CUMBRIAN CRIME FROM A SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 1834-1894. A New Look at Murder and Other Wrongdoing in Nineteenth Century Cumberland

Softcover. This book takes a look at crime in 19th century Cumberland against the backdrop of a particularly interesting period in the county's social history. From a wide variety of sources, the author has produced a fascinating study spanning 60yrs which saw significant penal reform nationwide, new thinking, and gradual social improvement of a sort, resulting in an eventual change for the better in the crime statistics of the county itself, following fairly considerable offending there, not all of which had its roots in the social norms and conditions of the times, but a significant amount which clearly did. Many of the crimes chosen for extended presentation are given a thorough airing for the first time, notably the horrific Lanercost killing, and that of the Durdar nanny, left to her own devices with tragic result. As well as the more notorious offenders, we encounter a medley of other local reprobates too: highwaymen, burglars, receivers, juvenile delinquents, to name but a few, and others whose guilt was perhaps rather more questionable...? The author also makes many thought-provoking observations of his own, providing a completely fresh insight into an intriguing subject. Illus., Bibliog. and Index. 209pp. trade size softcover. From the library of true-crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. F. with no creasing to covers.