[janwhin]

Another news item, from the Morpeth Herald of 7 May 1898, concerning the death of James Baston, buried in the East cemetery on 4 May, aged 12. The burial register records that he was killed by a runaway horse.

"On Monday a horse took fright and galloped down the road towards Amble. Before reaching the road ends, near the Hope Farm, it collided with a cart. The cart attached to the runaway was broken, but the horse continued its wild career, dragging the broken shaft behind. It turned into the Warkworth Road, and overtook a horse and cart driven by a boy named Baston, the son of the steward of Gloster Hill. The horse dashed into the back of the cart, which it upset, and the boy was thrown beneath his horse, with the cart shaft lying on his chest. On being extricated it was found that the boy was quite dead. Dr Smyth and the police were early at the spot, but could do nothing for the unfortunate little fellow. Deceased was only 12 years of age. The runaway was caught near Chester House, having run a distance of nearly 5 miles."