If it happened, it was in the news.

Unlock Your UK Family History: Discover Newspaper Stories from 1750 to 1950

Welcome to my free service designed to simplify your journey through UK family history and British historical events. I specialise in searching, fact-checking, and revealing authentic news stories from the years 1750 to 1950. Whether you’re seeking minor details or monumental tales about your ancestors, I’m here to assist you every step of the way.

How It Works:

News Article Searches: I meticulously scour historical news articles for mentions of your ancestors. Whether they were involved in a crime, witnessed an event, or were celebrated for their achievements, I aim to uncover their stories as reported at the time.

Free PDF Delivery: Upon discovering relevant news articles, I’ll compile them into PDF format and deliver them straight to your inbox, free of charge. My goal is to provide you with convenient access to valuable historical resources for your research.

Transparent Communication: If I’m unable to find any information about your ancestors, I’ll promptly inform you. Transparency is a core value, and I believe in keeping you informed throughout the research process.

Discover Your Ancestors’ Truths: Good or Bad, We’ve Got You Covered

Whether your ancestors’ stories are filled with triumphs or trials, my mission is to present you with documented truths from historical archives. Let me help you uncover the rich tapestry of your family’s past and the captivating history of Britain.

Start Your Journey Today: Explore Your Family’s Legacy with Old British News!

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This service and the supply of any relevant articles is completely free to use (no costs, fees or registrations):

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also here (convicts) and here (death sentences).

old newspapers
Gloucester Citizen – Saturday 28 June 1884

About the British criminal system (17th century to about 1900)

Comparing death sentences, transportation sentences, types of crimes, circumstances, and British newspaper coverage across the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Death Sentences:

The 17th century saw a strict approach to justice, with a wide range of crimes punishable by death. Common offenses included murder, treason, theft, and even minor property crimes. The legal system was often inflexible, and executions were carried out publicly as a deterrent.

The 18th century continued to have a high number of offenses punishable by death. There was a growing awareness of the severity of punishments, leading to discussions about reform. Executions remained public spectacles, drawing crowds.

The 19th century witnessed significant legal reforms, with a shift away from executing individuals for minor offenses. There was a greater emphasis on discretion, and the death penalty was reserved for more serious crimes like murder and high treason. The public sentiment began to turn against public executions, leading to efforts to make the process less sensational.

Transportation Sentences:

Transportation was not yet a common practice in the 17th century. Instead, criminals were more likely to face death sentences or other punitive measures for their crimes.

The 18th century saw the emergence of transportation as an alternative punishment. Instead of death, some criminals were sent to colonies, primarily in America, as a way to alleviate prison overcrowding and provide a labour force.

The 19th century marked the height of transportation to Australia. Convicts were often sentenced to terms of seven or fourteen years and sent to the colonies for a range of offenses, including theft, forgery, and burglary.

Types of Crimes and Circumstances:

17th Century: Crimes varied widely, from violent offenses like murder and robbery to seemingly minor infractions like poaching or vagrancy. Social and economic circumstances often played a role in driving individuals to criminal activities.

18th Century: Similar to the 17th century, crimes were diverse and often driven by poverty, desperation, and social inequalities. Highway robbery, theft, and property crimes were common.

19th Century: Crimes reflected changing societal dynamics, including the growth of urbanisation and industrialisation. Theft, forgery, and economic crimes became more prominent, but the legal system was gradually becoming more nuanced in its approach to punishment.

Newspaper Coverage:

In the 17th century, newspapers were still in their infancy, and coverage of criminal cases was relatively limited. Reports were often sensationalised and focused on the dramatic aspects of the crime and the execution.

By the 18th century, newspapers were more established, and coverage of criminal cases became more detailed. Public executions were reported with graphic descriptions, catering to the public’s morbid curiosity.

The 19th century saw a more refined approach to newspaper coverage. Publications began to focus on the legal and moral aspects of cases, as well as discussions about reforms. As public sentiment shifted, some newspapers advocated for more humane punishments and criticised the severity of death sentences.

In summary, the approach to death sentences, transportation, types of crimes, circumstances, and newspaper coverage evolved significantly from the 17th to the 19th century. While the 17th and 18th centuries were characterised by a strict and often brutal legal system, the 19th century saw a growing emphasis on reform, discretion, and a more nuanced understanding of crime and punishment. Newspaper coverage also adapted to reflect changing attitudes and societal developments.

About the British criminal system (from about 1900 to 1950)

Death Sentences:

1900s – 1950s: In the early 20th century, the death penalty remained a significant punishment for serious crimes, such as murder and high treason. However, as the century progressed, there was a growing debate and movement towards abolition. The death penalty was carried out through hanging.

Imprisonment Sentences:

1900s – 1950s: Imprisonment became the primary form of punishment for a wide range of offenses. The prison system underwent reforms, focusing on rehabilitation and deterrence. Sentences varied in length, from short terms for minor crimes to long sentences for more serious offenses.

Fines:

1900s – 1950s: Fines were used as a punitive measure for lesser offenses. They were often employed for minor crimes or as supplementary punishment alongside imprisonment.

Types of Crimes and Circumstances:

1900s – 1950s: Crimes during this period included a mix of traditional offenses like theft, burglary, and violent crimes such as murder. The emergence of technology introduced new types of crimes like fraud and white-collar offenses. Social, economic, and political factors influenced criminal activity.

Newspaper Coverage:

1900s: Newspapers were well-established during this time, and they played a significant role in shaping public opinion. Crime coverage was detailed, often sensationalised, and sometimes focused on the personalities of criminals and the brutality of their actions.

1910s – 1920s: Coverage of crime and punishment was prominent, especially during and after World War I. The media discussed issues of justice, morality, and social order, contributing to debates about the death penalty and prison reform.

1930s – 1950s: The media continued to cover crime extensively. The debates around the death penalty intensified, and some newspapers began advocating for its abolition. Coverage was more analytical, exploring legal aspects, societal causes, and potential reforms.

Reforms and Attitudes:

1900s – 1950s: The 20th century saw significant shifts in attitudes towards punishment. Reforms focused on rehabilitating offenders rather than just punitive measures. The death penalty came under scrutiny, with increasing calls for its abolition due to concerns about its efficacy and morality.

In summary, the 20th century from 1900 to 1950 witnessed changes in the approach to death sentences, imprisonment, fines, types of crimes, circumstances, and newspaper coverage. The century saw a progression towards more humane and rehabilitative forms of punishment, along with an evolving understanding of criminal justice. British newspapers played a crucial role in shaping public discourse about crime, punishment, and societal reform.

About me

I really enjoy British history. I love learning about it, discovering hidden parts, writing about it, and even being on the news, radio, and TV to talk about it. I am driven to shed light on these accounts and set the record straight. From quaint village garden competitions to gripping tales of crime, scandal, and life-altering events, I am fascinated by what our ancestors did and how their actions have shaped who we are today. Every single fact, regardless of its size, holds the potential to be unearthed and brought into the light (more here).

Old British News
Hampshire Chronicle – Monday 03 November 1828

Why old newspapers?

  • Life events data, such as birth, marriage and death notices are the basics for family history.
  • Local news can provide a lot of detail, especially about relationships and residence of various family members. This sometimes picks up lost links or branches of a family who stayed or moved. It may also account for a youngster who was born and died between census enumerations.
  • Many snippets of information are buried in the advertisements and legal notices.
  • Marriages, death notices and other short items
  • Notices of sale of land, bankruptcy, dissolutions of partnership which could give clues to a change of financial status.

What can you expect to find in newspapers?

  • Crime reports
  • Obituaries
  • Birth, marriage, death and funeral notices
  • Announcements of life events
  • Social news
  • Activities of clubs and organisations
  • Workhouse reports
  • Legal notices, such as those from court cases
  • Police statements
  • Local events and coverage
  • Bankruptcies
  • Advertisements and business notices
  • Weather
  • Major local events, such as fires and floods
  • Shipping

Illustrated Police News – Saturday 09 July 1892[/caption]

Searching my database

Use this Google form to search across my online network (Old British News and Murder Research):

For example

Poor Law Unions’ Gazette – Saturday 30 December 1865
old newspapers
Leamington Spa Courier – Saturday 06 February 1847

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