THE BERMONDSEY HORROR: The Murder that Shocked Victorian England

The murder of Patrick O’Connor in Bermondsey by his mistress Marie Manning and her husband in 1849, stirred the passionate interest of Victorian society. The Manning case respresents a remarkable chapter in English social history: The pprehension of the Mannings was a major early triumph for SCOTLAND YARD and the efficient detective work, featuring the use of the newly invented electric telegraph, as well as the pursuits by sea and rail, confirmed the early Victorian belief in progress based on science. The intensive coverage of the murder by a sensation-mongering press led to public outcries angainst the commercialization of crime. CHARLES DICKENS was inspired to write his famous letters to The Times advocating an end to public hangings after the Mannings’ execution. It is regarded as Dickens’ inspiration for BLEAK HOUSE. Illustrated. (View image)