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February 8th |
Nevell Norway (murdered) | |||||||||
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Egloshayle - born Nevell Norway (1801 - 1840), great grandfather of the writer Neville Shute (Norway), was a merchant who was murdered on this day in 1840 on his return from Bodmin Fair to his home in Wadebridge. He was ambushed by two men who had observed him conducting profitable business and knew he would return home in possession of a considerable amount of gold and silver. Like many merchants relaxing in inns after a successful day, Norway had delayed his return from Bodmin and did not leave until 10pm. Other traders left later and two, John Hicks and Christopher Bowen, travelling together came across a riderless horse that they believed belonged to Norway. On enquiring at his home, they discovered that he had not returned and set out to search for him, assuming he had fallen. The search rapidly led to the discovery of Norway's body in a stream near Pendavey Bridge. The killers were two brothers, William and James Lightfoot, who attempted to blame each other for the murders but to no avail. They were found guilty and executed on the 13th April 1840. Norway left his widow and six children and a public fund was raised for their support. Such was Norway's esteem in the area and the disgust at how he had died the fund accrued £3,500, a huge amount in 1840 but family tragedy continued with the death of Norway’s widow six months after his murder.
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