QSR1843/2/5/14/a

Deposition of John Toll of Wilshamstead, carpenter, against Thomas Bridges of Wilshamstead

4 March 1843

From: 1843 To: 1843

John Toll of Wilshamstead, carpenter - last Monday night February 27 he was at work at Henman's Farm at Kempston Hardwick and was drinking in the public house which he keeps. About 5pm Robinson the carrier from Ampthill to Kempston came into the house and inquired if there was anyone in the house going to Wilshamstead. He said he was - Robinson delivered him a small paper parcel directed to Mr Hill, Wilshamstead. Robinson told him it contained money and he promised to deliver it to Mr Hill. Before Robinson left the house Thomas Bridges came in and they remained drinking together until past 9. He thinks he had 5 pints of beer and 2 half pints - he was not very sober. He and Bridges started off home together. They were at work on the same farm and generally went home together. Before he left he showed the packet to Mrs Henman. They went on until they came to the pightle to go across the fields home. He was detained in the field where he undid his clothes to ease himself. Bridges said it was not worthwhile to go home and proposed that they should go and lie the night in the chaff barn. He lay down in the barn and felt to see if the packet was in his pocket - it was in his right hand breeches pocket with a clasp knife. In his left hand breeches pocket was a tobacco box and carpenter's rule. He fell asleep soon after and woke about an hour later. He felt for the parcel and found it was gone. Bridges was lying by his right side apparently asleep. He did not miss anything else then. He roused Bridges and told him he had either got the money from his pocket or knew where it was. He saw nobody except the horsekeeper soon after he left the House who never came near him. Bridges said he knew nothing about the money. He pressed him hard and Bridges threatened to punch him in the head. He said he did not care for a punch in the head. He told Bridges if he would tell him where the money was he would say nothing about it. Bridges then gave him his rule and tobacco box which he had not yet missed and said he would find the money in the morning. He said he wanted his money and Bridges must find it. He kept pressing Bridges, who said he would not lie under that scandal and would go home. Bridges got up and went to the door He said Bridges should not go or he would make a noise so that people would hear. Bridges returned adn lay down again on the hay and straw. In the morning the cow boy came to the barn. [Spanes?] came too. He told them what had happened and they helped him to look for the money but they could not find it. Bridges said he knew they should find it in the close. He said if it was there then he was sure Bridges carried it there as it was safe in his pocket when they went into the barn. Hwas sober quickly after he lost the money. He never opened the parcel. He felt what he thought was money in it - the size of shillings or sovereigns. It was a small parcel about 2 or 3 inches long, done up in writing paper and sealed. He does not recollect any string around it.

item

Bridges, Thomas,
Toll, John,
Robinson,
Henman

WILSHAMSTEAD, Kempston Hardwick, AMPTHILL, carpenter, carrier, drunkenness, stealing, money