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The London Mob: Violence and Disorder in an Eighteenth-Century England
A portrait of London violence in the eighteenth century describes the economic, political, and religious conflicts that resulted in pervasive levels of crime and conflict, citing the role of everyday citizens in keeping the peace and meting out mob justice.
- GenresHistory
393 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2004
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January 25, 2018
Contents:
Illustrations
Abbreviations
Preface
Chapters:
1. Street Life
2. Stop Thief!
3. Public Insults
4. Shaming Punishments
5. Crowds and Riots
6. Violence
7. Duels and Boxing Matches
8. Going to Law
9. Print
10. The Monster
Appendix: Sources and Methods…….Bibliography..
The book takes a look at the London Mob (short for mobile), previously known as the rabble, charting how and why its behaviour changed from the time of the Restoration but with specialreference to the 18th century when our “modern”world began. The story is a fascinating one and I learnt a lot. So much of what we consider “hip” was around then, even the graphic abuse to be heard on 21st century streets has been doing the rounds for at least 300 years.
Things began to change when the policing role became the responsibility of others, rather than a duty officially imposed on individuals living in the community. First came the professional thief finders, a pretty motley crew, though quite successful, then the Bow Street Runners, heralding the Met.
Hangings and Pillory appearances were public entertainment and the public were often very appreciative of the spectacles before them. Every kind of available detritus might be flung at the poor pilloried creatures – dead cats, chamber pot contents, rotten eggs and vegetables, to name but some of the range on offer. But, just as the street was eventually to lose its appeal for the mob, so would the public shamings and executions. Shoemaker argues that this coincided with the increasing influence of the Evangelical Movement, the rise in literacy across London and the growing importance of the home and family, moving away from the communal gathering in public places.
The eighteenth century was the age of the newspaper and the number of titles increased as the century advanced. Here we meet the ancestors of the brattish tabloid of today.
A worthwhile read for anyone interested in the history of crime, punishment and their impact on 18th century society.
The last chapter, entitled The Monster, concerns the bizarre assaults on women, especially attractive ones over a period of 2 years. The assailant(s) would often attack the female’s bottom. Shoemaker speculates that more than one attacker was at work. He also rather mischievously speculates that some women may have self harmed in order to be numbered amongst the other bruised beauties singled out by the Beast. Did he/they anticipate the Ripper a hundred years or so later?
I was prompted to read this book at the time of visiting an excellent exhibition at the London Municipal Archives (LMA): “Criminal Lives, 1780-1925”. Shoemaker and his colleagues had a hand in this. I recommend it and the book. Both are excellently illustrated.
Illustrations
Abbreviations
Preface
Chapters:
1. Street Life
2. Stop Thief!
3. Public Insults
4. Shaming Punishments
5. Crowds and Riots
6. Violence
7. Duels and Boxing Matches
8. Going to Law
9. Print
10. The Monster
Appendix: Sources and Methods…….Bibliography..
The book takes a look at the London Mob (short for mobile), previously known as the rabble, charting how and why its behaviour changed from the time of the Restoration but with specialreference to the 18th century when our “modern”world began. The story is a fascinating one and I learnt a lot. So much of what we consider “hip” was around then, even the graphic abuse to be heard on 21st century streets has been doing the rounds for at least 300 years.
Things began to change when the policing role became the responsibility of others, rather than a duty officially imposed on individuals living in the community. First came the professional thief finders, a pretty motley crew, though quite successful, then the Bow Street Runners, heralding the Met.
Hangings and Pillory appearances were public entertainment and the public were often very appreciative of the spectacles before them. Every kind of available detritus might be flung at the poor pilloried creatures – dead cats, chamber pot contents, rotten eggs and vegetables, to name but some of the range on offer. But, just as the street was eventually to lose its appeal for the mob, so would the public shamings and executions. Shoemaker argues that this coincided with the increasing influence of the Evangelical Movement, the rise in literacy across London and the growing importance of the home and family, moving away from the communal gathering in public places.
The eighteenth century was the age of the newspaper and the number of titles increased as the century advanced. Here we meet the ancestors of the brattish tabloid of today.
A worthwhile read for anyone interested in the history of crime, punishment and their impact on 18th century society.
The last chapter, entitled The Monster, concerns the bizarre assaults on women, especially attractive ones over a period of 2 years. The assailant(s) would often attack the female’s bottom. Shoemaker speculates that more than one attacker was at work. He also rather mischievously speculates that some women may have self harmed in order to be numbered amongst the other bruised beauties singled out by the Beast. Did he/they anticipate the Ripper a hundred years or so later?
I was prompted to read this book at the time of visiting an excellent exhibition at the London Municipal Archives (LMA): “Criminal Lives, 1780-1925”. Shoemaker and his colleagues had a hand in this. I recommend it and the book. Both are excellently illustrated.
Displaying 1 of 1 review