The murky history of Newton Mere

[She]

Has anyone got an estimated guess of just how many people have drowned in Newton Lake?

We have the white Lady as an unknown candidate (1). I remember a suicide from the 70's but cant recall the name (2) and I do recall an old person falling and drowing in it about 3 years ago(3).

However here's (4).... and a sad gravestone I found in St Peters graveyard whilst waiting for my daughters sports day to begin in the Park. Robert Naylor drowned in Newton Mere May 16th 1857 aged just 21.

Does anyone know of any more? I bet theres lots of murky secrets in that place!

[pete8434]

hi, the suicide you mentioned in the 70s was that of a mrs jones, the wife of local builder F.H.R. JONES, i was working for them when this sad event occurred. pete.

[She]

Thanks Pete. I didn't know her name but knew it was a woman.

On this site is a poam called " The Lake". It was transcribed for use in the Newton le Willows Website, by Steven Dowd, from the 1914, Vol I, Newton-in-Makerfield, by John Henry Lane. Its an amazing poam about this area and here is the link if anyone wants to read it:-

http://newton-le-willows.com/index.php? ... 9&Itemid=1

Here are a few lines which reflects the danger of this place: Anyone know who Lizzie was? She died 42 years before this poam was written, so I guess thats circa 1872

And here my theme demands a sadder note
To claim your tender-hearted sympathy, for near a love-lorn maiden drowned herself.
Ah me! It is two and forty years ago the deed was done that moved the town to tears !
Not far removed a village damsel dwelt. In service with a kind old widower and maiden relative. She happy seemed until she met a youth, who courted her and her affections won. But she was told that he was false and wooed another maid ;
And this so preyed upon poor Lizzies mind, she sought to end her broken-hearted life.
She first a letter to her mistress wrote, in which she told her grief and her intent,
And one to him whom she so dearly loved.
And then, in darkness, plunged into the lake.
The brook was vainly dragged, and then the mere was tried, and hereabouts the maid was found with clenched hands and high uplifted arms, as though her latest act was that of prayer.
With decent care, she in a cart was laid and slowly taken to her childhoods home ;
And, as the silent form was borne within, what words can tell the parents agony !