{"id":6729,"date":"2025-08-01T08:46:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T07:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/olddays.co.uk\/?page_id=6729"},"modified":"2025-08-01T12:17:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T11:17:27","slug":"meyrick3","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/meyrick3\/","title":{"rendered":"Apley Pool"},"content":{"rendered":"

Herbert Chiverton Meyrick<\/a> – Meyrick 2 (A Shropshire Tragedy)<\/a> – Meyrick 3 (Apley Pool)<\/a> – Meyrick 4 (Life)<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The scene of pleasure and drama over the years. Old newspapers are a real treasure trove – exposing every aspect of life as it really was, revealing the actual lives of our ancestors (see the work I conduct in relation to old news research here<\/a><\/em>). Historic news reports and editorial expose some happy moments when the pool at Apley Castle was used as a place of recreation, especially during the icy winters when money could be raised for local good causes. It was also the scene of horror and great sadness. Reports regarding Herbert Meyrick’s death<\/a> can be seen here.<\/p>\n

Shrewsbury Chronicle<\/em> – Friday 31 January 1879:
\nIce Accident<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>“On Tuesday a man called James Bowles met with a serious accident on the ice on the Apley pool.\u00a0 It appears he was skating when one of his skates caught in a crack in the ice, and he fell, fracturing his leg.\u00a0 He was at once removed to the Salop Infirmary”.<\/p>\n

The Globe<\/em> – Saturday 10 February 1883:
\nStrange Discovery In Salop<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Globe – Saturday 10 February 1883<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“The Wellington correspondent telegraphs: Yesterday evening evidence of an atrocious murder having been committed was found near this place, the head of a human being, which had evidently been severed from the trunk during life, having been discovered in the afternoon in the ornamental water at Apley Castle, the seat of Sir Thomas Charlton-Meyrick, Bart., by Joseph Bates, a man employed at the mansion.\u00a0 It appears that he was going round the pool when his dog ran to the edge and began smelling at to something in about a foot of water.\u00a0 Bates then saw a bundle, and, on getting it out and opening it, founded to his horror a human head, which he at once conveyed to the police station at Wellington.<\/p>\n

The header was enclosed in a bag made of the skirt of a dress, and there was also a brown paper covering to the remains, tied around with the strain, the whole been fastened up with a window cord.\u00a0 The doctors have since seen the remains, but have only made a cursory examination, deciding to do nothing to prevent identification.\u00a0 The general appearances indicated that the head is that of a female, and that it had not been long in the water when found, but upon the latter point the doctors will express no opinion at the present.\u00a0 The features are well marked and in a good state of preservation, and it would appear as if the head had been severed before death with a very sharp instrument, and apparently by a dexterous hand.\u00a0 Soon after ten o\u2019clock this morning, under the direction of the police, Apley Pool was dragged, but during the first hour of the operations nothing was found near the spot where the head was first seen, and the opinion gains ground that the other portion of the body has been hidden.<\/p>\n

The draggers now scarcely expect to find anything in any other part of the sheet of water.\u00a0 The affair causes great excitement in the neighbourhood.\u00a0 Many persons are visiting Apley to see the dragging operations, and others have called at the police station, thinking it possible that they may identify the head”.<\/p>\n

Eddowes’s Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales<\/em> – Wednesday 14 February 1883:
\nThe Horrible Murder At Wellington<\/strong>
\nIdentification Of The Head<\/strong>
\nArrest Of The Supposed Murderers<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal – Wednesday 14 February 1883<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Much excitement was caused on Friday at Wellington, by the news that the head of a girl had been found in a pool which was in close proximity with Apley Castle.\u00a0 It appears that about one o\u2019clock in the afternoon a man named Joseph Bates, a gas man employed at Apley Castle, was going round the large pool in front of the mansion looking for duck eggs, when a dog which he had with him ran to the side of the pool and commenced smelling at to something in the water.\u00a0 Bates went up, and in about 8 inches of water, close to the side, he saw a bundle, which he took out, and on opening it iPhone to his horror it contained a human head.\u00a0 The man afterwards conveyed the ghastly remains to Wellington Police Station.\u00a0 The head was enclosed in a kind of bag which looks as though it had been made out of a portion of the skirt of a dress, two pieces a brown paper being next to the remains tied with a string, and the whole being tied over with a piece of window blind cord.\u00a0 Dr. Calwell was called to see the head, and Dr. Brookes was also went for, but they made only a cursory examination, it of being considered advisable not to interfere with the remains until an opportunity had been given for identification.\u00a0 It is believed, however, that the head is that of a girl about 12 years of age.\u00a0 It had been severed from the body apparently by a sharp instrument, and with a dexterous hand, and there are indications that this was done before death.<\/p>\n

During the whole of Monday the usually quiet town of Wellington was in an intense state of excitement, consequent upon the rumour that the police had obtained a clue to the perpetrators of the foul murder which had recently been discovered near Apley Castle, the seat of Sir Thomas Meyrick, Bart.\u00a0 In the afternoon several persons attended the police station, and upon examining the head of the deceased identified it, by a mark which had existed from birth, as the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Mayoe, who resided at Kynnersley.\u00a0 It appears that about six or seven weeks ago Mr. Mayoe obtained a situation as Gardner to Mr. Ogle, of Kynnersley, which is about 5 miles distance from Wellington.\u00a0 He was at that time resident at Shrewsbury, having been in the employ of Mr. Nealor, gentlemen, The Mount.\u00a0 His wife is a daughter of Mr. Prunner, of Yockleton, near Shrewsbury.\u00a0 When they arrived he Kynnersley, they had in their family a girl aged about 10 years, to whom the wife was stepmother.\u00a0 Soon after their arrival at Kynnersley some other neighbours threatened to inform the police of the state of the child from ill treatment.\u00a0 The girl has been missed for about a month, and many enquiries have been made as to her whereabouts.\u00a0 Yesterday afternoon at several neighbours went to the Police Station and identified the remains of the deceased as the missing girl, the husband of being in Wellington at the time on horseback.\u00a0 The police were promptly despatched of the stepmother, who was taken into custody.\u00a0 The husband was also arrested upon his arrival at Kynnersley.\u00a0 Both prisoners by brought to the police station about eight o\u2019clock in the evening in an open trap.\u00a0 Upon alighting they were yelled and groaned at by the excited and immense crowd which had assembled, the intervening road being lined throughout with persons are anxious to get a glimpse of the prisoners.<\/p>\n

The Mayoe\u2019s do not appear to have gained a reputation for kindness to their children, both he and his wife having suffered imprisonment for acts of violence to one or other of them,\u00a0 Eliza Mayoe being their stepmother.\u00a0 So far back as August, 1880, the female prisoner (the parties then living in Shrewsbury) was brought before the bar a bench for cruelty to Sarah Jane Mayoe, described as a sharp little girl of eight.\u00a0 It appeared that the child had played truant, for which offence she was unmercifully beaten by prisoner with a strap.\u00a0 The child was stripped in court, and was found to be literally covered with bruises, and in one place a piece of flesh had actually been cut out.\u00a0 The bench and severely commented upon the prisoners brutality, and sentenced her to six weeks imprisonment.\u00a0 In July last year Thomas Mayoe was also before the Shrewsbury bench are charged with assaulting his daughter Mary Elizabeth, nine years of age.\u00a0 An examination the child was found to be bruised all over the body, which she said had been caused by her father.\u00a0 Her evidence was given reluctantly, and the Bench expressed an opinion that the child had been tampered with, and in sentencing the prisoner to 21 days\u2019 hard labour said the child had not been properly attended to: it was not only filthy, it had been nearly starved.\u00a0 They (the magistrates) instructed the police to make enquiries about the mother, and if they could bring sufficient evidence she would also be charged with a like offence.<\/p>\n

Other Remains Found<\/strong><\/p>\n

The police continued to use the utmost endeavours to investigate the horrible atrocity.\u00a0 Yesterday morning PC Challinor again visited Apley Pool, and close to the edge found a bag, which resembled an old pillowcase. Upon opening it he found that it contained a brick and two brown paper parcels, in each of which was placed a human leg, which had been severed from the body at the thigh. He at once conveyed them to Wellington police station.<\/p>\n

Prisoners Before The Magistrates<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the Wellington Police Court, yesterday, before the Hon. RC Herbert, Layton W. Lowndes, HH France-Hayhurst Esqrs., John Mayoe and Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, his wife, were placed in the dock, charged with a wilful murder of Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, aged 10 years.<\/p>\n

The male prisoner walked with a firm step, and appeared to be unmoved, whilst the female prisoner looked very pale and haggard, and was apparently hysterical.\u00a0 She was allowed to sit in the dock, and was supported by Mrs. Smith, wife of Police constable Smith.\u00a0 The prisoners having been formally charged, made no reply.<\/p>\n

Police Sergeant Lloyd deposed that on Friday last, the 9th<\/sup> inst., about twenty minutes past one o\u2019clock in the day, he saw a human head at the Police Station.\u00a0 It had been found in Apley Pool that day.\u00a0 He made enquiries, and in consequence of information he received, went yesterday (Monday) evening, in company with Police Constables Cooper and Edwards, to Kynnersley.\u00a0 He then saw the male prisoner.\u00a0 He cautioned him and charged him with the wilful murder of his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Mayoe.\u00a0 He replied, \u201cI will say nothing.\u201d He then said, \u201cAre you going to take my wife?\u201d He (witness), \u201cYes\u201d.\u00a0 He then took him into custody.<\/p>\n

Police constable Cooper deposed that yesterday evening, in consequence of what he was told, he went in, in company with police Sergeant Lloyd and police Constable Edwards, to Kynnersley.\u00a0 He was present when the male prisoner was charged. He (witness) then went to the female prisoner, and charged her with being concerned with her husband in the murder of Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, aged 10 years.\u00a0 She replied, \u201cMy husband leaves his children two well: they are all right with their friends.\u201d They then conveyed the prisoners to the lock-up.<\/p>\n

Police constable Challinor said that on Friday, the 9th<\/sup> inst., he saw a human head at Wellington Police Station.\u00a0 Acting under the instructions of Deputy-Chief-Constable Ivins, he, with Police Sergeant Lloyd and others, had been investigating the case.\u00a0 He had visited Apley Pool that morning, and at the edge found a bag containing a brick and, two small parcels in brown paper.\u00a0 He open them and found a human leg in each.\u00a0 He took them to the police station.\u00a0 The prisoners refused support any question to the witnesses.<\/p>\n

Deputy-Chief-Constable Ivins asked for a remand until Monday next, which was at once granted.<\/p>\n

Upon the Magistrates Clerk asking for the prisoners if they had anything to say, the male prisoner replied, \u201cI have nothing to say, but that I am innocent: I have committed no murder.\u201d The female prisoner said nothing.<\/p>\n

The streets were again densely crowded, and the greatest excitement prevailed.\u00a0 The prisoners were conveyed to the station in a fly, and were followed by the crowd, chanting, yelling, and a groaning.\u00a0 They were placed in Shrewsbury Gaol yesterday afternoon”.<\/p>\n

Wellington Journal<\/em> – Saturday 17 February 1883:
\nThe Shocking Tragedy Near Wellington<\/strong>
\nThe Head Identified<\/strong>
\nDiscovery Of Further Remains<\/strong>
\nThe Rest Of The Supposed Murderers<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Never since the Birchley murder, some 15 years ago, has such intense excitement prevailed in Wellington, and indeed throughout the county of Salop, as has been occasioned by the discovery which was made, as recorded in last issue, of the horrid tragedy which is now known as the \u201cKynnersley Murder\u201d, and the evidence of which were brought to light on Friday, the 9th<\/sup> inst.\u00a0 On the day what was found in Apley Pool a human head, which the horrified find a conveyed to the Police Station at Wellington.\u00a0 An examination of the head, which was in a mummified condition, was made by several local surgeons, whose opinions were somewhat divergent as to the probable age of the victim, but who were unanimous in their belief that the head was that of a female, and that it had been severed from the body during life.<\/p>\n

The police, under the direction of Mr. Superintendent Ivin, Deputy-Chief-Constable of the county, and once proceeded to investigate the case their first visit being paid to the place where the head was found.\u00a0 Nothing noteworthy was done that evening, but only on Saturday morning dragging operations were commenced, to ascertain if any other portions of the remains have been consigned to the same watery grave.\u00a0 No result, however, was obtained, and it was decided, by the permission of Sir Thomas Meyrick, Bart., to run off the water from the pool.\u00a0 On Sunday a bag containing a large Ketley cluder was found, a number of excited spectators being present at the time, and the prevalent idea was that the head had been originally enclosed in his bag, and that it had been washed out by the action of water.\u00a0 The police cautioned their search in the pool and also in the adjoining plantation with renewed energy.\u00a0 On Monday, about 1.00, just a the close of magisterial business of the Petty Sessions, the rumour unlike a wildfire through the town that the police had obtained a clue to the mystery, and that, in fact, the head had been identified.\u00a0 Numbers soon congregated around the Police Station eager to ascertain whether the rumour had any foundation.\u00a0 In this they were not disappointed.\u00a0 A woman named Isabella Hicks, of Kynnersley, who suspicions had been aroused by the descriptions which had appeared in the newspapers, presented herself at the Police Office and asked them to be allowed to see the head which had been found.\u00a0 This request was immediately complied with by police constable Smith.\u00a0 As soon as Mrs. Hicks had seen and examined the head she identified that of a child named Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, the daughter of Thomas Mayoe, who had previously come to Kynnersley, and who was in the employ of Dr. Ogle as groom and gardener.\u00a0 She had no doubt about it \u2013she was quite confident that the head was that of the child she had mentioned.\u00a0 Mrs. Hicks then made the following statement: \u201cI am the wife of William Hicks, cowman for Mr Ogle, of Manor Farm, Kynnersley.\u00a0 Nine weeks and last Thursday Thomas Mayoe and his wife and four children came to live at Kynnersley.\u00a0 The children were aged respectively seven, 10, 12, and 14.\u00a0 Mayoe came to work as groom for Mr. Ogle.\u00a0 He came from Shrewsbury.\u00a0 He and his wife lived next door but two to me.\u00a0 I believe the children are not at all Mrs. Mayoe\u2019s children, but some of them are her husband\u2019s by a former marriage.\u00a0 The child of 10 was a girl I have seen her only three times since they came I have not seen her for six weeks, but some other neighbours saw her on the 11th<\/sup> of January, about \u00bc mile from her home.\u00a0 Thomas Mayoe came to Kynnersley on \u201cGawby Market\u201d Day, December 28.\u00a0 The Sunday after they came the child was heard screaming in the house, and my husband went to Mayoe\u2019s and his wife about it, they abused him.\u00a0 Last Friday week Mrs. Mayoe told Mary Evans, a neighbour, that she was going to take the girl to an institution and Shrewsbury.\u00a0 The next morning Mayoe and his wife was seen before 6.00 AM by George Walford, waggenor to Mr. Ogle, going in the direction of Preston, but no girl was seen with him.\u00a0 The girl at this time had not been seen for six weeks.\u00a0 The girl appeared not to have been well cared for.\u00a0 She was a thin, poor little thing, and did not seem to have enough to eat.\u00a0 Mrs. Mayoe told one other neighbours, Mrs. Turner, than she had been obliged to cut the hair from the back of the girl\u2019s head because it was sore, and that she had got some ointment have stopped has have.\u00a0 The nose was flat; he is were very small.\u00a0 I have seen the head which was found in Apley Pool.\u00a0 I saw in the Wellington Journal <\/em>that the head had been found.\u00a0 From the description they\u2019re given I became suspicious, and I went to the Police Station at Wellington.\u00a0 As soon as I saw it I said he was the head of Mary Mayoe.\u00a0 I believe that is her name, but her parents called her \u2018Polly\u2019.\u00a0 The appearance of the nose and the ears led me to believe that it was this child\u2019s head.\u00a0 On Saturday Mary Evans asked Mrs. Mayoe if she had seen account in the Journal <\/em>of the head had been found in Apley Pool.\u00a0 Mrs. Mayoe said she had not, that she had not had time, having been busy cleaning.\u00a0 I saw Mary Evans talking to her.\u00a0 Since this has come out, Mrs. Mayoe has looked quite bewildered.\u00a0 I have not spoken to her since last Friday.\u00a0 On the 11th<\/sup> of January, Mrs. Hughes, another neighbour, wrote a letter to send to Superintendent Ivins, complaining that the child had been ill-treated.\u00a0 The child had run away from home and gone to Mrs. Hughes house, and told her that her mother had beaten her, and there was a wound on one of the girls arms.\u00a0 The latter was not send, as Mrs. Mayoe took the child home.\u00a0 One of Mrs. Mayoe\u2019s boys told one of my children that his mother took Polly away last Saturday week, and that she was not coming back yet.\u201d You paragraph as may be imagined, this positive identification, which was subsequently confirmed by other persons, neighbours of the Mayoe\u2019s family, Kerr at the utmost sensation and the people became almost frantic with excitement.\u00a0 At this point the most remarkable incident occurred.\u00a0 A man on horseback rode up, and on passing through the crowd made inquiries as to what was the matter.\u00a0 He was informed that the head had been identified as that of a child from Kynnersley.\u00a0 The man was no other than Mayoe.\u00a0 Our how are you immediately rode off in the direction of Kynnersley, those in his horse to it\u2019s the utmost speed.\u00a0 The police aware of course directly on the alert.\u00a0 Sergeant Lloyd, police constable Cooper, and police Constable Edwards went with all haste to Kynnersley, and found both the man and his wife at home.\u00a0 Sergeant Lloyd charged Mayoe with the wilful murder of his child Mary Elizabeth, and his reply was, \u201cI shall say nothing.\u201d He then inquired if they were going to take his wife too, and was answered in the affirmative.\u00a0 In the meantime police constable Cooper had been to the wife and charged her with being concerned with her husband in the wilful murder of the child, to which she replied, \u201cMy husband loves his children too well; they are all right with their friends.\u201d By this time, a large number of people had arrived upon the scene, the Lanes leading to the village being lined with persons anxious to see the accused conveyed to Wellington has up by asked had had been assembled opposite the Police Station to witness the arrival of the prisoners.\u00a0 At half past 7.00 a conveyance arrived containing the prisoners and two children, in charge of Sergeant Lloyd and Constable Edwards and Cooper.\u00a0 As the man and the woman alighted, groans and yells went up from the crowd, and in their passage to the Police Station the prisoners would certainly have been roughly handled before the protection afforded them by the police.\u00a0 As it was, several blows were made at them with sticks.\u00a0 On being taken inside, the woman unconcernedly seated herself by the fire, and the man did not appear to be in any way moved.\u00a0 They were locked up in separate cells.\u00a0 A report was circulated to the effect that they had accused each other of the murder, but this was incorrect.\u00a0 During the night the woman became hysterical, and was attended to with much kindness by Mrs. Smith, wife of the police constable in charge of the station.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday the search was vigilantly continued by the police, and their efforts were rewarded by a remarkable manner.\u00a0 Police constable Challinor discovered, at the edge of the pool, the parcel which he had once opened, and which he found to contain the two legs of the child.\u00a0 He conveyed the ghastly remains to the Police Station.\u00a0 They were in a bag made of calico, apparently a piece of skirting, and wrapped in brown paper.\u00a0 Doctors Brooks, Seedman, the Hollies, and Caldwell examined the leg, which were in a well preserved state, and have the appearance of having only recently been severed from the body.\u00a0 This discovery of course intensified the prevailing excitement, and was greatly increased when a rumour got afloat that the doctors have given their opinion that the lakes and did not belong to the body from which the head had been cut.\u00a0 Reports of the wildest character were about, it of being asserted that the legs were both right ones, and that another murder must have been committed.\u00a0 The authorities called in Dr. James Brookes to make the post mortem<\/em> examination, and in this he was assisted by Dr. Hollies.\u00a0 Reports about the result of their investigation, and the accounts which is appeared, or altogether imaginary, as the doctors have not yet completed their examination, and would doubtless discuss the matter before handing in their paperwork.<\/p>\n

The Magisterial Inquiry<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Tuesday morning, the prisoners, Thomas Mayoe and Eliza Mayoe, were brought up at the Wellington Police Court, before the Hon. RC Herbert, W. Layton-Lowndes Esq., and HH France-Hayhurst, Esq., on the charge of having wilfully and of malice aforethought murder the child Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, aged 10.\u00a0 Outside the court of an immense concourse of people had assembled, but the ego requests and for a admission to the rumour were peremptorily refused, only about half a dozen persons with the exception of the report as being permitted to attend.\u00a0 The male prisoner, on being placed in the dock, appeared to be somewhat discomposed, nervously rubbing his chin with his hand, but he soon recovered his composure, and listened with apparent indifference to the evidence adduced, leaning on his arms in front of the dock.\u00a0 The female prisoner, however, was evidently much distressed.\u00a0 She appeared to be in a dazed, half fainting condition, and was supported into the dock by Mrs. Smith, wife of police sergeant Smith, who held her hand throughout the inquiry and endeavoured to soothe her agitation.\u00a0 The woman was allowed to sit down, and occasionally a deep sigh and a suppressed groan escaped from her.\u00a0 Otherwise she remained perfectly silent, putting no questions to the witnesses.<\/p>\n

The first witness called was Sergeant Lloyd, who deposed \u2013on Friday last, the ninth of the present month, about 20 minutes past one o\u2019clock in the day, I saw at the Police Station a human head which had been found in Apley Pool that day.\u00a0 I made inquiries, and from information received I went yesterday evening in company with police constable Cooper and Edwards to Kynnersley.\u00a0 I saw the male prisoner there.\u00a0 I cautioned him, and then charged him with the wilful murder of his child Mary Elizabeth, 10 years of age.\u00a0 He replied, \u201cI shall say nothing.\u201d He then said, \u201cAre you going to take my wife?\u201d I replied, \u201cYes.\u201d I then took him into custody.<\/p>\n

The Magistrates Clerk, Mr. Newell (addressing the prisoners \u2013 have you any questions to ask the witness?).<\/p>\n

The Male Prisoner \u2013He charged me and asked me if I had anything to say, and I said I had nothing to say.<\/p>\n

The female prisoner remained silent.<\/p>\n

Police constable Cooper said \u2013 Yesterday, in consequence of information received, I went in company with Sergeant Lloyd and police Constable Edwards to Kynnersley.\u00a0 I was present when the sergeant charge the prisoner Thomas Mayoe.\u00a0 I then went and charge the woman, Eliza Mayoe.\u00a0 I had charged her with being concerned with her husband in the wilful murder of the child, Mary and Eliza Mayoe, aged 10 years.\u00a0 She replied, \u201cMy husband loves his children too well: they are all right with their friends.\u201d We then conveyed both the prisoners to the lock-up here.<\/p>\n

Mayoe said he had nothing to ask the witness.<\/p>\n

Police Constable Challinor deposed \u2013 on Friday last, the ninth inst., I saw a human head at the Police Station here.\u00a0 Since then, acting under the instructions of Mr. Superintendent Ivins, I have been engaged in company with Sergeant Lloyd and other officers investigating the case.\u00a0 This morning I found two legs in Apley Pool, just at the edge of the water.\u00a0 The water is being left out, and he is lowering.\u00a0 The legs were in a small bag and packed up in brown paper and tied with string there was a brick inside, which had been used to sink them, no doubt.<\/p>\n

Mr. Newill (address the prisoners) \u2013 Have you any questions to ask the witness?<\/p>\n

Mayoe \u2013 No<\/p>\n

The woman did not reply.<\/p>\n

Mr. Superintendent Ivins here stated that he did not intend to offer any further evidence that day, and applied for a remand.<\/p>\n

Mr Newill (to the prisoners) \u2013 Have you anything to say why you should not be remanded?<\/p>\n

The Male Prisoner \u2013 I am innocent: I have committed no murder.<\/p>\n

The female prisoner made no reply.<\/p>\n

The bench then remanded the prisoners until Monday next.<\/p>\n

Subsequently the prisoners were conveyed in a cab to the railway station, amidst the groans and yells of the crowd.\u00a0 The car was driven straight on to the platform, and the doors of the station where immediately closed to keep out the people, many of whom were evidently bent on wreaking summary vengeance upon the prisoners if they have got at them.\u00a0 Hundreds clambered onto the walls of the railway bridge and congregated in the churchyard, which is over looks the station, to witness the departure of the train which conveyed the accused to Shrewsbury.<\/p>\n

Further Details<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the police visiting the prisoner\u2019s house on Wednesday they made important discoveries.\u00a0 The found the clothes of the missing child, which were stained with blood, and the bed quilt was also bloodstained, the opinions being that the unfortunate child had been murdered in the bedroom.<\/p>\n

On Thursday, under the personal direction of Colonel Edgell, the police continued their investigations.\u00a0 Sergeant Christie and police constable Smith found in the house the skirt of address from which a portion had been torn.\u00a0 The material of the dress corresponds with that in which the head was wrapped.\u00a0 In the evening it was rumoured that the trunk of the body had been found, but such is not the case.\u00a0 The officers discovered in the fire grate and in an ashpit some small bones, by whether or not they are those of a human being cannot as yet be told.\u00a0 They have been handed over to Dr. Brookes.<\/p>\n

The Prisoner\u2019 Antecedents<\/strong><\/p>\n

Both prisoners appeared to have been most cruel to their children, and frequent complaints have been made by their neighbours.\u00a0 In August, 1883, when the prisoners were residing in Shrewsbury, Mrs. Mayoe was prosecuted for her ill treatment of one of the children, and in July last year the male prisoner was brought before the magistrates on a charge of grossly assaulting his child, Mary Elizabeth Mayoe.\u00a0 In the first case, the woman was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, was the man was committed to gaol for 21 days.<\/p>\n

Following are copies of the reports of the cases which appeared in this journal at the time:-<\/p>\n

Cruel Treatment Of A Child<\/strong>. \u2013 Elizabeth Mayoe was charged with cruelly ill-treating Sarah Jane Mayoe, her stepdaughter. \u2013 it appeared that are on the Tuesday previous she was sent to school, and went from school to Hictons Heath, and did not get home until the evening.\u00a0 The defendant then took her upstairs, made her strip and then beat her with a strap, inflicting terrible injuries upon her back and sides.\u00a0 The child was only eight years of age.\u00a0 When before the magistrates the upper portion of her clothes were removed (text illegible<\/em>) \u2026\u00a0 a shocking sight. \u2013 Mr Curston, surgeon, said he was sent for to examine the child, and found her back and sides had been a lacerated as by a strap, such as the one produced. \u2013 Mr. Pritchard, a neighbour, said he had often heard the child crying, and had on one occasion gone to the house to remonstrate with the defendant. \u2013 being called upon for her defence, defendant said the child\u2019s father had beaten her worse than she had had. \u2013 The bench considered the offence proved, and committed the defendant to prison for six weeks.<\/p>\n

Shocking Assault On A Child<\/strong>. \u2013 Thomas Mayoe, gardener, was charged with assaulting his daughter, nine years old, on the 17th<\/sup> inst., Mr Carrans defended. \u2013 Mary Elizabeth Mayoe said she was nine years old last October.\u00a0 The defendant was her father.\u00a0 On the 17th<\/sup> inst., she went to bed, and directly he came up to her.\u00a0 Her sister was in the same room as her.\u00a0 The defendant stripped the close down and beat her severely with the birch-rod on her back.\u00a0 He did so for breaking the cupboard door open to get some sugar out.\u00a0 She cried out, but not much.\u00a0 He beat her for breaking an umbrella.\u00a0 She had black marks both on her legs and arms, but those were done by her brother with a walking stick. \u2013 Mr. Parry said this was a very bad case. –\u00a0 The child had bruises all over her body. \u2013 The Magistrates Clerk asked the child if her mother had not been told her to say that her brother had hit her. \u00a0The child said that she had not. \u2013 Sergeant Russell said that on Saturday afternoon the father and mother came to the police office.\u00a0 The woman apparently had had a blow in the eye.\u00a0 They were accusing each other.\u00a0 Witness notice some blood running down the child\u2019s face.\u00a0 He examined the right chest, and there was a sore from a scratch, and a mark as it from a blow from the knuckles.\u00a0 On the left achieve there was also a mark.\u00a0 Witness then examine the girl\u2019s legs and body, and he found they were completely covered with bruises.\u00a0 On her back there were marks about the size of a pen holder, which appeared to be old sores.\u00a0 The child said they were done by her father.\u00a0 When she gave the information to the magistrates the previous day the child said her father had done it. \u2013 the bench retired, and on returning to the court of Mr. Parry said the assault was a gross and brutal one.\u00a0 He believed the child had been tampered with.\u00a0 They would commit the defendant to prison for 21 days, with hard labour.\u00a0 He (Mr. Parry) said the child had not been properly attended; it was not only filthy, but had been nearly starved. \u2013 The Magistrates ordered the police to make inquiries about the mother, and if they could bring sufficient evidence against her she would also be charge with a like offence.<\/p>\n

Wellington Journal<\/em> – Saturday 13 March 1886:
\nIce Accident On Apley Pool, Near Wellington<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>During the week, large numbers of persons, encouraged by the severe frost which has prevailed, have visited Apley Pool, a favourite rendezvous for skaters.\u00a0 The ice are, however, has been exceedingly treacherous, that on the edges of the pool being dangerously thin.\u00a0 On Thursday an alarming incident occurred, shortly before 5.00, at a time when but few was skating.\u00a0 When about 20 yards from the side of the pool, at the end farthest from the Castle, at a point where the ice was not more than an inch thick, Mr. Walter Garbett (son of Mr B. Bargett, of the Charlton Hotel) fell.\u00a0 The ice immediately gave way, and the youth was immersed.\u00a0 He shouted for assistance, and at once Mr. WT Jones (son of Mr. Jones, of the Shakespeare Inn) skated to his aid, but having gone the distance of about 15 yards from the bank, the service of the ice again broke and a second immersation (?<\/em>) took place, the youth being up to his arms in water.\u00a0 The greatest excitement prevailed, and a general shout was raised for the ladder and ropes, which are, unfortunately, happen to be on the bank on the further side from the scene of the accident.\u00a0 However, no time was to be lost, for young Mr. Garbett\u2019s position was most alarming.\u00a0 Greater difficulty was experienced in getting the heavy ladder across to the spot.\u00a0 While this was being done, however, Mr. Garbett managed to get both his arms upon the service of the ice surrounding him, and by this means kept his head above water.\u00a0 As the latter was being brought across, the ice gave way beneath Mr. Jones, senior, but only one of his legs was immersed.\u00a0 Mr. Wyatt (son of Mr. TB Wyatt, supervisor), then pluckily attempted to push the ladder to young Mr. Garbett, but he went into the water up to his knees, and retaining his hauled of the ladder, easily got out.\u00a0 Matters now became very exciting, and Mr A. France gallantly ventured to go as near as possible to the breach, and threw a rope to the youth, who after one or two attempts, secured debt, but not without losing his hold up on the ice, and in consequence being totally immersed.\u00a0 He, however, did not let go to the rope, and as soon as he rose to the surface he was rescued, among the others rendering assistance being Mr. HS Parton and Mr. Walter Parton.\u00a0 Having got across near to where Jones had fallen in, Mr. EWS Pigott through another rope, and that young man was rescued without much difficulty.\u00a0 Both youths were immediately taken to the bailiffs cottage, where they were divested of their clothes and wrapped in blankets until other close could be obtained.\u00a0 The conduct of Mrs. Hutchinson, the bailiffs wife, is spoken of in terms of praise, and most valuable assistance was rendered by Miss Meyrick, who supplied stimulants to the youth\u2019s, who were subsequently conveyed home but little the worse for their adventure.\u00a0 It is said that the ice has been in a very unsafe condition during the whole of the week.\u00a0 Many thanks are due to those to those gallant exertism the safety of the two youth\u2019s is due, the conduct of Jones being especially praiseworthy.<\/p>\n

Wellington Journal<\/em> – Saturday 08 January 1887:
\nThe Weather \u2013 Wellington and District<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>It is an ill wind, however, that blows nobody any good, and the inconvenience of the sharp weather have been more than compensated by the great facility is that have been afforded in the district for skating among other places, upon Apley Pool, which has been frozen over to its whole extent.\u00a0 At the end of last week a fully representative and well organised skating committee was formed, with the view of benefiting the Wellington charities they decided that a small charge should be made to every person who went upon the pool.\u00a0 They have been enabled, as well, to employ meant to keep the service of the ice in proper condition, the consequence being that the pleasure of those who have availed themselves of the opportunities afforded them to enjoy this most delightful of winter exercises, has been considerably enhanced.\u00a0 On Wednesday evening the ice was in very good condition, and numbers of skaters went upon the pool, the occasion being enlivened with the presence of a large proportion of ladies.\u00a0 An exceedingly pretty effect was obtained with the numerous Chinese lanterns, which have been arranged on either side of the skating track, the result being the most enjoyable evening, some of the skaters remaining till a late hour.\u00a0 On Thursday evening there was again a very large attendance, and also last evening, when an additional attraction was provided, the capital selection of music being played by some of the members of the band of the C Company, SRV.\u00a0 This, together with the lanterns rendered the proceedings and most enjoyable, notwithstanding a slight fall of snow and a cold wind.\u00a0 Up the buyer advertisement it will be seen that, should a frost continue, a large portion of the pool will be swept, and skaters will no doubt have an excellent a time of it.<\/p>\n

Wellington Journal<\/em> – Saturday 12 January 1895:
\nThe Skating At Apley<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>During the past few days there have been considerable numbers of skaters upon Apley Pool.\u00a0 Sir Thomas Meyrick having again kindly given permission to the Apley Pool Skating Committee to admit the public at the regular charge (as announced in the advertising space today), the proceeds going to the local soup and coal charities.\u00a0 The \u201cPool Rangers\u201d have made arrangements for a thorough sweeping of the pool by an organised gang, commencing at an early our this (Saturday) morning.\u00a0 It is a big task and would doubtless require many hands to do it well.<\/p>\n

Wellington Journal<\/em> – Saturday 15 September 1906:
\nEcho Of Kynnersley Tragedy<\/strong>
\nA Shocking Crime<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The announcement of the death of Joseph Bates at Park Street, Wellington, this week, at the ripe age of 81, recalls a very remarkable and horrible tragedy which took place at Kynnersley, near Wellington, on February 1st 1883, as a result of which of Thomas and Eliza Mayoe, husband and wife, were indicted at Stafford Assizes, before the late Mr. Justice Stephen, for mutilating the body of Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, the a ten year old daughter of the male prisoner.\u00a0 After the child had died from the effects, it was alleged, of a blow delivered by her stepmother, the body was cut up with a knife and a broomhook.\u00a0 The head was thrown into Apley Pool, and the body and legs dropped into the River Severn near Atcham Bridge by Mrs. Mayoe.\u00a0 The late James Bates, who was employed at Apley Castle at that time, recover the child\u2019s head from Apley Pool as he was proceeding to his work.\u00a0 The female prisoner was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to 20 years\u2019 penal servitude.\u00a0 Her husband, for being an accessory after the fact, received a sentence of 18 months\u2019 imprisonment.\u00a0 The Mayoe family lived in Shrewsbury for some years, and if the unfortunate girl attended St George\u2019s School, Frankwell, when her parents resided in New Street.<\/p>\n

Meyrick 1<\/a> – Meyrick 2<\/a> – Meyrick 3<\/a> – Meyrick 4<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Herbert Chiverton Meyrick – Meyrick 2 (A Shropshire Tragedy) – Meyrick 3 (Apley Pool) – Meyrick 4 (Life) The scene of pleasure and drama over the years. Old newspapers are a real treasure trove – exposing every aspect of life as it really was, revealing the actual lives of our ancestors (see the work I […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6729","page","type-page","status-publish","czr-hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6729"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6918,"href":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6729\/revisions\/6918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ianwaugh.com\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}