A case of insanity or just brutal murder?
William Wilton was the youngest of 6 children (5 boys, and 1 girl) born in July 1847 to John Wilton from Bond street, London and Mary Ann Stevens from Newhaven, Sussex
His father was an ex-Navy man and Coast Guard who had settled in Brighton Sussex to become a Farmer, a Gardener and a Beekeeper, employing men to help on his 10 acres of Land.
By age 14, William had left home and was lodging in St Leonards Square in London working as a Carpenter. He eventually became a wheelwright Journeyman.
On 9th April 1870, at 22, he Married 20-year-old Flora Seamer at St Nicholas Church in Brighton
They settled into St Johns Street Brighton.
They never had children and she had been suffering for 7 years from Phthisis when she finally succumbed to the disease at age 33 on 26th March 1883
He then Met unwed Sarah Veness, a 29-year-old from Eastbourne Sussex with a Son of 11 years, named George William Birt Hollingdale. His father Arthur Hollingdale had passed away from Hepatitis at age 35 on 5th November 1882 and just months after his wife's death, sometime in July - Sept of 1883, they were married at the Brighton Registry office.
They had moved into 10 Cavendish Street, in Brighton and the three of them occupied the front room, on the ground floor of the house.
It would seem Sarah liked a drink and there would be arguments between the two, throughout their married life.
On the morning of Saturday 7th July 1887, a shocking murder took place at the residence of 10, Cavendish-place, Brighton, and it was William Wilton who committed murder, the victim being his wife Sarah.
On Friday evening they retired at about eleven o'clock, George, then 15 years of age, was still sleeping in the same room.
In the morning he got up at five o'clock and went to his job as a labourer. He left Wilton and his mother in bed.
He did not return until eight for breakfast. He found the front door looked, and so he got over the railings and round to the window and looked into the room. At first, he could see no one but noticed that blood was dripping onto the floor from the side of the bed. He threw open the window, got in, and proceeded to the bed, which was entirely covered by the quilt. Turning this down, he was horrified to find his mother lying with her throat cut. The horror of the sight overcame the lad, and he screamed at the top of his voice, attracting the attention of the neighbours, one of whom, named Taylor, came to see him, and he at once called in the police, and for a doctor.
The PC Penfold arrived and took charge of the house, and the doctor pronounced her life extinct.
The body lay across the bed, her head and upper part hanging over, and there was a large pool of blood on the floor. The bedclothes were saturated with blood. It is concluded that the poor woman was lying down when the fatal blows were struck, as there were no marks of a struggle
On looking around it was found that an ordinary table knife, with blood, had been placed on the washstand, some distance away from the bed, and the idea that the case was one of suicide was at once ruled out.
When it was found that William had absconded, it was felt certain that the crime was one of murder and he was the culprit.
The body was examined later in the day by two doctors, who concluded that the wounds could not have been self-inflicted.
A warrant was then made out for William that morning and in the afternoon he was found in the Windmill Inn on Dyke Road, less than 10 minutes walk from the murder scene.
He was arrested by P.C. Standing and taken to the Town Hall.
When charged, he admitted that he committed the deed, and spoke disparagingly of his wife. He alleged that he had in a considerable amount of trouble with the deceased
A razor was found in his possession, but there were no marks of blood on it. A shirt he was wearing, however, bore some traces.
A later examination of the body shows that a severe blow had been inflicted on the head, apparently with a blunt instrument, in addition to the wounds on the neck with the knife.
On the morning of Monday 9th July, William was brought before the Magistrate at the Police court and charged with murdering his wife by cutting her throat and inflicting other injuries.
Many people were eager to gain admission to the Court but the Chief Constable took precautions against overcrowding, so many stood outside.
When the prisoner was placed in the dock, there was a painful interest, that manifested among all people present.
He was described as a man of average height and possessing a well-set frame. He had an intelligent look, a fair and short thick beard growing under his chin, and it was said that anyone seeing him under different circumstances might be easily led into thinking that he was a sober, industrious artisan. He was attired in a thick dark heavy-looking coat when placed in the dock and wore no collar or tie around his neck.
Mr J. C. Buckwell appeared for the prisoner, instructed by his father. and after some evidence had been taken in support of the charge, he was remanded.
At first, when he was brought into Court, he assumed an outwardly indifferent air, with the suspicion of a smile, as if he hailed inwardly, an idea that he was creating something like a sensation. But as the case wore on, this callousness gave way to a feeling worse than that. He frequently smiled, as evidence was given, particularly at points when the condition of his dead wife was described.
When he heard his stepson's evidence, it was with a great deal of indifference, and he surveyed the lad, with seemingly the same spirit.
On the evening of Monday 1tth July, The Borough coroner Mr A Freeman Gell Esq opened an inquiry at the Britannia Inn, Cavendish-street, on the death of Sarah Wilton,
George Hollingdale. identified the body as that of his mother, Sarah Wilton, who was between 35 and 36 years of age.
The Coroner then adjourned the inquest to the following afternoon (Tuesday 12th July), when it was conducted at the Town Hall, where the accommodation was more ample, and also when the accused, William Wilton, would be in attendance.
George Hollingdale was called, and the questions put to him as well as to those who followed after him, were based upon the evidence given at the Police Court.
At the close of his, general evidence, Hollingdale, in answer to a juryman, said he last saw his stepfather come home on the night of Friday the 8th and there was no quarrelling between him and his mother that night.
The next witness was James Taylor, who had gone to George when he heard him scream and got the police and the doctor
Then P.C. Penfold, also relayed the evidence, that he gave in the Police court regarding his attendance on the scene.
Sarah Ford who was a local, spoke about hearing words between William and Sarah, as she passed the house on Wednesday 6th July.
Rose Bernhard, In answer to a question put to her, said Sarah was a woman of very intemperate habits. During Jubilee week she, with four other lodgers, spent £5 in three days on drink.
Mr. Morris, the Surgeon was asked by Mr. Buckwell "You say that the blow on the temple might have been made with some blunt instrument. so would not blood or hair have been left on it?
Mr Morris: Probably blood.
ln answer to one of the jury, he said the blow was just on the margin of the hair.
P.C Standing and Superintendent Carter also gave evidence on the apprehension of William.
The Coroner, in summing up, said Wilton had admitted that he committed the crime, and he thought they would have no difficulty in at once saying. as far as they were concerned, that he was guilty of wilful murder.
He reminded them that they had nothing to do with the trial of the prisoner.
A verdict of Wilful murder was then returned against William Wilton and the Coroner wrote out his Warrant.
William received the verdict with the same composure that he had manifested throughout the ordeal.
William was again placed in the dock on Wednesday, 13th July at the Police Court. He was accommodated with a seat between two constables, and his demeanour was in no way different from that of the other times he had appeared.
Some little additional evidence having been taken, the Stipendiary asked William if he had anything to say.
William: ''I have nothing to say. I reserve my defence''.
The Stipendiary: ''Have you any witnesses to call?''
William: Not at present.
He was then fully committed for trial at the Lewes Assizes, charged with the wilful murder of Sarah Wilton,
The funeral of Sarah took place on the afternoon of Wednesday at the Parochial Cemetery, in the presence of nearly 290 spectators.
The deceased was to have been interred by the parish authorities, due to her parents both dead, her siblings nowhere to be found and her friends all being too poor to meet the expenses of the funeral but at the eleventh hour Mr Denyer, an undertaker, of the Lewes Road, came forward and undertook to carry out the funeral arrangements at his expense.
The hearse arrived at the Workhouse, where the deceased had been taken, about two o'clock, and having received the poor woman's remains, proceeded to meet the mourners. The procession then moved on towards the Cemetery, and here the mournful tones of the ring out from the belfry of the church, indicating to the crowd that gathered in the yard that the cortege had arrived.
As the coffin was taken from the hearse a handsome violet pall with a white border was thrown over it, and it was carried by four men into the chapel, followed by her son, George, and then, Mrs Hide, Mrs Payne, Mrs Roller and Miss Mitchell, all friends of the deceased. The poor lad, now an orphan, bore the dreadful situation, in which he had been placed bravely but occasionally he could not refrain from shedding a tear.
The crowd eagerly filled the little building, and during the reading of the service by the Rev. F. W. Anderson, Curate of St. Peter's, maintained excellent order.
Fifteen or twenty minutes later, the precession was moved slowly towards the upper North-Eastern part of the Cemetery, where the remains were interred.
The Rev. Mr. Anderson concluded the service.
At the Assizes, on the 8th of August, in the presence of Justice Hawkins, William underwent the penalty of the law.
At the trial, he first pleaded "Guilty " but on being asked by Justice Hawkins if he understood what he was charged with, he made no reply, and upon this, his Lordship directed a plea of "Not guilty "to be entered.
The prosecutor began his case:
It was alleged that the parties lived on quarrelsome terms, Sarah was "always finding fault with her husband," William "frequently ill-treating her "
Her son gave his evidence as he did at the inquest and also regarding the arguments within the marriage.
P.C. Standing stated, that after an active search was instituted for William, he was found at half past twelve on the same day and was arrested by him at the Windmill Inn, Dyke-road. A razor and a key, which later fitted the bedroom door, were found in his possession and blood was subsequently discovered on his under-clothing.
When apprehended and charged with the murder, Wilton said he did it, and that "she deserved it, a long time ago:" afterwards adding, "I know I shall have to have the rope round my neck for her," and admitting that the blood on his shirt came from " where her head fell back."
The medical evidence was that the unfortunate woman had been first stunned by a terrific blow with a heavy instrument, causing a compound fracture of the skull, the actual death resulting from the subsequent cutting of the throat.
The other witnesses as previously mentioned gave their evidence again.
The counsel retained for the defence, then sought to show that the prisoner was insane, providing evidence, and family testimonies, that it had run in the family.
After the judge did his summing up and the Jury retired
After only a quarter of an hour's consideration, they returned and read out a verdict of "Wilful murder."
William had nothing to say against the passing of sentence, and the Judge, remitting him for execution, said he had righteously been convicted of as cold-blooded and cruel a murder as a man could have committed. and impressively implored him to prepare to meet his Maker.
William's friends got a petition together, premixed by Messrs. Evershed and Shaplaud, solicitors, of Brighton, which was forwarded to the Home Secretary, with the view of obtaining a respite or reprieve on the ground of insanity and Mr. Clough, who acted as his counsel at the trial, also further exercised himself in the same direction.
The petition set forth the evidence added at the trial as to the existence of insanity in previous generations of William's family, and as to the alleged existence of the taint amongst relatives now living.
It was also urged that the circumstances of the crime themselves warranted the belief, that the condemned man, did not have his reasoning faculties at the time he committed the crime; and, further, that owing to the poverty of his relatives, means were not available for having the condition of his mind, examined into by experts before the trial.
The receipt of the petition was formally acknowledged at once, and on Saturday there was reply from the Home Office, that no reason was found for interfering with the due course of the law and that the execution therefore take place, within the walls of Lewes Civil Prison
Rain fell heavily during the night of Sunday 28th August. The rattle on the roofs and window panes, not very consoling for William, for his last night in his prison cell, or the sound of the hour and half-tones of the prison clock impressing upon him how near he was to his end.
The morning of Monday 29th August arrived, 7 weeks and 2 days after he committed the murder, his day of execution had arrived.
At half-past eight Eight reporters assembled outside the large gate., through which the prison vans were admitted, awaiting entrance to the gaol.
Shortly before the admission of the Press representative., Chief Warder Farr emerged from the gateway. A young Pressman, who was anxious to learn all he could, asked, " How does he look? "Farr replied, "You'll see him presently." he then asked, "Did he have any breakfast " The answer was, " Ye he had some."
Little else could be acquired from the reluctant Farr and a short time after he had retired, the reporters were admitted through a small door, each signing his name in a book, in the charge of Mr. E. T. Hall, the Governor's clerk.
The Pressmen were ushered into a large gloomy apartment, where the inquests on the bodies of prisoners who died in the prison are held.
Some gazed solemnly out of the window at the staff over the entrance, on which the black flag was soon to float in the breeze. Others conversed in whispers.
When a quarter to nine had passed Mr. Farr appeared again and instructed the reporters through a couple of outer yards., the last one being situated nearest the town. On placing them at the northern corner of the yard he requested that on the man disappearing through the drop, they should not rush up to the gallows. He then disappeared.
It was noticed that the grave had been dug in the southeast corner, the gallows being in the southwest corner. The instrument of punishment consisted of two upright supports with a parallel beam across. There was a hook in the centre, to which the rope that hung the last convict Lefroy was attached, but the hangman was afraid to trust this and the rope this time was securely fastened round the beam. The gallows stood over a pit, into which was descent by brick steps and looked, at a distance, very similar to a huge well. Along the south wall was a tablet.' bearing initials of the following:
Mary Ann Gearing, executed in 1849; (Blog 36) Sarah Ann French, in 1852: (Blog 32) John Murdoch, 1856; (Blog 40) William Lee, in 1866; (Blog 46) Martin Brown, in 1869; (Blog 48) and Percy Lefroy Mapleton, executed Nov. 28th, 1881. (Blog 26)
Wilton's grave was already dug next to Lefroy's.
While these details were being observed James Berry, the Hangman of Bradford,, entered the yard.
He was described as a not over-tall, stout-built man, of not unpleasing appearance. A slight show of light whiskers, beard and moustache. Wearing a light grey suit and brown felt hat, he looked, by comparison with Calcraft, in his black frock coat, trousers to match, and black velvet skull cap, about as much unlike a hangman, as could be imagined.
He had the pinioning strips on his left arm and proceeded unceremoniously to inspect the scaffold, pulling at the rope close up to the beam to make sure it was firm, and then taking it up and looking at the trailing noose end. Then he disappeared into the condemned man's cell, where Wilton was pinioned.
A very short time elapsed before the solemn tones of the Chaplain (Rev. T. H. Cole) repeating the Burial Service were heard emerging from a door entering the yard on the northwest and then the Rev, emerged, visibly affected, attired in his clerical robes. followed by the others, forming the procession. It was a small group, consisting of Mr. C. Bull, who, as on other former similar occasions acted as Deputy Sheriff, the Governor of the gaol, Capt. Crickett, Mr R. Turner, gaol surgeon, the culprit, with on either side Warders Sprinks and Richardson, and Berry at the back of him, and Chief Warder Farr. Dr Kelly, medical officer for West Sussex, was also present.
Wilton, tightly pinioned as he was, walked firmly, apparently heeding nothing. He was said to have appeared so callous and indifferent, as he had been when before the Magistrates at Brighton and on his trial at Lewes.
On reaching the gallows the culprit hesitated slightly as to where he was to go but was gently directed by Berry on to the trap door, which was a very few inches above the level of the ground.
At this point, the chaplain spoke the words," Man that is born of a woman, " and turned his back to the gallows.
Wilton was speedily turned round to the spectators, bareheaded, his face showed, although calm, he acutely felt the agonies of death. His legs were tied, the whitecap placed over the distressed features the noose had its final adjustments around his neck. The rope was given to Warder Sprinks to hold off from Wilton, so as not to impede the fall, and with a swift movement, Berry went towards the front of the gallows on the left of the dying man and with one push of the lever the trap descended with a loud rattle, drowning the prayer, from the Rev "Suffer us not at our last hour," and William was launched into eternity.
There was a heavy thud as the doors struck the sides, the bags of fibre, deadening the sound, and all was over.
The body fell slightly forward, the bound legs following the movement of the trap door. Suspended like a pendulum, the body swayed to and fro and this movement, Berry steadied it with his hand.
The reporters then came slowly forward and looked down the pit; the nerves and muscles of his body were still trembling violently, but his life had departed.
The Governor and hangman were then interviewed and both were very courteous and readily answered the questions which were put to them.
From Captain Crickitt the facts were ascertained that Wilton had retired to rest early on the previous night, rose at about 6.30 that morning, made a good breakfast and was attended by the Chaplain. He left no expression of repentance. During his stay in the gaol, his conduct had been most exemplary. He ate, drank and slept well.
It was said that Berry performed his unpleasant duties with celerity. Wilton could scarcely have been in the yard two minutes before his painless death was brought about.
The executioner told the reporters that he made a difference in the length of the drop as Wilton, weighed nine stone four pounds and he allowed him a 5-ft. 6-in. drop. He was the strongest nerved man he had as yet executed.
On going into the cell that morning he bade Wilton "Good morning' and shook hands with him. Wilton said "Goodbye" and this he also said to the warders present.
Asked as to whether he (Berry) slept in the prison during the night he replied in the affirmative and said that he spent the Sunday in Brighton. Berry stamped his address in some of the reporters' notebooks, saying that they might perhaps " like to send him a paper." It is stated that he always feels "a bit queer in the stomach" after executing anyone. He has "worked off" 106 in four years.
It was announced that the inquest would be held at a quarter past ten and the reporters left the precincts of the gaol for a time.
The black flag was observed to be flying over the gate and on the posterns outside were posted notices stating that the execution had taken place
About 150 people had assembled near the gaol. Telegrams giving details of the execution were sent off by the reporters from the post office to the London news agencies, to be in time for the early editions of the evening papers.
The jury was summoned for the inquest, with Mr G. E. Hinman, the deputy coroner, and quickly assembled in the room already described above and the following were sworn in:
Councillor Pelling (foreman), Mr W. Banks, Mr B. Chandler, Mr W. Likeman, Mr Ockenden, Mr E. G. Hales, Mr .J Stevens. Mr J Reed, Mr W. S. Sandalls, Mr H. Head, Mr W. Tompkins. Mr S. Gladman and P. J. Starmes.
The first movement was to view the body, which was lying on its back in a plain wood coffin, in the same clothes as when executed. No coat was worn, the black and white check woollen shirt sleeves being exposed. The arms were folded in front and the hands were very white. The face was pale, and there was a slight bruise over the left eye. The hair was curly and of a sandy tint. This was also the case with the whiskers. On moving the head a thick livid mark was
A desire was then expressed to see the gallows and most again left the room to see them.
On again returning the following evidence was explained :
Captain G. A. Crickitt, governor of the prison, deposed: William Wilton was tried and convicted at the Assizes held at Lewes on the 8th of August, for the wilful murder of Sarah Wilton, his wife, and was sentenced to death. The execution was carried out this morning at nine o'clock. He is 40 years of age and a wheelwright by trade. He is now dead.
The Coroner: The body which the jury has is that of William Wilton.
Capt. Crickitt: Yes.
The Coroner Would any of the jury like to ask the Governor any question? No one made any response.
Mr. R. Turner deposed: I am surgeon of Her Majesty's Civil Prison at Lewes. I was present this morning at the execution of the deceased prisoner, William Wilton. I have examined the body. The cause of death was hanging by the neck, producing dislocation of the vertebral column and rupture of the spinal cord. I believe that death, was instantaneous and painless.
The Coroner: Would anyone like to ask the Doctor any questions? No questions were asked.
The Coroner: The executioner is here. I don't know whether you want to ask him any questions.
Mr. Banks: Everything seems very satisfactory considering the painful circumstances.
The Coroner: If you wish to ask the executioner any question he is here. I do not think it is necessary from the evidence point of view.
Mr. Banks: From the evidence and from the appearance it is clear that death must have been instantaneous.
No one appeared to desire that Berry should be called in, and the Coroner directed the jury as to the legal form of the verdict, and the verdict returned following the usual form, setting forth the Of death and the manner of it.
This concluded the inquest, and the jury, having signed the verdict, dispersed.
The black flag over the prison gate was taken down immediately after the body had been removed from the pit.
There was very little official parade at the execution. The Mayor of Lewes did not exercise his right to be present, neither did any County Magistrate put in an appearance. The High Sheriff delegated his duties to Mr Bull, who has for many years acted as an undersheriff, but as he appeared in a summer suit and a white hat, so his portly figure did not add much dignity to the sad business for which those present had assembled.
The gentlemen of the Press present were in reality, the representatives of the public, to see that the requirements of the law were complied with.
There appeared a letter in a local paper from Mr Evershed and Mr Shapland, solicitors, of Brighton, which read as follows:
Regarding the execution of William Wilton -
"The statement in your paper of this morning (Monday) that the condemned man, William Wilton, showed no signs of repentance, prior to his execution, is incorrect, as his father informed us, that the Chaplain assured him, that he was very repentant and resigned."
Life After
George Hollingdale was taken in by friends of Sarah and in 1891, he was living with Harriett Nutford, a Domestic Cook at 28 Ivory Place Brighton. registered on the census as her son-in-law. He was still working as a labourer.
At age 23, he was living with his 21-year-old girlfriend Kate Caroline Patrick at 47 Park Crescent Road. She fell pregnant and they married on 5 Dec 1895 at St Martin church in Brighton, witnessed by two friends. Kate gave birth to their first child, Edith Mary, 2 months later, on 5 Feb 1896,
They moved into a 3-bedroom terrace at 19 De Montfort Road and on 10th March 1897, Kate gave birth to Dora Clara Isabel, then George William was born in July 1899
They had then moved into 17 Williams Road Brighton, when their firstborn, Edith Mary was taken ill by Diptheria and was taken to the Sanatorium in Preston Brighton, at age 3, and died on 17th Sep 1899 from vomiting, resulting in cardiac failure. This was followed by son George William at 6 months died in December (GRO system issues, so unable to locate death record and cause of death for him, possible winter season related illness)
Then on 15th August 1900, Kate gave birth to Elizabeth Mary, then another daughter named Zilpah was born on 20th August 1901
William Edward was born on 7th Jan 1904 but he came down with Bronchitis and died from exhaustion at age 3 months on 15th April.
Then came Lewis on 31 March 1907 and finally Alice Winifred was born in March 1916.
In October 1916, they saw their Daughter Dora age 19, get married to Thomas Streeter.
They eventually settled into 49 Williams Street Brighton and it was here that George suffered from Asthma and Bronchitis, resulting in the depletion of the right side of the heart and passed away at age 45 on 25th October 1917
Then exactly a year later on 25th October 1918, their Last Born Alice Winifred died at home, age 2 years 7 months from influenza and pneumonia, her sister Dora, then 21, registered her death and was present at her death.
On 10 May 1919 at St James Kemptown Brighton, Kate married a neighbour at no 10 Williams Street, widower William Still, a 40-year-old fisherman and Royal Navy Reserve, and he moved into her home at no 49 but that marriage only lasted a few years and he died aged 45 on 31 October 1922 from acute pneumonia and heart failure at home.
Kate saw her daughter Zilpah get married in Oct 1923 in Brighton to Edmond Yeandle and her son Lewis married in July 1938 in Brighton to Alice M Bake.
Daughter Elizabeth ended up in a mental hospital in 1839, for reasons unknown, she never married.
Kate never married again and died in October 1948, age 75.
SOURCES
Horsham, Petworth, Midhurst and Steyning Express (1887) 'The case of Wife murder' Tuesday 19 July pg 2
Eastbourne Chronicle (1887) 'Dreadful tragedy in Brighton' 16 July pg 8
Eastbourne Chronicle (1887) 'Execution of the Brighton Murder' 03 September pg 6
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