On 20 October 1779, highwayman John Staples robbed a traveller at pistol-point on a London road. Captured soon after and tried at the Old Bailey, he was sentenced to death for highway robbery. His case captures the fading days of England’s flintlock outlaws and the end of the highwayman era.
Author Archives: The Sage Page
This Day in History: 9 October — The Deceptive Perfidy (1912)
On 9 October 1912, seaman Richard Courtney pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to attempting to break into Harry Manfield & Co. with intent to steal. His brief exchange with the judge and his six-month sentence reflect the humanity and formality of early 20th-century British justice.
Thought of the Day: The Paradise of Ignorance
Today’s Thought of the Day from The Sage: “If ignorance is bliss, social media must be paradise.” A witty reflection on modern life, reminding us that the internet may not make us wiser — just louder — and that sometimes the path to peace is the ‘log out’ button.
Advice of the Day: Printing Problems
Today’s Advice of the Day from The Sage: “Never run out of loo roll by installing a printer in the bathroom.” A brilliantly impractical stroke of bathroom genius, proving that true innovation lies somewhere between absurdity, technology, and a very bad idea.
Quote of the Day: Bea Lurt on Certainty
Today’s Quote of the Day from Bea Lurt: “Those who are always certain tend to be wrong at higher volume.” A witty reflection on overconfidence, reminding us that true wisdom speaks softly — while ignorance often insists on being heard.
Thought of the Day: The Boil of Contentment
Today’s Thought of the Day from The Sage: “The secret to happiness is low expectations and a reliable kettle.” A delightfully down-to-earth reflection on contentment, reminding us that joy is less about grand ambitions and more about hot water, patience, and a decent cuppa.
Advice of the Day: Revolving Fitness
Today’s Advice of the Day from The Sage: “Save money on gym memberships by installing revolving doors at home.” A gloriously impractical fitness tip that guarantees a full-body workout, mild dizziness, and a lifetime of neighbours wondering why you never quite make it outside.
Quote of the Day: Bea Lurt on Pretence
Today’s Quote of the Day from Bea Lurt: “Better to admit your faults than dress them in borrowed competence.” A witty reflection on honesty and humility, reminding us that pretending to be perfect is far sillier than admitting we’re not — and that wisdom always fits better when it’s our own size.
This Day in History: 7 October — The Silk Handkerchief Job (1806)
On 7 October 1806, pickpocket William King stole a silk handkerchief from George Pritchard in London. Convicted at the Old Bailey, King was sentenced to seven years’ transportation. This retelling explores how a single handkerchief theft reveals the harsh justice and fragile fortunes of Georgian London’s street life.
This Day in History: 6 October — The Night of the Stolen Fowls (1793)
On 6 October 1793, eleven hens and two cocks vanished from a London yard. William Peters, aged sixty, was later tried at the Old Bailey and sentenced to twelve months in the House of Correction and fined one shilling. This vivid retelling captures London’s petty thefts and everyday justice.
The Sage Page 