| Reference Number | t17680518-32 |
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| Verdict | Not Guilty; Guilty |
| Sentence | Transportation |
| Related Material |  |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 04 October 2023), May 1768, trial of Sarah, wife of Thomas Wilmer Rebecca Beacham (t17680518-32). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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378, 379 (L.) Sarah, wife of Thomas Wilmer , and Rebecca Beacham , were indicted for stealing a pair of worsted hose, value 18 d. the property of James Williamson , April 20 . ++
James Williamson . I am a shoemaker, and keep a clothes-shop and a shoe-shop in Chick-lane ; on the 20th of April I saw the two prisoners in a shop whispering together, not as if they were likely to buy; soon after I heard they had been in my shop and robbed me; they were taken.
Anne Page . I keep a clothes-shop in Chick-lane, I was standing at my door, and saw the two prisoners, Wilmer went in at Mr. Williamson's door, Beacham stood at the door; she took a pair of stockings from the window, and put them into her apron, and then went into the shop; I went and told Mrs. Williamson of it; after they were gone out she went and brought them back.
Williamson. My wife is not here, but I heard Beacham confess she took a pair of stockings my property.
John Cook . I was the constable that had the prisoners in charge for stealing a pair of stockings; Beacham confessed she took a pair from the outside the window, and went into the shop, and dropped them at the end of the counter; there they were found (produced and deposed to by prosecutor.)
Wilmer's defence.
I am a poor hard working woman, I never saw the stockings.
Beacham's defence.
They asked sixteen-pence for a pair of shoes, that was too much money; we went down Field-lane, they came after us; we were taken to the watch-house, after that they brought a pair of stockings there to us.
Alice Palmer , Elizabeth Crouch , and Mary Fielder , gave Wilmer the character of an honest sober woman.
Wilmer Acquitted .
Beacham Guilty . T .