QSR1837/3/5/17-18

Depositions - Thomas Hobbs, William Field and James Harris

5 June 1837

From: 1837 To: 1837

(1) Thomas Hobbs, charged with rescuing William Field and with resisting the constable in the execution of his duty. Francis Field of Luton, dealer in straw plait – he is a special constable. He was charged by Higgins and Anthony, the constables of Luton, to aid and assist in securing Wm Field. He took hold of Field and was immediately struck and knocked own by Thomas Hobbs. Wm Field made his escape. Hobbs kicked him violently over the knee and cut through his trousers, stockings and drawers. He at last succeeded in taking Field into custody. There were 200 or 300 persons present and there was a great tumult. (2) William Field, charged with resisting the constables in the execution of their duty Thomas Erskine Austin of Luton, gentleman – seeing a disturbance in the street this afternoon he went to assist the constables in escorting William Adams to his house to protect him from the mob. He saw Field crouch down before the constables apparently intending they should fall over him when pressed by the mob behind. He went forward and took Field by the back of the neck and pushed him out of the way. As the constables were putting Adams into his house William Field came up to him and put his leg between his to trip him up and tried to throw him down. While he was assisting the constables subsequently he saw Field strike Francis Field. Wm Field then struck him [Austin] a back handed blow on his shoulder. (3) James Harris, charged with resisting the constable in the execution of his duty John Anthony of Luton, constable – he had a warrant to apprehend Wm Field that afternoon. He went to the Dukes Head kept by James Harris to execute the warrant. He could not do so because Harry Lawford caught hold of his arm and Harris the landlord came out of the parlour and said he should not insult his customers. There was a great crowd in the house. He was turned out of the house by force. He told Harris he had a warrant to apprehend Field but is not sure whether Harris heard him. Francis Field and Mr Austin were with him. Charles Austin – he was sworn special constable this day and was sent for to Harris’s house to assist the constable. He saw constable John Anthony go in to apprehend Wm Field. In the passage going into the house Harris rushed at him and said he would not allow anyone to be touched in his house. Harris struck him when he interfered. He tried to appease Harris but he was more violent than ever and tried to strike Francis Field. Francis Field – he assisted Anthony in executing the warrant against Wm Field. Anthony went into the Dukes Head and said he had a warrant against Field. Anthony had Field by the collar and he went to his assistance. Harris rushed between himself and Wm Field and said no one should come into his house to insult his customers. The party behind them made a rush and shoved all of them out of the house except Field, who made his escape to the back part of the house. Harris then left him and struck Mr Austin and said he would as soon fight him as any man. They were prevented from apprehending Wm Field.

item

Hobbs, Thomas,
Field, William,
Harris, James,
Field, Francis,
Austin, Thomas Erskine,
Adams, William

LUTON, assault, rioting, constable, straw plait dealer, Luton Dukes Head, publican