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During his abode in the Castle, the turnkeys are said to have made more than £100 by showing him, and selling him and his acquaintances and visitors liquors.
The trial of Turpin took place at York Castle, on the 22nd of March, 1739, before the Hon. Sir Wm. Chapple, for stealing a black gelding, the property of Thomas Creasy. Upon his trial, Smith, the schoolmaster, proved his identity. During his trial his case seemed to much affect the hearers. He had two trials, in both of which he was convicted on the fullest evidence. When asked by the Judge why sentence of death should not be pronounced against him, he said he thought it very hard as he was not prepared for his defence, having been informed that his trial would be removed to Essex. His lordship observed that whoever told him so were highly to blame; but it was his duty, the jury having found him guilty of a crime worthy of death, to pronounce sentence against him.
He wrote to his father, upon being convicted, to use his interest to get him off for transportation; but his fate was at hand: his notoriety caused all application to be ineffectual. To his letter the father returned the following answer:
Dear Child;—I received your letter this instant, with a great deal of grief. According to your request, I have written to your brother John and Madam Park, to make what in (illegible text) be made to Colonel Watson, in order to obtain transportation for your misfortune; which had I L.100 I would freely part with to do you good. In the meantime my prayers are with you; and for God's sake give your whole mind to beg of God to pardon your many transgressions, which the thief received pardon for upon the cross at the last hour, though a very great offender. The Lord be your comfort, and receive you into his everlasting kingdom. I am your distressed and loving father,
JOHN TURPIN
The morning before Turpin’s execution, he paid £31 19s. amongst five men, who were to follow the cart as mourners, with hatbands and gloves, and gave gloves and hatbands to several persons more. He also left a gold ring, and two pair of shoes and clogs, to a married woman at Brough, that he was
