Swindon Advertiser December 24th 1892;
An inquest was held at the Red Lion Inn, Cricklade before Mr. Coroner Browne & a jury, of whom Mr. Joseph Smith was chosen foreman. To enquire unto the death of Thomas Sandall, aged 56 years, who had been for many years in the employ of Mr. William Carter.
From evidence adduced, deceased went to Statton through Cirencester with a load of hay, and left an order for several casks of beer at Messrs, Cripps & Co, brewery, Returning for the same about 4.15 quite sober. It being Saturday the men were anxious to leave and consequently dispatched him as soon as possible. Instead of having any beer he was to call next time and have 1s for his trouble.
The next thing that was heard of him was that Edward Provis, a lad in the employ of Mr. H***** of Down Ampney was returning from the station about 6.20 with a milk cart and met deceased riding on shafts of a wagon. He shouted out and deceased made way for him but as he was passing witness heard a noise of something falling but thought it was caused by the wagon coming off the sidewalk which is raised about a foot from the road. Witness then went home not knowing anything of the accident which had occurred.
Shortly afterwards a man in the employ of Mr. George Cuss was taking a horse home, when at the spot mentioned his horse shied, and he, on looking, saw the deceased lying across theb road. His brow was cold and witness believed him to be dead. However, he tied his horse to a gate and removed deceased to the side of the road, and, proceeding onwards, gave an alarm at the first house he came to.
Meanwhile, the horses with the wagon had arrived at Cricklade, reaching there at about 7.0. clock. On discovering that deceased was not with wagon, some of his family went in search. Mr. Poole afterwards went with his horse & trap and brought deceased home.
Dr. Langley attended as soon as possible and found Sandall had been dead some time. The doctor informed the jury that the cause of death was concussion of the brain, and that a fall from the shafts of a wagon was likely to produce it.
Inspector Strong produced deceaseds hat which was cut through the brim.
There was nothing to lead him to suppose that foul play had been used.
The jury returned a verdict of " accidental death"
