From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 18 April, 1846. Price 5d.

CORONER'S INQUEST

IDENTIFICATION OF THE WOMAN FOUND DROWNED ON GOOF FRIDAY

On Saturday last an inquest was held at the "Druid's Head," before G. T. Thompson, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, on the body found on the shore, opposite Waterloo Crescent, the previous evening. The jury having appointed Mr. S. F. Martin foreman, proceeded to view the body. It was stated by the police that the body was that of a woman who had attempted suicide some time since, by jumping into the harbour. This, on enquiry, was found to be incorrect, as that person was still in the union. No person being able to identify the body, the inquest was held on the body of a woman unknown, and, on the return of the jury, the following evidence was adduced:-

William Henry Haines, of 45, Jermyn Street, London, clerk in the Parliament Office, House of Lords, deposed: On Friday evening, shortly after eight o'clock, while walking on the shore opposite Waterloo Crescent, I saw something in the water, about four yards from the shore, which at first I though was chalk covered with sea-weed, but on closer inspection, the moon shining brightly, I felt satisfied it was a human being. I then ran to the walk, where I met a gentleman, who returned with me to the spot, and pulled out the body of a woman. I left in about half an hour, when the body was removed by the police. I had passed the spot about ten minutes before, and then saw no body, or any person walking on the shingles.

Robert Norman Baker deposed: Last evening the previous witness met me on Waterloo Crescent, and, saying there was a woman in the sea, requested I would go with him. I went down to the shore, and there saw a body floating, which I succeeded in dragging to the beach. It was the body of a woman, quite cold. I left the body in charge of two gentlemen, and went to the police-station, where I gave information to the inspector of what I had done.

Henry Hartley deposed: I am in charge of the "Horse and Jockey" beer-shop in New Street. I have viewed the body, which I think is that of a woman who came in on Wednesday or Thursday evening last, and sat in the kitchen for nearly two hours, when she went away. She had nothing in the house, and remained silent the whole time. One of the lodgers asked if she would have something to eat, but she made no reply.

At this stage of the enquiry it was announced that the body had been identified by Mr. G. Bennett, hatter, in Cannon Street, as that of his mother. After the lapse of a few minutes Mr. Bennett entered the room, and, although evidently much distressed at the sudden discovery, gave the following evidence. I identified the body as that of my mother, Ann Bennett, 47 years of age. I last saw her alive yesterday noon. She had been assisting me in clearing up the shop, and then said, as it was a fine day, she should go out for a walk, and should not return till eight or nine in the evening. She then dressed and left the house. She has lately complained to my wife of pains in her head, saying she was sure she should go out of her mind. She appeared much better yesterday. I never heard her threaten suicide. She had for some years been afflicted by a discharge from sores in her legs, which a few weeks ago had been stopped, since which time she had often complained of the pains in her head.

E. C. Corral, Superintendent of police, deposed: Last evening I saw the body of deceased after it was taken out of the water. It was quite cold, and there were no marks of violence.

Mr. Bennett was then recalled, and, in reply to a question from the jury, said that his mother went to Custom-house on Wednesday, to receive her pensions as the widow of a purser in the Navy. She was at home in the evening, and did not again leave the house till Friday noon.

The Coroner said these were the whole of the witnesses he had to call. There was no evidence to show how the deceased came into the water, or whether by accident or otherwise. It was for the jury to say whether they would adjourn the inquest to obtain evidence on this point, or return an open verdict on what they had already heard.

The jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."