Extract from Western Circuit 1773, Devon, Assizes gaol book (ASSI 23/7)
An interesting list of crimes from ‘unlawfully riotously tumultuously and feloniously assembling and meeting together’ to various cases of burglary. Men and women are mentioned.
Transcript
…Devon Summer Circuit 1773 continued
| James Bristol po: se. not guilty | For unlawfully, riotously tumultuously and feloniously assembling and meeting together with other persons to the number of twelve or more and feloniously riotously and tumultuously remaining and continuing together by the space of one hour after command and proclamation was made for them to disperse and agreeable to the statute. |
| po: se. not guilty John Shasswell. 2nd [conviction] po: se: guilty | For unlawfully, riotously and routously [causing wild confusion] assembling together with other persons to the number of 200 and more to disturb the peace near the Dwelling House of William Cardor Esq. For unlawfully, riotously, routously and tumultuously assembling together with other persons to disturb the Peace |
| To be hanged Burg [burglary] Samuel Smallridge Reprieved | To burglariously breaking and Entering the Dwelling House of Jeremiah Connatt about one in the night and stealing one canvas bag value 6d and other goods of the said Jeremiah Connatt |
| po: se: not guilty Fel. [felony] John Hodge | For stealing two pounds weight of candles value 12d, the goods of James Cole. |
| Po: se: Guilty of stealing the goods not Guilty of the Burglary To be transported for 7 years Robert Pike | For burglariously breaking and entering the Dwelling House of James Hutchings about 8 in the night and stealing one cloth coat value 3d and other goods of Andrew Webber |
| Po.se: Not guilty Manslaughter: Bartholomew Hurley | For feloniously killing and slaying Benjamin Turner as in the Coroner’s Inquisition |
| Po.se: Not guilty Arson: Sarah Archer | For feloniously and maliciously setting fire to a House of William Deeves, Richard [Williamson], John Parrot, John Morrell and William Lizard overseer of the Poor of the Parish Berry Pomeroy [South Devon] |
| Po.se: guilty To be hanged, Burglary, Reprieved William Woolaway | For burglariously breaking and entering the Dwelling House of John Friend between 10 & 11 in the night and stealing one linen shift value 2d and other goods of the said John Friend. |
| Po: se. Guilty vad.10d [Felony] Hester Reed To be publically whipped in the market place at Topsham on Saturday the 21st August inst. Between the hours of 12 & 2 and then discharged. | For stealing one pack of wheaten flour value 12d and other goods of William Redwood |