forty pounds, having become a bankrupt. In addition to this amount of borrowed money, there was £53 rent due to Coffrett. His long disappearance gave rise to suspicion, when an entrance to his locked-up dwelling was effected and his lifeless body was found suspended by the neck. The house was in good order, and contained plenty of provisions. “Temporary Insanity” was the verdict. Mr. Coffrett’s. property is referred to in “The Postman’s Reminiscences” of 68 George street, and some interesting jottings in the life of this industrious but somewhat eccentric townsman are given in connection with the life and letters of Mrs. Maria Baker, one of his daughters, constituting chapter XLIV., Vol. I, Historico-Biographies.
Lucy Lewer. On the 6th of December, Mrs. Lewer, living with her husband in a cottage on Fairlight Down, was discovered dead in bed. Her age was 54 years, and at an inquest that was held, it was concluded that she had died in a fit, she having been subject to such ailments.
Accidents
On the 12th of February, a butcher’s cart ran over the legs of a child in All Saints’ street, and as the cart was backed it passed over the child’s legs a second time; but to the surprise of those who witnessed it, without fracturing a bone.
A Lady in a Fit fell down in George street, on the 10th of April, and with a seriously injured head, was conveyed to her residence at Reculver Cottages.
A Crash and Smash occurred on the 5th of April in the following manner: — A waggon, laden with straw, while passing down High street, got its overhanging portion in contact with butcher Pankhurst’s cart, which started the attached horse down the street at a furious pace, and after descending Oak Hill, dashed into the Messrs. Burfield’s counting-house with an alarming crash; shattering the glass, breaking the woodwork, and greatly damaging the cart and harness. The horse, though considerably cut, was not seriously injured.
A Bad Drive was that of Sunday night, the 18th of May, when two men on their return journey to Hastings, drove into the dike between Rye and Winchelsea, and, with their horse and trap were suddenly immersed in water. One of the travellers lost a sovereign[1], smashed his watch, and was made too unwell to proceed. He was therefore sent back to Rye, where he received medical assistance, and returned to Hastings on the following day, to get both his watch and health repaired, with a good-bye to his sovereign[2].
A Runaway. On the 16th of May, one of the animals of a pair-horse omnibus that was waiting at the Swan to convey passengers to the railway, being frightened, started off at great pace with its companion, -
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
