QSR1847/2/5/11

Depositions and examination - Henry Montague charged with stealing pieces of iron (value 1s) from William Fowler at Billington on 19 March 1847

31 March 1847

From: 1847 To: 1847

William Fowler of Billington, farmer – he had a quantity of old iron lying in a cottage adjoining his house and also in other parts of his premises. The cottage is used by Montague’s father as a wheelwright’s shop. On Friday 19 March as he had lost a chain from one of his gates he went to Edmund Potts to enquire if he had bought one. While there he noticed several pieces of old iron he recognised as his property – the bolt pin of a waggon had been in a loft over the stable, the largest portion of a hay cutting knife was in a barn), and the rest, apart from part of a coulter of plough and the point of the hay cutting knife, were in the cottage occupied by Montague’s father. He has since found the point of the hay cutting knife in the barn and it fits the larger portion exactly. Montague has been in the habit of coming to his father at the cottage very frequently. He forbade him to come on his premises some time ago as he suspected him of robbing him. Montague has since been seen by his wife during his absence, but he has not been while he was at home. Edmund Potts of Billington, blacksmith – he bought the old iron produced from Henry Montague within the 3 weeks before Fowler came to his shop (not all at once). He does not remember what he paid for the iron. He gave Montage at least 2 shillings. He is sure he gave the full market price. James Parrott, police constable stationed at Leighton Buzzard – he took Montague into custody. On their way to Leighton Buzzard Montague asked how he thought Jacob Hull would get on. He said he did not know but thought Montague would be with him if he did not mind what he was at. Montague said he dare say he would, as “I’m guilty of taking the iron. I took it about 3 weeks ago when my Father was gone to see my Sister. He left me only one loaf at home for the week and that wasn’t enough. I had no money in my pocket and was very hard up. I went and took the iron from Mr Fowler’s and took it to Mr Potts’ and sold it”. Henry Montague – said what he told PC Parrott was very true. He had nothing to eat and did take the iron.

item

Montague, Henry,
Fowler, William,
Potts, Edmund,
Parrott, James

BILLINGTON, LEIGHTON BUZZARD, stealing, iron, farmer, wheelwright, wagon, agricultural implements, ploughs, blacksmith, police constable