By 2023, 73-year-old Arthur Harrison, had been running hardware shops for 55 years, but decided it was time to hang up his overalls for good. He had been well-known on the ‘DIY circuit’, having first run shops in his home city of Coventry. ‘Arthur’s Food Store’ was his first shop in Stoney Stanton Road back in 1969, when he was just 18. He then moved to Hexworthy Avenue in Styvechale, before coming to Kenilworth.
Advert from Kenilworth Weekly News 1988
Arthur ran Buyrite in Kenilworth for more than three decades, but readily admitted he couldn’t remember the exact year he arrived. But he remarked that the time had come for him to retire, which had been forced upon him.
Shop to be Re-Developed
The landlords have decided to re-develop the site into flats and a shop below. Over the years Buyrite had three premises: two in Talisman Square and the final one in Station Road.
Arthur said: “They have made up their minds, but I’m okay with that. I feel like it’s the right time for me to retire; I can’t say anything bad about the landlords because they have been good to me over the years.” He added: “It will be a sad day when I finally close because I really do like the customers here in Kenilworth. It’s a really nice place to have a shop.”
Like most businesses which are about to close, he expected a busy last few weeks before the shutters go-up, which was originally set for 25th March, but was extended by the landlords for a month. They even opened on Sundays to help get rid of the stock. He remarked: “Takings are already up now they know I’m going!”
Wilko Did Buyrite a Favour
The arrival of Wilkinson (later re-named Wilko, now B&M), opposite the shop in 2011, actually did him a great favour. If they haven’t got something, people would just walk across the road and see if he had it in stock. If not, Arthur would always say: “We’ll have it in by Monday.” Wilko, without doubt increased Buyrite’s footfall.
Wilko’s arrival did Arthur a favour
Kenilworth Vibes Goes ‘Viral’
Cyril Hobbins (The late) – A well-known Kenilworth resident wrote: “I shall pop in for ‘Four Candles’ before you shut the shop for good.”
Ann Hunt – “So sad yesterday to see Arthur putting up ‘closing down’ posters in his window. He has been an absolute stalwart of the local retail landscape for so many years. I for one will miss him!”
David Ian Ball – “This is sad news, by far the best shop in Kenilworth!”
Bev Clifford – “The council moved him about due to ‘knocking’ down buildings but Arthur took it all in his stride and carried on. His humour and cheerful nature will be another great loss to Kenilworth. Good luck to retirement.”
Trading was extended by a month
Melanie Lawrence – “That’s so sad to hear. I’ve lived in Kenilworth for over 30 years and he has always been there and always so friendly and cheerful. Will be so strange not to see him there.”
Kath Shortley – “Happy retirement Arthur, you deserve it. You were a good neighbour to Alec and myself at Juteronomy. All the very best. You will be missed in the town.”
Marianne Dawn – “Oh no! Love that shop and Arthur. In that Aladdin’s cave, he knows where everything is as well.”
Michaela Franklin – “Sad news, grew up with his shop by my nan’s house in Styvechale. Was always nice to know, when he was in Kenilworth if you ever needed that ‘thing‘ you couldn’t get anywhere else.”
James Fletcher – “The only person who can find a needle in a haystack.”
Sare Scooby Tabor – “Ooh, Mr Arkwright we will miss the banter, you are a legend. Your two beautiful daughters have worked so god damn hard, credit to you.”
Bye-Bye Arthur
In the last few weeks before closure, Arthur was literally selling everything, the shelving and even the till had to go. By the last day of trading the shop was virtually empty but his daughter Louise indicated that any leftover stock would be donated to charity.
Shutters Go Up
Photo courtesy the late of Cyril Hobbins
Due to illness, Arthur was unable to attend the shop for the last couple of weeks of trading. His daughters took charge of the shop during this period. But he was able to attend on the final day of trading, Saturday 29th April 2023. As usual he had a big smile on his face!
One question some Kenilworth people asked Arthur was: “How the devil do you do a stock-take, in a place like this?”
Empty (except for the till which they couldn’t sell)
Boarded Up – July 2023
Arthur Harrison 1950-2023
Sadly, Arthur died on 4th August 2023. His funeral took place at Cannon Hill Chapel, Canley Crematorium, on 21st August.
Back in the mid to late 1960’s, my mates and I, could be found fishing the Finham, and Inchford brooks that flowed behind the castle on a regular basis. Sometimes with nets, catching Sticklebacks, and Minnows or fishing with rod and line for the trout. The trout where discovered by accident when fishing a stretch close to the ford, which would lead to the ghostly encounter. (Tony is pictured far left)
Finham brook at the ford. Where many trout were caught, especially during floods periods
We fished this area over the next couple of years, and caught many trout. Then one day my friend and I were again fishing there, when we had an experience, that to this day, I have no explanation for………..
At that time, the entrance was at the front of the castle, opposite castle green, so it was generally quiet at the back of the castle, with mostly people hiking around the fields. Access to the tiltyard back then wasn’t as easy as it is today. On the ford side of the tiltyard, the embankment slopes steeply down to the brook. On the other side, steps lead down to the bridge, that spans the brook. I’m not sure if back in the 1960s, the steps even existed.
Far side of tiltyard down to the bridgeEcho Meadows viewed from the tilyardView of tiltyard from the present day visitor’s centreSteep slope on front of tiltyardThe approximate position of the ‘sighting‘Trees on the far side of tiltyard
We were happily fishing that day, when something caught my eye …… I turned to my left to see what it was, and to my utter amazement, there, on the tiltyard, about ten yards along from Mortimer’s Tower, stood a ‘crusader knight’, in all his glory, sword in hand, and a large red cross on his tunic. My fishing companion, Glenn Smith saw it too, so it wasn’t just me seeing things! We were in awe, but scared witless. It just stood there, motionless. We decided to hide behind the trees by the brook, and observe it. I can’t remember how long the knight stood there for, but he was facing in our direction, and that made hiding behind the trees seemed like a good idea at the time. After a while, he turned around and walked off into the trees behind him, and disappeared. Strange thing was …… as mentioned earlier, the far side of the tiltyard slopes steeply down to the bridge, but somehow he had walked straight across into the trees, seemingly in mid-air, and not down the slope! Not long after this strange event, we headed that way to have a look around for any clue as to who/what it was. But there was nothing about. The knight had literally vanished into thin air ………..?
‘The Saintlowe Tower Lady’
Saintlowe Tower – Built by John O’Gaunt in the late 1370s
My second encounter at the castle, was in September of 2005. I now live in Florida, and was on vacation, visiting my home town. So I decided to go into the castle as it holds such great memories for me. It was mid-week as I recall, a cold still day, and it seemed as if I was the only one in the grounds. It was dead quiet.
The Great Hall
The basement of the Great Hall, Saintlowe tower is in the right-hand corner
I walked around most of the castle then decided to go into the Great Hall, and then up the spiral staircase inside Saintlowe Tower. I exited the doorway at the top of the staircase into what was once a room. The vast windows on the left-hand side now look out over the echo meadows (or the mere as it would have been centuries ago), and there to my surprise was a lady, dressed in a long flowing blue dress, sat on the stone-seat (pictured) looking out of the window. But before I had the chance to gather my senses as to what I was seeing – she had vanished……….
Top of spiral staircaseSaintlowe Tower from the northWindow where the ‘lady’ appeared
Echo Meadows from Saintlowe Tower – Once part of the Great Mere
Ghostly goings on at the castle, who can say? But what I can say is this; I did witness these two unexplainable events. Both scary, but enlightening encounters in their own way. ‘Strange but True’.
We all know, that when even a small pebble is dropped or thrown into a pool, ripples expand outwards for quite a way, often until they reach a distant shore.
I have discovered that this can happen on what I refer to as the, ‘Pool of Life’, I speak of metaphorical pebbles obviously. It happened to me in late 2008, when, completely out of the blue, I received an email from the USA from a LA company called, J. West. They were representing Disney Home Entertainment Inc, and were inviting me to take part in the launch of the DVD/Blu-Ray platinum edition of the remastered cartoon film of Pinocchio. Yes, they wanted me!
Photo credit – Cyril Hobbins
But I was so sceptical, thinking it was some sort of a scam, I took the time to research them to check on the company – they were genuine. After some transatlantic negotiation, I agreed to the whole thing. I will summarise my week-long Hollywood adventure later.
But it has puzzled me ever since who, somewhere in the world, knew of my one-man-band, toy research and wooden toy making business all in a small shed, here in Kenilworth. Exactly, who threw that pebble into my personal ‘pool of life’, for the ripples to expand outwards across the Atlantic to America? I have never found out and probably never will.
A Change of Career
I had given up my post as Deputy Manager/Social Worker after 15 years at a Warwick Day Centre for adults with severe learning disabilities, to set myself up as a researcher, then re-creator of historically accurate wooden toys, dolls and games.
After making a few toys, I started to sell them at places like Kenilworth Market and I even had a stall in the Abbey Fields on Carnival day. But It was a slow start.
I expanded the business by using my social work and teaching skills to create, then to validate, toy history and toy-making courses, for Infant and Junior Schools. This was part of the then growing, National Curriculum.
Every month I would make enough toys to sell at local Craft Events and in the Cotswolds. I would also produce enough of my littletoy-kits for my practical toy-making workshops at schools, museums and historic sites. Eventually, I became Tudor Toymaker to English Heritage, and Victorian Toymaker for the National Trust, and at various museums.
My little toy-kitscould be completed by almost any child within 40 minutes. I made a range of about 40 different toys, which meant I could spend a whole day with a single class.
photo credit – Vernon Todd
I soon had a full order book, which kept me exceptionally busy, and exceedingly happy – all my hard work was finally paying off!
A further development was my historically accurate replicas of museum exhibits of wooden toys, dolls and games, allowed children to have, hands-on experience during their visits.
Drawings by Cyril Hobbins
There are collections of these toys at places like Charlecote House, Wordsworth House, Compton Verney, Tattershall Castle plus many other museums.
Charlecote House, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire
So, after around five years, I was becoming relatively well known in the Midlands, and especially the Cotswolds. But I say again, who told Disney? Which returns me to my ‘Pebbles in the Pool of Life’ ………….. theme
Disney – An Enduring Memory
To summarise as promised earlier, in January 2009, my wife Glenys and I, were whisked off by a chauffeur driven car to Heathrow Airport to board a Boeing 777, heading for LAX International Airport; as VIP guests in business-class, no less! On arrival at LAX, and after a rather stressful introduction to US Border Control and Immigration, we were greeted by a driver, who took us to our accomodation.
The Famous Hollywood Sign. Photo credit – Tony Dilworth
Photo credit – Tony Dilworth
As guests of Disney Home Entertainment, we spent a magical week in a luxury suite (13 floors up), at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel, overlooking the city, with the famous Hollywood Sign in the distance hills. During our stay, we ate at the Hollywood Grill and used the roof-top swimming pool. The hotel breakfast’s, had to be seen to be believed, we were thoroughly spoiled. This was after a film-crew from Pinewood Studio’s, had filmed me at home in my workshop. This video was used as part of the second disc, that launched the re-mastered, Pinocchio.
View from Cyril’s hotelCyril relaxing in his plush hotel suite.
Click on photo to enlarge
We were given two days to recover from our jet-lag which gave us time to explore places like: Hollywood Boulevard, Beverley Hills and Santa Monica. Then came two days of hard and intensive work at the Burbank Disney Studios, giving dozens of press interviews and toy making demonstrations. I was even given an official ‘Minder’ to keep an eye on me. She was wonderful, always ensuring that I was comfortable and at ease.
One task was to take part in what is known as a ‘B’ Roll movie, for Disney Records. For the first time (and hopefully the last) I was given the full works by a make-up artist. We had lighting and sound checks etc, I then demonstrated my large collection of wooden toys to the Chief Creative Officer, John Lasseter, whilst he interviewed me.
Cyril in a typical Toy-Making outfit – leather apron, neckerchief & Victorian stripy shirt – pictured with John Lasseter.
Afterwards, we were given a complete tour of the Walt Disney archive and museum, including the huge pre-war animation camera that Walt Disney used for all his early work. We even met the man, Dickie Jones (pictured), a child actor back in the day, who did the original voice of Pinocchio, in the film’s production during 1938/9. He was 11-years-old at the time!
A truly amazing week, that remains an enduring memory.
The Platinum DVD/Blu Ray edition of Pinocchio is still about, (plenty to be found on ebay), but less and less people are using this format nowadays, so maybe the film can be found on the Disney+ streaming service? Have a look if you are a subscriber.
But, finally, I would truly love to discover who threw my pebble?? ………………..
Harold Francis Newey was born on the 22nd October 1897, to parents William Newey and Emily Wyton. (pictured, left). Emily originated from Hook Norton.
The family lived at 50, High Street (Newey cottage) where the Newey family had lived for generations.
Postal Workers
His father was a postman in Kenilworth, and after leaving school, Harold also got a job with the Post Office, becoming a ‘Telegraph messenger boy’. So they both spent a lot of time on their bikes, around the streets of Kenilworth!
But within a few years, WW1 had started and by the time he was 18 years-old he had signed-up, and was transferred into the reserve of the R.G.A (Royal Garrison Artillery). After his training he was eventually called-up for service in August 1917. But he never left the country.
The R.G.A. provided heavy siege howitzers, and coastal artillery plus mobile guns on railways. Some of these guns were manufactured at the Coventry Ordinance Works.
Postcard from Harold to his mother
After The War
Having got through the war, he was discharged and put into the Army Reserve in November 1919. So, it was back to civilian life in Kenilworth for young Harold.
Following in his father’s foot-steps, he became involved with St Nicholas church, and eventually became a sexton, and was a keen bell-ringer.
In 1929, he married Rose Hughes of Warwick Road at St Nicholas. They settled into married life at 19, St John’s Street, and had one daughter together, called Rosemary. For the best part of his adult life, Harold worked in the engineering industry in Coventry, he last worked for the Auto. Machinery Co. in Aldermoor Lane.
St Nicholas Church, second home to the Newey’s
World War Two
On the outbreak of WW2, Harold voluntered to become an ARP Warden in Kenilworth and was one of the first responders on the scene when the landmine fell on The Square/Abbey End in November 1940, which killed 25 people. He witnessed much horror and destruction that night, which he probably never forgot. Indeed, Kenilworth has never forgotten.
Aftermath of the landmine – ARP Wardens can be seen digging through the rubble. photo courtesy of the Warwickshire County Records Office PH (N) 600/279/9 img 9376
In 2023 his ARP helmet was donated to the Abbey Museum by his grandson Barry Rose. The museum is run by The Kenilworth History & Archaeology Society. https://www.khas.co.uk/
Grandson Barry Rose hands over Harold’s ARP Helmet to Hon. Museum Curator, Margaret Kane.
The St Nicholas Bellringers 1950’s (Harold is far right, his father is in the centre)
Harold pictured in his back garden with grandson Barry Rose. (late 1950s)
Harold died in 1962, three day’s short of his 65th birthday. His ashes are buried at St Nicholas churchyard, along with his wife Rose, who died in 1986, age 93.
Calmness seemingly on the surface but a crisis lies beneath
In August 2022, after several weeks of very little rain and record high temperaures, the water level in the Abbey Fields Lake was critical, and the carp were dying due to lack of oxygen. Disappointingly, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent and Warwick District Council weren’t helpful following a site visit on the Thursday 11th, saying “Nothing Could Be Done“.
So it looked like the fish would perish, but the Kenilworth Community had other ideas. A group of volunteers, lead by Callum Thorpe, Darren Rees, Mark Copsey and Cliff Owens, later known as the ‘Lake Lads’, got together and hatched a plan to rescue the fish. They set up camp (around the clock) for several days on the footpath just along from the swimming pool. Donations of water pumps, fountains, generators, fuel, food and drink came flooding in.
The carp were dying and action was needed – fast
Two of the ‘Lake Lads’ Darren Rees and Mark Copsey
This fountain (donated by David and Sue Keene) gave the carp much needed oxygen
Generators were helpful in oxygenating the water
Statement from Warwick District Council – CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Kenilworth Pet & Garden Supplies, Abbey End
A fund was immediately set up by Kenilworth Pet & Garden Supplies, with a donation from them of £500. A total of around £2000 was raised initially to purchase a tanker of fresh water. A supplier was found and a tanker of 19,000 litres arrived on 14th August, and the fish responded immediately. However, it became apparent that purchasing further tankers would be too costly.
The lake volunteers set up camp on the banks of the lake
BBC Midlands Today became aware of the story (as did BBC CWR Radio) who sent a camera crew down to the lake to record the events that were unfolding. Their report appeared on the evening of Monday 15th, which gave the story much needed publicity, and would have widened the cause of the ‘Lake Lads’. Several interviews took place, including one with WDC councillor Richard Hales, who became pivotal in the support of the eventual removal of the carp. Up to this point, approximately 300 had already died.
District Councillor Richard Hales being interviewed by reporter Peter Wilson
The BBC were in attendance for several hours
To save the carp from certain death the only option available was for them to be removed. Lavender Hall Fishery were granted a licence to remove the fish by the Environment Agency, and netting started on the evening of the 15th, and continued the following day. They eventually removed approximately 650 fish, and these were transferred into one of their own lakes’s at Berkswell. The carp were of a good size, ranging from 3-5lbs. It is believed that less than 5% of the original stock, now remain. So, in the end, it was a ‘Triumph Over Adversity’.
Big thanks must go to all the lads at CJT Fencing & Landscaping lead by Callum Thorpe for all their help during the rescue.
A large percentage of the stock were common carp, the others being mirror carp which have larger but fewer scales
Lavender Hall Fishery – new home of the Kenilworth carp
It is rumoured that the carp were illegally introduced into the lake in the early 2000’s as small fish, and have since thrived due to the natural food available to them (daphnia etc) plus the supplement of bread and other treats from the general public. In recent years, due to their growth and over population, in conjuction with Leamington Angling Association, the lake has been regulary netted by Jon Wall Fisheries of Newark. Many of the carp have now been stocked into LAA’s own fishing lakes. In the spring of 2023 the lake was netted again, and a small number of fish were removed.
On Thursday 16th September 1909, Charles Hobbins of Crackley Cottages, left for work as usual at 6am to start his shift at the oil-cake mill at Mill End. He returned home 12 hours later to find his wife Elizabeth and baby daughter, Kathleen Maria, were missing. His other children, three boys, who were playing outside, didn’t know of their whereabouts.
‘Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland’ (1903) Licence CC-BY (NLS) https://maps.nls.uk/index.html
The house was shut up and It appeared they hadn’t been seen since lunchtime, and the key was in its usual place. He came to the conclusion that his wife had taken the baby to visit friends in Coventry. But when she did not come home by the late carrier, he became very concerned, and his anxiety naturally increased as the night wore-on. Where could they be?
Crackley Cottages – present day
Early next morning, with the help of neighbour Arthur Hunt, they went to search for them. They eventually found their bodies submerged in a gravel pit at Knowle Hill Farm, the baby was found underneath her mother. Mrs Hobbins was 41-years-old, Kathleen was just 11 months.
The police were immediately informed, and under the supervision of Inspector William Parkinson the bodies were recovered and taken to the police mortuary to await an inquest.
One possible route that Mrs Hobbins could have taken that day was to walk up Crackley Hill, left into Common Lane, at the bottom a right-turn into Dalehouse Lane, then left up Knowle Hill. She would then have taken a left turn towards the gravel pit. But no one for certain knows which route she took.
The Inquest
Former Council House in Upper Rosemary Hill (now apartments)
The inquest took place on 18th September at the Council House in Upper Rosemary Hill, presiding was Mr J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst, Coroner for Mid-Warwickshire.
Witness – Charles Hobbins
Mr. Hobbins, 38, who was sobbing pitifully, said he had been married to Elizabeth since 1896. He told the court she had been troubled with her nerves for years, and also complained about head pains. The coroner enquired if she had anything worrying her, he replied, saying that she seemed to think she was dirty and neglecting the children, and was not cleaning the house. But everything was fine as far as he was concerned. The coroner further enquired if his wife ever said anything about taking her own life? Mr. Hobbins stated that she sometimes said she wished she was dead, but he didn’t take her seriously. His wife was fond of children and they lived happily together.
Witness – Mrs Neale
Mrs Neale, neighbour of deceased, told the inquest that she last saw her at about 1.30 that day, she seemed a little strange, and was complaining about pains in her head. She saw Mrs Hobbins and the baby walk in the direction of the Common. Mrs Neale said that the deceased kept the house very clean and must have been a delusion if she thought she neglected the house.
Witness – Arthur Hunt
Arthur Hunt, also of Crackley Cottages, spoke to the court regarding accompanying Mr. Hobbins on the search for his wife and child. He said it was in the direction of the pit that the deceased and her husband used to take walks, which was about half-a-mile away. Upon visiting this piece of water, they saw a woman’s hat floating on the surface and directly underneath they could see the outline of a body, which proved to be that of Mrs Hobbins and her baby. The water was shallow, and a steep bank down to it. He did not think it was possible for anyone to fall into the water and get to where they found the bodies, for if anyone rolled down the bank accidentally, he or she would stop in very shallow water. There was a considerable amount of mud in the pit, but it might be possible for someone to fall in during darkness.
Probable site of drownings. (now housing) ‘Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland’ (1903) Licence CC-BY (NLS) https://maps.nls.uk/index.html
Police Evidence
Inspector Parkinson said that the bodies were three or four feet from the edge of the water, and Mrs Hobbins was lying on her face. The child was clasped tightly to her breast, and both were fully dressed. No letter or note was found, and the bodies were in 2′ 6″ of water. There was no evidence of slipping on the banks of the pit. During his enquires, he could not find any person who had seen Mrs Hobbins since Mrs Neale had spoken to her early in the afternoon.
Medical Evidence
Dr. Wilmott spoke about the post-mortem examinations on the bodies. He said the only injuries he could find were three small bruises on Mrs Hobbins legs. In his opinion, both died due to drowning.
The Verdict
In summing up to the jury, the coroner said, that if they thought that the woman committed suicide, then they must also bring a verdict against her of ‘Wilful Murder’ in respect of the child. On the other hand, the evidence shows that she might have tumbled into the pit, with the child, whilst wandering in the dark, in a ‘frenzied’ state, owing to her suffering.
The Jury returned a verdict in both cases of ‘Found Drowned‘.
More Tragedy for the Family – 1929
Charles Hobbins and his three sons eventually moved away from Crackley Cottages, and found a house in Henry Street – But more tragedy was to follow. By 1929, Charles had re-married, but in October of that year, he committed suicide by cutting his throat.
At an inquest held at Kenilworth Police Station on 22nd October, witness, Mrs Elizabeth Falconbridge, sister of the deceased, said her brother had also suffered a nervous breakdown over the last 20 weeks. He complained about pains in his head, he was also upset that he could not get his job back with the Kenilworth Urban District Council. His second wife was presently very ill, and unable to attend the inquest. (she lived until 1952)
A lodger at the house, said he was cleaning his motor-cycle when Hobbins came running out of the house with blood streaming from his throat. The witness went to fetch Dr. Day, but on their return, they found Hobbins lying dead in the scullery. He was 58.
The jury returned a verdict of ‘Suicide while of unsound mind’.
Grave of Charles Hobbins and second wife Annie, in Kenilworth Cemetery
On the evening of Thursday 29th October 1891, John Reuben Rainbow, turned up ‘out of the blue’ at his cousin’s house at Clayfield (now the Whitemoor area) and offered to take him for a glass of beer. His cousin, 29 year-old George Alfred Brewer duly accepted his offer. But he felt it was rather strange that he had come over on such a cold winter’s night, just for a drink, especially as they hadn’t seen each other for months. They decided to go out for about an hour.
Rainbow, a farmer, originally born in Kenilworth had travelled all the way from his farm at Wappenbury on a pony and trap. But within minutes of their departure, a groaning was heard outside the front door of the Brewer’s house and when his father opened the door, his son fell into his arms. He had been shot by Reuben (as he was known) and he had rode off towards home. His father immediately went to get Dr. Clarke and the police. The shooting occured at the end of Leyes Lane at the junction near to the ‘Elmdene’ estate. (the junction of Windy Arbour/Park Hill).
‘Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland’ (1886) Licence CC-BY (NLS) https://maps.nls.uk/index.html
Reuben was reported to have had his hand in his pocket feeling for something. He produced a revolver and placed it against George’s side and pulled the trigger. Reuben only fired the one shot, probably thinking one was enough to kill him. But somehow, George managed to jump off the trap and make his way home.
Site of shooting – present day
After receiving the report of the shooting, the police were quickly in pursuit of the suspect. At Stoneleigh the officer heard that a trap had been seen driving through the village at speed. On arrival at Weston-under-Wetherley he came across an empty trap at the side of the road. Soon after, while entering Wappenbury another police officer arrived and they were approached by the suspects brother, William Rainbow. He told them that Reuben had shot himself.
Meanwhile, back at Kenilworth, despite removing the bullet, Dr Clarke could not save Brewer. He died the following afternoon (30th October) and was still conscious right up until a few minutes before his death. He was a Catholic, and after hearing of the tragedy the Right Rev. Monseigneur Souter attended him, and was present at the time of his death.
Inquest of John Reuben Rainbow
The inquest took place on Saturday 31st October at the Bull Inn, Weston-under-Wetherley over the death of Mr Rainbow. Presiding, was Coroner of Mid-Warwickshire, Dr Wynter. The foreman of the jury was Mr William Coles.
The Bull Inn (now a private resistence)
Evidence of Joseph Rainbow
First witness was Joesph Rainbow, father of the deceased. He told the court that his son was 35 year-old and had been strange over the last week or two, but he did not take much notice about it. Deceased did not seem to trouble about anything or how things went. Sometimes he would work and others times he wouldn’t. Infact, he would seem quite reckless at times. On Wednesday he drove to Rugby, put up the trap there, and went on the train to attend Newmarket races. He returned late in the evening and got into the house by means of a latch-key.
Next morning (30th October), witness tried to induce him to get up and assist on the farm as he was short of labourers, but he refused to do so and remained in bed until mid-day. When he finally came down the deceased got out a number of bills and letters. He told his mother that: ‘He had done with it’. He handed some bills and a milk contract to his sister and said: ‘It is the last time’. He remained in the house for sometime and put a ticket on a churn in which milk was to be sent to London. Witness saw him several times but did not notice anything perculiar in his manner. Deceased drove away from the house at about six o’clock, and earlier had told one of the men on the farm he was going to Kenilworth. He also told his mother, who tried to pursuade him from doing so, but he said he needed to go and see his cousin. Deceased was not on friendly terms with his cousin, infact they had quarrelled three or four months ago, and witness heard they had fought. He did not know what the quarrel was about, but Brewer had said something disrespectful about the deceased. Witness had heard that his son had threatened ‘to do’ for Brewer.
Deceased returned home at about 9 o’clock and came into the sitting room and removed his boots. Then, without saying a word he went upstairs to his bedroom as if he intended to retire for the night. Soon after, a farm worker came to the door and said that the pony and trap was missing. Mrs Rainbow went to the foot of the stairs and called to deceased but suddenly a gunshot was heard, followed by a fall. They rushed upstairs and found the bedroom door locked. They burst it open and discovered deceased lying on the floor bleeding from the head. He moved twice, then died. The coronor asked witness if he knew of any reason why he should have said he would ‘do for’ Brewer? witness replied, no I do not. But Brewer had put a bit of scandal about disrespecting him, but I do not know of anything else. In reply to the jurors, he said that his son was always reserved but he hadn’t noticed anything strange about him until the last few days.
Evidence of William Rainbow
The next witness was William Rainbow, of Frankton, brother of deceased. He said he was at his father’s house on Thursday evening but his brother had already left for Kenilworth but was there when he returned at about nine o’clock. He corroborated the evidence given by his father. He added that he had never seen the revolver and never even knew he had such a weapon. After finding the deceased he went looking for the police and soon found two officers who said they had come across a pony and trap a few minutes earlier.
In reply to a question from the foreman, witness said Reuben had gone about his work but seemed rather strange. A juror asked: Did you know what he went to Brewer’s for? Witness replied; No, that is where the mystery is.
‘Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland’ (1886) Licence CC-NY (NLS) https://maps.nls.uk/index.html
Evidence of Police
Witness, Sergeant Allcott of Kenilworth Police stated that on receiving information from Brewer that Rainbow had shot him, he started off in a cab in pursuit of the deceased. At Stoneleigh he heard that a man had driven through the village at a rapid-rate about half-a-hour before. About a quarter of a mile from Weston he found an ownerless pony and trap tethered up to a gate which he thought was probably Rainbow’s. A search of the the ditches and adjoining fields could not locate Rainbow. On arriving at Wappenbury witness procured the assistance of P. C. Greaves. When they got within 200 yards of the deceased house, they came across William Rainbow, deceased’s brother, who was on his way to alert the police, he told them his brother had shot himself. When witness went into the bedroom he saw Rainbow lying on the floor dead and bleeding profusely from a bullet wound near the right temple. In the pockets of an overcoat on the bed he found a total of 22 bullets. The revolver was new, and the bullet extracted from Brewer corresponded to those found in the overcoat.
The Verdict
With the overwelming evidence of the case, the jury could only come to one conclusion. They returned a verdict that Rainbow committed suicide while ‘temporarily insane’.
Inquest of George Alfred Brewer
Abbey Hotel (photo courtesy of Graham Gould, Kenilworth In Camera)
The Inquest of George Brewer took place on Monday 2nd November at the Abbey Hotel in Kenilworth. Presiding was Coroner Dr. Wynter. The jury viewed the body prior to the inquest which lay at the Brewer’s house at Clayfield. The foreman of the jury was Mr. Henry Street.
Evidence of John Brewer
First witness was John Brewer, widower and father of deceased. He confirmed his son was 29-years-old, and resided with him. Last Thursday I was at home with him in the evening when at about 7.30, my nephew Rainbow from Wappenbury, came in. He shook hands with both of us and we talked in a friendly way. He seemed sober. After we talked for about 20 minutes or so, he requested George go out for a hour to have a drink. My other two son’s, John and Thomas are licensee’s, and Rainbow said he didn’t care where they went for a drink. George then went out with Rainbow who shook my hand and wished me, goodbye. My son said he should not be long and asked me to sit-up for him.
Minutes later I heard someone groaning outside and when I opened the door, my son fell into my arms. He said, Dad, I am shot. I asked him who had shot him, he replied, Reuben. Where is he now?, he is now galloping towards home, said George. I went to the premises of my other son John as soon as possible and sent for Dr. Clarke. George said the shooting took place at the end of Leyes Lane but did not say that they had any words. My son said that he thought Reuben was feeling for his pipe but instead he pulled out a revolver and held it against my side and let it off. My son was conscious right up until a few minutes of his death.
Foreman Henry Street asked if his son ever had any a quarrel with Rainbow. Yes, replied witness, about 12 months ago. I was out at the time and when I came back I was told they had had a quarrel. But, they were ‘in beer’. Rainbow had been to my house several times since the quarrel.
The Coroner asked witness If his son had any betting transactions with Rainbow? None whatever, he replied. Rainbow was not a passionate man, and I have never heard him express any revengeful feeling towards my son. I have never heard that my son was ever in fear of Rainbow.
Evidence of Sophia Walker
Sophia Walker, a single woman, niece of John Brewer, lived near to the Brewer’s house and was present there on the Thursday evening when Rainbow came. She saw them both get into the trap to go for a drink. She said; “don’t be long” and Rainbow replied, “we shan’t be”. A few minutes afterwards she heard that Brewer had been shot. The witness then told the court that she and her father went with a lantern to the end of Leyes Lane and witness picked up what she believed to be Rainbow’s hat and mackintosh which were lying in the horse road.
Medical Evidence of Dr Clarke
Dr. J. Clarke, surgeon, practising in Kenilworth said he was sent to the Brewer’s house at about 8 o’clock on Thursday evening after being informed a man had been shot. He was found to be suffering from shock to the nervous system but there had not been a great amount of hemorrhage. Witness examined Brewer and found he had been shot over the tenth rib of the right hand side but he could not find the bullet. Brewer complained about pain in the region of his stomach. Witness visited Brewer again at 10 o’clock and his symptoms were increasing. At 7.30 the next morning, Brewer said he could feel something on the left hand side. On examination witness found a swelling about the size of a pea, which turned out to be the bullet. He extracted it which was in his back between the rib and hip. Inflammation of the bowels had set in. Dr. Clarke stayed with him until his death at 3.55pm, which was due to Peritonitis. He believed the bullet had passed through the stomach and intestines.
Evidence of Police
Sergeant Allcot, having described the shooting of Brewer and the flight and pursuit of Rainbow, he produced the jacket which Brewer had been wearing at the time of the murder. The coat was considerably scorched and burnt around the bullet hole on the right-hand side, thus conclusively proving that the revolver must have been held quite close to the body of the murdered man. Witness had found out that Rainbow went to Birmingham a few weeks ago and he probably bought the gun there. Rainbow’s parents had no knowledge of the murder when he came home on the night in question.
Depositions of George Brewer
The Coroner then read out the depositions of the murdered man, which were taken by Mr. Stanger-Leathes, JP, as follow;
“I, George Alfred Brewer of Kenilworth, do solemnly and sincerley declare being in fear of immediate death, that on Thursday, 29th October, at about 6.30 in the evening, my cousin, Reuben Rainbow, of Wappenbury called to see me and after remaining half-a-hour in friendly conversation, asked me to come out and have a glass of beer with him. I then went out with him and got on the pony and trap, which was waiting outside. We drove as far as the crossroads near Elmdene, when without any reason, he pulled out a revolver and shot me through the chest. I saw him about six months ago and we were on peaceable terms. I know of no reason why he shot me. He was sober at the time and after he shot me he drove down Leyes Lane at a rapid rate. I jumped out of the trap and ran home”
Signed – George Brewer.
The Verdict
After the Coroner had summed up at length to the inquest. He said that in the case of Rainbow, the jury had returned a verdict of ‘Temporary Insanity’ but he reminded them, it was not a question for them whether Rainbow, who at the time inflicted the wound, was sane or not. It would be simply for them to say whether they believed in the first place that George Brewer died from the effects of a pistol shot. If they did believe that, it would then be for them to say whether the wound was inflicted by Rainbow or not. If they believed that, there was only one verdict to be returned against Rainbow, and that was of ‘wilful murder’. The jury did not deliberate for long and as recommended by the Coroner, returned the said verdict. They highly commended Sergeant Allcot for the promptitude in which he acted in taking up the pursuit of Rainbow.
From The Pulpit
Public interest in the case had not at all abated during the week, and the event still formed the staple of conversation in the town. On Friday as soon as the news of the tragedy became known, the victim, being a Roman Catholic, was attended at once by the Right Reverand Monseigneur Souter. He was present when Brewer breathed his last breath. Miss Amherst, sister of Bishop Amherst, also attended him. On Sunday at St Augustine, Monseigneur Souter referred to this event and remarked that the cousins were bought up at the same font and were not strangers to their religion.
Funeral Of George Brewer
The funeral took place on Tuesday 3rd November. The cortege wended its way from Clayfield and was accompanied by large numbers of people who lined the route leading to St Augustine’s. The interment was witnessed by a great concourse of spectators and many sympathisers of the family. The mourners included the murdered man’s father, John, sister Agnes and his brothers John and Thomas. His fiancé, Miss Clara Avies. was also present, they were to be married at Christmas.
The coffin was covered with a large number of beautiful wreaths sent by relatives and friends. Included in the floral tributes was a magnificent one sent by Joseph Murdock of Crew Gardens, and the coffin was borne by workers from the same company, with whom the deceased had formed a friendship. He was buried in the north-west corner of the churchyard. The ceremony was conducted by Monseigneur Souter.
John Rainbow
John Reuben Rainbow was buried on Monday 2nd November at St Anne’s church in Wappenbury.
Rouncil Towers c1945 Courtesy of the Warwickshire County Records Office CR 1709/578 img 9276
The afternoon of Wednesday 21st October 1914 was just a normal day for Miss Annie Maria Stanyer and her maid Miss Hawkins. They had set out from Fernhill Farm in Rouncil Lane on a horse and dog-cart to do some shopping in Kenilworth. But this ‘normal’ day would end in tragedy.
Miss Stanyer had become a well-known lady around Kenilworth, and resided with her brother Fred Stanyer for the past three years at Fernhill, coming here from her hometown of Birmingham.
After doing some shopping in the town they were returning home along Warwick Road when the horse was startled by a passing train at St John’s. The animal ‘bolted’ and eventually crashed into the iron railings outside the lodge gates of Rouncil Towers near to the junction of Rouncil Lane.
Thrown from Cart
Both ladies were thrown from the cart, but unfortunately Miss Stanyer fell onto the railings, her throat catching one of the spikes. She was left suspended. The lodge-keeper’s wife was at home at the time of the accident but she was unable to get promptly to Miss Stanyer because the horse and cart had blocked the gateway. But Miss Hawkins succeeded in lifting her mistress from the spike. But rapid blood loss had rendered her unconscious. Dr. Asplen arrived within a few minutes of the accident but he could do nothing to save her. Inspector Parkinson had the body removed to the ‘mortuary’ at the Police Station in Albion Street.
The Inquest
Former Council House in Upper Rosemary Hill (now apartments)
The Coroner
The inquest took place on Friday 23rd October at the Council House at Upper Rosemary Hill, presided over by Mr. Ernest Hadow, Coroner for Mid- Warwickshire. The foreman of the jury was Mr W. Bishop.
Brother Fred Stanyer
Mr. Fred Stanyer, of Fernhill farm, Rouncil Lane, identified the body as that of his sister, who kept house for him and she was 42-years-old. On the day she had left home with a horse and dog-cart and was good at driving. He said the animal had been broken-in to the harness about six months ago and was quiet and shy of traffic. He had taken it to the railway station recently with no problems. However, It did not like electric tramways, the dog-cart was a high one.
Fernhill Farm – Early 1900s (courtesy of Graham Gould, Kenilworth In Camera)
Evidence of Miss Hawkins
Witness Lynda Hawkins, maid at Fernhill Farm, told the inquest that she had been out twice before with the horse but not alone with Miss Stanyer. On Wednesday at about 4.30pm she had gone out with her mistress in the dog-cart. When they got to Waverely Road the horse was a bit restless. Witness got off the cart to go into Smith & Sons to purchase some goods, and when she returned the cart had moved a few yards, Miss Stanyer said the horse had been startled by a train at the Station, but she did not seem nervous. They then went to the Square and witness went into another shop whilst Miss Stanyer remained with the cart. After the purchases had been put into the cart, witness got on and they headed back home along Warwick Road. On passing the railway bridge near St. John’s the horse became frightened and ‘bolted’ at high-speed. Witness thought it must have been because of a passing train. Miss Stanyer called upon the witness to assist her, and both pulled hard on the reins. On approaching the Rouncil Lane junction, they still could not stop the horse, and Miss Stanyer said; “Let us turn it round the corner”. They both pulled on the right-hand rein but could not get the horse fully round the corner. It ran onto the grass under the trees and headed straight towards the lodge. After the impact the horse fell down, throwing both of them out of the cart. Witness was unclear whether the horse had hit the gate or not, or whether she herself had hit the gate or not, because she was dazed for a few seconds. When she recovered she found herself next to the feet of Miss Stanyer, and that’s when she found her caught on a spike, her hands were holding onto the railings and her face was lifted up. Her feet were off the ground, so Miss Hawkins lifted her down.
Junction of Warwick Road and Rouncil Lane ‘Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland’ Licence CC-BY (NLS) https://maps.nls.uk/index.html
Witness James Prestidge
On Wednesday at about 5.30pm, Henry James Prestidge was on his way home to Warwick on his bicycle. He was near to the railway bridge at St John’s, when behind him, he heard what sounded like a ‘runaway’. He saw it was a horse going at high speed with two women in the cart. He had to pull-over to avoid being hit. He could see both women were holding the reins. He saw the cart go into Rouncil Lane and then onto the side of road, and ran straight into the fence near the lodge. The horse seemed to bounce back, and fell underneath the cart, the shafts of which were over the fence. The horse lay on the ground quietly. Witness gave all the assistance he could.
Rouncil Towers Lodge (Warwickshire County Records Office CR 1709/578 image 9277)
Medical Evidence
Witness Dr. Asplen, had been called to the incident and on arrival Miss Stanyer was lying near to the lodge, so he had her taken inside. By this time, the horse and the cart had been taken away. He had previously seen her around town on the cart, and the horse seemed a little ‘fresh’. On examination, he found a punctured and incised wound below the angle of the right jaw. The spike had perforated the mouth and severed the corotid artery and a jugular vein. The deceased had bleed to death, she had just stopped bleeding when witness arrived. The spike on the fence was found and a lot of blood was present. He said that she was lucky to survive as long as she did.
Mortuary Needed in Kenilworth
Dr. Asplen took the opportunity to call attention to the pressing need for a proper mortuary in Kenilworth. The coroner said that he had come across this subject many times before and agreed with him. The coroner asked why he should mention it regarding this case? Dr Asplen explained that the lady was covered with blood and a considerable amount of washing was needed to remove this, and there were no proper facilities to do this inside the coach-house at the Police Station, where the body was taken by Inspector Parkinson. The place was also overlooked by surrounding houses and therefore he thought the need for a mortuary was very pressing.
The Verdict
The coroner, In summing up, said he trusted the jury would take notice of Dr Asplen’s remarks and make a recommendation on the subject of the mortuary.
The jury returned a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ on Miss Stanyer, and expressed through the foreman, their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased lady. The foreman also added that he endorsed what Dr. Asplen had said in regard for the need of a mortuary. They proposed that a requisition be sent to the Kenilworth Urban District Council (KUDC) for the pressing need for one in the town.
Mortuary Matters & Kenilworth Urban District Council
The council had discussed the subject of a mortuary for many years but nothing seemed to have ever materalised. At a meeting in February 1910, the Coroner and Clerk of the KUDC, Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmhurst had expressed concerns on this matter previously. He said that during an inquest only recently, the question of a public mortuary was mentioned. The jury unanimously agreed that the matter should be taken into consideration by the authority who were in a position to provide it.
It was pointed out by Dr. Tangye, the County Medical Officer of Health, that a mortuary where bodies could be taken and post-mortem examinations undertaken would be a great convenience to the town. Councillors, Riley, Nelson and Perkins spoke out for the need of such a facililty. Cllr Nelson suggested it might be covered by public subscriptions. Cllr Jackson gave notice that he would move at the next meeting of the council that the sum of £100 be allowed for the building and equipment for a public mortuary.
By 1916, two years after the tragedy at Rouncil Towers, the councillors were still at odds with one another about the provision of a mortuary. The main issue was money – and who should pay for it. Some councillors believed it should not be paid for by public money, others disagreed. At a meeting in April, Cllr Jackson did not mince his words with his fellow councillors, saying that he had brought this subject up over the last 20-years, and nothing has ever been done. He thought it was a disgrace that bodies should be put in a coach-house where post-mortems also took place. He said it was about time this matter was thrashed out once and for all. He understood the cost of a mortuary would now be as much as £150, and he considered it was the duty of the council to provided such a place. But the problem was that the council had no money, and it was suggested they get a loan to build it.
What Happened to Rouncil Towers?
The ‘Towers’ was eventually demolised as part of the re-development of the area in 1961-63 by building company, Sunshine Homes. Reminders of its history can be seen in the street names: Towers Close, Sunshine Close, Suncliffe Drive and Lindsey Crescent are the four roads on the site. It’s a pity that Annie Stanyer could not have been remembered on a street name in some way but the people responsible for naming streets were probably unaware that the tragedy ever took place.
