| 26th April, 1693. Elinor Crane, alias Sutton alias Cropper, Crimes: theft : burglary, Crime Location: Hadley near Barnet Elinor Crane, alias Sutton alias Cropper Widow, was indicted for breaking open the House of John Walker Esq; in Hadley near Barnet, upon the 17th of March last about 12 a clock at night, and carrying away the goods and money of Susanna Baker (the said Walker's Servant), viz. six Gold Rings, value 5 l. six Holland Smocks 4l. 10s. six Night royls, value 3l. three broad pieces of Gold, 10 Guineas, four Five Shilling Pieces of Gold, and 13l. 10s. in Silver , to which the Prisoner pleaded not Guilty; but the Evidence for the King did positively Swear, That 5 Persons, two in Red, two in Blue, and the fifth in an Iron gray colour'd Coat, and lightish colour'd Periwig, broke into the said House at the time afore said, and carried away the Goods and Money above mentioned, and particularly in rifling Baker's Trunk, took out the Smocks and Night royals, and throwing them to the Person in Grey Cloaths, (whom Baker really supposed to be a Woman) said, Here Sutton take these, they will serve you, who she swore was the Prisoner at the Bar; and upon search to apprehend the Prisoner at her House upon Finchly Common, the said Grey Coat was found in her Bed-Chamber. It was further Sworn by Two Witnesses, That in February before she was seen upon the Road in Boots and Mans Cloths, which was not denied by the Prisoner, and that she went by the Name of Sutton. The Prisoner brought several Witnesses, among whom one Mr. Jordan said, That he was in her Bed-Chamber before that time, and all that Night, and that she did not stir out of her Bed till Morning: Upon which, he was after a severe Reprimand from the Court required to give an Account of himself. A great many other Witnesses said, They knew no harm by her; nor, that they knew she ever went by the Name of Sutton; but the Court asking her why she went in Mans Apparel, the Prisoner replyed, She went to Wooe a Widow. Upon the whole Matter the Jury brought her in Verdict: Not Guilty. |
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31st August, 1687. |
| 9th September,
1696. Mary Budley, Crime(s): offences against the king : coining, Crime Location: Harts-horns Inn in Barnet Mary Budley was Indicted of a Misdemeanor, for unlawfully getting Dyes for the Coining of False Guinea's . It appeared that she did come to the Harts-horns Inn in Barnet, and did desire to be shew'd a Room, and to bring her some drink. Then she shewed them a Note for the things, and the Hostler went into the Stable, and brought them to her, and she had him to keep them for her till the morning, which he did. Then she said she did think they were not for any good use, would throw them away; and in the morning, pursuing her Journey, she threw them into a Hedge. Being taken, and carried before a Justice, she did confess where she threw them. Verdict: Not Guilty ,the Jury acquitted her. |
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15th October, 1707. Owen Hales, Crime(s): theft: simple grand larceny, Defendant's Home: Barnet Owen Hales, of the Parish of Barnet, Labourer, was indicted for Feloniously Stealing a Dowlas Shirt, value 18 d. the Goods of Richard Sutton on the 13th day of October last. But the Evidence not proving the Indictment, Verdict: Not Guilty, the Jury acquitted the Prisoner. |
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10th December, 1712. Joseph Clemson, Mary Hughs, Crime(s): theft: burglary Defendant's Home: St. Andrew Holbourn Joseph Clemson and Mary Hughs, of the Parish of St. Andrew Holbourn, were indicted for breaking the House of Sir James Brooks, on the 28th of November in the Night time, and stealing thence two Gold Watches, seven Silver Salvers, and a large quantity of other Plate and Jewels. The Evidence was the Lady's Woman, who swore, that she wound up her Lady's Watch, hung it up in her Chamber, and lock'd the Door; and the Screws of the Lock were found to be taken out, by which means the Door was opened, and the Watches and a Ring taken away, while Sir Richard and his Lady were asleep; and the Plate was also stole out of the Butler's Room while he was in Bed. The Noise of the Robbery being spread, a Gentlemans Coachman went in pursuit of the Prisoners, and at Kicks-end, near Barnet, found them in Bed together, and the Watches lying on a Table by them. Clemson said in his Defence, that Hughs was his Wife, and that she (being a Servant in Sir Richard's House) brought him the Goods as her own; but she had nothing to say, only that no Locks were broken. Verdict: The Jury found them both guilty of the Felony, but acquitted them of the Burglary. Punishment : Branding. |
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7th December, 1715. Henry Howard, alias Powell, Crime(s): theft with violence: highway robbery, Crime Location: between Barnet and Kicks-end Henry Howard, alias Powell, of the Parish of South-Mimms, was indicted for an assault on the King's Highway, on the Person of Sarah Maddocks, and robbing her of 2s. 6 s. on the 15th of October last, about 7 a Clock in the Evening. Mrs. Maddocks depos'd that between Barnet and Kicks-end the Prisoner met her Sister, and said, How do you do? Give me your Money; who replied, she had none. D * n ye, says he, I will have Money, or else I'll shoot you; upon which she offer'd him some Farthing, which he dash'd out of her Hand, and said, D * n ye, I want Gold and Silver, and Gold and Silver I will have; and then came to herself and said, D * n ye, must I wait here all Night? Give me your Money; who told him she had but half a Crown. Give it me quickly, says he, and put his Hand into her Pocket, and took the Money. After this they describ'd the Prisoner to some Labourers, who took him. They were both very positive in the Man. He denied it upon his Trial, and said he had no Pistol about him, and but 5 s. in Money, when taken. Verdict: The Jury found him Guilty. Punishment: Death. |
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6th September, 1716. |
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9th July, 1718. William Ward, theft: animal theft, Crime(s): theft: animal theft, Defendant's Home: Barnet William Ward, of Barnet, was indicted for stealing a Ram, value 40 s. the Property of John Charleton, the 15th of June last. The Prosecutor deposed his Ram was lost out of his Ground, and the Head and Skin found buried in the Prisoner's Ground, and a Quarter of the Mutton hid between the Tyling. The Fact being plain, Verdict: Guilty. Punishment : To be Transported. |
| 7th December,
1720. Matthew Cheston, Crime(s): theft with violence: highway robbery, Defendant's Home: Hadley Crime Location: between Potters Bar and Barnet Matthew Cheston of Hadley, was indicted for Assaulting Richard Hadley on the High Way on the 12th of July last, putting him in fear and taking from him 2 Half Guineas. The Prosecutor deposed that as he was coming to London in his Coach with Four Horses, his Wife, Mother and Sister being in the Coach with him. between Potters Bar and Barnet, a Man on a Light Grey Horse rode up to the Coach with a Gun, and demanded their Money, Purses, Rings, Watches, etc. that he gave him two Half Guineas, and his Mother, Wife and Sister gave him their Purses, that he verily believed the Prisoner to be the Person, but could not swear it. His Wife, Sister and Coachman confirm'd his Evidence, but neither of them could swear positively to the Prisoner. Who called several Evidences to prove that he was in London at the same time. Verdict: Not Guilty. The Jury acquitted him. |
| 25th May,
1721. William Moor, Crime(s): theft: shoplifting, Defendant's Home: Barnet William Moor, of Barnet, was indicted for privately stealing the Lock of a Pistol, value 5 s. in the Shop of Thomas Heath, on the 1st of April last. But the Evidence not being sufficient, Verdict: Not Guilty. The Jury acquitted him. |
| 10th October,
1733. Frances Deacon, Crime(s): killing: infanticide, Crime Location: Green Man at Barnet Frances Deacon, was indicted on the Coroner's Inquisition, for the murder of herfemale Bastard Infant, by throwing it into a Pond, where it was drowned, Sept. 14. Mary Jones: Between 9 and 10 in the Morning, I was sent for to Mrs. Frazier's, in Barnet, to search the Prisoner. I found she had had a Child, and she own'd it and that she had drop'd it in a Pond, by the Green-Man at Barnet. She said, she was an Irish-woman, and was going to her own Country, and being taken ill by the Pond-side, she could go no farther; but leaning against the Rails, the Child came from her, and fell into the Pond, and that she was so weak with an Ague and Fever that she could not call for Help. I saw the Child, it was a Female, very fair and clear, and without any Marks of Violence, and, I believe, with proper Help it might have been born alive. Ann Stiles: Coming by the Pond I saw the Child lying in the Water, and the Prisoner was at the Pond-side at the same Time, but I was so surprised that I asked her no Questions. William Pickersgill: I came by the Pond about 7 in the Morning, just when the thing was done; the Prisoner told me and others, that she had dropt her child in. I got a Rake and drew it out, and there was a small Piece of Hay clenched in its Hand. Justinian Moss, Surgeon: About 8 in the Morning I saw the Child at Mrs. Frazier's, it had no Marks of Violence. The Prisoner said, that when she first came to the Pond she was taken with Labour-Pains, and was taken with such a Fit that she lost her Senses, and if she had not held by the Rail, she must have fallen into the Pond herself; at which Time, she said, the Child dropt from her. It fell down a Slope two Foot deep, and might be killed by the Fall. She told me, her Husband died in Kent 6 Weeks ago. Prisoner. Coming by the Pond, very sick and weak, I was taken with a Fit, and took hold of the Post, and the Child dropt from me. I was going to my Friends in Ireland, and did not expect to be brought to Bed till a Fortnight after Michaelmas. My Husband died in Harvest-time at Kings-Down in Kent, where he was buried.Verdict: Not Guilty. The Jury acquitted her. |
| 11th September,
1734. Thomas Macguire, Crime(s): theft: animal theft, Crime Location: Whetstone Thomas Macguire was indicted for stealing a black Gelding value 5 l. the Property of J Shipwith, Aug. 1. John Shipwith: I heard from Mr. James at Whetstone, that my Horse was stole out of his Grounds. Thomas James: The Horse was put into my Grounds the last of July at Night; I mist him on the first of August, and heard of him again the same Morning. Mr. Hare of Barnet told me that a Man was stopt there for stealing a Horse. I went thither and found the Prisoner with Mr. Shipwith's Horse. The Prisoner said he found the Horse in the Road, and was going with him to London-bridge. I told him, from Whetstone to Barnet was the wrong way to London-bridge. Thomas Nickson: I put the Horse in the Field over Night, and tied the Gate with a Halter. Humphry Buckle, Constable: The Prisoner said he met a Man who desir'd him to ride the Horse, and said he would soon overtake him. Richard Nickols: Hearing Somebody cry out stop him, I laid hold of the Horse's Bridle, and stopt him at my own Door in Barnet, and ask'd the Prisoner where he was going. He said to London-bridge. I told him he was going the Road to St. Albans - Well, says he, a Man lent me the Horse to ride, and I am going but 2 or 3 Miles farther. Edward Ward:The Prisoner came riding along by Barnet Market, he had no Shoes, and the Horse had no Saddle, but only a Brible, which made me suspect the Horse was stolen; and therefore I ran after him, the Prisoner began to gallop: I call'd out, Stop him! And he was stopt by Mr. Nichols. Verdict: Guilty. Punishment : Death. |
| 8th December,
1736. John Owen, Thomas Allen, Abraham Addison, Thomas Spicer, John Roberts Crime(s): theft: animal theft, theft: animal theft, Defendant's Home: Hadley, Middlesex John Owen, Thomas Allen, Abraham Addison, Thomas Spicer, and John Roberts, of Hadley, Middlesex, were indicted for stealing a Black Gelding, value 5 l. the Goods of William Bickerstaff. Nov. 27. They were a second Time indicted for stealing a Black Stone-Horse, value 25 s. the Property of Cornelius Oakley, Nov. 27. William Bickerstaff: November 27, between 10 and 2 in the Morning, I was going Home with my Team, and was loaden with Manure for my Land; Owen and the rest of the Prisoners came up, and violently unhook'd the Horse from the rest, saying they would have one of my Horses I lay'd hold of Owen, and call'd out to the Bellman (who happened to be going his Round) to come to my Assistance: after he came up, the other Prisoners fell upon me and beat me with their Fists and with Sticks, because I would not part with my Horse. Allen, Addison, Spicer, Roberts, and Owen, were all together in the Fact. I was over-power'd by them, and they had got my Horse away about forty Pole, but the Bellman prevented their carrying him off; the Pretence they made, was, that I had got seven Horses, and they swore they would have one. John Hobbs: I desired them to tell the Horses, they said they would not, but swore, that they would have one of them Right or Wrong Owen took the Horse off, and the rest of the Prisoners assisted, and carried him away about forty Pole, but Thomas Huntley the Bellman, got us the Horse again. Thomas Huntley: I was doing my Duty, and hearing a Quarrel, I came up to see what was the Matter, and I found the Prisoners had got one of the Man's Horses, and were carrying him away by Force. We had them all before the Justice, and there they pretended they had an Act of Parliament for what they had done. Q. At two o'clock in the Morning they were carrying the Man's Horse away by Vertue of an Act of Parliament! Do you imagine they would have gone off with him, if you had not come up? Huntley: Yes. Another Witness: I was there at the same Time; when I came up they were all struggling about the Horse. I bid Owen let the Horse alone; he said, ask no Questions, I will have him, but thro' Assistance, we got him again. Owen: We had an Act of Parliament to take Horses, and were encouraged by a Justice of Peace. We condemn'd a Horse before Justice Exeter, but a Day or two before. Canes:There was no more than six Horses, and because I assisted the Farmer, they beat me till I was all over Blood. Second Indictment. Cornelius Oakley: I lost a Black Stone-Horse the same Morning about one o'clock; I had six Horses in my Team, and a loose Horse which I rode upon, but he had a Collar and Chains upon him. Owen got upon his Back, and said he would knock my Brains out if I would not let him go off. My Neighbour's Waggon coming by, they took a Horse from him, but as they were overpowered, I got mine again, but they had led him quite away. I can swear to all the five Prisoners, there was six of them in all, one Kimpton was with them, but he is got off. Canes: I heard the Sticks fly about and I went to assist my Master. Owen keeps a Publick House, the Sign of the Cock at Prickler's-Hill, between Barnet and Whetstone. They are all People that don't love Work. Another Witness: I drove the Waggon, and swear there were no more than six Horses in the Team: All the Prisoners were there. Mr. Justice Smith: I was call'd up early in the Morning some People who pretended to take Horses from Waggons drawn with seven Horses; several Neighbours testify'd these were drawn but with six. They had beat the People very much, and would have sworn the Waggons were drawn with seven Horses; but as People of Credit had sworn there were but six, I did not think proper to give them their Oaths, and committed the Prisoners for an Assault. Q. By what Authority did you do all this? Owen: By an Act of Parliament. The Act was read, which enacts, That if any Seizure or Distress is made on Persons travelling with more than six Horses, the Horse so seiz'd shall be deliver'd into the Hands of the Constable nearest the Place where such Seizure is made, safely to be kept till the Person or Persons, who made such Distress, prove the Offence before a Justice of the Peace, who is empower'd (on Proof of the Offence) to order the Delivery of the Horse or Horses so seiz'd, for the Use of the Distrainer. Bickerstaff: I was going with Manure to my own Grounds. Oakley: I was loaded with Deals and other Things. Bickerstaff:Mine was not a hired Waggon, and had no more than six Horses. Canes:It was our Desire that the Horses should be deliver'd to the Bellman. Huntley: The Owners of the Horses did desire it, but the Prisoners were for carrying them away. Verdict: Not Guilty. All acquitted. |
| 5th December,
1739. Joseph Eades, Crime(s): theft: simple grand larceny, theft: animal theft, Defendant's Home: Finchley Joseph Eades, of Finchley, was indicted (with James Edwards, not taken) for stealing a Horse-whip, val. 5 s. the Goods of George Rotheram, Nov. 30. George Rotheram: Last Thursday, as I was going to London, with another Farmer, between Whetstone and Barnet, I was attack'd by two Men. The first that came up I knew: What, Master Thompson, said he, won't you give me the Way! then the Prisoner came up, with a Pistol in his Hand, and said, - What Money you have I will have; so I gave him my Money: You have more, said he; I told him I had no more, and turn'd my Pockets out: Well, you have got a Whip, I'll have that. When they had done with me, I went to the Mitre at Barnet, and sat there an Hour and half; then I was told, that the Prisoner was taken with the Whip upon him. This is the Whip, and 'tis mine. Thomas Miller: One Mr. Palmer was riding Post, and was attack'd near Mimms-Wash, by two Men. The Post-boy, as he came by, told us Mr. Palmer had been robb'd, and there the two Men went that had robb'd him. I and my Fellow-servant assisted in pursuing them; and on Finchley-Common we saw them, overtook them, and seiz'd them. When I came up to them, the Prisoner pull'd out a Pistol, and said he would shoot me through the Head: I had a long Gun, and told him, If I dy'd, he should die. Upon this he put his Pistol up, and I threw down my Gun, and run in upon the Prisoner, and seiz'd him, and held him till my Assistants come. This Whip he had in his Hand at the same Time. Herbert Palmer:I was present when the Whip was taken upon the Prisoner: I think it the same. We took a Pistol from him at the same Time. Rotheram: The Prisoner took my Money first, and then my Whip. I am sure he is the same Man. It was between Eight and Nine in the Evening: the Moon shone very bright, and I took particular Notice both of him and his Horse. Prisoner: I never robb'd any body of a Farthing in my Life, and the Whip I found near Barnet. A Witness: The Prisoner lived with me (at Times) several Years. I have intrust'd him with Money, and never found him dishonest. Another: He has work'd for me several Times, and I have intrusted him to receive and take Pounds for me; he always used me and my Customers very handsomely. Another: I know him from a Child; his Father and Mother were very honest People, and I never heard any thing amiss of him. Another: I have known him a Dozen Years, and never heard of any Dishonesty by him. Another: I have known him seven or eight Years: He was my particular Acquaintance. He serv'd the Bricklayers as a Labourer; I never heard of his being dishonest. Another: I have known him from his Infancy, and never heard that he ever behaved dishonestly till now. Verdict: Guilty. Punishment: Death. |
| 19th May, 1743. Charles Cole, Crime(s): theft: animal theft, Crime Location: East Barnet Charles Cole, of St Mary Islington, was indicted for stealing two Lambs, price 5 s. the Goods of George Sleith, April 2. George Sleith. I live at East Barnet. I had two small Lambs stole out of the Church-Yard, the 2 d of April, about eleven or twelve o' clock at Noon, and did not hear any Thing of them for a Week; when I was informed that the Evidence, Howel, and the Prisoner, were seen with two Lambs at Holloway, I pursued them, and found Howel and Cole in Morefields; they were very remarkable Lambs, and about a Fortnight old. Mary Smith: I live at Holloway; one Saturday the Prisoner and Howel were at my House, and they had got two Lambs, one was alive and the other dead. I asked where they had them, and Howel said at East-Barnet; they were about a Fortnight old. There came in two Butchers, and asked Howel what he had got in his Apron, he said two Lambs, and said he to Cole, Where had you these two Lambs? and he said he bought them at Hitchin. Francis Howel: The Prisoner desired me to go with him to Mr Sleith's House at East Barnet, said that Mr Sleith's owed him 38 s. and that he would come home the next Day; when he was coming home, he said that he would have something for his Sunday's Dinner; and coming through a Church-Yard, the Prisoner saw two young Lambs, and took them up, and desired I would take them from him, which I refused, and he said he would stick his Knife into me if I did not; so I was obliged to do it. Verdict: Guilty. Punishment: Transportation |
| 2nd July, 1746. Martin M'Lone, William Bruce, Crime(s): theft with violence: highway robbery, Crime Location: St. Albans - Barnet Martin M'Lone and William Bruce were indicted for assaulting Thomas Smith on the Highway, and taking from him a Peruke, a Silk Handkerchief and 8 s. 10 d. in Money. Q. (to Thomas Smith.) What are you? Smith: I am a Post-Boy at the Green-Man at Barnet. On the 23th of May, in Whitson Week, as I was coming from St. Albans to Barnet, between the 12 and 13 Mile Stone, in my Way down the Hill, several Men were walking in the Road before, I took them for Travellers; when I overtook them one came on one Side of the Chaise, two on the other, and two before the Horses Heads. The Prisoner at the Bar was in a blue Coat with white Buttons and Button-Holes, and had Freckles in his Face. Bruce came to me and said, d * n you don't look at me, let me have your Money; I said, Gentlemen I will, don't use me ill, I am but a poor Post-Boy. They haul'd me out of the Chaise, and seeing the Irish Mail, said they would not meddle with that; but they took my Wig and Handkerchief. Q.What else? Smith: They rifled my Pockets, and said, let us take his Breeches. Q. What did they do then? Smith: They took 8 s. 10 d. from me. I saw a Gentleman coming towards Barnet, and immediately three or four of them went off to meet him, and several Blows pass'd. They all ran off from me but one of them. Q. How far was the Gentleman from you? Smith: About twenty Yards. Q. Did you know the Gentleman? Smith: Yes, he keeps the Cock Inn at Oney, his Name is Knight. While they had him down one of them came to me and said, G * d d * n you go along; another damn'd me and said I should not go: So I said, Gentlemen, you need not be afraid of me, I won't betray you; with that they said, go along, my Lad, as fast as you can; so I drove up the Hill as hard as ever I could. Q. Where was the Gentleman all this while? Smith: Upon his Back, they knock'd him down. When I came to the Top of the Hill I met a Waggon, or Cart, and said, Master, for God's sake don't go down, there are Thieves at the Bottom of the Hill, you will certainly be robb'd. When I came to the Crown I saw a Light; I jump'd out of my Chaise and went into the House. They ask'd who was there. I said, Gentlemen, pray go down, I believe there is a Gentleman murder'd at the Bottom of the Hill. Q. Where was this? Smith: At the Crown at Kicks-End; one John Nickerson and two Soldiers were there, I believe they all went; I did not stay to go with them, but made the best of my way home. Q. (to the Prisoner.) Will you ask this Boy any Questions? Prisoner: Please you, my Lord, I have no Questions to ask him? Q. (to John Toby Reynolds.) What do you know of this Affair? Reynolds: My Lord, I know nothing of the Felony, only some Circumstances while the Men were in Custody. I live at Barnet. Q. Where did you find them? Reynolds: My Lord, they were in the Cage, these two and four more. They seem'd to be Irishmen. My Lord, we examin'd their Pockets, and found several Letters directed to Persons in London, recommending them to Business, and a Horn which had a small Quantity of Powder; after we had done that, the Post-Boy came into the Cage. I said to the Boy, be careful what you do, look among them and see if any of these Men have robb'd you; then the Boy went directly into the Middle of them as they were in the Cage, and said to Bruce, the Prisoner, you are the Man: Says Bruce, I did not rob you. The Boy said, you did not rob me, but you are the Man that presented the Pistol, and you are the Man that bid me not look in your Face. Q. What did he say to that? Reynolds: I don't remember, my Lord, what Answer he made. Q. (to Thomas Nichols) Was you one of those that pursu'd the Prisoner? Nichols: Please you my Lord, I was at the Crown at Kicks-End when the Boy came in, and said he was robb'd by seven Irishmen, and that they were murdering a Gentleman; and these Men we took upon Suspicion. Court: After this you pursu'd, Did you? Nichols: Yes, my Lord, we went thither and pursu'd them; I was after four by myself; and when they saw me, they d - d me, saying, There is but one, shoot him: But when another Person came up they ran away, and we pursu'd and took them all. Q. Do you know the Prisoner? Nichols: They were both together when we took them. Q. Where were they when you took them? Nichols: In the Bottom by Kicks-End. Q.What became of the other four? Nichols: We brought them all before the Justice, but because no one appear'd against them, he releas'd them Q. When you took them, then what did they say? Nichols: Some said they were come from Ireland, and wanted Work. Q. Where did you carry them? Nichols: We carried them to the Crown that Night, and they were carried afterwards before Justice Hassel. Q. Do you know any Thing farther? Nichols: No, my Lord. Q. (to Asbury) Was you one of the Pursuers; do you know any Thing more than Mr. Nichols says; do you remember the two Prisoners? Asbury: I kick'd up Martin M Lone's Heels in the Field; when we went down there were five of us together: I said to my Partner, let us go overagainst the Waggon, left they should see us. Q. Are you sure that Mc Lone was the Man you trip'd up? Asbury: Yes, my Lord. Q. What do you say of the other Man? Asbury: These two were taken with the six. Q. (to Bruce) Now is the Time to make your Defence; the Post-Boy charges you with the Robbery. Prisoner: Please your Honour I came out of Ireland to look for Work, I was fearce of Money, and was returning Home; I lay at the Upper End of Barnet; I would have paid for Lodging, but they said I was an Irishman and they would not let me have any. We were very cold when the Day-light came; as we were cold we said to one another, we had better be going to Coventry, to get what would carry us Home. Verdict: M'Lone Acquitted. Verdict: Bruce Guilty. Punishment: Death. |
| 2nd May, 1753. Thomas Yates, Crime(s): sexual offences: bigamy, sexual offences: bigamy, Crime Location: Barnet Thomas Yates was indicted for marrying Elizabeth Harman. spinster, Oct. 5, 1752, after which, to wit, on the 17th of November following he married Rebecca Griffiths, his former wife being then living and in full health. + James Reynolds: I knew the prisoner two or three days before he was married at Mr. Keith's Chapel in May-Fair to Elizabeth Harman ; it was last Summer, I don't know the day of the month, but believe it was in October: there was none by but the minister, she, I, and the man who gave her away, whom I did not know, and the Clerk, I was an acquaintance of Mrs. Harman's, who was a very laborious woman, and used to take in washing. Q. Were they married according to the ceremony of the Church of England? Reynolds: They were, I heard it read over to them. Rebecca Griffiths: I was married to the prisoner at the bar the 11th of November last, at the Fleet. after which he took away all my cloaths, and left me destitute without any thing in the world. Q. What was you before? Griffiths: I was a servant before. Q. Were any body present at this wedding? Griffiths: There were Jane Evans and Ann Allen present. Q. Who married you? Griffiths: I can't tell that, he was in a parson's habit. Q. Is his former wife now living? Griffiths: I believe she is, I saw her about three weeks or a month ago. Jane Evans: I was at Rebecca Griffiths's marriage with the prisoner, at the Fleet, in a publick-house: I had known the prisoner but about four or five days before: after the wedding the prisoner came to my apartment in Cursiter street, Chancery-lane, for that night, and lay in the house, but not in my room; he was there with her five days from the Saturday on which he was married, 'till the Thursday following. I have not seen him since till now. Ann Allen: I was at this wedding, and heard the ceremony perform'd, it was in Turnagain-lane, at the Fleet; but I left them at the door. The prisoner had nothing to say. Verdict: Guilty.Punishment: Branding. He was indicted a second time, for marrying Elizabeth Harman , and afterwards for marrying Mary Butler , widow, his former wife E. Harman being then living . + James Reynolds, deposed as before on the other trial. Mary Butler:I was married to the prisoner the first of February last, (he went by the name of Thomas Yates) at Barnet church, by the banes being published three times in two churches. Elizabeth Griffiths: I was before my lord-mayor the 19th of March last, and Elizabeth Harman was there then alive. The prisoner had nothing to say. Verdict: Guilty.Punishment: Branding. |
| 7th June,
1753. Anne Ellis, Sarah Ellis, Crime(s): theft: specified place, theft: receiving stolen goods, Crime Location: Bricklayer's Arms in Whitechapel road Anne Ellis , spinster, and Sarah Ellis widow, were indicted, the first for stealing 14 guineas, the money of William Hudson in his dwelling house ; and the other for receiving the same well knowing it to have been stolen , May 4 + William Hudson: I keep the Bricklayer's Arms in Whitechapel road, and hired Anne Ellis as a servant May 9. On the 14th she went up to clean the rooms, and came down in about six minutes after, and desired my wife to let her go to a neighbour's necessary, there being people in our yard, she went and in about ten minutes after my wife went up stairs and found a drawer broke open and some guineas missing (she is sick at home and can't attend) she came down and told me, so I ran to the house where her mother lodged, and was informed my servant had been there but was gone. Six or 7 of us went in pursuit of her next day, but could not find her; a neighbour accidentally seeing her getting into the Barnet stage coach came and let me know, so I, and an evidence, took horses, pursued her, and near Whetstone took her and her mother out of the coach, carried, them to Barnet, and tax'd her with stealing my money; she directly owned that she had forced open the drawer with an old key, and took out 14 guineas. I can safely say there were 17 missing; she had left six behind in the drawer. I search'd her, and found six guineas in gold and 10 s. 6 d. in silver upon her. The old woman said to me, she would have had her daughter brought me the money the night before They had bought themselves cloaths with part of the money, being now both very tight, but were very ragged before. I asked them where they were going, and they said into Bedfordshire to the mother's sister's. Q. Was any thing found upon the old woman? Hudson: There were 7 s. found upon her, which the girt said was part of my money. The old woman pulled it out, and said, it is all I have got, it is what my daughter gave me. John Collier: I went along with Mr. Hudson in pursuit of the prisoners. We overtook them about, 3 miles on this side, Barnet. I ask'd the daughter, how she could be so base to rob her master of 17 or 18 guineas. She said, she believ'd it was not so much, it was but 14. We took her to Barnet before justice Haswell, where she said she found a key in her mistress's under drawer, with which she forc'd open the drawer in which was the money, and took 14 guineas, and that the devil put it into her head. The old woman said she knew nothing at all of the matter, till such time she was going to take coach to go out of town. She deliver'd 7 s. to the officer, and said it was money her daughter had given her. Prosecutor: The officer that lives at Barnet has got the cloaths which they had bought with part of the money, but he is not here. Anne Ellis's Defence: I did not break the lock, it was left open, and I took the money. My mother did not know any thing of it. As to the 7 s. found upon her it was her own property. Sarah Ellis's Defence: I know nothing of it. Anne Ellis: Verdict: Guilty.Punishment: Death. Sarah Ellis: Verdict: Not Guilty.Acquitted. |
| 5th December,
1753. Ann Tinsley, Catherine Bullock, Crime(s): theft, Crime Location: East Barnet Ann Tinsley , and Catherine Bullock , spinsters, were indicted for stealing one pair of linen sheets, three pillow cases, two napkins, 3 linen table cloths, one linen dresser cloth, one yard of linen cloth, three shirts, two shifts, two linen aprons, two pair of stays, one neck handkerchief, one linen handkerchief, one cotton handkerchief, one camblet gown, two pair of hose, one chip hat, twelve clouts, one child's frock , the goods of John Knight , Oct. 26. + Sarah Knight: I live at East Barnet. On the 26th of Oct. I lost two pair of stockings, twelve clouts, four table-cloths, two handkerchiefs, three shirts, two shifts, two pair of stays, two aprons, one dresser cloth, one cloth cloak, one child's frock, and more things than I can remember. Q. Where did you loose them? S. Knight:They were taken out of a chest of drawers in an upper room in our house. John Knight. I am the prosecutor, I miss'd the things, and went after the prisoners and took them in Shoe-lane, Oct. 26. I set out between five and six in the morning after them. Q. How came you to suspect the prisoners? J. Knight: My wife brought Ann Tinsley up from a child. She had been gone away from us, but was come again; we suspecting it must be some body that knew our house, and she being missing I pursued her towards London. I heard of them first at Whetstone turnpike, then upon Finchley common, then near Pancras church, and at last found the prisoners together in Shoe-lane, in the street, with a great quantity of the things upon them. Court: Name the things. J. Knight:Two pair of stays, one gown, twelve clouts, three shirts, two shifts, they had them in two bundles, each had a bundle; I charg'd a Constable with them, and had them brought before my Lord mayor, and he committed them. They having the two pair of stays on, were by his orders taken off. Thomas English:The prosecutor told me his house was robb'd, and ask'd me to go along with him in pursuit, I went, and we found the two prisoners in Shoe-lane, with most of the things upon them; they were taken before my Lord mayor and committed. Q. Where are the things? English:They are at East Barnet, all but the two pair of stays which they had on. George Needham: I am a constable, and have the two pair of stays that were taken from off the two prisoners, and a chip hat; (produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor's wife.) Tinsley's defence: I know nothing at all of them. Bullock's defence: No more don't I. They call'd no witnesses to their characters. Verdict: Both Guilty. Punishment: Transportation |
| 27th February,
1754 Elizabeth Finsley, . Crime(s): theft: simple grand larceny, Crime Location: Barnet Elizabeth Finsley, spinster, was indicted for stealing six linnen aprons, value 2 s. the goods of Edward Shepherd. Feb. 1. + Elizabeth Shepherd: About two months ago I lost six linnen check aprons from off a hedge at Barnet, it was just by my window. I missed them about three in the afternoon, but saw nobody take them away. The Prisoner lives next door: she being a loose sort of a person we looked for her, and took her in a barn at Finchley. She owned she took the aprons from off the hedge and had hid them; we went to the place she mentioned in a field just by, but could not find them. Q.Whose aprons were these? Shepherd: They were mine. The indictment was laid the goods of Edward Shepherd. Verdict: Not Guilty. The Prisoner was acquitted, fault in the indictment. |
| 17th July,
1754. Thomas Hobbs, Crime(s): theft: simple grand larceny, Crime Location: Barnet Thomas Hobbs was indicted for stealing 25 shillings, the money of William Hutton, June 15.* William Hutton: I am Ostler at the Green-Man at Barnet; the prisoner used to help in the stables, and ride post: I missed 35 s. out of my room where I lie, out of my breeches pocket, when I went to put them on, on the 15th of June. I taxed the prisoner with it, and he owned it, and about 17 or 18 shillings were found upon him, which he said was part of my money. Richard Doubleday: I was by when the prisoner owned he took this money, the property of the prosecutor, and said he was very sorry for it. Prisoner's defence: I was fuddled, and don't know what I did. Verdict: Guilty. Punishment: Transportation. |
| 4th December,
1754 Henry Mansel, . Crime(s): killing: murder, Crime Location: Barnet Henry Mansel was indicted for the wilful murder of Isaac Emmerton, Nov. 6. * Edward Tufnel: I live at Barnet in South-mims Parish; on the 6th of November, a little after four in the afternoon, I had been in the fields to fetch up master Peter Davis's cows at the waggon and horses; I heard a noise in the house; I went in, there was the prisoner (he is a soldier) and Mr. Emerton; there had been some quarrel between them, the prisoner was in a great passion, swearing and tearing about. Q. Were any body there besides they too? E. Tufnel: I did not see any body else but they. Q. Did you see the beginning of the quarrel? E. Tufnel: I did not. Q. In what room were they? E. Tufnel: In the kitchen. Q. Who was the soldier taking about? E. Tufnel: He was quarrelling with Mr. Emmerton. Q. Do you remember any of the words he made use of? E. Tufnel: I cannot say that. Q. What did you see him do? E. Tufnel: He threw his coat about the house, and said, he did not mind this or that man. Q. Was he in his shirt? E. Tufnel: He was in his waistcoat, and I desired him to be quite. Q. Was he sober? E. Tufnel: He was a little concerned in liquor. I desired him to go to bed; he went up stairs, I thought he had been gone to bed, then I went out into the yard to put the cows up as usual, Emmerton was in the kitchen all the time. Q. What did Emmerton say when the other was in his waistcoat? E. Tufnel:. He desired him to be quiet and go to bed, and said, he thought that was the properest place. Q.. Did you return into the house again, and how soon? E. Tufnel: I did, I came in again after a very small trifle of time; I had only put the cows in the stail and given them a bit of hay, and was coming into the house for the maid to come out to milk. She said, for God's sake go after the soldier, for he has got his sword, and came running to me. I went through the house after him, he was just entering at the gate after Mr. Emmerton, and Mr. Emmerton was just within the gate, going to shut it to save himself. Q. Describe the yard, and how it lies from the house. E. Tufnel: Emmerton had gone out at the door into the street, and from thence through a gate into the yard; the soldier, when I saw him, was in the street, at the yard gate, he burst the gate open before Emmerton had time to shut it close; he rushed in and stabbed him with a bayonet, and left it in his breast, He made his escape into the street, then to the house, and into his chamber, and wrapped himself up in the bed-cloaths; I called out for help, and we went and took him. Q. Who was in the house when you went thro' it? E. Tufnel:. There were nobody in it then. Prisoner. There is ne'er a man knows any thing of the matter but him, and he has said a deal that is false; there were four men in the kitchen, besides the deceased, drinking with me; ask him if he knows them. E. Tufnel: to the Question. I saw none but they two. Prisoner: The other four men all made off; I do not know who they were; I was at my quarters, and beat in a desperate manner before I took my bayonet out. Q. Were there any angry words made use of by Emmerton? E. Tufnel: I don't remember any. Q.. Did you see any blows pass? E. Tufnel: No, I did not; Emmerton had received some, but I did not see them. Q. Was the prisoner bloody or bruised? E. Tufnel: I cannot tell that. Q. Did Emmerton appear to have been beat when you went first into the house? E. Tufnel: His face appeared all over blood then. Q. Whence did the blood seem to proceed from? E. Tufnel:His nose had been bleeding. Q. Did the prisoner appear to be bloody? E. Tufnel: I did not see that he was at all. Q. If his face had been bloody could you have seen it? E. Tufnel: I could. Q. Did he seem to have been beat? E. Tufnel: No, he did not. Prisoner: He did not see the beginning of it. Juslin Duburgy Jones: I am landlord at the Ship and Dragon, and am a close neighbour to this house, the Waggon and Horses; I heard a noise like quarrelling in it on Wednesday the 6th of November, betwixt four and five in the evening. I walked up to the door, and heard more voices than one. Q. How many do you think you heard? J. D. Jones: I reckon I heard three. I went into the kitchen, there was one Peter Purton, a Wheeler, he was holding his hand to his eye, and said, the soldier had given him a black eye. Mr. Emmerton had got the soldier by the collar shaking him, and said, Sirrah, you rascal, you don't ought to strike them that don't trouble their heads with you, and he put him back into a chair at the side of a table. He said, you ought to be put in the stocks you rascal, for meddling with them that don't meddle with you, and disturbing people in your quarters; and he gave him a twitch by the collar, and said, Go to bed, you villain, and the soldier fell on his face to the ground. This twitch, I imagine, was with an intent to make the soldier go to bed; the prisoner got up again, and they shoved him partly up stairs, and I thought every thing was quiet. My house is about twenty yards from Mr. Davis's house; when I got to my own door, I turned my head and saw Mr. Emmerton come running out of the house along the street, and ran towards me to go in at my next neighbour's door, he could not get in, he turned back again to run into the yard, and went to go in at the gate; in a moment, before he could get in, I saw the soldier with this bayonet naked in his hand, run out of Peter Davis 's house ( producing one ) he was in pursuit of Mr. Emmerton; Mr. Emmerton had just got in at the gate; he came to thrust the gate against the soldier (but I did not see the fatal blow) he being on the inside of the gate, the soldier ran short back again after the mischief was done; I cried out, knock him down, knock him down; he ran into the house again, and up stairs in a moment's time, and covered himself with the blankets; the evidence Tufnel struck at him but did not hurt him. Mr. Emmerton came bursting out at the gate, and this bayonet stuck in his right breast, I believe seven inches and a half, and down he fell before me; please to observe by the blood on it, it may be seen how far it was in the body, I went to help him up, and pulled the bayonet out, but he never had time to say, Lord have mercy upon me. I believe it pricked him to the heart. Q. How many people did you see in company with the soldier when you heard the quarrelling first? J. D. Jones: I saw none but Mr. Purton and Mr. Emmerton with him. Prisoner's defence: I was going into the country upon command, with three deserters; there was a serjeant, a corporal, and nine of us. My quarters were at the Waggon and Horses at Barnet, there was nobody when I came there first but the maid; after I had been there about two hours we had our dinner; then my comrade and I went to the Green Man, and had a pint of beer each; there was a corporal, two men, and the deserters. After having drank three pots of beer there, I returned home to my quarters, and my comrade went to the horse-races. I called for a pint of beer, there were three more men besides; Mr. Emmerton and they said, I might come into their company, if I would spend my pint with them. After that we had a dram or two of gin, and I drank a little more than did me good; then there was a spute who should pay the reckoning. Then I said, I would pay as much as they. One of them d * d me, and said, you are like the rest of the blackguard soldiers. The landlord said, pay your reckoning, that is the best way, to have no more about it. I paid four-pence; one of them stept up to me, and said, you scoundrel, that is not enough, and knocked me down; I got up and hit him again; then another struck me; then I lay down, and in a minute or two they came at me, and beat me in a terrible manner. I lay down on the stairs, and took hold of my bayonet; he struck me once or twice, and so did the rest; I was beat so, that I was perfectly senseless; I hardly knew what I did , or whether I stood on my head or heels. They went to take the bayonet from me, and they tore the scabbard all to pieces. Then I went up to bed, and pulled all my cloaths off but my shirt and stockings, and covered myself in the bed. I had never seen the men in my life before; but they were great villains. Q. to Jones. Did you make any observation whether the prisoner appeared to be bruised, beat, or bloody? J. D. Jones: Mr. Emmerton was bloody and he too; but I saw no blows struck. Q. Where were they bloody? J. D. Jones:They were bloody in the face both; it appeared to me as if there had been some blows between them. Q. What did Emmerton say to you when you went in? J. D. Jones:. He said the soldier had struck him. Q. Did you hear him say he had struck the prisoner? J. D. Jones: No; neither can I say whether Purton had struck the prisoner or not; the prisoner ran after the deceased with such vengeance, with the bayonet in his hand, that though there was a coachman just by, and a man coming with a pail of water, neither had power to stop him. Verdict: Guilty. Punishment: Death. This being on Friday, he received sentence immediately, to be executed on the Monday following. |
| 16th January,
1755. Edward Merril, otherwise Deleraunt, Crime(s): theft with violence: highway robbery, Crime Location: London Barnet Edward Merril, otherwise Deleraunt, was indicted, for that he on the king's highway, on Collin Smith, Esq; did make an assault, putting him in corporal fear and danger of his life, and taking from his person one metal watch, value 3 l. one pair of silver shoe-buckles, value 12 s. one guinea and seven shillings in money, numbered, his property, Dec. 9. + Collin Smith: On the 9th of December, between five and six in the evening, I was going from London to Barnet; about a quarter of a mile on the other side Whetstone turnpike I was overtaken by a man in a dark brown coat, on a pretty large black horse; he presented a pistol, and bid me stop, and deliver my watch and money, which I accordingly did; my watch was a metal one; I delivered him a guinea, and about seven or eight shillings, and a pair of silver shoe-buckles which I had in my pocket. I requested him to return me a seal which was on my watch, which he did. I told him I was going a long journey, and desired he would give me two or three shillings to bear my expences. It was dark, I can't punctually swear to the prisoner; but I believe him to be the man. Q. from prisoner. Had I any thing about my head or face? Prosecutor: I think not. Q. Why do you suspect the prisoner? Prosecutor:. He was taken the next day, with the watch and buckles upon him. Benjamin Hobson. On Tuesday the 10th of December, about eleven in the morning, I being overseer in our parish of Epping, the prisoner's horse was shoeing at a blacksmith's shop; he was suspected to be a highwayman. A person came and told me; I went and viewed him. He was in very mean apparel, and had a watch, which was thought to be gold. I got the constable and apprehended him; and in searching him, I found a pistol in his pocket, (produced in court) it was not loaded. This watch I found also (produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.) I found in his pocket these pair of silver shoe-buckles, (producing them.) Prosecutor: I lost exactly such a pair the evening before; I believe them to be mine; but as there may be others of the same pattern, I will not swear to them. B. Hobson: The prisoner's horse was a black gelding, about fifteen hands high, with two white feet behind. There was about seventeen shillings in silver, and some halfpence found upon him. I asked him if he had ever a friend that could come to his character? he said he had lived to bury all his relations, and had not a friend in the world. Q. How was he dressed. B. Hobson: He had a brown great-under that a flannel waistcoat, which he had bought of a salesman in Epping for three shillings that morning. Richard Archer: I am the constable; Mr. Hobson came to me, and said there was a man at the blacksmith's shop, which he suspected to be a highwayman, and charged me to go along with him, and bid me clap him on the back, and say he was my prisoner. I then charged him to assist me. I went and secured the prisoner. We led him to the sign of the cock, and in searching him found this pistol, watch, and buckles, a paper of powder, seventeen shillings and six-pence in silver, and six-pence in halfpence, and a ticket with which he had come through the turnpike at Epping. He had nothing to say for himself. Prisoner's defence: I bought the watch of a Jew for five guineas, on board the Lively man of war, five years ago; and the buckles about three years ago; but I can't find the person I bought them of. To his character. Edward France: I have known the prisoner ever since he was a day old; his father and mother kept the Turk's-head in Soho-square; I never heard any thing bad of his character; he had a good education; I think he was sent to sea about two or three years ago; his father is dead, but his mother, brother and sister are alive. Robert Pratt: I have known him ever since he was a child; I never heard any thing dishonourable or dishonest of him. Anne Pratt: I am wife to the last witness; the prisoner was born in my house; I have known him over since. The prisoner was fitted out by his mother to go to sea about two months ago; but did not go. I never heard any thing dishonest of him before this. Q. to prosecutor, By what do you know this watch to be yours? Prosecutor: The maker's name is Dudd; I can't tell the number. I also know it by the ribband being cut, to take the seal off, which was returned me; also by the gilding being rub'd off the back of the case, and the bottom to the spring that opens it was bruised. Verdict: Guilty. Punishment: Death. Upon Mr. Hobson's demanding the horse the prisoner rode, the act of the 4th and 5th of William III. was ordered to be read, wherein it appears the captor's being intitled to the horse, arms, money, and furniture, taken on the robber, except the same be feloniously taken before the robbery. By this statute, any person who lends or lets any horse to any highwayman, forfeits the same upon conviction. |
| 15th May, 1755. Richard Griffith, Elisabeth Griffith, Crime(s): theft: animal theft, theft: receiving stolen goods, Crime Location: Hadley Richard Griffith was indicted for stealing one weather-sheep, value 20 s , the property of Henry Worster , April, 24, and Elisabeth Griffith , his mother, for receiving the same, well knowing it to have been stolen . Henry Worster: On the 24th of April last I missed a weather sheep out of my fold in Endfield parish at a place called Hadley; the prisoner was taken up on the 25th, and the body and skin of a weather sheep were found in a chest in his mother's possession, she is the other prisoner; he was carried before justice Caesar at Barnet, there he owned he stole the sheep out of my ground, and he owned it at several other places. John Lock:I am a constable; the prisoner Richard Griffith was delivered into my care; I heard him confess he stole the sheep. Q. Where did he own this? Lock: Both at my house and before the justice. William Walker: I live at Hadley, the gentlemen of the parish had turned the woman at the bar out of doors, she living in a town-house; there was a person wanted to search a chest of hers, as it stood out at the door, for a gun that he had lost, and in searching found the carcase of a sheep, the skin and the Intrails of the sheep wrapped up in the skin, all in the chest, (the skin produced in court and deposed to by the prosecutor, as the skin of his weather-sheep he missed on the 24th of April). Walker: I had the care of the prisoner; I heard him own he stole the sheep. William Romboult: On Friday the 25th of April I was ordered to look for a gun in the woman's chest, there we found the mutton, the guts, and every thing, in the skin. Q. How long had the chest been put out of the house the woman laid in? Romboult:. It had been put an hour and half. Q. to Walker. How long had the chest been put out of the house before the carcase and skin were found in it? Walker: About an hour and half. Richard Griffith's defence. I was in liquor and did not know what I said, I might not say I stole it for what I know. Q. to Lock. Was the prisoner in liquor when he confessed it? Lock: I believe he was not then, for he drank but very little beer. Elisabeth Griffith's defence. I was not at home when the things were put out at the door; I never saw the mutton with my eyes. Richard: Verdict: Guilty. Punishment: Death. Elisabeth: Verdict: Acquitted. |
| 10th September,
1755. Jonathan Wigmore, Crime(s): breaking the peace: assault, Crime Location: Finchley Common Jonathan Wigmore was indicted for that he a certain pistol loaded with gunpowder and a leaden bullet, did wilfully and maliciously shoot off at Duncan Robertson, May 7. + Duncan Robertson: On the 7th of May last, I went out from London with the York coach. I was sitting on the box with the coachman, going over Finchley - Common. There came a man on a bright bay horse, with a small swish tail ; he had on a fustian frock, with a pair of greasy breeches, and his face covered with a black mask, a slouch'd hat, and a black peruke. Q. Did he overtake or meet you? Robertson: He overtook the coach, and rode up to the coachman on the off-side, and immediately, with a great oath, ordered him to stop, or he'd blow his brains out. The ladies in the coach seeing him pass the window, with a pistol in his hand, and a mask on his face, said one to the other there comes a collector, get your money ready. Q. How many passengers were there in the coach? Robertson: There were five gentlewomen, and a gentleman of about 50 years of age. The coach stopped. He immediately order'd the ladies to pull down the coach windows, or he'd blow their brains out. One of the gentlewomen said, have a little patience, and we'll give you our money directly. He, with a great oath, said, my business is haste. There was a servant belonging to capt. Paterson asleep in the basket. The robber thought he had got fire-arms about him, and said to him, if you don't come out I'll blow your brains out. I had a pistol in my pocket, being quite new; I took it out; he did not then perceive me; I could not fire it off; I return'd it near my eye to see whether I had got my finger on the guard or the trigger; then he perceived me. Upon seeing it, he said, you rascal come down, or I'll blow your brains out. He rode round the coach, fearing he should shoot the coachman. I said to the coachman, for God's sake get down; which he did. The robber rode round the coach, and swore he'd blow my brains out; and I ordered the robber, as he came round, to fire at me. Q. Why did you order him to fire? Robertson: I thought I should have the better chance to fire last. He would not fire. Immediately I fired at him; and he directly fired at the same time. I did say I hit him; but I can't be certain; I suppose I did. His ball went thro' the right shoulder of my coat and waistcoat, and just graz'd, my shoulder. (He shew'd the hole in his coat, having it on.) Immediately I jump'd from the box, on the near side; and he jump'd his horse over the ditch by the road-side, and turned his horse's head about towards the coach again; I ran round the horses, and attack'd him on the other side, and pull'd out my other pistol; I talk'd much to him; he did not say much; then he shot at me a second time; his ball went just by my body, as I was between him and the coach, and swore he should not rob the coach. That ball graz'd under the coach wheel. Then I said I am your master now; you have got no more powder and ball. Q. How near was he at that time to you? Robertson: He was about ten yards from the coach, and I was between that and him. Immediately he pull'd out a third pistol, and shot at me a third time. That ball fell into a little puddle of water, and, thanks to God, did not hit me. Then immediately he rode off, and I call'd him many names as he rode. Then I got up on the coach-box, and we went on; and I can give no farther account. Cross examination. Q. Did you know the man that fired at you? Robertson: I can't say the prisoner is the man; for I did not see his face. Thomas Cogdel: There came a gentleman riding after the prisoner, and call'd, Stop highwayman. Q. Where was this? Cogdel: This was at East Barnet. I followed the prisoner to Enfield-Chase. I went up to him, and bid him throw his pistols away; he said, he would not. I bid him throw them away three or four times; at last he said, young man come and take them. I was going up to him; he said, young man stop before you come any further; I did; then he said, will you not hurt me? I said, no; then I was going up to him; he said, stop before you come any further; and added, will you not let any of the others hurt me? I said they should not if I could help it; then he said, come and take them; which I did; there were three of them. (Produced in court, three horse pistols.) We took him to Barnet, to the justice's, and from thence to the Sign of the Swan; there he lay all night. Q. . from the prisoner. What time of the day did you take me? Cogdel: This was in the forenoon; I can't justly tell the time. James Lockey: On the 7th of May I was, among others in pursuit of the prisoner from, East Barnet to Enfield-Chase, where we took him. Q. About what time did you take him? Lockey: I believe it was about eight in the morning. We carried him to High Barnet, before the justice. I did not see him examined there, being obliged to go and get my cloaths I had pulled off in the pursuit. Then I returned, and went to the prisoner at the Swan; there I saw his thigh cut in order to take out a ball. Q. What ball? Lockey: I shot him before he would be taken, in the pursuit. I saw Mr. Robertson before justice Fielding, and saw him shew the hole in his coat, where he said the highwayman shot him. James Swale: On the 7th of May, about six in the morning, I was at work just by where the York coach was stopp'd on Finchley - Common. I heard a gun go off, and somewhat of a noise with it. I stepped about a yard or two, and look'd over some pales, and saw a man attacking the coach. I heard Mr. Roberson say to the man on horseback, sirrah, you rogue, you villain, you want to rob the coach, and you shall not. You are a highwayman, a thief. I saw Robertson fire once, and the prisoner two times. Q. How do you know it was the prisoner? Swale: The man that was taken was on the same horse, and I saw him upon the pursuit. Q. Did you observe whether the man's face was cover'd? Swale: I could not; I believe I was 200 yards from him. Q. Which way did he make off? Swale: He rode towards Brown's-Wells-Hill, coming towards London. Q. Describe the horse he rode upon, and his cloaths. Swale: It was a bright bay lame horse, and he seemed to be in a darkish sort of a frock, with a hat not cock'd up, and a black wig. I went to my master, and call'd out, there is a man will rob, or has robb'd the coach. Q. Did you ever see him after that? Swale: I did in about a quarter of an hour, upon Finchley - Common, making up to a wood. Q. Are you sure that man was the man that had left the coach? Swale: I am sure he was the same. He went into the wood, and so did I. There were so many people about it, that he was obliged to forsake it, and I met him again on the side of the wood, the same man, and the same horse; then he made away for East Barnet and Enfield-Chase. I could not run so fast as he rode. Two men on horseback began to follow him from the man hanging in chains on Finchley-Common , and I and the two witnesses that have been examined followed so far as Coney-hatch , and then went back again to my work. Cross examination. Q. How near was you to the man when he came round the wood? Swale: I was not 200 yards from him; I once was within 50 yards of him. Q. Who were the persons that followed the man? Swale: One is William Taylor, the other John Newil; I could see them; he kept galloping, and they after him. William Taylor: I was facing the man hanging in chains on Finchley - Common, and was shew'd the prisoner, and pursued him to the place where he was taken. There were a great many people round the wood; the man was described to me that had stopped the coach in another sort of a dress than the prisoner had on. He had on a loose brown great-coat, and a whitish wig; he was on a bayish sort of a horse. Q. to Swale. Had the man you saw a great-coat on? Swale: No; he had not when he left the coach; but when he came out of the wood he had a light loose great-coat on, and a light wig. Q. How do you know that this was the same man you saw before? Swale: It was the same horse, and the same size of a man, as nigh as I could guess. Q. Did you ever see the man's face? Swale:. I did, when he went from the wood; he had no mask on then. Q. Had you ever seen him before that day? Swale: No; I never did to my knowledge. Q. How old are you? Swale: I am in the 74th year of my age. Q. By what do you know the horse? Swale: The horse had a little swish or wisk tail; a bay horse, and lame; the same that the man rode who attacked the coach. Taylor continues. I pursued the prisoner from that place to the place where he was taken. His horse broke his leg at East Barnet, and we took him on Enfield-Chase. We carried him before a justice at Barnet; after that he was carried to the Swan at Barnet, and had his wound dressed. Q. In what part was he wounded? Taylor: He was wounded through the hand, and into the thigh. John Newil: On the 7th of May I got up about six in the morning; I was told there was a highwayman in the wood; the man was described to me; I got my horse, and went. Q. How was the man described? Newil: To have a lightish sort of a coat on, and a horse with a swish tail. I went into the wood, but could see nothing of him. After I had been there some time, out came the prisoner. I was within sixty yards of him; he was dressed in a loose horseman's coat; he had the frock underneath it, as was described to me, as I imagined, and a grey wig on. I said to William Taylor, that must be the man; we will follow him; he turned about, and took out a pistol and swore if we followed him he'd blow our brains out. Then we turned back a little way, and followed him again, and went on to a place called Coney-hatch, then through a large wood; and as he was riding up a hill at East Barnet, his horse broke his leg short in two. I rode and catched hold of his horse, and he jump'd off, and ran down a lane; I rode down after him; I was near him when he was taken. In the whole I believe I was six or seven miles after him; sometimes within an hundred yards of him, and sometimes less. George Gardner: I was at work upon the Common that day, and was told a man had been firing at a coach. I was hewing of timber, and did not hear it. I saw his horse went lame. We pursued, and could track him by a bar-shoe. I also saw the prisoner's horse after he was dead, and he had a bar-shoe on. Kinga Brebrook: I saw the man attack the coach, and fire when he left it. I followed him to the wood. Q. How was he dressed when he attacked the coach? Brebrook: I don't know. He was upon a bright bay horse, with a sort of a swish tail. When I lost sight of him I track'd him by a bar-shoe the horse had. When he came out of the wood again I was standing at the place where he went in. Q. How long did he stay in the wood? Brebrook: He came out I believe in about half an hour. I was in the path-way. I saw his face. He drew out one of his pistols, and carried it in his left-hand. I got out of the path to let him go by. Q. Was it the same man that you had seen before? Brebrook: I can't say it was the same man, but it was the same horse that went into the wood. I followed him as far as Coney-hatch, but was not present when he was taken. Prisoner's defence: They have got another witness to call, that the coachman that drove the coach, and the constable. Court: Then you may call him, if you please Prisoner: Call John Pooley; he will tell the court the horse the man rode had a cut tail. John Pooley: I drove the York stage when it was stopp'd, as has been mentioned. Court: Describe the horse the man rode on. Pooley: He was on a brown bay horse, with a swish tail. Richard Doubleday: I am a constable. Some time after the prisoner was committed we had an affair to settle with the overseers of Enfield parish. As my brother constable and I went there, while we were going along, I said we will call and see Jonathan's horse. We call'd at the sign of the Cat; the horse was in the stable there; he was a bayish gelding, with a black mane and tail, and to the best of my remembrance a cut tail. Q. Did you look at his shoes? Doubleday: No; I did not. Q. Do you know how long the tail had been cut? Doubleday: I don't. Q. Was you acquainted with the circumstance of the bar-shoe then? Doubleday: No; I was not. Humphry Buckle: My brother constable and I going towards Enfield, we called at East Barnet on purpose to take the marks and colour of the horse. Q. When was this? Buckle: This was about seven days after the prisoner was taken. Q. Was it before the horse was kill'd? Buckle: It was. I saw him; it was a bay horse, with a cut black tail. Q. Are you sure it was cut? Buckle: I suppose it was cut. Q. Was it or was it not cut? Buckle: It was, but not that day. Q. How do you know that? Buckle: I know that; it had been cut some time before. Q. How long before? Buckle: Some time. Q. Had it been cut a week? Buckle: Above a week, or a fortnight, or a month either. Here has been many people examined here that don't know a horse from a cow, except by the horns. I get my bread by buying and selling horses. Q. Where do you live? Buckle: I keep a public house; my character is fairish. Q. Did you examine about the bar shoe? Buckle: I know nothing of that. James Lockey: This can't be true. We killed the horse in three days after the prisoner was taken. Prisoner: That man shot me in the hand, and in the thigh, both at one time. The prosecutor looked at the three pistols. I will swear these are the three pistols that were shot off at me. Thomas Palmer: I have known the prisoner five or six years; he once kept a publick house in Fleet-lane. Q. What is his general character? Palmer: He has so good a character, that was he out now, I would lend him a hundred pounds. I never thought him capable of doing such an act as he is charged with. William Megers: I have known him ten or twelve years; he has a very good character as ever I heard a man have in my life. I never heard anything bad of him. He has dealt with me for many a pound. He lived in Fleet-lane. I used to look upon him as a man of substance. Q. What are you? Megers: I am a butcher. Mr. Porter: I have known him about nine years; he was a very good neighbour, and bore the character of an honest man; I don't believe he would be guilty of shooting at a man; neither will any of my neighbours. Thomas Rawlinson: I have known him nine or ten years; he always bore a very good character as ever I heard in my life. I looked upon him to be a man of substance. Thomas Holding: I have known him about five years; he bears a very good character. I have earned many a pound of him; I don't think him guilty of this fact. Q. Did you know him when he kept a public house? Holding: No; he has not kept a public house this five years. Q. What business has he followed within these five years? Holding: I can't say what business he follow'd this last five years; he is a very honest man. Q. to Palmer. What became of the prisoner when he left the alehouse? Palmer: When he left the alehouse he married a widow, and she and her mother lived together. They had an estate, and lived on their substance. Since that, he used the Bull-and-Gatter in Fleet-market. Q. What was that estate per year? Palmer: I have heard it was about 40 l. per year. I know he sold some of it. Q. Did you ever hear he was employed in any other way? Palmer: No; I never heard what else he was employed in? Q. to Holding. In what business have you earn'd many a pound of the prisoner? Holding: I earned 20 l. of him in my way. Q. In what? Holding: In scouring cloaths for him. Cornelius Molear: I have known him about four years last past; he lived in Bell-savage-yard. Q. Had he a house there? Molear: He was a lodger, I believe. I was pretty frequently in his company. I look'd upon him to be a man of a good character. Verdict: Guilty. Punishment: Death. |
|
14th July, 1756. |
| 7th December,
1763. John Edinburgh, Crime(s): theft : animal theft, John Edinburgh was indicted for stealing a brown gelding, value 8 l. the property of Elizabeth Yates , widow. Nov. 1 * Jonathan Cook: Mrs. Yates lives at Hadley, by Barnet; I am her son-in-law. We turned a brown horse out upon the common, on the 28th of Oct. and we miss'd him about 8 the next morning. Q. Describe the Gelding. Cook: He has a white spot on the saddle-mark, about as big as a half crown, on the off side. I went about the country, and not finding him, I advertised him on the 1st of Nov. On the same day, I was told there was some reason to suspect the prisoner; he came down that very day fortnight I lost the horse. Q. Did you know the prisoner before? Cook: I did. He had lived with Mr. Thomas Seers, at Barnet; I saw him at the sign of the Harrow, and asked him where he lived now? he said, in Kent, and that he was just come out of Northamptonshire, and we knew that he was in London all the week before. I got a warrant and took him up, and on talking to him, he told us where the horse was sold in Kent, at a place called Chipset at the Cock, within 2 miles of Seven-oaks: he did not know the man's name. I went down, and upon enquiring, found that the man that bought the horse, was come up to London with him. I found the horse in a field by Kent-street road, in the possession of Mr. Lutham: this was a fortnight and 3 days after we had lost him. I told Mr. Lutham it was my horse: he said if it was, I might have him. The prisoner after that, told us, he drove the horse up against our field gate, and catched him, and sold him to that man between seven and eight in the evening. This was in my hearing, before Justice Hassel. Cross Examination. Q. How long might the prisoner live with Mr. Seers at Barnet? Cook:. Five or six years, I believe. Q. What was Mr. Seers? Cook:. He was a distiller. Q. Do you know where he went to live afterwards? Cook: I believe he went to live with captain Seers, Mr. Seers's brother. Q. Were there any promises made the prisoner in order to this confession? Cook: No, none at all. Philip Davis: I live at Hadley; I took a ride with Mr. Cook to Chipset, we found the horse by Kent-street road. Q. Whose horse is it? Davis: It is the property of Mrs. Yates, a Baker at Hadley. John Lutham: I set out from the Borough to go to Chipset, on Friday the 28th of October, at 5 in the morning, with another person. The prisoner kept us company all the way. We lay at a place called Lock's-bottom; there I bought this gelding of the prisoner; it was the horse he rode on. Q. How far is that place from London? Lutham: It is about 12 miles and a half from London; the prisoner said he was going to Tunbridge. He said the horse cost him five guineas, that he bought him to go a smuggling with, but he was going into place again, and was willing to sell him. Q. . What did you give for him? Lutham: He ask'd 5 guineas; at last we agreed for 2 guineas and a half, and paid for him at the Cock at Chipset: the same horse Mr. Cook came and own'd in the field by Kent-street road. After I paid for the horse, the prisoner gave me this receipt; he said his name was Williams; he could not write, but made his mark by that name. Cross Examination. Q. What is your business? Lutham: I buy and sell apples. Q. Did you know the prisoner before? Lutham: I never saw him before to my knowledge? Q. Is he the same man you bought the horse of, are you certain? ( The prisoner is a black.) Lutham: I believe him to be the same man; I know I bought him of a blackamoor. Prisoner's Defence. I do not know any thing of it. To his Character. Samuel Seers , Esq: I have known the prisoner about 12 years; he was servant to my brother about six years, or rather better, at Barnet; he left my brother's service about five years ago, and came to me; he lived with me about six months, till I went abroad, and I left him behind. I always had an extreme good character of him, as a very honest fellow: my brother recommended him to me as such, and I found him so; he was trusted at my brother's with horses and things, and with me with every thing I had. My going abroad in the government's service, was the cause of my leaving him; I recommended him to Mr. Danser, a surgeon, at Barnet; this was in the latter end of the year 58. Mr. Danser gives him an extream good character, and would have attended here if possible he could, but as the trial was very uncertain coming on, he could not. Q. How long have you been returned to England? S. Seers: I have been in England about eight months; the prisoner came to me about 10 days before he was taken up, and told me he was out of service; I told him I would take care and get him a place. Was he at liberty, I really would take him into my service now. Miss Hannah Seers: I have known him about 12 years; he lived with my father six years; he was a very honest, faithful servant: his character has been very good since; I never heard to the contrary till now. Q. Where do you live? Miss H. Seers: I live at Barnet. Q. Have you seen the prisoner lately? Miss H. Seers: I have heard of him frequently within this last 12 months. Miss H. Seers:I have known him as long as my sister; we have frequently heard of him, that his master liked him exceedingly well. Gentlemen all round about give him an exceeding good character; I could hardly think a man of so good a character could be guilty of such a thing. Verdict: Guilty. Punishment: Death. |
| 14th January,
1768 Joseph Ward, . Crime(s): killing : murder, Crime Location: Hadley Joseph Ward was indicted for the wilful murder of William Langford , by striking and stabbing him with a knife ; he also stood charged on the Coroner's inquest for the said murder, Dec. 29. * Edward Harman: I was with William Langford on the 29th of December, drinking at the Windmill and Crown, upon Hadley-green, near Barnet; about nine at night we were going home; we called in at the Two Sawyers, near the White-lion, Kitt's-end; they told us we had had beer enough, and would draw us none; we went out, and was got but a little way, I heard Ward say behind us, how they walk; we were upon the causeway; he said, he would clear the road; he came and threw Langford off against the pales in a ditch on the right hand side, and me out into the road on the left hand, and ran away; I ran after him and knocked up his heels; he got up and ran away again; we ran and overtook him; I was the first; we had some words and some blows, whether I struck him first, or he me, I cannot tell; I know I threw him down, and I think I kicked up his heels again; presently I found myself cut on my left hand, and was stabbed in two places in my body on my left side; this was at the back of the White Lion; I lost a great deal of blood; I thought Langford had been gone; soon after I heard him call murder; then I found he was lying on the ground; there was a horse-keeper named Jennings came up, and took me by my left hand; he finding me bloody, he said, he was afraid there would be murder, here is blood; then I ran away, and went to where I lodged, there I found Langford, my landlord had washed him; he lay along with me that night, as he could not get home; he never complained in the night; he could not get up all day; we examined him, and found he was cut in his bowels, there were some of them out, and he had a cut under his eye; it was done on the Tuesday night, and he died on the Thursday morning; the prisoner was an utter stranger to me, and there was not a word passed between us before he pushed us off the causeway. James Carol: I did live at the White Lion; I called in at the Two Sawyers, the deceased and this evidence called in for beer, the woman would not let them have any; they turned out; after that the prisoner who was there, asked me if I would go home; I came out along with him, he and I were both along side each other; the deceased and Harman were one a little before the other, between the Two Sawyers and the White Lion upon the causeway; the deceased was behind Harman; Ward said to me, see how he walks; then he ran on before me, and pushed them both off the causeway; Langford sell against the pales, and Harman on the other side; then he ran away, and Harman recovered and ran after him; he overtook him, and kicked up his heels; I ran down the White Lion yard to call my fellow-servants; as I was going in at the gate Ward ran by it, and the other two after him; my fellow-servants came out; we went after them, they were got behind the house, they were all three fighting; Jennings laid hold of one of Harman's hands and pulled him away; he found his wrist cut, and he was bloody; he said, he would have no hand with them, and left them there together; (the prisoner lived at the White Lion.) Anne Couch: I am servant at the White Lion; I heard the cry of murder between 10 and 11 o'clock that night; I went out into the road, there were two men fighting, and one lay down; Ward was one of the men fighting; I saw him shut up his knife, and put it into his pocket; I immediately called out, and said, there will be murder done; then he went to fighting with the man again; they both tumbled together; the other was lying on the ground all the time; one of my fellow-servants took hold of the men's hands, and said, do not fight two against one; I got some blood on my face, and a spot on my cap; Ward called to his fellow-servants and said, will you not help me, or will you let these two men kill me; that was just before Jennings took hold of the man's hand. Benjamin Jennings: I live at the White Lion; I was told there were two men fighting with Ward; I and James Carol went out; they were then all three standing up pulling one another about; I laid hold of Harman's hand, and found it was cut; I said to Carol, here will be murder, or other mischief; we left them all three standing; I saw nobody down; the next morning Ward came through my room when he got up; he came to me with a candle and lanthorn in his hand, as I was in bed, and said, I will go and see whether he is there or not, or whether he is dead, I do not know which; he said, if he is, I will throw him into the pond, or put him under the ice, I cannot tell which. John Sandford: I am bailiff to General Keppel , I live at Kitt's-end; the deceased came to my house about 10 o'clock on the 29th of December, and asked for Edward Harman ; I said, he was not come in; he begged I would let him either sit or lie down, he was much hurt; he seemed very much disabled; I put him in a chair, he was in a very bloody condition; he said it was some horse-keeper, or hostler at the White Lion that had hurt him; I took some water and washed his face; he seemed very much hurt about about his eye, his hands were very bloody; he said he was very cold, and shook, and desired to be by the fire; I led him to the fire, and put him in a corner; he seemed to bleed about the eye very much; after that Harman came in, and they both went to bed together; the next morning I got up about seven; he complained very much of his head, and said he thought he should die; he seemed in a very languishing condition till about seven the next morning, when he died. William Wilson: I am a surgeon, and live at Barnet; I examined the body of the deceased on the first of January; I first examined a wound within two inches of the navel, on the abdomen, I think that did not immediately occasion his death; the other wound was upon his left eye, I think that occasioned his death, it was near an inch in depth; according to the appearance of them, I think the wounds were given by a knife. Verdict: Guilty of manslaughter only. Punishment: Branding, imprisonment: Newgate. |
