Guard a Silver Sixpence
Believe in the power of self.
Once I started to piece the jigsaw of my life together, I knew that I had to get it down on paper. Pure determination drove me to find the help and support I needed to navigate through the world of publishing and agents that I was so unfamiliar with. Now with around 100,000 sales I finally see my dream to tell my ancestors' story along with my own out there where it needed to be. Hopefully motivating and inspiring people to strive to achieve their own dreams.
We all deserve to be happy. So many people think they don't and that is pure nonsense - they do!
We all deserve to be happy. So many people think they don't and that is pure nonsense - they do!
I guess my message will always be around the power of hard work and resilience in driving to fulfill your dreams but I now also realise that belief in self is also so powerful.
Guard a Silver Sixpence became a book and now I will strive just as hard take it to the next level..
Wish me well . . .
Guard a Silver Sixpence became a book and now I will strive just as hard take it to the next level..
Wish me well . . .
Guard a Silver Sixpence
In 1903, in the mining town of Barnsley, a brutalised wife called Emily Swann lashed out at her violent husband. Her actions brought tragedy and scandal in their wake. Her children were shamed, her family broken apart.
Over one hundred years later her great-granddaughter Felicity, also a victim of physical and psychological abuse, set out to uncover the secret history of her family in the hope it would heal the scars of her own childhood.
As Felicity discovered more about her mum and nan, and was led back to Emily herself, she came to see how all these women had all been caught in a damaging cycle, endlessly repeating the mistakes of the past. And she knew that she, at last, had the power to break free.
Guard a Silver Sixpence is the heartwarming story of an inspirational woman who learned that anything is possible if you can lay the past to rest.
Where it all begins – 1962
Do it again!
Opening extracts Guard a Silver Sixpence
Published by Pan Macmillan 2011
My beautiful grandmother - Elsie Swann (circumstances made her cruel).
‘That’s not how you walk across a room,’ Gran snapped at
me. ‘Do it properly!’
Obediently I turned, went back to the living-room door
and set off again. Over the rug, past Gran on the sofa, her
tiny frame upright, her implacable grey eyes fixed on me.
Almost to my bedroom door, and safety.
‘Stop! Do it again, and get it right this time!’
Back to the living-room door. I took a deep breath and
started walking. I only managed a couple of steps.
‘No, no! Do it again.’
I set off again, over the rug, past the sofa. I hate you, I
hate you. You’re a bad woman.
Gran hissed and my heart jumped into my throat. I
stopped and glanced sideways at her, her body rigid, the
tip of her tongue sticking out between her yellowing false
teeth, her lips curled back. My hands were trembling.
Don’t hit me.
‘What am I doing wrong, Gran?’ I asked pleadingly. ‘I
just want to get it right – what do I do?’
‘Do it again!’
And where it all ends - 2011
An extract from the Epilogue of Guard A Silver Sixpence.
This book is for Granddad, and for my mum. It’s for
Emily and Hannah, though I never knew them. But in this
way it is for Gran, too.
The reading I chose for Mum’s funeral was the wonderful
letter from Eccesiastes about the nature of love. I’d
gone to Bradford to find the church where Gran and
Granddad had married, and the Bible on the lectern had
been open at this passage. ‘To every thing there is a season
. . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn,
and a time to dance . . . a time to love and a time to hate;
a time of war and a time of peace.’
I liked the idea of it helping to put things straight again,
reminding us all of what really mattered in life instead of
lingering over the mess that Elsie and Albert had made of
much of their daughter’s life and of my childhood and of
their own marriage. It fitted the occasion perfectly for me,
especially the part about seeing through a glass darkly now,
but having faith that one day it would all be made clear.
As I threw my handful of dust on to Mum’s coffin, I
felt like I was saying goodbye to all of them – Hannah,
Emily, Elsie, Marjorie. ‘I’ve done the best I can for you
all,’ I told them. ‘I have tried to put things right, and now
let’s lay it all to rest.’
And what of me? For a long time it looked like I would
fall into the patterns of the rest of my family. I spent my
whole childhood plotting escape, yet when it came I didn’t
know how to deal with it. I was too trapped by my past to
be free. But after decades of struggle, I feel I’m finally
coming to terms with myself. If this story has taught me
anything, it is that while the past needs to be known and
understood, it also needs to be put in its place.
I will always be marked by the past. It is a part of me,
in the same way that the Waggonway will always be a part
of Barnby Furnace. But through experience, through education,
and through love, I am different from how I could
have been. I have three wonderful sons, and a job I love. We can
make our own history now.
Emily and Hannah, though I never knew them. But in this
way it is for Gran, too.
The reading I chose for Mum’s funeral was the wonderful
letter from Eccesiastes about the nature of love. I’d
gone to Bradford to find the church where Gran and
Granddad had married, and the Bible on the lectern had
been open at this passage. ‘To every thing there is a season
. . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn,
and a time to dance . . . a time to love and a time to hate;
a time of war and a time of peace.’
I liked the idea of it helping to put things straight again,
reminding us all of what really mattered in life instead of
lingering over the mess that Elsie and Albert had made of
much of their daughter’s life and of my childhood and of
their own marriage. It fitted the occasion perfectly for me,
especially the part about seeing through a glass darkly now,
but having faith that one day it would all be made clear.
As I threw my handful of dust on to Mum’s coffin, I
felt like I was saying goodbye to all of them – Hannah,
Emily, Elsie, Marjorie. ‘I’ve done the best I can for you
all,’ I told them. ‘I have tried to put things right, and now
let’s lay it all to rest.’
And what of me? For a long time it looked like I would
fall into the patterns of the rest of my family. I spent my
whole childhood plotting escape, yet when it came I didn’t
know how to deal with it. I was too trapped by my past to
be free. But after decades of struggle, I feel I’m finally
coming to terms with myself. If this story has taught me
anything, it is that while the past needs to be known and
understood, it also needs to be put in its place.
I will always be marked by the past. It is a part of me,
in the same way that the Waggonway will always be a part
of Barnby Furnace. But through experience, through education,
and through love, I am different from how I could
have been. I have three wonderful sons, and a job I love. We can
make our own history now.
Some background history to my memoirs 'Guard a Silver Sixpence'.
The hanging of my great-gran Emily Swann, and her lover John Gallagher – the Wombwell Murder.
Armley Prison – Leeds
Armley prison opened inLeeds in the West Riding of Yorkshire in 1847 and was constructed on the then modern penitentiary principal with four radial wings. It was a grim and forbidding building in line with the Victorian ideas of prison and was responsible for housing prisoners sentenced in the West Riding of Yorkshire. It also took over duty of carrying out West Riding executions fromYorkCastle. Ninety three men and one woman were to suffer the death penalty at Armley between 1864 and 1961. An average of almost exactly one per annum.
Armley in the late 19th century
Executions at Armley.
There was to be only one public execution outside the jail – a double hanging onthe 10th of September 1864. It was of murderers James Sargisson and Joseph Myers. Myers had tried to cheat the hangman by cutting his throat while in prison but was saved by the surgeon. The hangings were reported in detail by The Leeds Mercury newspaper which claimed that between 80,000 to 100,000 people had come to watch the event on that Saturday morning. At five minutes to nine, the prison bell began to toll and inside the two men were being pinioned by Thomas Askern ofYork. They were led out onto the gallows supported on each side by warders and preceded by the Under Sheriff and the Chaplain. Askern pulled down the white caps over their faces but both men continued to speak, Sargisson’s last words to Myers were reportedly “Art thou happy lad?” to which Myers responded “Indeed I am.” Askern then operated the drop which fell with a thud, their bodies being almost completely hidden from the crowd. Myers seemed to die almost immediately, but Sargisson struggled for some minutes. As feared the wound in Myers’ throat had re-opened and there was an amount of blood on his shirt. After hanging the customary hour, they were removed from the gallows and buried within the prison.
There was to be only one public execution outside the jail – a double hanging onthe 10th of September 1864. It was of murderers James Sargisson and Joseph Myers. Myers had tried to cheat the hangman by cutting his throat while in prison but was saved by the surgeon. The hangings were reported in detail by The Leeds Mercury newspaper which claimed that between 80,000 to 100,000 people had come to watch the event on that Saturday morning. At five minutes to nine, the prison bell began to toll and inside the two men were being pinioned by Thomas Askern ofYork. They were led out onto the gallows supported on each side by warders and preceded by the Under Sheriff and the Chaplain. Askern pulled down the white caps over their faces but both men continued to speak, Sargisson’s last words to Myers were reportedly “Art thou happy lad?” to which Myers responded “Indeed I am.” Askern then operated the drop which fell with a thud, their bodies being almost completely hidden from the crowd. Myers seemed to die almost immediately, but Sargisson struggled for some minutes. As feared the wound in Myers’ throat had re-opened and there was an amount of blood on his shirt. After hanging the customary hour, they were removed from the gallows and buried within the prison.
Botched executions were not uncommon at this time and “a shocking scene” was reported by the Yorkshire Post newspaper following the hanging of 37 year old John Henry Johnson onWednesday the 3rd of April 1877. Johnson had been condemned for the murder of Amos Waite who had been showing interest in Johnson’s wife Amelia on Boxing Day 1876. After a drunken quarrel in the pub where they were all drinking, Johnson went home, returning a little while later with a gun and shooting Waite in the chest. Thomas Askern was called to Leedsto dispatch Johnson and had made the usual preparations on the Tuesday afternoon, but when he pulled the lever the rope broke and Johnson plummeted through the trap. He was immediately rescued by the warders who removed his straps and hood and sat him on a chair. It took Askern 10 minutes to rig a new rope and reset the trap before Johnson could again be led up onto it. This time the rope held but it was reported that Johnson “died hard” struggling for some four minutes on the rope. His death was formally recorded as being from asphyxia but no official mention was made of the failure of first attempt to hang him. It was to be Askern’s last execution at Armley.
Emily Swann & John Gallagher – the Wombwell Murder.
It is amazing what a glass of brandy will do! A few minutes before 8 o’clock on the morning of Tuesday, December 29th, 1903, Emily Swann was in a state of virtual collapse, moaning pitifully on the floor of her cell and yet, after a drink of brandy, she was able to regain her composure and walk to the execution room where she said, “Good morning John” to her hooded and pinioned boyfriend, John Gallagher, as she was brought up beside him on the gallows in Leeds’ Armley prison. He wasn’t aware that she was there and was completely taken aback by this but managed to reply, “Good morning love.” As the noose was placed round her neck, she said: “Good-bye. God bless you.”
The crime.
Emily was a 42 year old mother of 11 children. She was described as a stumpy little, round-faced woman, 4 ft.10 in. tall and 122 lb. in weight and from a “respectable” background. She was married to William Swann who was a glass-blower and they had a lodger, a 30 year old miner called John Gallagher, who was living with them at Wombwell inYorkshire.
Emily was a 42 year old mother of 11 children. She was described as a stumpy little, round-faced woman, 4 ft.10 in. tall and 122 lb. in weight and from a “respectable” background. She was married to William Swann who was a glass-blower and they had a lodger, a 30 year old miner called John Gallagher, who was living with them at Wombwell inYorkshire.
It is probable that Emily and John were having an affair and it was common knowledge to their neighbours that William beat Emily up at times, although whether this was because he felt she was too friendly to John or for other reasons is not known. Domestic violence was not uncommon at this time anyway. Attitudes to extramarital relationships and wife beating were very different 100 years ago, and it is probable that William felt well within his rights to lay into Emily over her liaison with John.
There had been lots of quarrels and John had decided to leave the Swanns’ household, although he was still a regular visitor. His visits always seemed to provoke another fight so he had resolved to leave Wombwell for good in June 1903 and move to Bradford.
Things came to a head on the afternoon of the 6th of June when Emily went into her neighbour’s house with a shawl over her head. She removed the shawl and showed the neighbour her two black eyes and facial bruises, saying: “See what our Bill’s done!”
On seeing Emily’s injuries, John, who was also at the neighbour’s house, became instantly enraged and said, “I’ll go and give him something for himself for that.” Another neighbour saw him dashing into the Swanns’ house, followed closely by Emily. John was shouting, “I’ll coffin him before morning.” The neighbours heard the sounds of a struggle from inside the house.
The noises of fighting went on for some 10 minutes, at the end of which John came out and went back to the neighbour’s house.
“I’ve busted four of his ribs and I’ll bust four more,” he announced. A few minutes later he told the neighbour, “I’ll finish him out before I go to Bradford.” As he went back into the Swanns’ house, he said, “I’ll murder the pig before morning. If he can’t kick a man he shan’t kick a woman.” Another fight ensued and the neighbour heard Emily say, “Give it to him, Johnny.”
Ten minutes later Emily and John emerged from William’s house holding hands and being described by neighbours as showing “every sign of affection.” Behind them, in the shambles of the house, William lay dead. John and Emily calmly went over to their friends house and told them the situation.
The police had been sent for and when they arrived, they immediately arrested Emily. John, however, had escaped and went on the run for two months before finally being tracked down to the house of a relative in Middlesborough, having spent some time living rough.
On seeing Emily’s injuries, John, who was also at the neighbour’s house, became instantly enraged and said, “I’ll go and give him something for himself for that.” Another neighbour saw him dashing into the Swanns’ house, followed closely by Emily. John was shouting, “I’ll coffin him before morning.” The neighbours heard the sounds of a struggle from inside the house.
The noises of fighting went on for some 10 minutes, at the end of which John came out and went back to the neighbour’s house.
“I’ve busted four of his ribs and I’ll bust four more,” he announced. A few minutes later he told the neighbour, “I’ll finish him out before I go to Bradford.” As he went back into the Swanns’ house, he said, “I’ll murder the pig before morning. If he can’t kick a man he shan’t kick a woman.” Another fight ensued and the neighbour heard Emily say, “Give it to him, Johnny.”
Ten minutes later Emily and John emerged from William’s house holding hands and being described by neighbours as showing “every sign of affection.” Behind them, in the shambles of the house, William lay dead. John and Emily calmly went over to their friends house and told them the situation.
The police had been sent for and when they arrived, they immediately arrested Emily. John, however, had escaped and went on the run for two months before finally being tracked down to the house of a relative in Middlesborough, having spent some time living rough.
Trial.
John and Emily came to trial in October 1903 at Leeds Assizes. Their barrister admitted that the relationship between them was “of a misdirected order,” but contended that John had merely gone to the house to remonstrate with William for his brutal treatment of Emily. Their defence insisted that neither John nor Emily wanted William dead.
However, the judge advised the jury that John’s remark, “I’ll finish him out before I go to Bradford” showed that there was intent. This remark had been allegedly made between the two fights, after which he had gone back into the house and carried out his threat.
“As for the woman” continued the judge, “it is my duty to tell you that one does not commit murder only with one’s hands. If one person instigates another to commit murder, and that other person does it, the instigator is also guilty of murder.”
Not surprisingly, they were both found guilty of William’s murder on what was very clear evidence, the jury taking only an hour in their deliberations.
Emily remained calm as the foreman of the jury gave the guilty verdict and when asked if she wanted to say anything before sentence of death was passed, told the judge, “I am innocent.” “I am not afraid of immediate death, because I am innocent and will go to God.” Both she and John were then formally sentenced to death.
John and Emily came to trial in October 1903 at Leeds Assizes. Their barrister admitted that the relationship between them was “of a misdirected order,” but contended that John had merely gone to the house to remonstrate with William for his brutal treatment of Emily. Their defence insisted that neither John nor Emily wanted William dead.
However, the judge advised the jury that John’s remark, “I’ll finish him out before I go to Bradford” showed that there was intent. This remark had been allegedly made between the two fights, after which he had gone back into the house and carried out his threat.
“As for the woman” continued the judge, “it is my duty to tell you that one does not commit murder only with one’s hands. If one person instigates another to commit murder, and that other person does it, the instigator is also guilty of murder.”
Not surprisingly, they were both found guilty of William’s murder on what was very clear evidence, the jury taking only an hour in their deliberations.
Emily remained calm as the foreman of the jury gave the guilty verdict and when asked if she wanted to say anything before sentence of death was passed, told the judge, “I am innocent.” “I am not afraid of immediate death, because I am innocent and will go to God.” Both she and John were then formally sentenced to death.
The judge was aware of some more evidence which it had been decided would not be put before the jury because it would prejudice Emily’s case. After the sentencing and before he discharged the jury, the judge told them that when Gallagher was taken into custody, he had told the police that Emily hit William and beat him with a poker, and that he (Gallagher) did not touch the dead man, although he was present. “That statement was not direct evidence against the woman but from the proved position of the poker I am convinced that the statement was partly true and that Mrs. Swann did really take part in the actual killing.” Understandably, this caused quite a stir. It was held up as an example of the fairness of the judicial system which declined to take unfair advantage of an accused person. It was also a matter for satisfaction to the prosecution that even without that vital evidence, the jury had still been convinced of the woman’s guilt.
After she was sentenced to death, Emily seemed quite unperturbed and smiled and blew a kiss to someone in the gallery as she was led down from the dock.
They were taken from court to Armley prison, Leeds and lodged in separate condemned cells.
Both were informed that would be no reprieves and that their executions would take place on the 29th of December 1903.
Apparently, John had not expected to be reprieved but Emily had hoped that she would be and had had major mood swings in the condemned cell where she was guarded by pairs of wardresses 24 hours a day.
Emily was greatly distressed and in a state of near collapse when the governor informed her that there would be no reprieve. Emily told her wardresses repeatedly that she was very worried about the disgrace she was bringing on her family. Emily’s family made a last, forlorn appeal to the King for clemency but this was, as usual, ignored.
The only time Emily and John saw each other between sentence and execution was at the prison chapel service on Christmas morning where they were kept separate and not allowed to speak. It is reported that they both ate a substantial Christmas dinner.
After she was sentenced to death, Emily seemed quite unperturbed and smiled and blew a kiss to someone in the gallery as she was led down from the dock.
They were taken from court to Armley prison, Leeds and lodged in separate condemned cells.
Both were informed that would be no reprieves and that their executions would take place on the 29th of December 1903.
Apparently, John had not expected to be reprieved but Emily had hoped that she would be and had had major mood swings in the condemned cell where she was guarded by pairs of wardresses 24 hours a day.
Emily was greatly distressed and in a state of near collapse when the governor informed her that there would be no reprieve. Emily told her wardresses repeatedly that she was very worried about the disgrace she was bringing on her family. Emily’s family made a last, forlorn appeal to the King for clemency but this was, as usual, ignored.
The only time Emily and John saw each other between sentence and execution was at the prison chapel service on Christmas morning where they were kept separate and not allowed to speak. It is reported that they both ate a substantial Christmas dinner.
Execution.
At this time, double (and even treble hangings) were still allowed and it was decided to execute them side by side. John Billington was the principal executioner assisted by John Ellis.
They went first to John Gallagher who was quite calm and pinioned his wrists behind him. He was then led forward to the gallows by warders, while Billington and Ellis pinioned the now much recovered Emily, whom they escorted into the execution room flanked by two male warders.
John was already on the trap, surrounded and supported by warders, with the white hood over his head when Emily was led in. She would have been able to see the two nooses dangling from the beam. As she came onto the trap, Billington drew the white hood over her head and then she made her famous remark. A moment later the lever was pulled and they plummeted down through the trap together. The autopsy found that death had been “instantaneous” in both cases.
At this time, double (and even treble hangings) were still allowed and it was decided to execute them side by side. John Billington was the principal executioner assisted by John Ellis.
They went first to John Gallagher who was quite calm and pinioned his wrists behind him. He was then led forward to the gallows by warders, while Billington and Ellis pinioned the now much recovered Emily, whom they escorted into the execution room flanked by two male warders.
John was already on the trap, surrounded and supported by warders, with the white hood over his head when Emily was led in. She would have been able to see the two nooses dangling from the beam. As she came onto the trap, Billington drew the white hood over her head and then she made her famous remark. A moment later the lever was pulled and they plummeted down through the trap together. The autopsy found that death had been “instantaneous” in both cases.
Comment.
This was very much an “open and shut” case where the evidence against both defendants was strong and one which involved the doctrine of Common Purpose that was part of English law in 1903 (and still is now). The law states that if two (or more) people commit a crime, they can be held equally responsible where there was common purpose, i.e. they both intended or could have reasonably foreseen the outcome. This seems to have been true in this case – if Emily’s words were accurately reported by her neighbours, it is clear that at that moment, at least, she wanted John to kill William and, therefore, would be equally responsible for the outcome. Her precise role in the actual killing is unclear, although it is probable that she did in fact take part as John had claimed.
This was very much an “open and shut” case where the evidence against both defendants was strong and one which involved the doctrine of Common Purpose that was part of English law in 1903 (and still is now). The law states that if two (or more) people commit a crime, they can be held equally responsible where there was common purpose, i.e. they both intended or could have reasonably foreseen the outcome. This seems to have been true in this case – if Emily’s words were accurately reported by her neighbours, it is clear that at that moment, at least, she wanted John to kill William and, therefore, would be equally responsible for the outcome. Her precise role in the actual killing is unclear, although it is probable that she did in fact take part as John had claimed.
It is unlikely that either John or Emily intended to kill William, because he was in the way of their affair, but rather because John lost his temper when he saw Emily’s injuries and between them things went too far in the “heat of the moment.” Today Emily might be seen more as the victim than she was then, but they would almost certainly still both be found guilty of murder because she played an active role in the killing and did nothing to restrain John.
The factor that makes this case unusual is the behaviour of Emily on the gallows. Normally not a word was spoken by the prisoner in this situation. They were not invited to speak and many were probably paralysed with fear or had retreated into a world of their own by the time they were pinioned and hooded.
Double hangings were ultimately abolished because they took longer to carry out, and this was felt to prolong the suffering of the first prisoner especially. After about 1920 where two or more people were to be executed for the same crime, they could be hanged in separate prisons at the same moment in time, as happened with Edith Thompson and her boyfriend, Frederick Bywaters. In this case, it was probably far less cruel, especially to Emily, to allow her to die beside John rather than make her suffer on her own. Edith Thompson may well have held up better if she had been allowed to be hanged with Bywaters.
This was the first of a trio of female hangings that John Ellis was involved in and all three had unusual features. Susan Newell refused the white hood and Edith Thompson’s was very unpleasant and also involved the killing of the husband by the boyfriend. John Ellis had a very strong dislike of hanging women.
Under the name of Her Majesty’s Prison Leeds, Armley continues in service to this day.
Text taken from http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/armley.html
Oak's Colliery disaster affected my 19th century family in a most horrific way - my Gran's young uncle William, lost his life on the day of one of the biggest coal mining disasters that that South Yorkshire had ever seen. In my blend of fact and fiction, I tell the story of that day. Buy a copy of Guard a Silver Sixpence with one click.
Background to - The loss of William Hinchcliffe (1845 - 1866).
Oak's Colliery disaster affected my 19th century family in a most horrific way - my Gran's young uncle William, lost his life on the day of one of the biggest coal mining disasters that that South Yorkshire had ever seen. In my blend of fact and fiction, I tell the story of that day. Buy a copy of Guard a Silver Sixpence with one click.
My Dedication.
This book was written as a personal quest to find the answers to questions that had weighed heavy on my mind for many years. It was also written so that my family may never forget their roots and how the past will always shape the future. I want to thank my partner Michael for the tremendous effort he put in to researching my family folklore and the encouragement he gave me to search out the truth of my story. I would also like to thank my three sons, Oliver Nicky and Joe for their love and support as I travelled down some rocky roads of self- discovery. Thanks also to Caroline for helping me put my story into words and encouraging me to make the first steps into the world of writing. To the literary group who kept me on track as the book was written along with Hugh who encouraged me to take up the pen and learn my trade. I would also like to thank Debbie and Wendy for their eternal optimism and holding my hand at times in those moments when my discoveries over-whelmed me. The prayers of my friend Christine have kept me safe. Jonathan Conway, my agent has been a pleasure to work with. A huge debt of gratitude to Ingrid Connell and Kate Hewson from Pan Macmillan for their belief in a ‘very special story’. To Cheryl for helping me write my story and Claudia who did the most amazing job researching my family tree. Finally to the many colleagues from George Pindar Community Sports College in Scarborough for following the story with interest.
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