Latest news with #BloodyCode
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Time of India
This book is made from the skin of a murderer behind one of England's most infamous crimes
History is full of artifacts that have been discovered over time, some of these are displayed in a museum for public display, others might be in the possession of the archaeological authorities, while some of these artifacts give the most valuable information, others just gain the public attention for all the eerie reasons. One such strange piece from history has gained limelight in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, which is a book not made of some paper, but it is bound in the actual skin of William Corder , the man hanged in 1828 for the infamous Red Barn Murder , is now back on display at Moyse's Hall Museum . Surprisingly, a long-forgotten second book was recently found on a shelf in the museum's office and these books tell about how justice, punishment, and memory were handled in 19th-century Britain. William Corder was convicted of the murder of Maria Marten , a case that captivated public attention in 1827. After his execution in 1828, parts of his body were used for anatomical study, and his skin was tanned to bind books detailing his trial. One such book has been part of the museum's collection since the 1930s. The second book, believed to have been donated around 20 years ago, was recently found on a bookshelf in the museum's office, and shockingly, it was not kept in storage. Dan Clarke, heritage officer at Moyse's Hall Museum, defended the display, saying that the books have "incredibly important" historical value and that he had never had a complaint about the first being on display. He emphasized that the museum does not treat these items as mere curiosities but as tools for historical reflection. "We see human remains in every museum across the country," Clarke noted. He further explained that the items are placed to help the discussion about the "Bloody Code," the harsh legal system of the time, and the practice of anatomizing executed criminals, as reported by the Guardian. Some authors criticise this! However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Terry Deary, author of Horrible Histories, criticized the display as "sickening artefacts," likening them to a "freak show." He argued that Corder was "misunderstood" and convicted on circumstantial evidence, suggesting that the display forwards a disrespectful story. Deary, who portrayed Corder in a theatrical production, expressed his discomfort by stating, "These are two books I'd like to burn." Despite his objections, Deary is releasing a novel inspired by his portrayal of Corder next year, further contributing to the ongoing reexamination of the case. What is this eerie practice of making books from skin? The practice of binding books in human skin, known as anthropodermic bibliopegy , was not uncommon in the 19th century. Such books were often created as mementos by doctors or as a form of punishment for executed criminals. The discovery of the second book at Moyse's Hall Museum adds to the collection of artefacts related to the Red Barn Murder, including Corder's death mask and scalp, which have been subjects of public fascination and scholarly interest. What is the Red Barn murder? The Red Barn Murder is one of the most haunting true crime stories from 19th-century England. In 1827, William Corder lured his lover, Maria Marten, to the Red Barn in Suffolk under the promise of eloping. Instead, he murdered her and buried her body beneath the barn floor. Her remains were discovered nearly a year later after Maria's stepmother claimed to have visions revealing the crime. Corder was caught, tried, and publicly hanged. The case became a media sensation, inspiring books, plays, and songs and it still grips imaginations today with its eerie mix of love, betrayal, and justice.
The Guardian
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Book bound in the skin of a 19th-century Suffolk murderer goes on display
A second copy of a book bound in the skin of a notorious 19th-century murderer is now on display at a Suffolk museum. However, Horrible Histories creator Terry Deary has told the Guardian that the volume is a 'particularly sick' artefact which 'shouldn't be on display'. William Corder was convicted of murdering his lover, Maria Marten, in what became known as the Red Barn Murder of 1827. Corder was publicly executed the following year before being dissected. Some of his skin was used to bind a book about his trial which was passed to Moyse's Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds in the mid 1930s. However, a second copy of the book – believed to feature Corder's skin on its spine and corners – was discovered last year on a bookshelf of the museum's office, and is now on display alongside the original book. The second copy is believed to have been donated around 20 years ago. The case has spawned many film, radio and stage versions. 'The murder continues to be interpreted and reinterpreted in popular culture to this day,' said Daniel Clarke, heritage officer at West Suffolk council. 'The facts have been blurred into near obscurity' with nearly 200 years of the tale's retelling, states the museum's website. Corder reportedly proposed meeting Marten at the Red Barn in Polstead, Suffolk, and eloping to Ipswich from there. He was later found guilty of murdering Marten at the barn. Deary, whose books have sold tens of millions of copies, said that the conviction was based on circumstantial evidence, and that Corder is a 'very misunderstood man'. The displayed skin-bound books are 'very disrespectful to Corder's memory'. 'I feel guilty because I have played Corder,' said Deary, who is also an actor. 'I've got photographs of me threatening poor Maria Marten with a gun.' Deary has written a novel due to be released next year – titled Actually, I'm a Corpse – based on this experience, in which the hero plays Corder before realising 'how badly the poor man's been maligned'. He said that he would like to 'restore Corder's reputation'. Clarke said that the museum does not 'deal with this as a salacious artefact but as a window into the past'. Items connected to the murder are positioned opposite a late 18th-century gibbet cage, used to display hanging corpses. Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion Together, the objects allow discussion and interpretation of the Bloody Code – laws that imposed the death penalty for many crimes – said Clarke. 'Do we think all books bound in skin should be on display? That would be debated on a case-by-case basis,' said Clarke. 'In this instance, it is a stark and emotive set of artefacts that give us the chance to discuss the anatomising of the criminal corpse. Uncomfortable history, yes, but if we are to learn from history we must first face it with honesty and openness.' Deary previously wrote six stories for the museum. However, he said that displaying the books is 'just a step too far', likening it to a 'freak show'. 'We're buoyed that [Deary] continues to write about the murder within his books as it is hugely important to our understanding of the past,' said Clarke.
