The scene of pleasure and drama over the years. Old newspapers are a real treasure trove – exposing every aspect of life as it really was, revealing the actual lives of our ancestors (see the work I conduct in relation to old news research here). Historic news reports and editorial expose some happy moments when the pool at Apley Castle was used as a place of recreation, especially during the icy winters when money could be raised for local good causes. It was also the scene of horror and great sadness. Reports regarding Herbert Meyrick’s death can be seen here.
Shrewsbury Chronicle – Friday 31 January 1879:
Ice Accident
“On Tuesday a man called James Bowles met with a serious accident on the ice on the Apley pool. It appears he was skating when one of his skates caught in a crack in the ice, and he fell, fracturing his leg. He was at once removed to the Salop Infirmary”.
The Globe – Saturday 10 February 1883:
Strange Discovery In Salop
“The Wellington correspondent telegraphs: Yesterday evening evidence of an atrocious murder having been committed was found near this place, the head of a human being, which had evidently been severed from the trunk during life, having been discovered in the afternoon in the ornamental water at Apley Castle, the seat of Sir Thomas Charlton-Meyrick, Bart., by Joseph Bates, a man employed at the mansion. It appears that he was going round the pool when his dog ran to the edge and began smelling at to something in about a foot of water. Bates then saw a bundle, and, on getting it out and opening it, founded to his horror a human head, which he at once conveyed to the police station at Wellington.
The header was enclosed in a bag made of the skirt of a dress, and there was also a brown paper covering to the remains, tied around with the strain, the whole been fastened up with a window cord. The doctors have since seen the remains, but have only made a cursory examination, deciding to do nothing to prevent identification. The general appearances indicated that the head is that of a female, and that it had not been long in the water when found, but upon the latter point the doctors will express no opinion at the present. The features are well marked and in a good state of preservation, and it would appear as if the head had been severed before death with a very sharp instrument, and apparently by a dexterous hand. Soon after ten o’clock this morning, under the direction of the police, Apley Pool was dragged, but during the first hour of the operations nothing was found near the spot where the head was first seen, and the opinion gains ground that the other portion of the body has been hidden.
The draggers now scarcely expect to find anything in any other part of the sheet of water. The affair causes great excitement in the neighbourhood. Many persons are visiting Apley to see the dragging operations, and others have called at the police station, thinking it possible that they may identify the head”.
Eddowes’s Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales – Wednesday 14 February 1883:
The Horrible Murder At Wellington
Identification Of The Head
Arrest Of The Supposed Murderers
“Much excitement was caused on Friday at Wellington, by the news that the head of a girl had been found in a pool which was in close proximity with Apley Castle. It appears that about one o’clock in the afternoon a man named Joseph Bates, a gas man employed at Apley Castle, was going round the large pool in front of the mansion looking for duck eggs, when a dog which he had with him ran to the side of the pool and commenced smelling at to something in the water. Bates went up, and in about 8 inches of water, close to the side, he saw a bundle, which he took out, and on opening it iPhone to his horror it contained a human head. The man afterwards conveyed the ghastly remains to Wellington Police Station. The head was enclosed in a kind of bag which looks as though it had been made out of a portion of the skirt of a dress, two pieces a brown paper being next to the remains tied with a string, and the whole being tied over with a piece of window blind cord. Dr. Calwell was called to see the head, and Dr. Brookes was also went for, but they made only a cursory examination, it of being considered advisable not to interfere with the remains until an opportunity had been given for identification. It is believed, however, that the head is that of a girl about 12 years of age. It had been severed from the body apparently by a sharp instrument, and with a dexterous hand, and there are indications that this was done before death.
During the whole of Monday the usually quiet town of Wellington was in an intense state of excitement, consequent upon the rumour that the police had obtained a clue to the perpetrators of the foul murder which had recently been discovered near Apley Castle, the seat of Sir Thomas Meyrick, Bart. In the afternoon several persons attended the police station, and upon examining the head of the deceased identified it, by a mark which had existed from birth, as the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Mayoe, who resided at Kynnersley. It appears that about six or seven weeks ago Mr. Mayoe obtained a situation as Gardner to Mr. Ogle, of Kynnersley, which is about 5 miles distance from Wellington. He was at that time resident at Shrewsbury, having been in the employ of Mr. Nealor, gentlemen, The Mount. His wife is a daughter of Mr. Prunner, of Yockleton, near Shrewsbury. When they arrived he Kynnersley, they had in their family a girl aged about 10 years, to whom the wife was stepmother. Soon after their arrival at Kynnersley some other neighbours threatened to inform the police of the state of the child from ill treatment. The girl has been missed for about a month, and many enquiries have been made as to her whereabouts. Yesterday afternoon at several neighbours went to the Police Station and identified the remains of the deceased as the missing girl, the husband of being in Wellington at the time on horseback. The police were promptly despatched of the stepmother, who was taken into custody. The husband was also arrested upon his arrival at Kynnersley. Both prisoners by brought to the police station about eight o’clock in the evening in an open trap. Upon alighting they were yelled and groaned at by the excited and immense crowd which had assembled, the intervening road being lined throughout with persons are anxious to get a glimpse of the prisoners.
The Mayoe’s do not appear to have gained a reputation for kindness to their children, both he and his wife having suffered imprisonment for acts of violence to one or other of them, Eliza Mayoe being their stepmother. So far back as August, 1880, the female prisoner (the parties then living in Shrewsbury) was brought before the bar a bench for cruelty to Sarah Jane Mayoe, described as a sharp little girl of eight. It appeared that the child had played truant, for which offence she was unmercifully beaten by prisoner with a strap. The child was stripped in court, and was found to be literally covered with bruises, and in one place a piece of flesh had actually been cut out. The bench and severely commented upon the prisoners brutality, and sentenced her to six weeks imprisonment. In July last year Thomas Mayoe was also before the Shrewsbury bench are charged with assaulting his daughter Mary Elizabeth, nine years of age. An examination the child was found to be bruised all over the body, which she said had been caused by her father. Her evidence was given reluctantly, and the Bench expressed an opinion that the child had been tampered with, and in sentencing the prisoner to 21 days’ hard labour said the child had not been properly attended to: it was not only filthy, it had been nearly starved. They (the magistrates) instructed the police to make enquiries about the mother, and if they could bring sufficient evidence she would also be charged with a like offence.
Other Remains Found
The police continued to use the utmost endeavours to investigate the horrible atrocity. Yesterday morning PC Challinor again visited Apley Pool, and close to the edge found a bag, which resembled an old pillowcase. Upon opening it he found that it contained a brick and two brown paper parcels, in each of which was placed a human leg, which had been severed from the body at the thigh. He at once conveyed them to Wellington police station.
Prisoners Before The Magistrates
At the Wellington Police Court, yesterday, before the Hon. RC Herbert, Layton W. Lowndes, HH France-Hayhurst Esqrs., John Mayoe and Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, his wife, were placed in the dock, charged with a wilful murder of Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, aged 10 years.
The male prisoner walked with a firm step, and appeared to be unmoved, whilst the female prisoner looked very pale and haggard, and was apparently hysterical. She was allowed to sit in the dock, and was supported by Mrs. Smith, wife of Police constable Smith. The prisoners having been formally charged, made no reply.
Police Sergeant Lloyd deposed that on Friday last, the 9th inst., about twenty minutes past one o’clock in the day, he saw a human head at the Police Station. It had been found in Apley Pool that day. He made enquiries, and in consequence of information he received, went yesterday (Monday) evening, in company with Police Constables Cooper and Edwards, to Kynnersley. He then saw the male prisoner. He cautioned him and charged him with the wilful murder of his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Mayoe. He replied, “I will say nothing.” He then said, “Are you going to take my wife?” He (witness), “Yes”. He then took him into custody.
Police constable Cooper deposed that yesterday evening, in consequence of what he was told, he went in, in company with police Sergeant Lloyd and police Constable Edwards, to Kynnersley. He was present when the male prisoner was charged. He (witness) then went to the female prisoner, and charged her with being concerned with her husband in the murder of Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, aged 10 years. She replied, “My husband leaves his children two well: they are all right with their friends.” They then conveyed the prisoners to the lock-up.
Police constable Challinor said that on Friday, the 9th inst., he saw a human head at Wellington Police Station. Acting under the instructions of Deputy-Chief-Constable Ivins, he, with Police Sergeant Lloyd and others, had been investigating the case. He had visited Apley Pool that morning, and at the edge found a bag containing a brick and, two small parcels in brown paper. He open them and found a human leg in each. He took them to the police station. The prisoners refused support any question to the witnesses.
Deputy-Chief-Constable Ivins asked for a remand until Monday next, which was at once granted.
Upon the Magistrates Clerk asking for the prisoners if they had anything to say, the male prisoner replied, “I have nothing to say, but that I am innocent: I have committed no murder.” The female prisoner said nothing.
The streets were again densely crowded, and the greatest excitement prevailed. The prisoners were conveyed to the station in a fly, and were followed by the crowd, chanting, yelling, and a groaning. They were placed in Shrewsbury Gaol yesterday afternoon”.
Wellington Journal – Saturday 17 February 1883:
The Shocking Tragedy Near Wellington
The Head Identified
Discovery Of Further Remains
The Rest Of The Supposed Murderers
Never since the Birchley murder, some 15 years ago, has such intense excitement prevailed in Wellington, and indeed throughout the county of Salop, as has been occasioned by the discovery which was made, as recorded in last issue, of the horrid tragedy which is now known as the “Kynnersley Murder”, and the evidence of which were brought to light on Friday, the 9th inst. On the day what was found in Apley Pool a human head, which the horrified find a conveyed to the Police Station at Wellington. An examination of the head, which was in a mummified condition, was made by several local surgeons, whose opinions were somewhat divergent as to the probable age of the victim, but who were unanimous in their belief that the head was that of a female, and that it had been severed from the body during life.
The police, under the direction of Mr. Superintendent Ivin, Deputy-Chief-Constable of the county, and once proceeded to investigate the case their first visit being paid to the place where the head was found. Nothing noteworthy was done that evening, but only on Saturday morning dragging operations were commenced, to ascertain if any other portions of the remains have been consigned to the same watery grave. No result, however, was obtained, and it was decided, by the permission of Sir Thomas Meyrick, Bart., to run off the water from the pool. On Sunday a bag containing a large Ketley cluder was found, a number of excited spectators being present at the time, and the prevalent idea was that the head had been originally enclosed in his bag, and that it had been washed out by the action of water. The police cautioned their search in the pool and also in the adjoining plantation with renewed energy. On Monday, about 1.00, just a the close of magisterial business of the Petty Sessions, the rumour unlike a wildfire through the town that the police had obtained a clue to the mystery, and that, in fact, the head had been identified. Numbers soon congregated around the Police Station eager to ascertain whether the rumour had any foundation. In this they were not disappointed. A woman named Isabella Hicks, of Kynnersley, who suspicions had been aroused by the descriptions which had appeared in the newspapers, presented herself at the Police Office and asked them to be allowed to see the head which had been found. This request was immediately complied with by police constable Smith. As soon as Mrs. Hicks had seen and examined the head she identified that of a child named Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, the daughter of Thomas Mayoe, who had previously come to Kynnersley, and who was in the employ of Dr. Ogle as groom and gardener. She had no doubt about it –she was quite confident that the head was that of the child she had mentioned. Mrs. Hicks then made the following statement: “I am the wife of William Hicks, cowman for Mr Ogle, of Manor Farm, Kynnersley. Nine weeks and last Thursday Thomas Mayoe and his wife and four children came to live at Kynnersley. The children were aged respectively seven, 10, 12, and 14. Mayoe came to work as groom for Mr. Ogle. He came from Shrewsbury. He and his wife lived next door but two to me. I believe the children are not at all Mrs. Mayoe’s children, but some of them are her husband’s by a former marriage. The child of 10 was a girl I have seen her only three times since they came I have not seen her for six weeks, but some other neighbours saw her on the 11th of January, about ¼ mile from her home. Thomas Mayoe came to Kynnersley on “Gawby Market” Day, December 28. The Sunday after they came the child was heard screaming in the house, and my husband went to Mayoe’s and his wife about it, they abused him. Last Friday week Mrs. Mayoe told Mary Evans, a neighbour, that she was going to take the girl to an institution and Shrewsbury. The next morning Mayoe and his wife was seen before 6.00 AM by George Walford, waggenor to Mr. Ogle, going in the direction of Preston, but no girl was seen with him. The girl at this time had not been seen for six weeks. The girl appeared not to have been well cared for. She was a thin, poor little thing, and did not seem to have enough to eat. Mrs. Mayoe told one other neighbours, Mrs. Turner, than she had been obliged to cut the hair from the back of the girl’s head because it was sore, and that she had got some ointment have stopped has have. The nose was flat; he is were very small. I have seen the head which was found in Apley Pool. I saw in the Wellington Journal that the head had been found. From the description they’re given I became suspicious, and I went to the Police Station at Wellington. As soon as I saw it I said he was the head of Mary Mayoe. I believe that is her name, but her parents called her ‘Polly’. The appearance of the nose and the ears led me to believe that it was this child’s head. On Saturday Mary Evans asked Mrs. Mayoe if she had seen account in the Journal of the head had been found in Apley Pool. Mrs. Mayoe said she had not, that she had not had time, having been busy cleaning. I saw Mary Evans talking to her. Since this has come out, Mrs. Mayoe has looked quite bewildered. I have not spoken to her since last Friday. On the 11th of January, Mrs. Hughes, another neighbour, wrote a letter to send to Superintendent Ivins, complaining that the child had been ill-treated. The child had run away from home and gone to Mrs. Hughes house, and told her that her mother had beaten her, and there was a wound on one of the girls arms. The latter was not send, as Mrs. Mayoe took the child home. One of Mrs. Mayoe’s boys told one of my children that his mother took Polly away last Saturday week, and that she was not coming back yet.” You paragraph as may be imagined, this positive identification, which was subsequently confirmed by other persons, neighbours of the Mayoe’s family, Kerr at the utmost sensation and the people became almost frantic with excitement. At this point the most remarkable incident occurred. A man on horseback rode up, and on passing through the crowd made inquiries as to what was the matter. He was informed that the head had been identified as that of a child from Kynnersley. The man was no other than Mayoe. Our how are you immediately rode off in the direction of Kynnersley, those in his horse to it’s the utmost speed. The police aware of course directly on the alert. Sergeant Lloyd, police constable Cooper, and police Constable Edwards went with all haste to Kynnersley, and found both the man and his wife at home. Sergeant Lloyd charged Mayoe with the wilful murder of his child Mary Elizabeth, and his reply was, “I shall say nothing.” He then inquired if they were going to take his wife too, and was answered in the affirmative. In the meantime police constable Cooper had been to the wife and charged her with being concerned with her husband in the wilful murder of the child, to which she replied, “My husband loves his children too well; they are all right with their friends.” By this time, a large number of people had arrived upon the scene, the Lanes leading to the village being lined with persons anxious to see the accused conveyed to Wellington has up by asked had had been assembled opposite the Police Station to witness the arrival of the prisoners. At half past 7.00 a conveyance arrived containing the prisoners and two children, in charge of Sergeant Lloyd and Constable Edwards and Cooper. As the man and the woman alighted, groans and yells went up from the crowd, and in their passage to the Police Station the prisoners would certainly have been roughly handled before the protection afforded them by the police. As it was, several blows were made at them with sticks. On being taken inside, the woman unconcernedly seated herself by the fire, and the man did not appear to be in any way moved. They were locked up in separate cells. A report was circulated to the effect that they had accused each other of the murder, but this was incorrect. During the night the woman became hysterical, and was attended to with much kindness by Mrs. Smith, wife of the police constable in charge of the station.
On Tuesday the search was vigilantly continued by the police, and their efforts were rewarded by a remarkable manner. Police constable Challinor discovered, at the edge of the pool, the parcel which he had once opened, and which he found to contain the two legs of the child. He conveyed the ghastly remains to the Police Station. They were in a bag made of calico, apparently a piece of skirting, and wrapped in brown paper. Doctors Brooks, Seedman, the Hollies, and Caldwell examined the leg, which were in a well preserved state, and have the appearance of having only recently been severed from the body. This discovery of course intensified the prevailing excitement, and was greatly increased when a rumour got afloat that the doctors have given their opinion that the lakes and did not belong to the body from which the head had been cut. Reports of the wildest character were about, it of being asserted that the legs were both right ones, and that another murder must have been committed. The authorities called in Dr. James Brookes to make the post mortem examination, and in this he was assisted by Dr. Hollies. Reports about the result of their investigation, and the accounts which is appeared, or altogether imaginary, as the doctors have not yet completed their examination, and would doubtless discuss the matter before handing in their paperwork.
The Magisterial Inquiry
On Tuesday morning, the prisoners, Thomas Mayoe and Eliza Mayoe, were brought up at the Wellington Police Court, before the Hon. RC Herbert, W. Layton-Lowndes Esq., and HH France-Hayhurst, Esq., on the charge of having wilfully and of malice aforethought murder the child Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, aged 10. Outside the court of an immense concourse of people had assembled, but the ego requests and for a admission to the rumour were peremptorily refused, only about half a dozen persons with the exception of the report as being permitted to attend. The male prisoner, on being placed in the dock, appeared to be somewhat discomposed, nervously rubbing his chin with his hand, but he soon recovered his composure, and listened with apparent indifference to the evidence adduced, leaning on his arms in front of the dock. The female prisoner, however, was evidently much distressed. She appeared to be in a dazed, half fainting condition, and was supported into the dock by Mrs. Smith, wife of police sergeant Smith, who held her hand throughout the inquiry and endeavoured to soothe her agitation. The woman was allowed to sit down, and occasionally a deep sigh and a suppressed groan escaped from her. Otherwise she remained perfectly silent, putting no questions to the witnesses.
The first witness called was Sergeant Lloyd, who deposed –on Friday last, the ninth of the present month, about 20 minutes past one o’clock in the day, I saw at the Police Station a human head which had been found in Apley Pool that day. I made inquiries, and from information received I went yesterday evening in company with police constable Cooper and Edwards to Kynnersley. I saw the male prisoner there. I cautioned him, and then charged him with the wilful murder of his child Mary Elizabeth, 10 years of age. He replied, “I shall say nothing.” He then said, “Are you going to take my wife?” I replied, “Yes.” I then took him into custody.
The Magistrates Clerk, Mr. Newell (addressing the prisoners – have you any questions to ask the witness?).
The Male Prisoner –He charged me and asked me if I had anything to say, and I said I had nothing to say.
The female prisoner remained silent.
Police constable Cooper said – Yesterday, in consequence of information received, I went in company with Sergeant Lloyd and police Constable Edwards to Kynnersley. I was present when the sergeant charge the prisoner Thomas Mayoe. I then went and charge the woman, Eliza Mayoe. I had charged her with being concerned with her husband in the wilful murder of the child, Mary and Eliza Mayoe, aged 10 years. She replied, “My husband loves his children too well: they are all right with their friends.” We then conveyed both the prisoners to the lock-up here.
Mayoe said he had nothing to ask the witness.
Police Constable Challinor deposed – on Friday last, the ninth inst., I saw a human head at the Police Station here. Since then, acting under the instructions of Mr. Superintendent Ivins, I have been engaged in company with Sergeant Lloyd and other officers investigating the case. This morning I found two legs in Apley Pool, just at the edge of the water. The water is being left out, and he is lowering. The legs were in a small bag and packed up in brown paper and tied with string there was a brick inside, which had been used to sink them, no doubt.
Mr. Newill (address the prisoners) – Have you any questions to ask the witness?
Mayoe – No
The woman did not reply.
Mr. Superintendent Ivins here stated that he did not intend to offer any further evidence that day, and applied for a remand.
Mr Newill (to the prisoners) – Have you anything to say why you should not be remanded?
The Male Prisoner – I am innocent: I have committed no murder.
The female prisoner made no reply.
The bench then remanded the prisoners until Monday next.
Subsequently the prisoners were conveyed in a cab to the railway station, amidst the groans and yells of the crowd. The car was driven straight on to the platform, and the doors of the station where immediately closed to keep out the people, many of whom were evidently bent on wreaking summary vengeance upon the prisoners if they have got at them. Hundreds clambered onto the walls of the railway bridge and congregated in the churchyard, which is over looks the station, to witness the departure of the train which conveyed the accused to Shrewsbury.
Further Details
On the police visiting the prisoner’s house on Wednesday they made important discoveries. The found the clothes of the missing child, which were stained with blood, and the bed quilt was also bloodstained, the opinions being that the unfortunate child had been murdered in the bedroom.
On Thursday, under the personal direction of Colonel Edgell, the police continued their investigations. Sergeant Christie and police constable Smith found in the house the skirt of address from which a portion had been torn. The material of the dress corresponds with that in which the head was wrapped. In the evening it was rumoured that the trunk of the body had been found, but such is not the case. The officers discovered in the fire grate and in an ashpit some small bones, by whether or not they are those of a human being cannot as yet be told. They have been handed over to Dr. Brookes.
The Prisoner’ Antecedents
Both prisoners appeared to have been most cruel to their children, and frequent complaints have been made by their neighbours. In August, 1883, when the prisoners were residing in Shrewsbury, Mrs. Mayoe was prosecuted for her ill treatment of one of the children, and in July last year the male prisoner was brought before the magistrates on a charge of grossly assaulting his child, Mary Elizabeth Mayoe. In the first case, the woman was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, was the man was committed to gaol for 21 days.
Following are copies of the reports of the cases which appeared in this journal at the time:-
Cruel Treatment Of A Child. – Elizabeth Mayoe was charged with cruelly ill-treating Sarah Jane Mayoe, her stepdaughter. – it appeared that are on the Tuesday previous she was sent to school, and went from school to Hictons Heath, and did not get home until the evening. The defendant then took her upstairs, made her strip and then beat her with a strap, inflicting terrible injuries upon her back and sides. The child was only eight years of age. When before the magistrates the upper portion of her clothes were removed (text illegible) … a shocking sight. – Mr Curston, surgeon, said he was sent for to examine the child, and found her back and sides had been a lacerated as by a strap, such as the one produced. – Mr. Pritchard, a neighbour, said he had often heard the child crying, and had on one occasion gone to the house to remonstrate with the defendant. – being called upon for her defence, defendant said the child’s father had beaten her worse than she had had. – The bench considered the offence proved, and committed the defendant to prison for six weeks.
Shocking Assault On A Child. – Thomas Mayoe, gardener, was charged with assaulting his daughter, nine years old, on the 17th inst., Mr Carrans defended. – Mary Elizabeth Mayoe said she was nine years old last October. The defendant was her father. On the 17th inst., she went to bed, and directly he came up to her. Her sister was in the same room as her. The defendant stripped the close down and beat her severely with the birch-rod on her back. He did so for breaking the cupboard door open to get some sugar out. She cried out, but not much. He beat her for breaking an umbrella. She had black marks both on her legs and arms, but those were done by her brother with a walking stick. – Mr. Parry said this was a very bad case. – The child had bruises all over her body. – The Magistrates Clerk asked the child if her mother had not been told her to say that her brother had hit her. The child said that she had not. – Sergeant Russell said that on Saturday afternoon the father and mother came to the police office. The woman apparently had had a blow in the eye. They were accusing each other. Witness notice some blood running down the child’s face. He examined the right chest, and there was a sore from a scratch, and a mark as it from a blow from the knuckles. On the left achieve there was also a mark. Witness then examine the girl’s legs and body, and he found they were completely covered with bruises. On her back there were marks about the size of a pen holder, which appeared to be old sores. The child said they were done by her father. When she gave the information to the magistrates the previous day the child said her father had done it. – the bench retired, and on returning to the court of Mr. Parry said the assault was a gross and brutal one. He believed the child had been tampered with. They would commit the defendant to prison for 21 days, with hard labour. He (Mr. Parry) said the child had not been properly attended; it was not only filthy, but had been nearly starved. – The Magistrates ordered the police to make inquiries about the mother, and if they could bring sufficient evidence against her she would also be charge with a like offence.
Wellington Journal – Saturday 13 March 1886:
Ice Accident On Apley Pool, Near Wellington
During the week, large numbers of persons, encouraged by the severe frost which has prevailed, have visited Apley Pool, a favourite rendezvous for skaters. The ice are, however, has been exceedingly treacherous, that on the edges of the pool being dangerously thin. On Thursday an alarming incident occurred, shortly before 5.00, at a time when but few was skating. When about 20 yards from the side of the pool, at the end farthest from the Castle, at a point where the ice was not more than an inch thick, Mr. Walter Garbett (son of Mr B. Bargett, of the Charlton Hotel) fell. The ice immediately gave way, and the youth was immersed. He shouted for assistance, and at once Mr. WT Jones (son of Mr. Jones, of the Shakespeare Inn) skated to his aid, but having gone the distance of about 15 yards from the bank, the service of the ice again broke and a second immersation (?) took place, the youth being up to his arms in water. The greatest excitement prevailed, and a general shout was raised for the ladder and ropes, which are, unfortunately, happen to be on the bank on the further side from the scene of the accident. However, no time was to be lost, for young Mr. Garbett’s position was most alarming. Greater difficulty was experienced in getting the heavy ladder across to the spot. While this was being done, however, Mr. Garbett managed to get both his arms upon the service of the ice surrounding him, and by this means kept his head above water. As the latter was being brought across, the ice gave way beneath Mr. Jones, senior, but only one of his legs was immersed. Mr. Wyatt (son of Mr. TB Wyatt, supervisor), then pluckily attempted to push the ladder to young Mr. Garbett, but he went into the water up to his knees, and retaining his hauled of the ladder, easily got out. Matters now became very exciting, and Mr A. France gallantly ventured to go as near as possible to the breach, and threw a rope to the youth, who after one or two attempts, secured debt, but not without losing his hold up on the ice, and in consequence being totally immersed. He, however, did not let go to the rope, and as soon as he rose to the surface he was rescued, among the others rendering assistance being Mr. HS Parton and Mr. Walter Parton. Having got across near to where Jones had fallen in, Mr. EWS Pigott through another rope, and that young man was rescued without much difficulty. Both youths were immediately taken to the bailiffs cottage, where they were divested of their clothes and wrapped in blankets until other close could be obtained. The conduct of Mrs. Hutchinson, the bailiffs wife, is spoken of in terms of praise, and most valuable assistance was rendered by Miss Meyrick, who supplied stimulants to the youth’s, who were subsequently conveyed home but little the worse for their adventure. It is said that the ice has been in a very unsafe condition during the whole of the week. Many thanks are due to those to those gallant exertism the safety of the two youth’s is due, the conduct of Jones being especially praiseworthy.
Wellington Journal – Saturday 08 January 1887:
The Weather – Wellington and District
It is an ill wind, however, that blows nobody any good, and the inconvenience of the sharp weather have been more than compensated by the great facility is that have been afforded in the district for skating among other places, upon Apley Pool, which has been frozen over to its whole extent. At the end of last week a fully representative and well organised skating committee was formed, with the view of benefiting the Wellington charities they decided that a small charge should be made to every person who went upon the pool. They have been enabled, as well, to employ meant to keep the service of the ice in proper condition, the consequence being that the pleasure of those who have availed themselves of the opportunities afforded them to enjoy this most delightful of winter exercises, has been considerably enhanced. On Wednesday evening the ice was in very good condition, and numbers of skaters went upon the pool, the occasion being enlivened with the presence of a large proportion of ladies. An exceedingly pretty effect was obtained with the numerous Chinese lanterns, which have been arranged on either side of the skating track, the result being the most enjoyable evening, some of the skaters remaining till a late hour. On Thursday evening there was again a very large attendance, and also last evening, when an additional attraction was provided, the capital selection of music being played by some of the members of the band of the C Company, SRV. This, together with the lanterns rendered the proceedings and most enjoyable, notwithstanding a slight fall of snow and a cold wind. Up the buyer advertisement it will be seen that, should a frost continue, a large portion of the pool will be swept, and skaters will no doubt have an excellent a time of it.
Wellington Journal – Saturday 12 January 1895:
The Skating At Apley
During the past few days there have been considerable numbers of skaters upon Apley Pool. Sir Thomas Meyrick having again kindly given permission to the Apley Pool Skating Committee to admit the public at the regular charge (as announced in the advertising space today), the proceeds going to the local soup and coal charities. The “Pool Rangers” have made arrangements for a thorough sweeping of the pool by an organised gang, commencing at an early our this (Saturday) morning. It is a big task and would doubtless require many hands to do it well.
Wellington Journal – Saturday 15 September 1906:
Echo Of Kynnersley Tragedy
A Shocking Crime
The announcement of the death of Joseph Bates at Park Street, Wellington, this week, at the ripe age of 81, recalls a very remarkable and horrible tragedy which took place at Kynnersley, near Wellington, on February 1st 1883, as a result of which of Thomas and Eliza Mayoe, husband and wife, were indicted at Stafford Assizes, before the late Mr. Justice Stephen, for mutilating the body of Mary Elizabeth Mayoe, the a ten year old daughter of the male prisoner. After the child had died from the effects, it was alleged, of a blow delivered by her stepmother, the body was cut up with a knife and a broomhook. The head was thrown into Apley Pool, and the body and legs dropped into the River Severn near Atcham Bridge by Mrs. Mayoe. The late James Bates, who was employed at Apley Castle at that time, recover the child’s head from Apley Pool as he was proceeding to his work. The female prisoner was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to 20 years’ penal servitude. Her husband, for being an accessory after the fact, received a sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment. The Mayoe family lived in Shrewsbury for some years, and if the unfortunate girl attended St George’s School, Frankwell, when her parents resided in New Street.