Drink, Highway Robbery, and Escape from the Debtors’ Prison – Insolvent Lives: Burton Brace (1713-36)

Posted on by Alexander Wakelam

In this edition of my occasional series producing biographies of debtors to explore what led them into debtors’ prison we’re examining the short life of Burton Brace, a drawer (a tavern wine waiter) who drank more than he served. While the majority trod a path to the debtors’ prison beset with bad luck, business errors, … Continue reading Drink, Highway Robbery, and Escape from the Debtors’ Prison – Insolvent Lives: Burton Brace (1713-36)

Mr John Kirby (1727-1804) – A Debtor Turned Gaoler and the Rise of Professional Prison Keeping

Posted on by Alexander Wakelam

In the late spring of 1761, John Kirby tasted freedom for the first time in seven years. He packed his remaining possessions and descended the winding stairs outside his quarters which he shared with up to three other men. He emerged into the London sunshine as he crossed the prison yard, being briefly plunged into … Continue reading Mr John Kirby (1727-1804) – A Debtor Turned Gaoler and the Rise of Professional Prison Keeping

Renting in Eighteenth-Century London

Posted on by Alexander Wakelam

Few issues face the modern Londoner with more regularity than the trials, tribulations, and pitfalls of the renting market. The majority of the city’s population lease their accommodation, pay nearly twice the rate of those outside the capital, and spend an average of a third to half of their income on rent. For a proportion … Continue reading Renting in Eighteenth-Century London