Crime & Law Enforcement: The Newgate Calendar

Zoe Archer

Every week, we watch television programs that feature stories "ripped from the headlines," but w hen it comes to schadenfreude, not much can compare with The Newgate Calendar.

First published in the late 18th century, The Newgate Calendar was so named for Newgate Prison, which is where prisoners were held before being taken to the Tyburn Tree gallows. In 1783, the gallows were moved from Tyburn to Newgate, and public executions remained a popular form of entertainment. The Newgate Calendar compiled broadsheets into book form. Broadsheets were cheap publications sold on street corners, fairs and public executions, reporting scandal and tales of lurid crime for a voracious, titillated readership. Readers and listeners eagerly devoured stories of wrongdoing, as well as the consequential punishments--the details of which were lengthily and elaborately reported (often with considerable embellishment, if not outright lies).

The Newgate Calendar and its lurid brethren took these broadsheets and compiled them into books, recounting crimes beginning in the 16th Century up to the date of publication. Some of the criminals whose stories could be found in its pages included Mary Young, alias Jenny Diver, "The Head of a Gang of Thieves of every Description," and executed at Tyburn in 1740. Also described was Jonathan Hawkins, "Who played Cards after committing a Double Murder and Arson" and met justice at the end of a rope in 1732. Thieves, murderers, pirates, smugglers, traitors, body-snatchers, forgers, abductors of maidens. If you did wrong, you might make it into the tawdry pages of The Newgate Calendar.

There were other similar publications, including The Malefactor's Register (1779), Criminal Chronology Newgate Calendar (1824-6) and The New Newgate Calendar (1826), their pages brimming with tales of sex, violence and crime.

All this might not be quite so astonishing if one didn't take into account that The Newgate Calendar was a popular gift...for children. Youngsters were encouraged to read The Newgate Calendar or be read stories from it. The book was seen as a means of educating children about the doomed paths of wicked living. Shown here is the frontispiece of one edition, depicting a mother giving her young son a copy of the book, whilst pointing out the window toward a body hanging on the gallows. It's rather hard to believe that some people think Where the Wild Things Are might be inappropriate for children.

Fortunately for us, much of The Newgate Calendar can be found online. You can read all about these bloody, salacious tales here. You might find the stories cautionary...or inspiring.

Do you enjoy reading and/or watching true crime stories? What is it about true crime that interests you? And what's your favorite story of criminal wrongdoing?

Zoe Archer is the author of the "BLADES OF THE ROSE" (Zebra) paranormal historical adventure romance series, available now. She is also the author of the upcoming COLLISION COURSE (Carina Press), which tackles a whole new unusual historical period: the future. Follow her on Twitter.

Crime & Law Enforcement: Judge Dee

Jeannie Lin

The Tang Code was a complex legal system of offenses and punishments established during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) Consisting of twelve sections and 500 articles, the written code was considered the pinnacle of Chinese traditional law. It became the model system for subsequent dynasties as well as other governments in East Asia such as Japan and Korea.

The code was adjudicated by an array of magistrates who played a part in the investigation of crimes as well as the meting out of punishment. The most famous of such officials is arguably Di Renjie (630-700 A.D.), a statesman and magistrate of the Tang Dynasty who was highly revered by Empress Wu Zetian for his logical nature and honesty.

During part of his career, Di Renjie served as magistrate in Pengze County before promotion to prefect and eventually becoming a trusted and longtime adviser to the Empress herself. Yet despite his illustrious imperial career, he would be relatively unknown to the West save for an interesting turn of events.

In the Ming Dynasty (18th century), a Chinese historical detective novel was written about a crime solving magistrate called Judge Dee, a figure based on Di Renjie. Robert van Gulik, a Dutch diplomat and writer, found a copy of the novel, titled Dee Goong An, in a used bookstore. He later translated the novel into English and published it as The Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee.

During the effort, van Gulik translated the text faithfully, but he recognized that the supernatural element and the heavy application of philosophy might alienate western readers. On top of that, the murderer in one of the cases was revealed at the beginning with all of his motivations laid out! What fun was that for mystery readers?

Inspired by the tales, Robert van Gulik proceeded to write his own detective stories, borrowing the figure of Judge Dee. The first one, titled The Chinese Maze Murders, contains three mysteries: "The Case of the Sealed Room", "The Case of the Hidden Testament", and "The Case of the Girl with the Severed Head". All three were based on actual Chinese casebooks and van Gulik often drew from documented cases for his material.

The series contains sixteen books featuring the crime solving Judge Dee, who uses his sharp instincts and keen judgment to investigate the crimes and piece together the mystery. True to traditional Chinese detective novels, each book usually features the investigation of three seemingly unrelated crimes. A common theme is the introduction of a seemingly supernatural element, though logic and rationality prevails in the end. Along with the mystery, readers explore the ancient Chinese landscape (though the details often represent Ming rather than Tang culture) and get a glimpse of the imperial justice system.

As a result of the popular series, Judge Dee is often referred to as the Chinese Sherlock Holmes, a sharp mind with a boxer's physique. The books feature a cast of secondaries such as Dee's three wives (it's good to be a magistrate) and the thugs and bandits who Dee is able to impress into his service with his integrity. Not to mention an array of courtesans, entertainers, merchants, noblemen, and officials. In typical whodunit fashion, the books start out with a strange murder or disappearance. Dee's mode of operation is to investigate and interrogate each witness and suspect personally, making his way through the colorful city as he chases down clues and red herrings.

Jeannie Lin writes sweeping historical romances set in Tang Dynasty China, featuring sword play, politics, and, above all, honor. Her Golden Heart award winning debut, BUTTERFLY SWORDS, and the linked short story "THE TAMING OF MEI LIN" are currently available from Harlequin Historical.

Crimes & Law Enforcement: The Bow Street Runners

Michelle Styles

If you have read Sherlock Holmes, you have encountered them--the mysterious Bow Street Runners or simply the Runner. But who were they and what part did they have in the formation of the modern day police force?

The British Police can be traced back to the very beginnings of British law. Even during King Alfred's reign, ordinary people were employed in the court system to enforce laws aka Folk Moot. The first usage of constable was in 1252 and probably comes from the Latin meaning Master of the Horse. Edward I passed legislation requiring each parish to provide two constables. It was not a popular occupation and many people bought their way out of the obligation. In 1285 the Statue of Winchester was passed requiring the appointment of nightwatchmen. During the reign of Charles II the parish constables were& known as Charlies, a term that stuck until they were abolished 150 years later. They were noted for their corruption and drunkenness.

Henry Fielding (also the author of Tom Jones) was the Chief Magistrate of London and despaired. In 1753, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He trained six honest men who had previously served as parish constables, and paid them a retainer of 11shillings 6 pence per week. They were allowed up to 14 shillings for expenses. They wore no uniforms but were highly successful in catching criminals. They are considered to be the forerunners of the CID (Criminal Investigations Department) or detectives. Because Fielding's office was in Bow Street Magistrates Court, they became known as the Bow Street Runners.

When Henry Fielding died, his brother John aka The Blind Beak took over. Blind since birth, Sir John had the reputation of knowing over 3,000 criminals by voice alone. In 1763 he formed the Bow Street Horse Patrol--ten mounted men who patrolled an area within six miles of Charing Cross.  They were extremely successful and rid London of is highwaymen. The government of the day (in its infinite wisdom) decided that there was no longer any need for the Horse Patrol and they were disbanded. As a result, the highwaymen returned (surprise, surprise). As time went on the Bow Street Runners acted more and more like a detective agency and the general order continued to be enforced by the Charlies and the night watchmen.

By 1822, it had become clear that crime was continuing to rise and new better organised police force was required. Robert Peel was the Home Secretary responsible for creating the force--the New Metropolitan Police. This spelt the end of Charlies, night watchmen, and the Bow Street Runners. The general public for a number of reasons initially distrusted the Police, and preferred the old system of Charlies and Runners. The Police for their part wore a new uniform, and were obliged to be civil and obliging to the public at all times. They were also forced to pay for failed prosecutions if any of their offenders were found 'not guilty.' Thus in time, the Bobbies became a popular fixture in British culture.

Michelle Styles writes historical romance for Harlequin Historical, set in a variety of different time periods. Her most recent UK release, BREAKING THE GOVERNESS'S RULES, takes place in 1837 after the establishment of Peel's New Police Force. You can read more about her books on her website.

Crimes & Law Enforcement: Colonial Prisons

Anna C. Bowling

As of this date, I've been in two colonial prisons. Before anybody suspects me of time travelling misdeeds, let me state up front that the prisons were museums at the time I visited, and the purpose was research, not correction. Old Newgate Prison, built in 1775 in East Granby, CT, began its tenure as a copper mine, and when the mining proved unprofitable, became a holding facility for Tories and captured British troops during the American Revolution. This particular tidbit perked my colonial-loving ears, and throughout the tour, I kept my ears open for any future characters who might want to share their stories of time spent in such a place.

The tour included both the mine itself--very dark, very slippery and not for the claustrophobic--and the cells where the prisoners slept. Standing in the low-cielinged cells, with stone on three sides, bars on the other, I could well imagine what could have gone through the minds of the men housed there, including a desperate need to escape. Which, as our guide informed me, was extremely common at this particular facility.

The first prisoner to call Old Newgate "home" arrived in December of 1773 and escaped eighteen days later, and one prisoner, listed as Richard Steele, holds the record for escaping from this facility a grand total of three times. After the war, the prison housed serious criminals such as rapists and murderers instead of political prisoners, admitting women starting in 1824. The prison closed in 1827, and an attempt to revive the mining failed. The property served other purposes before being declared a national landmark.

Old Newgate was not my first exposure to the colonial correctional system. That came on a school field trip to the Bedford Historical Society in Bedford Village, NY,. One of two original jail cells from the 1780s remains now at the society's museum. Prisoners housed in the Bedford cell would find their walls of wood rather than stone, and escapes would be trickier, as they shared a building with the courthouse, which has also been preserved.

I have to confess making multiple trips to revisit the courthouse and jail cell over the years, which inspired similar locations in MY OUTCAST HEART, though the preserved sites date from several decades past the 1720 setting of the story. The entire town of Bedford was burned to the ground by British troops during the American Revolution. Though I have no idea if any of the soldiers involved in that were captured and housed at Old Newgate, the storyteller in me has to wonder what if....

Have you ever visited a historical prison? What prison do you think would be perfect for a historical version of Prison Break?

Writing historical romances allows Anna C. Bowling to travel through time on a daily basis and make the voices in her head pay rent. Her current release, ORPHANS IN THE STORM, is available from Awe-Struck E-books.