The latest blogs from City Archivist, Phil Astley, who uses the fascinating collection of criminal ‘mugshots’ held by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives and brings them to life, feature the cases of Neil McPherson, who was a prisoner at Perth, Peterhead and Pentonville, and Catherine Anderson, who was tried twice for child murder.

‘Criminal Portraits’ features images found in the ‘Register of Returned Convicts for Aberdeen’ covering 1869 to 1939 and a much larger album containing 930 images taken at HM General Prison Perth.

A small selection of the images have previously been included in exhibitions for the ‘Granite Noir’ crime writing festival in 2019 and 2020, which takes place in Aberdeen during February. The incredible response to these images from the public convinced the organisers that they deserved a wider audience.

Read the blog here.

Latest Updates on Twitter

After four and a half years of research and writing (and grappling with technology!), I’m delighted to say that I’ve submitted my thesis! It has been a huge learning experience, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Now off for a liquid lunch… 🍾🥂

The Tolpuddle Martyrs were convicted #OnThisDay (17 March) in 1834 in the case of R v Lovelass… https://twitter.com/HistoriesC/status/1635599900581740545

Our friends @Hullhistorynews have a new exhibition on display...

British Jews in the First World War: We were there too is on display Tuesdays - Thursdays until 30 March.

Find out more at https://www.hullhistorycentre.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/current-events.aspx

Research Associate in Criminology at University of Sheffield - fascinating interdisciplinary oral history project looking for a researcher #histcrime #probation https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CYC172/research-associate-in-criminology

The Rising Star Seminar Series, hosted by @CrimSocHull at the @UniOfHull returns for 2023!

Next up!!
Join Dr. Sam Hanks (Swansea University)

🗓️29th March 2023
⏰1pm
ONLINE
Free to all🎟️https://bit.ly/3K2z2Wh

Full programme here: https://bit.ly/3E5TaTq
@FACEHubUoH

As part of the @UkNatArchives Postgraduate Archival Skills Training (PAST) programme, I’m running an online workshop on early modern colonial records. Please share with any interested PGRs!

PAST Thematic Overview: Early Modern Colonial History
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/past-thematic-overview-early-modern-colonial-history-registration-526415291307?aff=odcleoeventsincollection&keep_tld=1

Taking Back Control of the Prosecution Process | History and Policy by Prof Barry Godfrey https://www.historyandpolicy.org/opinion-articles/articles/taking-back-control-of-the-prosecution-process