I did the basic research for this blog series a couple of years ago. Then, as usual, flitted along to the next thing that caught my interest. Now I'm trying to flesh the cases out and present to you my justification for not being a fan of walking along the canal on dark and lonely nights...
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Albert Price, aged 81, was living with his wife at Regent Street in Abergavenny when their niece - Mrs Dulcie Colchester of Middlesex - came to stay with them for a few weeks. The couple were due to move into their niece's home in Middlesex on January 17th 1950. Unfortunately, Price's poor physical health was weighing heavily on his mind and, before the move could take place, he committed suicide in the canal.
The South Wales Echo of January 7th 1950 reported:
"Knelt With Head in Canal"
It is believed that a man found drowned in the Monmouthshire Canal knelt down and held his head under water. Police-constable W. Evans told the coroner at an inquest at Abergavenny to-day on Albert Price, aged 81, of Regent-street, Abergavenny, that when found Price had part of his back above water and it was perfectly dry.
A niece, Mrs. Dulcie Colchester, of East Court, Middlesex, said she had been living with Mr. and Mrs. Price for about six weeks. Her husband and she had arranged to put half their house at the disposal of her uncle and aunt and they were to move to Middlesex on January 17.
Her uncle worried about his sleeplessness and about his wife's health. When he came down to breakfast on Wednesday morning he said he had had a very bad night. He was worried about becoming a permanent cripple.
Note to Police
In the afternoon he wrote a note, which he took out with him. As he did not return the police were informed, and the following morning the letter was delivered to the police. Mrs. Colchester did not think the proposed move had anything to do with her uncle's death, He was more worried about his own and his wife's health.
The Coroner: In his letter he does mention that he cannot stand the nights. Some old people do worry a lot about being rooted from their old home and friends when they have to move elsewhere.
Dr. W. T. E. Blackmore said Price was responding quite well to three weeks treatment. During the past 12 months he had noticed a marked deterioration in Price's physical health.
A verdict of "Asphyxia from self-inflicted drowning, while the balance of his mind was disturbed" was returned.
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