QSR1875/4/5/5/e

Depositions and examination - George Athies Wright of Leighton Buzzard, charged with obtaining 10s from Thomas Cook by false pretences at Leighton Buzzard on 6 September 1875

14 September 1875

From: 1875 To: 1875

Thomas Cook of Leighton Buzzard, labourer – he is 22 years old. On 6 September he was in the Bell public house, Market Place, Leighton about 11.30am. Wright called him outside and asked if he had any change in his pocket. He had seen Wright once before. He let Wright have 7s. Before he let Wright have the money he pulled a paper out of his pocket with a seal, said he was going to a lawyer to get it signed and did not have enough to pay for the signature. Wright then asked for 3s more to make it 10s.Wright said he would be sure to see him at about 6.30pm and that he would give him 11s for the 10s. Wright also said he had £804 in Mr Rumball’s bank and was going there to draw some money. In consequence of what Wright said he gave him 3s more. Wright said he had given Mrs Rogers at the Bell and Woolpack £16 when he first went to her house and that she had it, and that he asked her for 2 or 3 shillings which she refused to let him have. At about 6.30pm he went to the Bell and Woolpack and saw Wright there. Wright gave him some beer. They went for a walk together and went into the Golden Bell. Wright said he was to be at Mr Rogers’ at 12pm the next day. When he went Wright said he had not drawn his cash, was going to draw it at 1.30 and he was to met Wright at Leighton Station at 7.30pm. He saw Wright again in the afternoon between 4 and 5. Wright said he would pay him at the station. He saw Wright again at 8pm that evening. He said nothing to him. He has not received his 10s. When Wright asked him for 7s he told him he had bought 2 houses at Luton and bid money for 6 more. He should not have lent Wright any money if Wright had not said he had money in the bank and with Mrs Rogers and property at Luton. James Quilter Rumball of Leighton Buzzard, manager of the Leighton Branch of the London and County Bank – Wright has never had an account at the bank. He has never had any business transactions with him. He saw Wright last week. Wright said he was possessed of property at Luton and wished to appoint him trustee to receive his rent. He declined to have anything to do with Wright. Eliza Rogers, wife of Thomas Rogers of Leighton Buzzard, innkeeper at the Bell and Woolpack. On 30 August Wright came to her house with Mr Eames of Stanbridge and said he wanted to lodge for 2 or 3 weeks. Wright paid for what he had the first 2 days. Wright said he had £800 and odd pounds at Mr Rumball’s bank. He stopped with her until 7 September. Wright owed her for 4 days victuals and his lodging when he left. He told people she was his aunt – she is not. George Athies Wright – he does not wish to say anything.

item

Wright, George Athies,
Cook, Thomas,
Rumball, James Quilter,
London and County Bank,
Rogers, Eliza,
Rogers, Thomas

LEIGHTON BUZZARD, false pretences, bank manager, innkeeper, Leighton Buzzard Bell & Woolpack, Leighton Buzzard Bell, Leighton Buzzard Golden Bell