As time goes by punishments change. I have been reading through a number of old English newspaper articles published in the Liverpool Mercury. The Liverpool Mercury was first published on the 5th July 1811 and covered advertisements to local stories. Whilst reading through the newspaper I notice that there were a number of different court cases from the early 1800's.
Thursday June 18th, 1811
Two boys named William Corfe and James M'Waters were brought up on remand charged with stealing a cash-box containing 4s, belonging to Martha Dixon who was a newsvendor at Egremont ferry. Also a purse and 14s property of a beerhouse keeper named Cullingford, Pool Road, Egremont. The prisoner Cofre was committed to gaol for one month, with hard labour; M'Waters was ordered to receive twelve strokes with a birched rod.
Theft From A Boat
A man named John Glover (an old offender) was charged with having stolen a small chain, valued at 1s 3d, from a boat belonging to William Dugdale. The boat was lying on the beach at Tranmere, and the chain which was missed a day or two ago, was sold by the prisoner to a marine-store dealer. The prisoner pleaded that he took the chain back to the owner on the previous day. Committed to gaol for three months, with hard labour.
People think they have it tuff these days…
