At the Northampton Assizes, on Wednesday, three brothers named Blades,
were tried on a charge of shooting at and wounding Lord Exeter's gamekeeper, in one of his preserves near Stamford. The evidence was sufficient to prove the charge ; but the Jury, after some deliberation, brought in a verdict—" Guilty of poaching." The Judge explained the law and sent them back ; when they returned a verdict of " Guilty," but recommended the prisoners to mercy, "on account of the buyers of game." Sentence of death was recorded against them. On the same day, at Oxford, Thomas Clay was indicted for the murder of Thomas Cooper, gamekeeper to Mr. Weyland, M. P., of Woodeaton. While Baron Alderson, the Judge, was summing up, towards the close of the evening, the noise and confusion in the Court were so great, that he was compelled to break off and adjourn the proceedings till next day—thus leaving the prisoner in suspense for the night. He resumed his charge on Thursday morning ; the prisoner was found Guilty, and sentenced to be hanged on Saturday the 5th.
An alarming fire broke out stout nine on Saturday last, at the man. sion of Mr. Joseph Neeld, M.P. for Chippenham, at Grittleton, Wilt- shire, which for some time threatened destruction to the building. On the first alarm, the dining and adjoining rooms were discovered in flames. The inhabitants of the village were on the spot within a few minutes after the fire-bell rang ; and by their exertions, aided by a plentiful supply of water, succeeded in extinguishing the flames before the engines arrived from Chippenham, for which expresses had been sent. The damage to the house is considerable, many fine paintings and valuable works of art being destroyed. Mr. Neeld was not insured. The fire originated from an old beam in the flue of the dining-room chimney becoming ignited. Early on Tuesday morning, a lodging-house at the corner of Thomas Street, Liverpool, inhabited principally by 'mar Irish people, fell down, and buried all its inmates in the ruins. Dm house, which was old and ricketty, had been undermined on one side, by au excavation, made close to it for the foundation of a new building. It is ascertained that six persons were killed, thirteen severely hurt, and ten are missing.
Previous page
