A soldier with a terrible outlook on life, leads to an atrocious murder
Alfred Holden was born in Birmingham in 1840 to George Holden a Pen Holder Manufacturer and Ann Hawkes. He was the youngest of 9 children.
His closest sibling, his brother Samuel who was born in 1837, died on 28th September 1848 at age 11 after ''a visitation by god'' after suffering for two and half hours from Apoplexy
His mother died on 5th December 1849 at age 49 after suffering from Bronchitis for 7 days.
This must have affected him greatly and maybe he went off the rails and it was decided his best path was to join the Royal Artillery Gunners when he was 16 years old.
His Eldest Sister Elizabeth age 39 had moved and was a Boarding housekeeper at 20 Ely Place Liberty of Saffron Hill Finsbury and he recorded as living with her on 7th April 1861, along with another sister Emma aged 29
He met an Irish woman named Maria Gorden. They married in her home town of Roscommon Ireland on 3 July 1861 and she moved to Brompton Kent, near the barracks, to start married life with him.
They had their son Alfred born on 3rd May 1862. He was Baptised at Brompton Parish Church on 16th November.
While Maria looked after their child in Green’s Court, Brompton, Alfred did his duty at the barracks as a cook for the officers. Life seemed fine.
On Wednesday 1st April 1863, things changed and shortly after eight o'clock that morning, information was received at the Central Police station, Military Road, that a murder had been committed at Brompton by an artilleryman, the victim being the man's only child. an 11-month-old infant.
On the police proceeding to the house, which is situated in one of the courts leading from the principal street in Brompton, they were accosted by the murderer, when in answer to their inquiries, he at once admitted that he had killed the child and pointed the body out to the officers. The murderer was Alfred Holden.
He was at once taken into custody and removed to Brompton Barracks. where the Royal Artillery was quartered. after which he was handed over to the police authorities and conveyed to the station house.
The deceased child was his son. It was said that Alfred always seemed to be exceedingly fond of his child, and being a married man, was permitted to reside out of barracks and with his wife occupied the room in Green’s Court, Brompton, where the murder was committed.
Soon after getting up this morning, he sent his wife out to procure some beer, and during her absence he deliberately cut his child's throat with a large clasp knife, nearly severing the head from the body, and causing almost instant death. On the return of his wife the body of the child was found where the prisoner had placed it, and life was quite extinct.
Dr Weedes, a surgeon, residing in the locality was immediately sent for, but his services were of no avail, the child having been dead some time.
On the prisoner being taken to the station house, and the charge read over to him, he at once admitted he had killed his son as described, his motive for doing so, he added ''that he might thereby escape from the tyrannical overbearing treatment of his sergeant'', and he being, convinced, ''the sergeant was doing all he could to injure him and cause him to be deprived of his good conduct badge which he wore''.
The accused has been in the service for about seven years, and he is stated to have always borne a very good character, although for some days past, he appears to have been drinking, rather freely.
On the afternoon of Thursday 2nd April, Mr, Thomas Hills opened an inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of Alfred James Holden.
Catherine Dawnie the wife of a tailor deposed that she resided next door to the accused, Alfred Holden, who was a gunner in the Royal Artillery.
Shortly after seven o'clock on Wednesday morning the mother of the deceased sent for the witness to come into her room, and on going in she saw the accused standing by the bed, and the mother of the deceased standing by and ringing her hands. She asked what was the matter, when the mother exclaimed that the baby was dead, adding that her husband had stabbed it while she was fetching a pint of beer. The husband who was standing by said ''Yes I killed it.'' and afterwards added ''I want to be hung, and do not wish to leave a burden to my wife so that she may be able to do for herself.'' The child was lying on the bed in a pool of blood.
John Dawnie, the husband of the first witness:
''From what my wife told me, I went down into the room occupied by Holden and his wife and saw the deceased lying on the bed. Life was quite extinct. On asking the father if it was a fact that he had killed his child, he replied ''Yes lam guilty, I know I shall be hung, and I want to leave no burden on my wife.'' ''
Mr Henry Weeks, a surgeon, then deposed:
He was called in to see the body of the deceased at about eight o'clock on Thursday morning. On making an examination the witness found a wound about four inches long on the right side of the neck, parallel with the collarbone. There was another wound in the middle lower part of the throat just above the breast bone, which was very deep and extended down into the throat. This wound was caused by a stab. On making a post-mortem examination of the body he found that the instrument which inflicted the stab had divided the arch of the aorta, another movement of the same instrument had penetrated the right cavity of the 'chest, and nearly cut off the top of the right lung, a third movement of the knife had passed into the cavity of the pericardium. The wounds described were caused by three distinct stabs, and anyone would have caused instant death.
Sergeant James David, Royal Artillery:
He said he was the caterer to the sergeant's mess, of which Holden had been a cook for about three years On Sunday the witness spoke to him about making haste to get up the dinner, on which he replied he did not suit that he would return to his duty. That was all that passed. On the following day, Holden had been drinking and the witness told him about it and advised him to go home. The next day he took his things and left the mess. All the sergeants were very fond of him.
The jury returned the verdict of Wilful murder against Alfred Holden
At eleven o'clock on the morning of Saturday 4th April, Alfred was placed before the Rev J. J. Marsham, and Mr Foord, at the county magistrates justice room, Rochester, to undergo his examination on the charge of wilful murder.
On the charge being read over to him by Mr Furrell, the clerk, the prisoner remarked It is perfectly correct ''I am guilty of the charge.'' He was then formally remanded, to give the police time to complete the evidence against him by his next examination.
On Monday 6th April Mary O’Neil, of Green’s Court, Brompton, was brought into court charged with stealing 10s., the property of Mrs. Maria Holden, who lodged in the same house. The prisoner; the theft was committed Sunday morning.
Mrs Holden said she was sitting up with the body of her deceased child, Alfred James Holden, Saturday night; the prisoner was sitting with her; about four o’clock in the morning of Sunday, Maria fell asleep on the bed. She felt her pocket shaking but took no notice of it. At about seven o’clock the morning, on opening her purse, missed four half-crowns; they were quite safe when she went to sleep. During the day she heard something about some money that the prisoner had been spending. This (Monday) morning she asked her where she got the money from to pay her rent and after some words, she owned up that she took the money, and asked her to forgive her. The prisoner offered to return her the 3s 6d. The witness had received the money from the pay sergeant.
Mrs Shonk said the prisoner was brought to the police station between six and seven o’clock. (Monday) morning; she said she had no money about her but on searching her, the witness found half a crown and shilling in one hand, and the other three halfpence; in one pocket was a shilling; she said she would give Mrs Holden a sovereign if she would make it with her; about three hours afterwards, when she went the cell, the prisoner said, she did not know what possessed her to take Mrs. Holden’s money, she was very sorry and what should she do.
George French, 11 years of age, of Green’s Court, said, about half past eight o’clock Sunday morning the prisoner gave him half-a-crown to take to Mrs Howitt to pay towards her fortnight’s rent. I took to Mrs Howitt and she did not go back to the prisoner.
The prisoner said she did not know whether she was guilty or not but afterwards acknowledged that she was, and said she thought she might take the loan (the money) from her.
Maria Holden said the prisoner had helped nurse her baby from birth and she had been in the same house for about three years. The prisoner had depended on charity for her support, Maria Holden stated that she loved her as if she was her mother, and always gave her half her victuals.
Mr. Day said was one of the most heartless cases that had ever come before the Bench and ought to be severely punished. She was sentenced to two calendar months with hard labour.
At the opening of the court on the morning of Wednesday 29th July, The prisoners were brought for arraignment. The first prisoner who pleaded was Alfred Holden
Alfred, a firm voice, pleaded guilty.
Mr Avory: Do you understand the charge against you Prisoner?
Alfred: Yes, sir.
The Judge.: You must understand that your plea will make a difference to the punishment you will receive. You are charged with the crime of wilful murder. Do you quite understand?
Alfred: Yes, sir.
His Lordship again explained to Alfred that the fact of his pleading guilty would not affect the punishment he would receive.
Alfred, however, persisted in his plea.
He was then ordered to stand down few minutes, during which time his Lordship consulted with the Under Governor of the Gaol, the prisoner was again brought into the dock.
Mr. Avory (clerk of arraigns): You have been found guilty on your own confession of murder. Have you anything to say why the Court should not give you judgment according to law?
Alfred: Nothing.
His Lordship, having assumed the black cap. addressing the prisoner said;
''Alfred Holden, you stand convicted, on your own confession, of the wilful murder of Alfred James Holden. The crime of murder is the most heinous offence known to the law. In your case, the person whom you have murdered is your own child, not even twelve months old. l am willing to believe that you were not influenced by those feelings and revenge which sometimes actuate persons who commit the crime of murder. The excuse you made for yourself was that, you had misconducted yourself while cooking to a regimental mess, that you found yourself obliged to leave the neighbourhood, and destroyed your child, so that it might not remain a burden to your wife. I cannot allow that plea to interfere with the sentence I am called upon to pronounce. You have pleaded guilty, after having been repeatedly advised to consider your course, and after you have been carefully warned that no alteration would be made in the sentence or punishment, you would have to undergo, because you have pleaded guilty, instead of taking your trial. I have thought it a duty to make every inquiry I could of the keeper of the gaol, to what has been observed of your conduct, while you have been under his custody, and I cannot see anything, to lead me, to believe you are not responsible for your actions, and that you were not sane at the time you committed this offence. Under these circumstances, it is my duty to pass upon you the sentence of the law''.
His lordship then passed the sentence of death in the usual form, and the prisoner walked out of the dock with a firm step.
Since their conviction, Holden had paid the greatest attention to his religious duties, under the guidance of the Rev. Shirley Woolmer, chaplain of the gaol, who has been most" assiduous in administering to their spiritual comfort, such as to completely gain the affections of both the mis. guided men. Shortly after his condemnation,
Holden also attributed the commission of his offence to drink; that weary of his life he desired to die but did not want to leave his child a burden to his wife, so he determined to take his innocent offspring's life.
Strong efforts have been made to get the sentence of Holden commuted, and the memorial, signed by the officers of the Chatham garrison and tradesmen of the neighbourhood, was addressed to the Home Secretary, for that purpose, alleging that when the dreadful crime was committed Holden was labouring under an attack of delirium tremens, to which he was subject.
On Friday morning. Major Bannister, the Governor of the gaol, received the warrant for the execution, Holden heard the communication with perfect calmness and had not the slightest hope of forgiveness.
Saturday's answer to the memorial praying for a commutation of Holden's sentence on the grounds as stated above was received from Sir G. Grey. He said that he had carefully examined the representations advanced, but could see no valid reason why a commutation should be granted.
On the same day, Holden expressed a desire to have his photograph taken. The county authorities having been consulted on the matter, leave was accordingly granted, and at noon on Monday, Mr West, a photographic artist, near the Cavalry depot, was summoned to attend the gaol and take the portraits., Mr West pledged his word not to take more than those required by Alfred's friends, who were present during the operation.
Major Bannister, the Rev Shirley Woolmer, and the Under-Governor were spectators, during the process.
On Tuesday Holden was visited by his wife and her sister, who conversed with him for two hours; when the time arrived for parting, the scene was most heartrending, all sobbing loudly and convulsively. The wife and sister were described as being of a very prepossessing appearance. Afterwards, they visited Mr. West's photographic establishment, to have the portrait of Holden finished.
On Wednesday Holden passed the day quietly and refused to retire, to rest at night, desiring the time to prepare himself, in devotion to their religious duties, for their approaching end.
On the morning of Thursday 20th August, what was described as an impressive sermon was delivered by the Rev. Shirley Woolmer, who also administered the sacrament to Holden and Eldridge who was being hung with him. (another blog to come)
At half-past 11 o'clock, they were visited by Mr Palmer, Mr Scudamore, the Rev. Woolmer, Major Bannister, and other officials, along with the executioner Calcraft.
They were then asked to prepare for their awful doom, and both underwent the process of pinioning with great firmness.
Holden said, " Tell my wife I die happy." Eldridge then shook hands with all around, while Holden appeared more timid, as though he was not warranted to take the liberty of his companion.
Precisely at Five minutes past twelve Mr Scudamore and the Rev. Shirley Woolmer made their appearance on the scaffold, followed by Eldridge. Calcraft then proceeded to adjust the rope, which having been completed, shook hands with Eldridge, then left him to see to Holden, who had made his appearance on the steps leading to the drop, which he firmly mounted, holding in his left hand a book opened, apparently a hymn book. He wore his soldier's jacket which lay open in front, showing a lavender-coloured shirt. Calcraft went through the process of adjusting the rope but Holden had advanced too far from the centre of the beam, so Calcraft had to move him more directly in line with the drop, which he did, while the cap was over Holden's head. Calcraft then again shook hands with both and left them.
All this time the Rev. Shirley Woolmer, the chaplain, was delivering a prayer for the unhappy men, which with clear and sonorous voice, every word could be heard a considerable distance from the scaffold, and seemed to have great effect upon the multitude below. Eldridge whose presence on the scaffold was considerably longer than Holden's appeared to follow the Clergyman in his prayer, clasping and opening his hands now and then, and was extremely firm. Holden although not quite so firm, remained very composed until the fatal bolt was drawn, at which moment the Rev Woolmer shrouded his face in his arms, and appeared very much affected.
Both the culprits struggled a little. Holden's frame, however, was moving the most. The bodies hung suspended from the ropes, and only their covered heads could be seen by the crowd below, as the scaffold was encircled with black cloth, at about 5 feet high, which obscured completely the contortions of their bodies from the vulgar gaze, causing a little annoyance to those who gloat over such sickening spectacles, but, by the thinking and respectable portion of the populace, the plan was highly commended.
During their incarceration, since their condemnation, both men were only permitted the usual prison fare, the county authorities in the future determining to make no distinction in the diet of prisoners committed for capital offences.
Both the misguided men, had paid the penalty of their transgressions with their lives, wished it to be particularly stated that the fatal termination of their career, they attributed solely to drink.
The happy and resigned state of both men up to the last moment of their departure from this world was due, in a great measure, to the great influence exercised by the Rev. Woolmer over their minds, and who has been most devoted to their spiritual welfare.
The number of persons who assembled to witness the execution was said to be about 6,000, who behaved in a very proper manner.
The usual street preachers and tract deliverers were present, and the walls surrounding the gaol were placarded with scriptural quotations; among others was one with the words— Seek ye to-day whom ye shall serve." Underneath this, some Urquhartite had written in pencil " Poland or Russia."
The usual "Life, trial, and execution" vendors were in strong force there, who, before the breath had left the bodies of the culprits, displayed their diabolically illustrated "true and faithful accounts" to the eager and gaping crowd.
At one o'clock the bodies were cut down, and there were only a few people left around the scaffold at that time.
Life After
I am unable to locate any confirmed records of Maria, so she may have gone back to her family in Ireland.
Alfred's sisters' had returned to Birmingham by 1871, living with their Brother George.
Sources
South London Times and Lambeth Observer (1863) 'Determined murder at Chatham' 04 April Pg 2
Chatham News (1863) 'Monday Magistrates' 11 April pg 3
Chatham News (1863) The murder at Chatham 01 August pg 4
Maidstone Telegraph (1863) 'Execution of the murderers Holden and Eldridge' 22 August
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