The exact location is unknown There is a reference from May 1826 of Elizabeth, wife of landlord Mr Gerrish, of the Joiners Arms London Road.
In November 1833, George Jackson was informed on by Moses Pegg of selling ale after 10pm. Pegg said he had suspicions for some time, but as Jackson was cautious not to draw ale for strangers he procured a female witness. Although Jackson had an excellent character for good practice, the magistrates observed they had no discretionary powers to mitigate and so fined Jackson 40/- plus costs.
Also reported Dec 1834 This time Edward Blood deposed by one of Moses Peggs men Joseph Arms, this time the case was dismissed as witnesses contradicted Arms who had also previously committed perjury.
Moses Pegg was a notorious informer, a scourge to all landlords, as he was paid out of the fine and expenses by the court he went to great lengths to gain a conviction often inventing the claimed offence, the magistrates on the Joiners case led us to believe by their comments that they found Pegg’s story doubtful, as he had previously failed to gain a conviction for not being believed so he would procure a witness to his informing (often someone who was destitute) with promise of payment. Pegg was often confronted on his actions, only the previous month he had been dragged out of the Greyhound pub by what the Leicester Chronicle described as a crowd of over 200 punched and pelted with mud. This obviously didn’t deter him as he continued informing as can be seen in many other cases reported on other pub files.
According to the LC Moses Pegg was eventually ran out of town by a mob circa 1840.
Can’t imagine that Moses Pegg was a very popular or likeable fellow. Sounds like a character straight out of a Dickens novel.
Thanks David, I have added a little more on Moses Pegg on the Joiners file, your correct to say he wasn’t popular, can just picture him in one of Dickens stories, there will be more on Pegg in future files.