Abusive Costermonger Summoned to Court Room

Abusive Costermonger summoned to St. Neots Court Room By Peter Ibbett

Most folk pass by the Victorian buildings that comprise St. Neots Museum without realising that the original Victorian light that passed through the distinctive curved windows shone into a court room where local magistrates dealt with misdemeanours of their day. A Cambridge paper of November 8th 1879 reveals the case load of Colonel Humbley; Rev B H Puckle, Captain Duberly; J Linton, A.J. Thornhill, and C.P Rowley, Esqs. The first of three problems was easily dispatched. William Edling, a stranger, was brought up, charged with hawking without a pedlar’s licence and ordered to leave the town. A lengthier case was that of farmer Thomas Seward of Godmanchester who was charged with stealing eight beasts, the property of Mr Edward Bull, at Papworth St. Agnes on the 4th November. It was alleged that he was seen driving them through Hilton towards St. Ives, at which town he put them on the railway, and sent them to Mr. Abbott’s auction sale at Thrapston, where they were sold to various people. Superintendent Copping applied for a remand on the ground that he had not had time to get up the necessary evidence in this case. The case was

remanded for a week. The third case involved a local character and turned out to be an easy one to pass judgement on. William Ibbett, costermonger (cart seller of fruit & vegetables) of St. Neots was charged with an offence under the Highway Acts. Mr Linton said that on the 24th of last month he saw the defendant’s pony and conveyance blocking the road at Buckden, so much so that no one could pass. After some little delay, defendant came up, and being remonstrated with by witness, made use of the most abusive and filthy language. Defendant said he was a hawker, and therefore obliged to leave his pony in the roads and streets. The Bench duly informed Ibbett that he had no right to leave his pony to prowl about the highways to the danger of other passengers, and certainly not to insult persons who were inconvenienced by such neglect. He would have to pay a fine of 2s 6d, and costs 15s. More information about other cases dealt with in this local court can be found on the St. Neots Museum web site which has added new material, including Video programmes, to compensate for its closure during the virus lock down. Do take a look for there are new items aimed at children to help support their school and home education.