Gloucester Journal - 27 May 1799
COUNTRY NEWS.
Bath, May 21. On Friday the instant Abraham Isles, alias scramhanded Jemmy, alias Twink, and Abraham Scull, of Bitton, in Glocestershire, and Robert Webb, of Chippenham in Wilts, (hawkers of fish) took from Publow-Common, in this county, one bay gelding, the property of Mr. Flower, of Pensford ; they then forced open the stable-door belonging the said Mr. Flower, and stole a black mare, and a bridle and saddle. They afterwards entered a stable belonging to Farmer Poole, of Pensford, and stole a black mare and bridle. From thence they went the Turnpike-house at Chelwood, where Isles demanded change for a shilling, which the Toll-keeper was under the necessity of going to her bureau to do, when Webb and Scull rushed into the house, and presenting pistols, demanded of her what money she had, and took from her to the amount of five pounds.— Isles sat on horse-back at the gate during the robbery, and the Toll-keeper, supposing him unconcerned with the others, requested his assistance, who archly replied, that he would secure them, and on their leaving the house, he desired they would not rob him, as he had nothing worth notice. They then went to Paulton, and forcibly entered the house Mrs. Susannah James, called Paulton Inn, took from thence a quantity of halfpence, two pocket-handkerchiefs, a waistcoat, and other articles, to the value of 15l. From thence they went to High-Littleton, and stole from a field belong to Jacob Mogg, Esq. a bay horse, and afterwards broke open Mr. Flower's bakehouse, at Houndstreet, and took a bridle and saddle.
Abraham Isles was taken the next morning out of his own bed at Bitton, and the articles they had stolen at Paulton were found under his pillow ; and Mr. Mogg's horse was found in Isles's pantry. Isles was committed the Monday following to Shepton-Mallet bridewell, by the Rev. Dr. Baker, of Marksbury.— Scull was in the house when Isles was taken into custody, but unfortunately made his escape.— Webb was seen at Monmouth fair on Tuesday last; and as they are both well known, it is to be hoped such villains will not be long at large.