History Extra podcast Victorian women detectives
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Oct 3, 2024 In this engaging discussion, author and historian Sara Lodge dives into the thrilling world of Victorian women detectives. She reveals how these undercover sleuths donned disguises to solve crimes like adultery and child abuse. Lodge highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women such as Anne Lovesey, who influenced early policing without formal recognition. The conversation also touches on the impact of the 1857 Matrimonial Causes Act, which empowered female detectives to navigate complex societal issues like domestic violence and infidelity.
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Origins of Detectives
- The detective role was invented in the 1840s as a job specializing in complex crimes.
- Many others performed detective work unofficially without titles or salaries.
Women as Police Detective Searchers
- Women weren't salaried detectives until about 1918 but worked as detective searchers in police stations.
- Their roles were essential for searching female suspects where male officers couldn't act with propriety.
Wives in Undercover Roles
- Policemen's wives often did undercover work, like Hannah Lawton posing as a fence to catch thieves.
- They faced real risks and actively contributed to catching criminals.