Uncover London’s Crime History: Free Exhibition at London Archives

The London Archives‘ free exhibition, “Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924,” offers a profound exploration into London’s intricate relationship with crime, law enforcement, and justice spanning nearly seven centuries. Running from March 2026 to February 2027, this extensive show illuminates the lives of various figures, from notorious rogues and thieves to vigilant law enforcers, victims, and individuals like Oscar Wilde and Sylvia Pankhurst, who challenged societal norms.

Rooted in its vast Clerkenwell archives, the exhibition showcases a rich collection of historical materials. Highlights include original posters offering rewards for infamous highwaymen like Dick Turpin, a photograph of William Anthony, one of the East End’s last night watchmen, and detailed accounts of Mary Frith, known as Moll Cutpurse, a 17th-century cross-dressing pickpocket. Engaging visuals, such as a lively 1822 street bust-up scene, further illustrate the era’s daily life and law enforcement challenges.

A key benefit of this exhibition is its comprehensive approach, supplemented by a diverse program of events. These include a talk on the Questioning of Eleanor Rykener, a 1395 document crucial to LGBTQ+ history; a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s silent film “The Lodger”; and an artist-led workshop encouraging empathetic responses through drawing. While the exhibition itself presents no direct risks to visitors, it vividly portrays the societal risks and dangers faced by its subjects – from the perilous lives of criminals to the challenges of maintaining order, and the courage required to defy prevailing social expectations. Its year-long duration and free access make it an invaluable opportunity to engage deeply with London’s complex history of crime and justice.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/history/londoners-on-trial-exhibition-london-archives)