attested - indicated or proved
Chartist Movement - a political reform movement active between 1836 and 1848 which rallied support around a 'People's Charter' which made six simple demands: equal electoral districts; universal male suffrage; annual parliaments; no property qualifications for M.P.s; vote by ballot; and payment of M.P.s. All of these demands except annual parliaments are part of the present political system.
commutation - the changing of a sentence
divers - several
epiphany - the festival of Christ's manifestation to the Wise Men (6 Jan)
examinant -person being examined or questioned
felony/felonies - a serious crime which originally meant the offender forfeiting goods if convicted
freehold - outright ownership of property
hulk - a sailing ship, no longer fit to go to sea, which was stripped of its masts and used as a floating prison
insalubrity - unhealthiness
larceny - theft of goods. Grand Larceny was theft of goods over the value of 12 pence, Petty Larceny less than 12 pence
leasehold - the leasing of a property from the owner, even though this may be a lease for a lifetime or for a long period like 99 years
Lord Lieutenant - an officer appointed by the crown for each county. His duties included maintaining a trained and ready militia, and looking after the county's official records. These duties are now largely ceremonial.
mattock - a digging tool like a wide-bladed pick-axe
penthouse - a structure or "lean-to" built on to a building
Privy Council - a body of advisors chosen by the monarch from all the major political parties. Members bear the title "Right Honourable". Today this is regarded as a personal honour bestowed by the monarch to a senior politician who has served in parliament for some years
remission - lessening of sentence
shambles - benches where a butcher cut up his carcasses and where the meat was often displayed for sale
tallant - a hayloft above a stable or barn
Return to the "Newtown Three" Introductory Page