Dog’s Dig Uncovers a Possible 1865 Poison Mystery

Quick Smiles:

• A Labrador’s persistence led to the discovery of a 160-year-old Victorian artifact.
• The blue bottle may connect the family’s garden to an 1865 poisoning case.
• The find could help historians piece together a long-forgotten neighborhood mystery.

A determined Labrador named Stanley has turned amateur historian after digging up a mysterious blue vial in his Devon, England, garden.

His owner, Paul Phillips, discovered the perfectly preserved glass bottle was embossed with the phrase “Not To Be Taken.”

After some research, the family realized the find might be linked to a local murder case from 1865.

A neighbor from that era, Mary Ann Ashford, was famously convicted of using poison on her husband to pursue a secret romance.

“It was a bright blue bottle in perfect, mint condition and had the words, ‘Not To Be Taken’ on the glass,” Paul explained.

The discovery has shed new light on a case that once captivated the nation and influenced laws regarding public executions.

Stanley has finally stopped digging in that particular spot, seemingly satisfied with his historic contribution.

“It is fascinating that we have found a bit of history in my garden from a woman that was instrumental in the end of corporal punishment 160 years ago,” Paul remarked.

The Phillips family is now hoping a local historian can help them piece together the final chapters of this incredible neighborhood mystery.