Evening Standard (London)
22 September 1888
Mr. C.C. Lewis opened an inquest yesterday at Chelmsford into the death of Charles Willett, 68, whose lifeless body was found on the previous day hanging to a beam, in Mr. J.S. Budd's tallow-candle manufactory in High-street, Chelmsford. The evidence pointed to suicide; but Mr. Willett's son (who is a warder in a London Prison) repudiated this idea, and suggested that his father had been hanged by somebody else. He said there had never been any insanity in the family. It was proved that the deceased went to his work at two o'clock in the morning, and that six hours afterwards his body, lifeless and cold, was found hanging to the beam. The son said that tramps often went and slept ion the premises, and he suggested that one of these might have caused his father's death, remarking that anything was possible after the terrible Whitechapel murders. He admitted that he had not any evidence to support his theory. The inquest was adjourned to see if anything further could be heard of the matter, and to give the Jury an opportunity of inspecting the premises.
The man who was arrested at Holloway on suspicion of being concerned in the Whitechapel murder, and was subsequently detained at the Bow Asylum, will shortly be released. His brother has given satisfactory explanation as to his whereabouts on the morning of the murder. It is stated that the authorities of the asylum would not allow the police to interrogate the patient whilst there, as it is against the rules laid down by the Lunacy Commissioners.
COURT CIRCULAR
BALMORAL, SEPT. 21
The Queen went out yesterday morning, accompanied by Princess Beatrice and Princess Alice of Hesse, and in the afternoon her Majesty drove through Braemer, round the Lion's Face, accompanied by Princess Alice of Hesse, and attended by the dowager Lady Churchill.
Princess Beatrice drove out, attended by Miss Bauer.
His Royal Highness Prince Albert Victor of Wales left the Castle for York, attended by Major Miles.
Earl Cadogan had the honour of dining with the Queen and the Royal family.
General the Right Hon. Sir Henry Ponsonby, G.C.B., has left the Castle.
