Charles Hitchen (c. 1675 – 1727) was a "thief-taker" (unofficial policeman) and infamous criminal in 18th century London who was also infamously tried for homosexuality. He was from a poor family and was apprenticed as a cabinet maker before he married Elizabeth, daughter of one John Wells, in 1703. Hitchen set up trade as a joiner for a time, and the couple lived on the north side of St. Paul's Churchyard in the City of London. In 1711, Elizabeth Hitchen's father died, and she inherited property, which she sold. Charles used that money to purchase the position of Under City Marshal for 700 pounds in 1712. There were two city marshals, and each had a staff of six men. Their job was to police the city for prostitutes, vagrants, and unlicensed tradesmen. For this, they received all paid fine