This article was originally published in the December 2003 edition of Soul Search, the journal of The Sole Society

Elizabeth Seawell, of St Saviour Southwark, a widow and Mary Seawell, of the same, a spinster…stole privately from the dwelling house of Samuel Marshall, one dressing box to the value of 24 shillings, one gold chain to the value of £1, one gold locket to the value of 5 shillings, one large silver spoon to the value of 10 shillings, six silver tea spoons to the value of 12 shillings, two pieces of foreign gold [coin] called half a ‘Moidores’ to the value of 27 shillings, one piece of UK gold coin called a guinea to the value of 21 shillings and 27 shillings in money.

Mary Seawell was sentenced to be burnt on the hand and then transported to America for 7 years. Elizabeth Seawell was acquitted and discharged.