George Barrington Quotes

A collection of quotes by George Barrington.

George Barrington (1755-1804) was a notorious figure in 18th century England. Born in Ireland, his real name was George Waldron, but he adopted the pseudonym Barrington as he embarked on a life of crime. With his charming demeanor and impeccable manners, Barrington soon became known as the "Prince of Pickpockets."

Barrington's criminal activities mainly involved theft through pickpocketing and burglary. His exploits often targeted the wealthy aristocracy and gentry, making him the quintessential gentleman thief of his era. Renowned for his audacity and quick hands, Barrington managed to evade capture for many years, securing a reputation as one of the most skilled pickpockets in history.

However, Barrington's criminal career came to an end in 1790 when he was finally caught stealing from an opera house in London. Following his apprehension, he opted to collaborate with the authorities as an informant and subsequently received a pardon. This change in fortune led him to shift his focus toward writing and public speaking.

Barrington authored a number of works, including the popular memoir "A Voyage to Botany Bay," which chronicled his experiences as a convict in Australia. He also became a well-respected lecturer, delivering talks on his life of crime and offering advice on how to protect oneself from theft. Barrington's redemption narrative made him a key figure in the development of the genre of criminal autobiography.

George Barrington's controversial life and eventual redemption continue to captivate historians, criminologists, and lovers of true crime literature to this day.