QSR1840/1/5/19/e

Deposition of Robert Lees, constable of Luton - Samuel Gatward charged with felony

18 November 1839

From: 1839 To: 1840

Yesterday evening about 6.45 he saw a man run down Chapel Lane in a hurry and turn to the right by the Shoulder of Mutton. About a minute later Mr Tomlinson came to him and asked him to go to his house as there was a man there who was very troublesome. While he was there Gatward came and went. Tomlinson called him and said Gatward had broken into Mr Craker's house and robbed him of £10. He went to Craker's house and found the shutter of the front window standing wide open, and the middle frame of the lead window open and the curtain down. He called out and no one answered. He went over to the Methodist Chapel nearly opposite and inquired if Mr Craker was there - John King came out and he asked him to go with him to Mr Craker's house. He left King there. he found Gatward in the Dukes Head Public House - he seemed agitated. He took Gatward into custody. He searched him and found £3 19s in silver, 2 half sovereigns and 2d in his right hand trousers pocket. Gatward said he had saved it. He also found a paper of tinder in Gatward's pocket. He then returned to Craker's house. Mrs Craker and others were there. They went upstairs and found the drawers as described by Mr Craker. Additional statement - the man he saw running was at the corner of Chapel Lane going towards the Market Place and was dressed in a flannel jacket, as was Gatward when he took him into custody.

item

Gatward, Samuel,
Craker, John,
Craker, Martha,
Tomlinson, Thomas,
Lees, Robert,
King, John

LUTON, Luton Chapel Lane, burglary, money, Luton Shoulder of Mutton, Luton Dukes Head, Methodist chapels