On Saturday, 5 November 1892, a tragic accident occurred in Barrow, Leicestershire, resulting in the death of William Charles Palmer (36), a labourer from Woodhouse Eaves. Palmer was driving a cart carrying players from Woodhouse Eaves FC home after their game. As they departed Barrow, a group of boys, aged between seven and twelve, who were playing on the green across from Mr. Facer’s newsagents, threw a firework over the railings. The firework produced a loud, sharp crack, which startled the horse pulling the cart. The horse bolted forward a short distance and then swerved sharply to the right. This sudden movement caused Palmer to fall to his left. He attempted to grab the cart’s shaft but was unsuccessful and fell headfirst onto the ground.
Two other individuals who were seated on the front of the cart jumped to safety. One of them managed to regain control of the frightened horse, preventing further injury to the remaining passengers. Police Constable Thomas Kirby, stationed in Quorn, had witnessed the cart passing through the village and then the subsequent accident. He immediately rushed to assist the injured man and carried Palmer’s body into the nearby newsagent’s shop. Despite the PC’s efforts, Palmer only took a few breaths and died within five to six minutes. He suffered severe bleeding from his eyes, nose, and ears. PC Kirby testified at the inquest that all occupants of the cart were sober and in good spirits, singing “Hearts of Oak.” They had just begun the chorus of the song when the tragic incident unfolded. The inquest concluded that William Charles Palmer’s death was the result of an accident and misadventure.