Criminal Offences

The religious and public courts in Wimborne and the surrounding area were concerned with the many examples of wicked and criminal behaviour. The more serious offences in the 17th century included examples of murder, suicide (believed to be murdering yourself) and rape. There were also instances of theft, and public disturbance and disorder (e.g. drunkenness). Immoral behaviour included a bride being pregnant at the time of marriage, adultery, fathering children with another woman and slander. Wimborne did not escape the religious passion that gripped the land, leading to accusations of witchcraft.

Highwaymen are thought of as gallant but in reality tended to be ruthless killers. In 1772, a London directory announced the departure of a regular coach service to Wimborne, warning that it might be brought to a premature halt by highwaymen hiding in the New Forest.

Begging was a punishable offence in Wimborne. A town beadle (a local official) was appointed in 1832 to prevent an arrival of beggars and drive them from the town. By the latter part of the 19th century, the parish constables were responsible for dealing with begging. Tramps could arrive at the police station in the evening and be given a ticket admitting them to the Workhouse for the night.

The parish roads were not safe from criminal activity. Early in the 18th century, two men were discovered digging gravel from a road in Colehill. Another annoyance that plagued 18th century Wimborne as much as it does now was parking. Eventually wagons and carts had to be banned from being left on the streets at night.

Some felt their actions were right. The poor would often steal back livestock, crucial to their livelihood, taken by the authorities; this was known as pound breaking. The court would sometimes agree, demanding only small fines as punishment.