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The Guildhall: a historic landmark and the oldest building still in use in the city of Leicester, holds a significant place in the city’s history. Notably, it served as the site where Leicester’s first police station was established in 1836, marking the inception of the Leicester Borough Police with a force of fifty officers. The establishment of Leicester’s organised police force is credited to the esteemed Frederick Goodyer, who was appointed as the first Superintendent of Police. Born on March 17th, 1808, his contributions to law enforcement have inspired the designation of March as Crime and Punishment month at Leicester Guildhall, celebrating both his legacy and the city’s historic connection to justice and public order.
A captivating series of events will take place to commemorate Crime and Punishment month at Leicester Guildhall. Delving into Superintendent Frederick Goodyer’s origins with the Metropolitan Police, we will explore the grimy streets of Victorian London, including the chilling Whitechapel murders, and uncover the confessions of the infamous Sweeney Todd.
Closer to home, we will examine the stories of Leicester’s most notorious figures, such as the cunning female shoe thief Mabel Pepper, and Peppermint Billy, convicted of a double murder. Billy’s case is particularly notable as he was the last man publicly hanged in Leicester – but was he truly guilty?
During the Victorian period, the police force was distinctively dressed in blue tailcoats and top hats, armed with truncheons, and carrying rattles to call for assistance. These historic items can be viewed in the Guildhall galleries. Adding to the excitement, a community fun day will be held featuring the Guildhall’s friendly long-standing local PCSO’s, who will be delighted to ‘arrest’ mum and dad and place them in the Victorian police cells for a truly immersive experience!
The month will conclude with a double feature of iconic classic cops and robbers films. Audiences can enjoy Two-Way Stretch, a comedic gem offering a humorous take on life behind bars, as well as the 1980 crime classic The Long Good Friday, rounding off Crime and Punishment Month with a cinematic celebration of the genre.
Naturally, our resolute team of tour guides will be on hand to provide in-depth insights into Frederick Goodyer, the history of the police station, the infamous criminals who once occupied the historic cells, and much more, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of Leicester’s fascinating past.
Events:
4th March - History of the Death Penalty - ‘Hung, Drawn & Quartered’
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=695fbc1f-4d83-4c3a-a86e-b4e4a44eff35
9th March - Meet the Police - Community Fun Day!
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=abbe3b63-7af6-4d25-9bb8-1168f13a38f1
11th March - The Story of Mabel Pepper
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=e37939ae-5a4d-411a-be6a-350721fbabe9
16th March - Re-trial of Peppermint Billy
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=8c933313-1e6d-453a-bbcf-9e32d0041b59
18th March – The Truth about Jack the Ripper
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=189730a4-108a-468d-a884-987dece4c26c
21st March – The Confessions of Sweeney Todd
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=e9fcb2f5-977e-4945-8d89-7032141a88f2
25th March – At the Sign of the Blue Boar Inn
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=4e9f2ab9-5575-4f70-b4e7-7816468fe095
29th March – Brighton Rock (1948 film)
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=0942611c-ef7b-4825-9a30-8bf8cc5a6d3b
29th March – The Long Good Friday (1980 film)
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=ef34ef65-2456-461d-9d19-bca8746097ad
30th March – Ask a Policeman (1939 film)
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=7789d873-2d4f-4643-badb-7c3fde778f85
30th March – Two-Way Stretch (1960 Film)
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=9352a9f2-d30f-45f9-83df-2d174eaad654
To Book: www.leicestermuseums.org
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Leicester Guildhall, Leicester, United Kingdom
