There can be little doubt that 19th century Whitechapel was a district that was brim-full with “characters.
Aside from its reputation for crime, degradation and poverty, it was also an area where the rich tapestry of human existence was to be observed in all its glory – both good and bad.
On Saturday the 6th of August 1862, The Lancaster Guardian published the following article:-
CURIOUS DISCOVERY OF A MISER
A few nights ago, a policeman noticed a wretched-looking old man in the neighbourhood Whitechapel.
His appearance bespoke the most extreme destitution; he was dirty, and literally clothed in rags, and was apparently borne down by some heavy weight which he had about him.
The officer, thinking that the poor creature had some lead or stolen property in his possession, asked him what he had got round his body.
The old man declined to enlighten the policeman, and was accordingly walked off to the police station.
THE DISCOVERY AT THE STATION
At first the inspector was almost induced to remonstrate with the officer for bringing such a dirty, wretched outcast to the station, for his filthy rags gave off such an offensive stench as to render his presence quite unbearable.
The inspector, however, told the old man that he had better let them know what it was.
The old fellow at length muttered out “money.”
From round his body were then taken several bundles of dirty rags which were found to contain gold and silver and five Bank of England notes, to the amount of nearly £200. There was about £100 in silver.
SAVING FOR TWENTY YEARS
The old man said that he had been saving it for upwards of twenty years, and that, as he accumulated the gold and silver, he had secured it the bags which he placed round his body for safe keeping, and never took them off.
For many years he carried clothes for the Jews in Petticoat Lane, doing odd jobs and running errands in the streets; and he named several persons who had so employed him.
They, on being applied to, confirmed his statement; and, as there was now no doubt as to the treasure really belonging to the old man, the police thought of the best way of protecting him, as some of his old employers in Petticoat-lane suddenly became very much interested in his behalf, and proffered their assistance in taking care of both of him and his money.
TO THE BANK OF ENGLAND
He was at last persuaded to go to the Bank England, but his wretched and offensive appearance, and the process of turning the large amount of silver out of the dirty rags had such an effect upon the cashiers that they declined to have anything to do with the old man or his cash.
The city detectives tried their good offices, and the cashiers were at length induced to receive the silver (there being only one bad half crown amongst the mass), and give the old man notes for the amount.
NOT SO WELL AT EASE
After some further persuasion, the old man was induced to invest the whole of his savings.
He was taken to Sir Robert Carden, who undertook to do the best he could for him, and received, about £192 from the Old man.
The police then further advised him to have a good wash, and he returned to his abode, but evidently not so well at ease to the security of his money as when he carried it about with him.