[Q8922] – Mr Battersby, c.1873
[Q11794] – Battersby group of 2 c.1875

Research originally shared in 2022 as part of
Stories Seen Through A Glass Plate: In Their Footsteps

‘Edwin Battersby, managing clerk of the Lewes Probate Registry, who has been suffering from depression of spirits for some time past, yesterday entered the surgery of Messrs. Rigden and Hall, two doors from his own office, for the purpose, it was supposed, of obtaining medical advice, and immediately fired two shots at Mr Hall with a revolver, wounding him severely. One shot passed through the back of the right leg, just below the kneecap, and the second bullet grazed the scalp, just above the ear.’

‘The surgery boy said he heard the report of the revolver, and on turning round saw Mr Hall and the prisoner scuffling. Witness ran downstairs and Mr Hall followed. He then heard a second shot fired. Afterwards he picked up a bullet and went with Sergeant Diplock to prisoner’s house. Sergeant Diplock said, on arresting the prisoner he said “All right” and afterwards “I am tired of this”. Mr Braden, surgeon, said Mr Hall’s injuries were not at present of a dangerous nature.

Daily News – Thursday 8th June 1882

Edwin Battersby was remanded to Lewes prison, charged with attempted murder, but the case never came to trial. It was quickly concluded that he was of unsound mind, and he was committed to Broadmoor. He died there of pneumonia on New Year’s Day 1893.

For Mr Battersby’s wife and their family the consequences were severe not least the loss of their home which was tied to his job.