Old Bailey Proceedings:
Old Bailey Proceedings: Accounts of Criminal Trials

11th October 1721

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Currently Held: Harvard University Library

LL ref: t17211011-45




William Field proceedingsdefend , of St. Margaret in Westminster , was indicted for feloniously stealing a Stuff Gown and Petticoat, a Silk Gown and Petticoat, a pair of Stays, a Muslin Hood, a Riding-Hood, and other Goods to the value of 9 l. the Good of Elizabeth Davis proceedingsvictim , in the Dwelling House of John Autherley < no role > , on the 30th of January last. The Prosecutor deposed, that she was robb'd the Day aforesaid of Goods to the value of 9 l. in the House of John Autherley: that she was in her Room at 9 a Clock that Morning, went out and came in again before Eleven, when she found her Door open and her Goods gone. That she found her Goods in Mackain's Shop in Field-Lane; who said she had them of Elizabeth Harris < no role > . Katherine Mackain < no role > deposed, that she bought the Goods of Elizabeth Harris (who went about the Streets with Earthen Ware) on the 30th of January last, and gave her 51 s. for them. Elizabeth Harris deposed, that the Prisoner, Elizabeth Field < no role > , Ann Merrick < no role > and her self committed the Fact, that she met the Prisoner, and went in to drink with him; who told her that he knew of a pretty Ken, which he could touch, for if she would go up with her Punch-Bowl, none would suspect her: that he slipt up first, she followed with the Punch-Bowl in her hand to cover him, and Merrick stood at the Door to watch: That the Prisoner open'd the Door with a Picklock-Key, took the Goods, put some of them in a small Bag, and ty'd the rest up in a large Blue Apron of hers; that the Prisoner went down first, and she carried the Bundle down on her Head, and gave them to Merrick: That she (this Evidence) carried them directly to Mackain's and sold them for 51 s. whilst the Prisoner and Merrick waited at the Salutation Tavern for her Return. And that they left the Prisoner's Wife behind at Westminster, where they had been drinking. Mr. Grantland deposed, that he having a Search Warrant for Elizabeth Harris, found her in Charterhouse-Lane, with some other Goods upon her, carried her before a Justice, where she made her self an Evidence, and charged the Prisoner with this Fact. The Prisoner denied the Fact, and said that Harris swore against him out of Malice, as well as to save her own Life, because he had been an Evidence against, and hang'd her Husband about a Year ago; and that he was at Shadwell at the time the Fact was committed; and called the following Evidence to prove his Defence. Andrew Field < no role > deposed, that the Prisoner (his Brother) was at their House in SunTavern-Fields, and his own in Chambers-Street, all that Day, too and fro; that the Prisoner came to him in the Morning about 8 a Clock, and he (this Evidence) delighting in Ringing, and hearing the Bells Chime, askt him if it were any Holyday; and the Prisoner reply'd no; it was a Fast-Day for the Martyrdom of K. Charles I. And that Harris threatned him. William Field < no role > (the Father) deposed that the Prisoner came to their House at 8 a Clock that Morning, and staid till 2 in the Afternoon, then went with his Brother to his own House: that he (this Evidence) is a Shoe-maker, and his Sons works with him: That Harris threatned to Mob him, and his Windows were broke. That the Prisoner left his Wife, who is an ill Woman, and would not leave her old Courses, and he (this Evidence) took him home to prevent the Gang following him. Jonathan Wild < no role > This name instance is in set 3033. deposed, that he heard Harris say (when her Husband was condemn'd) that she would stick or poison the Prisoner if she could get into his Company. Other Evidences deposed, that the Father was a very honest Man; and that the Prisoner had liv'd a regular Life ever since he left that end of the Town, The Jury considering the whole matter, and that there was no other Evidence that affected the Prisoner but Harris's. Acquitted him.

He was a second time indicted for breaking and Entring the Dwelling House of James Day proceedingsvictim , and taking thence a Gold Chain and Locket, 2 Silver Spoons and 44 s. in Money , the Goods and Money of the said James Day.

He was a third time indicted for feloniously stealing a Silver Tankard and three Gold Rings, in the Dwelling House of Jeremiah Finch proceedingsvictim .

He was a fourth time indicted for feloniously stealing a Ridinghood, a Silk Hood, 2 Holland Shirt, 2 Holland Shifts, 1 pair of Pinners, a Carbine-Belt, a Housing, &c. the Goods of Williams Russ proceedingsvictim , in the Dwelling House of George Ham < no role > : But there being no other Evidence against him than that of Elizabeth Harris < no role > , the Jury Acquitted him of these 3 Indictments also.




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