QSR1875/2/5/1

Depositions and examination - William Wilcocks charged with setting fire to certain things in Bedford Gaol on 23 March under circumstances such that if the Gaol were thereby set fire to the offence would amount to felony.

3 April 1875

From: 1875 To: 1875

James Bettles of St Paul, Bedford, warder at Bedford Gaol – he was on duty on the night of Tuesday 23 March. William Wilcocks was in confinement in one of the cells in C Division. He went to that cell about 7.45pm. He went to lock up at the usual time. When he entered the cell he observed it was full of smoke. Wilcocks was in bed. He asked what it meant – Wilcocks did not reply. He found in the cell fregments of cards (produced). The cards are the remains of printed rules and cautions to prisoners (perfect copies produced). He found the fragments on the cell floor about 18 inches from his bed. There were ashes where the fragments lay. He asked Wilcocks what it meant. Wilcocks answered “nothing”. He called Mr Howell. He observed that the ventilator of the window was open. He looked round the cell and took the remainder of the books and cards out. He has observed nothing strange in Wilcocks’ manner but has only superintended him at drill. John Allen Howett of St Paul, Bedford, warder at Bedford Gaol – he was on duty in C Division on the night of Tuesday 23rd. He had occasion to go to a cell on the 2nd landing, C22. There was a very strong smell of burning paper and a great quantity of smoke. He found nothing to cause it in that cell. He called Bettles attention to it. He and Bettles made further search, he on one landing and Bettles on another. He searched the middle landing where cell C22 is. The cell occupied by Wilcocks was on the landing above. He found nothing on the landing on which he searched. When Bettles called him he found Wilcocks’ cell full of smoke. He saw fragments of printed rules lying on the floor and a large quantity of ashes. The brick floor was charred. Wilcocks has been under his superintendence. He has observed nothing strange in his manner except a little stillness or obstinacy. Robert Evan Roberts, Governor of Bedford Gaol – he produced the commitment under which William Wilcocks is now in confinement in the Gaol. He has spoken to Wilcocks this morning (April 3rd) and charged him with setting fire to articles in his cell to the danger of the inmates of the prison. Wilcocks hesitated before answering then said he knew nothing about it, that his head was bad and he did not know what he was doing. Wilcocks was received into custody on 1st March 1875. He had not observed anything strange in his manner. William Wilcocks – he was so bad in his head and light headed that he did not know what he was doing.

item

Wilcocks, William,
Bettles, James,
Howett, John Allen,
Roberts, Robert Evan

BEDFORD, Bedford St.Paul, Bedford Gaol, arson, gaoler, Governor