22 January 1921 – Henry James Ponting

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From the Wiltshire Times on Saturday the 22nd of January 1921

An inquest was held at Malmesbury on Saturday by the Coroner (Mr. A. L. Forrester) on the body of Henry James Ponting, aged 33 years, a general labourer, of Kingsmead Crossing, Little Somerford. He was found lying on top of his cycle at the bottom of Cowbridge Hill, near Malmesbury.

A view from the bottom of Cowbridge Hill looking towards Malmesbury. The road stretches ahead, lined with trees and greenery on both sides. A red car is driving along the road, and other vehicles can be seen in the distance. To the right, a stone wall with a sign that reads "Sir Bernard Lovell Road" is visible, along with a bus shelter and a paved sidewalk. The scene is framed by large trees, with clear skies above.
Looking up the hill towards Malmesbury from the bottom of Cowbridge, at the entrance to Sir Bernard Lovell Road. Friday the 16th of August 2024.

He was conveyed at once to Malmesbury Cottage Hospital, where he was found to be suffering from concussion. He died on Thursday of last week, without having once regained consciousness. Mrs. F. J. Moody, Brinkworth House, stated that on the afternoon of December 29th, she was going down Cowbridge Hill and a man passed her riding a bicycle. When he neared the bottom he fell. She ran forward and found him lying unconscious, bleeding from the nose. She obtained the help of Mr. Ernest hitchings, builder, Lea, who conveyed the man to Malmesbury Cottage Hosptial.

Dr. Maitland-Govan sid that death was caused by cerebral hemorrhage. A verdict of “Cerebral hemorrhage when riding a bicycle” was returned.

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