Unboxing the Archive: Victorian Child Criminals

Chris Day, head of Modern Domestic Records, discusses a photo album from 1873 at Wandsworth Prison, highlighting the use of photography in criminal justice. The video focuses on Joseph Charman, a 12-year-old imprisoned for minor thefts, illustrating the harsh punishments of the time, including hard labor and reformatories. The records provide insight into the lives of past offenders, emphasizing the personal connection through their photographs.

Describe the conditions of the reformatories mentioned in the text.

What insights do the records provide about the lives of individuals who fell foul of the law?