George Hand

Other Events and Attributes:

• Criminal Record: 27 Sep 1833, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, UK; Arson

Notes:

Criminal Record:
On 27th September 1833 George Hand was committed to Shepton Mallet Gaol on the warrant of two local magistrates, Rev. Phillott and Rev. Seymour, for "feloniously setting fire to two mows (ricks) of hay belonging to Charles Keedwell."

What possessed George to do this I have not discovered. Had the act occurred 2 or 3 years previously one would have suspected that it had something to do with the Labourers' Revolt, when farmers received threats in the name of "Captain Swing" and gangs of farm labourers went round burning hayricks and smashing up farm machinery. However, such events were more prevalent in the counties to the east and south of Somerset, which resulted in scores of poor labourers being hanged and many hundreds more being transported to Van Diemen's Land. In any event the revolt was effectively over by the autumn of 1831.

George remained in Shepton Gaol until he was sent for trial at the Lent Assizes at Taunton on 2nd April 1834. There he was convicted of arson and sentenced to death. George was transferred to Ilchester Gaol to await execution, where he is recorded in the description register on 10th April as "aged 53 years (he was actually 49), height 5ft. 4? in., stout build, dark complexion, oval visage, grey hair, grey eyes, cut on top of lip, born High Littleton, labourer, last abode Marksbury, single, can read." It was common at that time for capital sentences to be commuted to transportation for life but there was no such reprieve for George and he was hanged on the front lodge of Ilchester Gaol on 30th April 1834.

His body was buried in Ilchester Churchyard the following day.

Michael L. Browning

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 19 Sep 1741, Clutton, Somerset, England, UK; Address:
  St. Augustine of Hippo Church, Clutton, Somerset, England, UK

Joseph married Sarah Carter on 20 Feb 1765 in High Littleton, Somerset, England, UK. Sarah was born in 1744; died in 1820; was buried on 31 Dec 1820. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Benjamin married Jane Cook on 2 Jun 1723 in Marksbury, Somerset, England, UK. Jane died in 1764 in Hallatrow, Somerset, England, UK; was buried on 25 Feb 1764 in High Littleton, Somerset, England, UK. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]