We just published the Verbatim Report of the proceedings against Edwards and Passingham for conspiracy to blackmail George Townshend Forrester:
https://hdl.handle.net/2333.1/gtht7k3f
https://hdl.handle.net/2333.1/c2fqzjk0
This is the frank and unexpurgated text of a trial concerning alleged homosexual acts, which were illegal and taboo in Regency England – the last executions for homosexuality taking place in Britain in 1835. As such, this courtroom manuscript, probably written up from notes taken by Passingham’s defence lawyer, includes prosecution and defence statements, the judge’s interjections and summing up, and cross-examination of witnesses, represents an unprecedented opportunity to study the full proceedings of a trial that, due to its being considered ‘so disgusting to every mind possessing even the smallest portion of delicacy’ could not have been published at the time.
Thanks to Michael, Joe, and Alberto for their work on these books.