William Leigh Eyewitness Account

• Occupation: Factory Worker

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Name: William Leigh

Occupation: Factory worker

Home: N/K

Date: 2 October 1819

Source: Lees Inquest 185

Summary: Suffered personal injury and described another man being ‘struck between the shoulders’ with a sabre, by the same soldier (he names as Charlton).

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WILLIAM LEIGH called in by Mr. HARMER, and examined by the CORONER.

Q. What are you?
A. I worked at the factory.
Q. Did you know John Lees?
A. No, I did not.
Q. Do you know any thing of his death?
A. No, I do not. ,
Q. Then what do you know?
A. I only know of myself being wounded.
Q. Where were you situated when you were wounded?
A. I was close to the hustings, near that side towards St. Peter's church.
Q. How far were you from the hustings?
A. To the best of my knowledge, about six yards.
Q. Did you see any person hurt?
A. I saw one man struck between the shoulders.
Q. Can you swear to that man?
A. I cannot.
Q. What was he struck with?
A. A sabre.
Q. Did you see the wound?
A. I did not; but he made the best of his way off.
Q. Did you see any other person wounded near the hustings r
A. No, I did not.

The WITNESS examined by Mr. HARMER,

Q. Where was the man when he was struck?
A. He was running away.
Q. Who was it struck you?
A. The same Yeoman who struck the man.
Q. What is his name?
A. His name is Charlton.
Q. What coloured clothes had the man on, who was struck?
A. I did not see; for I was alarmed, and turned my head another way.

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