Life story retold by Yota Dimitriadi
Henry Amor was between five and six months old when he was found dead by his mother’s side in bed when they woke up on Monday 16 January 1876. The inquest, held by Mr. Weedon took place the next day at the ‘Albert Arms’, Castle-street.
Henry’s mum Elizabeth AMOR, testified that the baby was in good health, and made no disturbance during the night. About four o’clock she changed him from one side to another, and he was then quite well. However, at five o clock when her husband, Thomas, got to go to work, she found Henry dead.
During the inquest, Mr Francis Workman, surgeon, said that he was sent for about five in the morning, and found the baby dead. There were signs of a fit, and he concluded that Henry was suffocated by lying too close to his mother. He had attended the parents and the children in connection with the Dispensary, and he considered the mother ‘a kind mother’. Sophia Pickett, a neighbour, also testified to the kindness of the father and mother.
The Jury returned verdict of ‘Accidentally Suffocated’. Henry’s funeral was held on 22 January1876 in the unconsecrated part of Reading Old.
In the newspaper report of the inquest Henry has been referred to as ‘it’ as it was common for babies at that time.
Henry’s parents, Elizabeth and Thomas are also buried in Reading Old with their 24 year old daughter Minnie, wife of Ernest Godding. All three died in 1920 with Elizabeth and Minnie on 11 February and Thomas on 15 November.
unmarked grave, unconsecrated part-location unknown at this time