Five Crime Based Sites Within Walking Distance of St Paul’s
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- 25 Sep, 2020
With CrimeCon UK being held at a wonderful venue in the centre of St. Paul’s, it’s only fitting that we share with you some of the crimes that have happened within walking distance of said venue! Each of these walks will take you no longer than half an hour and are worth the wander as you’ll see plenty of London’s sites along the way.
Newgate Street
In 1783, the site of London’s gallows was moved from Tyburn to Newgate, the main prison at the time, and the public hangings continued to draw large crowds. Located in the Roman London wall but demolished in 1904, it remained in use for over 700 years, from 1188 to 1902.
The Old Bailey
We can’t talk about Newgate Street and the prison there without mentioning that the site is now home to Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey, one of a number of buildings housing the Crown Court. Trials at the Old Bailey, as at other courts, are open to the public; however, they are subject to stringent security procedures.
Theobald’s Road
This very busy street close to Holborn was known for the modellers and makers of plaster casts, also known as death masks, produced to study the shape of a convict's head or to create casts of criminals. Linking to the above sites, a number of these death masks were on display in the Governor of Newgate Prison’s house.
119 Houndsditch
Back in December 1910, a group of Latvian revolutionaries attempted to break into the rear of a jeweller's shop and the police were alerted as the shopkeeper opposite had noticed their hammering. Due to this call, nine police officers arrived on the scene.
Two of the attending sargeants entered the building, noticing a man atop of the stairs stood in darkness. After an altercation with a man that had entered from the back door, there was a shootout. Both officers were hit.
One of the injured officers, Bryant, managed to stagger outside to gain help, but in doing so other officers were injured and killed by more shootings.
The revolutionaries made a run for it, injuring Constable Choate who died the following day, but they were soon caught and arrested.
Fleet Street
Although Sweeny Todd is just a fictional character from a Penny Dreadful series titled The String of Pearls, he’s a very well known character around these parts! A mere 5 minutes walk from St Paul’s Cathedral is Fleet street, home to the Demon Barber, where he sent his victims sliding down into his basement via a revolving door, and then slitting throats with a straight razor if the impact of the fall wasn’t enough. His partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, then baked their flesh into her meat pies.. How ghastly!
Fleet Street was also home to William Hartley who used to draw ink and paper sketches at trails for popular newspapers until 1937.
London is so such a hotspot for true crime fans, but have you been to any of these lesser known locations before?
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
