QSR1839/1/5/6e

Deposition of Thomas Kippist of Great Barford, pig dealer and shopkeeper, to Mr Benjamin Jefferies, in case of James Makins of Great Barford, labourer, charged with setting fire to a hay rick.

25 October 1838

From: 1838 To: 1839

In the evening of Friday 19th about half past six he was in the tap room of the Anchor Public House at Great Barford. Mrs Baker called out "there is a fire at the Risely's". James Baker and he ran out together. He saw the fire flaring up on the north rise of the stack yard. He went to where the fire was burning in the barley rick that was dressing. There were 2 or 3 other stacks that appeared to light up together. He thought only one was set fire to and the others caught fire from it. He then went to the cow house to see if the cows were out, which they were except for a calf in the calf pen which they took out. Then he released the dog which was chained under the granary, and was leading him along toward the churchyard where he intended to chain him. He met the prisoner on Mr Risely's premises on the footpath which leads from the churchyard to Mr Risely's house. He was walking very leisurely with a lantern in his hand with no light in it. He saw him several times later in the evening near the fire, but with no lantern after he first met him. The prisoner lives more than half a mile from Mr Risely's.

item

Meakins, James,
Kippist, Thomas,
Baker, James,
Risely

Great Barford, Great Barford Anchor, arson, hay, pig dealer, shopkeeper, cows, dogs