QSR1852/2/5/17-18

Depositions of George White & James White, both game watchers of Wavendon. In the case of Philip Henman & George Giles accused of entering enclosed land with a gun for the purpose of detroying game and at the same time assaulting George White & James White.

13 March 1852

From: 1852 To: 1852

George White: a game watcher of Wavendon, employed by George Love, game keeper to His Grace the Duke of Bedford. On 6 March, he and James White (his brother and a game watcher) were watching game in Aspley Wood and about 10 minutes to midnight they heard a gun fire. Shortly after they heard another shot and then another at about quarter to 2 o'clock. They went in the direction of the sound and they came across 2 men who he recognised at Philip Henman and George Giles. He went up to Giles and James White went to Henman. He took hold of Giles and before he had the opportunity to speak to him, the prisoner struck him in the face. There was a struggle during which he determined Giles had a gun in his pocket. He caught hold of the barrel and kept him down until James White was able to take the gun. Henman, having rid himself of James White, grabbed hold of George White's hair. He then struggled with Henman, where he held Henman by his handkerchief around his neck. Henman took his knife and cut his handkerchief to free himself. Henman went to assist Giles, who was struggling with his brother James. Henman kept his knife open and told James White he would not hurt him. James White took hold of the stock of Giles’s gun and Henman threatened to cut off his hand. James White let go. Giles went to go and George White followed. Giles told him not to meddle with him and struck him with the barrel of the gun on the wrist. Henman came up and told him to stand off. He went to take hold of Giles and Giles struck him again. Giles went off. Henman stayed for a few minutes and told the White brothers they had done nothing but their duty and he did not blame them for what they might do. No game was found on the prisoners. James White: a game watcher of Wavendon, employed by George Love, game keeper to His Grace the Duke of Bedford. On 6 March, he and George White (his brother and a game watcher) were watching game in Aspley Wood. In the early hours of 7 March they heard gun fire and headed in that direction. They came across 2 men he recognised as George Giles and Philip Henman. He went up to Henman and asked what he was doing, and Henman replied he had been to Woburn. He grabbed hold of Henman and his brother took hold of Giles. There was a scuffle and Giles and Henman were thrown down. Henman asked him to let him up, which he did, and James White asked his brother if Giles had anything about him. His brother said there was a gun. Giles struck his brother with his fist and he left Henman to assist his brother. Henman came and pulled his brother from Giles by his hair. He struggled with Giles over the gun. He felt Giles had a gun in his pocket and got hold of the stock. Giles tried to get away. James White went to fetch the stock of the gun, which he had thrown away, and Henman came to him with a knife open. Henman said he would not hurt him but he should let go of the stock, or he would cut his hand off. Henman went away with the stock. Both prisoners left the wood. Before Henman left he said he knew they were doing their duty and did not blame them.Statement of the accused: Philip Henman - said he was at the Sands drinking beer. He was drunk. George Giles had his gun in his pocket and asked him to go to shot a rabbit with him. As he was drunk he agreed and they went to Aspley Woods. He heard a gun and was going home when he met the other men. He did not fire the gun. George Giles - Nothing to say

item

White, George,
White, James,
Henman, Philip,
Giles, George,
Love, George,
Russell, Francis (7th Duke of Bedford)

ASPLEY GUISE, Wavendon, game, assault, crime, beer, drunkenness, guns