JOURNAL ARTICLE

An immigrant Irish contingent in the crowd at the execution of William Burke in Edinburgh in 1829.

  • Published In: Journal of Medical Biography, 2025, v. 33, n. 2. P. 161 1 of 3

  • Database: Historical Abstracts with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Donaldson, Ken; Henry, Christopher 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the presence and actions of immigrant Irish men at the 1829 public execution of William Burke, one half of the notorious Burke and Hare serial killers in Edinburgh. Drawing on a recently acquired journal by medical student Thomas Hume, it reveals that around 100 Irish immigrants formed a protective cordon around the gallows to shield Burke from hostile local spectators who intended to mock him. The Irish, who lived marginalized in Edinburgh's "Little Ireland" ghetto and shared ethnic and social ties with Burke, viewed him as a fellow outcast and sought to preserve his dignity despite his crimes. The article situates this event within the broader context of early 19th-century anti-Irish prejudice and social exclusion in Scotland, highlighting the solidarity developed among the immigrant Irish community.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Medical Biography. 2025/05, Vol. 33, Issue 2, p161
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Biography
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0967-7720
  • DOI:10.1177/09677720241273567
  • Accession Number:185001869
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