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one of my sad diversions (having no life and being Aspy I tend to a fascination with things obscure) is trawling historical documents on line.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This lunchtime I donned rubber gloves and delved into the historical documents relating to the town of Beccles, where I was brought up.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.
