From The Warminster Herald, Saturday 27th December 1873:
Crockerton. Lamentable Death. –
A very sad end befell an old inhabitant of this village on Christmas day, and cast quite a gloom on the festivity of the immediate neighbourhood. John Payne, aged 77 years, while dining with some friends at Baycliffe, suddenly fell from his seat and expired, without uttering a word, or giving any indication as to the nature of his seizure. Dr. Willcox was immediately sent for, and found that deceased had died from suffocation, having choked himself by attempting to swallow a very large piece of unmasticated beef. Had the parties present known what was the matter with him, and done as did Mr. Willcox on his arrival, remove the meat from the throat, which could easily have been done, his life would have been saved. An inquest will be held on the body today.