Bolton Library sheds light on the darker side of the town's past

These and other questions could be answered when Bolton Central Library throws light on the darker aspects of the borough’s past.

As part of National Crime Reading Month, the library is giving members of the public the opportunity to explore the town’s criminal history this Friday (21st).

Unlocking Mysteries has been created by archivist Caroline Furey, who will be leading visitors through the captivating world of Bolton’s most intriguing criminals.

Read more: Mysterious murder on the moors

Unravelling a Bolton moors mystery

“It will give people the opportunity to go behind the scenes at our archives storage room – a place that’s not normally open to the public,” she said.

“They will be able to access original court and police records, as well as newspaper reports, and even the notes journalists made during trials.”

A case in point concerns the 1838 murder of Scotch traveller, George Henderson, on Winter Hill.

He had set off early one morning across the cloud-shrouded hill, but never arrived at his destination. Later that day, a young boy found him moaning in a ditch, grievously injured by a gunshot to his head, which hours later claimed his life.

The man charged with his murder was acquitted, so it’s a crime that remains unsolved to this day.

Handwritten court notes

“There’s an enormous public interest in true crime, and when people have used our resources to research their family tree, they’re usually excited if they discover they’ve got a criminal ancestor,” Caroline said.

“Our archive holds newspapers going back to 1832, court reports dating from 1839, and 19th century police reports. It enables people to find out the background and circumstances of a crime, as well as what happened in the aftermath.”

Another story that visitors can delve into on Friday is that of 15-year-old James Costello of Cross Street.

In 1840, he pleaded guilty to stealing a box and 16 shillings and sixpence from Rachel Duckworth.

Thanks to Caroline’s diligent research, she unearthed documents stating that Costello had “no hopes for reformation” and revealing how he was sentenced to be transported to Tasmania for ten years.

“I managed to get in touch with the immigration centre in Tasmania and they kindly sent me lots of information about his life there.”

A historical “first” will also be available for inspection on the day.

“It’s a wanted poster for a man called Percy Lefroy Mapleton and it’s an important part of the collection because it was the first time in the UK that a portrait was used on a wanted poster,” explained Caroline.

“Although the murder happened on the London Brighton and South Coast Railway, it was displayed all over the country, so we’re lucky to still have an original."

The poster also features a sample of Mapleton’s handwriting, and details how he was wanted for the “wilful murder” of Issac Frederick Gould on Monday June 27th 1881.

“We’ve got such an amazing collection here, as well as fantastic resources, so it’s important that they are used,” said Caroline.

“Who knows, it might inspire someone to write a historical crime novel!”

There will be three Unlocking Mysteries sessions on Friday, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Places are limited to ten people per session and to book your free ticket via Bolton Library and Museum Eventbrite or by calling 01204 332853.