Charles Peace: The Raffles Touch

Peace's first prison sentence was in 1853 when he was 21. It was for only 1 month but time for him to pick up some useful tips. On release he went in for burglary in a bigger way, choosing "gentlemen's residences" and carrying off a great deal of jewelry. Four years' penal servitude followed, then six and finally seven years'. Between sentences he married Hannah Ward, set up a not very profitable picture framing business, and pursued far more successfully a criminal career in the towns and cities of the north of England. At the same time he appeared to be a devoted family man, sending his children to Sunday School and even teaching there himself. He had a good knowledge of the Bible and a genuine interest in theology.

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