Public execution was a staple of British life until 1867! In 1849, the Bermondsey Horror case was one where Marie Manning and her husband murdered her rich lover and buried him under the kitchen floorboards. They tried to escape justice but were caught, tried, and sentenced to death. Charles Dickens went to the execution and was so horrified by what he saw, he wrote this letter to the "Times of London". It's considered one of the most important documents to end the spectacle of public execution in England.

Hello and welcome to The Past Said It Better! A table read of primary sources from history!

Want to know more about the Bermondsey Horror case? Check out "Cold Case Detective's episode which includes an overview here: https://youtu.be/fX13mEcZYc8?t=63

"Murder Maps" Season 1, Episode One also has an hour-long recreation and explanation of the case: https://amzn.to/3HOIzgt

Still jonesing for more public hangings in England, and the full story of what finally ended them? https://amzn.to/39PgER5

Chapters... We got creative with the titles.

00:00 A snarky intro

00:13 McBirdo's Expedition and The Past Said It Better

01:27 Into the tropics at last!

01:40 Let us all be amused by the spectacle.

02:25 November 14, 1849

03:31 Hang 'em high!

04:27 How dare they not comport themselves better?

06:00 Was that an ankle?!

06:59 Is death not entertainment today?

07:51 McBirdo doesn't feel sorry for the Mannings!

08:31 Dickens rants on...

08:49 Was public execution a deterrent?

09:20 Dickens wants to save your soul!

09:55 Opinion time!

10:56 *The* Eyeroll