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.
Tag Archives: History
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 — 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 – 16 September 1812
16 September 1812 — Old Bailey Manslaughter: Thomas Oakley was tried for manslaughter at the Old Bailey after a death for which the court found him responsible but not guilty of murder.
This Day in History – 13 August 1818
13 August 1818 — Old Bailey: A £1 Bank of England note dated today was passed and found to be forged, leading to a capital trial for uttering. In the same year, Richard Ratford was transported for 14 years for a similar offence.
This Day in History — 9 August 1726
The Day Before the Horse-Thefts (9 August 1726) — On the eve of two geldings disappearing, George Prentice (alias Johnson) moves through Smithfield. The next day, 10 August, the thefts that send him to the Old Bailey will occur.
This Day in History – 30 July 1802
Joseph Wall — The Governor Who Whipped a Man to Death (30 July 1802)
Hanged before a crowd of thousands, former Governor Joseph Wall was brought to justice for ordering the brutal flogging of a soldier. His trial marked a rare moment of colonial accountability in Georgian Britain.
This Day in History – 29 July 1799
Rebecca Clift — A Servant’s Crime and Punishment (29 July 1799)
Found guilty of stealing fine linens from her employer, Rebecca Clift was sentenced to be whipped and transported. Her silence in court remains a haunting footnote in a justice system slow to offer mercy.
This Day in History: March 25th
Here are 10 historical events that took place on March 25th, listed in chronological order: These events span a wide range of historical and cultural significance across different parts of the world. Thank you for reading my writings. If you’d like to, you can buy me a coffee for just £1 and I will thinkContinue reading “This Day in History: March 25th”
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