The tragic murder of Richard Taylor by John bell
This is a particularly sensitive blog, which reports some gruesome details via witness statements and the Phrenology report, so viewers discretion advised
Richard Faulkner Taylor was born in Rochester Kent on 23rd March 1817, the 6th of 8 children born to Robert Taylor from Chatham Kent and Frances Ann Cross. from Luton Kent
On the 4th March 1831, 13-year-old Richard was sent to the overseer of Aylesford parish in Kent for his father’s weekly allowance of 9s. The boy had been frequently sent on a similar errand but on this occasion, he did not come home at the expected time. The uneasiness from this father, who stood much in need of the money, was not relieved when night set in and Richard still had not returned.
The next morning his father went to the overseer, who stated that the money had been paid to the boy. He immediately left Aylesford. and started making inquiries on foot in every direction.
The young boy, who was well-known on the Chatham road and a very active search commenced. The woods and bye-paths, which lie along that road and the Rochester Road, were carefully searched.
Information was given to the parochial authorities at those places, inc. Maidstone and Aylesford, but no traces could be discovered of the boy.
A rumour was that he had been seen at Tunbridge Wells Kent but the improbability of the circumstance, caused it to be instantly discredited.
The general opinion was, that the poor boy had been waylaid and murdered, for the sake of the paltry sum which he carried about him.
For nearly 10 weeks, his disappearance was a mystery until Wednesday 13th May
On that morning, a man of the name of John Isard, a chaff-cutter, entered Great Delce Wood, situated on the road from Maidstone to Rochester, and about a mile from a Turnpike gate, to examine a Sainfoin-stack.
Having missed his way, he got entangled in a wood track, or “blind path,” as it is called and thereupon a tuft of grass, lay the remains of a small body. The throat was cut from ear to ear, and the body had lain in this secluded path for some time, the process of decomposition had commenced, and the features were almost gone.
The body lay in a flat position, and one of the hands was firmly clenched together as if the deceased had kept hold of something which someone tried to wrench from him.
Mr Isard, horror-struck at the discovery, quickly left the wood; and having got into the Maidstone road and seen two men working, he informed them of the tragic scene in the woods and the three men returned to the spot. One of them, who had known the deceased, at once identified the body.
The father was then told of the fate of his lost child and went to identify him and the body was subsequently removed to St. Margaret’s workhouse in Rochester
to await the result of the coroner’s inquest.
In the afternoon, the inquest was held at the Pelican Inn, Strood, before Robert Hinde, Esq. one of the Coroners for Kent County.
The jury, after having been sworn in, proceeded to the poor house to examine the body. The most ghastly spectacle presented itself. The flesh on the cheeks was completely decomposed, and nothing but the bones remained. The bones of the right hand were also bare; part of the left hand was decomposed and the other part was covered with a worsted glove. He was clothed in a blue jacket, waistcoat, brown trousers, worsted stockings, and low shoes. The odour, which it emitted, was so offensive, that the jury approached it with great reluctance.
The following witnesses then gave evidence:
John Isard— ''I am a chaff-cutter and live in the parish of Frindsbury. On Wednesday morning, about ten o'clock, I entered Great Delce Wood, to examine the Sainfoin stack, belonging to Mr William Homes of Shorsted farm but instead of taking the direct road to the stack, I got into a blind road, where I found the body of the deceased. It was lying just out of the pathway, on its back. A cap was lying about half a yard from the head. The right hand was lying on the breast and the left hand was extended. Part of the woollen glove was one of the fingers, which were clenched. The body was in a very bad state and seemed to have lain there for a very long time. The grass was growing around it, and it appeared that no person had gone that way for some time, the grass being undisturbed and not trampled upon. I did not observe money, or anything else, about the person of the deceased. I did not touch the body. After I had discovered the body, I went through the wood, and, after examining the sainfoin stack, I returned to the Maidstone road by the regular path, which I had missed when I came into the wood. I informed two men, who were working on the road about 60 rods from the spot, what I had seen and asked them, if the boy Taylor, who was missing some time ago, had been found. They then followed to the spot where the body lay and one of the men (James Taylor) said he was sure that was the body which was missing''
The witness added, that he then informed the deceased's father that he had found the body and pointed out the place where the father could see it.
James Taylor - (one of the men whom John Isard had spoken to) corroborated part of the witness' statement, and said—that when he came to the spot, he saw the body lying under a hazel bush. He observed no marks of blood on the branches of the trees. He assisted in removing the body from the woods to the workhouse and, when it was placed in the shell, there were marks of blood under the head of the deceased.
James Bell (11 years of age) gave witness but was not sworn. He said he knew the deceased well and used to play with him. The last time he saw the deceased was about half past one in the afternoon of the day that he was lost. He and the deceased went together into Mr. Summerfield’s turnip field, to get some turnip greens for Bell's father. Before they went there, as they were walking up Bluebell Hill, the deceased told James that he had been to Aylesford to get 9s. from the overseers for his father. He then showed witness three half-crowns, shilling, and sixpence; and asked him if all these made 9s. The deceased had the money in a little bag, which he showed to James and then placed it under his glove. Before they got to the top of Bluebell Hill, they were joined by James' brother John, and they all went into the turnip field together. They did not get any turnip greens and they found no person to ask for them but the deceased pulled up a turnip and peeled it with his pen-knife. Deceased then left saying his father was waiting for him at Matson’s farm. James and his brother, being in no hurry home, stayed for some time in the field and did not arrive in Rochester till nearly five o’clock. Their father was that day working at Blue-bell-hill.
John Any Day Bell age 14 years (brother to the last witness) was called but his evidence was deemed unimportant.
John Taylor (brother of the deceased) said he did not know how his brother had died. The last time he saw him was about ten weeks ago when he left home at about half past nine in the morning.
Robert Taylor (father of the deceased) was next to give witness -
''I live in Strood and received a weekly allowance from Aylesford parish, due to being ill, and unable to work. I was in the habit of sending my son for the money. The last time I sent him to Aylesford, was on Friday the 4th of March. Finding he did not return as usual in the evening, I became much alarmed and arranged a search to be made for him but all to no purpose and I heard nothing of him until Mr Isard came and informed me that he found the body of a boy in the wood and he thought it was my son. I immediately went to the wood and found it to his remains''.
(Here the witness became so much affected that he could scarcely proceed with his evidence)
''Before leaving home my son asked me to lend him my knife, to cut a bow and arrow. I gave him the knife and penny to purchase a cake. I promised to meet him at Matson’s farm but illness prevented me from doing so. It was his 14th birthday that month''
[The witness left the inquest room in an agony of grief, and his eyes were filled with tears while he gave his evidence.]
Mr. E Seaton, the Surgeon who had examined the body of the deceased stood next -
He said he found that decomposition had taken place over the body to a considerable extent; more particularly on the left side of the neck. The trachea or windpipe was entire, except for one part where it appeared that it had been cut by some sharp instrument. Marks of blood appeared on the shirt and jacket. A part of one of the muscles of the neck had escaped decomposition and seemed to have been divided by a sharp instrument. The skull was entire and there were no bone fractures. His opinion was that the deceased’s death was caused by a wound inflicted on the left side of the neck, with some cutting instrument.
The Coroner briefly summed the evidence; and the Jury after a few minutes of deliberation, returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown.
A strong suspicion was attached to a man named Thomas Langford, who lived next door to the deceased’s father in Strood. He was taken into custody on Thursday 14th May.
The following day he underwent a long examination before the bench of Magistrates, at Rochester. Some circumstances transpired, which induced the bench to commit the man for further examination.
On Monday 18th, his re-examination proceeded but as nothing was found which could fix upon him the suspicion of the crime, he was liberated upon entering into his recognizances to appear again, if called on
The discovery of this atrocious and cold-blooded murder was said to have produced a lively sensation in Rochester and Chatham. The neighbourhood was in fear, knowing there was a child killer on the loose and no exertions would be spared by the proper authorities to discover the murderer.
From what transpired in the course of the Langford examination, and from other circumstances, the two Bell boys, who were seen and admitted to being in the deceased company the day he disappeared, were apprehended on Friday 22nd May and separately questioned.
Their interviews were conducted in private and it is understood that the prisoner's responses differed in the account they gave on the day he disappeared and contradicted the testimony which they delivered at the coroner’s inquest.
They were again examined and the discrepancy in their statements was then greater than formerly.
Several others (who were not called before the coroner) were examined, including the boy's parents, his parents were apprehended on the evening of the 22nd and the result of their evidence, tended to further confirm the suspicion that one or both of the Bell boys were at least an accessory to the murder of Richard Taylor. but their evidence became immaterial, compared with that which follows:
On the following day (Saturday 23rd) all doubts on the subject were removed.
The investigation into the circumstances connected with this atrocious murder was put before a bench of Magistrates, at Rochester.
The office, where the Magistrates met, was surrounded immense crowd of people, who remained till the result of the judicial proceedings was made known.
The Magistrates were the Rev. Alexander Browne, Mr James Formby Esq. Mr R T Bingham Esq. Rev George Davies, and the Rev. Dr Joynes
Several individuals had been questioned but the people they had now in custody, were to answer the charge of having murdered the deceased child, or as principal accessories.
A father John Bell, his eldest boy John Any Bird Bell, age 14 and youngest James Bell age 11 The mother was also present, as a possible accessory.
The lads were described as being of very small stature for their age, James had a very childish appearance. John's appearance was that of a hard-working lad exposed to the severities of the weather, indeed in his occupation with his father as woodcutter, he must have been.
James Bell, the brother of the accused, was examined, after the greatest care in making him understand the nature of an oath, and being informed that anything he stated might also affect himself, was sworn, and his evidence taken conditionally that the Judges should hereafter approve of it.
He started to know the deceased was going to Aylesford, and that they were determined to murder him. This intention they had tried several times but were frustrated. At last, it was completed by John Bell alone, James had returned home and afterwards received 6d. of the money.
A short time after the magistrates had met to approve James' statement, his older brother John Any Day Bell, expressed a desire to make a full confession of his guilt. He was warned of the consequences of his self-accusation, to which replied that he could not rest easy until he had told everything. His confession was then taken down in writing. It was said that whilst making his confession, he did not show the slightest emotion, it was like he was retelling a story of a trivial occurrence.
They decided that there was insufficient evidence to inculpate the prisoners’ father and mother as accessories to the horrid crime, either before or after the fact, and they seemed as horrified as everyone else by the confessions, so were ordered to be discharged.
Before they were released from custody, the Rev. A. Browne, the Chairman, addressed them in the following terms:—
''John Bell, and you the wife of John Bell, have now before you those two children, who are going to be committed''.
''Had you properly trained them up to virtue, instead of encouraging them in every species of vice, and particularly you, Mrs Bell, who, by the account of your husband, John Bell himself, have frequently restrained him from giving them that correction which might have prevented that horrible and atrocious crime with which they are now charged, and for which, your eldest boy will be tried for his life, and, probably also, your youngest son''.
''What may be your feelings upon this occasion, it is impossible to tell but l am sure that there is hardly a person in this room, who does not commiserate, much as you appear to do, the situation in which those boys are now placed''
''The manner in which they have been brought up, has rendered them hardened, excited almost, the surprise and indignation of every person who has seen the way in which they have behaved themselves during this investigation''.
''They have had no sense of feeling whatever, as to the situation in which they have stood—no, not the slightest! I hope, that you will recollect that it has been by your behaviour towards them as parents, that they are brought into the desperate condition in which they are now in''
''I trust, that it will be a warning to you —that it will cause you to bring up the remaining part of your family in a different manner, and that the situation of these two boys will induce you to act towards your other children in a way that will lead them into the paths of virtue, rather than encourage them— and I am afraid you have encouraged them — in those paths of wickedness which will probably lead them to a bad end''.
He continued - ''Horrible, indeed, must your reflections be, when you lie down tonight on your pillows, think about what a situation you have brought your children. They have been taken into schools where every attention has been paid to their morals, but their conduct has been so bad at those schools, that for fear of contaminating the other children, they have been dismissed from them. I hope you will reflect that when before the Magistrates in the other room''.
''You, Mrs. Bell, called upon Almighty God, with the most dreadful imprecations upon your head, if you had not corrected, and carefully brought them up in paths in which they should have walked. With what horrible imprecations you wished that you might be cursed a thousand times if you had ever encouraged those boys in acts which had led them to the desperate situation in which they now stand'.
'' You said that you never knew them guilty of any act of stealing but it has been brought home to you, that you have frequently known it—that you even offered money at one time to compromise a matter, to prevent your boys getting into trouble. I hope that your reflections will do more for you than any words that I can express: there are hardly words sufficient''.
''The Magistrates who heard your examination in the other room, every one of them, looked, at each other with astonishment, on hearing the dreadful imprecations which you called down from Heaven upon yourself. May you seriously reflect upon this.”—
The Rev. Gentleman then added ''You will go your own homes under the protection of peace officers, for I have learned that the populace outside are so indignant against you, as to make it unsafe for you to be alone''.
The Rev. Dr Joynes, and G. Davies, delivered similar addresses to Bell and, his wife.
After his wretched parents had been discharged, the prisoner appeared, for the first time. As his mother was about to quit the office, she asked her son, John A. B. Bell, to kiss her but, instead of complying with the maternal request, he averted his head and muttered some words, which sounded like curses. This circumstance drew a few remarks from the Bench.
Young John Bell who was dressed in a short round frock, and blue neck handkerchief his hair sandy, and complexion florid. He did not appear either stupid or indifferent, but at times paid particular attention to the witnesses’ statements The lip quivered, the cheek became pale and, now and then, a low sigh, indicating the heavy agony of a guilty heart, escaped him. When he perceived that a few of the spectators began to feel something like sympathy towards him, he gave way to a flood of tears.
Three more witnesses were examined and the investigation ended in the committal of John A. B. Bell, to Maidstone Gaol, for the wilful murder of Richard Taylor.
His brother James was committed as a material witness, conditionally admitted on the part of the crown and was also sent to the same gaol, to secure his evidence on the trial at the ensuing assize.
On the following Wednesday, the two Bells appeared to have passed a very disagreeable night. both were said to be looking pale and haggard, and they seemed to be conscious of the awful situation in which they were placed.—
Presiding over the trial was His Lordship JP Gaselee
The name of the accused is John Any Bird Bell was read out and the following witnesses were examined :
James Bell gave his evidence -
He stated that he and his brother, John Any Bird Bell, were sent by their father on the 4th of March to Mr. Abbotts, to receive ten shillings. When they got to the middle of the Kit's Coty House Field, he stopped to look for peas among some haulm lying there,
At which time Richard Taylor ran past him. His brother John was at the bottom of the same field, this was near noon. John stopped for James at the bottom of the field, and Taylor had then passed them both.
When he reached his brother they went into the little field and crossed it to look at the stones, which cannot be counted. John tried to count them, and then said he would agree to murder Taylor, and put him under those stones; James replied he would do no such thing. Then from there, they went to Mr Abbott's house and went in at the back door. A lady came and said, Mr. Abbot was not at home but would be there at two o’clock, when he dines.
They then went a little way up to a gate leading into Mr Abbot's hop garden.
John took James' knife and sharpened it on a sandstone standing at the side of the gate.
He kept the knife in his hand as he had no pockets.
The knife was then produced by Mr C. Pattison, Mr Pattison was then sworn and stated that the knife he produced was received from one Henry Perrin. and this was identified by James.
James proceeded — His brother went with him towards his father with the knife shut in his hand, his father was then at work on the Common, near the turnpike road, when they got into the Kit’s Coty House field, his brother then gave the knife to him, and he put it in his pocket.
He then saw Taylor coming along up the Aylesford road. He could see him far down at Mr Abbot’s apple orchard. John had walked on before him to grind his father’s mattock, James then also walked on towards their father, till he came to the pea-haulm again, and he knocked out some more peas, and picked them up. Taylor overtook him there, and James and Taylor went together till they came to the father; when facing his father, James and Taylor laid down on the bank, and Taylor showed him the money. He asked whether there were 9s, and James said yes there were three half-crowns, a shilling, and sixpence. They lay there until his brother John came and brought two pieces of bread with him, then all three went up the hill together, passed the Blue Bell and came down to the gate, on the other side of the turnpike, where there is a thoroughfare. All three went in at that gate. James was before his brother and Taylor, he ran down the path in the woods and they followed.
Before starting James said to John, ''Are you going to do it here?'' he whispered, ''Yes.” Taylor did not hear it. He was behind John. They all went down the path till they got near the bottom of it.
He said ''John then asked whether he thought he could not throw him down, and then John threw Taylor down on the ground twice. Taylor did not cry. Taylor then cut a stick with his knife, and my brother cut one with mine''. John had asked for his knife this side the Blue Bell, coming down the hill. Taylor and John then ran up the path together, and James walked after them and they ran into the boughs, '' I could not | see them, I went on to the gate adjoining the road, got on it, and hallooed'' They did not answer, but both came out and got over the gate into the road, and all three went down to the turnpike.
Little Taylor asked the turnpike man for some water, who said, ''There is plenty in the pond and plenty of good gin in it''. He then said Taylor did not get any water and all three went down a bound track near the bound stone on the left-hand side of the road. John said there was no field of turnips there, and they all came back again, they wanted to get turnips to eat. They then went as far as the city-bound stone track, and Taylor with John went on that track to see if they could get a turnip in Mr. Howe’s field. There is a little shaw, this is on the right-hand side of the road. James sat down outside on a bank alongside the turnpike road. There was a man cutting wood, so John told him, and Taylor said, ''There is a man at work, can’t get turnips there'’ They had no object but to get turnips. They asked James if he would go, and he said he did not want any. John still had the knife in his hand but it was shut and John Threw Taylor on the ground again. Taylor never complained of being thrown. All three then went to the lower end of the turnip field; Taylor said, ''Let’s go in here and get a turnip;.’ this was also through a little Shaw and they both went in. James did not, even though his brother wanted him to.
When they came back down the road James said to his brother, ''Two shillings will do for me'' John said, ''Jem, come in along with us.” James knew what he wanted and he agreed to 2s. Just after coming out of the track by the city-bound stone, John said, ''I shant give you half'' James replied, ''Two shillings will do''. At the bottom of the hill, coming up, he had told his brother that Taylor had 9s and John told Taylor to take care of it. James had never asked for half but his brother had said he should not give him half after he had refused to go in and help. James said 2s. would do, meaning part of the money Taylor had. James thinks that was the first time anything had been said about sharing the money. His brother and Taylor then went in to get Turnip, leaving him standing aside the gap, and he afterwards sat down on the bank.
He never saw Taylor afterwards till he saw the body at the poorhouse in St. Margaret’s.
He stayed there until the post carriage came along, he ran up behind it to the turnpike, and the woman asked him to let the van through the gate, while she was hanging clothes up in the garden. He let a horse through, and a dray came along just before the van and went up towards the Bell Inn. It stopped at the gate, and the man asked the woman whether she wanted any beer she said she did not know, as her husband was out.
James stopped until the dray returned and left a nine-gallon cask of beer at the turnpike house, which he saw the woman pay for and return an empty cask. There were some trusses of straw on the dray cart, and there were two persons with it— Young and another. James ran behind the dray till got to a part of the new road-making, where there were some boys.
He left it, and sat down by the roadside near Mr Matson's bean field; then he went home and saw his mother and after remaining indoors some time, went out again went across the road and stood there, opposite his home in Crow-lane, this was the Maidstone road, in Rochester and heard his brother halloo.
James went up to him, by Mr Jarvis’s, and he offered him 6d. John then took the shilling and sixpence out of his other hand and offered it to him. He had his hand in his breeches as he had no pockets. He held out the money, saying here,’ and gave him his knife, which he took, but he would not have the money.
When they got to the corner, by Mr Mowrey’s, his brother gave him a half-crown, as he had refused the 6d. James said ''this is all I'm going to have!'' His brother said, Yes.’ James then added, ''That is the truth, and all I know about it '’.
James also said the knife was shut; he noticed nothing about It, it was not wet, it was clean and he had not cleaned it since.
On the day of the murder, John had on a blue frock and pair of trousers such as soldiers wear; James had the same frock on Saturday.—[The frock was produced as evidence] - James said his mother had cut the bottom off to mend the sleeves, and made it to fit him but his brother wore it good while after the murder.
James had put it on the day after Taylor was found.
After John got home, he said they went up the street as high as the College Gate, John changed one half-crown and thought it was at a linen draper’s shop that John went in.
Here the Ollier boy, who had been humanely cautioned not to say anything, exclaimed ''a woman changed it''. James continued —
He did not buy anything and brought out two shillings and a sixpence. it was the half-crown his brother had given him; he could not get it changed himself, he tried at two or three places, but could not obtain change.
John changed one of his half-crowns at Mr Hedgcocks, and the third half-crown was changed at Mr. Railton’s, in Eastgate, the same night.
When they got home he laid his money under a piece of wood in the garret, because his brother would have taken it out of his pocket. He did not know where his brother put his money. James spent one shilling and laid up three sixpences. He spent some with Mr. Kirk but did not recollect who changed the shilling. He tossed 3d. away with Mr Kirk for pies but did not know how the shilling and sixpence taken from Taylor were spent.
John bought two pennyworths of bread and cheese the next morning at Mr. Thomas’s, Mrs. Williams served him.
John did not talk about young Taylor that night or the next morning and he did not sleep with his brother.
Sometime after, it might be two or three weeks, James asked how it was done. John said Taylor was lying down, he did not say where he laid down but it was because he could not find his way out of the wood. John told him that he and Taylor had got a turnip each, then Taylor ran along the path and John followed. John wanted to go straight forward, but Taylor would not, he would go along the path. He did not tell James all about it, just said Taylor laid down and cried when he could not find his way out of the wood, and John sat down beside him. James did not recollect that he said anything else. He did not know where the knife he lent his brother was at the time but supposed it was in his hand. His brother also tells him, Taylor squeaked like a rabbit.
James did not know when the handkerchief was taken off Taylor’s neck and stated it was on when he went into the wood and he had no conversation with his brother about it.
The handkerchief was found in the deceased’s pocket.
James also stated that he did not say he would keep watch outside, he did not like to go and do such things.
What was stated to the Magistrates Saturday night was not true when he told them that he first knew of the murder on the previous Friday night, he told a lie. What his brother told them on Saturday night was true.
James told the Magistrates that Taylor was murdered with his knife, but that was not true; he was murdered with James' knife.
James stated he did not sharpen it, nor did he first propose the murder;
but did tell his brother that Taylor had the money and that he (James) had the knife.
James had used the knife after his brother returned to him; he kept it in his pocket a week or two afterwards and used it occasionally.
The first time Perrin talked of buying it off him was when he was going to a turnip field with him to get three or four turnips for his rabbits; he asked for it,
When out from home he ate his bread and cheese with it; he never said he wanted to get rid of it in consequence of his brother having used it for such a purpose.
Perrin offered 9d. which he took a day or two afterwards. He sold it for the money, and not because it had been used for such a purpose.
James who was said to have a very childish appearance, unfolded the harrowing tale of guilt with the greatest composure!
His confession having been taken down in writing, and read over to him, the magistrates sat in deliberation for some time before continuing the session
Richard's father, Robert Taylor was next to give his evidence again —
''I'm a Tallow Chandler, the father of the deceased. About three months previous to March last, I resided at Strood, unable to work, I received a weekly allowance from the parish of Aylesford, sometimes 8s. and sometimes 9s. Not being able to to Aylesford myself, I sent my son Richard there. On the 20th of February, my son and his sister Mary Ann, went to Aylesford. He used to leave at half past nine in the morning and return at three in the afternoon. On that day they returned about three o’clock; they brought home 8s''
''From something that I had heard, I requested my daughter to accompany her brother to Aylesford on the 4th of March but she did not go with him on that day, and Richard left at half-past nine o’clock. He wore a cap, called a South-Wester, the type sailors generally wear when they are dredging, a blue jacket, and waistcoat, dark brown trousers, light worsted stockings, and low shoes. He had a Belcher handkerchief around his neck and also wore a pair of worsted gloves. I gave him a bag to put the money in and lent him a knife to cut a bow & arrow. After this, I never again saw my son alive. When I found that he did not come home at his regular time, I made enquiries and searched for him''.
''On the 11th of May, I received some information from a man named Issard. I proceeded to the wood where the body lay''
[Here the witness’s feelings completely overcame him, he fainted away and it was a few minutes before he could proceed with his testimony).
The prisoner did not betray any emotion in this affecting scene. —
His father continued -
''The place where the body lay is called Bridge-wood and is about three miles distant from my house at Strood. There I saw a body''
(Then the father again fainted and at the advice of a medical gentleman, he was removed from court).
Mary Ann Taylor then gave witness, the sister of Richard Taylor -
'The witness was examined to the nature of an oath, which she appeared to understand. 'l am seven years of age. I went thrice with brother Richard to Aylesford to get money. I always saw the prisoner when we went. I went with my brother to Aylesford the Friday before he was lost. My brother received 8s. in Aylesford from Mr Cutbath. When coming back, we met the prisoner and his brother James, near the limekiln, which is a good way down the hill. The prisoner said to my brother, Come away, Dick, don't mind her' and my brother said, But I will mind her: and I shall be away home.” The prisoner wished my brother to go up into the woods. but brother and I went home, the prisoner following us as far as the Turnpike''.
Cross-examined by Mr. Clarkson -
''do you know what they were doing at the limekiln''
Mary Ann replied ''The prisoner's father works near the limekiln''.
Robert Taylor having returned to court, his examination was resumed. ''When I got into the wood I immediately recognised it to be the body of my son Richard. I knew it was his dress and his mark. The body lay away from the main road. There was a path there but, because of the leaves having collected at this spot, it was a kind of a hidden path. The mark by which I recognised my son was on each side of his breast, resembling a bunch of currants. I saw the knife in the possession of Paterson, the constable; this was my knife. I also saw a glove, which I identified as my son’s afterwards when I saw the body of my son in St. Margaret’s poor house.
Cross-examined by Mr. Clarkson. —
''All the articles of dress about the deceased, were buried with the body. The body was in a state of putrefaction and almost consumed. The features were not visible but the hair remained on the scalp. The eyes were not discernible. The body did not appear to have been under the ground?''.
Robert responded ''The path, where it lay, is what I call a blind path. From the situation of the body, any passer-by might have seen it. The trunk was quite sound. After the body was found, I did not show it to my friends and acquaintances, because I did not wish for it to be made into a public spectacle. My son, though small, was a spirited little one and would not take too much nonsense, but although he was thirteen years of age, he was much smaller than the prisoner''.
''It was not necessary, for my son to go into the wood to cut bow, he would have cut them by the roadside''.
When re-examined he said - ''When I first saw the body in the wood, the clothes were upon it. There was a glove on the left hand, turned down to the knuckles. When I made enquiries after my son, I described the marks I have mentioned. I have not the least doubt that the body I saw in the wood, was the body of my son''.
The knife and glove being shown to the witness, he identified the former as that which he lent to the deceased and the glove as that which the deceased had on, on the day he disappeared.
Richard Cutbuth gave witness —
''I was assistant overseer to the poor in the parish of Aylesford in March last. On the 4th of that month, the deceased came to me, about quarter past eleven clock and I gave him three crowns, and shilling and sixpence. I put the money into a little bag which he brought with him. The distance between Rochester and Aylesford is about seven miles''
Henry Lewington stood next -
''I am a warrant officer on board HMS Warrior stationed at Chatham. On the 4th of March, I was coming from Chatham and between nine and ten o'clock, I met the deceased on the road and walked with him as far as the Bndgewood Cottage. He was then on the road to Aylesford.
Later, the same day, between twelve and one o’clock, I again met Richard and with him were the prisoner and his brother James Bell. This was nearly opposite to a path which leads to Barham Common. I saw no more of them that day''.
''On the Friday following, I heard that Taylor was missing. I then saw James Bell at the Blue Bell, who made some enquiries about the boy.
On the same day, I met the prisoner’s father, John Bell, the prisoner and his brother James.
The prisoner said he parted with young Taylor at the turnip field and then went to Mr Hawkes who lives on the road leading to Burham Common''
''I recollect the day on which the body was found in the wood. I went to the wood about one o’clock, and at once recognised the body to be that of young Taylor. I knew it by the dress which he wore on the 4th of March. There was a glove on the left hand, which appeared to have been ripped off''.
Cross-examined—
''The prisoner and his brother James worked with their father in the woods. They grubbed for roots, which they sold in Chatham market''.
The Prisoner John then spoke —'' When Mr Lewington came to me, he said he had a pair of pistols to blow my father's brains out''.
Witness ''When I apprehended the prisoner, I certainly did threaten to shoot the father, if the prisoner did not give himself up''.
Mr. Clarkson —You did quite right.
Lewington continued - ''I went to the area where Mr Bell was working and told him the boy had been found and he must come with me to the Bell and the boys, they were about 10 rods away.
The father then said ''Jack the boy has been found and you must go along with me to the Bell''. John's expression appeared to change but he said nothing''
''At the Bell, the father and James had a little talk but John said nothing''. ''When the Constable of Barham parish arrived I gave them into his charge but he refused to take them and set them at liberty. The father then threatened to punish me for detaining them''.
The young prisoner then asked - Did you see us go to the common to get turnip green?''
He replied - ''No''
Prisoner - ''What did you say to us, you had got?''
He replied ''I said I had a brace of pistols''
Prisoner - ''You took up my father's handbill and refused to let him have it''
He replied ''Yes I did so''
Dr Joyce to the prisoner - ''Did you feel threatened when he said he had pistols?''
Prisoner - ''Yes I did, I believe my colour changed''
Mrs Jones the wife of Corporal Jones of the Royal Marines gave evidence -
''I live at Bridgewood Cottage, which is about a quarter of a mile from the Blue Bell public house. I remember seeing the prisoner on the of 4th March, with his brother, and another little lad. This was after one o’clock in the forenoon. The little boy was slighter than the other two he had on a South-Western cap and was dressed in a short canvass round frock. he stopped for a minute or two to pick up something; and then followed the other two, who were proceeding on the Rochester road''.
Mr. Seaton took the stand—
''As a surgeon at Rochester. on the 12th of May, I examined the body of the deceased at St. Margaret’s Poor House. It was lying in a shell and was covered with canvas gaberdine, a pair of brown cloth trousers & speckled stockings. There was a blue jacket under the gaberdine and a cap, such that is worn by fishermen, lay in the shell. The body was generally in an advanced state of decomposition. The left side of the neck was in a state of almost entire decomposition but the integuments of the right side were entire. Pursuing my examination on the left side, I found that the lower part of the principal muscle the neck, had escaped the general decomposition, and that which was left was perfectly smooth. On the windpipe, in line with the remains of the muscle, there was an incision. I considered that the opening in the trachea had been made by a cutting instrument. The collar of the shirt was wet with the matter of decomposition. I perceived marks of blood on the bosom of the shirt''.
He continued - ''In my opinion, death was caused by the wound in the neck. From the red colour of the blood found inside the jacket, I judged it to be arterial. I searched the pockets, in which I found a belcher handkerchief. The trunk of the body was very much decomposed, the skin was of a livid blueish colour and the surface of the cuticle was almost wholly gone. None of the bones were fractured, and no contusions or bruises, the body was in such a state that I could form no judgment about them.
Mr, Clarkson. —
''The dampness of the earth, where the body lay, would have favoured the process of decomposition. The features of the body could not recognised although a person intimately acquainted with the deceased might from some circumstances, have been able to do so''.
Mr Seaton replied ''That is correct''
Mr G. Brunt, the surgeon at Chatham gave his evidence as he had examined the body with the last witness, and entirely agreed with him to the cause of the deceased’s death. He said that the lower part of one of the muscles had not partaken the general decomposition, but retained sufficient continuity to enable him to see that it had been cut through.
He added that in his opinion the wound in the trachea and the muscle proceeded from one entire cut.
PC Tapp then gave evidence —
''I am constable at Chatham. On the 19th of May, I apprehended the prisoner and his brother James, at Chalk Holes, near Aylesford''
''I told them I had come to take them on a warrant for the murder of Richard Taylor. They made no answer, but on going through Blue Bell Hill, I asked James Bell where Taylor's knife was''
(Taylor’s knife was not then in possession)
''James stated that it would still be in his pocket''.
The body of Richard Tayler was then disinterred to examine the pockets, an operation that had previously been omitted. James Bell was taken to the spot and once the lid of the coffin was removed he was told to go into the grave and empty the pockets by PC Tapp. He complied with no hesitation and brought up the knife given to the deceased by his father and also the other worsted glove that was missing.
The knife was a common clasp knife with a bone handle. The blade is a little curved inward.
Some bread and cheese were offered to young John and the knife was placed beside it and was directed to help himself. John refused to touch it, while James did not show the same repugnance, which showed he had less feelings than his brother.
Mr George Farrand was the next witness examined -
''I am clerk to Messrs Twopenny and Essell, solicitors in Rochester, who are clerks to the Magistrates. The prisoner said something which I reduced to writing. Nothing in the shape of a promise or a threat was held out to him. What was said was read over to him and he put his mark to it. This paper was afterwards signed by the magistrates and then presented.
The prisoner was frequently told that what said would be used against him''.
he continued ''Before the confession was read over and signed, the witness and others had been examined before the magistrates''.
''This examination took place before the warrant was granted and I believe that the depositions taken on that occasion have not been returned and I did not hear the confession in the usual way because. when I sat down to write, I was not aware that the prisoner was about to speak. The confession was taken quickly, but not in a hurry I wrote as fast as the prisoner spoke. Some of the depositions were taken in the prisoner’s absence''.
Mr G. Farrand, then read the following statement, to which the prisoner had affixed his mark, and which was attested by the signatures of the magistrates, who were present at the occasion :
''James Bell, being in the presence of the prisoner and the magistrates, on the 21st of May, told them, that on the preceding evening, he and his brother, the prisoner, were on their way to Chatham cage, the prisoner said to him — Jem. I murdered Richard Taylor; ’tis sure to found out. I did it with his knife.’
The prisoner immediately interrupted his brother James (then a prisoner also) and told him ’twas a lie, and that he’d tell the truth, for that, he was going together with his brother James, on the Friday in question, to Mr. Abbott’s, little Taylor passed them, and James Bell said to him, prisoner — ''There goes Taylor down: let’s kill him, and take his money; and let’s lay him under the stones that you can’t count over twice the same,’ that Jem lent him (prisoner) his (Jem’s knife)''
The one which had since sold to Henry Perrin, and which Jem had stolen from Palmer's window (a shopkeeper in Rochester).
The prisoner then exclaimed— '' It was me. Sir, that done the murder, Sir, in the wood, Sir. We both went through the gate first whilst he was doing the crime, his brother Jemmy went hack to the turnpike—while I was cutting the boy's throat'' he then claimed the crime was done in the wood where the body was found and that Taylor went into the wood with him, but that prisoner did not ask him to come in and cut sticks''.
He said He (John) had got two turnips and gave the deceased one. ''we went along the wood, but could not find our way out, and then I cut his throat where he lay. I had no great difficulty, to cut his throat—did it at one cut: ’twas done in one cut—that’s the frock I had on (pointing to one worn by James Bell,)” Nobody has washed it since. I took the nine shillings; three half crowns, shilling and a sixpence, out of his glove. don’t know how long he was dying. I didn't take the glove off''
He then continued ''My brother said, if I didn’t give him part of the money, he’d tell I did the crime. He said before I did it he only wanted a shilling but after I’d done it, he wanted the part, and I gave him one of the three half-crowns''.
He then went on to say ''Taylor squeaked—that’s all—not much—as a rabbit squeaks''. ''I gave the knife to James the same night''. I washed it and my hands in a pond on the road; there was blood on it when I gave it back to my brother''.
''My Father didn’t know it. I never after went to look at the body. My brother James wanted me to go. I walked away directly I got the money. I didn’t know where I was walking. The first place I came out to was a field; then I got into the road. Taylor was crying when I cut his throat. I took him there intending to murder him''.
''My Brother James stood at the gap going in, where the three wood fellas were at work on the Rochester side of Coalpit-lane''.
''I only heard Taylor squeak once. I cut him twice across the throat. I don’t know whether it was the same place each time. He had his handkerchief off his neck. I don’t know what he had taken it off for''.
He then said ''Torment will come on me for this, I know I shall be hanged for this. I tell this because my brother James told it first''
Then speaking to his brother, "he said all this was a lie—an infernal lie. Did you not lend me your knife?”
The deepest silence pervaded the court during the reading of this appalling confession.
The prisoner's features remained unchanged,
Charles C. Patterson was next examined -
''I am a constable at Chatham. On the 21st of May, I conveyed the prisoner from Rochester to Maidstone gaol. On our way, we came to a pond, yards from the place where the body was found. The prisoner said ''this is the place where I washed my hands and the knife after I had done the crime.” ''
''About 150 paces from this spot, there is an opening into the wood; and when we got there, the prisoner said ''This is the road that leads to the place where I killed the poor boy, don't you think he is better off than me.” ''
''The Prisoner then pointed out the place where he came out of the wood, saying ''this is the place from which I came out with the knife in my hand.”
''He also pointed out the place, where he said he and the deceased went into the wood''.
The prisoner told PC Patterson, that they passed through that and Mr. Howes's turnip field, where they each got a turnip, and the deceased pared his with his knife. The prisoner also stated to him that he took the deceased through the wood, on the pretence of taking him home and that when at the place where the deceased was found, he told him that he (prisoner) had lost his way, upon which Taylor became alarmed and laid himself the ground.
He told him that the deceased had begun to cry and then the prisoner sprung upon him, and cut his throat. He then forced the money which was in a little bag, out of his (the deceased's) hand but said he had some difficulty in getting it as his hand was clenched tight. The bag contained three half-crowns, a shilling and sixpence.
Afterwards, the prisoner became very much alarmed and rushed out of the woods.
'Bell said he knew he should hanged, and wished his brother might see him executed as a warning to him. His confession was spontaneous, and, he said, was from a desire to tell the truth, knowing that he must suffer, that had no reason for irons as he had no wish to escape justice''
This was all that the prisoner said on this occasion.
PC Patterson then continued -
''On the 23rd of May, when I was taking the prisoner from Maidstone to Rochester, he said that if the deceased’s body was dug up the knife and glove would be found in one his pockets, for he saw him shut the knife, and put it and the glove together into his pocket''. He told me, he had spoken to a boy by the name of Kllison on his way home that night and also mentioned the name of Evenden, who he said he had seen shortly after came out of the wood''
''On the 23rd of May, when the body 'was dug up, I was present on that occasion and saw James Bell take knife and glove from the right-hand breeches pocket. I showed them to the deceased's father this morning. Afterwards, I got a knife from a boy, by the name of Henry Perrin. He said he purchased the knife from James Bell''
The next Witness was John Railten, a linen draper in Rochester. -
He remembers the prisoner coming to his shop, and asking for the change half-a-crown. This was after the boy Taylor was lost. The witness gave the prisoner two shillings and 6d pence.
George Ellis and George Everden deposed that they met the prisoner after the deceased was lost, who enquired of both if they had seen his brother James. Evenden said he met the prisoner in Crow-lane, Rochester.
This closed the evidence for the prosecution. The prisoner, being asked if he had anything to say in his defence, replied in a low and surly tone of voice, “No, my Lord.”
No witnesses were examined on his behalf.
Justice Gaselee then proceeded to speak to the Jury. His Lordship observed that he had never tried, or assisted in trying, such a painful a case as the one present, which was almost unparalleled in the annuls of criminal judicature.
He said ''It seemed scarcely possible to believe that a boy, of this prisoner’s tender age, could commit such a cold-blooded crime; but it is the duty of the Jury, to throw this circumstance out of your consideration, and to come to a conscientious opinion upon the evidence that had been laid before you''
He continued - ''The prisoner has had the benefit of a learned gentleman, who has ably and strenuously espoused his cause, and done all that he can to press the points which have arisen, in the prisoner’s favour. I, however, had to over-ruled the objections, because, in my honest opinion, they were untenable''.
His Lordship then proceeded to recapitulate the evidence, commenting upon it as he went on and concluded by advising the Jury to take all the facts into their calm and careful consideration.
He lastly said ''If, in your judgment and consciences, you entertain a reasonable doubt of the prisoner’s guilt, then let him have the benefit of it but, on the other hand, if you believe him to be the person, who had committed the crime, you must find him guilty. This crime is one of the highest magnitudes and if it were proved against the prisoner, the laws of God and man, demand that it should be followed by capital punishment''.
The Jury deliberated for a few minutes, and returned a verdict of Guilty, but recommended the prisoner to mercy on account of the child's age. and the way he had been brought up by his parents.
When the verdict was read it was said the prisoner changed colour but did not betray the least symptoms of fear or trepidation.
Clarkson then rose to 'request that the judgment might be staid on the ground that the declaration made by the prisoner before the magistrates could only be taken as a confession, and could not give to witness to refresh his recollection to what happened at the time of the examination. as the court had decided that this document could not be received as a confession, the Learned Counsel contended that it was not admissible evidence in any other way.
Mr. Walsh said that on the part of his prosecution, had no wish to press for instant judgment if the court thought that the point which his Learned Friend had mooted, ought to be reserved.
The Learned Judge (after consulting with Lord Tenterden) said he would take note of the objection, but he did not think it of such a nature to prevent him from passing sentence upon the prisoner.
Mr. Justice Gaselee then donned the black coif and addressed the prisoner nearly follows:
''John Any Bird Bell, you have been tried, and after a long and patient investigation of the several circumstances of your case. you have been convicted of the crime of wilful murder. It is an offence of such nature that although I shudder, at the idea of having to pronounce a sentence of death on a person of your age, one should be extremely happy to pay attention to the humane recommendation of the Jury''
''I consider the nature of the offence against the law of God and man, and that is told the divine law. that “whosoever sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed,” I am afraid I cannot give way to their feelings, or mine, on this occasion but must cause that sentence to which it is now mv painful province to pronounce''
He continued - ''It does appear that you are deficient either in sense or understanding, that you were ignorant of the consequences of the crime you were committing, for you stated what must be these consequences. I cannot, therefore hold out to you the slightest hopes of mercy''.
''One is astonished that a boy of your age, who was in habits of intimacy with the deceased, and who was your playmate, could have conceived the idea of committing such a cold-blooded offence. You did not appear to have any quarrel with him or to have had any motive for perpetrating the cool and deliberate act, but the desire to possess yourself of the paltry sum of nine shillings. Under these circumstances, it is within my duty to tell you that the time you will remain in this world is very short''
''A few days, you must be removed from this world into the presence of your creator. I trust that by proper preparation for this tremendous change, by those who will have the care of your spiritual interest, you will address yourself to his Throne and pray for his pardon and I hope you also address your prayers to our Redeemer, whom there is too much reason to suppose you have neglected but who we are taught to believe is willing to relieve a repented sinner even at the last hour -that you will receive in another world that forgiveness, which is my duty to deny you in this world''.
His Lordship then sentenced the prisoner to be executed 1st of August, and his body to be given over to surgeons for dissection.
Ever since the sentence was passed the prisoner, was said to have conducted himself with the greatest decorum.
The hardihood which he was said to have displayed at his trial, and even when the sentence was passed, had deserted him as he entered his cell. He wept bitterly and when his mother visited him, he accused her of being the cause of bringing him to his present situation.
The Rev Winter had been indefatigable in his exertions to prepare the condemned boy for his approaching fate. Friday afternoon he visited his cell; and persuaded Bell to 'shut out’ this world from his thoughts, and to dedicate the few days that the law had granted him, to devotional exercises in his mind, however, he had been so completely warped by early habits of depravity, and was, besides, so grossly ignorant, that it was no easy matter to fix his attention upon the solemn subject.
Friday evening his father and mother visited him, and the scene was described as being extremely touching. The son did not upbraid his parents; on the contrary, he declared that if he had paid attention to what his father had told him, and abstained from gaining (for it appears, that the culprit spent all his leisure time playing at pitch and hustling), he would not have had to answer for the crime for which was about suffer. During this meeting, all were said to be in tears.
On the following day, he was more composed and read portions of the bible with Mr. Winter.
On Sunday, his father, brother (his companion in guilt), and his sister visited his cell; and before they left him, the father admonished his younger children to avoid the paths which had brought their brother to the gallows.
The chaplain paid repeated visits to his cell and he learnt to read the bible and prayer.
He was also visited by Richard Taylor's father, who gave him forgiveness from him and his wife.
Sunday evening, John Bell made a full confession of his guilt.
His statement did not materially differ from that which was given on the trial but it was said that he added some particulars of the conduct of his victim before he murdered him, which makes the blood run cold on the lack of emotions and compassion within the child murderer.
He said that when he sprung upon Taylor with the knife in his hand, the poor boy, aware of the murderous intention, fell upon his knees before him, offered him all the money he had, his knife, his cap, and whatever else he liked, said he would love him during the whole of his life, and never tell what had happened to any human being.
This pathetic appeal was lost on the murderer, and without making any answer to it, he struck the knife into his throat.
On the day of his execution, the melancholy spectacle, the tender age of the culprit, and the circumstances of the atrocity which marked his crime had attracted an immense multitude of spectators, two-thirds of whom came from the neighbourhood of Maidstone. Between 5 and 6 a.m., nearly two thousand men and women had congregated in front of the gaol and it had been rumoured, that the execution would take place at eight o’clock, that hour a dense mass thronged the large area from which view the spectacle could be obtained. Some disappointment was felt in the crowd, when a board was placed on the wall of the turnkey’s lodge, stating that the Sheriff would not appear sooner than a quarter past 11 o’clock. The multitude instantly dispersed but the disappointment did not prevent them from re-appearing at the time announced and it was said there were nearly six thousand persons present at the occasion.
Meanwhile, the unhappy object of this curiosity was preparing himself for the last dreadful passage of his life.
Six o’clock the morning, he visited the Rev Winter, John had attended the condemned sermon and during the whole of the service, he was in tears. When the preacher repeated the words of the confession he had delivered the previous evening. Bell trembled excessively; whilst tears started to his eyes.
At a quarter past eleven o’clock, Bell was brought out of the condemned cell, for the operation of pinioning. His face was a little flushed, and his eye was sunk more than usual.
At half-past 11 o'clock, the solemn peals of the prison bell announced the preparations for the execution. His fortitude did not forsake him until the solemn tones the prison bell sounded in his ear, when his countenance became deadly pale, & tremor seized his frame. These symptoms of fear, however, were of short duration and the procession, consisting of the Under Sheriff, the Gaoler, Rev Winter and John, set out the Governor’s house to the entrance lodge, where the new drop was erected. After a few minutes of prayer had been completed, John attended by the chaplain, walked steadily up to the platform. When he appeared there, he gazed steadily around him but his eye did not quail.
After the rope was adjusted around his neck, he exclaimed in a firm and loud tone of voice, ''Lord have mercy upon us. Pray good Lord have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. All the people before me take warning by my fate." Having been asked if he had anything further to say, he repeated the same words, and added ''Lord have mercy upon my poor soul."
The signal was then given and the fatal bolt was drawn, and the murderer expiated his crime by an ignominious death, his being the first time the scaffold was erected over the turnkey’s lodge, one of the ties of the beam was not loosened in time to aid the fall and was for a moment suspended but within a minute or two the boy had ceased to exist.
The body, after hanging for the usual time, was cut down and, in the course of the evening, was conveyed to Rochester for dissection, in conformity with the stern decree of the law.
Phrenology written as reported in the Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Tuesday 30 August 1831
On Tuesday 23rd August 1831 Mr T S Dowton Commenced a series of Lectures on Phrenology, being the first who had publicly treated this subject in Maidstone.
He unfolded the principles of science with much perspicuity and successfully rescued it from the charge of materialism to which many have erroneously considered it to have a tendency, indeed the objections usually made by its opponents were all met and combated and we feel satisfied that hitherto the opinions of mankind concerning Phrenolegy have been rather founded on prejudice and vain apprehensions of its consequences, than on a candid and impartial examination its real pretensions. We were particularly stuck with his remarks on the cerebral development of a late juvenile criminal, the following extract from which represents to our readers:-
One of the most appalling instances in the records of crime is that lately perpetrated by the youthful delinquent. John Amy Bird bell, a cast of whose head is now present to our notice. The tender years of this criminal, and the previous habits of his life, together with the total want of religious and moral instruction, which by calling into activity the superior faculties, might have checked him in his career of depravity, cause us to feel no small degree of emotion, indeed I had almost said commiseration, for his untoward fate. I consider this one the most interesting busts, from a phrenological point of view, that I have ever contemplated; because, whilst on the one hand, it affords the strongest possible demonstrative evidence of the truth of phenology, it on the other causes the most lively regret that its doctrines are not belter and more generally understood and made subservient to the purposes of education. This is a large head, and altogether above the average size of boys of his age. The quantity of brains in the region of the lower propensities is immense; indeed, the head viewed from behind gives us a better idea of a full adult grown head, than a youth of 14 - Such an organisation as this, left to its control, the phrenologist well knows must almost inevitably lead an individual to seek gravitation in low and abandoned pursuits. I do not in for a moment, mean to assert that being so organized must commit murder, any other enormity; but under temptation' or trying circumstances, such one will most be most likely to yield to the lower propensities. Here are large combativeness and destructiveness, with firmness also very large, giving force and determination to his character, together with the most consummate inflexibility of purpose. Cautiousness and secretiveness are very large, prompting him to wait for the most favourable moment for the accomplishment and concealment of his intentions
A sign once conceived by such an organisation as this, would most assuredly be put to execution organza, This is the kind of character that prayers and entreaties would not move, nor threats intimidate and living as it appears this boy suffered to do, under the uncontrolled influence these propensities, however we may regret, we can by no means be surprised that the worst consequences should have ensued. But I beg now to call your attention to the very fair development of the brain in the anterior regions. The reflecting faculties are by no means deficient. and when we take into consideration that this part of the cerebrum is developed later in life than any other and that this individual never had the benefit of instruction, I have no hesitation to say that, under peculiarly favourable circumstances, he might have become, if not clever at least respectably endowed. It appeared indeed that he was admitted to Sunday School and had been dismissed in consequence of bad conduct; but it appears on the other hand that, by the benevolent exertions of Rev Mr Winter, at the Gaol, he had after his comital and in a comparatively short time learned to read the bible with tolerable facility. I beg now speak will, all deterrence and respect but certainly it appears that the turning a boy of 12 years of age out of a public charity school, in consequence of his depravity is by no means the way to propagate moral instruction among the lower classes, and is. at, the same time. at variance ' with the sentiments of the great founder of Christianity, who said ‘l have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Here was a paramount necessity for more than ordinary care and attention what was subsequently affected under the pious care of the prison clergy might have been accomplished before and a proper bias given to his mind that might have continued to regulate his future conduct. Herein we are forcibly presented with the benefit to ultimately derived to society when due attention to the organisation shall regulate the practice of the instructions of the youth and when the absurd custom of herding fifty or hundred boys together to go through the mechanical course of study and take their chance as to the natural endowments and capabilities shall be abandoned and education founded on principles conformable to the general laws of our constitution I don not doubt at the onset, the attempt to educate this boy must have been unpromising and hopeless, it must have been striving to cultivate a barren rock but we know that by perseverance man succeeds in subduing and taming the most savage animals of the desert )and shall he hesitate to bestow the same on his fellow beings? here is an individual so organised that I unhesitatingly declare that without the benefit of moral instruction, he must have been imbued with an almost irresistible tendency to crime. What then? is he to be let loose on upon the world to prey upon the first victim that chance may throw his way? Whether phrenology is to be believed or not, such has been the result in this instance: and assuredly it would be better for the cause of humanity that some public institution should be established peculiarly devoted to the purpose of endeavouring to counteract the probable effect of so unfavourable a development where, by an unceasing appeal to the moral sentiments by continued watchfulness over the manifestations of pupils of this description - in short by a mode of education which a phrenologist alone could suggest or put into practice, and I doubt not but many a disgusting catastrophe might be prevented and many a criminal who now terminates an infamous career by the ignominious death on a scaffold, might pass a life unsullied by crime
We leave our readers to draw their inference as to the ultimate tendency of phrenology after what has been advanced above, however, we confess we see nothing like danger in its practical application but on the contrary, are inclined to view it in the light of an important regulator of the pursuit and conduct of mankind. The lecture on Tuesday was principally confined to the ''animal propensities'' On Friday evening the ''moral sentiments'' formed the subject of discourse and on both occasions, auditors manifested the interest they took by the most riveted attention. Mr Dowtons analysis of the several mental faculties is intelligent and comprehensive and his treatment of the subject generally such as can only be the result of extensive observation and a cultivated mind The intellectual faculties are to form the subject of the lectures for this evening and Thursday and the superior importance of them as being the distinguishing characteristics of the human character must necessarily constitute them the most interesting
* We believe the lecturer was in error here Bell was not dismissed but being under no restraint voluntarily absented himself from school.
Life after
It is unclear what happened to Johns Parents and sister Mary Ann, due to lack of census records which started in 1841 and the possibility of the family breaking up over these sad circumstances. I wasn't able to find any marriage records for his parents, so they may have just been co-habituating.
I have found his brother James who seemed to have learnt from his brothers death, stayed out of trouble and became a Tailor. He married in 1849, age 30 in Chatham to Kezia Medhurst and they had a daughter in 1857, who was named after his sister. He passed away age 60 in 1879 and is buried at St Marys Chatham Cemetery in Maidstone Road.
Richard Taylors family remained in the area and his father passed away in 1846 age 72, his Mother in 1862 aged 76
Sources
South Eastern Gazette - Tuesday 17 May 1831 pg 4-4 Mysterious Murder
South Eastern Gazette - Tuesday 17 May 1831 pg 4-4 The Inquest
Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Tuesday 24 May 1831 pg 4-4 The murder near Rochester
Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Tuesday 31 May 1831 pg 4-4 The Murder near Rochester
South Eastern Gazette - Tuesday 31 May 1831 pg 4 - 4 The murder near Rochester
South Eastern Gazette - Tuesday 02 August 1831 2-3 Trial of John Any Bird Bell.
South Eastern Gazette - Tuesday 02 August 1831 4-4 Execution of John Any Bird Bell
Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal - Tuesday 02 August 1831 Execution of John Bekk
Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Tuesday 30 August 1831 pg 4-4 Phrenology
Chester Courant - Tuesday 09 August 1831 pg 4-4 The execution of John Any Bird Bell for Murder
Bring your backstory to life TM (no date) Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. Available at: http://www.ancestry.co.uk/ (Accessed: 15 March 2024).
Pictures and historical info from Wikipedia https://www.wikipedia.org/
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