A rather sad tale about my mothers cousin, that I wondered if anyone else remembered. It started in November 1939 when Lillian Wainwright, aged 42, and a headmistress, returned to her mothers home in Birkheads Road Reigate, having suffered a nervous breakdown. She stayed there until February 25th 1940, when she suddenly disappeared during the evening. In spite of much searching by Police and the family she wasnt seen again. In 1948, Reigate Priory was taken over by the borough council and the sluice gates were opened for the lake to be cleaned. On March 20th a skull was found near to the path from Park Lane and further digging around the lake revealed bones. Dr Keith Simpson, Pathologist, identified them as being Lillian Wainwright, so one mystery was solved, but another one, as to the circumstances of her death will always remain. An Open verdict was recorded by the jury. Do any of our older members recall this event?
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 18:08:24 +0000