In the mid 16^th century the Garnstone estate was granted to trustees by James Tomkyns for his own use along with his wife Margery, and his descendants remained there until 1661.  At this time it became part of the settlement made upon Anne Tomkyns on her marriage to Roger Vaughan, and it was sold to Colonel Birch, a successful officer in Cromwell’s army.

Colonel Birch was originally a pack horse driver, travelling and trading his own goods, and he was so successful at defending these goods from Parliamentarians that he was noticed by Cromwell.  Cromwell was so impressed that he offered Birch a commission in his troop, and in 1645 Colonel Birch managed to capture Hereford which pleased Parliament no end.  He later became MP for Leominster and later Weobley until 1691 when he died.

Samuel Peploe (1)

Samuel Peploe was educated at Oxford University and was ordained a priest in 1692;  becoming Vicar of Preston, Lancashire in 1700.  He had a hatred of the Jacobites, which was further fuelled by the damage that they did to his property and his loyalty to the government eventually ensured his nomation to Bishop of Chester in 1725.  When he died in 1752 his son John succeeded him as warden of Manchester and inherited the Garnstone estate.

John Peploe Birch b. 1742 – 1805

Married Anne Clowes b. 1743,  a girl who was not without her own means.  John’s father Samuel (above) had left Garnstone estate to him in trust, to be inherited at the age of 21 provided that John adopted the surname Birch.  This he did, keeping Peploe as his middle name.

This couple never appeared to live at  Garnstone, preferring to live in Barnstone or London despite the fact that John was appointed High Sheriff of Herefordshire.  However John left Garnstone Estate to Anne who lived for several more years, and both of them were buried at Weobley.

John and Anne’s son, Samuel, inherited the Garnstone Estate.

Garnstone Castle

Designed by John Nash and built in 1807 for Samuel Peploe, Garnstone Castle was an extremely large and rather beautiful building with its Gothic towers, battlements and stunning views which was constructed to impress rather than for defence purposes.  ( Eastnor Castle was another example of this.)  Materials were sourced from the estate, and bricks were made locally – green sandstone was used for the seven inch courses, but eventually this was proved to be a mistake as it was too soft and it needed replacing in later years.  There were other flaws in the design, including the use of lead for the vast flat roof…….this leaked dreadfully especially after heavy snowfall, necessitating much manpower and many hours to clear the snow from the roof, using specially designed shovels.

All the floors were made of oak from the grounds, and oak was also used for the doors …… no expense was spared on the interior;  however, the cost of coal to heat this vast building was enormous and over the years the drain on the family’s finances must have been considerable.

The mansion stood on a gentle slope with magnificent views in all directions.  On the south side of the house was a beautiful flower garden with numerous roses and herbaceous plants, bordered by an iron railing beyond which was the deer park and rookery.  This was said to be one of the finest parks in England, and there was a herd of some 200 Black deer – not a breed as such but a variant in the same way that white deer can sometimes occur in herds, and very rare.

In the grounds were magnificent cedars, ancient oaks and elms, and there was a splendid avenue of 22 Wellingtonias bordering the drive up to the Castle.

There was an extensive kitchen garden, which although positioned well with regard to the house was north facing and therefore not altogether productive.  There were however many good fruit trees, as well as two vineries;   one peach house and a fig house.

There were 17 farms all with good tenants with the rental amounting to around £7,300 a year.

Samuel Peploe (2)

Born in 1774 in Lancashire, Samuel married Katherine Frances, daughter of Sir George Cornewall, 2^nd Bart. Of Moccas Court, Herefordshire

Samuel was educated at Eton, and took a great interest in music and the arts;   later he took the trouble to learn both French and Italian and was fluent in these languages – he was a most charming and considerate man, never talking down to those in lower walks of life yet comfortable in the company of high society.  He was a philanthropist, donating large sums of money to local causes and took a keen interest in the Weobley school for the poor, as an example – he provided a sumptuous dinner of roast beef and plum pudding along with good cider for the children when they had finished their exams.

He was described as one of the County’s most distinguished gentleman, who as a Magistrate showed great wisdom which was always guided by justice;   he was an eminent agriculturist and had a fine flock of sheep including Ryelands, Leicester and Southdowns.  In 1841 he was elected Governor of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.  Samuel also became Lord Lieutenant 1840

Samuel was a liberal and enlightened landlord, earning himself great respect and love from friends and tenants alike.

Samuel Peploe died in April 1845  and although he had been ill  for some time it was sudden and unexpected,  indeed in 1844 it was reported that his health was much improved and there were hopes of a good recovery.

 Royal Grants

1845

Copied from the Gazette on 23^rd May

The Queen has been pleased to grant unto Daniel Peploe Webb of Garnstone in the county of Hereford, eldest son and heir of Daniel Webb of Audley Square in the county of Middlesex, deceased, her Royal licence and authority that he and his issue may (in compliance with a direction in the last will and testament of the said Samuel Peploe) henceforth take and use the surname of Peploe only, instead of that of Webb, and bear the arms of Peploe quarterly, in the first quarter, with those of his own family;  such arms being first duly exemplified according to the laws of arms, and recorded in the Heralds’ Office, otherwise the said licence and permission to be void and of none effect”.

1866

Copied from The Edinburgh Gazette, 20^th July

The Queen has been pleased to give and grant unto John Birch Webb, Clerk, Vicar of Weobley, in the county of Hereford, and of Garnstone, in the said county, second but eldest surviving son and heir of Daniel Webb, of Audley Square, in the county of Middlesex, Esquire, deceased, by Anne, his Wife, Sister of Samuel Peploe, of Garnstone aforesaid, Esquire, deceased, Her Royal licence and authority that he and his issue may (in. compliance with A proviso contained in the last will and testament of the said Samuel Peploe,)- henceforth take and use the surname of Peploe” only, instead of that of Webb, and bear the arms of Peploe quarterly, in the first quarter, with those of his own family; such arms being first duly exemplified according to the laws of arms, and recorded in the College of Arms, otherwise the said licence to be void and of none effect: And also to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be recorded in Her Majesty’s College of Arms.

Daniel Peploe Peploe

Daniel Peploe Peploe was appointed High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1846 at a Court held in Buckingham Palace and he then arrived for the Lent Assizes in an elegant carriage drawn by four superb horses, and escorted by many representatives of the principal families in Herefordshire;  the Garnstone tenantry; the most respectable citizens and numerous attendants which formed a cavalcade of vehicles and horsemen not seen since the revered Thomas Andrew Knight of Downton Castle filled the office of High Sheriff.

1851 Garnstone Castle Household

1861 Garnstone Castle Household

Daniel Peploe Peploe (2)

Born in 1829 to the Reverend John Birch Peploe and Annie Molyneaux,  the second Daniel Peploe was educated at Rugby and then Trinity College.

He married Eliza Theophilia Debonnaire in Ludlow, Shropshire – he was a Major in the 4^th Dragoon Guards and served in the Crimea War.

Daniel was also a J.P. and was an MP for Hereford between 1874 and 1889

He died 4^th November 1887 in Florence, Italy, his will being proved by his wife Eliza and Daniel Henry Theophilus Peploe, his son, who were the executors.  The estate amounted to £25,619 16s 6d.

1871 Garnstone Castle Household

Fitzgerald Cornwall Peploe

Daniel Peploe’s son, Fitzgerald Cornwall Peploe was born 3^rd September 1862, and shunning the British Army to the disgust of his father he travelled to Canada to learn about farming.  His heart however was not in it, and finally he followed his dream and his talent to study sculpture in Florence, then Paris and Rome.  He became an extremely accomplished sculptor, and settled in New York where he produced some outstanding works including a bust of Lady Randolph Churchill.

He never married, and rumour has it that he was a little over fond of the drink – then again what great artist didn’t have their vices.

He died aged just 45 of heart disease and was buried at the Kensico Cemetery, New York.

The following two census returns showed the castle being manned by a skeleton staff.

1881 Garnstone Castle Household

1891 Garnstone Castle Household

1901 Garnstone Castle Household

October 1899

The whole of the Garnstone Castle estate was sold for £150,000 to  Joseph Verdin

Sir Joseph Verdin at Garnstone Castle.

Born on 4^th January 1838 in Northwich, Chestire,  Joseph Verdin was a  JP and Deputy Lieutenant for Cheshire, becoming a Baronet in 1896 and knighted in 1897.

Joseph Verdin & Sons Salt Business

Along with his brothers, Joseph was involved in the extensive family salt business;  there were six salt plants employing a very large workforce and they were the largest salt manufacturers in Great Britain.  The brothers became very wealthy, and used some of their riches to help the local community, including educational facilities for their own workforce, and various infirmaries.  Things went well in the 1880s, but problems began to arise with subsidence in areas surrounding the brine pumps, and although Sir Joseph set up a trust to help compensate those affected by the subsidence, an Act in 1891 which provided compensation for property owners made the Trust pointless so he used the money to help various schools and hospitals etc.  Eventually the salt business was ruined by the formation of the Salt Union in 1888 and in the end, still a bachelor,  he and his sister Mary moved to Garnstone Castle in 1900 where he became JP for Herefordshire and then High Sheriff in 1903.

Sir Joseph became a very popular country squire, sparing no expense in keeping up the estate and household and was something of a philanthropist.  A regular visitor to Garnstone Castle was Norman Verdin, the eldest son or Sir Joseph’s brother;  himself a JP for the county of Cheshire and Captain in the Cheshire Yeomanry, and heir to the childless Sir Joseph.

1919

Soldiers Returning from the War are Entertained at Garnstone Castle

On 18^th September the grounds of Garnstone Castle were opened to the ex service men of the Weobley district, first and foremost to welcome the demobilised men but also the residents from surrounding villages.  The band of the Hereford Working Boys Home played gamely throughout the afternoon, and there was much varied entertainment as well as organised races.

Afterwards a good meat tea was served in a large marquee, including beef;  roast mutton;  hams;  tongues etc. and glorious puddings, which was followed by dancing.

Sir Joseph replying to a speech of gratitude said that he had no wish to be thanked as he had only done what was his duty – to welcome home the men who had fought for the country.

He remained at the Castle until his death in December 1920, his sister Mary having died in 1903.

1911 Garnstone Castle Household

Richard Norman Harrison Verdin

In 1909 Richard Norman Harrison Verdin, educated at Harrow and Magdalen College Oxford, married Miss Alison Macfie Barbour of Bolesworth Castle near Chester, an event which the inhabitants of Weobley were keenly interested in, given that the pair would eventually take ownership of Garnstone Castle.

Indeed Richard (known as Norman) proved to be as kind and philanthropic as his Uncle when he moved to Garnstone in 1931, and he became Chairman of the Weobley Parish Council and Chairman of the Managers of Weobley School.  He was also a President of the Three Counties Agricultural Show and sat on the boards of many local interests – maintaining interest in all activities until he died.

He was survived by his wife, three sons and one daughter when he died on October 22^nd 1956 aged 79,  but left unsettled estate of £137,322 0s 2d.  The settled land grant however,  had already been issued to Lt. Col Richard B. Verdin retired, of Nantwich, Cheshire.

One year after probate was granted on the estate one final lavish ball was held before Garnstone Castle was demolished, perhaps because it was just too expensive to keep going.

The spire is the second tallest in Herefordshire,  so please forgive the missing top!

Font

The front at St. Peter & St. Paul is 14th century.

Memorials

Sir John Marbury

Sir John Marbury of Lyonshall who died in 1437 and his wife Dame Agnes Croph, widow of Sir Walter Devereux and Lady of the Manor of Weobley.

Colonel John Birch

Colonel John Birch, a prominent Parliamentarian who was well respected by the people of Weobley and was probably responsible for rebuilding the church spire in 1675 (it blew down in a storm some 30 years earlier).

Daniel Peploe

Daniel Peploe, Captain 4th Dragoon Guards and MP for Hereford. Born 15th February 1829 and died November 4th 1887, suddenly at Florence, Italy

At one time there was a castle which is reputed to have been built by the de Lacy family towards the end of the eleventh century, but that fell into ruin and has now totally disappeared,  probably due to the fact that villagers helped themselves to the stones in order to build their own houses!

Weobley is home to one of Herefordshire’s biggest and most impressive timber houses – the Ley which was built in 1589.

There was a range of industry in the past, with thriving shops; Weobley found wealth in the wool trade and then became famous for making ale, gloves and nails, although the nail factory burned to the ground in 1943.

Charles 1 visited Weobley in 1645 after the battle of Naseby, staying at The Unicorn which was a coaching house. It was renamed The Throne in honour of the king’s visit, and still stands although it is now a private house. The “new” Unicorn pub, built in the 17th century specialised in home made cider from its own orchard; help with harvesting the apples was rewarded with tokens for spending in the pub!

The Domesday Book referred to Weobley as Wibelai – Wibba being a sixth century Saxon chief, and ley meaning a forest clearing.

In the 20th century there was a devastating fire in Broad Street which coupled with the alleged fact that the Marquess of Bath had at least 4o buildings taken down, meant that Weobley dramatically decreased in size!  The destroyed area is now a garden.

Churches of Weobley

• St. Peter & St. Paul's Church - Weobley

  This church is the third to be built on the site

   

  The spire is the second tallest in Herefordshire,  so please forgive the missing top!

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Font

  The front at St. Peter & St. Paul is 14th century.

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Memorials

  Sir John Marbury

  Sir John Marbury of Lyonshall who died in 1437 and his wife Dame Agnes Croph, widow of Sir Walter Devereux and Lady of the Manor of Weobley.

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Colonel John Birch

  Colonel John Birch, a prominent Parliamentarian who was well respected by the people of Weobley and was probably responsible for rebuilding the church spire in 1675 (it blew down in a storm some 30 years earlier).

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Daniel Peploe

  Daniel Peploe, Captain 4th Dragoon Guards and MP for Hereford. Born 15th February 1829 and died November 4th 1887, suddenly at Florence, Italy

   

   

   

  

  Read More >

Buildings in Weobley

• Weobley Union Workhouse

  The Workhouse at Weobley was built in 1837 at White Hill, and the building still exists but became the home of the Council Offices and has now been converted into flats.

  Workhouse Supplies

  In 1842, an advertisement was placed in the Hereford Times as follows:

  “Wanted, contracts for bread, meat, grocery, shoes, coffins etc. for a period of three months, commencing on 28th June.

  BREAD – to be made of best seconds flour, in loaves of 4lb and 2lb weight respectively, and not less than 24 nor more than 48 hours old at time of delivery.

  MEAT – Beef (without bone) ;  mutton and suet, and best shins and cheeks.

  GROCERY – Tea, sugar, rice, treacle, oatmeal, pepper, allspice, cheese, salt butter, yellow soap, candles, soda, starch and blue, and salt.

  COALS – best Welsh.

  SHOES – Men’s, women’s, boy’s and girl’s shoes in sizes.

  COFFINS – of good elm boards, smoothed and hooped, with the initials of the name and the age of the deceased on the lid, and to include a suitable shroud, pillow etc. for each.

  Sealed tenders with samples of grocery, to be delivered to the Workhouse.”

  The contracts were always very short, and advertisements for tenders appeared on a regular basis.

  Entertainment in the Workhouse

  Some Masters and Matrons were of a kindlier disposition than others, and in 1899 Mr. and Mrs. Dion organised an evening of entertainment for the inmates of the Weobley Workhouse.

  The dining hall was used for the occasion, and a stage was built at one end, where many acts took place, including some performed by the children.  There were also some excellent waxworks, with Mr. Dion being showman.

  James Bell, on behalf of the inmates, thanked everyone who had given them such a wonderful evening, and spoke in high terms of the kindness they had always received from the Master and Matron.

   

  Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1841

  James Anderton	40	Master
  Margaret Anderton	35	Wife, Matron
  George Baskerville	40	Porter

   

  Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1851

  B.P. Evans	50	Master b. Barnstaple, Devon
  Anna Evans	49	Wife, Matron b. Devon
  Phillis K. Evans	9	Daughter b. Devon
  George Griffiths	21	Porter and Baker b. Hereford

   

  Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1861

  Thomas B. Venimore	43	Master b. Middlesex
  Ann Lucy Venimore	42	Wife, Matron b. Middlesex
  William Anderson	19	Porter b. Leominster, Herefordshire
  Harriet Chivers	26	Nurse b. Pontypool, Monmouthshire

   

  Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1871

  Joseph Pope	41	Master b. Droitwich, Worcestershire
  Annie Pope	48	Matron b. Newent, Gloucestershire
  Fanny Pope	18	Daughter, Assistant Matron, b. Dodderhill, Worcestershire
  Amy Pope	9	Daughter, b. Brewood, Staffordshire
  John Harpe	20	Porter b. Leominster, Herefordshire

   

  Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1881

  Daniel Johnson	39	Master b. Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
  Eliza Jane Johnson	29	Wife, Matron b. Coleford, Gloucestershire
  Charles Weager	30	Schoolmaster b. Usk
  Elizabeth Price	40	Nurse b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire

  Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1911

  George Ishmael Dion	56	Master b. Lincolnshire
  Mary Ann Dion	56	Wife, Matron b. Coleford, Gloucestershire
  Mary Johnson	44	Nurse b. Clodock, Herefordshire

   

   

  Read More >
• Garnstone Castle - History

  Background – before Garnstone Castle was built.

  In the mid 16^th century the Garnstone estate was granted to trustees by James Tomkyns for his own use along with his wife Margery, and his descendants remained there until 1661.  At this time it became part of the settlement made upon Anne Tomkyns on her marriage to Roger Vaughan, and it was sold to Colonel Birch, a successful officer in Cromwell’s army.

  Colonel Birch was originally a pack horse driver, travelling and trading his own goods, and he was so successful at defending these goods from Parliamentarians that he was noticed by Cromwell.  Cromwell was so impressed that he offered Birch a commission in his troop, and in 1645 Colonel Birch managed to capture Hereford which pleased Parliament no end.  He later became MP for Leominster and later Weobley until 1691 when he died.

   

  Samuel Peploe (1)

  Samuel Peploe was educated at Oxford University and was ordained a priest in 1692;  becoming Vicar of Preston, Lancashire in 1700.  He had a hatred of the Jacobites, which was further fuelled by the damage that they did to his property and his loyalty to the government eventually ensured his nomation to Bishop of Chester in 1725.  When he died in 1752 his son John succeeded him as warden of Manchester and inherited the Garnstone estate.

   

  John Peploe Birch b. 1742 – 1805

  Married Anne Clowes b. 1743,  a girl who was not without her own means.  John’s father Samuel (above) had left Garnstone estate to him in trust, to be inherited at the age of 21 provided that John adopted the surname Birch.  This he did, keeping Peploe as his middle name.

  This couple never appeared to live at  Garnstone, preferring to live in Barnstone or London despite the fact that John was appointed High Sheriff of Herefordshire.  However John left Garnstone Estate to Anne who lived for several more years, and both of them were buried at Weobley.

  John and Anne’s son, Samuel, inherited the Garnstone Estate.

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Garnstone Castle

  Designed by John Nash and built in 1807 for Samuel Peploe, Garnstone Castle was an extremely large and rather beautiful building with its Gothic towers, battlements and stunning views which was constructed to impress rather than for defence purposes.  ( Eastnor Castle was another example of this.)  Materials were sourced from the estate, and bricks were made locally – green sandstone was used for the seven inch courses, but eventually this was proved to be a mistake as it was too soft and it needed replacing in later years.  There were other flaws in the design, including the use of lead for the vast flat roof…….this leaked dreadfully especially after heavy snowfall, necessitating much manpower and many hours to clear the snow from the roof, using specially designed shovels.

  All the floors were made of oak from the grounds, and oak was also used for the doors …… no expense was spared on the interior;  however, the cost of coal to heat this vast building was enormous and over the years the drain on the family’s finances must have been considerable.

  The mansion stood on a gentle slope with magnificent views in all directions.  On the south side of the house was a beautiful flower garden with numerous roses and herbaceous plants, bordered by an iron railing beyond which was the deer park and rookery.  This was said to be one of the finest parks in England, and there was a herd of some 200 Black deer – not a breed as such but a variant in the same way that white deer can sometimes occur in herds, and very rare.

  In the grounds were magnificent cedars, ancient oaks and elms, and there was a splendid avenue of 22 Wellingtonias bordering the drive up to the Castle.

  There was an extensive kitchen garden, which although positioned well with regard to the house was north facing and therefore not altogether productive.  There were however many good fruit trees, as well as two vineries;   one peach house and a fig house.

   

  There were 17 farms all with good tenants with the rental amounting to around £7,300 a year.

   

  Samuel Peploe (2)

  Born in 1774 in Lancashire, Samuel married Katherine Frances, daughter of Sir George Cornewall, 2^nd Bart. Of Moccas Court, Herefordshire

  Samuel was educated at Eton, and took a great interest in music and the arts;   later he took the trouble to learn both French and Italian and was fluent in these languages – he was a most charming and considerate man, never talking down to those in lower walks of life yet comfortable in the company of high society.  He was a philanthropist, donating large sums of money to local causes and took a keen interest in the Weobley school for the poor, as an example – he provided a sumptuous dinner of roast beef and plum pudding along with good cider for the children when they had finished their exams.

  He was described as one of the County’s most distinguished gentleman, who as a Magistrate showed great wisdom which was always guided by justice;   he was an eminent agriculturist and had a fine flock of sheep including Ryelands, Leicester and Southdowns.  In 1841 he was elected Governor of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.  Samuel also became Lord Lieutenant 1840

  Samuel was a liberal and enlightened landlord, earning himself great respect and love from friends and tenants alike.

  Samuel Peploe died in April 1845  and although he had been ill  for some time it was sudden and unexpected,  indeed in 1844 it was reported that his health was much improved and there were hopes of a good recovery.

   

   Royal Grants

  1845

  Copied from the Gazette on 23^rd May

  The Queen has been pleased to grant unto Daniel Peploe Webb of Garnstone in the county of Hereford, eldest son and heir of Daniel Webb of Audley Square in the county of Middlesex, deceased, her Royal licence and authority that he and his issue may (in compliance with a direction in the last will and testament of the said Samuel Peploe) henceforth take and use the surname of Peploe only, instead of that of Webb, and bear the arms of Peploe quarterly, in the first quarter, with those of his own family;  such arms being first duly exemplified according to the laws of arms, and recorded in the Heralds’ Office, otherwise the said licence and permission to be void and of none effect”.

  1866

  Copied from The Edinburgh Gazette, 20^th July

  The Queen has been pleased to give and grant unto John Birch Webb, Clerk, Vicar of Weobley, in the county of Hereford, and of Garnstone, in the said county, second but eldest surviving son and heir of Daniel Webb, of Audley Square, in the county of Middlesex, Esquire, deceased, by Anne, his Wife, Sister of Samuel Peploe, of Garnstone aforesaid, Esquire, deceased, Her Royal licence and authority that he and his issue may (in. compliance with A proviso contained in the last will and testament of the said Samuel Peploe,)- henceforth take and use the surname of Peploe” only, instead of that of Webb, and bear the arms of Peploe quarterly, in the first quarter, with those of his own family; such arms being first duly exemplified according to the laws of arms, and recorded in the College of Arms, otherwise the said licence to be void and of none effect: And also to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be recorded in Her Majesty’s College of Arms.

   

  Daniel Peploe Peploe

  Daniel Peploe Peploe was appointed High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1846 at a Court held in Buckingham Palace and he then arrived for the Lent Assizes in an elegant carriage drawn by four superb horses, and escorted by many representatives of the principal families in Herefordshire;  the Garnstone tenantry; the most respectable citizens and numerous attendants which formed a cavalcade of vehicles and horsemen not seen since the revered Thomas Andrew Knight of Downton Castle filled the office of High Sheriff.

   

  1851 Garnstone Castle Household

  Daniel P. Peploe	57	Half pay Officer, unattached;  Magistrate	b. Middlesex
  Thomas Humphries	35	Butler	b. Rugely, Staffordshire
  James Cox	26	Under Butler	b. Hereford
  William Gibbs	26	Footman	b. Wiltshire
  William Hemmings	36	Coachman	b. Warwickshire
  William Winney (?)	25	Groom	b. Eardisland, Herefordshire
  John Thomas	26	Helper in stables	b. Madley, Herefordshire
  Frances Fennell	50	Housekeeper	b. Middlesex
  Augusta L. Watts	31	Cook	b. Marylebone, Middlesex
  Mary Owens	29	Laundry Maid	b. Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Howells	35	Upper House Maid	b. Peterchurch, Herefordshire
  Margaret Jones	24	Kitchen Maid	b. Middlesex
  Sarah Fennell	31	Upper Stillroom Maid	b. Gloucestershire
  Eliza Bamfield	21	Under Stillroom Maid	b. Kentchurch, Herefordshire
  Ann Grubb	24	Under House Maid	b.  Monkland, Herefordshire
  Ann Harris	20	Scullery Maid	b. Much Dewchurch, Herefordshire

   

  1861 Garnstone Castle Household

  Daniel P. Peploe	58	Gentleman and Deputy Lieutenant	b. Dudley Square, London
  Thomas Humphries	44	Butler	b. Church Stretton, Salop
  William Gibbs	37	Upper Footman	b. Wiltshire
  Daniel Hill	24	Under Butler	b. St. Nicholas, Hereford
  Thomas Lee	30	Coachman	b. Sittingbourne, Kent
  Frederick Osborne	20	Groom	b. St. Georges, Kent
  Isaac Staggs	22	Helper in stables	b. Hollingsbury, Kent
  Andrew Hathaway	15	Boy in stables	b. Ludlow, Salop
  Sarah	68	Housekeeper	b. Wiltshire
  Augusta L. Watts	40	Cook	b. Marylebone, London
  Charlotte Jones	36	Stillroom Maid	b. Holyhead, North Wales
  Mary Harris	25	Laundry Maid	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Harriett A. Hill	39	Housemaid	b. Lambeth, London
  Mary Webster	26	Under Housemaid	b. Staffordshire
  Jane Price	21	Under Housemaid	b. Moccas, Herefordshire
  Ann Harris	30	Kitchen Maid	b. Much Dewchurch, Herefordshire
  Caroline Greaving	21	Scullery Maid	b. Hadley, Suffolk

   

  Daniel Peploe Peploe (2)

  Born in 1829 to the Reverend John Birch Peploe and Annie Molyneaux,  the second Daniel Peploe was educated at Rugby and then Trinity College.

  He married Eliza Theophilia Debonnaire in Ludlow, Shropshire – he was a Major in the 4^th Dragoon Guards and served in the Crimea War.

  Daniel was also a J.P. and was an MP for Hereford between 1874 and 1889

  He died 4^th November 1887 in Florence, Italy, his will being proved by his wife Eliza and Daniel Henry Theophilus Peploe, his son, who were the executors.  The estate amounted to £25,619 16s 6d.

  1871 Garnstone Castle Household

  Daniel P. Peploe	42	Landowner	b. Weobley, Herefordshire
  Eliza D. Peploe	34	Wife	b. East Indies
  Daniel H. T. Peploe	9	Son	b. Lyonshall, Herefordshire
  Fitzgerald C Peploe	8	Son	b. Lyonshall, Herefordshire
  Evelyn Peploe	5	Daughter	b. Holmer, Herefordshire
  Marie Meyer	30	Governess	b. Switzerland
  Elise Huber	18	Nurse	b. Switzerland
  Jeannie	36	Ladies Maid	b. Switzerland
  David Green	33	Butler	b. Poland
  Charles Taylor	25	Under Butler	b. Berkshire
  Welbaine Abbey	25	Footman	b. Middlesex
  William Mather	20	Page	b. Knighton, Herefordshire
  Samuel Purdy	43	Coachman	b. Norfolk
  Richard	23	Groom	b. Middlesex
  Francis Hart	25	Stableman	b. Bedfordshire
  Thomas Davis	24	Stableman	b. Lyonshall, Herefordshire
  William Miles	29	Stableman	b. Hereford
  Margaret Rilbrick	64	Housekeeper	b. Bolton, Lancashire
  Mary Holiday	55	Housemaid	b. Haverfordwest, Pembroke
  Rosanna Bishop	21	Housemaid	b. Bristow, Herefordshire
  Emily Malpas	20	Housemaid	b. Ross on Wye, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Gibbs	24	Laundry Maid	b. Hereford
  Harriett Rogers	18	Under Laundry Maid	b. Sarnesfield, Herefordshire
  Harriett Howell	34	Cook	b. Suffolk
  Sarah Jeannie	24	Kitchen Maid	b. Little Chesterfield
  Mary Hodges	26	Still room Maid	b. Bodenham, Herefordshire
  Emily Pugh	20	Scullery Maid	b. Kinnersley, Herefordshire
  Thomas Carpenter		Baker	b. Hereford
  Annie M Perdy	45	Dressmaker	b. Berkshire

   

  Fitzgerald Cornwall Peploe

  Daniel Peploe’s son, Fitzgerald Cornwall Peploe was born 3^rd September 1862, and shunning the British Army to the disgust of his father he travelled to Canada to learn about farming.  His heart however was not in it, and finally he followed his dream and his talent to study sculpture in Florence, then Paris and Rome.  He became an extremely accomplished sculptor, and settled in New York where he produced some outstanding works including a bust of Lady Randolph Churchill.

  He never married, and rumour has it that he was a little over fond of the drink – then again what great artist didn’t have their vices.

  He died aged just 45 of heart disease and was buried at the Kensico Cemetery, New York.

   

  The following two census returns showed the castle being manned by a skeleton staff.

   

  1881 Garnstone Castle Household

  Mary A. Lane	29	Housekeeper	b. Glamorganshire
  Mary Price	26	Laundry Maid	b. Canon Pyon, Herefordshire
  Eliza Williams	21	Laundry Maid	b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  Alice Walker	20	Housemaid	b. Hereford

  1891 Garnstone Castle Household

  Mark Biggs	40	Gardener	b. Middlesex
  Catherine Biggs	39	Wife	b. Norfolk
  Gilbert Biggs	12	Son	b. Weobley, Herefordshire
  Alice Mary Biggs	11	Daughter	b. Weobley, Herefordshire
  Ernest Richard Biggs	9	Son	b. Weobley, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Sarah Bounds	16	Domestic Servant	b. Norton Canon, Herefordshire

  1901 Garnstone Castle Household

  Sir Joseph Verdin	63	Living on own means	b. Northwich, Cheshire
  Mary Verdin	67	Sister	b. Northwich, Cheshire
  J.M. Crighton Browne	35	Niece	b. Lanes, Liverpool
  Gladys M. Crighton Browne	5	Great Niece	b. Regents Park, London
  Cecil H.V. Crighton Browne	4	Nephew	b. Sloane Street, London
  Maria Middleton	34	Cook	b. Derbyshire
  Mary Williams	28	Ladies Maid	b. Anglesey
  Sara Ann Howman	35	Ladies Maid	b. Albrighton, Salop
  Louisa Howard	22	Kitchen Maid	b. Wakefield, Yorkshire
  Mary Davies	32	Head Housemaid	b. Knighton, Radnorshire
  Nellie Skinner	21	Housemaid	b. Wolverton, Buckinghamshire
  Cecilia Jones	29	Laundry Maid	b. Vauxhall Walk, London
  Emily Davidson	18	Laundry Maid	b. Stokesay, Salop
  Shaly Wilson	21	Housemaid	b. Kidderminster, Worcestershire
  Ann Higgins	18	Housemaid	b. Salop
  Mary Ann Jones	19	Scullery Maid	b. Bewdley, Worcestershire
  Hannah Gould	17	Nursery Maid	b. Salop
  John Wilson	25	1st Footman	b. Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
  Chas Taylor	18	2nd Footman	b. Belper, Derbyshire
  Henry Harrison	25	2nd Coachman	b. Salop
  Geo. Downes	24	Groom	b. Cheshire
  Arthur Lewis	17	Groom	b. Bromyard, Herefordshire

   

  October 1899

  The whole of the Garnstone Castle estate was sold for £150,000 to  Joseph Verdin

  Sir Joseph Verdin at Garnstone Castle.

  Born on 4^th January 1838 in Northwich, Chestire,  Joseph Verdin was a  JP and Deputy Lieutenant for Cheshire, becoming a Baronet in 1896 and knighted in 1897.

  Joseph Verdin & Sons Salt Business

  Along with his brothers, Joseph was involved in the extensive family salt business;  there were six salt plants employing a very large workforce and they were the largest salt manufacturers in Great Britain.  The brothers became very wealthy, and used some of their riches to help the local community, including educational facilities for their own workforce, and various infirmaries.  Things went well in the 1880s, but problems began to arise with subsidence in areas surrounding the brine pumps, and although Sir Joseph set up a trust to help compensate those affected by the subsidence, an Act in 1891 which provided compensation for property owners made the Trust pointless so he used the money to help various schools and hospitals etc.  Eventually the salt business was ruined by the formation of the Salt Union in 1888 and in the end, still a bachelor,  he and his sister Mary moved to Garnstone Castle in 1900 where he became JP for Herefordshire and then High Sheriff in 1903.

  Sir Joseph became a very popular country squire, sparing no expense in keeping up the estate and household and was something of a philanthropist.  A regular visitor to Garnstone Castle was Norman Verdin, the eldest son or Sir Joseph’s brother;  himself a JP for the county of Cheshire and Captain in the Cheshire Yeomanry, and heir to the childless Sir Joseph.

  1919

  Soldiers Returning from the War are Entertained at Garnstone Castle

  On 18^th September the grounds of Garnstone Castle were opened to the ex service men of the Weobley district, first and foremost to welcome the demobilised men but also the residents from surrounding villages.  The band of the Hereford Working Boys Home played gamely throughout the afternoon, and there was much varied entertainment as well as organised races.

  Afterwards a good meat tea was served in a large marquee, including beef;  roast mutton;  hams;  tongues etc. and glorious puddings, which was followed by dancing.

  Sir Joseph replying to a speech of gratitude said that he had no wish to be thanked as he had only done what was his duty – to welcome home the men who had fought for the country.

  He remained at the Castle until his death in December 1920, his sister Mary having died in 1903.

   

  1911 Garnstone Castle Household

  Joseph Verdin	73	Private Means	b. Northwich, Cheshire
  John Joseph Verdin Cooke	42	Nephew, Salt Proprietor	b. Crewe, Cheshire
  Maria Middleton	45	Housekeeper, Cook	b. Staveley, Yorkshire
  Ellen Wildman	33	Head Housemaid	b. Staffordshire
  Louisa Wyatt	24	Second Housemaid	b. Hansford, Staffordshire
  Sarah Ann Colley	20	Third Housemaid	b. Weobley, Herefordshire
  Mary Louie Johnson	17	Fourth Housemaid	b. Northwich, Cheshire
  Minnie Grace Baker	27	Head Laundry Maid
  Florence May Butter	20	Second Laundry Miad	b. Kynaston, Herefordshire
  Margaret Florence Lynne	21	Kitchen Maid	b. Exelby
  Louisa Bertha Webster	19	Scullery Miad
  Samuel Cork	31	Butler	b. Hanley, Staffordshire
  Henry Woof	20	First Footman	b. Lancashire
  Egbert Thomas Arnold	20	Second Footman	b. Derby
  William George Gittings	14	Hall Boy	b. Herefordshire

   

  Richard Norman Harrison Verdin

   

  In 1909 Richard Norman Harrison Verdin, educated at Harrow and Magdalen College Oxford, married Miss Alison Macfie Barbour of Bolesworth Castle near Chester, an event which the inhabitants of Weobley were keenly interested in, given that the pair would eventually take ownership of Garnstone Castle.

  Indeed Richard (known as Norman) proved to be as kind and philanthropic as his Uncle when he moved to Garnstone in 1931, and he became Chairman of the Weobley Parish Council and Chairman of the Managers of Weobley School.  He was also a President of the Three Counties Agricultural Show and sat on the boards of many local interests – maintaining interest in all activities until he died.

  He was survived by his wife, three sons and one daughter when he died on October 22^nd 1956 aged 79,  but left unsettled estate of £137,322 0s 2d.  The settled land grant however,  had already been issued to Lt. Col Richard B. Verdin retired, of Nantwich, Cheshire.

  One year after probate was granted on the estate one final lavish ball was held before Garnstone Castle was demolished, perhaps because it was just too expensive to keep going.

  William Henry Verdin	b. Northwich, Cheshire 1849	Landowner, Own Account
  Emily Jane Verdin	b. Liverpool, Lancashire 1854	Wife, Home Duties
  Emily Gwendoline Verdin	b. Winsford, Cheshire 1881	Daughter
  Isabella Allen	b. Hutton, Berwickshire, Scotland 1882	Cook
  Florence Anne Pugh	b. Bilston, Staffordshire 1889	Lady’s Maid
  Catherine Roberts	b. Denbighshire 1875	Laundry Maid
  Nora Walker	b. Leicestershire 1893	Housemaid
  Violet Florence Hill	b. Gloucestershire 1898	Housemaid
  Rose Hewins	b. Glamorganshire, Wales 1904	Housemaid
  Hannah Dower	b. Mountain Ash, Glamorganshire, Wales 1904	Kitchenmaid
  Ada Parsons	b. Herefordshire 1905	Scullerymaid
  Harold Cadwallader	b. Jackfield, Shropshire 1905	Footman
  Cyril Palmer	b. Whitchurch, Shropshire 1907	Hall Boy

   

  Read More >

News from the Past Weobley

• Weobley News from the Past

  Lost pigs;  a drinking fountain,  Christmas in the Workhouse, Odd Fellows and murder most horrid

  1844 – Odd Fellows Meeting at Weobley

  “The ancient town of Weobley was roused from its usual dullness by the proceedings of the Odd Fellows connected with the Star of the Valley Lodge, of the Wolverhampton Unity”

  Late afternoon saw the church bells pealing out, as many people came into the town from nearby villages to contribute for the benefit of the Widow and Orphans Fund.

  130 friends and brothers assembled in the lodge room at the Bell Inn, their breasts adorned with rosettes;  the room was extensively decorated with flowers and evergreens, and outside there were lamps arranged into a star shape, surrounded by flowers which spelled out the name of the lodge, which had only been established for six months.

  150 people sat down to tea and nibbles, after which many songs were sung by the brothers present.

  Mr. Ribbon of Hereford was hired for the evening, and everyone tripped the light fantastic toe until the early hours.

  1845 – Wanted – Master and Matron for Union Workhouse at Weobley

  The man and his wife had to be without incumbrance, and would be required to perform such duties as laid down by the Rules and Regulations of the Poor Law Commissioners.

  The joint salary was to be £50 a year.

  1849 – Christmas in the Workhouse at Weobley

  The inmates of Weobley Union Workhouse were given a banquet of roast beef and plum pudding, with plenty of cider to wash it down.

  The beef was donated by an anonymous gentleman in the parish.

  1857 – Strange Case of the Lost Pig at Weobley

  Mr. Ford spent several days searching for one of his sows which had mysteriously disappeared – he traveled more than a hundred miles, but to no avail.

  At the time of the disappearance, a steam threshing machine was working outside his house, and it was a full three weeks later that Mr. Ford discovered his missing pig buried under the straw.  The poor animal had had nothing to eat or drink, and was heavy with piglets, but with much care and attention she recovered from her imprisonment and soon produced 10 piglets.

  1858 – Kick from Horse Kills Weobley Man

  William Taylor aged 67 was loading potatoes onto a cart, when suddenly the horse lashed out and kicked him in the abdomen.

  The surgeon, Mr. Lomax, was immediately called, but he could see that there was nothing he could do, as the bowels were horribly ruptured.

  William died shortly afterwards.

  1859 – Weobley Drinking Fountain

  C. Lomax;  The Marquis of Bath, and others, all put money into the repair and restoration of the public pump in Weobley, which had been out of use for a considerable time.

  The pump was not only repaired, but all the appliances of a drinking fountain were added for the “interest and comfort” of the inhabitants of Weobley.

  1885 – The Weobley Tragedy (or Murder Most Horrid)

  John Hill, alias Sailor Jack, and John Williams, alias Irish Jack, were charged with the wilful murder of Ann Dixon on 30th September in Coach Road Field, the Holme Farm, Weobley.

  Williams was also charged with unlawfully wounding Mary Ann Farrall at the same time and place.

  Hill was a sailor by occupation, but had returned to Weobley to gain a living by labouring, and Williams was a painter.

  The pair were taken to court in the Merton Hotel omnibus in the charge of seven policemen, and on alighting at the court they were greeted by a hissing and booing crowd.

  In the dock it was said that Williams behaved in an adacious manner as the case progressed.

  Ann Dixon and Mary Ann Farrall

  Ann Dixon was living with a man by the name of Cox and had a five year old child by another man.  Mary Ann Farrall was from Manchester, and the pair of them were described as travelling women with no fixed place of abode.  They were the very best of friends and were in Weobley for the hop picking season.

  Cox was in Worcester gaol on a charge of drunkenness, but was due to come out and return to Weobley, which explained why Ann Dixon was in Weobley on the evening in question – she and Mary Ann went to the Lion to wait for him.  They had a drink in the tap room where the two prisoners were also drinking, and as the evening wore on, Williams became over familiar with Ann and she endeavoured to stay out of his way.

  When the two women decided to go back to the Holme, Hill suggested escorting them home and they agreed but didn’t want Williams to go with them, and they duly set off.

  The attack

  Some time into the walk home, Hill began to push himself upon the women, and although they rebuffed him, a little further on Williams suddenly appeared in front of them wielding a stick.  He hit Mary Ann about the face with the stick, and she collapsed unconscious, but when she came to, Williams was taking her baby out of her arms.  He tried to rape her, and she begged to be left alone but when he threatened to kill her she told him that if he let her get up and go to the barn, he could spend the night with her.

  He let her get up, and gave her back her baby, then they walked through the field together – where she suddenly started screaming “murder”, whereupon Williams fled.

  The next morning, the body of  Ann Dixon was discovered, with the stick as above alongside.  The doctor found that the frontal bones of her skull had splinters which had entered the brain, and the injuries to her eye was shocking.  Not only that, but there was clear evidence that the poor woman had been raped after her death.

  The Coroner’s Report on Ann Dixon

  The body was lying close by marks made by knees and toes in the mud;  she was on her stomach and face, with her face turned round so that it rested on the right side.  The right arm was raised as if warding off a blow, and the left arm was also raised, but was underneath.

  The hands were semi-clenched and the legs were stretched wide apart;  the clothes were dragged apart so as to expose the latter part of her thighs and the stockings were turned down over her boots.  The arms and hands were covered in mud and blood, and the nose was driven in.  A square piece of flesh was missing from the right had side of the mouth;  the bones were smashed in so badly that it was impossible to recognise the face.

  The lower jawbone was fractured in three places;  most of the teeth had been knocked out and the upper jawbone was smashed to pieces as was the nasal bone and cheek bones.  The eye was driven into the brain.

  It was concluded that the injuries were inflicted by a blunt instrument, possibly the broken stick found by the body.

  Both Hill and Williams had large amounts of blood on their clothes, and Hill also had deep scratches on his hand and face – there was human skin under Ann’s nails.

  Eventually the jury reached a verdict of Wilful Murder.

  The Execution of the Weobley Murderers – the First to be carried out inside Hereford Gaol

  Until this point, all executions were conducted publicly outside the walls of the Gaol, but John Hill and John Williams were executed in November 1885 inside and out of sight, they both having apparently had a restless night.  Hill made a full confession before being taken to the gallows.

  They left the cells just before eight o’clock, with Williams crying bitterly until he dropped, with the sound of the bolt being drawn carrying to the large crowd assembled in Workhouse Lane.   After the bodies had hung for the usual time, they were taken down and covered with lime before being buried within the precincts of the gaol.

  An Eyewitness Account of the Execution for those interested in gory details!

  “The place of execution was in the airing yard at the back of the prison.  A pit of about 12 feet deep and 6 feet by 4 feet wide, was prepared, to which access was obtained by steps in a side pit.  The pit was covered by two loose doors which, held together level by a bolt, formed the standing places of the prisoners, and upon a simple strong wooden framework above them were suspended the ropes with which they were hanged.

  Both prisoners were attired in their own clothes;  near the feet of Hill were marked in pencil on the platform his weight – 10 st. 10 lbs, and his height, 5ft 5 and three quarter inches.  Near Williams’ feet the figures 9st. 3lb, and 5ft 2 and a half in.

  Hill being the heavier man of the two was given a drop of eight feet and Williams a drop of half a foot extra.  Berry the hangman who had come from Bradford on Saturday, and taken up his quarters in the gaol, and already tested the drop several times.

  When the bodies were taken down they were laid in a shed in their clothing;  they were quite dead;  white and rigid with blue lips and their heads bent over their shoulders.  Their necks were broken, and death was declared to be instantaneous.

   

   

   

   

   

  1899 – Drunken Man runs Riot in Weobley

  William James of no fixed abode was hauled before the court after behaving atrociously in Weobley.

  He violently assaulted two women and exposed himself whilst being exceedingly drunk, then followed up by assaulting the policeman called to the scene.

  In the end, after general mayhem, P.Cs Barton and Baynham managed to handcuff William James, and tied his legs together, whilst avoiding being bitten!

  In Court, he was ordered to be imprisoned for two months for assaulting the women;  two months for exposing himself, and two months for the assault on the police, along with a fine of 5s plus costs for the drunkenness.

  When William was being taken from the lock up to a conveyance to take him to Hereford, he became very violent;  kicking, biting and shouting like a madman.  Once again he was handcuffed (with great difficulty) and tied by the legs, before being bodily lifted into the conveyance.

  1899 – Death of a Weobley Miser

  70 year old Elizabeth Wood of Weobley died suddenly on Boxing Day.

  She had been ill for some considerable time, but lived as a pauper with few comforts.  It turned out that she had ample money to live well, and at her inquest the Coroner said it was a matter for regret that she had lived in such a miserable condition unnecessarily.

   

  Read More >

1844 – Odd Fellows Meeting at Weobley

“The ancient town of Weobley was roused from its usual dullness by the proceedings of the Odd Fellows connected with the Star of the Valley Lodge, of the Wolverhampton Unity”

Late afternoon saw the church bells pealing out, as many people came into the town from nearby villages to contribute for the benefit of the Widow and Orphans Fund.

130 friends and brothers assembled in the lodge room at the Bell Inn, their breasts adorned with rosettes;  the room was extensively decorated with flowers and evergreens, and outside there were lamps arranged into a star shape, surrounded by flowers which spelled out the name of the lodge, which had only been established for six months.

150 people sat down to tea and nibbles, after which many songs were sung by the brothers present.

Mr. Ribbon of Hereford was hired for the evening, and everyone tripped the light fantastic toe until the early hours.

1845 – Wanted – Master and Matron for Union Workhouse at Weobley

The man and his wife had to be without incumbrance, and would be required to perform such duties as laid down by the Rules and Regulations of the Poor Law Commissioners.

The joint salary was to be £50 a year.

1849 – Christmas in the Workhouse at Weobley

The inmates of Weobley Union Workhouse were given a banquet of roast beef and plum pudding, with plenty of cider to wash it down.

The beef was donated by an anonymous gentleman in the parish.

1857 – Strange Case of the Lost Pig at Weobley

Mr. Ford spent several days searching for one of his sows which had mysteriously disappeared – he traveled more than a hundred miles, but to no avail.

At the time of the disappearance, a steam threshing machine was working outside his house, and it was a full three weeks later that Mr. Ford discovered his missing pig buried under the straw.  The poor animal had had nothing to eat or drink, and was heavy with piglets, but with much care and attention she recovered from her imprisonment and soon produced 10 piglets.

1858 – Kick from Horse Kills Weobley Man

William Taylor aged 67 was loading potatoes onto a cart, when suddenly the horse lashed out and kicked him in the abdomen.

The surgeon, Mr. Lomax, was immediately called, but he could see that there was nothing he could do, as the bowels were horribly ruptured.

William died shortly afterwards.

1859 – Weobley Drinking Fountain

C. Lomax;  The Marquis of Bath, and others, all put money into the repair and restoration of the public pump in Weobley, which had been out of use for a considerable time.

The pump was not only repaired, but all the appliances of a drinking fountain were added for the “interest and comfort” of the inhabitants of Weobley.

1885 – The Weobley Tragedy (or Murder Most Horrid)

John Hill, alias Sailor Jack, and John Williams, alias Irish Jack, were charged with the wilful murder of Ann Dixon on 30th September in Coach Road Field, the Holme Farm, Weobley.

Williams was also charged with unlawfully wounding Mary Ann Farrall at the same time and place.

Hill was a sailor by occupation, but had returned to Weobley to gain a living by labouring, and Williams was a painter.

The pair were taken to court in the Merton Hotel omnibus in the charge of seven policemen, and on alighting at the court they were greeted by a hissing and booing crowd.

In the dock it was said that Williams behaved in an adacious manner as the case progressed.

Ann Dixon and Mary Ann Farrall

Ann Dixon was living with a man by the name of Cox and had a five year old child by another man.  Mary Ann Farrall was from Manchester, and the pair of them were described as travelling women with no fixed place of abode.  They were the very best of friends and were in Weobley for the hop picking season.

Cox was in Worcester gaol on a charge of drunkenness, but was due to come out and return to Weobley, which explained why Ann Dixon was in Weobley on the evening in question – she and Mary Ann went to the Lion to wait for him.  They had a drink in the tap room where the two prisoners were also drinking, and as the evening wore on, Williams became over familiar with Ann and she endeavoured to stay out of his way.

When the two women decided to go back to the Holme, Hill suggested escorting them home and they agreed but didn’t want Williams to go with them, and they duly set off.

The attack

Some time into the walk home, Hill began to push himself upon the women, and although they rebuffed him, a little further on Williams suddenly appeared in front of them wielding a stick.  He hit Mary Ann about the face with the stick, and she collapsed unconscious, but when she came to, Williams was taking her baby out of her arms.  He tried to rape her, and she begged to be left alone but when he threatened to kill her she told him that if he let her get up and go to the barn, he could spend the night with her.

He let her get up, and gave her back her baby, then they walked through the field together – where she suddenly started screaming “murder”, whereupon Williams fled.

The next morning, the body of  Ann Dixon was discovered, with the stick as above alongside.  The doctor found that the frontal bones of her skull had splinters which had entered the brain, and the injuries to her eye was shocking.  Not only that, but there was clear evidence that the poor woman had been raped after her death.

The Coroner’s Report on Ann Dixon

The body was lying close by marks made by knees and toes in the mud;  she was on her stomach and face, with her face turned round so that it rested on the right side.  The right arm was raised as if warding off a blow, and the left arm was also raised, but was underneath.

The hands were semi-clenched and the legs were stretched wide apart;  the clothes were dragged apart so as to expose the latter part of her thighs and the stockings were turned down over her boots.  The arms and hands were covered in mud and blood, and the nose was driven in.  A square piece of flesh was missing from the right had side of the mouth;  the bones were smashed in so badly that it was impossible to recognise the face.

The lower jawbone was fractured in three places;  most of the teeth had been knocked out and the upper jawbone was smashed to pieces as was the nasal bone and cheek bones.  The eye was driven into the brain.

It was concluded that the injuries were inflicted by a blunt instrument, possibly the broken stick found by the body.

Both Hill and Williams had large amounts of blood on their clothes, and Hill also had deep scratches on his hand and face – there was human skin under Ann’s nails.

Eventually the jury reached a verdict of Wilful Murder.

The Execution of the Weobley Murderers – the First to be carried out inside Hereford Gaol

Until this point, all executions were conducted publicly outside the walls of the Gaol, but John Hill and John Williams were executed in November 1885 inside and out of sight, they both having apparently had a restless night.  Hill made a full confession before being taken to the gallows.

They left the cells just before eight o’clock, with Williams crying bitterly until he dropped, with the sound of the bolt being drawn carrying to the large crowd assembled in Workhouse Lane.   After the bodies had hung for the usual time, they were taken down and covered with lime before being buried within the precincts of the gaol.

An Eyewitness Account of the Execution for those interested in gory details!

“The place of execution was in the airing yard at the back of the prison.  A pit of about 12 feet deep and 6 feet by 4 feet wide, was prepared, to which access was obtained by steps in a side pit.  The pit was covered by two loose doors which, held together level by a bolt, formed the standing places of the prisoners, and upon a simple strong wooden framework above them were suspended the ropes with which they were hanged.

Both prisoners were attired in their own clothes;  near the feet of Hill were marked in pencil on the platform his weight – 10 st. 10 lbs, and his height, 5ft 5 and three quarter inches.  Near Williams’ feet the figures 9st. 3lb, and 5ft 2 and a half in.

Hill being the heavier man of the two was given a drop of eight feet and Williams a drop of half a foot extra.  Berry the hangman who had come from Bradford on Saturday, and taken up his quarters in the gaol, and already tested the drop several times.

When the bodies were taken down they were laid in a shed in their clothing;  they were quite dead;  white and rigid with blue lips and their heads bent over their shoulders.  Their necks were broken, and death was declared to be instantaneous.

1899 – Drunken Man runs Riot in Weobley

William James of no fixed abode was hauled before the court after behaving atrociously in Weobley.

He violently assaulted two women and exposed himself whilst being exceedingly drunk, then followed up by assaulting the policeman called to the scene.

In the end, after general mayhem, P.Cs Barton and Baynham managed to handcuff William James, and tied his legs together, whilst avoiding being bitten!

In Court, he was ordered to be imprisoned for two months for assaulting the women;  two months for exposing himself, and two months for the assault on the police, along with a fine of 5s plus costs for the drunkenness.

When William was being taken from the lock up to a conveyance to take him to Hereford, he became very violent;  kicking, biting and shouting like a madman.  Once again he was handcuffed (with great difficulty) and tied by the legs, before being bodily lifted into the conveyance.

1899 – Death of a Weobley Miser

70 year old Elizabeth Wood of Weobley died suddenly on Boxing Day.

She had been ill for some considerable time, but lived as a pauper with few comforts.  It turned out that she had ample money to live well, and at her inquest the Coroner said it was a matter for regret that she had lived in such a miserable condition unnecessarily.

Workhouse Supplies

In 1842, an advertisement was placed in the Hereford Times as follows:

“Wanted, contracts for bread, meat, grocery, shoes, coffins etc. for a period of three months, commencing on 28th June.

BREAD – to be made of best seconds flour, in loaves of 4lb and 2lb weight respectively, and not less than 24 nor more than 48 hours old at time of delivery.

MEAT – Beef (without bone) ;  mutton and suet, and best shins and cheeks.

GROCERY – Tea, sugar, rice, treacle, oatmeal, pepper, allspice, cheese, salt butter, yellow soap, candles, soda, starch and blue, and salt.

COALS – best Welsh.

SHOES – Men’s, women’s, boy’s and girl’s shoes in sizes.

COFFINS – of good elm boards, smoothed and hooped, with the initials of the name and the age of the deceased on the lid, and to include a suitable shroud, pillow etc. for each.

Sealed tenders with samples of grocery, to be delivered to the Workhouse.”

The contracts were always very short, and advertisements for tenders appeared on a regular basis.

Entertainment in the Workhouse

Some Masters and Matrons were of a kindlier disposition than others, and in 1899 Mr. and Mrs. Dion organised an evening of entertainment for the inmates of the Weobley Workhouse.

The dining hall was used for the occasion, and a stage was built at one end, where many acts took place, including some performed by the children.  There were also some excellent waxworks, with Mr. Dion being showman.

James Bell, on behalf of the inmates, thanked everyone who had given them such a wonderful evening, and spoke in high terms of the kindness they had always received from the Master and Matron.

Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1841

Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1851

Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1861

Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1871

Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1881

Weobley Union Workhouse Staff 1911