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.

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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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