On the night of 13 November 1784, James Thomas broke into John Parleyman’s London home and stole eighty pounds of copper in a hempen sack. Tried at the Old Bailey in December, he was convicted and transported for seven years. This retelling shows how one night’s burglary became a journey to Australia.
Author Archives: The Sage Page
Quote of the Day: Silent Wisdom
In today’s Quote of the Day, The Sage reflects on the quiet art of restraint: “Half of wisdom is learning when not to say ‘I told you so.’” A warm, humorous reminder that true insight often lies in choosing peace over pride, and kindness over the pleasure of being right.
Advice of the Day: Portable Sunlight
The Sage offers a bright idea for dark times: take a photo of the sun and use it as a torch. A hilariously misguided “Advice of the Day” celebrating creativity over common sense.
This Day in History: 11 November 1794 — The Tale of the Pewter Pots
On 11 November 1794, John Webb stood trial at the Old Bailey for stealing pewter pots from a London innkeeper. Convicted and sentenced to seven years’ transportation, his story reveals how small acts of tavern theft could send Georgian Londoners halfway across the world.
Quote of the Day: Silence
In today’s Quote of the Day, The Sage reflects on our uneasy relationship with quiet: “The problem with silence is that most people only notice it when it’s gone.” A thoughtful, humorous reminder to appreciate stillness before it’s lost amid the constant noise of modern life.
Advice of the Day: Bath-Night Spaghetti
The Sage serves up his sauciest wisdom yet: why spaghetti should only be eaten on bath nights. A gloriously messy “Advice of the Day” celebrating hygiene, logic, and tomato-based foresight.
Advice of the Day: Trust Dogs
The Sage reminds us that dogs are the truest judges of character. A funny and wise “Advice of the Day” celebrating canine intuition, trust, and the occasional suspicious sniff.
Advice of the Day: The Art of Blame
The Sage reveals the secret to stress-free wrongdoing: never do anything bad alone. A witty “Advice of the Day” on the ancient art of blame-shifting and self-preservation
Quote of the Day: A Clear Conscience
In today’s Quote of the Day, The Sage offers a wry take on self-forgiveness: “A clear conscience is usually the result of a bad memory.” A humorous yet compassionate reflection on how forgetfulness often helps us live with ourselves — and why a spotless conscience may not be proof of virtue.
This Day in History: 4 November 1734 — The Linen Thief in the Basement
On the night of 4 November 1734, Londoner Joan Wayte hung her linen to dry in a basement room and returned to find it stolen. The Old Bailey later tried Emanuel Pim for “theft; burglary” of her washing. This retelling shows how even humble laundry could become serious Georgian crime.
The Sage Page 