John Harvey served in the West Riding of Yorkshire before transferring to Essex in 1885. He was posted to Ardleigh on 6 January 1886 and promoted to sergeant there on 1 October 1891. He had a wife and three children, and at the time he died his wife was again pregnant.
On 4 January 1894 John Harvey made some enquiries on his beat, and patrolled for some distance with one of his constables who last saw him at about 7.30pm. The following morning John Harvey’s body was found head first down a well in the snow-covered garden of a cottage in Ardleigh; his watch had stopped at 8.21. There were injuries to the face, but it could not be determined with certainty how they had been caused. It has never been proved whether the Sergeant fell or whether he was pushed.
On 4 January 1894 John Harvey made some enquiries on his beat, and patrolled for some distance with one of his constables who last saw him at about 7.30pm. The following morning John Harvey’s body was found head first down a well in the snow-covered garden of a cottage in Ardleigh; his watch had stopped at 8.21. There were injuries to the face, but it could not be determined with certainty how they had been caused. It has never been proved whether the Sergeant fell or whether he was pushed.
Remembering Essex Police
John Harvey
West Riding of Yorkshire
Ardleigh
Recent Articles
Person fatally struck by train between Shenfield and Chelmsford — services disrupted
According to operator Greater Anglia, a person was hit by a train between Shenfield and Chelmsford in the early morning hours.
UK “Snow-Bomb” Buzz — What’s the Reality?
Across UK media and weather-forecasting chatter there has been a flurry of dramatic talk: some forecasts and maps (notably from third-party services) suggest a “snow bomb”.
Christmas Present Appeal — Essex Police supporting vulnerable children in Chelmsford & Maldon
In previous years the response has been overwhelming. The kindness and generosity of Essex communities has helped provide thousands of presents to children who might otherwise have nothing under the tree.
