James Taylor

Level 347

Maureen Withey on 9th November 2025

Richard Francis and James Taylor, both late of Tattershall, laborers, were indicted for breaking into and stealing from the dwelling of James Ward, of Tattershall Thorpe, various articles of wearing apparel.—--It seemed from the evidence of James Ward, and of Sarah. Ward his daughter, that the prisoners, and a third man not in custody, broke into the house between 9 and o’clock night on the 9th of January  all of these having their faces completely blacked over, and remained in the house nearly hour, during which time they rummaged all the boxes and cupboards, and stole the articles mentioned. One of them stood with a bludgeon over old Ward (who had just got into bed when they entered), and demanded money, but did not obtain any; and they had the audacity whilst looking at Sarah Ward in bed, to hold the candles which they carried close to their faces for some time, that, notwithstanding the blacking, she was able to swear positively to the features of the prisoners.—Thos. Cuthbert, constable of Coniugsby, apprehended the prisoners Poston, and found on their persons and in their lodgings some of the articles stolen.—Jb/m Stotherd, of Coningsby. deposed that he had known the prisoners for or years, having butchered for them when they were employed on the public  works, and that his seeing them at Boston they told him they had committed a robbery with their faces blacked at the Pack-house (the name of Ward’s dwelling}.——The prisoners, in their defence, said they bought and pajd for the articles in Boston market.—Verdict, both Guilty, Stamford Mercury, 14 March 1817. … and Rd. Francis and Jas. Taylor for burglary at Tattershall. Were severally sentenced to Death, but were all reprieved; Stamford Mercury, 14 March 1817.