The boss of Bethnal Green
Subtitle: Joseph Merceron, the Godfather of Regency London
By: Julian Woodford
Publisher: Spitalfields Life Books
Published: 2016
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 396
ISBN-13: 9780957656963
Subjects: Judges; Biography; Gangsters; Social life and customs
Description: Julian Woodford uncovers the breathtakingly appalling life of Joseph Merceron (1764-1839), gangster and corrupt magistrate, who accumulated enormous wealth while presiding over the creation of the poorest slums in Georgian London. Ruling Spitalfields and Bethnal Green from his base in Brick Lane for half a century, Merceron gave the East End the bad reputation that still lingers today, while the exploits of recent mobsters and political miscreants pale by comparison with his staggering violence and ruthlessness. Julian Woodford's shrewd biography - the first on this subject - is essential reading for all those interested in eighteenth century London, anyone fascinated by the capital's criminal history and everyone who loves an exciting true story well told.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 349-386) and index.