AN OLD OFFENDER. George Saunders was charged with stealing a truss of straw the property of
Mr Benjamin Hill of Preston. The prisoner elected to be tried by the Bench and being an old offender,
was committed for three months. (March 1866)
WOOD STEALING. William Mayes (aged 43, a labourer of Preston) was brought up in custody
charged with stealing a bundle of wood the property of Mr Hill of Preston. It appeared the offence was
committed in July last and the prisoner absconded and had only lately been heard of. Committed for
one month. (December 1864)
Samuel Fairey (aged 41, labourer of Back Lane, Preston in 1851) of Preston was brought up on
remand charged with stealing 14s 6d from the person of Daniel Wilston (probably aged 48, a
wheelwright, living at the Wilderness in 1851) on Sunday morning the 24th ult. It appeared from the
evidence that Wilston had been drinking and had laid down and fell asleep by the roadside at Preston.
On awaking at three o’clock in the morning he found that Fairey was putting a waistcoat in his pocket
which he (the prosecutor) had bought and which was in his possession when he laid down and also
discovered that his money had been taken. Wm Winch said that on Sunday morning he had met
Fairey with the waistcoat, he said it belonged to Wilston, that he had picked it up in the road and was
going to take it to him and told witness not to say he had seen him as Wilston might have lost
something else. (Case dismissed. June 1857)
George Farey of Ippollitts, labourer, for stealing various articles value 1s 2d from Henry Braddin (sic)
of Preston, victualler (whipped)
PAYING THE FIDDLER AT PRESTON FAIR. Edward Draper, 27, gypsy, belonging to Stevenage, was
charged with embezzling the sum of 9s 10d the monies of John Jeeves (aged 41, a married coachman
of Preston) at Preston on the 30th of October. There was a second count in the indictment charging
the prisoner with receiving the money. The prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr Green appeared for the
prosecution, the prisoner was not defended.
John Jeeves said that he lived at Preston, a small village near Hitchin, and worked for Mr Wake there.
On 30th of October last, Preston fair day, he went in the evening to the Red Lion public-house to
dance. The prisoner was there fiddling and he asked the witness for 2d, the usual charge when he
went into the room. Not having 2d, he handed the prisoner a half-sovereign to take 2d out of. The
prisoner having received the half-sovereign, offered witness 4d change, but he did not take it. Witness
asked the prisoner several times for the other change and the prisoner replied that the witness had
only given him 6d and not half a sovereign at all. Witness told the prisoner that if he did not give him
his proper change he would give him into custody. He told the police about it. After the police had got
the handcuffs on the prisoner, he said he would give witness 10s to let him go.
Prisoner: “I did. I said I would give him 10s rather than being locked-up and I said to the police, “You
take off my right shoe and you will find a half-sovereign in it that dropped out of my pocket. Police-
constable Farr said: On the night of Preston fair he was called to the Red Lion Inn and there he saw
the prisoner fiddling. The prosecutor asked the prisoner for change out of his half-sovereign and the
prisoner said, “I have not got one about me, you never gave me one.” The prisoner still denied having
a half-sovereign and witness took him into custody and searched him, but the witness did not ask the
witness to take off his boot. Witness found the half-sovereign in his right boot. The prisoner resisted a
good deal and was very violent when apprehended. He said he would give the prosecutor 10s and
more beside to let him go.
Thomas French (aged 22, a labourer living at Preston) said he was present at the Red Lion on the
night in question and saw Jeeves give the prisoner a half-sovereign to take 2d from. Lord Cowper, in
summing up the case to the jury said the evidence was very short and simple and needed no
comment from him.
After a brief deliberation, the jury found the prisoner guilty of receiving. The prisoner pleaded guilty to
two previous convictions for felony, one at Hitchin in February 1870 and one at Bedford in January
1865.
Sentence: “You must be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for six months.” (January 1873)
ROBBERY. At the Hitchin Petty Sessions on Tuesday, George Turner, an old man described as a tailor
on tramp, was charged with stealing a pair of spectacles of the value of 3s 6d, the property of
Frederick Robinson, (aged 42 of Preston Green) tailor of Preston. It appeared that the prisoner got
some work from the prosecutor on October 2nd, but left in the evening without saying he was going
away and took the spectacles with him. On being arrested at Hatfield, they were found in his
possession. His defence was that being used to wearing spectacles he put those in his pocket absent-
mindedly and did not know they were there until he was arrested. A sentence of 14 days imprisonment
was passed. (October 1889)
STEALING MONEY George Hawkins labourer of Preston, was brought up in custody charged with
stealing a half-sovereign belonging to Charles Watson of Hitchin on the 14th of September. Charles
Watson stated that he lived in Hitchin and worked for Mr Marriott of Preston and on the 14th of
September went to the Chequers to settle. He received as his share a half-sovereign and some silver.
He tied the half sovereign in a corner of his handkerchief. He then went to the farm and the defendant
went with him. He missed his handkerchief and went back to the Chequers. He told the other men and
said he suspected the defendant. they thereupon searched the defendant and found the half
sovereign. The handkerchief was afterwards found by the police. Defendant said he found the money.
Police-constable Day said he went to the defendant and explained the charge to him. He said he
found the money at the back of the Chequers. Witness found the handkerchief in an orchard, fifty or
sixty yards from the Chequers. Defendant still adhered to his story that he found the half-sovereign
and the Clerk informed him that as the sum was over 5s the Bench had no alternative but to commit
him to trial. In answer to the Bench, defendant said he wished the magistrates to settle the case and
after some time defendant pleaded guilty and was sent to gaol for one month, with hard labour.
(September 1876)
TURNIP STEALING William Pedder, labourer of Hitchin (aged 35), was charged with stealing nine
turnips the property of Mr Samuel Kirkby (aged 68, farmer at Castle Farm, Preston) of Preston, near
Hitchin. Police-constable Anderson proved the offence - Fined 5s with costs. (December 1868)
ALLEGED FALSE PRETENCES BY HARVEST-MEN AT PRESTON.
William Cherry, 53 labourer (on bail) was indicted for obtaining two gallons of beer and one pint of
brandy on false pretences from Robert Gosney at Preston on 29 August. Gosney stated that he
keeps the Red Lion Inn at Preston and on the morning of the 29 August prisoner went to his house
and asked for a gallon of beer and half a pint of brandy value 3s 4d, saying he was working for Mr
Piggott (of Temple Farm, Preston), a farmer whose beer had gone bad and he had therefore sent him
for it. In the afternoon the prisoner again went to the house and asked for the same quantity of beer
and brandy saying it was Mr Piggott and he would make it all right. On the faith of these statements,
witness let him have the liquor.
Piggott, farmer of Preston, stated that he did not know the prisoner and consequently had never given
him the authority to get the liquor in his name. Prisoner said Herbert Reynolds fetched the beer and
brandy in the morning and he (prisoner) fetched it in the afternoon and said it was to be charged to the
same person as in the morning, but Mr Piggott’s name was never mentioned and he did not even
know of his existence. He called Frederick Armstrong (of Preston Hill Farm) for whom he and the
other men worked but his evidence did not bear materially on the case, further that he supplied the
men with two gallons of beer from his house about eight o’clock on the morning in question.
The Chairman in summing up said the case was not such a simple one as it appeared at first sight
owing to the very scanty evidence which had been produced on the part of the prosecution. The
essence of the charge was that the prisoner had asked for the liquor on the ground that he had been
sent my Mr Piggott and unless that was established the charge would break down altogether. The law
did not allow them to examine the prisoner but the prosecutor asserted one thing and the prisoner
asserted another and there was little or no evidence to enable the jury to decide between the two. The
point was, which did they believe, and that was a point which was entirely for the jury to decide.
After deliberating for some time two individual members of the jury gave their opinion that the evidence
was insufficient to convict the prisoner upon and one of them seemed desirous of arguing the point.
The Clerk of the Peace told them he could not take the verdict of individuals but it must be the
unanimous verdict of the entire jury. The Foreman immediately afterwards said the jury were all of
opinion that the charge was not sufficiently proved. The Chairman (to the prisoner): You are
discharged. You have escaped in consequence of the manner in which the case for the prosecution
has been prepared.
(Immediately afterwards, a similar charge was levied at labourer Oswald Reynolds, brother of Herbert
mentioned above) Gosney was asked why he supplied the men with brandy and he replied that he had
been told that one of the men had diarrhoea and could not drink beer.
The prisoner said he never fetched the liquor at all, but it was fetched by his brother Herbert who
asked the landlord to trust them with it as they could not drink their employer’s (Mr Armstrong’s) beer.
The brandy was fetched for Cherry who had diarrhoea and did not drink any beer at all. He also said
that Mr Armstrong was in the field when his brother came back with the liquor and, pointing to the
brandy, said, “Why didn’t you have pale instead?”. Mr Armstrong was called and stated that he was in
the field about nine o’clock on 30 August and saw Herbert Reynolds come back with a gallon of beer,
three bottles of ginger beer and some brandy. It was true Cherry had diarrhoea and he had asked the
witness for some mixture for it. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty and the prisoner was
discharged. (A third similar case against Herbert Reynolds was dismissed) (Oct 1883)
George Fairey (son of John and Jane b 1821c) was indicted for stealing at Preston on the 4 February,
a rabbit pudding and a pudding cloth, the property of Henry Bradden of the Chequers, at Ippollitts.
Rebecca Bradden, wife of the prosecutor – On the 4 February the prisoner came into the taproom and
had a pint of beer. I had a rabbit pudding cooking on the fire. I went out of the room and heard a
rattling, but took no notice of it. After Fairey came out, I went back when I found the pudding gone out
of the pot. A man, John Day (a plait dealer of Preston b 1806c), afterwards came in and I went after
Fairey. I found him in the field, asleep, and by his side the pudding cloth and some bones. John Day
corroborated this evidence. The prisoner in his defence said he knew nothing about the pudding until
they awoke him, when he saw the cloth and bones by his side. Another man went into the house with
him and left before him; he (the prisoner) stopped to finish drinking the beer. Verdict: Guilty – to be
whipped and discharged. (Feb 1843)
STEALING TURNIPS Mary Ward and Elizabeth Thredder, two girls, one of them about 12 and the
other about 16 or 17 years of age were charged with this offence. The turnips were growing in a field in
the occupation of Mr John Cook of Hill End, Hitchin and the offences were clearly proved against both
defendants by John Wilshere, a man in the employment of Mr Cook. Mary Ward, the eldest of the two
girls, was committed to the House of Correction at Hertford, with hard labour for one month and the
other, Thredder, to the House of Correction, Hitchin for one week. (Feb 1841)
STEALING FERRETS. Francis Sharpe, James Prudden and William Dollimore were charged with
stealing ferrets, the property of Daniel Winch (of Preston m Catharine b1816c) on Sunday 24
December. The ferrets were traced into the possession of the prisoner by police-constable Tristram
and although not recovered, it was proved they were the ferrets to be stolen. Sharpe was fined 5s and
10s the value; and Prudden 2s and 10s. Dollimore, against whom there was no clear evidence, was
discharged. The prisoners not being able to pay the fines, were committed to the House of Correction
– Sharpe for four months and Prudden for two months. (Jan 1844)
FELONY. George Pearse, a notorious young thief (aged 17) (who has only left the County prison
about one month) was charged with stealing a smock frock (value 1s), the property of a labourer in the
employ of Mr Wright of Preston. The prisoner who is constantly pilfering when out of gaol was seen to
watch his opportunity and then to run off with the article while the owner was working close by. The
prisoner had nothing to say in his defence and was committed to trial but admitted to bail. (May 1845)
Trial: the complainant, William Lines, was at work in a field and hung his smock upon two sticks. He
had occasion to go to another field to mend some gaps and on his return about half an hour
afterwards, he saw the prisoner take the smock from the spot where he had placed it and run off with
it. He hallooed him and pursued him for about a mile but could not overtake him. The testimony of the
prosecutor having been corroborated by a fellow labourer who was at work with him in the same field,
the smock which had been taken off the prisoner’s back by the police was produced and identified by
the prosecutor from marks he described to the court. The Jury returned a verdict of guilty but
recommended the prisoner to mercy. The Deputy Chairman remarked that the recommendation of the
Jury was a very kind one, but if they had known as much of the prisoner’s character as the Court did,
probably they would not have made it. The prisoner had already been in gaol three times for different
offences and the Court could not entertain any hope that a further term of imprisonment would lead to
his reformation. The sentence he was about to pronounce might appear severe, but it was a merciful
one as he would be sent to a prison for juvenile offenders where he would learn a trade and thus
would have a chance of becoming a good member of society. The sentence of the Court therefore was
that the prisoner be transported for seven years accompanied with a recommendation to the Secretary
of State for his admission into Millbank Penitentiary. (May 1845). (This sentence was later commuted
to imprisonment for one year with hard labour at Hertford Gaol. It was hoped that this mitigation would
have a good effect on the boy so that no-one would have cause to regret that influence which was
exercised on his behalf)
John and Henry Jeeves (aged 55 and 20, father and son), D Winch (b 1813) and W Andrews (b
1835c) (of Preston) vs. Mumford (William b 1811 Ag Lab of Preston Green). Claim 6s 7d each for
work done. It appears that the defendant was in the service of Mrs Darton as her woodman and that
he employed the plaintiffs to do certain cutting and pealing on her estate. The money was paid to the
defendant for him to divide equally among the plaintiffs but it was alleged by them that he had failed in
doing so and that there was the 6s 7d claimed yet due to them. Mrs Darton expressed her belief that
the disagreement arose from the fact that the defendant had paid himself twice and that in order to do
so, he had kept a portion of that which he ought to have paid to the plaintiffs; but as the case was not
sufficiently clear, they were non-suited. (July 1862)
STEALING POTATOES. Three boys, John Deacon, and George and Thomas Palmer were charged
with stealing potatoes, the property of Mr W Lucas from a field in his occupation. Deacon was fined 5s
and the others 3s 6d each.(Sept 1848)
SCHOOLBOY’S THEFT OF A WATCH July 13, 1912
At Hitchin Petty Sessions on Tuesday, Frank Wray, a schoolboy aged 12 pleaded guilty to stealing a
silver watch and chain valued at 15/-, the property of Horace Claydon, a gardener, at Preston on
June 19. Supt. Reed stated that, though he had not been brought before the Court, the lad had stolen
a prize watch belonging to a pupil at the school two years ago. The Bench ordered him to receive six
strokes with the birch.
William Ireland, servant of Campton, Beds, was charged with stealing a coat, the property of Charles
Brown, publican of Preston, Hitchin and was committed for trial. (21 November 1868)
Turnip stealing. William Pedder, labourer of Hitchin, was charged with stealing nine turnips, the
property of Mr Samuel Kirby, farmer of Preston, near Hitchin. PC Anderson proved the offence. Fined
5s with costs. (12 December 1868)
Prison for dealer. Bob Gates (27) dealer of 6 Pierson’s Yard, Hitchin and Edward Williams, fruiterer of
28 Tilehouse Street, Hitchin were charged with being concerned together in stealing seven trusses of
hay at Preston on 4 February. They pleaded guilty. Gates admitted a list of previous convictions which
was handed in by Superintendant Herbert. Gates was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with
hard labour and Williams was bound over for two years under the probation officer. (15 February
1931)
Herbert Saunders, labourer of Preston, was charged with stealing nine bundles of faggots from
Painswood, Hitchin – the property of John Bird. The prosecutor missed some faggots and identified
two that the defendant had sold on 17 July and evidence was given that he had been seen with his
cart near the wood. For the defence it was contended that the faggots Saunders had sold had been
bought from Mr Darton who also had faggots in Painswood and although they resembled those of the
prosecutor, they had never been his property. Bird said however that his faggots were bigger and
longer than Darton’s and evidence was given to this effect by a man who helped tie them up. A fine of
40/- was imposed. (26 July 1890)
ROBBERY BY BOYS. James Bonfield, William Aldridge and Ernest Fairey (son of John and Charlotte
born Great Wymondley 1873), lads living at Hitchin, were charged with stealing sweets of the value of
4d the property of E. W. Fisher, sweet manufacturer of Hitchin on 20 February. Bonfield pleaded not
guilty and the others pleaded guilty of receiving. It seemed that Police-sergeant Martin concealed
himself near the prosecutor’s premises on Saturday night and saw Bonfield (who was in Mr Fisher’s
employment) hand something from the cart he was in charge of to Aldridge who then walked off with
Fairey and sweets were afterwards found in their possession. Mr Fisher gave Bonfield a good
character, and asked the Bench to deal leniently with him. A fine of £1 was imposed in the case of
Bonfield; each of the others was fined 10/-. (22 February 1892)
A burglary was committed at Preston Post Office near Hitchin on Saturday night. About midnight, Mrs
Frost, the postmistress, a widow nearly seventy years of age, and her daughter were roused from
their sleep by a noise in their bedroom and found that two men (complete strangers to them) had
made their way into the house. The frightened women screamed out and begged the men not to hurt
them and the men taking hold of them by the throat said they would not do so but they must have
money as their families were starving: their demand was for a sovereign each. Mrs Frost said she had
not as much money in the house, whereupon one of the men said they had come to the wrong place.
She gave them a half-sovereign which she took from the pocket of the dress she had worn during the
day, this being at her request handed to her by one of the men. During this time the shorter of the two
was holding Miss Frost. Miss B???, a schoolmistress who occupied another bedroom in the house
was aroused by Mrs Frost screaming on the discovery that there were thieves in the house and she
got up and hastened to a neighbours for help. She came back soon afterwards with Mr Brown and Mr
Mead but by this time the burglars had got away. In addition to the half-sovereign they took two
shillings and a few coppers from a tin in a stationery cabinet downstairs. No post office money is
missing. The police were informed as soon as possible and a vigorous search for the burglars was
made but no-one has yet been arrested. Access to the house was obtained by breaking a pane in a
downstairs window and forcing back the latch. It is supposed that the men were not absolute strangers
to the neighbourhood but had sufficient local knowledge to get into the house in the readiest way and
to be able to go speedily into hiding when the alarm was raised. An odd fact in the case is that they
shook hands with Mrs Frost and her daughter before leaving. (17 December 1904)
Harry Swain, labourer of Preston was charged with stealing two spirit glasses of the value of 8d the
property of George Freeman, innkeeper of St Pauls Walden on October 7. On a complaint of the
glasses being missed, PC Wade made enquiries and found them at the house of a charwoman. He
spoke to the defendant about this and he made certain statements in reply. Alice Freeman, daughter of
the prosecutor spoke to seeing the defendant at the inn and to 6 glasses being missed. Elizabeth
Arnold said that when the defendant, “who was her young man” came to see her at her lodgings, he
left the glasses there. Mrs Freeman had served the defendant with two glasses of liquor outside the
public house on that night. Swain pleaded not guilty but offered no further defence. He was fined 10/-
including costs. The witness Arnold asked to be paid her expenses. The Chairman said she might
think herself fortunate that she was not charged with receiving stolen goods. (3 November 1906)
Robert Andrews (17) watch and clock maker of Hitchin was charged with stealing a watch the property
of John Swain (47, of Church Lane/Hitchin Road, blacksmith) of Preston. The prisoner pleaded guilty.
This was a very sad case. Prisoner looked very young and respectable and PI Pangbourn said his
father lived in Hitchin and was a respectable man. Prisoner said he had nothing to say but he got into
bad company. The offence was committed fifteen months ago. Mr Hatchard governor of the gaol said,
‘Fifteen months ago, Andrews was set up in business by his father before he knew what business was.
He got into bad company and went off with the watches entrusted to him to clean’. Sentenced to nine
months imprisonment with hard labour. (1 July 1865)
Sarah Rolf, an inmate of the Hitchin Union, and Elizabeth Reeves (16) (daughter of Thomas and
Jane, ag lab of Back Lane) of Preston, niece of the older prisoner, were convicted of stealing a
quantity of bread, 1lb of soap and other articles – property of the Board of Guardians. Rolfe was
sentenced to two months hard labour and Reeves to be locked up in the police station for twenty-four
hours. (2 August 1856)
William Pedder (22) labourer of Hitchin was charged with stealing a chaise whip, the property of Chas
Mills at Hitchin. Mr Mills was returning to Hitchin on 9 November at night and stopped at Mr Lake’s,
farmer (at Home Farm, Hitchin Road) at Preston a little while. When he got into the cart again, he saw
the prisoner running behind, told him to go away and soon after missed the whip from the socket
behind the seat. I went to Pedder’s and charged him with the robbery. He denied having it and I went
to Hitchin for the police. When I got back, prisoner’s mother showed me the whip at The Bull,
Gosmore. Prisoner was present; his mother said she hoped I would forgive him – it was only done in a
spree. The whip is worth 7/6d new and 4/6d now. James Taylor: ‘ I was with Mr Mills in the cart when
the prisoner got on it behind. I threatened to knock him off and he then got off. I next saw him at
Gosmore and waited while Mills fetched the police – prisoner went out and brought in the whip.
Prisoner in defence said one of them struck him with the whip and he caught hold of it and kept it. Both
witnesses denied it. PI Cocksedge gave the prisoner a very good character and prosecutor
recommended him for mercy. Sentenced to three weeks hard labour. (2 December 1854)
Richard Sheppard of Pirton was charged three counts including obtaining some meat, bread and some
beer of Thomas Titmuss of Preston (35, living on St Albans Highway, probably at Temple Dinsley
Lodge C51), foreman to Mr Thomas Harwood Darton. The prisoner went to the houses of the three
and said that Titmuss’ wife’s brother (who lived at Hitchin) was taken with cramp in the stomach and
not likely to live and that they wished to see him before he died. He asked for payment for his journey.
Prisoner was committed to the Sessions. (5 April 1856)
George Jenkins of Preston was charged with stealing 54 lbs weight of straw the property of his
employer. He stated that he had asked his master for it but he did not make a reply and in his absence
he went to the barn and told the man who was at work there that he was to have it. Having hitherto
bourne a good character, he was admonished and discharged. (8 January 1859)
Lavinia Foster (21, born Kimpton, Herts), wife of Ebenezer Foster, landlord of the Red Lion at
Preston was charged with stealing a watch, value £8 from James Lambec Burgess, clerk to Messrs
Upton and Smith of Horseshoe Wharf, Upper Thames Street, coal merchants, on 23 August. It
appeared that the complainant visited his cousin, Mr Lambec of Luton and attended a cricket match at
Breachwood Green with him. In the course of the afternoon, the complainant being the worse for
liquor, mounted a friend’s horse for a short ride in the vicinity and with a view to recover sobriety – but
not knowing the country, lost his way. He found himself towards evening near the Red Lion at Preston
where he dismounted. He went into the house and ordered some ginger beer and gin which was
supplied by the defendant who he supposed belonged to the landlord’s family and with whom he
entered familiar conversation. He remained there with the defendant alone almost an hour and just
before leaving asked for her permission to kiss her. She said she never kissed strangers and told the
complainant he had better take one as she did not know how to give it.
He reached Breachwood Green again late in the evening after making many enquiries as to the way,
but found that his friends had long left. He then discovered that he had lost his watch. He at once gave
information of his loss to a policeman who happened to be present and arranged to accompany him to
Preston the following morning in search of his missing property.
PC Dunn corroborated the latter portion of the complainant’s evidence and stated that he went with
him to the Red Lion on the following day. On questioning the defendant as to the watch, she said she
had not seen anything of it. She however immediately afterwards intimated that she had see the
complainant playing with it the previous evening and when the witness remarked that the watch must
have been lost in the house, she confessed that she had got it and declared that the complainant had
behaved indecently towards her and made her a present of it. She showed the witness the watch on
the mantel shelf and claimed to be paid something in respect of it. The chain attached to the watch
had evidently been severed by a knife or other sharp instrument. On cross examination, the
complainant revealed that he was too drunk to know exactly what he was about and other points in the
evidence being in favour of the defendant, the case was dismissed. (8 October 1864)
Daniel Winch of Sootfield Green (40, ag lab) near Preston was convicted of stealing nine turnips, the
property of Mr Hill of Preston and sentenced to the House of Correction for fourteen days hard labour.
(9 October 1852)
George Jenkins of Preston was charged with stealing 54 lbs weight of straw the property of his
employer. He stated that he had asked his master for it but he did not make a reply and in his absence
he went to the barn and told the man who was at work there that he was to have it. Having hitherto
bourne a good character, he was admonished and discharged. (8 January 1859)
Hannah Jenkins of Preston charged with stealing part of a wood faggot, the property of William Hill
(22, of Castle Farm) of Preston. Fined: 5/- and allowed a week to pay (11 June 1867)
ROBBERY BY CHARWOMAN. On Thursday, 2 September, Martha Farr (51, living at Preston
Ippollitts C41 with husband, William, ag lab) of Thistley Farm, near Gosmore was taken before John
Curling Esq. charged with stealing on or about 5 August a silver dessert spoon the property of Mr
William Pallett at the Temple Farm, Preston where the prisoner had been charing. The evidence being
conclusive, she was committed for trial. Bail was accepted. (11 September 1852)
Fanny (14) and Anney/Annie (11) Barker of Preston (daughters of Hannah Jenkins who was married
to Thomas and who lived in a Preston Hill farm cottage) were charged with stealing seventeen turnips
from a field belonging to Mr Whitbread Roberts of Kings Walden. Being so young, the magistrates
reprimanded and discharged them. (14 December 1867)
William Winch (33, of Blacksmiths Lane, ag lab) and Samuel Fairey (36, of Back Lane, ag lab) of
Preston were convicted of stealing a stile, in the occupation of Mr Kirby. Fined 20/- each and
committed for one month’s hard labour. (19 February 1856)
Jonas Gapes, labourer of Hitchin, charged on the information of PC Anderson with stealing 19 turnips
from a field belonging to Samuel Kirby, farmer of Preston. (Castle Farm) (24 September 1867)
William Pedder, (34, a near neighbour of Farr) labourer of Preston in the parish of Hitchin, was
charged with stealing a bushel of apples in September from the trees of William Farr (66) and Susan
Currell of Preston. Pedder absconded and was apprehended by PC Anderson at Barnet: sentenced to
one month’s imprisonment with hard labour. (30 November 1867)
Mary King a tramp, was charged with stealing a silver watch, value £4 from W Scott, (25, son of
James of Blacksmiths Lane) labourer of Preston on Sunday night last at Harpenden. Scott had had too
much to drink and fell asleep on the ground near The George, Harpenden where he had been treating
the prisoner with drink. When he awoke, he was all alone in his glory (?) – the woman was gone and
his watch also. It was found that she had sold the latter to Mrs Davies of the Painter’s beer shop, St
Albans for 7/-, saying it was her husband’s. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one month’s
imprisonment with hard labour. The three children were sent to The Union (Workhouse) (2 December
1859)
Daniel Fossey, labourer of Ippollitts was charged with stealing straw, value 3d, the property of Mr
Bodger, farmer, Preston. Ordered to be locked up at the Police Station till next morning (6 March
1858)
George Saunders (37), labourer of St Pauls Walden, was charged with burglary and stealing two
gallons of beer and three gallons of porter, the property of John Carter of the Red Lion, Preston.
Carter: On the night of 28 November about nine o’clock, the cellar was safe – there were some casks
full. The next morning, I went down the cellar and found the barrels had been moved and the cellar
flap opened. Two gallons of beer were gone from the barrel and three of porter from the other. George
Fairey, labourer of Preston (26): On the night I was tipsy and lay down in Carter’s stable. Early the
next morning, I heard something in Carter’s cellar and saw the prisoner to whom I spoke and who
came out of the cellar and let down the flap. After I had gone about twenty yards from the prisoner, I
saw him stoop down, pick up something and make off. Saunders said he was very innocent and was a
hard working man but PC Mitchell said the prisoner was generally at something and lately had been
sent to gaol for stealing straw. Verdict: Guilty, but the jury recommended him to mercy because he was
sober. However, it was then stated that he had been in gaol five times for vagrancy and poaching. He
was sentenced to twelve months of imprisonment and hard labour. The judge added that the next time
it would be penal servitude when the neighbourhood would be rid of him and he dared say it would be
very glad. (9 March 1867)
John Hare of Little Wymondley, hay binder, was charged with stealing a basket containing a shoulder
of mutton, three pounds of pork and a quantity of grocery goods from a field at Preston – the property
of William Smith of Ippollitts. William Smith: I live about two miles from Hitchin. On 16 March I was at
work in the Hitchin parish. I left my basket in the field under the hedge where I was at work and
walked a little way from it out of sight. There was a shoulder of mutton, four pieces of pork, ¾ lb butter,
½ lb of suet and 1 lb of sugar. I saw a man coming through the field and saw he was a hay binder from
his knife. I missed the basket between three and four o’clock. The next Sunday morning, a person was
in the road and saw the prisoner go by and said ‘the man going by has took Smith’s basket away’ My
little boy came and told me and I went out and knew directly it was the man I had seen in the field in
the week day. He went on through two meadows and then turned to see if anyone looked at him. He
went on to a rick, looked, and went to another place where I saw him hide the basket. I was quarter of
a mile off and went towards him but when he saw me he went into the fields. I overtook him and asked
if he hadn’t been hay binding on the Friday. He said, ‘No’. I asked if he had come through the fields.
He said, ‘No’. I asked if he had taken the basket, He said, ‘No’. I then went to the place were he had
been and found the basket, and left the prisoner in the field. He went home as fast as he could. He
had something in a bag which he said were parsnips and potatoes. George Smith found some suet
and butter in a basket. Anne Smith identified the basket, or rather the wreck of it produced in court, as
her basket. Mr George Wright, farmer of Preston (Preston Hill Farm) : The prisoner worked for me on
Friday 16 March and left my premises at quarter-past three. He had a hay-binders knife with him. I
could see him 100 yards up the lane and it was about 100 more to the basket. PC Cocksedge said ‘ I
went into the field and found one piece of the basket about ten yards from where the boy found the
other piece. I have been to the shop where Smith got his goods and find they used the same paper as
that found in the basket - it is headed ‘Practical Geometry’ and comes from the same book.
In defence, prisoner denied all knowledge of the basket.
Verdict: Guilty. His lord ship said that he had received a testimonial of good character from a
magistrate with whom the prisoner had lived and also from another employer and under the
circumstances the sentence would be two months imprisonment - one week in each in solitary, the
rest, hard labour.(24 March 1855)
Hertfordshire Mercury 5 January 1878 STEALING FROM A CAB AT HITCHIN
George Reid, 23, (living on the north side of Chequers Lane) a groom from Preston (who can neither
read or write) was charged with having on 9 November stolen three coats, one shirt and other articles
the property of John Freeman at Hitchin. A second count charged him with receiving the articles
knowing them to be stolen. He pleaded not guilty.
John Freeman who lives at Peterborough said that on the 9 November he arrived by train at Hitchin
station about half past eight o’clock. He had a carpet bag and bundle with him containing clothing of
the value of £7. At the station he met some friends among them Arthur Monk. He engaged Robert
Wilson’s cab to take his luggage to Telegraph Terrace and Mr Monk and his wife got in the cab and
drove there. He got to Telegraph Terrace about 9.15 and found the bundle was not there. He did not
see it again until it was in the hands of the police.
Cross-examined: I got to Hitchin about 8.30. I saw the bundle fastened to the top of the cab which had
a check rail around the top. The bag and bundle were tied together with the string produced which was
part of a clothes line. The piece of string was the only piece produced before the magistrates. I could
not see how the string was cut. The things that were stolen are not here. I gave ‘satisfaction’
respecting them and got the clothes away to wear so that they are not all here today. The shawl
produced is mine and it was found in the prisoner’s house.
Robert Wilson of Hitchin, cab driver, said that Freeman engaged his cab upon which witness placed
his carpet bag and bundle. On going to Telegraph Terrace, he passed the Railway Inn. He had known
the prisoner Reid about three years. He saw him that night at the Railway Inn where he held up his
hand and cried ‘Bob’ twice. On getting to Telegraph Terrace he missed the bundle. The bag was safe.
The string produced looked as if cut. On looking at the rail on the cab he saw mud as if someone had
stood on it.
Cross-examined: There could be no doubt that the prisoner knew me as well as I know him. When I
got to Telegraph Terrace I found the bundle had gone and I was very much surprised. When the
bundle was missed I said I saw Reid at the Railway Inn. I went to the police station and made a
communication. It was about twenty minutes to nine when I passed the Railway Inn, but I did not see
the prisoner again until the next day. I know Reid. I did not pass him on the road; he walked behind
and I did not see him again until about ten o’clock that night. The Railway Inn is about 150 yards from
the station.
Arthur Monk said he met Freeman at the Hitchin station on the night in question with Mrs Monk. He got
into Wilson’s cab and drove to Telegraph Terrace. When at the Railway Inn he saw the prisoner and
after leaving it he saw him running after the cab. When at the top of the Hermitage Road he again
looked out and saw an overcoat apparently of a man standing at the back of the cab.
Cross-examined: I do not know that \I ever saw the prisoner in my life before. I did not look out at the
Railway Inn. I did not say I heard a man call out ‘Bob’. I said I saw a man making motions. Curiosity
caused me to look out. I saw part of an overcoat behind the cab, I would not swear to the overcoat
from seeing it that night. I have seen it since and might know it again. I did not call ‘Whip behind’
because I had seen people ride behind cabs on other occasions. I am sure that the prisoner is the
man I saw running after the cab. I went to the police station on the night the bag was stolen. I gave my
evidence on the Tuesday week after the bag was stolen but I did not go any time previous to identify
the prisoner. I did not tell anyone Reid ‘must’ have taken the bag. I did not need to say ‘must’, I said it
‘was’ him. I mean to tell the jury I can swear the prisoner was the man I saw running. I had a good
opportunity of seeing him and of knowing him. I heard on the following day that Reid had been taken
into custody.
Alfred Kitchener, an engineer working with Mr Perkins said: on the night in question he was walking
from the station. He knew Mr Gainsford’s house which was about half a mile from the station. He saw
the cab pass and he saw George Reid the prisoner standing on the rail at the back of it. Saw the street
light fall upon his face quite distinctly. He told the police about it.
Cross-examined: I have not spoken to Wilson about this but I have to Freeman. I could see his face
quite distinctly and have no doubt whatever the prisoner was the man. I pointed to the wrong man at
the magistrates’ court but I had not a fair chance. The people all stand in a row at the Hitchin court:
there is no dock for prisoners. I picked out Panton that day. Inspector Young asked me to attend at the
court as he had got the man; but I was a little confused at the time and picked out the wrong man. I
was at the station when the 8.30 pm train came in. I was at the railway station as Hitchin is such a dull
place (laughter). I heard the next day that a bundle had been taken away or stolen off the top of the
cab. I left my work at half past five on the night in question but I do not think you have anything to do
with my time afterwards. I might have had a glass of beer that night, but washing and shifting occupies
a long time. I never saw a man standing on spikes upon a cab riding before and was rather surprised
to see it done. I am sure it was not half past seven instead of half past eight. I had the glass of beer at
the Angel and I went from there to the station talking to different people as I went. I knew the prisoner
when I saw him. At the police court the prisoner was standing sideways to me and I pointed out
Panton but I corrected myself in two minutes as soon as I saw his full face.
George Young, inspector of police said that he received information of the robbery and went that night
to Preston where the prisoner lives. That is about three miles from Hitchin. Police-constable Day
knocked at the door and the prisoner let us in. When we entered the room, the constable turned his
bull’s eye on and I said ‘We want the bundle’. The prisoner said ‘There it is. I picked it up near the
Radcliffe Arms’ which is in the Station Road near Telegraph Terrace. I charged him with stealing it and
said the string was cut. He said he had no knife – never had a knife. He then put his hand into the
pocket of an overcoat and as he was withdrawing it I seized it and took from him the knife produced. I
the pocket I found another knife – a smaller one. I said ‘You stood on the fly’ and he replied that he
never saw any fly. He said he had been to Baldock and on his return at eight o’clock he went into the
Railway Inn and had a pint of beer and on coming out he kicked against a bundle which he picked up
and took home. Afterwards he said it was near the Early Bird where he found it, and again that it was
near the Radcliffe Arms. The Railway Inn is about 200 yards; from there to the’ Early Bird is about 200
yards and from there to the Radcliffe Inn is about 200 yards further. He dressed and I pointed out that
his trousers were dirty and he said he had fallen on the road over the bundle. On the dirt on his coat
being pointed out, he said that was caused in the same way.
Cross-examined: I have been connected with police for eighteen years. It is not the usual practice for a
prisoner to be identified at the police station before the magistrates. In this instance the witnesses
agreed as to the man and therefore that practice was not necessary. When I took the prisoner into
custody I told him that he rode behind and also that the string had not been cut. The prisoner was not
frightened when we went to his house. When he said he had not a knife and put his hand in his
pocket, I suspected something. I produce the shawl which the prosecutor identified amongst the other
articles stolen as his property.
Mr Fulton addressed the jury: a prisoner could not be found guilty of larceny for picking up a bundle on
the highway and not taking it to the police station at nine o’clock at night. He urged that it was
essentially a weak case. He then called a character witness.
Thomas Harwood Darton, a retired officer of artillery, who said he had the prisoner in the service of
himself and his sisters for close on three years and he gave him a very good character when he left.
This was in Midsummer 1872. He did not know what he had been doing since. A certificate from a
clergyman could not be introduced as he was dead. Verdict: Guilty. Sentence: three months
imprisonment with hard labour.
Hertfordshire Mercury 14 May 1970
Alfred Fairey a labourer of Preston was charged with stealing a quantity of turnip tops value 6d the
property of Benjamin Hill of Preston. Sentenced to three weeks imprisonment.
Bedfordshire Times 1 August 1913 The Stotfold (Beds) Frauds
Reginald Joseph Brown (26, son of Frank and Hannah Brown of Sadleirs End) dealer was accused of
obtaining five tons of mangold wurtzel and also five tons of carrots from two dealers. A catalogue of
non-payment and bounced cheque was read out. A witness said that he had known Brown for five or
six years and thought he was a man who found other men deals rather than being a dealer himself. He
believed he had been living at Preston. Brown said that as well as assisting his late father, for the last
eight years he had been dealing for himself and had capital of his own when his father died, but not
enough. He had lost several horses and had got into financial difficulties. He was found guilty after the
jury deliberated for six minutes and sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour.
Bedfordshire Mercury, 9 November 1839
James Day was charged by William Groom with stealing a bundle containing various items from a
beer shop at Preston in the parish of Hitchin. The prisoner confessed that he was drunk and did take
the bundle but insisted that as soon as he found he had a bundle which did not belong to him, he was
going to take it back again to Preston, but before he could do so, the constable came and took him
into custody. He gave bail to answer the charge at the Hertford Sessions.
Hertfordshire Express, 23 July 1870 Stealing Manure
Alfred Fairey of Preston for whom a warrant was issued last week, was brought up charged with
stealing manure, the property of Mr Wm Brown, farmer, Preston. From the evidence it appeared that
Mr Brown’s son was walking over a field belonging to his father when he saw the defendant collecting
manure which was lying about the field; he had nearly two bushels of manure. Defendant said he only
took about half a bushel and that was to make up two bushels to get him a loaf. As the defendant is a
well-known character, he was sent to the House of Correction for 14 days.
Hertfordshire Express, 14 May 1870 Stealing Turnip Tops
Alfred Fairey, labourer of Preston, was brought up under warrant, charged with stealing some turnip
tops, the property of Mr B Hill, farmer of Preston on 23 instant. Mr Hill stated that he caught the
defendant in one of his fields between seven and eight o’clock on the night of Saturday 23 April. He
had a sack in which he had about a bushel of turnip tops which were worth about sixpence. Defendant
said other people got them and he didn’t know he was doing wrong. As several previous convictions
were proved against the prisoner, he was sent to gaol for three weeks with hard labour.
Hertfordshire Express, 23 October 1869 Stealing Wheat at Preston
William Andrews and Richard Crawley, labourers of Preston, were charged with stealing on 1 October
six pecks of wheat the property of their master, Samuel Kirkby, Eastwick Hall, Preston. Crawley
pleaded guilty and was ordered to stand down.
James Kirkby, ‘I am the son of the prosecutor living at Eastwick. On Friday 1 October, I saw (Elijah)
Peters bring an empty sack and take it across the yard. I followed him into the stable and found an
empty sack. I turned the sack inside-out and found a few grains of white wheat and some chaff. I can
swear that it was the same sort of wheat as that laying in our barns – I knew it by the chaff. One bar of
the threshing machine was wide and allowed some chaff to go through with the wheat. I then went and
told PC Pearse and went with him to Crawley’s cottage and there found a quantity of wheat in his
bedroom like that I found in the sack.’
William Harrington, ‘I am a labourer in the employ of Mr Kirkby. On 30 September, Crawley came to
me and said, ‘What say you, mate, to have half a bushel of wheat each to mix with our old woman’s
gleaning corn?’ I said, ‘No, mate – and I should advise you not to. There are too many eyes about’.
After I got home on 1 October, I saw Andrews going by with a sack and Crawley with him. They went
into Crawley’s house which is next door. Next morning I told the master.
Elijah Peters, ‘I work at Mr Kirkby’s and lodge with Andrews and Crawley. On 1 October, Andrews told
me to take a sack back to the farm and put it in the stable. I do not know if the sack produced is the
one.
Richard Crawley was called for the defence and stated that he went home with Andrews on the night
of 30 September and did not see him take anything but two old besoms. He was positive he did not
take any wheat.
The jury after a few minutes deliberation acquitted the prisoner. Crawley was then called up to receive
his sentence and was committed to two month’s hard labour.
A History of Preston in Hertfordshire
Preston in the news:
Theft and robbery
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