Cambridge Chronicle 30 Jan 1829: Burglary at Martha Humphreys' house
DARING ROBBERY AT TRUMPINGTON. —— On Sunday night last, in the house of Mrs. Humphreys, a retired lady, living in the lane leading to the church, was broken open by four villains, who immediately made up to her bed-room, each with a bludgeon in hand. Two of them pulled from beneath their coats a pistol, stationed themselves on either side of Mrs. H., and declared they would murder her if she attempted resistance; they also stated that they would set fire to the house by lighting a bag of straw which they had with them, and which they left in the house. They then commenced the work of plunder, stripping the drawers of various articles of linen, plate, and £11 in money, together with a handsome wedding-dress, which was highly prized by Mrs. H. and considered by all as a family curiosity. They then sat down in the presence of the lady, and regaled themselves with wine, which they took from a hamper that Mrs H. had received the day before from her daughter, who was to pay her a visit on Monday. After staying nearly three hours they departed taking with them a quantity of plate, among which were silver tea and table spoons marked M.H. and others marked S, a pair of sugar-tongs marked H.M.K. and two very old-fashioned rich silk gowns, one a figured white and the other a figured pink stripe, and many other articles — it is strongly suspected that this gang was seen under very suspicious circumstances on the same morning (Sunday) nearer Cambridge. A party had broken up about three o’clock, and was proceeding home by Dr. Turton’s house, when they observed a person in the hedge, and three others standing by on the ice. One of them immediately called out — “What do you do there at this time in the morning?” — No answer was received. Immediately four ruffians, muffed up with great coats, and their faces nearly covered with caps, presented themselves, and proceeded to jostle against them. The young men begged them to explain, but were answered by blows. They then each took from underneath his coat a bludgeon, which convinced the young men that their object was robbery; fortunately, the rest of the party by this time came up, which caused the ruffians to retire. — From the description, we have reason to believe that this was the gang that committed the robbery on the same night at Mrs. Humphreys.