The survival of an attack and robbery on Henry Johncock, sent an 18 year old to be hanged.
Henry Johncock was born in Hernhill, Kent in 1785, He became a Carpenter.
He married Elizabeth Nash from Chislet Kent in 1814 at the Parish Church in Wickhambreax Kent and they settled there on Grove Hill and had Three boys and Three girls between 1815 - 1826.
Tragedy struck in 1829 when his wife Elizabeth passed away at age 35 and he was left raising the children on his own.
The death of Elizabeth has no documentation, so cause of death unknown. It comes from ancestry people profiles and the newspaper report of him being a widow, as they didn't start properly recording BMDs until 1837)
on the 9th of February 1836, Henry Johncock was on a visit to Mr. Epps the landlord of the Inn at Ferry Grove, around two miles from his home.
He left his home at around five o'clock in the evening. After settling some business with Mr Epps, he sat down and during the evening he took one six pennies and three pennies worth of Gin and before leaving his house he had a small quantity of table beer. during his time at the Inn, he smoked three or four pipes of tobacco There were several other people in the room, smoking and drinking.
At around eight o'clock a man named Welland entered the room Mr Johncock was in, accompanied by Thomas Pryer. Welland left first around nine and Pryer about 10 minutes to 10 o'clock. Mr Johncock left 10 minutes later when Epps entered the room and said it was time to go.
He described the evening as a dark starry night with a new moon.
Having walked forty yards towards his home. he noticed a Newfoundland dog appear from the hedge by the pastureland and took the same road. Preceding this he noticed a man on the road, this was ten rods from the ferry. He followed Mr Johncock for some time, then overtook him and walked alongside him. At a place called Grove Corner, the man and dog disappeared towards Preston. He did not know the man, nor would he recognize him again.
Around half or three-quarters of the way home, he heard footsteps behind him. A man came up behind him and took hold of the breast of his dress, threw him backwards into a ditch, and tumbled onto him. He then began cutting him around the neck with some kind of cutting instrument.
After the assailant had made the first cut, Johncock called him by the name of Pryer; but he said his name was not Pryer, but Jack Chandler. he then said "Let your name be Jack Chandler, or whatever it may be, it will do you no good to do this. I have got a few shillings in my pocket, and I will give them to you." The man let him get on his knee; when he gave him two half-crowns and other silver that he had, amounting to about ten or twelve shillings. He was sure Pryer was the man. He had known him ever since he was a child. The robber then went into Johncock's pocket, took the rest of his money, and left.
Henry then started for home. it was a little after eleven when he arrived and sent for a doctor. He was confined to his home for a length of time after the assault, due to weakness from loss of blood.
He reported it to the police and stated that it was Thomas Pryer, and he was arrested into custody shortly after and appeared at the office of Messrs. Curtis and Kingsford, Canterbury for examination before being sent to the Kent Lent Assizes
Thomas Pryer Born in Preston-by-Wingham Kent in 1818, The 3rd child of 7 born John Pryor a Butcher from Mersham Kent, and Ann A'VArd from Wadhurst Sussex. His father ran a butcher shop est. in 1822 (the sign is still above the door) and Thomas had followed in his father's trade.
On Tuesday 15th March the Lent Assizes began with Mr Justice Vaughan in the criminal court
with the following noblemen and gentlemen sworn in on the Grand Jury -
Viscount Marsham (Foreman) Sir J. K. Shaw, Mr T Rider Esq, Sir W. R. P. Geary. Mr J S S Douglas Esq, Sir E.W.C.Astley, Mr E Darrells Esq, Mr J Berens, Esq., Mr G. Gipp Esq, Mr W. Deedes, Esq., Mr D D Dalison Esq, Mr N J. Knatchbull, Esq., Mr J. Best Esq., Mr P.H. Dyke, Esq., Mr J Chapman Esq., Mr D. Salamons Esq, Mr R. T. Bingham Esq. Mr T. Austin, Esq, Mr T. F Best Esq., Mr. W. G. D. Tyssen, Esq., Mr C Milner Esq., Mr J. Minett Esq., Mr A. Pott, Esq.
Mr Bodkin and Mr Jones appeared for the prosecution. Mr Clarkson and Mr Shee appeared in defence.
The learned Judge, in addressing the Grand Jury said he was sorry to see, by the calendar, such an appalling increase in crime and the benefits that would derive from the spread of knowledge amongst the lower classes, where ignorance was looked upon as the nursery for crimes. He believed, however, in observations made the day before by the Rev Dering, the sheriff's Chaplain, that education without religious instruction only tends to facilitate the commission of crimes, it would most certainly appear however, that nothing could be more desirable than an education on the right principles.
Thomas Pryer was the 9th prisoner to be brought to the bar. He was charged with assaulting Henry Johncock on the King's highway and robbing him of two half-crowns, Two shillings, and other monies.
It was said that The court was packed to almost suffocation for his trial.
Mr Bodkin for the prosecution outlined the case for the jury and then called the witnesses for examination.
Henry Johncock was the first to take the stand and began to explain the evening of the assault and robbery.
The prosecutor exhibited the scars of the wounds, which were said to present in a dreadful appearance. Johncock then pointed out the culprit as the prisoner, Thomas Pryer. He said he gave him two half-crowns but the prisoner knew he had more and robbed him of it all and left him lying on the ground, where he lost a lot of blood. He covered his deep wound in his handkerchief and then proceeded to his house, as quickly as he could.
When cross-examined he said he could not say whether the man with the dog was Pryer.
George Cuff deposed that he resided at Canterbury. it was on the 9th of February at St. Nicholas-at-wade on the Isle of Thanet, where he saw the prisoner, who asked him where he was going He replied that he was going to Sarr and the prisoner said that he was also going there and would walk with him. As they were walking along, the prisoner said that it was very dangerous, as there were so many robberies, adding that if ever he robbed a man, he would finish him before he left him, so that he would never appear against him. Mr Cuff replied that he had been travelling the road for 16-18 years and had never been interrupted. The also stated that the prisoner had with him a Newfoundland dog and spoke to the dog, who seemed to obey him. At Sarre, we went to Attwoods Public House (now known as the Crown Inn) where he had been staying for a week. Pryer went into the tap room where I saw him afterwards. I never saw any scratches on his face, if there had been I would have seen them. A man named Welland came in around half an hour later and the prisoner left with him. He was wearing a Gaberdine
Cross-examined - ''I have never met the prisoner before, our conversation took place on the road. It was dusk. We walked about a mile. I had about thirty shilling in silver on me. I didn't think about our conversation until further on. We had a beer at Sarre. I didn't say anything to Mr Attwood, or anyone else until Pryer was in custody''.
Thomas Wellard a Fruitier from Wingham deposed that he was at St Nicholas on the 9th of February, and saw the prisoner at the Bell Inn at noon and knew him before. He asked if he could borrow sixpence, which I did.
He was at Sarr later the same day drinking with Cuff and as I had my cart, he had asked the prisoner to ride with him to Preston, as it was his way home, which he did. At Ferry Grove, they went into the public house and found Mr Hutchens, his Son and a man who worked for him, and Mr Johncock. He stated that he stayed for around an hour and had a beer, Pryer borrowed a Penny from him there. He then told Pryer he was leaving and he said nothing, so he left him with Mr Johncock.
He saw him again at midnight on the same night at the Seven Stars public house, in Preston, where there was dancing going on. ''He came to me and said he had borrowed six pence this morning from me and he would repay it and he did''.
Cross-examined.— He Had known the Prisoner a long time. The Prisoner rode with him for about a mile. It was then a little after seven o’clock. He had never seen any violence from the prisoner. It rained for a short time and afterwards starlight. He saw no scratches on his face when he saw him at the Seven Stars public house. When the prisoner crossed the Ferry, he had on a Gaberdine, which he was wearing in the Seven Stars
William Hughes said that he kept the Seven Stars public house and on the 9th of February, he confirmed that the prisoner was there between eleven and midnight. He had served him 3 pints of grog, he gave away part of it and he paid eighteen pence in silver.
Mr John Dabb lives at St Nicholas On the 9th Feb, he drove in his gig from Grove Corner to Grove Ferry, about a quarter or twenty minutes past Ten. He said his lamps were lit and about 30 rods from Grove Corner, he met two men on the road, who parted before the gig. and one went one side, and one went the other. There was a dog with one of them.
Mr Clarkson (Defense) then said that he did not mean to dispute that it was Pryer who was with Mr Johncock at that time, it was indeed the very strength of the defence.
Examination resumed — He had employed Pryer that morning about eleven o’clock, to drive a pair of bullocks, and gave him sixpence. he had a dog with him. and knew it was the same dog saw with the man he passed in the evening.
Cross-examined. —It was starlight and did not rain
William Smith, the Borsholder (Parish Constable) of Littlebourne deposed that he apprehended the prisoner on the evening of the 10th of February, when he went to the Anchor Public house and saw him there, taking him into custody. He had on his person two half-crowns, a knife (common pocket knife with a small and large blade and buckhorn handle) a sixpence coin, a comb, a piece of pipe, and a key. There was a stain on the knife. He told him the reason for apprehending him and he replied, He did not commit the crime. He was wearing a Gaberdine and I noticed some drops of blood on his waistcoat and also on his small clothes. I then delivered him to St Augustine's Gaol
Joseph Bone was examined and stated that he was the Governor of the St Augustine Gaol. The prisoner was brought in on the 10th of February and had then about four or five scratches on his face. When Bone asked him how he got them, he said he had got them in a quarrel at a public house in Preston, on the previous night. A young man did it preventing him from fighting with another. There were spots of blood on his Breeches and the sleeves of his shirt. He said all the marks were from assisting his father to kill a Bollock the Wednesday before.
When Cross-examined. he stated that when he asked about the spots of blood, he did not know he was a butcher. He said he wanted to fight with a man but a blacksmith called Martin prevented him
William Hughes was then recalled - The prisoner wanted to fight with a man called Pattison but me and my wife interfered, and Pattison did not want to fight. There was a Blacksmith there called Martin
By Mr. Bodkin (Prosecution) - so no one there interfered with any force to prevent him from fighting? Hughes replied No sir
Next was William Jameson Assistant to Mr Sankey, the Surgeon at Wingham. He had received a call at midnight, to attend to Henry Johncock. He found him very weak due to loss of blood. On examination, he had a wound to his throat, near the Jugular vein. Another from the end of his mouth around the centre of his lower jaw, which was a wide and horrid cut. An incision across his chin, on the left side of his face. The lower part of his ear was severed and his breast and other parts of his body were disfigured with wounds. He attended to him for five weeks.
The knife taken from Thomas Pryer was produced but Mr Jameson stated he didn't think the wounds could have been inflicted by that knife.
That was the case for the Prosecution.
For the defence -
Thomas Pryer spoke and said that Mr Johncock was much mistaken in supposing it was him who had attacked. He had walked with him from Ferry Grove to Grove Corner, where he left him and went to Preston.
The prisoner called Mr Dabb again to speak about his character but the gentleman wished to be excused from examination and was therefore not questioned.
Thomas then called for his sister and she stated that he did not have a clean shirt. She had always given him his shirts and they were kept in a drawer in their father's bedroom.
That was all the case for the defence and after a 6-hour trial, His Lordship did his summing up
''The case input to the prisoner was a capital crime. The offence of robbery had not been included in those for which the capital crime would be repeated. To constitute it the crime must be committed with violence, or by putting the person in fear and not simply stealing from a person. The question the Jury must decide is whether the crime had been committed by anyone and then whether from the evidence produced the jury is quite sure, it has been committed by the prisoner''.
The Jury retired to discuss their verdict and returned within several minutes, finding him guilty.
Mr Justice Vaughan then put on the black cap of doom and addressed Thomas Pryer in what was reported as an impressive address -
''Thomas Pryer, after a careful examination of the clear and satisfactory evidence that has been produced, you have been convicted of the crime of highway robbery, attended with circumstances of brutality almost unparalleled in the annuals of British criminal justice. The legislature with the most tender anxiety for the lives of criminals has, notwithstanding, left this among those crimes to which the penalty of death is attached.
During the progress of the case, I have looked at the circumstances with anxiety, in the hope of discovering something which would warrant in recommending you mercy. I hope to have the quality of mercy engraved on my breast as strongly as His Majesty, who. in his coronation oath, swears that he will temper justice with mercy—but, there is mercy due to the public—and the kindest service I can render you now is to say that I can hold out to you no hopes of mercy this side of the grave, and to beg you to prepare for the dreadful punishment which awaits you, I, therefore, hope, as you value your immortal soul, I earnestly pray and beseech you to attend the spiritual instructions of the Rev. Gentleman who will attend you and that you will seek by earnest prayer at a Throne of Grace, that mercy which I am not warranted in holding out to you any hope of expecting here.
I do not know what education you may have received, but entreat you to seek that pardon from above which you can only obtain hearty, substantial, and unfeigned repentance.
It now only remains for me to pronounce upon you the awful sentence of the law, which is that you be taken hence to the place from whence you came and from thence to the place of execution, there to be hanged by the neck till you are dead and may the Lord have mercy on your Soul''.
While the sentence was being passed Thomas was said to have been deeply affected. and wept, and at the close, leaned on the front of the bar and groaned heavily and was then removed.
It was reported that real exertions had been made to save the life of Thomas Pryer, by his friends and family, who petitioned the Home Secretary in his favour but no favourable representations, however, sufficient could be made to alter the sentence.
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On Thursday 31st March 1836 Thomas Pryer was hung with James Joy, who was found guilty of Arson on the same day as his trial, that blog can be found here
There were around 6-7,000 spectators in attendance., among them a considerable amount of females., some said to be exhibiting extraordinary levity, considering the situation before them.
Pryer as with Joy prepared himself for what was ahead of him and attended the spiritual instructions of the Rev Winter, whose endeavour was to bring them to a proper sense of the awful condition they had put themselves in and direct them to the only source left for them to obtain a pardon. Combined with visits from Rev Edmondson and Rev Jinkings, who paid the prisoners visits, they were successful in getting the prisoner's confessions and repenting for their crimes.
Ten minutes before Noon, Chalcraft, the Executioner proceeded to the room, where the prisoners were placed after receiving the sacrament.
He pinioned the arms and they submitted without portraying any emotion.
The bell began to toll, and the prisoners were taken from the room by the guards, followed by the Under sheriff Mr Palmer Esq Rev Winter, Mr Agar the Prison governor, the executioner, and the turnkey.
On arrival at the porter's gate, Rev Winer commenced reading the burial service. Upon reaching the door to the scaffold, Pryer was the first to climb the steps, followed by Joy and the executioner completed the final preparations.
Joy made a speech to the crowd, then turned to Pryer and while heartedly shaking his hand said ''Goodbye, I trust that we shall meet in the kingdom of glory, and praise the Lord forever and ever.” Pryer replied in a trembling voice ''I hope we shall,”
A few moments later the bolt was withdrawn and they both dropped to their deaths, and while Joy went to his death quickly, the same couldn't be said for Pryer. His convulsive struggles were said to be dreadful, and he appeared to suffer very greatly for a few minutes. It was reported that the rope had slipped from its position when he was shaking hands with Joy, just before the lever was pulled.
Their bodies were left for the usual hour and then his body was delivered to his Uncle for burial.
He was buried the same day at the same church he was baptized in, St Mildreds in Preston Kent
Sources
1. (1836, March 22). Kent Assizes. Kentish Gazette, pg2-3.
2. (1836, Feb 13). Highway Robbery and attempt to murder. Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, pg 8.
3. (1836, Feb 16). Highway Robbery and Attempt to murder Kentish Gazette, pg 3
4. (1836, April 5). Execution South Eastern Gazette, pg 4
5. Bring your backstory to lifeTM (no date) Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. Available at: http://www.ancestry.co.uk/ (Accessed: 09 February 2024).
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