HF147/5/878

Occurrence Report of PC Ebenezer Cain stationed at Biggleswade. He was called to the Hopvine Public House kept by George Chessum of Biggleswade. He saw that a window had been broken and from information received he went, in the company of PC Branson and PC Bayes, to the Black Horse Beerhouse, Biggleswade and apprehended John Leonard of Biggleswade and charged him with stealing a pint earthenware mug and with doing damage to a window, the property of George Chessum, at the Hopvine Public House. Sophia Chessum, wife of George Chessum, keeper of the Hopvine Public House, reported that John Leonard had called for a pint of beer which was brought to him. He threw 6d on the table and said 'Take for the pint I had before' He was given 2d change. After a few minutes he asked for his change. Sophia said she had given it to him. Leonard then began to use 'beastly language', pulled off his coat and wanted to fight George Chessum and said 'I will stab you you B'. Sophia told him she would give back his 2d to save any bother. Leonard then became very riotous. George Chessum took the beer away and Leonard followed him into the kitchen and said 'I will have your b guts out'. George Chessum said he would fetch a policemanand left the house Leonard took up a pint mug off the table and said ' I will smash all the b windows in the House' and then left. There was then a great noise and Sopia Chessum found that her daughter's bedroom window had been broken. 1 month hard labour.

4 October 1875

From: 1875 To: 1875

item

Leonard, John,
Chessum, George,
Chessum, Sophia

affray, BIGGLESWADE, Biggleswade Hopvine Public House