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.
Author Archives: The Sage Page
This Day in History — 2 October 1822
Henry Rumbold — The Stolen Kettle (2 October 1822)
On this day, Henry Rumbold stole a copper tea kettle and pewter pot. Convicted at the Old Bailey, he was sentenced to seven years’ transportation.
Thought of the Day: Golden Silence
Today’s Thought of the Day from The Sage: “Silence is golden… unless you have kids, then it’s suspicious.” A witty reminder that quiet isn’t always peaceful, especially for parents, where the absence of noise usually means mischief — and perhaps a new entry in the household’s growing list of disasters.
Advice of the Day: Page Perfect
Today’s Advice of the Day from The Sage: “Never lose your place in a book by gluing it open.” A hilariously impractical solution to an age-old reader’s problem, proving once again that Sage wisdom is less about practicality and more about laughter — and occasionally, ruined novels.
Quote of the Day: Holly Moses on Organisation
Today’s Quote of the Day from Holly Moses: “A tidy desk is the first step towards losing everything important.” A witty reflection on organisation and chaos, reminding us that neatness is often overrated — and that life’s most valuable treasures are usually found under the piles we forgot to sort.
Advice of the Day: Half a Smile
Today’s Advice of the Day from The Sage: “Save on toothpaste by only smiling with half your mouth.” A comically impractical money-saving tip that turns dental care into performance art, proving once again that true Sage wisdom lies somewhere between thrift and outright silliness.
This Day in History — 29 September 1800
George Clayton — The Copper Paintings (29 September 1800)
Convicted at the Old Bailey for stealing two paintings in gilt frames, George Clayton was sentenced to the House of Correction — but his punishment was respited, leaving his ultimate fate in bureaucratic limbo.
Quote of the Day: Holly Moses on Control
Today’s Quote of the Day from Holly Moses: “You can’t control the wind, but you can at least complain about your hair.” A witty reflection on life’s uncontrollable forces, reminding us that resilience often comes in laughter — especially when the universe decides to ruin your hairstyle.
Thought of the Day: Pigeons and Statues
Today’s Thought of the Day from The Sage: “Some days you’re the pigeon, some days you’re the statue.” A witty reminder that life is a mix of soaring triumphs and messy indignities — and that true wisdom lies in laughing at both, especially when you’re the one standing still.
Advice of the Day: Deconstructed Dining
Today’s Advice of the Day from The Sage: “Impress your friends by claiming every meal you cook is ‘deconstructed’ — even if it’s just burnt.” A hilariously impractical culinary hack that turns kitchen mishaps into fine dining, proving that with enough confidence, even failure can be served with style.
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