WALTER GEORGE WALKER
but in NWN obituary he is given as WILLIAM GEORGE WALKER

DROWNED IN THE KENNET
The inquest on the body of William George Walker, (about 60 years of age) who was found drowned under circumstances briefly detailed in the later impressions of last week's issue, was held at the Council Chamber on Thursday evening before the Borough Coroner, T.H. Hawkins, Esq., and the following Jurymen- Messrs. Comyns (Foreman), Westrope, T. Knight, Matthews, Bell, Beauchamp, Dodd, Paris, S. Knight, Hughes, Mortimer, and Sims. The body having been viewed, the witnesses examined were:-

William Clark, a boot maker, living at 4 St. Mary's Cottages, who said that whilst out walking that morning, about 4 o'clock, he saw the body of a man, face downwards, lying in the Kennet, opposite Mr. Fielder's stabling, in about three or four feet of water. The hat was lying on the bank about 100 yards up the stream, close to the gates. Went for the police Climbed round the gate: it was quite easy, and he had often done so.

A juryman repeated that he had often done the same.

David Shingleton, aged 18, living in Bartholomew-street, and of no occupation, said that a quarter past ten he met deceased opposite Mr. Newton's; deceased who was "beery," and had had a little too much, asked for half a pint of ale. Witness put a penny, and his companion named Brunsdon put another penny, and they went into the Jack Tap, and had a pint between the three. Witness left Brunsdon and deceased at the house.

Henry Brunsdon, lodging at the "Cricketers," said he knew the deceased from visits at the house, and had many a glass with him. Witness then deposed to the conversation related by the last witness. Didn't regard the deceased regular sober, nor was he drunk. He could walk straight. Witness followed Shingleton in about five minutes, and left Walker. Said to him "Blossom, finish that beer I'm off." He appeared in good spirits. The next he heard of him was this morning; on coming down stairs Mr. Beauchamp's daughter said "Blossom Walker's dead." Deceased lodged at Michael Willis's in the City.

The Coroner pointed out that there was no evidence to show how the body got into the water. It was stated in evidence that deceased was "beery," and there was no accounting for the vagaries of a man in that condition.

Supt. Goddard said that having examined the spot he came to the conclusion that deceased might have attempted to get round the gate and tumbled in, and that the body had drifted down the stream. The landlady at the Jack Tap did not see him leave, and he must therefore have left immediately after the two witnesses.

It was stated that yesterday was pension day, but deceased had mortgaged his pension, and had no money to take.

Mr. Beauchamp remarked that deceased had called upon him yesterday morning and asked for a job, and being told he had not one to give, he seemed dejected. He had always been in the habit of paying his month's lodging after pension day, but on this occasion he had no money to take.

Mr. Coroner pointed out that as the man was moneyless there was no motive for foul play, even if such an idea was entertained.

The Jury, without further deliberation, stated that they were agreed that their verdict should be one of "Found Drowned."

Deceased, we are informed, never was an ostler in the town. He was apprenticed to Mr. Cumber, baker, and before he was out of his time, enlisted in the East India Service, and was in India 16 years; when the East India Company was dissolved he was turned over to Her Majesty's Service, and when discharged had a shilling a day for his long service in India.

Newbury Weekly News 16 July 1874 Burial Register Bk 1868 Page 104 3225
BMD Deaths Sept 1874 Walter George Walker aged 56 Newbury 2c 123
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