James Mackey — The Sly Waistcoats That Cost a Life (4 August 1783)
Accused of stealing two waistcoats worth just eight shillings, servant James Mackey was found guilty and sentenced to seven years’ transportation. A small theft—life changing consequences.
Tag Archives: Old Bailey
📜 This Day in History – 31 July 1784
John Romaine — The Overcoat Theft That Ended in Exile (31 July 1784)
When John Romaine stole a cloth great-coat from a Westminster house, he was caught within minutes, confessed immediately, and was sentenced to seven years transportation. A quiet crime with life-changing consequences.
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 – 23 July 1783
Ot en Batley – The Great Linen Heist (23 July 1783)
A servant’s bold theft of luxury damask linens led to public whipping and discharge—a rare mercy amid harsh Georgian justice.
This Day in History – 22 July 1850
The Bread Coiner – This Day in History (22 July 1850)
On this day in 1850, Frances Henesey was tried at the Old Bailey for passing a fake shilling at a bakery, grabbing a loaf of bread, and fleeing into the London streets.
This Day in History – 21 July 1751
Horse-Turnpike Highway Robbery – This Day in History (21 July 1751)
On this day in 1751, William Elkins stood trial at the Old Bailey for highway robbery after allegedly holding up travellers at a turnpike while on horseback.
The Sage Page 