What offenses led to girls being imprisoned in Victorian Newcastle?

Girls in Victorian Newcastle were imprisoned for offenses such as stealing chickens, stealing iron, stealing boots, stealing bed linen, mugging, and drunken behavior.

What is the age range of the youngest prisoners shown in the mugshots?

The youngest prisoners documented in the Victorian mugshots were as young as 11 years old.

Where can one see the collection of Victorian female prisoners' mugshots?

The collection of Victorian female prisoners' mugshots is part of an exhibition at Newcastle Cathedral.

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Victorian Jail Photos: Girls as Young as 11 Imprisoned

8 Mar

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Summary

Victorian mugshots show girls aged 11 imprisoned for minor offenses.
Newcastle City Gaol held young offenders for stealing and public disorder.
Exhibition at Newcastle Cathedral documents these untold stories.

Victorian Jail Photos: Girls as Young as 11 Imprisoned

Haunting criminal mugshots from the 1870s depict girls as young as 11 imprisoned in Newcastle City Gaol for offenses like stealing and disorderly conduct. These photographs, taken during photography's nascent stages, are now part of an exhibition at Newcastle Cathedral.

The prison, located in Carliol Square, operated from 1828 to 1925. Researcher Dr. Clare Sandford-Couch highlights remarkable characters among the prisoners, noting Bridget Creggans' 250 appearances before magistrates. Young offenders like 11-year-old Ellen Woodman received seven days of hard labor for stealing iron.

Other girls, including 12-year-old Jane Farrell for stealing boots and 13-year-old Mary Hinnigan, faced similar punishments. Offences also included mugging, stealing clothing, and prostitution, with sentences varying from days to months of hard labor.

The exhibition aims to document the untold stories of these female prisoners, offering a glimpse into their lives and the justice system of Victorian Newcastle.

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