was found lying on the floor. A surgeon was sent for, who administered some brandy and water. She was, however, insensible, and died at about 4 o’clock. The jury recorded a verdict of “Natural Death”. As showing that the deceased was of temperate and thrifty habits, on searching her room there were found eight sovereign[1]s, two shilling[2]s, two watches, and three gold rings.
James Beaney. On Sunday, the 12th of October, James Beaney, a cripple, and subject to fits, fell, lifeless, in the Fishmarket. He was 55 years of age, and his death was attributed to natural causes.
Maria Wenham’s Child. The first inquest, under the Town Council’s new regulations, whereby the shilling[3] to each juryman was suppressed and 5/- paid to a landlord for the use of his room, took place on the 13th of November. It was held on the third child of Maria Wenham, a single woman, and as there was no evidence of unfair treatment, “Natural Death” was the verdict.
William Felsted. On Sunday, the 16th of November, Mr. William Felsted, who for several years had been in business as a baker and confectioner at 5 Castle road, destroyed himself by cutting his throat. His age was 49, and he was addicted to drinking. He and Mrs. Felsted were previously at 17 George street, some particulars of whom and of which will be found in Brett’s rhymed “Reminiscences of Hastings”.
Hannah Moore’s child. The murder of an infant was the cause of an inquest held at the Saxon Hotel on the 21st of November. The body was found at the back of No. 6 North street and the mother of it was traced to Hannah Moore, a single woman, 23 years of age, a native of Norfolk, and then living as servant at the Rev. Mr. Gordon’s, on the West hill. The accused at first strongly denied any knowledge of the affair, but afterwards confessed to having strangled her child at its birth and placed it where it was found. The jury, of course, could do no other than to find a verdict of wilful murder, against the accused, who was conveyed to Lewes prison, attended by a nurse.
Benjamin Coffrett. The suicide of this old townsman and retired sadler, at 83 years of age, occasioned another inquest to be held, and from the evidence there given, the following particulars were gleaned: — His body was discovered on the 2nd of December at his dwelling, “Laburnham Cottage” on the Light Steps. He had been missed for several weeks, but as he was somewhat eccentric and lived alone, it was thought that he had gone on a visit to one of his daughters (Mrs. Boffi) in France, or to another relation at Maidstone. He was last seen alive on the 11th of November, when he was depressed in consequence of Mr. Philcox, who owed him -
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
