Photos of child 'criminals' - Newcastle, 1870s

[stevew101]

I guess they were just trying to avoid the workhouse.  Where needs must ,,,, 

Its sad that they lived in such hard times.

[Graham47]

I wonder if the Robert Charlton shown was an ancestor of Bobby and Jackie?
He certainly has the pose of a footballer!

Thanks for posting.

[Greensleeves]

I too felt particularly sad to see the state of the childen's clothing which in many cases was little more than rags.  So as has been stated previously, it is hardly surprising that so many of them were imprisoned for stealing clothes.  But it's interesting to see the attitudes of the various children - some look completely crestfallen and dejected, but a few of the lads have such an attitude that you know they were survivors.

[Greensleeves]

Just looking at your link, JenB - really good, as the photos can be shown full screen, and there are far more of them.  Thanks for posting this.  Fascinating.

[Shirleyjjj]

these are amazing !!

what a great find and thanks for sharing it with us

[bykerlads]

Many years years ago I studied French at university- one quotation has stuck in my mind ever since:

Francois Villon wrote during the Middle Ages "Necessite fait gens mesprendre, et la faim fait saillir le loup du bois" = necessity makes people do wrong and hunger drives the wolf out of the woods.

The causes and justifications of criminality have always been a tricky question, I think...

[EdCan]

What did they consider as "hard labour" back in the day? I would assume it was different for boys and girls?