QSR1829/369-370

Evidence in the case of the prosecution by Thomas Cook of Steppingley, farmer, of William Arnold of Flitton.

4 June 1829

From: 1829 To: 1829

Information of Thomas Cook, Steppingley, farmer: dovehouse belonging to him and his brother was broken open and between thre and four dozen pigeons stolen. Has since seen pigeons come to the dovehouse with tickets round their necks. Information of James Handscomb, horsekeeper to Mr John Kingsley of Pirton, Hertfordshire, farmer and common carrier: between 3 and 4am William Arnold stoppd him about a mile form his master's house and asked if he could put two flats on his cart as far as Hitchin, as he was going to meet the Rushden waggon to bring some mackerel back. He said he had a few young pigeons in the flats. When they got to Hitchin Arnold did not offer to get down but when told about it 1 1/2 miles further on said he thought it best to go on to the Royal Oak and meet the wagon there. He then went to examine one of the flats and Arnold ran off and he did not see him again until he was taken into custody. He took the pigeons back to his master. His master's son has a "common stage waggon which goes from London to Ampthill twice a week". When the driver of this informed the Constable of Ampthill about the pigeons, enquiries were started. On hearing that Messrs Cook of Steppingley had lost pigeons they were brought from Pirton to Ampthill, ticketed, and released in different places. He later saw several of the ticketed pigeons at the dovehouse in Steppingley. The pigeons that were left he handed to Mr Thomas Cook. Information of Charles Goode, special constable for the hundred of Redbornstoke: saw Mr Jones write the tickets which he identifies. Examination of William Arnold: denies stealing the pigeons. "a Man of Steppingly brought them to my house". The man merely rapped on his window and no conversation took place. He then got up and "took the pigeons on a stick across my Shoulder and set off towards Hitchin".

English

item

Cook, Thomas,
Handscomb, James,
Kingsley, John,
Arnold, William,
Goode, Charles

STEPPINGLEY, PIRTON, Hitchin, AMPTHILL, farmers, horsekeeper, constable, carriers, pigeons