Apropos of absolutely nothing, one of my sad diversions (having no life and being Aspy I tend to a fascination with things obscure) is trawling historical documents on line. While most normal folk use the interweb to look at cat pictures or porn, I dive happily down the rabbit hole of completely useless trivia.
This lunchtime I donned rubber gloves and delved into the historical documents relating to the town of Beccles, where I was brought up.
In the notebooks of a Mister Harding, Inspector of Police at Beccles for the year 1859 (recorded in the Feoffees' 'Nuisance Book' for that year - and yes, Petrea, that's pronounced Fifi's Nuisance Book if you want a title for your next novel), I came across a familiar name. I used to go to school with a Maureen Pitchers and it seems her ancestors were somewhat notorious denizens of Puddingmoor (a narrow lane at the foot of the cliff by the river, named after the dungheaps kept there).
I wonder if she knew …
“PITCHERS Commonly called "Rats Pitchers", a thief and low character, lives in Puddingmoor - enlisted in the army in August 1858, nephew of William Pitchers, normally called Low Pitchers from the quantity he can drink. A great drunkard, poacher and suspicious character. He moved to Yarmouth in 1854.
PITCHERS Usually called Tailor Pitchers, nephew of the above and brother to "Rats" a notorious young thief (age about 19) and burglar. Suspected to have been concerned in Mrs Sharpin's robbery. Keeps a girl named Beans, a thief & prostitute. Lives in Puddingmoor.”
I just love the notion of “a girl named Beans” and now I want one myself.
9 comments:
Do you have a cat, Dive? People posting cat pics often refer to their cat's toes as "toe beans", as in "I just wuv the widdle toe beans on your kitty."
Hee hee, Speedway; I'd never thought of that. Alas, I am catless at the mo. Next door's three moggies (who lived in my house half the time) have passed on after long and happy lives. Fern made it to 22, bless her.
If I have another cat when I retire, I might just call it Beans.
The language in that document is delightful. Notorious and suspicious characters indeed. The concept of a 'nuisance book' is new to me. I wonder whether the police keep such notes today, officially or otherwise. It casts a new light on the phrase 'known to us'.
Hey, Pea! you gotta look up Nuisance Books. They're a rabbit hole of pure glee for the different-minded. :)
Oh! "Nuisance books"! That just reminded me that I've seen them on the Antiques Roadshow programs, brought to the show by their owners to be valued. The one I recall had photos of the "nuisances" who were various petty thieves, drunks, and "professional ladies", all of whom were very sad people with mental disorders. I wish I could direct you to the segment so you could see it, but it was a long time ago.
Nuisance Books are great fun to read, Speedway. Most big libraries have a stash of them and a lot are online. Only the later ones have mugshots in them, though. I love some of the erratic spelling in the early ones.
Oh Dive! This is research after my own heart. Nuisance books! A joyful rabbit hole awaits me. I shall check with you for pronunciation help.
May you have a deeply joyful rummage, Petrea.
Post a Comment