On 6 February 1806, Thomas Crumpton stood trial at the Old Bailey for stealing copper and metal goods worth just over a pound. Found guilty, he was sentenced to twelve months in the House of Correction and fined one shilling, highlighting how minor thefts were punished in Georgian London.
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This Day in History: 5 February 1808 — Edward Westbrooke and the Stolen Cotton
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”
Quote of the Day: Holiday Eve
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on the quiet relief of finishing work for the holidays: “The best part of finishing for the holidays is discovering your shoulders were carrying the year.” A thoughtful reminder of how much we hold without noticing — and how important it is to finally let it go.
This Day in History: 11 December 1765 — Catherine Wilks and the Printed Cotton
On 11 December 1765, Catherine Wilks was tried at the Old Bailey for stealing printed cotton from a London shop. Found guilty of grand larceny, she faced transportation, the common punishment for such thefts. Her case reveals the risks and realities of women navigating 18th-century London’s commercial world.
This Day in History: 9 December 1789 — The Case of the Missing Goods
On 9 December 1789, Thomas Davis was tried at the Old Bailey for simple larceny. The evidence failed to convince the jury, and he was found Not Guilty. This retelling highlights how even in Georgian London’s strict justice system, doubt could still outweigh suspicion.
Quote of the Day: Dining Out
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage highlights the true value of eating out: “The bill is forgotten by morning. The company is remembered for years.” A warm and humorous reminder that meals shared with friends are worth far more than their cost, and that good company outlasts every receipt.
Quote of the Day: Budgeting
In today’s Quote of the Day, The Sage offers a gentle take on money and self-control: “Budgeting is simply telling your future self where today’s nonsense stopped.” A humorous and thoughtful reflection on spending, restraint, and why financial wisdom is really just kindness toward the person you’ll be tomorrow.
This Day in History: 13 November 1784 — The Copper Heist in the Night
On the night of 13 November 1784, James Thomas broke into John Parleyman’s London home and stole eighty pounds of copper in a hempen sack. Tried at the Old Bailey in December, he was convicted and transported for seven years. This retelling shows how one night’s burglary became a journey to Australia.
This Day in History: 4 October 1815 — The Hunt Brothers and the Wine Cellar Plot
On 4 October 1815, servants Richard and William Hunt stole silver spoons and wine from their master’s pantry. Tried at the Old Bailey, they were transported for seven years. This lively retelling reveals the perils of temptation and the growing use of transportation in Regency-era British justice.
This Day in History: 24 October 1787 — The Alehouse Quarrel
On 24 October 1787, John Millan stood trial at the Old Bailey for the manslaughter of James Carter after an alehouse quarrel. Witnesses described a single blow and a fatal fall. The jury found him not guilty, ruling the death an accident — a glimpse of mercy in Georgian London’s rough justice.
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