William Burke. The Murderer

Category

Library Item

Item no

21653

Title

William Burke. The Murderer

Description

A coloured image of William Burke holding a walking stick and wearing a heavy peaked cap. He is wearing a blue frock coat and a grey waistcoat.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1829

Type

Wash drawing

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

William Burke and William Hare committed a series of murders in Edinburgh in the late 1820's. Their victims' bodies were sold to be used for dissection. Burke was executed early in 1829. Hare was released in the same year having given evidence against his former accomplice.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Walking sticks

Crime and punishment > Criminals and prisoners > Criminals

People > Adults > Men

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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