EXTRACT FROM MEWS NEWS – JANUARY 2007Crime in the Mews CROSS-KEY’S MEWS, MARYLEBONE 9TH SEPTEMBER 1772

“On the 9th September 1772, (M.)RICHARD ROBERTS was indicted for stealing a pair of silver shoe-buckles, value 10s.a muslin neckcloth, value 6d. and a linen handkerchief, value 2s. the property of John Hobbs, on August 29th. John Hobbs: “I am a coachman; I was driving a job for a man that is ill. I lost a pair of shoe-buckles, a neckcloth and an handkerchief out of a stable in Cross-key’s Mews at Marylebone; the prisoner passed me whilst I was wiping the coach; I did not mistrust him; after I had done with the coach I went into the stable and missed the things mentioned in the indictment. I went immediately and gave notice to the pawnbrokers to stop them if they should be offered to pawn; about half an hour after I had given notice, a pawnbroker came and informed me he had stopped my buckles. I searched the prisoner and found my neckcloth and handkerchief in his pocket.” The prisoner in his defence said he had the things of another boy. He was found guilty! Horror of horrors…if only life were so simple today!”