Some criminal cases cast a long shadow, even more than a century later. The 19th century saw the beginnings of modern policing, but at this time county police forces often lagged behind the Metropolitan Police, founded in 1829, and this could work to the advantage of criminals. Rural areas were quite self-contained, 'incomers' were often viewed with suspicion or ignored, and there were occasions when even if anyone had any suspicions about a possible crime, they kept it to themselves. We also go back to the 1920's: the Great War had ended, but the fallout continued. Society and attitudes were changing - there was hardly a family in the country who were untouched by bereavement, church attendance had fallen, the role of women had changed - and there were concerns that women's morals had changed, too. The aftermath of this murder provides a fascinating snapshot of the attitudes, beliefs and values of 1920's Britain and the case is another one that is still discussed today.
Additional information about this course
1 hour break at 12:00pm - 13:00pm
Course aim
We will look two famous Essex murder cases, one from the 19th century and another from the 1920's. Both reflected their times, they catapulted Essex into the national and local media headlines and both - in different ways - helped to change the law.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners
- This course is for improvers
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Recall some key details from the lives and backgrounds of at least one of the victims discussed.
- Understand the part played by the press and publicity in the murder investigations.
- Discuss how the aftermath of the First World War affected attitudes towards women.
- Identify how one of these cases discussed may have contributed to a change in the law.
What else do I need to know?
No previous knowledge of the subject matter is required, nor any pre-reading. Course handouts to recap the points covered during the session will be provided by the tutor and will be stored on Canvas, the learning platform. Course members may wish to make their own written notes, though.
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