John Eblethrift

John Eblethrift, a ground labourer, and his wife Emma (45), were both heavy drinkers who frequently quarrelled. She had three children from her first marriage and when her husband died, he left her a small boat business and a great deal of money which she soon squandered on drink. Shortly before 10pm on 24 June, Mrs Eblethrift was talking to neighbours outside her home on Clarendon Street, Paddington. John Eblethrift emerged from the house and headed for the local pub, returning at 11.15pm muttering threats against his wife. Being used to his violence, Mrs Eblethrift usually locked him out of their bedroom when he returned home drunk, but that evening a neighbour advised her not to stay at home and offered her a bed for the night, but she refused. Later that night, a fellow lodger heard Mrs Eblethrift cry out and found her dead on the floor. John Eblethrift was tried at the Old Bailey and pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, saying he stabbed her out of jealousy. He was convicted of murder and hanged at Newgate on the 29th August by William Marwood.