| SHIPLEY CRIME |
| THE SHIPLEY GANG |
| But Shipley housed the infamous too. In 1814/15 it became terrorised by the Shipley Gang. Agriculture was id recession; wages were low and unemployment common. Most cases of theft were for food, but those who were caught got severe punishment. Law enforcement was a bit haphazard at this time so the Shipley Gang thrived. They were led by JAMES RAPLEY his sons JAMES AND DANIEL. WILLIAMBROWNE, JAMES JUPP. JAMES EVANS. JAMES NYE and his son of the same name. THOMAS TILLEY and HENRY MITCHELL they had the help of many local people. The gang made their head quarters in Southwater Woods from where they stole sheep, robbed the houses of Gentry and the farmers. The main gang members, thought to number about twelve had families and helpers to support, a great deal of crime had to be committed to supply all their needs. They would terrorise the Parishioners with their wild behaviour as they galloped their horses around the area. Eventually the bid wigs had enough The gang were caught after the parish Constable name of Hammond, got together a selection of local people all determined to put an end to he gangs reign .Members of the gang met at a cottage at the bottom of Bonfire Hill Southwater ,after a successful raid. Hammonds Men burst through the door. The robbers fleeing in all directions managed to get away, but Hammond and his men would not give up and in August 1817 made another attempt at arresting them at Wedges Farm in Itchingfield. They were successful in capturing the leaders but some of the gang escaped |
| WILLIAM BROWNE, JAMES EWENS, HENRY and JAMES JUPP the TWO NYES and DANIEL RAPLEY were all sentenced to death, but this was later commuted to fourteen years transportation JAMESRAPLEY junior later joined them PHILLIP JUPP father of the two boys served six months hard labour in Petworth House of Correction. |
| JAMES JUPP and DANIEL RAPLEY were soon caught but the younger JAMES RAPLEY carried on with his unlawful way of life for a few months longer, eventually he too was taken. |
| JAMES RAPLEY senor was found hanged in his cell at Petworth House of Correction a verdict of insanity was made on his death. he had taken his life using a handkerchief tied to the bars of his cell window |
| At Wedges farm in the neighbouring parish of Itchingfield they caught JAMES RAPLEY, JAMESEWENS, PHILLIP and HENRY JUPP and the two NYES and wanted posters were put in the Sussex Advertiser for the others |
| The wanted Poster gave these descriptions . |
| James Rapley junior and brother Daniel. |
| middle sized, light hair and complexion, one 23 years of age the other 27. usually wearing light brown round jackets with sleeves. |
| James Jupp |
| near six feet tall, light complexion with freckles sandy hair cut short age 23 years turns his toes out more than labourers in general. dressed usually in dark round frock and passed as the husband of Sarah Rapley. |
| SARAH RAPLEY, middle sized ,light hair and complexion 20 years old plain but decently dressed. |
| THOMAS TILLEY and HENRY MITCHELL turned kings evidence in return for their freedom. And Shipley returned to a more peaceful and law abiding place.. |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|