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: robbery
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: 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.