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![]() ![]() Abergavenny Arms Rodmell Sussex United Kingdom William Brown was an ostler who suffered a mysterious death at the Abergavenny Arms in 1855. This was just a couple of months before John Souter Osborn and wife Caroline disappeared. Why William Brown was found dead on the floor rather than at the end of the rope, having supposedly hung himself is open to question. The
Abergavenny Arms is a public house in Rodmell sited immediately opposite the old
wheelwrights and smithy of Baker and Jefferies. It has also been known as The Holly and The Bell. Stephen Baker I, as can be seen from the obituary below, was landlord for upward
of 50 years. Suspicious Death of William Brown, Ostler April 21 1855 An inquest was held on Tuesday last at the Abergavenny Arms by F C Gell Esq. on the body of William Brown Ostler. Stephen Baker the landlord deposed (gave evidence). The deceased had been in his service 6 or 7 months, he was generally sober and never neglected his work - he lodged in witness's house - he was a widower about 47 years of age. About quarter past seven yesterday morning witness was called by his mother who told him deceased was dead in the shed. He got up and went to the shed where one horse was kept and found a woman named Green there. Witness saw the deceased lying on his face on the floor with his legs doubled up under him. He appeared quite dead. His face was getting cold and his hands were cold. Witness then saw a cord hanging over a beam, there was no noose at the bottom of the cord which belonged to witness and had been used as a halter. It was a new cord. He thought he heard deceased go downstairs a little before 6 o'clock on Monday morning. Mr Warnett and Mr Jefferey came into the shed, they turned deceased on to his back and applied harts horn to his mouth and nose. After doing this witness observed a mark of pressure around his neck as if caused by something tight. He had been a soldier and Joseph Brown, a labourer, brother, living in Newhaven saw him on Good Friday not aware of any trouble he had. William Brown's death was registered Lewes 2nd quarter 1855 ref. 2b 133. Aged 47 years he died on the 16 April 1855 at Rodmell, the cause of death was recorded as 'suicide whilst insane'. ![]() Ostler preparing horses for whatever....
Comment:
The link with Stephen Baker I Obituary - Mr Stephen Baker who was for fifty years (upward of) landlord of the Abergavenny Arms died at 26 Dorset Gardens Brighton on Saturday evening last age 78 years. He left Rodmell some 3 years ago to retire into private life style. Funeral will take place at Rodmell 8 August at 3.30. Born 1822 Piddinghoe; Died Brighton 1900 age 78 years; left Rodmell 1897.
The Osborn connection: Mary Ann Souter Osborn
married Edward Baker II brother of Stephen Baker I in 1845. Mary Ann was the
sister of John Souter Osborn of Hodcomb. For more details of the Baker family see The Bakers - Brickmakers of Piddinghoe by clicking on 'web site' below. Website: Click Here ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DESTINY CATEGORY 19th CENTURY second half, PAST, PEOPLE, PLACES, Smuggling LANDSCAPE Coastal, Country town/village REGION England - Southern |
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