Explore Victorian Crime and Police in Literature
The Victorian era was a time of great change, innovation, and societal challenges. The Industrial Revolution transformed societies and brought new prosperity, but also brought new dangers and horrors. This period was marked by poverty, overcrowding, and a growing criminal underworld, all of which contributed to the increase in crime. It was an era when the English police force took its first significant steps toward modernisation and when the grim realities of urban crime became more apparent.
Just before the Victorian era was the birth of modern policing in England. In 1829, Sir Robert Peel established the Metropolitan Police Service in London, earning officers the nickname "Bobbies" or "Peelers." This creation aimed to provide a more organised and professional approach to law enforcement.
Victorian authors soon began incorporating these new police figures into their stories and they have been a common fixture in horror literature ever since. In the 1800s, horror writers often used the police as a means of adding an element of realism to their stories, as well as a way to heighten the tension and drama. This is done to great effect by Edgar Allan Poe in The Tell-Tale Heart where the narrator is so overwhelmed by the act of violence he committed he confesses to the police when they arrive.
Edgar Allan Poe is often referred to as the "father of the detective story" for his pioneering contributions to the genre. His three short stories featuring the character C. Auguste Dupin, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Mystery of Marie Rogêt, and The Purloined Letter, are considered some of the earliest examples of detective fiction in literary history. Poe's creation of a brilliant amateur detective who uses logical deduction and astute observation to solve complex mysteries laid the foundation for the detective story genre.
Poe's innovative approach to storytelling and his introduction of the detective figure significantly influenced later authors who went on to create their own famous fictional detectives, such as Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. As a result, Edgar Allan Poe's work continues to be celebrated for its role in shaping and popularising the detective story genre.
The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841) is often considered the first modern detective story. C. Auguste Dupin, Poe's detective, uses logical deduction and astute observation to solve a baffling double murder in Paris. The story introduces many elements that became staples in detective fiction, such as the brilliant but eccentric detective, and the use of reasoning to solve the crime.
In The Mystery of Marie Rogêt (1842-1843), Dupin takes on the real-life unsolved murder of a young woman. Poe used an actual murder case as the basis for the story, adding a layer of realism to his work. This was the first murder mystery that was based on a real-life crime. While the story was less well-received than The Murders in the Rue Morgue, it still showcases Dupin's deductive skills and the process of logical reasoning.
In The Purloined Letter (1844), Dupin is called upon by the police to locate a stolen letter that could have devastating consequences for the Queen. Unlike traditional detective stories, the "stolen letter" is hidden in plain sight, and Dupin's keen perception and understanding of human psychology enable him to retrieve it.
Poe's detective stories featuring C. Auguste Dupin laid the foundation for future detective fiction. They introduced the concept of a brilliant detective who uses logic and analytical skills to solve complex cases. Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, openly acknowledged Poe's influence on his work, and his famous detective owes a debt to Dupin. Consequently, Poe's detective stories helped shape the mystery genre and its enduring appeal. While Dupin is not a police officer himself, his character and methods set the stage for the police procedural sub-genre of horror that would become popular in the years that followed.
Victorian literature often delved into the darker aspects of society, reflecting the anxieties and challenges of the time. Charles Dickens explored themes of criminality and justice in works like Oliver Twist. Dickens's portrayal of Fagin highlighted the hardships faced by orphaned and impoverished children in Victorian England.
In the dark alleys of Manchester and Salford, the Scuttler gangs emerged as symbols of urban chaos. Comprising working-class youths, these gangs terrorised neighbourhoods, engaging in violent brawls and territorial disputes.
Jerome Caminada (1844–1914), a detective during the late Victorian era, achieved legendary status for his remarkable detective work. Caminada was born in Manchester, England, on 12 April 1844. He was the son of Italian immigrants and grew up in a poor family. He attended school until he was ten years old, after which he started working to support his family. At the age of 24, he joined the Manchester City Police Force as a constable.
One of Caminada’s most notable accomplishments was his work in dismantling the notorious Scuttlers gang. This group of young men terrorised the streets of Manchester, England in the late 1800s, committing acts of violence and vandalism. Caminada was instrumental in breaking up the gang, using a combination of undercover work, intelligence gathering, and street smarts.
Caminada’s impact on policing and detective work was significant. He was a pioneer in many ways, using new techniques such as fingerprinting and photography to solve crimes. He also worked to improve the conditions of the police force, advocating for better pay and working conditions for officers.
Known as the Sherlock Holmes of Manchester, Caminada solved numerous high-profile cases and was renowned for his cunning investigative skills. His real-life exploits inspired Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, to craft the brilliant detective character.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic creation, Sherlock Holmes, combined the deductive genius of Caminada with a distinctive Victorian flair. Holmes's sharp intellect and attention to detail enabled him to solve baffling crimes, becoming a symbol of detective brilliance. Death plays a significant role in the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. From murder cases to tragic endings, death is a recurring theme throughout the series, adding to the sombre atmosphere of the stories.
The Sherlock Holmes stories are some of the most popular detective stories of all time. The stories feature the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend and colleague Dr John Watson as they solve mysteries and crimes in Victorian-era England. One theme that is prevalent throughout the stories is death, and the ways in which it is explored and discussed are often quite fascinating.
One of the most interesting aspects of death in the Sherlock Holmes stories is the way in which it is used as a plot device. Many of the mysteries that Holmes and Watson must solve involve some kind of death, whether it be a murder, a suicide, or a natural death. The cause of death often provides a crucial clue that helps Holmes to solve the case, and the circumstances surrounding the death are often shrouded in mystery, adding to the suspense and intrigue of the story.
However, death is not just a plot device in the Sherlock Holmes stories. It is also a topic that is explored in depth, both through the characterisations of the various characters and through the commentary that Conan Doyle provides on Victorian society. For example, in the story The Adventure of the Speckled Band, the villain is motivated by greed and a desire for revenge, leading to a tragic death. In The Adventure of the Copper Beeches, a woman dies from illness caused by her miserable living conditions, highlighting the social issues of the time.
Victorian literature masterfully captured the evolving landscape of crime and policing during the era. The establishment of the English police force, the menace of Scuttler gangs, the real-life heroics of Jerome Caminada, and the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes all played pivotal roles in shaping how crime and justice were depicted in literary works. Victorian authors seamlessly wove these themes into their narratives, creating enduring tales that continue to captivate and resonate with readers to this day.
Poe gets stereotyped as a horror writer, but he was much more than that.
The very style had changed.