QSR1853/1/5/39-40/a

Depositions of William Folbigg, famer of Stotfold, Sarah, wife of Jesse Wootton and James Hawkes, police constable of Baldock. In the case of John Gentle & William Craft accused of stealing a tame duck.

16 November 1852

From: 1852 To: 1853

William Folbigg: a publican and farmer of Stotfold. On 6 November he saw all his 7 ducks safe in the place they are accustomed to being left. The following day he missed 3 ducks. In consequence of information received he went to the house of Jesse Wootton at Baldock. Mr Wootton gave him permission to search the premises and in the dustbin he found the head of a duck he believed to be his. Sarah Wootton: on the morning of 7 November the prisoners, Gentle & Craft, came to her house. They had 3 ducks and requested she take one in discharge of a debt they owed her. She agreed and the prisoners went away with the other 2 ducks. The duck was dead and she plucked it and threw the feathers and head into the dustbin. Mr Folbigg came the following Monday and made enquiries about the ducks. She told him what had happened and gave him permission to search. James Hawkes: took the duck's head into his possession.

item

Gentle, John,
Craft, William,
Folbigg, William,
Wootton, Sarah,
Wootton, Jesse,
Hawkes, James

STOTFOLD, Baldock, stealing, duck, publican, farmer