Crime and Punishment

 

Although Chester did not experience the rapid industrialisation seen in many northern towns, during the 19^th century the population more than doubled and with this came a range of social problems, most notably poverty and poor housing. Areas of Chester became potential breeding grounds for crime, particularly the dank and overcrowded courts. Despite these conditions Chester was remarkably free from the serious crimes that other rapidly expanding towns and cities were experiencing during this time. Most offences were of a petty nature - larceny (theft), drunkenness, assaults, vagrancy and prostitution but often the punishments were harsh compared to today. Prison and transportation to Australia were common for what we would today consider as minor offences. Execution was reserved for the more serious crimes, the last public hanging in Chester taking place in 1866. This exhibition uses images of Chester’s criminal heritage from the Imagebank, including Police mug shots of Victorian felons and fascinating insights into their lives.

Bridge of Sighs

Condemned prisoners would cross this narrow stone bridge, which once linked Northgate prison to the chapel of St John’s at the Bluecoat school, to be read their last rights.

Northgate Gaol

The medieval Northgate housed Chester’s gaol until it was demolished in 1808.

 

The City Gaol

Print from c.1810 showing the new City Gaol next to the Infirmary (foreground). Above the entrance can be seen the colonnaded niche called ‘The Drop’, where public hangings were carried out. The last one was in 1866. The gaol closed in 1872.

Ann Huxley

stealing and wearing apparel, 14 days. 04/07/1870.

Catherine Kelly

 stealing a rug. 14 days. 8/10/1872

Edward Griffiths

stealing hay, 1 month hard labour. 16/02/1873.

George Robinson

begging, 14 days hard labour. 28/1/1875

George Williams

23, chair bottomer, traveller, no residence. Stealing a coat, 2 months hard labour. 1/3/1872.

Hugh Davies

32, convicted along with two others of stealing seven bottles of whisky from the L&N.W. Railway Co. Sent to County Sessions, removed to Castle 25^th March 1872. 6 months.

James Bishop

butcher from Glasgow, broke into shop of Henry and William Williams on Foregate St on 21/01/1870 and stole 14shillings. 3 months hard labour.

 

Ralph Minshull

40, butcher. Committed on 14^th October 1870 of obtaining 4 shillings by false pretences. Sentenced to 6 months hard labour. Smiths Yard, Crook St. Chester.

Samuel Griffiths

alias Egerton, of 6 Shields Buildings, near Black Diamond Street, Chester. Stealing and wearing apparels, 1 month hard labour.