This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 13 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Weekly Chronicle
Location
London, Middlesex, United Kingdom
Date
Mar 27, 1842
Page
6
Report details an explosion in a Clyde steamer engine caused by insufficient water and overheated plates. Investigations note a three inch iron bar, thick plates, and a severely damaged fire box. Officials expect the incident to end high pressure engines on Clyde steamers and the public expresses cautious optimism for the injured’s recovery.
WESTERN CIRCUIT Exira March 19. The trial of Mr Nott a Swinbridge magistrate for administering illegal oaths to three villagers was heard before Mr Justice Coleridge and a special jury. Prosecution and defense debated the act’s reach as witnesses testified to oaths given over pea and thimble bets and parish disputes. The jury found guilty on the oath charge but recommended mercy. Nott was sentenced to one calendar month's imprisonment.
Marsstone March 19 Action by a tallow-chandler of Woolwich against Thomas Davies Bassett and Bull for falsely confining him in Bethlem as insane for twelve weeks from May 29 1841. He presented witnesses including police and Bethlem patients, argued manipulation by officials and his wife, while the jury returned a verdict for the defendants in a scene marked by Baron Alderson’s interventions. The judge lamented turning the court into an additional Bethlem ward.
Oxford circuit hears murder case against Tar Cuirk Murpes Johnson Williams and Joseph Slawson charged with Emma Evans death on December 16. Crown counsel F W Lee prosecutes. Slawson defended by Mr. Yardley. Public interest crowds streets as evidence details how the elderly victim, living alone near Brookeide, stored a suspected fortune. Witnesses describe the lodge vicinity and early morning sighting as tailors, including Slawson, arrive for work by the deceased cottage.
A trial recounts Vaughan and Slawson planning to rob Mrs. Evans, the murder at Emma Evans house, and a bundle of plunder found near Cefn. Williams found guilty, Slawson acquitted, both convicted of related robbery and transportation. Separate civil suit covers a seduction and damages claim by Miss Pigott against groom Kendall with witness testimony.
Testimony recounts Kendall and Miss Pigott at the Harp with others during fireworks. Henry Whatmore recalls leaving the Harp after thirteen months, with no one sleeping in Kendall’s room. The case features cross examinations, conflicting alibis, and a verdict for the plaintiff granting £100 in damages. In a separate arsenic murder trial, Thomas Harris is acquitted of killing Mrs Williams after flour poisoning is traced to a bag in the kitchen, with the judge noting anomalies in the defense’s narrative. An election-related case ends in acquittal for lack of proper agency proof.
In York March 23 at the Northern Circuit William Banks was tried for answering the Reform Act question falsely about his voter qualification. The jury was selected with care after initial difficulties, and the case examined whether he occupied the same qualified residence when he tendered his vote in the 1841 city election. The judge ruled on questions of fact and law regarding misrepresentation and residence.
Law report notes Mr Cobbett discharged from habeas corpus in the Fleet for exchequer order irregularities. Vice-chancellor Wigram grants judgment in Bulteel v Lord Abinger on lack of authority to sign contract for an estate, with costs. A Dublin defendant Bartholomew Macray is tried for disorder after a funeral party incident, with damages and a month’s imprisonment for nonpayment.
In a bankruptcy hearing the committee discussed New Wellington Testimonial funds misused after Wright and Co failed. Trustees were replaced and a one shilling dividend was declared. An insolvent actor James William Wattack underwent final examination with debts exceeding £14,000 and assets from Brighton sales. Drury Lane lessee Edward Exiason’s case was adjourned to April 25 with bail discharged.
In Fleet Street a bookseller window was broken and a thief was found with stolen items after two men were seen near Mr Dodson’s door. A police-backed trial was ordered as the suspect’s disguise included false curls. Three post office letter carriers faced examination for money thefts, with central court remand and binding over for secure attendance.
Richard Jenkins held on suspicion of stealing jewels worth over £300 from Mr Stratton Marsham in Berkeley-square. The case details two seized rooms, a servant relation, and a missing writing-case, with Maltby ordering further detention due to lack of evidence. A later note reports a separate post office abuse by a 12-year-old, defacing letters with dark liquid and a buckthorn syrup phial, leading to police involvement and parental recognizance.
Police report at Mansion House recounts two destitute women threatened to break windows to obtain shelter and food. Sir Peter Laurie criticizes overcrowded Bridewell and Compter prisons, unions for failed relief, and calls for government action to curb jail distempers and misuse of shelters. Women discharged with advice to seek aid other than prison.
In Queen Square Henry Ford 21 alleged to have beaten his mother on a Saturday night in Lower George Street a witness James Smith 40 B testified he heard a woman scream and found the prisoner had beaten her. Ford pleaded drunkenness and was fined 40s or a month imprisonment. Another desparate assault on police case involved John Fitzgerald and others at Tothill Fields prison with mobs, infant at gate, resistance and multiple punishments ordered.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.