Bow Street Magistrates Court is justly famous as the birthplace of an efficient system of summary jurisdiction.

Less well-known are some of the fascinating characters who have taken part in the court's dramas over the years.

Most people know of the early pioneer stipendiary magistrates, Henry and John Fielding.

But what of Nicholas Bond, the ambitious and devious Bow Street Runner, who (under John's patronage) became a clerk of the court, and later a Bow Street Magistrate?

Or the audacious Miss West and her partner, Barrington, whose notorious pick-pocketing plagued the audiences at London’s most popular theatres?

And what of the “noted highwayman Hawke” who had escaped prison in 1774, and now terrorised the wealthiest Londoners?

Or the Weston Brothers highwaymen, who targeted the Royal Mail, making off with over £15,000 in bank notes and bills.

Not to mention Mary Scroote, who brutally felled the man who refused her advances.

At the turn of the nineteenth century, Bow Street took on a legally armed Britain.

The 1809 Covent Garden Theatre Riots and the Burdett Riots of 1810 were typical of the sporadic violence that marked a nation left bankrupt following the Napoleonic wars.

‘Tales from Bow Street’ is a gripping narrative of the history of London’s policing. Join Joan Lock as she delves into the criminal underworld of 18th century London, a city riddled with pick-pockets, prostitutes, highwaymen and murderers.

From the hanging murders of the 1700s, through to Cold War espionage, and the birth of the 1950s policewoman, Lock’s book is rich in periodic detail, readable history and enlightening anecdotes.

After qualifying as a nurse, Joan Lock spent six years in the Metropolitan Police. She is also the author of ‘Scotland Yard Casebook’.

Praise for Joan Lock:

`A fascinating account. . . Vividly captures the Victorian attitudes to crime. This is a fine and comprehensive account of the court's work, and is written in an easy-to-read manner. It is an excellent book.' - Police Box

`A valuable inside account of functions and procedures as well as a record of outstanding cases.' - Daily Telegraph

`Spiced with pungent and sometimes opinionated comment and always compulsively readable.' - The Times Literary Supplement

`Delightful little anecdotes.' - Law Society's Gazette

`Mrs Lock has done an excellent job . . . What a wonderful story is unfolded . . . The whole account is well backed by authoritative official and parliamentary reports. . . This is an excellent book.' - Constabulary Gazette

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