Unsolved Murders

William Charles Fraser

Age: unknown

Sex: male

Date: 16 Aug 1912

Place: Imperial Palace Music Hall, Victoria Dock Road, West Ham

Source: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk

William Charles Fraser died in a disturbance at the Imperial Palace Music Hall.

A man was sent for trial on a charge of manslaughter but no more is known.

It was said that there was a disturbance at the Imperial Palace Music Hall on the Friday night. William Fraser had been in the pit with other friends and when the villain in the show was about to stab a girl, he became excited and shouted out. However, his wife spoke to him and he left.

However, outside there was some trouble with the attendants and William Fraser fell down and became unconscious. He was then taken to hospital where he later died.

His wife said that they had both been drinking before they went to the music hall at 9pm. She said that after they left the pits two attendants hit William Fraser in a struggle and when they got to the exit, they shoved him and he fell onto his back and became unconscious.

William Fraser was then sent to Poplar Hospital where he died from a fractured skull.

At the magistrates, it was heard that were probably wasn't enough evidence to convict the second attendant, but the first attendant was committed for trial, but nothing more about the case has been found reported.

William Fraser was a ship's fireman.

see Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 23 August 1912

see The Stage - Thursday 22 August 1912