THE TICKET OF LEAVE

(As sung by the Holder, amid a convivial Circle in the Slums)

VEN a prig has come to grief,
He's no call for desperation;
Though I'm a conwicted thief,
Still I've 'opes of liberation.
The Reverend Chapling to deceive
A certain dodge and safe resource is,
Whereby you gets a Ticket of Leave,
And then resumes your wicious courses.

Punch, Jul.-Dec. 1855

JEBB'S REFORMATORY

"What! Eighteen Stone! Oh, you'll do; - here's your Ticket-of-leave!"

Punch, December 13, 1862

see also Garotting - click here

see also James Greenwood in The Seven Curses of London - click here

sample licence/ticket of leave (1903) - click here
[from New Scotland Yard]