Product Ref: FHF-208
Criminal Children: Researching Juvenile Offenders 1820-1920 (Paperback) by Emma Watkins & Barry Godfrey
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This compelling and accessible guide explores how society dealt with juvenile offenders in Britain between 1820 and 1920—a century that saw the invention of the concept of "juvenile delinquency." During this period, public concern about youth crime and gangs led to the development of new institutions and ideologies aimed at reforming young offenders.
Watkins and Godfrey delve into the lives of children who were imprisoned, sent to reformatory or industrial schools, transported to Australia, or confined in borstals. Through vivid short biographies, they bring to life the experiences of these children and the often-harsh systems that sought to correct them.
What sets this book apart is its dual purpose: it’s both a scholarly exploration of youth crime and a practical guide for researchers. It includes a dedicated section on how to trace juvenile offenders in historical records—highlighting sources such as court documents, prison registers, and institutional archives.
Whether you're a family historian, criminologist, or social historian, Criminal Children offers a rare blend of narrative insight and research methodology.
ISBN : 9781526738080