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I am helping organise an event at The Guildhall in Leicester next year and need help - 

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On July 14, 2023, The Guildhall in Leicester will recreate the trial of William 'Peppermint Billy' Brown - 167 years after he was convicted of the murder of Edward and James Woodcock in Melton Mowbray. Peppermint Billy was the last man publicly hanged in Leicester in 1856. His conviction has always been questioned and shrouded in mystery.

To make this even more memorable, we are seeking descendants of the witnesses who helped convict William to speak the words of their ancestors during the trial. This would help add another layer of meaning and depth to the experience. ***If you are not a relative, but want to volunteer as a witness, please message me***.

The trial is recreated with a defence and prosecution, witnesses and the actual court transcript. A jury will be sworn in, and after the evidence has been given, the jury will decide whether William Brown is guilty or not. Nearer the date, members of the public will have the opportunity to apply and buy a ticket to be on the jury or in the public gallery. After the event, local Leicestershire food and drink will be served.

I have already started the research necessary to find the descendants. See a list of names and information below. **This is just basic research. Maybe have a few inaccuracies with dates** - If you can help, please send a direct message.  

I will send you my email after a private message.

Names and details of the witnesses who helped convict Peppermint Billy - 

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A. Leicester Witnesses:

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i. Thomas Powell - b.1818 Warwickshire - Labourer

} Husband & Wife of Bedford Street, Leicester

ii. Martha Powell - b. 1816 Warwickshire – Char women

Children: William

Samuel

Sarah Ann

iii. William Asher – Bedford Street, Leicester

iv. William Moulding - b.1824 - d.1868 – buried in Welford Road Cemetery, Leicester

Married Hannah Smith in 1851 (Hannah may have died in the Leicester workhouse aged 83 in 1902)

v. John Brown - William’s brother

vi. Ann Brown – William’s sister-in-law

vii. Edward Bishop – Leicestershire County Police Constable

viii. Frederick Goodyer – Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police.

ix. Mary Ann Phillips – 30 Bedford Street

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B. Melton Mowbray Witnesses

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i. Thomas Roberts – Constable of Scalford. b.1819 in Scalford – d.1897 in Nottinghamshire

ii. Henry Reed – farm hand/servant b.1843 in Melton

iii. John Carpendale – farmer – b.1826 in Ashwell, Rutland. Married Mary

iv. William Moore – Baker - b.1824 in Scalford – died 8 September 1916 – 16 Church Street, Melton Mowbray

v. Francis O’Hare – fishmonger/salesman – b.1832 in Melton Mowbray – d. 1915 in East Retford, Nottinghamshire. Married Mary

vi. Thomas Taylor – labourer – b.1821 in Eastwell, Leicestershire – d.1915 in Leicester County Asylum

(?). Married Mary Nautch.

vii. William Smith – Labourer – b.1828 in Harby, Leicestershire. Married Mary

viii. Alfred Routen - Baker – Born Grantham 1832 – lived in Asfordby

ix. John Clayton – Parish Constable of Thorpe Arnold

x. Thomas Leonard Barber Barwis – assistant surgeon

xi. William Condon – superintendent of police

xii. Joseph Burbridge – Thorpe Arnold b. 1776

xiii. William Fox – Parish Constable of Scalford

xiv. Thomas Burdett - Superintendent of Police for Leicester

xv. John Hewerdine – Blacksmith Scalford

xvi. Henry Baker – Groom in Melton Mowbray – worked for William Moore.

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C. Out of County

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i. James Gretton – Cropwell Bishop

ii. John Cooke – watchmaker – Hockley – Nottinghamshire

iii. James Mason – Landlord of the Blacksmiths Arms in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.

iv. William Eccles - Parish Constable of Wetherby, West Yorkshire

v. Henry Crossley - Parish Constable of Wetherby

vi- Vincent Parker – Cropwell Bishop.