Dead in a ditch - in 1866 and replies for Lizzie from Gone to the Beach

 

Pippy this morning, bird-watching in the kitchen.  This big ceramic pot is where I keep the bags of dried fruit and nuts.  When she saw a bird, her tail would switch.

Here she is on my shoulder.  It is impossible to do anything with her sat up there, but I indulge her until my neck complains.

I did a quick shop in Llandod this morning and came back and did some Family History research on one of Keith's Yorkshire lines, the Rightons.  I was moving sideways trying to find out what happened to his g. grandmother's brothers and sisters. In their parish records, I found the following entry: "A woman unknown, supposed name Mary O'Connor found dead in a ditch in the township of Overton.  Buried 14th November 1866.  Age believed 60 - 70."  Poor woman, I imagine she was impoverished and perhaps just "passing through". 

In the same register were twins Sophia and Emily Ann P****, just a day old, who had died and were buried in one coffin on 16th March 1875. Together in death as well as in their brief life.

Research on my side of the family, down in Devon, found: "March 1780 - buried a soldier who died of Dysentery.  Name unknown."  Poor chap.

I can't remember who wanted to see Keith's little Indo-Persian dagger, but here it is.   They are masters of metalwork as this is beautifully done.  There seem to be a range of designs on offer with different animal heads on the hilt.  Some are modern, others like this one, with a little bit more age to it.  The Damascus blade is something else, folded and folded and folded.

Below, you can just see the curly ears of the horse.  It is based on an Indian countrybred horse - they are known as Kathiarwari and Marwari, and have really curly ears which often touch together in the middle!  I remember that from an illustration in my Observer's Book of Horses and Ponies, gifted to a 6 year old pony-made me.

Below: here's my indulgence and a good bit cheaper.  I gave it a good polish up after this.  As you can see from the lower picture, the leather behind the very old (early Victorian) horse brass was covered in elderly Brasso cleaning polish.  I hate the stuff and have been using Autosol for many years now.  A lot less messy and gives a great finish. It's now been cleaned off and the leather treated with Leather Balm.

Oh, and LIZZIE from GONE TO THE BEACH - read my replies to your comment yesterday about the Welsh books you've been reading.  I've got one downloaded already and know exactly the area he's writing about as it was our favourite beach - Pendine Sands.  Thank you.