Lesson plan
Mohocks
The Mohocks were allegedly a gang of violent, well-born criminals that terrorised London during the early 18th century, attacking men and women alike, and taking their name from the Mohawks. Their activities, which were perhaps sensationalised, were said to include murder. The matter ended in 1712 when a bounty of £100 was issued by the royal court for their capture. According to Lady Wentworth, "They put an old woman into a hogshead, and rolled her down a hill; they cut off some noses, others' hands, and several barbarous tricks, without any provocation. They are said to be young gentlemen; they never take any money from any." (Wentworth Papers, 277) Historians have found little evidence of any organised gang, though in spring 1712 there was a flurry of print accounts of the Mohocks, their lawlessness, impunity and luridly violent acts. In response there was also some derision from satirists at what they perceived to be sensationalism by the Grub Street press. John Gay's first drama, The Mohocks, was written that year but was not performed for political reasons. It was, however, published as a pseudonymous pamphlet. In 18th century London, the name Mohawks was subsequently applied to other upper-class drunken rowdies and bravos.…
Article summary
The Mohocks were allegedly a gang of violent, well-born criminals that terrorised London during the early 18th century, attacking men and women alike, and taking their name from the Mohawks. Their activities, which were perhaps sensationalised, were said to include murder. The matter ended in 1712 when a bounty of £100 was issued by the royal court for their capture. According to Lady Wentworth, "They put an old woman into a hogshead, and rolled her down a hill; they cut off some noses, others' hands, and several barbarous tricks, without any provocation. They are said to be young gentlemen; they never take any money from any." (Wentworth Papers, 277) Historians have found little evidence of any organised gang, though in spring 1712 there was a flurry of print accounts of the Mohocks, their lawlessness, impunity and luridly violent acts. In response there was also some derision from satirists at what they perceived to be sensationalism by the Grub Street press. John Gay's first drama, The Mohocks, was written that year but was not performed for political reasons. It was, however, published as a pseudonymous pamphlet. In 18th century London, the name Mohawks was subsequently applied to other upper-class drunken rowdies and bravos.…
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.