William Craddock in the Bedford Gaol Register [QGV10/4]

“The following witnesses were called to character:” –

“Joseph Francis, builder [of Gwyn Street], had known Craddock 20 years as honest and industrious”.

“- Roberts, builder, of Bedford [probably William Roberts, builder, of Holme Street], had known him since they were boys together, and he had always borne a good character as far as he knew”.

“Cross-examined: Never knew him addicted to drink more than workmen generally were; just taking a glass now and then to do him good”.

“Edward Haynes is a builder in Bedford [in Bridge Street] and had known Craddock for many years. Never knew him otherwise than a peaceable man”.

“Joseph Edwards, a tailor [a Mrs. Edwards was a dress-maker at 11 Cauldwell Street in 1864] knew Craddock well; never heard anything against him before”.

“William Smith, also a builder of Bedford [listed as a carpenter of Britannia Road in 1864] had known Craddock for 18 years. As far as he knew he had always been an industrious young man”.

Robert Jordan in Bedford Gaol Register [QGV10/4]

“Edward Cox had known Jordan ever since he was a baby. Never knew anything wrong of the lad”.

“Thomas Poole, baker [of 17 Well Street, now Midland Road], had known Jordan 10 or 12 years, and had always borne a good character as a peaceable, quiet lad”.

“George Graves, marine store dealer and upholsterer, Well Street, had known Jordan from a child. Had never known any harm of him”.

“James Moss, St. Paul’s-square, had also known Jordan from a child. He was always a very quiet lad and very humane; he had shoed many a horse for him, and he never knew him to strike one”.