This is a certificate awarded by judge R.Graham, at the Bridgwater Assize, Saturday 20 August 1811 to William Allen of Stogumber for the apprehension of a thief, Charles Routley. This document is on Parchment, pre written for the most part, with names and details added in later. It provided Allen exemption from service on parish offices in Stogumber.
A tombstone to a William Allen 1766-1851 stands in Stogumber parish churchyard. He died 10 October. Buried with him is Sarah Allen 1773-1841. The probate of this man, dated 10 December 1851, indicates that he lived in Preston, which is south of Stogumber village. His occupation is given as yeoman.
The West Somerset Free Press of 2 November 1861 mentions a Charles Routley of Stogumber, aged 83, as one of the three oldest agricultural labourers ‘of good character’ by the Williton and Dunster Agricultural Association.
Somerset. These are to certify that at the Assize and General Gaol Delivery held at Bridgwater and for the county of Somerset on Saturday the seventeenth day of August
Charles Routley the younger was convicted before me, whose name is hereunto subscribed one of his majesty’s justices assigned to deliver the Gaol of the Count aforesaid of the Prisoners therein being, of feloniously breaking and entering the Dwelling House of William Allen at the parish of Stogumber in the county aforesaid on the twelfth day of May last in the day time (no person then being therein) and stealing goods and monies of the said William Allen of the value of nine pounds and upwards therein.
And by these also to certify that the said William Allen did apprehend and take the said Charles Routley the younger and did prosecute him so apprehended and taken until he was convicted of the felony aforesaid Whereupon for a Reward unto the said William Allen by virtue of an act of Parliament made in the tenth and eleventh yeas of the Reign of his late Majesty King William the Third int hat behalf he the said William Allen or his assignee is intitled to be and is hereby declared to be discharged of and from all manner of Parish and Ward Offices within the Parish aforesaid wherein the said Felony was committed. Given under my hand the twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven.
R. Graham.