At 11.30 p.m. on Monday 22nd June 1812 a farmer, John Taylor of Whitley Upper, heard a gunshot somewhere outside his house in the darkness. Shortly afterwards he heard someone banging on his door and voices, demanding entry. The banging grew more violent - they were trying to break in. Taylor went to door and opened it. Four men rushed in, one of them brandishing a pistol, which now pointed at him. They wanted his keys and his money, and threatened to shoot him if he did not comply.
Taylor gave them his keys, and the men then ordered him to go upstairs and stay there. They lit and candle and set about finding Taylor's money. When they had finished, they bid him to come downstairs and fasten the door behind them.
Taylor later calculated that he had lost around £49 & 2 shillings.
This is taken from John Taylor's deposition of 26t June 1812, which can be found at HO 42/124.
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