QSR1847/3/5/8

Depositions and examination - William Rowlatt, charged with stealing 2 bushels of oats from William Brunt

23 April 1847

From: 1847 To: 1847

George Dilley of Biggleswade – he works for Mr William Brunt. This morning (23 April) he got up about 1.10am because he had to brew for Mr Brunt. A little after 2am he saw a light in a barn occupied by Mr Brunt. He went up to the barn, looked in and saw Rowlatt coming across with a sack in his hand. Rowlatt went to the lift which is under the doors and pulled it up and put the sack outside the barn into the yard. He then went round to the door, took hold of the sack (which was about ½ full) and asked Rowlatt what business he had in the barn. Rowlatt did not answer but went to the other side of the barn, knocked a hole through the boards and jumped out. He ran round to that side and struck Rowlatt across the shoulders with a stick. Rowlatt ran away. He ran after him and caught him. Rowlatt struck him several times across the head with his boots which he carried in his hand. He tripped Rowlatt up and he fell on the ground. He recognized Rowlatt, who he has known for 20 years. He took the sack into Mr Brunt’s house and waited until he came down. When they opened the sack they found about 2 bushels of oats. James Beck – George Dilley called him that morning about 2am to help him to brew. As he was crossing the yard Dilley called him and told him someone was in the barn. He went to the door and tried to get in. He heard a breaking as if someone was trying to break out on the other side. Dilley ran round and he stayed at the barn door. He later helped to carry the sack to Mr Brunt’s house. William Brunt – he has examined the oats and believes them to be his.

item

Rowlatt, William,
Brunt, William,
Dilley, George,
Beck, James

BIGGLESWADE, stealing, oats, brewer