Ep 11: Underworld Unveiled: A Dive into the British 19th-Century Criminal Archive

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Welcome back, fellow history enthusiasts, to another captivating journey through the mystifying remnants of our ancestral past. This time, we traipse down the darker alleys of history, unearthing tales of mischief, misdeeds, and the evolution of the criminal justice system from the 18th to the 20th century. Joining Michala on this thrilling expedition is Paul McNeil, lending his expertise to shed light on the shadowy corners of our genealogical archives.

From the audacious 1860's femme fatale who conned jewellers with a crafty gold-for-brass scam, to the enigma of the 'Cockney Golden Highlander,' we unravel stories that blur the line between fiction and truth. We also delve into the labyrinth of the 19th-century court system, giving you a glimpse into the struggles faced by the working-class in initiating a prosecution. Deciphering the nuances of petty sessions, quarter sessions, and assized courts, we explore how the 19th-century police system evolved and what it meant for our forebears.

Our expedition takes a deeper turn as we sift through the UK prison records of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. From the social histories of those behind bars to the profound insights mugshots offer into the lives of our ancestors, we navigate through this trove of information. As we wrap up this journey, we bring to life the cunning exploits of William Redknapp, who manipulated the wage system of the 19th-century ship workers, and Walter Alfred Hargan, an ex-soldier caught in a deadly face-off with a local gang. So, prepare for a gripping tour through our shared criminal past, and get ready to uncover the clandestine world of aliases and the secrets to tracking criminals through Army and Navy records.

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