Press Cuttings Archive

'Tug of war� for a hamlet

THE �tug-of-war� between Witheridge and East Worlington for the hamlet of Drayford looks like going Witheridge�s way.

�The majority of people will vote to remain with Witheridge,� forecast Mr. Winston Stoneman, a Drayford resident, at a meeting of the Witheridge parish council.

I think things will stay as they are.

Drayford, at present in Witheridge's parish, has been wooed by the council at East Worlington since notification of a parish boundary review from North Devon District Council.

But Witheridge has not been keen to Iet go.

There have been talks between the �rival� councils and between councillors and the residents of Drayford.

And now the Drayford have been asked for their say by the dlstrict council.

According to Mr. Stoneman, they will plump for Witheridge and that suits Witheridge fine.

It would be a case of change for change�s sake if Drayford decided to cut its historical link with Witheridge and �move in� with East Worlington, said Mr. W. J. Stoddard, the Witheridge council chairman.

There was no advantage to be gained for any switch, for with both East Worlington and Witheridge lying in the North Devon district there would be little, if any, difference in rates.

WORLINGTON'S ONLY INN TO CLOSE

The only Inn in Worlington, North Devon - The Stucley Arms is to be closed.

South Molton County Magistrates at the adjourned licensing sessions last week decided not to renew the licence of the inn after hearing that certain alterations and improvements recommended by the visiting justices in December, 1938, had not been carried out.

A letter was received from Messrs. Smyth Richards, the agents for Sir Hugh Stucley, the owner or the premisesm stating that owing to wartime conditions they were unable to effect the desired alterations.

Sergt. Palmer, if Witheridge, said no provision hand been made at the inn for the washing-up of utensils, and no water was laid on in the bar. The ceilings of the two bedrooms had ot been replaced as suggested by the visiting Justices, and nothing had been done to improve the sanitary arrangements. The house was in a fair state of repair, but required redecoration.

The village water supply is by gravitation, and passed close to the inn, and Sergt. Palmer suggested water could have been laid on at no great expense.

The licensee, Mr. Osborne, said he was not in a position to execute the alterations himself.

Farm Fire

At Lower Blagrove Farm, East Worlington, some two miles from Witheridge, a fire broke out on Tuesday morning about half past ten, and did  a considerable amount of damage.

The farm is owned by Mr. E. Balman, of Carey Fitzpaine, near Taunton; and the tenant is Mr. George Luxton, married, and with one son and two daughters, all grown up, at home with them.

It is supposed that the fire originated from a defective flue, whence it spread to the thatched roof. The farm is in a lonely situation in a sparsely populated district nevertheless neighbours soon came to help, and did their best to fight the fire and save the furniture. Most of the contents of the house were got out in safety.

A telegram asking for the Southmolton fire-engine and brigade elicited the information that owing to the scarcity of horses and men the engine could not be sent.

About one o’clock a wire was sent to Tiverton, in response to which Head Constable Mercer with P.C. Perry, started for the scene in a motor-car, taking with them some hose and other fire-fighting appliances.

By the time they got there the house was almost destroyed. There was, however, a good supply of water, which had to be fetched from three sources at a distance, and by cutting away thatch and pouring water on the flames Mr. Mercer and his helpers saved the farm-buildings, which at one time appeared doomed, as they adjoin the house and are covered with thatch.

Mr. Mercer stayed there several hours, and got back to Tiverton about seven o’clock. The premises, we understand, are insured.

WITHERIDGE

The farm house at Lower Blagrove, East Worling ton, near Witheridge was destroyed by fire last week.

Most of the Furhibure has saved also the farm buildings thanks to the efforts of Mr. Mercer and the Tiverton Brigade.

The owner is Mr. E. Bowerman, of Carey Fitzpaine, near Taunton; and the occupier Mr Geo, Luxton, married, with several children.

The fire appears to have spread to the thatch roof from a defective flue. The premises were insured.

Eggesford Hounds at Affeton Castle with Mr and Mrs D F B Stucley.

Sir George Stucley finished the restoration of the gatehouse and entertained his tenantry in the guard- room which had not been used since February 14th 1646 when it was ransacked by army under the command of General Fairfax.

Western Times 29 January 1932 

Wedding at West Worlington Church

Grist Mill and dwelling and land to let

Sale by auction 

A ewe strayed on to Halse property to be sold bt aucrion if not claimed

Death of  Rev. Clay son of Rev Clay of EW drowned at Ringstead Northamptonshire

Death of Reverend Benjamin Clay aged 88

Any claims against the Estate of Reverend Benjamin Clay to make requests to Edward Caryer Clay executor.

Description of a Revel. A two day celebration. Gentry and Yeomen subscribed into the event. 300 women and children. Rev. B Clay present aged 80. Day 2 a bell-ringing competition followed by a meal at Stucley Arms. Church Warden West Worlington 'Health of the Worthy Rector' and East Worlington Health and Long Life to the Venerable Rector Reverend Benjamin Clay

Residents from East Worlington that were starred and were exempt from joining the military

Susan Beer daughter of late keeper on Stucley Estate Both Susan Beer and Crook were in service to same employer Mr Tremlett

Sale of Higher Blagrove Farm. 44 acres with dwelling house and additional buildings

For sale Breeding Ewes, Fat and Store Sheep and Lambs, Cattle, Pigs, 60 acres. for R Sowden

Thomas Bristow, William Bradford and wife stealing 9 fowl from Robert Middleton. Police inspector called Inspector Harford.

Bristow guilty 3 months; Bradford acquitted lack of evidence, wife guilty six weeks

Police had been suspicious that property stolen from the Church (West Worlington) was concealed in the well on the premises of William Hosegood who held the license for the Stucley Arms. Police gained a warrant to search the premises and found nothing. Then they dipped the well to remove the water and found a clapper from a church bell. The police arrested Hosegood and was remanded in custody. Hosegood bailed himself for  £50  with two sureties John Hosegood £25 and John Lake £25 both of West Worlington. A man named Edmund Holmes was committed for the felony to be tried in Exeter.

Thomas Halse Bankruptcy Notoce

Exeter Flying Post, 7 January 1847, p3

East and West Worlington. – (From a Correspondent.)

 – The annual good hospitality was displayed at this place, on Christmas-day, to a great number of poor people, who were bountifully regaled with old English fare, roast beef, plum pudding, strong beer, and tea, by that worthy gentleman the Rev. B. Clay, to whom much praise is due. Although above eighty chilly winters have passed over him his faculties are unimpaired; and it is hoped a kind Providence will grant him a long life for the benefit of the poor, for his liberal hand has been always extended to those in distress. And also E.C. Clay, Esq., and Miss Clay have shown forth their liberality.

In the morning before Divine Service the choir, sixteen in number, attended on the worthy host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Cruwys, of the Stuckley Arms Inn, and were liberally served with breakfast of beef, bread, and tea; and much praise is due to the choir in showing forth their scientific skill.

The instrumental music was conducted as follows:- Mr. Wm. Hosegood presided at the bass, Mr. R. Luke the tenor, Mr. John Hosegood and Mr. John Gardener the counter, and Mr. John Boundy the treble. Many beautiful and appropriate anthems, by those eminent composers Chapple, Holmes, &c., were sung. It is remarkable to state that the progenitors of the above musicians have been members of this choir upwards of a century past.

After morning service the choir repaired to the Castle of Afton, where they made the mansion of the old worthies resound with heavenly music, after which an excellent dinner was provided by that respected Yeoman James Troake, Gent.

In the evening, after Divine Service the choir attended at the Parsonage House, where they gave much satisfaction to those ladies and gentlemen present, after which the choristers were conducted to a room decorated with evergreens and partook of an excellent supper, consisting of roast beef and plum pudding, strong beer, &c.

The churchwarden was also present and gave the following toasts, “Health of the Rev. B. Clay,” and also “Prosperity to the Church and Choir.” After much enjoyment the parties departed for their homes in such order as becomes the character of good churchmen. Much praise is due to that worthy lady Mrs. Clay, widow of the late Castal Clay Esq., who has supplied a great number of poor families, in the two sister parishes, with a quantity of meat, clothing, and sums of money to a large amount. She will surely finally receive a blissful reward.
 

North Devon Journal 07 May 1885 

North Devon Journal 14 May 1885 

North Devon Journal 30 April 1885 

North Devon Journal 30 October 1947 

Western Times 06 March 1906 

Western Times 07 May 1901 

Western Times 19 March 1907 

 East and West Worlington. – From a Correspondent.

– The annual good hospitality was displayed at this place on Christmas day, to one hundred and four poor people of the Two Sister parishes, who were bountifully regaled with old English fare, roast beef, plum pudding, and strong beer, tea, &c.; and many other families that dwelt at a distance were liberally served with necessaries for a good Christmas dinner, by those worthy gentlemen and lady, the Rev. B. Clay, E. C. Clay, Esq., and Miss J. Clay, to whom much praise is due in showing forth their liberality. Although eighty five Christmas’s have passed over the rev. gentleman his faculties are unimpaired, and it is hoped the lord will grant him a long life for the benefit of the poor, for his liberal hand hath been always extended to those in distress.

The divine service was performed by the Rev. W. M. Bruton, who preached an impressive sermon from Isaiah 9th chap. 6th verse. After which the choir under the superintendence of Mr. Hosegood, attended at East Worlington Parsonage House, and where they sung with scientific skill many beautiful and appropriate anthems by those eminent composers, Bennett, Chapple, and Northcott, which gave much satisfaction to those ladies and gentlemen present.

The choirsters were then conducted to a room decorated with holly and evergreens, and partook of an excellent supper, consisting of roast beef, and plum pudding, and strong beer, &c. The churchwarden was also present and gave the following toast, the health of the venerable rector, and also prosperity to the church and choir; after much enjoyment the parties departed for their homes in such order as becometh the character of good church men.

On the following morning, the choir by invitation, attended on that respectable yeoman, Richard Melhuish, gent. and were liberally served with breakfast; and also Samuel Price, gent. showed forth his liberality. Between the morning and evening service, the choir repaired to the Castle of Afton, where they made the mansion of the nobles of yore, resound with heavenly music; after which an excellent dinner was provided by that respectable yeoman James Troake, gent, and to conclude the choir attended on the following evening, at West Worlington Parsonage, where they partook of an excellent supper, provided by that worthy lady and gentleman, the Rev. W. M. Bruton and Mrs. Bruton, and then all departed for their homes in peace and conviviality.

Newspaper unknown.  Has hand written date on it.

Notice of the retirement due to ill health of Rev H A Hill, incumbent of East and West Worlington.  Newspaper and date unfortunately unknown.  Hand written date range on it of 1918, but it is uncertain if this is date of publication.

Date and WMN (Western Morning News) written by hand.  

Article describes house, mentions Edgelake and has a small biography of Sir George Stevens, occupier of East Worlington House until his death in 1973.  

Newspaper WMN (Western Morning News) and date written on by hand.

Article in E&E (Express and Echo - Exeter Newspaper) when The Gables was put up for sale in 1984.

Article in WMN (Western Morning News) when The Gables was put up for sale in 1984.  It references that The Gables was built in 1847 (for £700) on the site of a previous rectory. 

Court case to determine if Rev Richard Bryan should have prior claims over debtors on the estate of Rev Benjamin Clay for the cost of dilapidations (repairs to the rectory) following the death of Clay.  The Judges of the Queen's Bench found for the defendant Edward Carrer Clay (executor for the will).  

Heavy snow affect attendance at Witheridge Young Farmers Dance. Still goes ahead but numbers down. Plan to hold another dance 

Western Times 27 January 1939 

Snow 6 feet deep in Witheridge area. Road to Nomansland blocked

Postman from South Molton Post Office set of in his van to go to collect the main from Knowstone  but  becomes stuck in snow drift on  Knowsrone Moor and abandons vehicle to walk to main road and get a lift back to South Molton. Following day four men leave South Molton in a lorry to find the Post Office van. They couldn't find it and their lorry became stuck in snow drift. The four men decided to leave the vehicle and walk to the main road. On their way they cam across a cottage where they took shelter to recover.

Keepers Lodge The wedding on Dorothy Tuck, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Tuck of Keepers Cottage. Married to Stanley Boundy Bulled only son of Mrs Bulled of East Worlington

EXECUTION OF JOHN RADFORD, AT EXETER

The awful sentence of the law was on Monday morning inflicted upon John Radford, alias Bright, for the murder of Sarah Downe.  From the time of his condemnation, this wretched young man resigned himself to his fate with becoming resignation, and met his end with a degree of fortitude seldom witnessed.  He repeatedly bowed to the great concourse of  persons who were assembled, praying God to bless them, and requested his parents might be informed he died happy.  The following is his confession of the deed, dictated by himself.

"On Friday, the 11th instant, about a quarter before four in the afternoon., I went to the house of Thomas Coles, in the parish of East Worlington, who sold cider, and remained there drinking, in company with Samuel Melhuish, until ten o'clock. About a quarter past nine, Sarah Downe, and Mary her sister, came into the room where Samuel Melhuish and myself were drinking. I asked Mary Downe to drink to me; but she refused, desiring me to give it to the right person, meaning her sister Sarah. I accordingly offered it to her sister, who took it and drank to me; after which, her sister Mary asked her if she was going home; her answer was, “Yes, I am." I then said, " We are all going directly, because it is our direct road." Mary said, "Come then, for I am going now.” Sarah answered, "Go on, and l will overtake you.'' Mary then went towards her home, which was about half a mile from thence. Mrs. Coles said unto Sarah, "You had better sit down, till they are ready to go." I was then sitting in the settle by the fireside, and Sarah standing opposite. Mrs. Coles pushed her down by me, saying, "There, sit you down by the side of him." She remained there a few minutes; after which she rose up again, and said she would not stop there any longer, as she must go home. I answered, "You may make haste along if you like;" then drank the cider that remained in the cup, and we three went out together, Sarah and myself taking the direct road towards home, and Samuel Melhuish going across the ground a shorter way. Sarah proceeded some paces in front, with a basket on her arm and a cup in her hand; I followed at a little distance. We had not gone above 26 land rods, when we met William Filp and James Bourn; and after that we went on, until we came to a cross road near Worlington town, where I turned away to go to my home. She asked me whether I would not go home with her; my answer was, I would rather not; she replied, " You had better, for I have something to tell you; I asked her what it was; she said, " If you will go with me, I will tell you;" · I said, "I do not mind going as far as Bridgepark gate." When we arrived there, she would not tell me, but requested me to go further. I walked with her, until we reached her own home, where we remained till it began to rain. I then said, "I will go home, and do you go in;" she replied, " I won't go in as yet." I asked her, where she would go, then, out of the rain? She replied, "I do not know where, unless we go into Mr. Smith's linhay." I objected, it being so for out of my way. She said, it was not too far, as she would not go in until her sister Mary was in bed. So we both proceeded on, till we came to Mr. Smith's linhay. After we entered the linhay, she laid down her basket and cup. I demanded again of her, what it was she had to tell me, but she made me no answer. I said, "If you will not tell me what it is, I shall go home, and you must go in." She again refused to go in, saying, "My sister is not in bed; if I go in before she is in bed, she will quarrel with me." Then I replied, "I won't stop any longer, for I must and will go home." She then said, "I will go over the marsh with you, if you will stop till my sister is in bed. "I replied, "Yes, if you will tell me, what you have to relate to me." So we went over the marsh together; and on our road I said, "You might as well tell me what that is." She said, " What do you think it is?" I answered, " I am sure I do not know what it might be." She then said, "I am with child by you, and the people tell me, that you won't have me, nor pay towards the child." I said, "No, because it is not mine." She demanded the reason why. I said, "Because you have had two already by other persons, nor do I think you are in the family way. "She said, " Yes, I certainly am, and the people tell me the same." I replied, "The Lord knoweth: I am sure I do not." I likewise said, " If you are I shall have nothing to do with it." With that she abused me very much. I told her, it was not worth her while to abuse me. She then began to curse and swear at me, calling me all manner of names. I said, "Do not swear; where do you think your poor soul will go?" She replied, "I'm ____ if I care what becomes of me;" she still kept on abusing me, and got into a violent passion, which very much irritated me. I desired her to compose herself, and not give way to passion. She said, “I don’t care about being in a passion, nor don’t care for you: and I do not care what will become of me: you never shall rest or abide in the country, except you have got me.” I said, “Don’t say so, for if you do you will set me in a passion, and make me do what should not do else.” She then said, “I don’t care what you do,” and began to swear very much, calling me a ____ bad fellow, and said, if she was able, she would knock me into that pit. I was in such a great passion, that I knew not what I did, and said to her again, “If you repeat that, I will put you there.” She repeated the words, and said, “You may if you like; but if you do, you shall go there too.” It was then I gave her a push, and she immediately fell in. I turned round and said, “The Lord have mercy upon me. I have done for her.” I went down into the water, and endeavoured to get her out; but it being so dark I could not find her. Upon that I went home praying to the Almighty that he would forgive me.”

EXETER FLYING POST - JULY 31 1823 

DEVON LAMMAS ASSIZES

MURDER. – The trial of John Radford alias Bright, (on Thursday), for the murder of Sarah Down, excited considerable interest, and the Court was crowded to excess.  The prisoner, on being arraigned, pleaded “No Guilty,” in a firm voice, and with apparent indifference.

Mr. Tonkin conducted the prosecution, and having briefly the jury in possession of the train of evidence proceeded to call witnesses.  The following was the principal evidence adduced: -

Mary Down, of East Worlington, sister to the deceased stated, that she returned from work with her sister on Friday evening the 11th July, and they went into Mrs. Cole’s at Moor end, where the prisoner and Samuel Melhuish were drinking.  Bright asked her to drink, but she refused, telling him to ask “the right” to drink, meaning the deceased: the prisoner replied, that she that would drink should be his wife.  A little before ten, witness asked deceased if she was going, and she told her to go on, and saying she would overtake her.  Witness went away, and did not see her sister again till Sunday after she was taken out of the water.

Mrs. Coles stated, that on the 11th July the prisoner and Samuel Melhuish were drinking at her house.  On witness saying she wished Sarah Down was come (to assist her as a nurse). the prisoner asked “Do you look for her?” and on witness saying she did, he looked very earnestly and added “That’s the thing – she is going to be my wife; I’ll not go home till I’ve seen her.”  She came soon after with Mary Down, and staid some time.  Mary Down went away before ten, leaving her sister there; about a quarter of an hour after, Bright, Melhuish, and the deceased left the house together.  The deceased had brought with her a basket and a jug; and on going away the prisoner carried the basket, and she the jug.  She was in good spirits.

Samuel Melhuish corroborated the statements of the foregoing witnesses, and added that he parted from them outside Mrs. Cole’s door.

William Phillip, and James Down deposed that they met the prisoner with the deceased on the road between Cole’s house and East Worlington, on the above evening.

William Edworthy, of East Worlington, said that on Sunday the 13th, he found the body of the deceased floating on the water, in the river as Smith’s Ham.

Richard Hodge, of Witheridge, stated himself to be the brother-in-law of the deceased.  In consequence of what he heard he went to Bright’s house, at Worlington, about one o’clock on Sunday morning the 13th , and called him; he came down stairs partly dressed and opened the door.  In answer to witness’s questions, he said he left the deceased on Friday night a Gatton-gate, and had not seen her since; the prisoner was in a very trembling state, and could scarcely utter a word.  Witness told him there was a strong suspicion against him, and he must go with him to a constable, to which he replied he would go to any place.  Outside the door, witness asked him if he would go to Witheridge to be delivered into custody, or search for the deceased; he chose the latter; as witness was a stranger to the village, he desired the prisoner to lead the way; witness’s brother-in-law was with him; prisoner led them to the Town Moor Brakes, and then to a bottom where was a lake which emptied itself into the river.  On the way witness asked him if she ever told him she was with child by him, and he said she never did.  Before they come to the lake, witness again put the question to him, and the prisoner said, “On Friday evening, as I was coming from Stones and she from Horseford, we met in the turnpike road, and she asked if I had heard the report about me and her, that she was with child by me; I said, “Nonsense, you be not, and I won’t father it.”  When they (prisoner and witness, &c.) came to the lake, prisoner proposed going upwards, away from the river, and witness refused, saying he would try the great river; as they were talking about it some one came and said the body was found – The prisoner said nothing, but appeared like a man struck dead – he shed tears; and they went towards Smith’s meadow, and witness asked him where he had put the basket, because the deceased’s sister was poor, and could not afford to pay for what was in it; he said it was in Mr. Smith’s linhay, in the same field where the body was found; the prisoner saw the body taken out of the water, and cried as before, without uttering a word. Witness asked him if he had ever had any angry words with the deceased and he answered “No, never.”  Witness then asked him how he could think of killing her, if he never had any angry words with her; He replied – he never thought of it till the very minute he did it.  Being asked how the apron string came tied round her neck, the prisoner replied, that she did it herself to keep the rain off her shoulders; he said he never struck her, and could not account for the mark on her face.  On his cross examination by Mr. Fraser, this witness said there was a slight wound on her cheek, which bled when she was taken out of the water.

Henry Burgess, constable of Witheridge, being sworn, deposed as follows:- The prisoner was put into my custody on Sunday 13th July as he was sitting by the fire-side crying very much, I said to him, “My man, I am afraid this is a very bad job, you seem to think a good deal of it.”  I asked if he hurted the woman, and he said he was with her.  I observed, “I think you are guilty of what you are here for, “ – and he threw abroad his hands, exclaiming, “Oh! I never thought of it till the very moment I did it- I was very drunk, or I should not have done it.”

Mr. Thomas Cross, surgeon, of Thorverton, examined the body of the deceased, and was of the opinion that she died from drowning.  There was a slight discharged of blood from the nostril, and a small mark near the right ear; she was about six weeks or two months gone with child.

Mr. Fraser (the prisoner’s counsel) here entered upon an ingenious cross-examination, with a view to ascertain from natural causes whether it was not probable that the deceased met her death, or some blow tending to it, before she was immersed in the water.  The witness said that mark near the ear might have proceeded from a stunning blow, but repeated his opinion that she died of suffocation or drowning.

John Down, a little boy aged 16, said he found the basket [here produced] in the linhay in Smith’s Ham, and that it was Sarah Down’s.  Mary Down, being desired to look at the basket and jug, identified them as her sister’s.

Mr. Fraser here submitted two objections to the indictment – one that the deceased might not have met her death by drowning along, as it did not appear in evidence that drowning was the sole cause; the other objection was respecting the venue, the indictment not stating that the deceased “then and there” met her death.

Mr. Justice Best said he would consult Mr. Justice Burrough on the two points, and accordingly left the Court for that purpose.  In about ten minutes his Lordship returned and said “Mr Fraser, I have had an opportunity of consulting my learned Brother, and he is of opinion there is no foundation for either of the objections.”

The case for the prosecution being closed, the prisoner was asked for his defence, and replied, in firm voice, “I leave it to my Counsel, Sir”. – The Judge having summed up, the Jury turned round to consider their verdict, and in two minutes returned a verdict of Guilty.

The Judge then addressed the prisoner in nearly the following words: - “John Bright, after a long and most painful trial, you have been by a considerate and intelligent Jury convicted of the dreadful crime of murder.  It is seldom that this crime is capable of aggravation; and a Rev. Gentleman has already told you that the judgement of Heaven is denounced against it in the sacred volume, which declares that “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by men shall his blood be shed.”  If any case of murder can be capable of aggravation, your’s is that case; for it appears, from what passed early in the evening, that you led her to suppose you would make her your wife – one cannot doubt that you were the father of her child; and thus, by one wicked act, you deprived one human being of existence whom you out to have protected, and prevented another from coming into life with a similar claim on you.  The practice has been that only one day shall intervene between the conviction and execution of a murderer, and it is therefore my duty to order that your sentence be carried into effect on Saturday – Probably circumstances may occur to prolong your existence a little longer; but let that encourage no hope.  All your prospects on this side of the grave are closed, and you have now only to prepare for an entrance upon another world.  Whether you will find mercy there, I leave to your almighty Judge.  I can only recommend you to employ your few reaming days in penitence and prayer.  The mercy of heathen is inexhaustible if sought for a right – endeavour, therefore to reconcile yourself to God, repent of your crimes, and humbly ask forgiveness in the name of your Redeemer.  Nothing now remains for me but to pass the awful sentence of the law, which is that you be taken to the prison from whence you came, and on the Saturday next to the place of execution, there to be hanged by the neck till you be dead, and your body to be delivered to the surgeons for dissection; and may Almighty God have mercy upon your sou!”

Immediately on his return to gaol he was visited by the Rev. Mr Chave, the Chaplain, to whom he on Friday had confessed, that he had resolved on the death of the unfortunate woman for seven or eight days before; the opportunity offered as they were walking by the river side on the night stated in the indictment, and when they came opposite the deepest water, he gave her a sudden push, by which she was precipitated into it; then without waiting to ascertain her fate, the murdered made the best of his way home.  He denied having struck her, and still says the apron was tied round her neck by her own hands as a protection from rain.  He appeared sincerely penitent.  We understand that the Judges have discretionary power to postpone execution till after the close of an assize; by the exercise of which the unhappy man was respited ‘till Monday.