QSR1836/3/5/25

Depositions, examination and character reference - John Hide charged with stealing a pot belonging to Charles Higgins at St Paul Bedford on 18 June 1836

20 June 1836

From: 1836 To: 1836

Skevington Eyles of Elstow, constable – last Saturday 18 June between 6 and 7pm he went into the Swan public house at Elstow and saw Hide offereing a ½ pint pewter pot (now produced) for sale. Hide asked 4d for it. There were about 8 or 10 persons in the room at the time. Some said they thought hide had not come by it honestly. Hide said he bought it for 11 half pints of beer from Mr Higgins of Bedford. He took the pot away from the prisoner and saw the initials C H marked on it. He then told Hide he would keep him and the pot in custody until he had heard from Mr Higgins. He made enquiries of Mr Higgins and found the pot to be his property. Charles Higgins of St Paul Bedford, innkeeper – the half pint pot now produced is his property. He never gave it to Hide or authorised any other person to give it to him. John Hide of St Paul Bedford – “I can’t say anything”. Character reference from John Towyer, brickmaker of Luton – Hide has worked for him for the last 12 months and he always considered him to be an honest servant and would take him immediately back to his employment if he were discharged.

item

Hide, John,
Higgins, Charles,
Eyles, Skevington,
Towyer, John

BEDFORD, Bedford St.Paul, ELSTOW, LUTON, stealing, constable, innkeeper, Elstow Swan, brickmaker