THE SHADOW OF THE GALLOWS Crime and Punishment on Tyneside in the Eighteenth Century

Softcover. Trial and retribution : 1744 - Sarah Heslop publicly whipped for stealing a linen shirt; 1789 - Ann Scott, aged 13, sentenced to two months hard labour for stealing a tablecloth; 1790 - William Sanderson, aged 14, sentenced to hang for burglary. He had stolen 68 guineas. In the 18th century many offences attracted severe penalties, even death. Prisoners might languish in gaol for long periods without trial (and must pay the gaoler before they were released, even if they were found innocent). Whippings were freely handed out to men, women and children - and transportation to the penal colonies of America or Australia might seem a merciful sentence. Highwaymen, the muggers of their day, preyed on travellers on the unlit and lonely roads, and violent crime was commonplace. There was little protection from either crime or - more disturbingly - from 'justice'. The author, retired Chief Superintendent, Northumbria Police, turns his trained eye to 18th century Tyneside. He investigates dreadful crimes, even more dreadful punishments, and some brave acts of humanity. He uncovers tales of gaols, gaolers, and daring escapes from the long arm of the law, bringing as evidence vivid accounts from contemporary newspapers and reports. Chapter headings include : Gallows and Hangmen, Gaols and Gaolers, Cargoes of Convicts, Executions 1700-1919 + much more. Illus., Suggested Reading + Index of Names in the Text. 128pp. trade size softcover. From the library of true crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. F. with no creasing to covers.