Overview

The untold story of how Cambridge University locked up women in their prison - and how the town fought to free them. Cambridge University is renowned worldwide for its academic prowess, but below the surface lurks a murky past. During the ninetieth century it became infamous for its dogged determination to cling to ancient laws allowing them to arrest and imprison any women found walking the streets of Cambridge after dark. Mistakes were made. Violence and legal action followed until finally an Act of Parliament put on end to the jurisdiction of the university over the women of Cambridge. AUTHOR: Caroline Biggs has lived all her life in Cambridge. She was an active Trustee of The Museum of Cambridge, where she founded a history festival to redress the massive imbalance between the historical knowledge about the 'town' as opposed to the 'gown'. She has a Diploma in Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge and an MA in Biography and Creative Non-Fiction from UEA. She has previously researched and written several booklets about the history of Cambridge. 12 b/w illustrations

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9781803995700

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A stunning story and an important work. Caroline has single-handed excavated this history of ordinary women detained in extraordinary circumstances by one of the country’s most respected universities. The Spinning House shows how easily freedom can be curtailed on the whim of powerful forces. -- Katy Massey * Author of 'Are We Home Yet?' *

A stunning story and an important work. Caroline has single-handed excavated this history of ordinary women detained in extraordinary circumstances by one of the country’s most respected universities. The Spinning House shows how easily freedom can be curtailed on the whim of powerful forces. -- Katy Massey * Author of 'Are We Home Yet?' * Biggs deftly blends historical research with creative retelling, bringing prison records to full and chilling life. * The New Statesman * Although this is a harrowing tale of double standards and misogyny, it is also an inspiring story. Biggs has written a powerful book that redeems the women and affords them the justice they deserved * The Lady magazine *

Author Information

Caroline Biggs has lived all her life in Cambridge. She was an active Trustee of The Museum of Cambridge, where she founded a history festival to redress the massive imbalance between the historical knowledge about the ‘town’ as opposed to the ‘gown’. She has a Diploma in Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge and an MA in Biography and Creative Non-Fiction from UEA. She has previously researched and written several booklets about the history of Cambridge.

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