(Content guidance: the blog discusses capital punishment) 

In 1833, a fire began at a flax store in Bridport, causing a further seven buildings to burn. Although multiple boys were initially held in custody, after promises of leniency, testimonies were only heard against the youngest’s of the group, Silvester Wilkins. Found guilty of arson at the Dorchester assizes, Silvester’s story follows a trail of hearsay, ending tragically with his execution, for a crime he denied committing.

On the night of the 25th of February 1833, a fire broke out in the flax-combing shop on Irish-lane, Bridport. The fire spread along East-street, burning a further seven houses and displacing upwards of 30 people.

A fire was attempted at the same flax store two weeks prior, but fortunately the damp weather conditions at the time caused it to be extinguished.

After the events of the fire, in March of 1933 three boys were brough to prison under suspicion of arson. These boys were David Curme (17), John Middleton (17) and Silvester Wilkins (15). It was decided that Curme and Middleton would give evidence against Silvester Wilkins through the proposal of accepting the evidence against two would help to convict the third.

The trial was held at the Dorchester Assizes, presided over by a Judge from London, Sir Joseph Littledale. During the trail on the 13th of March, Curme and Middleton gave statements against their younger companion, Middleton here revealing that he had been promised a lesser punishment for doing so.
The jury heard multiple accounts during the trial. John Follett, the owner of the flax-comb shop, shared a wall with the Wilkins family, which was to be found at the back of the shop and enclosing the Wilkins’ garden. This wall had an 8-inch square hole, under which flax had been stored and later burned during the small fire on February the 8th. Follett shared having seen both Curme and Middleton on multiple occasions in the adjoining garden.

Next came the similar testimonies of Curme and Middleton detailing occasions when Silvester Wilkins had approached them asking if they would like to help with starting a fire, at which time he had specifically mention Follet’s shop as the target.

The boys describe the incident that triggered the fire on February 25th. They placed Silvester as the main culprit detailing how he had removed some thatch from Follet’s roof and introduced a piece of oiled paper into the hole, with Curme aiding in setting it alight with his pipe.

Silvester Wilkins denied that he ever asked anyone to help him in starting a fire or that he himself ever caused a place to burn.

Though his exact date of birth is unclear, it is recorded that Silvester was just 15 at the time of this trial. His parents regarded him as the best of the family, having received a good education and regularly attending Sunday School. The following is a quote from The Dorset County Chronicle reporting on Silvester’s parents’ recollection of their son;
“A remarkably steady quiet lad; of good behaviour; and given no token of any wild or criminal disposition. He was very constant in his attendance both at School and at Church, where he was a singer in the choir.”

After some deliberation the jury returned their verdict. Silvester was pronounced guilty.

The jury, however, had heard the reports of Silvester’s good character, they had taken on board that he had committed no previous instances of wrongdoing, and they acknowledged his young age. These factors lead them to advocated for a lighter sentencing, but Silvester was to be made an example of.

Judge Littledale denied leniency. In doing so he passed the sentence of death.
Silvester Wilkins, who was convicted of arson while still just a teenager, was executed at Dorset County Prison on 23rd of March 1833.

After his execution, Silvester’s body was returned to Bridport. Upon the return, Silvester’s story was met with shock and sympathy from the town who saw the execution as a grave injustice. His funeral was attended by a great mass of people with reports of up to 2000 people viewing his body as it lay in his father’s home.His funeral was held at church, where organ music played, and the choir sang.

Silvester’s story reminds us of the harshness of 19th century justice. Even during its implementation, the practices on display were not always agreed with, either by those present in the court room or those who mourned the consequences.