QSR1874/1/5/7

Depositions and examination - Francis Biggs charged with assaulting Clara Duncombe, aged 10 years and 8 months, and unlawfully and carnally knowing and abusing her at Luton on 19th September 1873

10 November 1873

From: 1873 To: 1874

Clara Duncombe of Luton, spinster – she lives at 6 Park Street, Luton and will be 11 years old at Christmas. Assault took place on Saturday night 19th September about 9.15pm. She was in Mr Bigg’s washhouse standing against her mistress’s door where she used to work, at Mrs King’s in Inkerman Street, Luton. She was in charge of the house as servant. [... description of events …] She first spoke about the assault on 2 November to her mistress Mrs King. Charity King of Luton, wife of a manufacturer – affirmed as taking of an oath is against her religious belief. She is the wife of Charles King and lives in Inkerman Street, Luton. On 19 September Francis Biggs lived next door to her. Clara Duncomb was her servant. 19th September was Statute Fair at Luton. She was in the market giving tracts away. She left home about 8pm. Either on Friday or Saturday night she asked Francis Biggs if he would be at home. She left Clara Duncomb at home both nights. Clara Duncomb informed her on Saturday evening that she did not feel well. On 2nd November Clara Duncomb informed her Biggs had taken liberties with her. She left home at 8 and returned at 11 leaving Clara Duncombe to mind her baby. She did not notice anything particular in Clara Duncombe’s manner after the Statute night – she was quiet in her manner. Mary Ann Duncombe of Luton, wife of a labourer – she is the wife of George Duncombe and mother of Clara Duncomb. On 19 September her daughter was a servant of Mrs King’s and she left Mrs King’s service on 2 November. On 19 September Clara came home about 11.15pm and because she felt ill. She said her back and belly were bad [etc.] David Jaquest of Luton, police inspector – on Saturday 8 November he apprehended Biggs. [.. gives Biggs’ version of events …] Frederick Robertson Haward of Luton, surgeon – he examined Clara Duncomb on 8 November 1873 in his surgery. Francis Biggs – says nothing.

item

Biggs, Francis,
Duncombe, Clara,
King, Charity,
Duncombe, Mary Ann,
Jaquest, David,
Haward, Frederick Robertson,
King, Charles

LUTON, Luton Park Street, Luton Inkerman Street, sex crimes, child abuse, assault, manufacturer, surgeon, police inspector, fairs and markets