Henry Godden - Charged with manslaughter 1862

[mazzie74]

Hi,

I have trawled through some newspaper articles online, and have found one regarding my Gt-Gt-Gt Grandfather Henry Godden who was charged with manslaughter.

It appeared in The Daily News (London), on Thursday, Feb 13 1862.

It reads:-

"MARLBOROUGH STREET

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER AGANST AN EATING-HOUSE KEEPER

Henry Godden, of 72 Munster Street, Regent's Park, eating-house keeper was charged with being drunk and causing the death of a female, at present unknown, by knocking her down with a pony and cart in Regent Street.
Mr. Edward Lewis, of Great Marlborough Street, appeared for the prisoner, and Inspector Garforth, of the E division, attended to watch the case.
It appears that between 8 and 9 last night the prisoner was driving his pony and cart down Langham Place towards the Regents Park, and when near Mortimer Street he saw something in his way, and pulled up his pony very sharply, and in doing so overturned the pony, which at the time was going at the rate of six miles an hour. The prisoner was himself thrown out, and his arm, on his being raised, was found to be broken. The pony on getting on it's legs again started off and knocked down the poor woman, who was crossing Mortimer Street. She was immediately picked up and taken to the Middlesex Hospital, but expired on the way.
The prisoner was remanded.
On inquiry at the Middlesex Hospital, in the evening, our reporter was informed that the deceased's name was Mary Simmons, that she was 84 years of age, had resided at 27 Brown Street, Bryanstone Square, and was returning from a visit to a relative."


I have searched later issues, but there is nothing to say what sentence was passed to my Gt-Gt-Gt grandfather.

Can anybody let me know how I may find out further details of the case, and the charges given to Henry Godden?

Thanks,

Darin, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

[jennifer c]

According to his will 11/2/1881 Henry Godden formerly of Munster Street late of 37 Ernest Street Regents Park Coffeehouse Keeper who died 12/2/1881 proved by his wife Amelia Godden.

He kept his occupation and the Munster address could have been his coffeehouse as it is still mentioned nearly 20 years later until his death, so it seems as though he could well have been acquitted?

Jennifer

[jennifer c]

1861 in 27 Munster Street as Coffeehouse keeper

1871 in 37 Ernest Street Greengrocer.


Would he have had to be licensed to have a coffeehouse ?

Jennifer

[mazzie74]

Hi Jenny,

Thanks for that.

Can you tell me where you found his will information, because I woiuld be very interested in that?

Thanks again,

Darin.

[jayaydee]

His will is in the National Probate Calendars on Ancestry.

There's another article about the incident in The Times Archive online. It gives a bit more detail and does say that he was travelling about 8-9 miles per hour!  He sat before Mr Tyrwhitt who remanded him but agreed to take bail. I haven't been able to find out what ultimately happened to him though.

[mazzie74]

Hi Jayaydee,

Thanks for looking for me,

Regards,

Darin.

[Jeuel]

Not sure which court records this would be in, I'd suggest you contact Westminster Archives for advice.

[newburychap]

1861 in 27 Munster Street as Coffeehouse keeper

1871 in 37 Ernest Street Greengrocer.


Would he have had to be licensed to have a coffeehouse ?

Jennifer

Coffee houses would often (usually?) be licensed and sell booze.