QSR1855/1/5/18

Depositions of Edward Godfrey, superintendent of police of Luton. In the case of Mary Sandon, accused of disturbing the peace and causing terror and alarm.

22 November 1854

From: 1854 To: 1855

Edward Godfrey: superintendent of police stationed at Luton. About 8pm on 21 November there was a mob of about 500 or 600 people assembled in George Street. The prisoner, with 4 or 5 women, was hammering at the shutters of the warehouse of Mr John Everitt. He saw her stoop and pick up a stone and throw it at the window. He heard the glass break and he told her he knew her and would mark her. The mob moved on up George Street and the prisoner went with them. Later when he was bringing her to the Town Hall she said that she had only touched the window. He was quite certain of the prisoner’s identity and was only a yard from her when she threw the stone. Statement of the accused: she had no stone in her hand and did not touch it. She went up George Street and Castle Street and was at New Town at Mr Halifax’s at 8pm. She had an umbrella in her hand and it touched the grating twice but she did not break the window. She was turning away as Mr Godfrey came and took hold of her shoulder. He told her he knew her and saw her do it with her umbrella.

item

Sandon, Mary,
Godfrey, Edward

LUTON, rioting, Luton Bute Street, vandalism, straw hat manufacturer