Newbury Town Clerk Found Dead Miles Away Remains a Mystery, 130 Years On

A tragedy occurred in Newbury 130 years ago. Henry Burke Godwin left for London in February 1895. He worked as a solicitor and served as Newbury’s town clerk. Henry never returned from that trip. People respected him a lot in Newbury, but disaster struck his life.

His body turned up eight days later in a field near Leicester. He suffered a gunshot wound to his head. The jury ruled it was suicide, saying it happened during a period of mental instability. What pushed him to end his life so far from his home?

He took a train to London on February 20 and checked into a fancy hotel, the Midland Grand Hotel. The next day, he went to Leicester, leaving his luggage behind. Before leaving, he sent a letter to his clerk, William Robert Pettifer.

In Leicester, he met Richard Canning, a former Newbury resident; what a strange coincidence that was! They exchanged some words, then Henry left abruptly. Canning thought he looked worried. Henry contacted Newbury’s mayor twice, discussing his interaction with Canning.

Henry took a horse-drawn tram, which ended near Canning’s home. The police noted Henry’s deformed foot. What was he doing so far away? He had refreshments in Blaby. It was odd for a well-dressed man to limp there, and he stood out in the small village.

The landlord said Henry acted strangely. Henry left toward Leicester, and he was sober at that time. This was the last time anyone saw him alive. Someone thought they saw Henry watching a body recovered from the canal in Aylestone. This area saw three suicides that week.

Henry’s letter arrived on February 21, and he said he’d “never return.” Leicester was “far enough” for his plan. The coroner kept its contents private. The letter hinted at his purpose. Henry also sent a parcel inside which were keys, a ring, and a newspaper.

The clipping mentioned a Highgate police case involving people “sleeping out.” A note said, “do what is right.” Pettifer went to Leicester immediately. He brought Henry’s son and a business partner. They could not find Henry. A newspaper ran a plea about his disappearance.

Two workers found Henry’s body that day near Blaby and Aylestone. He held a revolver and had some money too. Henry was 57 years old, and they moved his body to The Union Inn where a doctor examined him.

The doctor said the gunshot was self-inflicted. Henry had been dead for days. The cold kept his body from decomposing. It was a very cold period in the UK, called the “Great Frost.” News reached Newbury that night, and Pettifer identified the body.

An inquest occurred on March 1. The mayor took Henry’s body back, and the town mourned its loss. The town hall flag flew at half-mast, and shops closed during the funeral. Mourners went to St Mary’s Church, as Henry held many important positions.

Pettifer said Henry had money issues. A firm in Newbury failed. Louch said Henry seemed depressed. What was this failed firm? We must look at Samuel Elliott, who also lived in Newbury.

Elliott’s company built gliders. He started as a builder, then opened a joinery. The company became large, and they were known for high-quality work. Elliott also invented things, but his invention caused problems.

Smog was a big problem back then. Elliott’s invention cleaned smoke before release and also created byproducts. He showed it to important people and had support from nobles.

The project did not get commercial support. Factory owners may not have wanted it. Elliott declared bankruptcy, totaling a lot of money. He risked everything on the smoke cleaner. Elliott asked Henry for money in 1888, and he got more later too.

Henry could recover a percentage of returns. Henry signed an agreement. Elliott owed Henry a large amount. He presented his debt to creditors. This happened before Henry disappeared. Elliott denied fault for Henry’s death.

Elliott said he was not a scapegoat. If his company did well, Henry would profit. Another man never mentioned Elliott’s name. The smoke device caused misery.

Henry left behind his wife and kids. Canning died in Leicester in 1905. A new company formed after Elliott’s bankruptcy. They kept Elliott as a manager, and he started a new company later. Elliott’s company traded until 1974.

It’s a complex case with unanswered questions. These events affected real people. If you need help, please seek it. Speak with your doctor, or seek support.