Volume IV
|
WILLIAM BIDDLE Executed at Tyburn, 10th November, 1762 for forging a Will October, 1762,the above prisoners were indicted for forging, and publishing as true, a certain paper instrument, in writing, purporting to be the last will and testament of with intent to defraud Anne Ferte, housekeeper to the said Henville, and to whom he had bequeathed his personal estate. Farr was a relation of the deceased, and a tallow-chandler in the Strand. Sparry was a disgraceful attorney, residing at Greenwich, and son-in-law to Henville; while Biddle was the landlord of the Ship and Anchor tavern, without Temple Bar. The deceased, Henville, had bequeathed his real estate to the son of Sparry, and it appears the father coveted a share of the testator's personal property, to obtain which he con- trived a spurious will in favour of himself and Farr. Biddle was to be rewarded for the iniquitous part he took in the transaction, which was to witness the forged instrument. The forgery was fully proved upon them, and they accordingly received sentence of death. On the 10th of November they were conveyed to Tyburn, in order for execution. They all behaved penitently and with resolution, but decent resignation. Farr fixed the knot of the halter under his left car, and then exclaimed: "I have but a few moments to stay in this world. I have found it a wicked world--a very wicked world indeed! " The other two malefactors declined to address the populace, and they were immediately launched into eternity. |