Thank you very much for your generous offer.
As I am in Canada, access is a huge problem.
If you have time, I would love to get some info on the following, which I have posted in order of priority to me:
(1) Magistrate's Court records for Westminster. (The LMA site says they have these.) Wednesday, Oct. 08, 1884.
William and Hans LEOPOLD appeared before Magistrate Sheil on a charge of smuggling tobacco and cigars from Hanover to Victoria Station. I know they were convicted, I know their address in London, their age, how they were caught, and their sentence. What I would ideally like is (a) copies of whatever documents exist in relation to this conviction - would be happy to reimburse for costs etc., or to receive a digital photo by email. If that is not possible, I would like to know (b) if any reference was made to any other family members, in particular to their uncle. I know that they claimed, in their defense, that these items were procured for their uncle. I would dearly love to know the uncle's name - this would remove an enormous brick wall for me. (c) I would like to know whether there was any specific information about where they had come from in Hanover - did they give an address in Hanover? This too could be hugely important. (d) Is there any physical description of them? photo/fingerprints/verbal etc - I know this is unlikely, but I really don't know what they have. (e) I would like to know if they paid the fine or served the sentence in jail, but I don't know where one looks for that information.
(2) Freeman & Co., gown manufacturers, 44 Berners St., W1. I know they were in business in 1929. I will see what else I can find out (before Dec.10) as to other dates when they were known to be in business.
I would like to know (a) the name of the owner/s of the business. I believe the owner was a Frank FREEMAN. I would like to know any particulars about the owners, such as home address, age, partnerships, anything that would help me identify them elsewhere. (b) I am also on the lookout for a woman with forename Connie or Bertha and surname Francis, Frances, or Leopold (this is all one person), who may have been involved with, or part owner, of this business. (c) any bankruptcy proceedings?
(3) Frances Ltd., costume manufacturers, 55 Tottenham Crt Rd., W1. This one, too, was in business in 1929. I need the same info as above. If the owner of the business is not Connie/Bertha Francis/Frances/Leopold, then I do not need any more info, but would like to have confirmation that it is not her.
If this is all too complicated, I understand. Your time is precious. I hope you have a rewarding visit.
Thanks again for offering.
Loo