I am currently investigating (if that is the right word?) a gentleman named
Robert Thomas Crosfield MD (AKA 'Crossfield'), who died in 1802 at the age
of 44. He was born at Spennthorne (it reads) - then in Yorkshire.
Tom (as he liked to be known) ended up in very serious trouble indeed,
accused of high treason in 1794... an absurd charge, of which he was
aquitted. I suspect his incarceration and the trauma of this trial may have
shortened his life, though it seems he was not in great health before his
arrest.Whatever the case, he seems to have been a good doctor and a jovial,
rather loveable fellow - whether to add 'rogue' to that I'm unsure?
His connection with the London Corresponding Society led to big trouble, a
society that sought to extend the vote and improve democracy in England -
and associated with revolution and anarchy by the establishment at the time,
extensively infiltrated by both government and foreign agents it seems. His
trial at the Old Bailey is on record, and a fascinating document (if you can
take long winded speeches).
It reveals a lot about the nature of Tom and the times, though unfortunately
he never took the stand himself, so none of his own words are recorded. All
I have of his words are the few lines of verse that caused my interest in
the first place - his epitaph, written by himself, and carved on his
grave....
Beneath this stone Tom Crosfield lies
Who cares not now who laughs or cries
He laughed when sober and when mellow
Was a harem scarem heedless fellow
He gave to none designed offense
So honi soit qui mal y pense
From what I can see so far, this is an honest, self effacing description of
the man... questionable as poetry, but containing some very subtle, rather
clever hidden digs and hints. He certainly was a 'harem scarem heedless
fellow'... too heedless and courageous for his own good in that dismal age.
How he would have loved the Internet.
If you notice a trace of bitterness in those words (his or mine), you are
not alone.In short (if I dare use that expression after all this?), I want
to find out more about this fascinating fellow, any detail, however small.
After 200 years he deserves more recognition than he has IMHO, and more, his
reputation deserves restoring - there is little doubt that he was the victim
of a 'stitch up'. I suspect he liked to be known as Tom in respect of Tom
Paine, a man he clearly admired. The Privy Council hearings seem elusive, as
does the mysterious Mr Upton - a government stooge it seems. And Mr Le
Maitre, who may well have been sent by the French as an agent provocateur,
in time of war.All in all, a fascinating story, as I hope some who read this
will appreciate.
I really would like to set the record straight about this man, for although
he said that he 'no longer cares who laughs or cries' as a last word, I do
care - and yes, even after all this time, having never met him, I like him!
And walk past his grave almost every day.
Being no expert in genealogical research, any advice concerning possible
sources or routes of investigation would be welcome. I assume his medical
career may provide clues, i.e., qualifying as an MD, licences to practice
etc., yet have no idea how to find out about such things. Also his arrest
warrant, which was issued. An image would be most wonderful of all...Any
help at all would be much appreciated - not just because I am lazy (as I can
be... ahem), but because I would sincerely like to share the pleasure of
'knowing' Tom Crosfield... something I am sure he would approve of and
enjoy.
If it were not for men like Tom, you would never see this. We would have no
internet, no freedom of speech, and most of us no vote. So, if anyone knows
anything at all about him, however trivial, I would be most grateful to hear
of it - no book in store, but a small exhibition at the local museum with
luck. I will be touching up the inscription on his crumbling stone in
tribute....
Cheers
Martin.
Tom Crosfield
Moderator: MOD_nyhetsgrupper
-
Renia
Re: Tom Crosfield
Of no use to you is this(!), possibly ancestor to your Tom Crosfield:
Crosfield, Thomas ___ 1602-1663 ___ British ___ priest
http://www.pikle.demon.co.uk/diaryjunct ... field.html
BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY
There is, apparently, almost no information about Crosfield readily
available on the internet. He was a fellow of Queen's College, Oxford.
Later he was rector at Spennithorne. When his father, Robert Crosfield,
died, Thomas eventually discharged the debt on his sequestered estate in
the parish of Strickland Roger. The diary, which is quoted several times
by the British History website, also contains some useful references to
dramatic performances in Oxford.
No biography link
Or how about this:
http://www.s-asian.cam.ac.uk/crosintro.html
Crosfield, John Fothergill, The Crosfield Family: A History of the
Descendants of Thomas Crosfield of Kirkby Lonsdale Who Died in 1614,
rev. ed. (privately published, 1980), 586pp.
The Public Record Office has these:
The Old Bailey Trial:
http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/html_uni ... 511-1.html
I have looked at:
http://www.familysearch.org
This covers the Bishop's Transcripts (of the Parish Registers) for
Spennithorne for the requisite baptism period, and his baptism does not
appear, as either Robert or Thomas. Regardless of the long Crossfield
link with the parish, it was not a haven of Crossfields.
Martin wrote:
Crosfield, Thomas ___ 1602-1663 ___ British ___ priest
http://www.pikle.demon.co.uk/diaryjunct ... field.html
BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY
There is, apparently, almost no information about Crosfield readily
available on the internet. He was a fellow of Queen's College, Oxford.
Later he was rector at Spennithorne. When his father, Robert Crosfield,
died, Thomas eventually discharged the debt on his sequestered estate in
the parish of Strickland Roger. The diary, which is quoted several times
by the British History website, also contains some useful references to
dramatic performances in Oxford.
No biography link
Or how about this:
http://www.s-asian.cam.ac.uk/crosintro.html
Crosfield, John Fothergill, The Crosfield Family: A History of the
Descendants of Thomas Crosfield of Kirkby Lonsdale Who Died in 1614,
rev. ed. (privately published, 1980), 586pp.
The Public Record Office has these:
SP 34/2/28 More informationf 49. Robert Crosfield to Earl of Nottingham. He denies the book for which he has been imprisoned is libellous, and claims he could injure the `dissenting party' if released 1702/[3] Jan 16
SP 34/2/29 More informationf 50A. Robert Crosfield to Earl of Nottingham. His objections to a bill for more free and impartial proceedings in Parliament 1702/[3] Jan 16
SP 34/2/29A More informationf 51. Robert Crosfield's reasons against passing the bill for more free and impartial proceedings in Parliament 1702/3 Jan 16
SP 34/38/27 More informationf 44. Petition of Robert Crosfield to Earl of Nottingham. He has been imprisoned for publishing a book entitled The government unhinged, but prays to be released [1702-1704]
The Old Bailey Trial:
http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/html_uni ... 511-1.html
I have looked at:
http://www.familysearch.org
This covers the Bishop's Transcripts (of the Parish Registers) for
Spennithorne for the requisite baptism period, and his baptism does not
appear, as either Robert or Thomas. Regardless of the long Crossfield
link with the parish, it was not a haven of Crossfields.
Martin wrote:
I am currently investigating (if that is the right word?) a gentleman named
Robert Thomas Crosfield MD (AKA 'Crossfield'), who died in 1802 at the age
of 44. He was born at Spennthorne (it reads) - then in Yorkshire.
Tom (as he liked to be known) ended up in very serious trouble indeed,
accused of high treason in 1794... an absurd charge, of which he was
aquitted. I suspect his incarceration and the trauma of this trial may have
shortened his life, though it seems he was not in great health before his
arrest.Whatever the case, he seems to have been a good doctor and a jovial,
rather loveable fellow - whether to add 'rogue' to that I'm unsure?
His connection with the London Corresponding Society led to big trouble, a
society that sought to extend the vote and improve democracy in England -
and associated with revolution and anarchy by the establishment at the time,
extensively infiltrated by both government and foreign agents it seems. His
trial at the Old Bailey is on record, and a fascinating document (if you can
take long winded speeches).
It reveals a lot about the nature of Tom and the times, though unfortunately
he never took the stand himself, so none of his own words are recorded. All
I have of his words are the few lines of verse that caused my interest in
the first place - his epitaph, written by himself, and carved on his
grave....
Beneath this stone Tom Crosfield lies
Who cares not now who laughs or cries
He laughed when sober and when mellow
Was a harem scarem heedless fellow
He gave to none designed offense
So honi soit qui mal y pense
From what I can see so far, this is an honest, self effacing description of
the man... questionable as poetry, but containing some very subtle, rather
clever hidden digs and hints. He certainly was a 'harem scarem heedless
fellow'... too heedless and courageous for his own good in that dismal age.
How he would have loved the Internet.
If you notice a trace of bitterness in those words (his or mine), you are
not alone.In short (if I dare use that expression after all this?), I want
to find out more about this fascinating fellow, any detail, however small.
After 200 years he deserves more recognition than he has IMHO, and more, his
reputation deserves restoring - there is little doubt that he was the victim
of a 'stitch up'. I suspect he liked to be known as Tom in respect of Tom
Paine, a man he clearly admired. The Privy Council hearings seem elusive, as
does the mysterious Mr Upton - a government stooge it seems. And Mr Le
Maitre, who may well have been sent by the French as an agent provocateur,
in time of war.All in all, a fascinating story, as I hope some who read this
will appreciate.
I really would like to set the record straight about this man, for although
he said that he 'no longer cares who laughs or cries' as a last word, I do
care - and yes, even after all this time, having never met him, I like him!
And walk past his grave almost every day.
Being no expert in genealogical research, any advice concerning possible
sources or routes of investigation would be welcome. I assume his medical
career may provide clues, i.e., qualifying as an MD, licences to practice
etc., yet have no idea how to find out about such things. Also his arrest
warrant, which was issued. An image would be most wonderful of all...Any
help at all would be much appreciated - not just because I am lazy (as I can
be... ahem), but because I would sincerely like to share the pleasure of
'knowing' Tom Crosfield... something I am sure he would approve of and
enjoy.
If it were not for men like Tom, you would never see this. We would have no
internet, no freedom of speech, and most of us no vote. So, if anyone knows
anything at all about him, however trivial, I would be most grateful to hear
of it - no book in store, but a small exhibition at the local museum with
luck. I will be touching up the inscription on his crumbling stone in
tribute....
Cheers
Martin.
-
Peter Jason
Re: Tom Crosfield
"Martin" <martin1471@outgun.com> wrote in
message
news:EMN1i.7879$MH3.4333@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
To be such a Bon Vivant you need three
things:
1/ Money
2/ Money
3/ Money
Therefore a search of his creditors should
supply ample information.
message
news:EMN1i.7879$MH3.4333@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
I am currently investigating (if that is the
right word?) a gentleman named
Robert Thomas Crosfield MD (AKA
'Crossfield'), who died in 1802 at the age
of 44. He was born at Spennthorne (it
reads) - then in Yorkshire.
Tom (as he liked to be known) ended up in
very serious trouble indeed,
accused of high treason in 1794... an
absurd charge, of which he was
aquitted. I suspect his incarceration and
the trauma of this trial may have
shortened his life, though it seems he was
not in great health before his
arrest.Whatever the case, he seems to have
been a good doctor and a jovial,
rather loveable fellow - whether to add
'rogue' to that I'm unsure?
His connection with the London
Corresponding Society led to big trouble, a
society that sought to extend the vote and
improve democracy in England -
and associated with revolution and anarchy
by the establishment at the time,
extensively infiltrated by both government
and foreign agents it seems. His
trial at the Old Bailey is on record, and a
fascinating document (if you can
take long winded speeches).
It reveals a lot about the nature of Tom
and the times, though unfortunately
he never took the stand himself, so none of
his own words are recorded. All
I have of his words are the few lines of
verse that caused my interest in
the first place - his epitaph, written by
himself, and carved on his
grave....
Beneath this stone Tom Crosfield lies
Who cares not now who laughs or cries
He laughed when sober and when mellow
Was a harem scarem heedless fellow
He gave to none designed offense
So honi soit qui mal y pense
From what I can see so far, this is an
honest, self effacing description of
the man... questionable as poetry, but
containing some very subtle, rather
clever hidden digs and hints. He certainly
was a 'harem scarem heedless
fellow'... too heedless and courageous for
his own good in that dismal age.
How he would have loved the Internet.
If you notice a trace of bitterness in
those words (his or mine), you are
not alone.In short (if I dare use that
expression after all this?), I want
to find out more about this fascinating
fellow, any detail, however small.
After 200 years he deserves more
recognition than he has IMHO, and more, his
reputation deserves restoring - there is
little doubt that he was the victim
of a 'stitch up'. I suspect he liked to be
known as Tom in respect of Tom
Paine, a man he clearly admired. The Privy
Council hearings seem elusive, as
does the mysterious Mr Upton - a government
stooge it seems. And Mr Le
Maitre, who may well have been sent by the
French as an agent provocateur,
in time of war.All in all, a fascinating
story, as I hope some who read this
will appreciate.
I really would like to set the record
straight about this man, for although
he said that he 'no longer cares who laughs
or cries' as a last word, I do
care - and yes, even after all this time,
having never met him, I like him!
And walk past his grave almost every day.
Being no expert in genealogical research,
any advice concerning possible
sources or routes of investigation would be
welcome. I assume his medical
career may provide clues, i.e., qualifying
as an MD, licences to practice
etc., yet have no idea how to find out
about such things. Also his arrest
warrant, which was issued. An image would
be most wonderful of all...Any
help at all would be much appreciated - not
just because I am lazy (as I can
be... ahem), but because I would sincerely
like to share the pleasure of
'knowing' Tom Crosfield... something I am
sure he would approve of and
enjoy.
If it were not for men like Tom, you would
never see this. We would have no
internet, no freedom of speech, and most of
us no vote. So, if anyone knows
anything at all about him, however trivial,
I would be most grateful to hear
of it - no book in store, but a small
exhibition at the local museum with
luck. I will be touching up the inscription
on his crumbling stone in
tribute....
Cheers
Martin.
To be such a Bon Vivant you need three
things:
1/ Money
2/ Money
3/ Money
Therefore a search of his creditors should
supply ample information.
-
Alan Crozier
Re: Tom Crosfield
"Martin" <martin1471@outgun.com> wrote in message
news:EMN1i.7879$MH3.4333@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
<snip>
I searched JStor and found very little. He is mentioned briefly in these
two articles:
Clive Emsley, The Home Office and Its Sources of Information and
Investigation 1791-1801, The English Historical Review, Vol. 94, No.
372. (Jul., 1979) pp. 532-561.
F. K. Prochaska, English State Trials in the 1790s: A Case Study,
The Journal of British Studies, Vol. 13, No. 1. (Nov., 1973), pp. 63-82.
If you are interested I can send them to you.
Alan
news:EMN1i.7879$MH3.4333@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
I am currently investigating (if that is the right word?) a gentleman
named
Robert Thomas Crosfield MD (AKA 'Crossfield'), who died in 1802 at the
age
of 44. He was born at Spennthorne (it reads) - then in Yorkshire.
<snip>
If it were not for men like Tom, you would never see this. We would
have no
internet, no freedom of speech, and most of us no vote. So, if anyone
knows
anything at all about him, however trivial, I would be most grateful
to hear
of it - no book in store, but a small exhibition at the local museum
with
luck. I will be touching up the inscription on his crumbling stone in
tribute....
I searched JStor and found very little. He is mentioned briefly in these
two articles:
Clive Emsley, The Home Office and Its Sources of Information and
Investigation 1791-1801, The English Historical Review, Vol. 94, No.
372. (Jul., 1979) pp. 532-561.
F. K. Prochaska, English State Trials in the 1790s: A Case Study,
The Journal of British Studies, Vol. 13, No. 1. (Nov., 1973), pp. 63-82.
If you are interested I can send them to you.
Alan
-
Martin
Re: Tom Crosfield
"Peter Jason" <pj@jostle.com> wrote in message
news:f28ehe$24sl$1@otis.netspace.net.au...
Good advice, but who were they?
It seems he went the equivalent of bankrupt in fact, according to his trial
record.
With Tom I suspect what made him tick was more like...
1/Booze
2/Opiates
3/Thrill seeking
A possible number 4 was /ladies, but there are only vague hints as to that.
Maybe you can see why I instinctively warm to the chap?
news:f28ehe$24sl$1@otis.netspace.net.au...
"Martin" <martin1471@outgun.com> wrote in message
news:EMN1i.7879$MH3.4333@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
I am currently investigating (if that is the right word?) a gentleman
named
Robert Thomas Crosfield MD (AKA 'Crossfield'), who died in 1802 at the
age
of 44. He was born at Spennthorne (it reads) - then in Yorkshire.
Tom (as he liked to be known) ended up in very serious trouble indeed,
accused of high treason in 1794... an absurd charge, of which he was
aquitted. I suspect his incarceration and the trauma of this trial may
have
shortened his life, though it seems he was not in great health before his
arrest.Whatever the case, he seems to have been a good doctor and a
jovial,
rather loveable fellow - whether to add 'rogue' to that I'm unsure?
His connection with the London Corresponding Society led to big trouble,
a
society that sought to extend the vote and improve democracy in England -
and associated with revolution and anarchy by the establishment at the
time,
extensively infiltrated by both government and foreign agents it seems.
His
trial at the Old Bailey is on record, and a fascinating document (if you
can
take long winded speeches).
It reveals a lot about the nature of Tom and the times, though
unfortunately
he never took the stand himself, so none of his own words are recorded.
All
I have of his words are the few lines of verse that caused my interest in
the first place - his epitaph, written by himself, and carved on his
grave....
Beneath this stone Tom Crosfield lies
Who cares not now who laughs or cries
He laughed when sober and when mellow
Was a harem scarem heedless fellow
He gave to none designed offense
So honi soit qui mal y pense
From what I can see so far, this is an honest, self effacing description
of
the man... questionable as poetry, but containing some very subtle,
rather
clever hidden digs and hints. He certainly was a 'harem scarem heedless
fellow'... too heedless and courageous for his own good in that dismal
age.
How he would have loved the Internet.
If you notice a trace of bitterness in those words (his or mine), you are
not alone.In short (if I dare use that expression after all this?), I
want
to find out more about this fascinating fellow, any detail, however
small.
After 200 years he deserves more recognition than he has IMHO, and more,
his
reputation deserves restoring - there is little doubt that he was the
victim
of a 'stitch up'. I suspect he liked to be known as Tom in respect of Tom
Paine, a man he clearly admired. The Privy Council hearings seem elusive,
as
does the mysterious Mr Upton - a government stooge it seems. And Mr Le
Maitre, who may well have been sent by the French as an agent
provocateur,
in time of war.All in all, a fascinating story, as I hope some who read
this
will appreciate.
I really would like to set the record straight about this man, for
although
he said that he 'no longer cares who laughs or cries' as a last word, I
do
care - and yes, even after all this time, having never met him, I like
him!
And walk past his grave almost every day.
Being no expert in genealogical research, any advice concerning possible
sources or routes of investigation would be welcome. I assume his medical
career may provide clues, i.e., qualifying as an MD, licences to practice
etc., yet have no idea how to find out about such things. Also his arrest
warrant, which was issued. An image would be most wonderful of all...Any
help at all would be much appreciated - not just because I am lazy (as I
can
be... ahem), but because I would sincerely like to share the pleasure of
'knowing' Tom Crosfield... something I am sure he would approve of and
enjoy.
If it were not for men like Tom, you would never see this. We would have
no
internet, no freedom of speech, and most of us no vote. So, if anyone
knows
anything at all about him, however trivial, I would be most grateful to
hear
of it - no book in store, but a small exhibition at the local museum with
luck. I will be touching up the inscription on his crumbling stone in
tribute....
Cheers
Martin.
To be such a Bon Vivant you need three things:
1/ Money
2/ Money
3/ Money
Therefore a search of his creditors should supply ample information.
Good advice, but who were they?
It seems he went the equivalent of bankrupt in fact, according to his trial
record.
With Tom I suspect what made him tick was more like...
1/Booze
2/Opiates
3/Thrill seeking
A possible number 4 was /ladies, but there are only vague hints as to that.
Maybe you can see why I instinctively warm to the chap?
-
Martin
Re: Tom Crosfield
"Renia" <renia@DELETEotenet.gr> wrote in message
news:f28cnv$3p3$1@mouse.otenet.gr...
This is wonderful stuff Renia, for which I am very grateful.
It looks as if his family were 'radical' for generations? I have a strong
suspicion he was not particularly religious too...
The thing I would like to know most is how he ended up in St Mary's
churchyard in Hendon. I may have found a clue via the nearby presence of one
Richard Johnson, 'citizen', died 1793 (IIRC?)... an unusual word (citizen)
to have inscribed on one's stone in italics at that time? There may have
been a small clique of pre-Charterist revolutionary people in the
neighbourhood at that time... it always has attracted 'unusual' folk (apart
from me). Bram Stoker stayed here for a while, and used the very same
churchyard as inspiration for a scene in Dracula, so 'tis said.
Thanks again
Martin
news:f28cnv$3p3$1@mouse.otenet.gr...
Of no use to you is this(!), possibly ancestor to your Tom Crosfield:
Crosfield, Thomas ___ 1602-1663 ___ British ___ priest
http://www.pikle.demon.co.uk/diaryjunct ... field.html
BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY
There is, apparently, almost no information about Crosfield readily
available on the internet. He was a fellow of Queen's College, Oxford.
Later he was rector at Spennithorne. When his father, Robert Crosfield,
died, Thomas eventually discharged the debt on his sequestered estate in
the parish of Strickland Roger. The diary, which is quoted several times
by the British History website, also contains some useful references to
dramatic performances in Oxford.
No biography link
Or how about this:
http://www.s-asian.cam.ac.uk/crosintro.html
Crosfield, John Fothergill, The Crosfield Family: A History of the
Descendants of Thomas Crosfield of Kirkby Lonsdale Who Died in 1614, rev.
ed. (privately published, 1980), 586pp.
The Public Record Office has these:
SP 34/2/28 More informationf 49. Robert Crosfield to Earl of Nottingham.
He denies the book for which he has been imprisoned is libellous, and
claims he could injure the `dissenting party' if released 1702/[3] Jan 16
SP 34/2/29 More informationf 50A. Robert Crosfield to Earl of Nottingham.
His objections to a bill for more free and impartial proceedings in
Parliament 1702/[3] Jan 16
SP 34/2/29A More informationf 51. Robert Crosfield's reasons against
passing the bill for more free and impartial proceedings in Parliament
1702/3 Jan 16
SP 34/38/27 More informationf 44. Petition of Robert Crosfield to Earl of
Nottingham. He has been imprisoned for publishing a book entitled The
government unhinged, but prays to be released [1702-1704]
The Old Bailey Trial:
http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/html_uni ... 511-1.html
I have looked at:
http://www.familysearch.org
This covers the Bishop's Transcripts (of the Parish Registers) for
Spennithorne for the requisite baptism period, and his baptism does not
appear, as either Robert or Thomas. Regardless of the long Crossfield link
with the parish, it was not a haven of Crossfields.
This is wonderful stuff Renia, for which I am very grateful.
It looks as if his family were 'radical' for generations? I have a strong
suspicion he was not particularly religious too...
The thing I would like to know most is how he ended up in St Mary's
churchyard in Hendon. I may have found a clue via the nearby presence of one
Richard Johnson, 'citizen', died 1793 (IIRC?)... an unusual word (citizen)
to have inscribed on one's stone in italics at that time? There may have
been a small clique of pre-Charterist revolutionary people in the
neighbourhood at that time... it always has attracted 'unusual' folk (apart
from me). Bram Stoker stayed here for a while, and used the very same
churchyard as inspiration for a scene in Dracula, so 'tis said.
Thanks again
Martin
-
Martin
Re: Tom Crosfield
"Alan Crozier" <name1.name2@telia.com> wrote in message
news:N5T1i.297$Tk3.420@newsb.telia.net...
Thanks for that Alan, most kind. If ye remove the somewhat less than
tasteful addition to my email adrs... well, you know?
Cheers
Martin
news:N5T1i.297$Tk3.420@newsb.telia.net...
"Martin" <martin1471@outgun.com> wrote in message
news:EMN1i.7879$MH3.4333@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
I am currently investigating (if that is the right word?) a gentleman
named
Robert Thomas Crosfield MD (AKA 'Crossfield'), who died in 1802 at the
age
of 44. He was born at Spennthorne (it reads) - then in Yorkshire.
snip
If it were not for men like Tom, you would never see this. We would
have no
internet, no freedom of speech, and most of us no vote. So, if anyone
knows
anything at all about him, however trivial, I would be most grateful
to hear
of it - no book in store, but a small exhibition at the local museum
with
luck. I will be touching up the inscription on his crumbling stone in
tribute....
I searched JStor and found very little. He is mentioned briefly in these
two articles:
Clive Emsley, The Home Office and Its Sources of Information and
Investigation 1791-1801, The English Historical Review, Vol. 94, No.
372. (Jul., 1979) pp. 532-561.
F. K. Prochaska, English State Trials in the 1790s: A Case Study,
The Journal of British Studies, Vol. 13, No. 1. (Nov., 1973), pp. 63-82.
If you are interested I can send them to you.
Thanks for that Alan, most kind. If ye remove the somewhat less than
tasteful addition to my email adrs... well, you know?
Cheers
Martin
-
Peter Jason
Re: Tom Crosfield
"Martin" <martin1471@spamfukoutgun.com> wrote
in message
news:Rpr2i.10277$r4.1208@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
I remember vaguely that James Boswell (a
Scot) lived beyond his means a bit, in the
18th century. There are bios of him that
might give an idea how creditors worked.
in message
news:Rpr2i.10277$r4.1208@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
"Peter Jason" <pj@jostle.com> wrote in
message
news:f28ehe$24sl$1@otis.netspace.net.au...
"Martin" <martin1471@outgun.com> wrote in
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news:EMN1i.7879$MH3.4333@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
I am currently investigating (if that is
the right word?) a gentleman named
Robert Thomas Crosfield MD (AKA
'Crossfield'), who died in 1802 at the
age
of 44. He was born at Spennthorne (it
reads) - then in Yorkshire.
Tom (as he liked to be known) ended up in
very serious trouble indeed,
accused of high treason in 1794... an
absurd charge, of which he was
aquitted. I suspect his incarceration and
the trauma of this trial may have
shortened his life, though it seems he
was not in great health before his
arrest.Whatever the case, he seems to
have been a good doctor and a jovial,
rather loveable fellow - whether to add
'rogue' to that I'm unsure?
His connection with the London
Corresponding Society led to big trouble,
a
society that sought to extend the vote
and improve democracy in England -
and associated with revolution and
anarchy by the establishment at the time,
extensively infiltrated by both
government and foreign agents it seems.
His
trial at the Old Bailey is on record, and
a fascinating document (if you can
take long winded speeches).
It reveals a lot about the nature of Tom
and the times, though unfortunately
he never took the stand himself, so none
of his own words are recorded. All
I have of his words are the few lines of
verse that caused my interest in
the first place - his epitaph, written by
himself, and carved on his
grave....
Beneath this stone Tom Crosfield lies
Who cares not now who laughs or cries
He laughed when sober and when mellow
Was a harem scarem heedless fellow
He gave to none designed offense
So honi soit qui mal y pense
From what I can see so far, this is an
honest, self effacing description of
the man... questionable as poetry, but
containing some very subtle, rather
clever hidden digs and hints. He
certainly was a 'harem scarem heedless
fellow'... too heedless and courageous
for his own good in that dismal age.
How he would have loved the Internet.
If you notice a trace of bitterness in
those words (his or mine), you are
not alone.In short (if I dare use that
expression after all this?), I want
to find out more about this fascinating
fellow, any detail, however small.
After 200 years he deserves more
recognition than he has IMHO, and more,
his
reputation deserves restoring - there is
little doubt that he was the victim
of a 'stitch up'. I suspect he liked to
be known as Tom in respect of Tom
Paine, a man he clearly admired. The
Privy Council hearings seem elusive, as
does the mysterious Mr Upton - a
government stooge it seems. And Mr Le
Maitre, who may well have been sent by
the French as an agent provocateur,
in time of war.All in all, a fascinating
story, as I hope some who read this
will appreciate.
I really would like to set the record
straight about this man, for although
he said that he 'no longer cares who
laughs or cries' as a last word, I do
care - and yes, even after all this time,
having never met him, I like him!
And walk past his grave almost every day.
Being no expert in genealogical research,
any advice concerning possible
sources or routes of investigation would
be welcome. I assume his medical
career may provide clues, i.e.,
qualifying as an MD, licences to practice
etc., yet have no idea how to find out
about such things. Also his arrest
warrant, which was issued. An image would
be most wonderful of all...Any
help at all would be much appreciated -
not just because I am lazy (as I can
be... ahem), but because I would
sincerely like to share the pleasure of
'knowing' Tom Crosfield... something I am
sure he would approve of and
enjoy.
If it were not for men like Tom, you
would never see this. We would have no
internet, no freedom of speech, and most
of us no vote. So, if anyone knows
anything at all about him, however
trivial, I would be most grateful to hear
of it - no book in store, but a small
exhibition at the local museum with
luck. I will be touching up the
inscription on his crumbling stone in
tribute....
Cheers
Martin.
To be such a Bon Vivant you need three
things:
1/ Money
2/ Money
3/ Money
Therefore a search of his creditors should
supply ample information.
Good advice, but who were they?
It seems he went the equivalent of bankrupt
in fact, according to his trial record.
With Tom I suspect what made him tick was
more like...
1/Booze
2/Opiates
3/Thrill seeking
A possible number 4 was /ladies, but there
are only vague hints as to that.
Maybe you can see why I instinctively warm
to the chap?
I remember vaguely that James Boswell (a
Scot) lived beyond his means a bit, in the
18th century. There are bios of him that
might give an idea how creditors worked.