47 IN BROADMOOR,

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3711, 21 December 1912, Page 10

47 IN BROADMOOR,

DEATH OF A MURDERER

.Acquitted on tiie ground of insanity of the murder of his. wife 47 years ago at Manchester Assizes, James Jveliy, aged 70, lias just died in Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum, where he had been detained ever since. It was a gruesome tragedy, and there was no doubt about the state of Kelly's mind. His wife, whom a few days before lie had nearly strangled, was found dead in the doorway of the cottage, terribly mutilated, a large knife and a. poker lying on the body. Kelly was washing blood from h;s bands in a well. x Keilv made In's living by playing the accordion and concertina on the Koliingworth Lake, a reservoir cf the Rochdale Water Works, where there were water onrnivr.ls. His talk was often chat of a religious maniac. After the murder he said lie could smell sulphur and that lie was one of the devil’s children. At one time lie travelled the country addressing temperance meetings. His trial, which took place nearly half ;j, century ago. throws the mind to a year of striking events in the world's history, including: The assassination cf President Lincoln.

The deaths of Richard Cobden and Lord Palmerston. The American Cavil War.

Two years later tho new Reform Bill received. Royal Assent; the Tichborne case began: and the first stone of the Albert Hall was laid by Queen Victoria.