Life Continues#
So did Carus Wilson’s tracts, and the opening of the new Church, lead to an improved change in the morals of Newport?
Female debauchery, January 1857
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 03 January 1857
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. (Monday. Dec. 29.—Before Edward Way, and j. H. Hearn, Esqrs.)
Female Debauchery.
A woman named Elizabeth Jackman, a prostitute, was brought up in custody, charged with being drunk in the public streets at midnight, on the previous Friday. The case was proved by PC. Stubbs, who stated that on Friday night, about half-past 12 o’clock, he saw the defendant in Paradise-row, and also in Pyle-street, in a state of intoxication. He desired her to go to her home, which was situate in Paradise-row, but she requested that she might be locked up. He again repeated the salutary advice to go home, but, after walking down Pyle-street, she returned to the officer a second time, and in accordance with her request, locked her up in the station-house.
The girl expressed contrition for her conduct, and, after duly admonishing her, the bench ordered her to be discharged.
The following tale amusingly tells of how one visitor to the Tontine Tap had his lunch stolen.
A woman of low character and depraved habits, March 1857
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 21 March 1857
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. [Monday.— Before R. M. Wavell, and E. Scott, Esqrs.]
Felony.— Sarah Duffy, a woman of low character and depraved habits, was charged with stealing a piece of pork, of the value of two shillings and five pence, the property of William Lane, a labouring man residing at Arreton. It appears that the silly fellow had been drinking with the prisoner the “Tontine Tap” till midnight on Saturday last, and had with him a basket provisions for home, including a choice bit of pork for Sunday’s dinner. When the tap was closed and they could get no more beer, he went with the fascinating Mistress Duffy—whose blandishments and charms he could not resist—to her house up the Tontine yard, and she had not much difficulty in persuading him to go back and try to get a pint of beer, and whilst he was gone she opened the lid of his basket, looked at the pork, approved both quantity and quality, and so took it to herself. When the unsuspecting William returned, both she and the pork were gone. He shouted at the foot of the stairs, but nobody answered, and so he went and informed the police; and the next day, P.C. Stubbs, in presence of Superintendent Stubbs, found the identical piece of pork concealed in her bed. Committed to one month’s hard labour.
Stealing his Sunday’s dinner, March 1857
Hampshire Telegraph - Saturday 21 March 1857
At the Borough Court, on Monday, before R. H. Wavell, J. Hearn, and E. Way, Esqrs, Wm. Lane, a countryman, charged Sarah Duffy, residing in Tontine Yard, with stealing his Sunday’s dinner. It appeared that after he had been drinking with the prisoner for some hours at the Tontine tap, he accompanied her home, where his basket was speedily eased of its contents of bread and pork, whilst he was gone after more beer. Prisoner pleaded guilty— 28 days to hard labour.
Did Sarah Duffy also have a sister, perhaps, Emma Duffey, who had also appeared before the Court for disorderly conduct near the Barrack gate in June 1856?
Using indecent language in the public streets, July 1857
Hampshire Telegraph - Saturday 04 July 1857
At the Borough Court on Monday, before the Mayor and Borough Magistrates, … Emma Duffey, a common prostitute, charged with using indecent language in the public streets, was committed for one month.
A lively nymph, September 1857
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 05 September 1857
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. Monday, August 31. Before Robt. M. Wavell, Esq. (in the chair), J. H. Hearn, Esq. and E. Way, Esq.
A LIVELY NYMPH.
Sarah Coster, a common prostitute, was placed at the bar for being drunk and creating a disturbance in the street on Saturday night last. Police-constable Lockhart having proved the fact defendant was committed to Winchester for one month.
Elsewhere in the environs of Newport, the Revd. W. Carus Wilson was still using sermons in support of fundraising efforts, this time for the Carisbrooke infant school.
Sermons were preached, April 1857
https://britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000494/18570425/048/0007 Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 25 April 1857
Sermons were preached on Sunday last at Carisbrooke Church, by the Rev. Carus Wilson, M.A., in aid of the fund for supporting the Infant School connected with that parish, when about £12 was collected.
The memorial printed following his death described his preaching style.
Preaching with a “round good sense”, Memoir, 1860
Brief memoir of the late Rev. W. Carus-Wilson, reprinted by permission from “The Christian Observer” … With extracts from letters to soldiers in India, etc. 1860,
His preaching was characterized less by profound thought or doctrinal argument, than by a fervent warmth, a depth of feeling, and (as it was once described) a “round good sense” which at once carried with him both the understanding and the hearts of his hearers ; while his noble countenance and deep musical voice gave full effect to his words by arresting both the eye and the ear. His sermons, after the earlier years of his ministry, were never written ; and the remarkable readiness and facility with which he preached could arise from nothing else but the constant and devoted occupation of his whole heart and mind with the one great object of his life—the saving of immortal souls. He seemed always ready ; and whether he had come to his pulpit from the hurry of a journey or the retirement of his closet, could never have been argued from any difference in the depth and fervour of his preaching. A course of labour so various, so complicated, and so obnoxious to the advocates of cold orthodoxy and worldly wisdom, was not likely to be exempted from much misrepresentation. The principles of evangelical truth were far more singular, even thirty years ago, than happily they have become since ; and in proportion to their rarity was the odium cast upon those who held up the light amidst the surrounding darkness. Mr. Carus-Wilson was assailed at various times and in various ways ; but the surf-beaten rock abides, while the breakers which dash against it shiver themselves to atoms. Mr. Carus-Wilson’s works remain as standing monuments of his zeal, and faith, and love to God and man. His name is affectionately cherished by numbers who regard him as their greatest benefactor for time and eternity. The institutions for which he laboured so assiduously and so long, remain to this day nurseries for heaven and pillars of the truth ; and his memory will long be dear to many who have “ owed to him their own selves also,” and embalmed by the blessings of the poor, and of those “who had none to help them. “
Three weeks or so later, Revd. W. Carus Wilson’s son, the Revd. W. W. Carus Wilson, could also be seen preaching on the Island, with his father giving a lecture the following week.
The Progress of Morality and Religion, June 1857
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 06 June 1857
NEWPORT
St. John’s Church.— On Sunday last two Sermons were preached at this place of worship, for the benefit of the Day Schools in connection therewith, by the Rev W. W. Carus Wilson, M.A., well known as a writer of popular tracts, and whose father established several charitable institutions,—one at Cowan Bridge, in Westmoreland, which Charlotte Bronte, the authoress of “Jane Eyre”, was educated. Collections were made after each service, which were of a satisfactory character. The Day Schools in connection with St. John’s Church contain 327 children, and, from their usefulness, are worthy the extended appreciation of the public.
Lecture.— A lecture will be delivered on Monday evening next, at 7 o’clock, in the Queen’s rooms, by the Rev. W. Carus Wilson, “ the Progress of Morality and Religion in the Sardinian, French, and English Armies ; and with special reference to the important subject of Temperance.” George Hale, Esq., governor of Parkhurst Penitentiary, has kindly consented to take the chair. The meeting is specially intended for soldiers, but the public will be accommodated as far as possible.
Meanwhile, many of the Court reports suggest a picture of what the comings and goings of life in the streets of Newport must have been like.
Sleight of hand, and a pocket picked by one “as innocent a child unborn !”, June 1857
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 06 June 1857
NEWPORT BOROUGH POLICE.
[Monday.— Before the worshipful the Mayor (W. B. Mew, Esq.), and H. Way, Esq.,]
Sleight of Hand-tricks.— James Rowan, a member of the wizard fraternity, was charged with conjuring a half-crown, by manipulations best known to himself and fellow-craftsmen, from the pocket of Andrew Attrill, and was convicted and sentenced to one week’s imprisonment. Two other charges were brought against the prisoner— one for mysteriously exorcising a half-crown from the pocket of Mr. French, of the Rose and Crown; and another for securing to himself a half-sovereign by some peculiar, but discreditable means,——neither of which charges, however, were gone into.
[Tuesday.— Before R. M. Wavell, Esq. (in the chair), and J. H. Hearn, Esq.]
Injured Innocent.— William Spencer, a well-dressed young fellow with a fair amount of impudence, was charged by Edward Keary, lacemaker, residing near Coppin’s-bridge, with attempting to pick his (Keary’s) pocket, on Monday, “in the fair.” Prosecutor said that about ten o’clock on the Monday night he was standing on the pavement outside a crowd of persons who had assembled in Quay-street, to witness the performance of a “little show.” He stood with both hands in his pockets, and suddenly discovered a hand, which he knew was not his own, groping about in the vicinity of one of them. He turned round, and saw the prisoner walking off very fast down the street, prosecutor followed him to the Fountain Inn, where he gave prisoner in charge. Mr. Hearn asked whether prisoner came up behind the prosecutor, and whether the latter was satisfied the contiguity of prisoner’s hand, to his (prosecutor’s) pocket, was not the result of the rush. Mr. Keary answered in the affirmative, and was satisfied as to his attempt to pick his pocket. The Prisoner: Why, people never goes behind to endeavour to pick pockets —they always goes before. (A laugh.) James Wood, gardener, living in Pyle-street, corroborated the evidence of the last witness in every particular, and persisted in alluding to that individual, in addressing the prisoner as “that gentleman,” with which the latter seemed somewhat pleased, satisfied that he had produced an effect on the Bench in his favour. The sequence, however, proved the supposition chimerical in the highest degree. Mr. Superintendent Grapes deposed to taking prisoner into custody, and stated, that he (prisoner) told him, in answer to enquiries, that he was a ship carpenter, and had come from Manchester. He had in his possession 6s. 6d. in silver, and 6 1/2d. in copper. Prisoner, in his defence, said he was “as innocent a child unborn !” and, as a guarantee of his respectability assured the Bench that he was of good family —his father being studgroom to the Hon. Francis Peters, —and he could refer them to “the Hon. Mr. Ashton, and Mr. Sidebotun” for a character, if they doubted his word. The Bench did doubt his word, and evinced their doubt thereof by sending him to prison for one month, and to be kept to hard labour,—a decision which the prisoner said he was “very sorry for, seeing as he was so innocent!”
Very drunk at the time, March 1858
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 27 March 1858
Borough Petty Sessions, March 23rd. Before the Mayor (E. Way, Esq.) and Percy Scott, Esq.
DISORDERLY CHARACTER. Rosina Judicott, a prostitute, was charged with disorderly conduct.—P.C. George Tiley deposed that on the previous evening he was on duty on Node Hill, when saw the prisoner following three soldiers. They wished her to go away, but she refused to do so, at the same time making use of very abusive language. He told her to cease annoying the soldiers but she continued to follow them, he was obliged to take her the lock up. She was very drunk at the time.— Fined 5s. and 5s. costs, and in default the prisoner was committed to gaol for 21 days.
In the following case, it is perhaps interesting to wonder what the accused was doing between twenty to, and twenty past, eleven at night, in between randomly assaulting people?!
A dual assault, July 1858
Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 31 July 1858
BOROUGH COURT. Monday— Magistrates present: The Mayor, R. M. Wavell, and E. Way, esqrs.
George Coward charged Henry Underwood with striking him several times on Sunday night last, in Crocker-street. It appears he and others were drinking, and there were several skirmishes, and complainant, who was the least to blame, got most of the blows. Defendant declared he did not strike him at all, but P.C. Limington swore he struck him in bis presence, and he was fined 15s, including costs, which he paid.
The defendant, Henry Underwood, was now charged with striking three prostitutes, named Elizabeth Jackman, Ann Duffey, and Sarah Cosier. It appeared Coward was with them, and this caused the ill-feeling. He was mulcted in another 15s, which he also paid.
Caught in an attack, July 1858
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 31 July 1858
Borough Petty Sessions, July— Before the Worshipful the Mayor (in the chair), R. M. Wavell, and E. Way, Esqrs.
Henry Underwood was charged with assaulting George Coward.
Coward, sworn— I was coming up St. James-street last night, at 20 minutes to 11 o’clock, when this young man came across the road and struck me in the mouth. A person of the name of Salter was with him. They knocked me down and kicked me in the back. The defendant gave no reason for it.
Inspector G. Grapes, sworn— At 20 minutes to 11 o’clock, Coward came to me and said he had been knocked down. I went to Mr. Homan’s comer and saw the policeman, who told me that Underwood was the person who struck the prisoner. He was the worse for liquor.
P.C. Linnington, sworn—I was at the Waggon and Horses, in Crocker-street. I heard a noise at the corner, and Coward came up and said that this young man had struck him. He came up at the time and struck him again in the face. He was not very drunk, nor very sober.
Cross examined by defendant— When Coward came up to me you came and struck him.
Defence— There was a scuffle, and I went across the road and my hat was knocked off. I did not strike him.
Fined 10s. and costs, or in default one month at Winchester.
Henry Underwood was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Jackman.
Elizabeth Jackman, sworn— Last night, at 20 minutes past 11 o’clock, I had been for a walk and was coming home. I was with George Coward and Sarah Cosier. I saw this man strike a young woman named Duffey, and I asked him why he did it. He made no answer, but struck me directly on the forehead with his fist.
Sarah Coster, sworn— I was in company with Elizabeth Jackman. I saw the defendant strike a girl named Duffey. She had said nothing to him. He first threw a stone at her and made her nose bleed. He then struck me on the side of my head. I told him I’d call the police. I saw him strike Elizabeth Jackman on the forehead.
Defence— I did not strike either of the girls.
Fined 10s., and the costs of the court.
At the Borough Licensing day in 1858, some old familiar pub names appear on the “could do better” list.
Reprimanded for keeping disorderly houses, 1858
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 28 August 1858
Borough Petty Sessions, August 23rd, 1858. Before the Mayor, (in the chair) and R. M. Wavell Esq.
Renewal of Victualler’s Licenses.— There were 88 applications for renewal of licenses, exclusive of fresh demands ; the following amongst others were reprimanded for keeping disorderly houses; Starks, Salisbury Aims, High-street; Howes, Tontine, South street; Tribbick, White Hart, Pyle-street; Wells, Medina, Sea-street; Crease, St. James’-street; Coxhead, Horse and Groom, Pyle-street; this man actually had the effrontery to come before the bench in a state of intoxication and the renewal his license was most warrantably refused.
One of the licensees, James Tribbick of the White Hart, seemed to have only recently take over that establishment.
Transfer of licenses, April 1858
Isle of Wight Mercury - Saturday 17 April 1858
Transfer of Licences.— Tho White Hart, Pyle-street, from Mrs. Jenkins to James Tribbick.— The Fountain inn, Newport Quay, from James Shephard to Thomas Coleman.—The Crown and Sceptre, Quay-street, from William Tucker, deceased, to Mrs. Tucker.
The following account of a disorderly house also paints its own picture of what the scene must have been like!
Entertaining the band of the Limerick Militia, March 1859
Hampshire Telegraph - Saturday 19 March 1859
Borough Court, Monday— Before the Mayor, R. M. Wavell and E. Way, Esqrs.
John Chick, a German, was charged with keeping a disorderly house and encouraging prostitution therein. P.C. Stubbs proved that on Sunday morning, the 6th inst., he went to the defendant’s beershop, in the High-street, about quarter-past one, when he found in the parlour three of the band of the Limerick Militia, a serjeant, and a civilian. In the passage he found another civilian, lying drunk on the floor with a common prostitute by his side. In one bed-room which the landlady unlocked he found two civilians and two prostitutes, in another bed-room one civilian and one prostitute, two civilians in another room, and another prostitute down stairs, most of whom were well supplied with beer. Defendant said he went to bed at eleven o’clock, and knew nothing about the matter. The Court said his conduct had been disgraceful, and they should fine him in the penalty of 3l. and costs, cautioning him that if he ever came there again he would not be let off so easily.
A brief report in the Hampshire Telegraph in February 1860 identifies three separate charges of disorderly behaviour along similar lines, although with very different outcomes.
See also
Various of the court appearances of Caroline Pierce are collated elsewhere.
Common disturbers of the peace, February 1860
Hampshire Telegraph - Saturday 11 February 1860
BOROUGH COURT, MONDAY.—Before Dr. Wavell, and E. Way, Esq.
Caroline Prince [sic], Sarah Harvey, and Mary Ann Groundsell, three prostitutes, were charged by P.C. Grey with being common disturbers of the peace of the borough, the witness having discovered them under the portico of the Newport Arms, screeching and screaming with all their might at a late hour, for the purpose of amusing themselves. The Court administered a caution to the defendants, and bound them in the sum of 10l. each to keep the peace for three months.— mary Ann Read, Mary Ann Woodman, and Louisa Bannister, also prostitutes, charged by P.C. Fuller with being drunk and disorderly in the public streets of the town at a late hour, were committed for one month each.— Sarah Bazen, charged by P.C. Jolliffe with a similar offence, was fined 10s., and in default of payment committed for a fortnight.
A more complete report in the Hampshire Independent perhaps gives an indication of the differing characters of the variously accused.
Screamer, not so luck, and another still, February 1860
Hampshire Independent - Saturday 11 February 1860
BOROUGH COURT. On Monday, before Dr. Wavell and E. Way, Rio.
“SHE WAS SITCH A SCREAMER! “
Caroline Pierce, Sarah Harvey, and Mary Ann Groundsell, three veiled young ladies, standing in class A 1 on the pave, were charged with being common disturbers of the peace.
P.C. Grey examined: Last Wednesday night, about a quarter to eleven, I was standing in front of the Market House, when I heard some disgraceful screeching and screaming in the Corn Market. I went in that direction, when I saw these women standing under the portico of the Newport Arms. One of them said, “ Here comes the policeman,” and then they turned about, and went in to the Newport Arms, and I went in and saw who they were. They were not sober, either of them, and there was no one else in the market, or in the house. They are common prostitutes.
Inspector Grapes examined: The inhabitants of the Corn Market are frequently making complaints of the nuisance created by these girls at late hours, and one of them has been committed for it, but it is of no use talking to them. These offences recur frequently, and on this occasion, you could hear their screams clear down to the Market House.
Defendants said they were not intoxicated, and that they never screamed. They were only enjoying a laugh together.
The Chairman : We are sorry to see young people brought before as on such disgraceful charges as these, and there is no doubt but you are frequently intoxicated. Your conduct is a nuisance to the town, and we shall now bind you over in the sum of £10 each, for your good behaviour for three months.
Defendants paid the fees of 5s. each, and were liberated, somewhat astonished at having escaped so easily, after having given the required bail.
Not so lucky.
Mary Ann Reed, Mary Ann Woodman, and Louisa Bannister, moving in class Z. 99, were charged with being drunk and disorderly in the public streets.
P.C. Tiley examined : On Thursday night about half past ten, I was on duty in St. James’s-street, when I saw these girls, with about fourteen soldiers, come out of the Lame Dog. They were beastly drunk, and they came up through the streets swearing and hallooing, and using the most disgraceful language. I should have locked them up then, but for so many soldiers. Bannister fell down several times from drunkenness. They are common prostitutes.
Defendants said they were not drunk, and they never said nothink to nobody.
The Chairman : It is a very sad thing to see young women giving way to such practices, endangering both body and soul, and as such we are determined to try and put an end to it, we commit you for one month each, to the house of correction.
Another still.
Sarah Baxen, the last of the batch, was next charged by P.C. Jolliffe with being drunk and disorderly on Tuesday night, when witness would have taken her into custody, but for the interference of several soldiers, who set him at defiance, and who took her off to the Anchor Brewery. Fined 10s., and in default of payment committed for a fortnight.
Indecent and disorderly conduct, June 1861
Hampshire Independent - Saturday 29 June 1861
Borough Court
On Tuesday, before R. M. Wavell, Esq.
Emily Howard, a common prostitute, charged with indecent and disorderly conduct in the public sttreets.— Committed for 14 days.
Another of the names that makes several appearances in the Court reports, albeit for a variety of reasons, is Mary Ann Cooper.
An unfortunate, charged, but the prosecutor not appearing, February 1866
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 24 February 1866
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. Monday.—Before the Mayor (chairman), and Francis Pittis, esq. Mary Ann Cooper, 23, an unfortunate, was charged with stealing 3s. from the person of Edward Mew, a laborer, on the previous Saturday.—The prosecutor not appearing, prisoner was discharged.
Charged for the ninth time, September 1866
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 01 September 1866
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. Monday.—Before H. Pinnock, esq., and E. Way, esq.
Mary Ann Cooper, a prostitute, was charged for the ninth time with being drunk and disorderly.—Fined 10s., and in default seven days’ imprisonment.
Five pints for a gold ring, May 1868
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 30 May 1868
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday.—Before Sir H. Percy Gordon, bart. (chairman), W. G. Shedden, esq., and C. G. MacGregor Skinner, esq.
William Hall, aged 16, was charged with stealing a gold ring, the property of his mother.—Emma Head said she was the wife of John Head, but lived apart from her husband, and the prisoner was her son. Last November she was living at Barton’s Village, and missed her wedding ring from under a glass case on the mantel-piece. She had lost several other articles some time before. When she asked the prisoner about the ring, he said that he had not taken it. She had not seen it since then until Thursday last. The ring now produced was the same; it was marked “22 I.W.,” and was bought at a pawn-shop.—Mary Ann Cooper said she lived at the Orange Tree beershop, in Pyle-street, and knew Hall. In December last he came to the beershop with a gold ring on his little finger, and offered it for sale, but Mrs. James refused to buy it. He then put it into her hand, and asked her to give him some beer for it, and she gave him five pints. She wore it for some time, and afterwards pawned it, but took it out again, and wore it up to Thursday last, when she gave to P.C. Hunt. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and, having been previously convicted four times within two years, he was sentenced six months’ imprisonment, with hard labor.
Another of the situations that doesn’t seem to change is the way in which stolen goods make their way into the houses of the unfortunate(s).
Hiding stolen goods, January 1867
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 26 January 1867
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. Monday.—Before the Mayor (chairman), and E. Way, esq.
Edward Moore and James Crayford, privates in the 64th Regt., were charged with stealing a bundle, containing an apron, a child’s frock, and other wearing apparel, the property of Thomas Riley, of South-street, Newport.—It appeared that the prisoners took advantage of the house of the prosecutor being left open, and took the bundle, which was afterward found in a prostitute’s house, in Paradise-row, where evidence was shown that Crayford dropped it from under his great coat. The prisoners pleaded not guilty.—The Court discharged Moore, and sentenced Crayford to one month’s imprisonment, with hard labor.
In other situations, were items that shouldn’t be there an indicator of something — or someone — else that was missing?!
You’ve got the clothes., but not the man, June 1867
Isle of Wight Times - Wednesday 12 June 1867
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before the Mayor, and F. Pittis Esq.
Emily Jane Fry, an unfortunate, was charged with being drunk and noisy, and using foul language in the street, on Sunday night, and was fined 6s. for being drunk, 3s. for using foul language, and costs, or 14 days imprisonment. The same prisoner stood further charged with having in her possession, at her house in Paradise-row a soldier’s jacket, cap, belt, and stock, value 37s. P.C. Jolliffe said that he was with the picquet searching for absentees on Thursday night, and went to the prisoners house, and found in a cupboard, wrapped in a part of a woman’s dress, the articles in question, two other women were the joint occupants of the house, and had access to the cupboard ; when they found the clothes, defendant said “ You have got the clothes, but you haven’t got the man.” The defence was that she knew nothing at all about the thing. The clothes were identified by a corporal of the 64th Regiment. The Bench thought there was not sufficient evidence to convict, and dismissed the case.
Presumably some relation to the James Tribbick who had taken on the White Hart in Pyle-street, in April 1858, and reprimanded for keeping a disorderly house at the annual licensing day later that year, Mary Ann Tribbick was to appear before the court ten years later charged with running a disorderly house of her own.
A coffee-house harbouring prostitutes? May 1868
Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 16 May 1868
ISLE OF WIGHT PETTY SESSIONS. BOROUGH COURT. Monday.— The borough magistrates in attendance were Mr. F. Pittis, Captain W. S. Graham, and Mr. F. Vulliamy.
Charges brought against the keeper of a refreshment house.— Mary Ann Tribbick, keeper of a small coffee-house in Town-lane, was charged by the police with harbouring prostitutes and other disorderly persons. Mr. H. R. Hooper appeared on behalf of the defendant. — Mr. Superintended Grapes said one of the constables called his attention to a noise in defendant’s house, about 1.15 a.m. on Sunday, the 3rd instant. He went and rapped at the door and, after waiting some little time was admitted. In a small back room he found eleven men and one woman, a common prostitute named Elkins. Nearly all of them were drunk, and some were lying on the floor. The woman Elkins lives close by the house. Was not aware that she went in occasionally to assist the defendant in her business.— Policeman Tiley corroborated the main facts in the preceding evidence. There were two or three men in the front room.— Mr. Hooper submitted that no case had been made out against defendant. There was only one woman present, and she a neighbour assisting in the business, therefore the charge or harbouring common prostitutes fell to the ground. It would be straining a point too far to convict his client upon such evidence.— Mr. Pittis, as chairman, said the bench would hear the second charge before deciding upon the first.—Police-man Tiley then gave evidence on the second charge of harbouring prostitutes. On the morning of Wednesday, the 6th instant, he was in search of a soldier who was absent from barracks without leave, and went to defendant’s house about noon. He was answered at the window by two prostitutes, who said they were locked in and could not open the door. Witness was satisfied that he had heard a man’s voice in the house. He then went through the adjoining premises, scaled a wall and entered the house by the back door. On searching the house he found a private of the 11th Regiment. The women, in answer to a question, said defendant went out and locked the door after her before they were up, and she had not returned. Witness was aware that defendant let beds.— Mr. Hooper said his instructions were that the women on Tuesday night went there for a bed and slept together. The soldier came in for a bed, after they had retired, and slept by himself in a room on another floor. If the police were making a raid on these houses, they had certainly brought forward two very weak cases. He felt satisfied that the bench would not convict.— The Chairman said it would be straining the law too tightly to convict; they should, therefore, dismiss the complaints.
Mary Ann Tribbick is back in court again, although this time as a victim of a theft, in September 1869.
Stealing a petticoat, September 1869
Hampshire Telegraph - Wednesday 01 September 1869
BOROUGH COURT.-Monday.-Before the Mayor (R. Pinnock, Esq.) and F. Pittis, and F. Vulliamy, Esqrs.
Harriet Sheath, of Ryde, was charged with stealing a petticoat.— Mary Ann Tribbick, wife of George Tribbick, said: I live at the “ Tontine,” Newport. On the evening of the 26th of August the prisoner came to my house and asked for lodgings. She remained in the house until Thursday morning. On the evening of the same day I missed a petticoat, which I had seen in my bedroom on the morning before she left the house. She had taken it while I was absent getting milk. The petticoat produced is the one I lost. My maiden name is upon it.— Police-constable Tiley witnessed to taking the prisoner into custody. She said she had not stolen the petticoat, and that it might have been her sister. I then took her to Mrs. Tribbick, who said she was the person whom she suspected, and she was at last found wearing it.—The prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 21 days’ imprisonment with hard labour in the Winchester House of Correction.- Caroline Jacobs was summoned for using abusive language towards Amelia Sheath.—The case was dismissed.
At the Borough Licensing Day of September 1869, it seems that town’s citizenry had been writing memorials again, although this time is seems to be targeted against the abuse of licensing hours as much as anything. Notably, South-street and the Tontine Tap get a mention, and not necessarily for positive reasons.
Licensing Day, September 1869
Hampshire Telegraph - Wednesday 01 September 1869
BOROUGH COURT.-Monday.-Before the Mayor (R. Pinnock, Esq.) and F. Pittis, and F. Vulliamy, Esqrs.— Liceasing Day.-After the clerk had read several extracts from the new Wine and Beerhouse Act, and from the Habitual Criminals Act, the Mayor said that the magistrates had received a memorial signed by 500 residents of the borough, of Newport. requesting them to refuse licenses to the landlords of those houses which had not been properly kept. A great many complaints had been made of several publicans opening their houses on a Sunday before the proper time, and the magistrates had resolved for the future to be more strict with such houses. William Woodford, of the “Valiant Soldier,” South-street, and Charles Morris, of the “Waggon and Horses,” Crocker-street, having been complained of, the magistrates, in granting their licenses, informed the applicants that the police would be instructed to keep a watchful eye upon their houses. —…-Mr. Howes, of. the “Tontine” beershop, applied for and was refused his license because he had been fined three times during the past year for irregularities in his house. John Micffin was refused his license for the “ Horse and Groom,” Upper Pyle-street, from insufficiency of rating.—Henry James was refused his license for the “Orange Tree,” Upper Pyle-street, for being twice convicted during the past year, and for the house not having been decently conducted. …
Another tale from the King’s Arms, which seems to have been a go to place for finding absconded soldiers from the Barracks.
Obstructing a picquet sergeant, November 1869
Hampshire Independent - Wednesday 03 November 1869
NEWPORT BOROUGH POLICE COURT. On Monday, at the Town Hall, before the Mayor (B. Pinnock, Esq.), Francis Pittis, Esq., and F. Valliamy, Esq.
OBSTRUCTING A PICQUET SERGEANT.
Ann Maria Braker, a prostitute, was charged with using indecent language to Sergeant Brown, of the 64th, and obstructing him in the execution of his duty as sergeant of the picquet.
Sergeant George Brown, of the 64th Regiment, stated that on Saturday night he was in charge of the picquet. He went into the King’s Arms in search of absentees, and there saw the prisoner, who used the most abusive language to him. He afterwards went to the Anchor Brewery beerhouse, and on coming out, again saw the prisoner, who there used very indecent language to him.
P.C. Jacobs deposed that on Saturday evening, abut ten o’clock, he went to the Anchor Brewery beerhouse at the request of Sergeant Brown, and there heard the prisoner use indecent language to the sergeant. Witness then took her into custody.
The Bench fined defendant 5s., with 5s. costs; seven days’ hard labour in default of payment.
Miss Emily Kent#
One name that keeps recurring in the court reports throughout the 1860s is a certain Miss Emily Kent, resident of the House of Industry, whose repeated bad behaviour kept landing her stints of hard labour in Winchester gaol. Despite recognising that the sentences were not having effect on changing her behaviour, the court kept sending her back for more. We can easily imagine “thank you, gentlemen,” as her stock reply.
A girl of the House of Industry, being riotous, April 1864
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 02 April 1864
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS
Saturday.— Before Sir H. P. Gordon, bart. (chairman), Admiral Sir A. S. Hamond, bart., Admiral Crozier, James Coape, esq., F. W. Popham, esq., and W. G. Shedden, esq.
Emily Kent, a girl of the House of Industry, was brought up upon two charges: first, with being riotous and making use of bad language on the morning of the 19th of March ; and secondly, with bad behaviour at chapel.—The case was proved by the porter of the house, and also by one of the nurses, and the prisoner was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Disorderly behaviour and wilful damage, December 1864
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 24 December 1864
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS
Before Admiral Sir A. S. Hamond, bart. (chairman), Admiral Crozier, Dr. Leeson, Jas. Coape, esq., and W. G. Shedden, esq.
Harriet Cooper and Emily Kent, two girls of the House of Industry, were brought up in custody charged with disorderly behaviour, and doing wilful damage, on the previous Monday.—The evidence of Elizabeth Mursell, nurse at the union, went to show that she ordered the prisoners to do their work, which they refused to do and became exceedingly abusive, making use of the most disgusting language. They then took off their shoes and threw them at the windows, Cooper breaking 24 panes of glass, and Kent 16. Besides this, they wrote very obscene language on the walls, which she was obliged to have whitewashed.—The prisoners, who had been before convicted for similar offences, were sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment, with hard labor.
Riotous behaviour, February 1865
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 11 February 1865
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS
Saturday.—Before Admiral Sir A. S. Hamond, bart. (chairman), and James Coape, esq.
Elizabeth Lacey and Emily Kent were charged with riotous behaviour in the House of Industry, and again receiving for their reward another six weeks’ imprisonment, with hard labour, for their pains.
Incorrigible behaviour, April 1865
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 01 April 1865
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS
Saturday.—Before James Coape, esq. (chairman), T. T. Fowke, esq., W. G. Shedden, esq., F. White Popham, esq., and R. R. Goodland, esq.
Emily Kent and Elizabeth Lacy were again placed at the bar, for the third time lately, after receiving two sentences of punishment in Winchester gaol, for incorrigible behaviour in the House of Industry, were again charged with a similar offence, and were once more committed to the house of correction at Winchester, for six weeks’ imprisonment, with hard labour.
Unruly and disorderly conduct, August 1865
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 26 August 1865
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS
Saturday.—Before W. G. Shedden, esq. (chairman), Sir John Cheape, Dr. Leeson, Capt. Brigstocke, R.N., R. C. Shedden, esq., T. M. Leacock, esq., and Le Marchant Thomas Le Marchant, esq.
Emily Kent, an inmate of the House of Industry, was placed at the bar, being her sixth time brought before the Court, charged with unruly and disorderly conduct. —Elizabeth Muraell, a nurse at the house, stated that on the previous Monday, between 12 and 1 o’clock in the day, she went into the receiving ward and found the defendant there, and told her to come out, and she said yes, by-and-bye. Witness then told her it was the Governor’s orders that she should come out, but she said she would not, and then sat down at the door till tea time. She, however, went and had her tea, and went back to the ward again, and one of the nurses told her that she had been cutting the table. On taxing her with it she said yes she did cut half, and another girl cut the other half. She then ordered her out, but defendant said she would stop there altogether if she liked. Witness told her she would go and tell the Governor, and went out, but did not do so; and as the other girl left she went away. She afterwards told her to pick her oakum, which she refused do. She then saw something lying on the stones, which she found to be her cap that she had torn to pieces, and shortly after she tore her apron and then her neckerchief.— The Chairman said that she appeared most incorrigible, and that the punishment she had received had done her no good. The Court would therefore sentence her to another six weeks’ imprisonment, with such hard labor befitting her sex, to which the prisoner replied, “Thank you, gentlemen.”
Notorious bad behaviour, April 1867
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 27 April 1867
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS
Saturday,—Before Sir H. P. Gordon (chairman), W. G. Shedden, esq., and T. T. Fowke, esq.
Emily Kent, a pauper in the House of Industry, who had been sentenced eight times previously on charges of notorious bad behaviour in the house, and Elizabeth Lacy, also a pauper in the house, who had four previous convictions against her, were placed at the bar, charged with similar offences, which being proved by two nurses of the establishment, they were each sent to prison for six weeks’ hard labor.
Disorderly conduct in the House of Industry, November 1867
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 30 November 1867
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS.
Before F. White Popham, esq. (chairman), and C. G. M. Skinner, esq.
Emily Kent was charged for the ninth time with disorderly conduct in the House of Industry, the prisoner having on this occasion attacked the chaplain, the Rev. W. Elgar, with the greatest abuse. It appeared that she had previously been imprisoned for using indecent and obscene language, breaking the workhouse windows, destroying her clothing, and other offences on eight occasions, which, with the present sentence, will make up nearly twelvemonths’ imprisonment in Winchester gaol.—Sentenced six weeks’ imprisonment with hard labor.
Locked up as many as a dozen times, June 1868
Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 06 June 1868
BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS.
Tuesday.—Before the Mayor (chairman), and Francis Pittis, esq.
Emily Kent, an old offender, was charged with being drunk and using indecent language.—On Monday night, about a quarter to 11, the prisoner began swearing at the picquet in the Market-house, and on Sergt. Mitchell, of the 4th Regiment, telling her to go away, she used very foul language to him. She was drunk, and the Sergeant sent for P.C. Tiley, who went and ordered her away, but she would not go, and made use of the most indecent language to the policeman, who thereupon took her into custody.—P.C. Tiley said that she had been three or four times before the borough magistrates, and within the last two years she had been locked up as many as a dozen times by the county police.—The Bench sentenced her to one month’s imprisonment, and she jumped out of the dock thanking the magistrates, and informing them that she could do that bit on her head very well.