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”
Tag Archives: fiction
This Day in History: 11 December 1765 — Catherine Wilks and the Printed Cotton
On 11 December 1765, Catherine Wilks was tried at the Old Bailey for stealing printed cotton from a London shop. Found guilty of grand larceny, she faced transportation, the common punishment for such thefts. Her case reveals the risks and realities of women navigating 18th-century London’s commercial world.
About The Sage
Discover the remarkable story of The Sage, Dorchester’s most eccentric philosopher. From his biscuit-based enlightenment to his wildly impractical wisdom, The Sage blends British humour, tea, and quiet confusion into a philosophy that proves enlightenment can happen anywhere — even in Dorset.
Accident Jokes
Laugh at life’s little missteps with our collection of hilarious accident jokes! Perfect for fans of slapstick and silliness, these jokes turn everyday mishaps into comic gold. Ideal for sharing with friends, lightening the mood, or just brightening your day with some safe, side-splitting humour.
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