THIS week 250 years ago, the Worcester Journal reported on "a horrid murder" in the Faithful City.

The edition of 1753 stated: Last Sunday night about 10 o'clock, as Thomas Penderton and one Simmonds, both porters, were passing through Sansome Fields adjoining to this city, they met with one of the Private Men of the Regiment of Scots Greys who had with him a woman, supposed to be one of the lewd sort.

Wounding

Penderton and Simmonds, jeering the soldier upon the occasion, found that he so resented it that he drew his broad sword and, after slightly wounding Simmonds who ran away, fell upon Penderton, gave him several desperate wounds upon the head, almost cut off one of his arms and most shockingly mangled one of his legs, in which condition the poor fellow was found dead the next morning.

But the barbarous wretch who committed this horrid murder is not yet discovered.

However, I looked ahead to the following week's edition of the Journal to note developments, and I found this report: "On Monday last the Coroner's inquest was held on the body of Thomas Penderton, and a verdict was returned of 'Wilful Murder by persons unknown.'

Very soon after, however, through the great care and vigilance of the magistrates of this city, it was discovered who is the person guilty of the murder. Through information being given, one Susannah Bowkott was identified as the woman seen in company with him.

Custody

She was immediately taken into custody and upon examination declared that one William Clark, belonging to the Royal North British Dragoons, was the person who wounded Penderton.

However, the said William Clark has absconded so it has been thought proper to publish a description of him.

He is about 20 years of age, 5ft 11ins high, with brown hair, and hails from Ayr in Scotland.