On 12 February 1819, John Barker was tried at the Old Bailey for stealing wine-glasses, a pepper-box and other items from the Albion Tavern in Aldersgate Street. Found guilty after the goods were discovered hidden on him, the 46-year-old waiter was sentenced to three months’ confinement.
Tag Archives: British legal history
This Day in History: 11 February 1818 — George Tomkins and the Three Sixpences
On 11 February 1818, George Tomkins was tried at the Old Bailey for stealing three sixpences from his employers on Holborn Hill. Caught in the act by a shopman and found guilty, the 36-year-old porter was sentenced to one month’s confinement, highlighting how even small thefts were prosecuted in Georgian London.
This Day in History: 6 February 1806 — Thomas Crumpton and the Stolen Copper
On 6 February 1806, Thomas Crumpton stood trial at the Old Bailey for stealing copper and metal goods worth just over a pound. Found guilty, he was sentenced to twelve months in the House of Correction and fined one shilling, highlighting how minor thefts were punished in Georgian London.
This Day in History: 5 February 1808 — Edward Westbrooke and the Stolen Cotton
On 5 February 1808, London’s highest criminal court, the Old Bailey, heard the case of Edward Westbrooke, who stood accused of stealing hundreds of printed cotton handkerchiefs and other textiles — goods of considerable value in the commercial heart of Georgian England. His trial, conviction and ultimate fate reveal much about how property, punishment andContinue reading “This Day in History: 5 February 1808 — Edward Westbrooke and the Stolen Cotton”
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