Thomas Gervas: The Information of Thomas Gervas 5 March 1704/5

Author: Thomas Foster

Source: MINT 15/17/515, National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK

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  - 16 August 2019
    - Transcribed by Kees-Jan Schilt
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|Com Lanc^er Ss | The Informaion of Tho: Gervas of Lower Wyresdale in the S^d County taken upon Oath this 5.^th day of March 170 $\frac{4}{5}$

Who upon his Oath informeth and Saith that one Thomas Beesley of Barnicar in the S^d County husb Severall times within these two or three years last past, that he had cut stamps and Mills for Coyning Crowns and halfe Crowns for Severall Persons, but for whome the said Beesley did not tell the|i||s| Inform:^t And also did acknowledge & Confess unto this Inform:^t at some of the S^d times that he the S^d Beesley had coyned halfe Crowns, Guineas & broad peices of Gold, and he furth^er saith that at the last Michmas faire at Lancast^er, the said Beesley came to this Inform:^t and shewed him about tenn Crownpeices, w^ch this Depon.^t beleives were Counterfeit Coyn, and desired this Inform:^t to Excha: the same and Offered to take halfe a Crown or three Shills for any one of the said Crown peices, and so ꝑporionably for as many as this Inform:^t shud think for to take, w^ch this Depon.^t beleiveing to be Counterfeit as afores^d told the S^d Beesley he would not have any dealings with him, and this Inform:^t further Saith that about 14. d ays Since (the S^d Beesley being a Prisner in Lanc^er Castle) sent a letter to this Inform:^t^s house by one Nicholas Hebson and <1v> therein desired this Depon.^t to come to him in the S^d Castle, w^ch ab.^t two dayes after this Inform:^t accordingly did, And then the S^d Beesly did desire this Depon.^t to bring a Ladder, and come over the same Same {sic} night about 12. a Clock, and open the said prison doors with a Key the S^d Beesley had made for that purpose since his imp^risonm^t in the Castle, And at the same time Offered this Inform:^t 3.^£ for his assistance in the said Intended Escape, w^ch this Inform:^t refuseing to do, the S^d Beesley then further desired this Inform:^t to procure him a peice of Iron of about 16. Inches long, and sharpened at one End wherewith he told this Inform:^t he designed to undermine and cut through the Prison wall in two nights time & from thence make his Escape. Tho: X ^{his mark} Gervas Capt et jurat &c^t coram Tho: Foster