The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

  William Webb , of  St. Cathrines by the Tower , a Sail maker , was tryed for Ravishing and Carnally knowing   Mary Sidercomb a Girl , not exceeding eight years of Age, on the 10th. of April , and at divers other times : The proof against him was that he being a single Man, and having undertook the Wardship of the Child, at the request of the deceased Mother, he had obliged her

to lye in the same Bed with him; and at sundry times, as the Girl testified, and as it appeared by the Violence done to her Body, occasioned much bloud and corruption to issue from her, had forced her, but no possitive Evidence of a Rape, under those circumstances the Law requires it, being made out, he was Acquitted .