We are proud to present ‘Rotherham Scamps and Scallywags’ which hold several curious cases which were brought before the Rotherham magistrates during the nineteenth century. The cases include a man spending the night jailed in the Chapel on the Bridge, a wealthy farmer who could not resist the impulse to steal small inexpensive items he did not need and sisters who turned shoplifting into a mini crime wave.

Perhaps “Scallywags” might be a bit light of an attribution, for the murderous grandmother who drowned her own granddaughter at birth like an unwanted animal. The deliberate highway robbery at Rawmarsh where so much violence was used that a man was hanged for it. The real scamps and scallywags were the Derby butcher who went from selling unsound meat in the Shambles to living in style in Ferham House. Or the 16 year old lad whose larking about at the Midland Iron Works cost a man his life.

These real, Rotherham people, were hauled before the magistrates for their crimes. Reading between the lines, the book also reveals a time when absolute poverty was rife, and crime was the only choice for some.

To buy in paperback or to download as a kindle edition, please click here.

Thankfully Rotherham is certainly a better place now, than the one of our grand and great-grand parents’ time.

Our best wishes, and health to you.

Margaret and Chris Drinkall

June 2021