X Preston Chronicle - Saturday 16 March 1850 Game Laws – A man named Jones, a notorious poacher, died last week, from the effects of a blow received on his head, during a struggle with a policeman in Curzon Park, Chester/
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 26 April 1851 Governor of the City Gaol.—The death Mr. Thomas Haswell is recorded in our paper of this day, after a protracted and painful illness. He was formerly Inspector of the City Police, and was appointed Governor of the Gaol in1839, since which period up to the time of his death he proved himself to most valuable public servant in a position which requires no common qualities in the maintenance of discipline tempered with humanity and discretion. Mr. Haswell has laid the community under considerable obligations by the judicious manner in which he carried out the various improvements in the management of gaols which the Government regulations rendered obligatory on the local authorities; and we, therefore, readily insert the following recommendation which has been handed to us with a request “in the name of the Magistrates," that we would afford it the benefit of our circulation. “ The Late Governor of the City Gaol. We are happy to find that subscription has been commenced for the humane purpose of contributing aid of the immediate necessities of Mrs. Haswell, the widow of the late respected Governor the City Gaol. We heartily commend this kind and considerate mode of affording help and relief to the widow and her family, in this their hour of deep affliction, and we hope that our fellow-citizens will respond to this call now made upon their sympathy and generosity, and particularly when it is remembered that all the improvements which have rendered the City Gaol so perfect and salubrious were gratuitously superintended by Mr. Haswell himself, by which it is well known that a very considerable expenditure was saved to the inhabitants of the city.
Appointment to the Governorship of the City Gaol. —At meeting Magistrates on Thursday, Mr. Horatio Nelson Tivy, Inspector of Police, was chosen Governor of the Gaol, in the room of the late Mr. Haswell. Mr. Tivy is a most valuable public servant, and possessed the strongest claims on the authorities for his general efficiency, and the state of suffering to which he is periodically subject from injuries received while protecting the interests of the community.
Chester Chronicle – Saturday 23 August 1851
CHESTER POLICE COURT - WEDNESDAY. —Before T. Dixon, Esq., Dr. Harrison, Dr. P. Jones, and Major French. Strange Outrage and Robbery.— William Emerson, barber, of Bridge Street, was charged by Edward Roberts, brother of the pole, with an assault and robbery on Saturday night a last. Roberts stated that he went to Emerson's shop to be shaved, and Emerson first asked him for money to get drink with. After he had given him a few pence, Emerson went and locked the door, there being no one but him and Roberts in the shop, and then returned and without saying a word knocked over Roberts and the chair on which he was sitting. He then kicked the prostrate man in the face, and otherwise grievously abused him. When nearly in a senseless state he rifled Roberts's pickets, taking therefrom 7s. or 8s. In money, several pipes, a coat-link, and other articles. After he had completed this piece of business Emerson, holding the key of the door in one hand and a razor in the other, told Roberts that unless he promised him never to say a word about what had occurred, he should not leave the room alive. Roberts promised, when the prisoner dragged him out the shop, by the end of Commonhall Lane, up Bridge Street, and down Watergate Street, to the end of Goss Street, all the while threatening to "do for him" if he made the least noise. Then Emerson left his victim, who immediately shouted for police. P.C. William Evans coming up, received an account of the transaction, and forthwith proceeded after and apprehended Emerson. The complainant's face bore marks of dreadful maltreatment. Some of the stolen property was afterwards found on Emerson 's premises by Sergeant Speed. In defence the prisoner said that Roberts had entered his shop, accompanied by a prostitute, and was indecent in his behaviour that he was obliged turn him out. Committed to the Sessions.
Article on the same date - Despite there being no names of police officers in this next Article, this entry is included due to the extent of cruelty used on a child and of the skills of the Surgeon who attended on the child.
Horrid Barbarity —Margaret Fleming, was charged with fearfully mutilating her infant son, a child of a year and eight months old. The woman lives near the old turnpike in Boughton. About noon yesterday the child was found a little distance from her house, apparently suffering the greatest agony from wounds which it had received. It was conveyed by some neighbours to Dr. Churton's, the mother having at that time left the house to take her husband's dinner. Mr Churton discovered that the sexual parts of the child had been completely decoyed by fire, and there was also a burn on its back, done by some metallic instrument. Other severe bruins were found on different parts of the child's body. Mr. Churton had since attended the child, and stated that was in such a dangerous state that be believed it would not live. A woman who lives next door to the prisoner deposed that about eleven o'clock yesterday morning she heard the child fearfully mourning and the voice of the mother angrily speak to it; also the sound of blows, there being only the prisoner and her child in the house. The prisoner shortly afterwards left the house. The prisoner was remanded. When the wretched woman was apprehended on Tuesday evening, it was with great difficulty that Mr. Hill was enabled to secure her from the public vengeance of her neighbours; and such was her callous and obdurate feeling that she threatened to tear out the eyes of one of her neighbours who spoke of her conduct towards her children. On being placed at the bar, she evinced no remorse, but seemed only affected at her own position. As the details of the proceedings to the poor infant were gone into each horrid circumstance excited a groan of indignation from the crowded court. It was necessary to remove her in a cab to the City Jail to prevent the females who thronged the staircase and arcade of the Exchange from taking the law into their own hands.  We understand the mutilated infant is likely to survive, as Mr. Churton had succeeded in effecting an artificial passage.
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 27 September 1851
Assault upon a Police Constable.—James Osborne was charged with assaulting P.C. Newport, on Saturday night last. He was met in company with several other men in George-street about midnight, and on being advised to go home peaceably threatened to leg the officer down. As he became disorderly and persisted in remaining, Newport took him into custody, when the man struck him, and, assisted by his fellows, escaped. Fined 20s. or to be imprisoned for one month, and to find bail to keep the peace for three months, himself in £5, and two sureties in 50s. each.
Potent Defence.—John Liversage and Thomas Barlow were discovered by P.C.'s Brady and Humphreys playing at pitch and toss in an open space by the cattle market at noon yesterday. Barlow protested against the absurdity of supposing him to be one of the gamblers for that he had only just turned out, and was not half dressed at the time. Liversage stoutly challenged either of the officers to prove that they saw him throwing up the coin, adding that he was not in the habit following such practices but the constables took him at his word, and swore that they saw the errant halfpennies, either by accident or intention, leave the prisoner's hand, and after sundry curious gyrations, settle upon the ground. They further said, that Liversage’s sister, apprehensive of the safety of her brother's coppers, made a "grab" them and carried them off, soon as they (the officers) came in sight. But, notwithstanding all this, the defendants still pleaded that, if they did gamble, it was at their own doors, and those who felt themselves scandalized thereat might very easily have kept at a respectful distance. The spot where the offence took place, an old garden open to the public, was said to be on the Sabbath the general rendezvous for gambling purposes of Boughton idlers, and this greatly to the annoyance of decent neighbours. Dismissed with injunction to behave better.
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 11 October 1851
CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Council took place yesterday, at the Exchange, the Worshipful the Mayor in the chair, Messrs Royle, Gardner, Trevor, Rogers, Walton, E. Johnson, and Roberts were excused; and Messrs E. R. Seller, W. Palin, and E. Ducker were fined for non-attendance. POLICE AND THE RACING COMMITTEE. The Mayor said that before they quitted the subject of the Watch Committee, he had a few words to say to them respecting a subject in which that committee was concerned. They must all have observed in the public prints of the very strong observations that had been made as to certain proceedings at the races. A communication had been made him by Mr. Trafford, of Manchester, which stated that the police constables of the city of Chester were seen the collecting tolls from the owners of gambling tables. Now as this, if actually the case must have been a monstrous impropriety, he had made enquiry about it, and found that, scandalous and gross as was the charge, it was nevertheless borne out by the fact. At the same time he was glad to add that no blame attached to the parties apparently inculpated. Formerly the corporation themselves let various pieces ground on the Roodee, at race times, for the erection of booths; and while they did so was very natural that they should collect the rents from the lessees, by their own officers, the police. Some few years ago, however, a different practice was instituted, and instead of letting out the ground in small portions, it was let altogether for certain sum to persons forming the Racing Committee, who sublet the ground, and took upon themselves all extra expenses that might be involved at the times of holding the races. But notwithstanding this change, the practice of employing the police to collect the rents from parties occupying booths still continued, and as it was an old custom scarcely any blame could be attached to those who perpetuated it. But the effect was very bad. The racing committee let out the Roodee to persons who wished to take booths and stalls, and they also took small sums from persons who sold gingerbread, &c. on the ground. It had been the practice for the police to be employed in collecting these sums. But some of those people who paid for selling fruit and gingerbread afterwards set up gambling tables instead; and the policeman had to shut his eye to the gambling while asked for the toll, since if he took the man into custody for gambling , lost his money. It was utterly impossible to perform a proper manner his duty as a policeman and his duty as a collector of tolls at the same time. These being the facts of the case, in the May races no harm had been done; but as it appeared to him a most disgraceful procedure, before the commencement of the present races he had spoken to Mr. Hill and the Watch committee on the subject. He had told them that he hoped the practice would not be continued, and that if it were, unless some means were adopted of collecting the tolls without the assistance the police, should feel it his duty to make a representation of the subject to the Secretary of State. He did not know whether his suggestion had been attended to or not. As he knew nothing to the contrary concluded that it had. With reference to the conductor of the Watch committee, for which entertained all due respect, might say that by a provision of the municipal corporation act, the regulation of the police force was placed under the superintendence of that committee, the magistrates having no further authority in the matter beyond that which related to the courts of justice over which they presided. Though it might seem little strange, this was constitutionally right. The magistrates got their commission from the crown, and it was rather anomalous that they should bare little to do in the supervision of the officers who carried out their decisions. It would however be strictly in conformity with the principles of the act of those magistrates who were thought worthy to occupy a place in the corporation, were placed upon the Watch committee. This was for their consideration. Mr. Griffiths said that more magistrates would have been on that committee, if they could have made it convenient to attend. Mr. W H Brown understood that there was a standing order prohibiting magistrates from serving on that committee. Mr. Turner said whether such an order existed or not, it could not be a legal one. Mr. W B Brown was in error respecting the order: it being merely that no wine or spirit merchant should serve. Mr. Glover wished that they could come to some decision on this point to-day. It was certainly a direct violation of their duty to permit any such practices. He moved that it be an instruction to the Watch Committee that the police be no longer allowed to be employed in collecting the tolls on the Roodee at race times. Sir E. Walker said that considering the very small attendance at the Autumn meeting, and that it merely formed a rendezvous for the very refuse of the community, if any one would second his motion, he should move that it discontinued. Mr. Mathew seconded the motion. Further discussion followed, but it being judged that both motions required notice, nothing decisive was determined upon for the present, Mr. Glover notifying his intention of making the same motion at the next meeting of the Council.
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 5 March 1853
The City Gaol.—The visiting Justices had a meeting on Saturday, when after mature deliberation they published a stand-bill to the following effect: ­- Chester City Gaol.—Ten Guineas Reward.—Whereas Horatio Nelson Tivy late governor the City Gaol, in Chester, is charged with felony, and with embezzling monies of the Town Council of Chester. The said Horatio Nelson Tivy absconded on Monday night the 21 February instant, and it is supposed is now in or near London. He is about 48 years of age, rather slender in person, and dark complexion: He is supposed to be a native of Cork. Ten guineas reward will be paid to any person who shall give such information which may lead to his apprehension: to be paid on his being apprehended; application to Finchett-Maddock, Town Clerk." A new governor is advertised for in our present number, sureties being required from the successful candidate to the extent of £600. We regret to be under the necessity of stating that from the evidence of concurring facts there is no stopping short of the conclusion that Tivy had contemplated absconding for some time, as his wife left Chester at least a month ago. Monday se'innight, Tivy did not return to the gaol as usual, and though his absence was not particularly noted at the time, it appears he had then taken final departure. He went to the Railway Station, where he saw one of the officials, and under pretence that he was going to London, borrowed a sum of money, which it can scarcely imagined he ever intended pay. On it being ascertained that Mr. Tivy was really non est inccatus, the Visiting Justices of the gaol were made acquainted with the circumstance. It then appeared that the box in which the property of the prisoners sent to gaol was placed for safe custody, had been opened; and that everything of value had been abstracted, including a silver watch and a considerable sum of money, Tivy's accounts being examined, they were found to be in the most disgraceful, and as it will doubt finally appear, in the most dishonest state. We understand there are acknowledgments for the receipt of goods, etc. To the amount of several hundreds of pounds, for which there are no credit entries on the books; but how the accounts may ultimately turn out, will not, of course, for some time be ascertained. Previous to the governor absconding, every device was resorted to by him to raise money; and on Monday, half-a-crown was refunded by the Police Magistrates to a prisoner, who had lent that sum to the governor. We understand that Tivy left two sons and a daughter all of them old enough to get their own living in Chester, and that a guinea was given them to enable them to go some relatives, who are said to be living in Liverpool.
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 27 May 1854
SERIOUS FIRE IN CHESTER Soon after midnight on Tuesday, the 23rd inst- a fire broke out upon the premises in Commonhall-street occupied by Messrs. Bellis and Williams timber yard. The fire spread very rapidly, and in less than an hour it had possession of the whole of the building. The flame was seen for a very great distance and as it appeared to arise from the centre of the city, persons from all parts were soon attracted to the spot. The yard is situated in the middle of densely populated district, and as the buildings is the entries and courts of the neighbourhood are built almost , entirely of wood, much alarm was felt at the probable result of the outbreak. A wall which separates the yard from an entry into Watergate Row was soon red-hot, and the cottages in the entry were considerably injured by fire. The inhabitants escaped from their houses half-demented and in many cases with no clothing but their night-dresses on, but they were attended to by the neighbours, and not much of their personal property has been destroyed. The fire-engines belonging to the city and the Castle were quickly on the spot, but, owing to some gross mismanagement, they afforded no assistance to stay the progress of the flames until at least hour and a half had elapsed after the fire was discovered. The people were loud in their complaints of the conduct of the firemen, and it was stated very generally that more than one of them were quite drunk and unable to do anything. Water was offered from adjoining premises in abundance, but the firemen refused it, and the fire was gaining ground, while they waited for the supply from the mains of the Water Company. The Castle engine was found to leak as soon as it got into working order, and the Artillerymen were obliged to take it back again. Happily there was no wind at the time, and about a couple of hours after water had been procured from the mains, the fire was got under (control).
The public feeling was so loudly expressed on the following day, and the indignation of the people was so plainly out-spoken, that it was deemed necessary to institute a searching investigation. Dr. Phillips Jones mentioned the matter before the Bench of Magistrates on Wednesday, and suggested that the enquiry should take place before the Coroner.
Meanwhile Mr. Hill, superintendent of police, suspended Mason and Evans, the two men charged with drunkenness.
A meeting of the Watch Committee was held at the Exchange Thursday morning, at ten o'clock. There were present, the Mayor, Messrs. Griffith, Peacock, Rowe, Soorn, Rogers, Platt, Jones, (draper,) Glover, Jones, (Newgate,) Hewitt, Johnson, and Dr. P. Jones. A discussion took place with respect to the propriety of the Watch Committee investigating the circumstances connected with the fire. Mr. Griffiths made a similar suggestion that of Dr. P. Jones before the magistrates on the previous day, namely, that the coroner should conduct the enquiry, as it might be thought that the Committee, having the care the firemen, might be impartial in their decision. Messrs. Rowe, Rogers, and the two Joneses opposed this proposition, and after a long and somewhat angry discussion, it was resolved that the enquiry should be at once begun.
Police-constables Large, No. 18, and Jones, No. 12, were first examined. They stated that on the discovery of the fire, little before one o'clock on Wednesday morning, a city engine was immediately procured, but that no water could be got from the mains for an hour after the engine arrived. Water was supplied for some time from Mr. Charles Edwards' well.
Mr. Little, grocer, was examined, and his evidence was to the effect that no water could be procured from the mains for at least an hour, and he assisted in conveying water in buckets from Mr. Edwards' well, to supply the engine. The firemen were all sober except Evans, No. 13. The fire was got under about three o'clock, an hour and a quarter after water was obtained from the main.
Mr. Ley, printer, was at the fire, and saw Mason, No. 10, assisting; he was perfectly sober.
Mr. Samuel Davies, druggist, was then examined. He said, “I was aroused on Wednesday morning by cry of “fire”, and went at a quarter before one o'clock to Messrs. Bellis and Williams' timber-yard. A city fire-engine arrived about the same time. The first thing that struck me was the difficulty in opening the plugs. The firemen appeared not to know where find the plugs. Mr. Griffith—Are you not aware that the waterman should attendance immediately on the occurrence a fire? Mr. Davies: l am aware of it. I always believed that the responsibilities as to the plugs lay with the firemen.
Shortly before the management the police and fire brigade was transferred from the Police Commissioners to the Watch Committee the Town Council, the following resolution was passed by the Fire Engine Committee of the Police Commissioners, on Monday, June 12th, 1837. “The Committee would urge in the strongest manner the advantages of the periodical examination of the fire plugs, as well as the necessity for working the engines either weekly or every fortnight, instead of every two months as at present, the men would then become more expert, and the engines, hose, and plugs, be kept in good order, and always ready for use."
Mr. Hill: When the fire brigade came under the authority of the Council, it was agreed that the care of attending to the plugs should devolve upon the waterman. John Francis, the late turncock, will tell you that considered it his duty to pull up these plugs and cleanse them constantly.
Mr. Davies: The body who have the management of the police having acknowledged their responsibility as regards the fire-plugs, it is not likely that any other body would allow that responsibility to lie upon them; therefore no conversation with any man can stand in opposition to those minutes. In the minutes which I have read, there is a full admission the Police Commissioners of their responsibility; the Water Company found plugs and then left them to the care of the Commissioners.
Mr. Griffith: It has always been given understand that whenever we required them be opened, it was done by the waterman.
Mr. Davies: In transferring their powers you the deed, the Commissioners conveyed with those powers their liabilities and responsibilities.
Mr. Hill: A short tine ago there was a fire in Newtown, the premises of Mr. Leekswood, and the plug was out of order. The Water Company's man, John Francis, was discharged for not having the plug in order.
Mr. Davies: If you shake off a responsibility and put it upon the shoulders of another, It must by his consent. If the Water Company are a party to this, it another thing. I must be permitted to say something about another matter I never saw such an utter want of discipline in my life, as I noticed among the firemen. I think they cannot be trained.
Mr. Hill: They are trained every Friday.
Mr. Davies: Then the men are all new men.
Mr. Hill: Half of them are new hands.
Mr. Davies then read another extract from the minutes of the Police Commissioners, with respect the duties of firemen, and their being practised every week.
Mr. Hill: How long was it on Wednesday morning before the hose was ready?
 Mr. Davies: I did not look at the clock My impression is that it exceeded an hour; Mr. Bellis says hour and a half, and a gentleman in the crowd said it was two hours.
Mr. Williams, (of the Firm of Bellis and Williams): It was an hour and a half before the water came, but not before the hose was ready.
Mr. Davies: As long as a dispute exists as to who is get the water it is perfectly useless to obtain the engines. There seemed be a difficulty finding the fire-plugs, and when found the firemen did not know how to open them. Soon afterwards Mr. Edwards offered the use of his wells, and no notice was taken of what said. Some of us called for the engine to be brought up the street; after considerable delay it was brought up, but without fire-buckets, which were procured after further delay. While the engine was working with water from the wells which had been accepted, one of the crowd attempted to open the fire-plug close by, but was obliged take up the pavement and break off the plug to arrive at the water: seven or eight police-officers (I am not sure of the number) were standing by and offering assistance. My impression was that the constables were at a loss respecting their duties as firemen, and it was the impression of scores besides. I requested some persons see about an engine for Watergate-street. It came about hour afterwards.
Mr. Hill: Were you there, Mr. Davies, when the engines arrived?
Mr. Davies : No.
Mr. Hill having made some remarks about Mr. Davies’ evidence, while he was it giving it.
Mr. Date said: I do protest against any interference. It is perfectly unjustifiable the treatment I have received from Mr. Hill during the last three days.
Mr. Hill: I am not aware that I have spoken to you; but I have done. I shall ask no more questions.
Mr. Davies: In Mr. Williams's yard you made a remark which a bystander said was levelled at me.
Examination continued:- About hour after I made the request, I went to Watergate-street, and the firemen were trying to open the plug, and after some time they broke it open, and could not for a considerable time succeed in screwing the hose on. There seemed to be no fire-key to be had, until Sergeant Speed at last brought one and screwed it on. Sergeant Speed was very active. I enquired from one of the constables if he had a short length of hose, and said they had sent for it. I met a man bringing it from the end of Watergate-street, but in the mean time the other hose was put on. No. 13, Evans, was decidedly intoxicated in Commonhall-street, and Mason, No 10, appeared to be in the same state in Watergate street. I must make an exception in favour John Hughes, No. 1, Sutton, No. 14, and Sergeant Speed, who were doing their duty well, and No. 11, Teasdale, should not be complained of.
Mr. Peacock asked if there was water in the main when the plug was broken, and if there was a full supply. Mr. Davies : It flowed immediately, but as it is only a three inch main, supply was not very abundant. This was as soon it was broken below; when the top was broken it did not flow. They fixed the stand pipe directly, and the water rose through it; but to the stand pipe in Watergate-street, two firemen were swearing and quarrelling which way the stand pipe must be turned to put the water on.
Mr. Griffith asked if Mr. Davies did not know that on all fires, the first duty of Mr Hill was to send the turncock for the water to be turned on?
 Mr. Davies believed that such was the case.
Mr. Simpson of the General Railway Station examined : About five minutes after one o'clock Wednesday morning, I was in Harrison's Buildings, Watergate Street, looking at the fire. I then went round to Bridge Street. The engine with Speed and some others were waiting there for the plug be opened. Mr. Hill came down Commonhall Street and ordered the engine to moved up the street, nearly opposite the fire. Some parties were attempting to open a plug, but appeared to haws little skill in the matter. I went immediately afterwards to Watergate Street, and in Harrison's Buildings I met Mr. Boden and advised the advisability an another engine being procured to play in Watergate Street. We went to Mr. Hill who was busied directing the hoses on the fire, and the engine was supplied with buckets from Mr. Edwards' well. Mr. Hill directed Speed and five or six others to fetch an engine immediately, and place it in Watergate Street. This was at a quarter before to o'clock. At the Cross, as I followed the men who went for the engine, I met a man and boy bringing the keys far operating the water plugs. I told the man to turn the water at the Cross get the plug out opposite Harrisons' Buildings before the engine came down. He was about a quarter of hour getting the cap out of the plug. At last he broke a piece out of the side of the block with a sledgehammer, and another man then forced the cap out. The plug was then prized out but there was no water. A named Evans cried out for the key to turn the water on at the Cross, and Speed gave him one from the fire engine. I told him, “You are now going to do what you should have done before." I had told him to turn on the water at the Cross when I first met him. As soon as it was turned on there was a sufficient supply water for the engine in Watergate Street. I remained there until about half past three when the fire was subdued. I saw one or two firemen who were in liquor. The hose was on the engines ready for working immediately. The men appeared to in state of efficiency.
Mr. Marsh, draper, examined: I first saw the fire at about a quarter to one o'clock and got to the corner of Street at five minutes to one ; the city engine was then there. The men were preparing the hose with all possible speed. There were one or two men with pickaxes, trying to force out the plugs in Bridge Street. The waterman came immediately and attempted to remove the plugs, but said he could not do it, for the men had been damaging them in some way with the pickaxes. He called for a hammer and none could be found. I procured one from the Harp and Crown, and with it the waterman effected the removal of the plugs. He then went to the works in Boughton, I understood him to get the water-works engine at work. The fire engine was then removed to the middle of Commonhall Street. After the plugs were removed from Bridge-street no water appeared from that source, and the engine was then removed up the street. A cry was then raised for the waterman to remove the plug in Commonhall Street, but he was gone up Boughton .
Mr. Pover explained that there could be no water from the plug in Bridge Street as it belonged to a four-inch main, and the six-inch main was turned on to supply Commonhall-street.
Examination continued —No one could be found to remove the plug in Commonhall -street, and it was in this manner that the time was lost. Evans from the Gas Works was employed with a pickaxe to remove the pavement. He got a sledge hammer and broke the block to pieces. He then found that he could not remove the plug, and calling for a crow bar, drove it down, and the water flowed. Then a cry was raised for the stand pipe, and the water ran pretty freely through it. The fireman seemed to be a loss to know how to turn the pipe and let the water on. From the time they attempted to get the water in Bridge-street until it was thus obtained in Commonhall-street, at least one hour elapsed. It appeared to me that they were deficient in the means of getting at the water. Mr. Edwards offered water from his premises but it was not accepted for some time. When buckets of water were at length brought from his well, a policeman took them and emptied the water in the street, refusing to pour it into the supply tub he said they would have plenty presently. Mr. Edwards offered the water from his well immediately the arrival the engine, and if had been accepted the fire would have been sooner checked. A number of tradesmen standing by, formed a lane, and, as soon as the buckets arrived, they supplied the engine with water from the well. As soon as the hose was connected with the main, there was a sufficient supply of water to keep the engine at work for five or six minutes together; then they ceased for a short time that the supply tub might filled.
Mr. Davies: The three-inch main was not sufficient to supply the engine which has seven-inch cylinders.
Mr. Marsh's examination continued: I saw one fireman whom I considered to be in liquor.
Mr. Hill: When the pickaxes were used in Bridge-street, it was after the proper instrument had been used and failed in removing the cap.
[The instrument was produced, and had evidently been very much strained.]
In answer the Mayor: Mr. Marsh said, I certainly thought the men were very deficient In tact, and did not to go about their work as if they understood it.
Mr. Edward Boden, druggist, was examined, and corroborated the previous evidence as to the breaking of the plugs and the want of water. He saw an engine from the Castle at which the artillerymen were working, but they found that the water ran out of the receiver of the engine as fast as it ran in. as they had forgotten a cap, and they hastened back to the Castle to amend this. As far as he saw them, he considered that the constables did their duty, particularly as while they were working they received all manner of vituperative attacks from the people around. The confusion and excitement were so great that he could not speak positively to Mason's sobriety, but his opinion was that he was sober ; he (Mason) worked very well at the engine.
 Mr. Williams, of the firm of Bellis and Williams, said he left the premises soon after 9 o'clock on Tuesday night, and everything appeared to secure. There had been a fire in the grate, during the day, for the purpose of heating glue, but this was safe when he left. About half-past 12 o'clock he was awakened and told that his shop was in a blaze; he hastened to the spot. He found that the shop at the top of the yard, next to Watergate How, was on fire. The engines were there, but no water was to be had. The pavement was broken up Commonhall-street to get the plug and the block was broken, but no water came. It was an hour and a half before water was obtained from the pipes in the street. He saw constable standing near Mr. Edwards' premises, who was drunk; the others were sober, and did their duty efficiently. When the water was got it played freely for about five minutes, and then stopped for the same length time. He considered that had there been an earlier and supply of water, he could have saved worth £300 of timber.
Mr., collector of Inland Revenue, was at the fire, and saw the want of water. He did not see any of the constables intoxicated. He had seen fires in London and in many other large towns, and never saw firemen work better than on this occasion. During the day (Wednesday) he went again to the spot and saw an engine working. It was kept in full play by the supply from the main, and the water overran the cistern showing that had there been a proper supply at the time of the fire, the main was more than sufficiently large to supply the engine, and the fire might have been subdued a quarter an hour.
Mr. Biggins, draper, said, he was at the fire. He heard Mr. Edwards offer some water, hut his offer was not made to any one in particular; He called out to the crowd. The firemen were doing something to the plugs, and doing it awkwardly. There were no buckets with the engine, but afterwards some were obtained, and he assisted in conveying water from Mr. Edwards' premises. The supply of water was very inefficient. The firemen appeared to exert themselves the best of their ability. He had an impression that one of them was drunk, but did not know his name. There was more confusion than usually occurs at a fire, caused, he thought, by the want of buckets. Had there been water in the mains, the buckets would not have been required. The constables did not appear be experienced firemen.
 Mr. Hill, superintendent of police, said he had been in bed but a few minutes on Wednesday morning when was aroused, and went immediately the fire. P. C. Mason called him up, and he (Mason) was quite sober. The waterman arrived Commonhall-street at the same time as himself, and the engine was then there. They took the engine up Commonhall-street, and then could not get the plug in that street. He told Thomas Evans to knock the plug pieces with a pickaxe, which he did. He then went to the fire, expecting an immediate supply water, but it did not come. He heard a cry for buckets, and immediately sent for some. It was not usual to take buckets with the engines fires in the town, the mains being expected be sufficient to supply them. It was a long time before the water came, and when it did come, it would not reach the roofs of the cottages adjoining the yard. With what was obtained from the main, and the assistance of buckets, a better supply was subsequently obtained, but not nearly sufficient for the purpose. Had there been a proper supply, much valuable property would have been saved. The firemen under his notice at the time of the fire behaved as well they could. Great confusion existed owing there being a large crowd people in a narrow street. He saw Mason again at two o'clock, and he was perfectly sober. The engines and apparatus were in perfect working order, and had there been water there would have been no difficulty. He had suspended Police-constables Mason and Evans in consequence of reports he heard of their conduct during the fire.
Mr. Speed, sergeant of police, said P. C. Evans assisted him in backing the second engine from the engine-house, and he could not have done this had he been drank.
Mr. Pover, on behalf the Water-Works Company, in answer to questions from Mr. Davies, admitted their ownership of the plugs, and that the entire responsibility lay with them to keep them in order.
By permission of the Committee, Mr. Davies questioned several witnesses at the conclusion of their examinations, and thus elicited important information which does not appear in the written depositions, from which we obtained the foregoing facts.
This was the whole of the evidence, and the Committee having considered it, came to the following resolutions:
1st.—The Committee have to express their satisfaction at the activity displayed by Sergeant Speed, and the police-constables Sutton and John Hughes, while engaged extinguishing the fire, and of the force generally.
2nd.—The Committee having investigated and considered the evidence taken with reference to the charge of drunkenness against two police-constables, are of opinion that the charge against Mason is unsubstantiated, and order that he be reinstated. The Committee not consider the charge of drunkenness against Evans to be established, but are of opinion that he used improper language to Mr Samuel Davies, and therefore order that be reinstated, with a reprimand.
3rd.—That the attention of the Water Works Company immediately be called to the very deficient supply of water at fire, and the defective state of the fire-plugs in Commonhall-street and Watergate-street, and that they requested forthwith to cause an examination of the fire-plugs throughout the borough, and place and keep the same in a proper condition.
The Committee rose at half-past seven o'clock.
The following is the statement of Henry Thomas, waterman to the Water Works Company, with respect to the supply of water: —l reside in Commonhall-street; about ten minutes past one I was alarmed by the cry of fire, and hastened to the spot in Commonhall-street; I immediately ran off to the Northgate-street reservoir, and turned on the water ; it contained about 900 barrels ; I opened the stopcock at Commonhall-street end, and after shutting several others to confine the water as much as possible in that street, I set off for the works to order the engineer to start the engine; about an hour might have elapsed before I got back, when I found that a plug opposite Mr. Charles Edwards' premises had only just been got out; the plug had been broken in the socket, and considerable time was lost in the attempt to remove it; there is another plug the by Welsh Chapel, and nearer the fire, which I believe was not tried at all till the fire engine was again at the spot, about 12 o'clock at noon on Wednesday; the police then attempted to open it but could not succeed; I have opened it since, and though tight through their hammering, I got it out in three minutes and a half; in about five minutes after Edwards' plug was opened I was ordered to turn the water to supply another engine in Watergate-street, which I did, and have no doubt that this took the strength of the water from Commonhall street.
The amount of damage the yard and workshops from the fire is estimated at £1000.The sufferers are only insured to £250, and the goods saved are valued at£20. There were on the premises at the time the fire occurred, the whole of the wood-work for the windows for the Music Hall, a quantity of Gothic tracery for lnce church, six oak stalls for Farndon church, a number of bookcases for Messrs. Pritchard, Roberts and Co., and the wood work for the windows of a house in Christleton. All the above work completed and ready for removal and all have been destroyed. The tools of the firm and of the workmen have been totally destroyed. The origin of the fire is at present enveloped in mystery, but there are feelings in the minds of the public that it is the work of an incendiary.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 21 October 1854
WEDNESDAY. Before The Mayor; Col. Lloyd, Major French, G. Harrison, Esq. — Humberston, Esq.
Mr. Pilworth, Publican, Francis-street, was entertaining some friends at supper on Sunday night last, at half-past ten; when P. C. Newport walked in. His friends came by rail from Saltney, and were so occupied in the discussion of a goose, as to be unaware of the flight of time.
 
Discharged with a caution, after paying for the summons.
Mary Miles, Mary Ryley and Mary Clavern, three children, were brought up, charged by Sergeant Speed, with taking up small iron gratings, and selling them. Miles and Clavern have been imprisoned on a like charge before; this time Miles only was convicted and was sentenced to 21 days with hard labour. A representation of the case will in the meantime be made to the Home Secretary, to get her into a government reformatory school.
 
Emanuel Hughes, Inspector of nuisances, reported that 6 out of 7 nuisances of which he had complained on Saturday, had been remedied, the remaining one which required drainage would be commenced on Thursday.
 
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 24 February 1855
Loss of a £20 Note. A few evenings back, Mrs. Ingram unfortunately lost her purse containing a bank note of the value of £20, but it was luckily found by an honest man; and most happy are we to state that the finder was one of our City Constables, whose name is Bray, and he lost no time in placing the purse and its contents in the hands of Mr. Hill, in order that it be restored to Mrs. Ingram, who gave the Constable a sovereign. It was, however, considered, as the lady was not in. opulent circumstances that ten shillings should be returned her. The above conduct reflects much credit on the police force, and we hope the facts will not escape the notice of the watch committee.
 
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 14 April 1855
CHESTER CITY SESSIONS. The Easter Sessions for this city and borough were held at the Exchange, Wednesday last, ASSAULT. James O’Brien, 22, was charged with having unlawfully assaulted and beat John McCreery, a police officer, whilst in the due execution of his duty, Sunday the 23rd January. 1855. Mr. Horatio Lloyd was for the prosecution; Mr. Morgan Lloyd defended the prisoner. The prisoner was loitering about Lower Bridge-street between one and two o'clock during the night of Sunday the January, and when told to go home said he had said he had no home. Mr. Hill bade McCreery take him to the guard-room, (the prisoner is a militia man) and the prisoner said he must be carried for he would not go. Mr. Hill went to the guard room for the picket; meanwhile the prisoner threw himself on the ground, and kicked the prosecutor violently about the legs. After the examination police-officers McCreery and Gagan the learned Recorder said, “I want to know what authority there was to take this man into custody. He did no more than was necessary and proper to get himself away from an unlawful arrest. You might as well take me up, if I was going home at one o'clock in the morning. Gentlemen, you must acquit the man.” The prisoner was accordingly acquitted, after having been in gaol nearly three months.
 
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 8 September 1855
MONDAY. Edward Pugh was charged with no less than three assaults on police-officers Large, Bayne, and Summers, on Sunday afternoon in Boughton. Fined 50s and costs in each case, and in default of payment was ordered to be imprisoned for two calendar months.
 
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 15 December 1855
Chester Police Court "Thomas Briscoe was charged with assisting a prisoner to escape from the custody of Police Constable Parr. Fined 20s and costs, or one month imprisonment.
 
Chester Chronicle – Saturday 5 January 1856
This testimonial appeared in the local paper: FROM EMANUEL HUGHES, INSPECTOR of LODGING HOUSES, CHESTER. Sirs, I beg to say that I have tried your Cough Lozenges, for two winters, with perfect success. On one occasion when suffering severely from Hoarseness, as well as a Cough, two or three of the Lozenges gave me immediate relief, and in short time quite cured me. I am, yours respectfully, Emanuel Messrs. To Bowers Brothers, Chester.
 
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 12 January 1856
SUICIDE IN THE POLICE CELL.
In the course of Sunday last, a very painful interest was occasioned in this City, by its becoming known that a youth named Benjamin Weaver, belonging to the Ist Regt. of Cheshire Militia, now stationed in this town, had been found dead in the lock-ups, about eight o'clock in the morning. The circumstances attending this most distressing case will be best gathered from the evidence given at the inquest, which was held at twelve o'clock on Monday, in No. 1 committee, at the Exchange, before John Hostage, Esq., the borough coroner, and a jury composed of highly-respectable householders. After the usual preliminary proceedings had been completed, the jury proceeded to view the body, which lay in one of the cells in the Town-Hall. It was generally remarked that so fine a countenance had rarely been presented in death as that of the deceased.  Upon the return of the jury to their room the following evidence was taken: William Parry examined by the Coroner: I am one of the constables of this city, and was in charge of the lock-ups on Saturday night last, and it was my duty to take care of all the prisoners. The deceased was brought in about half-past ten o'clock that night, by Sergeant Speed, upon a charge of obtaining some joints of meat from Mr. Lunt, and Mr. Williams, butchers, under false and fraudulent pretences. I was told that he had been given into custody by Charles Townshend, the master of the mess at the castle. The deceased appeared quite sober when I saw him in the office, and he denied the accusation brought against him. I heard Sergeant Speed ask Mr. Lunt, who was then in the office, whether the deceased was the man who had got the meat from him, and he replied, "Yes he is." Speed then searched the deceased, and took from him 28 in silver, some copper, and a few trifling articles, but a silk handkerchief which he wore was not taken from him. After this I locked him up, when he seemed quite composed and cheerful. I asked him where he came from, he said that does not matter, but almost immediately he answered, I come from Chester. I then asked whether he could read and write, and he replied, yes, a little, and added, my age is 19. When I left deceased no food had been given to him, nor did he ask for any. Neither myself nor any other person went near him during the whole of that night, although I was in the next room awake and reading a considerable portion of the time. On Sunday morning I went to the cell-door at eight o'clock, which is the usual hour, in order to know whether the deceased would like to purchase his own breakfast, or have that allowed from the gaol, but I found that he was banging from the grating of the window by his handkerchief, and, as far as I could judge, quite dead. Another officer came to my assistance, and the body was cut down, and Dr. Jones sent for. During the night, no other male prisoner was brought in. There were, however, some females confined in the room upstairs over the cell in which the deceased had been confined, and I went to them twice, as they had been making a noise.      The Coroner now said that it would be desirable to ascertain by their evidence whether they bad heard any noise in the room below. Mr. Hill the chief constable, remarked that they had been discharged from custody, but be would endeavour to find all or one of them with as little delay as possible.
Examination of the constable resumed: l am positive that I was awake all night. The Coroner: Was it not your duty to visit prisoners at stated intervals? Parry: “Yes sir, provided they called to me, or in case any disturbance took place.” Mr. Hill now produced a book containing printed regulations on the subject, from which it appeared the officer in charge of the lock-ups was bound to visit each cell three times an hour. Parry, however, assured the Coroner that he had never seen the regulations, nor had they been placed in the hands of the police. In answer to the Coroner, Mr. Hill, and Mr. Rowe, a member of the watch committee who was present, explained that the books bad not yet been circulated they had only been issued on Friday. The Coroner: But were there no former regulations. Mr. Hill: Certainly, and I have always given orders that the prisoners should be regularly visited.      James Mason, another constable, was examined, but his evidence was wholly unimportant, except as to the deceased having placed a bench near the window, which would enable him to reach the iron bars. Mason further stated that the deceased had tied a knot in the shape of a noose, which he bad placed exactly under his right ear. Mr. Jones, surgeon, was next called, and stated that on examining the deceased a little after eight o'clock on Sunday morning, he was quite dead, and been so for at least eight hours; the body was quite cold and stiff. The Coroner: Is it your opinion that the deceased died immediately after he threw his feet from the bench? Mr. Jones: Probably not, he might be twenty minutes in expiring, in consequence of the handkerchief being much softer than a cord, besides, criminals who are executed have a much deeper fall, and the neck is often dislocated, which occasions death instantaneously. Coroner: It seems very likely, then, that had this man been visited, he might have been saved.      John Townsend, the mess-master, was examined, and he proved that the deceased was an exceedingly well conducted young man, and had been placed in the mess by order of the major; but on Saturday evening witness discovered that he had obtained from different tradesmen articles in his name without any authority; he therefore thought it his duty to give him in charge of the police. He had never the slightest reason to consider that the mind of the deceased was affected. Sergeant Moore proved that the deceased joined the regiment last January. He had enlisted in Chester, and was a native of Oldbury. His conduct had been very good — generally sober, and always cheerful. He had never been in the hospital. Ann Holmes, an unfortunate female, was now  examined, and she distinctly stated that neither her-self nor either of her companions who had been confined with her in the lock-ups during Saturday night had heard any noise in the room below. They had not slept; but they were not brought in until after twelve o'clock.      Mr. J. Lunt proved that the deceased had obtained from him at various times meat on account of the mess-master, and on Saturday he obtained a kg of mutton, at which time be observed nothing unusual in his manner. This being the whole of the evidence, the Coroner proceeded to sum up, telling the jury it was quite clear the deceased had destroyed himself, and it was their duty to say, whether he had committed “felo de se”, or was at the time in a state of temporary insanity, upon this point they must bear in mind that there was not the slightest evidence whatever, and they could only act upon what had been, proved before them. The law of England regarded self-murder in so serious a light, that those who committed it were to be consigned to the grave at a particular hour in the night, without the rights of Christian burial, and the whole of their property became forfeited to the Crown. However painful it might be to the jury to carry it out, they must nevertheless feel bound by the oaths they had taken, to return a verdict according to the evidence given.      The room was then cleared and after a deliberation of 20 minutes, the foreman announced the jury had decided to return a verdict that the deceased destroyed himself whilst labouring under temporary insanity. The learned Coroner in recording the verdict took occasion to remark that he did not concur in the same. One of the Jury now suggested that measures should be taken without delay, to place a wire guard over the gratings of each cell, so closely woven together, as to prevent the introduction of a finger. The Coroner expressed his concurrence.      The proceeding then terminated.
 
Wells Journal - Saturday 26 January 1856 Fatal Stabbing Case in Chester. —Between twelve and one o'clock Friday night last, the policeman on duty in Great Broughton, Chester, heard cries of " Murder" and " Police," and on hastening to the spot whence the cries proceeded, he found, lying on the ground, the body of a man who had been stabbed to the heart with some sharp instrument. The only person near was a woman of the town, named Ann Tegging, whom he apprehended and conveyed to the city bridewell. On Saturday it was ascertained by the police that Joseph Kirkham, a farmer, residing the village of Rowton, few miles from Chester, had been drinking in public-house in Broughton, in company with the female, short time before the fatal occurrence; and on Saturday afternoon one of the country constabulary, accompanied by one of the public officers, proceeded to Rowton and apprehended him. When told what he was charged with, the prisoner stated that he stabbed the man in self defence, as the deceased attempted to rob him, and first made use of the deadly weapon by stabbing him in the thigh. The deceased, a bricklayer's labourer, named Dunn, was a notoriously bad character, and there is, therefore, some probability that the statement of the prisoner is correct. A most remarkable feature in this case is, that three or four years ago two brothers of the deceased attempted to rob a boatman on the canal towing-path, only three or four hundred yards from the place where the latter met with such a tragic end; but the boatman, who was big powerful man, grappled with them, and they all three fell into the canal, and were drowned.
 
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 23 February 1856 CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. - A special was held the Exchange on Thursday last, to take into consideration "The Counties and Boroughs Police Bill," now before and to determine whether any and what steps shall be taken with reference thereto.     The Mayor said he had called the meeting order lay before the Council two bills—one for the establishment of a very extensive police force, alteration of the existing system, amalgamation, of the police counties and boroughs, and charge and management of the whole to rest with the secretary of state. He wanted to know it was their wish to petition Parliament against the Bill, or request the members for the City to watch the Bill, especially such clauses might militate against their interests, and get them modified possible.     The Watch Committee was of opinion that the New Police Bill was unconstitutional interference with the rights of boroughs, and recommended the adoption a petition against it, and that the Committee mentioned above instructed to watch this Bill also.     Mr. Walker then read the various clauses in the new Bill which would affect this borough, and explained the nature of these provisions.
The following petition was than read and unanimously adopted the motion of Mr. Rowe, seconded by Mr. Cutter:
To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled.
The humble Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the City and Borough of Chester, in Council assembled
SHEWETH,.
That your Petitioners have seen with dissatisfaction the Bill introduced into your Honourable House, intitilud [sic] "An Act to render more effectual the Police Counties and Boroughs of England and Wales." That your Petitioners consider that the proposed alteration the regulation of the Police Force an unconstitutional interference with the rights and privileges of Boroughs; that would unjustly deprive this Corporation the rightful control over the organization and expenditure of the Police, in direct violation of the principles of local self-government, recognized and established the Municipal Corporation Act.
That your Petitioners are of opinion that so great an interference with the management of the Police is totally uncalled for that it is an unnecessary inroad upon their independence, which they value, and upon those privileges which they never willingly surrender.
Your Petitioners, therefore, humbly pray your Honourable House not to pass the said Bill into a Law. And your Petitioners, as duty bound, will ever pray.
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 21 June 1856      The Widow Newport - The following contributions in aid of the Widow of Police Officer Newport, had reached us since our last - Mr John Walker, Clerk of the Peace 10/6d., a gentlemen left at the Police Office, £1., Mr Hastings, Surgeon, 5s., Mrs Ball Newgate Street 3/6., Mrs Jenkins, Seller Street, 5/0d.
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 28 June 1856 Chester Police Court – Wednesday - The undermentioned persons were severally fined 2s. 6d. each and costs, for keeping lodging houses within the precints (sic) of the city, without having had the same registered according to law. It was stated by Emanuel Hughes — that the dwellings were not only of the most wretched description, but, that both sexes slept in the same apartment. Catherine Flynn, Patrick Grady, Michael Brannan, and Anthony McGrath, Union Entry— Francis Caughley, Octagon Chapel Yard, and Patrick Stanton, of Handley's Entry, Boughton — none of the persons being prepared to pay, the mayor directed that they should be imprisoned for seven days.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 9 August 1856 CHESTER POLICE COURT Monday. Assaulting the Police. — Thomas Hughes and John Hignett were charged with assaulting police constable Ridgly on Saturday night. - Fined 20 each or 21 days imprisonment. In the same report we see: Another Attempt at Suicide. — Sarah Hooley was brought up for being found drunk in the streets at two o'clock on Sunday morning. While in the lock-up the prisoner attempted to hang herself to the bars of the cell window. Fined 5s and in default to be imprisoned 21 days, and kept on low diet. [When will the necessary gratings be put to the windows in order to prevent these occurrences? This is not the first attempt by five or six.]
 
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 25 October 1856
APPALLING TRAGEDY THE CITY OF CHESTER. TWO CHILDREN MURDERED BY THEIR FATHER. On Wednesday last the usually quiet city of Chester was considerably excited rumour that two children were missing and that there were grounds for suspecting they had been subjected to the foul play of their father. Gossip was all afloat, and during the day orders were given to apprehend the father. Soon after the order being given the father was in custody, but he refused to give any account of the missing children, further than that they were safe.     The circumstances under which the father had care of the children were as follows:- The man named William Jackson, an upholsterer by trade, had for some time been separated from his wife. They had four children, two of whom the mother had with her living Manchester; the other two, John, aged six years, and Mary Jane, aged seven years, were left with their father. The latter has for some time been leading an irregular life in idleness, and the two children had been living with one of his sisters.      On the 27th September however, the sister not being able to keep them any longer, they were sent to a friend's house in Handbridge, from whence on the same day their father took them, after which they were never seen alive. About twelve o'clock in the day he left the house with the little girl, and returned in three quarters of an hour. He then took away the boy, and did not return until the afternoon, when, in answer inquiries, he said the children were safe at a friend's house.      Nothing particular was thought of these facts until week or two had elapsed without anything being seen heard of the children. Some of the neighbours then communicated with Mrs. Jackson Manchester, and she on Tuesday night last arrived in Chester, and in an interview with Mr. Hill, the Chief Constable, stated her belief that the children had come to an untimely end.
Nothing public was done in the matter that night, but on Wednesday morning the facts were communicated to the magistrates, and an order for Jackson's apprehension was given, which resulted as stated the commencement of this narrative.      On Wednesday afternoon the prisoner was taken before Col. Lloyd, when his wife made affidavit she believed he had murdered the missing children. In reply to various questions the prisoner merely stated "they are safe." This answer not being satisfactory the prisoner was remanded to prison until the following day, when was be brought before the bench. Mr. Hill at once took steps solve the mystery and on inquiry found that the prisoner had been seen on the 27th September going from the house in which the children had been, in the direction of a pit-hole at the further end of a nursery garden Handbridge, belonging to Mr. Rogers.      At that time, between twelve and one noon, rain was falling in torrents, and the prisoner was carrying a little bare-headed child in his arms. He entered the garden and went on until he was lost sight of. The person who thus saw him did not again see him for some days.      On hearing this fact Mr. Hill sent a police officer to search through the garden on Thursday morning last. The officer was accompanied by a black retriever dog, and had not been in garden long before the dog began to scrape and scratch some soil over a pit which seemed to have been recently disturbed. The officer got a shovel and on removing one clod of soil saw a naked little human foot sticking up. He immediately communicated the fact to Mr. Hill, who with other officers was speedily on the spot. They then with spades removed the soil, and in few minutes came to the little boy lying face downwards, without cap, shoes, or socks. More earth was removed, and when a quantity of water had been baled onto, the body of a girl was found face downwards, with bonnet and cloak on.      The bodies were taken out and examined, when it was found that each had been stuck in the throat. The wound in each throat was similar, and made in the same way a sheep is killed, so as to sever the carotid artery, without cutting the throat across. The bodies were quite stiff, and the limbs much distorted. The faces were greatly distorted likewise, and the skin and flesh hung in folds from the action of the water in the pit upon them. The hole was about 3 feet 6 inches deep at the end where the heads were lying, and sloped upwards to about 2 feet where the feet of the children were placed      The bodies were put on a hand cart, and conveyed to the City Workhouse, where the bonnet and cloak found on the girl were washed, in order that they might be identified before the magistrates. All along the road from Handbridge to the Workhouse great throngs of spectators were waiting see the frightful spectacle, and numerous females were weeping bitterly at fate of the unfortunate babes.      The bodies were deposited in the dead-house about 11.45, the search for them having been commenced only two hours previously. At 12 o'clock immense crowds of anxious lookers-on repaired to the Pentice Court to hear  (THE EXAMINATION OF THE PRISONER), who had arrived from the gaol shortly before, ignorance of the awful discovery which had been made.      On the bench were the Mayor, Dr. P. Jones, Colonel Lloyd, Thomas Dixon, J. Rogers, Esqrs., etc. When order was obtained among the crowds in the court, the prisoner William Jackson was brought to the table. He is man 5ft 10in. in height, dark complexion and hair, sullen countenance, and moderately stout built. He firmly clenched his teeth, and seemed determined to conduct himself with indifference, if not with bravado. Ever and anon, however, telling evidence came out, and especially when the clothes of the girl were produced, he was subjected to nervous emotions, and the muscles of his face and throat showed strong signs of mental anxiety.      Mr. Hill, Chief Constable, said the prisoner was charged with the crime of wilfully murdering two of his children. Two bodies had been found during the morning, and he felt convinced that he should be enabled to bring home the charge clearly to the prisoner.      The first witness examined was Elizabeth Rogers, who said—l am the wife of Richard Rogers, who keeps the Coach and Horses public-house, in Handbridge, in this city. On Saturday, the 37th September, the prisoner was in my house. I knew his two children, and had known them from their birth. The name of the boy was John, but I do not know the name of the girl. The girl was seven, and the boy six years old. They have been in the habit of coming round to my house. They last came on Saturday, the 27th inst. They were taken there by a girl, who was servant to the prisoner's sister, where they had been living. The prisoner was there; and I told him I could not keep them. He said, I do not want you." He then went away Handbridge, and might have been away half an hour. He then came back, and took the little girl away. She had a bonnet on, which I should know again. The bonnet was here produced, and the witness was dreadfully affected the time she identified it-      Examination resumed—lt was before o'clock he went out was away about half or three quarters of an hour, when he returned and took away the little boy. I saw him again later that day. I asked him where he took the children, and said to friend's house. I think that was before tea time; I am sure it was that day. I have had other conversations about the children. I have several times since then asked him where they were. He would give me no proper answer, he said they were safe. He never told me, but it was whispered that they were the workhouse. Yesterday morning, the 22nd instant, I asked him where they were, and he said they were Boughton, safe at a friend's house. I had heard that morning that his wife was in town. I have nothing more to say. Prisoner—l have nothing to ask her.      Elizabeth Thomas deposed—l am a single woman, and live in Handbridge. I wash and clean for Mrs. Rogers. I was in the house when the little girl brought the two children to Mrs. Rogers's. I noticed them, and should know them again. The girl said the prisoner's sister had sent them, and could not keep them any longer. The prisoner was there and looked very low. Mrs. Rogers cut the children some bread and butter. Yesterday I heard the prisoner say the children were safe enough, and neither their mother nor their aunt should ever see them again. He would not forgive his sister Betsy as long as he lived      Haynes deposed—l live in Handbridge, and keep a tobacconists shop. I recollect during my dinner hour, between twelve and one o'clock on Saturday, the 27th ult, seeing the prisoner coming up Mr. Ducker's rope walk with a child in his arms. It was raining fast, and the child was dripping wet I did not know the prisoner's children, but I knew him. He was going direct for the hatch leading to Rogers’ garden from the rope walk, and towards the place where the bodies were found. There was a hole there. I watched him as far as could see him. I did not see him for a day or two after that. The child was alive when I saw it.  Prisoner—l have no question to ask.      Thomas Whittaker deposed—l am one of the police officers of this city. I was searching Rogers’ nursery-garden in Handbridge this morning accompanied by retriever dog. My attention was called by the dog to a particular spot, where he was scratching the soil, which had recently been removed. I thought there was something there, and I got a shovel with which I removed a clod of earth, and saw child's naked foot. I did nothing more, but came to the police office, and reported the fact to Mr. Hill. I went back and saw the bodies of the boy and girl taken out of the hole. I did not know them when they were living. The bonnet produced here to-day was out of the same hole. The bodies are now at the work-house, where I assisted to convey them.      Mr. John Hill said—l am Chief Constable of the City of Chester. In consequence of a report I received from the last witness, I went down to Rogers' garden in Handbridge at about 11 o’clock. I found in an old pit-hole in the middle of the garden, under a willow bush, that some soil had been recently removed at the bottom of the pit. I got two men with a shovel and had the soil carefully removed, and in the bottom of the hole, I found bodies of a boy and girl. The boy was uppermost with his face downwards, with no shoes or stockings or covering on his head. I then had some water baled out and the next body taken out. It was a little girl; she was face downwards. The bonnet and cloak now produced were on the girl. On examining bodies I found their throats cut, I had them removed to the Workhouse, where they are now lying. The prisoner declined to ask any questions and he was remanded until Monday next.      THE INQUEST. On Thursday afternoon, J. Hostage, Esq., opened the Inquest on the bodies, and the following gentlemen were empanelled onto the Jury: John Hope, foreman; George Thompson Robt. Griffiths Parry; Thos. Wilcoxon; Joseph Oakes; Alex Booth; Henry Merren; Alex. McLellan; George Jackson; Henry Jefferson and Edward James Lamb.      After being sworn, the jury went to view the bodies, which had been stripped and laid on a plank in the “dead house”. The sight was one of the most harrowing that can be imagined, From the bodies having been thrust into the wet ground whilst yet warm and almost alive, considerable distortion had taken place, especially in the countenances. The right thumb of the girl had been completely cut off, and a slight wound on her chest shewed (sic) that the child must have struggled. The wound in her throat her throat was much jagged, which was not the case with the boy, who was the last murdered. A little girl named Mary Ann Green identified the bodies as those which she had taken from the prisoner’s sister, and left at Mrs. Rogers' house, at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 27th ult., two hours before they were taken out and slaughtered. Mrs. Rogers and Elizabeth Thomas also identified the bodies the effect of which was serious hysterical affection of Mrs Rogers.      The Coroner and jury then proceeded to the spot the bodies were the bodies discovered. It was situated at the bottom of a pit about 12 feet long by 7 feet wide and 4 feet deep. In the centre a regular grave had been dug of 3 foot 6 inches deep at on end, and 2 feet at the other. Over the pit grew a large willow bush, completely covering the hole, and where the dog set the scent, a huge root of privet was thrown carelessly soil, to destroy any idea that the slightest disturbance had taken place in the ground. The spot is situated about 15 yards from the walk down which Haynes watched the prisoner, and a thin layer of earth seems to have been thrown the girls body, while the miscreant father fetched the little boy. From the size of the pit, there is no doubt the children were murdered in it, and as water was running from a drain, all traces of blood would speedily vanish.  A person on the spot stated that on Thursday morning, a few hours before he was apprehended, the prisoner was standing near the grave of his children intently gazing on the awful spot.
About 30 years ago, a convict, heavily ironed, from removed from our City Gaol to undergo his merited term transportation. A will had been previously executed, leaving certain monies, etc. to this felon, and the testator died only a few years ago, without altering his will. According to our laws; the convict could not inherit the properties, etc., which became forfeited to the city. Application was made to our Council a few years since, praying, that the convict might be permitted to receive, “the good things bequeathed him." The prayer of course, could not be listened to. The convict above alluded to is the father of the wretched man Jackson, now under remand in the City Gaol for the murder of his two children.
 Hertford Mercury and Reformer - Saturday 8 November 1856
(Although the witnesses in this case, involved Police Officers from the County Force, the incident occurred in the City of Chester. I have included this item of news for its unusual content.)
COMMITTAL OF AN ATTORNEY IN COURT At the Cheshire Quarter Sessions, held at Knutsford, last week, an appeal was heard against a conviction for unlawful possession of stolen silk.    To prove that the silk had been lawfully acquired an invoice was produced in court on the part of the appellant as covering the alleged purchase. The invoice was produced in a mutilated form, a portion which it was suspected would have disqualified it for the part it was to play in the trial being absent.     The attorney for the appellant was Mr. Cooper, and the scene which followed the production of the paper is thus described by the Carnarvon Independent: — The paper was handed down to counsel, and the court was just saying that they should like to look at it, when something happened which led to the following extraordinary scene and committal of Mr. Cooper.     John Scott, constable of Church Lawton, who happened to be sitting on the seat behind counsel, about three persons distant from Mr. Cooper, was observed to say something to Constable Taylor of Congleton, who was standing near the witness box, when Taylor bolted down head foremost anions the people's feet, and presently emerged holding up two small bits of paper, which he had picked up under where Mr Cooper was sitting, and exclaimed, "These are the pieces " Instantly everybody were on their feet, and the whole court was wrapped in breathless and excited attention.      Mr. Joynson, on the bench, fitted the small pieces to the torn paper, and said that they corresponded exactly so far as they went, but that there was yet a small piece missing, Down dived Constable Taylor again, and produced another small piece of paper, asserting that Mr. Cooper had scraped his foot several times backward and forward on the floor over where he found it. Constable Scott then addressed the bench, saying that he had seen Mr. Cooper tear the pieces out of the invoice and throw them down.      Amidst deathlike silence the Chairman said—During sixty years that I have sat upon this bench, I never saw a proceeding so audaciously wicked as this. We must suspend the further hearing of the appeal, while we decide what to do on the extraordinary case which has now arisen, which at least is a scandalous contempt of court. Mr. Beavan, I shall be glad of your advice on behalf of the crown.
Mr. Beavan here stepped up to the bench and conferred with them a short time, after which The Chairman directed the depositions to be taken on oath (and signed) of every person who saw anything of the strange transaction.     Constable Stewartson of Waverton, who sat next Mr. Cooper, deposed that he saw Mr. Cooper double up a piece of paper, and stick his pencil through it, after which he handed it to Mr. Macintyre. He could not say that he actually saw him tear it.
Mr. Cooper protested against the inquiry altogether. The paper was not material evidence in the case, and the torn part had not been intended by him to be used as evidence at all.     Mr. Macintyre arose and said that it was due to his own reputation as (late) counsel for the appellant in the case, which he would of course conduct no longer, to state explicitly the document was handed to him by Mr. Cooper, and by him to the witness as evidence, and that of the most material character.     Mr. Cooper cross-examined Scott at enormous and wearisome length; and at last, on being told by the Chairman that he was exceeding all bounds of patience, he said that he wanted to know what the examination was for. The Chairman—l will tell you. I mean to take evidence now, with a view to your committal for a contempt of court, and I mean to lay the depositions afterwards before the Court of Queen's Bench, to support an application which I shall cause to be made to strike you off the rolls. Mr. Cooper—Then I shall decline to remain further. The Chairman —“You must remain. Officer, take him into custody”. This was done, and the case proceeded.     The depositions of Walter Taylor, Thomas Hampson, A E. J. Macintyre, Esq., and W. Beavan, Esq., were then taken; the two latter gentlemen to the fact that the mutilated evidence was material to the case, and that the mutilation essentially altered the meaning of the invoice as it stood before. In the end, Mr. Cooper was committed for contempt, and was confined all night in the House of Correction.     On Thursday he was discharged; but an order of court was made, directing the county solicitor to apply to the Court of Queen's Bench to have Mr. Cooper struck off the Rolls.     A rule Nisi has since been obtained in the Court of Queen's Bench.
 
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 27 December 1856
EXECUTION OF WILLIAM JACKSON, FOR THE MURDER OF HIS TWO CHILDREN, IN CHESTER. SATURDAY, 26th, 9 a.m. - The last act of this dreadful tragedy is now played out, and the curtain of death has fallen on the earthly career of two innocent babes, who knew no sin, and a sudden and violent termination has come to the life of that being who, instead of acting the part and performing the duties of parent, unfortunately became the murderer of his own flesh and blood. Throughout the appalling series of crimes which have disgraced the annals of English Justiciary for many years past and more especially during the past 18 months, no event has more startled, not only the peace of the city but the entire peace of the whole locality, than the murder of two children by their own father, which occurred on Saturday, the 27th September, 1856, the discovery of which did not take place until October 22nd, nearly four weeks afterwards. Infanticide has for some time been looked upon as almost a minor offence, but the circumstances connected with this case are of such an appalling nature as to cause the blood of every listener to run cold.      The facts of the case are as follows. In May last a young man, named William Jackson, good personal appearance, and by trade upholsterer, found that could not obtain a subsistence for himself and family, while he lived an idle life. To work he would not apply himself, and the result was that his wife separated herself from him, taking two children with her, and leaving Mary Jane, aged 7, and John Edward, aged 6 years, to be maintained by their father. He however, seemed to have set his face against all those efforts, and having expended the proceeds of some honest property which had been left by an Aunt, was obliged to live by his wits, and he soon fell into the most deplorably sottish and demoralizing state of mind. For a long time no tidings had come from the wife in Manchester to the husband in Chester, and the children had been taken care by a Mrs. Hancock, a sister of Jackson, living in Foundry-lane, in this city. This sister, finding the father of the children to have so entirely deserted his own offspring, said she could no longer keep them, and, consequently, on the 27th of September, she sent them in charge of a little girl, amid drenching rain, to the Coach and Horses public-house, Handbridge, kept by Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, distant relatives of Jackson, and where he was lodging. He was there on that Saturday morning at ten o'clock the morning, when, bare-footed and bare-headed, the little outcasts arrived at the Coach and Horses public-house. Mrs. Rogers said she could not keep them, to which Jackson replied that he did not want her. In a few minutes he left the house, the poor children remaining behind eating, some bread and butter which Mrs. Rogers had given them. Half an hour later he returned, and took away the little girl, covering her feet with the flap of his coat. He went through Handbridge towards a large orchard situated between the road leading to Eaton and the old Wrexham road. He disappeared amid the drenching rain amongst the thick foliage of the trees, and did not emerge again for some minutes. He was seen soon afterwards returning towards the Coach and Horses public-house, but without the child. He went to the house and brought away the poor little boy, the same way that he had taken away his sister. The same route was pursued, and, as the father was going towards the spot where the girl had been left, he was seen by a witness who recognized on the arm of the boy a bag containing his poor stock of toys, consisting of a few marbles and other equally interesting trinkets. The day passed away, and in the evening Jackson returned to the house, but without the children. After some days inquiries were made relative to the missing children, to which replies were given, that they were safe the hands of those who would take good care of them; or, that a friend had them. These answers, however, did not give satisfaction: and in week or two, rumours became rife that some foul play had been afloat. The mother of the children came to Chester and stated her suspicions—that the children had been ill-treated. Mr. Hill, the chief constable, immediately took the case in hand, and an affidavit was made by the wife, that she suspected the children were murdered. This took place on the Wednesday forenoon, Oct. 21st; Jackson was an hour or two taken into custody by Sergeant Speed, and Constables Large and Wynne. He was remanded by Col. Lloyd until the following day; and the attention of the police was then closely applied to the case. On the next morning Speed and Constable Whittaker went to Handbridge, to elicit information and evidence. Speed left the locality to carry to the Chief Constable certain facts; and, in his absence, Whittaker, with his retriever dog, went into the orchard the direction which Jackson had been seen going. No sooner did the dog get on to the track than he rushed through a bed of cabbages and pointed at one and, scratched the soil at a pit hole in the garden. A spade was obtained, and one shovel-full of mould being taken away, the foot of a child was seen sticking up. The Chief Constable was brought to the spot and more soil being removed the bodies of a boy and a little girl were found. They were taken up and found to be in a high state of decomposition, but on examining them it was found that each child had been stuck in the same way in which sheep is killed, and that the jugular vein and carotid artery were severed without the throat being cut across. In the hole was found the bag containing the playthings which the little boy had taken with him to the Coach and Horses, and the little girl who had been in the habit of dressing the children, identified all the clothing of the deceased most completely.      The prisoner, William Jackson, was on Thursday, the 22nd October, brought before the magistrates, and evidence corroborative of the foregoing facts was given, and after a remand of five days the prisoner was committed on a charge of wilful murder and by the coroner, on October 27th. On the 3rd December a special gaol delivery was opened in Chester, and on Friday the 5th, Jackson was before Baron Alderson, and convicted. Sentence of death was passed, and the execution was fixed to take place on the instant, being an exact fortnight from the time of sentence.
Wrexham Advertiser - Saturday 27 December 1856
EXECUTION OF WILLIAM JACKSON AT CHESTER. On the first committal of the prisoner to the Castle, very bitter feelings existed between him and his wife; but, through the intervention of the Chaplain, a reconciliation was effected at an interview which took place between them about a fortnight before the assizes. After this affecting meeting, Mrs Jackson returned with her two children to Manchester. As the prisoner did not expect his trial to come on until next March, the announcement of the Winter Assize took him surprise. Not withstanding his usual appearance of stoical indifference the wretched man was fully conscious of his awful position, and it is believed has felt deep contrition for his crime, and sought for pardon through the merits of his Saviour. He had fully anticipated the sentence of 'death, and was no sooner removed from the dock in which he received it than he acknowledged its justice He was always most attentive to the ministrations of the chaplain, and grateful for them. Since his conviction, he was visited by several of the local clergy in kind compliance with the request of the chaplain, who were satisfied with the state of his mind under the dreadful circumstances in which they saw him. On Friday morning Mr. Thomas Wright, the visitor of condemned criminals, arrived in Chester, bringing with him the prisoner's children. He had expressed a wish to see them, but their mother having no means with which to bring them, they had been left behind. This morning, however, Mr. Wright brought them, and he at once introduced himself to the Rev. Mr. Kilner, the chaplain. They repaired to the convict's cell, but Mr. Wright did not in any way attend ministerially, and, therefore, at such a late hour in the criminal's life, he in no way interfered with the chaplain's proceedings. At the conclusion of the chapel service on Friday morning, the chaplain, assisted by the chaplain of the city gaol, administered the sacrament to the wretched criminal; and in the afternoon his wife and children attended at the Castle to bid their long adieu. The scene was one of the most dreadfully affecting nature. The feelings of Mrs. Jackson were excited to a fearful pitch, but the prisoner seemed almost as outwardly indifferent to the circumstances around him as he had been since his conviction. At the city gaol every arrangement was completed on Friday, and by 4 o'clock in the afternoon the apparatus was erected, and the fatal links were dangling over the platform. During the greater part of Friday numbers of idlers were lounging in front of the prison, watching the erection of the terrible apparatus of death. At midnight, the Sheriff and his officer, with the gaoler and chief constable, arrived at the Castle to demand the body of the prisoner, in order to take him to execution. Notice was given to the prisoner that the city authorities were waiting for him, and he immediately divested himself of his prison dress and put on his own clothes. The Chaplain here, in the presence of several of the prison officials, offered up prayer, and all present were deeply affected. After bidding adieu to the officials, he was placed in the cab standing at the Castle door, and at his own request was accompanied by one of the warders of the prison, the governor of the gaol, and by the Rev. Mr. Kilner. The cab was rapidly driven down through Stanley-place, and by 20 minutes past twelve o'clock the prisoner arrived at the city gaol. The door was instantly opened, and the prisoner almost ran up the walk and went with an elastic step up the stairs to a cell which is usually appropriated to the use of convicts, where he presented a very slightly different appearance to that exhibited on his trial. He looked rather pale and haggard. The chaplain at once entered into religious exercises and continued to read and pray until the prisoner in half an hour began to dose. He soon afterwards requested to have some refreshment, and he partook of one thin slice of bread and butter, and a glass of wine. After that he drank a glass of brandy and water, and smoked a short pipe, conversing the while about casual topics. He soon afterwards fell asleep and remained so for half an hour, when he awoke, and the Rev. Mr. Kilner, who was in the prison ail night, again visited him. At 4 o'clock he asked for some refreshment, and he heartily ate some bread, butter, ham, and beef, and partook of some coffee. At half-past four o'clock the prisoner again fell asleep, and snored soundly and seemingly comfortably until the clock had struck six, when he awoke and asked for more brandy and water, during the drinking of which he again smoked his pipe. The morning was dark, cold, and damp; but long before 6 o'clock eager spectators were assembled in front of the City Gaol. At a quarter before 8 o'clock the prisoner was removed to the chapel, where portions of the lawful service were read to the prisoner, who throughout the proceedings was deeply affected, and scarcely a dry eye was to he seen. As soon as the service was concluded a procession was formed to the pressroom, where Calraft was introduced, and the culprit was pinioned in the manner employed at Marley's execution last week. Not a muscle did the prisoner move during the operation. With a firm step he ascended the drop, and Calcraft in an instant drew down the cap and adjusted the rope. The chaplain then asked the culprit whether he died confessing his sins. He said, "I do." The chaplain said, "May the Lord Jesus receive your spirit! Good bye, Jackson." And shaking hands with him retired. Jackson cried three times, "Lord have mercy on me !' A line was tied round the legs, and the bolt being drawn, the drop fell, and in a second the unhappy man ceased to exist, not a struggle being perceptible. The crowds, which wore immense, behaved in the most orderly manner, and the only interruption that occurred was caused by some persons preaching so loudly as to annoy the prisoner whilst at his devotions. After the body had hung an hour it was cut down and deposited in the prison, prior to its removal back to the Castle for interment, and the multitude quietly dispersed on the termination of the terrible ordeal. During his imprisonment, Jackson, communicated his thoughts and feelings most freely to Mr. W. J. Berdessa, one of the warders in the castle, who has been in attendance upon him, and with whom he had been acquainted from boyhood as they were school-mates together. The culprit frequently talked to him about the circumstances connected with his crime; and on Friday night, before his final removal to the city gaol, he made the following confession — A statement William Jackson made to me, in his cell, previous to his removal to the City Gaol to be executed. "I was walking about for two days without food, and at night I slept under a hay-stack until I began to feel poorly; I then went and told Mrs. Rogers, who keeps the Coach and Horses, in Handbridge, how I was situated. She told me I could sleep by their fireside, as it would be bettor than sleeping out of doors. I thanked her for her kindness. I had not been there more than three days when my sister's husband sent the two children to me; it was on the 27th of September; it was a very wet day; it rained all day long; he sent them without shoes or stockings, in the rain, and told the girl who brought them to turn them into the house where I was stopping and leave them. I told the girl she should not have brought them there, but to take them back, but she ran away; I ran after her, but could not catch her; I had been drinking, so I was quite done over at the time. Mrs. Rogers said she could not have them there; I said I did not want her. My feelings were quite done over. I then went out of the house and went up to the garden, and saw the pit; a thought struck me — the children would be better there than to be starved and knocked about, and the winter coming on. I then went back to Rogers'; I got a small knife out of the jug on the shelf, and sharpened it; it is a small knife Mrs. Rogers got of a militiaman; you will easily know it, because it is the only one of the kind in the house, and it has marks on the handle. I took the little girl and went up Eaton-road and across Holdens Field to the pit; I then cut her throat and threw her into the hole; there was some water in it; l am sure she was dead before I put her down; she struggled a little. I then went back and fetched the boy; I took him the same road to the pit, and cut his throat ; I then put him on the top of his sister, and covered them with some soil. I pulled three apples off a tree and put them in my hat; I then went back to Rogers', and put the knife in the jug and gave Mrs Rogers the apples. And many times did I eat my dinner with the same knife afterwards. I could not rest day nor night. I have been to the pit many times at 10 and 11 o'clock at night, and three or four times a day. Until I was taken, all my thoughts were to give myself up, and happy was the clay I was taken, and more so when I was condemned, as I knew it was a just reward for all my sins. I hope it will be a warning to others to avoid coming to such a wretched end as me." Jackson likewise described the manner of the murders by saying — "I got the girl between my legs and cut her throat, her thumb was cut by her getting her arm loose while struggling; the little boy did not struggle in the least. After the murder I had thoughts of removing the bodies to another place. “William James Bordessa Warder Chester Castle." The above particulars were partially corroborated in a statement made to the chaplain after his removal to the City Gaol, but when asked as to the disposal of the knife, he said he did not know what had become of it, as at the time of the murder he was not aware what he was doing.
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 29 March 1856
CHESTER POLICE COURT. Tuesday. —Edward Morris, a ruffianly looking fellow, apparently between 40 and 50 years old, who gave his residence as Northgate-street, and stated that he went to sea at times, was brought up charged with attempting to commit a capital offence on Mary Browfield. The girl, who was said to be only fourteen, although appearing from two to three years older, stated that she left the Victoria Station, Manchester, on the previous afternoon by the five o'clock train, to come to Chester to see her sisters, one of whom is a servant at the Royal Hotel. On arriving in Chester, after some little time had been spent in walking about, she went to the back entrance of the Hotel, in Newgate-street, the door was made; [sic] and on her knocking and enquiring for her sister, she was told she was not in, she then sat upon the steps for some time, till cautioned by two boys that if seen by the police, she would be taken up; she then went to Northgate-street, where another sister lived, as she thought her sister from the Royal Hotel might be with her. Not being able to find the house where her sister lived, she was endeavouring to find her way hack to the hotel, when the prisoner accosted her with a good night to which she replied good night. After ascertaining her business and offering her drink which she refused, he offered to show her a nearer way to the hotel, and took her on the city walls; after walking some time with the prisoner she expressed her doubts as to its being the way to the Royal, she was assured by the prisoner that it was so, and invited by him to rest her on some steps; he then attempted the offence complained of, her screams, however, fortunately attracted the notice of police-officer Williams, who stated that he was on duty by the Northgate, and hearing cries of “murder” on the walls, he proceeded towards the Phoenix Tower, about two yards from which he found the prisoner who was ill-using the girl. His timely arrival, however, prevented the committal of the offence. The prisoner was committed to the sessions. The Mayor commended the police-officer Williams.  (Researchers note – The City Police Database records only one Pc Williams serving in the City in 1856 and that is number 39 Ralph Williams)
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 5 April 1856
CHESTER SPRING ASSIZES.  CROWN COURT, TUESDAY. (BEFORE MR. JUSTICE WILLIAMS.) The Court sat at nine o'clock.         MANSLAUGHTER AT CHESTER.    Joseph Kirkham, 45, farmer, of Rowton, near Chester, was charged with having, at the city of Chester, on the 19th of January last, feloniously killed John Dunn. Mr. Swetenham appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Giffard and Mr. F. Lloyd defended the prisoner.      John Sudlow said — I am the landlord of the Royal Oak in Foregate-street, Chester. I know the prisoner. He came to my house on Friday, the 18th of January, about seven o'clock in the evening, and remained there until about 11 o'clock. I offered him a bed if he liked to stay, but he said he was not afraid of going home, as he never was molested on the highway. When he left my house be had an umbrella with him. He was quite sober. Cross-examined — The prisoner is a quiet inoffensive man. He would have to pass Steven-street on his way home. It is a very bad street.      Charles Chadwick — l live in Bridge-street, Chester. My mother keeps the Ring-o-Bells in Foregate-street. The prisoner came into her house about half- past 11 o'clock on the night of the 18th of January. Ann Teggin and several other persons were there. The prisoner gave me an umbrella to take care of. It had a turned handle, and was tied round with a piece of string. The prisoner treated Ann Teggin and John Dunn. There was dancing going on in the house. The prisoner left the house with Ann Teggin about five minutes past 12. The deceased, John Dunn, followed after him in about five minutes. I had heard no quarrelling between the prisoner and John Dunn. Cross-examined — The prisoner was not drunk. I believe Ann Teggin is a prostitute. The deceased and Teggin were in company together that night I have not seen them together before. The deceased lived in Steven-street. Re-examined— The deceased and Teggin were not companions to my knowledge.      Harriet Rigby — l am wife of James Rigby, and live in Seville-street, Chester. I was at Mrs. Greenall's the Ring O'Bells, on the night of the 19th of January. I was there between 12 and 1 at night. I saw the prisoner, John Dunn, Ann Teggin, and many others there. I left the house about twenty minutes to one, with the rest of the people, except John Dunn, who staid behind. The prisoner went in the direction of Boughton with Ann Teggin. I saw the prisoner and Ann Teggin standing at Jones, the grocer's gate. I passed them. They were both standing very quiet, but he had some-thing in his sleeve. It was about as long as my hand and wrist. I was standing at the end of Steam Mill-street, and they passed me. Mrs. Dagnall was with me. While I was standing there John Dunn came up, and he asked which way they had gone. "I said "straight on." He passed, and in a very short time I heard screams of "police," "murder," twice over. The sound appeared to come from Boughton, which was the direction in which the prisoner, Teggin, and the deceased had gone. Two policemen came up, and went in that direction. The prisoner had had some drink, but could walk steady. Cross-examined — l knew Dunn and Teggin by sight, but I did not know them to speak to. I did know the prisoner or Dunn's voice sufficiently to be able to tell which of them it was who cried "murder."      Maria Dagnall— l am the wife of William Dagnall. On the 19th of January I was at the Ring O'Bells. I left the house about twenty minutes to one o'clock with the prisoner, Ann Teggin, and several more. The prisoner and Ann Teggin went towards Boughton. I saw them afterwards standing near a gate opposite the Bars. Ann Teggin stood with her face towards the gate, and the prisoner was standing with his back towards her back. They were between three or four yards from each other. I saw the prisoner take something like a knife out of his right hand pocket and put it up his left arm sleeve. I went towards my own house. The prisoner passed me afterwards going towards Boughton with Ann Teggin. I stood at the end of Steam Mill-street talking to Mrs. Rigby. I saw Dunn come up. He said as he passed "which way did they go." Mrs. Rigby said "straight on," and he went on. I head in a few minutes afterwards a cry of "police, police," "murder, murder." Two policemen same up immediately afterwards, and they went towards Boughton. Cross-examined — I did not know to whom Dunn referred when he asked the question, except it was the prisoner and Teggin, because they had all three been drinking together.      James Jones— l lodge at the Royal Oak, which is at the corner of Hoole-lane, Boughton. I was in bed between 12 and 1 o'clock on the morning of the 19th of January, when I heard screams of “murder” and “police”. The sound came up the street. On looking out of the window I saw two men struggling together. I saw them reel against the wall several times. I heard some person with a weak voice exclaim several times, "Don't strike him Jack." At the same time several stones were thrown. I heard one of the persons then say "The b.......d has stabbed me twice." Two people then ran away in the direction of Boughton. I did not see where the other man was until I heard a groan. I presently heard footsteps coming up the lane, and I called out "police." Two policemen came up, and I directed them to the spot where I thought the man was lying. The deceased was brought into the house. He was not dead, but he died in a few minutes. When the persons ran away I heard Roscoe's gates rattle, but whether they went over them I cannot say. Cross-examined — The wall against which the parties reeled is about 60 yards long. There is then an open place which leads down to the Dee. The stones were thrown by some third person. Re-examined — lt was not sufficiently light for me to say whether it was a man or woman who threw the stones. I don't believe the stones were thrown by either of the two persons who were scuffling.      Ann Teggin— On the night of Friday the 18th of January last I was at the Ring o' Bells. I saw the prisoner come in. John Dunn was there. The prisoner was dancing with Dunn and several persons. He was quite tipsy. He treated me and Dunn. I left the Ring o’ Bells about twelve o'clock with the prisoner. I had not known him before. I left John Dunn in the public-house. I went with the prisoner as far as Mr. Brown's in Boughton. When I left the public-house, the prisoner said he knew me and would see me safe home. I told him I would rather go by myself. He said "You need not be afraid, I have plenty about me that will be a protection to you." He showed me a knife, and said "moreover than that I have got two pistols." I cannot tell you the description of the knife, but it had a long blade. He put it in his right hand coat pocket. The knife was open. I told him again that I would rather go home myself. I went a short distance alone, but be followed me and shortly afterwards overtook me. He told me I need not be afraid, and we walked on together. He told me he knew where I lived. He said he lived at Christleton and he would see me safe home. As we were walking together we passed Mrs. Dagnall and Mrs. Rigby. When we got to Mr. Brown's in Boughton, I heard some one running, and I said to the prisoner "Hold on, there is some one coming." We stopped about two or three minutes. The prisoner leaned himself against the wall and I stood beside the channel. He had an umbrella in his hand. The one produced is it. Dunn came up while we were standing, and whispered, but what I can't tell. The prisoner said to me "Does that man want you?" I said he did not. The prisoner said to me "Do you think he wants me." Dunn went past us quite in a run while we were talking. When the prisoner asked me if Dunn wanted him, Dunn turned back. Dunn said to the prisoner "What do you say?" The prisoner said “Do you want this young woman!" Dunn replied " I don’t want her," The prisoner then said "Do you want anything of me? If you do take it off me." Dunn then knocked the prisoner down with a very heavy blow, and he lay on the ground some time. As he was getting up, Dunn came towards him to hit him again. I said to the deceased "Don't strike him it is a shame to strike an old man." The prisoner said, "Hold my umbrella, I'll fight him." I took the umbrella, and they fought for eight or ten minutes. The prisoner got the worst of it. The prisoner then unbuttoned his coat and fought under-handed. I was about ten yards from them. It was too dark for me to see whether the prisoner had anything in his hand. The prisoner shouted out "police" twice, and "murder" twice. He was in the middle of the road at the time. He picked up his hat and ran away on the Tarvin-road. When the prisoner ran off, Dunn told me he had been stabbed twice, and he threw stones after the prisoner and at me. I made my escape as far as Boughton Church, when I stopped to look for the prisoner. I did not see him, and I then went home. I took the umbrella with me.      John Barr— l am a police-constable of Chester. I was on duty in Foregate-street on the night of the 18th of January last, when I heard cries of "police, police," and “murder, murder." We met two women, and in consequence of what they said we hurried on towards Davies's house. We found a man lying on the ground a few yards from there. We found that he had been stabbed. We took him into the Royal Oak. He lived about ten minutes.      Mr. J. D. Weaver, surgeon, Chester, said — l was sent for on Saturday morning, the 19th January, to go to the Royal Oak in Boughton. When I got there I found the deceased, John Dunn lying there. He was dead, hut his body was warm. I examined his body and found a small punctured wound on the left side of the chest. It seemed to have been recently done, and might have been done with such a knife as that produced I made a post mortem examination of the body by order of the coroner. I found the heart was penetrated to the extent of two inches, and part of the chest was full of blood. This wound had been the cause of death. Cross-examined — The prisoner bad a black eye when he was before the magistrates. It appeared to have been caused by a severe blow. I don't think it would be possible for the deceased to throw stones after he received the wound      John McCreary, sergeant of police, proved having apprehended the prisoner.      Harriet Wood — l am the wife of Henry Wood, and live in Boughton. On the 23rd of January last I was in a house belonging to Mr. Bagnall. There is a garden at the back of the house. On that day I found the knife produced there. It was very much stained with blood, but I wiped it off. Mr Brown's house is about 150 or 200 yards from the garden.      John Parr(B?), police constable, said the place where John Dunn was found was close to the wall of Mr. Brown's.     Mr. Giffard, in addressing the Jury, contended that the prisoner had killed the deceased in self- defence, observing that it was no doubt the intention of the deceased to rob him. The whole of the circumstances favoured this view of the case, and if the Jury entertained this opinion they would find the prisoner not guilty.     Charles Holywell, police officer, Christleton, who had known the prisoner 10 years, Mr. Nathaniel Frith, who bad known him 25 years, Mr. Thomas Jones, farmer, Christleton, who had known him 35 years, Mr. Brittain, solicitor, Christleton, who had known him 10 or 12 years, and Mr. Shone, collector of rates at Chester, who had known for 20 years, all spoke of him as a quiet, peaceable, steady man.      The Judge, in summing up, said the prisoner was charged with the crime of manslaughter. The crime of manslaughter consisted in one person taking the life of another by the use of unlawful violence, and the question which they had to consider was not whether this was an aggravated case of manslaughter, but whether it amounted to a case of manslaughter by reason of its being proved to their satisfaction that the deceased came to his death by the unlawful violence of the prisoner. Now that he came to his death by the violence of the prisoner there was no reason to doubt, and therefore the only inquiry for them to make, was whether under the circumstances it seemed to them that the violence was lawfully or unlawfully exercised. Now there was no doubt if a man was attacked with violence he was justified in resorting to a force or violence in self-defence provided such force or violence was reasonably proportioned to the attack; but if a person, after having got into a violent quarrel with another, took the life of that person, that was undoubtedly a case of manslaughter. The jury retired, and after an absence of about an hour they returned into court with a verdict of manslaughter against the prisoner, but at the same time they strongly recommended him to mercy.      The Judge inquired on what ground they recommended the prisoner to mercy?      The Foreman—On the ground of the aggravating nature of the attack made upon him.
 
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 19 April 1856
Robbery with Violence on the Saltney Road.
As police-constables Edward Sutton and J. Hughes were walking along the Saltney-road, about a quarter past two o'clock on Saturday morning, they found a man named Richard Yarley, who is generally employed as a labourer in assisting to discharge vessels at Saltney, and who lives in Hand- bridge, lying on the side of the footpath, a little on the Chester aide of the new Wesleyan chapel now in course of erection. They assisted him up, and on inquiring how he came there, he stated that he had been attacked by four men, and robbed of 15s or 16s. He was walking in company with a man and woman of his acquaintance, when two men seized hold of his male companion, struck him on the head, and knocked him into the ditch. He went to his assistance, when the fellows turned upon him, struck and kicked him fearfully, and then robbed him of the sum stated. His companion, seizing the opportunity which presented itself, scrawled out of the ditch and got away. The policemen, seeing that Yarley, who was slightly in drink, was suffering severely from the assault, conveyed him to the Chester Infirmary, where be was attended by Mr. Jones, surgeon, who discovered severe bruises about his body, and that the right leg was broken. He is still in the Infirmary, but recovering from the injuries inflicted upon him. The robbers, we regret to say, have not yet been discovered, but the police, we believe, have some clue to them
 
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 24 May 1856
THE POLICE V. THE PRESS. A meeting of the Chester Watch Committee was held on Tuesday last, at the Exchange, to enquire into a charge brought against Police Officers Joseph Williams, No. 3, John Prince, No. 9, and Mason, No. 10, by Mr. Harker, a reporter for the Daily Post and Liverpool Journal, for refusing to interfere for his protection in an assault which was committed upon him, at the Chester Races. The affair has caused considerable interest in the City. Alderman Griffith occupied the chair on this occasion. Mr. Hicklin declined to act in the matter, as his newspaper had expressed a decided opinion on the case. The Mayor and several members objected, arguing that it was quite lawful for a man to be tried by his peers— gentlemen of the press by gentlemen of the press. Mr. Harker declared he had not the slightest objection to Mr. Hicks in acting on the committee. Mr. Harker proceeded with his complaint. He stated that on the 9th instant, the last day of the Races, he came down professionally to take a report of the Races; about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, while he was ascertaining the state of the betting, he was accosted by two females, who demanded payment of a bet which they alleged to have been made by him on the previous day. He protested that there must have been a mistake; but several suspicious looking persons came up, he guessed he was the victim of a speculative ruse, and soon as possible he managed to get back to the grand stand. Going down to the ring shortly afterwards, he found the two women had been somehow admitted to the enclosure, and he was soon surrounded by a crowd. He was jostled about for some time, and was struck by the parties round about. Officer 10 saw an assault committed and refused to take the parties into custody, saying, "I can't interfere." He (Mr. H.) endeavoured to get away, but officer 10 seized him, and said, "No, you shan't go until you settle." Officer 9 saw the assault, and when appealed to, said, "I can't interfere." Officer No 3 was on the stairs, and saw the whole of the row, and he also refused to interfere. Some gentlemen from Liverpool at length released him. Afterwards a complaint was made to Mr. Hill, who said, "You have your remedy— summons the parties." He was asked if the police could not interfere if they saw an assault committed, and was answered in the affirmative, adding, "The magistrates do not like to interfere in these matters. I saw a similar outrage myself the other day, and did not interfere." Mr. John Trevor, treasurer of the Chester County Court, corroborated the evidence of the former witness in the main points. He gave it as his opinion that a slight interference on the part of the police would have put an end to the row.— Mr. Platt: Are the police instructed to quell assaults on race-courses? The Chairman: We will get that from the chief constable. The fact is they are bound to preserve peace everywhere. Mr. Tomlinson alias Parkinson: No, that is not so in the ring! Mr. Jones, a member of the watch committee, was called by Mr. Harker, and he fully corroborated the statements against the officer?. He heard officer 9 say, "I have instructions not to interfere in these matters." Mr. Harbord stated that during the disturbance he called on constable No. 3 repeatedly, to assist Mr. Harker, and take the parties into custody who were assaulting him. He also deposed that policeman No. 10 prevented Mr. Harker from escaping, and refused to take into custody the parties assaulting him. The person calling himself Tomlinson assaulted this witness when attempting to rescue Mr. Harker; and constable No. 10, when requested to take Tomlinson into custody for this assault, refused to do so, urging, like No. 3, that he had no authority to do as Mr. Harbord corroborated Mr. Harker's statement as to the conduct of constable No. 9, and the conversation after the races with Mr. Hill. In cross-examination by constable 3, the witness said he repeatedly told that constable of the proposition to "strip" Mr. Harker, and requested him to take Tomlinson and the other parties into custody. In cross-examination by No. 10, the witness said that policeman was in a position to see the assault on Mr. Harker, and did refuse to take any person into custody. In answer to the chairman, Mr. Hill, the superintendent of the Chester police, said that he would not ask Mr. Harbord any questions in reference to the conversation with him (Mr. Hill). Colonel Ford was called by Mr. Hill, on behalf of the policemen. He said he saw Mr. Harker severely assaulted by two women, and that constable No, 15 (against whom no charge was preferred) rescued that gentleman. He thought the police on that day did their duty. He knew No. 15 well. Cross-examined by Mr. Harbord: He was on the top of the Grandstand when he saw the row. The policeman who interfered was either 9 or 15. He did not see anything of the row near the steps. By Mr. Harker: All that Mr. Harbord and Mr. Harker had stated might have taken place, because he only saw the first part of the row. Joseph Williams, policeman No. 3, said he saw no assault at all— not the least. — Examined by Mr. Musgrave (a committee-man): Was not requested at all to turn any one out of the reporter's box during the afternoon. He saw a great crowd, a riot, a tumult, but not any assault committed. No one was abused that he saw. Mr. Harbord told him that the parties should be taken into custody, but that was after Mr. Parker was liberated; and he said he had no right to interfere. If he saw an assault, he would take the assaulting person in charge.— By Mr. Harker: He (Mr. Harker) told defendant that parties were going to assault him, and demanded his protection if attacked. Mr. Harker did not request him to turn some parties out of the reporter's box, who had come up to assail him. — By Mr. Harbord : You did not grasp me by the arm, and tell me they were strangling Mr. Harker, and request me to take the parties in charge. This defendant denied every assertion that was made against him. John Prince, policeman No. 9, denied that he had seen any assault committed upon any body, or that any one was given in charge to him, or that he was requested to remove Tomlinson from the reporter's box. — By Mr. Musgrave: He could not say Tomlinson was the man who was in the box. — By the Chairman: The two women are racing characters; he had seen them on other occasions previously, The man in the reporter's box called himself Tomlinson. — By Mr. Harbord: I think you told me to remove Tomlinson when he used bad language. I asked him to come away, and he did so. — Mr. Musgrave: Why you have just said quite opposite not a minute ago. Mason, (officer 10) said he got into the crowd. He tapped Mr. H. on the shoulder, and told him he must pay. Some parties sang out, "Officer don't interfere;" and he walked away. He did not see any assault.— By a member. What were you doing in the crowd? — l was coming from the water-closet to the jockey-room. My duty was to take care of what was in the jockey-room. — Mr. Hill: You had not gone away from there a minute. Ray, (officer 15) stated that he had assisted to release Mr. Harker from the crowd. Mr. Cutter, a member of the Town-Council, stated that be saw a person pulling at the complainant's scarf, and he saw Mr. Tomlinson, alias Parkinson, trying to assist the complainant by pulling the other end of the scarf He thought the conduct of the officer was to be commended rather than otherwise. He knew Mr. Parkinson, the person who took a prominent part in the row; he had had business transactions with him in the way of telegraphing betting. He did not touch the complainant. Mr. Jones. I saw him take hold of Mr. Harker, and Mr. Cutter was there at the time. Mr. Cutter must have had his eyes and ears shut at the time. Let men be straightforward, and tell the honest truth. Mr. Cutter: I think I am as capable of giving an honest opinion as you. Mr. Jones: Gas, gas, gas (laughter). Mr. Isaac Bolton Taylor, reporter for the Chester Courant, said he saw Mr. Harker grossly ill-used and some policemen were in the crowd, but he did not know their numbers, Mr. Harker uttered an exclamation, and some person came up and released him. He thought the police did their duty. By Mr. Harbord: He was on the outside of the crowd. He was not very tall, but he thought he could see what was going on. Sergeant Bateman, of the Manchester detective force, corroborated the statements of the previous witnesses. Cross-examined: Was at the Chester races professionally. Did not consider himself bound to arrest parties assaulting others in the ring. He knew Mr. Parkinson, or Tomlinson, as he had been called during that day. One of the females and one of the gentlemen who took hold of Mr. Harker and abused him were a lady and gentleman— most respectable people — doing one of the most extensive businesses in Lancashire.— By Mr. Harboard: He would not state the name of the lady. He would not say that it was ladylike language to say "back to Liverpool, you d— d Irish b — rs, and stop there." John Parkinson, of 5, Pool-street, Manchester, said he was the keeper of a chop house and attended races to send information to London and other towns as to the betting, etc. He said Mr. Harker was very ill-used, and he was sorry he had taken any part in the matter, now that he had found out who the parties were. Cross-examined by Mr. Harbord: He certainly made use of very bad language in the reporters box, and Mr. Harbord requested a policeman 9 to put him out. By Mr. Platt: He interfered because it was the rule of the ring to punish defaulters. On Wednesday a man was stripped for not paying his bets. Sergeant Bateman stepped forward, and said that Mr. Parkinson's statement was correct. He had attended races for the last five years at York, Doncaster, Ascot, Epsom, Manchester, Shrewsbury, etc, and it was the custom to strip defaulters. The Jockey Club and Tattersall's, however, were going to organize a body of men to traverse the country and find out all defaulters. Mr. Parkinson: Well, it is a complete mistake, and I am as sorry as I can be that I have meddled in it at all. By Mr. Harbord: I beg your pardon for saying I was a reporter of the London Morning Post, I am not connected with that paper. I never saw Mr Harker in my life before at any race meeting. Mr. Davenport corroborated Mr. Taylor's statement. At half-past seven o'clock the room was cleared, and the committee proceeded to consider the evidence. The following is the decision :— "That police-officer No. 3 be dismissed the force; and that No. 9 and No. 10 be reduced to the lowest grade, and suspended;" the committee also expressing their strong disapproval of the employment of the police at the races, or any other than strictly police duties.
 
Chester Chronicle – 19 July 1856
The Case of  Horatio Nelson Tivy. – The arrest of Mr. Bayliss at Rotherham and the circumstances of the charge against him, have led to some remarks being made contrasting the severity with which he has been treated with the apparent impunity accorded to Tivy, the late Governor of the City Gaol. It is said that if the authorities chose they could very readily lay hands upon, the latter; and it is expected that as Baylis has been brought to justice Tivy ought not to permitted to escape. We have good reason to believe that there is great difficulty if not an impossibility, in rendering Tivy amenable to the law. It true that a reward 10 guineas was offered for his apprehension, but the time for which was available has expired long since. Moreover, and this is the—the Corporation took possession of "his effect’, sold them, received the proceeds, thus changing the character of the offence, and impracticable to proceed against him criminally, the- only recourse being by civil process for the balance of his deficiencies. The case of Moah Is not in point, as he was convicted under an Act relating to Government officers. We understand that Mr. Hill is a creditor of Tivy's for £15, for money lent—so that the Superintendent of Police has an interest in ferreting him out if he is discoverable. The charges against Baylis having  justified his committal, he will be tried at the Assizes by a County Jury, as there might be a surmise that he would not have an impartial trial by jury of the citizens who have suffered his defalcations. Of course, there is no reasonable ground for such a supposition, is well to avoid the shadow of suspicion in so sacred a matter as the administration of criminal justice.
 
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 27 September 1856
Assaulting the Police. — John Morean, a soldier in the 89th regiment, was charged with creating a disturbance in Castle-street, on Saturday night last.  PC Hughes stated that he was in Castle- street, when the defendant was fighting with some other soldiers; he tried to separate them and was struck on the head by one of the soldiers, who is missing, with a belt. Two belts was produced in court, one of which was owned by the defendant. The Mayor strongly animadverted on the dastardly practice of men fighting with their belts and contrasted their conduct with that of soldiers some years back who though they were allowed to wear side arms, were never guilty of such disgraceful practices. Morean was given up to an officer of the regiment to receive military punishment.
 
Violent Assault.— Edward Thomas, a strong brutish-looking fellow, was charged with having assaulted several boys on the previous evening while playing in St. John's Church-yard, and also with committing  a most violent assault on the police. It appeared from the evidence of John Bishop and George Henry Harrop, two respectable youths, that the prisoner, who had been drinking, was offended at seeing them laugh with their companions, and after cuffing and striking them, he set a dog after them which bit one of them in several places. The lads sent one of their number for a policeman, and Constable Evans came up and apprehended the prisoner, who thereupon commenced a most brutal assault on him, kicking and striking him in every part of his body, calling upon his dog, one of the bull-and terrier breed, that animal aided his master by biting the policeman's legs in numerous places. Police Constable’s Hughes and Pickering were also much abused before he could be locked up. For the assault on the boys, prisoner was fined 20s. and costs, or in default 21 days imprisonment, and for the assault on the police he was committed for trial at the sessions
 
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 18 October 1856
MICHAELMAS CITY QUARTER SESSIONS. Friday (yesterday) the General Quarter Sessions for the Peace of this city were held at the Town before W. X. Welaby, Esq., Recorder. William Edwards (23), brush-maker, was charged with having stolen four brushes from the shop of Thos. Latham, brush-maker, Northgate-street, on the 3rd September last. Mr. Lloyd prosecuted. On the day in question a bundle of paint brushes was hanging on the door-post Latham's shop, and a young woman passing by, saw the prisoner look twice into the shop and then snatch something down and at once found the brushes were gone, and he gave information to the police. Sergeant M'Creery apprehended the prisoner an hour or two afterwards, and in his pocket found the brushes claimed by Mr. Latham. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. The prisoner was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, having been twice previously convicted.
ASSAULT TO A POLICEMAN.   Edward Thomas (20), labourer, was charged with having, on the 25th September, violently assaulted and wounded John Owens, a police constable of this city, while in the execution of his duty. Mr. H. Latham prosecuted, and Mr. H. Lloyd defended the prisoner. The prisoner on the night in question had assaulted some boys, and when the prosecutor took him into custody, he violently assaulted him and two other officers. In the police office he struck Owens again. Mr. Lloyd suggested that the prosecutor apprehended the prisoner illegally. The learned Recorder, however, thought that point must fall to the ground, as it was stated that an assault had been committed in the police office.
Constables John Hughes and Diggery were examined; and the learned Recorder said that seeing there was doubt as to the legality of the arrest, he thought the case would be met by finding the prisoner guilty of common assault. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and the learned Recorder sentenced him to pay fine of 20s., and be imprisoned until the fine was paid. The learned Recorder said was assault committed while drunk, but any person convicted of deliberately attacking the police would very severely dealt with.
London Standard - Saturday 6 December 1856
WINTER ASSIZES. NORTH WALES CIRCUIT. Chester, Dec. 5. (Before Mr. Baron Alderson.) MURDER OF TWO CHILDREN BY THEIR FATHER. William Jackson, aged 33, described as an upholsterer, and well-educated, was charged with having, in the city of Chester on the 27th of September last, wilfully murdered John Edward Jackson. There was another indictment against the prisoner charging him with the wilful murder of Mary Jane Jackson. Mr. Swetenham and Mr. H. Lloyd prosecuted; the prisoner was defended by Mr. Macintyre. Mr. Swetenham then proceeded to state the case. The prisoner was a married man, and the father of four children. Last May his wife left him and went to reside at Manchester, leaving a girl and a boy, about six years old, with him, the murder of which boy was the subject of the present trial. Those children had been taken care of by a Mrs. Hancock, a relative of the prisoner. On the 27th of September, Mrs. Hancock sent them to the Coach and Horses public house, where the prisoner was lodging, and there they were left. Soon after that time the prisoner went out, and in a short time returned to the house, when he took away the little girl, coming back in about half an hour. He then took out the boy, and did not return until the afternoon, when he was alone. He was seen by different parties going towards an orchard, belonging to a Mr. Rogers, carrying the children, and he was seen by other persons returning without them. The absence of the children gave rise to various rumours, and in answer to inquiries the prisoner gave evasive replies. At length, about three weeks after they had been missed, the mother of the children came to Chester and communicated with the police, who at once instituted inquiries into the case, and on the 22nd of October the prisoner was apprehended. On the following morning, police-officer Whittaker and his retriever dog were in the garden towards which the prisoner was seen carrying the children, and on approaching a pit the dog began to scratch the soil. A spade was obtained, and on removing one sod the naked foot of a child was seen. Mr. Hill, the chief constable, was informed of this fact, and he and his officers went at once to the spot, and on removing more soil came upon the body of a little boy, beneath which was found the body of a little girl. Near the boy was also found a bag of toys, which the girl who took him to the Coach and Horses on the 27th of September would identify as belonging to the boy, who carried it with him to the house, and afterwards had in his band when his father was carrying him towards the orchard. When the bodies were examined, it was found that the throat of each was stuck in the same manner as a butcher would kill a pig or a sheep, separating the carotid artery and the jugular vein without cutting the throat across. The prisoner had formerly been in the habit of assisting his brother as a butcher; his own trade was that of an upholsterer. The learned counsel then proved these facts in evidence. Mr. Macintyre then addressed the jury for the defence, dwelling upon the improbability of a crime which was opposed by the whole current of parental feeling. He concluded by demanding for the prisoner the benefit of any doubt they might entertain as to the proof of the charge. The learned Judge then summed up, going through the entire evidence, and concluding as follows: — If you have any reasonable doubts of the prisoner's guilt, then you will give him all the benefit, and I am sure you will be glad to acquit him; but if you believe that he is guilty, then you must return your verdict, however unpleasant to your-selves. The jury deliberated for two or three minutes, and then returned a verdict of Guilty. His lordship put on the black cap, and said — "William Jackson, you have been found guilty on the very clearest evidence that I almost ever heard in a court of justice of the murder of your two infant children; for, although the last indictment merely charges the death of the boy, it is perfectly clear, from what appeared on the trial, that you killed both one and the other. After killing the girl, you came back and took away the poor little child, and killed it in like manner. There seems to have been some struggle with the first, for you cut off the thumb with the same weapon with which you afterwards killed her. Then having done that dreadful and horrible act, you came and took away that poor little child and killed him, and then buried the two in one grave. There can be nothing said which can aggravate or mitigate such crimes as this. No possible anger on your put could possibly have existed towards children of such tender age as these, the oldest scarcely seven, and the youngest only six; but I cannot say anything to aggravate your crime; I would not if I could. I can only exhort you to employ properly the time, and to tell you that there is not the slightest hope for you in this world— it is the kindest thing I can say to you. Do not hope for mercy. Crimes like these must be determined in the manner in which yours will. If there were any doubt in the case it would be different, but the evidence is so clear that no one in the country will for a moment doubt your guilt. I beseech you to think from this individual moment that your life is at an end, and to make that which may be made— atonement to God through the merits of Him who died for us all. That is all that can possibly remain for you. Consider yourself dead from this moment to the world. Fall down on your knees at the foot- stool of God, and beg His pardon; it may be had from Him, but it cannot be had from man, because we cannot judge of the internal motives as God can. We can only judge from the evidence before us. Crimes like yours must be removed from the world, and I entreat you to come to God through the merits of Our Lord. His infinite merits may atone even for your sins, but you must apply yourself to them. You must beg and plead as a miserable sinner at the footstool of God to pardon the heinous crime of which you have been found guilty. I do not pass sentence on you, but I have only to tell you what the law says. The law says that for this offence you must die. I beseech you do what you can that you may not die eternally; but if you die in this world without repenting of  your sins, you will die eternally. Think what an eternity of death is. Pray that you may yet escape by the infinite mercy of Christ. The law of the country says — and I as its minister mention and repeat it to you— that for this your offence, you be taken back to the place from whence you came, and from thence you be taken to a place of execution, and be there hung by the neck until you are dead. That is the sentence, and for myself, and I hope for all here, I pray God may have mercy on your soul." The prisoner turned pale on hearing his sentence, but directly afterwards picked up his hat which was on the door by his side and walked firmly away. A few moments afterwards he was recalled, and his lordship finished the sentence by telling him that after execution his body would be buried within the precincts of the gaol in which he had been last confined. The culprit bowed, and retired with as firm a step and as unmoved a countenance as before. Immediately after the verdict of Guilty had been pronounced by the jury a document was handed to the judge, which was stated to be a confession of his guilt made by the prisoner. After perusing it his lordship handed it to the Clerk of the Crown, remarking that it was not signed, and there was nothing in it.
Observer - Saturday 13 December 1856
CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. The usual Monthly Meeting of the Council was held at the Exchange, yesterday; the Mayor in the chair.  ROODEE KEEPER. Mr. Alderman Peacock proposed that police constable, Emanuel Hughes, be appointed Roodee keeper in the room of Mr. Griffith, deceased, he continuing to act as Inspector of Common Lodging Houses and Police-constable, as heretofore, at the wages of 2s. 6d. per week, in addition to his present pay, with the use of the Roodee Lodge as a residence. He said if the Council appointed Hughes on these terms, they would save £16 18s. per annum. Mr. Musgrave seconded it. — Carried.
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 3 January 1857 Melancholy Accident. — Thomas Whittaker, one of the Chester police force, was accidentally shot in the breast by Charles William Potts, Esq., on Thursday last, whilst in pursuit of game on the Marquis of Westminster's grounds at Eaton, near this city. Every possible effort has been made as far as medical aid goes, to appease the wounded man's sufferings, and we were very happy to hear that he is considered out of danger, although in a very weak state from loss of blood.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 31 January 1857
BROXTON PETTY SESSIONS. January 27th. Before R. B. Orton, Esq., the Hon. E. Kenyon, Major Cotton, and J. H. Leeche, Esq.  Drinking on a Sunday. — Mr. Brooks, publican, Bishop's Field, was convicted upon the evidence of George Snell, police officer, Chester, in the sum of £1 and costs, for having persons drinking in his house at half-past 10 o'clock, on Sunday the 28th December last.
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 7 February 1857
On Thursday last, the Watch committee of the Chester Town Council, proceeded to elect an additional sergeant of police, in accordance with the recommendation of Lieut-Col. Woodford, the government inspector of police for the district. There were eight candidates, only three of whom were attendance—Edward Sutton, a private officer in the Chester force; William Bodessa, a warder in Chester Castle; and William Jones, an officer of the Wirral constabulary. Testimonials to character and competency were read, and when the votes were taken 7 were given for Sutton, three for Bordessa, and none for Jones, the good character and long service of Sutton being favourably considered by the committee.
 
Sudden Death of a Police Officer.—This week it our duty to record another case of very sudden death, the subject being Edward Fairbrother, who for 21 years had been a member of the Chester Police Force, for the last few years having been what was termed the "market man," having charge of the various markets near the Exchange. For a long time he had been afflicted with rheumatic gout, and on Tuesday last complained some of his brother-officers of feeling an acute pain on one of his toes. At half-past o'clock on Tuesday night, he left the police-office and went home, apparently in good health. His son, who slept with him, retired to rest after his father, and the morning, on awaking, found that something was the matter with the deceased, he was seemingly fast asleep. Just at this instant John Jones, another police- officer, went to call the deceased, as the market-gates were not opened at half-past eight o'clock. Deceased's son ran down and told Jones thought his father was dead, and when Jones went up stairs he found such to be the case. A doctor was called who confirmed the fact, and at an inquest held in the afternoon a verdict was returned that deceased was found dead, having marks of violence on his body.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 26 September 1857
DARING BURGLARY IN CHESTER. One of the most daring attempts at robbery which we have ever had to record, occurred on Tuesday night on the premises of Messrs. John and Joseph Huxley, wine and spirit merchants, Eastgate-Street A deeply laid plan had been contrived to enter their house, and take away the contents of their safe, by blowing it open with gunpowder, but fortunately although the design, with a combined skill and an audacity which showed that the affair was conducted by practised housebreakers, was all but successfully executed, yet at the very last moment, the violent explosion of the gunpowder alarmed the neighbourhood, and the nefarious object of the burglars was defeated, though they themselves managed to extricate themselves out of the house, and for the present at least, they have succeeded in eluding the active search of the police. As most of our readers are aware, the house occupied by Messrs. Huxley stands immediately against the Eastgate, and is separated from the next house in Eastgate-Street, which is in the occupation of Mr. Gardner, upholsterer, by a passage leading to a flight of stone steps, going up to the City wall, and placed directly behind and against Messrs. Huxley's house. Half way up the steps is a landing place, from which a door opens into the upper part of the house, and it was through this door that an entrance was effected by the burglars; by means of a skeleton key. The premises were closed as usual about eight o'clock at night, and left with no one inside to protect them. It is supposed that the thief or thieves gained admittance into the house at about a quarter before nine o'clock. At that time, a lad in the employ of Mr. Dodd, baker of this city, turned up the passage to proceed by the steps up on to the walls; at the bottom of the flight be was stopped by a very tall stout man, who hindered him from going farther by putting his arms out, and after asking several questions of him, inquired the way to the post office. The led directed him, and while speaking heard the door upon the landing shot, but he attached no importance to it at the time, and passed on, the man making no further attempt to atop him. It is believed that only one person entered the house, while two others watched outside. After getting into the house, the burglar easily made his way into a room, immediately above the room on the ground floor, in which Messrs. Huxley keep their spirits, &c Here be set to work, and by means of a brace and bits, made a number of holes in the floor, and with a fine toothed saw (for in the precipitancy of the flight afterwards all the tools were left behind) cut through the apace between the holes and raised the piece of floor, leaving s space nearly two feet square, and exposing the plaster of the ceiling of the shop below. The exposed part of the ceiling was then cut through with a saw, and with such skill was the operation conducted, that the thief raised the detached portion of the ceiling into the upper room, allowing nothing but the dust caused by the action of the saw to fall into the room beneath. Having thus cut a small passage for himself, the man lowered himself to the counter below by the aid of s rope which was found fastened to the beam of the flooring. From the shop, there to a door into the front office, and the lock of this being picked, and an entrance made, the burglar proceeded to open the safe, which stands in a recess, between the fire place and the front window of the office looking into the street. After removing the cover of the keyhole, and no doubt finding that the safe could not be picked, gunpowder was pot into the lock through the keyhole, into which a piece of india-rubber piping was introduced, with a funnel inserted at the upper end. The burglar here apparently miscalculated the quantity of the gunpowder, which must have been very large, from the loudness of the explosion and the effects upon the safe. The double doors of it were burst open, and the lock and iron casing on one of them were shattered to fragments and hurled about the office. The explosion took place about two o'clock, the work of forcing so entrance having occupied a considerable time. In the meanwhile, the attention of police-constable Bourne, a young officer, and the wearer of a Crimean medal, had been attracted between one and two o'clock, by two tall stoutly built and respectably dressed men, who stood, one at Mr. Rowe's shop opposite Messrs. Huxleys’ house, and the other at the corner of the passage leading to the walls. On seeing that they were observed by Bourne, they moved a abort distance, but returned. His suspicion being aroused, he kept near the spot, and on hearing the explosion at two o'clock, he ran immediately to Messrs. Huxleys' house, and took his stand at the door on the landing. The report was also heard by Mr. Gardner, the upholsterer living next to Messrs. Huxleys', and he opened his bedroom window and inquired of the constable what the matter was. Bourne asked him to come down and assist him, as he heard thieves in the house, and immediately Mr. Gardner harried on his clothes. Before he could come out, however, the two men who had been seen by Bourne went to the assistance of their comrade. Bourne, who was either too flurried to recognise them, or did not suppose they were connected with the robbery, rather stupidly allowed them to come up the steps, and pass him. On getting a step or two above him, the taller man of the two suddenly drew a life preserver from his pocket, and dealt Bourne a tremendous blow on the side of the head, which knocked him down. The man then repeated his blows till the constable became insensible. The man inside the house, who had placed a stool on the counter to facilitate his escape through the ceiling, took this opportunity to come out of the house, and succeeded in getting away without being seen by any one. Mr. Gardner had by this time come out, armed with a sword stick, in company with his son. The latter seeing a man in the street, asked him what the noise was? The fellow replied, "what noise, what do I know about it!" and, having gone a few steps, suddenly took to his heels, followed by young Gardner, who chased him op St. Werburgh's Lane, round by Northgate Street, and then back to Eastgate Street, where he lost trace of him. Mr. Gardner senr., ran after the stouter man of the two, and followed him into John-street, where he raised a cry of "stop thief." The man immediately stooped down, and Mr. Gardner threatened to run him through, but, hesitated to go to such extremities, while he was ignorant of the offence the man had committed. The man thereupon suddenly drew out a life preserver, and struck at him; Mr. Gardner parried the blow, which fell upon the muscle of his arm. The man again ran off, and Mr. Gardner followed him, but could not again come up with him. So great was the alarm, which the burglar inside felt at the explosion, that the contents of the safe, in which there was a sum of about £25, were left untouched, although one bag containing £5 in gold and silver was lying immediately against the door. A most complete and new set of housebreaking implements, consisting of a jemmy, two fine saws, a chisel, brace and three bits, a dark lanthorn together with a rope ladder, a flask of oil, several packages of gunpowder, part of a funnel, and some pieces of India rubber rubbing, was left behind. The taller man of the two men seen by Bourne also dropped his hat, which was nearly new, in the struggle, and it is now in the possession of the police. The constable was severely hurt and cut on the shoulder, so that he was unable to return to duty on the following day: It has since been ascertained that the flask of oil left by the burglars, was purchased on Tuesday at Mr Brierley’s Chemist Foregate Street, by a short man, who is supposed to have been the person, who got into the premises. It is evident from the skill shown by these daring depredators, and the completeness of their preparations, that they belong to Liverpool or some other large town, and the police have every hope that in a short time, they will be able to bring the gang to justice, and put an end to their visit to Chester
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 13 December 1856
THE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE POLICE. Is last week's Chronicle there was a paragraph under the title of "Damaging the City Walls," which closed with a remark these terms:— We hope this decision will satisfactory to the "fast" members of the Improvement Committee, who saw with “so much regret that their orders had not been attended to" sooner. It is not usual for a chief constable in this country to obtain convictions until is able to have the offenders in custody. The Committee conceive that this comment reflected upon their proceeding in the matter, and have been requested to publish what follows as explanatory of their conduct. COPING OF THE CITY WALLS. MR. ALDERMAN S. PEACOCK'S REPORT. The Improvement Committee have the care and repairs of the City Walls deputed to them the Council under the Improvement Act, clauses 3 and 49. In the estimates of the year, agreed to by the Council, there set down the sum of £35; the Committee is expected to keep the repairing within this amount. On Wednesday, the 19 November last, three men, two of them formerly in the Cheshire Militia, and one the son of a discharged police constable, were seen to throw down considerable portion of the city wall, near the Tower, at about four o'clock in the afternoon. Witnesses—The Rev. Mr. Marsden, Mr. Roberts, hairdresser, Foregate-street; Mr. Tasker, and a young man a bookbinder who works in the Phoenix Tower, the latter knew all the parties by sight and one the persons, by name. These particulars were communicated to Mr. Hill by a member of the improvement committee (Mr. James Rowe), at half-past five o'clock the same afternoon. Sergeant Speed was present, and Mr. Hill placed the case in his hands, with instructions to bring the parties immediately to justice.  The next day, Thursday, the 20th, Mr. Rowe saw Speed, who, in answer to Mr. Howe's enquiry, appeared nearly to have lost sight of the case. Mr. Rowe expressed great surprise at the delay, and pressed Speed to immediate exertion. Mr. Rowe met Speed the next day (Friday 21st), he then had not made any progress in the matter. Mr. Rowe on the same day saw Mr. Hill, and stated the above facts to him, who replied that was glad Mr. Rowe had told him; that it was pay-day, and he would fine Speed for neglect of duty, and concluded he would take the case out Speed's hands and give instructions to Hughes. On Wednesday, the 20th the Improvement Committee penned the minute No. 1, and sent a copy to Mr. Hill. On Wednesday (3rd December), the Committee sent their clerk, Mr. Paul, to ask Mr. Hill for an answer to their minute of the 20th ultimo. Mr. Hill merely sent back a verbal message, that was he not prepared to report, the matter was in hand, but is was secret. The Committee then penned a second minute at about half past ten o'clock. At twelve o'clock, the warrant for the apprehension of the three men was taken out, and at eight o'clock in the evening they were in custody. The following day, Thursday, 4th December, they were fined £5 each, and in default be imprisoned for two months hard labour. From enquiries made on the 8th December, the respective witnesses say that they were not applied to until some days after the first sent to Mr. Hill; that they could at any time have given such information as would have led to their apprehension without any difficulty. Mr. Hill stated at the monthly meeting of the Watch Committee, held on Thursday, 4th December, that he had not yet fined Speed. It was the opinion of the Committee that he intended to do so. Mr. Paul is to report on Wednesday, 10th December, the weekly meeting of the Improvement Committee whether Mr. Hill  has fined Speed for neglect of duty in this matter, and if so, in what amount,. Thomas Joinson, one of the parties now under sentence the city gaol for this offence, was employed with others, on Friday and Saturday, the and 22nd November, repairing the damage-committed by himself and the other two on the previous Wednesday. He was seen, on each of the above, days work by some of the parties who saw him, committing the damage. - Sergeant Speed was fined five shillings on Friday last At a Meeting of the Improvement Committee, held the 26th day of November, 1856— Present—Alderman S. Peacock, in the chair; Mr. Trevor Mr. Robert Littler, Mr. Wilcoxon, Mr. Hitchen, Mr. J. Axon' Mr. T. Clare, Mr. Sheriff Jones, Mr. Henry Latham, Mr. j! Hicklin, Mr. J. B. Musgrave, Mr. J. Edwards, Mr. Jas. Rowe. lst Resolution—lt having been reported that a length of the coping of the City Walls, near the Tower, had been thrown down, and information having been given that the parties who have committed the damage are known—Ordered: That the attention of Mr. Hill be called to the matter, with directions to proceed against the parties, he considers the evidence sufficient. At a Meeting of the above Committee, held the 3rd of December, 1856- Present—Alderman S. Peacock, the chair; Mr. Wilcoxon, Mr. J. Axon, Mr. B. Littler, Mr. James Rowe, Mr. Henry Latham, Mr. Sheriff Jones, Mr. E. Johnson, Mr. J. B. Musgrave. 2nd Resolution—The Committee has to express its dissatisfaction that the resolution of the last meeting of the Committee with respect to the injury done to the coping of the City Walls' near the Phoenix Tower, has not been attended to.
 
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 14 February 1857
CHESTER POLICE COURT. Saturday. An Irish Row.— Mary Smith and Mary Blythe were charged on the evidence of Thomas Williams, special constable, with fighting and causing a riot in Steven-street, on Tuesday evening last. The defendant Smith (who exhibited an eye apparently damaged and undergoing repair) persisted in saying that the other defendant commenced the fight, whilst Blythe said it originated with Smith. Several witnesses on their behalf were in Court, and seemed extremely anxious to put a "spoke in the wheel." A brisk argument was kept up between the two defendants whilst their witnesses were under examination—when any point in the evidence was weighty and told against either of them, it would call forth a look of indignation as well as triumph from the other, and shewed very plainly that they were capable of giving a good “curtain lecture," or singing the "morning and evening hymns" to their husbands in an accomplished style. On one witness coming forward on behalf of Smith; Mrs. Blythe said, "that woman is not right, she's a lunatic sure; and I hope your worship will not listen to her." Smith: " Hold your noise you nasty old badun." Blythe: "No I wont, I have a soul to save and I tell the truth."  They were again about to argue the point in their own true Irish way, when the Bench put a stop to it by ordering the defendants to find bail to keep the peace for 6 months; their husbands in £5 each, and two sureties, each in £2 10s.
 
Chester Chronicle – Saturday 18 July 1857
THE PROSECUTION OF JACKSON; THE WATCH COMMITTEE; AND THE CHIEF CONSTABLE. As most of our readers are aware, some remarks were made at the Council meeting last week relative to the expenses incurred the prosecution and execution of William Jackson, at the Winter Assizes for Cheshire last December. In the course of those observations, it was stated that Mr. Hill had sent in a bill of expenses, in which were put down various items as having been paid, and for which he had received the money, whereas, in truth, those parties were still minus the payment. One item so charged was said to be £3. 3s for Inspector Long; another of £1.1.0d. for Sergeant Speed; and another was 5s. for the truck in which the bodies of the murdered children were conveyed to the Workhouse These statements sounded badly, and Councillor Littler pronounced the whole proceeding "defraud," and said that the city was ringing with the fact that the prosecution had cost £212. As the Council was not in a position to investigate the matter it was referred to the Watch Committee, and the narrative of its proceedings we shall now give. Early on Saturday morning two committee men, one the deputy chairman, and the other tradesman not far from the corner of Eastgate-row, went to find the chairman of the committee, to impress him the necessity for summoning a meeting instanter, or, at latest, on the following. Monday— So shocking was the scandal caused by Mr. Hill's conduct! The chairman had not arrived at his office, and the committee men got into conversation with a gentleman, who informed them he thought the chairman could not conveniently attend on the Monday. This remark was met with approval by one of the committee men, who said they should get on better without him, perhaps, as he was too favourable to Mr. Hill. The gentlemen then having been informed of the route taken by Mr. R. Frost from his residence to his mill, proceeded to the river and took different positions to secure their man. In a short time he was seen approaching, and after some conversation a special meeting of the Watch Committee was arranged for Monday. During the course of Saturday the matter was pretty well canvassed, and not a little was done to prejudice Mr. Hill in the eyes of his own officers and of the public. Sergeant Speed was stopped by Mr. Wilcoxon and asked whether he had received that guinea. Speed replied that he had not, neither did he know that he was entitled to one. The deputy-chairman also undertook, near his own residence, to stop an officer and, as a great secret, to inform him of delinquencies the part of his superior. On Monday morning the committee specially met, but the deputy chairman, who had been eager for the meeting, was engaged in marshalling the Foresters' procession, therefore was unable to attend and to urge and investigate the charges against the chief constable Application was made for the admission of reporters, but the case was too serious for publicity, and therefore the press was excluded. As, however, committee rooms are fitted with capacious ventilators, some of the proceedings oozed out, and we could hear that when the bill sent in by Mr. Hill was read, the item of £1.1s.0d. for Sergeant Speed could not be found, nor could that officer's name be seen in the bill at all. Other sums said to have been misappropriated were equally visionary, and after some further talk the meeting was adjourned until the next day. On Tuesday morning the committee again assembled, when more claptrap about the £212 was blown off, and a vote was taken as to whether the word "fraud," not “defraud”, should be inserted in the report of the committee. Mr. Hill announced that order to put a stop to the slanders uttered in hotel-bars and other places, he should take some decisive steps, and the effect of this statement was to bring forth an apprehensive sigh from one at least of the gentlemen present. Alderman Griffith challenged the deputy chairman with having called a policeman into his shop and spoken of the matter to him." Mr. Rowe denied the charge, and upon inquiry it turned out that the conversation took place near Mr. Rowe's residence, and not at his shop. The charges against the chief constable were proved to have no foundation, and at the next Council meeting we shall be able to publish the report of the committee, with other facts interesting to the public Now, it appears to us, that all this is but a renewal of the disorderly and irregular system which prevailed in the Town Office five years ago, before the change in that department. The charges under discussion Monday seem to have been those disallowed by Mr. Wilkins, the government taxer of costs at the winter assizes for this City and County last December. They form the items of a new bill brought against the Council when they were repudiated by Government. Why did not the clerk to the magistrates see to this, and maintain their propriety before the taxer? It seems that the magistrates left it to him, left it to a clerk, and the clerk left it where. Why should the burden and responsibility of getting up the case be remitted to the superintendent of police, who virtually acted as attorney for the prosecution? The clerk to the magistrates is the executive officer of that body, and is bound to see that their part in public business is carried out efficiently. Had that been done, all this trouble and annoyance would have been avoided. It is strange that at this time of day, the question of duties, fees, salaries, and so forth, should be so misunderstood, and that no rule prevails by which they can be discriminated. It is really high time that all this should be placed on an intelligible and satisfactory basis. It appears to us, moreover, a most trumpery course for the Watch Committee of this Corporation to sit in extraordinary and solemn conclave upon a matter wherein the only question in dispute was the sum of five shillings! How the officials of the city submit to this sort of thing we cannot conceive. For several days last week a variety of reports were afloat as to charges of fraud and peculation on the part of the Superintendent of Police; and the Vice-Chairman of the Watch Committee informed one of the police constables (Snell), under the seal of secrecy, that now they had caught Mr. Hill, and that he could not wriggle out of it “this time." Yet Mr. Rowe had not the manliness to appear at the extraordinary meeting of the committee on Monday to sustain his charge,, and give substance to the windy vapouring he had been indulging in, to the prejudice of the character of the head officer of the police. We consider the manner in which he has been tampering with Snell as subversive of all subordination, and detrimental to the public service instilling doubts of the honesty and uprightness of their superiors in the minds of those who ought to respect them, but who cannot be expected to so when a contrary example is shewn them. We again ask how long is such state of things to last, and can it be continued without disadvantage and mischief? The only practical issue to this system of frivolous and vexatious interference with the Chief Constable, and to which recourse must be had at last is—that if there so much doubt about that gentleman's integrity, and such jealous watchfulness required as to his proceedings in money matters, the inevitable question arises,-should there not a change? We do not think any one is prepared for this conclusion. Then say, that Mr. Hill should take such steps as will vindicate him in the position he is justified to assume, and appeal to a jury for redress and satisfaction at the hands of those who venture to impugn his character and conduct so unceasingly, causelessly, and impertinently.
 
London Standard – Wednesday 26 August 1857
Extensive Swindling in Chester. — The day after last cattle fair a fellow well-dressed, and wearing a moustache, called at the Chester Police Office and stated that he had been robbed of £75 in notes at a public-house in Foregate-street. His account of the affair was then so strange that the police authorities considered his tale entirely false, and subsequent events prove the truth of the supposition. For the past week or two the fellow, sometimes giving the name of Piper, Dugdale, or Burt, has, with a woman purporting to be his wife, visited several of the principal trades- people in the city, and obtained goods from them in a fraudulent manner. The goods were all sent to a house at Dee View, which the man and woman had taken, and which was partially furnished. On Wednesday last the man called at Messrs. Brown's, Eastgate-row, and desired that a parcel of silk dresses should be sent to his house for some ladies to choose from. The dresses were sent, and one selected, for which payment was refused, which refusal resulted in the apprehension of both man and woman. On Friday morning the prisoners were brought before the magistrates. The court was filled all the principal tradesmen, and great interest was excited in the public. The prisoners gave the names of William Francis Burt and Sarah Burt. The male prisoner complained that he had had no opportunity of obtaining a solicitor. At a subsequent stage of the proceedings he requested that Mr. Massey should be sent for, but that gentleman was not at home. Mr. Edwards, who appeared for the prosecution, charged the prisoners with larceny in having obtained goods for which they never intended to pay. A porter, in the employ of Messrs. W. and C. Brown, was examined, and it appeared, further, that a cheque, which the female prisoner had offered to this witness was found torn in pieces in the water-closet at the police-station. On being pasted together it was found to be a cheque on Williams and Co.'s Bank, Chester for £35 10s signed "Alfred Lance." Mr Jones from the bank said that no effects were entered in the name of Alfred Lance. The prisoners were then remanded to Wednesday next, bail for their appearance being refused.
 
Chester Chronicle - Saturday 21 November 1857 CHESTER WATCH COMMITTEE. MESSRS. ROWE, LITTLER, AND WILCOXON.  MARE'S NEST.
On Wednesday morning at ten o'clock the watch committee, met in the Council chamber, to hear certain evidence produced by Messrs. Rowe, Littler, and Wilcoxon, against the statement of police-officer Edward Dorrity (C 10), that on the night of the 10th October last he had rescued a drunken fellow, named William Maddock, of Ledsham, from being drowned in the river. The case had been reported to the watch committee, and that body had awarded 10s. to Dorrity for his courageous conduct. The Council meeting the 2nd instant that sum was augmented to 25., and then Mr. Rowe moved that the matter be referred back to the watch committee for further investigation, he was able to prove that the policeman's statement was false, and that the name of Maddock was too respectable to be connected with drunkenness.     The amendment was not seconded, but as the hearsay gossip was so loud and strong, another investigation was agreed to, and on Wednesday morning it commenced at ten o'clock. Mr. R. Frost, the chairman, having explained the reason for the meeting, The Town Clerk suggested that, if Dorrity still adhered to his former statement, the evidence against him should be first taken.     Edward Dorrity was called in, and in reply to the chairman said, that the whole of the previous statement was perfectly correct.     Mr. S. Meacock, junr. was then called to give evidence, but in answer to the Town Clerk, admitted that he knew nothing of the affair personally, all he knew was from hearsay.     So ended the first witness. Mr. Hill suggested that all witnesses or persons likely to be examined should withdraw, which suggestion was agreed to.     William Maddock, of Ledsham, a half imbecile looking countryman, said—l had taken too much drink, but not know how much. It was chiefly ale. I was walking alone. The last house I remember being was the Grosvenor Arms, by the Northgate. It was dark when left there, but I do not recollect leaving. I can go to Ledsham either by the Parkgate or Liverpool road, and sometimes one, and sometimes the other, going by the sands would be much round. On this night I do not know which way I went, but I recollect falling a great height into the canal. I cannot describe exactly the part of the canal. I recollect being in the water; as I got sober I put my elbows on the side, and got out on the clean sandy walk; no one came to assist me. I saw no light, but I found myself fighting amongst the dock gates. I was in the water a few minutes. Where I got out was a walking place for horses. I have not seen the place since until this morning when I recognized the place once. My nephew and Mr. Rowe went with me to see it. I had an idea of the place without Mr. Rowe telling me; I should not wish to swear that I know the place. I am not come to 60 years old to tell a falsehood. When I got out I could see no lights, nor hear any one's voice. I made no word myself, and did not call for help. I can swim a little. I was rambling about until I was starved to death amongst these gates, and got to where I saw light, and I opened a house door. I did not lose my hat. I do not know whose house it was, but a woman came to me. I could point out the house, but I was some hours about, until my teeth shook my head. It was a considerable time between getting out of the water and finding the house. I never saw the woman before, but have seen her this morning. I did not see any man in the house, but I heard him speak. My nephew and Mr. Rowe were with me this morning when I saw the woman. I did not see a man, it might have been a woman, but I believe it was a man. I was not in the house, but stood opposite the door. She went with me to a public-house close to. I know no thing particular about it, whether she went in with me. No particular conversation took place between us. She wiped me down in the street. I told her I had had misfortune to fall into the dock, and would she let me sit by her fire. I think I asked to sit by the fire. She spoke to some person inside, and he answered her to take me to the public-house, I do not know whose house it was. I went into the public-house, and there saw some people. There was a quantity of people, and I said, I had been in the canal and wanted to dry myself. I do not know whether I spoke to the landlord or the servant. All my clothes were taken off. I saw a policeman in the house, but should not know the policeman again. I was in the front place next the street. I cannot tell what the policeman was doing. He was sitting down, but saw very little drink. The men and women were various ways, some standing and some sitting, and all peaceable, with no drink about. At that time I was sobered, but not perfectly sober. I was stripped by the policeman at the fire. I cannot tell how long the policeman remained, as I fell asleep. When I awoke the policeman was there still. I cannot tell particular when I left the house, but it was getting light. It was light the 10th October about five o'clock. When I got into the house, the policeman came to me and felt at me and said, you are very wet, come to the fire. I do not know whether it was the same officer there when I woke as when I went to sleep. I think some part of the night there were two police officers. I do not recollect any other conversation with the policeman, not particular. I did not say to one officer that if had not been for that policeman I should have been drowned. The police-officer did not ask who got me out. One of the officers did ask who pulled me out, and some one lying on the settle cried out "me," and smiled at him, gentlemen, I did. The policeman was there when I went and when I went out. The police-officer asked me whether I knew Mr. Maddock that had a fire. I said "yes, I was his brother." I thought one policeman was a captain, as he was dressed differently to the other. That one did not sit down, but he went away in a few minutes. He left the other policeman there, and a policeman was there when I left in the morning. I do not know whether it was the same policeman as I saw first. Perhaps the man was dressed like policeman. The captain called out—"Who pulled him out," and some one said “me." and I smiled at his fabulous tale. I made no answer all. I was in the canal and not the river I was in, but do not know whether was the right or left side.     Mary Hearn, living in Kitchen-street, deposed—l recollect the night the 10th October. Very near 12 o'clock I heard a feeling at my shutters, and I went to the door and I found William Maddock there. I spoke first, and asked him what he wanted. He asked for a bed, and said he had been in the basin. I can't say whether he called it the basin, the canal, or the river. He was so cold he could not hold straight for shaking. I brought him into the house and wiped him down with a towel. My impression was that he said he had been in the basin, but it might have been the canal or the river. I asked him how he got out, and he said “the best manner he could.” He remained in the house five or ten minutes, till I wiped him down, and then I took him to Blackburn's, and left him at the entrance to the kitchen. Mr. Blackburn opened the door. I knocked at the door, and Blackburn said "who's there." I said have brought an old gentleman who had been the water. I asked him to give him bed, and he said I don't think I can, but I will ask mistress. I saw a policeman sitting in the kitchen. That policeman was Dorrity. There were several men there, but I saw no woman present. Rogers and Robert Jones were there. I don’t like to say who else was there. Six or seven were there. I do not know who the others were. I had much rather you should take that answer. I can't say whether there was any drink about. The old gentleman was brought to the house this morning, and I knew him at once. I can't say how far the house is from the basin; I should think it is five minutes walk or more. There are two public-houses between my house and the basin—the Flint Boathouse and the Carnarvon Castle. I have been examined about this matter only once before coming into this room. I saw Maddock about half an hour before he came to house, and he then fell down under the lamp opposite Kitchen-street. Blackburn has said nothing to me about this matter, but that if I was called up I was to say I saw the old gentleman walking past, and you brought him to me. On Monday, the 2nd Nov., I said to Rogers, "You must be soft to and take a false oath for that policeman.'' He said what for? I said, "that he got the old gentleman out of the water." Rogers said, "The policeman made me do it, and me some of the money, and I will be cut in the morning." He did not say how much he got. Mrs. Lloyd heard what I said to Rogers, but did not hear his reply to me. Dorrity is the policeman I saw Blackburn's, but, I saw no other officer there. I have heard that Rogers and Jones had told my lodger that they had made the thing up, and they must go on with it. I saw Dorrity the in street about a quarter of an hour before Maddock came to my house. The policeman was then going to Blackburn's. He was not going from the direction which Maddock was. I supposed he had come down Middle Crane-street, and he went into Blackburn's house, and the door was shut after him. It was a quarter of hour after I saw Maddock on his hands and knees when I saw Dorrity.
John Murphy, a shipwright, said—l lodge at Mrs. Hearn's and remember an old gentleman coming very wet to the house. I opened the door and he came in. "I think Mrs. Hearn wiped his hands with a towel; I think it was few minutes before 12 o'clock. Maddock spoke very sensible, and said he had fallen into the basin. I have had no conversation with Rogers, but we had a jeer at him going to public-house. At the yard some of the men laughed about his pulling the man out of the river, and Rogers said say no more about that, the policeman did pull him out." I did not see whether it was water or mud that Mrs. Hearn wiped off Maddocks' hands. I do not know the basin. I am quite sure Maddock did not call it either the river or the canal. I can't remember whether Mrs. Hearn said there was any one else at Blackburn's besides the policeman.     Elizabeth Rowlands, of Crane-street, came forward and told a long tale of gossip, and concluded by stating that when she charged Rogers with having taken false oath about getting the old man out of the water he replied “d—n it woman, I was getting drink at the time and the policeman persuaded him to do it, and he got 7s. 6d for 3 half days work, and a share of the policeman's money."           This was the case against Dorrity.           The committee then deliberated for quarter of hour when Edward Dorrity was then called and examined.—He said “On the 10th Oct. I was standing by the turn bridge near the slate yard company with Rogers, when I heard some one screaming in the direction of the Sluice-house; I said to Rogers “What’s up down there” – I said “I’ll go down and see." I could not exactly say what the cries were, but I ran down to the cheese stage and then heard that a person was in the river was 20 or 30 yards from the stage, and was about 5 minutes in running down and taking off all my clothes and went into the river and seized hold of the man. I saw Rogers on the bank and I called him to assist me as the man had got a hold of me, and Rogers helped me to get him out. I then put on clothes and fetched the man as far as Kitchen-street. There were no lights in the Carnarvon Castle public-house, and I told Maddock to wait and I went to the beer-house at the corner of Kitchen-street and Middle Crane-street. I could hear no noise nor see any light, and then went to Blackburn's, and hearing some talking, I rapped at the door and went in. It was about a minute or two when Maddock come in. I cannot say who brought him. We took him into a little back room and stripped him, and asked Blackburn to give him a bed. I think Mrs. Blackburn said she had not a bed to spare. Maddock had 2½d - in money. He had a glass of rum with that money, and I took him to the fire and left him having got some clothes for him. When I left the house I went on round and met policeman Price. After that met Sergeant Sutton, and he asked I was right, and I told him that I had pulled a man out the river and took him to Blackburn's to see him. The sergeant went with me to see him and the Sergeant asked him how he got into the river, and Maddock said he was drunk, and did not know how he got in. The sergeant then asked him how he got out, and said "the policeman got me out." What policeman," said the sergeant, and Maddock turned round and said, this policeman." pointing to me, and he should have been drowned; but for the policeman, and he would reward him for it. The sergeant then came out, and I with him. I did not go to the house again. The night was dark, but I could see Rogers; Maddock was nearer Brewer's Hall Farm than the other side, it was not high tide, but the river was full. I landed Maddock 20 yards this side of the cheese stage where the shore was sandy. When I landed him, he could not speak for some time. He must have been a good swimmer or he would have been drowned before, but he was nearly done when I got hold of him. After I had dressed, Maddock could walk when took hold of his arm. Rogers went home and changed his trousers. Maddock must have gone to Mrs. Hearn's house while I went to Blackburn's. I left him in the street at the corner while I went to get lodgings for him. I left him the corner of Kitchen-street, where I could not see Blackburn's house, but I had not left him more than five minutes when he came into the public-house. While I dressed myself, Maddock sat on the bank, and then I got him by the arm and fetched him along, My clothes were not wet. I have been accustomed to swim since my youth, and am reckoned a good swimmer. I have swum from Bangor point to Garth point. I am confident it was the river I got Maddock out of. When I met police-officer Price, I told him of this matter. I left Maddock in the street, because I did not know whether they were at up at Blackburn's". That house was not open, and I rapped at the door with my stick.       Frederick Price (C. 9) stated that between one and two o'clock Sunday morning, the 11th October, he met Dorrity and Rogers near the Watergate. Dorrity then said that he had picked a man out of the river near the sluice-house, and he was then at Blackburn's.      Sergeant Sutton said that he was on the south and west district on the night of the 10th October. About half-past two he met Dorrity in Crane-street, and asked if all was right. He said “Yes," and then said: "Sergeant, I have pulled a man out of the river to-night, and have taken to the White House. His name is John Maddock, from Ledsham." I went down with Dorrity, and saw the man. I found Maddock in the White House, sitting opposite the fire. I said, “where have you been?" He muttered a bit, and at last said, "I've been the river." I said, “who got you out?” He said, "this policeman," pointing to Dorrity. I said, "should you have been drowned but for him?" and he said, "I should." Maddock himself said that Dorrity got him out. I did not suggest it to him. Maddock then said, several times over, "don't kill me," and I said, "my good fellow, no one will hurt you." I then left him in the house, and Dorrity came with me, dressed in his regular night uniform. It was then 3 o'clock. There was no policeman in the house when I left, and I saw no more of Maddock. I told Dorrity to report the case to Mr. Long, the inspector, in the morning. He said he did not know the use of reporting it the man was not dead. I told him be must report it, as if Mr. Hill heard of it without a report he would find fault. He then said he would report it. Dorrity was on morning duty on the Sunday, and on Sunday night asked Mr. Long whether the report had been made, but it had not. [Here the committee adjourned to the top of the room, and adjudicated upon a capital luncheon, which Mr. Bolland had provided at the order of the chairman.}      This business having been brought to conclusion.        John Rogers, labourer, said half-past 12 o'clock on Saturday night the 10th October, “I was coming from my brother's house on the sands, when I met Dorrity on the turn bridge. I spoke to him for few minutes, and heard screams from the direction of the sluice house. The policeman said "what's that? and ran down towards the sluice house. I ran to the river's edge, and in a minute or two I heard two people struggling, and calling for help in the river. The policeman said "loose me," and I went up to my middle in the river, and got hold of the old man." Having got them both on the bank I went home and changed my clothes. After which I came out again, and seeing a light Blackburne's, I went in, and found Dorrity, Maddock, and Blackburne and his wife and son there. Robert Jones was not there when I got hold of some-one in the river, and when I got them out. I did not notice whether the policeman was naked or not. The old man said, "now I'm all right, God bless you." I never told any one that we had made this tale up. I got 5s. from Dorrity on the Saturday the last examination took place.      Mrs. Rogers, the mother of the last witness, said, that about 1 o'clock on Sunday morning the 11th October she was in bed, and heard her son come in. He was knocking about the house a few minutes, when he went out. In the morning when she went down stairs she found his trowsers [sic] and stockings wet, and covered with sand, in a pan-mug; and a clean pair of trowsers which were drying on the previous night, were gone. When she saw him in the morning, he said he had been out with the police. She had heard about the man being the river; and after the bother about him she wished he had been drowned. She was the mother of 14 children, and would not tell a lie. The trousers were wet up to the waist.      Thomas Blackburn, son of the landlord of the White House, said that Maddock was taken to his father's house near one o'clock on the morning of the 11th October. He was stripped and some dry clothes put on him. Witness sat with Maddock, who said he did not know whether it was the river he had been in, but he should have been drowned only for the policeman. In the morning Maddock went out, and said he should be back soon, but he did not come back.      Joseph Blackburn, landlord of the White House, said that Maddock was taken to his house, and some woman knocked at the door and asked for a bed. The policeman was there, but witness could not say who was there first. They stripped Maddock, put some dry clothes on him, and left him before good fire. Had never spoken to Mr. Maddock about this matter. There was no-one drinking in the house at that time.      Mr. Meacock, jun., narrated a long hearsay, and went on to say that Joseph Blackburn told him the less the policeman said the better. The depth of the river had been taken at the spot pointed out as where the policeman went in, 30 yards from the Sluice-house. One yard from the side the river was 4 feet, two yards 7 feet, three yards 10 feet, four yards feet, five yards 16 feet.      The Committee here deliberated for a quarter of an hour, when the following resolution was announced: That the Committee having carefully taken into consideration the statement of Police-officer Edward Dorrity, and the evidence in support of it; and having also heard the evidence adduced contradiction of the same, the Committee can see no reason for reversing the previous resolution, that Police officer Dorrity was entitled to the reward. We understand that the votes were taken as follows- For: The Chairman (Mr. B. Frost), Mr. Aid. Peacock, Mr. Ex-Sheriff Jones, Mr. T. B. Foulkes, Mr. Hicklin. Against: Mr. (Deputy-Chairman), Mr. Littler, Mr. Mathew, Mr. Wilcoxon. Mr. Sheriff Musgrave was compelled to leave the meeting half an hour before the votes were taken, but we believe his presence would have increased the majority. The Committee then separated at 5 o'clock, having been engaged seven hours in the investigation.
 
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 10 January 1857
COUNTY POLICE COURT.— Saturday. William Higginson, railway porter, Bishops Fields, was brought up on suspicion of being connected with robberies committed at the General Railway Station. K. L. Jones, Esq., manager, said that he heard that a basket had been cut open during the night of the 2nd instant, and a pair of boots extracted there-from, and knowing that robberies were not unlikely at the station, he requested Mr. Hill, Superintendent of Police, to cause the houses of the men who were on duty the night in question to be searched. Mr. Hill complied, and the second house searched was the prisoner's, where was found a box, containing miscellaneous articles in the shape of hardware, bottles, etc, as well as three silk handkerchiefs, which he felt certain had been abstracted from time to time from parcels passing along the railway. Charles Speed, Sergeant of Police, deposed to searching the prisoner's house on the 3rd instant, and finding the box, containing the hardware, etc which he produced, as well as three spun silk handkerchiefs.      Mr. Bridgman, solicitor, who appeared for the prisoner, said that the handkerchiefs belonged to prisoner's brother, who lived in the same house with prisoner, and with respect to the hardware, he would be able to prove that it was left with prisoner about five years ago by a hawker, as security for 15s., and some provender had by the hawker for his horse, and when he had brought out these facts, he felt confident the Bench would dismiss the case. John Higginson said he was brother to the prisoner, and lodged in the same house with him. The handkerchiefs produced, he said he bought at a sale in Park Lane Liverpool, about five months ago. About five years ago, he said he lived with his brother at Hornes Mill, near Helsby, and recollected a hawker calling there at two different times. Both times he had provender for his horse, and the last time he called he borrowed 15s from his brother and left hardware similar to that found in his brother's house as security far the same.      Remanded until Saturday (this day) to enable further inquiries to be made.
Chester Chronicle – Saturday 5 December 1857
CHESTER POLICE COURT.-Wednesday, Dec. 2. (Before the Mayor, Major French, and W. Esq.) STEALING CORPORATION STREET GRIDS. Ann M'Grath was charged with having stolen several sewer grids, the property of the Chester Corporation. During the months of October and November, nearly half-a-score of these grids had been stolen from various parts of the city, and on the 23rd of last month, police-officers Emanuel Hughe and George Snell found several of them broken at the marine stores of Harrison, in Bridge-street, and Metcalfe, Boughton. The Town-Clerk prosecuted. The prisoner was undefended. Richard Davies, city surveyor, said—The two gratings and pieces of other gratings now produced are the property of the Town Council of Chester. I have missed them both from streets in the city—one of them having been taken from the canal bank, near Union Bridge, and the other from Queen-street. A portion of the pieces came from Milton-street, the Railway Bridge, and some from the road leading to the Groves. I have missed them during the two last weeks in October, and the two first weeks November. Emanuel Hughes, police-officer, said—On Monday, the 23rd November, I and P.C. Snell went to Mr. Harrison's shop, in Bridge-street, and searched his stores, where I found a lot of pieces of street gratings. I found half a grating in one piece, and saw Snell find the other half and a whole grating now produced. We weighed them at Harrison's shop, and brought them to the police-office. The weight was 7 score 17lbs. Samuel Thomas, scavenger, identified the grating in two pieces as the one that was placed in Queen-street. He had cleared the trap out for 2 or 3 years, and the grate was for that time in two pieces. Emannuel Hughes recalled—l apprehended the prisoner, and charged her with stealing the grids. The iron was shewed to her in the police-office, and she denied all knowledge of seeing them. Samuel Harrison, marine store dealer, Bridge-street, said— On the 9th Nov. the prisoner brought a quantity of iron to shop. The weight was 7 score 10lbs. One-half of the grating which is said to have been Queen-street was amongst it. I asked her where she got it, and she said she had bought it from Mr. Roberts, Saltney. I gave her 3s 9d for it, at the rate of 3s. per cwt. We get 3s 6d for it. I there and then entered in my book the purchase of it. The entry is "9th November, Ann Molend 7 score 10lbs. of iron, 3s. 9d." I paid her the money, and she said she had got only 9d. by it, having given Robnerts3s for it. She came again on November 16th, and sold me 56 lbs. She brought a whole grate, said to have come from the canal bank. There was other old iron with it. I told her I did not think Mr. Roberts would have sold such a piece. I believe I gave her Is 4½ d. for the 56lbs. I told her as soon as saw Mr. Roberts pass I should call him in and shew the iron to him. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon, on the 16th Nov., when she brought that for which gave her 1s 4½d. I think no one was present when I bought it. I made the entry of the 56lbs there and then, before her face. The prisoner came again that evening, and brought some iron in a bag. My shop boy weighed it, but I do not know his name. He has since left me. The weight was 48lbs., at Is 2½d., and I entered it there and then. I have no other book but the one produced. I made no inquiry as to where she got the iron. The entries of the 9th and the 16th were not made at the same time, but separately. I do not think the shop boy was my employ more than 3 weeks. He is the son of a deceased pensioner. His mother lives in Grosvenor-street. The next entry is my daughter's writing, but it has nothing to do with the 16th. The prisoner admitted that she sold the iron to Harrison, but denied his having asked her any questions about the grates. The Bench having cautioned the prisoner, she said that she was in the line of hawking iron, rags, &c., and she had bought the iron of some boys. When she took it to Harrison's he bought and asked her no questions. The prisoner was next charged with having stolen two other grids belonging to the Town Council. Mr. Davies, the surveyor, said he had missed one grating from St. Werburgh-street, and one from Milton-street. He believed the iron produced formed part of those gratings, as they fitted in the frames which were left behind. George Snell, a police-officer, said—On the 23rd November, he went to Metcalfe's marine store, Boughton, and there found parts of two gratings now produced. One part had the hinge broken off. To the best of my belief they belong to the Town Council of Chester. George Metcalfe, marine store dealer, living in Boughton, said—On the 31st October last, the prisoner came to shop about five o'clock at night, and brought 8 score 9lbs. of iron. In the morning she had borrowed a 60lb weight of me. The iron grates produced were amongst what she brought. She said she had brought them out of the country. I paid her 2s. 6d. for 5 score 9lbs., as that was the weight after I had out the 60lb. weight I had lent her, and which she was trying to sell me. I made the following entry in my book—" 31st Oct.: Bought from Ann Norland 5 score 9lbs. of cast iron, 2s. 6d." I sent the man to weigh the iron, and told him of the 60lb I had lent her, and when I looked at the iron in the scale I found the weight covered over with pieces. The pieces of grating were broken when she brought them to me, but I did not notice whether they had been recently broken. I came to the police office when the prisoner was in custody, and I heard her deny selling it to me. The prisoner, in defence, said she had bought the iron of some boys on the Saltney-road—she knew the boys, and paid them 1s for the first lot, and 1s 6d for the second. The boys said they had found it amongst the stuff from the foundry, which was used for filling the pits at the new houses. The prisoner was then committed for trial at the next sessions. Three railway switch point were then handed forward as having been found on Harrison's premises the same time with the street gratings. Miss Martha Harrison said that on the 20th November she bought them of the prisoner, but as she had been ill for a month and was afraid of taking cold in the shop, she did not remain to make an entry of the purchase in any book. The Town Clerk said that the case had now assumed a serious aspect, and he should consult with the city authorities as to what future steps should be taken.
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 2 January 1858
Christmas Eve.— Mr. A. Stevenson, publican, Brook- street, was summoned for having his house open at three o'clock on Christmas morning. P C Ibell said he visited the house and found 14 or 15 men drinking and very riotous, he endeavoured to, turn them out, but could not succeed, they turned out the gas, and he left for safety. Mr. Stevenson said he called the assistance of the police constable; the men had taken possession of his house and he could not do anything; they went in all parts of his house, and stole several articles. He would not let it occur again. Case dismissed.
In the same Police Court report we see :- A Boughton Hero - Thomas Price, who resides in Boughton, was charged with using abusive language to Mrs. Hannah Thompson, residing in Brown's Lane.— Complainant said, on Saturday night as she was coming up the lane the prisoner was fighting with another man; he then sparred up to her saying, "l am Tom Price from Boughton, and come to fight Brown's Lane folks;"(laughter) and used abusive language. Eliza Cannon said the prisoner came up to her door and wanted to fight her husband and herself; she heard him use disgusting language towards complainant. Defendant said Cannon had pulled a great quantity of hair out of his head, and called Eliza Roberts to give evidence in his favour. She said she lived in Brown's Lane; on the night in question she saw Mrs. Cannon with a kettle of hot water, and a poker in her hands; another woman had a fire-shovel, and another cards, threatening to molest the defendant. Mr. Hill the Chief Constable said he did not know who was in fault, but he heard a great noise from his residence. On promising not to annoy them again he was discharged on paving for the summons. On the peaceable party leaving the court, they commenced quarrelling on the stairs, when they were called back; all came back except one who thought it prudent to retire. On the magistrates enquiring who created the row, Mrs. Roberts said one of them told her that Police Officer, 15, was the father of one her children! (laughter) She would like to serve them all with a proctor's letter, and make them prove it; on this score she was assured it was not true by some friends, they then left the court in peace.
Chester Chronicle – Saturday 19 June 1858
Charge or Assault against a Chester Policeman.—Yesterday (Friday), John Owens, No. 4 of the City Force, was charged before the magistrates with having, on the night of Wednesday last, soon after 12 o'clock, violently assaulted William Meacock, Ostler the Pied Inn, Nortbgate-street.—Complainant said that he left the Pied Bull at about 20 minutes past 12 o'clock on Wednesday night, and in George-street he met Policeman Owens by Mrs. Jones', the plasterer. Owens called to witness, and asked where he was going; Witness stopped, and said he was going home; upon which the officer asked for some drink. Witness said he should stand no drink, as it was past 12, and the houses were shut, The officer said he would find a place, but witness refused to go, and told the officer he was quite drunk. The officer was drunk, and drew his staff and struck witness a violent blow on the forehead. Witness then said he should to the police-office with him. He said, "Come along, I'll soon make a case out against you." At the top of George street he hesitated about going, and witness said he was not going to stand in the street with his head bleeding. Owens then struck witness on the arm with his staff. They came down Northgate-street, and met officer Gahagan, who assisted witness to the police-office. the police-office Owens charged witness with felony, and locked him for all night until 11 o'clock Thursday forenoon.—Cross-examined by Owens The officer had no prisoner in custody, as there was no one in the street.—Policeman Gahagan met the complainant and Owens in Northtate-street. Complainant was bleeding from the head. When they got to the office, Owens charged j Meacock with felony. Owens was not sober. Meacock was sober.— Sergeant, Sutton saw Owens at 3 o'clock near the Bowling Green, and found him drunk and unfit for duty. At 4 o'clock witness discharged him, and he was then drunk and unfit for duty.— In defence, Owens said he had a man in custody, bringing him up George-street, when Meacock knocked him down, and the prisoner ran away up Windmill Lane. He then seized Meacock, but did not strike him.—The Bench did not believe this tale, but fined Owens £5 and in default 2 months imprisonment. The fine was paid before the Court rose.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 26 June 1858
Attempted Suicide. — Heber Campbell, a drummer in the Cheshire Militia, apparently about eighteen or nineteen years of age was charged with attempting to destroy himself. Police Constable Hickey stated that at two o'clock that morning he met the prisoner in Handbridge, and from what he was told he was induced to follow him. The prisoner walked to the river side near the Mills, and jumped in; witness went into the water up to his knees, and called upon him to save himself, and at length the prisoner scrambled out. Witness took him into custody and he threatened to do it again. A sergeant in the militia said the prisoner lived at his house, and that he was .drinking on the previous day. Colour Sergeant Etchells said the prisoner did not bear a good character and had been tried by court martial for desertion. The prisoner, whose vacant stare and general manner gave reason to believe that he had not yet come to his right senses, said he was drunk when he tried to drown himself; he had come from Scotland, but had no friends nor relatives. He was remanded for a week.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 2 October 1858
CHESTER POLICE COURT. Saturday. Before The Mayor, P. Eaton, Esq., Col. Lloyd and Dr. P. Jones. A man named Carr was charged by his wife, Ellen Carr, with assaulting her. It appeared that on the previous Saturday the prosecutrix went from Charles-street where she resided, to the Railway Station in company with a neighbour. Near Francis-street they met P.C. Nield, who accompanied them a short way and then left, but saw them again on their return. Next day it was told the defendant by a neighbour that the policeman had been taking undue liberties with his wife in the Railway Field; a violent scene was the result and he gave his wife a thrashing. The wife in cross-examination admitted that she had been drinking with Nield at public houses on several occasions, and acknowledged that she was not as good a wife as she might have been, but denied that anything improper had passed between her and the policeman. Nield also swore to the same effect hut the defendant persisted in charging his wife with being faithless to him, and said he had witnesses to prove it The Bench thought there was no ground for the accusation, and ordered him to enter into his own recognisances in the sum of £10 to keep the peace for six months.
Chester Chronicle – Saturday 29 January 1859
Dreadful Assault on a Chester Policeman.—On Sunday night last, at eleven o'clock, a row took pace in a low lodging house in Foundry-lane, and several fellows turned out to fight. Police-officer Davenport went up to separate the-combatants, and appears to have been taking one of the offenders away in custody, when a dozen ruffians attacked him. He was knocked down, his head was cut open in three places, and he received violent kicks in various parts of his body. At length his assailants left him, and he was carried to the Infirmary, where he is steadily recovering. During Sunday night three notorious blackguards were apprehended for being concerned in the assault, and on Monday they were brought before the Magistrates and remanded for a week Their names are Dominic Kearns, Thomas Horan, and Thomas Fanning. —After this case had been disposed of, Michael Fanning was charged with keeping a disorderly lodging house in Foundry-hue, he having no licence to do so. The charge was proved, and the defendant was fined £5, in default to go to gaol for three months.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 29 January 1859
Charge of Felony - Robert Dunning, who was charged last week for assaulting P.C. Dunning was this day further charged by Detective Snell with assaulting him in the execution of his duty, whilst taking him into custody on a charge of feloniously stealing two gig cushions from a vehicle belonging to Mr. Thomas Cattle, of Sealand, on Saturday evening last Prisoner not only violently assaulted him but had severely kicked him on the legs until they were black and blue and he still continued in great pain. P.C. Diggery came to his aid when he (the prisoner) attempted to throw him down. The Bench decided to go into the assault first, which having been proved by P.C. Dunning and also by detective Snell. Prisoner was sentenced on each of the assaults to pay a fine of 20s. or one months' imprisonment. The case was then gone into for stealing the cushions from Mr. Cattle's vehicle. Henry Humphrey's the ostler at the Bull and Stirrup, in Upper Northgate-street, stated that about six o'clock on Saturday last, whilst holding a horse belonging to a farmer, who was returning home, saw Dunning pass him with the cushions under his arm. He immediately followed him and demanded them but prisoner would not give them up, he was then given into custody. Upon being called upon for his defence, he said he had enlisted, and was about to join his regiment that for the last nine days he had been in a state of intoxication and did not recollect anything about the charge. The usual questions was then put, and prisoner stating that he would prefer being tried at once, he was sentenced to one calendar month hard labour. Making three months for the whole.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 5 February 1859
The Assault upon the Police Officer. — Kearns, Horan, and Fenning, who had been remanded from last Monday, until today, on account of the state of the Policeman's health, was brought before the Bench, when P.C. Davenport (who had his head tied up and his right eye bandaged and appeared to have been very much ill-used) on being sworn, said, “I was on duty in Brook- street on Sunday night the 22nd inst, I heard a row in Foundry-lane, when I got there, I found a number of men fighting, I went up to them and asked them to go away, but they refused, and Thos. Fencing struck another man. I then took hold of him to bring him to the police office, when he kicked me, after which they all rushed upon me; I defended myself with my stick for about ten minutes, they then ran away, and I caught hold of one who cried out murder, and said to them "You are not going to leave me this way are you," when they all turned back again and threw me on the ground, and abused me; I was struck on the head with my own stick, which they had previously taken, from me, and knocked down; they then commenced kicking me there. There was a great number of them; I was kicked on the eye and other parts of my body, and hare been an in-patient at the Infirmary since this day week, Mr. Thomas Jepheete, being sworn, said I am a surgeon at the Infirmary; on the night of Sunday the 23rd ult, the last witness was brought to the Infirmary, suffering from wounds in the head, he was bleeding very much on both sides of his neck and cheek and near fainting; I gave him a stimulant, and then examined him; I found a wound two-thirds of an inch long under the eye, also another across the side of the face, a kick or a blow might have caused them; more likely a kick than a blow. About the centre of the back of the head was a wound about two and a quarter inches long, it was a ragged wound, and bleeding profusely; also one and half inches below was another smaller one, and about his body several bruises and contusions; I gave him some medicine after dressing the wounds, and afterwards, he was put to bed, and has been unable to attend until to-day; his eye is nearly well, but a tendency to an abscess behind the head, will not at present allow him to go on duty. The evidence given before by Jane Whitlow, Mary Christy, and Charles Price, on Monday last, was then read over to them, and attested by each. Further evidence was then given— Mr. Edward's solicitor appearing on the prisoner's behalf.  Joseph Bailey, on being sworn, said “I was going home a little after It o'clock; I heard a great noise in Brook-street by Mr, Egerton's, and went up; I saw the police officer driving some men out of the street; I saw Horan's brother, Patrick, and Thos. Horan, holding him round the middle striving to take him away; I saw Thos. Horan hit at the officer, who immediately fell, either from the effect of the blow or some other cause; I saw Penning there, but did not see him doing anything; I then left it and went home. Cross-examined by Mr. Edwards. "I work at the brick yard of Jonah Bond; Kearns and Horan also work there— l was going home from Bond's, house at the time; with regard to Horan striking the officer, I said I saw him strike at him, and he fell down. John Garston being sworn, said Thomas Fenning, I and Joseph Bailey, was standing at the corner of the street, when we heard the row, and ran towards it, and saw them struggling with the officer, and Thos. Horan making a blow at him, when the officer fell down. Cross- examined.—There were others around—it might as well have been one of them; Patrick Horan was there. Mr. Edwards on behalf of the prisoners went through the evidence, stating that there was nothing against Kearns, and very little, if anything against the others, he then handed a certificate of character to the bench on Horan's behalf. The Magistrates, retired to their room with their legal adviser, and after a short consultation returned, when a further remand until Wednesday next was granted, on application, for Horan and Fenning. As there was no evidence to implicate Kearns, he was discharged.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 2 April 1859
Stealing from the Person — John Murray, who was remanded on Thursday last for loitering about the station with others, for the purpose of committing a robbery, was brought up this morning when P.C. Green stated that about half-past five, on Wednesday last, a female who had come by the train, complained to him that she had her pocket picked, and gave him such a description of the person seated in the same carriage, that he apprehended the prisoner. The female did not appear, but another witness who was called, (Mrs. Walker) stated that she had come by the express train from Liverpool, about half-past four o'clock. She had her pocket-book, in which was inserted her name and residence, safe in her possession when she started in the train, and she was not aware of her loss until the police officer brought it to her on the following day. P.C. Green stated that upon searching the prisoner he found Mrs. Walker's pocket-book, together with £3 3s in money. Prisoner said that he found the book on the platform. Mr. Massey attended on behalf of the prisoner (a well dressed youth) and stated that the prisoner had taken his fare to go on to Manchester by the thirty-five minutes past five train, and that he had found the pocket-book on the platform whilst waiting for the train. Mr. Hill handed in a letter in reply to one that he had forwarded to Manchester, to ascertain whether the prisoner was known, informing him that he was "well known as a regular travelling thief, and though young in years he was a most accomplished one." The magistrates committed the prisoner to hard labour for three months. The money found on his person was ordered to be detained for his maintenance in gaol.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 29 October 1859
Assaulting the Police:-  James Thompson of Chester, was charged with assaulting P.C. Chambers on the previous Saturday, while in the execution of his duty. He was fined 10s. and costs, or in default 14 days imprisonment.
Cheshire Observer – Saturday 12 November 1859
Serious Accident. — Last Saturday evening, as the servant of Mr. G. Boydell, of this City, was driving a pony belonging to his master between Boughton Church and Hoole Lane, he was met by a man driving a ‘shandry’ at a furious rate, on the wrong aide of the street, and before he could get out of the way the shaft of the ‘shandry’ came in violent contact with the pony's breast, and broke a shaft off Mr. Boydell’s vehicle. The pony was so severely injured that it died on Monday. The Chester police offer a reward for the apprehension of the man in the ‘shandry’, who drove off rapidly; his name could not be got.