Accidents

Northampton Mercury 27 May 1871

FATAL ACCIDENT THROUGH A STEAM TRACTION ENGINE, AT ASHTON.—W. Terry, Esq., county coroner, held inquest, on Thursday last, at the Old Crown Inn, Ashton, touching the death of Thomas Malin the elder, a cattle dealer, aged 61, which took place under the following circumstances : —On Monday last he was driving a cart containing two calves past a field adjoining the road from Hartwell to Ashton, on the farm of Mr. Geary, where a steam traction engine was being used with a cultivator, belonging to Mr. J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe. The engine was close by the hedge when the engine-man, Joseph Oney, set it working. As soon as the steam blew, the horse deceased was driving started off, and he fell back on the side of the cart. The horse galloped away down the road, the bridle was broken, the tail-board of the cart was jolted off, and deceased, after the animal had gone about 240 yards, fell out of the cart behind across the road on his chest and face. He was picked up insensible by man who was passing, his cart being stopped by another man. He was conveyed home, and attended by Mr. J. P. Knott, surgeon, of Blisworth, who gave it as his opinion that he had fractured the base of his skull, and probably ruptured some internal vessel. He died at half-past two on Tuesday, 24 hours after the accident. The evidence of James Oney, the engine driver, was that he did not start the engine till a few minutes after deceased had passed and was out of sight.—Thomas Webb stated that the horse started when deceased was about ten yards past the engine.—Thomas Welch also stated that it was an engine at the top of the field that whistled, while none of the witnesses could say whether the engine near the hedge whistled or not. —Mr. Whiting, the owner of the engine, who was in the field at the time of the accident, said his engineman always received strict instructions to look out for any vehicles passing along the road, and to stop the engine if it was at work. They were also ordered not to blow a whistle whilst any one was passing. Sometimes they had a man to look out on the road, but he was not aware that it was incumbent on them to do so. They always had man before the engine when it was travelling.—The jury returned a verdict in which, after stating the cause of the accident, they expressed an opinion that, " without imputing any criminal degree of neglect to Mr. Whiting, the owner of the cultivator, they considered he was much to blame for not employing some person to be stationed on the road to warn passengers, as required by the Act for Regulating the use of Locomotives on Highways; and they considered it extremely important that the provisions of that Act should be more generally known and acted upon. They further considered that some blame attached to James Olney, the driver of the engine, for starting it so soon after he had seen horse and cart pass along the road." [Under the 5th and 6th of William IV., cap. 50, sec. 70 of the General Highway Act, is not lawful to erect any steam engine, or. machinery attached thereto, within 25 yards from any carriage way, unless the same be in house or behind a wall or fence sufficient to conceal or screen the same from the carriage way, so that the same may not be dangerous to horses or cattle. Every person offending against this Act is liable to a penalty of per day, recoverable before two justices. The Act of the 28th and 29th Victoria, cap. 83, sec. 6 for regulating the use of locomotives refers to the Act just quoted, and further provides that the foregoing restrictions shall not extend to, or prohibit the use of, any locomotive steam engine for the purpose of ploughing within 25 yards of the highway, "provided person shall be stationed in the road and employed to signal the driver when it shall be necessary to stop, and to assist horses, and carriages drawn by horses, passing the same, and provided the driver of the engine do stop in proper time."


Northampton Mercury 18 May 1878

CASTLETHORPE- NARROW ESCAPE. On Saturday evening Joseph Panter, labourer, was walking along the London and North-Western line, near the reservoir, and was struck on the arm by a passing express train, and hurled into the grip by the side of the line.


Northampton Mercury 15 March 1879

CASTLETHORPE.—Accident.—On Monday last Thomas Bull, labourer, of Hanslope, in the employ of Mr. J. E Whiting, of Castlethorpe, while engaged at water cart for the steam ploughing engines, was kicked a horse on his leg. completely shattering the bone between his knee and ankle. He was afterwards conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary.


Northampton Mercury 28 June 1879

HANSLOPE.—Accident.—On the 19th inst., Arthur John, son of John Herbert, Cuckoo’s-hill, was accidentally run over a load of manure while engaged at manure cart for Mr. Whiting, farmer, of Castlethorpe. The wheel passed over his left leg, and broke it in two places. He was at once conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary, where he is progressing favourably. This is the third accident which has occurred at Mr. J. E. Whiting's farm within this last six months to persons engaged with Mr. Whiting's horses.


Northampton Mercury 19 July 1879

CASTLETHORPE.- ACCIDENT— July 7th, William Rainbow, six years old, son Mr. Thomas Rainbow, of this village, while at play in the street was accidentally run over by a straw elevator belonging to Mr J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe, breaking his arm, and bruising his thigh very much. Dr. J. Smith, of Hanslope, was soon in attendance and set the boy's arm, and attended to his other injuries. The boy is now progressing favourably.


Northampton Mercury 27 September 1879

Accidents. —A man employed J. Whiting, Castlethorpe, removing a portable thrashing engine on Tuesday night last, unfortunate circumstance fell, and the machine passed over his legs, fracturing both of them. He was speedily conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary.


Northampton Mercury 04 October 1879

Castlethorpe. -Accident occurred this village on the 23rd alt., which terminated fatally on Saturday last.  A man, named John Simmons, was driving horse, which was drawing the flail portion of a thrashing machine, when the horse trod upon him, and falling down, both wheels of the carriage passed over him. He was at once conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary, where it was found by the house surgeon, Mr. A. H. Jones, that the poor man had sustained a compound fracture of the leg and he sank from exhaustion. Deceased was 53 years age, and explained to his wife how the accident happened.
An inquest was held at the Town Hall, Northampton, on Monday, before Mr. C. C. Becke, borough coroner, when verdict of accidental death was returned.


Northampton Mercury 13 December 1879

CASTLETHORPE. Fatal Accident happened on the London and North-Western Railway, on December 4th, to Thomas Gregory, of this village, mechanic in the Wolverton Works. thought that while proceeding, usual, to his work, between five and six in the morning, he was overtaken by an up train, and trying to avoid this he stepped on to the down rails at the same time an engine was passing. He was knocked down and fearfully mangled, his head being severed from his body. In this frightful condition he was found by George Sprittles, of Castlethorpe, and afterwards conveyed the platelayers to the Carrington Arms, Castlethorpe, awaiting inquest, which took place on Saturday morning, before J. Worley, Esq., coroner for North Bucks, and a respectable jury, consisting of the following gentlemen : —Mr. William Denny (foreman), Messrs. Robert Varney, Thomas Gostlow, Richard Denny, Job Cowley, William Feasey, Joseph Cowley, Benjamin Hillyer, William Clarke, James Nicholls, William Hillyer, and James Cowley. On the evidence of several witnesses, and after the summing up the coroner, the jury returned verdict of " Accidental death." The deceased was much respected, he being organist and choir master of St. Jude's, Castlethorpe, also treasurer of the Loyal Progress Lodge of the National Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The funeral of deceased took place at the parish church, which was crammed to excess, on Tuesday last. The Rev. M. A. Nicholson, vicar of St. James's Church, Hanslope, assisted the Rev. J. J. Wigglesworth, curate, officiated at the ceremony. Miss A. Varney presided at the organ, and played the Dead March in "Saul," together with Nos. 400 and 225 of Hymns Ancient and Modern —the choir assisting in the hymns. Deceased was followed to the grave a large number of relatives and friends, together with the members of the Loyal Progress Lodge of National Independent Order of Odd Fellows, members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and Millwrights, and members of the Wesleyan Benefit Society, of all which societies deceased was a member; together with number of his fellow-workmen from Wolverton. The coffin was of polished oak, and, after being lowered into the grave, was literally heaped with flowers. Deceased was 39 years of age, and leaves wife and seven children to mourn his loss.
 —Another fatal accident occurred to a navvy, on Tuesday last, name unknown, near The Three Arches, Castlethorpe, who was travelling from Roade the railway to Wolverton, and was knocked down passing train and killed on the spot. His body was conveyed to the Carrington Arms, pending an inquest, this making the third man that was killed between Wolverton and Roade within six days.


Northampton Mercury 10 February 1883

Highway Board, Tuesday, Feb. 6.—  Messrs. P. Grove (chairman), G. Savage, J. B. .Harry W. Sheppard, W. George, H. J. Weston. D. Gibbins, J. Taylor, H. Smith, J. Gudgeon. T. Bull, W. W. Druce, J. Newitt, R. Messinger, C. Druce, J. Chettle, T. Whitlock jun., T. Amos, F. Montgomery, W. E. Bennett, Smith Wickens.—

The Surveyor reported that a coachman in the service Sir T. Hesketh, while driving an Irish car between Thorpe Wharf and Castlethorpe, injured the posts of a bridge, and the cost of repairs had been £2 8s. It was thought that the coachman, or Sir T. Hesketh, should pay half amount, the posts having been partially decayed before. The Surveyor added that the damage was done when the coachman was driving home from a meet of the hounds Castlethorpe. The Surveyor was requested Sir Thomas on the matter.


Northampton Mercury 19 September 1885

Serious Accident at Castlethorpe.—Sydney Frank Mills, a lad. four year' old, was conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary on 11th inst, having been run over at Castlethorpe at half-past eleven. It transpires that as the lad was playing the road he got in the way of a timber carriage belonging to Mr. J. Webster, timber, dealer, of Potterspury. One of the wheels of the carriage passed over his body and he was much injured.


Northampton Mercury 07 January 1888

ICE ACCIDENT. -- Harry Ekins, a lad, 16 years of age, living at Castlethorpe, and a gardener in the employ of Mr. Clark, was admitted to the Infirmary on Monday, suffering from injury to the knee. It seems that he was just starting to run when he slipped on a piece of ice, and fell, sustaining the injury named.


Northampton Mercury 30 November 1889

CASTLETHORPE. Trap Accident.—On Saturday evening a rather serious trap accident happened to Mr. Thomas Amos, farmer, of Castlethorpe. Mr. Amos was driving into the village, and when near home he was run into in the darkness by Mr. H. T. Weston, of Yardley, who was just driving out of the village. The trap shafts were broken, and Mr. Amos was pitched out and his bead was run over and one of his fingers cut off. Mr. Weston was not injured, although he was thrown out.


Northampton Mercury 21 December 1894

SERIOUS TRAP ACCIDENT NEAR HANSLOPE. A rather serious trap accident occurred Wednesday afternoon between Castlethorpe and Hanslope. It appears that Mr. and Mrs. S. Nicholson, with little boy, were driving from Hanslope to Castlethorpe, when somehow a collision occurred with Mr. A. Hall's grocery trap, the wheels the vehicles being locked, and the springs and wheels of Mr. Nicholson's trap completely smashed. The occupants of both vehicles were thrown out, Mrs. Nicholson being pitched foremost on to her face, the husband and boy falling the top of her. Mrs. Nicholson sustained' nasty injuries to the nose and forehead, her features directly after the accident being almost unrecognisable. Mr. George C. Rolfe, of Stony Stratford, was driving to Hanslope with a friend, and at the husband's request Mrs. Nicholson was taken to her home. Dr. Rutherford was sent for and attended to the injuries. The other occupants were shaken a good deal.


Northampton Mercury 23 July 1897

TRAP ACCIDENT AT CASTLETHORPE. On Sunday morning as Mr. G. Rolfe, Stony Stratford, accompanied by Mr. W. Warr and Mr. W. Panter, was driving young mare from Hanslope, he had a very narrow escape of what might have, been a very serious accident leaving on Castlethorpe. Mr. Rolfe drew on to the grass under trees for coolness, and in turning off the trap went clean over down the bank, throwing all three out. Mr. Warr went first, Mr. Panter, following upon him, bruised and cut him considerably; whilst Mr. Rolfe, flying clear of the other two, fortunately escaped injury. Mr. H. Groves was near the spot, and rendered first aid. The horse and trap were uninjured.


Northampton Mercury 19 July 1895

STONY STRATFORD. Sudden Death. —A man arriving in the town on Thursday in search of work was given a job by Mr. H. S. Perrin, and while at work staggered and fell down and expired almost immediately, death being attributed principally to heart disease. The man was probably 70 years of age, and his name is unknown, said to be a native of Steeple Claydon. It was rumoured he fell into the canal at Castlethorpe the previous night and was rescued by policeman. An inquest will held in due course.


Northampton Mercury 05 October 1900

THE FATALITY CASTLETHORPE STATION. The Deputy Borough Coroner (Mr. Tomalin), this (Friday) afternoon, held an inquest at the Northampton Infirmary on the body a labourer named William Simons, who died from the effects of injuries sustained while attempting to get in a train at Castlethorpe.—Caroline Simons, wife of the deceased, said her husband was 39 years of age. He was a labourer in the employ of the London and North-Western Railway. He left home to go to his employment at Works on Thursday morning.—Richard Flavell, stationmaster at Castlethorpe, said on Thursday morning he saw the 7.28 train away, and after it had got 120 yards up the platform he saw deceased come on to the platform by a side gate and attempt to get into the train. He attempted to get hold of the carriage door, but he apparently missed it, and fell under the train. Deceased was picked up and placed in a carriage and brought to the Northampton Infirmary.—Frederick Webb, a guard in the employ of the London and North-Western Railway, said accompanied deceased to the Infirmary.—George Lewis, house surgeon at the Infirmary, said deceased was admitted to the Infirmary on Thursday. Both thighs were terribly fractured, and deceased died from the shock caused these injuries.—A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.


Northampton Mercury 01 March 1901

ACCIDENT.—A man named Thomas Pole, aged 32, living in Green-street, Northampton, and employed by Mr. F. Cave, furniture dealer, Northampton, was driving a van from Castlethorpe Monday, when the horse took fright and bolted. Pole was thrown from his seat to the ground, sustaining serious injuries. His leg was broken and his arm much damaged. He was removed to the Northampton Infirmary, where was detained.


Northampton Mercury 16 April 1909

CASTLETHORPE. Accident William Graves (34) was shearing sheep on Good Friday. When some of them stampeded and knocked him broke the bone at the back his ankle, and was taken to the Northampton Hospital.


The Bucks Standard July 25th 1925

Accident. Mr. Ernest Cowley, of Castlethorpe, when cycling on his way to a night-shift at Wolverton Carriage Works on Friday last met with an unfortunate accident. When descending the Haversham Brook Hill his bicycle is believed to have skidded and he was thrown heavily on to the road where he lay for some time before assistance came, the road being a lonely one. He was badly cut about the face his right eye was blackened and he was also bruised and suffering from shock. He was taken to Northampton Hospital in a car kindly lent by Mrs. Markham, of Castlethorpe.