Robert Aslett Explained

Robert Aslett (born 9 August 1754)^{[1] [2]} was a British banker who embezzled approximately £820,000 in Exchequer bills. Aslett was an assistant cashier at the Bank of England under his uncle Abraham Newland.^[3] In 1803, he was condemned to death; however his sentence was commuted on the condition he leave the country.^{[4] [5] [6]} Aslett's disgrace led to the appointment of Henry Hase as chief cashier.^[7]

Aslett was born in London to Robert and Elizabeth Aslett, and educated at Merchant Taylors' School.^[8]

Despite his imprisonment at Newgate Prison, his privileged life continued by bribing the guards. Recalled the Leicester Chronicle in 1857:

Notes and References

1. London, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538–1812
2. England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791–1892
3. News: Bank Frauds . 27 January 2020 . Connaught Watchman . 4 May 1860 . 4 . subscription.
4. Web site: 2019-08-30 . ROBERT ASLETT. Theft: embezzlement. 14th September 1803 . The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 1674–1913.
5. Book: The Criminal Recorder: Or, Biographical Sketches of Notorious Public Characters. 1815. R. Dowson. 668.
6. Web site: The Newgate Calendar – ROBERT ASLETT. www.exclassics.com.
7. Book: The Flowers of Anecdote, Wit, Humor, Gayety and Genius. 1831. Frederic S. Hill. 202.
8. Book: A Register of the Scholars Admitted Into Merchant Taylors' School, from 1562 to 1874 . 1883 . Printed and published for the editor by Farncombe & Company . 125 . 26 May 2023 . en.