The three trials of William Hone : for publishing three parodies; viz. The late John Wilke's catechism, The political litany, and The Sinecurist's creed; on three ex-officio informations, at Guildhall, London, during three successive days, December 18, 19, & 20, 1817; before three specialjuries, and Mr. Justice Abbott, on the first day, and Lord Chief Justice Ellenborough, on the last two days.

  • Hone, William, 1780-1842.
Date:
1818
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The three trials of William Hone : for publishing three parodies; viz. The late John Wilke's catechism, The political litany, and The Sinecurist's creed; on three ex-officio informations, at Guildhall, London, during three successive days, December 18, 19, & 20, 1817; before three specialjuries, and Mr. Justice Abbott, on the first day, and Lord Chief Justice Ellenborough, on the last two days. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    llie questions of libel or no libel, it was expected of the Judge that he should deliver his opinion upon the nature of the publication; tho verdict, however, was to be the verdict of the jury according to their consciences, and the opinion of the Judge was—to assist and not to direct them. His Lordship was fully convinced that the production was highly scandalous and iiTeligious, and therefore libellous; but if the jury were of a different sentiment, their verdict would of course be an acquittal. It, however, seemed to admit of no doubt or diffi- culty ; the design and effect w'ere plain upon the face of the libel; and to young and unexperienced minds the consequences of a ])erusal might be most injurious. What but a feeling of impiety, if not of ridicule, could exist on the mind of a child, during divine service, if on the Saturday night or Sunday morning this public.ation had fallen in its way ? His Lordship then handed the publication to the jury, desiring them to read it attentively and to make up their minds upon its object and effect. Mr. Hone requested that the jury should be furnished, before they ■etired, with a copy of the information. His Lordship accordingly handed to the jury an official copy of the information and a Prayer-book. The jury then withdrew, and returned to the box in less than a quarter of an hour. Their names were called over, and Mr. Law, in the usual manner, inquired whom they had ajipointed to speak for them as foreman ? It being signified tbal Mr. Bowring hod been directed by his fel- lows to deliver the verdict, Mr. Law asked him whether the jury found the defendant, William Hone, guilty or not gnilty,— Mr. Bowring replied,iu a firm voice,—NOT GUILTY. The loudest acclamations were instantly heard in all parts of the Court: Long live the honest jvry, and an honest jury for were exclaimed by many voices. The waving ol hats, handkerchiefs, and applauses, continued for several minutes. When order had been somewhat restored, !Mr. Justice Abbott interposed, anc desired that those who felt inclined to rejoice at the decision, would reserve the expressions of their satisfaction for a fitter place and opportunity. The people accordingly left the Court, and as they proceeded along the streets, the language of joy was loudly and most unequivocally expressed ; every one with whom they met, and to whom they com- municated the event, being forward to swell the peal. The Trial of the Information against Mr. Hone, for a Parody on the Litany, was ordered by the Court to come on the next moiuing at half-past nine o’clock.