QSR1850/4/5/26/a

Deposition of William Tompkins, victualler of Heath and Reach, in the case of Sophia Pryer accused of stealing a cotton cap

2 October 1850

From: 1850 To: 1850

William Tompkins: on Sunday 22 September there was a fire in the yard of his house. As a result his servant, Pryer, removed her box to Thomas Brantom's house about 100 yards away. Since then the prisoner was in the habit of going to Brantom's house to dress herself, and she remained absent longer than Tompkins thought necessary. He asked her to return her box to his house. She did not comply. On the Wednesday he spoke to the policeman, Ellis about it. He sent his journeyman with Ellis to return the box to his house. On the return of the box, Tompkins ordered it to be searched by his wide. At the bottom she found a cotton night cap. He recognized it as his wife’s. His wife agreed it belonged to her and produced another of an exact resemblance. Pryer said it was her cap. She had bought the stuff in Woburn and made it whilst living it Mr Henry’s. Tompkins told Edwards the policeman to take her into custody. He did not. She was later charged with setting fire to the stacks at the house on 22 September.

item

Pryer, Sophia,
Tompkins, William,
Brantom, Thomas

HEATH & REACH, victualler, stealing, cap