The history of the London Burkers: Containing a faithful and authentic account of the horrid acts of the noted Resurrectionists, Bishop, Williams, May, etc., etc., and their trial and condemnation at the Old Bailey for the wilful murder of Carlo Ferrari, with the criminals' confessions after trial. Including also the life, character, and behaviour of the atrocious Eliza Ross, the murderer of Mrs. Walsh, etc., etc.Anonymous
History
The history of the London Burkers: Containing a faithful and authentic account of the horrid acts of the noted Resurrectionists, Bishop, Williams, May, etc., etc., and their trial and condemnation at the Old Bailey for the wilful murder of Carlo Ferrari, with the criminals' confessions after trial. Including also the life, character, and behaviour of the atrocious Eliza Ross, the murderer of Mrs. Walsh, etc., etc.
Anonymous
Bishop, John, -1831; May, James, -1832; Ross, Eliza, 1793 or 1794-1832; Trials (Murder) -- England -- London; Williams, Thomas, -1831
SARAH, the wife of John Trueby, who having been sworn, stated, that
she was landlady of the cottage which Bishop had lately occupied. The
houses Nos. 1, 2, and 3, Nova Scotia Gardens, belonged to her husband,
for whom she collected the rents. In the month of July, 1830, she let
the house, No. 3, to Bishop's wife. Bishop lived there until the 5th of
November, 1831. About four months since, she let the house adjoining,
No. 2, to the prisoner Williams, alias Head, and he lived there about
two months. The house stood empty for some time, but it was now in
the occupation of a man named Woodcock. The gardens of the two houses
were separated by a paling, about three feet high, and there was a
gate which opened from one to the other. Witness had frequently seen
Williams in Bishop's house and garden since he gave up the occupation
of the house next door. She had also seen Williams's wife there without
her bonnet.
Mr. MINSHULL.--The question we want you to answer is this--Have you
seen the prisoner Williams residing at the house of Bishop?
WITNESS.--I have seen him frequently there, but I cannot positively say
that he resided there.
Mr. THOMAS said, that he took Mrs. Williams into custody at the house
of Bishop, where she appeared to be residing at the time.
Mr. MINSHULL.--Who paid the rent of Bishop's cottage?
WITNESS.--It was sometimes paid by Mrs. Bishop, and sometimes by Bishop
himself. Williams paid his own rent, while he occupied the house next
door.
Prisoner WILLIAMS.--She knows I took the house to work at the glass
trade.
ROBERT MORTIMER, of Nova Scotia Gardens, tailor, was then sworn.
About two months ago he was employed to turn a coat for the prisoner
Williams, and frequently called upon him for payment at Bishop's house.
He appeared to be living there, up to the period of his apprehension on
the present charge.
WILLIAM WOODCOCK sworn.--I am a brass-founder, and occupy the house
No. 2, Nova Scotia Gardens, adjoining Bishop's cottage. I went to
live there on Monday, the 7th of October last. I had frequently seen
Williams in Bishop's house. I remember the night of Thursday, the 3d of
November. On that night I went to bed at half-past nine o'clock, and
about three or four hours after, I was awakened by a noise in Bishop's
house. I got up, and heard a scuffling or struggling.
Mr. MINSHULL.--Describe particularly the sort of noise you heard.
WITNESS.--It was like men's feet; I can swear to three men.
Mr. MINSHULL.--At what hour do you suppose this occurred?
WITNESS.--I went to bed at half-past nine; and I suppose I might have
slept for about four hours, when I was awakened by the noise I have
described.
Mr. MINSHULL.--You speak of the feet of three men;--how can you tell
the number?
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