Titheridge Tragedies as a Result of Alcohol Excess

Kilmeston home of Daniel Titheridge
Parish Church of St Andrew
 

Excessive drinking is something I think of as a modern day problem, however the following two inquest reports show that it has been an age old problem.

The inquest into the death of Daniel Titheridge in 1843

The first inquest report is from November 1843 and reports on the inquest into the death of Daniel Titheridge from Kilmeston. Daniel was born in Kilmeston in 1806 son of Daniel Titheridge and Ann Mitchell and as far as we know he was unmarried.

“The following inquests have been taken by Mr Todd during the past week. At Kilmeston, on the body of Daniel Titheridge, a tailor, who died suddenly in a fit of apoplexy, brought on by intoxication and exposure to the weather. The deceased had been celebrating his 37th birthday a public house last Sunday evening from 5 til 10 o’clock, when the landlord insisted on him leaving the house and nothing more was heard of him till the following morning, when he was found lying upon the road, about half way towards his home, in a state of insensibility which terminated in death before medical assistance could be obtained. Verdict “Natural death, by Apoplexy”.”

The inquest into the death of James Titheridge in 1899

The second inquest report is from October 1899 on the death of James Titheridge of the Portsmouth area. The report suggests James was born in 1877 but I have no idea who he is. (If you can identify this James please get in touch).
 
“The inquest into the death of James Titheridge, aged 22, a labourer, residing at No 14 Voller Street Landport, who met his death falling from the scaffold at no 40, St Thomas’s Street, Portsmouth on Monday last. Mr E Bechervaise watched the case on behalf of Mr Maurice Coltherup, builder of Lombard Street, Portsmouth, employer of the deceased. Evidence was given to the effect that the deceased was discharged by Mr Coltherup’s foreman for being drunk on the works. The deceased went away, but came back much the worst for liquor and persisted in going up to the top of the scaffold to see a mate, and, missing a footing he fell to the ground, a distance of 37 feet. Dr Welch was called in, and on his advice Constable Thompson conveyed the injured man to hospital, where he was attended by Dr Way (house surgeon). He was quite unconscious and remained so until his death at 11.40 that night. Dr Way said the death was due to injury to the brain caused by the fracture to the base of the skull. A verdict of “accidental death” was returned.”

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