The Boss of Bethnal Green

Julian Woodford uncovers the breathtakingly appalling life of Joseph Merceron (1764–1839), gangster and corrupt magistrate, who accumulated enormous wealth while presiding over the creation of the poorest slums in Regency London.
Ruling Spitalfields and Bethnal Green from his base in Brick Lane for half a century, Merceron gave the East End a reputation for ruthlessness and corruption that has lingered ever since.