Three months' jail for concealing birth of baby found dead in basket

Catherine Shepperd, aged 27, was employed as a resident female warder at the House of Correction in Preston in early January 1869 and what transpired seven months later was a surprise to all as Coroner Miles Myres attended the gaol to hold an inquest in the adjoining Court House into the death of a female child in mid July.

- with Keith Johnson

The lifeless body was discovered in the washhouse in a basket wrapped in a prison apron and towel.

Dr. Walling told the hearing that on the previous Wednesday morning he was on duty and his attention was drawn to Catherine Shepperd by the matron. He was told she was not well, and was in the washhouse. Going to her he asked if she was poorly and she told him she was just feeling unwell, and thinking nothing of consequence ailed her he went away.