A Case of Bigamy

ALLEGED BIGAMY BY A CONTRACTOR.

At Worship-street, on Saturday, James Petch, 49, carman and contractor, of Auckland-road, Old Ford, again surrendered to his bail on a charge of having feloniously intermarried with Eliza Hollingdale, at St. Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, on Dec. 27, 1875, his wife Elizabeth being then and still alive.
The circumstances of the case have several times been reported, and the accused has been remanded from time to time for the completion of the evidence. A witness to the second marriage was required, and Inspector Reid, who has had charge of the case, informed Mr. Bushby that all persons able to testify to the fact that a bigamy had been committed had been kept out of the way by the accused.
This, however, Mr. Thomas Beard (Beard & Sons, solicitors), who defended, denied.
On the case now being called on Inspector Reid said that he had been unable to ascertain the whereabouts of the second wife. There was a person in court, however, who witnessed the ceremony.
Charles Alderman, general dealer, Limehouse-causeway, stated that he was present the day after Boxing-day, 11 years ago, at St. Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, when Petch was married to Eliza Hollingdale. Having been shown a photograph stated to be that of Eliza Hollingdale, he said it was something like the person whom he saw married.
No further evidence was forthcoming, and Mr. Bushby committed Petch for trial, allowing bail for the appearance of the accused in one surety of 200 pounds.

Source: The Hackney Mercury and North London Herald, Saturday October 2, 1886, Page 2