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Braintree, Market Square 1900
Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.

History of Braintree >> Braintree Snippets

Braintree Snippets

When researching for this website we often find a little snippet of information on a location or subject which may be of interest. Some are quirky, some show that there is nothing new in this world, and some about the attitudes and morals of the time. [index to snippets] Here is one for Braintree.

Times October 13 1834

On Thursday evening (the first of the Braintree fair) a lamentable incident occurred between Braintree and Bocking. Mr. Stacey, a young man about 28, of respectable connexions, about half-past 8 was walking in company with two young women; when engaged in conversation, a horse ridden by some person at a furious pace against Mr. Stacey and his companions, by which they were all knocked down. Mr. Stacey had the base of skull fractured, which caused immediate death. The two young women were also considerably imjured.

Several person were immediately on the spot; Mr. Gilson of Chelmsford, and Mr. Holmsted, two medical gentlemen, attended in about five minutes, and used very means to recover the unfortunate young man, but their efforts were unavailing.

The horse is described by two persons who saw it passing as a dark coloured one, the rider dressed in white trousers or small clothes, and a dark cut-off coat.

Mr. Stacey lived in Rivenhall, upon a farm belonging to Lord Western; he was persecuting his claim as heir-in-law, with every prospect of success, to estates of the value of 10,000 [pounds]. An inquest has been holden on the body, and a verdict of "Manslaughter against some person or persons unknown" returned.

Back to History of Braintree and Bocking

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