Catherine Booth, the 'Mother' of the Salvation Army campaigned against the exploitation of women and child trafficking.

In the mid 1880s, the journalist and social reformer W T Stead, with the assistance of the Salvation Army, 'staged' the procurement of a 13 year old girl in order to expose the trafficking that was happening in Victorian London. Working alongside Abney residents Catherine Booth, Bramwell Booth and Rebecca Jarrett, Stead shocked readers with this insight of the dark side of the city.

Although the Government's response was to arrest and imprison those involved for their part in the scandal, the government later passed the Criminal Law Amendment Act 'for the protection of women and girls'.

Please note, this tour is for those aged 18 and over. Adult themes will be discussed.

Speaker bio: Alan Gartrell

Alan Gartrell has given talks at Abney Park on a regular basis for many years. He is a Stoke Newington local who modestly declares that he is not a historian, but simply a few clicks ahead on Wikipedia of everyone else.

Please enter at the Church Street entrance and follow the path on the left side. The meeting point is at the William Booth memorial, opposite the entry path. (The High Steet entrance will be closed during this time.)

Please note:
We may need to cancel at short notice if the weather is inclement - please check your emails on the morning of the walk that you have booked.
Please wear sturdy shoes.
There are no toilet facilities available.