5 May 1900 – Mr. J. Large and Mr. Torrence

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From the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard on Saturday the 5th of May 1900

On Monday night, between eight and nine o’clock, Mr. Joe Large, of West Crudwell, and Mr. Torrence, a young gentleman learning farming with him, and also a farm labourer, met with a nasty accident by being thrown out of a trap in the High Street. They came into Malmesbury early in the afternoon, and put the pony and trap up at the King’s Arms Hotel. A little after eight o’clock in the evening the ostler received orders to put to, and they then got up into the conveyance, a light coster cart. The pony would not stand, but kept rearing, and evidently bolted.

As the pony came up the King’s Arms yard at a gallop and out into the High Street, Mr. Torrence, who was driving, could not turn its head quickly enough, and it dashed on to the opposite pavement, and all the occupants were thrown out by the wheel coming on to the kerb and turning the cart upside down. Mr. Torrence came out first. Mr. Large fell on top of him, and his head came in contact with the window of Mr. W. Pitt’s china shop, while the labourer was the last to fall, and he was not much hurt. Both Mr. Torrence and Mr. Large were unconscious, the latter being very badly cut about the head.

Mr. Torrence was carried insensible into the King’s Arms Hotel, and the police rendered first aid to Mr. Large, who groaned very much and bled profusely. Dr. Evans was sent for, and by this time Mr. Large recovered consciousness and enquired what was the matter. The doctor then turned his attention to Mr. Torrence, who was still insensible, and he was carried on an ambulance to the hospital, followed by Mr. Large. Here medical assistance was given to both, and by ten o’clock they were able to be driven home in a fly. Strange to say neither the pony nor the trap was hurt. Two panes of glass, besides the framework and some of the china were smashed in Mr. Pitt’s shop.