QSR1860/1/5/2

Depositions of Thomas Gilbert, farmer and carrier of Toddington and Benjamin George, police constable of Toddington. In the case of Benjamin Buckingham accused of stealing a purse, 33 shilling in silver and a piece of boiled beef.

25 October 1859

From: 1859 To: 1860

Thomas Gilbert: a common carrier and farmer residing at Toddington. The prisoner was in his service and slept at his father’s house. On 23 October he went to bed with his wife about 9.30pm and left his purse containing 2 butcher’s bills and 33 shillings on the shelf over the fireplace. The outer door was locked and nobody slept in the house but he and his wife. He had also left some boiled beef on the table. The following morning he found all the doors safe as he had left them and the prisoner was outside in the yard. He called him into the house and told him to light the fire and left him there. He returned to the house after 15 minutes and the prisoner had lit the fire and was still in the room. He looked at the shelf and found his purse gone. He began searching for it and his son John came in. He said to the prisoner that he must have the purse and the prisoner replied he was sure he didn’t. He sent for the police and soon afterwards the policeman showed him a piece of cold boiled beef which match the rest left on the table. The prisoner had got to the loft. PC Benjamin George: he went to the prosecutor’s house on 24 October about 8am. He searched the loft, pointed out to him by Mr Gilbert and could not find the purse or money but found some cold boiled beef. He took the beef to the house and patterned it against the joint left on the table. He took the prisoner into custody and the prisoner said he knew nothing about it. He later searched the loft more closely, as it was very large and full of places a purse could be hidden. He did not find the purse. Statement of the accused: nothing to say.

item

Buckingham, Benjamin,
Gilbert, Thomas,
George, Benjamin

TODDINGTON, stealing, coins, beef