The Blind Beak of Bow Street 4th September 1780, death of English magistrate and social reformer John Fielding, half-brother of novelist, and chief magistrate Henry Fielding, author of ‘The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling’, first published in 1749. At the age of 19 John Fielding was blinded in a navy accident. His lack of sight however earned him the feared title of the "Blind Beak of Bow Street" for his ability to recognise and prosecute thousands of criminals just by their voices. Both John and Henry Fielding as London magistrates founded the first professional police force, known as the Bow Street Runners. Previous to a recognized police authority, criminals in early 18th century London were captured and prosecuted by corrupt ‘thief takers’. One of the most famous being Jonathan Wild, (see this week in Gothic History Act VI). Who both instigated crime, and then received the reward for the criminals’ capture. All art shown is inspired by the real stories of 18th century crime and punishment. The art is for sale and can be found on the website. See link in bio. #18thcentury #18thcenturystyle #crimehistory #highwaymen #bowstreetrunners #historyofcrime #thieftaker #henryfielding #crime #bowstreet #london #londonhistory #history #macabre #macabreart #historic #historical #18thcenturyart #wantedposters #historiccrime #reproduction #reproductionart #historyart https://www.instagram.com/p/CEwWASDg1xh/?igshid=1l8hwh5n5qvei