Bishop Samuel Wilberforce

An In Memoriam card for Bishop Samuel Wilberforce, who died on 19 July 1873 as the result of a fall from his horse.

An inquest was held at Abinger Hall near Dorking shortly after the accident. ‘Lord Granville, who was deeply moved in giving his evidence, said: “I was riding with the bishop on Saturday from Burford Bridge to Hombury. We came across Ranmore Common, down the hill, into a green dip, which was perfectly smooth. I was riding a little to the left of the bishop, looking at the hill, when I heard a noise — a heavy thud on the grass. I stopped for an instant, and on looking round I saw the horse on his legs, and the bishop on the ground on his back, and his feet were in the direction in which the horse was going. The bishop made no effort to rise. He made no movement whatever. […] His eyes were shut, his complexion very clear, his countenance perfectly serene and composed, with almost a look of satisfaction in his face. I felt his pulse and heart, but observed no movement.” […] The noble earl said he should like to add that he never saw the bishop more agreeable or in better health and spirits than he was just before the accident. He was talking about the scenery, and every incident on the way. Just before the accident he observed that he never could get tired of riding such a horse.’

Lord Granville’s groom also gave evidence. ‘There was a little bit of ditch or hollow where the horse fell. I was behind the bishop about twenty yards. I saw him fall. The horse fell on his knee in the hollow and the bishop went over his head. The horse was going at a very slow canter — between six and seven miles an hour I should say. […] I don’t know the cause of his stumbling. There was no hole. The horse is very quiet and safe, and I never knew him make a stumble before.’

A local surgeon then gave evidence that death must have been instantaneous. ‘I should say the cause of death was dislocation of the neck.’ The jury thought a post mortem examination was unnecessary and returned a verdict of accidental death. (The Globe, 21 July 1873).

Photographed by the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company.

The caption printed in the lower margin includes the information that ‘The above Photograph was taken only five days before the fatal accident.’