QSR1830/487-488

Prosecution of James Myers of Blunham by James Elliott of Blunham, farmer, for stealing a casting net. (See also QSR1830/491-492 for evidence in the prosecution of John Ekins by John Campbell for stealing fish with the use of this net.) Information of James Elliott the younger, information of John Norman, constable, information of William West Norman, late ostler to James Elliott.

November 1830

From: 1830 To: 1830

James Elliott the younger: a casting net was stolen from his father's harness house, an inner place in the coach house, at Blunham. Believes the door was locked; cannot swear to it, but William West Norman, his father's late Hostler, can. Identifies net produced as his father's. John Norman: was watching in May on the premises of John Campbell about 3am, and saw three men near the river, one of whom had a casting net. He approached them, and when within ten yards of them, James Myers cast the net into the river "as if with a view to take some fish". He taxed them with the net's being the property of the Rev Mr Beachcroft, but they denied this. Myers said to Norman "I would as leve see the Devil as you, specially as it is Sunday morning". One of them said it was James Elliott's net and then they all three made off towards Blunham. Norman thought it prudent not to try to apprehend them as he had no assistance and was close to the river. Two of the men then absconded, but hearing in November that Myers was back in Blunham, he apprehended him. William West Norman: locked the door of the harness house. The casting net was hung up at the time. He missed it the following day.

item

Myers, James,
Elliott, James,
Norman, John,
Norman, William West,
Campbell, John

BLUNHAM, farmer, parish constables, ostler, stealing, fishing