Comments on: Victorian crime and (perhaps) punishment

Victorian crime and (perhaps) punishment

thomas j wise — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 18:30:03 -0800

offers a useful overview of both policework and assorted Shocking Crimes in nineteenth-century London. But there are so many more Victorian detectives--not to mention Victorian murderers--lurking about on the net. Sneak a peek at Charles Booth's notebooks, which record his walks with various London police officers, or read Charles Dickens' famous account of a night out with Inspector Charles Field (who later inspired Bleak House's Inspector Bucket). Put John Mapp on trial. Read some broadsides. Try to avoid Dr. Cream and Mary Ann Cotton. Executions, anyone? The Victorian Dictionary reprints a number of Victorian newspaper articles about criminal activity (click on "crime" to see a detailed listing). Of course, you can't forget this fellow.

By: cenoxo

cenoxo — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 19:54:37 -0800

To avoid the crushers and stay in lavender, better learn the local flash patter on the fly, too.

By: greycap

greycap — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 23:45:06 -0800

This is fantastic - I work on criminal justice issues and there is loads of food for thought here. Thanks!

By: Alvy Ampersand

Alvy Ampersand — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:02:38 -0800

Very awesome. Thanks!

By: PareidoliaticBoy

PareidoliaticBoy — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:24:38 -0800

YIPES! What Metafilter is for. Thanks, awfully.

By: Eekacat

Eekacat — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 03:15:46 -0800

No kidding cenoxo. It's interesting the different lingo they use across the pond. Quaint expressions like "identification parade". Excellent post, I particularly enjoy the historical cases.

By: peacay

peacay — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 09:15:49 -0800

A wonderful post thanks thomas j wise. I hope these are in or to be added to your more than excellent Victoriana sidebar.

By: dirtynumbangelboy

dirtynumbangelboy — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 09:54:58 -0800

Fascinating stuff. My several times great-uncle Nathaniel Druscovitch was involved in a scandal at Scotland Yard, a series of frauds which led directly to the creation of the CID. What saddens me is that his name is so intimately connected with the issue, when it was others who were the ringleaders.