On 6 October 1793, eleven hens and two cocks vanished from a London yard. William Peters, aged sixty, was later tried at the Old Bailey and sentenced to twelve months in the House of Correction and fined one shilling. This vivid retelling captures London’s petty thefts and everyday justice.
Tag Archives: today in history
This Day in History — 2 October 1822
Henry Rumbold — The Stolen Kettle (2 October 1822)
On this day, Henry Rumbold stole a copper tea kettle and pewter pot. Convicted at the Old Bailey, he was sentenced to seven years’ transportation.
This Day in History — 29 September 1800
George Clayton — The Copper Paintings (29 September 1800)
Convicted at the Old Bailey for stealing two paintings in gilt frames, George Clayton was sentenced to the House of Correction — but his punishment was respited, leaving his ultimate fate in bureaucratic limbo.
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 – 18 September 1805
Tried at the Old Bailey for feloniously assaulting a man on the King’s highway, William Player was found guilty. The case reflected Georgian London’s anxieties about lawlessness on the roads.
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 — 27 August 1729
27 August 1729 — Old Bailey: Benjamin Rand was convicted of a lesser offence in a housebreaking case and sentenced to transportation, illustrating how Georgian juries softened capital charges.
This Day in History – 21 August 1848
21 August 1848 — Old Bailey Session: Thomas Lancaster faced trial for coining counterfeit coins. In the same session, Albert Brown was judged for poisoning, and John Boosey for pocket-picking.
This Day in History – 19 August 1844
On 19 August 1844, John Morphew was convicted at the Old Bailey for stealing a rasp and horseshoes from his farmer-employer—a crime against trust as much as property.
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