Victorian justice at Bow Street – 1844

Saint James’s Chronicle – Thursday 26 December 1844

BOW-STREET.—On Tuesday Robert Hobson, the keeper of a receiving-house for the postage of letters at Walthamstow, was brought up for final examination, charged with embezzling the sum of 1s. 10d., being the postage of a letter to Calcutta, the particulars of which have already appeared, and fully committed for trial, there being no further evidence against him.

The prisoner was again charged with unlawfully detaining a number of newspapers which came into his possession for the purpose of being transmitted by the post.

The evidence given on the former examination was repeated and perfected.

The prisoner, by the advice of his counsel, made no defence, and he was ordered to find bail, himself in 100l., and two sureties in 50l. each, to answer the charge at the sessions.

A stout, well-dressed man, who stated that his name was Bentley, was placed at the bar, charged before Mr. Jardine with having behaved in a riotous manner at a public-house in Holywell-street, Strand, and also with having used insulting language to the police at the station-house in Bow-street.

Mr. Jardine told the prisoner that his conduct had been very gross, and asked him his station in society, with a view to ascertain what amount of fine he should inflict.

The Prisoner, in a haughty and rather insolent manner, replied, “I am a gentleman.”

Mr. Jardine.—Then I shall sentence you to seven days’ imprisonment in the House of Correction (a laugh).

This mode of dealing with the case was evidently one which the “gentleman” had not anticipated; and, in a homely phrase, he appeared “struck all of a heap.”

Explanation:

This article records proceedings at the Bow Street Magistrates’ Court in London. It recounts two cases:

1. Robert Hobson’s case: He was accused of embezzling postal funds and unlawfully withholding newspapers meant for postal delivery. Despite the evidence being repeated and strengthened, Hobson made no defence. He was required to post bail and await trial at the sessions.
2. Bentley’s case: A man named Bentley faced charges of public drunkenness and disorderly conduct, including abusive language towards the police. Bentley, asserting his status as a “gentleman,” likely hoped for leniency. Instead, the magistrate humorously sentenced him to seven days in a correctional facility, much to the amusement of those present.

Context:

1. Bow Street Magistrates’ Court: Established in the 18th century, this court handled various criminal matters, ranging from petty offences to cases requiring trial at higher courts.
2. Victorian Postal System: Postal offences were considered serious in the 19th century as letters were a crucial communication medium. Embezzlement and misuse of postal services attracted severe penalties.
3. Social Hierarchies: Bentley’s attempt to evade harsher punishment by claiming gentlemanly status underscores Victorian class dynamics, where higher social standing often influenced judicial outcomes.
4. Public Houses and Disorderly Behaviour: Public drunkenness was a common issue in Victorian London, often dealt with in a public and punitive manner.

Uses for Researchers, Historians, and Genealogists:

1. Genealogists:
   • Family historians may find references to individuals (e.g., Robert Hobson or Bentley) valuable for tracing ancestors or understanding personal histories.
2. Legal Historians:
   • Offers insights into Victorian-era legal practices, such as bail conditions, treatment of postal crimes, and the interplay of class and justice.
3. Social Historians:
   • Provides a snapshot of societal norms, behaviours, and the legal system’s response to offences in mid-19th-century England.
4. Researchers:
   • The reference to Calcutta suggests links to British colonial activity and the importance of postal communication between Britain and India.
5. Cultural Studies:
   • The anecdotal nature of Bentley’s case reflects humour in courtroom proceedings, shedding light on how justice was delivered and perceived by the public.

Victorian justice at Bow Street: A ‘gentleman’ learns his status won’t save him from 7 days in jail for riotous behaviour, while a postal keeper faces trial for embezzling 1s. 10d. #VictorianHistory #CourtroomTales #History #VictorianLondon #BowStreet #Justice #Genealogy #SocialHistory #PostalCrimes #BritishHistory #19thCenturyLife