Lesson 15: 1700-1900 Victorian England types of crime

• What were the main types of crime in Victorian England from 1700-1900?

  Smuggling, highway robbery, and poaching
• How did the population change in Britain by 1900?

  It increased to nearly 80 million
• What happened to religious-based crimes by the 1700s?

  They reduced, including the decimation of witchcraft
• What was the perception of smuggling among the community?

  Many saw it as acceptable and did not inform
• What were some goods commonly smuggled?

  Cloth, wine, salt, leather, and soap
• Who were the Hawkhurst gang?

  A larger smuggling gang on the south coast
• What was the punishment for some smuggling leaders?

  They were hung as a punishment
• Why did smuggling decline by the end of the period?

  Import duty was reduced, making goods cheaper
• What is poaching?

  Illegally hunting or taking natural resources
• What did the rich claim about poaching on their land?

  It was acceptable as it was the 'King's Highway'
• What was the Black Act of 1723?

  It made poaching a treason offence
• What happened to the Black Act over time?

  It was repealed in 1800 and 1831
• When was the last witchcraft execution in England?

  1716
• What did the Witchcraft Act of 1735 signify?

  Witches were seen as tricksters, not criminals
• What is highway robbery?

  Attacking travelers to steal their goods
• Who were highwaymen?

  Robbers on horseback
• Who was a famous highwayman?

  Dick Turpin
• Why did highway robbery increase during this period?

  More travelers carried cash and goods
• What led to the decline of highway robbery?

  Increased patrols and the development of banks
• When was the last case of highway robbery?

  1831
• What are the key differences between smuggling, poaching, and highway robbery?

  • Smuggling: Importing goods illegally to avoid duties
  • Poaching: Illegally hunting or taking resources
  • Highway Robbery: Attacking travelers to steal goods
• What were the social attitudes towards smuggling and poaching in Victorian England?

  • Smuggling: Viewed as acceptable by many, even heroes
  • Poaching: Poor disregarded boundaries, seen as survival
• What were the changes in laws regarding poaching and witchcraft?

  • Poaching: Black Act made it treason; repealed later
  • Witchcraft: Last execution in 1716; Act of 1735 reduced severity