George Clarke joined the Metropolitan Police in 1841. Though a "slow starter," his career took off when he was transferred to the small team of detectives at Scotland Yard in 1862, where he became known as "The Chieftain". This book paints the most detailed picture yet published of detective work in mid-Victorian Britain, covering "murders most foul," "slums and Society", the emergence of terrorism related to Ireland, and Victorian frauds. One particular fraudster, Harry Benson, was to contribute to the end of Clarke's career and lead to the first major Metropolitan Police corruption trial in 1877. This fascinating book uses widespread sources of information, including many of Clarke's own case reports.
- ISBN10 0752494546
- ISBN13 9780752494548
- Publish Date 1 September 2011
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint The History Press Ltd
- Format eBook (EPUB)
- Pages 288
- Language English
- URL http://thehistorypress.co.uk/products/The-Chieftain-Victorian-True-Crime-through-the-Eyes-of-a-Scotland-Yard-Detective.aspx