Kernow Killers - Matthew Weeks Traditional Cache
CornishCandy: Time for this one to go
Kernow Killers - Matthew Weeks
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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in our disclaimer.
The ‘Kernow Killers’ series of caches are not meant to offend anyone. All information was readily found in existing publications. Caches are placed in the general locality and are not knowingly placed at the actual location of any of the events mentioned.
This is a small sized cache placed in accordance with the GAGB Forestry Commission Peninsular District Agreement.
The story of Matthew Weeks
Perhaps one of the more famous murders in Cornwall is that of Charlotte Dymond in 1844. Matthew Weeks and Charlotte were both in service at Penhale Farm near Davidstow and were walking out together. Thomas Prout, an old workmate of Matthew’s arrived on the scene and threatened to steal Charlotte’s affections from Matthew. On 14th April Charlotte set off for a secret rendezvous, presumably with Thomas, but was followed by Matthew. When she did not return Matthew was quizzed and finally admitted that she had left to take up another job in Blisland. After a week Charlotte’s employer was still concerned about her sudden departure and asked her son to go to Blisland and find out the truth. Matthew, on hearing this fled the farm and over the next day it became clear that he had not been telling the truth.
9 days after Charlotte disappeared a search of the moor around Rough Tor was organised and her body was found lying partly submerged in the stream, with her throat cut. Matthew was tracked down by the Police to Plymouth and was charged with her murder. At his trial Matthew was not able to give his version of events but there was sufficient circumstantial evidence for the jury to return a guilty verdict. The Judge sentenced him to death.
It is alleged that Matthew confessed to Charlottes murder prior to his execution, saying that on the 14th April he and Charlotte had walked out onto the moor together. Conversation soon took a turn for the worse when he accused her of disgraceful behaviour with Thomas. When she had retorted that she would ‘do as she pleased’, Matthew in a jealous rage took out his pocket knife and lunged at her. After more retorts Matthew lashed out again with fatal consequences. He fled the scene leaving Charlotte on the moor.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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