I have looked at this piece of wood in Horsham Museum on many an occasion and wondered what its backstory was. The only thing I knew for sure was that the carved initials and date were for an inmate of the old Sussex County gaol which used to be in Horsham (it was later demolished). Jean Baptiste, from Italy, was committed on 13th September 1764. She had apparently stolen a parcel of snake-root, rhubarb, cochineal and gentian root from the owners who were Elizabeth Roberts and May King. I'm relieved to report that she was discharged on 25th March 1765 having been declared legally innocent. The plank itself is part of one of the gaol's oak floorboards.
Hope you all have a cracking weekend.
Arilx
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This story is such a fascinating glimpse into history—Jean Baptiste’s tale adds a human element to what might otherwise seem like an ordinary piece of wood. The details about the stolen goods and her eventual exoneration make it all the more intriguing. It’s amazing how objects like this plank can carry so much narrative weight, connecting us to lives and events long past.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I’ve just shared a new post—you might enjoy it: www.melodyjacob.com. Hope it adds something interesting to your weekend.
Sounds like some witchy-bitchy fix-up. Who has all that in the same parcel?
ReplyDeleteFascinating! xxx
ReplyDeletePoor Jean, I'm so glad she escaped with her life! xxx
ReplyDeleteAmazing that she was found innocent. Due process seemed as if it were hard to come by, back in the day. Like it is now in my country.
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