In a remarkable discovery, a man from Devon has reported that his dog, Stanley, has unearthed a blue glass bottle in their backyard, which he believes could be connected to the 19th-century murder case of William Ashford. The case dates back to 1865 when Ashford was allegedly poisoned by his wife, Mary Ann, who was later executed for her crime. This find has prompted the owner, Paul Phillips, to delve deeper into the history surrounding Mary Ann Ashford's infamous trial and execution, leading to a potentially significant link between their residence and the historical narrative.

Mary Ann Ashford's execution was attended by a large crowd in Exeter and became infamous for the manner of her death, which was described as particularly gruesome, taking several minutes. This public execution reportedly had a lasting impact on public perception toward capital punishment, contributing to declining support for such methods in England. The significance of the bottle, with the inscription “Not to be taken,” has reignited interest in the Ashford case, prompting discussions about the historical context and the ramifications of her actions on societal views around justice and punishment.

The incident not only highlights a curious link to a dark chapter in Devon's history but also illustrates how modern-day discoveries can shed light on historical events. As more evidence is gathered, it could provide local historians and enthusiasts with fresh insights into the Victorian era's criminal cases and perhaps lead to a reevaluation of public sentiments regarding the justice system during that time period.