The History of Wandsworth Common

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[This article does not refer to Wandsworth Common . . . ]

Westminster Journal and Old British Spy — Saturday 26 March 1808

Monday J.Hooper, S. Boulton, Wm. Sadler, Wm. Shepherd, and _____Bryce, underwent their final examinations, before Mr Read, and two Magistrates from the county of Surrey, on

various charges of highway robberies on, and in the neighbourhood, of

Sydenham- common,

From the evidence of Jest Best, farmer, in Barston, it appeared that on the 7th inst. about12 giclock he was attacked by'three en, ne’ of tobdedbot Bank notes, and-about 4L. on fied, but were pursued; ard, fomevor ithie-bills Hooper asvhis property. mination, Mr. was. Herd and Pry were apprehended as {being commiffion oft h were commiited in that quart back. —THe prisoners, who are desperate looking-young fellows were fully commmitted.

[BNA: Link.]

Sun (London) — Wednesday 30 March 1808

James Hooper. and Abraham Brace, who iierq convicted on Sathrday of a. highway robbery, were again tried on another charge, of robbing George Taylor, on Wandsworth Common. The Proseeb 4 torwas crossing the Common in a tilted cart, when he was met by five men, two of whom stopped him and rummaged his cart.

They. took his watch, his money, and a box containing cloaths. He thought Brace was the man who stood at the head of cart, but he could not see the persons of the others.

Adkins, the Bow-street Officer, said be searched Brace's lodgings, and found a coat, which he produced. The Prosecutor identified the coat, as being in the box taken from his cart. The Jury found Brace only — Guilty.

James Hooper; Samuel Hanson, William Sadler, and Abraham Brace, were put to the bar, and the CHIEF BARON told them it was now no secret that they were part of a desperate gang who has infested this county, and therefore they must not be suffered to live.

He was about to pass sentence of death. upon them, and he advised them to prepare themselves to meet their tine, for he assuredly should leave them for execution. His Lorthhip accordinly pronounced sentence of Death upon them.

They are the only persons expected to be left for execution.

[BNA: Link.]

Star (London) — Thursday 31 March 1808 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002646/18080331/010/0004<<

[Another crime added — this one committed on Wandsworth Common.]

Westminster Journal and Old British Spy — Saturday 02 April 1808

James Hooper and Abraham Brace, (the particulars of some of whose depredations were mentioned in our last) who had been convicted of a highway robbery, were again tried on another charge, of robbing George Taylor, on Wandsworth-common.— The Jury found Brace only Guilty.

James Hooper, Samuel Hanson, William Sadler, and Abraham Brace, were put to the bar, and the Chief Baron told them, it was now no secret that they were part of a desperate gang who had infested this county. His Lordship then pronounced sentence of death upon them.

They are the only persons expected to be left for execution.

[BNA: Link.]

Westminster Journal and Old British Spy — Saturday 09 April 1808

Yesterday, morning James Hooper, Wiiliam Sadler, and Abraham Brace, — were executed in the front of tin." , county gaol, irrHorfernonger-lanc, in purfuance of their fentence at the laft Kiugfton Aflizes. The unfortunate men met their awful fate with fortitude and pions resignation.

James Moddy, one of their accomplices in the robberies, in consequence of some favourable circumstances in his case, has been respited. It is supposed his sentence will be converted into that of transportation. O

[BNA: Link.]