Death of Henry Sudell
And the Mystery surrounding the Death of
His two Daughters, Elizabeth & Alice, 1858
Charles John Suddell
This research commenced on 19th November 2007; completion took place on 19th January 2010
This is a real-life history of the sudden deaths of two young women in mid-Victorian Box. The tragedy concerned the wife and the sister-in-law of the vicar of Box and it became the sensation of the age. The finger of suspicion was pointed at the vicar and local newspapers published scandalous reports from the coroner's inquest. In the end it was all hushed over, although its consequences are still with us, including the abandonment of the graveyard around Box Church and the building of Box Cemetery.
John Suddell is a relative of the deceased. He has re-opened the story seeking justice by revisiting the evidence for the first time in over 100 years. You can make up your own mind on the fascinating evidence that he presents.
John Suddell is a relative of the deceased. He has re-opened the story seeking justice by revisiting the evidence for the first time in over 100 years. You can make up your own mind on the fascinating evidence that he presents.
Characters Involved & Sudell Family Tree
The list of characters in this saga are as follows:
1. Henry Sudell senior
2. Maria Sudell (Henry's wife)
3. Henry Sudell junior born 1799: son of Henry senior
4. Thomas Sudell born 1803: son of Henry senior
5. Elizabeth Sudell senior born 1809: daughter of Henry senior
6. Alice Sudell born 1798: daughter of Henry senior
7. Rev Dr Holled Darrell Cave Smith Horlock, vicar of Box from 1831 to 1874, born 1811: husband of Elizabeth Sudell who he married 30 October 1832 at Box
8. Elizabeth Horlock born 1834: daughter of Elizabeth senior
9. Darrell Horlock born 1837: son of Elizabeth senior
Henry Sudell Senior married Maria
Children: Alice Sudell (b 1798); Henry Sudell junior (b 1799); Thomas Sudell (b 1803); Elizabeth Sudell (b 1809 - 1858)
Elizabeth Sudell married Rev Holled Darrell Cave Smith Horlock, vicar of Box on 30 October 1832
Children: Elizabeth Horlock (1833 - 1921); Darrell Holled Webb Horlock (b 1837)
Elizabeth Horlock married 12 February 1861 Thomas Sweetapple, curate of Box (d 1867)
Children: Henry Darrell Sudell Sweetapple (1862 - 1953)
The list of characters in this saga are as follows:
1. Henry Sudell senior
2. Maria Sudell (Henry's wife)
3. Henry Sudell junior born 1799: son of Henry senior
4. Thomas Sudell born 1803: son of Henry senior
5. Elizabeth Sudell senior born 1809: daughter of Henry senior
6. Alice Sudell born 1798: daughter of Henry senior
7. Rev Dr Holled Darrell Cave Smith Horlock, vicar of Box from 1831 to 1874, born 1811: husband of Elizabeth Sudell who he married 30 October 1832 at Box
8. Elizabeth Horlock born 1834: daughter of Elizabeth senior
9. Darrell Horlock born 1837: son of Elizabeth senior
Henry Sudell Senior married Maria
Children: Alice Sudell (b 1798); Henry Sudell junior (b 1799); Thomas Sudell (b 1803); Elizabeth Sudell (b 1809 - 1858)
Elizabeth Sudell married Rev Holled Darrell Cave Smith Horlock, vicar of Box on 30 October 1832
Children: Elizabeth Horlock (1833 - 1921); Darrell Holled Webb Horlock (b 1837)
Elizabeth Horlock married 12 February 1861 Thomas Sweetapple, curate of Box (d 1867)
Children: Henry Darrell Sudell Sweetapple (1862 - 1953)
Introduction
Henry Sudell senior was well-known in Blackburn and the Manchester areas of Great Britain, mainly for his dealings in the cotton industry but also for the help he provided to the poor. He was born around 1764 and noted for building Woodford Hall in Blackburn. He departed from Blackburn around the year 1827. This article deals with his life from the time he left Blackburn until his death in 1856. This article has been compiled following lengthy research by myself and in some instances there is supposition on my part.
In the year 1827, Henry Sudell senior left his home town of Blackburn rather hurriedly and, some say, in suspicious circumstances. What we do know for certain is that he had lost heavily on foreign investments and creditors were chasing him for their money. He was in debt to the tune of £165,000, although his estate value, which was in his wife's name, would have covered these debts easily. He and his wife, Maria, and their two sons, Henry and Thomas, two daughters, Alice and Lydia, fled to France where Henry's eldest son had connections and, whilst there, their daughter Lydia passed away.
On their return to England they settled in the village of Box, Wiltshire located seven miles from Bath. They joined their second eldest daughter Elizabeth, who had earlier married the vicar of Box. Neither Elizabeth nor Alice appear on the 1841 census of Box; however, they do appear on the census of 1851. It would appear that Henry arrived penniless. As will be seen later he was living on the income from his sons, Thomas and Henry.
The Sudell family moved into Ashleigh House in Box and they had five servants. Box was, and still is, a quaint little village which at present is dissected by the main A4 road. On one side is the church of St Thomas à Becket currently flanked by several properties: Box House and The Hermitage, which was later purchased by Alice; a row of cottages; and then of course there is the church graveyard.
My interest in this story started with the two sisters, Elizabeth and Alice, because (as I was told) they were both poisoned around the Christmas period of 1857. Stories were being told of the cause of these deaths which ranged from the water they had drunk, to the suspicion that the gardener had, for some reason, murdered the two ladies. This warranted some further investigation on my part. So this article, with supporting documentation, delves into the background of the circumstances of their deaths. At the end of this you should make up your own mind as to how you believe these two ladies died.
Henry Sudell senior was well-known in Blackburn and the Manchester areas of Great Britain, mainly for his dealings in the cotton industry but also for the help he provided to the poor. He was born around 1764 and noted for building Woodford Hall in Blackburn. He departed from Blackburn around the year 1827. This article deals with his life from the time he left Blackburn until his death in 1856. This article has been compiled following lengthy research by myself and in some instances there is supposition on my part.
In the year 1827, Henry Sudell senior left his home town of Blackburn rather hurriedly and, some say, in suspicious circumstances. What we do know for certain is that he had lost heavily on foreign investments and creditors were chasing him for their money. He was in debt to the tune of £165,000, although his estate value, which was in his wife's name, would have covered these debts easily. He and his wife, Maria, and their two sons, Henry and Thomas, two daughters, Alice and Lydia, fled to France where Henry's eldest son had connections and, whilst there, their daughter Lydia passed away.
On their return to England they settled in the village of Box, Wiltshire located seven miles from Bath. They joined their second eldest daughter Elizabeth, who had earlier married the vicar of Box. Neither Elizabeth nor Alice appear on the 1841 census of Box; however, they do appear on the census of 1851. It would appear that Henry arrived penniless. As will be seen later he was living on the income from his sons, Thomas and Henry.
The Sudell family moved into Ashleigh House in Box and they had five servants. Box was, and still is, a quaint little village which at present is dissected by the main A4 road. On one side is the church of St Thomas à Becket currently flanked by several properties: Box House and The Hermitage, which was later purchased by Alice; a row of cottages; and then of course there is the church graveyard.
My interest in this story started with the two sisters, Elizabeth and Alice, because (as I was told) they were both poisoned around the Christmas period of 1857. Stories were being told of the cause of these deaths which ranged from the water they had drunk, to the suspicion that the gardener had, for some reason, murdered the two ladies. This warranted some further investigation on my part. So this article, with supporting documentation, delves into the background of the circumstances of their deaths. At the end of this you should make up your own mind as to how you believe these two ladies died.
The Mystery
Firstly, let me deal with the mysteries surrounding this case. In the 1841 census the Rev Horlock is married and living in the Vicarage in Box; his wife for some reason is living with their two children in London. In the 1851 census he and his wife, Elizabeth senior, and one child, Elizabeth junior aged 17, are all living at the Vicarage, Box. Darrell aged 14 is living next door with Elizabeth's sister, Alice, at The Hermitage. Maria (wife of Henry senior) died in 1848 and there are no further details.
So Maria has died and we are left with Henry senior, Henry junior, Thomas, Alice and Elizabeth senior. When Henry senior died we know his estate was less than £50 and he died of natural causes in 1856. Henry junior died in 1851. Thomas died in 1857. Alice and Elizabeth died in 1858.
The possibility of foul play concerning the deaths of Alice and Elizabeth senior was immediately raised in an article published by the Devizes & Wilts Gazette in January 14th 1858. This recorded an amazing letter received by Mr Aust, a carpenter in the village, inciting him to murder the two sisters (a full copy of the letter is recorded below). It also resulted in the building of the Cemetery on the A4 following a report that Box Churchyard could have caused the deaths (see later).
Firstly, let me deal with the mysteries surrounding this case. In the 1841 census the Rev Horlock is married and living in the Vicarage in Box; his wife for some reason is living with their two children in London. In the 1851 census he and his wife, Elizabeth senior, and one child, Elizabeth junior aged 17, are all living at the Vicarage, Box. Darrell aged 14 is living next door with Elizabeth's sister, Alice, at The Hermitage. Maria (wife of Henry senior) died in 1848 and there are no further details.
So Maria has died and we are left with Henry senior, Henry junior, Thomas, Alice and Elizabeth senior. When Henry senior died we know his estate was less than £50 and he died of natural causes in 1856. Henry junior died in 1851. Thomas died in 1857. Alice and Elizabeth died in 1858.
The possibility of foul play concerning the deaths of Alice and Elizabeth senior was immediately raised in an article published by the Devizes & Wilts Gazette in January 14th 1858. This recorded an amazing letter received by Mr Aust, a carpenter in the village, inciting him to murder the two sisters (a full copy of the letter is recorded below). It also resulted in the building of the Cemetery on the A4 following a report that Box Churchyard could have caused the deaths (see later).
Deaths of Alice and Elizabeth, January 1858
The six possibilities surrounding the deaths of Alice and Elizabeth include:
1. They died of food poisoning
2. The water they drank was contaminated
3. They were murdered
4. They were murdered by the gardener
5. They were murdered for their money
6. They were murdered as an act of revenge
I will deal with each of the above possibilities in turn.
The six possibilities surrounding the deaths of Alice and Elizabeth include:
1. They died of food poisoning
2. The water they drank was contaminated
3. They were murdered
4. They were murdered by the gardener
5. They were murdered for their money
6. They were murdered as an act of revenge
I will deal with each of the above possibilities in turn.
1. They died of food poisoning
It is known that both Elizabeth and Alice had celebrated Elizabeth's birthday and no doubt had eaten to excess as would be the norm at these events but so did all the guests attending the party, and I have no doubt that the servants would have indulged as well. So this begs the question why did no one else contract food poisoning and subsequently die like the sisters? So I must conclude that food poisoning was not the cause, unless of course someone had poisoned the food that only the two ladies ate.
2. The water they drank was contaminated
Again, why should the water, which in those days came from natural springs, which are still apparent today, poison two women who did not live in the same house and affect no one else? So I do not believe that water poisoning was the cause.
3. They were murdered
I have ruled out the first two possibilities involving food and drink, I must therefore look at other more sinister alternatives.
4. They were murdered by the Gardener
There is speculation that the gardener may have murdered the sisters by using poisoned mushrooms. However, it would appear that he had nothing to gain by their deaths unless, and this is a possibility, he was paid to do so.
5. They were murdered for their money
The sisters died in 1858 and they were the last of the Sudells. Their father Henry died in 1856 aged 91, leaving no money to bequeath to anyone. Their brother Henry who died in 1851, aged 52, left all that he had to his brother, Thomas, who as the one who held the most money in the family would have been considered a rich person. Then we come to Thomas who in his will leaves 50% of his estate to his brother Henry and the rest between his sisters Elizabeth and Alice. However, on Thomas' death, Henry, who was named as executor, had died and there is some confusion as to how his money was divided, but this resulted in the two sisters being the recipients and thus becoming very rich. It would appear that Alice was the richer of the two as she purchased Henley Cottages and turned them into a school for girls and infants, with Elizabeth in charge.
So, being murdered for their money could have been a motive, but as only Elizabeth's two children Elizabeth and Darrell were the only two to gain financially from the deaths, I believe this motive can be ruled out.
6. They were murdered as an act of revenge
So I am left with the possibility that they were murdered as an act of revenge. lf one reads the documents in the Appendix this could be a possibility. Was it something to do with the hasty retreat from Blackburn by Henry Sudell Senior or was it something to do with Box? As I do not know the circumstances explaining the hasty retreat from Blackburn, I can only assume that this could be the reason.
It is known that both Elizabeth and Alice had celebrated Elizabeth's birthday and no doubt had eaten to excess as would be the norm at these events but so did all the guests attending the party, and I have no doubt that the servants would have indulged as well. So this begs the question why did no one else contract food poisoning and subsequently die like the sisters? So I must conclude that food poisoning was not the cause, unless of course someone had poisoned the food that only the two ladies ate.
2. The water they drank was contaminated
Again, why should the water, which in those days came from natural springs, which are still apparent today, poison two women who did not live in the same house and affect no one else? So I do not believe that water poisoning was the cause.
3. They were murdered
I have ruled out the first two possibilities involving food and drink, I must therefore look at other more sinister alternatives.
4. They were murdered by the Gardener
There is speculation that the gardener may have murdered the sisters by using poisoned mushrooms. However, it would appear that he had nothing to gain by their deaths unless, and this is a possibility, he was paid to do so.
5. They were murdered for their money
The sisters died in 1858 and they were the last of the Sudells. Their father Henry died in 1856 aged 91, leaving no money to bequeath to anyone. Their brother Henry who died in 1851, aged 52, left all that he had to his brother, Thomas, who as the one who held the most money in the family would have been considered a rich person. Then we come to Thomas who in his will leaves 50% of his estate to his brother Henry and the rest between his sisters Elizabeth and Alice. However, on Thomas' death, Henry, who was named as executor, had died and there is some confusion as to how his money was divided, but this resulted in the two sisters being the recipients and thus becoming very rich. It would appear that Alice was the richer of the two as she purchased Henley Cottages and turned them into a school for girls and infants, with Elizabeth in charge.
So, being murdered for their money could have been a motive, but as only Elizabeth's two children Elizabeth and Darrell were the only two to gain financially from the deaths, I believe this motive can be ruled out.
6. They were murdered as an act of revenge
So I am left with the possibility that they were murdered as an act of revenge. lf one reads the documents in the Appendix this could be a possibility. Was it something to do with the hasty retreat from Blackburn by Henry Sudell Senior or was it something to do with Box? As I do not know the circumstances explaining the hasty retreat from Blackburn, I can only assume that this could be the reason.
Photo courtesy of Box Parish Council
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Box House
This brings me to Box House. This is a large house which stands in the grounds which at one time housed the vicarage of Thomas à Becket church and where the Rev Dr Horlock, Elizabeth's husband, had lived at some time. Box House was built by Isaac William Webb Horlock in the year 1808 ( I have been informed of this date by a reliable source). The Rev Dr Horlock's father lived there until the year of his death in 1829. |
During the building of Box House it is said that the top floor was re-enforced to house monkeys, and one must ask why, when monkeys weigh half the weight of a man, should the floor be re-enforced. I would put forward the notion that Mr Horlock may have been into slave trading and the monkey story was a cover to satisfy the villagers.
At some time the Rev Horlock burnt down the vicarage as it was not grand enough for him and Box House took its place. At some time the premises passed from church property to Horlock property. Did the sisters know of this and were murdered to keep them quiet, one can only wonder? Elizabeth's husband was living there in 1871 with his new wife and their two children. We do know that the Rev Horlock left Box with talk of his having to return certain properties to the church and he later died penniless in Devon. Why did he not inherit Box House? Was this the property he had to hand back to the Church?
Following the theory of revenge, two more characters enter the scene, namely Mr Aust, a carpenter in Box, and a Mr H Barrington of an unknown abode. These two men are the characters in a letter presented at court at the inquest of the two sisters (this letter appears in the appendix). Were these two implicated? What is known is that Henry jnr, Thomas and Alice visited Preston and purchased a large quantity of land and houses. Maybe it was these deeds that were referred to in Mr Barrington's letter and the reason for the grudge against the Sudells and a reason they may have sought revenge on the family.
At some time the Rev Horlock burnt down the vicarage as it was not grand enough for him and Box House took its place. At some time the premises passed from church property to Horlock property. Did the sisters know of this and were murdered to keep them quiet, one can only wonder? Elizabeth's husband was living there in 1871 with his new wife and their two children. We do know that the Rev Horlock left Box with talk of his having to return certain properties to the church and he later died penniless in Devon. Why did he not inherit Box House? Was this the property he had to hand back to the Church?
Following the theory of revenge, two more characters enter the scene, namely Mr Aust, a carpenter in Box, and a Mr H Barrington of an unknown abode. These two men are the characters in a letter presented at court at the inquest of the two sisters (this letter appears in the appendix). Were these two implicated? What is known is that Henry jnr, Thomas and Alice visited Preston and purchased a large quantity of land and houses. Maybe it was these deeds that were referred to in Mr Barrington's letter and the reason for the grudge against the Sudells and a reason they may have sought revenge on the family.
Deaths in the Family
So let us see how the Sudells died. The father, Henry, died in 1856 of old age and winter ailments; no problem there. Thomas the youngest son died on midsummer day the following year; cause of death unknown. Now let us look at the death of Henry junior.
On a day in 1851 Henry junior took a stroll from the family house to Box but on the way a dog became aggressive to him at which time a stranger went to attack the dog with a stick. Instead of hitting the dog he struck Henry on the hand and two weeks later Henry died of mortification. Questions that I feel need answering are: who was the stranger? Why was he carrying a stick? Why did he hit Henry's hand? And whose dog was it? My theory is that this man was paid to get rid of Henry and, to that end, he hit him with a stick laced with poison.
So there you have it. Were the sisters murdered? And if so by whom? No one will ever know but on a recent visit that I paid to Box I was enchanted by the atmosphere both in the surroundings and the people that I met and talked to regarding this saga.
One could only imagine what life was like in the 1800's as the village has changed very little since that time.
lf you live or are passing through Box do look around this quaint old village which is steeped in history if only you take the time to search for it, and if you wish to stay in the same place as the sisters lived, The Hermitage is now a bed and breakfast establishment.
So let us see how the Sudells died. The father, Henry, died in 1856 of old age and winter ailments; no problem there. Thomas the youngest son died on midsummer day the following year; cause of death unknown. Now let us look at the death of Henry junior.
On a day in 1851 Henry junior took a stroll from the family house to Box but on the way a dog became aggressive to him at which time a stranger went to attack the dog with a stick. Instead of hitting the dog he struck Henry on the hand and two weeks later Henry died of mortification. Questions that I feel need answering are: who was the stranger? Why was he carrying a stick? Why did he hit Henry's hand? And whose dog was it? My theory is that this man was paid to get rid of Henry and, to that end, he hit him with a stick laced with poison.
So there you have it. Were the sisters murdered? And if so by whom? No one will ever know but on a recent visit that I paid to Box I was enchanted by the atmosphere both in the surroundings and the people that I met and talked to regarding this saga.
One could only imagine what life was like in the 1800's as the village has changed very little since that time.
lf you live or are passing through Box do look around this quaint old village which is steeped in history if only you take the time to search for it, and if you wish to stay in the same place as the sisters lived, The Hermitage is now a bed and breakfast establishment.
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Box Church
The grave for the Sudell family is a flat-topped stone grave and the writing is not very good. There are a couple of plaques on the wall inside the church of Isaac Webb Horlock and Ms Horlock.The gravestone reads as follows: |
Mrs Grace Bungey Added |
Maria, wife of Henry Sudell, Esq, who died at Ashley House 31 March 1848 aged 70 years
Also Henry Sudell, eldest son of Henry and Maria Sudell, who died 21 August 1851 aged 52
Also Henry Sudell, Esq, who died at Ashley House 30 January 1856 aged 91 years
Also Thomas, 2nd son of the above Henry and Maria Sudell, who died 27 June 1857 aged 54 and of Alice Sudell and Elizabeth, wife of Rev Dr Horlock, their daughters, the former of whom died 2 January 1858 aged 50 and the latter 3 January 1858 aged 49
Alice and Elizabeth had a double burial on 7 January 1858... I know that both Elizabeth Horlock and her sister, Alice Sudell, left their money to Elizabeth's two children. Rev Dr Horlock meanwhile spent a lot of money buying property in the area and there is some talk of his having to sell it or give it back to the church and I get a feeling he was encouraged to leave Box. He became a vicar at Ottery St Mary, Devon, for a while and is buried in Devon. He left no will. Letters of administration by his second wife Annette were made out to his daughter, who never married. He left hardly any money.
His daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Rev Thomas Sweetapple, was fairly wealthy. Whether this was from Horlock or Sudell money, I do not know. It is interesting that Rev HDS Sweetapple was married in London under this name (the correct one) but in his will and on his gravestone his name is Sweetapple Horlock. I do not know why he tacked on the Horlock name to his own, although his father having died when he was around three, possibly he was brought up by his mother's family (ie her father, Rev Dr Horlock).
Also Henry Sudell, eldest son of Henry and Maria Sudell, who died 21 August 1851 aged 52
Also Henry Sudell, Esq, who died at Ashley House 30 January 1856 aged 91 years
Also Thomas, 2nd son of the above Henry and Maria Sudell, who died 27 June 1857 aged 54 and of Alice Sudell and Elizabeth, wife of Rev Dr Horlock, their daughters, the former of whom died 2 January 1858 aged 50 and the latter 3 January 1858 aged 49
Alice and Elizabeth had a double burial on 7 January 1858... I know that both Elizabeth Horlock and her sister, Alice Sudell, left their money to Elizabeth's two children. Rev Dr Horlock meanwhile spent a lot of money buying property in the area and there is some talk of his having to sell it or give it back to the church and I get a feeling he was encouraged to leave Box. He became a vicar at Ottery St Mary, Devon, for a while and is buried in Devon. He left no will. Letters of administration by his second wife Annette were made out to his daughter, who never married. He left hardly any money.
His daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Rev Thomas Sweetapple, was fairly wealthy. Whether this was from Horlock or Sudell money, I do not know. It is interesting that Rev HDS Sweetapple was married in London under this name (the correct one) but in his will and on his gravestone his name is Sweetapple Horlock. I do not know why he tacked on the Horlock name to his own, although his father having died when he was around three, possibly he was brought up by his mother's family (ie her father, Rev Dr Horlock).
Box Cemetery opened in about 1860 following the inquest of the Sudell sisters held in the Northey Arms (see newspaper report below (photo Box Parish Council).
Later Discoveries
So what happened after the deaths of the two sisters and where did the riches of the sisters go? We do know that all that they had was left to the two children of Elizabeth, namely Darrell and Elizabeth but from there the trail goes dead for a while.
In 2008 I discovered that Darrell had followed in the footsteps of his father and became a vicar preaching for some time in Nova Scotia Canada. He married twice but had no children so that ended his line. In 1861 his sister, Elizabeth, married Thomas Sweetapple who also became a vicar and had a son in 1863 named Henry. But Thomas died in 1867 and in 1868 Elizabeth and Henry went to Canada. A second child was born to Elizabeth on this sea voyage and named Mary but no trace of this child can be found and I must assume she died in childhood. What I do know is that Elizabeth and Henry returned to England sometime in the period 1872-1881 and in 1901 Henry Sweetapple was a vicar in Basingstoke.
Once again the trail goes dead until October 2009 when I noticed an article on the website of The Guild of Freemen of the City Of London stating the passing of past master Henry Wimburn Sudell Horlock. On investigation I found that person in 1945 had changed his name from Henry Wimburn Horlock Sweetapple, who was the son of Thomas Sweetapple and Elizabeth Horlock. They also had a daughter, Elizabeth.
At about the same time I was notified of an auction in Nova Scotia, Canada which included items of jewellery with inscriptions of Elizabeth Sudell and Maria Sudell and this made me wonder how these items ended in Canada. It was following the sad occasion of Henry Wimburn Sudell Horlock 's death that I was able to contact his widow Jeanetta Horlock (nee Tanner).
So what happened after the deaths of the two sisters and where did the riches of the sisters go? We do know that all that they had was left to the two children of Elizabeth, namely Darrell and Elizabeth but from there the trail goes dead for a while.
In 2008 I discovered that Darrell had followed in the footsteps of his father and became a vicar preaching for some time in Nova Scotia Canada. He married twice but had no children so that ended his line. In 1861 his sister, Elizabeth, married Thomas Sweetapple who also became a vicar and had a son in 1863 named Henry. But Thomas died in 1867 and in 1868 Elizabeth and Henry went to Canada. A second child was born to Elizabeth on this sea voyage and named Mary but no trace of this child can be found and I must assume she died in childhood. What I do know is that Elizabeth and Henry returned to England sometime in the period 1872-1881 and in 1901 Henry Sweetapple was a vicar in Basingstoke.
Once again the trail goes dead until October 2009 when I noticed an article on the website of The Guild of Freemen of the City Of London stating the passing of past master Henry Wimburn Sudell Horlock. On investigation I found that person in 1945 had changed his name from Henry Wimburn Horlock Sweetapple, who was the son of Thomas Sweetapple and Elizabeth Horlock. They also had a daughter, Elizabeth.
At about the same time I was notified of an auction in Nova Scotia, Canada which included items of jewellery with inscriptions of Elizabeth Sudell and Maria Sudell and this made me wonder how these items ended in Canada. It was following the sad occasion of Henry Wimburn Sudell Horlock 's death that I was able to contact his widow Jeanetta Horlock (nee Tanner).
Linda Layton has kindly written from Ontario, Canada |
Dear John
I believe you have the wrong parents for Henry Wimburn Horlock Sweetapple. According to Ancestry.com he was born in 1915 (and died in 2009) and would therefore be the same person mentioned in 1945. His parents were Rev. Dr Henry Darrell Sudell Sweetapple-Horlock (1862-1953) and Mary Beatrice Halliburton Laurie (1872-1953). Mary was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to John Wimburn Laurie (1835-1912 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wimburn_Laurie ) and Frances Robie Collins (1839-1935). Perhaps the furniture was taken to the Laurie estate in Nova Scotia and then put up for auction. |
Mrs Horlock is a woman in her eighties but looks more like sixty, very cheerful and altogether a very pleasant lady but unfortunately is confined to a wheelchair having lost one leg and the use of one side due to MRSA. It was this woman who answered all the questions that had eluded me for so long. Firstly, her husband's sister, Elizabeth (who is still living in Canada) was befriended by someone who gained power of attorney over her assets and put Elizabeth in a home, auctioning her assets; hence the auction in Nova Scotia. One item from this auction was presented to me by Mrs Horlock as it is inscribed with the crest of the Sudell family.
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Mrs Horlock was also able to show me two writing bureaux which had been passed down to her. One was inscribed Maria Sudell, who was the wife of Henry from Blackburn, and the other is inscribed Elizabeth Sudell, their daughter, who was one of the sisters that I believe was murdered.
So there you have it, from Henry Sudell who made and lost a fortune in the cotton industry to two living women, one in Canada and one in Gloucestershire, both childless, bringing an end to the branch of the Sudell family tree with their fortunes being scattered to the four winds.
Want more on this fascinating subject? Read David Ibberson's article: More Sudells.
So there you have it, from Henry Sudell who made and lost a fortune in the cotton industry to two living women, one in Canada and one in Gloucestershire, both childless, bringing an end to the branch of the Sudell family tree with their fortunes being scattered to the four winds.
Want more on this fascinating subject? Read David Ibberson's article: More Sudells.
Acknowledgements
Stephen & Brett Suddell for help in producing this document
Stephen for deciphering the Wills
Mrs BR Bungey (Winchester), without whom this quest for information would not have been started
Mike Lyons of Box for his time and knowledge
Charles Tull of Box House, and
Mrs M Carey of Box Parish Council
In MEMORY of ALICE AND ELIZABETH R.I.P. and Dedicated to
JEANETTA SUDELL HORLOCK and ELIZABETH HORLOCK
the last remaining two of this branch of the Sudell Tree
Appendix
Stephen & Brett Suddell for help in producing this document
Stephen for deciphering the Wills
Mrs BR Bungey (Winchester), without whom this quest for information would not have been started
Mike Lyons of Box for his time and knowledge
Charles Tull of Box House, and
Mrs M Carey of Box Parish Council
In MEMORY of ALICE AND ELIZABETH R.I.P. and Dedicated to
JEANETTA SUDELL HORLOCK and ELIZABETH HORLOCK
the last remaining two of this branch of the Sudell Tree
Appendix
Devizes & Wilts Gazette, January 14th 1858
EXTRAORDINARY DEATH OF MRS HORLOCK AND HER SISTER AT BOX
We gave a short account of the Coroner's inquest held on the above ladies in our paper of last week. The fatal occurrence was regarded in the neighbourhood with an extraordinary degree of importance owing to the series of extraordinary circumstances connected with the family of the deceased ladies, who were extensively connected and wealthy. It is only two or three years since the family of the Rev Dr Horlock were persecuted with a series of threatening letters which were introduced into the house or deposited in the grounds in a very mysterious manner, and ultimately a professional gentleman was prosecuted upon suspicion of being the perpetrator of the epistles, but upon his trial at the assizes was acquitted. Subsequently the residence of Miss Sudell, (the sister of Mrs Horlock) one of the deceased ladies of The Hermitage, was burglariously entered and ransacked in a way that left no doubt of the culprit's desire to possess themselves of deeds relating to property belonging to the family. About six weeks ago a letter, of which the following is a copy, was also received through the post, by Mr Aust, a carpenter in the village, and which was produced at the inquest upon the bodies of the two ladies, both of whom it will be seen are mentioned therein:
Private
To Mr George Aust, Carpenter, Box, Wilts; Box, Chippenham, Wiltshire
Mr Aust - I have a project in view and knowing you, will give you the first offer of assisting me in it. If you reveal what I now propose to any one, you shall be ruined.
I know a gentleman in Lancashire who has deeds of two wealthy families, and I mean to obtain this property for ourselves. The property amounts to nearly £50,000 and you shall have a third of it, if you will assist us as I propose to you. I take the part of most danger, and only ask your assistance against the family at Ashley House, who have been enemies to you and your family since the robbery at the Hermitage. You must watch Mrs Horlock and Miss Sudell to Ashley after noon service next Sunday which you can easily do without being observed. You must secrete some gunpowder in sacks near the house, and get in by night over the hedge toward the green, and set the house on fire in different parts, beginning near the part facing the hedge; and if you make proper use of the gunpowder you will soon blow the house to pieces.
I am placing great faith in you; but I candidly tell you I must have Mrs H. and Miss S. out of the way, or all will fail. You can I know accomplish this, for you are clever, and I have done it myself famously. Dr H. and the young ones know nothing about the property, and I want to leave the vile old doctor to work on in poverty. When you have seen his wife and sister dead, stay about till you hear this, and if you can in the commotion get hold of a few valuables do so then come to me immediately in Bath at the Greyhound Inn, not later than six Monday morning; and if the job is done, you shall be a rich man, for I shall do my part.
We shall have to proceed immediately north to Ainsworth's confidential clerk If they do not go to Ashley that night you cannot do it, and you shall receive further directions from me, for it will be a great loss to me when I have done up the other family. I must not burn them all at the vicarage, for owing to circumstances , I should be suspected. If you show this letter, or reveal this to anyone, I shall, through one of my party, convict you not only of robbing the Hermitage, but also of your other robberies and crimes, and either directly or indirectly your life you shall pay for your treachery, and I never fail; if you do the thing well, you and your family will be made, and we will consult where we will settle. Do not be late, and enquire for Mr George Sinclair.
Beware of making me your enemy . If you are such a fool as not to dare work in this transaction, at once burn my letter, but think twice. I know you are not particular, if money is to be had. Yours at command, H BARRINGTON.
If you could, through any one, tell Mr Russell that there are bad doings at his house in Box, and get him to spend Sunday there, so much the better; but I leave all the plans to you. If you cannot do it next Sunday, try Sunday week, and meet my friend Mr Price at the Greyhound; but do it next Sunday if they are at Ashley . Show this letter, and you shall not be alive in a week. I never fail, and I hate that family.
Other letters of a similar tendency have also been received by other inhabitants of the village. After so unusual a succession of suspicious circumstances it is not be wondered at that the parishioners were startled when they learnt that both Mrs Horlock and Miss Sudell, who were respected for their benevolence and active services to the poor, and who had been amongst them within a day or so in the full vigour of health, were both dead. Rumour, of course, was busy, but the Coroner's Inquest, which was undoubtedly necessary, has removed all suspicion. The real cause of death was as stated in our last paper.
(It is stated that since the above inquest a letter has been sent to the Coroner from a Magistrate in the neighbourhood, accusing him of holding the inquest through false representations; pronouncing the inquest itself an unjustifiable proceeding, and a gratuitous outrage upon the feelings of the surviving members of the family; calling upon the Coroner to state the circumstances under which he held the inquest: and threatening that unless a satisfactory explanation be given the whole matter shall be brought before the Magistrates at Quarter Sessions. If this be correct, the Coroner is bound, in justice to the high office he holds, to take public notice of it. It is certainly highly undecorous; and besides it betrays much ignorance of the nature of the office of Coroner. - Ed.)
EXTRAORDINARY DEATH OF MRS HORLOCK AND HER SISTER AT BOX
We gave a short account of the Coroner's inquest held on the above ladies in our paper of last week. The fatal occurrence was regarded in the neighbourhood with an extraordinary degree of importance owing to the series of extraordinary circumstances connected with the family of the deceased ladies, who were extensively connected and wealthy. It is only two or three years since the family of the Rev Dr Horlock were persecuted with a series of threatening letters which were introduced into the house or deposited in the grounds in a very mysterious manner, and ultimately a professional gentleman was prosecuted upon suspicion of being the perpetrator of the epistles, but upon his trial at the assizes was acquitted. Subsequently the residence of Miss Sudell, (the sister of Mrs Horlock) one of the deceased ladies of The Hermitage, was burglariously entered and ransacked in a way that left no doubt of the culprit's desire to possess themselves of deeds relating to property belonging to the family. About six weeks ago a letter, of which the following is a copy, was also received through the post, by Mr Aust, a carpenter in the village, and which was produced at the inquest upon the bodies of the two ladies, both of whom it will be seen are mentioned therein:
Private
To Mr George Aust, Carpenter, Box, Wilts; Box, Chippenham, Wiltshire
Mr Aust - I have a project in view and knowing you, will give you the first offer of assisting me in it. If you reveal what I now propose to any one, you shall be ruined.
I know a gentleman in Lancashire who has deeds of two wealthy families, and I mean to obtain this property for ourselves. The property amounts to nearly £50,000 and you shall have a third of it, if you will assist us as I propose to you. I take the part of most danger, and only ask your assistance against the family at Ashley House, who have been enemies to you and your family since the robbery at the Hermitage. You must watch Mrs Horlock and Miss Sudell to Ashley after noon service next Sunday which you can easily do without being observed. You must secrete some gunpowder in sacks near the house, and get in by night over the hedge toward the green, and set the house on fire in different parts, beginning near the part facing the hedge; and if you make proper use of the gunpowder you will soon blow the house to pieces.
I am placing great faith in you; but I candidly tell you I must have Mrs H. and Miss S. out of the way, or all will fail. You can I know accomplish this, for you are clever, and I have done it myself famously. Dr H. and the young ones know nothing about the property, and I want to leave the vile old doctor to work on in poverty. When you have seen his wife and sister dead, stay about till you hear this, and if you can in the commotion get hold of a few valuables do so then come to me immediately in Bath at the Greyhound Inn, not later than six Monday morning; and if the job is done, you shall be a rich man, for I shall do my part.
We shall have to proceed immediately north to Ainsworth's confidential clerk If they do not go to Ashley that night you cannot do it, and you shall receive further directions from me, for it will be a great loss to me when I have done up the other family. I must not burn them all at the vicarage, for owing to circumstances , I should be suspected. If you show this letter, or reveal this to anyone, I shall, through one of my party, convict you not only of robbing the Hermitage, but also of your other robberies and crimes, and either directly or indirectly your life you shall pay for your treachery, and I never fail; if you do the thing well, you and your family will be made, and we will consult where we will settle. Do not be late, and enquire for Mr George Sinclair.
Beware of making me your enemy . If you are such a fool as not to dare work in this transaction, at once burn my letter, but think twice. I know you are not particular, if money is to be had. Yours at command, H BARRINGTON.
If you could, through any one, tell Mr Russell that there are bad doings at his house in Box, and get him to spend Sunday there, so much the better; but I leave all the plans to you. If you cannot do it next Sunday, try Sunday week, and meet my friend Mr Price at the Greyhound; but do it next Sunday if they are at Ashley . Show this letter, and you shall not be alive in a week. I never fail, and I hate that family.
Other letters of a similar tendency have also been received by other inhabitants of the village. After so unusual a succession of suspicious circumstances it is not be wondered at that the parishioners were startled when they learnt that both Mrs Horlock and Miss Sudell, who were respected for their benevolence and active services to the poor, and who had been amongst them within a day or so in the full vigour of health, were both dead. Rumour, of course, was busy, but the Coroner's Inquest, which was undoubtedly necessary, has removed all suspicion. The real cause of death was as stated in our last paper.
(It is stated that since the above inquest a letter has been sent to the Coroner from a Magistrate in the neighbourhood, accusing him of holding the inquest through false representations; pronouncing the inquest itself an unjustifiable proceeding, and a gratuitous outrage upon the feelings of the surviving members of the family; calling upon the Coroner to state the circumstances under which he held the inquest: and threatening that unless a satisfactory explanation be given the whole matter shall be brought before the Magistrates at Quarter Sessions. If this be correct, the Coroner is bound, in justice to the high office he holds, to take public notice of it. It is certainly highly undecorous; and besides it betrays much ignorance of the nature of the office of Coroner. - Ed.)
Devizes & Wiltshire Gazette 21 January 1858
THE CHURCHYARD AT BOX
Mr Holland, the Inspector of Burial Grounds, appears to think that the melancholy deaths of Mrs Horlock and her sister are to be attributed to obnoxious smells arising from the churchyard. The following is a copy of a letter from that gentleman to Dr Bowie:-
Burial Acts Office, 4 Old Palace Yard, Westminster, 13th January, 1858
My dear Sir, - The chief argument against the supposition that the churchyard smell produced the illness at Box House, is, that seven inmates in that house were attacked, while those in other houses, though as such, or more exposed, escaped. This argument is very much weakened, if it be correct that some of the servants who complained were not really ill, but only affected sympathetically or fancied themselves so. That this was so in some of the seven cases is highly probable.
It is further suggested that possibly the festivities in celebrating Mrs Horlock's birthday might have put out of sorts, and therefore in a state of unusual susceptibility to disorder, some or all the sufferers, and so account for their being affected by emanations which did not injure others.
It is also possible that the inmates of Box House were more exposed than those of other houses near by emanations from a grave and child's coffin close to their garden wall and to the door by which they pass to and from the village. If Mrs Horlock who was annoyed by the smell, and Miss Sudell, who was exposed to it, for it was perceived on the 26th, 27th and 28th, the disease would have been fairly attributed to it, no cause in the house itself being discovered.
If the real attacks among the servants are less than was supposed, and if they were more than usually susceptible, their illness would not disprove the first conclusion. Assuming then that nothing amiss in the house, or food, or drink, can be discovered, is it not probable that the church-yard was the cause of the mischief or at least contributed powerfully to it?
I shall be much obliged for your opinion,
Believe me, yours faithfully, ( Signed ) P F Holland .
At a meeting of the inhabitants of Box, on Thursday last, the following resolutions were agreed to:-
That in consequence of the crowded state of the Burial Ground of this parish, it is desirable to discontinue all further interments there except in vaults and brick graves already made, and that the Vicar and Churchwardens be requested to give effect as far as possible to this resolution.
That the Churchwardens be, and are hereby requested, to convene a meeting of this parish for the purpose of determining whether a new burial ground shall be formed under the provisions of the Acts, and if it be resolved by the vestry that such new burial ground shall be provided, to appoint a burial board for the parish.
THE CHURCHYARD AT BOX
Mr Holland, the Inspector of Burial Grounds, appears to think that the melancholy deaths of Mrs Horlock and her sister are to be attributed to obnoxious smells arising from the churchyard. The following is a copy of a letter from that gentleman to Dr Bowie:-
Burial Acts Office, 4 Old Palace Yard, Westminster, 13th January, 1858
My dear Sir, - The chief argument against the supposition that the churchyard smell produced the illness at Box House, is, that seven inmates in that house were attacked, while those in other houses, though as such, or more exposed, escaped. This argument is very much weakened, if it be correct that some of the servants who complained were not really ill, but only affected sympathetically or fancied themselves so. That this was so in some of the seven cases is highly probable.
It is further suggested that possibly the festivities in celebrating Mrs Horlock's birthday might have put out of sorts, and therefore in a state of unusual susceptibility to disorder, some or all the sufferers, and so account for their being affected by emanations which did not injure others.
It is also possible that the inmates of Box House were more exposed than those of other houses near by emanations from a grave and child's coffin close to their garden wall and to the door by which they pass to and from the village. If Mrs Horlock who was annoyed by the smell, and Miss Sudell, who was exposed to it, for it was perceived on the 26th, 27th and 28th, the disease would have been fairly attributed to it, no cause in the house itself being discovered.
If the real attacks among the servants are less than was supposed, and if they were more than usually susceptible, their illness would not disprove the first conclusion. Assuming then that nothing amiss in the house, or food, or drink, can be discovered, is it not probable that the church-yard was the cause of the mischief or at least contributed powerfully to it?
I shall be much obliged for your opinion,
Believe me, yours faithfully, ( Signed ) P F Holland .
At a meeting of the inhabitants of Box, on Thursday last, the following resolutions were agreed to:-
That in consequence of the crowded state of the Burial Ground of this parish, it is desirable to discontinue all further interments there except in vaults and brick graves already made, and that the Vicar and Churchwardens be requested to give effect as far as possible to this resolution.
That the Churchwardens be, and are hereby requested, to convene a meeting of this parish for the purpose of determining whether a new burial ground shall be formed under the provisions of the Acts, and if it be resolved by the vestry that such new burial ground shall be provided, to appoint a burial board for the parish.