Cheltenham Chronicle – Thursday 07 April 1836
Robberies on tracks and roads were commonplace as we well know. Indeed after dusk the highways were places to avoid where possible. Newspapers were full of stories of highway robberies and many generations later films and television dramas immortalised these violent criminals to almost heroic proportions.
In 1836 two children were in the news:
“Miniature Highwaymen
John Tarling, aged 11 and William Turberfield, aged 10 were indicted for assaulting on the highway, putting in bodily fear, and by force of arms, stealing from the person of Edward Brunsdon, half a crown. The capital part of the charge was not pressed, and these juvenile Turpins, whose heads scarcely reached so high as to be visible at the bar, pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery. Sentenced to be whipped and discharged.”
About this story
The case of John Tarling and William Turberfield, two boys aged 11 and 10, highlights a much broader picture of crime and punishment in 18th and 19th century Britain, particularly concerning highway robbery and juvenile offenders.
Highway Robbery in Context
During this period, Britain’s roads and highways were notoriously dangerous, particularly after dusk. With limited policing and poor infrastructure, travellers were highly vulnerable to attacks from highwaymen—robbers who ambushed victims on the road, often using violence or intimidation to steal money and valuables. The newspapers were filled with stories of such crimes, reinforcing the fear of traveling alone or at night.
Highwaymen like Dick Turpin and Claude Duval became infamous, and over time, their stories were romanticised in literature, films, and television, portraying them as dashing, almost heroic figures. However, the reality was much grimmer—many were ruthless criminals who used brutal tactics to rob and, in some cases, kill their victims.
Juvenile Criminals and Punishment
The mention of “juvenile Turpins” in the article reflects not only the crime itself but also the way society perceived and punished young offenders at the time. Children as young as seven could be prosecuted as adults, and in many cases, harsh punishments—including transportation to the colonies or execution—were handed down even for minor thefts. However, in this instance, the capital charge was not pressed, meaning the boys were spared the death penalty or severe sentencing. Instead, they were sentenced to be whipped and then discharged—a common punishment meant to serve as both a deterrent and a form of discipline.
Why This Story Matters
This case exemplifies the precarious lives of lower-class children in urban and rural Britain. Many turned to crime out of desperation or as part of a gang culture that thrived in impoverished areas. The fact that these boys were so small they could barely be seen over the bar of the court emphasises their youth and vulnerability, making their participation in highway robbery even more striking.
At the same time, it highlights the evolving attitudes toward crime and justice. While highwaymen were sometimes mythologised, the legal system still dealt harshly with offenders, regardless of age. Over the next century, social reform movements would lead to changes in the way children were treated in the justice system, with the establishment of juvenile prisons and reformatory schools.
In essence, this case is a snapshot of the lawlessness of Britain’s roads, the grim reality for child criminals, and the broader culture of crime and punishment during the period.
1830’s Cheltenham
In the 1830s, Cheltenham was at the zenith of its reputation as a fashionable spa town, attracting visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of its mineral waters. The town’s prominence as a health and holiday destination had been established following the discovery of mineral springs in 1716.
The influx of visitors spurred significant architectural and urban development. Notably, the Pittville Pump Room, completed in 1830, became a central social hub where patrons gathered to ‘take the waters’ and engage in leisure activities. The surrounding Pittville Estate featured public gardens adorned with Grecian temples, Italian villas, and other elegant structures, creating a picturesque environment for promenading.
The Montpellier district also flourished during this period. Developed in the 1830s alongside the spa facilities, it became renowned for its Regency architecture, including the iconic Montpellier Rotunda, originally serving as a pump room. The area boasted a variety of entertainment venues, shops, and eateries, enhancing its appeal to both residents and visitors.
Cultural life in Cheltenham was vibrant, with numerous concerts and events held in venues like the Montpellier Rotunda. The town’s gardens, such as those in Montpellier, were equipped with amenities like bandstands and ornamental features, providing spaces for social gatherings and leisure activities.
However, as the century progressed, the popularity of spa towns began to wane. From the 1830s onwards, many spas, including those in Cheltenham, experienced a decline, leading to the repurposing or closure of several spa facilities.
Despite this downturn, the 1830s remain a defining era in Cheltenham’s history, characterised by architectural grandeur, cultural richness, and a bustling social scene that solidified its status as a premier Regency spa town.
The Cheltenham Chronicle
The Cheltenham Chronicle was a prominent weekly newspaper serving Cheltenham and the surrounding Gloucestershire area. Its inaugural issue was published on 4 May 1809, marking the beginning of a publication that would continue for over a century.
Throughout its history, the newspaper underwent several title changes, reflecting its evolving content and audience. Initially known as The Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Advertiser, it later became The Cheltenham Chronicle and Parish Register and General Advertiser for Gloucestershire and adjoining counties. By 1860, it was titled Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, a name it retained until 1951.
In 1901, the Cheltenham Chronicle introduced a photographic supplement called the Gloucestershire Graphic. This addition catered to the public’s growing interest in visual representations of local events and notable figures. The Gloucestershire Graphic featured photographs of family gatherings, school and sports events, local businesses, and memorials, providing a vivid portrayal of early 20th-century life in Cheltenham and its environs. This supplement continued until 1942, when wartime paper shortages led to its discontinuation.
The Cheltenham Chronicle ceased publication in 1951, concluding a significant chapter in the town’s journalistic history. Today, archives of the newspaper are accessible through the British Newspaper Archive, offering valuable insights into the social, cultural, and political landscape of Cheltenham during its years of operation.
