Charles Tilson

Level 174

Iris Dunne on 26th November 2021

Bound Indentures: aged 19, year of birth about 1810 Conviction 14 March 1829 for Highway Robbery Trade: Machine maker Native Place: Nottingham How disposed of: Department of Public Works Ticket of Leave No. 38/906 dated 19 May 1838 in district of Yass Prisoner No. 29/2466 Conditional Pardon No. 41/329 dated 1 January 1841

Level 347

Maureen Withey on 25th November 2021

On Saturday night last, as Mr. John Buxton was returning from Horncastle about half-past 8 o’clock, he met two men on the Louth road, somewhat less than a quarter of a mile from the town, who suddenly wished him good night, and appeared to pass on their way; before, however, he had proceeded many paces, he was seized by them both, and after tripping up his heels and having a protracted scuffle, they succeeded in rifling his pockets of a watch, a pocket-book containing two 10/. notes, and a purse in which was deposited a 1/. note and some silver. The robbers, having obtained their booty, left Mr. B. without using any material violence towards him, and one made off in the direction for West Ashby, while the other turned on the road leading to Low Tointon which adjoins Mr. B.’s dwelling-house. Mr. Buxton, perceiving the route taken by the latter marauder, immediately resolved upon arresting him if possible, and for that purpose made across the fields, and again came in contact with him near to the house, when a strong rencontre ensued between them, and Mr. B., after displaying great resolution, with the assistance of his wife (who ventured from her house on hearing his shouts of murder), effectually secured the villain, and he was afterwards conveyed back to Horncastle, when the pocket-book and money were found in his possession. Mr. Burton, one of the constables of Horncastle, who is very active in his endeavours to detect and apprehend offenders, on seeing the man brought by Mr. Buxton, recognised him one of two whom he had observed in the course of the day and considered suspicious characters, and instantly went in search of his companion, whom he found in one of the public lodging-houses, with the watch taken from Mr. B. in his pocket. Both prisoners were examined before the Rev. J. Mounsey on Monday morning, and by him committed to Lincoln Castle, for trial at the ensuing assizes.—An inhabitant of Horncastle, from whom they had stolen some clothes, on giving them half-a-crown was told where to recover them. When the prisoners were being lodged in the Castle on Monday, they were full of impudent braggadocio, boasting of various feats, and expressing their satisfaction with Botany Bay as their place of future abode. They are youths of from 20 to 23 years of age, one from Sussex, the other from the neighbourhood of Nottingham: their names are Robert Parks and Charles Tilson. Stamford Mercury, 6 Feb 1829. -------------------------------------------------- On Tuesday last the following convicts were sent from the Castle for Sheerness, by way of steam-boat from Hull: —James Jackson, Rd. Taylor, Thos. Monk, Henry Chatterton, Rd. Graves, Wm. Brown, Wm. Baker, John Smith, Robt. Parks, Charles Tilson, Robt. Haw, Paul Walker, and James Salter, for the term of their natural lives: and David Statersfield, Thos. Wooldridge and Wm. Weeks, for seven years each. Stamford Mercury, 22 May 1829

Level 5

Dr Bill Edgar on 25th November 2021

Charles Tilson featured in the book, "AT THE HAZARD OF HIS LIFE" by Frank L. McGuire. A true story of the desperation, danger and strange twists of fate in the life of Charles Tilson.