Shocking Carriage Accident at Rothwell
25th March 1894
A shadow has been cast over the Easter festival at Rothwell by the
death, the result of a carriage accident, of Miss Florence Brown,
daughter of Mr. A. Brown, confectioner, &c., of Rothwell. It appears
that on Sunday afternoon
Miss Maud Tailby
and Miss Nellie
Kilborn, of Desborough, accompanied by Miss Georgina Brown and the
deceased lady, all of Rothwell, went out for a drive in a little
four-wheeled pony carriage. All went well until they had descended the
steep Windmill Hill, from Kettering to Rothwell, and about a quarter of
a mile from the latter place. When the foot of the hill was reached Miss
Tailby, who was driving, touched the pony with a whip, and the animal
suddenly plunged forward, thus causing the front portion of the carriage
to touch its flank. This naturally caused the animal to increase its
speed, and, Miss Georgina Brown becoming alarmed, jumped out of the
carriage, calling to her sister Florence to follow her example. Beyond a
few bruises Miss Georgina Brown was uninjured, but her sister, who had
followed her, fell with a sickening thud to the ground. The other
occupants fortunately retained their presence of mind, and did all they
could to stop the frightened pony. Although stunned by her fall, Miss
Georgina Brown at once ran to her sister's aid, but it was apparent that
she had sustained very serious injuries. A young man from Kettering
rendered all the assistance in his power, and fortunately at this period
Mr. T. Dunkley, the captain of the Rothwell Fire Brigade, arrived on the
scene. Mr. and Mrs. Dyke, who were driving to Kettering to catch a
train, came by a minute or two later, and very kindly gave up their
vehicle for the conveyance of the unfortunate young woman to her home.
Dr. John More was speedily in attendance and did his best for the
injured girl; but despite all his efforts she died about four o'clock on
Monday morning. It is supposed that the deceased's skull was fractured.
The unfortunate young woman, who is about 22 years of age, was widely
known throughout this district, and much sympathy is felt for her
relatives.
At the New Inn, Rothwell, on Tuesday afternoon, the inquest was held
by Mr. J. T. Parker.
The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."
Northampton Mercury,
Friday 30 March 1894