An inquest was held yesterday at the Rising Sun public house, Slip End, concerning the death of Florence Fensome, 24, of Pepperstock, who worked one night at the Kent's Munition Factory and was then taken ill.

The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. J. M. Whyley, said the deceased had been a domestic servant in Luton for two years, and about five weeks ago came home. On September 3rd she went to work at Kent's Munition Works, Luton. On Sunday she complained of feeling unwell, and as she was no better on Monday Dr Worthington was sent for. He made a thorough examination and prescribed for her, but early on Tuesday, while her father was sitting up with her, she collapsed and died.

The Coroner said that as the cause of death was not obvious he ordered a post-mortem examination to be made. This showed that the cause of death, although it was curious from a medical point of view, was perfectly natural.

Dr Worthington stated that he saw the deceased just after midday on Monday, and prescribed after a thorough examination. On Tuesday he was informed that she was dead. The post-mortem examination which he had since made showed that death was due to a constricting band on one of the intestines. Such cases were very rare.

Death would be due to exhaustion and shock following extravasation of blood and great pain.

Dr Worthington said the deceased must have been in pain some days before. Some of things she had to eat on Saturday night and Sunday morning were indigestible, and no doubt created some colic, and that simply finished it. The growth which caused the trouble might have been there some time.

William Fensome, the father, said the deceased worked one night at Kent's, leaving at seven o'clock on Saturday morning. She was ill on Sunday, and in such pain on Monday that they sent for the doctor. She died about 3.30 on Tuesday morning.

The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes.

[The Luton News: Thursday, September 9th, 1915]