1700-1900

• mass migration mad enforcing the law difficult
• smuggling continued to be a problem in the 18th century, with the government trying to stop it
• popularity of smuggling led to the hawkhurst gang being formed. they smuggled along the south coast of england and operated on a large scale.
• smugglers worked at night, unloading cargoes near the coastline and secluded spots. these weren't policed
• people said the government created a financial incentive to smuggle
• smuggling later died down because of william pritt lowering import duties taxes
• highway robbery increased because trade increased, leading to many carrying valuables and cash. and isolated roads
• 1772 - highway robbery was given the death penalty
• highway robbery was serious because

  it disrupted postal services

  • crime committed on kings highway
  • disrupted travel
• decline of highway robbery

  last reported case in 1831

  • mounted patrols on road
  • banking system introduced
• jack shephard was an admired highway robber. during his execution, onlookers threw flowers and public houses gave away free beer. his name was banned from being used in plays
• 1723 black act

  poaching is a capital offence

  • illegal to blacken your face
  • illegal to carry snares
  • established bloody code
• when was the french revolution

  1789 - temporary overthrow of the ruling class

  this led to British authorities fearing this and feeling vulnerable. and a more harsh treatment to those wanting political changes
• in 1834 george loveless was arrested on the grounds of 'administrating an illegal oath'.

  in reality, authorities wanted to stop his political activities. he formed a trade union where he protested about his low wages of six shillings a week.
• loveless' harsh punishment of transportation served as a deterrent for anyone trying to encourage political change
• transportation began in 1610
• after american war of independence, england started transporting convicts to austrailia
• transportation ended in 1868
• why did transportation end in 1868


  people believed convicts caused high crime rates

  • convicts took jobs
  • British campaigners said conditions on the ships were inhumane
  • Australia was becoming a desirable place to settle
  • more prisons
• why did public execution end


  executions supposed to cause fear

  • carnival atmosphere
  • time off work
  • crowds were drunk and disorderly
  • crowds mocked authorities
  • crowds attracted pickpocketers
• john howard


  outraged by conditions in bedfordshire county goal

  • some prisoners couldn't be released because they couldn't afford release fee
  • published state of prisons
  • criminals only change if conditions of prisons is adequate
• elizabeth fry


  frequently did charity work

  • in 1813, visits newgate prison
  • encourages lessons
  • 1817 - association for the reformation of female prisoners
• bow street runners established in 1748 by magistrate henry fielding
• bow street runners


  deterred criminals by increasing their chances of being caught

  • organised regular foot patrols
  • shared and collected info abt criminals for other law enforcement
  • hub for crime intelligence network#