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The Murder at the Vicarage · Chapter

XVIII explained

The inquest into Colonel Protheroe's murder is held at the Blue Boar.

What happens

The inquest into Colonel Protheroe's murder is held at the Blue Boar. Lawrence Redding and Anne Protheroe give evidence, and the pistol is identified by Mrs. Archer. The coroner's verdict is murder by person or persons unknown. Afterward, the narrator accompanies Dr. Stone to the station, where he departs for London, and they discuss the case and Lawrence Redding's character.

Themes in this chapter

  • Gossip and Community

    The village's excitement and speculation about the murder are evident in the comments overheard at the inquest.

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    Mrs. Archer's confident identification of the pistol contrasts with her earlier vagueness, highlighting the gap between public testimony and private uncertainty.

Characters to notice

  • The Narrator

    Attends the inquest and later accompanies Dr. Stone to the station.

  • Lawrence Redding

    Gives evidence at the inquest, identifying the pistol as his.

  • Anne Protheroe

    Gives evidence at the inquest about her last sighting of her husband.

  • Dr. Stone

    The narrator accompanies him to the station; he departs for London.

  • Miss Cram

    Present in Dr. Stone's room, typing; comments on the inquest and Dr. Stone's habits.

  • Mrs. Archer

    Witness at the inquest who identifies the pistol as belonging to Lawrence Redding.

Key passages

  • “The local excitement was, I need hardly say, tremendous. There had been no murder in St. Mary Mead for at least fifteen years.”

    The village was in a state of high excitement, as there hadn't been a murder in St. Mary Mead for over fifteen years.

    Highlights the rarity and sensational nature of the crime in the community.

  • “Mrs. Archer was shown the pistol and recognized it as the one she had seen in Mr. Redding’s sitting-room 'over against the bookcase, he kept it, lying about.'”

    Mrs. Archer identified the pistol as the one she had seen lying on a shelf in Lawrence Redding's sitting room.

    Key evidence linking the murder weapon to Lawrence Redding.

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