Pinder of Wakefield (Grays Inn Road)

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Locality
Coordinate 51.529015, -0.119587
Adm. div. Middlesex, now Greater London
Vicinity 328 Grays Inn Road
Type Public house
Interest Robin Hood name
Status Defunct
First Record 1692
A.k.a. The Pindar of Wakefield; The Water Rats
Loading map...
The former Pinder of Wakefield.
The former Pinder of Wakefield / Google Earth Street View.

By Henrik Thiil Nielsen, 2018-01-15. Revised by Henrik Thiil Nielsen, 2021-01-07.

The Pinder of Wakefield, a pub on Grays Inn Road, was in existence at least as early as 1692 (see Records below). It was almost certainly in existence by 1643 and may have been established as far back as 1517, which would make it one of the oldest known public houses with Robin Hood-related names. It is now named 'The Water Rats'.

The present building, dating from 1878, was also home to an 'Old Time Music Hall' until the 1980s. The pub was frequented by Marx and Lenin during their London days. In 1986 it was acquired by the Grand Order of Water Rats[1] and its name was changed to The Water Rats.[2]

According to the well-respected London Encyclopedia, the pub was '[o]riginally built in 1517 when the landlord was George Green, one-time Pindar or pound-keeper of Wakefield, who was supposed to have had connections with Robin Hood'.[2] As the Encyclopedia is already as heavy as a dumb-bell, it is quite understandable that it does not encumber each entry with source references, but it is unfortunate in this case, for while it is quite possible it may have occurred to a publican to peddle the story that he had fought and beaten the most famous of outlaws, such an early date cannot be accepted without a reference to a reliable (near-)contemporary source. Publicans have been known to spin a yarn, and it might equally well have occurred to a slightly or much more recent incumbent – or perhaps one of his customers? – to add a little lustre to the establishment by spreading such a tale. Given the propensity of pubs with Robin Hood-related names to spawn similar place-names in their vicinity, it is likely that the Pinder of Wakefield's Fort (Clerkenwell), situated c. 750 m SE of the public house, was named after it. Since the fort was established early in the Civil War years, by 1643, the pub would have been in existence at that time. However, the earliest certain reference remains a 1692 case report in the Proceedings of the Old Bailey (see Records below). The pub is included in several maps of London dating from 1700-25 (see below). That from 1700 has a partially tree-lined garden opposite the public house.

G.W. Thornbury notes in Old and New London (1878, and perhaps also in edition of 1873) that 'The "Pinder of Wakefield" was an old public-house in the Gray's Inn Road, near Chad's Well, formerly much frequented by the wagoners of the great north road.'[3] Information on publicans gleaned from trade directories etc. from the period 1732–1944 can be found at the Pub Wiki (see Sources below).

Note with regard to Grays Inn Road, where the pub was situated, that nomenclature has shifted over time. Lockie in his Topography (editions of 1810 and 1813) refers to the entire course of Grays Inn Road as "Gray's-Inn-Lane"[4] – he has no entry under, or cross-reference from, "Grays Inn Road"; Edward Stanford's 1862-71 Library Map of London and its Suburbs labels the narrower part of the street along Grays Inn "Grays Inn Lane" but uses "Grays Inn Road" for the street north of Grays Inn where it becomes wider.[5] Nowadays the entire length is named "Grays Inn Road".

Records

1692 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[12 Oct. 1692:]
James Lenon was Indicted for a Robbery in the High-way, Committed upon one Joshua Droaning in the Parish of Pancras near the Pinder of Wakefield, at a place call'd the Court of Guard, on the 17th of September last; There were two of them set upon him, the Prisoner and another who is fled, and took his Hat, his Peruke, his Sword, and his Breeches, and then lead him aside into the Field, and left him bound: The Prisoner denied the Fact, and called several good Evidence who proved he was in his Mother's Chamber from Six a Clock till Ten that Night the Robbery was done: So he was Acquitted.[6]

1696 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[27 Feb. 1696:]
John Sharp, of the Parish of Saint Pancrass, Gent. was indicted for the Murther of Richard Champion on the 21st of January last, by giving him one mortal wound with a Rapier, value 2 s. 6 d. on the right Shoulder nigh the Collar-bone, of the breadth of one Inch, and of the depth of two Inches, of which he instantly died. The Evidence declared, That as he was going to work at the Pinder of Wakefield about Eight in the Morning, he did see two men with Swords drawn in the Fields take up their Hats and walk together, and that the Deceased had disarmed the Prisoner, and had both the Swords in his hand, and afterwards he gave the Prisoner his Sword again, and said, Damn him, he would kill him if be would not fight him; and that the Prisoner replied, that he had enough, and would yield him to be the better man; then the Deceased stept back, and to fighting they went, and the Prisoner gave him the aforesaid Wound, and did go backwards above twenty Yards, till he saw the Deceased drop, and then he endeavoured to run away; but being met by one of the Witnesses, he threw down his Sword, and said, that he would surrender himself and go before the next Justice of Peace. The Prisoner did alledge, That when he came out of the George Tavern in Little-Lincolns-Inn-Fields, that the Prisoner followed him into Lambs-Conduit Fields. The Jury found him guilty of Man-slaughter.[7]

1709 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[7 Dec. 1709:]
Henry Rout, Thomas Evans and S—, of the Parish of Pancrass, were all 3 Indicted for assaulting Isaac Cook upon the Queens Highway, and taking from him a Silver Watch value 7 l. a steel Snuff Box 10 s. a Raisor 2 s. 2 silver Medals 5 s. and 15 s. in Mony, the Goods and Mony of the said Cook, on the 14th of October last. The Prosecutor depos'd, that Riding to Kentish Town, between Grays-Inn-Lane and Pindar of Wakefield, was met by 3 Men, 2 of them, (viz.) Rout and Evans assaulted him with drawn Swords, and took from him the Goods mention'd in the Indictment: These 2 the Prosecutor swore positively to, having had a perfect view of them. It further appear'd that they were afterwards seen with part of the Goods, some of which were taken upon them, and produc'd in Court. The Evidence being positive against the said Rout and Evans, and they saying nothing for themselves, the jury found them guilty of the Indictment . But nothing more being prov'd against S—, than that he was seen soon after the Robbery, in the Company of the other 2, the Jury acquitted him.[8]

1722 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[12 Jan. 1722:]
James Shaw, alias Smith, alias Thomson, and Richard Norton, alias Watkins, of St. Pancras, were indicted for assaulting Charles Hungate on the Highway, and taking from him a black Gelding. value 10 l. a Bridle and Saddle. 5 s. the Goods of Robert Adams, and 8 s. in Money, the Money of Charles Hungate, on the 27th of December last. It appear'd that Mr. Hungate was rob'd by two Men, between Highgate and Kentish Town, of a Horse, which was Mr. Adams's, and 8 s. in Money: That the Horse was found in a Pound, and the Bridle and Saddle at Norton's Father's House, and that Norton own'd he turn'd the Horse loose in Tothill Fields. That Norton brought the Horse to the Cross Keys Inn in St. Martins Lane, on the Thursday after the Robbery, and carried it on Saturday to the Boar's Head, Kingstreet, Westminster; whence he and Shaw fetch'd it the Monday following, and rode out together. That when Shaw was taken, there was found upon him a Pistol charg'd a Masque, a Flint, and some loose Powder. Norton in his Defence said, he knew nothing of the Robbery, but was hir'd by Shaw to carry the Horse to the Inns. Shaw confest the Fact, and said Norton was innocent. The Jury acquitted Norton, but found Shaw guilty. Death.

Shaw was a 2d time indicted for assaulting Philip Potts on the Highway, putting him in fear, and taking from him a Silver hilted Sword, value 3 l. a Silver Watch, 5 l. on the 24th of June last. He was a 3d time indicted for the Murder of Philip Potts, by giving him one mortal Bruise on the Forehead, near the Left Eye, with a wooden Staff, on the 24th of June last, of which mortal Bruise be languish'd till the 26th of the same Month, and then died. He was a 4th time indicted on the Coroner's Inquest for the said Murder. Isaac Drew depos'd that he, the prisoner, and James Reading, committed that Robbery near the Tile Kilns at Pancras; that the prisoner knock'd the Deceased off his Horse with a Staff; that they soon got him under 'em and rob'd him. Reading took his Sword, and struck at him with it several times, as Shaw likewise did with the Staff; that he saw him bleed at the Head, and went away. Peter Green and John Pritchard depos'd, that hearing a Gentleman was rob'd, they went out and met the Deceased, who told them he was rob'd about a quarter of a Mile off by 3 Men, and that the least of the three knock'd him off his Horse. That they led him along to Battle Bridge, where he said, Lord have mercy upon my Soul, I can go no further, and then fell down. Pritchard then carry'd him on his Back to the Pindar of Wakefield, where he dy'd the Monday following. Mr. Moore the Surgeon depos'd, that being sent for to the Decea'd, he found he had a large Contusion (from a blow) on the Left side of his Forehead, which he believ'd was the cause of his Death. The prisoner at his Trial, confest he had been concern'd in a great many Robberies, not only with Drew and Reading, but others; yet said, he was innocent of what he was now charg'd with, and that he never committed violence on any that he rob'd: That Drew had been prov'd perjur'd in Court before, and that now he swore his Life away, for the sake of 140 l. Reward. The Jury found him guilty of all the Indictments. Death.[9]

1722 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (3)

[8 Feb. 1722:]
1. JAMES SHAW, otherways Smith, &c. was found Guilty of Assaulting Charles Hungate, on the 27 of December last, between Highgate and Kentish-Town, and taking from him an Horse value ten Pounds, and eight Shillings in Silver. He was also Convicted of Robbing Philip Potts, on the 24 of June last, of a silver Watch, value five Pounds, and a silver Hilted Sword, value three Pounds, near the Tile-Kilns at Pancrass; and likewise found guilty of the Murthering of the said Philip Potts, by knocking him off his Horse, and then striking him with a large Staff over the Head and Body, while one of his Companions struck at him several times with his own Sword; insomuch, that being carryed to the Pindar of Wakefield, as able to go no farther, he there languished from the Saturday till Monday, and then died.

The Malefactor, was about 28 Years old, and born of Parents who he said, would have given him a competant Share of Learning, had not his Temper been too Unfix'd and Unsettled; which Roving Humour appear'd in his being unable to continue in any 'Prentiship, being tryed at a Forgers of Gun-Locks, and other Trades. Yet he would not own that his Inclination was naturally Vicious, but endeavour'd to cast the whole of his Vices and Calamities upon his Wife, asserting, that one while he acquired by his Industry 9 Shillings per Week when first married, but returning weary from his Work, he constantly found his Wife from home, and all things in a melancholly Confusion, which made him (as he said) resolve no longer to labour to so little purpose. And so deep was his inveterate Hatred engrafted in him against his Wife, that no Threats of Hell Fire, no Assurances of being Forgiven, if he heartily forgave Others, could ever abate this settled Eternity; nor could the Sight or Speech of her be supportable; saying also, that the Child which she had, was nothing related to him.

He said, that he perform'd all that was in his power to obtain God's Pardon for the vast Number of Robberies he had committed: That these Assaults were chiefly made between Hamstead and London, upon those who went to, or return'd from the Wells or Bellsize; and that the Soldiers were but little Hindrance to them: He owned that he had sometimes taken 60 or 80 Pounds at a time; adding, that he had often robb'd both on Horseback on Hamstead-Heath, Finchly-Common, &c. and often on Foot, but that the most Cruel and Savage, was the way of Robbing on Foot, Murther being commonly committed, they having no other method on Foot of escaping from a Horseman, but by striking him down from his Horse, and then either Binding or else Disabling his Body. But he was firmly of Opinion, that, as it is more sinful to rob a poor Man or the Church of God, so it was less sinful to rob those who would have spent the Money taken in Gaiety and Luxury, or those who perhaps had unjustly acquired it by Gaming.

He at first denyed very peremptorily, that he had any hand in the Murther of Philip Potts; asserting, that in all his Robberies he never us'd Violence to any Man, except one who lives at Islington, and whom they rob'd by the Men who hang in Chains at Holloway, and that he only gave him a slap on the Head after he had bawl'd out Rogues! Highwaymen! Murther! for a very long time without any one touching him. But afterwards he began to acknowledge that he was acquainted with all the particulars of the Murther, which Circumstances could by no Method have been so precisely known, but by an actual Survey and Cognisance of the Performance.

He said, that he did not know of anything that had ever touch'd his Heart with Concern or Grief, but the Death of one Barton, who was executed a short time ago, for that he himself ought then to have died, that he robb'd the Lord Viscount Lisbon, as he was going from Hamstead, adding, that he found true, what he could not then keep out of his Mind, to wit, that he should quickly follow to an untimely end.

As Jonas Burgess had declar'd, after he had cut his own Throat, that one of the Pistols which were taken from under his Coat, was design'd for this Prisoner, to dispatch himself withal, he was examin'd about it, but would acknowledge nothing, nor own the barbarous Intent he had of killing those who should oppose the Escape of these 4 Malefactors. He said that Burgess had of late declar'd that his Enemies should never see him go to be hang'd, but if he could not escape, he would die; but the Prisoner said (if true I know not) that he advis'd him to beware of Self-Murther; That as he heard the sad Groans he remember'd how he beg'd him not to say that his Enemies had hindered his getting Pardon; for even, if they had destroy'd his Body, it would be no recompence for himself therefore to destroy his Soul.[10]

1723 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[16 Oct. 1723:]
Ann Mortimer, of the Parish of Pancrass, was indicted for privately stealing five Guineas, from the Person of Richard Richardson, the first of this present October. The Prosecutor depos'd, That he being very much in drink, he went into the Pindar of Wakefield, in Grays-Inn-Lane, and the Prisoner came in, and there he lost his Money. The Landlady's Daughter depos'd, the Prosecutor came in with the Prisoner, and they had three Quarters of Brandy, and were there about an Hour; that he threw his Money about, and afterwards he said he had lost six or seven Guineas; and she found a Guinea in her Hand. The Landlady depos'd, That her Daughter came and told her, The Gentleman was in Liquor, whereupon she went in, and he charg'd the Prisoner with having taken his Money; that she search'd her, and could find none; but her Daughter coming in, said, Mother, look in her Hand; and she said her self did, and found a Guinea in her Hand, which she said the Prosecutor had given her in stead of a Shilling, to buy some Pork. After a full hearing of the Matter the Jury acquitted her.[11]

1727 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[5 Jul. 1727:]
Samuel Denison, of St. Pancras, was indicted for assaulting Hamiton Howit March, on the Highway, taking from him 2 s. in Money, and four Knives, on the 4th of April last; it appeared that the Prosecutor had heard a Report that there was some Highwaymen and evil disposed Persons at a Publick House near the Pindar of Wakefield; and to secure them he raised the Country, and proceeding so far in his Suspicions as to bring himself into a Broil, and not to make his Assertions evident, the Consequence was a Quarrel, and some Blows, in which he said he lost the Goods mentioned in the Indictment; but the Fact not appearing plain, the Prisoner was acquitted.[12]

1731 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (1)

[13 Oct. 1731:]
Thomas Rayner and Robert Smith, of St. Andrew's Holborn were indicted for feloniously stealing 4 Brass Dog-Collars, a Bell, some Metal Buckles and Buttons, the Goods of John Moreton, the 1st of this Instant October.

The Prosecutor depos'd, That he keeping a Stall, and selling Cutlery Ware in Holbourn, found his Stall broken open in the Morning, and miss'd his Goods, but knew not who had stolen them, till he saw them, and the Prisoners in the Round-House.

Hugh Farnsworth depos'd, That he seeing the Prisoners (who were two young Boys) about 8 o'Clock in the Morning coming from the Brick-Kiln-Yard, and Robert Smith ringing a Bell, he asked him, If he would sell it? To which he reply'd Yes, Master, and I have other Things to sell, shewing him a Box with some Buttons, &c. in it, that examining how they came by them, they pretended they had bought them for 6 d. at the Pindar of Wakefield, but he suspecting them, went to enquire, and not meeting with any Confirmation, he went into Holbourn, and put them into the Custody of an Officer, Smith at last owned he had broken open the Prosecutor's Stall, but said that Thomas Rayner was not with him at stealing the Goods. The Fact being clearly proved against Robert Smith, the Jury found him Guilty to the Value of 10 d. but there not being sufficient Evidence against Thomas Rayner, he was acquitted.[13]

1731 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[13 Oct. 1731:]
I went out from Mr. Morris's, I met his Father, and from thence I went to Mrs. Pritchard's, who keeps the House called the Brill (near the Pinder of Wakefield) and there I din'd and staid till after Four, and from thence took a Walk thro' the Park, and so to Mr. Morris's again.[14]

1732 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[5 Jul. 1732:]
Buck. He was senseless with the Blows and Wounds: This is the Hat, and Plumridge took his Wig to the best of my Remembrance, tho' the Prisoner since told me, that he took it himself. We stript his Coat off, and the Prisoner bid me put it on and wear it, which I did; but first they knock'd him down, and would have murder'd him if I had not begg'd his Life. How can ye serve a Man so villainously? says I, sure you will not be such vile Men as to kill him! For God's Sake spare his Life. And so as they were going I listed him up, and bid him run for his Life; upon which Plumridge and the Prisoner turn'd back to kill me, but I made 'em easy. This is the Coat, and here are the 2 Cuts in the Back. Then we came on foot to Newgate-street, and there we took Coach between 12 and 1 in the Morning, and drove to Mr. Pember's, at the Pindar of Wake-field, where we all three went to bed together. Pember married one of my Sisters. Next Day we went to the Two Brewers by the Church in Old Bedlam, where we spent most of the Money, and at Night I and Plumridge went to Cow-Cross, where we pawn'd the Coat for 7 s. and from thence to Ralph Dobson's in the Old Bailey, where we met the Prisoner, and spent the Night together. I voluntarily surrender'd myself to Justice Robe the same Week (but I forget the Day) and gave Information against the Prisoner, who was taken immediately; then I went, and 3 Men with me, to see for Plumridge in Old Bedlam, but he was gone before we came; and after that I went by myself to New Prison [...]
Buck. One of my Sisters kept a Brandy shop, and t'other kept an Alehouse at the Pindar of Wakefield, but they have both met with Losses, and so have left off Trade.
Ralph Dobson. I live in the Old Baily, I am a Cooper by Trade, and sell Liquors and Earthen-ware, Buck, and Plumridge, and the Prisoner were drinking together at my House last Monday was a Fortnight, between 11 and 12 at Night; they had a Bottle of Dorcheste Beer, and a Bottle of Perry.
William Pomber. I lately kept the B[???] Tree Alehouse at the Pindar of Wakefield, but have since left it. On Monday the 19th of April, about one in the Morning, Buck, and Plumridge, and the Prisoner came in a Coach to my Door, and knock'd me up; I told 'em I had no Fire, nor Candle in the House; they said they were very dry; says I to Buck, You know the way into the Cellar, fetch up some bottle Ale; so he went down, and brought up 3 Bottles. I groped about for a Mug, but not finding it readily, they drank out of the Bottle; then they all 3 went to the Pump to wash themselves; I went up to Bed, and they follow'd me; my Wife was not with me, and so we lay all together, for it was a very large Bed. I got up at 5, and opening the Window-shutter, saw their Cloaths which lay on the Bed, and their Linen were very bloody: Plumridge call'd for some Water, and a Towel, which I fetch'd, and he began to wash one of the Coats, which was more bloody than the rest; says I you'll spoil your Coat, you had better do it with a dry Brush; he desir'd me to help him to one, which I did, and then he began to rub the Blood off his own Coat, for he said the other was Buck's, and when he had done, the Prisoner took the Brush, and clean'd his Coat [...][15]

1734 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[2 Oct. 1734:]
He, with some other of his Companions, broke open a Sale Shop in St. John's-street about Christmas was 12 Months last, from whence they took about 30 Suits of Cloaths, old and new, besides other Things; but in going by St. John's Pound, were stop'd by two Watchmen, but they being arm'd with Pistols, oblig'd the Watchmen to light them into the Fields as far as the London Spaw, when they sent the Watchmen back, and made the best of their Way to the Pinder of Wakefield, where they made a Survey of their Booty; and from thence sent for a Woman who used to pawn their stolen Goods for them, who came accordingly, and carry'd them away to some of her Accomplices, and converted them into Money presently, so that they shared about 12 l. each amongst them for that Night's Work.[16]

1742 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[7 Apr. 1742:]
[...] Tom Easter and I committed another Robbery near Sir George Whitmore's at Hoxton, on a Gentleman, from whom we took a silver Watch, which I pawn'd for 2 Guineas and eight Shillings in Money.

The next Robbery I committed, was with Easter's Assistance, on a Gentleman near the Pindar of Wakefield, whom we robbed of 15 Guineas and 30 s. in Silver.[17]

1747 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[17 Jun. 1747:]
The Manner of Committing the Robbery was, that he [William Simms] and William Bullimore, Thomas Casey, and John England, on the 20th of December met together in the Mint, and agreed that Night to break open the House of Mr. Nathan Smith, in the Borough; and between Twelve and One, being provided with a Jacob, i.e. a Ladder of Ropes, artfully contrived and fixed to a long Pole, which opened by a Spring, that by it they could ascend so high as Two Pair of Stairs, Bullimore mounted first, and entred the Chamber where Mrs. Smith lay (Mr. Smith being then out of Town) whom he ordered to get up or he would Murder her; which she did, and put on her Things; he then demanded her Money, and made her unlock her Drawers, which he examined; carried her into another Room; where he obliged her to unlock a Press, which contained some Goods, from behind which he pulled out two Bags of Money, which contained upwards of Four Hundred Pounds, and a Twenty Pound Bank Note: He asked her if that was all the Money in the House, she told him Yes; and he swore Bitterly, if she told him a Lie, and he found any more, he would absolutely Murder her; he all this while, had a large drawn Cutlass in his Hand, after he had taken the Money, he demanded all her Keys, then obliged her to go down Stairs, at the Foot of which was a Door, which he opened, made her immediately go in and bolted it after her; then came up Stairs, and let in his Companions, when we immediately began to rifle the Shop, and cramed [sic] such Goods as we could find into Bags, and carried them to a House in the Mint, where we lodged our first Parcel, and came back a second and third Time for more; we found likewise in the House some Plate, a Pair of Salts, some Silver Spoons and a Pepper Box, the Cash we equally divided at the House in the Mint, but the Goods we carried to a House near the Pinder of Wakefield by Pancras, where they remained some Days; and then my Companions proposed going to Ireland to sell them, promising to remit me my Share, which I consented to, and from that Day have never seen or heard of them.[18]

1791 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[12 Jan. 1791:]
JONATHAN BRANE sworn.

I was a workman to Mr. Leader: I was coming out of the shop, and I overtook the prisoner with a piece of timber on his shoulder, about two or three hundred yards on the road: I followed him to the Pindar of Wakefield's, and down a little passage where he went in, and took it up stairs: that was his lodging: it seemed like a piece of timber about four foot long, more or less, and four or five inches thick: he had nothing else but his lanthorn: it was near six in the evening, and dark: it was the 17th of December, on a Friday.

Mr. Garrow, Prisoner's Counsel. I understood you, it was a piece of timber, or something like it? - It was a piece of timber represented: I cannot swear it was: I think it was.

JAMES WINTER sworn.

I am a baker and constable of St. Andrews, Holborn. I went with a warrant, and told him my business, and asked him what he had done with that piece of timber that he lately brought home out of Mr. Leader's premises? he said, oh, here it is, in a very careless unconcerned manner: says I, fetch it out, and he brought it out of his room, at the first door in a narrow passage behind the Pindar of Wakefield's: he acknowledged it to be Mr. Leader's property: I neither threatened nor promised him: it was on the 17th of December, about half past eight the same evening: the man was very sober, and in bed: he is a watchman whom Mr. Leader kept to protect his premises: Mr. Lucas was with me: I could not be certain whether it was the first or second door.[19]

1812 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[8 Apr. 1812:]
JOHN HUTT. I am an officer, on the 20th of February I went with the last witness to Berner's mews by the Foundling-hospital, we traced the pigs to Woburn-mews, Little Guildford-street, after making two hours enquiry I went to the stable window and forced a pane, we undid the door and got in, the two pigs laid under the manger, I suppose the weight was thirty stone a-piece, they were very much fatigued, I could not get them to stir at all; I fastened the door up again and took my station at the top of the mews to see who came to the stable, presently Stone and Connolly came to the stable, Connolly with a sack under his arm, I let them go towards the stable door, Stone put the key into the door, as soon as I saw the key put in the door I came up and seized them both, Stone asked me what was the matter? I said you keep this stable for other purposes besides horses, you keep pigs in it, he said the two pigs were brought there by a man, he gave him leave to put them in the stable; I observed that they were stolen pigs, and that there were three more wanting, he said that he knew nothing about them; I saw his waistcoat was bloody, I asked Stone where he lived? he said he should have no objection telling me if I would not touch any thing at his house, I told him I knew partly what it was by what I had found in the stable, molasses and sugar, and draining of a distillery, a great quantity was in the stable, a great quantity we took to the Excise office with a still that we found at his house; I got my brother officer to mind the pigs, I found out where Stone lived, it was then about eight o'clock in the evening, I sent my brother officer to Stone's house to enquire if he was at home, I desired him to put his foot in the door to keep the door open until I came up, the door was opened by Mrs. Stone, I knew Stone, his real name is Peppitt, I told her I come about some pigs, we found a still and about five hundred gallons of wash fermentation, we did not find any pigs there, we stopped these all night, a little before six in the morning a person throwed some dirt at the window and smacked a whip at the door, presently a man knocked at the door, I opened the door directly, and Limbrick rushed out and seized Hughes, this was Friday morning, we told him what we apprehended him for, he said he drove the pigs for a German butcher from the ry, he had left him down by Bagnigge-wells, I told him that we had two of the big ones, and that they were stolen pigs; I asked him where he lived, he would not tell; I told him I understood he used the Bell down at Battle-bridge, I should take him down there and make some enquiry, we were going along, and by the Pindar of Wakefield he took me of one side and said he did not want to be exposed, he said he would tell me where he lived, and that the pigs were dead at his house, I went to his house in Smith's-place, Battle bridge, there I found the three pigs hanging up dead there, they would weigh about eleven or twelve stone a piece, they were quite warm all the offal laid upon a table in a large pan, the copper was hot, and hair all lying about, they could not have been killed above four or five hours; I shewed the pigs to Keefe.

Keefe. The pigs Hutt shewed me are my master's property.[20]

1822 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (5)

[11 Sep. 1822:]
1431. JOHN MARSHALL and HENRY CORKER were indicted for stealing, on the 28th of July, 6 lbs. of veal, value 2s.6d, the goods of William Rennett.

MARY ANN RENNETT. I am the wife of William Rennett, who keeps an eating-house in Joseph-street, Brunswick-square. On Sunday the 28th of July, my area was broken open, and this meat which hung in it stolen. I found it at the office on Monday.

SAMUEL CAYGER. I am a private watchman of Battlebridge. On Sunday the 28th of August, a little after five o'clock, the prisoners passed my box. I saw them turn up Joseph-street, and having suspicious, I called Colton, who took them half an hour after in Gray's Inn-lane, together with a third man. Marshall had something in a parcel under his arm; we stopped them both in a passage, and found the veal in the parcel - he said they found it - the prosecutor claimed it.

WILLIAM COULTON. Cayger's account is correct.

MARSHALL'S Defence. I picked it up in Pindar of Wakefield alley, in a cloth — I saw a man run down there.

CORKER'S Defence. I saw him find it.

MARSHALL — GUILTY. Aged 15.

CORKER — GUILTY. Aged 17.

Publicly Whipped and Discharged.

First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Recorder.[21]

1825 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[30 Jun. 1825:]
ALEXANDER MITCHEL. I am a Thames-police officer. I went on board the barge Wellington on the 1st of June, with Mr. Gally's foreman and another man; she was shifted to the outside of the barges, ready to go away — I saw Hammerton on board, and asked if he was the master of the barge — he said he was; I had not then told him what I came about. I asked what he had got in the barge — he said empty sacks; I asked if all the malt was delivered — he said it was: I then proceeded to turn over a number of empty sacks, which laid in a bulk in the barge; while I was doing that, he said "There are eight sacks of malt under that tarpauling;" I said "You just now told me all your malt was delivered — how came you to tell me that?" he said he did not know; I asked him who it belonged to — he said he did not know. I then turned the tarpauling on one side, and under seven or eight other tarpaulings, I found eight sacks of malt, most of them marked Richard Gally, Kingston. I think one of them was different, but they were all in the name of Gally. I then took him and the malt, on board the police ship. I asked his name, his employer's name, and the barge's name; he said it was enough for him to be answerable for what he had done himself — that there were only four sacks of this malt that belonged to him, and for them he had paid the man who carried it out of the barge to the cart, to go to the brew-house, and the other four sacks were brought on board by Dick Missen, out of Downe's barge, that morning, and they had shifted them out of Downe's sacks into Gally's; Missen has absconded, and the other two men who assisted to carry the malt out of the barge. I then went to Battle-bridge, and found Gibbons in the Pindar of Wakefield, public-house. I told him he was wanted to go to the brewhouse about some malt being short: I put him in a chaise, and took him to the ship, where Hammerton was, and I heard Green, my brother officer, ask Hammerton, if that was the man he had given the sovereign to for the malt, and he said it was - Gibbons denied it, and Hammerton said "It is useless denying it, the boy has told all about it, and you may as well tell the truth." Gibbons then said he had received a sovereign, but he did not know what Hammerton gave it him for.

CHARLES GREEN. I am an officer. I went with Mitchel to the Pindar of Wakefield — I got Gibbons out; I asked if he had been drawing malt for Coombe and Co. — he said he had; we went down to where Hammerton was, and there I heard the conversation which has been related: Gibbons said he had received the sovereign, but did not know what it was for — he said "It is a bad job but we must make the best of it."[22]

1835 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[11 May 1835:]
JOSEPH WEBB. I live in Pinder's-place, Gray's-inn-road. On the evening of the 14th of May, I was in Gray's-inn-road; I saw the cart, with the horse hanging up; there was a hogshead of sugar and two boxes in it—I went up to give assistance—Allen said there was a man behind, that the hogshead was upon him; and he was sure he was killed—we cut the tarpaulin to get the hogshead out, and Chapman, who was under it, was taken to the doctor's, insensible—I saw the hogshead taken out of the cart, and placed in the road—I was there the whole time the cart was in the road—no sugar came out into the road there was no tin over the hole then—when Mr. Dadds came up, Allen said he had got some sugar in the bag, which he had picked up out of the street, and then he said he picked it up out of the cart.[23]

1838 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (1)

[26 Feb. 1838:]
WILLIAM BECK THORPE. I am a butcher, and live at No. 102, Cromer-street. On the night of the 19th of February I was opposite the shop of Richard Cook, at the corner of Pindar-place, about four yards from the door—I saw both the prisoners go into the shop together—Whiting shifted a piece of ham along the window-board till he got it close to the door—he then came out of the shop with it—Wood stood before him, and could see what he was doing—when Whiting came out of the shop I caught hold of him, and he dropped the ham at my feet—I took him inside the shop, and asked Mr. Cook if he had lost any thing—he said a piece of ham—I said, "Here it is, and here is the chap that took it"—Wood was just coming out of the shop—I stopped him—a policeman was sent for, and they were both taken into custody—I had been watching them for some time.

Wood. I went into the shop for an egg—I had not been with him above half an hour—I came down the street with him, but I did not know he had stolen any thing.

RICHARD COOK. I am a cheesemonger, and live in Pindar-place, Gray's, Inn-lane. I remember the prisoners being at my shop about ten o'clock on the night in question—Thorpe seized hold of Whiting just outside the shop, and brought him in—I was very busy at the time, and had not seen Wood—I missed the ham when my attention was called to it, and knew it to be mine when it was produced.[24]

1843 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (1)

[30 Jan. 1843:]
WILLIAM WEAVER. I am a coal and lime-merchant, and live in King's-road, Camden-town. On the 13th of Jan. I saw two carts belonging to Mr. Pratt in Gray's-inn-lane, opposite Fifteen-foot-lane, between ten and eleven o'clock—they were before me, going in the same direction as I was—the two prisoners were with them—I passed them—when I was at Britannia-street, which is some distance from Fifteen-foot-lane, I was about taking a cab—on turning round I saw the two prisoners in conversation together—after a short time I saw Barnard go round the cart, and take two nose-bags—they appeared full—he went down Fifteen-foot-lane, along Paradise-street, and into Britannia-street where I was at that time—I saw Mr. Griffiths coming along Britannia-street—I saw Barnard go into a shop in Britannia-street—I pointed that shop out to Mr. Griffiths—when he went in he had two nose-bags, and when he came out he appeared to have but one, and that was empty—he crossed Britannia-street, and went further along at the back of Chad's-row, and into Pindar-passage—I did not see him come out of Pindar-passage—Kennett was with the carts while Barnard went with the nose-bags—he drove the carts along the Gray's-inn-road till he came to Pindar-passage—the two front horses were brown, and one of the others was grey.

Cross-examined by Mr. PAYNE. Q. Which cart was it that something appeared to be taken out of? A. I think the hind cart, which had the grey horse in it.

JOHN GRIFFITHS. I was in Britannia-street on the 13th of Jan. last, about twenty minutes to eleven o'clock—Weaver pointed out a house to me—I saw no person go into that house, but I saw Barnard come out with the nose-bag on his back—it appeared empty, but the mouth of it was stuffed with straw—the house he came out of was 62, or 63, Britannia-street, which is one door beyond Paradise-street—he crossed Britannia-street, and went up George-street—I followed him—he ran away from me up Pindar-passage, which leads into Gray's-inn-road—I followed him, and he joined the team in the road, at the top of Pindar-passage, opposite Cromer-street—Kennett was with the team—I cannot say whether he spoke to Kennett when he joined him—I afterwards went with Archer to the house out of which I had seen Barnard come, and behind some coke sacks we found some corn, chaff, and grains—it was given to Archer, who took it away with him.[25]

1843 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[30 Jan. 1843:]
GEORGE KENT. I am a blind-maker, living in Kensington-row, Gray's Inn-road. I went to the Pinder of Wakefield, in Gray's Inn-road for change—the landlady said she could not give it me—I got change from a man there—I cannot say exactly what it consisted of, but a great deal of it was fourpenny-pieces—the man who gave me change was in company with another—I should know the other man—I believe the prisoner is the man who gave me the change.

Cross-examined. Q. Will you undertake to swear to him? A. I will not.

WILLIAM STOWTON. I keep the Globe, in Darby-street, King's-cross. I remember, on Wednesday, the 28th of Dec., Thorogood coming from a cart with a man—he had some communication with the prisoner there, who had been there before—Barker was with him—they came between two and three o'clock—the prisoner was not sober—the prisoner asked me to change 2l. or 3l. worth of silver—I only took 1l.—there were 12s. or 14s. worth of four-penny-pieces among it—I said, "I have so many joes already, I won't take any more"—I gave one sovereign for 1l. of silver.

Cross-examined. Q. Did you take any fourpenny pieces? A. Not one—I saw them.

THOMAS BARKER. On the 28th of Dec. I went with the prisoner to the Pinder of Wakefield—he had 1l. worth of silver—I gave change for a sovereign, because the landlady would not take it—I gave that 1l. worth of silver for the sovereign—the prisoner put the silver there—it consisted of shillings and 10s. or 11s. worth of fourpenny-pieces—we had been to the Globe before—we took them there because they would not take them at the Globe.[26]

1843 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (4)

[8 May 1843:]
WILLIAM REEVE. I keep the Pindar of Wakefield public-house in Gray's-inn-road—the prisoner was in my employ—between nine and ten in the morning of the 22nd of April, I sent him with eleven sovereigns to my son, in Gray's-inn-lane—he was to ask my son to send me 11l. in silver, and to make haste—I saw no more of him till the policeman brought him on the Tuesday—I asked him what he had done with the money—he said he had spent it—this is the bag the money was in.[27]

1844 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (3)

[6 May 1844:]
RICHARD REEVE. I am living at the Pindar of Wakefield. In Nov. I was in the service of a pawnbroker. I produce a piece of crimson velvet pawned by a man on the 20th of Nov.—I gave him this duplicate—I produce three yards of black woollen cloth, pawned on the 11th of Nov. by a man, and a coat pawned on the 18th of Dec. by a man.[28]

1844 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (4)

[25 Nov. 1844:]
JOHN FIELD. I am in the service of Richard Cook, who has two shops, one in Constitution-row, and the other at Pindar-place—I am servant at the Pindar-place shop, which is a fishmonger's—the other shop is a cheesemonger's—Rackham was my master's errandboy, and was employed ployed at both shops—my master's stable is at the back of the Pindar-place shop. On Wednesday, the 30th of Oct., I hung up in the stable a basket which had nothing in it—the next morning I found the basket hanging there still, and it had six herrings, and some bacon and lard in it—on the Friday morning I showed the articles to my master—the basket was hanging still in the stable—I looked over my stock, and missed several herrings—the bacon and lard were not under my care—about a quarter past ten o'clock at night on the 4th of Nov. I saw Smith standing at the corner of the gateway, and he and Rackham went down to the stable to feed the horse—my master was then on the opposite side of the way, and I was at the corner of the shop—in about twenty minutes I saw the prisoners come out of the stable, and Smith had the basket with him—each of them bid one another good night, and Rackham went into the shop, and Smith went away—I called him back and asked him what he had got in the basket—he said he had got nothing—I took it from him, and found these things—I asked him where he got them—he said he bought them in the street—I brought him back to the shop and my master came in—Rackham owned to his guilt, and Smith said he had received things on two different occasions before from Rackham.[29]

1851 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[3 Feb. 1851:]
GEORGE CLAPP. I keep a greengrocer's shop in Pindar-place, Gray's-inn-road. On Tuesday morning 28th Jan. I went out to market about six o'clock or a quarter past—I left my shop-door quite safe—I pulled it to by the knocker, pushed it with my hand, and then with my knee—it had a spring lock inside—I left the gas burning in the shop—a person going by could only see it through the key-hole; there was no glassdoor—I had seen a dressing-case that morning on the drawers in the backparlour before I went out; there were no clothes on the parlour floor then—there were when, I came back.[30]

1862 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (1)

[7 Apr. 1862:]
JAMES CHILD (Policeman, 93 E). On the morning of 15th February, about half-past 1 o'clock, I was on duty in Gray's-inn-road, near Mr. Samuels' shop, 8, Pindar's-place, a watchmaker and jeweller—I saw Farrow, and two others not in custody, standing within six or seven yards of the door—on seeing me, Farrow pretended to be drunk, and asked me if I would have something to drink—I told him I did not require anything; and they walked about fifty yards, and returned to the same place—I waited about for some time for farther assistance, and at last I took Farrow and one of the others in custody—(while I was waiting there I discovered that a door had been broken open next to Mr. Samuels'—it is a little shop where they mend china)—they were discharged at the police-court next day for want of evidence—after I got to the station, I went back and found that Mr. Samuels' had been broken open at the back—I got to it from the mews, by passing over several walls with a ladder, which I found placed against a wall—I went to Mr. Samuels' shop, and found it very much deranged—it was then about a quarter to 2.

[...]

JOHN SAMUELS. I am a jeweller and watchmaker, of 5, Pindar's-place—on 14th February I closed my shop at 9 o'clock at night, and went round at 11 and saw it safe—I was called up by the police at a quarter to 2, and found the house had been broken open by the back kitchen door—I missed a quantity of pint, rings, pencil-cases, and watches, to the amount of 30l.—this brooch, pin, and ring (produced) are mine.[31]

1870 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (1)

[11 Jul. 1870:]
ALFRED FAYER. I am landlord of the Pindar of Wakefield, in Gray's Ion Road—I know the prisoner—I saw him on 25th May, between 10 and 11 o'clock at night, in my bar—he came in and called for some ale, and he then asked to have a 5l. note changed—he handed it to my barmaid, and she brought it in to me—this (produced) is the note—I took it, and went with it to the bar—there was another person with the prisoner—I asked if they wanted change for it—the prisoner said "Yes"—I then asked him to endorse it—pen and ink was handed to him, and he wrote a name and address on the back—it has been partly stamped out at the back—it was "James" something; but what the name was I can't remember, "No. 4, Bird Street"—I saw the prisoner write it—knowing Bird Street I asked him about a man named Russell, who lived there; but he did not know him—I expressed my surprise at his not knowing him—he made some excuse that satisfied me—I gave him the change in gold—there might have been 10s. in silver, and they went away, after drinking what they had called for—no it morning I paid away the note to Mr. Clayton, the gas collector.

[...]

SUSAN COULSON. I am barmaid at the Pindar of Wakefield public-house—on Wednesday, 25th May, between 10 and 11 o'clock at night, the prisoner came to our house with another young man—he asked for some ale, and gave me a 5l. note, which I took into the parlour to Mr. Fayer, and he came out and gave him change, and the prisoner wrote a name and address on the back—I saw him write it—the address was "4, Bird Street"—he received the change and went away.

[...]

JOHN MULVANT. I am an inspector of the detective police—I was instructed to watch at the Midland Station, St. Pancras—on Monday, 30th May, I saw the prisoner come on to the platform, about 10.10, and try the mail-room door—he did not open it, it was locked—I had seen Folkard and the prisoner's brother, Richard, on the platform, some short time before that—Folkard had collected the bags in the usual course, taken them to the mail-room, locked them up, and gone away—after the prisoner tried the door he left the station—Folkard afterwards came to the station again, a few minutes before 11 o'clock, with the bags from the Great Northern Railway—he collected the bags from the up mail train at 11 o'clock, gave them to the mail driver, and then went out of the station, along the Euston Road, to the Victoria public-house, at the corner of York Road, where he joined the prisoner, his brother, and another man—that is about five minutes' walk from the Midland Station—I left them there—on the night of 2nd June I took Richard Bowman into custody—Folkard was taken by Sergeant Moon, on the morning of the 3rd, on another charge—on the morning of the 3rd I went to the prisoner's lodging, Julia Cottage, Marlborough Road, Dalston—he was in bed—his sister brought him down to me—I asked if he knew a person named Folkard—he said he did—I asked when he saw him last—he said "Last Monday," that he was at the railway station with him, and also at the Victoria public-house—that was Monday, the 30th, the day to which I have been referring—I asked him to allow me to look in his room—he did so—I found nothing—on Thursday, 9th June, I again went to his lodging—he was in bed—he was called down, and I said "You know me, I am an officer; I am going to ask you some questions; you need not answer them unless you please; were you in a public-house in the Gray's Inn Road on last night fortnight?—he said "What public-house? '—I said "The Pindar of Wakefield"—he said "I don't know such a house"—I said it was a house not far from the coffee-house in which you and your brother very often slept, in the Gray's Inn Road—he said "I don't know anything about it"—I said "A 5l. note was changed in that house, on that evening"—he said "I know nothing about it"—I said "Were you in any public-house in the Gray's Inn Road on that evening?—he said "No"—I said "Where were you on that evening?"—he said "I can't remember"—I then said "Have you any objection to go with me to the <keyword>Pindar of Wakefield<keyword>?"—he said "No, I have not, I will go with you"—we went in a cab to the corner of Swinton Street; we got out, and when about thirty yards distant, I said, pointing to the house, "That is the house I mean"—he said "Oh, I know that house very well, I have often been there with Folkard"—on going in Mr. Payer and the barmaid were both at the bar—I said to Mr. Fayer "You remember that affair I was speaking to you about the other night? '—he said "Yes"—I said "Do you know this young man?"—he said "Yes, that is the man; do you remember my asking you a question about Bird Street?—the prisoner said "No, I don't"—Mr. Fayer said "Why, you endorsed the note"—he said "No, I know nothing about it"—Mr. Fayer then said to his barmaid "Do you know him?"—she said "Yes, that is the man that gave me the note"—I said to the prisoner "You hear what they say now?"—he said "Yes, I do; but it is a mistake"—I then said to Miss Coulson "You are positive this is the man?"—she said "Yes, I knew him the moment he came into the house"—I then told him he would have to go with me to Bow Street, and I took him into custody—on searching him I found two duplicates, one for a gold Albert, pledged on 17th May, for 15s., and another for a silver watch, on 18th May, for 12s.[32]

1871 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[10 Jul. 1871:]
JOSEPH WILKS (Policeman G 234). On 27th April, about 10.45, I was called to 9, Wicklow Street, and saw Mrs. Bailey and Dr. Purcell—the prisoner was there; he smelt very strong of drink, and appeared very much excited—I saw the deceased lying on the floor, on her back, with her hands and feet quite straight—while the doctor was examining her neck, the prisoner said to him "I will tell you just how it was, Sir. This was a mutual arrangement between ourselves; last night we were both going to hang ourselves, but Mrs. Bailey came in, so we went to bed and agreed to get up and do it in the morning; about 7.30 I went to the Pindar of Wakefield, to get some rum, because we were going to have something to drink before we did it, and when I came back I found she had forestalled me; and seeing my wife dead, I then tried to make away with myself, but I found I could not do it in the bed room, so I went down in the washhouse and tried to do it there; but Mrs. Bailey came in and prevented me, and I am very sorry for it, because we both meant to die together, because we had been making away with other people's things; and, to avoid an exposure, we made up our minds to hang ourselves"—I took him down stairs, and be tried to force his way up stairs again several times, while the doctor was examining the woman—I asked him what he wanted to go up stairs for, and he said to see what they were doing, because the witness and the doctor might make any tale against him—in the first part of the conversation, he said "If you will follow me, I will tell you how we were going to do it the night before"—I followed him to the washhouse; he got the piece of wood, went up, and placed it crossways on the canopy at the top of the bedstead, and said "I was going to hang at one end, and she at the other" pointing out that he was to hang agin the door, and she agin the fire-place, which was at the side of the bed—I believe the wood was strong enough for them to have done so, but I think the canopy would have toppled over.

Cross-examined by MR. STRAIGHT. Q. The Pindar is about 200 yards from where they lived—he was very much excited, and his breath smelt of rum, or some spirits—I am certain he said that they had arranged to do it the day before, but Mrs. Bailey had interrupted them. [33]

1876 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (3)

[23 Oct. 1876:]
THOMAS BANNISTER (Police Sergeant G). On the night of 2nd October I was passing the Pindar of Wakefield public-house, and saw the prisoner and his wife—a woman, named Draker, came out and spoke to them, and. They all three went into the house—I sent for assistance and placed two constables in a dark place to assist me—the three then walked to the corner of Swinton Street, and I directed the two constables to seize Draker, I followed the prisoner and his wife—I heard a noise, looked round and saw Darker in custody and another constable picking up something—I said "Don't let go of her hand"—he said "She has thrown something away, but I have got it all right"—I went back and took Wilson, who said that he was going home—I said "You have been in company with coiners and I shall arrest you on suspicion"—I told Dickens to seize her other arm—when they were placed in the dock at the station, Draker used an oath, and said "You have done this for us"—I found in the prisoner's trousers pocket this packet, containing two bad half-crowns, with paper between them, and a halfpenny and a bad half-crown loose—Peckham handed me this handkerchief, containing two packets, in one of which were ten bad half-crowns, and in the other five, with blotting paper between each—on Draker was found 5d. and a purse—the prisoner's wife was discharged by the Magistrate.[34]

1907 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)

[23 Oct. 1876:]
ELLEN LAWRENCE, wife of Joseph Lawrence, 60, Albert Street, Barnsbury Road, printer. I have known the deceased girl eight or 10 years, and that she for some time lived an immoral life as her means of livelihood. She lived in Bidborough Street, 12, Manchester Street, 15 months ago; 30, Liverpool Street, Gower Place, College Street, Judd Street, and then with Shaw at 29, St. Paul's Road. I know prisoner well by sight. I first saw him when Dimmock lived in Manchester Street in the "Pindar of Wakefield" public-house, Gray's Inn Road, in conversation with Dimmock—they seemed very good friends. I have also seen them, both there separately. Frederick Street, in which the prisoner lives, is very near the "Pindar of Wakefield." I have not seen them together since until the Friday before the murder, September 6, in the "Rising Sun." At about 8.30 p.m Dimmock came into the bar where I was having a drink with Mrs. Smith. Prisoner came in and teemed on friendly terms with Dimmock. On Monday Smith and I when there at eight p.m. We were going to the Euston Music Hall for the second house at nine p.m. Prisoner came in. He stood Mrs. Smith and me a drink. We spoke to him, and he asked if we would have something to drink. He asked if we had seen Dimmock he called her "Phyllis." She has been known by that name ever since sue came to London. Mrs. Smith passed a jovial remark to him, "Don't tell Phyllis we have had a drink with you—she might be jealous." Shortly after Dimmock came in. said "Good evening" to us, and passed direct over to prisoner. She put a penny in the gramophone which prisoner gave her. They staved a little while and came out at the same time as we did. She said they were going to the Ho'born Empire; they crossed the road and got into a bus. Dimmock seemed nervous, as if she did not want to go with prisoner—

[...]

JOHN WILLIAM CRABTREE. I have no fixed abode at present. I was living at 1, Bidborough Street about May twelvemonth. I purchased the lease of that house. Previous to my going there Phyllis Dimmock stayed there as well as alter. The other people were respectable people. While living there I have seen prisoner there. I once say him coming down from the first floor towards the cellar; in fact, I saw him on several occasions. One night as I opened the door I met Wood in the passage and he passed down into my kitchen, and while I was putting my bicycle away Dimmock followed him down and got hold of his arm and wanted something from him. What the something was I do not know. I said, "What it all this bother about?" Dimmock says, "Give it to me." With that prisoner said, "Oh, she is only a common prostitute, and you know so." With that he went through my door up the area steps. He used to stop there on several occasions. On another occasion I was called up into the bedroom early in the morning, and Phyllis was in a nude condition except for a sheet thrown over her shoulders. This would be before seven in the morning; about half-past six. Dimmock asked me when I wet going out would I take a silver cigarette case and pawn it for her. Wood was there in bed. She gave me the case, and I said to Wood, "Is this yours?" He said, "Yes." They then asked me to hand it back and never mind pawning it, and I gave it to Wood. Wood remained in bed. I afterwards went to Manchester Street, and Dim mock also lived there. That would be about the latter end of June last year. On the Saturday after we moved I saw prisoner there. On a subsequent occasion I saw Wood at the corner of Gray's Inn Road and Manchester Street, and saw him again in the "Pindar of Wakefield." One day prisoner came to Manchester Street while Dimmock was at Portsmouth, and asked for her. I told him she was not in, and he asked me when I expected her. I did not know. When she came back he came to the house again. I was convicted for keeping a brothel at Manchester Street in July last year and sentenced to three months' imprisonment. I came out on May 24, as I had had a ticket to serve. After that I went to 30a, Argyll Square. In May this year I was sentenced again for keyring that house at a brothel, getting four months. The sentence expired about ten days ago.

[...]

Prisoner. No. I made her acquaintance in the "Rising Sun" on the Friday mentioned in my statement, which is perfectly true. I have heard the evidence of the man Crabtree. It is utterly false; in fact, it is dastardly. I hope God will destroy me this minute if I ever knew Crabtree or have ever been in his house. I live within a stone's throw of the "Rising Sun." I knew Ruby Young when she was living in Liverpool Street, but I did not know that Phyllis Dimmock lived nearly opposite. On the Friday night deceased asked me fore penny for the gramophone, and I gave her one. I paid for drinks. Later a boy offered some postcards for sale. They were of a very common, inartistic kind. I produced some more artistic cards from my pocket, and Dimmock chose the card which has been produced. She said she collected them, and asked me if I would send it to her, and write something pleasing on it to give it interest. I signed the card with the name "Alice" at her request. She said that was the name of a friend. I saw her again the following night in Great College Street, as I was on my way to the Gas Company's offices in Camden Road. On the Sunday night I did not see her, but on the Monday night I saw her for some tune in the "Rising Sun." The man Roberts was there. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Lawrence were there also. We had drinks and were all very friendly. I did not take Dimmock to the Holbom Music Hail that night. I had a sketch book, and she amused herself looking through it She had some intelligence, and I may say that appealed to me. I did not hear Dimmock say that we bad spent the evening in the "Adam and Eve" public-house. I have never seen Dimmock in the "Pindar of Wakefield." It would be some time after 11 that I left the "Rising Sun" on the Monday night. She called my attention on the Saturday night to the fact that I had not sent the postcard. I posted it on the Sunday night, I think, in the pillar box in Museum Street, alter I had left my brother's place. On the Tuesday night I was not in the "Rising Sun" at all. I was on my way to Red Lion Street to see about some ink for a style pen when I met my brother in Theobald's Road. After we had been to the public library and to the barber's, I accompanied him home and had supper, and he afterwards came back with me to Frederick Street to see father. I did not go out again after that. On the following evening, September 11, I was in the "Eagle" public-house with Dimmock, whom I met in the Camden Road. Lambert came in, and I introduced her to him as a "merry girl friend." I only knew her a a Phyllis, and did not mention her name. I addressed the postcard to "Mrs. B. Shaw" at her dictation.

[...]

Cross-examined. Yesterday was the first time I made an admission in public that I was in Dimmock's company on September 11—I have nor spoken in public before. I did not mention it to Ruby Young nor to my brothers Charles and James, nor to Tinkham. I had nothing to fear from publicity being given to my association with her. Naturally it looked very bad that I was so late in her company the night she was killed. The "Rising Sun" postcard is on its face a letter of assignation. It is written by me signed in the name of "Alice" and addressed to the woman in the house in which she lived and where she was killed. It was hardly an appointment; there was no seriousness attached to it. Prior to September 6 I had never seen Phyllis Dimmock in my life. I did not say on Friday, September 6, to Smith, "Have you seen Phyllis?"—that is a mistake. I did not beckon to Dimmock. The postcard was lightly penciled out in the "Rising Sun" on my sketch-book, while sitting by her side, and retained by me. I had no fixed intention of posting it. I intended that I might look in by the way at the "Rising Sun." I was there about an hour on Friday. I went there about 10 p.m. and left about 12; I was in Dimmock's company practically all that time. I did not go to the "Rising Sun" on Saturday, but met Dimmock quite accidentally in Great College Street. I was in the "Eagle" with her that evening. I have been in the "Eagle" about once before. I do not use the "Pindar of Wakefield." The only occasion I recollect being there was before Christmas, 1906, with Tinkham. I have been in the "Adam and Eve," and was there for about an hour with diseased on the Saturday. I did not see her on the Sunday, but late that night I posted the "Rising Sun" postcard. I cannot recall when I actually lined it—completed it—possibly on Sunday. [...][35]

1910 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey

[31 May 1910:]
Sergeant GOODCHILD, Y Division. On May 12 I was with Sergeant Page. I arrested Douglas in the "Pindar of Wakefield," Gray's Inn Road. He was with Sharkey. I said to him, "We are going to arrest you for committing a burglary at Curry and Paxton's, Great Portland Street, on the night of May 2." Douglas said, "You will not find anything on me." I took him to Somers Town Police Station, searched him, and found 2s. silver, 4d. bronze, and Exhibits 1 to 6. They were in different pockets. I said, "Where did you get these from?" He said, "They are mine." Later in the day I told him the property had been identified as part of the proceeds of a burglary committed at Curry and Paxton's. Douglas said, "If you can prove it I will plead 'Guilty,' but I am going to say now that a man gave me the property in Rowton House, King's Cross Road, this morning. I do not know his name or where he lives. I shall call Sharkey as a witness, and he is going to say the same thing. No one saw us on these premises; I am going to plead 'Not guilty'; I shall take my chance. Don't go to my mother's." Prisoner was charged and made no reply.[36]

1911 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (1)

[5 Sep. 1911:]
Statement of Carlyle: "I had been in bed all day ill. I came out about 10 o'clock. I met the others and had a drink in the Pindar of Wakefield.' I had no idea what they were going to do—I do not believe they had either—until they got to Britannia Street. O'Flaherty and I sat on the doorstep opposite. Sometime after some coats were thrown over and I picked them up. So far I am guilty."

Statement of O'Flaherty: "I plead guilty to being concerned but not breaking and entering. I had been drinking all night."

(Defence.)

ARTHUR CARLYLE (prisoner, on oath). I was lodging in Gray's Inn Road, four doors from the "Pindar of Wakefield." On August 6 at 10.15 p.m. I had two or three drinks with the other prisoners and went with them towards the "Angel." I had no idea of what they were going to do, and I do not believe they had until they came to this hoarding, when Cook and McLaren got over. O'Flaherty and Is at on a doorstep. Two strangers came up and told us to be careful, as we were being watched. I did not go away as I wanted to see what Cook and McLaren had gone for. Inabout [sic] half an hour some things were thrown over. I picked up two dressing gowns and a bag: O'Flaherty picked up the other things.[37]

Gazetteers

Sources

Maps

Discussion

Background

Also see


Notes

  1. Wikipedia: Grand Order of Water Rats.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Weinreb, Ben; Hibbert, Christopher; Keay, Julia; Keay, John. The London Encyclopaedia. Third Edition (London, 2008), p. 642, s.n. Pindar of Wakefield.
  3. Thornbury, Walter; Walford, Edward. Old and New London: A Narrative of its History, its People, and its Places (London, Paris, and New York, [1878]), vol. II, p. 297. Thornbury, Walter. Old and New London. Illustrated. A Narrative of its History, its People, and its Places (London, Paris, and New York, [1873-74]), not seen.
  4. Lockie, John, compil. Lockie's Topography of London, Giving a Concise Local Description of and Accurate Direction to Every Square, Street, Lane, Court, Dock, Wharf, Inn, Public Office, &c. in the Metropolis and its Environs (London, 1810), s.n. Gray's-Inn-Lane. Lockie, John, compil. Lockie's Topography of London, Giving a Concise Local Description of, and Accurate Direction to, Every Square, Street, Lane, Court, Dock, Wharf, Inn, Public Office, &c. in the Metropolis and its Environs. Second Edition (London, 1813), s.n. Gray's-Inn-Lane.
  5. Map of North West London, 1862 - 1871: Bloomsbury
  6. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: James Lenon, Violent Theft > highway robbery, 12th October 1692.
  7. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: John Sharp, Killing > murder, 27th February 1696.
  8. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Henry Rout, John Long, Thomas Evans, Violent Theft > highway robbery, Violent Theft > highway robbery, Violent Theft > highway robbery, 7th December 1709.
  9. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: James Shaw, Richard Norton, Violent Theft > highway robbery, Violent Theft > highway robbery, Killing > murder, 12th January 1722.
  10. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Ordinary's Account, 8th February 1722.
  11. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Ann Mortimer, Theft > pocketpicking, 16th October 1723.
  12. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Samuel Denison, Violent Theft > highway robbery, 5th July 1727.
  13. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Thomas Rayner, Robert Smith, Theft > grand larceny, 13th October 1731.
  14. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Joseph Paterson, Joseph Darvan, Theft > housebreaking, 8th December 1731.
  15. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Daniel Tipping, Violent Theft > highway robbery, 5th July 1732.
  16. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Ordinary's Account, 2nd October 1734.
  17. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Ordinary's Account, 7th April 1742.
  18. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Ordinary's Account, 17th June 1747.
  19. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Adam Ward, Theft > grand larceny, 12th January 1791.
  20. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: John Hughes, Richard Stone, Edward Connolly, Theft > animal theft, Theft > receiving, 8th April 1812.
  21. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: John Marshall, Henry Corker, Theft > grand larceny, 11th September 1822.
  22. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Edward Gibbons, Jacob Hammerton, Theft > grand larceny, Theft > receiving, 30th June 1825.
  23. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Frederick Allen, Edwin Chapman, Theft > stealing from master, 11th May 1835.
  24. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Thomas Whiting, David Wood, Theft > simple larceny, 26th February 1838.
  25. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: James Barnard, William Kennett, Theft > stealing from master, 30th January 1843.
  26. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Phillip Hibbitt, Theft > stealing from master, 30th January 1843.
  27. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: George Thomas Allston, Theft > embezzlement, 8th May 1843.
  28. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Catherine Green, Ann James, Theft > stealing from master, 6th May 1844.
  29. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Robert Rackham, Edward Smith, Theft > stealing from master, 25th November 1844.
  30. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: John Denley, Theft > housebreaking, 3rd February 1851.
  31. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: William Farrow, William Grant, James Parsons, John Fellows, Susan Gable, Theft > burglary, 7th April 1862.
  32. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Robert Bowman, Theft > mail theft, 11th July 1870.
  33. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Philip Nunney, Killing > murder, 10th July 1871.
  34. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: George Wilson, Royal Offences > coining offences, 23rd October 1876.
  35. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Robert William Thomas George Cavers Wood, Killing > murder, 10th December 1907.
  36. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: William Sharkey, Alfred Douglas, Theft > theft from a specified place, Theft > theft from a specified place, 31st May 1910.
  37. Proceedings of the Old Bailey: Arthur Carlyle, Edward O'Flaherty, Thomas Cook, William McLaren, Theft > burglary, Miscellaneous > perverting justice, 5th September 1911.
  38. Also see the following pages at the Pub WIki: The London 1839 Public House & Publican Directory - as listed in LONDON 1839 Pigots Directory - P; London 1841 Public House & Publican Directory - P; The London 1842 Robsons Public House & Publican Directory - P; London 1869 Public House & Publican Directory - London 1869 Public House & Publican Directory - P; The London 1884 Public House & Publican Directory - P; The London 1891 Public House & Publican Directory; The London 1899 Public House & Publican Directory - P2; London publicans in 1910 - Post Office directory P1; London and Suburbs pubs in 1921 - Hughes directory listing - Pa; The London Public Houses in the 1938 Post Office Directory - Pa; The London Public Houses in the 1944 Post Office Directory - P.


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