Frederick George Leighfield – landlord at the Mechanics’ Arms

The image of the Mechanics’ Arms is published courtesy of Mr D. New and Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.

The re-imagined story …

My dad used to drink in the Mechanics’ Arms so when he said they were looking for a barmaid I decided to apply. We lived just around the corner in Wellington Street, so not far to walk home at the end of the evening. Dad knew Mr and Mrs Leighfield well.

“They’re a nice couple. They’ll look after you well – won’t take advantage of you.” Dad knew most of the regulars, all men from the Works.

Mrs Leighfield told me to call in on Tuesday afternoon.

It was pandemonium when I got there, yet no one seemed to know what was going on.

“There’s been an accident.”

“Has anyone sent for Dr Swinhoe?”

“He’s on his way.”

“Do they need any help in there?”

“We could hear a woman screaming, but it’s all gone quiet now.”

I decided not to hang around. There was nothing I could do anyway.

The pub was closed that evening, but the news was already spreading. Dad couldn’t believe it.

“He was such a nice man. Always had a cheery word for everyone, even though his health was poor.”

I decided against applying for the barmaid’s job, although I felt a bit guilty. Mrs. Leighfield probably needed the help more than ever now, but I just couldn’t face going in that kitchen where it had all happened.

The facts …

Swindon

An inquest was held by the county coroner (Mr A.L. Forrester), at the Mechanics’ Arms Inn, on the body of Frederick George Leighfield, the landlord of the house, who committed suicide by cutting his throat. The evidence showed that deceased had been unwell and depressed. On Tuesday afternoon his wife found him in the kitchen in the act of cutting his throat. He had succeeded in inflicting a severe wound with a razor, and although he received immediate attention, he succumbed early on Thursday morning. The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide while temporarily insane.”

The Western Daily Press, Bristol Monday August 23, 1909

Funeral on Sunday

Impressive Service in Swindon Cemetery

The funeral of the late Mr Frederick G. Leighfield, of the Mechanics’ Arms Inn, Cheltenham Street, whose sad death was recorded in our columns last week, took place in Swindon Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, the mortal remains being laid to rest in the same grave as those of his father, the late Mr Alfred Leighfield, who died two and a half years ago.

The cortege left deceased’s late residence at 3 pm and proceeded direct to the Cemetery, where a short service was conducted in the Chapel by the Rev. F.C. Shellard, Baptist Minister, who also officiated at the graveside.

The coffin, which was covered with lovely floral tributes, was conveyed in a hearse, and the chief mourners were in four carriages, whilst a very large concourse of people in the Cemetery, but the best of order was maintained, and the roped enclosure was kept clear by a number of policemen, under Inspector Buchanan and Sergt. Millard.

A number of members of the Swindon and District Licensed Victuallers’ Association, of which Mr Leighfield was a member, also attended to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of deceased.  

The coffin was of polished elm, with brass fittings, and the breast-plate bore the following inscription: “Frederick George Leighfield, died Aug 19^th, 1909, aged 39 years.”

The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Messrs H. Smith and Son, of Gordon Road.

Extracts printed from The Swindon Advertiser Friday August 27 1909