Three-legged Man Mystery

In the absence of much in the way of news today, here are a few historical oddments to keep you entertained...


John Thomas Goddard of Weston, Bugsworth, was walking home with his father's wage - a sovereign - from the Lime Kiln where his father worked. He was set upon by two ruffians, who beat him so badly, his leg had to be amputated. Coincidentally, a day or so earlier, his brother had been killed on the Peak Forest Tramway. The amputated leg was buried in the coffin alongside the deceased brother.
[found among the records of St.Thomas Becket's Church, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire. Thanks to Jim Dunn]


The parishioners of Denchworth (formerly in Berkshire but now in Oxfordshire) must have wondered what Providence had in store for them when their new vicar was installed in the year 1446. He was called Parson Devyll.


C.Parker glazed this church in 1784 and glad of the job.
[message found scratched on the window of the south aisle of West Hendred Church]


1800 May: hail 6 inches in circumference.  July: temperature over 90 degrees F.
[Bulwick, Northants, PR]


And turn away if your name is Jay...
William Jay, buried the 24th day of March, being the last of his name in this parish and an end of a very worthless, malicious, ill-natured family, having for ages been remarkable for oppressing and (as much as in them lay) defrauding the Ministers of this parish of their just dues which character this person kept up to the last day of his life. Witness my hand, Rd Temple, Vicar, Pettistree.
[Pettistree, Suffolk, PR, 1744]