Extracted by George Bell

House of Correction, Newcastle, January 10th. 1782.

THREE PERSONS (Part of a Gang of Thieves) in PRISON here.

A MAN who calls himself HENRY CUNNINGHAM, appears to be about 30 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches high, of a dark swarthy complexion, thin faced, has black dull eyes, long black rough hair, a small scar of a slight wound under his left eye, lately healed, a scar on his right jaw, and wants the first joints of the thumb and two first fingers of his right hand.- His present dress is an old coarse slouched hat, a black silk neckcloth, a coarse blue half-wide coat, a fine light blue coat and waistcoat, and dirty buck or doe skin breeches: He says he was born at Wigton, in Cumberland, brought up as a Pitman, but for the last ten years has travelled the country, and sold earthen pots and mugs in summer, and coopered and mended lanthorns in winter. His principal residence hath of late been at Bishop Auckland, and at Barlow, near Winlaton, with some others of the gang. A little Woman who calls herself ANN HAMILTON, otherwise BROWN, says she has cohabited with said Cunningham as his wife for about five years, but was never lawfully married to him, and was born at Dalkeith, in Scotland. She appears to be about 35 years of age, has light coloured hair, a fair complexion, a small round face, a slight squint with her right eye; her present dress is a black silk bonnet, a silk handkerchief about her head, a short red cloak, a remarkable beautiful flowered chintz gown, and a black quilted petticoat.

A Woman who calls herself MARY WILSON, says her maiden name was TATE, that she was born at Glasgow, and is the wife of William Wilson, a Pitman, who lately entered into the marine service; she appears to be about 50 years of age, her stature is a degree under the middle size; she has brown hair, a star on her forehead, another on her right cheek, another on her under lip on the right side; Her present dress is a black silk bonnet, a silk handkerchief about her head, a short scarlet cloak, a blue and white checked and spotted bed-gown, a dark copper coloured camblet gown, and a black quilted petticoat.

The above described persons were apprehended in company together, and are part of a Gang of Thieves and Pickpockets, who have for some time past infested the markets in this town, and generally resort to fairs in the country.- Elizabeth Whitebread, the Pickpocket, advertised in this paper the two last weeks, is one of the same gang.

Those who have any discovery to make, or any thing to say concerning them, or who desire to see them, are to apply at the Town Clerk's Office.

A DISCOVERY of more of the same GANG.

THOMAS DOUGLAS and his Wife, JOHN DOUGLAS his Brother, and ELEANOR his Wife, and David their eldest Son, aged about 15 years, and the noted THOMAS COLPITTS, otherwise STUART, and his Wife, who have all lately resided or lodged, at or about the head of Gateshead, and on Gateshead Fell; other part of the Gang reside at or near Bishop Auckland, they often change their names, and frequently rendezvous at the Crown and Cannon on Gateshead Fell, and have a Ware Room for their Stolen Goods, at or near the head of Gateshead, and another on the Fell.

Durham Gaol, July 27th 1782

The following felons in Durham gaol took their trials this week: William Fairbridge, for house-breaking; Jane Moore, for murder; William Coulthread, John Robinson, John Allewell, Joseph Peck, William Peck, and Mary Turner, for sheep-stealing; Elizabeth Paxton, for concealing a child; William Hill, Thomas Harrison, John Caburn, George Patterson, William Mitchall, Mary Hunter, Mary Gilhespie, John Sadbury, and James Donaldson, for theft; James Waugh, for killing pigs.

Durham Assizes, August 3rd 1782

Yesterday se'nnight the Assizes ended at Durham, when William Coulthread, John Robinson, and John Allewell, for sheep stealing, received sentence of death. William Fairbridge, for theft, sent on board a man of war. John Caburn, John Sidbury, George Patterson, and William Mitchall, for theft; the two former are committed to the house of correction for two years, and the two latter for one year. Margaret Walker, to be whipped. Mary Hunter and Mary Gilhespie, to be privately whipped. William Hill, Eliz. Paxton, Thomas Harrison, Jane Moore, Joseph Peck, William Peck, Mary Turner, James Waugh, and James Donaldson, acquitted.

Newcastle Assizes, August 3rd 1782

Thursday the Assizes ended here, when James Walker, convicted of burglary, received sentence of death; and Alexander Ross, for theft, was committed to the House of Correction for six months.

Newcastle Quarter Sessions, October 12th 1782

Wednesday at the Quarter Sessions, Thomas Ridley of Barlow, Taylor, convicted of petit larceny, to be kept at hard labour in the House of Correction till Saturday se'nnight, the 19th instant, and then to be whipped round the Sandhill, and to the blue stone on Tyne Bridge.- Ann Donkin, Spinster, convicted of petit larceny, to be kept at hard labour one month in the House of Correction.- Edward Charleton, convicted of deceit, in cancelling a promisory note, and fined 20s.- David Brown, Robert Park, and James Robertson, convicted of a riot and assault, and fined five guineas.

Newcastle Quarter Sessions, May 3rd 1783

Wednesday at the General Quarter Sessions for this town,... the following persons were severally convicted of petit larceny, and sentenced to hard labour in the House of Correction, viz. Jane Hill, widow, for 14 days; Margaret Walker, Elizabeth Oliver, Elizabeth Rumford, Elizabeth Moody, spinsters, for one month each; and Moody and Rumford afterwards to be sent to their settlements by vagrants passes; William Sanderson, labourer, and Mary, wife of Thomas Wilson, labourer, for two months each; Catherine Allen, widow, for three months, and afterwards to be sent to her settlement by a vagrants pass.

At the same Sessions John Cram, Shoemaker, was convicted of obtaining a pair of boots by false pretences, with intent to cheat and defraud, and fined one shilling, and sentenced to imprisonment for one month.

Newcastle Quarter Sessions, July 19th 1783

Wednesday, at the Quarter Sessions here, James Robson, Husbandman, Fenwick Trotter, Labourer, and Isabell Hall, Spinster, were severally convicted of petit larceny, and committed to the House of Correction to be kept at hard labour for one month each

Durham Assizes, August 16th 1783

The following felons in Durham gaol took their trials this week: Robert Storey, for murder; Eleanor Turnbull, for stealing three ten pound banks notes; Margaret Pearson, otherwise Pearcey, and Eliz. Campbell, for stealing a five pound bank note, and 10s. 6d. in silver; William Jones and Jacob Goodlad, Mary Conkerton, John Welsh, Esther Fawcett, Jane Haswell, Wm Albion, and Edward Chambrelin, for burglary; Ralph Lidgard, John Whiteing, Joseph Oxley, and Ann Wilson, for stealing watches; Ann Forster, Barbara Loggan, Ann Pattenson, otherwise Ann Lloyd, Ann Buckles, and Mary Foggan, for an assault and robbery; Wm Elwin, and Tho. Watson; for horse-stealing; Francis Squires, Ann Taylor alias Morley, Jane Brown, Sarah Wright, Mary Summers, Dinah Portis, Geo. Thornton, John Waddell, John Frazier, and Mary Cook, for theft.

Northumberland Assizes, August 16th 1783

The felons from Morpeth are: Andrew Edmonston, for being a spy; Wm Wilson, for stealing a letter containing £300; Wm Fairbridge, for burglary, Andrew Jorden, George Johnson, otherwise Williamson, and Elizabeth Old, for theft.

Northumberland Quarter Sessions, October 18th 1783

At the General Quarter Sessions held at Alnwick, for the county of Northumberland, on Wednesday se'nnight... Thomas Richardson, alias Richey, convicted of larceny ... was ordered to hard labour in the House of Correction for one month; and Alice Dalton also convicted of larceny, to be confined in the House of Correction for one week.

Newcastle Quarter Sessions, July 17th 1784

Wednesday, at the General Quarter Sessions here, Thomas White, Joiner, was convicted of petit larceny, and sentenced to hard labour in the House of Correction for one month, and then to be sent to his settlement by vagrant's pass.- Isabell Stephenson, of South Shields and Henry Jennings, Miller, were severally convicted of obtaining money by false pretences, and fined ?s. each, and sentenced to three months imprisonment.- Dorothy March, convicted of barratry and common scolding, was sentenced to the House of Correction, there to remain till she find sufficient sureties for her peaceable and good behaviour for twelve months.

Durham Assizes, August 7th 1784

The following felons in Durham gaol took their trials this week: Thomas Atley, for murder; Wm Stephenson, and Francis and Wm Blenkinsop, for sheep-stealing; James Morrow, for stealing a mare; Robt Weldell, for shop-breaking; Robt and Henry Cunningham, Charles Johnson, Wm Bowey, Cuth. Winship, John Robson, Ralph Blenkinsop, Morley Tewit, Michael Dun and John Kirby, for burglary and theft; Ann Anderson, Ann Hunter, Alice Hartburn, John Thompson, Tho. Storey, Mary Hutchinson, Dinah Brown, Ann Johnston, Mary Addey, Wm Southeron, Thos Middleton, Edw. Monkass, and Catherine Laing, for theft.

Newcastle Quarter Sessions, October 16th 1784

Wednesday, being the adjournment of the Quarter Sessions, William Collings was convicted of petit larceny, and sentenced to hard labour in the House of Correction for six months, and, at the end of that period, to be whipped from the House of Correction to Newgate.

Newcastle Quarter Sessions, January 29th 1785

Tuesday, four convicts, under sentence of transportation, were sent down to Shields, to be conveyed thence by sea to the hulks, at Gravesend, where they are to remain till an opportunity offers to send them abroad.

Durham Assizes, July 23rd 1785

The following felons at Durham have taken their trials: John M'Entire and Richard James, for highway robbery; William Hamilton, Isabella his wife, and Wm Jackson, for house breaking; Thomas Elliot, for horse-stealing; Duncan Wright, Richard Cleugh, Geo. Sharp, John Stokoe, John Welsh, for theft; Alex. Guild, Ann Crosby, and Ann Colpits, for stealing goods out of Mr Chipchase's shop in Durham; Guild and Crosby acquitted, the others all guilty; Nicholas Rumley, for ... prisoners to break the implements for that use; Wm Trotter, for sheep-stealing, and Robt Shepherd, for stealing flour out of Monkwearmouth Mill, and for the murder of Tho. Hawkey, no bill.- The remainder took their trials yesterday, viz.- John Winship, for the murder of Grace Smith; Wm Kirkley, for burglary; Wm Thompson, and Thomas Dixon, for horse-stealing; John Dawson, for breaking open a stable in South Shields; and stealing 2 saddles; Simon Metcalf, for having been a principle ringleader and fomentor of the great tumults and riots at Sunderland; John Wood and John Winskill, for sundry riots in Sunderland, after the proclamation had been read; William Smith alias Holland; and John Brewer, for stealing a quantity of plate from Mr Walter Reay of Sunderland, removed by a habeas corpus to London, and on their arrival there, were rescued out of the custody of the gaoler, since which Smith was retaken and recommitted, Brewer not yet retaken; Charles M'Laurin, for pocket-picking; John Ling and Philip Stacey for house-breaking.

Morpeth Gaol, July 23rd 1785

The felons in Morpeth Gaol are: Sylvanus Broadwater, and Walter Scott, for horse-stealing in 1783, condemned Assizes 1784, and since ordered to be transported seven years; John Ramsay, for murder; Joseph Miller, James Wintrip, alias Winter, William Cockburn, and Mary Cockburn, for horse-stealing; William Davison, for sheep-stealing; William Graham, for house-breaking; Wm Taylor, for stealing a game cock; Roderick Morrow, and John Davidson, for pocket-picking; and William Bruce, for theft.

Newcastle Assizes, July 30th, 1785

Wednesday the assizes ended here, when John Thompson, found guilty of petty larceny, to be imprisoned six months, and publickly whipped; Isaac Lowe, found guilty of grand larceny, to be transported beyond the seas for the term of seven years; John Leighton, convicted of sheep-stealing, sentenced to be hanged; Roger Carr, Andrew Mitchell, Samuel Lemon, James Elliot, and Thomas Johnson, all found not guilty; and no bill was found against Andrew Mordue.

Morpeth, August 20th, 1785 On Tuesday were executed on the Fair Moor, near Morpeth, pursuant to their sentence, William Graham, for Housebreaking, and William Cockburn for Horse-stealing.

Newcastle, January 21st, 1786

Saturday last, four persons belonging to the notorious gang of Thieves and Shop-lifters, called the Bishop Auckland Gang, otherwise the Barlow Gang, otherwise the Gateshead-Fell-Gang, so called from several of them residing at these places, and from numbers of them frequently rendezvousing there, were observed reconnoitring the Linen Drapers shops in this town, and traced to an Alehouse in Pipewellgate, where they were apprehended and brought back to this town.

The above Elizabeth Thompson, convicted last Wednesday was one of them. Walter Clarke, another of them, after examination escaped from the officer; and the other two, Jane Clark and Eleanor Murray, otherwise Gardiner, were committed for further examination.

House of Correction, Newcastle, March 2nd 1786

Two suspected Persons in the House of Correction Here., ONE of them calls himself ABRAHAM SMITH, a Tinker, says he was born at Lead-Gate, near Ryton, and has lived at Bishop Auckland for about a year and a half past, and was lately a soldier in the Fencibles in America; he appears to be about 21 years of age, 5 feet 5 inches high, has a dark or swarthy complection, long dark brown hair, curled at his ears, black eyes, and now wears an old slouched hat, a black neckcloth, an old blue halfwide coat, with white metal flat buttons, an old red double breasted waistcoat, and trowsers.

The other calls himself JOHN COOPER, says he was born at Bishop Monkton, near Ripon, in Yorkshire, but was brought up and chiefly lived at Barnard Castle, has been formerly two or three voyages at sea, and lately got his bread by selling books and pamphlets, &c., he appears to be about 17 years of age, about 5 feet 2 inches and a half high, has dark brown hair, very thick and rough on the top of his head, grey eyes, and a fair complection; he now wears an old coarse slouch hat, a sailor's old jacket, an old brown striped velveret waistcoat and trowsers.

The above two persons are supposed to be part of the notorious gang of thieves called the Bishop Auckland-Gang, otherwise the Barlow-Gang, otherwise the Gateshead-Fell-Gang, so called from some of them residing, and others occasionally rendezvousing at these places.

Persons able to give any account or information concerning these suspected persons, or either of them, are desired to transmit the same to the Town Clerk, and those who desire to see them, are to apply at his Office.

Northumberland Quarter Sessions, May 6th, 1786

At the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace held at Morpeth, the 26th day of April last,... John Scott, John Towns, and Alex. Deans, were convicted of stealing ducks at Tynemouth, and committed to the house of correction at Morpeth, to hard labour for one month. Jane Routledge, Ann Robson, William Curry, Ann Bennett, and Jane Winterup, otherwise Jane Winter, severally convicted at the said sessions for larceny, and sentenced to be severally committed to the said house of correction to hard labour; the said Jane Routledge, for six weeks; Ann Robson, and William Curry, for six months each; and Ann Bennett, and Jane Winterup, otherwise Jane Winter, for twelve months each. Elizabeth Donkin, Edward Collins, Tho. Curry, and Edward Coulson, acquitted.

Newcastle, July 15th 1786

The noted offender John Anderson, who some years ago (with an accomplice since hanged) infested the highways in the neighbourhood of this town, and was driven from here by the Hue and Cry, and a rigorous pursuit after him, and who twice narrowly escaped from his pursuers, had the audacity last Monday once more to venture himself here, when he was seen by a Constable, who knew him, riding southward along Tyne Bridge, the Constable with another man attempted to take him, but he by clapping spurs to his horse got from them, and rode in full speed up Gateshead: He is described under the name of John Morra, by an advertisement in our last and this week's Hue and Cry, where a reward of Five Guineas is offered by the Keeper of York Castle for taking him; and as he has, since he left this part of the country, almost lost the use of one arm, the taking him now can be no difficult matter: It appears by the said advertisement, that he, on the 11th of May last, escaped from the guards who were conducting him from York Castle to the River Thames, in order to his being transported.

Newcastle Gaol, August 12th 1786

The felons in Newcastle Gaol are: Robert Thompson and William Bell, for house-breaking; John Thompson, for ship-robbing; John Mowbray, for horse-stealing; Henry Jennings for horse-stealing and theft; Jane Clark, Elizabeth Thompson, Mary Brown, and Elizabeth Smith, for shop-lifting; Frances Atkinson, for taking George Wilson, her illegitimate son, of six years of age, into the shop of a Linen-draper, with an intention to steal, and the said Geo. Wilson did then steal and carry away 13 yards of printed calico; Richard Gordon, and Robert Cunningham, for theft; and Catherine Sterling, for pocket-picking.

Northumberland Assizes, August 19th, 1786

The Grand Jury, at the Assizes for the county of Northumberland, presented James Smith, servant to Mr J. Atkinson, of Ryle, in the parish of Whittingham, with the sum of Five Guineas, as a reward for his spirited conduct in apprehending and prosecuting to conviction, John Macdonald, a felon.

Newcastle Assizes, August 19th 1786

At the Assizes held in and for this town and county, before Francis Buller, Esq; one of the Justices of his Majesty's Court of King's Bench, and John Heath, Esq; one of the Justices of his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas, which ended on Wednesday last, the nine following felons were tried and convicted, the three first capitally, and of consequence received sentence of death, viz. John Thompson, Mariner, for stealing a silver watch privately from the person of Jonathan Simpson, Ship-Master; this was done on shipboard on the river Tyne: and Thompson was indicted for another felony, committed in a ship on the river; but being convicted of the first mentioned crime, he was not tried for the other.Henry Jennings, Labourer, for stealing a bay gelding, the property of William Donald: Jennings was also indicited for two other felonies; but being convicted of the horse stealing, he was not tried for the others.William Bell, Labourer, for stealing in the Dwelling-house of Thomas Ogilvie, money to the amount of £6 8s. 6d. This convict is only about 15 or 16 years of age, and is reprieved: the two former are left for execution.- Robert Thompson was indicted for two burglaries and larcenies; but being acquitted of the capital part of those crimes, he was convicted only of grand larceny within the benefit of the statute, and was sentenced to be transported beyond the seas for the term of seven years.- Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Smith; Elizabeth, wife of William Thompson; Mary, wife of John Brown; and Frances, wife of James Atkinson; severally for grand larceny within the benefit of the statute, were sentenced to be privately whipped, and afterwards committed to the house of correction; there to be kept to hard labour for the term of one year.- Jane, wife of Walter Clark, for grand larceny within the benefit of the statute, sentenced to be privately whipped, and afterwards committed to the house of correction; there to be kept to hard labour for the term of two years.- These five female convicts are part of a certain notorious gang of thieves, many of whom are now pretty well known among the people of trade in this town, particularly the Linen-drapers; and such discoveries have lately been made, as we hope cannot fail of soon exterpating the whole gang. The above woman, who calls herself Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Smith, her real name is said to be Ann Gregg, shortly before she committed the crime here, for which she is now under punishment, was in Carlisle gaol charged with a felony, but broke out and escaped before she got her trial.- The above Frances Atkinson has a boy only about six years old, which she takes with her into shops, and has taught him to be very dextrous with taking up and going off with goods, whilst she is engaging the attention of the shopkeeper another way.

Newcastle, September 2nd, 1786

Wednesday Henry Jennings was executed on the Town Moor, pursuant to his sentence at the last assizes, for horse-stealing. He died very penitent; and, in a paper delivered by him to the Ordinary, he admitted the wicked and unwary to take warning by his sad and untimely exit. He also delivered an Explanation of many of the Cant Terms, now in use amongst robbers, pick-pockets, house-breakers, &c. which he desired to be published for the benefit of the public at large.

Newcastle, September 2nd 1786

Last Monday, John Newen, Mariner, aged about seventeen years, was committed to Gaol, to take his trial at our next Assizes, for stealing the night between the 24th and 25th instant, on board the ship Betty, of Scrabro', Robert Oxley, Master, on the River Tyne, a Silver Watch, nine Guineas of Gold, and 2s. 6d. of Silver, the property of Robert Porret. The Gold was stolen from a locked Beauroe; but the Watch and the 2s. 6d. were stolen privately from the person of the owner, whilst he slept in the Cabin, and without his knowledge:- this latter part of the crime is therefore capital, and almost exectly similar to that for which the noted John Thompson received sentence of death at our last Assizes.

Durham Gaol, March 24th 1787

Yesterday se'nnight William Bailey and George Duncan, two men confined to Durham gaol for smuggling, made their escape out of the said gaol, by means of a rope that had been conveyed to them for that purpose. Duncan has been since taken and committed to his former lodging, but Bailey is still at large.

Newcastle, June 2nd, 1787

Monday his Majesty's Pardon arrived here for John Thompson, convicted at our last assizes for a ship-robbery, on condition of transportation for seven years to Botany Bay.

Newcastle, August 18th 1787

Monday night, Isaac Lowe, Robert Allison, John Gally, and William Greaves, four convicts under sentence of transportation in the gaol of this town, found means to break the cross bars in the privy, and let themselves down by a rope, by which they escaped undiscovered; Lowe was taken on Wednesday morning at Shields, and remanded back to gaol; and as strict search in making after the other delinquents, it is hoped they will all be taken very soon.- For a description of their persons, see Hue and Cry.

Newcastle, February 16th 1788 Yesterday three prisoners, under sentence of transportation, were brought from Morpeth gaol to this town, and lodged in Newgate, in order to be sent off with the prisoners here for Botany Bay.

Newcastle, March 1st 1788 Wednesday the Mars, Captain Atkinson, sailed with the transports on board, for Plymouth.

Durham Quarter Sessions, April 5th 1788

Wednesday last, at the Quarter Sessions at Durham, John Anderson, of Gateshead, Woollen-draper, was convicted upon the clearest evidence, of a misdemeanor, in receiving and concealing stolen goods in his house, in Pipewellgate, being part of three bales of Leeds cloth lately stolen from the waggon of William Graham, common carrier, knowing the same to have been feloniously stolen, and for this offence was sentenced to pay a fine of 100l.

Newcastle Quarter Sessions, July 19th 1788

Wednesday, at the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for this town and county, held at the Guildhall,... the first three under-named persons were convicted of petit larceny, and sentenced to hard labour in the House of Correction for the respective times following, viz. Joseph Ridley, two months; Ann King, Spinster, one month; Elizabeth, wife of William Crow, Labourer, a fortnight.

At the same Sessions, George Turnbull was convicted of an odious misdemeanor, for which he was fined 6s. 8d. and ordered to be imprisoned one month in gaol, and then to be discharged on payment of his fine.

And Thomas Young, Taylor, at the same Sessions, was convicted of assaulting and threatening George Gray, Taylor, and ordered to be imprisoned till he finds two sufficient sureties to enter into a recognizance with him, himself in £20 and the sureties in £10 each, for his good behaviour for twelve months.

Morpeth Gaol, July 19th 1788

The felons in Morpeth gaol are:- George Brown, found guilty of burglary last assizes, received sentence of death, but was afterwards respited; William Brown, charged with sheep stealing; John Winter, Robert Winter, Margaret Winter, and John Clark, for breaking into Heslyside House, and stealing therefrom a silver plated tankard; James Robinson, and John Davison, with pocket picking; Joseph Polwarth, and Jane his wife, and Walter Clark, with stealing wool and cheeses from Doddington; and John Stewart, for being aiding and assisting therein; Eleanor Scott, Elizabeth Thompson, Mary Davidson, and George Emmery, with theft; William Arnott, John Smithwhite, and Mary Davison, with knowingly receiving stolen goods; Joseph Wilson, with stealing from a locked drawer in the house of the Rev. Joseph Cook, of Sheepwash, two five pound notes, and one guinea; John Brown, with embezaling a letter containing four five pound bank notes, and a promisory note of the value £42 19s. 1½d. delivered to him to put into the Post Office at North Shields; and Archibald Patterson, with assaulting and dangerously wounding Robert Stoddart, whereby his life is in danger.

Newcastle Assizes, July 26th 1788 Monday the assizes for this town ended, when Gilbert Taylor was found guilty of grand larceny, within the benefit of the statute, and ordered to be fined one shilling, and to be committed to the house of correction to hard labour for 12 months - George Johnson, Thomas Wilson, Francis Wilson, and John Brown, were acquitted.- No bill was found against William Towns.

Morpeth, August 2nd, 1788

We hear that the noted John and Robert Winter, (father and son) who were found guilty of burglary, and received sentence of death at the last Assizes for Northumberland, are to be executed, pursuant to their sentence, on Fair Moor, near Morpeth, on Wednesday next, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon.

Morpeth, August 9th, 1788

On Wednesday John and Robert Winter, father and son, were executed on the Fair Moor, near Morpeth, pursuant to their sentence, at the last assizes, for breaking into the house of William Charlton, Esq; at Hesleside, they appeared to be perfectly resigned to their unhappy situation, and as they were going to be turned off, the younger Winter addressed the numerous spectators of their melancholy situation, in a very unexpectedly pathetic speech, in which he observed, that having been brought up without any regard to morality of religion, the progress of evil had so rapidly over-run his inclination, that at any early age he was arrived at the full maturity of vice, in the pursuance of which he experienced so many dreadful pangs, that he could not pretend to say, whether his ignominious untimely end was more piercing than the uneasiness he had felt in his various pursuits of rapince and depredation, which he had been in practice from his infancy, and in which he was much aided by the ill example shewn by his profligate parents. He then warned the younger part of the assembled populace, to beware of the practice of evil deeds, and recommended a particular attention to the duties of religion, and special observance of the sabbath, a day he had never been taught to reverence; and with the great importance of which he was so totally unacquainted; and that he had never, to his knowledge, attended a place of divine worship. He then met his unhappy fate with uncommon fortitude, whilst his unfortunate father seemed to be totally bereft of any sense of his dreadful situation.

Newcastle, April 4th 1789

On Tuesday evening last the felons under sentence of transportation, in Newgate, made a daring effort to escape, by breaking a hole in the wall of the place where the coals are kept; but a cat having stole the piece of candle they had secreted for the purpose of finishing their work, the project was frustrated.

Newcastle, May 16th 1789

Wednesday night, three of the prisoners in Newgate, two under sentence of transportation, and one for trial for stealing poultry, made an attempt to liberate themselves from confinement, by sawing off their irons, and removing one of the iron bars from the window of the room in which they were confined, from whence they meant to descend by a rope used for drawing up provisions, which they had secured, but their design was frustrated by the discovery of the scheme before it was perfectly ripe for execution.

Morpeth Gaol, June 20th 1789

The riotous behaviour of the felons in Morpeth gaol, where a great number are confined, has arisen to such an height, that the gaoler is under the necessity of calling in the assistance of the military.- The cause of such riots seems to be owing to the want of separate cells to keep them apart, or to increase the number of convicts destined to Botany Bay, who not being quickly sent off, through long confinement, generally become desperate.

Newcastle, July 4th 1789

Thursday morning Mr M. Mordue, Gaoler, set out for London with one of the convicts under sentence of transportation to Botany Bay.

Newcastle, July 11th 1789

Last week Frances Atkinson, alias Wilson, an old offender, who was tried at the assizes here in the year 1786, for shop-lifting, and committed to the House of Correction for one year, to be privately whipped, was detected in stealing a pair of shoes from a shop in the Castle Stairs, and on Monday she was fully committed to take her trial at the Sessions.

[Last updated: 3rd August 2010 - Brian Pears]

Extracted by George Bell

Durham Assizes, February 27th 1830

WILLIAM DAY, of the city of Durham, painter, aged 24, was convicted of bigamy on very clear and satisfactory evidence. He was married to a young woman named Ann Greagg, by banns, on the 1st August, 1826, at the church of St Luke, Old Street, Shoreditch, London; and on the 15th of October last, he married a young woman named Jane Coulter (whom he induced to leave the service of Mr Alderman Lucas to espouce him) at the church of St Sepulchre. The existence of Ann Greagg, and the apprehension of the prisoner in this county, having been proved, the jury without hesitation found him guilty. It was intimated, after the verdict was given, that the prisoner had a third wife living. Mr Justice Parker, after expiating on the enormity of the prisoner's conduct, sentenced him to the fullest extent allowed by law, viz.:- transportation for 7 years. Considerable applause followed the passing of the sentence, which was instantly checked, and strongly censured by the judge.

Durham, May 29th 1830

On Friday last, George Coulthard, who was capitally convicted at the late Durham assizes of sheep-stealing, but which sentence was afterwards commuted to transportation for life, was sent to the hulks, at Woolwich, preparatory to his departure for New South Wales.

Durham Assizes, March 5th 1831

ALEXANDER GRANT, a sailor, aged 35, was arraigned on a charge of bigamy, but acquitted for want of sufficient proof of his identity as to the first marriage.

Durham Gaol, May 21st 1831

On Tuesday last, an inquest was held on the body of William Holt, a felon in the gaol at Durham, under sentence of transportation for life. Verdict - Died by the visitation of God.

Durham Gaol, March 9th 1833

On Monday last, James Hevey, who had effected his escape from Durham gaol on Friday last, after having been sentenced to be transported for life, for stealing silver spoons, was secured by the police at Sunderland, secreted in his own house, and was immediately conveyed back to Durham gaol.

Morpeth, April 6th 1833

On Wednesday last, Henry Spittle, a pensioner, and a native of Morpeth, but who for many years (except when in custody in Morpeth gaol,) has been employed as a labourer and porter to the carriers resorting to Newcastle, was committed for trial at the next sessions, on a charge of having, last Saturday, feloniously stolen a poke of oats from the cart of Mr Wm. Spraggon, of Kirby Dam House, in the parish of Ponteland.

Newcastle Gaol, April 19th 1834

An attempt was made on Sunday night last, by the convicts Coulson, Summerville, Talentire, Riley, and Scott, sentenced to transportation, to break out of the gaol, in this town, which, notwithstanding the increased vigilance of Mr Grey, the governor, and his assistants, caused by previous attempts, seems to have well nigh proved successful. They had ingeniously melted down a piece of lead into the form of a mallet, and this, together with some pieces of iron which answered the purpose of chisels, they had used with considerable effect before their purpose was detected on Monday morning. The have since been heavily ironed.

Newcastle and Northumberland Assizes, July 26th 1834

The following is a list of the prisoners for trial at the ensuing assizes:- NEWCASTLE - Charles May (25) for stealing from Dr. Tomlinson's library, in this town. Frederick Thomas (18) for obtaining a hat from Mr Robert Kent, hatter, under false pretence. Thomasin Sloan (26), and Sarah Smith (19) for stealing from the person. John Curtis (22) for robbing William Graham. Elizabeth Davison (43), and Margaret Hebbron (26), the former for stealing from the person, and the latter for receiving. NORTHUMBERLAND - John Watson, for assaulting the person of Ann Todd. George Wilson (18), for stealing 13 pieces of pork. Mary Wilson (50), charged with receiving the pork. The said George Wilson, on a second count, for stealing two steel traps. Thomas Henderson (31), for bigamy.

Northumberland Assizes, July 26th 1834

THOMAS HENDERSON, aged 31, captain of a vessel trading between this port and Hull, was placed at the bar charged with having, on the 7th May last, unlawfully married, at Long Benton, Jane Atkinson, his former wife (Charlotte Malcolm) being then alive.

Mr INGHAM stated the case to the jury, and called Mr Thos. John Turnbull, who produced a certificate of the first marriage of the prisoner at Sculcoates, near Hull, on the 22nd of August 1817.

Nancy Leonard, of Hull, spoke to the marriage of the prisoner with Charlotte Malcolm, at which she was one of the witnesses.

James Mitchell, of Wells, knew the prisoner, and was in the habit of visiting him at his house in Wells, where he lived with a woman he called Mrs Henderson, and had several children; they had lived together 12 or 14 years.

The examination of the prisoner before the magistrates was read, which stated that he had a wife living at Wells.

Jane Atkinson proved her marriage with the prisoner at Long Benton, on the 7th of May last; which was corroborated by the Parish Clerk.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Sentence - Six months' hard labour, every alternate week to solitary confinement.

Durham Quarter Sessions, October 18th 1834

Jas. Jamieson, aged 24, was convicted of bigamy, having married Margaret Carr - Hannah Jamieson, his lawful wife being then alive; and was sentenced to hard labour for eight calendar months - the last in solitary confinement.

Durham Gaol, June 13th 1835

An inquest was held on the 3rd instant, in gaol, at Durham, on the body of Christian Dobe, a prisoner under sentence of transportation. He died of consumption. Verdict - Died by the visitation of God.

Durham Gaol, April 9th 1836

The two men Smith and Urwin, who were sentenced at the late Durham assizes to be executed for rape and robbery, received on Friday last, a reprieve on condition of being transported for the term of their lives.

Durham Quarter Sessions, July 2nd 1836

ANDREW WILKINSON (36), pleaded guilty to a charge of having, at Ancroft, intermarried with Diana Mainson, his former wife Elizabeth Wilkinson being then alive.- Seven years' transportation.

Durham Quarter Sessions, July 3rd 1840

ROBERT TAYLOR, alias, LORD KENNEDY, (19) was charged with having, at the parish of Acklam, Yorkshire, on the 4th of April last, feloniously intermarried with Mary Davidson, his wife, Sarah Ann Taylor, formerly Skidmore, being then alive.

Mr Granger stated the case, and called

John Wood, who said - I am a waggoner living in Cambridge-street, Crescent, Birmingham; I met the prisoner there in July, 1838; he represented himself to be the son of Lord Kennedy, and produced some documents. One of them professed to be a will, and he said that when he came of age he would be entitled to £60,000 a-year under it. He said he had advertised for a wife, and if I would introduce him to a respectable young woman he would make me a handsome present. I took him to a friend's, called Benjamin Skidmore, who sent for his daughter to the shop, where she was working. When she came, the documents were shown to her father and herself. A licence was got the same day, and they were married the day following. After the wedding we went to a church and heard a sermon. After the marriage he was absent from Birmingham for a week. He remained there 6 or 7 weeks, and then he left. I saw him a week ago, and he showed me some marks on his arm, which he said proved his birth.

The prisoner cross-examined the witness at some length.

Mr Granger read over a few extracts from the will, by which the testator bequeathed to his son the sum of one million and fifteen thousand pounds, consols, "and no more" - (a laugh) - four coal pits, and other hereditaments, &c. &c.

Mary Davidson said - I am the daughter of Thomas Davidson, sexton at Aycliffe Church. On the 3rd of April last, I was introduced to the prisoner at my father's house; he said he was the son of Lord Kennedy, and would receive £700, and £20 per annum until he came of age, when he got to London with his wife; I saw some documents then; one purported that he was the son of Lord Kennedy, and was to have £60,000 a year when he came of age; my brother said he had been acquainted with him some time, and he was a very pious character (a laugh). A licence was got, which my brother-in-law paid for, and we were married at Acklam, by the Rev. J. Benson; we staid at Stockton two nights, and then went to my father's; about three weeks after we went to Hetton, where he was arrested by Ingo; he was maintained by my brother-in-law during that time; he had got £12 from by brother-in-law, and had promised him £10 for getting him a wife. Prisoner had two or three times attempted to get away from me. I spent my own money for coach hire.

Orlando Osmond Ingo said - The prisoner resided at Hetton at the end of last year; he was very anxious to get married at that time; I saw him going through Hetton on the 28th of April, and apprehended him; I found the tin case and documents upon him; I had seen them before; he resisted being taken into custody.

The prisoner, in his defence, entered into a long and rambling statement.

Elizabeth Taylor - My son is not of age, and he is not very clever; he is not very right, and was put to different pitmen about Fatfield; he was illegitimate, but there is no occasion to tell who was his father.

Mr Granger briefly replied, and said there could be no doubt that under the new marriage act the marriages were all perfectly legal. Guilty. One year's hard labour in the house of correction.

Durham Assizes, July 31st 1840 

JOHN SOUTTER (25) was charged with having stolen two sovereigns, the property of Mark Harrison and others, on the 13th of July.

MR MATTHEWS stated the case. It appeared that the Messrs Marshall, solicitors, Durham, attended at Coxhoe to collect the debts due to the estate of Mark Harrison, a shopkeeper, when the prisoner, who was a debtor to the amount of £1 17s., also attended, and producing the circular calling him to the meeting, laid down two sovereigns, requesting a receipt. When the receipt was given, the prisoner caught up the two sovereigns, said, "Now I'm clear of you," and made for the door. He was immediately seized, and given into custody. His wife was present, and advised him to lay down the money, but he ordered her to stand off, he knew what he was doing.

MR GRANGER appeared for the prisoner, and contended that the affair was a mere joke, for which he the prisoner had suffered quite severely enough in the degradation of having appeared to answer the charge at the bar. The prisoner was found guilty, and was sentenced to one month's imprisonment and hard labour.

Durham Assizes, February 25th 1842

JOHN BAINBRIDGE (40), pleaded guilty of bigamy. He is a labourer, late of Darlington, and on the 10th of June, 1820, married one Alice Dodd; on the 5th of February inst., again marrying one Mary Ridley, his former wife, Alice, being still alive.

Durham Quarter Sessions, July 1st 1842

LETTES LEWIS, alias MITCHINSON (35), charged with bigamy, in having married Edward Ramsay, her former husband being then alive.

Mr OTTER appeared for the prosecution, and Mr GRANGER for the prisoner. The marriage of a woman named Mitchinson was proved to have taken place at Sunderland and Bishopwearmouth churches, but there was a want of proof of the woman's identity. The woman had made an admission that she was the party so married, but this was held not to be sufficient, and she was consequently acquitted.

Northumberland Assizes, July 22nd 1842

FRANCIS MILLS was next charged with marrying Margt. Ferguson, his first wife, Barbara McLearn being still living.

Mr GRANGER opened the case for the prosecution, and called

Thomas McLearn, who said that he lived in Lowick, and about 9 years ago accompanied the prisoner and his sister to Lamberton Toll Bar, on the Scotch border, where he married her after the Scotch fashion, and that they lived together at Wooler between three and four years, when his sister became weak in her intellects, and since that time been confined in a lunatic asylum.

Joseph Atkinson, a facetious looking man, said that he resides at Berwick, and is called a clergyman; he is also a publican and a waiter; that he had been a clergyman for eleven years, and generally marries at Lamberton Toll Bar from 60 to 70 couples in the year. Recollected marrying the prisoner 9 years ago to Barbara McLearn. He asked the usual questions that are asked on such occasions, and read over the Church of England marriage ceremony, the husband putting on the ring. His charge for performing the ceremony was 7s. 6d., and in addition to that they had two pints of whiskey and some biscuits. On being cross-examined by Mr WARREN, he said he would have great pleasure in marrying a councellor, as in all probability he would get a sovereign. When he saw that the parties were in a great hurry and looked respectable, he left it to themselves before he started and often got an extra fee. He always made each party say, "I plight thee my troth," and asked the man, "art thou willing to take this woman to be thy wedded wife," and made the woman repeat the same compliment to the man. He is called in Berwick the minister of Lamberton Toll Bar for splicing people, and has often spliced three and four couples in a week; he was sure he had spliced the prisoner nine years ago. Lamberton Toll Bar is in Scotland.

George Handyside Patterson, Esq., an advocate at the Scotch bar, said he had heard the evidence of the two last witnesses, and, if true, was sufficient to constitute a Scotch marriage; an interchange of consent, and the parties afterwards living together was a valid marriage in Scotland, and whether after such consent the parties lived together in either Scotland or elsewhere, it was held good in the eyes of the law. It was not the general method adopted in Scotland, but he had known such to be the case.

Thomas Orange proved the second marriage by banns to Margaret Ferguson, at Chatton, on the 12th of Nov., 1838; he was a subscribing witness.

John Garrett, overseer at Wooler, produced the certificate of the second marriage, and confirmed the testimony of the first witness, namely, that the prisoner had lived between three and four years with his first wife.

Mr WARREN, for the defence, said it was truly deplorable that such facilities should be given to such solemn contracts, and whether such should be allowed as the law of the land, was a serious question indeed. The question was not whether a marriage had taken place or not, for, if the witnesses were to be believed, one certainly had taken place, and it was for the jury to consider in what way they would present their verdict, in order that his Lordship might pass the least possible sentence upon the prisoner. In this case there were certainly many excuses; he was an ignorant man, and not at all acquainted with the forms or laws of his country; his first wife, if such she might be called, had lost her reason, and had become dead to the world; besides, he had an excellent character, and was living peaceably and happy with his present wife, otherwise she would have been present.

His Lordship, in summing up, observed that if marriages are good in one country, they still hold good in any country to which the parties may afterlife move: and they had been told by Mr Patterson that marriages similar to the one they heard described were considered valid in Scotland, hence it was good in England; certainly the first wife had become insane, and was not able to perform the duties of a wife, but that did not invalidate the marriage, nor allow a second marriage. He could not see any doubt of the prisoner having married a second wife, his first wife being still alive. To be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for 4 calendar months.

Morpeth Gaol, May 26th 1843

William Richardson alias Stobie, who was found guilty at the late Northumberland Assizes of stabbing James Macqueen, at Tweedmouth, and sentenced to fourteen years transportation, has had his sentence commuted to imprisonment, on the grounds of "weakness of intellect." He has been returned to Morpeth gaol.

Quarter Sessions, June 30th 1843

There have been 40 prisoners for trial at Durham during the quarter sessions, 38 for trial at Newcastle, and 20 from the county of Northumberland. Of those for trial in Newcastle, 12 are under fifteen years of age.

Northumberland Assizes, August 11th 1843

JOSEPH ATKINSON, charged with wilfully and feloniously solemnising an unlawful marriage at Berwick upon Tweed, between Wm. Brown and Catherine Cosser (the former having been tried at the last assizes, and found guilty of bigamy, principally on the evidence of the prisoner.) He pleaded guilty to the charge. The judge, in passing sentence, said it was a very serious offence. By the conduct of the prisoner, he had betrayed an innocent young woman into living with a man, who, in truth, was not her husband. A certificate, his lordship noticed, he had received, signed by several persons, giving the prisoner a good character, who, if they had not been afraid of being tested, would have appeared in the witness box. There was no particular punishment by law, and the sentence of the court was, that he be transported for the term of 7 years.

Durham Assizes, March 8th 1844

MICHAEL GRAHAM was charged with having committed bigamy at Sunderland, having on the 17th November, 1828, married one Caroline Wilson, and on the 8th March, 1840, one Elizabeth Hetherington, his former wife being still alive. The two marriages were proved, but it appeared that the first wife lived with him only a week, and then went off to Newcastle where she had a child. She became wet nurse in the Rev. Mr Collingson's family, at Gateshead, and subsequently lived as cook to Lord Elgin, but the last eight years she has lived at Newcastle with another man, to whom she has borne eight children. The last time the prisoner saw her was in the spring of 1830; and both he and his second wife stated that before their marriage they were informed by Caroline Wilsons's mother that she was dead. His lordship told the jury that the statute gave one ground of defence to the prisoner; if it appeared that he and his wife lived separate for 7 years, and that at the time of his second marriage he was not aware of the other's existence, he could not be found guilty. The jury, believing the prisoner, acquitted him.

Durham Assizes, March 7th 1845

DAVID BURNETT was charged with feloniously marrying Eliza Graham, at Gateshead, on the 28th of June, 1839, Alice, his wife, being then alive. The prisoner's marriage to his first wife, at Alnwick, in 1815, was fully proved; and it was stated, that there were disagreements between them, and that it was reported the wife was unfaithful to her vows. The second marriage was also proved, and it was stated that the prisoner had subsequently resided at Hartlepool. One of the witnesses admitted that it was reported that the case had been taken up two years ago, and abandoned. Mr MATTHEWS addressed the jury for the defence. The jury found the prisoner not guilty.

Northumberland Assizes, July 31st 1846

ANDREW DALL (30), pleaded guilty to a charge of bigamy, having, in September last, at the parish of Earsdon, feloniously married one Jane Young, his former wife being then alive. Mr GRANGER presented a certificate of good character on behalf of the prisoner, but his lordship declined to receive it, remarking that he knew how easy it was for certificates of this kind to be obtained, and therefore it was impossible to ascertain their real value. Mr OTTER, who appeared for the prosecution, bore testimony to the prisoner's previous good character. In answering to his lordship, Mr Otter said the prisoner lived with his former wife until 12 o'clock on the day before that on which he entered into the second marriage.

Northumberland Assizes, August 7th 1846

EDWARD LORD (38) was charged with having, at the parish of Gretna, N.B., feloniously married one Mary Graham, his former wife being then living. Mr RAMSHAY and Mr OTTER were for the prosecution; the prisoner was undefended. It appeared in evidence that the prisoner was married about five years ago at Hawick, Roxburghshire, to one Christian Dryden, at the manse of a presbyterian minister named Wallace. The ceremony consisted, according to the testimony of one witness, of an avowal by the parties of their mutual willingness to become united in marriage, followed by a prayer by the clergyman. The prisoner lived with his wife six months, and she still lives at Hawick. On the 14th May, 1845, the prisoner and a woman named Mary Graham went to a Thomas Little, a publican, at Springfield, in the parish of Gretna, and asked to be married. Both said they were single, and as both expressed a desire to be married, Little bade them take each other's hand, and then pronounced them man and wife. They afterwards lived together as such at Haltwhistle. Mr Wilson, a writer, at Hawick, was examined, and stated that the first marriage was regular and legal, and the second binding, though irregular. Mary Graham did not appear as a witness, but her identity was proved, and the prisoner was found guilty. Sentence deferred.

Northumberland Assizes, August 7th 1846

Edward Lord, charged with having at the parish of Gretna feloniously married Mary Graham, his former wife being then living, twelve months' imprisonment, hard labour.

Northumberland Assizes, March 5th 1847

ROBERT CLARKE GRAHAM (30) was charged with bigamy. Mr MONCRIEF stated the case, and called

Mary Turnbull, who said, that on the 11th January, 1841, she accompanied her sister Hannah Turnbull and the prisoner to Gretna, in Scotland. They went to Thos. Little's, of Springfield, and the prisoner called for gill of whiskey; after that, Little took them into a room, and said to them that they were then to declare themselves single persons. That was her sister Hannah and the prisoner. Little then said to the prisoner, "Do you take this woman to be your wedded wife," when he answered "Yes." He said the same to Hannah, and she answered "Yes." The ring was then placed on Little's book by the prisoner, who took it up, and put it on Hannah's fourth finger of the left hand. They then joined hands, when Little said, "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." That was the whole ceremony. After that they all returned to her (the witness's) father's house, and the prisoner stayed there four days, and lived with her sister. The prisoner then went home, but frequently came on the Saturday night and stopped until Monday. Her sister had a child in Oct. 1842. The prisoner was a joiner.

Elizabeth Turnbull said she was sister to Hannah Turnbull, and was present at the marriage before Little.

Jane Little said she was the wife of Thomas Little, of Gretna, who was in the habit of marrying people. She remembered a party being at the house on the 11th January, 1841, when the prisoner was married to Hannah Turnbull. The witness then related the whole of the ceremony.

Cross-examined by Mr LIDDELL. There was a great number of marriages at the house, but she never married any herself. Lots of English people came over the border to get married.

Andrew Armstrong said that he remembered going with the prisoner and Abigail Wright, of Longtown, on the 9th December, 1842, to Gretna. Another man, named Douglass, was present, and he married them. The witness then described the ceremony, which was similar to the former marriage. After the marriage the prisoner and Abigail lived together as man and wife.

Rebecca Scott said that she went with the party from Longtown to Gretna when they went to get married, and saw the ceremony performed. The prisoner and Abigail lived together afterwards as man and wife.

John Douglass said that he kept an inn at Gretna. In December 1844, he remembered the prisoner and Abigail Wright coming to get married. They came in and said they wished to be married, and that they were single persons; they joined hands together and acknowledged each other as man and wife. That was the whole of the ceremony.

Cross-examined by Mr LIDDELL. He had a great number of marriages at his house. The parties always signed their names in a book which he kept for that purpose. Both the prisoner and Abigail Wright signed their names. He had about seventy or eighty marriages in 1844.

William Callendar said that he was writer at Annan; and that a marriage in Scotland was by civil contract. Both the marriages of the prisoner were legal.

Mr LIDDELL was for the prisoner; but the case being so clearly proved, his Lordship thought that the time of the court would be saved if he did not address the jury.

The jury then returned a verdict of guilty. To be imprisoned for one year.

Durham Assizes, July 30th 1847

JAMES ROBINSON (26) was charged with unlawfully marrying Elizabeth Richardson, while Ann Robinson, his wife, was living. The prisoner is a sailor, and in 1841 he was married at South Otley Church, Norfolk, to Ann Robinson. After leaving her, a few years ago, he came to South Shields, where he became acquainted with Elizabeth Richardson, whom he married at St. Hilda's Church. Guilty.

Durham Assizes, March 10th 1848

THOMAS LOWERSON (23) was charged with having on the 23rd January, feloniously cut and wounded John Wray, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm. Mr FENWICK stated the case.- The prisoner and the prosecutor were pitmen at Great Lumley, and were what is termed "Marrows". On the evening of the 24th of January, they were drinking together in a public house, at the above village, when a dispute arose between them, which ended in a fight. The landlord interfered and put them to the door - one at the front the other at the back door, in order to keep them separate. The parties however met again, stripped, when after three rounds, the prosecutor was taken away bleeding and insensible. On being taken home a surgeon was sent for, who on examining the prosecutor found an incised wound in the side of a painful and rather a dangerous character. At the time of the fight the prisoner was seen with something in his hand, and, near the place where the prisoner was fighting, a short clasp knife was found. Mr George Cruddace, surgeon, West Rainton, described the nature of the wound by stating that it was an inch in length and half an inch deep, situated on the left side, was a clear incised wound, and done by a sharp pointed instrument, such as an ordinary clasp knife. Mr MATTHEWS defended the prisoner, and said that the present charge arose out of one of those unfortunate cases which too frequently occur in a beer-shop squabble - that there was no pretence to say there was anything like malice; for whatever was the result of the affray, it was plain from the evidence that the prosecutor was the person who gave the first provocation. The learned counsel then proceeded to contend that the prisoner never used a knife, but that the wound on the prosecutor's side was done by his falling on an old scraper at the public-house door. Guilty. To be imprisoned six months, one of which in solitary confinement.

Durham Assizes, 10th March 1848

JANE RAMSAY was charged with bigamy. Mr WARDEN stated the case. The prisoner was first married at Sahdforth church, in the county of Durham, on April 12th, 1842, to Joseph Ramsay; and on the second occasion, at Monkwearmouth church, on the 22nd November, 1847, to Thomas Walton. Mr MATTHEWS defended the prisoner, and contended that her identity was not legally proven. Guilty. One month's imprisonment.

Durham Assizes, March 2nd 1849

THOMAS McKEATH (41) was charged with having, at the parish of Jarrow, unlawfully married Mary Robson, his former wife being still alive. The necessary witnesses to sustain the offence, having been examined by the Court, the prisoner in his defence said that previous to the second marriage, he had not seen his wife for two years at which time she told him that she was married to another man to whom she had a child, and whose little finger she liked better than his whole body. His lordship, in order to ascertain whether the second wife knew he was married, deferred the sentence.

Durham Assizes, July 27th 1849

GEORGE LUKE ROBINSON (28) was then placed at the bar, charged with bigamy. Mr UDALL stated the case, and called the necessary witnesses to prove that he married on the 18th June, 1848, Ann Emmerson, while Mary, his first and legitimate wife was living.- Guilty.

Durham Assizes, July 27th 1849

JOHN YELLOWLEY was charged with having at Bishopwearmouth, unlawfully published a false and malicious libel, of and concerning James Cummings. On the prisoner being arraigned by the clerk of the court, he pleaded guilty to selling the work in question.

His LORDSHIP said selling the work was publishing it.

The PRISONER - Then not with any malice.

His LORDSHIP - That would not do, he must plead guilty or not guilty.

The PRISONER - Then I simply plead guilty, but throw myself on the mercy of the court.

Mr THOMPSON, who appeared for the prosecution, said, that he was instructed by the prosecutor to recommend the prisoner to the merciful consideration of the court. The publication complained of had since been stopped, and there was no apprehension of its re-appearance; besides the prisoner was in indigent circumstances, and was only the seller and not the publisher of the offensive paper.

The prisoner here handed to his lordship certificates of the state of his health.

His LORDSHIP, after perusing them, addressed himself to Mr Thompson by observing that perhaps the justice of the case would be satisfied, as the prisoner had really nothing to do with the publication, if he entered into his own recognizance when called upon.

Mr THOMPSON - Perfectly so.

His LORDSHIP then addressing the prisoner said that as he saw from the certificates that he was labouring under a pulmonary complaint, he therefore would deal leniently with him. The publication, he had been informed was stopped, and as he had nothing else to do with it, but in merely selling it, he would order him to enter into his own recognizance in £50 to appear when called upon to receive judgement of the court. He would, however, tell him that he would not be called upon unless the publication re-appeared.

The prisoner was then discharged.

Durham Assizes, August 3rd 1849

WILLIAM SANDS, who had pleaded guilty to a charge of bigamy, was sentenced to two months imprisonment; THOS. HUMPHREY, who also pleaded guilty to a charge of bigamy, was sentenced to eight calendar months' imprisonment. ... GEORGE LUKE ROBINSON (28) pleaded guilty to the charge of having, at the parish of Trimdon, on the 18th of December, 1848, married Ann Emmerson, Mary Robinson, his wife, being then alive.- Six month's imprisonment.

Northumberland Assizes, March 7th 1851

ELIZABETH AIKIN, who had pleaded guilty yesterday to a charge of bigamy, and had been recommended to mercy by the prosecutor, was brought up to receive sentence. In reply to questions from his LORDSHIP, she said she had lived unhappily with her husband, and after they agreed to part, she thought she was quite clear of him. He had engaged to maintain her and her child; but he had stopped their maintenance, and they had no means of support. He had prosecuted her because he wanted their child, and she was not willing to give it up. She had been married about twelve months to the second husband, and lived comfortably with him. The judge sentenced her to one week's imprisonment, without hard labour.

Durham Assizes, March 7th 1851

ROBERT ALDERSON (26) was charged with bigamy.- Mr SEYMOUR stated the case. The prisoner was employed at Messrs Hartley's glass works, at Sunderland, in the year 1845, and in the month of February, in that year, he married one Margaret Smith, who had a child five months afterwards. The prisoner afterwards went to Hull to seek employment, and while there in 1849, he married another female, named Emma Cookson. Soon after he came back to his first wife. The two marriages were proved - The Hon. Mr LIDDELL who appeared for the prisoner, declined addressing the jury, upon which the jury returned a verdict of guilty.- To be kept at hard labour six months. 

Durham Assizes, August 1st 1851

JOHN ATKINSON (23) pleaded guilty to a charge of bigamy. 1 months imprisonment. 

[Last updated: 3rd August 2010 - Brian Pears]

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UK and Ireland Newspapers

• Richard Heaton provides a very useful Index of British and Irish Online Digitalised Newspapers - lists of all the titles of British and Irish Newspapers (31 different collections covering 17th to 21st Century) now available online, providing links, subscription details and dates covered.
• Wikipedia provides a very extensive List of Online Newspaper Archives. (You'll need to scroll down to find the United Kingdom section.)
• The British Library provides, in collaboration with FindMyPast, online (subscription) access, to their newspaper collection, through the British Newspaper Archive service. (As of July 2016 this had 656 titles online - see their coverage and video guide.)
•  Web News - the British Library's archive of "selected UK news sites on a daily or a weekly basis since September 2013".
• The British Library's News Media Collection Guides.
• Newsplan - was a co-operative programme (involving between public libraries, the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, the National Library of Wales, the National Library of Ireland, and the newspaper industry) for the microfilming and preservation of local newspapers and for making them accessible to users.
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• UK Press Archive - includes Daily Mirror, Daily Express, The Church Times, and more (accessible to subscribing libraries and UK further and higher education institutions.)
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• UK and Ireland, Obituary Index, 2004-Current - a free search facility provided by Ancestry of obituaries collected automatically from recent online editions of newspapers.
• Historical Newspapers - a (subscription) service incorporating The Official Index to The Times, Palmer's Index to the Times, The Historical Index to The New York Times, and Palmer's Full Text Online, 1785-1870.
• The Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (ncse) is a free, online edition of six nineteenth-century periodicals and newspapers: The Monthly Repository and Unitarian Chronicle, The Northern Star, The Leader, The English Woman's Journal, The Tomahawk, and The Publishers' Circular.
• Richard Heaton's Newspaper Collection - "Extracts and full Transcripts of mainly English and Irish, Georgian and early Victorian Regional Newspapers"
• Internet Library of Early Journals - a project that digitised 20 years or more of The Annual Register, Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, The Builder, The Gentlemen's Magazine, Notes and Queries, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (free). 
• Gale Historical Newspapers - provides simultaneous searching  across a number of British Library resources: The 17th and 18th Century Burney Collection, The 17th and 18th Century Nicols Newspapers Collection, 19th Century UK Periodicals, British Library Newspapers 1800-1900, and many more.
• The Waterloo Directory of English Newspapers and Periodicals (1800-1900) - "a subject-inclusive, language-inclusive bibliography of 73,000 publications, 68,000 personal names".
• Australia Trove - a large searchable collection of scanned and digitised historical Australian newspapers.
• The Guardian and Observer digital archive - "1.2 million replica pages of the Guardian and Observer dating back to 1791" (subscription).
• Newspapers in Family History, by Richard Ratcliffe (archived copy).