(Sittings at Nisi Prius at Guildhall, before Mr Justice Williams and a common Jury)

This was the first day of the first sittings in Easter term at Guildhall. The list contains an entry of 24 causes.

Mr. Serjeant Parry and Mr. Barnard were for the plaintiff and Mr. Pearce was for the defendant.

This was an action of trover, brought to recover a harp belonging to the wife of the plaintiff.

It seems that the instrument had been repaired by the defendant but, his charges being unpaid, he retained it for some time, and eventually sold it, under the impression that, being unable to get his money, he had a right to dispose of it, after having advertised his intention in The Times.

Mr. Pearce was addressing the jury for the defence, when the learned judge expressed an opinion to the effect that there was no answer to the action, and, after some discussion, a verdict was given for £32 10s from which sum it was agreed that a certain amount should be deducted, and no cross-action brought by the now (new?) defendant.

First published on 16th June, 2001.Last Updated 5th September, 2001.
Research and copyright by Moira Bonnington and Graham Maslin.
If you know any more about this case please contact me at moira@bonn25.freeserve.co.uk