Margaret Bryan

174

Iris Dunne on 2nd August 2020

444. MARGARET BRYAN was indicted for feloniously stealing on the 9th of June , a shawl, value 5 s. the property of William Godden , privately in his shop . The case was stated by Mr. Pollock. WILLIAM GODDEN . - Q. Where do you live. - A. At No. 10, Leicester-square , I am a linen draper . On the 9th of June in the evening, in consequence of hearing some altercation in the shop between the young man and the prisoner, I came out of my back shop and went into the front shop; the young man told me that he had missed a shawl; I asked him if he was certain the shawl was on the counter, he said he was quite positive it was on the counter; I then told the prisoner if she had the shawl she had better give it up; she said she had not got it; at the same time she put her hand under her clothes, and seemed as if she was throwing something down. Q. You said she put her hand under her clothes - what do you mean. - A. She put her hand under her apron, through her pocket hole, and turned her child round on the ground; I saw the shawl drop from under the prisoner's clothes, I picked it up, sent for an officer, and I delivered her and the shawl into Limerick's hands. JOHN NAYLOR . Q. Are you shopman to Mr. Godden. - A. Yes. Q. Do you recollect on the 9th of June the prisoner coming into Mr. Godden's shop. - A. I do; she asked to look at some shawls, I put some on the counter; she said they would not do, she wished to look at some which were rather better; I turned my back to her to take some more down, I throwed her down a light coloured shawl, which she said would not do. I told her I thought she had taken a shawl from off the counter, she said she had not; I told her then the child had got it if she had not; I desired her to take the child from her breast, and I dare say the shawl would fall; she did take the child from her breast, but the shawl did not fall down. I came out from behind the counter, and told her she must be searched. I put the door to; at that time Mr. Godden came in; the prisoner wanted to get out, she walked backwards and forwards some time. Court. Did you see the shawl drop from her. - A. I did not. Q. Did you see her take the shawl. - A. I did not. Q. Were there any other persons in the shop belonging to Mr. Godden. - A. Not in the shop; there was another in the back shop. Q. What was it induced you to think she had taken the shawl. - A. I had taken two quantities of shawls down of the same colour; I missed one of them, I did not know how many there were at the time; it proved only to be one of each colour, and one was taken. Q. Had you any suspicion of her taking this one until you missed it. - A. No, I had not. (The property produced and identified) Prisoner's Defence. I had a child in my arms when I went into this shop; the young man took down a parcel of shawls, as much as his hands could contain, he turned his back to reach some more down; if I had a mind to take them I could have taken a great many; when he turned round he said he missed a shawl, I said he was welcome to search me, I did not pretend to get out. When he came out from behind the counter, he brought out the shawl on his foot, and then he said that I had it. GUILTY, aged 27. Of stealing to the value of four shillings and nine-pence only . Transported for Seven Years . Second Middlesex jury, before Mr. Justice Lawrence. 445. MARGARET BRYAN was indicted for feloniously stealing on the 9th of June , a shawl, value 10 s. the property of George Hammond , privately in his shop . GEORGE HAMMOND . I am a linen draper , No. 7, Leicester-square . On the 9th of June, between five and six in the afternoon, the prisoner came into my shop, she asked to look at some shawls, which I shewed her; she said she did not like any, and went - out of the shop. Within half an hour she returned again, and looked at them the second time, and went out again without purchasing any. I saw nothing more of the prisoner till I was informed by Mr. Godden that she had a shawl belonging to me; in consequence of that I went to Mr. Godden's. Q. Had you missed your shawl before you had this information from Mr. Godden. - A. No, I had not. Q. How long was that after she had been in your shop the last time. - A. About a quarter of an hour. Q. Who was in the shop at the time she was there. A. A young man, and a friend of his; they are neither of them here. WILLIAM GODDEN . When I discovered my own shawl, the prisoner endeavoured to go out of the shop; in pulling her back again, her apron flew of one side; I then saw a shawl stick out of her pocket. (The property produced and identified.) Prisoner's Defence. As I was coming up Bear-street I picked up a small piece of paper parcel, it was wrapped up at both ends; I put it in my pocket, I did not look to see what it was till they took it from me. Jury, to Godden. When you saw it in her pocket was it rolled up in paper, or without paper. - A. It was in a loose state without any paper. GUILTY, aged 27. Of stealing, but not privately . Transported for Fourteen Years . Second Middlesex jury, before Mr. Justice Lawrence. https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?id=t18070701-19-defend251&div=t18070701-19#highlight https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?id=t18070701-20-defend257&div=t18070701-20#highlight

3

Lisa Godfrey on 1st August 2020

My understanding is that Margaret was first married to an unknown Bryant (Bryan) with whom she had her first child Edward. Edward was the child she had with her when she was caught stealing a shawl. Connor was her maiden name and her parents were Eugene Connor and Mary Flemming.

9

lorna clare hickey on 18th October 2013

Margaret was Bryan by previous marriage Then married to Connor Then to John Riley/Reilly

9

lorna clare hickey on 16th October 2013

had 7 children I am descended from MaryAnn (4th child) I am descended from John Riley/Reilly and Margaret Connor (Bryan by prev marriage) through their 4th daughter MaryAnn

A Margaret Bryant who arrived on the Speke sought permission 9 Feb 1811 to marry John Riley (arrived' Rolla') She was convicted of stealing a shawl (baby at breast) Old Bailey Trial 1808