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The Victorian Underworld

Crafted by Trivia Architect Flapjack44

Fun Trivia : Quizzes : UK History : The Victorian Underworld

Introduction:
"The Victorian era was a confident, dynamic time - but there was a shadowy side away from the bright lights and technical innovations."


1. Victorian slums were notoriously dark, dangerous, overcrowded and often ill smelling places. Some of the older ones were given a nickname:
    Slummies
    Rookeries
    The Leytons
    Crime warrens


2. A fiercely inward looking community, these people were notable for their flash way of dressing (when business was good) but their livelihood was dependent on many variables - the weather, the availability of stock (they sold whatever was plentiful at any given time) and whether their barrow had been confiscated by the police.
    Dippers/Buzzers
    Costers/Costermongers
    Courtesans
    Boxers


3. What is a 'bawdy house'?
    A theatre
    A brothel
    A boxing club
    A large family's home


4. This group of travelling labourers had a fearsome, tough reputation - they were however crucial in the development of the railways. What were they called?
    Navies
    Navvies
    Trackrail UK Limited
    Railway layers


5. There was one crime which was commonly dominated by children due to their deftness. If they were able to keep the skill and dexterity necessary, when they grew up they could be one of the 'swell mob'.
    Footpadding
    Pickpocketing
    Begging
    Fencing


6. Illegal bare-knuckle prize fights could, despite their illegal status, attract crowds of well over 10,000 people.
    True
    False


7. What was a cracksman?
    Burglar
    Mugger
    Drug dealer
    Pickpocket


8. Houses of assignation were found in cities. These were places where lovers could meet away from the prying eyes of society - or indeed away from their own spouses.
    True
    False


9. What did (1) coiners, (2) bulk-dealers and (3) smashers do?
    (1) Forge coins, (2) Pass the forged coins ready for distribution, (3) Get the coins into general circulation
    (1) Think of witticisms, (2) Act as coiners' literary agents, (3) Critics
    (1) Melt down coins, (2) Sell the melted metal, (3) Make trinkets using the old coin metal
    (1) Forge coins, (2) Sell big ships, (3) Hit things


10. Begging was prevalent in Victorian times due to the lack of any support system/welfare state for the poor. One common way of collecting a crowd to deliver the begging spiel to, was to pretend to collapse in a fit. What was used to create the foaming at the mouth effect?
    Mr Matey
    Lard
    Sherbert
    Soap


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