William Gunton

342

Maureen Withey on 6th December 2025

Sunday last the gaoler of this city received the sentences of the .prisoners, in the city gaol, who were tried at the the last Assizes, and received  sentence of death, but have been since reprieved on condition of being transported, viz. Edward Edwards for 14 years ; Henry Langton, Robert Steward, and William Gunton, for life.  Bury and Norwich Post, 4 Sep 1816. -------------------------------------------------------------- Colonial Secretary Index. GUNTON, William. Per "Shipley", 1817 1818 Sep 2 On list of prisoners to be sent to Newcastle per "Lady Nelson" (Reel 6006; 4/3499 p.27) 1825 Oct 7 Servant of William Lilly; testimony as to his character for a ticket of leave (Reel 6027; 4/1717.2 pp.47-50)

342

Maureen Withey on 12th January 2021

City Assizes. Robert Steward and William Gunton, both aged eighteen years, were tried on an indictment for having, in the night the 11th of last June, feloniously and burglariously broken and entered the house of Samuel Smith, situate Bracondale, andi stealing therein various broches, ear-rings, guineas, and other valuable coins, the property of the said Mr. Smith.—The facts of case were follows-; — Mr. and Mrs. Smith had gone to Yarmouth, and had left the house the care of a Servant girl, to whom prisoner Gunton had for some time paid his addresses as a lover and had, on the afternoon preceding the night upon which this burglary was committed, been walking with her on the road. The girl being afraid of sleeping alone, had requested Gunton's mother to sleep with her, which she did —Mary Ann Andrews, the girl alluded to, stated in her evidence, that about half-past eleven, she heard whispering on the stairs and shrieked out, Upon which Gun ton came, and asked if she knew him, as if she did and would not take a solemn oath never to discover the robbery, he would murder her. The other prisoner, Steward, then came and said, God d—n if you make any statement I will murder you directly. One prisoners then held her down the pillow, whilst the other proceeded to rob the house. She thought who said that held a knife in his hand. The witness further stated, that the prisoners appeared to have come at the kitchen window, the shutter which was not shut, but it was nailed down and the pane of glass was taken out, the list pulled on, and the window opened.—Abraham a constable, stated, that on his apprehension Gunton had immediately conducted him to the place where the property was deposited, and made voluntary confession of robbery.—The confession of the prisoner Steward, whilst in custody, was proved by Mr. Paraman, the Gaoler. —Steward stated in his defence, that he was induced by Gunton join in the robbery against his own wishes.—Gunton made no denial this fact. Steward produced a good character from the regiment which he had served.—Gunton called no witness to character.— The prisoners were both found Guilty, received sentence of Death. Norfolk Chronicle, 24 Aug 1816. -------------------------------------------------- Tuesday last, the following six convicts were conveyed from the City Gaol to their respective destinations, viz. Henry Langton, Wm. Gunton, Robert Steward, Edward Edwards, John Taylor, and John W. Smith, alias Wiggett.—The four former to Portsmouth, whence they will be embarked for New South Wales. Langton, Gunton and Steward are transported for life; Edwards for fourteen years. —Taylor and Smith are to put board the Hulks at Woolwich, for seven years—A very numerous concourse of people assembled to witness the departure of these criminals. Norfolk Chronicle, 21 Sept 1826.