QSR1838/4/5/5

Depositions and examination - John Burns, charged with stealing a canvas purse containing 17 shillings at Shefford

10 August 1838

From: 1838 To: 1838

John Martin of Flitwick, labourer - yesterday about 10pm he called at the King’s Arms in Shefford kept by James Waller to ask for lodgings. William Horne was with him. After they had been there about ½ hour and had drunk 2 pints of beer Horne said he did not like the goings on in the house and would go. He took out his purse and took out a shilling to pay. While he was holding out his left hand to take the change from James Waller, Burns put his hand into his left hand breeches pocket and took out his purse which contained silver amounting to 17s and some halfpence. He seized Burns and they had a skirmish during which they got into the street. He was thrown down and had his head beat by Burns against the pavings. There was a woman with Burns who tried to separate them and bit his fingers. As soon as he lost his purse and money he desired Horne to go for a constable. The constable came and took Burns into custody. William Horne of Flitwick, labourer - yesterday morning about 10am he left Flitwick with John Martin. They spent the whole day looking for work. At about 10pm they arrived at Shefford. When they were upon Shefford Bridge Martin took out his purse and counted his money, which he said amounted to 18s and 2d or 2½d. They then went to the Kings Arms intending to lodge there. He did not like the house and told Martin they would go. When Martin took out his purse to pay Burns was sitting at the window about 3 yards from Martin. Burns got up and came close to Martin’s side. Martin soon called out “I have lost my purse” and told him to go for a constable, which he did. John Burns - he knows nothing about Martin’s money.

item

Burns, John,
Martin, John,
Horne, William,
Waller, James

SHEFFORD, FLITWICK, stealing, money, Shefford Kings Arms