Victorian crime and (perhaps) punishment
March 31, 2006 6:30 PM   Subscribe

The History of the Metropolitan Police 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.
posted by thomas j wise (7 comments total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
To avoid the crushers and stay in lavender, better learn the local flash patter on the fly, too.
posted by cenoxo at 7:54 PM on March 31, 2006


This is fantastic - I work on criminal justice issues and there is loads of food for thought here. Thanks!
posted by greycap at 11:45 PM on March 31, 2006


Very awesome.
Thanks!
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 12:02 AM on April 1, 2006


YIPES!

What Metafilter is for. Thanks, awfully.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 12:24 AM on April 1, 2006


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.
posted by Eekacat at 3:15 AM on April 1, 2006


A wonderful post thanks thomas j wise. I hope these are in or to be added to your more than excellent Victoriana sidebar.
posted by peacay at 9:15 AM on April 1, 2006


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.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 9:54 AM on April 1, 2006


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