From Ipswich Journal (Ipswich, England), Saturday, January 28, 1837; Issue 5158.

EXTRAORDINARY AND DISTRESSING OCCURRENCE.

On Thursday evening, the 12th inst., at about six o'clock, when the Cranbrook coach, in which were two gentlemen and a female, arrived at the "Angel Inn," Tonbridge, the door was opened by one of the outside passengers, a brother of the female, for the purpose of offering her some refreshment, she was observed to drop to one side, and to his horror was found to be a corpse!

Assistance was instantly procured, and on the body being conveyed into the house it was discovered that the poor creature had been delivered of an infant, the dead body of which was found at the bottom of the coach.

It is very extraordinary that the two gentlemen, the unfortunate creature's companions, were quite ignorant of the circumstances. They stated that she did not at any period of the journey from town evince any symptoms of indisposition. At Riverhead, about nine miles distance, she called for a glass of water, which was given her, and nothing particular was observed until the coach reached Tonbridge. The relatives of the deceased are in a humble sphere of life, and reside at Goudhurst. She was a single woman, who had been living at service in London. In her pocket was found a box of pills, and she had a small bottle of gin and water when she first got into the coach, part of which she drank and also offered some to one of the gentlemen.

An inquest was held on the body by J. N. Dudlow, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict of "Died by the visitation of God " returned. - ( Taken from the Greenwich Gazette.)

From the Kentish Gazette, 31 January 1837.

Distressing Occurrence.

On Thursday evening, the 12th instant, when the Cranbrook coach, in which were two gentlemen and a female, arrived at the "Angel," Tonbridge, the door was opened by one of the outside passengers, a brother of the female, to offer her refreshment; she was observed to drop on one side, and was a corpse! Assistance was procured, and on the body being conveyed into the house it was discovered that the poor creature had been delivered of an infant, the dead body of which was found at the bottom of the coach, it is extraordinary the two gentlemen inside were ignorant of the circumstance. They stated that she did not at any period of the journey from town evince symptoms of indisposition. At Riverhead, about nine miles distance, she called for a glass of water, which was given her, and nothing particular was observed until the coach reached Tonbridge. The relatives of the deceased are in a humble sphere of life, and reside at Goudhurst. She was a single woman, and had been living at service in London. In her pocket was found a box of pills, and she had a small bottle of gin and water when she first got into the coach, part of which she drank, and also offered some to one of the gentlemen.

An inquest was held on the body by J. N. Dudlow, Esq. coroner, and a verdict of "Died by the visitation of God" returned.

From the Kentish Gazette, 20 May 1845.

On Whit Monday the annual meeting and dinner of the Tonbridge Town Friendly Benefit Society, held at the "Angel Inn," in that town, took place in a large marquee erected for the purpose in the grounds attached to the house. About 350 persons, headed by a band of music, attended divine service in the parish church.

From the Kentish Gazette, 27 January 1846.

FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE SOUTH-EASTERN RAILWAY.

We regret to state that a fatal accident, by which one man lost his life and another was much injured, occurred in Monday night, or rather between twelve and one o’clock on Tuesday morning. On the arrival of the luggage train from Dover at the bridge which crosses the river about a mile from Tonbridge, one of the abutments, owing it is supposed to the overflowing of the water and high wind which prevailed at the time, gave way, and as soon as the engine entered upon the bridge, one of the arches fell in, and the engine, tender, and two of the luggage wagons, together with the engine driver and stoker (brothers) of the name of Dobie, were precipitated into the water. There were several other luggage carriages attached to the train, but they were not injured. The deceased was a young man about 27 years of age, and bore a most respectable character. At the time the accident happened the train was proceeding at a moderate rate. The stoker is severely hurt, but not considered dangerously. The French mail, which ought to have been at the terminus at London Bridge on Tuesday morning at five o’clock, in consequence of the accident did not arrive until eleven o’clock. The downward trains left London on Tuesday morning at the usual time, planks having been placed across the bridge on which passengers and goods could be safely conveyed across the river, where another train was in waiting to receive them. The engine, tender, and two luggage wagons remained in the water.

On Tuesday afternoon the bridge was so far repaired that the trains were able to pass without interruption.
The accident took place on that part of the railway traversing the Medway Valley, within 1 1/2 mile from Tonbridge, and 39 1/2 distant from London. The line at this point is carried along an embankment, varying from 18 to 20 feet high, far a distance of nearly three miles, terminating with the entrance of the Tonbridge station. The Medway, passing under the railway at Eden Bridge, 10 miles from Tonbridge, runs on the North or down side of the line as far as Penshurst, where an elbow or branch again parses under the road, and irrigates the meadows on the South side, until within a short distance of the spot where the accident occurred, where the elbow again runs to the North, and shortly after joins the parent stream. The embankment, is supplied throughout its entire length with a number of bridges, technically known as “occupation bridges,” which afforded the necessary means of communication between the farms on either side of the railway. The failure of one of those bridges was the immediate cause of the accident.

It is unnecessary to inform those familiar with the district or country known as the Medway Valley, that at certain periods of the year, the winter season especially, when the river is much swollen, immense tracts of arable and pasture land are frequently laid under water for weeks together. The heavy rains which fell on Sunday and Monday last increased the level of the river in an extraordinary degree, and the flood which followed on the evening of the latter day may be fairly stated to have been the proximate cause of the accident.

THE INQUEST.

On Wednesday, an Inquest was held on the body of the engine-driver, whose name was James Dobie, at the "Angel Hotel," adjoining the Tonbridge Railway station. Alter the Jury had been sworn, they proceeded with the Coroner, Mr. Barlow, the resident engineer, and other officials of the Company, in a special train to the spot where the accident occurred, and having made a minute examination so far as the then state of the floods would allow, they returned to the Inquest-room, and then viewed the remains of deceased, which were lying at the Railway terminus.

Several witnesses were examined, but their evidence was merely corroborative of the state of the road as stated above.

Mr. J. P. Barlow in reply to questions addressed to him by the Coroner, said, that until the water which at present flooded the land near the spot where the accident occurred had subsided, he did not feel prepared to give a decided opinion as to the cause of the accident. He had come to a very decided opinion in his own mind, and that was, that the accident had occurred from the meeting of two currents of water near the occupation bridge; but, until he had had an opportunity of making a more minute examination than was possible at present, he should prefer avoiding to go into detail on the subject.

The inquiry was adjourned till Monday next.

The wreck caused by the accident still remains in its original state, and it will be some time before anything can be done to remove it. The engine is still lying in a hole about 20 feet below the surface of the railway, and the tender is altogether out of sight. Gangs of men have been at work night and day since the accident; and the down line, which was comparatively little injured, is sufficiently repaired to enable trains to pass over it. The sandy nature of the soil has occasioned considerable difficulty in repairing the mischief, and no doubt the original catastrophe may be in some degree traced to the same cause.

From the Kentish Gazette, 3 February 1846.

THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT BY THE FALLING OF A BRIDGE ON THE SOUTH EASTERN RAILWAY.

ADJOURNED CORONER’S INQUEST.

Tonbridge, Monday Night.— At three o’clock this afternoon the adjourned coroner’s inquest concerning the death of James Dobie, the unfortunate engine driver who lost his life by the recent accident on the South-Eastern Railway, was resumed before Mr. Dudlow, and the jury previously empanelled, at the "Angel Inn."

The former inquiry, it will be recollected, was adjourned for the purpose of affording the Company’s engineers an opportunity of examining the exact state of the foundation of the bridge that caused the catastrophe—the flood of water preventing the necessary inspection. Instead of the water subsiding, however, the heavy rains of last week have inundated acres of land along the sides of the line to the depth of several feet.

After other evidence, Mr. H. P. Barlow, the resident engineer of the South-Eastern Railway, was then sworn. He attributed the accident to the unfortunate circumstance of the flood carrying away the bank of the north pit, through the occupation bridge into the deeper or south pit. The bridge was perfectly substantial, and could have withstood any flood had it not been for the deep ballast-hole on the south side of it; the fact of the northern side of the structure withstanding the rush of waters and still remaining secure was a satisfactory proof of its solidity. It was the difference of level of water that led to the deplorable occurrence. He did not think that if the train had been a passenger one that the bridge would have given way, for it was evident that the engine and tender had almost passed over it, and it was the weight of a goods train that forced it in.

The Coroner said he understood that Major-General Pasley had visited the bridge since the occurrence, and probably Mr. Barlow could inform the jury of that gentleman’s opinion as to the cause of the event.

Mr. Barlow replied that he had no authority to give the gallant general’s opinion; but from what he had heard fall from that officer he believed he (General Pasley) entertained a similar opinion as he did on the subject.

The jury, after hearing some further evidence, came to the following verdict:— "We find that James Dobie was killed in consequence of the falling of a bridge called Johnson’s Bridge, in this parish, by reason of the foundation of the said bridge being undermined and washed away by an unexpected flood of water; and in the opinion of the jury, it is a dangerous practice to make drains under arches, as it tends to weaken the foundation and the jury consider the ballast-hole, alluded to in the evidence adduced, is too near the line of railway.”

The verdict was accompanied by a nominal deodand of 1s. on the engine and tender.

(It was in this year that deodand's were finally abolished by Parliament. Paul Skelton.)

From the Kentish Gazette, 19 May 1846.

Fatal Railway Accident.

On Tuesday an inquest was held at the "Angel Tavern," Tonbridge, on the body of a man named John Shorn, who was killed on the South Eastern Railway. It appears that he lived at the village of Leigh, which is situate close to the line, and on Saturday night had been drinking with some companion at a beershop at Tonbridge, which he left at half past eleven o’clock to go home. A pilot engine had been assisting the mail train, which was rather heavy, from town and left it at Tonbridge. On proceeding along the up line over a viaduct, about a mile and a half from the town, the driver felt the engine pass over something on the rails. He stopped as soon as possible, and on walking back to the spot he found the deceased lying across the right-hand rail quite dead, being nearly cut in two. The impression was that he was lying across the rail when the accident occurred. If he had been walking at the time the engine-driver would have seen him, as it was a bright moon-light night. There was no pathway across the line where the body was found. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, with a deodand of 1s. on the engine.

South Eastern Gazette, 3 May 1853.

Tonbridge. Coroner's Inquest.

An inquest was held at the "Angel Inn," on Tuesday last, before J. N. Dudlow, Esq., on the body of Mrs. Marey Skinner, wife of Mr. Andrew Skinner, farmer, of Tonbridge, who was found drowned in a pond near their residence on Monday, the 25th instant.

Emma Lusted deposed that she lived as servant to Mr. Skinner. The deceased was the wife of Andrew Skinner of Mailedon Farm. She was 61 years of age. Saw the deceased alive a little after 10 o'clock on Monday morning. She was in the wash house, and said she must go to the water closet. She was gone some time, and then witness went and told her sister. They went out and saw the trails of patterns towards the pond, and pulled deceased out. When witness got there deceased was on the edge of the pond, and was quite dead. She had her bonnet on but no shawl. Mr. Skinner was off for the surgeon. When witness went there three weeks ago deceased appeared very much better, but on the following day she said she could not sleep. She was worse afterwards; on Sunday she was very bad, also on Monday morning. She was very restless and odd in her manner at times. Last Christmas she was very low and desponding. Never heard her threaten to destroy herself. A lady had told her (witness) that deceased's sister was very much in the same way.

Mr. James Parker, surgeon, deposed that Mr. Skinner came for him on Monday morning. His assistant went before him and he followed immediately. Found deceased in the house quite dead. Had attended her for several years; had noticed the change in her for five or six years, more so lately. She had expressed a fear that she should not refrain from destroying herself; but she hoped she might be prevented. She was generally worse in spring and autumn.

Verdict:- "Deceased destroyed herself, not having at the time of same mind."

The same jury then proceeded to the house of Mr. Benjamin Baker, Brewer, of Tonbridge, to view the body of a new-born female child, when the following evidence was given:-

Martha Russell, widow, deposed at about six o'clock that morning Mrs. Baker sent for her. When she got there she told her that Mary Owen, her servant, had got a baby. Whet upstairs and saw the child lying on the floor in her petticoat; it was dead. It appeared a full grown child. Owen told witness it was not born alive, it did not move nor cry. She said she thought it was about 3 o'clock, that she did not know she was in the family way; that she had called out about 12 o'clock and again at three, but no one came to her.

Mr. J. Goreham, surgeon, deposed that he was sent for at half-past six in the morning. Saw the deceased child as described by last witness. Mary Owen was on the bed, and had just been delivered. The child had its arms and legs curled up. There was no marks of deformity or violence. The girl said the child did not cry nor move. From external examination, he could not form a decided opinion whether the child was born alive or not. On a post mortem examination he concluded that breathing had been performed in perfectly. Did not think the child was born alive.

Verdict, "That the child was still born."

Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 25 January 1859.

TUNBRIDGE. Shocking Accident with a Team.

On Wednesday forenoon a deplorable accident occurred to a labouring man named Isaac Hazleden, in the employ of Mr. Couchman, Nizel's Hoath.

The man had charge of a team, and was going in the direction of Tunbridge Wells for some tiles. When near the "Angel Inn" the horses took fright, and he seized the reins of one of the horses to stop it. He was thus dragged across the railway bridge, and received some fearful injuries. His scalp was torn completely off on the left side, leaving the skull entirely bare; he was also extensively bruised. The poor man was conveyed home by Mr. Goddard, parish constable, and Mr. Parker surgeon, dressed his wounds. If erysipelas does not occur there is a chance of his recovery. By the last accounts he is progressing as favourably as could be expected.

I don't think this could have been referring to the "Angel" in Tunbridge Wells, as by 1828 that was called the "Kentish Hotel." Paul Skelton.

South Eastern Gazette, 24 July, 1860.

Violent Assault on a Policeman.

John Foster, William Foster, and Frederick Foster were charged before Arthur Pott, Esq., and Major Scoones, at the magistrates’ clerk’s office, on Monday, with having committed a violent assault on David Thirkell, 173 K.C.C., at Tunbridge, on the previous Sunday afternoon, in the execution of his duty.

The complainant said that at about two o’clock he was called into the "Loggerheads" public-house by the landlord, who said that there were a number of men fighting in the tap-room, and wished him to get them out. He went into the house, and the three prisoners were there with several others. John Foster was stripped, and was sitting on the knee of Frederick, who was acting as his second, and William was backing him. Both himself and the landlord wished them to go away quietly, but they refused. They, after much trouble, got them out of the house, and about two hundred persons were assembled in the street. John Foster then came up to him and struck him a blow on the head. Upon this he took him into custody, and was struggling with him, for nearly three-quarters of an hour to get him to the police-station, but he could get no assistance. During that time he was struck several times by the other prisoners, and also kicked by them in their endeavours to get the prisoner John away from him, and they succeeded in doing so three times. Having at last obtained assistance, he succeeded in getting near the "Angel Inn," when Superintendent Dance came up, and prisoners were apprehended. Mr. Geo. Truckle, of the "Loggerheads," deposed to the violence of the prisoners in his house, and Superintendent Dance said that when he reached the constable he found him nearly exhausted. The prisoner William showed fight, and put his hands in his face. The prisoners had before assaulted the police, and as it was a bad case he wished the prisoners sent for trial. Frederick had escaped, but was apprehended on a warrant that morning.

The prisoner John Foster said that he was in the service of the Marquis of Bristol, and after an absence of three years had only come home for a two days’ holiday on the Sunday morning.

The prisoners were remanded, bail being refused.

South Eastern Gazette, 4 September, 1860.

INSOLVENT DEBTORS to be heard at the Sessions House, Maidstone, before the Judge of the County Court of Kent, on Wednesday, the Nineteenth day of September, 1860, at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon precisely.

WILLIAM PARKER, formerly of the "Rose and Crown Hotel," Tonbridge, Kent, in co-partnership with William Parker, senior, under the style or firm of Parker and Son (during part of the time keeping the "Angel Inn," Tonbridge), hotel keepers and wine merchants, during part of the time carrying on the refreshment rooms at Tonbridge and Ashford stations on my own account; then of same places, in co-partnership with William Parker, senior, and William Parker, under the style or firm of Parker, Son, and Parker, so far as regards the "Angel Inn;" then of the "Angel Inn," Tonbridge, Kent, in co-partnership with Sarah Parker, under the style or firm of William and Sarah Parker, licensed victuallers and wine merchants; then of the "Rose and Crown Hotel" and of the "Angel Inn," Tonbridge, Kent, in co-partnership with Sarah Parker as aforesaid, hotel keepers and wine merchants; then and late of Tonbridge, Kent, assistant to Mrs. Sarah Parker, of the "Rose and Crown Hotel" and "Angel Inn," Tonbridge, Kent.

CHARLES MORGAN,

Insolvents' Attorney, Maidstone.

South Eastern Gazette, 23 October, 1860.

Maidstone Insolvent Court.

This court was held on Wednesday last, before J. ’Espinasse, Esq,. Judge.

William Parker, late of the "Rose and Crown Hotel" and "Angel Inn," Tunbridge, came up for adjourned hearing, supported by Mr. Dowse, barrister. Mr. Bowell, solicitor again appeared to oppose, but after some explanations from Mr. S. Alleyne, solicitor, he withdrew his oppositions and the insolvent received his discharge.

Kentish Gazette, 8 February, 1870.

TUNBRIDGE.

Duping An Uncle.

At the Police Court, on Saturday, a young man, named Henry P. Allnutt, a clerk, of Reading, was charged with obtaining £3 4s. by false pretences from the Rev. R. L. Allnutt, representing to him that he was his nephew, and asking for the amount named to pay for a machine which was lying at the “Angel Inn.” The money was advanced to him, but on enquiries being made, it was found that the statement regarding the machine was entirely false. Information was at once given to the police, who, in company with the rev. gentleman, proceeded to the railway station, from which a train was about to start for London. Several passengers were taken from their seats before the real culprit was identified, but when found he was taken to the police station. Enquiries were made by telegraph, and it was found that the young man really was the nephew of the rev. gentleman, who, on discovering this, and a promise being made that the money should be refunded, declined to prosecute, and the young man was discharged.