Verdict. Full particulars of the trial of William Palmer

Trial broadside printed with an account of the Old Bailey trial of Dr William Palmer, found guilty of murdering his friend John Cook by poisoning. Printed by W. Dever the broadside includes three woodcut engravings depicting the murderer and notes that this case is an example of the need for greater regulation and security in the sale of poisons. Often referred to as the Rugeley Poisoner or the Prince of Poisoners Dr William Palmer was one of the most notorious criminals in the mid 19th century. Suspected of having poisoned a number of victims including his Mother, Brother-in-law and four of his children Palmer was tried at the Old Bailey away from his home in Staffordshire to ensure an impartial trial. Found guilty of the murder of John Cook he was publicly executed at Stafford Prison on 14th June 1856.

Trial broadsides relating to the most gruesome murders and crimes were particularly popular with newshungry Londoners. Mass produced and sold cheaply they were primarily published by a small number of printers many of whom, such as Thomas Birt, James Catnach and James Pitts and, in this case, W Dever, were based around the Seven Dials area of London. Spelling and grammar was often poor and the details not always accurate.