Beake Family History

A sad and tragic event occurred in Bridgwater shortly before midday on Saturday, when Mr, William Lowder, of 19 North street, the well known driver of the Bristol Alms Hotel horse-drawn bus, expired suddenly. He was driving the bus through High-Street when, without the slightest warning, he collapsed on to the footboard. Assistance was at once forthcoming, and he was taken into the Bristol Arms Hotel close by, but life was found to be extinct.
The deceased was a familiar figure in the town, and his sudden death aroused much sympathy, particularly for his widow and daughter. He had been the driver of the bus for about 20 years. He entered the employ of the late Mr. Geo. Ricks when about 16 years of age, and later became the driver of a bus for Mr Ricks. Afterwards he was busman for Messrs Aplin and Son, and later for the Cab and Posting Company, subsequently becoming the driver of the Bristol Arms Hotel bus. He will be very much missed in the town.
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THE INQUEST was held at the Police Court on Monday afternoon by the Coroner for the borough
(Mr, Arthur King). Mr. C. Davis was present on behalf of the deceased's employer.
Leslie Arthur Watkins, motor driver, East Quay, said on Saturday morning, about quarter to twelve o'clock, he was near the cab rank in High Street, when he saw the Bristol Arms Hotel bus go past. The deceased was driving. The 'bus was coming from the direction of the Cornhill and going through High-street. The horse was going at a walkmg pace. When the bus was opposite the shop of Mr. Barnes, tobacconist, witness saw the deceased slip from the driving seat. He fell on his stomach on the footboard. Witness ran to his assistance, and caught hold of him. Some one caught hold the horse's head. The horse did not run away because one of the wheels of the bus was against his (witness;witness's) ca on the stand. He helped to carry deceased into the Bristol Arms Hotel.
Mary Ann Lowder, deceased's widow said her husband was aged 60 years. He was he driver of the Bristol Arms Hotel bus. On the Saturday morning he got up as usual about seven o'clock and had breakfast. He appeared to be in his usual health. He left the house about half past seven o'clock. She did not see him again until about 11 o'clock the same morning, wen he came home and she gave him some lunch, which he put in his pocket. He then left the house, and did not complain about being ill. Her husband was ill about twelve months ago when Dr. Pope attended him. He was then suffering from colic. She was quite sure he had never had a fit or seizure. About twelve months ago he was taken ill when driving the bus and he was brought home He did not fall of the bus at that time as someone caught him. That was about the same time as he had colic. The Bristol Arms Hotel was situated on the High Street and closed in 1981.