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Funeral takes place 190 years after execution

Funeral takes place 190 years after execution

The funeral has taken place of a man who was hanged 190 years ago in Bristol.

Relatives of John Horwood traced his remains to a cupboard at Bristol University.

The rope which which was used in the execution is still with the skeleton.

Following the public execution, which was carried out above the gatehouse at Bristol jail, the body was handed over to a local surgeon for a public dissection.

Afterwards the doctor put the skeleton on display before it was eventually given to the university.

Horwood had been 18 when he was convicted of murdering a young woman who had died after he had thrown a stone at her.

His great-great-great-grandneice, Mary Halliwell, 67, was involved in tracing the remains.

She expressed her shock after being shown the skeleton and finding the execution rope still around her ancestor’s neck.

The funeral service was held at Christ Church in Hanham on Wednesday (April 13). The burial took place at the time John Horwood was hanged exactly 190 years before. 

 

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