Arthur Shropshall - Saltley Reformatory Inmate
| No. in Admissions Register: | 843 |
| Age: | 13 |
| Whence received: | H M Prison Stafford |
| Description: | |
| Complexion: | Fresh |
| Hair colour: | Light brown |
| Eyes colour: | Grey |
| Height: | 4 ft 11 ins |
| Particular marks: | Cut left side of forehead |
| State of health: | Good |
| Able-bodied? | Slender |
| Date of admission: | 28 March 1887 |
| Late residence: | Norton Caines, near Cannock, Staffordshire |
| Parish he belongs to: | Norton Caines |
| Customary work and mode of life: | Nil |
| Whether illegitimate: | No |
| State of education: | |
| Reads: | Imperfectly |
| Writes: | Imperfectly |
| Offence: | Stealing money |
| Circumstances which may have led to it: | Bad company |
| Date of sentence, by whom and court: | 14 March 1887; Bernard Gilpin and F V Forster; Cannock Police Court |
| Where imprisoned: | H M Prison Stafford |
| Sentence: | 14 days hard labour in prison, 2 years at Saltley |
| Previous committals: | |
| Number: | - |
| Length: | - |
| For what: | - |
| Father's name: | Joseph Shropshall |
| Occupation: | Gardener |
| Mother's name: | Mary Shropshall |
| Occupation: | - |
| Parents dead? | No |
| Survivor married again? | - |
| Parents' treatment of child: | Well treated |
| Character of parents | All the family very healthy |
| Parents' wages: | £1 5s per week, cottage and small garden |
| Amount parents agree to pay: | 2s |
| Parents address: | Norton Caines, Cannock |
| Superintendent of police (to collect payments): | George Banall, Brownhills, near Walsall |
| Person making this return: | Bernard Gilpin |
| Notes: | |
| 18 March 1887 There is a report of the crime in the Lichfield Mercury Friday 18 March 1887 p.3 col.7: NORTON CANES. YOUNG THIEVES. - At the Cannock Petty Sessions on Monday, Arthur Shropshall (13), and Joseph Hall (12), living with their parents at Norton Canes, were charged with stealing £4 17s. 6d , in gold and silver, the money of the elder prisoner's father. - Prosecutor, gardener at Norton Hall, stated that he took £4 from his bag, which he was the habit of leaving in the potting house, on Saturday the 5th inst. On the 8th inst. he went to obtain some more money, but found the bag and money stolen. He went outside and noticed footmarks which he recognised as those of his son. The lad went away and did not return. He had been a troublesome lad, but he believed it was through getting into bad company. - Thomas Jarvis (12), living with his grandfather at Norton Canes, stated on Saturday night, the 5th inst., he was with the prisoner at 8 pm. They first went to a barn belonging to Mr. Stokes and lay down on the straw, but afterwards went to the colliery and sat by a fire. Shropshall then suggested they should get some "tin," and went to the potting house of Norton Hall. Prosecutor's son got on to the shed and removed some tiles, after which he got into the place. Upon returning he said I've got six bob," but Hall said "No, they're quids." He proposed the money should be divided, Shropshall, however, stated he would keep it. They again went to the colliery, but at half-past two in the morning witness left them. Hall previously struck a match to see what the coins were. - Police-constable Bonsor, stationed at Norton Canes, stated he was informed of prosecutor's loss, and went with him to Willenhall, where he received prisoners into custody at the house of Hall's aunt. Hall told him where the money had been taken from, and witness charged him with the theft. £3 was taken from the boy Shropshall. - Prisoners both pleaded guilty, and the Bench ordered them to receive six strokes with a birch rod, and decided that Shropshall should be sent to an industrial school for two years. | |
| 19 February 1889 The Register of Boys on Licence reports that Sharpshall was licensed to go out to work for Mr W Jones, Hanley | |
| 27 March 1889 Sentence expired, discharged from Saltley whilst out on licence | |
| 8 October 1889 The Reformatory Committee Log Book report records receipt of a letter about Shrophall, Horton, Cannock, Staffordshire [no further details given] | |
| 19 August 1890 The Log Book report records receipt of a letter from Shropshall, Horton Hall | |
| 10 February 1891 The Log book report records receipt of a letter from Shropshall, Cannock | |
