genealogy – The Sage Page

This Day in History: 24 October 1787 — The Alehouse Quarrel

On 24 October 1787, John Millan stood trial at the Old Bailey for the manslaughter of James Carter after an alehouse quarrel. Witnesses described a single blow and a fatal fall. The jury found him not guilty, ruling the death an accident — a glimpse of mercy in Georgian London’s rough justice.

This Day in History — 25 September 1789

Mary Stultz — Petticoats and Prison (25 September 1789)
On this day, Mary Stultz stole a flannel petticoat and linen shirt. Convicted at the Old Bailey, she was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for goods worth just two shillings

This Day in History — 23 September 1861

James Tate — The Theft of Supper (23 September 1861)
At 18, James Tate was convicted of stealing lamb, mutton, rabbit, cheese, pie, pudding, bread, and dishes. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at the Old Bailey to six months’ imprisonment.

This Day in History – 5 August 1879

James Dilley & Mary Rainbow — The Tragedy of an Infant, Hidden in Paper (5 August 1879)
Charged with the murder of their unnamed newborn, Rainbow and Dilley were swiftly convicted. The child’s body was found wrapped in paper—the crime and secrecy both haunting in Victorian London.