Hannah Ford

343

Maureen Withey on 21st February 2020

Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 21 February 2020), January 1823, trial of HANNAH FORD ELIZABETH FORD (t18230115-42). HANNAH FORD, ELIZABETH FORD, Theft > theft from a specified place, 15th January 1823. Before Mr. Justice Holroyd. 213. HANNAH FORD and ELIZABETH FORD were indicted for stealing, on the 23d of December , at St. Mary-le-bone, twenty-one silver forks, value 12 l., and thirteen silver spoons, value 8 l., the goods of Joseph May , in his dwelling-house . JAMES BISHOP . I am under footman to Joseph May,Esq., who rents a house, No. 20, Lower Montague-street, St. Mary-le-bone . On the 23d of December, about three o'clock in the afternoon, I went into the pantry, which is below stairs, hearing the plate in the plate closet rattle, and found the two prisoners there; they must have come down the area, the door was on the latch. Elizabeth Ford had some silver spoons and forks tied up in her apron - she dropped them on the floor upon seeing me; they were about two yards from each other, and had no business in the house. I found they had opened the drawer where the plate was kept, but only part of it was gone; the prisoner Hannah asked if I wanted to buy any laces, immediately as Elizabeth let the plate fall. I asked their business, Hannah walked towards the door - I pushed her in and secured them both; they both begged for mercy. I kept them till five o'clock, when the watchman came and took them. I gave the plate to Sellers. Prisoner ELIZABETH FORD . Q. My sister was only in the passage - A. She was in the pantry. WILLIAM SELLERS . I am a constable. I received the prisoners in charge at the watch-house. Bishop gave me twelve large, and nine small silver forks; eight table, and five desert spoons; I have kept one of each, and returned the rest; they must be worth above 40 s. (Property produced and sworn to.) HANNAH FORD 'S Defence. I was not in the room at all, but stood at the door, and did not know my sister was there. I asked if he wanted any thing, and he pushed me in. ELIZABETH FORD 'S Defence. My sister did not know I was there, but thought I was gone into the kitchen to ask the cook if she wanted any thing. HANNAH FORD - GUILTY - DEATH . Aged 16. ELIZABETH FORD - GUILTY - DEATH . Aged 19. ------------------------------------------------- THE undermentioned Female Prisoners of the Crown have obtained Tickets of Leave, in compliance with the Regulations of 17th March, 1829, for good conduct in the situations respectively stated ; viz. : — County of Cumberland. PARRAMATTA. Ford Hannah, Mary (3), in service.