Victorian crime and punishment at Town Hall

Victorian crime and punishment was brought to life at Rochdale Town Hall.

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Victorian crime and punishment was brought to life at Rochdale Town Hall.

Rochdale Town Hall was transformed into a strict Victorian courtroom this weekend.
Stern Judges, Police ‘Peelers’ and orphan degenerates from bygone years took over the Rochdale Town Hall’s original Magistrates Courtroom to mark the 100th anniversary of youth courts.

Actual trials from the Victorian era were brought to life by local actors from ‘Heykids!’ amateur dramatic society, real magistrates and court officials, dressed in the garb of the day.

Over 450 visitors flocked to the Town Hall and witnessed how children as young as 7-years-old were punished in the 19th century when real 19th century sentences were handed out, which were both shocking and brutal.

Long prison sentences with hard labour, solitary confinement and whippings were common punishments for children in Victorian times.

Paul Rowen, MP attended the event and said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the Victorian re-enactments and the original Town Hall court room provided a wonderful and authentic setting. It was clear that organisers of the event had put in a huge amount of time and effort into making the performances as realistic as possible.

Jim Dobbin, MP said: “An impressive number of people turned out to witness the real life trials from the Victorian era being brought to life. I thought the performances from Heywood’s ‘Heykids’, amateur dramatic society were fantastic.”

The Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood Magistrates Bench, through its ‘Magistrates in the Community Group’ organised the free event to celebrate 100 years of youth courts.

Exhibitions showcasing the changing landscape of Rochdale Borough over the last century were also on display in the Great Hall, together with displays from many local and national organisations depicting how children have been treated in the legal system over the past 150 years. In addition ’Friends of Rochdale Town Hall, provided guided tours of the building.

Albert Yates JP, one of the event co-organisers explained: “The Children’s and Young Persons Act 1909 is one of the most significant laws for children and young people today. It formed the basis of the modern youth justice system in England and Wales, introduced youth courts, abolished the death penalty for children under 16, and made child neglect and abuse a criminal offence.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the event who made it an extremely enjoyable and informative day out for all those who visited, we have received plenty of compliments.”