This Day in History – 27 February 1843

In 1843, William Cannell shot barmaid Elizabeth Sarah Magness at the Auction Mart Hotel in Bartholomew Lane. Surviving both the attack and his own suicide attempt, Cannell was transported to Tasmania for fifteen years, where he later married and received a conditional pardon

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 — 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 – 13 August 1818

13 August 1818 — Old Bailey: A £1 Bank of England note dated today was passed and found to be forged, leading to a capital trial for uttering. In the same year, Richard Ratford was transported for 14 years for a similar offence.

This Day in History – 12 August 1839

12 August 1839 — Old Bailey: Clerk Henry Jarman admitted guilt to embezzling 7s 3d, held for an employer, and was likely sentenced to transportation, ending his career—and life in England

📜 This Day in History – 4 August 1783

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.

📜 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 – 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.