The Murder of Edward Anstee at Marshalswick in 1880
Who's Who for
The Marshalswick Murder
Working Research Notes
by Chris Reynolds
The following people are mentioned in accounts of the murder of Edward Anstee in 1880 published in the Hertfordshire Advertiser and The Times. Where appropriate, additional information has been added from the 1882 trade directory, and my own extensive files of the farmers of Sandridge. This supplementary information is printed in italics so that any wrong identifications can be unscrambled. Information from the 1881 census has also been added.
All addresses given below are in St Albans unless otherwise stated. The majority of places on Bernard's Heath and Marshalswick were in the parish of Sandridge until 1905, and are recorded as such.
Adey, Stephen Vizard Rede: Verulam House: Brewer, Adey & White [1881c: aged 40, common brewer, born London]
Annesley, George: Solicitor, 5 Verulam St: Acting for Thomas Wheeler [1881c: aged 54]
Anstee, Edward (68): Farmer of Marshalswick Farm, Sandridge: Murdered on the morning of 22nd August, 1880. He had farmed at Marshalswick, a farm of nearly 300 acres, for 20 years, and had previously been a butcher in London. In his younger days he had played cricket at Lord’s Ground, and had taken a interest in the game, and had been planning to watch a game on Bernards Heath.
Anstee, Mary (64): Wife of Edward Anstee, the murder victim: She was staying with friends when the murder occurred: She identified a syringe stolen from the farm by the murderer. [1881c: aged 66, living in St Albans with Elizabeth Coleman as servant, born Queens Ferry, Scotland]
Arnold: Nomansland [1881c: William Arnold, farm labourer, aged 35, living at Nomansland, Wheathampstead with family.]
Bailey, George (38): Cowman, of Marshalswick farm: Hall Heath Cottages, the new houses: He had worked for Edward Anstee for the last five years, but had also worked for him before that. He discovered the body and sent for the police [1881c: aged 39, farm labourer of Sandridge, born Wheathampstead.]
Bailey, Rev William: Chaplain, St Albans Goal: Curate, St Peters [1881c: aged 57, “Rector of Col+” of St Peters, born Guilden Morden, Cambs]
Bates: New Mill End: Thomas Wheeler said he went there looking for work
Baxendale, Mrs: Employer of Amos Burgess, Mr Ray, Henry and George Wheeler
Becket, Sir Edmunt: Magistrate, Batchwood: Hears case relating to George Wheeler's money
Bentley, J R: Photographer of St Albans: He took photographs of the farm house
Bond, Alfred: Alma Road: Bond & Son, outfitters, Market Place: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury. [1881c: aged 48, draper of St Albans, born Codicote]
Bowen, Aubery William Spencer: Cumberland Villa, Bowgate, St Peters: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral: Foreman of Jury, Inquest of Thomas Wheeler. [1881c: aged 68, annuitant, born St Albans]
Boyes, John: Farmer, Beaumont Farm: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral [1881c: aged 51, farmer of St Peters, born Scotland]
Brabant, Henry: County Coroner for St Albans District: Superintendent registrar, St Peters St: Held inquest on Thomas Wheeler. [1881c; Aged 57]
Brace, Samuel: Former Police Inspector: Recovered stolen pork from Tabitha Field, Wheeled Plough, Park Street, Luton
Brewer, John: Police Sergeant from Redbourn: Found the joint of lamb stolen from Marshalswick Farm. [1881c: John Brewer, aged 53, retired sergt+, of Redbourn, born Cranbourne, Dorset]
Brooks, Robert: 1 Kentish Villas, Verulam Road: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury. [1881c: aged 62, “Manager of Pu+” ?? of St Michaels]
Burgess, Amos: Raison's Cottage, Wheathampstead: Employed by Mrs Baxendale, Porters Farm: Gave Character reference for Henry and George Wheeler. [1881c: aged 27, labourer of Wheathampstead]
Butterfield, Edward: Police Constable, City Police: Arrested Thomas Wheeler at the Pineapple public house, initially for the robbery at Edward Woollatt's farm. [1881c: aged 23 of St Peters, born Caddington.]
Byles, George (36): Farmer, Fairfolds Farm, Sandridge: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee [1881c; aged 37, Farmer, Fairfolds Farm, Sandridge, born Hemel Hempstead]
Carter, Thomas: Farm worker, employed by Jacob Reynolds, Heath Farm: He found the bundles of clothing and plate from Marshalswick Farm [1881c: 19 year old labourer son of William Carter, of Sandpit Lane, St Peter. Born St Albans]
Chalkley, Eleanor: Dagnell Street: Sister of Mrs Davies, the Landlord of the Painter's Arms: She served the accused on the evening before the murder [1881c: 58 year old wife of William Chalkley, former stone mason]
Chapple, John: Mayor of St Albans, Romeland: Magistrate. [1881c: aged 55, Architect, born Dulverton, Somerset]
Chambers, -: The man who constructed the gallows in St Albans Prison.[1881c: William Chambers, aged 38, was Prison Clerk.]
Cherry, Samuel: 5 St Peters St: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral. [1881c: aged 73, late linen draper] [1869td: Cherry & Steabben, drapers, High Street]
Climance, William: Mrs Jane Climance & Son, 10 George Street, Baker: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral. [1881c: Willian Climance, aged 36, Baker and Fruiterer]
Coleman, Elizabeth: General servant at Marshalswick Farm: She was in the house at time of the murder. [1881c: aged 19, general servant to Mary Anstee, born Redbourn]
Cornwell, C: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral
Cox, Arthur: Bowling Alley, Harpenden: Works for Mrs Luck. One the evening before the murder he was driving a cart to Harpenden. In the vicinity of Bernard's Heath he saw a man carrying a gun. [1881c: aged 15, ag. lab. of Harpenden]
Cox, Jonathan (59): Farmer, Hill End Farm, Sandridge: Foreman of inquest jury for Edward Anstee [died in March 1881, so not listed in 1881 census]
Cox, Thomas: ? (26), Farmer, Beeson's End, Redbourn: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee [1881c: Farmer of 120 acres, at Redbourn, born Sandridge]
Cox, William: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee [1881c: could be William Cox, 34 year old bricklayer living in a cottage in Sandridge, or possibly Frederick William Cox, 29 year old farmer of Cunningham Hill Farm, St Albans]
Cumberland, David: Alma Road: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury. [1881c: aged 61, annuitant, born Markyate]
Davies, Mrs: Landlord, Painter's Arms: Mrs Emma Davis, beer retailer, 44 St Peters St in 1878: Her sister, Eleanor Chalkley, served the accused in the pub. [1881c: The publican at 44 St Peters Street was a 61 year old widow Emma Welch, born St Albans]
Davies, William Bowen: 3 Hill Street, Verulam Road, Minister at Edward Anstee's funeral. [1881c: aged 66, Baptist Minister, St Albans, born Becnildy, Rad]
Deamer, William: Gardener, High Firs, Harpenden: He saw a man with a gun on Bernard's Heath before the murder
Deayton, John: Prison Governor, Victoria Rd: Involved in Thomas Wheeler's execution and the subsequent inquest. [1881c: aged 67]
Deed, Robert: Victoria Road: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury. [1881c: aged 45, railway clerk]
Denman, Richard: Clerk of the Court at the Chelmsford Assize trial
Dumbleton, George: Shepherd, employed by Jacob Reynolds, Heath Farm: Found a discarded waistcoat. [1881c: aged 34, shepherd, born Toddington, Beds. wife Emma Dumbleton, 32, hat sewer, born at Redbourn]
Dyer, Charles Kemp: Magistrate, Marlborough Rd. [1881c: aged 59, independent, born Suffolk]
Eason, James: Brewer working for Adey and White: Dalton Streen, Garden Fields, ?St Albans: Told the police where Thomas Wheeled was. [1881c: aged 56, brewer’s drayman of St Peters]
Edwards, Isaac Newton: Solicitor, clerk to the magistrates, 18 Chequers St: Attended Edward Anstee's inquest. [1881c: aged 42]
Field, George: Assistant at Messrs Ironmonger: Confirmed the sale of pork (later stolen) to Edward Woollatt [1881c: aged 30, grocers assistant]
Field, Tabitha: Landlady, Wheeled Plough, Park Street, Luton: Bought some (stolen) pork from Thomas Wheeler
Fisher: A piece of mutton stolen was bought at his stall in St Albans Market
Fisk, James: Magistrate [1881c: James Fisk, aged 44, master draper] William Fisk & Son, Wholesale & retail linen and woollen drapers, hosiers and milliners
Ford, George: City surveyor and sanitary inspector, Victoria Rd: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury. [1881c: aged 42, born Hamstead, Middx]
Fountaine, Charles: George Hotel, Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral. [1881c: “Commercial Ho+”, born Tring]
Fulton, Forrest: Lawyer, Acting for the Prosecution.
Gape, Major James John: Magistrate, The Limes, Marlborough Rd
Gazely, Charles: Police Constable: He identified where silver, etc, were found. [1881c: aged 47, police constable of St Albans]
Gepp: Under Sheriff at the Chelmsford Assize: Responsible for jurymen's accommodation.
Gibbs, Henry: County Police Constable, Wheathampstead: Involved in the hunt for Thomas Wheeler. [1881c: Henry Gibbs, aged 30, Sergeant Police at Great Hadham, born Broxborne. Young children born at Wheathampstead]
Glascock, J: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral
Godman, John: Surveyor, of St Stephens: Drafted a map of the farm, buildings & yard. [1881c: John H. Goodman, aged 24, civil engineer.]
Gooch, George: Gunsmith, 78 St Peters St: Gave evidence about the gun shot found at various locations. [1881c: aged 35, gunmaker]
Gray, A: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral
Gray, Charles: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee
Gray, Susan: Gate Keeper, Chain-bar Gate, Hatfield Road: She spoke to the accused on the evening before the murder. [1881c: Susan Gray, 55 year old straw hat maker, and wife of William Gray, Hatfield Road]
Greenham, George: Police Chief Superintendent, Scotland Yard: He drafted a map of the neighbourhood
Griffith, Rev Dr John: Vicar of Sandridge: Attended Edward Anstee's inquest. [1881c: aged 63]
Grubbe: Queen's Counsel: Counsel for the Defence.
Hamilton, Andrew: Foreman of the Jury, Chelmsford Assize.
Hansell, E: C.E. Hansell & Co, Grocers, London Road: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury [1881c: Charles Edward Hansell, grocer, 14 New London Road]
Harcourt, Sir William: Home Secretary: Petitioned with respect to a memorial for Police Superintendent Pike
Harrison, Emma: Landlady, The Milestone, Luton: Purchased reticule (stolen from Samwell's Farm) from Thomas Wheeler
Hawkins, Amos: Platelayer, Wheathampstead: Failed to attend the magistrates court as a witness. [1881c: aged 37, platelayer of Wheathampstead]
Hawkins, Sir Henry: Judge at the Chelmsford Assize
Hedges, John: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee. [1881c: aged 48, carpenter, Sandridge OR aged 37, farmer’s son, St Stephen]
Hester, Thomas: Chief Warder, St Albans Prison: Gave evidence at Thomas Wheeler's inquest. [1881c: aged 43]
Hitchcock, Mr: He came to William North's house, after the murder, when the accused was there. [1881c: probably John Hitchcock, 37 year old master plait bleacher, who lived in Heath Cottage, Bernards Heath.]
Horne, Richard: Clothier, 18 Market Place: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral
Ironmonger, Isaac & Thomas: Grocers, 5 & 6 George St: Their shop assistant, George Field sold some pork to Edward Woollatt
Ironmonger, Thomas: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral [1881c: 52 year old master grocer, 5 & 6 George Street]
Isgate: Police Superintendent, Watford: Listed as contact in a police appeal for witnesses [1881c: William Isgate, 56, Superintendent of Police, Escourt Road Police Station, Watford]
Johnson, James: Marsford, Wheathampstead: Thomas Wheeler worked for him (sawing wood) on 18th August [1881c: 67, Bootmaker, living at Horse & Jockey, Marford]
Jones, Katherine Beatrice: Staying with Mr Sampson Rumball, Townsend farm: She saw the Thomas Wheeler on Bernard's Heath on Sunday morning [1881c, 23, Governess teacher at Townsend Farm]
Josling, Samuel Shrubb: Corn merchant, Market Place: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral [39, seed merchant, Market Place]
Kelly, Mr Robert A (36): Solicitor, Heath Cottages, Bernard's Heath, Sandridge: Thomas Wheeler was seen near his gate on the morning after the murder.
Kendall: Police Constable, City Police: He arranged for the identification of a waistcoat. [1881c: John Henry Kendall, 32, police constable, Inkerman Road]
Kidman, Charles: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee [1881c: 35, Farmer of 332 Acres, Suttons House Farm, Hatfield]
Kinder, Thomas: Magistrate: Sandridgebury, Sandridge: Attended Edward Anstee's inquest [1881c: 66, retired brewer & farmer]
Lawrence, William: Beer retailer, Rule and Compasses, Fishpool St: Thomas Wheeler visited him in 1879 and made threats against Edward Anstee. [1881c: 40, beerhouse keeper & waiter, 1 Fishpool street]
Lazenby: Police Sergeant: (Shot passed to George Gooch) [1881c: 40, Henry R Lasenby, sergeant of police, High Street, Redbourn]
Lindsay, Susan: Widow: She was staying at Marshalswick Farm, as acting housekeeper, and was confronted by the murderer. She was the widow of a former painter and glazier, David Lindsay, of 4 Verulam Street. [70, widow, Marlboro Buildings, Hatfield Road]
Lines, Harriet: Servant, to Edward Woollatt, Samwell's Farm, Sandridge: She saw the burglar when the farm was robbed [1881c: possibly Harriett E Lines, 14, domestic servant, and living with her grandmother Sarah Lines, widow at Garden Field Cottages, Wheathampstead]
Lipscomb, Dr John Thomas: Surgeon, M.D., F.R.C.S., Eng., Holywell Hill: Present at Thomas Wheeler's execution [1881c: 61]
Little, C: Lattimore Road: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury [1881c: Charles Little, 44, Stationer]
Little, William: Painter, Catherine Lane, St Albans : He reported that Thomas Wheeler was penniless when they met at the Painter's Arms on the evening before the murder. He had formerly worked at Heath Farm with Thomas Wheeler. [1881c: 29, painter, 39 Catherine Lane]
Lockett, Alfred: Landlord, Queen Adelaide, 41 St Peters St, St Albans. [1881c: 52, publican]
Lockett, Elizabeth: Landlord's wife, Queen Adelaide: Thomas Wheeler bought beer from her on the Sunday [1881c: 43, 41 St Peters Street]
Lumley, Rev W F: Chaplain, Chelmsford Prison: Witnessed Thomas Wheeler's confession
Mackay, David: Husband of Sarah Mackay, Caversham, Reading: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral
Mackay, Sarah: Wife of David Mackay, Caversham, Reading: Personal friend of Mrs Anstee: She identified the syringe found on Thomas Wheeler
Marten, George Nisbet (40): Magistrate, 2 High St [1881c: 40, The Bank, 2 High Street, Banker, born Ghazepoor, India]
Marten, Thomas Powney (73): Magistrate: Marshalswick, Sandridge: Edward Anstee's landlord: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral: Attended Edward Anstee's inquest: Heard case against Thomas Wheeler for Murder: Heard case relating to George Wheeler's money [1881c: 74, Banker in St Albans]
Marwood, William: Public Executioner, Horncastle: Executed Thomas Wheeler on 30th November at St Albans Prison
Mason, George: Collector (for the late firm of D B Johnson & Co, Edgware Road), Verulam Road: Long time personal friend of Edward Anstee : Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral: He identified the syringe found on Thomas Wheeler
Matthews, Mrs: Hatching Green: Thomas Wheeler claimed he had killed a pig for her, as an explanation for blood on his clothes. Her evidence was never given in court. [1881c: no match]
Matthews, Thomas: Tailor, Kimpton: Nephew to Henry Wheeler: Gave Henry, Ann and George a good character to the magistrates [1881c: 27, Tailor, Garden Fields, Kimpton]
Milemore, Thomas: Park Street, Luton: Gave evidence to frying some pork at the Wheeled Plough
Norman, Frederick: Tailor, 3 Verulam Road: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury [1881c: 50, Tailor, Verulam Street]
North, William: Adelaide Street: Friend of Thomas Wheeler: Thomas Wheeler came to his house after the murder with 2 shillings. [1881c: 62, bricklayers labourer, 1 Adelaide Street]
Oram, E: Police Officer: Took part in Thomas Wheeler's execution
Page, William: Beer retailer & Blacksmith, 69 St Peters St: He identified two stolen hammers, recovered after the burglaries at Heath Farm and Samwells Farm [1881c: 66]
Parrott, George: Dyer, 17 Holywell Hill: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury [1881c: George Parrott, Dyer & Cleaner, 17 Holywell Hill]
Parsons, George: London Road: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury [1881c: 53, retired grocer, The Hollows, New London Road]
Parsons, William: Baker, Sandridge: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee. [1881c: 59]
Paul, William (59): Carpenter & Shopkeeper, Sandridge in 1878: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee [1881c: 60]
Pearce, George: Bricklayer's labourer, Catherine Lane: Had known Thomas Wheeler of 18-20 years, and had worked for E. Smith: In 1879 Thomas Wheeler had made threats against Edward Anstee. [1881c: 39, 24 Catherine Lane]
Pellant: Police Sergeant, City Police: Involved in search for Thomas Wheeler
Penn: Police Inspector: Helped in searching Thomas Wheeler's clothes after his arrest. [1881c: Joseph Penn, 45, Bedford Road, 5 Glenhill Terrace]
Phillips: Farmer, Ladywell: Occasionally employed Thomas Wheeler
Pike, William James Pettit: Police Superintendent, City Police: (The force consists of a superintendent, 2 sergeants and 8 constables): Found stolen property at Henry Wheeler's House [1881c: 55, superintendent of Police, New London Road]
Potton, William: Landlord, The Pineapple, Catherine Lane: Thomas Wheeler was arrested in his pub. [1881c: 68, retired publican, 13 Dalton Street]
Pullen, Edward William George: Land Steward to Earl Spencer, Sandridge: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee [1881c: 27, agent employing 5 men, living in cottage, Sandridge]
Quint: County Police Constable: One of the first to get to the farm after the murder. [1881c: William Quint, 54, Police Constable, Lower Dagnall Street]
Rainsden, John (41): Farm labourer, employed by Jacob Reynolds, Heath Farm: Heath Cottages, Bernard's Heath, Sandridge: He found a cheese stolen from Marshalswick Farm. [1881c: 42]
Rainsden, Martha: Landlord, Three Oaks beerhouse, Nomansland, Sandridge: She saw Thomas Wheeler on the Friday before the murder, and recognised the trousers he had been wearing. [1881c: Martha Rainsdon, 62, widow, beer house keeper & sewer, Nomansland, Wheathampstead]
Ray: Employee of Mrs Blaxendale
Reynolds: Police Inspector, Stevenage
Reynolds, Jacob (45): Farmer, Heath Farm, Bernard's heath, Sandridge: Burgled on 8th June, 1880: Identified recovered stolen property: Identified the hammer the burglar had left: Employees: T Carter, A Cox, G Dumbleton, J Rainsden, M L Yell
Rowden, Albert: Town Clerk's Office: Kent Villa, Veralum Rd: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury
Rumball, Mrs S J: Townsend Farm: She was walking with Miss K B Jones when the latter saw Thomas Wheeler after the murder
Rumball, Sampson John: Farmer, Townsend Farm: Auctioneer, St Peters St
Russell: Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead: Mentioned in connection with search for Thomas Wheeler
Ryder, William Edward: Deputy Chief Constable Ryder, Bishop Stortford: Charged Thomas Wheeler with the murder of Edward Anstee: Attended Edward Anstee's inquest
Salter, Telford: Queen's Counsel, acting for the Prosecution, Chelmsford Assize
Sayers, Robert: On inquest jury for Edward Anstee
Scruby, A: Mourner at Edward Anstee's funeral
Scruby, Thomas Harris: Bedford Road: Fancy stationer, 28 Chequer St: On Thomas Wheeler's inquest jury