MAY THE LORD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL. Murder and Serious Crime in Derbyshire 1732-1882

Softcover. The author looks at capital crime in Derbyshire during the 18th and 19th centuries. The crimes of the rogues who left the Assize court in Derby with the dreadful words 'hanged by the neck until you are dead' still ringing in their ears, are dealt with comprehensively in this book. But there is much else besides. Sections of the text, for example, are devoted to the sentencing policy and legal procedures of the period, while topics such as mental illness, drink, and illegitimacy are included in order to assist the reader towards a better understanding of the motivation for a crime. There are also harrowing accounts of the last moments of the condemned criminals brought to you by courtesy of the local newspaper reporters of the time. In addition the book has a wealth of illustrative material, including portraits of murderers and their victims, broadsheets concerned with public executions, and eyewitness accounts of the murders as well as modern-photographs of the scenes of infamous crimes. Illus. 112pp. trade size softcover. From the library of true-crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate, which has caused a 'ripple' effect to tp. o/w Vg+