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Crime Scene London
Crime Scene London: Murder, Violence and Sexual Scandal on the Streets | Mike Hutton
1 post | 1 read
London has a history that emerges from the mist of time some 1500 years ago and is one that evolves yet never ends. It has always been a breeding ground for crime as people from around the world are drawn by its numerous attractions and opportunities. Each generation has produced its own colourful cast of robbers, murderers and fraudsters. Much of the crime was prompted by poverty and foul living conditions, but the main driver has always been the desire or need for money by whatever means and the risks involved. Until the eighteenth century this often involved a trip to perform 'the Tyburn jig' in front of a baying crowd of thousands. For a time Londoners staggered around in a gin-induced haze. Mothers often abandoned or even sold their children, just for a chance to block out the horrors of a seething London. The lanes and alleys around Covent Garden were lined with prostitutes, many still children. Famous beauties were kept by aristocrats and royalty and referred to as courtesans, although in many cases the dividing line between them and their less fortunate sisters lining the streets was thin indeed. The ending of the Great War saw the appearance of drugs, although at this stage they were mainly confined to the rich and influential as London entered the 'jazz age'. The second world war and the Blitz was not all about the spirit and bravery of Londoners, as gangs plundered wrecked houses and even stole from corpses. After the war the likes of the violent Jack Spot and Billy Hill were superseded by the Kray twins and the sadistic Richardson brothers, as they fought for control of London's drinking clubs. A little light relief was offered throughout the years by a succession of sexual scandals. Those particularly welcome involved senior politicians. A heady brew indeed covering centuries of crimes and indiscretions brought together this very readable account by author and social historian Mike Hutton.
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review
OutsmartYourShelf
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Mehso-so

A look at the dark side of London's history by examining the crimes which have taken place there & also the types of justice which have been dispensed. From being boiled alive in a cauldron, 'dancing the Tyburn jig', to lengthy prison sentences, this looks at both sides of the criminal life in England's capital city.

OutsmartYourShelf Although some parts of this book were quite interesting, it didn't live up to my expectations. The blurb says it “chronicles London‘s 1500-year history of crime“ & yet the majority of the book I would say concentrates on the 16th century onwards. It was also a bit dry to read & I wonder if splitting it into timelines may have worked better than into types of crime, 4w
OutsmartYourShelf As it is, it's a little all over the place which didn't help this reader's concentration.
3⭐

My thanks to #NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7335292892
Read 1st-7th Mar 2025

#ReadAway2025 @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES
4w
Andrew65 Well done on finishing it, sounds a bit of a missed opportunity. 4w
DieAReader 🎉🎉🎉 4w
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