Rapscallion
(A Rascal, A Rouge, A Scamp, A Ne'er do Well, Deceitful, Unreliable A Scoundrel.)
"Beefy" aka Stuart Dukes
William “Beefy” Dukes - Born 1791 - Marylebone, Middlesex
A habitual criminal with a record of violent crime who has served a total of 23 years in various gaol’s.
He absconded from Pentonville prison whilst serving an eight year sentence for the attempted murder. Disguised as a Priest he was disturbed whilst trying to rob a local church by the true owner of the title, Priest, whom he beat with the church silver and left for dead.
He was at large for three years until he was re captured at an illegal Cockfight where he tried to fight his way out, seriously injuring two police officers and forcing a third into premature retirement through his injuries. Beefy returned to complete the tariff with an extra two years for absconding.
Known to be a brawler, bare knuckle fighter and heavy drinker, with a particular liking of Gin. DO NOT be fooled by, what appears to be, his easy going nature - for that is when he is at his most dangerous.
A habitual criminal with a record of violent crime who has served a total of 23 years in various gaol’s.
He absconded from Pentonville prison whilst serving an eight year sentence for the attempted murder. Disguised as a Priest he was disturbed whilst trying to rob a local church by the true owner of the title, Priest, whom he beat with the church silver and left for dead.
He was at large for three years until he was re captured at an illegal Cockfight where he tried to fight his way out, seriously injuring two police officers and forcing a third into premature retirement through his injuries. Beefy returned to complete the tariff with an extra two years for absconding.
Known to be a brawler, bare knuckle fighter and heavy drinker, with a particular liking of Gin. DO NOT be fooled by, what appears to be, his easy going nature - for that is when he is at his most dangerous.
"Gripper" aka Roger Bull
Richard “Gripper” Bull - Born believed to be St George Hanover Square
Very little is known about Grippers formative years other than he was found on the mud flats of the river Thames in 17th July of 1825. There was nothing in his pockets save for an old pocket watch that no longer worked.
The authorities are of the opinion that he may well have been working within a gang south of the river and had broken the criminals so called code and was beaten and dumped in the river and left for dead.
Now a hardened habitual criminal who can turn his hand to anything illegal he has served time for violent robbery in both Wandsworth and Pentonville gaol’s. The latter where he met his current partner in crime, one Arthur “Beefy” Dukes. He is currently believed to be the brains behind a team of young pickpockets running rife in his local area.
Richard “Gripper” Bull - Born believed to be St George Hanover Square
Very little is known about Grippers formative years other than he was found on the mud flats of the river Thames in 17th July of 1825. There was nothing in his pockets save for an old pocket watch that no longer worked.
The authorities are of the opinion that he may well have been working within a gang south of the river and had broken the criminals so called code and was beaten and dumped in the river and left for dead.
Now a hardened habitual criminal who can turn his hand to anything illegal he has served time for violent robbery in both Wandsworth and Pentonville gaol’s. The latter where he met his current partner in crime, one Arthur “Beefy” Dukes. He is currently believed to be the brains behind a team of young pickpockets running rife in his local area.
"Preacher" aka Mike Hoskins
John "Preacher" Hoskins - Born 1796 - Ellesmere, Shropshire
How the name "Preacher" was adopted is unknown although it has been suggested, although unproven, he had been a Catholic Priest and had to leave due to problems relating to alcohol and theft.
Appearing to all a gentleman, at times, he is an adept "snide" and has spent time in Pentonville Gaol for forgery of many legal documents and money.
His work is usually so good only a very expert eye would be able to spot some of his work, unless alcohol had been taken when the work had been conducted, hence his time at her majesty's pleasure.
It has also been suggested, but again unsubstantiated, that he is the brains behind a gang of unscrupulous villains that frequent areas known to be rife with the general public, this is where his band of men and women work at their best so beware.
How the name "Preacher" was adopted is unknown although it has been suggested, although unproven, he had been a Catholic Priest and had to leave due to problems relating to alcohol and theft.
Appearing to all a gentleman, at times, he is an adept "snide" and has spent time in Pentonville Gaol for forgery of many legal documents and money.
His work is usually so good only a very expert eye would be able to spot some of his work, unless alcohol had been taken when the work had been conducted, hence his time at her majesty's pleasure.
It has also been suggested, but again unsubstantiated, that he is the brains behind a gang of unscrupulous villains that frequent areas known to be rife with the general public, this is where his band of men and women work at their best so beware.
"Matilda "Tilly" Chubbins"aka Joy Hoskins
Matilda “Tilly” Chubbins - Born 1807
A drunk, thief and sometimes prostitute, she has been suspected for some time of being a “Baby Farmer” but through her own skill or just good fortune she has managed to avoid arrest and prosecution for which she would undoubtedly be led to the gallows for this most vile and wretched of crimes.
It is alleged that she has, for a substantial fee and a solemn promise of secrecy, taken on the illegitimate children of some of the more wealthy inhabitants of the capital. She is believed, along with her husband (a self-professed man of the cloth) to lead these people into the belief that the children would be raised as god fearing individuals and be provided with a good education.
The children however, always disappear within a matter of weeks. With no leads to follow and no evidence or bodies found no further action can be taken against this woman although she is always under the watchful eye of the local constabulary.
A drunk, thief and sometimes prostitute, she has been suspected for some time of being a “Baby Farmer” but through her own skill or just good fortune she has managed to avoid arrest and prosecution for which she would undoubtedly be led to the gallows for this most vile and wretched of crimes.
It is alleged that she has, for a substantial fee and a solemn promise of secrecy, taken on the illegitimate children of some of the more wealthy inhabitants of the capital. She is believed, along with her husband (a self-professed man of the cloth) to lead these people into the belief that the children would be raised as god fearing individuals and be provided with a good education.
The children however, always disappear within a matter of weeks. With no leads to follow and no evidence or bodies found no further action can be taken against this woman although she is always under the watchful eye of the local constabulary.
"Sgt Grant" aka Doug Grant
Police Sergeant Charles Grant Born 1796 - Billericay, Essex
E Division, Metropolitan Police
To Peter and Christine Grant in the Parish of Laindon, Essex. In 1820 becoming tired of his poor agricultural life he joined the 44th Regiment of Foot and took part in the first Anglo Burmese war in 1824.
In 1828 he left the Army and moved to Holborn, London in order to find work. After various unskilled labouring jobs mainly in Smithfield market he applied to join Sir Robert Peels new Police Force and was accepted in February of 1829, being posted to A Division Westminister.
In 1833 he was on duty at the Cold Bath Fields riot when his colleague PC Robert Culley was stabbed to death and in 1836 he was promoted to Sergeant and moved to E Division, covering the infamous Seven Dials. He is seen as firm but fair to those that are trying to make an honest living but any bludgers, snakemens or flash coves better watch their flankeys. He does not follow Peels Nine Principles of Policing religiously but uses it as more of a guideline.
He is not averse to an odd pint of warm gin and a meat pie and has been known to look the other way in exhange for a small percentage.
Police Sergeant Charles Grant Born 1796 - Billericay, Essex
E Division, Metropolitan Police
To Peter and Christine Grant in the Parish of Laindon, Essex. In 1820 becoming tired of his poor agricultural life he joined the 44th Regiment of Foot and took part in the first Anglo Burmese war in 1824.
In 1828 he left the Army and moved to Holborn, London in order to find work. After various unskilled labouring jobs mainly in Smithfield market he applied to join Sir Robert Peels new Police Force and was accepted in February of 1829, being posted to A Division Westminister.
In 1833 he was on duty at the Cold Bath Fields riot when his colleague PC Robert Culley was stabbed to death and in 1836 he was promoted to Sergeant and moved to E Division, covering the infamous Seven Dials. He is seen as firm but fair to those that are trying to make an honest living but any bludgers, snakemens or flash coves better watch their flankeys. He does not follow Peels Nine Principles of Policing religiously but uses it as more of a guideline.
He is not averse to an odd pint of warm gin and a meat pie and has been known to look the other way in exhange for a small percentage.
"Mary Scatty" aka Charlie Dukes
Mary Scatty (Catts)- Born 1821 - Hastings, Sussex
Although still young, Scatty is a well-practiced thief and adroit pickpocket. With a wry smile and a shy nature she is generally missed in a crowd of unsuspecting victims.
Thoroughly ruthless when at work were nobody is safe from her dexterous hands.
She is known to be the best female “dipper” currently working the area surrounding the Seven Dials. Beaten regularly by her father as a small child was arrested at the age of 11 and accused of his murder, he was found poisoned in his bed.
Her mother claimed that she had administered the poison and was sentenced and hanged for murder. In a moment of remorse or maybe just panic before the gallows dropped her to her death she allegedly admitted to the hangman that it was her daughter that had added the poison to her father’s Gin bottle.
"Silas" aka Simon Hoskins
Silas Hoskins - Born 1816 - Wincanton, Somerset
The highly intelligent son of Preacher, Silas was destined to become part of his father’s team of thieves as his work on the streets as a snakesman at the age of 5 years. Silas saw his future elsewhere and managed, through self education, to find himself an honest job as a clerk at a solicitors practise.
It was not long before his family traits came to the fore, he had access to the office files and it was caught selling information to the highest bidder to pay for his increasing reliance on gin and the warm bed of a local tail. After consistently beating her when drunk it was not long before the tail abandoned him and put him on the streets where he soon fell back into the ways of his youth.
Now reconciled with his father it is understood that he is now working alongside him. Although not proven, it is believed that he may be the brains behind some of the high class burglaries committed in the areas surrounding Covent Garden. A long time suspect of the Police evidence of his involvement has not been forthcoming. Witnesses to his guilt have been found on a number of occasions but none are willing to give evidence written or verbal.
The highly intelligent son of Preacher, Silas was destined to become part of his father’s team of thieves as his work on the streets as a snakesman at the age of 5 years. Silas saw his future elsewhere and managed, through self education, to find himself an honest job as a clerk at a solicitors practise.
It was not long before his family traits came to the fore, he had access to the office files and it was caught selling information to the highest bidder to pay for his increasing reliance on gin and the warm bed of a local tail. After consistently beating her when drunk it was not long before the tail abandoned him and put him on the streets where he soon fell back into the ways of his youth.
Now reconciled with his father it is understood that he is now working alongside him. Although not proven, it is believed that he may be the brains behind some of the high class burglaries committed in the areas surrounding Covent Garden. A long time suspect of the Police evidence of his involvement has not been forthcoming. Witnesses to his guilt have been found on a number of occasions but none are willing to give evidence written or verbal.
"Lady Francis Horsefalls" aka Joyce Dukes
Lady Francis Horsefall (nee Hind) - Born 1801 - Liverpool, Lancashire
Francis married millionaire wine importer Sir Peregrine Horsefall, within two years of her marriage to Sir Peregrine he had died in mysterious circumstances at their fishing lodge in Scotland, only Lady Francis was in attendance .
She was suspected of his murder and arrested but later acquitted as the jury could not reach a unanimous decision, it was suspected that some of the jurors had received large bribes but this could not be proven. The police believe she frequents the darker side of society to recruit undesirables to do her dirty work - drugs and prostitution being the main areas within which she specialises.
It has also been alleged, although again unproven, that she is the money behind the recent influx of opium into the London area.
Francis married millionaire wine importer Sir Peregrine Horsefall, within two years of her marriage to Sir Peregrine he had died in mysterious circumstances at their fishing lodge in Scotland, only Lady Francis was in attendance .
She was suspected of his murder and arrested but later acquitted as the jury could not reach a unanimous decision, it was suspected that some of the jurors had received large bribes but this could not be proven. The police believe she frequents the darker side of society to recruit undesirables to do her dirty work - drugs and prostitution being the main areas within which she specialises.
It has also been alleged, although again unproven, that she is the money behind the recent influx of opium into the London area.
Augustus Flitch aka Geoff King
Augustus Flitch - Born 1790 - Bristol.
Augustus (Gus) Flitch claims to have been a medical man at some point in his rather dubious past. An examination of certain medical records do indeed suggest that one Dr A Flitch did practice in the city of Bristol as a surgeon.
Further examination of the records reveal that the surgeon in question may have become rather too fond of his own stock of narcotics and it was probably under the influence of laudanum that he attempted to carry out a routine haemorrhoid operation on the Duke of Wellington. Few details of what went wrong are known but it is notable that the Duke has never subsequently fathered a child.
Following this event, Flitch's career spiralled downwards and he never legally again practiced surgery in an official capacity again.
He is now often seen pedalling various supposedly medicinal compounds on street corners in and around the Seven Dials and occasionally pulling teeth for money. More than once arrested for the selling of counterfeit goods, the wise member of the public will avoid buying anything he sells. Who knows that goes into those packages of medicine?
Augustus Flitch - Born 1790 - Bristol.
Augustus (Gus) Flitch claims to have been a medical man at some point in his rather dubious past. An examination of certain medical records do indeed suggest that one Dr A Flitch did practice in the city of Bristol as a surgeon.
Further examination of the records reveal that the surgeon in question may have become rather too fond of his own stock of narcotics and it was probably under the influence of laudanum that he attempted to carry out a routine haemorrhoid operation on the Duke of Wellington. Few details of what went wrong are known but it is notable that the Duke has never subsequently fathered a child.
Following this event, Flitch's career spiralled downwards and he never legally again practiced surgery in an official capacity again.
He is now often seen pedalling various supposedly medicinal compounds on street corners in and around the Seven Dials and occasionally pulling teeth for money. More than once arrested for the selling of counterfeit goods, the wise member of the public will avoid buying anything he sells. Who knows that goes into those packages of medicine?
"Polly Allman" aka Carol Allman
Polly Allman – born 1790 - Dover, Kent
On the surface a cheery little soul, Polly suffers terribly with joint pain in her legs, and as a result her 'standing' is more of a 'sitting'. Never short of a smile for anyone, she makes the best of her situation by selling small bottles of ink, packets of 'pounce', Toasting Forks and anything else she might come by, legally or not. Although Polly is seen sitting a lot, due to her health, don't let that deceive you, as to what's going on in the inner circles of her devious mind.
Like her husband, Navy, Polly has a fierce temper and many can vouch for that as they have felt the wrath of her tongue and the weight of Navy's stick, when she feels it necessary. As a trusted friend she has developed a close friendship and "working relationship" with Lady Francis Horsfalls, a very dangerous lady indeed!
Like many others around the Dials, she has a liking for gin, and for the right price, is willing to share her flask of home-made with any who dare to risk the contents.
On the surface a cheery little soul, Polly suffers terribly with joint pain in her legs, and as a result her 'standing' is more of a 'sitting'. Never short of a smile for anyone, she makes the best of her situation by selling small bottles of ink, packets of 'pounce', Toasting Forks and anything else she might come by, legally or not. Although Polly is seen sitting a lot, due to her health, don't let that deceive you, as to what's going on in the inner circles of her devious mind.
Like her husband, Navy, Polly has a fierce temper and many can vouch for that as they have felt the wrath of her tongue and the weight of Navy's stick, when she feels it necessary. As a trusted friend she has developed a close friendship and "working relationship" with Lady Francis Horsfalls, a very dangerous lady indeed!
Like many others around the Dials, she has a liking for gin, and for the right price, is willing to share her flask of home-made with any who dare to risk the contents.
Navy Allman aka Les Allman
Navy Allman – born 1785 Rochester, Kent.
Undoubtedly Navy has a given name but no one knows it except his long suffering wife Polly. Having spent twenty six years in Naval service for the King, and one of the few remaining survivors from Trafalgar, a subject he is happy to talk about in return for a silver shilling or two.
His current patch is the British Museum where he earns a poor but honest living, in the eyes of the law, sweeping for its patrons. Easy going and always looking for a quiet life, after his days at sea, he tries to stay out of trouble as much as possible, but somehow it always finds him, much to the consternation of his nemesis, Sgt Grant of E Division.
Although of slight build and advancing years, 'Navy' has a fearsome temper when provoked, particularly where Polly is concerned, stubborn he will not back down from anyone if he thinks he has just cause. A colourful character and always congenial to his situation, just don’t cross him unless you want to awaken a sleeping monster!
Navy Allman – born 1785 Rochester, Kent.
Undoubtedly Navy has a given name but no one knows it except his long suffering wife Polly. Having spent twenty six years in Naval service for the King, and one of the few remaining survivors from Trafalgar, a subject he is happy to talk about in return for a silver shilling or two.
His current patch is the British Museum where he earns a poor but honest living, in the eyes of the law, sweeping for its patrons. Easy going and always looking for a quiet life, after his days at sea, he tries to stay out of trouble as much as possible, but somehow it always finds him, much to the consternation of his nemesis, Sgt Grant of E Division.
Although of slight build and advancing years, 'Navy' has a fearsome temper when provoked, particularly where Polly is concerned, stubborn he will not back down from anyone if he thinks he has just cause. A colourful character and always congenial to his situation, just don’t cross him unless you want to awaken a sleeping monster!
"Little Crow" aka Eris Barret
Little Crow – born 1821 Bermondsey, London.
Born, out of wedlock, to a society lady who deemed him an inconvenience, the boy's father a titled Gentleman with a wife did not want any dealings with the boy. At the age of five, he was packed off to cheap and vicious regime at a boarding school in Yorkshire. Here, he learnt to read and write both to a very poor standard due to the boys dislike of authority.
After nine long years an opportunity arose for the unfortunate boy who was trapped in the near inescapable academy. After a series of suspicious deaths at the school, Crow swore that he had seen one of the Master emptying a bottle into the porridge, when the parish constable arrived the schoolmaster was apprehended, Crow accompanied them to London to give evidence. After the trial and subsequent hanging of the schoolmaster, the boy was left to his own devices and took to the streets. This new-found freedom was not to last, for some charitably-minded persons discovered him and turned him over to the workhouse at Bethnal Green.
He objected vociferously to the strictly disciplined way of life in the workhouse, beaten regularly for defiance of the rules and was then ejected from the premises after he broke into the workhouse master's quarters, when leaving accompanying him was the workhouse master's collection of ill gotten silver teaspoons.
This funded his future life in the smog ridden City and led to a full time career of crime, Crow continued on his path of quiet infamy since that time, and has run into many rum coves and he is never happier than when he is loitering with his new found friends around the Dials.
He has one associate in particular, from where he earns a shilling or two for some secretive and dangerous work, of which he will not speak… Exactly who this associate is, Little Crow will never reveal, but its just a matter of time before he will be divulge who this person is, no doubt after a severe beating, if the lucrative nature of his business is not shared in the Gin houses around the Dials with his closest friends.
Little Crow – born 1821 Bermondsey, London.
Born, out of wedlock, to a society lady who deemed him an inconvenience, the boy's father a titled Gentleman with a wife did not want any dealings with the boy. At the age of five, he was packed off to cheap and vicious regime at a boarding school in Yorkshire. Here, he learnt to read and write both to a very poor standard due to the boys dislike of authority.
After nine long years an opportunity arose for the unfortunate boy who was trapped in the near inescapable academy. After a series of suspicious deaths at the school, Crow swore that he had seen one of the Master emptying a bottle into the porridge, when the parish constable arrived the schoolmaster was apprehended, Crow accompanied them to London to give evidence. After the trial and subsequent hanging of the schoolmaster, the boy was left to his own devices and took to the streets. This new-found freedom was not to last, for some charitably-minded persons discovered him and turned him over to the workhouse at Bethnal Green.
He objected vociferously to the strictly disciplined way of life in the workhouse, beaten regularly for defiance of the rules and was then ejected from the premises after he broke into the workhouse master's quarters, when leaving accompanying him was the workhouse master's collection of ill gotten silver teaspoons.
This funded his future life in the smog ridden City and led to a full time career of crime, Crow continued on his path of quiet infamy since that time, and has run into many rum coves and he is never happier than when he is loitering with his new found friends around the Dials.
He has one associate in particular, from where he earns a shilling or two for some secretive and dangerous work, of which he will not speak… Exactly who this associate is, Little Crow will never reveal, but its just a matter of time before he will be divulge who this person is, no doubt after a severe beating, if the lucrative nature of his business is not shared in the Gin houses around the Dials with his closest friends.
Mary Stubbs aka .....................
Mary Stubbs - Born possibly
Where to start with this most vile of persons is the problem. Nothing much is known about Mary's formative years however she has made up for that in later times with her life of crime and degradation. Although she has not been known as a violent criminal, and that is possible the kindest thing that can be said about her.
A known Dolly Mop and Glocky, Mary has spent most of her adult life "entertaining" male callers, of the lower classes. Although not proven it is believed that after an unfortunate meeting between a Mr Edwin Chadwick where Mary tied to proposition and rob the gentleman in question.
Chadwick shocked by this most disgusting of wretches was inspired and based his theory of disease amongst the poor solely upon her. Along with research conducted by Dr Thomas Southward Smith he published a report in 1842 called The Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population.
In recognition of his public service Chadwick was knighted in 1889.
(Mary has proved to be a true asset to the group, although her looks are not her best point, by a long way, she is a a special person to all of the Rapscallions. She is very shy and does not generally mix with the general public but who knows one day she may over come that shyness!!)
Where to start with this most vile of persons is the problem. Nothing much is known about Mary's formative years however she has made up for that in later times with her life of crime and degradation. Although she has not been known as a violent criminal, and that is possible the kindest thing that can be said about her.
A known Dolly Mop and Glocky, Mary has spent most of her adult life "entertaining" male callers, of the lower classes. Although not proven it is believed that after an unfortunate meeting between a Mr Edwin Chadwick where Mary tied to proposition and rob the gentleman in question.
Chadwick shocked by this most disgusting of wretches was inspired and based his theory of disease amongst the poor solely upon her. Along with research conducted by Dr Thomas Southward Smith he published a report in 1842 called The Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population.
In recognition of his public service Chadwick was knighted in 1889.
(Mary has proved to be a true asset to the group, although her looks are not her best point, by a long way, she is a a special person to all of the Rapscallions. She is very shy and does not generally mix with the general public but who knows one day she may over come that shyness!!)