William Corder hanged for the Red Barn murder of Maria Marten

Background. Maria Marten, aged 24, formed a relationship with 22-year-old William Corder in March 1826. Corder wished to keep the relationship secret, but Marten gave birth to their child in 1827 and sought marriage. Corder initially suggested eloping on 16 May 1827, but delayed the plan until the following evening.

Discovery of the Body. Corder sent letters to Marten's family claiming she was well. However, after her stepmother spoke of having dreamed that Maria had been murdered, her body was discovered in the barn the next year. On 19 April 1828, she persuaded her husband to dig in one of the grain storage bins at the Red Barn.

Trial Proceedings. The trial started on 7 August 1828, having been put back several days because of the interest which the case had generated. The judge, Chief Baron William Alexander, was unhappy with press coverage. Corder entered a plea of not guilty. The indictment charged him with murdering Maria Marten by shooting and stabbing, including nine charges such as forgery.

Execution. On 11 August 1828, Corder was taken to the gallows in Bury St Edmunds. He was apparently too weak to stand without support. The execution was witnessed by a huge crowd, reflecting the significant public attention the case had generated throughout the trial and investigation.