An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death on Wednesday of Mr Robert Ward Skevington, of The Hayway, and one of the oldest inhabitants of Rushden, was held at the Rushden Police Station on Friday afternoon by the Deputy Divisional Coroner, Mr J C Parker.

Robert Ward Skevington, junior, of The Hayway, Rushden, identified his father’s body. His father lived with him and was 91 years old. He was an active man for his age, but had suffered with his legs for a number of years. He was also short-sighted. Deceased left home at about 10.45 and announced his intention of visiting the Trades Club, as was his usual custom when he went out. Deceased was taken home between twelve and one o’clock. He never regained consciousness.

Dr R W Davies said that on December 24^th, at about 1.30pm, he was called to see the deceased at the house. He was bleeding from the ears and nose and vomited. He was quite unconscious and there was a swelling on the head and the scull was fractured. He was told that he died at 3 o’clock on the 25^th, and this was due to the injuries. Witness had attended the deceased for a number of years. He was lame as a result of a leg trouble and could not see well.

William Plummer, 2 Elm-street, Rushden, said that on December 24^th he was at the Trades Club at about 11 o’clock. He wanted to watch the skittles, and looked down the stairs which lead to the skittle room, and saw the deceased lying at the bottom. A doctor was called and the injured man was removed. The steps were of brick and there was a handrail. The skittle room was in the basement and there was an electric light burning at the time. He had never before known the deceased to go down to the skittle room. There had been a little alteration to one of the doors in the club and he did not think Skevington had been up them since the alteration took place.

The Coroner said he found that Mr Skevington died from the injuries received through accidentally falling down the stairs of the club.