Illustration Christine Fuller
The illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied.
Reports concerning historical criminal cases often appear in newspapers.
I came across the following report in the Norwich Argus of the 24th October, 1885:
Norfolk Quarter Sessions
Robbery of a Mare at Great Ellingham
Joseph Grant, dealer, was charged with stealing a mare, the property of Charles Stubbings at Great Ellingham on the 11th August. The prisoner pleaded guilty.
The Chairman said that he found that the prisoner had been convicted on previous occasions and the court would not be doing its duty unless it passed a heavy sentence upon him. He would have been hanged for the offence a few years ago, and would not be sentenced to nine months hard labour.
A further report of the case published in the Norwich Mercury on the same day, provides further information. Joseph Grant is aged 32 and is a travelling donkey dealer. However earlier, the Norwich Mercury of the 19th August, 1885, states that Joseph Grant is a travelling horse dealer of North Lopham.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to confidently identify Joseph Grant on any census returns. He may well have been travelling around Norfolk – or, indeed, the country.
Charles Stubbings
However, I have been able to identify Charles Stubbings.
In 1881, 65 year old butcher and farmer Charles Stubbings is living at Town Green. With him is his 67 year old (second) wife Ann, and his 29 year old son, Charles, who is also a butcher. It is possible that the Stubbings family are living at the property in Long Street which, later, became known as ‘Grey Roofs’.
Grey Roofs, Long Street
Photograph taken Christmas Day 2023
Sources:
24 October 1885 Norwich Argus
24 October 1885 Norwich Mercury
19 August 1885 Norwich Mercury
Newspapers viewed via The British Newspaper Archive
1881 census RG11/1874/80