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The Bermondsey Horror
The Bermondsey Horror is the infamous murder case of Patrick O'Connor by Marie Manning and her husband, Frederick George Manning, in August 1849. This case shocked Victorian England and highlighted the brutal nature of domestic crime.
Victim: Patrick O'Connor
Perpetrator: Marie Manning & Frederick George Manning
Date of Incident: August 1849
Location: Bermondsey, South London
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Key Details
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Background: Patrick O'Connor was a wealthy Irishman working as a custom house officer. He was known to have had a romantic relationship with Marie Manning, who had previously worked as a lady's maid. Marie married Frederick George Manning, a former guard on the Great Western Railway, but continued her relationship with O'Connor.
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Murder Plot: Marie and Frederick conspired to murder O'Connor to steal his money and valuables. They invited him to dinner at their home in Bermondsey on August 9, 1849. During the visit, O'Connor was attacked and killed with a crowbar by Frederick while Marie was also involved in the assault.
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Crime Scene: After the murder, the Mannings buried O'Connor's body under the flagstones in their kitchen. They proceeded to steal his keys and ransack his residence, taking a significant amount of money and securities.
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Discovery: Suspicion arose when O'Connor failed to show up for work. His friends and colleagues initiated a search, which eventually led to the Manning residence. The police discovered the recently disturbed kitchen floor, and upon excavation, found O'Connor's body.
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Arrest and Trial: The Mannings attempted to flee. Marie was captured in Edinburgh, and Frederick was arrested in Jersey. Their trial became a sensation, drawing large crowds and extensive media coverage. They were both found guilty of murder.
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Execution: Marie and Frederick Manning were executed by hanging on November 13, 1849, at Horsemonger Lane Gaol. Their public execution attracted a large crowd, including the famous author Charles Dickens, who later criticized the event as barbaric.
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Legacy: The case is remembered for its shocking brutality and the public fascination it sparked. The term "Bermondsey Horror" entered the lexicon as a byword for gruesome and sensational crime.