Bosavern was a British wig maker who, in 1749, was arrested and ultimately executed for rioting and theft. The riots began after a group of sailors had been robbed at 'The Crown' brothel - after being unable to retrieve their belongings, the sailors decided on revenge. Bosavern was arrested late on the first night of riots and when asked what he had in his hands, he reportedly answered: 'I am an unforunate young man, and have married one of the women of the town, who hath pawned all my clothes, and I have got all her linen for it.' He was executed 18 October 1749 and in the aftermath an anonymous pamphlet titled 'The case of the unfortunate Bosavern Penlez' was published. This pamphlet claimed the unjust execution of Bosavern and resulting in the criticism of Henry Fielding's conduct through the case.