Three Compasses

From the Kent Herald, 24 July 1828.

On Thursday last, an inquest was held on the body of Thomas Hobbs, at the "Three Compasses," Maidstone. before W. H. Stacey, esq. Mayor and Coroner.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, deceased, who was in the employ of Mr. C. Heathorn was returning from Chatham, whither he had conveyed some of the baggage of the 87th regiment. Two men passed him near Howe’s Farm, and at that time he was riding on the rods. Soon after, the men heard the horses trot, and looking back saw deceased lying on the ground, and the near hind wheel going over his body. He appeared very much hurt and bled from the eyes and ears; they placed him on a hurdle; and a waggon belonging to P. Corrall, Esq., of Maidstone, coming up, the waggoner with great humanity took him and conveyed him carefully home to Maidstone, where he next evening expired. Soon after the accident deceased was asked how it happened, and he said that he was not riding on the rods but was at the head of the horses when he was seized with a giddiness and fell. On examination it was found that four of his ribs were broken and one of them was forced into the lung.

Verdict:— Accidental Death.