QSR1853/2/5/1/a

Depositions of John Rowe, grocer of St Peter, Bedford, George Jarvis, licensed victualler of Great Barford, Samuel Mardlin, licensed victualler of Blunham. In the case of George Spencer accused of stealing certain monies.

5 March 1853

From: 1853 To: 1853

John Rowe: a grocer of St Peter, Bedford. On 3 March he employed the accused to drive him in a cart from Bedford, through Goldington and Great Barford to Blunham, whilst he sold cheese. He took 30 pounds, 2 shillings and a penny in a bag in his breast pocket of his coat. He had 2 shillings and a penny in his waistcoat and he kept the money he received from sales in a canvas bag in his trousers. He believed he had received 10 to 12 pounds for the cheeses he sold that day. The last time he saw this money was at Mr Mardlin's public house at Blunham. The accused drove him back from Blunham to Bedford whilst he slept. He had taken several lots of ale. When he got to the White Horse Inn at St.Paul he discovered his money, the 30 pounds and the money he had taken for the cheese, had gone. His pocket had been cut. He did not believe the cart stopped between Blunham and Bedford and he accused had been sat to his right. He charged the prisoner with stealing the money and gave him to custody. The accused had no opportunity of knowing that he had 30 pounds. [Cross Examination] they went from Blunham to Tempsford and back to Blunham. He sold 2 cheeses at the Wheatsheaf in Tempsford but did not give change for a check there. He did take his money out of his pocket in the public house in Blunham and several people saw it. He tumbled on the side of the cart coming home, but got out of the cart himself at the White Horse, them going directly through the back passage. He made no unnecessary display of his money at Blunham. Samuel Mardlin: innkeeper of the Salutation at Blunham. The prosecutor came to his house about 4 o'clock and returned later about 8 o'clock, then remaining for about 2 hours. He went out of the house for about 2 minutes, and then returned to sell some cheeses. He saw him put money in a canvas purse and put it in his pocket. Mardlin helped him on his cart and told the accused to take care of him. The prosecutor had taken very little beer, but was tipsy. He had wanted Rowe to leave his money with him, but he did not wish to. George Jarvis: landlord of the Golden Cross at Great Barford. Rowe & the prisoner called at house shortly before 11 o'clock at night. Rowe put his hand in his trouser pocket and pulled out a handful of money.

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Spencer, George,
Rowe, John,
Jarvis, George,
Mardlin, Samuel

stealing, money, BLUNHAM, Great Barford, St.Peter Bedford, victualler, innkeeper, grocer, cheese, Tempsford Wheatsheaf, Great Barford Golden Cross, Bedford White Horse, Harpur Street/Midland Road, Blunham Salutation