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Execution of the notorious William Burke the murderer
Unknown, 1829, Engraving
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of 24
Execution of the notorious William Burke the murderer
Execution of the notorious William Burke the murderer
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Library Item
Item no
21676
Title
Execution of the notorious William Burke the murderer, who supplied Dr Knox with subjects
Description
An engraving of the execution of William Burke. Burke is standing on the execution platform with a rope around his neck and surrounded by soldiers. The Royal Mile is filled with people watching the event and every overlooking window is filled with people. St Giles Kirk can be seen in the background with it's crown spire.
Artist / maker
Unknown
Date
1829
Type
Engraving
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. William Burke was hung on the 28th January 1829 and was the only one to pay for his part in the West Port murders. The case led to a change in the law with the introduction of the 1832 Anatomy Act, which required bodies for dissection to have come from people who died in hospitals.
Exhibitions with this item
Burke and Hare's Edinburgh
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Crime and punishment
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Crime and punishment facilities
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Scaffolds
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Criminals and prisoners
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Criminals
Crime and punishment
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Criminals and prisoners
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Prisoners
People
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Military activities
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Soldiers
Places
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Edinburgh areas
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Old Town
Places
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Edinburgh areas
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Royal Mile
Places
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Scotland
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Edinburgh
Religion
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Religious facilities
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Cathedrals
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