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Document entitled 'The causes off all the suspects from Westmynster by Geffrey Harrysson, Baylyff, as here after ensewyth'. Dated 1555. The document refers to the case of Richard Child arrested on suspicion of felony, James Dauye who cheated his master over selling herrings at Billingsgate, those suspected of stealing a sword and dagger from a man while drunk and others sent in by Sir Roger Chumley upon suspicion of robbing the Spaniards. Casual theft and organized crime was a significant problem in the medieval period, and this document compiled by, or possibly at, the instigation of Geoffrey Harryson the bailiff for Westminster, provides fascinating information on four cases of fellony held before the Middlesex magistrates. All of the crimes had been committed the previous year.
Date
1555 AD - 1555 AD
Image Number
000099
