Remembering Tupsley’s dark past

Murder most foul was afoot during a recent open day organised by Herefordshire Council's archive service and held in Tupsley community hall.

However, the event, staged by the archive service, was a friendly affair as the murder took place 120 years ago.

The notorious murder in Tupsley of Philip Ballard, the elderly and wealthy resident of the Knoll, hit the headlines in October 1887 and attracted huge interest throughout the West Midlands at the time.

Mr Ballard was brutally murdered in his bed during a burglary - his death shocked and stunned people of Hereford.

"The story of how Mr Ballard's killers were brought to justice is a prime example of Victorian law and order at work," said the archive service's information services manager Elizabeth Semper O'Keefe.

"We were really pleased with the enthusiastic response to our open day. Looking at one dreadful episode in our city's history helps us to understand so much about Hereford's past," she added.

Despite the macabre theme of the open day, there was plenty of fun for visitors, with children's activities and competitions for the best reward posters and funniest captions.

Guest of honour was a "real" Victorian policeman who described his working life and how the culprits were brought to justice.