In 1925, John Strong an unemployed boilermaker from Hendon
and his sweetheart Henrietta Rackstraw, the local midwifes daughter, were found
dead at the home of her mother at Henry Street East. George, Henrietta's
brother went to his mothers house and saw what he thought was red paint leaking
under the front door, the police were called and found it was blood.
It was found that John Strong had come behind and cut Henrietta's throat and
then killed himself. At the inquest next day Henrietta was said to have been a
very jolly and happy girl, some said the couple were very affectionate to each
other and others said John, had threatened Henrietta's life as he thought she
was seeing another man. The jury gave a verdict of wilful murder against John
Strong and a verdict of suicide.
