QSR1839/1/5/11

Depositions and examination - Ann Tasker charged with felony

2 November 1838

From: 1838 To: 1838

Matthew Dancer of Luton - Ann Tasker had been his servant but left last Michaelmas and went to board and work at Mrs Hyde's while still sleeping at his house. After losing several things he went with King the constable to Mr Hyde's and found a bladder of lard worth one shilling which he identified as his. They also found in her boxes a paper of halfpence he believed to be his, and a glass bottle she admitted was his property. Mary Dancer, wife of Matthew - about 6 weeks ago missed a brown paper parcel containing halfpence and thinks the one now produced is the one she missed. John King, constable of Luton - went with Mr Dancer to Mr Hyde's and found the items as described by Matthew Dancer. The prisoner said it was Mr Dancer's bottle but not his gin, and said she had bought the lard at Mr Pigotts - Mr Piggott said he knew nothing about it. Thomas Hyde - Ann Tasker boarded and worked at his house to learn the straw business, starting about 3 weeks ago. About a fortnight ago she arrived in the morning with something covered with a shawl and went into the cellar. He went into cellar and saw the bladder of lard, and has since heard her say she bought it at Mr Pigott's. Ann Tasker - said she bought the lard from Mr Piggott with money she earned. Admitted the bottle was Mr Dancer's but said she did not intend to keep it.

item

Tasker, Ann,
Dancer, Matthew,
Dancer, Mary,
King, John,
Hyde, Thomas,
Piggott

LUTON, stealing, straw