James Greenacre

James Greenacre (1785–1837) was an English grocer and the "Edgware Road Murderer".[1]

Life

He was engaged to be married to Hannah Brown. They lived on Edgware Road, London

In 1837, the police found a woman's head in Regent's Canal. They identified Brown's body and suspected her Greenacre and his mistress, Sarah Gale, for the murder. Greenacre and Gale were to emigrate to America the day after they were both arrested. Greenacre was arrested, tried and found guilty at the Old Bailey. During the trial, it was described how Greenacre had meticulously wrapped the head in a handkerchief, before disposing of it, and scattering the limbs elsewhere.[2]

The case generated huge public interest. Crowds gathered at Newgate to see the hanging. The executioner was William Calcraft.[3]

References
  1. Gilliland, J. "Greenacre, James". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/11411. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  2. Brandon, 74
  3. Brandon, 198

Bibliography


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