PRINTED BY S. & J. KEYS, DEVONPORT.
THE
LIFE
AND
ADVENTURES
of
JACK SHEPPARD
THE LIFE AND SURPRISING EXPLOITS
OF
J A C K S H E P P A R D .
[Jack Sheppard beating his Master.]
JACK SHEPPARD was born in the parish of Stepney, near London, in the year 1702. His father was a Carpenter, and he died when Jack was so young, that Jack could not recollect ever seeing him. Hence the burthen of his maintenance, together with that of his brother and sister, lay upon his mother, who soon procured him admission into the workhouse, in Bishopsgate-street, where he continued for a year and a half; and, during that time, received an education sufficient to qualify him for the trade his mother designed him, viz., a carpenter: accordingly, he was recommended to Mr. Wood, in Wych-street, Drury-lane, and bound to him for seven years. The lad proved an early proficient. Being an ingenious hand, he soon became master of his business, and gave such satisfaction to his master’s customers, that he had the character of a very sober, orderly boy; but, alas, unhappy youth! before he had completed six years of his apprenticeship, he formed a fatal acquaintance with one Elizabeth Lyon, (otherwise called Edgworth Bess, from a town of that name in Middlesex, where she was born,) the reputed wife of a soldier, and who lived in a debauched life. Our young hero became enamoured of her, and they cohabited as man and wife.