George Archer-Shee

Who was George Archer-Shee?

George Archer-Shee was a young Royal Navy cadet whose case of whether he stole a five shilling postal order ended up being decided in London's High Court in 1910. The trial, which became a British cause célèbre, was the inspiration for the play The Winslow Boy by Terence Rattigan. Archer-Shee was successfully defended against the charges by the notable barrister, judge and politician from Ireland, Sir Edward Carson. Following the acquittal, the boy's family were paid compensation in July 1911.