On 28th July 1721, Matthew Clarke was executed for murdering Sarah Goldington during a robbery at Willesden Green. His detailed confession reveals a failed marriage scheme, a robbery planned to raise money, overwhelming remorse, terrifying dreams, and a final plea for others to learn from his tragic and violent downfall.
Tag Archives: Old Bailey
This Day in History – 24th July 1685
On 24th July 1685, barrister Robert Frances faced execution for killing the notorious Thomas Dangerfield. Frances claimed he merely intended to strike the recently whipped prisoner with his bamboo cane after being insulted. Instead, the cane entered Dangerfield’s eye, turning a fleeting burst of anger into a fatal encounter.
This Day in History – 23rd July 1753
A quarrel over gin ended with one fatal knife wound and a journey to Tyburn. William Peers’ execution on 23rd July 1753 tells the tragic story of an ordinary London baker whose violent temper destroyed his wife, his own life, and left behind a cautionary tale recorded by the Ordinary of Newgate.
This Day in History – 22nd July 1895
A late-night walk along Edgware Road turned into a brutal gang robbery when Arthur Robert Mays was attacked by four young offenders and robbed of his watch. Witnesses quickly identified the assailants, leading to convictions that ended with hard labour—and the brutal punishment of the cat-o’-nine-tails.
This Day in History – 21st July 1902
When a speeding hansom cab struck a couple in London’s streets in 1902, witnesses believed the driver was drunk and fleeing the scene. Yet remarkable medical evidence suggested an undiagnosed epileptic seizure instead. The Old Bailey’s verdict created one of Britain’s earliest courtroom debates over illness, driving and criminal responsibility.
This Day in History: 19 May 1743
Gabriel Beaugrand was convicted of manslaughter on 19 May 1743 after a tavern dispute in Newport Street turned deadly. What began as a drunken argument over status at sea ended in a fatal stabbing. Beaugrand was branded rather than executed, while his uncle Lewis Brunet was acquitted.
This Day in History: 7 May 1740
John Sawney was executed on 7 May 1740 for robbing Sarah Cockram of her cloak in Drury Lane. A former sailor turned soldier, his life spiralled into crime and drink. Captured moments after the theft, he was convicted and sentenced to death in a stark example of 18th-century justice
This Day in History: 6 May 1685
On 6 May 1685, twenty-three prisoners were executed at Tyburn following an Old Bailey session. Despite the Ordinary’s efforts, many remained unrepentant, hoping for pardon until the end. The account reveals a sombre mass execution marked by silence, resignation, and the harsh realities of early modern justice.
This Day in History: 5 May 1736
On 5 May 1736, Moses Gladwin was sentenced to death for shoplifting silk handkerchiefs worth 40 shillings. Caught hiding the goods under layered coats, his defiant defence failed, and the Old Bailey jury convicted him under England’s harsh “Bloody Code” laws.
This Day in History: 29 April 1724
On 29 April 1724, Thomas Burden was executed for robbing elderly William Zouch at swordpoint. After tying the old man to a chair and stealing 31 shillings, Burden was quickly captured and sentenced to death, later blaming the Devil and drink for his downfall.
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