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Brutality and Corruption: the Inspector Who Took a Stand

Thursday 20th March 2025, 18:30 (Doors open at 18:15)

In 1882, Inspector Minahan had been in the prime of his police career. Based at the brand new, flagship police station of Bow Street, his future was bright. But when he denounced several police constables who had violently beaten a prisoner in the Bow Street yard, Minahan was punished with a transfer to the ‘World’s End’, Chelsea. It was here that he first met a procuress named Mary Jeffries: a meeting that would lead to tabloid scandal, riots, arrests and a sensational trial.

Predating the Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein scandal by 140 years, Inspector Minahan’s investigation unravelled a similar, nefarious traffic in vulnerable young girls – with the infamous female procuress at its centre. Mary Jeffries was a well-connected London Madam, who groomed attractive girls for her powerful ‘friends’, including politicians and princes. For a price, these English girls were delivered to homes, yachts and brothels in London, Paris and Brussels, earning Mary Jeffries thousands – that is, until she met Inspector Minahan in the summer of 1882.

Minahan’s efforts shook the countenance of the most powerful men in England, and changed the course of British history, but he also teaches us how the Establishment still covers up such abuses today.

Bridget O’Donnell is a former BBC producer and investigative journalist, specialising in crime and corruption. She has also written for national newspapers and magazines.

Timings: doors open at 18:15. The talk begins at 18:30 and lasts approximately 75 minutes, including a Q&A with the audience and a book signing.

Conditions of entry: this event is recommended for anyone over the age of 16 years. 

Tickets: there are two ways to attend this event, in person at Bow Street Police Museum, or online via a live stream (using Zoom). 

Prices to attend at the Museum: £12 / £9.60 Friends.

Join us online via Zoom.

Brutality and Corruption: the Inspector Who Took a Stand

Thursday 20th March 2025, 18:30 (Doors open at 18:15)

In 1882, Inspector Minahan had been in the prime of his police career. Based at the brand new, flagship police station of Bow Street, his future was bright. But when he denounced several police constables who had violently beaten a prisoner in the Bow Street yard, Minahan was punished with a transfer to the ‘World’s End’, Chelsea. It was here that he first met a procuress named Mary Jeffries: a meeting that would lead to tabloid scandal, riots, arrests and a sensational trial.

Predating the Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein scandal by 140 years, Inspector Minahan’s investigation unravelled a similar, nefarious traffic in vulnerable young girls – with the infamous female procuress at its centre. Mary Jeffries was a well-connected London Madam, who groomed attractive girls for her powerful ‘friends’, including politicians and princes. For a price, these English girls were delivered to homes, yachts and brothels in London, Paris and Brussels, earning Mary Jeffries thousands – that is, until she met Inspector Minahan in the summer of 1882.

Minahan’s efforts shook the countenance of the most powerful men in England, and changed the course of British history, but he also teaches us how the Establishment still covers up such abuses today.

Bridget O’Donnell is a former BBC producer and investigative journalist, specialising in crime and corruption. She has also written for national newspapers and magazines.

Timings:  The talk begins at 18:30 and lasts approximately 75 minutes, including a Q&A with the audience and a book signing.

Conditions of entry: this event is recommended for anyone over the age of 16 years. 

Tickets: there are two ways to attend this event, in person at Bow Street Police Museum, or online via a live stream (using Zoom). 

Prices to attend via live stream: £6/£4.80 Friends.