The Death of James Atkinson

On this day in 1914, James Atkinson — a member of the prominent Atkinson family of the Forest of Knaresborough — died at Broadmoor Asylum in Berkshire.

Born in 1834 at Shaw Mills, Bishop Thornton, James belonged to a family with deep local roots and connections that remain in the region today. His life, however, is remembered for the tragic events of 1858, when his relationship with Mary-Jane Skaife ended in violence. Found not guilty of murder on grounds of insanity, he was committed to Broadmoor, where he remained until his death.

James Atkinson’s final resting place is recorded at Broadmoor Asylum Cemetery, Crowthorne, Bracknell Forest, Berkshire (Find A Grave). By contrast, Mary-Jane Skaife was laid to rest at St Jude’s, Hartwith, in the heart of the community where she lived and where her memory still endures.

Broadmoor Asylum Cemetery

For us at Nidd Films, this anniversary is not about sensationalising his story, but about reclaiming Mary-Jane Skaife’s voice. Sweetheart: Angel of the Moor seeks to give dignity to her memory and to open conversations about justice, women’s voices, and how history is remembered.

Image: Broadmoor Asylum Cemetery, Crowthorne (via Find A Grave).

Note: Church records confirm that James Atkinson was buried at Broadmoor Hospital in 1914 at the age of 82. The burial was recorded in the register of St John the Baptist Parish Church, Crowthorne, as Broadmoor did not yet maintain its own register. (Source: St John the Baptist Parish Church, Crowthorne, correspondence with Office Manager Ken Perrett, 3 Oct 2025).