Stealing for Survival: Victorian Mugshots of Food and Clothing Thieves

Take a glimpse into the criminal underworld of Victorian England with these fascinating mugshots of thieves arrested just before Christmas. These images capture a snapshot of the lives of individuals who were caught stealing food and clothing, a crime that was all too common in a time when poverty and hunger were widespread.

The mugshots are a reminder of the harsh realities of life in Victorian England, where even the simplest acts of survival could lead to arrest. They also offer a glimpse into the early history of criminal photography, as these portraits were taken in order to identify the suspects and document their crimes.

Despite the somber circumstances of their arrest, the images are hauntingly beautiful, capturing the unique features and expressions of each individual. These mugshots are a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

#1 Ellen Smith, 52, was convicted of stealing an umbrella in 1872. She was given 10 days hard labor over Christmas.

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#2 Robert Graham, 16, stole 11 pairs of stockings on New Year’s Eve in 1872. He was given one month of hard labor.

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#3 Harry Williams, 42, was convicted of stealing lumps of coal to keep warm. He was given 14 days hard labor.

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#4 John Kitchenside, 20, stole oats worth three shillings on December 23, 1872. He was given six weeks hard labor.

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#5 Henry Marsh, 18, stole a coat to keep warm two days before Christmas. He was given six weeks hard labor.

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#6 Rhoda Leaf, 30, stole a shirt from her master on December 2, landing her six weeks of hard labor at Wandsworth Prison.

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#7 Edward Poller, 17, was convicted of stealing a tame pigeon. He was given one month’s hard labor.

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#8 Caroline Lightfoot, 51, stole a drinking glass in early December 1872. She was given two months’ hard labor.

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#9 John Hanks, 16, stole a woolen shirt to keep warm. He was given 14 days hard labor.

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#10 Daniel Kelly, 16, stole half a cut of iron two days before Christmas 1872. He was given 14 days hard labor.

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#11 Agnes Rose Flowers, 44, stole a short worth two shillings six pence. She received one month of hard labor.

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#12 James Ealing, 17, stole a tin can and a half pint of milk on Christmas Eve 1872. He got one month of hard labour at Wandsworth.

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#13 Mary Baxter, 22, stole a tablecloth on December 13, 1872. She was given 14 days hard labour.

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#14 John Powers, 15, stole fabric on December 10, 1872. He was given one month of hard labor.

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#15 William Ethrington, 19, stole an axe and other tools on December 21, 1872. He was given six weeks hard labor.

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#16 Sidney Lowman, 17, stole a can and a half pint of milk. He was given six weeks hard labor.

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#17 Catherine Flynn, 63, was convicted of stealing six shillings from someone. She was given a month’s hard labor.

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#18 John Sullivan, 17, was convicted of stealing a coat and lumps of coal in 1872. He was given one month of hard labor.

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#19 Mary Sowerby, 69, was convicted of stealing a sheet on December 21. She was given one month’s hard labor.

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#20 Samuel Stilley, 14, was given one month’s hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing two shillings and six pence in December 1872.

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