In 1751 London’s Gentleman’s Magazine, along with several Welsh newspapers, reported the death of Doctor William Parry, a well regarded Cardiff physician. A coronial investigation later concluded that Doctor Parry had died from suffocation. According to evidence tendered at the inquest, Doctor Parry was sitting “astride his privy” when the structure collapsed, sending the doctor tumbling “into the murk of his own cesspit”. The collapsing seat caused the entire building to fold and it “fell in with him”, preventing Parry’s escape. It was an ignominious end for a man described as:

“…a gentleman of distinguished character in his profession, a most religious observer of truth and zealously loyal in the late rebellion.”

Sources: The Gentleman’s Magazine, Vo. 21, 1751; Coronial Reports for 1751. Content on this page is © Alpha History 2019-23. Content may not be republished without our express permission. For more information please refer to our Terms of Use or contact Alpha History.