George Hollest
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The "Gentleman's Magazine", dated 15th October 1850, on the subject of the murder of the Reverend George Hollest. |
The home of Reverend George Hollest who was murdered in his home on 26th September, 1850. |
What happened?
This event took place at Frimley. On 27th September 1850, the Reverend George Hollest and his wife were in bed, when he was aware of someone in the house. Mrs Hollest tried to raise the alarm, but was grabbed by a masked intruder.
Forced to the floor, she heard a distinctive male voice. At the same time her husband was tackling two other members of the gang. Mrs Hollest was aware of a gun going off, she was able to struggle free and while her attacker was recovering from falling over a wash hand stand, Mrs Hollest was able to reach for the handbell and raise the alarm. The intruders fled once the alarm was sounded, followed by the Reverend Hollest, who had picked up his loaded hand gun he kept by the door. Mrs Hollest watched as the three intruders joined a fourth, who was keeping watch outside.
When her husband returned, he told her he had been shot, Mrs Hollest sent for the surgeon and the police. At first it was not thought the injury was serious, however the surgeon remained as he became more concerned. The Reverend Hollest died the following day.
A reward was offered, and as a result Four men were arrested: Levi Harwood, and Samuel Harwood, two brothers, with Hiram Smith, and James Jones.
The four arranged to meet at Grove House, Frimley, the vicarage. Smith and Samuel Harwood had previously visited the house pretending to sell dishes, the housemaid Eleanor Vanner gave evidence to this. Having bought pistols all four entered the house through a small window, having removed one of the bars.
Having been arrested they were taken to Guildford Police Station, they were brought before the April Assizes 1851, Mrs Hollest gave evidence that she recognized the voice of Levi Harwood as the one who attacked her, Each put the blame for the shooting on the other, Mr Baron Parke, the judge, All but Smith were found guilty of murder, however Smith remained nervous, as he waited to see if he would be implicated in the shooting by the others. The day after the three were hung, Smith was informed that Levi Harwood had confessed to shooting the Reverend Hollest. It is not known if he was trying to protect his friend Smith, or actually did shoot the Vicar.
When told the news, Smith's reply was to ask if he would be given some of the £150 reward. There is no record of his getting any of it.
The text of the case description was kindly provided by geocaching.com. |
The report of the "Gentleman's Magazine" about the trial:
The Late Fatal Burglary at Frimley
On Monday, Levi HARWOOD, Samuel HARWOOD and James JONES were placed before Baron PARKE, at the Kingston Assizes, charged with burglary and the murder of Mr. HOLLEST at Frimley on the night of the 27th Sept. last. The trial was not concluded until Tuesday evening.
Hiram SMITH, their accomplice, who, in the opinion of Mrs HOLLEST, is the man who shot her late husband was admitted approver.
The case was noticed so fully at the time of it's occurrences and public attention was so long fixed upon it, that it is unnecessary to details circumstances again as given in evidence.
The Jury gave a verdict of GUILTY against Levi HARWOOD and James JONES and declared Samuel HARWOOD NOT GUILTY. The Foreman at the same time said that it was the unanimous opinion of the Jury that neither Levi HARWOOD or JONES fired the fatal shot at the deceased, but that it was fired by Hiram SMITH.
The convicts were sentenced to DEATH.
After they had been removed, Samuel HARWOOD was arranged pon the charge or burgulariously breaking and entering the dwelling house of the deceased gentleman, but no evidence being offered on behalf of the prosecution, the Learned Judge directed the Jury to return a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
He was taken into custody upon his leaving the court by Mr. MORTON, the Superintendent of Police at Tunbridge Wells, upon a charge of being convened in another burglary.
The approver, Hiram SMITH, was ordered to be detained in custody until Her Majesty's pleasure should be made known respecting him." |
Name:
Sex:
Date of Burial:
Place of Burial: |
George Edward Hollest
Male
07 October 1850
Frimley, Surrey, England |
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