Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in London's West End by Geoffrey Howse

Author:Geoffrey Howse
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Bisac Code 1: TRU000000
ISBN: eBook ISBN| 9781844682997
Publisher: Wharncliffe
Published: 2006-04-05T16:00:00+00:00

Martha Reay. Author’s collection

By the beginning of 1779 Martha and Lord Sandwich had lived together, very happily, for over eighteen years and she had borne him nine children, five of which had survived. In March 1779, Martha decided to end the relationship with Hackman. She certainly didn’t balk at the idea of a respectable marriage but at the risk of losing her children, it was a step she was not prepared to take. Instead, she determined to continue to live the happy existence she was accustomed to with her children and their ageing father; after all Lord Sandwich doted on his mistress and their children and she lived in the lap of luxury and was received in society. Despite Hackman’s youthfulness, life in a country parsonage would not have held many attractions, considering what Martha Reay had become accustomed to.

On the day of the tragic event, 7 April 1779, Hackman dined with his sister and brother-in-law, who was also his first cousin. The couple had married only five weeks previously. He left them promising he would return for supper. That evening Lord Sandwich was working late at the Admiralty. Hackman, on seeing his lordship’s coach with Martha Reay inside, concluded, quite correctly, that Miss Reay was going out to the opera, and would probably call on Signora Galli at her lodgings in the Haymarket (Catherina Galli was a retired prima donna, who amongst other fine singers had given Martha lessons. It was said that Martha Reay possessed a singing voice that could have earned her a high income, had she chosen a career on the stage). Hackman walked to the Cannon Coffee House, Charing Cross, where he expected to see Miss Reay pass, which he did indeed observe within a short time. He followed the carriage to Covent Garden, and saw Miss Reay and Signora Galli alight from it and go into the theatre. He followed the two ladies into the theatre and there observed a gentleman talking to Miss Reay. He was of a genteel and handsome appearance, and was later discovered to be Lord Coleraine. Hackman was seized with a fit of jealousy and at that moment decided to end his own life.

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