SUDDEN DEATH OF A CLERGYMAN. – On Monday last an inquest was held before George Abbey, Esq., at the Guildhall, on the body of the Rev. George Cracroft. The Rev. W. Butlin stated that he had known deceased for upwards of 30 years; he was his junior at Lincoln College, Oxford, and was about 53 years of age. In 1841 he was curate of Haddenham cum Cuddington, in Buckinghamshire, and left the place in consequence of the incumbent coming himself to reside. He had been staying at Banbury, and he (Mr Butlin) had sent him money there. In February last deceased called on him unexpectedly; he said he was footsore; that he had come from Banbury; and was staying at the Green Dragon, in this town. He was shocked to see him in such a state, and invited him into the house and gave him a refreshment and money. He said he was going to his friends in Lincolnshire, and he did go as far as Wellingborough, as witness knew from the Rev. Mr. Gibbs, another fellow collegian, upon whom he called. Whether he went into Lincolnshire or not; he had no means of ascertaining.

Thomas Plumb: I am landlord of the Cricketers beer house, in Broad-lane. First saw deceased in January last, at Seller's and Gibson's, and at my own house. The latter end of February he came to my house and asked for a bed; he stayed a day or two, and ultimately took up his abode there permanently, and remained there ever since three weeks last Saturday night he dislocated his ankle by slipping as he went upstairs to bed. He has been confined to his bed ever since, with the exception of two or three times. He was so much better that he had made arrangements with me to get him a chair, and to go and see a cricket match to-day, which has been postponed in consequence of his death. He was found dead in his bed yesterday morning. Since the accident he has been temperate, seldom taking more than three or four glasses of porter in a day. On Friday last he had only two glasses, and on Saturday but one. Before his accident he drank twenty times as much as subsequently. He used to drink gin and water and brandy and water. I had not seen him since Friday. I was going up on Saturday, when I met Mr Curtis, the builder, coming down stairs. He said he was much better, and he was going to send him up a leg-rest. He was found dead on Sunday morning by the servant, Sarah Whitney. Never heard him say anything which led witness to believe that he would destroy himself. He was in pecuniary difficulties, but he received money through Mr Wales and other parties.

Sarah Whitney: Had known deceased about three months. He had good health generally until this accident. Saw him last on Saturday night, when he was in bed, and seemed quite as well as usual. Took him a pork pie and some porter for his supper, but he refused both. The night before he had refused his supper, saying that he felt a slight pain at his chest. He had eaten and drank on Saturday very heartily as usual. Heard him cough about seven o'clock on Sunday morning. Went in about half-past eight taking his water to wash himself as usual, and then perceived he was dead. He did not appear at all convulsed, but he became discoloured very soon after.

Wm. Curtis, builder, of Bull-lane: Knew deceased from having been in occasionally to take a glass of ale at the Cricketers. On Saturday night last he was passing, when seeing Mrs. Plumb at the door, he asked her how Mr Cracroft's leg was. She said he was better, and he went up stairs and just asked him how he was. He replied, "I deal better, but I have a nasty fever at my chest." Did not see him, for there was no light in the room. It was about half-past 10 at night. He talked of getting out on Sunday, and witness offered to lend him a crutch and a leg-rest.

Mr. Wm. Percival, jun.: Attended deceased for the last three weeks, in consequence of a dislocated ankle. Saw him last alive on Wednesday or Thursday, and then said he was as well in health as he ever was in his life. He never made any complaint about his chest. Saw him yesterday morning after his death. He was lying on his back, and had died apparently without a struggle. Probably water on the chest was the cause of death, although it was difficult to give any positive opinion. He appeared like a man who had drank very hard.

The jury returned a verdict of Died by the Visitation of God.

Deceased was very respectably connected, and was a Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. His affairs having become involved, his fellowship was sequestered, and he seems to have abandoned himself to the unfortunate habits which placed him in the anomalous position in which he had latterly lived. He stood next in rotation for the living of Cublington, near Winslow, but his college passed him over.

Northampton Mercury, Saturday 7 June 1845