Reference
QSR1821/330-331
Title
Examinations and depositions. Information of Benjamin Johnson of East Haddon, Northamptonshire, turner.
Date free text
1821
Production date
From: 1821 To: 1821
Scope and Content
He was doing business with John Howard of Bedford, ironmonger when he noticed Daniel Billington, one of Mr Howard's workmen. After his dealings he went to the Old George, kept by Mr Bridcutt. In the evening Daniel Billington came into the public house for half an hour and went out. A short time later Johnson went out and saw Billington and Robert Goddard and another person standing in the gateway. Billington thanked him for the 18d which he [Johnson] had given Mr Howard for the men and persuaded him to go to the Chequers and treat them to some more beer. After being there for some time, during which he changed a five pound Buckingham banknote, Billington invited him home for a mutton chop. Johnson went with Billington and Goddard to Billington's lodgings at Mr Taylor's in Castle Road and supped and had some beer. After supper they were coming back down the stairs into the street when Billington said 'I will help the gentleman down' but Johnson thanked him and said he was perfectly sober. When they got to the bottom of the stairs he felt Billngton fumbling about that part of his coat which contained his pocket book. Johnson invited him to another pot of beer before they parted, but Billington excused himself on the grounds that 'his wife was expecting to'lie in every hour' so they seperated. After going two or three steps, Johnson felt for his pocket book and found that it was missing; he called for Billington who did not answer. He went back to Taylor's house but was told Billington was not there; he waited until five o'clock in the morning but Billington did not return. Johnson then went to William Prior, a constable, and with him searched the town but could not find him. Goddard left them at the bottom of the stairs and went to his lodgings in St. Cuthbert's. Johnson went with Prior to see Goddard at his lodgings and found him in bed but he denied seeing Billington since they parted at his lodgings. On the way home he [Goddard] said he had met the bellman. Johnson said he remarked on the time it took to for him to get home as he left them at 10.30 and he hemself had seen the bellman at 12 o'clock.
Reference
Level of description
item