A request for information
The grisly plaster cast pictured above of the flayed corpse of a hanged murderer has quite a history.
On October 2, 1801, Mr James Legg shot one William Lambe to death in the latter’s bedroom. Apparently the 73 year old Mr. Legg had been nursing a grudge against Lambe for some time. As Mr. Lambe was awakening on the morning of Oct 2, Mr. Legg, gun in hand, confronted him, thrust a second pistol at him and challenged him to a duel to settle their differences. Mr. Lambe tossed the proffered pistol out the door of his room whereupon Mr. Legg fired upon Mr. Lambe, killing him instantly.
Mr. Lambe’s wife witnessed the murder, but Mr. Legg admitted to it as well. His trial took place on Oct 28, 1801. He was sentenced to death, and his execution by hanging took place on Nov 2, a month to the day after the deed was done. Justice was swift in those days.
