Officer sued for criminal seduction of baronet's young daughter-in-law

In mid August 1845 the marriage took place between Henry Hoghton, Esq, the eldest son of Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, of Hoghton Tower in Lancashire and Louisa Josephine Sanders, 20, amid much rejoicing after the ceremony at St. George's Church in Hanover Square, London.

- with Keith Johnson

The newlyweds travelled on the Continent and then took up residence on an estate, Hafod in the county of Cardigan amid the Welsh countryside, which he had bought from the Duke of Newcastle. Once settled there they entertained the most respectable of families and appeared happy and contented.

It was a surprise therefore in early January 1849 when Henry Hoghton brought an action against Clarence Wigney at the Sheriff's Court in London. It was an action for criminal conversion and Mr. H. F. Hodgson who opened the proceedings said the plaintiff complained that Wigney had seduced his wife and damages were laid at £10,000.