11 April 1912 – Eva Davis

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From the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard on Saturday the 13th of April 1912

After three and a half weeks’ careful nursing and the assiduous attentions of the medical staff of the Cottage Hospital, the girl Eva Davis (kitchenmaid in the employ of Colonel Hall, Manor House) died from shock following her terrible injuries, on Monday night. The doctors and the matron and her nurses have watched case hour by hour, hoping that if the girl survived the month she would pull through, but she has never been out of danger, and considering the terrible extent of the injuries, the marvel is that she lived so long. Death at length released her from a prolongation of suffering which words cannot express.

A black and white vintage postcard depicting the Market Cross in Malmesbury, with the Malmesbury Cottage Hospital visible in the background. The Market Cross is a medieval structure featuring a spire, arches, and intricate stonework. A few people are seated under the arches of the Market Cross, and early 20th-century automobiles are parked nearby. The surrounding buildings include a shop labeled "Gilbert's" on the left and "Abbey Stores" further down the street. The scene captures a glimpse of everyday life in Malmesbury during the early 1900s.
A postcard image showing a view of the Market Cross and Cottage Hospital in Malmesbury. With thanks to Trevor and Nesta Mason.

Mr. A. L. Forrester held the inquiry at the Y.M.C.A. Hall on Tuesday, Mr. F. Newman being foreman of the jury. Deceased’s full name is Evelyn Selina Davis, daughter of Mr. Dan Davis, cattle dealer, of Broughton Gifford, Melksham.

Dr. Arthur Heaton, of Malmesbury, said he was called to the Manor House at 6.45 a.m. on March 16th, when he found that the deceased had been taken upstairs and placed on her bed, her wounds having been dressed by a nurse in the house. The wounds were from fire burns, and the girl was suffering from shock. He ordered her removal to the Cottage Hospital, where she made some progress for three weeks, but eventually died on Monday night at 9.30 from shock following the injuries. He wished to add that from the first it was almost a hopeless case, as nearly every person died from fire burns when the flesh was burnt one-third deep from the surface, but in this case, the burns extended two-thirds from the surface, and very greatly affected the nervous system.

Mr. Dan Davis, the father, identified the body as that of his daughter Evelyn.

Mrs. Vick, housekeeper at the Manor, said the deceased was her kitchenmaid and usually got up at 6.30 a.m. to clean the grate and light the fire. Deceased told her that after lighting the fire on March 16th she was reaching over to clean the back of the grate when her apron and dress (cotton print) caught fire. Deceased had been under her for over four years and was used to her work.

Eva ran away and when witness got near the passage she gave deceased a push and she fell down and with the help of the last witness and the valet they put the flames out.

Annie Sprules, a fellow servant, said that on the day in question, about 6.30 a.m., she heard deceased screaming out “Elsie” (the housemaid’s name). Witness was cleaning the drawing room grate at the time, and she at once went to the front hall where she met deceased, who said “Ann, what shall I do?” She was all in flames. Witness replied “Stand still until I can get something to put it out.” She (witness) went to the housekeeper’s room for a tablecloth to put around her, but the girl ran towards the drawing room and when witness returned she was near the front hall and Elsie was with her, deceased being on the floor. With the help of Mr. Piccotsville, they put out the flames.

A cozy interior photograph taken inside The Whole Hog in Malmesbury. The focal point is a brick fireplace with a small black cast-iron stove inside it. Above the stove, a plaque with the word "JUBILEE" is embedded in the brickwork. In front of the fireplace, there are two round wooden tables surrounded by a few wooden stools with various designs. To the left, an open door provides a glimpse of the outside. The walls are paneled with wood, and there are framed pictures and notices hanging on them, contributing to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the pub.
Looking at the fireplace in the bar of The Whole Hog, in Malmesbury. Monday 26 August 2024.

Elsie Wiltshire, housemaid, stated that at 6.30 a.m. on March 16th, she heard deceased scream “Elsie.” Witness was in the drawing room, but rushed out to see what was the matter and found the deceased in flames. She said to her “Drop down” but Eva ran away and when witness got near the passage she gave deceased a push and she fell down and with the help of the last witness and the valet they put the flames out. All the front part of her clothes was in flames.

The Coroner remarked that much credit was due to all concerned, especially to the Hospital Matron and her staff for the persevering way in which they had handled the case, as it was almost hopeless from the first.

The verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence, viz., shock following fire burns, and Mr. Newman, for the jury, expressed their deep sympathy with the parents of the deceased in their sad loss. Several of the jurors gave their fees to the hospital.

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