QSR1851/3/5/24/a

Depositions of Joseph Flemons, draper of Dunstable, Samuel Flemons, his brother a minor, and Cornelius Sharpe, police constable. In the case of Ann Ray, servant, accused of stealing 3 shawls, a handkerchief, a boa, silk velvet, flannel, ribbon, lining, a parasol and a silk purce.

2 June 1851

From: 1851 To: 1851

Joseph Flemons: a draper of Dunstable for whom Ann Ray was employed as a servant. Having missed several articles from his stock he went to Constable Sharpe. Sharpe came to his house, and Ray was not there at the time, so Sharpe waited. On returning Ray went to her room and was called down by Flemons. He told her he had missed several things and asked if she knew anything of them. She said she did not and Sharpe asked to see her box. She replied she had lost the key, but Sharpe said he must look in the box and she consented it should be opened. Sharpe forced open the box. The following items were found in it: 3 shawls, a handkerchief, a price of velvet, a lace veil, a boa, 3 lengths of flannel, and 2 pieces of ribbon. Under the bed there was a piece of lining and a parasol. In the dressing table drawer there was a silk purse. The drawer was not locked. All items were the property of Flemons. Flemons asked her about some satin piping he had missed and she said she had no knowledge of it. Flemons said if she spoke of it he would speak for her. She was sat on the bed and seemed much affected. Cornelius Sharpe: went to the house of Mr Flemons and waited for the return of Ray. On her return Flemons called to her and asked her about the missing goods to which she said she had no knowledge. Sharpe asked her if she had any of her master property in her box. She said she had not. She looked for the key to her box but said she could not find it. She gave Sharpe leave to force open the box. The properties of Mr Flemons were found in the box, under the bed and in the table drawer. Ray sat on the bed whilst the items were identified and seemed much affected. She said she had brought the flannel from home and bought the boa and other things. She was asked by Flemons about some satin piping that he had missed, but she said she knew nothing of it. Later she told Sharpe she saw the velvet lying about in a box and the shawl had been thrown carelessly in a room next to hers. She had not taken items from the shop but from there and in consequence of temptation, had taken them. Samuel Flemons: was present when Ann ray’s box was opened. He saw Shapre taken items out of the box. Ray said the boa was her own, and she had bought it before she came but it s is marked with his brothers mark. His brother said he was very sorry she did not know how to behave better; she was sitting on the bed and did not reply. Sharpe asked her if there was anything he had taken and it would be better for her to confess before she went to court. She did not answer. He heard his brother say that he would not give her a good character and that she had marked her character for life. Samuel Flemons sad he had not given her any of the things, but he had sold her items from the shop such as the dress and mantle she wore. There was a boy who attended the shop when they went for meal, and he boards in the house. The prisoner had once or twice helped in the shop but not to sell anything. The boy had access to the warehouse which is next to the prisoner’s room and the door was not locked.

item

Ray, Ann,
Flemons, Joseph,
Flemons, Samuel,
Sharpe, Cornelius

DUNSTABLE, stealing, clothing, cloth, servant, money, draper