The Northampton Mercury December 28^th 1778

Whereas Edward Underwood, of Wicken in the County of Northampton, in the Night of the 9^th of this inst. December, had three Black cart Mares stolen out of his Grounds, which were afterward sold at Swindon Fair, in Wiltshire, by GEORGE INGRAM, of Old Stratford, in the said County, who is greatly suspected of stealing the same. George Ingram is about 30 Years of Age. 5 Feet 8 inches high, pale Complexion, Straight dark brown Hair, had on a flapped Hat, brown Great Coat, a sky-blue Small Coat, (much faded) a black Waistcoat, with a red Under-Waistcoat, greasy Leather Breeches, and Boots, has a rough Voice, and was bred up a Horse-Dealer. Any Person who will apprehend the said George Ingram, shall be paid TEN GUINEAS for a Reward, by the said Edward Underwood.

The Northampton Mercury January 11^th 1779

On the 2^nd instant was committed to our County Gaol, George Ingram, of Old Stratford, Horse-Dealer, charged by Oath of Edw. Underwood, on Suspicion of stealing three Black Mares, his Property.

The Northampton Mercury 22 March 1779

George Ingram and James Heading, convicted at the said Assizes on two Indictments for Horse-stealing, and who were to suffer Death at the same Time with Collins, received a Respite on Thursday Afternoon for one Month.

The Northampton Mercury 31 July 1780

George Ingram and James Heading, attained at former Assizes of Horse-stealing; and Richard Betsworth, convicted at the last Assizes of a Highway Robbery, have received His Majesty’s Pardon, on Condition of enlisting into the Army.

The Northampton Mercury 16 October 1780

George Ingram, convicted at our Assizes about two Years since of Horse-stealing, but afterwards pardoned, on Condition of his entering into the Plymouth Division of Marines, from which he has since deserted, was apprehended in Fleet-Market last Week, in offering Horses to Sale, suspected to have been stolen.

The Northampton Mercury 11 April 1785

COUNTRY NEWS.

Chelmsford, April 1. On Saturday last George Ingram, for Horse-stealing, and William Grace, for House- breaking, were executed here pursuant to their Sentence: Grace behaved very penitent the whole time he was under Sentence, and seemed perfectly  resigned to his unhappy Fate; acknowledging he had been guilty of a great Number Robberies; and said, if he could now escape, he was certain it would not be in his Power to quit his evil Practices till brought to an untimely End —The Behaviour of Ingram was truly astonishing; he seemed to have no Thoughts of a future State, and notwithstanding the Pains taken with him by the worthy Clergyman who attended on this Occasion, he remained hardened and obstinate to the last Moment, declaring even then, he would not forgive his Prosecutor, though called upon by his dying Companion so to do. The Wednesday preceding their Execution, they had performed a desperate and Bloody design to effect  their escape, by sawing off their Irons, and seizing the Turnkey, when he went with their Provisions, and if he made the least Resistance, their Intention was to put him to Death, and everyone in the House who should offer to oppose them; they had some means two Knives conveyed to them, which they had so carefully concealed in the Straw, that it was three times minutely searched before they were found; one of the Felons being struck with Horror at their diabolical Plan, made a full Discovery of the Whole, by a letter to the Gaoler, who immediately took the necessary Precautions to frustrate their Bloody Design.

The Northampton Mercury February 2^nd 1793

At the last Quarter-Sessions of the Peace for the County of Buckingham, Charles Fancott, a waggoner, at Old Stratford, was convicted of having driven a waggon against a post-chaise, in which John Groves, Esq. of Chelsea-park, in Middlesex, and his son, and overturned the same, at Stony Stratford, whereby Mr. Groves and his son were thrown with great violence down a precipice of near 14 feet perpendicular but miraculously without receiving any great bodily injury; the chaise, however, was broken to pieces, and the horses very much injured. He was sentenced to be  imprisoned and kept to hard labour for twelve months.

The Northampton Mercury April 30^th 1853

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS
Caution to Publicans. William Atterbury, landlord of the Old Black Horse, Old Stratford, appeared to a summons, for harbouring a constable of the Northamptonshire force in his house, contrary to the Rural Police Act. Inspector James and other witnesses proved the case to the satisfaction of the bench, who convicted the defendant in the full penalty of £5 and costs.

The Northampton Mercury May 27^th 1854

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, Friday, May 19. Before His Grace the Duke of Grafton, Captain Mansel, the Revds. L. Lorraine-Smith, H. J. Barton, and J. Athawes.

John Weston, of Yardley, was charged by Rev. L. L. Smith, with riding on his waggon, at Old Stratford, without reins, on the 12^th instant. Fined 6d., and 9s. cost.

The Northampton Mercury May 27^th 1854

Mr. Richard Cibnell, relieving-officer, of Old Stratford, charged Richard Foster, of Cosgrove, tax-collector, with an assault on the 5th instant. Mr. Chibnell said Foster came to his house at ten o’clock at night, and demanded some taxes. Mr. Chibnell asked him into the house, and tendered some money in payment. Foster could not give change, and Chibnell told Foster he had better go home, and come next day when he was sober; and upon that Foster got up and wanted to fight, and came at Chibnell in a fighting attitude. Mrs. Chibnell interfered, and with some trouble they got him out of the house. Mary Ann Blunt, Mrs. Chibnell’s servant corroborated his statement, and said she thought that Foster would have struck Mrs. Chibnell with a stick. Fined £5.
The same Foster was charged with being drunk at the same time, and at the same place, for which he was fined 5s., and 4s. 6d. cost.

The Northampton Mercury September 2^nd 1854

Margaret Young, of Old Stratford, charged Joseph Robinson, of the same place with an assault on the 11^th inst. Fined £1. 3s. 6d., including costs.

The Northampton Mercury June 9^th 1855

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: George Mitchell, of Old Stratford toll-gate, charged a boy named Charles Compton with going through fields with his horse and cart to evade toll. The case was dismissed.

The Northampton Mercury August 4^th 1855

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Thomas Stanton and W. Jordan, both of Old Stratford, were charged with illegally fishing in the Buckingham arm of the Grand Junction Cabal. Stanton was discharged, and Jordan fined £1 and costs; allowed 14 days to pay.

The Northampton Mercury December 22^nd 1855

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: John Robinson, of Old Stratford, was summoned by Mr. Evans, the inspector of lodging-houses in that district, for having his house in a dirty and filthy state. The defendant stated he was so busily employed at his work that he could not find time to clean his house, neither could he find time to answer to a summons sent out to him to attend at a previous Petty Sessions. Consequently, he was brought up by a warrant, which increased the expenses. He was fined 18s, including costs.

The Northampton Mercury July 14^th 1860

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. July 6th. Thomas Edmonds, of Old Stratford, was apprehended on the 3rd inst., by Mr. Adams, the parish constable, for being drunk and disorderly. Fined 5s. and costs. Allowed a fortnight.

The Northampton Mercury November 3^rd 1860

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. Joseph Smith, of Old Stratford, was summoned by W. Last, gamekeeper to J. C. Mansel, Esq., of Cosgrove, charged with trespassing in his field in search of game. Committed to gaol for two months.

The Northampton Mercury November 17^th 1860

Mark Price, of Old Stratford, was summoned before the bench by Sergeant Willis, for keeping his house open till after 12 o’clock on Saturday night, the 20^th October. Fined £1, and 12s. costs. Paid same time.

The Northampton Mercury December 15^th 1860

Robert Smith, a tramp, was charged by police-constable Finn, with being drunk and disorderly at Old Stratford, om Saturday, the 1^st inst. Committed to Northampton gaol for seven days.

Towcester County Court: John Loverock, grocer, Stony Stratford, v. John Bourne, boiler maker, Old Stratford. An action for 31 16s. 2d., for grocery. At £1 per month.

The Northampton Mercury May 18^th 1861

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS.  A Batch of Bakers. J. Alliman, G. Smith, G. Frost, and A. James, four journeymen bakers, were summoned before the Bench for damaging a chimney-pot, belonging to Mr. Page, of Old Stratford. Smith pleaded guilty, the other three not guilty. Charles Willis, sergeant of police, said on Saturday last I was on duty at half-past twelve o’clock at night at Old Stratford. I saw these four young men coming towards Old Stratford. They called a man up named Hazeldine, a baker, and told him they had a bottle of beer, but he refused to admit them. I stood unobserved behind a pillar belonging to Mark Price’s house. While there I heard a crash, and these four men ran away. I ran after them and caught Arthur James; they were not drunk. By Mr. Athawes: Did you see them knock the chimney down? No, I did not, but it is my belief that they did it. When I caught James I asked him what they had been doing. He said “Nothing.” I took him back to Hazeldine’s I asked him if any of his windows were broken. The others followed me, and said if anything was the matter they would make it right. Mr. Page said they all four came last Monday evening and wanted to settle the matter. The chimney was safe when I put up the shutters. They all acknowledged themselves in a fault. Damage, 5s 8d. There were each convicted in a penalty and costs of 16s. 8d. Allowed a fortnight.

The Northampton Mercury March 1^st 1861

FOWL STEALING AT BRICK-KILN FARM, WOLVERTON. John Ray, of Old Stratford, was met in the High-street, Stony Stratford, at a late hour on Wednesday evening last, by police-constable Clarke, and searched by the officer and Inspector Royle, when two fowls, quite warm, were found in his possession. Ray not giving a satisfactory account of himself, was lock up. Richard Green, of Old Stratford, was apprehended by Inspector Royle for being concerned in the robbery. On Thursday the prisoners were taken before the Rev. J. Athawes, and remanded till Saturday, when they appeared before the rev. H. J. Barton, and Ray was fully committed to take his trial at the Aylesbury Assizes. Green was discharged.

The Northampton Mercury November 16^th 1861

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. A Serious Charge. John Day of Old Stratford was brought up on custody of Superintendent Parnell and Sargent Willis, of the Northamptonshire, constabulary, on a charge of attempting a rape on one Ann Hemming, of Morton Pinckney, on Thursday, Nov. 7th. In consequence of the girl telling a different tale to the magistrate from that which she told the superintendent, prisoner was set at liberty, the Bench giving her to understand that if she thought proper she could take out a summons against Day, in order that the case might be fully investigated that day fortnight.

The Northampton Mercury March 22^nd 1862

William Golby was brought up charged with stealing a stock-axe and shovel, value 3s., the property of Mrs. Wilford, Old Stratford. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Committed to prison for two months.

The Northampton Mercury August 23^rd 1862

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, August 15th. Thomas King, of the Swan Inn, Old Stratford was summoned for selling beer and spirits before half-past twelve on Sunday last. Police –constable William Hale depose: I proceeded to Old Stratford on Saturday, the 3^rd instant. I took lodgings at Mr. King’s, at the Swan Inn. About nine o’clock on Sunday morning a respectable man came in, and had either a glass of brandy or rum, with a bottle of spruce, served by the landlady. Half a pint of ale was served to another person who came in. The man gave the landlady 6d., and she gave him 4½d. change. Another man came in, and had a pint of ale, about ten o’clock. He stood in the passage and drank it. About eleven o’clock another man came in and had a glass of gin, which he paid for. I was in plain clothes, and went there by the Chief Constable’s orders. Mr. Parrott, solicitor, appeared for the defendant. Case adjourned.
Mark Price of the Falcon Inn, Old Stratford and Joseph Sanders, publican, were summoned for selling beer before half-past twelve o'clock on Sunday last. Defendants pleaded not guilty. Case adjourned.

The Northampton Mercury September 6^th 1862

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Adjourned Case. Mr. Thomas King, of the Swan Inn, Old Stratford, again appeared before the Bench, charged with selling beer, &c., before half-past twelve o’clock on a Sunday morning. Defendant was convicted of the offence. Penalty £2, and 12s. 7d. costs, which he paid.
Mr. Mark Price, landlord of the Falcon Inn, Old Stratford, appeared before the Bench on a similar charge. Jesse Frost deposed : I am one of the Northamptonshire police On the 28th of June I went to the house kept by defendant and slept there. On Sunday morning, about a quarter before eight, I was in the bar. A man came in and had half pint of al ; at eight o'clock two men came in, and called for a pint of ale, saying, Be quick. The defendant's daughter said (having a child in her arms), how can I draw it, and nurse too ? About a quarter past eight another man came in, and had a pint of ale. This was served by the landlady. A about a quarter past nine a young man came in, and had quart of ale. He asked the landlady if the " Bobbies " had been in. About eleven o'clock a man came in, and had quart of ale ; he dipped out quick at the front door, saying, " There's nobody about." Directly he was gone two more men came in, and had two pints of ale. Shortly after, five men came in ; three of them had two pints of ale, and the other two had two pints between them. The landlord drank with them. Just at this time the landlady came running in holding up her arms, saying, "The Bobbies are coming! Between half-past nine and eleven I saw thirteen pints and one quart of ale drawn. This witness underwent a most rigid examination by Mr. Parrott, solicitor, who appeared for defendant. Convicted ; penalty, including costs, £5.—Defendant : I haven't got the money. He was given to understand that unless the money was forthcoming a distress would be issued. In default, go to gaol for three months.

The Northampton Mercury December 27^th 1862

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. A Compromise. Joseph Foddy, of Old Stratford, summoned Joseph Emerton, of the Old Stratford, labourer, for assaulting him, at Stony Stratford, on the 16^th December. By permission of the Bench, the parties settled the case out of court.

The Northampton Mercury July 25^th 1863

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. Joseph Smith of Old Stratford, appeared to a summons, charging him with fishing in the Buckingham canal. Mr. Atkinson, gamekeeper to J.C. Mansel, Esq., proved the case. Convicted, fine and costs, £2 9s. 6d., or two months. Committed.

The Northampton Mercury November 28^th 1863

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. November 20th. Old Stratford, John Smith, of the Black Horse Inn, Old Stratford, was summoned for having certain unjust measures in his possession. Convicted in penalty and costs, £2 7s. 6d. Cosgrove. George Jackson, of the Barley Mow Inn, Cosgrove, was summoned for a similar offence. Mrs. Jackson (defendant's wife) answered to the charge, stating that her husband could possibly attend, he being at work at his trade as an engineer. She told the Bench she had been in the habit of selling beer for above a year and nine months. Convicted in penalty and costs, £1 2s. 9d.

The Northampton Mercury August 6^th 1864

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, July 29th. OLD STRATFORD. Edward M. Barrett, Excise officer, Old Stratford, was summoned by Louisa Green, a domestic servant of the defendant's, charging him with an indecent assault. Defendant was convicted, and fined with costs £5, or two months' imprisonment.

The Northampton Mercury November 28^th 1864

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. John Smith, of the Black Horse Inn, Old Stratford, was summoned by Samuel Sterling, inspector of weights and measures of the Towcester division, for having several unjust weights and measures in his possession. Convicted in penalty and costs, £1 10s. 9d.

The Northampton Mercury June 10^th 1865

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. Alfred Packard, of Old Stratford, an apprentice to Mr. Hayes, Watling Engine Works, Stony Stratford, was charged with trespassing on land in the occupation of Mr. Matthew Willison, farmer, of Cosgrove. It appeared from the evidence, that defendant had twice before been cautioned, and the third time made his appearance there he was requested to give his name, when he gave “john Smith, of Church-street, Stony Stratford,” and said he was a farmer’s son. The charge was satisfactorily proved by Mr. Matthew Willison, jun., and Joseph Atkinson, gamekeeper. The field in which defendant was trespassing was mowing grass. Convicted, damage 1d., costs 8s., and penalty £2, which was paid.

The Northampton Mercury February 3^rd 1866

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, January 26. Old Stratford. Thomas Webber (alias Boss), of Old Stratford, was brought up in custody of the police, charged with stealing a ferret, the alleged property of John east, (alias Oxford Jack). On prisoner being asked if he was guilty or not, he said, "It is my ferret, sir." Sarah Ann Ward deposed: I lodged with John East. Prisoner came to our house about four o'clock in the afternoon, and said, "if you please I am come for my shirts." He gave me a half-penny to go and spend. When I came back the ferret was gone. James Weston deposed: I live at Cosgrove, and am parish constable. East gave the prisoner in my charge. I found the ferret in his bosom. I handcuffed him, and he said he would not walk, so I brought him in a cart. John East, "I am sure the ferret is mine, I bought it and paid for it." Prisoner said, "Me and Jos Smith paid a shilling a-piece towards it." William Eakins, commonly called "Chitty," said the ferret once belonged to him, and that three of them paid him for it. Prisoner was one. Case dismissed

The Northampton Mercury April 21^st 1866

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: April 13th Assault at Old Stratford. John East was charged with assaulting Thomas Webber, of Stony Stratford.

The Northampton Mercury September 4^th 1866

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Mr. Thomas, of Old Stratford, was summoned by Sergeant Willis with removing a cow from Old Stratford without a licence. From the evidence adduced it appeared the cow was moved without Mr. Thomas’s directions. Fined 5s. and costs.

The Northampton Mercury December 1^st 1866

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Nov. 23rd. John Duffy, a discharged soldier, was brought up in the custody of Superintendent Breary, charged with stealing a top coat from the Falcon Inn, Old Stratford. The coat belonging to a gentleman who was staying at the inn, but was now in London. The case was adjourned.

The Northampton Mercury May 18^th 1867

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. John Taylor, a tramping blacksmith, was charged by P.C. Sterling with vagrancy, at Old Stratford, on the 8^th inst. Committed to prison for seven days with hard labour.

The Northampton Mercury May 25^th 1867

STONY STRATFORD POLICE COURT, Mary Wilson, a tramp, was charged before the Rev. H. J. Barton with being drunk and disorderly, at 11 p.m., on the 13^th inst., when applying for relief at the Old Stratford Tramp Ward. Committed to prison for seven days

The Northampton Mercury June 29^th 1867

TOWCESTER PETTY SESSIONS. Stealing a Jacket. George Brooks and Thomas Williams, young men on tramp, were charged with stealing a jacket, at Old Stratford, on the 17^th of June, the property of Thomas Upton. Thomas Upton was employed on the road, when prisoners passed and picked up his corduroy jacket, which he valued at 4s. He followed them, and gave them into custody. It was Brooks who had the jacket. Brooks admitted taking the jacket, but said it lay on the road, and no one was near it. Williams was discharged, and Brooks was sentenced to one month hard labour.

The Northampton Mercury February 8^th 1868
TOWCESTER PETTY SESSIONS. Sarah Carter, tramp, Camberwell, was charged by police-constable Stirling, Old Stratford, with stealing a blanket, at Old Stratford, on the 3^rd of February, 1868. Police-constable Stirling said he attended the tramp ward, and hung three blankets out to dry, and at half-past nine he missed one. About twelve at night Sergeant Willis produced the blanket with the prisoner. The blanket belongs to the tramp ward committee at Stony Stratford, and is valued at 4s. Prisoner elected to be tried by the Bench. Sergeant Willis said he received information from police-constable Stirling that he had lost a rug. He found prisoner in the parish of Furtho, sleeping under a cart, with the rug wrapped round her. He took her into custody, and charged her with stealing the rug. Prisoner said she found the rug there, and was glad to make use of it. She was going to Stratford-on-Avon. Committed to the House of Correction at Northampton for 14 days’ hard labour.

The Northampton Mercury July 11^th 1868

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS.  Joseph Panter appeared before the Bench, charged with stealing some oranges and nuts from the cart of William Godfrey, at Calverton, Court, preferred having the case settled by their worships. It appeared the boy was in the employ of Jonathan Matthews, licenced hawker, of Old Stratford, at the time he committed the theft, and was seen by his master to take the things, viz., three oranges, 41 nuts, and four sweets. The Chairman ordered him to be taken to the cell and receive 12 stripes of the birch rod.

The Northampton Mercury September 19^th 1868

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. Sept. 11. Old Stratford. Mark Price, of the Falcon Inn, Old Stratford was summoned for having unjust measures in his possession, on the 8th of August last. Inspector Hurst proved the charge. Convicted in fine and costs 15s., which was paid.

The Northampton Mercury Jan 9^th 1869

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: January 1st. Old Stratford Frederick Blow (12) and Albert Blow (10), brothers, whose parents reside at Wolverton, were charged with stealing a quarten loaf of the value of 6d., the property of Mr. Thomas Adams, baker of Old Stratford. Mary Carpenter deposed to seeing the young boy get up on to the cart, take the loaf, and run away with it. The elder boy was standing near the Post office at the time the little one took it. They afterwards ran away together. Inspector Webb deposed to apprehending the boys, and charged them with stealing a loaf from Mr. Adams's cart. They first denied it, but when at the Police Station the big one said the little one stole it. The little one pleaded guilty. Frederick pleaded not guilty. Frederick was acquitted, and Albert was removed to the cell to receive twelve stripes with a birch rod.

The Northampton Mercury March 6^th 1869

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: FEBRUARY 26th.— Alleged Watch Stealing at Old Stratford. Major Richardson, 12½ years of age, appeared before the Bench, charged with feloniously stealing  a watch, of the value of 15s., the property or William Tapp.—Police-constable Stirling deposed to apprehending prisoner from the information he had received that Tapp had lost a watch. W. Shepherd brought the watch to him, and he then went in search of the prisoner. He went to his house, but he did not come home all night. On the following night he saw him, and asked him why he went away, and he said that the other boy (Shepherd) told him that he was after him, and he had better bolt. Witness charged him with stealing a watch from Tapp's cabin.—William Shepherd, a boat boy, apparently about 14, said : I am a boatman. The watch produced I know to be my master's by the shape of it. I also know it by the No. 3 on it. I gave it to the constable on Monday night. Prisoner had been about the boat all day. When my master sent me to the cabin for a feed of corn and the watch, I found the watch was gone. This about six in the evening. I  told my master the watch was gone. There had been two men in the cabin, but we could not find anything on them. One of the men was named James Richardson. I went down the street and met the prisoner, and asked him if he had been in our cabin, and he said No. I said somebody must have been, for there was a watch lost. After this I called him into Thomas's field, and asked him again, when he said, if I would not say anything about it, and hang the watch in the place again, he would give me the watch. As I was taking the watch to the boat, I met Mr. Stirling, and he took it from me.—Daniel Holman deposed : I live at Old Stratford, and am bricklayer. I remember Monday, the 15^th.  Was on the side of the canal between three and four  o'clock, and saw the prisoner look down and go into the cabin. The boat belonged to Richard Barter.—William Tapp deposed : I am Captain of Richard Barter's boat. I remember Monday, the 15th. I told my lad to fetch some corn and the watch, and when he came back, he told me the watch was gone. I’ll swear the watch was in the boat when I left it. —Prisoner said he was not guilty, and said the boat boy showed him the watch, and said it was his. It was about half-past eleven when W. Shepherd showed him the watch. They were in the cabin. He said he gave 15s. for it at Leicester. The Bench considered there was a doubt, and gave the prisoner the benefit of. The case dismissed.

The Northampton Mercury April 17^th 1869

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: APRIL 9th James Hardwick, an old offender, was brought up in custody of the police, charged with breaking a window at Mr. Thomas's, of Old Stratford. Mary Clarke, servant to Mr. Thomas, said about 3 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, prisoner called and asked me to give him something. On being refused he broke two panes of glass, of the value of 5s. 6d. - Committed for 21 days.

The Northampton Mercury May 5^th 1869

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, John Robinson, a tramp was charged with begging, at Old Stratford, on April 22^nd. Police constable Stirling proved the charge. Prisoner was sent to gaol for a week.

Henry Fisher was charges with disorderly conduct in the tramp ward, at Old Stratford, on the night of the 22^nd instant. One of the rules of the ward is – should any of the occupants of the beds be disorderly in their conduct, or make use of foul language, they shall be treated as common vagrants, and brought before a justice as such, or something to that effect. Police-constable Stirling gave evidence to the effect that prisoner had been very disorderly, and had used bad language, consequently he brought him to the police-station and locked him up. The prisoner gave a lucid explanation of his conduct and travels the day before, and the Bench dismissed the case.

The Northampton Mercury December 11^th 1869

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, Larceny. Robert Robinson, of Old Stratford, 19,was brought up in custody of the police, charged with stealing a coat value 30s., which was hanging outside the shop of Mr. W. Boyes, on the 1^st instant, his property. The case was proved by Mr. Vernon, assistant to Mr. Boyes, and Inspector Hall, of Newport Pagnell, who arrested prisoner at that place on the 2^nd instant, where he was trying to pawn the coat. He was convicted under the Criminal Justice Act, and sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.

The Northampton Mercury October 15^th 1870

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, Oct 7th. Joseph Sanders, of the Black Horse Inn, Old Stratford, was charged with having his house open for the sale of beer before half-past twelve o'clock on Sunday afternoon, the 18th September last. Mr. Whitton, of Towcester, appeared for the defendant. Fine £3, costs 11s.

The Northampton Mercury January 21^st 1871

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, Old Stratford—Joseph Partridges, landlord of the Swan Inn, Old Stratford. was summoned for, on the 10th of December, 1870, permitting drunkenness in his house.—Mr. C. C. Becke, of Northampton, defended.—Thomas Barbey, servant at Wakefield Lodge, deposed : On Saturday evening the 10th of December, I went with Sans Read into the Swan Inn, kept by Mr. Partridge, and remained there about five minutes. Read was sober when he went in. I left and went on to Stratford, and was gone about an hour. As I came back I called in again at the Swan, and stayed a quarter of an hour. Read and a man named Webb and several others left with me. Read and Webb were drunk. I did not see anything brought to either of them. They had a little of a quartern of gin, which I called for, and that was all I saw them drink. I did not tell the policeman I saw them have several quarterns of gin and brandy.—Cross-examined by Mr. Becke: Read went in with me. I did not hear Mr. Partridge say he was drunk, nor did I hear him tell his bar maid not to serve anything to him.—Sans Read was next brought up as a witness for the prosecution, but he refused; to be sworn or to give evidence, because he said he had been fined at the last Sessions for being drunk at the time he was now called to give evidence about; and, as a drunken man's evidence cannot be taken, he refused to be sworn. However, he afterwards took oath that he was drunk, but on being interrogated as whether he got drunk at the Swan Inn, he I replied that he was drunk and did not know.—Mr. Becke said; Mr. Partridge; had kept a public-house for twenty years, and had not been brought up before, and he could produce witnesses to prove that Read was drunk when he came in, and that he had nothing to drink whilst he was there. It being a cold night, the landlord could not turn him out, but as soon as an opportunity offered, he got rid of him sending him with some men who were going his way home. He (Mr. Beerke) could bring respectable witnesses to prove that there were no drunken men in the house on that night, and from what the witness Barbey had Stated, there was not a tittle of evidence showing that Read got drunk in the Swan Inn. The defendant had kept a public-house for twenty year without a complaint and now to be brought up on such frivolous charge appeared to him to be very cruel. He should first prove that Read did not get drunk there and asked to be allowed to call a return, but the Bench told him the case was dismissed.

The Northampton Mercury November 8^th 1873

COMMITMENTS TO THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL: Emily Hardwick, one week hard labour, for stealing a chemise, &c. at Old Stratford.

Larceny. Emily Hardwick, a young girl, pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing several articles of wearing apparel from Susan Buttery, a pedlar, in a lodging-house, at Old Stratford, on the 29th October, George Williamson, an inspector of the police at Northampton, who apprehended the prisoner on the following day in lodgings there, produced the missing articles, worth 3s. Prosecutor earnestly entreated the mercy of the Court. To be imprisoned one week, with hard labour.

The Northampton Mercury January 17^th 1874

TOWCESTER COUNTY COURT, MONDAY. John Scrivener, Paulerspury, v. Martha Ellen, Old Stratford. Plaintiff sought to recover possession of a cottage occupied by defendant at a weekly rental. Plaintiff's notice was admitted by defendant, who pleaded that her non-compliance with it was owing to illness in her family. Plaintiff asserted that this pleading was untrue. The woman was ordered to give possession of the cottage in 14 days.

The Northampton Mercury November 21^st 1874

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Oct 30. Charles Blunt, of Old Stratford, a returned convict, charged by Mr. Alfred Scrivener, of Potterspury, with stealing ferrets, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

The Northampton Mercury March 3^rd 1877

TOWCESTER SPECIAL SESSIONS, FEB. 27th. Stealing a Blanket at Old Stratford. Ann Young, tramp no residence, was charged with stealing from the tramp ward, Old Stratford, a blanket, value 3s., the property of the committee of the tramp ward, on the 6th of February, 1875. P.C. Sterling, of Stratford, said he kept the tramp ward at Old Stratford. On the 5^th of February, 187[7], the prisoner went to the institution. There were at the time ten men, another woman, and a boy there. During the night the men were disagreeable. On the morning of the 6^th, after the men were up, witness went and counted the blankets, and found them light. He ordered prisoner to fold them up and put them in the cupboard. The other people who were in the house did not go upstairs at all. After they were all gone away but the prisoner, she asked to be allowed to stay behind, saying she wanted to get away from the other woman. She stayed about a quarter of an hour. On the night of the day on which she left he put out eight blankets; next morning placed the same number back in the cupboard. When that night, he went to count over the number of the whole, there was one missing. No one but the prisoner had touched them. Inspector Wallace said prisoner was brought to the lock-up in Towcester, in custody, on the 21^st inst. When she came, witness saw her, and said to her, “I suppose you know what you are charged with?” She at first made no reply. He then told her the charge, and she said she did take it, but he could not get it, because it was sold to a party travelling in a van. One month, with hard labour.

The Northampton Mercury September 1^st 1877

TOWCESTER SPECIAL SESSIONS, Aug. 28
Arson.—George Powell. Chelmsford, Essex, charged with setting fire to a hay-stack, at Old Stratford, on the 22nd, the property of the Rev. James Thomas. —The prosecutor stated that he was a clerk in holy orders, and lived at Old Stratford. He also had some land there, and had a stack-yard, in which were two stacks of hay. He saw them on the 21st, when they were all right. When he saw them again on the morning of the 22nd one of them was on fire—the one nearest the cow-house. He was informed it had been set on fire. When he saw it it was alight at one corner. The engine was there. It was extinguished in about an hour and a-half. He estimated the damage at about £25. He did not know the prisoner, and had not seen him except before the magistrates.—Robert Daniels said he was a labourer, and lived at Calverton. On the morning of the 22nd he was going along the road with Major Richardson to his work, about twenty minutes to five, when he saw smoke coming direct from Mr. Thomas's yard. He was about 400 or 500 yards off. He saw the prisoner come out of the gate near to Mr. Thomas's house into the turnpike. When he saw the fire they want and called for help, and the engines came, and they got the fire out. It was burning more than an hour.—Thomas Smith said he lived at Stony Stratford. On the morning of the 22nd he was going along the road about five o'clock, when he met the prisoner about 20 yards from Stratford Bridge and about 00 yards from Mr. Thomas's gates leading to his stack-yard. Witness said. "Good morning" to him, but be hardly spoke, and seemed very much confused. After Witness passed him he saw the stack on fire. He turned round and looked back after the prisoner, and saw him looking in the direction of the fire. Witness stopped and helped put the fire out.—P.C. Sterling, stationed at Old Stratford, deposed that from information he received he went towards Stony Stratford, and overtook the prisoner against St. Paul's School. It was about fire o'clock. He was smothered with hay seeds, and combing them out of his hair at the time. He asked him if he had slept in that hay-stack last night, and he replied that he had, and set fire to it afterwards. Asked him what motive he had for doing so, and he said to get off the road, for he had tried every farm house all the way down from London for work, and could not get any, and the last place he called at, where he thought he could get some work at bean tying, the master told him he would have him locked up, and he then said he would do something to be locked up for. He then took him into custody. Searched him, and found a pipe, some matches, and a comb upon him. He had called at the tramp ward the night before.—In reply to Mr. Oliver, the witness stated that he would not take him in because be used very abusive language.—The prisoner denied using any bad language, and was committed for trial at the Winter Assizes.

The Northampton Mercury January 19^th 1878

Stealing Cake. William Jackson, tramp, was charged with stealing a piece of cake from the shop of James Castle, at Old Stratford, on the 10th inst. The prosecutor stated that on Thursday evening, the 10th last., about twenty minutes to six o'clock, he heard someone at his shop door. He answered it, and the prisoner walked inside. He asked for something to eat, and he told him he had nothing to give him. He then said, "Then I will help myself," at the same time taking up a piece of cake, which was laying on the counter, and began to eat it. He took hold of him, and prevented him from eating all of it. He then sent for the police. P.S. Matthews, of Potterspury, deposed that on Friday morning, the 11th instant, he went to Stony Stratford Lock-up, and there saw the prisoner. He charged him with stealing the cakes produced. He said, "Yes; I went to the shop and asked for something to eat, as I was hungry, and he said he could not give me any, and I took a piece of cake." In answer to the charge, prisoner pleaded guilty, and was committed for three weeks' imprisonment, with hard labour.

The Northampton Mercury February 16th 1878

Charge of Embezzlement at Old Stratford. Stewart Rose, boatman, was charged with embezzling the sum of £2 15s., the money of William Austin Robinson, his master, on the 22^nd January. Prosecutor stated that he was a coal merchant and farmer, and lived at Old Stratford. The prisoner was in his employ as captain of a boat. On the day named he gave him £2 15s. to pay tonnage on the Oxford Canal. He was to take the money to Stretton Stock, on the 28^th January. Prosecutor had business in the neighbourhood of Wyken, and went to look at the boats knowing they were there. He had sent the prisoner there to bring back a cargo of coals. When the prosecutor got to the boats the prisoner was absent, and had taken the money with him. Inspector George Wallace said on the 9^th of this month he went to a brickyard, near Crick Railway Station, and saw the prisoner at work there. Told him that he (witness) held a warrant for his arrest, and he at first denied being the man. He them said “What a fool I was I did not go and see Robinson; but it was the fault of the engine driver; he kept stopping to drink, and to have the engine repaired. He had no money so I had to find it.” Prisoner added that he left the boat at Wyken Colliery, and went to the Three Bells public-house, Coventry, where he stopped drinking whiskey, and when he awoke in the morning he had no money. The prisoner, in reply to the charge, said he had to pay 8s. 6d. for coal, 3s. for blacksmith, and advanced 6s. to Davis, and he did not know how much he laid out for victuals for them. He was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

The Northampton Mercury November 16^th 1878

Samuel Monday, coach builder, Stony Stratford, v. John Coles, coach builder, Old Stratford. Mr. Sheppard appeared for the defendant, and while acknowledging the claim of plaintiff of £1 10s. for work done, pleaded a set-off of £2 18s. 3d. for tools used and material supplied by plaintiff to defendant. It was, Coles stated, customary in the trade to make the charge he had made when the workmen did not use their own tools. His Honour said he could not be ruled by custom as to the use of tools. As to the material, Monday produced a witness, who stated that it was supplied to Monday for his (witness’s) purposes, and that he had offered payment for it, but that Coles had refused to take the money. The set-off was not allowed, and a verdict for plaintiff was entered with costs.

The Northampton Mercury June 28^th 1879

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: William Stones, Old Stratford, was summoned for not complying with an order to send his children to school. Fined 1s. and costs 4s.

The Northampton Mercury July 5^th 1879

STONY STRATFORD POLICE COURT, June 26th. Alfred Abrahams, carpenter, was charged with stealing a quantity of felloes and spokes, from his employer. Mr. Edward Hayes, Stony Stratford. Prisoner had been suspected for some time. On Friday, the 27th, the prisoner, with the help of two other men and a boy, carried a box from the wharf at Old Stratford (occupied by Mr. Hayes) to Mr. Holland's gardener, Vicarage-road, Stony Stratford, for whom he was (after working hours) making a cart. Inspector Webb, being sent for, searched the box, and found it full of spokes and felloes, instead of tools. The house of the prisoner was then searched, and, in adjoining building, 26 spokes were found. The prisoner being charged with stealing them, addressing Mr. Hayes, said he hoped he would forgive him; he was very sorry for what he had done, and would pay for the goods if Mr. Hayes would not prosecute him. The prisoner was committed for trial.

The Northampton Mercury May 29^th 1880

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, May 21. Samuel Lewis, Old Stratford, was charged with stealing a cloth coat, value 3s. The property of William Barker, of Stony Stratford. Committed for a fortnight.

The Northampton Mercury July 23^rd 1881

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, Samuel Pittam, of Old Stratford, for being drunk, at Old Stratford was fined 15s 6d.

The Northampton Mercury June 24^th 1882

Larceny. Joseph Holman, stone mason, Potterspury, was charged, on remand, with stealing 1s. 6d., the moneys of George Rice, innkeeper, Old Stratford, on the 9^th inst.
Mr. Sheppard defended.—complainant stated that from information he received from his servant, Ann Ward, he examined his till about half past two on the day named. He found it unlocked and left a little way open. He knew what he had in silver, but not in coppers. He believed 2s. had been taken, but he could not say for certain, on account of the coppers. On going back to the tap-room he said to the prisoner, " Joe, you have been at my till," to which he replied," I have not been out of the tap-room, and I have no money about me."—In answer to the Chairman, witness said the key was kept in the till.–Witness continuing : Before he sent for the police, he said to prisoner, "If you give me the money you took I will not say anything about it," but he refused.—In answer to the Chairman : He did not see the defendant leave the taproom, as he was asleep.—Cross- examined by Mr. Sheppard : He had examined the money in the till about ten minutes or a quarter-of-an-hour before he was told of what had occurred. There was then 7s. in silver. When he looked the second time there was only 6s. There might have been a pound's worth of coppers.— Ann Ward, domestic servant to the last witness, stated that about 2.30 on the day in question she heard someone go towards the kitchen, and on coming back they looked into all the rooms. She then went to see who it was, and found the defendant with his hands in the till, upon which she told her mistress, who immediately went to her husband.—Cross-examined : There was no other customer in the house.—P.S. Pitson, stationed at Stony Stratford, stated that he was sent for to the complainants’ house on the afternoon of the 9th inst. on arriving there the loss of the money was reported to him. The defendant was at the time sitting in the tap-room, and on searching him, in the complainant's presence, he found 3d. in his cost pocket, and in his boots there also 1s. in silver and 3d. in coppers. On charging the defendant, he replied, "It is my own.  I can put my money where I like.” Cross-examined: The defendant had had some drink, but he knew what he was doing. The complainant was re-called, and in answer to the Bench said the defendant had paid for no beer in the morning, but had had all on trust, and he saw nothing to show that the defendant had any money. The defendant elected to have the case dealt with summarily, but pleaded not guilty. Mr. Sheppard having addressed the Bench in defence, left the case in the magistrates’ hands, without calling witness. Fined £1 12s.

The Northampton Mercury October 14^th 1882

Stony Stratford Petty Sessions. Oct 6. William Morgan, landlord of the Swan, Old Stratford, was fined £1 9s. 6d. For permitting gaming.

The Northampton Mercury March 3^rd 1883

PETTY SESSION, February 23.
William Austin Robinson, coal merchant, Old Stratford, find 12s 6d. for having in use an untrue weighing machine.

The Northampton Mercury March 10^th 1883

Petty Sessions, Wednesday. Benjamin Ward, of Hanslope, was charged with stealing a gig whip, value 7s., the property of John Wilson, of Old Stratford, on the 6th of March. Fined 20s.

The Northampton Mercury March 8^th 1884

TOWCESTER COUNTY COURT: The Running Down Case in Towcester-street. J. W. Manning, Park View, Towcester, plaintiff, v. W. Webb, retired miller, Old Stratford. This case arose out of the running down case near the weighing machine in Towcester-street, on an evening in December last, and which ended in the death of Mrs. Patman, and was afterwards the subject of a trial for manslaughter at Northamptonshire Assizes in January. This action was brought for £4 11s 6d. damages caused to the plaintiff’s trap, harness, and lamp on that occasion, by the carelessness of defendant or his servant. Mr Percival had been engaged for the plaintiff, and Mr. Sheppard for the defendant. In consequence of the heaviness of the cause list, his Honour adjourned the case till next court day. It was stated that there would be 20 witnesses to call.

The Northampton Mercury April 12^th 1884

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, APRIL 4. Before E. H. Watts, Esq. (in the chair), the Duke of Grafton, and S. R. Harrison, Esq., Thomas Smith, of Potterspury, was charged with assaulting Phoebe Sanders, at Old Stratford, on the 22nd of March. Complainant's husband keeps the Black Horse Inn, Old Stratford. On the 22nd ult., defendant entered the house, and wanted to toss for a quart of beer. She remonstrated with him, whereupon he beat her with the poker. Fined £1 11s 6d.

The Northampton Mercury November 7^th 1885

TOWCESTER PETTY SESSIONS, Thursday, November 3.
Charge of Unlawfully Wounding. Henry Gordon Tighe, tramp, was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Hugh Robinson with a knife, at Old Stratford on the 1st November. The prosecutor, who keeps a common lodging-house at Old Stratford, said that on the night in question prisoner came to his house just after ten o'clock and asked for lodging. Prosecutor spoke to him from the bedroom window, and told him he could not take him in, when he threatened to knock the door down and used bad language. On prosecutor coming down and opening the door, the prisoner holloaed and shouted like a madman. He told the prisoner to go away, but as he refused prosecutor caught hold of him and attempted to put him out of the yard. Prisoner putting himself in fighting attitude, witness struck him and knocked him down, and on again trying to turn him out of the yard, prisoner ran at him and struck him with something sharp on the hip. He felt something run into him, but he did not see any knife. With assistance the prisoner was removed from the yard, and subsequently was given into custody. Witness had been to the doctor, and was still suffering from the effects of the wound. He produced the trousers, which showed a cut near the hip.—In cross examination he denied striking the prisoner with any weapon.—Thomas Carr, coachman, Passenham, deposed to hearing Robinson tell the prisoner to go away, and when the last witness came down he heard prisoner threaten to draw a knife to him. He subsequently saw the man rush at Robinson and stab him in the thigh. He also rushed at witness, but he put up his stick and struck him on the face. Apparently prisoner tried to thrust something into witness's chest. After that, when witness was going home, prisoner who then had a knife in his hand, tried to throw him down and there was a severe struggle.—P.C. Yates said on the night in question prisoner came to him and asked for help, as he said two men had been upsetting him. His face was covered with blood and he was in a most excited state. Witness went with him to Robinson's, and in consequence of the complaint then made, took him into custody for stabbing the prosecutor. He examined the prosecutor's thigh which was then bleeding.—P.C. Wilson deposed to finding  a rolling pin lying in the prosecutor's yard. On prisoner being charged, he made the following statement: ‘I came to Stony Stratford, and met a woman, who asked me where the common lodging was. I said, I’ll show you, but I've been refused lodging myself.’ I went to the door, and knocked. Somebody looked out of the window, and Mrs. Robinson (I knew her voice) said ‘That ---- thief was here before; don't let him in.' Mr. Robinson said ' Wait till I come down to you.' He came to the door, and had something in his hand. He struck me several times in such a manner that it deprived me at the time of my reason. The cause of that is—I have suffered several times of dementia, having been confined seven times in an asylum, and am at the present time escaped from Barming Heath, I have since been confined at Hardywicke, an asylum in Holland. Therefore, through the ill usage I received, and being mentally weak, it I did commit such an act as he has preferred against me, I was not criminally responsible for my actions. The Sussex County Asylum I was in twice in the name of Mark Ridson, I was in Poplar Lunatic Ward in 1881, Fulham Lunatics’ Ward the same year, and in the West Indies in 1880, where I first had a sun stroke.” Prisoner was then committed for trail at the next Quarter Sessions.

The Northampton Mercury January 9^th 1886

Charge of Stabbing. HENRY GORDON TIGHE (37) painter, was charged with maliciously wounding Hugh Robinson, at Cosgrove, on Nov. 1^st. Mr. Whiteway  prosecuted. Hugh Robinson, Old Stratford, in the parish of Cosgrove, said he kept a common lodging house at Old Stratford. On Sunday, Nov. 1^st, Tighe went to his house about a quarter pest ten and wanted lodgings. Witness told him he could have none, and the man commenced to kick at the door, and said that he would get in. Witness dressed, went downstairs, pushed the man away, and struck him in the face, knocking him on the ground. When the prisoner got up he ran at witness and stabbed him on the left hip. Witness knocked him down again and went indoors.—P.C. Harry Bates, Bucks constabulary, stationed at Stony Stratford, said he met the prisoner in Old Stratford on the night of the occurrence. He was very excited, and his face was covered with blood. The prisoner begged witness to go back with him, because he had been knocked about by a couple of men. On the way they met Robinson and a man named Holt; and Robinson gave Tighe into custody.—The prisoner contended that he was assaulted, and that the wound sustained by the prosecutor was caused by Robinson, in the scuffle, falling upon some palisades. He also alleged that he was unmercifully beaten by Robinson and a man named Carr, who was a witness for the prosecution at the magistrates' hearing at Towcester. A rolling - pin was used by Robinson, and a walking- stick by Carr. — A police-constable, called by the prosecution, produced a rolling-pin, which he saw lying on the ground where the fracas took place.—Carr was not present at the Court, it being stated on behalf of the prosecution, but not proved, that he was ill. The prisoner alleged that he was purposely kept back in order that his evidence should not contradict Robinson's. He accordingly asked that Carr’s depositions given at Towcester should be read, but Mr. Whiteway objected, and they were not produced.—Prisoner addressed the Jury at some length, and with no little tact, commenting on discrepancies in the evidence of Carr at Towcester, and the evidence just given by Robinson. It was to save Robinson from the disgrace of the whole affair that he was charged with the offence, a man without money and without friends, whose only chance was an honest appeal to the jury. He was several times applauded by the spectators in the course of his speech. — Tile Chairman, in addressing the jury, explained that Carr's illness not being proved, his depositions could not be put in. He had, however, read them himself, and he must say that there were discrepancies in the evidence, more especially with regard to the violence used by the prosecutor.—The jury almost immediately returned a verdict of Not Guilty, which was received with applause in Court.

The Northampton Mercury August 13^th 1887

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Emma Cox, of Old Stratford was fined for not sending her children to school. The defendant stated her children had not been to school since she came out the Workhouse last April. The eyes of the children were bad. On being questioned defendant admitted that the children went to school when she was in the Union. The case was ordered to stand over for six weeks to allow defendant to send the children to school.

The Northampton Mercury November 19^th 1887

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Alexander Saunders, of Old Stratford, was summoned by Henry Toms, baker, for assaulting him, on Oct. 29. The complainant said he was going home about 8 p.m., when defendant came and spoke to him of a mistake in the bread bill. Complainant told him he knew nothing about it, whereupon defendant swore at him and called him a liar and a thief. Complainant said, “I don’t know about that, but your wife wanted to best me when I left some bread.” He then struck complainant with something that looked like a hammer and knocked him down. Defendant was fined £1, and costs £1 5s. 6d.

The Northampton Mercury April 7^th 1888

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Eli Green and Thomas Smith were charged with stealing, on the 26^th inst., two pigeons, belonging to Mr. W. Webb, of Old Stratford, and a fowl, the property of Mr. Henry John Baker. Both prisoners pleaded not guilty. Mr. Parrott appeared for Mr. Webb on behalf of the Stony Stratford Society for the Protection of Felons. After consideration the Bench sentenced Smith to two terms of six weeks’, and Green to two terms of four weeks’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The Northampton Mercury June 30^th 1888

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: JUNE 22nd. Emma Cox, of Old Stratford, was fined 1s. And costs 4s. For not sending her children (John and William) to school.

The Northampton Mercury August 11^th 1888

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Rebecca Stones, of Old Stratford, was summoned for assaulting Phœbe Holt on the 16^th ult. The case was dismissed.

The Northampton Mercury July 29^th 1889

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Henry Stones, of Old Stratford, was charged with assaulting Henry Dawson, at old Stratford, on the 10^th June. The defendant denied the assault. The complainant Dawson stated that he was going home when he saw the defendant at Old Stratford. Stones came up to him and struck him without saying a word. He also kicked him, rendering him insensible. Richard Wadsley stated he was a well-borer, and that the complainant was his employer. On the 10^thinst., he was fetched out of his lodgings at old Stratford, and he found his man, the complainant, who was just getting off the ground. The man was all covered with blood. The defendant, after having made a statement, in which he tried to make out the assault was a free fight only, called as his witness Henry Young, who saw the defendant and complainant having words together.  William Page, who was summoned during the sitting of the Court, stated he was at Old Stratford on the 10 inst., and saw the complainant on the ground, and the defendant standing over him. He did not hear any high words between them, nor did he see the defendant strike Dawson. The Bench committed the defendant for one month’s imprisonment at Northampton.

The Northampton Mercury October 19^th 1889

STONY STRATFORD.
 PETTY SESSIONS. October 11.
DISMISSED.

James Kelly, of Trinity School, Old Stratford, appeared to answer a summons charging him with using threats towards William Demeeres, of the same place. Dismissed.

 The Northampton Mercury November 16^th 1889

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS.

Nov. 8. John French, of Old Stratford, aged 15 years, pleaded guilty to a charge made against him by his master, Lewis Coleman, shoe maker, Stony Stratford, of stealing a quantity of leather, a black ball and a quantity of rivets and nails, on the 1st November. Defendant was bound over in the sum of £10 to be of good behaviour, and to come up for judgement if called upon, with in six calendar months.

The Northampton Mercury November 23^rd 1889

TOWCESTER.
 COUNTY COURT. MONDAY.
Before His Honour Judge Snagge.

THE STRATFORD SCHOOLMASTERS.

J. B. Graves and Company, drapers, of Stony Stratford v. Wm. Demeers and James Kelly trading as Demeeres and Kelly, schoolmasters, Trinity Hall, Old Stratford. Claim £4 4s. 1d. For goods sold. The defendant Demeers wished the case adjourned until the question of dissolution of the partnership between the defendants had been settled. He, however, admitted the debt, but he stated there was a disagreement between him and his partner as to the matter. He later on wanted his Honour to make two separate orders on the defendants so much each, as he said he was afraid he should otherwise have to pay all the money himself. His Honour made a joint order for payment by instalments of £1 a month. But he said if the question of dissolution was settled in the meantime he would give leave for an application to be made to him to vary the order. He should then like to go more fully into the matter. William Newman, grocer, Stony Stratford, sued the same defendants for £7 18s 10d., balance of account. Defendants pleaded a set of £1 3s. 9d. for one half term’s fee, books, stationary, and club subscriptions, for the education of the plaintiff’s son, commencing 9^th March last, and one term’s fees,  £2 2s., in lieu of notice, making a total of £3 5s. 9d. Mr. G. H. Percival appeared for the plaintiff, and asked for an order for payment forthwith. He understood Demeeres was about to leave the country. He was believed to be a foreigner. Demeeres denied that he was a foreigner – he was a Londoner. Kelly said he personally was Irish, but his partner was as much at home in Brussels as there. (Laughter.) Both denied they were intending to leave Stratford or the partnership would not have been dissolved. He agreed to waive the set off, and his Honour then made a similar order, and on the same terms as in the prior case. An application for costs was to be made at a future Court.

The Northampton Mercury January 25^th 1890

TOWCESTER
COUNTY COURT. JANUARY 20^th
Before his Honour Judge Snagge.
THE SCHOOLMASTER PARTNERSHIP AGAIN.

William Demeeres, Stony Stratford, schoolmaster, v. James Kelly, Stony Stratford, schoolmaster. This was an action for dissolution of the partnership, for appointment of a receiver, and for accounts to be taken. It has been before the Court for two or three months past.  At the last bearing the plaintiff was represented by Mr. C. W. Smith, of Fenny Stratford, and the defendant by Mr. C. W. Powell, of Newport Pagnell, and the case was submitted back to the arbitration of Mr. S. C. Bell, of Northampton. The Plaintiff, however, on the present occasion failed to award from Mr. Beel, and his Honour asked the defendant (who apologised for the absence of his solicitor through illness) if he was willing to take it up, to which he replied that he was. Mr. Whitton thereupon opened the letter and read the award as follows. Whereas by an order of the honourable Court, dated the 18^th day of December, 1889, it was ordered that all matters in difference in this action, and all other matters within the jurisdiction of the Court in the difference between the parties, should be referred to me the undersigned, Stephen Crow Beel, of Northampton, accountant, whose award to be made or given on or before the 18^th day of January, 1890, should be entered as judgement in this action. And it is further ordered that the costs of the said reference should be in the discretion of me, the arbitrator. Now I, the said Stephen Crow Beel, having heard the evidence of the plaintiff and defendant, and duly considered the accounts and documents produced before me by the said parties, do award and find (1) That there is no sum due from the defendant to the plaintiff in respect of the partnership business mentioned in the plaintiff’s statement of claim; (2) That there is due from the plaintiff William Demeeres, to the defendant, James Kelly, the sum of £6 3s. 1d, on balance of accounts between them in the said partnership business; (3) And I further award that £2 2s. 0d., my costs of the said arbitration, and of this my award, shall be paid by the said William Demeeres. Dated this 11^th January, 1890. (Signed0 Stephen C. Beel.His Honour, on application of the defendant, made an order in the terms of the award, with costs, to be taxed in the usual way. The defendant informed his Honour that there were several outstanding book debts due to the partnership business, and asked that they might be secured to him, as he had reason to believe that the plaintiff had left the country in violation of his promise to his Honour. His Honour, however, said he could not do that, as someone else might have a claim upon them; but they might be paid into Court, when he would deal with them in the interest of the creditors and the defendant.
William Newman, Stony Stratford, grocer, v, Demeeres and Kelly. Mr. T. M. Percival appeared for the plaintiff, and said that the claim was for £7 18s. for goods sold. His Honour had made an interim order in November last for £1 per month, pending the result of the proceedings for the dissolution of the partnership in the last case. Only one instalment had been paid, and he was informed that Demeeres had left Stony Stratford, and he consequently asked for judgment forthwith, with costs. The plaintiff, in reply to his Honour, said he did not know where Demeeres was. He had left Stony Stratford, and so far as he was aware he had gone to London. His Honour consequently made the order for payment forthwith, with costs.
Joseph Brian, Graves and Co., Stony Stratford, drapers, v. Demeeres and Kelly. This was a claim for £4 4s 1d., and his Honour made a similar order.

The Northampton Mercury March 8^th 1890

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Henry Toms, of Old Stratford, was charged with unlawfully leaving a pony and cart on a certain highway at Stony Stratford, so as to cause an obstruction, and pleaded guilty. Find 6d. and costs. 4s. 6d.

The Northampton Mercury November 28^th 1890

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. Edward Kirk, Old Stratford, summoned for not sending  his children to school. Mr. J. Bird, school-attendance officer for the Potterspury Union, appeared. Attendance order was made.

The Northampton Mercury April 3^rd 1891

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS March 26. Percy Mitchell, Old Stratford, was charged with selling whiskey adulterated 3.8 below the legal standard, at Old Stratford, on February 18th. Thomas Mattinson, Towcester, proved the case. Fined 11s. And costs 8s. 6d.

The Northampton Mercury November 27^th 1891

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. Ann White, of Old Stratford, was charged with a breach of the Education Act, in not sending her children to school. Fine and costs 5s.

The Northampton Mercury April 15^th 1892

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. Emma Cox, Old Stratford and Frederick Fancutt, Stony Stratford, were charged with not sending their respective children to school. Cox was fined with costs 5s., and the other case was adjourned for a month.

The Northampton Mercury October 28^th 1892

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Frederick Barley (17) and William Edward Daniels (15), of Stony Stratford, were charged with attempted burglary at Old Stratford, on Oct. 22^nd. On the application of the Superintendent, the charge was altered to one under the vagrancy Act. Viz. “intent to commit a felony.” Geo. Bantam said he kept the Swan Inn at Old Stratford, and the two defendants had no business in his house at half-past eleven on Saturday night. Eliza Murby said about half-past eleven on Saturday night she heard a noise in the house and saw a light. The house had been securely locked up that night. P.S. McLeod, of Potterspury, said when he charged the prisoners Barley said they both took part; he opened the window and took the plants out and Daniels struck a light. They then thought better of it, and hearing a noise in the house they ran away. The Chairman warned the lads, and imposed a fine of 5s. and 10s. costs in each case.

The Northampton Mercury March 31^st 1893

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY. Before the Duke of Grafton, the Rev. C. W. Selby-Lowndes, and the Rev. G. E. Willes. - John Cox (16), of Old Stratford was charged with assaulting and beating Frank Francis (12), son of Thomas Francis, at Stony Stratford, on March 8th. Defendant denied the offence. Mrs. Francis and the boy Frank Francis gave evidence, and their statement, coupled with that of the defendant, it appeared that there was six of one and half-a-dozen of the other. The case was dismissed.

The Northampton Mercury May 26^th 1893

COUNTY COURT: James George Knight, Cosgrove, publican. V. William Austin Robinson, Old Stratford, coal-merchant. Claim for £1 8s. 4d. - £1 3s. 4d. for keeping and tending 20 strayed sheep for 14 days at 1d. per head per day, and 5s. for advertising the find. The defendant said that the price charged was excessive. His Honour gave judgement for the amount claimed with costs.

The Northampton Mercury June 9^th 1893

W. Panter, Old Stratford was summoned for offences against the Weights and Measures Act. – Adjourned for a month.

The Northampton Mercury July 7^th 1893

DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: William Panter, coal merchant, Old Stratford, was summoned for using a vehicle for the purpose of conveying coal for delivery in bulk without having the tare weight legibly marked in a conspicuous  place on the vehicle, at Stony Stratford, on April 17^th. Defendant was fined 1s. and costs 15s.

The Northampton Mercury August 31^st 1894

DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Edward John Abel, Cosgrove; and William Coulton, Old Stratford, were separately charged with a breach of the Education Acts by neglecting to send their respective children regularly to school. Abel and Coulton 5s. each.

The Northampton Mercury November 23^rd 1894

Stony Stratford Divisional Petty Sessions: Allan Giles, mechanics, Old Stratford, was charged with wilfully obstructing the free passage of the highway, by kicking and rolling a fire ball thereon, at Stony Stratford, on November 5th. Defendant pleaded not guilty. P.C. Marsdan stated he saw the defendant light a fire ball, throw it into the road, and kick it. Fine and costs 10s.

The Northampton Mercury March 22^nd 1895

TOWCESTER COUNTY COURT.

 John Wilson, saddler, etc. Old Stratford v, Rechab Holland, bootmaker, Buckingham. This was a claim for 12 guineas for a new set of gig harness with silver-plated furniture, plated harness. Mr. T. M. Percival represented plaintiff. Plaintiff alleged that the defendant ordered the harness early in 1894, and hearing nothing further of the matter for some months, sent it on the Buckingham in December last. The harness, which was of a special character, and was ordered by the defendant was sent back to him. Defendant said that he had had some talk with the plaintiff about a set of harness which he pressed him to buy, but had given him no direct order. His Honour gave judgement for the plaintiff with costs.

The Northampton Mercury April 9^th 1897

DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. Harry Smith, Old Stratford, charged with neglecting to send his children to school. George Holman (school attendance officer) proved the case. Fined 5s.

The Northampton Mercury June 4^th 1897

DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. William Smith (12) and Frederick James Bennett (11), of Old Stratford, were charged with cruelty to a mare by violently beating the same with a whip, at Old Stratford on May 6^th. On the application of the Superintendent Norman, D.C.C., the Bench allowed the case against Bennett to be withdrawn, in order that he could enter the witness box against the other lad. Evidence was given by Mrs. E. Panter, P.C. Robinson F. J. Bennett, Sergeant Harrowell, and George Holman, School Attendance Officer. Sergeant Harrowell stated that the lad was a regular nuisance. On 5^th March he was birched for felony, and on the same evening he obtained 2d. under false pretences. The Bench ordered Smith to be sent to Tiffield Reformatory for four years.

The Northampton Mercury August 5^th 1898

DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS.
TUESDAY. Before Major Price Blackwood (in the chair) and Mr. J. Chettle.
Theft by a Deaf Mute. Fred Barton, a deaf mute, of Hulme, near Manchester, and an iron-turner by trade, was charged with stealing a silver watch and chain and appendage, value 25s., the property of John Andrews, at Old Stratford, on July 31^st. He was sent to prison for 14 days with hard labour.

The Northampton Mercury September 16^th 1898

A TRAMP THIEF. At a special sitting of the Towcester Bench of Magistrates on Tuesday morning, Alfred Bulgin, a tramp, was charged on remand with stealing two shillings, the property of John William King, of Old Stratford. Prosecutor, a baker said that on September 6th prisoner entered his shop and purchased some bread and bacon, which he paid for. Witness left the shop to fetch the articles, leaving prisoner alone in the shop. Prisoner tendered a sixpence, and when witness went to the till for the change he noticed that a two-shilling piece was missing. Prisoner then offered to go to a public-house for change, and when he returned witness accused him of stealing the missing florin. He denied the theft, and emptied his pockets. Walter George Ward, son of the landlord of the Black Horse public-house, Old Stratford said he remembered prisoner going to the house on the day named and ordering a pint of beer, for which he paid with a two-shilling piece. Police constable George Gaius Robinson, stationed at Deanshanger, said that when had obtained information of the heft he took a full description of the prisoner and found him at a lodging-house at Old Stratford. At first the prisoner denied stealing the money, and said he never had a two-shilling piece.; but when witness told him that he had changed one at the public-house he said "I was hard up, and when I was in the baker's shop, whilst they had gone downstairs to fetch the bread, I leaned over the counter and saw the two-shilling piece in the till, and took it out and I bought a penny stamp, a penny packet of cigarettes, and a pot of beer". Prisoner then handed witness 1s. 5d. from his trousers pocket, and said "this is all I have left of it." Prisoner pleaded guilty -. He was then charged with stealing a pair of scissors for Towcester Grammar School, the property of John Wetherell, the head master of the school. He was sentenced to 21 days' hard labour on each charge - six weeks in all.

The Northampton Mercury January 27^th 1899

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Thomas Adams, Old Stratford, baker, was summoned for selling bread at Stony Stratford, on January 16th, otherwise then by weight, the said loaf not being such bread as is usually sold under the denomination of French or fancy bread. Adams' loaf was 1½ ounces short of 2lbs. Fine and costs 10s.

The Northampton Mercury May 19^th 1899

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: James Bennett (14), son of Frederick Bennett, a labourer, of Old Stratford, was charged with stealing, between March 9th and 11th, at Passenham, two mole traps, value 8d., the property of William Bird, Deanshanger. It appeared that the mole traps were set in a field by the prosecutor and taken away by the defendant. He told the prosecutor he knew who had taken them and would bring them back. He used them for his employer and then concealed them in a spinney. The boy pleaded guilty and was bound over to come up for judgement in twelve months, if called upon, the father to be bound over as a surety in the sum of £5.

The Northampton Mercury October 20^th 1899

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Frederick Barnes, of Old Stratford, a Reservist, was charged with assaulting Annie Bull, wife of Fredk. George Bull, at Old Stratford, on October 11^th. Superintendent Norman D.C.C., said the defendant was arrested on a charge of indecent exposure. Since then it has been deemed advisable to alter the charge to one of common assault. Annie Bull, wife of the landlord of the Black Horse, deposed to the defendant entering her house about 8 a.m. Her husband wnet to work and after the defendant followed her about the passage, subsequently into the kitchen, and later into the back kitchen, where he prevented her from escaping. She struck at him with a rolling pin every time he came towards her. He behaved very indecently, and used most disgusting language. The husband also gave evidence. The accused was arrested at Stony Stratford by P.C. G. G. Robinson, of Deanshanger, and conveyed to Towcester, from which place he was brought to Stony Stratford on Friday morning. Superintendent Norman said the defendant was a Reservist from the Northamptonshire Regiment, which he left in 1897 with a good character. He had to report himself before next Tuesday. The Superintendent gave him a good character. The Bench considered it a gross case, and the Duke of Grafton said that respectable licence holders must be protected. Fined 50s., or one month’s imprisonment.

The Northampton Mercury February 9^th 1900

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Alan Giles, Old Stratford, bodymaker, was charged with using obscene language, at Potterspury, on January 13^th. The defendant pleaded guilty, and the particulars were stated by P.S. Dunn. Defendant was ordered to pay the costs., and bound over to come up for judgement if called upon in six months.

The Northampton Mercury March 23^rd 1900

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Samuel East, of Old Stratford, labourer, admitted allowing a horse and cart attached to obstruct the highway, at Wolverton, on March 6^th. P.C. Knibbs proved the case. Fine and costs, 10s.

The Northampton Mercury June 15^th 1900

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Harry Smith, of Old Stratford, was charged with neglecting to send his child Charles, aged 11, regularly to school. Fined 2s. 6d.

The Northampton Mercury February 22^nd 1901

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Henry Smith, Old Stratford, was charged on separate informations with neglecting to send his sons, Frederick and Charles, regularly to school. The lad Frederick had not been to school since March last, the father having made a mistake of one year in his age. Fine and costs 5s. in each case.

The Northampton Mercury May 16^th 1902

TOWCESTER DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Theft by a boy. Charles Smith (13), Old Stratford, was charged with stealing a sovereign, the money of Emma Toombs from a dwelling-house, at Old Stratford, on May 7^th. 1902. Prosecutrix said her husband was a labourer at Wolverton Works. She put a sovereign in a mug on the bookshelf on Tuesday May 6^th, and on Friday she missed it. Prisoner, who lived close to, had gone on errands for her, and he knew where she kept her money. On May 7^th she left her house a short time, and on May 11^th hearing prisoner had been spending money, she saw him. He, however, said he had not had her money, but found 15s. on Stratford Bridge. John Little, butcher Stony Stratford, said that on May 7^th prisoner came to his shop for some sausages, and tendered a sovereign in payment, receiving 19s. 7½d. change. P.C. Smith, Yardley Gobion, deposed to seeing prisoner and asking him to account for money he had been spending and giving away to other boys. He said “I found it.” Witness charged him with stealing the money, and after denying it he said “I did take the money, and changed it at Mr. Norman’s. I gave some of it to some schoolboys, and the rest I spent.” Witness had recovered 7s 9d. of the money, and afterwards arrested prisoner. Prisoner now pleaded guilty, and his father asked for leniency for him, saying it was not his wish that he should take anything belonging to other people. This was the prisoner’s first offence . He was ordered to receive eight strokes of the birch-rod.

The Northampton Mercury June 13^th 1902

TOWCESTER DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Charles Smith, 12 years of age, Old Stratford, was charged with stealing 1½d., at Old Stratford, on June 6^th, 1902. Mrs. Cowley, 100, High-street, Stony Stratford, deposed that on the day in question she sent her son with 1½d to fetch some milk. The boy returned without the milk, and was crying. James Cowley, seven years old, who was not sworn, said that prisoner took him into a field and snatched the money out of his hand. P. S. Pearce, stationed at Potterspury, deposed that he received information of the loss of the money on Saturday, June 7^th. In consequence he saw prisoner and accused him of theft. He replied that it was not him. He then took prisoner to the Little boy, and he at once identified him as the boy who took the money from him. Prisoner then said he did have the money. Witness, on being questioned by Superintendent Norman, said that prisoner was convicted for stealing £1 on May 3^rd. and was then sentenced to receive eight strokes of the birch-rod. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and elected the summary jurisdiction of the Court. The prisoner’s parents were not present, and he was sent to Tiffield Reformatory for four years.
[Date of the previous offence does not concur with the report of the above date mentioned.]

The Northampton Mercury June 27^th 1902

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Maintenance. Harry Smith, of Old Stratford, was ordered to pay 1s. per week towards the maintenance of his son, now in Tiffield Reformatory.

The Northampton Mercury April 17^th 1903

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Ebenezer Ratcliffe, Old Stratford; Walter Smith, Old Stratford; Walter Slaymaker, Old Stratford; were charged with neglecting to send their children regularly to school. Mr. G. Holman, school attendance officer, gave the particulars relating to each case. Attendance order made against Ratcliffe; Smith was fined (with the costs) 5s. each: Smith; Slaymaker (one case) 10s.

The Northampton Mercury June 10^th 1904

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Moving Pigs. Edward Beal, of Old Stratford, farm labourer, was charged with moving a sow and 11 pigs from Northamptonshire into Bucks without having a licence, at Stony Stratford, on May 16. The defendant who said he acted in ignorance, was fined with costs 2s. 6d.

The Northampton Mercury August 30^th 1907

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: Charles Mynard, schoolboy, Old Stratford, was charged with throwing a stone to the common danger, at Stony Stratford, on August 3^rd. Sergeant Lillywhite said he was called to the back of the Market-square and found a lad named Eldridge in an unconscious condition, and he had to obtain a stretcher to convey him home. The defendant admitted throwing the stone, and said his father told him. The father said the son had come home battered about, and he had told him to defend himself the best way he could. Fine and costs 10s.

The Northampton Mercury August 26^th 1910

TOWCESTER DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS: A Smart Capture: Florence Temple, a laundress, of no fixed address, was charged with obtaining food and lodging by false pretences to the value of 3s. 6d., from Ruth Bennett, at Old Stratford, Cosgrove, on August 6 and 7. Inspector Bailey stated he received information of the fraud. He made inquiries, and on Saturday night last went to the Red House, on London-road. There he saw the defendant and charged her with offence, which she admitted. She was remanded for inquiries.
Committed for Trial. Florence Temple, alias Blanche Ward, Blanche Hyde and Wardrop, described as a laundress, of no fixed abode, was charged with fraud by obtaining food and lodging to the value of 3s. 6d., from Ruth Bennett, between the same dates. Mrs. Bennett who resides at Holyhead House, Old Stratford, said that defendant called at her house, and said she was an Inspector of Laundries, and she asked for a furnished room. She said she would require the room for a fortnight, and would arrange the terms “on Monday, when her superior officer arrived.” She had tea, supper and bedroom on August 6, and breakfast and dinner on August 7, and she went out about three o’clock, saying she was going for a walk. She never returned, but the handbag (produced) was left behind by defendant.
Inspector Bailey said that he saw the accused at the Red House, London-road, on August 20. He apprehended her and charged her with offence, and she replied “It’s quite true.”
Giving evidence on the second charge prosecutrix said that when she found defendant did not return she searched to see if anything was missing, and discovered two sovereigns had been taken. Inspector Bailey deposed to charging prisoner with stealing the two sovereigns. She replied, “I did take two sovereigns.” Some articles of clothing she said she had bought out of the money, and she had spent £1 5s. 6d. in drives. Defendant was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

The Northampton Mercury August 22^nd 1913

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Negligent Parents. George Edward Bull, labourer, of Old Stratford, was summoned for failing to send his children, Gilbert, aged eight years and Ronald, aged eleven years, regularly to school. Mr. Turner, school attendance officer, Towcester, said Ronald had only made 15 attendances out of a possible 101, and Gilbert had made 58 out of a similar number; in fact, the boys, to all intents and purposes, did not go to school. He blamed the mother for this, but also added that the father neglected to look after the lads. Attendance orders were made in both cases.

The Northampton Mercury April 17^th 1914

TOWCESTER DIVISIONAL  SESSIONS: An Egg Diet. Ronald Bull, aged 11, and Gilbert Bull, aged 8, sons of George Bull, labourer, Old Stratford, were charged with stealing five hen’s eggs, value 5d., the property of Michael Holton, at Cosgrove on March 27. Louie Grace, wife of Joseph Grace, said she saw the younger lad come from a hen house belonging to her aunt with five eggs. He gave two of the eggs to his brother and put two in his pocket. The boys then ran away. Mrs. Holton, wife of Michael Holton, said they had missed a great many eggs, but she could not say the defendants had taken them. By Mr. Bull: Witness had taken three pence from the mother of the boys in payment for the eggs. The mother begged her to do so. By the Chairman: The boys’ mother said they had not taken any eggs home. Sergt. Clarke said he saw the two boys on March 30 and they then denied fetching eggs from Mrs. Holton’s fowlhouse. When their mother told them to tell the truth they admitted having two. The younger lad said the older one told him to go and get some eggs and he did so. Asked what they did with the eggs they replied, “We sucked them.” Superintendent Andres said he was sorry to have to bring two such young lads before the Court, but they had got quite out of control, and their parents could do nothing with them. They scarcely ever went to school, and there were continual complaints about them. He thought it was chiefly the mother’s fault, as the father was a hardworking man. The boys were ordered to receive one stroke each with the birch-rod.

The Northampton Mercury May 29^th 1914

BAD PAIR OF COSGROVE BOYS.
THRASHED WITH NETTLES.

At the Towcester Divisional Sessions (Children’s  Court). on Tuesday, Ronald Bull, aged 11. and Gilbert Bull, aged 9, were charged with stealing eight hens’ eggs, value 1s. 6d., the property of John Goodman, at Cosgrove, on May 13.—George Bull, father of the boys, was also summoned.
It was only a month previous that the boys were before the Court on a similar offence, and were then ordered one stroke of the birch each.
John Goodman, warehouseman. Old Stratford, said he kept fowls on an allotment at Old Stratford in a wired run. He bad been missing eggs, and on three different occasions had found the pen had been broken into. On May 13 witness reported the matter to the police, and the same day defendants were brought to his house by the police. The boys at first denied taking the eggs, but the smaller boy afterwards said they had two. Later they admitted taking eight eggs. The fowls were prize birds, and witness had been selling the eggs, for setting.
Sergeant Clarke said when he first questioned the boys about the theft they both denied it and said they had been at school all day. They afterwards admitted they had not been to school. When shown the broken netting round Mr. Goodman's, fowl run they at first denied breaking it, but afterwards Ronald said Gilbert went in and fetched four eggs out. He said, He gave me two, kept one himself, and gave one to Dolly." That was his sister, aged seven. Gilbert denied having been in the fowl run. Witness later saw the father, who questioned the little girl. She said. "We went round the canal, and when we got to the bend Ronald said to Gilbert, 'till, go and fetch some eggs.’ They left me on the road and went in the field, and when they came back they had four eggs each. Gilbert gave me one of his, Ronald sucked four. Gilbert three; but I did not like mine, so threw it in the canal. The boys threw the empty shells in the water."

Father's Admission.

Asked l if what their sister stated was true both boys replied "Yes." The father said he was sorry, but he could do nothing with the boys.
Gilbert then admitted he had been to the fowl-run on two occasions and took two other lots of eggs.
In reply to the Chairman, the father said he was not satisfied to see his boys growing up as they were, but he could not do anything with them. They were the worst of the family.
Mr. Turner, Schools Attendance Officer, said the boys had been a lot of trouble to the education authorities. In a recent period, out of a possible 22 attendance, Ronald made only nine and Gilbert ten. He was convinced the parents had no control over the bogs. The mother assured him she had thrashed them with nettles, but it had no effect.
The boys were remanded for a fortnight in charge of their parents, the father being bound over to bring them before the court in order that inquiries may be made as to the sending the elder boy to an industrial school. The Chairman told the father that if the boys had not been neglected when they were younger they would not be so much trouble now.

The Northampton Mercury June 12^th 1914

TOWCESTER
 DIVISIONAL SESSIONS.

THE EGG STEALING CASE

Ronald Bull (11) and Gilbert Bull (8), of Old Stratford, were summoned for stealing eight hen’s eggs, value 1s. 6d., the property of John Goodman, at Cosgrove, on May 13. George Bull, the father, a labourer, was summoned as parent. The evidence was given at a previous hearing.
Mr. Turner, on behalf of the Education Committee, said the committee quite agreed to the elder boy being sent to an industrial school. It was thought then that the younger boy might behave better. The parents had no control of the boys.
George Bull, in the witness-box, said his wages were 12s a week with a cottage. One daughter was out in service, one son earned 8s. a week, and gave his parents 5s. 6d. Another had been working on a farm for 8s., of which he gave his father 6s. 6d., but had left owing to the fracas.  He had three children earning nothing, and there was a daughter’s baby in the house. The cottage was worth 1s 6d. a week, and had two rooms up and two down. One of the downstairs rooms was used as a bedroom.
Ronald was sent to an industrial school for four years. Gilbert was discharged, and George Bull was ordered to pay 1s. a week towards the maintenance of the elder boys.

Northampton Society’s Reformatory School for Boys, Tiffield, near Towcester, January 21, 1871

http://www.hiddenlives.org.uk/articles/raggedschool.html

Wolverton Express 18th September 1914

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS SEPTEMBER 11TH 1914

Before Mr F W Woollard (in the chair), Mt T Byam Grounds, Mr H C Weston, and Mr A Sharp.

A DEAR PRACTICAL JOKE

The conduct of two Stony Stratford men, who a few weeks ago discharged a rifle in the dead of night in Old Stratford to scare the civilian constables guarding a bridge over the River Ouse, was strongly condemned. They were sternly reminded that this was not the time for practical jokes at the expense of men who are voluntarily giving up their nights to safeguard the interests of their town.

The would be practical jokers were: Herbert George Norman, a miller and farmer, Old Wolverton Mill, and William Panter, cattle dealer, Old Stratford, who both pleaded guilty to “wantonly discharging a gun on the highway on August 19th.” The hearing of the case attracted a great deal of public interest and the court was crowded with farmers, tradesmen and others.

Superintendent Andrews remarked that he was very pleased to hear that defendants had pleaded guilty. He had two independent witnesses, but under the circumstances he would not call them. It appeared from the facts that the two defendants had fired off four shots at Stratford while driving through. There were some volunteer watchmen at the bridge who were rather alarmed, and one old gentleman at Stratford had felt the shock very much. He did not think defendants realised how serious a thing it was and had done it more for a lark. Under the circumstances therefore, he had taken a lenient view, although a summons could have been taken out under the Proclamation Order.

The defendant Panter, addressing the Bench, said he now thought their behaviour very silly. They thought they would have a bit of a lark, but it did not seem much of a lark now, when they came to think of it. He had himself joined the special constables, though he supposed he ought to have done it before.

In imposing the full penalty on each defendant of 40s and 11s 6d, the Chairman said they could consider themselves lucky to get off so lightly. Nothing was to be so much discredited as such an act which would cause a false alarm of that sort. If any other cases of that kind occurred a more serious view would be taken. They might have been sent to Northampton Gaol for trial without the option of a fine if a more serious charge had been preferred against them.

The Northampton Mercury October 13^th 1916

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Walter Slaymaker, farmer, Old Stratford; Malcolm Jelley, baker, Cosgrove were summoned for failing to properly screen their respective shops or dwellings. P.S. Lawrence and P.C. Robinson stated the facts. A fine of 10s.was imposed.

The Northampton Mercury October 27^th 1916

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS: Walter Slaymaker, Old Stratford;  was summoned for selling milk with water added, at Old Stratford, on September 11. Mr. C. J. Allinson defended, and pleaded not guilty. John Chestnutt, inspector under the Food and Drug Act, Northampton, said he bought a pint of skim milk from the defendant’s wife. The report from the Public Analyst showed the percentage of added water to be 12. Defendant, sworn, said he milked six cows, and one was in poor condition. The milk from this was put in a separate pan, and after the cream was taken off it would be given to the pigs. At this the Inspector, in view of the line taken up by the defence, said he would ask for an adjournment in order that he could produce his witness. In answer to the Chairman, Mr. Allinson said he was relying on the defence set out, and the case was adjourned for a fortnight.

The Northampton Mercury December 15^th 1919

ALLEGED FORGERY
CHARGE AGAINST FORMER OLD
 STRATFORD MAN

At Stony Stratford Sessions. on Friday. Private Arthur Smith (21). Northants. Regiment, formerly of Old Stratford, was charged with forging a request for a cheque book and £15 to Lloyd's Bank at Stony Stratford.
Amelia Williams, widow, of 18, Eton-avenue. North Finchley, said prisoner had lodged at her house and given his name as Panter. On Saturday, November 8. he told her he had cut his hand, and asked her if she would write to Lloyd's Bank, Stony Stratford, for a cheque book. She did so, and when a reply came to this letter she handed it to prisoner.
George William Ball, manager of the Stratford Branch of Lloyd’s Bank gave evidence of receiving the letter, to which he replied: "We do not appear to have a current account in your name." He received a further letter from prisoner which pointed out that the writer was the son of William Panter, of Old Stratford, and that he had recently been demobilised. He asked to he supplied with £15 and a cheque book in the name of "H. Panter." Witness said he had it customer of that name, and in consequence of what Mr. Panter told him he communicated with the Police.
Mr. Harry Panter, dealer, Old Stratford, said he knew prisoner, who had done odd jobs for him several years ago. He had an account at Lloyd's Bank, and he gave prisoner no authority to write the letters.
P.C. Barnett, who received the prisoner in custody at Finchley Police Station, said that in reply to the charge prisoner said, “Yes.” During the journey from London to Wolverton prisoner said, "I shall plead guilty to the former charges. I got into company with two Colonial soldiers, but they‘re on the water now. We were on the drink together when the second letter was written, and I was too far gone to remember much about it. I am glad to know now that I didn't receive the money, and I shall go straight in future."
 Prisoner was committed to the Bucks. Assizes. Supt. Dibben opposed bail, and the view was upheld.

The Northampton Mercury December 19^th 1919

STONY STRATFORD SESSIONS.

William Charles Lake, labourer, Roland Kightley, shoe operative, and Raymond Frost were summoned for wilfully damaging an iron fence, value £2, at Old Stratford on Nov. 23. Defendants pleaded guilty, but said the damage was not to the value named. John Ross Gough, Buckingham, owner of the property, gave evidence and said he did not employ a caretaker.
Mrs. Jean Pinney said she had seen defendant near the fence. Frost and Kightley did nothing. P.C. Williams said defendants had admitted the offence. Mr. Kightley, father of the defendant, said the ground near the railings was a playground; the place was a disgrace and an eyesore to Old Stratford. It was impossible to do £2 worth of damage to the railings, and the case was brought up to avenge a personal grievance. The Bench said a certain amount of damage had been done, and defendants were fined 2s 6d. each.

The Northampton Mercury December 19^th 1919

Joseph R. Giles, Northampton, was summoned for riding a motorcycle with a decar without proper lights at Old Stratford on Nov. 20. Mr. E. D. Glanley appeared for the defendant and pleaded guilty. Fined 10s.

The Northampton Mercury March 26^th 1920

Walter Slaymaker, farmer, Old Stratford, was charged with making a false declaration regarding exemption for a dog at Old Stratford, on January 29^th. Withdrawn on the payment of costs.