Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    QSR1854/2/5/3-5
  • Title
    Depositions of William Ralph Young, superintendent of police of Woburn and Charles Pickering, labourer of Egginton. In the case of Thomas Major, William Major & George Major accused of stealing a live duck.
  • Date free text
    26 March 1854
  • Production date
    From: 1854 To: 1854
  • Scope and Content
    Charles Pickering: he was 15 years of age and the son of William Pickering, a farmer and resided with him at Egginton. On 26 March he was on his father’s farm at Heath & Reach and saw the 3 prisoners throwing sticks and stones at a duck which was swimming in the brook adjoining their fields at Egginton. The eldest boy took up the duck and it was passed to the youngest. The prisoners were all together and the one which had the duck went and hid it in a hedge in the field. Pickering hid himself to watch them and when the boy had covered the duck with grass he rejoined his father and the other boy. They went away together. Pickering returned to the place half an hour later and saw the eldest boy pick up the duck and then put it down again. The eldest prisoner was standing about 4 yards off. They again all went away in the direction of Leighton and Pickering followed. Pickering ascertained who they were and returned to the spot where the duck was hidden. It was in the same place covered over with grass. PC Sibley was there and took possession of the duck, which was his father’s property and the value of 2 shillings. His father had lost 13 ducks off his farm since the previous Michaelmas. The duck that was killed and taken by the prisoners on this occasion was black and white. PC Anthony Sibley: stationed at Leighton Buzzard. He was informed that Mr Pickering had had one of his ducks killed and taken by the 3 prisoners. He was taken to the spot where he was told the duck had been hidden and found the duck in a hedge covered over with long grass. He took the 3 prisoners into custody. Statements of the accused: nothing to say [all]
  • Reference
  • Level of description
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