Extract from
Coroner’s Inquisition
Coroner’s Inquisition
Stroud News
Archibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
Published 8th September 1916
2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths of Archibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
Double Tragedy
Near Stroud
—————–
SOLDIER AND HIS FIANCE DROWNED
—————–
Near Stroud
—————–
SOLDIER AND HIS FIANCE DROWNED
—————–
INQUEST AND VERDICT
The mysterious disappearance of Archibald Clutterbuck Knee, aged 25 years of the Gloucesters, and whose home is at West End, Minchinhampton and also of his young lady friend Dorothy Beard, aged 18 years of Burleigh, Brimscombe, was cleared up on Friday just afternoon, when the bodies were found in the Iron Gates Pond, Longfords Lake. The two young people had been missing since the previous Sunday evening when Knee left to take the girl home and nothing more was heard of them until Friday when their bodies were found tied together as stated.The enquiry into the circumstances surrounding their deaths was held by Mr A. J. Morton Ball (divisional coroner) at the Weighbridge Inn, Longfords early on Saturday morning. Mr J. Benjamin was appointed fore man of the jury.Nathaniel Beard, a millhand of Gravel Hill, Burleigh, father of the deceased girl, gave evidence of identification and said she was a cloth weaver at Messrs P. C. Evans and Sons Ltd, Brimscombe. She was a strong and active girl. She had been keeping company with Knee for the past five years and on Sunday morning August 27th she left home at 10.30 stating that she should not be home to dinner. Knee was home on sick leave but witness had not seen him as he was not in the habit of coming to the house. His daughter did not come home at night and at about 12.30 on Monday morning Knee’s parents came to the house and said their son had not come home and that he told them he should be home at about 10.30. They both left the house about 9.45, it being understood that his daughter was returning home. A car had been ordered to take Knee to the Great Western Railway station as he was due to return to camp from leave. His daughter had not been depressed at all and he had to fear that any such thing as this would happen.Charles Henry Knee, a clothworker and father of the deceased soldier who was, before joining the Army on June 14th 1916, also a clothworker, said his son came home on sick leave on August 22nd and was due to return on August 27th. During the time he had been at home he told witness distinctly that he would rather die than go back, and this he said more than once. From a child he has suffered from nervous depression. Witness did his best to cheer his son up, and he was under the full impression that he would return to camp on Sunday. On that day Dorothy Beard, to whom he was engaged, came to the house and remained there practically the whole day, and she seemed somewhat depressed at, he thought, his son having to go back. Witness last saw the couple at about 9.45 when they left for the girl to go home and as they were going out his son said “Father I shan’t be long. I shall be back about half-past ten”. He thought he was going to take her home, a mile away. He had not returned at 11.30 and, becoming alarmed, he went to Mr Beard’s house and found that the girl had not returned. He saw P.C. Dance and reported their disappearance and sat up the whole night, and next morning, with the girl’s father made search on the Common in the pools and reservoirs but without result. He heard of he recovery of the bodies on Friday afternoon. They had not had the slightest quarrel, being most devoted to each other.Alfred Davis, a millhand of High Street, Minchinhampton, said he heard the young couple were missing and about 1.20 on Friday he walked along the footpath, a private one by the Iron Mills Pond to see if he could discover any sign of them. Beneath a tree he saw a girl’s hat and a soldier’s hat and also a bundle in the water but he could not make out what it was. Thinking however it might be the deceased he went to Nailsworth Police Station. The grass
Extract from Coroner’s Inquisition
Stroud News
held on the
Archibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy BeardPublished 8th September 1916Page 6 Columns 4 & 5
Archibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy BeardPublished 8th September 1916Page 6 Columns 4 & 5
2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths of newspaper
was knocked down considerably. The police
came at 3 o’clock and until then nothing more
was done in the matter.P.C. Hitchings said searching enquiry
had been made to discover the whereabouts of
the young couple but no-one had before looked
into the pond where they were found and no
dragging operations had been carried out. On
Friday he had a telephone message to come to
the Iron Gates Pond where he saw Mr A. T.
Playne, and with ropes and a grappling iron he
brought the bodies to the bank. They were
tied together with the man’s raincoat, the knot
which was behind the girl, being made with the
tails of his coat. They were face to face and the
knot must have been tied by the man. There
were no marks on either of the bodies, with the
exception of an abrasion on the girl’s face which
he thought was caused by the drags. With as-
sistance he brought them to the Weighbridge
Inn and made examination but found no letters.
The military pass and railway ticket were found
on Knee, as well as a purse containing 11s. On
the girl was a wristlet watch which had stopped
at 11 minutes to 4, a gold bangle, necklet and
brooch. They were both fully dressed. Where
they were found the water was at least four feet
deep.Elizabeth Butler, wife of Wm Butler, en-
gine driver at Longfords Mills, who laid the
bodies out, also gave evidence.The jury returned a verdict in each case to
the effect that they committed suicide by
drowning themselves, there being no evidence
to show the state of their minds.Mr A. T. Playne, at the end of the enquiry
said, as the owner of the pond in which unfor-
tunate young couple drowned themselves, he
should like to express his great sympathy with
the relatives. He was very sorry indeed it
should have happened on his property and he
sincerely hoped the parents would be com-
forted in their bereavement. The Coroner said
he was sure all wish to express sympathy with
the families in their very grievous and terrible
came at 3 o’clock and until then nothing more
was done in the matter.P.C. Hitchings said searching enquiry
had been made to discover the whereabouts of
the young couple but no-one had before looked
into the pond where they were found and no
dragging operations had been carried out. On
Friday he had a telephone message to come to
the Iron Gates Pond where he saw Mr A. T.
Playne, and with ropes and a grappling iron he
brought the bodies to the bank. They were
tied together with the man’s raincoat, the knot
which was behind the girl, being made with the
tails of his coat. They were face to face and the
knot must have been tied by the man. There
were no marks on either of the bodies, with the
exception of an abrasion on the girl’s face which
he thought was caused by the drags. With as-
sistance he brought them to the Weighbridge
Inn and made examination but found no letters.
The military pass and railway ticket were found
on Knee, as well as a purse containing 11s. On
the girl was a wristlet watch which had stopped
at 11 minutes to 4, a gold bangle, necklet and
brooch. They were both fully dressed. Where
they were found the water was at least four feet
deep.Elizabeth Butler, wife of Wm Butler, en-
gine driver at Longfords Mills, who laid the
bodies out, also gave evidence.The jury returned a verdict in each case to
the effect that they committed suicide by
drowning themselves, there being no evidence
to show the state of their minds.Mr A. T. Playne, at the end of the enquiry
said, as the owner of the pond in which unfor-
tunate young couple drowned themselves, he
should like to express his great sympathy with
the relatives. He was very sorry indeed it
should have happened on his property and he
sincerely hoped the parents would be com-
forted in their bereavement. The Coroner said
he was sure all wish to express sympathy with
the families in their very grievous and terrible
losses, and the jury agreed with these senti-
ments.THE FUNERALSThe deceased girl, Dorothy Beard, was
buried at Amberley Churchyard on Tuesday
afternoon subsequent to that of Knee, who was
interred at Minchinhampton Baptist graveyard.
There was a large attendance of sorrowing rela-
tives and friends at both interments. At Pte.
Knee’s funeral the Rev. S.J. Ford (pastor) offici-
ated. Deceased had been a member of the Bap-
tist Sunday School and before his death had at-
tended the Sunday evening service at the Bap-
tist Chapel, at which the Pastor made special
reference to the young soldier who was about to
return (as was then thought) to his military du-
ties. It transpired, however, that he was by no
means enamoured with the prospects of his re-
turn to military life. At the funeral his parents
were both present, as well as Mr. and Mrs.
Pegler (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. Pates
(cousins), two uncles, Messrs. Beard (two broth-
ers of the deceased girl) and others. There was
a large number of floral emblems of sympathy
which were inscribed as follows :- In loving
memory of our darling boy from his broken-
hearted Mam and Dad ; in loving memory from
his Aunt Stephens ; in loving sympathy from
Uncle Will and Aunt Jenny ; with loving sym-
pathy from cousin Maud and Fred ; with deep-
est respect from his workmates, F. Kirby and C.
Seville ; with deepest sympathy from Mr. and
Mrs. F. Burford and family ; in kind remem-
brance and with deepest sympathy from W. and
F. Gardner, Edna and Wilfred.————————————————————–Transcribed by Steve Pitman from the original (on microfiche)
held in Stroud Library, in the Stroud News, 8th September 1916,
page 6, cols 4 and 5
ments.THE FUNERALSThe deceased girl, Dorothy Beard, was
buried at Amberley Churchyard on Tuesday
afternoon subsequent to that of Knee, who was
interred at Minchinhampton Baptist graveyard.
There was a large attendance of sorrowing rela-
tives and friends at both interments. At Pte.
Knee’s funeral the Rev. S.J. Ford (pastor) offici-
ated. Deceased had been a member of the Bap-
tist Sunday School and before his death had at-
tended the Sunday evening service at the Bap-
tist Chapel, at which the Pastor made special
reference to the young soldier who was about to
return (as was then thought) to his military du-
ties. It transpired, however, that he was by no
means enamoured with the prospects of his re-
turn to military life. At the funeral his parents
were both present, as well as Mr. and Mrs.
Pegler (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. Pates
(cousins), two uncles, Messrs. Beard (two broth-
ers of the deceased girl) and others. There was
a large number of floral emblems of sympathy
which were inscribed as follows :- In loving
memory of our darling boy from his broken-
hearted Mam and Dad ; in loving memory from
his Aunt Stephens ; in loving sympathy from
Uncle Will and Aunt Jenny ; with loving sym-
pathy from cousin Maud and Fred ; with deep-
est respect from his workmates, F. Kirby and C.
Seville ; with deepest sympathy from Mr. and
Mrs. F. Burford and family ; in kind remem-
brance and with deepest sympathy from W. and
F. Gardner, Edna and Wilfred.————————————————————–Transcribed by Steve Pitman from the original (on microfiche)
held in Stroud Library, in the Stroud News, 8th September 1916,
page 6, cols 4 and 5
Coroner’s Inquisition
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
Transcript of
Coroner’s Verdicts,
Police Reports
And
Witness Statements
Coroner’s Verdicts,
Police Reports
And
Witness Statements
Transcribed by Steve Pitman
from the original Coroner’s Documents
held at Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucester
from the original Coroner’s Documents
held at Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucester
Coroner’s Inquisition
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
|
VERDICT:
On view of the body of Archibald Clutterbuck Knee the jurors upon their oath say that the said Archibald Clutterbuck Knee aged 25 years of West End Minchin- hampton formerly a cloth maker and recently a private in the 15th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment—home on sick leave was last seen alive with Dorothy Beard on the evening of 27th August and was found drowned in the Iron Mills pond on the 1st day of September having committed suicide by drowning himself with Dorothy Beard (both tied together in the mans waterproof with the tying knot behind the girls back. No marks of injury or signs of violence (mutual consent).Witnesses – 1/ Charles Henry Knee (father) 2/ Nathaniel Beard (father) 3/ Alfred Davies 4/ Police Constable Edgar G Hitchings 5/ Elizabeth Butler[Signed] – A J Morton – HM Coroner of Gloucestershire John Benjamin – Foreman of the Juryand 11 Jurors (2 signed with their mark and seal X)———————— |
|
VERDICT:
On view of the body of Dorothy Beard the jurors upon their oath say that the said Dorothy Beard aged 18 years (daughter of Nathaniel Beard of Gravel Hill Burleigh Minchinhampton) cloth weaver having been last seen alive with Archibald Clutter- buck Knee at Minchinhampton on the evening of Sunday 27th August was found drowned with him (tied together in his macintosh coat on the 1st September in the Iron Mills pond parish of Avening having as the jury believe committed suicide by drowning herself (mutual consent) no marks of injury or violence except a slight abrasion on her face.Witnesses – 1/ Charles Henry Knee (father) 2/ Nathaniel Beard (father) 3/ Alfred Davies 4/ Police Constable Edgar G Hitchings 5/ Elizabeth Butler[Signed] – A J Morton – HM Coroner of Gloucestershire John Benjamin – Foreman of the Juryand 11 Jurors (2 signed with their mark and seal X) |
Coroner’s Inquisition
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy BeardNOTICE TO CORONER GIVING INFORMATION OF A DEATH
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy BeardNOTICE TO CORONER GIVING INFORMATION OF A DEATH
(Police Report)
- 1 Date of death or discovery of the body
- 2 Name
- 3 Age
- 4 Residence
- 5 Occupation
- 6 Names of any persons present at the death
- 7 Where it occurred
- 8 In what parish
- 9 If found dead
1st September 1916
Archibald Clutterbuck Knee
25 Years
West End, Minchinhampton
Soldier
–
Fishery Stream, Longfords
Avening
Yes
9.45 pm, 27th August, 16, at his home
His father (Charles Henry Knee)
No
–
–
–
No
No
–
–
–
Respectable
Single
Suffocation by drowning
None
Tuesday 5th Inst 3.pm
- 10 When and where was the deceased last seen alive
- 11 By whom
- 12 Was the life of the deceased insured ; if so in what Office
- 13 Who would benefit
- 14 In case of children, were they at home or at nurse, legitimate or ille-
gitimate - 15 In case of infants, who attended the mother during her confinement
- 16 Was the deceased ill for any, and what length of time before death
- 17 Was the deceased attended by any Medical Practitioner
- 18 Is give full name and address
- 19 When was the last occasion deceased was so attended
- 20 What was deceased then suffering from
- 21 What were the habits of life and character of deceased, and of those
with whom he or she resided - 22 Was deceased single, married or cohabiting without marriage
- 23 What was the known or supposed cause of death
- 24 Were there any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death
(25) When do the relatives wish to bury the deceased (Day, Date & Time)
REMARKS
I respectfully beg to report for the information of the Coroner that the deceased was a private soldier, No.
29386, in the 15th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment, stationed at Chiseldon. He was home on sick
leave and should have rejoined his battalion at 9.30pm on August 27th 16. He kept company with Dorothy
Beard and was very fond of her. On Sunday 27th of August, about 9.45pm the deceased in company with
Dorothy Beard left his home at Minchinhampton, telling his father that they would be back by 10.30pm, as
he intended to catch the Mail Train from Stroud to Swindon. He did not return. About 11.30pm his father
became anxious about him, as deceased had said “that he would rather die than rejoin his regiment, my
poor nerves wont stand it”.
His father gave information to the police at Minchinhampton and information was circulated and a search
made, to no effect until 1st September when a man named Alfred Davies in the employ of W. Playne &
Coy, Longford Mills happened to be walking by the Fishery Stream, when he noticed a soldier’s cap, a
womans hat, & umbrella on the bank and on looking in the water saw two bodies.
Information was given to the police who had them removed to the Weighbridge Inn, Nailsworth.
I respectfully beg to report for the information of the Coroner that the deceased was a private soldier, No.
29386, in the 15th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment, stationed at Chiseldon. He was home on sick
leave and should have rejoined his battalion at 9.30pm on August 27th 16. He kept company with Dorothy
Beard and was very fond of her. On Sunday 27th of August, about 9.45pm the deceased in company with
Dorothy Beard left his home at Minchinhampton, telling his father that they would be back by 10.30pm, as
he intended to catch the Mail Train from Stroud to Swindon. He did not return. About 11.30pm his father
became anxious about him, as deceased had said “that he would rather die than rejoin his regiment, my
poor nerves wont stand it”.
His father gave information to the police at Minchinhampton and information was circulated and a search
made, to no effect until 1st September when a man named Alfred Davies in the employ of W. Playne &
Coy, Longford Mills happened to be walking by the Fishery Stream, when he noticed a soldier’s cap, a
womans hat, & umbrella on the bank and on looking in the water saw two bodies.
Information was given to the police who had them removed to the Weighbridge Inn, Nailsworth.
- 25 Should the Coroner deem an Inquest necessary, it can be held at Weighbridge Inn, where the body now lies.
- 26 Witnesses’ Names are : 1] Charles Henry Knee (Father) 4] Alfred Davies 5] Elizabeth Butler
- 27 Signature with Rank & Station of Police Officer filling up & transmit- William Loveday. Rank 1st C C , Avening
ting this paper
28 Date and mode of transmitting paper
[signed] A. J Morton Ball Esq., Coroner
[signed] A. J Morton Ball Esq., Coroner
2nd September 16, direct to Coroner
5
Coroner’s Inquisition
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy BeardNOTICE TO CORONER GIVING INFORMATION OF A DEATH
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy BeardNOTICE TO CORONER GIVING INFORMATION OF A DEATH
(Police Report)
- 1 Date of death or discovery of the body
- 2 Name
- 3 Age
- 4 Residence
- 5 Occupation
- 6 Names of any persons present at the death
- 7 Where it occurred
- 8 In what parish
- 9 If found dead
1st September 1916
Dorothy Beard
18 Years
Gravel Hill, Burleigh, Minchinhampton
Weaver
–
Fishery Stream, Longfords
A vening
Yes
9.45 pm, 27th August, 16, in Minchinhampton
Charles Henry Knee
Yes. Prudential Assurance Ltd
Her parents
–
–
No
No
–
–
–
Respectable
Single
Suffocation by drowning
None
Tuesday 5th Inst 3.pm
- 10 When and where was the deceased last seen alive
- 11 By whom
- 12 Was the life of the deceased insured ; if so in what Office
- 13 Who would benefit
- 14 In case of children, were they at home or at nurse, legitimate or ille-
gitimate - 15 In case of infants, who attended the mother during her confinement
- 16 Was the deceased ill for any, and what length of time before death
- 17 Was the deceased attended by any Medical Practitioner
- 18 Is give full name and address
- 19 When was the last occasion deceased was so attended
- 20 What was deceased then suffering from
- 21 What were the habits of life and character of deceased, and of those
with whom he or she resided - 22 Was deceased single, married or cohabiting without marriage
- 23 What was the known or supposed cause of death
- 24 Were there any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death
- 25 When do the relatives wish to bury the deceased (Day, Date & Time)
REMARKS
I respectfully beg to report for the information of the Coroner that the deceased left her home about
10.30am on Sunday the 27th of August, in her usual good health, and told her parents that she would not
be home for dinner. She proceeded to the house of Mr Charles Henry Knee, West End, Minchinhampton,
and spent the day there, as she was engaged to a Archibald Clutterbuck Knee, son of the latter, who was a
soldier in the 15th Gloucestershire Battalion, and was home on leave. About 9.45pm the deceased and her
lover left his home in M.Hampton, and was not seen again until she was found drowned near the Iron
Mills in the parish of Avening.
I respectfully beg to report for the information of the Coroner that the deceased left her home about
10.30am on Sunday the 27th of August, in her usual good health, and told her parents that she would not
be home for dinner. She proceeded to the house of Mr Charles Henry Knee, West End, Minchinhampton,
and spent the day there, as she was engaged to a Archibald Clutterbuck Knee, son of the latter, who was a
soldier in the 15th Gloucestershire Battalion, and was home on leave. About 9.45pm the deceased and her
lover left his home in M.Hampton, and was not seen again until she was found drowned near the Iron
Mills in the parish of Avening.
- 26 Should the Coroner deem an Inquest necessary, it can be held at Weighbridge Inn, where the body now lies.
- 27 Witnesses’ Names are : 1] Nathaniel Beard (Father) 2] Charles H Knee 3] Alfred Davies 4] Elizabeth Butler
- 28 Signature with Rank & Station of Police Officer filling up & transmit-
ting this paper - 29 Date and mode of transmitting paper
[signed] A. J Morton Ball Esq., Coroner
William Loveday. Rank 1st Class Constable ,
Avening2nd September 16, direct to Coroner
Avening2nd September 16, direct to Coroner
Coroner’s Inquisition
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
GLOUCESTERSHIRE TO WIT – Informations of WITNESSES severally taken and acknowl-
edged on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King touching the death of Archibald Clut-
terbuck Knee at the Parish of Avening in the said county, on the second day of Septemberin the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and sixteen. Before me, ALFRED
JOHN MORTON BALL, one of His Majesty’s Coroners for the said County, on an Inquisi-
tion then and there taken on view of the body of the said Archibald Clutterbuck Knee
then and there lying dead.Charles Henry Knee on his oath saith I live at West End Minchinhampton and am a
cloth worker my son Archibald Clutterbuck Knee was 25 last birthday a single man
cloth worker and recently a private 15th Battalion Gloucester Regiment. He joined
on 14th June 1916. He came home on the 22nd. He had recovered from German
Measles and was due to return on the 27th. He told me he would rather die than go
back – from a child he has suffered at times from nervous depression. He enlisted
voluntarily. I did my best to cheer him — and thought he would … … his duty on
the 27th. Dorothy Beard stayed there most of that day they were engaged to be
married the engagement ring is produced found on her – she was depressed. I had
ordered the car without his knowledge that there should be no mistake about his re-
turn. About 9.45 they left the house together he said he would be back by 10.30 –
he left to take her home about a mile away – I was uneasy at 11.30 I meant to see
him off – the car came I saw P.C. Dance I spoke to him and we rode to Tom Longs
Post and went on to Beards house found she had not returned I sat up all night and
at daybreak we for Beard and I sounded nervous & pools and told the police, the
….. Told us about 4.30. I have seen and identified both bodies – I have no suspicion
of any other person – they were devoted to each other -[signed – in a shaky hand] C H Knee
————Continues with statement by Alfred Davis on separate sheet as overleaf ….
edged on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King touching the death of Archibald Clut-
terbuck Knee at the Parish of Avening in the said county, on the second day of Septemberin the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and sixteen. Before me, ALFRED
JOHN MORTON BALL, one of His Majesty’s Coroners for the said County, on an Inquisi-
tion then and there taken on view of the body of the said Archibald Clutterbuck Knee
then and there lying dead.Charles Henry Knee on his oath saith I live at West End Minchinhampton and am a
cloth worker my son Archibald Clutterbuck Knee was 25 last birthday a single man
cloth worker and recently a private 15th Battalion Gloucester Regiment. He joined
on 14th June 1916. He came home on the 22nd. He had recovered from German
Measles and was due to return on the 27th. He told me he would rather die than go
back – from a child he has suffered at times from nervous depression. He enlisted
voluntarily. I did my best to cheer him — and thought he would … … his duty on
the 27th. Dorothy Beard stayed there most of that day they were engaged to be
married the engagement ring is produced found on her – she was depressed. I had
ordered the car without his knowledge that there should be no mistake about his re-
turn. About 9.45 they left the house together he said he would be back by 10.30 –
he left to take her home about a mile away – I was uneasy at 11.30 I meant to see
him off – the car came I saw P.C. Dance I spoke to him and we rode to Tom Longs
Post and went on to Beards house found she had not returned I sat up all night and
at daybreak we for Beard and I sounded nervous & pools and told the police, the
….. Told us about 4.30. I have seen and identified both bodies – I have no suspicion
of any other person – they were devoted to each other -[signed – in a shaky hand] C H Knee
————Continues with statement by Alfred Davis on separate sheet as overleaf ….
Coroner’s Inquisition
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
Alfred Davies on his oath saith I live at High Street Minchinhampton a mill hand I
did not know either of the deceased but knew they were missing and walked along
the private path to see if I could find them. I saw a womans hat and a soldiers hat
and an umbrella on the bank of the Iron Mills pond Avening. I saw a bundle in the
water underneath – I went to Nailsworth for the police I returned alone and Mr
Playne met me there the grass was laid low there – the police came about 3pm I
had went there about 1.40 -[signed] Alfred Davis——————Edgar George Hitchings on his oath I am a police constable at Minchinhampton I
knew of the disappearance and had had search made at Longfords and other
places – No one had been down at the pools and no dragging had been done – We
had no ….. to guide us – About 2.30pm Sept 1st I knew of a telephone message
from Nailsworth and came down to Iron Mills at once Mr Playne I noticed the
womans hat was …. – Mr Playne had … them and we brought the bodies to the
bank – they were tied together face to face very tight in the mans waterproof coat –
tied in a knot by the tails of the coat at the back of the womans waist – there was
no mark about either body except the slight abrasion on the womans face the arms
close and the hands limp – I brought them with help out of the water … a purse
with 11/6 in silver – a military pass and return ticket to Chiseldon – no papers –
On the watch bracelet stopped at 3.50 a gold bangle neckchain and locket brooch
and engagement ring – fully dressed the man in uniform – There is about 4 feet of
water. The water was ……[Signed] Edgar George Hitchings
—————–Elizabeth Butler on her oath saith I am wife of William Butler an engine driver at
Longfords. I did not know deceased persons but was asked to lay the bodies out
there are no marks about the mans body – as to the woman – there is a bruise on
the side of the face and about the mouth.[ signed ] Elizabeth Butler
did not know either of the deceased but knew they were missing and walked along
the private path to see if I could find them. I saw a womans hat and a soldiers hat
and an umbrella on the bank of the Iron Mills pond Avening. I saw a bundle in the
water underneath – I went to Nailsworth for the police I returned alone and Mr
Playne met me there the grass was laid low there – the police came about 3pm I
had went there about 1.40 -[signed] Alfred Davis——————Edgar George Hitchings on his oath I am a police constable at Minchinhampton I
knew of the disappearance and had had search made at Longfords and other
places – No one had been down at the pools and no dragging had been done – We
had no ….. to guide us – About 2.30pm Sept 1st I knew of a telephone message
from Nailsworth and came down to Iron Mills at once Mr Playne I noticed the
womans hat was …. – Mr Playne had … them and we brought the bodies to the
bank – they were tied together face to face very tight in the mans waterproof coat –
tied in a knot by the tails of the coat at the back of the womans waist – there was
no mark about either body except the slight abrasion on the womans face the arms
close and the hands limp – I brought them with help out of the water … a purse
with 11/6 in silver – a military pass and return ticket to Chiseldon – no papers –
On the watch bracelet stopped at 3.50 a gold bangle neckchain and locket brooch
and engagement ring – fully dressed the man in uniform – There is about 4 feet of
water. The water was ……[Signed] Edgar George Hitchings
—————–Elizabeth Butler on her oath saith I am wife of William Butler an engine driver at
Longfords. I did not know deceased persons but was asked to lay the bodies out
there are no marks about the mans body – as to the woman – there is a bruise on
the side of the face and about the mouth.[ signed ] Elizabeth Butler
Coroner’s Inquisition
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
held on the 2nd September 1916 at The Weighbridge Inn
into the deaths ofArchibald Clutterbuck Knee and Dorothy Beard
GLOUCESTERSHIRE TO WIT – Informations of WITNESSES severally taken and acknowl-
edged on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King touching the death of Dorothy Beard at
the Parish of Avening in the said county, on the second day of September in the year of our
Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and sixteen. Before me, ALFRED JOHN MORTON
BALL, one of His Majesty’s Coroners for the said County, on an Inquisition then and there
taken on view of the body of the said Dorothy Beard then and there lying dead.Nathaniel Beard on his oath saith I live at Gravel Hill Burleigh Minchinhampton
mill hand my daughter Dorothy Beard was 18 years old last birthday a cloth weaver
at Brimscombe Mills – Her life was […] for my wifes benefit not long [ ….]. She
was strong and active and kept company with Archibald Clutterbuck Knee for 3
years past. She left home at 10.30 [….] 27th August and said she would not be home
for dinner All was right at home. I knew Knee was home on sick leave but had not
seen him he did not come to my house. As she did not come home I went to Mr
Knees about 12.30 a.m. on 28th They came and told me the son was not returned.
They told me the two had left the house together about 1/4 before 10 – They had a
car waiting to take him to Stroud station but he did not come There has been no
sign of upset in my daughters mind – I had no fear of anything of this kind.
edged on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King touching the death of Dorothy Beard at
the Parish of Avening in the said county, on the second day of September in the year of our
Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and sixteen. Before me, ALFRED JOHN MORTON
BALL, one of His Majesty’s Coroners for the said County, on an Inquisition then and there
taken on view of the body of the said Dorothy Beard then and there lying dead.Nathaniel Beard on his oath saith I live at Gravel Hill Burleigh Minchinhampton
mill hand my daughter Dorothy Beard was 18 years old last birthday a cloth weaver
at Brimscombe Mills – Her life was […] for my wifes benefit not long [ ….]. She
was strong and active and kept company with Archibald Clutterbuck Knee for 3
years past. She left home at 10.30 [….] 27th August and said she would not be home
for dinner All was right at home. I knew Knee was home on sick leave but had not
seen him he did not come to my house. As she did not come home I went to Mr
Knees about 12.30 a.m. on 28th They came and told me the son was not returned.
They told me the two had left the house together about 1/4 before 10 – They had a
car waiting to take him to Stroud station but he did not come There has been no
sign of upset in my daughters mind – I had no fear of anything of this kind.
The mark
X
Of Nathaniel BeardThe above depositions were
duly taken and acknowledged
at the parish of Avening
aforesaid this 2nd September
1916 Before me[signed] A J Morton Ball
HM Coroner
X
Of Nathaniel BeardThe above depositions were
duly taken and acknowledged
at the parish of Avening
aforesaid this 2nd September
1916 Before me[signed] A J Morton Ball
HM Coroner
See also
depositions
on A C Knee
depositions
on A C Knee
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