Sudbury historian researches women and crime
Grand larceny was a common crime in 18th century England
Laurentian University historian Janice Liedl is poring through court documents from 18th century England to better understand the lives of ordinary citizens.
"Ordinary people are invisible in a lot of the archives," said Liedl, who discovered a wealth of information in the Proceedings of the Old Bailey, transcripts from the criminal trials in London, England from 1674 - 1913.
One of the tales she uncovered is about 10-year-old Mary Broadbent, who lived like Cinderella with her father and stepmother.
"She literally lived in the cinders," said Liedl.
In 1726 Broadbent was charged by her parents for stealing a dress and some other clothes, but defended herself by calling upon neighbours to vouch for her reputation.
Mary Broadbent won the case, and the judge ordered her parents to pay support while she was raised by relatives.
Liedl said society can learn from this story.
"It helps us understand people [who are] victims of assault or victims of sexual shaming today why they're fighting back and, more importantly, how they can fight back," she said.
Liedl has also looked into the life of bigamist Mary Carleton, who had several husbands, including a shoemaker and doctor. For a decade she pretended to be a German princess living in England before she was convicted for stealing and eventually hanged.
"It's kind of addicting to go in the archives," said Liedl, who said anyone can search online to see if past relatives may have been convicted, tried or victims of crime in England.
"You find all sorts of stories. whether humorous or heartbreaking, that tell us about the ordinary people of the 18th century," she said.