QSR1840/1/5/34-35/b

Depositions of William Coombs, chief Constable of Bedford and Anne Clarabut - William Holmes, Henry Fowles and William Fowles charged with receiving stolen goods

21 December 1839

From: 1839 To: 1840

William Coombs - that day he searched an apartment in the occupation of Henry [sic, marginal note says William] Holmes in Canning Street in the parish of St Peter, Bedford. Holmes was at work in the room. He saw the tortoiseshell watch now produced hanging on a nail in the room. Holmes said he bought it from Fowles. He then went to search Henry Fowles's house in Russell Street in the same parish. He apprehended Fowles on suspicion of having some silver mounted spectacles in his possession - Fowles said he had bought a pair. He searched the house for the spectacles but could not find them. He gave Fowles into the custody of another constable and sent for Mrs Clarabut. When Mrs Clarabut came Mrs Fowles gave him the spectacles. They were in a case Mrs Fowles said was her husband's. He returned to Smith's house where Holmes lodges and inquired about the two books. Holmes said he knew nothing about them, but William Fowles said that the History of England was below - when they got downstairs this was produced. Holmes denied knowing anything about a snuff box, but William Fowles said he had a snuff box with a man's face on the lid that was up in the garret where he and Holmes worked in his box. They went upstairs and William Fowles gave him the snuff box. He asked about the history of Greece - Thomas Curtis who was working in the room said he had bought that book from William Fowles for 6d and it was at his home. He went with "Dixon" [sic] to his mother's house where he delivered the book to him. Anne Clarabut - the watch, snuff box, spectacles and books produced are her property.

item

Holmes, William,
Fowles, Henry,
Fowles, William,
Coombs, William,
Clarabut, Anne,
Curtis, Thomas

Bedford St.Paul, receiving stolen goods, watches, books