Hanged for stealing sheep

A LABOURER faced the hangman’s noose nearly two centuries ago after being found guilty of stealing sheep.

Thomas Smedley met his maker at the age of 47 having been convicted of his crime in 1821.

It was stated at the time that “his character has long been very bad and it appears from his own confession that he has always been addicted to cursing and swearing, and neglecting the solemn duties of the Sabbath”.

Following his execution at Warwik Gaol on September 7, 1821, Smedley, of Shotteswell, south Warwickshire, left behind a wife and two daughters.

He was hanged alongside a man named William Carter who had been convicted of petty theft.

The 24-year-old had carried out the thefts with the help of a lady named Louisa Cornforth, after convincing her to rob her then master, Mr Robert Lowe, on a number of occasions.

However, it was reported at the time that “the most shocking and most unhuman part of the horrid and villainous transaction still remains to be told; and where is the heart that will not shudder at the bare recital of the most cruel act that was ever committed”.

Carter married another woman, while still courting Louisa Cornforth, and continued to convince her to continually rob from her master. It is said that she became “a victim to a disgusting and unprincipled man”.

As well as leaving behind his widow, Carter also had an 18-month-old child.

These tales were pieced together with the help of Coventry History Centre, based at the Herbert Art Gallery.

The centre is more than happy to help people search through their family’s past or the history of our city and region.