Murder of a clergyman in Westbury 1788 (Inquests)

by ChrisW , Monday, April 07, 2008, 01:20 (6083 days ago) @ admin

Jun 2. On Wednesday last, an unfortunate stranger, supposed to be a little deranged in the intellects, who, from some papers found in his pockets, appears to have been a clergyman of the name of WILLIAM BAILEY, was murdered near to an ale house at the Flat, in the parish of Westbury, in this county. The stranger came in the evening to the ale house, and called for a pint of beer. JOHN GLOVER and WILLIAM ETHERIDGE, two fishermen, were drinking in the kitchen: Mr BAILEY sat down between them, and, from some improper behaviour, gave GLOVER reason to suspect that he would pick his pocket. This occasioned some altercation; when the stranger went out and GLOVER followed, asking whether he was not going to pick his pocket; the stranger denied such intention, and said, 'Are you going to kill me?' The other then struck him several blows, and at last knocked him down. The cry of murder brought MARY GODWIN, who ran into the ale house and called the people; when they came out they found the stranger on his knees begging for mercy; GLOVER then left him, and the people helped him up; he then told them he would go an acquaint Mr Colchester of the treatment he had received.

He set off towards Mr Colchester's house, and was got into a field about 100 yards from the public house, when GLOVER, followed and gave him a desperate blow in the throat, which brought him to the ground, and he never spoke after.

GLOVER has absconded, but many are gone in pursuit of him. He is thus described: about 21 years of age, five feet ten inches high, well made, rather round in his shoulders, small eyes with large eyebrows, palish complexion, and brown hair; had on when he went away, a pair of corduroy breeches, and a waterman's frock. He has been in the 20th regiment.

GLOVER was much influenced with liquor at the time. Is not drunknesness the cause of most of the murders of this kingdom? Mr Willey, one of his Majesty's Coroners for this county, has taken an inquest on the body, and a jury brought in a verdict Wilful Murder.

Sep 15. On Monday last JOHN GLOVER, who murdered a clergyman in May last, in a drunken frolick, near a public house at the Flat, in the parish of Westbury, was taken up at Birmingham. He appears very much affected for the crime he has committed, and says, he never since enjoyed a moment's peace.

Mar 16. At our Assizes, which closed on Saturday, ... JOHN GLOVER, who was the cause of the death of an unhappy clergyman, at the Flat, near Westbury, was found guilty of manslaughter only, and fined one shilling; ........

Mar 16. At our Assizes, which closed on Saturday, ... JOHN GLOVER, who was the cause of the death of an unhappy clergyman, at the Flat, near Westbury, was found guilty of manslaughter only, and fined one shilling; ........