QSR1832/1/5/28

Depositions of William Swain, labourer of Langford. Thomas Pateman, yeoman of Langford. In the case of Charles Sale accused of stealing 13 ducks.

22 December 1831

From: 1831 To: 1832

William Swain: on 4 November between 7am and 8am he was going to Arlesey and on his way he saw Abraham Sale and Charles Sale between Langford Bridge and the stile of Mr Ellis’ meadow, in the footpath leading from Langford to the village of Henlow. The stile was close to the river. Abraham Sale and Charles Sale were there filling a hamper with watercress. The hamper produced looked like the hamper into which they were putting the watercress. Abraham Sale asked him to carry to the hamper to the Boot and said he would give him a pint of beer. He told Sale he could not as he would be late for Arlesey. Abraham Sale told him to get hold of it and try to lift it. He attempted to do so and found it very heavy. He went on his way and upon him leaving Abraham and Charles Sale were carrying the hamper to the Boot. Thomas Bateman: on 9 November he had been fishing with a casting net in a branch of the River Ivel. Upon drawing his net out of the river he saw floating on the river entrails which appeared to be of ducks or fowls. There was a bed of watercress near to this spot. Statement of the accused: he assisted Abraham Sale in carrying the hamper from the river to the shed of the Boot public house.

item

Sale, Charles,
Sale, Abraham,
Pateman, Thomas,
Swain, William,
Ellis

LANGFORD, ARLESEY, River Ivel, stealing, ducks, yeoman, Langford Boot