The Garroting Panic of Victorian London
From the fantastic website History Bones, here's a little insight into London of the past. While you're here, do have a look at the History Bones Instagram right here.
19th Century Victorian London saw its share of violence. In the poorer areas, overcrowding and lack of jobs sent crime skyrocketing. Garroting (strangulation with a ligature) was a popular method of attacking someone. It got to a point where folks thought ruffians were around every corner ready to pounce. The "Peelers" (Metropolitan Police named for founder Sir Robert Peele) were even issued anti-garroting collars, 4- inch high thick leather collars.
The media sensationalised the trend so much that a "panic" ensued. Peelers were also issued a truncheon, a bulls-eye lantern which hung from the belt, handcuffs, a rattle (to sound an alarm) and a heavy duty reinforced top hat referred to as a stovepipe hat. The hat had can strips on the inside and was also covered in leather to provide the wearer protection from blows to the head.
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