Lecture on Jonathan Wilde

Early Life

• Born in Wolverhampton, 1682
• Eldest of five siblings
• Family background:
  • Father: Carpenter
  • Mother: Sold herbs and fruits
• Basic education followed by apprenticeship at local buckle makers

Move to London

• Initially unsuccessful, dismissed from servant role
• Returned to Wolverhampton, later moved back to London
• 1710: Imprisoned at Wood Street Counter
  • Developed connections with the corrupt jailers
  • Met Mary Molena, a prostitute involved in London's criminal underclass
• 1712: Released and lived with Mary, absorbed into the criminal world

Rise in Criminal Underworld

• Became a pimp and fence (someone who deals in stolen goods)
• Built a network within London's underworld
• Cut ties with Mary, marking her as a prostitute
• Increase in crime during this period

Collaboration with Charles Hitchin

• 1713: Approached by Hitchin, London's corrupt under-marshal
  • Engaged in "thief-taking" for government reward
• 1714: Parted ways with Hitchin, established own gang

Establishing Criminal Enterprise

• Opened an office at the Blue Boar Tavern
• Used gang to steal goods, then "found" them for a reward
• Threatened gang members with exposure if they didn't comply
• Became a key player in London's crime scene

Rivalry with Hitchin

• Sought to eliminate Hitchin's gang
• Exposed Hitchin's frequenting of homosexual brothels, damaging his reputation

Public Persona and Notoriety

• Titled himself "Thief-taker General"
• Consulted by Privy Council on crime control
  • Recommended increasing thief-catching rewards
• Famous for catching criminals, notably the Carrick gang

Conflict with Jack Sheppard

• Captured Sheppard, a famous thief who repeatedly escaped
• Public's dislike of Wilde grew as he pursued Sheppard
• Sheppard eventually caught and hanged

Downfall

• Attempted a failed jailbreak
• Arrested and tried for involvement in crime
• Gang members turned against him
• 1725: Tried and sentenced to death, health deteriorated
• Executed despite attempting suicide

Post-death and Legacy

• Initial burial at St. Pancras Old Church
• Body exhumed and sold for dissection
• Remains displayed at the Royal College of Surgeons

Conclusion

• Wilde's story highlights the intertwining of crime, corruption, and law enforcement in early 18th century London.
• Encouraged to watch related episodes for more context.