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Tales from the Old Bailey – the Blackguard boys (dramatisation)
A historic trial dramatised from the Old Bailey archives explores the case of the Blackguard Boys from 1731. A group of orphaned boys steal to survive on the streets of London. Brought before the court, 11 year-old Thomas Coleman decides to save himself by informing on his fellow gang-members. One by one they are sentenced to transportation for stealing handkerchiefs and shirts. The case is played out in the court room with dramatic flashbacks to illustrate the crime. The court reporter sets the scene and offers insight and context.
