BBC Radio 4 LW

Voices from the Old Bailey

Documentaries

Factual: History

Factual: Crime & Justice

Amanda Vickery presents dramatised extracts from 18th-century Old Bailey court cases

Professor Amanda Vickery presents dramatised extracts from gripping Old Bailey court cases from the 18th century and discusses with fellow historians what they reveal about the period

Voices From The Old Bailey

Voices from the Old Bailey: Series 1: Episode 3: Children

Children

Episode 3

Episode 3: Children

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 - Voices from the Old Bailey, Series 1, Children

Amanda Vickery listens to the voices of young children who found themselves in court.

In the 18th century, children as young as seven found themselves in court as witnesses, victims and criminals. Historian Amanda Vickery listens to their voices.

Historians struggle to decipher letters and diaries - but what about those who left no record? The poor, those who couldn't write? There is one fantastic source, and it is now online: the Old Bailey Archives.

Through court cases, we can hear the voices of the 18th century - thanks to the speedy court shorthand writers, everyone's speech is recorded, from the posh to the poor. It's the nearest thing we have to a tape recording of the past.

Professor Amanda Vickery presents dramatised extracts from gripping court cases and discusses with fellow historians what they reveal about 18th century society and culture. 

In this programme, the voices of children. Even children as young as seven appeared in court in the 18th century, as witnesses, victims - and as criminals. Amanda Vickery presents three cases which capture the voices of children, and open up the reality of their lives. 

One reveals the network of relationships in the workhouse, and the cruelty and kindness which coexisted there. The second exposes the vulnerability of teenagers working as apprentices. And the third features a little girl who is sentenced to death - but who then escapes the gallows and makes a long and prosperous life for herself.

With historians Tim Hitchcock, Ruth Richardson and Zoe Laidlaw. Recorded on location in The Foundling Museum.

Voices from the Old Bailey: Series 1

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Voices from the Old Bailey

Series 1

Episode 3: Children

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4