1857 –1927
Labourer who was convicted of stealing a sheep; died in the workhouse
Research:
Unmarked grave Thomas Gurney Clare (1857-1927)
Thomas was born in 1857 in Northchurch, the son of Henry Clare, a shepherd and agricultural labourer, and his wife Ann (née Gurney). He had a younger brother and in 1861 the family were living in Bourne End Lane.
In 1871 the Clares had moved to Frogmore End, Kings’ Walden and 16 year old Thomas was employed as an agricultural labourer.
On 5 December 1876 he was convicted at Hitchin Magistrates’ Court of stealing wheat and sentenced to three months hard labour.
Then, on 31 March 1881, he was arrested along with his father and Frederick Gutteridge the elder and younger and charged with stealing a sheep, the property of John Chennells, at Bovingdon. On 5 April his father was cleared, but Thomas and the Gutteridge father and son were convicted of larceny. Thomas was sentenced to 18 calendar months hard labour and the other two to 12 months.
The Habitual Criminals Register of 1882 (Metropolitan Police) provides a description. Thomas Gurney Clare, otherwise known as Thomas Gurney, was a single man and a labourer. His complexion was dark, his hair dark brown, his eyes hazel and his face oval. He was “stout” in build and 5 foot 7 ½ inches tall and wore a ring on his right little finger.
He was born in Berkhamsted and his last offence was committed in Bovingdon (ie the sheep stealing). It also reveals that he served his sentence at St Albans. He was released 4 October 1882.
Thomas married Mary Ann Bradford, who was about 18 years his senior, in 1883 in Berkhamsted.
In 1891 they were living in Bourne End. Thomas was employed as a general labourer and Mary Ann was a straw plaiter.
Thomas was to remain in Bourne End for the rest of his life. In 1901 he was employed as a labourer in nursery and 1944 as a labourer.
In June 1921, now a widower, he was a boarder in Bourne End Lane, Boxmoor and working as a self-employed mat repairer.
Thomas died at, 241 High Street – the workhouse – and was buried 9 Dec 1927, aged 70.