Shocking murder at Ragland 1842

[lazydaisy]

Hello

Vague family stories state that my 3x grandfather Valentine Hughes wife Maria, murdered their baby daughter Eliza, by drowning her in a pan of water and cutting open her abdomen. So gruesome!

I have seen an account that confirms this in the Monmouthshire Merlin (via welshnewspapers on line).
It appears to have been pre meditated as a witness at the inquest states she tried to by arsenic prior to carrying out the deed. It is also inferred that she was overcome by insanity.

I have tried to find out if there was a trial, but cant seem to find any reports. Does anyone know what happened to Maria?

Any information would be appreciated

Many thanks
LD

[Mabel Bagshawe]

A later report notes

The unhappy woman, Maria Hughes, who stands charged with the wilful murder of her child, continues in a very violent and ungovernable condition.

And by 4 June 1842

On Monday last, the unhappy woman Maria Hughes, whose committal to the County Gaol for the wilful murder of her infant, we some time since reported, was removed to a Lunatic Asylum, at Devizes, in accordance with the order of the Secretary of State.

Not sure of the legislation at the time, but she may never have been formally tried if deemed unfit by insanity

[lazydaisy]

Thanks for that Mabel

Wonder why sh was moved there? Was there nothing closer?

LD

[lazydaisy]

Also - I can't seem to find a death for her

LD

[Mabel Bagshawe]

It looks like there weren't really any pauper asylums anywhere much in Wales in 1842 - see http://studymore.org.uk/4_13_ta.htm#Wales

they may also have taken a deliberate decision to move her away from her local area

[lazydaisy]

Mabel

Thanks for the link - it is a really interesting site

LD

[rollwrong]

Hi there,

My great-great-great grandfather was Valentine's brother Charles and although I've been researching the family tree for a couple of years now, it's only now that I'm looking into the Hughes family in Dingestow and Wonastow that I've read about this shocking incident.

I'm at the same place as you, wondering what happened to Maria. I did have her death on my tree, but if she was sent to Devizes, my entry must be wrong.

Did you manage to find anything concrete afterwards?

Regards,

Dave

[lazydaisy]

Hello Rollwrong

Sorry to say that I have not made any advances on whatever happened to Maria. I understand there is a death for a Maria Hughes in Monmouth in 1842 but I have not confirmed it is this Maria.

Also, I understand that Valentine may have been married before he married Maria but have not discovered who his first wife may have been. I think he was in his late thirties when he married Maria - which strikes me as as rather late on for a first marriage.

So, can anyone find out if if he was married prior to marrying Maria? and if so - who was his first wife

Any help greatly appreciated

LD

[rollwrong]

Hi Lazydaisy,

I've not been able to find anything for his first wife (although I will have a more thorough look when I get a chance).

I've always had Elizabeth down as Valentine's first daughter, born around 1821 in Dingestow. I presume this is your ancestor?

Aside from believing that the Hughes family moved from Wonastow to Dingestow, I haven't got any further back than Valentine and Charles's grandfather William Hughes.

My mother was a Hughes, so it's a major branch of my tree.

Regards,

Dave