Salisbury and Winchester Journal - 20 May 1799

A daring gang of thieves has long been a terror to the neighbourhood of Bristol. The following depredations were committed by them in the night of the 10th instant:- They stole a horse from Jacob Mogg, Esq. of High-Littleton, and two horses from Mr. Charles Flower, at Pensford; broke open the turnpike-house at Redhill-gate, and robbed the keeper of cash to the amount of four or five pounds; they then continued their road to Paulton, and there broke open the inn and stole about twenty pounds, and various articles of wearing apparel; from thence they went to Hound-street, broke open a stable and took a saddle and bridle, and continued their journey to Keynsham, when they turned Mr. Mogg's horse into a field, which having no shoes on his fore feet, fell lame ; likewise a mare (heavy in foal) of Mr Flower's. It being nearly four o'clock on Saturday morning, the villains were pursued and traced from village to village till one of them, Abraham Scull, was discovered at his house at Hanham, near Bristol. In his pantry was found the other of Mr. Flower's horses; with the box of money and wearing apparel of Mr. Hill, of Paulton Inn, and the saddle and bridle. Scull and a woman who lived with him were apprehended, and two more of the gang are since taken.