History of West Tilbury

History of West Tilbury >> West Tilbury Snippets

West Tilbury Snippets

When researching for this website we often find a little snippet of information on a location or subject which may be of interest. Here's one for West Tilbury

Times Jul 30 1819

Chelmsford Assizes

John Merrington and Joseph Merrington, were capitally indicted for a burglary in the dwelling-house of the Rev. W. E. Fitzthomas, at West Tilbury, in the night of the 16th of June, and stealing therein plate and other artciles to more than the value of £100.

It appeared that the prosecutor's house was entered on the night in question, by means of sawing away the inside shutter of parlour window, and the property mentioned in the indictment was carried off. The proof of the prisoners' guilt was brought home by a long train of circumstantial evidence, it appearing that when their houses, situated in Red Cow-land, Mile-end-lane, were searched, some trifling articles taken from the prosecutor's house were there found and identified by the latter

Witnesses were called by the prisoners to character, but the jury found them Guilty - Death.

The learned judge, in passing sentence, gave them no hopes of mercy.