Murder of Thomas Grindle 1835 of Little Dean (Inquests)

by ChrisW , Monday, October 06, 2008, 22:17 (5891 days ago) @ ChrisW

Nov 14. MURDER. We regret to announce another instance of a fatal nature, arising from the combined effects of liquor and unbridled passion. On the evening of Sunday se'nnight, a party of men were drinking at a public house, in Littledean, in this county, amongst whom were THOMAS GRINDLE , and two brothers named EDWARD and THOMAS MORGAN. In the course of the evening some quarrelling and blows took place, in which these three parties were concerned, and it was proposed that Grindle and one of the Morgans should fight it out at a future day which was named. Afterwards, on their way home, the dispute was renewed and some blows passed between Grindle and Thomas Morgan, during which Edward Morgan came up and putting an open clasp knife into his brother's hands told him to use it against Grindle if he struck him again. In consequence of this Grindle then attacked Edward Morgan, to whom the knife was passed back by his brother, and whilst Grindle was striking him plunged the knife with desperate force into the side of Grindle, who instantly fell and never spoke afterwards. Surgical aid was promptly procured, but in vain, as the unfortunate man breathed his last about six o'clock the following morning. Upon a post mortem examination it was found that the weapon had penetrated the left ventricle of the heart, so that death was inevitable. An inquest was afterwards held upon the body before John Cooke, Esq. Coroner, when after a very minute investigation a verdict of Wilful Murder was recorded against Edward Morgan, who was thereupon immediately committed for trial at our next Assizes, upon the Coroner's warrant.

Nov 7. COMMITMENTS. EDWARD MORGAN, by J Cooke, Esq. Coroner, charged with the wilful murder of T. GRINDELL, at Littledean.

IMPRISONMENT: One Year, EDWARD MORGAN, for the manslaughter of THOMAS GRINDELL.

Record_ID: 18461
Entry Number: 502
Year: 1835
Month: Nov
Day: 8
Surname: GRINDAL [SIC]
Forenames: Thomas
Place of Residence: L[ittle] Dean
Age at death: 20
Officiating Minister: J. Parsons Curate
Event: Burial
Cause of death: [not sta
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register Reference: P 110 IN 1/11
Page No: 63
Parish_Chapel: Littledean
Soundex: G653