Very Rare Framed Antique 19th Century Broadside For The Execution Of George Nunn
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A Very Rare Framed Antique 19th Century Broadside For The Execution Of George Nunn. A Particularly Good Example Because Of The Explicit Headline And Imagery Of Both Victim And Murderer.
These kinds of broadsides were common in the 18th and 19th centuries, often printed as public notices or souvenirs of executions.
Although the last public execution in Britain took place in 1868, after which all executions were carried out behind prison walls, they still attracted public attention, and crowds often gathered outside the prison for news.
Execution broadsides like this were sold around these events, providing sensationalised details about the crime, trial, and final moments of the condemned.
The image on the left is intended to represent the victim, Eliza Dixon. Victorian broadsides commonly showed female victims in profile, respectably dressed, often wearing a hat or bonnet, to emphasize innocence and respectability. These were generic images rather than true portraits.
The image on the right represents George Nunn, the man who was convicted and executed for the murder. As with most execution broadsides, the figure is a stereotyped male profile meant to signal “the criminal,” not an accurate depiction of his appearance.
Some execution broadsides (like this one) had printed accounts or poems on the back (called versos), often detailing:
• The crime
• The trial
• The execution itself
• A “last confession” or moral lesson
These would be chanted or even sung by the audience at the execution.
There are collections of these in museums but they are seldom seen on the open market. The frame on this example opens up to reveal the versos on the back.
The Crime:
In July 1899, George Nunn, an 18-year-old farm laborer from Wortham, Suffolk, attacked Mrs. Eliza Dixon, a married woman and mother of six, near her home at Willow Corner. Nunn made advances towards Mrs. Dixon, and when she resisted, he fatally stabbed her and slit her throat. Her body was discovered later in the evening, severely mutilated, and the crime shocked the local community.
Investigation and Trial:
Following the murder, Nunn attempted to shift blame onto another individual, Fred Churchyard. However, evidence presented during the trial established Nunn’s sole responsibility for the crime.
Execution:
George Nunn was convicted and subsequently executed at Ipswich Gaol. Reports from the time indicate that he was hanged on a Tuesday, though the exact date varies among sources.
Condition is decent, commensurate with age and use. Some areas of wear. Please study all photos.
Measures 32cm x 28cm
Weighs 1150 grams