On 5 February 1808, London’s highest criminal court, the Old Bailey, heard the case of Edward Westbrooke, who stood accused of stealing hundreds of printed cotton handkerchiefs and other textiles — goods of considerable value in the commercial heart of Georgian England. His trial, conviction and ultimate fate reveal much about how property, punishment andContinue reading “This Day in History: 5 February 1808 — Edward Westbrooke and the Stolen Cotton”
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Quote of the Day: The Aftermath of a Meal
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on food, company, and the aftermath of a good meal: “You can tell how good a meal was by how long the washing-up is avoided.” A warm, humorous reminder that enjoyment often leaves evidence — and that some moments are worth delaying practicality for.
Advice of the Day: Evening Decision-Making
The Sage offers practical evening wisdom: choose what to have for tea based on how tired you are, not how hungry. A funny “Advice of the Day” about exhaustion, realism, and dinner decisions.
Advice of the Day: Movie Night Diplomacy
The Sage shares movie night wisdom: let your friend choose the film, then sigh loudly throughout. A funny “Advice of the Day” about friendship, compromise, and quiet judgement.
Quote of the Day: January asks far more than it gives
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage captures the spirit of January: “January is not a month — it’s a test of endurance.” A wry, thoughtful reflection on patience, resilience, and getting through the slowest stretch of the year when motivation is low and daylight feels distant.
Advice of the Day: Welly Selection
The Sage offers waterproof wisdom: always buy the tallest wellies so the water knows when to stop. A funny “Advice of the Day” about confidence, footwear, and misplaced faith in rubber.
This Day in History: 29 January 1695 — Jeane Bates and the Stolen Plate
On 29 January 1695, Jeane Bates, using a false name, stole silver plate and household goods from her employer Peter Courtney. Tried at the Old Bailey, she was identified as a repeat offender, found guilty of felony, falsely claimed pregnancy, and was executed at Tyburn. Her case reveals the harsh punishment for servant theft in seventeenth-century London.
Advice of the Day: Flood Survival
The Sage offers questionable flood advice: lie flat so the water has nowhere to go. A hilarious “Advice of the Day” about floods, confidence, and ignoring common sense.
Quote of the Day: Floods and Humility
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on natural disaster and perspective: “Floods teach humility faster than comfort ever could.” A thoughtful reminder that hardship reveals our limits more clearly than ease, and that respect for nature and one another often emerges only when certainty is washed away.
This Day in History: 27 January 1688 — Mary Aubry and the Dismembered Murder
On 27 January 1688, French midwife Mary Aubry murdered her abusive husband in London and dismembered his body. Tried at the Old Bailey on 22 February, she pleaded guilty and was sentenced to burning at the stake, carried out at Leicester Fields on 2 March 1688. Her case became one of early modern England’s most notorious.
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