With the gales soughing round the house all day and showing no sign of abating even now, I have rewarded hard work on The Chair (I am now at the sewing-with-a-curved-needle stage) with the occasional break on the computer. I found a fascinating page or fifty on the Crime and Punishment section on the National Library of Wales website. Not much happened in our Parish, just a married couple sent to prison for a month because they attacked the local constable. In the adjoining parish, however, hell seems to have broken loose on many an occasion, and they sounded a pretty lawless lot. These crimes took place in the 18th C. I have omitted the names of the perpetrators, just in case someone in their 20th C family tree recognizes them . . .
There must have been some striking evidence here:
"Murder of Thomas David, tailor by stabbing him with a knife. Prisoner described as a 'quiet, honest, well-disposed man'.
Plea: Not guilty.
Verdict: Guilty of manslaughter.
Punishment: To be whipped"
Status: Labourer
Offence: Theft of money and a silver watch.
Location and date
Parish: Coychurch; County: Glamorgan; Date: 5 July 1754
Plea: Not guilty.
Verdict: Guilty.
Punishment: Death, pardoned, transported.
Then, what on earth was going on here?!
Then, what on earth was going on here?!
"Riot and assault on prosecutor (the vicar) whilst he was solemnising a marriage at Llan..... church."
Sometimes, though, the most dreadful accident would happen:
"Manslaughter of fellow servant, Margaret John, aged 13 years by accidental discharge of gun, according to information of witnesses. The accused, aged 15, fled. No indictment."
"Murder of Henry William George by striking him with a chair." (The accused was found Not Guilty).
Next parish across again, the following:
Status: Yeoman
Offence: Murder of Robert John Robert, Llangadog.
Date: 24 July 1774
Plea: Not guilty.
Verdict: Guilty of manslaughter.
Punishment: Prays benefit of clergy, branded
As to the punishment, perhaps someone might be able to explain it? Well, branded I understand, but the rest?
