Manchester Murders and Misdemeanours

In the mid-nineteenth century, Manchester was the world's first industrialized city, known as 'Cottonopolis' and home to the Industrial Revolution. It was a city of immigrants from the countryside, Ireland, Scotland, and further afield, where slums and poverty existed in close proximity to great wealth. The unique conditions in the city made it a breeding ground for crimes of all kinds, from murder and large-scale robberies to pickpocketing and mugging. This collection of true-life crime stories gives a vivid insight into life in Manchester in years gone by and will fascinate anyone with an interest in the history of crime and the history of Manchester.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Between 1850 and 1950, Manchester experienced remarkable growth and transformation. In the mid-nineteenth century, Manchester proudly claimed the title of the world's first industrialized city, serving as the epicenter of the Industrial Revolution and earning the nickname "Cottonopolis." This bustling metropolis was a melting pot of immigrants hailing from various rural regions, including Ireland, Scotland, and beyond, coexisting with slums and poverty alongside immense wealth. The unique circumstances in Manchester created an ideal environment for a wide range of crimes to flourish, spanning from the most severe offenses such as murder and large-scale robberies to more minor acts like pickpocketing, mugging, and other street crimes.

One particularly notorious group that roamed the streets of Victorian Manchester was known as the "Snoozer gangs." These criminal organizations were skilled in robbing hotels, and Manchester was home to numerous jewel thieves over the years, including the infamous "Lucky Edgar." Some crimes in Manchester had political motivations, such as the suffragette law-breaking, while others, like youth crime, which is often portrayed as a recent phenomenon, actually have a long and storied history dating back to the teenage scuttler gangs of the late nineteenth century.

This collection of true-life crime stories provides a captivating glimpse into the past of Manchester. It offers a fascinating insight into the lives of those who lived in the city during this tumultuous period and sheds light on the darker side of its history. Whether you have a deep interest in the history of crime or are simply eager to learn more about the history of Manchester, this book is sure to captivate and intrigue you.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 165 x 234 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398114555