This is wonderful: http://spitalfieldslife.com/2013/06/15/the-strangers-guide-to-london/ The Stranger's Guide; or, The London Sharper Detected: Being a Complete Exposure of all the Frauds of London, Practised by: Bawds, Bullies, Fortune-Tellers, Footpads, Gamblers, Gossips, Highwaymen, Housebreakers, Jilts, Kidnappers, Ring-Droppers, Pimps, Procuresses, Quacks, Sharpers, Swindlers, Smugglers, Shop-lifters, Street-Robbers, Trappers, Waggon Hunters, Women of Pleasure, &c, &c, &c. Price: Sixpence And we think it's bad now! Pickpockets and Ring-Droppers - still lucrative businesses.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
I love that the list is in alphabetical order and that it starts with "Bawds". So Dickensian. Bawds! No Fishwives, I notice.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1861 posts
For others reading this post, "London Fraudsters" is part of the spitalfieldslife blog which is a very entertaining daily read about the east end of London.
Posted by
OP
NYC
922 posts
Exactly, Cynthia. I am signed up to receive it in my email, and it's a delight to read a post by 'The Gentle Author' each night. Top-quality contemporary East London blog.