FLORENCE STREET IN THE NEWS

16 February 1887

The Standard reported that: "Thomas William Currell, who is accused of murdering Lydia Green of Hoxton, was arrested yesterday morning. He had written to a police inspector notifying him of his intention to surrender but he did not appear at the time and place indicated. He was, however, identified walking along Florence Street, Islington when he attempted to run away but was secured by the police and in the afternoon was conveyed to Worship Street Police Court where after a formal examination was remanded. In an interview with his solicitor Currell protested that he was innocent of the crime with which he is charged."

Florence St in the news: Watch

1897

The Illustrated Police News covered what they termed "An Islington Love Tragedy" with an illustration to match.

Mr Charles Norton, an undertaker of 91 Essex Road stated that the deceased, his son, had assisted him in his business. He was of an excitable disposition and not as steady as he might have been. The witness had had a disagreement with his son because the latter had been living away from home with an actress.

Florence St in the news: Welcome

Miss Beatrice Clifford, a very stylishly dressed young woman, who stated that she had been a member of "the profession" for five years, said that she had known the deceased seven months and that they had been living together in Florence Street for the past six weeks. They were contemplating matrimony and her sister had promised to provide them with a home as soon as they were married. Miss Clifford was aware that their alliance was against the wishes of the deceased's father.

The deceased had previously been very cheerful but had latterly become exceedingly despondent. He had followed no occupation while living with Miss Clifford and had pawned all her jewels. He came home on Tuesday shortly after midnight and was very morose. A friend who was with witness asked him to go out and get some stout but he refused, saying that he was not going to go out again that night. Witness saw her friend to the door and upon returning to the room the deceased said to her "Kiss me: you will not be able to do so again". He then drank something from a cup that had been standing on the table and became insensible.

Miss Clifford had received a letter from him the previous Friday but had placed it under her pillow thinking that he was trying to frighten her. The coroner read passages from the letter as follows:
"Thursday - I have been home tonight. My father has been using some strong language to me. I hope that the Lord will bless you and see you safe through the world. Peace be your end. Forgive me if I take my life. Someone has evidently been telling my father a pack of lies."

The coroner (to witness): "He seems very much attached to you."

The letter goes on: "I send you my love and hope that God will always bless you. Goodbye goodbye. Do forgive me if I take my life in this attempt to avoid the curses I am under, which no man would ever endure."

Dr Godfrey deposed that death was due to poisoning by carbolic acid. The jury returned a verdict of suicide whilst of unsound mind and in a fit of depression.

More grisly tales from Florence Street

Florence St in the news: Citations