The Curious Case of Mr Turner

On the 1st May, 1871, evidence was taken before the Coroner’s Jury to discover why Mr James Turner had been tragically killed on Stamford’s level crossing only five days prior. The inquest saw seven witnesses testify, including James’ thirteen year old son and the seventy-three year old level-crossing gate-keeper. The inquest was focused upon three things; firstly whether James’ had been in a state fit enough to drive the cart, secondly whether Edward Dixon (the gate-keeper) should have shown his semaphore signal (danger signal) or even opened the gate at all, and thirdly whether the oncoming train had sounded its whistle. Changing any of these three variables could have saved James’ life and, by proving safety regulations were not adhered to, could end the careers of three men.

The story of James Turner had started long before that fateful afternoon in Stamford. He had been born to Alexander Turner in Wooler, around 1829, and married his wife Mary Moone on the 15th January 1844 at Christchurch in the parish of Tynemouth. The couple had five young children by 1871; John born in 1858, Elizabeth born in 1860, James born in 1862, Margaret born in 1865 and Alexander born in 1867. James had kept his family clothed and fed by working as a ‘hind’ for Mr Davison.

 

Christ Church, where Mary and James married, as it is today

 

On that fateful day in April 1871 James had let his eldest son, John, accompany him whilst he delivered potatoes from his cart. The thirteen year old John gave a brave and emotional testimony of that fateful day before the packed court. He confirmed that they had been travelling from Stamford to Heifeilaw Bank with three carts of potatoes, and “Father had charge of two carts (second horse tied to the first cart) and I drove the third cart.” After they had delivered the potatoes to Mr Craven they were invited to stay a while in his house. During the inquest John maintained that neither had consumed alcohol whilst on Mr Craven’s premises, but eyewitnesses who saw James later that day noted that he looked “lazy and glazed.” On their way home they crossed the railway at the Stamford level crossing, and John described the harrowing event in vivid detail;

“Father had reins upon his horse but I cannot say he had hold of them. I did not call to my Father. I could not see along the line to the north (there was a big bridge ramp); the Gatekeepers house prevented me. The West gate was open. I saw the Gatekeeper Edward Dixon as the first horse was facing the line standing at the east side of the line below the Gate at the rails adjoining the Gate. I cannot say whether the East Gate was open or not but the West one was. I saw no one with the Gatekeeper …. as the cart got onto the up line the Engine came from the north and struck the horse and the fore part of the cart. I pulled up. I did not see what came of my Father. I cannot say how far the Engine went. The next thing I saw was Father lying on the 6 foot with his head on his right arm on his face. He was clear of the rails – he was senseless. I cannot say he was bleeding – I cannot say who took him off. The Gatekeeper was leaning against the rails. The carts did not stop at all – Gatekeeper was looking towards us – this was a few minutes after 6pm.”

 

This image, taken from our wider collection, shows a Dr Burman driving a cart potentially similar to James’ c. 1890. NRO 09703/17

 

Local news reports also relayed a similar tale; commenting particularly upon the brutality of what his son had to witness. Clearly in shock following the incident, John could not recall who helped his father but those individuals also took the stand before the coroner’s court. One of those was Thomas Carr, a platelayer who lived in the cottage on the west side of the Stamford crossing, he recalled how “my boy shouted out Turner was killed …. I ran out – on the upline I saw the Engine … standing 100 yards from the crossing to the south. The horse was dead & 29  yards from the crossing. Part of the cart was on the west line. James Turner was lying on the 6 foot way – with his head on his right arm on his right side, face downwards. The Gatekeeper was standing on the up line above the crossing. Deceased was insensible, I went away for assistance.” Another, Stephen Rea, was also a resident at the crossing and said that he went to help when he heard the Gate keeper shouting a man had been killed. The men took James home where he was attended by Dr Henry Caudlish, who “found [the] deceased suffering from concussion of the brain and inflammation of both lungs, caused by an accident such as has been described by the witnesses. I saw him also that evening and up to his death – which took place from the injuries received on Saturday the 29th at a few minutes past 12. The deceased was a vigorous man in a healthy state of body.”

 

Solicitor’s notes translating the human loss into fiscal damages to win Mary compensation. REF: NRO 11343/B/DAT

 

Why James had been able to take his cart over the crossing when there had been a scheduled train approaching confused both the coroner and the media. Thomas Carr called the gatekeeper Edward Dixon a “steady man” who had been in the service of the Railway Company for 23 years. Carr attested to knowing of the regulations of the crossing and that; “it is the Gatekeepers duty to ascertain if there is a train coming or an Engine on the line, before he opens the Gates and he must be satisfied none is in sight before he opens either Gate. He should also show his danger signal (semaphore signal) and keep it exhibited till the line is clear. Then he closes the gate and alters the signals. When on the line an Engine can be seen on a clear day ¾ of a mile to the north and about 1 ½ miles to the south. The express was due at Bilton about 6 o’clock p.m. and at the crossing 10 minutes later. Gatekeepers duty is to stand on the 6 feet to look for her coming. The Express was at this time on Thursday night. I was in the cottage at 10 past 6 but I heard no whistling. My cottage looks onto the line to the east.”

The absence of a whistle, and the need for a semaphore signal, was also noted by other witnesses. Stephen Rea did not hear a whistle or see any signals before the unfortunate event, but he also asserted that Dixon was “perfectly steady, I never saw anything amiss … Dixon’s age is about 70 years, his sight and hearing are perfect. From half past 5 in the morning till 10 at night, his duties last, no person attends between times 10 at night and half past 5 the next morning. He gets one Sunday in the month to himself.” Had a twenty-three years of long hours and stressful work finally overcome the aging gatekeeper? Was he guilty of incompetence by not raising the semaphore signal and forgetting that there was a scheduled train?

 

Examinations from the inquest. REF: NRO 11343/B/DAT

 

The train drivers, Richard Dobson and Hugh Laing, certainly believed that fault lay with the gatekeeper. They confirmed that they had “left Newcastle on Thursday last with train leaving at 1.30 p.m. We left Tweedmouth a 5.12p.m … When we got to the back signal before coming to Stamford Laing blew the whistle – I am certain of it. That is about 600 yards before coming to the crossing. The rule does not say he is obliged to whistle and the Drivers act on their own discretion. At that time the rate would not exceed 24 or 25 miles an hour.” The driver, Hugh Laing, had been 23 years in the service of North Eastern Railway and tragically recalled how “When we were about ½ way between the back signal and the crossing I saw the Gatekeeper cross from the west side to the east side of the line – he had no white signal in his hand that I saw. Nor yet was the semaphore signal up I would have topped. The Gatekeeper went to the east gates and I expected he was going to shut them. I then stepped to the left side of the Engine & I saw the Gateman return to the line holding up his hands as if to stop something coming from the west. I was about 50 or 60 yards north of the crossing. I then saw almost immediately the horse & cart come on to the down line. I couldn’t see anyone in it. It kept on and the Engine struck it at the crossing. I had reversed the Engine and pulled up at about 60 yards past the crossing and then went back and saw the deceased on the 6 foot. I assisted in taking him off the line. No notice of the Engine and tender was given to the Gatekeeper. I applied the brakes before the collision as soon as I saw the horse and cart. I could have seen a man if he had been on the cart. It was impossible to stop the Engine sooner.”

This damning evidence of witnesses proved that Edward Dixon, the gate keeper, had failed in at least some of his duties. Edward had been born in the Bamburgh parish and, like Mary Turner, had been widowed with a young family. He had flitted between residing with his daughter Julia and a family called the May’s. Following the subtle indications of his guilt, Edward was finally able to address the coroner’s court as its final witness;

“I am the crossing keeper at Stamford station on the North Eastern Railway. I have been there 10 months. I go on at half past 5 and my duties end at 10p.m. I am 73 years of age. My sight and hearing are not impaired, I can see and hear as well as ever I did. My duty is to watch the gates and shut and open them on anything crossing the line. I have no instructions as to which Gates to open first. I think not, but I generally open the far one first. On Thursday last about 10 past 6 I was opening the East Gate. I saw the carts a minute or two before coming towards the West Gate and I saw the man lying with his head on the fore part of the Cart with his back to the North, he did not speak. When I observed him coming on the line the West Gate was open and I crossed to open the East Gate. I saw nothing coming till I turned round from the Gate. I then saw the Engine & Tender coming perhaps 100 yards from the crossing. I then shouted to deceased and held up both my hands at the last shout he looked over his shoulder lazily and came onto the line. When I shouted first he was just coming in at the West Gate. I heard no whistling. I could have heard a whistle from the back signal post. The wind was from the West but there was a goodish breeze which might carry the sound away. It is my duty to look both ways North and South before opening the Gates. I looked both ways and saw nothing. From the time I went to open the West Gate till the Engine and Tender came up it would scarcely be a minute I could have seen them if they had been at the back signal. He was not within the signal. I was watching the Express…. Unless I see something on the line I do not use the semaphore signal. I have been occasionally a Crossing Keeper before I came here. I live at Lucker but I lodge at the Gate. I never saw the semaphore used unless there was something on the line. I feel no inconvenience from the hours. About 8 or 10 Carts in a day, about 14 or 15 vehicles each way will cross. The semaphores are not used unless there is danger and I saw no danger. There is no rule that I am to put up the semaphore signal every time to open the Gates, that I know of. There is a copy of the Rules in the cabin, but partly defaced, I have read them. I always use the semaphore signal when stock (cattle or sheep) are crossing but not when Carts are crossing. I had no knowledge of the Engine and Tender coming back. I have 12/- a week. Rule “175 says” When the Railway is required to be crossed the Gatekeeper shall before opening the Gates shall satisfy himself that no Engine is in sight – he shall then show his Danger Signals and keep them exhibited until the line is clear when he shall close the Gates and after the signals.”

The inquest duly listened to all the witness statements that day and returned a verdict which found severe failings in the way the Railway Company treated its staff. They concluded that James had died from his injuries sustained at the crossing, and called to the Company’s attention the long hours Edward was required to work and the fact that he was not informed when “special” services were running.

Whether Dixon or the train men were to blame was immaterial to James’ widow Mary. She had lost her husband and the family’s main provider, but the coroner’s inquest gave her a platform upon which to receive compensation from the railway. She was also awarded the jurors fees for her loss. But her recovery from despair was short-lived; as in June 1871 she also lost her daughter Margaret to sickness. This was a sad turn of events which was recorded in the notes of solicitors working for the Dickson, Archer and Thorp firm.

Solicitor’s note regarding the death of Mary’s daughter. REF: NRO 11343/B/DAT

 

We would like to thank the volunteer who kindly transcribed the documentation around this case and provided additional information through careful research. We would also like to thank the volunteer who digitised the items to enable us to share them with you.

This Week in World War One, 10 December 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 10 DECEMBER 1915

 

WOOLER FREE GIFT SALE

 

The arrangements for the above sale, in aid of Red Cross and Relief Funds, to be held at Wooler Auction Mart, on Wednesday, 22nd Dec., are now well advanced. A very hearty response has been made to the appeal, and would be contributors are reminded that notice of their gifts should be forwarded to the secretary (Mr R. S. G. Thompson, Auction Offices, Glanton), not later than Saturday first, the 11th December, as inclusion in the catalogue cannot be guaranteed after the date. To the present time the contributions include 6 fat and store cattle, about 140 fat and store sheep, fat  and keeping pigs, a donkey, fat and stock poultry, dogs, potatoes, oats, feeding stuffs, sheep dip, seeds, farm implements and harness, and a large quantity of domestic and other useful articles. The catalogue, price 3d, can be had on application to the Secretary, or can be purchased on the day of the sale.

Red Cross Donkeys, Gallipoli 1915
Red Cross Donkeys, Gallipoli 1915

 

The sale will open by Mrs Burdon of Wooperton, and the Hon. F. W. Lambton of Fenton will be chairman. Present indications point to very successful sale, and the committee will be able to hand over a goodly sum, which will be supplemented by many handsome donations already advised, to the various worthy objects which they are supporting.

 

BERWICK GIRL ACCIDENTLY SHOT IN LEG BY A SENTRY ON THE OLD BRIDGE

 

An accident took place on the Old Bridge, Berwick, on Sunday night about 6.40 pm., Nora Loft, a young woman residing at 25 Ravensdown being badly wounded in the leg above the knee by a bullet from the rifle of a sentry.

Berwick upon Tweed, Old Bridge
The photograph above shows the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where the accidental shooting of Miss Loft took place. © Berwick Record Office.

 

It appears that about 6.40 James Edward Allan, Post Office, Chatton, left the town in charge of a motor car by way of the Old Bridge, and upon reaching the sentry box on the top of  the rise was challenged by one of the sentries on duty there. Two men were upon duty, they being Private McLary and Private W. Fortin, and on Mr Allan’s car approaching, McLary challenged it and called upon them to halt. It is stated that the challenge was given three times, but the car failed to draw up, and McLary immediately the car had passed fired apparently with the intention of hitting the back tyre.

Berwick Infirmary and Dispensary (built 1840), as it would have looked when Miss Loft was taken there to have her gunshot wound treated in 1915. © Berwick Record Office.
Berwick Infirmary and Dispensary (built 1840), as it would have looked when Miss Loft was taken there to have her gunshot wound treated in 1915. © Berwick Record Office.

 

Miss Loft, who was on the footpath on the opposite side of the bridge, received the bullet in her leg about the knee the bone being broken by the force of impact. Assistance was at once rendered to the unfortunate young woman, and she was placed in the car and driven to the Infirmary by Mr Allan, and under the care of Sergeant McRobb, her wound receiving the attention of Dr C. L. Fraser upon arrival at the institution. We understand that Miss Loft’s condition has improved over night.

 

RESULT OF BERWICK SOLDIER’S OVER INDULGENCE

 

The Coroner has concluded his enquiry at York into the circumstances attending the  death of Mr Wm. Kelsey (35), of 14 Armstrong Avenue, Newcastle, managing director of the Hylton Forge, Sunderland, who died from a bullet wound received whilst travelling in the 2.20 pm East Coast express from King’s Cross to Edinburgh, between Doncaster and Selby. In connection with the occurrence the police detained Private J. D. Tait, 3rd Coldstream Guards whose home is at Berwick-on-Tweed, and who was returning from France on a few days leave. Tait is alleged to have fired the fatal shot whilst showing his rifle to the occupants of one compartment. The bullet passed through the rear partition and struck the deceased, who was in the next compartment, in the arm and chest, severing important arteries, and he died in the York County Hospital the same day. It appears that Tait was drunk, and had a bottle of whiskey which was frequently passed round on the journey. Tait ultimately got up, took his rifle from the rack, pulled the bolt back, and closed it again, and the weapon immediately went off. The bullet passed through the back of the compartment above the seat. The Coroner, Mr J R Wood, in summing up, said the only question in that regrettable occurrence was whether there was culpable negligence on the part of Tait. The jury found a verdict of “Death from misadventure”, the Foreman adding: As this is not the first case of this kind the jury are strongly of opinion that all ammunition should be taken from every soldier before leaving for home. They also desire to express their sympathy with the relative of Mr Kelsy. Mr Straker said the relatives of the deceased had already personally expressed their sympathy with Tait, in the sad position in which he was placed. The Coroner said he was very glad the jury had seen their way to take the view they had. All he would say to Tait was “Follow the example of your King.” Tait returned with the police to Selby where it is understood he will be discharged from custody.

 

RAPHAEL TUCK’S CHRISTMAS SPECIALITIES

 

Once more Messrs Tuck have issued a fine collection of highly artistic novelties, comprising a varied array of Christmas and New Year Cards, Christmas Autograph Stationery, Calendars, Gift Books, Toy Books for the children, Art Novelties and Christmas Postcards of every description.

A Christmas postcard showing a group of soldiers on the march in World War One. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
A Christmas postcard showing a group of soldiers on the march in World War One. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

 

In face of the many difficulties with which the art printer is confronted at the present time, Messrs Tuck have made a most remarkable effort to upload the reputation which has been worthily won in seasons past. British art, British enterprise, and true British perseverance has resulted in a production of art novelties which equal if they do not excel the many lovely cards of former years. A special series of Patriotic Christmas Cards in keeping with the spirit of the times is also introduced, an important feature throughout the entire collection  being the appropriate greetings and wording suitable not only to the period of peace and goodwill but mindful in its chastened note of the sacrifices which this World’s War has entailed upon the Nation.

 

 

 

This Week in World War One, 17 September 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 17 SEPTEMBER 1915

 

BOY DROWNED AT BERWICK QUAY

 

Shortly after noon on Monday, George Grieve, 13 years of age, son of James Grieve, baker, 1 Palace Street, Berwick, was discovered in the Tweed near the Leith Dock, and is supposed to have taken a fit, to which he was subject, and fallen from the Quay into the water.  Thos. Laidler and James Burgon, who were salmon fishing close by, went to the spot with a boat and lifted Grieve from the water. He was conveyed to the Fish House, where artificial respiration was tried for some time, but on the arrival of Dr Taylor, who examined the boy, life was found to be extinct. The body was taken home on the Police ambulance

The Inquest

Coroner Weatherhead and a jury held an inquest on the body in the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon.

James Grieve, baker, identified the body as that of his son, George, aged 13. His son was subject to fits, and took them frequently.

 

 

Photograph of the Berwick Quayside early 1900s © Berwick Record Office BRO 1636-5-6
Photograph of the Berwick Quayside early 1900s © Berwick Record Office BRO 1636-5-6

 

William McPhee, private of the 210th Royal Scots, said he was on sentry duty on the Quay guarding the transport waggons for the Royal Scots. He knew the deceased and had taken him away twice from the edge of the Quay on Saturday. Shortly after twelve on Monday he saw deceased standing behind one of the transport waggons. He turned to go to the other end of his beat, and on looking round he saw some boys running and one of the boys informed him that there was a boy in the water. He turned out the remainder of the guard, and on going to the spot he saw deceased in the water. By that time a boat was a few yards from deceased, which had come from the other side of the river. The body was lifted into the boat. He heard no shout from the deceased nor did he see deceased fall over.

Thomas Laidler, salmon fisher, West End, Tweedmouth, said he was fishing at the other side of the river where the deceased fell in. He heard some boys shouting for help, and he rowed a boat over with John Burgon and saw deceased lying under water on the bed of the river. He got off the boat and lifted the deceased into the boat. The water was about three and a half feet deep. He conveyed deceased to the Salmon Stairs.

By a juror- I never heard the splash or saw deceased come to surface. It took me two minutes to row across.

Dr J. Cleasby Taylor stated that he was called to the Fish House, where he examined him. Life was then extinct. Deceased was frothing considerably at the mouth and nose, and it appeared as if deceased had had a fit and been unable to extricate himself. The cause of death was drowning.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

 

MOTOR ACCIDENT NEAR BERWICK

 

 The first serious accident since the lighting restrictions came into effect at Berwick occurred on Tuesday night, two men being injured by being knocked down by a motor car. The accident took place in the dark near to Castlehills Lodge, on the Canty’s road. A motor car belonging to Mr Wm. Askew, of Ladykirk, was returning from Castlehills to Ladykirk, when it overtook and knocked down three harvest labourers. Two of the men, named Arthur Jackson and Edward O’Neil, were bruised, one of them somewhat badly. The car was proceeding at a very slow pace. The men were conveyed in the motor car to Berwick Infirmary, where they were detained. It was found that no bones were broken, and one of the men had escaped uninjured, while the other two were bruised.

Berwick Advertiser 17 September 1915. John Mosgrove Advert
Berwick Advertiser 17 September 1915. John Mosgrove Advert

 

DEATH OF MR JOHN ROBERTSON

 

We regret to record the death of Mr John Robertson, for many years senior traveller with the firm of Messrs Redpath and Son, draper, etc., Berwick. Outside of business Jack Robertson, as he was familiarly called, was best known in cycling circles. He was the founder of the Tweedside Cycling Club in 1893, was its first secretary, and at the time of his death held the office of president. He was a member of the recently formed Berwick Athletic Society, and served on the committee. Mr Robertson has been in failing health for some time, and passed away at his residence 1 West End, Tweedmouth, on Wednesday. Much sympathy will be expressed for his widow and family. His eldest son is serving with the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers somewhere in France. The funeral takes place on Sunday at Tweedmouth Cemetery.

Leon Georget Pictured above is road and track racer Léon Georget (2 October 1879 – 5 November 1949)
Pictured above is road and track racer Léon Georget (2 October 1879 – 5 November 1949)

Leon Georget was known as The Father of the Bol d’Or, having won the race nine times between 1903 and 1919 in Paris.  He also won the Bordeaux to Paris in 1903 and 1910. This image originally formed part of the George Grantham Bain collection which is now in the procession of United States Library of Congress‘s Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ggbain.04379.