Originally posted by Scott Nelson
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Funny you should say that. Thank you for reminding me. I quote from "Scotland Yard Investigates" by Evans and Rumbelow, 2006, page 124.
"An ambulance arrived to take the body to Golden Lane mortuary. Collard ordred the neighbourhood searched. (I seem to remember Halse ordering the same thing earlier, but I digress..)
Detective Inspector James McWilliam, head of the City detectives, arrived shortly afterwards with a number of men who were detailed to search streets and lodging houses. (yet another order given... but I digress..)
Several people were stopped and searched but without result. Later, many people flocked to Mitre Square to satisfy their curiosity. Inspector Izzard, and Sergeants Phillips and Dudman were there to keep the crowds in order."
(my emphasis and my italics)
If one looks at the italics.. 3 men, were detailed to keep the crowds at bay. Now thats a clever one. How many entrances are there to Mitre Square again? Oh yes, three. One man for each entrance...to keep the "crowds" at bay?
So now we have 3 more people holding back the crowds... and Mr George Clapp, Mrs George Clapp and Mrs Tew?...not ONE policeman, not one, having recieved orders left right and centre, knocked on George Clapp's door a few yards away from the murder, to talk to him, question him, search him or the house he lived in, ascertain who was there present at that location.... and all this was happening..the Square being so full of so many people coming and going, horse cab, ambulance wheels, hob-nailed boots and all... the noise and the echo must have been (periodically) quite loud.
Not to mention Halse, who went to Mitre Square twice...but that's another story.
Funny you should mention that Scott. Thank you for reminding me.
I am reminded of the line "...and the band played on...."
And all the while, George Clapp, Mrs Clapp, and Nursie Mrs Tew counted sheep jumping fences... no doubt in time with the clip-clop of hob-nailed boots, a whistle, an ambulance cart with wheels, a cab with a horse, and Uncle Tom Cobbly and all (various private individuals and constables, quote Harvey, inquest) popping in and out of the Square. All on top of the talking, and the echo THAT caused. Then there are the gathering crowds, whose voices would resound INTO the Square...
best wishes
Phil
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