On Tuesday 16 March 1858 workmen excavating for a new sewer in Willow Bridge Street in Leicester were taken aback by suddenly coming in contact with a rudely constructed coffin, upon being opened, it was found to contain a complete but scarcely disarranged skeleton.

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The borough authorities were contacted and under the direction of the police, the coffin and the skeleton were conveyed to Welford Road Cemetery for re-interment.

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Forty-three years prior, on Saturday 22 July 1815, John Bridgan, a labourer employed by the Messrs Pickford, mysteriously disappeared from his home. The following morning, on Sunday 23 July, he was discovered hanging from a rope in the loft of his employers' stable. The establishment where he worked, was located in Gallowtree Gate, directly across from the popular Robin Hood Public House. The stable loft where John was found was in the entry leading from Gallowtree Gate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon further examination, it was discovered that the knot in the noose was situated near the back of the neck, providing a clear indication that John had potentially made a mistake in adjusting the rope, resulting in an unskillful execution. On the night in question, there were numerous reports of shrieks and cries for assistance coming from the general direction where the body was ultimately discovered.

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After thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, the jury was led to believe John Bridgan was in a sane state of mind at the time he committed the deed, ultimately resulting in their decision to return a verdict of felo de se (suicide). As was the common custom during that era, the remains of the deceased were discreetly laid to rest at the stroke of midnight on the Four Cross Road, precisely at the same spot where the crudely constructed coffin was discovered in 1858. 

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