[List-Cumbria] Carlisle Patriot, 12 Jul 1823 - Local News (1)

[Petra Mitchinson]

Saturday 12 Jul 1823   (p. 4, col. 3-6 + p. 3, col. 6)

 

The Earl of Lonsdale was not absent more than ten days in his late visit to the French capital. His Lordship never enjoyed better
health or spirits than at this time. The family are expected at Lowther Castle in less than a fortnight. 

 

Two troops of the 1st Dragoon Guards, under Major TURNER, have this week passed through Carlisle, on their route from Manchester to
Piershill Barracks. 

 

The weather still continues unsettled. We have had a considerable quantity of rain since last Saturday; but an interval of warm
sun-shine on Tuesday, Wednesday, and the greater part of Thursday, afforded an opportunity for placing a large quantity of hay under
cover. 

 

Workmen are now busily employed in repairing the massy buttresses of the North-west wall of our ancient Castle, which gave way two
years go. 

 

Our City Sessions take place on Monday, at the Town Hall; and the Sessions for the County commence on the following day at the Court
Houses. 

 

On Wednesday last, the annual examination of the children attending the Lancasterian School, in Water-Street, took place before a
respectable meeting of the subscribers. The children acquitted themselves much to the satisfaction of the company; who departed
highly pleased with the manner in which the school is conducted under the superintendence of Mr. POWELL. 

 

The True Briton coach, from Newcastle to Carlisle, broke down, near Temon, last Wednesday, in consequence of the axle-tree giving
way. One of the outside passengers, Mr. ROBINSON, currier, Hexham, had his leg broken in two places; the others escaped with
trifling injury. 

 

Sir Abraham Bradley KING, Bart. (whose examination before the Commons excited so much attention,) is now recreating himself amid the
lovely scenery of Ullswater, having taken up his residence for a short period with his son-in-law, Capt COLUMB. On Saturday last,
there were boat races on the Lake, for three prizes, given by Sir Abraham, which afforded much amusement. The single-handed rowing
match was won by RUSSELL's expert and obliging boatman, Tom WATT. On the first of August, there will be a Regatta there, on a large
scale, under the patronage of Sir Abraham and the principal resident gentlemen. A considerable number of persons are at present
enjoying the varied beauties of the lakes and mountains. 

 

CHILD-MURDER.-On Monday last, an inquisition was holden at Dalston, near this city, before Richard LOWRY, Esq. coroner, on the body
of a male bastard child, found dead under the circumstances detailed in the following sketch of the evidence of the several
witnesses examined on the occasion:- 

 

Mary IRVING, of Dalston-townhead, lives within 20 yards of Jane GATE. About a week ago, judging she was with child, she charged her
with it, but she denied the charge. About 7 o'clock on Sunday evening, she went to GATE's house, and asked her how she was? She
replied "finely." Observing something upon the floor that was not proper, she asked what it was, and then GATE said she was "badly."
Suspecting that all was not right, she told Margaret SCOTT that Jane was not well, and went home. There was a good fire in the
grate. Afterwards SCOTT came to witness's residence, and told her and her mother that they might go to Jane's house, as it would be
all over, Jane not being right. In a short time Elizabeth IRVING also came for witness's mother to go to GATE; and they all three
went. On asking Jane what she had done with the child, she replied that it was in the coal hole. Witness opened the door, and there
saw the child lying: her mother took up the body, which was very dirty, and bloody on the back part of the head; there were also
severe cuts on one of the child's thighs and arms. GATE declared that the infant was not born alive. 

 

Margaret SCOTT had known Jane GATE twelve months. About five months ago, she told witness that she was with child, and wished her to
accompany her to Mr. MARTIN, the overseer, in order to father it: but subsequently, on conversing with her, she attempted to deny
her former statements. On the day in question (Sunday the 6th), hearing that Jane was unwell, she went to her house, and asked her
various questions; and here again she denied that she was with child, and observed that "people would all be cheated of her." SCOTT
replied, that she could not be so cheated; and she immediately went to IRVING's, and desired her to go to GATE's. Witness then
completely corroborated Mary IRVING's testimony. Jane IRVING drew the child out of the coal-hole by the arm: the body was black and
dirty, and witness saw a quantity of blood issue from the back part of the head: and, when washed, she observed two severe cuts on
the left thigh and left arm. 

 

Elizabeth IRVING gave evidence to the same effect-she spoke of blood and the cuts. GATE said the child was not born alive; but they
did not ask her how the cuts came there. 

 

Mary ATKIN had heard the foregoing testimony and declared it to be correct, she having been also present. 

 

Jane IRVING was likewise present. She heard Jane GATE confess having been delivered, and point out where the body of the child lay.
There was a wound and blood on the back of the head, cuts on the thigh and arm, and a wound on the left eye, apparently made with a
sharp instrument. 

 

Mr. WISE, of Dalston, surgeon, stated that he was called in about 8 o'clock on the evening of the 6th inst. to view the body of the
child in question. He found it covered aparently [sic] with coal dust, and particles of coal were sticking in different wounds which
had been inflicted on the body. On minute investigation, Mr. W. discovered a fracture across the parietal bones of the cranium, so
as to allow protrusion of a portion of the brain; the scalp much cut, bruised, or punctured, as if by some very violent usage. There
was also a deep puncture to the bone in the angle of the left eye, besides several cuts and bruises on the head, two deep cuts on
the left arm, above and below the elbow, and a large wound on the left thigh. In addition, the body appeared to have been much
scorched by fire; the wounds were those of a sharp instrument. The internal organs were perfect; the lungs appeared to have been
inflated with air, a sign of life; and on putting them into water they floated: all of which induced Mr. W. to conclude that the
child was born alive. The wound on the head was itself sufficient to cause death. 

 

The inquiry was adjourned to the following day, when Mr. LOWRY again attended, and the Jury returned a verdict of Wilful Murder
against Jane GATE, who was committed under the coroner's warrant, but has not yet been removed, we believe, on account of the state
of health. 

 

 

[to be continued] 

 

 

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