A Compilation of Absurdity

Hartlake Disaster

The Globe - Saturday 22 October 1853

FEARFUL ACCIDENT—UPWARDS OF 30 HOP-PICKERS DROWNED

A frightful accident occurred on Thursday evening at Hartlake-bridge, on the river Medway, near Tunbridge, which it is supposed that nearly 40 persons have perished. The accounts of the accident are at present somewhat imperfect, but it appears that, in consequence of the river Medway having overflowed its banks, the hop-pickers in the employ of Mr. Cox, a large hop grower living at Golden-green, in the parish of Hadlow, near Tunbridge, after having finished their day's work, were being conveyed through the flood in a waggon, drawn by three horses, when, on arriving at Hartlake Bridge, they became alarmed at the rush of water, and uttered loud cries. The party consisted of men, women, and children. The noise made by them alarmed the horses, and it seems that the animals consequently ran away, and came in contact with the side of the bridge, which, being in a dilapidated state, broke down. The consequence was that the waggon was precipitated into the river, and all the persons in it were drowned. 

Pirton Castle, Croome Park, Worcestershire

Sealed letter Kurt Vonnegut Sr. sent his son Kurt Vonnegut Jr. during WW2. Held in the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library.