Mystery & Intrigue of the Rugeley Poisoner Resurfaces
Mystery and intrigue surrounding one of the most notorious crimes of the mid nineteenth century resurfaces after 160 years.
Dr William Palmer (1824-1856) known as the ‘Rugeley Poisoner’ has also been described as the original’ Doctor Death’. He was convicted of the murder of his friend John Parsons Cook, who he invited to dinner and subsequently died two days later.
A number of other people died in Palmer’s presence including his mother-in law, and two other people who he owed money. His wife Ann Palmer also died in 1854 supposedly of cholera after he had taken out a £13,000 insurance policy on her life. Numerous babies of his also died not to mention his brother who was also insured by Palmer.
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Palmer had a dubious reputation as a ladies man and allegations of stealing dogged his life. He also enjoyed gambling and horses. It was his debts that provided motive for his murder spree. His trial was held at the Old Bailey, London where he was convicted of Parson Cook’s murder by strychnine poisoning. The bodies of his wife and brother were exhumed but there was not enough evidence to convict him of their deaths.
He was executed by hanging at Stafford jail on 14th June 1856 looked upon by 30,000 spectators. On approaching the trapdoor he exclaimed ‘Are you sure it’s safe?’…
A collection of original correspondence signed by Palmer is being offered for auction by a family descendant. One letter has a knife hole though believed to be caused by the attempted murder of Mr Swindell. Also included is correspondence between lawyers, trial notes and contemporary newspaper witness testimonials. There is also an apparent page from Palmers 1855 diary describing his murderous meal with Parson’s Cook.
The auction will take place at Richard Winterton’s on 7th January at The Lichfield Auction Centre. Phone 01543 251081 for any further details.
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