Scandal in the Family

A Shocking Theft Allegation

Tragedy struck in 1852 when Robert Milsted died of asthma and bronchitis on 23 March, leaving behind a widow and a seemingly thriving business. However, just a month after his death, Elizabeth Milsted found herself embroiled in a scandal. On 24 April 1852, The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian reported on her involvement in a theft case:

“Ellen Parkin, wife of William Parkin, of No. 20, Homfray-street, was charged with stealing a quantity of straw-plat, and also a number of straw bonnets, the property of Elizabeth Milsted, straw bonnet maker, etc.”

Parkin had worked for Elizabeth for six years and was considered trustworthy. However, Elizabeth became suspicious after discovering some of her missing goods displayed in a shop window. A police search uncovered more items hidden in a ‘small insignificant-looking trunk’, leading Elizabeth to press charges.

“Mrs. Milsted got admittance into the house, accompanied by two policemen, and proceeded to make a search. ‘In a small insignificant-looking trunk’ upstairs were found a few bits of rags and several bonnets which the prosecutor positively identified.”

Courtroom Drama

The case was brought before the magistrates, and it quickly became clear that Elizabeth’s accusations were not as solid as she had believed. Mr. John Bird, the defence lawyer, aggressively challenged her claims:

“Do you mean to swear that this thief, as you would have us believe she is, put your stolen goods in her window?”

Elizabeth hesitated but maintained her position, stating:

“I saw them there.”

Mr. Bird pressed further:

“And any person going into the shop might see them?”

“Certainly. I saw Tuscan and rice bonnets of mine in the shop.”

Bird then questioned whether Elizabeth was the only seller of such items:

“Are you the only person in Cardiff that deals in Tuscan and rice bonnets?”

“No,” she admitted.

At this point, the magistrates interrupted, cautioning Elizabeth:

“You must not make such an imputation unless you can prove it.”

The defence then pointed out inconsistencies in Elizabeth’s claim that the missing goods had been stolen from her shop. Some of the items were identical to stock commonly found in many Cardiff businesses. Furthermore, when pressed about her own missing bonnets, Elizabeth’s response only added to the confusion:

“I will not pretend to say what the amount was; but the prisoner is the person who instructed her to take them.”

The magistrates dismissed the charge due to lack of evidence, declaring that the case was not proved to their satisfaction. To make matters worse for Elizabeth, Mr. John Bird announced his intention to sue her for false imprisonment, exposing her to further legal trouble.

Albert in Court (1852)

Albert also made an appearance in court in July 1852, albeit in a different capacity—serving as a juror at the Glamorganshire Quarter Sessions. His participation as a juror reflected his standing in society, coming at a time when legal reforms were expanding the responsibilities of local courts.

However, his tenure as a businessman would soon take a disastrous turn.