Southern Times and Dorset County Herald – Saturday 07
January 1905
Charles Stay, a tramp, was charged with wilfully exposing three children, Charles, 16, Elizabeth, 11 and James, 6, in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury to health, at Cranborne on December 28th. P.C. Davis said in consequence of complaints he went in search of prisoner, who had gone off with the children in the direction of Fordingbridge.
‘I can recommend this place for bread & cheese & beer.’
After searching a number of farm premises he discovered prisoner and the children at midnight asleep in a cow shed on a farm between the Horton
Inn and Cripplestyle.
The farmer had allowed them to lie down on some straw and had given the children some hot milk. The children’s feet were swollen, and it was with difficulty the wet and muddy boots were replaced. They were all shivering with the cold, and especially the youngest.
With the assistance of P.C. Otter they were conveyed back to Cranborne, and after he had fed the children they were put to bed in a cell. The next morning he brought them to the Workhouse.
The eldest boy said his father had been locked up once before on a similar charge and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. Prisoner admitted being convicted at Romsey and Alton. P.C. Otter stated prisoner had 4s. 10d in his possession, made up of sums given to the children on the road. On the day in question, the man and children had tramped from Poole to the other side of Cranborne, a distance of 19 miles.
Dr T. Telford-Smith said the children were imperfectly clothed and the clothes were in a filthy state. There were sores on their feet, and the exposure was likely to affect their health.
Prisoner said he intended to work his way back to Lockerley Green, Romsey. He understood there was a workhouse beyond Wimborne, and finding this incorrect he tried to get lodgings, but was unable to do so. The Chairman said prisoner had been guilty of an iniquitous thing, and would be sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labour.
The postcard back reads:
Wimborne Dorset Oct 25/05. Dear F, we have just been away 6 weeks and have had a splendid time, never had one umbrella up but once, it has been beautiful weather. Lizzie Rowbottom and her hubby are only a few miles from here. I should like to see them.
Did Erin tell you that she did not go to the wedding. The thing is evening down there the first week in Dec. I hope you & your F are all all right. Everyone sends love along with mine. Clare
(I can recommend this place for bread & cheese & beer.)
