QSR1831/3/5/16

Depositions of William Henderson, cordwainer of Stony Stratford. In the case of Robert Gregory accused of stealing clothing.

7 June 1831

From: 1831 To: 1831

William Henderson: on Wednesday 1 June, a man named Robert Gregory came to his house in Stony Stratford and asked for lodging. Gregory lodged at the house for 2 nights. Gregory asked his wife if she could get him a shirt and in the meantime lend him one of his. She lent Gregory a shirt. Next morning Gregory asked his wife for a pair of cotton stockings. She lent Gregory a pair whilst his stockings were sent to be washed. Robert Gregory also borrowed a shilling from her saying it was custom for a man to pay a footing when he first went to work at a fresh place. The prisoner also wanted him to pass his word at a tradesmen’s in order to obtain a rule for him. He refused. Gregory also asked to borrow another 6 pence from his wife and she refused. On the night of 2 June his wife had Gregory’s linen washed and dried and put it between the blankets of his bed. Gregory asked his wife to lend him 3 half pence before he went to bed and she refused. On the morning of 3 June he rose a little after 5am and discovered Gregory was gone and had taken his own linen and a pair of ribbed cotton stockings and a linen shirt. Upon enquiring he found Gregory at Woburn working for Mr Nixon, a builder. Having learnt were he was working he went with the Woburn constable and took him. Whilst in the cage in Woburn the prisoner delivered to him the ribbed stockings. The constable fetched the shirt from the house of Mr Close. Gregory had told them where it was to be found. Statement of the prisoner: the stockings and shirt were lent to him.

item

Gregory, Robert,
Henderson, William,
Close

Stony Stratford, WOBURN, stealing, shirt, stockings, cordwainer