QSR1854/1/5/3-5

Depositions of Ann Hall, baker and singlewoman of Woburn and Anthony Sibley, police constable of Woburn. In the case of Robert Bruce, John Lord and John Harding accused of stealing a half quartern of bread.

3 November 1853

From: 1853 To: 1854

Ann Hall: living at Woburn and keeper of a Baker’s shop. On 2 November about 7pm 2 men came into the shop and asked for half a quartern loaf. She put it on the counter and they took it and walked out. She asked them for the money but they said nothing and walked quickly away. Anthony Sibley: a police constable stationed at Woburn. On 2 November he was on duty and saw the 3 prisoners standing together opposite Halls the Bakers. John Lard and John Harding went into the shop and took a half quartern loads off the counter and left the shop. They joined their companion and divided the loaf between them. They began eating together. Lord and Harding came quickly out of the shop and he did not see anyone else in the shop at the time it was taken. Statement of the accused: Robert Bruce – he had travelled from London and went to the Receiving Officer and could get no bread or a nights lodging. He did not go to the Workhouse. John Lord - he was out of work and sold his shirt at St Albans. He went to get a ticket from the police office to go to the workhouse but was refused. He was sorry the case had happened. John Harding – he went to the superintendent’s house and was sent to the Policeman at the Red Lion. He was told the police would do nothing for him. He was on his way to London.

item

Bruce, Robert,
Lord, John,
Harding, John,
Sibley, Anthony,
Hall, Ann

WOBURN, stealing, baker, bread, Parish Workhouses