On the night of 22 October 1781, John Tucker stole a silver watch from a fellow drinker in a London alehouse. Tried at the Old Bailey two days later, he was transported for seven years. This vivid retelling captures the perils of alehouse friendship and Georgian justice.
Tag Archives: Crime and punishment
This Day in History: 21 October — The Gentleman of the Road (1772)
On 21 October 1772, highwayman Henry Duffill stood trial for robbing travellers on a London road with pistol and politeness. He was tried at the Old Bailey and was sentenced to death for highway robbery. His story captures the fading glamour of England’s “gentlemen of the road.”
This Day in History: 20 October — The Highwayman and the Flintlock (1779)
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.
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.
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.
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