Forgery among the holy orders, whatever next? Did the Reverend Moyle see the error of his ways or did he pursue a criminal career? Unfortunately, this is the record of his first offence, (or the first one that came to notice) for which he was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. He became infamous with reports of his trial reaching New Zealand.
“A Clergyman charged with Forgery. –The Rev. Vyvyan Henry Moyle, Vicar of Eston in Cleveland, was on Monday arrested and remanded on a charge of forging shares, value 22,000l., in the recently-formed company of Messrs. Jackson, Hill, and Co. (limited), of Eston, iron manufacturers. The rev. gentleman applied for 10,000l. worth of shares in the firm, which were supplied, and he had paid 3,500l., the amount of calls due. On the 26th ult. the secretary of the company received what were supposed to be 220 fully-paid shares of 100l each, signed and sealed, and a transfer signed with Mr. Moyle’s name. Inquiries showed that the Mutual Society, Gresham-buildings, London, had advanced money upon the documents. Mr. Moyle was taken before a Magistrate at Middlesbrough, and evidence was adduced which justified a remand for a week. It is stated that the prisoner does not deny the charge ; the whole of the signatures to the documents and seal also are supposed to be forgeries. Mr. Moyle was first in Middlesbrough as a curate twelve years ago, and was appointed to Eston upon the formation of that parish.”
Stamford Mercury, 3rd January, 1873.