28 November 1903 – Harry Gardener

We’ve used Artificial Intelligence to amplify whispers of the past into incredibly life-like voices. We think it’s the most interesting way to explore the articles on this site. Play the video to listen.

I prefer reading. Take me to the article

Read the article

From the Wiltshire Telegraph on Saturday the 28th of November 1903

A painful accident to a man in the employ of Mr. G. T. Anstee, Bell Farm, Stanton, threshing machine proprietor, took place on Saturday. While engaged at Porter Brothers’ Farm, Great Somerford, the man, who was feeding the threshing machine, opened the box of the drum, and the wind, which was very strong, blew him right into the drum.

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.

He could not be extricated until his foot and part of his leg had been torn off, and had not the wind blown the strap of the machine off the whole of his body must have been torn to pieces. The poor fellow, whose name is Harry Gardener, and who lives at Kington Langley, was taken to Malmesbury Cottage Hospital, where his leg was amputated by Dr. Pitt.

More from Inked in Time

Malmesbury Cottage Hospital (1897 – 1925)

"The Whole Hog," a bar and restaurant in Malmesbury. Interestingly, this building has a historical significance, as it served as Malmesbury Cottage Hospital from late 1897 until the end of 1926. The building retains its traditional architectural charm, with steeply pitched roofs and whitewashed walls, characteristic of the local style. The exterior now includes signage for the restaurant and an outdoor seating area, reflecting its modern-day function as a dining establishment.

🚧James Barnard’s Silversmiths Shop🚧

A sunny view of a bustling street in Malmesbury featuring traditional multi-story buildings. The Cherry Tree shop, with a sign prominently displayed, is located at 1 High Street. Pedestrians and a couple with a dog are walking along the pavement, passing various shops, including Lally's Tea Rooms.

More from this section

1898 – Ellen Cousins murdered her husband Arthur then committed suicide.

A view of the side of The Whole Hog in Malmesbury. The image features large windows with painted murals on them, depicting pigs and a man feeding them from a container labeled "Dreams." The artwork is vibrant and adds a creative touch to the building's stone facade. In the background, the historic Malmesbury Market Cross is visible, adding a sense of place and history to the scene. The area is paved, with a picnic bench outside and a couple of cars parked nearby. The overall atmosphere is quaint and lively, reflecting the town's blend of tradition and modern artistic expression.

1917 – 2nd Lieut. C. B. Fenton and 2nd Lieut. P. F. Parsons were involved in a plane crash at Charlton Park.

a Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2, a British single-engine biplane used during World War I. The aircraft has a distinctive design featuring two open cockpits arranged in tandem, one behind the other, with the pilot typically sitting in the rear seat and the observer or instructor in the front. The plane has a fabric-covered frame with a prominent upper and lower wing structure, connected by multiple struts and wires, characteristic of early biplane designs. The engine is mounted at the front, driving a two-blade wooden propeller. The aircraft bears British military markings on its tail, with the Union Jack visible. The overall design reflects the rudimentary and exposed nature of early military aviation.

1901 – A seven year old girl was shot whilst playing

1916 – Phyllis Edwards drowned in the Avon whilst her father was held prisoner of war in Germany

37 Horsefair, which is located at the edge of Horsefair near the entrance to Foundry Road in Malmesbury. The stone cottages lining the narrow street showcase traditional Cotswold architecture, with their rustic stone facades and charming details like small front gardens and hanging flower baskets. The road sign for Foundry Road is visible, adding to the quaint, picturesque feel of the area.

1920 – William Jones from Foundry Road died after ignoring the doctor’s advice

A view of Ratcliffe and Son on Foundry Road in Malmesbury. The building is an old, weathered brick structure with large arched windows and a slate roof, indicative of its industrial past. The main entrance is marked by a sign that reads "Ratcliffe & Son" above a small porch. The building has an aged, rustic appearance, with some areas showing signs of wear. A metal gate surrounds the entrance, and various tools and materials are visible inside the open area.