Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    QSR1840/1/5/46/b
  • Title
    Deposition of William Coombs, chief constable of Bedford - Edward Millard the younger, charged with stealing a great coat from Thomas Stevens
  • Date free text
    26 October 1839
  • Production date
    From: 1839 To: 1840
  • Scope and Content
    The previous night about 9.15pm from information he received he was going to the Cherry Tree Public House in St Mary's Bedford to look for Millard. When he was near Mr Kingston's shop Millard greeted him - he pretended he did not know Millard and they talked and walked together to the Cherry Tree. When they got to the door he invited Millard to go in and have a glass of ale. He asked for a glass of ale and Millard asked for some supper. He never accused Millard of anything until Stevens came in. When Stevens came in Serjeant the head ostler of the Swan Bedford who went in with him told Stevens to go and identify his coat. Stevens walked across to where he and Millard sat, and swore the coat that Millard wore belonged to him. He apprehended Millard and went into another room with him. After questioning Millard wished to be admitted to bail. He said he could not as it was a charge of felony, and that there was no alternative but to put him in the cage. The prisoner then changed his shoes for the boots he now wears. The landlord said that Millard had changed his things since he had been there. He was about to take Millard to the cage when Stevens asked to speak to him about the prisoner. Stevens said in Millard's hearing that "the ostler (at Biggleswade) told me if you find the coat on him you'll find some boots or shoes, I don't recollect which". Millard made no answer. He took possession of the shoes. Previously he had asked how Millard came by the coat. He said he bought it on the road from a man he did not know but would recognise if he saw him again. He said he had bargained with the man and paid 7s 6d for the coat. The shoes were not coupled with it at all by Millard that night, and were not mentioned until Stevens told him what the ostler had said. When asked which way he came from Biggleswade to Bedford Millard said he did not know but knew he came by a Green. He asked Millard if it was Ickwell Green - Millard said he did not know. Millard also did not know if he came by Girtford Bridge - he said he did not know the regular road from Biggleswade to Bedford.
  • Level of description
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