QSR1839/1/5/12

Depositions and examination - James Bates charged with stealing clover hay

2 November 1838

From: 1838 To: 1838

William Shelton of Toddington, constable - searched the house of James Bates at Toddington and in his bedroom found a truss of clover hay weighing 51lbs. He suspected the hay belonged to Thomas Willis who confirmed it was his. John Slatford the haybinder met him with the truss of hay and identified it as Mr Willis's. Thomas Willis of Toddington, yeoman - had trusses of clover hay in his barn which he thought were going too quickly. Identified the hay he saw at Shelton's as his as it was tied with rye straw and was rather mouldy, as is his rick of clover hay. John Slatford of Toddington, haybinder - had been employed by Thomas Willis to bind his clover hay and tied 8 trusses with rye straw. Had trussed a great deal of hay in Toddington, but had not tied any more with rye straw. James Bates - claimed to have bought the truss of hay from a man he met in the road for three shillings.

item

Bates, James,
Shelton, William,
Willis, Thomas,
Slatford, John

TODDINGTON, stealing, hay, hay tyer