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Tragedy at the Tunnel

by The Falling Embers

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about

Spurned from the song White Butterflies,Tragedy at the Tunnel is based on a tragic true story. A collaboration of musical Ideas and storytelling with Roy Griffiths and Allen Smith playing.

Tragedy at the Tunnel

A true story of Infanticide, destitution, hope
and local unrest at Coseley in the Blackcountry

On June 14th 1901 at Fullers End, Coseley near to the canal tunnel, two local bargemen discovered the bodies of two infants that had been drowned. The distraught mother (Hannah Cox) was nearby trembling and crying, that she had put them into the canal. The local police were called and attempts were made to revive the poor girls, Flora & Mary.

It later came to light that Hannah, affectionately known locally as Cissy, had been depressed and in hardship, the family had struggled financially, owing rent and were soon to be evicted. It all became too much for Hannah, her husband was known to be a heavy drinker and had took part in illegal gambling, leaving very little or no money for the family. Local women said the husband, who some believed to had been abusive, had driven Hannah to despair with his antics, it was also said that but for the kindness of neighbours they would have starved long before. News of the tragedy spread like wildfire, and hundreds of locals gathered at the canal tunnel. Hannah was taken into custody by local police.

The next day an inquest was held at the Royal Hotel in Coseley, lots of friends & neighbours turned out in support of Hannah, mainly women who blamed the husband for the tragedy, even the coroner admitted feeling sympathy for her as she sat in the corner of the room weeping. Details of Hannah's hardship and mental state was discussed, and her husband gave evidence. It was agreed by the inquest that the suffering of depression had contributed to her losing her mind and committing such a terrible crime.

Days later the funeral took place, a dark sorrowful rainy day, with many hundreds of people lining the procession route. Neither the mother or father attended.

Hannah was charged and eventually found guilty of willful murder at Stafford Crown Court. There was a lot of sympathy for her and she was sentenced leniently, being detained at the king's pleasure at Broadmoor Asylum, although not indefinitely. Hannah Cox was released in 1906 after being deemed to have made a sufficient recovery.

credits

released January 11, 2019

Roy Griffith on Vocal and Melodeon
Allen Smith on Vocal, Acoustic guitar, Midi Keyboard
Produced at Beacon Top Studios, Blackcountry

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The Falling Embers England, UK

The Falling Embers, are Allen Smith and Mandy Hill, together with a collective of friends, inc: Steve Morris (The Low Trees) & Roy Griffiths (historical singer/songwriter)
Ian Davies (songwriter)
David Spittle (Drummer/Percussionist)
... more

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