Hangings in Suffolk

[Grumbles]

I've been researching my step-father's family tree.  His mother was a Jessie May Downing.  Jessie's father was a William Downham and William's father was also a Downham. William's brother's and sisters were registered as Downham but somewhere between 1862 and 1877 (when William married) the name changed to Downing.  This seems to have happened with some of his brother's and sisters also but not all of them.  The family also moved from Metfield Suffolk eventually settling in Earsham Norfolk.  Again, moves amongst the brothers and sisters at this time were also common.

So, there was a name change and a move common amongst the majority of the family.  I queried it with my stepfather but he didn't know anything about it but his ex-wife seems to remember there being a hanging or a suicide by hanging in the family around the time and that is why they moved, etc.

I know it's a long shot, but is there any way I could possibly find out more about this, and if so, where would I start looking?

Thanks.

Debbie

[diddymiller]

if you go to the suffolk fhs site:

www.suffolkfhs.co.ukwww.suffolkfhs.co.uk

then to the publications page and misc pubs there are 2 booklets 'sudden deaths in suffolk' - vol 1: 1767 -1858 and vol2: 1858 - 1921

these may help and are easy to buy online.

Diddy

[Grumbles]

Thank you very much for that Diddy.  I'll give it a go.

 

[Rick]

Hi Grumbles.

Found the following entries in the aforementioned volumes. No others I'm afraid.

5/63/35 - Reginald DOWSING, 35, 1920, Clopton - Suicide by Hanging - Unsound mind
5/24/17 - Richard DOWSING, 50, 1881, Witnesham - Cut throat - Unsound mind
46/a/18 - Benjamin DOWSING, 31, 1832, Bredfield - Suicide by Hanging

If you quote the alpha-numeric prefixes to the Suffolk Record Office they could supply you with a copy of these inquests if they are of interest.  There will be a charge for this.

Judicial hangings may not have been recorded here though.  I have a list of all English judicial executions from 1606.  This is in date and not alphabetical order. If you would like a copy please send me a personal message with your email address.

Rick