Synopsis
British Gangs covers the first fifty years of the twentieth century, a time of upheaval and war during which the public came to fear groups of young men. Much of this fear was whipped up by an expanding newspaper industry trying to increase sales with alarming and salacious stories. The book finds that the gangs were not as big a menace as the public were led to believe, but their activities are no less thrilling or important in the present day. This is a gripping account of one aspect of working class life.
The book covers many lesser-known incidents and stories from Britain’s gangs, including a look at female criminals such as Alice Diamond, Mary Carr, Florrie Holmes, Kathleen Cooper and Josephine O’Dare, and the successful nightclub owner Kate Meyrick. Gangs from around the country are included, in cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Hull, Sheffield, Newcastle, Leeds, Belfast and Dublin, as well as the more often-covered Birmingham and London. Prison time also features, as an important part of a criminal’s life that is not often included in books on gangsters. This is an important contribution to the recorded history of British gangs.
Review
Paul Dettman’s British Gangs: From 1900 to 1950 is a meticulously researched exploration of gang culture in early 20th-century Britain, shedding light on a shadowy and often misunderstood aspect of social history. With its detailed accounts of infamous figures and events, this book bridges the gap between academic research and accessible storytelling, making it an engaging read for true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Dettman paints a vivid picture of the turbulent decades when urban poverty, industrial decline, and shifting social dynamics gave rise to notorious gangs like the Birmingham Peaky Blinders and the Glasgow Razor Gangs. He skilfully contextualises the rise of these groups, connecting their activities to the broader socio-economic changes of the time, including the impact of two World Wars and the struggles of working-class communities.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its depth of detail. Drawing on court records, contemporary journalism, and first-hand accounts, Dettman provides a compelling narrative of crime, violence, and survival in the gritty underbelly of British cities. He goes beyond the sensationalist aspects of gang life to explore their cultural significance, from the role of fashionand identity in gang membershipto the interplay between gangs and law enforcement. His section on female gangsters is particularly fascinating, as it is rare for a book to discuss female gangsters or the role of women within gangs.
However, the book is not without its challenges. At times, the density of historical data can feel overwhelming, and the writing occasionally leans toward an academic tone that might deter casual readers. Additionally, while Dettman provides a wealth of information on some gangs, other regions and groups receive comparatively less attention, leaving certain parts of the picture underdeveloped.
Despite these minor flaws, British Gangs: From 1900 to 1950 is a fascinating and invaluable resource. Dettman not only illuminates a rarely discussed aspect of British history but also invites readers to reconsider the social and economic forces that shaped—and were shaped by—gang culture.
Whether you’re a fan of historical crime, a lover of gritty social history, or simply curious about the real stories behind fictionalised depictions of gangs, this book offers a gripping and thought-provoking read.
The Ink Thief 