Thomas Gervas: The Information of Thomas Gervas 5 March 1704/5 Thomas Foster c. 388 words The Newton Project Oxford 2019 Newton Project, University of Oxford

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 5 March 1704/5, c. 388 words. MINT 15/17/515, National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK UKSurreyKew, RichmondNational Archives MINT 15/17/515 Thomas GervasThomas BeesleyNicholas Hebson 5 March 1704/5 England English Unknown Hand MintClippers, Coiners and Embezzlers Transcribed by Kees-Jan Schilt

Com Lancer Ss The InformaionInformation of Tho: Gervas of Lower Wyresdale in the SdSaid County taken upon Oath this 5.th day of March 17045

Who upon his Oath informeth and Saith that one Thomas Beesley of Barnicar in the SdSaid County husb Severall times within these two or three years last past, that he had cut stamps and Mills for Coyning Crowns and halfe Crowns for Severall Persons, but for whome the said Beesley did not tell theis Inform:tInformant And also did acknowledge & Confess unto this Inform:tInformant at some of the SdSaid times that he the SdSaid Beesley had coyned halfe Crowns, Guineas & broad peices of Gold, and he further saith that at the last MichmasMichaelmas faire at Lancaster, the said Beesley came to this Inform:tInformant and shewed him about tenn Crownpeices, wchwhich this Depon.tDeponent beleives were Counterfeit Coyn, and desired this Inform:tInformant to Excha:Exchange the same and Offered to take halfe a Crown or three ShillsShillings for any one of the said Crown peices, and so ꝑporionablyproportionably for as many as this Inform:tInformant shud think for to take, wchwhich this Depon.tDeponent beleiveing to be Counterfeit as aforesdaforesaid told the SdSaid Beesley he would not have any dealings with him, and this Inform:tInformant further Saith that about 14. d ays Since (the SdSaid Beesley being a Prisner in Lancer Castle) sent a letter to this Inform:tInformants house by one Nicholas Hebson and therin therein desired this Depon.tDeponent to come to him in the SdSaid Castle, wchwhich ab.tabout two dayes after this Inform:tInformant accordingly did, And then the SdSaid Beesly did desire this Depon.tDeponent to bring a Ladder, and come over the same Same night about 12. a Clock, and open the said prison doors with a Key the SdSaid Beesley had made for that purpose since his imprisonmtimprisonment in the Castle, And at the same time Offered this Inform:tInformant 3.£ for his assistance in the said Intended Escape, wchwhich this Inform:tInformant refuseing to do, the SdSaid Beesley then further desired this Inform:tInformant to procure him a peice of Iron of about 16. Inches long, and sharpened at one End wherewith he told this Inform:tInformant he designed to undermine and cut through the Prison wall in two nights time & from thence make his Escape. Tho: X his mark Gervas Capt et jurat &ct coram Tho: Foster