Retired archivist Steve Hobbs will present a talk on crime and punishment in Wiltshire at the United Reform Church on Tuesday 23rd July at 7pm, as part of the Westbury Festival.
The talk, titled ‘Given in Evidence: Crime and Punishment in Wiltshire 1828 to 1906’ is organised by the Westbury Heritage Society and will include incidents uncovered by Steve, including bare-knuckle fights, footprint evidence and potato thefts.
Steve looked through hundreds of sworn statements from victims, accused and witnesses to find out about crime and punishment in the nineteenth century.
“The statements are a unique source of detail about the lives of ordinary people, both victims and perpetrators,” he said. “Thefts often seem to have been spontaneous rather than premeditated, often driven by necessity.
“The accused were often poor, stealing everything from tools like rakes, saws and even a chest plough. Their crimes were often uncovered thanks to footprint evidence which often hinged on unique marks left by worn or damaged boots.”
During his research, Steve also uncovered thefts of grain, potatoes, and even geese and turkeys in the weeks before Christmas, along with clothing, money, watches and umbrellas. Tickets can be booked in advance or purchased on the door.
The talk is just one of several events hosted by the society as part of the festival. Full details and other festival events can be seen in the festival brochure or at www.westburyfestival.org.uk.
