I’m reading an interesting (OK, and lurid) true-crime book from 1928, Elizabeth Villier’s Riddles of Crime. A lot of these stories may be well-known in Britain (Rose Harsent, Eliza Canning, the “Thames Giant,” etc.) but are unknown to me.
Anyone know of any good (well-written, fact-based) sites that give backgrounds on famous crimes in England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland?
Consider this a half a bump because this isn’t quite what you’re looking for but it is, imho, nonetheless, pretty absorbing:
The Proceedings of the Old Bailey London 1674 to 1834 - not famous crimes, but rather the hoi polio going about their dodgy dealings and getting their collars felt (or how Australia became populated with Lunnoners).
How about the official Scotland Yard history page at
http://www.met.police.uk/history/index.htm ?
Are you familiar with the genius that is Dick Francis? He does not write about true crimes, but uses his extensive background in the British horseracing industry as a backdrop to his mysteries. He’s won about a million Edgar awards. (I think that’s the one…it’s late, forgive me.) A nice one to start with of his is “Straight.” No, it’s not about THAT. It’s about a jewel heist and it has such amazing characters that at the end you are left staring at the back cover thinking “but wait! More! More!”
Both of those sites bookmarked for future poring-over, thanks!
As for Dick Francis . . . Well, I likes me 'istory 'istorical and me fiction fictional.
www.crimelibrary.com has a few stories from Europe on it, though most are from the US. You just have to dig a little.
I’ve read this book. (amazon link) and it gives some good stories. There’s not a ton of detail for each crime but you may find a few you like and could find more about in another book.
Oh, that Scotland Yard book looks good—I’ll see if my library has it.
I once read an excellent history of London’s East End criminal gangs. It was somewhat unusual in that it didn’t revolve around the Krays, and avoided the usual “'e was good to 'is muvver” rubbish. Unfortunately I can’t remember the title; I think it may be this book, which appears to be out of stock.
Found an excellent site, by the way, if anyone is interested . . . My favorite case so far is Priscilla Biggadyke, just because of her name . . .
Here’s a good site, well-researched, no-nonsense, lots of detail:
http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/criminal_cases.htm
Most of the famous cases since 1900, as well as many of the more famous military cases (the “wigwam” murder, for example).