Records relating to crime, law and (dis)order in Waters Upton in days gone by.
1785: Murder
On Sunday night the 2d Inst. a very rash and fatal Affair happend at Waters Upton, in Shropshire, viz. One Octavius C. A. Hitchcock, late of Ruyton, a Blacksmith, calling at the House of John Gower, a Publican, at Waters Upton aforesaid, an Affray arose about some trifling Matters, when the Landlord took his Gun and shot the Blacksmith dead on the Spot.
Oxford Journal, 15 Jan 1785, page 3.
A MURDER.
WHEREAS by an inquisition taken before one of the Coroners for the county of Salop, JOHN GOWER, of Waters Upton, in the said county, Innkeeper, stands charged with the wilful murder of Octavius Caesar Augustus Hithcot, late of Ruyton, in the said county, Blacksmith, and hath absconded himself.
Whoever will apprehend the said John Gower, and lodge him in any of his Majesty’s gaols, shall receive a reward of TEN GUINEAS from the Treasurer of the county of Salop.
The said JOHN GOWER is between 40 and 50 years of age, five feet three inches high, hath a brown complexion, black curled hair inclined to be grey, a cast in his eye , rather bulky in his body, and a tailor by trade.
Hereford Journal, 3 Feb 1785, page 2.
1812: An association to pursue and prosecute felons
CHILD’S ERCALL ASSOCIATION.
WHEREAS divers of Burglaries, Felonies, Grand and Petit Larcenies, have frequently been committed in the Townships of ERCALL, ELLERTON, BOLAS, MEESON, OLLERTON, PIXLEY, HINSTOCK, WATERS UPTON, and CHERRINGTON, in the County of Salop, and the Offenders have escaped Justice with Impunity, for Want of proper Pursuit and Exertion on the Part of the Sufferers, or on Account of the Charges attending such Pursuit and Prosecution; to obviate the same in future, We, whose Names are hereunto subscribed, have raised a Fund, and formed ourselves into an Association, determining to prosecute to the utmost Rigour of the Law, all Persons guilty of any of the above Offences, and to ride England through, at the joint Expence of the Society, after any House-breaker, Horse-stealer, or any Kind of Cattle or Beasts, such as Cows, Sheep, Pigs, &c. as well as all Robbers of Orchards, Gardens, and Hen-roosts; Stealers of Springles, Posts and Rails, Hooks and Thimbles, Turnips; pulling down Stiles and Gates, and all Sorts of Petit Larceny whatsoever, at the above joint Expence of this Society; and do hereby offer the following
REWARDS [sums in £. s. d.]
The felonious breaking and entering any House in the Night Time, the Sum of …. 5 5 0
The like in the Day Time, the Sum of …… 2 2 0
The felonious burning any House, Barn, or other Building, or any Rick, Stack, Mow, Hovel, Grain, Straw, Hay, or Wood, the Sum of ….. 5 5 0
The felonious stealing, killing, maiming, or wounding any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, the Sum of …… 3 3 0
The like of any Bull, Cow, Ox, Bullock, Steer, Heifer, Sheep, Lamb, &c. the Sum of …… 2 2 0
The like of any Hogs or Poultry, the Sum of …… 1 1 0
Any other Grand or Petit Larceny, the Sum of …… 1 1 0
The cutting down, destroying, or damaging, any Trees or Wood, as aforesaid, the Sum of …… 1 1 0
The breaking open, throwing down, levelling, or destroying, any Hedges, Gates, Posts, Stiles, Pales, Rails, or Fences as aforesaid, the Sum of …… 1 1 0
The stealing or destroying any Fruit Tree, Root, Shrub, Plant, Turnips, or Potatoes, Pease, & c. robbing any Orchards or Gardens, the Sum of …… 3 3 0
Any Servant unlawfully selling, bartering, giving away, or embezzling, any Coal, Lime, Hay, or other his, her, or their Master or Mistress’s Property, as aforesaid, the Sum of
And for every other Offence, on or against the Property of any of the said Subscribers, such Rewards shall be given as shall be agreed on and directed by an annual or special Meeting of this Society.
Ercall.
Sir Corbet Corbet, Bart.
Rev. M. Hodskin
John Woodhouse
Thomas Bourne
William Sharratt
Margaret Dawes
Thomas Whittingham
Thomas Heatley
James Boote
Thomas Freeman
Bolas.
Joseph Slack
Samuel Rodenhurst
John Arkinstall
Waters Upton.
R. W. B. Hill
Meeson.
Ann Growcock
Samuel Minor
James Benbow
Ollerton.
Samuel Lester
Ann Palmer
Ellerton.
Thomas Taylor
Robert Masefield
Eaton.
John Heatley
Elizabeth Topham
Cherrington.
Richard Rogers
Pixley.
Thomas Yardley
William Griffith
Hinstock.
William Fernyhough
John Wilde
William Lockley.
Annual Meeting on the First Day of May.
Salopian Journal, 15 Apr 1812, page 1.
Note: When an updated version of this notice was printed in the Staffordshire Journal of 1 May 1819 (page 1), no Waters Upton residents were listed among the members.
1826: Executed for horse-stealing
HORSE STEALING.—Henry Moss, alias Hardy, a tall athletic man, in the prime of life and health, convicted at the Shrewsbury Assizes of stealing two horses, the property of Mr. Dicken, of Waters Upton, from a field at market Drayton, was left for execution. He had two years since been transported for a similar offence, and having returned before the expiration of his sentence, was also indicted for being found at large in this kingdom. On the trial, it appeared, that the prisoner and another man had stolen the two horses, and Mr. D., having advertized the robbery, received information that parties were at Buxton. He immediately started for that place, which they had left; but, securing the assistance of a constable, he followed and overtook them near Cheadle, in Staffordshire. Both were taken in custody, and Moss safely lodged in gaol; but his companion complaining of a violent pain in his bowels, was permitted to mount a good roadster (the constable being on a road gelding,) with which he galloped off, and has not since been heard of.—The Learned Judge, in passing sentence on the prisoner, said, that in consequence of the serious extent to which the crime of horse-stealing had been perpetrated, it had of late been determined by the Judges that the extreme punishment of the law should be inflicted, when the case was clearly proved against a prisoner. On the present occasion, the Court had to deal with a practised horse-stealer, one who had formerly been convicted, and therefore he earnestly exhorted the prisoner not to indulge any hope of a mitigation of his sentence, for most assuredly execution would be done upon him. The prisoner threw himself on his knees, imploring mercy, but no hope of intercession was held out to him.
Cambridge Chronicle and Journal, 28 Jul 1826, page 2.
On Saturday last, Henry Moss, convicted at our late Assizes of stealing two horses from Waters Upton, underwent the dreadful sentence of the law in front of the County Gaol in this town.—After taking the Sacrament from the hands of the Chaplain, he ascended the platform with a firm step, and was immediately launched into eternity.—This unhappy man had been convicted of stealing a horse from Whitchurch, at our Lent Assizes in the year 1824, and judgment of death was then recorded against him; he was afterwards sent to the Hulks, from whence he escaped, and subsequently meeting with a person who had been his accomplice in former crimes, he entered again upon that system of plunder for which his life has been forfeited.
Salopian Journal, 9 Aug 1826.
Also reported in the Cambrian, 12 Aug 1826, page 3 (view at Welsh Newspapers Online).
Note: The burial register for Shrewsbury St Mary shows the burial, on 5 August 1826, of Henry Moss, age 52, abode “Gaol”. I have yet to find a baptism which might relate to him.
1842: Highway robbery?
“PLAYING” AT HIGHWAY ROBBERY, AND “PAYING” FOR IT.
William Huxley, Thomas Brayne, Thomas Gosnell, and Samuel Groom, were indicted for assaulting Robert Blantern on the highway, with intent to rob him. Mr. Phillimore conducted the case; Mr. Phillips appeared for the defence. The prisoner (who had been admitted to bail) were respectable men, residing at and near Ternhill; the prosecutor is a farmer living at Water’s Upton. On the night of Sunday the 11th of September, he was returning home on horseback from Cheshire, and shortly after he had passed the Castle Inn, at Ternhill, his horse was stopped by two of the prisoners, who demanded his money; and while he was putting his hand in his pocket he was struck on the head by a third person, and then pulled off his horse. A struggle ensued across the road, and he fell over a heap of stones. Huxley then fell on him, but he twisted him off by the hair of the head; for which he received several kicks. He shouted murder, and Brayne came up, pretending to be a constable, and collared two of his assailants, whilst the prosecutor secured the third. They proceeded towards the Inn, when Brayne said he knew the parties, and and they had better let him go that night, as he could find them again next day. Prosecutor did so, and Brayne advised him to mount his horse and go home, offering to accompany him past a bridge on a lonesome part of the road. Prosecutor accordingly mounted his horse; but after going a few yards, he suspected all was not right, and galloped back to the inn, where he took refuge for the night. The party followed him to the door, and said they would have him out and rob him, but nothing more was done. Next day, a warrant was issued, and the parties were taken up and held to bail to answer the charge at the Assizes. Mr. Phillips addressed the Jury, to show that they had no intention of committing a felony; and his Lordship said he was of opinion that the indictment for attempting to rob could not be sustained. If they had intended to do so, why did they not? they had plenty of time and opportunity; but they had certainly committed an assault. The Jury found them guilty of an assault, and his Lordship, after a severe censure on their folly, inflicted a penalty of £5 on each of them; and to be imprisoned until it was paid.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 25 Mar 1842, page 3.
Note: For more on Robert Blantern, see his Memorial Inscription page.
1843: Theft (Added 16 May 2020)
TRIALS OF PRISONERS.
The Court sat at ten o’clock on Tuesday morning, in the Crown Court; […]
William Oakes, boatman, an old offender, was convicted of stealing a large piece of beef from the cart of Mr. Robert Blantern, butcher, of Waters Upton, and was sentenced to 7 years’ transportation.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 6 Jan 1843, page 3.
Removal of Convicts.—On Tuesday the following prisoners, convicted at our recent sessions, and sentenced to seven years’ transportation, were removed from the County Gaol to the hulks at Portsmouth, to undergo their punishment:—[…]
William Oakes, for stealing a piece of beef from the cart of Mr. R. Blantern, butcher, Waters Upton. […]
——————————————————————————————————————————
REMOVAL OF CONVICTS.
FEVER IN THE GAOL.
For the Shrewsbury Chronicle.
Sir,—A circumstance has occurred in our County Prison this week, which requires public notice. At a time when a malignant fever has been carrying off several of the prisoners, and others are suffering from its effects, it appears very strange that the Convicts under sentence of transportation shall be sent off the mix with hundreds of their fellow criminals in hulks and penitentiaries, and to carry the pestilence into those places. Surely the Visiting Justices could not have been aware of the state of the prison, or they would never have sanctioned the removal of these men. At any rate, they ought not to be permitted to mix with the other prisoners when they arrive at their destination, or the public will have the horrid scene repeated which followed the late epidemic among the Convicts at Woolwich.
Your’s, &c.
A SURGEON.
Shrewsbury, Jan. 24, 1843.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 27 Jan 1843, page 3.
1843: House breaking
HOUSE BREAKING AT WATERS UPTON.
William Cowley pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with breaking into the dwelling house of William Harper, of Waters Upton, and stealing a variety of wearing apparel. He was also found guilty of breaking into the cottage of John Bettley, of Bolas, and stealing wearing apparel, bacon, and other articles. When apprehended he was wearing the shoes, stockings, and shirt of the prosecutor Bettley. The judge sentenced him to 10 years’ transportation.
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal, 9 Aug 1843, page 4.
Note: The Criminal Registers at The National Archives, Kew (Class HO 27, Piece 71, Page 19) show that William Cowley was aged 26 when convicted. Convict Transportation Registers (Class HO 11, Piece 13, Folio 231, Page 499) show that William was one of 300 males transported to Van Diemen’s Land aboard the Marion, which departed 22 Nov 1843. There were two agricultural labourers by the name of William Harper living at Waters Upton at the time of the 1841 census, either of them could have been the victim of William Cowley’s crime.
1852: Highway robbery (Added 16 May 2020)
HIGHWAY ROBBERY NEAR WATER’S UPTON.
John Bradley and George Graydon, glass cutters were charged with assaulting, at the parish of Ercall Magna, William Morris, and stealing from him a tobacco box and other articles his property,
Mr. Sandford prosecuted; the prisoners were undefended.
William Morris, of Water’s Upton, the prosecutor keeps a pony and cart, and his wife attended Wellington market, on the 13th of November. Prosecutor met his wife between five and six o’clock at Sleap, where he left her, and proceeded homewards with his cart. He saw the prisoners between Sleap and Water’s Upton, having seen them the same night. Graydon pressed his throat so tightly that the blood gushed from his nose, eyes, and ears, while Bradley beat him with his fists, incited to do so by Graydon telling him to give it to him. They tore prosecutor’s clothes in rifling his pockets, and took his tobacco box, pipe, and other articles from him. He got to the public house Water’s Upton, about seven o’clock, and gave information to Mr. Owen, the landlord, who spoke to the prosecutor’s appearance, which was most pitiable,—his face bloody and his throat badly swollen, and he was unable at first to give any account of the robbery.
Jane Spencer, of Cardington [= Crudgington?], saw the prisoners near Sleap, on the evening the robbery; it was about a mile from where it took place.
Police-constable Craig, 38, stationed near Oswestry, was at Water’s Upton at the time of the robbery, and the prisoners said they slept in Mr. Adney’s barn, which is about a mile from Sleap. The prisoners, he was sure, were the only men answering the description.
Mr. Adney, of Rowton, remembered the prisoners sleeping in his barn about the time of the robbery, and seeing them about there subsequently he gave information to the police.
His Lordship having summed up the jury returned a verdict of guilty against both the prisoners. They were sentenced be transported for 7 years.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 26 Mar 1852, page 6.
1856: Drunk and disorderly
WELLINGTON POLICE COURT.—Monday. […]
John Pidgeon was charged by P.C. Ross with being drunk and disorderly at Waters Upton, on the 28th of January last, at a quarter to 12 o’clock. Fines 5s. with 8s. costs.
Wellington Journal, 9 Feb 1856, page 4.
Note: This was almost certainly the 26-year-old John Pigeon, an agricultural labourer, who was recorded with his parents and siblings on the 1851 census at Waters Upton.
1856: Drunk in charge (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON MONTHLY PETTY SESSIONS. […]
William Barker was charged by Mr. Richardson with being drunk on the 13th Nov. last, at Waters Upton, while in charge of a cart which had no name painted upon it as required by law. Fined 1l including costs.
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal, 30 Jan 1856, page 5.
1856: Driving a cart not bearing the owner’s name (Added 16 May 2020)
Committed to the County Prison, at Shrewsbury. … William Barker, one calendar month, for driving a certain horse and cart on a certain turnpike road in the parish of Waters Upton, not having the owner’s name printed thereon. […]
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal, 9 Apr 1856, page 5.
1856: Imposters (Additional report added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON. Magistrates’ Meeting.—Monday, April 23.
William Jones, alias Jackson, John Macgregor, and Jonathan Brown were charged with the following offence:—The defendant Jones, a middle aged man, was attired in an open white smock, like that worn by small farmers or cattle dealers, with other clothes to match, and carried with him a begging petition, in which it was stated that he had lost two cows and a heifer, worth £46, was a respectable man, and solicited the aid of the charitable. The other two defendants, who appeared to be acting in concert, carried with them for a blind some writing paper and a few old penny publications. The trio set forth on Thursday morning, the 24th of April, to levy contributions from the public, and reaching the Rev. Mr. Meredith’s, of Longden-upon-Tern, Jones rang the bell, and presented his petition book to the rev. gentleman, saying he lived at Dawley, and had lost some cattle. Mr. Meredith refused to relieve him, having been too often imposed upon, and told Jones to be off; the latter, however, partly pushed the door open, in a threatening manner, and told complainant Mr. Stanley, of Wroxeter, had relieved him, and had signed his book. Mr. Meredith knew this to be false, as he was acquainted with Mr. Stanier’s handwriting (for which Stanley had been put). He then ordered him off. Jones’s next visit was Mr. Brisbane’s, to the great terror of the servant girls, their master and mistress being from home, Jones asking for some food for Brown, but on the waggoner and cowman coming up, they decamped. Their next visit was to Mr. Juckes’s, of Tern, where they asked for ale, beer, and bread and cheese from the servant girl, Jones being spokesman, but being sharply told to be off they went away. At Waters Upton they were more successful. At Mr. J. Taylor’s Jones called himself Jackson, claiming relationship to the Jacksons of that neighbourhood, and represented that he had formerly lived with Mr. Rider, of Crudgington, but now resided at the Limekilns, under Mr. Thomas Jones, auctioneer. Mr. Taylor believing there was some truth the fellow’s tale, gave him 2s.—The above facts having been deposed to by the Rev. Mr. Meredith, of Longden, Margaret Thomas, servant girl at Mr. Brisbane’s, Mary Harris, servant at Mr. Juckes’s, of Tern, and Mr. John Taylor, of Waters Upton, Superintendent Richardson proved that he apprehended the parties on Thursday evening in the taproom at the Charlton Arms, Wellington, and found the begging hook containing the petition on the prisoner Jones; searched them at the police station, found 2s. on Jones, and 4d. with paper and envelopes on M’Gregor. Brown had no money, but had a few London Journals,[[ital]] &c. In defence, Jones could say nothing, but that he was a native of Wellington; M’Gregor said he came from Scotland, and had been working at Oakengates; Brown, who was quite a young man, in a sailor’s blue shirt, admitted the charge of going about; but both he and M’Gregor disclaimed any knowledge of Jones’s business.—Jones was sentenced to three months; M’Gregor to two; and Brown to one month’s imprisonment, with hard labour.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 2 May 1856, page 6.
WELLINGTON. […]
A Trio of Imposters.—William Jones, John Macgregor, and Jonathan Brown, were charged with making use of a forged petition, for the purpose of obtaining alms, on Thursday, the 24th instant; the following is a copy:—”This is to certify that the bearer hereof, William Jones, has sustained a severe loss, viz that of two milch cows and one heifer, from the disease now so prevalent among cattle; they were valued at £46. Knowing him to be a man of good character, with a small family dependent on him for support, I hereby recommend him to the notice of the benevolent, hoping that me may realize at least some portion of his loss. 22d February. 1856. Thomas Jones.” To this petition a number of names were attached, from whom, it purported, they had received donations, most of which, however, were forgeries, the document itself being a forged one. The prisoners had been busy on the day in question in the neighbourhood of Tern and Longden, and applied at the house of the Rev. Mr. Meredith, of the latter place, upon whose information the prisoners were apprehended. … The prisoners also waited upon Mr. John Taylor, of Upton Waters, who, after a little cross-questioning, was induced by the plausibility of their tale to give them 2s.—The magistrates sentenced Jones to 3 months’ hard labour, Macgregor to 2 months’ and Brown to one month.
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal, 7 May 1856, page 3.
Note: John Taylor was residing at Waters Upton Hall at the time of the 1861 census.
1856: Riding on the shafts of his cart (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON MONTHLY PETTY SESSIONS
TUESDAY. […]
Infringement the Highway Act. […] Richard Morris was charged with riding on the shafts of his cart between Waters Upton and Rowton. On account of previous good character, he was fined only 6d. with 6s. costs.
Wellington Journal, 24 May 1856, page 4.
1856: Drunk in charge (Added 16 May 2020)
MONTHLY PETTY SESSIONS.—JUNE 17th. […]
Drunkenness while in Charge of a Cart.—Thomas Burns, hawker, of Wellington, was summoned on the charge of being in a state of intoxication while in charge of cart, at Waters Upton, on the 2nd inst. P.C. Ross proved the service the summons, and deposed to having seen the defendant drinking at the Turf Inn, and afterwards found him in charge of the cart. The defendant set up no defence, but stated in extenuation that it was the first time he had been brought up, in consideration of which the magistrate imposed a fine of 11s. including costs.
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal, 25 Jun 1856, page 6.
1857: A charge of assault
WATERS UPTON.
Charge of Assault.—At the Wellington Petty Sessions on Tuesday, Alice M’Gowan, a hawker of small wares, from Wellington, charged John Martin, of the Swan Inn, Waters Upton, with committing a violent and unprovoked assault upon her on the 14th ult. Complainant produced a handkerchief saturated in blood with a quantity of hair, which defendant and his brother had pulled off her head, and called a Mrs Birch in support. In defence Mr Martin stated that the complainant was very tipsy and abusive, and he put her, with the assistance of his brother, out of doors. Complainant had frequently made a disturbance in his house, but he admitted drawing her some drink on this occasion. The bench dismissed the case, but expressed an opinion that defendant had used more violence that was necessary in putting a disorderly person out of the house. Complainant had to pay 6s. costs.
Wellington Journal, 14 Feb 1857, page 3.
Note: John Martin does not appear on a census at Waters Upton, moving there between 1851 and 1861, and dying before the latter year. His widow Mary took over running the Swan Inn, and was enumerated there with her family on the 1861 census.
1857: Drunk and riotous (Added 16 May 2020)
WATERS UPTON.
Riotous Behaviour.—At the Wellington petty sessions on Monday last, a man named Challenor, was charged by P.C. Crowther with being intoxicated and creating a disturbance near his dwelling, situate about a mile from Waters Upton, on the night of the 2lst ult. John Matthews corroborated the evidence of the police officer.—Fined 5s. costs 4s.
Wellington Journal, 4 Apr 1857, page 3.
1857: Drunk and disorderly at his own house
WELLINGTON.
PETTY SESSIONS—TUESDAY. […]
John Martin, landlord of the Swan Inn, Waters Upton, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at his own house after twelve o’clock on the night of Saturday, the 25th ult. P.C. Crowther proved being at the defendant’s, and was requested by Mr. Martin to clear the house, in doing which defendant subsequently abused him, and threatened to strike him. William Edwards corroborated the policeman. Defendant denied the imputation of being drunk, and that Crowther, instead of clearing the house, was peeping into holes and corners as if looking for hidden liquor; and called Thomas Fletcher, who said that defendant was not drunk, but that he had been fined in the club room twice for some irregularities. Defendant was fined with costs 11s.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 15 May 1857, page 6.
Note: See report of 14 Feb 1857 for notes on John Martin.
1857: An assault while drunk and disorderly
Police Intelligence.—On Wednesday, […] Thomas Hampton, labourer, of Ellerdine-heath, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting the police, at the late club anniversary, held at the Swan Inn, Waters Upton. Police-constables Clarke and Crowther deposed to finding the defendant stripped and desirous of fighting. On interfering Crowther was knocked down by the defendant. The other officer was also struck, and he retaliated by striking defendant a heavy blow over the eyes, from the effect of which he appeared to have suffered a great deal. Mr. Charlton cautioned the police against too free a use of the staff, which should only be used as a last resource. Defendant, who pleaded drunkenness as his excuse, was fined, including costs, £2.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 5 Jun 1857, page 5.
1857: Drunk and disorderly
POLICE INTELLIGENCE. […]
Tuesday Last. […]
Thomas Dodd, labourer, Cliff-Rock, Joseph Lovett, labourer, Bolas-Heath, Edward Bennett, shoemaker, Waters-Upton, and William Humphries, blacksmith, Crudgington, were charged by P.C. Crowther, with being drunk and disorderly on the 19th ult.—A Witness named Tudor was called, and the bench fined the two former defendants 5s each, and 7s 4d costs; the two latter, 5s fine, and 6s costs each.
Wellington Journal, 8 Aug 1857, page 3.
Note: Edward Bennett, the shoemaker, was enumerated on at Waters Upton with his parents and siblings (father Thomas and brother John were also shoemakers) on the 1861 census. He was in court again in 1868 (see below).
1858: Drunk and disorderly (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON.
PETTY SESSIONS—MONDAY. […]
Losing a Hat.—Samuel Grice, gardener, of Waters Upton, was charged by Police-constable Maddox with being drunk and disorderly, on the 1st inst., at Waters Upton. Complainant stated that defendant came to his house, and called him up to find his hat at two o’clock on Sunday morning, being at that time quite drunk. Defendant said had been to his club, and on returning some man knocked his hat off, and ran away with it, and he went to the policeman to get his hat again. Fined, with costs, 6s. 8d.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 20 Aug 1858, page 6.
1858: Riding without reins (Added 16 May 2020)
POLICE INTELLIGENCE.
On Tuesday last, the Monthly Special Sessions were held this town […]
Caution to Waggoners. […] John Cartwright was charged with riding without reins, on the road leading from Waters Upton to Child’s Ercall, on the 23rd ult. A letter was handed to the bench from the defendant’s employer, giving him an excellent character extending over a period of 25 years, which had been spent in his present situation. The bench therefore inflicted a fine of 1s., with 4s. costs, police costs being disallowed.
Wellington Journal, 16 Oct 1858, page 2.
1859: Neglecting their teams (Added 16 May 2020)
Offences Against the Highway Act. The following persons were fined for neglecting their teams. […] George Beeston, in the employ of Mrs. Sarah Benbow, of Walton, for being behind his team between Wellington and Waters Upton—Fined 3s. with 7s. costs. William Cartwright, for being behind his team between Wellington and Waters Upton. Fined 2s. 8d. and 7s. 4d. costs.
Wellington Journal, 12 Feb 1859, page 2.
1859: Drunk and incapable (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON POLICE OFFICE.
Tuesday, October 11th. […]
Drunkenness.— […] Thomas Cartwright was summoned by P. C. Jones, with being drunk and incapable while driving a waggon from Wellington to Waters-Upton, on the 26th September. The constable saw the reins trailing on the ground. Fined 10s., with 7s. 4d. costs, or three weeks’ imprisonment.
Wellington Journal, 15 Oct 1859, page 3.
1860: Not in charge of a horse and cart (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON. […]
Monthly Petty Sessions, Tuesday. […] A Caution: Richard Clay, of Cold Hatton, butcher, was charged by P.C. Bevan with leaving his horse and cart without any one in charge it, at Waters Upton, and, being the first offence, fined, with costs, 7s. only. …
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 28 Mar 1860, page 2.
POLICE OFFICE—Tuesday. …
Neglect of Waggon.—Richard Clay, butcher, Cold Hatton, was charged with leaving his horse and cart so that he had not proper control of his horse. Defendant pleaded guilty. He said when at Waters Upton he stopped to get a glass of ale, and his horse went on.—The bench informed him that when he again stopped for a glass of ale that he should give his horse in charge, and inflicted a fine of 7s, including costs.
Wellington Journal, 31 Mar 1860, page 3.
1860: Aggravated assault
WELLINGTON. […]
Magistrates’ Office.—On Friday last, before T. C. Eyton and St. John C. Charlton, Esqrs., Robert Jones, of this town, was brought up on a charge of committing an aggravated assault upon Mary Ann Careswell, a young woman from Waters Upton, on the 7th of February, 1859, after which the defendant absconded, but was discovered a few days ago to be serving in the Shropshire Militia. In defence, Jones stated that the girl invited him to her father’s house, which proved to be false. He then fell back on being intoxicated at the time. He was committed to prison for two months, with hard labour.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 1 Jun 1860, page 5.
Note: Mary Ann Careswell was in fact Mary Ann Casewell, who was living at Waters Upton and appeared on the census in 1861, 1871 and 1881.
1860: Drunk and disorderly (Added 16 May 2020)
PETTY SESSIONS.
TUESDAY. […]
Drunk and Disorderlies: […] An old man, named Thomas Eaton, was charged with being drunk and incapable, &c., at Waters Upton, on the 15th of June. P.C. John Baxter stated that he was on duty on the night in question, and at about half-past ten o’clock, he heard a great noise in the direction of the village, he proceeded to the spot and found defendant creating disturbance. Fined 1s. 9s. costs.
Wellington Journal, 14 Jul 1860, page 3.
1860: Riding on shafts (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON.
Monthly Petty Sessions, Tuesday. […]
Charles Shingler, charged by Police-constable J. Baxter, with riding on shafts, on the 27th of August, near Waters Upton, was fined, including costs, 13s.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 14 Sep 1860, page 7.
1863: “Anti-Teetotalers” and a breach of the peace
POLICE INTELLIGENCE. […]
Anti-Teetotalers. […] William Rogers was charged by Sergeant Duncan with being drunk and disorderly at Waters Upton early on the morning the 3rd instant.—Fined 12s., including costs. […]
Breaches of the Peace. […] John Powell was charged by Sergeant Duncan with committing a breach of the peace by fighting at Waters Upton on the night of the 2nd inst. It appeared that defendant attended his club feast, and having partaken of the good things provided became very obstreperous and gave evidence of his pugilistic qualities in an unmistakeable manner. First he upset one of his unfortunate “brothers,” and on being remonstrated with by the “grand master” or some other official of a similar notable character, he upset him too, for which little amusement he was fined 10s. by his club, and the bench further increased his grief by ordering him to be bound over and to pay 11s. 2d. costs.
Wellington Journal, 20 Jun 1863, page 2.
1864: Theft from a stack-yard
Stolen during the night of the 11th or morning of the 12th instant, from the stack-yard of Mr. Morgan, Waters Upton, Salop, a gutta percha engine Strap, 5½ inches wide and 60 feet long, cut on one side, almost new, the property of Thomas Erins, Rodington. Information to be given to Mr. Chief Superintendent Richardson, Wellington, Salop.— Bow-street, March 14.
Police Gazette, 16 Mar 1864.
Note: The Mr Morgan referred to was probably William Morgan, a farmer at Waters Upton on the 1861 and 1871 census returns.
1864: A charge of felony
PETTY SESSIONS.—Tuesday last. […]
Charge of Felony.—A Model Lodging-house.—Bridget Good, a well-known character, living in Wellington, and her son, Daniel Good, a boy apparently about twelve years of age, were placed in the dock on a charge of stealing 4s. 7½d. in money and a two-feet rule from Thomas Parry, a stonemason, working at Waters Upton.—The evidence disclosed showed that the prisoners, the female in particular, were of depraved habits. It appeared that on Saturday night prosecutor came to Wellington, and after indulging in sundry potations he went to seek a lodging, and met with the boy prisoner, who offered to take him to a house where he could get a bed. Parry went with him to his mother’s house, and at once went upstairs to bed. He put his coat, waistcoat, and trousers, in which were the money and the rule, under the pillow. On getting up the next morning he found the waistcoat on the floor and the money gone. The rule was also missing. He accused Bridget Good of stealing them, but she denied it and threatened to “rip him up.” He went outside, and she then came out and threw the rule in his face.—Samuel Yates deposed that on the night of the 17th instant he saw the boy prisoner with the rule produced and a two-shilling piece. He offered to sell the rule for 1s. 6d.—The female prisoner now said that she never had any of the man’s money except 5d. which he paid for his lodgings. The rule she found on the bed and gave it to him.—The Deputy Chief-constable said that Good was one of the worst characters in Wellington. She kept a brothel, and he had no doubt she caused the boy to direct drunken men to her house. If the boy had committed the robbery at was doubtless at the instigation of his mother, who used him at times in a most unmerciful manner. He had been obliged to interfere on several occasions when the child had complained to him.—The Bench considered the evidence insufficient to convict upon, and the woman and her son were discharged.—The worthy pair left the court together.
Wellington Journal, 24 Sep 1864, page 2.
Note: Although Mr Parry was working at Waters Upton, it seems he did not reside there, or at least he did not do so for long enough to appear on a census return covering the parish.
1864: Another charge of assault
PETTY SESSIONS.—Yesterday. […]
Charges of Assault.—A respectably-dressed young man, named Richard Tudor, was charged with assaulting a man named Richard Clay, a butcher, at Water’s Upton, on the 17th of October.—Complainant said that he was in the Swan Inn, and the defendant, who was also there, said he (Clay) was in the habit of “killing dead sheep,”—(laughter)—and that defendant put his hands in his face and threatened to knock his head off.—Tudor denied this, and called a witness, who swore that defendant did not commit the offence laid to his charge, and the magistrates dismissed the case.
Wellington Journal, 22 Oct 1864, page 2.
Note: Richard Clay, the butcher, appeared twice on the 1861 census at Waters Upton: as an apprentice with his employer, Thomas Titley (schedule 1), and as a lodger at the Swan Inn (schedule 10). Richard Tudor was not at Waters Upton at the time of the 1861 census, most likely he was the 31-year-old sawyer of that name who appeared there on the 1871 census.
1866: Detaining a butcher’s money
WELLINGTON POLICE COURT. […]
Tuesday.
Embezzlement.—A young man named James Weston was charged with embezzling the sum of 13s. 4d. belonging to Mr. R. Morgan, butcher, of Waters Upton.
The circumstances of the felony were these: the prisoner was sent by the prosecutor with some meat to Mr. Thomas‘s, draper, Church-street, and was there paid 13s 4d. for it. Thus sum he detained and prosecutor not knowing the money had been paid sent in the bill, when the prisoner’s dishonest act was disclosed.
He was committed for trial to the sessions.
Wellington Journal, 13 Oct 1866, page 4.
1868: Unlicensed dogs; drunk and assaulting/resisting a police officer
WELLINGTON.
Petty Sessions, Monday, […]
Keeping a Dog without a Licence.—John James, of Waters Upton, was charged by P.C. Fowler with keeping a dog without a licence. The Magistrate inflicted a fine of 25s. […]
Assaulting a Policeman.—A man, named Edward Bennett, pleaded guilty to assaulting P.C. Lewis in the execution of his duty. It appeared from the evidence that the officer was on duty at Waters Upton, and was called into the Swan public-house to quell a disturbance. Two men were fighting, and when Lewis endeavoured to prevent them, defendant pushed him away and encouraged them to fight.—The Bench inflicted a fine of 30s. and costs.
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal, 8 Jan 1868, page 3.
WELLINGTON.
Petty Sessions, Monday. … John James, butcher, of Waters Upton, and Edward Corbett, puddler, of Oakengates, were fined £1 5s .each, on the information of Mr. Moore, supervisor of excise, for keeping dogs without a licence.—Edward Bennett, shoemaker of Watersupton, was charged with being drunk and resisting Police-constable Lewis in the execution of his duty, when endeavouring to prevent a breach of the peace at Waters Upton. Fined with costs 38s. …
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 10 Jan 1868, page 6.
Note: John James was a maltster living in Waters Upton at the time of the 1861 census, but by 1868 was a butcher and remained so until at least 1871. Edward Bennett was also in court in 1857 due to being drunk and disorderly (see above).
1869: Unlawfully setting traps
WELLINGTON POLICE COURT.
Monday. […]
Using Traps for catching Game.—A man name John Matthews, living at Waters Upton, was charged with unlawfully setting certain traps, for the purpose of catching game, on land of Mrs. Groucock‘s.
According to the evidence of a witness it appears that defendant was seen to go up to some traps in the field, and take a rat out of one of them, afterwards setting the trap again.
Matthews, who protested his innocence, was fines 2s. 6d. and costs.
Wellington Journal, 13 Nov 1869, page 5.
Note: There were two men named John Matthews living at Waters Upton at the time of the 1871 census, either one of them could have been the guilty party in this case.
1870: Assault
WELLINGTON. […]
Fortnightly Petty Sessions, Monday. […]
Assault at Waters Upton: A young man named Samuel Shakshaft was charged with assaulting Richard Williams, Waters Upton, on the 28th ult. Complainant said that the defendant struck him without any provocation, and defendant’s dog also seized him by the thigh. Defendant admitted the assault, but said that complainant had been spreading a scandalous report about him. Fines, with costs, £1 9s. 4d.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 15 Apr 1870, page 7.
1877: Cruelty to a horse (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON POLICE COURT.—Monday …
Cruelty to Animals. … Henry Wiggin, a farmer, Waters Upton, was charged with a similar offence.—Police-constable Disley stated that on the 27th June he saw the defendant ploughing with a mare in a field at Waters Upton. It had a large raw wound on its shoulder. The wound was an old one and discharging. The animal appeared in pain. Later in the day he again saw the defendant working the mare.—Police-constable Hayward corroborated.—The defendant was fined £1 and costs.
Wellington Journal, 14 Jul 1877, page 6.
1878: Riding on the shafts of a waggon (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS.—Monday […]
Highway Offence.—Thomas Felton was charged by Police-constable Disley with riding on the shafts of a waggon on the highway leading from Long Lane to Waters Upton. Fined 1s. and costs.
Wellington Journal, 12 Jan 1878, page 6.
1879: Stealing ducks (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON. …
Police Court, Monday […]
Stealing Ducks: A very respectable-looking middle-aged man, named Joseph Lloyd, was charged with stealing, at Waters Upton, on the 16th inst., two ducks, value 6s. 6d., the property of Mr. W. J. Owen. Prosecutor said: I am a beerhouse keeper, living at Waters Upton. On the morning of the 16th inst., about half-past ten o’clock, prisoner came into my house, and called for pint of ale. Whilst he was in the house Edward John Austin came in also. As soon he came in prisoner went outside without stopping to finish his ale. The next time I saw him he was running after Mrs. Wright’s trap. Prisoner had worked for me a short time previous. About three o’clock that afternoon I heard that two ducks had bean taken away out of the foldyard. Edward John Austin said: I am a labourer in the employ of the prosecutor. It is part of my duty to look after the poultry. I saw them all safe in the foldyard about half-past eight o’clock on the morning in question, and about half-past ten I went into prosecutor’s house. Prisoner was there then, but as soon as I went in he left the house. About two o’clock the same day I missed two ducks, and told the prosecutor. On the following day I met the prisoner, and told him of the loss, when he replied, “Oh, they will come back! they have only strayed away.” John Wright said: I am a farmer, living at Cold Hatton. About twelve o’clock on the 16th inst. I was driving to Wellington in my trap, and when passing through Waters Upton I saw the prisoner running after me. He asked me to give him a lift to Wellington. I did so. He had a carpenter’s basket with him, which contained something, but what I cannot say. I set him down at the Duke of Wellington Inn. Constable Straffen said: I am a police-constable, stationed at Waters Upton. I lodge with the prisoner’s mother, and he also lives with her. About twenty-five minutes past eleven o’clock on the morning the day in question prisoner came into the house, and took a carpenter’s basket away (produced). He appeared to be in a great hurry. Next morning I received information of the two ducks having been stolen. I examined the basket next day, and found duck’s feather’s in it and fowl’s new dung. I then went in search of prisoner, and found him in a public-house at Kinnersley. When I went in the front door he went sharply out at the back. I apprehended him, and charged him with stealing the two ducks. He said he did not take them. Prisoner, upon being charged in the usual form, pleaded guilty. The Bench stated that he had been previously convicted. Prisoner: But a many years ago, gentlemen. The Bench: Yes, it is a many years ago, and taking that fact into consideration we have resolved not to commit you for trial at the assizes, as we otherwise should have done. You will now be committed to prison for three months, with hard labour. Prisoner: Thank you, gentlemen.
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal and Salopian Journal, 22 Jan 1879, page 10.
1879: Maintenance order, and fowl theft (Added 18 May 2020)
WELLINGTON. […]
Police Court, Monday, […] Application for Order of Maintenance: Mr. A. Marcy, behalf the Wellington Board of Guardians, made application for an order to be made upon John Bennett, of Waters Upton, to contribute towards the support of his son, Thomas. The Bench refused to make an order on the ground that it had not been shown that he was in a position to contribute anything towards the support of his son. […] Fowl Stealing: Samuel and Thomas Tudor, brothers, were charged with stealing eight live fowls, value 16s., the property of Robert Blantern, farmer, of Waters Upton, on the 8th inst. Thomas Tudor was committed for six weeks, and Samuel to one month. […]
Eddowes’s Journal and Salopian Journal, 19 Feb 1879, page 12.
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS.—Monday.
Stealing Fowls—Samuel Tudor and Thomas Tudor were charged with stealing eight live fowls, the properly of Robert Blantern, at the parish of Waters Upton, on the 8th February—Peter Povey deposed: I am a labourer in the employ of Mr. Robert Blantern, farmer, Herbert’s Bank. It is part of my duty to attend to the poultry. On Saturday night, the 8th February, I fed the fowls. There were then 20. They went to roost on a waggon in the carthouse. The next morning I missed eight fowls. I noticed a lot of feathers in the carthouse and along the road leading to Bolas. I told my master, and he sent me to Police-constable Straffen. The five fowls produced by Straffen are my master’s property, and some of those I missed.—Sarah Ann Sambrook: I am a domestic servant in the employ of Mr. Blantern. On Saturday night, the 8th February, about a quarter-past ten, I heard the noise of a fowl. I took no notice because I thought it was a neighbour killing them. The five fowls produced by Straffen are my master’s property.—Robert Straffen: I am a police-constable, stationed at Waters Upton. On Saturday night, the 8th February, about ten o’clock, I was on duty on the highway leading from Waters Upton to Herbert’s Bank. I met the two prisoners going in the direction of the prosecutor’s house. The next morning, about nine o’clock, I received information that eight fowls had been stolen from the prosecutor’s. I went and examined the premises. I found a lot of fowls’ feathers in the fold-yard, and along the road leading to Bolas. It was along this road I had seen the prisoners going the previous night. In consequence of something I heard I searched the banks of the river Tern at Bolas. I found four fowls on the side of the river, and in the mill-dam at Bolas I found one other fowl. They were dead. I noticed footmarks leading from the side the river to the prisoners’ home. I afterwards went, in company with Sergeant Lloyd, to the house. We saw the prisoner Samuel Tudor. We asked him to come with us to the river side to compare his boots with some footmarks there. On the way I asked prisoner where his belt was. There had been one found on the side of the road near a lot of feathers. Prisoner replied,-“It’s at home, broke.” Lloyd then showed him the belt which had been found. He at first said it was not his, but afterwards said, “It’s my belt, it’s no use telling any more lies about it. Me and my brother did take the fowls, and carried four each, and threw them in the river.” Lloyd then formally charged the prisoner with stealing the fowls. He replied, “Me and my brother did—my brother fetched them, and I watched.” On 12th February I apprehended the prisoner Thomas Tudor, in Birmingham. I charged him with being in company with his brother, and stealing eight fowls from the prosecutor’s. He replied, “I did not do anything of the sort, and you cannot prove it; I went through Bolas home.”—James Lloyd: I am a police sergeant stationed in Wellington. On Monday, the 10th February, I received information on this case, and went to Herbert’s Bank with Police-constable Straffen. I examined the buildings and fold-yard there. I noticed a lot of fowls’ feathers in the yard and down the road leading to Bolas Mill. Under a tree on the side of the road, about 200 yards from Herbert’s Bank, I saw a quantity of feathers. A belt was found under this tree. On the following day we made further inquiries. We traced feathers from Herbert’s Bank to Bolas Mill, and from the mill traced footmarks across the fields the prisoners home. We went there and saw the prisoner Samuel Tudor. I told him he was suspected of stealing fowls, and asked him to come with us, and put on the boots he was wearing on Saturday. We took him towards the river, where some fowls had been found. On the way Straffen asked him where his belt was. He said it was at home broken. I then showed him the belt I now produce, and which had been picked up under the tree where the feathers were seen. He said it was not his, but afterwards admitted that it was, and said, “It’s no use telling any more lies about it, me and my brother did take the fowls.” He told me that they threw four in the water in the field, and the other four his brother was going to take with him to Birmingham. When we came to the tree where the belt was picked up, I said to the prisoner, “This is the place where your strap was picked up.” He replied, “I pulled it off to tie round the fowls, and left it there and forgot it.” I then formally charged him. He replied, “Me and my brother did; my brother fetched them.” On Thursday, the 13th February, I went with the prisoner Thomas Tudor to Shrewsbury, to get him remanded. I had some conversation with him. He said, “It was all through the drink; if my brother has admitted it, It’s no use me denying it.”—Samuel Tudor was committed for 28 days, and Thomas Tudor for six weeks.
Wellington Journal, 22 Feb 1879, page 6.
1879: Theft of wine (Added 18 May 2020)
WELLINGTON.
Petty Sessions, Monday. […] Felony: Peter Corfield [= Povey], a lad of fifteen years, pleaded guilty to stealing, on the 12th of January, five bottles of wine, the property of Mr. Robert Blantern. Mrs Blantern. recommended the prisoner to mercy, and the Bench taking the recommendation and the fact that the prisoner had been in gaol over a week into consideration sentenced him to one day’s imprisonment.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 21 Mar 1879, page 10.
Theft by a Boy.—A lad named Peter Povey was charged with stealing, on or about the 12th February, five bottles of wine, the property of Robert Blantern, of Waters Upton.—Prisoner pleaded guilty.—Prosecutor’s wife appeared, and said she did not wish to press the charge, and hoped the Bench would deal leniently with the prisoner. He had been a servant of theirs and she had no doubt her husband would be willing to take him back if he would behave himself.—The Bench said the prisoner had been over a week in gaol, and in consideration of that and the kind recommendation to deal leniently with him, he would only be imprisoned for one day. They hoped this would a warning to him, and that he would be a better boy.
Wellington Journal, 22 Mar 1879, page 6.
1879: Drunk and riotous (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON. […]
Petty Sessions.—Monday […]
Drunk and Riotous: For this offence the following persons were fined:— […] John Griffith, at Waters Upton, 5s. and costs; Edward Nock, at Waters Upton, on the 3rd of June, £1 and costs; […]
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 13 Jun 1879, page 7.
Also reported in Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal and Salopian Journal, 11 Jun 1879, page 9.
1879: Drunkenness; and killing a dog (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS.—Monday. […]
Drunkenness.—[…] John Williams, charged by Police-constable Straffen, on the 11th inst., at Waters Upton, fined 5s. and costs; George Ashley, charged by the same officer, at the same time and place, fined 5s. and costs; […]
Killing a Dog.—An elderly man named Joseph Lloyd, of Waters Upton, was committed to gaol for three weeks for destroying a dog, the property of Robert Straffen.
Wellington Journal, 28 Jun 1879, page 6.
1879: Drunk and riotous (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS.—Monday. […]
Drunkenness. […] Arthur Taylor and William Matthews, charged with being drunk and riotous at Waters Upton, on the 20th August, fined 7s. 6d. each and costs.
Wellington Journal, 20 Sep 1879, page 6.
1879: Drunk (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON. […]
Police Court, Monday, […] Drunk: […] William Wellings, at Waters Upton, by Police Constable Straffen, 7s. 6d. and costs; […] Francis T. Marlow, by Police Constable Straffen, at Waters Upton, on the 1st inst.; the same defendant and George Bennett, charged with refusing to quit the Swann Inn, Waters Upton, on the same date. Marlow, for the first case, was fines 5s. and costs, and for the second, £1 and costs; and Bennett was also fined £1 and costs. […]
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal and Salopian Journal, 10 Dec 1879, page 9.
Similar report in Wellington Journal, 13 Dec 1879, page 6.
1880: Stealing a whip (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS.—Monday. […]
Stealing a whip.—Thomas Brookes, a lad of 13, was charged with stealing a whip, value 1s., the property of John Austin, of Waters Upton.—Prosecutor said he was a waggoner, and lived at Waters Upton. On the 28th May, about half-past four in the afternoon, he left a horse and cart opposite the Lion Inn, Waters Upton. He put his whip into the cart saddle, and went into the house. He was there about half an hour, and when he came out the whip had gone. He gave information to the police. The whip produced was his property, and was worth 1s.—Police-constable Lewis stated that on the 29th May he received information that a whip had been stolen from the Lion Inn, Waters Upton. On the following morning he went to Mr. Hudson’s, of Wytheford, where the prisoner worked. It was in consequence of something he heard that he went there. He asked prisoner where the whip was that he had brought from Waters Upton, and he replied, “Some one has taken it out of the stable.” He then asked prisoner where he had it from, and he said he found it on the road near High Ercall. Witness searched for the whip, but could not find it. On the 1st of June the whip was brought to his house. He took it to the prosecutor, who identified it as his property. He afterwards saw the prisoner and charged him with stealing the whip. Prisoner replied, “I did; I took it out of a horse’s gears that stood opposite tho Lion.”—Prisoner, in answer to the charge said: I had lost my own whip, and I saw this. It looked like mine, and I took it.—The father of the lad was present, and elected to have the case disposed of summarily.—Mr. Bather, addressing the prisoner, said: You have been in gaol before, and it seems to have done you no good. Now you will be privately whipped—twelve strokes with a birch rod, to be administered by the constable. We shall see the effect that will have on you.—The punishment was duly administered by Police-constable Davies after the rising of the Court.
Wellington Journal, 12 Jun 1880, page 6.
1881: Highway Offence and Drunkenness (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS.—Monday. […]
Highway Offence and Drunkenness.—John Hopkins was charged by Police-constable Straffen with allowing a donkey to stray on the highway at Waters Upton, on the 17th March.—Fined 7s. 6d. and costs.—There was a further charge against the defendant of being drunk and disorderly on the same occasion.—Police-constable Straffen said he found the defendant lying drunk on the highway between Waters Upton and Crudgington. He was cursing fearfully, and witness took him back to Waters Upton, and put him to lie in a bay of straw. Defendant was helplessly drunk. He said it was St. Patrick’s Day, and he had been keeping it up.—For this offence, defendant was fined 5s. and 6s. costs.
Wellington Journal, 2 Apr 1881, page 6.
1881: Cattle stolen
Description of EDWD. WILLIAMS, alias ROBERTS, alias JONES, charged on suspicion of stealing two Cattle, at Stanton, Salop, on night of 11th instant ( recovered) :— 20 to 25 years of age, 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, fresh complexion, slight whiskers and moustache, clean chin, dark brown hair, cut short, very thick shoulders, slightly inclined to be round shouldered, otherwise don’t appear so stout, has lost part of third or fourth tooth from centre supposed in left upper jaw, and shows a gap when laughing, turns his eyes very quickly about, has been a sailor ; dressed in low hard hat, rather dark pepper-and-salt coat end vest, brown trousers, lace-up boots ; his father resides at Waters-Upton, Salop; was convicted at Salop Quarter Sessions, June, 1880, sentenced to 6 months hard labour, for cattle stealing; supposed now cohabiting with a girl, who in May, 1880, was waiting her trial at Chester, for larceny from person, as he then talked very much about her. Information to Sergeant Owen, Wem, Salop, who holds a warrant for his arrest.—Bow-street, July 25.
Police Gazette, 25 Jul 1881.
Note: At the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace held at Shrewsbury on 28 June 1880, Edward Williams, otherwise Roberts, was tried for the offence of cattle stealing (two indictments). He had two previous convictions for felony, and was imprisoned for two consecutive terms of 3 calendar months of each indictment. Source: Home Office – Criminal Registers, England and Wales (TNA reference HO27). Although the newspaper article states that Edward’s father lived at Waters Upton, I have not yet been able to identify the family.
1883: Drunk (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON. […]
Petty Sessions, Monday: […] Drunk: The following persons were dealt with for this offence:— […] Richd. and Jas. McGuinness, Waters Upton; […] Thomas Grice and Thomas Hayward, Waters Upton. […]
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 8 Jun 1883, page 10.
1890: Drunkenness (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS. Monday. […] Drunkenness. […] Wm. France, and Richard Foulkes, at Waters Upton, by Police-constable Lee on the 22nd March—France was fined 10s. and costs and Foulkes 5s. and costs; […]
Wellington Journal, 5 Apr 1890, page 6.
1890: More drunkenness (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON […]
Petty Sessions. MONDAY. […] Drunkenness. […] William Matthews, Samuel Rogers, and Richard Wedge were all charged with being drunk on licenced premises, at the Swan Inn, Waters Upton, on tbs 9th of September.—Mr. Hazledine defended the three men.—Police-constable Lee said be found the three men drunk in the kitchen of the Severn [= Swan] Inn, on the night of the 10th inst, and using bad language.—Mr Hazledine severely cross-examined witness, and called Mr Ashby, the landlord, and two other witnesses, who swore the constable came in and charged the landlord with having drunken persons on his premises before he (the constable) had time to look, and denied that any of the men were drunk in the least.—After a lengthy hearing, the Bench dismissed Matthews and Wedge, and fined Rogers 5s. […]
Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal, 1 Oct 1890, page 8.
1890: Even more drunkenness (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS. […] Drunk, &c.—The following persons were summoned for being drunk and disorderly:—William Arthur Davies, charged by Police-constable Lee, at High Ercall, on the 11th September, fined 5s. and costs; […] John Picken and Richard Wedge, by Police-constable Lee (107), at Waters Upton, on the 20th September, Wedge 5s. and costs, and Picken (who did not appear) 7s. 6d. and costs.
Wellington Journal, 4 Oct 1890, page 3.
1890: Drunk in charge (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS. Monday. […] Drunk in Charge. […] Joseph Thomason, for being drunk and asleep while in charge of a horse and trap on the 8th inst., on the road leading from Crudgington to Waters Upton, fined 10s. and costs.
Wellington Journal, 20 Dec 1890, page 6.
1891: Drunk etc (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS. Monday. […] Drunk, &c. […] Edward Arthur, by Police-constable Lee (107), on the 26th ult., at Waters Upton, 5s. and costs; […]
Wellington Journal, 10 Jan 1891, page 2.
1891: Yet more drunkenness (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS. Monday. […] Drunkenness. […] James Jones and John Price, by Police-constable Lee (107), on the 18th May, at the Lion Inn, Waters Upton, 2s. 6d. and costs each; […]
Wellington Journal, 30 May 1891, page 3.
1891: Drunk and refusing to quit (Added 16 May 2020)
WELLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS. Monday. […] Drunk and Refusing to Quit.—George Wedge was charged by Police-constable Lee with being drunk and refusing to quit the Swan Inn, Waters Upton, the 25th of May last.—Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 5s. and costs.
Wellington Journal, 13 Jun 1891, page 6.
1892: Shooting affray
SERIOUS SHOOTING AFFRAY IN SHROPSHIRE.
FARMER’S SONS SENT TO PENAL SERVITUDE.
A farmer’s two sons, Robert Blantern Morgan and John Stanley Morgan, of Waters Upton, Shrewsbury, were indicted at the Salop Assizes, on Saturday, on a charge of maliciously and feloniously shooting at a young man named Frederick Allen, with intent to do him grevious bodily harm.
It was elicited in evidence that on the night of the 9th July last, Allen, in company with two other men, named John Middleton and Richard Dorsett, were proceeding along the road in the direction of his home. They were passing the farm of the father of the prisoners when the dogs began to bark. One of the men told them to lie down, when Mr Morgan, senior, shouted from the window “Get out, or I’ll loose the dogs on you.” Middleton replied, “You can do it.” The men proceeded down the road for about one hundred yards, when a gun was fired, some of the shot striking the hedge close to them. Allen and Middleton turned back, and saw prisoners and their father coming down the road. One of the sons again fired, and a quantity of shot penetrated through Allen’s boot into his ankle. When within about ten yards from Allen, Morgan, senior, said “Give him another,” and immediately a double barrelled gun was pointed at Allen by one of the sons, who fired a second time. The shot entered Allen’s arm, which was badly lacerated, and he fell to the ground bleeding and insensible. The next thing he remembered was being at home in bed, and seeing a doctor by the bedside.
Medical evidence was given by Dr. Brereton to the effect that that the shot had not been extracted from Allen’s foot, as it had penetrated too deep. There was also a permanent injury to the arm.
The defence was that Allen and the two other men were in a drunken state, and bombarded Morgan’s house with large stones, and when he came to the window to remonstrate with them, they used abusive and defiant language. He and his two sons went down to send them away, one of the sons taking a loaded gun with him. They had a struggle with the other men, and, during this, the gun went off accidentally. The evidence for the defence, however, was exceedingly conflicting.
The jury returned a verdict of unlawful wounding against both prisoners.
The judge said it was a brutal, wanton, and dastardly attack, and unjustifiable. He sentenced Robert to five year’s penal servitude, and John to three years.
Mr Justice Day has reduced the sentences to one of fifteen month’s imprisonment each.
Wrexham Advertiser, 17 Dec 1892, page 6.
Note: Robert T Morgan, the father, and sons Robert B and John S Morgan, appear on the 1891 census at Waters Upton.
Waters Upton One-Place Study 