An Authentic History of the Cato-Street Conspiracy / With the trials at large of the conspirators, for high treason and murder, a description of their weapons and combustible machines, and every particular connected with the rise, progress, discovery, and termination of the horrid plot

by George Theodore Wilkinson

Wilson was then taken back to Newgate, and the whole of the prisoners were re-conducted to their respective places of confinement. Thistlewood shook hands most cordially with some of his companions, whom he had not previously seen since his commitment.

TRIAL OF ARTHUR THISTLEWOOD,

First Day, April 17, 1820.

The interest excited by this trial was strongly manifested by the assemblage of a crowd in front of the Sessions-house, as early as seven o’clock. Previous to this time a numerous body of the civil force had arrived, and were stationed in such situations as to control the multitude. For the purpose of preventing the interruption arising from the passage of carriages and carts through the Old Bailey, rails were erected at the two ends, next Ludgate-hill and Fleet-lane. These were only opened to admit the carriages of persons engaged in the business of the Court.

At eight o’clock the arrival of the jurymen who had been summoned created considerable bustle, and this was greatly increased by the pressure of other persons for admission to the Court. Regulations were adopted to prevent the entrance of those who were not provided with tickets. This was the more necessary, as from the limited nature of the Court but a small portion of the public could obtain accommodation. The Jury alone, who stood in the body of the Court, were upwards of two hundred in number. Certain boxes were devoted to the reception of females, several of whom were present.

The witnesses for the Crown were divided into two parties. The more respectable were placed in the Grand Jury room, and those of an humbler class remained in a contiguous apartment.

Monument, who remained a prisoner in the Tower, was brought from thence in the care of two warders, and Lavender and Bishop. He was placed in a room by himself, as was Adams, who was brought from the House of Correction in the custody of Governor Adkins.

The pikes, swords, guns, pistols, grenades, ammunition, and other articles intended to be produced on the trial, and which the witnesses brought with them, presented a most formidable appearance.

At half-past eight Thistlewood was conducted from his cell, in the care of one of the Turnkeys. He appeared greatly dejected. He was placed in the apartment usually devoted to those about to be put on their trials. The other prisoners were not brought down.