19th Century Barnsley Murders - Softcover

Drinkall, Margaret

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1473827353 ISBN 13: 9781473827356

Publisher: Pen and Sword Local History, 2015

Synopsis

19th Century Barnsley Murders is a telling account of crimes in the Barnsley area that have remained unpublished for more than a century. The book reveals the dark heart of the town and reflects not only the poverty and squalor in which many people of the time lived, but also the deep-rooted prejudices and double standards of the period.

Crimes include poaching in the local area, a serious poisoning of bread and butter pudding at an eating house and the tragic story of a man who was poisoned for a joke. More sinister happenings include a case of body snatching, which brought the whole town of Barnsley to a state of complete panic, the distressing murder of a child, and a woman who was shot down in the street by her former marine boyfriend.

The book also charts cases of attempted murder, including the story of a woman who was saved from death by her stays and a brutal attack on an elderly lady, which might so easily have ended in murder.

These macabre tales reveal a side of Barnsley that is not visible in the modern town of today. The intriguing narrative and in-depth coverage of Barnsley’s criminal past make this essential reading for both local historians and those interested in true crime.

About this title

About the Author:

After completing a Masters degree in History in 2006, Margaret began to write a book on local history, Rotherham Workhouse, which was published in 2009\. Since then she has retired to write full time. Margaret has been fortunate enough to have several more books published on true Victorian crimes, Sheffield Workhouse and other areas of the local history of Sheffield and Rotherham.

Review:

"The book is a collection of murders in Barnsley and is similar to many that are published based on the murder or serious crime in towns across the country. Nowhere was free from serious and horrifying crime and the author captures a variety of interesting cases from her home town. There is no need to be a resident or associated with Barnsley to enjoy, if that is the right term, reading about murders. Much of the research if from local and national newspapers, which in the period carried detailed reports of murder with often excruciating detail of injuries and the cause of death and evidence given at inquests and assizes. This allows the author to provide surprising detail of the crimes, given that it is unlikely any of the crime files survived. A good read for anyone interested in 19th century policing." (Police History Society Newsletter)

About this edition

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Local History
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1473827353
• ISBN 13: 9781473827356
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160