Northampton Mercury, February 1st 1890, transcribed by Susan Manton Mrs. Harry Knight A painful occurrence which, in addition to throwing a well-known and much respected family into a great trouble, has cast a gloom over the place, occurred here on Monday, the wife of Mr. Harry Knight, builder and contractor, being found with her throat cut. It seems that she has been much depressed lately, but as recently as Sunday afternoon she partook of the Sacrament at the Old Baptist Meeting. They retired to rest on Sunday as usual, and about 3.30am on Monday Mr. Knight missed his wife. He at once initiated a search for her and found her in the closet with her throat cut, and she was then quite dead. They had been married about two years, and Mr. Knight was the son of Mr. Edwin Knight, butcher and farmer. Mr. Knight at once went for P.C. Dunbar, who upon arriving, found Mrs. Knight had cut her throat with a carving knife, and was quite dead, though the body was still warm. The poor woman, who was only 25 years of age, has, it appears, been in a low way since the birth of her child eleven months go and it is probable that a fit of temporary insanity led her to commit this terrible act. The greatest sympathy is felt for Mr. Knight in his sad trouble. The Inquest Mr. J. T. Parker, district coroner, held an inquest at the Oakley Arms Inn, Rushden on Tuesday on the body of Lydia Ann Knight, wife of Mr. Harry Knight, carpenter and contractor, whose death occurred under such shocking circumstances early on Monday morning. Mr. C. G. Cunnington was foreman of the jury – Harry Knight, the husband, who appeared very ill and was much affected, said the deceased was 25years of age. She had been much depressed for some time past, but on Sunday seemed to be better, and went to chapel in the afternoon. Her depression had been such that she seemed to be dissatisfied with herself. Witness, with his wife and child, retired to rest about nine o’clock and shortly before five on Monday morning, being awakened by the crying of the child he found his wife had gone. The deceased had appeared quite as usual when she went to bed, but at half past ten, through the child waking, she put it into the bed which was unusual When witness missed his wife he went downstairs and found the door unlocked. After dressing himself he went out to the closet and there found deceased kneeling on the floor. Thinking she was ill he put his arm round waist and said “my dear what have you done?” He did not notice then what happened, but went at once for a man named Deacon. He did not know any reason why the deceased should have destroyed herself – nothing at all beyond the melancholia. On Friday morning deceased, on waking up said “Oh Harry, what a wretch I am” He did not know of any insanity in the deceased family. Harry Deacon, butcher, who lived near the last witness, said he was called up by Mr. Knight. He went to the closet, and found deceased lying on the floor with her throat cut. He did not see a knife about. The deceased was not dressed. She was quite dead when the witness got there. P.C. Dunbar spoke to being called to the house and finding the body of the deceased in the closet. Under her left breast he found the large carving knife produced, which was covered with blood. Dr. Owen, Rushden, said he had attended the deceased at times for three of four years. She had suffered from melancholia, for which he attended her some five months ago. At that time, however she seemed to get better. The doctor then detailed the nature of the deceased’s injuries showing there was an incision under the jaw below which was a gaping wound about five inches long. The windpipe had been severed and the injuries were such as to cause death at once. The deceased was in comfortable circumstances, well looked after and attended to. The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst temporarily insane” and in doing so expressed deep sympathy with Mr. Knight in his sad trouble.

Northampton Mercury, February 1st 1890, transcribed by Susan Manton The funeral of the late Mrs. Knight The remains of Mrs. Knight were interred at the new Cemetery on Thursday afternoon. There was a large number of townspeople present to show their sympathy with the friends of the late departed. The hearse containing the body was preceded by the Rev. W. J. Tomkins, the Rev. A. C. Smith and several officers connected with the Old Baptist Meeting and schools. The burial service was conducted by the rev. gentleman named and was of an impressive character. The coffin, of polished oak was covered with beautiful wreaths, one under a glass shade being forwarded by the jury who attended the inquest.

The Northampton Mercury, February 15th 1890, transcribed by Susan Manton The Late Mrs. Knight. The members of the Church at the Old Baptist Meeting have shown their sympathy for Mr. H. Knight and respect for the late Mrs. Knight, by subscribing for a handsome permanent wreath, which has been placed upon the grave of the deceased. A large number of persons visited the Cemetery on Sunday afternoon.