Throughout history, more than a few apprenticed boys found themselves bound to a cruel and heartless master, sometimes for a period of seven years or more. Many, like young John Bonner, escaped at their first opportunity, choosing the uncertainty of the street to remaining in their current circumstances.
Joseph Bull of Dosthrope near Peterborough seems to have been of the most disagreeable sort. He has offered a half Guinea reward for the return of his apprentice and has warned all that he will do them serious harm should they hide the young man from him.
I can’t help but hope that young John Bonner got away!
