Sarah French was the last woman to be hanged in Public in Sussex. Famously known as the Onion Pie murder trial
Sarah Piper was born in Hellingly Sussex to Labourer Reuben Piper and Susannah Hoad in 1825, the fourth of 12 children. (all reports have used the name Sarah Ann but I have found no records (bar criminal) that have Ann as her middle name)
In 1844, she fell pregnant and on 14 Sep 1844, at age 19, she married 28-year-old William French at Hellingly Parish Church, giving birth to their son James in January 1845 in Hellingly. He was baptised in Upper Dicker Parish church on 27th January and she then moved to Chiddingly, Sussex, living on Gun Hill, next to the Gun Inn.
William was working Mr Robert Reeves at Stream Farm in Chiddingly.
Tragedy then struck the household, when on the 7th of January 1852, William suddenly died at home
An inquest was held by F. H. Gill, Esq., but no facts came out in the evidence on that occasion, leading to the suspicion of foul play and the Verdict was, that he Died from Natural Causes and he was buried on 11th January at Chiddingly Parish church by Rev. Vidal
It was afterwards that the gossip was rife within the community. There was talk of an affair she was having with 19-year-old James Hickman, who was working as a farm servant in West Street, Hellingly for a Farmer named George Gunder and had been seen regularly at her house before and after her husband's death and now people were thinking she may have wanted rid of her husband.
This came to the attention of PC Lower, the Parish constable, and after consultation with Superintendent Flanagan of the East Sussex Constabulary, they then began an investigation.
On Wednesday 28th January, there was some considerable excitement in the neighbourhood, when the police turned up and apprehended Sarah French, for suspicion of poisoning her husband.
Upon receiving a notification of what had occurred, the Coroner ordered the exhumation of the body, with the view of holding another inquest.
At the Six Bells Inn, Chiddingly on Thursday 29th January, a Jury was empanelled for the second inquest with the Coroner, the Rev. Vidal acting as foreman.
John French was the first: witness called; he deposed as follows:—
''I have this day seen the body of my brother, William French, in the belfry of Chiddingly Church. He was a labourer and had resided at Chiddingly. He was 35 years of age and lived about one mile and a half from me. He died on the 7th. He was a married man and was married about nine years ago. His wife’s name was Sarah Ann Piper before she was married. He worked on the same farm as me. The farm's name is Stream Farm. The last time I saw him was on Christmas Eve, at Stream Farm. He appeared to be in good health. never knew that he was affected by rupture, until after the morning of his death.
I told my brother's wife I never knew it before. I did not know that my brother was ill until twenty minutes past twelve, on the night of the 8th, when William Felling called me up, He lives under the same roof my brother did. He called and said my brother was dead and that I was to come directly. Before that, I did not know that my brother was ill. I got up and went directly and got there at about one o’clock. When I got to the house, I saw my brother's wife and I asked how he went off. She said he had been unaccountably sick, and before that, he turned in his bed and said. ''You be my wife, ain't you?'' and with that, he then died away. She said that he was ruptured and I said I never knew it until that time.
My brother was lying on the right side of the bed. He looked very natural but was swollen on each side of his throat. My sister-in-law appeared to be agitated. Mr Funnell came in before I went away, and wished to see him.
I saw there was a fire in the kitchen. I felt his hand and face; they were cold when I felt him. I did not feel the rest of his body. I missed my brother from his work on Tuesday. I did not look for any bottles.
I know a young man named James Hickman, he lives about half a mile from my brother’s house''.
Tabitha Pelling was the next to be sworn in:
''I am the wife of William Pelling, a shoemaker, in Chiddiingly. We lived in a tenement under the same roof as the deceased and wife. I very often used to see him, but seldom spoke to him. I used to go into Mr French’s house occasionally, to see his wife. The last time I went in was on Wednesday evening. That was the 7th. That was the time she told me he was better. I have no reason to think that the deceased and his wife did not live on good terms.
We have a good many mice in our house.
I know a young man by the name of James Hickman and he has often been at the deceased’s house. He came out of the deceased’s house between eight and nine on Tuesday evening and I have seen him there frequently. I saw him there on Thursday after the death of the deceased, He generally came in the evening. Mrs French appeared loosely dressed when I went in. She never asked me upstairs when her husband was ill.
I heard Mrs French say, a little before Christmas day, that she had bought a bottle of arsenic from Mr Hooper’s, for the mice. I have used it myself, for that purpose. I have none left now. I have not had any in my possession for twelve months.
I saw the deceased and his wife between one and two on Saturday 3rd January coming up the road. I did not speak to him, as I always did.
At about 5 o’clock, on Tuesday morning on the 6th, I heard Mrs French open the bedroom window and call out to a man named Funnell and said French was not well today, and could not go to work. I went out to work on Tuesday.
At about 9 that night, I went into French’s house and asked her how her husband was. She said he was very sick. I did not see him.
I went into the house once or twice on Wednesday but saw no one there but Mrs French and her little boy. I heard the deceased retch on Wednesday morning when I went in. She said that her husband was better, this was about four o’clock.
At about half-past eleven on Wednesday night, Mrs French rapped at the partition. She rapped two or three times; she said, ''Make much haste, as you can''. I got up and went to her house, and she let me in the back door. I went into the bedroom in which the deceased was lodging. Mrs French said when she let me in, ''I think my husband is gone.” She also said that they had not been to sleep all night. I was only about a minute in the room and came downstairs and remained there till the next morning.
Mrs French seemed very much alarmed. My husband came when I called him, and I sent him for Mrs Funnell, and also to go to East Hoathly for a surgeon. Mrs Sale and Mrs Funnell came in''.
Mary Funnell was then sworn in:
''I am the wife of William Funnell, who is a labourer and we lived close to the deceased. I have known Mr French for about seven years. I was frequently in the habit of speaking to him and the last time I saw him was on the Sunday the 4th, before his death, at about nine or ten o’clock. He was then going in the direction of the chapel, Mrs French was with him. I did not speak to him.
I saw his wife on the morning of Tuesday 6th at about eight or nine, and she then said that her husband was ill I said ''Good morning, Mrs French, you be very fond of going out these fine mornings,” and she said, “Yes, I am going over the Dicker to my sister’s, for my husband is so ill that I did not like to be with him alone'' She said he had got a very bad complaint, and she did not wish it to be known. she said that he was ruptured.
Her sister lives about four miles from her house.
In the afternoon I saw her going along the road to her own house whilst I was in the garden. I saw her again between seven and eight on Wednesday morning when she came down to my house. She brought her flour bag for my husband to carry down to the Stream Farm. I asked her how her husband was. She said he was a deal better and had eaten and drank.
Master Pelling came for me at about half-past eleven on Wednesday night and said, Mrs Funnell do get up, pray, for I think- Master French is dead. I got up immediately and went to the French house and found him dead and his feet were cold.
I saw Mr Pelling in the house. While I was in the bedroom Mrs French came in and made an observation; she said, ” Is. he gone,” and I said, Yes, poor dear;” she said that the deceased said,'' Lord, have mercy upon us.” These were his last words spoken.
she cried and took on as if she was much hurt. Mrs French said after his death, that he was first taken ill on Christmas Eve. I have seen him repeatedly and he has complained of being sick and weak. I did not know that he was suffering from rupture, until his wife told me.
He never complained about being unhappy with his wife. There was a fire downstairs when I got there.
When I saw her on Tuesday she wore a plaid shawl, black bonnet with blue ribbon, and a grogram gown.
l know James Hickman and he has frequently gone to the house of the Mr French. When I saw him there, Mr French was at home. l never heard Mr French complain about Hickman being there. Hickman came for me one evening and wished me to go to the French house, as Mrs French had fainted.
I saw Mrs French pass by my gate on Monday 5th, about eight or nine o’clock, going down the road. A person would go that road to Horsebridge. We stood and talked together for some time. She said nothing about her husband’s illness then, she said she was going to Horsebridge. She wore the same dress as she had on the next day and she went off towards Horsebridge. A child named Hannah Russell was with her. I saw her again between four and five o’clock, and Hannah Russell came back with her: I saw Mrs Seal pass about 10 minutes after Mrs French had passed along the same lane towards Horsebridge''.
Nimrod John Willes was next to be sworn in:
''l am assistant to Mr Holman, a surgeon, at East Hoathly. I recollect the deceased, William French, coming to Mr Holman’s about a week before Christmas. He stated that he came for some medicine for his son, who has been under my hands for some time. He then told me that he was unwell and asked if I could give him anything that would do him good. He stated that felt faint and sick in the morning and had pains in his bowels. I gave him some aperient pills. He said nothing about being ruptured''.
The next witness was Henry Holman Sworn in:
''l am a surgeon and reside at East Hoathly. I have this day examined the body of the deceased: there are no external injuries. I have also made a post-examination. I found the whole of the intestines dark, in some places presenting a gangrenous appearance. I examined the stomach, it contained nothing: the coat was rather reddish. I examined the chest, heart, and lungs. They were perfectly sound. On examining the head I saw considerable congestion of the membranes of the brain. The appearance of the brain was otherwise healthy, but with considerable softening, which might arise from the length of time the body has been buried. I cannot discover any traces of arsenic in the stomach, but I cannot take upon that there is not some in the stomach without an analysis''.
Mr Holman recommended that the stomach should be sent to Professor Taylor, of Guy’s Hospital, for chemical analysis. The coroner and jury concurred and desired Mr Holman to undertake the task of seeing it safely delivered to him. Mr Holman consented.
The next witness was Elisabeth Sale:
''l am the wife of William Sale, who is a labourer and we live in Chiddingly. I have known the deceased for six or seven years. I did not hear until after his death that he had been ill. I recollect going to Horsebridge on the Monday before he died. I went to Hailsham to shop. As I was going along, and had arrived at the crossways by Mr Wrotton’s, I saw Mrs French, who said they had been that way once too often; that way led to the church. I said, ''Was that when you were to get married?'' and she said, “Yeah.” I went with Mrs French as far as Deadman’s shop. She went into the shop, and I went on to Hailsham. She said if she did not get what she wanted there, she would go on to Hailsham. I saw Mrs French at the Gun after the death of her husband. She told me that the object of her going to the shop at Hellingly was to match a piece of ribbon. Mrs French laughed at the time I spoke to her near Wrotton's house. I thought she was joking at the time''.
Uriah Clark was next to take the stand for examination:
''l am a shopkeeper on the Dicker. I recollect Mrs French coming to my shop. I have known her for several years. It was on the day before the death of her husband that she came and asked me if I sold arsenic. I told her I did not keep it. She said she wanted it for a farmer. She then went away, I did not see which way she went. I should think it was between nine and ten in the morning. Mrs French might have said that her husband said he wished her to get it for a farmer''.
The next witness was Naomi Crowhurst:
''I am the wife of Owen Crowhurst, a farrier at Horsebridge. One day at the beginning of the week, and I think, about three weeks back, I recollect seeing Sarah Ann French, who is now present; she was a stranger to me; she came in the kitchen to see my servant Harriet Wilmshurst: when she came into the kitchen, she asked for two pennyworths of arsenic. I said first I had not got any. I think I said "What do you want with it'' She said she was overrun with mice. I asked her how she laid it, and I think she said in lard I said I thought it was dangerous to lay it on bread and butter where there was a family. I think she said she had but one. and that her child was about nine or ten old. I remember her saying it was an afflicted child. I did not ask her her name. She offered 1s for it. I gave her a small parcel of white arsenic. I never weighed it, I wrote poison on it. I told her it might be mistaken for magnesia, and that there had been many people who were poisoned by it, She said, ''Oh has there.” I saw Mrs French at the Gun public house, on the 27th. She was brought to the Gun by PC Lower, the parish constable. She was dressed in her widow’s clothes, and PC Lower asked if I would like to see the clothes she came to our house in. I said ''I should''. She afterwards came in a different dress. When she was in her widow’s dress, said, ''I believe you are the person who came to me for the arsenic''. She said she had never seen me before; neither did she know where I lived. When she came the second time I still said it was her, and she it was not; and that if I took an oath, I should take a wrong oath, if I swore that to be her. She said she had a girl with her, and that the girl never left her, but that there was a girl with her when she came to my house. I believe that the prisoner is the same woman that I sold the arsenic to''.
Harriett Wilmhurst was then brought forward for examination:
''l am servant to Mr Crowhurst. I recollect about three weeks back Mrs French coming to master’s house in Horsebridge. She asked me for two pennies worth of arsenic. My mistress was present and told her at first she had not got any, that master was not home. Mistress asked her what she wanted with it, and she said she was so overrun with mice and rats. Mistress asked her how she laid it and she replied in the larder. Mistress said she thought it was so dangerous to lay it on bread and butter. She said she laid it the last thing night, and took it away the first thing in the morning. My mistress gave her three pennies worth of arsenic, it was white. She tendered one shilling to pay for it, and I went out and got the change, which was ten pence. I went with mistress last Tuesday to the Gun and saw Mrs French dressed in half-mourning dress. She afterwards changed her dress, and when she came the second time she had the same dress she has on now, except for her widow’s cap. When she came to our house she had blue ribbons, with yellow stripe in it, in her bonnet. When my mistress saw Her at the Gun she said she was the same woman to whom sold the arsenic. Mrs French denied that she was the same woman; she said she did not even know where Mrs Crowhurst's house was. My mistress said to Mrs French that she was confident she was the same woman. I do not doubt that the prisoner is the same person who came to my house for the arsenic. I saw my mistress write something on the paper, which was light''.
Hannah Russell deposed
''l am the daughter of Robert Russell; I recollect going on the second Monday after Christmas with Mrs French to Horsebridge. We stopped at Mr Deadman’s shopping, she went in and I stopped outside. She helped me with her clogs and said ''you stop outside until I go in.” We went afterwards to her sister's we left about 3 o’clock. Mrs French was at her sister’s the whole of the time. I had no conversation with Mrs French until yesterday, when she called our house with her sister, and found there was no one in the house but my two little brothers. Mrs French asked if we went anywhere else but Horsebridge that day and I said no, then she said, ''I should not stop, and went away''. Mrs Seal and Kitty Funnell were with us. when we went to Horsebridge. Mrs French said that if she did not get what she wanted, she would go on to Hailsham. When we came to the cross-ways, Mrs Deal asked Mr French if she had ever been down that road. She said, that was the road she went to be married, and that she went once too often, she appeared to this in joke. She was dressed as she is now but had a different bonnet on''.
Next to the stand for examination was James Flanagan:
''l am superintendent of the East Sussex Constabulary. From the information I received, I went to the house of the prisoner, Sarah Ann French, yesterday morning, and saw her. I said, “ You have recently lost your husband'' She replied that she had. I then asked if he had been ill for any length of time before his death, and she said, ''No, he was taken ill on Sunday night, after we came from the chapel, with vomiting and pains in the bowels. He was better on Monday and worse on Tuesday. Wednesday was also a little better but died on Wednesday night''. She said had not attended any medical man, though he had been in a bad state of health, for a long time previously. When he complained she had generally given him warm gruell. She stated on Tuesday she had given him some Brandy and water but he had brought it up again. She also stated that they had tried beef for dinner on Sunday previous to her husband’s death. She was on the point of making beef pudding but did not. She said she had never bought any arsenic in her life, but her late husband had bought two separate halfpennyworths at the shop of Mr Noakes, for destroying mice. The last time was about Christmas. I repeated the question as to whether she had ever bought any arsenic, and she again said. “No, never in my life,” I said, ''I suppose you have heard the rumour that has been in circulation about the death of your husband'' She said she had, and added, “If any poison is found in him, he must have taken it himself, he was very low at Christmas about some bills he expected coming in, one night he cried, and I had to endeavour to cheer up his spirits''. I told her in consequence of the report in circulation respecting the death of her husband, I should feel a duty to take her into custody on suspicion that she had administered poison. She did not remark and did not offer any resistance. One of my men was present with me during the whole of my interview with the prisoner, and he had on the uniform of the Sussex Constabulary''.
Superintendent Flanagan asked that the inquest might be adjourned til Monday when he had every reason to believe he should be prepared with additional evidence. The inquest was adjourned till Monday, 2nd February at eleven o’clock.
Adjourned Inquest held again at the Six Bells Inn at Chiddingly, on the Monday, at eleven o’clock in the morning. On the Jury reassembling.
The coroner said it was in their recollection that it was arranged that the contents of the stomach of the deceased should be forwarded to Professor Taylor for analysis and that Mr Holman had consented to take charge of it for that purpose. He (the Coroner) had received communication from Mr Holman, and also a letter from Professor Taylor, and they were so important that he conferred with the most intelligent magistrate of the district to what was best to be done, and he agreed with him (the Coroner) that Mr Taylor should attend. Mr Taylor would therefore be present during the investigation. He (the Coroner) would resume the proceedings today by calling some of the witnesses who had been examined Thursday, to investigate certain points which had arisen on that occasion, and which it was necessary to clear.
First came Tabitha Pelling re-sworn:
''l quite sure that it was on Tuesday morning when I heard the window open. Mrs French was removed from that tenement last Tuesday, the 27th. I saw Mr French's sister at the house after his death but did not at his illness before death. I could not swear to the bonnet “
Next Mary Funnell was recalled:
''l sure it was the Tuesday morning before the death of her husband that I saw Mrs French near the gatehouse, and it was upon that occasion she told me she was going to see her sister. She has a sister named Dearing who lives on the Dicker. She was quite alone at that time, I did not see any person following her. I did not see in which direction she went when she left.
I saw Hickman at the deceased’s house after the death on Thursday evening, the day following the death. I said to him ''Jim, you are coming here again," and he replied ''yes, I’m coming to see him again." I Saw Mrs Dearing there after the death, but not until the day. he was buried which was on Sunday, the day after the inquest was held. When Mrs Freuch told me about her husband’s sickness on Christmas Eve, she said it was the onion pie which caused it, she did not say who made the pie. The deceased was poorly a long time ago, but not lately. I saw him frequently before Christmas Eve, and there appeared nothing particular in the matter with him. The first day after Christmas he complained of being poorly, he said he was sick. He did not complain of a rupture. I don't know that he was laid up between Christmas and his last illness.
Reply to a question from the Jury ''She did not say that she and the child had partaken of the onion pie''.
Elisabeth Seal was then recalled:
''l am quite sure Mrs French first began the conversation near the roadways by saying that 'she had been that way Ones too often'. The little girl must be mistaken in saying that I asked Mrs French if she had been that road before I have no recollection of saying that at all Mrs French and I laughed at the time.
The Prisoner: ''Don’t you remember you asked if I had ever been that way before, and I said, Once too often, and we both laughed''
Witness: ''l have no recollection of asking you first''.
The Coroner: ''Are you certain?''
Witness: ''l can’t recollect it''
The Coroner: ''Don’t say it, if you can’t remember it''.
Witness: ''l wouldn’t like to take an oath of it''
The Coroner: ''How near was the girl Russell?''
Witness: ''l can’t exactly say''.
In reply to a question by a Juror, ''I Thought Mrs French said it as a joke''.
William Funnell was the next witness called by Superintendent Flanagan:
''l am a labourer I had known deceased for seven years. I worked for Mr Robert Reeves in the same barn with the deceased, thrashing, about a month before he died.
He was at Mr Reeves on Christmas Eve, with the rest of the labourers. Up to Christmas day we were thrashing in the barn. Previous to Christmas Eve he was in very good health. I remember his being taken ill then. He went home apparently in good health. On the Wednesday before Christmas Day, which was on Thursday, he said he was going to have a rarity for his supper, an onion pie.
The day after Christmas was a holiday and did not see him. He next came to the barn on Saturday morning as usual and he seemed very ill. He went and vomited over the sill board into the yard, and I told him he had better go home as he was not fit for work. He didn’t do any work that morning, he merely came to the barn and went away again. It was about a quarter before seven when he went away. I saw him on Sunday, the following morning, in his garden. It was about noon. I did not speak to him. He was going indoors. I was not near enough to see his countenance. Couldn’t tell whether he was pale or not.
He came to work on Monday (the 29th of December) at about seven. He seemed to have recovered. He told me in the day, that he thought that the onion pie had made him ill. He did his work as usual on Monday. He worked the week afterwards and seemed in pretty good health. He came to the barn on Monday, the 5th of January, at the usual time. He worked all the day; he seemed to be ill that day. He was not sick but said he had pain in his inside. He left his work at about five in the evening, and I never saw him alive after that.
On Tuesday morning I called at his house as I went along to work, according to custom, for him to go with me. His wife put her head out of the window and said he had been very ill all night, and could not come to work. I didn’t hear him at all. I was called up during the night of Wednesday, by my wife, who had been called up previously and had been to the deceased’s house. My wife said he was dead, and I went to see him. It was nearly one o’clock, and I went into his room and found him dead. My wife, Mrs. Seal, and Mrs. Pelling were in the house; Mrs. French was upstairs in the room. She did not say anything to me, nor did I to her.
I know James Hickman. I did not see anything of him''.
In reply to a question by Superintendent Flanagan: ''He complained of violent pains in his inside on the last Monday''.
In reply to a question by a Juror: ''Never heard him complain he was ruptured. He did not say whether his wife and child had eaten the onion pie. He said it had interrupted his inside. He was a naturally strong man, stronger than I and he could carry a sack of wheat''
In reply to a question by the Foreman: ''Remember old John Cane’s death. On that morning, which was the last time we were together, I said to him ''Poor John Cane is gone.” He replied ''I shouldn’t care if I was the next one, it I was fitting to go.” He did not give any reason why he wished to die.
he continues: ''He told me at one time that Hickman was always his house, he had spoken to his father about it. He did not say that he was unhappy, nor that he could either eat, drink, or sleep. He seemed to speak as if he was troubled about it. The last Monday he spoke of it again and seemed troubled in his mind''.
In reply to a question by a Juror: ''He was a very quiet man; not much for talk''.
In reply to a question by the Coroner: ''Don’t know whether his bowels were disordered or not. He did not complain of thirst''
In reply to a question by a Juror: ''He was in the barn on the Saturday, but only for a very few minutes''.
The Prisoner: ''Are you sure, Master Funnell, that he never said anything to you about his rupture''
Witness: ''He never said anything to me''.
Prisoner: ''He told me he had told you''.
Witness: ''He never did!''.
In reply to a question by the Coroner: ''l knew he had a rupture, but he never told me of it, I knew about it last summer, as I had heard it from Jenner''.
Harriet, wife of William Boniface, a shepherd, at Hellingly, was sworn in:
''l know Mrs French by sight. I saw her on the first Tuesday after New Year's Day, between ten and twelve when I was hanging out my clothes. she was coming along the turnpike road; she was coming alone in the direction of Horsebridge. When she came opposite to me, she said, “How d’ye do?” I replied the same, and added, “ I don’t know you,” not recollecting her tor the moment, and she said, "Not know me!’’ whereupon I replied, “I think you were a Piper and lived at the gatehouse?’ She answered, “Yes.” I then said, “Have you just come from the gatehouse now?" she said, “No, I’ve been to Horsebridge, my husband is so very ill.” I asked what was the matter with him, and she said she didn’t hardly know, he was taken about 8 o’clock in the night very sick and kept on vomiting till two or three o’clock in the morning She added, “ I think he will die” and I said, ''Dear, what bad job but your child was very ill and he was restored to you again, and perhaps your husband may too''. She replied “I’ve been thinking about the same thing” adding “The more I walk the further I seem behind. I am going to my sister because I am quite afraid to be alone” We had more conversations but nothing about her husband.
She had a brown Derry gown similar to the one she now wears, I think it’s the same. The shawl was plaid but not, I think, the same. It seems too large a pattern. I did not notice her bonnet but I did her cap, for it was full of blue ribbons (cap produced). The ribbons on the cap are like them, but I cannot swear that this is the cap. I cannot recollect what kind of bonnet she wore.
In reply to a question by a Juror: "Can’t say to half an hour when I saw her''
In reply to a question by the Coroner: "She went away in the direction of her sister’s house, who lives by the side of the road on the way to Chiddingly".
In reply to a question by Superintendent Flanagan: ''l think my house is about a quarter of a mile from Mr Crowhurst’s shop, it can’t be half a mile. It’s along the turnpike road''.
The Prisoner: "Didn’t you hear me say I came by the “ broad” because it was a little frosty?"
Witness: "l don’t recollect it, but you might have said it and I not recollect, She might have told me her husband wished her to get her sister, but I don’t recollect it".
The Prisoner: "Do you recollect my telling you, I wanted my husband to have the doctor, and he wouldn’t''
Witness: "l think you couldn’t have told me that, or I should have remembered it"
Next to be sworn in was Mary, the wife of Henry Bennett, a labourer, at Chiddingly:
''I have seen the bonnet produced by Inspector Dawes. I made the bonnet about 10 months ago for Mrs French, I know it by the cotton and my needlework. It is sewn in several places with red cotton, I trimmed it with crape but I have since seen her wear it trimmed with blue ribbon. I can’t swear that the ribbon produced is the same.
She had the bonnet on when she went to Horsebridge on the Monday before the death of her husband. I spoke to Mrs French then, she said she was going as far as the Dicker and was going round to Horsebridge with Mrs Seal for company, and she wanted to make haste back for she did not want her old man to know she had been. A girl named Russell was with her and another girl named Kitty Funnell overtook her, and they all went down the road together.
I saw her on Tuesday morning she told me she was going to the Dicker to see her sister, she was alone.
On Wednesday morning she came to my house at about ten o'clock and asked me if knew whether my mother-in-law could let her have a few poppy beads, as she wanted them to foment her husband’s face. I said I didn’t know her husband was ill. She replied, “ Why, he is very poorly.” My brother asked whether he was up. She said he tried to get him up and could not but fainted away.
On Wednesday last, (the 9th) at 9 o’clock, as I was going along the Gate House Road, Mrs French overtook me. She told me she had been at the Gun overnight, and Mrs Crowhurst would not say it was her, and then said, “I am going as far as the Dicker, but first to Mrs Pelling’s to change my dress.” I told her she had better not as it was dirty. She then walked along with me, and as we were going she said she had never given him anything, but she was scared they would find something in him. I said, “ If they do, what should you do?” She said, “If they find anything they would take me and hang me because they found the poison in the man.”.
In reply to a question by the Prisoner: ''You said you knew they would find nothing in him but what he had bought himself; you said you would have nothing to reflect about that if you died directly. You told me you never knew Mrs Crowhurst and was never at the house.
In reply to a question by Mr Flanagan: ''l know James Hickman. I saw a person I believe to be him on Wednesday evening, the same night that Mr French died. He was in the house, looking out of the window. I stopped at the house as I was going along and asked Mrs French how her husband was. She said he was better''.
In reply to a question by the Prisoner: ''I am certain it was on Wednesday night I saw a young man in the house because I was going to a Hailsgreen meeting, which is on Wednesday night''.
In reply to questioning by a Juror: ''Both on Monday and Tuesday before her husband’s death, Mrs French wore the bonnet now produced. It had blue ribbons; never heard of any disagreements or quarrels between the deceased and his wife. The deceased has often accompanied me to the meeting. He had not been so often lately. I never heard him complain of Hickman coming to his house''.
Next was Henry Holman, the surgeon, was re-examined:
''l attended at an inquest on William French, before the burial. On examining the body externally it presented no appearance of rupture. There was blackness on both groins, but nothing unusual. Decomposition appeared to be advancing rapidly. I stated at the inquest that without further examination I could not speak as to the exact cause of death. There was nothing externally, nor anything I had heard from the witnesses relating to the symptoms that induced the supposition that the deceased had died from other than natural causes. There was a post-mortem examination on the same day. I then found that the cause of death arose from mortification of the intestines arising from intussusception. The deceased had a hernia, but not to a great extent. I should consider it rather in an incipient state. That was not the immediate cause of death. I slightly examined the stomach, but as I considered the intussusception sufficient to cause death, I did not examine it closely. I found, at the seat of the intussusception, six inches of the intestines of a chocolate colour. I felt satisfied in my mind that was the cause of death, and, therefore, did not carefully examine the stomach afterwards. I discovered in the stomach a quantity of fluid resembling gruel. Upon the present inquest, I made a post-mortem examination on the 29th of January.
At the request of the Jury, I took the stomach and viscera to Professor Taylor for analysis, on Friday. The commencement of the analysis took place that day in my presence. The stomach and viscera were never out of my possession till I gave them to Professor Taylor''.
Then came Alfred Swaine Taylor, who was sworn:
''l am a doctor of medicine and professor of medical jurisprudence and chemistry, in Guy’s Hospital.
On Friday, January 30th, I received from Mr Holman the stomach and intestines of an adult. I examined the stomach in his presence by cutting through the whole length of it. It had been partially opened before, and the contents had entirely drained away. The outside of the stomach presented no particular appearance, but the inside was reddened in patches as if from inflammation. The coats of the stomach were firm, and on the whole, well preserved. No appearance of ulceration or other disease in the stomach. At the upper part and near the small curvature, there were several small patches of yellow colour, which I examined with a magnifying glass, and immediately considered to be the sulfurate.of arsenic, or orpiment (yellow arsenic). The portion of the stomach thus covered was measured and comprised an area of nine square inches. At the end of the stomach, where it joins the intestines, there were three other patches of bright yellow colour. The intestines were then examined generally on the outside. They did not externally present any marks of inflammation. In a few places, they were dark-coloured from putrefaction.
On Saturday, January 31st I made a more minute examination of the bowels and then examined the inside. The whole of the large and small intestines, being about thirty feet in length, were laid open by the scissors from one end to the other. Putrefaction had commenced, but not so to affect judgment of the general condition of the interior of the intestines. The internal or lining membrane of the small intestines near the stomach was a deep red colour from inflammation, and the folds of the membrane inside were also reddened. The upper part of the small intestines, which are altogether about feet long, contained a large quantity of mucous mixed with blood. This was proved to be blood by direct analysis. The fluid was of starchy or gruel consistency large portion of the bloody contents was mixed with water but there was no appearance of mineral matter in the sediment. It merely coloured the water, the colour of blood. The large intestines were examined whilst cut open and found to be inflamed on the inside or lining membrane. They contained a quantity of feculent matter mixed with blood and mucus. No solid substance of any kind could be perceived. Looking at the intestines from the inside there was no appearance of gangrene or obstruction of the bowels. In a few places, the coats of the intestines were dark-coloured, apparently from putrefaction, but they still retained considerable firmness. From the fullness of the upper and lower bowels, I consider there was no obstruction to the passage of alimentary matter during life. The faeces had passed as usual into the large intestines, and they were of the liquid consistency in which they would be found in the body of a person who had been recently labouring under purging. The rectum or lower bowel was empty. I analysed, in Mr Holman’s presence, the portion of the stomach which have first described as being stained yellow colour, and found it to contain arsenic beyond all doubt.
The witness then described the tests which he had applied, and showed the jury a piece of pure copper coated with arsenic, and also a piece of copper gauze). The arsenic was firmly embedded in the coats of the stomach and not lying loosely in the form of powder upon them. From its appearance, I believe it had been taken in a state of powder and become fixed in the lining membrane of the stomach by the time which had elapsed since death.
A separate analysis was made of a small portion of the stomach which was not stained yellow and did not present any visible appearance of arsenic, the result of which was that it contained arsenic, which was proved by experiment. I examined a third portion of the stomach, which was very much inflamed, but had no yellow stains> I washed it very much under a strong current of water, to remove everything that adhered to it both inside and outside. It preserved its redness after thorough washing and believed the redness to have been caused by inflammation during life. It was analysed and found to contain arsenic, notwithstanding the washing to which it had been submitted. This proved the arsenic had become absorbed into the coats of the stomach. The whole quantity of arsenic procured from the stomach amounted to two grains.
Only two-thirds of the stomach was analysed. The other part of the stomach I have still in possession has not been analysed. I infer that the whole of the stomach contained at least three grains, it could not have been less, or I could not have obtained all the results I did.
I next examined the intestines minutely, separating the coats and the contents, and examining each separately. I removed the large intestines, which are about five feet in length, from the lower middle and upper portions and on a separate analysis of each being made found arsenic mixed with the faecal matter and the blood contained in them I examined the substance of the coats also in three situations, and found arsenic in each case. I then examined the small intestines; these were more deeply tinged with blood than the large intestines. This bloody fluid was removed in three different situations over a space of 20 feet between the beginning of the large intestines and the stomach. In each case, the bloody fluid contained arsenic in nearly equal quantities. The coats of the small intestines were then separately examined in four different situations over the same space, and in each case, arsenic was found. I then analysed part of the small intestines which had been thoroughly washed in water, and still found arsenic in the coats. I examined altogether about seven feet of the large and small intestines and separated about two grains of arsenic. As all parts of the bowels from the stomach to the rectum contained arsenic in pretty equal quantity, and about one-fourth of the intestines were examined, there not have been, my judgment, less than eight grains of arsenic in the contents and substance of the bowels. That would make altogether eleven grains of arsenic: eight for the bowels and three for the stomach. No less than seventeen distinct analyses were made _in this case; three of the stomach, five of the small intestines, in different places, three of the contents of the small intestines, three of the large intestines in different places, and of the contents of the large intestines so that the result was, arsenic was found throughout the whole of the stomach and bowels.
The conclusion to which I have come upon in this investigation is:
Firstly: From the appearance presented by the interior of the stomach and bowels, from the fact that arsenic existed in the substance of the stomach and bowels, and also in the contents of the intestines throughout their length, it is my opinion that the deceased died from the effects of arsenic
Secondly: The presence of blood in a large part of the intestines—this blood containing arsenic and the inflamed state of the lining membrane of the intestines, are conditions which arise from the action of arsenic during life, and they had in this instance reached a degree quite sufficient to account for the deceased’s death.
Thirdly: There was no other apparent cause of death in the stomach or bowels. Intussusception might have been caused by arsenic, or it might have arisen from a natural cause. If the bowels are in a state of irritation, such as violent purging or severe pain, amounting to spasm; these might produce that state of disease. The intussusception had not caused death, because no obstruction had been effected.
Life in any person would have been inconsistent with such an amount of arsenic in the stomach and bowels. The results might have been from repeated doses of arsenic or the residue of one dose''.
Next, they heard from George Dawes:
''I am an inspector in the East Sussex Constabulary. On Saturday, 31st January I went to the cottage which was inhabited by the prisoner. She was not at home, being in custody at the time. Mrs Muggeridge, who lives in the other part of the house, gave me the key knowing it was Mrs French’s house. I found in it, but between the bed and the floor, there was no bedstead, the bonnet, two cap fronts, and three pieces of blue ribbon produced''.
In reply to a question by the Prisoner: ''l found the bonnet on the floor, underneath two chafe beds, with the cap fronts.''
The Prisoner: ''They had no business being there; I left them on the shelf''.
Witness: ''I showed the bonnet to Mrs Bennett and Mrs Crowhurst and her servant, who identified it''.
Next to be sworn in was Henry Hickman, a labourer, at Chiddingly:
''I have a son named James Hickman. On Sunday, the week before the deceased died, I met him at Amly, coming from the Chapel alone. It was about one o’clock. He overtook me, and I said, ''How are you, Master French,” and he replied ''Not very well.” I asked him who it was before us. He said ''It’s my wife and your Jim, and I don’t very well like it.” I said ''Nor do I.” He wished me to tell my son to keep away from his house. I said ''did you ever see any underhand dealings betwixt him and your wife ?” He replied "No.” I said, “he told me you asked him to come to read the book to the little boy that was all.” He said he did ask him. I asked him why he did not tell him to keep away if he did not like it. He said ''If I speak to my wife, she’d say I was jealous of her, and if she thought that, she’d make away with herself” Nothing further passed on that subject''.
In reply to a question by a Juror: "l saw deceased the next Sunday walking arm-in-arm with his wife, going to chapel.
In reply to a question by the Foreman: l told my son what Master French said, and he said ''He asked me to go, and if he wants me to keep away he must tell me so and then I will”. I have often told my son not to go to French’s house, and he said Master French wanted him to go and read to the little boy who was ill.
Then James Hickman whose name has been often mentioned in the course of this investigation was called. His appearance was described as very youthful, looking younger than his age of 19 years. Having been duly cautioned by the Coroner that he need say nothing to criminate himself, he was sworn in:
''l have known Mrs French for twelve months. I have been in the habit of going to her house with her sister, Jane Piper, whom I was courting. this ended before Christmas when I found her to be courting another man. I have been there without her to see Mrs French, her husband was at home sometimes but not always''
The Coroner: ''Was there any undue familiarity between you and Mrs French?''
The witness: ''I don’t understand you, Sir.''
The Coroner: ''Was there improper connection''
Witness: ''No: she told me she was very fond of me''.
The Coroner: ''Was that in her husband’s lifetime?''
Witness: ''Yes''
The Coroner: ''Was there anything improper in her conduct towards you''
Witness: (a pause) ''I don’t understand you, Sir.''
The Coroner: ''Did you never have any connection with her?''
Witness: (no answer)
The Coroner: ''Did you ever make free with her?''
Witness: ''Not in her husband’s lifetime''.
The Coroner: ''Did you remonstrate with her on its being improper to be fond of you?''
Witness: ''No Sir''.
The Coroner: ''What did you say when she said she was fond of you?''
Witness: ''That would never have anything to do with her in her husband’s lifetime. This was not Tong before her husband’s death''.
The Coroner: ''Has she ever pulled you about improperly?''
Witness: ''She has kissed me several times''.
The Coroner: ''Was that when you told her you would have nothing to with her in her husband’s lifetime?''
Witness ''No, f don’t think she had been kissing me then''.
The Foreman: ''What made you tell her that?''
Witness: ''She had asked me whether I loved her, and I said yes''.
Examination resumed ''She said several times she loved me and asked me if I would have to do with her if her husband wi«s dead, and I said, yes''.
The Foreman: ''How came you to say that when you were courting her sister''
Witness: ''Because her sister had got another man''.
''She asked me if I would marry her if her husband was dead, and I said yes. She said she had expected a little money, about £l00. She did not say from what quarter she expected it. I was at her house on Christmas Eve and saw what they had for supper. They had bread and cheese, and bread and butter, and onion pie. The man ate the pie, but nobody else while 1 was there. Mrs French did not ask me to have any. Her little boy was there, but she did not give him any. The child did not ask for any. The supper table was cleared while I was there. lam quite sure she did not eat any of the pie while I was there''.
The Coroner: ''Did she ever seat herself on your knee?''
Witness: ''Yes, once or twice during her husband’s lifetime. I don’t think she said anything about marriage then. About six weeks before Christmas she sent to me come up in the evening, ‘for her husband was going out. I went up. Her husband was at home when I got there, but he went out to the shop, which is upwards of a mile distant. Nothing improper took place between us while her husband was gone. I stopped till he came back. He did not say anything at seeing me there when he came back. She has said she loved me more than once''.
The Coroner: ''Has she ever given you a ring?''
Witness: ''Yes''
Superintendent Flanagan produced the ring, and it was identified by the witness.
He continued: ''She gave me the ring about a month before Christmas. She told me when she gave it to me that I was to keep it in remembrance of her. She did not say anything about another ring then but she did afterwards. She said if ever we were married, she should expect me to give her one. This was since her husband’s death. I never heard anything about her husband being ill after he had eaten the onion pie. I heard on Tuesday he was ill, I don’t know who told me.
I went in the evening between six and seven, Mrs French and her boy were there. Mr French was upstairs ill. I had seen him the Sunday previous walking with Mrs French arm-in-arm as they were coming from chapel, and I joined them. I. did not go home with them all the way. When I went on Tuesday I stopped for about an hour. I was talking in the kitchen with Mrs French; I did not say anything about marrying her then, nor did I think at that time that she said she loved me. I heard Master French making a noise as if he was vomiting violently. I heard it once or twice~.
The Coroner: ''Did she make any observation when you heard that?''.
Witness: ''No. not till I said I thought he could not live long in that case. She said she thought so too. She went upstairs. She talked about sending for the doctor and said he did not want any doctor. When she came downstairs she asked me to go for some brandy. I went to the Gun and got three pennyworths of brandy, she put it in a cup and poured some hot water upon it from a kettle on the fire. I Saw her take some warm water up once; she said he was so dry, that he had drank a good deal that evening. I went to the house again on Thursday evening, not on Wednesday evening. I heard he was dead on Thursday morning. I found Mrs French there and her mother and master James Brooke''.
The Coroner: ''When did you next see Mrs French''
Witness: ''On Saturday evening, before Mr Freoch was buried. I saw her and her sister. That was the day an inquest was held: he was buried the next day. On Sunday evening I went again. Mrs French and her sister were there. Her sister stayed all the time.''
Coroner: ''Did you see Mrs French alone after that?''
Witness: ''Yes''.
Coroner: ''When?''.
Witness: ''The latter part of that same week, after she had removed to Muggendge's in West Street, Hellingly. Her little boy was there. Nothing improper took place then between as her little boy was present. She told me, she loved me and asked if I married her whether I would love her little boy, and I said yes''.
A Juror: ''Did you never have any connection with her!''
Witness: ''Not before her husband’s death''
Juror: ''But since?''.
Witness: ''Yes''.
Juror: ''When did that take place?''
Witness: ''About a week after his death''.
Juror: ''At the house near Gun?''
Witness: ''Yes''
Juror: ''Within a week then?''.
Witness: ''Yes''.
Juror ''Was that the only time?''
Witness; ''No''.
Juror: ''You have had a connection with her since?''.
Witness: ''Yes''.
The Coroner repeated the caution that the witness need not answer the questions unless he liked. The examination resumed
The Coroner ''Did she ever tell you not to answer any questions that people might ask?''
Witness: ''Yes''.
The Coroner: ''When?''
Witness: ''Before her husband's death, not since''
The Coroner: ''What sort of questions did she say you were not to answer?''
Witness: ''She did not say any particular questions but I understood she meant about her talking about our marriage and her being fond of me. This was in her husband's lifetime, she has not told me since about saying anything and sticking to it ''In reply to a question by the Foreman: ''When I heard about her husband's death it struck me rather singular that it should be soon after our conversations!''
Foreman: ''Do you think he died fairly?''
Witness: ''I don’t know but what he did. I did not put any questions to her about it, though I thought it was something extraordinary. Not long before Christmas, she told me there was something the matter with her husband’s inside. She did not say anything about the rupture. He appeared to be in good health. When I heard him vomiting, she said she thought he would break something in his inside. She said he had drunk pretty near a kettle full of water that evening. The kettle, I should think, would hold about a gallon''.
In reply to questioning by the Prisoner: ''I remember you telling me you wanted him to have the doctor and he wouldn't let you fetch one. You told me that several times. You didn't have any of the onion pie while I was there, nor did the little boy. I think it was cut when I saw it. You were eating bread and cheese.
In reply to questions by a Juror: ''She asked me to have a cup of tea but not to take any pie. I had the tea. I helped Mrs French remove her furniture
In reply to questions by the Prisoner: ''l remember your husband bringing home a paper, which he said was arsenic. It was on the Saturday before Christmas. He said they were to physic the mice. He laid it on the table, and Mrs French took it and put it away.
Prisoner: ''You are mistaken James, I did not take it up''
Superintendent Flanagan produced the marriage certificate,
Samuel Dearing deposed that he was the husband of the prisoner’s sister Emily and was present at the marriage of the prisoner and the late William French, at the parish church of Hellingly, about seven years ago.
Mr Crowhurst was recalled. ''Mr French got the arsenic from the shop. It was a small quantity, about two teaspoonfuls. It was a white powder. I Can’t swear to the bonnet produced. I Can't recollect the bonnet''.
Harriet Wilmhurst was then recalled: ''The ribbon now produced resembles that on the bonnet worn by the woman who came for the arsenic, but I can't swear to the bonnet itself. I am certain the prisoner is the woman.
Superintendent Flanagan then said these were all the witnesses to produce.
The Coroner then addressed the usual caution to the prisoner and asked her If she wished to say anything.
Prisoner—l am not guilty. I am quite innocent. l am sure If it Is the last word I had to speak, that was the last thing in my thoughts. I have never bought any arsenic In my life. The prisoner affixed her mark to the statement.
The Coroner went minutely through the evidence calling particular attention to the most important points. He said to the Jury, that any remarks he might make, were not to influenced, further than such remarks agreed with their own opinions. Having summed up, he said that after the evidence of Professor Taylor. it scarcely admitted of a doubt that the deceased met his death by arsenic, then the question arose by whose hand was it administered. Taking all circumstances into consideration, the prisoner being identified in going to Uriah Clarke first and then not getting arsenic there, going to Mrs Crowhurst and then her conversations with James Hickman, who did not certainly appear in the most favourable light, It was for them to determine whether she was not implicated. He reminded them that this was not the final tribunal, and he rejoiced that it was not; for If they should think it right to send her for trial, she would have an opportunity of being properly defended and having the evidence more thoroughly sifted than It could here. It was also within the province of the Jury to ascertain if there were any other persons implicated in administering the arsenic.
The Jury deliberated for about ten minutes and then returned a verdict of WILFUL MURDER AGAINST SARAH FRENCH,
The unhappy woman was immediately committed on the Coroner's warrant for trial a: the next Lewes Assizes.
It had been a long day, the inquest finished at nine in the evening and a considerable number of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood gathered in the Inn throughout the day,
On the prisoner entering the fly transport, to return to Lewes, she was surrounded by crowds of people anxious to catch a view of her.
When she arrived in Lewes at a late hour she was lodged for the night at the station house, under the charge of Sergeant Kennard, being too late for entry into the Gaol.
Shortly after she arrived at the station house, she was placed in a private room, under a female superintendence, but almost Immediately afterwards was seized with hysterics, which, despite medical aid, continued with great violence for upwards of two hours, her condition became even more alarming, until around half-past five in the morning, the violence of the attack had subsided, and under the treatment applied by the prison Doctors Mr Turner and Mr Macrae, Sarah French gradually recovered
On the 20th of March, at the Sussex Lent Assizes, before Baron Parke, she was found guilty of the murder of her husband, William French by arsenic poisoning.
James Hickman showed no emotion and appeared unmoved at the awful position she was in.
She was due to be executed on 30th March 1852 but due to a letter written to HMP Lewes, regarding her health and possible pregnancy, a hold was put on her execution to investigate.
Her pregnancy was found to be untrue and she had confessed to the murder, so the date was then set for 10th April.
On the night of Friday 9th April, the erection of the Scaffolding began at the usual place in the prison yard, at the South East corner, and was completed early on the morning of Saturday. The scaffold was hung with black cloth, the gibbet itself being placed in a direction immediately facing the houses situated in Stag’s row.
By 9 o’clock some few spectators had assembled, while occasional passers by watched with curious eyes.
At about half past 9, William Calcraft, the executioner, who had arrived from London by the early train, presented himself at the gaol.
From this time until eleven there was but little outside the walls of the prison to indicate an execution was soon to take place. On that hour, however, a considerable crowd assembled, and by quarter to twelve, there was said to have been no less than three to four thousand people in North Street and at the commencement of Little East Street. The windows of most of the houses in the neighbourhood were filled with spectators, while commanding heights, even at a distance, such as the Brack Mount, were peopled with those anxious to witness the fatal ceremony.
At ten minutes to twelve, the death bell began to toll, and the crowd pressed more closely together, every eye being fixed upon the black and sombre-looking scaffold.
Meanwhile the under-sheriff, Mr Kennett. accompanied his colleague, Mr Charles Palmer, of London. Mr Sanders, Governor of the prison, Calcraft, the executioner, the sheriff's officers, and the usual officials of the gaol, proceeded to the cell which held the condemned woman and where the chaplain of the gaol Rev. H. Burnett was engaged in spiritually ministering to the unhappy Sarah and few brief seconds the convict, who received the summons in silence, and with apparent resignation, was pinioned by Calcraft.
She was then led from the prison, assisted by two of the officials, her power of walking was said to be much impeded by the physical and mental nature of such a moment, including the paralytic affection which she had long suffered since being imprisoned.
The melancholy occasion was led by the undersheriff, followed by the governor of the prison, and the reverend chaplain, after came the condemned woman, who was almost lifted by the attendants to the steps of the scaffold. She was dressed in a drab-coloured gown and wore a widow’s cap.
On arrival at the platform, the Chaplain engaged with her in deeply earnest prayer.
During the few minutes before the appearance of the procession in public view, the death bell tolled rapidly decreasing at intervals, an indication suggestive of how quickly the last few minutes of the culprit's life were fleeting away.
At two minutes after twelve, the sad procession came into view; and as the prisoner was halfway up the steps, the executioner finally drew the white cap completely over her face. A few seconds to place her under the fatal tree, and the cord being placed round her neck, its end was quickly attached to the cross-beam by Calcraft, who, without a moment’s delay, descended under the scaffold, and withdrew the bolt, launching the unhappy woman to death. Owing to her being small and light in weight, the rope had been adjusted to give considerable fall, thereby mercifully ensuring a speedy death, so after the bolt was drawn, the body fell so low that to a large portion of the spectators, little of her was visible but the head and throat. A few convulsive motions of the head and limbs indicated the death struggle, the corpse vibrated for a brief span, and all was over.
After hanging for the usual time, the corpse was taken down by the executioner, who having certified to the due completion of the extreme sentence of the law, redelivered the body to the under-sherif and and the prison officials.
It was subsequently interred in a shell, enclosed in a leaden coffin, and buried in the same grave with the body of Mary Anne Geering, (another blog to come) within the outer walls of the prison.
The reason why a lead coffin was used in this instance, was on account of the intended removal of the remains to the New Gaol, and as that event is likely comparatively soon, it was deemed advisable, on sanitary grounds, and with a view to the safety of those on which the unpleasant duty of removal would fall, to adopt this precaution.
THE CONFESSION
Written by Richard Burnet - The Chaplain of the prison
The following particulars contain, I hope, all the information that is important to the public good, not all that morbid curiosity may desire, respecting the confession and last hours of Sarah French, who was executed here on Saturday last, for poisoning her husband.
In giving these particulars, however, I must earnestly and respectfully protest against the public confidence in the verdicts of juries being at all suspended upon so uncertain a thing as a condemned criminal’s confession. Uncertain whether it will be made at all and when made is often most uncertain and shifting in its details.
Previous to her conviction, as commonly happens, she maintained her innocence, and, as it appeared in her trial, even attempted, in an elaborate statement made to a magistrate, to throw the whole guilt of the murder upon the lad who was the object of her passion.
For a day or two after her condemnation, she continued the same struggle against truth and conscience but on the evening of the Monday after her conviction, she owned to me with much emotion in the presence of the governor of the prison:—
1st.—That she had herself given the arsenic to her husband. Not in the onion pie, however, about which so much has been said; but in another way not desirable to publish. The first dose, nearly half a teaspoonful, coloured blue, was given on Christmas Eve. His stomach, however, having speedily rejected most of this, the poor man recovered and pursued his work for the week. Thus the wretched woman had room for reflection and repentance. But, alas! the deadly dose was repeated in another shape on the day previous to his death, and a little more of it on the same evening that he died. The arsenic of these latter doses was white and was purchased by her, she owned, at the shop of Mr Crowhurst. Of the fourth dose, she had some uncertain recollection.
2nd. —Next, she confessed that the whole of her statement before the magistrate, relating to the young man’s guilt, was a fabrication got up under the idea that thus ''matters would go lighter on herself " And she persevered the assertion that he had no knowledge of the murder. The effect of this admission of her guilt upon both mind and body was remarkable. The hysterical attacks which were continual and violent previously, and to which she had been subject from childhood, subsided, and did not afterwards appear. She became calm, sound asleep, and was able to walk up to the chapel for some days and her whole aspect and demeanour agreed with her words ''I was miserable before but now seem to have hope.” Her family then visited her on two occasions; and after these parting scenes—especially after parting with her child, to which she manifestly had a strong attachment—her nervous system sank very low.
O how deeply do those who commit such horrible acts wound themselves, and those whom they least wish to injure! At such moments they would give worlds to have the crime undone again. When this depression passed away, her strength of mind and body rose with the occasion; and during the whole morning of her execution she was better able to kneel and join me in frequent prayers than she had yet been and at the last moment, under the cord of death, she distinctly uttered, with me, that Prayer of the publican, which she had learned to read and understand, '' God be merciful to me a sinner.” How far she found the repentance and the mercy described in the same passage, the Searcher of hearts can alone determine.
The following words will give hope concerning her to others, as they do me:—
“ I deserve all that I have to suffer and a great deal more. It is right that I should die. The witnesses have spoken the truth. I wish them well, and I pray that I may a warning to them and all others how they fall into temptation as I have done.”
I questioned her closely, and have no reason to think that she was concerned in, or was aware of, any other case of poisoning not brought to light.
A statement has been made, and commented upon, that she was present at the execution of Mary Ann Geering for a similar offence but from all my conversations with her, I am assured that this was not the case.
She knew of it, however, from her brother who was there. I cannot conceive why she should deny this, if it were true, and fully admit all other aggravations of her guilt.
On the subject of public executions, it is important for me also to mention that the exposure was dreaded by this wretched woman more than the execution itself and that her last request was that it should be made as short as possible. The woman Geering showed the same feeling.
There was no condemned sermon it called. Such public addresses to dying criminal, or to a congregation concerning him in his presence, are revolting to the feelings and must be, l am persuaded, most unhappy in their effects. Mention, however, was made of the subject at the Good Friday evening service when she was absent, and the prayers of the congregation requested for her. And from not a few sad and feeling hearts I know they did arise that evening and the next morning on her behalf.
From the time of early morning prayers, til the awful scene was over, the prisoners were all locked in their cells. Death-like silence pervaded the whole building, which, contrasted with the busy hum and occasional cries of the multitude without, and then the tolling of the muffled bell was indescribable—almost intolerably —awful.
The burial service was not used at the execution, except for some verses, which, with few suitable texts of scripture, were repeated by the way.
As the motives of the crime, will only say that other feelings entered into it before the chief one which was prominent upon its surface and that the great lesson which conveys is this,'' Beware of the smaller beginnings of evil.” There was a time when she fell and promised better things but I afterwards came, she said, ” to think that there was nothing for me but to go on careless, and I lost all feeling.”. May God grant that such examples (which I am convinced cannot dispensed with, except with greater loss of life), may have their intended effect and that many years may elapse before we are afflicted with such another painful Necessity.
LIFE AFTER
James French
He was taken in by his mother's oldest sister Emily, who had married into the Dearing family. when he was 16 he was living and working with her husband's youngest brother John Dearing as a Potter's assistant.
On 27 Sep 1863 at age 18, he married his pregnant girlfriend Ann Beale, age 20 at Hailsham Baptist Chapel.
They had Sons William in 1864, George in 1866, John in 1869 daughter Ruth in 1871
in 1871, they were living in Laughton and James was working as an Engine feeder on a thrashing machine.
On 18th January 1874, Ann gave birth to Thomas Edward, he was premature and he only survived 17 days and died on the 4th of February
Their firstborn Son William died on 10th February 1874 at age 10, after suffering from Pleurisy for 10 days, they had him baptised on the 9th February at the local parish church.
They had their last child Emma in 1880
In 1881, James had become a Portable Engine Driver.
His wife Ann died on 9th February 1884 aged 40, She had been suffering from Phthisis and died from exhaustion.
On 6 Oct 1884 age 39 in Alfriston, Sussex He married 43 year old Widow Eliza Pugh
Eliza died on 27th Feb 1899 while at the George Inn at Alfriston, at age 55. An inquest was held on the 28th and the verdict was syncope from pneumonia.
James remained alone and died in 1916 at age 71
James Hickman
according to the letter sent to the prison, James had been seen in the Gun, with Sarah's Sister Jane, intoxicated and telling her that when her sister was hung he was going to marry her. This wasn't the case as Jane married Charles Wooler on 9th July 1853
On 15th October 1853 age 21, James married Hannah Woodgate age 19 from Waldon Sussex, a servant living in Hellingly.
They had three children Mercy b.1862 Frances b.1864 and William 1869 (after his father)
His wife died on 17th June 1869, at Swanscombe Hellingly, after suffering from Phthisis Pulmalis for 7 months James was present at her death.
He then Married Emily Parks in 1871 and had a Son Samuel in 1873.
His daughter Mercy Died at age 20 on 19th May 1882 at The Mount, Hellingly from Phthisis, she had suffered for several months. James was present at her death
His daughter Frances died on 3rd September 1886 at age 22 in Dicker Hellingly. She had been suffering from consumption for several years. James was present at her death.
James died on 21st January 1890 aged 58 at The Mount Hellingly from Bronchitis Asthma
SOURCES
Sussex Advertiser (1852) 'Suspected poisoning at Chiddingly' 03 February pg 5
Sussex Advertiser (1852) 'The murder at Chiddingly' 10 February pg 7
Sussex Advertiser (1852) 'Sussex Lent Assizes' 23 March p 4
Sussex Advertiser (1852) 'Execution and confession of Sarah Ann French' 13 April pg 5
Bring your backstory to lifeTM (no date) Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. Available at: http://www.ancestry.co.uk/
General Register Office (no date) General Register Office - Online Ordering Service - Login. Available at: https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/ (Accessed: 16 MAY 2024).
Archive, T.B.N. History’s colourful stories in black and white, Home | Search the archive | British Newspaper Archive. Available at: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
Pictures and historical info from Wikipedia https://www.wikipedia.org/
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