From the Kentish Gazette, 23 July 1839.

ROCHESTER. Awful Instance of Sudden Death.

On Wednesday morning last, about seven o’clock, a pensioner named Parkinson, who lodged at the "Cannon" public house, went out to take a walk, and had not proceeded more than two hundred yards where he fell down, in High Street, Chatham, in a fit, and in a few moments life was extinct. Medical assistance was promptly called in, but it was of no avail. The poor man was about fifty years of age, and had only been pensioned off a fortnight. The body was conveyed on a shutter to the "Royal Oak," to await a coroner's inquest, which, on the following day, was held before R. Hinde esq., coroner, when the jury returned a verdict of "Died by the visitation of God."

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 18 February 1851.

The Recent Burglaries in Kent.

The Rochester County magistrates were engaged from Wednesday until Friday, in the investigation of the seven burglaries committed in this County, and as will be found from the report, will clearly proved against the three prisoners who had been apprehended by superintendent Everist, Dundee, and Hilton, and likewise against Wilson and his wife, keepers of the "Cannon" public house, Chatham, and Summers, the servant, as receivers of a large proportion of the stolen property.

The three prisoners, James Clark, George Weaton, and James Thomas, was brought up in custody of Superintendent Everist, and being placed in the dock, were charged with having, on the 22nd of December last, feloniously broken open and entered the dwelling-house of Mr. John Byham, and stolen several articles there from.

Prosecutor, who occupies a house in the Citadel called the Towns' End, in Chatham Garrison, said, that on Sunday morning, 22nd of December, he discovered that his house has been broken into in the night. The window shutter of the scullery was broken open, and by that means the thieves obtained an entrance into the scullery and kitchen. There was some matches and a piece of candle found outside, but beyond that, no traces of any person. Amongst the articles stolen were two cases of mathematical instruments value 20s., six spoons, value £2., twelve knives and 12 table forks, value 20s., a pair of boots, value 10s., a pair of Indian rubber over-shoes, value 5s., five pairs of lady's shoes, value 20s., five pots of jam, and the pudding which had been prepared for Christmas.

Emma Stokes, widow, lodging house keeper, and dealer in clothes, living in Union Street, Maidstone, said she had known the prisoners Western and Clark, since the latter end of October last, and having occasionally, for short periods, lodged at her house, generally being in company together. They were there about Christmas day, at which time they had been absent about a fortnight, and then returned together; another man, whom they called "Bob" was with them at that time. Weston had on the pair of over-shoes now produced, and asked her to lend him a shilling on them, saying he was very bad off. She did so, and he told her to be sure and not part with them. About the same time "Bob" gave her a parcel, containing knives and forks, to take care of, and the two cases of mathematical instruments. They had never since asked for the things back again. The last time they returned to her house was on the 3rd of February, when Western and Clark were taken into custody, and she then gave up the knives and other things to the Superintendent Constables who searched her house.

Superintendent Everist said he knew the man alluded to buy the last witness, and who usually went by the name of "Black Bob." He knew him to be a companion of the prisoners; his name is George Turner, and he apprehended him at the "Cannon" public house, Chatham, on the Wednesday preceding the day on which he apprehended the prisoners, and who were in company with him at the time. Turner is now in gaol awaiting his trial for a burglary at Halling, and having lodged him in gaol in consequence of information he received, witness went to Stokes's lodging house on Monday, 3rd of February, where he found Clark and Weston, whom he took into custody. Weston was washing his feet at the time. He then proceeded to search the house, and received from the last witness several articles spoken of by her.

John Dunne, superintendent constable for the Bearsted divisions, stated that he was present when the two prisoners were apprehended, and in the course of the search afterwards, Mrs. Stokes produced the pair of over-shoes, and gave them to him. Constable Hills remained in position of the house during the night, the next day discovered the two cases of mathematical instruments, which he handed over to him. This morning, on their way from Maidstone to Rochester, the prisoner Clark said, if they transported him for it, he hoped they would send him to the Cape of Good Hope.

Thomas Fancett, Inspector of Maidstone police, produced a carving knife and fork, which he received from Mrs. Stokes, and which she took from a cupboard during the search on the 3rd of February.

Mr. Byham identified the cases of mathematical instruments and the carving knives and forks, and also the other knives and forks, and the over-shoes.

The prisoners, being asked in the usual form, if they wish to say anything in answer the charge, replied "not guilty."

Committed for trial at the assizes.

Burglary at Graveney.

The prisoners were then charged with a burglary at the "Horseshoe" public house, at Graveney, on the 2nd instant.

Robert Gibbs, the landlord, stated that on Sunday morning, 2nd of February, he got up about a quarter before 6 to call the servant, and then went to bed again; shortly afterwards she came up to his bedroom door, and in consequence of what she told him he immediately got up and went downstairs. He found two squares of glass have been taken out of the washhouse window, and by that means the fastening to the casement had been undone and the party entered the house. A pair of boots, value 10s., a sock-bottle used for feeding lambs, value 10d., 3 metal candlesticks, valued 1s. 6., six metal spoons, 2s., a round frock, and other articles, were stolen. A quantity of eatables, belonging to two of his lodges, was also taken away. The parties left to pair of shoes behind them.

Emma Stokes proved that the three prisoners were in company together at her house on Monday, 3rd instant. Thomas came there about a fortnight or three weeks previous, and Watson and Clark came in together on the 30th of January. Clark and Thomas left together on Saturday morning. Watson remind in doors all that day. About 12 o'clock on Sunday the other two returned to her house and asked her for a dish to put some broken victuals into. Thomas was wearing a pair of boot shoes and a flag basket, containing candlesticks, sock-bottle, and other articles.

Everist produce the frock which was worn by the prisoner Thomas at the time of his apprehension, and which, with the boots, sock-bottle, and other articles, found at Mrs. Stokes's, were identified by the prosecutor at his property.

Hills produced a great coat and a pair of leggings, the former given to him by Mrs. Stokes, and the latter found under the counter, this morning. Both the coat and leggings, he stated, were quite wet.

William Eaves, a waggoner, residing with the prospector at the time of the burglary, identified the coat as his property, and the prisoners were committed for trial.

Burglary at Newington.

Thomas and Harriet Wilson were next charged with receiving a quantity of goods, which had been stolen from Mr. Thomas Manger's house.

Prosecutor, a grocer, carrying on business at Newington, said that on the night of the 23rd of January, his shop was entered, and the following article stolen:- 2 sheets, value 3s., four table cloths, value 5s., 15 aprons, value 30s., three spoons value 6s., and a quantity of other articles were also stolen therefrom.

Everest said the prisoners kept the "Cannon" public house, in Ordnance place, Chatham, which is a resort for thieves. It is a general lodging house for the lowest discrimination of lodges. On Wednesday, 29th of January, accompanied by Carey, he went to that house, apprehended a man named Turner, on a charge of felony; there were then present the two other prisoners, and he had frequently seen reputed thieves there. On Tuesday, 3rd of February, witness obtained a search warrant, and with assistance searched Wilson's house, and in consequence of what he found apprehended both Wilson and his wife. In a bag in the back parlour he found 3 silver spoons, 2 towels, and apron, and a flannel petticoats. In a drawer in the bedroom he found a sheet, two table cloths, and two aprons, which Mrs. Wilson assured him were her own goods. Witness also found two towels in the bedroom, the door of which was locked. Whilst they were searching, Wilson said he would sooner give the gentleman £50 then have any bother about it. Mr. Hammond, of Linton, was then present, and identified many of the articles which the constables found. Whilst there, Mrs. Wilson asked if she was to go before dark, and being told that she must go as soon as possible, she said "Fetch a stretcher," "hang me," "leg me," "I am guilty of all and the old man knows nothing about it," and told them to "hang her in chains with old Carey.

"Superintendent Hilton, of the Malling District, who assisted in the search, produced a pair of boots which he found in a basket in the wash house, and which were owned by the prisoner Wilson. Wilson was taken away before his wife, and on his returning to the house again, witness found Mrs. Wilson in the back parlour behind the bar. There was a quantity of clothes on the fire, and she had got the poker in her hands stirring the fire; he took the poker from her and knocked the clothes off, and Carey stamped the fire out with his feet.

Superintendent Boyd, of the Faversham district, who went to the "Cannon" on the 8th instant, with the last witness, said he took from a chest of drawers one sheet and two table cloths.

Police constable Carey produced several fragments of a corded petticoat, partly burnt, taken from the fire as described by Hilton. There was also part of an oilskin cap, and prosecutor stated that they were both and oilskin cap and corded petticoat amongst the articles stolen from his house. He told Mrs. Wilson she would burn the house down, to which she replied she did not care what became of her. He then went into the tap-room and found some ashes of burning clothes there, and in the bar an apron which he now produced.

Everest produced the towels, apron, petticoat, and other articles, which was sworn to by the prosecutor, and the prisoners were committed for trial at the Assizes.

Burglary at Aylesford.

They were then charged with receiving a spoon and various articles of wearing apparel, knowing the same to have been stolen.

Elizabeth, wife of Mr. John Green, grocer, at Aylesford, said that on the 24th of November last, the house was broken into and a quantity of household linen, wearing apparel, and other articles stolen therefrom.

Everest and Hilton produced a pair of stays, socks, and other articles found in the prisoners' rooms, and which were identified by Mrs. Green.

Dunne stated that on going to the "Cannon" on the 4th instant he found Elizabeth Hudson, the servant there, wearing an apron which proved to belong to Mrs. Green.

Elizabeth Hudson said she had been living as servants at the "Cannon" public house for the last 9 months, and she brought the apron off her mistress for sixpence. She had likewise brought a shawl, a dress, and a pair of boots of Hannah Summers, a female who had been lodging in the house for a long period.

Mrs. Green identified the boots found at Wilson's, as her husband's property, as also a silver caddy spoon, several baby's shirts, aprons, and other articles.

The prisoners were committed for trial on this charge.

Burglary at Maidstone.

The next case was against the Wilson's, for receiving a quantity of goods which had been stolen from the shop of Mrs. Charles Frederick Goodenough, tobacconist, at Maidstone.

Blanche Goodenough, wife of the prosecutor, stated that on the night of the 18th of January the house was burgloursely entered and a quantity of cigars, tobacco, and other articles were taken away, to the value of about £10 or £12. She thought she had seen the three prisoners who were examined yesterday, loitering about the house.

The constables produced of pipe, a dress, and a box containing about 100 cigars, together with a small quantity of tobacco, all of which were found at the "Canon;" the tobacco was discovered in a coal hole wrapped up in a cloth.

Prosecutor identified the property produced, and the prisoners were committed on this charge.

Burglary at Rainham.

They were then charged with receiving stolen property belonging to Mr. William Richard Moss, of Rainham, who stated that on the morning of the 5th of January, his house was broken into, and several waistcoats, two coats, postage stamps, tobacco, copper money, together with several other articles, stolen therefrom.

Superintendent Everist produced a waistcoat which he had found at the prisoners house, a small jemmy and a number of keys, one bunch of which Mrs. Wilson told him belong to "Toothless Ned." In a box in Wilson's room he found six waistcoats belonging to the prosecutor.

Superintendent Dunne produced a piece of coburg cloth, and a coat and shawl, all of which he found at the "Cannon," and which were identified by Mr. Moss.

They were committed on this charge.

Robbery at Sittingbourne.

The next case was that of Thomas Whibley, a linen-draper, at Sittingbourne, who stated that on the 6th of December last, he had about 40 yards of cotton cloth stolen from his shop door. He had a slight knowledge of the prisoner from there having about 5 years ago kept of public house at Milton.

Everest produced a portion of the cloth, which is found secreted in a bag in the back parlour at the "Cannon," and which was identified by the prosecutor, and the prisoners were committed on this charge.

Thursday.

The magistrates assembled this morning at 10 o'clock, when the first case gone into was against the Wilsons, as receivers of stolen goods, in the following.

Burglary at New Brompton.

Sarah, wife of William Edward Taylor, a smith in Chatham Dockyard, residing at New Brompton, stated that on the night of the first of January, their house was entered, and goods to the value of about £3 stolen therefrom.

Everest and Carey gave evidence as in the former cases, and produced a tea pot, sheet, shirt, and towel, which were identified by the prosecutor and his wife, and the prisoners were committed on this charge.

Burglary at Linton.

Hannah Summers, who has for several months past been lodging at the "Cannon," was then placed in the dock with the Wilson's, and with them charged as receiving stolen goods, which had, to a considerable amount, been taken from a dwelling house of Mr. Charles Hammond, grocer and Draper, at Linton, and many of which were found in the search at Wilson's.

Prosecutor proved that his house was burglurously entered on the morning of the 27th of December last, and goods, consisting of tea, tobacco, shawls, cigars, dresses, clothes, shoes, ribbons, &c, to the value of £30 or £40 taken away.

Everist stated that when he searched the house the prisoner Summers was present, but also Mr. Hammond, who identified many of the articles found by the constables, and a hat which Wilson was wearing at the time, proved to be the property of the prosecutor.

Dunne produced several plaid shawls which were discovered in the back parlour, which Wilson stated to be his own property, and that he had had them ever since he had been living at Milton. These, however, were identified by Mr. Hammond, and a neck tie, which Elizabeth Hudson, the servant, was wearing, proved to be part of the stolen property.

Hilton produced two neck ties, which he found in Mrs. Wilson's box, which she stated were part of a stock she had taken some time ago, and that she would show him the bill if he liked. In an adjoining bedroom, on looking into a box belonging to Hudson, witness found two more neck ties and some cuttings of plaid, and in a jar in the in the back cupboard, about 3lbs. of mixed tea. He then asked Mrs. Wilson what tea she had got, when she showed him a small canister containing about a quarter of a pound, which she said was all she had got. He then showed her the jar, and she said she had forgotten that. Carey produced a dress which was given to him by Elizabeth Hudson during the search, and a pair of boots which she was wearing at the time, and which she stated she had bought.

Elizabeth Hudson stated that the necktie produced by Dunne was given to her by a young man who was lodging at the house about the 29th of December. His name was Charles; he came from Maidstone, and she had seen him drinking with Thomas Weston and Clark. He came to the house about a week before Christmas. The other neck tie was given to her by her mistress. Charles was there when Everist apprehended Turner, and then went away, but returned the next morning, when the lodgers told him the Constable was looking for him, and he then left and she had not seen him since. The cuttings of plaid taken from her dress were part of the dress she had given to Carey, and which he brought of the prisoner Summers for 4s., and which sum she also gave her for the shoes. She never asked her any questions as to where she have got them from, nor did she think that they were stolen.

Summers denied having sold any of the articles to Hudson, and said that she had sworn falsely.

Mr. Hammond identified several of the shawls and other property found at the "Cannon," and said that when he found the hat, Wilson said he had brought it of them for sixpence.

The three prisoners, Wilson, his wife, and Summers, were committed on this charge.

Burglary at Teston.

On Friday morning the case gone into was against all six of the prisoners; Clark, Thomas, and Weston, charged with having broken into the dwelling house of Mr. Henry Luck, at Teston, and stolen a quantity of goods; and Wilson and his wife, and Summers, their servant, with receiving the same, knowing them to have been stolen.
Henry Luck, of Yalding, grocer and draper, said that on the night of Tuesday, 10th of December last, he slept at the house of his grandfather, Henry Luck, at Teston, carrying on a similar business to that of witness. During the night the tiles were removed from the roof, and then by the trap door an entrance was obtained into the shop, over a part of which he was sleeping at the time. He did not, however, hear any noise during the night, and between 7 and 8 o'clock the next morning it was discovered that the premises had been visited by thieves, and several waistcoat pieces, ribbons, gloves, shawls, tea, and other articles stolen.

Emma Stokes stated that the three prisoners, Weston, Thomas, and Clark, were lodging at her house about the time of the burglary, and that Clark gave her a pair of gloves to take care of for him, which proved to form part of the stock stolen from Teston.

Superintendent Everist and Hilton produced several of the waistcoat pieces, two pieces of ribbon, and a shawl, found amongst the goods at the "Cannon," which were identified by the prosecutor, and the prisoners were committed on the several charges.

In the next case the Wilson's were charged with feloniously stealing a tablecloth, and articles of wearing apparel from a clothes line, on the premises of Rebecca Morgan, a launderess, in Ordnance place, Chatham, and which had been entrusted to her care for washing by families on the neighbourhood, and found by the constables at the "Cannon."

The prisoners were committed for trial on this additional case, which completed the enquiry.

Mr. Prall, on behalf of the Wilson's, applied to have that portion of the property restored to them for which no owners have been found, but the magistrates declined to make any order in the matter.

The prisoners Stokes and White, who had been taken into custody of suspicion of being implicated in recent felonies, were brought up and discharged.

Kentish Gazette, 11 February 1851.

MAIDSTONE. Apprehension of a Gang of Burglars.

On Monday evening, the 3rd at ten o'clock, in consequence of some information, Superintendent Dunne, of the Bearstead division, Superintendent Everest, of the Gravesend division, with Inspector Faucett and P.C. Hills, of the Maidstone police, proceeded to a lodging house in Union-Street, Maidstone, kept by a Mrs. Stokes, upon searching which they found a great deal of property, which it was evident, from the miscellaneous nature of it, must have been stolen. There were three men in the house, who gave their names as George Weston, James Clarke, and John Thomas. They were immediately apprehended and conveyed to the station house, and the next morning taken before our borough magistrates, by whom they were remanded.

After their apprehension on Monday night, Superintendents Everest and Dunne proceeded to Chatham, where they were joined by Superintendent Milton, of the Malling division. These three, accompanied by P.C. Carry, of the Rochester force, continued their search and in the "Cannon" public house, Cannon-Street, Chatham, found an immense quantity of stolen property, evidently the proceeds of several burglaries. The landlord and his wife, Thomas and Harriett Wilson, were immediately taken into custody, together with a woman named Hannah Summers, who had been acting as agent for the disposal of the stolen property. Whilst the officers were searching the house, the landlady lighted the fires in two rooms, and when found was in the art of burning some of the stolen property. These three persons were taken to the station-house at Rochester, and on Tuesday night Dunne and Everest returned to Maidstone, and from the station-house there conveyed the three prisoners, who had been remanded, to Chatham, where they were locked up for the night.

On Wednesday as the prisoners, Clarke, Thomas, Heaton, Wilson and his wife, and Hannah Summers, were placed at the bar before the county magistrates at Rochester. The magistrates present were the Rev George Davies, Thomas Baker, James Smith, H Boys, and T. H. Day, Esqs.

There were 10 distinct charges of burglary against the prisoners; and others, the burglary which took place at Mr. Hammond's, grocer, of Linton, some short-term sense.

Evidence having been given on most of the charges the superintendents applied for a remand, on the grounds that they expected there would be several more charges against them.

They were accordingly reminded till Wednesday next.

When Wilson was apprehended, he was wearing one of the hats stolen from Mr. Hammond's and some of the property found was the proceeds of a burglary committed as recently as Saturday night last at Graveney, near Faversham. There was a large cart load of stolen goods removed from the "Cannon" at Chatham, beside some found in other places; any information respecting which from parties who have been robbed, may be obtained by application to either of the officers above-mentioned, or at the Maidstone Police Station House.

It is considered that the prisoners already in custody are not quite half in number of the whole gang, whose nightly depredations for some months passed have created great alarm to Maidstone and it's vicinity. From information, however, we have every reason to believe that before the next examination, there will be more, if not the whole of them in custody. The well-known activity and vigilance of all the officers employed, is a sufficient guarantees to the public that whatever can be done in affecting their capture will be done.

Kentish Gazette, 18 February 1851.

MAIDSTONE. The Gang of Burglars.

Since our last report the officer, joined by Superintendent Boyd, of Faversham division, have been indefatigably engaged in tracing and investigating every circumstance in connection with this daring and formidable gang of midnight burglars and robbers, of whom another has been apprehended.

It is now very satisfactorily known that they are the parties who have so cleverly planned and carried out the atrocious and desperate burglaries in the dwelling houses of the following persons, viz:- Mr. Hammond, of Linton; Mr. Luck, of Teston; Mr. Green, of Aylesford; Mr. Goodenough, of Maidstone; Mr. Byhams, of Gillingham; Mr. Vennell, of Chatham; Miss Wooler, of Chatham; Mr. Gray, of Chatham; Mr. Taylor, of Gillingham; Mr. Wibly, of Sittingbourne; Mr. Manger, of Newington; Mr. Moss, of Rainham; Mr. Gibbs, of Graveney; Mr. Walter, of Sutton Valence, and a burglary at Malling, besides the highway robbery with violence committed on Mr. Hookes, of Maidstone. Some of the property stolen in each of those cases has been found, and is identified by the owners. Amongst the property found, and now in the possession of the officers, is a large quantity of drapery of every description, baby linen, table cloths, shirts, towels, &c,. jewellery, rings, old coins, silver spoons, and in fact something or other of every sort of domestic property.

The burglars appear not to have been at all deficient in there profession, for they have organised themselves in such a way as the lend one to suppose that their captain was no "inexperience cracksman." It is a great public satisfaction to know that he and his gang of depredators are now so safely lodged as to insure protection for some time to come, at all events, from their infamous attacks. The two receptacles for the proceeds of the robberies were, the lodging-house in Maidstone, and the "Cannon" public house at Chatham. A regular system was established of interchanging the property stolen in the neighbourhood of Maidstone with that of Chatham, and vice-versa. Had it gone on much longer, in all probability our county would have been disgraced by a repetition of the Frimley tragedy. At one of the houses broken open, one of them stationed himself at the foot of the stairs with a double barrel gun, resolved to shoot anyone who appeared.

Examinations of the several prisoners have taken place before the county magistrates, at the Clerk's office in Rochester.

After the prisoners have been remanded on the 5th instant., Henry Stokes, the son of the keeper of the lodging house at Maidstone, where the three prisoners were apprehended on Monday evening, was charged with stealing a large quantity of wearing apparel, &c., from his mother's house, which he was found disposing of in Chatham.

William White, late of Pluckley, was remanded for further evidence.

Emma Stokes, of Maidstone, mother of the prisoner, stated that she had last lost between £20 and £30 of goods, but she did not charge her son with stealing them.

William White was brought up on suspicion of being concerned in the burglary of Mr. Tropbit's at Chatham, and was reminded.

George Weston and James Clark, were charged with felony.

John Byhum, Clark to the Board of Ordnance, Chatham, occupying a house called Town's-end, in the garrison of Chatham
and parish of Gillingham, said, I missed 6 spoons, value £2; 12 knives and 12 forks; one pair of boots, and other articles.

Emma Stokes, examined:- I live in Union Street, Maidstone, and deal in clothes. I let lodgings. The two prisoners have lodged at my house on various occasions. Weston gave me the shoes produce, and said he was very bad off, and asked me to lend him a shilling on them. A man called Bob Turner gave me a parcel of knives and forks the take care of for him, and also two cases of mathematical instruments. They have neither asked me for the things back again.

Superintendent Everest, Gravesend district:- I know a man called "Black Bob," and know him to be a companion of the two prisoners. he is now in gaol for trial under the name of George Turner. He had been apprehended at the "Cannon," Chatham. The two prisoners were in his company at the time. In consequence of information I received after placing Turner in gaol, I went to Mrs. Stokes lodging house in Maidstone, with Superintendent Dunns and other assistance. Clarke was there whom I told I should take into custody on charges of burglary. He told me there was some one in the back room whom I wanted. I went into the washhouse and found Weston there washing his feet. I apprehended him, I received the knives and
forks produced from last witness. I assisted in a search, and found several other articles.

The police officers having testify to their apprehending the prisoners, they were committed for trial at the assizes.

James Thomas, James Clarke, and George Weston were charged with a burglary at Graveney, on the 2nd February.

Robert Gibbs:- I keep the "Horseshoe" at Graveney; had his house broken into on the morning of Sunday, 2nd of February, missed a pair of boots, 3 candlesticks, 6 spoons, and other property. I did not find any tracks of the parties who broke into my house, with the exception of two pairs of shoes which they left behind.

Emma Stokes:- I remember the three prisoners being in my home on Monday, 3rd of February. Clarke and Weston came there on Thursday previous together. Thomas had been lodging there for about a fortnite or three weeks. Clarke and Thomas went away on Saturday morning. Weston stayed all that day. The other two came back about 12 on Sunday morning. They joined Weston, they ask for a dish to put some broken victuals in, also for some boiling water. The prisoners Lodge together that night, and were there all day on Monday. In the evening Thomas brought a coat, two pairs of bootsshoes, a flag basket with some things to it, which I heard rattle, which he asked me to take care of till the morning. The constables came in about 20-minutes after, and took the prisoners into custody, when I gave up the various articles to them.

William Eve identified some of the articles belonging to him. Committed for trial at Assizes.

Thomas and Harriet Wilson were charged with having in their possession two sheets and other articles, knowing them to have been stolen.

Thomas Manger, a grocer, living at Newington, stated:- On the night of 23rd January, my house was broken into, and 2 sheets, 4 table-cloths, 13 aprons, and other articles, were stolen.

Superintendent Everest:- The prisoners keep the "Cannon" public house, Chatham. I apprehended the prisoners; found the spoons produced, in a bag in Mrs. Wilson's back parlour; also two spoons and other things in the same room. There was a quantity of linen in a drawer in a bedroom, which I did not bring away with me then. Mrs. Wilson assured me they were all her own; Mr. Wilson said the things which I found down stairs were his property. Found two towels in the prisoners bedroom, the door of which was locked. While we were searching on the 4th of February Mr. Hammond, of Linton, was there owning some of the property. Told Mrs. Wilson she must go with us, and she said. "Must I go before dark?" I said as soon as possible. She then said, "Fetch a stretcher. Hang me, lag me, I'm guilty of all, and the old man knows nothing about it," and told us to hang her in her chains with old Cary. I have been two or three times since to search the house in consequence of further information.

Police Constable Vurry, Rochester force:- I produce several fragments of partly burnt petticoats and other articles. I took them off the fireplace all in a blaze. Mrs. Wilson was burning them during the search on the 4th February. Committed for trial.

They were then charged with receiving a spoon and various articles of wearing apparel, knowing the same to have been stolen.

Elizabeth Green, wife of John Green, grocer, at Aylesford:- On the 24th November, my house was broken into late and several articles of wearing apparel stolen.

Superintendent Bilton, and P.C. Carey having found some of the articles during the search.

Mrs. Green identify the whole of the articles produced as being her property:- Committed for trial on this charge also.

Thomas and Harriet Wilson were charged with receiving goods to the value of £3, which had been stolen from the house of Edward Taylor, at New Brompton in the parish of Gillingham, on the 1st of Jan., they well knowing the same to have been stolen:- Committed for trial.

The prisoners were then charged, together with Hannar Summers, with receiving various articles, knowing them to have been stolen.

Charles Hammond, a grocer at Linton, examined:- On the morning of the 27th December last, my house was broken into, and goods consisting of tea, cigars, dresses, shawls, cloaks, and other articles, to the value of £30 or £40 were taken away. Found some of the property at the "Cannon" in Chatham.

They were committed for trial.

Thomas and Harriet Wilson were then charged with having received goods which had been stolen from Mr. Goodenough's, at Maidstone:- Committed for trial.

They were then charged with Having receive stolen property, which was stolen from Rainham, and were also committed on this charge.

They will then charged with receiving stolen property from Sittingbourne.

Thomas Whebley:- I am a draper at Sittingbourne. About 40 yards of cotton cloth was stolen from my shop door on 5th December. I do not know by whom it was stolen. I have a slight knowledge of the two prisoners, who kept a public house of Milton five or six years ago.

Superintendent Everest:- I found the cloth produced in the back parlour of the "Cannon," in a bag. It was owned by Mr. Wilson:- Committed for trial.

It is said that there are already 22 distinct charges of burglary against the prisoners - besides 2 for highway robbery.

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 25 March 1851.

The Rochester and Maidstone Gang of Burglars.

James Clark, 34, was indicted for housebreaking, and stealing 6 gloves, 30 yards of ribbon, 12 waistcoat pieces, 3 yards of Jean, and 15 shawls, value £5 1s., the property of Henry Luck, at Teston.

Thomas Wilson, 55, victualler, Harriet Wilson, 50, and Hannah Summers, 34, for receiving the same, knowing it to be stolen.

The Hon. G. Denman conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Horn defended the Wilson's.

The house of prosecutor was broken open on the 10th December, and the above property stolen. The prosecution was principally supported or the evidence of an accomplice named Turner, who went with Clarke (corroborated by other evidence,) and two other men from the house of Mrs. Stokes, in Union Street, Maidstone, where they had been lodging, to Teston, very early in the morning of the robbery, after which they went to the house of Wilson, who keeps the "Cannon" public house in Chatham, and disposed of the property to Harriet Wilson. Clarke was apprehended by Everest, the superintending-constable, at Mrs. Stokes's, and on searching the house of Wilson, part of the property was found.

Clarke and Harriet Wilson were found guilty; Thomas Wilson was acquitted. Clarke been previously convicted of felony.

Thomas and Harriet Wilson were also convicted of receiving 7 waistcoats and one coat, value £1 15s., the property of William Richard Moss, at Rainham.

James Thomas, 31 was convicted of burglary, and stealing two shoes, one metal bottle, three candlesticks and other articles, value 13s. 8d., the property of Robert Gibbs, and one coat, two other shoes, one knife, and one basket, value 10s. 10d., the property of William Eve at Graveney.

James Clark, James Thomas, Thomas Wilson, Harriet Wilson, and George Turner, for accomplice, who have pleaded guilty to an indignant for burglary at Halling, were them placed at the bar, and sentenced as follows:- Clarke and Thomas, transported for life; Thomas and Harriet Wilson, transported for 14 years; Turner, six months' hard labour.

There were several other indictments against the Wilson's, which were not proceeded with. We shall give a full report of the trial in our next.

From the Kentish Gazette, 28 July 1857.

County Bench — July 20.

Edward Mott, landlord of the "Cannon," Ordnance-place, was charged with assaulting George Baldock, at Chatham, on the 16th instant.

Fined £2 and 17s. costs.