QSR1831/2/5/12

Depositions of Elizabeth Whitney, singlewoman of Leighton Buzaard. James Bowler, carpenter of Leighton Buzzard. Ann Whitney, spinster of Leighton Buzzard. William Whitney, bricklayer of Leighton Buzzard. In the case of James Whitney, Thomas Whitney, Joseph Stevens and George Green accused of unlawful, routously and riotously entering the dwelling house of Elizabeth Whitney.

18 March 1831

From: 1831 To: 1831

Elizabeth Whitney: her late father Thomas Whitney, who died about 9 months previous, had been joint proprietor with the late William Swinstead, deceased, of the cottage where she now resided. She had occupied the cottage from the death of her father without having any disturbance relating to it until Friday last. She happened to be away from home for the day and about 2pm she was sent for by her daughter, Ann Whitney, to go home immediately. She did so and on her arrival she saw the 4 prisoners there. James Whitney said "I am come to take possession of the cottages", meaning the one she occupied and an adjoining one which was untenanted. He said he had authority from his lawyer Mr Thompson and he pulled from his pocket a large sheet of paper, the contents of which she did not know. She paid no rent from the dearth of her father. Her brother James was the only son of her father. She had lived with her father in the cottage where she now resides during her father’s life. James Bowler: he went to the cottage of Elizabeth Whitney about 6pm on 18 March. He saw James Whitney, Thomas Whitney, Joseph Stevens, George Green and Joseph Dickins. They were drinking. Thomas Whitney said that every body that comes into the house should be turned out. Joseph Dickens seized him and said he was authorised by James Whitney to turn him out. A scuffle ensued between them and Dickens, Green, Stevens and Thomas Whitney thrust him out of the house. They used violence as to tear the shirt from his back and hurt his arm. Ann Whitney: about 10am on the 18 March James Whitney, Joseph Stevens and George Green came to her mother’s house. James Whitney asked for the key to the adjoining cottage, which was empty. She refused to give it and James Whitney said he would find his way in. He then stuck the door several times with a hatchet which he had brought with him. Green afterwards took the hatchet and struck the door with great violence. Stevens took a large chisel and they forced the door open. In consequence of the disturbance she sent for her mother, who was out for the day. They all went back into the house and continued there for several hours. She saw her Uncle James Whitney take 2 chairs into the cottage. James Whitney told her and her mother repeatedly that he had come to take possession of both cottages and that he was the lawful heir. About 2pm James Whitney tried to open the window of the cottage which her mother occupied. George Green took a knife and broke a pane of glass and James Whitney entered through the window. The other 2 prisoners went into the house by the front door. The men went form the house many times to fetch beer and they continued drinking and smoking until 7pm when Thomas Whitney, who had joined the prisoners, asked her to leave the house. She said she would not. Thomas Whitney took hold of her and assisted by Joseph Dickins, put her out of doors by force. Previous to her being put out no damage or injury had been down to the household goods. On her gaining entrance to the cottage she found a quantity of earthenware and a beer glass had been broken. William Whitney: he went to the cottage of Elizabeth Whitney soon after 6pm on 18 March. He saw James Whitney and Joseph Stevens and shortly afterwards Joseph Dickins, George Green and Thomas Whitney came in. Thomas Whitney sent for some beer and Thomas Webster, who came in after, sent for some tobacco. The prisoner and their companions were very noisy. Thomas Whitney said if he was in the same possession as his father and he would soon clear the house. He saw the prisoner put out her uncle Bowler by force and he was assisted by Webster. Dickins assisted Joseph Stevens and Green forced him out of the house. He did not return until the prisoners were taken into custody. Elizabeth Whitney [second deposition with some additional detail]: Joseph Dickins she believed afterwards joined the 4 men and assisted them in keeping the cottage. They forcibly kept possession for several house and she was credibly informed they behaved in a riotous disorderly manner. When she went home in the evening she found her furniture injured and some her earthenware broken. [duplicate depositions for Ann Whitney, William Whitney and James Bowler]

item

Whitney, James,
Whitney, Thomas,
Stevens, Joseph,
Green, George,
Whitney, Elizabeth,
Bowler, James,
Whitney, Ann,
Whitney, William,
Swinstead, William

LEIGHTON BUZZARD, rioting, carpenter, bricklayer, breaking & entering