Coroners Inquests

Saturday last, an inquest was holden by S. Castle, Esq. on the body of Isabella ANDERESON, aged 56, Spring Garden Lane Sunderland. She was found by a little girl who slept near her, (her husband being from home) suspended from an iron rod at the head of her bed, which was so much bent by her weight that she appeared to be resting on her knees. She had long been in an infirm state of health ; and, from an apprehension of increased bodily pain, with a dread of poverty, though in very comfortable circumstances, he mind had for some time been in a desponding, state, which terminated thus fatally about five o`clock the preceding morning. Verdict – lunacy.

Newcastle Courant April 6 1805 On the 28^th ult, an inquest was held on the body of a boy, who was unfortunately suffocated by going to sleep on board a vessel at Southwick, which had been smoked the preceding day for the purpose of killing rats.

Newcastle Courant 27^th April 1805. The coroner of Chester ward, Durham, having information that one Joseph HUNTER, a waggon driver, about 19 years of age, who had been interred on the 19^th inst, in Tanfield church yard, had come to his death by violent means, caused the body to be taken up on Tuesday last, and held an inquest over the same. It appeared clearly in evidence, and on inspection of the body by a surgeon, that John SMITH, another waggon driver, had feloniously caused the death of the said Joseph HUNTER. The said John SMITH was therefore committed by the coroner to Durham gaol, for trial at the assizes.

On the 19^th inst, an inquest was held on the body of John HUTCHINSON, servant to a gentleman of Dockwray-square, North-Shields, before William Fenwick Pearson, Esq. coroner, when the jury found that the deceased had frequently, of late, betrayed symptoms of a deranged mind, and had shot himself in his master`s stable, on the night of the 16^th, with a musquet loaded with small shot. The wound not proving immediately mortal, he had endeavoured to cut his throat ; but still lived several hours, until the gun-shot wound produced death. Verdict Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant June 15^th 1805 On Thursday se`nnight, the 6<sup>th</sup> inst, an inquest was taken before William Joyner, gent, his majesty`s coroner for the county of Gloucester, at the three Crowns inn, in the parish of St. George, near Bristol, on the bodies of Mr James THOMPSON, a foreman in the yard at Pile Marsh Works, aged forty ; Elizabeth his wife aged forty one ; and William their son, aged seven years, - who were all three unfortunately drowned in a large brick pit, the preceding Tuesday evening. It appeared in evidence, that the son was playing with a hoop, near the brink of the pit, and in endeavouring to stop it from rolling into the water, he himself fell in. The mother, seeing the accident, immediately ran to his assistance, and over-reaching herself to lay hold of his cloaths, she also got out of her depths. The father, hearing their cries, next ran to the spot, and seeing the dreadful situation of his wife and child – in the very act of sinking, he in a state of distraction, plunged into the water (about 11 feet deep), in the hope of rescuing them ; but missing his aim, they all perished together! When the bodies were found, about an hour after the accident, the mother had her son closely clasped in her arms. Every means were, of course used for their recovery, but without effect. Mr Thompson was a native of Sunderland, and had made arrangements to return home with his family the following week. Thy have left three children, (the eldest only six year of age) to lament their loss.

Newcastle Courant June 22 1805 On Saturday last, an inquest was held on the body of Wm DOTCHIN, of Low Friar-street, in this town, bricklayer, who was found hanging over a door in his own house. Verdict Lunacy.

THOMPSON On Tuesday morning last, Henry THOMPSON, tailor, an industrious young man, was bathing in the sear near the Maudlin fields, Berwick, he unfortunately got out of his depth and was drowned. His body was soon afterwards found but too late for recovery. Coroners verdict – accidental death. He has left an aged father, who was wholly dependent on him for support, to lament his loss.

Newcastle Courant July 27 1805 On Saturday morning last, as Joseph JAMESON, of the Close in this town, smith, was coming out of an empty caldron, which he had been mending, in the soap manufactory in the same street, he unfortunately placed his ladder on the side next to another caldron, containing boiling liquor, into which he stumbled, and was instantly scalded to death. Coroners verdict – accidental death.

Saturday last, an inquest was holden by S. Castle, Esq. on the body of Isabella ANDERESON, aged 56, Spring Garden Lane Sunderland. She was found by a little girl who slept near her, (her husband being from home) suspended from an iron rod at the head of her bed, which was so much bent by her weight that she appeared to be resting on her knees. She had long been in an infirm state of health ; and, from an apprehension of increased bodily pain, with a dread of poverty, though in very comfortable circumstances, he mind had for some time been in a desponding, state, which terminated thus fatally about five o`clock the preceding morning. Verdict – lunacy.

Newcastle Courant Aug 3 1805 On Tuesday an inquest was held at Morpeth, on the body of Mr Isaac WHITWORTH, of Alnwick. He went to bed at the Granby inn, at Morpeth, about 10 o`clock on Monday night ; and it appeared had got ups some time in the night, and opened a window which leads to the top of a balcony 3 stories high, whence he fell into the street and was found in his shirt, apparently dead, by a carrier. The house was alarmed, and a surgeon sent for ; but though the unfortunate man lived three hours, he never spoke . – Verdict – accidental death. He has left a widow and two children, the youngest only 3 days old.

Newcastle Courant September 7 1805 Yesterday se`nnight, as Mr Robert HODSON, the second son of Mr Hodson, of Downhall, near Wigton, Cumberland, was riding carelessly on a spirited horse on the Wigton road, meeting a drove of cattle, the horse made a sudden start, and pitched the unfortunate young man over his head. He was taken insensible, and languished a few hours. Coroners verdict – accidental death.

Newcastle Courant September 7 1805 On Tuesday last, Thomas GIBSON, of Rethwaite, in the parish of Westward, near Wigton, Cumberland, went out with an intention to collect some cattle that had strayed on Westwrd common, but not returning so soon as was expected, search was made, when he soon after was found dead. No marks of violence appearing upon the body, the coroner returned a verdict – died by the visitation of God. He was about 75 years of age, and in apparent good health when he left the house.

Bishops Transcript Gateshead St Marys. Thomas Carr aged 13 buried 26 September 1814, killed in Coal pit, buried after Coroners Inquest of Gateshead Fell

Newcastle Courant Sep 14 1805 On Saturday last, Wm BRAGG, master of the Active of Workington, a dogger, now lying at Sandsfield near Carlisle, set out with his mate to forward a raft to Workington, which they had with considerable exertions the day before got down as far as the Lake foot ; inadvertently going within the tide mark, they were surrounded with water before they were award. John Ray, the mate, with diffictlty swam to the shore ; the master not being able to swim, was shortly after found drowned. Coroners verdict – accidental death. He has left a pregnant widow and 8 children, at Workington to deplore his loss.

On Sunday last, at Kirkoswald, Cumberland, Mary THOMPSON, a child about 8 years of age, the daughter of a carpenter in that place, in attempting to climb over an unhinged gate, got her neck fixed in the paling on the top, and with struggling to liberate herself, the gate fell upon her, and strangled her on the spot. Coroner`s verdict – accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Sep 28 1805 On Thursday last, a most melancholy accident happened about half a mile from Berwick, on the road leading to Dunse. As a child about two years old, the grandchild of Mr James CRAWFORD, gardener, near Berwick, was playing alone, near the road side, a loaden cart unfortunately went over the infant, and crushed it to death. The driver we understand was riding in the cart, and asleep. He was taken into custody ; but the coroner`s inquest returned a verdict of – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Oct 5 1805 On Wednesday last, an old woman named Mary MURRAY, who had on the Friday preceding been committed for further examination, by the magistrates of this town, on the charge of stealing a silk cloak, after being brought down to the Guildhall, expired almost instantly. A coroner`s inquest was held, and returned, a verdict – died by the visitation of God.

Newcastle Courant Oct 26 1805 Monday last, an inquest was holden on the body of a Dutch sailor, belonging to a vessel under Prussian colour, now lying in Sunderland harbour. He had been on shore the preceding evening with some of his shipmates, and in returning aboard early in the morning in a state of extreme intoxication, fell into the ship`s hold and was suffocated. Verdict – accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Nov 9 1805 Last week, at Berwick, William BEST, a private in the Royal Veteran battalion belonging to that garrison, aged 46. He had been missing for some days, and was at length found hanging behind some laths in the timber yard belonging to Messrs Forster, where he was occasionally employed. Coroners verdict – lunacy

Newcastle Courant Dec 21 1805 On Sunday last, the body of Matthew JOHNSON, who was unfortunately drowned by the upsetting of a boat whilst crossing the river Tyne at Shields, on the 8^th inst, as mentioned in our last, was washed ashore on the beach near Monkwearmouth. An inquest was held on the body and a verdict of accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Dec 21 1805 On the 4^th inst, a sailor`s wife named Margaret WELCH was found near Milburn-Place, North Shields, shockingly bruised, and apparently dying. She lived till the morning of the 7^th, and then expired, having declared that she had been treated thus by a sailor boy. An inquest was held on the body, which returned a verdict of wilful murder. A youth named Murray has been apprehended on suspicion

Newcastle Courant Jan 4 1806 On Saturday last an inquest was taken at Carthorne, near Barnsley, Yorkshire, on the body of Martha MELLOR, 17 years of age, who was on the Thursday preceding shot by Samuel Ibbotson, a boy of 12 years of age. – verdict, manslaughter. He has since being committed to York Castle. The boy having gone into the house where the girl was, took up a gun, but was desired “to lay it down immediately, as if he pulled it, it would go off”, a little while after he took it up again, and seeing this girl in another room, he said he would shoot her, which shocking to relate, he immediately did.

Newcastle Courant Jan 11 1806 Saturday se`nnight, an inquest was held on the body of Jos. WHITE, of Alston, aged 25 years. He was subject to fits, and had walked out upon the Middle Fell, near Alston, and was found lying on his face in a small runner? Verdict. – accidentally drowned.

Newcastle Courant Jan 18 1806 In the night of Saturday last, an affray took place in the High-Bridge, in this town, by which Andrew KIDD, a watchman, lost his life. A disorderly woman was taken into custody, at the top the Flesh-market, by another watchman. Her cries brought the deceased and Thomas Murphy, a corporal of the 4^th dragoon guards, then on duty in the High-Bridge, to the spot. The soldier with characteristic gallantry, wished the lady to be liberated. Kidd insisted on sending her to the house of correction, and struck at Murphy with his staff, which blow the latter returned with his fist, when Kidd fell backwards, and was taken up lifeless, though he had not external bruise to occasion his death. He was a very old man, and it appeared had an internal disorder, which with a sudden passion, was not unlikely to cause his death. On Monday an inquest was held on the body, and a verdict of manslaughter returned against Murphy, who was committed for trial.

Newcastle Courant Feb 1 1806 On Tuesday last, an inquest was held on the body of Joseph TWENTYMAN, manufacturer, of Fisher-street, Carlisle. He had been missing since the 16^th of January, although the most diligent search and enquiries had been made by his friends. Some fishermen, near Grindsdale, found him entangled in their net. It is supposed he had gone on the evening of the 16^th, to take a walk by the side of the river Eden, and it being very stormy, he had slipped in. Verdict – accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Feb 22 1806 On the 19^th inst, an inquest was held on the body of Henry RUTTER, of Bishopwearmouth, labourer, who was found dead in a pond at Jarrow. He had been for some time past in a deranged stat, and it is supposed he had wandered so far from home, that he had missed his way, and accidentally fallen into the pone. Verdict. – accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Mar 3 1806 On Thursday morning last, William STEPHENSON, of Gallowgate, near this town, labourer and cow-keeper, hung himself up in his own byer. He was discovered in this situation by a little girl, who instantly gave the alarm, and immediate assistance was procured, but unfortunately too late. So determined had he been in effecting this catastrophe, that he had severely mangled his throat with a razor (it is supposed) while suspended by the cord. It appeared he had been troubled with melancholy a long time, and had frequently hinted to his wife what would befall hi, when the first day of May came ; and in particular, he sent for some of his relations on Wednesday evening, to communicate to them his intention, and to take a final farewell : but they still not thinking him in earnest, did not consider it necessary to keep watch over him. A coroner`s jury was held on the body : verdict – lunacy. He has left a widow and two children.

Newcastle Courant Mar 15 1806 On Sunday last, George YATES, of New Lambton, pitman, was taken up on a charge of horse-stealing : on Tuesday morning he made his escape from custody at Chester-le-street, and took into the river Wear, in which he was drowned. His body was found the same day, and was brought to the work-house at Chester. On Thursday a coroner`s inquest sat on the body: verdict – accidental death. He has left a widow and four small children.

Newcastle Courant Mar 22 1806 Yesterday se`nnight, and inquest was held at Stanwix, near Carlisle, on the body of Thomas HARPER, a poor old man of Cromartie, in Scotland, who was travelling southwards with intent of going to his brother in London. Through the infirmity of age (being 73) and weariness of so long a journey, he stopped at Stanwix where and in the vicinity he continued several days; but daily becoming more feeble, he applied to the overseer for relief, who did not treat him with that humanity his condition deserved, but threatened to send him to jail if he did not leave the place. He went to Carlisle for one night, but became much worse, and yet made his way again to Stanwix ; and being almost ready to perish with cold, he was admitted into a blacksmith`s shop, and permitted to sit by the fire, the warmth of which, together with a dish of tea, revived him greatly ; and in the evening he was conducted by two women to a little adjoining alehouse, where he was provided with a temporary bed. Here he continued, and any nourishment he could take was administered ; but he grew worse, and though generally some person attended him, yet about 4 o`clock on Friday afternoon he died, when nobody was by him. The coroner`s jury, after a minute enquiry into the circumstances, were unanimously of opinion he died his natural death ; verdict – Died by the visitation of God.

MOSS Yesterday se`nnight, a woman named MOSS, hung herself in her own house, at the Westgate, near this town. Coroner`s verdict. – lunacy.

Newcastle Courant June 21 1806 On the 11^th instant, two boys fishing in the burn, near Belford, discovered the body of Rachel NORRINGTON, an old woman of that place, lying drowned. She had been deranged for some time previously to committing the rash act. The coroners inquest found a verdict of lunacy.

Newcastle Courant Aug 30 1806 On Wednesday se`nnight, aged 26, Mr John SISSON, of Pilsgate, near Stamford, farmer. The cause of this young man`s untimely death is scarcely less deplorably than the consequence. He was assisting his reapers on the Friday before, and urging them to cut as much corn that night as the light would permit, when some of them refused to work longer, and one of them by his insolence so incensed Mr Sisson as to induce him to strike hi, ; upon which the son of the man ( who was also employed in the field ) immediately struck Mr Sisson a violent blow on the side of the head with a wheat-hook, and altho` he had on a strong hat, the weapon penetrated the skull, and he died in consequence, leaving a widow (who is pregnant) and five small children, to bewail his loss. The offender (John Ward of Bainten) is committed to Peterborough gaol, a coroner`s inquest having sat on the body, and returned a verdict of wilful murder.

Newcastle Courant Sep 13 1806 On Wednesday morning Captain Robert SIMPSON, of North Shields, was found dead near Motley`s quay, at that place. He had left a public-house in the neighbourhood, late the evening before, and it being very dark, it is supposed he had walked over the said quay, which at low water is about 8 feet in height. Coroner`s verdict – accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Sep 27 1806 An inquisition was taken at Sheffield on Saturday se`nnight, on the body of William WATSON, late of Upper Hallam, which had been buried in the parish church-yard on the Tuesday preceding, but was taken up for the inspection of the jury ; before whom it appeared in evidence that the deceased, who was bout 50 years of age, had received a blow from his father, who was upwards of four score, more than two months before his death. The skull, on examination, appeared to have been fractured ; and it was the opinion of the jury that he died in consequence of it. The father was accordingly committed to York Castle. The son had been attempting to repair a churn, but happening to split part of it, the father in a passion snatched the handle up and struck him with it.

Newcastle Courant October 18 1806 On Wednesday sennight, Tho WALES, a lad of 16 apprentice to Mr Cobb, bricklayer, in York, killed himself, in an experiment to try how long he could bear to be hung by the neck without suffocation. He was found suspended by a string, which was tied to a beam, wrapped once round his throat, and fastened to his thigh. The stool on which he appeared to have stood had unluckily slipped, and left him suspended without the power of untying himself. It appeared before the inquest, that the above apprentice and another boy had been trying experiments of the same sort on each other about three weeks before, till one of them was nearly suffocated ; and the practice has not been confined to them.

Newcastle Courant October 25 1806 On Monday an inquest was held on the body of Mary HAWKER, wife of the keeper of Greencroft Lodge, Durham, who hung herself in a fit of insanity, in a plantation near that place. Verdict- Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant Dec 6 1806 Early on Wednesday morning last, Mrs COWEN, wife of Mr John Cowen, innkeeper, Berwick, unhappily threw herself over Berwick bridge, and was found drowned in the Tweed near the shipping. She had for several years past been in a desponding state of mind. Verdict – Lunacy.

On Sunday last, at Stockton, a young man named JACKSON, was found suspended in a garret in his father`s house. Verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant Dec 20 1806 Monday sennight, an inquest was held at Berwick, on the body of an infant child belonging to Mr John BOGUE, shoemaker. I appeared that the servant girl by mistake put up a folding bed in which the child was, not knowing of its being there, by which means it was suffocated. Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant January 3 1807 Friday se`nnight, at Berwick, Elizabeth HUGHES, widow, it appeared that she was addicted to liquor, and being intoxicated, fell into the fire, and was so dreadfully burnt at to cause her death the next day. Coroner`s verdict. – accidental death.

Newcastle Courant January 10 1807 On the 31^st ult, and inquest was held at South Shields, on the body of George DODDS, a boy of 12 years old, who was shot by a sailor named John Welburn, on the Sunday preceding. The boy, with others, was leaning over a wall to see a wedding party, when Welburn charged a gun with wadding, and fired it so near, that it struck the deceased on the forehead and caused his death in half an hour. Verdict – Manslaughter. Welburn was committed by the coroner to Durham gaol for trial. The magistrates have resolved to apprehend all those who fire guns in the streets at South Shields, whether mischief be done or not.

Newcastle Courant April 4 1807 On Monday last an inquest was held on the body of Mr Wm MURRELL, lately a dealer in flour on the Quay, in this town, who in a moment of despondency, on the proceeding Saturday evening had swallowed a quantity of rat poison ; Verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant April 25 1817 On Wednesday last, the body of Jane ROSS, a girl about 14, servant to a family in Pilgrim-street, in this town, and who had been missing upwards of a month, was found in the Tyne, near the Ouseburn. She left her master’s house late in the evening without any cause, and was no more heard of till the body was found. The coroner`s inquest brought in a verdict of lunacy.

Newcastle Courant May 30 1807 On Thursday se`nnight, as a cart belonging to Thomas Wade, Esq. was on the road from this town to Swalwell, with the driver and two women in it, the leading horse, attracted by the sight of a pond which opens on the view immediately on passing a wall, made suddenly towards the water, by which means the cart was overturned down the bank, and one of the women, named Margaret BENSON, belonging to Crawcrook, was crushed to death. Coroner`s verdict. – accidental death. On the inquest it did not appear that the driver was in the least to blame ; but the accident was rather attributed to the want of a rail before the pond, which has now been ordered to be put up.

Newcastle Courant June 27 1807 On Sunday morning inst, Robert MOOR, a corporal in the Inniskilling dragoons, shot himself through the heart, at the Rose and Crown, in the Bigg-market, in this town. He arrived from Rothbury only on the Friday preceding, and appeard melancholy from the time of his arrival. Coroner`s Verdict Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant July 25 1807 Yesterday se`nnight, Dorothy YOUNG, of Maud`s Lane, Sunderland, hanged herself behind her own door. Her husband who is a sailor, had arrived in the river that evening, and having left his house at eleven to assist in mooring the ship, on his return about an hour after, found his wife suspended on a nail. They had always apparently lived very happily together ; and it is feared that a mistaken religion melancholy caused this rash act. Verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Couratn Sep 26 1807 Thursday se`nnight, John MILLBURNE, of Richmond, weaver, cut his throat. It appeared that he had been in a deranged state, by his attempting to drown himself three times the week before. Coroners verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Couratn Sep 26 1807 On Tuesday last, Mr Thomas Standish SMITH, of Berwick, unhappily put a period to his existence by cutting his throat in the most shocking manner. He had for some time past been in a desponding state of mind, and for a few days before this unfortunate event had betrayed evidence marks of insanity. The coroners inquest brought in their verdict – lunacy. It is remarkable but lamentable circumstances that although he has left behind him property to the amount of nearly ten thousand pounds, yet he appears to have been in a great measure driven to this desperate act from the dread of his being dragged to gaol for debt, which had no existence but in his disordered imagination.

Newcastle Courant October 10 1807

On Wednesday se`nnight, an inquest was held at Kirkland, Kendal, on the body of Sarah JAMESON, aged 26, wife of Thomas Jameson, weaver, and daughter of Mr Emerson Cain, of Alston Moor. Verdict – manslaughter. It appears that a domestic controversy was the cause of her untimely end, by the blows given by her husband! He is now in Appleby gaol.

Newcastle Courant October 24 1807 On Saturday last, a dealer in cheese belonging to Carlisle, named CARSON, after drinking rather freely with some companions, was put into his cart by them, in a state of intoxication. Soon after, when the cart arrived at Harlow Hill, he was discovered to be dead. The unfortunate man has left a widow and nine children to lament his fate. What is still more lamentable, his wife has not been able to go out of her house for the last eight years on account of lameness. Verdict, died by excessive drinking.

Newcastle Courant January 9 1819 John REED, about 70 year of age, was found dead on the side of a foot path leading from Longhoughton to Boomer, in Northumberland, on the 26^th ult. He was on his way home from Alnwick, and it appeared died from the coldness of the night, and the wetness of the place where he had lain down. Verdict – Found dead.

Newcastle Courant January 23 1819 On Saturday last, George Rochester, living at Easington, near Belford, was sent home by his uncle to bring him a gun, which another person was desirous to purchase. On his way back, Rochester fell in with some of his companions, who were amusing themselves as soldiers. When Rochester passed them they shouted out, “The Frenchman was running away” He immediately turned round, and levelling the piece, quite unconscious of its being loaded pulled the trigger, and shot dead a fine boy, named Edward GREY, about 10 years of age. His left hand was nearly shattered off, and some o the shot entered his left side and passed through his heart. An inquest was held on the body on Monday last, by T.A. Russell, Esq. and the jury, after long deliberation, brought in a verdict of Chance Medley. It appeared in evidence, that the uncle, a few days before, had been shooting sea fowl, and had very imprudently, taken home his gun without unloading it. The coroner severely reprimanded him for this unpardonable want of caution.

Newcastle Courant March 27 1819 On Monday night, Richard Piggott, of St Nicholas Church-yard, in this town, aged 34, an out pensioner of Kilmainham hospital, cut his throat. He was in liquor at the time, and subject to temporary fits of derangement. Coroners verdict – Cut his throat in a state of insanity.

Newcastle Courant April 3 1819 The 26^th ult, Elizabeth, wife of Mr James FOWLER, of North Shields, aged 75. She was killed by a coal waggon while crossing the waggon-way at Milburn Place. Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant April 3 1819 On the 26^th ult, an inquest was holden on the body of James DONKIN, a boy who belonged to the ship Lavant, and who had been missing about six weeks, and was found in the Tyne in a very putrid stat. Verdict – Found drowned.

Newcastle Courant April 3 1819 On the 27^th, an inquest was holden on the body of a man (dressed in sailor`s cloaths) who was that morning found floating in the Tyne, near Hebburn. He appeared to have been a considerable time in the water. In one of his pockets was found a knife with the letters “G.R.” cut on the haft. Small buckles at each side of his shoes. Same verdict.

Newcastle Courant May 1 1819 On the 15^th inst, at Morpeth, Mr Wm GRAHAMSLEY. He went to bed apparently in good health and was found a corpse in the morning. A Coroner`s inquest was holden on the body, and returned a verdict of – Died by the visitation of God.

Newcastle Courant May 8 1819 On Monday last, an inquest was holden at Chester-le-Street, on the body of Mary BROWN, widow of William Brown, tailor? Who was found dead in bed that morning. Verdict – Died by the visitation of God.

Newcastle Courant May 15 1819 SIMPSON On Wednesday last, an inquest was holden over the body of Robert SIMPSON, one of the miners of Harraton Outside Colliery, who was unfortunately killed by a fall down a stapple, of 8 fathoms depth, whilst escaping from a train of gun-powder, which he had fired in order to blast the coal. He was a married man, aged about 32. Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant May 15 1819 On the 12^th inst, Wm FOGIE, sawyer, at North Shields dock, aged 70, was killed by the handle of a crane striking him. Verdict accordingly.

Newcastle Courant May 15 1819 A boy named RICHARDSON, aged 12 years, was killed by a stone falling on him at Howden pit on the 10^th inst. Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant May 29 1819 Last week, George YOUNG, of Whitley, aged 8 years, was drowned in a quarry into which he fell while attempting to reach a bird`s nest. Coroner`s verdict – Accidental death. This is the fifth accident of the same kind at the same place.

Newcastle Courant June 12 1819 On Monday evening last, a very melancholy accident, from the careless handling of fire-arms, occurred at Fulwell, near Sunderland. Mr Gregson and Mr Masterson, of Monkwearmouth, with two of Mr Gregson`s sons, were in a garden at Fulwell, Mr Gregson having a double barrelled gun with him. One of the barrels had a few minutes before been fired off, and he was ignorant of the other being loaded. The boys were playing among the gooseberry bushes, and Mr Masterman jocularly threatened to shoot them if they did not behave. Mr Gregson gave Mr Masterman the gun, when, dreadful to relate, it went off, and shot one of Mr GREGSON`s sons, aged 8 years, dead upon the spot! An inquest was holden on Tuesday by John Stobart, Esq. coroner, and after a most attentive and patient investigation, the jury returned a verdict of Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant June 19 1819 On Sunday last, as two sons of Mr FORDYCE, of this town, wool-comber, were bathing in the Tyne, near Dent`s Hole, the elder got out of his depth, and the younger, about 17, lost his life in endeavouring to save him. Verdict Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant June 19 1819 On Friday last, the body of a young man named P. SHOTTON, aged 26, who had been missing from this town since the 30^th ult, (as advertised in our last) was found in the river Pont, near Ponteland. Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant June 19 1819 On Saturday last, an inquest was holden on Joseph SIMPSON, of Shields, who fell dead in his boat while dredging for coals in the Tyne. Verdict – Died by the visitation of God.

Newcastle Courant July 3 1819 On the 30^th ult, at Sunderland, Mr Alex YULE, ship-owner. He was found in the morning suspended from the bed pillars by his handkerchief. A coroner`s inquest was held on the body. Verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant July 3 1819 On Tuesday se`nnight, as James WADDELL, jun. a young man of excellent character, who was employed at Kilingworth Colliery, was ascending from the mine, and had got about half way between the meetings and the bottom, he fell from his hold without any known cause, and was killed on the spot. An inquest was holden on the body on the Thursday following. Verdict – Accidental Death.

Newcastle Courant August 14 1819 On Tuesday last, at Haughton-le-Skerne, near Darlington, Thos OLIVER hanged himself in his workshop. Verdict – Insanity.

Newcastle Courant August 28 1819 On Sunday morning last, the body of Wm. HAGGERSTONE, of Morpeth, currier, was found drowned, in the river, near Morpeth bridge. He had been with some company, on the Thursday night preceding, and it is supposed he had missed his way, on his return home. Coroner`s verdict – Found drowned.

Newcastle Courant August 28 On Tuesday se`nnight, the body of a woman of the town, generally known by the name of Yorkshire MARY, was found drowned in the Tyne, near to Blacklock`s Quay, North Shields. The deceased was seen near the quay late the evening preceding in a state of intoxication. Verdict – Found drowned.

Newcastle Courant September 4 1819 On Monday, Mr GAITSKELL, jun. a great hop-merchant – Southwark, put an end to his existence with a pistol. ---- been in a desponding way for some time, Verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant September 11 1819 On the 7^th inst, an inquest was holden before S. REED, Esq. coroner, at Edgewell House, near Prudhoe, on the body of Geo. CHARLETON, husbandsman, who hanged himself. Verdict – Felo de se ; and the body was ordered to be buried in the highway.

Newcastle Courant September 18 1819 On the 9^th inst, an inquest was held at Nettlesworth in the parish of Chester-le-Street, on the body of Ralph PYE, who put an end to his existence, by hanging himself, that morning. – Verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant Octer 16 1819 A young woman named Ann JACKSON, servant at No 32, Charing Cross, was found in the kitchen, on Friday, with a very blunt case knife stabbed deep into her abdomen, which caused her death in hospital. No person was found with her, and she first said that she had sat down upon the knife, and that it had run into her, and next that she was getting upon the table to clean the window, when it tumbled down with her, and she fell upon the knife. Both these accounts were from circumstances evidently untrue, and a bad fellow named Thomas Locke, having been courting her, from some random expressions she used to the nurse in the hospital, suspicion fell on him, and a verdict of wilful murder was delivered against him ; he has absconded.

Newcastle Couratn October 16 1819 An inquest was holden at Manchester on Thursday week on the body of a man named DALTON, It appears that person a white hated reformer, had a slight scuffle with a special constable on the night of the 8^th of September, in a public-house, for which the soldiers and constable were turning all the persons out. A fortnight afterwards he died. It was proved, by evidence, before the coroner`s jury, that Dalton, had gone regularly to work, after his scuffle with Fletcher ; but that on the ----? Of September, he was knocked down by the shafts of a cart, which broke one of his ribs, and that on the 22d of September, the day of his death, he was choked, while in the act of swallowing a large piece of boiled mutton, which was drawn out of his throat by surgeon just after his death, which occurred at a public-house. The jury, in consequence, returned a verdict, that “he died by suffocation, and not from any violence done to him by any person or persons whatsoever.” Dalton was followed to the grave by a large concourse of reformers male and female, and is recorded as a martyr to their cause.

Newcastle Courant October 23 1819 On Friday last, an inquest was holden before Stephen Reed, Es. And a very respectable jury, at the George Tavern. North Shields, on the body of Joseph LAXTON, who was unfortunately shot in riot at the Northumberland Quay on the preceding evening, as mentioned in our last. After a patient and laborious investigation of 5 days, a verdict was returned of Justifiable Homicide, upon the clearest evidence, and without hesitation. This unhappy affair, though in it`s origin apparently unconnected with politics, created a strong sensation in the minds of the populace at Shields ; and some attempts were made to convert it into an Oldham business ; but the dignified firmness of the Coroner repressed these efforts in the outset, and all attempts to break in upon the order of the court by protests or disturbances, were immediately put down. We regret to state, that before and during the investigation, threats were used to intimidate the jury, and influence them to bring in a verdict of wilful murder ; and it was necessary to protect the coroner, the jury, and the witnesses by a military guard ; and we are still more sorry to learn, that on the evening of Wednesday, after the verdict had been recorded, bullets were fired through the windows of the foreman of the jury ; and the windows of others of the jurors were broken, but happily without injury to any of their families. The inhabitants of the parish met yesterday, and offered a reward of 300gs. For a discovery of the offenders. – See Hue & Cry.

Newcastle Courant November 27 1819 Dreadful Suicide.—On Tuesday morning last, Mr Thomas WAKEFIELD, of Harlow Green, near Gateshead Fell, clock and watch maker, after transacting his business in the usual manner, retired to his parlour, and blew his brains out with a pistol! He died instantly. He was a man much respected, and has left a widow and several children. Some family disputes, which have some time preyed on his mind, and caused a lowness of spirits, are supposed to have hurried him to the commission of this fatal act. The coroner`s jury brought in a verdict of – Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant November 27 1819 On Monday morning last, Mr Robert TAYLOR, farmer, at Shilbottle Hill Head, was found dead, on the road side, between Shilbottle and his own house. A coroner`s inquest sat on the body. Verdict – Died from the inclemency of the weather.

Newcastle Courant December 11 1819 On Saturday last, an inquest was holden on the body of James HARLIN alias James CARR, who was convicted at the last October sessions of larceny, and sentenced to two months imprisonment, and died in the house of correction. Verdict – Natural death.

Newcastle Courant December 11 1819 A coroners inquest was holden in Durham, on Tuesday last, on the body of Mr H. LUZMOORE, (who, it is reported, belonged the neighbourhood of Shields.) He committed suicide at his lodgings in Silver-street, by cutting his left arm and bleeding to death. Verdict – Fela de se.

Newcastle Courant January 15 1820 On Friday last, an inquest was holden on the body of Mary Ann Debnam, the infant who was killed by the unfortunate explosion of gas in Forth-street, in this town, on the preceding evening, as mentioned in our last. The verdict was – “Died in consequence of a fracture of the skull, occasioned by an explosion of gas, which originated in the gross carelessness of the gas managers, having been previously applied to on the subject.” We are glad to state that the remainder of the sufferers by this unhappy accident are all likely to recover. One child had an arm and thigh broken, and a lady her arm fractured. Others were burnt and bruised, and the premises were half demolished. It appeared on examining the pipe, that there was some defect in the joint, and the gas being prevented by the strong coat of ice from rising to the surface of the street, had percolated through the ground horizontally until it found a vent upwards into the closet of Mr B. Slater`s house, where it had accumulated to the firing point, and when the daughter entered with a candle, it exploded. When the smell was first discovered in the house, the servants of the gas company were sent for, and attended ; but it being then dark, and no danger being apprehended from the small portion of gas in the room, it was unfortunately agreed by all parties, that the search after the cause should be deferred until the next morning.

Newcastle Courant January 22 1820 On Tuesday morning, the body of Mary CROW, a poor woman belonging Sandgate, was found in the Tyne, opposite the entrance to the Quay from the Sandhill She left her home the day before as usual, with some old cloaths, &c. to sell, and was last seen on the Quayside, on Monday, verdict – Found drowned.

Newcastle Courant February 12 1820 Wm BROWN, who was advertised in last week`s paper, as missing from Newton Mill, was found drowned in the river Wansbeck, near Morpeth, on Saturday last. His watch and money upon him. Coroner`s verdict – Found drowned.

Newcastle Courant February 12 1820 Lately, John INNES, of North Shields, sawyer, aged 50. He died suddenly while sitting in a boat. Coroner`s verdict. – Visitation of God.

Newcastle Courant February 26 1820 On the 11^th inst, an inquest was holden in the workhouse in Alnwick, on Mary DODDS, wife of John Dodds, clog-maker, who in a state of lunacy hanged herself. Verdict accordingly.

Newcastle Courant March 25 1820 Same day(22d inst), Mary MOOR, daughter of Mr John Moor,, of Sunderland, shoe-maker, aged 34. She was found hanging in her bed-room quite dead. Verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant March 25 1820 On Thursday last, an inquest was held at Spittal, near Berwick, on the body of John KYLE, of that place, who died on Sunday evening the 12^th instant, in consequence of a dreadful wound in his throat. It appeared in evidence that he came into his father`s house on Saturday afternoon, about three o`clock, in this wounded state ; and that the account he gave to his friends and to a medical gentleman who attended him was, that on that day, about ten o`clock in the forenoon, somewhere between Greenlaw and the Tweed – one of the witnesses understood him to say, four miles on this side Greenlaw – another, four miles from the river ; he was attacked by four men, two of whom he thought were Scotchmen and two Irishmen, who robbed him of a little money he had in his pocket ; after which he said, one of the men took an instrument out of the left side breast pocket of his coat an inflicted the wound which was the cause of his death. After lying some time in a stupefied state, he had so far recovered as to walk home to Spittal, holding a handkerchief to his neck. The doctor described the wound to be longitudinal extending from the upper part of the throat to the breast bone, laying open the wind-pipe ; and said that if appeared to have been done with a bluntish instrument. Verdict – Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.

Newcastle Courant April 8 1820 On Monday last, a coroner`s inquest was holden at Bedlington, on the body of Eleanor SIMPSON, widow, aged 93. She was found burnt to death near to the fire-place in her own room, on the morning of Good-Friday. Verdict – Accidental. This old woman received parochial weekly allowance. A question here naturally arises on the propriety of indulging aged paupers in their wish to live alone, and unattended, rather than go into the parish poor-house.

Newcastle Courant April 15 1820 30^th ult, Michael HUME, of Backworth colliery. He was killed by an explosion of foul air, ignited by the carelessness of a fellow workman. Coroner`s verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant April 15 1820 2d inst, Mr John HINDMARCH, of North Shields, mariner, aged 28. He was drowned by the sinking of a boat. Verdict as above.

Newcastle Courant April 15 1820 On Thursday se`nnight, the body of Mr Thos. MARKS, of Battersea was taken out of the Thames, with a fracture on the head, and a stab in the breast. He had been missing since the 21^st ult. His gold watch was found inside his drawers near his knee, and his pocket book in his coat pocket, but without 100l in notes, which he was known to have had. It is supposed that he had contrived to secrete his watch from the murderers, who had thrown the body into the river. Verdict – Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.

Newcastle Courant April 29 1820 An inquest was holden yesterday on Eleanor BONE, (Methuen`s yard) Gateshead, who unfortunately fell from a window while in the act of hanging out clothes to dry. Coroner`s verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant May 6 1820 A coroner`s inquest was holden yesterday morning on the body of Charles SMITH, who was killed the night before in Saddler-street, Durham, by the wheels of one of the stage waggons passing over his hear. The deceased, a chaise-driver, had been in a state of intoxication, had fallen under the wheel, and his head was crushed to pieced. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Not the slightest blame was attached to the driver of the waggon.

Newcastle Courant May 20 1820 On Monday last, an inquest was holden on the body of Robt. POTTS, a boatman, who was found drowned in the Tyne, having fallen into the river as he was unmooring his boat at Mr Brandling`s staith at Felling Shore. Verdict found drowned. An idle report had arisen that this poor man had been thrown into the water by some soldiers whom he had conveyed in his boat, but it was utterly groundless.

Newcastle Courant May 20 1820 Another inquest was holden on the body of Andrew THOMPSON, belonging to Swalwell, aged 34, who was found on Sunday in the river near the Burn bank. He was last seen on the evening of the 6^th of May, in a liquor shop on the Quay at Newcastle, intoxicated. Verdict – found drowned.

Newcastle Courant June 3 1820 Eleanor SWALWELL, a poor deaf old woman, was killed on Tuesday last, at Dunston, by a coal-waggon running over her. Verdict. – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant June 10 1820 On Saturday last, an inquest was holden on the body of – COLLIER, who was found in the river Wansbeck, at Morpeth – Friday. He was fishing, and it is supposed he had taken – and fallen in. Verdict – Found drowned.

Newcastle Courant June 10 1820 Thos. CATTIMOLD, a private in the 68^th foot, stationed at Durham, on the recruiting service, was drowned in the We--- Keepier Engine? On Monday last. The deceased had gone –ing with 5 others, and had taken a boat from the Engine. -- the boat they by some means lost the oars, which the stre--- away. Cattimold plunged in to recover them., and (not being a swimmer) waded after them until he got out of his depth in –hole. One of his companions named Harbottle perceiving the perilous situation, swam to his assistance ; but C. having s--- round the waist so as to endanger the safety of both. H.-----pelled to loosen himself to save his own life, and before any assistance could be rendered, Cattimold had sunk to rise –alive. The body was found shortly after quite dead. Coroner`s verdict – Accidental death. He has left a wife and child.

Newcastle Courant June 24 1820 Same day(11th inst), the ---- of the snow Harmony, of London, was found dead in his C---?, at Sunderland, with his throat cut. An inquest was holden on the body on the 12^th. Verdict – Lunacy.

Newcastle Courant July 1 1820 On Sunday evening last, James EDMONSON, a boy about 14, belonging the North Shore, fell from the mast of the ship Fair Hibernia, lying at the Mushroom Glass House-Quay, near Newcastle, and was drowned. Coroner`s verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant July 15 1820 Wednesday last, an inquest was holden before John Brown, Esq, coroner, on Cecilia WANLESS, of Gateshead, aged 7 years. Verdict – Accidentally drowned in the Tyne. She had gone to drown a cat, and by its struggles lost her balance and fell in.

Newcastle Courant July 15 1820 Yesterday another inquest was holden before the same coroner(John Brown Esq.), on the body of Mary SIBBETT, an elderly woman. On the night of the 12^th July, the deceased, in a state of intoxication, fell down a flight of stairs in the High Bridge, and was killed by suffocation or otherwise, Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant July 29 1820 On Friday night last, James ATKINSON, a servant of Col. Reed, was unfortunately killed by a fall from his horse on Gateshead Fell. The deceased was only 23 years of age, and much respected. Coroner`s verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant August 26 1820 On the 22^nd inst, at inquest was holden on the body of Ann ARMSTRONG, servant at the Fighting Cocks Inn, here, who died a few hours after taking a dose of flour of brimstone in milk, for spots on her face. Violent sickness and vomiting followed, but she got ease for a time, and no medical assistance was called until it was found she was dead. Verdict – Died in consequence of something she had taken, but what, the jury do not know. The body was afterwards opened, and no traces of poison whatever discovered, but many marks of previous disease, and the lungs gorged with blood, by the rupture of a blood vessel, supposed to be caused by the vomiting.

Newcastle Courant September 2 1820 On Sunday last, a coroner`s inquest was holden on the body of Ruth SABOURN of Sandgate, in this town, aged 27, who being intoxicated the preceding Friday evening, fell with her head against some steps near her dwelling, and died soon afterwards. Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant September 30 1820 On Monday last, a coroner`s inquest was holden on the body of James McKAY, of the Back-row, in this town, looking-glass manufacturer, who being in liquor the preceding Saturday evening, fell backward down the stairs leading to his apartment, and died shortly afterwards. Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant October 28 1820 On the 20^th, at Monkwearmouth, Thos. WELCH, a boy about 14, having quarrelled with his sister, in his passion threw a knife at her, which entering her side caused her death in a few hours. Verdict – Manslaughter.

Newcastle Courant November 25 1820 On Saturday afternoon last, a childe, 3 years old, belonging to Robert NESS, fell into a malt steep in Pandon, containing 18 inches of water, and was drowned. The coroner`s verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant December 2 1820 The 23d ult, Jane, daughter of Mr John FISH, aged 4 years and 9 months. This child lost her life by the snuff of a candle falling between her cloaths and her skin. Coroners verdict – Accidental death

Newcastle Courant December 30 1820 On the 21^st inst, a coroner`s jury sat on the body of ----- WAKE, of North Sunderland, who put a period to -------- by cutting his throat with a razor. Verdict—Insanity.

Newcastle Courant December 30 1820 A most fatal and melancholy event took place on the 25^th inst, at Wimpole, the seat of the Earl of Hardwicke. Lord Pullington, Mr Cocks, and Mr H. Lindsay, with his son, being in the woods shooting, the gun of Mr Lindsay`s son went off accidentally, by which unfortunate circumstance a young man of the name of ALBIN, acting as game-keeper, lost his life, the contents of the gun having entered his head. Coroner`s verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant June 30 1821

The inquest was held on the 18^th inst., at the house of John ANDERSON, sign of the Mason`s Arms, about 60 yards from Sunderland Bridge by Mr Ellerton, who acted as deputy for Mr Bowes, the coroner of Darlington ward, assisted by Mr Bowlby, the coroner for Easington ward, who readily lent his assistance in hearing that Mr Howes was prevented from Attending.

Henry Kipling, -- I am an extra guard of the mail, and reside in the High Bridge, Newcastle. There were two gentlemen on the roof of the coach. One of them, Mr Thomas Donaldson, was sitting on the off-side, and the other, Mr Samuel Whittaker, on the near side. By going too sharply round the corner of the bridge the coach got locked, which was the means of her going over. She took too much room in going round the turn. I am sure the coach did not run against the first ( the near) corner of the bridge, but took a full sweep. It was about 20 minutes before 3 on Saturday afternoon. The driver was perfectly sober. The horses did not appear at all restive, nor to run away. I have travelled the road 3 or 4 years. In making the turn the driver took more room than usually is taken, and went rather quicker than in general. I can assign no reason for his going quicker there. A man was on the near side of the leaders, and I judged that the driver and the man speak together on the road. The man did not appear to be in liquor. I think the man was before the leaders, as near as I can say. The man being close upon the turn, had the effect of making the leaders go near to the off side battlement, and go out of the line of the turn, further than the driver intended to go. The coach overtook the man on the road. The coachman did not quicken his pace after, but went at he pace he had previously gone ; but he went rather quicker round the turn than usual. I heard him strike his horses at the corner of the bridge to avoid coming in contact with the man. It is my opinion that the man`s being so near the leaders had the effect of startling them ; and the coachman would not have gone so near the off-side as he did, if it had not been to avoid coming in contact with the man. The coachman generally pulls up a little at the turn of the bridge ; but I cannot assign a reason for having gone quicker than usual at the turn this time. The horses were not in a gallop, but in a sharp trot. Thy had not galloped along the flat before they came to the bridge. When the coachman went rather quicker. I think it was to get the turn of the bridge before the horseman., who did not appear to make a race, although he kept a-breast with the coach after he joined it. I was upon my own seat, and did not hear the coachman and the horseman have any conversation. We were not, at the time, going more than 7 or 8 miles an hour, to the best of my judgement. The driver was not attempting to race against the horseman. When we got to the corner of the bridge, by the driver taking the corner too quickly, the coach took the lock and went over instantly and fell to the off-side and grazed the battlement in going down, and the two gentlemen were thrown over the battlement. I mean that the coachman was obliged to take the turn as he did to avoid coming in contact with the horseman, who was clear of the leaders. It would have been more prudent in the driver, to have drawn up, and taken more time, at the turn. I thought the man was clear of the leaders ; he went first when we turned the corner, and I thought he had got clear out of the way. As soon as the coach got round the corner she went over in an instant. The coachman could not draw up when taking the turn, when the man was before him, for he had got his horses on too far to extricate himself. He did not come up to take the turn from the horseman. If the coachman had taken the usual turn he must have come upon the horseman and endangered him, and he went further round than usual to avoid doing so. If he had taken the usual turn he would, without doubt, have driven the horseman over the battlement. He could not draw his horses up, because the leaders had run close against the off-side wall, and he was obliged to strike them to extricate himself. The horses were not frightened by the horseman there. They were driven to the off-side to avoid the horseman, and I think it was most prudent to do so. It was improper in the horseman to be in the situation he was at the turn, but there was not duty incumbent upon me, as guard, to call to him to get out of the way. The man had plenty of time to get out of the way without coming in contact with the coach. I have no idea in what situation he was when the coach went over., for I was then taking the bag, which contained the Sunderland Bridge letter, from the box, to deliver at that place. When the coachman came to the corner of the bridge he ran up his horses as if he expected the horseman would take the turn with him ; but he took the turn too quick which was the cause of locking the wheel. We were only going upon the bridge, when the coach locked. We had only the usual outside passengers. The shock of the coach going over threw the two gentlemen over the battlement. The off-side of the coach in falling caught the top of the battlement, and fell flat on the road. I caught myself, in falling, by my knee on the wall of the bridge, and was 3 or 4 minutes before I came to my senses. The horsed did not run away. A gentleman who was inside, leapt out and held their heads. Some of the reins were broken. The driver fell on the bridge. I saw no person on the bridge except the horseman. By my expression of the coachman taking the turn too quick, I did not mean that he came round the sweep at too great speed.

John Anderson, of the public house, said I was standing min my garden when the mail came up. It is near the bridge,. When I first saw them, the horses appeared as if they were coming at --- speed, and the driver was whipping them very severely. They appeared as if in a gallop. They were opposite my house when I first saw them. I had my head down and heard the crack of the whip, and when I looked up they were galloping past ------- Salvin`s man was galloping as if they were racing to take --- I am sure the driver was whipping the horses, and working the reins with his hands to urge them forward, and not endeavouring to pull them up. I frequently see the mail come along, and at this time they were going quite differently from their usual manner. Mr Salvin`s man was opposite the leading horses just at the turn. When taking the turn, the mail horses generally trot., in this case they were galloping and the driver whipping. The horses were not restive. The driver whipped them to urge them forward. I saw him after the accident happened, but I did not speak to him. I never saw him drive so before. He was driving furiously. He did not appear to be in liquor. I saw the accident take place. I do not think the wheel locked. I think the accident arose from the coach swinging in taking the turn. I did not see the gentlemen go over the bridge. The guard was thrown between the coach and the wall of the bridge. I cannot say whether the driver struck the particularly the wheelers of the leader. He seemed to whip both. I saw the accident and went to the spot to render assistance.

William Taylor. I am a groom to Mr Salvin of Croxdale. The mail first came up to me at Browney Bridge. I was trotting rather quick when it came up, and I trotted along with it till we came near Sunderland Bridge, when I thought I would get to the bridge before the coach. When I got half way along the --- I heard the coach go over. The horses were not cantering when we went to turn the corner. At the turn I was the length of a pony before the leaders. The coachman did not quicken his speed after coming up with me, and I did not quicken my speed till I cam near the bridge, when I made to get upon the bridge before the coach, which might be going about 7 miles -----

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