Edward Smith

342

Maureen Withey on 20th August 2020

ATROCIOUS ROBBERY. William Naylor, Ambrose Death, sen., Ambrose Death and Edward Smith, were indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Wiliam Noke, of Stanford Rivers; the 12th May last, and stealing therein a Bank of England notes, and other money, numerous article wearing apparel, and other goods, property. The facts of this atrocious case were briefly these: On the night of On the night of Tuesday in the indictment, the prisoners, with others, having set upon robbing the house of the house of the prosecutor, they set out in the evening, for that place, a distance about l4 miles. Having arrived there between 11 and 12 clock, they knocked the door, and in short time the prosecutor, who is came the window, and asked what they wanted. Naylor stood in front of the house, presented a gun, and desired he would deliver his money. The prosecutor instantly retired, after a time returned with 4/. which he threw out of the window. Naylor who still stood in front, said he would shoot if more money was not given. In the meantime the remainder of the party went round to the rear of the house, and means of instruments taken from a plough as they came along, broke in the and then unfastened the front door for their companions. They proceeded to rifle the house and having got the chest of prosecutor, plundered it of all the cash it contained. Upon, finding some bank-notes, however 30 of a particular bank were selected and left behind, in consequence of the establishment to which they which they belonged being reported to have stopped payment. Besides the money, they also carried away wearing apparel, household articles, and other property to a considerable amount. They also plundered an elderly lady, the housekeeper of prosecutor, whom they pursued to a loft, whither she had concealed herself, and caused her to deliver them all which she had in her possession. The faces of the men were disguised. The discovery of the robbery was made in consequence of the apprehension of Ward, an accomplice, who offered to turn upon the occasion. From him it was ascertained, that the property stolen from the prosecutor chiefly lodged beneath floor of old Death’s house, where it was found. Lord Ellenborough having summed up the evidence, the Jury found all the prisoners guilty—Death. London Courier, 5 Aug 1816.