vagrancy

Phillis Robinson appears quite smatly dressed compared with many of the women in this collection. From the account of her crime in the Newcastle Daily Chronicle (25 April 1873) it looks as if she was working as a prostitute. With another woman she approached William Lockwood Hunter in Clayton Street, Newcastle and asked him to stand them a glass of ale. Having also bought them a pie, he was robbed of £14. Phillis had 15 previous court appearances including vagrancy, drunkenness and theft.

She looks like she did well for herself, being a prostitute. She's wearing furs!

It could happen to anyone - and becoming more of a problem these days.. He looks tough and proud and good for him. I'm sure he will have gotten back on his feet again.

Hi Paul, I recently unearthed a few details about this case and have added them above. Joseph Cruddas appears to have been let off as a first time offender. His companion, William Thompson wasn't so lucky.

Up to no good.

Superb!! Amazing image.

Haha a funny fella too. Folk hit hard times and addiction to 'numb' memories can set in. A shame really but he kept his humour.

Sleeping out. Vagrancy?

Hi Paul, Yes, that's my understanding. William Morrisey was arrested for what is often nowadays called 'sleeping rough'. It was an offence under the Vagrancy Act of 1824.

So sad really - I get the impression that so many folk were homeless and wandered about with no work. Tough times for sure..