27 OCTOBER

1894 Today's Ipswich Journal recorded the sad case of a man named Bayles, aged seventy-one, a labourer of Stradbroke in Suffolk. His situation was brought to the attention of Mr Henry Thirkettle, relieving officer to the Hoxne Union, who immediately visited the man's dilapidated cottage. Bayles, who shared the home with another old man, was found lying on the brick floor in a corner of the room, with nothing on but his shirt, trousers and stockings. He was unconscious, and throwing his arms up and moaning as if in pain. Dr Howe, the medical officer of the district, was summoned and at once ordered Bayles' removal to the workhouse infirmary at Eye, a telegram being despatched to summon a cab for the purpose. Some clothing was put on to the man, and brandy and water were given to him by Mr Thirkettle. On his arrival at Eye, Bayles was put to bed in the sick ward, and was shortly afterwards seen by the workhouse medical officer, who found him to be unconscious, pulseless and extremely cold. The officials made great efforts to give him brandy and other stimulants, but he was unable to swallow them and he died the following evening. It was said that Bayles had been lying for four days in the corner of the room where Mr Thirkettle found him.