I came across a very sad entry in the Coroner’s Records today. Dated 4th February 1904, it stated:
At Whaddon, on George Leonard Salt, aged 1 year and 8 months, son of George Henry Salt of The Brickyard, Whaddon, ridge tile maker, died on the 2nd day of February from phosphorus poisoning (secondary cause convulsions) caused by sucking England’s Glory matches.
Jury 12/-, Room 2/6d, Med. Wit. £2-0-0d, Wit. 2/-.
Gloucestershire Archives Reference: CO3/2/3
England’s Glory matches were made in Gloucester by S.J. Moreland and Sons. The story reminds me of my school history lessons when we were taught about ‘phossy jaw’ and the strike of the London Match Girls in 1888.
You can find out more about Gloucestershire Coroners’ Records from my book Discover Gloucestershire Ancestors, Volume 1. You can only purchase it through me or the GFHS Family History Centre. You can order online now, at:
www.hidden-heritage.co.uk/books/discover-gloucestershire-ancestors/