Berrows Worcester Journal, Saturday, October 13th, 1900.

HOP-PICKER DROWNED IN THE TEME.

AN OPEN VERDICT

Mr. G. F. S. Brown (Deputy Coroner) held an inquest at the Talbot Hotel, Knightsford Bridge, as to the death of the woman found drowned in the Teme on Tuesday, and identified as a hop-picker named Elizabeth Hodgson, who had been working at Horsham.

William Hall, bailiff to Mr. T. L. Walker, Horsham Farm, Martley, said deceased went to work at the farm in June, and worked at haymaking, currant picking, and so on. She had with her a little boy and girl, and they lived in the farm buildings. Witness last saw her alive on September 26th, when she was paid for hop-picking. She was abbot 40 to 44 years old. The little boy was about 7 years old, and the little girl 11/2 to 2 years old. Deceased and the other hop-pickers were leaving on September 27th, and on that day the little boy was found in the fold crying, and the other. hop-pickers said deceased had not been in all night. The younger child had not been heard of since. Deceased was a bit weak minded. Witness made inquires, but could not find anything. It was the general opinion that she had gone away, and no communication was made to the police.

Clara Wood, married woman, a servant at the Talbot Hotel, Knightwick, said she had frequently seen deceased there during the hop-picking season. Witness last saw her alive on September 26th, at night, when she was sitting in the kitchen. She left just before closing time. She had been drinking with others, and witness could not say whether she was sober or not. She had the younger child with her. Deceased had said she was a married woman, and her husband had left her. Witness only heard deceased called"Lizzie". She was in the house a goodish time, but witness could not say how long. A witness said the pickers were paid between 6 and 7 o'clock. A youth named George Dowding, Bringsty Common, said that on Tuesday he was walking by the River Teme near Ankerdine Farm, and saw the body of deceased in the river. He told some workmen on the farm, and the body was got out of the water.

PC Large, stationed at Broadwas, said he received information on Tuesday of the finding of the body, which he assisted to get out of the water, and conveyed to the Talbot Hotel. The body was much decomposed. He searched the body, and found only a box containing snuff. There was no money. At the farm, in a perambulator belonging to deceased were found a rent book, two insurance books, on one of which nothing had been paid. The other, in the National Guardian Company, Birmingham, was paid up to May 21st. There was also found card, with the name "Hodgson labourer", and the name of Birmingham Builders Federation Society, a marriage certificate, with the names William Warder Hodgson and Elizabeth Haywood, widow, both of Penkridge, the date being 1896, Deceased was then described as about 30. When the body was found the skirt was missing, but that he found it in the river near the place. Apparently it had come off in the water.

Mr. Greenhill, surgeon said there were no marks of violence on the body. The appearance was consistent with death from drowning. The body had been in the water for probably a fortnight.

A verdict of "Found drowned" was returned. The Coroner remarked that the child was still missing, and it might be in the water.