The Proceedings of the Old Bailey in London, are now on the Internet in a fully searchable database for the years 1674 to 1834 (www.oldbaileyonline.org). The Proceedings contain accounts of felony trials that took place at this courthouse, mostly for theft, but also including more serious charges as well. These proceedings were published regularly, were inexpensive, and were intended for a popular audience, rather than for members of the legal profession. While information provided is not consistent, they do provide an excellent view into crime and criminals of the time period. Better yet, you may be able to find your ancestor among the listings, thus adding detail to your family tree perhaps otherwise unknown—or at least not talked about!
Surname searches yield an overview of the contents: 44 Barclays, 46 Keiths, 50 Wallaces, 89 MacKenzies and Bruces, 196 Hamiltons, and - wait for it - 291 Campbells; no MacGregors and only one Gregor.
Here are a few samplings of the type of entries you can find in this fascinating database:
Christian Mackenzie, of St. Botolph, with-Aldgate, was brought to trial on 7 September 1743 for simple grand larceny. He had been indicted for stealing a silk gown valued at 10 shillings, a cotton gown valued at 5 shillings, a suit of laced Cambrick headcloths valued at 10 shillings, two pair of silk shoes, and one pair of silk stockings, all goods belonging to John Campbell. Mackenzie was the servant of John Campbell who lost the items "from my children’s room" on 14 July. Finding his servant gone and the door left wide open, his wife informed him of the former residence of Christian. A warrant was issued and Christian was returned to town, unfortunately while wearing the items that had been stolen from her mistress. Ultimately owning up to the theft, she said she’d return the stolen items if her former mistress would give her back her original gown. Christian was found guilty and sentenced to be transported for a term of 7 years.
David Barkley was tried for theft on 2 May 1753. Apparently in the need of a new wardrobe and a bit of pocket change, Barkley was accused of stealing one cloth coat, value 1 shilling; a cloth waistcoat, value 1 shillings; a pair of buckskin breeches, one Holland waistcoat, seven shirts, three pair of worsted stockings, tow pair of cotton stockings, two guineas, and 3s/6d in money belonging to John Connolly, in the dwelling house of William Crookshanks. Testimony was provided by John Connolly, servant to Mr. Crookshanks, at the Rose and Crown in Dean-street, at the corner of St. Ann’s-Court. He testified that the clothing in question was in his room (up three pair of stairs) and that when he went to the room on 15 March, "found my box broke open, and the things and the money gone." He had seen them at 4:00 p.m. on that day and missed them at 8:00 p.m. He further stated that the accused was arrested on the 19th at the Star in Piccadilly, and before him and others admitted that he had taken the clothes and the money. Robert Apley testified that the accused had brought a pair of buckskin breeches to his house to pawn on the 18th of March. Isaac Joseph, another witness, indicated that on the 16th of March he bought the coat and waistcoat from the defendant at the Red-Lyon in the Hay-market and had then resold them. Crookshanks, the pub/inn owner, testified indicating that the defendant had stayed in his house four years previously and had admitted that he knew the way upstairs. In his defense, the prisoner stated that he knew “nothing at all of the matter.” The verdict was guilty; the sentence death.
George Wallace was accused of simple grand larceny and brought to trial on 6 December 1775. He had been indicted for stealing a loaf of sugar valued at six shillings from Joseph Saunders. Josiah Saunders testified that he was the brother of Joseph, a grocer, and that on Saturday, 25 November, the accused came in and took a loaf of sugar that was standing in the shop window. Thomas Gibbs, a servant opposite to the grocers, testified to stopping a "little fellow" who ran buy him and took the sugar from him. The prisoner’s defense was "I was coming from my master’s and went up near the shop to ease myself. A man came by me in a great hurry and laid down that sugar; I looked at it and thought it was mine, and carried it away; and a gentleman came and said I had stolen it out of his shop." When asked if he had any witnesses, Wallace replied, "I have not a friend in the world." The verdict was guilty; the sentence transportation.
These vignettes paint a fascinating picture of life in London during this time period, but also provide information on the family relationships of plaintiffs, defendants, and witnesses, as well as specific locations, occupations, and ultimate resolutions. They are a wonderful source of colorful stories, history and potential family information.
