Railway Crimes Committed in Victorian Britain

During the Victorian era, crime on Britain's railways increased due to the rapid expansion of the network. The book explores various types of crime committed on the railways, including theft, assault, murder, fraud, and obstructing the railways, using true accounts obtained from British Newspaper Archives. The author hopes readers will gain insight into the nature and types of crime committed on the railways during this period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Between 1830 and 1900, a remarkable period in British railway history unfolded, coinciding with the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). During this era, an extensive network of railways was constructed, spanning over 22,000 miles of track. These new railways brought immense prosperity to the nation, enabling the swift transportation of goods and passengers across the country for the first time. However, this remarkable achievement also brought with it some unintended consequences, one of which was the rise in crime.

Wherever crowds gathered or unattended goods were being transported, a few unscrupulous individuals and career criminals would emerge to exploit the situation. Some railway staff members, unable to resist the temptation of stealing money or goods passing through their hands, would engage in such activities. This book offers a fascinating insight into the nature and types of crime committed on the railways during the Victorian era. It encompasses a wide range of offenses, including theft, assaults, murder, fraud, obstructing the railways, and various other violations of the law.

The book is based on extensive research of British Newspaper Archives from that period, providing true accounts of events that took place on the railways during the Victorian era. Over seventy different cases are mentioned, each carefully documented and analyzed. The author's passion for researching and writing about these cases is evident in the detailed information and captivating narratives presented.

The author hopes that readers will derive as much pleasure from analyzing these cases as he did during the research and writing process. The book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of crime, transportation, and the Victorian era. It provides a window into the darker side of a bygone era, shedding light on the challenges and complexities of a society in transition.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399085816