William Bramwell's death (1818)



An account of William Bramwell's last moments.

This person was James Ingham, one of the Leeds night patrol. He and his partner, Joseph Geldard, give the following account of this sudden catastrophe:

“We belong to the Leeds patrol. In the execution of our duty we were going up Woodhouse-lane a little before three o'clock. When we got to Mr Bramwell, he was standing in a bending attitude, with his hands upon his knees. I (Ingham) said, ‘ My good man! Does something ail you?’ He said, ‘Yes, I am very ill indeed. Take hold of me, watch!' I immediately took hold of him on one side and told my comrade to take hold of the other, I then asked him where he came from, and told him we would take him back again. He said, ‘I came from Mr Sigston's ' and on my asking where Mr Sigston lived, he said, ‘A little further up on the right hand.’ I inquired of him if we might take him back again: he said, ’Yes, do if you please.’ But he took only one step from the ground when he said he could go no farther. He then stood in his former position, saying he was the easiest in that posture. At last he fell upon his knees, and my partner took hold of him, and said to me, ‘Be quick and tell Mr Sigston.’ Mr Bramwell said, ‘Yes, do, for I shall not be long here.' These were the last words which he spoke.”

From, ‘Memoir of the Life and Ministry of William Bramwell, by James Sigston, published in 1836, p325.

Additional Information

Exact place unknown, but close to here.


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