QSR1826/350

Examinations and depositions regarding prosecution of George Lester and William Smith accused of 'unlawfully conveying away the dead body of a certain man from the churchyard belonging to the parish of Biggleswade.' Information of William Carrington of Biggleswade, carrier 'and proprietor of a waggon from Biggleswade to London.'

1826

From: 1826 To: 1826

George Lester and William Smith, together with a third person went to his house to enquire what time his waggon would start for London, saying they would have two boxes to send by it. 'I informed them the waggon would start at five o'clock on the following morning but that the boxes must be sent to the office in the course of the evening. The prisoners replied that they could not get them ready until half past four in the morning by which time they would bring them to the office. The prisoners were strangers, and their appearance and conduct excited my suspicion which I communicated to the Revd. William Brwon who, with other neighbours and the watchman, agreed to come to my house to await the arrival of the prisoners. About the time appointed, viz half past four, the two prisoners with their companion came to my house with a large deal box corded and screwed - as soon as they entered the yard I ordered the gates to be locked, mentioned my suspicions and refused to allow the box to go by the waggon unless it were previously opened in my presence. The parties having refused, I immediately began to uncord the box which at that time stood in the yard behind the waggon. Whilst I was so employed, Webb the watchman told me that two of the party had jumped over the yard paling and made their escape. One of the prisoners he then held in custody whom I ordered the constable (who was also present assisting) to take to the Catherine Wheel public house. I soon afterwards heard that another of the party had been secured and taken to the same place whither I went and found both the prisoners in custody. They were afterwards brought to my house and as soon as it was daylight the constable in their presence opened the box which contained a corpse in a fresh and perfect state and which appeared to have been recently disinterred. There was also in the box a quantity of sawdust.

item

Lester, George,
Smith, William,
Carrington, William,
Brown, William,
Webb

BIGGLESWADE, theft, Biggleswade Catherine Wheel