London air was filthy with smoke from coal burning. In 1684 the
streets were lit with improved lights which combined oil lamps
with lenses and reflectors. Groups of householders combined to
hire lighting contractors to fulfill their statutory
responsibility to hang candles or lights in some part of their
houses near the street to light it for passengers until 9:00 p.m.,
and later to midnight. In 1694 a monopoly was sold to one lighting
company. In 1663 a body of paid watchmen was established in
London. An office of magistrate was created and filled with
tradesmen and craftsmen, who could make a living from the fines
and fees. This was to supplement the unpaid Justices of the Peace.
The public was encouraged to assist in crime prevention, such as
being witnesses, but most policing was left to the parishes.
Crowds punished those who transgressed community moral standards,
threatened their economic or social interests, or offended their
religious or patriotic beliefs. Often a crowd would react before
the call of "stop thief" or the hue and cry from the local
constable. Pickpockets would be drenched under a pump. Cheats
would be beaten up. Dishonest shops and brothels would be
ransacked or destroyed. The most common targets were promiscuous
women and pregnant servants.
There were many highway robberies and mob actions in London. Mobs
in the thousands would turn out against the Catholics, especially
at times of unemployment and trade depression.
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