Emma Woodhouse

Born into the shadows of Victorian London, Mary Carr began her criminal career as a pickpocketing flower-girl, rising to be the undisputed Queen of the Forty Thieves. Under her rule, the Forty transformed from a band of violent, disorganised thieves into a ruthless, well-oiled gang, making a fortune from hotel robberies and blackmail. By 1891, Mary ruled Southwark, Lambeth, and beyond, her power extending from seedy back alleys to high society establishments. But Mary was more than just a criminal mastermind. A ‘swan-necked beauty’ and muse to esteemed artist Frederic Leighton, she navigated both the art world and the criminal underworld with ease. She was a revered gang boss and a beloved benefactor, caring for the families of imprisoned comrades and ruling with both generosity and iron discipline. When a young boy, Michael McGee, vanished at the Epsom races, eyes on the street turned to Mary, who had recently adopted a young blonde-haired boy and had been showing him off to the world. But her defiance would prove her undoing. Betrayed by an informant, she was arrested for child theft in 1896, sentenced to three years in prison, and lost everything. How does a woman who loses her home, her title and her son all in one blow rise agai? mma Woodhouse's compelling narrative unravels the legend of Mary Carr — a woman who defied Victorian expectations, reshaped London’s underworld, and became one of the most fascinating figures of her time.

"A Newton takes their own life, or that of another."So says the curse of the Newtons. As the river rises and rain lashes down, The Watering is filled with smoke. In the early hours, a charred corpse is found in the brew house. Mercy Newton is arrested and sent to Shrewsbury assizes. But is she guilt? ieced together from historical records, the life of the nationally notorious Mercy Newton is presented for the first time. Lost to history, this real-life story of a family curse, a jealous daughter and a suspected murder has been forgotten for over 100 years. Until now.