Peasenhall murder

[1] The house where the murder occurred can be found in the centre of the village, on the opposite corner to Emmett's Store.

It is a classic 'unsolved' country house murder, committed near midnight, during a thunderstorm, and with ingredients of mystery.

The choirmaster of the chapel was William Gardiner and the choir members included 22-year-old Rose Anne Harsent, a domestic servant employed by Mr and Mrs Crisp at Providence House in Peasenhall.

A Primitive Methodist church investigation ensued, chaired by Rev John Guy, but nothing concrete was established.

[1] The cause of death was initially suspected to be suicide, but upon further investigation of Harsent's wounds and the surrounding evidence, the police concluded that she was murdered.

Gardiner held a position of some prominence in his employment as a foreman at the local seed drill works.

He lived on the main street of Peasenhall with his wife and six children, in a small semi-detached cottage, within sight of Providence House where the murder was committed.