Tales From Bow Street

by Joan Lock, Richard Fox (Narrator)

Bow Street Magistrates Court is justly famous as the birthplace of an efficient system of summary jurisdiction. Less well-known are some of the fascinating characters who have taken part in the court's dramas over the years.

Most people know of the early pioneer stipendiary magistrates, Henry and John Fielding. But what of Nicholas Bond, the ambitious and devious Bow Street Runner, who (under John's patronage) became a clerk of the court, and later a Bow Street Magistrate? And what of the “noted highwayman Hawke” who had escaped prison in 1774, and terrorised wealthy Londoners? Not to mention Mary Scroote, who brutally felled the man who refused her advances.

Tales from Bow Street is a gripping narrative of the history of London’s policing. Join Joan Lock as she delves into the criminal underworld of 18th century London, a city riddled with pick-pockets, prostitutes, highwaymen and murderers. From the hanging murders of the 1700s, through to Cold War espionage, and the birth of the 1950s policewoman, Lock’s book is rich in periodic detail, readable history and enlightening anecdotes.

Genres: True Crime, Crime, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook

7 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Ex-policewoman JOAN LOCK is the author of non-fiction books and crime novels. She has been a regular contributor to the police press and the journal of the Crime Writers' Association. She has also written short stories, radio plays and radio documentaries. She lives in London.

Reviews

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok, but I knew much more about some of the cases included, so was not enlightened. It might be a good introduction to the subject for others though.

[AUDREY V · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read better obituaries

Just when an event or person started to become interesting, the topic changed. I never developed a solid grasp on the people or the timeline. As another reviewer pointed out, the people and events are not necessarily presented in chronicological order. Nor was I able to form an image in my mind of the court or its surroundings.

[Rhondda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, an ex-police officer, gives the reader some fascinating stories/cases about crime, criminals, police and magistrates from earlier times.
She manages to paints a vivid picture of the manycolourful characters involved in a wide variety of crimes.

[Keith Neville · Rating 2 out of 5]

Factual history good but repetitive crimes

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very interesting book. Quite a few misuses of ‘transpire’ and sometimes overly wordy. But I enjoyed it so able to recommend to the normal crew.

[Hilary Cockshaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Madelon · Rating 2 out of 5]

TALES FROM BOW STREET is a haphazard account of the Bow Street Police Court and its many Magistrates. It is history without discernable chronology. One minute it's sometime in the 18th century, then the 20th, and back to the 19th. Joan Lock tries to present some of the origins of policing in London but muddies the picture with anecdotes from disparate times. I found it interesting that she makes no mention of Jack the Ripper London's infamous killer with a connection to the Bow Street Runners.

The only benefits to reading this book are the references made to other material on the subject.

[Jessica Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating look at Bow Street, from the early days of the Runners through to the second half of the 20th century. Lock brings together plenty of interesting cases heard by the magistrates, and paints a vivid picture of many of the personages involved.