Major during the time he lay under Condemnation was very obstinate, and would not confess the Murder, tho’ often press’d to do it by the Minister that attended him; but the Day before his Execution, being earnestly entreated by Caynes on his knees to acknowledge his Crime, he made an ingenious Confession to him, declaring that he himself was the only Murderer of his Brother in Law, and that no one else was concerned with him in committing the same. ...

   They desired the Spectators to taking warning by ‘em, and after having some time allowed them for their private Devotion, the Cart drew away, they calling on God to receive their Souls.

          Gloucester, Mar 27.   We should have inform’d our Readers in our last, that MARY YOUNG and WILLIAM BOWEN (indicted for the Murder of EDWARD YOUNG) were both acquitted, she bringing several witnesses to prove where she was when the Fact was committed, and the Evidence not being full enough against Bowen to convict him.

 

Apr 18.  Bristol, Apr 8.  We hear that at the Assizes at Taunton 10 Malefactors receiv’d Sentence of Death; among whom is HENRY BROOKMAN for the Murder of a poor Woman at Belton Meeting House near Pensford, ... Brookman is to be executed on Wednesday next on a Gibbet near the said Meeting House, and to be hang’d up in Chains on the same.

             Gloucester, Apr 15.  Last week a Maid Servant of TOBIAS LUTON, of Doynton had her Brains knock’d out in her said Master’s House, which is suppos’d to have been rifled by a Fellow whom her Sweetheart (who was going to see her) saw go from the House, a Way where there was no Road, and seeing what was done, caused him to be pursued and taken on Lansdown: He was deliver’d into the Custody of an Officer, who set a Watch over him, however the Fellow (who was very urgent with the Coroner to let him go, and said he would list himself for a Soldier) found means to make his escape.

 

Apr 25.  Bristol, Apr 22.  On Tusday last a Sailor being in Liquor fell overboard at our Key and was drown’d.

 

May 2.  Bristol, Apr 28.   On Friday last about one in the Afternoon, HENRY BROOKMAN was executed, and afterwards hanged in Chains, on Hursley-hill, for the Murder of MARY CUFF, a Quaker.  He confess’d the said Murder, and said he stabb’d her in seven Places, and then cut her Throat and robb’d her of 1s. 6d.  Some Gentlemen having the Curiosity to ask him, why he was Guilty of such a Crime? He answered (as he did before the Judge) that ‘twas Hunger made him do it.  

          Gloucester, Apr 27.  On Friday last was committed to our Castle ROGER BRYANT, for the Murder of the young woman at Doynton, as mention’d in this Paper of the 18th Instant.  He hath since confess’d the Fact.

 

Jun 13.  Gloucester, Jun 10.  Last Saturday a Boy was kill’d by the Kick of a Horse in Barton street; whose Father lost his Life about a Year or two ago by the same unhappy Accident.

 

Jul 4.  Gloucester, Jul 1.  This Week BENJAMIN BOWEN was committed to our Castle on suspicion of murdering his Father in Law Farmer YOUNG at Redland in August last.

 

Jul 25.  Gloucester, Jul 22.  ROGER BRYANT, for Wilful Murder.

 

Aug 1.  Gloucester, Jul 29.  On Wednesday last our Assizes ended here, where several Persons were tried for the following Crimes:

ROGER BRYANT, indicted for the Murder of ANNE WILLIAMS, on the 3d of April last, by giving her a mortal Wound on the Head, of which she died:  TOBIAS LUTON, depos’d, That on Easter Monday he and his wife went to Church, and when they returned, they found Anne Wiliams (their Servant) murder’d, and their House robb’d of a Silver Tankard, two Silver Mugs, a Gold Ring, and Several other things.  The Prisoner being a Person of ill Repute was taken up on suspicion of committing the said Murder, &c. but found means to make his escape from the Constable and his Assistants: However, in about three weeks after he was retaken at Cirencester, where he had sold a Ring, which was proved to be Mrs Luton’s; and when he was brought to Gloucester he confess’d the Fact to the Persons that guarded him thither, whilst he was at an Inn, and likewise said that he had hid the Plate in a Field near the House from whence he had stolen it; but tho’ diligent search was made, yet it could not be found.  Upon his Trial, he denied the Fact; but the Evidence being very full against him, he was found guilty of Wilful Murder.

 

BENJAMIN BOWEN, indicted for the Murder of his Father in Law, EDWARD YOUNG of Redland, near Bristol, in August last: The Prisoner brought his Master from London, who depos’d that he was in his Service on the 17th of August, the Time the Murder was committed, which was also corroborated by another Evidence from thence; whereupon he was acquitted.

 

Sentence of Death.  ROGER BRYANT and JOHN EVANS.

Note, JOHN EVANS is since reprieved, and ROGER BRYANT order’d for Execution on Wednesday the 9th Instant, near the Place where the Murder was committed, and afterwards to be hang’d in chains there.

 

Aug 15.  Gloucester, Aug 12.   On Wednesday last ROGER BRYANT (condemn’d for the Murder of ANNE WILLIAMS, Servnt to Mr LUTON of Doynton, and robbing the House of several Pieces of Plate) was executed on Tug Hill, near the Place where the Murder and Robbery was committed, and afterwards hang’d in chains there.  He was about 24 years of age, born of mean Parentage, at Doynton aforesaid, and was put forth Apprentice to a Sheerman, but not liking that Employment, he run away from his Master, and inlisted himself for a Foot Soldier; after which he betook himself to the Business of a Pargiter; and in the latter Part of his Life was a Draoon in the Hon. Brigadier Churchill’s Regiment, but deserted.  As to the Particulars of the Fact for which he suffered, he said, That having been playing at Skettles on Easter Monday, and Luck running against him, he went to Mr Luton’s, thinking to have received a small Matter that was due to him for Work, but Mr Luton and his Wife being gone to Church, he was disappointed: Hereupon he began to tell his Complaint of the Want of Money to an idle Fellow that was begging a draught of Small Beer of the Maid: To which, the Fellow reply’d, D--n it, I believe there is a good Wedge of Money here, let us have it; and accordingly knock’d down the Girl with a great Stick he had in his Hand, and then bid him strike her, which he did; but his Heart failing him, he said, he did not hurt her much; then he went up Stairs and took the Plate mentioned in the Indictment: Bryant added, that whilst he was up Stairs, the other Fellow struck the Maid such a violent Blow, that it made the House shake, (which stroke he believed finish’d her Life) and then made his Escape into a Wood.  As he was going to the Place of Execution he discovered where he had hid the Plate, which being found, he had 5 l. given him.  ‘Tis also very remarkable, that when he came within sight of the House where the Fact was committed he began to be terribly shock’d, and wept bitterly.

 

Oct 31.  Gloucester, Oct 30.   On Friday last a Boy belonging to one of the Troughs at our Key, tumbled over board, and was drown’d.

 

Nov 7.  Gloucester, Nov 6.  One ---- JOHNSON, of this City was committed to the Northgate, last week, for the Murther of a Child she was Mother in Law to; which she acted in a very cruel manner.

 

End.

 

 

1728

 

Jan 16.  Bristol, Jan 13.  We hear of several sad Accidents, particularly a young woman near this City, who poison’d herself, because her Sweetheart slighted her; and another in the City hang’d herself on the same account: As did also a young Man, tho’ we don’t hear that this was for Love.

 

Jan 23.  Gloucester, Jan 22.  The late Rain have occasioned such Floods in these Parts as have not been known for many Years past, whereby vast Tracts of Land are overflowed, and Passengers go to and from this City in Boats. - Last Saturday a Boat passing through one of the Arches of our Bridge, to which a Barge was fastened, was overset by the same, and a Boy, son of the Widow Baily, of the Cross Keys, near the Westgate, was drown’d; but two Men who were in the same Boat, fortunately caught hold of the said Barge, and were saved.

 

We have the following melancholy Account from the City of Bristol, That a Shoemaker’s Wife of that City being in Labour, and her Life despair’d of, they open’d her, in order to save the Child, which was found dead within her: Hereupon the Husband was so afflicted, that he murder’d a Child of his of about 4 Years old, and afterwards hang’d himself.

 

Mar 26.  Gloucester, Mar 23.  On Saturday Night last, Five Persons were Drown’d near Minsterworth, viz. one Man and four Women, as they were going from Gloucester Market in a Boat, they were eight in all, but three were saved.

 

Apr 9.  Gloucester, Apr 6.  The Assizes for this County beginning this Day, at the Boothall, in this City, the following Persons are to be brought upon their Trials, viz. JANE WOODRUFF, charged with destroying a Bastard Child. - SARAH BIDMEAD for the like Crime.  RICHARD HARMER and ELIZ. HOLDER on suspicion of Murder.

 

Apr 16.  Bristol, Apr 13.  Last Night 3 Small Children going hand in hand to the waterside, all fell in and were drowned.

                Gloucester, Apr 13.  A NEW BORN INFANT was lately found in the Severn, near this City, supposed to be murder’d.

 

ELIZABETH HOLDER indicted for the Murder of her Bastard Child, and RICHARD HARMAR for concealing the same.  JOHN MOSS depos’d, that the Prisoner lodg’d in his  House, and that he heard a noise, like that of a Cat, but heard no more of it.   SUSAN MOSS depos’d, that several People accus’d the Prisoner with being with Child, but putting it to her, she denied it; and hearing the aforesaid Noise, she ask’d the Prisoner if she heard it, who reply’d, she did not:  In the Morning, the wench ask’d for some Bread and Cheese, and Drink, and soon after arose: Sarah Moss further deposed, that two or three Nights after this she was much surpriz’d in her Sleep, by Dreaming she saw a young Child, which made her mistrust something more than common; but her Daughter making an excuse, to look for somewhat she pretended she wanted, went up stairs, where she discovered signs of a Child being newborn; whereupon, she charged the Prisoner with the Fact, who still denied it:  After this, some of the Neighbours being called in, the Prisoner produced the Child, and a Midwife being sent for, declared she had not gone the full time; and upon the Trial the Midwife likewise depos’d, to the same Effect.  The Prisoner in her Defence said, that she did not think her Time so near by 6 or 7 Weeks, and that she had provided for lying-in; so that the Jury brought her in Not Guilty, and acquitted Harmer.

 

JANE WOODRUFF and SARAH BIDMEAD were also indicted for the like crime, and acquitted.

 

Burnt in the Hand: ABRAHAM ANDREWS for Manslaughter.

 

May 7.  Bristol, May 4.  On Thursday Mr WALTER VAUGHAN, Jun. Cooper, was found dead under the Rocks below the Cupaeloes, with his Brains dash’d out, and his Body much bruised.

 

Sep 24.  Gloucester, Sep 21.  Tuesday a Waggon loaded with Cheese (with two Women therein) coming to our Fair, was overturn’d at the Wainers Hill, near this City; one of  the woman was killed on the spot, and the other much hurt.

 

Oct 8.  Bristol, Oct 5.  One Day last Week ELIZABETH GOUGH, the Landlord’s Wife of the Boarded House in Kingswood; was convey’d from Bridewell, without Lawford’s Gate, to Gloucester Castle, for maiming, and in an inhuman manner stamping on the Body of a Woman six Months gone with Child, who came to call her Husband from the Alehouse, of which Bruises she died in a few Days, and the Child within her.

 

Oct 29.  WHEREAS JOSEPH SMITH of Henton, near Derham, was found robb’d and murder’d in a ground near Marshfield in Gloucestershire, supposed to be murder’d by JOHN WOODHAM, Jun. of Marshfield aforesaid, on Friday night last, being the 18th of October, he having since absconded: Whoever therefore shall take and secure the said John Woodham, will be Intitled to 40 l. as by Act of Parliament.  Note, he is a slender Fellow about 5 foot 10 inches, of a pale Compexion, about 24 years of age, supposed to have on a brown bobb Wig, and a grey Coat.

 

Nov 5.  Gloucester, Nov 2.  On Tuesday last JOHN WOODHAM (advertis’d in our last) was committed to our Castle, being charged with the Murder of JOSEPH SMITH, near Marshfield, in this County:  He hath since his Committment confess’d the Fact; and farther declar’d, that one WATTS, now in Ilchester Gaol, was concerned with him in the said Murder.

 

Dec 3.  Gloucester, Dec 2.  We have an Account from Bristol of the 29th ult. that the Tuesday before, as some Boys were throwing Snowballs there, one fell on a Drummer who was lately come from Ireland to raise Recruits, as he pass’d along, which so inrag’d him, that he drew his Sword, and stabb’d a Man, that endeavoured to pacify him, in such a manner that he instantly dropt down dead on the spot.  The Drummer was immediately secured, in order to receive the just Reward of so rash an Action.

    On Thursday Night last ROBERT COLE at Reedford, near this City, was kill’d by the Wheel of a grist Mill, as he was striking down the shut, that stops the water, with a Sledge, the weight whereof (he missing his Blow) pull’d him into the Water, and the Wheel catching hold of him, tore his Head and one of his Legs so violently, that he immediately expired.

 

Dec 17.  Gloucester, Dec 14.  They write from Bath, That the beginning of this Month died in Ilchester Gaol, one THOMAS WATTS, committed on suspicion of being concerned in the Murder of JOSEPH SMITH, near Marshfield, with one Woodham, now in Gloucester Gaol; and tho’ Woodham since his Commitment hath accused Watts as an Accomplice with him in the said Murder, yet ‘twas generally believed he was innocent of it, and Watts declar’d to the Rev. Mr Harris, in his dying Moments, that he was no ways accessary to it.

 

Ends

 

 

1729

 

 

Jan 7.  London, Jan 4.  We hve an Account from Bristol, that a few Days ago one of the Tide Surveyors from that Port, cut his Throat in such a violent manner, that he died soon after.

              Gloucester, Jan 4.  They write from Bath, that THOMAS WATTS, who died in Ilchester Gaol, where he was committed for being concern’d in the Murder near Marshfield, did confess to the Keeper of the said Gaol, that he was Guilty of the said Murder, notwithstanding he solemnly denied it to the Minister who attended him in his last Moments, as was lately mentioned in this Paper.

 

Feb 18.  Gloucester, Feb 17.  On Thursday last died in our Castle Gaol, JOHN WOODHAM, some time since committed for being an Accomplice (with one THOS. WATTS, who died lately in Ilchester Gaol) in the Murder of JOSEPH SMITH, near Marshfield.  Woodham, before he dy’d, confess’d, That he, together with the said Watts, and one WALTER WEBB, now in Salisbury Gaol, did murder the said Joseph Smith, for informing against the said Watts and Webb, for stealing a Deer out of ‘Squire Blathwait’s Park at Derham.

 

Apr 8.  Gloucester Assizes: Sentences:  ELIZ. GOUGH, that was Indicted for the Murder of MARY WILLIS, was found Guilty of Manslaughter, and burnt in the Hand.

 

Apr 22.  Gloucester, Apr 19.  On Thursday Night a Farmer’s Son near this City, as he was fishing for Elvers, tumbled into the Severn and was drowned, before any Help could come to him.

 

Sep 16.  Bristol, Sep 13.  Yesterday, ... WILLIAM TAYLOR, a Drummer ... executed on Mile Hill Gallows; ... for Murder.  They both died very Penitent.

 

Oct 28. Bristol, Oct 25.  On Thursday was committed to our Gaol, Capt. JAMES NEWTH, being charg’d on Oath with suspicion of hving Murder’d his Cabin Boy on the Coast of Guinea, about two Years ago.  It seems he has made a Voyage since he did the Murder, along with those that are the witnesses thereof; and had they not fallen out, about making up some Accounts, the Boy’s Death had not been call’d in Question.

 

Nov 18.  Gloucester, Nov 17.  On Wednesday last one Owner CUTTS fell over board, near this City and was drowned; we don’t hear his Body is yet found.

 

Dec 16.  Gloucester, Dec 15.  Two Men and a Woman were drowned in their Passage between Bath and Bristol.

 

Ends.

 

 

 

1730

 

Apr 7.  Gloucester, Apr 6.  We hear from Horton, in this County, the following Melancholy Account, that on Sunday the 29th of March, a Gentleman’s Servant near that Place, being in the Bellfrey, among the Bells, when the great Bell was standing, which he not observing, unfortunately stept upon it, by which it gave Way, and in its Fall cut the young Man almost in two in the midde, so that he died immediately.

 

Apr 14.  Gloucester, Apr 11.  They write from Newnham in this County, that one HENRY GOVET, Carpenter, being at work on board a Vessel there, had the Misfortune of having his Skull fractur’d by the Fall of a Piece of Timber, of which he dy’d, having left behind a Widow and four Children.

 

Jun 9.  Gloucester, Jun 6.  On Monday last one Mr KING of Marston coming from Cirencester Market, his Horse threw him, and he died on the spot.

 

Jun 16.  Gloucester, Jun 13.  One CHARLES JONES, of Sherbon in this County, kll’d himself this Week with drinking of Brandy.

 

Jul 7.  Bristol, Jul 4.  One Day last Week a Drummer’s Wife of Lord Mark Ker’s Regiment quarter’d here, pison’d herself, being jealous of her Husband.

 

Incomplete

 

 

 

1731

 

May 11.  Accidents.  Bristol Old Street man fell off own cart, son of farmer at Bristol Causeway, burnt in barn fire??

 

Jun 15.  This week one GREEN, a Shoemaker in this City, being much heated with Liquor, went into the Severn with an Intent to cool himself, and was unfortunately drowned.

 

Aug 3.  A list of the prisoners to be try’d here this Assizes:  SUS. DANGERFIRLD and THOMAS CLARE, for Murder.

 

Aug 10.  THO. CLARE, who kill’d JOHN WAYNE at Frogmill on the 26th past, was found guilty of Manslaughter, and burnt in the Hand.

 

Sep 7.  Gloucester, Aug (sic) 4.  This Week a Woman dropt down dead on the Farthing Bridge in this City.

    [On Wednesday] Likewise the same Day in the Evening, a Boy fell out of a Boat into the River Severn, near Gloucester, and was drowned.

 

Sep 14.  Bristol Assizes, Sep 11.  Yesterday our General Gaol Delivery ended here, when the four following Malefactors received Sentence of Death, viz.  ... and THOMAS CARROLL, lately belonging to the Lord Kerr’s Regiment of Foot, quarter’d in this City, for the Murder of JOHN BOYSE, of the said Regiment, at the Angel in King street.

 

Sep 21.  Thomas Carroll, condemn’d for the Murder of John Boyse, fter Sentence pass’d, on his Knees told his Lordship that he expected to die, and begged to have Time allow’d him to prepare for another world; adding, that he died for Joseph Allen, that Day arraigned with him by the name of John Allen; and declared him to be the Person who committed the Fact.

   The said Tho. Carroll, ... is since repriev’d; and it has been thought fit to continue Joseph Allen in Prison, lest an Appeal should be lodged against him by some of the deceased Boyse’s  Friends.

 

Oct 12.  Bristol, Oct 2.  Yesterday was Se’nnight a Man fell over the Key, suppos’d to have miss’d his Way to the Bridge, and was drowned.  And on Saturday Night last another Man fell out of a Loft, the Backside of the White Horse Inn in Redcliffe Street, into the River, and was drowned.

 

Oct 19.  Bristol, Oct 9.  One Mr HEAD, a Master Mason, and one ------ were drowned on Thursday Night last in Sea Mill Brook.

 

 

 

1732

 

Jan 4.  Gloucester, Jan 1.  About the middle of this week a young Woman, Daughter in Law to Owner Williams, going to push off her Father’s Barge a little above the Key, accidentally slipp’d into the River, and was drowned; the News whereof so surpriz’d her Mother, who had been ill for some time, that she died son after; and both were interr’d together this Evening.

 

Jan 25.  Gloucester, Jan 22.  We have an account from Chepstow, that on Thursday Night last JAMES DAVIS, (formerly Servant to Sir William Morgan, but of late to Mr Robert Morgan) endeavouring to leap his Horse over some Stiles in the Footway between that place and Tidenham, the Horse fell upon him and kill’d him.

 

Feb 1.  Gloucester, Jan 29.  We have an Account from Tetbury, that on the 20th Instant, GEO CONSTABLE, a Youth about 12 Years of Age, went with some other Lads into his Father’s Garden, in order to divert themselves with a Play representing Bull baiting, and having ty’d one Part of a Girth round the Body of a Tree, and the other about his Neck, he slipp’d off a Bank, and strangled himself:  His unwary Companions, not being appriz’d of the Danger, view’d him for some time with Pleasure, but finding that he was speechless, they ran to acquaint some of the Neighbours therewith, but too late, for before any Person came to his Relief, the unfortunate Youth was dead.

 

Mar 7.  Gloucester, Mar 4.  Assizes.  JOHN GILES, alias CHILD, and MARGARET GOULDING, on suspicion of Murder.

 

Mar 14.  Gloucester, Mar 8.  JOHN GILES, found Guilty of Manslaughter, by striking EDWARD DYER, jun. Of Compton, 2 Blows on the Head with a Stick, whereof he dy’d, was burnt in the Hand, and order’d to remain in Gaol eleven months, without Bail or Mainprize.

 

Mar 21.  Gloucester, Mar 20.  Last Monday Evening two Men, Brothers in Law, having borrow’d a small Boat, in order to go a fishing; as they were endeavouring to pass through one of the arches at Over’s Bridge, near this City, the Boat overset, and they were both drowned.

   But a more melancholy Accident of this Nature happen’d last Saturday within two Miles of Newnham, where Owner Pearse’s Passage boat, bound from Bristol to that Place, struck against a Sand, and sunk down immediately, whereby eight or ten People lost their Lives.

 

Mar 28.  Gloucester, Mar 25.  They write from Newnham, that the Number of Persons drowned last Saturday was 7-night, (as mention’d in our former) appears to be 17, Men, Woman, and Children.

 

Apr 18.  Bristol, Apr 15.  Last Saturday Night one of the Drawers at the Bush Tavern in Corn Street, fell over Wade’s Bridge, and was drown’d.

   And the next Morning, a Lad of about 14 was also drown’d near the same Place.

 

May 9.  Gloucester, May 6.  They write from Mitchel Deane in this County, that on Friday the 28th of April last, between the Hours of Seven and Eight in the Evening (as is suppos’d) one THOMAS TURBERVILE of that Town, Carpenter, was in a most barbarous and inhuman Manner murder’d in his own Shop, by having his Brains dash’d out, and afterwards his Skull chopp’d and beat all to Pieces with a broad Axe.  The Deceased being a Widower, and having no Child, liv’d alone, and was not found till the Saturday Evening, where the Axe was lying by him all over Gore Blood.  The Person who is justly suspected to have committed this villanous and bloody Fact, is one ELY HATTEN, a weaver, son of Thomas Hatten, of Ruar Deane, Victualler; who was seen between the Hours above mentioned to follow the said Turbervile into his House; and the Deceased was never seen afterwards till found dead in the Manner aforesaid.  There are a great many other Circumstances which induce People to believe he was the Person that committed the Fact; one in particular was, that a Shirt and a Pair of Stockings of the Deceased were found on his Back and Legs, when he was under Examination before the Jury at the Inquest.  He is now confined in our Castle, and, ‘tis to be hop’d, at the next Assizes will meet with as just a Punishment as so desperate and bloody minded a wretch deserves, in order to deter others from committing the like Offence.

 

May 23.  Gloucester, May 20.  On Tuesday last a very melancholy Accident happen’d near the Horse pool not far from this City, in the road to Stroud, viz. One Farmer Townsend and his Servant coming through a Clover Ground belonging to THOMAS BURCHAL, a Butcher, accidentally broke the Gate, and he being at an Ale house near the Road, and hearing thereof, was so enraged, that he took his Horse and rode after the waggon.  The Farmer offer’d to satisfy him for the Damage done; but he said he would have no other Satisfaction than beating the waggoner for it, which he did with a Stick so violently, that he broke the young Man’s Scull, who dy’d a few Hours after he got Home, which was about a Mile from the Place.  We hear that the Butcher had his Collar Bone broke in the Scuffle.  The Coroner’s Inquest sate on the Body of the Deceased on Thursday, and brought in their Verdict, Wilful Murder.

NB  We are inform’d that the said THOMAS BURCHAL had taken the ground but a few Hours before this happen’d, and that he has a Wife and four Children.

 

May 30.  Gloucester, May 27.  On Tuesday last STEPHEN BLISS, a Baker of Painswick, pull’d off his Cloaths, and jump’d into a Well, and drowned himself; there was 10 or 15 l. found, which he had laid by the side thereof.  He dy’d with 6 or 700 l. And as he was generally thought to be Lunatick for the greatest Part of his Life, this last desperate Act shews the Opinion not to be ill grounded.

 

June 20.  Gloucester, June 17.  Last Week two Boys quarrelling at Highnam, near this City, one of them in the Fray snatch’d up the Hedge Bill of a Man who was at work just by them, and struck his Antagonist on the Head with it: The Person with whom the Boy Liv’d, apprehending there was no Danger, neglected to have the Wound dress’d in Time, so that he is since dead; for it seems the other had cut him into the Brain.

 

Aug 8.  Gloucester, Aug 5.  On Friday last THOMAS BURCHILL, some Time since found guilty (before Edward Webb, Gent. Coroner) of the Murder of one JOHN CAUSON, voluntarily surrender’d himself to the Keeper of our Castle.

 

Aug 22.  Gloucester, Aug 19.  Assizes.  ELY HATTON, and THOMAS BURCHELL, for Murder; the former for killing Tho. Turbervile, late of Mitchel Dean, Carpenter; and the latter for killing John Causon.

   Last Saurday was se’nnight Mr LITTLE, a Farmer at Ashler near this City, threw himself into the Severn, and was taken up this week at our Key drowned: ‘Tis supposed he was disorder’d in his Senses.

 

Aug 29.  Gloucester, Aug 26.  On Wednesday last the Assizes ended here, when one Man received Sentence of Death, viz. ELY HATTON, for the most barbarous and inhuman Murder of Tho. Turbervile, late of Mitchel Dean, Carpenter, on Friday the 28th of April last, who was found in his Shop the next Day with his Brains dash’d out, and his Skull chopp’d to Pieces with a broad Axe, that was lying by him, all over bloody.  There were several reputable Witnesses called to prove this horrid Fact, which nothing but ocular Demonstration could tender more plain, for when he was apprehended, he had on a Shirt and a Pair of Stockings of the Deceased’s, and his Coat was bloody in several Places.   He acknowledged that he was with the Deceased that Evening, and had only to say in Excuse, that the Deceased and he went to a Hill near the Town to view some Deer; but called no body to prove that they were there: He likewise produced no Person to speak to his Reputation, or that could say the least Thing in his Favour: One Man whom he called as a Witness to prove that he saw him about 9 o’clock that Night the Murder was committed, said, he verily believ’d he was the Person that committed the said Murder: In short, no Circumstances ever concurr’d better to prove a Man guilty, than those alleg’d against the Prisoner.  One Thing was very remarkable: The Prisoner on his Trial said, the Shirt he had on when apprehended was his Brother’s, and on his Examination before the Coroner said it belonged to his Father.

 

Aug 29.  Gloucester, Aug 26, cont’d.  Three were burnt in the Hand, viz. THO. BURCHELL and Wm MOULDER, for Manslaughter.

PS.  ELY HATTON, we hear, is to be hang’d at Mitchel Dean on Monday the 4th of Sept. Next, and then to be put up in Chains.  He is very illiterate, and as yet persists in the Denial of the Fact.

 

Sep 5.  Gloucester, Sep 4.  About 7 o’Clock this Morning ELY HATTON, attended by the proper Officers, and a prodigious Concourse of People, was carry’d to Mitchel Dean, in order to be executed near that Place, for the barbarous Murder of THO. TURBERVILE, late of the said Town, Carpenter.

 

Sep 12.  Gloucester, Sep 9.  We have an Account from Tetbury, That on Sunday and Monday last there was a great Meeting of the People call’d Quakers, some say, to the number of 1200.  A Carpenter of that Place fell down dead, as he was putting up some Seats for the Conveniency of their Meeting, and we hear they collected 25 l. For his Widow and Family, and that they also gave 15 l. To be distributed among the Poor of the Parish.

   On Monday last ELY HATTON was executed and afterwards hung in Chains on Meane Hill near Mitchel Dean, for the barbarous Murder of Tho. Turbervile, late of that Town, Carpenter.  At the Tree he was in a very moving and tender Manner exhorted to confess his Crime, but persisted in the Denial of it to the very Moment that he was turn’d off the Ladder, declaring, as he hop’d for Salvation, he was entirely innocent thereof.  He own’d that he had been a great Sabbath Breaker, saying, ‘twas usual for young People thereabouts to work all the week, and on the Sunday to go and steal Deer; also that he had been very much addicted to Whoring, which, he said, gave his Conscience the greatest uneasiness.  There were near 10,000 spectators present.

 

Sep 26.  Gloucester, Sep 23.  Last Thursday Mr ESCOATE, the Custom house Officer at Berkeley, and six other Persons, were overset in a small Boat, by a sudden Squall of wind, in the Severn; and the said Mr Escoate and one other Person were drowned; but the remaining five saved themselves by swimming, and getting fast hold of the Boat, till assistance came.

 

Oct 10.  Gloucester, Oct 7.  They write from Burford in Oxfordshire, that on Tuesday last a Man who was very ill and light headed, got out of his Bed and ran into the River there, and was drowned before any Person could come to his Assistance.

 

Nov 7.  Gloucester, Nov 4.  We hear from Mitchel Dean, that the Gibbet on which ELY HATTON was hung, was cut down on Sunday Night last, and his Body left on the Ground.

 

Nov 14.  Gloucester, Nov 5.  Last Week the old Boatman at the Haugh near Tewkesbury, suppos’d to be in Liquor, fell into the Severn, and was drowned.

   This Week a Trowman at our Key, having also drank too plentifully, fell over board, and met with the same unhappy fate.

 

 

1733

 

 

Feb 27.  Gloucester,  Feb 24.  Last Tuesday Night a Quarrel happen’d on board Owner Stewart’s Vessel of Bradley, then lying near Tewkesbury, between two of his Men, one of whom push’d the other overboard, and struck him with the shaft, so that he sunk immediately; after which the villain jump’d into the River, swam to the Shore, and made his Escape.

 

May 22.  Gloucester, May 19.  Last Tuesday a poor woman of this City, being disorder’d in her Senses, hang’d herself.

   About the same time, two Children were burnt in a terrible Manner, at Hempstead near this City, one of which is since dead, and the other lies dangerously ill:  it is observable, that the affectionate Father was then attending upon a Company of Morrice Dancers with his Tabot and Pipe, and when the News of this melancholy Accident was brought to him, he refus’d to return Home, saying, He would not lose his Whitsuntide.

 

Jun 12.  Gloucester, Jun 9.   And from Stroud in this County, that on Sunday last a Girl about 12 or 13 Years of Age, returning Home from Church last Sunday, was seiz’d with a violent Fit, and dy’d soon after.

   On Tuesday last the Wife of Mr Watson, an Upholsterer in this City, went into a Neighbour’s House, and sate down, taking a Book in her Hand, and dropt down dead.

 

Jul 10.  Gloucester, Jul 7.  Assizes.   ARTHUR HOOPER, for the Murder of one JOSEPH MILES.

 

Jul 17.  Gloucester,  Jul 14.  On Friday last was brought to our Castle one ISAAC MAYO,  a young Man, for the most barbarous and inhuman Murder of his Uncle, Mr THOS SNOW of Moreton in Marsh in this County: which Fact he confess’d.

 

Aug 20.  Gloucester, Aug 18.   They write from Tewkesbury, that on Sunday Morning last Mr JAINE, a Baker of that Town, dy’d suddenly in his Pew, just before Divine Service.

 

Sep 4.  Gloucester, Sep 1.  From Fox Farm in the Parish of Swell near Stow we have an Account, that the same Day some Leasers, &c. , retir’d to a Wheat rick for Shelter from the Rain, when the Rick slipt from off the Props, and kill’d two of them.

 

Oct 30.  Bristol, Sep 27.   Last Night one GEORGE BARON, a poor Man that kept a Huckster’s Shop without the Petty Gate, was inhumanly murder’d by three Soldiers, who were all committed to Newgate this Day for the same.

 

Nov 27.  Gloucester, Nov 26.  On Saturday Night died in our Castle  ---- MAY, committed there for the Murder of his Uncle at Moreton in Marsh:  And about the 8th of this Month died there one PARKER,  a noted Horse stealer.  

 

    

 

 

1734

 

Jul 9.  Bristol, Jul 6.  Last Sunday Morning one of the Serjeants belonging to Col. Montague’s Regiment, drown’d himself in Earl’s Meads River; his Hat and Coat he left on the Bank: The Reason of his committing this rash Act is not known, being well in his Senses, as thought, the Day before.

 

Sep 24.  Bristol, Sep 14.  THOMAS KITCHINGMAN, a Scotchman, SAMUEL OWEN, and THOMAS BADGER, three Centinels belonging to Col. Montague’s Regiment, lately in Quarters here, were indicted for murdering ROGER BARON, who kept a little Shop near the Pithay Gate, by striking him on the left side of the Head, and thereby fracturing his Skull, of which wound he died on the Spot, when KITCHINGMAN was found Guilty of the Murder, and OWEN and BADGER of Manslaughter.

   MARTHA MORGAN, for the Murder of her Female Bastard Child, by strangling it with a small Cord, and throwing it into a Bog house, of which she was found guilty.  Sentenced to Death.  (Also mentioned Sep 28 and Oct 1.)

 

Oct 8.  Bristol, Sep 27.  Yesterday about 11 o’Clock in the Forenoon, THOMAS KITCHINGMAN, and MARTHA MORGAN, were drawn from Newgate in a Mourning Coach with Four Horses, the the Place of Execution on St Michael’s Hill, attended by a Divine, the Sheriff, and all the City Constables, and a Great Concourse of People; before the Coach went a Cart with their Coffins.. They behaved with much Penitence; but KITCHINGMAN denied to the very last his being guilty of the Murder he was about to suffer for, affirming, that OWEN (indicted with him for the same Fact) was the Man that gave the Deceased the fatal Blow.  There seems to be something in this Matter to verify his assertion; for the Night OWEN was discharg’d, he fell on his Kness, and looking towards the Condemn’d Room, in Effect said, That he ought to be there in KITCHINGMAN’s Place, and hop’d that God would forgive him.  MARTHA MORGAN  confess’d the murdering her Female Infant; and after about an Hour’s Respite for their Devotion, the Cart drew away. 

   The Day before their Execution, MARTHA MORGAN sent a very melancholy Letter to the Father of the Child.

   Four Soldiers took Care of the Body of KITCHINGMAN, and convey’d it to St Michael’s Churchyard, where after being put in the Ground, they put Lime into the Coffin, and pour’d Water upon it, to prevent the Surgeons stealing the Body; and the Woman’s was deliver’d to her Brother.

 

Dec 24.  Gloucester, Dec 21.  On Thursday Night an Oyster Boat, bound for Worcester, was overset near our Bridge, and two young Men belonging to her drowned.  

 

 

 

 

1736

 

Mar 16.  Gloucester, Mar 13.  Assizes.  JANE KILMASTER, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

Mar 23.  Gloucester, Mar 17.  JANE KILMISTER ... acquitted.

 

Apr 6.  Bristol, Apr 3.  The Trial of JAMES SMITH, brought by Habeas Corpus from London, and charg’d with the Murder of JAMES BELLARDINE, Soldier in Col. Hargrave’s Regiment of Foot, is put off till the next Assizes, the Evidence not being in Town.

   Gloucester, Apr 3.  A few days before this [Saturday last] a Youth about 11 or 12 Years old, being sent for a Roasting Pig to a Neighbour’s in the Country, the Pig’s squeaking so frighten’d the Horse, that he ran away with the Boy, whose Leg hanging in the Stirrup Leather, he was dragg’d a considerable Way, and his Brains dash’d out.

 

Apr 13.  Gloucester, Apr 10.  They write from Blackney, that one JOHN WHITE, a Butcher of that Place, coming from Berkeley  on Wednesday last, and the passage boat at Perton not going off in an Hour, he would not stay, and attempting to ford over at Gatcomb, both he and his Horse were drowned, and have not been seen since.

 

Apr 20.  Bristol, Apr 10.   Last Thursday was committed to Bridewell an unhappy young Woman, for the Murder of her new born Male Child, by throwing it into a Horse Pond, the further end of Milk Street:  She confess’d the Fact, and that she was deliver’d last Tuesday; but she appear’d well abroad the next Day.  An Ostler at the Inn is the Father.

 

May 11.  Bristol , May 1.  Entry not completed.  Mrs NORMAN, Huckster’s Shop, St Philip; Murder.

 

Jun 29.  Bristol, Jun 19.  A small Estate near Tedbury in the County of Gloucester, having lately fell to the Wife of Mr MILTON, a Ship Carpenter at Shirehampton, four Miles from this City, they both went on Tuesday in Whitsun Week, with an Intention to view the same; but unhappily as they were at the Foot of a Hill, endeavouring to avoid two Waggons, particularly one coming down with great Violence, the Drag Chain having broke, she accidentally fell off the Horse, and before her Husband had the Power to quit his Saddle, the Waggon went over her Body, and crush’d her to Death.

 

Jul 27.  Gloucester, Jul 24.  Last Wednesday were committed to our Castle, ROBERT DOWERS, BENJAMIN POPE, ANTHONY FARRIER, and GEORGE DOWERS, (son of the said Robert) being found guilty on the Coroner’s Inquest, of the Murder of SARAH WILLIAMS of the Parish of St Philip and Jacob in Bristol.

 

Aug 3.  Gloucester, Jul 31.  Last Week a young Woman of Hempstead near this City, took a Dose of Poison , (tho’ for what Reason is unknown) and tho’ all Measures were us’d to expel it, she died this Evening.

 

Aug 31.  Gloucester, Aug 28.  Assizes.  And MICHAEL CASTLE, for the Murder of SARAH WILLIAMS.  [See Jul 27.]

 

Sep 7.  Gloucester, Sep 4.  At the said Assizes, ROBERT DOWERS was indicted for the Murder of SARAH WILLIAMS, and, after a Trial which lasted Seven Hours, was acquitted: But BENJAMIN POPE, ANTHONY FARRIER, GEORGE DOWERS, and MICHAEL CASTLE, had no Bills of Indictment found against them for the said Murder by the Grand Jury.

 

Dec 21.  Gloucester, Dec 20.  Ship sunk; 28 drowned. 

 

 

 

1737

 

Jan 4. Bristol, Dec 26.   On Wednesday Morning ABRAHAM HODGES, a Kingswood Collier, was found on his Belly in a Lime Kiln without Lawford’s Gate, miserably burnt to Death: Being in Liquor the Night before, ‘tis thought he fell asleep on the Kiln.

 

Feb 22.  Bristol, Feb 12.  On Tuesday last an Ox broke out of the Slaughter House belonging to Mr JELLY, a Butcher in Tucker Street, and gor’d a Boy in the Groin, so that he died the same Evening; Mr HOBHOUSE, an eminent Merchant, and several other Persons narrowly escaped Mischief by the said Ox, who run at every Person in his Way.

 

Mar 8.  Gloucester, Mar 5.  Assizes.  HANNAH FLETCHER, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

Apr 5.  Bristol, Apr 2.  Tuesday Morning one PATRICK, a Shoemaker, aged upwards of 76, tied his two Legs, which were much deform’d, and flung himself into the River, in order to drown himself, near the Passage Boat on St Philip’s Backs; but being prevented for that Time, as he had been several times before from hanging himself; on Wednesday Night he stabb’d himself in several Parts of his Belly, and died the Night following.

 

Apr 12.  Bristol, Apr 9.  Advert by Stephen Baugh, Coroner, re Estate Queens Square, Bristol.

 

May 3.  Bristol, Apr 28.  On Monday last a Cart passing through St John’s Gate in this City, by the Carelessness of its Driver crush’d a Girl, so that she died the next Day.  The Man is committed to Bridewell.

 

Jul 19.  Gloucester, Jul 16.  On Tuesday last a very melancholy Accident happened near Bourton on the Water in this County; viz. One JOHN ARCHALLof that Place, Carpenter, with a neighbouring Farmer and his Servants, went to fetch some Timber, in order to make some Implements of Husbandry for the Farmer’s Use; and on their Return, the Timber (as is supposed) not being well placed in the Waggon, lay too much on one Side, whereupon they all three got up in order to balance it; and the Farmer’s Boy driving down the Hill, the Waggon was overthrown, whereby the Carpenter was killed on the Spot, one of the Farmer’s Legs so desperately crush’d, that ‘tis thought it must be cut off, and his Man so miserably bruis’d that his Life is despair’d of.  The Carpenter has left a Wife and four small Children, and had the Character of an honest industrious Man.

 

Aug 2.  Bristol, Jul 23.  This Week was committed to Newgate Gaol BENJAMIN YOUNG, a little deformed Lad about 16 Years of Age, for the Wilful Murder of JAMES WEBB, an Infant about 20 Months old, by throwing it into the River Avon, by which it was drown’d.  It seems he is noted for trying Experiments on Children in the Hanging Way, and that not long ago he had like to have made an End of two Children in this Branch of the Art; one of whom he ty’d up with a Martin Twine, which with the struggling of the Child stript the Skin off the Underjaw.  The Body was taken up at Rownam Passage on Wednesday or Thursday last, and three Persons have swore to the Fact.   Various are the Conjectures on this Murder; some being of Opinion that he cannot be convicted on account of his Age; but he would be of Age to be convicted; for the Law says, (vide Judge Hall’s Pleas of the Crown) That if a Child of Ten Years Old shall kill a Man, it’s not Death; but if he shall kill one younger than himself, that then in such Case he shall be convicted, and suffer Death as in all other Cases of Felony.

 

Sep 13.  Bristol, Sep 6.  Assizes.  JAMES YOUNG, (a Lad of 15 Years of Age) for the Murder of JAMES WEBB, an Infant of 8 Months old, by throwing him into the River Avon, and drowning him; ... received Sentence of Death.

 

Sep 27.  Bristol, Sep 17.  BENJAMIN YOUNG, the Boy who received Sentence of Death, for drowning a Child of 20 Months old, is reprieved; but unhappily his poor Mother had taken his Misfortune so much to Heart, that she died Yesterday Morning.

 

Nov 22.  Bristol, Nov 19.  Female, Body in sack on Durdham Down.

 

 

 

 

1738

 

Jan 3. Gloucester, Dec 31.  Last Tuesday, about Five in the Evening, Farmer PECK of Bampton returning from Faringdon Market., after he had pass’d Ratcot Bridge, his Horse would go no further on account of the Ice, but starting back, rear’d up and threw the Farmer into the Brook, whereby he was drowned.

 

Jan 17.  Gloucester, Jan 14.  From Thornbury, that one PH BEASY, near the New Passage, had the Misfortune to lose his Wife and five Children, and two Maids, by the Sea Banks being broke down, and the Floods coming in.  He was sav’d by breaking through the Thatch of the House, and sitting on the Roof ot it, in which Posture he continu’d till the next Morning, when a Boat came and fetch’d him away.  He likewise lost all his Sheep and Cattle, as did most of his Neighbours.

 

Jan 24.  Death of Leonard Monk, Coroner, and Election adverts by EDWARD BAUGH, STEPHEN POWELL, and JOHN BAYLEY.       

 

Mar 14.  Gloucester, Mar 11.  Assizes.  Three were burnt in the Hand, viz.  SAMUEL HALLIDAY, for Manslaughter.

   Notice of Election of Coroner by Sheriff, at Tewkesbury.

 

Mar 21.  Gloucester, Mar 19??   Last Tuesday Night, Mr HINTON of South Cerney, a Gentleman of 100 l. Per ann. Who was on the point of Marriage, coming from Minty, accidentally fell from his Horse into the Millpond at Cosly’s Mill, in the Parish of Somerford, and was drowned.

   Notice of Election of Coroner by Sheriff, at Tewkesbury.

 

Jun 20.  Gloucester, Jun 17.  We hear from Stow o’th’Wold, that on Saturday Night EDWARD ROWLAND of Winchcombe in this County, who was taken up there the Day before for stealing a Horse, and sent to the Blind house ‘till they could convey him to our Castle, hang’d himself.  He was about 18 or 19 Years of Age.

 

Oct 31.  Bristol, Oct 28.  Sunday Night last a most shocking Murder was perpetrated by one WILLIS, (who kept a Huckster’s Shop without Lawford’s Gate, and sold Spirituous Liquors) his Wife, and one BETTY DARBY, on the Body of EDWD FINKS; belonging to the Brass Works at Baptist Mills.  They are now in Custody for this horrid Fact. 

 

 

 

1739

 

Jan 2.  Gloucester, Dec 30.  We have an Account from Dursley of a very melancholy Accident which happen’d there on Tuesday last, in the following Manner, viz.  Six  young Lads of that Town being out a shooting in the Fields adjacent; two of them shot at a Bird and kill’d it, and each claiming it as his particular Right, the Dispute grew so high, that they proceeded to Blows; and whilst three of the rest were endeavoring to part them, the fourth took up a loaded Piece, and said, Stand away, I warrant ye I’ll part them, and immediately shot at them, whereby one was kill’d on the Spot, and the other is so desperately wounded in one of his Arms, that ‘tis dubious whether he’ll ever recover the Use of it.  The Coroner’s Inquest have since sate on the Body of the Deceased, and brought in their verdict, Accidental Death.

 

Feb 13.  Gloucester, Feb 10.  ... The Water being so prodigiously out, that in many Parts of the Country ‘tis dangerous to travel: An Instance of which happen’d Yesterday at the Lye near this City, where a young Man was drowned, in attempting to get over a Place that was flooded, to save himself the Trouble of going a Quarter of a Mile out of the Way.

 

Apr 3.  Gloucester, Mar 31.  Assizes.  JOHN WILLIS, for the Murder of STEPHEN FINK.

 

Apr 10.  Gloucester, Apr 7.  Four were burnt in the Hand, viz. JOHN WILLIS, for the Manslaughter of STEPHEN FINCH.

   FRANCIS HOBBS, charged with the Murder of his fellow Servant, Mr ABBOTTS, at his Grace the Duke of Beaufort’s, was honourably acquitted.

 

Apr 24. Bristol Assizes.   Sentence of Death, viz. JOHN KINNERLEY, for the Murder of JAMES BURGESS.

 

Jun 12.  Gloucester, Jun 9.  The same Day [Saturday last] JAMES HUNT, who kept the Crown Inn at Churcham, within four Miles of this City, loading a Waggon with Poles, one of them fell on his Head, and kill’d him on the Spot.

   The same day also, JOHN ROBERTS, of Ross in Herefordshire, Carrier, returning Home from Hereford, at Hoarwithy, both he and the Horse he rode on fell down a Rock, near the River Wye, and were kill’d; the Man’s Brains being dash’d out by the Fall, and his Hair was found hanging on several Places of the Rock.

 

Aug 7.  Gloucester, Aug 4.  Assizes.  GRACE HYETT, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

Aug 14.  On Saturday Night last a Boy unfortunately fell off a Trow near this City; one of the Crew immediately jump’d in after him and brought him almost to Shore, but growing faint, he deserted him, and, with much Difficulty, got to Land; another presently after coming to his assistance, the Boy fasten’d round his Neck, and both were drown’d.

 

Nov 6.  Advert re male child aged 1 month left Gloucester St Catherines on 27 Oct.

 

 

 

 

1740

 

Jan 8.  Bristol, Dec 29.  The Beginning of this Week a Soldier was committed to Newgate for the Murder of a Child, by striking it with a Stick when in the Arms of its Father as he pass’d along the Street.

            Gloucester, Jan 5.  The Beginning of this Week a poor Man of this City, suppos’d to be in Liquor, was frozen to Death in a Brew House.  We have also Accounts from divers Parts of the Country (too many here to mention) of several Persons who have perish’d thro’ the Extremity of the Season.

 

Jan 15.  Bristol, Jan 5.  Sunday last a poor Man who begg’d about the Streets, was found perish’d to Death in Marsh Street through the Extremity of the Cold.

    A few Days ago a poor Woman, who liv’d in Milk Street, also perish’d with Cold, after she had been deliver’d. 

    Also re Child (Father Philip Brimscombe).

 

Apr 1.  Gloucester, Mar 29.  Assizes.  THOMAS HAYS, for the Murder of JOSEPH FISHER, late Keeper of the Park on Robin Hood’s Hill.

 

Apr 8.  MUSTO and VARLO, two Soldiers, were try’d for the Murder of an Infant in Merchant street on the 26th December last, and acquitted.

 

Jun 17.  Bristol, Jun 7.  Last Thursday Mr EVANS of St Augustine’s Back (formerly a Cork Cutter, in Marsh street, who having acquired a handsome Fortune, retir’d from Business)  stopt in his Chaise at Temple gate to speak with an Acquaintance, and died the very Instant that his Friends came up to him without speaking.

 

Jul 22.  Gloucester, Jul 16.  Assizes.  MARY MARCHANT, and SARAH COX, the former on Suspicion, and the latter for being found guilty on the Coroner’s Inquest, of murdering her Bastard Child.

 

Nov 18.  Bristol, Nov 8.  Tho’ the great Storm on Saturday last was very violent here, yet it providentially happen’d that little Damage has been done thereby, as we can yet hear of, excepting the following sad Disaster, viz.  JOHN GOULD, a Pilot at Pill, with three other Men, being unfortunately out in the Channel on the Lookout for the homeward bound ships, the Boat overset, and all Four lost their Lives; the Boat has since floated on Shore in its right position, and two of the dead Men in her, one lash’d, and the other with his Foot jam’d between the Boards.

 

Dec 2.  Bristol, Nov 22.  One Day this Week the Body of a Match Woman was found in the Mud in the Key, cut and mangled in a most barbarous Manner, suppos’d to be done by a Black belonging to a Ship, who was seiz’d near the Bridge with a bloody Hanger about him, and was committed to Newgate on a violent Suspicion of his being the Perpetrator of so horrid a Deed. [GOREE WEBB]

   Gloucester, Nov 29.  On Thursday last JOHN LEONARD, alias BOUCHER, was committed to our Castle, by J Rous, Esq. For Felony and Suspicion of Murder.

 

Dec 23.  Gloucester, Dec 23.  Last Saturday a Woman of Barton street near this City, came to our Market, and left four Children at Home, two of them in Cradles, (one a Nurse Child,) and whilst she was absent, her second Child having set Fire to its Apron, pull’d it off and threw it upon the Cradle wherein her youngest lay, which catching the Flame, the poor Infant was burnt to Death.  This melancholy accident, it’s hop’d, will be a Caution to others not to leave their children unattended.

 

Dec 30.  Bristol, Dec 20.  One Day this Week a poor Woman perish’d with the Cold in the Horse Fair.  She was almost naked, and was pelted with Snow balls a little before she died by a Parcel of  wicked Boys; - the unhappy Effect of a loose Education, and a Reproach to their Parents and Friends.

 

 

 

1741

 

Jan 27.  Bristol, Jan 20.  Account of the murder of SIR JOHN DINELEY GOODIER, of Charleton, Evesham, aboard the RUBY Man of War, by the Captain, his brother, and CHARLES WHITE (of IRL) and MATTHEW MAHONY (of IRL) ; Coroner’s Inquest, Wilful Murder.

 

Feb 3.  Gloucester, Jan 31.  On Thursday the 15th Inst. A barbarous Murder was committed at Forden’s Bridge, near Wotton Underedge.  Two Fellows had some Difference, but seem’d afterwards to be reconcil’d, and agreed to go out shooting Rooks in the Evening: when one of them went up Stairs and brought down a Fowling Piece which he had loaded the Day before, and presenting it at the other, who was within three Yards of him in the House, shot him in the Back; of which Wound (notwithstanding all possible care was taken of him by Mr HUNTRIDGE, Surgeon, of Wotton Underedge) he languish’d till the 21st, anmd then dy’d.  The Coroner’s Inquest have brought in their Verdict, Wilful Murder; and the Fellow that committed the Fact (whose name is JOHN HATT) has absconded ever since.

 

Feb 10.  Bristol, Jan 31.  Burial of Sir JOHN DINELEY GOODIER.  Arrest of CHARLES BRYANT, EDWARD MacDANIEL and WILLIAM HAMMOND, for forcible seizure of Sir John.

Also:

We hear that Capt. GOODYER, late Commander of the RUBY Man of War, MATTHEW MAHON, and CHARLES WHITE, are order’d by Habeas Corpus from Bristol to London, to be tried at a Session of the High Court of Admiralty, for the Murder of Sir JOHN DINELEY GOODIER, Bart. Committed on board the said vessel the 19th of January.

 

Feb 17.  London, Feb 10.  Repeats the above from Bristol, Jan 31.

 

Mar 3.  Bristol, Feb 21.  We can now assure our Readers, that tho’ the Habeas Corpus to remove Capt GOODIER (which was obtain’d by his Friends) did actually arrive here, and even a Party of Soldiers were draughted out to attend him, yet the same is now return’d, the Captain being determin’d to take his Trial here; the obeying of the Habeas being at his own Option.

 

Mar 17.  Gloucester, Mar 14.  Assizes.  WILLIAM CALDHOUND, indicted for beating HANNAH LEE, his Apprentice Girl, and starving her to Death, was acquitted; ....

 

Mar 24.  Gloucester, Mar 21.  Last Sunday an unhappy Accident happen’d at a Fishpond, about half a Mile from Chipping Sodbury, belonging to RICHARD STOKES, Esq; viz. Four lusty young Men going in a Boat on the said Pond, about Two o’Clock in the Afternoon, the Boat overset, and two of’em were drowned: The other two narrowly escaped, being almost suffocated before they could get out.

   We hear from Bristol that the Trial of Capt. GOODIER is deferr’d till next Thursday or Friday, on account of his ill State of Health.

 

Mar 31.  Gloucester, Mar 28.  We hear from Bristol, that this Day Capt. GOODIER, MATTHEW MAHONY, and CHARLES WHITE, received Sentence of Death for the barbarous Murder of Sir JOHN GOODIER, Bart.  The Captain’s Trial lasted upwards of 8 hours.

 

Apr 7.  London, Apr 4.   Capt. GOODIER, WHITE and MAHONY, are order’d to be hanhg’d the 15th Inst. At Bristol, for the Murder of Sir JOHN DINELEY GOODIER, Bart.

 

Apr 14.  Bristol, Apr 4.  Capt. GOODERE, MATTHEW MAHONY, and CHARLES WHITE, for the Murder of Sir JOHN DINELEY GOODERE, and JANE WILLIAMS, for the Murder of her Bastard Child, are all order’d for Execution Wednesday se’nnight.

   This Week a Smith took Measure of MATTHEW MAHONEY, for his Chains, he alone being order’d to be hang’d in Chains some where down the River.

   

The three Ruffians who were convicted of seizing Sir John, are each of them sentenced to pay a Fine of 40 s. To suffer a Twelve Month’s Imprisonment, and to find Sureties for their good Behaviour for a Twelve Month after.

    When the Captain (Samuel Goodier) came from the Guildhall with the above Prisoners last Saturday, after Sentence was pass’d upon them, he chose to walk on Foot through the Streets to Newgate, having his Scarlet Cloak on, and pull’d off his Hat to divers Persons.

 

Apr 14.  Mrs GOODERE has deliver’d a Petition to his Majesty, praying for Transportation for Life, or whatever his Majesty thought proper, for her Husband, so that his Life was spar’d, but without any Effect.

 

Apr 21.  Last Wednesday Capt. GOODERE, MATTHEW MAHONY, and  CHARLES WHITE,  for the Murder of Sir JOHN DINELEY GOODERE, Bart. And JANE WILLIAMS, for killing her Bastard Child, were executed at St Michael’s Hill, Bristol.  The Captain went thither in a Mourning Coach, the other three in a Cart; and all confess’d the Crimes for which they suffer’d.  MAHONY dy’d a Roman Catholick.   The next Day the Captain’s Body was put into a Hearse, and carry’d into Herefordshire, to be interr’d there; and the Body of MAHONY has since been hung in Chains.

 

May 12.  Bristol, May 2.  Last Tuesday, about Eight in the Morning, Mrs ELEANOR CLARKE of Temple street, cut her Throat, and expir’d two Hours after; She was very well esteemed by her Neighbours, and was of a cheerful agreeable Disposition, ‘till since last Sunday, when she married a neighbouring Tradesman entirely against the Consent of her Friends.

   Last Wednesday a Quarrel happen’d at JAMES BRERETON’s , over the Bridge near Kinsham, between one Farmer COX, and BENJAMIN SALMON; and, in the Scuffle, SALMON gave the Farmer a mortal Wound over the Head with a Shovel, of which he expir’d a few Hours after; and the Murderer is fled.

 

Jun 30.  Gloucester, Jun 27.  This Day a Man, suppos’d to be in Liquor, fell from the Shafts of a loaded Cart near Over Turnpike, which run over him and kill’d him on the Spot.

 

Jul 21.  Gloucester, Jul 18.  Last Wednesday the Assizes ended here, when one Man receiv’d Sentence of Death, viz. JOHN LEONARD, alias BOUCHER, for robbing his Uncle (an ancient and honest Man of the Parish of Wotton Underedge)  on the Highway: He was likewise indicted for Murdering him, but the Evidence not being sufficient, he was acquitted; and is to be executed on Friday next.

 

Jul 28.  Gloucester, Jul 25.  Yesterday JOHN LEONARD was executed here, for robbing his uncle of 4 l. 10 s.   At the Place of Execution several of his Neighbours desir’d him to confess, whether he was also guilty of murdering him, which he absolutely deny’d; but acknowledg’d the Robbery.  He was about 28 Years of Age, born at Wotton Underedge in this County, and by Trade a Shoemaker; and, to all outward Appearance, dy’d very penitent.

 

Aug 4.  Gloucester, Aug 1.  They write from Tewkesbury, that two melancholy Accidents happen’d near that Town this Week, viz. On Tuesday one of the Troopers quarter’d there, bathing himself in the River, was in Danger of being drown’d; Whereupon another of them immediately stripp’d off his Cloaths and went in; but, by endeavouring to save him, they both unfortunately perished.

   And, On Friday they had a violent storm of Rain, accompany’d with dreadful Thunder and Lightning; when a poor woman and three Children, that were Leasing in the Fields, ran for Shelter under an Oak near the Lower Lode, and were all struck dead by the Lightning:  At the same Time a great deal of Damage was done to the Bridge that leads to Worcester.

 

Sep 15.  Gloucester, Sep 12.  This Week the Seat of Sir WILLIAM KEYTE, Bart. At Norton, in the parish of Mickleton, in this County, was entirely consumed by Fire, and he himself wilfully perish’d in the Flames, notwithstanding the utmost Endeavours of his Servants to save his Life; which is a glaring Proof that he was disorder’d in his Senses: @Tis said he set it on Fire himself.

 

Sep 22.  A rebuttal of the above report.

 

Nov 10.  Gloucester, Nov 7.  The following Persons have been lately committed to our Castle, viz. ...THO LAWRENCE,  for the Murder of his Wife; he is 77 Years of Age.

 

Nov 24.  Gloucester, Nov 21.  This Week died in the Castle Gaol THOMAS LAWRENCE, who was lately committed there for the Murder of his Wife: He was 77 Years of Age.

 

Dec 22.  Bristol, Dec 12.  Yesterday was found drown’d in the River near Stapleton Bridge, Mr PIDDING,  an eminent Corn factor in the Old Market: His Coat was at some Distance on the Bank side.    

 

 

 

 

1742

 

Jan 19.  Gloucester, Jan 18.  Yesterday morning ---- CHAMPNESS, a young Man of Thornbury, by Trade a Saddler, was found dead in a Ditch adjoining to Sudbrooke, near this City.  He was coming hither on Saturday, and in the Night unfortunately fell into the said Ditch, where thro’ want of assistance, and the Fatigue of his Journey, occasion’d by the Violence of the Storm, ‘tis suppos’d he perish’d.

 

Feb 2.  Gloucester, Feb 1.  Yesterday WILLIAM SEYMOUR, of Bitton in this County, Gentleman, was committed to our Castle, being charged upon Oath on Suspicion of Shooting his Brother, BERKELEY SEYMOUR, through his Body in the Bed on Wednesday Night last, and robbing him of about 20 l.

 

Feb 16.  They write from Bristol : They add, that upon enquiring into the Affair of the Murder of Mr BERKELEY SEYMOUR, by his Brother WILLIAM SEYMOUR, it appears that BERKELEY was in Bed when his Brother came to the side thereof, and shot him into his left Side, thro’ his Coat, Waistcoat and Bed Cloaths.  His Body was found in an adjacent Room, with his Skull broke (as suppos’d by the Butt End of the Gun, so that his Brains came out;) a great Quantity of Blood lay by him, and by the Stains of Blood on Several Parts of the Ceiling, ‘tis believ’d he made some Resistance after he was Shot.

 

Mar 16.  Gloucester, Mar 13.  Trial List.  WILLIAM SEYMOUR, for killing and robbing his Brother; SARAH SKERTON and RACHEL EVANS, for the Murder of GRACE HILL.

 

Mar 23.  Gloucester, 20 Mar.  Assizes: Sentence of Death.  WILLIAM SEYMOUR, of Bitton, for the barbarous Murder of his Brother, Mr BERKELEY SEYMOUR.  The Fact was prov’d by divers strong Circumstances; as his being the last Person seen in Company with his Brother, his Coat being bloody, and a Gun having been heard to go off in the House, that was never afterwards found, &c.  To which the Prisoner making but a weak Defence, the Jury soon brought him in Guilty.  The Trial lasted upwards of seven Hours.

 

Mar 30.  Gloucester, Mar 27.  Commitments to our Castle Gaol: ... and HANNAH ROOCH, for killing her Bastard Child.

 

Apr 6.  Gloucester, Apr 3.  The same Morning [last Wednesday], about Eleven, the other five Malefactors, viz. WILLIAM SEYMOUR, condemn’d for the Murder of his Brother; ... were carried (the first in a Mourning Coach) ... to the County Gallows, and executed; where, contrary to Expectation, SEYMOUR persisted in his Innocency to the very last; ....

 

Jul 13.  Gloucester, Jul 12.  On Sunday last a Carpenter, upwards of 60 Years of Age, who for some time had work’d in this City, being infatuated by an excessive Love of a young Woman that was  deaf to his Addresses, for Vexation’s sake drown’d himself:  The Coroner’s Inquest have since sat on the Body, and brought in their Verdict Felo de se.

 

Aug 3.  Gloucester, Jul 31.  Assizes.  HANNAH ROACH, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

Aug 24.  Bristol, Aug 14.  Last Saturday morning a large Swedish Vessel, about 500 tons, that had discharg’d her lading, and lay at anchor in Hongroad, overset for want of Ballast, by which means the Second Mate, who was in the Hold, was drown’d.

 

Sep 7.  Gloucester, Sep 4.  This Week were committed to the Castle Gaol, EDWARD BOUTON and MARGARET HUNTLY, on Suspicion of murdering a Male Bastard Child.

 

Dec 7.  Gloucester, Dec 4.   Last Wednesday, between Two and Five in the Afternoon, JANE CLARKE, Widow of JASPER CLARKE, of Rodborough in this County, was barbarously murdered (as suppos’d) by a Man that was seen at her House about Two the same Afternoon. - NB. He is tall, thin, very ill looking Fellow, near six Foot high, with small Bow legs; and had on, when seen at the said House, a light colour’d ragged Coat with White Metal Buttons and flash’d Sleeves, a red and white spotted Handkerchief, and a dirty Cap.  The Murder was committed as follows: She was strangled with a Handkerchief, and her Skull fractur’d with a Wool Card, that lay by her with the End of it bloody; after which, the Villain took off the Fingers two Gold Rings; and one Gold Signet, the Posies as yet unknown; and then rifled the House, and left his own bloody Coat and Waistcoat with small Mohair Buttons, and a narrow old Hat unloop’d: By his Discourse he appears to be a Herefordshire Man, and by Trade a Blacksmith; and ‘tis thought he was seen at Nailsworth Yesterday Morning, in the same brown Coat and Hat, with a Handkerchief full of Linnen.

 

Dec 21.  Gloucester, Dec 18.  Last Tuesday a melancholy Accident happened in the Parish of Thornbury, in this County; One WILLIAM DEAN, Servant to Mr Roach of Upper Moreton, having been with the waggon and Cattle halling some Barley to Thornbury; upon his Return, as he was sitting upon the Tongue of the Waggon, he fell off, and was killed on the spot.

   Bath, Dec 14.  Yesterday JOSEPH MUTTLO, of  Herefordshire, a Blacksmith, was apprehended here, on Suspicion of murdering JANE CLARKE, Widow, of Rodborough in Gloucestershire; and some of the Things that were lost out of the Deceased’d House were found upon him; (of which Murder and Robbery a particular Account was given in our Journal of the 7th Instant).  He acknowledged the Fact,  and that he sold the Rings in High Street, Bristol, one of them for 12 s. And the other two for 10 s. 6 d.  The Reason for murdering her, he says, was because she would not give him some Money he ask’d her for: He is committed to the County Gaol of Somerset.  

 

 

 

1743

 

Feb 22.  Bristol, Feb 12.  Yesterday Morning one MARTHA WHITE was apprehended, and carried to St Peter’s Hospital, on a violent Suspicion of murdering her two Bastard Children, which she was deliver’d of in a Necessary House, in the Back lane behind the Old Market, On Wednesday last, and being found there on Thursday Night.  The Jury sat on the Bodies Friday Evening, and brought in their Verdict Wilful Murder.

   The usual Experiment was made on swimming the Lungs of the Children, by which it appear’d one of them was born alive, and the other dead.

   Gloucester, Feb 19.  This Day was brought to our Castle, by Habeas Corpus, from Shepton Mallet Bridewell in Somersetshire, JOSEPH MUTTLOE, charg’d with the Murder of JANE CLARKE of Rodborough in this County.

 

Mar 8.  Bristol, Feb 26.  Account from Bedminster mentions EDWARD LINE, Weaver, sons JAMES and THOMAS, SUSANNAH his daughter; and a THOMAS SHORT.

    Gloucester, Mar 8.  Assizes.  JOSEPH MUTLOE, for the Murder of JANE CLARKE.  MARGARET HUNTLY and EDWARD BOUTON, for murdering a Bastard Child.   JOHN HORNSBY  and RICHARD HORNSBY,  for beating and killing ROBERT LAND.

 

Mar 15.  Gloucester, Mar 12.  Last Wednesday the Assizes ended here, when the six following Persons received Sentence of Death, viz. JOSEPH MUTLOE, for the barbarous Murder of JANE CLARKE, Widow, of Rodborough.  The Prisoner had little to say in his Defence, only that he wanted her to give him some Money, which she refus’d to do, and in a Passion threw a Wool Card at him, which he threw at her again, and kill’d her; and then he rifled the House, and took off some Rings from her Fingers, which he sold at Bristol.

   JOSEPH MUTLOE is order’d to be executed on Rodborough Hill, on Tuesday the 22d instant.

 

Three were burnt in the Hand, viz. ... JOHN HORNSBY, for Manslaughter.

 

Mar 29.  Gloucester, Mar 26.   Last Tuesday JOSEPH MUTLOE was executed on Rodborough Hill, and afterwards hung in Chains, for the Murder of JANE CLARKE, of that Parish, Widow.  He confessed the Fact, and desired the Spectators to pray for him.

 

May 3.  Bristol, Apr 30.  Long account of Press Gang; member killed by an ALEXANDER BROADFOOT, found Guilty by a Coroner’s Inquest, but taken on ship.

 

Aug 30.  Bristol, Aug 20.  Monday last a poor Fellow dropp’d down dead in the Shambles, after having drank four Noggins of Rum.

 

Sep 13.  Bristol, Sep 3.  Thursday ended the Assizes for this City and County, which prov’d to be a Maiden one.  Among the Persons try’d were the following, viz. ...ALEXANDER BROADFOOT, charged with the Murder of CORNELIUS CALLAHAN, found Guilty of Manslaughter, burnt in the hand.

 

Sep 27.  Bristol, Sep 17.  Monday last Mr LYDIARD, a Barber in Broadmead, was unhappily kill’d by the Kick of a Horse in his Breast.  It seems he and his Wife, with other Company, were going to Bath to a Wedding; but the Saddle of one of the Horses not sitting easy, they unlighted in order to shift it; and as Mr LYDIARD was standing a little behind one of the Horses, the unfortunate Creature threw up his hinder Legs, and kill’d him on the Spot.

   And the beginning of this Week, Mr PARSONS, an eminent Carpenter in the Old Market, was kill’d by a Fall from a Horse, after being at the Horse Races on Clerken Down, near Bath.

 

Nov 8.  Bristol, Oct 19.  We hear a Tinker and his Wife are taken up on London Road on a violent Suspicion of murdering a poor Woman, in one of whose Pockets were found two Fingers, which they had cut off the Hands of the Deceased for the sake of her Rings.

    Gloucester, Nov 5.  Last Wednesday, THOMAS CAMBREY, of Cirencester, Saltman, and JOHN CURTIS,  Labourer, were committed to our Castle Gaol, being charg’d on the Oaths of THOMAS STEPTOE (their Accomplice) and ESTHER ILES, with breaking into the House of JAMES MILLINGTON, in the Parish of Cirencester aforesaid, on the 25th of October last, and robbing the same of Money, &c. To the value of 20 l. And upwards; and also with wounding the said MILLINGTON, his Wife and Daughter; of which Wounds his said Wife is since dead.

   The same Day JOHN GRAHAM was committed to the said Gaol, on Suspicion of being concern’d in the Robbery and Murder of RICHARD RUDDLE, late Coachman to Sir ROBERT CANN, Bart.

[Advert. Re above in adjacent column.]

 

Dec 27.  Gloucester, Dec 24.  Last Tuesday ANDREW BURNET and HENRY PAIN, two foot Soldiers, were brought from Bristol, to our Castle, for the Murder of RICHARD RUDDLE, late Coachman to Sir ROBERT CANN, Bart. and robbing him of his Watch, &c. which  Watch was found in the Possession of the said BURNET.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1744

 

Jan 3.  Half column re murder of RICHARD RUDDLE; confessions of HENRY PAYNE and ANDREW BURNET.

 

Mar 6.  Gloucester, Mar 3.  THOMAS CAMBREY and JOHN CURTIS, for breaking into the House of JAMES MILLINGTON, and robbing the same of Money, &c. To the Value of 20 l. And for killing the said MILLINGTON’s Wife.

  ANDREW BURNET and HENRY PAYNE, for robbing and murdering RICHARD RUDDLE.

 

Mar 13.  Gloucester, Mar 10.  Trial and condemnation of THOMAS CAMBREY and JOHN CURTIS; also  ANDREW BURNET and HENRY PAYNE.

                 Gloucester, Mar 12.  Yesterday about One o’clock in the Morning, JOHN CURTIS died in the Condemn’d Room.

 

Mar 20.  Gloucester, Mar 17.  THOMAS CAMBREY, condemn’d at our last Assizes for the Murder of JAMES MILLINGTON’s Wife, and robbing his House, has, since the Death of his Accomplice, JOHN CURTIS, been very ill, but is now much better, and is to be executed on Tuesday next, near the Bowling Green House at Cirencester, and afterwards to be hung up in Chains: He denies both the said Crimes. As he has been ill, the Under Sheriff intends to take him, HENRY PAYNE, and ANDREW BURNET, in a Coach to Cirencester.  And on Wednesday Morning sets out with the two latter for Tetbury, Didmarton, Petty France, Sodbury and Bristol; and they are to be executed on Thursday at Durdham Down, where they robbed and murdered Sir ROBERT CANN’s Coachman; and afterwards to be hung up in Chains on Horvill Green.  They are very penitent, and  confess the Robbery; but say they had no Intent to have committed the Murder.

 

Mar 27.  Gloucester, Mar 24.  We have an Account from Cirencester, that on Tuesday last, at the Execution of THOMAS CAMBREY, for the Murder of Mrs MILLINGTON, &c. There was the greatest Number of People ever seen on such an Occasion: He deny’d the Fact; and also declared, that he never saw CURTIS till they were sent to Gaol together; upon which one of the Spectators said to him, How can you die with such a Lie in your Mouth!  I have seen you several Times drinking together.  He was afterwards hung in chains.

   And on Thursday, HENRY PAYNE and ANDREW BURNET were executed at Durdham Down, on the Rocks, above the Hot Well: They were both very penitent, and own’d the Robbery and Murder of Sir ROBERT CANN’s Coachman, tho’ they said it was not their Intent to have kill’d him; but he being a Stout resolute Man, BURNET gave him the unhappy Blow that occasion’d his Death.  They are likewise in Chains.

 

May 1.  Bristol, Apr 28.  Last Friday Night the bodies of HENRY PAYNE, and ANDREW BURNET, (who were executed for the Murder of Sir ROBERT CANN’s Coachman) were stolen off the Gibbet on Durdham Down; but have since been found among the Rocks, and hung up again.  

 

 

 

1745

 

Jan 22.  Gloucester, Jan 19.  Last Tuesday JOSEPH WILLIS, (who kept the Ship, one of the common Houses near Traytor’s Bridge, Bristol)  JOSEPH BOSTON, and ANNE LEWIS, were committed to our Castle; being charged, on the Coroner’s Inquest, with Suspicion of murthering one JOHN BENNETT, who was found drowned in the Rope Walk River; it appearing to the Jury, that the Deceased was first murthered, and then thrown into the said River, to prevent Discovery; and that he had been at the Ship above-mentioned.

 

Mar 12.  Gloucester, Mar 9.  Assizes.  MARY WAKEFIELD, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

JOSEPH WILLIS, JOSEPH BOSTON, and ANNE LEWIS, for the Murder of JOHN BENNETT.

 

Mar 19.  Gloucester, Mar 16.  To remain for the Assizes: JOSEPH WILLIS, JOSEPH BOSTON, and ANNE LEWIS, charged with aiding and assisting in the murder of JOHN BENNETT; ANN PERRY, the Principal, being at large.

 

Jul 23.  Gloucester, Jul 22.  We hear from Marshfield, that Yesterday a Man, whose name was JOHN SYMONDS, a Blacksmith, of North Wraxall, was found murder’d near that Place on the London Road.

 

Jul 30.  Gloucester, Jul 27.  Assizes.  JOSEPH WILLIS, JOSEPH BOSTON, and ANNE LEWIS, for being aiding and assisting in the Wilful Murder of JOHN BENNETT.  [NB. These four were continued from the last, in order to have their Trials at this Assizes.]

   ADAM KEEN, and MARY TAYLER, for the Murder of a Bastard Child, of which he was the Father, and she the Mother.

   BENJAMIN TAYLOR, for the Murder of WILLIAM RAWLINS.

   ELIZABETH ANDREWS, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

Aug 6.  Gloucester, Aug 3.  One was burnt in the hand for Manslaughter.

 

Aug 13.  Gloucester, Aug 10.  Horse accident @ Cheltenham last Thursday morning.

 

 

 

1746

 

Feb 4.  Bristol, Jan 25.  Saturday last in the Afternoon was committed to Newgate, JOHN BARRY, who kept the Harp and Star on the Key; 1st, On a violent Suspicion of poisoning one JAMES BARRY, a Sailor, and an Officer of the Duke Privateer (whom he invited and got to his House, where he died in a Short Time after:) 2d, for forging his Will, in Company with one P HAYNES, an Attorney, (whom he kept in his House for drawing Seaman’s Wills, &c.) and a Servant Boy of his own: And 3d, for Perjury, in swearing to the said Will himself.  It seems the Deceas’d was entitled to near 2000 l. Prize Money.  HAYNES  and the Boy are both confin’d in Bridewell.  BARRY was taken out of his own House by the Sheriffs of the City in Person, attended by their Officers, where he had conceal’d himself under his Bed.

    Gloucester, Feb 2.  Yesterday THOMAS SMITH, of Stow o’th’Wold, was brought to the Castle Gaol, being charg’d with the Murder of JOHN TAYLOR, of Cudson, by stabbing him with a Knife in one side of his Breast; the horrid Effect of a Quarrel that happen’d between them at a Public House in Stow aforesaid.

   This day SUSANNAH STONE was brought to the same place, having been found guilty (on the Coroner’s Inquest) of concealing the Death of her Female base born Child.

 

Mar 11.  Gloucester, Mar 8.  Assizes.  THOMAS SMITH, for the Wilful Murder of JOHN TAYLOR;  SUSANNAH STONE, for concealing the Birth of her base born Child; ...

 

Mar 18.  Gloucester, Mar 15.  THOMAS SMITH, of Stow o’th’Wold, was found guilty of Manslaughter, and burnt in the Hand.

   From the City Gaol three Persons were brought upon Trial; one of which was found guilty of Manslaughter, and burnt in the Hand.

 

Apr 15.  Gloucester, Apr 12.  On Tuesday last, as three Men, viz. The Landlord of the Mermaid on our Key, and two Fishermen, were going in a small Pig-Trow Boat, to catch Elvers; the Boat, by some unlucky Accident, (before they got a Quarter of a Mile down the River) sunk, and the Men were all drown’d.  We have had more Accidents of this Nature, this Winter, than have been known in the Memory of Man.

 

May 20.  Gloucester, May 10.  On Saturday last, MATTHEW DAILY, of the Duke Privateer, was committed to Newgate, for the premeditated Murder of WILLIAM SULLIVAN, his Comrade; which was occasion’d by no other Motive, than barely suspecting that the Deceas’d struck him with a Stone some little Time before, when they were ashore together on the Holmes.

 

Jun 17.  Gloucester, Jun 14.   Since our last Assizes, the following Persons have been committed to our County Gaol, viz. MATTHEW TYLER, for the Murder of SARAH TWISSELL.

 

Aug 12.  Gloucester, Aug 8.  The following Prisoners are to be try’d at the Assizes for this County, viz. MATTHEW TYLER, for the Murder of SARAH TWISSELL.

 

Aug 19.  Gloucester, Aug 16.  Assizes.  JAMES BALLINGER was burnt in the Hand for Manslaughter.  MATTHEW TYLER, indicted for the Murder of SARAH TWISSELL, was acquitted.

 

Sep 9.  Gloucester, Sep 6.  This Week was committed to our Castle, (on Suspicion of murdering his Wife) DANIEL CLARKE, a Millman, near Painswick.

 

Oct 7.  Bristol, Sep 27.  Long column re execution of MATTHEW DALY [also DAILY], aged 22, born Cork, for the murder of WILLIAM SULLIVAN.

 

Dec 30.  Bristol, Dec 20.  On Monday last the Body of Mr FARRAR, (late a Grocer on the Bridge) who was suspected to have been murder’d by some Villains in the Rope Walk, having been missing ever since the 27th of October, was found in BRICE’s Mill Pond, near Stapleton, with his Gold Watch in his Pocket, and his Silver Buckles in his Shoes, without the least Mark of Violence about him.  The Miller, who found his Body, is intitled to 15 Guineas, ten for the Body, and five for the Watch, by virtue of a printed Reward offer’d for Intelligence of the Body or Watch.  The Coroner’s Jury, which sat on the Body, brought in their Verdict, Accidental Death.

 

 

 

 

1747

 

Feb 17.  Gloucester, Feb 14.   This Morning the following Accident happen’d, viz. A Pig trow Boat, bound from Elmore for this City, with three Men in it, who hoisted a Sail to expedite their Passage, was, by a sudden Squall of Wind, overset, and two of the Men drowned.

 

Mar 24.  Gloucester, Mar 21.  Assizes.  DANIEL CLARK, on Suspicion of the Murder of his Wife.

 

Sep 29.  Bristol, Sep 19.  Murder of JOHN SWEET, Tobacco Cutter, by PETHERLY, a Dragoon of Cobham’s Regiment.

 

Oct 20.  Gloucester, Oct 19.  Committed to our Castle, viz. JOHN DELL, and GEORGE PYRKS, charged with the Murder of JOHN PHILLIPS.

 

 

 

 

1748

 

On Thursday last as one THOMAS HIGGS, at Over, near this City, Miller, was pecking his Mill stone, the Spindle unfortunately caught hold of his Frock, and so squeez’d him to the Stone, that he soon expired.  He has left a Wife and four children.

 

Mar 1.  Gloucester, February 29.   On Wednesday last the Cirencester Stage Coach, on its Return from London, was overturn’d on Gangsden Hill, near Nettlebed; by which Accident, Mr HAYWOOD, an eminent Attorney, of Cirencester, was unfortunately kill’d on the spot.  He was a very worthy Gentleman, was therefore much esteem’d, and is now greatly lamented.  [Mar 8. Note that it was the Oxford Coach.]

 

Apr 19.  Gloucester, Apr 18.  Yesterday in the Afternoon, during the time of Divine Service, a young lad went up into the Steeple of St Nicholas Church in this City, intending therein to catch Jack Daws; but, (unhappy for him!) he chanc’d to let slip his Hold, and so bruis’d himself and fractured his Skull by the Fall, that he Died in an Hour after.

 

Sep 27.  Gloucester, Sep 26.  We hear from Cirencester, that, on Monday last, the Jury came to an Agreement concerning the Death of Mr JAMES DUBBERS, who was found on the Foss, near the four mile House, on the road between Cirencester and Gloucester, on the 23d of last month at Night; and their Verdict was, That his Death was occasioned by some Person or Persons unknown.

 

Oct 18.  Gloucester, Oct 15.  We hear from Stow, in this County, that, on Sunday last, the following unhappy Accident happened to Mr BROOKS, who kept the King’s Arms in that Town.  He went to the King’s Head at Northleach, to desire Mr HOWE’s Assistance at Stow Fair on the Thursday following; and, on his Return home, his Horse fell down on the Hill, near Bourton on the Water, by which Means the said Mr BROOKS’s Neck was broke, as was one of the Horse’s Legs.  Mr BROOKS was found dead the next Morning.   [continues .....] 

 

 

 

1749

 

Jan 17.  Gloucester, Jan 16.  Commitments to our County Gaol.  Last week were committed to our Castle, ... MARY PROPERT, on Suspicion of the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

Jan 31.  Gloucester, Jan 30.  On Tuesday last, as Farmer BALDWIN, of Sandhurst, near this City, was returning home from shewing a Butcher, who had been at his House buying a Calf, the nearest way thro’ the Water, by some unfortunate accident his Mare slipp’d into the River, and both he and his Mare were drown’d.

 

Feb 7.  Gloucester, Feb 4.  They write from Burford that, on Saturday last, SARAH SAVAGE, of Broad Rissington, having, on her Return home from Burford market, lost her Way on the Downs, was found starv’d to Death near a Sheep fold.

 

Mar 7.  Gloucester, Mar 4.  General Quarter Sessions: MARTHA PROPERT, on Suspicion of Murdering her Child; ....

 

Mar 14.  We hear that EDWARD WEBB, Gent. one of the Coroners for this County, lives now at Chalford Bottom, in the Parish of Bisley.

 

Apr 11.  Gloucester, Apr 8.  Last Monday, in the Forenoon, a very melancholy Accident happen’d to Mrs STEVENS, of Grovening, near Thornbury, in this County, aged 82; saying that she must write a Letter that Morning, her Servant put a Table by the Fire side, and, (as it appears), the Fire caught hold of her Cloaths, (being all Linen) and she was either burnt or suffocated to Death; but no Damage was done to the House:  She was a kind Mistress, a good Neighbour, and much given to Hospitality.  

   And on Monday Night, JO CHARDE, of Wotton Underedge, who rode Post from Bristol to Gloucester upwards of 30 years, was drowned in a brook in Cromhall Common.

 

Sep 5.  Male body hanging in wood @ Horton.

 

Nov 28.  Gloucester, Nov 25.  On Thursday morning one STEEL, a Scotchman, well noted in this County, &c. for a Hair Buyer, was found dead in a Ditch near Apperley Common, betwixt this City and Tewkesbury.

 

 

 

1750

 

Jan 9.  Case of WILLIAM WEBB & JOHN FREAME.

 

Mar 13.  Trial of WILLIAM WEBB.

 

Mar 20.  WILLIAM WEBB, burnt in the hand for Manslaughter.

 

Apr 10.  Gloucester, Apr 7.  Yesterday was committed to our Castle, RICHARD CULL, of Laverton, in this County, for stabbing THOMAS ROBERTS with a Knife in so violent a Manner that he immediately expir’d: They were both Youths, the Prisoner himself being but about 14 or 15 Years old.

 

Apr 17.  Gloucester, Apr 14.   Last Tuesday Evening Farmer PIFFE, of Uckington, had the Misfortune to be thrown from his Horse into a Slough on the Cheltenham road, near this City, where he was suffocated.  He was a sober, careful Man, and has left a Wife and five Children, who, as well as his Neighbours, have sustain’d a great Loss by his Death.

 

May 29.  Gloucester, May 26.  Last Thursday Morning a violent Shower of Rain fell between Huntley and the Lea, which swell’d the Water that runs a cross the Road to a prodigious Degree, and the Current was so rapid, that JAMES NORTON, of Hampton, Carrier, (who was going to Ross Fair) and his Horse, were beat down thereby, and the former, being lame in one Arm, drowned, to the great Loss of his Family and the County, he having been a very careful, honest Man.

 

Jun 19.  Gloucester, Jun 16.  They write from Leachlade that, Yesterday was se’nnight, RICHARD GODFREY, Esq. was seized with an Apoplectic Fit, of which he died immediately.

 

Jul 10.  Gloucester, Jul 7.  On Saturday the 23d of June last, about One o’Clock in the Morning, a terrible Fire broke out at the White Lyon in Acton Turvil, in this County, which consumed the same, with all the Goods therein; among which were those of TIMOTHY SWAIN, of Hampton, consisting of Linnen, Woollen, Bedding, and all his Earthenware, to a great Value, which were lodg’d in the said House; and what renders his Case the more deplorable, is the Loss of his Child, (a Girl, about 11 years of Age) who was burnt to Ashes.

 

Jul 31.  Gloucester, Jul 28.  Assizes.  RICHARD CULL, for the Murder of THOMAS ROBERTS, and MARY CULL, charg’d on Suspicion of being accessary to that Murder.

 

Aug 7.  Gloucester, Aug 4.  Two were burnt in the Hand, viz. RICHARD CULL, for Manslaughter ....

 

 

 

 

1751

 

Jan 22.  Worcester, Jan 17.  And, last Friday in the Afternoon, as one Mr BUTLER, a Shopkeeper at Aston under the Hill, was returning from Evesham, both he and his Horse fell into Merry Brook, and were drown’d; and, when they were found, his and the Horse’s Head were close together.

 

Mar 5.  Gloucester, Mar 2.  Last Saturday Night a Fire broke out in the Stable of Farmer WHITE, at Apperley, in this County, occasioned by the Servants not taking proper Care of their Candle; when the Farmer, in endeavoring to free his Horses, which were six, from the Flames, was very much bruis’d by the falling in of the Building upon him, insomuch that he died the Morrow Evening.  Four of his Horses had got out, but his Attempt after the other two, which perished, prov’d thus unfortunate to him.  He has left a wife and four Children.

 

Mar 19.  Gloucester, Mar 16.  Yesterday was committed to our Castle ELIZABETH DUSNER, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

Apr 2.  Gloucester, Mar 30.  Assizes.  ELIZABETH DURSNER, charg’d with the Murder of her Bastard Child.

    We hear from Ledbrook, in this County, that, on the 27th instant in the Morning, the Wife of SAMUEL RASNICK, belonging to the Forge at that Place, cut her Throat in so terrible a Manner, that, tho’ Mr STEEL, a Surgeon in Coleford, was sent for, who sew’d up the Wound, she expir’d in two Hours after.  This unhappy Woman and her Husband were Methodists; and, which is worthy Observation, they had but just been very earnest in their Devotions before she committed this rash Act.   She has left behind her Seven children, the last of which she lay in with about nine Weeks ago.

 

May 14.  Gloucester, May 11.  We hear from Ross, in this County, that on Monday evening last, as Mr BONNER, of the Marsh, near that Town, and some of his Neighbours, were returning from Dean Market, they took it into their Heads to try whose Horse could run fastest, when unhappily one of them, in endeavouring to get before Mr BONNER, so violently forc’d him and his Horse against a Tree, that he was thereby kill’d on the Spot.

 

May 21.  Gloucester, May 20.   Last Saturday Evening as Farmer ROBERTS, of Eldersfield, in Worcestershire, with some others, was returning home on Horseback from our Market, upon leaving the Turnpike at Over they set out full speed for a Wager agreed upon by them, and being come pretty near Maisemore Bridge, they were seen by a Boy thereon, who, to avoid any Misfortune that might happen to himself, entered one of the Nooks, but at whom Farmer ROBERTS’s Horse was so frighted, that he leap’d very violently against the opposite side, whereby the Farmer was unhappily thrown over his Head, and tho’ he had the Presence of Mind to hold the Bridle in his Hands, yet, before any Assistance could be given him, the Bridle slipp’d off the Horse’s Head, when he fell into the River and was drown’d; and Yesterday Morning he was taken up.  He has left behind a Wife and four Children.

 

May 28.  Gloucester, May 25.   The Account of Mr BONNER’s Death, inserted in our Journal of the 14th inst. is, we are assured, erroneous in that part relating to his being forc’d against a Tree by one of his Neighbours; it appearing since, that the  Person nearest him, when that melancholy Affair happen’d, was distant 10 or 12 Yards from him.

 

Jul 16.  Gloucester, Jul 13.  On Monday last one GOSLING, a Farmer’s Son near this City, and formerly an Exciseman, being disordered in his Senses, threw himself into the River Severn, and was drown’d.

 

This day some Fishermen took up with their nets at Minsterworth a Man’s Body, sew’d up in a Pack sheet, with a Stone put at each end to sink it.  ‘Tis said he was a weaver, and that he hang’d himself a few Days ago, for which he was deny’d Christian Burial, and therefore his Friends took the Method above mentioned for the Disposal of his Body.

 

Aug 20.  Gloucester, Aug 17.  Last night: Ostler & Dragoon, Inquest, Manslaughter.

               Bristol, Aug 10.  And the Next Day [last Tuesday] were committed to the said Gaol [Newgate] BETTY, alias ELIZABETH, BOWER, and MARY HORWOOD, being charged on Oath with having voluntarily and wilfully murdered a Male Infant, by throwing it over the Back into the River Avon.

 

Aug 27.  Bristol, Aug 17.  Suicide, by cutting throat, of Mr RICHARD IVY, Lt Half Pay RN, in the Bog House of a public house at Pill.

               Bristol, Aug 24.  ELIZABETH BOWYER, and MARY HORWOOD, indicted for murdering a Male Infant, were acquitted.

 

Sep 17.  Bristol, Sep 7.  Yesterday se’nnight, as the Son of Mr BRIGHT, a Brewer in this City, and two men, were standing on some Boards that were fasten’d on a Beam that lay a cross a Furnace, the Beam being rotten, and not able to support the weight of the three Persons, broke; by which accident they all fell into the Furnace, in which were about two Feet of boiling liquor, and Mr BRIGHT’s Son and one of the Men were dreadfgully scalded, but the other received little Hurt.  Mr BRIGHT’s Son, soon after falling into a violent Fever, liv’d till Monday, when he expir’d, to the inexpressible Grief of his disconsolate Parents, he being an only Child.  The Man continues in a dangerous Way.

 

Oct 1.  Bristol, Sep 22.   Last Saturday Night Mr RICHARD TYLER, some Time ago an eminent Grocer in this City, but retired from Business, died suddenly at his House on St Michael’s Hill.  He had been that Evening at a Club; and, soon after his Return home, he complain’d of a Pain in his Stomach, and expired instantly.

 

Nov 12.  Bristol, Nov 2.  A few Days ago the Body of the Huntsman belonging to his Grace the Duke of Beaufort was found drown’d in a Fish pond belonging to his Grace.  The Occasion of this Affair is variously related, his Cloaths, Hat and Wig, his Watch and 16 Guineas, lying by the side of the Fish Pond.  It is said he had lived in the Family upwards of 30 Years, and had, at the time of this accident, upwards of 1500 l. at use.

 

Dec 3.  Inquest by Edward Webb into the death of JOHN LAWRENCE, bagger, at Pucklechurch.  Lists the Jurors.

 

Dec 24.  Gloucester, Dec 23.   Last Monday were found murder’d, at Cut Mill, in the Parish of Westbury, the Wife of JOHN JONES, and his Neice, whilst he was at Mitchel Dean Market.  As no Body besides was in or near the House, ‘tis impossible as yet to get any certain Particulars in regard to the Murderer.  All, therefore, we can now assure our readers concerning this tragical Affair is, that the Woman receiv’d four Wounds, all on her Temples,  and the Neice, seven, four on the Temples, one on her Forehead, and one on each Jaw; and that a Box was broken open by the villain, in Expectation of meeting with some Money, but there was none.               

 

 

 

1752

 

Jan 28.  Gloucester, Jan 25.  The Waters about this City have been at a prodigious Height, insomuch that, the Beginning of this Week, one JOHN BAKER, an ancient Man, of this City, Carpenter, was drowned in going to Elmore, and a Fisherman taken up, who had met with the same Misfortune.

 

Feb 25.  Gloucester, Feb 22.  This Week, were committed to our Castle MARY READE and JAMES BLEWITT, of the Parish of Longhope, charged with the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

Mar 10.  Bristol, Feb 29.   We have an Account from Sodbury, in Gloucestershire, that, on the 20th Instant in the Evening, ROBERT TANNER was kill’d by his Son in Law, WILLIAM TANNER, from whom he receiv’d three Stabs in the Breast, and a fourth in the Side of his Body, with a Knife, which pierced his Heart.  They were Butchers, had quarrell’d about some trivial Affairs, and, being both on the Ground struggling, in the Conflict WILLIAM TANNER, who was undermost, drew his Knife, and gave the fatal Wounds aforesaid.

   Listed for trial: MARY READE, JAMES BLEWITT, and SAMUEL TANNER.

 

Mar 17.  Bristol, Mar 7.  Last Thursday Morning, Mr ROBERT BROWNING, in Redcliffe street, Tobacconist, at the time of High Water, threw himself out of a Window at the Back Part of his House into the River, and was drown’d.  The Day before, he ask’d several of the Neighbours which was the easiest Death, Hanging, or Drowning; and, being told the latter, he was ask’d whether he had a Mind to try the Experiment, but made no Answer.

   Gloucester, Mar 16.  Assizes.  Nine, viz. ..... SAMUEL TANNER, for Manslaughter ... were burnt in the Hand.

   At this Assizes also, MARY READE, and JAMES BLEWITT, were try’d for the Murder of her Bastard Child.  Upon this tryal, JOAN READE, the Girl’s Mother, was call’d, who, after some time (for both the Judge and Council were a considerable time before they could get her to speak anything to the Purpose, arising, as was thought, from the melancholy Reflection of swearing against her Daughter) swore positively that the Man kill’d the Child; but the Girl absolutely declared that he was not in the Room when the Child dy’d, but that her Mother, who deliver’d her, as soon as it was born, put her Hands to the Neck of it, and then said it was dead.  Upon this, the Judge spoke to the Mother, bid her consider of what she had said, and told her of the great Guilt that lay upon her, first in murdering the Child, and then in endeavouring to take away the life of an Innocent Man, by laying that very Murder to his Charge; which had such an Effect upon her, that she deny’d her former Evidence, and said she knew not who kill’d it.  The then Prisoners were immediately acquitted, and the Daughter is continued an Evidence against her Mother, who is committed to Prison, to be try’d, next Assizes, for the Murder of the Child.

 

Mar 31.  Gloucester, Mar 28.   We hear from Coleford that, on Thursday last, the Coroner’s Inquest sat  on the Body of SAMUEL COOPER, who was found hanging, the Day before, to the Bacon Rack in his own House; when, upon an Examination of several witnesses, which lasted near five hours, the Jury found him Felo de se; and he was immediately bury’d in the next Cross Road, and a Stake drove thro’ his Body.

 

May 12.  Gloucester, May 9.  The following Persons have this week been committed to our Castle, viz. MARY KING, for the Murder of a Female Bastard Child; MARTHA HICCOCKS, on Suspicion of poisoning WILLIAM HUGHES, late of Cirencester.

 

Jun 30.  Gloucester, Jun 27.   On Thursday last, as Mr BLISS, of Chalford, in this County, Clothier, was returning home from Cheltenham, in Company with three others, he unfortunately fell from his Horse, which so fractur’d his Skull, that he dy’d on the Spot.

 

Jul 14.  Gloucester, Jul 11.  Assizes.  JOAN READE, MARY KING, and ELIZABETH KING, for murdering Bastard Children.

 

Jul 21.  Gloucester, Jul 18.  On Wednesday last the Assizes ended here, .... Four were order’d for Transportation, viz. JOAN READE, for Perjury (who was also sentenc’d to be pillory’d, which was executed upon her this Day,)....

   ANN WILLIAMS, charg’d with poisoning her Husband, and ELIZABETH and MARY KING, suspected of murdering a Bastard Child, were order’d to remain in Gaol till next Assizes.

 

Aug 4.  Gloucester, Aug 1.  This Week the following melancholy Affair happen’d in this City, viz.  On Tuesday last, ---- DOGGETT, a labouring Man, was employ’d to kill a Cat, to effect which he took him by the Hind Legs and dash’d his Head against a Wall, when the Cat immediately seiz’d him by the Hand, and bit and tore it most terribly.  At last, however, he was master’d, and the poor Fellow apply’d to a Surgeon with his Hand, but his Blood was so poison’d by the Venom of the Cat, that he dy’d on Thursday in the Afternoon.

 

Sep 19.  CHANGE OF PUBLICATION DATE.

 

Dec 5.  Gloucester, Dec 2.  We hear from Bristol, that as one RICHARD FLUCK a labouring Man, was assisting in cleaning a deep Well, the Wall thereof fell in on him, and killed him on the Spot.

 

Dec 26.  Gloucester, Dec 23.   From Westbury, about Six Miles from hence, we are told they [the floods] are much higher there than ever they were known by the oldest Man thereabouts; and that, this Morning, as two Men were fishing in a Stock boat, the Tide ran so very Swift, that the Boat was overset, and one of the Men drowned.

 

 

 

1753

 

Feb 20.  Gloucester, Feb 17.  Yesterday Morning was overset near this City, by a Trow’s running against her, the Worcester Wherry, in which were five Men, one of whom was drowned, who has left behind him a Wife and five children.

 

Feb 27.  Gloucester, Feb 24.   On Tuesday last, the Trow of WILLIAM HARRISON, of Newnham, laden with 24 Tons of Iron, from Lidney Works for this Port, was unfortunately overset by the violence of the Tides and Quick sands, and Mr HARRISON  himself, in endeavouring all he could to save his Vessel, was drowned; the rest on board saved themselves by timely getting into their Boat.  Most of the Iron, we hear, has been since taken up.

 

Mar 6.  Gloucester, Mar 3.  On Sunday Night last, one MARGARET LATTIMORE, aged 80, who kept a Public house at Frampton Cotterell, near Bristol, as she was going (as is supposed) to Bed in the Dark, fell down Stairs and dislocated her Neck; and, next Morning, she was found with her Head doubled under her.  It is remarked of her, that, notwithstanding her great Age, she would suffer no Person to live with her, not even her nearest Relations.

 

Apr 10.  Trial of ANN WILLIAMS for poisoning her Husband.

 

Apr 17.  Gloucester, Apr 14.  ANN WILLIAMS burnt at the stake.

 

Apr 24.  Gloucester, Apr 21.   They write from Bristol, that, last Tuesday Morning, was brought into St Peters Hospital, commonly called the Mint, one JANE THOMAS, a Pembrokeshire young Woman, who had that morning delivered herself, ina Bog house, of a Male Bastard Child, which she threw into the same, whereby it was stifled; and the Coroner’s Jury have brought in their Verdict, Wilful Murder. 

 

 

 

1754

 

Feb 5.  Gloucester, Feb 2.  A few Days ago, a Man and his Son of Wickwar, in this County, went to fodder some Cattle; when, in attempting to cut some Hay for that Purpose, the Rick gave way, whereby the Son fell, and the cutting knife lodged in his Heart and killed him.

 

Mar 19.  Gloucester, Mar 16.  They write from Bristol that, about a Fortnight ago, as two Colliers were fighting, one of them had several of his ribs broke, and was otherwise greatly hurt, insomuch that he was taken into the Infirmary, where he died last week.   The Coroner has sat on the Body, and brought in his Verdict, Wilful Murder.

 

Apr 2.  Gloucester, Mar 30.  On Thursday Night last, the Newnham Sloop, Burden about 50 Tons, that traded from  Newnham to Bristol, laden with Lime, and other Goods to a very great Value, was unfortunately burnt by the Lime’s taking Fire, with every Thing on board; and an old Man, a Passenger, who lay in the Cabin, was also burnt to Ashes.

 

Jul 2.  Gloucester, Jun 29.  From Winterbourne, near Bristol, we have an Account of the following melancholy Accident, which happened there a few Days ago.  As one WILLIAM MILES, a lad about 10 years of Age, was riding a Mare on the Turnpike Road between Winterbourne and Framptonn Cotterell, he put her on faster than her usual Pace, and, having no saddle under him, he was thrown off her Back; by which Means, his Head pitching on a Stone, his skull was fractured, on the Crown and behind his Ear, in so terrible a Manner, that, tho’ several Persons ran instantly to his Assistance, he died on the Spot.

Jul 23.  Gloucester, Jul 23.  We hear from Longhope, in this County, that on Saturday Night last, one SIMON TURNER, aged 18, hanged himself in a grove where he was cutting wood. -- He never seemed to be in any  ways disordered in his Senses; so that his committing this rash Action cannot be accounted for.  The Coroner’s Inquest sat on the Body, and the Jury brought in their verdict Felo de se.

 

Aug 27.  Gloucester, Aug 24.  Last Wednesday, as one HENRY HARRIS was driving a load of Mortar down a very narrow, steep Lane to the Building at the Parsonage house at Danglingworth, near Cirencester, he had Occasion to lock one of the wheels, but by some Accident the Drag chain slipped, by which means he fell into the Rut and was crushed to Death by the wheel.  The Coroner’s Jury have brought in their Verdict, Accidental Death; and the Owner of the Waggon was fined 10 s. in lieu of the Wheel.

 

Oct 15.  Bath, Oct 7.  Last Monday, Mr SHIPWAY, who kept the waggons between Tetbury and London, was thrown from his Horse near Cold Harbour, in the County of Gloucestershire; whereby he dislocated his Neck, and died the next Day.

 

Nov 5.  On Thursday the 24th past, one ANNE OCKFORD, of Wotton Underedge, in this County, Widow, delivered herself of a Female Bastard child, which she confessed the next Day, and said she put it in the Vault, where diligent Search was accordingly made after it, but without success: However, on Sunday last the Child was found in a Coal hole under the Stairs, with a Tile stone over it; and the Coroner’s Inquest have since sat on its Body, and brought in their Verdict, Wilful Murder, against the said ANN OCKFORD, who is therefore put under proper Confinement. 

   On this Occasion, Mr HUNTRIDGE, of the samer Place, first dilated the Cjild’s Breast, and extracted the Lungs freed from their Teguments, which appeared very white and light without the least Discoloration, then put them into a large Quantity of Water, when they emerged above the Surface; after which, he Scalped the Head, and found a Contusion and Depression in the Occipital Bone: all the other Parts of the Body appeared fair and without the least Mark of Violence. His Opinion was, That the Child was born alive, from the Experiment of trying the Lungs in Water, which forms the truest Hypo thesis; for, when the Child is in the Womb, the Lungs are of a ponderous Quality, equal as other Parts of the Body, and have the same Motion, Circulation, &c. but as soon as the Child breathes, they are rarefied by the Air, and become specially lighter, which is the Cause of their Swimming.

   We hear from Bristol that, last week, CATHARINE GARDNER, otherwise HEMMINGS, was committed to Newgate there, charged with the Murder of a Female Infant born of her Body.

 

Nov 12.  Gloucester, Nov 9.  They write from Chipping Sodbury, in this County, that, at the late Celebration of his Majesty’s Coronation, there were two Bonfires, one at each End of the Town; when a Boy went from one Fire to the other, where having some Words with another Boy, a Scuffle ensued; upon which, a Brother to one of them called a Third Brother, who accordingly came, and knocked his Brother’s Antagonist upon his Knees with a Club, and then gave him another Blow, which dashed his Brains out.  The Coroner’s Jury have brought in their Verdict, Manslaughter.

  

 

 

1755

 

Jan 28.  Gloucester, Jan 25.  By a Letter from Bristol, of the 18th Inst. we have the following Account of the Loss of Five People belonging to the Customs, viz.  “About Two o’Clock in the Afternoon of Tuesday last, the Excise boat with Six Persons therein coming in the River under a Foresail, the Surveyor’s Hat blew off opposite the Conger Rocks; on which, they turned the Helm, and ran towards the Shirehampton shore, when, in striving to reach the Hat, they all fell overboard, and Mr PILSON, Mr WEBBER, Mr SMITH, Mr EYNON, and Mr CULL, were drowned, but the other, Mr PARSONS, was saved by a Tow boat.”

 

Feb 18.  Gloucester, Feb 15.   By a Letter from Bath we hear that, last Week, a Black Girl, Servant to a Gentleman in the Square, was buried at Walcot Church.  There were six Black Men to support the Pall; and several others attended the Corpse as Mourners.

 

Mar 4.  Gloucester, Mar 1.  On Thursday last were brought to our Castle gaol, ELIZABETH EVANS the Elder, and ELIZABETH EVANS the Younger, charged with the Murder of a Bastard Child.

 

Apr 8.  Sentence of Death.  .... and ANN OCKFORD, for the Murder of her Bastard Child; accordingly ANN OCKFORD was executed Yesterday, in consequence of the late Law in Cases of Murder.  After Condemnation she behaved very penitent, and received the Sacrament by her own Desire the Morning she suffered, but positively denied her using any Violence to the Child, whose Death (she said) was occasioned by a Fall and the Want of proper Care afterwards, for which (she likwise said) she thought herself accountable, but begged very much for a longer Time to prepare herself, and when at the Place of Execution stood near two Hours before she gave the signal.  She was a Widow, about 40 years of Age, and has left two children.

 

Jul 29.  Gloucester, Jul 26.  We hear from Cirencester that, on Tuesday last, Mr CAPPS, Steward to the Right Hon. the Lord Bathurst, and who had for some Time been observed to be greatly troubled in his Mind, after having given some Directions to the Workmen, went up into his Chamber and shot himself thro’ the Head.  This rash Action could not be caused by any Misconduct in his Accompts, as they were settled with the greatest Exactness; but the following Letter, which he wrote just before he shot himself, shews (it is thought) the Cause of his Troubles, viz.

             MY LORD,

                                  I solemnly declare before Almighty God, and as I hope for Pardon  for all my Sins and Offences, I am innocent of that beastly and detested Sin of  SODOMY, and that I loath and abhor it as much as any Man.  I don’t write this to vindicate myself to a World I shall soon leave, and be soon forgotten, but that your Lordship would have that Charity not to think the worse of those Persons who have laid the Imputation to me, and have taken the Advantage of my Imbecility of Spirit.  I could bear Poverty, but not Shame.  I hope Mrs S--- will do me the Justice to relate the Conversation that lately passed between us, and of a casual Circumstance.

 

Sep 23.  Bristol, Sep 13.   Mrs SARAH GARRETT killed on ship; son impressed; charge against PETER JONES alias DUNGARVON.

 

Oct 21.  Tenbury, Oct 15.  On Sunday last one JOHN JEWKES, a Labouring Man, (who had formerly been a considerable Farmer in the Parish of Burford) was found dead in a By-road in a Coppice of Underwood near this Town.

 

Nov 25.  Newport, Glos. Nov 21:  MARTHA PRITCHARD, Found Dead; WILLIAM PRITCHARD  of New Barn, Herefordshire, and THOMAS POOLE.

 

Dec 2.  Gloucester, Nov 29.  Last Week EDWARD SANSUM, Night Constable, and DAVID LEWIS, ABRAHAM CURRY, JOHN GRIFFITHS, THOMAS WILLIAMS, RICHARD PAYNE, and JOHN PACKER, Watchmen of St Nicholas Ward in the City of Bristol, (appointed under the late Act of Parliament) were committed to Newgate there, for the Wilful Murder of one MARY WHEELER, whom, under the Pretence of taking her up for Misbehaviour and carrying her to Bridewell, they knocked down several times with their Staves, and afterwards strangled her with a Handkerchief pretending therewith to bind her on some Trucks, the better to secure her.

 

Dec 9.  Gloucester, Dec 6.  On Wednesday last WILLIAM CROSS PEARCE, of Hatherley, near Wotton underedge, was brought to our Castle Gaol, for the Murder of his Wife.

 

 

 

1756

 

Apr 27.  Gloucester, Apr 24.  Yesterday was committed to our Castle MARY DOUGLAS, on Suspicion of murdering ELIZABETH KNIGHT, of the Moorse, in the Parish of Ruar dean, in this County.

 

May 4.  Gloucester, May 1.  MARY DOUGLAS, the Person mentioned in our last as committed to our Castle for Murder, was found Guilty, upon two several inquisitions before the Coroner, of the Wilful Murder of EDWARD ROBERTS and ELIZABETH KNIGHT, her Master and Mistress, by Poisoning them, in mixing Arsenick with Treacle, Ale, and other liquids.

   Tuesday last the Assizes ended at Bristol ... the seven Watchmen, for the Murder of the Woman (formerly mentioned in this Journal) were acquitted.

 

May 18.  Gloucester, May 15.  Thursday se’nnight last THOMAS JAMES, of Long-Hope, in this County, hanged himself; since which the Coroner’s Inquisition on the Body brought in their Verdict, Felo de se.  He was to have been married in a few Days to a young Woman of the same Parish, with the Consent of all Friends; and ‘tis thought his Want of Money to bring Matters about was the cause of his Rashness above mentioned.

 

Aug 10.  Gloucester, Aug 7.   This Evening the Assizes ended here, at which WILLIAM CROSS PEARCE, for the Murder of his Wife by giving her an unhappy Blow under her left Breast, received Sentence of Death, and is to be executed on Monday next:  His Wife, it seems, bore but a very indifferent Character; and, it is said, Jealousy was the Cause of this Rashness in her Husband.

 

Aug 17.  Gloucester, August 14.  On Monday last WILLIAM CROSS PEARCE  was executed here for the Murder of his Wife, pursuant to his Sentence.  He declared to the last Minute his Innocence of the Fact for which he suffered, and that the wounds which appeared upon his were occasioned by a Fall into a Saw Pit on her Return home.  His Behaviour was decent, and his Repentance for the Errors of his Life seemed to be sincere.

 

Aug 25.  Gloucester, Aug 21.  On Monday last one BARNS, a Labouring Man in the Parish of Bulla, near this City, was killed in a Storm of Thunder and Lightning.  It is very remarkable that the Instant before he was Struck dead he had been cursing his Son, and swearing he would murder him before Night.

 

Sep 21.  Gloucester, Sep 20.  They write from Mickleton, near Campden, in this County, that a few Days ago, Some Men having been mowing there, one of them, named CHARLES JACKSON, attempted unawares to leap on the Back of one of his Companions, which occasioned him to stumble, whereby JACKSON was thrown on the Edge of a Scythe, which cut him so terribly across the Belly, that, after getting up, and saying, “Lord, have Mercy upon me! I’m a dead Man! he expired immediately.  The Coroner’s Inquest, having sat on the body, brought in their Verdict, Accidental Death.

 

Oct 12.   Gloucester, Oct 9. From Bristol we have the melancholy News, that on Wednesday Night last the Old Passage Boat, crossing the River Severn at Beechly, was overset in a Storm; by which Accident 22 Passengers, and 18 Horses, were drowned.

Oct 19.  More details of the above accident.

 

Nov 2.  Gloucester, Oct 23.  On Thursday last WILLIAM PLESTAGE, alias OCKLESTONE, was committed to our Castle gaol, for beating, in a very Cruel Manner, a poor Man, who is since dead.  Another Person, who is not yet taken, was concerned with him.

 

Dec 21.  Gloucester, Dec 18.  Last Thursday Se’nnight the following melancholy Accident happened at Beckford, in this County: As Mr HIGGENS, of that Place, was putting a Gun upon a Rack,  not knowing it to be loaded, the Gun, being half cocked, went off, and shot the servant maid, who was sitting near, dead on the spot.  The Coroner’s Inquest, having sat on the Body, brought in their verdict, Accidental Death.

 

1757

 

Mar 29.  Gloucester, Mar 26.  RICHARD AYRES and WILLIAM PRESTAGE, tried for the Murder of JOHN HODGKINS, were acquitted.

 

Aug 23.  Murder of BENJAMIN HEDGES of Hopwood, nr Alvechurch, by THOMAS ROBERTS, a servant.  [Advert dated 16th page 2 col b]

 

1758

 

Jan 10.  Gloucester, Jan 7.  Last Wednesday, as two Boys of this city, named JOHN WADLEY and WILLIAM BLANCH, were gaming together, at a little Distance from the Town, a Dispute arose between them concerning a Trifle won by the former, who, being provoked by some Expression of his Playfellow, immediately struck him; whereupon BLANCH told the other, that, if he repeated his Blow, he would stab him to the Heart.  WADLEY, however, was not discouraged by this Threat, did strike him again; and BLANCH, directly seizing his knife, which was stuck up in the Ground, gave WADLEY such a Wound therewith as at first expected to prove mortal; but, as he was immmediately carried to our Infirmary, and proper Care taken of him, the Surgeons are now in Hopes of his Recovery.  BLANCH is under Confinement in our Castle Gaol.

 

Mar 7.  Trial of THOMAS ROBERTS.

 

Mar 14.  THOMAS ROBERTS sentenced. 

 

 

 

1759

 

Feb 6.  Gloucester, Feb 3.  Last Saturday Night MARGARET GRIFFITHS, of Newent, in this county, was brought to our County Gaol, having been found guilty, on the Coroner’s Inquest, of wilfully murdering ELIZABETH TRAP, of the same Place, by giving her a violent Blow on the Head with a Stick, of which she instantly died.

 

Feb 20.  Gloucester, Feb 17.  On Monday last ANN MORGAN, of Oxnall, was brought to our County Gaol, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

   And on Wednesday EDITH SAUNDERS was brought to the said Gaol, for murdering JAMES SHORT, of Berkeley, with a Penknife, in so desperate a Manner, that he is since dead; as was likewise WILLIAM ROBINSON, suspected to have been an Accomplice with the said EDITH SAUNDERS.

 

Mar 27.  Gloucester, Mar 27.  Last Thursday Afternoon a poor Man [THOMAS COATES] , who had been drinking too freely, was driving a Waggon from hence for Cirencester; but at a few Miles distance [Hucclecote] from this City he unhappily fell from the Carriage into the Road, and one of the Wheels going over his Neck, he was instantly crushed to death.

 

Apr 3.  Long account about poisoning of the HEWER family by  RICHARD HAINES @ HAYNES of Maiseyhampton.

 

Apr 10.  Gloucester, Apr 9.  MICHAEL HAINES, mentioned in our last Journal to have been committed to Cirencester Bridewell for procuring the Arsenick with which his Son, RICHARD HAINES, poisoned Mr HEWER’s children, was brought to our County Gaol on Saturday; but the Son is not yet retaken.

    List of prisoners for trial: MARGERET GRIFFITHS; ANN MORGAN; EDITH SAUNDERS and WILLIAM ROBINSON for the murder of JAMES SHORT; SUSANNAH ATKINS  and ANN OWEN,  for the Murder of a Bastard Child.

 

Apr 17.   EDITH SAUNDERS guilty, to be hanged; Bill found against MICHAEL and RICHARD HAINES.

 

Apr 24.  Gloucester, Apr 21.  On Monday last EDITH SAUNDERS, convicted at our late Assizes for the Murder of JAMES SHORT, of Berkeley, was executed near this City, and her Body afterwards carried to our Infirmary to be dissected, in Pursuance of her Sentence.  She owned the Commission of the Fact for which she suffered, and seemed very devout and penitent.

 

May 15.  Gloucester, May 12.  On Wednesday a Man [possibly THOMAS MASON]  who was driving a Waggon near Newnham, in this County, unfortunately fell under the Wheels, which going over his Neck instantly crushed him to Death.

 

Jul 14.  Gloucester, Jul 13.  For trial: GEORGE NORTHCOTT, BENJAMIN FOX, both for murder; MARY COCKS.

 

Jul 21.  Gloucester, Jul 20.  Our Assizes were concluded on Saturday Evening, when BENJAMIN FOX, who, by his barbarous Treatment to his Daughter, was the Cause of her Death, and GEORGE NORTHCOTT, convicted of murdering his wife between Stroud and Hampton, received the Sentence due to their atrocious Crimes, and are to be hanged this Day Se’nnight, and afterwards dissected.

 

Jul 28.  Gloucester, Jul 27.  BENJAMIN FOX and GEORGE NORTHCOTT mentioned.

 

 

 

 

1761

 

Aug 4.  Gloucester, Aug 3.  On Monday last BENJAMIN FOX , for the Murder of his Daughter, and GEORGE  NORTHCOTT, for the Murder of a Woman, who passed for his Wife, were executed here agreeable to their Sentence.  Their Bodies were afterwards delivered to Mr PORTER  and Mr CHESTON, Two Skilful Surgeons of this City, in order to be dissected.  It is remarkable that tho’ FOX  had hung the usual Time when he was brought to the Infirmary he breathed very distinctly, and upon opening a Vain it bled with as much Freedom as if he had been perfectly in Health.

 

1762

 

Mar 2.  Gloucester, Mar 1.  80 recruits marched Northleach to Stow; 4 died.

 

Mar 9.  Gloucester, Mar 8.  SARAH WILLIAMS, SARAH WATTS, and SARAH LODGE, for murdering their Bastard Children.

 

Mar 16.  SARAH WILLIAMS, SARAH WATTS and SARAH LODGE acquitted.

 

Apr 12.  On Monday last one of the Light Horsemen quartered here was riding near this city, his Horse took fright, and ran away with him, and a Farmer coming along the Road at that Instant with a Cow and Calf, the Horse ran over him, and struck him with such violence that he immediately expired.

 

Apr 26.  Gloucester, Apr 26.  On Wednesday last JANE TURNER, of Iron Acton, was committed to our Castle for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

 

May 31.  Gloucester, May 31.  On Tuesday last Mr THOMAS PORTER, Surgeon, of this City, unfortunately fell from his Horse, in coming down Painswick Hill, and received such a violent Concussion on his Head that he died the next Morning.  His abilities and Experience rendered him very eminent in his Profession.

 

Jul 26.  REBECCA JONES, for the Murder of EDWARD JONES; JANE TURNER, for the Murder of a Female Bastard Child.

 

Sep 20.  Last Friday was committed to our Castle by J Moor, Gentleman, Coroner, THOMAS HANKS, of Wick Rissington, in this County, for the Mirder of his Wife [Ann].

 

 

 

1763

 

Jan 17.  Gloucester, Jan 17.  We think the following shocking instance of brutish cruelty not to be equalled by the most savage barbarian.  A girl who lodged at a house in Barton Street, near this city, on Friday night last was taken in labour; when the woman of the house, deaf to the poor wretch’s intreaties, and destitute of all the feelings of humanity, pulled her out of bed, and turned her into the street in that deplorable situation: a farrier’s shed was all the shelter she could find; and there she was discovered early in the morning delivered of her child which the extreme severity of the cold had killed; but the mother, through the benevolent care of some of the inhabitants, is likely to recover.

 

Feb 28.  Gloucester, Feb 28.  A few days ago, as a man was coming from Campden fair, on horseback, one of his stirrups broke as he was passing through a deep water near Badsey bridge, and he fell from his horse, and was drowned.

 

Mar 7.  Assizes.  For trial: THOMAS HANKS.

 

Mar 14.  Our Assizes were concluded on Saturday morning; at which THOMAS HANKS, of Wick Rissington, for the murder of his wife, was the only person capitally convicted.  The trial of this man lasted seven hours, and during the course of it there appeared such a combination of concurrent circumstances as fully evidenced his guilt.  The pathetick eloquence of Mr Justice WILMOT, in his admonition to the unhappy convict, was beyond conception great; but the prisoner’s obdurate insensibility was observed with concern by the whole court; for after sentence was pronounced against him, he said, I am an innocent man; in which declaration he still persists.  His body was at first ordered to be dissected, but the sentence is since changed, and he is to be hanged in chains near the scene of that horrid fact.  He will be executed this day.  His mother, charged as being accessary to the murder, was acquitted.

 

Mar 21.  On Monday last THOMAS HANKS was executed here, agreeable to his sentence.  His behavioiur was expressive of the deepest penitence for the sins of his past life, but he persevered in denying the murder for which he suffered.

 

Mar 28.  On Wednesday last, a person who was lately committed to our Northgate gaol for a debt which, he said, he never had contracted, and therefore refused to pay, took the desperate resolution of hanging himself.  That the friends of the other debtors may not be alarmed, we are desired to mention that the man’s name was RICHARD B------TT.

 

Apr 11.  On Friday last a young lad [JAMES DOWELL]  fell from a dung cart in a field at Longford near this city, and the wheel going over him, crushed him to death.

 

Jun 27.  Gloucester, Jun 20.  Last Tuesday one [STEPHEN] ALDRIDGE, a fisherman, at Arlingham, in this County, was choaked by a small fish, which accidentally slipped into his throat as he was going to bite its head, in order to kill it.  He has left a widow and five small children.

 

Jul 18.  Cain’s Cross, July 17.  Letter from a Coroner:

TO THE PRINTER

SIR,                                                                                                                       Cain’s       Cross, July 17.

Yesterday morning I was sent for to Minety, in this county, on the following melancholy accident, that happened on Friday evening about six o’clock, which you will please to insert in your paper as a caution to people not to shelter themselves under trees in storms of thunder and lightning.  Mr THOMAS BROWN, a Gentleman Farmer of Minety, was a-haymaking with six of his servants, at a ground about a mile from his house, on Friday evening, when a violent storm of rain and hail fell, with frequent claps of thunder and lightning.  To avoid the storm, Mr BROWN and his servants ran to a haw thorn tree for shelter; but, unhappily for them, no sooner were they got there than a terrible clap of thunder and lightning broke over their heads, which killed Mr BROWN and one THOMAS VINES on the spot.  The other five were dangerously wounded, particularly the widow of THOMAS VINES, whose life is despaired of.  It is very remarkable, that tho’ their bodies were quite excoriated by the lightning, and their linnen burned, yet their other garments were not affected.  This is what appears by the evidences taken on the inquisition before, SIR,

                           Your humble Servant, 

                                                            Geo. Nayler, Coroner.

 

Jul 25.  On Thursday evening last, one WILLIAM GRINING, a weaver, in the parish of Cam, in this county, having some dispute with his wife, in the heat of passion gave her a violent kick, which broke some of the blood vessels and killed her on the spot.. The man is committed to our Castle by Mr Nayler, Coroner.

   Report of the taking of a highwayman, no names.

 

Aug 1.  Notice re taking of highwayman.

 

Aug 8.  Assizes: WILLIAM GRINING  for the murder of his wife; THOMAS TILL for murder; DANIEL NEALE, (the highwayman who cut his throat) for several robberies.

 

Aug 15.  Sentence of DANIEL NEALE.

 

Aug 22.  More re DANIEL NEALE.

 

Aug 29.  Execution of DANIEL NEALE.

 

Dec 26.  Beggar killed at St Nicholas.

 

 

 

1764

 

Mar 19.  On Wednesday last a boy [RICHARD CROARSE] who was riding on the shafts of a waggon, near the Dog at Over, fell down, and the wheels going over his head, he was killed on the spot.

 

May 28.  On Monday last WILLIAM WALTER, of Westerleigh, in this county, was committed to our castle, for killing one JAMES WALTER in a fray.

 

Jun 18.  On Tuesday last a little girl about ten years old, the daughter of a farmer at Longney, in this county, apprehensive of her mother’s correction, jumped out of a window, and running to a pond which was in the garden, threw herself in, and was drowned.

    On Wednesday last SARAH WORKMAN, of Bisley, was committed to our Castle by Mr Nayler, Coroner, for the wilful murder of her bastard child.  Upon her examination she confessed, that she was delivered on Saturday the 2nd instant, of a live male child, in the workshop of her own Father, who is a weaver; and that, when she cut the navel-string, the child fell into a hole under the loom, called by the weavers a truddle-pit; from thence she took it, wrapped in her petticoat, into the stable, and in endeavouring to climb into the tallet with the child in her lap, she fell down with it under her, by which means she says it was killed.  The child’s neck was dislocated, the left shoulder twisted off at the articulation, and the lower jaw fractured in a most violent manner.  The girl always denied being with child, ‘till the infant was discovered on Friday morning the 8th instant in the tallet, concealed under some hay.  She did not seem the least indisposed by her delivery, but went about her business as usual.

 

Jul 2.  Unnamed apprentice from Bath drowned at Lydney Park.

           The dreadful storm which fell on Saturday the 23d past did not extend to this city, but we are told it was very tremendous at a village near Sodbury, in this county, where a young woman [ANN WEBB?] and four cows were struck instantly dead by a most awful flash of lightning, in sight of several people making hay in an adjouining field.

 

Dec 31.  On Monday evening last Mr BUCHANAN, a Shopkeeper in Tewkesbury, missing his road in the dark, fell into a deep ditch near the Ferry-house at the Load, and was drowned.

 

 

 

1765

 

 

Jan 21.  Advert re estate of WALTER BUCHANAN of Tewkesbury.

 

Feb 18.  Burglary at WALTER BUCHANAN’s house.

 

Mar 18.  Winchcomb woman dead.

 

Apr 29.  A shocking accident happened a few days ago near Cirencester, in this county.  A boy [WILLIAM COBB] about ten years of age was sent to hold a horse whilst he was grazing in Lord Bathurst’s Park, and imprudently fastening the halter to his arm, the horse took fright upon some occasion, and dragg’d him 'till his arm separated from his body, and he expired in a few minutes.

    A servant [NATHANIEL PACKETT of Sapperton] to Mr JOHN CRIPPS, jun. of Cirencester, was unfortunately killed on Friday last, near the five mile stone between Cirencester and Hampton, by his horse falling and tumbling over him.

 

May 20.  A few days ago , as a soap boiler [PHILIP JARRETT] of Bristol was going to see his friends at Coleford, in this county, his horse fell with him on a full gallop, near Frampton on Severn, and he was so terribly bruised that he expired before he could be carried to any house.

 

Jun 10.  Om Monday last, as a man [JAMES GRIMES] was digging stone for the highways in the parish of Hascombe, in this county, having undermined the ground a little too far, the earth from the top fell in, and crushed the poor fellow to death.

 

Jul 22.  Assizes: ... SAMUEL DANIELS, for the murder of FRANCIS SUTTON, of Minchinhampton; ....

 

Jul 29.   The death of FRANCIS SUTTON, at Hampton, who was killed by SAMUEL DANIELS, proved to be nothing more than manslaughter, as the deceased had given the prisoner great provocation; DANIELS therefore was only branded, and ordered to be imprisoned two months.

 

Sep 23.  Strange death of Hostler at Falcon in Painswick, intoxicated, “a few days ago.”

 

Oct 14. On Tuesday last WILLIAM SUTTON was committed to our castle, charged with the wilful murder of LYDIA SUTTON, his wife, in the parish of Berkeley, in this county.

 

Oct 21.  On Friday last two men coming from Newnham fair, very much in liquor, quarrelled at the Bell in Westbury, in this county, and the one struck the other such a violent blow on the temple as killed him on the spot.   The coroner’s inquest broought in a verdict Manslaughter.

 

Nov 25.   On Tuesday night last the master of a Tewkesbury barge hanged himself on board his vessel, which was waiting at Stone bench for the tide to bring her up the river from Bristol.  it is said the man had fallen into bad company at Bristol, and had there spent some money which his friends at Tewkesbury had given him to lay out in goods for them; and this affected him with such remorse, that he determined to rid himself of his trouble at the expence of his life.  

 

 

 

1766

 

Mar 3.  A few days ago died in our castle WILLIAM SUTTON, who was committed for the murder of his wife.

 

Mar 17.  Mysterious death at Chalford of RICHARD PARSONS, playing cards on a Sunday.

 

Apr 28.  On Tuesday last Mr JAMES EVANS, of the Golden Hart in this city, fell down dead as he was digging in his garden.

 

Jul 21.  Thursday last JOHN HARVEY and EDWARD PEIRCE were brought to our castle, charged with the wilful murder of ELIZABETH HARVEY, at Horsley, in this county.

 

Aug 4.  Assizes: JOHN HARVEY and EDWARD PEIRCE  for the murder of ELIZABETH HARVEY; MARGARET HOWELL for the murder of her bastard child.

    Fight in city between Blacksmith and Journeyman Currier, and Blacksmith taken to Northgate.

 

Aug 11.  Assizes: ... and six acquitted, among which were HARVEY  and PEARCE for the murder of HARVEY’s wife.

 

Nov 17.  On Friday last NATHANIEL CLOSE was brought to our Castle, charged upon the Coroner’s inquest with the wilful  murder of SARAH VINES, of Minchinhampton, in this county.

 

Dec 22.  On Friday came on the trial of NATHANIEL CLOSE for the murder of SARAH VINES, near Hampton, in this county.  He was convicted upon the strongest presumptive evidence of committing the horrid fact; a murder attended with the most barbarous, the most unmanly instance of brutality that was ever heard of in any age or nation.  He is to suffer this day.

 

Dec 29.  On Monday last NATHANIEL CLOSE  was executed pursuant to his sentence, for the murder of ANN VINES.  He persevered to the last in obstinately denying the fact.  Before he left the prison he seemed much shocked at the approach of death, and with great fervour exclaimed, The Lord have mercy on my unhappy soul1  He said, that if he had no other crimes to answer for than that for which he died, he should not have regarded his untimely end.  His body was delivered to the Surgeons for dissection.

 

 

 

1767

 

Jan 26.  Letter from Coroner to Editor.  It may not be improper, etc. .......

MR RAIKES,

 It having been represented to me by a clergyman of the neighbourhood of Moreton Valence, that a boy [JOSEPH BROWN] , about 12 years of age, was famished to death, I proceeded according to my rules of office, and had the body taken up this day, and held an inquest upon it; and the jury agreed, that the boy, actually died for want of every necessary of life.  The boy’s sister, who was a material evidence, declared upon oath, that her brother was starved, and that he had many times eaten coals and ashes from the hearth for want of other food.  Upon which I opened the body, and found the abdominal viscera perfectly sound; and upon opening the stomach, found a considerable quantity of coals and ashes, as described by his sister.  His head was covered with lice, which in many places had penetrated even to the skull.  His body was so extremely emaciated, that to me it was one of the most dismal spectacles I ever beheld, scarcely skin sufficient to cover the bones.  So that, through the neglect of the parish officer, this poor boy must have actually died of hunger, and many poor people, there is too much reason to believe, are dying of the same disease.  I am, SIR,

                 Your very humble Servant,

Jan 23.                                                Geo. Nayler, Coroner.

 

Feb 2.  Last week died in our Castle, WALTER GRIFFITHS, who was committed for horse stealing.

 

Feb 9.  The following tragic affair has been transmitted to us by Mr Nayler, one of the Coroners of this county.

MR RAIKES,

 On Monday I was sent for to Mr TOMBS’s, of Coates, near Cirencester, to hold an inquest on the bodies of two of his daughters, one of the age of 24, the other of eight years, who, on the day before, were, together with a maid servant of the age of 22, poisoned by taking, for a cutaneous eruption, a dose of arsenick, which was sold to Mrs TOMBS for Cream of Tartar, by an Ignorant quack of that neighbourhood, some months ago.

  They were, soon after taking it, seized with all the dire symptoms which usually attend the internal use of that cursed drug, such as violent vomiting, excessive heat in the throat, and intolerable oain in the stomach and abdominal region; and after enduring inexpressible torture for nearly eight hours, they all three miserably expired.

  It is impossible to describe the grief of Mr and Mrs TOMBS for this affecting and almost unparalleled event, particularly that of Mrs TOMBS.   But even in this extremity of distress, the divine goodness seems to have thrown a circumstance of consolation.  Their other daughter was to have taken the same medicine, but she desired to postpone it ‘till the next day that she might go to church; and thus she escaped the fate of her sisters.

   Now, the tragical catastrophe of these three young people should serve as a caution to all people not to purchase drugs of ignorant stockheads, who, in many instances, don’t know how to distinguish one drug from another.  I am, Sir, etc.   Stroud, Feb 7.

 

Feb 23.  On Saturday evening Farmer BALDWIN of Sandhurst, returning home from market, missed the road over Longford ham which was overflowed, and fell into the river, and both he and his horse were drowned.  His neighbours endeavoured  to dissuade him from going that way, but he would not hearken to their advice.  His father was drowned some few years ago in the same place. [See Jan 30 1748]

 

Mar 9.  On Wednesday died in our Castle, WILLIAM SMITH, committed for breaking and entering the dwelling house of WILLIAM TROTMAN of Bream, in this county.

   On Thursday last died suddenly, RICHARD WARREN, Esq. of Redcliffe,  near Bristol, one of the Captains of our Militia.  He was waiting for the boat at Rownham Ferry to carry him over to the Hotwells, and dropped down dead as he stood on the bank.  This gentleman is a general loss to society, for few men were a greater ornament to it.

 

Jun 1.  On Friday last ROBERT JONES was committed to our Castle, on a violent suspicion of perpetrating a most horrid murder on the body of Mr STEPHEN MATTHEWS, a very wealthy farmer, of Hinchwick, near Stow on the Wold, in this county.  It appears that Mr MATTHEWS was returning home from Evesham market, where he had received about 200 l. and in passing through his own grounds the villain knocked him off his horse, as he was attempting to open a gate, which the murderer had made difficult, by placing a large stone against it.  The body was not discovered till the next morning.  The head was terribly bruised, and the skull fractured as supposed with a plow pudder, and the throat seemed to have been stuck thro’ with a knife.  As soon as it was noised in the county, suspicion immediately fell on the prisoner, who had paid off some ale scores and boasted that he did not want for money.  And on Wednesday, he was pursued and taken by Mr WILKS, of Chipping Norton, and Mr JOSEPH KNIGHT, of Stow.  Mr MATTHEWS’s watch and a considerable sum of money were found upon him.  Since his commitment, he affects unconcern, and asserts his innocence.  He says he can prove that the watch was his own, and that he bought it at Broadway.  But it was remarkable that Mr MATTHEWS had received but two days before a new seal from Worcester, which was found to the watch at the time it was taken from thee prisoner.

 

Jun 22.  On Friday evening, as Mr CALLOW NEW, a very considerable farmer at Charlton Abbotts, was returning home from the Visitation at Cheltenham, he was thrown from his horse in going down Prestbury street, and was killed on the spot.  He has left a family of twelve children to mourn his loss.

 

Aug 3.  ROBERT JONES listed for trial at Assizes.

 

Aug 10.  On Wednesday morning came on the trial of ROBERT JONES, for the barbarous murder of Mr STEPHEN MATTHEWS, of Hinchwick, when he was found guilty upon the clearest evidence.  After he received sentence, he confessed the fact, and related very circumstantially the manner in which he committed it.  He said that he formed the design of murdering and robbing Mr MATTHEWS, on Monday the 21st, and in going to the place by which Mr MATTHEWS was to pass, he picked up the plow paddle that he murdered him with; that he lay down in the grass, and was almost asleep when Mr MATTHEWS came by; that he let him pass, and then followed him at a distance; and observing Mr MATTHEWS  to alight to ease nature, he waited till he was putting his foot in his stirrup to remount his horse, in that instant he ran up and gave him such a violent blow as brought him to the ground, which he repeated two or three times, and afterwards robbed him of 17 guineas and a half.  From the time of his commitment to his condemnation he has behaved so audaciously, that it was judged necessary to handcuff and chain him to the floor; but after sentence was passed his behaviour was very penitential, and at his death he expressed the greatest contrition for the crimes of his past life.  He had been supposed by some of the murder of Mr WYNNIAT, but protested in the most solemn manner his innocence, and desired it might be published to the world.

He was executed on Friday, and the next day his body was conveyed to the Spot where the murder was committed, and there hung in chains.

 

Sep 7.  On Tuesday last  a taylor  of Charlton King’s sent his son [RICHARD RUSSELL], a young man about 19, into a wood near that place to cut some furze; but the young man not returning  home, his friends were alarmed, and made enquiry after him in the neighbourhood.  No one could give any account of him; upon which they made a strict search the next day through the wood, and at last found him hanging upon a lofty branch of a tree with his legs tied.  The hatchet and the rope which he had taken to cut and bind the furze, were found at some distance.

 

Sep 14.  Murder of wife by MARKS of Bristol.    

 

 

 

1768

 

Jan 18.  On Thursday an elderly man fell into one of the pits that are so injudiciously dug by the roadside near the New Barn, and perished.

   Two boys were frozen to death at Cowley, and several others have been lost.

 

Feb 1.  On Thursday, one of the most horrid instances of barbarity was perpetrated at Wotton Underedge, in this county, that ever was heard of, by one SAMUEL WALLINGTON, a shearman, who, about 10 o’clock in the morning left his work and went home, and killed his father.  He first knocked the poor man down with a hammer, and afterwards cut his head almost off.  It seems he had frequently for some time past threatened to kill him for opposing his inclinations to marry.  The villain afterwards went and told what he had done, to some of his neighbours, and he was immediately apprehended and committed to our castle.

 

Feb 8.  On Wednesday morning, Owner SMITH, of Tewkesbury, was unfortunately killed, by the falling of a mast upon his vessel, coming up the Severn near Framilode.

 

Feb 15.  The Owner who was killed on board his vessel, as mentioned in our last, was Owner E------- of Tewkesbury, not Owner SMITH.

 

Mar 7.  Assizes:  WILLIAM MARKS for the murder of his wife; SAMUEL WALLINGTON for the murder of his father.

 

Mar 14.  WILLIAM MARKS, committed for the murder of his wife, was convicted only of manslaughter, and burnt in the hand and ordered to be imprisoned for six months. 

   SAMUEL WALLINGTON, for the murder of his father, was acquitted, as insane.

 

May 2.  On Wednesday last, HESTER PEYTON, of Rodborough, was found guilty by the Coroner’s Inquest of the murder of her bastard child; it appeared by the evidence taken by Mr Nayler, Coroner, that as soon as the child was born she dislocated its neck, and then wrapt it in a d[ay] shift and put it under the rug of the bed, - went to a neighbour’s house and complained - her landlady had used her ill in suspecting her to be with child; but the fact was soon discovered and the woman is now in custody till she is fit to be committed to gaol.

 

May 9.  On Wednesday last, Mr LAURENCE MILLS was elected one of the Coroners for this county, in the room of Mr BAUGH.

 

Jun 6.  Commitments:  JOHN JAMES, for killing THOMAS TILLADAMS, in a fray at Winterbourne.

 

Jul 18.  For trial: HESTER PEYTON.

 

Jul 25.  HESTER PEYTON  was acquitted of the murder of her child, as it appeared she had made known her condition to her mother, and had prepared the linen for the child.

 

Oct 24.  A few days ago a lad [THOMAS KITCHEN]  about eight years old, who had been sent to borrow a gun at Lower Slaughter, and was carrying it down the village, not knowing it was loaded, unfortunately snapt it at some children, when the piece went off, and killed the daughter of Mr JOHN COLLET, of that place.

 

Oct 31.  Commitments: THOMAS KITCHEN, (the lad mentioned in our last) for killing BETTY COLLETT.

 

On Wednesday evening the 2d of this instant, between five and six o’clock, a lad about seventeen, an apprentice to Mr HENRY LAWRENCE, in Temple street Bristol, was sent to speak with the Captain of the Chepstow boat, then lying in Bristol Back, and going across the plank from one vessel to the other, his foot missed the plank, and he fell between the vessels, and was drowned.  His body is not yet found, and there being a great fresh in the river he is supposed to be carried into Kingroad, if any of the watermen upon the river Severn, or in the Bristol Channel, should find him, and will give notice to his master, or to his unhappy father Mr LOCKIER, Postmaster at Wotton underedge, they shall be rewarded for their trouble.

 

Dec 26.  On Saturday morning an unfortunate accident happened to farmer RUCK’s brother, who was coming down to this market with corn.  As he was walking by the side of the mill house in a place called the Fair Mile, between this and Horseferry Bridge, he fell down across the rut, and both the waggon wheels went over him, and killed him on the spot.  

 

 

 

1769

 

Jan 30.  On Tuesday night last, in a violent storm of wind, a trow from Bristol, belonging to Owner HUMPHRIS of this city, was cast away in the river Severn near Gatcomb, and one man was drowned.

 

Mar 20.  HENRY RUSS, died in Gaol.

 

Apr 10.  At the Sessions here last week, a person was fined 5 l. for disobeying the warrant of Mr Nayler, one of the Coroners of this county, in not appearing to be sworn as one of the Jury in an inquest before the coroner.

 

Jul 31.  On 19th inst. Inquest at Tewkesbury on a Male unknown aged about 50 taken from the river.

 

Nov 13.  On Thursday died at his father’s at Stonehouse, in this County, Mr AMBROSE RUDHALL, eldest son of Mr RUDHALL, an eminent Clothier.  This young gentleman, riding home in a dark night, unhappily fell, with his horse, into a quarry, and received --------------------------------

occasioned his death.

 

Nov 27.  Fire at Berkeley; housekeeper burnt.

 

 

 

1770

 

Jan 15.  We have an account from several parts of this county, that the severe cold wind on Wednesday evening, the 10th inst. had nearly killed many people who were exposed to it upon the road.  The miller of Ablington, near Bibury, on his return home from Northleach market, lost his life.  He was found dead the next day upon his knees, with his face to the ground as if blowing in his hands.  Others returning from the same place had great difficulty to reach their own houses.

 

Mar 19.  GOREY WEBB, the black, that attempted to murder Mrs DIXON, at Stapleton, died in the gaol on Monday last.

 

Mar 26.  Account of accident at Little Rissington to RICHARD LANE, Carpenter; well collapsed.

 

Sep 3.  For trial: ELIZABETH RUDDER  for the murder of her bastard child.

 

Nov 26.  3 men dead at Minsterworth - recheck.

               On Monday night as SAMUEL OVERTHROW was returning with the letters for Ledbury, his boat being carried by the current against the Westgate bridge was sunk, and the man was drowned.  He has left a wife and six or seven children quite destitute.

 

 

 

1771

 

Jun 10.  Last week MARY BATT was committed to the castle by Geo. Nayler, Gent. Coroner, for the murder of her bastard child.

 

Jun 24.  Last week were committed to our castle, .... by Geo. Nayler, Gent. Coroner, JANE PEPWORTH, for the murder of her female child.

 

Jul 15.  Assizes: JANE PEPWORTH and MARY BATT.

             On Thursday a man employed in making potash in this city, fell into a pit of hot lye; he was immediately taken out, but died before he could be carried to the Infirmary.

 

Jul 22.  Long account of assault/murder of MARY JONES daughter of WILLIAM JONES, Esq. of Nass, and a Miss GOUGH [Jul 29 - recovering] of Monmouth, by a WILLIAM MORGAN, sawyer, of Lydney.

 

Sep 9.  On Saturday the Coroner’s inquisition sat on the body of a woman, who was wife to one RODWAY, a carrier, at Upton St Leonards near this city, who was found dead on Friday morning.  It appeared, that the woman and her husband had supped the preceding evening at a neighbour’s house, where they got so fuddled they could not go home.  The people went to bed, and left them in the kitchen.  In the morning RODWAY went upstairs and told them his wife was dead.  The Coroner was sent for, and a jury sat on the body, who acquitted the husband.  But some circumstances have since appeared, which afford good grounds for suspecting him of the murder, and the Justice has committed him for further examination.

 

Sep 16.  The relatives of RODWAY’s wife, mentioned in our last, being dissatisfied with the Coroner’s inquest,  a ------ inspection of the body by dissection and further examination, was made at their request, and several striking circumstances appeared to justify the suspicion of the woman’s having been murdered by strangling; upon which Sir WILLIAM STRACHAN, who has been at great pains to detect the villainy, took the depositions anew, and committed RODWAY to the castle to be tried at the next Assizes.

 

Nov 18.  On Tuesday last died suddenly, at her house in St Mary’s Square, in this city, Mrs CLUTTERBUCK, relict of the late GILES CLUTTERBUCK, Esq. of Millend, in this county.

   On Thursday last ELIZABETH TWIGG, widow, was brought to our castle, for the murder of her child, which was found in a horse pond in the parish of Almondsbury.

 

Dec 2.  Long obituary and circumstances of death of Mrs CLUTTERBUCK, who was buried at Eastington.

 

 

 

1772

 

Jan 20.  A few days ago the daughter of Mr FRYER of Wheatenhurst, fell into the fire in a fit, and was so terribly burnt that she died soon afterwards.

 

Jan 27.  Last week three persons died suddenly in this city, one of whom (Mr THOMSON, an Exciseman) has left a widow and five small children in great distress.

 

Feb 19.   On Thursday se’nnight died in a most shocking state of madness, the wife of Mr JOHN SCOT, of Sheepscombe, near Bisley, who was bit by a mad dog upwards of three months ago.   She was bit in her hand, and a few days before she died, she was taken with a pain in one finger, which ran up her arm, and spread through her whole frame. It is astonishing, etc.

 

Mar 16.  Condemned: ELIZABETH TWIGG for the murder of her child.

               Acquitted: JOHN RODWAY for the murder of his wife.

 

Mar 23.  On Monday last WILLIAM MORGAN and ELIZABETH TWIGG were executed here pursuant to their sentence ............  ELIZABETH TWIGG declared at the tree that she was innocent of the fact for which she suffered, but it is to be feared she left this world with a falshood, as she one time said it was a sailor, another time a soldier, that took the child from her.  She acknowledged that her life had been such a scene of abandoned prostitution and wickedness, that her fate was not unmerited.

   Obituary of NEAST HAVARD, Tewkesbury Coroner.

 

Mar 27.  On Thursday last Mr LITTLE, of Aston Ingham, in Herefordshire, a farmer of considerable fortune, whilst he was over-looking some workmen repairing a barn had the misfortune to be crushed to death by the fall of a beam.  The poor have a great loss in the death of this worthy man, for he was ever their sturdy friend.

 

May 11.  We can assure the public, that our castle gaol is now quite free from the small-pox, notwithstanding reports to the contrary.

 

May 18.  On Tuesday last were committed ... RICHARD DAW, of Ashleworth, a substantial farmer, upwards of seventy years of age, and RICHARD ROOK his servant, for the murder of a male bastard child [of HANNAH MANNS], of which DAW was the father.

   The same day a poor woman of Nailsworth, picking up chips near a tree, which some men were hewing down, had laid the child at the but of the tree; the woman, seeing the tree falling ran to catch up her child, but before she could get clear of it the tree fell and killed her.  She had the presence of mind to throw the child from her, by which means it escaped unhurt.

 

Jun 1.  Yesterday se’nnight, between one and two o’clock in the afternoon, JOSEPH DYER, a gardener and nurseryman, of Campden, in this county, was found murdered about half a mile from that place.  There was a shocking fracture on the back part of his head, and his cheek from the corner of his mouth to his ear was laid open by a violent blow of a stake.  It was about two o’clock when the body was found, and was then quite warm.  A girl had taken notice, that one WILLIAM KEELY, a labourer of Campden, passed by her just before the murder was discovered, with some blood upon his breeches.  This giving suspicion he was immediately apprehended.  At first he denied the fact, but afterwards acknowledged that he and one TRACY  committed it; but his father and mother begging him to declare the truth; he recanted what he had said concerning TRACY, and swore that he alone was guilty of the murder; that he had waylaid the deceased, who had been to receive some money that morning; and that as he was getting over a stile, he came behind him, and with a stake knocked him down at two blows, that he afterwards robbed him, and then ran home.  As the constable was bringing him to our castle, the villain charged one JAMES WARNER with being his accomplice, and WARNER is now brought to gaol; but it is generally imagined that KEELY’s information is false.  [He] seemed to express some concern yesterday th[at he had] brought the poor man into so much trouble.

 

Jun 8.  By a letter received from Campden last week, we find there is too much reason to believe, that WARNER was an accomplice with KELLY in the murder of RICHARD DYER.  It seems that KELLY  is a famous Morrice-dancer; and on Sunday morning before the fact was committed, he was teaching a set of fellows to dance.  WARNER, used to play on the tabor and pipes to the dancers.  It is to be hoped the Justices will suppress such nurseries of idleness and drunkenness as Morrice-dancings have generally proved.

 

Jun 29.  On Saturday the 21st inst. during the thunderstorm, one man and a boy were crushed to pieces as they were digging stone, with three others, in a quarry on Brockthrop hill, by a large quantity of stone and rubbish falling upon them from the top.  The rest, being providentially at work at a little distance, received no hurt.  This is the second accident of the kind which has happened in the same quarry, within these few years; and it is hoped, will be a caution to quarrymen leaving the tops of their quarries in the precarious state they so generally do.

   On Monday last RICHARD SMART, a bricklayer’s labourer, had the misfortune to fall from the top of a ladder, in this city, and was killed on the spot.  He has left a distressed widow, with two small children.

 

Jul 31.  Assizes:  WILLIAM KELLY for the murder of RICHARD DYER; RICHARD DAW, for being an accessary to the murder of a male bastard child, which he had by HANNAH MANNS.           

Acquitted, JAMES WARNER.  Reprieved, RICHARD ROOKE, a servant to RICHARD DAW, who hid the child under a hayrick, where it perished.

   Long account of the execution of WILLIAM KELLY, aged 22, with a wife and children.

 

Sep 7.  Executions awaited: RICHARD DAW.

            A few days ago two boys washing in a brook near Stroud, one of them stood on the stump of a tree, and turning about he saw the head of a woman rise to the top of the water.  Frightened out of their wits the boys ran home, and told what had happened; upon which the people went to the place, and found the body of a woman with a child tied to her, which seemed as if they had lain in the water several days.  Upon examination it proved to be the body of a woman who was called POL JENKINS, and the child was a bastard she had lately had.  One HOUSE, a carpenter, who kept company with the woman, has been taken up on suspicion of murdering her, as some people deposed, that they heard the cries of a woman a few nights before the discovery of the body; but we suppose there is not evidence sufficient to fix it on this man, as he is not yet brought to our castle.

 

Sep 14.  Execeution and speech by RICHARD DAW.

      On Sunday the 30th of August last a young man aged about 21 was drowned in the Severn, near Awre.  Mr WILLIAM JOHNSON, of Elberton, near Thornbury, will give a guinea and reasonable charges to any person who takes up the body and will bring it to his friends at Elberton.  He was naked when drowned.

 

Nov 2.  BENJAMIN SHEPPARD, committed lately for stealing cloth, is dead.

 

 

 

1773

 

Jan 18.  On Saturday last SARAH MILLS [also SARAH HILL] was brought to our castle, charged on the Coroner’s Inquest with the wilful murder of a male infant in the parish of Hartpury.

 

Mar 8.  Berkeley, Mar 6.  On Sunday last one JOHN FRYER , a fisherman of this parish, going to fish upon an adjacent shoal in the river Severn, after taking a fish he had been in pursuit of, the sands he stood on a sudden sunk under him, whereby he instantly perished, leaving three poor children to lament his loss.  It is to be hoped the accident which happened to this unfortunate man will deter fishermen from such a notorious abuse of the Sabbath, many others having of late made a most shameful practice of folowing the business of fishing on Sundays.  It is also to be wished, that the constables and churchwardens of this and other neighbouring parishes would properly exert their authority, in order to put an effectual stop to so abominable a practice.

 

May 24.  Sudden floods; servant of Mr TURBERVILLE  drowned at Tewkesbury.

 

Jun 21.  Last week a woman of Sandhurst was drowned in the Severn, and at Minsterworth a man and a child about seven years old were drowned.  The child fell out of a boat, and the man, in endeavouring to save it, was lost.  The bodies of each were taken up soon after, but no means were tried for their recovery.  It is therefore recommended to every person who lives near the river to preserve our Miscellany of this week, in which the means of recovering people that are drowned is plainly set forth.

 

Aug 2.  On Monday last died JOHN MOORE, of Wickwar, Gent. one of his Majesty’s Coroners for this county.

 

Sep 13.  On Friday an elderly decent looking woman dropt down dead in the Southgate street in this city. 

 

 

 

1774

 

Apr 11.  On Wednesday last an inquisition was taken by Mr Lawrence Mills, Coroner, on view of the body of a female infant, which was laid naked under some straw at the bottom of a hayrick in the parish of Maisemore, near this city.  The jury were satisfied the infant had been put there alive, it having some straw clenched in its hand.  All parish officers, especially those adjoining in the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, are desired to make diligent enquiry if any stranger is come into their parish, who has had a child within the last three months, and no such child with her, the infant being about that age.  It is suspected it was a woman who left the infant, and that she afterwards went towards Ledbury.

 

Apr 18.  Refers to a murder at Huntley previously.

 

Apr 25.   On Wednesday last an inquisition was taken by George Nayler, Gent. Coroner, on view of the bodt of THOMAS CARTWRIGHT, a convict under sentence of transportation for stealing hay, who hanged himself in our castle.  The Jurors on their enquiry found him a Felo de se.  In his pockets were found a written paper acknowledging that his ruin was in consequence of keeping company with lewd women; this he recommended to be published as a caution to others.

 

May 2.  Skeleton child in Vicarage Hall, Staunton, buried in churchyard.

 

Jun 13.  On Thursday morning farmer [JOHN] WILLIAMS, of Goodrich, in Herefordshire, was thrown from his horse at Eastington, on the Bath road, and killed on the spot. 

 

 

 

1775

 

Jan 23.  Last week four young men of Awre, in this county, in a most shocking bravado, who could drink the greatest quantity of brandy, drank to such excess that one of them, whose name was HOPKINS, fell down dead on the spot, another is since dead, and the two others are not expected to recover.

 

Feb 6.  We hear from Newnham, that the tide on Wednesday morning was so high that it ran over the sea walls, and laid the low country on the Arlingham side all under water.  The weather was so very tempestuous that only one vessel upon the Severn dared to quit her moorings, a small sloop from Gatcombe to Frampton, laden with coals, and she was lost, with two men and a boy.  The poor men have left widows, one with five, the other with six children. --  Since receiving the above account we hear that another Gatcombe sloop was lost, and that she belonged to the owner of that before mentioned, one BARRETT, who, we are informed, by his double misfortune, is reduced to great distress.

 

May 1.  On Thursday last an inquest was taken before James Rudge, Gent. one of his Majesty’s Coroners for this county, on the body of the Rev. Mr. THOMAS NEWNHAM, who, on the 17th of March last, fell  into Pen Park Hole.  The jury brought in their verdict Accidental Death.  It must be great consolation to the deceased gentleman’s friends and relations that he is found, as it entirely contradicts the many false, ridiculous, and scandalous reports raised and propagated by the foolish, ignorant, and designing.  On Tuesday some gentlemen of Bristol went to Pen Park Hole to decide a wager, and a person going down discovered the body floating on the water.  It appears that Mr NEWNHAM had received a violent contusion of the back part of his head, and also broke one of his arms.

 

Jun 26.   At Greatten, near Winchcombe, a few days ago, as a child [ANN ROBERTS?] about two and a half years old was playing in the road, two waggons passing along, whilst their drivers staid behind drinking, went over the child, and the wheels severed its head from its body.  It might prevent many accidents if the penalty inflicted by Parliament on those drivers that ride upon, or leave their waggons whilst in the road, was constantly inflicted.

 

Sep 4.  Cirencester, Aug 30.  Last night about four o’clock died, raving mad, WILLIAM MOSS, servant to DANIEL WEBB of Talton, in this county.  About the 18th of June last. he with several others in the parish were bitten by a mad dog, and all went to the salt water; nevertheless, last Sunday, MOSS discovered evident signs of the hydrophobia, and continued getting worse to the time of his death.

 

Oct 9.  n Wednesday morning last, MARY PARTRIDGE, a poor old woman of Maisemore, near 80 years of age, was found dead under a hayrick by the limekiln near the Westgate bridge.  Her cloaths were very much cut and torn; and from the situation in which the body was found, it was suspected that some villains had been offering violence to her, which was the cause of her death.  The rumour of a murder getting abroad, suspicion quickly fell on three labourers of this city, who were known sometimes to be out from their lodgings, and sleep at the Limekiln; and it appeared that they were all out very late that night; on which they were apprehended, and one of them, who is deaf and dumb, was brought before the Inquest; this fellow seemed greatly agitated, and by signs and motions made to some persons who had been long used to him, he discovered that they all three went to the kiln together, where they met the poor woman, when they laid hold of her, and took her up into a hayloft just by; and after forcing the woman against her consent, one of them dragged her by the legs down the steps from the loft, and left her where she was afterwards found dead.  The fellows are all committed to our Northgate Gaol.

 

Oct 16.  On Wednesday last five women were drowned near Beachley, in this county, in the cabin of the Bristol boat, which was overset in the passage to Chepstow.  The boat, cargo, and the people upon deck were saved.

   Thursday an inquest was taken by Mr Nayler, on the body of a labouring man in the parish of Westonbirt, who was found dead about five o’clock in the morning on the turnpike road between Tetbury and Didmarton, supposed to have been robbed, as the right side pocket of his breeches was turned inside outwards.  He was seen on Wednesday to offer himself at Tetbury mop for service, and likewise at several public houses with money in his pocket.  On view of the body his throat was found cut from ear to ear, and under the left ear was a most shocking wound which divided the bones of the neck, as also a large piece of skin under the left jaw cut off which was found by him.   No evidence appearing to prove the fact, the jury returned their verdict, Wilful Murder by a person or persons unknown.

  On Saturday a man, a native of Painswick, was apprehended upon the hue and cry in Bristol, and committed to the bridewell there, on suspicion of the above murder.  He denied the murder; but, as he was seen on Wednesday evening in company with the deceased at a public house near the place where the murder was committed, and there saw the poor man change a guinea, and when apprehended his cloaths and pockets were very bloody, and he had several shillings about him (besides buying himself a frock and stockings) although he declared at the public house he had but two pence; these circumstances make very strongly against him.  The man murdered had a wife and four children.

 

Oct 23.  On Friday last THOMAS HARMER was committed to our castle, for the murder of JOHN HAYWARD, at Westonbirt, as mentioned in our last.

 

Nov 27.  On Thursday last Mr Steel, Coroner, sat on the body of a young man, the only son of Mr COOK, of the Morewood, in this county, who was unfortunately drowned in the river Wye, by falling from one of the barges.

    Extract of a letter from Withington, Nov 20:  This morning a young woman of our parish (being to all appearances in perfect health, and busy at work) was so disturbed by a little trifling accident, that she peevishly cried out, I wish I was dead.   The words had no sooner escaped her lips than her wish had its full effect; and her passing bell is now tolling.  May this event furnish some useful inferences.

  

 

 

 

1776

 

Jan 1.  On Thursday the 21st instant, one WILLIAM GODWIN, of Broughton, on Oxfordshire, having been out upon a shooting party, called at the house of the widow LUCKETT, the Royal Oak, in Leachlade, in this county, somewhat intoxicated; being known to ANN ILES, a servant in the house, she asked him how he did, and added, What have you got a gun?  He replied, Yes I have, and will shoot you.   A little girl who was present, on seeing him level his piece, pulled the maid by the sleeve, saying, Have a care, Nanny, for he’ll shoot you; No, he won’t,( replied the servant) be it only upon his fun.  She had scarce uttered these words, when the piece went off, and blew out her brains.  The jury brought in their verdict, Manslaughter, and he was by the Coroner’s warrant committed to our Castle.

 

Apr 8.  Assizes.  Sentence of death:  THOMAS HARMER, for the murder of JOSIAH HAYWARD.

             On Wednesday THOMAS HARMER was executed according to his sentence.  He expressed great penitence for the crime he had committed, admonished the spectators to beware of frequenting ale houses, and giving up their time to dissolute company, which brought him to such an untimely end.

 

Sep 30.  On Friday was committed to our gaol, by Geo. Nayler, Gent. one of the Coroners for this county, JOSEPH ARMSTRONG, on suspicion of having poisoned the lady of Capt. A’COURT, with whom he lived a servant, and who was then at Cheltenham.  This lady had been ill ten days, but no suspicion was suggested ‘till the morning after her decease, when information was given by an apothecary of that place, that the servant had bought some arsenic at his shop the day preceding her first attack of illness, and again in the course of the following week.  On receiving this intelligence, the man, who had that morning got leave of his master to set out for London, in consequence of a letter he had received from his friends there, was pursued to Frogmill by Col. BRADFORD, the lady’s father, and after some time was apprehended in a neighbouring wood, whither he had fled on seeing the Colonel drive up to the house in a chaise and four.  Upon being interrogated for what purpose he bought the poison, he prevaricated very much, and since his confinement has been in several different stories.  Upon an examination by several gentlemen of the faculty, it is said the lady’s bowels were found mortified.

 

Dec 30.  Sloop lost near Shotts; woman passenger.

 

 

 

1777

 

Mar 17.  At our Assizes JOSEPH ARMSTRONG was tried before Mr Baron Perryns, for the offence of petty-treason, in poisoning his master’s lady Mrs A’COURT.  The prioner was hired into the family of Captain A’COURT, and shortly after attended his master and mistress to Cheltenham, in this county.  The unfortunate lady had often expressed her dislike at the prisoner’s conduct, and had frequently intimated to her husband a wish that he might be discharged from their service.  This conduct of the lady, ARMSTRONG was determined to be revenged of, and by infusing small quantities of arsenic into the mistress’s beer and tea, she contracted a disorder which carried her off in about ten days.  After a trial which lasted eight hours, the evidence was summed up in a very masterly manner by the Judge to the jury, who found him guilty, to the satisfaction of a very crowded court.  He is to suffer this day.

 

On Monday morning, about seven o’clock, JOSEPH ARMSTRONG, who was that morning to have been executed for the murder of his mistress, desired the keepers to give him leave to have two or three minutes to himself to devote to prayer; this request seemed so reasonable, that after securing his garters, and even the string with which his chains were supported, they left him and stood on the outside of the door, but no sooner had the door shut than he took a little strap, which it is imagined his mother hid in the straw, and tying this round his neck, he fastened it to a nail in the wall, and then by a sudden jerk dislocated his neck, and died before the people could open the door.  Though he had positively denied that he had been guilty of the crime for which he suffered on Sunday evening, yet just before he destroyed himself, he said to one of his keepers, it did not signify denying his guilt any more.  And he acknowledged to one of the prisoners that he had been guilty of other villainies worthy of death before this for which he was condemned. 

   His body was afterwards hanged in chains near Cheltenham.  [See also Jun 2].

 

May 5.  Cirencester, May 3.  Last Sunday night, as SAMUEL WORTHINGTON, M.D. of this town, was returning home from Tetbury, he was thrown from his horse, and killed on the spot.

 

Jul 21.  Assizes.  MARGARET LUDLAM, who killed her own child [JOAN], appeared to be insane.

 

Jul 25.  On Thursday last the passage boat was lost as she was crossing from Beachley to Aust; four boatmen and one other person, with 18 head of oxen and some horses, were drowned. 

 

 

 

1778

 

Jan 5.  On Thursday evening a fidler [JOSEPH GREEN], very much intoxicated with liquor, fell down in the road near Littledean, and was found the next morning frozen to death.

 

Mar 16.  Assizes.  At our Assizes ELIZABETH GRIMMETT, of Treddington, convicted of the murder of her bastard child, was condemned to be hanged this day.

 

Mar 23.  On Monday last ELIZABETH GRIMMETT was executed here for the murder of her bastard child.  This unhappy wretch was in great agonies at the approach of death, and wept most bitterly as the cart drew away.

 

May 4.  On Saturday farmer BRUTON, of Upleadon, in this county, returning from this market, was thrown from his horse and killed.

 

Aug 17.  On Monday last an inquest was taken at Clifton, in this county, by Mr James Rudge, one of the coroners, on the body of THOMAS BONNER TOWNSHEND, who was on Sunday night found drowned at Clifton.  Upon examining  the body there appeared several cuts on his head, and on his wrists, which he seemed to have received in guarding his throat, on which appeared several scarifications.   Three woman were taken into custody on suspicion, but no evidence appearing against them, the jury brought in their verdict wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.

 

Aug 24.  3 for Manslaughter: JELFS, YOUNG  and SCUDMORE??

 

Oct 5.  RICHARD CLUTTERBUCK  of Eastington fell down suddenly in church.

 

Oct 19.  Long account of a Press Gang incident at Blakeney on 16th; one killed.

 

 

 

1779

 

Mar 8.  Assizes; for trial: a woman for the murder of her bastard child.

 

Mar 22.  On Monday last Mr THOMAS BLUNT, Surgeon, of Mitchel-Dean, was unanimously elected one of the Coroners of this county, in the room of Mr STEEL, of Coleford, deceased.

 

Jun 21.  On Monday evening last a very melancholy accident happened at Twinning, near Tewkesbury, in this county.  GEORGE MAXWELL, Esq. having been requested by some of his children to shoot some small birds for a hawk which they had in the garden, was loading his gun in his courtyard, and as he was ramming down the shot, by some accident the piece went off, and lodged the whole charge in his face, and killed him on the spot.  The distress of his family is not to be described.

 

Aug 16.  At our Assizes last week CATHARINE JENKINS was convicted of the murder of her neice, a little child, which was left to her care by her brother, who is gone to sea.  She was executed on Thursday, and appeared very penitent.

 

Aug 23.  On Monday last an inquisition was taken before Neast Havard, Gent. his Majesty’s Coroner of the borough of Tewkesbury, on the body of Mr THOMAS PRITCHARD, who was accidentally drowned as he was bathing in Severn, within the jurisdiction of that borough.

 

Sep 27.  On Tuesday last an inquisition  was taken at Coleford., before Thomas Blunt, Gent. one of his Majesty’s Coroners for this county, on view of the body of MARY ROSSER, who was killed by the kick of a horse.  The jury brought in their verdict,  accidental death.

   And on Wednesday last an inquisition was taken before the same Coroner, at Brims Pill, on view of the body of JOHN WILLIAMS, who was unfortunately drowned in attempting to cross the river Severn.  The jury brought in their verdict accidental death.

 

Nov 22.  Brsitol, Nov 20.  Tuesday evening, a melancholy accident befell Mrs Oakley, an elderly gentlewoman, at the bottom of Montague street, St James’s.  She is supposed to have fallen asleep, whilst setting very near the fire, which caught her clothes, and she was so terribly burnt before anyone came to her assistance,  that it was out of the power of the several medical gentlemen called in, to relieve her.  She languished till Thursday afternoon, when she expired.

 

 

 

1780

 

Jan 10.  A few days ago Mrs COOKE, the landlady of the Plough Inn, in Wotton Underedge, in this county, being gone to the cellar to draw some beer for a boy who was sent for it by a relation, the boy unfortunately took up a charged gun, which happened to be at that time in the kitchen, and, just as she returned, it accidentally went off, and lodged the whole contents in her breast, on which she instantly expired.

 

Jan 17.  A few days ago was committed to our castle gaol, ANNE, wife of CHARLES JENKINS, of Blakeney, in this county, against whom a bill of indictment was found, at last Lent Assizes, for the murder of JOHN YOUNG, who with several others forced a way into her dwelling house in the night, in order to impress her husband (see this Journal of October 26, 1778).   Criminal as this woman may appear at present in the eye of the law, there is great reason to hope, that when the fatal act shall be fully investigated, it will be found to have proceeded not from malice aforethought, but from a sudden irresistible impulse of conjugal affection.  We therefore scruple not to recommend her to the compassionate regard of our readers.  She is now big with child, and was committed with an infant in her arms, whom she supports in prison.  It ought not to be omitted, that the wretchedness of a gaol, at this severe season, is aggravated by her having offered to surrender herself for trial, at the last assizes, when she could not be arraigned, on account of her not having observed the forms necessary on such occasions.  Any donations will be received and applied to the woman’s use by the Rev. B NEWTON.

 

May 15.  The Birtsmorton Murders.

 

Jul 3.  On Saturday the 24th of June last, inquests were taken by James Rudge, Gentleman, Coroner, on views of the bodies of SARAH BRIGHT and MARTHA HULBERT, who were both murdered by one JOHN ABBOTT, a carpenter, of Hanham, near Bristol, who had lately been confined as disordered in mind.   The preceding day, ABBOTT came home to his house about ten o’clock in the forenoon, and his wife being ill, he went upstairs and sat down by her on the bed; during that time, a woman who looked after his wife came into the room, he immediately went to her, and with his fist struck her down on the floor, she got up and ran down stairs, and he pursued her: his wife, fearing the consequences, arose, and endeavoured to escape, but he met her, and having a hatchet in his hand, he held it over her head, and asked for money.  She thereupon delivered to him all the money in her pocket; he then struck her several violent blows on the head with the hatchet, and then locked the door.  Sometime afterwards, the deceased, SARAH BRIGHT, (not knowing what had happened) called at the house with raddishes to sell, upon which he opened the door, and immediately with a hatchet beat out her brains.  He then went out, and going up a lane near his house, he unfortunately met with the deceased, MARTHA HULBERT, and her sister, two little children, coming from school, and immediately, with the hatchet, knocked them both down;  but a woman in an adjoining field hearing the cries of the children, ran towards them, and asked ABBOTT if he was going to kill the children, he answered he was, and would kill all he met; upon which an alarm was made, and he was with great difficulty taken, and is now secured in our gaol.  MARTHA HULBERT died immediately, his wife is since dead, and it is feared the other child cannot recover.