QSR1844/2/5/5

Depositions and examination - Joseph West charged with stealing one spade from William Solesbury at Marston Moretaine on 10 March 1944

4 April 1844

From: 1844 To: 1844

Susan Solesbury of Cranfield, wife of William Solesbury – on Wednesday 6 March West came to their house and asked her to lend him her husband’s spade. She did so. He said he would bring it back in half an hour but did not. William Solesbury of Cranfield, labourer – from what his wife told him he went to George Jefferson’s farm on 18 March and saw his spade there. Jefferson showed him the spade and said his brother bought it from a man he did not know. George Jefferson – he occupies a farm at Wroxhill in Marston Moretaine. On 6 March West, who was a stranger to him, came and asked for employment. He said he had nothing for West to do. West said he came from Cranfield. West had a spade with him and asked him [Jefferson] to buy it. West asked 18d for it and said it cost him 3/6 at Michaelmas. He gave West one shilling and a bit of bread and cheese and a pint of ale for the spade. His farm is about 1 ½ miles from Solesbury’s house. Joseph West – what Mr Jefferson says is true. When he borrowed the spade he had no thought of selling it. “I don’t know that I have anything else to say about the job”.

item

West, Joseph,
Solesbury, William,
Solesbury, Susan,
Jefferson, George

MARSTON MORETAINE, CRANFIELD, stealing, implements, tools, spade