Thursday 3rd October 2024  

Fatal and Melancholy Accident 1851

Derby Mercury - 10th December 1851

On Wednesday last, an inquest was held at the Royal Oak Inn, Loughborough, before Mr Gregory, coroner, on view of the body of Mr Chas. Richards, a brickmaker, at that place. From the evidence, it appeared that between five and six o'clock the preceding evening, deceased and his brother-in-law (Mr Thomas Walpole, builder), were returning home on horseback from Quorndon, a village about three miles from Loughborough, and when near the machine house, a short distance from Quorndon, the mare deceased was riding took fright at the light from the machine house window, and began to rear and prance in a most restive manner; but eventually broke into a canter, and passed Mr Walpole, who had been riding a little in advance.

After riding on about a quarter of a mile, the mare slipped and fell; and when Mr Walpole came up he found deceased lying under the animal, which was struggling to get up again. Before Mr W. could render any assistance, the mare got up and galloped off towards Loughborough leaving deceased bleeding on the ground. A cart was speedily procured from Mr Langham's at the Needless Inn, in which deceased was conveyed home, where Mr J H Eddowes, jun., surgeon, who had been apprised of the occurrence, was awaiting his arrival. Medical aid, however, was of no avail, for deceased expired after reaching his residence. Deceased appeared to have fallen on his head, and to have been dragged ten or twelve yards by the mare in her endeavours to get up again. A verdict of "Accidental death" was recorded.

Deceased, who was a very steady person, was about twenty nine years of age, and had been married more than twelve months. The melancholy and unexpected calamity has thrown his widow and relatives into a state of most poignant distress.

Submitted on: 2009-10-29 Submitted by: Kathryn Paterson Artefact ID: 549 Artefact URL: www.quornmuseum.com/display.php?id=549 Print: View artefact in printer-friendly page