The quite little village of Sheepwash
On Tuesday October 10th, 1911, the tranquillity of the quite village of Sheepwash was disturbed by the news that a terrible tragedy had taken place. A young miner named, Alfred Etheridge had murdered his sweetheart, Catherine Alice Baker, by shooting her with a shotgun and then turning the weapon upon himself he blew his own brains out.
Etheridge was a miner who hailed from Norfolk, he was twenty two years of age and resided at Hawthorn Terrace, Seaton Hirst. He was said to have all the characteristic industrious, diligent habits of the majority of folk who hail from that county. He was fond of the gun and would often come to Choppington, Guide Post, where he had a brother named Benjamin Henry Etheridge.
His sweetheart and victim, Catherine Alice Baker, was the daughter of Frank Baker, a respectable miner who had a larger family and lived at Pancake Row, Sheepwash. For four years Catherine had worked as a servant with Mrs Hamil of the Shakespeare Tavern, Guide Post, and was described as a sunny natured girl of irreproachable character. Catherine had kept company with Etheridge for a while, and is said to have cared a great deal for him, which caused him to be very jealous of her. It had been observed by those who visited the Shakespeare Tavern where she was employed that Etheridge looked with disfavour upon any attention paid by the girl to any of the other young men who attended the Tavern.
Etheridge was a miner who hailed from Norfolk, he was twenty two years of age and resided at Hawthorn Terrace, Seaton Hirst. He was said to have all the characteristic industrious, diligent habits of the majority of folk who hail from that county. He was fond of the gun and would often come to Choppington, Guide Post, where he had a brother named Benjamin Henry Etheridge.
His sweetheart and victim, Catherine Alice Baker, was the daughter of Frank Baker, a respectable miner who had a larger family and lived at Pancake Row, Sheepwash. For four years Catherine had worked as a servant with Mrs Hamil of the Shakespeare Tavern, Guide Post, and was described as a sunny natured girl of irreproachable character. Catherine had kept company with Etheridge for a while, and is said to have cared a great deal for him, which caused him to be very jealous of her. It had been observed by those who visited the Shakespeare Tavern where she was employed that Etheridge looked with disfavour upon any attention paid by the girl to any of the other young men who attended the Tavern.
Guide Post.
The fatal shots were fired at 6 0’ clock in the morning and were heard by many people in the village, who hurried out to learn the terrible story of the murder and suicide. The murdered girls mother even ventured outside to see what the noise was about but was taken indoors by kind neighbours before she had gazed on the frightful spectacle of the mutilated bodies lying on the footpath.
Mrs Hamil the girls employee said she had high appreciation of the character of the girl, who had been with her for four years, and who had been trusted in everything with regard to the household and business. She went on to say that she thought jealousy might have been the reason for Etheridge’s terrible crimes. Mrs Hamil also remarked that he had never had any occasion for such a feeling. She also said that whilst the girl was a jolly, bright girl, she was no flirt, though she did not seem to greatly reciprocate the attentions of her lover.
The story to this tragedy can be learned from the inquest which was to follow on Wednesday October 11th, at the Co-operative Hall, Guide Post. The Coroner was a gentleman named, Mr Rutherford, with the foreman of the jury being, Councillor James Cowan. The case of the murdered girl was taken first with evidence being given by her father, Francis Nicholson Baker. He said he lived in Pancake Row, Sheepwash, and his daughter was twenty one years of age last birthday. She was servant at the Shakespeare Tavern, Guide Post, and stayed at home at nights. She had been keeping company with Alfred Etheridge for nearly three years. Etheridge stayed overnight on Sunday and Monday at his house, and did not go to work.
Mr Baker went on to say that when he returned from work at 4.30 am on Tuesday morning, he found Etheridge worse for drink lying on the hearthrug in the
kitchen asleep, instead of finding him in the bedroom as he would have expected. When Etheridge awoke he sat and smoked and talked with him until 5.30 am, until he was ready to retire for the night, Etheridge then left the house. Mr Baker then went on to say that he never saw Etheridge alive after that. Continuing he said that he knew Etheridge had a gun which he kept at his brothers house at Guide Post. The next time he saw him was when he was found dead on Sheepwash Bank shortly before 7 0’ clock. The coroner asked Mr Baker if there had been any quarrel between his daughter and this man, in which he replied, “not what I know of.”
Mrs Hamil the girls employee said she had high appreciation of the character of the girl, who had been with her for four years, and who had been trusted in everything with regard to the household and business. She went on to say that she thought jealousy might have been the reason for Etheridge’s terrible crimes. Mrs Hamil also remarked that he had never had any occasion for such a feeling. She also said that whilst the girl was a jolly, bright girl, she was no flirt, though she did not seem to greatly reciprocate the attentions of her lover.
The story to this tragedy can be learned from the inquest which was to follow on Wednesday October 11th, at the Co-operative Hall, Guide Post. The Coroner was a gentleman named, Mr Rutherford, with the foreman of the jury being, Councillor James Cowan. The case of the murdered girl was taken first with evidence being given by her father, Francis Nicholson Baker. He said he lived in Pancake Row, Sheepwash, and his daughter was twenty one years of age last birthday. She was servant at the Shakespeare Tavern, Guide Post, and stayed at home at nights. She had been keeping company with Alfred Etheridge for nearly three years. Etheridge stayed overnight on Sunday and Monday at his house, and did not go to work.
Mr Baker went on to say that when he returned from work at 4.30 am on Tuesday morning, he found Etheridge worse for drink lying on the hearthrug in the
kitchen asleep, instead of finding him in the bedroom as he would have expected. When Etheridge awoke he sat and smoked and talked with him until 5.30 am, until he was ready to retire for the night, Etheridge then left the house. Mr Baker then went on to say that he never saw Etheridge alive after that. Continuing he said that he knew Etheridge had a gun which he kept at his brothers house at Guide Post. The next time he saw him was when he was found dead on Sheepwash Bank shortly before 7 0’ clock. The coroner asked Mr Baker if there had been any quarrel between his daughter and this man, in which he replied, “not what I know of.”
Pancake Row, Sheepwash.
The coroner went on and asked Mr Baker if his daughter was going to marry Etheridge, in which he said, “I expected so, but I did not know of any definite
arrangement.” Continuing the coroner asked, “do you know if this arrangement was with her consent ?. “Did she want to get rid of him ?.” In which he replied, “I never heard anything about that.”
Francis Nicholson Baker, aged fourteen years, was next called to give witness. He said that the deceased girl was his sister. On Monday evening he went home at 9. 30 pm, when he saw his sister and Etheridge sitting near to each other beside the fire. His sister said to Etheridge, “I'm not going to have anything more to do with you.” Continuing she said, “I'm going to get another lad,” and Etheridge replied, “I don’t care.”Etheridge then remarked several times that he would shoot himself. Francis then went to bed leaving Etheridge alone in the kitchen with his sister and brother Henry.
The next witness was a gentleman called, Thomas Patterson, who lived at Stakeford Lane, Choppington. He went on to say that at 6. 10 am on Tuesday morning he was going to work, when he saw Etheridge and Baker standing beside a shop at Potter’s Buildings on Sheepwash Bank. Etheridge had a gun in his hand. Mr Patterson was about ninety yards off when he heard the gun go off and saw the girl stagger backward and forward and then fall on to the path. As Patterson went towards them, Etheridge then put the gun to his head and he again heard the gun go off and saw Etheridge fall. Patterson went on to say that the distance between the two bodies was about five or six yards and both were dead. The gun was lying beside the man who was bleeding from his head. He then went to inform P. C. Carr at Bombarsund as to what events had taken place.
Benjamin Etheridge was the next to give witness. He said he was a miner and lived at Guide Post, and knew that his brother and Alice Baker were keeping company. After he identified the gun used to murder the girl, he went on to say how his brother came to his house at 6 am on Tuesday morning and said he was going out with the gun. Continuing he said that he did not notice that his brother was agitated and that he was in the house only two minutes, just enough time to go to the corner were the gun was kept, pick it up and take some cartridges away too. That was the last time he saw his brother alive. The next time he saw him he was lying on the footpath dead with the girl beside him and a great amount of blood covered the footpath.
arrangement.” Continuing the coroner asked, “do you know if this arrangement was with her consent ?. “Did she want to get rid of him ?.” In which he replied, “I never heard anything about that.”
Francis Nicholson Baker, aged fourteen years, was next called to give witness. He said that the deceased girl was his sister. On Monday evening he went home at 9. 30 pm, when he saw his sister and Etheridge sitting near to each other beside the fire. His sister said to Etheridge, “I'm not going to have anything more to do with you.” Continuing she said, “I'm going to get another lad,” and Etheridge replied, “I don’t care.”Etheridge then remarked several times that he would shoot himself. Francis then went to bed leaving Etheridge alone in the kitchen with his sister and brother Henry.
The next witness was a gentleman called, Thomas Patterson, who lived at Stakeford Lane, Choppington. He went on to say that at 6. 10 am on Tuesday morning he was going to work, when he saw Etheridge and Baker standing beside a shop at Potter’s Buildings on Sheepwash Bank. Etheridge had a gun in his hand. Mr Patterson was about ninety yards off when he heard the gun go off and saw the girl stagger backward and forward and then fall on to the path. As Patterson went towards them, Etheridge then put the gun to his head and he again heard the gun go off and saw Etheridge fall. Patterson went on to say that the distance between the two bodies was about five or six yards and both were dead. The gun was lying beside the man who was bleeding from his head. He then went to inform P. C. Carr at Bombarsund as to what events had taken place.
Benjamin Etheridge was the next to give witness. He said he was a miner and lived at Guide Post, and knew that his brother and Alice Baker were keeping company. After he identified the gun used to murder the girl, he went on to say how his brother came to his house at 6 am on Tuesday morning and said he was going out with the gun. Continuing he said that he did not notice that his brother was agitated and that he was in the house only two minutes, just enough time to go to the corner were the gun was kept, pick it up and take some cartridges away too. That was the last time he saw his brother alive. The next time he saw him he was lying on the footpath dead with the girl beside him and a great amount of blood covered the footpath.
Pancake Row, Sheepwash. The Anglers Arms is in the background
The next witness called was the mother of the murdered girl, Jane Baker. Mrs. Baker was greatly distressed and had to be assisted into the room to give evidence. She stated that her daughter left her house on Tuesday morning at 6. 10 am to go to Mrs. Hamil’s to begin work. Etheridge she said had been
courting her daughter and had stayed all night at the house before the murder, but could not say what time he had left. Continuing she told the coroner that her daughter had a little squabble with Etheridge and she was unaware that the engagement between the two may have been called off.
P. C. Carr was next, he stated that he was stationed at Bombarsund. On Tuesday morning he saw the bodies lying on the path and they were both dead. He saw empty cartridges lying nearer to the girl than the man. They were close to the gun. He then had Etheridge’s body moved to the Anglers Arms public house near Sheepwash Bridge, and the girls to her parents house. He then searched Etheridge’s body and found no more cartridges, continuing to search the body he found a watch and chain and a leather purse with 2 shillings and 6 pennies in it.
courting her daughter and had stayed all night at the house before the murder, but could not say what time he had left. Continuing she told the coroner that her daughter had a little squabble with Etheridge and she was unaware that the engagement between the two may have been called off.
P. C. Carr was next, he stated that he was stationed at Bombarsund. On Tuesday morning he saw the bodies lying on the path and they were both dead. He saw empty cartridges lying nearer to the girl than the man. They were close to the gun. He then had Etheridge’s body moved to the Anglers Arms public house near Sheepwash Bridge, and the girls to her parents house. He then searched Etheridge’s body and found no more cartridges, continuing to search the body he found a watch and chain and a leather purse with 2 shillings and 6 pennies in it.
View of the Anglers Arms from across the Road of Pancake Row, Sheepwash
The police surgeon Dr. Fox said he examined both bodies. On Miss Baker he stated that just below the left shoulder blade there was a wound. There was another wound on the left side of the abdomen, and the intestines were protruding. The shots had entered from the back, and she died from haemorrhaging and shock from gun shot wounds.
The coroner then concluded and said while summing up that, “what the jury had to consider was had the man wilfully murdered the girl.” The jury intimated they were satisfied he had. The verdict was, “That Catherine Alice Baker was found dead on the highway at Sheepwash Bank, in the parish of Choppington, on October, 10th, having died from shock and haemorrhage, caused by wounds inflicted by Alfred Elijah Etheridge, on October, 10th, who maliciously, wilfully and of malice aforethought murdered the said Alice Baker. She was twenty one years of age and the daughter of Francis Nicholson Baker, coal miner.”
The case of Alfred Etheridge was taken next. Benjamin Henry Etheridge stated that his brother was twenty four years of age, and resided at Hawthorn Terrace, Hirst. Thomas Patterson was again called, but simply repeated the evidence he gave in the previous case.
Dr. Fox stated he examined the body of Etheridge. The bones on the right side of the head were shattered. The cap of the deceased had been shot through. Deceased had evidently placed the gun under his eyebrow and fired.
The coroner then asked the jury if they considered that when Etheridge shot himself, that he was right in his mind. Continuing the coroner said to the jury, they must not be influenced by sentiment. The deceased’s brother had stated that the deceased had seemed in his ordinary condition. He then asked the jury to also remember that the man had only taken out two cartridges. Benjamin Etheridge then said that there had never been any insanity at all in his family.
The jury then found, “That Alfred Elijah Etheridge was found dead on October 10th, 1911, at Sheepwash Bank, in the parish of Choppington, from gun shot wounds inflicted by himself, and that he did murder and kill himself, against the Crown and dignity of our lord the King. He was twenty four years of age and a miner.
At the conclusion of the inquest in connection with the tragedy, on the motion of the foreman (Mr. J. Cowan) a vote of condolence was tendered by the jury to the parents of the murdered girl.
The coroner said while summing up that, “what the jury had to consider was had the man wilfully murdered the girl.” The jury intimated they were satisfied he had.
The verdict was, “That Catherine Alice Baker was found dead on the highway at Sheepwash Bank, in the parish of Choppington, on October, 10th, having died from shock and haemorrhage, caused by wounds inflicted by Alfred Elijah Etheridge, on October, 10th, who maliciously, wilfully and of malice aforethought murdered the said Alice Baker. She was twenty one years of age and the daughter of Francis Nicholson Baker, coal miner.”
The case of Alfred Etheridge was taken next. Benjamin Henry Etheridge stated that his brother was twenty four years of age, and resided at Hawthorn Terrace, Hirst. Thomas Patterson was again called, but simply repeated the evidence he gave in the previous case.
Dr. Fox stated he examined the body of Etheridge. The bones on the right side of the head were shattered. The cap of the deceased had been shot through. Deceased had evidently placed the gun under his eyebrow and fired.
The coroner then asked the jury if they considered that when Etheridge shot himself, that he was right in his mind. Continuing the coroner said to the jury, they must not be influenced by sentiment. The deceased’s brother had stated that the deceased had seemed in his ordinary condition. He then asked the jury to also remember that the man had only taken out two cartridges. Benjamin Etheridge then said that there had never been any insanity whatsoever in his family.
The jury then found, “That Alfred Elijah Etheridge was found dead on October 10th, 1911, at Sheepwash Bank, in the parish of Choppington, from gun shot wounds inflicted by himself, and that he did murder and kill himself, against the Crown and dignity of our lord the King. He was twenty four years of age and a miner.
At the conclusion of the inquest in connection with the tragedy, on the motion of the foreman (Mr. J. Cowan) a vote of condolence was tendered by the jury to the parents of the murdered girl.
The funerals of both persons were to take place the next day.
The coroner then concluded and said while summing up that, “what the jury had to consider was had the man wilfully murdered the girl.” The jury intimated they were satisfied he had. The verdict was, “That Catherine Alice Baker was found dead on the highway at Sheepwash Bank, in the parish of Choppington, on October, 10th, having died from shock and haemorrhage, caused by wounds inflicted by Alfred Elijah Etheridge, on October, 10th, who maliciously, wilfully and of malice aforethought murdered the said Alice Baker. She was twenty one years of age and the daughter of Francis Nicholson Baker, coal miner.”
The case of Alfred Etheridge was taken next. Benjamin Henry Etheridge stated that his brother was twenty four years of age, and resided at Hawthorn Terrace, Hirst. Thomas Patterson was again called, but simply repeated the evidence he gave in the previous case.
Dr. Fox stated he examined the body of Etheridge. The bones on the right side of the head were shattered. The cap of the deceased had been shot through. Deceased had evidently placed the gun under his eyebrow and fired.
The coroner then asked the jury if they considered that when Etheridge shot himself, that he was right in his mind. Continuing the coroner said to the jury, they must not be influenced by sentiment. The deceased’s brother had stated that the deceased had seemed in his ordinary condition. He then asked the jury to also remember that the man had only taken out two cartridges. Benjamin Etheridge then said that there had never been any insanity at all in his family.
The jury then found, “That Alfred Elijah Etheridge was found dead on October 10th, 1911, at Sheepwash Bank, in the parish of Choppington, from gun shot wounds inflicted by himself, and that he did murder and kill himself, against the Crown and dignity of our lord the King. He was twenty four years of age and a miner.
At the conclusion of the inquest in connection with the tragedy, on the motion of the foreman (Mr. J. Cowan) a vote of condolence was tendered by the jury to the parents of the murdered girl.
The coroner said while summing up that, “what the jury had to consider was had the man wilfully murdered the girl.” The jury intimated they were satisfied he had.
The verdict was, “That Catherine Alice Baker was found dead on the highway at Sheepwash Bank, in the parish of Choppington, on October, 10th, having died from shock and haemorrhage, caused by wounds inflicted by Alfred Elijah Etheridge, on October, 10th, who maliciously, wilfully and of malice aforethought murdered the said Alice Baker. She was twenty one years of age and the daughter of Francis Nicholson Baker, coal miner.”
The case of Alfred Etheridge was taken next. Benjamin Henry Etheridge stated that his brother was twenty four years of age, and resided at Hawthorn Terrace, Hirst. Thomas Patterson was again called, but simply repeated the evidence he gave in the previous case.
Dr. Fox stated he examined the body of Etheridge. The bones on the right side of the head were shattered. The cap of the deceased had been shot through. Deceased had evidently placed the gun under his eyebrow and fired.
The coroner then asked the jury if they considered that when Etheridge shot himself, that he was right in his mind. Continuing the coroner said to the jury, they must not be influenced by sentiment. The deceased’s brother had stated that the deceased had seemed in his ordinary condition. He then asked the jury to also remember that the man had only taken out two cartridges. Benjamin Etheridge then said that there had never been any insanity whatsoever in his family.
The jury then found, “That Alfred Elijah Etheridge was found dead on October 10th, 1911, at Sheepwash Bank, in the parish of Choppington, from gun shot wounds inflicted by himself, and that he did murder and kill himself, against the Crown and dignity of our lord the King. He was twenty four years of age and a miner.
At the conclusion of the inquest in connection with the tragedy, on the motion of the foreman (Mr. J. Cowan) a vote of condolence was tendered by the jury to the parents of the murdered girl.
The funerals of both persons were to take place the next day.
St. Paul's, Parish Churchyard of Choppington
The funerals of Alfred Elijah Etheridge and Catherine Alice Baker took place at Choppington on a Saturday afternoon. Thousand of people turned out, including a large proportion from the outlying districts, they lined the route from Sheepwash, through Guide Post and Scotland Gate to St. Paul’s, Parish Churchyard of Choppington.
With a large public interest in the fate of the young couple extra County police officers were drafted into the villages. The arrangements were carried out with complete success under the directions of Supt. J. Tough of the Blyth Police Division, who had the assistance of Inspector Culley of Bedlington, Inspector D. Hutchinson of Blyth, and Sergeant M Wood of Bedlington Station.
The public behavior was exemplary. The residents in the neighborhood had the blinds of their homes drawn and all along the route the passing of the mournful procession was marked by nearly all the male portion of the crowd uncovering their heads and maintaining a respectful silence. The funeral rites for the murdered girl were read first. The coffin was carried from the house of the deceased’s girls parents in Pancake Row, Sheepwash and placed on chairs in the centre of the highway. The well known hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light,” was rendered under the direction of Mr. Henry Wheatley, a local preacher in connection with the P.M. Church at Guide Post. The coffin was in dark wainscoted pine, embellished with silver mountings, and the breastplate bore the simple inscription, “Catherine Alice Baker, who died, Oct, 10th, 1911, in her 22nd year.” The hearse was immediately followed by the bereaved father, Mr. F. N. Baker, and the other members of his family.
The procession was fully a quarter of a mile in length and at some parts the people walked six and ten deep. It was preceded by officers and members of the Ninth Carlisle Lodge of Good Templars in Regalia. The service at the cemetery was taken by the vicar of Choppington, the Rev. John Burdon. The Dead March in “Saul” had to rest in the Lord” were rendered on the organ by Mr. J. Hedley. The general public, other than those attending the funeral were not admitted to the churchyard. Many people were overcome by emotion, and at the graveside there were pathetic scenes, one near relative having to be removed owing to her grief stricken condition. The deceased girl was buried in the old part of the cemetery. The grave was then literally covered in flowers.
The funeral of Etheridge was next. It took place about an hour after that of Miss Baker. The chief mourners were three brothers and a sister, the funeral taking place from the house of Mr. Benjamin Henry Etheridge at Choppington, Guide Post. Etheridge was interred in the newer portion of the cemetery, recently enclosed and consecrated. The coffin was of pitch pine with brass mountings and bore the inscription, “Alfred Elijah Etheridge, Died Oct, 10th, 1911, aged 22 years.” Mr. Burdon conducted the service, which was brief and of a special form authorized for such cases by the Bishop of the Diocese. The clergyman did not uncover his head until he pronounced the Benediction, and another feature was the invitation of Mr. Burdon to all standing round to join with him in reciting the Lords Prayer. A number of wreaths and bunches of flowers were laid on the grave. Several relatives of the murdered girl were present at the ceremony, after the completion of which the crowds quietly dispersed. Mr. Maughan carried out the funeral arrangements in the case of Miss Baker, and Mr. D. Davis in that of Etheridge.
With a large public interest in the fate of the young couple extra County police officers were drafted into the villages. The arrangements were carried out with complete success under the directions of Supt. J. Tough of the Blyth Police Division, who had the assistance of Inspector Culley of Bedlington, Inspector D. Hutchinson of Blyth, and Sergeant M Wood of Bedlington Station.
The public behavior was exemplary. The residents in the neighborhood had the blinds of their homes drawn and all along the route the passing of the mournful procession was marked by nearly all the male portion of the crowd uncovering their heads and maintaining a respectful silence. The funeral rites for the murdered girl were read first. The coffin was carried from the house of the deceased’s girls parents in Pancake Row, Sheepwash and placed on chairs in the centre of the highway. The well known hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light,” was rendered under the direction of Mr. Henry Wheatley, a local preacher in connection with the P.M. Church at Guide Post. The coffin was in dark wainscoted pine, embellished with silver mountings, and the breastplate bore the simple inscription, “Catherine Alice Baker, who died, Oct, 10th, 1911, in her 22nd year.” The hearse was immediately followed by the bereaved father, Mr. F. N. Baker, and the other members of his family.
The procession was fully a quarter of a mile in length and at some parts the people walked six and ten deep. It was preceded by officers and members of the Ninth Carlisle Lodge of Good Templars in Regalia. The service at the cemetery was taken by the vicar of Choppington, the Rev. John Burdon. The Dead March in “Saul” had to rest in the Lord” were rendered on the organ by Mr. J. Hedley. The general public, other than those attending the funeral were not admitted to the churchyard. Many people were overcome by emotion, and at the graveside there were pathetic scenes, one near relative having to be removed owing to her grief stricken condition. The deceased girl was buried in the old part of the cemetery. The grave was then literally covered in flowers.
The funeral of Etheridge was next. It took place about an hour after that of Miss Baker. The chief mourners were three brothers and a sister, the funeral taking place from the house of Mr. Benjamin Henry Etheridge at Choppington, Guide Post. Etheridge was interred in the newer portion of the cemetery, recently enclosed and consecrated. The coffin was of pitch pine with brass mountings and bore the inscription, “Alfred Elijah Etheridge, Died Oct, 10th, 1911, aged 22 years.” Mr. Burdon conducted the service, which was brief and of a special form authorized for such cases by the Bishop of the Diocese. The clergyman did not uncover his head until he pronounced the Benediction, and another feature was the invitation of Mr. Burdon to all standing round to join with him in reciting the Lords Prayer. A number of wreaths and bunches of flowers were laid on the grave. Several relatives of the murdered girl were present at the ceremony, after the completion of which the crowds quietly dispersed. Mr. Maughan carried out the funeral arrangements in the case of Miss Baker, and Mr. D. Davis in that of Etheridge.
D Davies the Undertaker undertook the funeral arrangements for Etheridge