The Deodands
At the two inquests deodands of £1100 in total were made on the engine (Hecla), and the trucks, payable to the lord of the manor of Sonning, Mr R. Palmer. Early reports suggested that Mr Palmer intended to share the money between the injured and dependants of those killed, but this was denied by Mr Palmer, who believed it was very unlikely that the deodand payments would ever be made and that it would be unkind to raise false hopes amongst the potential beneficiaries. In the event, both deodands were overturned and the money was never paid.
Deodands, in effect penalties imposed on moving objects instrumental in causing death, were abolished about five years after the accident at Sonning Cutting.
Read more about this topic: Sonning Cutting Railway Accident