Mystery of the abandoned briefcases scattered in Shropshire
Two briefcases containing the history of a woman's life have been mysteriously scattered in Claverley.
Now the man who found them is looking to return them to a member of her family.
Contents about the life of Jessie Bancroft, nee Beebee, included school reports from age 12, passports, letters and even a certificate to say she can look after people in the event of a gas attack in the Second World War.
The briefcases were found open in a field in Claverley off the B4176, by tree surgeon Dan Smith from Castlecroft, Wolverhampton.
He said: "I'd just finished work for the day and I looked across and it caught my eye. I thought, this isn't right.
"They can't have been there that long. The contents were a bit damp, but still in pretty good condition.
"There's something from 1939 that says if we are subject of a gas attack, she could deal with civilians. Her father must have been a very wealthy man.
"There are letters from big companies offering their condolences after his death. There are also plans for a house she was going to build.
Invaluable
"Obviously to the average person it might not be worthwhile, but to her family this stuff might be invaluable."
The documents reveal Jessie was born in Walsall and had lived in Wolverhampton, Albrighton and Hilton near Bridgnorth. She also lived in a care home in Worfield, near Bridgnorth. She was born in 1908 and died in 2000.
Dan has posted his find online to try and track down the family, and has had several responses of people who know bits of information.
He added: "I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all. It's a bit different, not something you expect to find. I've still not really had a proper look at it to be honest.
Did you know Jessie Bancroft? Or are you a member of her family? If so please email nick.humphreys@shropshirestar.co.uk or call 01952 241423.
