22 Vintage Mugshots of Victorian Child Offenders Jailed for Stealing Items for Christmas Day

These vintage photographs of Victorian child offenders, which originate from Wandsworth Prison, London, were taken from December 1872 to January 1873 when the concept of photography was still relatively new. Most of these child criminals were arrested or brutally punished for stealing small items that would barely warrant a police caution today.

In the 19th century, children were often imprisoned for minor offenses and no distinction was made between criminals of any age, which meant young children were often sent to adult prisons like Oxford Castle Prison. There are even records of a child aged twelve being hanged for petty theft and murder in 1829.

The Victorians were very worried about crime and following the development of the camera, police realized they could use the new technology to capture images of repeat offenders. Just as Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) work today, officers released the photos to warn the public when the criminal was to be released from prison. It was not until the 1908 Children’s Act that changes were made to the way child offenders were punished.

Juvenile courts were introduced and children could no longer be placed in adult prisons or executed for capital crimes – however minors could still be whipped.

Thomas Thompson, 14, was given 21 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing one shilling in January 1873.

Thomas Savage, 11, was given 4 days hard labor and 10 strokes of a birch cane at Wandsworth Prison for stealing some iron, in December 1872.

George Davis, 14, was whipped and given three days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing a pile of books in January 1873.

Thomas Goodstone, 14, was given 14 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing 7lbs of pork over the Christmas period in 1872.

George Davis, 14, was whipped and given three days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing a pile of books in January 1873.

Samuel Warner, 14, was given 21 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing three cups in January 1873.

William Simmer, 14, was given ten day hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing two bottles of lemonade in January 1873.

Charles Evans, 14, was whipped and given three days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing a pile of books in January 1873.

Joseph Charmon, 12, was given 21 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing a tame fowl, in December 1872.

John Webb, 13, was given 21 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing four loaves of bread and a pot of jam, in December 1872.

Samuel Stilley, 14, was given one month hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing two shillings and six pence in December 1872.

John Morelle, 12, was given 21 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing a drinking glass in January 1873.

John Connoer, 15, was given one month hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing in January 1873.

Eli Granger, 14, was whipped and given six months hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for attempting to commit identity fraud, January 1873.

George Whelan, 12, was given one month hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing 1lb of beef, December 1872.

James Sherwood, 14, was given ten days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing a whip in January 1873.

Thomas Morris, 14, was given 21 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for 1lb of coal in January 1873.

John Garmin, 15, was given 21 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing a blanket, January 1873.

John Ryan, 13, was given 10 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing metal pipes worth 5 shillings, in December 1872.

Charles Summerley, 13, was given 10 days hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing metal pipes worth 5 shillings, in December 1872.

Tammy Puplett, 14, was given three months hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing 12 shilling and 9 pense, half a bottle of gin and three shirt studs in January 1873.

Samuel Stilley, 14, was given one month hard labor at Wandsworth Prison for stealing two shillings and six pence in December 1872.

(Image: News Dog Media, via The Sun)